On Saturday, Oct. 21, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Xi Omega Omega Chapter, collected non-perishable food items as it focused on one of its national initiatives: decreasing childhood hunger. National Childhood Hunger Day was recognized nationwide on Oct. 16. The items collected were taken to Safe Haven homeless shelter. Safe Haven provides temporary shelter for up to 30 days for homeless women, children and families. Safe Haven is a program through Lowcountry Community Action Agency, Inc., which serves Colleton and Hampton counties.

On this day, Xi Omega Omega Chapter also dressed in pink and held deep discussions on the importance of early detection through self-examinations and mammograms as it recognized Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Founded in 1908, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., is a service organization that aids people on local, state, national and international levels through Educational Enrichment, Health Promotion, Family Strengthening, Environmental Ownership and Global Impact. The Xi Omega Omega Chapter was chartered in Walterboro in 1983. Since its chartering, the chapter has assisted in serving local needs in their members’ communities, which include the city of St. George, Colleton County and Hampton County.

Estill High School held its eighth annual Wall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Saturday, Oct. 14. Nine former graduates were honored for their positive contributions to their community, successful accomplishments, and enhancing the reputation of Estill High. Organizer Lizzie Young said that more than 125 guests and staff members were in attendance to witness this joyful occasion.

This year’s Wall of Famers:

Judge Loretta Bennett-Beckett, Juanita Williams-Orr, Drusilla Taylor-Orr,  Stephanie Smith, Joseph Housey, Michelle Scott-Gordon, Anglee “Kricket” Ellis-Brown, Erin Tanquia Atkins, Monica Taylor and Estill High School Principal, Mr. Johnnie Miller.

Calling all Hampton County Youth! Please join Hampton County’s Eat Smart Move More (ESMM), Healthy Young People Empowerment (HYPE), and the SC Tobacco Free Collaborative (SCTFC) for the “Great American SmokeOut” day on November 16, 2017! 

Statistics show that tobacco products are a part of many youth’s daily interaction, either personally or with friends or family. Take advantage of our scholarship opportunity. (See details below)

Develop a video that will be judged based on the following:

1. 1 minute video including:

a. A way or ways that you’ve encountered tobacco usage

b. How you’ve either avoided usage or tried to encourage a friend or family member to quit using tobacco products

c. Indicate how you, your friend or family member challenged his/her/yourself to quit using tobacco products

2. Be creative (appropriate music, filters, etc.) and/or the inclusion of the person participating in the challenge to quit tobacco usage.

Submission deadline: 11/30/2017 

Submission email: hamptoncountyhype@gmail.com

Scholarship winners: 1st place: $700 2nd place: $250 3rd place: $50

Gracie Rhodes, a sophomore at Wade Hampton High School, represented the Seed and Weed Garden Club at Camp Wildwood, located in Kings Mountain State Park this past summer.  Gracie is the daughter of Ed and Paula Rhodes; she is also the granddaughter of Ellen Ayer, a long time member of the Seed and Weed Garden Club.

Each year, individual clubs belonging to the Garden Clubs of South Carolina are invited to find conservation-minded students to attend Camp Wildwood. This Leadership and Environmental Camp offers an opportunity to rising high school sophomores to study wildlife and practice many outdoor skills. The camp is sponsored by the South Carolina Garden Club of S.C. Inc., the South Carolina Wildlife Federation, the Harry Hampton Memorial Wildlife Fund, South Carolina State Parks, and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.

Gracie said, “ I met a lot of new people who have become close friends that I can count on, and I learned many new things about nature itself and even life lessons like how to look at this earth more openly.”   While at the camp she did things like fish, swim, shoot skeet, practice archery, and many other fun things without the interruptions of modern day life such as the Internet or cell phones.  Gracie enthusiastically said, “When you attend Camp Wildwood, you find a whole different side of yourself, and you never want to let go of it.”

CSX Railroad has scheduled a closing of the crossing at Alpine Road, Yemassee, between Nov. 28-30. The crossing is being closed for needed repairs and will be re-opened at 7 a.m. on Nov. 30. Dates are subject to change due to weather and/or other conditions.

The SouthernCarolina Alliance spared no expenses while showcasing their beautifully remodeled new office space located at 201 Lee Avenue in downtown Hampton, South Carolina, Nov. 28 from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. The building, which was constructed as the Guardian newspaper’s original office space in 1911, will serve as the SCA’s regional office and host meetings and clients seeking to possibly locate their businesses to Hampton County.

Described by Hampton County council member and SCA board member Buddy Phillips as “Hampton’s first skyscraper”, the building was completely redone inside and out by Brunson Construction. The building’s original 1911 wood flooring was kept, however, and after being professionally refinished is a beautiful additional to the state-of-the-art building. The historic Lee Ave. building now offers features the original constructors could only imagine in their wildest dreams, however, including elevators and large high-definition flat screen televisions equipped with video tele-conferencing features.

During a speech to the nearly 100 attendees to the open house event, Phillips thanked designers, constructors and Town of Hampton officials for their hard work and dedication to the project, which all involved will bring a needed revitalization to the downtown area of Hampton. Phillips also thanked his fellow county council members and County Administrator Rose Dobson-Elliot for their dedication and tireless work to see the project come to fruition.

A group of more than a dozen citizens and community leaders attended a recent Hampton County Coalition meeting at the Hampton County Library. Recently organized, the group energetically discussed topics of concern which directly impact the county, both negatively and positively.

Composed of residents from all walks of life and professional backgrounds, the meeting was sponsored by the New Life Center. After filling up on provided refreshments, attendees began discussions in an attempt to formulate a needs assessment plan for Hampton County. A strategic assessment plan will help to implement positive change at a community level, organizers believe.  

Monthly meetings will seek to facilitate ways of focusing attention on particular needs within the county, especially youth needs. New Life Center organizers hope to involve additional members of the public, schools, county officials, town officials, Department of Social Services members and youth leaders from the community.

Some of the issues discussed during the meeting were the county’s increasing dropout rate of high school students, lack of activities for youth, drug addiction, crime, an increased focus on education, teen pregnancy reduction, sex trafficking prevention, child care needs and the implementation of vocational training within the county, as well as other needs.

Also discussed was the fact that, several months ago, the New Life Center, along with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency, sponsored a prescription pill take-back program, which allowed the general public an opportunity to safely dispose of household medicines in a responsible manner. It is not recommended to flush expired or unneeded prescription pills down a faucet/toilet due to the possibility of drinking water contamination. For this reason, the New Life Center approached the Hampton County Sheriff’s Office seeking permission to place a prescription drop-off box at the HCSO. The pill drop off box will remain in the HCSO indefinitely, says Hampton County Sheriff T.C. Smalls.

The monthly meetings are open to the general public who, along with local officials, are greatly encouraged to attend meetings. The next Hampton County Coalition meeting will be held on Nov. 28 at the Hampton County Library’s conference room. Meeting will continue to be held on the fourth Tuesday of every month.

The group still needs a co-chair, secretary and members to draft a vision and mission statement for the group. Contact the New Life Center for additional information regarding the monthly meetings.

The Hampton County Detention Center would like to proudly announce the recent success of the Hampton County Adult Education Program. The H.C. Detention Center had its first inmate in history receive his GED at the Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center, in Charleston, on July 28, 2017. The HCDC is proud to honor David Cleland for his success and for finding the good in a bad situation. 

Ben Hazel Honor Roll

1st  Nine Weeks

First Grade

Principal

Stevie Clackum

MaryKaylen Delgado

Landon Eichelberger

Mason Gibson

Kinsley Hanna

Florence Haynes

Terrick Moore

Caroline Peltier

Hayden Robinson

Jose Simental

Lexi Smith

Sophie D.Smith

Bo Vaughn

A/B Honor Roll

Logan Brown

Samya Bryant

Emanuel Capers

Kendall Cole

Sophia Connor

Khale Deloach

Sa’Miya Grant

Olivia Lee

Rich Long

Kaden Mills

Shavon Morris

T.J.Moseley

Javarian Padgett

Kailie Sauls

Alexis Simmons

Cooper Terry

Devin Thompson

Second grade

Principal

Aaryona Anderson

Law Bennett

Tripp Brown

Trinity Cohen

Kinley Cook

Ariel Houston

Braydon Middleton

Owen Shaffer

A/B Honor Roll

Elijah Ashley

Landon Bostick

Mason Carroll

Aiden Cruz

Dan Davis

Chandler Gordon

Madyson Johnson

Cleavon Maxwell

Jayla McQuire

Cooper Mixson

A’London Owens

Carter Parnell

Third Grade

Principal

James Bostick

Leslie Hutto

Reese Poston

A/B Honor Roll

Zienne Brown

Jacob Chavis

Gavin Clackum

Raelynn Clackum

Jaidyn Heyward

Ranya James

Raj Padigela

Miller Rainwater

Wylder Vaughn

Ryan Veach

9th Grade Honor Roll

Principal’s Honor Roll – All A’s

Gemari Anderson                                            Shiv Patel

Anna-Lee Cooke                                              Elleson Anne Rainsford

Kelvin Cooler                                                     Fatimah Rivers

Whitney Crosby                                                                Katherine Ryan

Alexis Deloach                                                   Angela Segars

Christian Green                                                                Sommer Smoak

Alana Harvey                                                     Brock Taylor

Antony Holmes                                                 Ryan Vincent

                                                                                Alyssa Wilson

                                                                                                A Honor Roll

                                                Wesley Alls                                                         Nathan Jones

                                                Justin Bowers                                                    Karlie Kinard

                                                Erica Bryant                                                        Carter Laffitte

                                                Asianae Capers                                                 Devyn Mock      

                                                Allison Crosby                                                    Caroline Murdaugh

                                                De’Nasia Deloach                                             Taniaya Murray

                                                Oliviah Gourdine                                              Emily Sanders

                                                Marion Harley                                                   Tamiah Sanders

                                                Allison Heape                                                    Tyshawn Shaw

                                                Nathan Heape                                                   Jorya Singletary

                                                Elizabeth Herbert                                             Caron Slater

                                                Rumor Holstein                                                 Zachary Terry

                                                Kayla Hughey                                                     TyTiyana Thompson

                                                Jordan Isham                                                     Jalen White

                                                Latavia Johnson                                                                Yinasia Williams

                                                Randejia Johnson                                           

                                                                                                B Honor Roll

                                                James Ayer                                                         Bradford Johnstone

                                                Alexandria Bennett                                         Sequann Kearse

                                                Brandon Booker                                               Atraveyon Kelly

                                                Christian Bowden                                            Justin Lofton

                                                Emma Clare Brunson                                      Layla Melgar

                                                Kavonte Clemons                                            Aquil Murphy

                                                Ryland Dobson                                                  Di’nasha Reese

                                                Lauryn Doctor                                                    Sharay Reid

                                                Collin Foster                                                       Quame Shaw

                                                John Henry Foy                                                 Trystan Smith

                                                Sierra Frazier                                                      Isabel Stanley

                                                Esperanza Green                                             Madison Stanley

                                                Mi’eisha Hagood                                              Emily Thomas

Blake Ham                                                           Andrew Topper

                                                Justin Heape                                                      David Williams

                                                Jasmine Hutchinson                                        Jayshawn Wright

                                                Tashare Johnson                                              Montrell Young

                                                Versalius Johnson                                                                           

10th Grade Honor Roll

Principal’s Honor Roll – All A’s

                                                Kontourie Alston                                              Justin Ramirez  

                                                Mackenzie Ferguson                                      Josalyn Sanders

                                                Sydney Freeman                                              Shanayjia Speaks

                                                Jada Hamilton                                                    Emily Stanley

                                                Skyler Holland                                                   Bryson Terry

                                                Taelyn Jamison                                                 AnaBeth Thompson

                                                Trajan Moore                                                    Leah Tuten

                                                Jordan Murdaugh                                            Zachery Wilson

                                                Alasia Powell                                                      Ron Youmans

                                                Kerin Quintero

                                                                                                A Honor Roll

                                                Casandra Altenor                                             Hope Jenness

                                                Tucker Bennett                                                 Shyleeyah Luat

                                                D’Yona Bowers                                                 Skyla Marcum

                                                Aleah Cook                                                         Jasmine McBride

                                                Caroline Cook                                                    Thomas McCutchen

                                                Alex Crosby                                                        Allison Padgett

                                                Jalea DeVore                                                     Jackson Phillips

                                                Dekiyah Doctor                                                 John Rivers

                                                Allison Evans                                                      Ariana Shetters

                                                Carrie Freeman                                                 Olivia Simmons

                                                Khari Graham                                                    Jania Smalls

                                                Deanndria Green                                             Ar’Monio Smith

                                                Robert Gruber                                                  Dylan Soto

                                                Adam Harley                                                      Holly Stanley

                                                Shaniqua Henry                                                                Timothy Sutton

                                                Kerissa Hiers                                                      Quayshon Williams

B Honor Roll

                                                Caroline Altman                                                                Jaymie Long

                                                William Bierer                                                    Michael Lovett

                                                Andrew Bilton                                                   James Martinez

                                                Kelsie Blevins                                                     Aliyza McLeoud

                                                Kalihl Busby                                                        Kiara Mikel

                                                Karaline Cook                                                    Mariah Mixson

                                                Adam Creswell                                                  Shakiya Moore

                                                Catherine Drennon                                         Travis Moore

                                                Jermiyah Erwin                                                 Brianna Murdaugh

                                                Ashtyn Felix                                                       Kelsie Parker

                                                Lane Gray                                                            Tia Portman

                                                Morgan Green                                                  Jalend Rhodes

                                                Aaron Hand                                                        Mary Rhodes

                                                Alim Harrison                                                     Quincy Robinson

                                                Madison Harter                                                                Paige Sauls

                                                William Haulsee                                                Benjamin Seigler

                                                Nicholas Heape                                                 Honesty Smith

                                                Nicholas Jadrnicek                                           Faizon Speed

                                                Emily Jarrell                                                        Briana Spencer

                                                Jalaysea Jones                                                   Michael Williams

                                                Ariana Lance                                                      David Wilson

                                                Jared Long                                                          Jonell Wright

11th Grade Honor Roll

Principal’s Honor Roll – All A’s

                                                Shayla Alls                                                           Avery Masters

                                                Caleb Ayer                                                          Haley McAlhaney

                                                Virginia Bridges                                                 Cole Meyers

                                                Alexis Brunson                                                  Dylan Mock

                                                Shawneyah Capers                                         Brookes Moore

                                                Sigourney Coker                                               Alison Pittinger

                                                Taylor Cook                                                        Karla Ribas

                                                Keshauna Davis                                                                Sandra Rivers

                                                Ja’Kearah Dunbar                                            Caitlyn Sauls

                                                Anna Gooding                                                   Bianca Simpson

                                                Joseph Gray                                                       Jake Skinner

                                                Da’Von Hamilton                                              Kayla Stanley

                                                Ariana Jenkins                                                   Allie Thomas

                                                Devon Johnson                                                 Chorderro Williams

                                                Teyona Jones                   

A Honor Roll

                                                Noah Alexander                                                               Jailyn LeSane                    

                                                Atrinity Brant                                                     Bryson Moore

                                                Jalayah Brown                                                   Matthew Poston

                                                Joshua Brown                                                    Hailey Riddle

                                                Jacob Cope                                                         Brandon Robinson

                                                De’Asia Deloach                                               Monyetta Scott

                                                Marllie Deloach                                                 Jada Singletary

                                                Casyn Dobson                                                   Gabriella Smith

                                                Indyah Garrick                                                   Lance Smith

                                                Amaya Gordon                                                 Ansley Stanley

                                                Desiree Gunnells                                             Dekelvin Stokes

                                                Jacee Harmon                                                   Colby Sullivan

                                                Jadin Harrison                                                    Joshua Terry

                                                Stephani James                                                                Makeiah Williams

B Honor Roll

                                                Joshua Barger                                                    Jordan Lewis

                                                Vandashia Boles                                               Henry McAlhaney

                                                Nelicia Bracey                                                    Trinitti Moore

                                                Tristan Brunson                                                                Jalen Myers

                                                Taleija Capers                                                    Jylin Pierce

                                                Nathan Davis                                                     Kanajai Purvis

                                                Kaylee Deloach                                                 Timothy Rappoccio

                                                Reshod Denmark                                             Kalesha Reid

                                                Justice Eady                                                        Creyonta’ Riddle

                                                Demetrius Frazier                                            Yez’menda Rivers

                                                Ny’Asia Grant                                                    Ty’Brea Shaw

                                                Tyshon Grant                                                     Tristan Shipes

                                                Brianna Green                                                   Taylor Simmons

                                                Parker Harrison                                                 Devante Jamison

                                                Retaija Jenkins                                                  Agiana Smalls

                                                Mackenzie Johnson                                        Mihiro Toyokawa

                                                Kayla Jones                                                         Bailey Tuten

                                                Kaylea Jones                                                      Joshua Walker

                                                Aatourie Kelly                                                    Jenna Wilcox

                                                Tyler Keyes                                                         Amiya Williams

                                                William Keyes                                                    Diamond Wright

                                                Jaheim Khalid                                   

12th Grade Honor Roll

Principal’s Honor Roll – All A’s

                                                Tatyana Bovain                                                     Madison Long

                                                Prince Brown                                                        Megan Long                                         

                                                Alyia Bryant                                                           Bradley McAlhaney

                                                Shemar Bryant                                                      Ashley Moore

                                                Brianna Burton                                                     Abigail Morrison

                                                Biance Busby                                                        Terriana Mullen

                                                Iceland Campbell                                                 Mary Elizabeth Murdaugh

                                                Shayla Capers                                                       Destiny Nix

                                                Ziare Coker                                                           Tyeasha O’Banner

                                                James Cook                                                           Matthew Padgett

                                                Maegin Deloach                                                   Andrew Purdy

                                                Rebecca Deloach                                                 Jatavian Reese

                                                Savannah Deloach                                               Reeves Rhodes

                                                Shikeem Duncan                                                  Kara Rhody

                                                Ansley Ellis                                                            Kennedy Roper

                                                Keiajah Erwin                                                        Grace Schaffer

                                                Kelly Farmer                                                         Morgan Shaffer

                                                Morgan Fields                                                       Jordan Simmons

                                                Emily Firster                                                          Jessica Simpson

                                                Deasia Frazier                                                       Aniya Solomon

                                                Ansleigh Godbee                                                 Felix Speaks

                                                Hannah Godley                                                     Emma Stanley

                                                Randa Godley                                                       David Steinmeyer

                                                Keahja Grant                                                         Shelby Terry

                                                Sigourney Harris                                                  Trenton Terry

                                                Bradley Harter                                                      Tristan Thompson

                                                Christopher Harvey                                             Sydney Tuten

                                                Sarah Heape                                                         Brooklynn Williams

                                                Brennan Holmes                                                  Scott Wilson

                                                Erica Jennings                                                       Trevor Wilson

                                                Lainey Johnson                                                     Madison Woody

                                                Andrew Kearse                                                    Wen Ting Yao

                                                Carlil Law                                                               Joshua Youmans

A Honor Roll

                                                Davine Collins                                                       John Mixon                          

                                                Grace Cook                                                           Myles Murdaugh

                                                Tanna Cook                                                           Chris Orr

                                                Demetrius Deloach                                              Ivy Pennington

                                                Taylor Donehue                                                   Jada Raymond

                                                Abigail Fennell                                                      Antonesha Scott

                                                Melissa Ginn                                                         Brandon Segars

                                                Jadan Glover                                                         Brendan Smith

                                                Amaya Grant                                                         Nathan Still

                                                Marquelle Griffin                                                 Deondre Terry

                                                Ayana Johnson                                                    

B Honor Roll

                                                James Boyd                                                           Tyra Mack-Phillips

                                                Dynasty Busby                                                      Datrevian Phoenix

                                                Michael Conner                                                   Siyonna Rivers

                                                James Crosby                                                        Kayonna Robinson

                                                Lindsey Delair                                                       Tavona Russell

                                                India Frazier                                                          Raymond Sauls

                                                Ashton Freeman                                                  Joshua Scott

                                                Amber Garvin                                                       Scott Smith

                                                Jacob Ginn                                                           Alexandria Stanley

                                                Triniti Griffin                                                          Faith Thompson

                                                Jordan Gunter                                                      Nathan Tuten

                                                Lauren Harvey                                                      Ignacio Vera-Garcia

                                                Lakaylah Johnson                                                 Destiny Wade

                                                Aquanza Kirkland                                                 Blakely Wing                                        

                   Ryan Lawson                                                        Breahna Young

                                                Amber Lightsey                                                   

December 4, 2017 - Aiken, SC - Local conservationists have established a new organization, Edisto Riverkeeper, to serve as the primary full-time advocate for the Edisto River Basin. Working to ensure fair and equal access to clean water in the communities that it serves, the organization’s mission is to encourage balanced usage of the basin’s water resources for residents, industry, and municipalities to utilize and enjoy. The non-profit organization will be headquartered in Aiken, carrying out activities throughout the 11-county Edisto River basin, and will be funded by individual donations and foundations that share a dedication to ensuring equal access to clean water.

Guided by the principles of advocacy, engagement, and restoration, Edisto Riverkeeper seeks to encourage local and state agencies, private industries, and landowners to participate in working to establish more sustainable water conservation and management plans.

The need for a full-time advocate for the Edisto River and its surrounding aquifers was shown through calls for assistance from citizens affected by threats of water depletion and contamination. “Until recently, most of the grassroots efforts on the Edisto have been in the ACE Basin area. However, with the expansion of industrial agriculture and other large-scale operations along the South Fork of the Edisto, and increasing number of landowners and residents are seeking assistance in protecting their land and wildlife habitats,” said Executive Director and Riverkeeper Meg Morgan Adams. Frustrated by their efforts being disregarded, members of communities throughout the river basin have expressed their support for the new river advocate, backed by the international water advocacy organization, the Waterkeeper Alliance.

The Edisto Riverkeeper is currently working with agencies and other partners to address growing concerns over the future of South Carolina’s water resources. Adams says she is excited to utilize her legal background in advocating for conservation of the Edisto and has been actively engaging elected officials and residents in doing the same. “The need to address the threats facing groundwater and surface water in the Edisto River basin have become dire. Far too many people are unaware of what is actually going on with their water and the ones that are remain frustrated by the lack of legislative action taken to protect their water,” said Adams.

Part of the Riverkeeper’s efforts will involve education and awareness in the basin, as well as water quality monitoring. “A common question I ask is ‘Do you know where your drinking water comes from?’,” said Adams, “And the alarming answer is that most people do not.” The organization hopes that making that connection will inspire conservation.

Edisto Riverkeeper encourages the public to contact them with questions or to report pollution incidents.  Volunteers are also needed to help in monitoring water quality, fundraising events, and recreational events like paddle outings. The organization’s first fundraiser event, “Christmas with the Keepers,” a holiday dinner, will be held in conjunction with Savannah Riverkeeper on Thursday, December 7 at 6:30pm at Woodside Plantation Country Club. For tickets, visit http://www.edistoriverkeeper.org/upcoming-events.html. 

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Our mission is to encourage a balanced usage of the natural resources within the Edisto River basin, so that residents, industry, and municipalities may utilize and enjoy this precious natural resource. Edisto Riverkeeper serves as the primary, full-time advocate for the Edisto River Basin, working to ensure fair and equal access to clean water in the communities that it serves, because everybody needs water. For more information, visit www.edistoriverkeeper.org.

The Hampton County Department of Social Services is seeking your help with the 2017 “Fill the Stocking Campaign” for the Christmas holiday season. Your past contributions enabled many families and children to have a joyful Christmas holiday season. DSS is seeking your help once again to be a part of making a child’s Christmas a memorable one.

Please purchase your items on or before Dec. 4 and deliver them to the Hampton County Department of Social Services, 102 Ginn Altman Ave., Hampton, between Dec.  4 and Dec. 15. If for any reason you are unable to deliver the items, you may contact Mrs. Katherine W. Rivers or Mrs. Evon Williams at (803) 943-3641 and arrangements will be made to secure the items.

Hampton County DSS is excited about this year’s campaign and looking forward to the public joining in its support.

Thanking you in advance,

Evon Williams, Senior Child Welfare Specialist, and Katherine W. Rivers, Human Service Coordinator I.

Columbia, S.C. (Tuesday, January 2, 2018) – Residents in South Carolina’s coastal counties should monitor local weather conditions and continue winter safety precautions.  Forecasters with the National Weather Service predict the possibility of a wintry mix of snow, sleet and rain for all coastal counties beginning Wednesday morning. Forecasters expect below freezing temperatures to last for much of the week throughout the entire state.

The S.C. Emergency Management Division works closely with the S.C. Department of Public Safety, the state Dept. of Transportation, the S.C. Dept. of Natural Resources, the S.C. National Guard and all NWS offices that serve South Carolina to share the latest information about the storm and its possible impact.

SCEMD Director Kim Stenson is coordinating with all county emergency managers to make sure there are no unmet needs for winter storm response resources.

Residents should continue winter safety precautions, including:

•        Check on anyone who may need extra help during winter weather.
•        Call 911 for life-threatening emergencies only.
•        Remember to keep a full charge on your cell phone and mobile devices so that they can be used during an emergency.
•        Motorists should be especially careful on bridges, overpasses and infrequently traveled roadways, which tend to freeze first. Even at temperatures above freezing, if the conditions are wet, you might encounter ice in shady areas or on exposed roadways like bridges.
•        Power outages are expected to be minimal but possible with this storm.  If you lose power, know how to report the outage to your utility company and have alternate, safe means of staying warm. 
•        Monitor local media for information about warming shelters that have been opened by county emergency managers.
•        Freezing temperatures can burst water pipes in homes that lack heat or proper insulation. Wrap exposed pipes or take other measures to insulate them from the cold.
•        Keep alternative heating sources prepared. If you have a fireplace, store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood. Keep fire extinguishers on hand, and make sure your family knows how to use them. 
•        Properly vent kerosene heaters and keep any electric generators OUTSIDE and away from any open windows or doors to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Also, do not burn charcoal indoors. Carbon monoxide poisoning can result from charcoal fumes indoors. 
•        Never operate a portable generator indoors. 
•        Keep fresh batteries on hand to use with flashlights and NOAA tone-alert weather radios. 
•        Provide some options for outdoor pets and domestic animals to stay warm. 
•        The official South Carolina Severe Winter Weather Guide contains checklists and tips on how to prepare for a winter storm. The guide is available for download at www.scemd.org
•        Any closings and/or delayed opening of state government facilities will be posted at scemd.org/closings and broadcast on SCETV and S.C. Public Radio. 

Palmetto Electric Cooperative established a new peak demand for electricity of 469 megawatts between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m., Thursday, January 4 according to Berl Davis, president and CEO of the utility.  “This all-time record peak exceeds the previous peak of 467 megawatts set on January 7, 2014,” said Davis.

Davis stated that due to the cold and snowy weather, several outages occurred throughout the system.  “We have had several large outages in southern Beaufort County, as well as a number of scattered smaller outages.  Altogether, approximately 2,000 consumers lost service.  Our system has responded very well under the circumstances; however, the increased load on our system has contributed to a few equipment failures,” said Davis.  Outage information can be viewed online at palmetto.coop under the outage/storm-center tab.

With the extreme cold weather, Palmetto Electric is alerting consumers of the effects on energy consumption.  “With the cold temperatures comes increased usage and higher electric bills,” said Davis.

Palmetto Electric recommends a thermostat setting of 68 degrees or less in extreme cold weather.  For every degree above this setting, consumers will add approximately 4-8 percent to their heating cost.

Other energy saving tips include:

• Set thermostats at 55 degrees in a home that is vacant for a week or longer.
• Caulk around all doors and window.  Loose or cracked caulking should be removed or replaced.
• Weather-stripping is a real key to preventing heat loss.  Doors and windows should be sealed to prevent drafts.  Door bottoms are also culprits; install inexpensive “sweeps” on doors to keep out the cold.  Don’t forget to weather-strip your attic access.

• Central heating systems should be given an annual cleaning and tune-up by a qualified technician.
• Keep air filters clean.  The air filter of central heating system should be replaced once a month during the heating season if a disposable filter is used.
• Have your chimney checked by a qualified chimney sweep and check your fireplace damper to be sure it opens and closes properly.

Consumers can view more information on ways to help keep electric bills down during cold weather by visiting Palmetto Electric’s website at palmetto.coop.

HRMC offers inpatient dialysis treatment; service eliminates costly travel time for patients receiving medical treatments at HRMC.

Hampton Regional Medical Center, of Varnville, S.C., has begun offering inpatient dialysis treatment to patients who need admission to the hospital. Prior to HRMC offering this new service, patients would have to be transferred to another facility. This resulted in additional expense and burdens to the patient’s family who would have to travel to be with their loved one. 

Since the hospital began providing the service during the first week of December, 2017, several inpatients have been able to stay close to their home and family while receiving the medical treatment they need.

Patients are examined via tele-medicine by Dr. Sanjay Kumar, MD, a Nephrologists operating in Walterboro, SC. After examination, doctors determine the proper treatment of dialysis patients admitted to HRMC and continue to administer treatment until the patient is released from HRMC to continue regularly scheduled treatment at their normal outpatient dialysis center.

According to Jason Crosby, ER and lead dialysis nurse at HRMC who was instrumental in organizing and currently operates the service, the inpatient program has been well-received by patients who have utilized the hospitals cutting-edge technology and expert care.

“Here, they stay in their bed. I take them to their treatment and take them back [to their hospital room]. So it is a lot more comfortable and convenient for the patients, said Crosby. “And we are here seven days a week to provide service to our patients.”

Dialysis patients admitted to the HRMC now have the opportunity to stay at the hospital while receiving treatments for other medical needs and receive dialysis without the hassle of being transported far from home to another facility.

“It’s maintenance dialysis, which means that the patients already have to be on dialysis. So it’s not for new patients suffering acute renal failure,” said Jarrell.

As part of an ongoing commitment to provide the highest quality healthcare, HRMC continues to invest in tele-medicine technology, allowing patients to receive specialized care from doctors practicing away from Hampton County. As well as benefitting dialysis patients, tele-medicine technology allows specialists to remotely examine HRMC patients believed to be suffering from other medical conditions, including neurological complications, stroke and mental health issues.

In the very near future, HRMC will begin a program in conjunction with MUSC Children’s Hospital to provide Pediatric Intensivist services to critically ill children in the Emergency Room.

Make sure to stay informed of new services, doctors and other useful information by liking and following HRMC on Facebook.

HAMPTON -- To commemorate the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Congressman James E. Clyburn will host a “Town Hall Teach-In” entitled, “Winners and Losers in the New Tax Law.”  The program will be held on Monday, Jan. 15, at 3:00 pm in the Parker Union Hall in Hampton, S.C.

Sen. Clyburn visits Hampton

To commemorate the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., U.S. Congressman James E. Clyburn (6th District) was the keynote speaker at a Town Hall Teach-In entitled “Winners and Losers in the New Tax Law” held Monday, Jan. 15, at the Huspah Education Center (formerly Parker Union Hall) in Hampton. A large number of participants, nearly 300 citizens as well as numerous elected officials, school officials, clergy, law enforcement and folks from surrounding counties, came out to hear Sen. Clyburn. After being introduced by sponsor and moderator of the event, H.C. County Councilman Shedron Williams, the floor was then opened to Sen.  Clyburn, who shared some valuable information about the new tax laws.

Yemassee Special Election set for Feb. 13

The Town of Yemassee will hold a Town Council Special Election on February 13, 2018.  The deadline to register to vote is approaching and registering to vote has never been easier:

-Register in person by January 12, 2018, 5:00 p.m., at the Voter Registration and Elections Office.

-Register online by January 14, 2018.  Register at www.scvotes.org.  Online registration requires a S.C. Driver’s License or DMV ID. 

-Download a voter registration form from www.scvotes.org.  Complete form and return it to the Voter Registration and Elections Office by fax or email attachment by January 14, 2018 or by mail, postmarked by January 16, 2018.

If you are already registered, please make sure your voter registration information is current.  If you have moved within the county or changed your name recently, it will help ensure a smoother voting process for you and your neighbors by updating your information prior to election day.

If you have moved from one county to another, you must register in your new county by the deadline to be eligible to vote.

For more information, please contact the County Board of Voter Registration and Elections located in the B.T. Deloach Building, 201 Jackson Avenue West, Hampton, S.C.   Telephone:  (803) 914-2080.

Voter registration underway for some 17-year olds 

17-year-olds who will turn 18 on or before Nov. 6, 2018, may now begin to register to vote for the June Primaries and the General Election.

According to S.C. Code of Laws section 7-5-180, those individuals who are not yet 18-years-old but will turn 18 before the next ensuing General Election, and who otherwise qualify to vote, have the right to register beginning 120 days prior to the closing of the books of a preceding primary. 

For more information, contact your local County Board of Voter Registration and Elections Office. 

American Red Cross assisting family in Early Branch after home fire

Early Branch, S.C., January 13, 2018 - American Red Cross disaster-trained volunteers are assisting a family whose home, located on Frazier Lane in Early Branch, was damaged by a fire. The Cummings Fire Department responded to the blaze. The Red Cross is helping three adults by providing financial assistance for food, clothing, lodging and other essentials, and comfort kits containing personal hygiene items.

 We are now entering the coldest months of the season, which means the threat of home fire deaths is still very real. When heating your home, please remember that space heaters need just that: space. Be sure they are three feet away from anything that can burn: furniture, bedding carpets, rugs, and curtains.  Children and pets should be kept away so they do not get burned. Make sure the space heater is off and unplugged before leaving a room or falling asleep. It is important to plug the space heater directly into an outlet and not an extension cord. Before you plug it in,inspect the power cord before each use. If the cord  is worn, broken or loose have the appliance professionally repaired or replace it.  

HOW TO HELP Help people affected by disasters and countless other crises by making a gift to American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small.  People can donate by visiting redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED-CROSS, or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

 BECOME A VOLUNTEER To join us, visit redcross.org today to learn more about volunteer opportunities and how to submit a volunteer application.

DOWNLOAD EMERGENCY APP People can download the free Red Cross Emergency App now to be ready in case of a disaster in their community. They can use the app’s “I’m Safe” button to connect with their loved ones. The Emergency App can be found in the app store for someone’s mobile device by searching for “American Red Cross” or by going to redcross.org/apps.

Online providers can consult, diagnose and prescribe for flu, infections and more

BEAUFORT, SC – If you’re looking for a faster, easier way to see a doctor this cold and flu season Beaufort Memorial has launched BMH Care Anywhere, a new service that provides access to online video visits whenever and wherever you need them.

Video visits can be held anytime on a smartphone or tablet using the BMH Care Anywhere app, or a computer equipped with a camera and internet service. It’s simple to use, private and secure. Enrollment is free and the cost per visit is $59.

BMH Care Anywhere was launched to employees earlier this month, and was scheduled for a public launch later this spring. Due to the increase in flu and respiratory illnesses administrators and physicians decided to launch the program immediately to provide patients an alternative to busy doctors’ offices, urgent care centers and emergency rooms.

“We are excited to be able to offer this service to our community, particularly during such a critical cold and flu season,” said BMH President and CEO Russell Baxley, MHA. “The ability to initiate a virtual visit from home or work on your own schedule, based on your needs, means faster care and more convenience. At the end of the day that’s what is best for patients, and that’s our mission as the community’s healthcare provider.”

Virtual visits are ideal for non-emergencies and minor illnesses like colds and flu, sore throat, allergies, rashes, pink eye and other infections. Services are provided by both board-certified BMH doctors and physician assistants, and an online care group of providers.

To learn more about the service or to enroll visit www.bmhcareanywhere.org or download the BMH Care Anywhere app in the App Store or Google Play.

Hampton Regional Medical Center would like to urge residents to practice prevention this flu season. Health professionals at HRMC recommend if you have a fever or flu-like symptoms, please seek medical treatment immediately. Also, if you are displaying flu-like symptoms use a tissue to cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. Perform Hand hygiene afterwards (hand sanitizer or hand washing), as well. According to the Center for Disease control, a total of 4,831 influenza cases were reported from 43 counties representing all four DHEC Public Health regions.  Influenza A was most frequently reported by clinical labs and Influenza A(H3) was most frequently reported by the public health lab.  Compared to the previous week, this is an increase of 1,395 cases (40.6%). In the current flu season, there have been 17,004 influenza cases (16,528 positive rapid antigen detection tests; 476 lab-confirmed tests) reported.   The CDC further reports a total of 268 influenza-associated hospitalizations were reported by 51 hospitals. The cumulative hospitalization rate is 16.7 per 100,000. There were 6 laboratory-confirmed influenza associated death reported; however, 3 of the deaths occurred in previous weeks.Due to the increase and severity of flu-related sickness in our area, HMRC is asking our visitors to please consider the safety of our patients when visiting the hospital during this flu season. For the protection of our patients, Hampton Regional Medical Center is limiting visitors during this year’s flu season:

1. No visitors with flu-like symptoms.

2. Only 2 visitors per patient will be allowed.

3. Children under the age of 12 will not be allowed in patient rooms. They are welcome to wait in our waiting rooms with adult supervision.

Once diagnosed with the flu or flu-related illness, please try to stay home to prevent the spread of the illness to others. 

To further provide Hampton County residents access to quality medical care close to home, Hampton Regional Medical Center (HRMC) recently hired well-respected Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Robert Elvington, Jr.

HRMC medical professionals are thrilled by Dr. Elvington’s ability to provide patients receiving total knee replacement surgery the ability to be back in their homes as quickly as three days post-surgery. In the past, total knee replacement recipients typically spent more than a week recovering in the hospital, but medical advancements and the skillful techniques of Dr. Elvington have allowed post-surgery recovery times to be reduced by nearly half.

Dr. Elvington uses a numbing medication injected directly into the joints and muscles of the patient during surgery, greatly reducing the need for pain medication and lengthy stays in the hospital. The medicine allows knee replacement recipients to engage in physical therapy regiments much sooner post-surgery, which greatly aids in the recovery process.  

HRMC’s new orthopedic surgeon developed a passion for science and anatomy during his youth. Dr. Elvington was spurred to pursue a career in medicine after witnessing his grandmother achieve a nursing certificate later in her life.  

“My grandmother, who actually worked up in a mill in Whitmire, SC for years, in the middle of her life decided she wanted to be a nurse so in her mid-40’s she went back to be a nurse. That inspired me to go into medicine,” said Dr. Elvington. “As far as orthopedics, I like fixing people. Making it so that someone can actually start walking better or sleeping better; getting rid of their pain.”

The Florence, SC native arrives at HRMC with 19 years of experience treating patients with a variety of conditions and orthopedic trauma. HRMC’s newest orthopedic surgeon has particular expertise in the reconstruction of the shoulder and knee, with a focus on rotator cuff disease and knee arthritis. As well excelling in orthopedic trauma, Dr. Elvington has conducted research to develop and test surgical techniques that have improved operating procedures and outcomes at hospitals he has been affiliated with in the past.

He has practiced as an orthopedic surgeon in South Carolina throughout nearly his entire career, except for a stint as a Fellow at Beth Israel Medical Center, of New York, where he helped to develop the aforementioned medical techniques.

Former colleague and long-time HRMC physician Dr. Charles Hughes spoke with Dr. Elvington and urged him to accept a position at HRMC. Dr. Elvington stated he is happy he took the advice of Dr. Hughes and is enjoying the slower pace of Hampton County and the friendly residents who call it home.

“I was ready for a slower pace. I got tired of the rat race [of larger cities],” said Dr. Elvington. “It’s not so much even the slower pace. Now I can actually do what I want to do. I can get to know my patients better...I can actually take care of my patients here.”

He received his Bachelor of Science in biology in 1988 from The Citadel and received his M.D. in 1993 from the Medical University of South Carolina, both located in Charleston, SC.

Dr. Elvington previously worked at McLeod Health, of Florence, SC, Pee Dee Orthopedic Associates, of Florence, SC, Orthopedic Specialists of Charleston, of Charleston, SC,  and at Beth Israel Medical Center, of New York City, NY. His residency was conducted at the Medical University of South Carolina, located in Charleston, SC.

One of the most gratifying aspects of his profession is being able to interact with former patients and witness their improved quality of life after they receive surgical procedures. 

“It’s nice to walk into a grocery store and see somebody you recognize but don’t really remember who they are because it has been several years and they say ‘look doc, look what I can do’ and they stick their hand over their head, which they couldn’t do before,” he said fondly.

The surgeon and his wife of 28 years, Meg, have four adult sons between the ages of 19-25. Dr. Elvington will seek permanent Lowcountry housing opportunities in the future.

“There is some good care here,” said Dr. Elvington. “And there are really good people here. My office staff members, staff in the operating room, physical therapists and members of the nursing staff all do a great job for our patients. I am happy and excited to be here.”