Sheriff's Office investigating fatal shooting which left two people deadTwo people died in a shooting in Hardeeville April 29 in the McDowell Circle area of the county The Jasper County Sheriff's Office is investigating the incident.Bluffton TodayThe Jasper County Sheriff's Office is currently investigating a fatal incident that occurred on the evening of April 29 in the McDowell Circle area of Jasper County Deputies responded to a report of shots fired at a residence deputies located two individuals with apparent gunshot wounds Preliminary investigation suggests that the male subject shot the female subject before turning the firearm on himself Detectives and command staff responded immediately to secure the scene and begin a thorough investigation at their home on McDowell Circle in Hardeeville Jasper County Coroner Jeremiah Vaigneur said the husband and wife were pronounced dead at the scene The incident remains under investigation by the Jasper County Sheriff's Office and the Jasper County Coroner's Office Share on FacebookShare on X (formerly Twitter)Share on PinterestShare on LinkedInHARDEEVILLE (WTOC) - A house fire in Hardeeville has left several people displaced Hardeeville Fire responded automatic aid to Jasper County Fire-Rescue to a structure fire on 1st Street the house is at a loss and the residents have been displaced Best Places to Work in South Carolina Area development supporters join NorthPoint Development to break ground officially on the 880 site of SALT — the South Atlantic Logistics Terminal Beaufort Jasper Water and Sewer Authority; Hardeeville Mayor Harry Williams; and state Sen Developers launch $200M Phase I of Hardeeville industrial development project 14 on an 880-acre economic development site in Hardeeville that will accommodate up to 6 million square feet of warehouse and industrial space NorthPoint Development in partnership with CrossHarbor Capital Partners launched Phase I of the project which represents $200 million in capital investment and will generate more than 550 jobs at full buildout according to a news release from NorthPoint “We are grateful for the support of the city of Hardeeville Jasper County and our South Carolina delegation that have worked tirelessly to create an environment that fosters economic growth and development,” said Mark Hall “We are especially grateful for our continued partnership with the Southern Carolina Regional Development Alliance to develop this important project.” The South Atlantic Logistics Terminal site is located along Interstate 95 and U.S. Highway 17 and is 15 minutes from the Port of Savannah Bolstered by the continued growth at the Georgia Port Authority and the growing labor pool in the region SALT is poised to catalyze future growth in the corridor Hiers to construct and install the regional waterline project “We are grateful that the S.C. Infrastructure Investment Program awarded our region an important grant that has helped make today possible,” Danny Black, president and CEO of the Southern Carolina Alliance “We are fortunate to have great partners at the state and at the Beaufort Jasper Water and Sewer Authority that recognize the critical role infrastructure plays in economic development and for the future of our region.” chairman of Southern Carolina Regional Development Alliance said the infrastructure investment will play a role in future development Related: Container storage provider expands in Charleston with new facility Related: Tech companyh expands in North Charleston to create global HQ “It is encouraging to see this type of investment that will play a pivotal role in attracting future investment in this corridor,” Sauls said in the release “Sites like this one will create more opportunity and bring high-quality jobs for the hard-working citizens of South Carolina I am thankful to our partners at NorthPoint Development as well as Jasper County and the city of Hardeeville for their support on this important project.” The site will benefit from workforce development programs in the region including South Carolina’s readySC worker training “The South Atlantic Logistics Terminal will forever change the landscape of Highway 17 in Jasper County and Hardeeville,” said Mayor Harry Williams in the release “This critical corridor running parallel to I-95 between Exit 5 and the new Exit 3 will be known as the road to success for hundreds of the region’s workforce who are looking to achieve a higher quality of life with good paying jobs heretofore unavailable in this part of the state It will also be a valuable source of new funding for our schools who are looking to attract the best teachers in the state.” Construction on the master infrastructure for the site is estimated to be complete in October of 2025 The site is being marketed by JLL NorthPoint Development is based in Savannah with offices in Charleston and Raleigh. CrossHarbor Capital Partners is a real estate investment manager based in Boston The project involves construction of a new access roadway to the Charleston International Airport The Medical University of South Carolina will begin planning and construction on a state-of-the-art comprehens[...] Local team will continue working with the company Boeing will expand both of its North Charleston campuses in a project that will create over 500 new jobs The new location will feature both office space and a warehouse The executive succeeds a CEO that led the company for the past 26 years Sign up for your daily digest of Charleston Business News Current CEO will head to a new post in Poland as the Ladson plants welcomes a leader from [...] Stevens Towing has powered coastal transport evolving from mail delivery to hea[...] Blanchard Machinery begins construction on a $65M Calhoun County facility to boost growth American Airlines adds more flights between Charleston and LaGuardia increasing to 3 daily departur[...] A new joint venture acquired 104 affordable housing units in North Charleston for $15M South Carolina Treasurer Curtis Loftis will stay in office for now as the House opts not to act on S[...] Charleston business is the market leader in business media in South Carolina We connect you with decision-makers and stakeholders throughout the state Get our free e-alerts & breaking news notifications Log in for access to the latest digital and special editions Parsons receives Credentialed Manager designationHardeeville Assistant City Manager Neil Parsons recently received the Credentialed Manager designation from ICMA.Bluffton TodayNeil Parsons Assistant City Manager of the City of Hardeeville recently received the Credentialed Manager designation from ICMA the International City/County Management Association Parsons is one of over 1,300 local government management professionals currently credentialed through the ICMA Voluntary Credentialing Program ICMA’s mission is to advance professional local government through leadership and ethics and by increasing the proficiency of appointed chief administrative officers and other employees who serve local governments and regional entities around the world The organization’s 13,000 members in 27 countries also include educators To receive the prestigious ICMA credential a member must have significant experience as a senior management executive in local government; have earned a degree preferably in public administration or a related field; and demonstrated a commitment to high standards of integrity and to lifelong learning and professional development “We are extremely proud of Neil’s professional accomplishments and his dedication to serving the citizens of Hardeeville," City Manager Josh Gruber said "Achieving this designation affirms what we already know about Neil and his unwavering commitment to serving as a high-performing and ethical local government leader." Parsons has strived to make an impact on growing communities through his leadership in government including his time working with the Governor’s Office and health care services stretching from Kentucky to South Carolina Parsons serves as the Assistant City Manager for the City of Hardeeville where he has spent nearly eight years acquiring professional local government executive experience that best aligns his career growth with the ICMA's credentialing process Parsons holds a master’s degree in public administration from Arkansas State University and a master’s degree in health administration from the University of Arkansas Grantham He is also a graduate of the South Carolina Economic Development Institute the MASC Risk Management Institute and 2022 Leadership Salkehatchie Parsons has also made significant contributions to a number of other organizations including: a board member for Bluffton Self Help a founding board member and officer for the Hardeeville Community Transformation Foundation a board member for the South Carolina Municipal Insurance & Risk Financing Fund (SCMIRF) a board member for Lowcountry Legal Volunteers he was named as a board member for the Technical College of the Lowcountry Foundation advances professional local government worldwide The organization’s mission is to advance professional local government through leadership ICMA identifies leading practices to address the needs of local governments and professionals serving communities globally and training and professional development to thousands of city and county leaders and other individuals and organizations throughout the world The management decisions made by ICMA's members affect millions of people living in thousands of communities ranging in size from small towns to large metropolitan areas Ground was broken at a new 880-acrew economic development site in Hardeeville during a ceremony Thursday in partnership with CrossHarbor Capital Partners The land will provide up to six million square feet of warehouse and industrial space Phase one of the project represents $200 million in capital investment and is expected to generate more than 550 jobs at full buildout according to the SouthernCarolina Regional Development Alliance North Point Development is based in Savannah Ga and had offices in Charleston and Raleigh offering end-to-end real estate and development solutions CrossHarbor Capital Partners is based in Boston and has been in operation for over 30 years It is a leading real estate investment manager offering a multi-strategy investment platform providing investors with broad access to opportunities across property types Construction on the master infrastructure for the site is estimated for completion in October of next year "The South Atlantic Logistics Terminal [SALT] site is strategically located along I-95 and I-17 with immediate access to entire Eastern Seaboard and is 15 minutes from the Port of Savannah," a SouthernCarolina Regional Development Alliance news release said "Bolstered by the continued growth at the Georgia Port Authority and the growing labor pool in the region SALT is poised to catalyze future growth in the corridor." Hardeeville Mayor Harry WIlliams said the South Atlantic Logistics Terminal would forever change the landscape of Highway 17 in Jasper County and Hardeeville “This critical corridor running parallel to I95 between Exit 5 and the new Exit 3 will be known as the road to success for hundreds of the region’s workforce who are looking to achieve a higher quality of life with good paying jobs heretofore unavailable in this part of the state," Williams said "It will also be a valuable source of new funding for our schools who are looking to attract the best teachers in the state.” JH Hiers was selected by NorthPoint as the local contractor for the master infrastructure work to include the roadways stormwater retention and the sewer system that will serve the project JH Hiers is a construction company which has offices located in Beaufort Officials said the new site will also be served by a new regional water line the project was submitted for federal funding from a grant program promoting rural water and sewer projects," a SouthernCarolina Regional Development Alliance news release said "Using the roughly $8M in State grant funding Beaufort Jasper Water & Sewer Authority have also engaged JH Hiers to construct and install the regional waterline project." SouthernCarolina Regional Development Alliance who works with companies on projects which includes this one said the location benefits from access to a skilled workforce of more than 400,000 within a 60-mile radius The alliance said the site will benefit from strong workforce development programs in the region including South Carolina’s renowned readySC worker training who serves both as Jasper County Council Chairman and Southern Carolina Alliance Chairman recognized the importance of the new project and its importance to the future of those living in and around Jasper County “It is encouraging to see this type of investment that will play a pivotal role in attracting future investment in this corridor,” Sauls said I am thankful to our partners at NorthPoint Development as well as Jasper County and the City of Hardeeville for their support on this important project." Principal of NorthPoint Development said they were grateful for the support of the City of Hardeeville Jasper County and the South Carolina Legislative Delegation for their assistance and support of the project "We are especially grateful for our continued partnership with the SouthernCarolina Regional Development Alliance to develop this important project,” Hall said President and CEO of SouthernCarolina Alliance said the project was made possible through the South Carolina Infrastructure Investment Program which awarded the region an important grant "We are fortunate to have great partners at the state and at the Beaufort Jasper Water and Sewer Authority that recognize the critical role infrastructure plays in economic development and for the future of our region,” Black said SouthernCarolina Alliance (SCA) has been in operation for 28 years and is the regional nonprofit economic development organization representing Jasper Barnwell and Allendale Counties in South Carolina The organization works with public and private partners at the local state and federal level to bring economic development projects to fruition through marketing industrial recruitment and product development The organization said it has been instrumental in the announcement of $2.664 billion in private capital investment and more than 9,880 jobs At the Annual Jasper County Chamber Breakfast on March 12 Jobs are the backbone of a community’s health and Hardeeville is looking fit The widening of I95 will make the three Hardeeville exits the Corridor of Opportunity and the opening of Exit 3 will bring access to a mighty industrial complex In logistics we can expect 4,500 jobs servicing 18M square feet of warehousing TS Conductor will bring in 462 jobs in the Clarius complex The Sherwood Tract could bring another 800 jobs for an original equipment manufacturer United Resources in Display will employ 140 A total of 6,000 new industrial jobs are expected and new commerce at Exit 3 and Margaritaville Retirees continue to come to South Carolina but new communities are being built that are not targeted for retirees Approved for building are 3,100 apartment units and 5,200 single family homes that are not age restricted and will be more affordable than Bluffton or Hilton Head Another 10,000 homes are planned in the West Argent and Morgan Tracts and it is easy to envision 50-60,000 residents by 2040 Harvey Place is now home to 10 first-time homeowners This project has set the model for future projects the City Council approved a settlement of $260,000 for affordable housing with the former owners of the Kharr Tract will commit $1.5M to an innovative plan of housing credits the city and ROI contributed nine acres for a project off Sumter Drive These creative solutions to the workforce housing crisis will be an earmark of our city The city is adding 3,000 residents each year That will bring us to 31,000 residents by 2030 Yet our roads are basically the same as they were then How do we accommodate all the cars from these new homes and $105M to improve the corridor of 170/46/315/17 and Levy Rd The county will also have $94M to further the cause of preserving environmentally sensitive land Think of the commercial additions mentioned earlier and you can assume that starting in Year 5 the county tax collections from passersby will explode A vibrant downtown is essential to create a sense of space and civic pride The city took a major step with the opening of the Rec Center Now we plan to take the next step by agreeing to a partnership with River Development to revitalize downtown Council has also agreed on plans for a Memorial Park and a new office building at the corner of Main and Martin There’s a saying “a rising tide lifts all boats.” For that to be true we need to train our young people to sail the ships that are coming We need to train those who have lived here for generations so their ships can come in and build generational wealth Hardeeville continues to support the work force training center at the public works building and last fall the city’s Transformation Foundation awarded $150,000 to the new TCL work force training center with funds from development fees We applaud Jasper County’s donation of an additional $1M  These two centers will play a crucial role in preparing our residents for job opportunities that never existed before Our people must be and will be the goal of all we do The direct impact in the next 10 years will fill it further We are not faced with a choice to leave the glass unfilled Our choice is to fill the glass with a sweet nectar that everyone will enjoy The choices we make will determine the world our children will live in We need our partners on the County Council and our department heads working together We need to work with business affiliates and local Chambers of Commerce and we need to participate in regional groups like SoLoCo We need to work with our neighboring municipalities and counties And most of all we need to listen to our constituents.” brisket and a host of other souvenirs and snacks are tentatively scheduled to be arriving in Hardeeville in about four years as Buc-ee's plans to locate a store in the city approved first reading of an ordinance to approve the planned development district the initial master plan for the development and a development agreement which will bring Buc-ee's to the city Second reading of all three ordinances will be held Nov City of Hardeevlle Mayor Harry Williams said "Even though Buc-ee’s representatives are working closely with the city and its development processes the project is only at the beginning stages of development and its progression will coincide with the South Carolina Department of Transportation’s I-95 Widening and Exit 8 Redevelopment Project," a city spokesperson said The current schedule for the SCDOT projects to be completed would be in 2028 the projected timeline which would also be the projected year for the ribbon cutting for Buc-ee's Buc-ee's will be located adjacent to Interstate 95 at the Exit 8 intersection with U.S The Hardeeville location is scheduled to include Buc-ee's signature offerings including a large selection of regionally themed merchandise and gifts is set to become a significant economic driver for the region enhancing the city's reputation as a thriving hub for commerce and travel in South Carolina Director of Real Estate and Development at Bucee's met with the Hardeeville City Council during its Oct informed council the store would be 74,000 square feet the largest store the company builds to date requires a 74,000 square foot store," Beard said "The traffic created is no different between a 74,000 and a 53,000 square foot store The reason we went bigger were our out-of-state stores (out of the state of Texas) that they started getting a little too busy." 8 news release Beard said the city's leadership and staff have been supportive and responsible stewards of their community and believes they will make great partners "Hardeeville is a perfect location for us to continue our growth along the southeast coast," he said "We love South Carolina and look forward to bringing the Buc-ee’s brand of road trip fun to the Lowcountry.” Beard also said hotels and sit-down restaurants had been drawn to the areas where other Buc-ee's were located "The store will contribute to the city's financial health through increased sales and property tax revenues along with increased revenue through the City’s hospitality tax and business license fees and community initiatives," a city news release said The new location in Hardeeville is expected to generate 200 new jobs in the area ranging from entry-level positions to managerial roles providing a boost to the local job market and offering stable "The City of Hardeeville is proud to welcome Buc-ee’s; an elite brand name that has become a destination stop along I-95," City of Hardeeville Mayor Harry Williams said "We all have been very impressed with the professionalism and thoroughness of the Buc-ee’s team in planning for a quality facility that provides safe access for their customers and our residents." Williams said Buc-ee’s will bring great paying jobs for Hardeeville and Jasper County residents that will not require long commutes "Buc-ee’s and Hardeeville promise to be a long and successful marriage,” he said Newly appointed Hardeeville City Manager Josh Gruber said the arrival of Buc-ee's in Hardeeville 'is a testament to the city's potential as a key destination in the region.' "This project not only highlights Hardeeville's strategic importance along the I-95 corridor it also underscores our commitment to fostering an environment that attracts and supports business growth," Gruber said "We are excited about the opportunities Buc-ee's will bring to our community and we look forward to the positive ripple effects this will have on local businesses and residents alike." (WTOC) - The Hardeeville Police Department announced that they have recently uncovered evidence that has advanced the investigation into an ongoing homicide case Police are asking for the public’s help gathering information related to the 2023 homicide of Perry Smith. They said resolving this case remains their top priority as they continue to seek justice for Mr Smith and give answers to his family and loved ones regardless of how insignificant it may seem Your cooperation could be instrumental in bringing this case to a resolution,” wrote Hardeeville Police in a social media post You can provide information by calling the Hardeeville Police Department at 843-784-2233 You can also submit anonymous information, here. Two Hardeeville men face charges in connection with the Sept 21 Jasper County Detention Center fire that left several people injured and hospitalized according to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division with arson first degree and criminal conspiracy on April 18 following the investigation involving a fire inside the Jasper County Detention Center on Sept The Jasper County Sherriff’s Office asked SLED to conduct the investigation German and Williams did conspire with other inmates to willfully and maliciously set fire to available combustible materials while housed at the Jasper County Detention Center The warrant states German's and Williams' actions caused fire damage to the structure and resulted in serious bodily injury to other inmates and detention center staff the warrants states German was seen on surveillance video moving a mattress into the area where the fire started He then went behind blankets hung from the ceiling along with Williams disabling the only working camera in the holding cell then used a black BIC lighter to ignite available combustible materials including blankets caused fire damage to the structure and resulted in serious bodily injury to six inmates and two correctional officers Six people were transported to the hospital for treatment following the fire Jasper County Detention Center Director Arthur Benjamin previously said Three had surgery to treat burns they received from the fire Benjamin said all were released from the hospital late last year German and Williams remain in the Jasper County Detention Center and the case will be prosecuted by the 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office A March 24 shooting in Hardeeville left one man dead after another man involved in the incident had apparently fired a gun to protect himself during an attempted armed robbery The Hardeeville Police Department said officers initially received reports of an armed suspect around 9:38 p.m one of which had suffered several gunshot wounds The male who was shot was transported to a local hospital where he later died according to the Hardeeville Police Department whose last known address was listed as Hardeeville died at Coastal Carolina Hospital due to multiple gunshot wounds he sustained during the incident Jasper County Coroner Jeremiah Vaigneur said March 27 Vaigneur said the identity of the deceased was released at a later date to be able to notify the next of kin The Hardeeville Police Department provided a March 25 update stating initial evidence and information discovered during the investigation led detectives to suspect Payton had been actively involved in previous attempted armed assaults on potential victims when he encountered an armed citizen who protected himself The Hardeeville Police Department is continuing to investigate the incident The Hardeeville Police Department is seeking citizens who would like to learn more about law enforcement for its upcoming Citizens Police Academy The academy will begin March 18 and end May 13 Classes will take place every Tuesday evening beginning at 6 p.m The center is located at 26 Martin Street in Hardeeville The academy is for citizens 18 years of age or older The classes will include speakers from different departments such as traffic and investigations and participants will also learn facts about the history of Hardeeville "This is a fantastic opportunity to get an inside look at police operations and much more," said Hardeeville Police Department Corporal Joey Ginn "This will provide citizens with an opportunity to learn more about local law enforcement." Those interested can apply at https://hardeevillesc.gov/FormCenter/Police-11/Citizens-Police-Academy-Application-79 Those with any questions about the academy can email Corporal Ginn at jginn@hardeevillesc.gov "We look forward to having citizens learn more about what we all do as a member of law enforcement in and around Hardeeville," Ginn said (WTOC) - Drumming and dancing along the Savannah River this weekend Many gathered for the Lowcountry Pow Wow and Cultural Festival in Hardeeville This inter-tribal event welcomes people from all across the community crafts and food will continue Sunday- weather pending It’s suggested to bring cash for entry and vendors Entry is $10 for adults and $5 for children The event helps educate the public about Native Americans while creating a communal gathering place for the celebration of culture will open its new factory in the Clarius Park industrial area in Hardeeville The Hardeeville plant will be TS Conductor’s second in the United States and will make high-capacity power lines needed to expand the power grid to meet increasing demand from AI data centers and domestic manufacturing growth The plant will start as a 301,275-square-foot facility that will eventually be expanded by another one million square feet in space According to TS Conductor’s website the “mega factory will increase production capacity twentyfold.” Operations are expected to begin at the new plant by the end of 2025. Anyone interested in working there can apply for jobs here Henry McMaster said TS Conductor’s arrival in the state proves it to be “an ideal location for innovative companies to establish operations.” The new factory is near the intersection of highways 17 and 170 and is only about 10 miles from the Port of Savannah Related: Car company to create 700 jobs, invest $280 million in South Carolina manufacturing plant Hardeeville continues to grow, decisions become more complex. That was clearly evident as two major developments came to Council for approval. First, LK Builders are asking for a revised Planned Development District (PDD) agreement in what is known as West Argent. This PDD will run northwest from Hilton Head Lakes with plans for 4,000 homes. The second district is known as the Morgan Tract; a 2600-acre parcel that spans from 278 to 46 and runs parallel to Margaritaville. 6,200 homes will be zoned along with designated commercial areas. Both projects were tabled at the Feb. 20 council meeting until further discussion and questioning could be conducted in a March 3 workshop. Workshops are a useful way for the council to hear from the landowners and the public about details without the pressure of having to vote. West Argent needs a new road out of the district leading to the major roads. Currently there is only one way out on Lakeside Blvd. After many months of planning, “Road A” is proposed adjacent to the Hardeeville school complex and will enter Red Dam Rd. via a new roundabout. As part of this agreement, needed improvements will be made to Red Dam Rd. from the school to 278. The city negotiated an agreement with the Morgan Tract owners to provide $8M for road improvements at the intersection of 278 and John Smith Road. These will include a new light and expanded turning lanes at 278 and John Smith Rd. Stormwater has been another concern. As we continue to build near the Great Swamp, council is looking closely at the impact on the flow of water for two very important reasons: 1. The prevention of flooding and 2. The prevention of contaminates into our natural environment. The council is pressing our engineers for details and assurances. The Hoyer Investment Company purchased the Morgan Tract last year and they will partner with DR Horton to build the first phases. In addition to the roads mentioned above, they have agreed to reduce the density from 6700 homes to 6200, devote $4.5M and 2.7 acres to a new fire station, and set aside $1.5M toward an affordable housing plan that is being formulated with the city. This is just a short summary to give you a sense of the complexities of the issues and the months of planning. These agreements still have to pass two votes and public hearings. If passed, these developments will begin the process of submitting Master Plans for each phase, obtaining approvals from the council and then begin the state permitting process. These steps will take at least two years and depending on market conditions, these 10,000 homes will easily take 25 years or more to complete. One last note about these revised developments. They are geared to families and not retirement communities. As these build up, we can expect Hardeeville’s average age to lower from the current 59.7 and provide a greatly needed workforce. These things are complicated, and they will take a long time to complete, but Hardeeville is showing her commitment to a well-thought-out future. There will soon be even more recreational opportunities for citizens throughout the Lowcountry particularly in Hardeeville. The James Fisher Memorial Foundation YMCA, which will be Hardeeville's first "Y," will hold a groundbreaking ceremony Jan. 30 from 11:30 a.m. until 12:15 p.m. The event will take place at 11010 East Argent Parkway. The new state-of-the-art facility, in its first phase, officials previously said, will be a 35,000-square-foot building near SC-170 at East Argent. It will include a child-care center, an aquatic complex, sports fields, a fitness center, and an indoor six-lane pool. The new facility will be located across from Oldfield, a gated community in Okatie. The future YMCA received a big boost in late 2023 when the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry awarded the new Jasper YMCA an impact grant of $150,000 to help fund construction of the new facility coming to the East Argent development. Beaufort-Jasper YMCA of the Lowcountry CEO Michael Bostwick previously said they had been working hard to bring programs and a facility to Jasper County with several fundraising efforts over the past few years. "We’re very thankful to receive this grant from the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, getting us one step closer to making that happen,” he said. There are 19.9 total acres for the facility, and its second phase, officials previously said, will include an additional 18,000 square feet for multi-purpose fields for outdoor sports. City officials said there would also be a large amount of open and active space, with trails and walkways throughout the project. The closest YMCA to Hardeeville is located in Port Royal, more than 30 miles from the city. Share on FacebookShare on X (formerly Twitter)Share on PinterestShare on LinkedInHARDEEVILLE, S.C. (WTOC) - At Thursday night’s city council meeting, officials announced a significant development: a new Buc-ee’s travel center is set to arrive in the Hardeeville area. The popular beaver mascot, “Bu-cee,” is heading to Hardeeville! “We are in the early stages of building a travel center that will have the logo, the elite brand of Buc-ee’s,” said Harry Williams, Mayor, City of Hardeeville. “At the junction of Highway 278 and 17 and it’s bordered on one side by I-95,” Williams said. That’s an area that residents say frequently has heavy traffic. One of those residents sent an email to the council and at Thursday night’s meeting, those concerns were read by Council member Valarie Guzman. “With this plan in potential development and the potential for the travel center I have serious concerns about the concentration of vehicle traffic and traffic that is about hit the 278, 17 area,” said Guzman. The mayor also addressed this concern saying the plan for Buc-ee’s is a part of their master plan which includes expanding I-95 and making changes to a nearby exit. “SCDOT will begin widening in the spring of 2025,” said Williams. “The first phase of the plan is to go from the state line all the way up to mile marker nine which is right past the exit eight.” The overall project is expected to take about three years, with Buc-ee’s construction timed to align with these developments. “And at the same time, Buc-ee’s will be planning their construction so that the widening, the changes to exit eight and the opening of Buc-ee’s will be cutting three ribbons that day,” said Mayor Williams. Mayor Williams expressed enthusiasm for the new opportunities and jobs the project will bring to the area. For more details on the master plan, see the document below: A Bluffton man faces several charges in connection with a violent incident that occurred Jan. 5 in the Church Road area of Hardeeville, Jasper County Sheriff's Office Public Information Officer Christian Felt said Jan. 16. Joshua Grayson, 25, was charged with attempted murder and attempted robbery in connection with the incident, Felt said. He was transported to the Jasper County Detention Center where he awaited further legal proceedings. Grayson, Felt said, allegedly approached a victim, pointed a handgun at them, and attempted to force his way into the victim's vehicle. "During the confrontation, Grayson struck the victim and discharged his firearm multiple times, with one round striking the victim in the shoulder," Felt said. "The arrest was the result of proactive patrolling by deputies who were actively monitoring the area as part of their commitment to ensuring community safety. Through these efforts, Grayson was located and apprehended without incident." Jasper County Sheriff's Office announces other arrests in January The Jasper County Sheriff's Office also announced the agency had made several other arrests within the past two weeks which were unrelated to Grayson's arrest. The Jasper County Sheriff's Office made a separate arrest during a routine traffic stop Jan. 14 which led to the seizure of an illegally modified firearm, Felt said. "During a routine traffic stop for defective equipment on a vehicle, Jasper County Sheriff's Office deputies made significant arrests and seized an illegal firearm with illegal modifications," Felt said. The identity of the suspects arrested were not released as the investigation is ongoing. Felt said the case has been referred to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) for further investigation. When deputies initiated the traffic stop they detected a strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle and a hand search of the vehicle was conducted, Felt said. During the search, a passenger in the vehicle ran from the scene but was quickly apprehended by deputies. "The individual was found to have two active warrants from the Hardeeville Police Department and the Columbia, S.C. police department," Felt said. The driver of the vehicle, Felt said, was arrested on several charges, including simple possession of marijuana and possession of a machine gun. "Deputies discovered a pistol equipped with an illegal conversion device, commonly referred to as a 'switch', which transforms a semi-automatic firearm into a fully automatic weapon," Felt said. Four burglary suspects arrested with several agencies assisting Several law enforcement agencies recently helped bring four burglary suspects into custody in Jasper County Jan. 7 after the four attempted to steal copper wire and other items from a building on West Frontage Road. "The suspects, two 41-year-old white males and two white females (ages 39 and 52), were observed stealing copper wire and other miscellaneous scrap items from a building in the area," Felt said. "South Carolina Department of Natural Resources officers conducted a traffic stop, with assistance from the Jasper County Sheriff's Office, which resulted in the successful apprehension of the individuals." Felt said the names of the individuals were not released as the investigation is ongoing and there could be additional charges filed in the case. Felt said all four suspects were charged with burglary in the second degree and were being held at the Jasper County Detention Center awaiting bond hearings. "Theft and property crimes have affected many of our citizens and neighborhoods," Jasper County Sheriff Chris Malphrus said. "At the Jasper Conty Sheriff's Office, we are dedicated to doing our best to protect our citizens and their property. "This successful operation highlights our commitment to holding offenders accountable and preventing further harm to our community." Jasper County's hidden gem, known as Sergeant Jasper Park, will soon host area veterans for a special event in their honor. A Veterans Appreciation Day Lowcountry Boil will be held Nov. 15 at the park, located on 1458 Red Dam Road, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. There will be giveaways, veteran's resources and entertainment for all to enjoy. "The location of Sgt. Jasper Park was indeed ideal for this event," said Jasper County Veterans Affairs Director Alton Jenkins. "Named after veteran Sgt. William Jasper, an American Revolutionary War hero, this park in Hardeeville offers fun for the entire family, which was fitting as we honored Veterans Appreciation Day there." Jenkins said that while other locations were being considered for the event, they did not align with the organization's mission. He said Jasper County Parks and Recreation Director, Corey Bivens, recognized that the park would be a great location and agreed to support the event. "It became clear that holding the event at Sgt. Jasper Park was the right choice," Jenkins said. "As a Veteran, I have always felt a deep sense of pride and gratitude for the sacrifices made by those who have served in the military." Jenkins said the appreciation led him to recognize the need for something more distinctive and impactful for Veterans Day. He said he made the decision to organize a special event dedicated to honor veterans. There had been a Lowcountry Veterans Appreciation Day for the past two years with Jasper and Hampton County partnering for the events, but this year Jenkins said Jasper was holding its own event. "If you are a veteran of the lowcountry and surrounding counties, I would be delighted to see you at the Veterans Appreciation Day Lowcountry Boil," Jenkins said. "There will be resources available for veterans and their dependents, free giveaways, and an abundance of love, laughter, and food. Imagine the unity we can create—a driving force to continue serving our veteran population. This is how it all begins." The Hardeeville City Council was excited to announce the appointment of Mr. Josh Gruber as the next City Manager on Aug. 22 at a press conference in City Hall. Josh, his wife Ashley, and his two sons Tyler and Connor, were welcomed at the front door by the Council and staff. Josh brings to Hardeeville an excellent resume of experience in the Lowcountry. He is currently the Deputy Town Manager in Hilton Head where he has served since 2018. Prior to that appointment, Josh served Beaufort County in several roles for seven years, including County Attorney, Deputy County Administrator, and Interim County Administrator. Josh’s legal background will serve him well in the coming years as he deals with the complexities of the growth in Hardeeville. Josh also brings outstanding relationships with officials in both counties, all the area municipalities, and our state delegation. Josh knows the players well, and our Council has heard high praise for Josh’s abilities from all. As champions of regional planning and teamwork, our Council considered this strength to be very important. Josh will begin his service on Nov. 1, 2024, and we all expect a long and successful tenure. As I mentioned last month, the Council will plan events with staff, the public and our business community to get to know the Gruber family and give them a warm welcome into our Hardeeville family. Once again, I’d like to thank Mayor Pro Tempore Bo White for his leadership in this job search, and also Councilman John Carroll who ably assisted Bo in coordinating the contract terms with our attorney. I have one other election note to share. Jasper County Councilman Coy Garbade sadly died in June, leaving a seat to fill. Since the County Council is a partisan position, a primary was held on Aug. 27. Mr. Chris VanGeison won the Republican primary and Mr. Misael Garzon will be the Democrat nominee. The special election will be held with all other elections on Nov. 5. As with all local elections, whether non-partisan municipal or partisan county seats, it is important for us all to learn about these candidates. They are citizens like you and me and their politics are “local”. We are all elected to serve our local needs for public safety and a desirable community. I encourage you to find out about the candidates and the referendums and make educated decisions. The other study that was presented to the city council on Aug. 28 dealt with 278. The improvements that were identified included widening 278, and correcting the intersections at Argent Blvd., Brickyard Rd., and John Smith Rd. These projects will align with the Exit 8 improvements that SCDOT is planning. These projects are also identified in the referendum. The two phases as listed require $65M. For more information on this referendum, please see my article that appeared in this paper on July 24, 2024. Jasper County will also be distributing a brochure that will explain the projects in more detail. On Aug. 1, I was honored to help cut the ribbon on “The Freedom House”, which is a shelter for seven families that are transitioning from homelessness. This house in the Levy community is operated by Family Promise of Beaufort and Jasper County and they did a beautiful job. Congratulations! One local veteran and his family received a gift that will last a lifetime March 28 during an event held in Hardeeville. Operation Patriots Forward Operating Base (OPFOB), in partnership with Lennar, presented local veteran and first responder, Morgan Strain and family with a new home. The home is located in Hardeeville. Representatives from both Lennar and OPFOB were in attendance for the event. OPFOB was founded over four years ago and is based in Ridgeland. It is a nonprofit organization that creates a place for veterans, active-duty military, first responders, and their families to come together, relax, and build community among shared experiences. "When we started Operation Patriots FOB, we never thought we'd be in a position to gift homes and do all the things we do now in the community," OPFOB Co-Founder J.R. Brown said. "We started with outdoor recreational activity and now four and a half years, almost five years, until we were able to gift a home away. And you want to talk about a generational impact for a family. It's just huge." The home, its materials and the labor to construct it was provided by "Homes for Heroes," which is a partnership between OPFOB and Lennar. Lennar Corporation was founded in 1954 and is one of the nation’s leading builders of quality homes for all generations. Lennar constructs affordable, move-up and active adult homes primarily under the Lennar brand name. "At Lennar, we enjoy giving back to the communities that take care of us, and being able to take care of a veteran that's really served our country and served us all makes it that much more special," Lennar's Division Manager Brian Cartwright said. The home is currently under construction and the Strain family is expected to be able to move in by June. Along with the new home, OPFOB also offered Morgan Strain a position with the organization as a member of their new service dog program. Share on FacebookShare on X (formerly Twitter)Share on PinterestShare on LinkedInHARDEEVILLE, Sc. (WTOC) - In a social media post, Hardeeville Police identify two suspects in an investigation for thefts in the Hardeeville area. Last month, Hardeeville Police investigated multiple thefts of appliances, utility trailers, and recreational vehicles from new residential developments. 40-year-old Joshua Harnage and 34-year-old Savannah Harnage have been identified and arrested as suspects in these cases. According to Hardeeville PD, the two were arrested during a traffic stop on Oct., 3 2024. Police seized a quantity of suspected fentanyl along with other evidence related to the theft cases. Hardeeville PD and the Effingham County Sheriff’s Office searched the suspect’s home in Guyton and discovered a large amount of stolen property at their residence. Joshua and Savannah have been charged with grand larceny x4, grand larceny over $10,000, possession of fentanyl, and petite larceny. Stick with WTOC as this is an ongoing case. Chris Forster, the current Bluffton Deputy Town Manager, was recently announced as one of four finalists for the position of Hardeeville City Manager. The other three candidates include Matt Davis, current Hardeeville Deputy City Manager; Josh Gruber, current Hilton Head Deputy Manager, and Christopher Hobby, who is the former Bainbridge, Ga. City Manager. "After a thorough search and deliberation process, the city council has unanimously agreed that the four candidates would be outstanding leaders," the City of Bluffton recently announced. The city said the search for the new city manager began in January and was led by Hardeeville Mayor Pro Tem Bo White with assistance from the city's staff. City Council issued a request for proposals to national executive search companies and an evaluation committee, which included White and Hardeeville staff. The council then reviewed and rated the proposals. Slavin and Associates was selected to conduct the search. "We are excited about the exceptional quality of the candidates for our City Manager position," said Hardeeville Mayor Harry Williams. "Be assured that whoever we choose will be an outstanding individual." The city said Slavin and Associates received 40 applications and vetted all candidates, narrowing the field to the top eight candidates who submitted their resumes and completed a detailed questionnaire. City Council reviewed all the information, rated the candidates, and chose to interview these top eight applicants. The city said council will finalize a signed contract for the City Manager candidate in the next couple of weeks. The announcement and introduction of the new City Manager will take place Aug. 19, with the time to be determined. The starting date for the new City Manager will also be announced on Aug. 19. The City of Hardeeville plans to host a series of meet-and-greet events to allow the community to get to know the new City Manager. These events will include meetings with staff, the public, the business community, and neighboring municipalities, with dates to be determined based on the new City Manager's starting date. A groundbreaking ceremony was held Feb. 19 at the Hardeeville Recreation Center for JuJu Hutson Park as Hutson was remembered as a lifelong Hardeeville resident who wanted everyone to have access to recreational opportunities. The park was given its name in memory of JuJu Hutson, whose home used to sit adjacent to the Hardeeville City Hall. The park is located in the Richard Gray Recreation Complex at 205 Main Street in Hardeeville. "He was a community-driven person that just truly believed in his community," Hardeeville Parks Recreation and Tourism Director Jennifer Combs said. "He believed in the philosophy of recreation. He rode his bike all over the place, really impacting those he met." The park is currently undergoing Phase Two of a three phase project, adding a pavilion and completing some of the park's landscape, as well as adding ADA compliant parking and parallel parking. "This project is going to amplify what we are trying to do for the entire city," said Hardeeville Capital Improvement Program Director Jodie McMahon. "It's showing we care about our families, and we care about their safety by providing additional parking and areas for them to come and relax." Hardeeville Mayor Harry Williams said during the ceremony JuJu Hutson Park was a crucial part of the town as it continues to expand its recreational opportunities. "I believe that recreation facilities such as this are important so that families and kids have places to go to be together as families and have good fun that's not in front of some television screen and outside," Williams said. "JuJu Hutson had the same vision and that's why it is so important that everyone is here today to honor his name and to have facilities." Hardeeville Councilman John Carroll, who was a lifelong friend of Hutson's, said Hutson deserved the honor and should be remembered by future generations. "This is a special time," Carroll said. "This is going to be a nice park, and it will have a nice sign so that Ju Ju Hutson will be remembered." Carroll recalled the many times Hutson would ride his bicycle around town. He was Carroll's Sunday School teacher and Carroll said some in the community had him as a basketball coach. "There's a lot of things he did that we will never know because he was a person that didn't want recognition," Carroll said. "He was just a really good man." Around seven years ago Combs said the city began design plans to create a new play space. The Hardeeville City Council approved the plan in 2018 and then the project was split into three phases, allowing the project enhancements to take place in phases. The first phase was completed in 2019, and it included tearing down the old existing playground to make way for the new playground. The last and final phase of JuJu Hutson Park, Combs said, will be Phase Three, which includes resurfacing the existing parking lot, new striping, and adding islands with trees. "Outside of this project, the city will be embarking on another parking lot project that will be taking place at the park simultaneously, adding more parking spaces to the complex," Combs previously said. "Parking lots are not the fanciest of projects, but the demand in the REC PLEX is high for parking as the user numbers in the complex exceed the parking we have." On Jan. 27, the City Council held their annual retreat to establish the goals for 2025. We have so many wonderful changes coming to Hardeeville and changes bring new challenges. This process is critical to knowing what we want to do, appropriating funds, and assigning staff to ensure we accomplish all we wish to. There are five overriding principles that guide us. 1. Deliver superior public services. 2. Manage the city’s growth. 3. Improve infrastructure. 4. Strengthen community services. 5. Pursue economic development, including new commerce. Each of our objectives will advance one or more of these goals. Keep in mind that many of our plans will take multiple steps, and years, to complete. But you can’t finish what you don’t start. The revitalization of Whyte Hardee Blvd. will take a step forward. The city has hired a redevelopment firm out of New Jersey who has a good track record. The city owns six acres along our downtown area and that is a good place to start. The city has a rising population, and our industrial buildings are exploding. Now we need more commercial development. Buc-ee’s should bring renewed interest in the exit 8 area, the new exit 3 will bring in many new businesses, and we will push for the commercial development of Margaritaville and East Argent. New commerce will provide shopping and dining options for our residents and provide tax revenue for our roads and schools. Another key objective is to identify sensitive environmental areas and find ways to preserve them and perhaps create passive recreation areas. There is a united desire to protect our beautiful Low Country by smart management of our growth. Growth demands more staff and more facilities. City Hall and our Police Department will require more space. We must decide if we need to build more buildings, and if so, where. We will need new fire stations as new developments build up. We need to make these decisions and begin the process of planning for construction. Community services build a city that we all take pride in. Recreation for our families is vital to achieving this goal. We have plans to build the Memorial Park, splash pads, and a path for bikes and walkers that will connect the Richard Gray Recreation complex to the Rec Center. I’ve talked many times about the need for affordable housing to attract young people to be our teachers, nurses, police, fire and tradespeople of all types. This objective will remain high as we continue to work with developers and non-profits like Habitat for Humanity to do more projects like Harvey Place. Everyone is concerned with the growing need for affordable childcare and a strategy for our unhoused population. The city is committed to working with the regional think tank, the Southern Low Country Advisory Board, to explore solutions. This board consists of managers and elected officials from both counties and seven municipalities and seeks solutions that are common to the entire region. During my years as mayor, the Council has had a unified objective of tax reduction. That objective must be evaluated each year, and it will once again be a choice for this year’s Council. I strongly believe in this strategy, and I will urge the Council to join me. This is just a summary of our objectives, and each is more complex than I’ve stated. Stay tuned for an exciting 2025. Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season. In a bit of trivia, the first night of Hanukkah fell on Christmas for the first time since 2005. Two of the world’s oldest religions celebrated on the same night. Speaking of celebrations, Hardeeville’s Parks and Rec team did an outstanding job making the season bright. Santa’s Toy Box drive, the annual Tree Lighting, the Christmas Parade, the Merry on Main festival, the Senior Lunch, Wreaths Across America, and the Low Country Food Pantry giveaway were all coordinated with professional care. Santa’s Toy Box brought in a record number of donations. Santa and his elves collected thousands of items, wrapped over 1,000 gifts and bundled them by teacher for the elementary school children. Gifts were given to Hardeeville Elementary School, Agape, several Churches, Royal Live Oaks Academy, and Jubilee Charter school. The Police and Fire Departments gave out gifts to local kids. And after all that, we were able to send some toys to Ridgeland Elementary School. Thank you to all the organizers, the donors, the volunteers, and staff who worked together to bring Christmas joy to the families of Hardeeville and Jasper County. On Dec. 10, the Technical College of the Low Country (TCL) held a ceremony for the city to present a $150,000 check for the construction of the Arthur E. Brown Work Force Training Center. There will be thousands of new jobs in the industrial zones of our city in the coming years, and training is critical to prepare Jasper County residents with the skills necessary to fill these positions. The staff Christmas party had a new twist. Raffle tickets were given to employees in exchange for donations to Raskel’s Rescue. What an outpouring of generosity for this terrific animal rescue! And kudos to Raskel’s for providing forever homes to 448 animals in 2024. Wreaths Across America was celebrated on Dec. 14 and Hardeeville’s chapter had their biggest year in what was the fifth anniversary in our city. Wreaths were laid at 265 grave sites in six cemeteries. Thanks to Steve and Kathy Talbot and their committee for starting this chapter in 2020 and their efforts to honor more veterans each year. On the 20th, HPD held their Holiday Dinner and Awards Ceremony. I cannot begin to list all the incredible acts of bravery that were recognized that evening. The council will be inviting these valiant men and women to appear at a council meeting to make public their heroic deeds. At some future point we will also hear the exploits of the HFD. We have a terrific First Responder team! Lastly, on Jan. 2, the election winners were sworn in for their next four-year term – me as Mayor and Councilmen John Carroll and Bo White. Mrs. Prina Maines was elected by the council and sworn in for another two-year term as city attorney, and Mrs. Valerie Guzman was elected by her fellow council members as the new mayor pro tempore for 2025. We have a talented team that will make Starship Hardeeville soar to even greater adventures! Hardeeville demolishing old buildings for new municipal hubDemolition of three of the City of Hardeeville's buildings is planned to make room for a new municipal hub.Bluffton TodayThe City of Hardeeville is preparing to demolish three city-owned properties as part of its efforts to make way for the upcoming construction of a municipal hub and other new business opportunities. The affected buildings include the former Mitchell Square strip mall on Whyte Hardee Boulevard, a residential home on Dasher Lane, and the old City Hall building at the corner of Martin and Main Streets. The properties are scheduled for demolition in the coming weeks. Before demolition begins, the Hardeeville Fire and Police Departments will use the buildings for training exercises. This will provide valuable hands-on experience for local first responders. City officials explored several options for preserving the structures but determined that the economic costs of rehabilitation were too high. Many of the buildings are in poor condition and would require extensive repairs. Attempting to restore them would place a significant financial strain on city resources. While the buildings are not listed on any official historical registries, they have been part of the community for many years and hold sentimental value for some residents. Long-time resident and current Hardeeville city council member, John Carroll, expressed mixed feelings about the demolition of the building at 36 Main Street. However, he understands the necessity of the decision. Carroll recalled a similar situation when the old school building was demolished to make way for the new City Hall, which was designed to resemble the original structure. “There is an upside to this,” Carroll said. “Just like the older residents remember when we had to tear down the old school where City Hall now stands, we recreated a remarkable resemblance of the old school with the new building.” The building at 36 Main Street served as Carroll’s office and courtroom during his tenure as the city’s municipal judge. All three buildings are currently vacant and have been unoccupied for several months. A Hardeeville playground is closed for the next several months as new additions are completed, according to city officials. JuJu Hutson Park playground, which is located within the Richard Gray Recreation Complex, closed Jan. 13 as Phase II begins on a major park renovation. The project will add a pavilion with picnic tables, restrooms, more open space and permanent fencing to the park. Beaufort Construction was contracted to do the renovations and the work is expected to be completed in June. The park was given its name in memory of JuJu Hutson, a lifelong Hardeeville resident whose home used to sit adjacent to the Hardeeville City Hall. "Hardeeville purchased the land and vowed to create a park in honor of all that JuJu Hutson had done for the City," said Hardeeville Parks Recreation and Tourism Director Jennifer Combs. "He was even presented with a Key to the City, was an avid cyclist and believed that everyone should have access to recreation and open spaces to recreate." Combs said around seven years ago the city began design plans to create a beautiful new play space. The Hardeeville City Council approved the plan in 2018 and then the project was split into three phases, allowing the project enhancements to take place in phases. "Phase one of the JuJu Hutson Master plan was completed in 2019, and it involved tearing down the old existing playground that was outdated and making way for the new playground in the new location of the JuJu Hutson site plan within the Rec Plex," Combs said. "Outside of this project, the city will be embarking on another parking lot project that will be taking place at the park simultaneously, adding more parking spaces to the complex," Combs said. "Parking lots are not the fanciest of projects, but the demand in the REC PLEX is high for parking as the user numbers in the complex exceed the parking we have." Combs said since 2018 Hardeeville Parks Recreation and Tourism has seen seen an almost 90 percent increase in park usage through increased sports tourism offerings, park enhancements, and the addition of new amenities. "We appreciate everyone's patience and understanding as we work to make the park a more enjoyable space for everyone," Combs said. "The remainder of the Richard Gray Recreation Complex will remain open throughout the duration of the construction project." Further announcements regarding the park's reopening will be placed on the City of Hardeeville's social media pages for further announcements regarding the re-opening. A new event to offer assistance to Veterans concerning claims and benefits as well as information on a variety of other topics was held Feb. 7 in Hardeeville. The event allowed veterans from across the Lowcountry to receive information and took place at the Palmetto Electric Cooperative Community Room. "The event successfully served 51 veterans from Jasper, Chatham and Hampton counties," Jasper County Veterans Affairs Director Alton Jenkins said. It kicked off with an open dialogue featuring Marlon Hines from the Columbia VA Regional Office, who was instrumental in making this initiative happen for our veterans." Jenkins said his office collaborated with Federal Organizations, including the Columbia SC VA Regional Office, the Savannah Vet Center, and Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care. "Together, we provided assistance with VA Claims related to Disability, Education, Survivors Benefits, and Health Care Benefits," Jenkins said. Attendees gave positive feedback, emphasizing the importance of these initiatives in supporting Veterans and ensuring they receive their deserved benefits. "This event strengthened community ties and demonstrated our commitment to serving those who have served our nation," Jenkins said. He also thanked Evette Phillips, a Palmetto Electric employee and veteran, for her ongoing support in providing a venue in Hardeeville for their VBA Claims Clinic events. "We're excited to organize more events like this soon and encourage all veterans and their survivors who need support to join us," he said. Royal Live Oaks Academy of Arts and Sciences Charter School along with one other school were recently named Schools to Watch by the National Forum to Accelerate Middle Grades Reform, a S.C. Association for Middle Level Education news release said. RLOA joined Summit Parkway Middle School in Richland School District Two as the two schools recognized for their middle schools in the state. RLOA is a public charter school which serves approximately 675 Beaufort and Jasper County students in grades K-12. "I couldn't be prouder of our middle school team for their dedication and commitment to creating the culture and climate where success can flourish," said Royal Live Oaks Academy of the Arts and Sciences Co-Founder/CEO/Executive Director Karen Wicks.   As the students have been learning the character traits that develop academic growth and excellence, they have become more focused, Wicks said, adding that the students are proud of their school and what yet can be accomplished there.  "The entire school is ecstatic that we are the first charter school to ever be selected for this prestigious award," Wicks said. A S.C. Association for Middle Level Education spokesperson said Royal Live Oaks' emphasis on strong academics, sensitivity to young adolescents’ needs and interests, and commitment to providing all students equal access to a high-quality education resulted in the well-deserved recognition. Schools are recognized, the spokesperson said, for a three-year period, at the end of which they must apply for re-designation and demonstrate that they are continuing to meet the National Forum’s rigorous criteria. Other schools from around the state were re-designated as Schools to Watch, including Lugoff Elgin Middle School (Kershaw County), which was re-designated for the sixth time. The school was the first S.C. school designated in 2007. Dutchman Creek Middle School (Rock Hill Schools) was re-designated for the fourth time, first recognized in 2013. Springfield Middle School (Fort Mill Schools) was re-designated for the third time, first recognized in 2016. Camden Middle School (Kershaw County ) was also re-designated for the second time, as it was first recognized in 2019. Leslie Stover Middle School (Kershaw County) was re-designated for the first time and was first recognized in 2022. Dr. Phinizze J. Fisher Middle School (Greenville County) was re-designated for the first time and was first recognized in 2022, and Northwood Middle School (Greenville County) was also re-designated for the first time as it was first recognized in 2022. These principals, teachers and staff members along with their communities, a spokesperson said, have dedicated themselves to being strong examples for sustaining growth and development of their students. To be eligible for the designation, schools are required to submit an extensive application, undergo a site review, and display a strong commitment to the thirty-seven criteria for high performing middle schools identified by the National Forum. Their success, a spokesperson said, has earned them this highly sought after designation and each of these schools have made a commitment to the Schools to Watch® Framework for continuous school improvement. South Carolina currently has 36 schools who have received and maintained this designation and nationwide there are nearly 575 schools who have earned the designation. These schools are available for interested educators to visit and learn about the application and see first-hand how they became a Schools to Watch school. RLOA and the other schools will also be showcased as models throughout the state and the nation to promote their approaches to instruction, parent and community involvement, and professional development. The schools will also be recognized at the annual South Carolina Association for Middle Level Conference in Myrtle Beach on Feb. 28 to March 2 and will be recognized this summer in Washington, DC at the National Schools to Watch® Conference. Share on FacebookShare on X (formerly Twitter)Share on PinterestShare on LinkedInHARDEEVILLE, S.C. (WTOC) - An investigation into a Hardeeville motel has led to the arrest of one woman in Jasper County for sex trafficking. According to Hardeeville Police Department, “suspected commercial sex activities” were investigated at the Super 8 motel on Whyte Hardee Blvd. During the investigation, multiple subjects were identified as participants in the activity. Detectives also obtained arrest warrants for a suspect who “coordinated and conspired to subject her victims into sex trafficking”. On Wednesday, Jan. 15, agents with SLED’s Fugitive Unit and HSI arrested Glendys Chirinos Polanc, 45, in North Charleston on sex trafficking warrants. Polanco has since been transported back to Jasper County on these charges. Law enforcement says this an active investigation. Anyone with information is urged to contact Hardeeville Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division. TS ConductorTS Conductor announced plans to open its second U.S manufacturing facility near the Port of Savannah in Hardeeville Production is scheduled to begin by the end of 2025 to meet growing demand for the company's advanced conductor technology that enables utilities to double or triple transmission capacity while cutting costs for customers The company expects the three-phase project to represent a total investment of $134 million and create approximately 462 advanced manufacturing jobs with above-average wages Phase one is scheduled to begin operations by the end of 2025 faces substantial growth in electricity demand for the first time in decades The rapid expansion of AI data centers is straining an aging grid that still largely relies on century-old technology the grid needs to integrate an unprecedented queue of new domestic energy projects from solar and wind to nuclear and geothermal TS Conductor's technology enables utilities to rapidly upgrade transmission capacity while improving reliability and resilience against extreme weather events to prevent blackouts Phase one of the three-phase expansion is supported in part by funding from the U.S Department of Energy through its Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains whose goal is to support domestic manufacturing for critical energy supply chain needs the DOE announced funding for 14 different advanced energy manufacturing projects A major goal of the project is to ensure sufficient domestic supply of high-voltage direct current (HVDC) power lines as massive grid expansion is planned nationwide TS will move into a 301,275-square-foot building in the new Clarius Park Hardeeville at the Port of Savannah a master-planned industrial park developed via a joint venture between Clarius Partners and Peakline Real Estate Funds consisting of more than 2.7 million square feet of Class A industrial warehouse space and a power substation with capacity up to 90 megawatts within the park boundary TS plans to expand within Clarius Park Hardeeville an additional 1 million square feet in future phases The location is within 10 miles of the Georgia Ports Authority's Garden City Terminal the nation's third-largest port of entry and fastest growing container terminal which will support TS's international expansion 9 when the motorcycle he was driving collided head-on with a car died at the scene due to the injuries he sustained in the accident had been traveling northwest on Sand Hills Road when a head-on collision occurred between the motorcycle Jacobo was driving and a Cadillac sedan was passing a Honda pickup truck headed southeast at the time of the accident Aiken said Jacobo had been wearing a helmet at the time of the accident He said the South Carolina Highway Patrol and the Jasper County Coroner's Office was investigating the accident A promise from a businessman to a late Hardeeville councilman three years ago became reality for the city Aug Additional housing in Hardeeville will soon be possible after the donation was made by ROI Real Estate a development firm based in South Carolina to support the city's attainable and affordable housing program "The City will subdivide a little over 2 acres from its property to add to the donated land," Hardeeville Deputy City Manager Matt Davis said "Together it will be approximately 5 acres." The 3-acre donated parcel of land is located on Sumter Drive one of the principals of ROI Real Estate who donated the land Davis said the City is working on a potential partnership with a developer to build between 50-70 units on the combined property and it is currently in a preliminary design "We’re not at the point yet where the developer could talk about prices," he said "That will come later as we work through the process." The city said the land donation was made by McClure and Kevin Farruggio fulfilling a promise McClure made to the late Councilman David Spisso in 2021 and had been actively serving at the time of his passing He was first elected to city council in 2014 and had been chosen by his peers to serve as mayor pro tem in 2016 "The promise was to get creative on affordable opportunities within our developments when possible," McClure said "I genuinely appreciated his (Spisso's) understanding of the development process and our challenges It was also important to me because he was a veteran and class act He was dealing with health issues at the time and he was still prioritizing Hardeeville." "it was just the right thing to do and an obvious fit for the city’s housing goals." “The location is convenient to all that downtown has to offer," he said city and developers need to form public-private partnerships and find creative ways to provide affordable housing options.” City Manager Michael Czymbor said the city was grateful for the donation and emphasized the importance of the contribution to Hardeeville’s future “The City intends to immediately begin planning efforts to develop the parcel with a private development partner and should be able to deliver these affordable units in 2026," Czymbor said A city spokesman said the donation marked a significant step forward in Hardeeville’s commitment to expanding housing opportunities and ensuring that residents have access to affordable living options in the heart of the city A Ridgeland man was arrested March 12 and faces several charges after an armed assault in Hardeeville at a local business was charged with pointing and presenting a firearm two counts of assault and battery first degree The sheriff's office said Hardeeville Police Department responded March 12 around 4:38 p.m to a report of victims who had been assaulted with a handgun at Taco Bell which is located at 55 Brooks Willis Drive in Hardeeville Jasper County Sheriff's Office Public Information Officer Christian Felt said witnesses reported the suspect fled the business on foot and officers deployed the Hardeeville Police Department K-9 which subsequently tracked Carter Carter was also found to be in possession of a handgun upon arrest and was transported to the Jasper County Detention Center following the incident The victims were treated for their non-life-threatening injuries at a local hospital.