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Around the Lowcountry: New jobs coming; community aids house fire victim and needy children
Aid efforts underway after fire destroys Hampton home
A Dec. 16 fire destroyed the home of Neal Winn, a house believed to be one of the oldest in the Town of Hampton, and aid efforts are underway in the community.
A GoFundMe page was established Dec. 17 by a relative, Leah Tuten, to accept donations for Winn. To donate, go to: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-uncle-neal-recover-from-fire-tragedy The page has a $4,000 goal and as of Thursday has raised $675.
“We are raising funds to help lessen the financial burden on our Uncle Neal, who has been devastated by a house fire,” states the page. “It was a complete loss and the donations received will go towards buying necessities such as clothes or be put towards medical bills. Any amount of donation would be greatly appreciated, especially with it being so close to the holidays. We want to make sure his basic needs are met so that he can focus on the next steps of recovery from this devastation. This house had been in the family for generations. It was inherited by Uncle Neal’s late wife, Marsha, and held significant sentiment value for the entire family. We would appreciate your prayers in this difficult time and any donations you feel led to give.”
Community members can also donate to Winn through his church, Hopewell First Baptist. Donations can be mailed to Hopewell First Baptist Church, 6404 Hopewell Road, Hampton, SC. 29924, Attn: James Ernst Deacon Chairman. The church also has a website that can accept donations at https://www.hopewellsc.com/
Yemassee, county officials visit Washington, D.C.
Last week Town of Yemassee officials joined Hampton County officials to help promote our area in Washington, D.C.
Yemassee Town Administrator Matt Garnes and Yemassee Police Chief Gregory Alexander were in Washington, D.C., advocating for the Town of Yemassee’s economic development, environmental initiatives, and infrastructure needs. Their efforts aim to bring vital support and resources to our community, stated the town’s weekly newsletter.
SCAC to offer scholarships totaling $65,000 to several SC Lowcountry counties in 2025
COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Association of Counties (SCAC) announces its 2025 Scholarship Program, which will award one-time $5,000 scholarships in 13 counties to high school seniors planning to attend a South Carolina college/university or technical college in the fall.
SCAC Board of Directors Scholarships are available to students residing in counties chosen by lot. The scholarships for 2025 are available to students in Aiken, Bamberg, Barnwell, Beaufort, Charleston, Chester, Edgefield, Hampton, Lee, Sumter, Union and York counties.
SCAC also awards one $5,000 Presidential Scholarship to a graduating high school senior who is a resident of the same county as current SCAC President and Allendale County Council Vice Chairman William E. Robinson.
Applications for the Board of Directors and the Presidential scholarships are being accepted until Feb. 1, 2025.
Students who apply must write an essay on their aspirations and educational goals. Selection is based on the essay, grades, school activities and community involvement.
For more information, or to apply, visit https://www.sccounties.org/scac-scholarship-programs.
SCAC is a nonprofit and nonpartisan organization dedicated to improving county government in South Carolina. It is governed by a Board of Directors composed of county officials from across the state and works to empower its members through advocacy, education and collaboration. It has awarded scholarships to students across South Carolina since 1998. Learn more at www.sccounties.org.
Wayne Brothers grows South Carolina footprint with new operation in Colleton County
$35.5 million investment will create 170 new jobs
COLUMBIA, S.C. – Wayne Brothers, a Design-Build specialty contractor, today announced it is growing its South Carolina footprint with a new office and operations center in Colleton County. The company’s $35.5 million investment will create 170 new jobs.
With almost 40 years of construction and engineering experience, Wayne Brothers offers turnkey concrete, civil and infrastructure, and industrial contracting to customers throughout the Southeast. Headquartered in North Carolina, the company also has offices in Tennessee and currently operates a regional office at the Colleton County construction site.
“Wayne Brothers’ expansion into Colleton County with a $35.5 million investment and the creation of 170 new jobs is a powerful demonstration of their continued confidence in South Carolina as a place they can thrive,” said S.C. Gov. Henry McMaster. “This new facility will strengthen the region’s economy and further solidify our state as a prime destination for businesses seeking success. We look forward to seeing the positive impact Wayne Brothers’ will continue to have on our state.” Wayne Brothers’ new facility, located at 101 Venture Way in Walterboro, will serve as a regional office and operations center, including several divisions from engineering to fabrication.
“We are proud to have Wayne Brothers flourishing in our region, where each of the 170 new jobs will provide an opportunity for a better quality of life for a family,” SouthernCarolina Alliance President and CEO Danny Black. “Colleton County offers a great location on I-95 for reaching the entire Southeast, and we believe Wayne Brothers’ investment here will lead to continued growth for the company. We are grateful to Wayne Brothers for creating a great holiday announcement and a bright new year in the SCA region.” Operations are expected to be online in the first quarter of 2025. Individuals interested in joining the Wayne Brothers team should visit the company’s careers page.The Coordinating Council for Economic Development awarded a $750,000 Rural Infrastructure Fund grant to Colleton County to assist with the costs of real property improvements.
Yemassee Police Department hosts Shop With a Cop
The Town of Yemassee and the Yemassee Police Department kicked off its annual Shop with a Cop event earlier this month, and this year’s event brought smiles, warm hearts and even a parade.
“This tradition brings joy, warmth, and unforgettable memories to our community,” stated the town’s newsletter. “Starting with a festive parade from the Yemassee Town Hall, we went down to the train station before heading to Love’s Travel Stop for a hearty breakfast at Hardee’s. We spread holiday cheer with our lights and sirens! Many of you waved at the kids, making them the true stars of the day. Your support helps make events like this possible and brings smiles to many in our community.”
Hilton Head Fire Rescue offers citizens cold weather safety tips
As chilly temperatures continue to move through the lowcountry, including Hilton Head, Hilton Head Island Fire Rescue wants to remind everyone to stay warm and safe with these important heating tips!
Did you know 1 in every 7 home fires involve heating equipment? Let’s work together to prevent fires and stay cozy the smart way:
✔️ Have your chimney and vents inspected and cleaned by a qualified professional every year.
✔️ Never use an oven or stovetop to heat your home.
✔️ Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet away from heat sources like space heaters and fireplaces.
✔️ Only plug one heating appliance into an outlet at a time to avoid overloading circuits.