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$225 million investment will create at least 125 new jobs
COLUMBIA, S.C. – Hampton Lumber, a producer of sustainable building materials, today announced it selects Allendale County to establish the company’s first sawmill on the East Coast. The company’s $225 million investment will create at least 125 new jobs.
Headquartered in Oregon, Hampton Lumber is a fourth-generation, family-owned producer of high-quality wood products sourced from sustainably managed forest resources. Operating nine sawmills in Oregon, Washington and British Columbia, Canada, the company markets and sells building materials worldwide.
Hampton Lumber will construct a state-of-the-art, 375,000-square-foot lumber mill located at Highway 321 and Barker Mill Pond Road in Fairfax. The new operation will specialize in producing quality Southern Yellow Pine framing lumber.
Operations are expected to be online in 2027. Individuals interested in joining the Hampton Lumber can learn more about employment opportunities on the company’s careers page.
The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits related to the project.
QUOTES
“The enthusiastic, heartfelt support from the state and local community helped us come to the conclusion that this is the right location for us. We’re happy to join the healthy wood products industry already present in the region, and we look forward to building partnerships in the area and supporting the communities in and around Allendale County. We are extremely grateful to the state of South Carolina, and the county and community partners who helped make this project possible.” -Hampton Lumber CEO Randy Schillinger
“Hampton Lumber’s new operation in Allendale County will be a notable addition to our state’s forestry industry, while also providing opportunities for our people and contributing to the local economy. We are proud the company recognized South Carolina as the ideal home for its first East Coast mill and look forward to supporting its success in our state.” -Gov. Henry McMaster
“Today’s announcement underscores the impressive strength and potential of South Carolina’s rural communities. By investing and bringing new jobs to Allendale County, Hampton Lumber is poised to have a lasting impact in the region, and we are thrilled to welcome the company to our state’s business community.” -Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III
“I’m pleased to welcome Hampton Lumber to South Carolina’s agribusiness cluster. This investment will benefit not only our state’s timber farmers but will also offer quality jobs in a largely rural and agricultural part of the state.” -Commissioner of Agriculture Hugh Weathers
“Hampton Lumber’s decision to establish its first East Coast facility in South Carolina reflects confidence in our sustainably managed forests – now holding more timber than ever – and the strength of our world-class workforce. This new investment brings a welcome boost to the industry and to communities that rely on forestry for economic opportunity.” -State Forester Scott Phillips
“Allendale County is proud to welcome Hampton Lumber, and we appreciate their investment in our community. Each of the 125 jobs created will provide a brighter future for families in our area, and Allendale County looks forward to supporting Hampton Lumber for years to come.” -Allendale County Council Chairman Bill Robinson
“SouthernCarolina Alliance salutes Hampton Lumber for choosing Allendale County to establish their first East Coast operation, which will be a great addition to the growing forest product industry in the region. We appreciate the 125 jobs and investment this operation will bring to the region, as well as the opportunities it will provide in fueling our area’s economy.” -SouthernCarolina Alliance Chairman Marty Sauls
“The town of Fairfax welcomes Hampton Lumber to our community, and we look forward to working with the company as they prosper and grow their business here in Allendale County. We thank Hampton Lumber for their commitment to bringing 125 new jobs to our local community.” -Fairfax Mayor Albert “Butch” Sauls
FIVE FAST FACTS
Hampton Lumber selects Allendale County to establish its first East Coast operation.
The company’s $225 million investment will create at least 125 new jobs.
Hampton Lumber is a producer of sustainable building materials.
The company will be located at Highway 321 and Barker Mill Pond Road in Fairfax, S.C.
Individuals interested in joining the Hampton Lumber team should visit the company’s careers page.
Meals on Wheels of Summerville Embarks on a New Chapter at the Little Blue House
Community Invited to Support Renovations Through Matching Campaign Celebrating More Than 43 Years of Service
SUMMERVILLE, S.C. — As demand for home-delivered meals continues to rise in the Lowcountry, Meals on Wheels of Summerville is preparing for a major expansion, including a move to a new headquarters that will help meet the growing needs of the community. The nonprofit, which has operated out of St. Paul’s Summerville Anglican Church for more than 43 years, will soon relocate to the Little Blue House at 118 W. 3rd South Street—a property generously offered by Bethany United Methodist Church.
Renovations to the Little Blue House are almost underway and will include a fully upgraded commercial kitchen and improved infrastructure to support future growth. The project is being led by Gilbert & Lee Construction LLC, with design plans from Eric Epstein of Epstein Architecture. While renovations will take time, a community unveiling and ribbon-cutting celebration is planned for fall 2025.
“This is a monumental step for Meals on Wheels of Summerville,” said Crystal Bovell, Executive Director. “We are overflowing with gratitude to St. Paul’s for giving us a home to establish a strong foundation of community support. Because of their commitment, we’ve been able to grow in ways we never imagined. Now, thanks to Bethany and the incredible generosity of our supporters, we can dream even bigger. This new space will allow us to serve more people, more efficiently, and continue showing up for our neighbors in meaningful ways.”
To support the renovation and expansion, a generous anonymous donor has committed a $55,000 matching gift. In celebration of more than 43 years of service, Meals on Wheels of Summerville will launch a Matching Campaign beginning June 28, running through July 31, with every dollar raised matched up to $55,000. Contributions will directly fund kitchen upgrades, new equipment, and essential building enhancements.
“This partnership with Meals on Wheels made perfect sense,” said David Powell, of Bethany United Methodist Church, who was instrumental in facilitating the property transfer. Through Bethany’s Light On A Hill Foundation, the church hopes to identify and collaborate with local nonprofit organizations like Meals On Wheels in meaningful, transformative partnerships that will benefit and bless the citizens of the greater Summerville area and beyond,” said Powell.
Meals on Wheels of Summerville has signed a lease agreement with Bethany that allows the organization to rent the facility for just $1 per year, a remarkable opportunity that ensures more resources can be invested directly in meal production, delivery logistics, and care for homebound neighbors. Meals on Wheels of Summerville’s executive chef will lead meal preparation and distribution from the new kitchen, working alongside a dedicated staff and a committed network of more than 250 volunteers.
With the need for services continuing to rise and costs escalating, this move comes at a critical time. The new facility will allow Meals on Wheels of Summerville to maintain the quality and consistency that homebound neighbors depend on, while positioning the organization for sustainable growth in the years ahead.
ABOUT MEALS ON WHEELS OF SUMMERVILLE
Founded in 1982, Meals on Wheels of Summerville stands as a beacon of support for the Summerville community, addressing issues of hunger and isolation. The organization’s mission is to provide nourishing meals and compassionate companionship to individuals facing challenges such as limited mobility or isolation. Operating in the Summerville area and receiving no government funding, Meals on Wheels of Summerville is committed to enhancing the quality of life for its residents. Beyond meal delivery, the organization runs specialized programs, such as Animeals, ensuring that both the nutritional needs of individuals and their beloved pets are met. For more information, visit mowsummerville.org or call 843.873.8224.
Purchase of 55-room riverfront property part of collaboration with Middleton Place Foundation designed top reserve and elevate Middleton Place National Historic Landmark – America’s oldest landscaped gardens
(CHARLESTON, SC – June 28, 2025) – Bennett Hospitality, owned by renowned Charleston hotelier and businessman Michael Bennett, today acquired The Inn at Middleton Place from Middleton Place Foundation. Together, with his family, Bennett purchased the 55-room property, which is perched on a bluff overlooking the AshleyRiver neighboring Middleton Place National Historic Landmark – home to the oldest landscaped gardens in America and one of the Charleston area’s most visited historic sites.
One of the Lowcountry’s most treasured works of modern architecture, The Inn originally opened in 1987, won theAmerican Institute of Architecture’s highest awards and catapulted architect WG Clark to national prominence. Intentionally designed to blend seamlessly within its pristine natural environment, it offers spacious rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows. Guests receive complimentary access to Middleton Place and its stunning gardens, connected by a riverfront walkway, and which were envisioned by Henry Middleton in 1741 to reflect the grand classic style that remained in vogue in Europe and England into the early part of the 18th century.
“I am honored and humbled for the trust that the Middleton Place Foundation board has placed in me as we undertake this exciting endeavor,” said Michael Bennett, who was born and raised in Charleston. “Middleton Place isa national treasure, and my family and I take the stewardship of The Inn at Middleton Place very seriously,” “We areextremely proud that The Inn will remain locally owned and welcoming for the entire Charleston community and beyond.”
Historic sites across the country have faced unprecedented challenges in the wake of the pandemic. Over the past year, the Middleton Place Foundation Board of Trustees has carefully explored opportunities to secure the long-termsustainability of the historic site. This new partnership strengthens the Foundation’s ability to deliver on its coremission – education, preservation, and research – while entrusting hospitality operations to respected partners who share its values.
We were seeking a partnership that would both preserve Middleton Place and take it into the future,” said Mike Laughlin, Board of Trustees Chair, Middleton Place Foundation. “Middleton Place is not just a historic site; it is a national treasure. The Foundation remains deeply committed to its mission. With this partnership, we are ensuring that its powerful stories and its beauty endure – not just today, but for generations to come.”
Located a short drive from historic downtown Charleston, Middleton Place welcomes more than 100,000 visitors annually. Through authentic, immersive experiences led by interpretive guides, artisan craftspeople, and educators, itencourages all who visit to deepen their understanding of American history. The historic landmark has a history spanning three centuries of one family – with one member being a signer of the Declaration of Independence – and tells the essential stories and contributions of over 3,200 enslaved people who lived and labored on Middleton properties. Today Middleton Place encompasses 110 acres and, in addition to including America’s oldest landscaped gardens, also features a house museum, stable yards, and Eliza’s House – an African American freedman’s dwelling.
At The Inn at Middleton Place, Bennett Hospitality will again collaborate with Salamander Collection, which manages numerous acclaimed properties in the US and Caribbean, including the highly decorated Hotel Bennett on King Street in Charleston which is owned by the Bennett family. In addition to operating The Inn, Salamander will also assume management of the Restaurant at Middleton Place and The Pavilion meeting space.
“We are thrilled to work with the Bennett family again in such a culturally significant setting, while also engaging closely with the Middleton Place Foundation,” said Salamander Collection Founder and CEO Sheila Johnson. “We are excited to introduce our many Salamander loyalists to this unique Lowcountry setting and look forward to working with the Inn’s team to further elevate the guest experience.”
The collaboration between the three groups is grounded in a shared commitment to ensuring that MiddletonPlace continues to engage, educate, and inspire generations to come. The collective goals are to welcome a new generation of visitors, enhance the visitor experience, and advance the Foundation’s mission to preserve and interpret the rich and complex history of Middleton Place.
“Michael Bennett and Sheila Johnson bring stellar reputations in the hospitality industry – and just as importantly,they bring values that align deeply with our own,” said Dana Hand Evans, President and CEO of Middleton Place Foundation. “Sheila Johnson’s lifelong commitment to inclusion across business, sports, hospitality and culture resonates strongly with our mission. With Bennett Hospitality and Salamander Collection, we are ensuring thatMiddleton Place remains a place of learning, reflection, and stewardship for generations to come.”
Bennett Hospitality, founded by Charleston native Michael R. Bennett, is the largest locally owned real estate and hospitality company in Charleston, South Carolina. Michael’s entrepreneurial roots trace back to 1977 when he launched Free Wheelin’, a bicycle and moped rental business, while still in college. This early venture sparked a lifelong passion for business and development, leading him to purchase and renovate his first building in 1980. His love for revitalizing historic structures and developing new properties culminated in the formation of Bennett Hospitality,a full-service company with holdings that span hotels, restaurants, and commercial buildings across Charleston, Savannah, Florida, and Montana. Among his most notable accomplishments is the creation of Hotel Bennett, a luxury hotel on Marion Square in Charleston that opened in 2019 after more than two decades of planning. Built on the former site of the Charleston County Library, the hotel exemplifies Michael’s commitment to architectural elegance,historic preservation, and Lowcountry charm. Guided by strong family values, Michael names several of his establishments—including Hotel Bennett and Virginia’s on King—in honor of his parents, promoting a culture ofgenuine hospitality where every guest is treated like family. Through his work, Michael Bennett has played a vital rolein Charleston’s economic growth and cultural preservation, establishing himself as a visionary leader in the industry. For additional information, visit www.BennettHospitality.com.
About Middleton Place Foundation
In 1974, Charles H. P. Duell founded Middleton Place Foundation to safeguard the legacy of the Middleton Place National Historic Landmark. The Foundation, a public 501(c)3 non-profit educational trust, seeks to connect peoplewith the past to inspire a better future through a deeper understanding of American history. In fulfillment of this mission,the Foundation preserves and operates Middleton National Historic Landmark and the historic Edmondston-AlstonHouse, located on the harbor in Charleston’s historic High Battery. The Foundation also sponsors the Middleton Scholars Education Assistance Fund, which awards higher education scholarships to benefit the Middleton PlaceAfrican American descendant community. In 2022, Middleton Place Foundation staff and Board of Trustees engaged landscape architect Thomas Woltz and his team at Nelson Byrd Woltz to begin working on a Comprehensive Landscape Plan for Middleton Place Foundation. The plan, funded by Orville Gordon Browne Foundation Inc., in honor of Christopher H. Browne, and the Bessent-Freeman Family Foundation, provides a roadmap for MiddletonPlace for the next 50 years.
About Salamander Collection
Salamander Collection is privately owned and operated, and based in Middleburg, VA, just outside Washington, D.C. Founded by entrepreneur Sheila Johnson, it has a luxury portfolio featuring the triple Forbes Five-Star Salamander Middleburg, an equestrian-inspired property in the Virginia countryside; Salamander Washington DC, an elegant and recently enhanced hotel located along the capital’s vibrant Southwest waterfront; Half Moon, the storied resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica, featuring three distinct experiences including the acclaimed Eclipse; Aspen Meadows Resort, which features sweeping views in Aspen, CO’s west end and newly renovated Herbert Bayer-inspired accommodations; Hotel Bennett, a spectacular grand hotel in Charleston, SC, overlooking the city’s historic Marion Square; The Inn at Middleton Place in Charleston, SC, overlooking the Ashley River and adjacent to the famedMiddleton Place gardens; Innisbrook Resort in the St. Petersburg/Clearwater area, which hosts the PGA TOUR’s Valspar Championship each year on its famed Copperhead Course; and PGA National, the iconic golf destination in Palm Beach Gardens, FL, which recently underwent a $100 million enhancement and hosts the PGA TOUR’s Cognizant Classic each year on its renowned Champion Course. www.SalamanderHotels.com.
COLUMBIA, S.C. – Davis Defense Group, Inc. (DDG), a defense contracting company, today announced it is expanding its operations in Charleston County. The company’s $100,000 investment will support 30 new jobs.
Founded in 2002, DDG is a family-owned company providing cutting-edge mission solutions that serve programs critical to national security. The company’s North Charleston office currently supports the Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) Atlantic and the U.S. Marine Corps.
DDG is expanding into a larger office space, located at 2456 Remount Road in North Charleston, to support future growth and contracts.
Operations are already online. Individuals interested in joining the DDG team should visit the company’s careers page.
QUOTES
“Davis Defense Group, Inc. is pleased to grow our presence in Charleston with the opening of our new, expanded office space. Our team has proudly supported NIWC-LANT and the Marine Corps in Charleston for over five years, and this new facility reflects our commitment to the region’s growing defense sector. With an excellent reputation for world-class service in command, control, communications, computers, cyber-defense, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C5ISR) systems support, DDG has formed long-lasting partnerships with our customers, teammates and employees. We are excited to create new connections as we continue to expand our footprint in Charleston County.” -Davis Defense Group, Inc. CEO Kristi Wilder
“Today’s announcement by Davis Defense Group, Inc. strongly reflects the company’s confidence in South Carolina and our talented workforce. We celebrate DDG’s partnership and commitment to creating new jobs in the Charleston County community.” -Gov. Henry McMaster
“Davis Defense Group, Inc.’s decision to expand in South Carolina and further invest in our people is reason to celebrate. We proudly support DDG’s growth in the Lowcountry and congratulate the company on this expansion which will allow it to continue to support the defense industry.” -Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III
“This investment and the creation of 30 new jobs are invaluable contributions to our community’s economic success and further strengthen the Charleston region’s role in safeguarding our nation.” -Charleston County Council Chairman Rev. Dr. Kylon Jerome Middleton
FIVE FAST FACTS
Davis Defense Group, Inc. (DDG) is expanding its operations in Charleston County.
The company’s $100,000 investment will support 30 new jobs.
DDG is a defense contracting company.
The company’s new facility is located at 2456 Remount Road in North Charleston, S.C.
Individuals interested in joining the DDG team should visit the company’s careers page.
Clemson, South Carolina – The South Carolina Office of Resilience (SCOR) is proud to partner with Clemson University to develop and implement an innovative water sensor system as part of the Clemson Intelligent River program. This project will help alert the public and emergency officials to flood events. Currently, the team is undertaking a pilot project to install 125 sensors in the Upper Savannah and Saluda watersheds between May and December 2025.
The Intelligent River BridgeBox™ system consists of small, 5-by-6-inch boxes mounted on bridges and other structures. These devices provide real-time water level information and supplement U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) gauges, offering a more comprehensive view of flood impacts from extreme weather and water volume estimates during dry periods.
This technology uses internet-connected devices to monitor water levels and stream data to a cloud-based system. The system can determine accurate water levels using a radar sensor. It typically measures water level every 6 minutes, with each box having a battery life of more than 2 years.
With these instruments providing live data, the team will be able to take measurements during rain events to better understand known flooding issues in the region.
This project aligns with SCOR’s mission to lessen the impact of disasters on the communities and citizens of South Carolina by enhancing the data used to understand hazard risks. The 2023 Strategic Statewide Resilience and Risk Reduction Plan (Resilience Plan) recommends multiple forms of investment in information infrastructure that will inform and improve water planning, flood forecasting, and flood frequency estimates. For the Intelligent River BridgeBox™ system, SCOR has contributed a $300,000 grant.
SCOR Data Coordination Manager Bryan Rabon explains, “The BridgeBox™ project aligns closely with the Strategic Statewide Resilience and Risk Reduction Plan data recommendations by addressing the need for improved, high-resolution hydrological monitoring across watersheds. By deploying BridgeBox™ units, this initiative enhances the spatial density of water level data, supplementing the existing USGS network and directly supporting the recommendation for expanding data to inform modeling and resilience planning.”
Developed by Christopher Post, Clemson professor of environmental information science, and Syed Mohammad Ovais, Intelligent River head engineer, the sensor systems can, in addition to alerting flood conditions from bridges, be used for road, tidal, and reservoir monitoring.
“This system is designed to enable the deployment of thousands of water level sensors to support the critical USGS gauge network,” Post says. “The sensors will provide publicly available information on flood events and water levels to inform environmental conservation and economic development.”
Post further elaborates “this data will also help validate flood models and improve understanding of extreme weather impacts.”
Ultimately, this initiative will increase resilience in the area, which SCOR defines as the ability of communities, economies, and ecosystems to anticipate, absorb, recover, and thrive when presented with environmental change and natural hazards.
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About SCOR: The South Carolina Office of Resilience (SCOR) is committed to enhancing the state’s ability to anticipate, absorb, recover, and thrive when presented with environmental changes and natural hazards by planning and coordinating statewide resilience, long-term disaster recovery, and hazard mitigation. In addition to serving 3,459 homes in our Disaster Recovery Program, SCOR has 81 active flood mitigation projects, including voluntary buyouts, stormwater infrastructure, and plans and studies, across the State. SCOR continues to implement and maintain the Strategic Statewide Resilience and Risk Reduction Plan, which provides a framework to guide investment in projects, programs, and policies to protect the people and property of South Carolina from the damage and destruction of extreme weather events.
The Supreme Court on Thursday allowed South Carolina to bar Planned Parenthood’s access to federal Medicaid funding for non-abortion services. The decision allows states to ban the organization from getting Medicaid reimbursements for cancer screenings and other care not related to abortion.
At issue was a provision of the federal Medicaid law that guarantees Medicaid patients the ability to choose their doctors, or in the words of the statute, they are entitled to “any qualified and willing provider.” South Carolina, however, maintained that it could disqualify Medicaid providers for “any reason that state law allows.” Or as Gov. Henry McMaster, a Republican, put it, “Taxpayers should not be forced to subsidize abortion providers who are in direct opposition to their beliefs.”
On Thursday, the Supreme Court — by a 6-3 vote along ideological lines — agreed.
Justice Neil Gorsuch, writing for the court majority, said that regardless of the words in the statute, the law does not “clearly and unambiguously” provide individuals the right to sue to enforce the “any qualified provider” measure, as Congress didn’t specifically authorize such suits.
“Though it is rare enough for any statute to confer an enforceable right, spending-power statutes like Medicaid are especially unlikely to do so,” he wrote. And he wrote that allowing someone to sue over one aspect of Medicaid plan requirements could also open the door to a flood of lawsuits over other requirements.
Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, writing for the dissenting liberal justices, described the case as a civil rights issue, saying citizens have the right to sue over deprivation of rights.
South Carolina is evading its liability “for violating the rights of its Medicaid recipients to choose their own doctors,” she wrote.
Dispute over who is a “qualified” provider
Since 1976, federal law has prohibited using federal Medicaid funding for abortion services with limited exceptions for rape, incest and life-threatening complications. But the Medicaid program reimburses “any qualified medical provider” for non-abortion services, and in South Carolina, a state with a shortage of primary care providers, Planned Parenthood South Atlantic has long provided routine medical services for low-income residents — including physical exams and cancer screenings.
When the governor removed the clinics from the state’s Medicaid roster, the clinics sued, arguing that Medicaid patients should be able to choose their own health care providers, “including those who provide abortion.”
They won, not once but repeatedly. Lower courts ruled that Planned Parenthood South Carolina is qualified to provide Medicaid services, and that since they are willing to provide those services, patients have a right to seek them out. Blocking the governor’s order, the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals required South Carolina to include Planned Parenthood in its Medicaid program, granting residents the right to choose their health care providers.
The Supreme Court reversed that decision on Thursday.
The court’s decision comes at an important time for Planned Parenthood, which is facing financial difficulties nationwide — NPR reports that Planned Parenthood has closed at least 34 clinics since last year. And in Congress there is pending federal legislation that, if passed, would eliminate all federal funding for Planned Parenthood.
From the award-winning owner of Spice Palette, Rivayat brings coastal Indian cuisine to Charleston — rooted in heritage and inspired by local seafood.
Charleston, SC — A bold new addition to Charleston’s culinary scene is on the horizon: Rivayat, a coastal-inspired Indian restaurant, is set to open in downtown Charleston later this summer. Created by Sujith Varghese, the award-winningrestaurateur behind Mount Pleasant’s Spice Palette, Rivayat will offer a refined, seafood-forward take on the vibrant cuisines of India’s coastal regions.
The menu at Rivayat will draw particular inspiration from Kerala, Sujith’s home state in southern India, known for its bold spices, coconut-rich curries, and proximity to the sea. Growing up, Sujith spent summers visiting his father’s home on the backwaters ofKerala, where freshly caught seafood like fish and shrimp were prepared daily, forming the foundation of their family meals.
“Rivayat is a love letter to the coastal flavors I grew up with — dishes that are modern, memorable, and deeply rooted in tradition,”says owner Sujith. ““Charleston’s growing love for global cuisine – paired with its incredible access to fresh, local seafood – makes itthe perfect place to bring this next chapter to life.”
Rivayat will feature a curated selection of dishes that reflect the layered diversity of Indian cuisine, with a strong emphasis on coastal traditions. Guests can expect to find South Indian staples, North Indian favorites, and bold new interpretations that highlight thebounty of Charleston’s waters. The restaurant will also debut a thoughtfully crafted cocktail program designed to complement its spice-forward menu.
The restaurant has undergone a complete renovation to reflect a coastal-meets-modern aesthetic, blending natural textures, warmtones, and Indian-inspired accents to create a space that feels both inviting and elevated.
Located in the heart of downtown Charleston (210 Rutledge Ave), Rivayat is expected to open in late summer 2025. The restaurant will be open for lunch and dinner six days a week. Follow along on Instagram at@rivayat_chs for opening updates, soft launchdetails, and a behind-the-scenes look at the journey leading up to opening day.
About the Owner
Sujith Varghese is a New York native and hospitality entrepreneur with deep Indian roots. His parents, originally from India, own and operate an Indian grocery store in New York, where Sujith was immersed in the ingredients, aromas, and traditions of Indian cooking from an early age. His culinary perspective was further shaped by childhood visits to Kerala, where meals centered around freshly caught seafood and vibrant, home-cooked flavors.
After relocating to South Carolina, Sujith opened Spice Palette in Mount Pleasant, which quickly earned acclaim — including the title of Best Indian Restaurant in Charleston. With Rivayat, he returns to those coastal roots, blending tradition and innovation in a refined new concept.
Lowcountry Land Trust & Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission Expands Recreation and Restores Waterway Access on Johns Island
Protection of 66-acre property responds to community needs while preserving forestland, fields, and water quality for future generations
Charleston, SC, June 25, 2025 – Lowcountry Land Trust, a nonprofit committed to preserving Lowcountry landscapes and waterways for current and future generations, is proud to announce the recent permanent protection of 66 acres on Johns Island. This project marks a crucial step toward restoring the community’s historic access to the water while preserving the area’s natural beauty and ecological health. The property will eventually become a county park managed for public use by the Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission(CCPRC). The project will provide water access and historical and cultural interpretation. It will also protect the surrounding forests and fields and preserve water quality.
In 2018, the Johns Island Community Conservation Initiative, funded by the Donnelley Foundation, identified a growing concern among island residents: decades of development had drastically reduced community access to waterways. Responding directly to this need, Lowcountry Land Trust secured this waterfront property and worked with CCPRC to transfer ownership while protecting the property forever with a conservation easement. The project was made possible through generous grants, a land donation, and other funding support from the South Carolina Conservation Bank, Charleston County Greenbelt Program, the Ceres Foundation, the Lowcountry Land Protection Capacity Fund, Gary McLaurin, and an anonymous supporter.
“We’re happy to welcome this property into the CCPRC family of parks and facilities,” said Phil Macchia, associate executive director of CCPRC. “This beautiful property offers the unique opportunity to enjoy water access, explore nature, and connect with Johns Island’s history. We look forward to working closely with our community to help shape the future of this park and the amenities it will offer.”
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“This acquisition reflects our commitment to listen and respond to community voices,” said Natalie Olson, Sea Islands program director at Lowcountry Land Trust. “We hope this project inspires the community to join us in protecting Johns Island’s rural heritage and natural resources. With this project, the Angel Oak Preserve, and the recent acquisitions ofMain Road Park and Grayson Oaks, we are building a vibrant network of conserved lands that honor the island’s unique character and enhance residents’ connection to nature.”
Funding from the Ceres Foundation was provided in honor of the late forester Sam Carlton, a Johns Island resident, former Lowcountry Land Trust Board member, and trusted advisor to many conservation easement donors and other landowners. Sam’s humane spirit and dedication to the conservation and sound management of Lowcountry land will be memorialized at the future county park.
This conservation effort is part of a system of protected lands along an emerging paddling “blue trail” linking key existing and future paddling access sites such as the Sea Island Small Farmers Cooperative (a future county park), Holly Grove (a land expansion of Caw Caw Interpretive Center), and other locations along the Stono River and Rantowles Creek. Together, these properties form a network of preserved natural spaces that support recreation, water quality, and wildlife habitat.
“This effort represents exactly what the Conservation Bank was created to do by helping fund projects that protect a community’s ecological and historic features while expanding public access to the waterways by way of a new County Park,” said Raleigh West, director of the South Carolina Conservation Bank. “This is an investment in community resilience and the future of Johns Island.”
Stay connected by following @LowcountryLandTrust on social media and signing up for theiremail newsletter to receive the latest updates on conservation efforts and ways to get involved.
ABOUT LOWCOUNTRY LAND TRUST
Lowcountry Land Trust—a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization—permanently protects land throughout coastal South Carolina that is foundational to the area’s coastal ecosystem and residents’ quality of life. Having protected over 163,000 acres of land since its founding in 1986, Lowcountry Land Trust is one of the most impactful local land trusts in the United States. More information about Lowcountry Land Trust is available at www.lowcountrylandtrust.org.
in a statement on Instagram and Facebook, the team spoke to its loyal fans and customers saying:
”It is with a heavy heart that we announce the Palmetto Brewery taproom at 289 Huger Street’s last day will be Thursday, June 26, 2025.
After 32 unforgettable years, the time has come for us to say goodbye to our Charleston Taproom. Since opening our doors in 1993, we’ve had the immense honor of being more than just a place to grab a pint. We’ve been a gathering spot with countless memories made between friends, families, and neighbors.
To all who raised a glass with us, brought their out-of-town guests, celebrated milestones, or simply sat at the bar to unwind after a long day, we thank you. To all of our hard working employees past and present who have endured the hot struggle, you are the soul of this place and we thank you. We also want to thank everyone in our community for your continued support—through the ups and downs, the changing times, and most recently, the challenges that led us to this bitter outcome. Your belief in us, year after year, is what kept us going. We will never take that for granted. Thank you & cheers!”
With all our gratitude and love, The Palmetto Brewery Taproom & Staff
Your Favorite Disney Characters Return to North Charleston!
Disney On Ice presents Mickey’s Search Party Brings the Magic to Fans at the North Charleston Coliseum Through Innovative Technology and Transformative Performances from October 23-26
(NORTH CHARLESTON, SC – May 6, 2025) —Disney On IcepresentsMickey’s Search Partyis bringing the magic to guests through dynamic moments that take place on the ice and in the air. This adventure delivers compelling storytelling through multi-leveled production numbers so be prepared to join this magical search and help unlock an epic journey when Disney On Ice presents Mickey’s Search Party delivers an unforgettable experience at North Charleston Coliseum from October 23-26, 2025.
Ø Disney On Ice Preferred Customers can purchase advance tickets starting today to get the best seats available before tickets go on-sale to the general public on Tuesday, May 13. Fans can still sign up to become a Disney On Ice Preferred Customer and get exclusive access to the pre-sale offer code.
Join Mickey Mouse and his friends at Disney On Ice presents Mickey’s Search Party, an adventure filled with world-class skating, high-flying acrobatics and unexpected stunts! Look for clues in the search for Tinker Bell through immersive, fantastic worlds. Explore the colorful spirit realm of Coco, sail away with Moana as she bravely saves her island, see Belle in the sky as the enchanted chandelier comes to life, and sing-along with Elsa in the icy world of Frozen. Make memories during Aladdin, Toy Story and The Little Mermaid as the search party becomes an all-out celebration!
Embark on a quest with Mickey Mouse and pals as they follow Captain Hook’s treasure map for clues to find Tinker Bell after he attempts to capture her magic. Journey across the Marigold Bridge with Miguel from Disney Pixar’s Coco into the magnificent and mystical Land of the Dead and discover a vibrantly colorful performance with skeletons atop sway poles dancing over the audience in a beautiful cultural celebration of family. Travel to the wintry world of Arendelle and sing along with Elsa as video projection creates a kaleidoscope of crystals to help build her ice palace. Witness Belle lift into the sky as the enchanted chandelier comes to life high over the ice.
Demonstrate the power of teamwork when Buzz Lightyear, Woody and Jessie recruit the Green Army Men for a daring rescue in Andy’s room. Laugh hysterically as the hilarious pirates flip, tumble, and twist on tumble tracks, stilts and more in an effort to showcase their talents for Captain Hook. Sail away with Moana on her daring voyage across the ocean and bravely encounter the fiery wrath of Te Ka. And make memories with your whole family during Aladdin and The Little Mermaid as the search party becomes an all-out celebration.
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