Touchdown for Every Fan: The Interactive, Personalized Journey Through the The Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta, GA

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By Mark A Leon

The Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta stands as a vibrant, state-of-the-art tribute to the legends and traditions of college football, offering an immersive experience unlike any other sports museum. 

Since its grand opening in August 2014, the Hall has redefined what it means to celebrate the game, blending rich history with cutting-edge technology to create a destination that captivates fans of all ages.

Interactive Experience

At the heart of the College Football Hall of Fame is its commitment to interactivity. The 94,000-square-foot facility boasts over 50 interactive exhibits spread across three floors and five themed galleries. Visitors can step onto a 47-yard indoor football field to test their passing, kicking, and running skills, or marvel at the three-story wall displaying over 750 college football helmets—a visual spectacle that pays homage to every program in the nation.

Recent upgrades have introduced AI-driven experiences that put fans directly into the action. The “GAME ON!” initiative leverages generative AI to personalize each visit: guests begin with a photographic face scan and answer questions about their favorite teams, rivals, and dream positions.


The Hall’s technology then customizes content throughout the museum, inserting visitors into video narratives, digital displays, and even stadium flyovers. Whether posing with the Heisman Trophy, seeing themselves as a historic coach, or watching their likeness on the field’s JumboTron, fans become the stars of their own college football story.

Other interactive highlights include the ESPN College GameDay desk, where guests can try their hand at sports broadcasting, and the Fight Song Karaoke booth, inviting fans to belt out their team’s anthem. The Coca-Cola Tailgate Throwdown offers trivia challenges, while the Microsoft Gaming Lounge lets visitors relive classic NCAA Football 14 on Xbox.


History of the Sport

The College Football Hall of Fame was established in 1951 by the National Football Foundation to immortalize the greatest players and coaches in the sport’s history. Its inaugural class included legends like Red Grange, Knute Rockne, and Jim Thorpe, setting a standard of excellence that continues today. Over its storied history, the Hall has called several cities home—Kings Mills, Ohio; South Bend, Indiana; and, since 2014, Atlanta—where it serves as a major hub for college football culture.

With over 5.7 million individuals having played or coached college football, induction into the Hall is an elite distinction: only about 1,100 players and 237 coaches have earned the honor, representing just 0.02% of all participants. The museum’s exhibits chronicle the evolution of the game, from its origins in 1869 to the present day, celebrating milestones, rivalries, and the values of integrity, perseverance, and teamwork.


Celebration of the Fan Experience

The Hall of Fame is more than a museum—it’s a celebration of the passion and pageantry that define college football fandom. Special exhibits like the “Georgia Natural Gas Heated Rivalries” explore the intense traditions and animosities that fuel the sport’s most storied matchups. The “Southern Company Celebrating HBCUs” exhibit highlights the profound impact Historically Black Colleges and Universities have had on the sport and society at large.

The museum’s layout and programming are designed to make every visitor at any age feel like they’re part of the action, whether they’re lifelong fans or new to the college football world.

Customized Fan Experience

The College Football Hall of Fame is a pioneer in personalized museum experiences. Each visitor receives an All-Access Pass powered by RFID technology, which unlocks exclusive content and tailors exhibits to their favorite teams and interests. As guests move through the galleries, digital displays greet them by name, offer customized trivia, and display team-specific highlights. The AI-driven “GAME ON!” experience takes this personalization even further, allowing fans to see themselves as part of the sport’s greatest moments and legends.

Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual observer, the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta delivers an unforgettable journey through the heart and soul of college football—where history, technology, and fandom collide in a celebration of greatness.

Butter Expands to Charleston, SC, Bringing Hollywood-Caliber Production and CTV commercial expertise to the Southeast

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Butter opens new Charleston office, bringing Hollywood-level commercial production to the Southeast and tapping into top local talent and brands.

CHARLESTON, SC, UNITED STATES /EINPresswire.com/ — Butter, founded on story-driven high-end brand films and cinematic commercials, has announced the opening of a new office in Charleston, South Carolina a bold move that brings Hollywood-Veteran talent to the heart of the Southeast.

Led by Commercial Director, Justin Allen and Head of Production Ashley Williams Allen the Charleston office represents Butter’s next strategic leap, placing the company at the center of one of the country’s fastest growing creative hubs. With deep roots in tourism, hospitality, and entertainment, Charleston is more than a postcard-perfect city it’s a hidden gem of production, home to some of the most talented filmmakers, editors, and crew in the United States.


“Charleston is an extraordinary city visually stunning, culturally rich, and creatively electric,” said Ashley Williams Allen, a 20-year television veteran whose credits include The Bachelor, Dancing with the Stars, and America’s Got Talent. “What excites me most is tapping into the remarkable production talent that already exists here. Charleston may not always be the first city mentioned in national production circles, but it absolutely should be. The depth of skill and artistry we’ve found in the Holy City rivals any coastal market.”

Butter has long been known for its stunning brand films for global hospitality clients like Loews Hotels, Shangri-La Resorts, and Accor. Under Justin Allen’s leadership, the company recently expanded into high production-value CTV and broadcast commercials for brands like Bearded Crew, Rev FCU, Swyft Filings, Shelter Insurance, and Chesterfield Auto parts, a portfolio now poised to grow on the east coast.

“Opening in Charleston isn’t just about geography it’s about access,” said Justin Allen, a seasoned commercial director and former film and tv producer.. “At Butter, we’ve taken decades of experience in film and television production and used it to build a broadcast-quality content creation model delivered by a lean crew of just 6 to 10. This streamlined approach opens the door for small and mid-sized businesses to advertise on TV while maintaining high production value at a fraction of the historic broadcast production cost.”


Charleston’s booming hospitality industry, vibrant local businesses, and rich cultural heritage make it an ideal backdrop for the kind of authentic, cinematic storytelling Butter is known for. With this new location, Butter aims to collaborate with local brands while also attracting national campaigns eager to film in Charleston’s iconic streets and coastal landscapes.

ABOUT BUTTER
Butter is a high end production company specializing in CTV and Broadcast commercials and branded content for lifestyle, hospitality, and consumer brands. With offices in Los Angeles and Charleston, Butter brings together Hollywood-level creativity and Southern heart to deliver premium content that performs.

To learn more about Butter and view recent work, visit https://butter.la.
To connect with Justin, find him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-allen-2988a630/

Source: EIN Presswire

The Day the Music Died (Temporarily) – The Commodore in Charleston, SC will be closed for a few weeks starting June 23, 2025

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in a statement on Instagram and Facebook, The Commodore music vendue in downtown Charleston announced they will be closed for a few week starting June 23, 2025 for necessary repairs.

Official Statement

”For those who may be unaware – The Commodore will be undergoing necessary maintenance and repairs starting Monday, June 23rd. During this time we will be closed for several weeks. We understand that there’s no good time to pause hearing Charleston’s favorite live musicians, we apologize for the inconvenience and we’ll be sure to keep you informed of the reopening date as soon as possible.
That being said, be sure to come out and support our local musicians this weekend! We’ve got DJ Dougie opening up for Liz Kelley tonight, Jerry Feels Good opening up for Take the Lead on Saturday, and Purple Magnolia on Sunday.
We can’t wait to see you at the grand reopening party! Stay tuned for information and updates.”

Charleston, SC based Propperly Launches: The First App with a Property-Focused Approach

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Charleston, SC– June 19, 2025 – Today marks the official launch of Propperly, a transformative new app designed to simplify and streamline the way properties are managed, shared, and cared for. Built for homeowners, property managers, and real estate professionals, Propperly puts all the crucial information about a property right at your fingertips—saving time, reducing stress, and protecting the value of every home.

With individual property profiles that store essential details, shared to-do lists and calendars, contractor tracking, inventory management, and a secure document vault, Propperly is more than a management tool—it’s peace of mind in an app.

“We created Propperly to take the guesswork and frustration out of property ownership,” said Emily Fralinger, Founder of Propperly and Charleston local. “Whether you’re a homeowner juggling maintenance tasks, a property manager overseeing multiple units, or a realtor looking to add value for your clients, Propperly gives you a clear, organized, and secure way to keep everything together and on track.”

To celebrate the release of Propperly, prospective users were invited to experience the app in real time at the official launch event in beautiful downtown Charleston. Attendees had the opportunity to get hands-on with the software, see key features in action, andconnect directly with the team behind the innovation. From homeowners to property managers and real estate professionals, guests saw firsthand how Propperly brings clarity, structure, and confidence to property ownership.

Key Features of Propperly Include:

  • Individual Property Profiles – Centralize and store the important details of your properties.
  • Shared To-Do Lists and Calendars – Coordinate tasks, reminders, and appointments for each property.
  • Contractor Management – Store and manage property specific contractors
  • Inventory Tracking – Keep tabs on appliances, furnishings, every day items, and more.
  • Secure Document Vault – Store leases, warranties, receipts, and other key documents.
  • Transferable Profiles – Seamlessly pass property profiles to new owners or realtors during sales and transitions.

Designed for Every Kind of Property Owner:

Propperly empowers homeowners to stay ahead of maintenance and protect their investment, gives property managers tools to streamline operations and communicate clearly, and helps realtors support clients with added value before and after the sale.

Available now on App Store, Google Play, and mypropperly.com, Propperly is the solution at your fingertips to managing real estate—whether it’s one home or a full portfolio.

About Propperly

Propperly is a property management platform built to eliminate the chaos and confusion of home and real estate upkeep. With aclean, intuitive interface and robust organizational tools, Propperly helps users manage smarter, save money, and make informed decisions with confidence.

Click HERE to watch a short introduction and tutorial video.

MUSC Health doubles down on patient access transformation with AI expansion

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MUSC Health doubles down on patient access transformation with Notable 

Now in the fourth year of their partnership, MUSC Health is expanding its use of Notable’s leading AI platform to advance its commitment to digital transformation

SAN MATEO, Calif. – Notable, the leading health care AI platform for transforming workforce productivity, today announced the expansion of its contract with MUSC Health, the integrated clinical arm of the Medical University of South Carolina, which serves patients through 16 hospitals, 350 telehealth sites and over 830 care locations across South Carolina.

As part of the expansion, Notable will integrate additional automated workflows to improve scheduling, voice notifications and revenue cycle functions, with additional features currently being tested for potential future integration. These expanded workflows support MUSC Health’s digital transformation initiatives and advance its commitment to using cutting-edge technologies to streamline business operations. 

“MUSC Health’s commitment to a culture that fosters new ideas and values innovation couldn’t be more aligned with Notable’s own core values,” said Pranay Kapadia, CEO of Notable. “From our first go-live four years ago to today, we have continued to set the bar higher – together. We are incredibly proud to contribute to advancing the MUSC Health mission of Changing What’s Possible in health care.”

“A successful partnership for MUSC Health goes well beyond technology; it also requires a deep understanding of health care operations and the ability to facilitate change management to drive the desired outcomes,” said Crystal Broj, chief Digital Transformation officer at MUSC Health. “Over the years with Notable, we have learned and grown together as one team, making strides in fulfilling our commitment to support our providers and staff. This expansion with Notable will continue to drive us forward in that transformation.”

Three years of improving patient outcomes 

MUSC Health and Notable began a strategic partnership in late 2021, united by a shared vision to harness the power of AI to reimagine the patient experience. The collaboration started with a focus on improving patient access and meeting patients where they are – leveraging automation for key functions like registration and intake, scheduling and addressing care gaps. The approach has been measured and thoughtful – starting with pilot projects in each area, learning from them and adapting before expanding further.

Now, building on that foundation, the long-term goal is to create an end-to-end, holistic experience. AI agents are beginning to take on more complex tasks, such as prior authorizations, with future plans to expand into areas like referral management and seamlessly integrated scheduling. As these capabilities evolve, the aim is to deliver a more connected, efficient, and patient-centered care journey.

Now in its fourth year, this partnership continues to deliver value to MUSC Health, specifically through: 

  • Improved patient experience: Through the use of Notable’s Front Desk AI Agent, MUSC Health averages 110,000 monthly digital registrations completed, enabling them to reallocate 5,000-plus staff hours per month to higher-value patient care tasks like addressing advanced questions, referrals and additional face-to-face engagement. This has helped to drive 98% patient satisfaction since the initial go-live. 
  • Improved patient engagement: Engaged patients are more likely to come to their scheduled appointments. Using Notable’s Call Center AI Agent and Front Desk AI Agent, MUSC Health has avoided 14,500 no-shows, reducing no-show rates by 7.6%. 
  • Improved health equity: MUSC Health has increased digital intake completion for Spanish-speaking patients by 30% by using Notable’s Front Desk AI Agent to deliver digital touchpoints in their preferred language.
  • Improved financial performance: Using Notable’s Front Desk AI Agent to automate the pre-visit process, MUSC Health has collected roughly 15% of its total co-pays without human interaction. 
  • Care gap closure: Through Notable’s Care Coordinator AI Agent and Call Center AI Agent, over 5,100 women completed MUSC Health’s care gap outreach experience. More than 1,100 mammograms were scheduled without staff involvement, and as a result, 122 patients were found to have abnormal mammogram results, which may not have been discovered otherwise. 

Using AI to address key challenges in health care 

Notable’s low-code platform, Flow Builder, uses AI Agents to perform work through automated flows on behalf of health care staff. AI Agents can automate routine workflows from start to finish, eliminating manual tasks like faxes, phone calls and data entry. Deploying AI Agents allows health care organizations to manage increased workloads without additional staffing, enabling patient volume growth while controlling costs. 

To learn more about how Notable can transform your organization with AI-powered automation, visit https://www.notablehealth.com/

About Notable

Deployed at over 12,000 sites of care, Notable is the leading healthcare AI Platform for transforming workforce productivity. Through Notable, millions of once-manual tasks are automated daily in a safe, secure, end-to-end AI Platform that optimizes workforce efficiency and productivity, cuts operational costs, eliminates fragmentation, and enhances the patient experience. From patient access and member enrollment to revenue cycle management and more, our AI Agents reduce administrative burdens so your staff, providers, and patients can focus on what matters most. Notable is backed by leading investors, including ICONIQ Growth, Greylock Partners, F-Prime, Oak HC/FT, Maverick Ventures, and 8VC. Find out why healthcare providers of all sizes, including Intermountain Health, Medical University of South Carolina, North Kansas City Hospital, and more, have joined Notable on its mission to simplify and optimize healthcare for humanity at www.notablehealth.com.

About MUSC

Founded in 1824 in Charleston, MUSC is the state’s only comprehensive academic health system, with a mission to preserve and optimize human life in South Carolina through education, research and patient care. Each year, MUSC educates over 3,100 students in six colleges and trains 950+ residents and fellows across its health system. MUSC leads the state in federal and National Institutes of Health and research funding. For information on our academic programs, visit musc.edu.

As the health care system of the Medical University of South Carolina, MUSC Health is dedicated to delivering the highest-quality and safest patient care while educating and training generations of outstanding health care providers and leaders to serve the people of South Carolina and beyond. In 2024, for the 10th consecutive year, U.S. News & World Report named MUSC Health University Medical Center in Charleston the No. 1 hospital in South Carolina. To learn more about clinical patient services, visit muschealth.org.

MUSC has a total enterprise annual operating budget of $7.1 billion. The 31,000 MUSC members include world-class faculty, physicians, specialty providers, scientists, contract employees, affiliates and care team members who deliver groundbreaking education, research, and patient care.

Governor McMaster Signs Legislation to Secure South Carolina’s Energy Future: South Carolina Energy Security Act

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COLUMBIA, S.C. – Governor Henry McMaster today was joined by the state’s electric utilities and members of the General Assembly for a ceremonial bill signing of H. 3309, the South Carolina Energy Security Act. The legislation will significantly improve South Carolina’s ability to generate and deliver the power needed to keep pace with the state’s rapid economic growth and rising population. 

“With more people and businesses choosing to call South Carolina home than ever before, the demand for reliable, affordable energy has never been greater,” said Governor Henry McMaster. “This legislation is a major step forward in securing our energy future by ensuring that we can generate, deliver, and manage the energy we need to fuel our continued prosperity.” 

The law streamlines the regulatory review process for energy projects by directing all state agencies to expedite their reviews and make decisions on energy-related infrastructure projects within six months of receiving an application. This provision is set to expire in 2035.

As called for in Gov. McMaster’s 2025 State of the State Address, the legislation encourages the further development of nuclear energy. It expands the role of the Nuclear Advisory Council to include a statewide strategic plan for nuclear generation, promotes advanced nuclear technologies, and authorizes a pilot program for small modular nuclear reactors if endorsed by the Nuclear Advisory Council. 

The legislation also authorizes a joint venture between Santee Cooper and Dominion Energy to convert the retired coal-fired Canadys Station into a natural gas facility.

“I want to thank Governor Henry McMaster for his leadership on this issue. In the state of the state in January, he said we were going to meet the power demands of South Carolina, and we were able to meet that promise,” said Senator Tom Davis. “This legislation provides something for every stakeholder in energy — large energy users, the environmental community, and utilities. This will be something of opportunity for all South Carolinians, and the power is on in South Carolina.” 

The law further directs the Office of Regulatory Staff to develop a comprehensive energy assessment and action plan outlining steps the state should take to ensure the continued availability of affordable and reliable electric power and natural gas. It also instructs the Public Service Commission to consider updates to voluntary renewable energy programs that reflect the needs of South Carolina businesses.

The bill also gives utilities new flexibility to offer competitive energy rates to companies that make significant investments in South Carolina. These negotiated rates are available to two categories of employers that meet job creation and capital investment thresholds and are designed to help attract transformative business projects that benefit the state’s economy.

Since Governor McMaster took office in 2017, South Carolina has announced 880 economic development projects, totaling more than $49.8 billion in new investment and over 96,000 new jobs. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, South Carolina is the fifth fastest-growing state in the nation. 

Source: Office of the Governor of South Carolina

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Charleston, SC based BOSSCAT™ Home Services and Technologies and Pillar To Post Home Inspectors® Extend Exclusive Data Partnership to Power the Next Era of Homeownership Innovation

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Five-Year Extension to Offer Integrated Home Inspections and Instant Repair Estimate Technology to Serve Homebuyers, Real Estate Professionals and Investors Across the United States and Canada 

CHARLESTON, S.C., June 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — BOSSCAT™ Home Services and Technologies, the leading real estate platform transforming homeownership through online repair, renovation and maintenance ordering technology and quality service solutions, today announced a five-year extension of its exclusive partnership with Pillar To Post Home Inspectors®, North America’s largest home inspection company. 

The renewed agreement builds on the success of the initial 5-year collaboration and paves the way for deeper integration of Pillar To Post™’s industry-leading home inspection services and BOSSCAT’s AI-powered Instant Estimate technology. Through this extended partnership, Pillar To Post’s franchise inspectors will continue to offer home sellers, homebuyers and real estate professionals a seamless solution starting from online ordering and scheduling for inspection services through online ordering and scheduling for repair services to increase transparency and convenience in the sale and due diligence process.  

“Pillar To Post is committed to delivering the most dependable and highest value inspection available to our customers while being the easiest company to do business with for realtors,” said Charles Furlough, CEO of Pillar To Post Home Inspectors. “Our exclusive relationship with BOSSCAT helps accomplish both of these goals.”

Since 2021, the partnership has empowered nearly 600,000 home sellers, homebuyers and real estate professionals across the U.S. and Canada to make more informed and confident decisions with real-time cost transparency and easier access to home services. 

“This next chapter in our partnership with Pillar To Post represents a shared commitment to reimagining what’s possible in the homeownership journey,” said Min Alexander, CEO and Founder of BOSSCAT Home Services & Technologies. “The combination of BOSSCAT’s Instant Estimate technology and Pillar To Post’s quality inspections create a customer-focused experience to save time and remove barriers in the home buying process. Together, we’re making home inspections, repairs and improvements simpler, smarter and more accessible to homeowners.” 

About Pillar To Post Home Inspectors® 
Founded in 1994, Pillar To Post is the leading and largest home inspection company in North America. Franchise Business Owners serving 47 states and 8 provinces in Canada have chosen to call Pillar To Post home. Consistently ranked in the Franchise 500 by Entrepreneur Magazine, the Pillar To Post home inspection difference includes on-site reports at the time of the inspection, 3 unique home inspection packages and an array of additional services designed to better suit the individual needs of homebuyers and home sellers. Learn more at www.pillartopost.com  

About BOSSCAT Home Services & Technologies
BOSSCAT Home Services and Technologies is the real estate platform reshaping homeownership through instant repair estimates and personalized repair, renovation and maintenance recommendations for homeowners. Through strategic alliances with Pillar To Post, RE/MAX, the National Association of Realtors®, The Home Depot and partners throughout the real estate ecosystem, BOSSCAT has created exclusive offerings to deliver lifecycle services for homeowners, investors and real estate professionals. BOSSCAT’s Instant Estimate technology and HOMEBASE platform are available in all 50 states and Canada. BOSSCAT has been recognized by Inc. 5000 as one of the fastest growing private companies in America for three consecutive years and is a licensed and insured general contractor. Learn more at www.BosscatHome.com  

Nationally recognized Timber Pizza Co. scheduled to debut in Charleston, SC in July, 2025

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Timber Pizza Co., a popular D.C.-based pizzeria, is opening its first South Carolina location this July in Charleston’s East Central District of the peninsula at 741 Meeting Street. This will be Timber’s seventh location nationwide and second in the Carolinas.

Known for its wood-fired 12-inch pizzas available in green, red, and white varieties, Timber bakes its pies in a Marra Forni oven at 650 degrees, creating a distinctive chewy, charred crust. The menu also features empanadas, salads, desserts, and a full bar with local beers and spirits. Timber has received national recognition, including a Michelin Bib Gourmand and Bon Appétit’s Pizzeria of the Year.

The 1,755-square-foot space includes Timber’s largest bar so far, seating 14, along with 34 indoor seats and a 16-seat patio.

Timber Pizza Co. Charleston will be open seven days a week for dine-in and pickup, aiming to become a favorite among locals and visitors.

Follow the journey on Instagram.

Photo Credit: Timber Pizza Co.

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Remembering the Charleston Nine: 18 Years Later…Still We Will Never Forgot; They are Forever in Our Hearts

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By Mark A. Leon

Today, June 18, marks the 18th anniversary of death of nine courageous firefighters who lost their lives in a devastating furniture store fire.  So often a community is defined by its food, architecture, activities and geography.

For Charleston, SC, its people truly define its legacy and its ability to survive and grow.

Charleston was the setting of the first shots of the American Civil War and a city so rich in early colonial history that we cannot turn a street corner without seeing a cobblestone road, a home where General George Washington slept, the first opera house in the US, a site of slave auctioning and plantations that helped the US economy flourish.

Yet, twelve years ago, on June 18, 2007, nine firefighters sacrificed their lives immortalizing themselves in Charleston’s rich history.  They were gentleman, fisherman, church-going family men, military vets, artists and friends.  One of those brave men often said he would retire from the fire department and replace legendary Summerville high school coach John McKissick.

Today, these brave men continue to rest in our hearts.  As citizens and community members who rest at night knowing hundreds like them protect us from the dangers around, we reflect and remember the unselfish acts of courage of Brad, Mike, Melvin, James, Michael, William, Mark, Louis and Brandon.

To all of you, we honor.

For those that did not know them, here is a little bit about them that will give a little warmth during this somber time:

Bradford “Brad” Baity — Engineer 19
Baity is remembered as a soft-spoken man with a dry sense of humor. An engineer at Station 16, he was quick to help others, friends and strangers. Baity had been with the department for nine years before the fire. His buddies say he was intelligent — very good with computers. In addition to being a firefighter, the 37-year-old also worked as a stagehand at playhouses in the area, including the Gaillard Municipal Auditorium. He left behind a wife, daughter and son.

Mike Benke — Captain 16
Captain Mike Benke, age 49, was a 29-year veteran of the fire service. He was a Pittsburgh Steelers fan, and liked to take his son fishing. He was a local soccer coach, and his nickname around the firehouse was “Cappy.” Like many firefighters, Benke had a second job. He did inventory for Sears. Benke was a Charleston native, and his friends say he never got mad about anything. He is also described by those who were close to him as a dedicated family man, devoted husband and father.

Melvin Champaign — Firefighter 16
Melvin Champaign was a 46-year-old Army veteran and aspiring pastor. The Tae Kwan Do black belt was still fairly new to the Charleston Fire Department. He was a native of James Island and spent time working on the West Coast before returning to the Charleston area. He was known for his smile and his fashion sense. Coworkers say they will never forget his showing up for training wearing a leather hat with a feather in it. Champaign left behind a teenage daughter and two younger boys in Washington state.

James “Earl” Drayton — Firefighter 19
The 32-year veteran of the Charleston Fire Department was the oldest of the nine firefighters killed in the Sofa Super Store Fire. Drayton was known by generations of firefighters, and many at Station 19 in West Ashley and around the community called the 56-year-old “Old School.” He had a reputation of being well-dressed and meticulously washing his black Chrysler. He retired three times from the CFD, each time, his wife says, they asked him to come back.

Michael French — Engineer 5
French was a 27-year-old engineer with the Charleston Fire Department. At the time of the Sofa Super Store fire, he had been with the department for 1.5 years. An Eadyville native, he began his firefighting career as a volunteer with the Pine Ridge Rural Fire Department outside Summerville. Before coming to the CFD, he worked with the St. Andrews Fire Department. French’s friends say he enjoyed boating and talked a lot about his 5-year-old daughter.

William “Billy” Hutchinson, III — Captain 19
Billy Hutchinson was a captain with 30 years of service. He is described as a man of good nature and sports enthusiast who at age 48 still loved to play golf and shoot hoops. He was known for being a great firefighter, but he was also known as the go-to guy for a haircut. At $2 a pop, he would cut the hair of fellow firefighters — a skill he carried over from his second job at Williams Barber Shop in Goose Creek. Hutchinson was married and had three children.

Mark Kelsey — Captain 5
Kelsey was an engineer with 12.5 years of service. Described as a gruff Navy veteran who “told it like it is.” His coworkers say he had a loud voice and describe it as the hardest thing in the Ashley River Fire Department station. The 40-year-old was known for taking rookies under his wing. A native of Indiana, he came to Charleston with the Navy and never left. Kelsey had a custom motorcycle that he rode rain or shine and left behind a teenage son.

Louis Mulkey — Captain 15
Louis Mulkey lived and breathed Green Wave sports. Local firefighters often openly joked Mulkey would one day quit fighting fires and succeed legendary coach John McKissick. Mulkey was a coach for the school’s JV football team and was known for his competitiveness. Family members of the 34-year-old describe him as brave. Mulkey worked as a firefighter for 11.5 years, and according to his family, it was his love. Mulkey left behind a wife.

Brandon Thompson — Firefighter 5
A native of Mobile, Alabama, Thompson was a 4-year veteran of the Charleston Fire Department with 11 years of fire service experience. Those close to him say he was always looking for a grant to purchase a thermal imaging camera for the Pine Ridge Rural Fire Department, where he volunteered for 11 years and was captain. At the time of his death, the 27-year-old was planning to be married. The ceremony was to take place on October 7th on Folly Beach.

*Biographies provided by ABC News 4

South Carolina Governor McMaster Calls for Continued Offshore Drilling Ban for South Carolina

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Gov. McMaster Joins N.C. Gov. Stein to Protect Carolina Coast

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Governor Henry McMaster has issued two letters to federal officials requesting that South Carolina remain protected from offshore oil and gas exploration and drilling. The letters follow the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s (BOEM) request for information and comments as it considers a new schedule for offshore oil and gas lease sales on the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf. 

The governor’s joint letter with North Carolina Governor Josh Stein to BOEM can be found here. His letter to U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum can be found here. 

“South Carolina’s coastline is one of the most pristine in the country, and offshore drilling is simply not in its best interest. The state’s 187 miles of ocean coastline and 2,876 miles of tidal shoreline are home to world-renowned beaches, sea islands, and salt marshes—many of which are permanently protected from development,” Governor McMaster wrote in his letter to Secretary Burgum. “This unspoiled natural beauty is the foundation of a $29 billion tourism industry supporting millions of annual visitors and tens of thousands of jobs in communities like Myrtle Beach, Charleston, Hilton Head, and Beaufort. These communities rely heavily on the health of our coastal environment. We cannot afford to jeopardize it.”

Governor McMaster has long opposed offshore drilling along South Carolina’s coast. In January 2018, he sent a letter and met with then-U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke, requesting an exemption for South Carolina from offshore drilling. In December 2018, he joined nine other East Coast governors in a joint letter to the U.S. Departments of the Interior and Commerce outlining their opposition to oil exploration off the Atlantic Coast. 

In September 2020, President Donald Trump issued memoranda protecting the waters off the coast of South and North Carolina from leasing disposition until June 30, 2032. In response to President Trump’s leadership in protecting the waters off the coast of the Carolinas, Governors McMaster and Stein are urging the 11th National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program to remove South and North Carolina’s outer continental shelf lands from consideration.

South and North Carolina have a combined 513 miles of ocean beaches and 6,251 miles of coastline. These coastal zones are home to more than 2.7 million people and include numerous national wildlife refuges. In 2021 alone, South and North Carolina’s coastal economy contributed $9.6 billion to GDP, supported more than 125,000 jobs, and provided $3.8 billion in wages, led by robust tourism and recreation, shipbuilding, fishing, and marine transportation industries. These industries would be highly vulnerable to disruption from offshore drilling.