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Taking after the classic chocolate treat, the new rocky road ice cream–inspired cookie captures the limitless spirit of exploration that drives Girl Scouts.   

NEW YORK, Sept. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Today, Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) announced that Exploremores™, a rocky road ice cream–inspired sandwich cookie, will join the lineup for the 2026 Girl Scout Cookie season. Filled with delicious flavors of chocolate, marshmallow and toasted almond–flavored crème, Exploremores reflect the spirit of exploration at the heart of every Girl Scout. Girl Scouts across the United States will offer the Exploremores cookie nationally, both online and in person at local booths, during the upcoming 2026 Girl Scout Cookie season alongside fan favorites like Thin Mints® and Samoas®/Caramel deLites®.

Each cookie season, through the Girl Scout Cookie Program, girls push their limits, embrace challenges, think creatively and believe in their own potential. While earning skill-building badges such as the My First Cookie Business, My Cookie Customer and My Cookie Team badges, girls acquire leadership and entrepreneurial tools needed for brighter futures. As entrepreneurs, girls master the ability to set goals, make decisions, manage money, develop people skills and learn business ethics.

Every purchase of Exploremores—and the entire lineup of iconic Girl Scout Cookies—helps girls unbox a world of possibilities, one cookie at a time. With each cookie box sold, consumers are supporting Girl Scouts as they learn, grow and thrive through all of life’s adventures. All proceeds from cookie sales stay local with Girl Scout councils and troops to help fund life-changing programs, experiences and learnings all year long.

To add to the excitement, GSUSA is pleased to welcome Adobe as a national sponsor of the 2026 Girl Scout Cookie Program. Through collaboration with Adobe, girls will be encouraged to express their individuality and think creatively to advance their goals this Girl Scout Cookie season.

Visit girlscoutcookies.org to sign up to be notified as soon as Exploremores and other Girl Scout Cookies are on sale in your area. Text “Cookies” to 59618 to get the latest Girl Scout Cookie news. Girl Scout Cookie season is recognized nationally from January through April, but local timing varies. Life’s more fun when you explore more! Unbox the future with Girl Scouts by joining the world’s largest girl-led organization or learn how to become a volunteer at www.girlscouts.org/join.

We Are Girl Scouts of the USA

Girl Scouts bring their dreams to life and work together to build a better world. Through programs from coast to coast, Girl Scouts of all backgrounds and abilities can be unapologetically themselves as they discover their strengths and rise to meet new challenges—whether they want to climb to the top of a tree or the top of their class, lace up their boots for a hike or advocate for climate justice, or make their first best friends. Backed by adult volunteers, mentors, and millions of alums, Girl Scouts lead the way as they find their voices and make changes that affect the issues most important to them. Join us, volunteer, reconnect, or donate.

About Adobe

Adobe is changing the world through digital experiences. For more information, visit https://www.adobe.com.

SOURCE GIRL SCOUTS OF THE U.S.A.

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Nearly $200 million investment will create approximately 275 new jobs

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Woodward, Inc. (Woodward), a global leader in energy control solutions for aerospace and industrial markets, today announced it selects Spartanburg County to establish a new manufacturing operation in South Carolina. The nearly $200 million investment will create approximately 275 new jobs.

Founded in 1870, Woodward is a global company specializing in the design, manufacture, and service of energy conversion and control solutions for aerospace and industrial applications. The company’s products are used to increase efficiency and reliability in a range of challenging environments, including aviation, power generation, marine and on-highway transportation, and oil and gas operations.

Woodward plans to build a 300,000-square-foot precision manufacturing facility located within Smith Farms Industrial Park in Greer. The new factory will focus on the production of servo-hydraulic actuation systems used in aircraft flight control.

Operations are expected to go online in 2027. Individuals interested in joining the Woodward team should visit the company’s careers page.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits related to the project. The council also awarded a $1.75 million Closing Fund grant to Spartanburg County to assist with the costs of site preparation and building construction.

QUOTES

“The selection of Woodward to supply Airbus with spoiler actuation systems and this investment in South Carolina represent a major milestone for Woodward and our commitment to delivering leading controls solutions to our customers and creating value for our shareholders. This will be a showcase manufacturing site, much like our Rock Cut, Illinois, campus, vertically integrated, highly automated, and built on the capabilities and methodologies in operational excellence we’ve developed through our LEAP and GTF aircraft engine programs. Beyond supporting the Airbus A350, this facility positions us to extend our hydraulic flight control design and industrialization expertise to additional applications as well as other commercial aircraft manufacturers. We’re proud to bring jobs and economic opportunity to Spartanburg County as we fulfill our purpose to design and deliver energy control solutions our partners count on to power a clean future.” -Woodward, Inc. Chairman and CEO Chip Blankenship

“When global companies like Woodward, Inc. decide to invest in our state, it further solidifies South Carolina’s impressive reputation in the manufacturing industry. We look forward to creating a long-standing partnership with the company and seeing the strong impact of these approximately 275 new jobs in Spartanburg County.” -Gov. Henry McMaster

“Today’s announcement by Woodward, Inc. is another major victory for the booming manufacturing industry in the Upstate and across South Carolina. We are confident our strong business climate will reinforce that Spartanburg County is the ideal location for Woodward’s new operation.” -Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III

“Woodward, Inc. is a global leader whose investment in Spartanburg County will increase our presence in the aerospace industry and will provide meaningful economic-advancement opportunity for the people of our county. Recruiting these world-class companies to Spartanburg and being able to provide new jobs opportunities to our residents is what it’s all about.” -Spartanburg County Council Chairman Manning Lynch

 “Congratulations to Woodward, Inc. on their decision to invest in Upstate SC. This industry leader’s choice to bring its innovations to our region validates the Upstate as a location with access to talent and market connectivity, and we’re excited to see them grow here.” -Upstate SC Alliance President and CEO John Lummus

FIVE FAST FACTS

• Woodward, Inc. (Woodward) selects Spartanburg County to establish the company’s new South Carolina operation.
• The company’s nearly $200 million investment will create approximately 275 new jobs.
• Woodward is a global leader in energy control solutions for aerospace and industrial markets.
• The company will be located within Smith Farms Industrial Park in Greer, S.C.
• Individuals interested in joining the Woodward team should visit the company’s careers page.

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A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, September 19, 2025 at 1:00 pm at the College of Charleston Cistern, 66 George St. Colorful attire is encouraged to honor Heather’s vibrant spirit – she would want everyone to look as radiant as her beloved sunsets.

Memorial contributions may be made to HEART, an inclusive arts community https://www.heartsc.org/ Or to the Heather Hall Memorial Scholarship https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/48292/donations/

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Heather Hall Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Sep. 13, 2025.

Heather Lynn Hall was born December 3, 1973, in Rock Hill, South Carolina. Her family poured unconditional love into their daughter, so much so that she had enough to share with the rest of us in seemingly endless supply. Heather had an extraordinary gift for friendship – more best friends than seemed possible. People would discover they were Heather’s best friend, only to meet another cherished companion a decade or two later; not because she was mysterious, but because she genuinely had that many friends who felt her love deeply.

Heather had a gift for making ordinary moments extraordinary. She would text friends photos of breathtaking sunsets, turning a simple evening sky into a shared experience of wonder. At karaoke nights, she’d inevitably end up on stage, beaming as she sang about her “new pair of rollerskates,” pulling shy friends up to join her in moments of pure joy. She remembered birthdays, celebrated small victories, and had an uncanny ability to show up with exactly what people needed – sometimes before they even knew they needed it. Friends were awed by her ability to bring people together and bend the world to her vision. Lucky for us, that vision was more inclusive and more beautiful than we could ever imagine.

As a first generation college student, Heather became a special educator, serving in the classroom for nearly two decades. She was a champion of inclusive spaces for adults and children with disabilities, serving on the Charleston Disability Board for years. Her students weren’t just pupils; they were her teachers, expanding her way of seeing the world. Not content with the nationwide vacancies in her beloved profession, Heather believed she could have a greater impact teaching pre-service teachers. In 2023, she obtained her doctorate at the University of South Carolina and became a beloved faculty member in the Department of Teacher Education at her alma mater, the College of Charleston. She also performed regularly with her favorite organization, Heart: An Inclusive Art Community, bringing the same warmth and authenticity to the stage that she brought to every relationship.

Heather’s appetite for adventure and thirst for knowledge led her to study in England and Scotland, learn French in the south of France, receive a Fulbright scholarship to Ghana, and conduct study abroad trips to Europe and Central America. She felt strongly that building cultural understanding begins with stepping outside our own culture. But even in the most exotic locations, she’d find herself chasing sunsets, phone in hand, eager to capture a photo of something beautiful to share with the people she loved back home.

Everything Heather did was larger than life. So it follows that she would end this lifetime in spectacular fashion, making international headlines and inspiring an entire country to enter a day of mourning. And she would be sharing her big beautiful heart and big beautiful smile with the world right until the very end.

As much as she valued her role as a special education advocate and enjoyed meeting new people, her most cherished role was that of mother. Heather loved her two children unconditionally and left them with this legacy: to follow their heart and do what makes them happy – play, have fun, and go on grand adventures. She taught them to notice sunsets, to sing loudly, and to love fiercely. They, too, will make the world a better place, as evidenced by the magnificent life of their mother and the countless people she touched.

Heather leaves behind many best friends, admiring colleagues, grateful students, partner of 21 years Ajay Sood, children Tula and Avi Sood, niece Ananya, brother Chad, parents Chuck and Harriet Hall, and a world that will forever be brighter for having known her spirit of adventure, her generous heart, and her contagious joy.

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GREENVILLE COUNTRY MUSIC FEST LAUNCHES 2025 RISING STAR CONTEST
Local Bands to Compete for a Chance to Perform Alongside Zach Top, Koe Wetzel, Travis Tritt + More at GVL Fest 2025

SIMPSONVILLE, S.C. (SEPTEMBER 12, 2025) ━Greenville Country Music Fest (GCMF) is giving local artists the chance of a lifetime: the opportunity to share the stages with country music’s biggest names. Today, organizers announced the official launch of the Rising Star Contest fueled by Monster Energy, offering up-and-coming bands and singer-songwriters the chance to perform at this year’s event, set for October 24–25, 2025, at the CCNB Amphitheatre at Heritage Park in Simpsonville, S.C.

The contest invites fans, friends, and neighbors to nominate their favorite local acts for a shot to join a star-studded lineup that already includes Zach Top, Koe Wetzel, Travis Tritt, Muscadine Bloodline, and more. From those nominations, a panel of fest judges will select four finalists to perform live on the GVL Second Stage at Greenville Country Music Fest.

“Greenville has such a rich music scene, and we know the next big thing is right here in our own backyard,” said Bob Durkin, Co-Founder of Southern Entertainment. “The Rising Star Contest gives artists a chance to showcase their talent in front of thousands of fans and truly kickstart their careers.”

The Rising Star Contest kicks off today, September 12, 2025, with nominations open through Friday, September 19. Judges will review the submissions and contact the chosen finalists, who will have 24 hours to confirmtheir participation. Once confirmed, the four finalists will be announced on Monday, September 22, just weeks before they take the stage at GVL Fest 2025.

All four Rising Star finalists will earn a coveted spot on the GVL Second Stage in October. But the journey doesn’t stop there—the artist or band that brings the biggest “boots on the ground” presence, shows the strongest connection with fans, and makes the greatest impact will take home the GVL Golden Plaque. That winner will be honored on the Michelob Ultra Main Stage and awarded the GVL Jackpot, along with an invitation to perform at Greenville Country Music Fest 2026 and a coveted slot at Carolina Country Music Fest 2026 in Myrtle Beach, S.C.

Eligibility
To enter, bands must:

1. Be nominated by fans, friends, or family on GVL Fest’s official social channels.
2. Complete the submission form with band details, social links, a demo sample, and a promotional photo.
3. Confirm participation within 24 hours of being selected as a finalist.

How to Nominate
Fans can tag their favorite artists in the comments on GVL Fest’s official posts and direct bands to complete the submission form at: https://gvlfest.com/contests/rising-star-search/.

Tickets to Greenville Country Music Fest
Greenville Country Music Fest returns October 24–25, 2025, bringing two nights of unforgettable music and community to Simpsonville, S.C. Tickets are on sale now at www.gvlfest.com, with the next pricing tierkicking in Friday, September 26 at midnight. Stay tuned for updates by following GVL Fest on Instagram and Facebook.

About Greenville Country Music Fest: 
CCNB Heritage Park with TRZ Management is honored to host The Greenville Country Music Fest in South Carolina’s largest outdoor amphitheater. CCNB Heritage Park has been the go-to outdoor concert venue for the Upstate since 2005, and has hosted sold-out shows for Post Malone, Hank Williams Jr, Zac Brown Band, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Cole Swindell and more. Keeping it as local as possible, CCNB proudly utilizes local vendors, catering, food trucks, liquor companies and more.

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Columbia, S.C. (September 12, 2025) – The South Carolina Department of Transportation will close the I-26 Westbound Exit 187 and the SC 27 on ramp to I-26 Eastbound in Berkeley County beginning September 14 at 9 p.m. This closure will allow crews to shift traffic on to the new SC 27 bridge. This work is part of the I-26 Widening and SC 27 Interchange Project. 

The closure will continue until September 24. During this time, SC 27 will remain open to traffic but will be shifted on to the new SC 27 bridge. SCDOT asks that drivers slow down and pay attention to crews and signs as they navigate on to the new bridge. 

As part of this closure, a detour route has been established. A map of the detour can be found below.

About SCDOT

The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) is the state agency with oversight of South Carolina’s network of highways and bridges, including responsibilities such as planning, design, construction, financing, and roadway safety. To ensure the nation’s fourth-largest highway system is prepared to serve the needs of South Carolina’s growing economy and population, SCDOT has developed a Strategic 10-Year Plan that addresses improvements to the state’s highway and bridge systems. Learn more at scdot.org. 

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Governor Henry McMaster has issued Executive Order 2025-30, directing the South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS) to submit a waiver request to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to exclude the purchase of candy, energy drinks, soft drinks, and sweetened beverages from the list of eligible foods under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as food stamps. 

“South Carolina is doing her part to Make America Healthy Again. This request is a light-touch, common-sense approach that ensures these federal taxpayer dollars are being used to help families purchase healthy, nutritious food – not unhealthy candy and sugary drinks,” said Governor Henry McMaster. “I thank President Trump and his Administration for providing us with the ability to enhance our SNAP program so we can create healthier outcomes for South Carolina families.” 

The executive order provides definitions and exclusions for the categories as follows: 

• Candy is defined as a preparation of sugar, honey, or other natural or artificial sweeteners in combination with chocolate, fruits, nuts, or other ingredients in the form of bars, drops, or pieces. Candy shall not include the following: protein bars, granola bars, or baking ingredients such as sprinkles, chocolate melting wafers, toffee bits, or chocolate chips, or items primarily identified and sold as bakery or bread products, such as baked goods, cakes, crackers, cookies, muffins, brownies, pastries, bread, or similar products.
   
• Energy drinks are defined as beverages containing at least sixty-five (65) milligrams of caffeine per eight (8) fluid ounces that are advertised as being specifically designed to provide metabolic stimulation or an increase to the consumer’s mental or physical energy. Energy drinks shall not include coffee or tea or any substantially coffee- or tea-based beverage.
   
• Soft Drinks are defined as any nonalcoholic beverage made with carbonated water and flavored or sweetened, or both, with sugar or other natural or artificial sweeteners.
   
• Sweetened beverages are defined as any sweetened beverage, flavored or sweetened or both, with five (5) grams or more of added sugar or other natural or artificial sweeteners, ready for consumption without further processing, such as sweetened coffee, tea, lemonade, and other noncarbonated drinks.
   
• Soft drinks and sweetened beveragesshall not include:
  • (i) a beverage that contains milk, milk products, soy, rice, or other milk substitutes;
  • (ii) any beverage consisting of 50% or more natural fruit or vegetable juice with no added caloric sweetener; 
  • (iii) any product commonly referred to as “infant” or “baby” formula;
  • (iv) sports or rehydration beverages;
  • (v) carbonated water beverages; or
  • (vi) any beverage for medical use, meaning any beverage suitable for human consumption and manufactured for use as a source of necessary nutrition due to a medical condition, or for use as an oral rehydration electrolyte solution for infants and children, formulated to prevent or treat dehydration due to illness.

DSS is directed to submit its waiver request to the USDA within 14 days. If denied, DSS will revise and resubmit until approval is granted. 

According to data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, SNAP enrollees consume significantly more sugary drinks than nonrecipients, with children enrolled in SNAP consuming 43% more than children not enrolled in SNAP with similar incomes. 

The governor’s order aligns with President Donald J. Trump’s efforts to improve health outcomes across the country. If approved, South Carolina would join a growing number of states that have received similar USDA waivers. 

By David Wallace, Business Banking Relationship Manager, Bank of America

For many entrepreneurs, fall marks a key transition point that can set the tone for year-end performance. It’s a crucial time for business owners to assess their finances and prepare to capitalize on upcoming opportunities and new cycles of customer engagement.

Some South Carolina businesses may see an influx of traffic during the fall and winter, especially during the holidays. For those that experience a natural slowdown as the temperatures drop, it’s an ideal time to refine strategies and set the stage for future peaks. Either way, the seasonal transition provides an opportunity to maximize the last part of the year.

To ensure success, here are some tips to help businesses optimize cash flow, manage inventory, and make data-driven decisions.

Solidify cash flow. Cash is king, and business owners need to meticulously manage and monitor its flow to finish the year strong. This fall, business owners can do so by:

• Forecasting budget: For businesses in certain sectors — think tourism and hospitality — cash flow is susceptible to feast-or-famine cycles. Peak summer and winter seasons may bring in a wave of customers and, therefore, substantial revenue, which leaves a potential lull during the fall months. Over-indexing on periods of high demand can lead to budgets that become hard to sustain during quiet periods. To shield the business, build potential revenue dips, whether due to slower customer activity or seasonal demand shifts, into your budget.
• Negotiating with suppliers: If there are any new suppliers you will be working with in the fall months or agreements up for renewal, plan to negotiate those vendor contracts as appropriate. Ask for extended payment terms, discounts for early payment, or volume discounts. If you can’t come to an agreement, don’t be afraid to shop around for better deals and partners.
• Accelerating receivables when possible: Look for ways to incentivize customers to make early payments. For example, you might offer a limited-time fall discount to customers who pay by a certain date. You can also stay on top of receivables by invoicing promptly, and don’t be afraid to follow up on late payments.
• Proactively exploring financing options: Don’t wait until you’re in a Q4 cash crunch to seek financing. If you don’t have an existing relationship with a bank or credit union, start fall off right by establishing one. A line of credit can be a valuable safety net toward the end of the year.

Optimize inventory for fall demand. Business owners should examine physical inventories and adjust as needed to streamline for the fall months. By strategically optimizing inventory, they can more confidently navigate fluctuating demand, avoid costly overstocks, and ensure customer needs are met. Some tactics to manage inventory include:

• Analyzing sales data and adjusting: Consult historical sales data to identify your best- and worst-selling products during the fall months. By understanding proven demand patterns, you’ll be able to make more informed decisions about which products to stock up on and which can be moved off the shelves.
• Implementing just-in-time inventory: If possible, work with suppliers to implement a just-in-time inventory system to receive items when you truly need them. This will help minimize storage costs and the risk of overstock, allowing you to capture sales opportunities while maintaining leaner operations.
• Considering seasonal promotions: As summer comes to an end, run promotions to clear out excess seasonal inventory and create more space for new fall arrivals.

Think like a CFO. Every season, business owners should use data to identify trends in customers’ behavior, forecast revenues, and plan ahead. Business owners can start by looking at the past three to five fall seasons and determining the specific revenue dips and expense spikes. From there, it is crucial to identify the why behind these numbers. Having a deep understanding of performance metrics will help entrepreneurs better prepare for the future. To do this, start by:

• Segmenting your customer base: Understand which customer segments are most active in the fall and tailor your offerings to them. Are locals more likely to spend, or are you reliant on tourists? These considerations can better inform marketing messaging and spend.
• Developing and tracking key performance indicators (KPIs): While overall revenue is important, you should be using a variety of metrics to measure the success of your business. Track KPIs like customer acquisition cost, average transaction value, and website traffic, which provide visibility into your current performance and enable you to identify growth pathways, pinpoint optimization opportunities, and accelerate your progress toward goals.

Owning a business is a rewarding but challenging vocation, and a crucial element of success lies in effectively managing fluctuating consumer needs and costs as the seasons change. By taking proactive steps through the fall months, you can set your business up to thrive in the final quarter of the year.

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LUKE BRYAN ANNOUNCED AS HEADLINER FOR CAROLINA COUNTRY MUSIC FEST 2026
Five-Time Entertainer of the Year Joins Blake Shelton and Post Malone on the Myrtle Beach Stage – Tickets On Sale Now

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (SEPTEMBER 12, 2025) — Carolina Country Music Fest (CCMF), the East Coast’s largest outdoor country music fest, has added another superstar to its 2026 lineup, announcing that Luke Bryan will headline the fest when it returns to Myrtle Beach, S.C., on June 4–7, 2026. The five-time Entertainer of the Year joins previously announced headliners Blake Shelton and Post Malone as CCMF continues to build one of its most exciting lineups to date.

With a career spanning more than 15 years at the top of country music, Bryan has amassed 26.6 billion global streams, 11.9 million album sales, and 47.7 million track sales worldwide. He is the most digital single RIAA-certified country artist of all time with 117.5 million digital single units, including 19 million album certifications and 98 million single certifications. A prolific hitmaker, Bryan has notched 32 #1 singles, 17 of which he co-wrote, and spent 58 total weeks at #1 on the charts.

Beyond the music, Bryan has become one of the most recognizable figures in the genre, serving as host of the ACM Awards five times and the CMA Awardsfour times, in addition to his eight-year run as a judge on ABC’s American Idol. His accolades include 50+ major music awards, including five wins as Entertainer of the Year, the ACM Album of the Decade Award, and recognition from Billboard, CMT, and the Country Music Association. He has also been honored for his philanthropy, receiving the ACM Lifting Lives Awardand the Country Radio Broadcasters Artist Humanitarian Award.

“Luke Bryan is one of the biggest entertainers in country music, and having him join Blake Shelton and Post Malone makes this year’s CCMF lineup one of the most exciting we’ve ever built,” said Bob Durkin, co-founder of Southern Entertainment, producers of CCMF. “His catalog of hits, his energy on stage, and his connection with fans are unmatched — this is going to be a show to remember.”

With four consecutive sellouts and recognition from USA Today, Billboard,and Rolling Stone, Carolina Country Music Fest has spent more than a decade delivering unforgettable live music experiences on the shores of Myrtle Beach. Luke Bryan is the third of four superstar headliners to be announced, with more to follow in the weeks ahead.

Tickets for CCMF 2026 are on sale now at CarolinaCountryMusicFest.com. Fans who purchase early will lock in the lowest price of the year, a CCMF tradition that rewards early buyers before the full lineup is unveiled. For the latest updates and exclusive #CCMFHints, fans are encouraged to follow Carolina Country Music Fest on Facebook, Instagram, X and TikTok.

About CCMF: 
Carolina Country Music Fest™, (CCMF), the East Coast’s largest outdoor country music fest, is located in Myrtle Beach, SC, at the Boardwalk within the Burroughs and Chapin Pavilion Place. CCMF is host to the industry’s biggest stars with 40+ artists at the beach, June 4th-7th, 2026. CCMF hosts a unique blend of today’s country headliners, regional stars, up-and-comers and locals favorites on multiple stages. With the combination of country music and the scenic beach backdrop, this family-friendly, four-day fest is a summer vacation destination.

About Luke Bryan:
During his career, Luke has amassed a total of 26.6 Billion global streams, 11.9 Million global album sales and 47.7M track sales worldwide.  He is the most digital single RIAA certified country artist of all time with 117.5M digital single units including 19M album certifications and 98M single certifications. Luke was honored with the SoundExchange Hall of Fame Award in recognition of his standing as one of the most streamed artists in their 20-year history. Luke has garnered 32 #1 singles, 17 of those Luke co-wrote, and he’s accumulated 58 total weeks spent at #1 during his career. 

Luke has hosted the ACM Awards five times and the CMA Awards four times and has won 50+ major music awards including five wins as Entertainer of the Year. Additional awards include six recognitions as a CMT Artist of the Year, NSAI Artist/Songwriter of the Year, the first-ever recipient of the ACM Album of the Decade Award for Crash My Party, seven CMT Music Awards, five Billboard Music Awards, and four American Music Awards—as well as being named Billboard’s Top Country Artist of the 2010s, the Most Heard Artist of the Decade by Country Aircheck, Artist Humanitarian Recipient by the Country Radio Broadcasters and the ACM Lifting Lives Award honor because of his devotion to improving lives through the power of music. Luke was recently inducted into the Star Trail of Fame by The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo to honor his profound impact over the years. The Rodeo promotes agriculture by hosting an annual, family-friendly experience that educates and entertains the public, supports Texas youth, showcases Western heritage, and provides year-round educational support within the community. 

Luke, Carrie Underwood and Lionel Richie will return in 2026 as a celebrity judges on ABC’s “American Idol.”

About Southern Entertainment: 
Southern Entertainment is a full-service event and production company with an unwavering commitment to excellence that has produced more than 500 events across the United States. For more information, visit www.southernentertainment.com

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By Mark Andrew Watke

The SC Youth ChalleNGe Academy is a program offered by the National Guard Bureau, located in Eastover, South Carolina. The staff there serve at-risk youth between the ages of 16 and 18. Youth aged 15 ½ may apply and be accepted if they will turn 16 during the middle of the cycle. The academy takes students who are at risk of dropping out, have dropped out, or have been expelled and gives them the opportunity to spend 22 weeks obtaining their GED, high school diploma, or earning academic recovery credits. The academy considers high schools, police departments/sheriff’s offices, churches, therapists, and non-profits to be partners in creating a better future for South Carolina’s youth.

The academy has an educational component, with dedicated teachers on staff to assist at-risk youth in obtaining their GED, high school diploma, or academic recovery credits. Located on McCrady Training Center, the education building houses several classrooms—one for science, one for math, one for English, and one for social studies. They also have two computer labs: one that is a Pearson VUE-certified testing center and another used for credit recovery. The principal, Tamara Watkins, takes great pride in her role assisting at-risk youth and in serving as the math teacher.

Presently, the director is Ronnie Scott, a Marine Corps veteran. Director Ronnie Scott has a bachelor’s degree in social work from Benedict College and is currently working on his master’s degree in leadership. Director Scott loves the opportunity to give back to the community after his long and fruitful military career and has spent over 30 years in project management, budgeting and planning, quality assurance, and management resolution. Director Scott makes it a point to mentor his staff through required leadership and all-hands meetings. Through his briefings, he emphasizes the importance of teamwork—one prominent illustration being cars in a traffic jam. Director Scott emphasizes teamwork in all things.

Cadet Antley was banned from every school in South Carolina, but he was able to make it through the SC Youth ChalleNGe Academy. While he was a cadet at the SC Youth ChalleNGe Academy, he learned important lessons centered on eight core components. The physical training helped him improve his discipline as well as his physique and physical capabilities. He was required to wake up every morning for physical training. Once daily physical training is completed, the cadets are required to attend educational classes with the goal of obtaining their GED, high school diploma, or academic recovery credits. In the evening, they retire to the barracks associated with their platoon.

Other cadets, like Cadet Raleigh, made the most of the opportunity by nurturing their walk with the Lord through the academy. Cadet Rodriguez-Gutierrez had this to say: “It was pretty good. Great staff, amazing teachers.” Many students—who are called cadets—benefit from the program, and the staff continue to support them even after they complete the program.

Director Scott’s goal is for the SC Youth ChalleNGe Academy to become the number one youth-serving program in South Carolina. Recently, a new deputy director has been appointed, Gillian Porterfield, who previously served in multiple positions at the academy.

Follow the journey on Instagram.

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Photo Credit: Mark Andrew Watke

Wetzel’s Franchisee Opens Mobile Bakery to Deliver Handheld Happiness to His Local Community

CHARLESTON – Wetzel’s Pretzels (Wetzel’s), the iconic brand known for its fresh, hand-rolled 

pretzels, is expanding into South Carolina with a new food truck rolling through Charleston. This will be the first-ever location in the state as the brand continues to expand into the Southeast region of the country. 

The new food truck will bring an abundance of flavor to Charleston, offering craveable snacks and refreshing drinks for the community to enjoy. Isaac Watlington, a Charleston resident since 2014, began his career in medical sales, where he worked for more than seventeen years before transitioning into hospitality. Over the past eight years, he has built his experience as a restaurant operator and is now enhancing his portfolio by becoming a first-time Wetzel’s Pretzels franchisee. Drawing on his operational expertise, Watlington aims to make the food truck a staple at community events throughout the metro area.

“Opening a Wetzel’s food truck is a significant step in my career, and I am thrilled to introduce the mouthwatering products that Wetzel’s Pretzels is known for to the Charleston community,” said Watlington. “Being able to bring the very first Wetzel’s location to South Carolina is truly meaningful to me, and I can’t wait to share this experience with the city I call home.”

The food truck will attend three fall festivals: the Cane Bay High School ROTC Fall Festival on Saturday, Oct. 18; the Cane Bay YMCA Fall Festival on Saturday, Oct. 25; and the Charleston Harvest Festival at Johns Island County Park on Saturday, Nov. 1, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Wetzel’s continues to expand its food truck concept and is more equipped than ever to satisfy consumers’ hunger for pretzels. With a fleet of more than 25 trucks in operation and more in the pipeline, the brand is making its sweet and salty snacks more accessible than ever. 

“We’re pleased for Isaac to open his first Wetzel’s location with us as well as lead our South Carolina debut,” said Jon Fischer, Head of Development at Wetzel’s Pretzels. “We can’t wait for the food truck to be a delicious pillar bringing our beloved pretzels to Charleston and the state of South Carolina, and we are confident the community will embrace Wetzel’s warmly. As we continue to grow into new markets, we look forward to sharing our iconic flavors and creating memorable experiences for the local community.”

Wetzel’s has been sharing its signature handheld happiness ever since its founding in Pasadena, California, in 1994. The brand continues to attract a cult-like following in communities across North America through its cool SoCal feel and crave-worthy snacks that cultivate special moments of pure pretzel bliss between friends, family, and colleagues.

For additional information about Wetzel’s franchise opportunity, visit https://www.wetzelsfranchising.com. 

About Wetzel’s Pretzels

Providing a fun, fresh take on soft pretzels, Wetzel’s Pretzels was founded in 1994 by Bill Phelps and Rick Wetzel in Pasadena, California. Drawing fans to its mouth-watering, portable snacks that are hand-rolled, baked fresh and served hot from the oven, word quickly spread about the delicious West Coast brand. Today, Wetzel’s Pretzels has grown to more than 400 locations, continuing to cultivate fanatics around the world with its SoCal vibes and “gram-worthy” snacks. As the nation’s leading pretzel chain, the franchise has received numerous accolades, most recently being named on Yelp‘s 2024 Fastest Growing Brands, alongside Franchise Business Review‘s 2025Top Franchises, 2025 Top Franchises for Women, and Top Culture100 lists.

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