Small Aircraft Lands on Beach, One Person Dead at the Scene

A small aircraft has made a landing on the beach in the area of Palmetto Dunes on Hilton Head Island. One casualty on the ground has been confirmed. The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is on site providing security for the scene.

Also on scene are personnel from Hilton Head Fire & Rescue, the Beaufort County Coroner’s Office, and Beaufort County Emergency Management.

The investigation will be assumed by federal authorities (National Traffic Safety Board), who are in route.

Inquiries regarding this incident should be deferred to NTSB. Information regarding the deceased should be directed to the Coroner’s Office. Further information regarding emergency response to this event may be released by Hilton Head Fire & Rescue and/or Beaufort County Emergency Management.

Shooting in Seabrook

Sheriff’s Office Investigating Club Shooting

SEABROOK, SC (March 11/10:00 AM) – The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a shooting incident at a Seabrook night club that left four people injured.

Just after midnight last night, Sheriff’s deputies responded to an anonymous report of a gunshot victim at Lila Mae’s Sports Bar (24 Ball Park Rd). Upon arrival, deputies made contact with two subjects carrying an injured male away from the club area. The victim, a 21-year old male, was suffering from a gunshot wound to the leg.

Deputies were then informed that three additional victims, two males (ages 20 and 23) and a female (age 19) had arrived at Beaufort Memorial Hospital for treatment of similar gunshot wounds sustained at the club.

Witnesses at the scene declined cooperation, advising only that they heard multiple gunshots, but had not seen who was shooting, and that following the shooting everyone fled the club.

At this time, there is no suspect information or description, and no motive has been determined. All four victims were treated for non-life threatening injuries. Their conditions remain undisclosed at this time.

The Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with information to contact either Investigator Sgt B. Chapman at 843-470-3469 or the Beaufort County Dispatch Center at 843-524-2777.

Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss!

by Amy Trask

Mar. 11, 2010

Sofia Giordani, Cat in the Hat and Kameron Ferrin

Lady’s Island Elementary School celebrated Dr. Seuss’s birthday with a day of fun-filled and educational activities. The National Education Association’s “Read Across America Day” calls for all children to celebrate reading on March 2^nd, the birthday of beloved children’s author Dr. Seuss. LIES began the celebration with guest readers from our community in every classroom.  Local firefighters, school administrators, journalists, stockbrokers and parents all joined in the fun reading aloud to the eager audiences.

The guest readers were likely to bump into Cinderella, Harry Potter or even Captain Underpants! Throughout the school students were dressed up as their favorite book characters. Teachers celebrated in other ways in the classrooms as well. Mrs. Squires’ kindergarten class made green eggs and ham, and Mrs. Coulter’s second graders had a read-a-thon. Now they want extra reading time everyday! One teacher, Mrs. Dangerfield, told her third graders she would read aloud to them for as long as they asked, but they never stopped asking! She read 17 books aloud until finally they had to go home!

At the end of the day the students had a special visit from the Cat in the Hat!  Along with his sidekicks, Thing One and Thing Two, the Cat in the Hat thanked the Lady’s Island students for being wonderful readers. Kindergarten and first grade students all received a book to take home compliments of the RIF foundation. Things were definitely Seussical at Lady’s Island Elementary School this past Tuesday!

The Parish Church of St. Helena Hosts 54th Annual Spring Tour of Homes

by Gail Westerfield

Mar. 11, 2010

Barbara Hathaway, Shirley Parsons and Bishop Alden Hathaway

When Alden Hathaway, Bishop in Residence at The Parish Church of St. Helena, married his wife, Barbara, two years ago, they lived in a tiny condo. When they couldn’t fit the possessions of two lifetimes into the small space, Barbara had to move practically everything she owned into two storage units.

But then the newlyweds found a dream home in which to begin their life together, thanks to another great relationship: Barbara’s friendship with long-time St. Helena’s member Shirley Parsons.

“Shirley is solely responsible for us having this house,” Barbara says, so it’s apropos that Shirley will be head docent for the tour of the Hathaways’ house during this year’s Spring Home Tours.

The Parish Church of St. Helena will host “Old Point by Candlelight: A Walking Tour of Historic Beaufort’s Most Distinguished Neighborhood” in downtown Beaufort on Friday, March 19 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

The evening begins with a free tour of the Parish Church of St. Helena from 4-6 p.m. Tour participants will be given maps to help them explore seven noteworthy private residences in the Old Point, including the Hathaway’s home, as well as The First African Baptist Church.

The evening will end with a reception on The Green featuring hors d’oeuvres and live bluegrass. All proceeds will benefit The Women of the Parish, which supports more than 20 local and global charities. Tickets are $40 per person and include the reception. For more information and tickets, call 524-0363.

Barbara and Shirley first met at a church retreat and “we were kindred sisters from the beginning,” Shirley confirms. As they walked together every morning, Barbara says she “unfolded this saga of how we were looking for a house, preferably within walking distance of St. Helena’s.”

A friend of Shirley’s had talked about wanting to sell her house to move closer to family, so Shirley introduced the Hathaways to the homeowner and another deep friendship blossomed immediately. Before long, the Hathaways had a place to blend their furnishings into a colorful, eclectic home.

Barbara said she’s always been drawn to primitive and “country” antiques, while Alden contributed pieces he’d picked up in Japan and China while he served in the Navy.

The Hathaway’s house was built in 1929 during a building boom, and Shirley adds that “it’s one of the best-built houses in Beaufort.”

Alden notes the house’s “nice little touches…It doesn’t overpower you with decoration. It’s just very comfortable. Apparently ‘old Beaufort’ people have been here for parties…and they remember it fondly as having a good time here. And we’ve certainly had some good times here already.”

Shirley, who has been a home tours docent “for about twenty years,” takes her work seriously but with a dose of good humor. She once prevented a man with a concealed video camera from shooting in a home that had specifically prohibited photos. “I saw a little light on,” she recalls, indicating a hip pocket, “and I didn’t say anything. I just moved wherever that camera went. And now he has wonderful pictures of my tummy.”

Her dear friends, the Hathaways, will be on hand during the tour if anyone stumps her with a question about the house. “We’re real happy to have them here in Beaufort,” Shirley says with a smile. “They have added a lot.”

2nd Annual Beaufort Twilight Run and Oyster Roast set for March 20th

Mar. 11, 2010

Beaufort’s biggest run will include an evening of races, great food and family fun – all to benefit the new Riverview Charter School

Runners will take their marks at sunset on March 20, 2010, racing to benefit Riverview Charter School.  The Beaufort Twilight Run and Oyster Roast drew close to 1000 people its first year from all over the Lowcountry and throughout the U.S., and this year the race organizers are expecting even bigger crowds.

The Twilight Run is open to athletes and spectators of all ages (registration required to

participate).  The evening kicks off at 5:30 pm with the kids’ fun run, followed by a timed, USATF sanctioned 8K run, and the 5K fun walk. The course runs through the coastal community of Habersham, with picturesque views along the marsh and beneath the sprawling live oak trees.

Race Management Systems co-owner, Danny White, responsible for the Twilight Run’s 8K timing and course certification, commented about last year’s race, “This is definitely one of the best ‘first-time’ events I’ve ever worked.  The course is one of the most scenic in South Carolina, there’s no doubt…and it’s fast!”

Cash prizes will be awarded to the top male and female 8K finishers in several categories: top 3 overall winners, masters overall, active duty military, and hometown hero (Beaufort County resident).  Male and female 8K age group awards will also be given.  All participants of the kids’ fun run will receive an award.   Registration discounts are available online to active duty military.

The post-race festival includes food, music and fun!   The Oyster Roast, catered by Sea Eagle Market, is open to the general public, and will include a lot more than just oysters!  Oyster roast tickets, kid’s meal tickets and race registration can all be purchased online at

http://www.BeaufortTwilightRun.com.  Prices go up on Friday, March 5, and again on March 19, so make your reservations now.

Riverview Charter School Development Chair and the event’s coordinator, Jody Hayward, is thrilled about the overwhelming response and interest in the 2010 Beaufort Twilight Run and Oyster Roast. “We are really excited about this year’s race – especially now that our school is open and so many of our students and their families will be there to enjoy it.  The response that we received from the runners last year was awesome, and this year’s registrations are coming in from all over the Southeast – we’re looking forward to another great event!”

For more information about The Beaufort Twilight Run and Oyster Roast visit

http://www.BeaufortTwilightRun.com.  Proceeds from the race will benefit Riverview Charter School: a FREE, public school authorized by the Beaufort County School District and open to all Beaufort County students K-8th Grade (www.RiverviewCharterSchool.org).

Beaufort Woman Arrested

Identity Fraud Suspect Arrested

BEAUFORT, SC (March 10/3:00 PM) – The Beaufort woman wanted on outstanding warrants for Financial Identity Fraud has been arrested.

Twenty-four year old Latoya Shernell Haley (a.k.a. Veronica D. Haley) was arrested just after 7:00 pm at the bus station in Beaufort after deputies received an anonymous tip that she was attempting to flee the area, and could be found at that location. Deputies responded to the bus station and were waiting when she was dropped off by an unknown subject. Haley was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Beaufort County Detention Center where she currently remains.

Haley was recently arrested February 23^rd on similar charges after she reportedly stole and used a credit card and also fraudulently applied for and used another credit card in the name of a 74-year old Hilton Head woman for whom she was providing in-home nursing care.

During the course of that investigation, it was discovered that between September 2009 and January 2010, Haley had victimized two additional elderly patients. It was determined that Haley was using fraudulent financial accounts established under the names of a 72-year old Hilton Head woman and her 67-year old husband, for whom she was caring, to pay bills she generated using the identity of the first victim.

In each case, Haley is suspected of fraudulently obtaining more than $1,000 using the identities of her victims. And in each incident, the victim was elderly, sick, and on substantial medication. While Haley does possess a valid nurse’s aide certification, she was not currently employed by any health care provider, during the times she cared for these victims.

Manhunt in Progress

BEAUFORT, SC (March 10/12:45 PM) – A manhunt is currently in progress in the area of Shanklin Rd and Stanley Farm Rd in reference to suspicious activity, possibly related to recent home burglaries.

Just before 12:00 PM, two black males were observed walking down the railroad tracks carrying large flat screen televisions in the area of Laurel Bay and Westgate Cir. The suspects, whom were spotted by a deputy patrolling the area, fled upon being ordered to stop. The televisions, which were recovered near the last location the suspects were seen, have since been reported stolen from a Westgate Cir home.

A perimeter has been established in the immediate area and the Sheriff’s Office K-9 Tracking Team is actively involved in a ground search for the suspects.

The two suspects were described only as tall, slender black males. No further description is available at this time.

Residents in affected areas (Shanklin Rd, Laurel Bay Rd, Stanley Farm Rd, and neighboring side streets) are encouraged to stay inside their homes and immediately contact 911 for sightings of any suspicious person(s) in the area.

Local swimmers compete at the Carolina YMCA Winter Championship

Mar, 4, 2010

11&Up age group First Row: Madeleine Gray, Mattie Thomas, Maisie Gayken. Second Row: Matthew Garay, Savannah Malphrus, Laura Barras, Leah Benn Third Row: Jake Waldron, David Avard, Kyle Fabian, Dakota Marrero, Jessica Barras, Mary Barras, and Kirstyn Weidenhof. Not Pictured: Kevin Green, Brittany Sutton, Zach Cushman, Elizabeth Mandell, Rebecca Mandell

Maya Bostwick, Kate Gray, May Harrelson, Carsyn Bostwick

10 and Under age Group Logan McFee, Matthew Garay, Elliot Gayken, Joseph Barras Not pictured: Timothy Barras, Brooke Cushman, Talley Cushman, Quinn Fleming, Parker Smith.

Pictured here are members of the YMCA of Beaufort County Tiger Shark swim team that finished 8th at the Carolina YMCA Swim League Winter Championship meet on February 19-21.

Oysters and Family Fun Start Off the New Year

Mar 4, 2010
Family is a focal point at St. Peter’s Catholic Church. Reaching into the community with an open hand, and a generous heart is the goal of every ministry of the church, one of the oldest in the lowcountry community, built by an Irish immigrant, and deeded to the bishop in 1846.
On March 6th, the fifth annual Oyster Roast and Microbrew Festival will be held in Port Royal’s Live Oaks Park (right beside Port Royal Elementary School). The event begins at 1pm and is a neighborhood celebration of local fare in support of education. Prizes, and a live auction that begins at 5:30 pm will be complimented by live music from “Steppin’ Stones.” The festival concludes with a bonfire and activities coming to a close at 8:00pm.
The Festival in an “All-U-Can Eat” affair with oysters and a beer testing, featuring 50 different brews from all over the world. Wine and soft drinks are also available. We Island Gumbo will also be on sale, along with hot dogs, and chili for those who don’t like oysters. Tickets are available for $20 per person at St. Peter’s School and at Bill’s Liquors & Fine Wines located on highway 21 (beside Grayco Hardware). There is a rain date set for March 7th if Saturday’s weather is uncooperative.
There is a “Kid’s Court”- a secure, supervised area for children 14 & under – offering a free menu. The Kids Court will have games, inflatable rides, face painting, and a live DJ. Kids are “tagged”, and a positive I.D. by a responsible adult is required for safe removal of children from the Kid’s Court.
In the past, the Oyster Roast has helped St. Peter’s, raise money for a basketball court, computers, and soccer bleachers, and has helped establish a mini-grant program for students, faculty, parent and school administrators. Last year, the festival committee raised enough money to complete the construction of an athletic field house and concession stand. But to get 2010 started off with another fun lowcountry event, join the volunteers and organizations sponsoring the 5th Annual Oyster Roast in Port Royal. The admission is worth the price of a babysitter alone and you can have some fun, keep the kids entertained, win some prizes, and enjoy great food and fare for a good cause.

Tickets are on sale at St. Peter’s School and at various locations throughout Beaufort county including Bill’s Liquors and Fine Wines on Lady’s Island and in Bluffton. Cost is $20 per person. For more information contact Douglas Massalon at (843) 227-1280.

Riverview Board Speaks Out About District’s Mistakes

From the Riverview Board of Directors: 3-1-10

The Riverview Board of Directors is pleased that the Beaufort County School District has acknowledged and corrected the inaccurate data we originally received from them. We look forward to receiving feedback from the Office for Civil Rights so that we can begin our admissions for the 2010-2011 school year. Though we sympathize with the parents and community members who want to know how this happened and who want assurances that it will not happen again, the Riverview Board of Directors has not requested an investigation into this matter. As a board comprised of parents, we always strive to act in the school’s best interest within our defined role. We also appreciate the role our parents play in the success of this school and recognize they, too, are committed to Riverview’s best interests.