News Flash

The opinions reflected on this page belong to the author and are not a reflection of the position of any governing body or entity of Georgetown County. This page is intended as a vehicle for elected representatives to communicate to constituents their views and thoughts on matters that come before Council.

The opinions reflected on this page belong to the author and are not a reflection of the position of any governing body or entity of Georgetown County. This page is intended as a vehicle for elected representatives to communicate to constituents their views and thoughts on matters that come before Council.

The opinions reflected on this page belong to the author and are not a reflection of the position of any governing body or entity of Georgetown County. This page is intended as a vehicle for elected representatives to communicate to constituents their views and thoughts on matters that come before Council.

The opinions reflected on this page belong to the author and are not a reflection of the position of any governing body or entity of Georgetown County. This page is intended as a vehicle for elected representatives to communicate to constituents their views and thoughts on matters that come before Council.

The opinions reflected on this page belong to the author and are not a reflection of the position of any governing body or entity of Georgetown County. This page is intended as a vehicle for elected representatives to communicate to constituents their views and thoughts on matters that come before Council.

As we move into the holiday season, I want to share some of the major achievements taking place in District 6 — which includes southern Murrells Inlet (29576) and northern Pawleys Island (29585). This year, I focused on infrastructure, connectivity and smart development strategies aimed at improving quality of life, public safety, health and overall community wellness.

Below are key accomplishments and actions I have supported:

Community Improvements & Public Facilities

• Construction of Grand Strand Health’s new Murrells Inlet ER on Wesley Road
• New basketball/pickleball courts planned for Waccamaw Recreation Center by 2026
• ADA-accessible entry doors installed at Waccamaw Recreation Center
• Construction and renovation at Stables Tennis Facility including 9 clay courts, 4 hard courts, and energy-efficient LED lighting
• Funding secured for the county’s first off-leash dog run at Stables Park, opening 2026

Transportation, Paths & Drainage

• $200,000 for street improvement studies from MLK to North Causeway/Waverly
• Completed Waverly Multi-Use Path and drainage upgrades
• Completed Waverly Park ball fields
• Planned roundabout at Waverly/Petigru, targeted for 2028 (GSATS funding)
• MLK to Highway 17 drainage and Multi-Use Path 
• Petigru and Parkersville drainage/multi-use paths on contingency list

Environmental Protection & Smart Development

• Neighborhood Amenity District zoning implemented in Hagley and Litchfield Country Club, reducing density by 95%
• Tree ordinance strengthened with increased fines for illegal protected tree removal
• Restrictions adopted on new storage facilities along the Waccamaw Neck corridor
• Reduced multifamily zoning density by 70%
• $1 million seed funding approved for beach monitoring and erosion mitigation

Partnership Projects & Community Wins

• Ongoing Highway 17 cleanup and signage efforts with local nonprofits
• Golf cart access restored to Willbrook path via deed transfer to a local nonprofit
• $4 million secured for inlet dredging, supplemented by $1 million from Capital Project Sales Tax

Public Safety

• Sheriff's Office and first responder pay increases
• Funding approved for emergency vehicle purchases

Capital Project Sales Tax (CPST) Commitments

• Supported nearly $25 million in local CPST initiatives that directly benefit District 6 residents
• Includes beach preservation, drainage, recreation and multi-use trail development

Thank you for your ongoing engagement and continued support. I wish you and your family a safe and happy holiday season!

— Stella Mercado,Georgetown County Council District 6 Representative

It’s an honor to represent District 6 on the Georgetown County Council. Protecting our quality of life and natural resources is vital to our community. That’s why I want to make you aware of the facts about the recently passed county Land Use Plan and Future Land Use Map and overall Comprehensive Plan.

After gathering public input for several years, including nearly 2,000 citizen-submitted surveys (70% came from the Waccamaw Neck), stakeholder focus groups, public “open house” meetings, and Planning Commission recommendations, County Council approved a Land Use Plan and Future Land Use Map in July that cuts residential development density by 50 percent on the Waccamaw Neck.

 According to a county consultant’s report, the Future Land Use Map cuts Waccamaw Neck development density that’s allowed under the current county zoning ordinance, from 25,201 units to 12,622 units, a 50% reduction.  

Based on public input, the following are also included in the plan:

•  Significant density reduction in General Residential zoned areas
• Preservation of existing neighborhoods on the Waccamaw Neck for low to medium density
• Preservation of golf courses with very low-density zoning and significant open greenspace requirements
• Preservation of 50% of open space for remaining undeveloped land on Waccamaw Neck
• Wetlands protections
• Greenbelt preservation program
• Preservation of historic and cultural places

Georgetown County is starting a rewrite of its zoning ordinance to incorporate the policy recommendations in the Land Use Plan. The Future Land Use Map will be the guide for zoning map updates.

In the interim, I led, and County Council passed, an ordinance in September of 2024 to reduce multi-family density by 70% (16 units per acre to 5 units) on the Waccamaw Neck.

The Land Use Plan and Future Land Use Map are just one element of the County Comprehensive Plan, which considers the area's existing conditions, future goals and a general vision for what future growth and development within the county will look like over the next 10 to 20 years. The other elements of the Comprehensive Plan are natural resources, transportation, housing, population, resiliency, economic development, priority investment, community facilities, and cultural resources. The goals and objectives of these elements are tied closely together to form a unified Comprehensive Plan.  

Under state law, the Comprehensive Plan and all elements, including the Land Use Plan must be re-evaluated and reviewed every five years, and must be rewritten every 10 years. The next review for Georgetown County is 2029 and rewrite is 2034.

Information about the plan can be found on the Comprehensive Plan page of the County website.

I hope this information is helpful. Please contact me if I can be of any assistance. 

• GT County office:  (843) 545-3058
• Email:  stellamercado@gtcounty.org

On October 24, 2023, after a public workshop, Georgetown County Council passed two Resolutions to be placed on the ballot for November 2024 regarding penny sales taxes for our residents to vote on in the general election. The first one is the Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) and the second one is the Capital Projects Sales Tax (CPST) outlined below:

• Resolution No. 23-33 - A Resolution Approving and Authorizing a Local Option Sale Tax pursuant to SC Code §4-10-10, et seq., and All Necessary Acts and Matters Relating Thereto as May Be Required Under SC Law. 
• Resolution No. 23-34 – A Resolution Approving and Authorizing the Creation of a Commission Pursuant to SC Code §4-10-300, et. seq., to Consider Proposals and to Carry Out All Necessary Acts and Matters Relating Thereto as May Be Required Under SC Law for Funding Capital Projects within Georgetown County
• Georgetown County Council YouTube link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0moqdcPzYeo&t=3662s

Most of the revenue for county budgets in South Carolina derives from property taxes imposed on property owners (both businesses and residents). County budgets are responsible for county roads, stormwater, public works, law enforcement, fire, EMS, public safety, libraries, aging services, planning and zoning, recycling, bike paths, airports, economic development, building codes and permits, parks and recreation, detention centers, judicial centers, and a myriad of other services for our residents and businesses. 

For Georgetown County, we recently passed our budget at just over $100 million for FY 2023/2024, while our neighbors to our north and south spend close to $1 BILLION a year. The burden for all these services falls primarily on property owners even though nonresidents, tourists, visitors, outside businesses, and passersby consume county services as well every year which require operations and maintenance for the county to address.  

Georgetown County is the sixth largest generator of tourism revenue in the state and tourist spending in FY 2022/2023 hit a record high in Georgetown County exceeding $380 million a year, producing $66 million in worker income, and accounting for 3,300 local jobs. If both the CPST and the LOST penny taxes are approved by voters on the November 24^th ballot, Georgetown County penny sales tax impact would be approximately $7.6 million a year and would go into effect in 2025. County Administrator, Angela Christian presented the following presentation at a public workshop on October 16:  https://www.gtcounty.org/DocumentCenter/View/2760/PowerPoint-presented-to-Council-at-10-16-23-Workshop-PDF.

More information

Learn more about the proposed taxes at gtcounty.org/2024taxes. Information will continue to be added at that link throughout the spring and summer, as the referendum draws closer.

Summary Informational Table

https://www.sccounties.org/sites/default/files/uploads/services/research/profiles/localsalestax-imposed.pdf

The opinions reflected on this page belong to the author and are not a reflection of the position of any governing body or entity of Georgetown County. This page is intended as a vehicle for elected representatives to communicate to constituents their views and thoughts on matters that come before Council.

On May 13, Georgetown County Council approved an agreement for "development of a Joint Industrial, Business, Commerce and Residential Complex" with Horry County at the Port. The action has raised a lot of questions about exactly what that means. In short, it's an economic development tool and does not mean there is a current plan for the port property.

Here's what it really means:

A Multi-County Industrial Park (MCIP), Business Park, Commerce Park, Residential Complex or combination thereof is a special designation under South Carolina law that allows two or more counties to jointly designate land for industrial or commercial development. Despite the name, the park does not have to span multiple counties geographically—only one county may host the property, but another county must participate in the agreement.

Why are MCIPs used?

MCIPs are primarily used as a financial incentive tool to attract and retain businesses. They allow counties to:

• Offer Fee in Lieu of Taxes (FILOT) agreements
• Redistribute tax revenue for infrastructure and development
• Support job creation and private investment

They are not physical parks, but rather legal and financial designations on paper that allow counties to apply flexible financing mechanisms to support economic development.

Key Benefits of MCIPs:

1. Fee in Lieu of Taxes (FILOT):
   • Qualified companies can negotiate lower property tax payments (usually over 20–30 years), often at a reduced assessment rate (6% or 4% instead of the standard 10.5%).
   • FILOTs are only allowed if the project is located in a designated MCIP.
2. Revenue Sharing Between Counties:
   • The host county typically keeps 99% of the revenue, while the partner county receives 1% as a symbolic share to meet legal requirements.
   • This inter-county collaboration fosters regional cooperation.
3. Special Source Revenue Credits (SSRCs):
   • Counties can return a portion of the FILOT payments to the company as an added incentive, helping offset upfront costs like land purchase, utilities, or site preparation.
4. Infrastructure Funding:
   • Counties can use a portion of the tax revenue generated within an MCIP to fund public infrastructure (roads, water/sewer, broadband) that supports the development.

How the Process Works:

1. A company announces a potential investment.
2. The county (or counties) negotiate a FILOT agreement with the company.
3. The site is placed into a MCIP via an ordinance passed by the county councils of both participating counties.
4. The company receives the benefits of reduced taxes, and the county gains economic growth and job creation.

Why This Matters for Economic Development:

MCIPs are a powerful tool for leveling the playing field with other states offering competitive incentives. They allow South Carolina counties to:

• Make large-scale industrial projects more affordable and attractive
• Encourage long-term investment
• Boost employment and expand the local tax base (even with reduced rates)

Wingits, a specialty designer and manufacturer of bathroom accessories, fastening systems and Americans with Disabilities (ADA)-compliant products, held its ribbon cutting ceremony yesterday at a brand new facility in the Georgetown County Business Center.

The company started its hiring efforts after investing $7.4 million to its operations in Georgetown County. The initial hiring is for 40 jobs, 13% of which have been filled.

Being in operations for more than 20 years, WingIts has designed and manufactured bathroom accessories, fastening systems and ADA-compliant products that are made with 100% recyclable stainless steel designed for lifetime durability. These products are used for major hospital brands, healthcare, multi-family, senior living, government, and other commercial markets. The facility at 259 Technology Drive in Andrews serves as the company’s primary distribution and fulfilment center for North America.

“Confucius once said, ‘wherever you go, go with all your heart.’ Well, Wingits operates that way. We’re bringing our heart to Andrews. We’re bringing our heart to Georgetown County” said Tom Murphy, Wingits president. “We operate on a very basic principle and it’s that we’re all one team… You all are now part of our family. That’s how we are. We like to make everyone in our community part of the Wingits family,” stated Tom Murphy, President and CEO of WingIts.

The ribbon cutting event served as the official welcoming of WingIts to Georgetown County. Speakers at the event included: Georgetown County Council, SC Dept. of Commerce, and Murphy. Attendees were also able to tour the facility and have lunch.

“With the investment in the growth of our workforce, this industrial facility provides 40 new jobs with meaningful opportunities for our community. This shows the continuous commitment to sustainability in our local economy and support for our workforce,” said Georgetown County Council Chairman Louis Morant.

Operations at the facility have officially started. Individuals interested in joining WingIts team should email their resumes to hr@wingits.com . For those who are interested in industries in Georgetown County, please contact the Georgetown County Economic Development Department at (843) 545-3161 or visit seegeorgetown.com.

Calling all creative young minds! 

Georgetown County Voter Registration and Elections is excited to announce the launch of its third annual “I Voted” Sticker Design Contest. It is open to all school age children and teens in Georgetown County. Submissions are open and will be accepted until 5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 10.

Once the entry period closes, the top 10 designs will be posted at facebook.com/GTCVoterReg, where members of the public will vote for their favorites. The top five student artists will be recognized and celebrated during the Oct. 28 Georgetown County Council meeting, where they’ll receive a trophy and a framed copy of their design.   

Additionally, the winning design will be printed and distributed as official “I Voted” stickers on Election Day.

For more information, call the Georgetown County Voter Registration and Elections Office at 843-545-3339

Georgetown County’s Office of Voter Registration and Elections has taken a major step toward making the voting process easier to understand for residents. The department has created its first-ever Comprehensive Voter Education Guide. Director Aphra McCrea said she believes it’s the first of its kind in South Carolina.

The new guide compiles essential information from six separate pamphlets produced by the S.C. State Election Commission (SEC) into a single, easy-to-read resource. Until now, voters visiting the county elections office might receive different pamphlets depending on their questions — such as how to register, how absentee voting works or what to expect on Election Day. While helpful, that approach had one drawback: voters might miss important information they didn’t know to ask about.

“This new guide solves that problem,” McCrea said. “It brings together the most important points from all six pamphlets so every voter gets the full picture of how elections work in South Carolina.”

The guide covers:

• The types of elections held in South Carolina and what events trigger them
• How and when elections occur
• Ways to register to vote
• How absentee and early voting work
• What forms of photo ID to bring to the polls
• How to verify your ballot, including checking your district information
• Information for military and overseas voters
• Georgetown County’s political makeup, including three municipalities, seven County Council districts, State Senate and House Districts, and more
• How to become a poll worker — including pay details and a QR code to apply

McCrea noted that the guide is not a “get out the vote” tool, but rather a clear, factual explanation of the voting process. 

“We wanted to make sure new voters, established voters, and those moving here from other states have a reliable, quick snapshot of how South Carolina elections work. Election laws can vary a lot from state to state, so this helps ensure everyone understands the process here,” she said.

The guide is available online at gtcounty.org/vote and in print at the Georgetown County Office of Voter Registration and Elections on Hazard Street. It will also be included with voter registration cards and shared throughout the year.

McCrea credited the county’s Board of Voter Registration and Elections members with playing a major role in developing the guide. “They were extremely helpful in putting this together. We’re proud to be the first in South Carolina to offer something like this to our voters,” she said.

The ban was rescinded as of 7 a.m. March 30.

Georgetown County will enact a countywide burn ban effective at 6 a.m. Friday, March 27. The ban will remain in effect until further notice and comes in response to elevated fire weather conditions expected this weekend. 

Those conditions include low humidity,  strong winds and no precipitation — a combination that significantly increases the risk of wildfires spreading rapidly and becoming difficult to control. 

Wildfire is one of the most significant natural disaster threats facing Georgetown County. Last year, a wildfire burned 140 acres and threatened homes in the Prince George community. Across South Carolina, wildfires destroy 20 to 30 homes annually, and hundreds more are threatened each fire season.

Under the burn ban, all outdoor burning is prohibited, including yard debris, brush piles and recreational fires. Residents are urged to avoid any activity that could spark a fire. 

For more information, contact your local fire department.

A life-size bronze sculpture connecting two towering figures of American history will find its permanent home at the Georgetown County Library this spring — and the story behind it is nearly as remarkable as the work itself.

The sculpture, titled "Whispers of My Ancestor," was created by acclaimed sculptor Wesley Wofford and depicts Harriet Tubman whispering in the ear of a young James A. Bowley, her grandnephew. Set on an ascending staircase with the words "Nurture" and "Inspire" carved into the steps, the piece captures a moment of intergenerational guidance — and tells a Georgetown story that most residents have never heard.

The dedication ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, May 28, at 4:30 p.m. in the library's children's department, where the sculpture will be permanently installed. A reception with light refreshments in the auditorium will follow.

The Georgetown Connection

James A. Bowley was among the first people Harriet Tubman led to freedom through the Underground Railroad — and he was family. Her grandnephew, Bowley traveled north with Tubman but, unlike most of the people she rescued, he was not sent to upstate New York or Canada. Tubman kept him close, investing in his education at the Friends School in Philadelphia using her modest earnings as a housekeeper.

That investment paid extraordinary dividends. Bowley served in the Union Army during the Civil War, then was appointed by the Freedmen's Bureau to come to Georgetown — a city with no prior connection to his family — where he became a transformative figure during Reconstruction. He served as chair of the Georgetown school board, edited a local newspaper, sat on the board of the University of South Carolina and served in the South Carolina House of Representatives.

The bond between Tubman and Bowley extended to Georgetown itself. While serving as school board chair, Bowley wrote to Tubman describing the district’s financial struggles. She responded with a $100 donation — equivalent to roughly $2,500 to $3,000 today. What makes that figure remarkable is its source. Tubman spent decades petitioning Congress for a pension for her Union Army service and didn’t receive one until 1899, and even then it came as a widow’s pension rather than recognition of her own service. This was not a wealthy patron writing a check. It was a woman who had almost nothing deciding that Georgetown County’s Black children were worth what little she had.

A Vision That Grew

The project traces its origins to a traveling sculpture exhibit featuring another statue of Harriet Tubman that arrived in Georgetown in mid-2023. Bob Willey, immediate past president of the Friends of the Georgetown Library, said the exhibit sparked a conversation about what the Friends could do for the library's renovated children's area.

The initial goal was a 32-to-38-inch sculpture with a $45,000 fundraising target. The scope grew when an anonymous donor, working through Wofford, offered to match the $60,000 the Friends had raised. The donor had just one condition: that the piece be made full size. The committee agreed, and what began as a tabletop scale model became a life-size bronze.

The process took nearly two years. Local community members served as models: an elementary school student played the role of young James, and a local woman — chosen in part for her height, as Tubman stood just 4 feet 11 inches — posed as Harriet, complete with a period-accurate hairpiece researched from photographs of Tubman taken in the 1850s.

The sculpture is now at the foundry and will be transported to Georgetown for installation on May 27.

Dedication Event Details

The public is invited to the dedication ceremony on Thursday, May 28, at 4:30 p.m. at the Georgetown County Library, located at 405 Cleland St. The event will be held in the children's department, where the sculpture will be permanently installed at the entrance. A reception with light refreshments in the library auditorium will follow the ceremony.

Speakers will include Georgetown County Library Board Chair Michelle Greene, historian Steve Williams, sculptor Wesley Wofford and his collaborator Odyssey Wofford. Poet Eunice Brown will read an original work commissioned for the occasion.

Descendants of both James A. Bowley and Harriet Tubman have been invited to attend.

###

The century-old building known locally as the “old customs house” will become a new consolidated county administration building, replacing two nearby buildings currently in use. Georgetown County Council approved the purchase of the property located at 1001 Front Street earlier this month, following favorable due diligence reports and appraisal. The sale has been finalized with a purchase price of $5.43 million and includes the historic photos and furnishings within the building.

Built in 1906 and designed by noted federal architect Ammi B. Young — whose other commissions include the Vermont State House and U.S. customs houses in Charleston and Richmond — the four-story, 17,000-square-foot brick building served for decades as Georgetown's U.S. Customs House and Post Office. It sits adjacent to the Kaminski House, one of the town's most storied landmarks.

The purchase consolidates staff currently working in two separate county-owned facilities: The Administration Building at 716 Prince Street and the Public Services Administration building at 104 Screven Street.

Once the move to Front Street is complete, the county plans to sell both properties, along with a third Screven Street property that housed Public Services staff until late last year, when it became the subject of environmental concerns. The county is also reviewing other real property assets that are no longer needed to be sold to offset the purchase of the customs house, which will save operations and maintenance costs for taxpayers. 

County Administrator Angela Christian called the acquisition a rare opportunity that serves both the county's operational needs and its commitment to preserving the area’s history. The building has room for 13-26 offices plus multiple conference rooms. The inclusion of historic photographs and artwork in the sale allows the county to preserve these historic items for the future.

“This building has been a fixture of Georgetown’s identity for 120 years, and bringing it back into public ownership is something we don’t take lightly,” Christian said. “We’ve outgrown our current facilities, and our departments — particularly economic development — need room to grow. This move positions us to serve residents better while helping to preserve one of the most architecturally significant buildings in the county.”

The building's location adds a strategic dimension to the purchase. It overlooks the county-owned port, for which Georgetown County is currently reviewing proposals for a redevelopment master plan. The old customs house also sits adjacent to the former steel mill site, where the city of Georgetown is pursuing redevelopment. County Council Chairman Clint Elliott said the timing aligns with a larger vision for the Georgetown harbor.

“This stretch of our waterfront is on the edge of something significant,” Elliott said. “Having county government at the center of that corridor, in a building that reflects the history and character of Georgetown, is exactly the kind of investment our community deserves.”

Some retrofitting of the building will be required before county staff can relocate. A specific timeline for the move has not yet been determined.

The full discussion and vote by Council can be viewed on the recorded video of Tuesday’s council meeting at youtube.com/watch?v=SwzkIfrx2to.

Georgetown County will provide updates on the transition timeline and next steps as they become available.

###

A new public history initiative is bringing South Carolina's Revolutionary War story to life at Georgetown County Library branches throughout 2026, and the series is just getting started.

"A Glorious Cause: South Carolina and the American Revolution" launched earlier this month at the Georgetown Library with presentations by national award-winning storyteller Tim Lowry and historian/violinist Zachary Lemhouse, whose program on the music of the Revolution drew an enthusiastic crowd. The series continues with a full slate of free programs running through June at library locations across Georgetown County.

Made possible by a $39,300 Library Services and Technology Act grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, administered by the South Carolina State Library, all programs are free and open to the public.

Coming Up at Georgetown Library

The Georgetown Library, 405 Cleland St., hosts two remaining programs in March. On Wednesday, March 18 at 10 a.m., maritime archaeologist Dr. Sara A. Rich will present "A Revolutionary War Shipwreck in the Cooper River," offering a rare look at a submerged piece of the Revolution's history. Dr. Rich, an Associate Professor at the Rhode Island School of Design and citizen of the Waccamaw Indian People, is the author of Shipwreck Hauntography: Underwater Ruins and the Uncanny. The program is presented in partnership with the South Carolina Maritime Museum.

On Wednesday, March 25 at 10 a.m., Christopher Judge of the Native American Studies Center at USC Lancaster will present "Native Life in Revolutionary South Carolina." That program ties to the "Resilience & Revolution: Native Peoples in 18th Century South Carolina" exhibit, which will be on display at Georgetown Library in April and May 2026.

April Programs Move to Pawleys Island

The series shifts to the Waccamaw Library, 41 Saint Paul Place, Pawleys Island, for four Thursday programs in April, all free and open to the public.

On April 2 at 10 a.m., archaeologist Steven D. Smith of the SC Institute for Archaeology and Anthropology will examine "Francis Marion & the Snow's Island Community: Myth, History, & Archaeology." On April 7 at 6 p.m., Dr. Nicholas Cole, Director of the Quill Project at Pembroke College, University of Oxford, will present "Founding Documents of the American Revolution" in partnership with Coastal Carolina University HTC Honors College — note the evening start time, which differs from the rest of the series.

April 23 brings author Beth Yarbrough presenting "Preserving Historic Buildings of Colonial South Carolina" at 10 a.m., followed on April 30 at 10 a.m. by Dr. Elizabeth Chew, CEO of the SC Historical Society, presenting "Art & the American Revolution."

Francis Marion Focus in Andrews

The Andrews Library, 105 N. Morgan Ave., hosts three Wednesday morning programs in May at 10 a.m., each examining the life and legacy of Francis Marion, the "Swamp Fox" of Revolutionary War fame. Paige Sawyer of the Francis Marion Interpretive Center kicks things off May 6 with "Fascinating Facts about General Francis Marion." Dr. Lee B. Wilson, a history professor at Clemson University, follows on May 13 with "Treason as Political Weapon." The series at Andrews concludes May 20 with Keith Gourdin, a descendant of Francis Marion, presenting "Family Connections with Francis Marion."

Gullah History Featured at Southern Georgetown Library

The Southern Georgetown Library, 4187 Powell Road, Georgetown, hosts four programs in May focused on the social, cultural and culinary contributions of Gullah people during the Revolutionary era. Programs are held Thursdays at 2 p.m.

Victoria Smalls of Smalls Cultural Resources opens the series May 7 with "The Social & Cultural Life of Gullah People in the SC Lowcountry during the Revolutionary Era." Chef and author Sallie Ann Robinson presents "Lowcountry Gullah Cuisine during the Revolution" on May 14, and sweetgrass weaver Jennifaye Singleton closes the Gullah-focused programming May 21 with "Traditional Gullah Artforms of the Revolution."

The series at that location concludes with a unique outdoor offering: on Friday, May 29 at 11 a.m., guide and River Reader Kayaking founder Hastings Hensel leads a kayak tour of the Battle of Black Mingo site. Registration is required for the kayak tour; email dturner@gtcounty.org to sign up.

Series Concludes in Carvers Bay

The final leg of "A Glorious Cause" runs in June at the Carvers Bay Library, 13048 Choppee Road, Hemingway, with Thursday programs at 2 p.m. Author Steve Williams presents "African American Contributions to the Revolutionary War" on June 4; cultural interpreter Pelor Richards follows June 11 with "Roots & Resilience: Gullah Life in the Revolutionary Era"; and author Lee G. Brockington closes the series June 18 with "Patriots & Loyalists: The Battle at Home."

The "American Revolutionary War in South Carolina" exhibit will be on display at Georgetown Library in June and July 2026.

For more information, contact the Georgetown County Library system.

The Carvers Bay Library will be closed for up to two months this winter while workers complete a flooring renovation. The closure will begin on Jan. 19. 

Flooring in the branch was previously damaged by a water leak and extensive repairs are needed, included removing the old carpet and materials underneath. As the job will require removing all the books from the library, staff will also take the opportunity to do some overdue weeding of the collection, removing books that are damaged or outdated. 

The new flooring material being installed will be more durable, officials said. The renovation will be a big improvement for the branch. During the closure, patrons are invited to visit other branches or utilize online services, including Overdrive, which offers a large selection of e-books and audiobooks.

The Friends of the Georgetown Library are inviting residents and visitors alike to celebrate the season with a beloved local tradition: The 23rd annual Yuletide Home Tour, set for 1-5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13,

The event offers a rare opportunity to step inside beautifully decorated homes, churches and museums throughout Georgetown, all decked out in their holiday finest. This year’s tour features 12 stops, including three homes that have never before been part of the event.

“We always try to bring in new and different homes each year,” said Bob Willey, president of the Friends of the Georgetown Library. “Three of the homes on this year’s tour are brand new to the lineup, and none of the homes from last year will repeat, so there’s plenty of variety.”

Among this year’s most exciting additions is Bethel AME Church, which will reopen to the public for the first time in a decade. The historic church, which dates back to 1863, has deep roots in Georgetown’s story. It was once a stop on local history tours and holds a special connection as the home church of former First Lady Michelle Obama’s grandparents.

“It’s such a beautiful church with an incredible history,” Willey said. “They haven’t been part of the tour since the tragedy at Mother Emanuel in Charleston, but the new pastor, Rev. Davis, has been very open and enthusiastic about increasing community involvement. We’re thrilled to welcome them back.”

In addition to the homes and churches, four of Georgetown’s five museums will be featured: the Kaminski House Museum, the Georgetown County Museum, the Gullah Museum and the S.C. Maritime Museum. Prince George Winyah Parish Hall will also be part of the route.

Willey said the timing of the event — from 1-5 p.m. — is designed to encourage visitors to make a day of it in historic Georgetown. “We want people to come early for lunch, enjoy the tour, and then stay for dinner downtown,” he said. “And with the ice-skating rink returning this year on the same day, there’s plenty to do for families as well.”

The City of Georgetown will have an ice rink set up from noon to 8 p.m. in Maritime Park on Front Street.

Tickets for the Yuletide Home Tour are $25 per person or $20 for members of any Friends group within the Georgetown County Library system. Admission is free for library employees. Tickets are available at all county library branches or online at myfogl.org/yuletidetour.

Last year’s tour drew about 770 participants and raised more than $13,000 to support programs at the Georgetown Library. Proceeds fund a wide range of activities for children, teens and adults.

“The Yuletide Home Tour is our biggest fundraiser of the year,” Willey said. “It allows us to support programs that inspire reading and creativity for all ages — but especially for children and youth. That’s what it’s all about.”

The Friends group is already seeing strong early interest, with more than 100 tickets sold by mid-October. Willey said he expects this year’s attendance to top 800, with visitors traveling from across South Carolina and neighboring states.

“It has become not just a local event, but one that really draws people in and benefits the whole community,” he said. “You get to enjoy the beauty of the season, experience some of Georgetown’s most special places, and help our libraries continue the great work they do. It’s a win for everyone.”

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit myfogl.org/yuletidetour.

###

The March 2026 issue of our newsletter is now available. Read it at https://gtcounty.org/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/537. 

Asphalt repairs to the Waccamaw Neck Bike Path in the area of Hanser House Restaurant will begin Tuesday, March 10, with work expected to take at least two days. That section of the path will be temporarily closed during repairs.

We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience as we work to improve the bikeway.

Georgetown County will permanently honor two beloved community leaders whose lives were defined by service, mentorship and a deep commitment to others. At its meeting Feb. 24, County Council agreed to name the Choppee Regional Resource Center in honor of Florene Linnen and the Northwest Regional Recreation Field Complex at Pleasant Hill in honor of R.L. Port. Both passed away in recent months, leaving behind legacies that shaped generations and strengthened rural communities across Georgetown County.

Florene Linnen, who died Nov. 30, was widely known as a tireless advocate for rural families, particularly in the Choppee, Dunbar and Browns Ferry communities. For more than 50 years, she worked to improve the lives of local residents through nonprofit leadership, grassroots organizing and community health advocacy.

Her work was especially influential in the area of public health. Through leadership roles in community-based organizations, including the Diabetes Core Group, Linnen helped bring attention to serious health disparities affecting Georgetown County’s African American population. A comprehensive community health assessment she led in 2000 revealed stark inequities, including significantly higher rates of diabetes and premature death and barriers that often prevented residents from continuing care or taking prescribed medications.

Those findings helped drive her long-running advocacy for accessible, community-based health services in rural Georgetown County. Linnen was a leading voice behind the creation of the Choppee Regional Resource Center, working persistently to ensure health and wellness services would be brought directly into historically underserved communities. The facility opened in March 2005 and has since grown into a cornerstone of community health, education and engagement, offering programs and services for residents of all ages.

The center’s success reflects Linnen’s lifelong vision of equitable access, stronger health outcomes and a more connected community. Naming the facility in her honor ensures future generations will understand the lasting impact of her leadership and dedication.

R.L. Port, who died Feb. 7, leaves behind a different but equally powerful legacy — one built on mentorship, opportunity and the quiet, steady work of investing in young people. For decades, Port was a constant presence in Pleasant Hill, where he helped shape generations of youth through baseball and softball.

To Port, sports were never just games. They were classrooms without walls, where young people learned discipline, teamwork, respect and perseverance. Whether organizing teams, mentoring players, maintaining fields or encouraging participation, he worked to ensure children in his rural community had access to structured, positive recreation — opportunities not always guaranteed in very rural areas.

His influence extended far beyond the scoreboard. Parents trusted him, players looked up to him and coaches relied on his steady leadership. Many who passed through Pleasant Hill’s baseball and softball programs carried the lessons they learned into adulthood, crediting Port not only with athletic development but with shaping character and personal growth.

Port’s work also strengthened the broader community. Local games became gathering places that brought together families, schools and neighborhoods, helping preserve small-town traditions and reinforce community bonds. In 2009, he was inducted into the Dixie Softball Hall of Fame and is credited with helping bring softball not only to Pleasant Hill but to South Carolina.

Perhaps most fittingly, Port never sought recognition. His legacy lives not in headlines or trophies, but in the countless lives he influenced — young athletes who found confidence, families who found connection and a community made stronger through his steady commitment.

The requests to rename the facilities were submitted by the communities these leaders served — for Linnen, by community advocates, and for Port, by the Pleasant Hill Baseball/Softball Booster Club. County Council’s decision ensures their names, and the values they represented, will remain part of Georgetown County’s story for generations to come.

 ###

Georgetown County is pleased to announce that it has reconnected with the National Association of Counties (NACo) Prescription Drug Discount Program, providing residents with another option to help reduce the cost of prescription medications.

The NACo Prescription Drug Discount Program is free to use, requires no enrollment, and is available to all residents, regardless of age, income, or insurance status. The program can be used at participating pharmacies nationwide and may offer savings on many commonly prescribed medications.

Residents may access the program in two ways:

• Printed discount cards, available at the Beck Recreation Center (2030 Church St., Georgetown) and the Bureau of Aging Services administrative office at the Howard Center (1610 Hawkins St., Georgetown)
• Online access, allowing residents to search medications and download or print a card from home

“This program offers an additional option for residents who may be struggling with rising prescription costs or who fall into coverage gaps,” said Beth Goodale, Director of Recreation & Community Services for Georgetown County. “We are pleased to make this resource easily available to our community.”

The NACo Prescription Drug Discount Program can be used instead of insurance when it provides a better price, but it cannot be combined with insurance or Medicare.

For more information or to access the program online, visit the NACo Live Healthy website.  To get your card, click here.

All trails at Rocky Point Community Forest will be closed on Friday, Jan. 30. The Forestry Service will be conducted a prescribed burn in the area and residents and visitors are advised to stay away for their own safety. Trails are expected to reopen over the weekend.

Georgetown County Parks and Recreation is excited to welcome a new year of outdoor adventure through the Georgetown Outdoor Adventure Trails (GOAT) program. As 2026 gets underway, residents and visitors are invited to get moving, explore local trails and waterways, and take part in a variety of self-paced challenges and special events designed to support healthier, more active lifestyles.

2026 GOAT Challenge Registration Is Now Open

Registration is now open for the 2026 Fit GOAT / Iron GOAT Challenge, a self-paced mileage challenge running from January through October. Participants can log miles by walking, hiking, running, biking or paddling at their own pace throughout the year.

Achievement levels range from Fit GOAT to Iron GOAT Elite, allowing participants of all fitness levels to set personal goals and track their progress. Every mile logged represents a personal commitment to better health, wellness and time spent enjoying Georgetown County’s natural spaces.

The GOAT program continues to grow as a community movement focused on making outdoor activity accessible, flexible, and rewarding for everyone.

Upcoming 2026 GOAT Events

In addition to the annual mileage challenge, several special events are scheduled for early 2026:

• Hike and Seek Team Challenge, Jan. 24 at noon. Teams will navigate trails while searching for waypoints along the 8 Oaks Trail System in a fun, fast-paced outdoor challenge. Divisions : Open, Family, and Senior (60+).    
• Ride the Rock Mountain/Gravel Bike Endurance Event, Feb. 21 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. This six-hour endurance ride at Rocky Point Community Forest allows teams of one to four riders to complete as many laps as possible within the time limit. The event is designed for both experienced riders and those looking for a new challenge in a supportive environment.
• Winyah Watershed Paddle (Peters Creek & Black River), April 15, 3-6 p.m. Outdoor enthusiasts are encouraged to take part in a guided paddle through the Winyah Bay watershed, hosted in partnership with regional conservation partners. This event offers a unique opportunity to explore local waterways while learning about the area’s natural ecosystems.More information is available at: https://northinlet.sc.edu/events/winyah-watershed-paddle-peters-creek-black-river-2/

Join the GOAT Herd

All GOAT programs and events are free to participate in, though registration is required for certain activities. Whether you’re aiming to log hundreds of miles over the year, join a team challenge, or paddle through one of Georgetown County’s scenic waterways, the GOAT program offers something for every age and ability.

For more information or to register, visit our GOAT web page.

Georgetown County’s Outdoor Adventure Trails program, better known as GOAT, closed out its second year with strong participation and mileage totals. Parks and Recreation staff said the program’s second full year brought major growth, new events and an increasing level of enthusiasm among residents exploring the county’s trails on foot, bike and water.

“We had a really good year,” said TL Staub, the program's coordinator. “The numbers show huge growth, but more than that, people are really getting into it. They’re hiking, biking, paddling and pushing themselves in ways they didn’t think they could.”

The program encourages participants to log outdoor miles of all types, with milestone recognitions for Fit GOATs and Iron GOATs. In 2025, participants logged a combined 46,966 miles, including 30,430 miles of hiking, walking and running; 15,715 miles of biking; and 821 miles of paddling. 

Participation increased significantly this year. A total of 153 people registered for the program, and 100 actively logged mileage. That represents a 43% increase over 2024’s 70 participants. 41% of this year’s group were first-time participants, while 59% returned from previous years. Women made up 67% of participants, compared to near-even gender distribution last year. 73% of participants lived in Georgetown County, 15% lived elsewhere in South Carolina and 11% were from out of state.

A record number of participants earned GOAT mileage recognitions in 2025. Thirty-three people reached Iron GOAT status by logging more than 500 miles. That includes eight Iron GOAT-Elite finishers with more than 1,500 miles, two Iron GOAT-Pro participants with 1,000 to 1,499 miles, and 23 Iron GOATs with 500 to 999 miles. Another 54 people earned Fit GOAT recognition by logging 100 to 499 miles, including 16 Fit GOAT-Pro finishers. Altogether, 87% of all participants reached either Fit GOAT or Iron GOAT status.

“Some of the elite hikers logged more than 1,500 miles,” Staub said. “That’s like walking from here to New York and back.”

To continue improving the program, the department plans to introduce a new digital tracking platform called Challenge Hound when the 2026 GOAT season begins Jan. 1. The app will allow participants to log miles manually or through their phones, compare progress on a live dashboard and participate in multiple challenges at once. 

Staub said staff are currently testing the system. “It’ll give people a visual of where they stand and help them stay motivated,” he said. “We think it’s going to take the program to the next level.”

The county’s goals for the coming year include growing participation, expanding paddling and hiking opportunities, strengthening partnerships and potentially finding ways to connect GOAT to the county’s employee health initiative. 

Staub said the program is quickly becoming part of the county’s culture of outdoor recreation and community wellness. “It’s only going to grow from here,” he said. “The more people get outside, explore and challenge themselves, the better it is for our whole community."

Georgetown County invites residents, business owners and other interested parties to participate in a public workshop focused on shaping the County’s first Unified Development Ordinance (UDO).

The interactive workshop will feature small-group discussions designed to gather community feedback on land uses, pedestrian opportunities, transportation, and other key planning topics. Input collected during the workshop will help guide the drafting of the County’s Unified Development Ordinance, which will establish a unified framework for future growth and development.

The workshop will be Wednesday, Jan. 21, from 6-8 p.m. at the Georgetown County Library, 405 Cleland Street, Georgetown.

All interested members of the public are encouraged to attend and share their perspectives.

Georgetown County is embarking on an important new planning initiative with the launch of its first-ever Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) — and residents are invited to help shape it from the start.

A public kickoff meeting will take place Sept. 30, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Georgetown Library auditorium, 405 Cleland St. Community members will have an opportunity to meet the project team, learn about the purpose and goals of the UDO, and discover how they can stay involved throughout the process.

The UDO will bring together all of Georgetown County’s zoning and land use ordinances into a single, user-friendly document. In addition to consolidating and simplifying the County’s existing regulations, the UDO will serve as a tool for implementing the land development and zoning strategies outlined in Georgetown County’s recently adopted Comprehensive Plan.

“We are excited about this first step in a long-awaited update to our Zoning Ordinance and Land Development Regulations,” said Holly Richardson, Georgetown County’s Director of Planning and Zoning. “The County is looking forward to more user-friendly regulations that better reflect the current uses and development patterns of our area. Most importantly, these changes will help to implement the County's Comprehensive Plan and to help codify many of the goals and objectives from the recently approved Land Use Element.

“We want to encourage folks to come out and meet the consultant team that will be working hand in hand with the County on this important project. It will provide an opportunity to learn more about the process and find out how you can stay updated and be involved.”

At the kickoff meeting, attendees will:

• Meet the project team, including County staff and consultants from Inspire Placemaking Collective, Inc.
• Hear a presentation outlining the UDO process and project schedule
• Learn how to follow project updates and provide feedback

Residents, property owners, developers, business owners and all other interested parties are encouraged to attend.

For more information, please contact Georgetown County Planning and Zoning at (843) 545-3158.

###

Georgetown County is excited to welcome Carla Harvey, P.E., as the newest member of its executive team. An experienced engineer and longtime public servant, Harvey joined the staff this week as the new Director of Public Services. She succeeds Ray Funnye, who retired this summer after leading the department for more than three decades. 

Harvey brings to Georgetown County nearly two decades of experience in local government. She most recently served as an engineer for Colleton County, where she worked for nearly a decade. Before that, she spent nine years in Berkeley County managing its Capital Project Sales Tax program. 

A Mount Pleasant native, Harvey received both a bachelor’s degree and master’s in civil engineering from Clemson University. She said she has always been drawn to public service work, and Georgetown County has been on her radar for several years. 

“I’ve always been interested, and the right opportunity finally came along,” she said. “Ray Funnye had reached out to me on several occasions through APWA (American Public Works Association) networking, but the timing was never right. This time it was. I see this as a great opportunity for advancement in my career. Georgetown is growing, and it’s going to be great.” 

In her previous roles, Harvey supported numerous public works initiatives, but she is most proud of projects that delivered immediate and visible improvements for residents. Dirt-to-pavement conversions, she said, remain among her favorite accomplishments. 

“It sounds weird, but I enjoyed dirt road paving the best,” Harvey said. “Taking a two-rut road and giving residents something they’ve never had—less mud, fewer potholes, a real road—there’s so much reward in that. I’m very much instant-gratification driven, and those projects give you that. The same is true for streetscape projects. Taking an ordinary street and making it a destination point is incredibly fulfilling.” 

Harvey also brings experience with capital project sales taxes, something that will be highly relevant as Georgetown County implemented its own voter-approved Capital Project Sales Tax earlier this year and is in the very early stages of beginning those projects. She noted that communities with large visitor populations, like Georgetown County, stand to benefit significantly from this revenue model. 

“All those visitors who use your resources but don’t contribute to the local economy—they help pay for major improvements through a sales tax,” she said. “Your residents will benefit, but the cost burden is shared much more broadly.” 

Harvey said she believes Georgetown County is entering a pivotal chapter, driven by growth from both the Charleston and Horry County regions and by the upcoming redevelopment of the Georgetown waterfront. 

“I feel like Georgetown is in a pressure cooker right now,” she said. “You can see growth coming down from Horry County and up from Charleston. The waterfront redevelopment is going to be a huge asset and could change the face of Georgetown. In the next five years, I think this will truly become a destination point.” 

On a personal level, Harvey is mother to two teenage sons—one a year-round travel baseball player, the other an avid competitive bass fisherman. Most of her free time is spent at ball fields, on lakes or traveling for tournaments. 

“When we’re not at the ball field, we’re on the water,” she said with a laugh. “That’s our life, and this area is perfect for that.” 

Harvey said her first week has been warm and welcoming, and she is excited to get to know the staff and the broader community. 

“I’m a public servant,” she said. “I do what I do because I love working with people and improving the communities I serve. My goal is to make wherever I am better for my family and for everyone who lives here. That’s what drives me.” 

Cekra, Inc., a private contractor for the S.C. Department of Transportation (SCDOT), will begin rehabilitation work on the Highway 17 southbound bridges over the Santee river next week. Construction is scheduled to begin Monday, Oct. 27 and last about six months.

The project includes rehabilitation of both the North and South Santee River bridges along the southbound lanes of Highway 17 in Georgetown County. Cekra will perform the work and implement traffic control measures throughout the duration of the project.   

Motorists traveling between Georgetown and Charleston should expect periodic lane closures and possible delays during construction. Crews will be active in the area preparing for these closures and other work activities.

Beginning Oct. 27, the speed limit on the bridges will be reduced to 35 miles per hour whenever lane closures are in place.   

Drivers are urged to use caution when traveling through the work zone, follow all posted signage, and allow extra travel time when passing through the affected area.

Recycling and composting are about to get a little less complicated for Georgetown County residents, thanks to a pair of upcoming workshops hosted by the county’s Environmental Services Division.

Staff Environmentalist Maureen Mulligan said the sessions are designed to help residents better understand what belongs in recycling bins—and what doesn’t—and to introduce simple ways to reduce waste through household composting.

“Educating residents on sustainable development and resource management is one of the main objectives of my position,” Mulligan explained. “We’re really trying to encourage people to recycle properly, but also to start composting at home.”

Sorting Out the Confusion Around Recycling

The first session, “Know Your Recyclables,” will take place at multiple locations and times: 

•  Nov. 1 from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at the Waccamaw Library, 41 St. Paul Place, Pawleys Island
• Nov. 10 from 1-2 p.m. at the Southern Georgetown Library, 4187 Powell Road, Georgetown
• Nov. 15 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Carvers Bay Library, 13048 Choppee Rd., Hemingway

 A previous session took place in October at the Georgetown Main Library. Mulligan said the goal of the programs is to clear up misconceptions about what can and can’t be recycled.

“We’ve been having issues with contamination,” she said. “People mean well, but sometimes we get things like food waste mixed in with plastics or aluminum, or even nonrecyclable items like hoses and storage bins. Just because something is made of plastic doesn’t mean it’s recyclable.”

Mulligan noted that the county primarily accepts plastics labeled with a 1 or 2 inside the recycling triangle, such as water and soda bottles, milk jugs and detergent containers. Those materials can be resold, helping offset processing costs. Items labeled with numbers 3 through 7, however, should unfortunately be placed in the trash.

“When in doubt, throw it out,” she said. “Wishful recycling—putting something in the bin because you hope it’s recyclable—just adds to our costs because we have to sort it out later.”

Plastic bags are another major issue. They tangle machinery at recycling facilities and should never be placed in mixed recycling bins. However, Mulligan said residents can now drop off clean, dry plastic film—including grocery and bread bags—at all county recycling centers.

Composting for Cleaner Air and Healthier Soil

The second program, a Composting Workshop, will be Saturday, Dec. 6 from 11:30-12:30 p.m. at the Carvers Bay Library, 13048 Choppee Road, Hemingway. Participants will learn how to turn kitchen scraps and yard waste into nutrient-rich compost instead of sending them to the landfill.

“About a third of all waste in the United States is food waste,” Mulligan said. “When food decomposes in landfills, it does so without oxygen and produces methane, which is a potent greenhouse gas. Composting allows that material to break down naturally, reducing methane emissions and producing something useful.”

Participants in the composting class will receive a free five-cubic-foot compost tumbler to take home, made possible through a grant from the S.C. Department of Environmental Services.

Looking Ahead

Beyond these workshops, Mulligan hopes more residents will take advantage of the free landfill and recycling facility tours the county offers. “Before I worked here, I never gave it much thought,” she said. “But once you see how much waste we generate and how quickly our landfill is filling up, it really changes your perspective.”

The county landfill is currently the highest point in Georgetown County—and space is running out. “Even if you don’t care about the environmental side of it, there’s a major financial cost to expanding,” Mulligan noted.

Those interested in scheduling a facility tour can call 843-545-3452 for details or to register for upcoming workshops.

Georgetown County has a new advocate for its veterans community. Longtime Georgetown resident and Army veteran Paige Sawyer has stepped into the role of Veterans Services Officer, bringing with him decades of community involvement and a deep passion for serving those who served our nation.

Sawyer is a familiar face to many in the local veterans community. He is an active member of American Legion Post 114 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6444, and an honorary member of the Lowcountry Warbirds. He’s also involved with the Georgetown County 250 Committee and serves as chairman of the Francis Marion Interpretive Center at the Georgetown County Museum.

A native South Carolinian, Sawyer moved to Georgetown in 1972 after completing his military service and has spent more than 50 years contributing to the community in a variety of roles.

“I’ve always been a military-minded person,” Sawyer said. “Even though I didn’t make the military a lifelong career, my heart has always been in it. With this position, if I can help assist and educate veterans or their families, I see that as part of my service to the community.”

Sawyer served in the Army from 1968 to 1972, including two tours in Vietnam as part of the Army Security Agency, a military intelligence branch known in Vietnam as “Radio Research.” After leaving the Army, he worked at the Georgetown Times before he and his wife, Susan, launched a photography studio, which they operated for 51 years. He has also worked with several local tour companies, and today continues to operate Old Georgetown Walking Tours.

While he is still completing state-required training for his new role, Sawyer has already begun working to make the county Veterans Services Office at Lafayette Circle more welcoming and efficient for local veterans and their families. He has updated the office’s webpage, refreshed the decor to create a more military-themed, respectful atmosphere, and plans to upgrade the office’s outdated software system to streamline services.

“I want veterans, when they come in, to feel at home,” he said. “I want to be able to answer their questions and help solve their problems. This office serves as a liaison between local veterans and the VA, and I want it to be accessible and an important part of the community.”

Sawyer also hopes to continue and expand outreach efforts such as local veterans claims clinics, which have brought VA representatives from Columbia to Georgetown in recent years to assist with benefits and claims.

Joining Sawyer in the office soon will be newly hired Assistant Veterans Service Officer Patricia Walton, who will help serve the county’s veteran population once she completes her training. She and Sawyer are both scheduled to complete state training on Sept. 18.

“Just bear with me as I get started,” Sawyer said. “But I promise I will do everything I can to serve our veterans and their families well.”

###