roofer in Walterboro, SC

WALTERBORO, S.C. (WCSC) - The City of Walterboro has been accepted into a state program to revitalize their historic downtown area in hopes of bringing economic success to the community.

Walterboro joins over 30 other communities like Beaufort, Kingstree, and Orangeburg in the Main Street South Carolina network, which aims to address issues that challenge historic commercial districts.

“People who have grown up in this town have seen it gone from a very vibrant, bustling downtown that had pharmacies, restaurants, banks,” Scott Grooms, director of tourism and downtown development for the City of Walterboro said. “I’d love to see downtown just totally populated again with that to where people come downtown to shop and do day to day business.”

Business owners downtown say they love the area’s southern charm and small town feel but agree that some updates would bring in more business.

“I think we have incredible potential I just think we need some help in realizing what all we have,” Jessica Burdick, owner of Twig Boutique, said.

In the coming weeks, Main Street SC will come to Walterboro and bring in a research crew to find out what the city is doing right, and what they could do better, holding meetings with stakeholders, residents, and public officials to find out their vision for downtown. Then, they will assist Walterboro in coming up with strategies to achieve that vision.

“I think it’s gonna bring new business, a lot of potential for a lot of our local people for things different to do, and hopefully some beautification and some buildings that are currently empty, to fill those as well,” Heather Larson, co-owner of Colleton Day Spa, said.

Before the team arrives, the city has posted a survey asking people who live, work, and spend time in Walterboro to share what they think the most pressing issues facing downtown are, what types of businesses they would like to see, and more.

You can find that survey here. You’re encouraged to submit honest feedback about what you would like to see downtown until Jan. 25.

Copyright 2023 WCSC. All rights reserved.

WALTERBORO, S.C. (WCSC) - Colleton County has two large industries coming around Walterboro in the near future and county officials are already thinking about how this is going to affect housing.

Pomega Energy Storage Technologies, a subsidiary of Kontrolmatik Technologies that makes lithium-ion batteries, is investing $279 million to build a facility located in the Colleton Industrial Campus near Walterboro.

“That is the largest economic investment of a company coming to this county in history,” Colleton County Councilman Scott Biering said.

This industry will bring in 575 jobs, but that’s not all. Biering says Boise Cascade Company, a leading manufacturer for building materials, will also bring in 30 additional jobs and developers have already sent in applications.

“I think there’s two developments, like maybe 100 houses per development,” Biering said. “And that’s a big deal for us.”

Mark Wysong, the president of the Colleton County Chamber of Commerce, says this will bring greater prosperity to the city of Walterboro.

“Right now, that’s one of the biggest challenges that we have in Colleton County is affordable housing,” Wysong said.

Wysong says these industry jobs will increase the median income within the county, improving the housing market overall. Biering says there are roughly 9,000 people that leave every day to go work in neighboring counties and they want to try to keep those people a little closer to home.

“There’s not been a whole lot of homes and developers in this area for a long time,” Biering said. “So, this is something new to us to have this amount of interest.”

Wysong says he knows locals will want to keep their small town the way it is, but no one should have to worry about losing it.

“While retaining the small-town feel, I think these new developments coming in will adopt that look and feel, so you retain this really small neighborhood community,” Wysong said.

Biering says these housing developments are only in the planning stages, and nothing has been approved so far.

“We like to live, work and play here,” Biering said. “We’d like to keep it closer to the center. So, I think the housing will be a big plus in that direction.”

Biering says Pomega is hopefully expected to break ground in 2024.

Copyright 2023 WCSC. All rights reserved.

SOUTH CAROLINA (WCIV) — It’s amazing. It was already 15 years ago, I did a story on an aspiring singer/songwriter leaving for Nashville after his time as a Clemson Tigers long snapper. It worked out pretty well for that guy- Lee Brice.

This week, we do the same story. A former Clemson long snapper, leaving to follow his music dreams in Nashville. Walterboro’s Jim Brown.

If passion could be purveyed, Jim Brown has always found a way to do it.

Walterboro's Jim Brown follows in Lee Brice's footsteps, gunning for a music career. (WCIV)

“I sing vocally very gritty and aggressive," said the Pinewood Prep grad.

If purpose and passion meet, Jim Brown will find a way to connect them. In his fifth year at Clemson, he was awarded a scholarship by Dabo Swinney.

The Walterboro native has a deeply rooted passion, and now, is his time to shine.

“I taught myself how to play guitar in HS after an ACL injury, bedridden for two weeks so I picked up a guitar and learned to play. When football was over, just latched on to it— all music. Singing vocals, piano, music theory, songwriting- started diving as deep as I could and it sort of got me to here," he said.

Construction consultant is the title that pays the bills for now. But Jim Brown is ready for that chord progression to take the next step. Similar to going from walk-on to scholarship player.

“I’m not trying to be the next Chris Stapleton, but I want to make music that hopefully relates to people on some level," Brown said.

Music, can always take you home. His first single is doing just that.

“The Devil and the Gavel” is his ode to the Murdaugh murders saga in his hometown of Walterboro.

“In Charleston I played a lot of gigs, covers around town and on weekends, Thursday, Friday, Saturday at Edisto Beach and Walterboro. Now, more songwriting. At the end of the day, what I want to do is release music that I have, keep playing. I know its something I’m fortunate to have, and kind of let people know this is my thing," Brown said.

He doesn’t know Lee Brice. He’s never met him. But he hopes his passion will help him follow the same path.

Ring camera footage from a Walterboro home appears to show a dog being run over by a U.S. Postal Service driver who did not stop or slow down.

WALTERBORO, S.C. (WCSC) - Ring camera footage from a Walterboro home appears to show a dog being run over by a U.S. Postal Service driver who did not stop or slow down, a Colleton County woman says.

The dog, Yogi, survived but awaits surgery that could result in his leg being amputated. If not, a BluePearl Pet Hospital in Summerville says because of his poor quality of life, he might have to be euthanized.

“She’s been delivering our mail for over a year,” Paula Gouge, Yogi’s owner, said. “She knows my dogs. She’s pet my dogs before... And I don’t know if she might have given him treats in the past and he was running for a treat.”

BluePearl Pet Hospital says Yogi suffers from a dislocated hip, broken femur and lower spine and internal injuries. The family has been in contact with Officer Suzi Reeves with Colleton County Animal Services, who is handling the case.

“Officer Reeves told me that we did nothing wrong,” Gouge said. “We did not break any laws. We do not have to keep him on a leash.”

Matthew Breen, managing partner of Lowcountry Law, LLC, says the family can decide to sue this driver for negligence and depending on what the solicitor decides, the driver could face charges as high as a hit and run.

“Yes, they might have needed to restrain their animal,” Breen said. “But at the same time... that doesn’t give us an excuse, ‘Well, that dog doesn’t have its leash on and it’s outside the road. I can just run it over and kill it.’”

He says it’s important for pet owners to be diligent.

“You want to make sure that you protected your pet to the greatest extent that you could, and if they’re injured, that you can recover civilly against the wrongdoer who injured your pet,” Breen said.

Reeves says the driver will face at least two citations under the proper care of animals under the Colleton County Code of Ordinances. She says the driver has been identified and she claims she didn’t know she hit the dog.

“He’s only eight and a half years old,” Gouge said. “He’s not done. I just pray that he can get better and be a miracle dog and run around on three legs.”

The Walterboro Postal Service declined to make a comment because the case is under investigation. The postal service Southern Area Corporate Communications says they’re still reviewing the video and gathering additional details about the incident.

Copyright 2023 WCSC. All rights reserved.

ONGOING WALTERBORO HARVEST EXCHANGE: Every Tuesday morning local fresh produce is available for free for pickup (as long as supplies last) at the Colleton Museum Market Shop, 506 E. Washington St. To learn more: www.gardenandgatherdfc.com/exchange COFFEE WITH THE CLERK: Sensing that many people in Colleton County and Walterboro know very little of the role the Courthouse has in the community, Clerk of the Court Rebecca “Becky” Hill will be starting “Coffee with the Clerk,” a question and answer program that will run in the Press and Standard. “I would like people to know what goes on inside our local courtroom,” Hill said. “I would like anyone with a question to email it to [email protected], or go to their Facebook page and message their questions.” From there, she and members of the court will try and answer the questions posed. TUESDAY BINGO: 7 p.m., Walterboro Elks Lodge, 236 Milestone Lane, Price is $13.50 for 15 games. COTTAGEVILLE CONVERSATIONS: Join us on the 2nd & 4th Tuesdays of the month at 4:30 pm for interesting conversations, unique presentations, and a variety of presenters and topics. Do you have a unique hobby or special interest that you would like to learn more about or perhaps lead a discussion on? Talk to a member of staff! Ask about our CC Schedule! Cottageville Library 72 Salley Ackerman Drive, Cottageville, SC 29435, 843-835-5621. COTTAGEVILLE LIBRARY STORYTIME: Saturdays at 10:30 am. Followed by a craft, activity, game or short movie. Cottageville Library 72 Salley Ackerman Drive, Cottageville, SC 29435, 843-835-5621. FOUNDERS CELEBRATION: The City Church 323 Francis Street Walterboro SC welcome you to fellowship with us during our Founders Celebration. It begins Sunday June 4, 11, 18, 25 and closing out Sunday July 2, 2023 at 6pm. Our Guest Speakers are in order Bishop Hicks, Apostle Hartsfield, Overseer Johnny Brown, Apostle Fowler, and Chief Apostle James L. Newton. It’s a celebration, Apostle Bryan Youmans, Host. 843-338-1205 for more information. MAY 18 LOWCOUNTRY LANDOWNERS ASSOCIATION SPRING MEETING: Thursday, May 18, 2023, Noon to 3 pm at Holly Bluff, 4677 Lowcountry Highway, Yemassee, SC 29945. Join us for an ACE Basin Conservation update. Following lunch, representatives from the organizations instrumental in establishing the ACE Basin Task Force over 30 years ago will reflect on the impacts of the nationally-recognized conservation project. Register to attend at: http://tinyurl.com/LLASpring23. Registration deadline is May 11th. For more information or to register by mail contact Janet Steele at 803-516-4209 or email [email protected]. MAY 20 FIRST COLLETON COUNTY SPRING FLING FESTIVAL: 10 a.m.-6 p.m., 4296 Old Charleston Highway. Food trucks, crafts, petting zoo, pony rides, bounce houses and much more. Vendors wanted. Contact SavannahvCulley at: [email protected] FREE WILL PREPARATION: 10 a.m., with the last appointment at 2:30 p.m. The Center for Heirs’ Property Preservation is sponsoring a free wills clinic at Ray T. Johnson/CTS Building, 229 Gruber Street, Walterboro. An appointment to meet with an attorney to draft and complete a simple will for free must be made by calling Brianna Roberts at 843-745-7055, or fax: 843-745-7054. (The Center for Heirs’ Property is located at 8570 Rivers Avenue, Suite 170 North Charleston, SC 29406). MAY 20-21 MAY FESTIVAL: Johnsville Community 16th annual event. Starts Saturday. Line-up for parade at 10 a.m., parade starts 11 a.m., from Bethel United Methodist Church, 486 Johnsville Road. Parade ends at Johnsville Community Center, 2026 Community Ave. Festival follows parade, includes food, vendors, activities for young and old. Gospelfest 5 p.m., Sunday, also at park. MAY 26-28 NEYLES COMMUNITY REUNION: 445 Featherbed Road, Round O. Event starts 6 p.m., Friday, May 26; begins noon Saturday, May 27’ and 10:30 a.m., Sunday, May 28. For more information, contact either of the following: Francis Simmons at 803-309-1052; Claretha Robinson at 843-991-1733; or Leslie Holmes at 843-562-6039.

7-UPS PROGRAM: You are cordially invited to join us for a 7-UPS program on Saturday, May 27, 2023 at 5:00 PM. We have some awesome speakers lined up! You don’t want to miss this program. Faith and Action Action Ministries, 113 Santee Lane, Walterboro, SC. Pastor Ollie M. White. MAY 29 MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY: 9 a.m., Waterfall Plaza, 245 E. Washington St. Keynote speaker will be Bob Tiegs, U.S. Navy veteran and Adjutant, American Legion Post 93. In case of bad weather, the ceremony will be moved to the American Legion building, 1852 Jefferies Highway. JUNE 17-24 MISSION SERVE WALTERBORO: Additional details TBA at a later date. JUNE 21-24 25TH ANNIVERSARY CAROLINA BILLFISH CLASSIC: Ten (10) TWT’s with 100% Payout! Outboard Engine TWT’s, $1,500 Heaviest Dolphin Winner take all TWT, 25th Release special prize, Live Music and Meals Every Evening, and more. Register online at https://www.reeltimeapps.com/live/tournaments/2023-carolina-billfish-classic/register. Online registration offers the opportunity to register and pay for the Carolina Billfish Classic and all TWT’s; purchase additional awards ceremony meal tickets (eight included); purchase additional T-Shirts (six included in entry). Add your lady anglers, junior anglers, and all other angler information, plus request complimentary dockage at Charleston Harbor Marina, Schedule meals to be delivered to your boat Thursday and Friday and more. JUNE 26-30 LUTHERROAD DAY CAMP: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church hosting Lutherroad Day Camp. Monday, June 26 – Friday, June 30th. The day camp is for youth that have completed grades Kindergarten through Fifth (ages 6-11). The cost for the camp is $65 per child, which includes a lunch and snack each day. Good Shepherd is located at 106 May Street, Walterboro. For more information, contact Diane Wicker at 843-538-5618. Information and forms are also available on Good Shepherd’s website. www.walterborolutherans.com. JULY 21-23 13TH CLAYTON FAMILY REUNION: The descendants of Eddie & Amanda Clayton will hold their 13th Family Reunion in Walterboro. The theme will be “Honoring the Past and Embracing the Future As We Celebrate the Present.” All family members who have not yet been contacted and would like to attend, are asked to contact the Reunion Planning Committee at 678-592-1148, or visit the Family Reunion website for details and to register: http://www.eventcreate.com/e/eddieandamandaclaytonfamilyreunion JULY 22 DAY OF UNITY: 10 a.m., Basketball tournament at Colleton County High School presented by C.O.R.E. Impact. This is an inaugural event for a new nonprofit that is working with the school system. (C.O.R.E. is an acronym for Community Of Relentless Empowerment) For tickets, as well as team and individual registration, visit: COREIMPACT.FAMILY JULY 29 CHRISTMAS IN JULY: 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Bourbon Creek, 23746 Augusta Highway, Cottageville. Hosted by ABATE for the Colleton County Sheriff’s Office toy drive (benefits children and families in Colleton County in need at Christmas. Rain date July 30. Also seeking automobile enthusiasts to participate at the Bourbon Creek Bar & Grill, Highway 61, Cottagevlle. Contact: [email protected] AUG. 1 BACK TO SCHOOL BASH: 6 p.m., Neyles Community Center, 445 Featherbed Road. School supplies will be given out. There will also be vendors and refreshments.