Let the superintendent search begin.
According to a news release, Jasper County's school board hired a Nebraska-based superintendent search firm to help it find a full-time replacement for former superintendent Vashti Washington. Larry Heath has served as interim superintendent since December.
Six firms responded to the school district’s request for qualifications.
After reviewing those qualifications and each firm’s experience, the board interviewed representatives of McPherson & Jacobson, Ray & Associates, and the S.C. School Boards Association.
In a 6-2 vote, the board selected McPherson & Jacobson, a firm started in 1991. Kevin Karg and Jerold Murray voted against the hiring. Board member Bennie Hazel did not attend the meeting.
The release states the law firm has a "strong record of placing school administrators who stay in their jobs five years or more."
“It’s been a long process to get to this point of hiring the search firm, but now we are excited to get things moving and to get it done right,” said Tedd Moyd, chairman of the Jasper County School Board. “We hope to have a superintendent in place by July 1, but there’s a lot of work to be done between now and then. That will include involving our community, our school families and the business community in sharing the qualities they see as essential in our next superintendent. This process is going to start immediately and we are counting on the search firm to bring us exceptional candidates.”
McPherson & Jacobson, L.L.C. is based in Omaha, Nebraska.
The firm has been conducting national searches for boards of education since 1991. McPherson and Jacobson has placed more than 500 superintendents and other officials in public and non-profit organizations across the country. Their team brings extensive experience in education and public service including current and former superintendents, university professors, and school board members.
The firm boasts that over the past five years, almost 80 percent of the administrators they recruited and placed are still in the position for which they were hired, and that almost 60 percent are in the position for which they were hired within the past 10 years. 
“We interviewed three search firms and they all have done good work,” Moyd said. “We were very impressed with McPherson & Jacobson and the board is looking forward to working with them to find our next superintendent.” 
Heath was hired as interim superintendent for a salary of $10,000 a month. In February the school board agreed to pay Washington, who resigned effective Dec. 31, 2015, a $178,909 lump sum settlement.

Farm Bureau Insurance honored Marty Sauls, a producer in Jasper County's office, with its prestigious MAPS award at the company’s annual sales conference Feb. 25-26 in Columbia. Sauls was one of only three agents throughout the state to receive the MAPS award, the company’s highest award of excellence.

“To hear my name called was a surprise and very humbling at the same time,” Sauls said in a news release.

The MAPS award honors select agents who demonstrate a daily commitment to providing the highest level of customer service and who exemplify traits like trustworthiness, sincerity and honesty.  

“Any insurance company can sell a policy, but it’s the people behind the policy that matters most and it’s what makes us unique as a company. Marty, and agents like him, are our company’s most valuable asset,” said Bill Courtney, chief executive officer.

Sauls, a Jasper County native, has worked in the county office as a Farm Bureau Insurance agent since 2009.  He also serves as the president of the Jasper County Chamber of Commerce and chairman of the Jasper County Council, among other boards. Sauls and his wife, Anissa, have three children.

Sauls is also an avid outdoorsman and enjoys boating, hunting, fishing and camping with family.

Ken Swafford an Oconee County producer, and Warren Boswell, a Chesterfield County producer, were also honored with the MAPS award.

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Gov. Nikki Haley is pressuring House GOP leaders to agree to designate $400 million annually from state tax collections for roadwork, even while she supports their argument that South Carolina's crumbling roads need a better long-term solution.

Haley said Wednesday if the House accepts the Senate's road-funding proposal — sending it to her desk — she'll work with legislative leaders over the summer to find an acceptable "direct funding stream" for roads.

The Senate refused in its proposal to pass any gas tax increase.

After Haley's news conference, Rep. Gary Simrill repeated that it's folly to promise to perpetually spend $400 million from state coffers because legislators can't rely on continuous economic growth. In the future, legislators could be forced to cut essential services or simply ignore the directive — as they already do for laws on funding local governments and school districts.

According to the Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Office, state revenue growth has exceeded $400 million just twice in the last five years. Annual growth isn't expected to reach that high again through estimates that end in 2018.

"At best, it's bad public policy," said Simrill, R-Rock Hill, the assistant majority leader. "I do not want to make promises to the people of South Carolina that can't be kept."

The House's budget plan, sent Wednesday to the Senate, includes about $400 million for roadwork. But Simrill and other House leaders insist that's just a one-year solution.

State Chamber of Commerce President Ted Pitts continued Wednesday to call for an additional $600 million yearly in "recurring, sustainable funding."

Haley said she agrees automatic funding is the best option, as opposed to relying on legislators to "find it every year" during budget negotiations.

"From an accounting standpoint, you always want direct streams going," said Haley, a former accountant, after closed-door meetings with GOP leaders delayed her news conference by 90 minutes.

However, she likes the Senate's proposed changes to the Department of Transportation's leadership, giving the governor's office full control of the agency. Currently, the DOT secretary is appointed by the governor but also answers to a commission appointed by legislators. The Senate bill would let the governor appoint every commissioner.

"The money doesn't mean anything if we don't reform the agency at hand," Haley said. "If you want to add more to it, do that next year, but don't lose the biggest part of this bill we have."

The House will vote next month on whether to accept, reject or amend the Senate version. Simrill said the House is waiting on an audit of the DOT, expected to be released April 5, before crafting an amendment.

But Haley says if the House doesn't simply agree, "the roads bill will die this year."

As it passed the House last year, the bill effectively would have raised the gas tax by 10 cents per gallon, to 26 cents, while giving most taxpayers a $48 savings on their personal income taxes.

That was a much smaller tax cut than Haley wanted. Haley has previously insisted she would veto any gas tax increase that didn't also slash income taxes by $1.8 billion annually when fully phased in. On Wednesday, she was more vague, saying she could support a "net tax decrease" in next year's follow-up legislation.

Rep. Russell Ott, D-St. Matthews, said Haley didn't have to wait until this summer to broker a compromise, and he doesn't trust there will be any follow-up if the House sends the bill to Haley's desk.

"I'm not confident anything will change," he said.

This month the Jasper County Sheriff's Office and the U.S. Marshals Service went to homes within the county to verify registered  addresses. On March 11, according to a JCSO news release, deputies conducted actions against registered sex offenders in violation of state law. 
Deputies began with 65 active offenders and 58 offenders were located. Three warrants were served; one offender was determined to have died prior to compliance; five were arrested; and one fled.

Adrianna Mikell, a Ridgeland-Hardeeville High junior, will visit the nation’s capital this summer as a delegate with Palmetto Electric’s Washington D.C. Youth Tour.

She is one of three students in Jasper, Beaufort and Hampton counties chosen to participate in the June 10-17 program. Palmetto Electric will pay for her travel, lodging and meals in Washington.

“Ms. Mikell is an exceptional student and may be the perfect choice for the Palmetto Electric Youth Tour,” said Karen Parker, principal at Ridgeland-Hardeeville High School. “She studies hard, she has strong leadership skills and she always seems to want to learn more. I’m sure the trip to Washington will mean a lot to her and to her future.”

More than 1,500 students participate in the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour each year. Delegates travel to Washington, D.C., where they meet with local U.S. Representatives and Senators. Students get the opportunity to watch history come alive as they explore the museums, memorials and monuments with students from South Carolina.

Cynthia Robino, the Workbased Learning Coordinator for the Jasper County School District, said the Youth Tour helps rural students see things they might not normally be able to experience – such as meeting members of Congress.

“It’s a wonderful program that really benefits Jasper County students and broadens their horizons,” she said.

Thomas Heyward Academy's fourth-graders have been busy with their Palmetto Electric Bright Ideas Grant award, "Winning with Recycling."
Students enjoy hands-on learning, and their teacher, Tina McLemore, is proud of their work. The students spent time collecting and sorting recyclables. 
They worked diligently through their recess to give back to their community. Plastics will be taken to the county's recycling center, cans will go to Jasper County Board of Disabilities, and can tabs will be donated to the Ronald McDonald House.

Photos by third-grade teacher Tina McLemore. 

The National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) recognized Jasper County School District athletic director Michael K. Jordan as a Certified Athletic Administrator.
According to a news release, to earn this distinction, Jordan "demonstrated the highest level of knowledge and expertise in the field of interscholastic athletic administration."
The voluntary certification process included a thorough evaluation of the candidate's educational background, experience and professional contributions, as well as a rigorous, comprehensive written examination.
The NIAAA is a national professional organization consisting of all 50 state athletic administrator associations and more than 10,000 individual members. 

A single-vehicle wreck Sunday killed one person.

Bryan Nathaniel Wilson, 60, of Rincon, Ga., was pronounced dead on the scene at about 5:20 p.m. March 27 after attempting to pass another vehicle on S.C. 119.

Jasper County Coroner Martin Sauls said he believes Wilson was living in the Estill area.

S.C. Highway Patrol says Wilson was traveling south when he attempted to pass a vehicle but lost control, leaving the left side of the road way and hitting a tree.

The wreck remains under investigation by the S.C. Highway Patrol. 

Gene "Danny" Bryan Jr. died last week at 57 years old. The Levy resident worked for 36 years at the sugary refinery in Port Wentworth, Ga. In 2008, after an explosion at the Dixie Crystals plant, Bryan saved the lives of several co-workers when he pulled them out of the building. He suffered severe burns and was in a coma for four days. 
A year after the incident, Bryan graciously discussed with the Jasper County Sun Times details of the explosion, the kindness of the community and how he planned to live the rest of his life by helping others.

Here's our story that was originally published in the Feb. 11, 2009 edition of the Jasper County Sun Times:

Having an impact
After surviving plant explosion, Bryan strives to make a difference each day

Anthony Garzilli
Jasper County Sun 

He doesn’t revisit it often, there’s no need to really.

Danny Bryan Jr. lived it. When the Dixie Crystals plant in Port Wentworth, Ga., exploded a year ago last weekend, Bryan was on the third floor of the packing house. The Levy resident suffered second- and third-degree burns to his arms, hands, back and face, but he helped lead several co-workers out of the building.

What followed was a four-day induced coma and a trip to the Joseph M. Still Burn Center in Augusta, Ga.

A year later, after leaving the burn center late last February, coming to terms with the physical scars, losing a bunch of weight and returning to work in July, Bryan chooses to look forward, not back.

“I have that stuff in a file in my head and access it when I need to,” said Bryan, 50, who began work at the sugar refinery complex in 1980. “I don’t think about it too much.”

So, he doesn’t watch the news too often and will sometimes read about the explosion in newspapers, but he doesn’t need to be reminded of the fireball that hurtled toward his eyes.

The DVD of that night’s news broadcasts?

Watching for 10 minutes was enough.

“It’s a little too much to watch it,” Bryan said.

What Bryan does think about is helping others. So many people rallied around him and his family, including Irene, his wife of 29 years, the Levy Fire Department and area churches, that Bryan makes sure to value and appreciate each day by giving back in any little way he can.

One day he’ll make sure to hold a door open for somebody, the next he’ll help an elderly person carry their groceries, and another he’ll help a lady carry uniforms.

They’re simple tasks that make a major difference to Bryan. He knows what it’s like to need assistance.

“To be honest, I went from being totally independent to completely helpless in a blink of an eye,” said Bryan, a third generation employee of the plant, whose father worked at the plant for 40 years.

When Bryan first awoke at the burn center he understood instantly that his life had changed. He was given a plate of food but couldn’t lift his arms to eat.

“Being completely helpless, it was hard for me to grasp,” said Bryan, who at one point lost 30 pounds.

Bryan’s adjustment continued when he left the burn center after 20 days and stayed at his mother’s Levy home. He was told to not go outside, which he admits he did sooner than advised, but after a few weeks he was able to walk around the house, around a “lap zone” that helped build his strength.

Much of Bryan’s physical strength returned. He doesn’t have much strength in his hands, but he’s just about “quote, unquote, ‘normal.’ ”

Bryan survived an explosion that killed 14 people (“If you would have seen what I’ve seen.”). He said he’s not a hero, but maybe his survival and his desire to have a small impact on somebody every day will make him a hero in the eyes of each person he helps.

“I felt like I had been giving extra time for whatever reason,” Bryan said. “My mission here on earth is not finished. I’ve been given extra time to do for other people.”

  Jasper County Council Chairman Marty Sauls honored Hardeeville Mayor Bronco Bostick for his 16 years in public service for the city, in which eight of those years were spent as mayor. Bostick, who was recognized at the March 21 meeting, also served on the County Council from 1994 to 2002. Bostick is not running for re-election. 

Health and Wellness Fair

Description: An open house and Health and Wellness Fair for adults of all ages. At least 10 medical and wellness industry businesses will be represented as well as non-profits that provide resources for older adults. Free screenings will be offered and raffle prizes given away

When: 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., March 31.

Where: Hardeeville Senior Center at 205 Main Street.

Details: 843-784-2838 or Leah Kidwell, Hospice Care of America Community Educator, 843-422-2612 or lkidwell@msa-corp. com.

Youth extravaganza

Description: St. Mary Youth Department invites youth and congregation to attend. Speaker is Rev. Bennie L. Jenkins of First Zion Baptist Church, Bluffton.

When: 7:30 p.m., April 8

Where: St. Mary Baptist Church, Cotton Hill Rd., Tillman

Details: 843-476-6121

Charity Clays Shoot

Description: Fourth annual charity clays shoot benefitting the Boys & Girls Club of Jasper County. Cost is $400 per team or $100 an individual. Entry fee includes a continental breakfast.

When: 8 a.m., April 9

Where: Turkey Hill Plantation, 2215 Log Hall Road, Ridgeland

Details: Presented by Turkey Hill Plantation. Visit bgclowcountry.org/jasper-events or contact Micki Schiffman at 843-379-4530 or mschiffman@bgclowcountry.org.

To purchase a raffle ticket for the four-person quail hunt, call Mona Childers at Turkey Hill at 843-726-8646 or email her at courbray@yahoo.com.

Free Heirs Clinic

Description: The Center for Heirs’ Property Preservation’s free community wills clinic.

When: 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m., April 9

Where: Mt. Carmel Missionary Baptist Center (3763 Bees Creek Road), Ridgeland

Details: Must make an appointment ahead of time by contacting Tonya Feigt at 843-745-7055 or e-mail tfeigt@heirsproperty.org.

Book signing

Description: Local authors Jack Gannon and Cyndi Williams-Barnier will debut their latest book, “Trail of the Hunter.” Their fifth book in the “Task Force” series. The authors are the founders of the annual South Carolina Lowcountry Arts and Literary Festival held in Jasper County.

When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 16

Where: Pratt Memorial Library, 451 E. Wilson Street, Ridgeland

Details: For more information, email jandcwordsmiths@gmail.com or call 843-597-0912.

Jasper’s National Action Network

Description: The goals are to promote criminal justice, voter protection, anti-violence, education, racism issues, decency, etc. We rely on our membership to coordinate all of our activities. Our major concerns for Jasper County are to stop the genocide and violent crimes that’s plaguing our communities. Mothers bring your daughters. Fathers bring your sons.

Details: Brother Lafayette Webber at 843-258-0059

Temple of Love

Description: Sunday school Sunday morning at 10 a.m. and church services at Noon on first, second and third Sunday

Where: 101 William Ave., Hardeeville

Details: 843-784-2692

Diabetes self-management workshops

Description: The Carolinas Center for Medical Excellence hosts free diabetes workshops for medicare beneficiaries.

Where: Regions Bank community center, 11004 N. Jacob Smart Boulevard in Ridgeland

When: Every Thursday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Details: To register call, 1-800-922-3089, Ext. 7585

Food Giveaway

Description: Food will be given away. Picture ID is required.

When: Fridays from 12-2 p.m.

Where: Tarboro Community Center on Pine Haven Road in Tarboro

Details: 843-645-9400

Antioch Educational Center

Description: The Antioch Educational Center is seeking families in Jasper County that are in need for indoor plumbing. If you currently do not have indoor running water, bathroom facilities, or indoor plumbing, we may be able to assist you by providing these services.

Details: 645-9400.

Free paper shredding

Description: The File Depot of Savannah offers free shredding during March as a “Go Green” promotion. Any paper will be shredded free.

When: All of March

Where: 2025 Louisville Rd., Suite D, Savannah, GA

Details: 912-200-9351.

Homeowners eligible for grant to renovate home

Description: The Beaufort-Jasper Economic Opportunity Commission has received a $35,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s rural Development to help eligible Beaufort and Jasper county homeowners who reside in substandard housing, rehabilitate their homes. Mobile homes cannot be considered under this program.

Details: Sarah Marshall at 843-255-7229.

Born To Read Program seeks help

The Born to Read program, which promotes reading to babies and children, seeking volunteers to visit new moms in Coastal Carolina Hospital and Hilton Head Hospital. These volunteers would visit all new moms and deliver a resource bag that contains a book, bib, baby T-shirt, and resource materials a new parent may need. If anyone is interested in becoming a volunteer they may complete an application on the BTR website; www.borntoread.org or contact the BTR office at 843-379-3350.

Grief Support Group

Description: Agape Hospice of the Lowcountry is offering a Grief Support Group to anyone in the community who has recently lost someone in their family or with anyone who is in need of grief support. The meetings are led by Bereavement Coordinator Danny Swain of Agape Hospice.

When: The second Wednesday of each month at 12 p.m.

Where: Jasper’s Porch, 153 James L. Taylor Rd., Ridgeland.

Details: 803-943-2278 or 803-842-9800.


Get in the Calendar

All items due by 10 a.m. Friday. Email news@jaspercountysun.com

STUDENTS IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Ridgeland’s Graham a medical leader delegate

Jessica Graham, a ninth-grader at Ridgeland-Hardeeville High, was named a delegate to The Congress of Future Medical Leaders, which is in Lowell, Mass., June 25-27.

According to a news release, the Congress is an honors-only program for high school students who want to become physicians or go into medical research fields.

Graham was nominated by Dr. Robert Darling, the Medical Director of the National Academy of Future Physicians and Medical Scientists, to represent Ridgeland-Hardeeville High based on her academic achievement, leadership potential and determination to serve humanity in the field of medicine.

Graham will join students from across the country and hear Nobel Laureates and National Medal of Science Winners talk about leading medical research; be given advice from Ivy League and top medical school deans on what to expect in medical school; witness stories told by patients who are living medical miracles; be inspired by fellow teen medical science prodigies; and learn about cutting-edge advances and the future in medicine and medical technology.

The Academy offers free services and programs to students who want to be physicians or go into medical science.

Graham recently made RHHS’s second quarter principal’s honor roll.

For more information visit www.FutureDocs.com or call 617-307-7425.

Noriega joins education reform council

Ridgeland-Hardeeville High junior Tonathzi Noriega was selected to join the Educational Reform Student Advisory Council (ERSAC), a statewide committee formed to receive thoughts, concerns and aspirations in reference to the education matters of school districts.

Noriega participated in the first committee meeting on March 17 and was introduced to the members of the Statehouse, observed the House and Senate sessions, participated in a guided tour of the Statehouse, and enjoyed lunch with district committee members.

During her time at the state house, Noriega met with education representative Rep. Rita Allison and with other committee members, to discuss the challenges and opportunities of receiving an education in a rural school district.

Noriega is one of five children who shared how important education is to her and her family. She said that she was honored that her principal, Karen Parker, selected her to take part in this educational session.

She is a junior who wishes to attend college and pursue a career in the medical field. This Eduational Reform Student Advisory Council will meet again in September.

RHHS’s Mikell headed to nation’s capital

Adrianna Mikell, a Ridgeland-Hardeeville High junior, will visit the nation’s capital this summer as a delegate with Palmetto Electric’s Washington D.C. Youth Tour.

She is one of three students in Jasper, Beaufort and Hampton counties chosen to participate in the June 10-17 program. Palmetto Electric will pay for her travel, lodging and meals in Washington.

“Ms. Mikell is an exceptional student and may be the perfect choice for the Palmetto Electric Youth Tour,” said Karen Parker, principal at Ridgeland-Hardeeville High School. “She studies hard, she has strong leadership skills and she always seems to want to learn more. I’m sure the trip to Washington will mean a lot to her and to her future.”

More than 1,500 students participate in the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour each year. Delegates travel to Washington, D.C., where they meet with local U.S. Representatives and Senators. Students get the opportunity to watch history come alive as they explore the museums, memorials and monuments with students from South Carolina.

Cynthia Robino, the Workbased Learning Coordinator for the Jasper County School District, said the Youth Tour helps rural students see things they might not normally be able to experience – such as meeting members of Congress.

“It’s a wonderful program that really benefits Jasper County students and broadens their horizons,” she said.

Getting connected is considered by many people to be essential in today’s world of smartphones and computers, but getting connected in rural areas has long been considered too costly and an out-of-reach dream.

Maybe not, if people involved with the South Carolina Lowcountry Promise Zone have anything to do with it.

When SouthernCarolina Alliance staff working on Promise Zone initiatives polled stakeholders in the six-county area of Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper counties in recent months, they targeted the development of broadband Internet networks as their top priority in both near-term projects and long-term transformational networks.

“Having these networks will help achieve economic development and community development goals by making the region more attractive to business growth, thereby reducing poverty and creating more community opportunities,” states the SCPZ strategic action plan.

That’s why a broadband workshop in Barnwell on March 23 drew representatives from Connect SC, Atlantic Broadband, AT&T, Century Link and Palmetto Rural Telephone Corporation as well as those from the United States Department of Agriculture (who oversees some federal Promise Zone programs), universities, colleges, council of governments and local people.

A challenge in many areas of the country is “getting people all to move in the same direction,” said Brandon McBride, administrator of Rural Utilities Service in Washington, D.C. “What you are doing here is not common.”

Integral to the effort is funding from the federal government. “We are helping this area to compete regionally and nationally,” said Michelle Cardwell, acting state director of USDA Rural Development.

One enlightenment to many was that there is already an effort to improve the quality of connectivity in the Promise Zone area. Many of the companies are already one year into a federally-funded project to “install Internet to areas that have none,” said Jim Stritzinger of Connect SC, a non-profit organization tasked with developing the geographic information system (GIS) or simply, maps, of Internet availability in the state.

All about speed

It’s all about the speed of transmitting information – downloading and uploading information that translates into distance learning, telemedicine, commercial/industrial communications and entertainment.

To have broadband capabilities, consumers would need 25 megabits download speeds and 3 mb upload. Currently, most of the Promise Zone area has less than 10 mb download and 1 upload speed, Stritziger said.

Maps Stritzinger showed reveal that the South Carolina Lowcountry Promise Zone has mostly mobile wireless with some cable and DSL services available – well below the 10/1 speeds minimum desired.

Working with Connect America, states “are able to get federal grants to install Internet systems to areas that have none,” said Stritzinger.

Currently there is a $16 million project underway to bring a majority of areas in the Promise Zone from its current “underserved” status to the 10/1 minimum” by 2020. At least 40 percent of the project is required to be completed by 2017. Representatives from several of the communications companies said this week they are deep into the project and expect to meet the 40 percent deadline on time.

The workshop was a way to bring together these companies, the USDA and local stakeholders to talk and collaborate to make the ConnectSC and other related projects successful.

“A lot of people don’t understand the benefits of having broadband in their household,” said Stritzinger. “There are children who are disconnected” from opportunities, he said. “This is a really big deal.”

Jasper schools know importance

Marva Tigner, Executive Director of Academics and Federal Programs with Jasper County School District, understands.

“The needs in high poverty areas are so different than in other areas,” she said.

Distance learning and virtual programs enables her students to have resources that they wouldn’t have living in a poor, rural county.

“Performances increase when environmental opportunities increase,” she said.

“We have the opportunities for distance learning, virtual field trips, health courses such as nutrition and supplemental health, and we can interact with medical facilities,” she said. “This is not just for the students. This creates opportunities for the parents as well.”

“The opportunities are limitless,” she said. “Having access can open a whole new world for our schools in Jasper County.”

Many schools are getting funding to provide iPads and laptop computers to every student but there’s a catch. “You can’t use the equipment if you don’t have the bandwidth to support it,” she said.

One participant noted that students now are not given Internet-based homework because the children do not have access at home or, if they do, don’t have the digital speed to watch streaming programs.

The grants from the USDA and other sources are considered to be an opportunity for communications companies to provide services they couldn’t otherwise afford.

“The Connect America Funds are a wonderful alternative for us,” said Zel Gilbert, State Regulatory and Legislative Affairs Director for Century Link. “This gives us an incentive and enables us to reach these high-cost areas.”

It’s no small task. “This is a very, very large project for us,” said Ike Byrd, Regional Director of AT&T.

Each of the companies involved are providing the improved speeds in different ways. Some say they will use fiber optic wiring, others will use cable, and still others will use a network of satellite dishes to transmit data.

But the goal is the same – to get the rural areas within the Promise Zone (and other areas of the state) to an improved state of access.

But once that access is in place, people still have to use it.

There are three stages, explained Stritzinger, “Access, adoption and use.” This includes schools, libraries, government facilities, healthcare facilities, economic development, agriculture and more.

“Access is getting the stuff in place. Adoption is getting people to use it. Use is gaining the skills and applications available.”

“These services have to be offered at a reasonable cost or the public isn’t going to use it,” he said.

Sandy Steele, Director of Operations for SouthernCarolina Regional Alliance, said bringing everyone together for the workshop was a first step. “We want everyone to think about their organization and what they can do to improve the state of broadband.”

She hoped that, through collaboration, companies, governments, organizations and individuals can find ways to bring broadband to the Promise Zone in a smoother and more effective manner.

“The next steps lay in your laps.”

A penny sales tax to help fund county road repairs is one step closer to being placed on the ballot for voter consideration in November.

County Council unanimously approved the first reading of an ordinance required to have the question of whether or not voters would approve a 1 cent increase to the sales tax for the next 10 years placed on the ballot.

Councilman Henry Etheridge reminded everyone that it will be up to the voters to decide if there should be an increase to the sales tax.

“Council thinks this is a good idea but we hope everyone can help us promote it and vote for it,” Etheridge said. “The state just paid out $40 million to settle lawsuits caused by the roads. You’d think they could send some of that money to us.”

The State newspaper in Columbia reports the state has paid about $40 million since 2010 to settle road claims and lawsuits against the state Department of Transportation. More than half the claims against the state since 2010 were for damage caused by potholes.

Councilman Theo Drayton reiterated Etheridge by noting it will be the voters’ decision to impose the tax, not the council’s.

While the first reading of the ordinance passed, it did not outline specific projects and roads the money would go toward. County Administrator Andy Fulghum said staff is still working on the list but will have it to the council by the April 4 meeting for the second reading of the ordinance.

Alliance Consulting Engineers is helping the county identify potential road projects and cost estimates. The county has also requested Ridgeland and Hardeeville councils consider chipping in $5,000 each to help pay for Alliance’s work in identifying potential projects within city limits in order to create a full scope of the county.

Ridgeland Town Council spoke out against the increasing the sales tax at its March 17 meeting. Councilman Grady Woods questioned what kind of perception people would have of the county because of its high taxes along with its struggling school system.

“It seems like a lot of money for not a big return,” Woods said.

Ridgeland Mayor Joey Malphrus agreed.

“It seems like a huge burden and I’m not sure about its return on investment,” Malprhus said.

Jasper’s current sales tax is 8 percent. A 1-cent increase could yield about $3.6 million in the fiscal year 2016-17, according to County Administrator Andy Fulghum. If approved and collected for 10 years, the county could see $30 million in funding for road projects.

Ridgeland town administrator Jason Taylor said if the transportation sales tax is approved by the voters, the town could use its $7-8 million portion of the funds to focus on the Interstate 95, Exit 21 area with improving Frontage Road and passage ways in order to draw in new commercial businesses.

“We should put it where it’s generated,” Councilman Tommy Rhodes said.

A business in Hardeeville is expanding and promises to add 13 jobs in the next five years, but the company’s name remains unknown.

Jasper County Council approved a fee in lieu of property taxes for an existing business given the code name, “Project Sand.”

County Administrator Andy Fulghum said he could not given any information regarding the type of business or current number of employees because of a confidentiality agreement.

The Hardeeville-based business will receive a 6 percent assessment ratio for the next 20 years as well as a special source revenue credit of 33 percent for the 20-year period.

The county will also apply for a $50,000 grant Coordination Council for Economic Development to assist the company with the costs of real property improvements. But in order for the Hardeeville business to receive the tax breaks, it is required to commit to investing $3.4 million into the project, of which $1.7 million is in real property and $1.6 million in machinery or equipment. The other $100,000 will be invested into providing pollution control equipment.

The business will also add 13 jobs in the next five years in order to receive the incentive package from the county.

Whether it’s created with mustard, vinegar or tomato bases, barbecue lovers are sure to taste an abundance of flavors at the Carolina-Georgia Barbecue Festival in Hardeeville.

The Greater Hardeeville Chamber of Commerce invites competitors to bring the best meat and sauce for visitors to taste and judge for the S.C. Barbecue Association-sanctioned event which kicks off Friday at 6 p.m.

This year’s event marks the sixth time experienced cookers will come to Hardeeville in an effort to win the title of best barbecue. Friday’s “Fireman Friday Wing Ding” event will test contestants’ expertise in wings and the Hardeeville Fire Department will judge how well the meat is cooked.

The event will be behind Hardeeville City Hall at 205 East Main Street and will run from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday. Draft beer will be available for those 21 years old and above.

The cost is $10 per person but children under the age of 6 are free.

A local musician and Hardeeville firefighter, Harry Santana, will take the stage at 6 p.m. followed by Brad Wells at 7 p.m.

Saturday’s competition and family fun will begin at 10:30 a.m. and more than a dozen teams will prepare pulled pork and rib samples.

Children activities and amusement rides will be available as well as a car show and cornhole tournament.

Hardeeville’s charter school, Royal Live Oaks Academy, will host the cornhole tournament to raise money for its art society.

South Carolina Street Revoluzion is hosting the car show to raise funds for the funeral cost of Oscar Ruth, a beloved Hardeeville car enthusiast who died unexpectedly in December. A best in show award will be given in Ruth’s name.

“This is an inexpensive way for the entire family to enjoy some award-winning barbecue and support local causes,” said Ava Comer, Greater Hardeeville Chamber of Commerce executive director.

Competitors preparing barbecue samples are: S’Lowcountry Q of Beaufort; Yes, Dear BBQ of Savannah; Smoke Centra of Lake City; Backwoods Bar-B-Que of Trenton; Ultimate Tailgators BBQ of Aiken; Pair O Dice Pork Co. of Beaufort; High On The Hog BBQ of Belton;

Bloom @ Belfair of Bluffton; All Smoked Up of Lexington; Redneck Smokers of Hardeeville; Ledyard Bar B Que of Summerville; Southern Smoke of Okatie, S.C.; New River BBQ of Hardeeville; BoBo’s Que of Clayton,Ga.; Beasley’s BBQ of Walterboro; and No Pig Left Behind of Goose Creek.

For more information, go to hardeevillechamber.net.

IF YOU GO

What: South Carolina-Georgia Barbecue Festival

When: 6-9 p.m. Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday

Where: City Hall, 205 E. Main Street, Hardeeville

Cost: $10 per day

A machine made up of more than 200 parts and wires tosses a green ball as a student feeds the metal robot another one. The cycle continues faster until every green ball is in the net.

The quickness of the robot’s throw is what has hurled Jasper County’s top robotics team into the VEX World Championship set for April 20-23 in Louisville, Ky.

Royal Live Oaks Academy’s Full Metal Robotics team, believed to be the county’s first, is in its first year and has already defeated more experienced, larger high school teams not only at the local level, but also statewide.

The 11-person team was created through a grant the Hardeeville school received in September, said Ryan Floyd, team coach. Students kicked off the program by building a small robot, which came with instructions, but it wasn’t enough to bring them on the level needed to compete.

Since October, the team has brainstormed, built and rebuilt in order to perfect the robot’s body, speed, and codes needed to operate. Each day during the school week, the students, ranging in grades from ninth to 11th, spent about one to two hours working on the robot. On Saturdays, they spent up to five hours.

“We’ve probably put 5,000 man hours into this,” Landon Gayman said.

The time and effort has paid off by becoming one of four teams from the state to head to the world championship.

Full Metal Robotics is not letting their appearance as a small school from Jasper County go unnoticed.

“Hopefully we’re inspiring others. Just because we’re from a small county, doesn’t mean we’re small competitors,” said Justin Schwing. “We have a good team and we literally learned how to build a robot together from the wiring and construction to the coding and driving.”

The first step in constructing a robot that could compete with the bigger schools was to start on the base, then from there added was a conveyer belt and motors, said Cody Lax.

As an 11th-grader, Martavin Singletary joined the robotics team because he enjoys building things with his hands.

“I like fixing stuff and putting things together so I helped with a lot of the mechanics,” Singletary said.

Nothing but net

The VEX Robotics High School Competition challenge theme this year is “nothing but net,” which required the teams to build a robot that could throw balls into a net for points. Green balls shot into the higher level scores five points, while ones shot in the lower net receives one point. Orange balls get more points: 10 if made in the higher net and two if in the lower net.

Since its creation in October, Full Metal Robotics has participated in five competitions, beating out many of the local nearby high schools in Beaufort County in order to move on. The charter school students have won a total of eight awards.

“We made it to the semifinals in the first competition which made us feel good but also it was disappointing. We all committed to working harder, which has helped us get to worlds. But we still have a long way to go,” said Jailynn Primus, a ninth-grader who joined the team because she’s interested in pursuing a career in engineering.

While the robot is ready to go, the students still need to raise about $4,000 in order to travel to the competition, which is roughly 645 miles away from Hardeeville. To raise money students are requesting sponsorships from businesses and also selling T-shirts.

Floyd said the team is determined and dedicated, which is why they’ve been so successful.

“They’ve seen that they can compete against schools who have more money or are bigger. They want to show that good can come out of Jasper County,” Floyd said.

To help fund Full Metal Robotics’ efforts to travel to the VEX Worlds competition, contact Floyd at rloacs.robotics@gmail.com.

Jasper students have the opportunity to fund their college tuition through a scholarship fund honoring the late Sen. Clementa Pinckney.

After the death of nine people at the Mother Emanuel Church in Charleston last June, a group of anonymous donors created a $3.2 million scholarship fund called the Reverend Pinckney Scholars Program.

Pinckney, a Ridgeland native, served as the church’s pastor.

It was announced recently that the Coastal Community Foundation will manage the fund and program.

The Reverend Pinckney Scholars Program will provide pre-college training, assistance, and support from program staff each school year as well as host workshops and events during each student’s tenure as a “Reverend Pinckney Scholar.”

The scholarship awards will be available for black Charleston, Beaufort and Jasper students who apply. The awards will range from $5,000 to $10,000 annually, and students will be eligible to renew awards for up to four years as they attend college.

The Foundation anticipates selecting eight scholarship winners this year and expanding the program in subsequent years.

“I am pleased that students who might not otherwise have access to higher education or these kinds of supportive services will benefit from the funds raised in my husband’s memory. Access to a quality education is essential in the fight for social justice. I have devoted my professional life to educational initiatives and I look forward to working with Coastal Community Foundation on this important project,” said Jennifer Pinckney, Pinckney’s widow.

Selection criteria for the scholarship include, substantial financial need, academic performance and leadership and academic potential. The scholarship selection committee will also look for character traits and aspirations in applicants that will serve as a fitting legacy to the life of Pinckney.

Applications are available online at www.coastalcommunityfoundation.org and will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. April 15. Visit the web link or contact Sydney Meeks Fowler at scholarships@coastalcommunityfoundation.org or 843-723-3635.

Last year, the University of South Carolina Beaufort established the Senator Clementa Pinckney Endowed Scholarship Fund. The McNair Law Firm committed $25,000 to endow a scholarship toward a baccalaureate degree at the university for a Jasper County student.