Ridgeland Fire Chief Bradley Bonds said once he arrived on scene after 8 p.m. Saturday, he saw a pickup truck had collided with the back of a trailer carrying people on a hayride.

“We arrived on scene about a minute after the call came out,” he said. “There were multiple people on the ground. People were thrown off of the hayride due to the impact. The parents there were a huge help to the injured.”

Bonds said one person transported to the hospital remained in critical condition Sunday and two were in stable condition.

Bonds said four to five people were checked on scene for injuries such as cuts and scrapes after being thrown from the ride. He said there were 11 people treated overall.

“The injured ranged from children to the elderly,” he said. “Those not transported were treated on scene and checked out before being released.”

South Carolina Highway Patrol is investigating the accident that occurred on Tarboro Road.

Bonds said in addition to the Ridgeland Fire Department, Hampton County and Jasper County emergency units were also on scene. He said Hardeeville also assisted with covering the area for calls.

Donations accepted

Alicia Crosby has organized a donation drive to help the families of those injured.

She set up a table in the parking lot at the former Jasper’s Porch building Sunday afternoon to begin fundraising. The families are in need of gas cards, Visa cards, or cash, Crosby said, to help them travel to and from the hospital while they are away from their jobs. Crosby and Rhonda Lowther will accept donations until 8 p.m.

Crosby, a teacher at Thomas Heyward Academy, said at least one of the injured is an eighth-grader at Thomas Heyward.

“We want to help these families in any way we can,” Crosby said. “If this had been my children, I would not want to worry about the money it takes for travel and all that is involved when your child is now in the hospital. These families have to leave their jobs to be able to care for their children and some are self-employed, making it more of a challenge. We are a tight-knit community and we always come together in times like this to help others and it is appreciated by the families.”

Crosby said those who can’t stop by the parking lot of Jasper’s Porch on James Taylor Road, can drop off donations at Thomas Heyward Academy anytime Monday.

Crosby was part of a group during the spring that raised money for the two officers who were shot responding to a domestic dispute April 20. The fundraiser raised more than $5,000.

Lowther spearheaded an initiative in September to help feed weary travelers heading back to Florida after Hurricane Irma. More than 100 people benefited from the showing of goodwill.

Ridgeland mayor offers thoughts

Town of Ridgeland Mayor Joey Malphrus said the accident was a “terrible tragedy” and thanked those who helped the victims.

“I want to thank Ridgeland Fire Chief Brad Bonds and all of our first responders for their professional work,” Malphrus said in a statement. “They were quickly on the scene and prevented a much worse outcome.”

Malphrus said he knew some of the victims and hoped to visit them and their families later today at the hospital.

“I want the citizens of Ridgeland to be safe, not only at Halloween, but also throughout the upcoming holiday season, especially when traveling,” he said. “Please remember to pray for and assist the victims’ families in any way that you can.”

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump’s former campaign chairman, Paul Manafort, and a former Manafort business associate, Rick Gates, were indicted Monday on felony charges of conspiracy against the United States, acting as an unregistered foreign agent, and several other financial counts involving tens of millions of dollars routed through offshore accounts.

The indictments, the first arising from Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s sprawling investigation into possible coordination between Russia and Trump’s 2016 election effort, bring the probe into a new phase and pose the threat of a years-long prison sentence for the man who once led the president’s campaign.

But the indictment doesn’t reference the Trump campaign or make any allegations about coordination between the Kremlin and the president’s aides to influence the outcome of the election in Trump’s favor. The indictment does allege a criminal conspiracy was continuing through February 2017.

The indictment filed in federal court in Washington accused both men of funneling tens of millions of dollars in payments through foreign companies and bank accounts as part of their political work in Ukraine. Manafort and Gates surrendered to federal authorities Monday, and were expected in court later in the day to face charges brought by Mueller’s team.

The indictment lays out 12 counts including conspiracy against the United States, conspiracy to launder money, acting as an unregistered foreign agent, making false statements and several charges related to failing to report foreign bank and financial accounts. The indictment alleges that they moved money through hidden bank accounts in Cyprus, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and the Seychelles.

In total, more than $75 million flowed through the offshore accounts. Manafort is accused of laundering more than $18 million, according to the indictment.

A spokesman for Manafort did not immediately return calls or text messages requesting comment. Manafort and Gates have previously denied any wrongdoing. The White House declined to comment on the charges.

Manafort, 68, was fired as Trump’s campaign chairman in August 2016 after word surfaced that he had orchestrated a covert lobbying operation on behalf of pro-Russian interests in Ukraine. The indictments against Manafort and Gates were largely based on activities disclosed in August 2016 by The Associated Press, which reported that the pair had directly orchestrated a covert Washington lobbying operation on behalf of Ukraine’s ruling political party.

Citing internal emails, the AP noted that Gates personally directed the work of two prominent Washington lobbying firms. The indictment quotes from some of the same emails the AP had obtained.

The indictment accuses Manafort and Gates of orchestrating a nearly decade-long conspiracy to covertly work for Ukrainian interests and launder millions of dollars through offshore accounts. Specifically, the indictment accuses Manafort of using “his hidden overseas wealth to enjoy a lavish lifestyle in the United States, without paying taxes on that income.” That included using offshore accounts to purchase multimillion-dollar properties in the U.S., some of which the government is seeking to seize.

Mueller was appointed as special counsel in May to lead the Justice Department’s investigation into whether the Kremlin worked with associates of the Trump campaign to tip the 2016 presidential election.

The appointment came one week after the firing of James Comey, who as FBI director led the investigation, and also followed the recusal months earlier of Attorney General Jeff Sessions from the probe.

Mueller’s investigators have focused on Manafort for months. In July, they raided one of his homes in Virginia, searching for tax and international banking records.

Manafort joined Trump’s campaign in March 2016 and oversaw the convention delegate strategy. Trump pushed him out in August amid a steady stream of negative headlines about Manafort’s foreign consulting work.

Trump’s middle son, Eric Trump, said in an interview at the time that his father was concerned that questions about Manafort’s past were taking attention away from the billionaire’s presidential bid.

Manafort has been a subject of a longstanding FBI investigation into his dealings in Ukraine and work for the country’s former president, Viktor Yanukovych. That investigation was incorporated into Mueller’s broader probe.

Previously, he denied any wrongdoing related to his Ukrainian work, saying through a spokesman that it “was totally open and appropriate.”

Manafort also recently registered with the Justice Department as a foreign agent for parts of Ukrainian work that occurred in Washington. The filing under the Foreign Agents Registration Act came retroactively, a tacit acknowledgment that he operated in Washington in violation of the federal transparency law.

Mueller’s investigation has also reached into the White House, as he examines the circumstances of Comey’s firing. Investigators have requested extensive documents from the White House about key actions since Trump took office and have interviewed multiple current and former officials.

Mueller’s grand jury has also heard testimony about a June 2016 meeting at Trump Tower attended by a Russian lawyer as well as Manafort, Donald Trump Jr., and the president’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner.

In Gates, Mueller brings in not just Manafort’s chief deputy, but a key player from Trump’s campaign who survived past Manafort’s ouster last summer. As of two weeks ago, Gates was still working for Tom Barrack, a Trump confidant, helping with the closeout of the inauguration committee’s campaign account.

———

Associated Press writers Michael Biesecker, Tom LoBianco and Jeff Horwitz contributed to this report.

South Carolina Highway Patrol continues to investigate Saturday's two-vehicle accident in Ridgeland that sent seven people to area hospitals.
A pickup truck collided with the back of a trailer carrying children and adults on a hayride, causing multiple injuries. The accident occurred at about 8 p.m. on Tarboro Road.
There were 13 people on the trailer, according to Lance Cpl. David Jones of the South Carolina Highway Patrol. After the collision, Jones said, seven people were transported to area hospitals. The youngest taken was 14 years old.
Six were transported by Jasper County personnel and one person was taken to a hospital by Hampton County EMS, Jasper County Fire and Rescue Public Information Officer Richard M. Hughes said Monday.
“Three teenagers were transported to Savannah Memorial (University Medical Center) and two of the seven total that were transported had serious injuries,” Jones said Monday.
Four of those injured were taken to Coastal Carolina Hospital in Hardeeville.
One of those injured remained in serious condition as of Sunday night, Jones said.
Jones said the driver of the Ford pickup truck was an older male who was not taken to the hospital.
He said alcohol is not suspected as a factor in the crash with the drivers of the pickup or trailer. No charges had been filed as of Monday afternoon, Jones said.
The accident remains under investigation.
Ridgeland Fire Chief Bradley Bonds said four to five people were checked on scene for injuries such as cuts and scrapes after being thrown from the ride.
“The injured ranged from children to the elderly,” he said. “Those not transported were treated on scene and checked out before being released.”
Alicia Crosby has organized a donation drive to help the families of those injured.
She set up a table in the parking lot at the former Jasper’s Porch building Sunday afternoon to begin fundraising. The families are in need of gas cards, Visa cards, or cash, Crosby said, to help them travel to and from the hospital while they are away from their jobs.
Crosby said as of Monday afternoon, more than $2,000 had been raised. She added donations will also continue to be accepted at Thomas Heyward Academy and those who wanted to donate can drop donations off at the front office.
Crosby, a teacher at Thomas Heyward Academy, said at least one of the injured is an eighth-grader at Thomas Heyward.
Crosby was part of a group this spring that raised money for two officers who were shot responding to a domestic dispute April 20. The fundraiser raised more than $5,000.
In September community members banded to provide meals for about 100 travelers fleeing Hurricane Irma.
Rhonda Lowther also helped collect donations Sunday. She said the support has been great from the community.
“I am proud of this community and so thankful to be a part of a loving bunch of people,” she said Sunday night. “These families have very tough times ahead as their children are facing multiple surgeries. We will be here to support them all.”

When the College Football Playoff was formed and the selection committee established with it, one of the concerns expressed by some fans was that the AP Top 25 and coaches’ poll would influence the 13-person panel in charge of picking the semifinal.

So far, there is no clear indication that is happening. In each season, there have been significant differences at the top of the AP Top 25 that comes out the Sunday before the first playoff rankings and the CFP’s top 25:

2014 — Alabama was No. 3 in the AP poll but sixth in the playoff rankings, while Ole Miss (seventh in AP) was fourth in the CFP. The Rebels had beaten the Tide earlier in the season.

2015 — Ohio State was No. 1 in the AP poll and Baylor was No. 2. The selection committee had Ohio State third behind Clemson and LSU and Baylor was sixth.

2016 — Michigan was No. 2, Clemson was third and Washington No. 4 in the AP poll. The committee had Clemson and Michigan flip-flopped and Texas A&M (seventh in AP) at No. 4.

Before this season’s first CFP rankings are unveiled Tuesday, the latest AP Top 25 was released Sunday. Heat check tries to spot where those differences might be and why.

No. 1 Alabama (8-0)

The Tide lost two first-place votes during its off week to Georgia mostly because the Bulldogs’ victory at Notre Dame looks better every week while Alabama beating Florida State looks less impressive. It wouldn’t be shocking if the committee goes with the Bulldogs at No. 1 for that same reason, but the Tide has done all it could to be on top.

Next: vs. No. 19 LSU.

Heat check: Just right.

No. 2 Georgia (8-0)

The Bulldogs have outscored their opposition by 26 points per game. Alabama’s differential is about 33 per game, and their schedules are comparable — at least according to the Sagarin Ratings: Alabama, 55th in Division I; Georgia 51st. The Dawgs will be no worse than No. 2 on Tuesday.

Next: vs. South Carolina.

Heat check: Just right.

No. 3 Ohio State (7-1)

The Buckeyes won back a lot of voters back after beating Penn State. Heat check thinks they were a little too aggressive and that the committee won’t be so high on the Buckeyes.

Next: at Iowa.

Heat check: Too hot.

No. 4 Wisconsin (8-0)

In 2015, Iowa went about the business of going 12-0 with a meh schedule in the Big Ten West and came up a few plays short of making the College Football Playoff. But it took a few weeks for those Hawkeyes to work their way into the committee’s top four. The Badgers, with a similar profile to that Iowa team, will probably have to make a similar climb.

Next: at Indiana.

Heat check: Way too hot.

No. 5 Notre Dame (7-1)

Still, the voters are underselling the Irish, though they are getting closer. Heat check thinks the committee will have them in the top four.

Next: vs. Wake Forest.

Heat check: Too cold.

No. 6 Clemson (7-1)

Worst loss (though the Tigers were playing with a hurt quarterback and then a backup quarterback), but the best set of victories among the top teams. The committee doesn’t seem to get too hung up on quality of loss. Heat check agrees. Expect Clemson in the CFP top four.

Next: at No. 20 North Carolina State.

Heat check: Too cold.

No. 7 Penn State (7-1)

Judging the Nittany Lions can quickly lead down that “but who have they beaten” rabbit hole. Michigan? Iowa? And just how good is the Ohio State team Penn State lost to by one point? Don’t overthink it. Penn State is good.

Next: at No. 24 Michigan State.

Heat check: Maybe a touch too hot.

No. 8 Oklahoma (7-1)

The Sooners are having defensive issues and they have had a few narrow escapes to go along with that loss to Iowa State — which we now know was no 30-point underdog. Seems some voters have forgotten about Baker Mayfield’s flag-plant at Ohio State.

Next: at No. 11 Oklahoma State.

Heat check: Too cold.

No. 9 Miami (7-0)

The voters are treating Miami the way they should be treating Wisconsin. The committee probably will have the Badgers and Hurricanes within two spots.

Next: vs. No. 13 Virginia Tech.

Heat check: Just right.

No. 10 TCU (7-1)

Six-spot drop after a road loss to Iowa State. Maybe a little harsh.

Next: vs. Texas.

Heat check: Too cold.

No. 11 Oklahoma State (7-1)

Cowboys fans think their team is underappreciated and their quarterback, Mason Rudolph, is not getting enough Heisman Trophy hype. Win Bedlam and that all changes.

Next: vs. No. 8 Oklahoma.

Heat check: Just right.

No. 12 Washington (7-1)

The Huskies need the committee to like them more than the AP voters, because their schedule doesn’t provide many opportunities to make big jumps down the stretch. They also need to make that Arizona State loss look like a fluke.

Next: vs. Oregon.

Heat check: Just right.

No. 13 Virginia Tech (7-1)

Feels like we have not heard from the Hokies in about a month, but they have won their last three games 106-20.

Next: at No. 9 Miami.

Heat check: Too hot.

No. 14 Iowa State (6-2)

The Cyclones are the only team in the country with two wins against teams ranked in the top five when they played them and seem to be getting better every week.

Next: at West Virginia.

Heat check: Too cold.

No. 15 UCF (7-0)

The lone remaining unbeaten Group of Five team. The poll voters usually treat teams like UCF better than the committee.

Next: at SMU.

Heat check: Too hot.

No. 16 Auburn (6-2)

What two-loss team is best positioned to vault into the playoff race? That would be Auburn. It’s a long shot, but beat Georgia, Alabama and Georgia again in the SEC title game and, voila, the Tigers are in the playoff. OK, it’s a really long shot.

Next: at Texas A&M.

Heat check: Too cold.

No. 17 Southern California (7-2)

Among teams in the Top 25, only Clemson (fourth) has a better Sagarin strength of schedule rating than the Trojans, who are eighth.

Next: vs. No. 23 Arizona.

Heat check: Too cold.

No. 18 Stanford (6-2)

Bryce Love is apparently the greatest player in the history of college football because the Cardinal looked like Kansas without him.

Next: at No. 25 Washington State.

Heat check: Too hot.

No. 19 LSU (6-2)

How good is Saturday’s slate of games? LSU-Alabama is about the fifth most interesting.

Next: at No. 1 Alabama.

Heat check: Too hot.

No. 20 North Carolina State (6-2)

The Wolfpack are still unbeaten in the ACC with a chance to grab sole possession of first in the Atlantic on Saturday.

Next: vs. No. 6 Clemson.

Heat check: Just right.

No. 21 Mississippi State (6-2)

Both losses were lopsided, but the Bulldogs are having a nice under-the-radar season.

Next: vs. UMass.

Heat check: Too cold.

No. 22 Memphis (7-1)

The Tigers are a fun team, but UCLA being mediocre is not helping their resume.

Next: at Tulsa, Friday.

Heat check: Tad too hot.

No. 23 Arizona (6-2)

Let’s talk about Khalil Tate. The quarterback averages 13.4 yards per carry. That figure would rank 13th in the Pac-12 in yards per CATCH.

Next: at No. 17 Southern California.

Heat check: Tate is on fire.

No. 24 Michigan State (6-2)

The Spartans still get Penn State and Ohio State, but they don’t look like a real threat to win the Big Ten East.

Next: vs. No. 7 Penn State.

Heat check: Just right.

No. 25 Washington State (7-2)

Cougars backup quarterback Tyler Hilinski entered Saturday night’s game against Arizona late in the first half and finished 45 of 61 for 509 yards.

Next: vs. No. 18 Stanford.

Heat check: Just right.

———

This story has been corrected to show that Auburn’s record is 6-2, not 6-1.

———

Follow Ralph D. Russo at www.Twitter.com/ralphDrussoAP

———

More AP college football: http://collegefootball.ap.org and https://twitter.com/AP—Top25

Edward Jones — at 256 Russell St. in Ridgeland — participated in the 2nd annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Bluffton on Saturday. The team, Jogging Our Memory for Jones, was dedicated to honor Barbara Jean Jones (pictured in front).

The walk included eight Edward Jones branches throughout the Lowcountry, jointly raising nearly $13,000 to battle the disease.

Edward Jones said it thanks all of the participants from Ridgeland who participated in the walk.

Following a horrible hayride accident last weekend in Ridgeland involving children and adults, a fund has been established to help the family of two brothers who remained in a hospital Tuesday.

Carolyn Lowther Brown’s niece, LaTesha Lowther Horry, has two children who are in Memorial University Medical Center in Savannah following the Oct. 28 accident that sent seven people to the hospital with serious injuries.

Brown said Tristan, 21, remained in critical but stable condition in ICU at the hospital Tuesday afternoon and Talon, 14, has a broken thigh bone (femur) and a fractured right foot. He’s had surgery and remains in the hospital. She said Talon will need extensive physical therapy.

Trenton Horry, LaTesha’s oldest son, was on the ride and helped tend to those injured.

Brown has established the Horry/Lowther Hayride Fund at South State Bank to help with expenses for the family.

South State Bank’s Ridgeland site is located on 10671 South Jacob Smart Boulevard. The Hardeeville site is located at 21979 Whyte Hardee Boulevard.

Other donations are also being accepted for all of the other families affected by the accident. Anyone wishing to drop off a donation can do so at the front office of Thomas Heyward Academy.

“We had so many people asking us what they could do to help, so I went and established an account for Tristan and Talon,” Brown said. “We also want everyone to know that while this account is for them, the other families are also in need of support and donations can be dropped off for them at Thomas Heyward. I felt with all of the support, it was necessary to let everyone know how to help.”

A pickup truck collided with the back of a trailer at about 8 p.m. Saturday on Tarboro Road.

South Carolina Highway Patrol continues to investigate the accident.

Jasper County’s classrooms are getting much brighter.

Palmetto Electric Trust and Palmetto Electric Cooperative awarded $44,650 to winning teachers and their team members through the 14th annual Bright Ideas grant program.

Earlier this year, teachers from southern Beaufort, Jasper and Hampton counties submitted proposals for innovative classroom projects that totaling $86,484, according to a news release.

Berl Davis, president and CEO of Palmetto Electric Cooperative, said 57 grants were awarded to benefit more than 9,000 students. Eighteen Jasper County teachers were awarded grants for their classroom projects.

The Cooperative’s Bright Ideas Prize Team surprised the winning teachers and presented the money where it will be used – in the classrooms.

Jasper County winners:

• Hazel Bostick, Manipulating Math, Legacy Christian Academy

• Susan Scott, Hands on and Small Group Reading Instruction Through Centers, Legacy Christian Academy

• Lori Adams, Diary of Kindergartener, Ridgeland Elementary School

• Davaron Edwards, Music Technology Meets the Creative Process, Ridgeland-Hardeeville High School

• Anne Brown, Tail Waggers Who Brighten Our Day &Enlighten Literacy Skills, Royal Live Oaks Academy

• Kattia Chaves-Herrera, “Through My Eyes” Royal Live Oaks Academy

• Robin Connolly, The Power of Persuasion, Royal Live Oaks Academy

• Gregg Dixon, YOUtopia, Royal Live Oaks Academy

• Marvele Eason, iMath, Royal Live Oaks Academy

• Elizabeth A. Gunderson, Lit Kits, Royal Live Oaks Academy

• Ced’Rica Johnson, The Odyssey to Mars!, Royal Live Oaks Academy

• Cynthia Moore, Programming with Pi, Royal Live Oaks Academy

• Angela Ocasion, PinO: TheFertilizer of Tomorrow!, Royal Live Oaks Academy

• Lauren Traynham, Bloggin’ for a Cause!, Royal Lives Oaks Academy

• Marsha Neal, Rockin’ Robos, Hardeeville-Ridgeland Middle School

• Christina J. Randall, Jazzing Up Our Band, Hardeeville-Ridgeland Middle School

• Amanda Fletcher, Uncovering the Mysteries of Ancient Egypt, Step of Faith Christian Academy

• Alfred Boni, the Environmental &Economical Efficiency of LED Lighting to Fluorescent, Thomas Heyward Academy

The Bright Ideas program was created in 2004. Since its inception, area teachers have received over $465,349 in grants.

For more photos, visit jaspersuntimes.com.

The Jasper County School District will have four CATE clusters for its new facility following an 8-1 vote at an Oct. 23 meeting in favor of the new programs.

“We’re on the move, we’re not waiting for the port to come,” school board Chairman Tedd Moyd said.

“We are going to make sure the building is retrofitted for any curriculum that may be needed in the future.”

The programs will include Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), health science, information technology, and transportation, distribution and logistics.

Specifics of what courses will be offered will be known later as the actual site, other than on the grounds of Ridgeland-Hardeeville High School, for the building has yet to be determined.

“There are three classrooms plus a laboratory already inside of Ridgeland-Hardeeville High School that can be used along with the CATE (Career and Technology Education) program,” Superintendent Donald Andrews said. “The new building will be a one-story building and will be on the Ridgeland campus once the physical location is decided.”

During the called meeting, Stevens and Wilkinson, the firm selected to work on plans for the new CATE building, presented the board with the preliminary budget of $9.9 million. The building is scheduled to be 29,903 square feet once the exact location on the campus is decided following further studies.

There is no established design for the building, but will be known following the schematic design period.

“The Jasper County School District receives most of its funding through debt service tax collections that equates to a millage rate of approximately 25 mills,” Jasper County School District Chief Financial Officer Jennifer Carter said. “Due to these collections, the district is eligible to participate in the SCAGO bond program.”

Carter said last fiscal year, the district received $2.6 million in bonds and is due to receive another $2.6 million in funds in the spring of 2018. This has historically been the practice to build capital improvement funds, she said.

“The building would be constructed and flexible to accommodate future programs that might be needed in the area and the actual courses for the clusters won’t be decided upon until we know the academic needs of the students,” Andrews said.

The new building will also include areas for administration, learning spaces and utility spaces. Stevens and Wilkinson will collaborate with the district’s operations team, the CATE committee and the technology team during the planning process.

Superintendent’s evaluation on hold

The board also went into closed session without the presence of Superintendent Andrews, to discuss how they would like to proceed with Andrews’ evaluation.

Upon returning to open sessions, no motions were made and the board will discuss the evaluation at a meeting in the future. The board has until the end of November to complete the evaluation.

The newest charter school in Jasper County continues to move its plans forward to open next year.

“We already have a developer and the developer is making preparations for the work that will be done on the school,” said retired Gen. Lloyd ‘Fig’ Newton, a member of the Polaris Tech Steering Committee and county native. “Sometime in the very near future, folks can expect to see some activity in the area.”

True North Companies of Roswell, Ga. was hired to develop the school’s Ridgeland site.

Newton said plans remain for the Polaris Tech Charter School to open for the 2018 school year. He said there has already been more than 200 students and parents interested. The first phase is expected to be about 28,000 square feet on land formerly occupied by the Ridgeland Hospital.

“The official application process should begin within the January timeframe,” Newton told the Jasper County Sun Times during a telephone interview last week. “We are looking at between 230 to 250 students that could register next year.”

The Polaris Tech academic emphasis will be on six career areas: Aerospace, health science, information technology, logistics, advanced manufacturing, and business management. It will serve up to 250 students in grades 6-10 when the school opens in August 2018, and will add one high school grade each year until it serves the span of middle and high school and offers diplomas.

To raise awareness of the school, there had been numerous parent information sessions around the county to allow parents and students to see what the school would be offering. He said he attended several of the sessions and there had been good turnouts for all of them. He added there had also been other events, such as the Gopher Hill Festival, which allowed the public an opportunity to see what the school will be offering.

“We’re getting positive turnouts,” he said. “We were very pleased at the number of people who stopped by the booth at the festival. The word is getting out. You cannot wait 10 years to get started on a school like this one with the port on the way, there’s so much growth that could come to Jasper County that we want our students to be a part of the opportunities that are to come.”

Newton said he has had nothing but a positive response about the new school.

“Those I have been meeting are excited about how we are planning for the future,” he said.

The parent information sessions have typically lasted an hour and have included an overview of the school, what makes it different, and how to apply once enrollment begins in January.

Most meetings have Spanish translation. The two remaining sessions include one scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 2 at 6:30 p.m. at the Tarboro Community Center and a final one Monday, Nov. 6 at 6:30 p.m. at the Whale Branch Community Center.

Newton encouraged citizens who might not yet know about the new charter school to either attend one of the meetings or visit the school’s website at www.polaristech.org.

“If you have a thought that your child would benefit from this experience, then you want to take a look at Polaris Tech,” Newton said. “Students will be engaged in a high-tech learning environment, it’s very hands-on learning and we will be making learning fun.”

Tracye Stormer, director of technology for the Jasper County School District since 2014, knew the district had fallen behind its neighboring districts in providing a 1:1 initiative – one computer for each student.

Prior to coming to Jasper schools, Stormer worked as the North of the Broad Area support supervisor in the Beaufort County public schools for two years. For years, students K-12 in Beaufort, one of the state’s wealthiest districts, and in Allendale, one of the state’s poorest districts, have been provided with a 1:1 initiative.

Her first concern in 2014 was the need for a wireless network in Jasper schools. An approved bond package facilitated the cost to build infrastructure introducing wireless connectivity to the district, which also received e-rate funds made available by the federal government.

That year, sixth-grade students in Hardeeville-Ridgeland Middle School piloted a 1:1 initiative. The computers were used only during school hours.

In 2015, the middle school program expanded to grades 7 and 8, while rolling down to students in fifth grade at Hardeeville and Ridgeland elementary schools.

Teachers were first to receive mobile devices, once the wireless network was completed. Training on teaching with 1:1 mobile learning is ongoing.

Jasper successfully implemented online testing in 2016. The state informed districts that in the 2017-18 school year all testing will be online. The state provided a technology initiative of $172,000 to the district to aid with technology needs for the change. Stormer and her team were overjoyed. This was the last piece needed for the RHHS 1:1 initiative.

They learned Hewlett Packard had reduced the price of their laptops from $299 to $199. The decision was made to buy laptops, because they are lightweight and portable, for every RHHS student.

Jody Foreman, who teaches AP classes in U.S. History and Psychology, along with a regular class load, feels it’s changed his role as a purveyor of knowledge to a facilitator of learning.

For example: He wants his students to know the causes of World War II. In the past he might list causes on the board or ask students to find the answer in their books. Today he asks them to “Google” the question and students are actively engaged in finding sites with much more information than one teacher could ever provide. Computers make learning so more interactive and today’s students expect to be engaged.

Another learning tool is a game called, “Kahootz,” where the screen shows a quiz on a subject such as chemistry. There might be 10 questions, and students must know the correct answer or use a search engine to find the answer. They get points for correct answers and compete to see who has the most points in the shortest time.

A teacher can post a test on each student’s screen and “freeze” the screen so students cannot search for answers, but must use their own knowledge to respond. They get their grade as soon as they finish the test. Today’s students crave instant feedback and the computers provide that.

Yasmine Badger and Tyanna Martinez, juniors at RHHS are excited about the Initiative.

“I get my work done faster and can go deeper into a subject if I want more information,” says Badger. Martinez says the computer helps her keep track of her grades daily and that motivates her to do her best or to seek additional help. They also can now take online classes from home.

Students pay an annual technology fee of $25 and take computers home with them. This allows students to use them to do homework and even to share them with other family members.

The technology fee covers the cost of computer repair and provides a fund the district hopes to build over time to buy additional computers.

A student has a full school year to pay that fee; however, some families cannot afford $25. Currently, about 40 students are without a laptop. If you can donate $25 or more to cover the fee for those students, please call the district at 843-489-8892. Ask for Jennifer Carter, the chief financial officer for the Jasper County School District.

Jasper County Recreation Department standings

Standings (as of Oct. 25)

4-5 yr olds: Standings not kept.

6-8 yr olds: Strikers (6-1-1); Hardeeville (3-3-2); Hurricanes (3-5-0); Arsenal (2-5-1)

9-11 yr olds: Hurricanes (6-1-0); Arsenal (3-3-1); Hardeeville (4-2-0); Sweepers (3-4-0); Strikers (0-6-1)

12-16 yr olds: Hardeeville (6-0-0); Arsenal (3-4-0); Hurricanes (1-6-0)

Oct. 21

6-8 yr olds

Arsenal 4, Hardeeville 2

Hardeeville: Jeremy Roblero

Arsenal: Brogan Beach, Jackson Simcox

Strikers 2 Hurricanes 1

Strikers: Daniel Bonds, Grayson Hayes

Hurricanes: Keaton Layman

9-11 yr olds

Sweepers 2, Arsenal 1

Sweepers: Kalen Riddles

Arsenal: Jose Garcia

Hardeeville 11, Strikers 1

Hardeeville: Mario Perez, Aldo Majia, Edwin Jimenez

Strikers: Annabelle Sanchez

12-16 yr olds

Hardeeville 9, Arsenal 3

Hardeeville: Joshua Flores, Alexis Flores, Kevin Jimenez, Chris Miranda

Arsenal: Trevor Smith, Sammy Lyles, Carlos Villagomez

Oct. 24

6-8 yr olds

Strikers 5, Arsenal 0

Strikers: Sophia Shepardson, Nathan Tulloch, Daniel Bonds

Hurricanes 4, Hardeeville 2

Hurricanes: Russell Cooler, Landon Tillotson, Kaden Tracey

Hardeeville: Jeremy Roblero

12-16 yr olds

Arsenal 6 Hurricanes 4

Arsenal: Camden Brower, Sammy Lyles, Emily Camargo

Hurricanes: Cameron Milan, Joseph Rodriguez, Osmar Hernandez

One of the teens who was transported to Coastal Carolina Hospital in Hardeeville and immediately taken to Memorial University Medical Center in Savannah because of injuries sustained in last Saturday’s hayride accident in Ridgeland was released from the hospital Tuesday afternoon, according to a family member.

Brittany Sanchez Cormack, aunt of Hunter Sanchez, a 15-year-old from Hardeeville who sustained severe head injuries in the crash, told the Jasper County Sun Times on Tuesday that Hunter had been released from the hospital.

He is a sophomore at Legacy Christian Academy in Ridgeland.

“Hunter was released, but he now faces at least six weeks of recovery,” Cormack said. “We are very appreciative of the outpouring of love and support we have received and we are continuing to pray for all that were involved.”

Cormack said Hunter was sitting between two friends on the back of the trailer where the ramps are located when a pickup truck, according to South Carolina Highway Patrol, struck the back of the trailer.

Seven people were taken to area hospitals following the accident that occurred around 8 p.m. on Tarboro Road.

Hunter could not recall the entire accident, Cormack said, but he remembered some details.

“The last thing he remembers is that he was sitting next to his friends and turning out of Nimmer Turf,” Cormack said. “After that, as soon as he came to he was a little confused and he could only remember that a police officer was asking him questions, but he did know how to get in touch with his mom.”

Cormack said Hunter told them he had just started talking to another friend when the crash happened. Hunter, she said, was sitting near Talon and Tristan Horry, the other two boys who were critically injured.

“He was thrown into the ramp and it knocked him unconscious for a few minutes,” she said. “He had skull and face fractures and a broken jaw. One side of his face was unrecognizable after the accident; he had a broken jaw on both sides.”

Cormack said Hunter had surgery Monday night on his jaw and has to have his jaw wired shut for six weeks.

“This is not going to be easy for him,” she said. “He is not a happy camper right now and he loves to eat, so this is going to take some time for him to recover.”

Cormack said Hunter and the driver of the pickup truck that struck the trailer are former classmates.

“We hold nothing against him,” she said. “He’s a former classmate of Hunter’s and he’s been to see Hunter in the hospital. We realize this was just an accident and unfortunately accidents do happen.”

Talon and Tristan Horry remained hospitalized Wednesday afternoon, according to family member Carolyn Lowther Brown.

“Talon is doing good,” she said. “He’s doing physical therapy and the doctors are talking about letting him come home and then just go back and forth for physical therapy. Tristan is still in ICU. They were able to take him off the ventilator, and he’s breathing on his own.”

Brown said Tristan had been standing toward the back of the trailer where the ramps were folded up.

“Tristan was on the back and took the blow,” she said. “The ramps hit him and lacerated his liver and spleen; he was thrown over 20 feet from the trailer upon impact. Talon was also thrown from the trailer from where he had been sitting. Trenton, the other brother, put pressure on Tristan’s head wound to help him until emergency services got to him, which was only a matter of minutes.”

Brown thinks Tristan likely saved some lives by taking the brunt of the crash’s impact.

“Tristan probably saved some lives,” she said.

Brown thanks the community for their outpouring of support. She’s established the Horry/Lowther Hayride Fund at South State Bank to help with expenses for the family.

South State Bank’s Ridgeland site is located on 10671 South Jacob Smart Boulevard. The Hardeeville site is located at 21979 Whyte Hardee Boulevard.

“We have had a few donations and we appreciate those who are helping, any amount helps,” Brown said. “We have also had a local church offer to build a handicap ramp at the boys home, and we do appreciate their offer.”

Other donations are also being accepted for all of the other families affected by the accident. Anyone wishing to drop off a donation can do so at the front office of Thomas Heyward Academy.

South Carolina Highway Patrol continues to investigate the incident.

Coca-Cola is coming to Jasper County.

SouthernCarolina Regional Development Alliance announced Thursday that Coca-Cola Consolidated will invest more than $5 million in a new sales and distribution center at Cypress Ridge Industrial Park in Ridgeland, bringing 45 existing jobs and creating at least 20 new jobs.

The facility will handle sales and distribution of Coca-Cola products throughout Jasper, Allendale, Bamberg, Beaufort, Colleton and Hampton counties.

“Jasper County Council and staff have made economic development a priority,” Jasper County Council Chairman Marty Sauls told the Jasper County Sun Times.

Sauls said the county and SouthernCarolina Alliance worked for about two years to bring Coca-Cola Consolidated to Ridgeland.

Steve Curtis, local branch manager for Coca-Cola Consolidated, said the company chose the 40,000-square-foot Cypress Ridge Spec Building because of the convenient location and workforce advantages.

“Coke Consolidated has a rich history in South Carolina, and this investment reinforces the commitment we have to the state,” Curtis said in a news release. “This new facility will help us operate more efficiently to better serve our retail customers and loyal consumers throughout the region while creating jobs.”

Sauls said the site expects to open for work in early 2018.

He said wages expect to start at $17 an hour.

The announcement is just the start of more economic development, Sauls said. He anticipates more announcements before the end of the year that — combined with Coca-Cola Consolidated — expects to bring more than 100 jobs.

During the spring, Sauls said there were 21 businesses interested in Jasper County, but he said Thursday, with the county’s relationship with SouthernCarolina Alliance, there are now more than 30 interested businesses.

“Jasper County is pro-active, pro-business and we work tightly with the (state) Department of Commerce and the local authorities here to make sure we are listening to what businesses’ needs are and the capabilities that we have to provide a pro-business atmosphere,” Sauls said.

Sauls said upcoming announcements could be a “game-changer” for the county and the Lowcountry.

He said the county benefits from a strong relationship with SouthernCarolina Alliance.

“They’ve been a phenomenal partner supporting Jasper County,” he said.

Ridgeland Mayor Joey Malphrus welcomes Coca-Cola.

“We are delighted that this renowned company has chosen to invest in Ridgeland, where we look forward to providing the fine workforce and outstanding locational assets that Coca-Cola and other companies seek for manufacturing and distribution,” he said in a news release.

Said Gov. Henry McMaster: “Every time a company like Coca-Cola decides to invest in South Carolina, it shows the world that there is no company too big or too small to find success here.”

Coca-Cola Consolidated employs more than 1,200 people in the state.

UPDATE: Jasper County Coroner Martin Sauls said James W. Reynolds, 44, of Beaufort, and Alexis Synquois Hilbert, 23, of Miami, Fla., died in the head-on collision from full-body trauma caused by the accident.

South Carolina Highway Patrol is seeking information about a vehicle involved in the fatal collision. The car is not believed to have made contact with the vehicles in the crash, S.C. Highway Patrol said. The vehicle is believed to be red. The make and model are unknown, SCHP said. The driver is sought for questioning. If you have any information, call 843-953-6010 or 1-800-768-1506.

EARLIER: Two people were killed Thursday night after two vehicles collided head-on in Jasper County on U.S. 17 just before the Georgia state line, according to South Carolina Highway Patrol.

The accident happened around 11:05 p.m. near the Talmadge Bridge and involved a 2015 Chevrolet Equinox and a 2002 Ford Explorer, according to South Carolina Highway Patrol.

The Equinox was traveling north on U.S. 17 when it struck the Ford Explorer that was traveling south on U.S. 17, according to Cpl. Sonny Collins of the South Carolina Highway Patrol.

Collins said the South Carolina Highway Patrol and the South Carolina Highway Patrol MAIT Team are still determining what caused the cars to collide.

Collins said two back-seat passengers in the Equinox were killed; neither was wearing a seatbelt. He said the driver of the Equinox was wearing a seatbelt, as was a front-seat passenger, and both were transported to local hospitals.

The driver of the Explorer was wearing a seatbelt and transported to a local hospital, Collins said.

South Carolina Highway Patrol is investigating the accident.

SUTHERLAND SPRINGS, Texas (AP) — The Latest on the church shooting in Texas (all times local):

8:35 a.m.

Officials in Texas have confirmed the identity of the man suspected of killing 26 people at a South Texas church.

The Texas Department of Public Safety on Monday morning said 26-year-old Devin Patrick Kelley is the suspect. DPS said that Kelley lived in New Braunfels, which is about 35 miles north of the Sutherland Springs church where the shooting occurred.

A short time after the shooting Sunday, the suspect was found dead in his vehicle at the county line.

On Sunday, two officials who spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity had identified the gunman as Kelley.

DPS says more information will be released later Monday.

———

This story corrects the spelling of Kelley in one reference.

———

8:20 a.m.

A South Carolina musician with a similar name as the man identified as the gunman in a mass shooting at a Texas church says he’s frustrated by hateful message he’s received online.

Devin Patrick said on his Facebook page late Sunday that he’s saddened by the shooting but at the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas. But Patrick says his only connection with the tragedy is his name and asks people not to contact him about the shooting.

Authorities have identified the gunman as Devin Patrick Kelley. Officials say 26 people were killed Sunday in an attack that claimed people ranging in age from 5 to 72 years old.

Authorities said about 20 others were wounded. The suspect was later found dead in his vehicle.

———

8:10 a.m.

School districts surrounding a South Texas town where a gunman killed 26 people at a church have added counselors to help comfort children, their families and staff.

Sutherland Springs is a town of about 400 that does not have its own school. Nearby districts offered messages of caring and concern Monday, a day after the gunfire. Officials say the victims ranged in age from 5 to 72 years old.

Superintendent Sherri Bays, of the Floresville Independent School District, wrote: “Our hearts are breaking for the families of the deceased and injured.”

District spokeswoman Kim Cathey says some Sutherland Springs children attend Floresville ISD schools. Cathey had no immediate information on whether any victims were from the district.

Similar messages of prayers and support were offered by the Stockdale ISD and the La Vernia ISD.

———

7:45 a.m.

A sheriff says the former in-laws of a man suspected of killing 26 people at a Texas church attended services there “from time to time.”

Wilson County Sheriff Joe D. Tackitt Jr. told CNN Monday morning that the former in-laws weren’t in attendance Sunday when the shooting occurred. He says it wasn’t clear why the gunman picked that day for the shooting.

The mass shooting occurred Sunday morning at the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, about 30 miles southeast of San Antonio. About 20 others were wounded in the attack.

Two officials who spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity identified the gunman as Devin Kelley. An Air Force spokeswoman said records confirm Kelley received a bad conduct discharge after being court-martialed in 2012 for assaulting his spouse and child.

———

7:05 a.m.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is suggesting there may have been a connection between the gunman who shot and killed 26 people in a South Texas community and the Baptist church where the slayings happened.

Abbott tells ABC’s “Good Morning America” he expects people will learn about any such link “in a few days.” He said he didn’t want to go further, saying “law enforcement is looking very aggressively into this.”

“I don’t think this was just a random act of violence,” Abbott told anchor George Stephanopoulos. But when pressed to elaborate on his connection theory, the governor replied that “it’s very important that law enforcement have the ability … to tie the loose ends of this investigation up.”

He called the man, identified by a U.S. official and one in law enforcement as Devin Kelley, “a very deranged individual.”

———

3:30 a.m.

Authorities say a gunman armed with an assault rifle opened fire inside a small South Texas church, killing 26 people who ranged in age from 5 to 72.

The mass shooting occurred Sunday morning at the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, about 30 miles southeast of San Antonio. About 20 others were wounded in the attack.

Two officials who spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity identified the gunman as Devin Kelley. An Air Force spokeswoman said records confirm Kelley received a bad conduct discharge after being court-martialed in 2012 for assaulting his spouse and child.

Wilson County Sheriff Joe D. Tackitt Jr. described the scene inside the church as “terrible.”

Investigators have not yet determined a motive for the attack.

CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) — Troopers say a South Carolina state senator charged with driving under the influence had a blood-alcohol level above the legal limit, but Sen. Paul Campbell said that doesn’t matter because he wasn’t driving.

Campbell’s blood-alcohol level was 0.09 percent on a breath test taken at the Charleston County jail after the Saturday night crash, Highway Patrol Cpl. Sonny Collins said. The legal limit in South Carolina is 0.08 percent.

Campbell and his wife, Vicki, were also charged with providing false information to police because they switched seats after the senator failed to stop in time on Interstate 26 in congested traffic and hit the back of a Jeep, Collins said.

The family of the other driver, Michaela Caddin, provided a photo of her Jeep to WCIV-TV , showing a dented rear door and scratches on the bumper.

Caddin told troopers that Paul Campbell was driving and switched places with his wife after the crash. She and the Campbells were not seriously hurt.

The wreck could have been a lot worse, Caddin’s mother, Paulette Caddin-McRann told the judge at Campbell’s bond hearing.

“He chose to have alcoholic beverages last night and got behind the wheel and provide false information to the police,” she said. “I hope as he sits in jail with a normal person he thinks about his actions.”

Campbell said little during the bond hearing and was released on his own recognizance. He has told reporters since that the truth will come out at trial that he was not behind the wheel.

The 71-year-old Goose Creek Republican was first elected to the state Senate in 2006 and is chairman of the Ethics Committee. Both charges against Campbell are misdemeanors. Senators can only be suspended automatically when charged with felonies.

Campbell also is chief executive of the authority overseeing operations of the Charleston International Airport.

———

Information from: WCIV-TV, http://www.abcnews4.com

South Carolina Superintendent of Education Molly Spearman touring the Beaufort-Jasper Academy for Career Excellence (ACE) Nov. 1.

Spearman, the third-year overseer of all the state’s public school systems, spoke at a Beaufort Chamber of Commerce-hosted breakfast in the city of Beaufort before touring ACE.

ACE is a technical skills center that is offered for class credits to students from over a dozen high schools throughout Beaufort and Jasper County.

Spearman took a two-hour tour of ACE’s facilities during school hours.

“I am so impressed with what’s going on here at ACE. The students and community are very fortunate to have this facility available,” Spearman said.

“The students tell me that they love it and that they’re interested, some for hobbies and others, this is the kind of work that they want to be in. This is what school should be about.”

She went on to express her appreciation for the concept of the joint-county technical center.

“This is a unique collaboration between the two districts of Beaufort and Jasper. I really appreciate this because Jasper is a more rural area that gains a lot from Beaufort giving them their support with this,” she said.

“I’m really hoping other counties in the state, particularly rural counties, look at this model and see how much more they can offer if they work together.”

SIMPSONVILLE, S.C. (AP) — Authorities say a 17-year-old dropout has been arrested after bringing a gun to the parking lot of his South Carolina high school.

Simpsonville Police said several students told officers at Hillcrest High School about the gun Tuesday morning.

Authorities said the teen drove off with the weapon as officers approached, but was stopped and arrested on Interstate 385, a short distance away.

Greenville County School District spokeswoman Elizabeth Brotherton said in an email that the teen had dropped out of school and officials were trying to get him to re-enroll.

No injuries were reported.