Wedding & Event Venue Near Newberry, SC.

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - Wednesday marks National Signing Day around the country with high school athletes signing their National Letters of Intent to play their sports at the next level.

The Charleston County School District recognized 45 student-athletes set to take part in National Signing Day. Those students represent six district schools and a total of 10 sports.

Steve LaPrad, who was just reinstated as head football coach at Fort Dorchester High School after an abrupt resignation earlier this month, walked onto the stage at the school’s signing event to big applause.

Check back here throughout the day for the latest updates, pictures, video and more from around the Lowcountry.

Academic Magnet High School

Turner Orvin, Soccer - Johns Hopkins University

Ashley Hall

Ailish Ward, Cross Country - Tufts University

Ellerbe Mendez, Lacrosse - Swarthmore

Mary Ella Prendergast, Tennis - Connecticut College

Ashley Ridge

Christian Garland, Football - Old Dominion

TJ Wilson, Football - Limestone

Reagan Hardy, Soccer - Lander

Finn McLaughlin, Baseball - USC Lancaster

Carson Molinaroli, Baseball - Anderson University

Berkeley

Miller McGuire, Baseball - Newberry

Jackson Proctor, Baseball - Clemson

Gavin Driggers, Baseball - Florence Darlington

Abby Prince, Softball - Charleston Southern

Emma Roberson, Softball - Winthrop

Karmen King, Softball - Carolina University

Madison Curtis, Softball - Belmont Abbey

Lacey Hennessy, Softball - Coker

Ansley Morrell, Soccer - Lander

Bishop England

Adelaide Coyle, Softball - Erskine

Asher Western, Baseball - USC Beaufort

Charlie Ranney, Football - Bates College

Lindsay Burbage, Swimming - University of Massachusetts

Maggie Long, Track - Anderson University

Matthew Picard, Swimming - VMI

Sophia Savage, Rowing - Fairfield University

Tommy DiLiegro, Football - Wofford College

William Poole, Football - Gardner Webb

Cane Bay

Andre Mitchell, Football - North Carolina Central

Kameron Durant, Football - East Carolina

Lawson Thorn, Football - Wingate University

Jair Harris, Football - Newberry College

Cameron Avery , Football - Mercer University

Alaina Nettles, Basketball - Charleston Southern

Marley Rourk, Cheerleading - Newberry

Emma Rothschild, Cheerleading - Newberry College

Aniya Caldwell, Softball - Fayetteville State

Charleston County School of the Arts

Maile Merklein, Soccer – USC-Lancaster

Cross

Amonte McCray, Football - Newberry

Santory Jones, Football - Newberry

First Baptist

James Pisano, Football - Charleston Southern

Jaiden Morrison, Football - Newberry

Mac Powers, Football - Sewanee

Curtis Magwood, Football - Carson Newman

Ft. Dorchester

Chris Brabham, Football - Savannah State

Dez Mathis, Football - Newberry

Nick McGill, Football - The Citadel

Zolten Osborne, Football - Charleston Southern

Jenna Pilkenton, Volleyball - NC Wesleyan

Tess Studley, Cross Country - USC Aiken

Goose Creek

Henry Winstead, Swimming - Converse College

Andrew Moore, Football - Mercer

Jaiden Roper, Football - Butler Community College

Troy Reid, Football - Newberry

Le’Varai Brown, Football - Benedict

Curtis Smiley, Football - Benedict

Jordan Turner, Football - Anderson

Hanahan

Taylor Atkinson, X-Country/Track - USC Beaufort

Mason Brady, Baseball - Spartanburg Methodist College

Braylon Mitchell, Baseball - College of Charleston

Nicholas Cappello, Baseball - Florence Darlington Tech College

Brooke Jones, Softball - Texas A&M Corpus Christi

Gavin Qualls, Wrestling - King University

Soloman Townes, Football - Wingate

Malik Horry, Football - Charleston Southern

James Island Charter High School

Jonah Haller, Tennis - Columbia

Monic Green, Track & field - Wofford

Gemoi Brown, Football - Wingate

Marcus Adams, Football - Limestone

Walker Woodall, Football - Limestone

Lucy Beckham High School

Allison Kammer, Track & Field - USC-Upstate

A.J. Kut, Football - The Citadel

Tierell Milligan, Football - St. Andrews University

Sam Siefert,Track & Field - The Citadel

Jack Weil, Football - The Citadel

Philip Simmons

Claire Esse, Girls Soccer - UNC Greensboro

Jac’Que Greene, Football - North Greenville

Grayson Mitchell, Baseball - William Peace University

Madison Jent, Track & Field - College of Charleston

Timberland

Cayden Chance, X-country/Track - Erskine College

Emily Dawson, Softball - North Greenville University

Gavin Edwards, Football - North Greenville University

Amiyah Ferguson, Basketball - California State University

Omari Jenkins, Football - Charleston Southern

Nolan Harold, Cross Country - Erskine College

Peyton Waddey, Softball - USC Sumter

KeShawn Brown, Football - Newberry College

Stratford

Brenden Carter, Football - Dodge City Community College

Tory Gethers, Football - Dodge City Community College

Sage Losee, Girls Soccer - USC Lancaster

Lizzy Shaw, Girls Soccer - USC Lancaster

Summerville High School

Joseph Knight, Baseball - Keiser University

Gavin Mitchell, Baseball - USC Sumter

Edward Naval, Tennis - Converse University

Jacob Russ, Soccer - Newberry College

Connor Tuttle, Soccer - Lander University

LJ Price, Cross Country - Erskine College

Campbell McCurry, Football and Baseball - Newberry College

Michael Jenkins, Football - East Tennessee State

Keith Elmore, Jr, Football - Presbyterian College

Marquez Spells, Football - Limestone College

Josh Matusik, Football - Anerson University

Steve Simpkins, Jr., Football - Dartmouth College

Wando High School

Kelsey Bennett, Lacrosse - Florida Southern University

Alyssa Boris, Softball - Brevard College

Samantha Bumgarner, Softball - Lander University

Johnathan Coleman, Soccer - Anderson University

Ava Crawford, Softball - Southern Wesleyan University

Julia Galbally, Track & Field - Clemson University

Woodland High School

Clarence Simmons, Football - Newberry

James Mosely, Football - Newberry

Javeon Neals, Football - Louisberg College

Copyright 2023 WCSC. All rights reserved.

The illustrious guitarist, Tab Benoit announced his Winter/Spring 2023 Tour at the Hangar Theatre in Ithaca. Enjoy songwriter, producer and guitarist, JD Simo open for Benoit on February 19th.

The Chicago born Benoit has produced with artists such as Jack White, Tommy Emmanuel, Luther Dickinson, Dave Cobb and Blackberry Smoke. Additionally, Simo’s latest album, Mind Control was released in 2021.

Louisiana Bayou blues guitarist Tab Benoit is renowned for his passionate environmental activism. Benoit is a powerhouse that you won’t want to miss. He is treasured for his distinctive guitar tone and fiery playing. In 2020, Benoit was inducted into the Louisiana Folklife Center Hall of Master Folk Artists. In a recent review of Tab Benoit’s show in Salem, Blues Rock Revue reported, “The final song of the night was “Night Train” from 2005’s Fever on the Bayou which Benoit jammed on for over ten minutes with explosive guitar licks. It was a bring down the house conclusion”

You also might’ve seen him in the documentary Hurricane on the Bayou. The documentary describes the effects of Hurricane Katrina, calls to protect and restore the Wetlands, and produced a CD to help restore the state’s Coastal Wetlands. Benoit has also been featured in the Sony Picture Classics 2022 movie JazzFest: A New Orleans Story.

“From his set opening “Why Are People Like That” to his encore “Medicine”, Benoit had the delighted crowd swinging, singing, and swaying. Benoit’s set was the perfect culmination of three fabulous days of extraordinary music at an extraordinary venue in an idyllic location”

-Rick Witt

Tickets for the tour can be purchased here.

Feb 17 (Fri) – Cleveland OH@House of Blues*

Feb 18 (Sat) – Niagara Falls NY@Private Event*

Feb 19 (Sun) – Ithaca NY@Hangar Theater*

Feb 21 (Tue) – Nashville IN@Brown County Playhouse*

Feb 23 (Thur) – Kalamazoo MI@Kalamazoo State Theatre*

Feb 24 (Fri) – Grayslake IL@James Lumbar Center for Performing Arts*

Feb 25 (Sat) – Skokie IL@North Shore Center for the Performing Arts*

Feb 26 (Sun) – Madison WI@Barrymore Theater*

Feb 27 (Mon) – Mankato MN@Hooligans*

March 1 (Wed) – Milwaukee WI@Turner Ballroom*

March 2 (Thur) – Viroqua WI@Historic Temple Theater of Viroqua*

March 3 (Fri) – Iowa City IA@Englert Theatre*

March 4 (Sat) – Bloomington IL@The Castle Theatre*

March 6 (Mon) – Memphis TN@Lafayettes Music Room*

March 7 (Tue) – Memphis TN@Lafayettes Music Room*

March 8 (Wed) – Memphis TN@Lafayettes Music Room*

March 10 (Fri) – Jackson MS@Martin’s*

March 11 (Sat) – New Orleans LA@Tipitina’s*

March 31 (Fri) – Cedar Park TX@The Haute Spot**

April 1 (Sat) – Houston TX@Heights Theatre**

April 2 (Sun) – Dallas TX@The Kessler**

April 11 (Tue) – Birmingham AL@Saturn

April 12 (Wed) – Murfreesboro TN@Hop Springs Beer Park

April 15 (Sat) – St Petersburg FL@Tampa Bay Blues Festival

April 20 (Thur) – Raleigh NC@Lincoln Theatre

April 22 (Sat) – Newberry SC@Newberry Opera House

May 7 (Sun) – New Orleans LA@New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival

June 3 (Sat) – Greeley CO@Greeley Blues Jam

June 30 (Fri) – Kansas City MO@Knuckleheads Saloon

July 6 (Thur) – Dayton OH@Levitt Pavilion

July 8 (Sat) – Johnstown PA@Flood City Music Fest

Sept 7/8/10 (Thur/Fri/Sun) – Las Vegas NV@Big Blues Bender

Nov 7/8/9/10/11 (Tue/Wed/Thur/Fri/Sat) – Ft Lauderdale FL@The Big Easy Cruise

Feb. 13—My name is Orion Griffin, and I am thrilled to begin writing for the Anson Record and the Richmond County Daily Journal. It's hard to say where I am from since I'd say I'm from everywhere. I was born in southeastern California, under the blistering sun of the Mojave Desert, but grew up in the freezing cold and historically rich areas that surrounded Boston, Massachusetts. I attended high school and college in the backwoods of South Carolina, and now I find myself living and working in Anson and Richmond.

In December, I graduated from Presbyterian College, majoring in English with a concentration in creative writing and a minor in history. I have always been passionate about writing; in my free time I write short fiction and send it to publishers in hopes that it's published. Through my internship at the Newberry Observer, I discovered a passion for journalism.

At the Newberry Observer, I covered school board meetings, local events and profile pieces.

I believe with infinite knowledge, as well as the ability to look at what's going on anywhere in the world, at our fingertips, it's easy to get caught up in what's going on worldwide and to forget what's going on locally. With that infinite information also comes disinformation, and even more misinformation; it's hard to know what the truth is sometimes. I hope to be a source of truth and information for readers.

When I'm not writing for the paper or myself, I'll be found hiking, canoeing, or most likely, cooking, which is another, smaller, passion of mine. I regularly cook, my favorite dish being steak fajitas marinated in tequila and various spices with corn tortillas on the side. My sous chef (my super spoiled cat) ensures that any food that hits floor doesn't go to waste.

I look forward to meeting the community and readers, and I'm honored at the opportunity I've been given. If you see me around, don't hesitate to say hey, or share a recipe.

"I look forward to working with our new reporter Orion Griffin," said Editor Matthew Sasser. "In just his first week starting last Monday, we were able to cover twice as many stories as we previously could. He'll be helping out in Richmond for this month, but he will be an everyday face in Anson County starting in March. I can't wait to see what stories he will bring to the community."

NEWBERRY COUNTY — As hurricane Ian approaches the U.S., Severe Weather Liaison Frank Strait, with the State Climate Office in the S.C. Department of Natural Resources, is warning local residents that the storm is “not just a coastal event.”

All areas of South Carolina are subject to seeing impacts from Ian, he said.

“The combination of Ian and a warm front lifting northward across the state ahead of the storm will cause heavy rainfall across South Carolina,” said Strait. “The Coastal Plain and the mountains are at the greatest risk for excessive rain and the flooding risk will be greatest in the Lowcountry and western Upstate, where rainfall has been above average over the last month.”

According to Tuesday morning models, persistent onshore flow will result in coastal flooding — primarily at high tide, beginning Wednesday and continuing through Saturday. Major coastal flooding is likely Thursday through Saturday at high tide and heavy rain at high tide would make this even worse, he said.

“Ian will likely spend enough time crossing land in Florida and Georgia before reaching South Carolina to keep us from seeing the hurricane-force wind,” said Strait. “However, there is still a chance for sustained tropical storm-force wind along our coast on Saturday, particularly in the Lowcountry. Saturday may also bring isolated gusts over 40 mph to much of the state.”

While the extent and timing are not yet certain, there will likely be a risk for isolated tornadoes over a large part of the state, especially the Coastal Plain, on Saturday, according to SCDNR.

“It’s still early, things could still change, but there is more confidence in the forecast than yesterday,” he said.

Strait said what is most likely is for the rain to spread over the Coastal Plain Friday morning as Ian’s northward march forces a stationary front to the south to move northward as a warm front. The rain spreads northwestward over the rest of the state through Friday night.

“The heaviest rain will likely be over the Lowcountry, where flooding is likely, particularly along the coast,” he said. “Persistent onshore flow will push water into the coastal areas, leading to major flooding at high tide and the heavy rain at the same time would make the coastal flooding even worse — Charleston, y’all know this drill.”

The onshore flow can be quite brisk and gust over 40 mph at times. In fact, some inland areas along the Coastal Plain can see gusts to around 40 mph during this time as well, he said.

“On Saturday, slow-moving Ian will be pushing northward through eastern Georgia and likely into South Carolina — this is when we have a chance to see stronger winds along our coast reaching tropical storm force,” said Strait. “A farther west track would mean less risk for strong wind, while a farther east track would increase the wind risk along our Coastal Plain. As Ian moves through the state, more rain will fall, heavy at times, Saturday night. This is when we would have the potential to see isolated tornadoes, with the area east of the track of Ian’s center experiencing that risk.”

The heavy rainfall likely ends Saturday night, but a few showers may linger through Sunday. The wind will turn offshore, which will stop the coastal flooding, he said.

“While some changes to the forecast are likely, I think we have a good general idea about how Ian will impact us,” said Strait. “Stay tuned to your favorite weather outlet for the specifics for your backyard, and have your disaster kits ready before Ian arrives.”

Reach Kasie Strickland at 864-855-0355.

NEWBERRY COUNTY — The Newberry County Rescue and Dive Team (hosted by Prosperity Rescue) has brand new life saving equipment thanks to the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation.

According to Glenn Hamm, captain of the Newberry County Rescue and Dive Team, they received a generous donation from Firehouse Subs for a jet ski, a rescue sled and dive equipment for the purpose of serving Newberry County and surrounding areas through mutual aid agreements and across the state in times of disaster.

“Firehouse Subs does a fantastic job of supporting the community and part of that is they make it well known to the first responders community that they give back. Here in South Carolina in 2022, they gave $2.8 million to fire service; knowing that they do give back and we were in need, we submitted a grant and very quickly heard back and got accepted,” he said. “They have been wonderful to work with, very supportive.”

As for the new equipment, Hamm said a couple of the key pieces they received include the jet ski that will give them quick response access when the team is on standby at festivals, boat races, etc. He added that the jet ski will allow them to respond faster to a water related incident. The total for the grant was $28,000.

“Additionally, we have the rapid diver made by Zeagle, this is a piece of equipment you are able to quickly put on and quickly enter the water. You are looking at being able to effectively rescue within the critical time frame, we may be able to make the difference between a rescue and a recovery,” Hamm said.

Karen Wilson, area operations manager for Firehouse Subs, said that they are simple the vessel to make sure they are able to give back to the community.

“Any first responder, whether be fire rescue, police department, school nurse (they are also considered first responders), anyone considered a first responders can put in for a grant that is needed to help save lives,” she said.

Wilson added that the requirement is the equipment must be life saving.

“As far as Firehouse Subs goes, we are tremendously appreciative of the support they give back to the fire and rescue community across the nation, particularly what they’ve done for us here today; it has been absolutely incredible,” Hamm said. “I am humbled by their generosity because it was no small gift. We plan to do big things with the big gift they gave us.”

Wilson added that any first responder can go to the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation website (firehousesubsfoundation.org) and fill out a grant application.

“We are more than happy to make sure those grants are done. Everything donated in this region stays in this region,” she said.

Reach Andrew Wigger @ 803-768-3122 or on Twitter @TheNBOnews.