If you own or manage a commercial building, you know your roof does a whole lot more than provide protection from rain, sleet, and snow. When it's properly maintained and functional, your roof is an asset to your business. Like the quality of your services, a great-looking roof signals to customers that you're serious about what you do. However, when your commercial roof is in disrepair, it is more than just an eye sore. It becomes a liability that can disrupt your day-to-day business and affect your bottom line.
At Hixon's Roofing & Construction, we know how important it is to have a functional, fantastic-looking roof protecting your customers and your products. That's why, when you need commercial roof repair in St. Stephen, SC, you're only a call away from the highest quality roofing services in the Lowcountry.
Because we've been serving South Carolina business owners since 1984, we'd like to think we know a thing or two about top-notch commercial roof repair and replacement. Unlike some of our competitors, our primary goal is to exceed our customers' expectations through top-notch customer service, innovative roof repair and replacement strategies, and cutting-edge tools.
As a family-owned company, we believe that fair pricing and honesty goes a long way. We're proud to be a business that you can trust with your commercial roofing structure, and it shows. It doesn't matter if you have a small storefront with a leaky roof or a multi-family facility that needs extensive maintenance. No job is too small or big for our team of professionals!
When you choose Hixon's Roofing, you get more than mediocre commercial roofing services. You get the very best our industry has to offer. When you choose Hixon's for your commercial roof repair or replacement, you also receive:
Locally Owned & Operated Business with Your Best Interests at Heart
Commercial and residential roofing are similar in that they both require seasoned professionals to perform quality work. However, unlike the more straightforward approach of residential roofing, commercial roofing projects can be lengthy and complex. In our experience, there are dozens of factors that must be considered when completing a commercial roof project.
In South Carolina, commercial roof repair must account for rooftop HVAC systems, external utilities, external piping, the type of commercial roof, and much more. Because commercial roofing structures vary in design and complexity, even common tasks like leak repairs become more difficult. Whether you need a commercial roof inspection or a total roof replacement, your contractors must be highly trained and follow best practices specific to commercial roofing, not just residential. At Hixon's, our commercial roofing contractors have years of experience and training for commercial property needs.
Like the residential side of our business, we have completed hundreds of commercial roofing contracts in South Carolina. We know exactly what it takes to inspect, repair, or replace your commercial roofing structure. When business owners in South Carolina need roof repairs, they come to Hixon's Roofing because they know we will get the job done right the first time. They know our commercial roof technicians are friendly, dependable, hold the highest qualifications in the industry. That way, they can accomplish any commercial roofing project, no matter how small or big. We're talking roof repairs for small offices to roof replacements on large commercial campuses.
Don't settle for average roofing contractors if you're starting a commercial roofing project. Commercial roofing services are an investment, and you need to get your money's worth. Hixon's Roofing & Construction is here to earn your trust by exceeding your expectations with any commercial roofing job you have.
A safe and well-maintained roof is a vital component of any building's structural integrity, and that's why the importance of commercial roof repair is so high. A well-built roof protects the building's interior from severe weather and even helps with fire prevention. A variety of problems can plague your roof's health such as standing water, blisters, and gaps in flashing. It's imperative to keep up with minor repairs now so that massive problems don't cause financial issues later.
A few benefits of hiring Hixon's for your commercial roof repair include:
This benefit sounds like a no-brainer, but it deserves to be highlighted because of how important it is. Your safety and your customers' safety are crucial when you own a commercial property.
Hiring trained, licensed commercial roofing experts keeps you safe by:
Having a functional, well-maintained roof that works properly, 24/7. When your commercial roof is in good shape and working correctly, you and your customers are much safer.
Commercial roof repair is a dangerous job for a novice. A quick search online will bring up dozens of cases in South Carolina where DIYers have injured themselves trying to repair their commercial property.
Here at Hixon's commercial roof repair, we often speak to entrepreneurs who list their budget as the biggest reason why roof repair is low on their "to-do" list. That stance is understandable, but we believe quality commercial roofing maintenance actually boosts your bottom line over time. The truth is regular roof inspections uncover minor repair issues before they turn into budget busters.
Hiring Hixon's for your commercial roof repair is usually more affordable than dealing with a huge issue down the road. Plus, commercial roof maintenance extends the life of your roof, which can help you avoid replacing your roof much longer than you would without proper maintenance.
Many commercial property owners are concerned about liability, and rightfully so. A roof that has not been maintained for long periods of time can cause physical harm. You may be financially responsible if someone is hurt because your roof is in disrepair.
Hiring a qualified team of commercial roofers in South Carolina lets you get a detailed assessment of your roof's condition. That way, you can take the necessary steps to protect your customers, your building, and ultimately, your business.
Unsurprisingly, most commercial roof warranties require that owners prove that their roof has had regular maintenance prior to paying repairs. Commercial roof repair in South Carolina can be costly, and it's frustrating to fork out money for repairs that should be covered under your warranty.
Fortunately, you can avoid fiascos like these by maintaining a regular roof inspection schedule from Hixon's Roofing. That way, you will have the proof needed to provide to your insurance agency if you must file a claim.
A functional, well-maintained roof is a crucial component of any commercial building's structural integrity. When properly maintained, your commercial roof will protect you from the elements and add an aesthetically aura to your building. When properly maintained, your commercial roof will protect you from the elements and add an aesthetical aura to your building. However, when you fail to maintain your roof, a variety of problems can occur. Keep your eye out for the following signs that your commercial roof needs repair.
Standing water can have incredibly adverse effects on your commercial roofing system. It can cause leaks that deteriorate your roof's integrity, which leads to water intrusion. When water intrudes your commercial building, it can cause a litany of health hazards like mold and bacteria. When you spot standing water on your roof, your roof's support system may be seriously compromised, especially with wooden materials.
Commercial roofs are made with materials meant for outdoor conditions, but too much heat or moisture can cause a blistering effect that allows moisture to seep in and weaken your roof's structure. When this happens, your roof ages prematurely, thereby reducing its ability to protect you and your customers or tenants.
Having a functional drainage system is paramount to the health of your commercial roof. If scuppers or drains are clogged with waste and debris, water pools on your roof, which will eventually make its way inside. Gaps in flashing can also cause water to permeate the building. Additionally, cracks and worn seams give water access inside. Keep a sharp eye out for signs of clogged drains and gaps in your roof's flashing. If you notice these signs, call Hixon's commercial roof repair as soon as possible.
Let's be honest: replacing your businesses' roof is no small task. Regular maintenance and care can go a long way in extending the life of your commercial roof, but with enough time, even the best roofs will need to be replaced. When it does, you need to be able to work with a team of professionals who understand the nuances of commercial roof replacement. When it comes to the highest quality roof replacement, look no further than Hixon's Roofing & Construction.
When you trust Hixon's with your new commercial roof installation, know that we will be there for you every step of the way. We are happy to help consult with you about material choices, the style of roof you need installed, and more. We'll provide detailed information pertaining to your commercial roof replacement, so you're always up to date on our progress.
We understand that the mere thought of an entirely new roof may be a bit intimidating, but we don't want you to worry about a thing. With Hixon's Roofing on your side, your new commercial roof will be completed in a timely, professional manner, no matter how complex your needs are. Our team is licensed and insured, so you can have peace of mind during the entirety of the project - no questions asked.
This popular single-ply commercial roofing membrane gives you long-lasting durability. It is environmentally friendly and comes in varying thicknesses and roll widths.
Commonly referred to as rubber roofing, EPDM is a single-ply membrane option that can hold up against very high temperatures. EPDM doesn't necessitate major maintenance. It also expands and contracts with your commercial building and is popular because of its resistance to UV radiation.
PVC is a vinyl roofing option with a flexible membrane used to protect flat commercial roofs. Resistant to water and fire, this roofing material is very strong and durable. With regular maintenance and care, this commercial roofing material will last you a long time. As a bonus, PVC roofing is affordable and energy-efficient, which can reduce your energy costs.
Additional commercial roofing options can include:
As business owners, we know how hectic day-to-day life can be and how maintaining your roof can be a huge headache that you push off to the last minute. In a sense, these situations are why we opened Hixon's Roofing - to be the proverbial aspirin for commercial roofing pains. Whether you need simple repairs for your storefront or a full commercial roof replacement for a commercial building, know that we have your back.
Contact our office today to learn more about our commercial roofing services and how we make it difficult for other commercial roofing companies to compete with our pricing. We think you will be happy you did!
Class Includes Two Goalkeepers, Two Forwards, Two Midfielders, and Three Defenders OXFORD, Miss. – Ole Miss soccer and head coach Matt Mott have announced the addition of nine new freshmen as part of their 2023 signing class.The class of new Rebels includes local and national talent with signees from seven different states: Mississippi, Tennessee, Virginia, Kansas, California, Texas,...
OXFORD, Miss. – Ole Miss soccer and head coach Matt Mott have announced the addition of nine new freshmen as part of their 2023 signing class.
The class of new Rebels includes local and national talent with signees from seven different states: Mississippi, Tennessee, Virginia, Kansas, California, Texas, and Wisconsin. From that pool of talent, the Rebels have added two goalkeepers, three defenders, two forwards, and two midfielders.
— Ole Miss Soccer (@OleMissSoccer) December 29, 2022
Campbell Wolff Goalkeeper | Alexandria, Va. | St. Stephen's and St. Agnes School
HIGH SCHOOL: Four-time letterwinner at St. Stephen's and St. Agnes School in Alexandria, Virginia… Named to the All-Independent School League Team and was named an ISL All-Star in 2022… Played in the ISL Semifinals in 2019, 2021, and 2022… Led her team to the Virginia State Finals in 2019 and the Virginia State Semifinals in 2021 and 2022… Named to the Dean's List/Honor Roll 2019-2022 and a Distinguished Scholar Athlete 2019-2022… Lettered one season in basketball (2019-20)
CLUB/ODP: Played for Virginia Union ECNL… Led Virginia Union to the ECNL National Playoffs in 2021
PERSONAL: Daughter of Robert and Kymberly Wolff… Born June 18, 2004… Father Robert played football at Georgia Tech
— Ole Miss Soccer (@OleMissSoccer) December 28, 2022
Forward | Manhattan, Kan. | Manhattan High School
HIGH SCHOOL: Two-time letterwinner at Manhattan High School in Manhattan, Kansas… Scored 33 career goals with 13 assists… Played in the 2020-21 National Championship for GA and ECRL… Manhattan High School Triple Jump school record holder and 2022 Kansas High School 6A Triple Jump State Champion… Won a team track & field Centennial League Championship with Manhattan
CLUB/ODP: Played for Sporting Blue Valley ECNL… Played in the ECNL National Semifinals in 2022
PERSONAL: Daughter of Tonoher & Vincent Johnson… Born June 28, 2005… Has a brother, Nisbyc… Mother Tonoher played softball and track & field at Alcorn State… Father Vincent played football and track & field at Alcorn State… Aunt Shannon Washington was Ole Miss Varsity cheerleader… Uncle Justin Reed played basketball for Ole Miss and in the NBA… Cousin Errol Robinson played baseball at Ole Miss and in the MLB
— Ole Miss Soccer (@OleMissSoccer) December 29, 2022
Hattie Patterson Defender | Dallas, Tex. | Highland Park High School
HIGH SCHOOL: Four-time letterwinner at Highland Park High School in Dallas, Texas… Voted team captain in 2021 and 2022… Named District MVP in 2022… 2022 First Team All-Region… Two-time First Team All-District honoree (2021 & 2022)… 2020 Second Team All-District… 2022 5A Regional Finalist… National Honor Society… National English Honor Society… National Spanish Honor Society
CLUB/ODP: Played for Solar Soccer Club… Won the 2022 ECNL Texas Conference Championship… Two-time ECNL Second Team All-Conference honoree (2021 & 2022)
PERSONAL: Daughter of Lucas and Ali Patterson… Born March 21, 2005… Has one sister, Ella, and one brother, Cotton… Grandfather played football at Texas
— Ole Miss Soccer (@OleMissSoccer) December 28, 2022
Zoë Parkhurst Midfielder | Menlo Park, Calif. | IMG Academy
CLUB/ODP: US Soccer National Training Center Invitee (2016, 2017, 2020, 2021)… Girls Academy National Talent ID 2022… Girls Academy Regional Talent ID 2022 & 2021… IMG U17 & U19 Team Captain… IMG U17 Team MVP… TopDrawerSoccer Top-150 (2018-2022)
PERSONAL: Daughter of Gillian and Justin Parkhurst… Born March 25, 2005… Has one sister, Mia… Father Justin played rugby at Cal and sister Mia plays soccer at Georgia
— Ole Miss Soccer (@OleMissSoccer) December 27, 2022
Avery Brown Defender | Franklin, Tenn. | Franklin High School
HIGH SCHOOL: Four-time letterwinner at Franklin High School in Franklin, Tennessee… 2022 District Player of the Year… 2022 High School All-American Watch List… Played in 2022 State Senior Star game… Two-time All-State honoree (2021 & 2022)… Three-time All-District honoree (2020-2022)… Scored eight goals and had nine assists as a forward her sophomore season… Three-time District Champion (2020-2022)
CLUB/ODP: Played for Tennessee Soccer Club ECNL… Two-time First Team All-Conference honoree (2021 & 2022)… Played in the 2021 ECNL National Selection Game… Won a Conference Championship in 2019… Played in the ECNL Champions league playoffs in 2019, 2021, and 2022
PERSONAL: Daughter of Mike and Stacey Brown… Born January 19, 2005… Has one brother, Evan
— Ole Miss Soccer (@OleMissSoccer) December 28, 2022
Ella Luna Midfielder | Milwaukee, Wis. | Whitefish Bay High School
HIGH SCHOOL: Two-time letterwinner at Whitefish Bay High School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin… 2021 State Champion… 2022 State Runner-up
CLUB/ODP: Played for SC Wave… Five-time Wisconsin State Cup Champion… Two-time Mid-America Champion (2021 & 2022)… GA Talent ID Camp participant… ODP International Team… ODP National Team
PERSONAL: Daughter of Mariano and Tina Luna… Born March 5, 2005… Has two sisters, Sophie and Maddie… Father Mariano played football at North Dakota State and New Mexico and professional soccer
— Ole Miss Soccer (@OleMissSoccer) December 27, 2022
Evie Ewing Forward | Madison, Miss. | Madison Ridgeland Academy
HIGH SCHOOL: Four-time letterwinner at Madison Ridgeland Academy in Madison, Mississippi… Four-time All-Conference honoree (2019-2022)… 2022 All-Star… 2022 top-10 player DPL soccer… Lettered in basketball and track & field… 2022 Mississippi State Champion in long jump… 2021 & 2022 Mississippi State Champion in 400m
CLUB/ODP: Played for Alabama FC ECNL and RUSH Soccer… Rush 04 National Team selection (2018, 2019 & 2021)… MAIS top-20 player 2021 & 2022
PERSONAL: Daughter of Christa and Justin Ewing… Born December 3, 2004… Has one sister, Libba and one brother, Cade… Father Justin played baseball at Mississippi State
— Ole Miss Soccer (@OleMissSoccer) December 30, 2022
Addison Yelton Goalkeeper | Johnson City, Tenn. | Baylor High School
HIGH SCHOOL: Three-time letterwinner at Baylor High School… Two-time All-Region selection (2019 & 2020)… 2021 Team Captain and MVP… Two-time US Club ID selection
PERSONAL: Daughter of Matt and Tamara Yelton… Born April 20, 2004… Has one brother, Aiden… Father Matt played soccer and mother Tamara played volleyball both for King University… Father Matt is an assistant coach at ETSU… Uncle Jay is the head coach at ETSU and Uncle Todd is the head coach at Samford
Avery Stevens Defender | Garden Grove, Calif. | Pacifica High School
HIGH SCHOOL: Three-time letterwinner at Pacifica High School in Garden Grove, California… 2022 Athlete of the Year… 2022 Team Captain… 2020 League Champions
CLUB/ODP: Played for Beach FC ENCL… 2022 ENCL Championship finalist
PERSONAL: Daughter of Eric and Cindy Stevens… Born August 17, 2005… Has two sisters, Autumn and Aubree… Father Eric played baseball at San Jose State
Keep up with all the latest news and information on the Rebels by following Ole Miss Soccer on Twitter at @OleMissSoccer, on the Ole Miss Soccer Facebook page, and on Instagram at @officialolemisssoccer. Also, follow head coach Matt Mott on Twitter at @CoachMattMott.
Alexa Pymm scored the only goal on an assist from Julia Villaveces, and Riley Schlick-Track recorded the shutoutTHURSDAYGIRLS SOCCERSaint Stephen’s 1, St. Petersburg Catholic 0AT: Saint Stephen's Episcopal SchoolTOP PLAYERS: SS, Alexa Pymm goal, Julia Villaveces assist, goalie Riley Schlick-Trask 3 savesRECORDS: Saint Stephen's Episcopal School 6-2, St. Pete Catholic High School 7-2...
THURSDAY
GIRLS SOCCER
AT: Saint Stephen's Episcopal School
TOP PLAYERS: SS, Alexa Pymm goal, Julia Villaveces assist, goalie Riley Schlick-Trask 3 saves
RECORDS: Saint Stephen's Episcopal School 6-2, St. Pete Catholic High School 7-2
NEXT: Out-Of-Door Academy at Saint Stephen's Episcopal School, 5 p.m. Monday
GIRLS BASKETBALL
AT: Bradenton Christian
TOP PLAYERS: BC, Lana Price 14 points, Katherine Mercer 11 points, Jillian Zoerman 11 points, Taylor Blunden 10 points
RECORDS: Bradenton Christian 9-5, Palmetto 4-6
NEXT: Keswick at Bradenton Christian on Friday
TOP PLAYERS: S, Paisley Binswanger 20 points, Kennedy McClain 17 points, V, T. O'Leary 19 points, Z. O'Leary 16 points, A. Ivery 15 points, I. Leggett 10 points
RECORD: Sarasota 10-8
NEXT: Riverview at Sarasota on Monday
WEDNESDAY
BOYS BASKETBALL
AT: Eddie Howell Gymnasium, Sarasota
TOP PLAYERS: S, Harris Hawke 13 points, 5 rebounds, Kahlil Williams 12 points, Nate Johnson 11 points, 6 steals; SS, Braden Mohr 20 points, Rowan Bilik 17 points
RECORD: Sarasota 12-3, Saint Stephen's 9-3
NEXT: Sarasota at Island Coast, Friday, Saint Stephen's at Bradenton Christian, 7 p.m., Friday
TUESDAY
BOYS BASKETBALL
AT: Cardinal Mooney
TOP PLAYERS: CM, Kevin O'Donoghue 17 points, Connor Heald 9 points, Randy Wilson 8 points, Teddy Foster 8 points
RECORDS: Cardinal Mooney 9-4
NEXT: Cardinal Mooney at Lemon Bay, 7 p.m. Friday
TOP PLAYERS: SC, Ben Milliken 22 points, Simon Dik 12 points, Maison Montgomery 9 points, Jayven Szewczyk 6 points, Randall Collins 6 points
RECORDS: Sarasota Christian 6-7, Families Instructing Students Home School 2-10
UP NEXT: Sarasota Christian at Out-of-Door Academy, 7 p.m., Friday
TOP PLAYERS: LB, Joey Scott 15 points, Lucas Newcomb 13 points, Jace Huber 10 points
RECORD: Lemon Bay 10-3
GIRLS BASKETBALL
TOP PLAYERS: LB, Taylor Orris 25 points, 12 rebounds, Maya Collins 14 points, 13 rebounds.
RECORD: Lemon Bay 8-7.
NEXT: Lemon Bay at Imagine School at North Port, Friday.
People who met Maude Callen as children remember her as the nurse with the shots.For over 60 years she brought immunizations to churches, schools and other community gatherings in rural Berkeley County. Many of the children who lined up before her to receive those shots had been delivered by her.Callen was a midwife and a pioneer of public health. By establishing a health clinic in a small clearing along the forest-lined S.C. Highway 45 in Pineville, Callen brought medical access to hundreds, if not thousands, of residents betw...
People who met Maude Callen as children remember her as the nurse with the shots.
For over 60 years she brought immunizations to churches, schools and other community gatherings in rural Berkeley County. Many of the children who lined up before her to receive those shots had been delivered by her.
Callen was a midwife and a pioneer of public health. By establishing a health clinic in a small clearing along the forest-lined S.C. Highway 45 in Pineville, Callen brought medical access to hundreds, if not thousands, of residents between 1923 and 1986.
As a Black woman, she helped expand access to medical care at a time when segregation stratified health outcomes for African Americans, especially those in rural areas.
Linda Wilson, a woman who grew up in the area and remembers Callen’s presence in the community, recalled that if people don’t have money, they didn’t have health insurance.
“You just had to thank God you didn’t have a catastrophic illness,” said Wilson. “The first time I went to a hospital was to have my first child.”
Now Wilson and others are taking part in an effort to immortalize Callen’s work.
Members of the Sumpter Free Health Clinic, a small nonprofit based in St. Stephen, bought the building that housed Callen’s now-shuttered clinic in 2017. Members of the nonprofit, including Wilson and her husband, have spent the last five years raising funds and restoring the building. It had no roof and was close to crumbling when they bought it.
A rededication ceremony Dec. 2 marked a new era for the Maude Callen Clinic with a new roof, a fresh coat of paint and exhibits about Callen’s work. Not only will it be used as a museum to preserve her legacy, but the new owners also hope to provide health classes and other outreach services from the building.
At the same time, local historian Brittany Lavelle Tulla is leading an effort to get the building included on the National Register of Historic Places, which would make it eligible for more grant-funding opportunities.
“She was just a beacon of light here in this part of the county and throughout the state, and we want this clinic to be a beacon for her and to serve the community,” said Libba Carroll, a Sumpter Free Health Clinic member.
Carroll worked in a hospital in the early 1970s for a doctor who would sometimes call Callen in to work with his patients or take patients from her who needed hospital care.
“He would call Maude and she would come up to the office and sit and explain to the patient what was going on,” Carroll said. “She sometimes had a better understanding with them.”
Encounters with Callen, either directly or indirectly, have left a lasting impression on many. She was the subject of a photo essay by W. Eugene Smith in Life magazine in 1951. Before profiling her, Smith had gained international recognition for the photos he took as a foreign correspondent during World War II. After his essay about Callen ran, thousands of dollars of donations came pouring in. They were the catalyst that took her services from church pews and home visits to her stand-alone clinic.
Decades later, those same photos captured the eye of playwright Martin Casella. His play “Miss Maude” debuted in Houston in September and explores the unlikely friendship between Smith and Callen.
The award-winning photographer shadowed Callen for over two months, watching her train midwives, deliver babies and tend to the sick with very few supplies. A photo of her homemade incubator for babies shows that it was made from a crate lined with towels warmed by whiskey bottles filled with hot water.
One section of the essay was captioned, “Maude’s 16-hour day,” and featured her stopping to take a sip of Coke on one of her few breaks.
“She would probably be terribly embarrassed that all of this attention is being showered upon her, but it’s deserved,” said Bruce Long, the play’s producer. “Hopefully her story will inspire others to give up their lives in the manner that she gave her life and time and efforts. The world would certainly be a better place for having heard her story.′
Now, the production is eyeing a path to Broadway, and Carroll said she hopes a new burst of exposure will result in more donations for the clinic-turned-community-center.
“It has no water, it has no heating-and-air and it has no bathroom,” she said. “So we’re hoping to strike up more interest in it and we’re going to need our next generation to help because we’re all getting older.”
Carroll’s goddaughter, Rachel Orr, is one member of that generation. She studied historic preservation at the College of Charleston and got involved in the effort to save the clinic after moving to Berkeley County with her husband. She said she hopes the center can provide services to the community for years to come.
″(Callen is) an icon for the community and for women in general,” Orr said. “I just think it’s worth it to do what I can to help keep her legacy alive.”
Last week, the Lexington Chamber gathered three key legislative leaders for the county and state to talk about what residents can expect to see at the Statehouse in 2022.State Senate Majority Leader Shane Massey (R-Edgefield), state House Speaker Murrell Smith (R-Sumter) and state Rep. Micah Caskey (R-Lexington), chair of the Lexington County Legislative Delegation, were the featured speakers at the chamber’s annual Legislative Breakfast, held Dec. 16 at St. Stephen's Lutheran Church.They discussed the issues that they wi...
Last week, the Lexington Chamber gathered three key legislative leaders for the county and state to talk about what residents can expect to see at the Statehouse in 2022.
State Senate Majority Leader Shane Massey (R-Edgefield), state House Speaker Murrell Smith (R-Sumter) and state Rep. Micah Caskey (R-Lexington), chair of the Lexington County Legislative Delegation, were the featured speakers at the chamber’s annual Legislative Breakfast, held Dec. 16 at St. Stephen's Lutheran Church.
They discussed the issues that they will make priorities during the upcoming legislative session, which begins Jan. 10 and continues through June — keying on such topics as education, healthcare, criminal justice and economic development — and encouraged the audience to remain engaged with the state’s politics so as to not let the “crazies” with the loudest voices dominate.
Speaking first, Massey, who has served as majority leader since 2016, hit education and healthcare the hardest out of the three speakers, saying the former would likely be the first thing the Senate takes up during the coming session.
He emphasized the need to shore up both K-12 and higher education in the state when it comes to workforce development, though he didn’t specifically mention any areas he intends to target.
As to healthcare, he specifically spoke about the need to address the state’s Certificates of Need, required — as they are in 34 other states — for acquisitions, expansions and creations of healthcare facilities. Massey said the Senate would likely take up the issue next month and have a “lively debate about it again.”
Both Massey and Smith emphasized reforming the state’s bond system as a priority, as well as combating the rise of fentanyl in the state.
“We’re going to have to reformat that,” Massey said of the bond system. “All legislators have been hearing about that issue.”
“Catch and release is a problem,” Smith added during his remarks, saying discretion needs to be taken away from judges in this regard. “We cannot be letting people who committed crimes two, three, four times out on bond. Because if they don't learn the lesson one time they're not gonna learn it again.”
Smith was elected by his peers as speaker during the middle of last year’s session, succeeding Jay Lucas, who retired from the position.
Touting figures such as the $10 billion in 2022 capital investments into the state recently trumpeted by the Department of Commerce, Smith presented economic development as his central focus, emphasizing the need for site development — creating more industrial parks with utilities already set up for companies to move in — as the state looks to compete with Georgia and North Carolina.
“We've been mired in social issues for a while and we're gonna continue to have strong conservative issues that we're going to address,” Smith said, “but we need to focus on pocketbook issues, economic development.”
During the question-and-answer session at the end of the breakfast, Lexington County School District 1 Board Chair Anne Marie Green, one of six board members in attendance, pushed back on the new public education funding formula the state implemented last year, saying that it won’t allow the district to keep up with rising costs without passing that burden along to businesses in the form of higher taxes.
“I respectfully disagree that you don’t have enough money to educate children,” Smith said, adding that while Lexington 1 is run well, “there are school boards across the state that are dysfunctional,” and district-level reform is needed to fix the state’s education system.
All three speakers keyed on the need for citizens to be engaged, none more so than Caskey, who spent most of his remarks on what he jokingly referred to as a rant on the subject.
“If you don't get involved and share your opinions, other folks will,” he said, pointing to the 2020 rise of the “China virus” as the kind of unexpected issue governments face, and emphasizing that if you’re not involved they’ll make those decisions without you. “We do live in a world where people are able to amplify their voices, irrespective of the merit of those ideas. And I would encourage you all as informed citizens to be as informed as you can be.”
During the question-and-answer session, the legislators were asked how much the tension between the “crazy” people they referred to in their remarks exists within their party and how they will deal with that as they look to get things done at the Statehouse.
“South Carolinians voted for them, and they voted for them because they said something,” Massey replied. “They had issues that they thought this candidate reflected. You have to not only recognize that, but accept that. They're probably issues that they want to take forward that we all need to listen to. Because sometimes it's easy to say, ‘They're just crazy. They have nothing to say,’ when they have important issues that are being reflected from the populace.”
ST. STEPHEN, S.C. (WCSC) - Berkeley County says a new grant aims to possibly start redeveloping parts of St. Stephen, a rural town about 15 miles north of Moncks Corner.Berkeley County Council voted to accept a $500,000 Brownfields Assessment Grant from the Environmental Protection Agency on Monday.“It could be something like asbestos or lead-based paint, something in the soil,” Economic Development Director Kristen Lanier said. “Something that might be a risk for redevelopment, so this grant is going to allow...
ST. STEPHEN, S.C. (WCSC) - Berkeley County says a new grant aims to possibly start redeveloping parts of St. Stephen, a rural town about 15 miles north of Moncks Corner.
Berkeley County Council voted to accept a $500,000 Brownfields Assessment Grant from the Environmental Protection Agency on Monday.
“It could be something like asbestos or lead-based paint, something in the soil,” Economic Development Director Kristen Lanier said. “Something that might be a risk for redevelopment, so this grant is going to allow us to do an assessment to identify any potential risks for redevelopment.”
The grant targets two primary sites, the old St. Stephen High School, which closed in 1996, and an 85-acre area that used to be a lumber mill just off Highway 52, which closed around 1970. Up to 15 sites around the area could be looked at for revitalization as part of the grant.
“All I want is for something good to happen in St. Stephen, you know, because it seems like everything that comes to St. Stephen stays for a little while, and then, it’s gone,” St. Stephen resident Ann Judge said.
St. Stephen Mayor John Rivers said the grant will allow the town to start redeveloping and bring economic growth to the area. The county said the town could turn the old high school into a community center while the old lumber mill would be repurposed for some type of industrial use.
“The goal there, again with community input, would be that we start putting together a plan of revitalization for both those sites and others,” Lanier said.
Lanier also said they want to see if there is anything in these sites that might prevent that development.
However, some said they do not want to repurpose the old high school and keep it the way it is.
“My children came to school here too, so and I can remember all of my old high school teachers. I love it,” St. Stephen resident Julie Jenkins said.
The county said the money will be available starting Oct. 1 and will go on for the next four years. They also said the grant is the first step in a long-term process.
“This is that motion,” Lanier said. “This is that start of something, so we’re excited to see some movement in that area and to see what we can do and how we can leverage this.”
County officials said after those four years, they will have a plan developed for the sites.
The county will hold public meetings as part of the grant, but they have not announced when the meetings will be held.
Below is the full statement from St. Stephen Mayor John Rivers:
The town of St. Stephen is grateful that the EPA selected us to receive one of the 2022 Brownfield Program Grants for $500,000. We were the only municipality in Berkeley County to receive this. In countless other communities around the United States the EPA’s Brownfield program has had a proven track record of leveraging private sector investment, creating jobs and protecting the environment. St. Stephen will use this Brownfield Grant to spur our town with redevelopment and cleanup projects and bring sustained economic growth. We are thankful for the support of the Berkeley County Economic Development Office and their ability to work with myself, town council, and the town’s administration to write the grant proposal. We are ready to collaborate with the various committees that will be comprised of St. Stephen residents and business owners to help us continue to grow and revitalize our town. Receiving this prestigious award is a fantastic achievement for the Town of St. Stephen and I give credit to all involved in the initiative. We have been waiting for the results of the EPA Brownfield Grant Application for quite some time. “It has been well worth the wait.” This is the first of many blessings in store for our great town.
For more information about the Brownfields Assessment Grant, click here.
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