Refrigerated Trailer for Rent in Walterboro, SC

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WALTERBORO, S.C. (WCBD) – Community members are concerned about a new ministry that is set to open in the Walterboro area.

Shield Ministries, an organization that claims to help convicted sex offenders rehabilitate and re-enter society, will open its doors off Barracada Road near Highway 17-A.

About 50 men could be housed at the property at any given time as the first phase of their three-phase program to help the men improve their lives.

“Shield Ministries is an organization that works to help men transition from the devastation of their past into a thriving future,” explained David Truluck, executive director for Shield Ministries.

But those who live nearby say they are concerned about having sex offenders so close to their homes, children, and grandchildren.

“I’ve lived here for 35 years. I love Walterboro. I love the community,” said neighbor Lisa Langdale.

Langdale is worried about what is going in at this old church site in her rural neighborhood. “I’m just really concerned about living in the neighborhood, for our children, and living in the neighborhood even for myself,” she said.

She’s even part of a new Facebook group that has gained more than 600 followers.

“What do you say to people who maybe they live nearby, they have children or grandchildren at their house, and they’re concerned? What would you say to them,” we asked Truluck.

“Well, we have been a big asset to the community. When you look at our history, we have great relationships with law enforcement agencies,” Truluck replied.

There is also concern about Truluck, personally, because he is a registered sex offender.

“I believe the offense was committ or attempt a lewd act on a child. Do you understand why people might be concerned about an organization that you’re leading being right there in their neighborhood as well,” News 2 asked.

“I do understand why they would be concerned about that, but one of the things I would like to communicate to them is, I’ve been through the process of healing I’ve been through court-ordered counseling, which we will be providing,” he replied.

When asked if he could guarantee that none of the men in the program would bring harm to anyone in the community, Truluck said “I don’t think we could give that type of guarantee,” but cited the program’s “zero percent recidivism” rate.

A community meeting geared toward showcasing the proposal will take place Wednesday night at 6:30 p.m. across from Tractor Supply on Bells Highway in Walterboro.

Leaders with Shield Ministries say they are in the process of getting the property ready to open, however, they do not have a specific opening date at this time.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Copyright 2023 WCSC. All rights reserved.

By Veronica Clayton Swinson

The Eddie & Amanda Clayton Family United in Walterboro for their 13th Family Reunion with an unprecedented turnout of about 275 family members.

We are Claytons, Bennetts, Greens, Nesmiths, Bowmans, Simmonses, & Moores whose ancestors descended from Colleton County South Carolina, specifically in and around the town of Walterboro.

Our oldest known Clayton ancestor is Eve Clayton, (born between 1812-1819). She was the mother of Prince Clayton. He was the father of Eddie Clayton. Eddie Clayton and his wife Amanda Glover became the parents of 11 children: Hilliard Clayton, Lettie Clayton Bennett, Robert Lee Clayton, Esdone Clayton, Pearl Clayton Green, Tillie Clayton Nesmith, Lottie Mae Clayton Bowman, Annie Mae Clayton Simmons, Catherine Clayton Moore, Edd Lee Clayton, and Louis Clayton. We are the direct descendants of those 11 children.

There was representation from eight of the eleven branches at the reunion.

The reunion began with a Reunion Kick Off Cookout Celebration at the Colleton County Recreation Center Pavilion followed by recognizing the graves of our ancestors at Redbank United Methodist Church in Cannadys. Then a Balloon Release in their honor to officially kick off our 13th Family Reunion.

Saturday was the Reunion Fun Day Celebration. It was also held indoors at the Colleton County Recreation Center. Among those in attendance were our two eldest family members, matriarchs Mrs. Dorothy Edwards White and Mrs. Georgia Bennett Martin, both of Walterboro.

The reunion concluded with a large family gathering on Sunday for “The Family That Prays Together, Stays Together” morning worship at Sandhill Baptist Church in Walterboro, church of family member Rev. Greg Clayton, followed by a farewell luncheon of about 75 family members at the Walterboro Cracker Barrel. There in attendance was our family’s eldest patriarch and eldest male in the family who still carries the last name Clayton, William Clayton, Sr. of Fayetteville, NC.

The family Historian and former Miss Walterboro Veronica Clayton Swinson headed the Reunion Planning Committee, whose members were Evette Smalls-Cooper, Senekita Williams-Farmer, Caroline Clayton, Sabrina Moore, Domeeka Garret, and Ronnette Clayton Jackson.

It was positive and uplifting to see the family branches coming together in record numbers in the spirit of love and unity. From the Kick-Off Celebration, to the Introduction of Branches, to the food, to the Family Entertainment, to the sermon from Pastor Greg Clayton, to the Farewell Luncheon. Everything may not have been perfect, but it was still amazing and an unforgettable Eddie & Amanda Clayton Family Reunion!

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

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