If you have been accused of a crime, the only thing standing between your continued freedom and harsh legal penalties is a seasoned criminal defense lawyer in Hanahan, SC. That may seem harsh, but in this time of turmoil and uncertainty, having a skilled and dedicated criminal defense lawyer on your side is key. Because the truth is that dealing with legal charges in Hanahan can be a highly distressing ordeal, with even minor violations causing a considerable impact on an individual's personal and work life. The repercussions of having a criminal record can be severe, leading to loss of employment, severed relationships, and even alienation from loved ones.
At Theos Law Firm, we offer trustworthy legal representation to those who need it most. Our criminal defense team has years of experience and is committed to ensuring our clients maintain their freedom and can move forward with their lives. From handling drug-related charges to more nuanced federal cases and sexual misconduct offenses, we take a personalized approach to every case. By utilizing cutting-edge legal strategies and decades of combined experience, we have a much better opportunity to achieve the best possible client outcomes.
We help clients overcome criminal charges in a wide range of cases, including the following:
If you are facing one or more of the charges above, it's imperative that you establish contact with a legal advocate ASAP. At Theos Law, you can rest easy knowing our phone line is always open. When your future is up for grabs, let our team of criminal defense lawyers fight for your rights. It all starts with a free consultation at our law firm in Hanahan, where we'll educate you on the particulars of the charges you're facing and explain the next steps ahead.
At this point, you probably have many questions in mind. Keep reading for more information on criminal law in South Carolina and some of our criminal defense specialties at Theos Law.
In South Carolina, criminal cases are classified into different categories based on the severity of the crime. Generally speaking, offenses that carry a maximum sentence of three years or less are categorized as misdemeanors. On the other hand, crimes that carry a punishment of more than three years in prison are generally classified as felonies.
Crimes in The Palmetto State are usually split into two categories: state crimes and federal crimes. Classifications are based on whether a crime violates state laws or federal laws. Ultimately, it's up to the prosecutor to decide which category to pursue charges under. State crimes generally include assault, robbery, domestic violence, theft, and rape. Federal crimes, on the other hand, may be more complex and can include computer crime, major drug trafficking, hate crimes, and money laundering. These types of crimes are often investigated by agencies like the FBI or IRS.
Understanding the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony crime can be challenging for someone facing their first charge. Misdemeanors are generally considered minor offenses, resulting in fines or a short stay in a local county jail. Trials and plea deals for these cases move quickly due to their nature.
Conversely, felonies are more severe crimes classified by degrees, with first-degree being the most severe and sixth-degree being the least. Those charged with a felony may face significant fines and a prison sentence of over a year in a federal or state institution. Convicted felons may face difficulties after their release, making it crucial to have a reliable criminal defense attorney in Hanahan, SC.
It is not uncommon for legal cases to be resolved outside of court through a plea deal. This allows the defendant to acknowledge their guilt on one or more charges without the need for a trial. Both your criminal defense lawyer and the prosecutor collaborate to come up with a mutually beneficial arrangement, which helps avoid the uncertainties and dangers of a trial. By accepting a plea deal, you may receive a lighter sentence and avoid the anxiety that comes with a lengthy legal battle.
At Theos Law Firm, we often receive questions from potential clients about when they should hire a criminal defense attorney for the charges that they're facing. Although each situation and client are unique, there are some common criminal situations to keep in mind. In general, it's always best to reach out to an experienced attorney as soon as you're charged or have been arrested.
Below are some guidelines to help you decide when it's necessary to retain a criminal defense attorney for your case in South Carolina.
Thinking about hiring a criminal defense lawyer when you're charged with a crime is a no-brainer for most, and for good reason. A defense lawyer can offer assistance with various offenses, ranging from minor crimes like retail theft and cyberstalking to more serious ones such as sexual assault and manslaughter. Regardless of the charges, navigating the legal system can be complex, and without the guidance of an experienced criminal defense lawyer, the situation can escalate rapidly.
As you may have observed in movies or television shows, the police might request you to provide a statement, giving the impression that you are not under arrest. If they suspect you of committing a crime but lack sufficient evidence to detain you, they may aim to put you at ease and elicit information that can be used against you. Remember, it is within your rights to have a criminal defense attorney in Hanahan, SC, present during questioning, and you should absolutely use that to your advantage.
In the event that law enforcement officers arrive at your residence with a warrant, it indicates that a judge has determined there is reasonable suspicion that evidence related to a criminal offense is present in your home. Regardless of whether they discover and confiscate anything, it is advisable to seek the guidance of a seasoned defense attorney to discuss the situation and receive assistance in determining any potential charges or locations they may investigate in the future.
Could you imagine being accused of something you didn't do? When law enforcement, a judge, or a prosecutor accuses you of committing a crime that you didn't do, it can be an arduous task to prove your innocence, especially if you have a prior record. It can also feel hopeless and like it's impossible for you to get someone to listen to your side. The truth is that your past mistakes should not be used against you. To increase your chances of being cleared of charges, it's advisable to have a defense lawyer who can support your innocence and fight for your rights. Criminal defense attorneys at Theos Law don't just listen - we act swiftly and always with your best interests at heart.
The legal system for juveniles in South Carolina is different than it is for adults. It comes with its own complications and hurdles to overcome. If you think or know that your child has been accused of a crime, it's imperative to get legal counsel swiftly. Failure to do so could ruin their life or result in a longer-than-needed jail sentence.
Keep reading to learn more about just a few of the most common criminal defense cases we accept at Theos Law Firm.
In terms of common criminal offenses in South Carolina, DUIs top the list, especially regarding mindful drivers with clean driving records and no criminal history. Unfortunately for these drivers, a DUI conviction in South Carolina stays on your record and cannot be expunged. Even first-time offenses with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent can be costly. Your insurance premiums go up for years, you may end up paying almost $1,000 in fines and fees, and there's a good chance you'll have to perform community service or serve jail time.
If your breathalyzer test result is more than .15%, you refuse the breathalyzer, or it is recorded as a refusal, your license will be automatically suspended, which complicates matters further. Throw in the possibility of interlock device rental, and your life may never be the same. For those reasons alone, it is crucial to approach such charges with the help of a DUI defense lawyer. At Theos Law Firm, our attorneys have years of experience in successfully fighting these types of charges.
Fortunately, if you or a loved one has been charged with DUI, there is hope. That's especially true if the accused has undergone a breath or blood test for DUI. In fact, cases that involve such tests are successfully beaten every day. At Theos Law Firm, we will thoroughly investigate your DUI case in Hanahan and explore every possible angle to have it dismissed.
To begin that process, your criminal defense lawyer in Hanahan, SC, may seek answers to many questions, including:
If you are dealing with drug-related crimes in Hanahan or another city in South Carolina, it is crucial for you to understand the potential penalties involved. Possession of a controlled substance may fall under the category of a misdemeanor, but many drug offenses are considered felonies. Even a minor drug offense conviction can result in long-lasting negative consequences. As such, it's always advisable to explore your options and seek the assistance of a Hanahan drug crime attorney. A skilled criminal defense lawyer can help safeguard your rights and may help achieve a favorable outcome.
One of the most frequent questions we hear at Theos Law is, "What does possession mean?â
Drug charges based on possession in South Carolina are divided into three categories:
However, the state also has other drug charges that are not based on the weight of the drugs. These include:
Possession-based drug charges in South Carolina are deemed "graduated offenses" with penalties that grow more severe based on the weight of the drugs. It's important to note that the charges can be based on either actual or constructive possession. Contact a criminal defense lawyer in Hanahan, SC, today to learn more about the complexities involved with drug cases in Hanahan and other cities in South Carolina.
Some of the most common drug charges we see at Theos Law include the following:
The simple answer to this question is a resounding "Yes.â Drug paraphernalia can refer to various items such as pipes, bongs, syringes, scales, grinders, and rolling papers which are linked to drug usage, preparation, storage, or hiding. Even though some of these items may have legitimate uses, like tobacco pipes or medical syringes, they can still be scrutinized by law enforcement if there is proof of illegal drug use or intent.
If you are facing assault and battery charges, it is possible that you haven't actually physically harmed someone. Many people associate assault and battery with brutal beatings, but that is just one example. There are other situations that are less severe than what people typically imagine.
It's a common misunderstanding that physical injury is required for assault and battery charges. The fines, penalties, and jail time you may face depend on the severity of your charges and the number of offenses. Regardless of the degree of your charges, Assault and Battery is a serious offense that should not be taken lightly. The consequences of a conviction can be life-changing, and as such, your criminal defense lawyer in Hanahan, SC, should work relentlessly to fight the charges being levied against you.
Though this list isn't comprehensive, here are some of the biggest factors that dictate the severity of your assault and battery charges:
Causing harm to someone or threatening to do so with the ability to carry out the threat can result in a charge of third-degree assault and battery. This misdemeanor offense is typically heard in municipal or magistrate courts and may carry a maximum sentence of 30 days in jail.
Causing harm or making threats to harm someone that results in moderate bodily injury can lead to charges of second-degree assault and battery. Additionally, touching someone's private parts without their consent can also result in charges of assault and battery in the second degree. This misdemeanor offense is heard in General Session court and can carry a maximum sentence of three years in prison.
Assault and Battery in the first degree can involve a number of actions such as inflicting an unlawful injury when kidnapping, touching a person's privates "with lewd and lascivious intent,â and much more. Contact Theos Law Firm for more info on the degrees of Assault and Battery in South Carolina.
At Theos Law firm, we work tirelessly to ensure that our client's rights are not overlooked. Because unfortunately, the rights of everyday citizens are often trampled by law enforcement oversights and legal system failures.
That's why every criminal defense lawyer at our firm works hard to provide guidance and support throughout the legal process by keeping you informed of updates and as comfortable as possible during this trying time. Benefits of hiring Theos Law Firm include:
Unlike some criminal defense law firms in South Carolina, our team believes that everyone deserves a great lawyer when their freedoms are on the line. If you or a loved one has been accused of a crime in South Carolina, trust Theos Law to have your back without judgment.
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HANAHAN, S.C. (WCSC) - The Hanahan Fire Department says a Monday afternoon fire is under control
In a tweet from the city, crews responded to the 6200 block of Murray Drive around 11:30 a.m. Monday for a structure fire.
A follow-up tweet just after noon said crews had the fire under control.
Officials said Murray Drive would remain closed while crews removed hoses.
The city is asking people to avoid the area.
There was no immediate word on injuries.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Crews from the #Hanahan Fire Department are actively working a structure fire in the area of Murray Dr and John Rutledge. Please avoid the area. pic.twitter.com/nlX0ST48bB
— City of Hanahan (@CityofHanahan) July 17, 2023
Copyright 2023 WCSC. All rights reserved.
Baseball757Teamz Top 15#6 Menchville 8, Kecoughtan 2WP: Davis (4-0). LP: Boyd.Joseph Helmsderfer was 2 for 3 with a double, two runs and an RBI for the Monarchs (10-0). Chance Jones and James Blotter each had a hit, a run and an RBI.Norfolk Academy 8, #13 Nansemond-Suffolk Academy 7WP: Winn. LP: McGhee.Matt Camardella was 4 for 5, and Jack Gross reached base six times.#11 Greenbrier Christian 11, Massapequa (New York) 5WP: Langston. LP: V...
Baseball
757Teamz Top 15
#6 Menchville 8, Kecoughtan 2
WP: Davis (4-0). LP: Boyd.
Joseph Helmsderfer was 2 for 3 with a double, two runs and an RBI for the Monarchs (10-0). Chance Jones and James Blotter each had a hit, a run and an RBI.
Norfolk Academy 8, #13 Nansemond-Suffolk Academy 7
WP: Winn. LP: McGhee.
Matt Camardella was 4 for 5, and Jack Gross reached base six times.
#11 Greenbrier Christian 11, Massapequa (New York) 5
WP: Langston. LP: Vilardi.
Thomas Conrad, Dylan Wood and Payton Shipman hit home runs as the Gators finished a 4-0 week and won the Hanahan Invitational Tournament in Charleston, South Carolina. Shipman was named the tournament MVP.
#12 Maury 4, Canfield (Ohio) 3
WP: Gillespie. LP: Patellis.
Brian Jones collected seven strikeouts over five innings as the Commodores won a game at the Ripken Experience in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Brycen Hamilton hit the winning sacrifice fly, scoring Jack Bonney on a field modeled after New York’s historic Polo Grounds.
Non-district
Bayside 3, Hickory 1
Ethan Blakeney had two hits and two RBIs for the Marlins. Will Cox collected three hits.
Catholic 11, Grafton (West Virginia) 5
WP: Marfeo (2-1).
Joe Norman went 4 for 4 with three RBIs and scored twice at the Mingo Bay Classic in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Alex Chalfant and Anthony Tortorice had three hits apiece. The Crusaders improved to 3-0 in pool play.
Landstown 7, St. Maria Goretti (Maryland) 3
WP: Hogan. LP: Fuller.
Trey Campos and Cameron Tellefsen each had two RBIs for the Eagles, who went into the seventh inning trailing 2-1 but erupted for six runs to beat a team from Hagerstown at the Mingo Bay Classic. Zach Blevins added two hits for Landstown.
Softball
757Teamz Top 15
#2 Kellam 8, #3 Grassfield 1
Ava McMichael started in the pitching circle for the Knights, and Abby Adamek came in to secure the win at the 11th annual Jazmine Foreman Memorial Scholarship Tournament at Grassfield. Chloe Jackson led the Knights’ offensive charge, going 4 for 5 with two RBIs. McMichael added three hits, and Karly Boone had two hits.
#2 Kellam 10, Currituck (North Carolina) 0
Sydney Harris and Hannah Lebert led the Knights with two hits each. Grace Andes had one hit and three RBIs. Abby Adamek pitched for Kellam, striking out 10.
#3 Grassfield 6, Currituck (North Carolina) 1
WP: Harford (1-0). LP: Rumanzek.
Cydney LaFon was 2 for 3 with three RBIs for the Grizzlies. EG Hatcher was 2 for 3 and Emma Joy was 1 for 2. Chase Harford gained the victory.
#6 Nansemond-Suffolk Academy 15, Norfolk Academy 0
WP: Smith. LP: Bandy.
Ellie Benes and Addy Smith combined for the shutout in a 2 1/2-inning game. Benes and Smith also combined for five hits and seven RBIs.
Anderson County (Kentucky) 2, #7 Greenbrier Christian 1
A team from Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, edged the Gators at the Grand Strand Softball Classic in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Pitcher Haleigh Murphy (3-3) took the loss.
Menchville 8, #12 Kecoughtan 7
WP: Richardson (5-1). LP: Ackerman.
Kinsey Knapp hit her fourth and fifth home runs of the season and had four RBIs to lead the offense for Menchville, which beat the Warriors for the second time in three days. Dylan Dziechiarz and Leann Vo also had multiple hits for the Monarchs (8-1). Lynlea Boone homered for Kecoughtan (7-2) in a back-and-forth game for first place in the Peninsula District.
Bay Rivers District
Gloucester 18, Woodside 1
WP: Bowden. LP: Davis.
Kaia Hutton was 3 for 3 with three RBIs, and Sadie Bowden was 2 for 4 with two RBIs for the host Dukes in the 4 1/2-inning game.
Peninsula District
Bethel 17, Denbigh 2
WP: Gray. LP: Baranowski.
Taylor Gray, Kayla Harmon, Skylar Dyke, Maddy Morris and Madi Fortune all had multiple hits for the Bruins. Gray, who pitched 4 2/3 innings, was 4 for 4.
Warwick 14, Hampton 0
Yanaiya Burke and Tanaysha Dixon each singled and drove in a run, and Nataleigh Gabriel had an RBI.
Private schools
Isle of Wight Academy 23, Norfolk Collegiate 0
Boys soccer
Bay Rivers District
Lafayette 0, Bruton 0
Liam Ferguson made three saves for Bruton (5-1-1, 1-1-1 Bay Rivers), while Clark Canova made five saves for Lafayette (1-5-2).
Girls soccer
757Teamz Top 15
#7 Norfolk Academy 7, Nansemond-Suffolk Academy 1
G-Norfolk Academy, Hennessy 3, Bosma, Delyannis 2, Scott; NSA, Edwards.
Addy Hennessy had a hat trick and Maria Delyannis contributed two goals for the Bulldogs. The Saints’ Meredith Edwards scored a penalty kick in the final minute.
Peninsula District
Kecoughtan 3, Bethel 3
The Warriors’ goals came from Arianna Carr, Ellery Lapointe and Maya Winters. Belma Tihic scored all three for the Bruins, though Kursten Clark had 15 saves for Kecoughtan.
Private schools
Norfolk Christian 3, Summit Christian Academy 0
Paige Milligan had two goals for the Ambassadors. Caroline Bishard added a goal and Elise Marsh had an assist.
Norfolk Collegiate 7, StoneBridge 0
Jillian Reed had a hat trick, and goals from Mary Bradley Howlett, Erin Sullivan, Maya Dixon and Jordyn Adams also sparked the Oaks.
Boys lacrosse
Private schools
Norfolk Academy 16, Nansemond-Suffolk Academy 2
G-Norfolk Academy, Doyle 4, Rhoades 3, Violette 2, Janney 2, Husson, Payne, Ott, Hnath, Snyder; NSA, Yates, Jensen.
Kaleb Doyle’s four goals and Connor Rhoades’ three guided the Bulldogs.
Boys tennis
Bay Rivers District
Grafton 5, Bruton 4
Rainer Christiansen, John Cloud, Nathan Chan, Alec Denny and Noah Mitchell won in singles to lift the Clippers, who substituted in doubles.
Jamestown 9, Warhill 0
The Eagles lost no more than three games in any match against the Lions (2-6).
Tabb 7, Lafayette 2
Nicolas Crespo, Matthew Wornom, Jacob Dunster and Gus Alston won in straight sets in singles for the Tigers, who swept three doubles pro-sets.
York 7, Poquoson 2
Roman Vander Kooi, Austin Linsk, Brooks Morgan and Reece Zabler earned singles and doubles victories for the Falcons. Cole McDade took the Islanders’ only singles triumph.
Private schools
Norfolk Academy 9, Nansemond-Suffolk Academy 0
The Bulldogs continued to dominate the TCIS.
Girls tennis
Bay Rivers District
Jamestown 9, Warhill 0
The Eagles improved to 8-0 by beating their Williamsburg-area rivals.
Poquoson 7, York 2
Maddie Wyatt won her match in a hard-fought two sets and Ava Cook also won in straight sets for the Islanders.
Daily high school schedules for Hampton Roads public school teams are available at the following district links:
HANAHAN, S.C. —Milan Turner has Carolina on his mind.Turner, who was head coach at three different Georgia high schools, has been named the new head coach at Hanahan High School in South Carolina.Turner had successful head coaching stints at Emanuel County Institute (2005-2010), Thomson (2011-2013) and Veterans (2018-2021). He served as the director of high school relations for the Georgia Southern football program in 2022.Thank you to Coach Helton, Staff, Players, Administration...
HANAHAN, S.C. —
Milan Turner has Carolina on his mind.
Turner, who was head coach at three different Georgia high schools, has been named the new head coach at Hanahan High School in South Carolina.
Turner had successful head coaching stints at Emanuel County Institute (2005-2010), Thomson (2011-2013) and Veterans (2018-2021). He served as the director of high school relations for the Georgia Southern football program in 2022.
Thank you to Coach Helton, Staff, Players, Administration and Eagle Nation for an exciting journey this year. Thank you for letting me be a small part of something Special! The future is bright at Georgia Southern, You ain’t seen nothin’ yet! #GATA #HailSouthern pic.twitter.com/yaTU5ZqoUv
— Milan Turner (@MilanTurner_GS) January 25, 2023
Turner compiled a 112-43 record over 13 seasons as a head coach in the Peach State. He would lead Emanuel County Institute to 65 wins and a state championship in 2007. The Bulldogs would finish GHSA Class A runner-up in 2008.
“We are elated to welcome Coach Turner to the Hawk family,” Hanahan High Principal Tom Gallus said. “Our community is very fortunate to have a coach of this caliber to lead and develop our student-athletes on and off the field. Coach Turner is a proven educator and leader. He knows what it takes to build a successful high school football program and to ensure that each student is prepared for their next steps after high school. I look forward to serving alongside Coach Turner and seeing our Hawks shine under the Friday night lights.”
Turner takes over a Hanahan program that went 6-4 in 2022. He replaces interim coach Steve Blanchard, who took over after Art Craig stepped away and eventually retired.
Turner has been an educator since 1994. Prior to becoming a head coach, he spent time as an assistant at several Georgia schools. Turner has coached in six GHSA state championship games during his time at five different Georgia high schools.
He has been named the North/South All-Star Head Coach, Region Coach of the Year, Atlanta Touchdown Club Class A Coach of the Year, GACA Class A State Coach of the Year, and was selected to coach in the 2008 Under Armour national all-star game.
Science Applications International Corp. is expanding its existing operations in Hanahan with a $26 million investment in a new facility at North Pointe Commerce Park.SAIC, headquartered in Reston, Va., provides technical, engineering, intelligence and IT services to the federal governme...
Science Applications International Corp. is expanding its existing operations in Hanahan with a $26 million investment in a new facility at North Pointe Commerce Park.
SAIC, headquartered in Reston, Va., provides technical, engineering, intelligence and IT services to the federal government for diplomatic and military operations. The company currently has platform integration and production operations facilities at 5617 N. Rhett Ave. in North Charleston and a few miles up North Rhett at 7410 Magi Road in Hanahan.
The new facility, at 1017 North Pointe Industrial Blvd. in Hanahan, around the corner from the Magi Road location, will be its largest in the Charleston area.
Robert Carruthers, vice president of platform integration, said the impetus to open this new facility was a contract it signed with the Marines to upgrade its assault amphibious vehicles, to improve the vehicles’ survivability on the battlefield.
“We’re taking the opportunity because it just simply made sense based on the growth in this area and the amount of work we had to have a new facility and really design it from the ground up to optimize this kind of work,” Carruthers said. “Our current facilities were legacy facilities that we’ve had for many years doing this kind of work, but they weren’t originally designed for it.”
CEO Tony Moraco said in a statement, “SAIC has a long legacy of doing business in South Carolina. This investment is directly tied to the expansion of our platform integration operations and is a critical component of our long-term strategy.”
Construction on the new facility is expected to be completed by the end of the year, and SAIC expects its expansion to create 200 jobs over the next five years. The Coordinating Council for Economic Development has approved job development credits for the project.
“We are excited that SAIC will be expanding its operation and bringing hundreds of quality jobs to the city of Hanahan,” Hanahan Mayor Minnie Newman said in a statement. “Most importantly, we are proud that Hanahan continues to be a destination for companies that provide critical support services to the United States military.”
Carruthers said SAIC currently has enough work to support three Charleston-area facilities, but the company has the ability to consolidate its operations into the new, larger facility in the future. He said, though, that the company doesn’t have to decide about consolidation now.
“Honestly, I anticipate some of those legacy buildings no matter what, just simply because of the volume of work we have,” he said.
HANAHAN — A parade of emergency response vehicles and a school bus were the first to drive a newly opened mile-long stretch of Railroad Avenue, a road project recently completed after years of work.The extension runs from Mabeline Road to Eagle Landing Boulevard, adding a two-lane roadway along the eastern side of the existing CSX rail line, with a sidewalk along one side of the road.Though only a mile, the new stretch connects the northwest corner of the city, where several neighborhoods and Hanahan Elementary School are...
HANAHAN — A parade of emergency response vehicles and a school bus were the first to drive a newly opened mile-long stretch of Railroad Avenue, a road project recently completed after years of work.
The extension runs from Mabeline Road to Eagle Landing Boulevard, adding a two-lane roadway along the eastern side of the existing CSX rail line, with a sidewalk along one side of the road.
Though only a mile, the new stretch connects the northwest corner of the city, where several neighborhoods and Hanahan Elementary School are, to the rest of the city, said Mayor Christie Rainwater.
Prior to the extension, drivers had to take a roundabout route and cross the railroad tracks twice.
“In order to get to the Eagle Landing ... part of the city, you actually had to leave the city, cross over the railroad tracks, go to another city (North Charleston), and then go down Rivers Avenue, cross back over the railroad tracks and get back into (Hanahan),” she said. “So obviously it was inconvenient to say the least.”
It was also completed after more than two decades of delays, which ballooned the cost from a $4 million federal earmark in the 1990s to more than $20 million by the time the county broke ground on the project in 2021.
Berkeley County’s 1 percent sales tax to pay for infrastructure contributed more than $16 million to the funding.
Officials said the delays were due to a number of bureaucratic hurdles and discussions between the county, the S.C. Department of Transportation and CSX, all of which had to review and approve various aspects of the project. Funding issues contributed as well, Rainwater said — the longer other delays took, the more expensive the project became and the more time it took to secure further funding.
Town and county officials held a ribbon cutting for the road extension on March 17, with a cohort of former mayors and other public officials in attendance such as former U.S. Rep. Henry Brown, who helped secure the initial federal earmark. Officials, local emergency responders and other attendees took to the school bus and emergency vehicles to drive through a blue ribbon and up the mile of road.
NORTH CHARLESTON — As dusk fell the Saturday before Halloween, a coven of witches paraded through Park Circle, donning conical black hats and dark-colored clothing.
Instead of casting mischievous spells, this group of friendly witches passed out candy to children in the neighborhood.
Known as the Park Circle Witches Ride, this annual Halloween event focused on bringing the community together for an entertaining evening while supporting a cause. Each year, the event raises money for the Carolina Youth Development Center, an organization that supports foster children.
The event raised $900 this year, bringing the total to $6,000 since the witches ride started five years ago.
Cruising through Oak Terrace Preserve and nearby neighborhoods, the group of 30 witches rode bicycles decorated as broomsticks and golf carts with string lights, shouting “Happy Halloween” as they passed out candy to children standing outside their homes.
Some golf carts had skeletons as passengers, and there was even a headless horseman riding a bike with a plastic pumpkin mask over his face.
Sarah Cross, an Oak Terrace Preserve resident, drove a festive golf cart with purple Halloween-themed garland and pumpkin decorations during her third witches ride. She continues to be involved in the event each year because it’s a form of outreach in the community across various neighborhoods.
“We love to do anything that’s going to bring the kids out,” said Cross.
Laura Kate Whitney, a Park Circle resident who started the witches ride five years ago, had seen similar events in other cities and wanted to emulate the experience for her neighbors.
“It’s really an opportunity to bring community together in a really fun way and to do something like that, there had to be a beneficiary,” said Whitney.
Since CYDC’s North Charleston campus is close to her neighborhood, she used the witches ride as an opportunity to bring awareness to the organization. The witches were encouraged to raise money for the nonprofit, but it wasn’t a requirement to participate.
One aspect of CYDC’s services includes residential group homes in North Charleston and Berkeley County where children stay if they are in need of a safe place to live. The North Charleston campus was the first stop of the witches ride to ensure the children at the CYDC home received candy.
Another facet of the organization is to provide preventative services for families in crisis, such as the Strengthening Families program where a family success coach works with parents and children to help stabilize the family, said Joseph Mooradian, the director of development at CYDC.
“We’re really looking in the future at adopting more of a preventative method of community-based intervention, making sure that we get the families in crisis before the kid is taken out of the home,” said Mooradian.
Over the last several years, Whitney said the witches ride has become a tradition for families in the neighborhood. She said one mother told her that her elementary-aged daughter looks forward to making her broom and costume for the event each year.
While Whitney has goals of continuing to grow the witches ride, she wants to make sure it’s as easy as possible for participants to be involved.
“My only hope is that we successfully raised money and people had fun, and I think we’ve been able to achieve that over the last couple of years,” said Whitney.