Personal Injury Attorneyin Mcclellanville, SC.

Known as the “Palmetto State”, South Carolina is indeed a most beautiful place of natural wonder, fascinating history, and delightful warm weather. Renowned for its hospitality and famed Southern charm, South Carolina offers everything from stunning coastal views of the Atlantic Ocean to tremendous vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains. These natural attractions are only rivalled by the splendid culture and history that are on full display in many of the State’s great small towns. Here some of the very best of South Carolina’s beauty can be found, where visits of discovery are ideal for families and solo travellers alike.

McClellanville

Home to a population of just 605 residents (according to 2020 census figures), the small town of McClellanville is indeed a most quaint and charming locale. Framed by the Francis Marion National Forest and right on the coast with the Atlantic Ocean, this town is full of tranquility and loads of natural beauty. Just an hour’s drive from the city of Charleston, McClellanville is a popular fishing destination that traces its history back to the 1860s.

Visitors can learn all about the town and region’s history by spending time at the local Historic District or by exploring the Village Museum. And of course with its vicinity to the ocean, a variety of great and tasty seafood restaurants can be found where specialties like oysters and shrimp can all be savoured. Meanwhile at the aforementioned Francis Marion National Forest, many alluring hiking and biking trails are on hand, creating a most beautiful and intimate encounter with the outdoors.

Beaufort

Founded in 1711, the town of Beaufort is the second oldest colonial settlement in South Carolina. Situated on the Atlantic Coast’s Port Royal Island, Beaufort is full of splendid Southern charm, scenic views, and fascinating 18^th century history. Indeed history lovers will enjoy any time spent in Beaufort and its Historic District, where several pre Civil War buildings continue to engage visitors. Meanwhile for the nature lover, enjoying water activities like sailing and swimming is always an attractive and beautiful experience. And without a doubt even just a wonderful stroll at the charming boardwalk at the Sands in Port Royal will surely make any visitor totally embrace Beaufort.

Best Places to Live in the CarolinaIf you're looking for a small town to call home in the Carolinas, you can't go wrong with any of these nine charming communities.

Hartsville

With a modern day population of 7,446 inhabitants the historic town of Hartsville traces its history back to the 1760s, while Native American peoples had long lived in the area. Indeed with its mix of indigenous and colonial history, Hartsville is home to plethora of important historic sites. Including the Jacob Kelly Mansion and the Hartsville Depot Train Station, an up close encounter with centuries of history can be experienced here. Meanwhile for the nature lover, a stop at the Kalmia Gardens cannot be missed. Here some 30 acres of local plants and trails amaze all who visit in a most serene and stunning ambience.

And in the heart of the town’s downtown numerous tasty restaurants, charming boutique stores, galleries, museums and more can all be discovered. For anyone looking for a genuine sampling of Southern charm while in South Carolina, then a visit to Hartsville is a sure fire way to find it abundantly.

Mount Pleasant

Despite its relatively large population of 90,000 inhabitants, Mount Pleasant still maintains a most unique and beautiful small town charm, full of Southern history and beauty. Indeed any visitor can experience first hand several centuries worth of historic sites, buildings and park from the 1700s to the mid 20^th century.

Stop by the Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum and see the amazing aircraft carrier the USS Yorktown, or spend time at the Mount Pleasant Historic District. Here architectural styles like Victorian, Georgian and Greek Revival can all be seen in a most serene and charming ambience. Meanwhile, being a coastal town means residents and tourists alike will always have easy access to the Atlantic where sailing and swimming are very popular throughout the year. Indeed for great fun in the sun and a fascinating dose of history, a stop in Mount Pleasant will certainly a most pleasurable one.

York

Established in the 1750s, York was an important battle site during the War of Independence, and two major campaigns were fought there. Known as the “White Rose City”, today a population of just over 8,000 call York home, and it remains a place of fascinating living history. Indeed in the York Historic District nearly every building has been included on the National Register of Historic Places. These include the Allison Plantation, the York County Courthouse, and the Hart House among others. And a special picture with the Old Town Clock should certainly not be missed. Meanwhile an assortment of tasty local restaurants, charming boutique shops, galleries, and other businesses round out this most beautiful town, where residents are always ready to show off their best hospitality.

Aiken

Known as the “City of Trees”, and near the border with the State of Georgia, the town of Aiken is a splendid place where natural beauty and Southern charm come together. Take a stroll through the beautiful Hopeland Gardens, where an abundance of local flowers and hot sun make it an enjoyable afternoon for the whole family. Meanwhile at the Boyd Pond Park, stunning hiking and biking trails bring visitors up close with raw nature and local wildlife. And for the history lover visiting the Aiken Train Museum cannot be missed. Learn about the Eastern Railroad’s expansion and the rail industry in a most fun and interactive place.

13 Most Charming Small Towns In The American SouthThe southern US encompasses the loveliest natural sights, where rivers meet the ocean with beaches and lighthouses, while mountains exude a special vibe under persistent sunshine.

Georgetown

South Carolina’s third oldest town, Georgetown was formally established by Spanish colonists in 1526 before becoming a prominent English colony. The State’s second largest seaport, this town of just over 8,000 residents is full of old world charm and offers visitors a most unique glimpse into the America of the 18^th and 19^th centuries. Once an indigo and rice production centre, cobblestone streets, historic buildings and homes, and other landmarks make up the Historic District for a most fascinating excursion. And of course as a seafront settlement, Georgetown offers great boat tours where delightful scenic views of the coastline will surely make for some of the best vacation memories.

Pendleton

Home to a population of nearly 3,500 residents, history lovers will adore the town of Pendleton. Well known for its historic district, visitors will be immersed into a veritable slice of 18^th century America. View such landmarks like the Woodburn and Bonne-Douthit Plantations and discover how Pendleton transformed from a farming town to an industrial centre leading to the Civil War.

But beyond its historical allure, the town is also full of great Southern charm where warm hospitality and an assortment of services make any day memorable. Browse through several local shops and boutique stores, tasty restaurants, and an ever important atmosphere of genuine Americana.

Hilton Head Island

The resort town of Hilton Head Island is situated only 20 miles from the border with the State of Georgia, offering visitors and residents alike a most stunning and beautiful Atlantic Ocean beachfront. Featuring nearly 12 miles of coastline there is certainly never a shortage of exquisite panoramas and warm sun. Here opportunities for sailing, swimming, and sunbathing can all be enjoyed while a relaxing game of tennis or golf is always a delight for sports enthusiasts.

Stop by the Coligny Beach Park where great boardwalk vistas, fine dining options and an eclectic range of shopping outlets all round out the landscape. And with loads of live music and artists selling their craft, Hilton Head Island is without a doubt one of South Carolina’s most picturesque and charming locales.

South Carolina is indeed a most extraordinary place where history and nature are always hand in hand. From beautiful mountains, to delightful coastal ocean views, and loads of fascinating American history, the towns of the “Palmetto State” delight the senses. With their rustic beauty, unique histories, and healthy dose of always sought after Southern charm, these South Carolina towns are perfect destinations to discover America and its hidden gems.

McClellanville, S.C. (WCBD)- People who live near the Francis Marion National Forest are concerned about the amount of mosquitos that are in their communities after Hurricane Ian came through the Lowcountry.

“You fight to get into your car. You fight to get into your home. You fight to get into your place of work or wherever you are in the National Forest area,” said GQ Lewis, who lives in McClellanville. “People are used to mosquitos around this area, but they’ve never seen this level of mosquitos. It’s at an unprecedented level.”

“It is terrible running in from the outside because they swarm around you like you’re bait,” said EJ Milligan, who is from McClellanville.

Charleston County Mosquito Control is aware of the issue and has been spraying the area. But, there are roadblocks to getting some of the mosquitos to go away.

“There are challenges with that area as Mosquito Control is only allowed to use a specific chemical in the Francis Marion which we have been using for 40 years, so there is some resistance. There are also areas that are protected, and we are not able to spray at all,” said Kelsey Barlow, the county’s public information officer.

According the the Department of Health and Environmental Control, the increase in bugs is because of the flooding left behind from Hurricane Ian that causes eggs to hatch into young mosquitos.

“There are mosquito eggs that have been in the soil. After floodwaters come through it allows the mosquitos to hatch,” said Dr. Jonathan Knoche who is with the Divisions of Immunization and Acute Disease Epidemiology at DHEC. “They don’t necessarily have disease because they did not have the opportunity to bite somebody, or a bird rather, that might’ve been carrying a disease.”

Neighbors are calling for Charleston County to take the necessary steps to curb the mosquito outbreak.

“The ditches should be cleaned out and there should be more mosquito abatement for this area,” said Lewis.

“County officials need to make sure that mosquito abatements and cleaning ditches are taken care of. We’re tax paying people and we should see that our money is being used for the care of our community. We don’t see that right now,” said Milligan.

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MCCLELLANVILLE — A centuries-old oak tree spanning about 30 feet in circumference at its trunk has become an iconic landmark in McClellanville.

Plans are underway to place the property under a conservation easement so the town can own it.

The Lowcountry Land Trust acquired the single-acre parcel this fall that holds the Deerhead Oak. Its base sits at the intersection of Pinckney and Oak streets.

Funds from the Charleston County Greenbelt Program and the landowner made the arrangement possible.

Named for an image formed by its branches, this special tree is the subject of artwork, murals and poetry in McClellanville, a news release said. The massive Deerhead Oak is bigger-bellied than the Angel Oak on Johns Island and taller too.

William Peter Beckman, a Confederate soldier who was stationed in McClellanville, opened a store in the tree’s shade at the close of the Civil War, according to reports. The town grew from his door.

The Deerhead Oak never stopped growing, either.

McClellanville Mayor Rutledge B. Leland III said the land has been passed down by members of the Beckman family since they opened the the town’s first store.

The Martin family in McClellanville has owned the property since the 1870s and has welcomed generations of residents and visitors to the tree.

“We are grateful for their (Beckman/Martin family) stewardship of the land and are honored to continue to preserve the park for generations to come,” Leland said in a news release.

In 2007, the Deerhead was named Heritage Tree of the Year by the S.C. Urban and Community Forestry Council for its cultural significance.

East Cooper Land Trust, now merged with Lowcountry Land Trust, started the work with the Martins years ago to conserve the Deerhead Oak property. Its former board chair, Justin Craig, recognizes the land as an area that brings people together and “defines our sense of place.”

“Land holds stories and connects people,” said Lowcountry Land Trust president and CEO Ashley Demosthenes. “Nowhere does that hold truer than a place like the Deer Head Oak.”

The land trust expects to transfer ownership of the property to the town in early 2023.

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) — Plans are finally in motion to replace the old Lincoln High School with a brand new school in McClellanville.

It's been nearly a decade since Lincoln High closed. At a board meeting Wednesday night, there was finally talk of what a new school would bring the community.

Charleston County School District leaders presented a slideshow detailing the future of the new high school and middle school in northern Charleston County.

CCSD considering magnet program for future high school in McClellanville area. (WCIV)

Since the closure of Lincoln High School, kids are waking up earlier to make the bell at Wando High and returning home late because of the long drive.

The constituent school board said a new school will bring relief to the people living in Awendaw and it will provide help to the schools already reaching capacity.

The district is looking at attendance lines within the area while looking at creating a magnet program.

"I do believe a partial magnet or magnet program of some kind might be within the programming options and given that it's going to have a size of 1,000 students it will probably need to pull in some areas other than just the McClellanville and Awendaw area," said Pamela Jouan-Goldman, Chair of the District 2 Constituent School Board.

Scenarios of possible zoning were shown during the meeting.

The methodology was based off the fiscal year 2022 data.

Parents voiced their concerns of drawing the line further down into Mount Pleasant.

"You do not want to force a family who is living right next door to a school go up the road to another school if at all possible so that's why were looking at the magnet as an opportunity to attract families that want to go there despite any increase in distance then they would have," Chief Operating Officer of CCSD Jeff Borowy said.

The district's goal is to get 500 students in both the middle and high school.

Thomas Colleton, Chair of the District 1 Constituent Board, said the school will need to offer something enticing.

“It is important to this build the school but at the same time let's figure out what were going to be doing inside. The curriculum means a lot," Colleton said.

“I don't know how much it would make sense to drive by Wando High School to get on (Highway) 17 to go up to Awendaw, but it does sound like they are going to have different specific programs at their school. So for example if they have got a great art program and my daughter is really into art, that sounds like a nice option to have," said Jonathan Mars, a parent of students at Carolina Park.

Colleton said it's crucial everyone is transparent throughout this process.

Their next steps will be to develop a blue-ribbon committee to review these options and create a draft to be presented to the constituent boards in October.

"I'm hopeful this blue ribbon commission will ease some of this tension, and let people know going to another school, which would be a state of the art school, why wouldn't you want your child to go there," Colleton said.

The Kaiser Farm Tract property was leased in December of 2021 to the former owner to be used as a hay farm.

The three-year lease agreement is able to be terminated at any time with a 90-day notice.

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It's also possible a park and library could be built on the property in the future.

Is Gus a good boy?

To his 79-year-old Marine veteran owner, the 130-pound German shepherd is a calming force who helps him keep his balance and live a life that feels closer to normal. To his neighbors in McClellanville, the dog is a good reason to avoid Baker Street. More than once, he has charged toward people out on walks with their dogs to attack. One man and his pet required stitches after. Another said she cracked a rib falling after Gus latched on to her small dog.

Doug Holsclaw said receiving the notice in April that Gus was banned from living in town hit him almost as hard as losing his brother 42 years ago. He is suing to bring Gus home.

The case will largely boil down to which description of Holsclaw’s 5-year-old companion sticks.

Gus is a service dog. Gus is a vicious dog. He can’t be both.

McClellanville, a small fishing town of about 600 people about 40 miles north of Charleston, allows dogs to roam freely. Rutledge Leland, who has been mayor for more than 40 years, said the town’s dog laws come up in meetings nearly every year.

The town has long considered a leash law, holding referendums on the matter over the years, Leland said. But most residents remain opposed.

“We tend to be a community, we wanted people to have dogs, but obviously we don’t want them to interfere with people’s day-to-day activities,” he said.

Rutledge declined to talk about Gus because of the pending lawsuit, but said his behavior has been an ongoing problem.

“It’s just a bad situation,” he said. “We’ll try to be fair.”

After a resident asked the town to reconsider a leash law in May 2021, Cecil Mills told Town Council about his encounter with Gus as he was walking on Baker Street. Mills pursued charges. Holsclaw paid restitution and the case was ultimately dropped. Mills said he doesn’t doubt Holsclaw’s claim that he needs a service dog. But he doesn’t believe Gus qualifies, and he still doesn’t allow his grandchildren to walk in that direction because he’s afraid of what might happen if Holsclaw’s other dog got loose.

“Gus came and attacked me. He bit my arm. Bit my dog. I required stitches. My dog required stitches,” said Mills, who said he knows of other attacks. “I don’t understand how anybody thinks it’s not a vicious dog.”

By August, the council had settled on a new dog law. Leashes still wouldn’t be required. But any dog deemed an ongoing threat to safety could be banned from town limits.

Cheves Leland and a friend were walking their small dogs, Amos and Stevie, one morning in April. They saw Gus loose in Holsclaw’s yard and turned back. The next thing she knew, Amos was in Gus’ mouth. He escaped with four fang marks, and Leland was injured from falling during the attack.

“I’m all for veterans, and I’m all for them having service dogs,” Cheves Leland said. “I don’t think that’s what a service dog would do. We were not on his property. We were walking away from the dog.”

The town decided to enforce its new law, giving Holsclaw a week to find a new home for Gus.

Holsclaw and his supporters say Gus’ behavior has been overblown by neighbors. He said he frequently takes Gus to stores with him and has never had a problem.

“If he was vicious, there would be significant damage to whatever he went after. He’s never gone after anybody,” Holsclaw said. “If you met Gus, you’d like him from the moment he came up and wagged his tail and looked at you.”

Service dogs aren’t required to have any special certification to qualify under the law. They just need to be helping in a specific way that helps with a disability.

Holsclaw said he has total hearing loss in his left ear that affects his balance and vision problems in his left eye, injuries he suffered as a Marine. Holsclaw said he lives with that part of his past every day, but never talks about it.

With a cane in his right hand, Gus walks to Holsclaw’s left and “knows exactly what to do to keep me up straight.” Gus also helps during Holsclaw’s struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder.

“He’s an expert at what he does,” Holsclaw said. “I depend on Gus for a lot.”

State law forbids interfering with the use of someone’s service dog, a law that Holsclaw’s lawsuit accuses McClellanville of violating, along with fair housing law and the Americans with Disabilities Act.

“Forcing a nearly 80-year-old veteran to be separated from his service dog when there are a number of other in-between steps that could be taken is unconscionable to me,” said Ted Corvey, Holsclaw’s lawyer. “To paint Gus in any sort of picture that he is a vicious or violent or dangerous animal is patently untrue. ... This is a real overreach on the town’s part.”

Gus has been living at Ziggy’s Dog Parlor in Mount Pleasant since April 26. He weighed 130 pounds when he arrived. He’s down to 107, business owner Kristin Villa said, something she attributes to depression.

Holsclaw visits three or four times a week. They can’t go home, so Holsclaw takes him on drives, sometimes stopping in at Tractor Supply or Lowe’s.

“When he sees this dog, he turns into a different person. He’s happy, relieved. And the dog is over the moon excited to see him,” Villa said.

Villa said Gus may be a little territorial, but he isn’t vicious. She said he will let her pry open his mouth to take away a bone or a treat.

Corvey, a former Charleston County prosecutor, adopted Caitlyn the dog after securing a guilty plea from the man who had duct-taped her mouth closed. He said Holsclaw would agree to a rule that Gus has to stay in the house or the fenced-in backyard.

Skeptical neighbors point out that volunteers from a nearby church built Holsclaw’s fence a few years ago in an attempt to help contain Gus.

The lawsuit claims the town’s ordinance is at odds with state law protecting service animals. Scott Bauries, a University of South Carolina law professor, said it may be difficult to win with an argument that state law protects a dog deemed dangerous.

“That’s a stretch,” Bauries said. ’I just think it is not trying to accomplish protecting service dogs that are themselves vicious.”

Holsclaw’s lawsuit says removing Gus from town “represents an ongoing health and safety hazard.” That is what neighbors say about letting Gus stay.