Berkeley County news and information https://www.counton2.com Count on 2 for the latest news, weather and breaking news in the Lowcountry Mon, 19 Jun 2023 20:52:46 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.1.3 https://www.counton2.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2019/05/cropped-cou-ton2-square.jpg?w=32 Berkeley County news and information https://www.counton2.com 32 32 162595902 Nikki Haley talks energy, china during Moncks Corner town hall https://www.counton2.com/news/local-news/berkeley-county-news/nikki-haley-talks-energy-china-during-moncks-corner-town-hall/ Mon, 19 Jun 2023 20:52:45 +0000 https://www.counton2.com/?p=1343219 MONCKS CORNER, S.C. (WCBD) – Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley held a town hall meeting inside the work bays at Berkeley Electric Cooperative on Monday afternoon.

It was just one of several stops the former South Carolina governor is making across the state as she campaigns for the GOP nomination.

Haley answered questions from the CEOs of Berkeley Electric, Santee Cooper, and the Central Electric Cooperative during the afternoon event.

The CEO of Santee Cooper told Haley they hope to increase more green energy options, but noted that if not done correctly, it could mean higher electric bills for consumers.

“The problem is there’s a disconnect from DC to what’s happening here on the ground,” said Haley. “They want to talk about clean energy – we all want clean energy. We all want a good environment. We all want clean air, clean water. That’s not debatable. The problem is, what the Biden Administration is doing -- and I had to sue the EPA under the Obama Administration -- is they are picking winners and losers. They’re picking what kind of energy they think is the best for Americans.”

Haley also touted a recent trip to the U.S. southern border where she said border patrol officers claimed they were not being allowed to do their job.

She said that she would change that and discussed how China steals hundreds of billions of dollars in intellectual property from the United States each year, and that the Chinese military would have access to Americans’ data through tech companies that operate in China.

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1343219 2023-06-19T20:52:46+00:00
How SCDNR is working to improve boating safety in the Lowcountry https://www.counton2.com/news/local-news/how-scdnr-is-working-to-improve-boating-safety-in-the-lowcountry/ Mon, 19 Jun 2023 14:57:11 +0000 https://www.counton2.com/?p=1342957 COLUMBIA, S.C. (WCBD) - The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources will host free boat inspections in July to prepare the community for the July 4th weekend on the water.

According to the American Boating Association, the 4th of July holiday weekend is the busiest and often deadliest time of boating season.

SCDNR is working to improve boating safety with inspections for required safety equipment and proper boat and motor registrations.

Boaters who are not in compliance with safety regulations or registration requirements will not be ticketed during the complimentary inspections.

Boating inspections will be conducted in the following Lowcountry counties:

Saturday, July 1:

  • Beaufort County: Lemon Island Landing, Chechessee River, 10 a.m. to Noon
  • Charleston County: Wappoo Cut Landing, Intracoastal Waterway, 10 a.m. to Noon

Sunday, July 2:

  • Charleston County: Buck Hall Landing, Intracoastal Waterway, McClellanville, 10 a.m. to Noon
  • Charleston County: John P. Limehouse Landing, Intracoastal Waterway/Stono River, Johns Island, 10 a.m. to Noon
  • Georgetown County: Carroll A. Campbell Landing, Sampit River, Georgetown, 10 a.m. to Noon

Tuesday, July 4:

  • Berkeley County: William H. Dennis Landing, Tail Race Canal, Moncks Corner, 10 a.m. to Noon
  • Charleston: Remleys Point Boat Ramp, Charleston Harbor, Mt. Pleasant, 10 a.m. to Noon

Saturday, July 15

  • Beaufort County: Battery Creek Boat Landing, Beaufort Water Festival, Port Royal, 10 a.m. to Noon
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1342957 2023-06-19T14:57:12+00:00
Lost boaters rescued from Lake Moultrie late Saturday night https://www.counton2.com/news/local-news/berkeley-county-news/lost-boaters-rescued-from-lake-moultrie-late-saturday-night/ Sun, 18 Jun 2023 23:53:00 +0000 https://www.counton2.com/?p=1342601 MONCKS CORNER, S.C. (WCBD) - Lost boaters were rescued from Lake Moultrie late Saturday night.

Multiple agencies assisted in the search for boaters who had become lost on the lake around 10:30 p.m., according to the Moncks Corner Rural Fire Department.

Personnel from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources connected with a citizen who had recovered the missing boaters.

Officials say the boaters were returned to shore and evaluated by Berkeley County EMS.

Central Berkeley Fire & EMS, North Berkeley Fire District, East Berkeley Fire District, and Berkeley County Sheriff's Office also assisted in the search.

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1342601 2023-06-18T23:53:01+00:00
Lane closures near railroad crossing on U.S. 52 to impact traffic this week https://www.counton2.com/news/local-news/berkeley-county-news/lane-closures-near-railroad-crossing-on-u-s-52-to-impact-traffic-this-week/ Sat, 17 Jun 2023 17:14:18 +0000 https://www.counton2.com/?p=1341988 BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD)- A series of lane closures near the railroad crossing on Highway 52 is expected to impact traffic in St. Stephen this week, according to Berkeley County officials.

Officials said CSX crews are performing maintenance on the crossing's cantilevers -- the structure that warns drivers of an approaching train.

Map provided by Berkeley County Government

Two lanes on the northwest side will be closed on Monday and two lanes on the southeast side will be closed on Tuesday. The closure is expected to last from 9:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. each day.

Motorists are encouraged to use caution when driving in the area.

The work was originally slated to be completed in January but was rescheduled, according to officials.

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1341988 2023-06-17T17:14:19+00:00
Goose Creek musician signs Nashville record deal https://www.counton2.com/news/local-news/berkeley-county-news/goose-creek-musician-signs-nashville-record-deal/ Fri, 16 Jun 2023 02:11:16 +0000 https://www.counton2.com/?p=1340709 GOOSE CREEK, S.C. (WCBD) - A local country music artist is making it big in Nashville.

Randall Fowler, who was voted "Best Country Male Singer" and "Best Male Vocalist" by the Charleston City Paper, recently signed a record deal with veteran music producer Clay Myers.

The deal comes just ahead of Fowler's new single "Other Side Of A Heartbreak," which will release June 16 as Fowler's first song on the new label.

Fowler grew up in Goose Creek, playing sports and nurturing his love of music.

His influences include Travis Tritt, Joe Diffie, and Tracy Lawrence.

Fowler will be back in the Lowcountry performing a concert in Cane Bay on July 1st for their Independence Day celebration. He will also be performing October 7th as part of Darius Rucker’s Riverfront Revival concert in North Charleston.

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1340709 2023-06-16T02:11:36+00:00
Former Berkeley County Supervisor Dan Davis passes away https://www.counton2.com/news/local-news/berkeley-county-news/former-berkeley-county-supervisor-dan-davis-passes-away/ Fri, 16 Jun 2023 01:35:51 +0000 https://www.counton2.com/?p=1340687 BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) - Former Berkeley County Supervisor Dan Davis passed away Tuesday, according to his obituary.

Davis was 72 years old.

He served two terms as Berkeley County Supervisor and ran for a third.

A visitation is scheduled for Tuesday, June 20 followed by a funeral service Wednesday, June 21. Both will take place at J Henry Stuhr Northwoods Chapel.

An interment will also take place Wednesday at Carolina Memorial Gardens.

Editor's note: This story is breaking and will be updated.

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1340687 2023-06-16T01:35:56+00:00
Presidential candidate Nikki Haley to host town hall in Moncks Corner https://www.counton2.com/news/your-local-election-hq/presidential-candidate-nikki-haley-to-host-town-hall-in-moncks-corner/ Wed, 14 Jun 2023 17:08:59 +0000 https://www.counton2.com/?p=1339124 MONCKS CORNER, S.C. (WCBD) - Presidential candidate Nikki Haley is expected to speak in Moncks Corner June 19 at a town hall event.

The former South Carolina governor will bring her Republican presidential campaign to the Lowcountry on June 19.

This comes one week after GOP opponent U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) announced his endorsements at an event in Spartanburg.

Haley's town hall is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. at Berkeley Electric Cooperative.

The event is free and open to the public.

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1339124 2023-06-19T18:44:40+00:00
Police: 62-year-old woman found safe in Moncks Corner https://www.counton2.com/news/local-news/berkeley-county-news/police-62-year-old-woman-reported-missing-in-moncks-corner/ Tue, 13 Jun 2023 20:50:20 +0000 https://www.counton2.com/?p=1338331 UPDATE: Moncks Corner Police Department located Grady late Tuesday night.

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MONCKS CORNER, S.C. (WCBD)- The Moncks Corner Police Department (MCPD) is asking for the public's help locating a 62-year-old woman who was reported missing this week.

Susan Carol Grady was last heard from on June 11. Authorities said a text message sent from her phone indicated that she was with a friend named Jarrett, but she has not been heard from since.

She is described as 5 feet 7 inches tall with brown eyes.

Grady currently lives in Moncks Corner but could be anywhere, police said.

Anyone with information regarding Grady's whereabouts is asked to contact Berkeley County Dispatch at 843-719-4169.

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1338331 2023-06-13T20:50:21+00:00
South Carolina to receive $6.2M for high-speed internet expansion in rural Berkeley County https://www.counton2.com/news/local-news/berkeley-county-news/south-carolina-to-receive-6-2m-for-high-speed-internet-expansion-in-rural-berkeley-county/ Tue, 13 Jun 2023 14:41:26 +0000 https://www.counton2.com/?p=1337853 BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD)- More than $6 million has been awarded to a Berkeley County service provider to expand high-speed internet access to rural South Carolinians, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced Tuesday.

The grant is part of the Biden-Harris Administration's ReConnect Program.

According to USDA, the Home Telecom Company will receive $6.2 million to connect nearly 4,000 people, 49 businesses, 46 farms, and two educational facilities to high-speed internet in Berkeley County.

“This $6.2 million Rural Development investment will serve socially vulnerable communities in Berkeley County and will make high-speed internet affordable,” USDA Rural Development South Carolina State Director Dr. Saundra Glover said. “This project will fuel long-term economic development and opportunities in rural South Carolina.”

The grant is part of a larger $714 million investment to provide thousands of people living in rural communities in 19 states with reliable, affordable internet access.

“High-speed internet is a key to prosperity for people who live and work in rural communities,” USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack said. “Thanks to President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we can ensure that rural communities have access to the internet connectivity needed to continue to expand the economy from the bottom up and middle out and to make sure rural America remains a place of opportunity to live, work, and raise a family.”

Since the start of the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA has invested in 142 ReConnet projects that are expected to bring high-speed internet access to 314,000 rural Americans.

To learn more about this grant, please click here.

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1337853 2023-06-13T14:41:28+00:00
GCPD: Man arrested for vandalizing church statues https://www.counton2.com/news/crime/gcpd-man-arrested-for-vandalizing-church-statues/ Mon, 12 Jun 2023 21:26:58 +0000 https://www.counton2.com/?p=1337352 GOOSE CREEK, S.C. (WCBD) - The Goose Creek Police Department (GCPD) arrested one person Monday for allegedly vandalizing a Catholic church.

According to GCPD, Joel Spears was arrested on one charge of malicious injury to real property for a May 14 vandalism at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church on St. James Avenue.

Several statues of Mother Mary were smashed, including one knocked from its pedestal. The American flag was also cut down and the ropes on the flag pole were cut so that another flag could not be immediately hoisted.

Security video caught a man walking around the church property shortly before 5:00 a.m.

GCPD said that Spears was "combative" during his arrest and is now facing additional charges for resisting arrest and throwing bodily fluids on law enforcement officers.

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1337352 2023-06-13T02:36:45+00:00
8 rescued, boat towed from Lake Moultrie Sunday https://www.counton2.com/news/local-news/berkeley-county-news/8-rescued-boat-towed-from-lake-moultrie-sunday/ Mon, 12 Jun 2023 17:44:58 +0000 https://www.counton2.com/?p=1337111 MONCKS CORNER, S.C. (WCBD) - Crews rescue boaters amid storms on Lake Moultrie Sunday afternoon.

According to Moncks Corner Rural Fire Department, crews were dispatched to a disabled boat on Lake Moultrie at 5:55 p.m.

It was reported that the boat had struck a stump and become disabled.

The fire department says eight people were stranded on the water and a nearby island.

Crews retrieved all boaters, towed the boat to shore, and loaded it onto the owner's trailer.

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1337111 2023-06-12T17:44:58+00:00
Authorities investigating accidental drowning in Berkeley County https://www.counton2.com/news/local-news/berkeley-county-news/authorities-investigating-accidental-drowning-in-berkeley-county/ Mon, 12 Jun 2023 17:28:34 +0000 https://www.counton2.com/?p=1337096 BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD)- The Berkeley County Sheriff's Office is investigating an accidental drowning that happened over the weekend in Berkeley County.

According to the Berkeley County Coroner's Office, authorities responded to reports of a juvenile found in a pond around 12:45 p.m. on Saturday.

Coroner Darnell Hartwell said the victim -- identified as a 4-year-old child from Bonneau -- was pronounced dead on the scene.

Authorities said the death is being investigated as an accidental drowning.

No other details were provided.

Berkeley County EMS, Berkeley County East Fire District, Berkeley County Sheriff's Office, and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources responded to the scene.

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1337096 2023-06-12T17:28:36+00:00
Hanahan Police Department received $203K in grants for improvements in the past year https://www.counton2.com/news/local-news/berkeley-county-news/hanahan-police-department-received-203k-in-grants-for-improvements-in-the-past-year/ Mon, 12 Jun 2023 15:18:03 +0000 https://www.counton2.com/?p=1336941 HANAHAN, S.C. (WCBD)- The Hanahan Police Department (HPD) announced it received hundreds of thousands of dollars in grants to fund agency improvements in the past year.

According to officials, the police department was awarded $203,817 during the 2022-2023 budget year through the South Carolina Department of Public Safety's Office.

Officials said approximately $78,000 was awarded through the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding Grant to modernize the department's records management system, including the addition of "cradle points" for police cars which allows officers to submit reports remotely.

Roughly $113,625 was used to fund the presence of a school resource officer, SRO McCoy, at Bowen's Corner Elementary School and a police vehicle for the SRO's use, according to HPD.

According to authorities, the remaining $11,776 will be used to reimburse the police department for body armor purchased between July 2022 and December 2023.

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1336941 2023-06-12T15:18:04+00:00
Berkeley County couple awarded for finding wanted fugitive https://www.counton2.com/news/local-news/berkeley-county-news/berkeley-county-man-to-be-awarded-for-finding-wanted-fugitive/ Mon, 12 Jun 2023 10:34:15 +0000 https://www.counton2.com/?p=1336692 BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) - A Berkeley County couple received a Citizen Service Award Monday night for the phone call that led to the capture of fugitive Michael Burham.

The search for wanted fugitive Michael Burham lasted several days and spanned portions of Charleston and Berkeley counties.

Anthony Phillips and his wife discovered Burham amid a heavily active search near their Berkeley County home.

News 2 spoke with Phillips shortly after the search.

The award was presented Monday night by Berkeley County Sheriff Duane Lewis, Berkeley County Council, and Berkeley County Sheriff's Office at the Berkeley County Council meeting.

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1336692 2023-06-12T10:34:15+00:00
Quick response time saves aflame boat in Moncks Corner https://www.counton2.com/news/local-news/berkeley-county-news/quick-response-time-saves-aflame-boat-in-moncks-corner/ Sun, 11 Jun 2023 20:00:58 +0000 https://www.counton2.com/?p=1336398 MONCKS CORNER, S.C. (WCBD) - First responders extinguished a fire at a Moncks Corner boat landing Saturday morning.

According to the Moncks Corner Rural Fire Department, crews were dispatched to a local boat landing for a reported boat fire at 11:44 a.m.

Fire engines arrived and located the boat approximately 200 feet from the landing, tied up at the end of a dirt path.

Officials say the fire was extinguished within approximately 60 seconds.

Damage was contained to the motor and mount.

Nearby boaters assisted in the recovery of the boat.

"Between our personnel and the generosity of another private citizen and his boat, we were able to assist the stricken vessel the rest of the way to the landing and get it loaded on the owner’s trailer," the department said.

No injuries were reported.

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1336398 2023-06-11T20:00:58+00:00
1 dead, 1 injured after car hits ditch and tree in Berkeley County https://www.counton2.com/news/1-dead-1-injured-after-car-hits-ditch-and-tree-in-berkeley-county/ Sun, 11 Jun 2023 14:39:01 +0000 https://www.counton2.com/?p=1336252 UPDATE: The Berkeley County Coroner's Office identified the deceased as a 7-month-old baby girl from Cross. Due to the age of the victim, her age was not disclosed.

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BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) - Troopers have reported a crash that left one dead and one injured Sunday morning on Secondary 35 at Piston Court.

According to South Carolina Highway Patrol a 2002 Toyota was traveling north on Secondary 35 when the vehicle ran off the right side of the road, overcorrected, ran off the left side of the road and struck a ditch and tree.

The crash happened at 6:46 a.m. near Piston Court.

Troopers say the driver was transported to MUSC and the passenger died at the scene.

SCHP is investigating.

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1336252 2023-06-12T17:22:22+00:00
Pinopolis sanctuary among several leaving United Methodist Church denomination https://www.counton2.com/news/local-news/berkeley-county-news/pinopolis-sanctuary-among-several-leaving-united-methodist-church-denomination/ Wed, 07 Jun 2023 20:41:57 +0000 https://www.counton2.com/?p=1333136 BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) – Members of the South Carolina United Methodist Church voted this week in favor of allowing 113 churches in the state – including 11 in the Lowcountry – to leave the denomination.

The churches that are leaving had concerns about the Book of Discipline not being enforced like prohibiting performing same-gender weddings and the ordination of “self-avowed practicing homosexuals.”

The conference said these churches would be “closing” by the end of the month; rather the churches would be transferred to independent church entities and essentially leaving the United Methodist Church affiliation.

Pinopolis United Methodist Church is among that group – they are set to become Pinopolis Community Church beginning July 1.

“I’ve been a member of this church since 1994,” said Gene Kodama, a member of Pinopolis United Methodist Church. “I’ve been participating on what we call an organizational task force which was created to take a look at what was going on with the Methodist Church.”

Kodama said they became concerned about several issues including people in the LGBTQ community being ordained to serve in leadership roles at some United Methodist Churches – primarily on the west coast.

“The United Methodist Church in South Carolina and the South Carolina Conference, they have a book of discipline,” Kodama explained. “Who can be a minister, who cannot be a minister, and the way you conduct your affairs. There were some deviations from that.”

But the churches that are leaving had concerns about the Book of Discipline not being enforced.

“How do you achieve salvation? It’s a relationship with Jesus Christ that you are saved, and then you have salvation. And there were writings out there that said there were other ways to achieve salvation. And our church and others don’t agree with that,” he said.

Pinopolis United Methodist Church and 112 other churches out of more than 900 churches in South Carolina went through the process to leave the denomination. That includes paying a fee to purchase their church land from the denomination.

During the conference held in Florence on Tuesday, members voted to allow those churches to leave the denomination.

“We picked a new name for our church. We’re gonna call it Pinopolis community church,” said Kodama.

Despite the change, Kodama said they still welcome members of the LGBTQ community to their church.

“As far as those with alternative lifestyles, I think that’s one of the terms, we would love to have them here. We’d love to have you here. Everybody’s welcome here. The book of discipline specifically calls that out, that you can’t have leadership roles because of what scripture says about that lifestyle,” he explained.

Those 113 churches will officially separate from the United Methodist Church as of June 30.

Aldersgate in North Charleston will also continue serving its congregation and the community. Church leaders provided the following statement after Tuesday’s decision:

“Aldersgate will be continuing operation and associating with the Global Methodist Church. The operations of Holy City Missions and the Warming Shelter will not be affected. Nothing has changed in serving our community. All programs will be continuing as normal.”

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1333136 2023-06-07T20:41:59+00:00
Police investigating fight, stabbing at Moncks Corner grocery store https://www.counton2.com/news/local-news/berkeley-county-news/police-investigating-fight-stabbing-at-moncks-corner-grocery-store/ Tue, 06 Jun 2023 19:43:41 +0000 https://www.counton2.com/?p=1331913 MONCKS CORNER, S.C. (WCBD) – Authorities are investigating a Tuesday morning fight and stabbing that happened at a Moncks Corner grocery store.

The Moncks Corner Police Department and Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office responded to the Food Lion off N. Highway 52 after several people called 911 to report a fight between two people involving a knife.

Law enforcement officials said they found one person suffering from apparent stab wounds and another with a bloody nose.

“Officers and deputies began treating the person who had been stabbed until EMS arrived,” said Capt. Lee Mixon Jr. “Both parties involved were transported to the hospital by EMS.”

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident is encouraged to contact Berkeley County Dispatch by calling 843-719-4169 and ask to speak with the on-duty Moncks Corner Police Department detective.

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1331913 2023-06-06T19:43:43+00:00
Berkeley County sees success with DUI prosecutor https://www.counton2.com/news/local-news/berkeley-county-news/berkeley-county-sees-success-with-dui-prosecutor/ Tue, 06 Jun 2023 12:39:55 +0000 https://www.counton2.com/?p=1331493 BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) – The Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office has successfully closed more than 160 of the agency's DUI cases through a grant-funded prosecutor.

The sheriff’s office was awarded a grant through the South Carolina Department of Public Safety to fully fund a DUI prosecutor position between October 2022 and September 2023. The funding helped the department take the position from part-time to full-time.

Before hiring a DUI prosecutor, the department said deputies represented their cases in court and were matched up against experienced DUI defense attorneys. “As a result, the criminal charges were often pled down or dropped,” the agency said.

Now, the DUI prosecutor reviews and prepares all pending alcohol and drug-related driving arrest charges made by BCSO deputies for court – they said it has accounted for successfully closing 164 of the agency’s cases, including several backlogged cases.

Tyler Jenkins, a Moncks Corner native and Berkeley High School graduate, began serving as the full-time DUI prosecutor in May 2022, bringing with him experience as an assistant solicitor for the 9th Judicial Circuit. He worked to prosecute various crimes including drug, firearm offenses, violent crime, and domestic violence. He also assisted with juvenile matters in Family Court.

"Our chief duty in law enforcement is to serve and protect our citizens. Through this grant, we have had the opportunity to better combat the serious crime of driving under the influence and more successfully prosecute DUI cases in court," said Berkeley County Sheriff Duane Lewis.

Sheriff Lewis said the position has allowed the department to enhance its level of safety on the street and save more lives.

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1331493 2023-06-06T12:39:57+00:00
Man, 19, charged after deadly Moncks Corner crash involving motorcyclist https://www.counton2.com/news/local-news/berkeley-county-news/man-19-arrested-after-deadly-moncks-corner-crash-involving-motorcyclist/ Thu, 01 Jun 2023 20:20:39 +0000 https://www.counton2.com/?p=1328304 MONCKS CORNER, S.C. (WCBD) – Authorities in Moncks Corner are investigating a deadly motorcycle crash that happened Wednesday morning along Highway 52 near Oakley Road.

Jaden Thomas Jack Hood, 19, of Bonneau, was arrested on multiple charges including leaving an accident scene resulting in death, felony driving under the influence, and a first offense driving under suspension in connection with the deadly crash.

Robert Ingraham, 59, was riding his motorcycle along Highway 52 towards the Town of Moncks Corner when another vehicle allegedly driving by Hood attempted to change lanes and struck the motorcycle, forcing it off the roadway.

Police said that Ingraham was thrown from the motorcycle and died at the scene.

Hood is being held at the Hill Finklea Detention Center in Berkeley County. He was denied bond Thursday morning.

The Moncks Corner Police Department and South Carolina Highway Patrol are investigating.

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1328304 2023-06-01T20:21:28+00:00
Coroner ID's man killed in Berkeley Co. motorcycle crash https://www.counton2.com/news/local-news/berkeley-county-news/coroner-ids-man-killed-in-berkeley-co-motorcycle-crash/ Thu, 01 Jun 2023 16:58:48 +0000 https://www.counton2.com/?p=1328084 BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) - A 59-year-old man was identified as a victim in a Wednesday crash involving a motorcycle in the Moncks Corner area.

Robert Ingraham; of Ladson, was pronounced dead after suffering fatal injuries in the crash, according to Berkeley County Coroner Darnell Hartwell.

The accident happened Wednesday just after 11:30 along Highway 52 in Moncks Corner.

Details of the crash are limited at this time.

An investigation by the coroner's office, South Carolina Highway Patrol, and Moncks Corner Police Department is underway.

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1328084 2023-06-01T17:01:53+00:00
BCSO: 44 traffic citations issued during Memorial Day weekend https://www.counton2.com/news/local-news/berkeley-county-news/bcso-44-traffic-citations-issued-during-memorial-day-weekend/ Wed, 31 May 2023 19:14:27 +0000 https://www.counton2.com/?p=1327263 BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD)- Two local law enforcement agencies teamed up over Memorial Day weekend to crack down on dangerous driving in Berkeley County.

The Berkeley County Sheriff's Office (BCSO) and Moncks Corner Police Department (MCPD) conducted two traffic safety checkpoints throughout the weekend within the county.

The two agencies jointly issued 44 citations for various traffic violations including driving under the influence, speeding, and improper seatbelt use, among others.

A breakdown of the violations is as follows:

  • 9 citations for no driver's license
  • 8 citations for speeding
  • 7 citations for driving under suspension (DUS)
  • 3 citations for driving under the influence (DUI)
  • 3 citations for open container
  • 3 citations for expired tags
  • 3 citations for operating an unregistered vehicle
  • 2 citations for improper display
  • 1 citation for operating an uninsured vehicle
  • 1 citation for a seatbelt violation
  • 1 citation for failure to dim high beams
  • 1 citation for no proof of insurance
  • 1 citation for disregarding a stop sign
  • 1 citation for driving on the wrong side of the road

BCSO and MCPD also issued 65 warnings throughout the operation and made four criminal arrests, including for possession of heroin and active warrants.

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1327263 2023-05-31T19:14:28+00:00
Groundbreaking held for Goose Creek amphitheater https://www.counton2.com/news/local-news/berkeley-county-news/groundbreaking-held-for-goose-creek-amphitheater/ Tue, 30 May 2023 20:51:36 +0000 https://www.counton2.com/?p=1326492 GOOSE CREEK, S.C. (WCBD) – Leaders in Goose Creek broke ground Tuesday on a highly-anticipated amphitheater that will begin construction this week.

The project is named in honor of a former Goose Creek City Councilmember and State House representative.

The Joseph Danning Amphitheater has been years in the making – but that new facility will be a reality soon after construction on the new project began with a lunch and ceremony.

It took about a year to get funding for the project and to finalize plans.

Goose Creek Mayor Greg Habib said he is looking forward to bringing live music and other performances to the city.

"People won't have to go all the way downtown or somewhere else to enjoy a live performance,” said Mayor Habib. “One of the reasons you do this is to serve the people who live in and around your community … and this is one of those services."

Construction is expected to begin this week. Officials hope to have the project completed in a year.

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1326492 2023-05-30T20:51:38+00:00
Deputies crack down on unsafe driving along Clements Ferry Road corridor https://www.counton2.com/news/local-news/berkeley-county-news/deputies-crack-down-on-unsafe-driving-along-clements-ferry-road-corridor/ Tue, 30 May 2023 16:13:58 +0000 https://www.counton2.com/?p=1326202 BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) – Nearly 50 tickets were issued during a one-day traffic enforcement operation along the Clements Ferry Road corridor earlier this month.

It comes after Berkeley County Sheriff Duane Lewis said they received numerous complaints about roadway safety and speed-related crashes along the stretch of road.

Law enforcement issued 49 tickets and 40 warnings during the enforcement.

“We have received numerous complaints about increased speeds and aggressive drivers along Clements Ferry Road,” said Sheriff Lewis. “We want to make it clear to motorists that we are always around, and we will continue to conduct proactive patrols to target dangerous drivers. Every motorist deserves to arrive to their destination - unharmed.”

Berkeley County deputies worked with the Charleston Police Department for the traffic safety enforcement operation on May 16, according to BCSO.

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1326202 2023-05-30T16:14:00+00:00
1 dead, 1 in custody following shooting in Moncks Corner https://www.counton2.com/news/local-news/berkeley-county-news/1-dead-1-in-custody-following-shooting-in-moncks-corner/ Sun, 28 May 2023 22:18:22 +0000 https://www.counton2.com/?p=1325283 UPDATE: The Berkeley County Coroner's Office has identified the victim as 24-year-old Adiarylis Fowler from Holly Hill.

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MONCKS CORNER, S.C. (WCBD) - The Moncks Corner Police Department says a man is in custody after a woman was found suffering from a gunshot wound Saturday afternoon in Moncks Corner.

According to Moncks Corner Police Department, officers were dispatched to Birchwood Drive about a possible homicide at 4:15 p.m. Saturday.

When officers arrived, they located a female suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. The Berkeley County Coroner declared the victim deceased at the scene.

An investigation by Moncks Corner detectives identified 35-year-old Trivelle Fowler as the suspect.

Fowler was arrested on Saturday and is being held at the Hill-Finklea Detention Center.

The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch at (843) 719-4169 and ask to speak with the on-duty detective.

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1325283 2023-05-29T13:45:21+00:00
Sen. Tim Scott to meet supporters at Goose Creek church https://www.counton2.com/news/your-local-election-hq/sen-tim-scott-to-meet-supporters-at-goose-creek-church/ Sun, 28 May 2023 14:57:13 +0000 https://www.counton2.com/?p=1324980 GOOSE CREEK, S.C. (WCBD) – U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) is bringing his Faith in America Tour back to the Lowcountry this Memorial Day weekend.

Sen. Scott will meet with voters at a local church in Goose Creek as part of his Faith in America tour on Sunday evening.

The tour stop follows Tim Scott’s announcement Monday that he will seek the Republican nomination for president.

"I will take our message to the boardroom and I will take it to the classroom. I will take it to a gymnasium filled with friends and the inner-city church surrounded by skeptics," Scott said.

His stop in South Carolina comes on the heels of his visit to a Christian school in Sioux City, Iowa.

Scott will head to New Hampshire on Thursday to meet with supporters.

South Carolina, Iowa, and New Hampshire are expected to play massive roles in the primaries.

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1324980 2023-05-28T14:57:13+00:00
Berkeley County amping up water patrol over holiday weekend https://www.counton2.com/news/local-news/berkeley-county-news/berkeley-county-amping-up-water-patrol-over-holiday-weekend/ Fri, 26 May 2023 20:05:14 +0000 https://www.counton2.com/?p=1324136 BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) – Berkeley County’s marine patrol will be working to ensure you stay safe while on the water over the holiday weekend.

Major Bobby Shuler said the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol is a 24/7 operation and will kick off the summer season this Memorial Day weekend. “Sheriff Lewis wants us out here enforcing the laws of the waterways, and also for everyone’s safety,” he said.

Marine Patrol has saved lives many times by already being on the water when an emergency happens.

“We’ve had incidents out here – we’ve had people come off jet skis, we’ve had some overturned boats. We’ve had some people have cardiac arrest issues,” he said.

To cut down on possible issues, authorities recommend you perform basic maintenance on your boat to ensure it’s working properly for the summer.

“Make sure you have a good cell phone and a way to keep that cell phone charged,” said Major Schuler. He also recommends telling a loved one about your float plan – where you put in and when you plan to be back.

And be sure to wear a life jacket anytime you are on the water. Sometimes there simply is not enough time to put one on during an emergency.

“Know that we’re here if you need us. This weekend, there will be a lot of other agencies working on the water as well. I know South Carolina DNR is going to be out. We’ve already spoken with them. The local fire departments that are out here on the waterways will be out here as well,” he said.

A new law went into effect last year that could help during a serious issue.

“If your boat is equipped with a lanyard, a kill switch lanyard, you are required to have that attached to whoever is operating that vessel, and if you have a vessel that has the footstep for the foot-style kill switch, that has to be operational as well,” he explained.

This means your boat will automatically stop if the driver is incapacitated.

“We want everybody to come out here and have fun, be safe, but be smart on the water.”

The Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol will be on the water every weekend from now through Labor Day.

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1324136 2023-05-26T20:05:15+00:00
What drives you crazy? Replacing the Beresford Creek Bridge https://www.counton2.com/drives-you-crazy/what-drives-you-crazy-replacing-the-beresford-creek-bridge/ Thu, 25 May 2023 20:32:22 +0000 https://www.counton2.com/?p=1322970 DANIEL ISLAND, S.C. (WCBD) – From traffic patterns to potholes, and stoplights to speeding – some things out on the roadways just drive you crazy.

Last week, we heard from many News 2 viewers about problems they are seeing on the road. So, we got to work getting some answers and solving problems.

One of those concerns comes from a Daniel Island resident, Molly May, who said the Beresford Creek Bridge needs to be replaced. She said it’s heavily traveled and is just one of three ways on and off the island.

"This is long-awaited (4.5 years) and necessary to resume passage of emergency vehicles and provide a pedestrian path to connect the Daniel and Thomas Island communities,” said Molly in her email to News 2’s Megan Fee.

A metal plate has served as a patch on the bridge for about five years. And since 2019, some vehicles – like ambulances – have not been able to cross because of a weight limit placed on the bridge.

We have some good news for Daniel Island drivers like Molly. This week, the bridge is now one step closer to being replaced.

Charleston County Council approved the contract for replacement on Tuesday.

It’s a project District 1 Councilmember Boyd Gregg said has faced obstacles like getting utilities relocated for years.

"It's served its purpose, it's time to come down,” said Councilman Gregg. “Hopefully we get something in there that one: is going to be much safer, but two: is going to have much better access and connectivity to places off Daniel Island as well."

Gregg said plans for the new bridge will make it easier for pedestrians and bikes to get from Daniel Island to Clements Ferry Road.

Work will get underway this summer, causing all Daniel Island traffic to be rerouted onto I-526.

"It's going to be closed for a few months. Obviously, we want that impact to be as minimal as possible, hence why we're trying to get this done in the summer, when there's a minimal amount of school traffic on that road,” said Councilman Gregg.

As for Molly, she acknowledged Gregg’s commitment over the last two years to getting this project completed.

If there is something driving you crazy on the road, don’t hesitate to let us know about it. Email Megan Fee at mfee@wcbd.com.

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1322970 2023-05-25T20:32:24+00:00
Berkeley County man recalls finding wanted fugitive Michael Burham near his home https://www.counton2.com/news/local-news/berkeley-county-news/berkeley-county-man-recalls-finding-wanted-fugitive-michael-burham-near-his-home/ Thu, 25 May 2023 03:02:00 +0000 https://www.counton2.com/?p=1322874 BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) – Wanted fugitive Michael Burham is in custody following a days-long, multi-agency search that spanned portions of Charleston and Berkeley counties.

After warning residents to be vigilant and immediately report any suspicious behavior, a couple living on a property off United Drive called 9-1-1 after spotting Burham behind their home.

“Oh, it was wild, man,” said Anthony Phillips, who discovered Burham amid a heavily active search near his Berkeley County home. “I just got off work- I worked a 12-hour shift … I got here about three o’clock. She (his wife) got a package in the mail and said, ‘I’ve been waiting for you all day so you can walk out to the mailbox with me so I can get my package.’ We got out there and I’m like well, let’s walk around back just to make sure everything’s all right.”

But everything was not alright. They first noticed some shoes.

“His shoes, right there, in front of the pump house. We come over here and Sadie girl, a little Jack Russell Terrier, she started barking and then she comes over this way and starts barking,” he recalled.

“Seen the shoes and I was like, who’s shoes are those? … I seen something back there. I seen N1 on his shorts. I said ‘hey, bo.’ And I went to hollering and cussing at him, and I was telling her.”

Phillips said he wasn’t worried about what Burham was going to do.

“He ain’t gonna come this way, I’ll pull him down. But he stood up and said, ‘I’m not gonna hurt anybody, I’m gonna leave.’ And he came running over, grabbed his shoes. When he grabbed his shoes, he took off running that way. There’s a little cut right there and he fell.”

Phillips said Burham then got up and ran into the woods.

“We come up here, call the law, and they were up here within --- boom, no time. They did their job,” he said.

9-1-1 was called at 3:30 p.m. and Burham was arrested by law enforcement at 5:17 p.m.

Burham was in rough shape after navigating the forest for days.  “You could tell he had been in the elements for some time,” said Berkeley County Sheriff Duane Lewis.

Neighbors who were watching the law enforcement activity in a rural area of the county cheered after BCSO spokeswoman Carli Drayton announced Burham was captured.

“I feel a lot better,” said neighbor Kenneth Drayton. “We can sleep better tonight and everybody’s safe in the neighborhood.”

Phillips said someone from the FBI is supposed to contact them about that $10,000 reward they were offering as part of the search for Burham.

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1322874 2023-05-25T15:10:16+00:00
Wanted fugitive Michael Burham captured in Berkeley County https://www.counton2.com/news/local-news/berkeley-county-news/wanted-fugitive-captured-in-huger/ Wed, 24 May 2023 21:26:52 +0000 https://www.counton2.com/?p=1322170 BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) - Authorities have captured fugitive Michael Burham after a multi-day search that spanned two Lowcountry counties.

Berkeley County Sheriff Duane Lewis said they received a call from a resident on Wednesday afternoon after spotting Burham on their property off United Drive. Burham ran from behind a shed which ultimately led to his capture shortly after 5:15 p.m.

"Teams were very close. We were concentrating on the area. SLED, the FBI, Charleston County, bloodhounds -- they all moved in and he was taken into custody," said Sheriff Lewis.

Burham was not in great shape upon his capture after moving through sections of the Francis Marion National Forest for days. "You could tell he had been in the elements for some time," Sheriff Lewis added.

Neighbors who were watching the law enforcement activity in a rural area of the county cheered after BCSO spokeswoman Carli Drayton announced Burham was captured.

Burham was taken to the Berkeley County Sheriff's Office where he will be booked and processed. He will be extradited to New York to face his charges.

Burham, who was wanted in connection to a sexual assault and homicide out of Jamestown, New York, made his way to the Lowcountry Sunday after allegedly kidnapping an elderly couple from Pennsylvania.

The couple said that he drove them to North Charleston and then let them go.

A federal arrest warrant was issued by the U.S. District Court of the Western District of New York Monday for the unlawful flight to avoid prosecution, according to the FBI.

Hundreds of law enforcement agents, including the FBI and State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) agents, assisted in the search. A $10,000 reward for his capture was offered by the FBI.

A large area of the Francis Marion National Forest in Huger was saturated Tuesday after officials encountered Burham, but he escaped.

Overnight Tuesday, a sighting was reported near Awendaw in Charleston County, so resources were shifted to that area.

On Wednesday afternoon, Berkeley County officials got a tip that a man matching Burham's description was spotted behind a home on United Drive, in the same area where officials had been searching Tuesday.

Law enforcement officials quickly moved search efforts back to Berkeley County, where Burham was taken into custody.

Editor's note: This story is breaking and will be updated.

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1322170 2023-05-25T03:09:37+00:00
Some BCSD buses will not run Wednesday amid search for fugitive https://www.counton2.com/news/local-news/berkeley-county-news/some-bcsd-buses-will-not-run-wednesday-amid-search-for-fugitive/ Wed, 24 May 2023 01:39:18 +0000 https://www.counton2.com/?p=1321426 BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) - The Berkeley County School District (BCSD) will not run certain school buses Wednesday morning amid an ongoing search for a fugitive in the Francis Marion National Forest near Huger.

Over 100 law enforcement officers including units from the FBI are searching an area near Halfway Creek Road and South Hampton Drive for Michael Burham, who is wanted on murder and rape charges out of New York.

The search area is currently shut down to traffic.

As the search continues, BCSD has decided not to run school buses that normally go through the area: Buses 403 and 405 at Cainhoy and Philip Simmons schools.

BCSD sent the following message to parents Tuesday night:

"Good evening parents and guardians, 

Due to the continued law enforcement activity in the Cainhoy/Huger area, and out of an abundance of caution for student safety, bus 403 and bus 405 serving Cainhoy Elementary, Philip Simmons Elementary, Philip Simmons Middle, and Philip Simmons High will not operate tomorrow morning, Wednesday, May 24. The District will not plan to operate bus 403 and bus 405 tomorrow afternoon, Wednesday, May 24, unless and until law enforcement confirms that it is safe to operate buses in the Cainhoy/Huger area. 

Parents and guardians in the Huger/Cainhoy area are asked to make plans to provide transportation for students assigned to bus 403 and bus 405 until further notice. 

If you are unable to transport your child to school, please contact your child's school."

The Berkeley County Sheriff's Office said that it plans to continue the search overnight Tuesday until Burham is located and taken into custody.

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1321426 2023-05-24T09:54:01+00:00
Authorities searching for wanted fugitive in Francis Marion National Forest https://www.counton2.com/news/local-news/berkeley-county-news/berkeley-county-deputies-searching-for-kidnapping-suspect/ Tue, 23 May 2023 16:29:37 +0000 https://www.counton2.com/?p=1320955 BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) - Multiple law enforcement agencies are aiding in the search for a wanted fugitive in the Francis Marion National Forest on Tuesday.

Deputies with the Berkeley County Sheriff's Office (BCSO) encountered a suspicious person on a bicycle Tuesday morning. It came shortly after the agency received a call from someone on Halfway Creek Road saying there was an individual who matched the description of Michael Burham.

"My sheriff's deputies had him on the side of the road. They were asking questions, he was being real evasive. At that point, they determined he was the suspect that all the law enforcement agencies in the Lowcountry are looking for," said Sheriff Duane Lewis during a Tuesday afternoon press conference on the search.

While deputies were investigating his information, Burham took off and a foot pursuit ensued. He was able to evade deputies; however, they believe he is still within a five to 10-mile radius within the woods near Halfway Creek Road and South Hampton Drive.

Halfway Creek Road from Steed Creek Road to United Road will remain closed to traffic as the search continues, and the search is expected to go into the overnight hours.

Multiple resources have been brought in to aid in the search for Burham including helicopters from both the Charleston County Sheriff's Office and South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. The FBI is expected to send another air assets team to assist.

Burham, a 35-year-old white male, was last seen wearing blue shorts and a grey shirt. Sheriff Lewis said he is 5'9" and 150 lbs.

Authorities do not know why he came to the Charleston area but he does know that he's running from the police and could be desperate, which they said poses a greater threat to the public.

Deputies have stopped traffic on Halfway Creek Road from United Drive to Steed Creek Road during their search and investigation. Emergency officials are also sending out alerts to the general public asking for people to be on alert and to immediately report any suspicious behavior to 911.

Michael Burham | Images courtesy North Charleston Police Department

The search began Sunday after officers with the North Charleston Police Department were dispatched to a business on Rivers Avenue where they met with two victims who said they had been kidnapped from Pennsylvania and driven to North Charleston.

A South Carolina spokesman for the FBI on Sunday night told News 2 they were assisting authorities out of New York in locating Burham. He is wanted in the Jamestown, NY area as part of a rape and homicide investigation.

Police and the FBI searched along Rivers Avenue and surrounding areas for much of the night Sunday and into Monday afternoon.

If you see him, do not approach or attempt to contact him. Call 9-1-1 immediately.

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1320955 2023-05-24T00:01:49+00:00
Man had four homemade explosive devices, Goose Creek police say https://www.counton2.com/news/local-news/berkeley-county-news/man-had-four-homemade-explosive-devices-goose-creek-police-say/ Tue, 23 May 2023 15:35:19 +0000 https://www.counton2.com/?p=1320881 GOOSE CREEK, S.C. (WCBD) – A man was arrested Saturday after officers with the Goose Creek Police Department found him with what appeared to be homemade explosive devices.

Officers responded to the area of Westview Boulevard and Pineview Drive just before 6:00 p.m. after receiving a tip that a man had a firearm and was attempting to set off an explosive.

Michael Paul Mims was found in a wooded area near Westview Blvd., according to police.

Mims told authorities that he had fireworks; but upon further investigation, officers said they found four homemade explosive devices.

Charleston County’s bomb squad was called in to assist. Technicians x-rayed the devices and verified that they had gunpowder.

“The bomb technicians collected the devices from the scene and transported them away for disposal,” police said.

Mims was arrested and charged with four counts of possession of destructive device.

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1320881 2023-05-23T15:36:33+00:00