USCB was selected for the French Embassy of the United States’ 2021 Transatlantic Mobility Program, which aims to double the number of students from France and the United States studying abroad in each country by 2025. The program awarded a $10,000 grant to support USCB students in French educational experiences.

Terry Wisdom, a teacher at Bluffton Middle School, died from COVID-19 complications, according to the school. The school said Wisdom, a CATE instructor, “was supportive, dependable, always willing to give of himself to others.” Wisdom was an advocate for his Project Lead the Way content, the Robotics team, and the football and track programs, the school said. 

A Hardeeville man was charged with attempted murder in connection with a shooting at a gas station, according to the Hardeeville Police Department. The suspect, Marcus Gordon, 36, was arrested Sept. 8. The shooting left a man injured with gunshot wounds. He was taken to a hospital and treated for his injuries. 

Nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States. In a year’s time, that is more than 10 million women and men.

South Carolina ranks 11th in the nation in the rate of women murdered by men, according to the Violence Policy Center (VPC) study, When Men Murder Women, published in 2020. This was the first time in the 23-year history of the study that South Carolina has not been included among the 10 states with the highest rates of women killed by men. 

DEEP WELL PROJECT AWARDS SCHOLARSHIPS

Isabella Gonzalez, Zien Cordray, Renee Mitchell, Astrid Bautista and Daniella Azar were named Deep Well Project scholarship recipients. Each has earned help with tuition and books at the Technical College of the Lowcountry. Deep Well will also help with childcare, gas cards and laptops or printers if needed. For information about Deep Well’s scholarship program, visit deepwellproject.org or call 843-785-2849.

TOM PEEPLES RETIRES AFTER 43 YEARS SERVING THE LOWCOUNTRY

After 43 years of building homes on Hilton Head Island, the town’s former longtime mayor, Tom Peeples, has retired. 

Born and raised in Ridgeland, Peeples spent a lot of time on Hilton Head as a young boy. His parents bought property on the island in the early 1950s, before there was a bridge to the mainland.

CATCHING UP ON INITIATIVES FOR HILTON HEAD AND BLUFFTON

The Lowcountry is thriving with ever-evolving projects. Here is a look at three initiatives that are underway:

Bluffton Town Council unanimously approved a final reading to annex St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church and School into the town of Bluffton. Council approved a master plan for the property that includes potential expansions of the church and school and commercial and multi-family residential development. 

The 10-and-under all-stars from Bluffton and the 12-and-under squad from Hilton Head Island represented South Carolina in the Dixie Youth Baseball World Series played Aug. 7-12 in Laurel, Mississippi. The Bluffton Minors All-Stars finished their postseason campaign 12-3, including a South Carolina state title. The team went 2-2 at the Dixie World Series. The team opened with a 13-3 win over runner-up Georgia. The Hilton Head O-Zone All-Stars won a state crown before losing twice at the World Series. Hilton Head’s postseason run ended with an 8-3 record. The Dixie World Series includes the state champions from 11 states and a host team.