South Carolina Ag + Art Tour kicks off May 3rd; tour sites and artists wanted
SOUTH CAROLINA – The annual Ag + Art Tour adds five new counties and brings back 17 former ones to feature over 200 tour sites in 2025!
Now in its 14th year, this free self-guided farm and art tour is a great way to educate people about where their food and fiber come from and introduce them to local artisans, says Will Culler, Clemson Extension Agribusiness Agent, and Tour Director.
“We are proud of the commitment of our farms, artisans, and county teams. Because of that, we can sustain continued growth,” Culler said. “One of our goals has been to give people a better knowledge of what is produced in their backyard and help them to support local businesses while making healthier food choices. This event does that by putting food and product with a face.”
This year Hampton County is joining the tour with the help of the Hampton County Economic Development Commission and a committee of community partners. The committee has representation from the Hampton County Chamber of Commerce, Clemson Extension, USDA, Hampton County Friends of the Arts, Southern Carolina Alliance, Farm Bureau, Hampton County Soil and Water Conservation District and other local organizations.
“We are excited to bring the Ag + Art Tour to Hampton County for the first time,” Co-chairperson Karen Terry said. “It’s an opportunity to highlight the contributions of agriculture and art to our culture and economy. Ag + Art of Hampton County will be held on May 3rd and is a free, family friendly event.”
This year the tour will include farms and artisans in 22 South Carolina counties, with different counties participating each weekend in May and June
The tour began in York County in 2012 and has added at least one new county each year since. Boyles said the interest in the South Carolina Ag + Art Tour continues to be phenomenal. It is already the largest free farm tour in the nation and has drawn over 150,000 visitors since its inception.
Tour stops include farms and farmers’ markets, with art at each location. Artisans on the tour range from weavers, painters, musicians, storytellers, metalworkers, and craftsmen to poets and live musical performances. Some farms will offer value-added products, such as jarred and canned foods, honey, baked goods, or even farm-fresh meals. There is no fee to attend; visitors can start and stop their tour at any location.
More information about the participating farms, markets, artisans, and ancillary sites can be found online at www.agandarttour.com. This website is updated regularly.
Facebook: @agandarttourInstagram: #southcarolinaagandarttour#agandarttour
About the South Carolina Ag + Art Tour
The South Carolina Ag + Art Tour is a free self-guided tour of farms and farmers’ markets featuring artisans at every stop occurring every weekend in June. The first Ag + Art Tour was held in 2012 in York County to blend agriculture and art. The tour began to expand in 2013 and has continued yearly. It is the largest free farm and art tour in the nation.
The tour is coordinated by leadership and county-level planning teams led by Clemson University Cooperative Extension. Partner organizations include economic development agencies, chambers of commerce, tourism bureaus, farm and artisan organizations, education and extension offices, arts councils, and community volunteers.
FEMA provides Hurricane Helene relief update
While the application deadline for South Carolinians to apply for FEMA disaster assistance ended Jan. 28, FEMA has provided the public with some information below that you may find helpful:
As of Feb. 2, FEMA has approved more than $263 million in disaster assistance to approximately 234,000 households in South Carolina.While all disaster recovery centers in SC are closed, help is still available. Disaster survivors can contact FEMA by calling 1-800-621-3362. They can also check the status of their application at disasterassistance.gov or download the FEMA mobile app.Throughout the recovery effort, South Carolina and FEMA opened more than 50 DRCs or mobile DRCs in 29 counties.
South Carolina State Fair opens applications for 2025 College Scholarships
$500,000 in scholarship funds are available for high school seniors statewide now through March 15
Monday, Feb. 3, 2025 (Columbia, S.C.) – The South Carolina State Fair, a self-supporting 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, is excited to announce the opening of applications for its 28th annual Ride of Your Life Scholarship program. Each year, this initiative allocates $500,000 in college scholarships to high school seniors across South Carolina. Applications are open until March 15, 2025 and can be submitted online at scstatefair.org/scholarships.
“At the South Carolina State Fair, we are dedicated to harvesting the potential of South Carolina’s young adults by investing in their education and future,” says Nancy Smith, general manager of the South Carolina State Fair. “Through initiatives like our scholarship program, we strive to cultivate a brighter future for our communities and state.”
Since 1997, the S.C. State Fair has awarded more than $5 million to South Carolina students through the Ride of Your Life Scholarship program, reflecting the fair’s commitment to community-focused initiatives.
Scholarship Details and Application
This year, $10,000 scholarships will be awarded to 50 high school seniors across South Carolina and will be paid out at $2,500 per year over four years. Students pursuing two-year degrees will receive $2,500 per year over two years.
The scholarship funds must be used at a South Carolina university, college or institution, and may cover tuition or other educational expenses such as on-campus housing, a computer or textbooks. Scholarships are awarded based on academic and extracurricular achievement, communication skills, need and completeness of the application. Recipients must retain a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale and enroll in no less than 30 credit hours each academic year to receive funding for that year.
To learn more about this program, visit scstatefair.org/scholarships or contact Betsy Cooper at betsyc@scstatefair.org or 803-799-3387, ext. 110. Scholarship applications must be completed online at https://www.scstatefair.org/scholarships by March 15, 2025. Scholarship award recipients will be notified in mid-May of their award status.
This year’s S.C. State Fair will take place October 8-19, 2025.
About the South Carolina State Fair
The South Carolina State Fair, a self-supporting 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, was organized in 1869 and is dedicated to preserving and promoting South Carolina’s agricultural roots while supporting statewide education. In addition to the 12-day South Carolina State Fair, the charitable organization manages annual football parking and is a popular event venue. The South Carolina State Fair has awarded more than $5 million in scholarships since 1997.
More information can be found at SCStateFair.org.
USC Salkehatchie Men’s Basketball extends winning streak, solidifies top spot in Region 10
The USC Salkehatchie men’s basketball team continues its impressive winning streak, extending it to five games with recent victories over Cape Fear Community College, Gaston College, and Wake Tech Community College. The wins solidify Salkehatchie’s position atop the Region 10 standings.
Salkehatchie began the week with a hard-fought 118-108 win against Cape Fear CC on Monday. Despite a delayed start due to travel complications for Cape Fear, the home team jumped out to an early lead and maintained control throughout the game, improving to 13-4 overall and a perfect 11-0 at home. Their halftime lead proved crucial, as the team remains undefeated when leading at the half (10-0).
On Thursday, Salkehatchie traveled to Gaston College for a crucial matchup with first place on the line. In a back-and-forth contest, Salkehatchie emerged victorious, defeating the Rhinos 104-100. The win propelled them into first place in the conference with a 14-4 overall record and a 4-1 Region 10 record.
The team returned home on Saturday and continued its winning ways, defeating Wake Tech Community College 95-90. After building a 12-point halftime lead, Salkehatchie weathered a second-half surge from Wake Tech to secure the win and remain undefeated at home (12-0). The victory brings their overall record to 15-4 and keeps them at 4-1 in Region 10.
The USC Salkehatchie men’s basketball team will travel to Denmark Tech on Tuesday, February 4, for another Region 10 matchup. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. Follow @USCSalkMBB on Facebook, X, and Instagram for updates and livestream information.
College of Charleston announces President’s List and Dean’s List for Fall 2024
CHARLESTON, SC — College of Charleston congratulates over 3,750 students named to the President’s List and the Dean’s List for Winter 2024.
The following are local students:
Annie Bennett of Varnville was named to the Dean’s List . Bennett is majoring in Early Childhood Education .Da’Nayja Johnson of Fairfax was named to the Dean’s List . Johnson is majoring in Studio Art .Brice Tiffany of Varnville was named to the Dean’s List . Tiffany is majoring in Music and Biology.
Located in the heart of historic Charleston, South Carolina, the College of Charleston is a nationally recognized, public liberal arts and sciences university. Founded in 1770, the College is among the nation’s top universities for quality education, student life and affordability. Its beautiful and historic campus, combined with contemporary facilities, cutting-edge programs and accessible faculty, attracts students from across the U.S. and around the world.
Cadets and students named to The Citadel’s fall 2024 dean’s list
CHARLESTON, SC — The dean’s list is a recognition given to cadets and students who are registered for 12 or more semester hours and whose grade point average is 3.20 or higher, with no grade of I (Incomplete) and no grade below C for work in a semester. Local students on this list include:
Brayden Frazier of Brunson, South Carolina named to fall 2024 dean’s listWilliam Hazel of Hampton, SC named to fall 2024 dean’s list
About The Citadel
The Citadel, with its iconic campus located in Charleston, South Carolina, offers a classic military college education for young men and women focused on leadership excellence and academic distinction. The approximately 2,300 members of the South Carolina Corps of Cadets are not required to serve in the military, but about one-third of each class earn commissions to become officers in every branch of U.S. military service. Citadel alumni have served the nation, their states and their communities as principled leaders since 1842. The Citadel Graduate College offers dozens of graduate degree, graduate certificate and evening undergraduate programs in the evening or online. The Citadel has been named the Best Regional University in the South, the Best Public University in the South by U.S. News & World Report for 14 years and No. 1 Best Public College for Veterans in the South for seven years.
Maliyah Howard named to the Fall 2024 Dean’s List at Georgia State University
ATLANTA, GA — Maliyah Howard of Hampton was named to the fall 2024 Dean’s List at Georgia State University.
To be eligible for the Dean’s List, degree-seeking students must have earned a GPA of at least 3.5 for a minimum of nine semester hours of academic credit taken at Georgia State during the fall or spring term with no incompletes for the semester. Eligible students must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 for all classes taken at Georgia State.
Georgia State University, one of the largest, most innovative multi-campus public research universities, transforms the lives of students, advances the frontiers of knowledge and strengthens the workforce of the future. With campuses in and around metro Atlanta, Georgia State readies students for professional pursuits, educates future leaders and prepares citizens for lifelong learning. Enrolling one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation, Georgia State prioritizes student success ensuring that students from all backgrounds graduate at high rates. The university provides outstanding experiential educational opportunities and exceptional support for students seeking degrees from the associate to the doctoral level.
One of the nation’s fastest-growing research institutions, Georgia State’s scholarship and research focus on solving complex issues ranging from the most fundamental questions of the universe to the most challenging issues of our day, while our creative activities expand and enrich the world.
Shaquetta Battiste of Ridgeland Earns Degree from University of Maryland Global Campus
ADELPHI, MD (02/05/2025)– Shaquetta Battiste of Ridgeland, earned a(n) Associate of Arts from University of Maryland Global Campus in fall 2024.
Battiste was one of nearly 5,900 students worldwide who earned degrees from UMGC in the fall 2024 term.
University of Maryland Global Campus was founded more than 75 years ago specifically to serve the higher education needs of working adults and military servicemembers. Today, UMGC is the largest provider of postsecondary education in Maryland and continues its global tradition with online and hybrid courses, more than 175 classroom and service locations worldwide, and more than 135 degrees and certificates backed by the reputation of a state university and the University System of Maryland. For more information, visit umgc.edu.
Andrea M. Cole of Bluffton Earns Degree from University of Maryland Global Campus
ADELPHI, MD (02/05/2025)– Andrea M. Cole of Bluffton, earned a(n) Associate of Arts from University of Maryland Global Campus in fall 2024.
Cole was one of nearly 5,900 students worldwide who earned degrees from UMGC in the fall 2024 term.
University of Maryland Global Campus was founded more than 75 years ago specifically to serve the higher education needs of working adults and military servicemembers. Today, UMGC is the largest provider of postsecondary education in Maryland and continues its global tradition with online and hybrid courses, more than 175 classroom and service locations worldwide, and more than 135 degrees and certificates backed by the reputation of a state university and the University System of Maryland. For more information, visit umgc.edu.
College of Charleston Announces President’s List and Dean’s List for Fall 2024
CHARLESTON, SC (02/04/2025)– College of Charleston congratulates over 3,750 students named to the President’s List and the Dean’s List for Winter 2024.
The following are local students:
Evan Malcolm of Ridgeland (29936) was named to the Dean’s List . Malcolm is majoring in Communication .
Oswaldo Trejo of Hardeeville (29927) was named to the President’s List . Trejo is majoring in Electrical Engineering .
Monika Angner of Bluffton (29910) was named to the President’s List . Angner is majoring in Geology .
Skylar Bodie of Bluffton (29910) was named to the President’s List . Bodie is majoring in Elementary Education .
Analysse Botch of Bluffton (29910) was named to the President’s List . Botch is majoring in Business Administration .
Claire Caraballo of Bluffton (29910) was named to the President’s List . Caraballo is majoring in Exercise Science .
Ana Caraballo of Bluffton (29910) was named to the Dean’s List . Caraballo is majoring in Psychology .
Isabella Chanes Baison of Bluffton (29910) was named to the President’s List . Chanes Baison is majoring in Elementary Education .
Grace Cherewko of Bluffton (29910) was named to the President’s List . Cherewko is majoring in English .
Gabriella DeMatteo of Bluffton (29910) was named to the Dean’s List . DeMatteo is majoring in Communication .
Annika Dogger of Hilton Head (29910) was named to the Dean’s List . Dogger is majoring in International Business .
Kayla Eosso of Bluffton (29910) was named to the President’s List . Eosso is majoring in Marketing .
Alexandria Foster of Bluffton (29910) was named to the President’s List . Foster is majoring in Hospitality/Tourism Management .
Ramiro Garcia-Romero of Bluffton (29910) was named to the Dean’s List . Garcia-Romero is majoring in Marketing .
Carolyn Goll of Bluffton (29910) was named to the President’s List . Goll is majoring in Exercise Science .
Peter Hughes of Bluffton (29910) was named to the Dean’s List . Hughes is majoring in Undecided .
Adrianna Jackson of Bluffton (29910) was named to the President’s List . Jackson is majoring in Early Childhood Education .
Lucy Jackson of Bluffton (29910) was named to the Dean’s List . Jackson is majoring in Communication .
Melissa Jauregui of Bluffton (29910) was named to the President’s List . Jauregui is majoring in Exercise Science .
Noah Johnson of Bluffton (29910) was named to the Dean’s List . Johnson is majoring in History and Secondary Education Cognate.
Madigail Jozic of Bluffton (29910) was named to the Dean’s List . Jozic is majoring in Marine Biology .
Brianna Lally of Bluffton (29910) was named to the Dean’s List . Lally is majoring in Sociology .
Emma Lanzone of Bluffton (29910) was named to the Dean’s List . Lanzone is majoring in International Business .
Ella McCarthy of Bluffton (29910) was named to the President’s List . McCarthy is majoring in Marketing .
Alejandra Mendoza of Bluffton (29910) was named to the President’s List . Mendoza is majoring in Computer Science .
Ariana Mervin of Bluffton (29910) was named to the Dean’s List . Mervin is majoring in Biology .
Jackson Pride of Bluffton (29910) was named to the Dean’s List . Pride is majoring in Psychology .
Adeline Rios of Bluffton (29910) was named to the President’s List . Rios is majoring in International Studies, Political Science and Spanish.
Roberto Rook of Bluffton (29910) was named to the Dean’s List . Rook is majoring in Computer Science .
Allison Sandman of Bluffton (29910) was named to the President’s List . Sandman is majoring in Elementary Education .
Philip Scott of Bluffton (29910) was named to the President’s List . Scott is majoring in Biochemistry .
James See of Bluffton (29910) was named to the Dean’s List . See is majoring in Marketing .
Mason Sickler of Bluffton (29910) was named to the President’s List . Sickler is majoring in Undecided .
Michelle Tamm of Bluffton (29910) was named to the Dean’s List . Tamm is majoring in Marketing .
Piper Walrad of Bluffton (29910) was named to the President’s List . Walrad is majoring in International Studies and Marine Biology.
Payton Ward of Bluffton (29910) was named to the President’s List . Ward is majoring in English .
Located in the heart of historic Charleston, South Carolina, the College of Charleston is a nationally recognized, public liberal arts and sciences university. Founded in 1770, the College is among the nation’s top universities for quality education, student life and affordability. Its beautiful and historic campus, combined with contemporary facilities, cutting-edge programs and accessible faculty, attracts students from across the U.S. and around the world.
Lucy Herrin Earns Dean’s List Recognition at Valdosta State University
VALDOSTA, GA (02/04/2025)– Valdosta State University congratulates Lucy Herrin of Bluffton, South Carolina, for earning a spot on the Fall 2024 Dean’s List.
Dean’s List honors are reserved for the highest achieving students at VSU. Herrin is one of more than 2,000 distinguished and accomplished students recognized for exemplifying excellence in the attainment of their educational goals.
To qualify for Dean’s List at VSU, students must achieve a semester grade point average of 3.50 or higher on nine or more semester hours with an institutional grade point average of 3.00 or higher. Please note that developmental studies, transient, and graduate students are not eligible for Dean’s List status.
Established in 1906, Valdosta State University is a premier comprehensive university that offers both the extensive academic, cultural, and social opportunities of a major university and the small classes and close, personal attention of smaller institutions. VSU boasts nearly 200 academic programs leading to associate, bachelor, master, specialist, and doctoral degrees as well as options to add a certification, minor, endorsement, or certificate to that degree. VSU also offers a full menu of extracurricular activities, from national championship athletic and academic teams to honors organizations, sororities and fraternities, intramural sports, educational and service clubs, a symphony orchestra, art and theatre, research opportunities, and more. VSU is committed to promoting a culture of excellence by fostering student success in and out of the classroom, cultivating an inclusive environment, impacting regional progress across South Georgia, and sustaining the institution for generations to come. On the Web: www.valdosta.edu
Palmetto Animal League presents Pets of the Week
Valentine’s Day would be so much sweeter with the love of a rescue pet. This one’s for the girls! Meet Cassie and Sol.
CASSIE (DOG)
Cassie is a calm, affectionate hound mix who takes a little time to warm up. But once she does, she’s a loyal, loving companion. She’s curious by nature and loves to sniff everything around her, taking in the world at her own pace. Cassie would thrive in a peaceful home where she can enjoy quiet moments with you and occasional bursts of playful energy. She is spayed, up to date on vaccinations, and microchipped. For more info, call PAL at 843-645-1725 or email Info@PalmettoAnimalLeague.org.
SOL (CAT)
Sol is a charming, 3-year-old girl with captivating, green eyes. She’s short in stature and sweet with just the right amount of spunk! Sol is a woman who knows what she wants, and as such, she tends to be a bit assertive with other cats. She wants to be an important part of your world and would love to cuddle up next to you at the end of the day. She is spayed, up to date on vaccinations, and microchipped. For more info, call PAL at 843-645-1725 or email Info@PalmettoAnimalLeague.org.
