Stem Cell Injections in Beaufort County, SC

Tucked off a dirt road on the edge of Coosaw Island, the stretch of salt marsh looks unassuming at first glance. But upon closer inspection, visitors can see a well ordered grid dug into the earth. These structures make up the remains of a sea island cotton field, worked and created by enslaved labor from the late 1700s until the Civil War.

The 123-acre site is now permanently protected. Through a collaboration between The Open Land Trust and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, the property, now known as the Coosaw Sea Island Cotton Heritage Preserve, is one of few sites in the Southeast that contains visible markers of sea island cotton production. In addition to preserving open space and habitat, the preserve also holds great significance for the Gullah community.

“It was a good thing to stand where my ancestors’ blood, sweat and tears, literally, is in the sand,” Queen Quet, chiefess of the Gullah/Geechee Nation, said during the dedication ceremony Tuesday.

The former cotton fields were first noticed by Beekman Webb, a local naturalist and musician, and his wife Kathy they explored the islands during the early months of the pandemic. Understanding that the structure was not of natural origin, Webb enlisted researchers to take a closer look at the property and they confirmed his suspicions.

The remaining beds and rows of drainage ditches on the property were created and maintained by enslaved people who cultivated sea island cotton, a strain with extra-long fibers that made it particularly valuable. Enslaved people created similar structures across the Lowcountry, though few remain visible today.

“It’s an engineering masterpiece,” Queen Quet said. “African people don’t often get credit for their intellectual prowess that was brought here and planted in Sea Island soil.”

The Open Land Trust initially acquired the land for the preserve from three separate families. The land trust had the right of first refusal should one of those families ever get an offer, said Kate Schaefer, director of land protection at The Open Land Trust. They decided to purchase the parcels, along with two other pieces of land from separate families.

A local land trust is able to move faster to purchase these properties than a state agency, Schaefer said. So they held onto the land for a while, but ultimately the goal was always to hand it over to the DNR Heritage Trust Program, which purchased the land for a little more than $500,000.

“But that was the whole point, from the beginning, to make sure this resource could be enjoyed by the public, “ Schaefer said. “A DNR Heritage Trust Preserve was the best way to make sure that could happen in a respectful way.”

At the moment, there are no amenities on the site beyond two benches. Before any other infrastructure can be added, DNR needs to conduct an archaeological survey and create a management plan. Going forward, the site could also be a good candidate for prescribed burns, Brain Long, cultural heritage preserves manager with the department, said.

Jodi Barnes, the DNR heritage preserves archaeologist, said that it’s possible to find remnants of early Native American presence in the area, along with signs of early colonial trade and the Civil War and plantation era.

When plantation owners fled the region following the Civil War, Gullah/Geechee families cultivated the land, earning a living from truck farms and other businesses. Records show that on Coosaw Island, four of those landowners fought during the war in the United States Colored Troops, regiments composed largely of African Americans.

A number Gullah/Geechee farmers owned portions of the preserve up through the beginning of the 20th century as well. Barnes said they hope to learn about their lives across time.

Beyond the historical significance, the preserve is also near Morgan Island and other protected lands, so it helps to create a habitat corridor across the area.

“Now that they are protected forever, they provide a really special, rural place for all of us to come and enjoy the solace of nature on the edge of a growing community,” Schaefer said.

The Island Packet

202-383-6005

Lydia Larsen covers climate and environmental issues along South Carolina’s coast. Before trading the lab bench for journalism, she studied how copepods (tiny crustaceans) adapt to temperature and salinity shifts caused by climate change. A Wisconsin native, Lydia covered climate science and Midwest environmental issues before making the move to South Carolina.

From staff reports

Beaufort County School District (BCSD) honored 115 eighth-graders for being named Junior Scholars by the South Carolina Department of Education, including 22 from northern Beaufort County.

The students and their parents were recognized at a Junior Scholars banquet sponsored by the Beaufort County School District.

“These students have shown phenomenal potential, as their selection as Junior Scholars demonstrates,” BCSD Superintendent Frank Rodriguez said in a news release.“I know they will work hard on achieving their potential, and it will be our educators’ joy to support them on this journey.”

The featured speaker was Mary Ruff, a Beaufort High School senior accepted to Duke University who shared her experiences since being named a Junior Scholar in middle school. Ruff emphasized that although maintaining a high GPA is important for academic and financial opportunities, what is most important is to seek challenging environments and classes that build one’s character and leave a more lasting impact, noting that “failure and struggle are key to growth.”

The Junior Scholars Program was developed by the South Carolina Department of Education to identify eighth-graders with exceptional academic talent and to develop strategies for inclusion into special programs that facilitate intellectual growth, broaden individual interests, and promote scholastic achievement. The program includes a process for screening, identifying, and recognizing students with high scholastic achievement and intellectual ability. Eligible students include those whose PSAT/NMSQT scores are 550 or higher on the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing portion or 530 or higher on the Mathematics portion.

Students who qualify as Junior Scholars receive an award of merit from the South Carolina Department of Education as well as information regarding summer academic experiences sponsored by South Carolina colleges and universities. They can use that special recognition to bolster their applications to colleges and universities.

This year’s BCSD Junior Scholars from northern Beaufort County are Rita Chen, Sophie Brister, Ryan Allen, Naomi Ekiert, Henry Everhart, Robert Ferguson, Jaiden Ferguson, Elaina Horne, Jacob Mansker, Carter Mason, Kellan Newman, Mercy Par, Nathan Peeples, Henry Pettit, Nia Polkey, Damien Rivers, Lydia Sargent, Gabriel Seronka, Chloe Snyder, James Sullivan, Keyari Tieland, and Rowan Wilson.

A husband and wife from Beaufort County have been charged with knowingly receiving over $20,000 in fraudulent food stamp benefits over a 4-year period, according to the South Carolina Department of Social Services.

Dennis Lee Phillips, 42, of Beaufort, and Jennifer Nichole Phillips, 44, were each charged March 31 with a felony count of fraudulent acquisition or use of food stamps. The offense is punishable by up to 10 years in prison or a maximum fine of $5,000.

Arrest warrants from the DSS say Daniel Phillips wrongly received $20,369 in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits after failing to report his wife and her income in the couple’s “household composition” forms in 2018 and 2019.

Jennifer Phillips, who during that period worked for three health care and assisted living companies around the Bluffton area, allegedly “assisted” her husband in the reporting errors, according to the warrants.

The couple received the fraudulent benefits between May 2018 and September 2022, according to the DSS.

Shortly after their March 31 arrests, each defendant was released from the Beaufort County jail on a $25,000 personal recognizance bond, meaning they would not be required to pay the amount unless they violated court conditions.

A Beaufort County woman was ordered to pay restitution earlier this year after pleading guilty to food stamp fraud.

Reports of program fraud can be made to the DSS Office of Inspector General at dss.sc.gov/about/fraud or by calling 1-800-694-8518.

BEAUFORT — Just a few days before he was relieved of duty as the commanding officer of Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, Col. Mark Bortnem stood on the air station's flight line during a media event in advance of the upcoming air show.

An experienced F/A-18 pilot with more than 3,000 flight hours and 500 hours of combat time, Bortnem wore his flight suit as he chatted amiably with reporters, officers and enlisted Marines on hand to witness the arrival of the Navy's Blue Angels flight demonstration team. Clouds of no-see-ums engulfed everyone waiting on hand. If the biting, blood-thirsty insects endemic to the Lowcountry bothered Bortnem, he didn't let on.

Instead, he answered questions casually, spoke about his various assignments as a Marine and said he was looking forward to giving neighbors a good look at what "their Marines" are up to behind the fences of the sprawling air station off U.S. Highway 21.

Bortnem's ability to put people at ease may have been a factor that made him well liked in Beaufort and the surrounding area. In March 2024, Bortnem, for example, labored in the mud and pouring rain alongside volunteers and enlisted personnel trying to get the final phase of an artificial oyster reef constructed off the shoreline near Laurel Bay, a housing community for those stationed at the air station. Drenched to the skin and covered in mud, Bortnem wanted to talk about the progress the project had already made.

Kate Schaefer, director of land protection at the Beaufort-based Open Land Trust, worked with Bortnem regularly on land conservation initiatives for properties surrounding the air station. Over the last two years, land protection around the air station doubled, she said, calling called Bortnem "incredibly genuine."

"You would have thought that land conservation was the most important thing to him. It's clear that everyone who worked with him thought their issue was the most important thing to him. That's a rare thing," Schaefer said.

Bortnem particularly endeared himself to the conservation community during another March 2024 event commemorating the conservation of about 4,400 acres in Jasper County known as Gregorie Neck. The Department of Defense contribute $6 million to the conservation effort, stating that the initiative supported the military's goal of preserving mission readiness.

Speaking during the event, Bortnem improvised a line during his speech as the sounds of military jets flying overhead faded. The line has been oft repeated since that muggy, gray morning a year ago.

"That noise you hear is the sound of freedom, and the silence you hear is the sound of conservation," Bortnem said.

During the April 12 air show performance, Bortnem enthusiastically told The Post and Courier that as many as 70,000 people had attended each day of the two-day event. It appeared that he couldn't have been more pleased with the show's success.

Then came an abrupt change.

On April 14, Brig. Gen. Ralph J. Rizzo, Jr., commanding general at Marine Corps Installations East-Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, released a statement saying Bortnem had been relieved of his duties, effective immediately.

"This decision was made due to a loss of trust and confidence in Bortnem's ability to command," Rizzo said in the statement.

While no further information has been forthcoming from the Marine Corps, there have been reactions from across the community that interacted with Bortnem over the course of his two-year tenure as the base's commanding officer.

Bortnem has been reassigned to duties at nearby Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island.

A change.org petition started by Marine veteran Joan Petrucci brings attention to the impact that Bortnem had in both the military and civilian realms. The petition, which has garnered nearly 300 signatures so far, is not intended to influence the actions of the Marine Corps, said Petrucci. Rather, it's intended to express support for Bortnem, calling his firing a significant loss for those on and off the base.

"While it may not alter the formal outcome for Colonel Bortnem, it can influence the perception of the leader's effectiveness and character within the Marine Corps community, highlighting the loyalty and admiration they garnered from their team," wrote Petrucci.

David Bartholomew, who sits on Beaufort County Council, said Bortnem worked positively with local governments and looked for out-of-the-box solutions to improving interactions between the base and the community. News of Bortnem's firing came as a shock, Bartholomew said.

"From what I could see in the interactions that we had, he was trying to do a lot of good things," he added.

Reach Tony Kukulich at 843-709-8929.

Tony Kukulich

Tony Kukulich is an editor/reporter working in the Beaufort County bureau. Turning to journalism as a second career, he started as a photojournalist in the San Francisco Bay Area in 2015. After moving to Bluffton in 2021, he wrote for several area publications before starting with The Post and Courier the following year. His work has been recognized by the National Newspaper Association, the California Newspaper Publishers Association and the South Carolina Press Association. Tony covers local government, environmental issues and development in addition to authoring the Hurricane Wire newsletter.

A new chapter in Bluffton’s dining scene is set to begin as Radici Italian Chophouse prepares to welcome guests this spring.

Located in Parkway Commons at the former Pour Richard’s site, 4376 Bluffton Parkway, the restaurant aims to deliver an elevated Italian dining experience.

The staff, a team of seasoned culinary professionals with backgrounds in Michelin-star establishments, are ready to bring this new dining experience to the Lowcountry.

The word “radici” in Italian translates to “roots” in English, and the team is planting its roots right here in Bluffton.

Radici is the brainchild of Executive Chef Mattia Bianchi, Chef Giandomenco Prestopino and Manager Camila Eula.

When moving to South Carolina from Italy, they had a shared aspiration to create something that felt like a culmination of their careers’ work.

Together, this team collaborated with George and Piero Casalicchio (owners of Chez Georges Bistro & Bar) to bring their vision to life. Now, this team of five is ready to share authentic Italian cuisine to the Lowcountry.

“Radici represents our connection to tradition and our passion for quality ingredients,” said Executive Chef Mattia Bianchi. “Every dish we serve reflects the rich history and diverse flavors of Italian cuisine while also offering a fresh and modern approach.”

Bianchi honed his skills in international locations, including London and Italy, before stepping into instructor and management roles.

Radici’s menu is a carefully curated selection of Italian classics reimagined with contemporary flair. This select menu includes four starters, four pastas, three salads, four main dishes and a tasting menu.

Dishes including the beef carpaccio, tajarin pasta and cacciucco are particularly special to the team, as they highlight the diversity and depth of Italian flavors.

The pasta offerings will all be made fresh and in-house using imported Italian flour to give diners a truly authentic meal.

“Pasta is our craft and our talent,” Bianchi said. “But we’re looking to dive into other flavors and cuisine, too.”

For those seeking an immersive experience, Radici offers seating in the main dining area as well as at the chef’s table, where guests can observe the culinary team in action.

But for the Radici team, the restaurant will offer more than a delicious plate of food.

“When people think of Italian cuisine, I want them to think not only about the way it tasted, but about the memory that dish carries with it,” Bianchi said.

The new restaurant takes over the location of the beloved Pour Richard’s, a local institution that announced its sale in November. In collaboration with Chez Georges Bistro & Bar, the Radici team has undertaken a complete transformation of the space.

“We’ve restyled the entire layout: expanding the bar, redesigning the kitchen and reimagining the dining room to create an entirely new atmosphere,” Bianchi said.

With 50 seats available, Radici aims to provide a personal yet vibrant dining experience.

“We wanted to create a space that feels both intimate and inviting,” Bianchi said. “The changes we’ve made allow us to provide a unique experience that blends warmth, sophistication and a deep appreciation for Italian cuisine.”

The restaurant is still hiring, seeking chefs and line cooks to round out their team.

Bluffton is known for its appreciation of quality dining, which made the decision to open in this location a natural one for the team.

“We just fell in love with this area,” Bianchi said. “It’s a dream city … everyone is friendly, and it’s a great place to introduce new flavors and culinary techniques.”

While the focus is currently on the Bluffton location, the team hopes to expand in the future, bringing their blend of tradition and innovation to a broader audience.

“This town has a fantastic food culture, and we knew it would be the perfect place to share our passion for Italian cuisine,” Bianchi said.

Radici Italian Chophouse is on track to open during the first week of April, if not sooner.

“We’re ready to open our doors,” Bianchi said.

Dinner service will be available from 4:30 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday and from 4:30 until 10 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.

Lunch is also available from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Friday through Sunday. They are closed on Mondays.

Reservations can be made via www.radicibluffton.com, on Resy or by calling 843-707-1200.

From back-of-house operations to the artistry of plating every dish, more information on Radici Italian Chophouse can be found @radicibluffton on Instagram or Radici Bluffton on Facebook.

This story was originally published March 14, 2025 at 6:00 AM.

The Island Packet

(843) 626-0211

Anna Claire Miller is the Service Journalism Reporter for The Island Packet. Originally from Georgia, she has experience in magazine writing, non-profit communications and city government. Anna Claire has a bachelor’s degree in journalism, legal studies and English from High Point University.