Junk Removal in Mount Pleasant, SC

Walk through the doors of Palmetto Christian Academy and you will quickly discover why families are grateful to be a part of this vibrant learning community that is also deeply rooted in faith. It’s a feeling — one facilitated by staff, parents, students and community.

PCA is not only growing as a premium choice for parents, but it was also recently recognized as the area’s best private school — a recurring distinction that PCA has held since 2015.

“We are not just a school, but a place to grow — both spiritually and academically — in a nurturing Christian environment,” said PCA Headmaster J.D. Zubia. “We are celebrating our 30-year milestone throughout the current school year and have come a long way since our small beginnings.”

Those humble beginnings first took shape in the autumn of 1992 as a ministry of East Cooper Baptist Church. They opened with an enormous vision, but only a small staff of three teachers. The dream began with a group of 25 students, Kindergarten through fourth grade.

Over the next 10 years, enrollment grew to surpass 200, and grade levels were expanded through high school. In 2009, PCA’s first graduating class crossed the stage. All the while, PCA was offering more opportunities for Lowcountry families to become a part.

Though fostered in faith, PCA also provides opportunities for advanced placement and dual credit courses throughout core subjects. Graduates are poised to pursue diverse fields such as medicine, law, education, engineering, missions, ministry, computer science, accounting and business.

“Part of our vision is to create lifelong learners who do all things with excellence,” said Darla Rourk, PCA’s director of marketing and communication. “Exceptional academics, athletics, arts, small classes and talented faculty help our students become critical thinkers and responsible members of a global community.”

That community is growing across the U.S. Based on a 2022 study by Raleigh nonprofit executive search firm DickersonBakker, interest in Christian schools is surging in every region. That’s true in this area as well. If you walk the PCA campus today, you will see a new student life center featuring a state-of-the-art technology lab, fully-equipped science labs, classrooms for math and Bible and a gymnasium that seats more than 1,000 fans.

You will also observe students excited about bright futures and current goals. You might even get to meet school nurses Ashli Rushing and Tricia Turner, who finished first and second respectively in a near dead-even heat for Best School Nurse in Mount Pleasant Magazine’s Best Of reader voting. Above all, you will begin to understand why PCA is regarded by many as one of the Lowcountry’s best schools — public or private.

“I am thrilled that we were able to celebrate 30 years of Christian education, and I really believe that God is going to bless this ministry as we continue to be good stewards and faithful to his calling,” Zubia said. “Putting God first is what is distinctive about a PCA education. And I think we are going to be here as long as He needs us to impact the culture.”

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MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (WCIV) — SC Senate bill 425 would allow retailers to sell alcohol curbside or through delivery, including beer and wine.

ABC News 4 asked a local liquor store owner what he thought about the bill.

POLL: Should alcohol be available through curbside pickup and delivery in SC?

Bill Colven has owned O'Neill spirits in Mount Pleasant for seven years.

"There is lots of tourism in the area. We bring in out-of-towners who shop in-store. It's a great environment. People come in friendly, happy come into a liquor store," said Bill Colven, Owner of O'Neill spirits Mount Pleasant

Lowcountry Senator Sandy Senn is one of the bill's sponsors. She said it ties back to the early days of the pandemic.

SC bill proposes to allow retailers to sell alcohol curbside or delivery. (WCIV)

"During COVID, many people were uncomfortable getting out and going to grocery stores and liquor stores. They preferred curbside service a lot, and that went on during COVID. People decided they would like to see it continue," said Senator Senn.

Colven said he is 50/50 on the Senate Bill.

The curbside part said he supports it because they would serve customers curbside during the pandemic.

"We would get calls ahead of time to ask if we would be able to do that. We were able to process credit cards over the phone. Of course, when they show up, (we would) check the ID and make sure it's legal," said Colven.

Read More: SC Senate introduces new bill that could allow beauticians to travel to offer services

For the delivery option, he wants to know a bit more.

Culven said third parties have proven to work in other states through apps like Drizly.

But, when it comes to if his store would do delivery...

"Delivery is kind of a slippery slope for me. There are a lot of challenges that could bring businesses; we are a small family-run business. I want to see how my numbers would look and if it makes sense economically," he said.

Read More: Tax money for students for private school on SC Senate floor

Senator Senn said if the bill passes, retailers would have a separate license. And it would be an option, not a requirement.

"There’s a separate provision for ABC/SLED to come up with a license. They could get in order to something need risk/loss if they (retailers) do something improper. Also, they would have to carry a 1 million dollars worth of liability insurance," said Senator Senn.

The most important thing to Senator Senn and Colven: is that the current rules on alcohol sales remain intact.

"The license has to be checked. Obviously, a retailer could lose their license in a heartbeat (if they don't follow the laws)," said Senator Senn.

The bill now goes to the full Senate; if it passes there, it will head to the house.

Bucknell (9-7, 1-1 PL) at College of Charleston (7-4, 0-0 CAA) When: Sunday, March 12 – 10 a.m. Where: CofC Tennis Center at Patriots Point – Mt. Pleasant, S.C.

Bucknell (9-7, 1-1 PL) at South Carolina State (2-3, 0-0 MEAC) When: Monday, March 13 – 1 p.m. Where: Hardeep Judge Tennis Center – Orangeburg, S.C.

Bucknell (9-7, 1-1 PL) at Charleston Southern (5-5, 1-0 Big South) When: Wednesday, March 15 – 12:00 p.m. Where: Gary Clark Banks Sr. Tennis Center – Charleston, S.C.

Bucknell at a Glance • Bucknell heads to South Carolina to play three matches over spring break. The Bison went 1-2 on their spring break trip to Hawaii last season. • Bucknell has been on a roll lately, collecting wins in seven of its last eight matches. The Bison are coming off a 2-0 weekend with wins over Patriot League rival Loyola and Marist. They improved to 9-7 (1-1 PL) with those victories. • Freshman Abby Platt, who earned an honorable mention for Patriot League Player of the Week for a second straight week on Tuesday, has won eight in a row in singles. She's also won six of the last seven in doubles and leads the team in dual match singles victories. • Junior Tyne Miller has won four singles matches in a row, and sophomore Anna Lajos has collected each of the last three. Lajos remains the team's leader in overall singles wins with 13. • Bucknell went 12-10 (3-3 PL) during the 2021-22 season, securing its highest win total since 2018-19. The Bison ended up falling to Loyola in the quarterfinal round of the Patriot League Championships, 4-2. • The Bison graduated their lone All-Patriot Leaguer, Daniela Bellini, in the spring. They welcomed two freshmen in the fall and entered the spring season with eight total on the roster. • Juniors Kate Novak and Miller are serving as team captains this season. • Bucknell played its first seven matches of the spring on the road before hosting its first home match on Feb. 19. • Bucknell is under the direction of fourth-year head coach Tammy Cecchini. She was previously the head coach at Valparaiso from 2015 to 2018 and spent the 2014-15 season with Valpo as an assistant coach.

Category Leaders • Overall Singles Wins: Anna Lajos (13) • Dual Match Singles Wins: Abby Platt (8) • PL Dual Match Singles Wins: Six tied (1) • Overall Doubles Wins: Abby Platt (14) • Dual Match Doubles Wins: Anna Lajos (10) • PL Dual Match Doubles Wins: Four tied (1)

College of Charleston at a Glance • The Cougars are 7-4 after falling to Samford and earning a win over SIUE on Thursday. They'll also face Miami of Ohio on Saturday before hosting the Bison on Sunday. • Graduate student Nicole Stephens currently leads the Cougars with an 8-3 singles record, followed by Halli Trinkle at 7-2. • College of Charleston finished 19-7 (7-1 CAA) last year before falling to Elon in the CAA semifinals. • College of Charleston welcomed four freshman to the team this year. The Cougars are under the direction of head coach Angelo Anastopoulo, who is in his 32nd season with the program.

South Carolina State at a Glance • The Bulldogs are 2-3 following a 5-2 win over Eastern Kentucky last week. • South Carolina State finished last season 9-9 (4-2 MEAC) and won the MEAC Championship before going up against No. 1 UNC and falling in the NCAA regionals for a second straight year. • The Bulldogs are led by long-time head coach Hardeep Judge.

Charleston Southern at a Glance • The Buccaneers are 5-5 (1-0 Big South) and will face Rhode Island and UAB before hosting the Bison on Wednesday. Charleston Southern most recently defeated Miami of Ohio 4-3 on Thursday. • Charleston Southern posted an impressive 17-6 overall record last year and went undefeated in the Big South with an 8-0 record before defeating Gardner-Webb in the championship finals and falling to Georgia in the NCAA championships. • Sophomore Noa Boyd was named the Big South Women's Tennis Player of the Week last week after going undefeated in the team's three matches. Senior Luiza Fullana has played each match at No. 1 singles. • Buccaneers head coach Anca Dumitrescu is in her fifth season with the program.

A Look Ahead • Bucknell's remaining matches on the schedule are all against Patriot League foes. The Bison host Navy at the Varsity Tennis Courts on Sunday, March 26.

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CALHOUN COUNTY, S.C. — The Fort Motte community was established in 1875, at the tail end of the Reconstruction era. This small village in Calhoun County has a rich history with a historic Black presence, and one descendant is working to make sure it's not forgotten.

“We should not be waiting for other people to tell our story," said community historian Jackie Whitmore.

Whitmore's ancestors have lived in the community for generations.

“I, like a lot of other people was not born here, was not raised here, so I’m a descendant of this community. So being a descendant of this community, I think it’s important and it’s significant to do just that, to preserve the story and the legacy of our people as it relates to this community," said Whitmore.

In July, he opened a display with photographs, news clippings, and other artifacts donated from local community members to chronicle their stories. With the help of a group of descendants of the Lang Syne Plantation known as the United Family Reunion, there are now five historical markers in the community memorializing a historic black church and cemeteries.

The sites include Oakland Cemetery, Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, Lang Syne Cemetery, Good Samaritan Cemetery, and True Blue Cemetery.

Mt. Pleasant was the first church organized by African Americans in the community. The Mt. Pleasant School educated black students from the 1870s to the 1920s after the Civil War.

“Trying to get documentation as they state, to verify the information that you have in the historical marker erected. The problem with that is there is very little to none for African Americans so the process of having a historical marker erected is cumbersome," said Whitmore.

He says he relied heavily on oral history and worked with the state department of archives and history through the process. During the process, Whitmore learned about the contributions of Fort Motte native Senator Samuel L. Duncan and Representative Edward Cain who represented Orangeburg County during the Reconstruction Era. Two memorial stones are now dedicated in their honor at the Lang Syne Cemetery and Senator Darrell Jackson passed a resolution in February to recognize their efforts on the state level.

Now, Whitmore is passing on the stories he's learned to the next generation.

“I want to impress other communities to do the same thing. Tell your own story.”

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

McClellanville

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

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

Beaufort

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

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

Hartsville

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

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

Mount Pleasant

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

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

York

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

Aiken

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

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

Georgetown

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

Pendleton

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

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

Hilton Head Island

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

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

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