MORNING NEWSBREAK | The combination of rain and high winds during Hurricane Helene two weeks ago heavily affected South Carolina farms, damaging acres of crops, washing out trees and threatening livestock.
Exactly how much damage Hurricane Helene caused to farms across the state is still unclear, according to the South Carolina Daily Gazette. But from what researchers surveying the effects have heard so far, some farmers suffered devastating losses that may set them back years.
Meanwhile, many South Carolina school districts lost instructional days due to Helene, as some reopened this week. State law requires all districts to have at least 180 instructional days per year, but with something as devastating as Helene, it begins a process that could wind up at the State House before the General Assembly.
“There is some flexibility here,” said S.C. Department of Education spokesman Jason Raven. “There are e-learning days. Some school districts can use holidays, cut their spring break short, take a day away from there. So it may not necessarily be where a school district will have to go further into the summertime.”
In the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Helene, about 1.3 million South Carolinians were without power, but as of Oct. 11, the number has been reduced to just over 1,200. The death toll reached 49 as of Oct. 9, according to WYFF-TV.
In City Paper news today:
CP OPINION: Charleston City Council members need to keep freshman mayor in check. “At a Tuesday city council meeting, Councilman William Dudley Gregorie tore into Cogswell about a dull new simplified logo based on the city’s seal. He outlined how the protocol and process of doing things are important. He stressed how decisions should be more inclusive and team-oriented.”
CP FOCUS: Moe’s Crosstown remains a beloved local watering hole. Moe’s Crosstown Tavern celebrates 26 years in Charleston this November — a notable feat for a burger joint. Owner Mike Tronoski says he had no idea Moe’s would last as long as it has. And yet, there was something a bit fortuitous about those early days.
CP NEWS: Pioneering Charleston sexual assault center charts the next 50 years. TriCounty S.P.E.A.K.S. (TCS) is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. In 2023 in Charleston, TCS answered 1,428 calls through its 24/7 crisis prevention hotline, which provides counseling, assistance, resources and law enforcement support for callers in need.
CP FOOD: Loyalty app Blackbird expands in Charleston. Blackbird’s founder, Ben Leventhal, said Blackbird, which is also available in New York City and San Francisco, will be available for use within 50 Charleston area restaurants by the end of the year.
CP ART: Artists collaborate on Friday-only ‘Beach Creeps’ surf bar. From the inventive minds of Taylor Faulkner and Creighton Barrett comes “Beach Creeps,” a one-night-only immersive art experience at Hed Hi Studio from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
CP MUSIC: Dangermuffin returns with new album. The band’s new album is its first studio release since 2018, and it’s brimming with exciting musical ideas and experimental exploration.
In other recent headlines:
Downtown Charleston crime decreases after King Street safety plan implemented. Recent data show crime has decreased in Charleston’s Central Business District since a safety initiative was implemented.
Impact Charleston looking to reduce recidivism. Impact Charleston presented a new community created by inmates taking classes at the Al Cannon Detention Center called Brighton cove, which would house former veterans and ex-offenders.
Charleston Co. leaders discuss preventing vulnerability to weather damage. Charleston County leaders heard a presentation from research teams about climate hazard vulnerability in the area, and suggested action to prepare for and prevent damage expected from climate change in the next decades.
Charleston Co. leaders discuss involvement in Union Pier financing plan. Charleston County Council members met on Thursday night to further discuss their involvement in the Union Pier redevelopment plan.
Officials improve safety, pedestrian traffic in North Charleston music fest. The Riverfront Revival Music Festival is back in the Lowcountry and officials are working to make sure everyone stays safe.
Mount Pleasant sends Towne Centre redevelopment plan back to drawing board. The owner of Mount Pleasant Towne Centre has been sent back to the starting line with its redevelopment plans after six months of back-and-forth.
Redeveloped Navy storehouse to debut as arts and event venue. A former storehouse in Navy Yard Charleston is reopening this month as a venue, and two events are lined up on its fall schedule.
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