MORNING HEADLINES | International Paper, a solid employer in Georgetown for more than 85 years, has announced it is closing its paper mill, a move that will put 670 South Carolinians out of a job by the end of the year.
International Paper is Georgetown’s largest employer, according to the Georgetown County Economic Development Office.
“This decision is especially difficult because of the impact on hard-working employees, their families and the surrounding communities,” mill manager Bernie Chascin said in the announcement, which noted that the company plans to offer severance benefits, outplacement services and access to mental health services.
Local business leaders said the loss will impact not only the workers and their families but also the suppliers and businesses that rely on the plant.
“International Paper has been a fixture in our community for decades, playing a large role in our local economy and supporting our community,” Georgetown Mayor Carol Jayroe said. “The shutting down of the mill is unfortunate because of the positive impact it has sustained over the years in Georgetown. Our hearts go out to those being affected by this closure.”
The 87-year-old mill will shut down in stages with a full closure expected by the end of the year.
In City Paper news today:
CP FOCUS: Half-penny sales tax ballot questions split Charleston voters. Two ballot questions up for vote in next week’s election have Charleston County residents split, with notable advocacy groups and community leaders loudly proclaiming their opposition.
CP OPINION, BAKER: Rail safety is union business year round. “Our rail system plays a crucial role locally, supporting 339,700 jobs and generating more than $56.8 billion in economic output across the state. From the mountains in the west to the coast in the east, our 2,300 miles of tracks are the arteries of commerce. But an industry like rail comes with a duty to ensure the safety of the people working on the tracks and those living near them.”
CP CARTOONS
CP NEWS: Grant to protect 62K acres in state’s ‘wood basket’. The Forest Legacy Program on Tuesday announced approval of a $50 million grant to permanently protect more than 62,000 acres of forested land in the “Pee Dee Basin” properties in Marion, Williamsburg and Georgetown counties.
CP NEWS: Climate change spurs renewed interest in nuclear power. Given the rapid pace of climate change, a growing number of environmental activists argue that nuclear energy, which has carbon emissions even lower than wind and solar power, will have to be part of the solution. That’s why some now even support Microsoft’s plan to restart the Three Mile Island plant as a way to feed its power-hungry Pennsylvania data centers.
CP NEWS: Down Home festival pitched for Charleston, Barbados. Barbados-born Kevin Farmer ended his first visit to Charleston recently with the vision of an annual festival to celebrate the historic ties between his Caribbean homeland and South Carolina.
CP FOOD: Cakette Bakeshop opening soon in Park Circle. After years of working in and leading other bakeries, such as Atlanta’s Little Tart Bakeshop, and working alongside famed bakers like the New York Times–bestselling cookbook author Cheryl Day, Courtney Colangelo knew she had the experience to back up her dream. She just needed the right location.
In other recent headlines:
What to do with your pumpkins post-Halloween. If you’d rather not let it rot on your front porch in the southern heat, the city of Charleston’s Department of Resilience and Sustainability has some fun and practical ways to dispose of your creation.
State panel votes to remove seven books from S.C. schools. The board’s Instructional Materials Review Committee agreed with staff that seven other contemporary novels should be removed from classrooms and library shelves, while three classic novels can stay. Those recommendations will go for final approval before the full state board on Tuesday.
Charleston Waterkeeper sees record-high bacteria. Charleston Waterkeeper’s Andrew Wunderley says bacteria levels are on the rise. This year’s average bacteria levels exceeded last year’s by 40% while also being 7% higher than the organization’s historical sampling average.
James Island announces immersive driving tour. James Island visitors and residents alike will have a new way to learn about the community’s history starting in November with “Voices of the Revolution,” an immersive driving tour on Nov. 10 from 2-5 p.m. at Fort Johnson.
Charleston’s Colonial Lake to be lit this Christmas. Light the Lake, the popular holiday event, will return Dec. 6 for its ninth year after a $25,000 infusion from the city, according to spokeswoman Deja Knight McMillan.
Pilot error caused missing F-35 jet over North Charleston. Marine investigators say an F-35B stealth fighter pilot grew disoriented amid multiple system failures while flying in stormy weather over North Charleston in 2023, prompting the pilot to eject even though the jet was still capable of flying.
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