District officials say the “Puttin’ on the Ritz” hiring event comes as BCSD prepares to open two new schools this August, creating a wide range of new employment opportunities. The hiring fair will take place Friday, Feb. 21, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Stratford High School (951 Crowfield Blvd.) in Goose Creek.

Administrators from every Berkeley County school, along with central office departments, will be on site to meet with prospective employees. According to the district, school leaders will be “dressed to the nines” and ready to speak directly with candidates — including the possibility of offering a teaching contract on the spot.

While the district is actively recruiting teachers, officials say the event is open to anyone interested in working for BCSD, including candidates seeking non-teaching positions.

District leaders describe the hiring event as an opportunity for candidates to make meaningful, face-to-face connections with decision-makers across the system as the district expands to meet growing enrollment.

Those interested in attending are encouraged to register in advance through an online sign-up form provided by the district.

The post Berkeley County School District to Host Upcoming Hiring Event first appeared on The Berkeley Observer.

The ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. and will include a South Carolina Air National Guard flyover, organizers announced. The event is sponsored by Gen. Marion’s Brigade, the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR), with participation from the 169th Fighter Wing (SCANG) and the Washington Light Infantry. The National Anthem will be performed by Miriah Wright.

Following the memorial, attendees are invited to register for wreath presentations and a barbecue gathering. Organizers say proceeds from the barbecue, priced at $10, will support local preservation efforts, with donations accepted at Belle Isle Presbyterian Church. Those interested in registering for wreaths or learning more can contact GeneralMarionsBrigade@gmail.com.

SEE ALSO:

• 15 Surprising Things You Never Knew About Francis Marion

Who was Francis Marion?

Francis Marion was a Continental Army officer during the American Revolutionary War and one of South Carolina’s most celebrated military figures. He earned the nickname “The Swamp Fox” for his use of unconventional guerrilla warfare tactics, leading small, mobile units through the Lowcountry’s swamps and forests to harass British forces.

Marion’s strategy of surprise attacks, rapid movement and deep knowledge of the local terrain proved highly effective, helping weaken British control in South Carolina during some of the war’s most critical moments. His leadership played a significant role in keeping the patriot cause alive in the Southern colonies.

Significance to Berkeley County

Francis Marion has deep historical ties to Berkeley County, where he lived, trained troops and conducted military operations during the war. Much of the landscape he once used for cover and maneuvering lies within present-day Berkeley County. Pineville, where Marion is buried, remains a focal point for honoring his legacy.

Local historians say Marion’s actions helped shape the region’s identity and left a lasting mark on South Carolina’s role in securing American independence. Annual memorial events like this one aim to preserve that history and educate new generations about the county’s Revolutionary War roots.

Organizers encourage residents and visitors to attend the Feb. 27 service to pay tribute to Marion’s legacy and reflect on Berkeley County’s place in the nation’s founding history.

The post Francis Marion Memorial Service Planned in Pineville first appeared on The Berkeley Observer.

Attorney General Alan Wilson announced that Austin Thomas Woodard, of Goose Creek, was arrested on Jan. 16, 2026, following an investigation by Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force investigators with the Goose Creek Police Department. Investigators from the Attorney General’s Office, which is also part of the state’s ICAC Task Force, assisted in the case.

STAY IN THE LOOP

Sign Up for Berkeley County, SC Newsletter

Authorities say the investigation began after a CyberTipline report was received from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). That report led investigators to Woodard, whom they allege produced child sexual abuse material.

Woodard is charged with two counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, first degree, under South Carolina law (§16-15-395). Each charge is a felony offense punishable by up to 20 years in prison.

The case will be prosecuted by the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office.

Officials emphasized that Woodard is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

The investigation remains part of broader efforts by state and local agencies to combat crimes involving the sexual exploitation of children.

The post Goose Creek Man Charged With Child Sexual Exploitation first appeared on The Berkeley Observer.

A drop-in public information meeting for Phase 2 of the U.S. 176 Widening Project is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 29, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Cane Bay High School cafeteria, located at 1624 State Road in Summerville.

STAY IN THE LOOP

Sign Up for Berkeley County, SC Newsletter

The project will widen U.S. 176 from two lanes to four lanes between Nexton Parkway and Jedburg Road and will include the addition of turn lanes at key intersections. County officials say the improvements are designed to accommodate growing traffic volumes and address increasing congestion in the area.

Residents who attend the meeting will have the opportunity to review project details, ask questions and share feedback with county representatives. The meeting is structured as a drop-in event, allowing community members to arrive at any time during the two-hour window.

For those unable to attend in person, meeting materials are available online at US176BerkeleySC.com, where residents can also submit comments through an online feedback form.

The U.S. 176 Widening Project Phase 2 is funded through Berkeley County’s 2022 One Cent Sales Tax Referendum, a voter-approved program that supports transportation and infrastructure improvements across the county.

The post Berkeley County to Host Public Meeting on U.S. 176 Widening Project first appeared on The Berkeley Observer.

Mayor Pro Tem Jerry Tekac joined City Councilmember Gayla McSwain and city staff to celebrate the opening of popular burger chain, Five Guys, which is now serving customers at 2820 N. Main St. in Goose Creek, in the Carnes Crossroads area.

STAY IN THE LOOP

Sign Up for Berkeley County, SC Newsletter

Five Guys is known for its made-to-order hamburgers, hot dogs and hand-cut fries, along with milkshakes that can be customized with a wide range of mix-ins. The restaurant operates in a fast-casual format, offering counter service with a focus on fresh ingredients and simple menus.

City officials welcomed the business as a new addition to the local dining scene, noting its arrival adds another option for residents and visitors along the busy North Main Street corridor.

The Goose Creek Five Guys, which began serving customers in mid-December, is open seven days a week, with hours from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Sunday, and offers dine-in and takeout service.

The post Five Guys Celebrates New Goose Creek Location With Ribbon-Cutting first appeared on The Berkeley Observer.

Berkeley County officials and company leaders gathered Thursday to celebrate the one-year production anniversary at the facility, located within the Bushy Park Industrial Complex in Goose Creek. The milestone marks a year of rapid growth since HII began local production in January 2025, following its acquisition of W International SC, LLC and Vivid Empire SC, LLC.

The 44-acre site serves as a metal fabrication hub specializing in shipbuilding structures, modules and assemblies. It plays a key role in supporting the U.S. Navy and is contributing to the construction of the next generation of aircraft carriers, including the Gerald R. Ford–class, the first new aircraft carrier design in decades.

STAY IN THE LOOP

Sign Up for Berkeley County, SC Newsletter

Berkeley County Supervisor Johnny Cribb praised both the company and the local workforce, calling the operation a major asset to national defense and the regional economy.

“We are proud to have an industry that supports the strategic objectives of the United States Military in Berkeley County,” Cribb said. He noted that Newport News Shipbuilding has spent 140 years building roughly 80 percent of the Navy’s ships and submarines, and said the Charleston operation surpassed all of its goals in its first year largely because of the region’s workforce.

HII formally marked the anniversary on Jan. 22 with a facility tour and a town hall for shipbuilders, attended by community and Navy leaders. Company officials said the South Carolina team delivered its first shipbuilding unit within 40 days of the acquisition closing and exceeded production targets throughout 2025.

“Today, we celebrate our teammates here in South Carolina for the incredible difference you are making and will continue to make,” said Newport News Shipbuilding President Kari Wilkinson. She emphasized that employees across South Carolina and Virginia are working together as part of one shipbuilding team.

Rear Adm. Jonathan Rucker, program executive officer for attack submarines, highlighted the facility’s role in expanding national shipbuilding capacity. He described the work as part of a broader effort known as “distributed shipbuilding,” which spreads production across multiple sites to meet rising demand for submarines and aircraft carriers.

“You are crucial as we continue to ramp up submarine and carrier shipbuilding,” Rucker told employees, thanking them for their daily contributions.

The Goose Creek operation sits along the Cooper River on more than 45 acres and includes over 480,000 square feet of covered manufacturing space. Its location offers rail, barge and truck access, room for expansion and proximity to South Carolina’s growing maritime workforce.

HII officials say the site is a cornerstone of the company’s distributed shipbuilding initiative, which includes partnerships with more than 20 shipyards and fabricators beyond its traditional labor markets, as well as international manufacturers. The effort is aimed at increasing production throughput and meeting the Navy’s long-term shipbuilding needs.

HII, headquartered in Virginia, is the nation’s largest military shipbuilder and employs about 44,000 people worldwide.

The post HII Marks One Year of Shipbuilding Operations in Berkeley County first appeared on The Berkeley Observer.

The assessment is a key step in determining whether the department meets established professional standards covering policies and procedures, administration, operations, and support services. Accreditation is designed to promote accountability, consistency, and best practices across law enforcement agencies statewide.

STAY IN THE LOOP

Sign Up for Berkeley County, SC Newsletter

As part of the review, community members are being invited to provide written comments regarding the department’s ability to comply with accreditation standards. Officials say public feedback is an important component of the process and helps evaluators gain a broader understanding of the department’s relationship with the community it serves.

Comments may be submitted by email to Accreditation Manager Alison Sauer at alison.sauer@monckscornersc.gov, or by mail to:

Moncks Corner Police Department
Attn: Accreditation
118 Carolina Ave.
Moncks Corner, SC 29461

The post Public Input Sought in Moncks Corner Police Accreditation Review first appeared on The Berkeley Observer.

The Lowcountry-area performance will feature special guest Lil Jon, the GRAMMY® Award-winning artist known for his signature party anthems and high-octane stage presence. Together, the two artists promise a night packed with chart-topping hits, crowd favorites, and nonstop celebration.

For fans in Berkeley County and the surrounding region who can’t make the Daniel Island show, Pitbull will also perform nearby in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Wednesday, May 20, at Truliant Amphitheater.

STAY IN THE LOOP

Sign Up for Berkeley County, SC Newsletter

Pitbull, known worldwide as “Mr. Worldwide,” remains one of the most consistent and successful touring artists of his generation. According to Billboard Boxscore, he has grossed more than $250 million and sold over 4.7 million tickets globally. His most recent Party After Dark Tour marked the biggest solo run of his career, with more than 50 shows across 13 countries.

The North American leg of the “I’m Back” Tour, produced by Live Nation, kicks off May 14 in West Palm Beach, Florida, and runs through late September, with stops in major cities across the U.S. and Canada. The Daniel Island performance stands out as one of the tour’s key Southeast dates.

Ticket Information

Fans can register for Pitbull’s Artist Presale by Monday, January 26 at 10 p.m. ET at livemu.sc/pitbull. The presale begins Wednesday, January 28 at 10 a.m. local time, with general ticket sales starting Friday, January 30 at 10 a.m. through LiveNation.com.

VIP packages will also be available, offering premium seating, backstage tours, access to the Voli305 VIP Lounge, and exclusive merchandise. More details can be found at vipnation.com.

With Daniel Island’s Credit One Stadium set to host one of the tour’s most anticipated Southeast shows, local fans won’t have to travel far to experience Pitbull and Lil Jon’s signature party atmosphere live.

The post Pitbull to Bring “I’m Back” Tour to Daniel Island’s Credit One Stadium first appeared on The Berkeley Observer.

Goose Creek City Councilmember Debra Green-Fletcher joined city staff and the Berkeley Chamber of Commerce for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the bank’s new location at 2444 North Main Street in the Carnes Crossroads area.

The event highlighted the bank’s commitment to the local community, with South Atlantic Bank making donations to Helping Hands of Goose Creek Inc. and the Coastal Community Foundation. Both organizations provide support and resources to residents across the Lowcountry.

STAY IN THE LOOP

Sign Up for Berkeley County, SC Newsletter

City officials said the new branch brings additional financial services to the growing Carnes Crossroads community while also strengthening partnerships between local businesses and nonprofit organizations.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony served as both a business milestone and a celebration of community collaboration, with leaders emphasizing the importance of supporting organizations that serve Goose Creek residents.

South Atlantic Bank’s Goose Creek location is now open to customers, offering a full range of banking services to individuals and businesses in the area.

The post South Atlantic Bank Opens in Goose Creek first appeared on The Berkeley Observer.

Moncks Corner Mayor Thomas Hamilton recently announced that Cook Out and Panda Express have received permits to start building. Cook Out will be located on Rembert Dennis Boulevard near Food Lion, while Panda Express is planned for the Foxbank area.

Cook Out, a popular Southeastern fast‑food chain known for its chargrilled burgers, barbecue trays, milkshakes, and drive‑thru‑only service model, has developed a strong following across the Carolinas. Its arrival marks the chain’s first entry into Berkeley County.

SEE ALSO:

• Cook Out Plans To Open Moncks Corner Restaurant

Panda Express, the nation’s largest fast‑casual Chinese restaurant, will also be opening its first Berkeley County location. The chain is known for dishes such as Orange Chicken, Beijing Beef, Honey Walnut Shrimp, and a variety of wok‑fired entrees served with rice or noodles.

Mayor Hamilton said construction should move quickly once ground is broken, adding to the momentum of rapid commercial expansion in Moncks Corner and surrounding communities.

Both projects reflect the area’s growing population and increasing demand for diverse dining options. Town officials say the new restaurants will bring additional convenience for residents and contribute to the county’s expanding economic landscape.

No opening dates have been announced, but visible construction activity is expected soon.

The post Cook Out, Panda Express Set to Break Ground in Moncks Corner first appeared on The Berkeley Observer.