Shellie Murdaugh

1 week ago | blufftontoday.com | Shellie Murdaugh

A whale was stranded alive on Hilton Head Island May 4, but due to the condition of the whale, it was euthanized the next night, according to NOAA officials. A 30-foot sperm whale stranded on Hilton Head Island was euthanized due to its poor condition. The whale, a young male, was far from its natural habitat and significantly emaciated. A necropsy is being conducted to determine the cause of death, which could range from natural causes to human-related factors.

1 week ago | blufftontoday.com | Shellie Murdaugh

Tropical Storm Debby caused significant flooding and road closures in Jasper County last August. U.S. 278, a main travel artery severely damaged by the storm, has reopened after nearly a year of repairs, including the addition of a bridge. Other road projects unrelated to storm damage are also underway in Jasper County, including improvements to SC 462 and US 321. SCDOT encourages the public to check their website and social media for updates on current and future road projects.

1 week ago | blufftontoday.com | Shellie Murdaugh

The Town of Bluffton celebrated Arbor Day by planting two trees April 25 at Oscar Frazier Park. The town has also been a Tree City USA Community for 15 years. Bluffton celebrated Arbor Day and its 15th year as a Tree City USA designee. Two live oak trees were planted at Oscar Frazier Park, replacing diseased ones. Arbor Day is a nearly 150-year-old tradition started in Nebraska. Bluffton Town Manager Stephen Steese emphasized the importance of trees to the town's identity.

2 weeks ago | blufftontoday.com | Shellie Murdaugh

Novant Health opened a new multispecialty clinic in Beaufort, South Carolina, offering services such as cardiology, podiatry, and bariatric surgery. The clinic is expected to create approximately 80 new jobs in the area. The facility aims to provide more accessible and coordinated care for patients in the Beaufort region. Novant Health continues to expand its network in South Carolina, including recent acquisitions and the opening of a new orthopedics and sports medicine clinic in Beaufort.

2 weeks ago | blufftontoday.com | Shellie Murdaugh

A pedestrian was killed in a hit and run incident involving two vehicles on Okatie Highway in Beaufort County, South Carolina on April 27. The South Carolina Highway Patrol is searching for a 2016-2018 Honda Civic with lower passenger-side front damage. Authorities are also looking for an SUV with possible undercarriage damage, both seen fleeing westbound towards Bluffton. The victim, Dontay Frost, 39, of Ridgeland, died at the scene from blunt force injuries.