Shellie Murdaugh

4 days ago | blufftontoday.com | Shellie Murdaugh

Ten years ago, Rev. Clementa Pinckney and eight parishioners were killed in a racially motivated shooting at Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina. Pinckney's family has kept his memory alive through scholarships, a foundation, and community outreach. The Rev. Clementa Pinckney Foundation provides resources and support to South Carolina communities. An upcoming foundation event will distribute school supplies and offer food and entertainment in Jasper County.

4 days ago | blufftontoday.com | Shellie Murdaugh

Ridgeland, SC residential water and sewer rates will increase 5% and 7% respectively starting July 1. Commercial water rates will decrease by 1%. The increases are attributed to rising costs in salaries, chemicals, equipment, and energy, as well as increased state and federal regulatory requirements. A rate study confirmed the increases were necessary to avoid operating losses and fund capital improvement projects.

1 week ago | blufftontoday.com | Shellie Murdaugh

The Coosawhatchie Community Center was demolished in 2023 without many citizens knowing about it. Citizens are now asking council to begin the rebuilding process for a new building. The Coosawhatchie Community Center, formerly an elementary school, was demolished in 2023 due to mold and asbestos. Community members are requesting Jasper County Council allocate funds in the 2026 budget to rebuild the center. County officials admitted to poor communication with the public regarding the demolition.

2 weeks ago | blufftontoday.com | Shellie Murdaugh

A $825 million project to widen and improve 10 miles of I-95 from the Savannah River to U.S. 278 has been awarded by the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT). The project, done in conjunction with the Georgia Department of Transportation, aims to alleviate traffic congestion, improve safety, and accommodate growth. Funding comes from Federal Interstate funds, State Rural Interstate funds, and the Georgia DOT, with completion expected by 2030.

2 weeks ago | blufftontoday.com | Shellie Murdaugh

Gene Ceccarelli won the Republican runoff election for the Jasper County Council Coosawhatchie Township seat against Richard Arzillo. Ceccarelli secured 1,168 votes, while Arzillo received 755 votes, with a 7.39% voter turnout. Ceccarelli will now face Democrat Patricia Hicks Dupont and SC Forward party member Cathleen DeCourcy in the July 22 special election. The runoff was held after no candidate achieved a majority in the May 20 special Republican primary.