AC Repair in Cane Bay, SC

BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) – A family living in one Berkeley County community said they have not been receiving their mail on a regular basis, even after contacting postal officials. That’s when they reached out to News 2’s Raymond Owens.

“We moved here about a year and a half ago and over the past year or so we have had problems with sporadic mail delivery,” said Cane Bay resident Tim Jacintho. “It doesn’t show up when it’s supposed to; it now has gotten to where we’re getting mail maybe two or three days a week.”

He said a lot of people depend on the mail for prescription medications, Social Security checks, and other items. He said everyone is frustrated with the situation.

Jacintho said he and other Cane Bay residents have reached out to the Summerville Post Office with their concerns.

“She’s been telling me what’s going on- they’ve had a lot of turnover with contractors, and they’re shorthanded. She said that the growth in the Cane Bay/Nexton area, which they serve, has put too much stress on the post office. They don’t have the staff or the facility to handle it.”

He contacted Congressman Nancy Mace’s office, and his state representative and state senator. He has not heard back from them. He said Berkeley County Supervisor Johnny Cribb returned his message.

“He, like, within a few hours, and said no thanks for reporting it. He said he can’t really do anything. It’s at the federal level.

Finally, he reached out to News 2 for help.

“I reached out to you because certainly I’m frustrated with the situation here and I know that my fellow neighbors and residents are also very frustrated,” he said.

News 2’s Raymond Owens called Congresswoman Mace’s office. Their office called Jacintho back and told him they would look into the problem.

We also called the postal service – their spokeswoman said she is researching the issue to learn more and will get back to us. They later provided the following response:

“The Postal Service appreciates its customers and always strives to provide the best possible service. We apologize for any inconvenience that may have been experienced by customers living in the Cane Bay and Nexton communities. Local management is currently working with all stakeholders to ensure any delivery concerns are resolved. We can confirm the Summerville Post Office, like many businesses, is experiencing staffing challenges; however, through successful hiring efforts we have increased our workforce significantly. The Postal Service will continue flexing our available resources to match the workload, in addition to hosting more hiring events until all positions are filled. Interested applicants should log on to http://usps.com/careers frequently to check for new postings. We appreciate the patience of our customers and the efforts of employees as conditions change on a day-to-day basis. We urge any customers with concerns or questions about their mail delivery service to contact their local Post Office, so that we can look into and resolve their concerns promptly. Customers may also visit our website at www.usps.com/help.”

News 2 will continue following this story and bring you updates as we learn more.

Paul Stoney and his staff have quietly built a massive state-of-the-art YMCA within the growing 4,500-acre Cane Bay housing community in Berkeley County. He calls it South Carolina’s best kept secret.

“When people come here, they are amazed by what we have been able to do,” said Stoney, president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Charleston and the Cane Bay Family YMCA near the development’s entrance.

On a 69-acre tract of donated land, the 54,000-square-foot Cane Bay YMCA opened in May 2019 with a branch of the Berkeley County library system as well as a variety of indoor and outdoor fitness, sports, education programs and mental health services. An average of 3,600 people of all age groups and physical abilities enter this Y weekly, Stoney said.

The Y is a hopping place. A 25-meter swimming pool and basketball courts are used by Cane Bay High School and four nearby charter schools for a variety of sports and after-school programs. Swimming lessons are growing in popularity, especially among the physically challenged and underserved communities. Youth sports, including soccer, volleyball and basketball, serve more than 1,000 children each season. The Cane Bay Y is a regional tournament venue for a variety of youth and adult sports.

The Cane Bay Family YMCA is also near international manufacturers, such as Volvo, Boeing and Mercedes Benz. Their proximity and support gives the Y a solid membership base. Stoney stresses, however, membership is not restricted to Berkeley County residents. Charlestonians can join this Y, too.

Stoney’s Lowcountry YMCA experience began in downtown Charleston at 61 Cannon St. He gave up a high-level YMCA position in central Florida in 2006 to become the CEO and president of the YMCA of Greater Charleston, which included the Cannon Street YMCA Association. The Cannon Street Y, which is the nation’s oldest Black Y, was chartered in 1866 to teach formerly enslaved people to read and participate in physical fitness.

In addition to its longevity, the Cannon Street Y is remembered as the place that nurtured the Cannon Street All-Stars Baseball Team. It was ruled ineligible to compete in the 1955 Little League World Series because white teams refused to play with Charleston’s Black players.

Before Stoney arrived in Charleston,the Cannon Street Y merged with the predominantly white Christian Family YMCA at 21 George St. to form the YMCA of Greater Charleston.

Stoney, a native of Queens, N.Y., came to Charleston with 20 years in leadership posts at large metro YMCAs around the country. The top job at the Cannon Street Y presented him with the opportunity to open more Y facilities in the Lowcountry. Accepting the job, Stoney said, placed him for the first time in the leadership position at a historically African American YMCA “where my skills were needed [since] a number of them were closing.”

Stoney realized, however, that the Cannon Street Y’s building, erected in 1955 on a tiny lot, could not continue to serve a changing Black community within a gentrifying Charleston. Because of these forces, he said, the Y was losing about $250,000 a year for 10 years, he said. The organization’s board of directors made the difficult decision to sell the Cannon Street building for $2 million and move to Berkeley County. “If we didn’t get off Cannon Street, we would be dead on the vine,” he added.

In 2009, Stoney took over the management of a financially struggling Berkeley County YMCA in Moncks Corner.

As a result, Ben Grambling of Grambling Brothers developers asked Stoney what he would need to build a YMCA at Cane Bay. That conversation led to Grambling donating 69 aces for the Berkeley County facility along with $100,000 annually for 10 years. Funds for the $28 million building came from a bank loan secured by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s rural development program. The Cane Bay Y still owes USDA $17 million over 36 years. The Y also received a $250,000 gift from McDonald’s franchise owner Carolyn Hunter-Heyward to build a swimming pool with easy access for people with disabilities.

In 2012, the Moncks Corner Y merged with the YMCA of Greater Charleston when it was on the verge of closing. It is still open, but it is again on the verge of closing.

“It has fallen in disrepair,” he said. “We have voted to sell that property.”

If the building is sold, Stoney said, the Y will continue to offer some services in the Moncks Corner area at a satellite facility.

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MOUNT PLEASANT — The fumbles, the bad snaps and penalties were to be expected.

With Hurricane Ian barreling toward the Lowcountry this weekend, Cane Bay and Wando opened their Region 6-AAAAA schedule two days early.

Instead of four days to prepare for their region opener, the two squads had just 48 hours to get ready. Both coaches expected the game to get sloppy.

And it was.

T.J. Wright and Langston Rhodes each rushed for more than 100 yards as Cane Bay rolled past Wando, 36-15, on Sept. 27 on Robert E. Hayes Field at District II Stadium.

The Cobras (4-1, 1-0 in Region 6-AAAAA) won for the third straight week, while the Warriors (1-5, 0-1) dropped their fourth consecutive game.

“Normally there’s not as many fumbles and bad snaps, but we didn’t have our normal preparation,” said Cane Bay coach Russell Zehr. “On Fridays, we don’t normally have those problems. It’s hard for the kids to stay focused when it’s a Wednesday night game.

“There really wasn’t much of a choice on when to play the game. I’d rather play on a Wednesday night when it’s dry instead of Friday in a hurricane or on Monday. This was the best option.”

Wright, a 5-11, 190-pound junior, finished with 126 yards on 15 rushing attempts and scored on runs of 4 and 31 yards. Rhodes, a 5-7, 185-pound junior, added 120 yards and 27-yard TD run for the Cobras.

The Cobras offense rolled up 318 yards on the ground.

“We put a lot of pressure on our offense to get out early, we’ve been kind of getting off to slow starts here lately,” Zehr said. “We did a great job of taking advantage of some good field position in the first half, but then I thought we took the third quarter off. We came around in the fourth quarter to finish the game. I’m really proud of their effort.”

Wright and Rhodes proved to be too much for the Warriors defense.

“They are both very powerful runners, they don’t lose yardage very often,” Zehr said. “They both have that little sideways move and are able to find that hole when it’s there.”

The Cane Bay defense was equally as effective, forcing five turnovers, including four interceptions.

“They’ve been getting better each week,” Zehr said. “We didn’t have a lot of guys that had experience from last year so they’ve continued to improve and it’s where we wanted to be come region time.”

After a Bryson Johnson TD run and safety, the Cobras led 9-3 early in the second quarter.

The Warriors tied the game at 9-9 on Landon Berry’s 54-yard interception return for a TD.

It was all Cobras after that as Cane Bay scored the next 27 points of the game.

Wednesday roundup

Trinity Collegiate 20, Porter-Gaud 7

Tony Brown rushed for 38 yards and a touchdown, but it wasn’t enough for Porter-Gaud in a 20-7 loss to Trinity Collegiate.

Zihaire Jackson ran for 64 yards and John Settle had 49 for the Cyclones.

Timberland 6, Bishop England 0

Jakiri Simmons returned a fumble 19 yards for a touchdown, and Timberland made that stand up for a 6-0 win over Bishop England.

KeShawn Brown made a game-saving interception in the end zone with 47 seconds left for Timberland (1-6) in its Region 7-AA opener.

Summerville 20, Stratford 3

Yannick Smith ran for a touchdown as Summerville defeated visiting Stratford by 20-3.

Campbell McMurry passed to Quintrelle Pettiford for another Green Wave score, and Mason Ayers kicked a pair of field goals.

The Green Wave improved to 5-1, while Stratford fell to 1-5.

Woodland 42, Hanahan 35

The Woodland Wolverines picked up their first-ever win over Hanahan, holding off the Hawks, 42-35, in a battle of unbeaten teams.

Woodland entered the game at 5-0 and had lost 13 straight games to Hanahan, which dropped to 4-1 on the season. Woodland quarterback Sudarian Harrison rushed for two scores in the final quarter and finished with more than 100 yards rushing and passing on the night.

Wednesday’s scores

Summerville 20, Stratford 3

Woodland 42, Hanahan 35

James Island 49, Colleton Co. 0

West Ashley 53, Stall 6

Timberland 6, Bishop England 0

Oceanside 42, Lake Marion 8

Beaufort 34, Philip Simmons 14

May River 49, Lucy Beckham 14

Trinity Collegiate 20, Porter-Gaud 7

Pee Dee Academy 34, Pinewood Prep 27

Faith Christian 58, Laurens Academy 6

Beaufort Academy 48, Palmetto Christian Academy 6

Hilton Head Academy 56, Charleston Collegiate 12

Goose Creek wins over Cane Bay during their Friday night game.

The Charleston Wine + Food Festival’s annual event drew crowds to events across the Lowcountry.

Lightning bolts are among the most magnificent of nature’s streaks. They can be difficult to capture, but when it’s done the results are incredible.

The winner this week is Bob Byrnes with his large bolts over Mount Pleasant. The two honorable mentions are Margaret Atwood with her cloudy dark sky with lightning running through it, and John Crawford with an image of one singular bolt striking the water.

Next week’s topic: spider webs, the more intricate the better.

The rules: Send your best photo to yourphotos@postandcourier.com by noon Thursday. Include your name, town and where the photo was taken. Add your name and the topic to the file. If you want your photo to be eligible to run in the newspaper, it must be at least 1,500 pixels, not have a commercial watermark and not have been published in another publication.

On Fridays, we first announce the editors’ pick of the week at postandcourier.com/yourphotos and declare a topic for the next week. On Saturdays, we publish an online gallery.

On Sunday, the photo pick of the week will appear in this section, Life.

All photos submitted will be considered for publication in The Post and Courier’s yearly magazine, My Charleston. Some images may be selected for other editorial or noncommercial use.

We reserve the right to not publish any photo for any reason.

Happy March! This year is flying by so fast that it’s hard to believe we’re already three months into 2023. So let’s make the most of this beautiful, not-too-hot weather and enjoy some of Charleston’s interesting attractions.

Check out the food event of the season at the Wine + Food Festival, enjoy some tasty chili at The Luxe and Chuck Chili Cookoff, bask in the sun at Front Beach Fest and more.

Wine + Food Festival

The highly anticipated Wine + Food Festival is back for another year. The festival kicks off at 1 p.m. March 3 at Riverfront Park in North Charleston. Taste exquisite meals from renowned chefs while enjoying quality wine. This year’s culinary village will feature vendors, live chef demos and multiple opportunities to sample some good eats. The three-day festival spans Friday to Sunday (March 3-5), with Saturday tickets already sold out. General, single-day admission is $135. Sunday is local’s day, meaning tri-county residents can purchase a discounted ticket for $95. This is a 21 and older event. Tickets available at bit.ly/3xURqJ9.

Front Beach Fest

Enjoy the nice weekend weather at the Front Beach Fest noon-4 p.m. March 4 on Front Beach, Isle of Palms. Groove to some good tunes by local bands Shem Creek Boogie Band and Ocean Drive Party Band. Enjoy food and merchandise vendors, as well as activities to keep the children occupied. What better way to enjoy the fresh air with the family? This event is free to attend. More information at bit.ly/3KYzy8j.

The Luxe & Chuck Chili Cookoff

Do you think your chili is award-winning good? Prove it at The Luxe and Chuck Chili Cookoff from noon-7 p.m. March 5 at Luxe Cigar Lounge. No chili? No problem. You can still go out, enjoy the game, smoke a cigar and vote on your favorite.

Entry is free, but advanced registration is required. Entry for competitors is $100, with prizes for first, second and third place. To register, go to bit.ly/41whub8.

BBQ and Brews

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day early in Goose Creek from 3-7 p.m. March 4 at the BBQ and Brews Festival at Carnes Crossroads Green Barn. This is a fun family event with live music, barbecue food vendors, beer trailers and more. Admission and parking are free, but bring a lawn chair or a blanket to spread out and enjoy the day. For more info, visit cityofgoosecreek.com/event/bbq-brews-0.

This is a part of The Post and Courier’s Q&A series throughout Black History Month highlighting Black musicians in Charleston. We feature local Black creatives throughout the year, but wanted to profile some of these Lowcountry talents during February.

Tyrie Young was voted local rapper of the year.

Q: Where did your love for music start?

A: The first instrument I played was saxophone in the sixth grade. I’ve always had a passion for the performing arts and a hunger to create music. I feel whole in the studio. I feel great telling a story through my music.

I started producing when I was 16. I had a group of friends back home in Florence and in high school, we created music together. I would eventually outgrow Florence, leave, and after a few pit stops I made it down to Charleston in 2018 to crash on my best friend Anfernee’s couch.

We worked on music together and, at the time, I knew Charleston could be the place that housed my sound and had people who would be interested in the alternative rap I was making. I had my first show at The Purple Buffalo. Not too many other places at the time housed local hip-hop. It took some time but I made some connections, tried to love everyone and focused on my craft — and bigger doors opened.

Q: Congrats on being Charleston City Paper’s 2022 hip-hop artist of the year! What does that mean to you?

A: Thank you. I cried that night at the Music Farm before I hit the stage to grab the award. It means the world to me. I take this seriously. The rap scene has felt like the unwanted child here for a few years. So many people don’t take us seriously, like I’m just another Soundcloud rapper. I’ve worked so hard on creating content that is universal and unique.

All of the late nights working in my studio, working on my sound, acquiring new gear and accepting that not everyone would like me: it paid off. … It was always a goal since I got here, and I’m proud of myself. I want more, and I’m excited about the ride I’m on. I wouldn’t be here without my Day Ones.

Q: What do you enjoy about performing?

A: I love being on stage. I practice my stage presentation like it’s a job interview. It’s a sacred place for me. I’m just on stage trying to communicate my music to the crowd in the best format that I can.

Q: What’s your creative process like?

A: I go in with a theme, start producing and then I write. I care about pushing the envelope on rap when I’m producing by adding inspiration from psychedelic rock, ambient pads and industrial textures.

Q: What’s in store for 2023?

A: 2023 is about pushing the culture forward and not looking back. I’m staying hungry and thirsty to create. I’m working on releasing music every season this year and pushing video content every week, no matter if it’s 15 seconds or 10 minutes. I want to inspire the community around me to keep going.

NORTH CHARLESTON — Riverfront Park has announced a new event featuring Mr. Worldwide himself.

Pitbull, the artist behind hits like “Gasolina,” “Give Me Everything” and “Timber,” will perform at the space that also hosts the annual High Water Festival and Wine + Food Festival’s culinary village.

The Grammy Award-winning rapper is set for a set at 5 p.m. on May 11 as part of a 10-stop nationwide tour. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. March 3 at etix.com/ticket/p/4234004/pitbull-north-charleston-riverfront-park.

There are general admission standing room tickets, as well as a VIP option. The VIP ticket comes with priority entrance, a dedicated viewing area close to the stage, private air-conditioned restrooms and access to a VIP lounge with private bars and premium cocktails, beer and wine.

All ages are permitted, and the show will go on rain or shine.

Editor’s Note: Stay tuned next week for an article highlighting some of the biggest concerts announced so far this year that are coming to the Charleston area in 2023.

SUMMERVILLE, S.C. (WCIV) — Last weekend, Cane Bay grad Kaleb Frost played his first college football game. A freshman defensive back for Mercer, the Bears beat Morehead State. Kaleb was on the field for his freshman debut.

This week, only his second college football game ever. It may be his most memorable. It will be for his dad, RaShan.

“I’m getting a chance to see my own son blaze his own path,” says the elder Frost, a pastor in North Charleston.

Their paths are quite similar, yet, noticeably different. But, paths cross. Dad, a military kid, growing up all over the place.

“Auburn was the first place I chose and left on my own terms. When I left, I left with two degrees and got into college football coaching.”

It’s been love for War Eagle ever since for RaShan. He’s constantly wearing the clothes. He’s constantly doing the chants, and he raised his kids the same way. He always roots for Auburn. Well, almost always. Did we mention, this week, Auburn’s opponent, is Mercer?

“He grew up an Auburn fan, wanted to go to Auburn and play at Auburn- even though that opportunity wasn’t available to him, the opportunity for him to go on opposite sideline, you don’t take for granted. It gives him opportunity to be on the field and see what life is like in Jordan Hare.”

We all understand what this game is about. A home game, a “should-win” for the big SEC school. A nice paycheck for the smaller SOCON school. But memories made for all. Especially, for this Summerville family that will absolutely be in Alabama this weekend.

“I’m telling them, enjoy the moment. Enjoy every opportunity, 'cause these things don’t happen very often. Look at it like a proud dad. See him do his thing at my old school. I’m not playing, so it doesn’t matter what I do. I’m the old guy.”

So the only question that remains- what does dad wear?

“As a dad, I was so proud of him because it was a dream that he wanted. Whatever my sons want to do, I will back them 100 percent. I’m going to wear Mercer shirt, I may have an Auburn hat, but a Mercer shirt for sure.”