AC Repair in North Charleston, SC

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Robert Thomas Iron Design, LLC, a modern blacksmithing company, today announced plans to expand operations in Charleston County. The company’s $2.9 million investment will create 45 new jobs over the next three years.

Founded in 2013, Robert Thomas Iron Design, LLC intertwines traditional blacksmith techniques with modern machining and fabrication methods to craft iron pieces ranging from custom architectural ironwork commissions to volume-produced pieces of furniture, decorative hardware and cookware.

Relocating within the county to 56 Hayter Street in North Charleston, Robert Thomas Iron Design, LLC’s new facility will expand the company’s operational footprint to accommodate production line growth.

The expansion is expected to be complete in the second quarter of 2023. Individuals interested in joining the Robert Thomas Iron Design, LLC team should visit the company’s careers page.

QUOTES

“We are excited about the next phase of Robert Thomas Iron Design’s growth and are very happy that we are able to do this on the historic Navy Base. Our expanded operations will enable our growing community of craftsmen and designers to have the space, equipment and support they need to keep the spirit of blacksmithing thriving in Charleston.” -Robert Thomas Iron Design Owner Robert Thomas

“The success of our existing industries is critical to South Carolina’s strong and growing economy. Today we celebrate Robert Thomas Iron Design, LLC’s expansion and 45 new jobs in Charleston County. Congratulations, and we look forward to their continued success.” -Gov. Henry McMaster

“Congratulations to Robert Thomas Iron Design, LLC on expanding in Charleston County. It’s particularly exciting to announce the growth of a modern blacksmithing company such as Robert Thomas Iron Design, LLC. We look forward to seeing how the company continues to inspire modern craftsmanship in Charleston County and across South Carolina.” -Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III

“Blacksmithing is experiencing a modern artistic revival, and we are proud that Robert Thomas Iron Design, LLC has committed to growing this craft in Charleston County. Their investment and creation of new jobs is a welcome addition to the community.” -Charleston County Council Chairman Teddie Pryor

Vicki Gannon has been bowling at Sandpiper Lanes in North Charleston for more than 40 years.

By the end of the month, she will have to find a new place to enjoy the pastime with friends.

The 2.5-acre corner property at the heavily traveled Ashley Phosphate and Cross County roads intersection where the bowling alley has hosted countless tournaments for the past 45 years has been sold. Employees have been told the lanes will close by the end of May.

The buyer of the property is Encore-Ashley Phosphate LLC of Sullivan’s Island, an affiliate of Encore Real Estate Development of Tampa, Fla. The firm paid $3.1 million for the 32-lane bowling center in late March, according to Charleston County land records.

The previous owner was the family-operated CGC Recreation Inc. of Greenwood, which paid $1.25 million for the property in 2003.

An Encore representative did not immediately respond for comment about the purchase.

A site work permit application for a convenience store and gas station has been submitted to the city of North Charleston, city spokesman Ryan Johnson said.

Bowling center staff member David Morga found it hard to digest when he first heard about the sale and looming closing of the longtime business.

“I was shocked,” Morga said. “They remodeled in 2017, and last year was one of the best years we ever had. This is definitely going to hurt the bowling world. Tournaments bring people from all over the state as well as North Carolina and Georgia.”

Gannon said she was saddened by the closing of the bowling alley, where senior leagues have played for many years.

“We have become like family,” she said.

Longtime bowler Michelle Eleazer Smith said she, too, was stunned to learn of the decision in April.

“The closure is so sad,” said Smith, who has been bowling since 1978 at Sandpiper Lanes. “There are not a ton of options if you play in a league or are a sanctioned player looking to play in a tournament.”

Smith said the bowling alley’s demise will leave three other venues in the Lowcountry for sanctioned players: Royal Lanes in Goose Creek, Ashley Lanes in West Ashley and Swamp Fox Lanes in Moncks Corner. Other public and private bowling sites are in the Charleston area, as well.

In a farewell nod to the longtime entertainment site, Morga said Sandpiper Lanes will throw a going- away party from 8 p.m. until midnight May 14.

NORTH CHARLESTON — Like many students, Octavia Edwards didn’t learn about Juneteenth in school. So she was completely surprised to learn several years ago that Blacks in Texas didn’t learn about their freedom until 1865 — some two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed.

Edwards then began to think about Charleston and the city’s Gullah Geechee roots and the large number of slaves that entered the U.S. through the port city. Though there have been Juneteenth celebrations in the past, Edwards felt the day hadn’t been getting its just due.

“It’s really up to us to make this thing like a big deal,” Edwards said.

Through her nonprofit, Passion Project Initiatives Inc., Edwards launched the Juneteenth Family Fest last year. The program, which had a successful showing despite rainy weather, returns June 18 with higher expectations.

“We’re using that platform to offer resources, education, empowerment and community engagement,” Edwards said.

Now a federal holiday, Juneteenth’s official day is June 19. The day lends an opportunity to remember the journey of African Americans and to celebrate their contributions. The family fest seeks to do just that. The free event at North Charleston’s Riverfront Park will feature local vendors, food trucks, scholarship giveaways, an HBCU college fair, musical performances from local artists and a fireworks show.

One critique that guests gave after last year’s program was the need for more interactive activities, Edwards said.

“We’re really focused on that ... giving more of a rich experience with all of our community partners and sponsors,” Edwards said.

The festival will be co-hosted by Kris Kaylin and Geechie Motivator. While July 4 celebrates America’s independence from Great Britain, Juneteenth acknowledges Black people’s freedom, Kaylin said.

Kaylin said there aren’t many spaces in the Charleston area for Black people to come together, celebrate their culture and be their authentic selves. Last year’s Juneteenth fest provided that space, she said.

“It just felt great to be loud, proud and Black,” Kaylin said.

Organizers are expecting a large turnout. More than 4,000 people have already registered for the festival, Edwards said.

“We just cannot be any more satisfied with the support that we’re getting just from the community,” she said.

Passion Project has taken steps to ensure a large turnout. The nonprofit coordinated with other event organizers around the Lowcountry to ensure the Riverfront Park festival didn’t conflict with other Juneteenth events happening throughout the weekend. The Lowcountry Juneteenth Experience was established to ensure celebrations didn’t overlap, she said.

“We can call support and come out to each other’s events,” she said.

Carnival Cruise Line will soon no longer have a homeport in Charleston.

South Carolina Ports and Carnival Cruise Lines announced Wednesday that the two parties have reached an agreement not to extend the homeport cruising contract in Charleston beyond 2024.

The agreement will provide more space for the redevelopment of Union Pier Terminal, unlocking a transformational opportunity within the city of Charleston, the Ports Authority said in an emailed statement.

South Carolina Ports will continue welcoming port-of-calls, according to the release.

“Since 2010, Carnival has been a great business partner and worked alongside our maritime community to benefit our overall maritime commerce mission,” the statement said. “As we look to the future, South Carolina Ports will continue to evaluate the market and looks forward to continued partnerships and opportunities.”

Carnival released the following statement: "It is amazing to see the continued growth of Charleston’s tourism economy, and Carnival is proud to have been a part it of since 2010. While exciting for the future of Charleston, the redevelopment of Union Pier Terminal will unfortunately mean Carnival will no longer homeport a ship in Charleston beyond 2024. We will work with the Ports Authority to explore future opportunities in Charleston. In the meantime, it is business as usual and we look forward to seeing our guests aboard Carnival Sunshine through 2024."

South Carolina Ports continues to handle record cargo volumes while making significant progress with terminal and berth fluidity amid ongoing supply chain challenges, the organization announced in a recent news release.

SC Ports had its highest April ever for containers handled, marking the 14th consecutive month of cargo records at the Port of Charleston. Strong volumes are driven by sustained retail imports, which were up 34% in April compared to last year.

SC Ports handled 264,099 20-foot equivalent container units (TEUs) at Wando Welch Terminal, North Charleston Terminal and Leatherman Terminal in April, up 17% from last year, the release stated. SC Ports has moved 2.4 million TEUs thus far in fiscal year 2022, from July through April, up 15% fiscal year-over-year.

April marked an all-time record for pier containers, which account for boxes of any size, according to the release. SC Ports handled 145,779 pier containers last month, a 16% increase year-over-year. Thus far in fiscal year 2022, SC Ports has moved 1.3 million pier containers, up nearly 15% from the same period the year prior.

JAMES ISLAND — Rebekah Lambooy knows the financial burdens single mothers face living in the Charleston region where housing costs have risen dramatically in recent years.

Lambooy, a single mom of three — two boys and a girl — struggled after her divorce in 2012 to make ends meet. At the time, she had been paying just under $1,000 in rent. She didn’t qualify for government assistance because her income was just below the federal threshold.

Lambooy decided in 2012 to return to college and complete her bachelor’s degree to advance her career. In 2016, she obtained her business degree from the College of Charleston, earning her a raise at her job as a paralegal.

But Lambooy also used her business knowledge to establish a nonprofit that seeks to help other single mothers in similar situations. The James Island resident formed HerIndependence, which provides affordable housing for single mothers obtaining post-secondary education.

Lambooy said she’s grateful to be able to help provide some financial relief for mothers making an effort to advance their education in order to provide for their families.

“I’ve been there, done that,” she said. “I want to help somebody with just a portion of assistance that I can do.”

Lambooy got interested in housing while in college, and the interest inspired her to get a real estate license after graduating. She had also been noticing the rising costs of rent that had taking shape over the years, and she saw affordable housing as a path that could help families in need.

HerIndependence now owns three houses. Two had been abandoned buildings before the nonprofit refurbished them. They house two families where single mothers are heading back to school.

A third home is currently being redone for a new family.

The organization said it has relied mostly on federal housing funds funneled through the city of North Charleston. But as construction costs rise, Lambooy fears it could impact her organization’s ability to provide housing. She eventually wants the group to expand and host multiple projects across the region.

Donations can be made online at herindependence.com.

“This isn’t a handout,” said board member Jennifer Abrusia. “This is a way to help people who want to help themselves.”

Abrusia and Lambooy are friends who initially bonded over shared experiences. Like Lambooy, Abrusia was a single mother who struggled at times financially. The two also share the fact that they each received strong support from relatives.

“We both have kind of walked this path a little bit,” Abrusia said.

Lambooy recalled the difficult journey of balancing classes, children and a full-time job.

She scheduled her college courses at 8 a.m. so she’d be home in time to take her children to school. She’d then go to work, and then pick them up from school in the afternoon. Her day wasn’t complete until she’d finished taking them to their sports and other extracurricular activities.

Lambooy, too, said she’s thankful for those who stepped in and gave her a helping hand.

“I have a lot of supportive friends and family,” she said.