Roofer in McClellanville, SC

MCCLELLANVILLE, S.C. (WCIV) — Local Lowcountry watermen are trying to find more people who want to work out on the water and expand the seafood industry across the South Carolina coast.

The South Carolina Commercial Seafood Apprenticeship Program is hoping to reel in the next generation of maritime enthusiasts.

The program, based in McClellanville, is a one-month program that teaches people the knowledge and skills needed to start a career in commercial fishing or mariculture.

The first class just graduated, and four out of the five graduates are now in maritime industry-related jobs.

Instructors say they have up to 12 spots in the next class for those interested in joining.

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"They got to see that you could actually make a living, a good living in the water, working hard with your hands and feeding people,"Pete Kornack with Livingston's Bulls Bay Seafood said.

"It's a whole industry out there that people not aware of," Huger McClellan, President of the McClellanville Watermen’s Association, said.

Students learn the ropes, and then dive into action. Sea Grant Living Marine Resources Program Specialist Jocelyn Juliano said students spend some days on land knot-tying, net-mending, welding, and studying marine engine mechanics.

Juliano says other days are spent on the water, "wild oystering, shrimping, crabbing." Instructors said after the month-long program, students are hooked. The graduates offer a solution to their dying industry.

"We got what? 2,000 or 3,000 shrimp fleets and that's it? It's kind of diminishing. We need to build awareness. We need to let people know that we still got plenty of shrimp," Kornack said.

"It'll help grow that local economy, preserve our local seafood, you know, industry and heritage," Juliano said.

The South Carolina Sea Grant Consortium hopes to cast a wider net and expand the program, bringing more commercial fishing and mariculture to the South Carolina coast.

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"If you got any interest in it at all, apply for the next class," McClellan said.

"It's a great program, you're gonna learn a lot. You're gonna have fun and it'll be a life changing experience," Kornack said.

The next class will be held May 5 through May 30 in 2025, and anyone over the age of 18 can apply. Classes will be held Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. depending on weather and tides.

For more information, click here.

By Eva Moore | Photos by Angela Treptow, S.C. Sea Grant Consortium

Graduates of a new month-long apprenticeship program in coastal South Carolina hope to find jobs in the commercial fishing and mariculture industries.

The inaugural class of the South Carolina Commercial Seafood Apprenticeship Programrecently wrapped up. The group of six participants met daily in a classroom at the back of a former public school in the fishing village of McClellanville. The program provides housing and food, with a $1,000 stipend upon completion of the program.

The participants learned about topics including safety, seamanship, and navigation; small engine maintenance; welding; fisheries science; raising oysters and clams; and seafood business and marketing. In addition to periodic hands-on learning sessions throughout the month, they also spent two days at sea.

Sustainability and the longevity of the seafood industry were a key point.

“If you overharvest, you won’t have any for the next generation,” one participant explained.

The program seeks to match students up with jobs when they finish the program. Co-director Jocelyn Juliano says the participants came ready to start working in the industry.

“They are so eager to get started – they want to jump right in,” Juliano said. “Next time, we want to have job descriptions ahead of time from industry members looking to hire so the participants can meet the business owners right away and set up some jobs.”

Juliano is a program specialist at the South Carolina Sea Grant Consortium, which created and administers the program.

The program is supported by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture’s Agribusiness Center for Research and Entrepreneurship, the McClellanville Community Foundation, the McClellanville Watermen’s Association, Clemson Cooperative Extension, a USDA Rural Business Development Grant, and the NOAA National Sea Grant Office.

In addition to the stipend and job connections, participants received a CPR, First Aid and automated external defibrillator certification, a U.S. Coast Guard Drill Conductor certification, and a certificate of completion from SC Sea Grant Consortium.

South Carolina’s seafood industry faces challenges including an aging workforce, aging dock space and facilities, competition from imported seafood, and development pressures that threaten marine ecosystems.

The program is an important step in developing a recruitment pipeline for those seeking jobs in seafood and mariculture.

To learn more and to sign up for notifications about the 2025 program, please contact the program coordinator, Angela Treptow, at angela.treptow@scseagrant.org. You can also learn more about the program online at scseagrant.org/sc-commercial-seafood-apprenticeship-program.

McCLELLANVILLE, S.C. (WCSC) - Community members living in historic McClellanville say they would like to see the construction of a larger, accessible library serving the Santee-Sewee community.

The town’s main library reopened on Friday after five months of renovations. The launch was a portion of a $108.5 million referendum voted into Charleston County a decade ago.

The goal of the vote was to build five new libraries and renovate all existing branches.

“This library, as wonderful as it is today, cannot serve the needs of the public. It is too small,” neighbor Barbara Singleton says. “The people of McClellanville need and deserve something better, something bigger, something Mount Pleasant and all other libraries had.”

Singleton, a former schoolteacher, is among some who believe educational infrastructure has been long underserved in the community.

“The referendum was passed 10 years ago, this is the best they can do? Give us less than 1% of that referendum,” neighbor Gerald Lewis says. “The library may serve the smaller, smaller community. The larger area as a whole does not serve, it cannot serve.”

The library, which is identified by many as an integral part of preserving the historic area, has a maximum occupancy of 12 people and falls 50 miles north of the main Charleston area.

Singleton and Lewis say they wish more of the referendum money would have been allocated to serving these portions of Charleston County.

“When you walk into larger libraries, there’s the kids sections, silent room. So many different studios, study rooms, meeting rooms, larger auditoriums,” Singleton says. “Something enriching, something enlightening. Something that will bring an abundant life. That’s what I want for this community.”

The Wando Mount Pleasant Library, an example of what both Singleton and Lewis would like to see, is a 25-mile drive from the McClellanville facility.

“There are people who want one in between here and the new Wando one. The issue is, really not that far. Is there enough growth? You want to serve people where they are, but no specific plans have been drawn on it,” Charleston County Councilmember Larry Kobrovsky says. “That’s also what’s up or discussion, the need, and what’s fiscally possible.”

Lewis and Singleton suggested the construction of a library on a portion of Jenkins Hill Road on Highway 17. The Charleston County School District purchased the space to serve as a potential school, with the proper demand. The land itself sits nearly halfway between each location.

“County Council didn’t make these decisions 10 years ago, I understand that. They weren’t in office at that time. But they can still do a lot right now to rectify what I would call an injustice,” Lewis says.

Kobrovsky says a new suggestion would have to go through a separate referendum vote.

“That would be a new project, while this is a continuation of something voted on in the last referendum. We maintain our treasures, what makes Charleston unique,” Kobrovsky says. “We have to keep the heart of here and not lose that, which is endangered by the overdevelopment of things.”

Charleston County Public Library Executive Director Angela Craig acknowledged the requests for larger libraries.

“We have had community members express interest in an expanded library presence in some of our rural communities,” she said. “However, right now we are focused on completing the final renovations that were funded by the referendum passed by voters.”

With the reopening of this space and the Folly Beach branch set to reopen on Monday, the total amount of funding spent will sit around $99 million, according to reports from Charleston County.

Copyright 2024 WCSC. All rights reserved.

South Carolina is located in the coastal Southeastern region of the United States and makes for an excellent destination for those seeking a memorable weekend retreat. Framed by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Savannah River to the southwest, “The Palmetto State” (so named for its beautiful official tree) also appeals for its Southern charm, its lush landscapes, as well as its rich and fascinating history.

Another big draw for visitors is the many quaint towns located up and down the state, each offering unique attractions and a slice of tranquillity that’s far removed from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. From the delightful historic districts of Pendleton and Abbeville to the plentiful outdoor adventures on offer in places like Travelers Rest and Edisto Beach, with stops at Walhalla and McClellanville along the way, these six serene towns in South Carolina are ideal for a weekend retreat.

More in South CarolinaDiscover 7 of the most picturesque small towns in South Carolina for a weekend retreat.

Pendleton

Handily located just 30 miles southwest of Greenville, the small community of Pendleton often surprises visitors with the scale of its historic district. The entirety of this nearly four-square-mile town was laid out in 1790 with little to no changes since. Now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Old Town Pendleton is wonderful to explore on foot thanks to its many meticulously preserved 18th and 19th-century buildings.

Just outside Pendleton, the Ashtabula Historic House and Woodburn Historic House provide a deeper dive into the area's rich history and culture. Informative guided tours illuminate the lives of their former inhabitants, from the wealth and elegance of plantation owners to the tragic histories of the enslaved people forced to live and work there. The Bart Garrison Agricultural Museum of South Carolina is another must-visit for its family-friendly hands-on exhibits about the state's farming history. Great places to stay here include the centrally located Inn at Magnolia Hill and the elegant Liberty Hall Bed and Breakfast.

Travelers Rest

Travelers Rest is a great weekend getaway for those wanting to explore the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. Just nine miles north of Greenville, fun things to do in Travellers Rest include hitting the Swamp Rabbit Trail, a multi-use pathway that meanders along the scenic Reedy River connecting Travelers Rest to Greenville and which is ideal for cyclists, joggers, and walkers. Sunrift Adventures is located on the trail network and offers outdoor gear and guidance, as well as bike and kayak rentals.

Wildcat Wayside Mountain is another popular destination for hikers, with trails leading to some of the region’s most stunning waterfalls. Cultural experiences worth exploring include Trailblazer Park, an outdoor venue featuring a cultural center and a farmer’s market. A trendy place to stay here is The Station by Compo Hotels, while quality big-brand accommodations are available at Hampton Inn Greenville/Travelers Rest.

Edisto Beach

Those wanting to spend a weekend exploring South Carolina’s beautiful Atlantic Coast couldn’t do much better than visit Edisto Beach. Roughly halfway between Charleston and Hilton Head Island, Edisto Beach State Park is the main attraction here. This natural paradise offers a mix of beaches and shady maritime forests that are as enjoyable for adults as they are for families, with campsites, picnic areas, an environmental center, and an extensive network of hiking and biking trails to explore.

Interested in learning more about local wildlife? Edisto Island Serpentarium is home to a variety of snakes, alligators, and other reptiles native to the region in a safe and educational setting. The Botany Bay Plantation Wildlife Management Area is another nature attraction to visit and features over 4,600 acres of untouched beaches, maritime forest, and historic structures to explore. After all that fun in the sun, enjoy a stay at Wyndham Ocean Ridge Marsh Point or Wyndham Ocean Ridge resorts.

Walhalla

Walhalla is located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains close to the border with Georgia. Named after the Norse mythological hall of the slain, this historic town was founded by German settlers in 1849 and celebrates this heritage with one of the state’s best Oktoberfests. It’s also home to the Stumphouse Mountain Tunnel, an incomplete railroad tunnel from the 1850s that now serves as a fascinating piece of history… and a cool retreat during warmer months. Nearby Issaqueena Falls is another cool place to visit in Walhalla. Named after a Native American legend, it’s easily accessible and provides a serene spot for picnics and photos.

For history buffs, the Walhalla Graded School was built in 1901 and adds a touch of educational heritage to a visit and now functions as a community center. Come bedtime, check into great places to stay such as Rodeway Inn & Suites (in-town) and The Suites at Hisaw Gap (close to the Stumphouse Tunnel).

Abbeville

Known to historians as the "Birthplace and Deathbed of the Confederacy" for its role during the Civil War, Abbeville provides a fascinating glimpse into a bygone era. Start your weekend adventure in Rainbow Row, a line of brightly colored buildings in Abbeville’s historic district, before heading to the pretty town square. The Abbeville Opera House is another historic landmark that was built in 1904 and is still a popular venue.

Another historic must-visit is the Burt-Stark Mansion, the site of the last meeting of the Confederate War Council. Mansion tours reveal well-preserved architecture and period furnishings that provide a vivid portrayal of life during this tumultuous period in American history. Venture just outside town and you’ll find the Long Cane Scenic Area, a perfect spot for a woodland hike. Here for the weekend? Check out the rates at the boutique-style Belmont Inn by OYO or, if on a tight budget, the no-frills Westbrook Motel.

McClellanville

Last but by no means least, let’s chat about McClellanville. Though small (its population is a tad over 600), this Southern fishing village north of Charleston is home to the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, an essential site for birdwatching, hiking, and exploring that lovely Atlantic Coast environment. The Refuge covers over 66,000 acres, a significant stretch of South Carolina's coast, and is an important habitat for a wide range of wildlife. Nature Adventures Outfitters provides naturalist-guided tours through the refuge, allowing visitors to kayak through marshes and spot local wildlife in their natural habitat.

The Village Museum in McClellanville is another must-visit and tells the story of the village from the perspective of the SeWee Indians through the colonial period and into the rise of the seafood industry. And, of course, it’s a must to sample local Lowcountry seafood at restaurants like T W Graham & Co. When it comes to accommodations, visitors will need to base themselves in larger communities like Georgetown, just 20 minutes to the north, where hotels like Hampton Inn Georgetown-Marina and or Quality Inn & Suites offer good rates and easy access.

The Final Word

For those wanting to get to know South Carolina - and to do so in a tranquil setting - these six serene towns have a lot going for them. From Pendleton's historic charm to Travelers Rest's outdoor adventures, the coastal allure of McClellanville and Edisto Beach, as well as Walhalla's German heritage and Abbeville's Civil War history, each town offers a unique getaway experience that’s bound to please the choosiest of travelers. Whatever your preferences, these six serene towns in South Carolina are ideal for a weekend retreat.

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CHARLESTON COUNTY, S.C. (WCSC) - The debate between the people of McClellanville and nearby organizations continues as a developer pushes to bring a sand mine to the rural community.

The land at Lofton Road off Highway 17 is empty for now. It sits about 900 feet across from Lofton Road from St. James Santee Elementary and Middle. In 2023, the community mobilized and opposed a special allowance for a sand mine through petitions and public hearings.

“So the BZA, the board of zoning appeals, they denied Blessing Investment their special exemption requests to establish a mine at the Lofton Road site. They didn’t like that decision. And so they appealed that,” Riley Egger with the Coastal Conservation League says.

Blessing Investment is now suing the board over its denial. The Coastal Conservation League and Friends of Coastal South Carolina applied to intervene in the legal case, to continue advocating against the mine. Their intervention was granted, and they will be at the table for the next mediation meeting.

“We’re really happy that we can intervene and be part of this case and reaffirm the decision from the BZA because they made the right call here and really speak up for the McClellanville area,” Egger says.

The concerns about the mine are its impact on the nearby school and wildlife.

“It’s primarily rural and mines are disruptive. There’s going to be trucks coming in constantly throughout the day, and it’s only 900 feet from St. James Santee Elementary Middle School. That’s not appropriate. The community was clear,” Egger says.

Grace Gasper, Executive Director at Friends of Coastal SC says in her conversations with neighbors in McClellanville, they are all in agreement.

“The area and the impacts need to be considered and our main concern over this one is the proximity of the school and the property also adjoins designated Wilderness Area, Little Wambaw Samp Wilderness and the Francis Marion National Forests,” Gasper says.

Gasper and Egger say once a wildlife area is disrupted, it’s changed forever and unable to be perfectly restored.

“The potential ecological impacts to an area that’s designated to be kept pristine and unimpacted by humans, you know, is unknown at this point,” Gasper says.

Gasper highlights again that it’s not just about wildlife habitat, but also the nearby school.

“We’re really concerned about the disruption to the kids during the school day. What that will do to their use of their outside facilities, and also the safety concern that the dump truck traffic having to make U-turns to enter the site on 17 would cause and they would actually have to either use the road that the school traffic uses,” Gasper says.

Charleston County is already home to more than 30 sand mines according to DHEC’s records.

“There are going to be areas where there’s sand and dirt mining and we’re not unilaterally opposed to that. We think the environmental impacts need to be more closely considered, and that’s, you know, honestly a statewide issue,” Gasper says.

Egger agrees, saying the organization is looking into mines across the state level to gauge the current situation.

“The Lofton Mine is a prime example of where mines shouldn’t exist. And there needs to be a broader reform at the state level so that these don’t happen again,” Egger says.

Copyright 2024 WCSC. All rights reserved.