BLUFFTON, S.C. (WTGS) — The Town of Bluffton has announced a private-public partnership bringing them one step closer to securing more affordable housing in the area.

Town Manager Stephen Steese said they have partnered with a local developer, Workforce State of Mind, to help develop a nearly two-acre site along May River Road containing at least a dozen housing units.

He added that over the past few years, the Bluffton area had seen massive growth, making the cost of housing skyrocket and leaving many out of the real estate market.

TRENDING: Toombs County insurance agent previously charged with fraud receives additional charge

"We want to make sure that while we are seeing neighborhoods being built that are not necessarily obtainable for all residents, that we make sure that there are homeownership opportunities for those regardless of income level," Steese said.

Steese added that the new neighborhood would be protected by a 30-year affordability covenant ensuring the houses stay affordable regardless of the market price.

Matt Lyle, a managing member with Workforce State of Mind, said that as a long-time resident of the area, he felt joining this effort was the right thing to do.

"We felt that we had some skills and we had some contacts that we could bring to the table to really see an effective change for the community," he said.

Lyle said the Town had donated the land, and now it is their job to create an infrastructure plan and begin construction.

Steese added he is glad the developing partners are from the area and can see firsthand the need for this work. He said that according to community surveys, the lack of affordable housing is among the top three issues for residents, and if all goes well, they will continue the partnership to develop other properties they have planned.

"The town has about three other pieces of property that we have purchased with the intent of hopefully doing affordable housing," Steese said. "So, our goal is we get this one going, and it works well, and we can continue to expand that into future properties and work to address this demand that's out there."

A Savannah sartorial institution, J. Parker Ltd. expands into a new era of Lowcountry fashion

FOR DECADES, SAVANNAHIANS looking for the best names in menswear, formalwear and sportswear have made J. Parker Ltd. their only stop. In 1972, Jimmy Parker opened the first J. Parker store in the Medical Arts Shopping Center and, in 2005, moved the business to Savannah’s center of commerce: Broughton Street.

Since, J. Parker has established a stellar reputation for crafting a special shopping experience that features classic and contemporary brands including Peter Millar, Smathers & Branson, Martin Dingman, Hickey Freeman, Barbour, Filson and more. J. Parker’s influence can be seen all over Savannah; if you have seen the St. Patrick’s Day Parade signature green blazers, chances are they were purchased at the store. J. Parker’s staff, personal service and exceptional products, many of which are exclusive to the brand, have led voters to rank the company as Best Men’s Clothing in Savannah magazine’s annual Best of Savannah list for 13 consecutive years.

In recent years, the J. Parker brand has grown exponentially under the leadership of Dale Parker, Jimmy’s wife and retired coach and teacher at Savannah Country Day School. Since coming on board full time with the company in 2015, Dale has overseen the opening of a second location in 12 Oaks Shopping Center in 2018 and a third location in the Plant Riverside District in 2020 during the pandemic.

“I’ve seen people shop more with local specialty stores than in the past. They like the personal service and knowing the people when they come in,” says Dale. “Especially after COVID, people have been even more willing to shop local and support smaller businesses.”

In its 50th year in business, J. Parker will open its fourth location in Bluffton, South Carolina, in the fall, marking the company’s first expansion outside of the Savannah market and introducing the J. Parker experience to the Lowcountry.

“Bluffton is one of the fastest growing communities anywhere in the Southeast. There’s a need for our product, and there’s a great customer base in Bluffton,” Dale says.

As a coach and at the helm of the company, Dale understands the importance of having a strong team. With the expansion into three new locations in under four years, Dale notes that J. Parker’s staff is the most valuable part of the brand. “The team is an integral part of our success. We’re lucky. With four stores, we have the best staff that I can imagine,” Dale says. “We’re very fortunate that all stores have people with a lot of experience, a lot of knowledge and good people skills.”

At its core, J. Parker is a family business. Jimmy and Dale’s son, Kieffer, runs the Broughton location, and their daughter Taylor — who, like Dale, is also an educator — introduced womenswear to the J. Parker stores with labels that include Paige, Rails, Bella Dahl and more.

While 50 years is a milestone, the Parkers are focused on the future and the continued growth of the family business. Dale is quick to point out, “We would not be where we are without Jimmy’s keen eye, our strong family bond and the legions of loyal customers locally and regionally.”

The Beaufort County public facilities committee voted on Aug. 22 to narrow the scope of the Corridor US 278 project down to Moss Creek through Windmill Harbor, focusing on reconstruction of the bridge connecting Bluffton and Hilton Head.

Prior to this vote, the council planned on performing an independent review on the Stoney Community as part of the Corridor US 278 project to address the impact of this reconstruction on the community. The vote was unanimous with the committee agreeing that the county should separate the bridge reconstruction and the review of the Stoney Community.

Committee chairman Stu Rodman said that separating these projects would save the county six to 12 months and around $50 million from inflation on this bridge reconstruction.

"I encourage the town to do the study to make the Stoney Community better," said Council member Larry McElynn. "This Council agrees the one bridge is the best option to connect to 278 right before the Stoney gateway. This will ensure the least environmental impact on the area."

The decision to separate these projects was made after the town of Hilton Head "approved a memo of understanding that would offer a new independent study and delay a project start date by close to a year," according to a media release from the county.

The committee agreed that while the county focuses on the US 278 project, the town of Hilton Head can move forward with the independent review of the Stoney Community. County Administrator Eric Greenway said that the two projects could be "synced up" in the end, but the county's focus is on the bridge reconstruction.

"A year delay could negatively impact the county taxpayers due to SCDOT's four massive infrastructure projects being brought forward quicker than anticipated because of the Federal Infrastructure Bill, causing a high demand for labor and contractors," according to a Beaufort County media release.

At the committee meeting, Greenway explained that the South Carolina Department of Transportation is in agreement with the county on separating the projects. He said that the bridge is a county project, and SCDOT is assisting the county with it.

The county has shared that this will be a $290 million project with $80 million coming from a county referendum, $120 million from the state infrastructure bank, around $60 million from the federal government for the replacement of the defective bridge, and approximately $15 million impact fees. The county hasn't shared where the remaining $15 million will come from.

The county stated in a media release that the county council will "take up the resolution" at the Sept. 12 county council meeting. The county predicts that this project will be finished in 2028.

ATLANTA, Sept. 01, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Andy Hart has been a leader in the executive benefits industry for more than twenty-five years, most recently as Senior Vice President, Retirement at Fulcrum Partners, a OneDigital Company.

He began his career with Schoenke & Associates, a Washington, DC area executive benefits firm, and in 1998, joined Clark Consulting, quickly becoming one of the firm’s top consultants. As part of the OneDigital executive benefits team, Andy served the deferred compensation and retirement benefits needs of client companies from Washington D.C. to Honolulu, Hawaii. While he worked with clients in a range of industries, Andy distinguished himself as a specialist in serving financial institutions in the design and implementation of executive benefits and bank owned life insurance (BOLI) programs.

A graduate of West Virginia University with a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Specialization in Insurance and Risk Management, Andy earned FINRA Licensing Series 6, 63 and 65.

“Chris Nyland, Senior Vice President, and others on the OneDigital Executive Benefits Team,” said Andy, “will continue to support and serve the clients who entrusted our organization and me with their executive benefits needs. It has been my privilege and honor to serve our clients and work alongside my colleagues at Fulcrum Partners and as part of the OneDigital executive benefits team.”

Andy has dedicated his professional years to helping clients “finish strong.” By following the same principles he recommended to clients, he now looks forward to many happy and rewarding retirement years. Andy’s future includes time to travel with his wife, Dina, and the opportunity to fully enjoy the role of college dad while their two sons pursue degrees at the University of South Carolina.

The team at Fulcrum Partners, a OneDigital Company, and his colleagues throughout the industry celebrate Andy’s career of integrity, service and valued friendship.

About Fulcrum Partners, a OneDigital Company

Fulcrum Partners (fulcrumpartnersllc.com). With a team of experienced industry professionals who serve with diverse skillsets, targeted experience, and in-depth expertise in executive compensation and benefits consulting, the financial professionals at Fulcrum Partners, a OneDigital Company, focus on an integrated approach to the design, financing, and plan administration of executive benefits programs. Originally founded in 2007, today the company is part of the OneDigital advisory firm and has executive benefits advisory offices in Atlanta, Georgia; Chicago, Illinois; Charleston and Bluffton, South Carolina; Cleveland, Ohio; Delray Beach, Orlando and Ponte Vedra, Florida; Los Angeles and Irvine, California; Portland, Oregon; Salt Lake City, Utah and Dallas/Fort Worth.

About OneDigital

OneDigital delivers strategic advisory consulting and technology-forward solutions to more than 85,000 employers across the nation. As employee health care, wellness, and workplace benefits continue to converge, businesses of all sizes have relied on OneDigital's exceptional advisory teams for counsel in employee benefits, wellbeing, human resources, pharmacy consulting, property and casualty solutions, as well as the retirement and wealth management services provided through OneDigital Investment Advisors. OneDigital's commitment to technology and innovation enables its 3,000 advisors to deliver the most modern and intuitive customer experience anywhere in the industry.

OneDigital has been named as a Best Place to Work in Insurance by Business Insurance. For more information, visit OneDigital.com.

This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, accounting, legal or tax advice. Any tax advice contained herein is of a general nature. You should seek specific advice from your tax professional before pursuing any idea contemplated herein. Please consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses carefully before investing in Mutual Funds. The prospectus, which contains this and other information about the investment company, can be obtained directly from the Fund Company or your financial professional. Be sure to read the prospectus carefully before deciding whether to invest.

Securities offered through Lion Street Financial, LLC (LSF) and Valmark Securities, Inc. (VSI), each a member of FINRA and SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Lion Street Advisors, LLC (LSA) and Valmark Advisers, Inc. (VAI), each an SEC registered investment advisor. Please refer to your investment advisory agreement and the Form ADV disclosures provided to you for more information. VAI/VSI and LSF/LSA are non- affiliated entities and separate entities from OneDigital and Fulcrum Partners.

Unless otherwise noted, VAI/VSI, LSF/LSA are not affiliated, associated, authorized, endorsed by, or in any way officially connected with any other company, agency or government agency identified or referenced in this document.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9ca9a0f4-4f36-4a23-a8a1-3018640c7718

The Habersham Central Raiders put one in the win column on Friday in their home opener against White County. The teams see-sawed on the scoreboard until the third quarter when Habersham took the lead and kept it. The Raiders defeated the Warriors 42-28.

With the win, the Raiders improve to 1-1 after dropping their road opener to Stephens County. The Warriors drop to 1-1 following their season-opening win against North Hall.

Habersham Central returns to action at home on Sept. 9 with a non-region match-up against Central Gwinnett. The Warriors return home next week to take on Chestatee.

Elsewhere in Northeast Georgia, Rabun clinched its second straight victory, defeating Stephens County on Friday 14-7. Gainesville beat Mountain View 30-7.

Here’s a look at your Friday Night Scoreboard (Northeast Georgia area games are in bold):

ACE Charter 29, Georgia Military 15 Adairsville 51, Cherokee Bluff 50, OT Anniston, Ala. 24, Villa Rica 19 Appling County 42, Aiken, S.C. 7 Aquinas 41, Westside-Augusta 7 Armuchee 17, Gordon Lee 14 Athens Academy 23, Mobile Christian, Ala. 7 Athens Christian 42, Lakeview Academy 8 Augusta Christian 26, Bulloch 18 Bainbridge 24, Coffee 21 Bethesda Academy 40, John Paul II, S.C. 24 Brantley County 42, Groves 8 Brooks County 39, Wayne County 25 Brunswick 16, Camden County 10 Buford 56, Charlotte Mallard Creek, N.C. 7 Burke County 28, Effingham County 7 CAK, Tenn. 32, George Walton 7 Cairo 28, Monroe 3 Calhoun 31, Gardendale, Ala. 30 Calvary Christian 47, Pinecrest 7 Carrollton 28, South Paulding 21 Cartersville 45, Jonesboro 0 Carver-Columbus 40, Spencer 0 Cedartown 47, Callaway 7 Central Fellowship 34, Southwest Georgia Academy 6 Central Gwinnett 20, Apalachee 13 Central-Carrollton 35, Bowdon 20 Chamblee 59, Towers 0 Christian Brothers College, Mo. 41, Milton 27 Christian Heritage 21, Temple 6 Christopher Columbus Catholic, Fla. 41, Benedictine Military 15 Claxton 24, Macon County 20 Clinch County 24, Macon County 20 Colquitt County 29, Stockbridge 0 Dade County 50, North Sand Mountain, Ala. 13 Darlington 45, Sonoraville 22 Decatur 30, Wesleyan 28 Denmark 17, Cambridge 15 Dougherty 32, Randolph-Clay 14 Dutchtown 33, Tift County 7 Early County 27, Seminole County 0 East Coweta 38, Newnan 10 East Forsyth 48, Seckinger 0 Edmund Burke 34, Glascock County 14 Elbert County 48, Madison County 34 Etowah 31, Cherokee 30, 2OT Fellowship Christian School 23, Trinity Christian-Sharpsburg 19 Fitzgerald 57, Turner County 6 Flowery Branch 9, St. Pius X 0 Gainesville 30, Mountain View 7 Gatewood 50, Trinity Christian-Dublin 29 Gilmer 49, Fannin County 35 Grayson 44, Eagle’s Landing 14 Greater Atlanta Christian 23, Lovett 19 Grovetown 17, Greenbrier 7 Habersham 42, White County 28 Hampton 56, McIntosh 48 Haralson County 15, Bremen 14 Harlem 26, Hancock Central 0 Hayesville NC 21, GA Force 14 Hebron Christian Academy 48, Providence Christian 9 Heritage School 54, Creekside Christian Academy 0 Heritage-Catoosa 24, East Hamilton, TN 9 Hillgrove 10, Creekview 6 Hiram 49, Woodstock 9 Holy Innocents’ 42, Riverwood 0 Houston County 57, Perry 56 Howard 46, Central-Macon 19 Hughes 47, McEachern 21 Jackson County 22, Duluth 7 Jefferson 56, Wren, S.C. 28 Jenkins 24, Bluffton, S.C. 21 Johnson County 27, Jenkins County 14 Kell 21, Allatoona 9 Kennesaw Mountain 45, Campbell 14 LaGrange 56, Northside-Columbus 28 Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe 13, Murray County 7 Lamar County 21, Upson-Lee 20 Lambert 49, Dawson County 6 Laney 26, Hephzibah 17 Lassiter 16, Wheeler 10 Lee County 37, Hapeville 0 Lincoln County 27, McCormick, S.C. 6 Loganville 33, Discovery 7 Lumpkin County 28, Union County 6 Madison County 34, Elbert County 28 Marietta 24, West Forsyth 17 Marist 33, Pike Road, Ala. 22 Mary Persons 41, Spalding 21 McCallie, Tenn. 17, Woodward Academy 13 Mill Creek 49, Norcross 17 Monroe Area 58, Cedar Shoals 13 Mt. Pisgah Christian 42, Mt. Paran Christian 7 Mt. Zion-Carrollton 43, Greenville 0 Munroe Day, Fla. 28, Terrell County 0 Murphy, N.C. 15, Commerce 14 Newton 48, Alcovy 6 North Atlanta 50, Drew 6 North Cobb Christian 20, Ridgeland 7 North Forsyth 35, Forsyth Central 7 North Gwinnett 21, Archer 19 North Paulding 49, East Paulding 24 Northside-Warner Robins 35, Peach County 7 Oconee County 33, Clarke Central 9 Osborne 42, Chattahoochee 13 Parkview 20, Shiloh 8 Paulding County 21, Sprayberry 20 Peachtree 48, Westminster Christian 0 Peachtree Ridge 23, Lanier 3 Pebblebrook 38, South Cobb 15 Pepperell 15, Model 14 Pickens County 42, Franklin County 17 Pierce County 56, Jeff Davis 17 Rabun County 14, Stephens County 7 Rabun Gap-Nachoochee 35, Sequoyah 28, OT Richmond Academy 49, Savannah 0 River Ridge 43, Pope 14 Rockdale County 35, Salem 0 Rockmart 30, Cass 21 Rome 49, Lithonia 0 Roswell 35, Centennial 14 Russell County, Ala. 28, Harris County 17 Rutland 35, Hawkinsville 29 Sandy Creek 46, Greenwood, S.C. 21 Savannah Christian Prep 62, Islands 0 Savannah Country Day 28, Pinewood Christian 6 Screven County 7, Bacon County 6 Social Circle 25, East Jackson 0 South Forsyth 24, Harrison 21 South Gwinnett 58, Meadowcreek 25 Southeast Whitfield 34, Gordon Central 21 Southland 21, Marion County 14 St. Andrew’s 30, Valwood 7 St. Francis 21, Landmark Christian 13 Starr’s Mill 19, Northgate 0 Stratford 39, Westfield 17 Swainsboro 42, Washington County 0 Tattnall Square 27, Pacelli Catholic 23 Telfair County 35, Lanier County 20 Thomas County Central 31, Thomasville 0 Thomas Jefferson 24, Briarwood 8 Thomson 20, Jefferson County 0 Toombs County 21, Wheeler County 0 Towns County 16, Lake Oconee 0 Trion 45, LaFayette 7 Unity Christian 66, Hearts 26 Valdosta 34, Cook 7 Veterans 49, Griffin 31 Vidalia 48, Beach 0 Walker 28, Our Lady of Mercy 12 Walton 34, Brookwood 20 Ware County 20, Richmond Hill 7 West Hall 23, Johnson-Gainesville 7 West Laurens 14, Dodge County 12 Westlake 47, Crisp County 7 Westside-Macon 55, Southwest Macon 19 Whitefield Academy 35, Strong Rock Christian 0 Winder-Barrow 48, MLK Jr. 0 Woodland Cartersville 34, Coosa 0 Worth County 16, Mitchell County 14 ___

Riverside Military at Kings Ridge Christian Canceled

Carver-Atlanta 44, Riverdale 22 Douglas County 49, Mays 41 First Presbyterian Day 34, Chambers Academy, Ala. 3 South Atlanta 33, Chapel Hill 9 Statesboro 56, Southeast Bulloch 14 Westwood 8, Westminster-Augusta 7

Trent Crawford of WRWH Radio and the Associate Press contributed to this report. Some high school football scores provided by Scorestream.com, https://scorestream.com/