Mattress storein Cane Bay, SC

Late Sunday afternoon, our media outlet received reports regarding a pair of alleged sexual assaults – or attempted sexual assaults – on a neighborhood trail in Sanctuary Cove, part of the sprawling Cane Bay community in Berkeley County, South Carolina.

Both victims were underage females. One of the victims was nearly raped, according to our sources.

After the second assault took place, one resident reached out to us expressing concern that local authorities were “telling exactly NO one that there is a potential serial offender assaulting young girls in Cane Bay.”

“They have no problem sending out headlines for every car that has been rummaged through or elderly person that went for a long walk and may be missing … but they don’t find it a good idea to warn people their daughters could be in harms way while on the trails?” the resident asked.

We reached out to our law enforcement sources first thing Monday morning. As our inquiries were making their way up the flagpole, the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) issued a news release at approximately 4:32 p.m. EST on Monday announcing it was investigating the two assaults – and searching for a specific suspect.

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“On Monday, November 27 just after 8:00 p.m. (EST), Berkeley County dispatch received a call in reference to an assault,” the release noted. “Deputies arrived at the victim’s house to collect information and learned the victim was assaulted. The victim is a 14-year-old female. The victim described to investigators she was attacked from behind. Due to the way the victim was assaulted, she was unable to provide a description to investigators, initially. The investigation determined the victim was assaulted on the trails near Shadybrook Drive and Cane Bay Boulevard.”

The second incident was reported just five days later.

“On Saturday, December 2 just before 7:00 p.m., Berkeley County dispatch received a call in reference to an assault,” the release noted. “Deputies learned the victim was assaulted and dropped her phone during the incident. The victim is a 15-year-old female. The victim was able to get away from the assailant. Deputies located the victim’s phone on the trail behind Bella Vista Court. The victim was able to provide deputies with a description of the man who attacked her.”

According to the sheriff’s office, the suspect being sought in connection with the assault(s) is a “younger white male with facial hair” who has a skinny build and is approximately 5-foot-7 to 5-foot-8 inches tall. BCSO is searching for this suspect with assistance from the S.C. State Law Enforcement Division (SLED).

“We are using every resource possible to identify a suspect and make an arrest,” sheriff Duane Lewis said. “Detectives are working around the clock to complete this investigation. We have also requested assistance from SLED. I am urging all parents and guardians to please not allow your children to walk alone on the trails at night. Please make sure you are aware of your surroundings.”

Lewis said his agency has increased patrols in the area as it continues to investigate the assaults and has asked Cane Bay neighbors to report any suspicious activity to Berkeley County dispatch at 843-719-4169.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR …

Will Folks is the founding editor of the news outlet you are currently reading. Prior to founding FITSNews, he served as press secretary to the governor of South Carolina. He lives in the Midlands region of the state with his wife and seven children.

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This was supposed to be the first real test of the regular season for James Island.

The AAAA Trojans had rolled through their first four games, allowing just one touchdown, heading into Friday night’s game against Class AAAAA Cane Bay.

But James Island had never beaten Cane Bay in six previous tries, including a heart-breaking 3-point loss a year ago when the Cobras kicked the game-winning field goal as time expired.

The Cobras (2-2) were coming off an open date and had two weeks to prepare for the Trojans.

But this one wasn’t even close as James Maxwell scored two touchdowns to lead fifth-ranked Trojans past Cane Bay, 28-7, on Sept. 15 before a crowd of more than 2,000 at The Backyard on the campus of James Island.

It wasn’t a perfect game or even a pretty one; the Trojans turned the ball over four times and had more than 100 yards in penalties. But James Island won the physical battle up front.

“We knew this was going to be a smashmouth football game,” said James Island coach Jamar McKoy. “We made way too many mistakes, but we found a way to step up and made some great plays when there needed to be great plays made and won a big ballgame.”

James Island’s defense smothered Cane Bay’s option offense, limiting the Cobras to less than 200 yards of total offense and one TD.

“It was a very physical football game,” said Cane Bay coach Russell Zehr. “They showed up to play that kind of game and we didn’t. At times they were much more physical than we were and that’s disappointing because we pride ourselves on being a physical team and were not tonight.”

After a short punt by the Cobras, James Island grabbed a 7-0 lead on Maxwell’s 8-yard TD run early in the second quarter.

Maxwell appeared to be caught in the Trojans’ backfield on the handoff, but brushed off the initial hit, and then ran over the next two tacklers on his way into the end zone.

The Trojans pushed their advantage to 14-0 on Maxwell’s second TD of the first half, this one coming from a yard out with 2:41 left before halftime.

NORTH CHARLESTON — High school basketball games in December do not carry the weight that region games in January do, but piling up wins and having success does wonders for a team’s confidence.

Summerville’s boys team expects to contend for the Class AAAAA state championship this season. So coach David Long is pushing his players to perform at a high level as they develop the right chemistry.

The Green Wave improved to 13-1 on the season with a 70-53 win over Cape Fear Academy of North Carolina in Friday’s day two action at the Lowcountry Roundball Showcase.

“These games this week are big for us,” Long said. “We have been able to pull together as a team and we’ve been getting it done, but now to be at full strength we get a chance to see what we can be. Having Yannick back is such a plus because of all the things he can do.”

Summerville was without star wing Yannick Smith for several games early on as he played deep into the football season and missed time on the court due to the Shrine Bowl all-star game. Smith paced Summerville with 15 points in Friday’s win.

Summerville won 25 games last year but lost to Goose Creek in the third-round of the Class AAAAA Lower State playoffs.

Joining Smith, the All-Lowcountry football player of the year, as a starter is junior guard Melvin Teal, also a returning all-state performer. Smith is averaging 19.3 points per game this season, while Teal is averaging 18.3 points, 7.1 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game.

“Everyone knows what Yannick can do and the level he plays at every night,” Long said. “Mel does things that effects winning way beyond the stats.”

Stepping into starting roles this season are Nasir Smith, Warren Nelson and KJ Brown. Long also likes his team’s depth and is using this week’s games to settle into a solid and consistent rotation.

Smith added 12 points and Teal scored nine in Friday’s win. Nelson chipped in eight points.

“We are still trying to figure out the right rotation with our depth,” Long said. “We are playing a lot of guys and that cures a lot of ills when guys know they can contribute. It’s been a roller coaster and the schedule has gotten a lot tougher. We’re coming together pretty well but we just have to focus on today. Teams get in trouble when they look ahead.”

Summervillle’s biggest non-region game of the season will take place on Tuesday when the Green Wave hosts No. 1 ranked Lexington in what should be a playoff-level showcase.

Long says Lexington will test his team in ways no other team has to this point. He says the focus remains improving, especially on defense.

“It’s definitely defense,” Long said. “We are athletic and sometimes we can get away with not being very disciplined. We have to clean up some rotations and assignments. We came out today and did a good job. We are capable of playing good defense but we have to work at it.”

The Lowcountry Roundball showcase features 17 teams at the North Charleston Athletic Center from Dec. 27-30. The event includes seven area high schools, including Summerville, Porter-Gaud, Goose Creek, First Baptist, Lucy Beckham, James Island and Northwood Academy.

The 13th annual Carolina Invitational tournament features 148 teams from several states playing at 14 local high school venues. The field includes varsity boys and girls teams as well as some junior varsity boys and girls teams.

Play began on Dec. 28 with games running all day for three consecutive days. Local sites include Ashley Ridge, Bishop England, Cane Bay, Burke, Cathedral, First Baptist, Fort Dorchester, James Island, Oceanside Collegiate, Palmetto Christian, Philip Simmons, Porter-Gaud, Stratford and Summerville.

Also, Burke is hosting the Modie Risher Classic from Dec. 28-30, named after the former Bulldogs coach. Six schools from across the state of South Carolina and teams from Pennsylvania and Georgia are participating in this year’s classic, including Byrnes, Ben Lippen, Colleton County, Eau Claire and Burke.

Cane Bay opened the 2023 season with an impressive showing against the defending Class AAA state champion. The Cobras broke open a 10-10 game with a strong fourth quarter to pull out a 29-10 win.

The Cobras rushed for 312 yards, led by Deshawn Tompkins’ 114 yards. Tompkins scored one touchdown while fullback Langston Rhodes scored twice. Brycen Johnson added 67 yards on the ground and quarterback Mark Stewart tossed a touchdown pass.

Cane Bay will play Ashley Ridge next Friday at Summerville’s John McKissick Field.

Hanahan 45, Georgetown 34

Hanahan first-year head coach Milan Turner began his tenure with a hard-fought road victory. Senior running back Kevon Rivera rushed for 331 yards on 32 carries, scoring six touchdowns, both career-highs.

Rivera had a pair of one-yard scoring runs, along with runs of 51, 18, 2, and 22 yards. Jackson Stuckey returned an interception 10 yards for another Hawks’ score.

Hanahan will travel to Berkeley next Friday night.

Oceanside Collegiate 24, Lewisville 7

OCA senior quarterback Edward Reidenbach had two short scoring runs and threw a touchdown pass while the Landsharks pitched a shutout defensively. Lewisville’s lone score came on an interception return. The OCA defense allowed only 157 total yards and six yards rushing.

Will Virgillio caught four passes for 115 yards, and safety Grayson Freeling had 10 total tackles. Nate Sturm booted a 22-yard field goal.

Oceanside Collegiate will host defending AAAA state champion South Florence next Friday.

West Ashley 23, Lower Richland 20

Jacob Adams drilled a 39-yard game-winning field goal to lift the Wildcats to a season-opening win. Adams also made field goals of 33 and 26 yards while adding two extra points and punting for a 40-yard average in the victory.

Berkeley 36, Timberland 32

Freshman quarterback Henry Rivers completed 15 of 31 passes for 207 yards and four touchdowns, adding a touchdown run as well, to lift the Stags to a win over their Berkeley County rivals.

NORTH CHARLESTON — High school basketball games in December do not carry the weight that region games in January do, but piling up wins and having success does wonders for a team’s confidence.

Summerville’s boys team expects to contend for the Class AAAAA state championship this season. So coach David Long is pushing his players to perform at a high level as they develop the right chemistry.

The Green Wave improved to 13-1 on the season with a 70-53 win over Cape Fear Academy of North Carolina in Friday’s day two action at the Lowcountry Roundball Showcase.

“These games this week are big for us,” Long said. “We have been able to pull together as a team and we’ve been getting it done, but now to be at full strength we get a chance to see what we can be. Having Yannick back is such a plus because of all the things he can do.”

Summerville was without star wing Yannick Smith for several games early on as he played deep into the football season and missed time on the court due to the Shrine Bowl all-star game. Smith paced Summerville with 15 points in Friday’s win.

Summerville won 25 games last year but lost to Goose Creek in the third-round of the Class AAAAA Lower State playoffs.

Joining Smith, the All-Lowcountry football player of the year, as a starter is junior guard Melvin Teal, also a returning all-state performer. Smith is averaging 19.3 points per game this season, while Teal is averaging 18.3 points, 7.1 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game.

“Everyone knows what Yannick can do and the level he plays at every night,” Long said. “Mel does things that effects winning way beyond the stats.”

Stepping into starting roles this season are Nasir Smith, Warren Nelson and KJ Brown. Long also likes his team’s depth and is using this week’s games to settle into a solid and consistent rotation.

Smith added 12 points and Teal scored nine in Friday’s win. Nelson chipped in eight points.

“We are still trying to figure out the right rotation with our depth,” Long said. “We are playing a lot of guys and that cures a lot of ills when guys know they can contribute. It’s been a roller coaster and the schedule has gotten a lot tougher. We’re coming together pretty well but we just have to focus on today. Teams get in trouble when they look ahead.”

Summervillle’s biggest non-region game of the season will take place on Tuesday when the Green Wave hosts No. 1 ranked Lexington in what should be a playoff-level showcase.

Long says Lexington will test his team in ways no other team has to this point. He says the focus remains improving, especially on defense.

“It’s definitely defense,” Long said. “We are athletic and sometimes we can get away with not being very disciplined. We have to clean up some rotations and assignments. We came out today and did a good job. We are capable of playing good defense but we have to work at it.”

The Lowcountry Roundball showcase features 17 teams at the North Charleston Athletic Center from Dec. 27-30. The event includes seven area high schools, including Summerville, Porter-Gaud, Goose Creek, First Baptist, Lucy Beckham, James Island and Northwood Academy.

The 13th annual Carolina Invitational tournament features 148 teams from several states playing at 14 local high school venues. The field includes varsity boys and girls teams as well as some junior varsity boys and girls teams.

Play began on Dec. 28 with games running all day for three consecutive days. Local sites include Ashley Ridge, Bishop England, Cane Bay, Burke, Cathedral, First Baptist, Fort Dorchester, James Island, Oceanside Collegiate, Palmetto Christian, Philip Simmons, Porter-Gaud, Stratford and Summerville.

Also, Burke is hosting the Modie Risher Classic from Dec. 28-30, named after the former Bulldogs coach. Six schools from across the state of South Carolina and teams from Pennsylvania and Georgia are participating in this year’s classic, including Byrnes, Ben Lippen, Colleton County, Eau Claire and Burke.

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.

Cane Bay Plantation is a master-planned community in Berkeley County with large neighborhoods, excellent schools, shopping, dining and outdoor recreation.

While there are many great amenities all located in one designated community, there are also many historical sights to visit within a short distance from Cane Bay. Berkeley County has a rich history dating back to the pre-Revolutionary War era, and if you live in the area, it’s an awesome experience to learn about the place you call home.

Whether you’re a resident of Cane Bay, a Berkeley County local looking to explore and learn about Lowcountry history, or a potential homebuyer checking out the area you want to move to, there are plenty of historical sites that are sure to spark your interest.

Here are five must-see historical sights near Cane Bay:

1. Biggin Church Ruins

The Biggin Church Ruins are located only a 30-minute drive away from Cane Bay Plantation. This structure was built by the South Carolina Commons House of Assembly in 1761 when the colony was divided into ten parishes.

During the American Revolution, the church was the storage site of British ammunition, and upon leaving, the British set the church on fire. The church has been burnt several other times, and now only a few walls of ruins remain for the public to see.

2. Cypress Gardens

Located only 25 minutes from Cane Bay, Cypress Gardens are beautiful and historic. This 175-acre swamp garden was originally a freshwater reserve for a nearby rice plantation and is now home to beautiful gardens, a Swamparium and a Butterfly House.

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Visitors can find fish, amphibians and reptiles galore at Cypress Gardens and even rent a swamp boat for an excursion. And, if you’re a Nicholas Sparks fan, Cypress Gardens was featured in the film, The Notebook.

3. Francis Marion Tomb

Have you ever heard of the Swamp Fox? Francis Marion, who came to be known as the “Swamp Fox,” is one of the most famous figures from South Carolina during the Revolutionary War. He is now considered one of the fathers of guerilla and maneuver warfare due to his raids against the British in the war and is taught throughout South Carolina History.

His tomb is located 10.2 miles from Berkeley County and is marked by a memorial of South Carolina blue granite. It is a must-see for all who have learned about and appreciate South Carolina’s history.

4. Pinopolis Historic District

The Pinopolis Historic District is located only 18 minutes from Cane Bay and was founded circa 1845. Step back in time and find buildings influenced by many styles, including Gothic Revival and Queen Anne.

The district encompasses 12 contributing buildings and consists of the historic core of the planter’s retreat community of Pinopolis. Visit to see unique, historic architecture.

5. Colonial Dorchester State Historic Site

Located 38 minutes from Cane Bay sits the Colonial Dorchester State Historic Site. The site protects a colonial village along the Ashley River that was settled in 1697. With exhibits, interpretive trails, geocaching opportunities, and a self-guided cemetery tour, this site has much to offer visitors who want to soak in some South Carolina history.

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