STORY 1

From WTOC

There’s always a lot of debate around the concept of NIL money in college athletics. But when the money is used to inspire change, there’s no debate around that being a positive. Seabrook, South Carolina native Xavier Chaplin is doing just that -- working to inspire change. The former football star at Whale Branch Early College High School spent the first three years of his college career at Virginia Tech before transferring to Auburn this past winter. On Saturday, he was back in his hometown, at his alma mater, giving back to his community. The offensive lineman hosted a Back to School Drive, where he handed out backpacks filled with school supplies, gave kids the chance to get a free haircut, held a Q&A all about mental health and wellness, and gave out raffle prizes, as well as five $500 scholarships. Chaplin was a starter for the past two seasons with the Hokies. In 2023, he started all 13 games and registered 813 snaps, with just 5 sacks allowed and was named Third Team All-American by College Football News. In 2024, Chaplin played a total of 607 snaps across 12 games, allowing just two sacks. He picked up an ACC Offensive Lineman of the Week honor during his redshirt sophomore season and was named All-ACC Honorable Mention. Despite all of his success at Virginia Tech, Chaplin said he felt Auburn was the best fit for him in his progression. We here in Beaufort County will look forward to watching him on the Plains this season. Auburn will begin the 2025 football season on Friday August 29 when they will travel to Waco, Texas to face the Baylor Bears.

Story 2

From Bluffton Today

The Town of Bluffton has received a 2025 South Carolina Historic Preservation Award for its Historic Preservation Grant Program, the town said in a news release. This is the second consecutive year the Town has earned this prestigious, statewide honor for its historic preservation projects, programs and policies. Since 1995, the South Carolina Department of Archives and History, Preservation South Carolina, and the Office of the Governor have recognized exceptional achievements in preserving, rehabilitating and interpreting the state's architectural and cultural heritage through a series of annual statewide awards. The Preservation Service Award, which Bluffton received, specifically honors projects and activities that make exemplary contributions to historic preservation efforts. Bluffton was one of 16 honorees statewide recognized June 18 for advancing preservation through its local initiatives. Town representatives accepted the award during a ceremony at the South Carolina State House in Columbia. In 2024, Preservation South Carolina awarded former Mayor Lisa Sulka the South Carolina Elected Official Award in 2024. The award, presented by Governor Henry McMaster, recognizes elected officials for significant achievements in supporting historic preservation in South Carolina.

Story 3

High School Football Season is almost upon us as Beaufort County sweats into the fall sports season. Media Day has been scheduled for July 22nd and will run from 11am to 3pm at the University of South Carolina Beaufort Rec Center on campus. Last year’s event featured athletes and coaches from 10 area high schools engaging media members and creating multimedia content. In partnership with Beaufort’s Own, BCTV will again provide local high school sports coverage across Beaufort County this fall.