Georgetown County Government

A second Stormwater Public Hearing has been scheduled for August. This one is for Sweet Grass West. (One for Magic Oaks was announced yesterday.)

We're looking for someone with a background in finance/bookkeeping to join our team in the Treasurer's Office. View the complete job listing and apply online at https://ow.ly/C7T350SKjTi

Save the Date: A Stormwater Public Hearing on Magic Oaks has been scheduled for Aug. 12.

Public meetings will seek input on brownfields sites for potential rehabilitation: Georgetown County has been awarded $500,000 in federal funds to begin a cleanup effort that would transform properties marred by environmental issues into usable community spaces. Now, it’s seeking the public’s input on sites that should be assessed for the program. The grant funds can be used to assess sites in three communities: Georgetown, Andrews and Spring Gulley. The county will have a public meeting in each of those communities next month to introduce the initiative and begin gathering early community input. Meeting dates and locations are as follows: Monday, Aug. 5 from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Georgetown Library Auditorium, 405 Cleland St. Tuesday, Aug. 6 from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Andrews Library, 105 Morgan Ave. Thursday, Aug. 8 from 6-7:30 p.m. at McDonald Elementary School, 532 McDonald Rd. All county residents are welcome to attend. Light refreshments will be provided and children are welcome. In addition to county staff, representatives from Terracon, the county’s contractor for the project, and the Asiko Group, a consultant, will be on hand to provide information and answer questions. The federal funding comes in the form of a Brownfields Assessment grant from the Environmental Protection Agency. These grants can be used by communities for the purpose of inventorying and assessing brownfield sites, as well as conducting planning activities, developing site-specific cleanup plans and engaging community members in the process. The county received the maximum award amount. Sites that could qualify include commercial sites contaminated with asbestos, old fuel tanks or other pollutants and hazardous substances. Those could include abandoned schools, factories and a range of other properties. “The idea is to have community participation in deciding where we might want to focus cleanup efforts and get input on places people are aware of that could be repurposed and refurbished for the overall benefit and wellbeing of the community,” said Maureen Mulligan, an environmentalist and training coordinator in the county’s Environmental Services Division. “The cool thing about the assessment grant is it’s the first step toward potentially getting multiple millions in federal dollars for cleanups and improvements. They especially are wanting to focus on historically ignored communities. And it really encourages community buy-in, so it’s not just us coming and telling people what we want to do; it’s finding out what the interests and priorities are for the community.” For more information, visit gtcounty.org/brownfields.

Midway Fire-Rescue makes 10-year-old honorary firefighter for efforts during fire at family home: When a fire started at the Caraballo home on Hawthorne Drive overnight last Christmas, the family was all fast asleep. The first to wake was 10-year-old Cooper. He immediately tried to wake his younger brother, Decker, 7. When he couldn’t, he ran downstairs and woke his parents, Chris and Haley. As a result, the entire family were all able to get out safely, and make it to the family’s meeting place outside. Cooper’s calm and quick thinking saved the family – action for which he was recognized this week. Officials from Midway Fire-Rescue visited the Caraballos at their home on July 23 to make Cooper an honorary firefighter with the department, and present him with a service helmet and shield, along with a framed department patch and coin. Decker also got a framed patch and coin. Midway also provided the family with new 10-year wired smoke detectors in the home, which the family was only recently able to move back into. While the fire itself was contained to Cooper’s room, there was heavy heat and smoke damage throughout the second floor. Only some of the smoke detectors in the home during the time of the fire were wired, thus the downstairs alarms may not have gone off when the smoke detector in Cooper’s room sounded. “There’s no doubt in my mind that Cooper is the reason they were all able to get out safely,” said Bill Collins, Midway Fire Marshal. “It’s a straight-up miracle and proof that miracles still do happen.” In addition to presenting the awards, Collins and other staff spent time talking with the boys about smoke detectors, home escape plans, cooking safety and fire drills. Cooper and Decker even assisted in adding two additional smoke alarms to the laundry room and garage. Midway also presented the family with a fire blanket for the kitchen. Staff at Midway is always happy to talk with families, school groups or community groups about fire safety.

Georgetown County Council for July 23, 2024 - LIVE on YouTube: https://lnkd.in/ePGKxg6N

We know lots of people have been anxiously awaiting this announcement. Aug. 1 is the big day! It's a soft opening as we're still waiting on some furnishings and shelving to be delivered, but all services will be available. We're planning a grand re-opening for the fall.

A GSATS meeting on the Safe System approach to roadway safety will take place in Georgetown County on Aug. 5 from 5-7 p.m. at the Waccamaw Library.

Pawleys Island event will help older adults prepare for hurricanes: During hurricane season, older adults face increased risk due to limited mobility, medical needs, and isolation. Preparation is crucial to reduce these risks. The Senior P.R.E.P. (Planning and Resources for Emergency Preparedness) program is coming to Walgreens in Pawleys Island to help older adults prepare for emergencies. The community event will take place on Tuesday, Aug. 6 from 10 a.m. to noon at Walgreens, 11 N. Causeway Road. Brandon Ellis, the Director of Georgetown County Emergency Services, will provide essential insights into effective hurricane planning. Additionally, Mandy Halloran, the Director of Public Health and Disability Integration at Able South Carolina, will share crucial strategies for planning to cater to the needs of individuals with special needs and disabilities. Partner agencies will also play a significant role in delivering valuable information. Several partner agencies, including the South Carolina Department on Aging and the South Carolina Emergency Management Division, will attend to share emergency preparation information. Walgreens will also have a pharmacist on hand to administer RSV, Pneumococcal, and routine vaccinations. "As we approach hurricane season, it's vital for our older adults to have a solid emergency plan in place,” Ellis said. “The Senior P.R.E.P. program offers essential resources and guidance to help them prepare effectively. By taking proactive steps now, we can ensure the safety and well-being of our most vulnerable residents during emergencies.” The Senior P.R.E.P. program is a valuable resource that offers emergency planning assistance to senior citizens throughout South Carolina. Taking preventive measures beforehand is crucial to safeguard vulnerable older adults during emergencies. Everyone can take steps now to prepare for emergencies. Read more at gtcounty.org/newsroom

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