COTTAGEVILLE, S.C. (WCBD) – A problem with a septic tank may force a small business in Colleton County to close its doors for good.

David Stanfield and his wife opened Red Brick Pizza in Cottageville a few years ago. But they may have to close their business after South Carolina’s lead health agency, the Department of Health and Environmental Control, said their septic system is not fit for the job.

“Almost two years ago we started, and almost immediately DHEC jumped on my back,” said Stanfield. “In March of last year, we started takeout only, but in March I contacted them about opening a 12-person dining room. They said yes, you can open it.”

A month later, Stanfield said he was told that could not have a dining room.

“I asked them about the tables out front – I had four picnic tables out front – they said you can have all the picnic tables you want, so we built a patio which has a bunch of outside tables. And then five months later, during another inspection, and we’ve gone through eight in one year, during another inspection they said you can’t have these outside tables. I said, well, you told us we could.”

DHEC told Stanfield that his septic tank was too small, and he was given a ‘shut door’ order.

“Two months ago, I went before the council- I begged them, I said my septic system has never overflowed, it’s never had a problem, and they said you have 60 days to put this monstrosity in back here.”

His customers were outside protesting on Tuesday while raising money to help keep them in business.

Stanfield began installing the large septic system. He says he has now spent $51,000 on the project. But his business only makes about $800-$1,000 on a good week. So, he believes he will now have to just shut down.

Stanfield eventually put a water meter on his property after a suggestion from a neighbor to see how much water was being used each day.

“Our water meter shows that we use 350 gallons per night, my existing system will do 450 gallons and they’ve got me putting in the system it will do 1,500 gallons per night which is just crazy. They’ve bankrupted me. They’ve taken every dime that we have, and we don’t even have money to open for food this week.”

DHEC sent News 2 a statement saying Stanfield was not in compliance with his DHEC permit when he moved from take-out only to restaurant seating.

“Mr. Stanfield did not dispute the grounds for suspension but requested the suspension be rescinded because he was diligently working on gaining compliance with DHEC regulations,” the statement said. “Failure to install the upgraded system would not lead to closure of the facility but would result in the return to the original food service operation as approved and permitted by DHEC.”

“I don’t understand this because, you know, America is known for if you put everything into – whatever your dream is – you can get it accomplished and they are burying us alive,” said Heike Stanfield, Co-Owner, Red Brick Pizza.

Stanfield said they were last open on Saturday. But unless a miracle happens, he believes they may not be able to re-open again.

The matter was discussed during a DHEC board meeting on May 5, 2022 with the restaurant’s owner in attendance – a motion was made about two hours and thirty-three minutes into the meeting, following an executive session. You can watch that hearing by clicking here.

Written by: Anna S. Bright

Submitted by: Herman G. Bright, Parade Chairman

Photo: Submitted

For 35 years, the Walterboro Shrine Club of Arabian Temple #139 has sponsored the town’s parade, honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. As a nation, we honor this slain civil rights leader whose mission was to advocate for all people who had been oppressed by unjust laws and immoral abuses. King vowed, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” Serving this year as parade marshal is a former Colleton County Councilman and retired pastor, Rev. Evon Arrington Robinson, Sr. When given the invitation to serve as this year’s marshal, Rev. Robinson expressed many words of gratitude and was most elated to accept this honor. Due to COVID restrictions, the parade was not held in 2021, and it was not held in 2022 because of inclement weather.

Rev. Robinson, a retired pastor of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, is a native of Cottageville, South Carolina. He is the son of the late Mr. Easley Robinson, Sr., and Mrs. Bula Mae Haynes Robinson. After graduating from Colleton Training School, he attended SC Trade School and later completed a tour of duty in the United States Army. In 1970 he received the call to ministry. He attended South Carolina State University, subsequently attending the Nichols Theological Seminary Extension in Charleston, South Carolina for religious training.

Having served in the pastoral ministry of Jesus Christ for 47 years, all of which were in the South Carolina Annual Conference, among his assignments were the Fairfax, St. Paul, Holly Hill, St. Matthew, and St. Stephens Circuits. Rev. Robinson led the Greater St. Paul and Greater Target congregations in the construction of brand-new edifices. In addition, he led the congregations at St. Peters, New Hope, St. Matthew, and St. Stephens in total renovation projects.

Rev. Robinson served the SC Conference in the following capacities: the Board of Examiners, the Ministerial Efficiency Committee, Presiding Elders’ Salary Committee, the Conference Finance Committee, Chairman of the Finance Committee for the Beaufort District, Station and Circuit Committee, Deeds and Abstracts Committee, and Abandoned Property Committee. Further, he was one of the initial organizers of the Sons of Allen Ministry and served on this committee for many years.

His ministry outside the walls of the church includes being elected to the Colleton County Board of Education. During Rev. Robinson’s tenure while serving as the board chairman, he led the historic event of hiring the first African American superintendent in the county. He was later elected and served on the Colleton County Council for 16 years, three of which he was a chairman. He served for 15 years on the Board of Directors of the Lowcountry Regional Council of Government, and he also served as treasurer for the South Carolina Coalition of Black County Officials. In addition, he served on the Lowcountry Community Action Agency Community Action Agency Board of Directors for several years, four of which he was chairman.

Previously, he was chairman of the Equal Opportunity Committee for the Department of the United States Navy, Naval Weapons Station, Charleston for 12 years, and as the president of the American Federation of Government Employees Union-Local 2298, for two years. Lastly, he is a member of the Colleton Branch of the NAACP and the Hiram Mann Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen, Inc., of which four years he was the president.

For 57 years Rev. Robinson and his wife, Gloria Smalls Robinson, have been united as one. They are the proud parents of four children: Evon, Jr., Ronald, Rhonda Lynn, and Keon. They have been blessed with nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. After 28 years of service, Rev. Robinson retired from the Naval Weapons Station in Charleston in 1995. In addition, he owned and operated Robinson’s Barbershop in Walterboro for many years.

After having served more than four decades as a pastor in the A.M.E. Church, in November 2018, Rev. Robinson retired from active ministry, a calling of which he loved so dearly. He plans to travel extensively throughout the nation to share his experiences as a servant of God in the wider ecumenical circles, as well as his beloved A.M.E. Church.

The Walterboro Shrine Club’s Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade will take place on Sunday, January 15, 2023, at 2:30 p.m. on Jefferies Boulevard. At 1:30 p.m., the lineup will begin in front of Live Oak Cemetery. The public is cordially invited and encouraged to attend.

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – Grab a cup of hot chocolate and turn the Christmas tunes on the radio – there are several options for checking out Christmas lights beyond your neighborhood.

Enjoy a night with friends and family as you drive through bright shining lights on display in Moncks Corner, North Charleston, Cottageville, and the largest drive-thru holiday light event at James Island County Park.

Holiday Festival of Lights – James Island County Park871 Riverland Dr, Charleston

A trip to the Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park is a Christmas-time tradition filled with thousands of dazzling lights and displays.

Guests are invited to drive along a three-mile stretch lined with more than 700 light displays each night through December 31. A stop at Winter Wonderland – about halfway through the drive – gives you an opportunity to stretch your legs and view the area’s largest holiday sand sculpture.

You can view shops, search for gifts, or enjoy sweet treats or a cup of hot chocolate. Hop on a train ride for a fun look at light displays or take a stroll through the Enchanted Walking Trail for a fun look at nature-themed light displays.

Santa Claus will meet children each night from November 21 – December 23. Plus, enjoy an array of large greeting cards decorated by students from across the Charleston area.

Ticket prices on a regular night will cost $15 per vehicle if purchased online at HolidayFestivalofLights.com or $20 at the gate. Peak night prices increase to $25 per vehicle online and $30 at the gate.

The 33rd Annual Holiday Festival of Lights is open every evening from November 11 through December 31 from 5:30 p.m. until 10:00 p.m.

The Lights at Park Circle4800 Park Circle, North Charleston

Pack up the car and take a drive or go for a relaxing stroll around North Charleston’s Park Circle to see dozens of Christmas light displays.

Trees, lights, and displays will be shining bright around the circle at the Felix C. Davis Community Center.

City leaders say the lights will shine until New Year’s Day. There is no fee to enjoy the lights.

Bee City Zoo’s Christmas Wonderland of Lights1066 Holly Ridge Ln. Cottageville, SC 29435

On select nights in November and December, guests can enjoy a combination of animals and Christmas lights at Bee City Zoo’s Christmas Wonderland of Lights festival.

Santa Claus will make a special appearance during some nights of the event for a photo opportunity.

Those attending can also attend an ‘Australian Walkabout’ which is included in the price of admission. And for some additional costs, you can enjoy roasting s’mores, ornament decorating, grabbing a cup of hot chocolate, or feeding animals during the festival.

Admission is $12 or you can purchase a combo pass which includes day access to the zoo and entry to the lights at $20. Click here to learn more.

Holiday Lights Driving Tour – Old Santee Canal Park900 Stoney Landing Rd, Moncks Corner

Celebrate the season with family and friends on a driving tour filled with sparkling Christmas lights and displays at Old Santee Canal Park powered by Santee Cooper.

The event runs each night from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. from November 25 – December 30. It will be closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Admission to the event is $5 per vehicle. Proceeds benefit local charities.

Guests will enter the Holiday Lights Driving Tour at 1 Riverwood Drive in Moncks Corner.

“The beautiful LED lighting displays are powered by 100% Santee Cooper Green Power, which is Green-e Energy certified and meets the environmental and consumer-protection standards set forth by the nonprofit Center for Resource Solutions,” organizers said.

Santee Cooper is also inviting guests to attend its two-night event ‘Holiday in the Park’ on November 24 and 25. You’ll have the chance to meet Santa Claus, enjoy crafts, roast marshmallows, and sample some seasonal foods.

“This event is included with admission to Holiday Lights Driving Tour, which runs through Dec. 30, so you can start your holiday season early at this fun-filled meetup,” said organizers.

To learn more or purchase tickets online, please click here.

Cougar Night Lights – The College of CharlestonNear the corner of George and St. Philip Streets

A holiday tradition that brings a fun and dazzling light show to the College of Charleston’s Cistern Yard and Randolph Hall will light up with the spirit of the season each night, offering a holiday light show featuring festive music and visual performances each half-hour from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.

The display will be open to the public beginning December 1 through January 2. It is free to view and this year’s show will include new music and lighting displays.

Visitors can find the Cistern Yard at the corner of George and St. Philip Streets. Public parking garages are available at two nearby locations – the George Street Garage and the St. Philip Street Garage.

Did we miss something? Email us with details about a local Christmas light show.

A record 46.16 percent of Colleton County voters turned out in the Nov. 8 general election, casting 12,773 votes of 27,671 registered voters.

Winners were:

Probate Judge

REP Ceth Utsey, 98.77%, 8,785

Write-In, 1.23%, 109

Total 8,894

Auditor

REP Jeffrey Slocum, 98.91%, 8,770

Write-In, 1.09%, 97

Total 8,867

County Treasurer

REP Becky S Hill, 98.83%, 8,882

Write-In, 1.17%, 105

Total 8,987

County Council At Large

REP Bubba Trippe, 62.20%, 7,793

DEM Hiram EM Davis, 37.65%, 4,717

Write-In, 0.14%, 18

Total 12,528

County Council District 23

REP Scott Biering, 51.75%, 3,306

DEM Art Williams, 48.11%, 3,073

Write-In, 0.14%, 9

Total 6,388

County Council District 45

REP Steven D Murdaugh, 98.69%, 4,899

Write-In, 1.31%, 65

Total 4,964

Soil and Water District Commission

Gary S Herndon, 50.50%, 4,655

Gerald T Mabry, 48.31%, 4,453

Write-In, 1.19%, 110

Total 9,218

School Board District 2

Daryl Erwin, 97.38%, 1,117

Write-In, 2.62%, 30

Total 1,147

School Board District 4

William Bowman Jr, 21.83%, 296

Anna S Bright, 22.05%, 299

Craig Stivender, 55.68%, 755

Write-In, 0.44%, 6

Total 1,356

School Board District 6

Wayne Shider, 41.97%, 504

Lynn Carter Stroble, 57.70%, 693

Write-In, 0.33%, 4

Total 1,201

Capital Project Sales Tax Referendum

Yes, In Favor of the Question, 50.41%, 5,958

No, Opposed to the Question, 49.59%, 5,859

Total 11,817

Town of Cottageville Water and Sewer Referendum

Yes, In Favor of the Question, 47.56%, 117

No, Opposed to the Question, 52.44%, 129

Total 246

Statewide races:

Governor and Lieutenant Governor

REP Henry McMaster/Pamela Evette, 57.07%, 7,159

LIB Bruce Reeves/Jessica Ethridge, 1.13%, 142

DEM Joe Cunningham/Tally Parham Casey, 41.76%, 5,239

Write-In, 0.04%, 5

Total 12,545

Secretary of State

REP Mark Hammond, 62.22%, 7,774

DEM Rosemounda Peggy Butler, 37.74%, 4,715

Write-In, 0.04%, 5

Total 12,494

State Treasurer

REP Curtis Loftis, 81.10%, 8,056

ALN Sarah E Work, 18.57%, 1,845

Write-In, 0.32%, 32

Total 9,933

Attorney General

REP Alan Wilson, 98.05%, 8,736

Write-In, 1.95%, 174

Total 8,910

Comptroller General

REP Richard Eckstrom, 98.68%, 8,720

Write-In, 1.32%, 117

Total 8,837

State Superintendent of Education

GRN Patricia M Mickel, 1.80%, 225

REP Ellen Weaver, 55.81%, 6,977

ALN Lisa Ellis, 2.50%, 312

DEM Lisa Ellis, 39.86%, 4,983

Write-In, 0.04%, 5

Total 12,502

Commissioner of Agriculture

UNC Chris Nelums, 6.69%, 653

GRN David Edmond, 12.34%, 1,204

REP Hugh Weathers, 80.69%, 7,875

Write-In, 0.28%, 27

Total 9,759

U.S. Senate

REP Tim Scott, 61.94%, 7,747

DEM Krystle Matthews, 37.98%, 4,750

Write-In, 0.08%, 10

Total 12,507

U.S. House of Representatives, District 6

REP Duke Buckner, 60.36%, 6,820

DEM James E Jim Clyburn, 39.54%, 4,467

Write-In, 0.10%, 11

Total 11,298

U.S. House of Representatives, District 1

REP Nancy Mace, 58.17%, 730

ALN Joseph Oddo, 0.56%, 7

DEM Annie Andrews, 41.20%, 517

Write-In, 0.08%, 1

Total 1,255

State House of Representatives, District 121

REP Eric J Erickson, 44.96%, 1,984

DEM Michael F Rivers Sr, 55.02%, 2,428

Write-In, 0.02%, 1

Total 4,413

State House of Representatives, District 122

REP Bill Hager, 71.08%, 499

DEM Shedron Hook Williams, 28.92%, 203

Write-In, 0.00%, 0

Total 702

State House of Representatives, District 97

REP Robby Robbins, 69.78%, 4,578

DEM ReZsaun Lewis, 30.19%, 1,981

Write-In, 0.03%, 2

Total 6,561

State House of Representatives, District 116

REP Matt Leber, 74.22%, 593

DEM Chardale Murray, 25.66%, 205

Write-In, 0.13%, 1

Total 799

Watershed Conservation District Willow Swamp

Doug Mixson, 89.72%, 358

Write-In, 10.28%, 41

Total 399

Statewide Constitutional Amendment 1

Yes, 56.91%, 6,470

No, 43.09%, 4,898

Total 11,368

Statewide Constitutional Amendment 2

Yes, 56.62%, 6,640

No, 43.38%, 5,088

Total 11,728

Other items that may interest you

Each month, the principals in Colleton County Schools choose a Teacher of the Month and a Support Staff of the Month. The recipients for September, October and November were recognized at the November 29 Colleton County School Board meeting.

Tammy Smyth, Support Staff of the Month, September - Black Street Early Childhood Center

Hiram Davis, Teacher of the Month, September - Black Street Early Childhood Center

Julie Withrow, Teacher of the Month, September- Black Street Early Childhood Center

Ella Adams, Support Staff of the Month, October - Black Street Early Childhood Center

Sally Burgis, Teacher of the Month, October - Black Street Early Childhood Center

Julie Hiott, Teacher of the Month, October- Black Street Early Childhood Center

Takesha Jones, Teacher of the Month, November- Black Street Early Childhood Center

Patti Litchfield, Teacher of the Month, November - Black Street Early Childhood Center

Barbara Gilbert, Support Staff of the Month, November - Black Street Early Childhood Center

Amy Cook, Teacher of the Month, November - Bells Elementary School

Andrea Brown, Support Staff of the Month, November - Bells Elementary School

Shelley Ann Griffiths, Teacher of the Month, September - Colleton County Middle School

Victoria Reed, Support Staff of the Month, September - Colleton County Middle School

Danielle Van Hulst, Teacher of the Month, October - Colleton County Middle School

Janice Wright, Support Staff of the Month, October - Colleton County Middle School

Elizabeth Purvis, Teacher of the Month, August - Forest Hills Elementary

Erica Grant, Teacher of the Month, September - Forest Hills Elementary

Monica Adams, Support Staff of the Month, September - Forest Hills Elementary

Dustin Fitch, Teacher of the Month, October - Forest Hills Elementary

Debbie Fryar, Support Staff of the Month, October - Forest Hills Elementary

Ashleigh Cook, Teacher of the Month, October - Cottageville Elementary School

Doris Simmons, Support Staff of the Month, October - Cottageville Elementary School

Sarah Fielder, Teacher of the Month, November - Cottageville Elementary School

Lynn Jennings, Support Staff of the Month, November - Cottageville Elementary School

Mallory Beach, Teacher of the Month, November - Northside Elementary School

Angela Crosby, Support Staff of the Month, November - Northside Elementary School

Heather Mushrush, Teacher of the Month, September - Colleton County High School

Jarred Boan, Teacher of the Month, October - Colleton County High School

Isaac Agina, Teacher of the Month, November - Colleton County High School

Amy Kilpatrick, Support Staff of the Month, September - Colleton County High School

Jarvis Pruitt, Support Staff of the Month, October - Colleton County High School

Gwen Koger, Support Staff of the Month, November - Colleton County High School

Dinah Bryant, Teacher of the Month, November - Hendersonville Elementary School

Calvin Gantt, Support Staff of the Month, November - Hendersonville Elementary School

Palmer Hudson, Teacher of the Month, November - Colleton Adult Learning Center

Haley Jones, Support Staff of the Month, November - Colleton Adult Learning Center