The 19,000 motorists that cross the Savannah River every day on U.S. 17 shouldn't see any major disruptions in their commute when construction begins on a new Back River Bridge.
The replacement of the 58-year-old bridge, a project that has been in the planning phase since 2007, will go out to bid in June, said Georgia Department of Transportation spokeswoman Jill Nagel.

A 5-year-old Ridgeland Elementary School child was dropped off at the wrong bus stop after school last week and was left wandering the neighborhood crying.
Amy Williams said on Jan. 23 she was with her son at a doctor's appointment on Hilton Head and had arranged for her daughter to be dropped off after school at the bus stop near her daughter's babysitter's house instead of their Sisters Ferry Road home.

There are electrical and sinkhole issues at Ridgeland's school campus. At last Monday's school board meeting, Jasper County School District Chief of Staff Darryl Owens presented information regarding the sinkholes at Ridgeland's campus and about electrical issues that have damaged several of the newly installed security cameras. The electrical issues, power outages and surges are being examined.

Incumbent Sheriff Greg Jenkins is excited to be running for the sheriff's office again. Running as a Democrat, Jenkins is pleased with the job that he's done during the last four years.
A veteran of the department - the only one he's worked for in more than a 25-year-career - Jenkins has a lot of interest in staying in office. He and his family live in the county and are active in the community. He's worked under two sheriffs and loves what he does for the community.

The centennial celebration for Jasper County was filled with history. At a gathering Monday outside of the county's courthouse in Ridgeland, city, town and county officials gathered to honor Jasper County's 100th anniversary.
County Council Chairman Rev. Samuel Gregory said he was thrilled that he and his family were from Jasper County, and thanked everyone, particularly county administrator Andrew Fulghum and his staff, for putting the event together. He noted that many county officials were present, and that the county's residents had come out to witness the event.

"August 18, 1920, the 19th Amendment to the Constitution was ratified. Women got the right to vote. One man said ‘the world was turned upside down and it will never be the same.' Bless his little ole heart."

Ridgeland's mayor and town council voted unanimously at last Thursday's special meeting to sign the resolution supporting Hardeeville's proposed resort and casino property at Hilton Head Lakes on Hwy 278. While questions remained about traffic issues and how exactly a casino would co-exist beside a residential neighborhood, most of the other questions asked by the council were answered.

Jasper County turns 100 years old next week and the centennial has been greeted so far with a minor celebration.
The county is holding a small ceremony at the fountain between the courthouse and the council building in Ridgeland at 4 p.m. Monday (Jan. 30), marking the actual date of the anniversary of Jasper County's founding - and its permanent separation from Beaufort County.
The Chamber of Commerce at the nearby Perry House will offer minor refreshments after the ceremony.

The Jasper County School District has begun an anti-bullying initiative with a program designed to get kids talking. The program, called "S.T.A.M.P. Out Bullying," began last week with a summit at the middle school's gym.
The acronym stands for Stay away from bullies, Tell someone, Avoid bad situations, Make friends and Project Confidence.

Citizens in Jasper County and other parts of the Lowcountry are telling us, "This is our time. This is our opportunity. We must prevail."
They're talking about their future-theirs and their children and grandchildren-as they contemplate an estimated 3,800 jobs and $156 million in annual compensation that a proposed entertainment casino/hotel resort in Hardeeville would bring.