Your First Choice for Scratch and Dent Appliances in North Charleston

A large employer in North Charleston will close this summer.

WestRock Co. will permanently cease operating its paper mill in North Charleston on Aug. 31, according to a news release from the company.

The North Charleston mill produces containerboard, uncoated kraft paper (KraftPak), and unbleached saturating kraft paper (DuraSorb), with a combined annual capacity of 550,000 tons, according to the news release.

WestRock is committed to improving its return on invested capital as well as maximizing the performance of its assets, the release stated. The combination of high operating costs and the need for significant capital investment were the determining factors in the decision to cease operations at the mill.

“WestRock and its predecessor companies have had a long history in the region operating the North Charleston mill, and the contributions of the team members over the years have been greatly appreciated,” said WestRock CEO David B. Sewell in the release. “The decision to close a facility and impact the lives of our team members is never easy, and we are committed to assisting our North Charleston team with exploring roles at other WestRock locations and outplacement assistance.”

Containerboard and uncoated kraft currently produced at the mill will be manufactured at other WestRock facilities, the release stated. The company intends to exit the unbleached saturating kraft paper business when the mill shutdown is completed.

WestRock has other South Carolina facilities in Greer, Spartanburg and Florence.

The North Charleston mill employs approximately 500 people, according to the release. Employees will receive severance and outplacement assistance in accordance with WestRock policy and labor union agreements, the release stated.

In a separate release, Ingevity Corp. said that operations at the company’s North Charleston plant will continue as normal with the closure of WestRock.

The two companies will work together to transition limited shared services ahead of closure of the WestRock facility, according to the release. The companies share a common history, but Ingevity has operated as a stand-alone public company since May 2016.

“While we anticipate some cost with the transition of shared services, we expect minimal disruption to our operations,” said Ingevity president and CEO John Fortson in the release. “Our primary focus as WestRock exits their plant site is to ensure safe operations and continue to meet the needs of our customers.”

WestRock’s plant closure does not impact Ingevity’s recently announced long-term supply agreement for crude tall oil with WestRock, according to the release.

WestRock has more than 58,000 employees in the Americas, Europe and Asia-Pacific.

JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –

Joint Base Charleston and North Auxiliary Field in South Carolina became the arena for the third annual Forward Area Refueling Point (FARP) Rodeo April 2-5. This event is a pivotal training ground where Air Force professionals from across the United States converge to sharpen their skills in FARP operations, utilizing C-17 Globemaster III aircraft.

Throughout the week, loadmasters, pilots, and fuels personnel from installations around the United States came together to train in FARP operations on the C-17. The essence of FARP operations is to execute 'hot refueling' procedures, where a tanker aircraft, such as a C-17, refuels another while both maintain their engines running. This capability is critical for the teams, allowing them to refuel any aircraft required by their mission.

The rodeo included academics and hands-on training in both day and night-time operations, focusing on building upon the training each day. The climax of the event was a final exercise at North Auxiliary Field. Here, participants were challenged to apply their FARP operations training under the veil of night, using only night vision goggles and minimal red light for visibility.

Their task was to successfully refuel a UH-60 Black Hawk, simulating conditions that could be encountered in real-world austere environments.

“Participating in the FARP Rodeo is a great training experience, not only for us as individuals, but to allow us to share our skills and function as a force multiplier throughout the Air Force,” said U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Jordan Soltis, 167th Airlift Wing noncommissioned officer in-charge of aircrew training.

The team’s capability to refuel aircraft in remote locations helps support global access worldwide. The C-17 not only has the capability to fly long distances and land in remote airfields in rough, land-locked regions, but it can also carry large equipment, supplies and troops directly to small airfields in harsh terrain anywhere in the world, day or night.

Participating units included the 167th Operations Group from West Virginia, 164th OG from Tennessee, 305th OG from New Jersey, and the 15th Airlift Squadron here at Charleston.

After completing the training, the participants became certified in FARP operations, allowing them to take the skills they learned and train others at their home units.

“By training in this exercise now, we posture ourselves to support a future fight,” said U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Katherine Stanton, 437th Operations Support Squadron wing training superintendent. “No matter where or when we are needed to support the mission, we will be ready.”

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - The city of Charleston is working on updating and modernizing its zoning code which can impact residents in many different ways.

The city’s Zoning Ordinance has not been updated since 1966. The code guides how the city develops and grows, so a more modern update is necessary.

The theme for this code update is “Setting New Standards.” The city is looking at making several changes to the code including making it more user-friendly and organized. The city recognizes that the current code is not easy for the average person to search through and find what they are looking for.

Through this update, they also want to make the city of Charleston more resilient to the rising water environment and encourage a diverse array of housing types with a special focus on affordable housing. Affordable housing is a major issue in Charleston and currently, the zoning code does not necessarily encourage housing in the form of townhomes and duplexes in certain areas. They are looking at filling that “missing middle” of this issue.

Another area the code update will focus on is multi-mobility. They want to encourage more safe, connected and active transit options. How the code will impact things like bicycle parking and bus shelters will be considered.

Katie Zimmerman, the executive director of Charleston Moves, a nonprofit focusing on mobility, says this zoning code impacts everyone more than they may realize.

“The zoning code impacts every single citizen of the city of Charleston, and also anybody who chooses to do business in the city of Charleston. And frankly, it impacts a lot of our visitors as well,” she says.

The city of Charleston will be hosting a public meeting Wednesday to discuss the zoning code rewrite. Zimmerman encourages people to attend this and provide their input.

“It does not sound exciting, but it - because it is one of those things that it seems a little mundane, or sort of ‘policy-worky’ but it’s something that absolutely affects all of us on a daily basis and so, it’s a policy issue that as many people who can participate in the process and weigh in with their suggestions, it’s more beneficial,” Zimmerman says. “Get involved.”

The public meeting will take place at the International Longshoremen’s Association Community Hall building at 5 p.m. The address is 1142 Morrison Drive. The city also has a survey open now until April 25 for anyone to provide their feedback.

For the entire updated code, you can click here. To see the specific changes the city is looking at making and to learn more, you can click here.

Copyright 2024 WCSC. All rights reserved.

Can't start the morning/afternoon/life without a large cup of caffeine? Try one of these local coffee purveyors for a fix. Whether it's free wifi or a cozy atmosphere, there's a place for each need.

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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process.

A savior for the citizens of Park Circle, The Orange Spot Coffeehouse supplies caffeine to North Charleston. The setting recently expanded with a new address but maintains the same cozy atmosphere. Try the cha yen, a traditional Thai iced tea.

Not only does Owlbear make an excellent cold brew or a iced caramel macchiato (if you’re into that), but this cafe puts out filling bagel sandwiches, waffles, and fancy grilled cheeses.

The Harbinger is a whimsical space full of plants, Instagram-worthy shelves full of treasures, and cozy seating. The coffee drinks are creative, like the maple latte or the Jack Rudy espresso tonic, but do not miss the baked goods — customers are instantly hooked on creations like a take on Rice Krispy Treats with puffed brown rice, tahini, and chocolate. Check out the sister cafe Harken when visiting the heart of downtown.

In addition to expertly prepared espresso drinks, Mercantile offers free wifi, plentiful seating, and a full breakfast and lunch menu — what’s not to love. Oh, and parking. Sold.

The Daily is the place to go for a morning coffee, breakfast sandwich, or an afternoon lunch. Try the golden latte with turmeric-agave syrup and the spring-ish vegetable hash.

Sightsee is a fun, hip shop with a side of coffee bar. Tucked back on Line Street, the space offers coffee to go for those exploring the Cannonborough-Elliotborough neighborhood. Try the unique iced cascara tea, which is brewed from the coffee cherry.

Vintage Coffee Cafe offers caffeine, eats, and wifi to the Mount Pleasant set. The kitchen puts out sophisticated breakfast items, like seasonal quiches, oven-roasted tomato tarts, acai bowls, and lox plates, among others.

The pick-up window at Brown Fox Coffee makes it a quick and easy stop to grab a morning latte or a cold brew on the way to the beach on Sullivan’s Island.

Kudu not only has a handsome outdoor patio, but an extensive coffee and craft beer program as well. It doesn't offer wifi, so this shop is for relaxation, not work.

Highfalutin Coffee Roasters really cares about its beans. Roasted in-house, the coffee at this Avondale shop is routinely touted as some of the best by local aficionados — don’t ask for a pumpkin spice latte here.

Petite shop the Rise attracts those in search of a perfect cortado or a honey lavender latte. The space is small, so most customers get their coffee to-go.

Since its located on the Market in the Emeline hotel, Clerks Coffee Company is always buzzing with visitors, but this shouldn’t deter locals. The seating area at Clerks makes for a handsome background to sip a latte and get some work done. After the laptops close, the coffee bar offers beer and wine in addition to slices of Detroit-style pizza and salads.

Sunlight-filled caffeine emporium Second State Coffee (formerly Black Tap Coffee) is the spot to get creative lattes (try the brown sugar or lavender) and kick-ass pour-over brew. It is also the meeting spot for creatives and neighborhood friends to chat about the day or upcoming projects. Check out the Second State in Mount Pleasant for a full menu of hearty breakfast and lunch options.

Entrepreneur Amy Wright has four children, and two, Bitty & Beau, were born with Down syndrome. Wright saw an opportunity to help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, who are among the most vulnerable in finding steady jobs. Her coffee shops Betty & Beau are staffed with a very enthusiastic crew that live with issues like autism and cerebral palsy. Stop in for a cup of joy in the morning.

Muddy Waters is an old-school coffee shop on James Island. Around since 2001, it’s a reliable spot for a latte, a macaron, and a quiet place to sit and read a book.

A savior for the citizens of Park Circle, The Orange Spot Coffeehouse supplies caffeine to North Charleston. The setting recently expanded with a new address but maintains the same cozy atmosphere. Try the cha yen, a traditional Thai iced tea.

Not only does Owlbear make an excellent cold brew or a iced caramel macchiato (if you’re into that), but this cafe puts out filling bagel sandwiches, waffles, and fancy grilled cheeses.

The Harbinger is a whimsical space full of plants, Instagram-worthy shelves full of treasures, and cozy seating. The coffee drinks are creative, like the maple latte or the Jack Rudy espresso tonic, but do not miss the baked goods — customers are instantly hooked on creations like a take on Rice Krispy Treats with puffed brown rice, tahini, and chocolate. Check out the sister cafe Harken when visiting the heart of downtown.

In addition to expertly prepared espresso drinks, Mercantile offers free wifi, plentiful seating, and a full breakfast and lunch menu — what’s not to love. Oh, and parking. Sold.

The Daily is the place to go for a morning coffee, breakfast sandwich, or an afternoon lunch. Try the golden latte with turmeric-agave syrup and the spring-ish vegetable hash.

Sightsee is a fun, hip shop with a side of coffee bar. Tucked back on Line Street, the space offers coffee to go for those exploring the Cannonborough-Elliotborough neighborhood. Try the unique iced cascara tea, which is brewed from the coffee cherry.

Vintage Coffee Cafe offers caffeine, eats, and wifi to the Mount Pleasant set. The kitchen puts out sophisticated breakfast items, like seasonal quiches, oven-roasted tomato tarts, acai bowls, and lox plates, among others.

The pick-up window at Brown Fox Coffee makes it a quick and easy stop to grab a morning latte or a cold brew on the way to the beach on Sullivan’s Island.

Kudu not only has a handsome outdoor patio, but an extensive coffee and craft beer program as well. It doesn't offer wifi, so this shop is for relaxation, not work.

Highfalutin Coffee Roasters really cares about its beans. Roasted in-house, the coffee at this Avondale shop is routinely touted as some of the best by local aficionados — don’t ask for a pumpkin spice latte here.

Petite shop the Rise attracts those in search of a perfect cortado or a honey lavender latte. The space is small, so most customers get their coffee to-go.

Since its located on the Market in the Emeline hotel, Clerks Coffee Company is always buzzing with visitors, but this shouldn’t deter locals. The seating area at Clerks makes for a handsome background to sip a latte and get some work done. After the laptops close, the coffee bar offers beer and wine in addition to slices of Detroit-style pizza and salads.

Sunlight-filled caffeine emporium Second State Coffee (formerly Black Tap Coffee) is the spot to get creative lattes (try the brown sugar or lavender) and kick-ass pour-over brew. It is also the meeting spot for creatives and neighborhood friends to chat about the day or upcoming projects. Check out the Second State in Mount Pleasant for a full menu of hearty breakfast and lunch options.

Entrepreneur Amy Wright has four children, and two, Bitty & Beau, were born with Down syndrome. Wright saw an opportunity to help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, who are among the most vulnerable in finding steady jobs. Her coffee shops Betty & Beau are staffed with a very enthusiastic crew that live with issues like autism and cerebral palsy. Stop in for a cup of joy in the morning.

Muddy Waters is an old-school coffee shop on James Island. Around since 2001, it’s a reliable spot for a latte, a macaron, and a quiet place to sit and read a book.

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC/AP) - Viewers in the Lowcountry are sharing photos of Monday’s solar eclipse, an event that isn’t expected to happen again for 21 years.

Send your photos of the solar eclipse by clicking the blue “+ Add Media” button:

Monday’s eclipse over the Lowcountry was not as dramatic as a similar eclipse back in 2017 because the Lowcountry was not within the “path of totality,” the strip stretching across North America from Mexico to Canada where spectators will be able to see the moon aligned nearly perfectly in front of the sun.

“You wouldn’t even know it happened unless we were to tell you this was going on unless you put on these glasses are able to see it yourself,” Sovine said.

The Lowcountry peaked at about 70% of the sun being blocked by the moon, but because the sun is so bright, that still won’t be enough to cause a huge difference in how bright the sky looks.

People who were in the eclipse’s path saw a twilight for nearly four-and-a-half minutes, nearly twice as long as the 2017 eclipse because the moon is closer to the earth this time around.

Live 5 First Alert Meteorologist Joey Sovine stressed the importance of using safe eye protection during the partial eclipse.

“It’s never safe to look at the sun, whether it’s a day where there’s a solar eclipse or not,” he said. Before relying on any eclipse glasses, spectators should make sure a reputable store sold them and that the product isn’t a knockoff.

Doctors warned of the potential for permanent eye damage from looking at the sun without proper protection and NASA warned people not to take photos of the eclipse with their phones because that could cause permanent damage to the camera.

The peak of the eclipse over the Lowcountry came at about 3 p.m. or so.

Astronomers said the eclipse was expected to end by about 4:25 p.m. when sunlight would be back in full force.

An estimated 44 million people live within the track, with a couple hundred million more within 200 miles.

Experts from NASA and scores of universities are posted along the route, poised to launch research rockets and weather balloons, and conduct experiments. The International Space Station’s seven astronauts also will be on the lookout, 270 miles up.

It will be another 21 years before the United States sees another total solar eclipse on this scale.

Copyright 2024 WCSC. All rights reserved.