Mayor Rutledge Leland Runs Victim to Identity Theft

May 4th, 2007 Uncategorized No Comments

   According to a recent report by live 5 news, Mayor Rutledge Leland was the victim of identity theft.  The report states that our beloved “Rut” received a shipment of computers at the seafood market that he did not order and a cell phone showed up on his bill that was not his.  Both incidents were taken care of by the companies before any negative impact could be felt by the mayor. 

   In my experience in law enforcement, if this is all that happens then Rutledge can consider himself a very lucky man.  Most people aren’t tipped off by recieving notice from banks or anyone else.  It’s usually only when they attempt to buy a car or get financing for a house that they find they have a major mark on their credit from identity theft that has been going on for months or years. 

   I urge everyone to get a credit report every one or two years and follow up on any unknown charges (however, be aware that checking your credit numerous times, whether it’s you, car dealers, or mortgage brokers, can lower your overall credit score).  If identity theft is caught early enough than you may be able to trace the paper trail back to the crook and catch them.

Top 10 Things to Do in McClellanville

May 3rd, 2007 Buyers 4 Comments

Thinking about moving to McClellanville, but worried that theres just nothing to do? Well we may not be the entertainment capitol of the world, but we make up for that with our natural and historic beauty. Spending time with friends and family is what McClellanville is all about, but here are the top ten things that you can do by yourself or with a group in or near McClellanville.

10. Take a Day Trip – Theres plenty of places to visit close to McClellanville: Hampton and Hopsawee Plantation, Buck Hall Recreation Area, and Seewee Visitors Center, for starters.

9. Join the Festivities  – McClellanvilles Annual Blockbuster is the Lowcountry Shrimp Festival (held the 1^st Saturday in May), but there lots of other community events if you want to make some new friends.

8. Hunting – If its hunting season and youre looking to bag a trophy buck, turkey, boar, or duck than McClellanville is the place for you.

7. Enjoy Nature – Whether its a hike through the National Forest, A bike ride on the Palmetto Trail, or a stroll on Skippers Point, nature is all around us and is always a nice, relaxing way to spend your time.

6. Go Fishing – Is there anything more relaxing than an afternoon on the boat reeling in spot-tail bass or waist-deep in the surf with a trout on your hook?

5. Shop – Check out our businesses for arts and crafts, books by local authors, fresh seafood, strawberries, and last minute gifts.

4. Eat – Its Americas favorite pastime and weve got the best restaurants around serving up lots of local seafood in Southern dishes. Dont forget oyster roasts when it gets colder too.

3. The Village Museum – Theres something for everyone at the Village Museum. Displays and exhibits provide the history of McClellanville dating back to the Indians.

2. Tour the Village – In a car, on a bike, or on your own two feet, the Historic District of McClellanville offers great views of homes, flowering plants, live oaks, and the water.

1. Go to the Beach – If you dont have a boat, find someone who does and make that person your new best friend. If you dont know where to go, heres a map. Take a picnic lunch to the beach, cruise the Intracoastal Waterway, or take a sunset cruise up Jeremy Creek.

Disagree with my choices? Think I forgot one? Add your thoughts to the comments section below

Francis Marion National Forest

May 1st, 2007 Uncategorized No Comments

The 250,000 acre Francis Marion National Forest was established in 1936 by President Franklin Roosevelt. The forest is named after Brigadier General Francis “Swamp Fox” Marion, South Carolinas Revolutionary War hero, who thwarted the English troops by the use of his guerilla tactics in the swamps of the Lowcountry (The Patriot, starring Mel Gibson, was loosely based on the Swamp Fox).

This federally protected forest surrounds McClellanville to the north, south and west and acts as a natural buffer from encroaching development.

Pine, oak, and cypress trees call this land home, as well as numerous protected animal including the bald eagle, red-cockaded woodpecker, and American alligator. The US Forest Service manages the forest which is open to the public for camping, hunting, hiking, biking, horseback riding, canoeing and kayaking.

There are more than 120 miles of trails to explore, including the start of the Palmetto Trail which continues all the way to the mountains of South Carolina. For more information on the forest visit the U.S Forestry site or The Sewee Visitor Center, 5821 Highway 17 North, Awendaw, SC 29429.