Chiropractorin Cottageville, SC

The contagious Eastern equine encephalomyelitis (EEE) virus has once again been found in Colleton County, with one horse testing positive for the disease in rural Colleton County and another horse testing positive for West Nile virus. The location of the positive case of EEE is not being disclosed, at the request of the horse owner. The positive case of the West Nile virus in a horse is in Cottageville. Local animal control officials say they are hoping to stop the virus in the entire county by providing additional mosquito spraying: the EEE virus is commonly spread through mosquitoes. “There has been one EEE and one West Nile virus diagnosis in our county. We are spraying to stop it,” said Laura Clark, director of Colleton County Animal and Environmental Services. “These diseases are sad, but preventable,” said Clark. “Even though a horse has been fully vaccinated, most owners are unaware of the advice from equine vets to vaccinate twice a year for EEE and WNV.” This is the first positive case of EEE and the first positive known case of West Nile in Colleton County this year. However, this isn’t the first time the disease has been found in Colleton and in nearby counties. Clemson confirmed on Aug. 25, 2020, that two cases of horses with EEE had been found: a four-year-old paint mare in Colleton and a two-year-old paint colt in Jasper County. Both horses had to be euthanized. Now, another horse has tested positive for EEE and horse owners have been put on alert. EEE is one of the most dangerous mosquito-transmitted diseases in the U.S. The virus spreads from wild birds to mosquitos. The mosquitos then pass the virus to humans, horses and other birds. Officials at VetMed say that birds are like reservoirs for the virus. Mosquitoes and other biting insects carry the pathogen from infected birds and transmit it to horses when they bite. A horse affected with EEE is not contagious and poses no risk to other horses, humans or birds. The mosquito has to bite an infected bird and then a horse or human to transmit the disease. The virus is the cause of brain infections (encephalitis) in people, horses and other mammals. In people it also causes meningitis, but in horses, it is more deadly. Symptoms in horses include: weakness, staggering gait, unable to stand, depression and anorexia, high fever, lack of appetite, lethargy, drowsiness, hyperexcitability, tremors of the face and neck muscles, convulsions, cranial nerve paralysis, facial paralysis, weakness of the tongue, head tilt, droopy lip, muzzle deviation, incoordination or complete paralysis of one or more limbs, colic, and muscle twitches in neck, flank and shoulders. There is no effective treatment, and horses infected with EEE have a 75 – 95 percent morbidity rate. However, the disease can be prevented in horses with a twice-yearly vaccination. The West Nile Virus (WNV) infection was recently diagnosed in Cottageville in Cassey Spell’s sixteen-month-old Appaloosa mare named “Reba.” “I noticed that Reba had tremors, a quivering lip, walked stiffly, and was weak in her back legs. Her fever spiked at 103.3, and when the vet came, we put her in a stall. Eventually she couldn’t stand at all,” said Spell. The vet took blood and sent it to Clemson, where West Nile was diagnosed, but it took seven days to get the results. Fortunately, the vet had prescribed strong antibiotics to try and get her back on her feet. “For three days, I stayed with her and made a soupy mash for her to eat. Day by day she got a little better, but was able to stand for only 10 minutes at time before she would collapse,” said Spell. “On day three, the vet gave the horse a diuretic to flush the virus, and that seemed to help. Day four she grazed a little and walked for about 30 minutes before she went down. On day five, her tremors were gone, and by day six, she was much better. “On day seven the blood work came back as West Nile,” she said. Spell dumped all water troughs and bleached them, but there was nothing she could do about the puddles of rain water across the farm and along Highway 17A.

“This has been a definite concern, so we contacted the County Animal Services to get help with spraying around the area. We are taking every precaution we can. Oddly enough, we have 12 horses, and this was the only one infected,” Spell said. Symptoms of West Nile may include fever, incoordination, stumbling, falling, weakness, muscle twitching, seizures, drooping lips, lip smacking, head drooping, grinding teeth, and abnormal sensitivity to touch or sound. Serious cases may be unable to rise, and then death.

How to protect your horses and yourself Humans are able to contract these two diseases; therefore, precautions need to be taken to prevent transmission. According to the CDC, use insect repellent, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants, treat clothing and gear, and take steps to control mosquitoes indoors and outdoors to prevent mosquito bites. Get rid of all standing water if possible. Spray for mosquitos outdoors around property. There are environmentally friendly homemade repellents that people can also use. Recipes are found online. For horses, the American Association of Equine Practitioners suggests that horse owners keep all horses up to date on vaccinations. The first initial vaccination is followed in 4 to 6 weeks with a booster, and yearly revaccination is recommended. More frequent boosters twice yearly are recommended in areas with year-round mosquito seasons and in endemic areas such as the Lowcountry.

Mosquito management Practice mosquito management on all properties where horses are kept: -Use insect repellents frequently; re-apply after rain. -Keep horses in at night when possible, and apply insect repellant. -Eliminate or minimize standing water. -Stock tanks or ponds with mosquito-feeding fish. -Eliminate brush piles, gutters, old tires and litter. -Remove all equipment in which standing water can collect.

Mosquito Spraying Schedule in Colleton County In an effort to minimize the mosquito population in the area where the horse was recently infected, Colleton County will be doing a ground spray application of mosquito control product on the following dates, weather permitting. Ground spray will be conducted between the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 1:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 23, 2021; Thursday, October 7, 2021; and Thursday, October 21, 2021. The chemical that will be applied contains Permethrin and Piperonyl Butoxide as the active ingredients. If bee keepers are in the area, they need to notify Animal Services. The following roads/areas in Cottageville will be included in the application: Jacksonboro Road from Griffiths Acres Dr. to Hwy 17A, Amber Court, Dairy Lane, Durant Avenue from Goos Lane to Griffiths Acres Drive, Goos Lane, Nuthatch Lane, Mistletoe Lane, Rehoboth Road from Hwy 17A to Van Dyke Road, Peirce Road from Hwy 17A to Rhode Drive and to Depot Road, Hwy 17A from Depot to 12403 Hwy 17A (Lone Fox Farm), Cottageville Elementary School, Sally Ackerman Drive, Hwy 17A from Joyland Lane to Reevestown Road, Caboose Court, Depot Road, and Clydeville Lane from Hwy 17A to Kennedy Lane, Gatch Lane, Cone Court, Majestic Oak Way, Bama Road from and to Hwy 17A, Farmer Road, blocker Lane, Kim Lane, Miller Willilams Lane, Saint Charles Place, Welch Lane, and Angelic Lane. For questions regarding this program, contact Colleton Animal Services at 843-893-2651, or email ccaec@colletoncounty.org.

Deputies make arrests after body found in Cottageville woods where hunter went missing

COLLETON COUNTY, SC (WCSC) - Investigators have made a number of arrests after a body was found in the woods in Cottageville in the same area where a hunter went missing.

The Colleton County Sheriff’s Office says 25-year-old Schuyler Rene Andrulat of Cottageville and 33-year-old Nathan Baughman of Summerville have been charged with obstruction of justice. According to court records, the charges against Andrulat were dismissed and expunged.

A third man, Brad Skipper, has also been charged with an outstanding warrant from Colleton County.

The body was found around 8 p.m. on Thursday in a wooded area off Red Oak Road, the same area where a hunter went missing last Friday

The sheriff's office says the missing hunter was staying with friends who waited until Sunday to report him missing.

The coroner is doing an autopsy to determine the cause of death and identify the body.

The arrests stems from an incident that began on Aug. 21 when a Colleton County deputy responded to a home on Peirce Road in reference to a missing person.

The deputy spoke to Andrulat who said a friend of hers, Orin Patrick, had come to her home to go hunting Friday evening.

According to a report, Andrulat said she dropped Patrick off along the woodline on Peirce Road with a shotgun.

"Andrulat stated that several hours later, she received a call from Patrick stating that he was lost in the woods and he wanted her to drive along the road and beep the horn so that he could find his way back to the road again," the report states.

Andrulat told investigators that she did this around 9 p.m. on Friday but could not find him.

According to authorities, Andrulat said she received another call from Patrick that only last a few seconds and had since been unable to reach him through his phone again. Andrulat told deputies that she did not know any more information about Patrick.

In the incident report, the responding deputy reported that when he first met with Andrulat, she was unable to give any information about Patrick. The deputy then told Andrulat to get in contact with some of Patrick's friends or family so that he could get enough information to do a report.

Authorities also spoke with Patrick's friend, Baughman, who told investigators over the phone that he and Patrick had been staying at a home on Lakeview Drive in Summerville.

Baughman said the last time he saw Patrick was on Aug. 19, but was unsure of the time "because they had both been drinking so he did not remember much about that day."

The incident report states Baughman told investigators that this was not the first time Patrick had just "gone away, but it has never been for this long and never without making contact with him."

Detectives reported that they had Patrick's cell phone pinged to find the last location for it which was in Summerville.

Copyright 2016 WCSC. All rights reserved.

“Hold still, little bird,” I muttered to myself as I squinted through the viewfinder of my camera. Despite my command, the bird refused to stay put on the branch as I tried to focus long enough to release the shutter. With a click I was the owner of yet another high-definition digital photo of … an empty tree branch.

The object of my frustration on this day is a bright yellow prothonotary warbler, a migratory songbird that thrives in the flooded woodlands of the swampy rivers of the South Carolina Lowcountry.

Wintering in South America, the prothonotary warbler can be found in spring and summer in the Carolinas where breeding pairs can be spotted in trees along the riverbank or deep in the swamp. Its song is a bright twee-twee-twee-twee and as it darts among the low branches above the black water of a swamp, it seems to almost demand a photo.

This spring morning, as I paddle a quiet stretch of the Edisto River, a warbler darts among the branches of a low willow hunting snails and insects. With its yellow colors flashing like a lightning bug in daytime, I am compelled to stop once again and fill the memory card on my camera with photos of tree branches in an obsession that seems to amuse the little bird. Finally, both of us are relieved as I obtain a photo or two and both of us depart satisfied from the encounter.

The subject of my photo lives with others of his kind along one of the most beautiful stretches of the Edisto River that you can ever see. The Edisto River is the longest river system contained entirely in South Carolina. Rising from Saluda and Edgefield counties, the Edisto corkscrews 250 miles along the Lowcountry to the sea and forms the “E” of the critical ACE Basin water system.

Artesian wells and crystal clear springs bubble from the limestone bedrock along the upper river and near the coast it becomes a rich, blackwater river where deep swamps open to salt marsh horizons. To spend time kayaking or boating along the Edisto is to experience a special paradise on earth.

This section of warbler-haunted Edisto described above runs approximately seven miles from Good Hope Landing to Sullivan’s Ferry near Cottageville. Good Hope Landing is a beautiful, easily accessible boat landing that allows you easy access to the river. Its 10-foot sandy bluff is crowned by a majestic live oak and the river here is wide and relatively straight.

As the current carries you along you can spot an abundance of wildlife. Egrets and herons wade in the shallows, songbirds (including prothonotary warblers) inhabit the trees and in the water, terrapin, gar and even the elusive alligator can be spotted. The river is filled with redbreast bream, catfish and bass — making this a popular as a destination for anglers.

A few miles downstream there is a narrow portion, where willows grow close and fallen trees can snag unwary boaters or those floating along in innertubes, a favorite summer pastime for hundreds of visitors every year. At four miles, you will pass Long Creek Landing, another serviceable launching location, and shortly after will pass beneath the highway bridge of U.S.-17A at the privately owned Jellico’s Landing.

Up to this point, the Edisto has been wild and scenic with few houses or other reminders of human habitation. From the bridge at Jellico’s, well-sited river houses and cottages line the river and form the community of Sullivan’s Landing. Dating from at least as far back as 1820, Sullivan’s was one of many such river crossings in the Lowcountry before bridges and modern highways took hold. The 1820 record of the South Carolina state legislature reveals that the toll for Sullivan’s Ferry was “for every two-horse carriage, 50 cents … horse and rider, 10 cents, and 5 cents for every foot passenger and head of horses, mules, cattle, sheep, goats and hogs …”

Recently, I kayaked from Good Hope to Sullivan’s Ferry with a group of friends and we found the old ferry site to be far quieter that it might have been in 1820. We enjoyed a beautiful spring day with the smooth Edisto reflecting the deep blue of a sky filled with lazy clouds. Recent rains had raised river levels and we enjoyed exploring side channels into coves of swampy flooded forest and hidden oxbow lakes.

After many hours leisurely exploring and encountering wildlife, we arrived at Sullivan’s Ferry for the journey home. We were all of the opinion that this section of the Edisto River was the most beautiful we had ever encountered — and I am certain that you will feel the same way. Should you chance to encounter a little yellow bird in a willow tree, I am certain he will share his opinion of the river, too.

Good Hope Landing and Sullivan’s Ferry Landing are both located near Cottageville and are only a little over an hour’s drive from the Beaufort area. To get there, take Interstate 95 or U.S.-17-A to Walterboro and stay on 17-A to Cottageville. In Cottageville, turn left onto Pierce Road. At 4 miles, turn right onto State Road S-15-35 to the dead end at Good Hope Landing. Sullivan’s Ferry is located at the end of Sullivan’s Ferry Road approximately 3 miles from Cottageville just off 17-A. Both landings are managed by the South Carolina DNR and are well-maintained. There are no facilities, so pack accordingly.

The river in this section is swift when the water is up but very easy to manage, despite a few areas of overhang and snags. Careful preparation and good company will ensure you have a safe, enjoyable day on the water.

For more information, visit the Edisto River Canoe and Kayak Trail site at https://ercktrail.org or obtain a detailed map at https://www.dnr.sc.gov/water/river/edisto-guide.html

COLLETON COUNTY, S.C. (WCSC) - Bond was denied for a Colleton County man accused of making bombs at his home near Cottageville.

Deputies arrested Shuwn Doyle Tuesday night and reported locating explosive devices at his home.

Colleton County deputies arrested Doyle at his home on Carlisle Lane. He was taken into custody after the Charleston County Sheriff’s bomb squad found three handmade explosive devices.

In bond court, an investigator called them “sparkle bombs.”

“Sixteen of those sparkles is the equivalent of a quarter stick of dynamite if you can imagine what a stick of dynamite is,” said Sgt. Ed Marcurella with the Colleton County Sheriff’s Office

An arrest warrant states the investigation began when deputies responded to a home on Carlisle Lane for a verbal dispute. While dispatchers were talking to the caller on the phone the caller reported that there was a bomb on the table inside the home.

An arrest warrant states the caller told emergency operators she believed that there were at least six similar devices inside the home. Authorities said when law enforcement arrived on scene the caller handed them a bag containing two explosive devices.

A search warrant was then executed on the home where investigators say a third explosive device was found by the Charleston Bomb Squad.

Doyle’s family members say he was not making bombs.

“All of this came out of proportion with the bomb situation," said Kimberly Goins, Doyle’s aunt. "It was sparkles that he just wrapped up in electric tape and it went out of control.”

The family says it was a phone call made by Doyle’s younger sister to the sheriff’s office that got the attention of deputies.

“Him and his mother were having an argument and she got scared because she thought there was going to be fighting," Goins said."And she went in the room and called 911 and told them there was a bomb in the house.”

Family members were surprised to see such a show of force.

“My sister comes in and said ‘What are you doing? You see all those lights?’ When I come out I was like wow, and then when the bomb truck come out I was like this is crazy. All taxpayer money for nothing.”said Julie Muckelvaney, Doyle’s aunt.

Investigators say the taped together fireworks are the same as bombs and could seriously hurt or kill someone.

Still Doyle’s family is standing by him.

Doyle is currently on probation for third degree burglary.

If he’s convicted on the three new charges, he could face up to fifteen years in prison.

Copyright 2019 WCSC. All rights reserved.

Colleton County School District hosted a FIRST LEGO League East Qualifier robotics competition Saturday, February 12 at Colleton County Middle School (CCMS) to decide which team will go to State.

Nearly 25 teams from all over the South Carolina came to showcase their robotic creations and have their work judged. Eleven teams from Colleton were on hand to compete and demonstrate their STEM and robotic invention.

STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, basic knowledge needed in today’s fast paced world. The event Saturday focused on STEM projects and presentations designed by children in the county as part of the competition and the county-wide robotics programs.

“Our original goal was to start the program at the middle school, but as things progressed, we extended the program to the high school,” said Ed Williams, Colleton County robotics instructor. “Robotics prepares future engineers. The kids have to do research, math, and science tin order to complete an innovative project.

“Colleton is the only district on the I-95 corridor with a seamless robotics program.”

The robotics program begins with the Pre-K through first grade Discover Program where Head Start children begin learning about the program by playing with LEGOS.

After Head Start, children in the county’s elementary schools participate in the Explorer Program; this is for second - fourth grade. FIRST Tech challenge competitions continue for grades 4-8. FIRST LEGO League competitions are for grades pre-k through eighth grade. Then FIRST Robotics competitions are for grades 9-12, with FIRST LEGO league, FIRST Tech Challenge, and FIRST Robotics Competitions. As children grow and compete, the competition is more intense.

“This really gives me hope for the future. My son is four and has already started robotics. I have been looking at the Boeing company that has a booth here, and I noticed all the skills and job opportunities that robotics provide,” said Ebony Nesmith, a parent at the competition.

Boeing representatives said they were happy to be at the event. “These programs and competitions help inspire future generations of STEM based professionals. As a corporate sponsor, we are proud to support these competitions, locally and nationally,” said Frank Hatten, program manager and education relations specialist from Boeing.

Colleton Middle School also competed and decided to use solar and lunar energy in their product. “Our problem to solve was that the battery for the average delivery drone dies fairly quickly. Our solution was to take NASA’s unbuilt solar drone and improve it to make a solar/lunar powered drone,” said Annaleese Jameson of CMS.

Their idea was so good that the CCMS Robotics Team 9502 advanced to State where they will compete Saturday, February 19 at Cane Bay High School. Team members are Na’ziyah Washington, Annaleese Jameson, Renz Manuel, Jason Scott, Aiden Smoak. The competition for high schools will be held on February 26 at Dreher High School in Columbia.

Cottageville Elementary won first place in the Innovation Project, the Forest Hills City Slicers won the Breakthrough award and Bells Elementary won the Rising Star award.

Allie Stephen’s, a tenth grader at CCHS, won the Volunteer Award, and Mrs. Nikita Holmes won the Coaches Award.

The Colleton robotics programs have already won many awards, and the interest is growing. If parents want to get their children involved, they can contact their schools and find out about the program. Parents can also go to www.firstsouthcarolina.org or firstinspires.org. Parents are needed as volunteers and are needed to support the kids in their STEM activities.