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Haley will leave ethics complaint against her closed (Update: Not so fast?)

Ken Hawkins — Thu, 17 May 2012 05:29:44 -0400

(Updates at the bottom.)

An ethics complaint brought against Gov. Nikki Haley will remain closed after she refused to waive confidentiality — something that is prompting calls for the governor that ran on transparency to be more open.

The complaint is likely with regard to alleged misuse of Statehouse resource and non-disclosure of employment when Haley was still a state representative.

Update May 2: Dismissed

The House Ethics Committee voted 5-1 this morning to clear charges against the governor, following an investigation into charges that she violated ethics laws while a member of the South Carolina House; The State has information on the development.

Update May 17: Not so fast?

After the quick dismissal of complaints, State Rep. James Smith (D), Richland, has filed a resolution to have the House Ethics Committee reopen the investigation that was first voted in by the commission as having probable cause of an ethics violation and then dismissed the case as needing no further investigation.

The State has a rundown on the development; read it here.

Meanwhile, The Island Packet of Hilton Head has penned an editorial saying that the renewed challenge, gives the "House Ethics Committee has an opportunity to restore its credibility", and that, "A full investigation, conducted in the open, is the only way to establish whether Haley acted appropriately and within the law. It would also provide important guidance for lawmakers."

Read the Packet's editorial here.

Moe's Crosstown digs deep to help revitalize Allan Park

Amanda Click — Wed, 16 May 2012 11:29:17 -0400

Moe’s Crosstown Tavern is hosting a benefit for Allan Park as local residents and members of the Hampton Park Terrace Neighborhood Association work with the Charleston Parks Conservancy to raise money to renovate the park.

Patrons can donate a minimum of $1 for a chance to be entered into a drawing for several prizes, including:

A Charleston Parks Conservancy membership valued at $1,000
Two registrations to the Conservancy’s Educate You series
Two tickets to the Conservancy’s annual Park for the Parks on September 22 at Colonial Lake
Charleston Parks Conservancy promotional items
A gift certificate to Ted’s Butcherblock, and more.

Moe’s Crosstown will display paper shovels in the restaurant bearing the names of donors who have opted to “dig in for Allan Park.”

Moe’s also will host Allan Park Night at 5 p.m. May 23rd with a special plated dinner and craft beer from Sweetwater Brewing Co. Proceeds from the food sales will be donated to Allan Park. The winners of the prize drawing will be announced at 9 p.m.

John Brown's Body brings their future roots reggae to the Pour House

Amanda Click — Wed, 16 May 2012 10:30:15 -0400

On Sunday, May 27th, progressive reggae band John Brown's Body will be performing at The Pour House. The octet will be releasing new studio material later this spring.

In the past three years, John Brown's Body has completed first-ever tours of New Zealand, the UK, and Europe. Their latest album, Amplify, debuted at #1 on Billboard's Reggae Chart.

"The eight-piece band's explosive live show boasts super heavy rhythms, a three-piece horn section, air tight drum and bass, and "the most gorgeous melodies in all of modern reggae music" claims All Music Guide.

Tickets to the upcoming show at The Pour House are on sale now for $15 a pop. Doors open at 9 p.m.

A look inside the world of Charleston's master craftsmen

Amanda Click — Wed, 16 May 2012 10:10:54 -0400

The Charleston City Paper's Joshua Curry has produced an engaging feature on the rarely-seen world of the Lowcountry's master craftsmen.

Curry introduces us, via photographs and videography, to a handful of artisans and gives us peeks inside their shops where the ancient arts of wood turning, blacksmithing, bladesmithing and glassmaking are still alive and well.

Pearlstine Distributors celebrates American Craft Beer Week

Pearlstine Distributors — Wed, 16 May 2012 09:37:53 -0400

American Craft Beer Week aka “The Mother of all Beer Weeks” has arrived! This is an opportunity for beer beginners, enthusiasts, and self-proclaimed beer geeks across America to toast the advancing beer culture in the U.S.

Pearlstine Distributors is part of this celebration with tastings, tap takeovers, a brewery open house, pint nights and more!

Join us for one or all of these events:

Wednesday, May 16

Palmetto Brewing, 6-8pm, $10: Open House with live music, food truck, beer sampling & brewery tour

Thursday, May 17

House of Brews, 5:30-7:30pm: Carolina Brewery Pint Night. Sky Blue and Flagship IPA on tap with pint glass giveaways. Stop in to meet the brewer.
Oak Barrel Tavern, 7pm: Southern Tier Tap Takeover. Come in for exciting and hard to find beers from one of America’s most adventurous breweries.

Friday, May 18

Closed for Business, 5-8pm: New Belgium Pint Night. Pint glass giveaway featuring a keg tapping of special Lips of Faith release, Tart Lychee
Hippodrome, 6:30-10pm: National Bike to Work Day featuring New Belgium. Celebrate with music, food, beer and festivities. All proceeds benefit Charleston Moves.

Saturday, May 19

Kudu, 5-7pm: Chocolate and beer event.

So come on out and raise a glass to American Craft Beer Week! If you’re on Twitter, use the hashtag #ACBW to join the conversation.

First Charleston 787 Dreamliner expected to fly on Friday

Ken Hawkins — Wed, 16 May 2012 07:54:53 -0400

The first North Charleston 787 Dreamliner has been completed since April, but it's expected to take to the skies on Friday, May 18.

Web site "All Things 787" writes that:

Boeing is setting to fly the first Charleston built 787 this Friday. Randy Neville, a Boeing 787 test pilot fresh from the 787 World Tour flew ZA003 from St. Louis today then left for Charleston in order to take ZA237 (LN46) on its first flight scheduled for May 18th. Randy was on ZA001 when it went up on its first flight on Dec. 15, 2009.

We'll be sure to keep you posted.

The plane is expected to be delivered to Air India in June.

Keep up with Charleston Boeing news on our topic page.

The Grocery debuts its 'Five to Seven' menu this evening

Amanda Click — Tue, 15 May 2012 12:22:21 -0400

The Grocery is set to debut a new “Five to Seven” menu in the bar on Tuesdays through Saturdays from 5 to 7 p.m., starting today, May 15th.

Located at 4 Cannon Street in what was formerly Altman’s Furniture Company, the Grocery serves fresh, ingredient-driven cuisine to the Lowcountry. For a small taste of the Lowcountry, the "Five to Seven" menu will feature five to seven menu items priced from $5 - $7 each. In addition, the menu will include:

Red or white wine pours for $5 each
Special cocktails for $5.00 - $7 each
Two draft beer pours for $7

Food items will change nightly but sample dishes include an onion-anchovy flatbread; a Southern mezze plate with butterbean hummus, pimento cheese and chicken liver mousse; and liver terrine with pickles, mustard and toast.

To take a peek at the full dinner menu, click here.

Highrollers welcome the Hurticanes for a roller derby rumble

Amanda Click — Tue, 15 May 2012 11:03:21 -0400

The Lowcountry Highrollers All-Stars return home on May 26th and will take on the Carolina Hurticanes, the renowned powerhouse team schemed up by the twisted derby mind of Professor Lou Botomy.

The Highrollers have heard the warnings, and have issued a challenge to the Hurticanes to do their worst. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. for an early-bird junior derby league bout and the main event kicks off at 6 p.m.

Per usual, there will be beer and music, plus fun for the kids all day and great raffle prizes. Check out the Charleston Jam Skaters halftime show, and keep the party going after the bout upstairs in the VIP lounge for $5.

Tickets are $10 in advance and $14 at the door, and kids under 10 are free! VIP tickets are also available for $40.

Barks, brews and bands: Yappy Hour is back

Amanda Click — Tue, 15 May 2012 10:18:33 -0400

Grab your pup, your cup, and head out to the first Yappy Hour of 2012 this Thursday, May 17th, at the James Island County Park.

From 4 to 7 p.m. guests and their pooches are invited out to the park where a stage will be set up and live music will be pumped courtesy of the band Folk Grass. The coast of admission is the $1 gate fee, then you're in! Bring cash for beers - no outside alcohol and coolers are prohibited.

The James Island County Park is located at 871 Riverland Drive.

Lowcountry composers to showcase their talent in Saturday's LOCALOPUS

Amanda Click — Tue, 15 May 2012 09:45:00 -0400

The Jazz Artists of Charleston are assembling on Saturday, May 19th, to continue their 2012 series with LOCALOPUS.

LOCALOPUS, featuring the Charleston Jazz Orchestra, is a celebration of the talent from our own backyard. The show consists of original compositions from members of the local jazz music community, namely Robert Lewis, Mark Sterbank, Charlie Lee, Tyler Ross, Tommy Gill, Craig Budde and Charlton Singleton.

You'll have two chances to enjoy these homegrown arrangements on Saturday evening. Both performances will be held at the Charleston Music Hall, with the first set beginning at 7 p.m. and the second at 10 p.m. Tickets are on sale now.

Check out the teaser we shot during the CJO's rehearsal this past weekend to get a sneak peek (and listen) at what's in store. The video is posted above.

To keep up with what's happening in Charleston's jazz scene, be sure to check out our topic page as well as follow @JazzArtistsCHS on Twitter.

AutoBanh brings banh mis to Charleston's mobile food scene

Ken Hawkins — Tue, 15 May 2012 07:40:29 -0400

Local fans of the tasty Vietnamese sandwiches made with tasty baguettes, meats, and veggies can rejoice, your options just became more diverse with the coming of AutoBanh, Charleston's newest food truck serving up bánh mì .

The Charleston City Paper's Stephanie Barna caught up with the sandwhich making duo and has first impressions (read them here) and you can keep up with the latest news and locations at AutoBanh's Facebook page.

Also, don't forget that the Street Hero banh mi slingers are due to open a Spring Street location soon.

Keep up with local food truck news on our topic page.

Cyclist killed in Folly Road wreck was suspect from 'Skinful' death (Updated)

Amanda Click — Tue, 15 May 2012 07:18:21 -0400

(Updates at the bottom.)

The cyclist killed in a wreck on Folly Road on Thursday evening is the same man, Matthew Reid Fisher, that was charged with an alleged felony DUI after the auto-pedestrian fatal accident near the "Skinful Halloween" party last October.

I'll point you to Live 5 News' report; read it here.

Update May 15: The Charleston City Paper has followed up to mostly note that the charges relating to the 2011 Skinful fatality had not been dropped against Fisher at the time of his death.

This week in free Charleston events

Ken Hawkins — Tue, 15 May 2012 06:58:17 -0400

From all the jorts you can handle, to a bike party, to art festivals, to a movie about an Olympic weight lifter, this week offers up plenty of free fun that won't cost you a cent.

I'll point you to the Charleston City Paper's round-up; read it here.

Keep up with area events on our calendar page.

Charleston Moves announces 2012 Bike-to-Work Week events

Amanda Click — Mon, 14 May 2012 11:04:10 -0400

May 11-18 is celebrated across the country as National Bike-to-Work Week.

To encourage fellow Lowcountry residents to get out and enjoy the many benefits of bicycling, Charleston Moves is sponsoring the following events:

May 16th, Ride of Silence: Hampton Park, 7 p.m. Join area cyclists for a police-escorted slow, silent ride around the peninsula in memory of those who have lost their lives while cycling. After the ride, drop by Taco Boy on Huger Street with your fellow riders.

May 18th, Bike to Work Day: Bicycle commuting is easier than you think. Charleston Moves encourages you to come out and give it a try. Get fit, cut fuel costs, reduce pollution and have fun - all on the way to work! To brighten your morning, Piggly Wiggly is generously sponsoring six "Breakfast Aid Stations" around the region from 6:30 a.m. until 9 a.m. at the following locations:

Mount Pleasant - IOP Connector, 1981 Riviera Drive and Coleman Blvd/Ben Sawyer: 1220 Ben Sawyer Drive
West Ashley - Sam Rittenberg/North Bridge area; 14 Sumar Street
James Island - 1005 Harborview Road and 1985 Folly Road
Downtown Charleston - 445 Meeting Street

May 18th, Work to Bike Party: Hippodrome, 360 Concord Street. 6:30 - 10 p.m. - Come celebrate the good work done by local bike/ pedestrian advocates. Bring friends, support the Charleston Moves membership drive and enjoy a bike-friendly waterfront evening. We'll enjoy live music by Satellite Rodeo, New Belgium Beer and a silent auction. The event is free to attend but membership donations are encouraged so we can keep Charleston moving in the right direction!

Karen Brack announced as new Chief of the City of Charleston Fire Department

Staff reports — Mon, 14 May 2012 10:56:49 -0400

Mayor Joseph P. Riley, Jr. announced the selection of a new Chief of the City of Charleston Fire Department. She is Karen E. Brack, currently serving as Deputy Chief of the Eugene, Oregon Fire and EMS Department.

She will replace Frank Finley, who has served as Charleston’s Interim Chief since March 1, when Chief Emeritus Thomas Carr retired.

Chief Brack has 30 years of experience in the fire service. Currently, her responsibilities include being in charge of all field operations of the Eugene, Oregon Fire and EMS Departments. A native of Savannah, Georgia, Chief Brack began her career in the fire service with the Fulton County, Georgia Fire Department in 1982 and moved up the ranks, becoming a battalion chief in 2001. In 2007, she was selected to become Deputy Chief in Eugene, Oregon. In 2010, she assumed simultaneous responsibility for the neighboring Springfield, Oregon Fire and Life Safety Department, as the Eugene and Springfield departments pursue a merger. Chief Brack is currently enrolled in the National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer Program, she holds a BS in Biology, AAS in both Fire Science and Paramedic Technology.

Mayor Riley selected Chief Brack from among 61 candidates who applied for the position of Chief of the Charleston Fire Department.

Riley said, “We received applications from a group of outstanding fire service professionals. The very difficult job of reviewing these applications produced four candidates who came to Charleston. I had the chance to interview each one and they also met with City Council, members of the Fire Department and City staff. Each of the four finalists would be excellent fire chiefs for the City of Charleston. I was extremely impressed with each of them, their experience and ability. The City of Charleston was given the opportunity to choose the best of a very fine group of candidates.”

He continued, “Karen Brack was the best choice. She possesses leadership ability and experience that will be extremely valuable to our Fire Department and to our community in the coming years. In speaking with her current co-workers and those with whom she worked in Georgia, hearing their comments about her, qualities and style of leadership, her extraordinary work ethic, her professionalism and character was so impressive and reinforcing of the impressions I gained through my interviews with her.”

Brack said, “It is a great honor to be selected as Chief of the City of Charleston Fire Department. Charleston is well known as a wonderful city and I have been very impressed with its strong fire service team. I am committed to continuing the record of progress set by Chief Carr and continued by Chief Finley. I am eager to begin leading the exceptional men and women of the City of Charleston Fire Department as we work together to make this great department even better and make the citizens of Charleston even safer.”

While the search for a new Fire Chief was conducted, the City of Charleston Fire Department was led by Chief Frank Finley, a 31-year veteran of the department. Finley previously served as the Deputy Chief for Administration, and will continue to serve the department once Chief Brack takes charge as Chief. Mayor Riley said, “We owe a debt of gratitude to Chief Finley for his dedication and service to this city as interim chief. He has done an outstanding job leading the department since Chief Carr’s retirement, and I know Chief Brack will find his knowledge, experience and dedication to the department an invaluable asset in the years to come.”

Chief Brack plans to begin her duties with the City of Charleston Fire Department on August 1, 2012. Charleston City Council will consider the recommendation of the appointment of Chief Karen Brack at its next regular meeting, on May 22, 2012.

Marcus Amaker shares poetry, art in new book

Amanda Click — Mon, 14 May 2012 10:05:42 -0400

Marcus Amaker, labeled an "all-around Renaissance guy" by the Charleston City Paper and "one of Charleston's most unique" by Charleston Magazine, has released his fourth poetry book.

The 112-page collection, "the present presence," contains poems written between 2008 and April of this year. Marcus designed the pocket-sized book himself. "the present presence" also features his photography, and is available at amazon.com and in select local stores.

A live poetry performance is scheduled to close out Piccolo Spoleto's Sundown Poetry Series on June 8th in the Dock Street Theatre's courtyard. The 6:30 p.m. performance is free to the public. For more information on the show, click here.

Here's a bit about Marcus, for those of you who haven't had the pleasure of meeting the man himself:

Marcus Amaker has published four books of poetry and recorded more than 20 albums, dating back to 1987. Marcus was born in Las Vegas and lived in England, Maryland, Japan and Texas before arriving in Charleston in 2003. He was the catalyst and former editor of Charleston Scene, the weekly entertainment paper of the Post and Courier. He is currently working for himself as a freelance videographer, graphic and web designer.

For more, visit www.marcusamaker.com.

Locals get the hook up on an Isle of Palms staycation

Charlestowne Hotels — Mon, 14 May 2012 09:45:58 -0400

Come to Charleston's favorite island with discounted rates just for locals at The Palms Hotel. Enjoy the beautiful views, exciting nightlife, great food, and of course, the famous Isle of Palms beach from just $99 this May.

Your stay at The Palms Hotel includes:

Daily Breakfast
Free Wi-Fi
Outdoor Pool
Business Center
Private Beach Access

Call 888-484-9004 and mention the locals only rate to book now.

RiverDogs return home for seven-game homestand

Amanda Click — Mon, 14 May 2012 09:25:04 -0400

The RiverDogs return home to Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park on Monday, May 14th, having played four games on the road against the West Virginia Power.

Charleston plans to continue their strong play thus far in the season during a seven-game homestand that includes series against rivals Savannah Sand Gnats and Rome Braves.

Be sure you take a peek at the list of upcoming promotions, which include Military Appreciation Night, Thirsty Thursday, Lowcountry Local First Go Local Saturday and more. Tickets are on sale online and at the the RiverDogs box office which may be reached by calling (843) 577-3647.

Lamenting South Carolina's slow growing beer industry

Ken Hawkins — Mon, 14 May 2012 07:44:36 -0400

After three large breweries west of the Mississippi picked North Carolina as their brewing home, Timmons Pettigrew over at CHSBeer.org has penned a piece asking why is it that South Carolina's political leaders aren't recognizing the potential of the beer industry.

Word is that the North Carolina craft brewing economic impact leaves a wake of 37,000 jobs and $3.8 billion.

In part:

These numbers speak for themselves. Unfortunately, our State House doesn't seem to be listening. North Carolina breweries enjoy limited self-distribution, where production up to a certain number of barrels can be sold directly to on- and off-premise accounts by the brewery.
Don't get me wrong, South Carolina has made serious strides over the last five years. We popped (rather raised) the draconian alcohol cap on beer in 2007, and ushered in legal tastings and limited direct-to-consumer sales at breweries in 2009. But until we reach parity with North Carolina, out-of-state breweries will continue to look towards the greener grass north of our border.

Check out Pettigrew's perspective on the could-be-more South Carolina beer industry over here.

Keep up with area beer news on our topic page.

Meet 'Team Coast Guard' and their vehicles as National Safe Boating Week kicks off

Jennifer Heisler — Mon, 14 May 2012 03:21:37 -0400

"National Safe Boating Week" will be kicked off with Team Coast Guard Community Day on Saturday, May 19, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Mount Pleasant Waterfront Park.

Hosting are the Charleston area U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and Coast Guard Station Charleston in partnership with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources and local police, fire, and rescue organizations.

You'll be able to meet members of our local public services community and Team Coast Guard and view their rescue boats and vehicles, including a Coast Guard small boats and an Auxiliary personal watercraft. The featured demonstration at the park is a tentatively scheduled landing of a USCG H-65 Dolphin helicopter at the park. Food trucks and refreshments will be available for purchase on site.

Team Coast Guard Community Day is also joining in the national “Ready Set Wear It!” lifejacket awareness campaign at 11 am, an attempt to set the world record for the number of lifejackets being worn. The first 100 people that wear their lifejackets to the event will receive free tickets to a Riverdogs game.

WHO: U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary

South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SC DNR)

Police and fire departments from Isle of Palms, Mt. Pleasant, Charleston and North Charleston

Charleston County Rescue Squad

U.S. Coast Guard Station Charleston

U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Savannah

Pot Kettle Black (PKB) Food Truck

Charleston Ice

WHAT: The community is invited to visit with law enforcement and rescue agencies to learn how they can be safe while having fun on the water.

WHEN: Saturday, May 19, 2012; 10 a.m.to 2 p.m.

WHERE: Mt. Pleasant Waterfront Park, 71 Harry Hallman Blvd, Mt. Pleasant

S.C. Book Festival coming to Columbia

Ken Hawkins — Sun, 13 May 2012 08:22:59 -0400

The SC Book Festival lands in Columbia on May 19-20 (Saturday, Sunday).

The festival, in its own words, offers "over 70 Award Winning National, Regional and South Carolina Authors, Book Signings and Book Sales, Presentations by Authors, Children's Pavilion with Performances and Storytelling for kids of all ages, Summer Reading Station for Children, Over 90 Exhibitors Including Community Organizations, Libraries, Booksellers, Authors, and an Antiquarian Book Fair."

It's all free and headlines with beloved Lowcountry author Pat Conroy on the Saturday docket.

Learn oodles more on the event website, and check out The State's listing of nine authors other than Conroy that might excite you.

Second Sunday on King Street is today

Staff reports — Sun, 13 May 2012 06:05:25 -0400

Still coming up short on Mother's Day plans, or just want something to do? The be happy that 2nd Sunday on King Street is back, today, May 13.

This month's installment is offering up music, dining, shopping and strolling on King Street with the Spoleto Festival being a "special guest" creating a Sotille Box Office and Spoleto Tent at George and King during the event, offering fee-free tickets and 2nd Sunday specials.

The 2nd Sunday Information Tent will have a free drawing to give away tickets to six different Spoleto Festival USA events. Register to win at Wentworth and King or by emailing info@charlestonppt.org Parking Vouchers for free parking in any City of Charleston Parking Garage will also be available at the 2nd Sunday Information Tent.

2nd Sunday Musicians will include Rustic Remedy, Shrimp City Slim, Austin Fitzhenry, The Honeybees, Michael Lindsey with Caroline Nelson, Oliver Penegar and Carlo Garcia from the Charleston School of the Arts, and others.

Adam Fetch, maker of popular made-in-Charleston Rewined Candles will appear at the Information Tent to talk about his products. Author Ken Burger will be on hand to sign Baptized in Sweet Tea and his previously released novels.

2nd Sunday on King Street is a pedestrian-only event when King Street is closed to all vehicular traffic from Queen Street North to Calhoun on the second Sunday of each month.

Charleston Battery falls to Rochester Rhinos

Staff reports — Sun, 13 May 2012 04:38:36 -0400

The Charleston Battery lost 1-0 to the Rochester Rhinos Saturday night at Blackbaud Stadium in front of 3,819.

Rhinos midfielder Danny Earls scored the lone goal in the 61st minute to lift Rochester to victory. The Battery enjoyed the majority of possession throughout the game and forced goalkeeper Kristian Nicht to make ten saves but could not find the back of the net.

Rochester maintains their perfect record with six wins in six games played.

Charleston created the first chance of the match in the 6th minute after forward Sallieu Bundu fought off his defender just outside the box. Bundu fired a shot at the goal but Nicht dropped to his left to make the save,

Minute's later midfielder Tony Donatelli came close after cutting inside his defender on the right side. Donatelli drove his shot at the goal but again Nicht made the save.

Charleston continued to press and earned a corner in the 35th minute. The ball was swung into the middle and after an initial clearance Battery midfielder Amadou Sanyang volleyed the ball at the goal. Nicht was stranded on the far side of the goal but the shot was cleared off the line by a Rochester defender.

The Rhinos scored the vital goal just after the hour mark after Danny Earls received the ball 30 yards out. Earls took a touch inside and hit a low shot that beat Battery goalkeeper Andre Dykstra just inside the near post.

The Battery responded immediately and Donatelli was denied again in the 63rd minute after his point-plank volley was smothered by Nicht.

The Battery final chance came in stoppage time via a Nicki Paterson free-kick but again Nicht was equal to the task, punching Paterson curling effort away to safety.

The Charleston Battery's next match is a second round Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup game on Tuesday, May 22 at Blackbaud Stadium; kick off is set for 7:30 PM. The Battery will face the winner of the N.Y. Greek Americans (USASA) at Reading United AC (PDL) first round match.

The Craftsmen: Downtown Charleston getting another craft beer bar

Ken Hawkins — Sat, 12 May 2012 10:06:17 -0400

(Updates at the bottom.)

The Craftsmen is due to open in another couple of months at just off Market Street at 12 Cumberland Street and bring to Charleston another 38 taps of solid craft beer, loads of IPAs, classic craft beer bar food (much of which will be made in house).

Take a read of the preview at the Charleston City Paper.

Yes, I'm adding it to my list.

Update May 10: The Charleston City Paper's Stephanie Barna is keeping up with the spot and dropped by for a follow-up visit and shares some shots of the remaking of the spot due to open around the July timeframe; take a read here.

Pastor of downtown Charleston church accused of running Ponzi scheme

Ken Hawkins — Sat, 12 May 2012 09:12:10 -0400

Update May 12: Ronald Satterfield has entered into a deal in which he has neither admitted or denied the accusations, but he will pay some $3.5 million in fines and repayment to investors.

I'll point you to The Post and Courier's report; read it here.

Update January 29: As the old civil charges against Satterfield progress, a new set of criminal charges has arisen and has lead to the pastor's arrest.

The Post and Courier has a lengthy update on the latest turn; take a read here.

First reporting November 16: Ronald Satterfield is pastor of St. John's Reformed Episcopal Church and he's also accused of running a $3.3 million Ponzi scheme that paid out old investors with the dollars from new investors.

Ronald
Satterfield

On Monday, November 15, the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission announced it had charged Satterfield and his South Carolina-based companies, Graham Street Forex Group and Shore-2-Summit Financial, and Nicholas Bos of Ludington, Mich., with operating a foreign currency Ponzi scheme that solicited money from more than 70 individuals in South Carolina, North Carolina, Michigan and Maryland.

The commission also alleges that the defendants used a significant portion of the fund for their personal use.

In a release, the commission goes on to say that "despite receiving at least $3.3 million from customers since 2006, Satterfield placed only about $1.9 million of customers’ funds in known forex trading accounts, virtually all of which was lost as a result of his unsuccessful forex trading. Overall, Satterfield failed to generate any profits through his [foreign currency] trading.

"The complaint charges that, to conceal and perpetuate their fraud, Satterfield and Bos issued false customer account statements reflecting the promised returns and forex trading profits, when in fact Satterfield’s forex trading resulted in losses almost every month. The false statements also allegedly concealed their misappropriation of customer funds. In total, the complaint charges Satterfield and Bos with misappropriating more than $850,000 of customer funds for personal use."

If true, the time frame of all of this would have been when disgraced economist Al Parish's investment scheme came falling apart in 2006.

For more on what's happening, I'll point you to Katy Stech's solid report at The Post and Courier.

TheDigitel Charleston | Feed

Haley will leave ethics complaint against her closed (Update: Not so fast?)

Update May 2: Dismissed

Update May 17: Not so fast?

Moe's Crosstown digs deep to help revitalize Allan Park

Moe’s Crosstown Tavern is hosting a benefit for Allan Park as local residents and members of the Hampton Park Terrace Neighborhood Association work with the Charleston Parks Conservancy to raise money to renovate the park.

John Brown's Body brings their future roots reggae to the Pour House

On Sunday, May 27th, progressive reggae band John Brown's Body will be performing at The Pour House. The octet will be releasing new studio material later this spring.

A look inside the world of Charleston's master craftsmen

Pearlstine Distributors celebrates American Craft Beer Week

American Craft Beer Week aka “The Mother of all Beer Weeks” has arrived! This is an opportunity for beer beginners, enthusiasts, and self-proclaimed beer geeks across America to toast the advancing beer culture in the U.S.

First Charleston 787 Dreamliner expected to fly on Friday

The first North Charleston 787 Dreamliner has been completed since April, but it's expected to take to the skies on Friday, May 18.

The Grocery debuts its 'Five to Seven' menu this evening

The Grocery is set to debut a new “Five to Seven” menu in the bar on Tuesdays through Saturdays from 5 to 7 p.m., starting today, May 15th.

Highrollers welcome the Hurticanes for a roller derby rumble

The Lowcountry Highrollers All-Stars return home on May 26th and will take on the Carolina Hurticanes, the renowned powerhouse team schemed up by the twisted derby mind of Professor Lou Botomy.

Barks, brews and bands: Yappy Hour is back

Grab your pup, your cup, and head out to the first Yappy Hour of 2012 this Thursday, May 17th, at the James Island County Park.

Lowcountry composers to showcase their talent in Saturday's LOCALOPUS

The Jazz Artists of Charleston are assembling on Saturday, May 19th, to continue their 2012 series with LOCALOPUS.

AutoBanh brings banh mis to Charleston's mobile food scene

Cyclist killed in Folly Road wreck was suspect from 'Skinful' death (Updated)

This week in free Charleston events

Charleston Moves announces 2012 Bike-to-Work Week events

May 11-18 is celebrated across the country as National Bike-to-Work Week.

Karen Brack announced as new Chief of the City of Charleston Fire Department

Mayor Joseph P. Riley, Jr. announced the selection of a new Chief of the City of Charleston Fire Department. She is Karen E. Brack, currently serving as Deputy Chief of the Eugene, Oregon Fire and EMS Department.

Marcus Amaker shares poetry, art in new book

Marcus Amaker, labeled an "all-around Renaissance guy" by the Charleston City Paper and "one of Charleston's most unique" by Charleston Magazine, has released his fourth poetry book.

Locals get the hook up on an Isle of Palms staycation

Come to Charleston's favorite island with discounted rates just for locals at The Palms Hotel. Enjoy the beautiful views, exciting nightlife, great food, and of course, the famous Isle of Palms beach from just $99 this May.

RiverDogs return home for seven-game homestand

The RiverDogs return home to Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park on Monday, May 14th, having played four games on the road against the West Virginia Power.

Lamenting South Carolina's slow growing beer industry

After three large breweries west of the Mississippi picked North Carolina as their brewing home, Timmons Pettigrew over at CHSBeer.org has penned a piece asking why is it that South Carolina's political leaders aren't recognizing the potential of the beer industry.

Meet 'Team Coast Guard' and their vehicles as National Safe Boating Week kicks off

S.C. Book Festival coming to Columbia

The SC Book Festival lands in Columbia on May 19-20 (Saturday, Sunday).

Second Sunday on King Street is today

Still coming up short on Mother's Day plans, or just want something to do? The be happy that 2nd Sunday on King Street is back, today, May 13.

Charleston Battery falls to Rochester Rhinos

The Charleston Battery lost 1-0 to the Rochester Rhinos Saturday night at Blackbaud Stadium in front of 3,819.

The Craftsmen: Downtown Charleston getting another craft beer bar

Pastor of downtown Charleston church accused of running Ponzi scheme

Update May 12: Ronald Satterfield﻿ has entered into a deal in which he has neither admitted or denied the accusations, but he will pay some $3.5 million in fines and repayment to investors.

Update January 29: As the old civil charges against Satterfield progress, a new set of criminal charges has arisen and has lead to the pastor's arrest.

First reporting November 16: Ronald Satterfield is pastor of St. John's Reformed Episcopal Church and he's also accused of running a $3.3 million Ponzi scheme that paid out old investors with the dollars from new investors.

Update May 12: Ronald Satterfield has entered into a deal in which he has neither admitted or denied the accusations, but he will pay some $3.5 million in fines and repayment to investors.