Your County. Your News.
 Upcoming Joint Town Hall Meeting
Chairman Todd Friddle from Dorchester County Council, Ms. Kellie Bates from the DD2 Board of Trustees, Dr. Charmaine Palmer-Roberts from North Charleston City Council, Chief Richardson from the Dorchester County Sheriff's Office, and Representative Chris Murphy from the S.C. House of Representatives, invite residents to an upcoming town hall meeting at the Wescott Park Clubhouse.
Residents, community leaders, and stakeholders are encouraged to attend and actively participate in this meeting. This is a unique opportunity to engage directly with elected officials and decision-makers, shaping the future of our community. Topics of discussion will include education, infrastructure, public safety, and economic development.
To submit your questions to the moderator, please email them to mmills@dorchestercountysc.gov.
Date: April 3, 2024
Time: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Location: Wescott Park Clubhouse Address, (9006 Dorchester Road, North Charleston)
 Dorchester County Economic Development Launches Updated Website and Logo
The Dorchester County Economic Development office, which serves to support economic growth in the county, is thrilled to announce the launch of its revamped website and updated logos. The unveiling of these updates marks a significant milestone for the office and underscores its commitment to serving the community and fostering growth.
The initiative to refresh the website commenced in the fall of 2023, aligning with the goals outlined in the previously released strategic growth update for the county. Recognizing the importance of keeping pace with evolving digital trends and effectively communicating with stakeholders, the Dorchester Economic Development Board approved the development of a new website last spring to better serve the needs of businesses and residents.
The newly launched website boasts updated content, a refreshed interface, and enhanced functionality, providing visitors with an improved user experience. Among the key features of the revamped site is the integration of an online payment platform which facilitates seamless transactions. This addition presents organizations with an easy opportunity to contribute to the economic development efforts in Dorchester County by joining the "Advance Dorchester" campaign online.
In addition to the redesigned website, the Dorchester County Economic Development office has released a refreshed logo to aid in increased brand awareness.
The launch of the updated website and brand identity comes at an opportune time as Dorchester County continues to position itself as a premier destination for businesses, investors, and residents. The Dorchester County Economic Development office invites individuals and organizations to explore the new website and discover the wealth of opportunities available in the county.
To experience the new website and learn more about the economic development initiatives in Dorchester County, please visit www.dorchesterforbusiness.com.
 Extending Branches Resource Program for the Displaced and Unsheltered
Extending Branches is a community event set to take place on Saturday, April 20 from 1 PM-5 PM at Seacoast Church Summerville located at 301 E. 5th N. Street in Summerville.
Organized in collaboration with the Dorchester County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement agencies, various organizations, and churches, the community is joining hands to provide essential services to the displaced and unsheltered population. The event will offer guidance and resources to those in need, including assistance with health, housing, food, COVID vaccines, and even support for pets. Bagged/boxed food items and toiletry bags will be available on a first come, first served basis.
 Visit Ashley River Park
Looking for the perfect springtime escape? Look no further than Dorchester County Parks and Recreation's Ashley River Park!
The 83-acre park located along the Ashley River off Bacons Bridge Road features playgrounds, picnic shelters, a splash pad, fishing pond, riverside walking trail, kayak launch, two dog parks, and an event pavilion. Designed with community input, the park was created to be a dynamic and engaging space where family and friends can gather, celebrate, connect, and enjoy the beautiful outdoors.
Planning a special event? The on-site event pavilion is available for full-day rentals, perfect for gatherings, celebrations, and memorable occasions.
Dorchester County Parks and Recreation staff also offer an array of programs each month. For more information, visit their program page.
So pack a picnic, lace up your hiking boots, and come experience the beauty of Ashley River Park this spring!
 Upcoming Dorchester Paws Community Cat Clinics
Dorchester Paws is committed to ending unnecessary euthanasia of healthy community cats. The way they do this is by holding Community Cat Clinics where cats will be spayed or neutered, given their rabies and FVRCP vaccines, microchipped and ear tipped. TNR is the only effective and humane approach to address community cat populations. TNR also stops the stress associated with pregnancy and mating behaviors, such as yowling or fighting.
Community Cat Clinics operate on a first-come, first-served basis with check-in starting at 8 am. Participants are requested not to obstruct the gate entrance and to remain in their vehicles. Dorchester Paws accommodates up to 2 cats per car until reaching a total of 30 cats, all of which must be brought in traps for acceptance. Only cats from Dorchester County are eligible. The fee of $25 per cat covers vaccines, ear tipping, microchipping, and spaying/neutering.
More information can be found on the Dorchester Paws website.
Community Cat Clinic Dates
- April 4th
- April 18th
- May 2nd
- May 16th
Have more questions? Please email: petsupport@dorchesterpaws.org
 Stratton Capers Community Development Block Grant
Dorchester County will hold a public hearing on April 15, 2024, at 6:00 PM at the Dorchester County Human Services building (500 North Main Street, Summerville, SC 29483). The purpose of the public hearing is regarding an application that will be submitted to the South Carolina Department of Commerce, Grants Administration for a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). The County is requesting approximately $1,000,000 in grant funding to implement Phase 1 of a water line replacement project in the Stratton Capers 2 neighborhood. The requested grant funds will be supplemented with local funds from the County.
This public hearing and the matters to be discussed are subject to the provisions of the County’s Citizen Participation Plan. The Plan was developed as part of the County’s participation in the State of South Carolina's CDBG Program, providing for the participation of the citizens of Dorchester County in the planning and implementation of community and economic development projects which will involve CDBG funds. The Citizen Participation Plan is available for review at the Dorchester County Human Services building, 500 North Main Street, Summerville SC 29483 from 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM, Monday - Friday. Those with questions or comments regarding the public hearing or the Citizen Participation Plan should contact Kristin Miguez, Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester Council of Governments at (843) 529-0400.
To find out more about the project, please visit CBDG Projects | Dorchester County, SC website (dorchestercountysc.gov).
 Recognizing Animal Control Week
During the week of April 14, Dorchester County will be recognizing Animal Control Week by shining a spotlight on the awesome work done by our animal control team. Our officers often work long hours rescuing lost pets, managing wildlife, and keeping everyone safe. For example, during the month of February, they responded to 391 animal control calls in the County.
Throughout the week, please be on the lookout for opportunities to spread the word about looking after pets responsibly, getting them spayed or neutered, and treating animals with kindness.
 Celebrating our Telecommunicators
The week of April 14-20 is recognized as National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. Day in and day out, our telecommunicators tirelessly answer calls, provide vital information, and coordinate responses with efficiency and precision, often serving as the critical link between those in distress and the assistance they require. Their resilience, compassion, and expertise truly make a difference in Dorchester County, ensuring that help is always just a phone call away.
 St. George and Summerville Blood Drives
Please mark your calendars for April 15th and join us in making a life-saving difference. The Blood Connection will be hosting a blood drive at two locations:
- Dorchester County Water and Sewer (235 Deming Way, Summerville) from 7-11 AM
- Dorchester County Kenneth Waggoner Building (201 Johnston Street, St. George) from 1-5 PM.
Every donation has the power to save lives, and with your support, we can make a profound impact on our community.
 Summerville Chamber of Commerce Leadership Dorchester
Leadership Dorchester Class of 2024 is currently accepting project idea requests. Requests will give the class a better understanding of community needs and wants that they can work on.
If you have a project idea in Dorchester County, please fill out the following Project Idea Request Form. All project idea requests will be received until April 30, 2024 at 11:59 PM.
 Public Works Road Division Hiring Event
Ready to pave the way to a fulfilling career? Don't miss our Public Works - Roads Division hiring event!
Date: Thursday, April 18
Time: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Location: Dorchester County Public Works, 2120 E Main St, Dorchester, SC 29437
Get ready for onsite interviews and discover exciting opportunities to join our team. Mark your calendars and come prepared to explore your future with us!
|
