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WALTERBORO, S.C. (WCBD) – Community members are concerned about a new ministry that is set to open in the Walterboro area.

Shield Ministries, an organization that claims to help convicted sex offenders rehabilitate and re-enter society, will open its doors off Barracada Road near Highway 17-A.

About 50 men could be housed at the property at any given time as the first phase of their three-phase program to help the men improve their lives.

“Shield Ministries is an organization that works to help men transition from the devastation of their past into a thriving future,” explained David Truluck, executive director for Shield Ministries.

But those who live nearby say they are concerned about having sex offenders so close to their homes, children, and grandchildren.

“I’ve lived here for 35 years. I love Walterboro. I love the community,” said neighbor Lisa Langdale.

Langdale is worried about what is going in at this old church site in her rural neighborhood. “I’m just really concerned about living in the neighborhood, for our children, and living in the neighborhood even for myself,” she said.

She’s even part of a new Facebook group that has gained more than 600 followers.

“What do you say to people who maybe they live nearby, they have children or grandchildren at their house, and they’re concerned? What would you say to them,” we asked Truluck.

“Well, we have been a big asset to the community. When you look at our history, we have great relationships with law enforcement agencies,” Truluck replied.

There is also concern about Truluck, personally, because he is a registered sex offender.

“I believe the offense was committ or attempt a lewd act on a child. Do you understand why people might be concerned about an organization that you’re leading being right there in their neighborhood as well,” News 2 asked.

“I do understand why they would be concerned about that, but one of the things I would like to communicate to them is, I’ve been through the process of healing I’ve been through court-ordered counseling, which we will be providing,” he replied.

When asked if he could guarantee that none of the men in the program would bring harm to anyone in the community, Truluck said “I don’t think we could give that type of guarantee,” but cited the program’s “zero percent recidivism” rate.

A community meeting geared toward showcasing the proposal will take place Wednesday night at 6:30 p.m. across from Tractor Supply on Bells Highway in Walterboro.

Leaders with Shield Ministries say they are in the process of getting the property ready to open, however, they do not have a specific opening date at this time.

SOUTH CAROLINA (WCIV) — It’s amazing. It was already 15 years ago, I did a story on an aspiring singer/songwriter leaving for Nashville after his time as a Clemson Tigers long snapper. It worked out pretty well for that guy- Lee Brice.

This week, we do the same story. A former Clemson long snapper, leaving to follow his music dreams in Nashville. Walterboro’s Jim Brown.

If passion could be purveyed, Jim Brown has always found a way to do it.

Walterboro's Jim Brown follows in Lee Brice's footsteps, gunning for a music career. (WCIV)

“I sing vocally very gritty and aggressive," said the Pinewood Prep grad.

If purpose and passion meet, Jim Brown will find a way to connect them. In his fifth year at Clemson, he was awarded a scholarship by Dabo Swinney.

The Walterboro native has a deeply rooted passion, and now, is his time to shine.

“I taught myself how to play guitar in HS after an ACL injury, bedridden for two weeks so I picked up a guitar and learned to play. When football was over, just latched on to it— all music. Singing vocals, piano, music theory, songwriting- started diving as deep as I could and it sort of got me to here," he said.

Construction consultant is the title that pays the bills for now. But Jim Brown is ready for that chord progression to take the next step. Similar to going from walk-on to scholarship player.

“I’m not trying to be the next Chris Stapleton, but I want to make music that hopefully relates to people on some level," Brown said.

Music, can always take you home. His first single is doing just that.

“The Devil and the Gavel” is his ode to the Murdaugh murders saga in his hometown of Walterboro.

“In Charleston I played a lot of gigs, covers around town and on weekends, Thursday, Friday, Saturday at Edisto Beach and Walterboro. Now, more songwriting. At the end of the day, what I want to do is release music that I have, keep playing. I know its something I’m fortunate to have, and kind of let people know this is my thing," Brown said.

He doesn’t know Lee Brice. He’s never met him. But he hopes his passion will help him follow the same path.

WALTERBORO, S.C. (WCIV) — A new halfway house and treatment center coming to Walterboro is concerning those who live near the property.

Shield Ministries plans to use a vacant church campus off Barracada Road near Highway 17-A to help men enrolled in the organization's treatment and reeducation program.

But neighbors say they’re worried because a majority of the men in the program are registered sex offenders.

"We help them transition from the devastation of their past into a thriving future," said David Truluck, the executive director of Shield Ministries.

Shield Ministries said their focus is on reforming and preventing recidivism in men who have dealt with poverty, addiction, and violence.

The non-profit currently has two facilities in North Charleston and plans to open their third.

"We found this facility in Walterboro in Colleton County that was secluded, but not isolated, and would allow us to take these young men out of the environment that consistently contributed to their going back to prison," Truluck said.

In Shield Ministries' 2021 annual report, out of 60 participants, seven graduated the 18-month program.

70 percent of this year’s applicants are registered as sex offenders. Truluck said there will be between 40 to 50 men living at the Walterboro location.

Residents in the neighborhood are concerned about their children’s safety.

"How is it a good idea? Tell me how this benefits us as a county, as a community in any way, shape or form. There's no upside to this. It's not financial for us, not financial for anybody," said Nikki Nettles, a neighborhood resident.

"For them to all be in one place and to have to deal with it all in one place; I just think that's too much of a threat for the community," resident Lisa Langdale said.

Truluck said the men who have graduated the program have a zero-recidivism rate.

Truluck himself is a registered sex offender, something else that concerns residents.

"I worry. We already have a lot of people that walk up and down the road and now we're going to change the dynamics of who it is walking up and down the road, and that really worries me," Nettles said.

Dr. William Burke, the president of Southeastern Assessment, said their first obligation is public safety.

"We will be taking them to work, bringing them back to the facility. If there's any need for them to go into the town, we would take them so they would always be supervised by a ministry staff member," Truluck said.

Dr. Burke said every participant is polygraphed every six months, drug tested at random, and their telephone and internet usage is monitored daily.

If they don't follow protocol, they are kicked out of the program.

"It means that they are arrested, and they are scheduled to go before a probation board and or go before a judge to for them to determine do they go to prison or do they get another chance to back out in public," Dr. Burke said.

Dr. Burke said in order to prevent recidivism, they must provide a place for people to control their behavior.

"We don't want to be a community liability. We want to be a community asset. And we stress accountability and responsibility. And we have we make it clear that the men are going to be held to a high standard. If they do not meet that standard, they will be expelled from our program," Truluck said.

But residents don't want that happening in their backyard, near their children.

"Our plan is to stop this, but if we can't, then what do we do? We have to educate, we have to help each other," Nettles said.

Shield Ministries said they are still in the development stages, so there is no timeline as to when the facility in Walterboro will open.

A community meeting to discuss the halfway house is scheduled for Wednesday night at 6:30 p.m. across from tractor supply on Bells Highway in Walterboro.

COLLETON COUNTY, S.C. (WCSC) - The Colleton County Sheriff’s Office said some cattle may still be unaccounted for after an early morning crash that closed Interstate 95 early Tuesday morning.

A tractor-trailer hauling cattle crashed near mile marker 55 on the southbound side of I-95 around 1 a.m. Tuesday morning, deputies said.

The crash closed all lanes on the interstate for more than nine hours while crews worked the crash and attempted to wrangle up the animals that got loose.

The South Carolina Highway Patrol said the crash was cleared around 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, around nine hours after the crash closed all lanes on the interstate.

Earlier in the morning, the South Carolina Highway Patrol posted on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, that all lanes were closed near mile marker 55 for a collision. Trooper Nick Pye said the livestock got free as a result of the collision and lanes were closed as they tried to catch the loose animals.

Colleton County Fire-Rescue officials said the tractor-trailer hit a bridge near mile marker 55 and caught on fire. Its cattle trailer went off the bridge and into the river.

Arriving crews found the cab of the truck fully involved in flames but the driver had managed to escape with non-life-threatening injuries. The driver was taken to the hospital for treatment.

The driver told firefighters that more than 35 cows were onboard the trailer at the time of the crash. Some of the cattle were found in and along the river while others had made their way to the northbound side of the interstate leading to those lanes being closed.

Area veterinarians and ranchers volunteered to assist emergency crews as they tried to collect the loose cattle. Riders on horseback used lassos to catch some of the cattle and put them on trailers.

Some of the cattle had made its way into neighborhoods near the interstate and firefighters and deputies used drones with thermal imaging to locate them.

The sheriff’s office warned motorists to be on the lookout for cattle while traveling on Beach Road, Ulmer Lake Road, Cypress Pond Road, Doctor’s Creek Road, Sniders Highway, Bells Highway, Ivanhoe Road, Hiers Corner Road and Hilton Hall Lane.

Residents are asked to report sightings to the Colleton County non-emergency line at 843-549-2211.

Once the truck was cleared from the roadway, Department of Transportation officials sanded the bridge as diesel fuel had spilled from the truck as a result of the crash. Officials also inspected the bridge because of the damage.

Deputies ask that anyone who comes in contact with loose cattle not to approach as the animal may be scared or injured.

Copyright 2024 WCSC. All rights reserved.

ONGOING WALTERBORO HARVEST EXCHANGE: Every Tuesday morning local fresh produce is available for free for pickup (as long as supplies last) at the Colleton Museum Market Shop, 506 E. Washington St. To learn more: www.gardenandgatherdfc.com/exchange COFFEE WITH THE CLERK: Sensing that many people in Colleton County and Walterboro know very little of the role the Courthouse has in the community, Clerk of the Court Rebecca “Becky” Hill will be starting “Coffee with the Clerk,” a question and answer program that will run in the Press and Standard. “I would like people to know what goes on inside our local courtroom,” Hill said. “I would like anyone with a question to email it to [email protected], or go to their Facebook page and message their questions.” From there, she and members of the court will try and answer the questions posed. TUESDAY BINGO: 7 p.m., Walterboro Elks Lodge, 236 Milestone Lane, Price is $13.50 for 15 games. COTTAGEVILLE CONVERSATIONS: Join us on the 2nd & 4th Tuesdays of the month at 4:30 pm for interesting conversations, unique presentations, and a variety of presenters and topics. Do you have a unique hobby or special interest that you would like to learn more about or perhaps lead a discussion on? Talk to a member of staff! Ask about our CC Schedule! Cottageville Library 72 Salley Ackerman Drive, Cottageville, SC 29435, 843-835-5621. COTTAGEVILLE LIBRARY STORYTIME: Saturdays at 10:30 am. Followed by a craft, activity, game or short movie. Cottageville Library 72 Salley Ackerman Drive, Cottageville, SC 29435, 843-835-5621. FOUNDERS CELEBRATION: The City Church 323 Francis Street Walterboro SC welcome you to fellowship with us during our Founders Celebration. It begins Sunday June 4, 11, 18, 25 and closing out Sunday July 2, 2023 at 6pm. Our Guest Speakers are in order Bishop Hicks, Apostle Hartsfield, Overseer Johnny Brown, Apostle Fowler, and Chief Apostle James L. Newton. It’s a celebration, Apostle Bryan Youmans, Host. 843-338-1205 for more information. MAY 18 LOWCOUNTRY LANDOWNERS ASSOCIATION SPRING MEETING: Thursday, May 18, 2023, Noon to 3 pm at Holly Bluff, 4677 Lowcountry Highway, Yemassee, SC 29945. Join us for an ACE Basin Conservation update. Following lunch, representatives from the organizations instrumental in establishing the ACE Basin Task Force over 30 years ago will reflect on the impacts of the nationally-recognized conservation project. Register to attend at: http://tinyurl.com/LLASpring23. Registration deadline is May 11th. For more information or to register by mail contact Janet Steele at 803-516-4209 or email [email protected]. MAY 20 FIRST COLLETON COUNTY SPRING FLING FESTIVAL: 10 a.m.-6 p.m., 4296 Old Charleston Highway. Food trucks, crafts, petting zoo, pony rides, bounce houses and much more. Vendors wanted. Contact SavannahvCulley at: [email protected] FREE WILL PREPARATION: 10 a.m., with the last appointment at 2:30 p.m. The Center for Heirs’ Property Preservation is sponsoring a free wills clinic at Ray T. Johnson/CTS Building, 229 Gruber Street, Walterboro. An appointment to meet with an attorney to draft and complete a simple will for free must be made by calling Brianna Roberts at 843-745-7055, or fax: 843-745-7054. (The Center for Heirs’ Property is located at 8570 Rivers Avenue, Suite 170 North Charleston, SC 29406). MAY 20-21 MAY FESTIVAL: Johnsville Community 16th annual event. Starts Saturday. Line-up for parade at 10 a.m., parade starts 11 a.m., from Bethel United Methodist Church, 486 Johnsville Road. Parade ends at Johnsville Community Center, 2026 Community Ave. Festival follows parade, includes food, vendors, activities for young and old. Gospelfest 5 p.m., Sunday, also at park. MAY 26-28 NEYLES COMMUNITY REUNION: 445 Featherbed Road, Round O. Event starts 6 p.m., Friday, May 26; begins noon Saturday, May 27’ and 10:30 a.m., Sunday, May 28. For more information, contact either of the following: Francis Simmons at 803-309-1052; Claretha Robinson at 843-991-1733; or Leslie Holmes at 843-562-6039.

7-UPS PROGRAM: You are cordially invited to join us for a 7-UPS program on Saturday, May 27, 2023 at 5:00 PM. We have some awesome speakers lined up! You don’t want to miss this program. Faith and Action Action Ministries, 113 Santee Lane, Walterboro, SC. Pastor Ollie M. White. MAY 29 MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY: 9 a.m., Waterfall Plaza, 245 E. Washington St. Keynote speaker will be Bob Tiegs, U.S. Navy veteran and Adjutant, American Legion Post 93. In case of bad weather, the ceremony will be moved to the American Legion building, 1852 Jefferies Highway. JUNE 17-24 MISSION SERVE WALTERBORO: Additional details TBA at a later date. JUNE 21-24 25TH ANNIVERSARY CAROLINA BILLFISH CLASSIC: Ten (10) TWT’s with 100% Payout! Outboard Engine TWT’s, $1,500 Heaviest Dolphin Winner take all TWT, 25th Release special prize, Live Music and Meals Every Evening, and more. Register online at https://www.reeltimeapps.com/live/tournaments/2023-carolina-billfish-classic/register. Online registration offers the opportunity to register and pay for the Carolina Billfish Classic and all TWT’s; purchase additional awards ceremony meal tickets (eight included); purchase additional T-Shirts (six included in entry). Add your lady anglers, junior anglers, and all other angler information, plus request complimentary dockage at Charleston Harbor Marina, Schedule meals to be delivered to your boat Thursday and Friday and more. JUNE 26-30 LUTHERROAD DAY CAMP: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church hosting Lutherroad Day Camp. Monday, June 26 – Friday, June 30th. The day camp is for youth that have completed grades Kindergarten through Fifth (ages 6-11). The cost for the camp is $65 per child, which includes a lunch and snack each day. Good Shepherd is located at 106 May Street, Walterboro. For more information, contact Diane Wicker at 843-538-5618. Information and forms are also available on Good Shepherd’s website. www.walterborolutherans.com. JULY 21-23 13TH CLAYTON FAMILY REUNION: The descendants of Eddie & Amanda Clayton will hold their 13th Family Reunion in Walterboro. The theme will be “Honoring the Past and Embracing the Future As We Celebrate the Present.” All family members who have not yet been contacted and would like to attend, are asked to contact the Reunion Planning Committee at 678-592-1148, or visit the Family Reunion website for details and to register: http://www.eventcreate.com/e/eddieandamandaclaytonfamilyreunion JULY 22 DAY OF UNITY: 10 a.m., Basketball tournament at Colleton County High School presented by C.O.R.E. Impact. This is an inaugural event for a new nonprofit that is working with the school system. (C.O.R.E. is an acronym for Community Of Relentless Empowerment) For tickets, as well as team and individual registration, visit: COREIMPACT.FAMILY JULY 29 CHRISTMAS IN JULY: 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Bourbon Creek, 23746 Augusta Highway, Cottageville. Hosted by ABATE for the Colleton County Sheriff’s Office toy drive (benefits children and families in Colleton County in need at Christmas. Rain date July 30. Also seeking automobile enthusiasts to participate at the Bourbon Creek Bar & Grill, Highway 61, Cottagevlle. Contact: [email protected] AUG. 1 BACK TO SCHOOL BASH: 6 p.m., Neyles Community Center, 445 Featherbed Road. School supplies will be given out. There will also be vendors and refreshments.