🌱 93-Year-Old Defiantly Battles Developers + 'Dangerous' Man Arrested

Hello again, everybody! It's me, Lauren Kubiak, your host of the Patch newsletter. Here's everything you need to know about what's happening in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Friday: An afternoon t-storm; humid. High: 90 Low: 79.
• Saturday: Humid with a t-storm in spots. High: 89 Low: 78.

Here are the top three stories in Hilton Head today:

1. Josephine Wright, a 93-year-old resident of Hilton Head, is defiantly battling developers who filed a lawsuit against her after she refused to sell her family home, which has been in her family for over 150 years. The developers went as far as building a road just 20 feet from her front porch, but Wright has countersued, gained support from a civil rights attorney, and attracted national attention and celebrity support. With over $167,000 raised through an online fundraising effort, Wright is determined to protect her sanctuary and heritage against encroaching development. (Subscription: USA TODAY)
2. Nearby, the Bluffton Police Department successfully located and arrested Anthony Robert Barnhill, 34. Barnhill was wanted for assault and battery charges stemming from a recent incident. He was originally considered "armed and dangerous" prior to being apprehended. (ABC NEWS 4)
3. Beaufort County Council is under scrutiny as accusations of wrongdoing surround County Administrator Eric Greenway. Despite the serious nature of the allegations, council members claim ignorance about the case, raising concerns about their responsibility and transparency. The lack of knowledge and action from elected leaders is fueling public distrust and drawing comparisons to previous scandals in South Carolina, highlighting the urgent need for accountability and open disclosure in county government. (Subscription: Hilton Head Island Packet)

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Today and tomorrow in Hilton Head:

Friday, July 14

• Sunset Celebration At Shelter Cove Community Park (7:00 PM)
• Fresh Vibe At Ruby Lee's (7:30 PM)

Saturday, July 15

• Hilton Head Community Market At Shelter Cove Community Park (9:30 AM)
• Live Music On Daufuskie Island With Horan Brothers Band At Daufuskie Difference (1:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Keep the Broad Creek Clean Festival event at Shelter Cove Towne Centre will be held on Jul. 19 from 4:00-8:00 p.m. Celebrate and protect Broad Creek with fun activities, eco-exhibits, and crafts for the whole family. (Town of Hilton Head Island Government via Facebook)
• You can join the Finance & Administrative Committee at their meeting on Jul. 18 at 1:00 p.m. in Benjamin M. Racusin Council Chambers. The agenda and meeting materials can be accessed on the town's website, and if you wish to speak, submit the Request to Speak form before 12:00 p.m. on the meeting day. (Town of Hilton Head Island Government via Facebook)
• Today is the day in nearby Beaufort: The annual Water Festival at Waterfront Park has begun! The festival will feature a variety of attractions, including performances by Randy Houser, the Parris Island Marine Band, and the popular Motown Monday with Deas Guyz. (Subscription: Hilton Head Island Packet)

That's it for today! I'll see you soon.

— Lauren Kubiak

About me: Lauren is an Editor for Lightning Media Partners. She graduated from Rowan University with a Bachelor’s in journalism. She was previously a full-time editor at an association management firm, editing peer-reviewed nursing journals, textbooks, and newsletters.