Mortgage Broker Near Me Goose Creek, SC

GOOSE CREEK, S.C. (WCIV) — One person is dead after a house fire in Goose Creek early Tuesday morning, according to officials.

The Berkeley County Coroner's Office has identified the victim as Danial Skinner, 69, of Goose Creek.

Crews reportedly responded to the scene just after midnight, which involved a single family home off Kathryn Drive in Goose Creek.

Eight separate fire crews worked to extinguish the blaze including Goose Creek Rural, Pine Ridge, Hanahan, Caromi, Pimlico, Goose Creek City, Joint Base, Central Berkeley Fire & EMS.

“It was a significant fire when we arrived, almost half the house was involved in fire," said Chief Bob Maibach with Goose Creek Rural Fire Department.

THE LATEST: Berkeley County coroner identifies one dead in Goose Creek house fire

Chief Maibach said there's no reason to believe this was a suspicious fire or a case of arson, and that SLED is always called in to investigate when a fatality is reported.

A cause of fire was unknown Tuesday. Chief Maibach said his crews often find non-operating smoke alarms at the scene of house fires.

“These are situations that happen and every second counts, so having that alarm that functions and alerts you, even in in the middle of the night, is very important," he said. "Smoke detectors save lives."

The fire was officially reported under control just before 1:00 a.m. Tuesday.

Fire crews were called back to the scene around 7 a.m. to extinguish a small spot fire.

SLED, State Fire Marshals, the Berkeley County Coroner's Office and Berkeley County Sheriff's Office are investigating.

GOOSE CREEK, S.C. (WCSC) - Reality Church in Goose Creek and The Formation Project are getting human trafficking victims back on their feet with a new support home in Berkeley County.

The Eden House project aims to house six women at a time who have experienced human trafficking. The women will come through a nonprofit organization, The Formation Project, that focuses on providing services to victims and survivors.

The women will be monitored by and receive services through the nonprofit, including internet access to help them enter the workforce.

A property purchase by Reality Church Lead Pastor Ric Edgar is what sparked the idea. Edgar purchased 10 acres of land in the Ladson area that included a 1960s home in July 2024.

Edgar says the land was originally meant for a new church as well as demolishing the included home. The demolition was meant to have an open view for the new build, but plans changed.

The pastor says the home will be renovated to become the Eden House or “the place for new beginnings” for rescued women. Plans for the property still include adding a church building. Edgar says the support home will take priority for now as it is a decision supported by his church community.

“[The church family] knew like I knew that God gave purpose to the land,” Edgar says. “But they also knew, as I knew, this has to be first,” Edgar continues. “We will not build a church until this house is renovated and is up and running and Formation Project has these women here. This is first.”

A series of connections sparked Edgar’s decision. The lead pastor says he realized human trafficking “happens right in our backyard” by watching former National Football League quarterback and retired Major League Baseball player Tim Tebow’s ministry programming. Edgar says he was also moved to take action by trafficking statistics from across the Lowcountry and especially Berkeley County.

An annual report by the state Attorney General shows the state had nearly 400 human trafficking victims statewide in 2024. The report shows the number of tips for investigators in the Lowcountry. Berkeley County saw 18 human trafficking investigations, which is second only to Charleston County’s 31.

Edgar says he hopes to bring awareness to the issue and show people that it is happening wherever they are.

“People really can have an awareness that it is right here in our own backyard,” Edgar says. “And we’re passionate about it, I mean it’s really exciting for me that our church has the opportunity to impact the community by helping these women find their way back to a good life.”

Renovations are the next step for the home.

Edgar says the home needs about $130,000 worth of work.

Reality Church and The Formation Project plan to raise funds to meet renovation costs.

Anyone interested in getting involved can reach out to 843-494-4474 or hope.christmas@realitychurch.com. There is also more information on how to get involved on the project website.

Human trafficking tips can be reported to the 24/7 National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.

Copyright 2025 WCSC. All rights reserved.

The South Carolina Department of Transportation has begun work on a project involving safety improvements on Red Bank Road which also includes intersection improvements at the Red Bank Road and Henry E. Brown Jr. Boulevard intersection, both in Goose Creek.

By

The Berkeley Observer

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May 15, 2025

GOOSE CREEK, S.C. – Drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians in Goose Creek can expect smoother, safer travels in the near future.

The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) has officially kicked off a major infrastructure improvement project along Red Bank Road and Henry E. Brown Jr. Boulevard, aiming to modernize key intersections and roadways through the heart of the city.

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Work is already underway, with current efforts focused on drainage upgrades and initial road widening at the Red Bank Road and Henry E. Brown Jr. Boulevard intersection. According to Berkeley County officials, the larger project scope includes installing concrete medians, enhancing pedestrian access with new sidewalks, upgrading traffic signals, resurfacing asphalt, and improving signage along the Red Bank Road corridor.

Come fall 2025, drivers can expect to see continued progress with traffic signal installations and intersection paving at key junctions including Eagle Road, Harbor Lake Drive, and Bayshore Drive.

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The full suite of improvements is slated for completion by August 2026.

These upgrades come on the heels of Berkeley County’s recently completed Red Bank Road Gravity Sewer Project, which wrapped in April 2025. That project boosted local sewer capacity and helped prevent future overflows by installing a new gravity sewer main between Sunrise Boulevard and Henry E. Brown Jr. Boulevard.

Together, the projects mark a coordinated effort to modernize Goose Creek’s infrastructure—above and below ground—for years to come.

Goose Creek, S.C. – Will Goose Creek help do some good for the gander by displaying a pro-bird statue urging everyone to ditch cruelly-obtained down feathers? PETA thinks so! In a letter sent today to Crystal Reed, Director of Goose Creek’s Recreation, Art and Parks, PETA asks to participate in the city’s “Adopt-a-Goose” program—in which local businesses can place a customized goose statue around town—with a statue depicting a half-plucked, crying goose and a plaque reading, “My Feathers Belong to Me. Please, Don’t Wear Down.”

“Geese feel pain and fear, love their flock members, and don’t deserve to be tormented, plucked, and violently slaughtered for down,” says PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman. “By embracing PETA’s message, Goose Creek could encourage residents to show compassion for birds of a feather by sticking to down-free coats, pillows, and blankets.”

PETA points out that geese are family-oriented and mate for life, mourning for long periods when their partners die. In the down industry, workers often pin down terrified geese and tear their feathers out by the fistful, plucking them so violently that many are left with gaping, bloody wounds. At the slaughterhouse, workers slit their throats—often while they’re still conscious. The down industry also helps prop up the immensely cruel foie gras industry, as producers often seek to bolster income by selling the feathers of tormented, force-fed geese.

PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to eat, wear, or abuse in any other way”—points out thatEvery Animal Is Someone and offers free Empathy Kits for people who need a lesson in kindness. For more information, please visit PETA.org or follow PETA on X, Facebook, or Instagram.

PETA’s letter to Libby Roerig follows.

May 5, 2025

Crystal Reed

Director of Recreation, Art & Parks

City of Goose Greek

Dear Ms. Reed:

I hope this letter finds you well. On behalf of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals and our nearly 800 members and supporters in Goose Creek, I am requesting to participate in Goose Creek’s “Adopt-A-Goose” program. We hope you’ll make an exception for our goose from outside the city limits, as PETA’s statue has an important message to share.

PETA’s goose would honor Goose Creek’s namesake and inspire residents to show compassion for these loyal, intelligent birds by ditching down and letting birds keep their feathers. One side of the statue shows a happy, healthy goose living freely, while the other side reveals the cruelty that the down industry tries to keep under the covers.

In China—the world’s largest producer of down—many birds are live-plucked, their feathers yanked from their skin while they are conscious and shriek in terror. Even disingenuously named “responsible down” is a sham, as all birds used for down are exploited and ultimately slaughtered. A PETA Asia investigation revealed that geese used for Responsible Down Standard-certified feathers were beheaded with a dull axe, requiring multiple blows to kill them. Foie gras producers also exploit geese, profiting not only from stealing their feathers but also from force-feeding them and selling their diseased, fatty livers. These birds suffer at every stage of their short, miserable lives.

Birds are not stuffing for pillows and jackets or food for people who find fatty livers appetizing. They are devoted parents and lifelong partners. Even as goslings, they are skilled swimmers, and their parents are meticulous nest keepers. Their family bonds are so strong that they mourn the loss of loved ones and refuse to leave injured flock members behind. These family-oriented fowl deserve our respect and protection.

We appreciate your consideration and look forward to working together to promote a meaningful message in Goose Creek.

Sincerely,

Tracy Reiman

Executive Vice President

Big Lots has released an official list of all 219 stores planned to reopen over the next several months, including 18 in South Carolina.

After bankruptcy and store closures, Big Lots plans to gradually reopen 219 stores. A No S.C. stores reopened during Wave 1 of the opening plan, but four Wave 2 stores are scheduled to open in early May.

According to a previous news release from the Henderson, N.C.-based company Variety Retailers responsible for the openings, customers will experience "remodeled stores, a large selection of closeout deals and new merchandise categories, including apparel for the family and electronics" upon the reopening of Big Lots stores.

Here's what we know about the final waves of reopening plans, including every store scheduled to open in S.C. and N.C.

Which Big Lots stores are reopening in SC?

Previously, Big Lots announced the opening of Wave 2 stores, of which S.C. had four. On April 23, business media website Fast Company released the company's plans for locations set to reopen in the final two waves including the following in S.C..:

Previously announced: Big Lots stores opening in SC in Wave 2

No South Carolina stores reopened in Wave 1.

Which Big Lots stores are reopening in NC?

More than 50 Big Lots stores are set to open in N.C., about a quarter of all reopenings.

Previously announced: Big Lots stores opening in NC in Waves 1, 2

Big Lots reopening locations

Stores are also reopening in 13 other states including:

How many Big Lots stores are reopening?

Variety Wholesalers acquired 219 stores it aims to open in four waves. 54 stores will reopen during the second wave, 78 during the third wave and a final 78 in the fourth wave.

When will Big Lots reopen?

The first wave of Big Lots openings took place on April 10. The second wave is scheduled for early may, and remaining stores will open on unspecified dates through early June, leading up to a grand opening celebration taking place across all stores in the fall.

BigLots.com and Big Lots social media channels will feature more news and updates on store announcements, according to the release.

Iris Seaton is the trending news reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at iseaton@citizentimes.com.