Chiropractic Care in Walterboro, SC

WALTERBORO, S.C. (WCSC) - The City of Walterboro has been accepted into a state program to revitalize their historic downtown area in hopes of bringing economic success to the community.

Walterboro joins over 30 other communities like Beaufort, Kingstree, and Orangeburg in the Main Street South Carolina network, which aims to address issues that challenge historic commercial districts.

“People who have grown up in this town have seen it gone from a very vibrant, bustling downtown that had pharmacies, restaurants, banks,” Scott Grooms, director of tourism and downtown development for the City of Walterboro said. “I’d love to see downtown just totally populated again with that to where people come downtown to shop and do day to day business.”

Business owners downtown say they love the area’s southern charm and small town feel but agree that some updates would bring in more business.

“I think we have incredible potential I just think we need some help in realizing what all we have,” Jessica Burdick, owner of Twig Boutique, said.

In the coming weeks, Main Street SC will come to Walterboro and bring in a research crew to find out what the city is doing right, and what they could do better, holding meetings with stakeholders, residents, and public officials to find out their vision for downtown. Then, they will assist Walterboro in coming up with strategies to achieve that vision.

“I think it’s gonna bring new business, a lot of potential for a lot of our local people for things different to do, and hopefully some beautification and some buildings that are currently empty, to fill those as well,” Heather Larson, co-owner of Colleton Day Spa, said.

Before the team arrives, the city has posted a survey asking people who live, work, and spend time in Walterboro to share what they think the most pressing issues facing downtown are, what types of businesses they would like to see, and more.

You can find that survey here. You’re encouraged to submit honest feedback about what you would like to see downtown until Jan. 25.

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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.

Boise Cascade Company, a leading manufacturer and distributor for building materials, plans to establish a new facility in Walterboro, South Carolina. The $9 million project is expected to create 30 jobs in Colleton County.

Located at 157 Risher Mountain Tower Road the distribution center will provide direct access to the Palmetto Railways Salkehatchie Subdivision rail line, connecting the company to the national freight rail network.

“We are excited to be planning a branch location in Colleton County. This investment demonstrates our commitment to a terrific customer base in a growing market,” Boise Cascade Company Building Materials Division Executive Vice President Jeff Strom said.

As an incentive the Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits related to this project. A $200,000 Rural Infrastructure Fund (RIF) grant was also awarded to Colleton County to assist with the costs of site preparation and infrastructure improvements.

“Congratulations to Boise Cascade Company, as it expands in yet another South Carolina location. Our state’s rural communities are producing and distributing products from some of the world’s most trusted companies, and we’re excited that the Colleton community can add Boise Cascade to that roster. We look forward to supporting the company’s continued growth within South Carolina,” Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III noted.

Headquartered in Boise, Idaho, Boise Cascade serves residential and industrial construction retail yards, manufacturing wood products and distributing wholesale building materials across North America.

“SouthernCarolina Alliance welcomes Boise Cascade to our region of South Carolina. We appreciate both the direct and indirect jobs that this operation will bring to our robust wood products sector, and we congratulate Colleton County on this exciting announcement, which will benefit from Colleton’s workforce and strategic location,” SouthernCarolina Regional Development Alliance Chairman Marty Sauls added.

“Palmetto Railways appreciates the opportunity to collaborate with Boise Cascade, Colleton County and SouthernCarolina Alliance to fulfill the rail infrastructure and logistics needs of another South Carolina business. We look forward to seeing the continued success and service of the Salkehatchie Subdivision line, a testament to the power of rail connections within South Carolina communities,” Palmetto Railways President and CEO Patrick McCrory said.

On Tuesday, Dec. 6 the Floyd Buckner Building ribbon cutting ceremony was held in honor of the late Floyd Buckner. The building is the new Taxpayer Service Center, located at 118 Benson Street. Those in attendance spoke highly of Floyd Buckner and his passion to serve Colleton County to the very end. It was mentioned how fitting it was to have his name on the building that will serve the community he loved so much.

Colleton county native, Floyd Buckner was born in 1941 and was a son of the late Eddie Buckner and Justine Capers Buckner. He passed away in July 2011 after a six-year-long difficult battle with cancer. He was loved by and is missed by so many in the community.

Buckner graduated from the former Ruffin High School in 1960. He later attended Benedict College in Columbia, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1964. Later in 1970, he obtained a master’s degree in education from South Carolina State University.

Buckner served as a parent, teacher, principal and leader for all of Colleton County. He also served as the director of Colleton County School District’s Title I Program, ensuring that Title I funds were spent properly.

Buckner was a man of influence as a mentor and a role model for others. He worked with various programs to benefit school children and served on multiple boards and other committees for the city, county, and state of South Carolina.

He was also a pathbreaker in Colleton County and Walterboro. He was the first African American to serve as a bank board director, a member of the Walterboro-Colleton Airport Commission, owner-publisher of the first African American newspaper in Colleton County, president of the Arabian Temple #139, Walterboro Shrine Club, to be elected to Colleton County Council, to chair the county council and the first to win a run-off election in the county.

Buckner was also the first to have a Colleton County government building to bear his name. Unfortunately, in April of 2020, a tornado damaged the original Floyd Buckner Building at the corner of Washington Street and Jefferies Boulevard. The building formerly held the Colleton County school district offices. The building was deemed a total loss and had to be demolished.

Buckner made it his life mission to give the gift of service for the residents of Colleton County and he strived for progress, growth and the betterment for all, no matter who they were. Black or white, it made no difference to him for he never saw them for their color, but rather for what was in their heart.

Buckner’s son, Dwayne Buckner, joined by other family member, friends, Colleton County board members and guests joined together in celebrating his life achievements in his loving memory as they dedicated the new taxpayer service center through a ribbon cutting ceremony.

On Wednesday, Dec. 28 a community meeting was held that centered around the

concerns and questions that local citizens have about a men’s transitional house

proposed to open in March of 2023 to potentially house between 50- 100 offenders.

Those in attendance were Mayor Bill Young, Sheriff Guerry ‘Buddy’ Hill, several local

media outlets, and approximately 75 concerned citizens of Walterboro.

Shield Ministries has purchased the property located at 1705 Barracada Rd, formally

known as Living Word Church, and have already made improvements to it. This location

would place the men’s house amid a residential area where families, churches, and

schools are.

Shield Ministries is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization founded by Reverend David

Truluck and his wife Melodie Truluck. Shield Ministries' home office is in Charleston and

their program is described as a means to help men that have been in prison to make to

transition back into civilian life. The transitional house would host first-time and non-

violent offenders of a variety of charges, including but not limited to sex offenses.

According to the 2021 annual report provided by Shield Ministries, 70 percent of the

participants in the Charleston locations are registered sex offenders. Visit

www.shieldministries.org/_files/ugd/6ae18f_552781bb122e43a5bb4b8966a83d83ed.pdf

for more information.

Attendees discussed how the founder; David Truluck is also a registered sex offender

who is said to be reformed. Additional information can be found at

www.homefacts.com/offender-detail/SC1287426/David-Montgomery-Truluck.

Those presenting at the meeting provided some statistical data and information about

the organization and its two founders. Based on the information discussed, there was a

consensus that rehabilitation and housing programs are positive initiatives. There was

also a consensus that it should not be in a residential area near potential victims if the

men with sexual charges were to re-offend while housed within the community.

According to state law, anyone that is registered cannot reside within 1,000 feet of any

school, childcare center, church, and park. When converted, 1,000 feet is about .19

miles. There is a church, Kingdom Hall, that is .20 miles away from the proposed house.

For more information visit

library.municode.com/sc/columbia/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_CH14OF

MIPR_ARTXSEOFRERE#:~:text=Any%20person%20required%20to%20register,playin

g%20fields%20or%20courts%20or.

Some of the concerns voiced by community members included how the founder,

Truluck was not forthcoming with all the plans, processes, and intent of the transitional

home with the community. Another concern is potentially accepting and bringing in more

convicted pedophiles into the community with no real evidence to ensure the safety of vulnerable residents within the community such as women, children, and those of

differing abilities.

An additional concern raised was how a small rural community such as Walterboro

would be able to support and sustain a facility with possible 50-100 men. Each male

that would reside within the transitional house would be required to obtain a job within

the community in order to pay for his stay at the facility. As of Aug. 2022, Walterboro

has an unemployment rate of 3.5 percent compared to Charleston’s unemployment rate

of 2.6 percent visit www.homefacts.com/unemployment/South-Carolina/Colleton-

County/Walterboro. With a small job market currently available, it could be difficult to

sustain employment opportunities for every citizen of the working age. The extra influx

of residents would also become taxing on other infrastructures such as medical care,

hospitalization, and law enforcement as well.

Meagan Bishop made the first post made on several local Facebook pages and Lisa

Langdale was also present for the meeting. Bishop is the daughter of Melodie Truluck.

She also stated that David Truluck was her abuser. She shared her story with those in

attendance. Langdale is a concerned member of the community along with several

citizens that have created an informational Facebook group page to spread awareness.

This page is called STOP Pedifiles Housing on Barracada Road. (*Note: Misspelling of

pedophiles is intentional, so Facebook algorithms do not block the page.)

Bishop explained that she was 12 years old at the time of the charges against Truluck

and his indictment. She stated that her mother gave up custody of all three of her

children in order to stay with David, her stepfather. She said, “I'm speaking from

experience that if Melody didn't care about protecting her own children, that she

definitely doesn't care about protecting your children or any other children that this may

ultimately harm.” Bishop also stated, “I just felt I needed to raise awareness to this

community about it. If I can just prevent one child from harm, I have to at least try to

stop this.”

Mayor Young assured the citizens that no city funding was provided for this transitional

house. He also indicated that the property is in the county outside of city limits, therefore

the city would not have or receive any permit requests. Those would have to go through

the county. Additionally, he said that he personally could not support this in Walterboro

and Colleton County.

Sheriff Hill stated that for a variety of reasons rehabilitation is paramount and that there

is a place for everything, but this location is not the place. He suggested that a location

that is not populated with residents would be more suitable.

*Update: As of Saturday, Dec. 31 the Shield Ministries has changed its webpage by

removing the image of the Barracada Road location along with its announcement of the

projected new location. At the time of publication of the article, the Press & Standard had reached out for a

statement from David Truluck. He responded via email “At this time we would like to say

we are considering multiple possibilities with the property in Colleton County.”

The Shield Ministries webpage includes a statement, “The mission of Shield Ministries

is to teach men how to think, choose, and build correctly which promotes healing; to

teach life skills to help men overcome obstacles by using Christian biblical based

principals and mentorship to promote accountability and responsibility; and to provide

residential stability; of which all reduces recidivism.”

There is also a petition in circulation within the community to stop the transitional house

from opening. Citizens attended the Walterboro City Council meeting on Tuesday, Jan.

3 to voice their concerns. They also plan on attending the Colleton County Council

meeting Tuesday, Jan. 10 at 6 p.m.

For more information about Shield Ministries visit www.shieldministries.org, email

david.truluck@shieldministries.org, or call 843-209-7941.

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