Pressure Washing in Hanahan, SC

Hanahan ... home sweet home. I regret to say I wasn’t born here. But I sure got here as fast as I could.

Growing up in Hanahan would have felt like an American dream.

However, I truly believe that not growing up here has created a deeper appreciation for where I now choose to live and raise my family. While the location is ideal and central to the Charleston region, it’s the culture and family values that I treasure most.

Throughout this year, Hanahan has been celebrating its 50th birthday. This area was populated as far back as the 1600s, and one would find plantations where homes, parks and businesses now stand.

Sir John Yeamans founded Yeamans Hall, and brothers Arthur and Edward Middleton established Otranto Plantation to name a few of the first settlers.

After Reconstruction, the Charleston region grew, and so did its needs, especially for water.

To meet that need, the Commissioners of Public Works was established and purchased the Goose Creek Reservoir.

It later developed a vast system of tunnels and a pumping station to supply potable water to the region.

In addition to being a businessman and influential leader of this time, J. Ross Hanahan was named the first chairman of the Commissioners of Public Works. Upon his departure, the pumping station was named after him, and the area became known as Hanahan.

Schools were built. Business were created. Homes were established.

In September of 1973 (only a year after North Charleston officially became a city), the city of Hanahan was officially incorporated.

The city is still known for its award-winning schools, sports and community culture.

I recently co-authored a book called “Hanahan,” released by Arcadia publishing, as a part of its Images of America series.

When we met with people to learn about how Hanahan came to be, the stories weren’t just logistical. They were personal.

Stories of jumping off the train trestle into the water, dads coming home from work from the shipyard or paper mill, students at Senior Hill, first dates at the Arcadia Rollerdrome at Port Park, fishing at Mabeline Lodge and more.

Many stories started with “One time ...” or “Back in the day ...”

While the formation of the city itself is so important, just as important are the stories of the daily experiences of the people who became the city of Hanahan.

I began by referring to Hanahan as home sweet home. Many reading this will think of a place, a location, maybe even a house.

However, those who live in Hanahan know that home sweet home means the people, because through this extraordinary community one quickly learns that home is not a place but a person, or in our case, the people who surround us.

Christie Rainwater is Mayor of Hanahan.

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HANAHAN, S.C. (WCIV) — A Hanahan family is getting an outpouring of support after losing everything in a house fire.

A fire spread through the Stewarts' Rembert Drive home Sunday in the blink of an eye. Neighbor Mike Hinson said he dropped what he was doing to help because he knew it was right.

"Meghan was in a panic," Hinson said. "I brought the kids in, found them something to watch on TV, and made them a little snack just to kind of get their minds off stuff."

A fire gutting their home is just the latest obstacle for Meghan had Bobby Stewart.

Read more: "2 mobile homes destroyed in Colleton County fire, investigation ongoing."

Meghan fought breast cancer for five years.

Bobby is recovering from surgery.

Long-time neighbor Hinson said he had to help his fellow neighbors, remembering the support the family gave him when his wife had cancer.

"Two years ago, my wife passed away, and so many people come together for me," Hinson said. "You can't give that back. She helped my wife, Sheila, get through it the best that she could. And we did the same for her, just returning what it is that we had borrowed."

His front porch is now a sort of landing zone.

People are stopping by with bags filled with clothes and shoes for the kids, toiletries, and other items.

Read more: "Firefighter falls through floor during house fire response in downtown Charleston: CFD."

All to make life a little easier for the Stewarts.

Hinson said this is what the Hanahan community is all about.

"These people right here are the people who are doing it for the right reasons," Hinson said. "You know, it's coming from the heart. All in all, if nothing else, they feel a lot of love."

A GoFundMe for the Stewarts was created. It can be seen here.

HANAHAN, S.C. (WCBD) – It was a chilly and crisp October night in the Otranto neighborhood on Monday, a perfect setting for the community’s annual Halloween decorating contest.

A walk down many of the Italian-named streets and you’ll see the sparkle of orange, green and purple lights inviting a view from passersby — but look a little closer and you’ll find skeletons running amuck and ghosts dangling in the trees high above.

While many homes in the neighborhood are beautifully decorated for the fall season, the star of the show is there along Monte Sano Drive where you’ll find home after home boasting dazzling but spooky décor.

Just past a home where Freddy Kruger himself sits off the front porch — and across from Roma Road — is a wildly haunted cemetery scene. There is much to take in with a dark creature looming over the graveyard and eye-catching creatures no matter where you turn.

At this home you will find a sign out front begging neighbors to keep Halloween a beloved holiday. “Do not let Halloween be a thing of the past,” the sign read. “Decorate, turn on your light, hand out candy … Be a community!”

It was the Judge’s Choice 1st place winner.

A walk around the loop, enjoy the sights and sounds of inflatable ghosts and animated ghouls shouting at you from the roadway. Or a skeleton who was not able to keep anything down.

On the opposite end of Monte Sano Drive is a home you simply cannot miss. Set with a purple and green glow are myriad Halloween animatronics begging for your soul. From witches to skeletons, a giant werewolf and even the headless horseman — be sure to stop and see what this yard has to offer.

Our favorite was the green goblin and a nicely timed scare. The home won second place scariest yard.

And just across the street you’ll find large sheets of spiderweb draping portions of the yard. A frightening scarecrow and large ghosts were the setting for this home winning second place most creative.

A short trip away down Monte Sano Court and you’ll find a home fit for Jack and Sally.

Say hello to Oogie Boogie and the gang as you walk through the pumpkin shaped door and take in the Nightmare Before Christmas themed yard including scenes from Halloween, Easter, and Christmas.

A total of 57 varsity and junior varsity baseball teams will compete at local high school venues with championships decided on Thursday at Hanahan High. The event also includes out-of-state high school programs from states such as Georgia, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia and Kentucky.

Among the schools participating is Catawba Ridge of Rock Hill, the defending Class AAAA state champion in South Carolina. Charleston-area teams Berkeley, Summerville, James Island, and Hanahan are currently ranked in their respective classification’s top 10 polls.

The varsity teams are divided into two divisions – the Hatfield and Steadman divisions, named for former Hanahan High baseball coaches. Tom Hatfield started the HIT 54 years ago and Steadman took over and brought the event to national prominence when he became the school’s head baseball coach and athletic director.

Prep Zone

Area high schools hosting games during the week include Hanahan, Bishop England, Wando, Berkeley, Ashley Ridge, James Island, West Ashley and Summerville.

Schools hosting junior varsity games include Cane Bay, Fort Dorchester, Stratford and Goose Creek.

Junior varsity games begin Monday morning with 21 varsity games beginning on Monday afternoon and evening.

54th HIT Monday varsity schedule

Steadman bracket

Hanahan High site

2 p.m. - Marvin Ridge (NC) vs, Catawba Ridge

5 p.m. – Cane Bay vs. James River (Va.)

7:30 p.m. – Hanahan vs. Oscar Smith (Va.)

Bishop England site

1 p.m. – Starr’s Mill (Ga.) vs. Cox (Va.)

3:30 p.m. – Starr’s Mill vs. Lucy Beckham

6 p.m. – Bishop England vs. McCracken County (Ky.)

Wando site

5 p.m. – Fort Dorchester vs. Providence (N.C)

7:30 – Wando vs, Hickory (Va.)

Berkeley site

5 p.m. – Philip Simmons vs. Green Briar Christian (Va.)

7:30 p.m. – Berkeley vs. Woodland

Hatfield bracket

Summerville site

5 p.m. – Pinewood Prep vs. St. Pius (Ga.)

7:30 p.m. – Summerville vs. Great Bridge (Va.)

West Ashley site

2 p.m. – Catholic (Va.) vs. Trinity Christian (Ga.)

5 p.m. – Ardrey Kell (N.C.) vs. Beaufort

7:30 p.m. – West Ashley vs. St. Francis (OH)

James Island site

2 p.m. – Western Branch (Va.) vs. Stratford

5 p.m. – Hilton Head Christian vs. Timberland

7:30 p.m. – James Island vs. Hilton Head Christian

Ashley Ridge site

2 p.m. – Ben Lippen vs. Goose Creek

5 p.m. - Bamberg-Ehrhardt vs. First Colonial (Va.)

7:30 p.m. – Ashley Ridge vs. Hickory Grove (N.C.)

HANAHAN, S.C. (WCIV) — He's got a following in Hanahan and an even bigger following on social media.

Jake the Fire Pibble won the hearts of first responders after being rescued from a fire in 2015. Thursday, he is living the semi-retired life but continuing to keep his department a close-knit family.

"His social media presence identified with our department and brought animal lovers, and we had some other means to talk about with people," said Michale Bargeron, an assistant fire chief at Hanahan Fire Department.

Engineer Bill Lindler was off duty when he noticed that a neighbor's backyard shed was on fire.

Read more: "Hanahan firefighter saves puppy's life, not once but twice."

With help from several first responders, he was able to save the lovable Jake, who managed to survive severe burns to become a local legend.

"I believe it was in December that Jake was officially sworn in as the honoree mascot and Goodwill Ambassador for the Hanahan Fire Department," Lindler said.

Lindler remembers the day saving him in 2015 like it was yesterday.

"I saw him free himself from under the fallen ceiling, and he disappeared back into the smoke over into a corner," Lindler said. "Jake was not breathing or anything. I got him around to the front yard, at which time I started doing mouth to snout on him and chest compressions on him as well."

Read more: "Vigilance rises in Lowcountry amidst nationwide mystery dog illness outbreak."

Despite burns over 75 percent of his body, Jake recovered and became a celebrity over the next eight years. He now has an Instagram account with more than 22,000 followers.

Lindler explained he loved being around the firefighters but is now enjoying a semi-retired life.

"He's a goofy dog, and he's got a great disposition, and he enlightens everybody his day that has time to spend some time with him," Bargeron said.

Read more: "Behind the Badge: Lowcountry K-9 trainer the 'dog whisperer' for law enforcement."

Jake's Instagram fame has also helped as a recruiting tool for the fire department.

"New firefighters come in, and the first thing they ask is about Jake because apparently, they know when you Google hand-to-hand fire department, Jake's picture, and his story pops up a lot," Lindler said. "Or even they just heard Jake's story, and they're like, 'Hey, we heard Jake's story. We were interested in becoming a firefighter.'"

Lindler said Jake is enjoying semi-retired life but still loves jumping on those big red trucks from time to time.