New council, recreation successes celebrated in Williston

Before Mayor Brett Williams called the Town of Williston’s January 9 council meeting to order, two elected and one re-elected council members were sworn in.

Councilwoman Alyson Collins stood alongside her daughter, Reese, while Mayor Williams daughter, Isla, held the Bible. Collins was first elected last year in a special election to fill the seat and won again in the November 2023 election.

Newly elected council members Judy Taylor and Greg Walkup were both sworn in surrounded by loved ones before taking their seats. Taylor was supported by her daughter, Antionette, and grandchildren Gavin and Gabrielle. Walkup stood alongside his wife, Mary Ann.

Once all were sworn in, Councilmember Eric Moody was unanimously elected as mayor pro-tem to serve a two-year-term.

Recreation Successes

The Barnwell County Recreation Committee has decided to place Williston as a priority for recreation in the new year.

At the Barnwell County Council’s Jan. 9 meeting, Chairman Jerry Creech explained some of the county’s priorities such as a new scoreboard at the baseball field and potentially pickleball courts.

Recreation goals are also underway at the town level with new fences being installed via Parks and Recreation Development (PARD) grant funding totaling $66,000. Administrator Michael Beasley explained the remaining funding will go toward new playground equipment.

Barnwell County recreation director Hilary Hindman is set to visit the town's recreation and activities committee to discuss what the town needs in the new year.

Jo Owens, representative of Williston’s annual Craft and Vendor Fair, presented the town’s recreation department with a $300 donation.

Donations like this help fund programs such as youth recreational football. The town and coaches did not think there would be enough players to even make teams, however, those participating pulled together for an undefeated season.

Many of the players and coaches were recognized at the meeting for their efforts on and off the field and given a plaque. Head coach Keith Parker and assistant coaches John Depew, Keith Creech, and Regis Pressley all chipped in to make the season great.

The team had a 6-0 season, finishing the season off with a 28-0 win against Barnwell recreation teams.

Players were Hunter Hoover, Shawn Chavous, Shaquin Singleton, Karson Wright, Kalen Wright, Ivan Ketting, Rylan Hartzog, Kaleb Wright, Idan Cannon, Rylan Hartzog, Eli Roberts, Kennieth Moore Jr., Kaiden Smith, King Glover, London Glover, and Kody Creech.

Mayor Williams and Administrator Beasley both attributed this successful season not only to the dedication of the players and coaches, but also the town’s recreation director Ronnie Tobin.

“Mr. Tobin, we are blessed to have you here,” said Mayor Williams. “He does a lot with the kids…he is a blessing.”

Before presenting plaques to the players and coaches, Tobin thanked parents for bringing and supporting their children, and allowing them to participate.

“I thank you parents for thinking enough of the Town of Williston for letting your kid participate in our football program,” said Tobin.

He also thanked the coaches: “We have a great set of coaches. We were blessed this year,” said Tobin.

Administrator Updates

• The town will now be offering automatic payments and text reminders for utility bills.
• Administrator Beasley gave an update on a $500,000 town hall grant received. Paperwork has been completed and submitted, and the town is waiting for the funding.
• The town’s sign is not currently working, but repairs have been requested.
• Administrator Beasley is scheduling a meeting with the town’s garbage service, S&S Disposal, after numerous complaints from citizens regarding yard debris not being picked up. Debris pick up is scheduled for every other Thursday. S&S Disposal has been removing this element from many of its contracts. However, it is still part of the Town of Williston’s contract. “As long as it is in our contract, we need to hold them accountable for that,” said Beasley.