Good morning, Mount Pleasant.

Aloka (the peace dog) walked over 1,500 miles with Buddhist monks on the Walk for Peace before undergoing leg surgery in Columbia yesterday.

He is set to resume limited walks in two to three days as his vet team eases him back into exercise.

Sam Gervais, the executive director of Lowcountry Maritime School, spoke at a Jan.

7 Rotary Club meeting in Mount Pleasant — sharing his approach of teaching kids STEM skills through wooden boat projects and inviting community volunteers for boat nights on Wednesdays at the school’s boatyard.

The Red Flag Fire Alert lifted Monday but officials warn that elevated fire risk will continue later this week across the Lowcountry, including Mount Pleasant.

Residents planning outdoor burning are advised to take extra precautions.

The South Carolina Department of Revenue will start accepting 2025 Individual Income Tax returns on Monday, Jan.

26 (returns are due April 15 and electronic filings by May 1 exempt penalties). The agency also listed six common mistakes that could delay processing.

Mount Pleasant Waterworks’ Customer Services team was honored with the Advanced Utility Systems Pioneering Excellence Award at the 2025 Harris Conference for its use of the Advanced Utilities CIS Infinity system (improving efficiency and service).

Charleston’s main library on Calhoun Street will begin renovations later this year – public services including the historical archive and computer lab will shift to two temporary locations, with work lasting 18 to 24 months.

Funding comes from a 2014 county referendum.

Mount Pleasant-based law firm Motley Rice has helped finalize a $7.4 billion opioid settlement that will provide the state with about $73 million over 15 years.

Downtown nonprofit WakeUp Carolina will use part of the funds for overdose treatment and training (including equipping local police with Narcan kits).

In February during American Heart Month, Charleston-based author Cheri Glover is sharing her survival story (born at 24 weeks and overcoming a critical heart condition with open-heart surgery on Feb.

2) to boost heart health awareness and support local fundraisers.

Chunky Blanket Workshop

11:00 AM – 1:30 PM — Painting with a Twist — See event page for pricing — Create your own cozy blanket while sipping your favorite drinks in a fun, relaxed atmosphere.