By PSA Newsroom Staff
As Williamsburg County Council gets ready for a public hearing on the 2045 Comprehensive Plan, a lot of people are talking, and not in a good way. Residents are pointing out what feels like a huge oversight: the county’s own Native American history is missing from the plan. On top of that, folks are wondering just how transparent this whole process really is.
The public hearing happens Monday, January 5, 2026, at 5:45 p.m. in the County Council Chambers at 201 W. Main Street, Kingstree.
Where’s the Native American History?
Dr. Cheryl O. Lane, an educator, historian, and local with Native American roots, officially asked the county to include Native American history in the 2045 plan. She sent in her request early and even said she’d help out with the process. Still, her name didn’t make the agenda and she never got a chance to speak.
In her written comments, Dr. Lane pointed out a few things:
- Williamsburg County has a real, documented Native American presence, think Black River Indians and historic sites tied to Indian Town Presbyterian Church, which is still active and has deep roots here.
- The current plan talks about African and European influences but skips Native American history entirely.
- Leaving this history out isn’t just an academic problem. It actually hurts the county’s chances to grow ecotourism and heritage tourism, limits access to small business grants (since official planning docs help with applications), and makes it harder for local schools to line up with state social studies standards.
- Place-based education, teaching kids about their actual community, builds stronger civic engagement and responsibility, and the research backs that up.
Dr. Lane also noted she was told she could take part in the process, but no one ever followed up.
Public Hearing: Not So Open?
People aren’t just upset about the missing history. They’re also raising eyebrows about how the county handles public input.
Here’s what the meeting notice says:
- If you want to comment, you have to submit it in writing two weeks ahead of time.
- Comments need the County Supervisor or Chairman’s approval.
- If you do speak, you get three minutes, max.
But even with all that, residents are asking:
- Why wasn’t Dr. Lane, who’s clearly qualified and followed the rules, allowed to speak?
- Is this hearing actually about listening to the public, or is it just checking a box?
Agenda Items Getting Attention
PSA Newsroom is telling people to show up and ask real questions about agenda items that need more sunlight.
Project Splitshot
- It’s listed under an ordinance about expanding a joint county industrial park.
- No details, just a code name.
- People want to know: What is Project Splitshot? Why use a code name in an open meeting? What impact will it have on our environment, finances, and neighborhoods?
Coastal Carolina YMCA Contract
- Council is supposed to approve a partnership.
- Residents are being urged to ask for the actual contract, plus details about costs, how long the deal lasts, and what the public and taxpayers get out of it.
Community Facilities Program Grant – Waste Management Equipment
- Council is set to approve a USDA Rural Development Letter of Conditions.
- Folks should ask: What equipment are we buying? How much will it cost, and what will the county have to pay? Who’s making sure the money is spent right?
A Push for Answers
PSA Newsroom is calling on everyone in Williamsburg County to show up to the Comprehensive Plan hearing and speak up:
- Ask why Native American history is missing from such an important plan.
- Press for answers about why Dr. Lane was left off the agenda.
- Demand real transparency about Project Splitshot, the YMCA partnership, and the waste management grant.
A comprehensive plan should reflect every community, every culture, and all the history that makes this county what it is. Ignoring whole chapters of the story just isn’t right.
PSA Newsroom will keep following this and will report back on whether county leaders actually listen and make changes.
Public Hearing Details:
- This Monday, January 5, 2026
- 5:45 p.m.
- Williamsburg County Council Chambers, 201 W. Main Street, Kingstree, SC
This report draws from public records, submitted letters, and the official county meeting agenda.
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