Personal Injury Attorney in Kingstree, SC

KINGSTREE, S.C. -- Brian Smith confirmed to the Morning News he was fired from his job as Kingstree football coach by school principal Mark Frasier.

Smith referred to a social media post as his official comment.

"I have always coached with integrity and have always tried to keep in mind that my job was to give my absolute most (100%) to every kid who was in my program like they were my own child! Sometimes that required tough love but it was always love!" part of Smith's post stated. "My record speaks for itself as I have always put the players first! I was disheartened by the decision of a few district leaders to relieve me of my duties due to not meeting their expectations.

"But I knew this was coming as there was a secret meeting that took place last spring and again at beginning of our season, to at that time, put their plan forward to relieve me of my duties and put their guy in place!" Smith's post continued. "I told several community members at the time this was going to take place. They are my witnesses! Not everyone who claims to preach Christianity is a Christian, unfortunately most times it means they are hiding something evil!"

Smith's post continued.

"I am disheartened for the kids in the community and never wanted to leave like this! Just know I did not start this war but I will finish it!" it added. "Much love to all of my former players and all of you that have voiced support! Just know that I will be fine I am fully certified as a principal, teacher and superintendent, unlike some in positions at the school and district. My crew at the school knew this was the plan as well as I told them way back! Coach Smitty will be fine! Those that know me know this is not goodbye just farewell until the War has ended!"

Smith, who recently served as a South Carolina assistant coach in the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas, guided the Blazers to a 5-7 record and second round of the Class 2A playoffs in 2024. In 2015, when Smith coached C.E. Murray, he was the Morning News Football Coach of the Year after guiding the War Eagles to the Class A, Division II lower-state championship (12-2 record).

He was the Blazers' football first coach after C.E. Murray merged into Kingstree. According to the South Carolina high school football history website, Smith has coached 12 years overall and is 64-66.

Smith is originally from Lynn, Mass., and was a linebacker at The Citadel.

Kingstree is a town that values its trees. They line the streets on the drive into downtown, and shade the streets of historic homes and buildings.

Kingstree is the only municipality in the entire world with this name. In 1732, an explorer discovered a large white pine on the banks of the Black River. He reported he had found an excellent location for a settlement and had marked the tree for the King to be used for the mast of a ship.

“Our town is very old and graced with a number of large live oaks and various trees that need to be protected,” says Billy Jenkinson, a local historian and member of the Kingstree Beautification Committee. He was a driving force behind the tree ordinance.

“Unfortunately, over the decades some of the old trees have been cut for no particularly good reason. I feel that it is important that we protect trees with an ordinance, like many municipalities in South Carolina.”

Jenkinson called Tom Dobrydney, Waccamaw Regional Council of Government Senior Planner, to help draft an ordinance similar to ones in Georgetown and Conway. “Progressive communities interested in attracting visitors and new residents pride themselves on wonderful trees,” says Jenkinson.

Trees add color and scenery, have been proven to enhance mood and health, provide shade and contribute to landscape design. Trees help reduce soil erosion, save energy, block wind, and help regulate climate.

Dobrydney presented a summary of the drafted ordinance at the public hearing before the June Town Council meeting. A previous ordinance was drafted in 2023, and since, with input and direction from the town council and the state stature, amendments were made. The new protection ordinance includes commercial, public, industrial properties and parks.

Dobrydney’s presentation went over the application submission process, who reviews the application for tree removal and replacement, the regulatory process, exceptions and requirements for a permit including natural disasters, emergencies, timber harvest, economic development covering installing new water and sewer lines, trees that are unhealthy or disease, safety and maintenance by the Army Corp of Engineers, who will handle the appeals process and the penalties and established fines.

No one from the community appeared at the public hearing to oppose the ordinance. Jenkinson said some people have expressed concern over regulation of their property, but it is common for municipalities to have ordinances regulating the use of property to protect property value.

The ordinance does not prevent the removal of sick, damaged, diseased or dying trees. It does allow for the removal of trees to install driveways, dwellings, and outbuildings, and allows removal of trees under 10 inches in diameter.

A permit must be obtained from the town to trim or cut and remove trees. “This is an expeditious process that will be immediately inspected and acted upon,” says Jenkinson.

Ann Huyler of the SC Forestry Commission spoke at the meeting to explain the importance of trees, how they enhance private property, and reduce flooding. She also explained that the town would have greater opportunities in obtaining grants by becoming a Tree City and participating in Arbor Day Celebrations.

The tree ordinance was originally recommended by the Kingstree Planning Commission on May 14 and was officially adopted on June 17. For more information visit https://kingstree.org/government/code-of-ordinances/. The tree ordinance is 2024-03.