Most people who buy a home and the land it sits on expect that it will be theirs for as long as they choose to reside there. They may choose to pass that home and land along to children or other family members once they pass. It's a very common scenario, but for some residents of Charleston County, it may not be possible due to a highway expansion. Once the expansion starts, these residents could actually lose their land. And while you wouldn't think such an action would be legal in America, truth is often stranger than fiction.
The newly proposed expansion on Highway 41 will expand the highway to two lanes, increasing it to a total of four lanes on most of the roadway and from two to three lanes near the Phillips Community. The project would also start construction of Laurel Hill Parkway - a two-lane road that intersects through the outskirts of Laurel Hill County Park. For the Phillips Community, which sits adjacent to the highway, it could mean the loss of residents' homes and land that have been in their families for generations.
So, what can people like those in the Phillips Community do? They don't want to lose their homes or bear the burden of significantly more traffic around them. On their own, the options can be dour. But with the help of eminent domain attorneys Near Me Dillon, SC, these families can receive the just compensation they deserve.
Remember that when you purchase or are given a plot of land, your property rights aren't as absolute as you may think. According to the United States Constitution, the government has the authority to take your property under specific circumstances. Essentially, your property rights are not absolute.
What's interesting is that the government's ability to take your property is actually stated in the Constitution. Even though the Constitution states that "private property shall not be taken for public use without just compensation," in essence, this means the government can take your property if the intended use is valid and they compensate you fairly. The Supreme Court upheld this view in 1876, interpreting that the government had this power based on the Constitution. Eminent domain was frequently used during the construction of the nation's railroad system, often without sufficient limitations on the government.
Unfortunately, many South Carolina residents end up being on the wrong end of the cost-benefit analysis when it comes to fair compensation. That's why, if the government is trying to take your land, it's so important to get in touch with eminent domain attorneys Near Me Dillon, SC, as soon as possible. That way, you have someone by your side for any legal proceedings or disputes. At Lauren Taylor Law, we have a proven track record of achieving positive outcomes for our clients in cases where the government has failed to fulfill its legal responsibilities.
There are typically two different ways that the government may take your property. Those include:
In both scenarios, you could be forced into litigation in order to protect your rights, even though you had no plans on doing so.
When the government wants to acquire your land, they will typically begin by making a formal offer to buy your property. At this point, you may have the opportunity to negotiate with them. If you decide that selling your property is the best option, it's important to work towards reaching an agreement with the government on the sale price. This isn't always a straightforward process because the government may not be willing to offer you a fair amount.
To determine the price of your property, the government will have their appraiser assess the value of the property. This appraiser functions much like an adjuster for an insurance company, many of whom offer lowball pricing. You should know that you have the right to hire your own appraiser to determine an independent valuation. This is often the best course of action if you're considering selling to the government.
If you choose not to sell to the government, they may proceed by filing a lawsuit to initiate the condemnation process. At this point, you can challenge the taking itself by working with eminent domain attorneys Near Me Dillon, SC. You can also ask the court to determine the fair market value of the property if the government's valuation is lower than what you believe is fair.
Given the history of these cases, you can never trust the government to act fairly. Why? Because local officials often have interests in such matters, and your rights are getting in their way. Sometimes, the only viable route you have is to lawyer up and fight the case in court.
When the government wants to acquire your land, they will typically begin by making a formal offer to buy your property. At this point, you may have the opportunity to negotiate with them. If you decide that selling your property is the best option, it's important to work towards reaching an agreement with the government on the sale price. This isn't always a straightforward process because the government may not be willing to offer you a fair amount.
To determine the price of your property, the government will have their appraiser assess the value of the property. This appraiser functions much like an adjuster for an insurance company, many of whom offer lowball pricing. You should know that you have the right to hire your own appraiser to determine an independent valuation. This is often the best course of action if you're considering selling to the government.
If you choose not to sell to the government, they may proceed by filing a lawsuit to initiate the condemnation process. At this point, you can challenge the taking itself by working with eminent domain attorneys Near Me Dillon, SC. You can also ask the court to determine the fair market value of the property if the government's valuation is lower than what you believe is fair.
While the government can use its power to take your land, there are limits on its ability to do so. Namely:
As such, there are two reasons why you can sue the government as part of an eminent domain case:
Given the history of these cases, you can never trust the government to act fairly. Why? Because local officials often have interests in such matters, and your rights are getting in their way. Sometimes, the only viable route you have is to lawyer up and fight the case in court.
Landowners commonly contest whether the taking is genuinely for public use. There are constraints on the government's actions and the reasons for which they can seize your land. The interpretation of these terms by the courts often favors the government. "Public use" does not simply mean that your property would be open to the general public. Instead, the term is more akin to "for the benefit of the public."
Historically, the government expropriated private lands for projects such as bridges and highways. Numerous legal battles arose during the period when the nation was constructing its railroad system. In these instances, the courts typically interpreted "public use" more broadly.
Some of the most common reasons why government landtaking is upheld include the building of structures like:
These are the more "traditional" uses of eminent domain, where the public use would be less in question. However, the law also permits certain utilities to wield the power of eminent domain. For instance, in a recent case in South Carolina, Dominion Energy was granted the authority to acquire homes in order to construct an energy pipeline.
Regrettably, governments have historically tended to misuse this authority, and some courts have even condoned such actions. As an example, courts in Toledo, Ohio, allowed 83 homes to be taken from residents in order to construct a manufacturing plant for Chrysler, which said the plant would create jobs for the public.
If the government is trying to take your land, you should never give up on your property. By working with eminent domain attorneys Near Me Dillon, SC, you may be able to stop them by challenging the taking itself. You can also challenge the purpose of the taking and argue that the reason for "public use" is really for private use.
Many people worry about the government taking over their entire piece of land. However, in some cases, the government may not need all your property and might not want to compensate you for it. They may only require a portion of your land.
In such instances, the government not only has to pay you for the part of the land they are taking, but they also have to compensate for the decreased value of the remaining land that you still own. Additionally, the government may seek to obtain an easement on your land through eminent domain. This easement could be for utilities or access to another area. Once again, the government must compensate you for the land taken and for the reduction in value of the rest of your property.
In essence, fair market value represents the amount a willing buyer would offer to a seller for their property. While this concept seems straightforward, applying fair market value in reality can be quite challenging. In many instances, negotiating with the government may be necessary to receive proper compensation for your land. Just like any negotiator, the government typically begins with a low offer and anticipates a counteroffer from you to reach a mutual agreement. Rarely does the government present its best offer right from the start.
Several valuations may be considered to determine your property's fair market value:
The amount of income your property could have produced
Comparison of sales to other similar properties in the area that were recently sold (there could be disagreements pertaining to what is comparable)
The amount of money it would cost to replace your property (and the structures built on it) minus depreciation
In reality, during a trial, both you and the government would have valuation experts testify. First, you'd have to choose the relevant valuation, which the government might dispute. Then, you'd need to apply the appropriate valuation method. There might be a significant difference between your numbers and the government's.
However, even if you couldn't prevent the seizure of the property, many have successfully challenged the government's valuation of their property. Property owners have compelled the government to pay more, and our team of eminent domain attorneys Near Me Dillon, SC, has represented many of them in the legal process over the years.
For Any Help, Questions or Suggestions, Contact Us
Typically, you'll receive notice regarding the potential acquisition of your property through a letter. But if you're like the residents of the Phillips Community, you might have already heard murmurs that something might happen to your land. If you suspect or find out that the government plans to take your land through eminent domain, you need the help of seasoned eminent domain attorneys Near Me Dillon, SC, right away.
The truth is that the government can be just as challenging to deal with as an insurance company. Despite your constitutional rights, they might try to conceal information or offer far less compensation than your property is worth.
In an eminent domain lawsuit, you're essentially challenging the government. While some courts might show some level of deference to the government, they are not given free rein to do as they please. It's within your rights to stand up and contest the government's actions if they violate your rights. But to fight back effectively, your best bet is to work with an eminent domain lawyer from Lauren Taylor Law.
Your attorney will assess the best legal approach for your case, which could involve suing the government or vigorously defending against their lawsuit. You could also negotiate compensation, either before or after the case goes to court.
If you receive notice that your property is being targeted for eminent domain action, also known as condemnation, it's important to seek advice from an eminent domain attorney. Many people won't reach out to a lawyer when dealing with this kind of legal issue because they:
Unfortunately, these assumptions are rarely, if ever, true. In fact, you may actually be more vulnerable and at risk than you originally thought. This misunderstanding illustrates exactly why you should enlist the services of a reputable eminent domain attorney. With the assistance of a legal expert who is well-versed in South Carolina eminent domain law, property owners can safeguard their rights and secure maximum compensation.
Here are the top three ways an eminent domain lawyer can help:
It's important to keep in mind that the initial offer from the government for your property is often the lowest amount they think they can get away with. This rarely represents the full and fair compensation you deserve. An attorney has the expertise and resources to ensure that you receive proper compensation for the value of your property, including relocation expenses and more.
In some instances, an eminent domain attorney may be able to secure a higher amount than what the government is proposing. The eminent domain lawyers at Lauren Taylor Law are dedicated to safeguarding your rights and protecting your property
Government agencies are not permitted to simply take any property they desire. According to the 5th Amendment, they must prove that the condemnation is genuinely for public use and meets other specific criteria. You have the right to demand that the state fulfill these criteria before seizing your property. Plus, if only a portion of your property is necessary to complete the project, you have the right to safeguard the ownership of the remaining part of your property.
Eminent domain cases and their related laws can be quite intricate and overwhelming for the average property owner. You shouldn't be expected to grasp all the technical terms, and you certainly shouldn't be penalized for not fully understanding the process. That's why having an experienced eminent domain lawyer by your side is valuable on many levels. A skilled eminent domain attorney will assist you through each stage in plain language that you can grasp. With an eminent domain attorney advocating for you throughout your case to safeguard your rights, you stand a better chance of receiving the compensation you rightfully deserve.
If the government takes your property or prevents you from using it, you have the right to file a lawsuit. The law provides you with the opportunity to stand on equal ground with our government, allowing your lawyer to advocate for your rights in court.
At Lauren Taylor Law, our eminent domain lawyers step in so you don't get pushed around. Our goal is to fight the government on your behalf, so you get the compensation you deserve. Contact our office today to learn more about eminent domain in South Carolina and how our firm can help.
Dillon graduate Keith Coward (2004) is beginning his 4th season as the athletic director in the tradition rich Wildcat athletic program. By Billy G. Baker Publisher Dillon—Dillon graduate Keith Coward (2004) is beginning his 4th season as the athletic director in the tradition rich Wildcat athletic program, and as usual there is little turnover with the varsity head coaches at the school coming into the 2026-27 school ye...
Dillon graduate Keith Coward (2004) is beginning his 4th season as the athletic director in the tradition rich Wildcat athletic program.
By Billy G. Baker
Publisher
Dillon—Dillon graduate Keith Coward (2004) is beginning his 4th season as the athletic director in the tradition rich Wildcat athletic program, and as usual there is little turnover with the varsity head coaches at the school coming into the 2026-27 school year.
Dillon has come down to Class AA with the realignment this season after competing as a AAA program this past few years. They are in Region 6-AA along with EastClarendon, Lake City, Manning, Marlboro County and Waccamaw. Dillon will start the 2026 football season on August, 21 hosting Camden High.
Coach Coward is also the head baseball coach at Dillon. He is very pleased with the Wildcats having one of their most successful baseball seasons in a while as they finished at 17-8 and won the region title. They also won four playoff games in the SCHSL AAA playoffs and they were eliminated from the playoffs with a one run loss to Oceanside Collegiate who went on to compete for a state title.
Coch Coward was a four-time al state baseball player at Dillon and after graduation he pitched all four years at Erskine College. He became the head baseball coach during the 2014-15 school year. He is assisted by Austin Moody, Coley Bohachic, Jamie Coleman, Pierce Watson and Nelson Green.
Asked what he now understands about being an athletic director, that he did not fully understand when he got the job three years ago, Coach Coward responded, “I have learned that the world will not fall apart if you do not make a perfect decision,” he said. “Sometimes you think you are making a perfect decision but it does not always work out that way. It will not get you fired either.”
Coach Coward gives Dillion Area Four Superintendent Ray Rogers a lot of credit for his advice on many issues since Rogers hired him three years ago. “Mr. Rogers is a great Superintendent, and his door is always open for me,” said Coach Coward. “I have never gone to him for advice when I didn’t feel better afterwards. He has been very helpful in my role as the athletic director for Dillon and Lake View High Schools.”
Coach Coward has a unique perspective on the challenges facing all high school coaches. “As coaches, in realty, we have to rely on what the community brings us in terms of talent within the players on our teams,” said Coach Coward. “I do not mean this in a negative way. The new one-time transfer rule can help you, or hurt you, depending on what side the fence you are on.
“Your challenge is player development, and having athletes willing to work hard to get better,” he said. “We certainly have had our fair share of those type athletes at Dillon and Lake View, especially within our football program. Coaches just have to work hard and coach their athletes the best they can.”
Dillon High has won a total of 8 football state titles, seven under retired Hall of Fame coach Jackie Hayes who retired after the 2020 season.
Coach Kelvin Roller succeeded Coach Hayes at the start of the 2021 season and through five seasons Coach Roller is (51-11) with four region titles.
The Dillon football team returns offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Jacob Shumate, a former HSSR Mr. Baseball. Shumate was drafted in the first round by the Atlanta Braves out of high school.
Other offensive assistants include Splinter Spivey who coaches tight ends. John Parker is the offensive line coach while former SC State all-American and Washington Red Skin all-pro receiver Charlie Brown coaches’ receivers at Dillon. Leo Phillips rounds out the offensive coaches as the running backs coach.
The defensive coordinator for the Wildcats is Will Clark, who came to the team a few years ago from Scotland County High in N.C. Bill Young works with the defensive line and Sam Grooms mentors the defensive ends. Jamie Coleman and Damu Ford team up to coach inside linebackers and former Dillon stand-out LeePage coaches the Wildcat secondary.
The Dillon junior varsity is head coached once again by Kevin Roberts. Austin Moody is the offensive coordinator and Bryce King works with the offensive line. TwinLester is the linebacker/secondary coach.
Alan McLaurin, long time receivers coach at Dillon, retired after the 2025 season after 33 seasons.
In the past 30 years Dillon High has had two high profile athletes go on and play professionally. Former Wildcat pitcher Jamie Callahan was a second- round draft pick of the Boston Red Sox in 2012 (87th pick over-all) after he was named the Gatorade Player of the year from South Carolina that season. In 2004, former Dillon and Clemson stand-out Derrick Hamilton was drafted in the third round by the 49’ers.
The Dillon volleyball program will again be head coached by Johnna Jones, starting her 6th season. Dillon is starting a cross-country program for the first time in memory and Coach Coward said he is in the process of final interviews to fill that new position.
The boys’ basketball program will once again be head coached by Dillon graduate Brian Grice who had an outstanding career at SC State after finishing high school. Girl’s basketball coach James McMillian begins his 11th season as the Dillon girls’ basketball coach, and his team is expected to challenge for an AA state title this season. His team played for a AAA state title two years ago, losing out to Walhalla in the title game.
Randy Gray just might the longest serving head varsity coach at Dillon and he returns to head coach the boy’s track program this season. Sam Grooms is back to head coach the girl’s track team.
Stevie Grice will begin his 8th season as the head softball coach at Dillon and his young team made a deep playoff run this season. Just a few years ago the softball team made it to the state title game before losing out to Seneca in a third game.
Dillon has a co-ed soccer varsity team and they are coached by Karla Silver who will begin her third season with the program.
The Dillon High Principal is Tim Gibbes. “Mr. Gibbes is very supportive of athletics at Dillon High,” said Coach Coward. “He has two sons in our high school. One plays football and soccer and the other son runs cross country and is a member of the track team.”
Under Coward’s tenure, the baseball and softball fields at both Dillon and lake View have had covered batting cages installed. The gym floor at Dillon High has been replaced along with new seats being installed. The track has been resurfaced as well.
“Our next major project is to get our Dillon gym air conditioned,” said Coach Coward.
Coach Coward also wanted to thank Brandi Huggins, the head softball coach at Lake View who handles day-to-day athletic matters at her school. “She is a fantastic person and her help with athletic matters at lake View High is greatly appreciated,” said Coach Coward.
Coach Coward wanted to thank the football press crew on Friday nights along with the chain crew and the tunnel volunteers. The public address announcer is ColeyBohachic. John Dove, Daryl Miller, Pierce Watson, and Dwayne Buckner also help out in the press box with various assignments.
The chain gang crew and tunnel volunteers include Gene Hill, Brenden Griffey, Jimmy Tanner, Roger Cox and Steve Zander.
Coach Coward also wanted to extend a high five to Hall of Fame football sideline psychologist “Ma” German and world-renowned supported McAdoo Bethea.
Sign inHolly Hill AcademyRaiders1-1Dillon ChristianWarriors1-1Holly Hill Academy Varsity Football @ Dillon ChristianGame InfoThe Holly Hill Academy varsity football team has an away non-conference game @ Dillon Christian (Dillon, SC) on Friday, September 4 @ 7:30p.ScorekeeperMatchupRosterGame DetailsTeam ComparisonHolly Hill Academy (Holly Hill)208.0Rushing Yards/GDillon Christian (Dillon)214.5Holly Hill Academy (Holly Hill)10.0Passi...
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Holly Hill AcademyRaiders1-1Dillon ChristianWarriors1-1
Game Info
The Holly Hill Academy varsity football team has an away non-conference game @ Dillon Christian (Dillon, SC) on Friday, September 4 @ 7:30p.
MatchupRoster
Game Details
Team Comparison
Holly Hill Academy (Holly Hill)208.0
Rushing Yards/G
Dillon Christian (Dillon)214.5
Holly Hill Academy (Holly Hill)10.0
Passing Yards/G
Dillon Christian (Dillon)180.0
Holly Hill Academy (Holly Hill)10.0
Receiving Yards/G
Dillon Christian (Dillon)180.0
Holly Hill Academy (Holly Hill)218.0
Total Yards/G
Dillon Christian (Dillon)394.5
Holly Hill Academy (Holly Hill)59.0
Tackles/G
Dillon Christian (Dillon)73.0
Holly Hill Academy (Holly Hill)1.0
Sacks/G
Dillon Christian (Dillon)2.0
Holly Hill Academy (Holly Hill)-
Points/G
Dillon Christian (Dillon)45.0
Holly Hill Academy (Holly Hill)11
Pancake Blocks
Dillon Christian (Dillon)-
Key Players
Avg. Per Game
Parker Kizer
#1QB/LB
Rushing Yards
137.0150.5
Jordan Blackmon
#1QB/S
Mason Green
#3QB/DB
Passing Yards
10.0180.0
Jordan Blackmon
#1QB/S
Parker Kizer
#1QB/LB
Receiving Yards
5.572.5
Blake Hunt
#2WR/DB
Parker Kizer
#1QB/LB
Total Yards
142.5330.5
Jordan Blackmon
#1QB/S
Tyler Green
#13FB/LB
Tackles
13.09.5
Terry Knight
#3RB/LB
Tyler Green
#13FB/LB
Sacks
0.51.0
Jackson Shooter
#9TE/DE/OLB
Not Enough Data
Points
--18.0
Jordan Blackmon
#1QB/S
Aarav Patel
#74OL/DL
Pancake Blocks
5--
Not Enough Data
Scoring Averages
| Final | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Holly Hill Academy | 15.0 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| Dillon Christian | 40.0 | 6.5 | 14.5 | 8.5 | 10.5 |
Rankings
South Carolina
#238
#135
South Carolina Division SCISA 1A
#8
#3
Charleston
#40
--
Columbia
#71
--
Myrtle Beach
--
#22
Season Recap
Overall Record
1-1
1-1
Region
0-0
0-0
Non-Region
1-1
1-1
Head to Head
0-0
0-0
Home
0-1
0-0
Away
1-0
1-1
Neutral
0-0
0-0
Common Opponent
0-0
0-0
Playoff
0-0
0-0
In-State
1-1
1-1
Out-of-State
0-0
0-0
Win %
.500
.500
Region %
.000
.000
PF
30
80
PA
27
56
About UsMobile AppsSubscribePrivacy PolicyTerms of useCalifornia NoticeYour Privacy ChoicesSupport
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Sign inThomas Heyward AcademyRebels0-2Friday, Oct 2, 2026Dillon ChristianWarriors1-1THA Varsity Football @ Dillon ChristianGame InfoThe Thomas Heyward Academy varsity football team has an away non-conference game @ Dillon Christian (Dillon, SC) on Friday, October 2 @ 7:30p.ScorekeeperMatchupRosterGame DetailsTeam ComparisonThomas Heyward Academy (Ridgeland)-Rushing Yards/GDillon Christian (Dillon)214.5Thomas Heyward Academy (R...
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Thomas Heyward AcademyRebels0-2
Friday, Oct 2, 2026
Dillon ChristianWarriors1-1
Game Info
The Thomas Heyward Academy varsity football team has an away non-conference game @ Dillon Christian (Dillon, SC) on Friday, October 2 @ 7:30p.
MatchupRoster
Game Details
Team Comparison
Thomas Heyward Academy (Ridgeland)-
Rushing Yards/G
Dillon Christian (Dillon)214.5
Thomas Heyward Academy (Ridgeland)-
Passing Yards/G
Dillon Christian (Dillon)180.0
Thomas Heyward Academy (Ridgeland)-
Receiving Yards/G
Dillon Christian (Dillon)180.0
Thomas Heyward Academy (Ridgeland)-
Total Yards/G
Dillon Christian (Dillon)394.5
Thomas Heyward Academy (Ridgeland)-
Tackles/G
Dillon Christian (Dillon)73.0
Thomas Heyward Academy (Ridgeland)-
Sacks/G
Dillon Christian (Dillon)2.0
Thomas Heyward Academy (Ridgeland)-
Points/G
Dillon Christian (Dillon)45.0
Key Players
Avg. Per Game
Not Enough Data
Rushing Yards
--150.5
Jordan Blackmon
#1QB/S
Not Enough Data
Passing Yards
--180.0
Jordan Blackmon
#1QB/S
Not Enough Data
Receiving Yards
--72.5
Blake Hunt
#2WR/DB
Not Enough Data
Total Yards
--330.5
Jordan Blackmon
#1QB/S
Not Enough Data
Tackles
--9.5
Terry Knight
#3RB/LB
Not Enough Data
Sacks
--1.0
Jackson Shooter
#9TE/DE/OLB
Not Enough Data
Points
--18.0
Jordan Blackmon
#1QB/S
Scoring Averages
| Final | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thomas Heyward Academy | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Dillon Christian | 40.0 | 6.5 | 14.5 | 8.5 | 10.5 |
Rankings
South Carolina
#215
#137
South Carolina Division SCISA 1A
#5
#3
Myrtle Beach
--
#22
Savannah
#47
--
Season Recap
Overall Record
0-2
1-1
Region
0-0
0-0
Non-Region
0-2
1-1
Head to Head
0-0
0-0
Home
0-1
0-0
Away
0-1
1-1
Neutral
0-0
0-0
Common Opponent
0-0
0-0
Playoff
0-0
0-0
In-State
0-2
1-1
Out-of-State
0-0
0-0
Win %
.000
.500
Region %
.000
.000
PF
--
80
PA
27
56
About UsMobile AppsSubscribePrivacy PolicyTerms of useCalifornia NoticeYour Privacy ChoicesSupport
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© 2026 MaxPreps, Inc.
MaxPreps is a registered trademark of MaxPreps, Inc.