Michael Olinger, The Island Packet

Michael Olinger

The Island Packet

Bluffton, SC, United States

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Past:
  • The Island Packet
  • The State Newspaper
  • Bradenton Herald
  • newsobserver.com
  • The Kansas City Star
  • The Miami Herald
  • The Tribune
  • Idaho Statesman
  • The Sacramento Bee
  • The Fresno Bee
  • and more…

Past articles by Michael:

It’s shrimp festival time. 4 things you need to know before you peel ‘em

The Beaufort Shrimp Festivals happens this weekend and the fall shrimp harvest is plentiful this year. This is what you need to know about the crustacean you’re eating and how you can harvest your own. → Read More

How often do alligators attack in SC? The numbers are actually low

Many people assume that wildlife such as alligators, sharks and bears are the most likely to attack humans. However, numbers show that alligator-related incidents are actually less likely to occur. → Read More

Tee times for round 2 of the 2018 RBC Heritage

Competition at the 2018 RBC Heritage continues Friday, April 13, 2018 at Harbour Town Golf Links on Hilton Head, SC. Dustin Johnson and Wesley Bryan are among the golfers in the field. → Read More

Cannibal alligator spotted at this Hilton Head community

An alligator was spotted with a large chunk of another alligator in its mouth at Shipyard Golf Club on Tuesday. Part time Hilton Head resident Kathi Elder caught a picture of the cannibal gator, which she said swam around with the chunk in its mouth all day. → Read More

This Beaufort County island named one of the best places to see dolphins in North America

The Travel Channel has named Hilton Head Island as one of the "10 Best Dolphin Sighting Destinations in North America" on their website. In their entry on Hilton Head they mention the many great dolphin sightseeing opportunities in the area. → Read More

Will Smith's new movie took over Savannah's Wright Square for filming

The new movie "Gemini Man," starring Will Smith and directed by Ang Lee, was spotted filming in Savannah's Wright Square on Friday, according to several posts made on Instagram. The film has been shooting in the area since late February. → Read More

PGA's top golfer will have more competition at RBC Heritage. These 4 players commit

Bryson DeChambeau, Kevin Chappell, Luke List and Sean O’Hair, have confirmed they will compete in this year's upcoming 50th annual RBC Heritage Presented by Boeing. Each of them placed in the top 10 at the 2018 Arnold Palmer Invitational. → Read More

Boil water advisory for part of the Lowcountry has been lifted

A boil water advisory issued for Lemon Island in Beaufort County on Saturday has been lifted. The advisory was issued following a drop in water pressure caused by a power failure overnight between Friday and Saturday. → Read More

Lowcountry crash leaves person trapped Sunday morning

A vehicle went off the road on US 21 in Ruffin and Colleton County Fire Rescue responded to the scene, where a person was trapped in the vehicle. After the individual was freed from the wreck they were transported via air. → Read More

2 suspects arrested for multiple Bluffton vehicle break-ins

Two suspects in multiple vehicle break-ins that occurred on Monday, March 5 have been arrested after a search of their homes revealed items stolen in the break-ins and warrants were issued. The suspects both turned themselves in. → Read More

Put down that glass! Boil water advisory issued for part of Beaufort County

A boil water advisory has been issued for Lemon Island in Beaufort County, SC on Saturday, March 17, 2018 following a loss of power overnight, according to a release from the Beaufort-Jasper Water and Sewer Authority and SC DHEC. → Read More

How this 33-year-old SC mom's quick thinking saved her own life

Bluffton SC nurse Jana Marie Bates had a stroke Thursday, March 8, 2018. A day later her friend set up a page on crowdfunding site YouCaring that has so far raised nearly $5,000 to help pay medical bills and compensate for lost income. → Read More

Man caught dealing drugs out of north Hilton Head parking lot, Sheriff's Office says

The Beaufort County Sheriff's Office Crime Suppression Unit saw what looked like a drug deal taking place out of a vehicle in the northern Hilton Head Island area Thursday. A subsequent stop and search of the vehicle revealed drugs. → Read More

This Savannah man killed a 4-year-old with Down syndrome by punching her in the stomach

A Savannah man has been convicted for murdering 4-year-old Lalia Hawthorne, who had Down syndrome, and also for assaulting her 3-year-old sister Nakeita. It was believed she died of meningitis before an autopsy revealed her cause of death. → Read More

More details revealed in Lowcountry quadruple murder

A Charleston County Sheriff’s Office report details the horrific scene deputies found when responding a brutal Saturday, March 10 quadruple murder in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. It also provides information on the arrest of the suspect. → Read More

Reports: VP Mike Pence heading to Savannah for Saturday’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Vice President Mike Pence might be coming to Savannah, GA for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade being held on Saturday, March 17, 2018. The reports from WTOC and WJCL are unconfirmed, but his attendance could be confirmed early this week. → Read More

New details emerge in Saturday Lowcountry murder of 4. Suspect, victims named

A suspect is in custody following the discovery of four bodies by the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office and Mount Pleasant Police Saturday morning in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. The suspect’s first hearing is set for 10 a.m. Sunday. → Read More

Can you help deputies find this man wanted for burglarizing 2 Bluffton vehicles?

The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office issued a release Saturday, March 10 asking for help in locating Colin Francis McGovern, who is wanted for breaking into a vehicle and is known to frequent Bluffton, Hilton Head Island and Jasper County. → Read More

Ordering seafood in the Lowcountry? It might be from China. Here’s why

Fresh Lowcountry seafood is more expensive than imported seafood for a number of reasons, and that might prompt some Beaufort County restaurants to go with imported options. Many are willing to pay more for local product, though. → Read More

This family-owned SC business just landed a reality TV deal

TV show “American Builder” is adding a new segment, “The Curry’s,” which will feature the Curry family, who run Lowcountry Paver in Hardeeville, SC. The show airs on Tuff TV, though no broadcast dates for the segments have been set. → Read More