A tourist arrived in the Lowcountry and was stumped pronouncing some of the local names. They noted the strange spelling of the town they were approaching -- Pocotaligo -- and tried to figure how to pronounce it: Po-cot-ala-go. They grew more perplexed as they drove into the town.

Since they were hungry, they pulled into a place to get something to eat. At the counter, the man said to the waitress:

"My wife and I can't seem to be able to figure out how to pronounce this place. Will you tell me where we are and say it very slowly so that I can understand."

The waitress looked at him and said: "Buuurrrgerrr Kiiiinnnng"

NEW RECORD

The South Carolina saltwater state record for hogfish was broken by Wesley Covington of Summerville on Sept. 11. The record fish weighed 21 pounds, 15 ounces, breaking the 23-year-old mark by 1 pound, 7 ounces. The official weight was recorded by weighmaster Scott Hammond. Amy Dukes, State Record Marine Game Fish program coordinator, verified the new record. The previous hogfish record, held by Jim Cline of Pawleys Island, weighed 20 pounds, 8 ounces, and was caught in June 1988.

NEWS AND NOTES

Experienced anglers are sought by the S.C. Department of Natural Resources Aquatic Education Section to volunteer for the family fishing instruction program. The FFC clinics are designed to introduce participants with little or no angling experience, or those who need a refresher course, to increase future participation in the sport. Participants will learn how and where to fish to become confident anglers. They will learn to tie fishing knots, rig rods, cast, fish and more.

Skilled volunteers are needed to instruct the clinics. Volunteers must attend a training session and undergo a SLED background and driving record check. Once trained, certified DNR fishing instructors will be expected to host two clinics a year for a minimum of 15 participants and submit the required documents. If interested, contact Lorianne Riggin at 803-737-8483 or email RigginL@dnr.sc.gov. The first training will be held Oct. 15 in West Columbia.

Bay Street Outfitters Redfish School: A few seats are still available. All classes are taught by Orvis-certified instructors. Learn to experience the joy, entertainment, and often frustrating pursuit of fly fishing. The next class will be held consecutive Saturdays on Oct. 1 and Oct. 8. For more information, call 843-524-5250.

OFFICER HONORED BY DNR

Pfc. Cary T. Robinson of Conway was chosen the S.C. DNR wildlife officer of the year Sept. 16 in Columbia. Officer Robinson is responsible for Region 4 which encompasses Horry, Georgetown, Berkeley, Hampton, Charleston, Colleton, Dorchester, Beaufort and Jasper counties. Over the last year he conducted 1,169 boat inspections, 242 boat patrol hours, 342 night patrol hours and 21 Boating Under the Influence screenings. Pfc. Robinson also assisted other officers on 125 cases over the past year. Congratulations to Pfc. Robinson on his award and his many achievements.