When it comes to the latest trends in women's apparel, there's no better place to shop till you drop than Downtown Chucktown. And if you're searching for the finest threads in Rincon, look no further than Copper Penny - the Lowcountry's go-to shop for anyone that has a passion for fashion.

We have been dressing women in Rincon for over 34 years and offer upscale designer collections curated with a Southern eye. Here, women from around the United States discover sophisticated, effortless beauty for every season. Whether you're looking for a sassy new dress to impress that special someone or the perfect outfit for your next vacation, your options are endless at Copper Penny.

With easy-to-find locations close to Rincon's hottest spots, our curated selection of the newest, most popular women's clothing lines reflects the effortless glamour of Rincon. Whether you're a tidy professional or a fierce trend-setter, our goal is to help you find the perfect look for your own unique style. With designer brands like CK Bradley and Holst & Lee on hand year-round, finding your new look is easy and fun when you visit Copper Penny.

Our clothing lines give ladies a refreshing mix of one-of-a-kind authenticity with real wearability, allowing them to shine with confidence and style all year long. So, go ahead and spoil yourself - you deserve to look like a million bucks!

Areas Near Our Stores

Find the Perfect Dress to Impress

Diamonds are pretty and all, but honestly? Dresses are a girl's best friend. Dresses are fun, comfortable, and versatile. At Copper Penny, they're also fashionable and cute. We have a huge selection of women's dresses in Rincon, GA, from stylistic sheath dresses to drop-waist styles that will make your girlfriends jealous.

We offer several styles and shapes from which you can pick. Not sure what style fits best?

It all starts at the waist:

 Boutique Clothing Rincon, GA
 Boutique Dresses Rincon, GA

A-Line Waist

These dresses are made to fit your waist and then gradually flare out towards the hem. A-line dresses are excellent for minimizing thighs, hips, and midsections while pulling the eyes to your bust. This style of dress is a great fit for almost any body type. There's a reason why so many brides settle on A-Line dresses for their big day! With plenty of varieties, this is a kind of dress that you can wear again and again.

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 Cloths Shop Rincon, GA

Empire Waist

Like the A-Line style, empire dresses are made to fit through your bust. Rather than creating a distinctly angular shape like the A-Line, the Empire style flows from the bust down. This is another kind of dress that fits many body types. From curvy to apple body shapes, the Empire draws focus to your bust and minimizes everything else. For lovely ladies on the shorter side, this style defines your silhouette, especially if you choose a maxi length dress.

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 Cloths For Women Rincon, GA

Drop Waist

A throwback to the roaring 20's style flapper dresses, Drop Waist dresses look best on lean, athletic bodies that don't have too many curves in the hip area. The key to pulling off a Drop Waist style dress is to ensure that it's not hugging you. This dress is best worn when it is able to hang freely on your body.

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Once you know the kind of waist that fits your body type, it's time to find your shape. A few of our most popular dress shapes include:

Fit & Flare Dresses in Rincon

Any clothing store for women in Rincon, GA, worth its salt, will have plenty of fit & flare dresses for you to try. This common-shaped dress is one of the most popular on the market, mainly because they look great on every woman, regardless of age or shape. A timeless choice, fit & flare dresses fit through the bodice and flare out just below your hip. This helps develop a balanced, slimming silhouette for most women. If you want to accentuate your best assets and hide everything else, ask our experienced fashionistas to show you some the most popular fit & flare dresses at Copper Penny.
Time to start doing your happy dance! Fit & flare dresses have very balanced proportions, making them a true winner for every body type. Women with athletic builds love this dress for the extra curves. Women with apple-shaped bodies love how fit & flare dresses define their waistlines. Because this dress already looks like an hourglass on the hanger, it will be a natural fit for ladies with such a figure.
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 Clothing Stores Rincon, GA
 Fashion Stores Rincon, GA

Shift Dresses in Rincon

Shift dresses are typically rectangular in shape and tend to be comfy and forgiving since they aren't fitted. Also called a column dress, the shift dress is a great choice for polished professionals needing a conservative, fashionable outfit for work.
These dresses look fabulous on women with athletic, lean shapes and women with an apple-like figure. This kind of dress doesn't work well with a belt, so ladies with an hourglass figure may not be able to show off their curves in a shift. Try pairing this dress with a nice pair of heels for a beautiful new look!
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Wrap Dresses in Rincon

Wrap dresses are one of the most popular styles on the market, because they give ladies of most shapes and sizes a flattering, fashionable dress option.
If you have an hourglass, apple, or generally curvy body shape, you're going to love wrap dresses. This style of dress offers a natural waist while placing emphasis on your bust. Wrap dresses give you a balanced silhouette and, with a knee-length fit, are great for any type of color or style, both day and nightwear.
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 Fashion Boutique Rincon, GA

Timeless Tops for Every Style

Unless you're feeling extra sassy, chances are you're wearing a top at this very moment. Tops are garments that cover the top half of your body. At Copper Penny, we have an endless selection of tops in a wide range of styles - from basic tees to blouses and everything in between. If you're looking for the highest quality women's tops in Rincon, GA, you just hit the jackpot!

With that said, finding the right top for the right occasion is easier said than done. However, at Copper Penny, we make finding the right top fun. Whether you're looking for a top that makes a statement or you need a classic button-down for a subdued style, we've got your back. We only carry the most popular tops from the best brands and designers around the world.

 Ladies Clothing Rincon, GA

Here are just of our most popular tops:

 Online Boutique Rincon, GA

Women's Poplin Tops in Rincon

Sometimes called broadcloth tops, poplins have classic characteristics and are often woven with an over/under weave. This kind of weave gives more substance to your top while also giving you room to breathe. Poplin shirts are typically soft and smooth, and are great for everyday business attire, some formal occasions, and for certain ceremonies. Sweet and feminine, our Bruna poplin eyelet bib top features ruffles at the sleeves and an eyelet lace yoke at the front. Pair your poplin with your favorite pair of shorts or jeans for a contemporary, relaxed look.

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Boutique Rincon, GA

Women's Wrap Tops in Rincon

Great for wearing solo or layered over a camisole or tank top, wrap tops are lightweight, versatile, and great for many different occasions. Wrap tops go well with jeans, maxi dresses, and high-waisted jeans or trousers. Our V-Neck Wrap SLV Top by Jayden is uber-popular at Copper Penny and the perfect choice for dressing down or dressing up. The choice is yours!

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 Boutique Clothing Rincon, GA

Women's Off the Shoulder Tops in Rincon

For a dose of feminine fashion, be sure you add an off-the-shoulder top to your everyday wardrobe. A casual, sexy choice, off-the-shoulder tops have unique necklines that cut across your upper arms and chest, leaving your shoulders bare. The result is a flirty flash of skin, which elongates your neck and gives a relaxed, "daytime casual" look. Our Nola off-the-shoulder top pairs perfectly with shorts or even a flowy skirt and is hand-woven in Spain using Jacquard fabric.

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 Boutique Dresses Rincon, GA

Women's Tank Tops in Rincon

Who doesn't love a good tank top?! Tank tops are lightweight, versatile, and equally great for lounging in the yard or running errands on weekends. Tank tops lend an air of simplicity to your outfit and can be styled in endless ways. Take our Velvet Heart Victory Tank, for instance. This tank is a refreshing update on our classic sleeveless tank top, complete with fray details and a scoop neck. Throw in the fact that it's machine washable, and you have a wardrobe winner.

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Having trouble finding the best top for your size and style? As the most trusted women's clothing boutique in Rincon, GA, Copper Penny has helped women discover new looks in the Lowcountry for more than two decades. We take pride in providing a personalized, boutique experience for our customers. If you have questions, give us a call or swing by one of our locations. We would be happy to give you our professional opinion.

Until then, here's a quick guide you can follow to help you find the right fit for your women's top in Rincon:

How to Find the Right Fit for Your Women's Top

When choosing a women's top for your outfit, you have to consider how comfortable, confident, and beautiful you will feel. The best way to feel your best in an outfit is to make sure it fits correctly. To get started, you'll want to take your measurements. For most women's tops, the best areas to focus on are your hips, waist, and chest.

  • Hip Measurements: Measuring your hips is fairly easy. Take your measuring tape and use it to wrap around the widest area of your hips.
  • Waist Measurements: Take your measuring tape and place it at the very top of your hip bone. Wrap it all the way around your body. Try to keep your measuring tape in line with your belly button. For the most accurate measurements, stand up straight and breathe normally.
  • Chest Measurements: For an accurate chest measurement, take the end of your measuring tape and place it on the fullest area of your bust. From there, wrap the tape around your body, under your armpits, and around the blades of your shoulders. Then, wrap the tape tightly from the back of your body to the front, where you started.
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 Cloths Shop Rincon, GA

Need help measuring? Swing by Copper Penny and ask one of our friendly sales associates to help you out! While you're there, don't forget to check out our huge selection of women's tops in Rincon, GA.

Contact Us

Looking to take your style to the next level? You can also get in touch with a personal stylist directly from our website. With a personal stylist by your side, you can find stunning looks for specific occasions, using comfortable clothing in your favorite colors and cuts. Copper Penny is your one-stop-shop for fashionable, fun, fabulous designer clothing in Rincon. But don't take our word for it – come see for yourself!

Latest News in Rincon, GA

Restaurant health scores, Oct.-Nov. 2023

EL REAL105 WEISENBAKER RDRINCON, GA 31326Phone Number: (912) 826-3524Permit Type: Food ServiceLast Inspection Score: 93Last Inspection Date: 11-16-2023OMELETTE CAFE410 S COLUMBIA AVE STE AARINCON, GA 31326Phone Number: (912) 826-1188Permit Type: Food ServiceLast Inspection Score: 87Last Inspection Date: 11-15-2023RACK OF GEORGIA LLCDBA ZONER'S PIZZA, WINGS & WAFFLES1452 HIGHWAY 21 SSPRINGFIELD, GA 31329...

EL REAL

105 WEISENBAKER RD

RINCON, GA 31326

Phone Number: (912) 826-3524

Permit Type: Food Service

Last Inspection Score: 93

Last Inspection Date: 11-16-2023

OMELETTE CAFE

410 S COLUMBIA AVE STE AA

RINCON, GA 31326

Phone Number: (912) 826-1188

Permit Type: Food Service

Last Inspection Score: 87

Last Inspection Date: 11-15-2023

RACK OF GEORGIA LLC

DBA ZONER'S PIZZA, WINGS & WAFFLES

1452 HIGHWAY 21 S

SPRINGFIELD, GA 31329

Phone Number: (912) 407-0172

Permit Type: Food Service

Last Inspection Score: 92

Last Inspection Date: 11-15-2023

WAFFLE HOUSE #1914

6184 HIGHWAY 21

RINCON, GA 31326

Phone Number: (912) 826-7461

Permit Type: Food Service

Last Inspection Score: 86

Last Inspection Date: 11-14-2023

THE TIN FIN RESTAURANT

6014 S HWY 21 UNIT D

RINCON, GA 31326

Phone Number: (912) 295-5837

Permit Type: Food Service

Last Inspection Score: 94

Last Inspection Date: 11-14-2023

EFFINGHAM COUNTY SENIOR CITIZENS CENTER

128 NEW STILLWELL RD

SPRINGFIELD, GA 31329

Phone Number: (912) 754-2138

Permit Type: Food Service

Last Inspection Score: 100

Last Inspection Date: 11-13-2023

MORRISON HEALTHCARE AT EFFINGHAM HEALTH SYSTEM

459 HWY 119 S

SPRINGFIELD, GA 31329

Phone Number: (912) 754-6451

Permit Type: Food Service

Last Inspection Score: 99

Last Inspection Date: 11-07-2023

EFFINGHAM COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS / PRISON

321 GEORGIA HIGHWAY 119 S

SPRINGFIELD, GA 31329

Phone Number: (404) 821-8811

Permit Type: Food Service

Last Inspection Score: 94

Last Inspection Date: 11-07-2023

TOMO JAPANESE RESTAURANT

591 S COLUMBIA AVE

RINCON, GA 31326

Phone Number: (912) 826-4796

Permit Type: Food Service

Last Inspection Score: 93

Last Inspection Date: 11-06-2023

JALAPENO'S #10

449 S COLUMBIA AVE UNIT A

RINCON, GA 31326

Phone Number: (912) 484-8567

Permit Type: Food Service

Last Inspection Score: 91

Last Inspection Date: 11-06-2023

DAWGS & MORE, LLC

1214 N COLUMBIA AVE

RINCON, GA 31326

Permit Type: Food Service

Last Inspection Score: 100

Last Inspection Date: 11-06-2023

DCT SCGA, LLC

PAPA JOHN'S PIZZA

586 S COLUMBIA AVE

RINCON, GA 31326

Phone Number: (912) 295-2362

Permit Type: Food Service

Last Inspection Score: 91

Last Inspection Date: 11-06-2023

RUSTY PIG BBQ #66

360 S COLUMBIA AVE

RINCON, GA 31326

Phone Number: (912) 826-4233

Permit Type: Food Service

Last Inspection Score: 96

Last Inspection Date: 11-03-2023

STONERS PIZZA JOINT

108 N LAUREL ST

SPRINGFIELD, GA 31329

Phone Number: (912) 295-2983

Permit Type: Food Service

Last Inspection Score: 90

Last Inspection Date: 11-02-2023

HUDDLE HOUSE #409 (SPRINGFIELD)

1260 HIGHWAY 21 S

SPRINGFIELD, GA 31329

Phone Number: (770) 325-1300

Permit Type: Food Service

Last Inspection Score: 96

Last Inspection Date: 10-30-2023

PADDLES COFFEE, LLC

401 N LAUREL ST

SPRINGFIELD, GA 31329

Phone Number: (912) 401-0721

Permit Type: Food Service

Last Inspection Score: 96

Last Inspection Date: 10-30-2023

CHEF NICK MUELLER AND COMPANY

440 KESSLER LOOP RD

GUYTON, GA 31312

Phone Number: (912) 728-8150

Permit Type: Food Service

Last Inspection Score: 100

Last Inspection Date: 10-27-2023

CALHOUN MANAGEMENT CORP.

DBA WENDY'S OF SPRINGFIELD

1325 HWY 21 S

SPRINGFIELD, GA 31329

Phone Number: (770) 781-5356

Permit Type: Food Service

Last Inspection Score: 93

Last Inspection Date: 10-26-2023

CHINA ONE

1444 HWY 21 S

SPRINGFIELD, GA 31329

Phone Number: (912) 754-0808

Permit Type: Food Service

Last Inspection Score: 92

Last Inspection Date: 10-25-2023

SONIC DRIVE-IN #3760

584 S COLUMBA AVE

RINCON, GA 31326

Phone Number: (912) 826-4240

Permit Type: Food Service

Last Inspection Score: 84

Last Inspection Date: 10-23-2023

MCDONALDS #39675 (LOVE'S C-STORE)

2600 HWY 21 S

SPRINGFIELD, GA 31329

Permit Type: Food Service

Last Inspection Score: 99

Last Inspection Date: 10-20-2023

MCDONALDS #16154

427 S COLUMBIA AVE

RINCON, GA 31326

Permit Type: Food Service

Last Inspection Score: 96

Last Inspection Date: 10-20-2023

LARRY'S GIANT SUBS (RINCON)

6188 HWY. 21 SOUTH

RINCON, GA 31326

Phone Number: (912) 236-1331

Permit Type: Food Service

Last Inspection Score: 99

Last Inspection Date: 10-19-2023

EL POTRO MEXICAN RESTAURANT OF RINCON, INC.

173 COMMERCIAL DR

RINCON, GA 31326

Phone Number: (912) 826-0103

Permit Type: Food Service

Last Inspection Score: 80

Last Inspection Date: 10-19-2023

BAMBINO'S PIZZA

706 N LAUREL ST SPRINGFIELD, GA 31329

Phone Number: (912) 754-3759

Permit Type: Food Service

Last Inspection Score: 95

Last Inspection Date: 10-18-2023

STACKS HAMBURGER STAND, LLC

708 N LAUREL ST

SPRINGFIELD, GA 31329

Phone Number: (912) 754-6642

Permit Type: Food Service

Last Inspection Score: 92

Last Inspection Date: 10-18-2023

BOIL RAMEN & CAJUN SEAFOOD

591 S COLUMBIA AVE

RINCON, GA 31326

Phone Number: (912) 826-0009

Permit Type: Food Service

Last Inspection Score: 88

Last Inspection Date: 10-18-2023

DQ GRILL & CHILL

593 TOWN PARK DR W

RINCON, GA 31326

Phone Number: (912) 826-4850

Permit Type: Food Service

Last Inspection Score: 97

Last Inspection Date: 10-16-2023

ZAXBY'S

313 S COLUMBIA AVE

RINCON, GA 31326

Phone Number: (404) 285-0716

Permit Type: Food Service

Last Inspection Score: 95

Last Inspection Date: 10-16-2023

EL RANCHITO MEXICAN RESTAURANT

1438 HWY 21 S

SPRINGFIELD, GA 31329

Phone Number: (912) 754-9556

Permit Type: Food Service

Last Inspection Score: 82

Last Inspection Date: 10-13-2023

STONERS PIZZA JOINT

101 BUCKINGHAM DR

GUYTON, GA 31312

Phone Number: (912) 444-0541

Permit Type: Food Service

Last Inspection Score: 72

Last Inspection Date: 10-13-2023

PROJECT LEAN NATION

614 TOWNE PARK LOOP

RINCON, GA 31326

Permit Type: Food Service

Last Inspection Score: 100

Last Inspection Date: 10-13-2023

CHICK-FIL-A FSU #3308

5438 HWY 21 S

RINCON, GA 31326

Phone Number: (954) 426-5144

Permit Type: Food Service

Last Inspection Score: 98

Last Inspection Date: 10-11-2023

THE SATED SPOON PROVISIONS

169 COMMERCIAL DR

RINCON, GA 31326

Phone Number: (912) 675-4253

Permit Type: Food Service

Last Inspection Score: 92

Last Inspection Date: 10-11-2023

ARBY'S #7381

410 S COLUMBIA AVE

RINCON, GA 31326

Phone Number: (912) 826-4142

Permit Type: Food Service

Last Inspection Score: 85

Last Inspection Date: 10-06-2023

KENTUCKY FRIED CHICKEN

457 S COLUMBIA AVE

RINCON, GA 31326

Phone Number: (912) 826-2368

Permit Type: Food Service

Last Inspection Score: 100

Last Inspection Date: 10-06-2023

EL-XIMADOR

840 LAUREL ST

SPRINGFIELD, GA 31329

Permit Type: Food Service

Last Inspection Score: 96

Last Inspection Date: 10-02-2023

SEASON OF JAPAN

100 ADDIE EXLEY RD STE 100A

RINCON, GA 31326

Phone Number: (912) 509-8888

Permit Type: Food Service

Last Inspection Score: 94

Last Inspection Date: 10-02-2023

Rincon factory releases 500 gallons of unidentified material. Residents worry about health effects

An investigation conducted by the Environmental Protection Division reveals a manway gasket failure at DRT America in ...

An investigation conducted by the Environmental Protection Division reveals a manway gasket failure at DRT America in Rincon resulted in an estimated 500 gallons of an unidentified material being released in Effingham County. DRT America is a U.S. subsidiary of French company and processes crude sulfate turpentine to make rosin and turpentine oil at its 65-acre facility.

Now, some residents say they feel ill and wonder if the chemicals released are to blame for their symptoms.

Rincon resident Nikki Carangelo said her daughter fell ill over the course of two weeks, and Carangelo began feeling ill last week.

“I want to know why we haven’t heard from local leaders,” said Carangelo. “This noxious smell has been lingering for two weeks. My daughter has flu-like symptoms, takes a day off and miraculously feels better. Then, she returns to school and her symptoms seem to return. Is this the flu or environmental toxin?”

More:Effingham County student arrested for terroristic threats

With three schools within minutes of the plant, Carangelo worries more children could have breathed in the chemicals.

Effingham County resident Holly Roy said the smell worsened Sunday and was still pungent at 3 a.m.

“This has been an issue over the last year,” said Roy. “I have watery eyes and the smell is bad. I know other people who have been nauseas and have other symptoms.”

The issue is listed as an “air quality control” concern on a public report. John Myers is listed at the plant manager.

The report reads that, “They [DRT America] believe that it was the corroded gasket which caused the spills. Also, he mentioned that as the temperature crosses 75° F, the turpentine smells start to spread across larger areas.”

This is not the first time residents have been concerned regarding what is taking place at the DRT America plant. In December 2022, an oxidizer tank caught fire at the plant, sending a large cloud of smoke into the air.

This is a developing story.

Latrice Williams is a general assignment reporter covering Bryan and Effingham County. She can be reached at lwilliams6@gannett.com.

Rincon recreation staff resigns, all sports-related questions being handled at City Hall

RINCON, Ga. (WTOC) - Recreational activities in Rincon are being handled at City Hall after recreation department staff resigned.According to Rincon City Manager Jonathan Lynn, the three employees that make up the recreation department have all resigned from their positions.“They all left within about a week of each other.”City Manager Jonathan Lynn says right now they’re gearing up for fall sports football, soccer and cheer leading. They will take all recreation related questions at city hall whether i...

RINCON, Ga. (WTOC) - Recreational activities in Rincon are being handled at City Hall after recreation department staff resigned.

According to Rincon City Manager Jonathan Lynn, the three employees that make up the recreation department have all resigned from their positions.

“They all left within about a week of each other.”

City Manager Jonathan Lynn says right now they’re gearing up for fall sports football, soccer and cheer leading. They will take all recreation related questions at city hall whether it be signing kids up for fall sports or renting facilities.

He says he doesn’t expect the lack of staff will harm programs to come.

“We’ve got a lot of great volunteers and parents that support our recreation department and they want to have the kids focused as their priority.”

Lynn says it’s not clear why the employees quit.

“I think a few of them moved on to other opportunities but right now we have a department to run and kids to make sure that we are providing the maximum benefit to.”

We do know an investigation by the Effingham County Sheriff’s Office into the Recreation Department’s Director Mike Osborne is underway for an alleged theft of funds. Lynn says right now he is on leave for an unrelated, non-disciplinary matter.

Garth Kullman says his grandson played a couple sports here last year. His reaction to the news of staff quitting.

“Totally surprised, really I haven’t heard anything about it and they always did a pretty good job when they were doing rec leagues here,” Kullman said.

Kullman says these situations combined do not paint a good picture of the city.

“That’s not good for the people of Rincon but there’s always elections so we can change that.”

The recreation department is not closed. Again, if you have inquiries for the department, you’re encouraged to call, email or come to city hall.

Resident are asked to direct all calls concerning recreation sports or renting facilities to City Hall at 912-826-5745.

You can still register for fall sports at rinconrec.com

Copyright 2023 WTOC. All rights reserved.

Georgia city hires ousted Beaufort County parks and rec director for the same role

A former Beaufort County Parks and Recreation Director whose department was involved in the improper procurement of nearly $800,000 in playground equipment was hired into the same role, on an interim basis, in Rincon, Ga.Shannon Loper worked as the Director of Parks and Recreation at Beaufort County for more than seven years before being fired in October of last year. Now, Loper will once again hold a similar title for Rincon, a municipality of 11,000 residents.City manager Jonathan Lynn praised Loper’s track record and d...

A former Beaufort County Parks and Recreation Director whose department was involved in the improper procurement of nearly $800,000 in playground equipment was hired into the same role, on an interim basis, in Rincon, Ga.

Shannon Loper worked as the Director of Parks and Recreation at Beaufort County for more than seven years before being fired in October of last year. Now, Loper will once again hold a similar title for Rincon, a municipality of 11,000 residents.

City manager Jonathan Lynn praised Loper’s track record and dedication to organization values and said Loper was open about the controversies in her previous position, providing emails and documentation that put the situation in a new light. “We believe Miss Loper was not given a fair process,” Lynn said.

In a text exchange, Loper indicated that she would make public the documents she provided to Rincon when her attorney would support the release.

Lynn said the city received around 12-15 applications from qualified candidates for the position, which had been open since October, but Loper’s experience put her at the top of the list.

Loper will carry the title of interim director until South Carolina’s Ethic Commission investigations are resolved. Loper is being investigated for two separate complaints, one for allegedly using county equipment to perform work on her home property and the other for allegedly hiring her son as a coach for a county-run cheerleading camp, according to the individual who filed the complaints.

While optimistic, Lynn admitted the findings could affect whether Loper gets the job permanently.

Loper’s termination from the county came on the heels of news that her department had approved purchasing nearly $800,000 in “handicapped accessible” playground equipment. It was installed at the Port Royal Community Center and the work was completed on July 6.

Assistant County Administrator for Development and Recreation Chuck Atkinson brought the issue to the county council’s attention, citing the violation of the procurement approval rules. An invoice submitted to the county for the $799,052 playground equipment is dated May 25, 2023, meaning the purchase was approved at least four months before it was presented to council. The expense associated with the equipment exceeded the $200,000 threshold needed for council approval by nearly four fold. When the council did review the playground on Sept. 25, months after the equipment was installed, the purchase was approved in an 8-2 vote.

Two weeks later, Loper was terminated by Interim Administrator John Robinson. At the time of her firing, the grounds for her termination were cited as “violated the Beaufort County policy manual,” according to Beaufort County.

Loper’s first day with Rincon was Jan. 30.

This story was originally published February 8, 2024, 12:19 PM.

Rincon joins Springfield in battle against DRT America with new resolution

RINCON, Ga. (WSAV) — The City of Rincon is joining the fight against DRT America as a rancid smell, which people say is coming from the Springfield DRT plant, continues to spread throughout Effingham County.“At this point, it’s 100% a nuisance, and it’s possibly a health issue. Something has to be done,” said Heather Stafford, who lives in the Cobbleton neighborhood near the plant.Rincon City Councilwoman Mona Underwood says she is presenting a resolution at Monday’s meeting, supporting Sprin...

RINCON, Ga. (WSAV) — The City of Rincon is joining the fight against DRT America as a rancid smell, which people say is coming from the Springfield DRT plant, continues to spread throughout Effingham County.

“At this point, it’s 100% a nuisance, and it’s possibly a health issue. Something has to be done,” said Heather Stafford, who lives in the Cobbleton neighborhood near the plant.

Rincon City Councilwoman Mona Underwood says she is presenting a resolution at Monday’s meeting, supporting Springfield in their efforts to stop the smell.

Both women say it has been especially bad as of late.

“It keeps randomly happening, and now it’s continuing. The odor goes away for a day or two, then it’s back,” Underwood explained.

“I find in the cold months it’s worse than it is in the hot months, and you can attribute that to the fact that the pressure pushes things down, so while it may disseminate in the hotter months, in the winter it’s staying more in this area,” said Stafford.

Although the DRT plant is located in the Ebenezer of Springfield, Councilwoman Underwood says the odor is now traveling as far as the southeast portions of Rincon, and now she is taking action, drafting a resolution that says Rincon will support the City of Springfield in its ongoing battle with DRT America.

“The goal is to show Springfield and DRT that Effingham as a whole is behind Springfield in this fight, that we’re going to put the weight of all of our communities behind this, and I think that will send a clear message to DRT that it’s not Springfield in this alone,” Underwood told News 3.

This comes after Springfield City Attorney Benjamin Perkins sent DRT America a letter outlining various health concerns and demanding action on Dec. 15.

Underwood says she suspects the odor is making school children at Ebenezer Middle School sick, though that has not been proven.

“I’ve talked to one lady whose daughter was sick, and it was flu-like stuff,” says Underwood, “then she would get better… and then when I talked to her mom she would say it’s just when I smell that smell.”

Underwood says that was the final straw before she drafted the resolution, even though she says she believes nothing may ever be done.

“I’m 66 years old,” Underwood said, “I’ve lived long enough to know that a lot of times people and entities will wait or do enough until the drama dies down, all the concern dies down, and all the citizens go away, and it’ll be right back, and I’ve seen the history of them (DRT America).”

For residents like Heather Stafford, she says anything helps as long as some action is taken. She suggests a location change, as long as no jobs are lost.

“The fact that this was already residential, the fact that schools were already here before this was approved makes zero sense to me,” said Stafford, “It should not be located in a place like this where we’re growing.”

If the resolution is approved by Rincon City Council, it will then be presented to the City of Springfield.

DRT America sent News 3 the following statement:

Since early December, we have been working diligently to address concerns voiced in the community about our facility. We invite the Rincon City Council to reach out to us to better understand the steps we are taking to respond to the community’s concerns. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Georgia EPD have conducted investigations to determine the source of odors generating recent complaints and to determine if there are any air quality health concerns. Neither agency has identified any. Contrary to comments made at the meeting tonight, DRT’s operations are consistent no matter the time of day and we do not use PFAS chemicals.

DRT is actively working with local leaders. We are open and transparent about what we do. That’s why we established our website – GetToKnowDRT.com – that explains DRT’s processes, provides updates about our work, and answers some common questions. We recently hosted more than 20 local officials to tour our site and have engaged a nationally known engineering firm to sample and analyze odors in and around the facility. We are working with a dedicated team of local and national DRT employees and contract experts to address our neighbors’ concerns and will continue to share information as appropriate at the website above. If you have any questions or concerns, or to report an odor, please contact drtspringfield@gmail.com.

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