The State of SC and Colleton County held a Dedication Ceremony to name the Ashepoo River Bridge on ACE Basin Parkway (US Hwy 17) in honor of County Councilman W. Gene Whetsell for his decades of honorable service to Colleton County. The event was well attended by over 200 people, many of whom were friends or family. Many local and state dignitaries, including Senator Margie Bright Matthews, Senator Campsen, Representative Robby Robbins, Highway Commissioner Barnwell Fishburne and County Councilman Dr. Joseph Flowers spoke of Mr. Whetsell's many accomplishments. County Councilman Phillip Taylor offered the opening prayer. Mr. Whetsell's son Walter Gene Jr and grandson Walter Gene III were also in attendance. The dedication was held at the boat landing at Joe's Fish Camp on the Ashepoo River at the foot of the Bridge on ACE Basin Parkway. It lasted about 45 minutes. The weather held out and a light rain began at the conclusion of the ceremony.
