2009-11-17
Editor's Note: Final update: 10:13 a.m.
Top
Top Story
Ethics seeks Sanford clarification
The State Ethics Commission is awaiting clarification from the SC Supreme Court before hearing a request from Gov. Mark Sanford asking the commission not to release the report about him.

Meanwhile later today, State Rep. Greg Delleney, R-Chester, is expected to prefile a bill to impeach Sanford. More below in Statewide.

Top
Top Opinion
Focus on creating jobs
"An array of factors — led by stunningly high unemployment — is blunting any economic recovery and threatens to extend the pain of the recession well into next year and perhaps beyond. Correcting the real problems of the recession will require a delicate hand by the government."
Statewide
Statewide impact
Sanford looking for cost-cutting options
Gov. Mark Sanford held a budget meeting on Monday with state agency directors to discuss possible cost cutting measures.
Ethics commission awaits clarification on Sanford case
The State Ethics Commission is awaiting clarification from the SC Supreme Court before hearing a request from Gov. Mark Sanford asking the commission not to release the report about him.
Impeachment resolution to be introduced
The SC House will formally receive an impeachment resolution introduced by Rep. Greg Delleney.
Source: The State
Two in shuttle crew have ties to SC
Two of the six astronauts in the space shuttle Atlantis have strong ties to South Carolina.
Source: The State/AP
Citadel grad part of shuttle crew
Study reveals depth of homelessness issue in SC
Yesterday, the United Way of the Midlands and the Midlands Area Consortium for the Homeless released the results of the 2009 Homeless Count.
Source: The State
Homeless advocates gather in Rock Hill Homeless advocates gather in Rock Hill
Politics
Politics
Spratt, Mulvaney do battle on health care Spratt, Mulvaney do battle on health care
The race for SC's 5th Congressional district heated up last week as health care was thrust to the forefront of the political debate and Rep. John Spratt and State Sen. Mick Mulvaney traded punches in statements.
Grand Strand Young Republicans host meet and greet with Bauer Grand Strand Young Republicans host meet and greet with Bauer
Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer will attend a meet-and-greet event hosted by the Grand Strand Young Republicans.
Connor speaks to Calhoun Republicans
Bill Connor, a candidate for lieutenant governor in SC, spoke to Calhoun County Republicans at the party's meeting last week.
Jenny Sanford steps forward in tough year for SC GOP
In a year when many SC GOP officials have made headlines in a negative spotlight, Jenny Sanford has been one of the more popular SC Republican figures.
DeMint introduces term limits
Sen. Jim DeMint is the most recent member of Congress to attempt to push the issue of term limits for Congressmen.
Source: Roll Call
Inglis says US should pay debt with TARP funds
US Rep. Bob Inglis has been an advocate for using TARP funding paid back by banks in order to pay off the national debt, a move the White House is now considering.
Berkeley GOP holds off on censure of Graham
The chief of staff to US Sen. Lindsey Graham promised to meet with Berkeley County Republicans in order to avoid another censure from local Republican activists.
Source: The State
Local GOP groups upset with Graham Local GOP groups upset with Graham
Graham avoids a censure
Business
Business
GSP still negotiating with Southwest GSP still negotiating with Southwest
The Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport is attempting to lure Southwest Airlines into doing business.
Source: WYFF
Charter admits overcharging SC customers Charter admits overcharging SC customers
An unknown number of Charter Communications customers in the Upstate were overcharged on their last monthly bill and will be credited for the mistake.
Machinery maker could move to rock hill Machinery maker could move to rock hill
Bradman Lake Group, a company that designs machinery for packaging products, could move its operations to Rock Hill.
SC contractors meeting to blueprint Boeing facility
The team in charge of constructing the Boeing facility in North Charleston is meeting with executives in Seattle to work with the company of the final design.
Santee Cooper researches wind turbines in Georgetown
Santee Cooper is doing research in order to determine how much power it could generate by constructing offshore wind turbines off the coast of SC.
Source: WMBF
Santee Cooper researching wind turbines in SC Santee Cooper researching wind turbines in SC
BMW to launch new car in 2011
The BMW X3, a new Sports Activity Vehicle to be made in Greer, will be launched in 2011.
Charleston named a top destination
Lonely Planet, one of the world's more popular tourism guides, has named Charleston as one of the top cities to visit in 2010.
Textile firm to bring jobs to SC
Materials Innovation Technologies could bring 120 jobs to Florence County with its new facility.
Source: The State
Education
Education
Board encourages schools to offer foreign languages, doesn't offer funding Board encourages schools to offer foreign languages, doesn't offer funding
The Beaufort County Board of Education has encouraged all of its elementary schools to offer foreign language education, but hasn't offered any funding for the programs.
OCSD 3 considers vacating 84 positions OCSD 3 considers vacating 84 positions
Orangeburg Consolidated School District 3 is considering vacating 84 positions currently held by retirees in order to save money.
Wofford ranks sixth in study abroad students
The Open Doors 2009 reports lists Wofford University sixth in the percentage of students studying abroad.
SC school volunteers honored by teachers
SC education officials are recognizing 19 groups and people who volunteer in public schools.
Source: The State/AP
Environment
Environment
Pelican population still down in SC
Since 1990, the number of Pelican nests in South Carolina have been in a steady decline.
Source: The State
River pollution warnings lifted
Bacteria levels have returned to normal in rivers in the Midlands area, and signs warning of pollution in the rivers have been removed.
Source: The State
Health
Healthcare
Clemson-USC "blood bowl" underway Clemson-USC
The annual Clemson-USC blood drive leading up to the big game is currently underway.
Find help when dumping smoking habit
Thusday's Great American Smokeout gives Upstate residents a chance to find help in attempting to kick smoking habits.
Premature births still a problem in SC
The March of Dimes has released a report that says 15.6% of babies born in SC are born prematurely.
Major
Major Local News
Allison named 911 director of the year Allison named 911 director of the year
Roy Allison, Marlboro County's 911 director, was named the SC 911 Director of the Year by the Association of Public Safety Communication Officers and the National Emergency Numbers Association.
Lancaster audit produces good results Lancaster audit produces good results
The city of Lancaster's recent audit shows that the city is in good financial standing and has strong accounting practices.
Georgetown gets grant for drainage improvements Georgetown gets grant for drainage improvements
The city of Georgetown will receive a $2,250,000 federal grant for drainage improvements.
Former Landrum mayor joins House race Former Landrum mayor joins House race
Former Landrum Mayor Doug Brannon is announcing today that he is challenging state Rep. Joey Milwood in next June's primary.
Administrator candidates meet with Horry council
Horry County Council has conducted its second and final round of interviews for the Coutny Administrator position.
Study shows direction of growth for Upstate
The Upstate Alliance has released a study that identifies industries for future economic growth in the Upstate.
Guard takes farming skills to Afghanistan
60 SC National Guard soldiers have left for Afghanistan to help Afghan farmers grow bigger crops and raise healthier livestock.
Source: The State
Runoff elections set for Charleston, Moncks Corner
Voters in Moncks Corner and part of Charleston to decide council runoffs.
Myrtle Beach to hold runoffs today Myrtle Beach to hold runoffs today
North Charleston to consider limit on portable storage units
North Charleston is the next in a line of local governments to consider regulating how long a portable storage unit can sit on a property.
Anderson County sues former administrator
Anderson County has filed a lawsuit asking that former County Administrator Joey Preston's $1.1 million severance agreement be invalidated.
Former council candidate sues Preston Former council candidate sues Preston
Charleston church constructs new steeple
The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in downtown Charleston has a new steeple more than 100 years after initial construction.
Source: The State
Glenn Beck coming to Midlands
Conservative political commentator Glenn Beck is coming to the Midlands this Thursday to promote his latest book.
Source: The State
SC renovating historic site
SC is renovating the Colonial Dorchester State Historic Site, the site of one of the earliest towns in South Carolina.
Source: The State/AP
Colonial Dorchester to get makeover
Richland County tax district plan rejected
Richland County officials have rejected a plan that would create two special tax districts.
Source: The State
State museum seeks $2.5 million or expansion
The South Carolina State Museum is seeking $2.5 million from three Midlands governments in order to build a new planetarium, observatory, and 4D theater.
Source: The State
Opinion
Opinion
Glass half full in Sumter Glass half full in Sumter
"The old adage about the glass being half full certainly applies to Sumter. In spite of bad news too often being blown out of proportion by the glass-half-empty crowd, there are much more positive developments taking place in our community."
Source: Sumter Item
Will road policy fix the real problem? Will road policy fix the real problem?
"There’s a saying about a road to a certain unpleasant place being paved with good intentions. That may be the case with a new policy that County Council passed last week."
Should Congress get a special health plan? Should Congress get a special health plan?
"Republican Rep. Joe Wilson, who represents South Carolina’s 2nd District in Congress, obviously made some enemies - political and otherwise - a couple of months ago when he shouted “you lie” while the president was speaking. Good, bad or indifferent, though, he also got some support around the nation."
SC Republicans unsure about Graham SC Republicans unsure about Graham
"South Carolina Republicans are not sure what to make of U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham half of the time."
Will you care for me? Will you care for me?
"Last week the federal government’s Medicare agency released a rating of Medicare- and Medicaid-licensed nursing homes nationwide. The facilities were assigned up to five stars based on a statistical analysis of staffing, safety inspections and quality measures such as how well the staff prevents bedsores in patients. Not surprisingly, the ratings in the Upstate were all over the map, ranging from five stars at NHC Healthcare in Anderson to one star for Seneca Health and Rehabilitation Center."
Ethics panel should hold governor to promise Ethics panel should hold governor to promise
"The S.C. Supreme Court was clear in its ruling that Gov. Mark Sanford had waived his right to confidentiality in the investigation into his travel as governor."
Wrong changes Wrong changes
"You can make many accurate criticisms of South Carolina's lawmakers, but you can't say they aren't responsive. This state's lawmakers are always quick to listen to anyone complaining about property taxes, and they are quick to respond making it worse."
What's best for children? What's best for children?
"Any community could thrive by repeatedly asking itself, 'What's best for children?' Leaders in Rock Hill hope to make that the No. 1 question in this community."
Graham wants compromise Graham wants compromise
"While some of his congressional colleagues refuse to admit the planet faces environmental peril from global warming, Sen. Lindsey Graham is in the thick of the effort to do something about it. He has taken heat from some of his South Carolina constituents, but we applaud his willingness to seek a reasonable middle ground on this vital issue."
Tags not a place for political, religious views Tags not a place for political, religious views
"Bumper stickers and personalized tags have for years been a favorite American vehicle for expression. The courts have backed up people’s right to express themselves with some outrageous messages."
Book club helps with literacy Book club helps with literacy
"Members of an area book club decided three years ago to do something other than exchange Christmas gifts. They pass an envelope with members putting in whatever amount they wish, and the Book and Brunch Club makes a contribution to an organization that promotes literacy."
No legislative pay raise
"The perennial topic of legislative pay has returned in advance of next year's session, though it's hard to think of a more unlikely time to make the case. The state budget continues to suffer from declining revenue. Public schools and colleges are faced with cuts and state agencies are having a difficult time maintaining basic services."
Vote Rosenberg in runoff
"West Ashley voters in Charleston District 10 aren't finished voting yet. They go to the polls today to choose between Ginger Rosenberg and Dean C. Riegel for their representative on city council."
Grego: Federal funds will help grow Congaree park
"Parks, open spaces, wildlife areas and historic sites define communities throughout South Carolina. They improve our quality of life and connect us to our natural and cultural heritage. U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham and Rep. James Clyburn have been working to protect one such treasure in the heart of South Carolina. "
Source: The State
Scoppe: Ruling suggests court weary of Sanford
"The most telling language in the Supreme Court ruling that rejected Gov. Mark Sanford's pathetic contention that waiving his confidentiality doesn't really mean waiving his confidentiality is in Footnote 8."
Source: The State
Use Sanford issue to move towards ethics openness
"It would be a mistake to read the Supreme Court's refusal to hide the details of an ethics investigation of Gov. Mark Sanford as a sweeping victory for openness in government. But it also would be a mistake to overlook the potential it has to render ethics investigations just a little less secret than they always have been."
Source: The State

AT A GLANCE...

Statewide impact

Study reveals depth of homelessness issue in SC; Two in shuttle crew have ties to SC More...

Politics

Grand Strand Young Republicans host meet and greet with Bauer; Spratt, Mulvaney do battle on health care More...

Business

Machinery maker could move to rock hill; Charter admits overcharging SC customers More...

Education

OCSD 3 considers vacating 84 positions; Board encourages schools to offer foreign languages, doesn't offer funding More...

Environment

River pollution warnings lifted ; Pelican population still down in SC More...

Healthcare

Clemson-USC "blood bowl" underway; Premature births still a problem in SC More...

Major Local News

Former Landrum mayor joins House race; Georgetown gets grant for drainage improvements More...

Opinion

Book club helps with literacy; Tags not a place for political, religious views More...