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Bush might speak at USC graduation
Word is filtering out that President Bush may speak at USC's
graduation, which is about a week after nine Democratic
presidential candidates hold a May 3 debate in Columbia.
The
State, Saturday.
Some say public has right to know more about possible
SARS cases
In other states, the public learns information about those
thought to have Sever Acute Respiratory Syndrome. Not in
South Carolina, where health officials only provide vague
information -- that two male children in the Upstate may
have the disease. Greenville
News, Sunday.; The
State/AP, Monday.
Ex-Sanford colleague helping push Greenville auto
park
Former Rep. Matt Salmon, a lobbyist who served in the
U.S. House with Gov. Mark Sanford, is pushing the development
of an auto research park in Greenville. He had a dinner
with Sanford, who said he thought the meal was for "old
time's sake." Greenville
News, Saturday.
HomeGold's cash infusion wasn't what it expected
The parent of Carolina Investors says a $60 million
to $80 million cash infusion was expected for part
of its business, but it only got a $5 million offer
prior to filing for bankruptcy. Greenville
News, Sunday.
-
- Execs are grilled Friday. WSPA
TV.
- Carolina Investors' rise and fall -- a monthlong
investigation. WYFF
TV.
* Princess Anne helps raise
money for Birds of Prey Center
Princess Anne was in Georgetown County Sunday for a fund-raiser
for the International Birds of Prey Center,which will be
built in Charleston County. Myrtle
Beach Sun News. ; Georgetown
Times.
Bursey has flashback protest of the 60s
The case of longtime SC activist Brett Bursey, who faces
federal charges for protesting a visit of President Bush
last year, is focusing national attention on free speech
rights. The
New York Times.
DeMint says battle with Hollings would be past vs.
future
GOP US Rep. Jim DeMint says he's ready to go against US
Sen. Fritz Hollings in 2004, should Hollings choose to
run, with a "past vs. future/old ideas vs. new ideas"
message. The
State, Sunday.
-
Hoover: Hollings keeps Democrats
on edge about running
"Next Saturday, when South Carolina Democrats meet
in Columbia for their annual convention, Hollings will
be among the speakers. Although many of the party's
presidential candidates will be there, too, none will
hold the crowd's attention the way Hollings will.Party
leaders say they don't know if Hollings will reveal
his intentions then, but they're getting anxious."
Greenville
News, Sunday.
-
-
Bandy: Eyes turn to S.C. this weekend for presidential debate
"On Friday, all nine Democratic presidential candidates will
begin arriving here to prepare for what has been billed as the
first high-profile event in the 2004 election." The
State, Sunday.
Is Hammond cracking down on telemarketers
WSPA looks at whether Secretary of State Mark Hammond is keeping
a campaign promise to crack down on telemarketers. WSPA
TV.
State Senate gears up for budget fight
Observers say this is the week to watch for politics as the Senate
starts debate Tuesday on the $5 billion budget. Beaufort
Gazette.
-
- Child-support payments may be lower for parents with kids in juvenile
jails. Beaufort
Gazette.
* Predatory lending preys on defenseless;
bill in legislature
Opponents of predatory lending practices say they're confident the legislature
will deal with it this year. Sumter
Item.
Late move for new Senate redistricting plan draws criticism
The state NAACP said it would sue if the Senate pushed through
another redistricting plan. But for it to make it through both
houses of the legislature, the plan has to be approved by Thursday.
The
State, Saturday.
Commission on Higher Education may be axed
A proposal to allow the state's three research universities to
have more funding flexibility could end the Commission on Higher
Education's grip on the state's colleges. The House begins debate
this week. The
State, Sunday.; The
State/AP.
Lottery spending riles senators
Some state senators say lottery spending is abusive because the
money isn't being used where it is most needed. The
State, Monday.
Senate approves single-member district school board plan
But it might face overwhelming opposition in the House. Post
and Courier, Saturday.
Senate approves amendment that may allow governor to close
cabinet meetings
But the governor has decided meetings should be open, which makes
the proposal a moot point, a spokesman says. The
State, Saturday.
Statehouse Roundup: A look at the past week
Lawmakers consider sales tax hikes, MLK holiday, more. The
State, Sunday.
Monk: Eight vie for coveted Clemson board of trustees' seat
Among those trying to win a rare open seat on the Clemson Board
of Trustees is former Lt. Gov. Bob Peeler. The
State, Sunday
* Spratt announces Universal
Service awards in Pee Dee. Florence
Morning News.
Former SC Sen. Bud Long dies
Long, an Horry County Democrat caught up in the Operation Lost
Trust sting of the 1990s, died Friday. The
State, Sunday.; WIS
TV.
Car crashes into Statehouse garage
A Bishopville man was charged with drunken driving. The
State, Saturday.
Columbia's students provide strong rental market
The housing rental business in Columbia is good for landlords due
to a squeeze for on-campus housing and more. The
State, Sunday.
Cold weather boosts SCANA's profits
The company's profits edged up to $84 million, or 75 cents per share.
The
State, Saturday.; Post
and Courier, Saturday.
- Consumer advocate suing state PSC, power companies
The state's consumer advocate is suing the Public Service Commission
and several utilities on allegations that they overcharged consumers.
WSPA
TV.; Post
and Courier/AP, Sunday.
BMW to use methane to power auto plant. WYFF
TV.
* CSX plans $20 million truck/train terminal
in York County. Rock
Hill Herald.
Charleston's ThinkTEC summit to focus on innovation
The annual technology conference will be Thursday. Post
and Courier, Sunday.
Columbia pasta plant nabs 10 percent of the US pasta market
The American Italian Pasta Company has a $100 million plant and
churns out more than 80 percent of the pasta bought in the Southeast.
The
State.
Greer, Greenville airport officials team up to attract air cargo
Greer city officials are working with Greenville-Spartanburg Airport
on a plan to attract more air cargo to the airport. Greenville
News, Saturday.
Chart: SC's top 25 richest counties for economic development
in 2002.
Spartanburg and Greenville lead with $1.35 billion; Anderson follows
with $256 million; Charleston with $200 million. Greenville
News.
Tax freedom day comes earlier in South Carolina
It takes 98 days in SC to "work off" the tax debt owed
the government, compared to 117 days in New Jersey. The
State.
Clemson president says he expects another tuition hike
The university faces the loss of another $18.6 million -- too
much for it to absorb without a tuition hike, the president
says. Greenville
News, Saturday.
Lottery funds to cut furlough time at SC State
A new law that gives colleges more flexibility with how to use
lottery funds will cut a campuswide furlough at SC State from
15 to 10 days. The
State/AP, Saturday.
* School cuts mean more students per
teacher
Rock Hill area school districts don't plan on hiring new teachers, although
they'll have lots of extra students. Charlotte
Observer.
Beaufort school district, county council try to avoid politics in
budget deliberations. Beaufort
Gazette.
* Florence superintendent is finalist
for Oconee superintendant's job. Florence
Morning News.
Faith-based organizations asked to get involved with Richland
1 schools
The school system is looking for help with tutoring and mentoring,
among other things. The
State, Monday.
Pew Oceans Commission to release report in June
The commission, which counts Charleston Mayor Joe Riley among its
members, will release a study on the state of the world's oceans
in June. Another group is to release a different oceans study later
this year. The
State, Monday.
Living between floods is tough for Georgetown residents
Residents along the Santee River cope with periodic release of millions
of gallons of water from the Santee Cooper dams. It floods their
homes and properties. Post
and Courier, Sunday.
Coastal Futures panel seeks input Friday.
The Council on Coastal Futures seeks public input during its Friday
meeting. Post
and Courier, Saturday.
* Grand Strand volunteers prepare
for turtle season
Dozens took part in a dress rehearsal on how to protect turtle eggs
in Myrtle Beach to prepare for the coming turtle nesting season.
Myrtle
Beach Sun News.
* Studies raise questions about
whether Hilton Head's roads can accommodate growth
Recent studies show there might have to be road structure changes
to accommodate growth. Hilton
Head Island Packet.
Volunteers plant sea oats to renourish dunes. Post
and Courier, Sunday.
Farmers still fear drought. Post
and Courier/AP, Sunday.
Beaufort council expected to adopt five-year review of part
of land use plan. Beaufort
Gazette.
New health report outlines SC's health challenges
At a time when the state has fewer public health workers due to budget
crunches, it has a new mandate to be ready to protect public health in
the event of a terrorist attack, which creates new challenges according
to a new report. The
State/AP, Saturday.
* Orangeburg to host major regional diabetes
conference May 8.
The Diabetes Community Forum will focus on reducing the cases of diabetes.
Orangeburg
Times and Democrat.
* New federal law boosts patient privacy
and costs
A new federal mandate that ensures patient information remains private
comes with a hitch -- added costs. Carolina
Morning News.
* Spartanburg hospital says Union hospital
would benefit from management change
The Spartanburg Regional HealthCare System says Wallace Thomson Hospital
in Union could save $800,000 a year by switching its management contract.
Union
Daily Times.
- * Hospitals find ways to alleviate
nursing shortage (scroll down for story). Union
Daily Times.
- * Georgetown hospital works with tech
school to start nursing program. Georgetown
Times.
* Easley doctor becomes head of SC Medical
Association
The group's new leader is Dr. Bryce Tollison of Easley. Anderson
Independent Mail.
York County residents to receive anti-radiation pills soon. *
Rock
Hill Herald; WIS
TV.
E-mail is changing the way patients and doctors communicate. Greenville
News, Monday.
Rural areas say vans, shuttles would make health care more accessible
Lack of transportation is one of the leading barriers to good rural health
care, officials say. The
State, Monday.
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Obituary
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Dixie Chicks to open Thursday in Greenville to storm of criticism
The three-member female group may face controversy Thursday in the first
show of its US tour following anti-Bush comments during the war on Iraq.
Greenville
News, Sunday.
State questions Myrtle Beach grants
The state is reviewing $250,000 of grants from accommodations tax money
made to arts and cultural groups. Myrtle Beach leaders say using the
money is acceptable. Spartanburg
Herald Journal/AP.
Pickens County keeps growing
The county, which grew 18 percent between 1990 and 2000, now has about
113,000 people -- an addition of more than 2,000 in the last two years.
Greenville
News, Sunday.
* Gaffney councilman questions cost
of new city hall
A Gaffney city councilman says $1.9 million is too much to pay for a
new city hall. Gaffney
Chronicle.
* Hartsville faces tight budget. Hartsville
Messenger.
Greenville's low-income and public housing waiting lists grow. Greenville
News, Sunday.
Twenty percent of Greenville County's budget comes from user fees.
Greenville
News, Sunday.
Camden group hopes to raise $650,000 to preserve artifacts
The Camden Archives and Museum is growing out of its Broad Street space
and needs more room. The
State, Monday.
Noisette development plan in North Charleston takes shape
At the heart of the innovative redevelopment project is the old Charleston
Naval Base. Post
and Courier, Sunday.
Ferencz to lead Charleston Symphony Orchestra
Veteran fund-raiser Sandra Ferencz has been chosen from more than 100
who wanted to head the CSO's administrative operations. Post and Courier,
Saturday.
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Letters
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the editor in each of the following papers:
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Lawmakers finally starting debate on taxing and spending
"It would be wonderful if legislators could balance the budget
responsibly without increasing taxes. But the only way that can be done
is if they eliminate entire programs or agencies, and they have not
been willing to even consider doing that. That makes tax increases an
unavoidable option. "
The State, Sunday.
Lawmakers view new tax plans, but should look at needs too
"When state legislators return to the Capitol this week, they have
difficult choices to make. The result likely will be a dramatic shift
in taxes South Carolinians pay to finance education and Medicaid. Missing,
though, may be the debate over how to improve education in all but the
poorest counties." Beaufort
Gazette.
Start reprocessing nuclear material
"Federal policy on nuclear issues changes frequently. If the reprocessing
is delayed or forgotten, the plutonium will sit in South Carolina in
a facility poorly suited for that purpose. That's the situation state
officials wanted to avoid. Now is the time to push federal authorities
to start reprocessing the waste." Spartanburg
Herald Journal.
Test scores show education improvements; budget threatens them
"A cloud looms on the horizon in the form of state budget cuts
that have forced districts to eliminate teaching positions and programs,
and increase class sizes. That could jeopardize the hopeful and hard-won
gains that are reflected in the TerraNova results." Greenville
News, Sunday.
Review use of lottery funds
"Legislators should examine ways to revamp the way lottery funds
are disbursed. Fund basics first, then scholarships based on need, then
scholarships for all. Students who have a good fundamental education
will find a way to get money for college." Beaufort
Gazette.
Sanford's education plan would provide flexibility
"Gov. Mark Sanford's plan to redesign South Carolina's education
funding system would give school district officials the flexibility
they need to better spend the money available to them." Spartanburg
Herald Journal.
Senate should pass research bill to boost jobs
"South Carolina has a vested interest in funding its research institutions,
its teaching schools and its technical colleges. Separating the research
schools from the CHE doesn't minimize the vital role of the other 30
institutions. It is simple recognition of the higher purpose that the
research schools must fill in this state's economy and their need to
move forward as this state competes with our neighbors in building a
favorable business climate." Greenville
News, Sunday.
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Barker: Research bill needed
"Our three research universities generate more than $300 million
in external funding a year, have faculty expertise related to every
industry sector and cover all geographic regions. When you combine
that horsepower with greater flexibility from the state and support
from the business community, we have all the tools we need to move
South Carolina forward." Spartanburg
Herald Journal.
-
Floyd: Don't pass duplicative research bill
"A second state agency is not needed, and building its duplicative
services would continue to delay the "new vision of research"
that would benefit South Carolina for many years to come." Spartanburg
Herald Journal.
* Tax on airplane might not be needed
"Beaufort County Council Chairman Wes Newton raises a good question
about state legislation that could lower the local property tax rate on
airplanes: Is it needed?" Hilton
Head Island Packet.
Charleston lawmakers should stop meddling with schools
"Always ready to meddle in public education in Charleston County,
the local Senate delegation has approved a bill that would mandate single-member
districts for the next election. It ought to be tossed out by the House,
along with a local bill that would make Charleston school board elections
partisan." Post
and Courier, Sunday.
Put reassessment cap on hold
"The fact is that arguments over the fairness and the impact of
the across-the-board cap are premature. If council doesn't change its
mind and put a hold on the new reassessment cap, then the court should
grant North Charleston's request for an injunction and do it for them."
Post
and Courier, Sunday.
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McWhirt: Do nothing this year on reassessment cap
"I know that politicians and school administrators are often
accused as being very good at "doing nothing." Even though
this is not a theory to which I subscribe, in this case I would urge
the council to "do nothing" with regard to the reassessment
cap." Post
and Courier, Sunday.
Pass ban on state lobbyists
"The state House of Representatives has recognized the waste and
inherent absurdity of taxpayer-paid lobbyists working to influence legislators
on behalf of state agencies. The Senate should similarly reject public
lobbyists as an indefensible use of taxpayer dollars to encourage the
growth of state government. " Post
and Courier, Saturday.
* Lobbyists fall from grace
"Lobbyists, even those who are former legislators, are not the
root of all political evil, as some politicians would have us believe.
Savaging them in this fashion makes no sense." Myrtle
Beach Sun News.
Do away with minibottles
"Senate lawmakers recently approved a bill allowing bars and restaurants
to do away with the notorious minibottles that may contribute to our
state's high rate of drunken driving. House lawmakers should follow
the Senate's lead." Greenville
News, Monday.
DMV bill includes questionable license proposal
"State lawmakers are speeding down the road toward cutting costs
at the Division of Motor Vehicles, but public safety advocates may wish
lawmakers would slam on the brakes. A bill overwhelmingly approved by
the House would make South Carolina licenses good for 10 years instead
of the current five years." Greenville
News, Monday.
Palmetto Health shouldn't forget responsibility
"Richland County Council has made changes in its lease with Palmetto
Health that also will make taxpayers liable should the hospitals default
on their deal to care for county residents." The
State, Monday.
Columbia Housing Authority recognizes three "wall of famers"
"State Sen. Kay Patterson, singer Angie Stone and Col. Walter Watson
are the latest to be added to the authority's wall, located on Read
Street in Columbia. All three were once residents of Saxon Homes, one
of Columbia's public housing communities." The
State, Monday.
Eldridge: Smaller schools are better
"The fact is that smaller, community-centered schools are a bargain
for taxpayers. Drop-out costs, transportation costs, and service and
infrastructure costs are just some of the factors that make this true."
Greenville
News, Monday.
* Herbkersman: Wetlands measures come
to forefront
"It may not come to fruition in this session of the Legislature,
but urgently needed wetlands protection measures are now being formulated.
" Carolina
Morning News.
Inman: Save the war's communications
"As someone who utilizes e-mail frequently, I find this instant
communication convenient. But as a museum curator, I find immediate
messaging and its lack of longevity frightening. Any museum or library
director will agree that letters and diaries are indispensable for learning
what life was like when they were written." The
State, Monday.
Smith: State should ensure that counties honor King's legacy
"America and South Carolina are better places because of Martin
Luther King's courage, conviction, leadership and strength. And for
that he should be honored with a holiday." Greenville
News, Saturday.
Warthen: Lourie will be missed
"As a man, Columbia attorney I.S. Leevy Johnson said Sen. Lourie
embodied five Cs: Character, Credibility, Conviction, Courage and Commitment.
Mr. Johnson should know. When he became one of the first black legislators
since Reconstruction, Isadore Lourie went out of his way to make him and
other African-Americans welcome in the General Assembly, frequently taking
on the power structure to do so." The
State, Sunday.
McGrath: BMW Pro-Am shows philanthropic spirit
"The main reason for the creation of the BMW Charity Pro-Am at The
Cliffs golf tournament was to raise money for Upstate South Carolina and
Western North Carolina charities. In two short years, however, our event
has accomplished much more." Greenville
News, Sunday.
Shi: Writers know that the perfect pitch is out there
"Likewise, the craft of writing is often a struggle against failure
that requires constant practice and deep reservoirs of resilience. Hour
after hour, day after day, the writer seeks to make contact with an elusive
clarity, just as the hitter struggles to hit the tailing slider."
Greenville
News, Sunday.
Brack: Legislature moves slowly on bills this year
"By any objective measure, the SC General Assembly hasn't done much
this year....But a closer look at what's going on in Columbia shows lawmakers
have been busy." S.C.
Statehouse Report.
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