Thumbs up to society’s turn out at meeting

Thumbs up to the Florence Area Humane Society for turning out en masse at the Florence City Council meeting Monday looking for an update on the new animal shelter. As the city waits for the revision from the project’s architect, continued pressure concerning the status of the new animal shelter to replace the one adjacent to National Cemetery Road can only help continue the process. The society has raised $500,000 toward the revised estimate of the $1 million project, and as the society reiterated at the meeting, the public needs to see some positive action to keep donations coming in. The current shelter has reached a critical point, and while the city does faces pressure regarding funding for different projects, it’s important to finish an effort that has plenty of community support.

Thumbs up to state Sen. Hugh Leatherman of Florence for the bill he has introduced to create an 11-member commission made up of people who have experience in the areas of public finance, tax administration, economics and tax law. The group, to be called the South Carolina Taxation Realignment Commission (TRAC) will explore the current system and examine the effect changes will have and make proposals for a full — not piecemeal — reform of the system. The committee also will look into sales tax exemptions to examine which ones need to be retained, modified or repealed.

Thumbs up to Florence Art Trail organizers. After the overwhelming success of the Art in the Windows project, the group has extended that exhibit through January and is in the midst of coordinating with area quilters to present their works of art, as well. The possibilities for the Art Trail are endless, and we applaud those involved for keeping up the momentum.

Thumbs up to Clemson men’s basketball coach Oliver Purnell and his Tigers for cracking the Top 10 in the AP and coaches polls released Monday. Clemson (16-0) is ranked No. 10 in the AP poll and No. 9 in the coaches poll. The rankings are the highest for Clemson since the Tigers were ranked No. 5 early in the 1997-98 season. When Purnell was hired away from Dayton before the 2003-04 season, perhaps not many Clemson fans knew what to expect. Purnell, though, has steadily rebuilt Clemson’s program and now has the Tigers back on the national stage. From 10-18 in his first season at Clemson, Purnell appears to be on the verge of his third straight 20-win season and second straight NCAA Tournament appearance. A win at home today over second-ranked Wake Forest would do wonders for the program.

Walter M. Sparrow, executive director of Florence County Disabilities Foundation, gives thumbs up “for the tremendous outpouring of support for the Making A Difference at Christmas gift project that benefited (more than) 400 needy individuals with life-long disabilities served by Florence County Disabilities & Special Needs Board. Without the dozens of sponsors representing businesses, corporations, schools, churches and civic organizations, and especially the countless generous people from throughout Florence County and the surrounding area that purchased gifts, many in need would not have been able to receive help this holiday season!”