Opinion Archive

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November 21, 2009

Letters to the Editor: Published Nov 18

Writer thankful safety light installation

LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Reader commends Clyburn’s work toward the public

Representative James Clyburn is to be commended for putting the needs of the people before politics and voting in favor of the Affordable Health Care for America Act.

COLUMN: Thumbs up to fire departments for campaign help

Thumbs up to Pee Dee fire departments for their support of the U.S. Fire Administration’s “Install. Inspect. Protect.” campaign, which is designed to encourage residents to install smoke alarms and sprinklers in their homes.

November 20, 2009

One dead in Little River shooting

Horry County Police respond to a shooting on Oscar Road in Little River just after 5:00 p.m. Friday afternoon.

Horry County unemployment raises concerns

Horry County’s immediate economic future may not be as good as it once looked. The Coastal Workforce Center in Conway reported the county’s unemployment rate stands at 12.2 percent for October, up from September when it was 10.9 percent.

CDC survey says SC one of most obese states

The most recent Morbidity and Mortality Weekly report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention includes the first county-by-county survey of obesity nationwide, and it found that South Carolina has some of the highest rates of obesity and diabetes.

Highlights of Upcoming Events for the weekend of Nov. 21

For a complete list of events, click on “8 Days A Week” under the “Things to Do” tab on http://www.scnow.com

Lake City Rotarians hear Thanksgiving message

Lake City Rotary Club members recently heard words from local pastor to reflect on during the Thanksgiving season.

Diabetes patients learn lessons of survival from pharmacist

Nearly 70 patients gathered recently at Lake City’s Piggly Wiggly supermarket for an annual diabetes event that provided food lessons, door prizes and holiday desserts.

SC lawmakers to take up impeachment of governor

South Carolina lawmakers plan to formally consider impeaching Gov. Mark Sanford for the first time next week, the chairman of the committee beginning that work said Friday.

Senior Citizens Association to hold Thanksgiving Blessing

The Senior Citizens Association in Florence County has received donations for its Thanksgiving Blessing 2009. The donations will allow more than 150 Lake City senior members to enjoy enjoy a planned program, a nutritious meal, socialization and entertainment from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Monday.

Lake City girl named ‘Hero of the Month’ by Kids Wish Network

Bria Singletary, a 5-year-old girl from Lake City, was recently honored as a Kids Wish Network Hero of the Month.

Elementary students learn about science, nature

Twenty-eight students from Lake City Elementary School learned about nature and science during a recent field trip to Camp Bob Cooper.

Williamsburg Technical College Student Initiative Program accepts applications

The Williamsburg Technical College Student Initiative Program is accepting applications for spring 2010 enrollment.

Florence 1 schools superintendent Jackson to retire

Florence School District 1 Superintendent Larry Jackson will retire at the end of the school year.

Carolina Bay opens in Marion

Carolina Bay Clothing Company opened their doors for a preview night on Thursday.

Thanksgiving travel safety tips from the South Carolina Highway Patrol

The Thanksgiving holiday is a busy time on the highways. That’s why the South Carolina Highway Patrol wants to remind drivers to be extra safe during the holidays.

Planned power outage scheduled in downtown Florence

Progress Energy will conduct a planned outage at the Florence City-County Complex on Saturday and Sunday to upgrade service to the facility.

New Goodwill store opens on Grand Strand

Hundreds of anxious customers crowded the entrance to Horry County’s newest Goodwill store in Little River Friday morning. As the ribbon was cut and the doors opened, the crowds streamed in to gobble up the great deals on used items inside.

CCU football player arrested for DUI

A Coastal Carolina University football player was arrested Friday morning on driving under the influence (DUI) charges.

36 charged in SC cockfighting stings

Warrants have been issued against 36 people for their involvement in two cockfighting operations in Williamsburg and Lexington counties.

Elvington to retire in December

After serving 19 years as executive director of Hartsville Downtown Development Association, Judi Elvington is retiring effective Dec. 31.

Florence’s Harvest Hope celebrates food, truck donations

Harvest Hope Food Bank got a bit more hopeful Friday with the donation of 30 boxes of canned goods and the addition of two refrigerated trucks.

Marion community teams up to support troops

Antonio Johnson deployed to Afghanistan in August with 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division of Fort Bragg, N.C.

Shortly after he left his mother, Linda Johnson began thinking of something she could do to help her son and other troops in Afghanistan.

SC unemployment rate jumps, Pee Dee rate mixed in October

The unemployment rate in South Carolina rose nearly half a percentage point in October, to 12.1 percent. Three of the 10 counties with the highest unemployment rates are located in the Pee Dee.

Oyster Roast supports Hartsville athletes

The 5th Annual Red Fox Oyster Roast and Shrimp Fest will be 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday at J. Michael’s Grill & Raw Bar, 636 Poole St., Hartsville. All proceeds support Hartsville High School (HHS) athletics.

Dillon County deputy faces domestic violence charge

A Dillon County sheriff’s deputy is facing a criminal domestic violence charge, Dillon County Sheriff Major Hulon said.

Report: Myrtle Beach doctor used cocaine, walked out of surgery

The State Department of Labor and Licensing and Regulation says Dr. Steven Matzinger used cocaine outside of work, and once walked out on a patient for half an hour during surgery.

McNeill charged with rape, murder in 5-year-old’s death

A Fayetteville man accused of kidnapping 5-year-old Shaniya Davis is now charged with first-degree murder and rape in her death. Police announced the new charges against Mario Andrette McNeill during a news conference Thursday night. Shaniya apparently died of asphyxiation, according to preliminary autopsy results.

Boeing groundbreaking set for Friday

Boeing Co.‘s transformational influence on the Lowcountry will start with a mound of dirt today but have an immeasurable impact on generations to come. The sheer scope of the aviation giant’s future $750 million plant, the largest private investment ever announced in the Charleston area, could change the economic and cultural fabric of the region.

Georgetown group objects to treated sewage going into Waccamaw River

The Georgetown County League of Women Voters is opposing the effort to place treated sewage water in the Waccamaw River.

Hearing set on ‘Elmer Fudd’

A hearing will be held Dec. 3 to address two motions related to the case of “Elmer Fudd,“ a commenter accused of posting false and defamatory information about the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce on The Sun News’ Web site, chamber attorney Cherie Blackburn said.

LETTER: Hartsville, the Art of Good Living Marketing in Full Swing

The economy may be lagging in cities around the nation, but here in Hartsville the living is decidedly good.

Library putting overdue book fines towards food donations

Pennington talks broadband with chamber

Hartsville Mayor Mel Pennington told members of the Greater Hartsville Chamber of Commerce that he is settling into his new role as mayor just over a week after taking office.

Hartsville Area Church News

Library features new biographical titles

The new books below are a mixed bag, but the interesting thing is, the novels are almost more believable than the memoirs and biographical titles. Check them out and see if you agree. If you give up on the people, the animals have their own special wisdom to share.

Wilson celebrates American Education Week

Wilson High School hosted its fourth annual Drop in to Wilson event on Thursday.

Marion group sends care packages to soldiers

A group of mothers and community members in Marion is sending care packages to troops overseas.

November 19, 2009

Plainview Elementary School All A Honor Roll

Plainview Elementary School honors first quarter all A students.

Emmanuel Christian School All A Honor Roll

Emmanuel Christian School honors first quarter All A students.

LETTER: Voter concerned about council election outcome

I am writing this letter because I am very disappointed with the recent elections. I live in City Council District 1 and had not voted in the last two council elections because there was no one running against our current council member.

EDITORIAL: Investing in Hartsville through the United Way

The United Way of Hartsville launched an ambitious campaign last Friday to raise $275,000 in 2010 for service agencies in the Hartsville area.

Darlington County Historical Society holds fall meeting

Over 60 Darlington County Historical Society members and guests gathered at Byrdtown Community’s Bethlehem United Methodist Church for their annual autumn meeting on Oct. 22.

Hines, Heatley honored for contributions to community

Former Hartsville City Councilman and business and civic leader Franklin Hines received dual honors Sunday when he was named Citizen of the Year and Omega Man of the Year by the brothers of the Alpha Beta Beta Chapter of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.

Haley campaigns in Hartsville

State Rep. Nikki Haley brought her campaign for the Republican nomination for governor to Hartsville Tuesday.

All State, Rabon Agency donate 1,500 Fire Safety coloring books

All State and the Rabon Agency donated 1,500 Fire Safety coloring books to the Hartsville Fire Department to be distributed in Hartsville area elementary schools. The Rabon Agency also donated another 2,500 of the coloring books to the Darlington County Fire District.

People & Events Nov. 20

People & Events in Hartsville

Everybody Calls Me Jana Banana: Please forgive me, little pet turtle

When I purchased you with your sibling a few years ago, I had all good intentions on being a good turtle mommy. You and your brother (or was it sister?) were adorable with your green and yellow markings and wee little shy faces.

Illegal precious metal sales threaten Florence business

As a Florence pawn shop owner, Dave Hemmingsen depends on gold sales to keep his business going. But the illegal sale of precious metals by those without a permit are hurting threatening his livelihood.

PET OF THE WEEK: Ona

The Darlington County Humane Society shelter, (843) 398-4402, is located off Highway 151, ½ mile west of Darlington Raceway. Turn beside the water tower. Shelter hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. The shelter is closed Wednesday and Sunday.

YMCA News & Notes

Hartsville YMCA News & Notes

LETTER TO THE EDITOR: A missed opportunity to ban smoking in public places

On Nov. 9, the Florence City Council voted to defeat an ordinance that would ban smoking in public places.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Portable signs are important tool for small businesses

First of all, let me begin with this question: upon elections, did not all the elected officials make this promise, we will serve to protect and promote small business?

EDITORIAL: Monster a big win for Pee Dee

Monster’s grand opening in Florence was bigger than many imagined when the deal was consummated more than a year ago.

Falcons Fall Athletic Banquet

Darlington High School held its Fall Sports Athletic Banquet on Wednesday to honor the school’s athletes.

Jones honored with U.S. Congressional Record

The U.S. Congress recognized Frank Jones at the Marion County industry appreciation luncheon on Nov. 17.

Johnakin Players visit college production

Contributed

Mullins man arrested on drug, weapons charges

Agents have arrested a Mullins man after an extensive drug investigation by the Marion County Combined Drug Unit.

Sanford wants to report previously unrecorded flights

One day after the State Ethics Commission announced it’s moving forward with ethics charges against Gov. Mark Sanford, the governor said he wants to amend his ethics disclosure form to report private plane flights he had not reported before.

Stanko receives second death sentence

Stephen Stanko received his second death sentence Thursday afternoon, this time for the fatal shooting of a 74-year-old man.

Florence County Council OKs museum architects

Florence County Council has selected a consortium from New York and Columbia to design the new Florence Museum of Art, Science and History.

New power stretchers ease weight for Florence County EMS workers

Earlier this year, Florence County purchased 10 powered ambulance cots, which are powered by a hydraulic system that raises and lowers a patient with the touch of a button. The cots were purchased in an effort to reduce lifting injuries among EMS workers.

Faith-based business offers entrepreneur training event in Cheraw

He’s Worthy Publications and Products will hold a Divine Connection Network Meeting beginning with registration at 9:15 a.m. Dec. 12 at Northeastern Technical College in Cheraw.

Marion family taking part in national contest

Update: The Hess Family was notified by Parenting Magazine, earlier this week, that they have been selected as the winners of the road trip national contest.

Hartsville man arrested after robbery, counterfeit shoes seizure

Darlington County deputies have arrested a Hartsville man in connection with a robbery and counterfeit shoes seizure.

BlueCross BlueShield PGBA sheds 90 Florence jobs

About 90 employees at BlueCross BlueShield PGBA in Florence may be out of a job by Feb. 5.

Simple steps can prevent home repair ripoffs

Donna Coombs said this past summer she was thinking of having the concrete at her house painted and sealed.

Tips to avoid home repair ripoffs

There are some simple home repairs you can do yourself that may help you save time and money.

HopeHealth named charitable ‘Angel’ by the Secretary of State

South Carolina Secretary of State Mark Hammond announced this year’s charitable organizations list of “Scrooges and Angels” Wednesday in Columbia.

Myrtle Beach runoff votes counted, certified

The Myrtle Beach runoff votes have all been counted and certified.

Judge delays trial in case against former Florence County sheriff’s deputy

The federal case against a former Florence County sheriff’s deputy accused of killing his mother and stepfather was continued until the next term of court.

Lawyers seek trial delay in former Latta mayor’s federal case

Lawyers in the federal case against a former Latta mayor and his wife have asked the case be continued until the next court term.

Reynolds wins mayor’s post

Randy Reynolds defeated Jackie L. Thomas, with 192 votes to Thomas’ 141, for the Lamar mayor’s post. Voters in Lamar returned to the polls Tuesday to settle a runoff election.

Darlington County deputies seek armed robber

Darlington County deputies are looking for the man who robbed The Markette in Pine Ridge on Wednesday.

Police: NC Mom may have used girl to pay debt

Detectives are looking into allegations that Antoinette Davis used her 5-year-old daughter, Shaniya, to pay off a debt. “That’s an avenue of the investigation we’re looking at,“ Fayetteville Police Chief Tom Bergamine said Wednesday. He did not elaborate.

Panel finds probable cause for charges against Sanford

A state ethics panel has found evidence Gov. Mark Sanford may have broken state law, charging him with “several” undisclosed violations after an investigation into his travel and campaign spending.

More report food illness after Conway fundraiser

The number of people hospitalized after eating food sold at a church fundraiser in Conway during the weekend rose to about 11 Wednesday, according to DHEC officials, who said about 125 people in the area also sought a doctor’s care for gastrointestinal illness.

Sumter-Lee inmate severely beaten, in coma

An inmate at Sumter-Lee Regional Detention Center lies comatose in a Columbia hospital after he was severely beaten Monday afternoon by a fellow inmate who has been charged with assault and battery with intent to kill.

Computer glitch delaying flights

A computer glitch shut down most, if not all, departing flights at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport and other airports across the country Thursday morning.

Great American Smokeout makes it the best time to quit smoking

Tobacco use is the United States’ most preventable cause of disease and premature death with a current or former smoker dying every 6.5 seconds as a direct cause of smoking.

Small town life bring benefits

Marion is the first and only small town in which I’ve resided (I was raised in Charleston). So there are still some things that strike me that I expect folks who have lived here all their lives take for granted. One is the connection that being in such a small community engenders.

Senator shows appreciation for veterans

It is great that we stop and remember our veterans who have given us so much and all those who are presently serving.
President John F. Kennedy once said “as we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.”

Marion County law enforcement makes arrests: Published Nov. 18

The following arrest reports are provided by the various Marion County law enforcement agencies. Motorists are reminded that Sheriff’s Deputies and the City of Marion Police Officers will be conducting random safety checks in their various jurisdictions through December.

Two Hartsville employees honored for state service

Rick Fountain and Linda Whittle, both of Hartsville, were honored recently for their years of state service.

November 18, 2009

OPINION: Miss Florence serves as role model in obesity fight

More than 40 percent of South Carolinians will be obese by the year 2013, but not if Bree Boyce has anything to say about it. The Francis Marion University student, who was crowned Miss Florence during the scholarship pageant last month, has become a compelling local figure in the fight against obesity.