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Crews are working on a collapsed storm drain running across the length of the entire street that was discovered last week during a previously scheduled repair job.

— Staff reports

Neighbors called police after hearing gunshots fired around 6 a.m., and officers found Zachary C. Gilyard unconscious when they arrived on the scene, Lewis said.

Gilyard, of 1101 Mandell Drive, died just after 6 a.m. after emergency personnel were unable to resuscitate him.

Columbia investigators are interested in speaking with Columbia resident Christopher Obrien Martin because he may have pertinent information about the incident, Lewis said.

If anyone has information about the incident or Martin’s whereabouts, they are asked to contact Crime Stoppers at (888) 559-8477 or the Columbia Police Department at (803) 545-3500.

District officials are starting discussions now with teachers, parents and students to gauge interest in a single-gender program, which would be tested in the first year at Blaney Elementary and Camden Middle and, possibly, expanded after that.

The school district hopes to make a decision by spring of 2009 on whether to move forward and which grades should be part of the pilot program.

“We’re big supporters in trying to find innovative ways to meet the needs of students,” said Agnes Slayman, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction.

Adopting a single-gender program would not require additional money, she said. But school board members would have to approve it.

The pilot of six years started flying simple, small ultralights that didn’t require a license. His ability to use an ultralight to crop-dust his own fields in Kingstree led him to Guy McClary of Williamsburg Air Services in Kingstree.

After Phillips completed a six-month course to become a commercial pilot, McClary put him to work flying over others’ fields. The work has Phillips crop-dusting fields in South Carolina, Georgia and even parts of Illinois and West Virginia.

This time of year, Phillips draws attention when he flies the bright yellow 402 Air Tractor turbine.

“Some people like to watch the plane,” Phillips said. “Others don’t understand what’s going on.”

Relatives celebrated the life of Army Reserve Spc. Thomas Caughman as they viewed his portrait done by an artist whose son also died in the conflict.

“I love it,” his sister, Lisa, said. “It captures his eyes so well.”

The painting shows her brother in uniform standing in front of a memorial at the family home near Lexington. The memorial was built after his death in June 2004 at age 20.

Army officials unveiled it during the dedication of the 81st Regional Support Command at Fort Jackson. The portrait will hang in the foyer of a building named after Caughman, the unit’s first soldier killed in Iraq.

Many Richland County residents face a $44-a-year increase in garbage fees because of rising fuel prices.

The prospect is so unsavory that some members of County Council are suggesting the county should trim service to soften the impact.

At 6 tonight, during a Monday meeting instead of its usual Tuesday session, the council will hold a public hearing as part of its annual budget deliberations. The county’s new budget year begins July 1.

Already, the council is planning a property-tax increase next year amounting to $9 for the owner of a $100,000 house.

The family night series kicks off Friday and will also be held July 11 and August 8.

Each family fun night is from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and is free with museum admission or membership.

The monthly events will feature activities for children, including studio art projects hosted by museum educators, kids’ Gallery Backpacks filled with games and more.

Live entertainment will be provided by the kid-friendly interactive musical group Lunch Money, puppeteer Hobey Ford, theater arts performer Doug Berky and the NiA Theater Company.

On Saturday, Headliners, 700 Gervais St., will play host for the David Stroy Benefit Concert, which will raise money for combating sickle cell anemia.

The fundraiser is in memory of David Stroy, who died March 19, 2008.

Doors open at 8 p.m. with bands Rosewood Click, Examining Emma, Dave Britt Band, Lucas War Hero, Almost Jason, and Joel Rush.

And don’t forget about your own health. Before the concert, there will be a free sickle cell anemia screening outside Headliners next to Tsunami. Volunteers from the James R. Clark Memorial Sickle Cell Foundation will be available to answer questions.

ARTS

CAMDEN ART ASSOCIATION HONORS SHOW: Through June 10, Fine Arts Center of Kershaw County, Bassett Gallery, 810 Lyttleton St., Camden. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and Friday; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursday. Free. (803) 478-6562

TOURNEES FESTIVAL FILM SERIES: 7 p.m. Mondays through June 30, USC Sumter, Nettles Auditorium. Free. (803) 938-3718

USC SUMMER CHORUS I PROGRAM: Meets Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning Tuesday, USC School of Music Room 006. Open without auditions; $10 participation fee for nonuniversity students. (803) 777-5369

HILTON HEAD ISLAND — The goat famous for leaping off a Hilton Head Island bridge now has a new home.

Palmetto Bluff area residents Tom Davis and Michelle Thompson have adopted the goat, which will share a fenced-in yard and home with eight beagles, a yellow Lab, a Jack Russell terrier and three chickens.

The goat doesn’t have a name yet. Perry Black, a member of Hilton Head Island Fire Rescue who helped save the goat, took to calling it “Lucky Lucy.”

Black served as a liaison between Davis and the Beaufort County Animal Shelter to help Davis adopt the goat.

A Charleston Post and Courier analysis found that state legislators have moved nearly $2 million in the past three years through the schools.

Among them, Democratic Rep. David Mack of Charleston has sent $700,000 through South Carolina State University to a nonprofit organization where he works and receives money.

Mack said he does consulting work for the Columbia-based Palmetto Center for Advocacy and previously served as the group’s interim director. But he declined to disclose how much he has earned from the nonprofit.

Mack wasn’t alone in moving money to nonprofits. In total, the Post and Courier found that lawmakers had funneled money through five of the state’s largest seven public universities. They did so by taking money from the state budget and tucking it into university budgets. The schools then hand the money to the charity.

Legendary designer Yves Saint Laurent, who reworked the rules of fashion by putting women into elegant pantsuits that came to define how modern women dressed, died Sunday evening, a longtime friend and associate said. He was 71.

Pierre Berge said Saint Laurent died at his Paris home following a long illness.

A towering figure of 20th-century fashion, Saint Laurent was widely considered the last of a generation that included Christian Dior and Coco Chanel and made Paris the fashion capital of the world, with the Rive Gauche, or Left Bank, as its elegant headquarters.

In the fast-changing world of haute couture, Saint Laurent was hailed as the most influential and enduring designer of his time. From the first YSL tuxedo and his trim pantsuits to see-through blouses, safari jackets and glamorous gowns, Saint Laurent created instant classics that remain stylish decades later.

Joseph Lapid in 2004

Holocaust survivor, journalist

Joseph Lapid, a former justice minister, journalist and outspoken critic of Israel’s Orthodox religious establishment, died Sunday after a long bout with cancer. He was 77.

A Holocaust survivor, Lapid was one of Israel’s most prominent print journalists and notable TV personalities, renowned for his sharp tongue, acerbic pen and dry wit.

The white hearse is designed from the best features of a 1931 Rolls Royce, a 1932 Duesenberg and a 1934 Packard. It was two years in the making and custom-made for Hines, owner of Hines Funeral Home in Hartsville.

“The reason I bought it is because it’s timeless,” said Hines, whose late father, Gilbert, started the funeral home in 1946. “It won’t be old next year or the year after that. I can use this vehicle for the next 25 years.

“We buy new vehicles every five years now, and they cost about $85,000 each,” he said. “I didn’t pay that much for this one, and I had it specially made on top of that. It has a classic, timeless design and will retain its value for years to come.”

And Hines is just getting started. He plans to have two stretch limousines made that will match the hearse in style.

Charleston’s former celebrity police chief had two or three strokes before his controversial departure in 2005.

“They got me retired,” he said recently from his home in the sleepy little town of Tryon on the North Carolina-South Carolina border. “It’s one of the safest towns in America,” he said.

Greenberg’s more than 30-year career in law enforcement is finished.

He had been one of America’s most sought-after police chiefs. Departments from around the globe looked to him for professional advice. He wrote a book on law enforcement, but now his consulting work is done.

Once slated for demolition, the old Columbia Fire Department headquarters is about to become home to one of the city’s premier architectural firms and what could be one of the most unusual businesses in the Vista.

The Stevens & Wilkinson architectural firm plans to move into the renovated second floor of the historic Senate Street building.

And A Taste of the South — a 15-year-old St. Andrews mail-order business — will move into the first floor. Owners Elie and Pam Abikhaled plan to open a South Carolina-only specialty food and gift shop as well as a restaurant, bar and cooking school.

The fire station’s bay doors will open up the building for sidewalk shopping and dining.

McEachern, chairman of the Richland County Council, admits he unwittingly took contributions from voucher advocates when he ran unsuccessfully for the state House in 2006. But McEachern pledges not to take their money again and says he remains opposed to vouchers.

McEachern says Carson is drumming up the 2-year-old issue to distract attention from his political inexperience.

Carson, McEachern and a third Democrat, Benjamin Byrd, will face off in the June 10 primary to represent District 77. One of the state’s most diverse, the district represents north Columbia and parts of northeast and northwest Richland County.

The winner of the Democratic primary will face one of two Republicans — Michael Kosta or John Rust — in November to succeed longtime incumbent John Scott, who is running for the state Senate.

“For all of the bickering and fighting and naysayers, I think we’re going to look back and realize we’ve had a good session,” said Rep. Jim Merrill, House Majority Leader.

Those Republican triumphs include an immigration reform bill that Gov. Mark Sanford says he’ll sign into law. The bill topped House Republican’s “to do” list this year.

Other successes include revisions to the state’s standardized test, PACT, which are headed for the governor’s desk, and a solid budget, Merrill said.

Next week, Merrill says the House will continue tackling Sanford’s vetoes. But he declined to comment on which ones he’d like to see overturned.

Barack Obama’s camp shrugged off the result and predicted he would clinch the Democratic nomination soon.

With 93 percent of the precincts reporting, the vote count showed Clinton with 243,542 votes, or 68 percent, to Obama’s 112,852, or 32 percent.

Before cheering supporters, she predicted she would have more combined votes than her rival when the primaries end Tuesday night, claimed victories in key swing states and said that no contender will command enough delegates to claim the nomination.

A total of 2,118 delegates are needed to nominate after Saturday’s party rules committee decision to give Michigan and Florida’s delegates a half-vote each.

“Transformers” was the winner of best movie at the 2008 MTV Movie Awards.

Last summer’s robots-in-disguise blockbuster took the top honor Sunday night. Megan Fox helped accept the award.

“Transformers” beat out “Juno,” ““Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End,” “I Am Legend,” “National Treasure: Book of Secrets” and “Superbad,” which led the pack this year with five nominations.

The ceremony was held at the Gibson Amphitheatre, only a couple of hundred yards uphill from the disastrous fire that ripped through the adjacent Universal Studios lot earlier in the day in Universal City, Calif.

1. “Sex and the City,” $55.7 million

2. “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull,” $46 million

3. “The Strangers,” $20.7 million

4. “Iron Man,” $14 million

BUDGET VETOES: Gov. Mark Sanford issued 69 budget vetoes, carving $72 million from state lawmakers’ proposed $7 billion spending plan. The biggest item Sanford vetoed is $21 million for a program that provides health insurance for poor children. If two-thirds of both the House and Senate agree, the Legislature can overturn the governor’s vetoes.

DNA CONVICTION: Bill would require those arrested on felony charges as well as peeping and stalking charges to submit a DNA sample to law enforcement. The samples would go into a national database to help solve crimes.

RETIREMENT PAY: Gov. Mark Sanford has vetoed a bill that would have given a cost-of-living adjustment to the state’s retirees. Sanford said the bill was flawed and lawmakers have not made sure the 2 percent cost-of-living increase for retired regular state employees, judges and police officers can be paid for. Lawmakers are expected this week to decide whether to overturn the governor.

DUI: Drunken drivers will face stiffer, graduated penalties based on their blood-alcohol level, meaning grossly intoxicated drivers will get bigger fines and more jail time. Also, some loopholes prosecutors complained about as impediments to winning convictions have been closed. Under another bill headed back to the House, drivers convicted of DUI would have to install an ignition device in their cars that will give them a breath test before starting up and will disable the car if the device detects the driver has been drinking.

ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION: Businesses will now have to do more to verify the workers they hire are in the United States legally. Employers who don’t comply face temporary shutdown.

EARMARK BAN: Lawmakers can no longer insert anonymous items in the state budget. The practice has been blamed for lawmakers’ pet projects showing up in the state’s spending plan, where it is often difficult to strike.

TEACHER SEX: Lawmakers passed a bill that would make consensual sex between students and school employees illegal. Right now, a school employees can engage in consensual sex with a student who is 16, the age of consent in South Carolina.

CIGARETTE TAX: Gov. Mark Sanford vetoed a bill that would have raised the nation’s lowest cigarette tax by 50 cents a pack and used the money to expand Medicaid and private insurance coverage for the state’s working poor and some employers. Lawmakers have been attempting to raise the tax for seven years. A disagreement on how to spend the proceeds killed the bill. House Speaker Bobby Harrell, R-Charleston, said he’s confident the Legislature will raise the tax next year.

PAYDAY LENDING: Lawmakers failed to pass restrictions on the payday lending industry that passed the state Senate. The restrictions would have limited the number of loans a consumer could assume at a time and would have limited the fees lenders could charge.

ABOLISHING PAROLE: A bill that would end parole and create a new court for nonviolent drug offenders isn’t likely to pass the General Assembly. The bill was pushed by Attorney General Henry McMaster but ran into trouble when the state Department of Corrections worried ending parole would create more prison crowding. Some lawmakers also worried about the cost.

So far, about $30,000 in out-of-state campaign donations have been doled out to 16 House and Senate candidates, according to a review by The State.

That’s still a far cry from the 2006 election cycle when Rich and his allied corporate entities gave at least $155,000 to about 30 S.C. candidates, according to the National Institute on Money in State Politics. Rich’s allies gave tens of thousands of dollars more to many of the same candidates, records show.

While the contributions are legal, some have raised concerns about election buying and out-of-state influence.

“I call them political terrorists,” said state Rep. Gene Pinson, R-Greenwood. “They’re outside of the state, trying to do a hostile takeover of state government. I like for South Carolinians to run South Carolina.”

Australia became the latest member of the U.S.-led coalition to pull combat soldiers from Iraq. It began sending its 550 combat troops home, fulfilling an election promise that helped sweep Prime Minister Kevin Rudd to power in November.

Opposition has been growing in Iraq to the proposed security pact with the U.S., which will replace the current U.N. mandate that expires at the end of the year and could provide for a long-term American military role in this country.

Much of the opposition comes from anti-American Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, but statements critical of the deal also have been issued by mainstream Sunni and Shiite figures who fear it will undermine Iraqi sovereignty.

Chief government spokesman Ali al-Dabbagh said the Iraqi negotiators have a “vision and a draft that is different” from the Americans but that the talks, which began in March, still were in an early stage.

«Obituary posted: June 2, 2008»

Mrs. Rogers died Saturday, May 31, 2008. Born in Laurens, SC, she was a daughter of Rufus Carter and Maude Murry Carter. She was an avid Bible reader who loved the Bible and at age 89 came to know and love her Grand Creator, Jehovah. She was an active member of St. Andrews Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Her love of crossword puzzles kept her mentally alert until the end of her life.

Surviving are son, Steve (Brenda) Rogers of Irmo, SC; grandchildren, Lisa Rogers and Misty Cooper of Florida, Christopher (Candice) Rogers and Steven (Sara) Rogers of Columbia; great-grandchildren, Nathan, Carine, Ethan and Seth Rogers, all of Columbia; brother, Alvin (Thelma) Carter of Greenville, SC; many nieces and nephews; and millions of spiritual brothers and sisters.

Her parents, husband, John M. Rogers, and sister Helen Duncan predeceased Mrs. Rogers.

www.ShivesFuneralHome.com

«Obituary posted: June 2, 2008»

Mr. Baltzegar was born January 21, 1935, in Orangeburg, a son of the late Leo Wells Baltzegar and the late Clara McMillan Baltzegar. He served in the U.S. Army, was a member of the Elks Lodge #897 and the Country Club of Orangeburg. He was a former employee of Wannamaker Motors for over 20 years before starting Mike’s Auto Sales, retiring in 2000.

He was preceded in death by two sisters, Juanita Berry and Vera Mount Wilson. He was a loving father and enjoyed horses, and had a hobby of woodworking.

Surviving are three sons and daughters-in-law, Michael Baltzegar of Orangeburg, Marty and Cameron Baltzegar of Irmo and Chad and Yasmin Baltzegar of Columbia; five grandchildren, Michael and Angie Baltzegar, Megan Baltzegar, all of Orangeburg, Jacob Baltzegar and Connor Baltzegar, both of Irmo, and Isabella Baltzegar of Columbia; two brothers; Roger Balton of Lake City, SC, and Jackie Baltzegar of West Columbia; two sisters, Jean B. Bair of St. Matthews and Mateland B. Brown of Norway; caregiver and friend Alice Beard of Ehrhardt.

Memorials may be made to the Elks Lodge #897, 1720 Joe S. Jeffords Hwy., Orangeburg, SC 29115 or to the charity of one’s choice.

Mr. Barnhill, born November 28, 1928, in Whaleyville, VA, passed away Saturday, May 31, 2008. He was a son of William Theopholous Barnhill and Mary Catherine Barnhill. Mr. Barnhill attended Victory Fellowship Church of God and he loved his church family. He was a truck driver with Fennel Container Corporation. He attended the Tri-City Senior Leisure Center. He also attended the North Charleston Church of God of Prophecy.

Mr. Barnhill is survived by his daughter, Mary Linda Spencer of Lexington; sons, Jerry Dean Barnhill of Columbia and Ray Etheridge Cobb of Durham, NC; son-in-law, Robert Spencer; daughter-in-law, Rebecca Barnhill; 12 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife, Bernice Barnhill; sons, Frank Lynn Barnhill, Jr. and Ronald Wayne Barnhill; brother, William Barnhill and sister, Cora Barnhill. The family would like to thank his co-workers at Fennel Container Corporation for their care and friendship. Also, a special thanks to the staff of Heartland Hospice, Lexington Medical Center Extended Care and Dr. Truesdale and the Internal Medicine Association.

www.caughmanharmanfuneralhome.com

«Obituary posted: June 2, 2008»

Dr. Condon was born November 27, 1958, in New Rochelle, NY, a son of Beverly Jones Condon and the late Francis Joseph Condon. He was a graduate of University California at Irbine, Truman State University, and Michigan State University, where he received his doctorate degree in internal medicine. Dr. Condon was a dedicated physician, who enjoyed caring for his patients at Condon Medical Services. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran and an avid Harley Davidson enthusiast. He enjoyed Michigan State basketball and football, cooking, playing the guitar, and singing.

Survivors: wife: Jessica Teal Condon of the home; 2 sons: Ian Condon and Sean Condon of Cheraw, SC; 2 stepsons: Devon Ferry of Conway, Mo., and William Freeman of Lebanon, Mo; mother: Beverly Jones Condon of Twin Falls, ID; 1 brother: Steven Condon of Arizona, 4 sisters: Theresa Kavanah, Marygrace Condon of Idaho, Christine Condon of California, and Peggy Lennon of New York.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Chesterfield County, P.O. Box 293, Chesterfield, SC 29709.

Miller-Rivers-Caulder Funeral Home of Chesterfield, SC. (Error! Reference source not found.) is serving the Condon family.

«Obituary posted: June 2, 2008»

Mr. Post died Saturday May 31, 2008, at his home. Husband of the late Glenda “Joyce” Post, and son of the late Charles and Elizabeth Shillinger Post, he was born in Johnstown, PA, February 28, 1939.

In addition to serving our nation as a full-time National Guardsman in the U.S. Army for 26 years, Mr. Post had a passion for hunting, fishing and bowling. He also umpired and refereed youth sports for over 30 years and drove a school bus for a number of years. He was a member of Calvary Chapel in Blythewood and loved his family and grandchildren.

Mr. Post is survived by three sons, Robert B. Post, Jr and his wife Sheron of Lexington, Michael B. Post and his wife Wendy of Lugoff, Jimmy A. Post and his wife Kim of Georgia; two daughters, Terrie Rothenberger and her husband John of Elgin, Sherry Mitchell and her husband Donnie of Lugoff; three brothers, David, Eddie and Charlie Post; three sisters, Dorothy, Mary and Carol; 12 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Pope Funeral Home of Winnsboro is serving the Post family.

Mr. Atkins was born in Gramling, SC, January 23, 1933, the son of the late Eco and Glenna (Jackson) Atkins and was the husband of Lula Mae (Blackwell) Atkins.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by two daughters, Charlene Lane and husband David of Inman, Ann Friend and husband Charles of Atlanta; one son, Tommy Atkins and wife Sheila of Inman; one sister, Betty Barnwell Hook of Gramling; uncle, Yates Jackson of Inman; and 4 grandchildren. A special thanks to Cathy Pilgrim for her loving care.

He was a graduate of Clemson University, retired from Durand/Wayland Co. and worked as a spray machine dealer after his retirement.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 3, at Gramling United Methodist Church, Gramling, SC, where Mr. Atkins was a member, with Rev. David Caughman and Rev. Donnan Lawson officiating. Burial will be in Roselawn Memorial Gardens.

Dr. Gibbon died Saturday, May 31, 2008. Born in Chesterfield, Great Britain, he was the only child of the late George Hartley Gibbon and Nellie Hempsall Gibbon. He was a graduate of King Edward VII School in Sheffield, England, Victoria University of Manchester, England and Royal Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons of London, England in 1946. From 1966 until 1975 he served as director of St. Lawrence State Hospital, New York, N.Y.; Suffolk State School, Long Island, N.Y.; and J.N. Adam Developmental Center, Rome, Ga.

Dr. Gibbon served in the Royal Air Force, England, as a Medical Officer from 1947 to 1949 and as House Surgeon from 1946 to 1947. He served in the United States Army Reserve 1981-1986 and received The Army Medal of Achievement as a lieutenant colonel.

Dr. Gibbon was a member of the Columbia Medical Society, South Carolina Psychiatric Society, American Association of Psychiatric Administrators, American Psychiatric Association, which awarded him the Lifetime Achievement Medal, and American Medical Association. He was also a member of Church of England “Episcopal”.

Surviving are his wife of fifty years, Tina R. Gibbon; children, Geraldine Slater and her husband, Alex, of Lawrence, Kan., Linda Maldonado and her husband, Javier, of Philadelphia, Pa., and Robert John Gibbon of Columbia; grandchildren, Jacob John Maldonado and Joshua Joel Maldonado; and dear friends, Peter and Christy Alvarez.

Liz was born December 24, 1937, in Laurens, SC. She taught piano for 40 years and was a volunteer with the American Red Cross. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church choir and was actively involved with the United Methodist Women.

She is survived by her husband of 49 years, Joseph R. Chandler; son, Joseph H. Chandler (Laura); daughters, Beth Chandler and Kelley Beck (Danny); five grandchildren; and sisters, Sarah Smeal (Keith) and Andrea Ridge.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to FUMCO Friends of Music, 142 E. Jackson St., Orlando, FL 83801.

«Obituary posted: June 2, 2008»

Fondly known to his family as “Pop,” he served in World War II, both in Germany and France. He was in the Battle of the Bulge and was in Paris on Bastille Day. He retired after 32 years with the Denmark Post Office. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Denmark. He was a past commander of the Bamberg American Legion Post and past president of the Denmark-Olar Band Booster Club. He loved fishing the Edisto River, selling at the Flea Market and his most precious grandchildren.

He is survived by two daughters, Lou E. Hightower of Columbia and Dorothy C. Tatum of Bamberg; four grandchildren, Dr. Cynthia Voris of Columbia, Dr. Charles R. Tatum of Florence, Beth Creech of Birmingham, AL, and Liz Atkins of Newman, GA; two sisters, Polly H. Myers and Mildred H. Hutto, both of Bamberg; and nine great-grandchildren.

Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 3, 2008, in The Denmark Cemetery with Rev. Andy Hunter officiating. Active pallbearers will be Jay Law, Andrew Voris, Bryan Tatum, Robert Augsten, Russ Hightower, Heath Hightower and Phil Myers.

Friends are asked to visit with the family after the service at the Fellowship Hall of The First Baptist Church, Beech Ave. Memorials may be made to The First Baptist Church of Denmark, P.O. Box 325, Denmark, SC 29402.

Born in Winnsboro, December 14, 1964, Mrs. Delesandro was the daughter of Wayman Rhymer of Winnsboro and the late Dorothy Knotts of Winnsboro. Mrs. Delesandro died Saturday, May 31, 2008.

She is survived by two daughters, Shannon D. LeGrand and her husband Justin of Winnsboro, Hannah Delesandro, their father Brian Delesandro; her father, Wayman Rhymer and stepmother Jayne of Gilbert; one sister, Debra Merchant and her husband Gerald of Winnsboro, and grandmother Wanda Rhymer of Winnsboro.

In addition to her mother, Angie was predeceased by stepfather Arthur E. Knotts and grandparents Douglas and Ressie Rhymer and James and Mae Covin.

Angela courageously fought four different cancers over four years. She was an amazing woman and true angel on this earth.

In his resignation letter, Irmo High School principal Eddie Walker states: “I feel the formation of a Gay/Straight Alliance Club at Irmo High School implies that students joining the club will have chosen to or will choose to engage in sexual activity with members of the same sex, opposite sex, or members of both sexes.”

The gay-straight alliance is not about having sex. According to the GSA Web site, it provides “a safe place for students to meet, support each other, talk about issues related to sexual orientation and work to end homophobia.” Furthermore, the groups act as “a support group and provide safety and confidentiality to students who are struggling with their identity as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or questioning.”

Discrimination and prejudice based on sexual orientation is a reality in the society we live in. If the formation of a club at Irmo High can help students, faculty and parents understand more about sexual orientation and aid in alleviating misconceptions, fears and discrimination, then I believe it will improve Irmo High and the surrounding community.

If Principal Walker feels he must resign, then so be it. However, in doing so, it is important to state fact rather than personal sentiment.

In general, pit bulls are very people-oriented dogs that react assertively, or become “gamey” toward other animals. That’s not to say that they cannot get along with other animals; they just prefer people.

In addition to being strong, muscular, energetic and agile, they are both loyal and loving. None of these characteristics is bad, however; these qualities are often sought after by those who fight dogs and by those who like the image of having a strong, physically impressive dog at the end of the leash or, more often, chained in their back yard.

The pit bull is the dog of choice for an element of society that admires the breed and its characteristics for all the wrong reasons.

When choosing a companion pet, you have to match the breed to a lifestyle.

While I respect the intelligence of Libby Stephens (“Clinton continues to protest too much,” Thursday), I believe her statements condemning Sen. Hillary Clinton as willing to say or do anything to get elected and demanding that she quit the campaign are motivated only by her bad case of Obamamania.

First of all, Hillary’s mention of Robert Kennedy’s assassination was merely a way of giving a frame of reference for the primary season of 1968: For those of us old enough to remember that horrible murder, RFK was still in contention in June — it was simply Mrs. Clinton’s way of recalling the time.

The fact of the matter is that Sen. Barack Obama, a young and inexperienced politician with a very liberal record, was treated to a free ride by the media for more than a year — during which time he was able to wow people with his smooth oratory deliberately lacking substance. “Change” and “yes we can” mean just what?

Obama’s lack of foreign policy experience and his naivete are downright scary, in light of the times we live in. Give me Sen. John McCain or Clinton any day in an international crisis.

Who has a story like this?

Stout, 63, spent three years in a monastery after high school in New England before dropping out. “It wasn’t for me. ... Conforming to certain rules and principles didn’t jive with my personality.”

He graduated from Boston College and planned to get a doctorate but was drafted into the Army and served a yearlong tour in Vietnam working with computer systems.

He returned to Middletown, R.I., to teach middle school science and marry his hometown sweetheart. But after having two kids, he needed to make more money.

Despite revenue rising at more of the state’s top companies last year than in 2006, profit shrunk at more of them, too.

Of the 18 S.C. companies reporting more than $50 million in revenue last year, 15 saw sales rise in 2007 — three more than in 2006.

The number of companies reporting a smaller profit than the year before was eight last year — three more than in 2006 and the most since 2003. The number could reach nine when military-vehicle maker Force Protection, finally issues its delayed earnings.

The reasons for profit declines varied among companies; some spent more money on expansion, while others were hit with increased expenses of raw materials or interest rates.

It was the second fire at the historic site in nearly two decades, leveling facades and hollowing out buildings at one of Hollywood’s largest movie studios. This time around, thousands of videos chronicling Universal’s movie and TV shows were destroyed in the blaze.

But Universal officials said they were thankful no one was injured seriously at the theme park and that the damaged footage can be replaced.

“We have duplicates of everything,” said NBC Universal president and chief operating officer Ron Meyer. “Nothing is lost forever.”

The blaze broke out on a soundstage featuring New York brownstone facades around 4:30 a.m. at the 400-acre property, Los Angeles County Fire Chief Michael Freeman said. The fire was contained to the lot, but about 400 firefighters still were trying to put it out several hours later.

• Bowater Inc., the Greenville paper company, merged with a Canadian business to form AbitibiBowater last year. The company now is based in Montreal.

• Coastal Financial Corp. of Myrtle Beach was bought last year by BB&T of Winston-Salem, N.C.

HOW THE LIST WAS COMPILED

The Palmetto Inc. was compiled from annual-report information filed by each company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Rankings include companies reporting annual revenue of more than $50 million in 2007.

Sales for the Ladson company’s mine-resistant military vehicles more than tripled in 2007, but Force Protection is struggling this year as U.S. military contracts draw down.

The three consumer banks on the list all fell as the slumping real estate and credit markets hurt revenues.

The South Financial Group and SCBT Financial slid three places each to ninth and 16th, respectively. First Financial Holdings tumbled five places to 15th.

Hampshire Group returned to the rankings after being left off last year when earnings reports were delayed. Hampshire last ranked 13th in 2005.

RICHLAND COUNTY

333 Algrave Way, Columbia, from C & C Builders of Columbia, Inc. to Brazell Family LLC, $134,000

905 Bluff Road, Columbia, from Nikolaus A. Reh to Hotshot Holdings Inc., $103,000

5 Lots on Chandler Hall, Columbia, from Chandler Hall Developers LLC to Hurricane Construction Inc., $132,500

70% — Of executives would fire an employee for bad office manners

82.4% — Have given an official warning for etiquette offenses — such as personal calls, loud talking or revealing clothing.

36% — Issued a formal warning for swearing

6% — Fired an employee for swearing

The Context-Based Research Group, an ethnographic research firm, found that the news consumption behavior of younger readers differs profoundly from that of previous generations.

The research project, commissioned by The Associated Press in 2007, analyzed the news consumption patterns of an ethnically diverse group of 18 men and women between the ages of 18 and 34 in six cities in the United States, Britain and India.

It ultimately helped AP design a new model for news delivery to meet the needs of young adults, who are driving the shift from traditional media to digital news, said Jim Kennedy, AP's director of strategic planning.

"The real value was that it gave us a lasting model of how news is being consumed in the digital space by young people that we can use to improve our own newsgathering and project development," Kennedy said.