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But at the same time, local governments are cutting the money they give to the organizations charged with marketing the area and filling those rooms.

Funding for the Columbia Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau is expected to drop about $300,000. And money that goes to Capital City/Lake Murray Country is expected to be down about $100,000.

The money largely comes from taxes on restaurant meals and hotel rooms. Local governments decide how to spend the tax revenue, and, this year, they reduced the amount given to the marketing agencies.

This comes at a time when, because of higher gas prices and the teetering economy, travelers and meeting planners are looking for more affordable locations like Columbia for vacations and conventions, said Tom Sponseller, executive director of the Hospitality Association of South Carolina.

“Because you don’t want to do it in August.”

That was the joking assessment of sweat-drenched Robert Eaddy of Lake City as he recovered in the visitor’s center here after a morning of butterfly counting in the Congaree swamp.

Eaddy was one of 42 souls who gathered at the lower Richland park Saturday to be part of a national data-collection program on the beautiful bugs.

The butterfly count is conducted annually around July 4 at the behest of the North American Butterfly Association.

DeMint is “Your Conservative Voice in the Senate,” a lawmaker who with your help “can change the culture of corruption in Washington.”

A snazzy sequence of rolling promos exclaims “Drill Now!” — in green letters, no less — and invites you, under a photo of a pulled-pork sandwich, to ”See How Congress Is Wasting Your Money!”

Click on issues, and you’ll get a list of national causes: Earmark Reform. Illegal Immigration. Social Security. Family Values. Economy.

DeMint’s recent creation of the Senate Conservatives Fund PAC is his latest move to target Republican activists across the country and establish himself as a national leader of right-wing stalwarts.

Now, nearly 200 years later, an Irish historical group has memorialized those workers at the city’s popular Riverfront Park.

A large granite “I” — made from the ruins of another historic state structure, the CCI prison — sits just in front of the bathrooms at the park off of Laurel Street, stacked jagged blocks that once held prison bars in place for some of the state’s most notorious criminals.

The Irishmen built a canal that transported 30,000 bales of cotton a year, can generate up to 10 million watts of power and supplies up to 35 million gallons of drinking water a day.

Upset their brethren were being buried in the walls of the canal because there was no Catholic cemetery, the workers also established the first Catholic church in Columbia — St. Peters on Assembly Street.

But advocates for reforming payday lending laws say industry efforts to block reform — and a decision by an S.C. House leader to bury a bill in committee — could inspire stronger support when the issue returns next January.

The collapse of payday lending reform was one of the legislative session’s highest-profile failures.

The state Senate approved a roster of changes to reform the industry. But House Labor Commerce and Industry Committee chairman Harry Cato, R-Greenville, did not allow the Senate bill to reach the House floor.

The payday-lending industry used an army of high-profile lobbyists, campaign contributions and cozy relationships to scuttle the bill, consumer advocates say.

“I don’t understand why the media continues to write what is not true,” Clyburn said.

According to published reports, $6.2 million in Clyburn earmarks over a decade went to projects and employers linked to Clyburn friends and family members.

But Clyburn said some of the reports paint an inaccurate picture.

For example, in 2003, Clyburn, the most powerful African-American in Congress, helped secure about $995,000 for Columbia’s Drew Wellness Center, off Harden Street.

Worthless check. Worthless check. One after another, they find allegations of someone getting food, gas, beer, clothes and other merchandise with too few dollars in the bank. Occasionally, there are accusations of someone failing to return a rental video.

But only rarely do the unserved warrants allege felonies. Occasionally there’s a shooting case or simple assault, but even most of the felonies involve forgery or obtaining property by false pretenses.

The law students have been assigned to the tedious process of reducing Durham County’s much derided backlog of 60,000 unserved warrants. This summer, they’ll spend most afternoons tending to a chore that highlights the need for compatible computer systems throughout law enforcement offices and the courts.

Without uniform systems, law enforcement officers cannot tap into one central location and search for outstanding arrest warrants from other counties or other states.

One of these times, she’ll be taking them to a new location. But when that will be is the question.

The museum’s board of directors has been working to move the museum — which draws kids and grownups from across the Carolinas — to a new location for “a long time,” said executive director Pam Ross.

A fundraising campaign started in 2000 was put on hold for almost two years after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks because fundraisers “couldn’t imagine asking for money after the devastation.” The campaign, started up again in 2003, has raised about $9 million toward the museum’s $14 million to $15 million benchmark, Ross said.

Even though a location has not been chosen yet, Ross and others are already planning the new museum’s interactive exhibits, at least one of which — a shrimp boat — will have to be installed before the new building’s roof can be put on.

Gibson’s crime was that none of the military police had seen a black man dressed as he was: an aviation cadet and part of the Tuskegee Airmen, the first group of black fighter pilots allowed into the U.S. Army Air Corps.

“They said I was impersonating something; they didn’t know what it was,” Gibson said recently.

He finally was released a few hours later when his mother’s employer, a white man, convinced the officers that Gibson wasn’t an impostor.

The officers weren’t the first to be surprised that black pilots existed, and they wouldn’t be the last. The group was practically a national secret for generations until a 1995 HBO movie brought it to light.

The two are growing 6,000 liters of algae in large glass tubes that they hope to convert into biodiesel to power two tractors and other equipment at the college’s Center for Aquaculture Technology.

Eventually, the two want to develop a system that uses the methane generated in hog waste lagoons as a power source to help convert the algae to fuel. The nutrients in the waste would be used as a fertilizer to grow the algae. The vegetative mass that’s left over can be used as a feed additive for livestock or a high quality organic fertilizer.

“The potential here is astronomical,” said Sabaoun, the college’s lead biology instructor.

The 3-year-old program is now ready to harvest its first crop, extract the oil it produces and convert it to fuel.

His employer likely is regretting not keeping him on the payroll since Petrozza, now a Winthrop University catering chef, has advanced to the finals of the Fox program.

“When I asked my boss if I could interview for the show, he said, ‘I don’t think that’s necessary, Lou. Will it drive sales?’ ... Honest to God, that’s what he said: ‘Will it be good for sales,’” Petrozza said Friday. “He just didn’t want to lose me.”

Hosted by foul-mouthed British chef Gordon Ramsay, the show’s winner will be decided Tuesday night on Fox when Ramsay, known for his insults and putdowns directed at anyone failing to meet his standards, will select a champion.

The winner receives a head chef’s position at Ramsay’s new Hollywood restaurant, the London West Hollywood.

Joel Bieber told The Greenville News he is asking for an injunction to stop the South Carolina Commission on Lawyer Conduct and the state Supreme Court’s Office of Disciplinary Counsel from continuing disciplinary proceedings against him. Bieber was given a public reprimand about the ad the panel said makes misleading promises that he can protect jobs.

The disciplinary commission sent Bieber a letter in May saying a television ad where he promises to “work to protect your job” could be misleading or create unjustified expectations. The investigation into the ad started with an anonymous complaint two years ago by someone who claimed to be a lawyer.

No one was injured, Lt. Jerry Waldrop of the Rock Hill Police Department said. Police charged Sharod Truesdale, 17, of 1128 Carolina Ave. Ext. with assault and battery with intent to kill; possession of a firearm during a violent crime; possession of crack and criminal conspiracy.

Authorities also charged 19-year-old Archie Caldwell of 414 Summit St. with assault and battery with intent to kill, possession of a firearm during a violent crime and criminal conspiracy. Marques Neely, 19, of 325 Baker St. also was charged with criminal conspiracy.

James Lamar Trapp, 19, is charged with two counts of armed robbery and one count of kidnapping, according to Richland County jail records. Trapp was wanted in connection with an armed robbery of the Corner Pantry at 1609 Beltline Blvd.

Police are still looking for 16-year-old Terrence Tidwell. Anyone with information about the crime or Tidwell’s whereabouts should call 888-CRIME-SC or the Columbia Police Department at 545-3500.

Contributing: Ishmael Tate

WPDE-TV reported that Herman McKnight was convicted of murder. Authorities say McKnight shot Stewart Floyd with a shotgun in August when he told him to leave the couple’s home because McKnight was drinking.

Floyd’s wife, and McKnight’s daughter, 40-year-old Donna Floyd, had died a few days earlier after heart surgery. Authorities say other family members tried to block a door and call police, but McKnight fired at them and kicked in the door.

The Morning News of Florence reports 37-year-old Tippy Marie Retana was found guilty Thursday of murder after a three-day trial. Authorities say 30-year-old Kenneth Wilson was shot three times in the head in his bed last early Christmas morning.

Investigators alleged Retana put her two children in the car, then went back inside and killed her boyfriend. She later reported the death, saying she had come home and found the front door kicked in. Authorities say Retana said she and Wilson had been fighting for months and she had considered taking out a restraining order against him.

Brodie Lee Kneece, 56, was listed in critical condition at Palmetto Health Richland, said Lexington County Sheriff’s Department spokesman Maj. John Allard.

Deputies say Kneece was shot Friday afternoon after pulling a long-barreled handgun from a green bag when he was told to “drop to the ground.” He was about 100 yards south of the BB&T branch in Red Bank on South Lake Drive, which had just been robbed.

Municipal Judge Jane Modla says the court is considering a motion to dismiss charges from arrests at Fort Mill and Northwestern High School ceremonies last month. The Herald of Rock Hill reported Friday that Modla delayed the case of a man arrested at the York Comprehensive High School graduation.

Eight people were arrested on a charge of disorderly conduct after cheering during the presentation of diplomas, a time in the ceremony where school officials strictly ban individual cheers. School officials have said everyone at the ceremonies was warned not to cheer except at designated times. Most of those arrested have requested jury trials if the charges are not dismissed.

Contributing: The Associated Press

“The debate has already been argued and won by the General Assembly and lost by the governor.”

— Jimmy Bailey, chairman of the Competitive Community Grants Committee and a former state lawmaker. Gov. Mark Sanford’s office had asked the grant committee to hold off issuing new grants, saving the $18 million in the fund to cover potential budget shortfalls.

WEEKLY STATUS

Lawmakers officially ended the 2008 legislative session by convening Wednesday to take up 20 bills vetoed by Gov. Mark Sanford and 10 bills that were in conference committee.

State Rep. Ted Pitts, R-Lexington, is a top contender to replace ousted Rep. Bob Walker, R-Spartanburg, as head of the House Education and Public Works Committee.

Pitts is a strong advocate for Lexington County public schools but also has a maverick streak. He has not been afraid to stand up to House leadership in the past, especially on issues like spending, accountability or suspending Lexington’s Sunday “blue” laws.

Currently, Richland County Reps. Jim Harrison, a Republican, and Leon Howard, a Democrat, are the only two House committee chairman from the two-county area, heading the Judiciary, and Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs committees, respectively.

As chairman, Pitts could find himself on the receiving end of the pointed questions he raised in the past.

Voters in the Midlands soundly rejected the governor’s efforts, financed by out-of-state extremists, to use South Carolina as a lab rabbit to test their pet ideologies.

That’s what was at stake in the runoffs between Sheri Few and David Herndon in the state House 79 Republican primary, and between Katrina Shealy and Jake Knotts in Senate District 23. It would be hard to imagine this newspaper endorsing Sen. Knotts under any other circumstances. But things being as they were, we did. We believed that if the governor and his allies managed to take him out as they were trying to do, it would have intimidated other lawmakers into doing their will — even though the lawmakers and their constituents know better. So the governor needed to lose this one. Fortunately, the voters agreed.

That would lead me to say that Tuesday’s voting demonstrates the unmitigated wisdom inherent in our system of democracy — if not for what happened, on the same day, with the Richland County clerk of court and the same county’s council District 7.

Of course, we have insisted for years that it makes little sense to elect the clerk of court — or auditor, or coroner, or any office that is highly technical and has nothing to do with setting policies. It would be far better to let county administrators — who report to the elected councils — hire people to do highly technical, ministerial jobs, based on experience and demonstrated competence.

«Obituary posted: June 29, 2008»

Mrs. Hucks was born at Ft. Jackson in Columbia, a daughter of the late Hugh Buck and Lottie M. Graham Smith. She was a member of First United Methodist Church in Conway for 60 years and was a member of the United Methodist Women, the Henry Rogers Circle and the Family Fellowship Class. Mrs. Hucks first love was her Lord. She loved and adored her family and she loved to cook especially for others and had a passion for beautiful music and flowers. She was predeceased by a daughter, Barbara H. Franklin, five brothers and four sisters.

Surviving are one son, David Angus Hucks and his wife, Frances, of Columbia; one daughter, Freda H. Jones and her husband, Jimmy, of Conway; one son-in-law, Douglas Franklin of Columbia; nine grandchildren, Jack V. Hulme, III, David N. Hulme, Emily Butzer, Chris Bell, Jennifer Hucks, Stephen Hucks, Shelley Hucks, Jennifer Hyman and Tripp Jones; eleven great-grandchildren; and one brother, Wade Hampton Smith of Charleston.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday at First United Methodist Church with Rev. Mac Kinnett and Rev. Carl Harris officiating. Entombment will follow in Hillcrest Mausoleum directed by Goldfinch Funeral Home, Conway Chapel.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.

Born in Prosperity December 18, 1929, she was a daughter of the late Little Luther “Doc” and Ruth Long Bowers. Mrs. Shealy had retired from Old School Manufacturing and was a active member of Grace Lutheran Church where she was a member of the Grace Sease Sunday School Class.

Surviving are her husband, Curtis E. “Hump” Shealy; sons, Dale E. (Julie) Shealy and Deron A. Shealy, both of Prosperity; a sister, Myra Moore of Prosperity; a special sister-in-law, Betty K. Shealy of Newberry; grandchildren, Christopher D. Shealy, Jessica R. Shealy and Matthew E. Shealy.

Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, June 30, 2008, at Grace Lutheran Church by the Rev. Eric Fink. Burial will follow in Prosperity Cemetery. The family is at the home of Dale and Julie Shealy, 69 Oak Hill Road, Prosperity, and will receive friends Sunday from 4:00 -6:00 p.m. at McSwain-Evans Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to Grace Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 188, Prosperity, SC 29127.

www.mcswainevans.com

Mr. Hanley died Friday, June 27, 2008. He was born in New York City, NY, and was the son of the late Joseph Daniel Hanley and Helen Wills Hanley. Mr. Hanley was a U.S. Marine veteran. He was a graduate of Paul Smith College in upstate New York with a Forestry Degree. He worked for HR Oliver and Edwin P. Guy after graduating. He was currently employed with Home Depot for 18 years. Mr. Hanley moved to Jacksonville, FL, in 1981 and to West Palm Beach in 1984. He moved back to Columbia in 1999 until present.

Mr. Hanley was very civic minded in Camden, enjoyed family, hunting, dancing and sailing. He was a Trustee for Aiken Prep School in 1974, member of The Boykin Hunt Club, was Commodore of both Wateree Sailing Club and the South Atlantic Yacht Racing Association.

Surviving are his wife of 49 years Shirley Belk Hanley; daughter Gayle H. Reynolds (Rollie), Dan Hanley (Dian) both of Camden; grandsons, Rollie Reynolds IV and Joseph Daniel Hanley II; brothers Russell G Hanley (Shirley and children) of Atlanta, GA, and Stephen L. Hanley (Jeanie and children ) of Camden, SC.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, c/o Gail Kirkland, 647 Lachicotte Road, Lugoff, SC 29078 or Walter M. Crowe Animal Shelter, 460 S. Fair Street, Camden SC 29020.

Surviving are his spouse, Evelyn M. Watts; sons, Dwayne L. McCants of Columbia, Tommy R. McCants of St. Louis (Angeleque), Alan McPherson of Patterson, LA; daughters, Portshe Hall of Ridgeway, SC, and Gabrielle Grant of Columbia, SC; 4 brothers, Douglas Watts (Patricia), Tommy Watts of Boston, Darryl Watts, Alan Watts (Lenora) of Columbia; sisters, Patricia Watts, Donna Jean Watts (twin sister), Sharon D. Watts, all of Columbia. Seven grandchildren and numerous nieces friends and relatives including his special friends Terrell Walker and Mr. Willie Young Jr.

«Obituary posted: June 29, 2008»

Mr. Peake, loving husband of Mable Caldwell Peake, passed away Friday, June 27, 2008. Born in Binghamton, NY, he was the son of the late Henry Charles Peake, Jr. and Margaret “May” DuMond Peake. He had been an area resident since 1998, formerly of Binghamton, NY, and Newberry, SC, and a member of Grace Baptist Church. Mr. Peake was a former sergeant in the U.S. Army during World War II and served with the 90th Division in England, France, Belgium, Germany, Luxemburg, Czechoslovakia and was awarded the bronze star for meritorious service. Mr. Peake retired from Dickert Lumber Co. He was a faithful husband and father, and will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

Surviving in addition to his wife of 55 years, Mable Peake of West Columbia; daughter and son-in-law, Carolyn and Mike Pelletier of West Columbia; sons and daughters-in-law, Robert and Jackie Peake of Scottsville, VA, Norman and Julie Peake of Florence; grandchildren, Ryan, Rachel and Robbie Peake, Katie, Taylor and Wesley Peake, and stepgrandchildren, Josh and Bethany Pelletier. Mr. Peake was preceded in death by two brothers, Warren Charles Peake, Franklin Elmer Peake; and a stepgrandson, Jonny Pelletier.

Memorials may be made to Grace Baptist Church, 416 Denham Ave., West Columbia, SC 29169.

www.thompsonsfuneral.com

Mrs. Addy died Friday, June 27, 2008. Born in Ballentine, she was the daughter of the late Oscar Honor Troutman and Grace Kibler Troutman. Retired from Richland School District 1, she was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Augsburg Sunday School Class, Starlighters and served on various committees. She was also a member and president of Woodmen of the World 1151, AARP, Lake Murray Community Center, MCEC WIRE and Generations at Shady Grove United Methodist Church.

Surviving are her husband, Ernest Earl Addy; son, Craig Honor Addy and his wife, Cheryl Hall Addy, of Irmo; grandchildren, Justin Craig Addy and his wife, Darcie, Kristin Cheryl Addy, Corey Lee Addy and Kyle Randall Addy; sisters-in-law, Marjie D. Troutman and Sara W. Troutman; aunts, Rainey Kibler and Lois Kibler; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by brothers, Thomas Oscar Troutman and David Linel Troutman.

Memorials may be made to Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 10000 Broad River Road, Irmo, SC 29063.

Please sign online guest book at

Mr. Benjamin was born in Richland County, and later served in the U.S. Air Force. He was a talented photographer.

He is survived by his wife; Leola Benjamin; sons, Arnold, Tommy Jr., Bernard, Alexander and Grady Lawrence; daughters, Elodia Lawrence, Tracy Handy, Jacqueline Harris, Yvonne Flemming, Marilyn Haydell, Sandra Cook and Betty Ann Tucker; 35 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

«Obituary posted: June 29, 2008»

Mrs. Scott was born in Nashville, Tenn., May 31, 1920, a daughter of the late James L. and Eunice Torian Lewis. She was a graduate of George Peabody University and a member of Jonesville United Methodist Church. Mrs. Scott faithfully supported her husband, the late Dr. James A. Scott, a family physician in Jonesville, for nearly fifty years. She will be remembered by her family as an avid gardener, nature lover and a great cook.

Mrs. Scott was the last surviving sibling of two brothers and four sisters. She leaves a daughter: Sherry S. Arrington and husband William of Midland, Ga.; two sons: Terry L. Scott and wife Elizabeth of Roanoke, Va., and Brent A. Scott and wife Lawton of Marietta, Ga.; five grandchildren: Blake Arrington, Heather Liesendahl, Wes Scott, James Scott and John Scott and five great-grandchildren.

Graveside Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, June 30, 2008, in the New Hope United Methodist Church Cemetery, 659 New Hope Church Road, Jonesville, S.C. 29353.

Visitation will follow at the church.

Helen was married to John W. Fuseler for 63 happy and wonderful years.

Helen was born in Savannah, GA, and grew up on Tybee Island. She was the daughter of John J. and Estelle Rebeski and goddaughter of Florence Martus, the Waving Girl of Savannah.

Helen earned her BA in Fine Arts from the University of South Carolina in 1939 and a MA in Education from Furman in 1956. She taught art for many years at several Greenville County schools. She retired from Parker High School as Art Department Chairman.

She worked in many media but her favorite was watercolor. Her most notable watercolor was the Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly, the official South Carolina State butterfly. Prints of this work reside in the S.C. Governor’s mansion and the permanent art collection in the White House.

Funeral services will be held at 2 o’clock, Monday, June 30, 2008, at The Brice W. Herndon and Sons Funeral Home, Walterboro Chapel. Interment with Masonic Rites will follow in Smoaks Baptist Church Cemetery.

Reverend Garris was born December 25, 1929, in Smoaks and was a son of the late Isaac Sauls Garris and Rachel Hiers Garris. He received a Masters in Divinity from New Orleans Theological Seminary. Reverend Garris was a devout Christian man, who served his Lord faithfully. He was the pastor of numerous churches in Georgia and South Carolina, some of which include: Bedon Baptist Church in Walterboro, Riverbend Baptist Church in Charleston, Sand Ridge Baptist Church in Ridgeville, Calvary Baptist Church in Neeses and Pine Pleasant Baptist Church in Saluda. Reverend Garris served as the Campus Life Pastor of the Boys Farm in Newberry. This ministry truly touched his heart and he devoted much of his time to the spiritual growth of these children. He was a member of Smoaks Baptist Church and Smoaks Masonic Lodge.

Reverend Garris was a loving husband and devoted father and grandfather. As a true sports fan, his favorite teams were the Clemson Tigers and the Atlanta Braves. He also enjoyed fishing and hunting. Reverend Garris had a true love for people and always greeted everyone with an easy smile, always had time to listen and never met a stranger.

Surviving are: his wife of 55 years, Sylvia Sweatman Garris of Smoaks; his children, Diana Grossman and her husband Jim of West Columbia, Charles “Chuck” Garris of York, Gail Crosby and her husband Steve of Mount Pleasant and Nancy Alexander and her husband Bill of Smoaks; brother, Wayne Garris and his wife Linda of Smoaks; sister, Dorothy Lucas and her husband Joe of Columbus, Georgia; grandchildren, Curtis Fulmer and his wife Muffy, David Garris, Erica Crosby and Hanna Crosby; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a sister, Bobbie Dillard and a brother, Eugene Garris.

Born September 29, 1914, she was the daughter of the late William John and Elizabeth Mathis Franklin. She worked as the bookkeeper with her husband, Emmett, at Manning Motor Company, a Chevrolet dealership in Calhoun Falls, until their retirement in 1979. She was a member of Calhoun Falls United Methodist Church.

She is survived by her three daughters, Rebecca Brewer and her husband Derrell of Fountain Inn, Bonnie Gallogly and her husband Gene of Columbia, and Emmie Turner and her husband Mike of Greenwood. Also surviving are her grandchildren, Keith and David Brewer, Ruth Ann Topper, Mary Beth Dawson, Amy and Emmett Turner; three great-grandchildren, Tyler, Aubrey, and Jace Topper. She was predeceased by a grandson, Brian Gallogly.

The family will receive friends Sunday from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Calhoun Falls Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held Monday, June 30, 2008, at 11:00 a.m. at the Calhoun Falls United Methodist Church. Burial will follow in Forest Lawn Cemetery in Abbeville.

The family would like to express a special thanks to her devoted and loving caretakers, Boots and Tommy Graham, Darlene Creswell, Velvet Hembree, Joannah Stone, Terri Hembree, Faye Hutchison, and Jean Butler. They would also like to thank Carol Jackson of Abbeville Home Health Care.

«Obituary posted: June 29, 2008»

Surviving are her mother of Cheraw; one brother, Hollis Jennings Spease and his wife, Penny, of Newport News, VA; one sister, Susan Ellen Spease of Cheraw; special niece and nephew, Rachel Spease and Johnathan Spease of Newport News, VA; and special friend, Grady Brown of Bennettsville, SC.

Funeral services will be held Sunday, June 29, 2008, at 3:00 p.m. at Old St. David’s Church, with burial in the church cemetery.

Norton Funeral Home of Cheraw is serving the Spease family.

«Obituary posted: June 29, 2008»

Pallbearers will be Kenny Kelly Jr., Will Millard, Chris Millard, Sam Smoak, Perry Smith and Daryl Hickman. Honorary pallbearers will be Nicole Ballew, Paige Mixon, Tiffany Ball, Lisa Odum, Kathy Shultz, Ann Carter, Nancy Jacobs and Members of the Eutaw Chapter of Eastern Star #16.

Deborah Lynn Kelly was born May 1, 1974, in Columbia, SC, a daughter of Mary Smoak Kelly and the late Heyward P. Kelly. She was a member of Northside Baptist Church and was employed at Ace Hardware. She was a member of the American Red Cross, Eutaw Chapter of the Eastern Star, the Bolentown Fire Dept. and First Responders.

Surviving are two sons, Colby Grubbs and Cameron Grubbs, both of Orangeburg; one sister, Sarah E. Kelly of Mt. Pleasant; one brother, Bryan Kelly of Columbia; mother, Mary Smoak Kelly of Orangeburg; a special friend, Phil Furtick.

Friends may call at the residence, 1437 Sifly Road, Orangeburg, SC. Visitation will be 7:00-9:00 p.m. Sunday, June 29, 2008, at Thompson Funeral Home in Orangeburg. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.

“Miss” Stella was born August 11, 1918, in Newberry County, the daughter of the late Hugh Columbus Johnson and Donnie Singleton Johnson. She worked as a motel manager in the Santee and Manning areas for many years, first at Clark’s Motel and the Day’s Inn in Santee, and later at the Day’s Inn in Manning.

Visitation will be held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday, June 29, 2008, at Fogle Hungerpiller Funeral Home, Elloree. The family will be at the home of her daughter, Barbara Driggers, 1581 Farmers Road, Elloree.

Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday June 30, 2008, in the Hungerpiller Family Cemetery, Horse Pond Road, Elloree, with the Rev. Gene Ball officiating. Pallbearers will be grandsons, Preston Avinger and Charlie M. Hudson Jr.; grandsons-in-law, Charles Hamrick Jr. and Michael R. Bloom; also, Ralph Ulmer Jr., Dean Ulmer, Tommy McEachen and Dick Carpenter.

Mrs. Smith is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Frank (Barbara) Driggers of Elloree and Mrs. Dan (Jeannette) Avinger of Santee; four grandchildren, Preston Avinger of Elloree, Mrs. Melinda (Charles) Hamrick of Irmo, Charlie (Brandy) Hudson Jr. of Elloree, Mrs. Danni (Michael) Bloom of Columbia; 8 great-grandchildren; one sister, Mrs. Raymond (Bessie) Ulmer of Columbia, formerly of Four Holes Community, Orangeburg. Also surviving are a very special nephew and his wife, Ted and Clarasue Johnson of Wrens, Georgia.

Mr. McNair died Wednesday, June 25, 2008. He was the son of the late Arthur and Elise Tucker McNair. Mr. McNair was a Disabled Veteran having served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He was a Shriner and retired from the City of Columbia. Mr. McNair was a member of Spears Creek Baptist Church.

Survivors include his wife, Penny Garner McNair; two sons, Phillip McNair Jr. and Todd McNair; stepsons, William Ford, A.J. Hinnant; brother, Danny McNair; sister, Audrey Stiles; grandson, Sky McNair; and a number of nieces and nephews.

www.ShivesFuneralHome.com

(803) 754-6290

«Obituary posted: June 29, 2008»

«Obituary posted: June 29, 2008»

Mr. Craig was born in Columbia, SC, a son of the late Carlisle B. Craig and Ila Neal Robinson Craig. He was a retired manager of Suburban Propane Gas Company and was a veteran of the U.S. Navy.

Surviving are a son, Jamie C. Craig and his wife Kristi of Conway, SC; a daughter Jeanne C. Norris and her husband David of Galivants Ferry; as well as three grandchildren, Corey Craig, Jenna Craig and Jayda Bourne.

«Obituary posted: June 29, 2008»

The residents of Columbia should demand better public transportation in this great city.

We need to get away from the notion that buses are not for the majority. The citizens of Richland and Lexington counties should demand a light rail public transportation system that would transport the Midlands to a 21st century level of progress.

We already have the rail infrastructure within this city; however, it is owned and operated by Norfolk Southern. The Vista, West Columbia, Richland Northeast and Chapin all are connected by rail; let’s rally around a partnership that would allow Columbia’s residents to enjoy a much-needed public light rail system.

TODD PUMPHREY

Hiking, camping, paddling and mountain biking are relatively inexpensive activities, and there are plenty of venues without driving far.

“This spring, our equipment sales have been up,” said Courtneylove Gowans, manager of The Backpacker in Columbia. “Where specialty outdoor is becoming more and more of a clothing business, we’ve been surprised at the sale of gear” such as backpacks and sleeping bags.

She suspects people who might have traveled long distances for all-inclusive outdoor vacations instead are buying their own gear and driving to the mountains of South Carolina to camp and hike.

Richard Mikell, owner of Adventure Carolina, sees a similar trend from a slightly different angle. Retail sales at his Cayce store are down, but that drop has been more than offset by rentals.

Don’t get complacent

Part of the reason why so many customers end up paying fees is they don’t contest them. If fees show up on your account statement and you don’t agree, place a call to the bank representative. In most cases, if you are a good customer, banks will give you a break.

Call on weekends

Few managers work on the weekends, and it may improve your chances of getting the fee excused if the manager is not around.

High gas prices mean boom business for tow-truck drivers.

More drivers are finding themselves stranded on the side of the road without gas. The most common excuse the tow operators hear is that customers thought they could make it to the next station.

“It’s sad,” said Ronnie White, owner of a Youngsville, N.C., towing service, who has not seen it this bad in his 24 years in business. “They are trying to get to a station to pay 3 cents less (per gallon), and they end up paying me $50 for one gallon of gas.”

A lot of people are apparently driving on empty. AAA Carolinas, which has 1.6 million members, reported a 9 percent year-over-year increase in calls from members needing gas.

• Get organized. Think about what you might want to do next. Print and take home personal files on your computer and locate copies of your performance appraisals and other personnel records. Review your status reports and project files to help you update your resume so that it reflects all of your recent accomplishments and skills.

• Get what’s coming to you. Take advantage of any perks and benefits to which you are entitled. Schedule your checkups and tend to any dental or medical issues while you’re still insured — especially if you’ve already met your deductibles. If you’ve got a flexible spending account, turn in all outstanding claims to avoid forfeiting any balances.

• Get connected. Spend at least one to two hours a day networking. Call your friends, former co-workers and clients. Attend your professional association meetings. Talk to headhunters and corporate recruiters.

• Get searching. Visit the Web sites of any relevant trade and professional associations as well as companies where you’d like to work. Check print and online job postings to see what requirements are being asked for in your desired next job. Note any gaps in your experience or skills.

Old electronics: Cameras, cell phones and other gadgets may have value on eBay and other online markets. Even if gadgets are broken, some parts and mechanisms are useful to dealers who repair or refurbish equipment. But state clearly the age and defects of the products you’re selling.

Gift cards: You can swap or sell unused gift cards at swapagift.com., cardaward.com and giftcardbuyback.com.

Exercise equipment: If stationary bicycles and other sports equipment are sitting unused, sell them.

Scrap metal and gold: There’s a market for the metals in gold jewelry and even old appliances. Look online or in phone books for scrap metal or junkyard dealers in your area. Gold jewelry can be sold at pawn shops and jewelry stores or through classified ads and various online sites. Shop around for the best offers. Inquire about pickup services for scrap metal items.

In Florida, the attorney general has launched an investigation into the marketing and business practices of 10 companies prompted by more than 200 consumer complaints filed about calling cards last year.

Many consumers, including a large proportion of Hispanic immigrants, alleged the companies did not disclose hidden fees and misrepresented the number of calling minutes they received.

This spring, a U.S. district judge granted a Federal Trade Commission request for a restraining order against CTA, a major national distributor of prepaid calling cards. The FTC tested the cards and found consumers typically paid for more minutes than the cards provided.

“They’ve (consumers) all been cheated by these companies,” said Gus West, president of The Hispanic Institute, a nonprofit organization. “They need to talk to friends and relatives, and they are being victimized.”

After barely tipping its toe in the digital world during past Olympics, the network will dive into the deep end: live blogging, 3,000 hours of highlights on demand, daily recaps and analysis and even fantasy league gaming. That's in addition to the 1,400 hours of coverage planned on six television networks, more than the combined total of every previous Summer Olympics.

NBC's digital plans, however, have angered media outlets that worry the company is being heavy-handed in enforcing its rights to exclusive Olympic access.

The network launched NBCOlympics.com in 2000, but then it offered only still pictures and schedule information to drive viewers to its television coverage. A limited package of highlights from Athens was available in 2004, but those visiting the NBC site were required to enter a credit card number, even though they weren't charged, and that drove away traffic.

NBC quietly experimented by beaming live over the Internet the hockey gold-medal game from the 2006 Turin Winter Olympics. The change in scope to what it is offering this year is staggering.

The 21-year-old had been around racing since his dad, Lee, took the family sedan down to Charlotte in 1949 and wrecked it in the first NASCAR race. This moment was different.

As the three young adventurers headed home on that night of July 12, 1958, the younger Petty finally realized what he had done that day.

“I don’t know that there was a time during the race because I was busy. But just going up the road I was thinking, ‘You know, that wasn’t bad. I liked that,’” the 70-year old racing icon said this month as he recalled the day of his first race.

“I do know that going home, with me and Dale Inman and Red Myler in a pickup truck, we got out of a town about the North Carolina border. I told Dale, ‘You know what? I think I’m gon’ like this driving.’”