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The Columbia utility usually requests fuel adjustment increases in May, and got a 1 percent hike this year.

On Tuesday, SCE&G proposed a 6 percent increase in November and another 6 percent hike in January for residential customers. The $13.06 increase to monthly bills for the typical customers using 1,000 kilowatt hours would make the monthly bill $120.73 by January.

SCE&G president Kevin Marsh says the price of coal has jumped from about $85 per ton in the spring to more than $150 ton now. Coal generates about 65 percent of SCE&G's power. Natural gas prices are up 60 percent. Natural gas is used for about 12 percent of the utility's power.

Gerrit Jobsis of American Rivers faulted DHEC for not watching Alpine Utilities from the start of a spill from a plant that serves 5,500 homes and businesses in the St. Andrews area.

“There needs to be better protection of public health,” said Jobsis, Southeast regional director for the environmental advocacy group. “They need to change the way they do business.”

His assessment came as the latest tests of the river taken Monday show contamination has fallen but remains nearly triple the level considered safe.

Thom Berry, spokesman for the Department of Health and Environmental Control declined to respond directly to Jobsis’ comments.

More than two dozen people, mostly teachers and other staffers wearing River Springs T-shirts, crowded into the district office for a special called meeting Tuesday.

“She truly has a vision, not just for our school, but our district, to always have the children at the center of it,” said Susan Potter, a River Springs teacher who was one of about five staff members speaking in support of Cole. “I have never had a single reason ever to question her dedication, her integrity.”

Cole has been on leave at least since last week, said district spokeswoman Michelle Foster, though she would not provide details — among them a specific date of the start of her leave, whether it was paid and when she might return.

“It’s a personnel matter,” she said.

Mainline Contracting, of Durham, submitted a bid of $8.8 million, while Cherokee Construction, of Columbia, submitted a bid of $9.8 million.

Mainline officials claim they were told by city staffers they would be awarded the contract and were surprised Wednesday when City Council was preparing to give it to Cherokee.

“We’ve had ongoing discussions for four weeks,” said Steve Strapec, director of Mainline’s building division. “They told us we had been selected. They told us it would be on today’s council agenda. We decided to stay and protest. It just didn’t make sense with the numbers.”

However, Steve Gantt, Columbia’s senior assistant city manager, said Mainline didn’t meet the requirements for attracting minority, small and female firms as subcontractors.

Melvin Holmes Jr., 23, turned himself in to Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office investigators around noon Tuesday.

Holmes faces charges of murder and possession of a firearm during the commission of a violent crime. Police say he shot and killed Mario Morgan, 22, who was stationed at Naval Hospital Beaufort, during an argument early Sunday.

Contributing: Staff writers Chuck Crumbo, Ishmael Tate; staff reports; The Associated Press; The (Hilton Head) Island Packet. For school board filings in Richland and Lexington counties, visit thestate.com, under Featured Links. Listings will update weekdays. Filing deadline is Aug. 15.

Lanes along the 1700 block of Main Street, however, will remain open. Flag workers will be used to route traffic around equipment and construction work.

She was so taken by the effort that last week Lowry and her husband, Tim, hopped on motor scooters and set out to drive 1,200 miles to raise money for the company — Hydromissions International.

“I just loved what they’re doing,” Allison Lowry said. “I really wanted to do whatever I could to help them.”

They call their tour “2 Wheels 4 Water.” Their plan combines a road trip across the Carolinas with a charitable equation.

The Lowrys estimate the average car mile costs 17.5 cents; a mile on their Vespa motor scooter is 3.5 cents. They’re asking for the difference — 14 cents for each mile of the trip.

An extra day was added for this weekend because an unusually high number of soldiers — 1,600 — are graduating, a spokesman said. A normal graduation class during the summer, when the post is busiest, averages about 800 to 1,000 soldiers, a spokesman said.

Because more soldiers are graduating, there will be more visitors. And with the temperature expected to be near 100, there might not be enough places on base to offer everyone refuge from the heat.

A resolution is being drafted that would cut the mid-May Harley-Davidson rally from 10 days to seven and limit the number of vendor permits that can be issued, County Council clerk Pat Hartley told The (Myrtle Beach) Sun News on Wednesday.

The proposal also would spread the vendors across the county.

The Harley-Davidson rally has been a fixture in Myrtle Beach for nearly seven decades and attracts mostly white riders. The Atlantic Beach Bikefest during Memorial Day weekend is a newer event. It lasts four to five days and caters to black bikers.

Platt Springs Road, 5300 block: Police were called to a home at 1 a.m. Sunday after the resident returned to find that his house had been splattered with paint balls. The man said that earlier that evening he thought he had heard paintball guns being fired, but when he checked, he didn’t see anyone. Damage was not determined.

RICHLAND COUNTY SHERIFF

Malcolm Drive, 1600 block: A woman called police at 2 a.m. Saturday to complain about continuous harassing phone calls. The 56-year-old said she knew the 19-year-old caller, because the woman had gone out with her grandson. She said the girl calls her nonstop at all hours of the night, and it’s gotten so bad she can no longer sleep. She said she is willing to prosecute.

Highland Forest Drive, 900 block: Police were called to a home at 11 a.m. Sunday after a woman said her former boyfriend had vandalized her car. The 33-year-old woman told deputies the man had driven to her house twice Saturday night, and both times he was loud and obnoxious. She said he skidded into her driveway, leaving marks on the pavement, and got out of the car screaming and yelling at her. She said he used foul language and called her obscene names. The woman said the man also put an unknown liquid in her gas tank, causing the car not to start. Repairs to the vehicle were estimated at almost $1,000.

Larry V. Bates Jr., 39, of Aiken, was sentenced in federal court in Columbia for conspiracy to commit identity theft.

Evidence presented in court established that Bates used stolen ID information from members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Union to obtain driver’s licenses, car loans, birth certificates, post office boxes and credit cards. Bates was found to be in possession of personal information from 44 individuals.

Three members of the state’s budget oversight board said Wednesday that they’ll call for state agencies to save up to $120 million when the board meets next week.

Treasurer Converse Chellis, Comptroller General Richard Eckstrom and Senate Finance Committee chairman Hugh Leatherman say agencies need to set aside money to head off expected shortfalls.

But the three don’t agree on whether agencies should be warned to start looking for places to trim — or whether the money will be set aside right away.

Conley’s report for the quarter ending June 30 was filed a couple of weeks ago. It shows he finished the primary with a debt of $3,692.

The report Republican Graham filed for the quarter showed he finished the primary with $3.6 million on hand.

Lynda Morris, 36, of Acworth, Ga., died at Palmetto Health Richland on Tuesday night after being taken off life support, Simmons said.

Morris was one of four people in a Kia Rio who had to be extricated after it was struck from the rear by a Ford F-250 pickup, Cayce police said.

Michelle Chavis, 36, of Irmo, who was injured and also extricated from the Rio, was released Wednesday from Lexington Medical Center, Simmons said.

Edis Bertotty, 32, is charged with felony DUI involving death. He is at Lexington County jail and faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted, Simmons said.

If your kids are clamoring for the latest pens and pencil cases, take a deep breath and relax. You don’t need the latest gadget or gizmo to make the first day of school special — just consult the ubiquitous school supply lists posted on district and school Web sites.

Anne Graybill has three boys attending Forest Lake Elementary this year, entering kindergarten, third and fifth grades, so keeping up with the lists can be daunting.

Each year she sits down and lists everything she needs, then divvies it up in her sons’ book bags.

She also keeps an eye out for sales at office supply stores through the year, although she acknowledged, “I’m guilty of waiting to the last minute.”

On July 16, a Sky Signs plane crashed near Surfside Beach after the pilot dropped its banner over a golf course. A few weeks earlier, another Sky Signs pilot was able to free himself when his plane crashed in the ocean just off North Myrtle Beach.

Two months before that, a Sky Signs pilot walked away unhurt when his plane crashed in a neighborhood.

Federal authorities are investigating all three crashes. None of the pilots was seriously injured.

Leonard Paul Funk Jr., 26, is charged with criminal solicitation of a minor and second-degree attempted criminal sexual conduct with a minor, said Jennifer Timmons, spokeswoman for the State Law Enforcement Division.

He is accused of sending sexually explicit instant messages to an individual he believed to be a 12-year-old girl. He actually was communicating with an undercover SLED agent, authorities say.

State and federal officials signed the final environmental impact statement for the northern leg of the proposed Interstate 73 on Wednesday. The southern leg of the highway already has gained final approval.

Officials expect to clear a final step in October.

The entire expressway will run about 90 miles in South Carolina and eventually link Myrtle Beach with Michigan.

By 11:30 p.m., more than 2,100 customers remained without power.

Watch for the weekly specials: You might not be sure whether your rising eighth-grader will need a protractor for math class — but you know he’ll need pencils, paper and folders. Stock up on necessities during sales and create a school supply closet that you can tap throughout the year.

Stick to the list: Teachers advise parents to focus on the items outlined on the school supply list — many of those now listed on school web sites. There are so many cool gadgets and such, but if they’re not on the list, they may just go to waste. Another tip: buy generic whenever possible.

Buy in bulk: Put that warehouse membership to good use and pick up that 20-pack of pencils that your child will likely sharpen through. If you have one child, and don’t think you’ll need that much, go in with another parent and split the supplies — and cost.

Jazz up home office supplies: Sure, Hannah Montana is big right now. But when High School Musical 3 hits the theaters, your young ones might be singing a new tune. Why not buy regular office supplies — like a plain white binder — and let your child decorate the inside plastic cover with digital photos, concert or movie stubs and other items. And, when the start of the moment changes? You’re covered.

Town Council approved a 100-foot protected natural area for 180 fairway homes Monday, 25 feet less than originally planned.

Town leaders want to preserve scenery that drew homeowners to move to the neighborhood.

The change is a compromise with Golden Hills owners concerned that the original plan was too restrictive.

Golden Hills and town officials agreed to the deal in an agreement given council members.

CAROLINA CHILDREN’S HOME is conducting a Back to School fundraiser and supply drive through Sept. 1. Supplies and monetary donations will be accepted 9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays at the administration building, Sunnyside Drive and Felix Road. The Home’s residents are typically ages 14-17 and either attend local Richland 1 schools or attend school on campus in the alternative education program. (803) 790-6541, ext. 263

VOLUNTEERS

HISTORIC COLUMBIA FOUNDATION will conduct a volunteer training session 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday. Volunteers lead tours of historic house museums, educate visitors and tourists about Columbia’s history and assist with special events. Orientation will include a history of Columbia, an overview of school programs, house museum tours and an introduction to the Historic Columbia Foundation’s collections and artifacts. Additional training sessions are scheduled for Sept. 6 and Oct. 13. Call (803) 252-1770, ext. 24 to register.

DREAM RIDERS therapeutic equestrian program will hold a volunteer training session 9 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 23, at 156 Sandy Hill Road, Lexington. E-mail dreamr2@mindspring.com for more information.

COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS

COLUMBIA CLEMSON CLUB: Noon Wednesday at Seawell’s on Rosewood Drive. Guest speaker will be Will Merritt. Tickets are $20; to make a reservation, send a check payable to the Columbia Clemson Club, P.O. Box 2242, Columbia, SC 29202 or e-mail mtaylor@mcnair.net

PALMETTO PERSONAL COMPUTER CLUB: 6-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 14, at Capital Senior Center, 1650 Park Circle (Maxcy Gregg Park). Nancy Johnson will demonstrate CrazyTalk 5, Reallusion’s computer animation software. Special Interest Groups meet before the main meeting; SIGs include Adobe Photoshop, Microsoft Windows, Advanced Users and Beginner/Intermediate Users. www.palmettopc.org

LEXINGTON COUNTY CLEMSON CLUB: Fall banquet, 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 14, at Lexington High School, 2463 Augusta Highway. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.; guests will be Don Munson of the Clemson Alumni Association and athletic representatives. $15; ages 12 and younger, $10; deadline is Monday (no tickets will be sold at the door). Tickets available at Black’s Tire Service, Batesburg; Lexington Party Shop; AB&R Trophy, West Columbia; Farm Bureau Insurance, Chapin.

three seats open for election — to fill the unexpired term, and for

council districts 1 and 3. Filing closes at noon Aug. 15. The deadline

for write-in candidates are Sept. 3. Filing fees are $100 for mayor,

$50 for council members. For other details, call Tammy Barkley,

SOUTHERN STRUTT DANCERS won the Junior and Senior Victory Cups as well as the Studio Excellence Award at the Starpower World Championships July 10-14 in Myrtle Beach. The company has been invited to the Federation of Dance Competitions in Las Vegas.

CENTRAL CAROLINA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION, a nonprofit corporation, has donated $500,000 to the Midlands Housing Alliance to fund the Homeless Transition Center in downtown Columbia.

FAITH-BASED

THE REV. JUSTIN T. DIESTLER has been installed as associate pastor at Hope Lutheran Church, 1400 Kennerly Road, Irmo. His primary responsibilities will be expanding the youth, teen and family ministries as well as heading up the congregation’s visitation ministry. A graduate of the Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in Mequon, Wis., Diestler and his wife, Wendy, have two children.

PROPERTY TRANSFERS

9 Canvasback Court, Blythewood, from Capitol City Homes Inc. to Willie L. and Cynthia M. Hall, $176,115

223 Muirfield Court E., Blythewood, from James A. Boyt to Jon and Kelli Hermesch, $182,000

ZIP CODE 29033

Shealy met with doctors in Charleston on Tuesday, and said he did not yet know how the tumor would be treated. Surgery was likely, he said.

Dr. Oscar Lovelace said Shealy came to him about three weeks ago complaining that he was struggling to find words, was mixing up the numbers 5 and 9 and had headaches. Shealy also was treated for melanoma, skin cancer, in his 20s.

“When doctors hear that, it’s always a concern in patients who have no other symptoms,” Lovelace said. “We do know that sometimes melanoma can come back late.”

Brain scans, Lovelace said, showed rapid cell division that could mean the tumor is malignant.

Mrs. Gleaton died Tuesday evening in The Regional Medical Center after a four year battle with cancer.

Services will be 3:00 p.m. Saturday, August 9, 2008, at First Baptist Church of Orangeburg.

Ms. Gleaton was born June 18, 1960, in Camden, SC, a daughter of Dr. Raymond Edward Ackerman and Maxine Walters Ackerman. She was a graduate of Irmo High School and majored in music at the University of South Carolina. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Orangeburg. Due to her rare form of cancer, she donated her tissues to the Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Foundation and her corneas for transplant. Her family appreciates all the love and care given to her by TRMC Hospice and the 4th floor staff of The Regional Medical Center. Also, a special thanks to Dr. Vann Beth Shuler and Dr. John Shippey.

Survivors: son: Cameron Joseph Tuttle of the home; former husband: Joe Gleaton, North; parents: Dr. and Mrs. Raymond (Maxine) Ackerman, Orangeburg; sisters: Lyn Polk and husband David, Chapin, Jan Williams and husband Rubin, Little Mountain, SC; brother, Steve Ackerman and wife Jennifer, Olive Branch, MS; 11 nieces and nephews; 5 great-nieces and great-nephews; maternal grandmother, Mrs. Carline Clemmons Walters, Charleston.

Brent went to be with the Lord at midnight August 4, 2008. Born in Camden, he was the son of Betty Jo Bass Lloyd and the late Purvis Lee Lloyd. He was a U.S. Army veteran. Mr. Lloyd was a certified welder and electrician and was formerly employed with Eisenback Machine Shop. Always having a tender heart, Brent was a happy-go-lucky person. He loved fishing, NASCAR, music and dancing, and was a talented artist. His personality made him the life of the party. He lived life to the fullest and loved unconditionally.

Surviving besides his mother are his son, Jonathan Lloyd of Camden; sister, Carla Parker (Herman) of Camden; brother, Dray Lloyd of Camden, out of town siblings, Robin Lloyd (Tammy) of Lugoff, Lisa Sizemore (Gregg) of Lyman, Jari Windburn of Clover and Debbie McDonald (Tim) of Auburn, Ala. He was predeceased by stepmother, Kathryn Lloyd, nephew, Sandy Lloyd and niece, Dana Lloyd.

Kornegay Funeral Home, Camden Chapel, is in charge.

Please sign the on-line register book at www.kornegayfuneral.com.

Her funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. Thursday, August 7, at Robinson Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Lee Proctor officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends in the church following the service.

Born February 9, 1939, in Columbia, SC, Mrs. Stafford was a daughter of the late Walter and Mary Ellen Krell. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and sister.

Survivors include her husband, David W. Stafford; four children, David W. Stafford, Jr. and his wife, Barbara, Dale F. Stafford, Mary K. Hall and Ellen E. Lingo and her husband, Jeff; a brother, Chip Krell and his wife, Heather; a sister, Betty Krell Coffee and her husband, Chip; six grandchildren, Miles, McKenzie, Tyler, Payton, Gillian and Silas; and one great-granddaughter, Delilah.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Robinson Presbyterian Church, 9424 Harrisburg Road, Charlotte, NC 28215, or Mint Hill Baptist Church, 7835 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill, NC 28227.

Patricia died at 12:29 a.m. August 6, 2008. At her side was her husband, Walter Blenman, sister, Sajudaye Moonasar, niece, Binda Dookie, and nephew, Devendra Dookie. Born in Caroni Trinidad, West Indies, she was the daughter of the late Ganpat and Doolarie Moosai. Pat attended school at Caroni Presbyterian Church in Trinidad. Pat came to the United States July 21, 1983, on vacation and met her “Soul Mate” unknown to her or Walter at that time. She returned again July 21, 1986, and at that time they started dating and became engaged in 1987. They moved from New York to Columbia, SC, and were wed September 26, 1989. Pat attended Midlands Tech College of South Carolina and graduated in May 1997 with an Associates degree in Nursing. Patricia worked at the South Carolina State Hospital from 1998 to 2005, when she retired from her job that she loved (helping the sick) due to her illness. Pat and Walter lived happily until the end.

Surviving are her husband, Walter C. Blenman, Sr.; her son, Richard Thomas Beharry; siblings, Routie (Dee Dee) Boochoon, Sujudaye (Golo) Moonasar, Sheila Madoo, Dhanieram Ganpat and Rajkumar Ganpat (Chuck); nieces and nephews, Binda, Devendra, Vashti, Bhoodesh, Vijantie, Rodney, Michelle of Trinidad, Anthony Ganpat, Tulsi Dookie, Lystra Devine, Christiana Tann, Edith Richardson, Kasarie Satoe of the U.S.A., April and Nickey Blenman of the U.S.A. and many others; sisters-in-law, Shama Ganpat, June Ganpat, Patricia Ann Blenman and Eloise Blenman Grant of the U.S.A.; her best friends in South Carolina, Princetta Dennis who is like her sister and best friend, Debra Rabon and family, Fred and Rosa Harding, and the Pollock sisters.

Her sister, Prabhudaye Dookie, is deceased.

www.thompsonsfuneral.com

www.washingtonsfuneralhome.com

«Obituary posted: August 7, 2008»

Mrs. Askins was born in Greenville November 4th, 1939, to Rosa Robinson Whitmire and the late Guy Roland Whitmire and was married to Mr. C.B. Askins, Jr. of Lake City.

Survivors include her mother, Rosa Whitmire of Florence; her husband, C.B. Askins, Jr. of the home; two sons, Carson Askins of Murrells Inlet and Scott Askins (Tina) of Lake City; a brother, Tom Whitmire of Dallas, Texas; three granddaughters, Julia Askins of Murrells Inlet, Sophia Askins of Lake City and Ginnifer Hartman of Murrells Inlet; and three grandsons, Billy Askins of Murrells Inlet, and Zack and Joshua Askins of Lake City.

The Askins family will have visitation from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, August 6th, 2008, at the funeral home.

Funeral services for Mrs. Askins will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, August 7th, 2008, at the Lake City First Baptist Church. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

«Obituary posted: August 7, 2008»

Services will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, August 8, 2008, at Good Shepherd Mausoleum in Memorial Park Cemetery with Rev. Gary White officiating. Entombment will be in Good Shepherd Mausoleum in Memorial Park Cemetery.

Mrs. Moore was born in Orangeburg, a daughter of the late Marlon Holman Felder and Grace Keys Felder. She attended Limestone College. Mrs. Moore was a member of Orangeburg Lutheran Church. She was an avid bridge player and charter member of the Orangeburg Assembly. Mrs. Moore was the widow of Elliott Darby Moore, Sr.

Surviving: daughter, Keys M. Smith and husband John, Andrews, SC; sons, Elliott Darby Moore, Jr. and wife Carol Lynn, Wake Forest, NC, Marion Felder Moore and wife Sloan, Orangeburg, William Thomson Moore and wife Beth, Orangeburg; brother, Frederick Joseph Felder, Orangeburg; 11 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren.

Family will receive friends Thursday evening from 6-8 at Dukes-Harley Funeral Home. At other times, friends may call at the residence, 2130 Broughton Street.

Mr. Smith passed away Tuesday, August 5, 2008. Born in Greenwood, SC, he was the son of the late David Newton Smith, Sr. and Beatrice Lord Smith. Mr. Smith received his Bachelor’s degree in Business from the University of South Carolina and retired from the State of South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services as the Director of Ancillary Reimbursement. He was involved in the Civil Rights Movement during the 1960’s and was the Director of the Boys Club throughout the 1970’s and 1980’s. David was well loved and admired by all and will be missed dearly.

Surviving are his daughter, Doris Smith Franklin and her husband, Mike of Pelion; son, Mac Smith and his wife, Paula of Gilbert; and eight grandchildren, Reba Smith, Beatrice Franklin, Stephanie Franklin, Jerome Davis, Sierra Davis, Mina Gunter, Trinity Smith and Destiny Smith.

He was preceded in death by two sisters and five brothers.

www.thompsonsfuneral.com

Visitation will be 2-8 p.m. today at Manigault-Hurley Funeral Home, 2229 Two Notch Road. The family will receive friends from 6-7 p.m. at the funeral home.

Daughter of the late John and Mabel Boozer Spragen, she was born in Newberry County, SC, and died August 3, 2008, in Columbia, SC.

She was the widow of Marvin “Hammer” Byers, Sr.

Mamie is lovingly survived by her son, Marvin Byers Jr.; her daughter and son-in-law, Sandra Byers Eato and Robert “Butch” Taylor Jr., with whom she resided; her son, Marty Byers, all of Columbia. She is also survived by her two precious grandchildren, Lt. Michael Allen Byers, United States Navy and Alisa Patrice Byers, Vienna, VA; one sister, Lugenia Collins, Washington, DC; three nieces, Betty and her husband Walter Jordan, Pamela Hasty of Washington, DC, Thelma Waldon, Newark, NJ; two nephews, John Peter “Pete” Kennedy, Lloyd “Butch” Smith and wife Renee, all of Washington, DC; one child of the heart, Fannie Robbins, Columbia, SC; childhood friends of her children; the children of her son-in-law, Caren and her son Justin and Robert III; several great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, in-laws and a host of friends. She was predeceased by three babies, Marvin, Linda and Jerry, Columbia, SC, her husband, Marvin (September 17, 1925-August 2, 1983), Columbia, SC, one sister, Janie Florence Kennedy, Washington, DC.

Mrs. Medlock died Tuesday, August 5, 2008. Born in St. Paul, Minn., she was a daughter of the late Frank and Anna Brecke Cardin. Mrs. Medlock was a professional seamstress. She enjoyed sewing, crocheting, and reading and was active with the Boy Scouts. Mrs. Medlock was a member of St. John Neumann Catholic Church.

Surviving are three sons, Barry Medlock of Columbia, Michael Medlock and his wife, Sharon of Woodridge, Va., and Ray LaVasseur of Portland, Ore.; and nine grandchildren. She was predeceased by two sisters, Arlyss and Lorraine and one brother, Eugene.

Please sign the online guest book at www.dunbarfunerals.com.

«Obituary posted: August 7, 2008»

Mrs. Bond is survived by her beloved husband, Robert F. “Bob” Bond; her stepson, Robert H. (Nanci) Bond of Rochester, N.H.; and a sister, Martha H. Headrick, of Newton, N.C. She is also survived by aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, numerous cousins, and many friends.

Maxine graduated from the York County School of Nursing in Rock Hill, S.C. August 31, 1956. She and her 8 classmates, who are invited to serve as honorary pallbearers, had a 50th anniversary celebration August 31, 2006, in Rock Hill. She began her nursing career at the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta and then came to Columbia. In Columbia, she worked at Old Columbia Hospital in the ER, then moved to Lexington County Hospital to work in the ER and OR. She finally finished her 44 year career at Charter Rivers.

Maxine dearly loved all of her Boston’s who preceded her in death: Cricket, BoomBoom, Mindy and Boomer; and Casey, who survives her.

Words can never express the appreciation of Maxine’s family for all the prayers, cards, phone calls, visits, and support of her friends during her illness. The staff of Ashley River Towers (MUSC) in Charleston and the staff of Intermedical Hospital in Columbia gave Maxine care, encouragement, and friendship for which we are truly grateful.

«Obituary posted: August 7, 2008»

Mrs. Platt, widow of Less M. Platt, passed away Sunday, August 3, 2008. Born in Union County, NC, she was the daughter of the late Charles B. and Bessie Mae James Rogers. She was a member of Columbia First Seventh Day Adventist Church.

Surviving are her daughter, Barbara P. Millburn of Snellville, GA; sons, Donald L. Platt of Silver Springs, MD, and David W. Platt of Hendersonville, NC; four grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; and brother, James P. Rogers.

Mrs. Platt was preceded in death by her brothers, Charles Rogers, Phil Rogers and Harry Rogers; and sisters, Nora Gulledge and Bessie Snoddy.

www.thompsonsfuneral.com

Mr. Evans died Tuesday, August 5, 2008. Born in New Zion, SC, he was a son of the late Peter and Arcie Green Evans. He served in the U.S. Navy during WW II. For many of his working years he was an insurance agent. Mr. Evans was a Deacon at Bayview Baptist Church and the Fisher Sunday School Class.

Mr. Evans is survived by his wife of 68 years, Louise W. Evans; son, Frankie E. Evans and wife Mary G. of Columbia; grandchildren, Michele E. Brown of Lexington, Al L. Evans and wife Elizabeth, all of Lexington; great-grandchildren, Kelon, Erica and Dale. He was the eldest and last survivor of 9 children. He was predeceased by a son, Al Lorenz Evans.

www.ShivesFuneralHome.com

(803) 754-6290

www.nortonfh.net

«Obituary posted: August 7, 2008»

She was married in 1932 to John Jay Blackmon and had one daughter. Ms. Blackmon is survived by daughter and son-in-law, Jean and E.J. “Bubba” Matheson, Jr. of Wagener, grandsons, Jay Matheson of Columbia, Jeffrey and Laurianne of Louisville, KY, and Judson Matheson of Duluth, MN, and great-grandson, Cory Matheson.

Ms. Blackmon was born in Fort Mill, SC, the daughter of the late Frederick and Floride Harrison Nims, Sr. She was predeceased by brothers: Fred, Kenneth, Willie, Joe, Frank, and Douglas Nims; and sisters: Elizabeth Mack and Mary White. Ms. Blackmon worked for Western Union as an office supervisor for many years and in a dress shop in Lancaster called Virginia’s Shop. Ms. Blackmon was a member of Unity Presbyterian Church in Fort Mill. She resided in Lancaster, Fort Mill, and for the last 14 years in Wagener with her daughter. “Auntie” was especially beloved by her many nieces and nephews. Floride’s love for life and ability to live it well endeared her to both family and friends.

A graveside memorial service will be held Sunday at 4:00 p.m. in the Westside Cemetery in Lancaster with the Rev. Dan Halloway and Rev. Sam Thomas officiating. Visitation will be Friday from 6-8 p.m. in the Wagener Chapel of Blizzard Funeral Home, 163 Main St. South, Wagener, SC (803) 564-5333. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to Perry Eldercare, P.O. Box 1189, Wagener, SC 29164, in memory of Ms. Blackmon. An online register is available at www.blizzardfuneralhome.com.

«Obituary posted: August 7, 2008»

«Obituary posted: August 7, 2008»

Surviving are her husband, Lennox McDonald; sons, Roger, Gavin, and Christopher McDonald; five sisters; four brothers; and a host of other family and friends.

www.leevy.com

«Obituary posted: August 7, 2008»

www.nortonfh.net

«Obituary posted: August 7, 2008»

With more annexations, public safety response time will mimic that of a county instead of small city. Cayce on most shifts has just four public safety officers; if any of them are aiding the two full-time firemen at a call at The Retreat on Bluff Road seven miles from headquarters, residents closer to the city center, not to mention those who live past the airport seven miles the other way from headquarters, are at great risk. With the City Council turning down requests for extra personnel this year, we should all be concerned about the risk of burn-out for our officers and safety for our citizens.

Good leaders follow more than the letter of the law; they engage their citizens in the process. Almost all of the annexations were approved during special meetings held within a few days of regular council meetings. Cayce held more special meetings this year than regular meetings. Last year, there was one on each side of Christmas to annex the former Green Diamond property. Why is it necessary to hide behind the veil of specially called meetings, when most citizens may not get notice?

Good leaders listen to the concerns of those they represent. During those Christmas meetings, residents clearly and fervently asked Cayce leaders to 1) gather facts before annexing the locally infamous property, 2) address current infrastructure needs before taking on larger burdens such as levees and 3) further develop the city center instead of dividing the citizens’ and leaders’ focus. Are none of these issues a concern for the current leaders?

Good leaders should also be consistent. In the Feb. 5 council meeting, the city manager responded to inquiries about purchasing property across from the public safety department. He stated that “most of the property is either in the floodway or flood plain and not much is usable except the corner lot.” So it was decided “that the city does not have a current need for the corner lot and did not see the use in pursuing it at this time.” Would it have been more desirable if it came with a league of smiling developers and lawyers?

In the wake of the recent salmonella fiasco, one now hears rumblings that Congress should compensate vegetable growers for their losses.

People forget that it was the fierce lobbying of the food industry that killed a legislative effort a while back to tag produce so it could be tracked swiftly back to the source.

At the time, the industry complained that it would be too costly. Now, when growers suffer the easily predictable consequences, they fully expect taxpayers to bail them out. In an election year, it is equally predictable that Congress will oblige.

However, a bailout makes absolutely no sense, as it leaves the problem unresolved. But in this day and age of the nanny state, it is actually in the interest of Congress not even to bother to address the issue. Lawmakers know the problem will occur again and will lead to yet another bailout, and yet another, etc.