3 S.C. Men Indicted on Federal Civil Rights Charges

The Justice Department announced today that a federal grand jury in Florence, S.C., indicted three men from Marlboro County, S.C., on charges relating to their attack on an African-American man and two white men in December 2007.

Thomas Howard Blue Sr., 48, Thomas Howard Blue Jr., 28, and Judson Hartley Talbert, 34, were charged in a 21-count indictment with violating and conspiracy to violate the civil rights of three South Carolina citizens, carjacking, use of fire to commit a felony, use of a firearm in relation to a crime of violence, evidence tampering and grand jury perjury. Each civil rights count carries a sentence of up to 10 years in prison and $250,000 fine. A trial has not yet been scheduled. An indictment is merely an accusation and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

The grand jury charged that Thomas Howard Blue Sr. forcibly escorted Dahndre Moore out of his establishment known as the Stop and Shop because Moore is African-American. Once outside, Thomas Howard Blue Sr. forced Moore to the ground and Thomas Howard Blue Jr. threatened Moore with a chainsaw. While Moore was being attacked by the father and son, Judson Hartley Talbert stole Moore’s car and drove it to a site along the Great Pee Dee River known as Blue’s Landing. After being chased by the Blues, Moore escaped by running up the road and seeking refuge in a local home.

According to the indictment, Thomas Howard Blue Sr. retrieved a pistol and attacked Jackson Hayes, a white man whom Blue believed to be aiding Moore, and used the pistol to threaten another white man, Jamie Gray, who came to the Stop and Shop to retrieve Moore’s car. Thomas Howard Blue Sr. and Judson Hartley later burnt Moore’s car in an attempt to cover up their crimes. The indictment also alleges the three defendants committed perjury when testifying before a federal grand jury that was investigating the incident.

The case is being investigated by FBI Special Agent Steven Stokes with assistance from Special Agent Jeff Key of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives and Investigator Shawn Feldner of the Marlboro County Sheriff’s Department.

Assistant U.S. Attorney A. Bradley Parham and Civil Rights Division Trial Attorney Michael J. Frank are prosecuting this case.

Patriot Netters make NCAA Tournament ; FMU Women to host

FLORENCE, S.C. – The Francis Marion University men’s and women’s tennis teams learned on Thursday (April 30) that they both have earned invitations to participate in the NCAA Division II Tournament, with the Patriot women set to serve as a regional tournament host for the second straight year.
This is the fourth consecutive trip to the NCAAs for the FMU women, and the ninth in the past 15 years. The Patriot men earn an invitation for the second year in a row and the 13th time in the past 15 seasons. This will be the second time Francis Marion has hosted an NCAA women’s tennis regional. The men served as a host in 2000.
This year’s 64-team women’s field consists of 16 regional sites. FMU will play host to one of two Southeast Regionals on Thursday through Saturday, May 7-9. Armstrong Atlantic State University will host the other Southeast Regional. Each of the 16 regional winners will advance to the national finals, May 13-16, in Altamonte Springs, Fla.
The 18-4 FMU women, who are ranked eighth nationally, will play on Friday, May 8, at 10 a.m. against the winner of Thursday’s 2 p.m. match between 33rd-ranked Erskine College (16-7) and Mount Olive College (12-10). The other match on Friday pits sixth-ranked Columbus State University (20-3) against 22nd-ranked Georgia College & State University (9-10) at 2 p.m. Friday’s two winners will meet in the regional title contest on Saturday at 1 p.m.
The 64-team men’s field also consists of 16 regional sites. Francis Marion will travel to Savannah, Ga., on May 7-9 for one of the two Southeast men’s regionals. GCSU will also host a men’s regional site. As with the women, each regional winner will advance to the national finals, May 13-16, in Altamonte Springs, Fla.
FMU is ranked 17th with a 15-5 record and will face Mars Hill College (13-5) on Thursday, May 7, at 2 p.m. A win would move the Patriots into the second round on Friday at 2 p.m. against ninth-ranked USC Aiken (18-4). The men’s regional championship match is set for Saturday at 2 p.m.
Last year, both Francis Marion teams won their respective regionals and advanced to the national championships in Houston, Texas, where both squads made the Elite Eight.


2009 NCAA II Women's Tennis Southeast Regional
May 7-9, 2009, at Francis Marion University in Florence, S.C. (Kassab Courts)

Thursday May 7
2 pm - Match 1 #33 Erskine College (16-7) vs. Mount Olive College (12-10)

Friday, May 8 (Regional Semifinals)
10 am – Match 2 #8 Francis Marion University (18-4) vs. winner Match 1
2 pm – Match 3 #22 Georgia College & State Univ. (9-10) vs. #6 Columbus State University (20-3)

Saturday May 9 (Regional Finals)
1 pm – Match 4 winner Match 2 vs winner Match 3


2009 NCAA II Men's Tennis Southeast Regional
May 7-9, 2009, at Armstrong Atlantic State University in Savannah, Ga. (AASU Tennis Complex)

Thursday, May 7
2 pm #17 Francis Marion University (15-5) vs. Mars Hill College (13-5)
5 pm #24 Augusta State University (10-10) vs. #18 Lander University (8-8)

Friday, May 8
2 pm #9 USC Aiken (18-4) vs. Francis Marion/Mars Hill winner
5:30 pm #1 Armstrong Atlantic State University (24-1) vs. Augusta State/Lander winner

Saturday, May 9
2 pm Regional Championship Match

RedWolves Notebook

The Florence RedWolves announce the signing of four Francis Marion Patriots to the 2009 roster. Barrett Kleinknecht, 6ft 195lb Jr. RHP/Infielder and Austin Smetana a 6ft 200lb Redshirt Fr. Utility player will return to the team this summer after successful 2008 campaigns. They will be joined by teammates Preston Shuey a 6'5" 245lb So. 1st baseman and Brandon Forshee a 6ft 190lb Jr. RHP.

The RedWolves remind kids ages 6-15 to sign up for their 2009 summer camp to be held June 15-18. Camp cost is $80 and is taught by the 2009 RedWolves players and coaches. Sign up forms can be downloaded at florenceredwolves.com or a form can be picked up at All Star Sports.

The RedWolves are also taking reservations for team/birthday parties during their 2009 home schedule. Call the RedWolves office for more information and to book your outing at 629-0700

There are still a few season box seats available for the 2009 season, cost is $135 for 30 home games. General admission ticket books will be available for purchase starting May 8th. Call or come by the RedWolves office at American Legion Field to purchase tickets to see your Florence RedWolves play this summer.

House Passes Budget Conference Agreement

The U.S. House of Representatives today gave its final approval to a budget conference agreement for fiscal year 2010 that embraces the priorities of the President’s budget. The plan puts the budget back on a fiscally sustainable path while making strategic investments to rebuild the economy, through investments in health care reform, higher education, and energy independence.

House Budget Committee Chairman John Spratt stated: “Our plan will cut the federal budget deficit by nearly two thirds by 2013, and even further in 2014. The record deficit for this year – most of it inherited from the Bush Administration – represents 12 percent of GDP. Our budget cuts the deficit to a more sustainable level of 3.0 percent in 2014.”

The Democratic budget is designed to lower the deficit from $1.7 trillion in 2009 to $523 billion by 2014. “Our budget cuts the deficit by $1.2 trillion by 2014,” said Spratt. “Clearly, this a deficit-reduction budget.”

The conference agreement includes a level of discretionary funding between that of the House and Senate budgets, providing $10 billion less than the President’s request for 2010. It matches the President’s request to increase defense funding by 4 percent.

“Our plan will support initiatives to boost the economy – in health care, in alternative energies, and in education, expanding access to college for more people,” said Spratt. “These are investments with proven returns and the cost of these initiatives will be offset.”

If legislation for health care reform and education investment cannot be achieved through regular procedures, then the budget’s reconciliation instructions requiring committees to report legislation by October 15 provide a fall-back to ensure that these initiatives can move through Congress.

The budget agreement includes tax cuts of more than $1.7 trillion over the next ten years for middle-income Americans, permanently extending the middle-income tax cuts adopted in 2001 and 2003: the 10 percent bracket, the child tax credit, and marriage penalty relief. It also indexes the alternative minimum tax to keep it from burdening middle-income taxpayers for whom it was never intended. And it extends estate tax exemptions at the 2009 levels, and indexes the exemptions for future years.

The Senate is expected to vote on the fiscal year 2010 budget conference agreement tonight.

Fire-wise tips for SC homeowners

Why do some homes burn in wildfires and others not? Firebrands and surface fires are responsible for the majority of homes lost to wildfire. Firebrands, also called embers, falling onto things like flammable plants and mulch will ignite. When exposed to heat, some types of siding will melt, exposing the interior to fire. Embers can also enter through eaves, soffits and vents or be blown onto outdoor furniture cushions, leaves under decks or other flammable materials, starting fires.

Homeowners who want to protect their homes can take proactive steps to increase the survivability of their homes by creating an area of defensible space within 30 feet of the home. Undisturbed forestland and natural areas should be separated from the home by patios, driveways, or grassy spaces and dense understory plants should be removed from these natural areas.

In landscaped areas adjacent to the home, nonflammable mulches of stone, volcanic rock and brick should be used. Heavier mulches such as pine and hardwood bark or cypress are somewhat resistant to ignition, but will burn.

In the area immediately surrounding the home, residents should use plants that are less flammable. Wax myrtle, juniper, saw palmetto, yaupon holly and pampas grass are some landscape plants that ignite faster and burn more readily. These highly flammable plants are not recommended for planting adjacent to homes with wood or vinyl siding.

In landscaped beds near and immediately adjoining the home, individuals should use plants with some fire resistance which are less likely to ignite from a wildfire. These include deciduous plants and those that do not have resinous, oily or waxy leaves. Shrubs that exhibit some fire resistance include azalea, barberry, boxwood, gardenia, loropetalum, pittosporum and spiraea. Other fire resistant plants include crape myrtle, dogwood, monkey grass and periwinkle.

More information is available at www.trees.sc.gov and www.firewise.org.

Beaufort County Historical Society

Award winning columnist, David Lauderdale, will be the keynote speaker for the 70th Annual Meeting of the Beaufort County Historical Society on May14. His topic will be “History, One Day at a Time”.
Lauderdale’s humorous and informative columns about life in the Lowcountry have appeared in the Island Packet and the Beaufort Gazette for over thirty years. He has won over a dozen first place writing awards, including the President’s Award from the McClatchy Company.

This will be David Lauderdale’s first engagement with the Beaufort County Historical Society. The event will take place at the Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall on the corner of North and Church Streets in downtown Beaufort.

A light lunch will be served at 11:30am for a fee of $10.00. The program will begin at 12:00pm and is open to the public.

The Beaufort County Historical Society is the oldest organization in Beaufort County dedicated to the study and preservation of history.

For more information contact Iva Welton at 843-671-4865 or email ivasouth@aol.com
www.beaufortcountyhistoricalsociety.com

New taxpayer group urges Sanford to “Take the Money”

The South Carolina Taxpayers Alliance (SCTA) today announced that it was launching a 60-second television ad encouraging Governor Mark Sanford to accept South Carolina’s $700 million portion of federal stimulus funding.

“We agree with Governor Sanford that the stimulus legislation was a bad idea. But we lost that fight,” said SCTA Chairman Adam Fogle. “Now that the Stimulus Bill is law, if the governor refuses the funds, our share will go to other states and South Carolinians will still be on the hook to pay off the debt. That just doesn’t make any sense.”

The ad, entitled “Take the Money,” will begin running Wednesday along the coast and in the Florence area with the intent to run it statewide as the group continues to raise funds.

Fogle said he formed SCTA as a way to stand up for South Carolina taxpayers. It is a nonprofit advocacy group designed to give taxpayers a voice on major issues impacting their lives.

“I was inspired by the recent Tea Parties and wanted to do something to help fight for taxpayers,” said Fogle. “So I formed the South Carolina Taxpayers Alliance to empower average citizens like me and give us a voice on a number of important issues without fear of retribution from individuals in power.

“We chose the stimulus as the first of these issues because it directly relates to what is best for taxpayers.”

You can view the SCTA ad “Take the Money” on YouTube by clicking here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BbYuwBO3g9k

Raceway Chevrolet Goes to Bat for Laverne Ard Park

Raceway Chevrolet sponsors Laverne Ard Park with equipment, clinics and helps raise thousands of dollars with a Chevrolet giveaway

Pamplico (April 29, 2009) – Giving something back to the community, Raceway Chevrolet announced today that they are partnering with Laverne Ard Park to provide the league’s players and coaches with equipment, instructional clinics and a chance to raise $10,000 in funds for the 2009 season. The program demonstrates Chevrolet and their dealerships as America’s brand bringing together American’s pastime and America’s favorite car company.

In support of the community’s youth baseball program, Raceway Chevrolet will provide the league with kits filled with equipment bags, ball buckets, coaches’ clipboards and t-shirts.

Offering additional support to the community, Laverne Ard Park will have the opportunity to raise as much as $10,000 through the Chevy-Vehicle Raffle where a new Chevy Malibu and Chevy Traverse, along with autographed Cal Ripken Jr. memorabilia, will be given away. Raceway Chevrolet and other area Chevrolet dealerships are donating the two cars being raffled off. All proceeds from the raffle go to participating leagues and communities.

“Chevy and Baseball. It’s a great combination of America’s brand and America’s game,” says John Isgett of Raceway Chevrolet. “What better way to help our kids than with donating equipment, instruction and memorabilia from Cal Ripken. We are excited to be part of the effort this year and to support the youth and families in our community. We definitely anticipate a fun-filled season at Laverne Ard Park.

2008 marked a great year for Chevrolet and local communities. Last year in the Southeast alone, 437 Chevrolet dealerships helped out more than 477 local communities and their baseball programs by raising over $3.5 million. For more information about Chevy Youth Baseball, visit www.ChevyYouthSports.com.

SCDP Chair: Voting Rights Act Provision Still Necessary in South Carolina

South Carolina Democratic Party Chair Carol Fowler released the following statement in response to the Northwest Austin Municipal Utility District No. 1 v. Holder, 08-322 case being argued today before the U. S. Supreme Court. The case challenges the coverage and constitutionality of the Voting Rights Act's provision requiring federal review of new voting procedures in states with a history of discrimination in voting.

"I think that it is critical for the Supreme Court to uphold Congress' decision to renew this provision in the Voting Rights Act. Recent voting legislation introduced by Republican lawmakers in the South Carolina General Assembly shows us that this provision is still necessary in 2009. South Carolina voters need protection from the type of discrimination Republicans are trying to reinstate in South Carolina with the removal of in-person absentee voting and the implementation of state-issued ID requirements for voters," said Fowler.

Scammers are creating their own epidemic of spam e-mails

Relying on reports from online security experts, Better Business Bureau is warning consumers to be on the lookout for fraudulent e-mails and Web sites trying to take advantage of the current swine flu outbreak.

“Scammers read newspapers, watch TV and surf the Internet and they know that by using a hook from the day’s top headlines, that they’ll be able to catch lots of fish,” said Kathy Graham, President/CEO of the BBB of Coastal Carolina, Inc. “Right now, issues associated with swine flu and a potential pandemic are of global interest and that means scammers have a very large pond to go phishing in.”

According to McAfee Avert Labs, an online security company, spammers began pumping out e-mails as soon as the first accounts of swine flu were being reported in the news, accounting for two percent of all spam messages. The messages include such subject lines as, “Madonna caught swine flu!” and “Swine flu in Hollywood!” The company reports that the e-mails do not contain malware but often link to online pharmacies.

Another online security company claims that more than 250 Web sites with the term “swine flu” have been registered within the first few days following the announcement of the outbreak and predict that the scams artists are preparing to use such Web sites in a variety of different online scams. One Web site is already selling a “Swine Flu Survival Guide” PDF for $19.95 (www.noswineflu.com )

BBB offers the following advice to avoid swine flu scams:

• Avoid opening e-mail from an unknown source and do not click on any links in the body of the e-mail or open any attachments. Instead, delete the e-mail or report it to the Federal Trade Commission by forwarding the e-mail to spam@uce.gov.

• Don’t believe online offers for vaccinations against swine flu because a vaccine does not exist. For more information on swine flu and updates on progress in fighting the outbreak, go to www.cdc.gov/swineflu

• Make sure your anti-virus and anti-spyware software is up to date and all operating system security patches have been installed. If your computer becomes infected as the result of a spam e-mail about swine flu, you can report it to the Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov.

For more information or to schedule an interview with a BBB spokesperson, contact Kathy Graham at 843-488-0238.

House Passes Budget Conference Agreement

WASHINGTON – The U.S. House of Representatives today gave its final approval to a budget conference agreement for fiscal year 2010 that embraces the priorities of the President’s budget. The plan puts the budget back on a fiscally sustainable path while making strategic investments to rebuild the economy, through investments in health care reform, higher education, and energy independence.

House Budget Committee Chairman John Spratt stated: “Our plan will cut the federal budget deficit by nearly two thirds by 2013, and even further in 2014. The record deficit for this year – most of it inherited from the Bush Administration – represents 12 percent of GDP. Our budget cuts the deficit to a more sustainable level of 3.0 percent in 2014.”

The Democratic budget is designed to lower the deficit from $1.7 trillion in 2009 to $523 billion by 2014. “Our budget cuts the deficit by $1.2 trillion by 2014,” said Spratt. “Clearly, this a deficit-reduction budget.”

The conference agreement includes a level of discretionary funding between that of the House and Senate budgets, providing $10 billion less than the President’s request for 2010. It matches the President’s request to increase defense funding by 4 percent.

“Our plan will support initiatives to boost the economy – in health care, in alternative energies, and in education, expanding access to college for more people,” said Spratt. “These are investments with proven returns and the cost of these initiatives will be offset.”

If legislation for health care reform and education investment cannot be achieved through regular procedures, then the budget’s reconciliation instructions requiring committees to report legislation by October 15 provide a fall-back to ensure that these initiatives can move through Congress.

The budget agreement includes tax cuts of more than $1.7 trillion over the next ten years for middle-income Americans, permanently extending the middle-income tax cuts adopted in 2001 and 2003: the 10 percent bracket, the child tax credit, and marriage penalty relief. It also indexes the alternative minimum tax to keep it from burdening middle-income taxpayers for whom it was never intended. And it extends estate tax exemptions at the 2009 levels, and indexes the exemptions for future years.

The Senate is expected to vote on the fiscal year 2010 budget conference agreement tonight.

FMU Holds 39th-Annual Athletic Banquet

Francis Marion University held its 39th-annual Athletic Banquet, Monday, April 27, in the university’s Edward S. Ervin III Dining Hall. Most Valuable Player awards were given in 14 sports. An outstanding cheerleader award and a student-athlete award were also presented.

Gail Summersett Outlaw Outstanding Cheerleader Award – senior Jessica Hale (Clinton, NY)
Conyers O’Bryan M.V.P. Award for baseball – senior third baseman Keon Graves (Dillon, SC)
Howard Stokes M.V.P. Award for men’s basketball – senior forward Kevin Clark (Charlotte, NC)
Carroll Player Jr. M.V.P. Award for women’s basketball – sophomore guard Shannon Singleton-Bates (South Norwalk, CT)
Most Valuable Player Award for men’s cross country – junior Hillary Kiprop (Eldoret, Kenya)
Most Valuable Player Award for women’s cross country – senior Kelly May (Bowling Green, OH)
(May earned the award for the third time in four years)
Clifford Cormell Jr. M.V.P. Award for golf – senior Keith Crowley (Balincollig, Ireland)
Joe and Elease Webb M.V.P. Award for men’s soccer – senior back Willie Hunt (Greer, SC)
Most Valuable Player Award for women’s soccer – junior midfielder Angela Salem (Copley, OH)
(Salem earns the award for the second straight year)
Most Valuable Player Award for women’s softball – senior first baseman Tamela Bell (Covington, GA)
Lorin Mason M.V.P. Award for men’s tennis – sophomore Oshada Wijemanne (Colombo, Sri Lanka)
Gladys Hite M.V.P. Award for women’s tennis – sophomore Jitka Gavdunova (Vejprty, Czech Republic)
Jerry and Jean Lee M.V.P. Award for men’s track and field – junior Adam Wilson (Grahamsville, NY)
Most Valuable Player Award for women’s track and field – senior Kelly May (Bowling Green, OH)
Joseph B. DuRant M.V.P. for volleyball – senior middleblocker Jessica Lombardi (Massillon, OH)
Debra Lee Orander Academic Award – junior soccer goalkeeper Emily Brandenburg (West Columbia, SC)

Of the 10 FMU athletic teams that keep win-loss records, nine registered winning records this past year, and six appeared in national poll rankings. Five teams earned invitations to the NCAA national tournament, and four teams (softball, baseball, and men’s and women’s tennis) are still alive with hopes of NCAA Tournament bids.

First Lady Jenny Sanford Joins "Parents Who Host, Lose the Most" Media Campaign

First Lady Jenny Sanford announced today that she is pleased to join the "Parents Who Host, Lose the Most" public awareness media campaign. The South Carolina Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services (DAODAS) launched this campaign to educate parents on the legal consequences of providing alcohol to underage youth. The "Parents Who Host, Lose the Most" statewide media campaign is designed to increase understanding of and compliance with South Carolina underage drinking laws.

Mrs. Sanford said, "All parents in South Carolina need to fully understand the implications involved when they allow or abet underage drinking. The costs on our state are real - financial, legal, and life."

"I applaud Mrs. Sanford for joining with mothers and fathers across our state by signing the 'Parent Pledge Against Underage Drinking' and supporting this important effort," said W. Lee Catoe, director of DAODAS. "As we enter graduation season - with its many celebrations - it is not unusual for well-meaning parents to provide alcohol to their teen's friends at home parties. But with Mrs. Sanford's assistance, we intend to educate parents that providing alcohol to teens is illegal and irresponsible."

Parents can receive a 30-day jail sentence and $1,075 in fines and fees for giving alcohol to other parents' children under any circumstances - even in their own home. And, they can be sued if a teen hurts someone, hurts themselves or damages property after being allowed to drink on their premises.

South Carolina high school surveys show:
37% of high school students drink;
20% binge drink (having five or more drinks in one sitting); and
37% took their first drink before age 13.

While laws vary from state to state, the campaign's message is a universal one: It is illegal, unsafe and unhealthy for anyone under 21 to drink alcohol. In fact, in South Carolina, alcohol use is the major cause of loss of life for young people ages 15 to 24, accounting for 45% of their fatalities, most of which result from alcohol-related car crashes.

"Parents Who Host, Lose the Most" coincides with increased enforcement of underage drinking laws by local law enforcement, as well as community prevention efforts by county alcohol and drug abuse authorities.

For more information on "Parents Who Host, Lose the Most," please visit www.daodas.org. A document with graduation season community safety tips is attached * it also provides more information about the campaign, a copy of the 'Parent Pledge Against Underage Drinking', and facts about underage drinking in South Carolina.

Myrtle Beach Wildfire is a Wake-Up Call for Homeowners to Check Insurance Coverage

The wildfire that destroyed at least 75 homes and damaged dozens more is a reminder that homeowners need to know what their insurance policy covers and how to prepare for the claims process before disaster strikes. This is particularly important as the Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1.

“Now is the time to ensure you have the insurance protection you need to rebuild your home and replace your personal belongings,” says Allison Dean Love, executive director of the South Carolina Insurance News Service, “You don’t want to be agonizing over your insurance coverage when hurricane force winds are blowing or when flames are at your door.”

The South Carolina Insurance News Service offers these tips for homeowners to ensure they have proper insurance coverage:

• Conduct an annual insurance checkup. Many people don’t think about their insurance until they need it. Understanding what is and isn’t covered in your homeowner’s insurance policy offers peace of mind in understanding how your insurance company will assist in rebuilding your home and replacing your personal belongings after they are damaged or lost. Homeowners should check with their insurance agent to ensure that their policy coverage limits are in keeping with local building costs and have their coverage adjusted to include home remodeling and additions. If you don’t have replacement coverage, consider spending a few extra dollars for coverage that pays for the cost of replacing the damaged property without deduction for depreciation.

• Create a home inventory. Make a home inventory that includes lists, pictures or a videotape of the contents of your home to help you remember all the possessions you've accumulated over the years if they are destroyed. Having an up-to-date home inventory will help get your insurance claim settled faster, verify losses for your income tax return and help you purchase the correct amount of insurance. Free downloadable home inventory software is available at www.scinsurance.net by clicking on the icon marked “DOWNLOAD home inventory software.”

• Know what is covered by your policy…and what is not. A typical homeowner insurance policy covers damage resulting from fire, windstorm, hail, water damage (excluding flooding), riots and explosion as well as other causes of loss, such as theft and the extra cost of living elsewhere while the structure is being repaired or rebuilt. Talk to your insurance agent about purchasing a separate flood or earthquake policy. If you live along the coast, you may need as many as six or seven different insurance policies to guarantee that your home is fully covered.

· Be prepared to evacuate. If you have to evacuate or cannot live in your home while it is being rebuilt or repaired, you may have coverage available for out-of-pocket living expenses. Contact your insurance agent or company to let them know where you are staying and maintain records and receipts for hotel rooms, meals, etc.



For more information, visit the South Carolina Insurance News Service on the Web at www.scinsurance.net.

AJM Partners with Boys & Girls Clubs To Celebrate National Be Your Best Self Week

More than 55,000 young people expected to be exposed to program’s message of self esteem and positive living habits.

The nation’s oldest and largest scholarship program of its type will dispatch many of the nation’s best and brightest young women to Boys & Girls Clubs across the nation to share messages of positive self esteem and personal development during National Be Your Best Self Week. The national event, presented by America’s Junior Miss (AJM) will take place the week of May 4-8, 2009, and is expected to reach more than 55,000 young people in Boys & Girls Clubs across the nation.

During National BYBS Week, each state Junior Miss, as well as some local Junior Misses, will visit a Boys & Girls Club in her community to talk to young people about being physically fit and drug free, serving their communities, staying in school, setting and achieving goals, and living by moral and ethical principles. Each Junior Miss will use her own talents and life experiences to present the program through creative and fun methods that engage the young people they meet. Past presentations have included dance lessons, puppet shows, community service projects, and interactive discussions.

Young people who agree to accept the BYBS challenge will complete pledge cards as a personal commitment to be healthy, studious, involved, ambitious, and responsible.

WILDFIRE POINT OF ORIGIN REMAINS UNCHANGED IN HORRY CO. INVESTIGATION

Agents with the South Carolina Forestry Commission have yet to find another ignition source which could be linked to the wildfire in Horry County. Marc Torchi of Conway remains the only individual charged due to an illegal debris burn thought to have eventually led to the wildfire.

“Although we continue to investigate, no evidence has turned up to indicate a second possible point of origin,” said Scott Hawkins, an agency spokesperson.

The fire is 100% contained, but will not be labeled "controlled" until there is no longer any heat produced anywhere inside the line.

SC Forestry Commission officers issued two tickets Thursday to Torchi in connection with the wildfire which destroyed dozens of homes. According to investigators, he had been burning household garbage on Saturday, April 18. This fire escaped that evening but was apparently extinguished. On Wednesday, April 22, strong winds and low humidity allowed the fire to rekindle and spread rapidly, growing into what has become known as the Highway 31 Fire. Mr. Torchi is being held criminally responsible only for the fire which burned his neighbor's land, although SCFC investigators are convinced it led to the larger wildfire.



South Carolina Forestry Commission officers cited Mr. Torchi with Failure to Notify the Forestry Commission, SC Code 48-35-10, and Allowing Fire to Spread to Lands of Another, SC Code 16-11-180. The charges can result in fines of $262.50 and $470.00, respectively. State law requires burners to notify the SC Forestry Commission, clear around the area to be burned, have adequate resources available to control the fire, and stay with the fire until it is safe to leave.

Rep Spratt's Statement at Budget Conference Meeting

See Rep. John Spratt's comments at the Budget Conference here.

Four Patriots selected to All-PBC Softball Team

FLORENCE, S.C. – Four members of the Francis Marion University softball team were recently named to the 2009 Peach Belt Conference All-Conference Team.

Senior designated player and utility player Laura Hauff was named to the first team, while junior left-handed pitcher Michaela Wolf, junior left fielder Jessica Birchmeier, and freshman right-handed pitcher Lauren Bubeck were selected to the second team. This is the second straight season Wolf and Birchmeier have earned All-PBC recognition.

The group has helped Francis Marion to a 32-19 record. The Patriots are awaiting the announcement of this week’s NCAA Division II National Tournament field to see if they will receive an at-large invitation.

Hauff, a native of Columbia, is batting .333 with seven runs batted in and a .353 on-base percentage.

Wolf, a native of Littleton, Colo., owns a 20-11 pitching record and a 1.58 earned run average. She has completed 25 of her 29 starts and struck out 172 batters in 204.1 innings of work. She is the only Patriot hurler in the history of the program to win 20 games more than once in a career -- after winning 29 games last year and 21 games as a freshman. She has walked only 35 batters and opponents are hitting just .224 against her.

At the plate, Wolf is hitting .323 with five doubles, four home runs, and 27 runs batted in – the second highest total on the squad.

Birchmeier, a native of Port Richey, Fla., is batting .324 with 23 runs scored, 10 doubles, one home run, and 20 RBIs. She is first among the Patriot regulars with a .415 on-base percentage and 13 multi-hit games.

Bubeck, a native of Tequesta, Fla., has a 9-7 pitching mark with a 2.19 ERA. She has appeared in 22 games, with 10 complete games, two shutouts, and 45 strikeouts against only 18 walks in 108.2 innings.

Hauff was a first-team All-Region performer and five-year letterwinner at Spring Valley High School, while Wolf is a former two-time All-Conference performer at Columbine High School. Birchmeier was the Suncoast Athletic Conference Player of the Year as a senior at Ridgewood High School, while Bubeck was a four-time All-Conference pick at South Fork High School.
This marks the second straight year, FMU has placed four members on the All-PBC Team.

Fake Checks Still Cashing in on South Carolinians

The South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs continues to receive calls and other inquiries, from banks and consumers, concerning checks that appear to be real, but turn out to be phony. Fake check scams defraud thousands each year and consumers lose an average of $5,000. Con artists are looking to gain your trust, so they are friendly and very convincing. They are especially dangerous during this economic downturn because they prey on consumers who are facing financial hardships and are hoping for a miracle.


Sample Fake Check Scams:
∑ The con artist claims to be from another country and says it’s too hard to make payment directly, so they have someone who “owes them money” mail the victim a check or even a US Postal Money Order. The amount of the check is more than owed, so the victim is instructed to deposit the check and wire the excess back, after keeping a sizable fee for their services. The check or money order is later found to be a fake and the victim is out the money they wired back to the con artist. Remember, there is no legitimate reason for someone to ask you to wire money back.

∑ You've won a lottery and receive a cashier’s check or money order. You’re asked to return some of the money to pay for taxes, legal fees or other expenses. You deposit the check into your account and it appears legitimate so you mail them a check to pay for “taxes.” A few days later, the bank calls and says the check you deposited was a fake and now you need to pay back the money. As a reminder, international checks can take 10 to 15 days or even more to clear. Another reminder: international lotteries are illegal!

Can banks tell if a check is not legitimate?
These checks look very real. Tellers receive a great deal of training on how to spot these checks, but even seasoned bank tellers may be fooled because the scammers have gotten that good.

Why does the bank allow consumers to draw on the money?
Under federal law, banks must make the funds deposited available to their customers usually within one to five days. But just because you can withdraw the money doesn’t mean the check is good, even if it’s a cashier’s check. It could be a forgery, which can take as much as two weeks to detect.

What are consumer responsibilities with checks?
Consumers are responsible for the checks they deposit, because they deal directly with the person who gave them the check. If the check bounces, the consumer owes the bank the money he or she withdrew. A bank may sue to recover the money and law enforcement may also get involved if they believe the consumer was involved in the scam.

The bottom line?
If you receive a check or Money Order from someone or some organization that you do not know, be suspicious. Check it out with the Department of Consumer Affairs. If you insist on depositing the check into your bank account, at least wait until the bank notifies you that the check has cleared or not cleared before withdrawing any money from that account.

For more information on fake check scams or other consumer issues, please contact the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs, 803.734.4200 or toll free in South Carolina (1.800.922.1594), or visit the SCDCA website: www.scconsumer.gov.

59-Year-Old Woman Fakes Burglary, Pleads Guilty to Insurance Fraud

Nancy Moser, 59, of 4769 Mt. Carmel Road, Lancaster, South Carolina, pled guilty to Forgery, no dollar amount, which carries a penalty of up to three years confinement and to Presenting a False Claim for Payment, less than $1,000, which carries a penalty of zero to 30 days confinement and/or a fine up to $500. Judge John C. Hayes, III of Lancaster County sentenced Moser on the Forgery charge to one year suspended to six months probation and on the Presenting a False Claim for Payment charge to 30 days suspended. The sentences will run concurrently.

The defendant was originally charged with Forgery no dollar amount, and Presenting a False Claim for Payment over $5,000.

Moser reported that a burglary occurred at her residence in Lancaster County on February 5, 2007. She submitted an inventory loss form to Nationwide Insurance for over $9,000 in losses to include furniture, appliances and electronic equipment. An investigation revealed that the retail stores indicated on the loss form did not sell the items listed as stolen in the insurance claim. A majority of the items listed as stolen were found at Ms. Moser’s daughter’s home.

Ms. Moser also submitted a police report to Nationwide Insurance during the claims process. On that report was a handwritten note to indicate other items were stolen that were not listed on the report. This note was signed, Captain Andy Rollins of the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office. Captain Rollins confirmed that he did not write the note. The original police report does not contain this note.

This case was prosecuted by the South Carolina Attorney General's Office.

The South Carolina Insurance News Service reports a few interesting facts related to insurance fraud:

• Insurance fraud costs nearly $120 billion a year, with healthcare fraud at $85 billion a year and property and casualty insurance fraud at $30 billion a year, according to the Insurance Information Institute.
• Each year consumers spend about $1,000 in total increased insurance premiums, taxes and cost of goods and services according to the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud.
• There were 712 complaints of insurance fraud reported to the South Carolina Attorney General's Insurance Fraud Division in 2007. There were 94 criminal convictions and 72 civil remedies.
• The total amount of insurance fraud reported to the South Carolina Attorney General's Insurance Fraud Division in 2007 was nearly $8.4 million.
• Cases have come from all around the state of South Carolina and break down by region as follows:
Piedmont - 28% (115)
Low Country - 24.5% (100)
Pee Dee - 24.5% (100)
Midlands - 23% (95)
• The South Carolina Insurance Fraud Hotline 1-888-95-FRAUD is available toll-free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Insurance fraud can be "hard" or "soft." Hard fraud occurs when someone deliberately fakes an accident, injury, theft, arson or other loss to collect insurance money illegally. Soft fraud occurs when someone inflates a claim or underestimates the number of miles driven on an insurance application.

Report Insurance Fraud to the South Carolina Insurance Fraud Hotline 1-888-95-FRAUD - All reports remain confidential.

Influenza A (H1N1) & Swine

Clemson University Livestock Poultry Health (CULPH) is monitoring the ongoing influenza A (H1N1) (swine flu) situation closely and taking appropriate steps to help protect animal and human health. This is not an animal disease outbreak.

Dr. Tony Caver, as state veterinarian, has reported to USDA via the area office of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service that we are not aware [4/27/2009] of any adverse pig health issues in SC, particularly none associated with SIV (swine influenza virus). Dr. Caver further states CULPH will continue to work with the Pork Board, USDA-APHIS, CDC and SC DHEC to monitor the situation.

Attached is a fact sheet about influenza A and swine flu and also information from the National Pork Producers Council that will remind you of recommended biosecurity practices for your swine operations, especially now.

Thank you for your foresight in registering your premises with us. As a contact for a NAIS premises registered with us that indicates you have one or more pigs, we wanted you to have this fact sheet available as you encounter questions from your friends, family and neighbors in addition to questions you may have yourself. If in the future this or any other disease threatens SC swine, we will do our best to keep you informed as a registered premises contact.


Special Swine Flu Update
From the National Institute of Animal Agriculture

Statement by Ag Secretary Vilsack Regarding Human Cases of Swine Influenza A (H1N1) (USDA, 4/27) -- "I would like to express my deepest sympathies for those who have lost loved ones to the flu as well as those who have been sickened. I also wanted to reassure the public that there is no evidence at this time showing that swine have been infected with this virus.
According to scientists at USDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, swine flu viruses are not transmitted by food so you cannot get swine flu from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork or pork products is safe. Cooking pork to an internal temperature of 160°F kills all viruses and other foodborne pathogens.
USDA has in place, and did so before the last week's events, a surveillance system to monitor animal health. As an additional precautionary measure, I have asked USDA to reach out to agriculture officials in every state to affirm that they have no signs of this virus type in their state.
USDA will continue to work with other government agencies to monitor the situation and keep the public informed."

Pork Safe To Eat (National Pork Producers Council, 4/26) --Pork is safe to eat, and direct contact with swine is not the source of, and U.S. pigs have not been infected with, the hybrid influenza that has been identified in a number of people in the United States and more than 1,300 in Mexico.
“NPPC wants to assure domestic and global consumers about the safety of pork and urges pork producers to tighten their existing biosecurity protocols to protect their pigs from this virus, including restricting public access to barns.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security:
· People cannot get the hybrid influenza from eating pork or pork products. Most influenza viruses, including the swine flu virus, are not spread by food. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe.
· There are no food safety issues related to the hybrid flu that has been identified, according to DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano.
· Preliminary investigations have determined that none of the people infected with the hybrid flu had contact with hogs.
· “This virus is different, very different from that found in pigs.”
· The hybrid virus never has been identified in hogs in the United States or anywhere in the world.
· The hybrid virus is contagious and is spreading by human-to-human transmission.
For more information, visit www.pork.org , www.cdc.gov/swineflu or http://www.usda.gov/2009/04/0131.xml

Swine Flu Heightens Emphasis on Biosecurity (National Pork Board, 4/27) -- Media reports on a new strain of the swine influenza virus type H1N1 different from any other ever reported in U.S. swine herds serve as a reminder of the need for strict and enforceable biosecurity measured on U.S. pork production operations. The virus has not been reported to cause illness in pigs in the United States, but it has been associated with illness in eight people in the states of California and Texas. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also has reported that the same virus may be responsible for outbreaks of influenza in humans in Mexico.
The Pork Checkoff is recommending that pork producers implement biosecurity practices on their farms to prevent that this new strain of swine influenza does not enter the U.S. swine herd and to protect the health and safety of our industry’s workers.
Consider including the following biosecurity practices for your farm:
· Limit the access of people to essential personnel (farm employees, veterinarians and essential service people);
· Implement policies that prevent employees presenting signs of flu-like illness from having contact with the pigs or other people on the operation;
· Prevent access of international visitors or people who have recently returned from international travel, particularly from travel to Mexico, into your operation;
· Implement a shower in-shower out procedure and the use of farm-specific clothing and footwear for employees entering the barns. At minimum, employees should don farm footwear and completely wash hands and arms before having contact with the pigs;
· Enforce heightened personal hygiene practices including frequent hand washing for all people in contact with pigs;
· Establish contact with the herd veterinarian to discuss other biosecurity practices that are merited by this event.
The importance of keen observation of the health and behavior of your animals cannot be understated and the Pork Checkoff recommends that you establish immediate contact with a swine veterinarian if you suspect that a disease may be present on your farm. More information on influenza can be found in the fact sheet Influenza: Pigs, people and public health . And, additional information on swine influenza and an update on the outbreak reported by the CDC can be found at www.cdc.gov/flu/swine .

Hwy 31 Wildfire Update

The fire is 100 percent contained.

Weather generally has cooperated, but fog idled most overnight SCFC
personnel.

Work is focused in the areas of Long Bay and Water Tower roads today.
Divisions C and D are particularly hot.

SCFC has begun to demobilize crews. Several will remain for mop-up and
fire line reinforcement as necessary.

Aerial drops have ceased. Reconnaissance flights by fixed-wing aircraft
will continue to be a daily part of operations.

Mop-up continues in all areas of the fire. This process is expected to
continue for several weeks and involves heavy equipment operated by men
and women whose visibility could be limited by their working
environment. These firefighters should be given a wide berth.

The burned area will continue to produce heat, smoke and flare-ups for
some time to come. Smoke and hotspots in burned out areas could be an
issue until autumn if rainfall this summer is scarce. Stump holes,
smoldering soil, and snags (dead trees which are still standing) should
be considered extremely dangerous to anyone on foot or operating motor
vehicles of any kind.

Smoke on roads will persist prompting road closures as needed.
Unnecessary travel should be avoided at night and early morning hours.
Heavy equipment will be in operation, avoid excessive speeds at all
times in all areas where the fire has burned.

Re-burns are possible among fuels which weren't entirely burned the
first time the fire moved through. For example, if a dead tree casts
its needles over peat which is still smoldering, a re-burn is possible.

Controlled vs. Contained: The fire is 100% contained, but will not be
labeled "controlled" until there is no longer any heat produced anywhere
inside the line.

Wallace grounds Flying Fleet as Patriots win record 12th straight

FLORENCE, SC - Junior designated hitter Jacob Wallace drove in three runs with a homer, single, and ground out to help 14th-ranked Francis Marion University set a school record with its 12th consecutive win as the Patriots downed Erskine College 7-2, Monday afternoon (April 27) in non-conference baseball action.

FMU ends its regular season with a 33-13-1 record. The Flying Fleet, who play at Armstrong Atlantic State University on Tuesday at 3 p.m., drop to 35-16. Francis Marion will now break for semester exams before heading to the Peach Belt Conference Tournament, May 9-10 in Aiken, S.C.

Senior third baseman Keon Graves, honored along with three other seniors prior to the game, was 3-for-3 with a run scored and an RBI. Junior middle infielders Barrett Kleinknecht and Josh Biggers each had two hits for the Patriots.

Wallace extended his hitting streak to 13 games with solo homer in the fourth, while Kleinknecht stretch his hitting streak to 12 contests. The previous FMU record for consecutive wins was 11 set in 2006.

Junior left-hander Jeremiah Meiners (6-1) won for the sixth time in seven decisions with 6.1 quality innings. He allowed just one run on eight hits. Junior righty Brandon Forshee made his team-leading 27th appearance and pitched the final 2.2 innings.

Left fielder Greg Huff and designated hitter John Bolding were both 2-for-4 to pace Erskine. Right-hander William Buzhardt (5-6) was saddled with the loss after allowing five runs in 4.2 innings of work.

Right fielder Bryan Fogle’s RBI single to centerfield gave Erskine a 1-0 lead in the top of the third inning. Francis Marion responded with seven unanswered runs over its next six frames. Bolding drove in Erskine’s other run with a ninth-inning RBI single.

Right fielder Alex Lee tied the game at 1-1 with a sacrifice fly in the bottom of the third inning. Wallace’s home run and a run-scoring single by Preston Shuey gave FMU a 3-1 lead in the bottom of the fourth. The RBI groundout by Wallace and an RBI single by Graves pushed the Patriot advantage to 5-1 in the fifth inning.

Wallace added an RBI single in the seventh and Martin Gordon scored on a passed ball in the eighth to account for the final two Patriot tallies.

Going back to Sunday’s doubleheader sweep of St. Andrews Presbyterian College, Wallace is 9-for-his-last-12 with seven extra-base hits.

Agreement Reached on FY10 Budget Plan

WASHINGTON – Senate and House negotiators reached agreement late today on a budget plan for fiscal year 2010 that embraces the priorities of the President’s budget. Like the House and Senate budget resolutions passed earlier this month, the conference agreement puts the budget back on a fiscally sustainable path while making strategic investments to rebuild the economy, through investments in health care reform, higher education, and energy independence.

“We have agreed on a framework that will cut the federal budget deficit by nearly two thirds by 2013, and even further in 2014,” said House Budget Committee Chairman John Spratt. “The record deficit for this year – most of it inherited from the Bush Administration – represents 12 percent of GDP. Our budget cuts the deficit to a more sustainable level of 3.0 percent in 2014.”

The Democratic budget is designed to lower the deficit from $1.7 trillion in 2009 to $523 billion by 2014. “Our budget cuts the deficit by $1.2 trillion by 2014,” said Spratt. “I think it’s fair to call this a deficit-reduction budget.”

The conference agreement includes a level of discretionary funding between that of the House and Senate budgets, providing $10 billion less than the President’s request for 2010. It matches the President’s request to increase defense funding by 4 percent.

“Our plan will support initiatives to boost the economy – in health care, in alternative energies, and in education, expanding access to college for more people,” Spratt said. “These are investments with proven returns and the cost of these initiatives will be offset.”

If legislation for health care reform and education investment cannot be achieved through regular procedures, then the budget’s reconciliation instructions requiring committees to report legislation by October 15 provide a fall-back to ensure that these initiatives can move through Congress.

The budget agreement includes tax cuts of more than $1.7 trillion over the next ten years for middle-income Americans, permanently extending the middle-income tax cuts adopted in 2001 and 2003: the 10 percent bracket, the child tax credit, and marriage penalty relief. It also indexes the alternative minimum tax to keep it from burdening middle-income taxpayers for whom it was never intended. And it extends estate tax exemptions at the 2009 levels, and indexes the exemptions for future years.

The full House and Senate are each expected to vote on the fiscal year 2010 budget conference agreement this week.

Rugby team takes national championship

Coastal Carolina University's rugby team won The 2009 National Small College Rugby Organization (NSCRO) Men's Collegiate Division III National Championship on Sunday, defeating SUNY-Oswego 36-15 in the final.

The CCU Rugby Club is the first sport club in University history to win a national championship. Club sports are not affiliated with the University's athletic department and are governed by the Department of Campus Recreation. The number of University club teams has swelled from six to 17 in the past year, and many of them compete nationally.

On Saturday in the semifinals, the Coastal Carolina squad defeated former Coastal Carolina coach John Graham (who founded the club) and Longwood University 36-25.

Scrumhalf Clayton "LB" Haley was selected as the Championship MVP for his performance.

Other notable players include Alexandre Marchon, Alex Nazon, Eric Beard, Ben Jenkins, Matt DeCastro, Matt Mendelssohn and Steve Pease.

The Rugby Club capped off a remarkable year that included defeating Wake Forest, a Division I opponent. The team also had an undefeated spring season in the Palmetto Rugby Union, sweeping the USA Rugby South playoffs (defeating rivals Furman for the second time this season) and winning the national championship.

The University's rugby team was started six years ago by John Graham, a former professor at Coastal Carolina.

The Final Four was hosted by the South Jersey Rugby Football Club in Cherry Hill, N.J.

Wildfire Update

The ban on outdoor burning has been cancelled for all South Carolina counties. Forestry Commission authorities explained that as resources are released from the fire near Myrtle Beach the agency's ability to respond to wildfires across the state will return to a pre-incident level.



Officials warned, however, that citizens need to remain vigilant for wildfires, since forest fuels are dry and wildfire danger is relatively high.



State Forester Gene Kodama declared the ban Thursday morning in response to the strain on the Commission's resources caused by the Horry County wildfire. While in effect, the ban prohibited outdoor burning in all unincorporated areas of South Carolina.



During the four-day ban, Forestry Commission firefighters responded to 56 wildfires which burned 1,148 acres, including a fire that burned more than 1,000 acres on Sandy Island in Georgetown County.



Even with the lifting of the burning ban, citizens are reminded that outdoor burning is still regulated by state law. The law requires anyone planning to burn outdoors to first notify the Forestry Commission, then conduct the burning according to prescribed safety regulations.

Update on Myrtle Beach Wildfire

· Containment is currently 98%

· Acreage is 19,600

· There is potential for reburn on this fire. After a fire burns an area, trees drop their brown leaves and needles leaving a fresh layer of fuel on the ground. Sparks from smoldering material can ignite this fuel and cause a fire to reburn through the already burned area. These fires can be quite intense and have the potential to jump established control lines. Fire crews continue to identify these areas and strengthen control lines where needed.

· Hot spots continue to burn in the Long Bay/Hwy 31 area and around the fire origin. Water will be used today to cool these areas. This will be a cooperative effort between the SC Forestry Commission (SCFC) and Horry County Fire Rescue.

· Overnight SCFC crews worked closely with Horry County Fire Rescue patrolling and reinforcing plowed control lines.

· The SCFC has begun reducing the number of personnel on the fire. 20 people have been released thus far and 11 more are scheduled to leave this afternoon.

· Today (all divisions) - crews will continue to mop up, patrol and reinforce control lines.

· Divisions C and D - crews are focusing on securing houses by reinforcing plow lines behind houses in case of a re-burn.

· Highway 31 will remain closed due to continued helicopter water drops.

· Poor visibility in the area due to smoke and morning fog is expected to continue for some time.

· Stump holes, snags, operation of heavy equipment, helicopter drops and smoke still pose many dangers for residents venturing into the fire area. Fire managers continue to encourage people to stay out of the burned area.

· Statewide Burning Ban remains in effect.

#18 Francis Marion sweeps Knights 23-8 and 16-2

LAURINBURG, N.C.— Junior Jacob Wallace went a combined 7-for-9 with six doubles and senior Jared Barkdoll homered in both games as 18th-ranked Francis Marion University swept a non-conference baseball doubleheader from St. Andrews Presbyterian College, 23-8 and 16-2, on Sunday afternoon (April 26) at Clark Field.

FMU scored its 39 runs on 42 hits while extending its win streak to 11 games and improving to 32-13-1. The Knights end their season with a 9-39 overall ledger. FMU wraps up its regular season with a home game against 26th-ranked Erskine College on Monday at 4:30 p.m. (please note the time change from an original 6 p.m. start). FMU will recognize its four seniors on Monday.

Barkdoll and outfielder Alex Lee both finished the day with five runs batted in, while Keon Graves homered twice and drove in four runs and Preston Shuey homered once and drove in four. Wallace had three RBIs.

Junior Charles Weber (Concord, N.C.) was the only SAPC player with a hit in both games.

GAME ONE: Francis Marion 23, St. Andrews 8

Francis Marion scored 13 runs in the fourth inning to highlight a 23-8 victory in the first game. St. Andrews had a solid game at the plate scoring eight runs on 11 hits, but the Patriots were able to pull away as 15 different batters accounted for 24 total base hits.

Senior J.T. Maguire supplied the Knights with a team-high three hits including a two-run double in the fifth. Senior Jeremy Fisher collected a pair of hits, while senior Ivan Rodriguez drove in two runs. Fisher, junior Samson Williams, freshman Ethan Powell, freshman Michael Ficarro knocked in St. Andrews’ other runs.

Wallace was a perfect 4-for-4 with three doubles and four runs scored, while Lee had a team-high four RBI including a bases-clearing, three-run triple. Shuey drove in three runs on a pair of hits while crossing home three times.

Barkdoll and junior John Lewis Floyd both crushed two-run homers for the visitors. Barkdoll had three hits and scored three runs. Junior Martin Gordon and freshman Tyler Boyd also added two RBI for Francis Marion.

Junior Shane Gebhards (2-0) was credited with the win in relief of junior starter Josh Edgin, who did not pitch the required five innings to qualify for a win. Edgin had a game-high three strikeouts.

GAME TWO: Francis Marion 16, St. Andrews 2

Graves tagged a pair of home runs in the nightcap and Francis Marion scored in six-of-seven innings to complete the sweep with a 16-2 victory in game two. Graves hit a two-run shot to center in the third and a solo blast to left-center to lead off the fifth.

Nine different Patriots hit safely in the nightcap as Francis Marion finished with 18 total hits. Barkdoll and Wallace both drove in three runs with Wallace supplying three doubles for the second time on Sunday. Barkdoll hit a two-run home run in the third. Lee rounded the diamond a game-high four times while Graves scored three times. Lee had a triple in both games.

Williams had two of the Knights hits as Patriots junior starter Erik Sommerville (4-3) kept St. Andrews at bay, only allowing two runs on five hits over five innings. Sommerville fanned five batters. The Knights scored their only runs in the third frame on an RBI-single by freshman Michael Hale and an RBI groundout by sophomore R.J. Blasi.

Patriots stand third at Cavalier Classic

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - Led by an even-par 72 from senior Peter McGibney, the Francis Marion University men's golf team stands third after the opening round of the Cavalier Classic, hosted by the University of Virginia.

FMU carded a 294 team score, and stands eight shots behind the leaders, University of South Carolina (286), and just two shots back of the second-place Cavaliers (292).

McGibney is tied for 14th in the individual standings with his 72. Junior Christopher Couch is tied for 21st at 73, while Ronan O'Connor (74) is tied for 28th, Keith Crowley (75) is tied for 39th, and Andrew Pitcher (78) is tied for 67th.


Francis Marion's Matt Jackson is competing as an individual and is tied for 84th after an opening-round 81.

The Patriots will be paired with USC and UVA on Sunday, with tee-times beginning at 12:30 p.m.

UNC Wilmington's Josh Brock leads all golfers after a 5-under 67 on Saturday.


Cavalier Classic

Round: 1

Fin. School Scores

1 South Carolina 286 -2
2 Virginia, U. of 292 +4
3 Francis Marion U. 294 +6

STATEWIDE BURNING BAN DECLARED

State Forester Gene Kodama has issued a ban on outdoor burning in all SC counties. The ban prohibits all outdoor burning in unincorporated areas of the state.

Kodama said high winds and low humidity fanned a large wildfire in Horry County yesterday and the fire is still not contained. There were other fires in other portions of the state as well. This Burning Ban is a response to his concern that so many S C Forestry Commission resources are already committed and no immediate relief is in sight.

Forestry Commission firefighters are at the highest level of readiness and are bracing for another day of intense activity. The public is asked to immediately report any suspicious smoke or fire to 911 or the Forestry Commission Dispatch Center, 1-800-777-FIRE.

Violators of the burning ban are subject to fines of up to $100 plus costs of court. Forestry Commission officers will be patrolling the state and issuing citations for all illegal fires.

CONWAY MAN FACES CHARGES AT MYRTLE BEACH FIRE

SC Forestry Commission officers issued two tickets
Thursday to a Conway man in connection with the wildfire that destroyed
approximately 79 homes in Horry County. According to investigators,
Mark Torchi of Woodlawn Drive, Conway, had been burning household
garbage on Saturday, April 18. This fire escaped that evening but was
apparently extinguished. On Wednesday, April 22, strong winds and low
humidity allowed the fire to rekindle and spread rapidly, growing into
what has become known as the Highway 31 Fire.

On Thursday, SC Forestry Commission investigators used fire spread
indicators to trace the origin of the Highway 31 Fire back to this
debris burn.

South Carolina Forestry Commission officers cited Mr. Torchi with
Failure to Notify the Forestry Commission, SC Code 48-35-10, and
Allowing Fire to Spread to Lands of Another, SC Code 16-11-180. The
charges can result in fines of $262.50 and $470.00, respectively. State
law requires burners to notify the SC Forestry Commission, clear around
the area to be burned, have adequate resources available to control the
fire, and stay with the fire until it is safe to leave.

Sheriff's Office Needs Help Locating Sexual Predator

Darlington County Sheriff’s office official needs your help I locate a sexual predator. Derrick Swinney is a registered sexual predator in the State of South Carolina and is wanted for criminal sexual conduct 1st degree and kidnapping charges that took place early this morning. Investigators say that Swinney assaulted the victim early this morning in a wooded area near East Old Camden road in the Green Hill community. Swinney has a record of sexual assault and is considered to be dangerous. If anyone has any information please contact the Darlington County Sheriff’s Office at 843-398-4501 or your local law enforcement.

Swinney is one of only two sexual predators in Darlington County. A sexual predator is different classification than sex offenders. Sexual predators have to register every 90 days while sex offenders only register every 6 months. Sexual predators are considered to be dangerous.

Spratt Votes to Reauthorize Successful “COPS” Program

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. John Spratt (D-SC) Thursday voted to reauthorize funding for “COPS,” a federal grant program proven to reduce crime by helping local law enforcement agencies put more police on the beat.

Over the next five years, the bill is expected to provide for the hiring of 50,000 more officers nationwide, including 486 in South Carolina.

The COPS Improvements Act, H.R.1139, passed the House by a large bipartisan majority.

H.R. 1139 would:


· authorize $1.25 billion per year over the next five years for hiring grants, which can be used to hire officers for community policing, School Resource Officers, or counter-terrorism duties.


· reinstitute the Troops-to-COPS Program (which lapsed in 2005), which awards grants to hire former members of the Armed Forces as career law enforcement officers.


· authorize $350 million a year for the next five years for technology grants. These grants will allow police agencies to purchase things like lap top computers for patrol cars, crime mapping software, and interoperable communications equipment.


· authorize $200 million per year to help hire community prosecutors. The bill also authorizes funds for community prosecuting programs – including programs that assign prosecutors to try cases in specific geographic areas.

“The COPS program has been an enormous success since its creation in 1994 during the Clinton Administration,” said Spratt. “It’s been a big plus for local law enforcement in South Carolina.”

Spratt said that from 1995 to 2005, South Carolina received $109.7 million in COPS grants, which allowed the state to hire an additional 1,136 police officers.

“Crime went down under COPS,” said Spratt. “It works.”

According to a study by the General Accountability Office (GAO), “COPS-funded increases in sworn officers per capita were associated with declines in rates of total index crimes, violent crimes, and property crime.” The study reported that COPS grants were responsible for reducing crimes by about 200,000 to 225,000 crimes – one third of which were violent.

“A few extra officers on the beat can make a big difference,” said Spratt. “I am a long-time supporter of COPS. I was pleased to vote for it and see it pass the House.”

Highway 31 fire in Horry County Fact Sheet

Acreage: approximately 20,000

SCFC personal on fire: 77

Main objectives of the SCFC team:
1. Ensure safety of firefighters and fight fire aggressively by
following the standard firefighting orders
2. Protect structures by coordination the Horry County fire/ Rescue, NMB
fire and SCFC efforts into a unified command by keeping open
communication while achieving zero injuries.
3. Establish fire breaks and utilize cost-effective measures in the
suppression efforts and implement effective mop-operation especially
near residences.

Controlled burn-- 500 acres overnight to secure lines.

Teams of SCFC tractors, fire trucks and personal from all agencies
working together to on fire lines to strengthen existing lines

Having air drops by P 3 Orion - out of Kingston, NC. 2000 gal. fire
retardant, SC Army National Guard Blackhawk helicopters with buckets
dropping water. Air patrol up all day are patrolling sensitive areas
and helping direct ground units.

Weather cooperated overnight-higher humidity, calmer winds, cooler temps

Crews currently preparing for sea breezes which are expected to be
stronger today.

Heavy fuel and poor soil conditions making control difficult.

No structures destroyed in the last 24 hours.

No injuries or deaths reported.

No cause has been determined. Investigation continues.

Two tickets have been issued but not determined to be cause of this
particular fire yet.

Governor expected to speak at SC Forestry Commission Incident Command
Post (1886 Hwy 90)

How To Protect Your Kids From The Recession

Whether you’ve been hit hard by the recession or not, kids and families may be reeling from the effects of the troubled times without a frame of reference for how tough it is out there.

Arun Abey, former investment strategist and author of the book How Much is Enough, from Greenleaf Book Group Press (www.howmuchisenough.net), believes that parents don’t just need to teach their kids about finances, but also about the relationship between money and quality of life.

“It’s not easy to say that money isn’t everything in a recession, but it isn’t,” Abey said. “It’s so easy to fall into the trap of making sure your kids understand the importance of making a good living financially, but if we leave out the part about lasting fulfillment in their careers, we’re shortchanging them. It leads to the avaricious corporate behavior that has been rampant in recent years where people pursue ever more money with no sense of meaning or perspective.”

Still, Abey also believes we need to get our kids smart about finances early to help protect them now and in the future. To that end, he offers some basic tips for families who want to get themselves – and their kids – smart now about financial matters.

• Don’t Let Money Be Invisible – Working-class families during the Great Depression routinely set jars out in full view of the family marked ‘Rent,” “Food,” “Clothes,” and so on, showing everyone where the money went. Today, money comes out of ATMs, and is spent via debit cards and credit cards – invisible to kids as to where it comes from and where it goes. Kids lack a frame of reference.

• Give Kids Responsibility for Spending – One of the ways to get kids smart fast is to present a situation in which real consequences exist, by placing them in charge of their discretionary spending. If they receive an allowance, then parents should require their kids to map out the money they have coming and also where it goes. Seeing it on paper or in a computer chart will give them a sense of reality about their money, and also build healthy financial habits they will cling to in later life.

• Teach the Power of Investment – A typical method parents use to get kids interested in saving money is to help them set up a savings account. The part that is often left out regard the value of that investment. Parents should spell it out. For example, a simple investment of $100 in a basic savings account can result in a balance of $12,000 after 20 years. If they invest that same $100 in a bond or a stock that returns merely 6 percent a year, that balance grows to $42,000-plus.

• For Love or Money? – Most affluent families try to direct their children toward high-earning careers, such as medicine, high finance or business management. Working class families stress education, and also try to drive their kids toward high-status career paths in an effort to help them get out of the pattern of hopelessness and disillusionment that characterizes many of their childhoods. However, there is an alternative method, which directs children toward career paths that stress their passions, what they love to do. This path stresses lasting fulfillment over financial rewards, even though, in many cases, people wind up with both by following this path. Ask your kids what they are passionate about and what they are good at. The answers to those questions will lead to a happier life and a better quality of life than one centered on the pursuit of the almighty dollar.

“I can’t think of a more important moment in America’s history to teach these lessons,” Abey said. “The current financial crisis, caused equally by reckless bankers as well as uninformed consumers, underscores the need for this kind of education and understanding. It’s critical not just for mom and dad, but for the whole family, if future generations have a hope of being spared the pitfalls that led to today’s crisis.”

our FMU student-athletes inducted into ODK honor society

FLORENCE, SC – Four student-athletes at Francis Marion University were recently among 21 inductees into the university’s chapter of Omicron Delta Kappa, The National Leadership Honor Society.

The four were women’s soccer goalkeeper Emily Brandenburg, women’s cross country runner Amanda Doyle, women’s softball infielder Shawn Moore, and women’s volleyball setter Jess O’Leary.

Brandenburg, a native of Martinez, Ga., and now a resident of West Columbia, is a political science major with a perfect 4.00 grade point average.

Doyle, a native of Laurens, is majoring in accounting and possesses a 3.76 GPA.
Moore, a native of Pamplico, is finance major with a 3.60 GPA.

O’Leary, a native of St. Louis, Mo., is majoring in psychology and has a 3.77 GPA.
Moore is a senior, while the other three individuals are juniors.

ODK is a national leadership honor society which recognizes and encourages achievement in scholarship; athletics; social service and religious activities; campus government; journalism, speech and the mass media; and creative and performing arts.

Since its founding in 1914, Omicron Delta Kappa has initiated over 300,000 members nationwide. The FMU chapter was organized in 1979.

FMU tennis players earn All-PBC awards

FLORENCE, SC – Five Francis Marion University tennis players were named to the Peach Belt Conference 2009 All-Conference Teams. The announcements were made at the recent PBC Championship Tournaments in Morrow, Ga.

Sophomores Oshada Wijemanne and Dilshod Sharifi were named first-team All-PBC as a men’s doubles duo, while Wijemanne was named a first-team singles selection and Sharifi was tabbed for the second-team singles squad.

Junior Tereza Sykorova was named a first-team All-PBC women’s singles player for the second straight year, while sophomores Kristyna Horakova and Jitka Gavdunova were a first-team doubles selection.

Wijemanne, a native of Colombo, Sri Lanka, has compiled a 14-2 singles mark at the No. 1 position and is ranked 10 nationally. Sharifi, a native of Dushanbe, Tajikistan, is 17-2 in singles play, mainly at the No. 2 spot, and is ranked 22nd among NCAA Division II singles players. Wijemanne was 6-1 in the tough PBC. The two have also combined for a 14-3 doubles record at the No. 1 position and are ranked sixth in the latest national rankings.

Sykorova, a native of Prague, Czech Republic, is 16-5 in singles play at the No. 1 position and is ranked 18th nationally.

Horakova, a native of Roznov Pod Radhostem, Czech Republic, and Gavdunova, a native of Vejprty, Czech Republic, combined to post an 18-1 record, including a 10-0 mark in PBC play. They are ranked 17th nationally, despite wins over two Top-5 opponents, and their lone loss was to the second-ranked doubles squad.

The eighth-ranked Francis Marion women are 18-4, while the 17th-ranked Patriot men are 15-5. Both are awaiting next week’s announcement of the NCAA Division II National Tournament field.

Bid for Tee-Times at Many of the Best Courses in the Carolinas and Beyond

Hundreds of tee-times at many of the best courses in the Carolinas and beyond are going under the virtual hammer in an innovative online auction to raise money for turfgrass research. The Rounds4Research.com auction runs through May 6 and opens the doors to some of the most exclusive private clubs in the region such as Long Cove, Secession, Yeamans Hall and Cape Fear.

Two-time U.S. Open Championship venue, Pinehurst No. 2, and PGA Tour stops, Harbour Town Golf Links and Sedgefield Country Club, are also among courses on offer. Rounds4Research.com also offers some of the best golf in the Dominican Republic and Bermuda as well as in states surrounding the Carolinas.

Within just 72 hours of its launch, the auction presented by the Carolinas Golf Course Superintendents Association had received bids totaling close to $20,000. Proceeds will help offset mounting budget pressures on world-class turfgrass research programs at Clemson University and North Carolina State University.

“Golfers reap the benefits of the work these researchers perform and now this auction gives them a chance to say thanks and to enjoy some great golf at great prices at the same time,” says Carolinas GCSA president, Paul Jett, certified golf course superintendent at Pinehurst No. 2.

“With all the gloom and doom being cast about because of the economy, we’re glad to offer something so positive for everyone involved including golfers, the universities and the states of North and South Carolina which benefit so much from the golf industry.”

The auction timing is ideal for securing a special gift for Father’s Day, which falls on June 21 this year.

Visit: www.Rounds4Research.com

First Lady Jenny Sanford to Attend Official Launch of Sally Salamander

Leadership Columbia Class of 2009 to introduce an interactive walking tour of downtown Columbia

First Lady Jenny Sanford announced today that she will attend the opening ceremony of Sally Salamander on Saturday, April 25th at 10:00 AM on the State House Grounds (Columbia, 29201).

Sally Salamander is a new interactive walking tour of cultural and historical sites in downtown Columbia created by the Leadership Columbia class of 2009. Rain or shine, guided tours will be held at 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM. There will also be free games, activities, face-painting and prizes for the children and exhibits by local organizations.

This Week's Healthy SC Challenge Tips

The Healthy SC Challenge is the Sanford family's effort to get all South Carolinians to do just a little more to live a healthier lifestyle. The tips are designed to encourage individuals and communities to live healthier lifestyles in three categories - nutrition, exercise and help to quit smoking.

Healthy Tips

Nutrition
Help kids avoid portion distortion!

Portion wise: Be a role model. Make sure your own portions aren't too hefty. Allow your child to stop eating when she is no longer hungry. Allow your child to serve himself a small portion. Your child can have "seconds" if he is still hungry. Encourage your child to eat slowly and take "small bites."

Dining out downfalls: Eat out only one to two times a week. Avoid "super-sizing" fast foods. Go family-style when eating out. Order meals that your family can split, and choose extra vegetables and salads as your side orders.

Lessons to learn: Teach your older child how to use serving size information on food labels. Insist that snacks be eaten from a small plate or bowl. Don't let your child eat any food directly from the original box, bag or carton.
- SC Department of Health & Environmental Control

Physical Activity
You've seen the scary numbers: Child Obesity has doubled--and as a result, type 2 diabetes among kids is growing by equally epidemic proportions. (High blood pressure and early signs of heart disease are on the rise too.) You already know that getting kids physically active is a big part of the solution. So, what's the easiest way to pry your kid from the tube and get him outside for some activity? Walking - it's a great physical activity; it's natural and doesn't require any special clothing, equipment, or facilities.

On Saturday, April 25, First Lady Jenny Sanford is attending the launch of Leadership Columbia's Sally Salamander- a new interactive walking tour of cultural and historical sites in downtown Columbia. This event is free and open to the public. It's also a great way to get children engaged in walking while learning about South Carolina's history!

For more walking tips or to learn more about Sally Salamander visit the links below.
-www.prevention.com and www.columbiasalamander.com

Tobacco
It's true that smoking may help decrease weight by about 8 pounds, but so will a brisk, 15-minute daily walk. And since smoking causes shortness of breath, you may find that you tire easily and aren't able to walk or run as fast, as often, or as far. Ironically, since smoking actually encourages this decreased activity, it often leads to weight gain. So smoking may not only make you short of breath, but may also defeat your weight management goals in the long run (or walk -- so to speak).
-www.yourlunghealth.org

#18 FMU beats #19 Belmont Abbey 12-5

BELMONT, NC - The first three batters in the Francis Marion University lineup combined for 10 hits as the 18th-ranked Patriots claimed a key 12-5 road win over 19th-ranked Belmont Abbey College, Thursday afternoon (April 23) at Abbey Yard.

The Patriots improve to 30-13-1 with their ninth straight victory, while the Abbey had its six-game winning streak snapped and falls to 31-22.

Senior righty David Walters (7-3) earned the win after allowing five runs on ten hits in seven and two-thirds innings, striking out six and walking two in an 120-pitch outing. Belmont Abbey starter Michael Raymond took the loss after giving up six runs on seven hits in an inning and two-thirds, fanning one and walking two.

FMU leadoff batter Martin Gordon continued his torrid hitting with a 4-6 day that extended his hitting streak to 12 games. Alex Lee and Barrett Kleinknecht both has three hits and two runs batted in following Gordon in the lineup.

The Patriots jumped ahead 2-0 in the top of the first, but the Abbey would knot the game at two in the bottom half of the inning, as Justin Vasquez singled to right field and scored on Daniel Kassouf's 22nd homer of the year, a blast to dead center to tie the game at two.

Francis Marion responded one inning later by scoring four runs to reclaim a lead it would never lose again. Lee ripped an RBI single, followed by an RBI groundout by Kleinknecht, and a two-RBI single by Jared Barkdoll closed the scoring in the inning for the Patriots.

The Abbey got one back in the bottom of the inning as Spencer Sobol brought home Tyler McKenzie with a sacrifice fly.

Both teams scored single runs in the fifth, but the Patriots plated three in the sixth to open up a 10-4 advantage. The Crusaders pushed a run across in the seventh as Vasquez doubled to right center and scored on a double by Sobol. Francis Marion closed the scoring with lone runs in the eighth and ninth to provide the winning margin.

The two teams combined for 33 hits as Francis Marion banged out 21. Sophomore first baseman Preston Shuey also had three hits and two RBIs for FMU.

Belmont Abbey was led by Vasquez and Kassouf, who both had three hits. Sobol drove in three runs.

The Patriots, ranked third in the latest NCAA Southeast Region poll, will play a doubleheader at St. Andrews Presbyterian College on Sunday at noon. FMU will close out its regular season with a home game on Monday at 4:30 p.m. (please note the time change) against Erskine College.

Patriot Golfers at Cavalier Classic this weekend

FLORENCE, SC - The Francis Marion University men’s golf team will conclude its 2008-09 season when the Patriots play in the 22nd-annual Cavalier Classic, hosted by the University of Virginia, on Saturday and Sunday (April 25-26) at the par-72, 6,875-yard Birdwood Golf Course in Charlottesville.
Francis Marion owns a 94-49-2 record this season, including four Top-5 finishes in 10 events.

The 18-team field for this year’s tournament includes Akron, Appalachian State, Augusta State, East Carolina, FMU, George Mason, James Madison, Liberty, Longwood, Maryland, Radford, Rutgers, Seton Hall, South Carolina, Towson, UNC Wilmington and Villanova.

The host Cavaliers will attempt to win their third straight team title after posting back-to-back wins in 2007 and 2008. The 36-hole tournament will feature 18 holes of competition on Saturday and Sunday. Both rounds will begin at 8 a.m. from the first tee.

Francs Marion is scheduled to begin play Saturday at 8:45 a.m. and will be paired with James Madison and Liberty.
The Patriots’ five-man team will consist of junior Christopher Couch (74.57 stroke average) and four seniors: Keith Crowley (74.82), Andrew Pitcher (74.86), Peter McGibney (75.11), and Ronan O’Connor (76.40). Junior Matt Jackson (75.64) will compete as an individual.

RedWolves Notebook

The Florence RedWolves announce the signing of three players from Clemson for the 2009 season. David Haselden a 6'3" 230lb Fr RHP, Kyle Deese a 6'2" 200lb Redshirt Fr. RHP, and Tomas Cruz a 5'10" 190lb Jr. RHP will be manning the hill for RedWolves this summer

The RedWolves are proud to announce that the fans will once again have several opportunities to help out local charitable organizations during the 2009 season. June 15th will be Harvest Hope Food Bank night, June 23rd will be Homer's Birthday donation night for the Florence Area Humane Society. June 27th will be NASCAR night with a silent auction being held to raise funds for local NASCAR legend Sam Ard. On July 7th it will be Christmas in July donation night for the Salvation Army and July 24th will be Emergency Personnel appreciation night with donations of teddy bears for the emergency organizations. All of these donation nights will allow fans to bring items for these groups and receive discount admission prices to the game. "We are very proud of the donations that we have compiled over the past few years for these organizations." "The RedWolves fans have responded to our call and have taken advantage of the discounts that we offer." "The team plans on continuing to help out and use our games as a stage to help these groups for seasons to come, we encourage our fans to help us increase the donations amounts again this year as they have done each previous season."

Blue Cross Blue Shield donation helps expand One Laptop per Child Project

An initiative to improve student achievement by making laptop technology available to every elementary school student in the state is expanding this month with the addition of 12 schools.

One Laptop per Child /South Carolina is a partnership between the nonprofit Palmetto Project, Blue Cross Blue Shield and the State Department of Education. State Superintendent Jim Rex and Steve Skardon of the Palmetto Project accepted a $500,000 donation today from Blue Cross Blue Shield division president and CEO David Pankau to help fund the expansion.

The laptop program was piloted last year in rural Marion School District 7. That rollout has been highly successful, garnering positive response from students, parents and the community. School officials expect test results at the end of the year to show students are performing better since technology has been integrated into teaching and learning.

“We believe that working with a school-issued laptop will help our students improve their academic skills and inspire them to set goals and achieve great things in their lives,” Rex said. “Thanks to our partners in this project, we’re making a bold commitment to prepare South Carolina’s children to become true leaders in the global economy of the 21st century.”

The neon green and white XO laptops used in the project look like toys with their rounded edges, kid-sized plastic handles and rubber-membrane keyboards, but they’re equipped with a camera, microphone, stereo speakers and a screen that rotates into a tablet configuration.

The laptops are spill-proof, rain-proof, dust-proof and drop-proof. Students can use them to draw pictures, compose music, read and listen to books, collaborate on classroom projects and play games.

The computers were designed by One Laptop per Child, a nonprofit organization created to manufacture and distribute inexpensive technology to children in the world's poorest countries. The $200 computers are supplied at no charge to students, although parents must attend one of several seminars offered on laptop use and care and sign user agreements.

Schools for the expanded program were selected based on student need and the capability of teachers and administrators to implement the initiative successfully. Schools being added this month include:

● Chester Park Technology Center, Chester
● Mountain View Elementary, Taylors
● India Hook Elementary, Rock Hill
● Buffalo Elementary, Buffalo
● Foster Park Elementary, Union
● Monarch Elementary, Union
● Sandy Run Elementary, Swansea
● Vance-Providence Elementary, Vance
● North Vista Elementary, Florence
● Rice Creek Elementary, Columbia
● Port Royal Elementary, Port Royal
● North Charleston Elementary, North Charleston

Help Protect Honey Bees from Pesticides

Help protect our valuable honey bees from pesticides,” said Mike Hood, Clemson Extension entomologist and state apiculturist. “Honey bees are our most beneficial insect.”

The estimated value of honey bee pollination in the United States is $14 billion, according to Hood. Many commercially grown crops in South Carolina are heavily dependent on honey bees for good pollination. Annual farm cash receipts of honey bee pollinated crops harvested in the state are estimated at $25 million. This doesn’t include home-grown vegetables and fruits and plants for wildlife.

Some of the fruits and vegetables that are highly dependent on bees for pollination are apples, cantaloupes, cucumbers, squash, strawberries and watermelon.

“Many pesticides are extremely toxic to bees,” Hood said. “These pesticides will have a bee protection warning statement on the label. The pesticide applicator should always review the product label directions carefully before each use and follow the guidelines to protect our pollinators, which include bumble bees as well.”

The kind and amount of pesticides are important, according to Hood. They should be used only when necessary, especially if flowering plants are present that are attractive to bees. Hood recommends the following if it is necessary to use pesticides:

• Select the least toxic pesticide and the least hazardous method of application.
• Granular pesticide formulations are safest.
• Directed sprays applied with ground equipment are the next safest method.
• Aerially applied dusts or sprays are the most likely to cause problems.
• Apply pesticides when the air is calm to reduce drift into areas where bees may be foraging or nesting.
• Apply in the late afternoon or evening when bees are not present.
• If managed bee colonies are present, it is best to give the beekeeper three to four days notice of your intentions to apply pesticides. Beekeepers are advised to cooperate with growers to help protect bees.

“Many of the pesticides used to kill mosquitoes will also kill honey bees,” Hood said. “Beekeepers are urged to contact officials who manage mosquito abatement programs to inform them of the location of their apiaries, so their honey bees can be protected.”

Hood recommends using integrated management recommendations whenever possible to minimize harmful effects to our beneficial insects.

For more information, contact Hood at 864-0346 or mhood@clemson.edu.