Official Statement from Lieutenant Governor André Bauer

Clearly the events of the last week have been emotionally difficult for everyone involved.

Mark Sanford now has some painful issues to resolve with his sons and his wife. I appreciate his plea for a zone of privacy around his family. I came from a broken family. I absolutely understand the trauma and confusion his sons are feeling, because when I was 10 years old the same pain rocked my life.

I assure you that Mark’s children need their father, and especially his reassurance that they will always enjoy a special place in his heart.

Even as we give Mark some space on his family issues, we must press ahead at the problems that are vexing all the families in our state.

We must stay focused on the big picture, which is the need to produce jobs and prosperity for our people in South Carolina.

Double digit unemployment, combined with fewer job opportunities, demands the best of our government.

All of our government. All of the time.

These are real issues that require answers – answers I am committed to finding – and it is where I am urging my esteemed colleagues in the Legislature – Democrat and Republican -- to apply their focus.

As far as the issue of the Governor is concerned, we do have lots of questions – and the people are deserving of answers. We have constitutional questions – we need to ensure there is never any doubt over who is responsible for the safety of our citizens at any given time.

There are questions about how tax dollars and resources are spent and have been spent – and why. Fair and complete answers will restore confidence in our government

And finally -- there are questions – legitimate ones – about where we go from here.

However, do not look to me to be engaging or joining in calls one way or the other as they relate to Governor Sanford.

From my perspective it’s simply counterproductive. My focus is on my responsibilities, and what I can do to help our state – and our citizens -- as we struggle to revive our great state, recover our pride, and begin moving forward.

Spratt Opening Statement at Hearing on Statutory PAYGO Legislation

WASHINGTON – House Budget Committee Chairman John Spratt (D-SC) made the following opening statement at a hearing today on Statutory PAYGO legislation.

“The purpose of today’s hearing is to review statutory Pay-As-You-Go (PAYGO) and examine the President’s proposal to renew it. We initially had planned this hearing for last Thursday and I would like to thank both our witnesses and our Ranking Member, Mr. Ryan, for their cooperation in helping us reschedule it for today.

“At the outset of the 1990s, Congress passed the Budget Enforcement Act to ensure that the Budget Summit Agreement was carried out. Among its provisions was a rule called ‘pay-as-you-go’ or PAYGO for short. Critics disdained our resort to budget process. They accused us of dodging the hard choices we had to make if we were going to wipe out the deficit. But by the end of the 1990s, the budget was in surplus for the first time in 30 years; and it was clear that process rules like PAYGO played a big part in our success.

“Republicans were in the majority in 2002 when the Budget Enforcement Act expired, and they chose not to reinstate PAYGO, knowing that it would impede passage of their tax cutting agenda. Without the process rules, the budget plunged from a surplus of $236 billion in the year 2000 to a deficit of $413 billion in the year 2004.

“When Democrats took back the House, the reinstatement of PAYGO was at the top of our agenda. We made PAYGO a rule of the House the first day we convened the 110th Congress.

“Two weeks ago, the President proposed a bill to make PAYGO statutory, and last week that bill was introduced -- with over 150 co-sponsors -- as a starting point toward making statutory PAYGO part of our budget process.

“The Obama Administration and the current Congress have inherited a colossal deficit, swollen this year to accommodate needed recovery measures. As these measures pull us out of the slump, we must focus attention on our longer-term fiscal fate. Earlier this month, Chairman Bernanke told our Budget Committee that the long-run fiscal path is simply not sustainable.

“Statutory PAYGO works because it reins in new entitlement spending and new tax cuts. Both tend to be long lasting – easy to pass, hard to repeal. By insisting on offsets and deficit neutrality, PAYGO buffers the bottom-line. Its terms are complex, but at its core, it is a common-sense rule that everyone can understand: when you are in a hole, stop digging.

“We share the Administration’s commitment to fiscal discipline, and believe that statutory PAYGO will put greater rigor into the budget process. To help us better understand the proposed legislation, our first witness will be no stranger to this Committee, former CBO Director and now OMB Director Peter Orszag. Then, on a second panel, we have lined up additional distinguished experts who are also old friends of the Budget Committee:

· Robert Greenstein is the founder and Executive Director of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities and provides expertise on a wide range of budget policies.

· Douglas Holtz-Eakin, served as the sixth director of CBO and also worked with George H. W. Bush and George W. Bush on economic policy.

· We had originally planned for Alice Rivlin to testify, as well, but with the schedule change for the hearing, she cannot be with us in person today, but, without objection, her written testimony will be included as part of the record. As you know, she is senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and formerly served as director of OMB during the Clinton Administration and also as director of CBO from 1975 through 1983, at the onset of our current budget process.

“Before turning to Director Orszag for his testimony, however, let me turn to Mr. Ryan for any opening statement he may wish to make.”

South Carolina included in Distribution of Recalled Ground Beef Products

The U.S.D.A. Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued the following recall notice for ground beef products which may have been contaminated with E. coli. The ground beef products were distributed to South Carolina and twelve other states. In an abundance of caution, the South Carolina Department of Agriculture is forwarding this recall notice for public notification. For more information about the recall, contact Chandler Keys (202) 907-4253. Consumers with questions about the recall should contact the company's Consumer Hotline at (800) 555-7675.


Colorado Firm Recalls Ground Beef Products Due To Possible E. coli O157:H7 Contamination

Congressional and Public Affairs
(202) 720-9113
Peggy Riek

WASHINGTON, June 24, 2009 - JBS Swift Beef Company, a Greeley, Colo., establishment is recalling approximately 41,280 pounds of beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The products subject to recall include:
• Boxes of "USDA CHOICE OR HIGHER, Bnls Beef Bottom Sirloin, Butt Ball Tip 2/DN S/T." Each box bears the establishment number "EST. 969" inside the USDA mark of inspection, identifying package dates of "042109" or "042209" and a case code of "21852."
• Boxes of "USDA CHOICE OR HIGHER, Bnls Beef Bottom Sirloin, Butt Ball Tip 2/UP S/T." Each box bears the establishment number "EST. 969" inside the USDA mark of inspection, identifying package dates of "042109" or "042209" and a case code of "21853."
• Boxes of "Swift, Bnls Beef Bottom Sirloin, Butt Ball Tip 2/DN S/T." Each box bears the establishment number "EST. 969" inside the USDA mark of inspection, identifying package dates of "042109" or "042209" and a case code of "31852."
• Boxes of "Bnls Beef Bottom Sirloin, Butt Ball Tip 2/UP S/T." Each box bears the establishment number "EST. 969" inside the USDA mark of inspection, identifying package dates of "042109" or "042209" and a case code of "31853."
• Boxes of "Swift, USDA SELECT, Bnls Beef Bottom Sirloin, Butt Ball Tip 2/DN S/T." Each box bears the establishment number "EST. 969" inside the USDA mark of inspection, identifying package dates of "042109" or "042209" and a case code of "33852."
• Boxes of "USDA SELECT, Bnls Beef Bottom Sirloin, Butt Ball Tip 2/UP S/T." Each box bears the establishment number "EST. 969" inside the USDA mark of inspection, identifying package dates of "042109" or "042209" and a case code of "33853."
• Boxes of "BLACK ANGUS, Swift Premium, BEEF, USDA CHOICE OR HIGHER, Bnls Beef Bottom Sirloin, Butt Ball Tip 2/UP S/T." Each box bears the establishment number "EST. 969" inside the USDA mark of inspection, identifying package dates of "042109" or "042209" and a case code of "41853."
• Boxes of "BLACK ANGUS, Swift Premium, BEEF, USDA CHOICE OR HIGHER, Bnls Beef Bottom Sirloin, Butt Ball Tip 2/UP S/T." Each box bears the establishment number "EST. 969" inside the USDA mark of inspection, identifying package dates of "042109" or "042209" and a case code of "41853."
• Boxes of "Bnls Beef Bottom Sirloin, Butt Ball Tip 2/DN S/T." Each box bears the establishment number "EST. 969" inside the USDA mark of inspection, an identifying package date of "042109" and a case code of "79852."
• Boxes of "Bnls Beef Bottom Sirloin, Butt Ball Tip 2/UP S/T." Each box bears the establishment number "EST. 969" inside the USDA mark of inspection, an identifying package date of "042109" and a case code of "79853."
• Boxes of "USDA CHOICE OR HIGHER, Bnls Beef Bottom Sirloin, Butt Ball Tip 2/UP S/T." Each box bears the establishment number "EST. 969" inside the USDA mark of inspection, identifying package dates of "042109" or "042209" and a case code of "90853."
These beef products were produced on April 21 and 22, 2009, and were shipped to distributors and retail establishments in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah and Wisconsin.

The problem was discovered through FSIS microbiological sampling and an investigation into the distribution of other products.

E. coli O157:H7 is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause bloody diarrhea, dehydration, and in the most severe cases, kidney failure. The very young, seniors and persons with weak immune systems are the most susceptible to foodborne illness. Individuals concerned about an illness should contact a physician.

Media with questions about the recall should contact company Spokesperson Chandler Keys at (202) 907-4253. Consumers with questions about the recall should contact the company's Consumer Hotline at (800) 555-7675.

Consumers with food safety questions can "Ask Karen," the FSIS virtual representative available 24 hours a day at AskKaren.gov. The toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854) is available in English and Spanish and can be reached from l0 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday. Recorded food safety messages are available 24 hours a day.

House Minority Leader Responds to Governor’s Press Conference

Today, House Minority Leader Representative Harry Ott released the following statement about Governor Sanford’s announcement:

“I am shocked and disappointed as I’m sure every other South Carolinian is at this time and quite frankly I’m having a difficult time digesting what has developed. As a Christian, I will be praying for Mark Sanford, Jenny and their family and I truly, truly hope that they ask God to be with them through this difficult time in their lives. No one that walks this earth is without sin and we all fall short at times. “

“However, I do believe that his decision to engage in an extramarital affair coupled with the fact that I believe he deliberately misled his staff and the people of South Carolina over an extended period of time must come with serious consequences. Too many times of late, elected officials have let down the people that have placed great trust in their judgment. South Carolinians deserve better, we as a society deserve better.”

“Mark Sanford will be faced with many difficult decisions in the days ahead. I hope that his decisions will be what is in the best interest of his family and the people of South Carolina. We must pick up the pieces and move forward as a state.”

“I ask that all South Carolinians pray for the Sanford family. Also, let us rally together, as South Carolinians always do, to come out of these troubling times for a brighter tomorrow.”

Man Pleads Guilty to Mail Fraud

United States Attorney W. Walter Wilkins announced that Otis J. Goodwin, Jr., 32, of Gadsden, South Carolina, pled guilty to one count of mail fraud. The Indictment charged that from about June 2006 through November 2007, Goodwin and his co-defendant Wendy Constance Evans, 45, of Columbia, opened checking accounts at a credit union using stolen identification information, including names and social security numbers. The pair allegedly opened the accounts to receive checks, which they intended to pass in the community. Evans pled guilty in December of 2008 to mail fraud and aggravated identity theft.

Evans and Goodwin face 20 years in prison for each count of mail fraud, and a mandatory term of two years for each count of aggravated identity theft..

The case was investigated by agents of the United States Secret Service and is assigned to Assistant U.S. Attorney Deborah B. Barbier of the Columbia office for prosecution.

Spratt Helps to Pass Bill to Compensate More Disabled Military Retirees

U.S. Rep. John Spratt (D-SC) today helped to pass a bill to compensate more disabled military retires. The “Disabled Military Retiree Act” (HR 2990) would allow more service members who have been retired for severe disability to receive both military retirement benefits and VA disability compensation without an offset. As chairman of the Budget Committee, Spratt worked to find ways to pay for the bill within the budget, assuring passage in the House. The vote was 404 to 0.

“Our veterans and their families have sacrificed greatly,” said Spratt. “This small step will give them full access to the benefits they deserve, without adding to the deficit.”

Spratt said the bill covers more “Chapter 61” retirees — those forced by their disabilities to retire before they could complete 20 years of service and could earn military retirement benefits based on the longevity of their service. They currently receive only military benefits that are offset by their VA disability compensation.

To qualify to receive both without an offset, service members must have been medically retired from the military and have been rated either 100 percent disabled or 90 percent disabled. The period of eligibility would begin on January 1, 2010 and end on September 30, 2010.

Spratt said the bill is a temporary fix but that Congress is working to find a permanent solution to the compensation problem.

Reaction to Sanford's Admission

Statement from Speaker Harrell

(Columbia, SC) – House Speaker Bobby Harrell issued the statement below following Governor Sanford’s press conference:

“Today’s revelations are disturbing and shocking. There is no excuse for the unfortunate events that have transpired in recent days.

“The personal issues must be sorted out by the Sanford family and we hope for the best for them during this most difficult time.

“For five days the governor let his staff deceive the press and the people of South Carolina regarding where he was and what he was doing.

“The governor’s absence has brought to light some issues regarding the chain of command in the absence of the chief executive. It is imperative that the General Assembly deal with this during the next session. More importantly, we must focus on our state’s economy and improving education. With our unemployment rate as the third worst in the country, our time has to be devoted to getting unemployed South Carolinians back to work, improving education and growing our state’s economy.”

SCDP Chair Responds to Sanford Admission

Columbia, SC- South Carolina Democratic Party Chair Carol Fowler issued the following statement today in response to Governor Mark Sanford's admission during a press conference to having an extramarital affair. The Governor returned to the state today from Argentina.

"Our thoughts are with the Governor's family at this time. Mark Sanford should be given time to focus on his family right now. There will be other opportunities in the weeks ahead to discuss his effectiveness as our state's governor," said Fowler.

SCDP Chair Responds to Sanford South American Trip

South Carolina Democratic Party Chair Carol Fowler released the following statement today in response to recent developments in Governor Mark Sanford's disappearance. Sanford returned to South Carolina today from a seven day trip to Argentina. His staff previously released a statement saying the Governor was hiking along the Appalachian Trail.

"It is the height of irresponsibility for the Governor to walk out on his solemn duty to the people of South Carolina, and to be completely out of touch without making arrangements for those responsibilities to be handled in his absence.

When it comes to the real needs and concerns of South Carolinians, Mark Sanford has been pretty much missing in action for the last 6 and a half years. But it is not acceptable for him to be actually missing.

However, as disturbing as it is to walk out on your responsibilities without telling anyone, what's more troubling is that the Governor and his staff have been less than truthful about his whereabouts.

The people of this state are eager to hear a full explanation of the erratic behavior of the governor and his staff over the last few days," said Fowler.

Recruiter of DSS Check Cashiers Pleads Guilty

United States Attorney W. Walter Wilkins stated today that Nova Johnson, age 40, of Columbia, South Carolina pled guilty today to theft of federal program funds for her role in an alleged scheme to embezzle more than $5.2 million dollars from DSS. Ms. Johnson admitted to cashing four DSS checks that were procured by fraud and to recruiting others to cash additional checks.

Paul Timothy Moore was indicted in February for allegedly using his position as the DSS Finance Director to authorize the issuance of hundreds of DSS checks between May 2004 and October 2008, in the approximate average amount of $7,000.00 each. The checks were made payable to names allegedly provided by a co-conspirator who also recruited the named individuals to cash the checks and split the proceeds.

Moore was recently released from federal custody and is awaiting trial.

The maximum possible penalty for theft of federal program funds is ten years and a fine of $250,000.00.

Mr. Wilkins stated, “Stealing money from DSS that could have been used to help the needy and underprivileged is reprehensible. These guilty pleas affirm our office’s commitment to prosecute those who illegally line their pockets with public dollars. We are committed to vigorously prosecuting each and every individual involved in any respect in this scheme.”

Mr. Wilkins stated that the case is being investigated by agents of the United States Secret Service and SLED, and that he has assigned the case to Assistant United States Attorney Debbie Barbier of the Columbia office for prosecution.

Tonight: John Spratt to Appear on PBS’s Nightly Business Report

House Budget Committee Chairman John Spratt tonight will offer commentary on the budget on PBS’s Nightly Business Report. Check your local listings for times.

Sanford Found

Updated, 8:31 a.m. ET: The State newspaper is reporting that Gov. Mark Sanford (R-S.C.) returned to Hartsville-Jackson International Airport Wednesday morning from a trip to Buenos Aires, Argentina. According to the State: "Sanford said he had not been hiking along the Appalachian Trail, as his staff said in a Tuesday statement to the media."

Washington Post Story

Story from the State

House Minority Leader Responds to Governor’s Disappearance

House Minority Leader Representative Harry Ott released the following statement on Governor Sanford’s sudden disappearance.

“Since Thursday, our thoughts and prayers have been with the Governor and his family, and we will continue to pray for his safe return.”

“However, Governor Sanford’s actions span greater than his disregard for his family. His irresponsible behavior has left The South Carolina National Guard, the State Law Enforcement Division the Department of Public Safety and other cabinet agencies without their Commander-in-Chief for several days. It is unthinkable that the head of our state would disappear without regard for the people of South Carolina or the duties to which he swore to uphold. As the supreme officer of our state, the Governor’s actions are irresponsible and unacceptable.”

Myrtle Beach Identity Thief Gets 7 Years

United States Attorney W. Walter Wilkins stated that Abdurrahman Cetin, age 43, of Myrtle Beach, was sentenced in federal court for bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. United States District Judge R. Bryan Harwell sentenced Cetin to 84 months imprisonment, to be followed by five years on supervised release. Cetin was also ordered to pay $40,246.53 in restitution.

Evidence presented at trial established that Cetin collected the personal and financial information of customers of a Toyota dealer in Long Island, New York, while working there as a salesman in 1999. Cetin saved the information and when he moved to Myrtle Beach, he used the information to open five bank accounts and obtain lines of credit at two Myrtle Beach banks. When opening the accounts, Cetin supplied other people’s names, dates of birth, and social security numbers. Cetin then withdrew money on the lines of credit he had established. Cetin was arrested at one of the banks and a search of his residence turned up six drivers licenses with Cetin’s picture on them but in other people’s names, and 37 credit cards which had been issued matching the names on the counterfeit drivers licenses. Other individuals’ credit reports and a computer used by Cetin to order counterfeit drivers licenses were also found.

The case was investigated by the Myrtle Beach Police Department and agents of the United State Secret Service Administration. Assistant United States Attorney William E. Day, Il, of the Florence office handled the case.

Myrtle Beach Woman Sentenced for Bank Robberies

United States Attorney W. Walter Wilkins stated that Elysia Nicole Nolan, age 20, of Myrtle Beach, was sentenced to 84 months in federal prison for bank robbery, and for committing another bank robbery while out on bond. United States District Judge R. Bryan Harwell of Florence imposed the sentence, and also ordered Nolan to pay restitution in the amount of $10,093.00.

Ms. Nolan and Maurice Russell Small, age 24, also of Myrtle Beach, robbed the Georgetown Craft Credit Union in Georgetown on May 21, 2008, the Citizen’s Bank in Florence on May 29, 2008, and the Anderson Brother’s Bank in Loris on June 2, 2008. They were arrested after the Loris robbery, but were released after posting bond. Less than a month later, the pair robbed the Branch Banking and Trust branch in Murrell’s Inlet on June 26, 2008.

Small was sentenced earlier this year for his participation in the robberies, receiving a prison term of 87 months.

The case was investigated by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney William E. Day, II, of the Florence office handled the case.

Sanford’s car found at Columbia airport

From The Palmetto Scoop:

The mystery into Mark Sanford’s six-day disappearance deepened Tuesday night as new evidence cast further doubt onto the governor’s “hiking” alibi.

CNN Political Producer Peter Hamby tracked down Sanford’s state-issued black Chevy Suburban at the Columbia Metropolitan Airport.

That information would seem to further contradict Sanford’s spokesman’s claim that the governor spent the weekend hiking along the Appalachian Trail — which is roughly a two hour drive north of Atlanta.

Added Hamby:

The SUV is outfitted with blue police lights and two-way radio. Inside the vehicle: A baseball cap, running shoes, sunscreen, a pair of shorts, a canvas bag and a sleeping bag.

A parking permit for the school attended by Sanford’s children is visible on the windshield.

The vehicle was parked in the surface lot at the airport’s main commercial terminal, which Sanford frequently uses to fly out of South Carolina.

For those attempting to keep up, Sanford now apparently hopped on a flight from Columbia, left his cell phone (which was tracked by GPS) somewhere south of Atlanta, then hitched a ride 150 miles to and from the Appalachian Trail to do some writing and hiking, and now he is on his way back to South Carolina.

Something just doesn’t add up here. Anyone who has taken high school philosophy knows the “Occam’s razor” principle and understands that, more often than not, the simplest explanation is often the correct explanation; and folks, the “hiking” explanation is about the farthest from that.

Meanwhile, the state still has no acting chief executive.

Former SC Trooper Senteced to Half-way House

United States Attorney W. Walter Wilkins stated that former South Carolina Highway Patrol Trooper John B. Sawyer, age 34, was sentenced today for repeatedly kicking an arrested driver following a lengthy chase. Chief United States District Judge David C. Norton sentenced Sawyer to a probation term of three years, the first of which he will serve in a half-way house.

On May 28, 2006, Sawyer and other law enforcement officers were involved in a 30-mile high speed chase of a dump truck driven by Sergio Caridi on Interstate 95. After the truck ran out of gas in Sumter County, Caridi exited the truck and surrendered, lying on the ground. Sawyer rushed over to Caridi at that point, kicking him in the head numerous times, injuring him. Dash-cam video of the incident captured the assault on tape.

Sawyer pled guilty in the case last January, admitting that his actions willfully deprived Caridi of his constitutional right to be free from the use of unreasonable force by a police officer.

Mr. Wilkins stated that the case was the result of a joint investigation by agents of the FBI and SLED, along with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in South Carolina and the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alston C. Badger of the Charleston office and former Civil Rights Division Deputy Chief Brent Alan Gray, now an Assistant United States Attorney in Atlanta. Mr. Wilkins also acknowledged the cooperation and assistance of the South Carolina Department of Public Safety and its Director, Mark A. Keel.

State Library Now Offering Employment Hubs

The South Carolina State Library is doing its part to assist out-of-work citizens find jobs. The Library now offers two specialized public access computer workstations where users can create resumes, develop PowerPoint presentations for job interviews, search for State Government and public sector job opportunities, and much more. Agency staff have developed a South Carolina Workforce Development program to bring together public libraries and state government business-related agencies to provide partnership opportunities to assist South Carolinians during these tough economic times. The employment hub computers are part of this overall goal.

In addition to the two employment hubs, the State Library also offers a bank of public computer workstations with Internet access. To use the computers, patrons need a photo ID and can sign in at the front desk.

Users may access the workstations on a first-come, first-served basis during normal library operating hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The library is located at 1500 Senate Street in downtown Columbia at the corner of Senate and Bull streets.

For more information about library services, visit www.statelibrary.sc.gov. For additional information about business resources, visit http://business.statelibrary.sc.gov. Or, call the agency at (803) 734-8666.

Greenwood County Man Pleads No Contest to Fraud Involving Aircraft Parts

United States Attorney W. Walter Wilkins stated today that Jerry Roy Comeaux, age 67, of Ninety-Six, South Carolina, pled no contest to a felony charge of fraud involving aircraft parts, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 38. United States District Judge Henry M. Herlong, Jr., of Greenville, accepted the plea and ordered Comeaux to pay the victims restitution of approximately $403,000. Comeaux is to serve three years probation. The United States agreed to dismiss charges against Vicky Comeaux, age 54, as part of the agreement.

According to facts presented in court, Comeaux operated Quality Aircraft Support, a business that repaired and overhauled aircraft parts. Comeaux was licensed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as a repair station up until April 2006. At that time, he voluntarily surrendered his license; however, he continued to send out parts with fraudulent forms that gave the appearance that Quality Aircraft Support was licensed by the FAA. These parts were shipped to various commercial carriers in Texas, Florida, Illinois, Ohio, and other parts of the country.

Mr. Wilkins stated that the case was investigated by agents of the Department of Transportation, Office of the Inspector General, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, and the Federal Aviation Administration. Assistant United States Attorney Winston D. Holliday, Jr., of the Columbia office prosecuted the case.

Seneca Man Guilty of $150K Fraud

United States Attorney W. Walter Wilkins stated today that Antonio V. Robinson, age 40, of Seneca, South Carolina, pled guilty in federal court to five counts of fraud involving the misuse of a Social Security Number. Robinson faces a possible sentence of five years incarceration on each count. He will be sentenced later by United States District Judge Henry M. Herlong, Jr., who accepted the plea of guilty.

Mr. Wilkins advised that Mr. Robinson used the Social Security Number of a former business partner to obtain loans from Wachovia, Advanta Bank Corporation, Wells Fargo, American Express, and Discover Financial Services. When investigators discovered the fraud, all of the loans were in default, with losses totaling approximately $150,000.00.

The case was investigated by Special Agent Rick Kerns of the United States Secret Service and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David C. Stephens of Greenville.

SC Democratic Party Holds Virtual Town Hall Meeting For Sanford

All S.C. Residents Invited to Participate

In anticipation of Governor Mark Sanford's return to the state, the South Carolina Democratic Party will host a virtual town hall meeting today. The meeting is open to all residents who wish to ask questions to the governor who has been out of town (and out of touch) since last week.

"South Carolinians have been very concerned about Governor Sanford's actions over the last eight months. They have a right to ask the Governor about our state's unemployment rate, the stimulus and his reasons for abandoning the state. This virtual town hall meeting will give these concerned citizens a real opportunity to ask these questions," said SCDP Chair Carol Fowler.

The town hall meeting, which will be held on the SCDP website, begins today at 4 p.m. and will end when Sanford responds to the questions. Residents wishing to participate in the SCDP meeting should visit http://www.scdp.org/governor/.

Sanford may have been naked hiking???

From The Palmetto Scoop:

The governor who dropped off the face of the Earth for five days was reportedly found Monday night by his staff hiking along the Appalachain Trail.

That explanation of Mark Sanford’s disappearance has puzzled many folks in South Carolina and across the country. Why would a sitting governor just up and disappear to the mountains without telling a single soul — including his family?

Well, The Palmetto Scoop have discovered the answer to all the secrecy: the governor may have gone for a naked hike.

No, really.

An Associated Press article from last week heralded Sunday — Father’s Day — as “Naked Hiking Day” on the Appalachian Trail. Yes, Naked Hiking Day.

“There’s no way to explain it until you experience it,” said Andrew Williams, 28, a machinist from Warren, Pa., who first hiked naked six or seven years ago. “It’s not about being lewd and crude and all that. It’s just enjoyment.” [...]

Rangers and police warn that people caught outdoors in the altogether could be charged with indecent exposure. Managers of the Appalachian Trail, where the tradition is sometimes observed by those trekking from Georgia to Maine, also discourage nudity.

“It’s just rude,” said Brian King, spokesman for the Appalachian Trail Conservancy in Harpers Ferry, W.Va. “People are out there hiking with their kids and families, and there are Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts.”

Could it be that Sanford just wanted to go au naturel in the middle of the woods and was too embarrassed to tell anyone?

Or perhaps he was one of the nudist hikers arrested be police and they had to work out a deal to quietly get him released.

Clemson researcher studies impact of cages on laying hens

A Clemson University animal behaviorist is researching the impact cages and other confinement have on the development and well-being of hens.

“Cages were designed to keep hens clean, safe from predators, protected from adverse weather conditions and easily medicated to prevent disease,” said Peter Skewes, the department of animal and veterinary sciences researcher leading the three-year project. “Initially, little thought was given to how cages affected behavioral or emotional needs.”

Recently, cage confinement has taken center stage as egg producers and animal protectionists debate the kind of environment laying hens need.

More is at stake than just the comfort of chickens, though the well-being of 284 million U.S. laying hens is no small matter. Nearly 95 percent of the 90 billion table eggs produced in the United States come from high-density cage systems. The value of all egg production in 2007 was $6.68 billion. In South Carolina egg sales tally about $90 million annually. Changing production conditions are bound to affect the bottom the line.

Advocates for animal protection want the elimination of caged-layer egg production. What’s needed, say egg industry leaders, is scientific information to analyze the situation and provide the data for alternatives.

Without data, designing management systems may be based on incomplete information about hen physiology and behavior, according to Skewes.

“There isn’t a lot of data on the impact of cage systems on neural and behavioral development in chickens. Although some alternative systems are emerging in Europe, there are few alternatives being developed in the United States,” said Skewes. (See related video.)

Skewes will compare cage- and non-cage-production systems for more than 900 chickens at Clemson’s Morgan Poultry Center.

“We have commercial cage conditions in one area, and on the other side we have a pen or floor environment with a lot of enrichment and stimulation,” said Skewes. “What we’re going to do is look at physiological and behavioral differences as a result of the birds being in these two treatments, and, hopefully, that will lead us to have more knowledge and make better decisions about how we want to house these birds and manage them for the production of table eggs.”

The research is funded by a $348,000 National Research Initiative grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Animal and veterinary science department chairwoman Mary Beck was awarded the grant and named Skewes co-investigator.

Attorney General's Insurance Fraud Division Releases 2008 Report

Attorney General Henry McMaster has issued the 2008 annual insurance fraud report.

During 2008 the Attorney General’s Insurance Fraud Division secured 135 convictions for insurance fraud, a 44 percent increase over 2007 with 94 convictions. This number represents the most convictions by the Insurance Fraud Division since its creation in 1994.

“With the state of our economy, more and more people in South Carolina are turning toward insurance fraud. They think it’s a quick fix for their personal financial situation and don’t think it affects anyone else,” said Edwin Constant, president of the South Carolina Insurance Fraud Investigators, “In reality it affects everyone in the state.”

Last year there were 815 insurance fraud complaints received by the Insurance Fraud Division, compared to 712 complaints received in 2007. The total amount of insurance fraud reported was more than $3.3 million, a drop from the previous year with $8.4 million.

Nearly $400,000 in fines and restitution were ordered paid by the courts. This brings the total to nearly $78 million in insurance fraud reported and nearly $6 million in monies collected since the South Carolina Attorney General's Insurance Fraud Division began prosecuting insurance fraud cases in 1995.

Highlights from the Attorney General’s 2008 Insurance Fraud Report:

• The greatest number of complaints were due to automobile insurance fraud (57%) and personal/commercial property fraud (12%) followed by workers’ compensation fraud (11%) and health/medical fraud (10%).
• Cases have come from all around the state of South Carolina and break down by region as follows:

◦ Low Country – 37% (175)
◦ Pee Dee – 22% (106)
◦ Piedmont – 22% (103)
◦ Midlands - 19% (88)

• Charleston County reported both the highest number of complaints made (29) and the highest total amount of insurance fraud reported with $ 921,756.49 reported in insurance fraud.


The Insurance Fraud Division currently has five attorneys and four South Carolina Law Enforcement Division investigators working to stomp out insurance fraud in South Carolina.

The South Carolina Insurance Fraud Hotline, 1-888-95-FRAUD, is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for reporting insurance fraud, which can be a felony in South Carolina. All reports remain confidential.

For a complete copy of the 2008 Annual Report from the Office of the Attorney General's Insurance Fraud Division or to review county data, link to the South Carolina Insurance News Service at www.scinsurance.net.

Francis Marion inks Charlotte backstop

Francis Marion University baseball coach Art Inabinet has announced the signing of catcher Taylor Patterson of Charlotte to a national letter of intent to attend FMU this fall and play for the Patriots in 2010.

Patterson, 6-1 195-pounds, is a product of Ardrey Kell High School, where he played for coach Hal Bagwell.

This past season, he hit .313 and was team captain as Ardrey Kell posted a 27-8 record and won the North Carolina 4A state title.

As a junior, he also batted .313 with an on-base percentage of .516. He threw out 40 percent of the base runners attempting to steal against him and led his squad with a .985 fielding percentage. He helped lead the Knights to a 28-6 record, the 4A Western Regional championship, and a spot in the 4A state championship series.

He owns Ardrey Kell’s all-time record for highest fielding percentage (.989).
“Taylor is a good defensive catch-and-throw guy,” said Inabinet. “He will have a chance to compete for playing time behind the plate as a freshman.”

Francis Marion loses four seniors off last year’s 38-15-1 squad that finished second during the Peach Belt Conference regular season, won the PBC Tournament title, and earned its fourth NCAA Division II national tournament bid in the past seven years, placing third at the Southeast Regional. The Patriots were ranked 14th in the end-of-the-season Collegiate Baseball Magazine NCAA Division II Top 30 poll.

He becomes the sixth newcomer to the Patriot program joining catcher Logan Bland of Charleston, infielder and right-handed pitcher Tyler Cappelmann of Sumter, right-handed pitchers Don Sandifer of Bamberg and Will Smith of Blythewood and outfielder Dalton Gress of Aiken.

FMU’s David Walters signed by Baltimore Orioles

Francis Marion University senior right-handed pitcher David Walters has signed a free agent contract with the Baltimore Orioles and has been assigned to the organization’s Gulf Coast (Rookie) League squad.

The GCL is based in Florida and consists of a 60-game season beginning on June 23 and running through Aug. 31.

The GCL Orioles will face the Reds’ GCL affiliate on June 23 to open the season.
Walters, a native of River Hill, Md., led the 2009 Patriot pitching staff with 15 starts, while posting a 7-3 record and a 5.97 earned run average. He fanned 55 batters in 72.1 innings, while walking only 23.

Only nine base runners attempted to steal while he was on the mound, and four of those were unsuccessful. Defensively, he did not commit an error in 22 fielding chances en route to earning a Rawlings Gold Glove award for the Southeast Region. He was a first-team All-Peach Belt Conference selection and earned second-team Daktronics Inc. All-Southeast Region recognition.

In 2008, Walters led the Patriot pitching staff with 16 starts, while posting a 9-4 record and a 4.66 ERA. He fanned 91 batters in 92.2 innings, while walking only 27. He compiled two complete games and opponents batted only .246 against him.

Prior to coming to FMU, Walters played two seasons at Spartanburg Methodist College and posted a combined record of 15-8 with a 3.62 ERA.

He was a two-time All-County pick at River Hill High School.
Walters was drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the 2008 MLB Draft, but chose to return to FMU for his senior season.

Francis Marion posted a 38-15-1 record in 2009 and finished second during the PBC regular season, won the PBC Tournament title, and earned its fourth NCAA Division II national tournament bid in the past seven years, placing third at the Southeast Regional. The Patriots were ranked 14th in the final 2009 Collegiate Baseball Magazine NCAA Division II Top 30 poll.

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. The tips can also be found on the challenge's website, www.healthysc.gov.

Healthy Tips

Nutrition
Don't forget the extras! Make fresh garlic a standard addition to all prepared veggies, salad dressings soups, etc. Garlic is truly a medicinal food that keeps our arteries healthy and boosts immunity.

Spice up your bean and poultry dishes with turmeric or curry spices. Both are teeming with the phytochemical curcumin, now world famous for its potent anti-inflammatory power (this translates to a reduced risk of CVD, Alzheimer's, and cancer).

Go Nuts! Get into the habit of throwing nuts/seeds into salads, soups, sauces, and other prepared dishes. Nuts score a perfect ten when it comes to nutrients, especially for the heart.

Eat your sprouts today! Add broccoli sprouts to salads and sandwiches. Broccoli is a bonafide anti-cancer superstar, and these sprouts contain ten to 100 times more power to protect against cancer than mature broccoli.

Don't forget your herbs! Remember to add fresh herbs liberally to prepared foods to increase both the taste and nutritional value of your meals.
* Parsley has vitamin C and a higher concentration of flavanoids (the superstar class of antioxidant phytochemicals) than any other food.
* Cilantro is loaded with phytochemicals, including one that kills salmonella (common source of food-borne illnesses) more effectively than our strongest antibiotics.
* Rosemary, ginger, tumeric and curry - also provide especially potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory phytochemicals.
-Dr. Ann Kulze, Nationally recognized nutrition and wellness expert, www.DrAnnwellness.com


Physical Activity
Swimsuit season is here and the pressure to go sleeveless is rising faster than record high temperatures. So what can the average American, who does not have a personal trainer on standby or daily healthy meals cooked by a professional chef, do to get toned arms and a tighter midriff section? The answer: Take it outdoors for some fun and free summer activities that will have you burning calories just in time for bikini season. Here are eight workout ideas to do on your own or with the entire family:

1. Go Off-Road. A great way to escape the hectic city life and reduce stress is to hike in nature.

2. Ride Your Bicycle. There is no better way to explore your neighborhood, city, back country roads or local trails than from the vantage point of a bicycle. And that is just one side-effect. Bicycling is a great cardiovascular workout and will strengthen legs, glutes and core. A 140-lb individual who bicycles at ten miles per hour for an hour will burn nearly 400 calories, which makes for guilt-free eating of a six-inch double roast beef sub sandwich. Bike longer and you can burn enough calories to eat a sandwich, and have your cake too.

3. Jog Around the Block The beauty about jogging or running is that you can do it any time, anywhere. Keep your running shoes in your duffel bag, at work, in your suitcase or near the door, and you're always ready to explore the great outdoors. Even short bouts of jogging or running benefit your heart health, clear your head and calm your senses. For those running in unfamiliar places, running up staircases, around tall buildings or a stadium still makes for a great workout. Running is great for busy professionals, because you can always make time to sneak in a quick run, even during travel. Simply ask the hotel concierge for a map of the city, a nearby park or trails and you're on your way.

4. Jump Rope. Jumping rope is not only a great heart-pumping activity, but also increases body awareness. Choose a light-weight rope with foam grips that won't slip away when palms get sweaty. The right length rope is one that reaches about chest high and is measured by stepping the foot on the center of the rope while bringing the handles up to the chest.Now all that's left is to challenge each family member to a jumping rope contest while keeping it fun.

5. Get Wet. Swimming laps offers a great full-body workout. But even splashing around in the pool can be a great workout for young and old alike. The buoyancy of water reduces the "weight" of a person by about 90 percent, which means less stress on joints, bones and muscles. Many people enjoy working out against the resistance of water while benefitting from its cooling effect on the body. Here are some workout ideas: Cup your hands and pull water away from you to build strength. Use a noodle, hand-held paddles or a kick board. For those wanting to enjoy a group workout, consult your health club or YMCA about aquatic classes or master's programs for swimming laps and don't forget to wear sun screen when swimming outdoors.

6. Inline Skate. Inline skating around the neighborhood or even a pick-up game of hockey make for great family fun and a workout. Most children love the idea. To prevent injuries, it is critical that adults and especially children wear helmets and protective gear on their wrists, knees and elbows. It may not look 'cool,' but can make the difference between a serious head injury or trauma and a minor injury or broken bones, so always be safe.

7. Just Dance. You don't have to be Lady Gaga to "Just Dance." Next time you're at a summer party, dance for fun and fitness: A 120-pound person who dances socially can burn almost three calories per minute or equals approximately 180 calories per hour, which is roughly the same amount of calories as a Bloody Mary. A 180-pound person dancing for an hour can burn over 750 calories, the equivalent of two slices of a pan crust cheese pizza. Encouraging children to be creative and move their bodies freely is fun and great for their mind and body. Teach your kids some new moves in your garden, the park or at the beach.

8. Calm The Mind. For those wanting to calm the mind, rolling out a yoga mat in nature for downward-facing dog positions and sun salutations may be the ideal stress-reliever during these tough economic times. Many yoga studios are also taking their workouts outdoors. When life gets tough, slowing the mind without any distractions can make for a spiritual recovery.
-American Council on Exercise, www.acefitness.org

Tobacco
For most tobacco users, cravings or urges to smoke can be powerful. But you're not at the mercy of these cravings. When an urge to use tobacco strikes, remember that although it may be intense, it will be short, and it probably will pass within a few minutes whether you smoke a cigarette or not. Each time you resist a craving, you're one step closer to stopping smoking or other tobacco use for good.

In the meantime, here are ten ways to help you ride out the urge to smoke or use tobacco:
1. Delay. If you feel like you're going to give in to your craving, tell yourself that you must wait ten more minutes and then do something to distract yourself. This simple trick may be enough to derail your tobacco craving. Repeat as often as needed.

2. Don't have 'just one.' You may be tempted to have just one cigarette to stop a craving. But don't fool yourself into believing that you can stop at just one. More often than not, having just one leads to another, then another - and you may wind up back in the habit.

3. Avoid triggers. Urges for tobacco are likely to be strongest in the situations where you smoked or chewed tobacco most often. Identify your trigger spots - or people - and have a plan in place so that you can avoid them entirely or get through them without using tobacco. Don't set yourself up for a relapse. If you usually smoked while you talked on the phone, for instance, keep a pen and paper nearby instead for doodling rather than smoking.

4. Get physical. Physical activity can help distract you from tobacco cravings and reduce the intensity of cravings. Just 30 minutes of moderate physical activity can make a craving go away. Get out for a walk or jog. If you're stuck at home or the office, try squats, deep knee bends, push-ups, running in place, or walking up and down a set of stairs a few times. If physical activity doesn't interest you, try prayer, needlework, woodwork or journaling. Or do chores for distraction, such as vacuuming or filing paperwork.

5. Practice relaxation techniques. Coping with a craving to smoke or use tobacco can be very stressful. In the past, smoking may have been your way to deal with stress. Take the edge off your stress by practicing relaxation techniques. These include deep-breathing exercises, muscle relaxation, yoga, visualization, hypnosis and massage.
6.Call reinforcements. Touch base with a family member, friend or support group member for moral support. Chat on the phone, go for a walk together or simply share a few laughs - or get together to commiserate about your cravings.

7. Remember the benefits of quitting. Write down or say out loud the reasons you want to stop smoking and resist cravings. These might include feeling better, getting healthier, sparing your loved ones from secondhand smoke or saving money. And if you're a closet smoker, you may save hours of time since you no longer have to spend time trying to creatively conceal your habit.

8. Go online. Join an online stop-smoking program. Or read a quitter's blog and post encouraging thoughts for someone else who might be struggling with cravings. Learn from how others have handled their tobacco cravings.

9. Try replacements. Try a stop-smoking product instead of a cigarette. Some types of nicotine replacement therapy, including patches, gums and lozenges, are available over-the-counter. Nicotine nasal spray and the nicotine inhaler are available by prescription.

10. Chew on it. Give your mouth something to do. Chew on sugarless gum or hard candy. Or munch on raw carrots, celery, nuts or sunflower seeds - something crunchy and satisfying.
-www.mayoclinic.com

FMU signs Aiken cross country runner

Francis Marion University cross country coach Mark Bluman has announced the signing of Justin Albertson of Aiken to a national letter of intent to attend FMU and run for the Patriot men this fall.

Albertson, 5-7, is a product of South Aiken High School, where he ran under the direction of coaches Russ Busbee and Bill Griswould.

A three-time All-Region cross country runner, he placed 24th at the 2008 AAA state cross country championship meet and eighth at the 2007 AAAA state meet. South Aiken was sixth in the team standings at the 2008 meet. He owns a personal-best time for 5,000-meters of 16:35.

On the track, he scored in both the 4x400-meter relay and the 4x800-meter relay at the 2009 AAA state meet as South Aiken tied for 13th in the team standings. He also competes in the 800-meters, where he has a personal-best time of 2:02.

“I really look forward to working with Justin this fall,” said Bluman. “He will be well prepared to handle the demands of competing at the next level. In recruiting Justin, it would always come back to his passion for the sport. Coach Busbee couldn't stress enough how much this young man loves to run and loves to compete. Every successful person in life has to have a passion for their trade.

“Justin comes from a great high school program as witnessed by South Aiken’s continued success in both track and cross country. Coach Busbee not only prepares his cross country runners to succeed at the high school level, but at the college level as well. Justin will succeed here.”
Francis Marion loses three seniors from its 2008 men’s squad that placed fifth at the Peach Belt Conference Championship Meet and recorded top five showings in each of its regular-season meets last fall.

Spratt Statement on the Introduction of Statutory PAYGO Legislation

WASHINGTON – House Budget Committee Chairman John Spratt made the following statement at a press conference today announcing the introduction of statutory PAYGO legislation in the House.

“I’m pleased to join arms with the Majority Leader, Steny Hoyer; the OMB Director, Peter Orszag; and with Blue Dogs and a host of others concerned about fiscal soundness. We have a common purpose: to make pay-go statutory, and add it to our tool kit of budget rules.

“At the outset of the 1990s, Congress passed the Budget Enforcement Act to ensure that the Budget Summit Agreement was carried out. Among its provisions was a rule called ‘pay-as-you-go’ or PAYGO for short. Critics disdained our resort to budget process. They accused us of dodging the hard choices we had to make if we were going to wipe out the deficit. But by the end of the 1990s, the budget was in surplus for the first time in 30 years; and it was clear that process rules like PAYGO played a big part in our success.

“Republicans were in the majority in 2002 when the Budget Enforcement Act expired, and they chose not to reinstate PAYGO, knowing that it would impede passage of their tax cutting agenda. Without the process rules, the budget plunged from a surplus of $236 billion in the year 2000 to a deficit of $413 billion in the year 2004.

“When Democrats took back the House, the reinstatement of PAYGO was at the top of our agenda. We made PAYGO a rule of the House the first day we convened the 110th Congress.

“Last week, the President proposed a bill to make PAYGO statutory – and today we introduce that bill as a starting point toward making statutory PAYGO part of our budget process. Tomorrow the House Budget Committee will hold a hearing to explore our bill with OMB Director Orszag as lead witness. We have begun the process of meeting with various groups and gathering feedback on the proposal. The House is likely to make changes to the Administration’s bill before passing it, but if we differ a bit on the means, we are in full agreement on the end, which is to make PAYGO a prevailing rule.

“The Obama Administration and the current Congress have inherited a colossal deficit, swollen this year to accommodate massive recovery measures. As these measures pull us out of the slump, we must focus attention on our longer-term fiscal fate. Two weeks ago, Chairman Bernanke told our Budget Committee that the long-run fiscal path is simply not sustainable.

“Statutory PAYGO works because it reins in new entitlement spending and new tax cuts. Both tend to be long lasting – easy to pass, hard to repeal. By insisting on offsets and deficit neutrality, PAYGO buffers the bottom-line. Its terms are complex, but at its core, it is a common-sense rule that everyone can understand: when you are in a hole, stop digging.

“We share the Administration’s commitment to fiscal discipline, and believe that statutory PAYGO will put greater rigor into the budget process. I look forward to working with all interested parties as we move statutory PAYGO through Congress.”

Incredible eats in glorious downtown Newberry!

he setting is outdoors in Memorial Park. Live music and tempting aromas fill the air. You’re at A Taste of Newberry!

Enjoy a taste of wine from our local Enoree Winery or Ben Arnold Beverages while you’re trying to decide between Barbecue Shrimp, Beef Wellington or Prime Rib. Pick up a side of Fried Pickles or Pasta Salad.

The tastes are bite-sized so you can try them all!

Quench your thirst with exotic beers from Pour Richards, Main Street Beer Parlor and Budweiser.

Relax with dessert and a sweet tea at one of the dining tables set up surrounding the Opera House while you lean back and enjoy the live music and your satisfied palate.

Dollar tickets will be sold on the square and redeemable for ‘tastes’ from our superb chefs. Participating restaurants include Steven W’s Bistro, Delamaters, Grill on Main, Ronnie’s Restaurant and The Palms – The Flying Pie and Pharaoh’s Pizza - Cathy’s Cakery, Jeze Belles and more.

There is plenty of free parking available. Bring your appetite and come see for yourself why Newberry is fast becoming one of the State’s major destinations for dining, shopping and entertainment.

A Taste of Newberry is sponsored by the Newberry Observer and by WKDK, 1240 AM, the Newberry Opera House, the City of Newberry and the Newberry Downtown Merchants Association.

For information please call the Newberry Opera House Box Office at 803-276-6264 or visit online at www.newberryoperahouse.com

The Scary Side of Summer

Eight Hidden Dangers to Watch Out for When School Is Out of Session

Ahh, summer. Here come those lazy days of free time, mall trips, hanging out with friends, summer camp shenanigans, and blissful beach trips. As school winds down and the thermometer begins its sweltering climb, most parents are in the throes of making summer plans for their children. With Tyler heading to soccer camp and Megan signed up for summer camp at the YMCA, you may feel good about the upcoming season. But don't let summer's carefree reputation fool you, says parenting and education expert Dr. Maryln Appelbaum—the season is filled with hidden dangers.

The changing of the guard. During the school year you get to know the teachers and leaders who take care of your children very, very well. In the summer, you may not have that luxury. Kids often transition from one activity to the next in a matter of days, and the people to whom you are entrusting your children's safety change right along with them. Plus, many summer activities are overseen by young people who may not necessarily have the maturity or experience to keep kids safe.

"Do not just assume that because someone is employed by a summer program that you should trust them, no questions asked. Before each new transition, do your research. Ask around—even if it means calling the program and asking for references and qualifications of their employees. There are fewer systems of checks and balances for these programs, and if parents don't hold them accountable, who will?"

Overnight stays. With school out of session and early mornings a distant memory, kids are eager to pack their sleeping bags and stay up all night at a friend's house. Or perhaps they are ready to head off to sleep-away summer camps for days, and even weeks, at a time.

"Don't hesitate to ask as many questions as it takes until you feel satisfied about your child's safety. Ask for background checks or references for camp counselors; call other parents you know and trust to inquire about the parents in charge of this weekend's sleepover—anything to get the information you need. And as uncomfortable as it may be for you, sit your children down and talk to them about the difference between a 'good touch' and a 'bad touch' and that it is okay to tell an adult 'no.' You just can't afford to risk it."

Swimming. Summer and swimming are as inseparable as peanut butter and jelly. Almost any day camp or summer camp your kids participate in will involve some type of water-based activity. That's why, if your child is a land lover and hasn't quite taken to the water yet, now is the time to change it.

"If you have a child who isn't a strong swimmer, or one who is uncomfortable around the water, enroll him in swimming lessons today," warns Appelbaum. "You cannot be totally dependent on the camp counselors and lifeguards to keep your child safe in the water. There will be a lot of children in the water for them to watch over—and unlike you, they won't be focused solely on your child—so it's your responsibility to make sure he or she is a strong and confident swimmer."

Sunburn. You may not realize how much sun exposure your kids are getting during their days at summer camps. Just because Timmy is going to science camp doesn't mean he won't be outside at some point during the day.

"Make lathering on a layer of sunscreen part of your child's morning routine," suggests Appelbaum. "Talk about the importance of keeping skin safe, and encourage children to reapply throughout the day, particularly if they are going to be playing sports or swimming. It is also well within your rights to make a special requests of any counselors or supervisors to ensure your child stays coated in SPF throughout the day."

Injuries. Enrolling kids in outdoor activities and sports camps ups the injury ante considerably and you should be prepared for what hurts may come through your door each evening. Pay close attention to even the smallest injuries. Cuts and scrapes can become infected, and even minor sprains that go untreated can become inflamed and more serious. By taking care to treat the injuries (even the minor ones) from their onset, you decrease the risk of long-lasting effects and increase the fun your kids can have for the rest of the summer.

"If you notice limping or any other symptom, question your child closely. Ask coaches and counselors to keep you in the know. And keep your medicine cabinet stocked with bandages and antibacterial ointment, ice packs and aspirin—and make your kids take a break when they need time to heal."

Dehydration. Kids don't understand the importance of staying hydrated, or the very real dangers of summer heat. It's up to you to make sure that they are ready to wet their whistle in the mid-afternoon sun.
"Water isn't the beverage of choice for most children, so you have to make it more appealing," explains Appelbaum. "At the beginning of the summer, take your children out shopping to pick out their own special water bottle. Make sure that you send them out with it each day, no matter if they are headed to soccer camp or next door to play. Children are very susceptible to dehydration in the hot summer months, so making a point to keep them drinking throughout the day should be a big priority."

Free time. Some of the biggest joys of summer revolve around what kids don't have to do: no homework, no band practice, no SCHOOL. But the resulting vacuum of unoccupied time forces kids to find other ways to fill it, which means more work for parents on the watchdog front. If your kids are eager to grab the remote, or the laptop, XBOX, or cell phone, it means that you will have to be at the top of your guardian game. Along with the glories of technology come the dangers of your children being exposed to things you can't control: websites and online predators, mature television shows, and violent video games. Appelbaum says that preventive action is a must.

"Make a list of potential techno-dangers and create a plan of action," she suggests. "Install software on your computer that limits the Internet sites your children are allowed to access. Use parental monitors on your televisions to limit their exposure to inappropriate shows and movies. And if you've allowed your kids to have a cell phone, particularly one with texting capabilities, set up some strict ground rules and monitor their usage each day. Check their texting log every morning and evening. It's a reality of modern life that kids can get into serious trouble even when they're right in the next room."

Peer pressure. Summer comes with less structure and more freedom, especially for older kids, and along with that freedom comes more opportunity to get into trouble. Perhaps your child is with a whole different set of friends (whose parents you may not know), and chances are good that even the most reputable summer camp or day camp program has one or two "rebels" in its midst who want to break the rules. And no matter how careful you've been to teach your child the difference between right and wrong, you can never underestimate the power of peer pressure.

Of course, all the precautions in the world can't replace that small inner voice of parental instinct, says Appelbaum.

"If something doesn't feel quite right, it probably isn't," she notes. "Trust your parental radar. You can keep it honed by staying in close contact with all the caregivers in your children's life, getting to know their friends, carefully watching their behavior, and always, always, always keeping the lines of communication open. There's no better safety net for your children than you—and you can and will make this the best, safest summer your family has ever had."

Patriots gain services of Stinger shortstop

Francis Marion University softball coach Stacey Vallee has announced the addition of Asheboro, N.C., native and Florence-Darlington Technical College shortstop Jessica Hogan to the Patriot roster for the 2010 season.

This past spring, the 5-4 right-handed hitting infielder batted .407 with 32 runs scored, 13 doubles, and 18 runs batted in. She also stole a team-leading 23 bases, compiled a .470 on-base percentage and a .964 fielding percentage en route to earning NJCAA Region X first-team All-Conference and All-Tournament Team honors. She was also named her squad’s most valuable player after helping lead the Stingers to a 26-13 record.

Hogan played her freshman season at Peace College in Raleigh, N.C. She hit .317 with 32 runs scored, eight doubles, one home run, and 22 RBIs for a 27-17 Pacer squad.

She is a product of Southwestern Randolph High School, where she played for coach Steve Taylor.
“Coming from a junior college, Jessica will give us immediate experience at shortstop, something we just lost to graduation,” Vallee said. “She has also batted in the leadoff spot, a position we lost this past year as well, so if called upon she will be accustomed to it. She is a player who will bring consistency to the plate and in the field. We are happy she chose to stay in Florence to continue her softball and educational career.”

Hogan joins nine players who previously committed to the Patriots: infielder Tristan Faile of Lancaster, S.C., catcher-outfielder Olivia Ferguson of Roanoke, Va., catcher-first baseman Annie Hegar of Jefferson, N.C., catcher-infielder Meghan Heiser of Sacramento, Calif., right-handed pitcher Cea Knox of Myrtle Beach, right-handed pitcher Rayna McClinton of Columbia, left-handed pitcher Murphy McConnell of Milton, Ga., utility player Jamie Ross of Cape Coral, Fla., and right-handed pitcher Brittany Scoggins of Boiling Springs, S.C.

Francis Marion finished the 2009 season with a 32-19 record, and narrowly missed earning an at-large bid to the NCAA Division II National Tournament.

Coker Releases 2009 Cross Country Schedule

by Christian Stryker, SID Coker College
6/17/2009

Hartsville, S.C. - The Coker College Athletic Department released the 2009 schedule for the men's and women's cross country teams this week.

The Cobras are looking to have a successful season, in Coach Keith Solverson's first full year. Solverson joined the Cobras after their first meet of the season last year. Coach Solverson and the Cobras are looking to return to the top of the Conference Carolinas standings this season.

The road to the top will not be easy for Coach Solverson and the Cobra runners; they will compete in six meets throughout the southeast. They will open their 2009 season on August 28, when they travel to Columbia, S.C. for the Gamecock Invitational; a meet they have historically done well at, with the women winning the event in 2007 and placing third in 2008, while the men placed second in 2007.

After the Gamecock Invitational the cross country teams will head to North Carolina for a pair of meets; the UNC-Pembroke Invitational on September 5 and the NCAA Southeast Pre-Region Meet at Wingate University on September 12. Then the Cobras will have nearly a month off before competing in the South Carolina Intercollegiate State Cross Country Championships on October 10, followed by the Conference Carolinas Championships on October 23.

To finish out their season the Cobra runners will compete in the NCAA Southeast Regional Championships at Wingate on November 7 and hopefully they will qualify to advance to the NCAA National Championships on November 21 in Evansville, Indiana.

Coach Solverson has high expectations for the 2009 season with the return of several runners from last season; including three runners on the men's team and seven on the women's team that include All-Conference performers Kendyl Seawright and Michael Murphy.

Cobra Golf Signs Two to National Letters of Intent

by Christian Stryker, SID Coker College
6/16/2009

Hartsville, S.C. - Coker College Head Men's Golf Coach Tommy Baker announced the signing of two players to National Letters of Intent to play golf for the Cobras in 2009-2010 on Tuesday. Ben Conroy and Jake Murphy become the newest members of the Coker golf team.

"Both Ben and Jake are accomplished players, great students and will make an immediate impact on our golf program," said Coach Baker. "The coaching staff is really excited to have these young men wearing Coker blue and gold next fall."

Conroy is a native of Durham, Connecticut, where he was a standout golfer at Coginchaug Regional High School. Ben was a four-time All-Conference Golfer, a three-time Shoreline Conference Individual Tournament winner and a two-time All-State Golfer. Conroy was also a member of the honor roll and was named a Shoreline Conference Scholar Athlete.

When asked about Conroy joining the Cobras, Coach Baker said, "Ben is a very good player. He is a mature player as far as he controls his emotions well and he has had plenty of experience in big events. He's the type of player that has the potential to come in and make an impact right away both in the classroom and on the links."

Murphy also comes to Coker from the northeast; he is a native of Hamilton, New Jersey, where he was a standout golfer at Hamilton High School. Jake was the 2009 Mercer County Golf Tournament champion, where he shot a record setting 69, he was also the NJSIAA South/Central Group III champion, and the Group III state champion.

"Jake is a very solid player and has a very good makeup," said Coach Baker. "He is constantly working on his game and is extremely dedicated. His ability can be seen by his impressive performances in several top-tier junior tournaments. "

Conroy and Murphy have the privilege of joining a Coker team that finished the 2009 season 25th in the country in NCAA Division II Golf, was second in the Conference Carolinas Championship and had the Conference Golfer of the Year , Chris Marsh and Conference Coach of the Year, Baker. With everyone returning for the 2009-2010 season the future looks very bright for the Cobra golf program.

Community Health Centers Receiving Recovery Act Funds

WASHINGTON – Four community health centers in the 5th Congressional District are receiving funds made available by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, according to U.S. Rep. John Spratt (D-SC).

“People who lose their health insurance are turning to health centers for care,” said Spratt. “These funds will help the centers provide care to more patients during this recession, and create or retain health center jobs.”
Health centers deliver preventive and primary care services to patients regardless of their ability to pay; charges for services are set according to income. Health centers served more than 16 million patients nationwide in 2007, about 40 percent of whom had no health insurance.

The following health centers in the 5th District are receiving funds.

Health Center - City - Amount
CareSouth Carolina - Hartsville - $614,758
Community Medicine Foundation - Rock Hill - $225,857
HopeHealth, Inc. - Florence - $126,933
Sumter Family Health Center - Sumter - $231,126

5th District Counties Receiving Recovery Act Funds for Emergency Food and Shelter Programs

All counties in the 5th Congressional District are receiving funds through the Recovery Act for Emergency Food and Shelter Programs, according to U.S. Rep. John Spratt (D-SC).

“These funds will be used to supplement food, shelter, rent, mortgage, and utility assistance for people with non-disaster related emergencies,” said Spratt. “The goal is to bring immediate relief to communities to address unemployment and poverty. I am delighted all the counties in the 5th District are receiving funding.”

The counties in the 5th District are receiving the following amounts through the Department of Homeland Security’s Emergency Food and Shelter Program.

County - Amount
Cherokee - $26,988
Chester - $20,848
Chesterfield - $19,691
Darlington - $30,375
Dillon - $15,354
Fairfield - $13,634
Florence - $50,066
Kershaw - $22,349
Lancaster - $36,817
Lee - $8,694
Marlboro - $16,480
Newberry - $14,760
Sumter - $40,924
York - $86,758

Coker Releases 2009 Volleyball Schedule

The Coker College Athletic Department released the 2009 schedule for the women's volleyball team this week.

The Lady Cobras are looking to bounce back after a difficult 2008 season. Coach Jon Stenman returns for his second year as the leader of the Coker volleyball program and he is hoping the addition of seven new faces to the roster, along with the return of six student-athletes from last season.

Coach Stenman and the Lady Cobras have a tough schedule ahead of them. Their schedule features 17 Conference Carolinas matches and 11 non-conference matches; including playing Fayetteville State in an October 2 Homecoming match. The schedule also features 12 home matches in Coker's Timberlake-Lawton Gymnasium.

The women open their 2009 season on the weekend of August 28-29, when they travel to Lenoir-Rhyne for a four match tournament. The Lady Cobras then travel to Limestone College for their opening Conference Carolinas match and a tournament on September 4-5, followed by road matches on September 8-9 at Mount Olive and Columbia College. The Lady Cobras will not play their first home match until September 15 when they host St. Andrews in a conference match.

Coker hosts three home matches on September 18-19, including a dual match with Belmont Abbey and Brevard College on the 19th, before they take to the road for a pair of matches at Anderson (Sept. 25) and Erskine (Sept. 26). In preparation for Homecoming the Lady Cobras return home with a match on September 29 against Barton and then on October 2 they will face Fayetteville State in their 2009 Homecoming match. Coker plays just one home match from October 5-20, when they host Queens on October 10, but a four match home stand at the end of the month makes up for the travel. The Lady Cobras will play St. Augustine's (Oct. 24), Mount Olive (Oct. 27), Anderson (Oct. 30) and Erskine (Oct. 31) in their longest home stand of the season.

The Lady Cobras will finish out their season the first week of November with their final home match on November 6 versus Pfeiffer squeezed between a pair of road matches against Barton (Nov. 3) and their final regular season match of the year against Queens (Nov. 7).

Poythress Heads List of 102 Coastal Plain League Alumni Selected

The Coastal Plain League announced Friday that 102 players, both former and players signed for
the 2009 season, were drafted in the 2009 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft. A list that featured nine players selected in the first 10 rounds was highlighted by Rich Poythress of Georgia, who played for the Thomasville HiToms in 2007, and went in the second round, 51st pick overall to the Seattle Mariners.

The 102 players drafted is the second-most CPL alumni total drafted since the league started back in 1997. In 2008, 115 CPL alums were selected in the draft - giving the CPL 217 drafted players in the past two years alone. All 30 MLB teams selected at least one CPL alum in 2009; and all exisiting clubs of the current 15 CPL franchises had at least one alum drafted. The Thomasville HiToms led with 11 players drafted, while the Fayetteville SwampDogs and Forest City Owls (Spartanburg included) each had 10 players drafted. The Florence RedWolves and Wilson Tobs each recorded nine drafted alums, while the Edenton Steamers and Petersburg Generals were next with eight each. The Gastonia Grizzlies followed with seven draftees, and then the Asheboro Copperheads, Columbia Blowfish, New Bern River Rats, and Wilmington Sharks each had six. The Outer Banks Daredevils posted five drafted alums, while the Peninsula Pilots followed with four and the Martinsville Mustangs rounded things out with one alum taken in the draft.

2009 CPL Rawlings Players of the Week for Week Two

The Coastal Plain League announced Monday that Wilmington’s Adam Eggemeyer was named the Rawlings Hitter of the Week, while Forest City’s Heath Hembree and Florence’s John Taylor were tabbed Rawlings Co-Pitchers of the Week for week two of action (June 8- June 14).

Eggemeyer, a redshirt senior at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, started six games on the week for the Sharks and finished with an outstanding .500 batting average. On his 13 hits, he had three doubles and three home runs. He also scored eight runs and drove in nine RBIs, a league high for the week. Eggemeyer accumulated a total of 25 bases to go with a remarkable .962 slugging percentage and .536 on-base percentage. So far this season, Eggemeyer is batting .429 after 63 at-bats. He has helped Wilmington by tallying 17 RBIs on his 27 hits and hitting three home runs.

On the mound, Hembree was perfect for Forest City in his only appearance so far this season. The 6-4, 200-pound sophomore from College of Charleston had one start, pitching nine complete innings while striking out 13 batters and only allowing one hit. Overall, Hembree finished with a perfect 0.00 ERA and 1-0 record on the week.

In Florence, Taylor was also brilliant on the mound, making two appearances for the RedWolves, including one start. The 5-10, 165- pound junior right-hander from South Carolina finished the week with a perfect 0.00 ERA and 1-0 record, while also striking out 10 batters. Taylor pitched nine innings, allowing only one hit, but no runs. On the season, Taylor has made five appearances for the RedWolves and pitched 20.2 innings with a record of 1-1. In those five appearances he has struck out 22 batters and only allowed four runs with an ERA of 0.44.

The Coastal Plain League is the nation’s hottest summer collegiate baseball league, heading into its 13th season. Featuring 14 teams playing in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia, the CPL gives college players the chance to refine their skills with wooden bats during the summer months. Players are housed with local host families for the summer and past experiences have been very positive for both players and hosts. For more information on the Coastal Plain League, please visit the league website at www.coastalplain.com.

Coker Baseball Camp Starts Monday, June 15

The Coker College Athletic Department offers a wide variety of sports camps each summer and winter. Listed below is the most current information available for 2009 summer camps.

Follow each link to find dates, times, and costs for each camp. You will also be able to download PDF versions of camp brochures to fill out and mail/fax in. For more information on Coker Camps contact- Christian Stryker- SID, 843.383.8068 or cstryker@coker.edu.

Summer 2009 Baseball Camp- June 15-19- $65/player

2009 Coker College Skills and Drills Baseball Camp- June 15-19 9:30 a.m. - Noon daily.
Pitching and Hitting Camp for ages 6-17. Cost is $65/player for the week-long morning session.

Each player will receive a camp T-shirt and expert coaching and instruction for Coach Dave Schmotzer and his staff.

Each player should bring their own bat and glove to camp; all other equipment will be provided.

Contact Coach Dave Schmotzer at 843-383-8105 or dschmotzer@coker.edu for more information, or download and complete the registration form here: 2009 Baseball Camp Registration

Certified barbeque judging class set for July 11 in Columbia

The S.C. Barbeque Association will hold a seminar to train Certified Barbeque Judges in the Midlands on July 11.

The SCBA -- which has held past training seminars in Columbia, Charleston, Greenville, Florence and Beaufort -- has trained and certified more than 500 barbeque judges in South Carolina.

The seminar is to be held at the Dan Ramage Conference Center in Columbia on Saturday, July 11. It starts at 10 a.m. and last until 4 p.m. The Conference Center is on Bluff Road directly across from the Williams Brice football stadium and the address is 1001 Bluff Rd, Columbia, SC 29201.

In addition to an informative seminar, the participants will be treated to a catered barbeque lunch by an award winning barbeque team.

For information on how you can become a Certified Barbeque Judge contact SCBA President Lake High at 803-782-9595 or go to the SCBA website, www.scbarbeque.com and click on “Join Us.” The cost of the seminar is only $30 for SCBA members and membership in the SCBA is only $35. You can pay at the door if prior arrangements have been made. Family memberships are available at only $45.

The SCBA is in search of people in South Carolina who want to become Certified Barbeque Judges. A judge becomes certified after they attend this all-day seminar and then judge four barbeque cook-offs under the supervision of a Senior or Master Judge.

The SCBA now judges 30 barbeque cook-offs around the state, including several that are held in the Midlands.

More information about the SCBA and how you can become a judge can be found on their web site, www.scbarbeque.com

Coker Releases 2009 Women's Soccer Schedule

The Coker College Athletic Department released the 2009 schedule for the women's soccer team this week.

The Lady Cobras are looking to have a good year, with the return of head coach Bethany Grass. In her second campaign as the leader of the Coker women, Coach Grass is looking to improve on last year's three win season.

Coach Grass and the Lady Cobras have a tough schedule ahead of them. Their schedule features 11 Conference Carolinas matches, six non-conference matches; including playing Southern Wesleyan in a October 3 Homecoming match. The women's schedule also features nine home matches at the Coker Soccer Field.

The women open their 2009 season on August 27, when they will host Newberry in a non-conference match. The Lady Cobras then travel to Chowan University for a game on August 30, before returning home for a three game set versus Wingate (Sept. 3), USC-Aiken (Sept. 15) and finally their Conference Carolinas opener on September 17 against Mount Olive.

Coach Grass and the Lady Cobras then play four conference matches (Erskine, Converse, Lees-McRae and Queens); three on the road, before they take on Southern Wesleyan in their 2009 Homecoming match on October 3.

The Lady Cobras play six of their final seven matches against conference opponents, with their final home match on Saturday, October 24 versus Anderson University and their final non-conference match on October 27 at Catawba. The Coker women's final regular season game of the season is on October 31 against St. Andrews Presbyterian College.

Progress for the American People

The 111th Congress is off to a strong start, working with President Obama to take America in a New Direction, to turn our economy around and create good jobs, with common sense reforms and targeted investments in: affordable health care, clean energy jobs, educational excellence, fiscal responsibility, and tax fairness.

RECENTLY SIGNED INTO LAW

CREDIT CARDHOLDERS’ BILL OF RIGHTS, to provide tough new protections for consumers by banning unfair rate increases, abusive fees, and penalties—such as retroactive rate hikes on existing balances and double-cycle billing -- giving consumers clear information, and strengthening enforcement.

MILITARY PROCUREMENT REFORM, to crack down on Pentagon waste and cost overruns, which GAO says amount to $296 billion just for the 96 largest weapons systems, by dramatically beefing up oversight of weapons acquisition, promoting greater use of competition, and curbing conflicts of interest.

HELPING FAMILIES SAVE THEIR HOMES ACT, building on the President’s housing initiative, to provide significant incentives to lenders, servicers, and homeowners to work together to modify loans and to avoid foreclosures, which cost families their homes every 13 seconds in America.

FIGHTING MORTGAGE AND CORPORATE FRAUD & CREATING COMMISSION ON CAUSES OF CRISIS, to provide tools for prosecuting the mortgage scams and corporate frauds that contributed to the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression; and to create an outside commission to examine its causes.

SIGNED INTO LAW EARLIER THIS YEAR

AMERICAN RECOVERY AND REINVESTMENT ACT, enacted in the first month of President Obama’s term, to jumpstart our economy, create and save 3.5 million jobs, give 95% of American workers a tax cut, and begin to rebuild America’s road, rail, and water infrastructure, with unprecedented accountability measures -- no earmarks, new state whistleblower protections, and an historic degree of transparency at www.recovery.gov.

HEALTH CARE FOR 11 MILLION CHILDREN, to finally provide cost-effective health coverage for 4 million more children whose parents earn too little to provide their own insurance, but too much to qualify for Medicaid, and preserve coverage for 7 million children already enrolled.

LILLY LEDBETTER FAIR PAY ACT, to restore the rights of women and other workers to challenge unfair pay—to help close the wage gap where women earn 78 cents for every $1 a man earns in America.

OMNIBUS PUBLIC LAND MANAGEMENT ACT 0F 2009, the most significant conservation bill in 15 years, to boost economic development and tourism at 160 mostly rural American sites; creating 2 million new acres of wilderness across 9 states; establishing 3 new national park units; designating 1,000 miles of wild and scenic rivers; and designating a National Monument and 3 National Conservation Areas.

EDWARD M. KENNEDY SERVE AMERICA ACT, tripling volunteerism opportunities for national service to enroll 250,000 students to retirees; creating new service corps for education, health care, energy and veterans; establishing a Summer of Service for middle and high school students; and increasing college financial awards.

STRENGTHENING OVERSIGHT OF TARP, to expand the authority of the TARP Special Inspector General, to help ensure that taxpayers’ funds are effectively used to get credit flowing to businesses and families.

PASSED BY HOUSE AND SENATE

BUDGET RESOLUTION, reflecting the President’s plan to get the economy moving again, by cutting taxes for middle-income families by $1.5 trillion and creating jobs with targeted investments in health care, clean energy and education – while cutting the deficit by nearly two-thirds by 2013.

PASSED BY HOUSE

WAR SUPPLEMENTAL BILL, to provide funds for the remainder of FY 2009 to provide our troops in harm’s way with what they need, implement the President’s plans for winding down the war in Iraq and changing strategy in Afghanistan, require a report on progress, and fund pandemic flu response.

MORTGAGE REFORM AND ANTI-PREDATORY LENDING ACT, to stop the predatory and irresponsible mortgage loan practices that played a major role in the current financial meltdown and to help ensure that the mortgage industry follows basic principles of sound lending and consumer protection.

PUTTING 50,000 COPS ON THE BEAT, to authorize $1.8 billion a year for COPS grants over the next five years, which will fund putting an additional 50,000 police officers on the street across the country.

GREEN SCHOOL MODERNIZATION, to provide critical investments to modernize, renovate, and repair school facilities across the country, while encouraging energy efficiency and creating nearly 140,000 new jobs.

WATER QUALITY INVESTMENT ACT, to launch clean water projects for families and communities across America, creating an estimated 680,000 jobs over the next five years.

REDUCING MILITARY FAMILIES TAX, which currently unfairly penalizes the 55,000 surviving spouses of military personnel who died as a result of their service-connected injuries.

PAY FOR PERFORMANCE ACT, to prohibit unreasonable or excessive compensation and non-performance-based bonuses for executives at companies receiving TARP funds, to stabilize our financial system.

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
To lose weight, you must eat fewer calories than your body uses. This doesn't necessarily mean that you have to eat less food. You can create lower-calorie versions of some of your favorite dishes by substituting low-calorie fruits and vegetables in place of higher-calorie ingredients. The water and fiber in fruits and vegetables will add volume to your dishes, so you can eat the same amount of food with fewer calories. Most fruits and vegetables are naturally low in fat and calories and are filling. Here are some simple ways to cut calories and eat fruits and vegetables throughout your day:

Start the Day Right with breakfast! Substitute some spinach, onions, or mushrooms for one of the eggs or half of the cheese in your morning omelet. The vegetables will add volume and flavor to the dish with fewer calories than the egg or cheese. Cut back on the amount of cereal in your bowl to make room for some cut-up bananas, peaches, or strawberries. You can still eat a full bowl, but with fewer calories.

Lighten Up Your Lunch! Substitute vegetables such as lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, or onions for two ounces of the cheese and two ounces of the meat in your sandwich, wrap or burrito. The new version will fill you up with fewer calories than the original. Add a cup of chopped vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, beans, or red peppers, in place of two ounces of the meat or one cup of noodles in your favorite broth-based soup. The vegetables will help fill you up, so you won't miss those extra calories.

For dinner add one cup of chopped vegetables such as broccoli, tomatoes, squash, onions, or peppers, while removing one cup of the rice or pasta in your favorite dish. The dish with the vegetables will be just as satisfying but have fewer calories than the same amount of the original version. Take a good look at your dinner plate. Vegetables, fruit, and whole grains should take up the largest portion of your plate. If they do not, replace some of the meat, cheese, white pasta, or rice with steamed broccoli, asparagus, greens, or another favorite vegetable. This will reduce the total calories in your meal without reducing the amount of food you eat. BUT remember to use a normal- or small-size plate - not a platter. The total number of calories that you eat counts, even if a good portion of them come from fruits and vegetables.
-Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Physical Activity
If you think young children spend their summers running around and keeping trim, think again. A new study finds that kindergartners and first-graders put on more weight during summer vacations than during the school year. Children are eating more and exercising less when they are out of the classroom routine, suggests the study in the American Journal of Public Health. The extra pounds are not normal growth spurts. During the summer, children gain weight at twice the rate as during the school year, pushing some kids into obesity and making overweight children even heavier.

Exercise is an important part of keeping adolescents healthy. Encouraging healthy lifestyles in children and adolescents is important for when they grow older. Lifestyles learned in childhood are more likely to stay with the child into adulthood. Changes in lifestyle are harder to make the older the person becomes. The best way to promote healthy lifestyles is for the whole family to become involved.

A daily exercise program can provide a way to share an activity with family and friends, while helping establish good heart-healthy habits. The following exercise guidelines for adolescents can help you and your adolescent plan activities:

*Children and adolescents need at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity on most days for maintenance of good health and fitness and for healthy weight during growth.
*Parents are encouraged to limit children's screen time (TV, video, and computers) to less than two hours daily and replace the sedentary activities with activities that require more movement.
-Medical University of South Carolina

Tobacco
Although smokers must make their own decisions to quit, several common factors often serve as motivators for quitting.

-Health Benefits: Improved health seems to be the primary motivator for quitting. Many of the adverse health effects of smoking can be greatly reduced or even reversed through cessation. Immediate benefits of quitting include a decrease in blood pressure, a lowered pulse rate, an increased oxygen level in the blood, and a decreased blood carbon monoxide level. Also, the ability to smell and taste is enhanced. After two weeks of abstinence, circulation to the extremities improves, blood pressure remains lower, and lung function improves. After just a few weeks to a month, cough, sinus congestion, fatigue, and shortness of breath all decrease, although cough may actually worsen right after quitting. Further, ex-smokers are less likely than current smokers to have colds, develop gum disease, experience fertility problems (in both males and females), or experience erectile dysfunction.

-Personal Requests: Many smokers receive personal requests to quit from family members, friends, and physicians who are concerned about the smoker's health and/or are bothered by their habit. Although one request may not be enough motivation, each subsequent request may increase a smoker's probability of quitting.

-Economic Aspects: Although health is usually the main motivator for quitting, the economic cost and burden of the habit may also influence some smokers' decisions. Depending on the individual, smoking can be quite expensive -- costing as much as $70.00-80.00 per week. Although the main public health objective of raising the price of cigarettes is to deter adolescents from smoking, increasing cigarette prices does seem to increase smoking cessation. The economic benefits of quitting may be especially important for the 30% of smokers who have incomes below the national poverty level. The cost of cigarettes isn't the only economic cost of smoking. Smokers' health care expenses are as much as 21% higher than those of nonsmokers. It is estimated that smoking costs the U.S. $158 billion each year in productivity losses and excess medical expenditures.
- The American Council on Science and Health