Friday, May 29, 2009

FMU diamonds stars in the summer

Thirteen members of the Francis Marion University baseball team will be playing in summer baseball leagues: 10 in the Coastal Plain League and three in the New York Collegiate Baseball League.

Florence RedWolves
Brandon Forshee (RHP), Barrett Kleinknecht (INF-RHP), Preston Shuey (1B), Austin Smetana (C-UT)
Columbia Blowfish
Jeremiah Meiners (LHP), Erik Sommerville (RHP)
Forest City Owls
Josh Biggers (RHP-INF), Josh Edgin (LHP), Alex Lee (OF)
Outer Banks Daredevils
Shane Gebhards (LHP)
Allegany County Nitros (NY Collegiate Baseball League)
Martin Gordon (OF), Sebie Kirkland (RHP), Tyler Lehman (INF)

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
Looking for a brighter future? Try eating a diet rich in colorful fruits and vegetables. The potential benefits associated with eating more fruits and vegetables stack up quickly. Reducing your risk of certain chronic diseases is only the beginning. Whether fresh, frozen, canned, dried or 100% juice, these 200+ taste sensations are quick, delicious and convenient, and will keep you healthy all year round.

Here are ten reasons to eat more fruits and vegetables:


1. Color & Texture: Fruits and veggies add color, texture and appeal to your plate.
2. Convenience: They are nutritious in any form (fresh, frozen, canned, dried and 100% juice) so they're ready when you are!
3. Fiber: Fruits and veggies provide fiber that helps fill you up and keeps your digestive system happy.
4. Low in calories: Fruits and veggies are naturally low in calories.
5. May reduce risk of disease: Eating plenty of fruits and veggies may help reduce the risk of many diseases such as heart disease, high blood pressure and some cancers.
6. Vitamins and Minerals: Fruits and veggies are rich in vitamins and minerals that help you feel healthy and energized.
7. Variety: Fruits and veggies are available in an almost infinite variety*there's always something new to try!
8. Quick and Natural: Fruits and veggies are nature's treat and easy to grab for a snack.
9. Fun to Eat: Some crunch, some squirt, some you peel; some you don't; and some grow right in your own backyard!
10. Taste great!
-Fruits and Veggies. More Matters., www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org



Physical Activity
It seems to me that there are two kinds of people when it comes to eating after a workout: The 'Non-Eaters' and the 'Immediate Eaters'. The 'Non-Eaters' will not really eat anything after a workout, but instead later in the day will treat themselves (to sweets/alcohol/chips/etc.) because they feel they deserve it since they exercised. The 'Immediate Eaters' finish their workout and simultaneously consume a protein bar and a post-workout shake within 5-10 minutes after their workout. On the right track, but let's analyze how that can have more of a positive effect on your workouts.

For the first thirty minutes after a workout your body is still ready to exercise; your muscles have been innervated, they are ready to fire (workout) when you say so, and are not ready to begin repairing yet. After thirty minutes, your muscles relax and begin to repair themselves. This is when one would want to consume protein, because protein aids in the muscle rebuilding process. So, if you consume your post-workout protein beverage 30 min to 1 hour after your workout, you will be helping your muscles rebuild during their prime time rebuilding process and maximizing the benefits of the protein you're taking.

After 2-3 hours, you should consume a regular meal (with protein in it) to continue aiding in the muscle rebuilding process. Do not 'treat' yourself to sweets or alcohol or whatever, for your muscles will still be crying out for protein and you will be feeding them sugar or alcohol or heavy carbohydrates...they want protein. Remember 'You Are What You Eat'? That is especially true on the days you exercise. If you can eat properly after a workout and stay away from 'treats', your results will come faster than you expect.
-Nicholas Frank, Life Tips


Tobacco
What's in a Cigarette? Your body gets more than nicotine when you smoke. There are more than 4,000 chemicals in cigarette smoke. Some of them are also in wood varnish, the insect poison DDT, arsenic, nail polish remover, and rat poison.

The ashes, tar, gases, and other poisons in cigarettes harm your body over time. They damage your heart and lungs. They also make it harder for you to taste and smell things, and fight infections.
-Smoke Free

Thursday, May 28, 2009

FMU’s Bendle earns All-District Academic Softball Honors

Francis Marion University senior centerfielder Lakyn Bendle has been selected to the 2009 ESPN The Magazine® Academic All-District III (College Division) women's softball team.

This awards program is conducted by the College Sports Information Directors of America, and District III includes Florida, Georgia, Virginia, and North and South Carolina.

Bendle, a native of Amsterdam, Ohio, was named to the 13-player second-team All-District squad.
Bendle earned a B.S. degree in psychology at the recent FMU spring commencement ceremony. She concluded her undergraduate work with a 3.87 grade point average and graduated magna cum laude.
In addition to playing softball, Bendle is a member of Phi Kappa Phi, Psi Chi, and Chi Alpha Sigma honor societies. She was a three-time NFCA All-America Scholar-Athlete (with this year’s award yet to be handed out), and she earned the Psychology Award at FMU’s recent Academic Awards Day ceremony. She was named to the Peach Belt Conference Presidential Honor Roll three times and the FMU Swamp Fox Athletic-Academic Honor Roll four times, and earned a Division II ADA Academic Achievement Award for 2007-08.

A four-year starter, she was named to the recent first-team PBC All-Academic Softball Team.
On the playing field this past spring, she batted .255 with 24 runs scored, two home runs, and 17 runs batted in. Batting in the No. 2 position in the Patriot lineup, she was among the national leaders in sacrifice bunts with 24, while leading FMU with nine stolen bases (in nine attempts).
One of the best defensive outfielders in the Peach Belt, she committed only one error in 49 fielding chances.

She ended her career as the PBC’s all-time leader in sacrifices with 62.
Bendle is a product of Edison High School where she was a two-time All-Ohio (Division II), OVAC Player of the Year, and All-Eastern District selection.

Looking for Lunch?

The DCHS Rescue Fund is having a bbq benefit from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 to 6 p.m. at First Church of God in Darlington. Plates are $7. Proceeds go to the Darlington County Humane Society Rescue Fund.

They also have some delicious homemade desserts for sale courtesy of Bella Domani Salon and Spa, Pat Anderson and Lawann Smothers.

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

SC Environmental Groups to Host News Conference on Climate/National Security Issues

Friday, May 29th
11 AM
Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial
Veterans Park, Columbia
(Washington & Gadsden Street)

Rain Standby site: SC League of Conservation Office, 701 Whaley St., Columbia

Last week in Washington, DC, the House Energy & Commerce Committee reported out the American Clean Energy and Security Act, sweeping climate legislation that sets mandatory caps on global warming pollution. The centerpiece of the legislation seeks to reduce American greenhouse gas emissions 17 percent below 2005 levels by 2020 and 83 percent by 2050. Further action in the House is expected this summer.

This kind of legislation will pose new opportunities for American industry and new opportunities and challenges for our larger national foreign and military policies.

The military is a vitally important part of the Midlands community, home to Ft. Jackson and Shaw Air Force Base.

SC Sen. Phil Leventis (D-Sumter, Lee) and SC Rep. James Smith (D-Richland) will discuss aspects of this federal action for American energy independence going forward in conjunction with area veterans and a host of state environmental organizations. Sen. Leventis is a retired ANG general, fighter pilot and decorated veteran. Rep. Smith is a captain in the SCARNG, who returned last year from service in Afghanistan.

Environmental organizations represented Friday include SC Audubon, SC League of Conservation Voters, Pew Environment Group, Carolina Climate Network, the SC Nature Conservancy and SC Wildlife Federation.

Three FMU netters named to PBC All-Academic Tennis Team

Three Francis Marion University tennis players were recently named to the 2009 Peach Belt Conference Tennis All-Academic Teams.

Seniors Bastian Czwalinna and Matthew Keth were selected to the men’s squad, while junior Valeska Ibscher was honored on the women’s side.

The teams are part of a new season-long program recognizing the outstanding accomplishments of PBC student-athletes in the classroom as well as on the field. To be eligible for an All-Academic team, a student-athlete must participate in at least half of his/her team’s events and be either a starter or significant contributor; have achieved a 3.20 cumulative grade point average (on a 4.0 scale), and completed at least one full academic year at his/her current institution.

Czwalinna, a native of Erlangen, Germany, owns a 3.90 grade point average as a general business major. He is a member Chi Alpha Sigma national college athlete honor society and he earned a Division II ADA Academic Achievement Award for 2007-08. He has been twice been named to the FMU Swamp Fox Athletic-Academic Honor Roll and once to the Peach Belt Conference Presidential Honor Roll.

This past spring, he compiled a 7-5 singles record, playing at positions 3-6. He won the only doubles match he played in 2009.

Keth, a native of Border, South Africa, is majoring in finance and has a 3.50 GPA. A four-year letterman on the Patriot squad, he is also a member of Chi Alpha Sigma and has served on FMU’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). He has been named to the FMU Swamp Fox Athletic-Academic Honor Roll four times and to the PBC Presidential Honor Roll three times.
On the court this past spring, he recorded an 11-10 doubles mark, while winning the only singles match he played.

Keth received a B.B.A. degree at FMU’s recent spring commencement exercises, graduating Cum Laude.
Czwalinna and Keth helped lead Francis Marion to a 16-6 record, a Top 20 national ranking, and an invitation to the NCAA Division II Tournament, the team’s 13th bid over the past 15 seasons.
Ibscher, a native of Feucht, Germany, has a 3.40 GPA as a marketing major.

She also served on the SAAC, is a member of Chi Alpha Sigma, and has been honored by the FMU Swamp Fox and PBC honors rolls.

Playing at the No.4 singles position, she posted a 20-4 mark this past spring, including a 9-1 record in conference matches. In doubles competition, she had a 20-5 record, including a perfect 8-0 mark at the No.1 spot.

She helped the Patriot women to a 20-5 record, a Top 5 national ranking, the NCAA Southeast Regional title, and the team’s second consecutive appearance in the Division II national championships, this year in Altamonte Springs, Fla. The FMU squad also received the Peach Belt’s Team Sportsmanship Award for women’s tennis.

Beaver exhibit opens at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens


A nine-month old North American beaver, rescued from the wild after its mother was killed by a trapper in Greenville County, is the newest addition to the Zoo and Nature Center at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

Although beavers are common in the wild they are rarely seen because they often live in remote areas and are usually nocturnal, Chris Smith, Magnolia’s zoo curator, said. The baby beaver arrived at Magnolia last month.

Keeper of the Wild, a wildlife rehabilitation center in St. George, gave the baby beaver a home after it was orphaned at about four weeks old. The beaver’s mother was killed after a property owner in Greenville County hired a trapper to capture beavers that built a dam across a stream on his property.

Janet Kinser, founder and director of Keeper of the Wild, said, "One of the goals of Keeper of the Wild is to educate people on how to co-exist with nature and remain sensitive to the needs of both people and animals. It is important for people who find orphaned animals to take them to qualified wildlife rehabilitators who can offer a proper diet to the animals."

The beaver’s sex has not been determined because it is so young, Kinser said. She calls the beaver “Bev.” It was fed a special formula along with various types of vegetation similar to what its parents would have provided.

Smith said beavers, the largest rodents in North America, can weigh as much as 70 pounds. Beavers are vegetarians, feeding primarily on bark, leaves and vegetation. The animal is well known for its engineering skills. They can construct dams and lodges from tree limbs and sticks across streams, sometimes to the dismay of property owners.

Magnolia is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Visitors are welcome to stay on the grounds until dusk. For information about Magnolia’s zoo and its other attractions call 832-571-1266 or visit www.magnoliaplantation.com.

Patriots earn additional All-Region baseball awards

Two members of the Francis Marion University baseball team, senior catcher Jared Barkdoll and junior shortstop Barrett Kleinknecht, were recently named to the ABCA All-Southeast Region Team, while Kleinknecht and senior right-handed pitcher David Walters were awarded Rawlings Gold Glove awards for the Southeast Region.

Barkdoll and Kleinknecht were selected to the 16-player second-team All-Region squad. Barkdoll was also a second-team selection in 2008.

Barkdoll batted .386 with 35 runs scored, 14 doubles, three home runs, and 41 runs batted in, despite missing 10 games with an injury. The Greencastle, Pa., native compiled a .456 on-base percentage and a .992 fielding percentage – only two errors and two passed balls in 44 games – while throwing out 12 of 38 runners attempting to steal. He recorded 23 multi-hit games and 13 multi-RBI games.

He finished his career owning the school’s all-time records for RBIs (162) and total bases (364), while tying the all-time mark for doubles (50) and ranking second in base hits (258).

Kleinknecht, a hometown product from Florence, batted .372 this past season with 50 runs scored and team-leading totals of 16 doubles, nine homers, and 64 RBIs. His RBI total was two shy of the team record. He had a pair of 12-game hitting streaks, 27 multi-hit games, and 17 multi-RBI games. In the field, he committed only 11 errors in 256 chances and contributed to 28 double plays.

Walters, a native of River Hill, Md., led the Patriot pitching staff with 15 starts, while posting a 7-3 record and a 5.97 ERA. 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.

The three players helped Francis Marion post a 38-15-1 record this past year, the second-highest win total in the program’s history. The Patriots finished second during the PBC regular season, won the Peach Belt Tournament title, and earned their fourth NCAA Division II national tournament bid in the past seven years, placing third at the Southeast Regional. The Patriots are currently ranked 14th in the latest Collegiate Baseball Magazine NCAA Division II Top 30 poll.
Earlier, the three players earned second-team Daktronics All-Region and first-team Peach Belt Conference All-Conference recognition.

Poker bust


Darlington County deputies made a large seizure of more poker machines. Units from the Darlington County Multi-jurisdictional Task Force, along with SLED, went into a business at 726 E. Carolina Ave in Hartsville on May 20.
Read the story here

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Wolf named to second All-Region softball squad


Francis Marion University junior left-handed softball pitcher Michaela Wolf has been named to a second All-Region squad, this time to the second-team Louisville Slugger/NFCA All-Southeast Region team. She was selected in the utility player/pitcher spot.

Earlier, the Littleton, Colo., native was selected to the Daktronics Inc. All-Region squad.
Wolf recorded a 20-11 record with a 1.58 earned run average. She completed 25 of her 29 starts and struck out 172 batters in 204.1 innings of work. She walked only 35 batters and opponents hit just .224 against her.

At the plate this season, she hit .323 with 15 runs scored, five doubles, four home runs, and 27 runs batted in – the second highest total on the squad. She also owned a .408 on-base percentage.
Wolf is the only Patriot hurler in the history of the program to win 20 games more than once in a career -- after winning 29 games last year and 21 games as a freshman. She owns a 70-34 career mark with 583 strikeouts in 700.1 career innings.

She helped lead Francis Marion to a 32-19 record in 2009, but the Patriots narrowly missed earning an at-large bid to the NCAA Division II National Tournament.

SC Dem Chair Praises President Obama's Selection of Sotomayor

South Carolina Democratic Party Chair Carol Fowler issued the following statement after President Obama announced his selection of Sonia Sotomayor as his nominee to the United States Supreme Court. When confirmed, Sotomayor will be the third woman to serve and the Court's first Hispanic justice.


"Nominating a justice to the Supreme Court of the United States is one of a President's most significant responsibilities. President Obama pledged to select a justice with a rigorous intellect, a mastery of the law and a commitment to impartial justice. He promised to choose someone with a broad perspective on how the world works and a commonsense understanding of how the law affects the daily realities of life.

"Today President Obama delivered on his promise with the nomination of Sonia Sotomayor. Judge Sotomayor's stirring life story and outstanding career - at nearly every level of our judicial system - make her uniquely qualified to serve as America's next Supreme Court Justice. She has been lauded as a fearless jurist, with an independent mind and a deep commitment to our constitutional traditions. I commend President Obama on his excellent choice and congratulate Judge Sotomayor on her nomination," said Fowler.

FMU to host two Summer Baseball Showcases

The Francis Marion University baseball program will hold a pair of Summer Showcases for high school age players on Wednesday, June 17, and Thursday, August 6. Both events will run from 12:30 to 5 p.m.

Registration will begin at noon and the cost is $50 per date.

The pro-style workout will be held on FMU’s Cormell Field and will include 60-yard dash, outfield and infield defensive work and arm strength, batting practice, bullpen session, and a scrimmage.
There will be an optional campus tour leaving from the field at 10 a.m. for those interested.
A registration form is posted on the Francis Marion baseball website (www.fmupatriots.com), or you can call 843-661-4624 for more information.

Walk-up registration will also be available on both dates.

South Carolina Says NO to Santee Cooper Rate Hikes

Responding to Santee Cooper’s plan to raise rates by at least 15 percent to pay for its Pee Dee coal plant, citizen ratepayers and conservationists will be holding a series of media events in Horry and Georgetown counties.

Their message: Santee Cooper ratepayers refuse to let their bills skyrocket to pay for a dirty, unnecessary coal plant. Because they live in Santee Cooper’s exclusive service territory, Horry and Georgetown residents face the greatest financial risk from the construction of the Pee Dee Plant.

“Santee Cooper is the sole energy provider for the Grand Strand area,” explains business owner and Myrtle Beach resident Cynthia Powell. “If this plant ends up costing millions more than projected, the people of Horry and Georgetown counties will have to pay the difference.”

An independent study of the coal plant just released by the energy-consulting firm Synapse, Inc., has found “serious weaknesses and biases” in the utility’s 2008 resource planning analyses. Among the findings:

• Santee Cooper’s proposal “entails excessive uncertainty and risk for ratepayers.”
• Santee Cooper’s construction costs are “unrealistically low and are significantly lower than other experience power plant builders and operators are currently projecting for new coal-fired power plants with similar designs.”
• Santee Cooper “ignored available cost effective energy efficiency potential,” going so far as to exclude from its computer modeling the impact of energy efficiency and renewable energy resources, even if those options were less costly than building new coal capacity.

Conservation and ratepayer coalition members plan to hold press events outside the rate hike meetings Santee Cooper has planned for Horry and Georgetown counties. They will be distributing information about the rate hikes and other significant hidden costs associated with the construction of the Pee Dee coal plant.

“The fact is, this plant already costs tens of millions of dollars more than Santee Cooper is admitting,” concludes Powell. “If Santee Cooper invested in efficiency and alternatives, it could keep the lights on at a fraction of the cost and save us money on our bills.”

Loris Rate Hike Meeting (principal contact Grace Gifford, 843-365-6654)
May 26: 6:30 p.m.
Loris City Hall
4101 Walnut St.
Loris, SC

Pawleys Island Rate Hike Meeting (principal contact Nancy Cave, 843-545-0403)
May 28: 6:30 p.m.
Waccamaw High School Auditorium
2412 Kings River Rd.
Pawleys Island, SC

June 1 - 2 p.m. (principal contact Barbara McGhee, 843-650-4501)
Murrells Inlet Community Center Auditorium
4450 Murrells Inlet Rd.
Murrells Inlet, SC

June 2 - 6:30 p.m. (principal contact Bo Ives, 843-903-5112 )
Myrtle Beach Law Enforcement Center
1101 Oak St.
Myrtle Beach, SC

June 3 - 6:30 p.m. (principal contact Pam Creech, 843-222-2920)
Santee Cooper Conway Retail Office Auditorium
100 Elm St.
Conway, SC

June 4 - 2 p.m. (principal contact Bo Ives, 843-903-5112)
North Myrtle Beach City Hall
1018 Second Ave. South
N. Myrtle Beach, SC

Monday, May 25, 2009

FMU’s Shuey named to PBC All-Academic Team

Francis Marion University sophomore first baseman Preston Shuey has been named to the 2009 Peach Belt Conference Baseball All-Academic Team.

Shuey, a native of Charlotte, was selected to the 13-player All-Academic first team.
The 6-5 245-pound first baseman has a 3.59 grade-point average as a finance major. He has twice been named to the FMU Swamp Fox Athletic-Academic honor roll and once to the PBC Presidential Honor Roll. He represented Francis Marion at the 2008 NCAA Leadership Conference.
On the field this past season, he batted .317 and ranked 10th in the Peach Belt with 51 runs batted in. He also scored 40 runs while compiling 10 doubles and seven home runs. Among his round-trippers were two walk-off homers. He led the PBC in fielding put outs with 513, ranked second in total fielding chances (537), and fifth in fielding double plays (40). He committed only two errors for a .996 fielding percentage.

He reached base safely in 45 of 53 games played, and was named to the 2009 PBC Tournament All-Tournament Team.

Shuey helped Francis Marion to a 38-15-1 record this past year, the second-highest win total in the program’s history. The Patriots finished second during the PBC regular season, won the Peach Belt Tournament title, and earned their fourth NCAA Division II national tournament bid in the past seven years, placing third at the Southeast Regional in Aiken. The Patriots are currently ranked 14th in the latest Collegiate Baseball Magazine NCAA Division II Top 30 poll.

The South Mecklenburg High School product was named the 2008 PBC Freshman of the Year after batting .344 with seven homers and 55 RBIs.

The All-Academic team is part of a new season-long program recognizing the outstanding accomplishments of PBC student-athletes in the classroom as well as on the field. To be eligible for the squad, a student-athlete must participate in at least half of his team’s games and be either a starter or significant contributor, achieve a 3.20 cumulative grade point average (on a 4.0 scale), and have completed at least one full academic year at his current institution.

Economist Schunk presents overview of S.C. Labor markets for April

Highlights from April 2009 Data:

• South Carolina’s unemployment rate rose to 11.5% in April from 11.4% in March. Unemployment in South Carolina is now at its historical high (though these data only go back to 1976). The unemployment rate has been climbing steadily since early 2008. While the current level of unemployment speaks to the depth of the current recession, it is also an indicator of longer-term challenges facing the state as we struggle with ongoing sharp job losses within manufacturing.

Aside from being a telling measure of the current situation, the high unemployment rate also has implications for the coming recovery. As the unemployment rate continues to climb in the coming months and quarters, it will place additional strain on consumer spending, further dampening the prospects of a strong recovery.

• Total employment in South Carolina is down 4.5% over the last 12 months. Between April 2008 and April 2009, total employment is down by 88,600 jobs. These losses are widespread across most sectors of the state’s economy, but continue to be centered in manufacturing, construction, retail trade and leisure and hospitality. As with the unemployment rate, the magnitude of job losses serves as an indicator of the depth of the recession, but also serves as a predictor of further pressure on consumer spending as job and income losses continue to mount.

Looking ahead…

While some economists and analysts are starting to suggest that the recession may be over, I do not share that view. It does appear that the worst of the recession is behind us, but what does that mean? During the fourth quarter of 2008 and the first quarter of 2009, the U.S. economy was falling off a cliff. But the recession doesn’t end until we hit the bottom. A recovery doesn’t begin until we start climbing back up. We aren’t “recovered” until we are again standing at the top of that cliff. Right now, the economy is still shrinking, but in many ways we’re not shrinking as rapidly as we were.

Will the economy hit bottom and begin to recover? Yes, and more specifically I expect the economy to hit bottom at some point during the third quarter of 2009 before we begin to recover during the fourth quarter of 2009. The critical question now is “What will the coming recovery look like?” Right now, I expect the coming recovery to be sluggish – characterized by below average economic growth – perhaps for several years.

What leads to this outlook for a sluggish recovery? We need to recognize some important differences between this recession and previous recessions that will work to define the character of the coming recovery. First and foremost, as we come out of this recession, we will be relying on households to lead the way, but they will be doing so in the face of high and rising unemployment. Further, previous recoveries have been characterized by falling savings rates and rising consumer debt levels; just the opposite is true this time around. These factors suggest that the coming recovery will be accompanied by slower than normal growth of consumer spending.

Previous recoveries have often relied on housing and construction to help drive growth. This time around, we are faced with high inventories and home sales that are still declining. This suggests that we may be years away from substantial growth in terms of residential construction. Similarly, business bankruptcies and closures, coupled with years of rapid development in retail and office space, suggests that there will be ample commercial space available. This will again work to dampen new construction as the economy begins to recover. Finally, U.S. manufacturers are generally operating with a large degree of excess capacity. This suggests that we are some time away from a situation where businesses need to substantially expand capacity. This excess capacity will likely work to dampen business investment during the coming recovery.

A recovery is on its way, but we need to be careful as far as our expectations regarding the strength of that recovery.

For additional information, contact: Don Schunk, research economist, dschunk@coastal.edu, 843-655-0995 or 843-349-2485.

Gamecock Equestrian Team honored at SC Athletic Hall of Fame Banquet

The South Carolina equestrian team was honored May 18th at the South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame Banquet for the team’s past accomplishments and championship history. Sponsors of the event included the Town of Blythewood, S.C. Horseman’s Council and past S.C. Athletic Hall of Fame Presidents Pete DiVenere and Sonny Dickinson. Dickinson currently serves as Assistant Director of Marketing with the S.C. Department of Agriculture.

At the banquet eight South Carolinians were inducted into the SC Hall of Fame – including three that spent their collegiate careers at the University of South Carolina. The Gamecock equestrian team under Coach Boo Major was also present to receive a special recognition for outstanding excellence in athletic and scholastic endeavors.

Coach Major said, “I am honored for this recognition by the South Carolina Hall of Fame Selection Committee and for the sponsorship of the U.S.C. Equestrian Team by the Town of Blythewood, the S.C. Horsemen’s Council, and past Athletic Hall of Fame presidents. In addition, we greatly appreciate the S.C. Department of Agriculture for continued support of the team and the equine industry in the state.”

Under the direction of Coach Major, South Carolina has become a premier program in collegiate equestrian. With the advent of the Varsity Equestrian National Championships six years ago, the Gamecocks won overall national championships in 2005 and 2007, and the Hunter Seat team won three consecutive national championships from 2005 to 2007. In addition, two Gamecocks earned individual national championships in Tara Brothers (2004) and Kristen Terebesi (2008).

Also, in the five years since equestrian has been included in the SEC Spring Sports Honor Roll listings, Coach Major has placed 76 student-athletes on the list.

McMaster Appears on Local and National TV

Attorney General Henry McMaster has made numerous recent appearances on local and national television to discuss the Stimulus Lawsuit and the ongoing Craigslist prostitution controversy. Below are video links to some of those appearances on The Today Show (NBC), CNBC, WCSC Charleston and WIS Columbia:


The Today Show, May 21, 2009: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=241vNmI-5QU

CNBC, May 21, 2009: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPlGCVVdJtk

WCSC Charleston, May 21, 2009: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fnVCDHU228E

WIS Columbia, May 20, 2009: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vfxy_PSpQuA

Former Patriot cager now Globetrotting


A former Francis Marion University men’s basketball player has traded in his red, white, and blue Patriot uniform for a red, white, and blue ball and an extensive travel schedule. Former FMU player Vony Rivers is currently travelling the world as a member of the Harlem Globetrotters.
Rivers, a 6-2 182-pound guard, goes by the nickname “Rocket” and wears jersey number 17. The Burton, S.C., native is in his second year with the Clown Princes of Basketball, and has been on five different tours across the globe.

Rivers played two seasons (2004-06) at Francis Marion and earned a B.B.A. degree in management in 2006.

When asked how he earned a roster spot on the Globetrotters, Rivers said “After I graduated from FMU, I played for a very short stint in the ABA. I was not satisfied with how that turned out, so I started going to different exposure camps and workouts. At one of the workouts, a talent recruiter for the Globetrotters named Al Clocker discovered me and extended me the invitation to come workout with the team. So my first time on an airplane was a trip to Houston, Texas, for my workout. I did a great job and was offered a rookie contract.”

“As far as my role on the team, I'm kind of an all around guy, so I'm labeled as a playmaker. That consists of ball handling, dunking, dribbling, and whatever else the team needs me to do at the time.”

Rivers name was mentioned in a recent Sports Illustrated article about the Globetrotters.
“The travel is a grind, but it just may be the best part! I have been to places that most people can only dream of, including multiple countries in South America, Europe, and Africa, not to mention all over the United States and Canada.”
When asked about his most memorable experience, Rivers responded, “My most memorable moment has to be when we traveled to Israel and I had the opportunity to walk where Jesus walked and pray on the stone where his body was laid at his final resting place. There are no words in any language that can describe the feeling or experience of those moments.”
The Globetrotters recently concluded a 209-city tour, which produced team box office records in 62 markets, as the team visited 43 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, seven Canadian provinces and Puerto Rico.

In his two seasons at Francis Marion, Rivers averaged 7.2 points and 4.1 rebounds per game during the 2004-05 season and 14.5 points and 4.9 rebounds per game as a senior in 2005-06. During his two years in Florence, he connected on 34.4 percent of his three-point attempts and compiled more assists than turnovers (117/99) while recording 79 steals in 54 games.
He was twice named to the Peach Belt Conference Presidential Honor Roll and the FMU Swamp Fox Athletic-Academic Honor Roll.

Former FMU head coach John Schweitz said of Rivers, “Vony was one of those players, using the coaching cliché, that just gets it. He was an extremely competitive player and practiced as hard as he played. He was also a very dedicated student. He was the kind of person, student and player that all coaches wish they had more of on their teams.”

According to the Globetrotters’ website, Rivers said that to be a Globetrotter means “the opportunity to showcase to the world my love and passion for this game. It also gives me a means through which I can give people a getaway and a chance for complete happiness no matter what they’re going through in their everyday lives.”

Rivers played one season at Erskine College, where he averaged 12.8 points and 4.3 rebounds per game during the 2001-02 season and was named the CVAC Freshman of the Year, prior to transferring to Francis Marion.
He is a graduate of Battery Creek High School.

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
Spring and Summer-like temperatures are here, which means more opportunities to get outside and be active and more choices (and cheaper prices!) for fresh fruits and vegetables. Fresh fruits and vegetables are the quintessential nutrient-rich, low-calorie foods. So why do so few people eat the recommended amounts? Here are some frequently cited barriers:

* They're too expensive.
* My small grocery store only sells apples and bananas.
* I don't know how to select fresh fruits and vegetables.
* They don't taste good.
* I can't cook.

Sound familiar? Fortunately, there are some great resources out there that can help you overcome these barriers.
Farmer's Markets: In addition to your weekly trip to the supermarket or grocery store, consider stopping at a nearby farmer's market. Farmer's market produce is usually locally grown, offered at lower prices, and very fresh. See if there's a farmer's market near you: http://apps.ams.usda.gov/FarmersMarkets.
Tips for Selecting the Best Fresh Produce: Buying a whole melon or pineapple can be risky if you don't know the signs of ripeness. This guide tells you what to look for when picking out your produce: http://www.utextension.utk.edu/publications/spfiles/SP527.pdf.

Easy Fruit and Vegetable Recipes for the Whole Family: While many fresh fruits and vegetables can be eaten raw without additional preparation (after all, they are nature's fast food!), these web sites provide great recipes for preparing a snack or meal with just about and fruit or vegetable you can buy: http://www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org and http://www.fruitsandveggiesmatter.gov.

Wondering how many cups of fruit and vegetables you should be eating each day? If you take out some measuring cups you'll see that over the course of a day it's really not that tough to meet these recommendations. A half-cup of orange juice and small banana on your cereal for breakfast, an apple for a snack, a large salad for lunch, carrot sticks before dinner, chicken stir fried with broccoli at night and a bowl of berries with a dollop of cream for dessert will do it!
-Stand Up (more) & Eat (better), www.standupandeat.org


Physical Activity
To achieve weight loss, reducing calories by eating less is the single most important strategy, but combining exercise with calorie reduction yields even better results - that is, more pounds (and more fat) lost.

Once you are comfortable with the idea of starting to increase your level of physical activity, think first about increasing your activities of daily living. There are small ways in which you can build more physical activity into your day. For example, you can run some errands on foot rather than in the car. You can drive your car to a shopping area, but intentionally park the car far away from the front door so that you will have to do more walking. You can take the stairs instead of the elevator. You can start off by walking downstairs a few flights and then eventually you can start to walk up a flight or two. Think of your own life and make a list of small changes you can make to add more activity to your daily routine. The attitude you want to develop is one of looking for ways to be more active instead of ways to sit more. This is a new way of thinking that you can slowly adopt.
-Shape Up America!, www.shapeup.org


Tobacco
Literary master Mark Twain may have very well hit the nail on the head when he said, "Quitting smoking is easy. I've done it hundreds of times." Like Twain, many Americans have tried over and over again to break the cycle of addiction that began when they smoked their very first cigarette. Many things have changed since the late nineteenth century when Twain was writing books like The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, but one thing remains the same: Tobacco is just as powerful and just as deadly now as it was then - if anything, it's only become more so today.

Like Mark Twain, most South Carolinians recognize the need to stop smoking. Unlike in 1910 when Twain died, we've now got years of scientific research reminding us of the health problems we'll suffer if we continue to light up. South Carolinians today know they'll lead longer, happier lives when they nix tobacco, and yet they find a hundred excuses not to stop.

Quitting isn't easy. If it were, 22.5 percent of South Carolinians wouldn't continue to pollute their own bodies. But there are resources to help along the way. When you call toll free 1-800-QUIT-NOW, you'll be connected with a trained counselor who has experience in smoking cessation. You can talk about your cravings, your kids, your life*whatever it is that makes you want to light up. You'll find a friend in your counselor - a person who's been there, done that. A person who can help you realize that quitting isn't a 100-meter dash, but rather a marathon with no defined finish line. A person who realizes you can still occasionally want a cigarette; months and even years after you've stubbed your last one out.
-South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, www.scdhec.gov

FMU Hosts Summer Volleyball Camps

he Francis Marion University women’s volleyball program will hold two summer camps: an Individual Camp, July 12-15, and the Patriot Team Camp, July 18-21.

The Individual Camp is for players entering the sixth through 12th grades. The cost is $285 per player for residential campers, and $185 if not staying on campus. Each camper will receive a camp T-shirt.

The Team Camp is designed for varsity or strong junior varsity programs and costs $2500 per team (maximum of 12 players) if staying on-campus and $1750 per team if commuting. Residential participants and team coaches will be housed and fed on the FMU campus. There is an additional charge of $140 per player above the maximum of 12.

The camps are designed to provide instruction for all of the skills of the game of volleyball, in addition to team defensive and offensive systems.

FMU women’s volleyball coach Paul MacDonald is the camp director. The third-year coach guided FMU to its third-ever NCAA National Tournament bid this past fall, while also earning Peach Belt Conference Coach of the Year honors. He has directed the Florence Juniors Volleyball Club for the past three years.

For more details or to request a registration form, contact MacDonald at 843-661-1246 or pmacdonald@fmarion.edu

17 FMU Student-Athletes Named to Chi Alpha Sigma Honor Society

Francis Marion University athletic officials recently announced the names of 17 Patriot student-athletes named to the university’s chapter of Chi Alpha Sigma, the National College Athlete Honor Society.

To earn a place in this honor society, a student-athlete must be at least a junior, have a 3.40 cumulative grade point average on a 4.00 scale, and have an endorsement from his or her respective head coach. The nominees are then screened by a selection committee.

The 2009 inductees are baseball players Josh Biggers (Southlake, Texas) and Phillip Mozingo (Florence), women’s cross country runner Amanda Doyle (Laurens, S.C.), women’s volleyball player Jess O’Leary (St. Louis, Mo.), men’s tennis player Bastian Czwalinna (Erlangen, Germany), women’s tennis player Valeska Ibscher (Feucht, Germany), women’s soccer players Emily Brandenburg (West Columbia, S.C.), Angela Salem (Copley, Ohio), Kirby Stenard (Cincinnati, Ohio), and Rachel Rubin (Charlotte, N.C.), and women’s softball players Jessie Alesi (Elk Grove Village, Ill.), Kat Beauvais (Manassas, Va.), Michaela Wolf (Littleton, Colo.), Jamie Holmes (Monroe, Wash.), Jessica Birchmeier (Port Richey, Fla.), Stevie Arrand (London, Ontario, Canada), and Megan Pangburn (Covina, Calif.).

Eight current Patriot student-athletes were previously inducted: women’s basketball player Katherine Kiefer (Lilburn, Ga.), women’s softball players Lakyn Bendle (Amsterdam, Ohio) and Shawn Moore (Pamplico, S.C.), women’s soccer players Brandi Bonifay (Stuart, Fla.) and Kiersten Nedervelt (Montpelier, Va.), men’s tennis players Jordan Gandy (Darlington, S.C.) and Matthew Keth (Border, South Africa), and women’s volleyball player Jessica Lombardi (Massillon, Ohio).

Chi Alpha Sigma was founded in May 1996 by DePauw University head football coach Nick Mourouzis. The organization currently has 166 chapters in 38 states. Francis Marion is one of only six chapters in South Carolina, and FMU was the first school to have a chapter in the Palmetto State.

Over the past nine years, 80 different FMU student-athletes have earned this honor.
Chi Alpha Sigma's purposes are: to encourage and reward high academic scholarship of college athletes at four-year accredited institutions; to recognize outstanding academic achievement by intercollegiate varsity letterwinners; to encourage good citizenship, moral character, and friendship among the high academic achievers in college athletics; to recognize and honor the individual athlete, his/her team, sport, athletic department, and college or university; and to mentor and to provide leadership to other athletes.

House Adjourns Sine Die

May 21, the South Carolina House of Representatives adjourned Sine Die for the 2009 legislative year a full two weeks earlier than originally scheduled.

“The House had many legislative victories this year, successfully passing: Increasing the General Reserve Fund, Port Bill, Payday Lending, Voter ID, TRAC, Small Business Red Tape Reduction, Protecting Secret Ballot, Ultrasound Bill, Point of Sale, and others,” said House Speaker Bobby Harrell. “However, this year’s difficult budget situation and shorter session hampered our efforts to finalize some of those accomplishments into law. Next session, we’ll pick up right where we left off and finish the good work we started.”

With South Carolina still feeling the affects of the ongoing national recession, this year’s budget cuts – coupled with $1.4 billion in mid-year cuts – forced lawmakers to make tough decisions on where to prioritize state resources. The Republican led General Assembly made the difficult decision to cut government spending instead of raising taxes to address this shortfall in revenue.

Harrell commented, “Republicans in both the House and Senate held strong by resisting all efforts to raise taxes and instead cut government spending in order to pass a balanced budget. The last thing our economy needs right now is a crippling tax increase. Previous recessions have showed us that preserving our past tax cuts, focusing on job creation and cutting spending leads to a faster and bigger recovery for our state’s economy.”

In order to pass a balanced budget without raising taxes, lawmakers cut government waste wherever it could. The deep cuts to agencies’ budgets forced government to use the money it did have more efficiently.

“A silver lining to state budget cuts is that government must learn to be more efficient with taxpayer dollars,” Speaker Harrell said. “If these budget cuts help agencies save money by eliminating government waste and finding new ways to operate more effectively, those changes need to become permanent fixtures in that agency’s operations.”

The House also had to re-evaluate its priorities and find new ways to save money. By adjourning early and taking 5 additional furlough weeks, the House saved taxpayers over $400,000. This – combined with a hiring freeze, staff furloughs and salary cuts, printing cost reductions, utilization of Internet services, and many other cost saving measures – in total, greatly reduced operating costs and saved taxpayers well over $1 million.

“For example,” Harrell continued. “By dramatically reducing printing and technology costs, the House cut the cost of roll call voting in half. Increasing accountability is good government, and providing that increase in accountability at a much lower cost is a major victory for taxpayers.”

RedWolves Notebook

The RedWolves remind all of our fans about the big start up week for the 2009 season. Come out Tuesday night from 6-8pm to meet the RedWovles players and coaches. The Thursday night is the 2009 home opener against rival Fayetteville. Saturday's game is Little League night, all players and coaches wearing their team uniform get in for only $1. There will be inflateables for the kids from 6-8pm.

Listen to all the RedWolves road games on your computer by logging onto Florenceredwolves.com and click on the webpass icon at the bottom of the page for instructions on how you can catch all the out of town games.

The 2009 RedWolves camp will begin June 15th. You can download a registration form off the RedWovles website and mail it in to book your spot.

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Pee Dee Leaders Consider Employee Wellness Strategies


The American Heart Association encouraged top area executives to adopt an employee wellness initiative— Start! “walking at work” culture. Leadership from more than forty Pee Dee companies attended the CEO event on Tuesday, May 19, 7:30 am, at McLeod Health & Fitness Center to hear more about strategies to make their workplace healthier and more physically active. Rob Colones, 2009 Pee Dee Heart Walk Chair and President and CEO of McLeod Health, along with other Executive Team Leaders hosted the meeting.

Recently, Honda of South Carolina, Carolina’s Hospital System, and The ESAB Group, Inc. were recognized by the American Heart Association’s Start! Fit-Friendly Companies Program for promoting physical activity and health in the workplace. They have received the Gold level of the Fit Friendly Company Program. Adult Americans spend the majority of their waking hours at work, many in sedentary careers — amplifying the risk for medical problems such as obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes. Obesity alone costs American businesses $12.7 billion in medical expenses and $225.8 billion in health-related productivity losses per year.

Start! is a groundbreaking national movement from the American Heart Association. It calls on all Americans and their employers to create a culture of physical activity and health to live longer, heart-healthy lives through walking. Start! recognizes and rewards companies for progressive leadership and for making the health and wellness of their staff a priority. Pee Dee area companies are invited to participate in Start! and demonstrate similar physical activity practices for their employees.

Adult Americans spend a majority of their waking hours at work, and many are in sedentary careers. This raises their risk for a host of medical problems, such as overweight, high blood pressure and diabetes. Obesity alone costs American businesses $12.7 billion per year in medical expenses and $225.8 billion in health-related productivity losses . A program such as Start! that increases employees’ physical activity will improve their health — and their employers’ bottom line. Specifically, studies suggest that implementing a worksite physical activity program and promoting a culture of activity will help companies increase productivity, reduce absenteeism, lower turnover and reduce health Reduce healthcare costs.

To find out how the American Heart Association’s Start! program can help your company establish a walking at work program or become involved in the Pee Dee Heart Walk, visit www.americanheart.org/start or www.startpeedeesc.org.

Watch Your Wallet When Driving Through These 10 States

With the first major driving holiday
of the summer season approaching, the National Motorists
Association -- a national drivers rights group - has analyzed the
laws across the country to determine the best and the worst states
when it comes to exploiting the motoring public.

These state rankings were calculated using seventeen criteria
related to specific traffic laws, enforcement practices, and the
treatment of traffic ticket defendants. The rankings are designed to
provide guidance to travelers who do not want their vacation ruined
by speed traps, arcane laws or "kangaroo" traffic courts.

The state most likely to find its way into your wallet is New Jersey.
With its toll roads, roadblocks, and speed traps, New Jersey has
left almost no stone unturned when it comes to extracting cash from
motorists. The state has also recently pushed through a red-light
camera pilot project at a time when many states are banning the
ticket cameras because they've proven to have a negative effect
on traffic safety. Add in "driver responsibility" fees, which are
ineffective and have a disproportionate effect on the poor, and you
have the worst state in our rankings.

Here are the worst ten states:

1) New Jersey
2) Ohio
3) Maryland
4) Louisiana
5) New York
6) Illinois
7) Delaware
8) Virginia
9) Washington
10) Massachusetts

On the opposite end of the spectrum, the five states that treated
motorists most fairly are Wyoming, Idaho, Montana, Nebraska, and
Kentucky. The complete list of rankings can be found on the
National Motorists Association website at
www.motorists.org/rankings.

Jim Baxter, President of the National Motorists Association, said "It
is not exactly a well kept secret that many traffic laws, enforcement
practices, and traffic courts are more about generating revenue and
political posturing, than they are about traffic safety. During holidays,
like the upcoming Memorial Day weekend, we're bombarded with
messages about intensified enforcement, _click it or ticket,' and
horrendous fines when in fact most vacation-related traffic accidents
are caused my inattention, distraction and fatigue. However, these
are accident causes that don't generate much in the way of
government revenue, so instead our highways are overrun with
unmarked police cars and ticket cameras."

Baxter went on to say "The long term solution to aligning legitimate
public interests with government policies is to remove the money
from traffic regulation, enforcement, and adjudication. Until that
happens, the focus on revenue generation will continue to trump
effective traffic regulation and ethical enforcement practices."

With this in mind, motorists who will be traveling to unfamiliar areas
during the holiday may want to check out the NMA's National Speed
Trap Exchange - a listing of speed traps across the country - at
www.speedtrap.org.

Five Patriots earn All-Region baseball honors

Five members of the Francis Marion University baseball team were recently named to the Daktronics Inc. All-Southeast Region Team.

The Patriots dominated the second-team squad, claiming five of the 15 spots. Earning recognition were senior catcher Jared Barkdoll, senior third baseman Keon Graves, junior shortstop Barrett Kleinknecht, senior right-handed pitcher David Walters, and junior lefty pitcher Jeremiah Meiners.
Both Barkdoll and Walters were also second-team All-Region selections in 2008.

The team is sponsored by Daktronics, Inc., an acknowledged world leader in scoring, timing and programmable display systems for virtually every sport at every level of competition. The team is voted on by the members of the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA).

Barkdoll, a native of Greencastle, Pa., batted .386 with 35 runs scored, 14 doubles, three home runs, and 41 runs batted in, despite missing 10 games with an injury. He compiled a .456 on-base percentage and a .992 fielding percentage – only two errors and two passed balls in 44 games – while throwing out 12 of 38 runners attempting to steal. He pieced together an 11-game hitting streak and recorded 23 multi-hit games and 13 multi-RBI games.

He finished his career owning the school’s all-time records for RBIs (162) and total bases (364), while tying the all-time mark for doubles (50) and ranking second in base hits (258).

Graves, a native of Dillon, led the Patriots in hitting (.411 average), on-base percentage (.507), and stolen bases (13 of 16) and shared the team lead in runs scored (50). He also posted season totals of 11 doubles, eight homers, and 38 RBIs. He led the Peach Belt Conference in on-base percentage and ranked third in hitting. During the year, he had a 10-game hitting streak and compiled 23 multi-hit games and 10 multi-RBI games.

Kleinknecht, a hometown product from Florence, batted .372 this past season with 50 runs scored and team-leading totals of 16 doubles, nine homers, and 64 RBIs. He had a pair of 12-game hitting streaks, 27 multi-hit games, and 17 multi-RBI games. In the field, he committed only 11 errors in 256 chances and contributed to 28 double plays. He also pitched in 15 games with a 1-3 record, six saves, and a 3.41 ERA. He struck out 23 batters in 29 innings.

Walters, a native of River Hill, Md., led the Patriot pitching staff with 15 starts, while posting a 7-3 record and a 5.97 ERA. He fanned 55 batters in 72.1 innings, while walking only 23.
Meiners, a native of Silver Spring, Md., compiled a 6-2 record with a 4.15 ERA. The southpaw struck out 52 batters in 65 innings.

Francis Marion posted a 38-15-1 record this past year, the second-highest win total in the program’s history. The Patriots finished second during the PBC regular season, won the Peach Belt Tournament title, and earned their fourth NCAA Division II national tournament bid in the past seven years, placing third at the Southeast Regional in Aiken last week. The Patriots are currently ranked 14th in the latest Collegiate Baseball Magazine NCAA Division II Top 30 poll.

FMU women’s basketball listed in final NCAA stats

FLORENCE, S.C. – For the second year in a row, the Francis Marion University women’s basketball team finished this past season as the top scoring team in NCAA Division II, while also leading the nation in steals and turnover margin. Several Patriot players were also listed in the end-of-the-season statistical report.

The Patriots, in their second year under head coach Heather Macy, posted a 27-5 record, finished with a No. 14 national ranking, won a second consecutive Peach Belt Conference regular-season championship, and made their second straight NCAA Tournament appearance. FMU won two games in the Southeast Regional and advanced to the Sweet Sixteen for the fifth time in team history.

The Patriots averaged 88.1 points per game, 19.4 steals per game, and owned a turnover margin of 10.69 per game to lead those categories. Last year, FMU recorded averages of 89.3 points per game and 18.5 steals per game.

Approximately 275 schools sponsor Division II women’s basketball programs.

FMU also ranked second nationally in scoring margin (+21.1 pp), seventh in won-loss percentage (.844), ninth in three-point field goal percentage defense (26.5%), 11th in assists per game (18.1), 47th in field goal percentage (43.6%), 74th in field goal percentage defense (38.0%), 78th in three-point field goals made per game (6.3), and 79th in blocked shots per game (3.3).

Individually, senior point guard Kevin Ransom ranked second nationally in steals per game with 4.5 per contest, and the Roanoke Rapids, N.C., native also ranked 19th in assists per game (5.3). As a junior she led Division II with 4.9 steals per game.

Sophomore guard Robin Colbert and senior guard Jennifer Dyer ranked 19th and 40th respectively in steals per game – Colbert at 3.2 per game and Dyer at 2.8 per contest.

Dyer was also listed at 55th in three-point field goal percentage at 37.8 percentage and 95th in three-point field goals made per game at 2.1 per contest.

Junior guard Eboni Fields ranked 78th in three-point field goal percentage (35.8%) and 95th in three-pointers made per game (2.1).

Despite leading the nation in scoring, the Patriots featured a balanced scoring attack that had five players averaging between 10.0 and 13.0 points per game. For the second straight year, FMU eclipsed the 100-point mark eight times, the most since the 1986-87 squad also accomplished that feat. The campaign was FMU’s second consecutive 20-win season and the 21st in the team’s 35-year history.

Responsible Actions Taken, Dangerous Vetoes Overridden

House Speaker Bobby Harrell issued the following statement on the House’s decision to preserve funding for teachers, law enforcement officers and prisons:

“This year marked one of the most difficult budget years our state has ever faced. The General Assembly chose to balance the budget by cutting government spending instead of raising taxes. By cutting waste and increasing efficiencies, lawmakers passed a balanced budget that prioritizes our state resources and allows government to function.

“A vast majority of us in the House strongly opposed the ‘so-called’ stimulus bill Congress passed and would rather have used the money to pay down state debt. However, this measure became law despite the concerns of many and using it to pay down debt was deemed a legal impossibility by Federal authorities. That being the case, lawmakers decided to utilize these funds marked for education and law enforcement instead of sending South Carolina’s money to other states because our citizens would have to pay it back either way.

“After all, the Governor has already taken the necessary steps in accepting 90% of the $8 billion in stimulus money slated for South Carolina. Since Governor Sanford has already signed letters requesting other stimulus funds – such as the $50 million for energy upgrades to buildings he requested months ago – it makes sense to also tap this education and law enforcement money.

“By rejecting only the education and law enforcement portions of the stimulus money coming to South Carolina, Governor Sanford put thousands of teachers’ jobs in jeopardy, threatened the closing of 4 prisons and the release of 3,400 convicted felons.

“The House took the responsible step of overriding this dangerous move. And because of our actions today our students will have teachers in their classrooms, police will remain on the streets and prisoners will stay behind bars. With South Carolinians responsible for the repayment of this money, we owed it to our students, teachers, police officers and citizens to make this responsible decision.”

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Rally to Support Palmettovore Movement


Today Certified SC Grown fruits and vegetables rallied at the South Carolina State House along with SC Commissioner of Agriculture Hugh E. Weathers and other state and industry leaders to introduce a new movement, Palmettovore, that encourages South Carolinians to purchase and consume only produce and products grown and processed in South Carolina.

While the name may be new, Palmettovore is a tried and true concept. In other parts of the United States, people who participate in this lifestyle are referred to as Locavores, and their numbers are growing rapidly across the country. While Locavores eat food grown within 100 miles of where they live, Palmettovores have a somewhat more refined geographical preference for Certified SC Grown produce and products from the Palmetto State.

Commissioner Weathers addressed the audience explaining the benefits of eating and buying locally and what it means to be a Palmettovore.

“Eating the Palmettovore way is fresher and healthier, reduces our carbon footprint since food travels a shorter distance, and helps support our local farmers, which contributes to South Carolina’s agribusiness industry and overall economy,” said Weathers. “As the Palmettovore movement grows, it will support sustainable, local food production, processing and distribution networks that reach supermarkets and restaurants statewide.”

Certified SC Grown fruits and vegetables were on site carrying signs with slogans such as “Home Grown and Proud” and “Eat Local, Be A Palmettovore”. Spokes-produce of the group, Tom Tomato, took the podium to discuss why they are very concerned about being underemployed due to South Carolinians not choosing to purchase and consume Certified SC Grown produce and products. “We need work. We are tired of being passed over by the people that could help us the most - South Carolinians.” To further their cause, Tom Tomato and his friends are starring in their own documentary that is currently featured on palmettovore.org.

The South Carolina General Assembly offered their support in promoting the Palmettovore movement by passing a resolution proclaiming June ‘Palmettovore Challenge’ month. SC House Representative Joan Brady, (Rep- District 78), resolution sponsor, read the proclamation aloud. During June, South Carolinians are challenged to eat the Palmettovore way and support the South Carolina Department of Agriculture’s (SCDA) Certified SC Grown and Fresh on the Menu programs.

“This resolution represents the legislature’s support for the SCDA’s programs and its latest Palmettovore movement, which will hopefully increase awareness for buying and consuming locally grown,” said Representative Brady. As Chair of the Insurance Subcommittee for the Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee, Brady said she especially understands the important economic impact of Palmettovore Challenge month. “Taking the Palmettovore challenge will allow South Carolinians to support our state’s number one industry of agribusiness and our overall economy.”

During the kick-off event, Steven Cook, owner of Saluda’s restaurant in Columbia, SC, discussed how his restaurant is participating in the Palmettovore movement as a member of SCDA’s Fresh on the Menu program. Fresh on the Menu restaurants incorporate at least 25 percent of Certified SC Grown produce and products into their menu items when in season. Launched in 2008, there are now more than 200 Fresh on the Menu restaurants across the state.

“As a Fresh on the Menu restaurant, we feel that we are contributing to the Palmettovore movement and demonstrating to our customers that they can trust that what they are enjoying is fresher, tastier and grown in South Carolina,” said Cook. “We hope that you will dine at Saluda’s and all Fresh on the Menu restaurants across the state in your efforts to become a Palmettovore and support Certified SC Grown.”

Palmettovore Challenge month will officially begin on June 1st. To learn more about the movement and how you can participate please visit www.palmettovore.org.

The Certified South Carolina initiative was developed and created three years ago by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture to brand and promote South Carolina grown produce and products through an exciting cooperative among producers, processors, wholesalers, retailers and restaurants. For more information, please visit www.CertifiedSCGrown.com.

FMU Men’s Basketball Program Schedules Summer Camps

The Francis Marion University men’s basketball program will sponsor several summer camps during the month of June.

The “Four Great Days of Summer” Basketball Camp will be held June 15-18 for players in grades three through 10. The Gary Edwards’ High School Team Camp and Shootout will take place June 12-14, and an Elevate Exposure Camp for rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors will be held June 22-25.

The four-day Individual Camp will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. The cost of the camp is $150, and it includes lunches.

The camp is designed to provide fundamental instruction in all phases of the game.

For the team camp, squads are guaranteed six games and will compete in a shootout on the final day of the camp. Games will be officiated by certified referees. The cost of the camp is $475 per team ($425 for a second team) and $95 for each overnight camper (includes lodging and meals).
The team camp will be divided into varsity and junior varsity competitions. An All-Tournament Team will be selected at the close of the camp.
All campers will receive a T-shirt.

The Elevate Exposure Camp is designed for high school players who want to improve their game and be seen by junior college and four-year college coaches. Participants will work with coaches from throughout the Southeast, and will also experience an NCAA eligibility and recruiting seminar. The cost of $250 includes housing and meals.

FMU head coach Gary Edwards will direct the camps. He recently completed his third season at Francis Marion, where he has increased the squad’s win total each year. He has coached at both the NCAA Division I and II levels and has recorded more than 425 career wins in 25 seasons.
For more information, contact the FMU men’s basketball office at 843-661-1247 or 843-661-1811.

FMU Tennis Camps Set For June 15-19 & July 13-17

Francis Marion University will sponsor two sessions of Tennis Camp 2009 for boys and girls ages 8 to 18.

The camps will be held Monday through Friday, June 15-19 and July 13-17, from 9 a.m. until noon on the Kassab Courts on the FMU campus.

Each camp will cost $60 per camper. Enrollment is limited. Each camper will receive a T-shirt.
FMU men’s and women’s tennis coach Garth Thomson is the camp coordinator and instructor. A native of Zimbabwe, Thomson is a graduate of Francis Marion and a former two-time All-American during his collegiate playing career. Five times he has earned Peach Belt Conference “Coach of the Year” honors. The 17th-year coach has led the FMU men to a 252-118 record and 13 NCAA Division II national tournament appearances, and guided the Patriot women to a 217-149 mark and nine national tournament berths.

For more details or to request a registration form, call 843-661-1240 or contact Thomson at 843-661-1185.

Stimulus Funds Flowing Into Darlington County

Funds from the Recovery Act have begun to flow into Darlington County, according to U.S. Rep. John Spratt (D-SC).

Spratt said that one of the latest recipients of stimulus money is the Society Hill Library, which is receiving $787,200 through the Agriculture Department’s Community Facilities program. The program helps to finance and develop community facilities for public use in rural areas. Spratt said the library would use the money to build a new, larger library building to house the Society Hill library collection.

“This project is one of many in the Recovery Act aimed at creating or saving jobs and helping rural communities expand their services,” said Spratt. “I was pleased to learn that the library will be receiving funding.”

President Obama signed The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act) into law on Feb. 17, 2009. It is designed to jumpstart the nation's economy, create or save millions of jobs and put a down payment on addressing long-neglected challenges. The Act includes measures to modernize the nation's infrastructure, enhance energy independence, expand educational opportunities, preserve and improve affordable health care, provide tax relief, and protect those in greatest need.

Spratt said other Recovery Act funds are slated for Darlington County, including:

* $614,758 for CareSouth Carolina, of Hartsville

* $80,000 for repairs to the Darlington Armory

* $30,375 for the Emergency Food and Shelter Program

“These funds are just a few examples of the Recovery Act at work,” said Spratt. “Hopefully, stimulus funding will blunt the impact of the recession and help our economy recover.”

World Class BBQ Competition Adds Sizzle To Historic 50th Coca-Cola 600 Week

CONCORD, N.C. (May 19, 2009) - In yet another Fans First initiative, Lowe's
Motor Speedway will bring a world class barbeque competition to race fans
during Coca-Cola 600 Week.

Sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbecue Society, the invitation-only
Prilosec OTCR BBQ Shootout Series will feature 14 professional teams,
honorary judges, cooking demonstrations, food sampling and total posted
awards of $15,000, with $2,500 going to the Grand Champion. Competitors will
sell varieties of barbecued chicken, pork and beef sandwiches, ribs, brisket
and sauces with a portion of the proceeds benefitting Speedway Children's
Charities and the NASCAR Foundation.

"This is an innovative new competition that includes award-winning
pit masters and barbecue teams from around the country," said Marcus Smith,
president and general manager of Lowe's Motor Speedway. "They'll compete for
the prestige and prize money of an event championship, but the real winners
will be the fans that get to taste all the food fresh off the grills this
weekend."

Competitors will sell their products starting Thursday on Windstream
Pole Night near the speedway's main entrance off Highway 29. Judging will
take place at 10 a.m. on Saturday in the Prilosec OTCR display located in
the souvenir area on Bruton Smith Boulevard. Awards will be handed out at
1:45 p.m. on Sunday preceding the Coca-Cola 600.

SPEED Channel will film the competition for national television
broadcast at a later date.

Lotta Bull BBQ from Marietta, Okla., Wood Chicks BBQ from
Chesapeake, Va., Texas Rib Rangers from Denton, Texas, and home-state
favorite Tarheel Smokers from Hertford, N.C., are among the award-winning
competitors.

Tickets are still on sale for Thursday's Windstream Pole Night,
Saturday's CARQUEST Auto Parts 300 and Sunday's historic 50th running of the
Coca-Cola 600. Fans can purchase tickets at the gates on event days or by
calling the Lowe's Motor Speedway ticket services department at
1-800-455-FANS.

House Passes Bill To Curb Abusive Lending Practices

The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill to curb abusive practices and predatory lending in the mortgage industry. Rep. John Spratt (D-SC) voted for the bill, which passed the House on May 7.

The Mortgage Reform and Anti-Predatory Lending Act, H.R. 1728, outlaws many of the worst actions that marked the subprime lending boom and led to the nation’s highest foreclosure rate and deepest recessions in decades.

“This recession is not a garden variety recession,” said Spratt. “A core component is the large number of Americans who lost their homes due to foreclosure. With this bill, we are ensuring that a financial crisis like this, which started with irresponsible subprime lending, never happens again.”

H.R. 1728 prohibits lenders from steering borrowers into higher cost loans. It also prevents borrowers from deliberately misstating their income to qualify for a loan. For the first time, it holds accountable all of those who originate and sell and buy loans, including Wall Street firms that buy up and bundle mortgages for profit.

In addition, the bill sets new standards for all home loans. Under the new rules, institutions will be required to ensure that borrowers can repay the loans they are sold; refinancing must benefit the consumer; and fully documented loans will be encouraged.

“I was pleased to vote for this bill and see it pass the House,” Spratt said.

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

House Passes Bill To Curb Abusive Lending Practices

The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill to curb abusive practices and predatory lending in the mortgage industry. Rep. John Spratt (D-SC) voted for the bill, which passed the House on May 7.

The Mortgage Reform and Anti-Predatory Lending Act, H.R. 1728, outlaws many of the worst actions that marked the subprime lending boom and led to the nation’s highest foreclosure rate and deepest recessions in decades.

“This recession is not a garden variety recession,” said Spratt. “A core component is the large number of Americans who lost their homes due to foreclosure. With this bill, we are ensuring that a financial crisis like this, which started with irresponsible subprime lending, never happens again.”

H.R. 1728 prohibits lenders from steering borrowers into higher cost loans. It also prevents borrowers from deliberately misstating their income to qualify for a loan. For the first time, it holds accountable all of those who originate and sell and buy loans, including Wall Street firms that buy up and bundle mortgages for profit.

In addition, the bill sets new standards for all home loans. Under the new rules, institutions will be required to ensure that borrowers can repay the loans they are sold; refinancing must benefit the consumer; and fully documented loans will be encouraged.

“I was pleased to vote for this bill and see it pass the House,” Spratt said.

Responses to Sanford's Budget Veto

From Democratic National Committee: The Democratic National Committee issued the following response to Gov. Mark Sanford’s announcement that he will veto $348 million in federal funds the South Carolina legislature requested to create jobs in the state. “Governor Sanford is putting his own political ambitions before the well being of the South Carolinians he represents," said DNC spokeswoman Joanne Peters. "Instead of working with Republicans and Democrats in South Carolina to fund important priorities and create and save jobs, Sanford is siding with the Rush-Limbaugh-led 'Party of No' wing of the national GOP, saying no to jobs, no to an education for our youngsters, and no to safe streets for South Carolina families. Governor Sanford should instead put the interests of his state ahead of his own future political ambitions."

From S.C. Democratic Party:
South Carolina Democratic Party Chair Carol Fowler released the following statement today in response to Gov. Mark Sanford's vetoes of the state's $5.7 billion budget. The budget, passed last week by the General Assembly, forces Sanford to request $350 million in federal economic recovery funds. "Gov. Sanford is clearly oblivious to the fact that our state has been hit hard by both the recession and his long-term failure to bring jobs to South Carolina. He needs to allow lawmakers to use these funds for their intended purpose instead of making them the platform for his presidential bid. Although Mark Sanford has successfully shown himself to be a strict Republican ideologist, he has failed to prove himself as a leader. I urge legislators to override the governor's vetoes of the stimulus money; South Carolina's working families are dependent on the General Assembly to pick up the governor's slack."

From State House Speaker Bobby Harrell:
“First, this so-called stimulus bill should have never been passed, and second, we would have liked to use the money on paying down debt. However, the federal package was passed into law despite our objections and the President said twice we could not use it to pay down debt. It is simply not legally possible to do what the Governor is saying; it would only ensure that South Carolina’s money would be sent to other states while our citizens are left paying it back. The Governor’s vetoes takes away money that would keep teachers in the classroom and criminals in prisons. We owe it to our teachers and law enforcement officers to override these vetoes.”

Newt Gingrich to visit SC GOP

From Palmetto Scoop

Former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich will be in Columbia this week, sources with the South Carolina House Republican Caucus have confirmed.

The rumored presidential candidate will reportedly meet with House GOP leaders at a private luncheon event.

Officials with the caucus confirmed that Gingrich would, in fact, be adress the group, but could not specify a time or location.

Gingrich served as the Speaker of the House from 1995-1999. He was named TIME magazine’s person of the year in 1995.

Focused 50 Women’s Basketball Camps at FMU

Francis Marion University will play host to Heather Macy’s Focused 50 Women’s Basketball Camp for both individuals and teams this summer.

The Team Camp will be held June 19-20, while the Individual Camp, which includes two sessions, is set for July 24-26.

The Team Camp costs $210 per team, and an additional $30 for each player over the total of eight. The camp is for middle school, junior varsity, and varsity teams, and will include personalized instruction, a coaching clinic, a video review session, and a minimum of six games per squad.
The Individual Camp is broken into two sessions, July 24-25 and July 25-26, with each session costing $150 per camper. A discounted cost of $295 will be available if a camper attends both sessions. The cost includes meals and lodging.

If a camper is commuting to FMU and does not require overnight accommodations, the cost is $100 per session. This cost does not include meals.

The Individual Camp is open to players in grades 5-12.

If participants attend the Team Camp, there will be an added $10 discount per session for the Individual (overnight) Camp.

The camp will focus on individual skill development and will feature a college recruiting information session.

FMU head coach Heather Macy, who was named the Peach Belt Conference Coach of the Year each of the past two seasons, is the camp director. She founded the Focused 50 camps in 2003, and it has developed into one of the best teaching camps on the East Coast.

For more information, contact Macy at 336-420-2722 or Focused50@yahoo.com.

Monday, May 18, 2009

FMU’s Wijemanne earns ITA regional award

Francis Marion University sophomore Oshada Wijemanne has been named the 2009 recipient of the Intercollegiate Tennis Association’s (ITA) Player to Watch award for the NCAA Division II’s Southeast Region.

Wijemanne, a native of Colombo, Sri Lanka, compiled a 15-2 singles mark at the No. 1 position and is ranked ninth nationally. He was 6-1 in the tough PBC and owned a 3-2 mark against nationally ranked opponents, including a regular-season win over the top-ranked singles player in Division II. In doubles play, he was 16-3 at the No. 1 position and is ranked sixth in the latest national rankings. He was 3-2 against nationally ranked doubles teams.

The 17th-ranked Patriot men ended the season 16-6 and made their 13th NCAA National Tournament appearance in the past 15 years.

Emanuel Fraitzl of Barry University earned the Player to Watch national award.
Earlier, Wijemanne was named first-team All-Conference for his play in both singles and doubles.

Pee Dee Leaders to Consider Employee Wellness Strategies

The American Heart Association encourages top area executives to adopt an employee wellness initiative— Start! “walking at work” culture. Leadership from more than forty Pee Dee companies will attend the CEO event on Tuesday, May 19, 7:30 am, at McLeod Health & Fitness Center to hear more about strategies to make their workplace healthier and more physically active. Rob Colones, 2009 Pee Dee Heart Walk Chair and President and CEO of McLeod Health, along with other Executive Team Leaders will be hosting the meeting.

Recently, Honda of South Carolina, Carolina’s Hospital System, and The ESAB Group, Inc. were recognized by the American Heart Association’s Start! Fit-Friendly Companies Program for promoting physical activity and health in the workplace. They have received the Gold level of the Fit Friendly Company Program. Adult Americans spend the majority of their waking hours at work, many in sedentary careers — amplifying the risk for medical problems such as obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes. Obesity alone costs American businesses $12.7 billion in medical expenses and $225.8 billion in health-related productivity losses per year.

Start! is a groundbreaking national movement from the American Heart Association. It calls on all Americans and their employers to create a culture of physical activity and health to live longer, heart-healthy lives through walking. Start! recognizes and rewards companies for progressive leadership and for making the health and wellness of their staff a priority. Pee Dee area companies are invited to participate in Start! and demonstrate similar physical activity practices for their employees.

Adult Americans spend a majority of their waking hours at work, and many are in sedentary careers. This raises their risk for a host of medical problems, such as overweight, high blood pressure and diabetes. Obesity alone costs American businesses $12.7 billion per year in medical expenses and $225.8 billion in health-related productivity losses. A program such as Start! that increases employees’ physical activity will improve their health — and their employers’ bottom line. Specifically, studies suggest that implementing a worksite physical activity program and promoting a culture of activity will help companies increase productivity, reduce absenteeism, lower turnover and reduce health Reduce healthcare costs.

To find out how the American Heart Association’s Start! program can help your company establish a walking at work program or become involved in the Pee Dee Heart Walk, visit www.americanheart.org/start or www.startpeedeesc.org.

FMU Schedules Baseball Camp 2009, June 22-26, July 6-10

FLORENCE, S.C. – Francis Marion University has announced two sessions of its Baseball Camp 2009, an opportunity for young athletes to develop and polish their diamond skills.

The annual camp, for children ages 7-12, will be held June 22-26 and July 6-10 from 9 a.m. until noon each day. Conducted by Francis Marion head baseball coach Art Inabinet and members of the Patriot baseball team, the camps will stress learning basic game strategy and making the most of individual skills.

Inabinet recently completed his ninth year at the helm of the FMU baseball program, and has more than 375 career coaching victories. He has guided the Patriots to the 2009 Peach Belt Conference Tournament title, four NCAA Tournament appearances, and the 2006 NCAA Division II College World Series, while the program has consistently been ranked in the national poll.
Applications for the camps are now being accepted. The camps will cost $60 per session, if paid in advance, or $70 on the first day of camp. Enrollment is limited. Each camper will receive a T-shirt.

For complete details, contact the FMU Athletics Office at 843-661-1240.

13 Convictions for Auto Fraud in Colleton County Brings Total to More than 30

Another 13 convictions for insurance fraud in Colleton County last week brought the total to more than 30 since last September. On Thursday, May 14, the following defendants each pled guilty to one count of the lesser-included offense of Presenting False Claims for Payment more than $1,000 but less than $5,000 before The Honorable Perry Buckner in Colleton County:

• Nicole Elliott, age 25, of 106 Del Ray Drive, Walterboro;
• Nicole Elliott, age 25, of 106 Del Ray Drive, Walterboro;
• Tamika Elliott, age 32, of 8387 Charleston Highway, Walterboro;
• Gladys Michelle Middleton, age 26, of 559 Orangeburg Road, Summerville;
• Sherie Lisa Middleton, age 23, of 189 Beach Road, Walterboro;
• Jason Jarmal Givens, age 29, of 502 King Street, Walterboro;
• Verdie Elaine Hugie, age 46, of 215 Calloh Drive, Walterboro
• Rickie Hugie, age 48, of 7000 Middle Street, Columbia;
• Sharon Denita Donaldson, age 26, of 203 Corideau Street, Walterboro;
• Timothy Tyrone Behling, age 23, of 49 Enchanted Lane, Walterboro;
• Dexter Raynard Landy, age 21, of 500 Bowman Lane, Walterboro; and
• Preston Tremaine Roberts, age 19, of 3399 Cooks Hill Road, Walterboro.

Also, defendants Phyllis Simmons, age 48, of 8249 Ritter Road, Walterboro, and Jamie Brown, age 35, of 40 Pentgage Court, Yemassee, each pled guilty to two counts of the lesser-included offense of Presenting False Claims for Payment more than $1,000 but less than $5,000. All defendants were originally indicted with Presenting False Claims for Payment, $5,000 or more.

On or about March 29, 2005, defendants Nicole Elliott, Tamika Elliott and Phyllis Simmons presented or caused to be presented false claims for payment to Safe Auto Insurance Company totaling over $10,000. They claimed they were involved in a car accident after an unknown vehicle ran them off Cooks Hill Road in Walterboro causing their car to catch fire. Investigation revealed the wreck was staged and the fire was intentionally set. Nicole Elliott had a prior conviction for operating an uninsured vehicle. Judge Buckner sentenced Nicole Elliott to four years imprisonment suspended with probation for four years and ordered her to pay restitution of $4,423 to Safe Auto and $283 to the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. Tamika Elliott was sentenced to four years imprisonment suspended with probation for four years and ordered to pay restitution of $1,636 to Safe Auto and $647 to Colleton County Fire-Rescue. Simmons was sentenced on this count to four years imprisonment suspended with probation for five years and ordered to pay $1,388 to Safe Auto and $647 to Colleton County Fire-Rescue. Two co-defendants in this case pled guilty previously.

Defendant Phyllis Simmons also presented or caused to be presented false claims for payment to Permanent General Assurance Group totaling about $20,000 on or about February 15, 2007. She said that she struck a tree after she lost control of her car at Blackcreek & Meewville Roads in Colleton County, but investigation revealed the wreck was staged. She was sentenced to four years imprisonment suspended with probation for five years on this count and ordered to pay restitution of $1,876 to Permanent General and $656 to Colleton County Fire-Rescue. She was also ordered to pay restitution of $6,628 to Peak Property & Casualty Company as part of her agreement. Her sentences were concurrent.

On or about April 17, 2006, Defendant Jamie Brown presented or caused to be presented false claims for payment to Peak Property & Casualty Company totaling over $7,000. He claimed he was a passenger in a car that was hit by an unknown vehicle, run off Cooks Hill Road in Walterboro, and burst into flames. Investigation revealed that the wreck was staged and the fire was intentionally set. Brown had prior convictions for assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature and narcotics and weapons charges. Judge Buckner sentenced him on this count to five years imprisonment suspended to six months imprisonment and four years probation. He was ordered to pay restitution of $1,397 to Peak Property. A co-defendant in this case pled guilty previously.

Defendant Jamie Brown presented or caused to be presented false claims for payment totaling over $8,000 to Peak Property & Casualty on or about April 26, 2007. He claimed that he was involved in another car accident in Walterboro after the driver swerved to miss a deer, but investigation revealed the wreck was staged. He was sentenced to five years imprisonment on this count suspended to six months imprisonment and four years probation. He was ordered to pay $1,406 to Peak Property on this count. His sentences were concurrent. A co-defendant in this case also pled guilty previously.

On or about July 2, 2007, defendants Gladys Middleton, Sherie Middleton and Jason Givens presented or caused to be presented false claims for payment to Bristol West Insurance Group. They claimed they were involved in a car accident on Confederate Highway in Walterboro, but investigation revealed the wreck was staged. Givens had a prior conviction for resisting arrest. Judge Buckner sentenced them to four years imprisonment suspended with probation for four years. Gladys Middleton was ordered to pay restitution of $2,608 to Bristol West, $719 to Colleton County Fire-Rescue and $738 to Health and Human Services. Sherie Middleton was ordered to pay $2,779 to Bristol West and $349 to Health and Human Services. Givens was ordered to pay $4,641 to Bristol West and $580 to Lodge Rescue Squad.

On or about August 15, 2007, defendants Verdie Hugie and Rickie Hugie presented or caused to be presented false claims for payment to State Farm Insurance in a total amount over $35,000. They claimed they had been involved in a car accident on Mt. Carmel Rd. in Walterboro, but investigation revealed the wreck was staged. Verdie Hugie had a prior conviction for shoplifting and was sentenced to four years imprisonment suspended with probation for five years. She was ordered to pay restitution of $13,677 to State Farm. Rickie Hugie had a prior record of assault and battery and was sentenced to four years imprisonment suspended with probation for five years. He was ordered to pay $11,461 to State Farm. A co-defendant in this case pled guilty previously.

On or about September 4, 2007, defendants Sharon Donaldson, Timothy Behling, Dexter Landy and Preston Roberts presented or caused to be presented false claims for payment to Nationwide Insurance Company. They claimed they were involved in an accident also on Mt. Carmel Rd. after an unknown vehicle ran them off the road and into a tree. However, investigation revealed the wreck was staged. Donaldson had prior convictions for assault, breach of peace, and assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature. Behling, Each were sentenced to four years imprisonment suspended with four years probation. Donaldson was also ordered to pay restitution of $3,398 to Nationwide, $562 to Colleton County Fire-Rescue and $124 to Health and Human Services. Behling and Landy were each ordered to pay $3,398 to Nationwide and $562 to Colleton County Fire-Rescue and Roberts was ordered to pay $3,398 to Nationwide and $637 to Colleton County Fire-Rescue.

These cases were investigated by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division and the National Insurance Crime Bureau and prosecuted by the South Carolina Attorney General's Office.

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

For more information on insurance fraud in South Carolina or for an interview call 803-252-3455 or e-mail alove@scinsnews.com.

Fry Pitches Pacers Past Patriots to Move USCA into Championship Round

AIKEN, S.C. – Senior right-hander Justin Fry pitched a near complete game allowing only two runs and three hits to lift fifth-ranked and top-seeded USC Aiken to a 7-2 win over seventh-ranked and second-seeded Francis Marion University on Saturday night in an elimination game at the NCAA Division II Southeast Regional Baseball Tournament.

USCA (42-18) advances forward to play unbeaten (in tournament play) and sixth-seeded Belmont Abbey College in Sunday’s championship game at 11 a.m. In the championship round of the 2009 NCAA Division II Southeast Region a second championship game would be played if USCA wins that 11 a.m. contest.

Francis Marion, which had its 17-game winning streak snapped earlier in the day by Belmont Abbey, ends its season at 38-15-1, the second-most wins in program history.

Fry (4-3) scattered the three hits in his 8.1 innings on the hill. He threw 178 pitches, struck out seven and walked seven. FMU stranded 12 runners, including leaving the bases loaded twice. Jeremy Smith earned his third save by recording the final two outs.

Francis Marion’s Barrett Kleinknecht (1-3) made his first start of the year and pitched a complete game, allowing nine hits and five earned runs in his eight innings. He tossed 120 pitches and struck out three.

Pacer right fielder Alex Franklin was the lone player in the contest with multiple hits as he went 2-for-5.

A solo homer to left by freshman outfielder Tyler Boyd gave Francis Marion a 1-0 cushion in the top of the third inning. The Patriots would go on to load the bases with no outs, but Fry struck out Jared Barkdoll and got Jacob Wallace and Keon Graves to pop out to strand the three base runners.

The Pacers responded with two runs in the bottom of the frame. Franklin plated the first run with an RBI groundout and second baseman Ken Raborn followed with a run-scoring single through the left side.

Frye and Kleinknecht matched zeros through the next two frames before USCA scored two unearned runs in the sixth to lead 4-1. An infield error helped lead to an RBI double by Jamie Benjamin and a second error allowed the fourth Pacer run to score.

USCA’s Nick Aranas added a solo homer and catcher John Sherrer hit a two-run shot in the eighth.

The Patriots plated one run in the ninth on a bases-loaded walk to Kleinknecht.

The game featured several outstanding defensive plays as centerfielders Martin Gordon (FMU) and Cody McMorris (USCA) traded leaping catches at the center field wall and Franklin made a great diving catch along the right field line.