Coker Alum, Mark Sheftic, Set to Play in 91st PGA Championship

Courtesy of T.J. Auclair, Interactive Producer- PGA.com
7/28/2009

A NICE CONSOLATION PRIZE: Mark Sheftic, a PGA Teaching Professional at Merion Golf Club in Ardmore, Pa., might have left the PGA Professional Narional Championship slightly disappointed.

Making his National Championship debut, Sheftic had a shot to win right up until the final hole. With a bogey on the 72nd hole for a 2-over 73, Sheftic fell into a tie for second, one shot behind the champion, Mike Small.

The defeat was much easier to swallow seeing as it still was more than enough to earn Sheftic a spot in the PGA Championship at Hazeltine.

"What can I say?" Sheftic said. "But it's a dream come true. It's very emotional because I know how hard it is to get there. It has given me much more confidence in my abilities as a player. I'm very proud to be part of the PGA Championship and looking forward to everything to come."

As excited as Sheftic is, he also knows he won't have a lot of time to prepare for playing on golf's grandest stage.

"My first duty is to teach the members at Merion," he said. "That will not change. I have a limited time to practice because of a very busy teaching schedule. I feel very blessed to be the teaching professional at Merion and I have responsibilities I have to look after. If that means earlier mornings and later nights to get my practice time in, that's what I will do. The Philadelphia Section provides a great tournament schedule to help me prepare. I'll try to play in all the tournaments leading up to the PGA."

All in all, it's safe to say that Sheftic can't wait for PGA Championship week to begin.

"The excitement is hard to express in words," he said. "The greatest satisfaction is knowing all the long hours and hard work has paid off. I'm looking forward to putting my game up with the best in the world and see how I fare."

Sheftic is a 1998 graduate of Coker College.

FMU signs SC and FL basketball guards

FLORENCE, S.C. – Francis Marion University men’s basketball coach Gary Edwards has announced that 6-1 guard Philip Jenkins of Goose Creek, S.C., and 6-2 guard Michael Highsmith of Sanford, Fla., have signed national letters of intent to attend FMU and play for Patriots this season.
Jenkins is a graduate of Goose Creek High School, where he played for coach Brad Dobbels.
This past season, he averaged 21.5 points and 4.9 rebounds per game while leading the Gators to a 27-2 record and the AAAA state championship. He scored 33 points in the title game win.
A two-time All-State selection, he was named the High School Sports Reports’ AAAA Statewide Player of the Year for 2008-09, and he was selected to play in the 2009 Carolinas All-Star Classic.
He was also an honor roll student at Goose Creek.
Highsmith is a product of Lake Brantley High School, where he played for coach Michael Cuff.
As a senior, he averaged 20 points, 7.5 assists, 4.0 rebounds, 2.5 blocks, and 2.0 steals per game. He was a first-team All-Conference pick, earned his team’s most valuable player award, and was named to the Orlando Sentinel’s Top 30 Seniors List.
He holds Lake Brantley’s single season record for points (587).
“Philip was an important member of Goose Creek’s state championship team and he knows how to win,” said Edwards. “He can score in a variety of ways and is also a good defender. He is a good, young guard who will grow with our program.
“Mike is a big guard who was under recruited in Florida and we feel very fortunate to have him join our program. He is a diamond-in-the rough who may be ready to compete in the Peach Belt earlier than a typical freshman.”
The two signees bring to nine the number of newcomers on the Patriot roster for 2009-2010.
Francis Marion finished the 2008-09 season with a 16-12 record.

Coker Women's Basketball Signs Four

by Christian Stryker, SID Coker College
7/28/2009

Hartsville, S.C. - Coker College head women's basketball coach, Carol Meegan, announced the signing of four players to National Letters of Intent to play basketball for the Lady Cobras in 2009-10 today.

Joining the Lady Cobras on the court will be Lucy Fish, Jaime Birr, Amanda Compton and Cassie Kirby.

Fish comes to Coker from across the Atlantic Ocean, as a native of Nottingham, England, where she was a standout player for the Nottingham Wildcats and the England's U18 National Team. Fish is no stranger to Coker, having player for Coker alum, Leanne Chandler, class of 2004. Lucy was a starter for most of the season for the Wildcats and was named England's team captain for the U18 National Team this summer competing in 2009 European Championships in Israel.

Birr is a native of Burnsville, Minn., where she was a three-time All-Conference selection at the Academy of Holy Angels. A two-time captain and four year letter winner, Birr was named the Defensive Player of the Year in 2008-2009. At 6-1 Birr will add some much needed height to the Lady Cobras lineup.

Compton joins the Lady Cobras from Newark, Del., where she was a standout player at Elkton Christian. A 6-3 post player, Compton was named All-Conference in 2009, while scoring 856 points with 951 rebounds in her career. Off the court Amanda is a member of the National Honor Society.

Kirby comes to Coker from Charlottesville, Va., where she was a five-time basketball letter winner at The Miller School of Albemarle. A National Honor Society member and Honor Roll student, Kirby was named to the All-Central Va. Team, was a Second Team Virginia Independent School Blue Ridge Conference selection and was named to the Daily Progress All-Tournament Team. Cassie averaged 10 points, six rebounds and seven assists per game in 2009.

Coach Meegan and the Lady Cobras open the 2009-10 season on November 15, when they host the UNC-Pembroke Braves at 3:00 p.m. in the Timberlake-Lawton Gymnasium. This season the Lady Cobras will be looking to improve on their 11-17 record last season, their best record under Coach Carol Meegan.

Monday's rain-delayed results from the Dixie Youth baseball state tournaments

MAJORS RESULTS

Surfside Beach 5 Midland 2

FLORENCE, SC – Trevor Bigham hit a solo homer and struck out 10 batters in a complete-game pitching effort as Surfside Beach beat Midland 5-2 in a winners’ bracket game at the 2009 McLeod Health Dixie Youth Baseball Majors State Tournament, Monday night (July 27) in Florence.

Midland’s Grant Petrey laced an RBI single down the left field line in the top of the first frame for a 1-0 advantage. Bigham used heads-up base running to score from second on a fielder’s choice grounder and knotted the score at 1-1 in the bottom of the inning.

Surfside Beach scored an unearned run in the third to lead 2-1, and then scored three times in the fifth inning. In that inning, Bigham homered to center field, and one batter later, Tyler Dillon ripped a two-run shot to right.

Austin Price scored Midland’s other run in the sixth inning when he doubled and later scored on a sacrifice fly by Petrey.

Both Price and Petrey had two hits for Midland. Righty Conor Crouch was the losing pitcher.

Dillon had two hits for Surfside Beach.

Surfside Beach advances to play on Tuesday at 8 p.m. against Hartsville National. Midland will play on Tuesday at 7 p.m. against Gregg Park.

McLeod Park 9 Laurens 1

FLORENCE, SC – Austin Drummond homered for the third straight game, a three-run shot, to help lead McLeod Park to a 9-1 victory over Laurens in an elimination game at the 2009 McLeod Health Dixie Youth Baseball Majors State Tournament, Monday (July 27) in Florence.

Drummond’s homer and an RBI walk by Weston Lewis gave McLeod Park a 4-0 lead in the top of the third inning.

Rip Carter drove in Laurens’ lone run with an RBI ground out in the bottom of the third.

The score remained 4-1 until McLeod Park erupted for five runs in the top of the sixth and final inning. A two-run double by Grayson Cottingham and a two-run single by winning pitcher Steven Calcutt highlighted that frame.

Cottingham finished the game 3-for-4, while Calcutt was 2-for-2.

Darius Harvey led Laurens with a 2-for-2 effort. Qua Parks was the losing pitcher.

McLeod Park stays alive in the tournament to play on Tuesday at 6 p.m. against Lake Marion.

Lake Marion 10 York Central 7

FLORENCE, SC – Wyatt Rucker hammered a three-run home run and pitched two scoreless innings to earn a save and lead Lake Marion to a 10-7 victory over York Central in an elimination game at the 2009 McLeod Health Dixie Youth Baseball Majors State Tournament, Monday (July 27) in Florence.

Luc Greene, who was 2-for-3, hit a two-run single and later scored to give York Central a 3-0 lead in the top of the first inning.

Lake Marion answered with five runs in the second frame, and after York Central went back ahead 7-5 in the top of the fourth, Lake Marion scored five more times in the bottom of the fourth inning.

Will Spiers had two hits, including a double, for Lake Marion. Josh Long was the winning pitcher.

John Moorfield hit a three-run homer in York Central’s fourth-inning rally. Mitchell Trotter, Greene, and Moorfield all had two hits.

Lake Marion stays alive to play on Tuesday at 6 p.m. against McLeod Park.

Gregg Park 17 Maple Park 3

FLORENCE, SC – Trailing 3-2 entering the top of the fifth inning, Gregg Park exploded for 15 runs in that frame to claim a 17-2 win over Maple Park in an elimination game at the 2009 McLeod Health Dixie Youth Baseball Majors State Tournament, Monday night (July 27) in Florence.

Both Jackson Veronee and Joseph Whitt were 3-for-4 with a home run and three runs batted in to lead Gregg Park.

Brandyn Quiller was the winning pitcher.

Alex Ward stroked an RBI single for Maple Park, while William Goodwin had an RBI ground out. Adam Martin was the losing pitcher.

Gregg Park survives to face Midland on Tuesday at 7 p.m.


AAA RESULTS

Parks Field American 7 Mid Carolina 6

FLORENCE, SC – Zach Horton struck out the final two batters of the game to strand the tying and winning runs on base in scoring position and help Parks Field American to a thrilling 7-6 win over Mid Carolina in an elimination game at the 2009 McLeod Health Dixie Youth Baseball AAA State Tournament, Monday (July 27) in Florence.

Parks Field American led 7-3 entering the final inning, but Mid Carolina scored three times before Horton snuffed out the rally.

Parks Field American managed only three hits, but got an RBI single from Jonathan Watts in a key five-run third frame. Parker Bass was the winning pitcher and he also doubled.

Trey Kinard, Will Lever, Curtis Graham all had run-scoring singles for Mid Carolina. Kinard was the losing pitcher.

Parks Field American stays alive to play on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. against North Myrtle Beach.

Seneca 14 Gregg Park 5

FLORENCE, SC – Gus Johnson homered twice and drove in five runs to lead Seneca to a 14-5 win over Gregg Park in an elimination game at the 2009 McLeod Health Dixie Youth Baseball AAA State Tournament, Monday (July 27) in Florence.

Joseph Edgar singled and doubled and drove in four runs for Seneca. Jack Fassino had two hits and a pair of RBIs. Cayde Hamilton was the winning pitcher, striking out three in a complete-game effort.

Seneca pulled away with a six-run fifth inning that included a Johnson homer.

Nicholas Clary was 3-for-3 with an RBI for Gregg Park, while Noah Bentley had two hits and scored twice.

Remy White was the losing pitcher.

Seneca survives to play on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. against Pineview.

Pineview 12 Dillon 2

FLORENCE, SC – Pierce Trotter rapped out two hits, drove in two runs, and pitched a complete game with five strikeouts to lead Pineview to a 12-2 victory over Dillon in an elimination game at the 2009 McLeod Health Dixie Youth Baseball AAA State Tournament, Monday (July 27) in Florence.

In addition to Trotter, Jacob Jeffcoat, David Cannaday, and Christian Sharpe all had two hits and two RBIs for Pineview, which led 9-0 after three innings.

Layne Scott had two hits for Dillon, including a run-scoring triple. Jordan Hyatt recorded a single and a double in his two at bats.

Ray McGirt was the losing pitcher.

Pineview stays alive to play on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. against Seneca.

Maple Park 18 North Myrtle Beach 8

FLORENCE, SC – D’Juan Scudder had two hits and three RBIs, while also tossing a complete-game pitching effort, to lead Maple Park to an 18-8 victory over North Myrtle Beach in a winners’ bracket game of the 2009 McLeod Health Dixie Youth Baseball AAA State Tournament, Monday night (July 27) in Florence.

Maple Park lead-off batter Benj Jones was 3-for-3, including a three-run homer in a decisive nine-run fourth inning.

Maple Park trailed 3-0 after the first half inning, but scored four times in its first at bat. Maple Park led 9-8 entering the fourth frame.

Zyier Turner added three hits and two runs batted in for Maple Park, which totaled 15 hits. Harrison Crouch tied a tournament record with four runs scored.

Michael Genovese, the losing pitcher, had an RBI double for North Myrtle Beach. Garrison Gause gave NMB its early lead with a three-run double in the opening frame.

Maple Park advances to play on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. against Sumter American. North Myrtle Beach will face Parks Field American on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m.





BOTH TOURNAMENTS AND ALL GAMES WILL BE PLAYED AT FREEDOM FLORENCE COMPLEX in Florence, SC

Tournament website: www.2009scdybstatetournament.com


2009 McLeod Health Dixie Youth Baseball AAA (Minors) State Tournament

Saturday, July 25
Game 1: North Myrtle Beach def. Dillon 5-4
Game 2: Parks Field American def. Rock Hill National 6-5
Game 4: Pineview def. Bishopville 15-5
Game 5: Sumter American def. Gregg Park 10-0
Game 3: Maple Park def. Seneca 9-4
Game 6: Mid Carolina def. Hilton Head American 8-4
Sunday, July 26
Home Run Derby (Freedom Florence lower complex) CHAMPION: Nicholas Clary (Gregg Park)
Game 7: Elimination Game Dillon def. Rock Hill National 6-4
Game 8: Elimination Game Seneca def. Bishopville 8-6
Game 9: Elimination Game Gregg Park def. Hilton Head American 7-3
Game 10: Winners' Game Sumter American def. Mid Carolina 9-7
Game 11: Winners' Game Maple Park def. Pineview 8-6
Game 12: Winners' Game North Myrtle Beach def. Parks Field American 9-2
Monday, July 27
Game 13: Elimination Game Seneca def. Gregg Park 14-5
Game 14: Elimination Game Pineview def. Dillon 12-2
Game 15: Elimination Game Parks Field American def. Mid Carolina 7-6
Game 16: Winners' Game Maple Park def. North Myrtle Beach 18-8
Tuesday, July 28
Game 17: Elimination Game Seneca vs Pineview 5:30 pm
Game 18: Elimination Game Parks Field American vs North Myrtle Beach 6:30 pm
Game 19: Winners' Game Sumter American vs Maple Park 7:30 pm
Wednesday, July 29
Game 20: Elimination Game W18 vs L19 5:30 pm
Game 21: Possible Elimination Game W17 vs W19 7:30 pm
Thursday, July 30
Game 22: Championship Game 10 am
Game 23: If Necessary Championship Game 4 pm


2009 McLeod Health Dixie Youth Baseball Majors State Tournament

Saturday, July 25
Game 1: Surfside Beach def. York Central 25-1

Game 2: Gregg Park def. Hampton/Varnville 17-1
Game 4: Lake Marion def. Walhalla 6-2
Game 5: Hartsville National def. Parks Field American 11-5
Game 3: Midland def. McLeod Park 9-8
Game 6: Maple Park def. Laurens 10-0
Sunday, July 26
Home Run Derby (Freedom Florence lower complex) CHAMPION: Jackson Veronee (Gregg Park)
Game 7: Elimination Game York Central def. Hampton/Varnville 12-6
Game 8: Elimination Game McLeod Park def. Walhalla 14-2
Game 9: Elimination Game Laurens def. Parks Field American 4-3 in 7 innings
Game 10: Winners' Game Hartsville National def. Maple Park 10-0
Game 11: Winners' Game Midland def. Lake Marion 13-5
Game 12: Winners' Game Surfside Beach def. Gregg Park 15-2
Monday, July 27
Game 13: Elimination Game McLeod Park def. Laurens 9-1
Game 14: Elimination Game Lake Marion def. York Central 10-7
Game 15: Elimination Game Gregg Park def. Maple Park 17-3
Game 16: Winners' Game Surfside Beach def. Midland 5-2
Tuesday, July 28
Game 17: Elimination Game McLeod Park vs Lake Marion 6 pm
Game 18: Elimination Game Gregg Park vs Midland 7 pm
Game 19: Winners' Game Hartsville National vs Surfside Beach 8 pm
Wednesday, July 29
Game 20: Elimination Game W18 vs L19 6 pm
Game 21: Possible Elimination Game W17 vs W19 8 pm
Thursday, July 30
Game 22: Championship Game 1 pm
Game 23: If Necessary Championship Game 7 pm

FMU Baseball Players listed in final NCAA stats

Six Francis Marion University baseball players were listed in the final 2009 NCAA Division II baseball statistical report, while the Patriots ranked highly in several team categories.
Junior right-handed pitcher Brandon Forshee (Jacksonville, Fla.) ranked second nationally in fewest hits allowed per nine innings (5.44), 19th earned run average (2.08), and 88th in saves (4). Junior southpaw Josh Edgin (Three Springs, Pa.) was 79th in fewest hits allowed per nine innings (7.83), while senior righty David Walters (River Hill, Md.) ranked 97th in wins (7).
Junior Barrett Kleinknecht (Florence, S.C.) was listed among both batting and pitching stats. On the mound, he ranked 46th in saves (6). At the plate, he was 34th in hits (89), 45th in runs batted in (64), 55th in RBIs per game (1.19), 67th in total bases (136), and was the 56th toughest batter to strikeout, fanning only 15 times in 264 plate appearances.
Senior third baseman Keon Graves (Dillon, S.C.) ranked 40th in on-base percentage (.507) and 59th in batting average (.411), while junior outfielder Alex Lee (Blythewood, S.C.) was 46th in sacrifice bunts (10), 65th in walks (34), and 67th in triples (4).
In the team rankings, the Patriots ranked 15th in sacrifice flies (31), 16th in winning percentage (.713), 18th in sacrifice bunts (47), 28th in hits (628), 29th in fielding percentage (.965), 37th in double plays turned (45), 39th in both batting average (.333) and walks (222), 40th in fewest hits allowed per nine innings (9.39), 42nd in team ERA (4.34), 46th in hit-by-pitches (67), 48th in double plays turned per game (0.83), 49th in runs scored (410) and 51st in scoring (7.6 runs per game).
Francis Marion posted a 38-15-1 record in 2009 and finished second during the PBC regular season, won the PBC Tournament title, and earned its fourth NCAA Division II national tournament bid in the past seven years, placing third at the Southeast Regional. The Patriots were ranked 14th in the final 2009 Collegiate Baseball Magazine NCAA Division II Top 30 poll.
Approximately 228 Division II institutions sponsor baseball.

Spratt Statement at Hearing on Recovery Act

ouse Budget Committee Chairman John Spratt made the following opening statement at a hearing today, “The Recovery Act: Strengthening Our Economy.” The committee received testimony from three cabinet secretaries – Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, and Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.

“Seven months ago, when President Obama took office, the country was in a fiscal tailspin and on the brink of a financial meltdown: a financial crisis had frozen credit, homes were foreclosing at record levels, the economy was losing an average of 700,000 jobs per month, and the stock market had lost nearly $10 trillion in wealth and was heading further downward. Congress and the Obama Administration took quick action to address the crisis. In February, we enacted the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to create and save jobs through short-term investments that have both immediate and long-term economic impacts.

“That action has gradually begun to bear fruit, although we still have a long way to go before we return to where we want to be. It took years for the problem to build, and it will take time to recover fully. But we are no longer dealing with as severe a financial and economic crisis as we faced at the beginning of the year. While the country has lost 6.5 million jobs since the recession began in December 2007 – by far the worst postwar downturn in employment – we have now slowed the rate of job loss. The housing market is picking up again. Retail sales are turning up, and the forecast is for the economy to grow in the third quarter.

“Because so many Americans are continuing to experience the negative impact of this recession, even encouraging signs such as these cannot come fast enough. Yet, the Recovery Act is beginning to provide stability to get the economy moving and bolster hard-hit families, businesses, and states. Already, the Recovery Act has provided a tax credit for 95 percent of working families, assisted more than 12 million jobless Americans with extra unemployment benefits, and increased food assistance to low-income families. Already, states have drawn down more than $23 billion in additional Medicaid funds as they deal with record budget shortfalls. And the Recovery Act has already allowed tens of thousands of teachers, law enforcement, and firefighters to keep their jobs.

“I know that we all share the goals of putting people back to work and lowering the unacceptably high unemployment rate, of ensuring that local communities don’t have to lay off teachers and firefighters due to budget shortfalls, and providing necessary health care and food assistance to those who need help during this economic downturn. While we in Congress may have had disagreements at the time that the economic recovery legislation was passed, I believe it is important for all of us to come together to assess the results to date, to examine what is working and what needs more attention, and to consider the next steps in the country’s recovery.

“The economic recession that began during the previous Administration also has taken its toll on the federal budget, leaving the Obama Administration and this Congress with a massive deficit. Efforts to combat the economic decline – like the Recovery Act – have necessarily eroded the budget’s bottom line even further, and we must first get the economy back on track before we can balance the budget. At the same time, the unacceptably large deficits that we now are facing give us all the more reason why we need to ensure that the stimulus dollars are being spent as effectively as possible.

“We are fortunate today to have three of the most important people charged with implementing key components of the Recovery Act. They are – in the order of when their agencies were incorporated: Ken Salazar, Secretary of the Interior; Tom Vilsack, Secretary of Agriculture; and Ray LaHood, Secretary of Transportation. These three gentlemen need no introduction; they have years of experience working to improve the lives of Americans across the country through their various positions in business, government administration, and politics – we have a former governor, Senator, and Representative here.

“We look forward to hearing how your agencies are using the Recovery Act to provide immediate relief, to save and create new jobs, and lay the groundwork necessary for future investments in our physical and human infrastructure. Each of your agencies is focusing on different aspects of the Recovery Act, and we are interested in what you have to report after these first few months of implementation.

“We very much appreciate your joining us today. Before turning to you for your testimony, let me turn to our Ranking Member, Mr. Ryan, for any statement he cares to make.”

Patriot cage team picks up transfer pair

Francis Marion University men’s basketball coach Gary Edwards has announced that 6-6 swingman Andy Peterson of Sarasota, Fla., and 6-9 post player Andrew Smith of South Milwaukee, Wis., will transfer to FMU and join the Patriot program this fall.
Peterson will transfer to Francis Marion after two seasons at Manatee Community College in Florida.
This past season, he averaged 11.2 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game and connected on 54.1 percent of his field goal attempts while earning second-team All-Suncoast Conference recognition.
As a freshman, he averaged 10 points and five rebounds per contest and shot 56.8 percent from the field as the Lancers posted a 17-14 record and made their first state tournament appearance in nine years.
A three-year starter in high school, he tallied 18 points, 11 rebounds, and four assists per game as a senior at Sarasota High School. He gained first-team All-Area honors and was named the most valuable player of the 2007 Sarasota-Manatee County PAL Game.
The 260-pound Smith is transferring from the University of Texas-Pan American, where he played one season. As a freshman, he averaged 3.0 points and 1.8 rebounds, while shooting 54.2 percent from field and 69.6 percent at the foul line.
He was a highly decorated player at South Milwaukee High School where he scored more than 1,000 points. He was a first-team All-State and All-Southeast Conference selection while also earning conference Player of the Year honors and being named an All-Star selection.
“Andy had an outstanding junior college career in Florida and is an experienced player who can play a variety of positions,” Edwards said. “He is very skilled, but slender, and I hope we will be able to play him away from the basket a little more in the Peach Belt.
“I am very pleased Andrew will be a part of our program for the next three years. He gives us size and strength around the basket, but he can also step away from the basket and shoot the ball. Each year we have tried to recruit more size and power and this addition keeps us moving in that important direction.”
The two transfers bring to seven the number of newcomers on the Patriot roster for 2009-2010.
Francis Marion finished the 2008-09 season with a 16-12 record.

ocal Cancer Advocate in Washington, D.C., Met with South Carolina Lawmakers to Demand Action

Angela Kegler McDowell from Conway, South Carolina was on Capitol Hill recently to meet with South Carolina lawmakers to advocate for health care that is accessible, affordable, available and administratively simple. McDowell was one of 50 American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) volunteers, one from each state, calling for Action: Now Not Later on comprehensive health care reform.

“Health care reform is about saving lives, and there is no time for delay,” said McDowell, ACS CAN volunteer from South Carolina. “Congress must take action NOW, not later, on health care reform. We can not reduce suffering and death from cancer if the country does not improve access to quality, affordable health care.”

New polling data from ACS CAN, the advocacy affiliate of the American Cancer Society, confirms that lack of access to quality, affordable care is a significant barrier in the fight to defeat cancer. The results showed that one in four families affected by cancer says they have had to put off or delay care in the last year because of cost.

People with cancer face enormous challenges finding adequate insurance. Insurers use pre-existing conditions such as a prior cancer diagnosis as a reason to deny or limit coverage. As a result, a person with a history of cancer who is laid off or has to quit work can find it virtually impossible to find coverage on their own.

According to ACS CAN, two-thirds of cancer patients under age 65 who tried to find insurance outside their employer couldn’t find an affordable plan. And for cancer patients, research shows that being uninsured can worsen your chance of survival.

Those who are uninsured are less likely to receive cancer prevention services, more likely to be treated for cancer at late stages of disease, more likely to receive substandard care and services, and more likely to die from their cancer.

“ACS CAN believes that if we can improve the health care system for people with cancer, we will improve it for everyone else as well,” said Dan Smith, president ACS CAN. “By bringing Angela and other cancer advocates from across the country to D.C. we will make it clear to lawmakers that families affected by cancer cannot afford to wait for health care reform—and that the status quo simply isn’t an option.”


While in Washington, D.C., McDowell met with many lawmakers. During the meetings, McDowell called for a bi-partisan and uniquely American solution for fixing the broken health care system that works for families affected by cancer by:

o Refocusing the system to emphasize prevention
o Ending the practice of denying coverage because of pre-existing conditions
o Limiting the cost burden on families by providing care that costs less and covers more
o Ensuring meaningful coverage for all Americans from prevention all the way through quality end of life care

"People shouldn't have to choose between losing their house, their life savings, and everything they own to save their life," said McDowell. “Yes, this is a difficult issue; but, our country is too innovative and too strong to not find a solution. I believe in America's legislative system and, together, we can find an American solution to our problem."

In 2009, more than 1.4 million people in the United States will be diagnosed with cancer and more than 562,000 people will die from the disease. Six in 10 of the lives lost to cancer today could be saved with better access to prevention services like cancer screenings, smoking cessation programs, and public outreach and education to improve diet and increase exercise– that translates into nearly 340,000 people each year.

For more information on ACS CAN’s health care reform campaign, please visit www.acscan.org/healthcare.

ACS CAN, the nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate of the American Cancer Society, supports evidence-based policy and legislative solutions designed to eliminate cancer as a major health problem. ACS CAN works to encourage elected officials and candidates to make cancer a top national priority. ACS CAN gives ordinary people extraordinary power to fight cancer with the training and tools they need to make their voices heard. For more information, visit www.acscan.org.

SC Dems Chair: Sanford is Lucky to Have Unlimited Paid Time Off from the Job

Carol Fowler, Chair of the South Carolina Democratic Party, released the following statement in response to news that Governor Mark Sanford will be taking another two weeks of vacation to visit Europe with his family.

"Mark Sanford gets still another vacation--two weeks in Europe with his family, leaving behind a state that is desperate for leadership to solve a host of problems.

"He's lucky. Most South Carolinians don't have unlimited paid time off. They can't just leave their jobs for days at a time whenever they want to, no matter what urgent family issues they're struggling to manage," Fowler said. "Of course, most South Carolinians are also expected to actually accomplish something when they are on the job."

S.C. State Parks’ Discover Carolina Program Feted by Educators

The South Carolina State Park Service’s educational outreach program – Discover Carolina – has received the “Outstanding Leadership in Environmental Education Annual Award” for 2009 from the Environmental Education Association of South Carolina (EEASC).

Nearing the end of its first decade, the Discover Carolina program last school year provided social studies and science lessons – and a fun, hands-on field trip – to more than 19,000 students at 18 state parks and the State House.

The lessons follow state curriculum guidelines while the young visitors focus on each site’s unique assets; for example, tiny aquatic creatures in the Lynches River at Lee State Natural Area near Bishopville or the backcountry colonial life of the nation’s seventh president at Andrew Jackson State Park near Lancaster.

Past winners of the EEASC’s top honor include Furman University for its environmental education programs and the S.C. Department of Education for its middle school environmental education initiatives. This year’s award was presented at the organization’s recent annual meeting in Greenville

Former Patriot Justin Greene promoted in White Sox chain

Former Francis Marion University outfielder Justin Greene was promoted from Kannapolis to high Class A Winston-Salem within the Chicago White Sox organization on July 19.

Greene’s first at bat (a walk) with Winston-Salem was in Myrtle Beach against righty Tim Hudson, who was making a rehab start with the Pelicans. Winston-Salem is in the Class A Advanced Carolina League.

With Kannapolis, Greene was batting .303 with seven home runs, 24 runs batted in, a .394 on-base percentage, and 16 stolen bases.

Greene was selected by the White Sox in the 20th round of the 2008 Major League Baseball Draft. As a senior at FMU, he led the Patriots in hitting (.384), runs scored (54 in 54 games), sacrifice hits (11), slugging percentage (.581), stolen bases (16), and on-base percentage (.472). He ranked fifth in the Peach Belt Conference in hitting and third in on-base percentage.

He finished his Patriot career owning the school’s all-time records for runs scored (163), hit-by-pitches (48), and sacrifice hits (38).

Greene is one of five former Patriots currently playing professional baseball.

FMU product Bert Atkinson to play in US Senior Open

Francis Marion graduate and former Patriot golfer Bert Atkinson will play in his second consecutive U.S. Senior Open, next week in Carmel, Ind.

Atkinson, 51, lives in Charleston and is president of O'Connor Inc.

The 72-hole event begins on Thursday, July 30, at the par 72, 7,316-yard Crooked Stick Golf Club course. It is the longest course in U.S. Senior Open history. Television coverage will be on ESPN (Thursday and Friday 1-5 p.m. EDT) and NBC (Saturday and Sunday 3-6 p.m. EDT).

At the 2008 U.S. Senior Open in Colorado Springs, Colo., Atkinson made the cut and finished tied for 52nd with a 296 score, the third lowest score for an amateur at the event.

Atkinson transferred to Francis Marion for his senior year (1978-79). He led the Patriots that season with a 74.0 stroke average and was named an NAIA All-American. He was also named to the NAIA District Six All-District Team and was selected as the Francis Marion team MVP.

He helped lead the Patriots to the District Six team championship and to an eighth-place finish at the NAIA National Tournament in Greensboro, N.C. Atkinson placed seventh in the individual standings at the national tournament, seven strokes behind the medalist.

To qualify for his second U.S. Senior Open, Atkinson carded a 64 to win the sectional qualifying event last month at the Florence Country Club.

He was the runner-up at the 1991 U.S. Mid-Amateur where he lost to Jim Stuart 1-up. He advanced to the round of 16 at the 1998 U.S. Amateur, and set a stroke-play medalist record at the 1997 U.S. Mid-Amateur with a 36-hole total of 132. He has been named the South Carolina Player of the Year three times: 1991, 1995, and 1999.

Error Creates Duplicate UI Checks

A number of unemployment checks were duplicated in error over the weekend, the S.C. Employment Security Commission announced today.

Approximately 1,250 checks, dated Sunday, July 19, were printed twice, and mailed to claimants.

Claimants who receive two checks should cash only one of them. The other check should be returned to their local S.C. Employment Security Commission Workforce Center.

If both checks are cashed, the claimant will be liable for the excess payment.

All claimants who received duplicate checks will be contacted either by phone or mail.

For any questions, contact 803-737-3071.

Francis Marion signs Waxhaw righthander

Francis Marion University baseball coach Art Inabinet has announced the signing of right-handed pitcher TJ Miller of Waxhaw, N.C., to a national letter of intent to attend FMU this fall and play for the Patriots in 2010.

Miller, 6-3 195-pounds, is a graduate of Marvin Ridge High School, where he played for coaches Mark Mennitt and Aaron Hammers.

This past season, he was 0-1 with a 5.35 earned run average and averaged nearly six strikeouts per nine innings. He was the recipient of his squad’s Teammate of the Year Award, while helping lead the Mavericks to the third round of the North Carolina 3A state playoffs.

As a junior, he helped Marvin Ridge to a 19-5 record, the South Piedmont Conference title, and a No. 5 ranking in the final 3A state poll.

“TJ has a bright future given his size and arm strength,” said Inabinet. “He throws in the low 80’s and has a good change-up. I project him as a good college pitcher. He will mesh well with our current staff.”

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

He becomes the seventh newcomer to join the Patriot program for the 2010 season.

Legion Family Raising Funds for Recovering Heroes

The American Legion family is calling on all Americans to help purchase comfort items for troops recovering in U.S. military hospitals and warrior transition units around the world through its Operation Comfort Warriors campaign.

“The government does a good job of providing the essentials,” said American Legion National Commander David K. Rehbein. “Through Operation Comfort Warriors we have been able to provide items that usually don’t appear in the budget, such as personal sweat suits, I-Pods, DVDs, phone calling cards and other comfort items. The American Legion family is challenging its members, friends and, in fact, all people, to give to those who have already given us so much. These gifts provide welcome distractions to the tediousness that often accompanies prolonged hospital stays.”

The American Legion family has already raised nearly $165,000 for Operation Comfort Warriors since its inception in December. Donors can make online contributions by visiting www.legion.org/ocw or by sending a check to Operation Comfort Warriors, PO Box 1055, Indianapolis, IN 46206.

Administrative and promotional costs for Operation Comfort Warriors are paid by The American Legion, allowing 100 percent of the donations to be spent directly on the troops.

The American Legion also plans to operate a donations booth at its 91st Annual National Convention in Louisville.

With a current membership of 2.6-million wartime veterans, The American Legion was founded in 1919 on the four pillars of a strong national security, veterans affairs, Americanism, and patriotic youth programs. Legionnaires work for the betterment of their communities through more than 14,000 posts across the nation.

2009 McLeod Health Dixie Youth Baseball AAA (Minors) State Tournament

Tournament website: www.2009scdybstatetournament.com

Tickets: $6 adults , $3 children ages 7-12 , 6 and Under FREE
Tournament pass: $20

All games will be played at Freedom Florence Complex in Florence.

Saturday, July 25
Opening Ceremonies 2:30 pm
Game 1: North Myrtle Beach vs Dillon 4 pm
Game 2: Parks Field American vs Rock Hill National 4 pm
Game 4: Bishopville vs Pineview 6 pm
Game 5: Gregg Park vs Sumter American 6 pm
Game 3: Maple Park vs Seneca 8 pm
Game 6: Hilton Head American vs Mid Carolina 8 pm
Sunday, July 26
Home Run Derby (Freedom Florence lower complex) 1 pm
Game 7: Elimination Game L1 vs L2 3:30 pm
Game 8: Elimination Game L3 vs L4 3:30 pm
Game 9: Elimination Game L5 vs L6 5:30 pm
Game 10: Winners' Game W5 vs W6 5:30 pm
Game 11: Winners' Game W3 vs W4 7:30 pm
Game 12: Winners' Game W1 vs W2 7:30 pm
Monday, July 27
Game 13: Elimination Game W8 vs W9 5:30 pm
Game 14: Elimination Game W7 vs L11 5:30 pm
Game 15: Elimination Game L10 vs L12 7:30 pm
Game 16: Winners' Game W11 vs W12 7:30 pm
Tuesday, July 28
Game 17: Elimination Game W13 vs W14 5:30 pm
Game 18: Elimination Game W15 vs L16 6:30 pm
Game 19: Winners' Game W10 vs W16 7:30 pm
Wednesday, July 29
Game 20: Elimination Game W18 vs L19 5:30 pm
Game 21: Possible Elimination Game W17 vs W19 7:30 pm
Thursday, July 30
Game 22: Championship Game 10 am
Game 23: If Necessary Championship Game 4 pm


2009 McLeod Health Dixie Youth Baseball Majors State Tournament
Saturday, July 25
Opening Ceremonies 2:30 pm
Game 1: York Central vs Surfside Beach 4 pm
Game 2: Hampton/Varnville vs Gregg Park 4 pm
Game 4: Walhalla vs Lake Marion 6 pm
Game 5: Parks Field American vs Hartsville National 6 pm
Game 3: Midlands vs McLeod Park 8 pm
Game 6: Maple Park vs Laurens 8 pm
Sunday, July 26
Home Run Derby (Freedom Florence lower complex) 1 pm
Game 7: Elimination Game L1 vs L2 4 pm
Game 8: Elimination Game L3 vs L4 4 pm
Game 9: Elimination Game L5 vs L6 6 pm
Game 10: Winners' Game W5 vs W6 6 pm
Game 11: Winners' Game W3 vs W4 8 pm
Game 12: Winners' Game W1 vs W2 8 pm
Monday, July 27
Game 13: Elimination Game W8 vs W9 6 pm
Game 14: Elimination Game W7 vs L11 6 pm
Game 15: Elimination Game L10 vs L12 8 pm
Game 16: Winners' Game W11 vs W12 8 pm
Tuesday, July 28
Game 17: Elimination Game W13 vs W14 6 pm
Game 18: Elimination Game W15 vs L16 7 pm
Game 19: Winners' Game W10 vs W16 8 pm
Wednesday, July 29
Game 20: Elimination Game W18 vs L19 6 pm
Game 21: Possible Elimination Game W17 vs W19 8 pm
Thursday, July 30
Game 22: Championship Game 1 pm
Game 23: If Necessary Championship Game 7 pm

ALL GAMES PLAYED AT FREEDOM FLORENCE COMPLEX in Florence, SC

Tickets: $6 adults , $3 children ages 7-12 , 6 and Under FREE
Tournament pass: $20

Consumer Affairs Alerts About Blocked Debit Card Scam

The South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs is alerting South Carolina residents about a debit card scam targeting Midlands residents and likely spreading across the state. Consumers are receiving calls claiming their debit cards have been blocked. Consumers are instructed to respond to automated instructions to “unblock” or “re-activate” their card. Reports from consumers indicate the scam is targeting both cell phones and landlines.

The call is a scam designed to obtain sensitive bank account numbers. Consumers are urged not to answer the phone or hang up immediately if they receive a call from the following number: 520.882.7767. The number belongs to an Arizona heating and cooling company and is fraudulently being used without the company’s permission to perpetrate the scam.

Consumers receiving a call from this number should contact the Public Information Division at 803.734.4296 or toll free in SC at 1.800.922.1594, or online at www.scconsumer.gov.

SC Dems: Sanford Travel Style Shows GOP Hypocrisy

South Carolina Democratic Party Chair Carol Fowler issued the following statement today in response to a recent analysis of Governor Mark Sanford's travel expenses. According to the analysis the Governor, who bragged about being frugal, often flew first class and stayed at expensive hotels during state funded trips.

"Like many South Carolina taxpayers, I am appalled by these recent findings. For years, Mark Sanford has pretended to be the state's sole-protector of taxpayer money. But in reality, he's been living it up and spending our tax dollars on luxurious accommodations. The money he spent to travel in style and provide the same treatment for State Representative Nikki Haley and State Commerce Secretary Joe Taylor would pay the salary for a teacher or policeman who would make a real difference here in South Carolina. Apparently, fiscal conservatism doesn't apply when it comes to Mark Sanford's personal comfort," said Fowler.

Manning Man Charged with Stealing Benefits

United States Attorney W. Walter Wilkins stated today that Sammie Lee Samuel, age 45, of Manning, was charged in a federal Indictment with theft of government property, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 641.

The indictment alleges that Samuel embezzled and converted to his use Social Security benefits worth more than $1,000.00, by cashing the Social Security checks of a deceased person.

The maximum penalty that Samuel could receive is a fine of $250,000 and imprisonment of 10 years.

Mr. Wilkins stated that the case was investigated by agents of the Social Security Administration and that he has assigned the case to Assistant United States Attorney Rhett DeHart of the Charleston office for prosecution.

The United States Attorney stated that all charges in this Indictment are merely accusations and that all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Summerville Man Faces Child Pornography Charges

United States Attorney W. Walter Wilkins stated today that Kevin J. Powers, age 47, of Summerville, was charged in a two-count Indictment with possession and receipt of child pornography.

The Indictment alleges that in March 2009, Powers knowingly possessed a computer, computer disks, and other materials that contained images of child pornography that had been mailed, shipped, and transported in interstate commerce.

The maximum penalty that Powers could receive is a fine of $250,000 and imprisonment for 20 years.

Mr. Wilkins stated that the case was investigated by agents of the FBI and that he has assigned the case to Assistant United States Attorney Rhett DeHart of the Charleston office for prosecution.

The United States Attorney stated that all charges in this Indictment are merely accusations and that all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Hanahan Man Faces Counterfeiting Charge

United States Attorney W. Walter Wilkins stated today that William Drake Distler, age 23, of Hanahan, was charged in a federal Indictment with manufacturing counterfeit currency, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 471.

The Indictment alleges that from October 2008 through December 2008, Distler falsely made, forged, and counterfeited $100 bills with the intent to defraud.

The maximum penalty that Distler could receive is a fine of $250,000 and imprisonment of 20 years.

Mr. Wilkins stated that the case was investigated by agents of the Secret Service and that he has assigned the case to Assistant United States Attorney Rhett DeHart of the Charleston office for prosecution.

The United States Attorney stated that all charges in this Indictment are merely accusations and that all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

N. Charleston Woman Charged with Identity Theft, Fraud

United States Attorney W. Walter Wilkins stated today that Shirley T. Watson, age 24, of North Charleston, was charged in a three-count federal Indictment with unlawful use of a Social Security Number, identity fraud, and aggravated identity theft. Federal investigators allege that Watson used the personal identification of her grandparents and a roommate without their knowledge to apply for more than $200,000.00 in student loans.

The maximum penalty Watson faces if convicted on all counts is 17 years in federal prison, plus a fine of $500,000.00.

Mr. Wilkins stated that the case was investigated by inspectors of the United States Postal Inspection Service and that he has assigned the case to Assistant United States Attorney Dean H. Secor of the Charleston office for prosecution.

The United States Attorney stated that all charges in this Indictment are merely accusations and that all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Columbia Farms Added to Federal Indictment of Greenville's Plant Alleged Hiring Violations

United States Attorney W. Walter Wilkins stated today that Columbia Farms, Inc., was named in a 50-count Second Superseding Indictment charging federal violations involving the hiring of illegal aliens in its Greenville, South Carolina, processing plant. The company joins two of its employees, Human Resources Manager Elaine C. Crump and Complex Manager Barry Cronic, who were previously indicted by the federal grand jury for criminal violations related to their respective hiring activities.

The 29 charges naming Columbia Farms allege that through Crump and Cronic, Columbia Farms “did knowingly continue to employ the aliens listed below, in the United States, knowing such aliens had become unauthorized with respect to such employment on the dates set forth below....” The Indictment then lists 29 employees who worked at the facility, despite the alleged knowledge of Crump, Cronic, and Columbia Farms that the 29 were unauthorized by federal law to be employed.

Crump is named in all 50 counts, including 20 felony counts charging her with instructing employees of the plant’s human resources department to falsify employment documents required by federal authorities in the hiring of non-citizens, and one misdemeanor count of knowingly hiring unauthorized aliens. Cronic is named in 30 misdemeanor counts, including one count of knowingly hiring unauthorized aliens. Crump and Cronic face potential prison sentences and fines, while Columbia Farms could be fined if convicted.

Mr. Wilkins stated that the case was investigated by agents of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The United States Attorney stated that all charges in this Indictment are merely accusations and that all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Home Remedies for Sunburn

• To ease a mild sunburn, pat skin with cider vinegar, witch hazel, or wet tea bags.

• Bathe a sunburned face in buttermilk. It’s great for the complexion, too.

• Add about a cup of baking soda to a bath filled with lukewarm water, and submerge sunburned areas.

• Remember that water doubles your sun exposure. Apply sunscreen under your eyes and chin to ward off reflected light.

• Wear a hat!

From Old Farmers Almanac

SC Dems Outraged By Sanford Second Summer Vacation

South Carolina Democratic Party Chair Carol Fowler released the following statement today in response to Governor Mark Sanford taking another vacation after being back on the job for less than a month. Sanford canceled pending work for the rest of the week.


"A good many South Carolina families with out-of-work breadwinners had been hoping their governor would stick around and look for ways to bring more jobs to the state. He's essentially been off the job for a month, and now he's off again for a week's vacation.

"Of course, unlike most South Carolinians, Mark Sanford gets paid whether he shows up for work or not. Once again it's clear that there is one set of rules for Sanford and another set of rules for everyone else," said Fowler.

You’ve Got a Friend: How to Help a Friend in Need

by Susan LaScala, RN-C
Family Nurse Practitioner

You have a friend in crisis. She has cancer and is going to the hospital weekly for chemotherapy treatments; or she has a 3-year-old daughter and has just delivered twin baby girls (and her father-in-law has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer); or she has just delivered a premature baby. Any number of scenarios fit the bill. They may not be life or death, but there are countless ways life gets disrupted. The most common reaction to such situations is for you to call and express your feelings – “Congratulations on the babies! But twins! You poor thing…” or “I’m so sorry to hear about the illness…” Then you automatically say into the phone, “What can I do to help?” Your question is heartfelt and sincerely meant, but probably, ultimately, not going to be helpful to the person in crisis.

When was the last time someone actually called you back when you made such an offer, and asked you for a favor? In the long run, the most likely response you will get to “What can I do?” or “How can I help?” or “Call me for anything,” is an appreciative thank you at the time of the offer, and silence after that. You will call again, and your friend will update you on her situation, but it is unlikely she will call back and ask you for anything. She will feel like she is imposing on you, or may be too overwhelmed to know what kind of favor to ask for. Who really answers your question with the truth: “What I really need is for someone to come and clean the bathrooms in my house. They are disgusting and I just can’t get to them because I have so much else going on.” Your friend won’t be able to say, “I am barely putting one foot in front of the other,” because she is probably trying to be brave or appear competent as she attempts to cope with her situation.

If she doesn’t tell you what she needs, what can you do?

Sit quietly for a minute, put yourself in your friend’s running shoes, and think about what she might need. What would you want if you were in her situation? Then call her and make an offer. Better still, make two offers, giving her a choice.

1. To the mother of the twins: “I have Fridays off. I can watch the babies on Friday mornings while you go out and get your errands done.” Or, “If you make out your grocery list I can do your shopping every Friday morning.”

2. To the mother of the preemie: “I know I can’t help with the baby while he’s in the hospital, but I love cleaning the kitchen. It gives me a great deal of satisfaction to take a disaster zone and make it all shiny. When you go to visit the baby in the hospital I will come and clean your kitchen.”

3. To the friend with cancer: “I always make a big dinner on Sunday evenings. I’ll double the recipe each Sunday and bring dinner to you.”

4. Tell your friend she is lovely but could use a haircut, then ask her when you can schedule an appointment for her. Take her to the appointment and drag her to lunch while you are at it. She still needs to eat.

5. Offer to take care of your friend’s children so she and her husband can have a night out.

6. Tell her to do all the laundry on Friday evenings and you will be over to fold on Saturday morning.

Be specific. Make the task something you like to do so it isn’t onerous for you, but a labor of love. Perhaps you are a vacuuming addict and there is nothing that makes you happier than seeing the perfection of pile carpet with those nice wheel marks going back and forth over the pile. Tell your friend that. It will make her feel better and she might laugh and say, “All right already. Knock yourself out! Come and vacuum my floors.”

This helping can apply to your siblings, parents, neighbors, co-workers, or anyone in need. If you draw a blank when you are trying to think of how to help an acquaintance you may not know very well, call someone who was in a similar situation. Ask, “What was most helpful when you were sick?” Call hospice if you know someone who is dying or the senior center if your friend is elderly. Such organizations will probably have a number of ideas and resources you wouldn’t have thought of. Then rework their ideas for your particular situation.

Lending a helping hand benefits both the helper – you – and the recipient. It is amazing how much better you feel when you know you have done a favor for someone. You can’t remove the burden of your friend’s illness or crisis, but you certainly can put a check in the plus column for that friend on that particular day. Your efforts will be much appreciated.


Susan LaScala, RN, MS is a Family Nurse Practitioner and the author of “Small Wonder, the story of a child born too soon” (Barton Cove Publishing 2009). You can visit her website at www.susanjlascala.com/

SC Forestry Commission Selling Tree Seedlings for Timber, Energy

The South Carolina Forestry Commission is again offering tree seedlings in preparation for the winter planting season.

The Commission's Taylor Nursery grows more than 35 varieties of trees for sale, including 10 selections of pine and 18 different hardwood species. Also available are baldcypress, red cedar, Atlantic white cedar, palmetto (the state tree) and several shrub and grass species. For the timber grower, we have a number of selections of high-value loblolly pines. Disease resistance and fast growth make these seedlings suitable for woodlots and landscaped yards alike.

Despite the recent downturn in home construction, state and federal forestry experts say demand for SC timber will remain strong in the long run. Also, in addition to traditional uses such as lumber, plywood and paper, wood can provide an energy source that will help South Carolinians become more energy independent in the years to come.

Orders are expected to be brisk, especially for longleaf pine seedlings, so put your order in early.

Orders may be scheduled for UPS shipping or for pick-up at the Commission's Taylor Nursery in Edgefield County beginning in December. More information and our catalog are available at www.trees.sc.gov or by calling the nursery at 803-275-3578.

Mobile Mammography Visit Cancelled

The Mobile Mammography Unit visit to Lamar on July 16 has been cancelled on this date and will be rescheduled for another date. Thank you.

Santee Cooper expands renewable power generation in Lee County

BISHOPVILLE, S.C.--Santee Cooper has doubled the generating capacity of renewable Green Power at its Lee County Generating Station through the installation of a 5-megawatt turbine generator. The $8 million project increases total capacity at the Lee County Generating Station to 10 MWs, making it Santee Cooper’s largest renewable Green Power station.

Santee Cooper, South Carolina’s first utility to generate Green Power beginning in 2001, opened the Lee County Generating Station in 2005 with three 1.8-MW engines. The engines and turbine are fueled by methane gas that is naturally produced by decaying garbage at the adjacent Lee County Landfill, an Allied Waste facility.

Landfill biogas is the cornerstone of Santee Cooper’s renewable energy program, which dates to 2001 when the state-owned utility opened the 3-MW Horry County Landfill Generating Station. The expanded Lee County Generating Station brings Santee Cooper’s renewable generating capacity statewide to 21 MWs.

“This expanded Green Power generating station continues Santee Cooper’s position as the state’s leader in renewable power,” said Lonnie Carter, Santee Cooper president and chief executive officer. “We continue to pursue practical solutions to increasing our renewable energy portfolio, from our ongoing exploration of offshore wind energy to new biogas initiatives like this expanded generating station. We have a great relationship with Allied and its parent, Republic Services, and we are pleased that we can continue to work together to the benefit of our state.”

Lee Postal, general manager of Republic Services, said, “Our investment in this project demonstrates our ongoing commitment to environmental responsibility. Through the expansion of our gas wells, this landfill will continue to serve as a source of clean, renewable energy.”

The additional Lee County generator became commercially operational July 1. In addition to the Horry and Lee facilities, Santee Cooper operates a 5-MW landfill biogas station at the Richland County Landfill and a 3-MW station at the Anderson Regional Landfill.

Santee Cooper is South Carolina’s state-owned electric and water utility, and the state’s largest power producer, supplying electricity to more than 163,000 retail customers in Berkeley, Georgetown, and Horry counties, as well as to 31 large industrial facilities, the cities of Bamberg and Georgetown, and the Charleston Air Force Base. Santee Cooper also generates the power distributed by the state’s 20 electric cooperatives to more than 685,000 customers in all 46 counties. Approximately 2 million South Carolinians receive their power directly or indirectly from Santee Cooper. The utility also provides water to 137,000 consumers in Berkeley and Dorchester counties, and the town of Santee. For more information, visit www.santeecooper.com. For information on how Santee Cooper lives green and how you can go green, visit www.SanteeCooperGreen.com.

Republic Services is a leading provider of solid waste collection, transfer, recycling and disposal services. Allied Waste merged with Republic Services in December 2008. Republic Services, Inc. has been building on success since its inception in 1998, becoming an industry-leading provider of waste and environmental services. The company provides trash collection services to commercial, industrial, municipal and residential customers in 40 states and Puerto Rico through its 400 collection companies. Republic Services owns or operates 242 transfer stations, 213 solid waste landfills and 78 recycling facilities. The company is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona and has 34,000 employees. For more information, visit the Republic Services web site at www.republicservices.com.

Fowler: Dawson Needs to Seek Alternate Way to Rebuild GOP Brand

South Carolina Democratic Party Chair Carol Fowler released the following statement today in response to former state GOP Chair Katon Dawson's
plan to rebuild the Republican Party's image using $1.7 million from Governor Mark Sanford's election account.

"Again this week Katon Dawson is offering Mark Sanford the chance to buy forgiveness from his fellow Republicans by making a large donation to their party. The governor should gain redemption with all South Carolinians, not just his fellow partisans, by finally getting engaged in the job he was elected to do-bringing jobs to our state and strengthening our public schools. Surely even the Republican Party that scolded Sanford instead of asking him to resign doesn't place campaign cash over South Carolina values," said Fowler.

Lynch and Ammons Shine at SCBL All-Star Game

by Christian Stryker, SID Coker College
7/14/2009

Hartsville, S.C. - Trey Lynch and Matt Ammons represented Coker College extremely well over the weekend, as the two raising seniors on the Cobra baseball team played in the 2009 Southern Collegiate Baseball League (SCBL) All-Star game at Russell C. King Field at Wofford College.

Both players played for the South All-Star team representing the Carolina Chaos in the game and both players were instrumental in the South's 13-6 win over the North team.

Lynch (Florence, SC) was the leading hitter in the game, going 2-for-4 with a home run, three RBIs and two runs scored, while Ammons (Chester, SC) was 1-for-2. Lynch was the starting right fielder for the South, while Ammons was the starting second baseman.

Lynch and Ammons, along with fellow Coker teammates; Jonathan Gainey (Hartsville, SC) and Brian Luchsinger (Farmingville, NY) will now prepare for their final weeks of the SCBL season. The final regular season game is on July 21, with the top six teams advancing to the SCBL Championship Tournament.

State ‘achievement gap’ shrinks in math but changes little in reading, study finds

South Carolina’s “achievement gap” between white and African-American students mirrors the rest of the nation’s, according to a federal government report released today. Although mathematics and
reading test scores have improved for both ethnic groups, the gap between the two has decreased only in math.

The new U.S. Department of Education study examined scores between the early 1990s and 2007 on the National Assessment of Educational Progress. The federal No Child Left Behind Act requires states to participate in NAEP, which is the only assessment that allows apples-to-apples comparisons. State-by-state NAEP results are reported every two years.

Overall, South Carolina’s fourth- and eighth-graders score near national averages in math and slightly below national averages in reading. In 2007 NAEP results, South Carolina fourth-graders ranked No. 33 in the nation in math and No. 42 in reading. South Carolina eighth-graders ranked No. 28 in math and No. 41 in reading.

But the new federal study shows that significant scoring gaps persist between white and African-American students:
● Math, Grade 4: South Carolina’s 31-point achievement gap in 1992 (NAEP has a 500-point scoring system) had decreased to 26 points by 2007 (national gap, 26 points).
● Math, Grade 8: South Carolina’s 33-point gap in 1992 had decreased to 27 points by 2007 (national gap, 31 points).
● Reading, Grade 4: South Carolina’s 27-point gap in 1992 had decreased to 26 points by 2007 (national gap, 27 points).
● Reading, Grade 8: South Carolina’s 25-point gap in 1998 had increased to 26 points by 2007 (national gap, 26 points).

“South Carolina’s NAEP math scores have increased dramatically in recent years for both white and African-American students, and that’s good,” Rex said. “But when scores for both groups are improving, African-American students must improve at an even faster pace if we want to close the gap.”

Reading scores have not improved at the same rate as math scores, and Rex said a new statewide literacy initiative will be aimed at changing that.

“Reading and writing are the fundamental tools for learning any subject,” Rex said. “How can you learn U.S. History if you can’t read? So one thing we need to do is move away from the idea that
reading and writing should be a central focus only in English Language Arts classes. For many schools, that will be a major paradigm shift.”

The State Superintendent said that in recent years, South Carolina has emphasized reading and writing instruction in early childhood grades (K-3).

“But there’s a danger in assuming that fourth-graders have command of those skills, because if you do that, then reading and writing instruction can get a lower priority in grades 4-12. We need to do a better job of helping students who continue to struggle past their early childhood years.”

Deputy State Superintendent of Education Valerie Harrison said a key goal of the new literacy initiative would be making reading the responsibility of all teachers in all subject areas. To help do that, the Education Department will incorporate that goal into its regional professional development programs.

“If you’re a visual and performing arts teacher, we’ll show you how to incorporate reading and writing instruction into your class work,” Harrison said. “If you’re a financial literacy teacher, we’ll do the same thing. One example might be to have students ‘notebook’ their class work – to write about what they’re learning on a daily basis.”

Harrison also said the Education Department would convene a statewide literacy panel comprising educators, parents, business leaders and representatives of professional organizations. She said that panel would recommend policy changes and practical strategies aimed at improving reading and writing instruction, in addition to giving regular feedback to the state agency as the initiative moves forward.

African-American students’ 2007 NAEP scores

In math, South Carolina African-American fourth-graders’ average NAEP score was 221, just below the national average of 222. Eighth-graders average 265, significantly above the national average of 259.

In reading, South Carolina African-American fourth-graders’ average NAEP score was 199, below the national average of 203. African-American eighth-graders’ average reading score of 242 was just below the national average of 244.

The U.S. Department of Education said its next achievement gap report would focus on Hispanic students.

2009 National CPL All-Star Team Announced

RALEIGH, N.C. - The Coastal Plain League announced today the roster for the 2009 National CPL All-Star Team. The Coastal Plain League’s 11th annual All-Star Game will be played at Buck Hardee Field in Wilmington, N.C. on Tuesday, July 21st.

The National Team features players from 11 CPL clubs (Edenton, Florence, Forest City, Gastonia, Martinsville, Outer Banks, Peninsula, Petersburg, Thomasville, Wilmington and Wilson), with the players being selected by head coaches and media representatives from all clubs. The National roster is comprised of 27 players, highlighted by nine Player of the Week selections: first baseman Phil Cerreto (Week 1), shortstops Ronnie Shaban (Week 1) and Tyler Stubblefield (Week 5), outfielders Randolph Oduber (Week 4) and Stewart Ijames (Week 5), as well as pitchers Trent Howard (Week 1), John Taylor (Week 2), Bryan Breedlove (Week 4) and Trent Rothlin (Week 4 & 6).

Furthermore, Gastonia’s Byron McKoy, Edenton’s Adam De La Garza, and Petersburg’s Jerry Battipaglia were also selected as All-Stars for the National team, but will not be able to attend due to injury and have been replaced on the roster.

The Wilmington Sharks, in conjunction with the Coastal Plain League, will host the All-Star Game and festivities beginning on Monday, July 20th and running thru Tuesday, July 21st. Game time is set for 7:05 p.m. on July 21st.

Below is the complete roster for the National CPL All-Star Team (starters are shown with an asterisk (*)).


Pos. Name Team Ht. Wt. Yr. School Hometown
C Donnie Corsner* Outer Banks 6-4 185 So. Old Dominion Virginia Beach, Va.
C Tyler Smith Martinsville 6-0 185 So. Mount Olive Kinston, N.C.

1B Phil Cerreto* Martinsville 6-1 200 Jr. Longwood Midlothian, Va.
1B Josh Whitaker Outer Banks 6-2 230 So. Kennesaw State Augusta, Ga.

2B Matthew Hamlet* Gastonia 6-0 170 So. Boston College Chesapeake, Va.
2B Gerard Hall Edenton 5-9 165 Jr. Old Dominion Washington, D.C.

3B Greyson Schram* Gastonia 6-0 190 Jr. Concord Denver, N.C.
3B Derek Spencer Outer Banks 6-1 185 Jr. Bowling Green Oregon, Ohio

SS Ronnie Shaban* Petersburg 6-1 195 Fr. Virginia Tech Moseley, Va.
SS Tyler Stubblefield Outer Banks 5-11 185 Jr. Kennesaw State Woodstock, Ga.

OF Dylan Petrich* Outer Banks 6-3 190 Jr. Texas A&M Wichita, Kan.
OF Bobby Leeper* Wilson 6-1 175 Jr. UNC-Wilmington Raleigh, N.C.
OF Randolph Oduber* Gastonia 6-2 200 Fr. W. Oklahoma State Paradera, Aruba
OF Sam DiMatteo Florence 5-11 175 Jr. California of Pa. Center Township, Pa.
OF Will Lamb Peninsula 6-4 170 Fr. Clemson Seaford, Va.
OF Wade Moore Forest City 6-0 202 Jr. NC State Cleveland, N.C.
OF Billy Barber Peninsula 6-5 230 So. Richmond Fredericksburg, Va.
OF Stewart Ijames Thomasville 6-1 205 RS-So. Louisville Owensboro, Ky.
#OF Byron McKoy Gastonia 5-9 184 So. Temple Charlotte, N.C.
#OF Adam De La Garza Edenton 5-8 180 Jr. Sam Houston State Red Oak, Texas

RHP John Taylor* Florence 5-10 165 Jr. South Carolina Florence, S.C.
RHP Trent Rothlin Martinsville 6-2 190 So. Mississippi Hickory, N.C.
RHP Daniel Cropper Wilmington 6-4 190 RS-So. UNC-Wilmington Snow Hill, Md.
RHP Stephen McCray Florence 6-3 230 Jr. Tennessee Lilburn, Ga.
RHP Jason Sullivan Wilson 6-1 205 Jr. Western Carolina Shelbyville, Ill.
RHP Bryan Breedlove Forest City 6-1 185 Jr. Lynchburg College Suffolk, Va.
LHP Adam Kolarek Outer Banks 6-2 215 So. Maryland Baltimore, Md.
RHP Ben Booker Gastonia 6-2 175 So. East Tennessee State Knoxville, Tenn.
LHP Trent Howard Wilson 6-2 185 Fr. Central Michigan Hammond, Ind.
#RHP Jerry Battipaglia Petersburg 6-6 230 Fr. Villanova Katonah, N.Y.

# - injured but honored as an All-Star

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

Coker's Gillam Wins Two-Man Tourney

Courtesy of Jim Lane, Altoona Mirror
7/14/2009

TYRONE, Pa. - The Sinking Valley Country Club Two-Man Invitational is special to Jimmy Gillam and John Handrigan, and not just because they've won the championship two years in a row and four times overall.

Gillam's father, the late Jimmy Gillam Sr., was the club pro at Sinking Valley and Handrigan was his assistant at SV for awhile.

"It's special because I grew up around here," young Gillam said of Sinking Valley. "I was always around for the two-ball. I used to work it as a little kid, so I have a lot of memories over the years here, and it's always been fun."

Now 21, the former Tyrone High School standout now lives in Altoona and will be a senior at Coker College in Hartsville, S.C.

Handrigan, now golf coach at Queens College in Charlotte, N.C., has known young Gillam a long time.

"I worked for his father here at Sinking Valley, and he took me in like a son," Handrigan said. "I met Jimmy through him, so we had a close relationship. Then I recruited him to Coker College, where I was coaching at the time.

"To be honest, the memories [of this tourney] are of Jimmy's dad," Handrigan said. "When I come here, it's his tournament because he was here so long, so it's an honor to win this one. It's the biggest tournament for us because of his father."

The Gillam-Handrigan duo won the 41st annual event by shooting best-ball rounds of 68, 61 and 64 over the weekend for a 193 total - four shots better than the runner-up team of Artie Fink and Bernie DeLoretto, who had rounds of 65, 69 and 63.

"Jimmy played really well [Saturday], and that put us in a commanding lead today," said Handrigan, 32, a native of Toronto, Canada. "We both played pretty solid today, making some birdies, but Jimmy putted really well. He made a lot of putts that made things a little easier for us."

The champs held off Fink and DeLoretto by sinking birdies on the last three holes Sunday.

"Jimmy birdied 16, I birdied 17, then he sunk about a 50-footer on 18," Handrigan said.

"Friday, we both played pretty lousy," Gillam said. "Yesterday, I played really well, and John was there when I needed him.

"Today, it was sort of the same deal. Even though we shot 3-under, we struggled on the front nine, but we played well on the back nine. We birdied the last three, and that was a nice way to finish."

Gillam and Handrigan will team up again next weekend to defend their title at the Park Hills Two-Man. When Handrigan returns to North Carolina, Gillam and Artie Fink will be teammates for the Iron Masters and Summit events, which they won a year ago.

Is Gillam looking for a repeat of the four titles.

"My goal always is to win," he said.

Championship flight: 1. John Handrigan-Jimmy Gillam 193; 2. Artie Fink-Bernie DeLoretto 197; 3. Anthony DeGol-Jake Biltz 201; 4. Greg Ferguson-Jimmy Ferguson 205; 5. Ben DelBaggio III-Terry DelBaggio 207.

First flight: 1. Wally Clapper-Spencer Hinish 209; 2. Ryan DelBaggio-Chris Perry 211.

Second flight: 1. Bill Allen-Mike Raley 212; 2 (tie). Brian Dinges-Brian Hall and Ben Walters-Mike Rook 214.

Third flight: 1. Henry Marche-Jim Roseberry 214; 2. Kevin Quinn-Nick Filak 215.

Fourth flight: 1. Doug Hershey-Josh Gibson 226; 2. Dan England-Dave Wertz 227.

Fifth flight: 1. Dave Panasetti-Scott Meredith 231; 2. Ronald Long-Tim Yingling 232.

Sixth flight: 1. Rodney Marshall-Mike Luther 232; 2 (tie). John Sisto-T.J. Keith and John Gummo-Scott Gummo 233.

By Jim Lane
Altoona Mirror
sports@altoonamirror.com

The Carolinas II

The July 9 gallery crawl for The Carolinas II was a great success. Black Creek Arts Council and the Friends of Hartsville Memorial Library would like to thank everyone who attended the event. We would also to thank our photographers for sharing their work.

Mark your calendars for our next opening: August 6th at 5:30. Artwork from the collection of Beverley Spears will be on display. Spears is a collector of Irish Art.

Forty-six photographers submitted 109 photos for The Carolinas II. In the end, fifteen photographers walked away with awards.

The winners were:

Best of Show: Randy Drevland

Images of Darlington County Category
1st Place: Cliff Jones
Honorable Mention: Anne Baldwin & Patz Fowle

Large Photos
1st Place: Bob Feury
Honorable Mention: Dr. Susan Reynolds & Mary-Margaret Porter

Small Photos
1st Place: Jill Snyder
Honorable Mention: Lee Benoy & Suiter Coxe

Photographers 18 & Under
1st Place: Ragland Coxe, Jr.
Honorable Mention: Hayden Snyder & Heather Jordan

People's Choice
Hartsville Memorial Library: Cliff Jones
Black Creek Arts Center: Charlie James

2009 Coastal Plain League All-Star Coaches Announced

RALEIGH, N.C. – The Coastal Plain League announced today the 2009 All-Star Game head coaches and assistant coaches. For the third straight year, the CPL All-Star Game will feature all 14 CPL head coaches.

For the first time, Forest City’s Matt Hayes, the assistant head coach of last year’s American Team, will take the helm of the American CPL All-Star team. Hayes’ associate head coach will be Darrell Handelsman of Fayetteville. Serving as the assistant coaches for the American squad will be Hank Morgan (Peninsula), Tim Murray (Asheboro), Ray Greene (Thomasville), Lee Gronkiewicz (Columbia) and Steve Leake (Petersburg).

The National CPL All-Stars will be led by Outer Banks’ Jeff Wicker. Wicker will have Wilson’s Jeff Steele as his associate head coach, while their assistant coaches will be Wes Davis (Florence), Jake Tenhouse (Wilmington), Eli Benefield (Gastonia), Marty Smith (Edenton) and Barry Powell (Martinsville).

Hayes led the Owls to the West Division first half championship as well as claiming the title of best first half finish in the league’s 13 year history after posting a 24-3 record. Handelsman guided the SwampDogs to a 16-10 start for the 2009 season earning them the South Division first half championship.

Meanwhile, Wicker led his team, the Daredevils, to a 19-9 record and the North Division first half crown. Steele’s Tobs went 17-11 in the first half, a record that was second in the South, and the next highest winning percentage of the remaining teams.
The 2009 Coastal Plain League All-Star Festivities will feature several attractions during the two days. During Fan Fest on Monday, July 20, fans can look forward to the All-Star Home Run Derby, while on Tuesday, July 21, the main attraction will be the 2009 CPL All-Star Game. Both will be held at the home of the Wilmington Sharks, Buck Hardee Field in Wilmington, N.C. For ticket information, please call the Sharks at (910) 343-5621 or visit them on the web at www.wilmingtonsharks.com.

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

SCETV’s Carolina Works Airs July 15th

Carolina Works, the South Carolina Workforce System’s monthly newsmagazine, moves to Wednesday night on ETV beginning in July.

On this month’s program: A story on the University of South Carolina’s Moore School of Business. A look at one of the many people getting help through the Employment Security Commission’s Workforce Centers. A spotlight on Columbia’s unique Nickelodeon Theatre.

Carolina Works is produced by SCESC’s Communications Department in partnership with several state and local agencies.

The program airs Wednesday night, July 15th at 7:00pm on SCETV and on Thursday, July 23rd at 5:30pm on the South Carolina Channel.

200 S.C. Students to Attend Business Week

Two hundred of South Carolina’s brightest high school students will descend upon Presbyterian College in Clinton, S.C., July 12-17, for South Carolina Business Week, presented by the South Carolina Cable Television Association (SCCTA). Each year, Business Week offers bright young minds the unique opportunity to interact with business leaders and student peers to learn more about the ins and outs of the business world and a successful career.

In addition, students will have the opportunity to live on the campus of Presbyterian College, the host of South Carolina Business Week. Presbyterian College boasts a 240-acre campus, which includes five buildings that are on the National Register of Historic Places.

Highlights of the 26th Annual Week Include:
• Sunday, July 12, 1:00 p.m.: Opening Assembly featuring Otis B. Rawl, Jr., president and CEO of the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce
• Wednesday, July 15: Students will tour Fuji Film in Greenwood.
• Thursday, July 16, 10:30 a.m.: South Carolina Superintendent of Education Dr. Jim Rex will address students.
• Thursday, July 16, 6:30 p.m.: Annual Banquet featuring Steve Benjamin of McAngus Goudelock & Courie, LLC, who is also a member of the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.
• Friday, July 17, 1:00 p.m.: Graduation Ceremony featuring Jim Reynolds, president of Total Comfort Service Center Inc. and a member of the Board of Directors of the South Carolina Chamber.

During the week, teams of students will develop mock companies, led by company advisors loaned from some of South Carolina’s most prestigious businesses. Students will attend workshops to learn about all aspects of business and test newly acquired knowledge in a computer business simulation designed to achieve a real company feel with challenging, real-world situations. Along with an emphasis on teamwork and leadership skills, Business Week includes programs on the stock market, ethics in business, personal finance, resume writing, leadership profiling, the significance of diversity in business and entrepreneurship. The Business Week faculty is made of South Carolina professionals and CEOs in business, education and government who share their specialized knowledge and skills with students.

2009 Business Week sponsors include:

Presenting Sponsor: South Carolina Cable Television Association

Co-Sponsors: AlliedBarton Protective Services, S.C. Association of School Administrators, S.C. Commission on Higher Education- S.C. GEAR UP, S.C. Council on Economic Education, S.C. Department of Education, S.C. Manufacturing Extension Partnership.

Business Week Scholarship Donors: ALCOA Mt. Holly, Ann Marie Stieritz, Ashland Performance Material, AstenJohnson Inc., AT&T, AVX Corporation, B.P. Barber & Associates Inc., BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, Business Vitals LLC, Carolina First Bank, CMC Steel South Carolina, Columbia Urban League Inc., Cynthia M. Bennett, Darlington Raceway, Delta Dental, Dillon Provision Company Inc., Duke Energy – Carolinas, Eastman Chemical Foundation, First Citizens, FN Manufacturing LLC, Glen Dwinnells Memorial Fund, Grainger, Gregory Electric Company Inc., Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd PA, Holcim (US) Inc., Kathy Shaffer Olson, Kohler Company, Louis Rich/Kraft Foods, Martek Biosciences Kingstree Corporation, McNair Law Firm Foundation, McNair Law Firm PA, Metglas Inc., Metromont Corporation, Michelin North America, Milliken & Company, Nan Ya Plastics Corporation America, National Bank of South Carolina, Nestlé Prepared Foods Company, North American Rescue Inc., Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart P.C., Phil Waddell, Presbyterian College, Progress Energy, Publix Super Markets Inc., R.L. Bryan Company, RBC Insurance, Robert E. Barnett , Roche Carolina Inc., Security Finance Corporation of Spartanburg, Select Health of South Carolina, SEW-Eurodrive Inc., Shaw Industries, Snelling Staffing Services, Sonoco Products Company, South Carolina Bankers Association, South Carolina GEAR UP, Southeastern Freight Lines Inc., South Carolina Ports Authority, Springs Creative Products Group LLC, Terry & Katherine Huggins, The Bank of America Foundation, The Bank of South Carolina, The Intertech Group Foundation, Time Warner Cable, Total Comfort Services, UNUM, Warehouse Services Inc., Wilson Senior Care, and Windsor Aughtry Company.

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
What are your triggers? Learning to recognize your eating habits will help you manage them better.

What makes you eat? Each of us has different eating triggers, and some might be more obvious than others. (Rereading your food journal is one excellent way to spot occasions and foods that tend to trip you up.) Learning to recognize your own eating cues will help you figure out how to manage them better, so let's take a look:

Certain places or actions: Walking in the door when you get home from work, sitting down in front of the TV or even sitting in a particular comfortable chair can be powerful "feed me!" triggers. Or perhaps you can't talk on the phone or read the newspaper without having something to nibble. However it began, you may have come to associate those activities with eating a snack.

Seeing and/or smelling food: Tantalizing aromas and seductive visuals of food can get your digestive juices flowing and activate your "hunger" meter. Some people seem to be more susceptible to these cues than others. If walking by a pizzeria or a doughnut shop gets your senses reeling, you might be one of these food "hyperresponders."
Boredom: If you've got downtime or are busy with a task that doesn't command your full attention, you might crave food simply to have something engaging to do. Going to get something to eat might feel like switching channels to a better station.

Emotions: While some people react to stressful or unpleasant situations by losing appetite, many people find themselves eating more to help them cope. It's easy to see why: food is pleasurable and comforting, and after all, eating is one major way we care for ourselves. Overeating can even produce a drowsy calm (some call it a "food coma") that can be quite soothing. The act of eating itself can be a distraction, too, if you're a procrastinator: ever wonder why you're longing to cook up a delicious, complicated dinner when you have a deadline looming?

Research shows that positive emotions can trigger overeating, too. You might find yourself eating more when you're celebrating an accomplishment, anticipating a happy event or falling in love, for example.
-www.eatingwell.com



Physical Activity
Longer days and rising temperatures signal summertime. The American Heart Association has some tips to help you stay active, safe and heart healthy when it's hot outside.
You can stay active and beat the heat by:

* Going to a gym for a nice, cool environment with a variety of activities.
* Visiting your favorite local swimming hole or taking swimming lessons at a pool.
* Starting a walking group with your friends at the mall.
* Taking up an indoor sport, such as racquetball, basketball or volleyball, or taking an aerobics class.
* Going ice skating.

If you exercise outside when it's hot and humid, wear light, comfortable clothing and work out in the early morning or late evening. Know the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. If you experience symptoms, stop exercising and cool down immediately by dousing yourself with cold water. You may need medical attention. Heat exhaustion can progress quickly to heat stroke, which can kill you.
-The American Heart Association, www.americanheart.org



Tobacco
It's normal to feel sad for a period of time after you first quit smoking. Many people have a strong urge to smoke when they feel sad or depressed, but remember that if you give in to your craving for a cigarette, you may feel even sadder that you didn't stick with your decision to quit.

What to Do:

* Identify your specific feelings at the time that you seem to be depressed. Are you actually feeling tired, lonely, bored, or hungry? Focus on and address these specific needs.
* Add up how much money you have saved already by not purchasing cigarettes, and imagine (in detail) how you will spend your savings in six months.
* Call a friend and plan to have lunch, or go to a movie, a concert, or another pleasurable event.
* Make a list of things that are upsetting to you and write down solutions for them.
* Keep positive about changes in your life.
* Increase physical activity. This will help improve your mood and lift your depression.
* Focus on your strengths.
* Plan your next vacation or fun activity.
* Try deep-breathing exercises.
* Draw up a list of your short- and long-term personal goals.
* Think of how healthy you'll feel when you are totally free of smoking.
* If depression continues for more than a month, see your doctor.
-www.everydayhealth.com

SCDP Chair Responds to DeMint US/Germany Comparison

Columbia, SC- South Carolina Democratic Party Chair Carol Fowler issued the following statement today in response to Senator Jim DeMint's recent comparison of the U.S. to Nazi Germany during a National Press Club appearance. During the event, DeMint said America is about where Germany was before WWII when the country became a social democracy.

"How dare Jim DeMint compare our great country to Nazi Germany? Americans are happy that our country is back on the road to recovery, not distraught and searching for real leadership. Senator DeMint needs to realize that American voters became informed, wanted to change their government and elected Barack Obama. The only thing the U.S. needs to save itself from is fear mongering Republicans like Jim DeMint," said Fowler.

Washington Independent: DeMint: America is ‘Where Germany Was Before World War II’

By David Weigel 7/9/09

Last night, Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.) gave a short talk and Q&A at at the National Press Club about his book “Saving Freedom.” DeMint told a room of around 100 people about a conversation he’d had with an Iranian immigrant who was panicking about the surge of government spending and control under President Obama and the Democrats. Americans should listen to immigrants like her, said DeMint.

They understand socialism. They understand tyrants. But none of us have ever had it here. We don’t even know what it looks like. Part of what we’re trying to do in “Saving Freedom” is just show that where we are, we’re about where Germany was before World War II where they became a social democracy. You still had votes but the votes were just power grabs like you see in Iran, and other places in South America, like Chavez is running down in Venezuela. People become more dependent on the government so that they’re easy to manipulate. And they keep voting for more government because that’s where their security is. When our immigrants get here, they’re worried, because they see it happening here.

DeMint worried that it was the “eleventh hour” for freedom, but he disputed a question from a man who wondered if America was ripe for another revolution. “The reason I’m convinced we can do this in a civilized way is that I’ve seen, on a number of issues, that when people get informed and want to change their government, the government will change.”

PalmettoPride Trash Fax - Litter Busters Hotline

Since 2003, 38,000 people have taken a stand against litter and called the Litter Busters Hotline. Here is how it works:

If you see someone littering from a vehicle or trash blows off the back of a truck bed, call 1-877-7-LITTER or #LB from your Alltel and AT&T phones. Ask for the Litter Busters Hotline. Give the operator the license tag, make and color of vehicle, time and location of the incident. If you know what the littered item was, you can give the operator that information as well. You do not have to give your name.

The Litter Busters Hotline operator will submit the information to the SC Department of Public Safety. SCDPS will mail a courtesy letter to the owner of the vehicle that explains the SC litter laws and the amount of the fines one could receive if ticketed.

And that is how it works! Litter Busters Hotline is brought to you by PalmettoPride, SC Department of Natural Resources and the SC Department of Public Safety.

The Carolinas II Opens Tonight!

The Carolinas II: A Community Photography Exhibit at the Black Creek Arts Center & Hartsville Memorial Library opens tonight from 5-8 p.m. Admission is free and the event is open to the public.

Will Mary-Margaret Porter defend her title? Who will win this year's People's Choice? Who is Darlington County's top young photographer? Those are the questions that will be answered at the opening of The Carolinas II on Thursday night.

The Black Creek Arts Center and the Hartsville Memorial Library will be hosting a local photography exhibit and gallery crawl on July 9th from 5-8pm. Sponsored by Sonoco, this is the second annual photography contest hosted on College Avenue.

Admission is free and the event is open to the public. Each visitor will also get to vote for their favorite photo as the People's Choice.

In addition to The Carolinas II, photos by Mendel Lyles will be on display in the Reese Page Classroom at the Arts Center. Last year, Lyles spent two weeks on safari in Tanzania.

The mission of Black Creek Arts Council is to promote and foster the Arts in Darlington County. BCAC's offices are housed in a state of the art 10,000 square foot facility at 116 West College Avenue in Hartsville, SC. BCAC offers a variety of programs including art classes of all styles, after-school activities, pre-school aged programs, private music lessons, and various types of gallery exhibits. BCAC also offers assistance with arts management, funding, education, and program coordination to arts and cultural organizations in Darlington County.

Former Coker Soccer Player Passes Away

by Christian Stryker, SID Coker College
7/8/2009

Coker College lost a former Cobra over the weekend. Stephen Jones, class of 1987, passed away on Saturday, June 29, at the age of 44 after a bout with cancer.

"Stephen was a great person, teammate and friend," said Tim Griggs Coker's Director of Athletics and former Coker soccer coach. "He was always up-beat, always having a good time and he was a heck of a goalkeeper."

One of the best goalkeepers in Coker history, Jones played for the Cobras for four years under Griggs. The Opelika, Ala. native earned his Master's degree in Physical Education from The Citadel, where he also served as a graduate assistant coach for two years and then interim head coach before he made a name for himself as the Head Coach at Carson-Newman College in Jefferson, Tenn.

Jones compiled a 59-60-10 record while coaching the Eagles from 1990-97. He was named South Atlantic Conference Coach of the Year in just his second season in 1991 after leading the Eagles to at 10-7-1 mark, which was the program's first-ever winning season.

"Stephen is a tremendous person and a great coach that will be greatly missed," said Griggs. "The thoughts and prayers of everyone from the Coker community go out to the Jones family."

In lieu of flowers, a gift may be given to Jones' medical fund. Make checks payable to Heritage Fellowship with "Jones Medical Fund" listed on the memo line and mail to Heritage Fellowship at 316 W. Old A.J. Hwy, Jefferson City, TN 37760.

4th Annual Taste of Coker Set for September 24

by Christian Stryker, SID Coker College
7/6/2009

The 4th Annual Taste of Coker date has been set! The Coker College Athletic Department will once again open their doors and their grills on Thursday, September 24, 2009. In just its fourth year in existence, the Taste of Coker has become a local favorite of the Hartsville and surrounding communities.

Last year more than 700 people turned out to sample the goodies of more than 35 local chefs, while participating in activities with Coker athletes, listening to music and watching some live entertainment from the Coker dance and cheerleading teams.

The fourth installment of the Taste of Coker promises to be just as exciting as the previous three, with more food, more fun and even more interactive entertainment planned for the whole family to enjoy.

Tickets to the 4th Annual Taste of Coker go on sale August 1, 2009, at the Coker Athletics Office. Business or individuals interested in sponsorship opportunities should contact Christian Stryker at 843-383-8068 or cstryker@coker.edu. For all other information on the 4th Annual Taste of Coker contact the Coker Athletics Office at 843-383-8073.

FMU adds two men’s basketball players

Francis Marion University men’s basketball coach Gary Edwards has announced that 6-3 swingman Edward Gullatte of Shelby, N.C., and 6-9 center Mindaugas Petreikis of Siauliai, Lithuania will transfer to FMU and join the Patriot program this fall.

Gullatte will transfer to Francis Marion after two seasons at Denmark Technical College. This past season, he averaged 17 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.0 steals, and 3,4 assists per game playing for head coach (and former UNC standout) Donald Williams.

He earned Defensive Player of the Year honors both in college and high school. While at Shelby High School, he was named the Most Outstanding Player in the state championship game.

The 240-pound Petreikis is transferring from John Wood Community College in Quincy, Ill., where he played a pair of seasons. This past campaign, he averaged 4.7 points and 4.0 rebounds for the 19-12 Trail Blazers, while shooting 66.0 percent from field and 71.8 percent at the foul line.
He attended Pace Academy in Atlanta as a foreign exchange student.

“Gullatte is a big, athletic guard who had an outstanding two years at Denmark Tech,” Edwards said. “What impresses me the most is his defensive intensity. He is a competitor who works very hard on the court and in the classroom.

“We knew Petreikis when he was a student at Pace and have followed his progress at John Wood. He has improved to the point where he can be a solid post player in the Peach Belt Conference. He is also an outstanding student.”

Both Gullatte and Petreikis were Dean’s List students at their respective colleges.

The two will join three other newcomers at Francis Marion this fall: 6-2 freshmen guard Evrik Gary of Camden, 5-11 junior guard Bryant Julious of Hemingway, and 6-6 junior forward Liki Turner of Richmond, Va.

Francis Marion finished the 2008-09 season with a 16-12 record.

O’Reilly Auto Parts signed as the presenting sponsor

O’Reilly Auto Parts, a leading retailer of automotive parts and accessories, has been signed as the presenting sponsor for the second annual Darlington Historic Racing Festival, announced track president Chris Browning.

The Darlington Historic Racing Festival presented by O’Reilly Auto Parts will take place on Saturday and Sunday, September 26-27. The event will offer fans two days of excitement featuring question and answer sessions with racing legends, exhibition laps by over 100 historic race cars including stock cars, Indy roadsters, midgets and modifieds, autograph sessions, a large display and vendor area, car corrals, and a variety of other activities.

“O’Reilly Auto Parts has been a great partner since coming on board in 2008,” said Browning. “We look forward to continuing our strong partnership with O’Reilly Auto Parts with the presenting sponsorship of the Darlington Historic Racing Festival.”

“Our partnership with Darlington Raceway has been very successful,” said Wes Wise, Director of Marketing for O’Reilly Auto Parts. “The Darlington Historic Racing Festival gives us a great opportunity to expand our relationship and offer discounted tickets to the event to O’Reilly customers; it is a win-win for everyone.”

Discounted one-day tickets for the event can be purchased at participating O’Reilly Auto Parts stores in the Charlotte, North Carolina and Greenville, Columbia and Florence, South Carolina areas beginning on August 24 for only $10, a $5 discount off the regular price. Children age 12 and under will be admitted to the event for free. Each admission includes access to the garage and infield area.

Darlington Raceway or the track “Too Tough to Tame” as it is known to many, is where the purest of NASCAR competition meets true southern hospitality. A NASCAR staple since 1950, Darlington Raceway has seen some of motorsports most talented drivers thunder to Victory Lane. In 2009, a NASCAR tradition, the Southern 500®, returned to Darlington Raceway as part of the famed track’s celebration of 60 Seasons of Racing.

Don’t miss the 2009 Darlington Historic Racing Festival presented by O’Reilly Auto Parts. The event will feature something for the entire family. Tickets for the event are $15 per day or $25 for the entire weekend, kids age 12 and under will be admitted free and each admission includes access to the garage and infield area. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Darlington Raceway ticket office at 843-395-8802 or online at http://www.darlingtonraceway.com/tickets/.

Arson Cases Remain Unsolved Throughout South Carolina

Tips to the South Carolina Arson Hotline (1-800-92-ARSON) could solve several arson cases throughout the state and lead to rewards for callers. Callers can remain anonymous.

Arson fires increase the cost of insurance to all consumers. According to the FBI, the average dollar loss for arson in the United States is $17,289. The Insurance Information Institute reports arsonists destroyed nearly $900 million in insured property and killed 295 civilians across the United States in 2007.

South Carolina Arson Hotline rewards are funded by the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of South Carolina Foundation. Founded in 1899, the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of South Carolina is the oldest and largest association of property and casualty insurance agents in South Carolina.

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is responsible for assisting local law enforcement and fire services with the investigation of arson, explosives and related crimes. Additional resources include arson and bomb dogs, technical equipment and bomb squad personnel to assist local agencies.

The South Carolina Insurance News Service reports the following facts about the South Carolina Arson Hotline:


• The South Carolina Arson Hotline (1-800-92-ARSON) is a statewide, toll-free number, available 24 hours a day, for reporting information about suspicious fires.
• More than $100,000 has been offered through the South Carolina Arson Hotline since its inception and more than $25,000 has been rewarded.
• The largest reward offered was $22,000 in the case of the Effingham Baptist Church fire. The largest reward paid was $7,000 in the cases of the Springhill AME Church in Dillon and Islamic Center and Masjid of Greenville fire in 1997.
• Arson Hotline yard signs, posters, calling cards and bumper stickers are available FREE from the South Carolina Insurance News Service.
• Vandalism is the leading cause of arson. An Insurance Research Council study suggests only 14 percent of arson suspects are motivated by a desire to defraud an insurance company but other studies report higher rates.


For more information on the South Carolina Arson Hotline, contact the South Carolina Insurance News Service at 803-252-3455 or link to www.scinsurance.net. To report a tip to the South Carolina Arson Hotline, call 1-800-92-ARSON.

EPA awards state half-million dollar grant to further reduce diesel school bus pollution

South Carolina is getting a $553,918 grant to help further reduce the amount of pollution created by diesel school buses, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today. The federal funds will be used to replace old buses with new low emission hybrids and to retrofit existing buses with cleaner technology.

“This grant is a great investment in environmental protection and will provide long-term economic benefits for South Carolina,” said Stan Meiburg, EPA’s acting administrator in Atlanta. “It will help bolster the economy and protect public health and the environment by creating green jobs that improve air quality.”

EPA is using dollars from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act) to fund proposals from last year’s National Clean Diesel Campaign grant competition. The state project will create jobs while protecting South Carolina’s air quality, EPA said.

The South Carolina Department of Education will replace four existing 65-passenger school buses with four hybrid electric buses. The SDE will also retrofit crankcase ventilation filtration systems on 500 of its 1995 model buses. That upgrade will result in an estimated 4.7 ton reduction in diesel emissions.

“This is a significant step given the number of older, more polluting buses that we still have in our state fleet,” Superintendent of Education Jim Rex said. “These retrofits will cut down on exhaust and soot that can pose health risks to adults and children alike.’

Rex said the new grant supports SDE pollution control efforts that began several years ago. The state received a $244,500 Clean School Bus USA grant last year and half-a-million dollars under the same program in 2006. The latest grant was one of six announced today in EPA’s southeast region.

Education officials will work with the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control to decide where the four new hybrid electric buses will be put into service, based on environmental and air quality conditions throughout the state.

South Carolina took delivery of two plug-in hybrid diesel-electric buses in 2007. Hybrids are more expensive than a standard diesel bus, but have lower fuel costs and greatly-reduced emissions. The new grant will also pay for DHEC to conduct training on specific actions school bus drivers should take to eliminate unnecessary diesel idling.

Former Patriot pitcher earns Player of the Week honors

Former Francis Marion University right-handed pitcher Dylan Owen, a member of the New York Mets’ AA affiliate Binghamton Mets, has been named the Eastern League Player of the Week for the week ending on July 5.

The 5-11, 185-pound hurler made a pair of starts for the B-Mets last week and posted a record of 1-0 with eight strikeouts and a 0.00 earned run average in 13.2 innings pitched.

Owen made his first appearance of the week on June 29 and pitched 7.2 shutout innings while earning a no-decision in Binghamton’s 1-0, 10-inning win over the Akron Aeros. He struck out seven batters and walked just one while giving up four hits.

The 22-year-old also did not allow a run in his second start of the week on July 4 at NYSEG Stadium, tossing six shutout innings in a 4-0 victory over the Erie SeaWolves. The Chesterfield native struck out one batter while surrendering one walk and five hits to earn his first win of the season for the B-Mets.

Owen, who was named the 2008 Florida State League Most Valuable Pitcher after going 12-6 with 116 strikeouts and a 3.43 ERA in 24 starts for the St. Lucie Mets last season, was selected by the New York Mets in the 20th round of the 2007 draft.

In his final season at Francis Marion, Owen was 10-1 with one save and a 1.14 earned run average. He struck out 121 batters in 102.1 innings pitched, walked only 19, and opponents hit just .208 against him, including a .178 figure by right-handed batters.

In three seasons at FMU, he compiled a 28-8 record with two saves, a 2.15 ERA, and a Peach Belt Conference career-record 334 strikeouts in 323 innings. Owen was named the 2007 NCAA Division II national Pitcher of the Year by two different voting groups, twice earned first-team Rawlings/American Baseball Coaches Association All-America honors, and was selected as the Peach Belt’s Pitcher of the Year for both 2006 and 2007.

Water quality a priority with Forestry Commission Harvesting Guidelines

Landowners planning to cut timber can protect the environment by using water quality guidelines. Free services from the SC Forestry Commission can help prevent erosion and protect streams during timber harvesting.

The guidelines, called Best Management Practices (“BMPs”) for Forestry, help logging operations avoid environmental impacts. On request, Forestry Commission specialists will provide on-site recommendations and assistance with a free Courtesy Exam.

“BMPs are a part of good forest stewardship. They are designed to protect streams and also contribute to scenic beauty, wildlife habitat, and outdoor recreation,” says the Commission’s Guy Sabin. A Courtesy Exam almost always results in higher compliance with Best Management Practices.

The Forestry Commission also monitors logging operations and cooperates with SC Department of Health and Environmental Control to take action when failure to follow guidelines affects water quality. Experts say that South Carolina loggers get high marks with 98.6% overall BMP compliance.

Coastal Plain League Alums Highlight 2009 MLB All-Star Teams

Three former Coastal Plain League standouts were recently named 2009 MLB All-Stars. Boston’s Kevin Youkilis (Florence, 1999), Detroit’s Justin Verlander (Wilson, 2002) and Washington’s Ryan Zimmerman (Peninsula, 2003) were all named to the 2009 MLB All-Star Teams for their respective leagues.

Youkilis, the starting first baseman for the Boston Red Sox, is making his second appearance as an American League All-Star. He is currently batting .301 this season, and has hit 14 home runs and knocked in 47 RBIs for the Red Sox in 2009. The Red Sox are currently holding onto the number one spot in the AL-East standings going into the week.

While with the Florence RedWolves in 1999, Youkilis batted .284 and racked up 16 RBIs. He also went onto be named as the starting third baseman for the South Division CPL All-Star Team. He is also a member of the Coastal Plain League’s All-Decade Team.

Also making his second appearance as an AL All-Star, Verlander, leads the AL with 130 strikeouts. The Tigers right-hander has an 8-4 record and a 3.54 ERA. Thanks in part to Verlander’s dominance on the mound, Detroit currently holds the top spot in the AL- Central standings.

As a member of the Wilson Tobs in 2002, Verlander had an ERA of 2.68 and a record of 1-4, yet still struck out 54 batters in his seven appearances on the mound before being selected as the second overall pick in the 2004 MLB draft. Verlander was also selected to the CPL’s All-Decade Team in 2006.

Zimmerman, meanwhile, was selected as a MLB All-Star for the first time in his career. The Nationals third baseman is off to the best start of his career, after posting the longest hitting streak of 2009 – 30 consecutive games – earlier this season. On the season Zimmerman, is batting .293 and he has slammed 13 home runs while bringing in 47 RBIs.

While playing with the Peninsula Pilots in 2003, he earned team best marks in batting average (.331), hits (47), slugging percentage (.423) and total bases (60). Numbers like those saw Zimmerman named to the CPL’s All-Decade Team.

Furthermore, in the Final Vote race for the last spot on the NL All-Star team roster is former Fayetteville SwampDogs player and current Arizona Diamondback, Mark Reynolds. Reynolds is one of five NL players up for that final spot, giving fans the opportunity to vote and choose which one will make the team. Reynolds leads all third baseman in home runs and RBIs with 24 and 61 respectively. On the season, he is batting .269 with 81 hits. Back in 2003 as a SwampDog, Reynolds had 11 hits, nine RBIs and three home runs in his 16 games.

Fans can help vote for Reynolds by visiting http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/events/all_star/y2009/fv/ballot.html. Voting for the final spots on the MLB All- Star Teams ends Thursday at 1 p.m., with the winners being announced on MLB.com shortly thereafter. The 80th MLB All-Star Game will be on July 14 in St. Louis.

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

BI-LO Launches Campaign to Promote Local Farmers and Produce

As summer heats up, BI-LO stores are ripe with an abundance of fresh, flavorful local produce. The crisp, cool program in South Carolina seeks to educate customers about the benefits and variety of produce options that are available throughout the summer and into the fall, thanks to local farmers across the state.

The company’s local produce initiative is designed to help showcase the farmers BI-LO partners with to provide locally grown produce. The produce is of the highest quality, freshness and sustainability – all major criteria for any Walter’s produce sold at BI-LO. To ensure that the local produce meets Walter’s high standards of quality and freshness, it is inspected three times: at the farm, at the warehouse and at the store.

BI-LO ensures that its local produce is left untouched until it’s fully ripened, packed with the maximum amount of flavorful, natural nutrients. This attention to detail results in produce that’s sweeter, juicier, longer lasting and extremely healthy. The company only works with farmers that yield the best, most consistently fresh produce.

“Nearly 50 percent of BI-LO’s produce comes from farmers across North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee,” said Bob Denomme, Director of Produce with BI-LO. “Throughout the summer months we hope our customers will taste first-hand our extensive selection of high-quality, fresh and affordable local produce.”

Hot days, humid nights and rich soil make South Carolina one of the best places in the country to grow produce. BI-LO’s local produce campaign highlights partnerships with local farmers in South Carolina, including: Phil Sandifer Farm of Blackville, S.C., Randy Johnson Farm of Pageland, S.C., who grow watermelons, Rawls Farm of Pelion, S.C., who grow greens, Titan Farms of Ridge Spring, S.C., who grow peaches, Coosaw Farms of Fairfax, S.C., Hillard Farms of Santee, S.C., who grow mustard seeds, turnips, collard greens and rutabagas, Northside Greenhouse of Travelers Rest, S.C., who grow flowers and John’s Island Charleston Farm of Johns Island, S.C., among many others.

In addition to the great quality and price benefits customers gained by buying local, they are also helping out the local economy and protecting the environment by purchasing locally grown produce. Selecting this produce not only supports the farmers, but also the distributors and drivers that transport the product from the fields to the stores. On average, trucks carrying local produce emit four times less emissions than trucks carrying produce grown in the global market, so the miles to deliver the product are reduced by transporting local produce, lessening greenhouse emissions and driver’s reliance on oil for gas.

SF standout returns to Florence, will play for FMU

Francis Marion University softball coach Stacey Vallee has announced that former South Florence High School standout Brittany Cannon will be transferring from Santa Fe College to FMU and will play for the Patriots this coming season.

Cannon, a 5-8 native of Florence, is a left-handed center fielder. She played two honor-laden seasons for coach Chris Ahern at Santa Fe.

This past spring, she earned first-team All-American honors from both the NJCAA and the NFCA. She was named the FCCAA state Player of the Year following both of her seasons with the Saints. She was also a first-team NJCAA All-American as a freshman.

In 2009, she batted a school-record .508 with 74 runs scored, 12 doubles, 10 triples, six home runs, 40 runs batted in, and 51 stolen bases (in 53 attempts). She compiled a .528 on-base percentage and did not commit an error in 60 fielding chances. She helped lead Santa Fe to a 47-9 record and a Top 10 national ranking. She ranked seventh in the NJCAA in stolen bases, 12th in batting average, and 22nd in on-base percentage.

As a freshman, she set school records for hits (115), doubles (23), triples (15), and runs scored (85), while batting .491 with six home runs, 49 RBIs, and 50 stolen bases. She helped lead the Saints to a 62-5-1 record, the state championship, and a spot in the NJCAA national championship game.

She ended her two-year career owning the school’s career marks for hits, average, doubles, triples, runs scored, and stolen bases.

At South Florence, she played for coach Bobby Jones and helped the Bruins to a pair of AAAA state championships (2006, 2007). She earned numerous All-State honors and was named Miss Softball as a senior by the High School Sports Report.

“We are so excited about Brittany returning to Florence and attending Francis Marion,” said Vallee. “She may arguably be the most decorated recruit our program has ever signed. Her stats and honors speak for themselves. She will immediately fill our void in center field, and add power and speed to our line-up.”

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

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

Dog Days Begin

The dog days (a period of 40 days starting July 3 and ending August 11) are named for the Dog Star, Sirius, which is visible with the rising Sun at this time. Ancients associated this sky picture with the hot days that coincided with it.

From Old farmers Almanac

Carolinas Hospital System Announces Director of Patient Financial Services

Carolinas Hospital System is pleased to announce that Robert Boos is the new Director of Patient Financial Services. Prior to joining Carolinas Hospital System, Boos served as Associate Director of Healthcare for Navigant Consulting, Inc.

He has over 20 years of business office management experience, including serving as Associate Director of Healthcare for Navigant Consulting, Inc. in Chicago, Illinois; Revenue Cycle Director for MedCath, Inc., a 12 hospital system based in Charlotte, North Carolina and as a Central Business Office Director for a five-hospital 1,080 bed system for Tenet Healthcare System, Delray Beach, Florida. His professional affiliations include: American Association of Healthcare Administrative Managers and Healthcare Financial Management Association.

AME Church returns to Florence in growing numbers

For several years now the African Methodist
Episcopal (AME) Church has been gathering in Florence for its annual Christian
Education Leadership Congress which will begin Monday, July 6th through
Friday, July 10th at the Florence Civic Center. This 2009 AME Leadership
Congress is expected to generate a direct economic impact of $1.4 million and a
rollover in the amount of $3.5 - $4.9 million for the Florence area. Additionally,
the conference is expected to draw over 2,000 attendees per day contributing to
an increase in the purchase of food, accommodations, products and services for
the Florence area.

“We strive to provide our community with an array of civic engagements similar to
the AME Convention” says Tina Dean, Director of Sales and Marketing for the
Florence Civic Center. “We provide professional conference coordinating for the
group not only to host a successful engagement, but to also supply economic
value to the surrounding area via the several thousand patrons in attendance.”

This year’s AME Leadership Congress will feature dynamic worship experiences
each evening, Monday through Thursday at 7 p.m., with the closing service on
Friday at 10 a.m. Powerful preaching will be delivered all week long from
Reverend Merrit Graves of Mt. Zion AME Church, SC; Bishop Violet Fisher,
retired Bishop of United Methodist Episcopal Church; Reverend Carey Grady of
St. Peters AME Church, Lisle, IL; retired AME Bishop Zedekiah Grady and Dr.
Jamal Bryant of Empowerment Temple Church, Baltimore, MD. Dr. Jamal Bryant
is the son of AME Senior Bishop John Bryant and currently serves as pastor of
The Empowerment Temple, the fastest growing church in the AME
denomination.

Each day, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., the AME Leadership Congress will also
offer workshops on a variety of subjects such as Black Church History,
Entrepreneurial Exploration, and Youth and Young Adult Biblical Studies. For a
complete listing of activities contact the AME Church at (803) 935-0500 or
www.ame7.org.

FMU to play in Carolina’s Challenge in Myrtle Beach

Francis Marion University athletic officials have announced that the Patriot women’s basketball team will participate in the 2009 Carolina’s Challenge this December in the Myrtle Beach Convention Center.

Francis Marion will play Bluefield (Va.) College at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 20. The University of North Carolina, coached by former FMU head coach Sylvia Hatchell, will meet the University of South Carolina at 3 p.m. and Coastal Carolina University will play Savannah State University in the nightcap at 5 p.m.

The annual challenge is held in conjunction with the prestigious Crescent Bank Holiday Invitational for high school girls’ teams.

“This is an extreme honor to be able to take part in this event,” said FMU head coach Heather Macy. “To play on a stage such as the Carolina’s Challenge, raises our program to a new level, both for exposure and recruiting.”

Francis Marion returns six letterwinners from last season’s 27-5 squad that ended the year ranked 14th nationally. The Patriots won their second consecutive Peach Belt Conference regular-season championship, made the program’s second straight NCAA Tournament appearance (reaching the round of Sweet Sixteen), and led the nation in scoring offense for the second year in a row.

Francis Marion will open its 27-game 2009-2010 schedule on Nov. 15 at home against Converse College. The slate includes 15 home games.

South Carolina Literary Arts Partnership Announces New Coordinator

The South Carolina Literary Arts Partnership is pleased to welcome Frances Kablick as coordinator. Kablick will work on literary programs through this unique full-time position that is sponsored by the Humanities CouncilSC, the S.C. Arts Commission, and the S.C. State Library. Randy Akers, Executive Director of The Humanities CouncilSC said, “Frances’ passion for the literary arts and her excellent background experience with writing, public speaking, event coordination, and administering partnership programs, will allow her to build on the fine work of her predecessors in the position.”

Kablick has a B.A. in Arts Management from the College of Charleston, and is currently completing a year as Assistant Coordinator of the South Carolina Design Arts Partnership. Prior to her work with the design arts, she served as a Piccolo Spoleto Fellow with the City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs.

Kablick replaces Susanna Brailsford who was the Partnership’s coordinator for two years. She will spend her time assisting with and coordinating such high-profile literary programs as the South Carolina Book Festival, Poetry Out Loud: National Recitation Contest, Letters About Literature and other programs of the S.C. Center for the Book, and Let’s Talk About It Reading and Discussion program. Kablick will begin work on August 3, 2009.

The South Carolina Literary Arts Partnership is a cooperative effort of the S.C. State Library, the S.C. Arts Commission, and The Humanities CouncilSC. The three organizations have supported this distinctive partnership, unique in the United States, since 1999. All three organizations have a strong commitment to the literary arts and literacy.

Use Caution When Buying Michael Jackson Memorabilia; Value of Items Could Only Be Sentimental

Immediately following the announcement of Michael Jackson’s sudden death, enterprising individuals began selling memorabilia online to take advantage of the increased demand. Better Business Bureau warns that the value of most memorabilia and commemorative items being sold is sentimental and the currently inflated prices for many items will drop over time.

According to Smartmoney, before Jackson’s death, sellers listed an average 200 to 400 memorabilia items daily on eBay, but by the morning following his death almost 20,000 Michael Jackson-related items and memorabilia were for sale on the auction Web site. Items included autographs, gloves, posters, newspapers and even a Cheeto which supposedly predicted the death of the pop star.

In addition to memorabilia, commemorative items are already being mass produced and sold to fans—including t-shirts and special edition newspapers and magazines. Because the value of collectibles is largely dependent on how rare an item is, mass-produced commemorative items are not likely to appreciate in value.

“Collectibles associated with Michael Jackson are selling at a premium right now and most of these items will not increase in value in the future,” said Kathy Graham, President/CEO of the BBB of Coastal Carolina, Inc. “Following the death of Princess Diana, the market was flooded with mass-produced items commemorating her death including special edition Beanie Babies that at one time sold for more than $100 but are now on garage sale tables for a buck.”

For fans looking to purchase items to help them remember the King of Pop, BBB offers the following advice:

Get educated.
Collectors should research the value of Michael Jackson-related items before they begin purchasing memorabilia, especially if they are interested in purchasing pieces that have the potential for substantial appreciation in value.

Confirm authenticity.
Confirming the authenticity of memorabilia is rarely easy. Autographs can be verified by a third party, but for other items, the collector should feel free to ask the seller questions about the item, including how the seller came to own it. If the seller can’t answer simple questions, then the collector should walk away.

Make purchases with a credit card.
Consumers should always purchase items with a credit card if they are shopping online. If the seller turns out to be fraudulent, then the consumer can dispute the charge with the credit card company and may be eligible for reimbursement.

Purchase items from a reputable seller.
When shopping online stores, collectors should look for the BBB seal on Web sites and click on the seal to confirm its legitimacy. If there isn’t a BBB seal on the site, shoppers should always check a company out with their BBB before they buy at www.bbb.org.

When purchasing items from an individual on eBay, research the seller’s track record by reading buyer reviews. When shopping on Craigslist, go local and never wire money as payment.

Don’t be fooled by empty advertising claims.
Just because the seller claims that the item is of limited edition, it doesn’t mean that there weren’t millions made. If the item is being widely advertised, chances are, it’s too common to actually gain much value over the years.

For more BBB advice you can trust on shopping safely go to www.bbb.org.

Patriot men cagers gain services of Shepherd transfer

Francis Marion University men’s basketball coach Gary Edwards has announced the addition of 6-6 junior forward Liki Turner, who is transferring from Shepherd College to FMU and will play for the Patriots this season.

Turner is a native of Richmond, Va., and was a two-sport (football and basketball) letterman at Benedictine High School. He averaged 10 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game as a senior, while teaming with University of North Carolina signee Ed Davis as Benedictine posted a 29-3 record and won the Virginia Independent Schools Division I championship.

At Shepherd, he earned WVIAC Freshman of the Year honors after averaging 14.6 ppg and 8.9 rpg during the 2007-08 campaign. He recorded 13 doubles-doubles.

This past year, he compiled averages of 14.3 ppg and 8.1 rpg while shooting 48.3 percent from the field and 72.0 percent at the foul line. In his two seasons with the Rams, he tallied 823 points and 486 rebounds.

“Liki is a proven performer on the Division II level,” said Edwards. “He brings experience and an intensity to our front line. I expect him to contend for All-Conference honors in the Peach Belt just as he did in the WVIAC."

At Francis Marion, Turner will join previously announced newcomers 6-2 freshmen guard Evrik Gary of Camden and 5-11 junior guard Bryant Julious of Hemingway.

Francis Marion finished the 2008-09 season with a 16-12 record.

FMU signs Conway cross country runner

Francis Marion University cross country coach Mark Bluman has announced the signing of Sierra Young of Conway to a national letter of intent to attend FMU and run for the Patriot women this fall.
Young, 5-0, is a product of Conway and Loris high schools. She ran for three years at Loris before graduating from Conway this past spring.

For the Lions, she competed in both the 2006 and 2007 AA-A state meets, posting identical 25:29 times over the 5,000-meter course.

“The recruitment of Young is a testament to the program we have at FMU,” said Bluman. “As a freshman, she attended Loris High School and was a teammate of current FMU runners Kim Richardson and Holly Todd. Obviously she has noticed the success and fun that they are having at Francis Marion and she wanted to be a part of that.

“Young is a second generation runner as her father is also a distance runner. As a daughter of runner, she comes in with a great level of maturity. This maturity will contribute to her success here at FMU. I look forward to working with her. She comes to Florence well prepared to handle the demands of competing at the next level.”

Francis Marion loses only one senior from its 2008 women’s squad that placed ninth at the Peach Belt Conference Championship Meet and 20th at the NCAA Division II Southeast Regional Meet.

At least 5 state newspapers say Sanford should resign

Associated Press

COLUMBIA — At least five South Carolina newspapers say Gov. Mark Sanford should resign because of revelations about his affair with a woman in Argentina.

The Greenville News, The Herald-Journal of Spartanburg, The Herald of Rock Hill, the Morning News of Florence and The Times and Democrat of Orangeburg all called on Sanford to resign.

Sanford told The Associated Press Tuesday he had more encounters than previously disclosed with his Argentine "soul mate" and had dalliances with women earlier.

Spartanburg and Orangeburg newspapers earlier had called for Sanford to quit. Spartanburg said Wednesday that Sanford "has squandered the trust South Carolinians had in him."

The Greenville News said Sanford "has destroyed any shred of credibility with his lies unnecessarily added on top of other lies."

Coker Women's Soccer Adds Four for 2009

by Christian Stryker, SID Coker College
7/1/2009

Hartsville, S.C. - Coker College Head Women's Soccer Coach announced the signing of four players to National Letters of Intent to play soccer for the Lady Cobras in the fall of 2009 today. Morgan Hartline, Sarah Kinsey, Jill Giguere and Sarah Rountree will all wear Coker blue and gold starting in August, with the hope of taking the Lady Cobras back to the top of the Conference Carolinas standings.

Hartline is a native of Columbia, S.C., where she was a standout performer at Dutch Fork High School. A forward, Hartline joins fellow Lady Cobras Bridget Clark and Amanda McPhail who also attended Dutch Fork High School. According to Coach Grass, "Morgan distributes the ball very well, but looks to put the ball in the back of the net."

Kinsey joins the Lady Cobras from Windermere, Florida, where she attended West Orange High School. A three-time letter winner, Kinsey was a Second Team Metro Conference Forward in 2009 and was named the 2009 Offensive Player of the Year. Off the field she graduated with honors, while taking accelerated college courses and was a four-year member of the A/B Honor Roll. When asked about Kinsey joining the Lady Cobras Coach Grass said, "She gets herself in the right place to capitalize on goals, but also finding the holes for others to score."

Giguere comes to Coker from Myrtle Beach, S.C., where she was a four-time MVP for Socastee High School. A forward/midfielder, Giguere was a two-time Toast to the Coast selection, three-time All-Region selection, was a All-State nominee and was the team high scorer for five years. "Jill will be competitive at both the midfield and forward positions," said Coach Grass. "She will keep others on their toes with her subtle moves and seamless passes."

Rountree is another native of Florida, joining the Lady Cobras from Plantation, Florida, where she was a three sport standout at Archbishop McCarthy High School. The two-time Archbishop Female Athlete of the Year, was also named All-County in soccer, softball and golf, while receiving Academic Second Honors for four years and she was a member of the National Honor Society. "Rountree has a nose for tracking down attacking players and denying them goals," said Coach Grass about the defender. In addition to playing soccer for the Lady Cobras, Rountree will also take the field as a Coker Softball player in the spring, making her one of just a handful of two sport athletes at Coker.

With the addition of these four young ladies and the return of 13 players from last season, Coach Grass and the Lady Cobras will be looking to improve last season's record. The Coker women open their 2009 season on August 27, when they host Newberry College at 5:30 p.m. on the Coker Soccer Field.

SC Dems Condemn Sanford in New Video

The South Carolina Democratic Party today released a new web video, "No Laughing Matter," highlighting how Governor Mark Sanford's reckless behavior has made South Carolina into a national punchline that even leading national Republicans won't defend.

Governor Sanford's irresponsible conduct has made South Carolina into a national laughing stock, but his abuse of power is no laughing matter. When Americans think of South Carolina, we want them to think of our beautiful beaches and Southern hospitality, not lies and scandal. After embarrassing South Carolinians for two weeks, Governor Sanford expected to be able to return to work with no questions asked. This latest admission from Mark Sanford is precisely the reason why we've pushed the Attorney General and Republican legislative leaders to investigate all of the Governor's activities related to his extramarital affair. South Carolinians need to know if Governor Sanford's reckless, irresponsible behavior constituted illegal behavior," said S.C. Democratic Party Chair Carol Fowler.

To view the SCDP's web video "No Laughing Matter," visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txdZB8bVYEg

South Carolina Democratic Party Chair Carol Fowler released the following statement today in response to Governor Mark Sanford's admission to having more encounters with this mistress than he previously disclosed.

"This latest admission from Mark Sanford is precisely the reason why we've pushed the Attorney General and Republican legislative leaders to investigate all of the Governor's activities related to his extramarital affair. South Carolinians need to know if Governor Sanford's reckless, irresponsible behavior constituted illegal behavior," said Fowler.

McMaster Requests SLED Review All Sanford Travel Records in Light of New Revelations

Columbia, S.C. June 30, 2009 - "In light of the governor's disclosure of additional travel today, I have requested that SLED conduct a preliminary review of all Governor Sanford's travel records to determine if any laws have been broken or any state funds misused."