Kershaw County SC

Armies Through Time, Historic Camden, SC

noreply@blogger.com (Don Morgan) — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 12:17:07 PST

March 16 - 18, Gothic Line Tactical, Lugoff, SC

http://commonwealthreenactor.moonfruit.com/

Co-hosted by the 4th Bersaglieri "Italia" infantry unit and the IR134 Hoch und Deutschmiester. This will be a non-scripted tactical battle re-enactment of the fight for the famed Gothic Line in the north of Italy 1945. Italian RSI impressions are welcome. Registration fee of $20 payable at the gate.

April 7 - 8 - Armies Through Time, Historic Camden, SC **

http://www.historic-camden.net/apr.htm

Any nation, any era, a fun, educational military time line. Strictly speaking, not a reenactment since there are no battles. But it does include an operational tavern on Saturday evening! Jay and Charlie both know a lot about this one.

oldhickoryassociation.org

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Educator recognized for love of patriotism - Bertram Rantin - TheState.com

noreply@blogger.com (Don Morgan) — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 05:23:49 PST

So passionate is Darlene Cantey about bringing America’s history to life that she calls her Camden Elementary School fourth grade class the Patriots.

And when her students study the Revolutionary War in the coming weeks, they’ll take part in colonial re-enactments at Historic Camden as part of those lessons.

Cantey’s commitment to patriotism hasn’t gone unnoticed. The Kershaw County School teacher has been named the S.C. Veterans of Foreign Wars Citizenship Education Teacher of the Year.

Darlene Cantey

“Every time I’m around a veteran, my heart is just touched,” said Cantey, who was recognized during a surprise ceremony Wednesday at the school. “They are the most humble people I have been around.”

Some of Cantey’s most patriotic endeavors can be seen in the school’s Veterans Wall of Honor, where students and employees for years have brought in photographs of family members currently serving in the military, along with veterans. Her students also have sent care packages and personal notes to soldiers through the Letters to Soldiers Project.

Cantey helps coordinate an annual school-wide Veterans Day program and sponsors the school’s Geography Club.

“Mrs. Cantey has been promoting the values and greatness of our country to her classes for many years,” Camden Elementary principal Ed Yount said. “She is the leader in our school for finding ways to support both veterans and current soldiers.”

Cantey earlier was named VFW Post 8346 Teacher of the Year and will now compete for the national title.

Her father served in Vietnam, but she said more people should learn to appreciate the contributions of the nation’s military service men and women.

“The minute you sign up, you have become a hero,” she said. “And I like for my students to think that.”

New board members tapped

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Columbia has announced its 2012 board officers:

Tina Cundari of Sowell Gray Stepp and Laffitte has been named the new board chairwoman.

Ernest Pringle, vice chancellor for information services and chief information officer for University of South Carolina Aiken, is the chairman-elect.

Andy Lowrey, CEO of AgFirst Farm Credit Bank, is the new board treasurer.

Gerald Patton, regional sales director of Pepsi Bottling Group, is the new secretary.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Columbia serves Richland and Lexington counties and helps children reach their potential through mentoring relationships.

Educator recognized for love of patriotism - Bertram Rantin - TheState.com

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Sheriff credits witness for burglary arrests - WIS News 10 - Columbia, South Carolina |

noreply@blogger.com (Don Morgan) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 19:50:39 PST

LUGOFF, SC (WIS) - Kershaw County Sheriff's investigators say an alert neighbor helped lead to the arrest of three men wanted for burglarizing a home in Lugoff.

Deputies arrested 20 year-old Marquis Dashan Smith, 20 year-old Louis Edison King, Jr., and 20 year-old Manasseh Kerrar Hawkins Thursday.

Sheriff Jim Matthews says at about 10:30 a.m., an alert neighbor called 911 and reported seeing a suspicious vehicle back into the driveway of a home on Redwing Drive.

The vehicle drove away as the neighbor approached the home. The neighbor then went to the back of the house where he saw King who ran away. Sheriff Matthews says the neighbor provided deputies with a clothing description, vehicle description and direction of travel of the vehicle and suspects.

Responding Kershaw County deputies were able to locate and arrest Hawkins near the home.

Another deputy in the area saw two men running toward a van with SC government license plates. When the deputy pulled the van over, he found Smith lying on the floor of the van.

The Kershaw County Sheriff's Office bloodhound tracking team was called to a wooded area nearby to find King, who was hiding in the garage of another home.

Matthews says King is charged with 2nd and 3rd degree burglary and criminal conspiracy. Both Smith and Hawkins are charged with 2^2nd degree burglary and criminal conspiracy.

According to Matthews, Hawkins has prior arrests for possession of marijuana, assault and battery, shoplifting and minor traffic violations. Smith has prior arrests for marijuana possession, grand larceny, receiving stolen goods and he is currently on probation for burglary. King has prior arrests for shoplifting , breach of peace, petty larceny and breach of trust with fraudulent intent.

"Citizen involvement was a key factor in solving this crime," said Matthews. "I don't necessarily recommend that an unarmed civilian confront burglary suspects, but in this case we had a good outcome and we appreciate the help."

All three suspects are awaiting bond hearings at the Kershaw County Detention Center.

Sheriff credits witness for burglary arrests - WIS News 10 - Columbia, South Carolina |

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Case could clarify uses for restaurant revenues collected across SC - Local / Metro - TheState.com

noreply@blogger.com (Don Morgan) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 11:29:05 PST

A group of Camden residents unhappy with the city’s multimillion-dollar plan to build a downtown YMCA has filed a lawsuit that observers say could clarify state law on legitimate uses for tourist-tax revenues.

The two-percent tax on restaurant meals is a widely used revenue source for SC cities and counties. But state law stipulates the money be used for “tourism-related” projects, and the SC Hospitality Association says local governments take liberties with the phrase.

The suit was filed last week by a group formed because they disagree with how the city intends to use about two-thirds of the restaurant-tax money it started collecting late in 2009.

“As it stands, the hospitality-tax funds would be pretty close to used up for the next 20 years by building the Y,” said Herbert Farber, chairman of the Camden Committee for Responsible Government. “A lot of us are upset about that.”

City Manager Kevin Bronson said Camden’s leaders have bent over backwards to ensure its signature project would attract out-of-towners for weekend tournaments. The $5 million to $6.5 million sports complex would have a gym, space for an indoor pool and two, multi-use playing fields for soccer and la crosse. During the week, it would be available for local play.

“That would meet any interpretation of the hospitality-tax statute,” Bronson said.

State law does not define what is meant by “tourism-related,” and state courts have never been asked the question, said those knowledgeable about local government. State law began allowing the local tax in 1997.

Tom Sponseller, director of the SC Hospitality Association, said city and county leaders cover themselves by stipulating that sports facilities they build with hospitality taxes are available for tournaments. “Is that based on a percentage of use?” he asked. “Or just the fact that it’s available.”

A judge is being asked to decide. The Camden case, filed in Fifth Judicial Circuit Court in Kershaw County, could set a precedent or guide other jurisdictions, depending on how broadly the opinion is written and whether it’s appealed to higher courts, observers said.

The case comes on the heels of challenges in Columbia and Richland County over what kinds of food and drink the restaurant tax can be collected on.

Margaret Pope, the city’s bond lawyer, declined to comment. The citizen group’s lawyer is Weston Adams III.

Robert Croom, a lawyer with the SC Association of Counties, said each community needs the flexibility to determine how best to use the revenues.

“In some of these communities, anything to bring somebody into town — even if it’s a couple or three times a year — is salvation,” he said.

In the autumn, tourists drive through Oconee County in the Upstate to look at leaves as they change colors, he said. But visitors were driving through Walhalla until the town used some of its tourist taxes to build public restrooms. Once people stopped, they began to shop and get a bite to eat, he said.

More recently in Richland County, some objected to using $1 million of tourist-tax money to buy Caughman Pond for a 44-acre park in Lower Richland because advocates didn’t develop a plan for attracting tourists.

In Camden, Bronson said the sports complex would be built on about nine acres downtown, where the private boarding school Mather Academy once stood. Architects plan a façade with a flavor of turn-of-the-century design.

Read more here: http://www.thestate.com/2012/01/24/2126035/case-could-clarify-uses-for-restaurant.html#storylink=cpy

Case could clarify uses for restaurant revenues collected across SC - Local / Metro - TheState.com

Dogs removed, 5 charged in drug bust - WIS News 10 - Columbia, South Carolina |

noreply@blogger.com (Don Morgan) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 04:10:19 PST

ELGIN, SC (WIS) - A search warrant led Kershaw County Sheriff's Deputies to arrest five on drug charges and seize nine dogs.

According to the sheriff's department, deputies executed the warrant at a house on Dixon Road. When they arrived, deputies seized crack cocaine from several people inside the home.

Eight pitbulls and one rottweiler were removed from the home by animal control officers. Officials say the animals were malnourished and living in unacceptable conditions.

Authorities say several drug users actually approached the house during the bust, but they quickly left when they saw law enforcement officials.

Officials say Terrance Ayria Dixon, 24, Brandon Dixon, 23, James Perry Arthur, 21, Nathaniel Walter Brown, 21, and Anthony Martais Cooke, 36, were all hit with various drug charges at the scene.

Dogs removed, 5 charged in drug bust - WIS News 10 - Columbia, South Carolina |

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Camden man charged with molesting two small children : News : MidlandsConnect.com

noreply@blogger.com (Don Morgan) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:13:44 PST

Camden, SC (WACH) - A Camden man has been charged with molesting two small children after his girlfriend notified the Kershaw County Sheriff's Office.

Joseph Alton Boone, 32, was arrested Friday and charged with two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct with a victim under 11 years of age.

Kershaw County Sheriff Jim Matthews said his office received a complaint from the children’s mother that her 3-year-old girl and 4-year-old boy had been sexually assaulted by Boone, her live in boyfriend..

The two children, along with a third child, 1, have been placed with the SC Department of Social Services.

“The facts of this case are too explicit to describe in a public forum,” said Sheriff Matthews. "These children will suffer from the effects of this abuse the rest of their lives. I just hope they can be placed in a loving, caring home. Boone’s actions toward these two small children are despicable.”

Boone is currently incarcerated at the Kershaw County Detention Center awaiting a bond hearing.

Camden man charged with molesting two small children : News : MidlandsConnect.com

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Man Accused of Molesting Two Small Children | wltx.com

noreply@blogger.com (Don Morgan) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 16:38:55 PST

Joseph Alton Boone

Kershaw County, SC (WLTX) - Kershaw County deputies have arrested a man they say molested two small children.

Joseph Alton Boone, 32, of Camden is charged with two counts of criminal sexual conduct with a victim under 11 years of age in the first degree.

Officers say they got a complaint from the mother of two small children that Boone had assaulted her children between January 1 and January 12.

Boone and the mother knew each other, according to officers.

Kershaw County Sheriff Jim Matthews says forensic interviews of the children and an interview with Boone corroborated the allegation.

"The facts of this case are too explicit to describe in a public forum," said Sheriff Matthews in a statement. "These children will suffer from the effects of this abuse the rest of their lives. I just hope they can be placed in a loving, caring home. Boone's actions toward these two small children are despicable."

Boone is beind held at the Kershaw County Detention Center.

Man Accused of Molesting Two Small Children | wltx.com

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Two more arrested in connection to Lugoff meth lab - WIS News 10 - Columbia, South Carolina |

noreply@blogger.com (Don Morgan) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 12:05:17 PST

LUGOFF, SC (WIS) - Two Lugoff residents were arrested in Richland County Friday in connection with the discovery of a meth lab back on Jan. 13.

The Kershaw County Sheriff's Department arrested 27-year-old Christopher Walker and 24-year-old Nicole Goodwin.

Sheriff's deputies say the pair helped to operate a meth lab at an Economy Inn in Lugoff. On Jan. 19, deputies arrested Jonathan Pope and Heather Studd at the hotel.

Walker and Goodwin were transported to the Kershaw County Detention Center where they are awaiting a bond hearing.

On the morning of January 20, 2012, Kershaw County Sheriff's Office investigators, assisted by SLED agents and Richland County deputies, arrested Christopher Walker (27) and Nicole Goodwin (24), both wanted in conjunction with the discovery of a meth lab at the Economy Inn in Lugoff on January 13, 2012.

On top of meth possession charges, Pope and Stuff have also charged them with child endangerment for exposing their one month old child to the drug manufacturing operation.

Kershaw County authorities have also learned Studd and Pope are wanted in Tennessee and will be extradited there following the disposition of their charges in Kershaw County.

Two more arrested in connection to Lugoff meth lab - WIS News 10 - Columbia, South Carolina |

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Elgin woman arrested in fatal shooting - Crime & Courts - TheState.com

noreply@blogger.com (Don Morgan) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 06:29:38 PST

A 57-year-old Elgin woman was arrested today in the early Tuesday morning shooting death of an acquaintance at her home.

Kershaw County Sheriff Jim Matthews said Sally Memmert turned herself in to authorities after she was charged with manslaughter in the death of Petra Boykin, 30, of Elgin.

Boykin was shot in the chest around 3 a.m., Kershaw County coroner Johnny Fellers said. She was airlifted to Palmetto Health Richland where she died at 5:52 am.

Sally Memmert (57) of Elgin, SC

Boykin had a relationship with Memmert’s son and had stayed at the accused’s home on Smyrna Road off and on, Matthews said. She dropped by to pick up some belongings the morning of the shooting, Matthews said. She was shot with a handgun after the two women got into a physical altercation.

This was not the first time the sheriff’s office was called to the home. Substance abuse occurred at the address, and the two women had a history of arguments, the sheriff said.

“Normal people do stupid things when under the influence,” Matthews said earlier this week. “Now someone is dead.”

Memmert is being held at the Kershaw County Detention Center and is awaiting a bond hearing likely to be held next week in Camden.

Elgin woman arrested in fatal shooting - Crime & Courts - TheState.com

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Store clerk saves woman from contributing to possible scam - WIS News 10 - Columbia, South Carolina |

noreply@blogger.com (Don Morgan) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 18:04:26 PST

CAMDEN, SC (WIS) - It's a common scam: someone gets a phone call from someone posing as a family member in distress, asking for money.

Carol Bacon fell for it once, and was getting ready to send more money from the Piggly Wiggly in Camden when a quick-thinking store clerk stopped the transaction.

"People should beware," said the 90-year-old Bacon. "Ask questions."

Tuesday morning Bacon wired $2,200 to a man who called her claiming to be her great grandson. He told her he had been in a car wreck and needed money to get home.

Bacon believed him.

"He knew me and he said his first name," she said.

Bacon went to the Piggly Wiggly in Camden to wire money. Catherine Nielander was behind the counter.

"I didn't feel comfortable sending it but I didn't see that I had any choice in sending it," said Nielander. "So I sent it the first time."

2 hours later, Bacon says the man called back asking for more money to pay hospital bills. So she went back to Piggly Wiggly to wire $1,900.

"I said 'this lady's getting scammed I can't do this transaction,'" said Nielander, who reported her suspicions to another manager.

They called Western Union and the company denied the transaction.

"I was just doing my job," said Nielander.

Bacon is grateful.

"She saved me a lot of money," said Bacon.

If you receive a similar phone call, police say you should verify the person who called you is someone you know. Ask a personal question that only that person would correctly answer.

Store clerk saves woman from contributing to possible scam - WIS News 10 - Columbia, South Carolina |

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57-year-old woman charged with manslaughter - WIS News 10 - Columbia, South Carolina |

noreply@blogger.com (Don Morgan) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 13:22:52 PST

ELGIN, SC (WIS) - An Elgin woman has turned herself in and been charged with manslaughter in connection with the shooting death of a 30-year-old woman, according to the Kershaw County Sheriff's Department.

Kershaw County deputies charged 57-year-old Sally Memmert Thursday.

Deputies say Memmert and Petra Boykin, 30, got into a physical altercation which ended with Memmert shooting Boykin in the chest with a handgun.

According to Kershaw County Sheriff Jim Matthews, Boykin and Memmert had previously been involved in altercations which resulted in law enforcement intervention.

Memmert is being detained at the Kershaw County Detention Center and is awaiting a bond hearing.

57-year-old woman charged with manslaughter - WIS News 10 - Columbia, South Carolina |

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Coroner identifies woman killed in shooting | News | Kershaw County News

noreply@blogger.com (Don Morgan) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 11:54:56 PST

KERSHAW COUNTY, SC (WIS) - Authorities have released the identity of a woman killed in a shooting early Tuesday morning in Elgin.

Kershaw County Coroner Johnny Fellers said 29-year-old Petra Boykin was shot around 3:00 a.m. on Smyrna Church Rd. Fellers said Boykin was flown to Palmetto Health Richland where she died from a gunshot wound shortly before 6:00 a.m.

According to Kershaw County Sheriff Jim Matthews, Boykin and another woman got into an argument and Boykin was shot in the chest.

The shooter is being interviewed by deputies, but has not been charged.

Coroner identifies woman killed in shooting | News | Kershaw County News

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Residents who disapprove of YMCA Sports Complex plan on suing ci - WIS News 10 - Columbia, South Carolina |

noreply@blogger.com (Don Morgan) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 22:09:30 PST

CAMDEN, SC (WIS) - The City of Camden is moving forward on plans to build a YMCA Sports Complex. It's drawn out a lot of heated discussion and debate.

Now a group has started a new petition and will be suing the city for misuse of funds, but the mayor and some residents say not only is the plan supported, it's financially sound.

The old Mather Academy on Campbell Street in Camden could one day become a multi-million dollar YMCA Sports Complex complete with a pool, basketball court and daycare facility, but there are some concerned about if the city can afford it.

Janet Choynowski Farber, who opposes the sports complex, said that there are too many cities going into insolvency, losing their bond rating, even going into bankruptcy.

"To take on that kind of risk in these times for the sake of a sports complex that doesn't really add much to the community except risk is something I'm not comfortable with," Farber added.

Mayor Jeffrey Graham says the only risk he sees comes from not building it.

"The risk that we see for this project is they will provide opportunities for our kids and will provide health and wellness for our community," said Graham. "If that's not a risk worth fighting for I don't know what is."

The mayor says the hospitality tax was created two years ago to replace the dilapidated Rhame Arena and build a sports complex. He also says the tax revenue is intended for this very purpose.

"I think the city can afford it," said Graham. "When we have the actual numbers back on the cost and know how much it'll cost to build it, I think that's when we have to make that decision. But under the info we have I definitely think we can."

They're looking at an estimated five to six million dollars. Farber believes using hospitality money is a misappropriation of funds that's why she's part of a group filing a lawsuit to try and stop it.

"Sitting down and starting the discussion over again with the city and the people and come to a better agreement on how the hospitality tax will be spent and what facilities the city really needs and can afford," added Farber.

Austin and Karin Jenkins have three active kids, so having a YMCA is a necessity to them.

"It can be used for both tourism and everyday by our own Camden citizens," said Austin.

The Jenkins believe the YMCA won't let the city down.

"They are professionals at making these things work they've done their own feasibility study which has given them confidence to come here and succeed," added Austin.

Residents who disapprove of YMCA Sports Complex plan on suing ci - WIS News 10 - Columbia, South Carolina |

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Infant taken during Meth lab bust at Economy Inn - WIS News 10 - Columbia, South Carolina |

noreply@blogger.com (Don Morgan) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 08:54:42 PST

KERSHAW COUNTY, SC (WIS) - Deputies are looking for two suspects after two people were arrested and their 1-month-old baby was taken into protective custody when investigators discovered a Methamphetamine lab inside a room at a Lugoff motel.

Acting on a tip from a concerned citizen, Kershaw County narcotics investigators arrested Leann Studd, 26, of Bethpage, TN and Jonathan Michael Pope, 26, on Friday afternoon after discovering small quantities of Methamphetamine and instruments used for smoking the drug, as well as some other controlled substances inside room 12 at the Economy Inn on US 1. Also inside that room was an infant believed to be their child.

Studd and Pope were charged with possession of Methamphetamine. Studd was also charged with unlawful possession of Schedule IV narcotics.

The infant is now in the custody of the SC Department of Social Services. Studd advised officers that she had 4 other children who had been taken from her and were in protective custody in Tennessee.

Studd and Pope were taken to the Kershaw County Detention Center. Pope is wanted out of Tennessee for a probation violation related to theft of $10K to $60K, as well as domestic assault and aggravated burglary charges. Pope was also listed as having violent tendencies, deputies said.

Following the arrests of Studd and Pope, agents proceeded to room 19 of the same motel where they executed a search warrant and seized a Meth lab. Based on evidence seized in that room, agents obtained arrest warrants for Nicole Marie Goodwin, 24 of Camden and Christopher Britt Walker, 27 of Elgin.

Inside the room was a functional Methamphetamine lab and equipment, as well as quantities of the drug, according to investigators. Identification, clothing and hotel management confirmed that Nicole Marie Goodwin and Christopher Britt Walker were the occupants of the room, Sheriff Jim Matthews said.

Pope advised officers that Christopher Walker, who was staying in room 19, was making Meth in his room and that occasionally, when the fumes got too bad in his room, Walker would make Meth in Pope and Studd's room, Matthews said.

Agents ventilated the room and called the Lugoff Fire Department after their discovery. A Meth lab cleanup crew was also called to the scene to safely clean up the area.

Warrants have been obtained for Goodwin and Walker charging them with possession and manufacturing Methamphetamine. Walker has numerous previous arrests for criminal domestic violence and assault charges, Matthews said.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Nicole Marie Goodwin, whose last known address is 1008 Brown St. in Camden, or Christopher Britt Walker, whose last known address is 2492 Ft. Jackson Rd. Elgin, is urged to contact the Kershaw County Sheriff's Office at 425-1512 or Crimestoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC.

No pictures of Goodwin or Walker were released.

Infant taken during Meth lab bust at Economy Inn - WIS News 10 - Columbia, South Carolina |

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Kershaw deputies raid meth lab, seize month-old baby - Crime & Courts - TheState.com

noreply@blogger.com (Don Morgan) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 06:29:51 PST

Sheriff’s deputies found a 1-month-old baby and a makeshift laboratory to manufacture methamphetamine in a motel room in Kershaw County over the weekend, sheriff Jim Matthews said.

Deputies turned the baby over to the S.C. Department of Social Services, Matthews said. At least two suspects were arrested, he said.

Matthews did not know if the meth lab had “cooked” meth in the hotel room. People who make the highly addictive illegal stimulant in clandestine laboratories use chemicals and materials that throw off poisonous particles, liquids and gases that can make rooms or buildings uninhabitable and are particularly dangerous to children.

Read more here: http://www.thestate.com/2012/01/16/2115713/kershaw-deputies-raid-meth-lab.html#storylink=cpy

Kershaw deputies raid meth lab, seize month-old baby - Crime & Courts - TheState.com

School districts seeking budget input - Education - TheState.com

noreply@blogger.com (Don Morgan) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 09:22:56 PST

Kershaw County citizens can add their thoughts to a survey on the school district web site at www.kershaw.k12.sc.us. The survey contains more than 30 items that have been reduced or eliminated in the past few years. Participants are asked to provide their top three priority items. The deadline for input is Feb. 3.

Read more here: http://www.thestate.com/2012/01/14/2114404/school-districts-seeking-budget.html#storylink=cpy

School districts seeking budget input - Education - TheState.com

Automated Machining Helps Lift Wheel Capacity 42%

noreply@blogger.com (Don Morgan) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 06:29:06 PST

Robert Brooks

01/12/2012

Accuride’s Mega-Line in Erie, Pa., is a fully automated operation that has eight robots processing forged and heat-treated wheels through turning, pre-stressing, milling, coining, and surface finishing to produce, high-gloss aluminum wheels for commercial vehicles. The lines uses a centralized, closed-loop system for chip and coolant management.

Accuride Corp. credits a novel automated machining installation among a series of efforts it said expanded its aluminum wheel production capacity over the past year. The Mega-Line at Accuride’s Erie, Pa., plant started up last November, and involves eight robots that handle forged and heat-treated aluminum wheels as they are turned, pre-stressed, milled, coined, and surface finished to produce high-gloss wheels for commercial vehicles.

“The Mega-Line established a new industry benchmark in process technology,” the company stated, adding that it increased Accuride’s total aluminum wheel manufacturing capacity by 42%.

Accuride produces commercial vehicle wheels, wheel-end components and assemblies, truck body and chassis parts, and other commercial vehicle components. Its products carry the Accuride, Gunite, Imperial, and Brillion brand names.

The company described a $35-million initiative throughout 2011 that improved its aluminum wheel production capacity, emphasizing the ability to serve the commercial vehicle market’s rising quality demands.

“Many factors, including fuel economy requirements, residual value and aesthetics, are driving the growth in aluminum wheel demand in the North American commercial vehicle industry,” stated Accuride president and CEO Rick Dauch. “Accuride is investing to ensure that we have the right production capacity in place when and where our customers need it, whether for steel or aluminum wheels. We’re also raising our standards for product dependability and finish to meet customers’ ever-increasing expectations.”

Other highlights of the initiative included buying Forgitron Technologies LLC in June. It’s an 80,000-square-foot rotary forging operation in Camden, S.C. The operation was converted to Accuride manufacturing systems and controls, and now produces Accuride-brand aluminum commercial vehicles wheels, increasing the group’s aluminum wheel capacity by 21%.

Also, last summer Accuride relocated a manual-process aluminum wheel machining line from Erie, Pa. to Monterrey, Mexico. As of November, establishing Accuride de Mexico is that country’s only “single-source supplier” of steel and aluminum wheels for the local medium- and heavy-duty commercial vehicle market.

Lastly, the company installed more polishing equipment for aluminum wheels at the Erie and Monterrey plants, improving efficiency and productivity at for quality aluminum wheels at both sites.

“By strategically managing our existing capacity and investing in key acquisitions and capacity initiatives, Accuride is fortifying its status as a leading aluminum wheel supplier to the North American commercial vehicle industry,” explained Scott Hazlett, senior vice president and general manager, Accuride Wheels. “Further, with our proven steel wheel expertise and extensive product portfolio, we’re able to seamlessly serve as a single-source supplier for our customers’ aluminum and steel wheel needs.”

Dauch added that the group is planning further capital investments in manufacturing equipment, products, and process technologies during 2012 and 2013.

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Teen rape suspect shoots at deputies during chase : News : MidlandsConnect.com

noreply@blogger.com (Don Morgan) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 13:12:02 PST

Kershaw County, SC (WACH) - Kershaw County Deputies have arrested a man accused of breaking into a home, raping and beating the female occupant, leading deputies on a high speed chase, and firing on several deputies with a shotgun.

According to Kershaw County Sheriff Jim Matthews, Brandon Christopher Smith, 19, broke into a home on Old Georgetown Road East near Cassatt, SC. He then beat and sexually assaulted a 19-year-old female in the home. The female managed to escape from Smith and called authorities.

While Kershaw County deputies were interviewing the rape victim, Smith drove by the house. A Kershaw County deputy attempted to pull Smith over, but Smith fled the scene. As he fled, Smith pulled out a shotgun and fired several rounds at several deputies striking three patrol cars. No officers were hit by the gunfire.

A Kershaw County deputy was able to deploy “stop sticks” which deflated one of the tires on the vehicle Smith was driving. Smith continued to drive at a relatively high speed and continued to shoot at pursuing deputies and a State Transport Police Officer.

Deputies and Camden Police stopped traffic driving in the direction of the chase, but a lady pulled out from a side road onto US 1 in East Camden where her Toyota was struck by Smith’s vehicle. She was not injured.

Smith lost control of his vehicle and it flipped several times. Pursuing deputies immediately took Smith into custody. He was transported by EMS for treatment of injuries received in the accident.

“I told the lady that was driving the vehicle, I was glad she was unhurt and I was sorry that her car was damaged. She inadvertently prevented a bad situation from getting even worse when she caused Smith to wreck, ending the chase. He was heading into Camden and was not going to be taken easily,” said Sheriff Matthews.

Smith will be charged with first degree criminal sexual conduct, kidnapping, burglary, failure to stop for blue lights and several counts of attempted murder.
Upon his release from the hospital, he will be transported to the Kershaw County Detention Center.

His bond will likely be set on January 23rd.

Teen rape suspect shoots at deputies during chase : News : MidlandsConnect.com

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Central Carolina Community Foundation Awards $78,890 in Grants : PitchEngine : Get the Word Out™

noreply@blogger.com (Don Morgan) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 09:24:47 PST

Kershaw County Library - $10,000 for website redevelopment and branding. Redeveloping the site will make the library’s services easily accessible by a broader base of patrons, and will be compliant with federal guidelines addressing web users with disabilities.

Central Carolina Community Foundation Awards $78,890 in Grants : PitchEngine : Get the Word Out™

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NASA-SE: Winter Meltdown, February 11 & 12, CMP: Events forum: Grassroots Motorsports Magazine

noreply@blogger.com (Don Morgan) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 16:20:47 PST

NASA-SE proudly presents the annual Winter Meltdown at Carolina Motorsports Park (CMP) in Kershaw, SC on Feb 11 & 12, 2012. This will be a fun filled event that promises to exceed all previous levels of NASA-SE quality events. We will have our normal schedule starting on Saturday and continuing through out the weekend. This event includes:
High Performance Driver's Education (HPDE) - drivers of all makes and models of cars can sign up and begin at the novice level (HPDE 1) and work their way to advanced driving skills. All drivers start with classroom instruction as well as an in-car instructor to guide you to drive your car at the limits. All of this takes place with the safety of a racetrack under controlled conditions.
Time Trials (TT) - Drivers will compete for their fastest lap times and win all types of contingency money and prizes. The beauty of TT is the fact that you can do all of this with only your street car and a helmet!
Sprint Races - All of the standard NASA classes will be participating, 944Spec, SpecBoxter, American Iron(AI), Factory Five Racing (FFR), German Touring Series (GTS), Honda Challenge(HC), Performance Touring(PT), SpecE30, SpecMiata, Super Unlimited(SU), Super Touring(ST), ThunderRoadster(TR), etc. Cars will be split up into groups and the racing will be intense to watch and participate in!
Competition License School - The best way to learn the strategies and rules to compete in NASA races!
To Register ONLINE click HERE http://www.nasa-se.com/2012Feb11.php
For more info about Carolina Motorsports Park click HERE http://www.carolinamotorsportspark.com/
For More Details about NASA-SE Click HERE http://www.NASA-SE.com/

NASA-SE: Winter Meltdown, February 11 & 12, CMP: Events forum: Grassroots Motorsports Magazine

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Police: Someone shoots gun in air, damaging vehicles left at aut - WIS News 10 - Columbia, South Carolina |

noreply@blogger.com (Don Morgan) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 16:44:28 PST

CAMDEN, SC (WIS) - It happens at the beginning of a race, sometimes people do it just for kicks, but hooting a gun up in the air, can do some damage and Camden Police are on a case because of it.

At Brad's Muffler Shop, the crew works long ten and a half hour days, but on New Year's weekend, they got some time off.

Employee, Dale Eddings parked his personal truck in the shop for the weekend and took off.

"Left it inside, thinking nothing would happen, be there when I get back and this is what I came home to," said Eddings.

Eddings discovered a dent in the side of his shiny red truck.

"It was like DANG," added Eddings. "Something had to hit it, then we went to jack up another car and there was the bullet under it."

The way they figured out what happened, near where the car was parked, they found a bullet, then of course they saw the dent of course, then they looked up to the ceiling.

"Had to have been someone shooting in the air somewhere in the air and it just happened to come down on the shop and in my car," said Eddings.

Camden police now have their case, saying it was probably someone maybe celebrating New Years who playfully shot a gun into the air.

"What goes up, must come down and it did, and it did," said Eddings.

Eddings says next vacation he plans on driving.

According to a spokesperson from the Criminal Justice Academy, shooting a gun in the air can be just as dangerous as shooting one straight ahead.

Police: Someone shoots gun in air, damaging vehicles left at aut - WIS News 10 - Columbia, South Carolina |

Public input sought on Revolution heritage area - Local / Metro - TheState.com

noreply@blogger.com (Don Morgan) — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 21:26:50 PST

CAMDEN — A possible national heritage area dedicated to the Southern Campaign of the American Revolution will be the subject of public input sessions Tuesday in Camden.

The U.S. Department of Interior is considering creating a heritage area to bring attention to the campaign in South Carolina and North Carolina, which historians credit with winning the war. This study is separate from one considering whether to make the Battle of Camden a National Park Service site.

The public input meetings are 1-3 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. at the Kershaw County Chamber of Commerce, 607 Broad St., in Camden.

Public input sought on Revolution heritage area - Local / Metro - TheState.com

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Kershaw County man dies after collision - Need-To-Map - TheState.com

noreply@blogger.com (Don Morgan) — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 12:36:57 PST

A Kershaw County man is dead after the car he was driving crossed into oncoming traffic and struck another vehicle head on Friday.

Kelvin Scott Ray, 38, of Lugoff, died from injuries he sustained in the two-vehicle collision Friday evening, said Kershaw County Johnny Fellers.

The accident occurred around 5 p.m. about 5 miles south of Camden, said Lance Cpl. Judd Jones of the South Carolina Highway Patrol.

Ray, who had been driving north on U.S. 521, crossed over into the southbound lane striking a car traveling south. The car was carrying two women and a child.

Both drivers were airlifted to Palmetto Richland Hospital. The highway was blocked for two hours Friday.

The collision remains under investigation by the highway patrol.

Kershaw County man dies after collision - Need-To-Map - TheState.com

Fatal Camden accident under investigation - WIS News 10 - Columbia, South Carolina |

noreply@blogger.com (Don Morgan) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 20:53:26 PST

CAMDEN, SC (WIS) - The South Carolina Highway Patrol is investigating a deadly accident that happened on Highway 521 south of Camden Friday afternoon.

Troopers say the driver of a 1995 Buick crossed the median and hit a Nissan carrying two women and a child.

The driver of the Buick was airlifted to the hospital where they later died.

Meanwhile, the driver of Nissan is in the hospital with serious injuries.

The other passenger and child were not seriously hurt.

Fatal Camden accident under investigation - WIS News 10 - Columbia, South Carolina |

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EDITORIAL: Kudos for lawmen

noreply@blogger.com (Don Morgan) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 16:01:06 PST

Thumbs up to Florence City Councilman – and former Chesterfield County lawman – Glynn Willis offers a “Thumbs Up” to Chesterfield County Sheriff Sam Parker and his deputies for the quick response and investigative work that lead to the recent arrest of a Chesterfield County resident for the, kidnapping, sexual assault and brutal murder of Mrs. Hope R. Melton of the Kershaw area after her car was forced off a rural road in Chesterfield County. Both Sheriff Parker and Kershaw County Sheriff Jim Matthew’s department worked well together to locate the suspect and make the arrest once it was determined that the murder actually occurred in Kershaw County. This is professional law enforcement work at its best. Sheriff Parker and Sheriff Matthews and their officers for a job well done in solving this heinous crime in an extremely short time period.

EDITORIAL: Kudos for lawmen| SCNOW
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