TheState.com: Local News

Cooking fire breaks out at Columbia Fire station

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 00:01 EDT

A Columbia fire station sustained about $20,000 in damages after a firefighter left a pot on a stove Monday afternoon.

The fire broke out in the kitchen of Fire Station No. 1, on Laurel Street, about 6:30 p.m., shortly after crews from the station responded to separate incidents. The station’s sprinklers contained the fire to the area around the stove and a cabinet above until firefihters returned to douse the flames.

Most of the damages to the station can be attributed to water from the sprinklers, according to the fire department. Columbia Fire Chief Aubrey Jenkins said the fire only underscores how important it is to not leave cooking food unattended.

“This is an example of how cooking fires can occur anywhere and to anyone, that's why it is so important to never leave cooking food unattended," he said.

Scoppe: What Rainey v. Haley tells us about ethics reform

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 17:23 EDT

GOV. NIKKI Haley’s supporters see the Supreme Court’s unanimous rejection of the lawsuit by onetime GOP gubernatorial kingmaker John Rainey as vindication of her excellency’s ethics, which of course it wasn’t, since the court was not considering the merits of the case.

But while her critics correctly contend that it was a technicality that finally freed the governor of legal challenges, I have no doubt that she ultimately would have won on the merits had the technicality not gotten in the way.

And that victory would have nothing to do with the governor’s ethics and everything to do with our state’s subpar ethics law.

The court refused to reverse a lower court’s decision throwing out the case because, in the minds of three justices, it has no business ever hearing ethics cases involving legislators. And the ruling included a bizarre and perhaps troubling message that the justices went out of their way to send to legislators about the constitutional implications of their efforts to overhaul that law.

But I’m still trying to figure out precisely what the justices meant by gratuitously invoking the constitution — and doing so in a way that appeared to be internally inconsistent — so for today, let’s just talk about the obvious policy implications.

Community Calendar for the Midlands, June 18

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 20:35 EDT

TUESDAY

COMMUNITY SHRED DAY: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and 3-6 p.m. Tuesday at the Red Bank service center, 1835 S. Lake Drive, Lexington (near the intersection of South Lake Drive and Platt Springs Road). Sponsored by Shred360 and Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union, acceptable materials include office quality paper products, binders, notebooks, staples and paper clips. Items do not have to be separated. Limit five boxes or bags. (803) 463-7090; http://www.shred360.com

TOUCAN TUESDAYS AT RIVERBANKS ZOO AND GARDEN: Bring two cans of food for Harvest Hope Food Bank and get two tickets for the price of one. Open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, the zoo is located at 500 Wildlife Parkway. Regular ticket prices are $11.75; age 62 and older and military with ID, $10.75; ages 3-12, $9.25; age 2 and younger, free. (803) 779-8717; http://www.riverbanks.org

CLEMSON SANDHILL REC FARMERS MARKET: 2-7 pm. Tuesdays until Thanksgiving at 900 Clemson Road (across from the Village at Sandhill). A variety of fresh fruits, produce, baked goods, seafood, meats, crafts, plants and various natural products are available from local farmers and entrepreneurs. This year the market is also a collection point for Harvest Hope Food Bank. http://www.clemson.edu/sandhill/programs/market

SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING: 7 p.m. Tuesdays at Eastminster Presbyterian Church, 3200 Trenholm Road. Good exercise and fun. (803) 345-0158 or email billmac85@yahoo.com

Columbia about to charge more to have fun in city parks

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 21:41 EDT

People who use Columbia’s city parks would be paying more to rest or recreate starting this summer.

On Tuesday, City Council is set to give final approval to rate increases that take effect July 1 and will affect everything from team sports to organizations that rent city facilities.

Parks officials say the overall increase is “modest,” but they have not conducted a detailed calculation because the hikes hit disproportionally in different parks and for different uses.

Despite the increases, Columbia will continue to generate far less money for recreation than it spends to provide the service, said David Brandes, a city consultant hired to help Columbia draft a 10-year master recreation plan.

“In some communities, they look at recreation as a revenue generator that ... gets closer to 50 percent (of operating cost),” Brandes said. “In Columbia, we’ve always looked at it as an entitlement ... something you get from your (property) taxes.”

After public hearings, DHEC sticks with its suggestion on food stamp restrictions

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 23:40 EDT

After hearing all the pros and cons during several months of public input, the state health department has recommended that South Carolina apply for a waiver to ban the use of food stamps for sugary drinks, candy, cookies and cakes.

The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control stated its position in a letter sent Monday from director Catherine Templeton to Lillian Koller, director of the state Department of Social Services. Koller’s department administers the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as food stamps, and will determine the content of a waiver request.

Koller said the DHEC recommendation is one piece of input in the decision. Her agency also will consider other informed viewpoints and the mood for change at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which controls the program.

“We’re looking at options and we’re preparing to make a request that will improve the health of South Carolinians,” Koller said. “But it’s premature to talk about what the options are.”

In recent years, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has received three food stamp waiver requests – from Minnesota, Mississippi and New York City. Minnesota asked for a full waiver on candy and soft drinks, and New York City sought a demonstration project banning soft drinks. The feds turned down their requests as too broad and unworkable. Mississippi withdrew its request before the feds could rule on it.

Six ways next year’s Richland County budget affects you

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 20:38 EDT

Modest property tax and fee increases are in the works as Richland County Council prepares to wrap up budget discussions Wednesday.

Here are a half-dozen things in the works affecting community life:

Hidden fees: A 2 percent increase in the cost of doing business with Richland County – through fees charged to everyone from developers to bridegrooms – will bring in an extra $1 million a year. Calling an ambulance? That’s $561, an increase of about $11. Getting married? You’ll pay an extra buck, to $41. From here on out, fees will be adjusted a little each year by the rate of inflation.

Technology on wheels: Ninety digital cameras and 50 laptops will be installed in sheriff’s deputies’ cars as part of a $722,000 expenditure to improve technology over the next three years. Believe it or not, the department’s still using VHS machines. “The technology’s older than the deputies,” said Chief Deputy Steve Birnie.

Voting costs: The council singled out the county elections office for a hold-the-line budget of $1.2 million, the same amount it got this year. That cut voting machines and related equipment, though new director Howard Jackson (who starts work Monday) could make a pitch for more machines later on.

S.C. State House reopens after evacuation due to smoke

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 23:31 EDT

The S.C. State House was temporarily evacuated Monday morning after a fire alarm went off.

Shortly after 10 a.m., the State House was open again.

The fire alarm was set off at 8:55 a.m. from smoke coming from the escalator, said Sherri Iacobelli, spokesperson with the S.C. Department of Public Safety.

About 20 people were evacuated.

Local meetings this week, June 17

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 00:53 EDT

Richland County

Government

Columbia City Council: 2 p.m. Tuesday work session during which council will discuss again plans for a children’s splash pad anchored by artist Blue Sky’s “Busted Plug” sculpture. At its 6 p.m. meeting, council is to cast its final votes on next fiscal year’s budget, fee increases for city parks and for instituting clean-up fees for hazardous waste spills. The work session is to be held at the former Eau Claire town hall, 3905 Ensor Ave., at Monticello Road. The full council meeting will be held next door at the print building.

Richland County Council: Tuesday at 4 p.m. is the Caughman Pond ad hoc committee meeting; at 4:30 p.m. is the rules and appointments committee; at 5 p.m. is the economic development committee, followed at 6 p.m. by a meeting of the full council, all at the Richland County Administration Building, 2020 Hampton St., Columbia.

Richland County Council: Wednesday at 6 p.m. is the final vote on the 2013-14 budget at the administration building, 2020 Hampton St.

Community Calendar for the Midlands, June 17

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 00:43 EDT

BEST BETS

JUNE 24

FREE DOCUMENT SHREDDING: 2-5 p.m. June 24 at the Lourie Center, 1650 Park Circle (Maxcy Gregg Park). Items to be allowed to be destroyed include office quality paper products, staples, paper clips, binders and notebooks; no hazardous materials, metals or plastics. Materials do not have to be separated. Limit five boxes or bags. Sponsored by Shred360 and AARP. (803)463-7090; http://www.shred360.com

JUNE 25, 26

SAFE SITTER BABYSITTING COURSES: One-day courses for ages 11-14 at Palmetto Health Baptist, 1501 Sumter St., ground-floor classroom; 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. June 25 and 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. June 26. $75, participants will receive a Safe Sitter manual, completion card and T-shirt. (803) 296-2273; http://www.palmettohealth.org

Closing a chapter in a ‘Souper’ career

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 00:41 EDT

Tracy Bender has invested the past eight years of her life helping curb national hunger.

As executive director of the Columbia born Souper Bowl of Caring, which anchors a nationwide day of food donations each Super Bowl Sunday, she saw annual food and cash donations reach $10 million. During that same period, she oversaw the creation of a National Youth Advisory Board program that trained high school students as leaders and ambassadors for the organization in their communities.

Bender stepped down from the post recently to become executive director of marketing and communications at Columbia College. She spoke recently about the joys and challenges of the past eight years.

What are some of the greatest memories you will take with you regarding your time with the Souper Bowl of Caring?

Bender: “I am thankful for so many, and all of my memories include wonderful people whether it be staff, board members, volunteers, mentors or youth. The team of people was absolutely the best part. Our staff changed a lot through the years, and some folks only stayed a short time while others I worked with for eight years. Every day I had the gift of being surrounded by people who loved the cause, the work and each other. It doesn’t get any better than that.”

Eastover home destroyed by fire

Sun, 16 Jun 2013 17:47 EDT

An Eastover home was destroyed when a fire broke out just before 3:30 p.m. Sunday.

Columbia fire Chief Aubrey Jenkins said that no one was at the residence at 229 Robert McKenzie St. at the time of the fire but added the house collapsed shortly after firefighters showed up.

“It was totally engulfed when they arrived at the scene,” Jenkins said.

Fire officials estimate the damages at $150,000, and the cause of the fire is still being investigated by the fire marshal’s office.

Bertram Rantin

Teen killed in I-20 accident identified

Sun, 16 Jun 2013 14:05 EDT

The Lexington County Coroner’s office has identified a teenager killed in the one-vehicle accident on I-20 westbound on Saturday afternoon.

Matthew Lawrence Johnson, 16, of Columbia, was killed when a van carrying eight people on I-20 blew a tire, ran off the road and overturned several times, according to the South Carolina Highway Patrol.

The accident occurred around 2:30 p.m. in the westbound lane near mile marker 38, Trooper Bridget Wyatt said. Lashonda Wood, 39, of Columbia, was driving the 2006 sports utility vehicle when the passenger-side rear tire blew out, sending the SUV off the right side of the road. The vehicle overturned several times, Wyatt said.

Seven passengers in the vehicle were taken to Palmetto Health Richland hospital.

The Highway Department has not said if the teenager was wearing a seatbelt. The accident remains under investigation by the Lexington County Coroner’s Office and the South Carolina Highway Patrol.

Editorial: Do what it takes to dismantle Budget and Control Board

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 18:00 EDT

IT’S STARTING to feel like Groundhog Day around the State House.

The House and Senate both pass bills to turn most central administrative authority over to the governor, yet when the regular legislative session ends, we’re still stuck in a dysfunctional government in which the governor can’t act like a governor and the Legislature can’t act like a legislature.

Two years ago, the House and Senate bills were too far apart to reconcile during the Legislature’s wrap-up session. Last year, the two versions had been reconciled, the House adopted the compromise, but Senate opponents prevented it from coming up for a vote.

We deserve better when lawmakers return to work Tuesday for a brief extended session.

The major disagreement is whether procurement will be controlled by the governor or a scaled-down version of the hermaphroditic Budget and Control Board, whose very existence offends the constitution by injecting legislators into executive decisions. House negotiators want the Senate to vote on their plan to turn control over to the governor, since most senators seem to support that idea. Senate negotiators ought to allow this.

Bolton: Thanks to two sons who help me be a better dad

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 18:00 EDT

My Dad is...

My dad is as handsome as a king.

My dad is as strong as Atlas.

My dad is as brave as Spiderman.

My dad is as smart as Albert Einstein.

Federal cuts could squeeze 6.5K Columbia-area households in 2014

Sun, 16 Jun 2013 00:13 EDT

Cutbacks in federal assistance for public housing subsidies so far has had little impact on some 6,500 household in the immediate Columbia metropolitan area that receive the aid, housing officials said.

In some communities, including the Raleigharea, landlords for Section 8 housing are facing monthly cutbacks of up to $100. That might prompt some to evict families that can’t make up the difference.

The Columbia Housing Authority has absorbed the impact, largely from across-the-board federal cuts known as “sequestration,” by delaying maintenance at housing complexes and not extending the aid to new applicants, said Gil Walker, the authority’s director.

“We’ve been nipping into our reserves,” Walker said of $2 million his agency set aside from this year’s $10 million budget from the U.S. Housing and Urban Development Department in anticipation of belt-tightening from Washington.

“I can probably hang in until about the first of the year before I have to make some serious decisions,” Walker said. His contingency plan after Jan. 1 includes one-day-per-week furloughs for Housing Authority employees.

Community Calendar for the Midlands, June 16

Sat, 15 Jun 2013 16:15 EDT

SUNDAY

“VISITING MR. GREEN”: 3 p.m. Sunday at the Sumter Little Theatre, 14 Mood Ave., Sumter. Show times are 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays; 3 p.m. Sundays. $15; students, seniors and military, $12. Box office is open 3-6 p.m. weekdays. (803) 775-2150; http://www.sumterlittletheatre.org

“MAMA WON’T FLY”: 3 p.m. Sunday at the Harbison Theatre at Midlands Technical College, 7300 College St., Irmo. Tickets are $16; students age 12 and older, seniors 60 and older and active duty military, $12; age 12 and younger, $10. http://www.chapintheatre.org

TUESDAY