http://TheState.com/local/index.xml News, sports and entertainment from TheState.com en-us Copyright 2009 TheState.com Local / Metro 60 Sun, 08 Nov 2009 01:23:52 EST http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss McClatchy Interactive's Workbench support@TheState.com http://www.thestate.com/local/story/1018640.html?RSS=local http://www.thestate.com/local/story/1018640.html?RSS=local Sat, 07 Nov 2009 23:28 EST Mast General Store's purchase of the old Lourie's building on Main Street was helped by the offer of a 10-year, $2 million loan from Columbia officials using federal stimulus money.<p/>Mast General will use the money to renovate the building, which for more than 40 years housed the Lourie's menswear store. The money will not be used to purchase the three-story building, interim city manager Steve Gantt said.<p/>By restoring the building, Mast General will be eligible for federal tax credits, which it can use to repay the loan, Gantt said.<p/>City Council members have agreed to pay the interest on the loan from the property taxes generated from the building.<p/>"We're trying to figure a way to help them," Columbia Mayor Bob Coble said. "We've been looking for that retail boost. Mast General, if you look at Greenville and other cities in North Carolina, has certainly done that." http://www.thestate.com/local/story/1017877.html?RSS=local http://www.thestate.com/local/story/1017877.html?RSS=local Sun, 08 Nov 2009 00:17 EST Ryan Mallett went 23 of 27 for 329 yards to lead Arkansas to a 33-16 victory over South Carolina on Saturday.<p/>Mallett was 12 of 13 in the second half, and the Razorbacks scored 23 unanswered points to finish the game. Arkansas (5-4, 2-4 Southeastern Conference) needs only one more win to become bowl eligible.<p/>D.J. Williams caught seven passes for 137 yards for the Razorbacks, including a 69-yard reception near the end of the first half that set up an important field goal.<p/>Stephen Garcia passed for 327 yards with a touchdown and an interception for the Gamecocks (6-4, 3-4), who have lost three of four and are in danger of a third straight late-season fade. Mallett and Garcia entered the game ranked 1-2 in the SEC in passing.<p/>South Carolina scored on its first play of the second half when Garcia threw an 80-yard touchdown pass to Alshon Jeffery, but it was all downhill from there for the Gamecocks. First, they botched the extra point. Then, Arkansas took a 17-16 lead on Mallett's 1-yard scoring run. http://www.thestate.com/local/story/1018635.html?RSS=local http://www.thestate.com/local/story/1018635.html?RSS=local Sat, 07 Nov 2009 23:30 EST Sub Station II owner Chris Kueny sees more SCANA employees coming to his sandwich shop in Cayce this fall since the utility began moving into its new headquarters nearby.<p/>The influx led him to put up a sign near the complex at 12th Street and I-77 to attract more of its workers to his eatery.<p/>"I'm seeing more wearing company ID tags," he said. "We're trying to get them over here."<p/>Kueny's experience is an early indication of what city leaders expect will be the economic spin-off, as South Carolina's only Fortune 500 company settles in and plans development around it.<p/>"SCANA is our Boeing," city planner Ken Knudsensaid, referring to a new aircraft manufacturing hub expected to bring thousands of new jobs and an economic boost to North Charleston. http://www.thestate.com/local/story/1018643.html?RSS=local http://www.thestate.com/local/story/1018643.html?RSS=local Sat, 07 Nov 2009 22:45 EST It's becoming less and less likely that embattled Gov. Mark Sanford will be impeached.<p/>The reason?<p/>The longer legislators wait to begin an impeachment investigation, the more political factors are aligning in favor of Sanford, lawmakers and observers say.<p/>A handful of lawmakers drafted an impeachment resolution to be taken up when the Legislature next convenes, scheduled for January. But many in the State House think the push to oust Sanford has lost much of its steam. <p/>A pending State Ethics Commission investigation into allegations against Sanford could revitalize the impeachment effort if it finds the governor committed criminal or serious ethical violations. http://www.thestate.com/local/story/1018638.html?RSS=local http://www.thestate.com/local/story/1018638.html?RSS=local Sat, 07 Nov 2009 22:45 EST Have you missed singing one of the old familiar hymns of your childhood? Do you long to hear a fresh new 21st century hymn?<p/>Then "Hymns Alive: Our Heritage, Our Future" is a performance that could stir your heart.<p/>The S.C. Baptist Singing Churchmen will present the 7 p.m. program Monday at First Baptist Church's main auditorium.<p/>The free event coincides with the release of a new Baptist hymnal by the Southern Baptist Convention's LifeWay Christian Resources.<p/>An offering will be taken to support music mission endeavors of the Singing Churchmen and missionaries in the field. The Singing Churchmen, under the direction of Mark Powers, director of the worship and music office of the S.C. Baptist Convention, celebrated its 50th anniversary this year. http://www.thestate.com/local/story/1018630.html?RSS=local http://www.thestate.com/local/story/1018630.html?RSS=local Sat, 07 Nov 2009 23:48 EST If violence rattled a number of Columbia inner-city neighborhoods this weekend, some of their most vulnerable residents wouldn't have been there to witness it.<p/>Youth from communities across the Midlands spent the weekend camping on a 4,300-acre plantation north of Camden, sharpening their outdoor survival skills and building character at a Boy Scout "camporee."<p/>"They have already learned pretty much how to survive in the streets," said Angel Cruz, scoutmaster both for Boy Scout Troop 144, anchored in the Allen-Benedict neighborhood, and the Hispanic Tropa 75, which meets in The Reserves, near Conder Elementary School.<p/>"Out here we teach them things like how to stay away from poison ivy, how to set up a camp and build friendships. Later, in the future, it's going to help them out."<p/>About 1,500 scouts and scout leaders, along with 500 or so of their family members, trekked out to the plantation Friday and Saturday, where the scouts participated in archery, campfire cooking, tomahawk throwing, knot-tying, mountain biking, clay shooting and other activities. http://www.thestate.com/local/story/1018631.html?RSS=local http://www.thestate.com/local/story/1018631.html?RSS=local Sat, 07 Nov 2009 22:44 EST <strong>Sanford watches GOP win from afar</strong><p/>Democrats weren't the only losers last week when Republicans took governor's races in New Jersey and Virginia. The biggest loser might have been right here in South Carolina, our own Gov. Mark Sanford.<p/>Sanford chaired the Republican Governor's Association until resigning that post this summer after admitting to an extramarital affair.<p/>His replacement, Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour, is basking in the glow of the two wins. Some political analysts think Barbour's election plan could translate into more election victories in 2010 when 38 governors are up for election.<p/>Leading the GOP to more wins in 2010 could have served as a launching pad for a presidential bid in 2012 for someone with such ambitions. http://www.thestate.com/local/story/1018623.html?RSS=local http://www.thestate.com/local/story/1018623.html?RSS=local Sun, 08 Nov 2009 00:32 EST Luc Montagnier, who won the 2008 Nobel Prize for physiology and medicine, will lecture about HIV/AIDS on Monday at Claflin University in the Moss Auditorium of the W. Vernon Middleton Fine Arts Center.<p/>"Claflin is both privileged and excited to have Dr. Montagnier honor us with a visit during which he will speak on this globally urgent issue offering new insights for controlling this devastating disease," Claflin president Henry Tisdale said. "This will also be an opportunity for Dr. Montagnier to observe the ongoing HIV/AIDS research at the South Carolina Center for Biotechnology on our campus."<p/>Montagnier, whose lecture is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m., will discuss prospects for controlling infection. He is a longtime associate of Omar Bagasra, director of Claflin's Center for Biotechnology. Montagnier wrote the foreword to Bagasra's book, "HIV and Molecular Immunity."<p/>The public is invited to attend. http://www.thestate.com/local/story/1018624.html?RSS=local http://www.thestate.com/local/story/1018624.html?RSS=local Sat, 07 Nov 2009 22:44 EST The General Assembly is seeking three people to fill soon-to-be-vacant slots on the state transportation commission.<p/>The open seats include the 2nd Congressional District, which includes Lexington County and part of Richland County, the 6th Congressional District, which includes most of Richland County and the Pee Dee, and the 4th Congressional District in the Upstate.<p/>Transportation commission seats used to be highly sought-after political plums, but the 2007 overhaul of the agency means that commissioners now face a screening process and must have professional knowledge related to road construction or financing.<p/>After screening and a background check, candidates must be approved by the General Assembly. Candidates must write the Joint Transportation Committee to apply; applications are due by noon Dec. 3. The four-year term begins Feb. 15. http://www.thestate.com/local/story/1018625.html?RSS=local http://www.thestate.com/local/story/1018625.html?RSS=local Sat, 07 Nov 2009 22:44 EST A woman was shot outside of a Northeast Richland club early Saturday morning, the Richland County Sheriff's Department reported.<p/>Deputies responded at 2:35 a.m. to a call about shots fired outside Club Essence, 8605 Two Notch Road. The fight started inside the club.<p/>A woman was shot in the lower body, a sheriff's department spokeswoman said. Her injuries are not life-threatening.<p/>The shooting is still under investigation. http://www.thestate.com/local/story/1018626.html?RSS=local http://www.thestate.com/local/story/1018626.html?RSS=local Sat, 07 Nov 2009 22:44 EST The roommate of a South Carolina woman charged with homicide by child abuse in the death of a 3-year-old girl in her care is facing similar charges.<p/>Investigators charged 23-year-old Shanita Cunningham with homicide by child abuse on Friday.<p/>Cunningham lived with 23-year-old Erica Butts, who was arrested after Serenity Richardson died Tuesday. Police wouldn't talk about Cunningham's role in the girl's death.<p/>Authorities say the girl had bruises all over her body and a large burn on her leg. They say she was beaten with a belt after wetting her pants.<p/>Police say Butts was taking care of the child while her mother tried to move from Detroit. http://www.thestate.com/local/story/1018627.html?RSS=local http://www.thestate.com/local/story/1018627.html?RSS=local Sat, 07 Nov 2009 22:44 EST Authorities have arrested two more men and are looking for a third in connection with a shooting Wednesday in a Fairview community home.<p/>According to a news release from the Lexington County Sheriff's Department, Neo Desmond Colin Haywood, 24, and D'Marqus Laquen Thomas, 20, were arrested Friday. They face charges of first-degree burglary, armed robbery and conspiracy in the non-fatal shooting of a man in his home on Pine Grove Road.<p/>Haywood, of Furtick Road in Swansea, and Thomas, of Sugar Hill Lane in Gaston, were awaiting bond hearings at the Lexington County Detention Center.<p/>Detectives and the U.S. Marshals Service fugitive task force were still searching Saturday for Justin Lavar Jones, 22, of Yellow Jasmine Road, Orangeburg, the release said. Jones is 6-foot-1 and weighs 215 pounds. He has black hair and brown eyes.<p/>Three other men also were arrested last week in the incident. Officers believe the shooting was drug-related. http://www.thestate.com/local/story/1018628.html?RSS=local http://www.thestate.com/local/story/1018628.html?RSS=local Sat, 07 Nov 2009 22:44 EST A bullet to the heart fired by a North Carolina police officer killed the man authorities think was a serial killer responsible for five deaths in South Carolina this summer.<p/>An autopsy report obtained Friday by The Gaston Gazette found 41-year-old Patrick Burris was shot three times when he was confronted by officers July 6 in a Gastonia home.<p/>The report finds the fatal bullet broke two ribs and punctured Burris' heart before lodging in a kidney. One bullet went through his scalp without hitting his brain and another grazed his thigh.<p/>Prosecutors cleared the officers last month, saying they feared for their lives after Burris shot at them.<p/>Authorities say Burris killed five people about 30 miles away in Gaffney over six days. http://www.thestate.com/local/story/1018641.html?RSS=local http://www.thestate.com/local/story/1018641.html?RSS=local Sun, 08 Nov 2009 00:29 EST Republican presidential politics will visit South Carolina next week.<p/>U.S. Rep. Ron Paul, who finished fifth in the S.C. Republican presidential primary last year, will speak at the University of South Carolina on Monday. Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, who finished second in the primary, will visit Greenville and Spartanburg on Friday as part of his book tour.<p/>Paul, who said in an interview with The State that he has not had any thoughts about a 2012 presidential run, will lecture "on the future of individual liberty and the importance of the U.S. Constitution."<p/>Perhaps not coincidentally, Paul, who represents a district in Texas, is also speaking at Iowa State University next week. Iowa is the first state to hold a presidential preference contest. South Carolina will again be the first state in the South to vote. The past four Republican nominees won South Carolina, so winning in this state is key.<p/>Paul, whose campaign has connected younger voters, said the college lectures are his chance to speak with young voters more likely to have libertarian views. Young people, Paul said, are especially hurt by the poor economy, outsourcing and American wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. http://www.thestate.com/local/story/1018637.html?RSS=local http://www.thestate.com/local/story/1018637.html?RSS=local Sat, 07 Nov 2009 23:25 EST When it comes to combating global warming, U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham is right where he loves to be - ahead of the curve, in the mix on a major issue, at the table for high-level, bipartisan talks behind closed doors.<p/>Graham, a South Carolina Republican, is working with Democratic U.S. Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts and independent U.S. Sen. Joe Lieberman of Connecticut to craft a climate change bill.<p/>They face the dual challenge of overcoming widespread GOP opposition and withstanding relentless attacks by Big Oil and allied energy interests.<p/>"Our goal is to create a vision that not only will help this planet - which I think is in peril - but will create millions of new jobs for Americans who need them and help us become energy independent to make us safer," Graham told a crowded Capitol Hill news conference Wednesday.<p/>Kerry, Lieberman and Graham held private meetings with Energy Secretary Steven Chu, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar and former EPA chief Carol Browner, now President Barack Obama's top adviser on climate change. http://www.thestate.com/local/story/1017139.html?RSS=local http://www.thestate.com/local/story/1017139.html?RSS=local Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:32 EST A day after a deadly rampage at an Army post in Texas, soldiers at Columbia's Fort Jackson held a moment of silence to remember the victims, while offering mixed reactions to the shootings.<p/>Most said Friday they considered the incident at Fort Hood to be a random act unlikely to be repeated anytime soon.<p/>Others wondered if something similar could happen at Fort Jackson. A fort spokesman said Friday that military police have increased security patrols, but officials have not restricted traffic entering the base.<p/>Several wondered aloud how the U.S. Army let alleged shooter Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan slip through the cracks.<p/>"He's Muslim. That should have given them some idea," said Sgt. Cherly Jasmin outside the Wal-Mart shopping center on Forest Drive just beyond Fort Jackson's main gate. "And he didn't want to go down range (be deployed). That should have been another sign."