Lake Marion unemployment numbers are in and

Posted on January 26, 2012 by The Editor

they continue the long trend of poor job performance for an area that has both at least one major national interstate highway and a large lake.  State numbers fell in December from 9.9 to 9.5, mirroring a slight fall in the national rate.  But Orangeburg continues to steadily remain about 5 points higher at 14.7,  while demonstrating a slight improvement from November’s 15.1.  However, Clarendon resists improvement with a bump up in unemployment to 13.9 from 13.7.  Calhoun County improved to 10.8 from 13.8 but remains below other midlands counties which tend to be considerably lower.  Kershaw’s December unemployment was at 8.5 while Newberry was at 9.4 and Lexington was at a state low 7.0.

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Jonathan Foye

Posted on January 26, 2012 by The Editor

of Santee died at his residence on Tuesday, January 24th.  More here, please.

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Returning your natural

Posted on December 30, 2011 by The Editor

Christmas tree to the wilds can be a gift to fish and wildlife and your garden, but remember to pass the tree through community gathering programs so that wildlife officials are able to determine which trees best contribute, this according to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.

In the deep woods discarded trees provide cover for small animals during the winter months.  In the lakes trees provide nests from insect hatches which will feed the fish.

Still another way to go is to convert your tree to mulch so that the tree’s nutrient composition will feed your garden.

So, better than the landfill is the scenic South Carolina outdoors.

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South Carolina’s unemployment

Posted on December 30, 2011 by The Editor

rate dropped below the 10% threshold in November to 9.9 from a reading of 10.5 in October, according to the Department of Employment and Workforce.  The national average is at 8.6 percent.

In the lake area Clarendon County fell to 13.6 percent from October’s 14.6 but Calhoun County rose to 14.4 percent from 12.0 and Orangeburg County also climbed, from 15.6 from 14.9.

Marion and Allendale County continue to have the highest unemployment rates in the state at 17.3 and 16.9 respectively and the lowest numbers are found in Lexington (7.0) and Greenville (7.4).

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Geraldine Wilson

Posted on December 30, 2011 by The Editor

of Holly Hill died at Trident Medical Center on Wednesday, December 22nd.  More here, please.

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James Elmore

Posted on December 30, 2011 by The Editor

of Vance died on Wednesday, December 28th.  More here, please.

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Your never ending youth

Posted on December 28, 2011 by The Editor

comes again when the Society of Stranders gathers at North Myrtle Beach for the mid-winter party break January 12-15.

Your favorite old haunts, bands and tunes and food, as well as friends you may not have seen for years.  You should be there also!  There ‘s more information and registration here.

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Pauline McCants Lowder

Posted on December 28, 2011 by The Editor

of Manning died at Clarendon Memorial Hospital on December 24th.  More here, please.

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Leola Felder McDuffie

Posted on December 28, 2011 by The Editor

of Manning died at home on Tuesday, December 27th.  More here, please.

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Robert E. Mitchum Sr.,

Posted on December 28, 2011 by The Editor

formerly of Eutawville, died at Abbeville on December 24th.  More here, please.

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Robyn Lee Cregar

Posted on December 28, 2011 by The Editor

of Manning died at home Friday, December 23rd.  More here, please.

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Kenneth W. Peck

Posted on December 28, 2011 by The Editor

of Cross died Christmas morning in a Charleston hospital.  More here, please.

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Susan Johnson

Posted on December 28, 2011 by The Editor

of Eutawville died at the Regional Medical Center on Tuesday, December 27th.  More here, please.

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Nathaniel Harris

Posted on December 28, 2011 by The Editor

of Eutawville died at Summerville Medical Center on December 22nd.  More here, please.

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Linda Thrower Bryant

Posted on December 28, 2011 by The Editor

of Santee died at home on Christmas Day.  More here, please.

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Do you know someone

Posted on December 4, 2011 by The Editor

Can you help,please?

deserving of recognition for their awareness and work in the area of protecting our state’s natural resources?  The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources invites you to submit his or her name to Nominations for the 2011 SC Environmental Awareness Award, by December 31st.  Now in its 19th year, the award encourages each of us to play a role in preserving the great garden in which we live.  Have someone in mind? Follow this link, please.

 

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Brilliant by candle is what you will find

Posted on December 4, 2011 by The Editor

The marsh. The art. The beauty.

this holiday season at Brookgreen Gardens.  Stroll the evening gardens in the aura cast by over 5,500 hand-lit candles you will be further graced by musical performances of choral, hand bell, and jazz ensembles.  A must visit according to the Southeastern Tourism Society.

December 2-3, 9-10, and 16-17.  3:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

 

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James Richard Pack Sr.

Posted on December 4, 2011 by The Editor

of Manning died at Clarendon Memorial Hospital on Friday, December 2nd.  More here, please.

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Ruth Prosser James

Posted on December 4, 2011 by The Editor

of Manning died at MUSC on Friday, December 2nd.  More here, please.

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Mildred Rhodes Billups,

Posted on December 4, 2011 by The Editor

formerly of Summerton, died at Wilson Hospital in Darlington on Tuesday, November 29th.  More here, please.

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James ‘Bill’ Cummings

Posted on December 4, 2011 by The Editor

of Holly Hill died at MUSC on Wednesday, November 30th.  More here, please.

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Services for Alonzo ‘Boy’ Rumph

Posted on November 29, 2011 by The Editor

of St. Matthews have been set.  More here, please.

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Over the Thanksgiving holiday

Posted on November 28, 2011 by The Editor

you may have missed the bright news that the state’s workforce increased and the unemployment line shortened a bit in October from September.  September numbers from

South Carolina unemployment numbers ease downward in October. Orangeburg, Clarendon, and Calhoun routinely run higher than the rest of the state with Orangeburg double that of neighboring Lexington.

the state’s Department of Employment and Workforce recorded the unemployment rate at 10.9 but October showed an improvement to 10.5.  In real numbers the workforce added 10,066 jobs and the unemployment number fell by about 9,611.  The national rate for September was 9.1 and it too dropped, though by only .10 to 9.0.

As South Carolina now routinely runs higher unemployment than the nation (though that has not always been the case) the lake area counties now routinely run higher than the state.  Orangeburg is at 14.9 (down from September number of 15.8) while Clarendon is at 14.5 (down from 15.5) and Calhoun is down to 12.4 from 13.3.

The state’s best is Lexington at 7.6 and the worst is Allendale at 18.9, a nudge better than Marion’s 18.5.

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Sumter’s Swan Lake Iris Gardens

Posted on November 28, 2011 by The Editor

will be aglow with holiday lights during the month of December.  Opening ceremony will be on December 1st at 6:00 p.m. Swan Lake Fantasy of Lights and daily Sunday through Thursday from dusk till 9:00 p.m., and Friday and Saturday until 10:00 p.m.  One of the largest lighted displays in South Carolina will illuminate the world famous Swan Lake Iris Gardens with more than a million lights and 150 lighted figures.

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Jane Bowen Duke Floyd

Posted on November 28, 2011 by The Editor

of Manning died in Charleston on Wednesday, November 23rd.  More here, please..

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Statewide real estate closings struggling, relying on the lower end housing.

Posted on November 20, 2011 by The Editor

 

Upper cost housing still slower.

South Carolina Realtors report that the 12 month period from last November through this past October saw a drop in pending sales of 0.8, though there was a gain of 10.9 percent in sales in the below $100K category range with single family use the largest demand.  Total market-wide inventory levels were down 14.9 percent indicating that sellers are still holding back for better prices.

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It is always colorful fun

Posted on November 20, 2011 by The Editor

at the Carolina Carillon Holiday Parade in Columbia, the 58th annual event set this year set for Saturday, December 3rd.  Floats and bands from across the state will gather for three hours of joy for children and adults alike.  Begin your festive season with this midlands show.

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Hayes W. Dozier

Posted on November 20, 2011 by The Editor

of Manning died at Toumey Regional Medical Center on Friday, November 18th.  More here, please.

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Lisbeth Margaret Zysk Gambino

Posted on November 20, 2011 by The Editor

of Manning died at home on Wednesday, November 16th.  More here, please.

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Janet Irene Shinenberry Hindman

Posted on November 20, 2011 by The Editor

of Manning died at home on Wednesday, November 16th.  More here, please.

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Dr. John M. Springs Jr.

Posted on November 20, 2011 by The Editor

of Santee died Friday, November 18th.  More here, please.

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Richard S.Geiter Sr.

Posted on November 20, 2011 by The Editor

of Santee died at the Regional Medical Center in Orangeburg on Friday, November 18th.  More here, please.

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Joseph Koger Fairey II

Posted on November 20, 2011 by The Editor

of St. Matthews died at home Friday, November 18th.  More here, please.

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Interesting observations and questions

Posted on November 16, 2011 by The Editor

come from The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation which studies health care issues. Citing analysis from Stanford University employing IMS Health numbers, Kaiser notes that the recession seems to be causing older people with health insurance to make fewer physician visits, presumably in an effort to save co-pay costs, many of which have risen with the trend toward insurance with higher deductibles.  And because a pull here means a space there, researchers are predicting a rising profit for insurance companies in the short term as fewer claims are made, but a return to higher levels as the economy recovers, and likely an even higher spurt as the cost of all those preventive measures deferred in the recession sprout more costly treatment after the recession.

So, higher costs to insurers will come.  But how much higher?

What will ObamaCare do in this regard?

“Two provisions of the Affordable Care Act may come into play here. States and the federal government are now reviewing premium increases of more than 10% to determine if they are justified. This process provides some insights into what insurers are assuming for the future, and an opportunity for regulators to challenge those assumptions. And, insurers are now required to give small businesses and individuals rebates if their medical loss ratios (the share of premium dollars going to medical claims) are below certain thresholds. If insurers project bigger increases in health care use than actually occur, they may find themselves giving money back to consumers.”   — Kaiser

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A reminder from

Posted on November 16, 2011 by The Editor

The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources reminds that November 19th is Youth Day for quail hunters.  What a great day for a parent to take the young one out to learn!  Remember to be certain that firearms are in safe operating condition and always practice both safety and courtesy in the field.  Fire at only where you know and what you know.

Your license may be purchased here.

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John Dennis O’Connell

Posted on November 16, 2011 by The Editor

of Manning died at home on Tuesday, November 15th.  More here, please.

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Martha L. Lawson White

Posted on November 16, 2011 by The Editor

of Summerton died at McLeod Regional Medical Center on Sunday, November 13th.  More here, please.

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Harold B. Barfield

Posted on November 14, 2011 by The Editor

of Eutawville died in Summerville on Sunday, November 13th.  More here, please.

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Bair Builders in Elloree

Posted on November 13, 2011 by The Editor

 

Award winning home construction and renovations are available at the lake from Bair Builders in Elloree.  Ask for their free consultation to see how your dream home may be brought into reality, as you hoped.  Or walk them through your vision for a renovation converting the old and unexciting into a fresh place for your family.  Pete and Rachel are at your command.  Call them today.

 

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You are invited and bring the kids

Posted on November 13, 2011 by The Editor

 

to the annual Riverbanks Zoo and Garden “Lights Before Christmas” beginning November 19 and running through December 30, 6:00-9:00 p.m., except Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.  Enjoy the beauty of the lights in the beautiful setting of our state’s lovely zoo.

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Richard LeRoy Otto

Posted on November 13, 2011 by The Editor

of Manning died at home on Friday, November 11.  More here, please.

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James Vanolin Brewer Jr.

Posted on November 13, 2011 by The Editor

of Manning died at home on Friday, November 11th.  More here, please.

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Mary D. Shuler,

Posted on November 13, 2011 by The Editor

formerly of Elloree, died at the Regional Medical Center in Orangeburg on Wednesday, November 9th.  More here, please.

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Mary Lee Wannamaker

Posted on November 13, 2011 by The Editor

os St. Matthews died at the Regional Medical Center on Friday, November 11.  More here, please.

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Services for Marion Lee Shuler

Posted on November 13, 2011 by The Editor

of Santee have been set.  More here, please.

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Lily Coker Prosser

Posted on November 8, 2011 by The Editor

formerly of Manning died at home in Sumter on Saturday, November 5th.  More here, please.

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Robert Bruce Hawthorne

Posted on November 8, 2011 by The Editor

of Manning died in Columbia at Uni-Health Post Acute Care on Saturday, November 5th.  More here, please.

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Heyward Clark

Posted on November 8, 2011 by The Editor

of Manning died at home on Friday, November 5th.  More here, please.

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Edward Carlisle Justice

Posted on November 8, 2011 by The Editor

of Manning died at home on Friday, November 4th.  More here, please.

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Sue Calhoun Drake

Posted on November 8, 2011 by The Editor

of Summerton died at Palmetto Health Richland Hospital on Thursday, November 3rd.  More here, please.

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Edward Carlisle Justice

Posted on November 8, 2011 by The Editor

of Manning died at home on Friday, November 4th.  More here, please.

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Mary Ida Adams

Posted on November 8, 2011 by The Editor

formerly of Summerton died in Columbia on Thursday, November 3rd.  More here, please.

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Nolie Caldwell Sr.

Posted on November 8, 2011 by The Editor

of Summerton died at Toumey Regional Hospital on Sunday, November 6th.  More here, please.

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Edward B. Williams

Posted on November 8, 2011 by The Editor

of Holly Hill died on Sunday, November 6th.  More here, please.

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James Jones Sr.

Posted on November 8, 2011 by The Editor

of St. Matthews died at home on Monday, November 7th.  More here, please.

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Services for Michelle Wallace Loller

Posted on November 8, 2011 by The Editor

of Holly Hill have been set.  More here, please.

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You are invited to bring along the family or come with a friend to the

Posted on October 30, 2011 by The Editor

C and S Dirt, Stone, and Mulch is at 7226 Raccoon Road between Manning and the lake. Call (803) 473-5912.

C and S Dirt, Stone, and Mulch open house on Sunday afternoon, November 6 from 1:00 until 6:00.

Enjoy hot dogs roasted over an open fire, drinks, and door prizes.  What a great chance to drop in and enjoy Joanne’s hospitality and perhaps imagine a few new ideas for the autumn home landscape.  Is there anything lovelier than a new fall addition to the lake garden?

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Always fun are two area November horse races.

Posted on October 30, 2011 by The Editor

November horse racing in Kingstree and Camden.

The Kingstree Trials reminds of the sporting afternoon 150 years ago when everyone brought a horse, a belle, and a banjo.  Set aside November 5th to come and play out in the country from Kingstree.

Going the other way is the November 19th big show steeplechase at Camden’s Springdale Race Course for the 42nd annual Marion duPont Scott International Steeplechase we call The Colonial Cup.  Come to tail gate and be a part of the show.

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Herbert Ruffin Jr.

Posted on October 30, 2011 by The Editor

of Manning died at McLeod Regional Hospital on Friday, October 28th.  More here, please.

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Sara Margaret Brown Vassar

Posted on October 30, 2011 by The Editor

of Manning died at home on Friday, October 28th.  More here, please.

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