Recent graduates of Piedmont Technical College’s massage therapy program at the Lex Walters campus were recognized in a pinning ceremony in August with their instructor, Michelle Liggett (kneeling). The students and their hometowns are, front from left, Ashlon Reed, Laurens; Tonya Hawthorne, Donalds; Jennifer Campbell, Clinton; Kayla Wilkie, Abbeville; Tamisha Sims, Newberry; and Emily Dorn, Greenwood. Back, Shawn McKinney, Ninety Six; Shana Campbell, Ware Shoals; Lynn Hutchinson, Greenwood; Sonya Padgett, Laurens; Jenna Morrow, Greenwood; Jennifer Johnson, Ware Shoals; Amanda Harnish, Hodges; and Chad Poole, Calhoun Falls.

Greenwood Metropolitan District Council Chairman, Bob Haynie, reads a proposal to increase Metro capacity fees before Wednesday night's public hearing Lesley Lane - GwdToday News Reporter 28.AUG.08 The Greenwood Metropolitan District’s board members heard comments from the public last night regarding Metro’s proposed rate increases for sewer customers. The proposed increases include a 9.9% increase for wastewater treatment as well as an increase in capacity charges (impact fees). The proposed rate hikes would become effective January 1, 2009.   Metro has stated that rate increases are necessary now, due to new unfunded mandates from the EPA and DHEC. The Wilson Creek Wastewater Treatment facility is currently undergoing a $35 million improvement. Other projects include the rehabilitation and replacement of sewer and trunk lines and upgrades to collection systems.   No decisions were made on the proposed increase last night but Council Chairman Haynie indicated that they are imminent. [Click here for more]

Opera House Board of Governors and Golf Tournament Co-Chairmen David Eller and Ted Armstrong, along with Committee Members Alice Gilchrist and Abby Evans are putting the finishing touches on what promises to be a great Centennial Event. Businesses may sponser holes for $100.  The Captains choice format will feature prizes, raffle tickets, fun and entertainment throughout the day. Registration begins at 9:30 with a Shotgun start set for 10:00 am.  A Putting Contest will kick off the morning at 9:00 am. Shared power carts, snacks, and a buffet lunch hosted by Master of Ceremonies Michael Genevie will offer post-tournament gifts, door prizes, souvenirs and tournament prizes awarded in a variety of categories.  Proceeds from the Centennial Celebration Golf Tournament will be used to benefit the continuing restoration of the historic turn-of-the-century theatre.  The Golf Tournament Committee members hope to raise enough money to refurbish and purchase new chairs for the box seats in the theatre before the Gala Opening of the   100^th Winter Season on October 10.  You can sign up for the tournament by contacting David Eller at 366-8526 or Ted Armstrong at 330-1305.  Cost is $60 per single or $240 per team.  For more information contact the Abbeville Opera House at 366-2157. 

Frazier Keith Jones Lesley Lane - GwdToday News Reporter 27.AUG.08 Police have charged a Gwd man with possession of a stolen vehicle and failure to stop for blue lights. Police say Frazier Keith Jones, 33, of 204 Stonehaven Dr. Gwd, led them on an early morning chase today.   Greenwood Police Officer, M. Goff located a champagne colored Toyota Camry, reportedly being driven by Jones this morning on Bypass 72. A car matching this description was reported stolen on Tuesday from a home on 3rd St, according to Major Mitchell.   Officer Goff reported initiating a traffic stop with the Camry on Bypass 72, but stated that the driver increased his speed leading police on a chase down Center St., through Pine Tree apartment complex and onto Northside Drive where city officers lost sight of the vehicle. The car was later located, unoccupied, in Georgetown apartment complex. The suspect was located lying down in a 2nd Toyota Camry at Georgetown apartments, after a caller notified police that a strange man had been violently knocking on her door and was now sitting in her car. [Read More]

Posted on 27.AUG.08 Abbeville Opera House Wine Walk Committee Chairs Dawn Hershberger and Shirley Emden make the final plans for the 4th Annual Wine Walk 2008 celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the historic theatre on Abbeville’s town square.   ABBEVILLE.  As part of the many festivites planned to celebrate the Centennial Season of the Abbeville Opera House, the Board of Governors of the historic turn-of-the-century theatre and the Abbeville Chamber of Commerce proudly announce the 4th Annual Wine Walk 2008 on Saturday, September 27 from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm.  Tickets for this very popular event are $15 per person and are available at the Opera House and at the Abbeville Chamber of Commerce.     According to Opera House Business Manager Kathy Genevie, this year we have 20 locations involved in the Wine Walk. Participants will receive a wine glass at the beginning of the walk which starts at the Abbeville Visitors Center and Chamber of Commerce on the historic town square.  Also provided will be a program and map directing the participants to Wine Walk sponsors located throughout the downtown Abbeville area.  This year, a variety of antique, gift and curio shops, bed and breakfasts, restaurants and the 100 year old Opera House will be featured at the event. Those participating include: [Click here for more]

South Carolina high school seniors in the Class of 2008 raised their average SAT scores by two points, the College Board said today.  Seniors continued a dramatic improvement trend on college Advanced Placement exams.

South Carolina seniors’ average composite score for critical reading, math and writing was 1,461, up two points from 2007.  The national average stayed at 1,511.  Critical reading was 488, math was 497 and writing was 476, compared to national averages of 502, 515 and 494.

The College Board, which tracks 10-year SAT trends, said the state’s 34-point improvement since 1998 in reading and math (the writing test is only in its third year) remained the nation’s best among states where more than half of the high school seniors take the SAT.  Vermont was second with a 30-point improvement, while North Carolina was third with a 25-point improvement.

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