last big travel weekend of summer

09/03/2010

The South Carolina Highway Patrol is preparing for Labor Day weekend, closing out the 100 Deadly Days of Summer with a record-low number of fatalities and collisions. As of September 1, 506 people have died on South Carolina highways compared to 605 deaths last year. Labor Day is a 78-hour holiday weekend beginning Friday evening at 6pm and ending Monday at midnight. Last year, nine people died during the long travel weekend. In addition to the enforcement, the public is asked to continue working in partnership with law enforcement by calling *HP if they suspect an impaired driver. Friday is traditionally the heaviest travel day of the Labor Day period.

deputy schuck blood drive today

09/03/2010

The community is encouraged to roll up their sleeves for a great cause this afternoon. The Oconee County Sheriff’s Department is sponsoring the Deputy William Frederick Schuck III Memorial Blood Drive today from 2-7pm in the Seneca Wal-mart parking lot. Tommy Byrd organizer of the blood drive gives details. “From the standpoint of some of the officers that I talked to, it’s a great thing that they can come out and remember a fallen deputy.” Deputy Schuck tragically died while on duty with the Oconee County Sheriff’s Department on February 7, 2010. He was a dedicated officer and avid volunteer in the community. His wife, Carey Ann, and their baby survive him. Byrd tells more about today’s blood drive. “You have to be at least 16 years old or older to give and at least 110 pounds. The process is simple, they prick your finger, check your heart rate and stuff like that, and then you’re off to the bed knowing that you saved somebody’s life by donating blood.” All blood donors will receive a T-shirt. The Deputy William Frederick Schuck III Memorial Blood Drive is today from 2-7pm in the Seneca Wal-mart parking lot.

jazz on the alley continues to attract

09/03/2010

The first night of Jazz on the Alley in September was a huge success. A new band played the Ram Cat Alley stage and Soul Feathers delivered said Seneca events and public relations coordinator Riley Johnson, “Unbelievable like always, kind of a bluesy jazz sound with a little light rock thrown in there and you could see the toes tapping and hands slapping and everybody had a great time. It was a unique situation because when we were packing up to leave, everybody was still hanging out there and no body wanted to go home, so it is catching. People love Jazz on the Alley and have a good time. We thank the sponsors for making it possible as well as the City Council. So it seems to be turning out well and we are happy.” Jazz on the Alley continues each Thursday night in September from 6-8pm on Ram Cat Alley in downtown Seneca.

travel expected to be up this labor day

09/03/2010

AAA of the Carolinas estimates 400,000 South Carolinians will hit the road this Labor Day weekend. Gas prices are down 13 cents compared to this time last year and even with the threat of Hurricane Earl, people are still booking trips to Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head. No matter where your sense of adventure takes you, chances are you’ll be waiting in line. An 8% increase in travel is expected this holiday weekend.

first friday parade today in clemson

09/03/2010

Clemson University and the City of Clemson invite all Tiger fans to the First Friday Parade. At 6pm, the parade will make its way from Cherry Road and SC 93, near the President's home, to the intersection with Williamson Road. It will be followed by a pep rally on Bowman Field. The Tigers open the college football season at home on Saturday against North Texas. The parade is going to feature 11 floats, Miss First Friday, the Tiger Band, cheerleaders, Rally Cats, the Tiger and Tiger Cub mascots and more than 40 other student organizations and community groups. Both the parade and pep rally are free and open to the public.

college savings month

09/03/2010

South Carolina leaders encourage all state residents to recognize the benefits of higher education and if they have not done so already, start now to save for their children's post-secondary education. Governor Mark Sanford has signed a proclamation declaring September as "College Savings Month." State Treasurer Converse Chellis recommends South Carolina's 529 College Savings Plan called "Future Scholar." You can learn more by visiting www.futurescholar.com. The current cost of tuition, room and board at in-state schools ranges from $1,800 a semester at the technical schools, up to $12,000 at Clemson to roughly $48,000 at Furman.

shs leaders attend palmetto boys and girls state

09/03/2010

This year twelve young men and four young women from Seneca High School attended Palmetto Boys’ and Girls’ State 2010 at the University of South Carolina in Columbia. It was a week learning how America’s government is built and how it is run throughout the country. All the young people who went to the week-long event are applauded for their achievements of being selected to represent the school with other boys and girls from around the state. Each brought back great memories and testimonies from their week surrounded by young people from across South Carolina.

wms hosts pastor’s breakfast

09/03/2010

Walhalla Middle School Principal Chuck Middleton and staff welcomed 34 area pastors, associate pastors, and youth ministers and wives to school on Thursday. Everyone enjoyed a delicious breakfast prepared and served by the Walhalla Middle School cafeteria staff. This is the 8th year Walhalla Middle School has hosted the pastor’s breakfast, and this was the largest crowd.

more education needed on recycling benefits

09/03/2010

Despite all the talk about recycling these days, only about one-in-four Americans recycle glass containers. That, according to a new poll by Opinion Research conducted for the non-profit Glass Packaging Institute as part of Recycle Glass Week. Joseph Cattaneo, president of the Glass Packaging Institute, explains the purposes of Recycle Glass Week. “Recycle Glass Week is a promotional event to provide awareness for glass recycling in the US. It is sponsored by the Glass Container Manufacturers of the US and we are conducting activities in different locations.” Cattaneo explains how recycling of glass containers benefits the environment. “Glass recycling benefits the environment in several areas, primarily in the savings of the use of raw materials, sand and limestone, in energy consumption, and green house gas emissions. Glass is endless recyclable in a closed loop manner, it can be put right back into the manufacturing facility and used in making new glass containers.” Consumers can have a big impact when they recycle glass, adds Cattaneo. “Consumers can have a big impact on recycling glass, primarily in making a decision of choosing glass in food and beverage containers, then recycling at their curb side recycling program or at drop off centers. This helps the industry overall in its goals of reaching a 50% recycling content rate.” Cattaneo offers some ideas on how to celebrate Recycle Glass Week. “People can help celebrate Recycle Glass Week by recycling on a daily basis, look at glass as a great alternative for the packaging choices, and get involved in your local community in recycling on a regular basis.” Learn more at www.gpi.org. Recycle Glass Week is sponsored by the non-profit Glass Packaging Institute.

sept is national cholesterol education month

09/03/2010

More than 102 million American adults, 20 years or older, have cholesterol levels at or above healthy levels and more than 35 million of these people have levels that put them at high risk for heart disease. September is National Cholesterol Education Month, a good time to get your blood cholesterol checked and take steps to lower it if it is high. National Cholesterol Education Month is also a good time to learn about lipid profiles and about food and lifestyle choices that help you reach personal cholesterol goals. Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in your body and many foods. Your body needs cholesterol to function normally and makes all that you need. Too much cholesterol can build up in your arteries. After a while, these deposits narrow your arteries, putting you at risk for heart disease and stroke.

pending home sales up

09/03/2010

Following a sharp drop earlier this year, pending home sales rose in July to 79.4%. National Association of Realtors spokesman Walter Molony, “Pending home sales rose 5.2% in July following a sharp drop in the months immediately after the expiration of the home buyer tax credit.” Molony says the numbers are still below where they should be, “Contract activity is still 19% below a year ago.” Molony doesn't expect much change going forward, “What we are seeing now is an indication that the market could be bouncing along the bottom for a while.” The poor economy is mainly to blame says Molony, “We’re seeing lower home sales primarily because the economy is kind of stalling and we are not creating enough jobs.” The National Association of Realtors expects to see soft sales continue over the next couple of months, but more encouragement needs to be seen on the labor front before things fully recover from the down economy.