LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Why won’t McMaster mandate masks?
It was gratifying to see state Rep. Robert Williams’ article in the July 8 News & Press about contacting the governor concerning the need for mandated wearing of masks. Although few of our important laws or rules can be enforced 100 percent, that doesn’t prevent responsible citizens from observing them: Speed limits, seat belts, child safety seats, obeying traffic lights, not talking on cellphones while driving, and the list goes...
County passes resolution urging face mask usage
By Samantha Lyles slyles@newsandpress.net At their July 20 regular meeting, Darlington County Council unanimously approved a resolution urging citizens to wear face coverings to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes the disease COIVD-19. In passing Resolution No. 714, County Council followed suit with governing bodies of Hartsville and Lamar in formally encouraging people to don masks “any time they are in contact...
The Medicine Show leaves behind a diamond of memories
In my recent column, “The Medicine Show,” a reprint from a time past, I have heard from one person who vaguely remembers the time and the event. I am wondering if there are others. The Medicine Show came to Darlington on a large and obscure lot on Phillip Street. Phillip Street is a short street that runs by that part of the old Mill Village often referred to as Across the Creek. The site was behind a large house and a store building...
Trinity-Byrnes outlines plan for return to school amid COVID
Trinity-Byrnes Collegiate School has released its plan for students to safely return to school on Aug. 20. Outlined in the plan are detailed on-campus safety strategies informed by the CDC and DHEC. The school will be offering three options for families including in-person, virtual or hybrid. Trinity-Byrnes families and students will have the following learning options starting Aug. 20. 1. Traditional on-campus classes 2. Distance...
Trinity-Byrnes registers for SAFE Grant for independent schools
On July 20, Gov. Henry McMaster announced a new grant program benefiting families who are enrolled, or wish to enroll, in any independent school in South Carolina. Eligible families may receive a grant up to $6,500 per in grades K5-12 enrolled in an independent school in South Carolina. The Safe Access to Flexible Education, or SAFE Grant, will be awarded to 5,000 students who attend an independent school. The SAFE Grant was developed...
McMaster’s better at closing schools than reopening them
S.C. Gov. Henry McMaster needs to learn the Pottery Barn rule: If you break it, you own it. In March, as the COVID-19 pandemic was hitting the state, McMaster seemed not to hesitate at all in ordering the shutdowns of all public schools in South Carolina’s 46 counties. That was probably the right thing to do for health reasons, and it made the governor look decisive and bold. But by July, as school boards across the state were...