News

McMaster’s SAFE Grants Have Been Temporarily Blocked

On Wednesday last week, an Orangeburg County circuit court judge signed a restraining order, temporarily blocking Gov. Henry McMaster’s SAFE Grants. The stipend was originally in place in order to subsidize private and parochial school tuition for lower-income students. Now, it’s unsure as of when those will return.

McMaster’s SAFE Grant stands for Safe Access to Flexible Education. With $32 Million allocated toward funding the program, qualifying households can receive up to $6,500 on an as-needed basis. Though, the circuit court judge claims the grant program is in violation of the South Carolina Constitution.

“These funds could be better used by ensuring our public schools have as many resources as possible to ensure a safe return to in-person instruction when public health conditions make it possible to do so,” a member of the Palmetto State Teachers Association stated on the topic.

With Coronavirus impacting this coming school year, it’s no secret that educators need all the help they can get in these difficult times. As of now, the grant remains temporarily blocked, just weeks before the academic calendar is set to begin.

New In Charleston

Vice President Pence Visits Charleston For Campaign Event

Arriving via plane, Vice President Mike Pence touched down in the Lowcountry on Tuesday, July 21st. His return to town was on behalf of a campaign event held at The Citadel that evening. Rep. candidate Nancy Mace is seeking a seat in the First U.S. Congressional District. Pence came to offer his endorsement for Mace.

While at the event, Pence praised McMaster for his leadership during COVID-19. “I think the American people and people across the state realize that when it comes to a choice between dealing with the pandemic or opening up America it’s not an either-or. We can do both,” Pence said regarding SC businesses reopening.

As well as businesses, Pence believes SC schools can and should safely reopen this fall. On the topic, the VP said, “But we really do believe that is possible to safely reopen our schools. We think that’s in the interest of our kids we think it’s in the interest of working families. And it’s in the interest of America.”

In February 2020, the Vice President visited as a guest of honor at The Citadel 9th annual Patriot Dinner. While there, he received the Nathan Hale Patriot Award.

Featured

McMaster Pushes To Re-open Schools This Fall

On Wednesday, July 15th, Gov. Henry McMaster joined by his fellow Republican House and Senate leaders executively decided that SC schools will re-open for in-person teaching. This press statement comes as COVID-19 cases continue to surge in the state. The district schools are being pushed to re-open with the option to choose between virtual learning and face-to-face learning.

McMaster says that “the classroom is one of the safest places to be,” in response to fear over Coronavirus. These plans are being made as the state believes that virtual education is not enough. Each district ultimately can decide a plan for themselves, yet now there must be an option that includes sending kids to school five days a week. As of 2019, SC schools remain #48 in state education across the country. It’s likely that the recent changes in schooling could impact the education kids receive. “What we need to do is take every step at our disposal to get kids back to schools,” McMaster said.

With this push to re-open comes a push for start dates to be halted. McMaster asks that schools consider beginning classes after September 8th, in addition to creating options for online and in-person learning.

There has been no official statement from SC school boards regarding final decisions for the upcoming fall semester. In the next few weeks, it’s possible we will see districts announcing plans that rotate between in-person and online classes.

News

South Carolina Announces More Restrictions as COVID-19 Cases Rise

The SC case count for Coronavirus skyrockets to over 62,245 as of mid-July. In response to the large number of residents contracting the virus, the state announces more restrictions. Gov. Henry McMaster says, “We know that young adults who are rapidly contracting the virus and spreading it into our communities frequently congregate in late-night atmospheres which simply are not conducive to stopping its continued transmission.”

This late-night curfew on the sale of alcohol is to be implemented immediately. Restaurants and bars will no longer be allowed to converge past 11 p.m. This order omits alcohol sold at convenience or grocery stores. It’s merely a precaution meant to stop young people from spreading the disease at drinking establishments. As the disease weaves through the younger generation, it’s difficult to enforce social distancing. Because many adolescents do not show symptoms of the virus, this makes transmission much more likely.

As well as the late-night curfew, McMaster rolled out limited visitation to nursing homes on July 2nd. This came as a safety precaution toward an at-risk age group, and in order to protect front line healthcare workers, McMaster tells in a tweet. These restrictions are to be enforced until further notice.

News

Dog Tests Positive for COVID-19 in SC

Clemson University officials announce the euthanization of a dog who tested positive for COVID-19. The owner received a confirmed positive diagnosis for Coronavirus. Shortly after, the 8-or-9-year-old shepherd mix was also deemed positive.

The shepherd mix is the first K-9 to be confirmed for the virus in SC. Because the dog had other health conditions, the choice to euthanize it came as a recommendation from state veterinarian Dr. Boyd Parr.

“Based on current knowledge, there continues to be no evidence that pets play a significant role in spreading SARS-CoV-2 to people,” Parr explained.

Over the course of the pandemic, a dog has been diagnosed in Texas, two cats in New York, along with a few tigers at the Brooklyn Zoo. Professionals suggest you distance from pets if you’ve been exposed to the virus or feel symptoms.

Research continues on findings for how the virus impacts animals and the spreads between humans. As of now, the shepherd mix is the only animal to test positive in SC.

News

When and Where You Need a Mask in SC

Some states have mandated masks to be worn in all public places, but SC Governor Henry McMaster has left this decision to each individual city. As COVID-19 cases surge in SC, face mask protection is becoming more and more necessary. Here’s the 411 on when and where you need a mask in South Carolina.

In Beauford, Charleston, Clemson, Hilton Head, and Columbia, masks are required in restaurants, retail stores, grocery stores, and pharmacies. Sullivan’s Island is the first SC city to enforce masks to be worn in any and all public areas. Don’t see your city here? Read up about the local ordinances in places.

What happens if you choose to forgo wearing face protection? You risk receiving a $25 to $100 fine in some cities. Rules depending on whether the ticket goes toward a business or an individual also plays a role. As these new regulations roll out, it’s important to stay up to date on new information. For a comprehensive list of cities and when they being enforcing, visit the Post and Courier.

Do your due diligence and educate yourself on the rules and regulations within your city. With cases rising to total 44,000+ after the Fourth of July weekend, it’s likely we haven’t seen the last of face mask enforcement out of concerns for public safety.

News

Columbia Metropolitan Airport to Receive Millions From Government

In an effort to improve the safety and efficiency of the Columbia Metropolitan Airport, Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao announced some improvements are in the works. With the help of a federal grant of $2,744,932, the Columbia hub will see more than just a fresh coat of paint.

This year Trump delegated $10 billion in grants for improving aviation and airports across the U.S. As coronavirus has changed the way many are traveling, airports and the travel industry have taken a hard hit. This money simultaneously acts as a relief effort for those of the industry struggling.

The funding comes directly from “the U.S. Treasury Grand Fund to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the impacts of the COVID-19 public health emergency,” the Federal Aviation Administration explains in their frequently asked questions. Titled the “CARES Act”, the abbreviation stands for Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security.

Columbia will implement this money through improvements made around the terminal building. Beginning with in-line bagging systems, new escalators, and baggage carousels, the changes will help streamline the traveling experience.

Eat & Drink

South Carolina Cities Mandate Masks

To mask or not to mask, is no longer the question. This month, several SC cities are pushing to mandate that all citizens need to wear face protection in public.

The Charleston City Council approved a face mask ordinance which began being enforced on July 1st. The ruling mandates that all citizens must wear face mask protection when entering any retail or restaurant establishment. This movement caters in an attempt to keep businesses open.

Greenville Online shared a sign posted at the door of a CVS Pharmacy on Main Street. “Face masks are required by law. When you wear a face mask, even ones made from cloth or common household items and materials, you promote your own safety and that of our colleagues and other customers,” the sign read. The response to these changes has been both negative and positive.

With 30,263 confirmed COVID-19 cases statewide, SC has officially become a hotspot this summer. Some say these cases came as a response to establishments re-opening too quickly.

“The state cannot mandate everyone to wear a mask,” says Governor Henry McMaster on the issue. “It is ineffective, impractical, and unenforceable to have a statewide mandatory mask requirement.” McMaster did plead for citizens to start wearing masks. As of now, there are no further plans to lift restrictions on establishments that facilitate large crowds.

With cases still rising, we haven’t heard the last of the mask debate. But, it is difficult to say whether or not we will see any permanent legislative changes regarding the wearing of a mask.

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