south carolina news

Proposed New State Park Includes Access to Black River

A new state park is in the works!

The proposed park would cover areas in Georgetown and Williamsburg Counties, providing public access to the Black River.

There is currently an initiative underway to create the Black River Water Trail, connecting various segments of land owned by both the state and private entities – an initiative that has sparked interest in making the area a state mark. While the park is still in the concept phase, the goal of the park would be to increase the amenities available to those who want to explore the area.

Executive Director of the Winyah River Alliance Tina Christensen is eager for the public to be able to use the land saying, “We see this initiative as a way that we’re going to be able to expand, for the people that live in the area, their ability to enjoy it, but also bring in tourism and allow there to be more recreating on the Black River.”

If the park is approved, it would be the first new state park to open in South Carolina in almost twenty years.

Officials are encouraging the public to share their thoughts on the project through in-person and virtual meetings as well as community surveys.

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MUSC Breaks Ground on New Pharmacy School

The Medical University of South Carolina recently broke ground on their new College of Pharmacy school in Charleston, South Carolina.

The groundbreaking ceremony took place on Tuesday, April 27 and was led by Dr. William Golod and Dr. Arnold Karig, both of which were previous deans at the university.

The new 24,000-square foot facility will be located on the Horseshoe. It is expected to take 18 months to complete.

Kathy Chessman, a previous student of MUSC’s College of Pharmacy and current professor at the school, is thrilled about the new building. Chessman said, “Dr. Golod said we would be getting a new building back when I was B.S. student at MUSC…The thought of actually breaking ground on a new building and having the construction begin is tremendously exciting…This new facility is a great opportunity to have the quality of our physical appearance reflect the quality of the education experience.”

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Clemson-Based Hotel Will Employ Workers with Intellectual Disabilities

A new hotel in Clemson is working to provide employment opportunities to a vital segment of people here in South Carolina.

The Shepherd Hotel, Clemson’s only downtown hotel, is aiming to decrease the unemployment rate for adults with intellectual disabilities.

The Shepherd Hotel has partnered with ClemsonLIFE to help prepare individuals with intellectual disabilities for employment. ClemsonLIFE, “a program at Clemson University offers a collegiate experience that prepares young men and women with intellectual disabilities for competitive employment and independent living through a combination of academic coursework and career exploration.”

The program is helping to identify the strengths of individuals interested in working at the boutique hotel and training them accordingly.

The goal of the hotel is “to approach the employment of individuals with special needs as a business challenge rather than one designated to social services.”

Students are eagerly anticipating the opening of the hotel, which is expected to be in April 2022.

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Prestigious Sporting Event to Take Place in the Upstate in 2022

One of the world’s largest professional bass tournaments is coming back to Greenville.

B.A.S.S recently announced the decision to hold the 2022 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk at Lake Hartwell, a familiar location for the tournament. Since 2008 the tournament has been held in Greenville a total of four times.

Next year’s Bassmaster Classic will take place from March 4th through March 6th. In addition to Lake Hartwell, other tournament events will take place at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena and the Greenville Convention Center.

On the decision to hold the tournament in Greenville, Bruce Akin, CEO of B.A.S.S., said, “Everything about Lake Hartwell and the city of Greenville make them the perfect setting for the Super Bowl of Professional Bass Fishing…Lake Hartwell provides the perfect site for amazing competition, and the city of Greenville provides the hotels, restaurants and other facilities you need for an event the size of the Classic.”

The Bassmaster Classic is a large attraction for the city, providing one of the largest economic impacts for Greenville.

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COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility Expanded in South Carolina

As of Wednesday, March 31st, any South Carolinian aged 16 and older is eligible to schedule and receive their COVID-19 vaccine, marking South Carolina’s move to Phase 2 of the COVID-19 vaccine rollout.

In an effort to get as many individuals vaccinated as possible, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster made the decision to skip Phase 1C, which would have only included individuals aged 45 and older, and opened up the vaccine eligibility to include more people.

In a statement on the decision to open vaccine eligibility, DHEC Director Dr. Edward Simmer said, “We started by making vaccines available to those who were most vulnerable to the effects of COVID-19; the elderly, those with high risk of exposure at work, and those with medical conditions that worsen the effects of COVID-19…we are now able to offer three very safe and effective vaccines to all South Carolina residents over the age of 16 – another step on our path to take control of COVID-19 instead of it controlling us and getting back to normal.”

Click here to find a COVID-19 vaccination center near you and schedule your vaccine.

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Food Facility Reopening, Bringing 330 Jobs to the Midlands

Tyson Foods is reopening their South Carolina plant – and, bringing hundreds of jobs to the Midlands.

The facility, located on Bluff Road in Columbia, will be producing pre-packaged beef and pork and is expected to begin production in May.

The total investment of the Tyson Foods plant should reach $55 million over the next three to five years. Tyson Foods received tax cuts and exemptions from the state in exchange for the reopening of the facility.

The Columbia-based facility will employ 330 people to carry out its operations and will be paying them a slightly higher wage than before.

South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster is also thrilled about the reopening of the facility saying in a statement that “Tyson Foods’ initial $42 million investment, and the 330 jobs that will result from it, will help continue South Carolina’s tremendous economic growth. We look forward to continuing our state’s fruitful partnership with Tyson and to their continued commitment to South Carolina and our people.”

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NFL Linebacker Starting Foundation to Benefit His South Carolina Hometown

Darius Leonard, a linebacker for the Indianapolis Colts, recently announced the launch of his foundation, Maniac Foundation, which is set to benefit his hometown of Lake View, South Carolina.

The foundation will provide aid to families in need through educational programs and food assistance. Maniac Foundation will serve families in both Indianapolis, Indiana and Lake View, South Carolina – the two places that hold a special place in Leonard’s heart.

The Maniac Foundation’s mission is “dedicated to transforming communities through education, wellness, serving families in need and other charitable causes.”

Leonard said “there are three pillars we want to touch here, first helping families put food on the table, second pillar is getting kids more involved in schoolwork, we’re trying to start ‘Math for Maniacs’ and get kids to fall in love with schoolwork again.”

He started the foundation because he loves to give back and put a smile on other people’s faces. He hopes this is just the beginning of the foundation’s efforts to help people in South Carolina and Indiana.

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South Carolina Entering New Phase in Vaccine Distribution

On March 2nd, Governor Henry McMaster announced that South Carolina is officially moving into Phase 1b in the COVID-19 vaccine distribution.

Starting on March 8th, individuals aged 55 and over, people with high-risk medical conditions and front-line workers with increased risk are all eligible to schedule an appointment to receive their COVID-19 vaccine.

The front-line workers who are eligible to receive the vaccine in this next rollout include anyone who is in close contact with other individuals as a part of their job and who is at risk of exposure to COVID-19. These individuals include law enforcement officers, teachers and other school staff, grocery store workers, etc.

Find a vaccine provider and schedule your appointment to receive the COVID-19 vaccine through South Carolina’s Department of Health and Environmental Control.

It is expected that the state will move into Phase 1c of vaccine distribution on April 12th. In addition, officials hope to have the vaccine available for everyone who wishes to receive it by the summer of 2021.