Readers' Choice: H. Square Best Music Venue

Hosting Third Thursday and other entertainment events, Hutchinson Square was dubbed Readers' Choice 2012 for best live music venue.

Hutchinson Square is the heart of downtown and, according to Summerville Patch readers, the heart of Summerville music.  The small square on Main Street tied other music venue Montreux's in votes for the best music venue in town during this week's Readers' Choice poll. Because Hutchinson Square often hosts events that benefit nonprofits and the surrounding businesses, it was selected as the winner of the tie.  While this week's Third Thursday outdoor entertainment event with Summerville's Got Talent was rained out, there will be more live music at Hutchinson Square June 21.Click here for more information. 

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House Committee Re-Opens Haley Allegations

House Ethics Committee asks for additional information just weeks after dismissing the allegations of Gov. Nikki Haley's alleged violations as representative.

The alleged ethics violations of the governor — a matter thought to have been settled just weeks ago — has been reassessed and reopened by the Republican-controlled House Ethics Committee, which is asking for more information from the governor's office and former employer Lexington Medical Center by noon May 25. A Democratic-pushed resolution landed Gov. Nikki Haley's alleged ethics violations back in the committee Friday. The governor was accused of lobbying for former employers while she served as a state representative.  The committee voted 5-1 May 2 to dismiss the complaint filed against the governor.  But Richland Democrat Rep. James E. Smith Jr. introduced the legislation to have the committee reopen the case Tuesday.  The ethics …

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Letter to the Editor: David Chinnis

Dorchester County Councilman David Chinnis writes Summerville Patch, defending the county regarding vehicle use.

I read with interest the statements made by Roger Goodman in his Letter to the Editor and since, in my opinion, Mr. Goodman’s accusations cast the entire Council in a negative light I feel compelled to respond. While it may not be apparent to all, Jason Ward and/or his staff keep all County Council members informed of issues occurring at the County level, especially ones that involve constituents, our own and those of other districts. Click here to read Ward's statement regarding vehicle use. I received a copy of an email response to Mr. Goodman’s FOIA request noting the estimated amount of time and personnel it would take to gather the information requested by Mr. Goodman and the cost to the County and thus the taxpayer, to research six …

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Democrat Reprimanded for 'Sikh Jesus' Comment

Party official admits tweet was improper, takes down personal account.

A South Carolina Democratic Party official has been reprimanded for calling Gov. Nikki Haley a "Sikh Jesus" on the social networking site Twitter. Phil Bailey, the political director for South Carolina Senate Democrats, was apparently reprimanded for the tweet at a luncheon today, according to the Associated Press. Bailey's Twitter account has since been closed, and he has apparently admitted the comment was inappropriate. Bailey's comments Wednesday came after GOP leaders voted to put a candidate Haley backs on the ballot after the individual was ruled ineligible. Haley, raised in a Sikh, Indian-American household, is now a Methodist. Read the full story.

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Chris Winston

1:21 pm on Friday, May 18, 2012

Stanley, I'm suggesting I don't know what she practices religiously. But since I SEE her at Mount Horeb, I thought was worth pointing out.   more ›

Wanish Nabs Teacher of the Year Title

Beech Hill Elementary fifth grade teacher Kelley Wanish earns Teach of Year for Dorchester County School District Two.

Beech Hill continues to garner accolades. This time, its fifth grade teacher Kelley Wanish has won the district's Teacher of the Year award.  Wanish joined Beech Hill in 2007 and is a 16-year teaching veteran.  "Like flowers in a garden, student learning will only grow and blossom when conditions are right," she wrote in a statement. "I spend many hours researching what each one of my plants need to reach their full potential." Wanish was bestowed the title May 8. Wanish will be recognized again 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 29, at Bethany United Methodist Church.

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Sculpture in the South Returns

Check out 35 artists Saturday.

Spec Retail Center Breaks Ground at Azalea Square

Report says 12,725-square-foot retail center to open near Target.

The Post and Courier reports a 12,725-square-foot speculative retail center has broken ground at Azalea Square Shopping Center. Miller-Valentine Group and Gramling Brothers Real Estate head the project, which will offer suites 1,200 square feet or bigger.  Click here to read more.

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School Board to Ask for $177M Referendum

District will ask voters to approve a referendum in the fall.

In a workshop Wednesday at the district office, school board members approved moving forward with a referendum not to exceed $177 million and approved allowing Superintendent Joe Pye to form a nonprofit committee charged with campaigning the referendum before the November general election. "We had a list that could have been $400 or $500 million ... these are catch-up items," Pye said. "We have done without for a very long time and we're first in line." The meeting came just days after the school board presented a $148 million expenditure budget, adding less than $5 million over the previous year. The school board will present the budget to Dorchester County Council 7 p.m. Monday at the Summerville chambers. See the budget presented …

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