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Graham Gitmo amendment voted down

November 6, 2009 By

Sen. Lindsay Graham

The U.S. Senate voted down Senator Lindsey Graham’s amendment barring 9/11 terrorists from federal district court.  What’s known as the Graham Amendment would have prohibited the Obama Administration from trying anyone accused of plotting the 9/11 attacks on America in federal district court. Graham supports the use of military commissions instead. U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham stated after the Senate voted down the Graham Amendment 54-45, that he “was very disappointed.”

Graham says that trying 9/11 terrorists, in civilian court gives them the same constitutional rights American citizens enjoy. He added that civilian trials will also place our own national security at risk. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Crime & Courts, Legislature, News, Politics & Government

Climate change a state issue, too

November 6, 2009 By

As climate change debate heats up on Capitol Hill, states are also taking a closer look at what should be done—if anything. One reason, says Bob Perry of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, is the states will be affected –and funded.

“Federal legislation is on the table right now, and there’s a great deal of debate in Washington about what that will turn out to look like.  And it’s anticipated that there will be federal funding associated with that. It may be allocated to academics, state agencies and many others to help deal with climate change,” Perry said.

As the Director of Office of Environmental Programs at DNR, Perry is in charge of coordinating the state’s report on climate change. He says he understands that on the state and national level, there are opposing views this issue. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Economy, Environment & Conservation, Legislature, Politics & Government

Santee Cooper, Clemson release turbine visibility photos

November 6, 2009 By

Photo simulation of wind turbines off coastSouth Carolina’s state-owned electric and water utility, Santee Cooper, contracted with Clemson University to produce turbine simulation photos showing what these large windmills would look like off of the SC coast. Santee Cooper spokesperson Mollie Gore explains: “Using actual photos taken from the coast line, and using Wind-Pro software that would basically plug in a series of wind turbines, simulated of course, that would give us an idea of how visible these turbines would be at various points off the shore,” says Gore.

A blade-like turbine is used to extract energy from water or air flow, converting it to work for electricity. Offshore wind farms would help create cleaner air and renewable electricity for the average South Carolina citizen. Gore explains the goal: “We’ve got a goal that we want to generate 40 percent of our electricity or energy by 2020 from non-greenhouse gas emitting resources, bio-mass fuels, energy efficiency. So, this is all part of that. The simulation photos, we want this to be an inclusive process. We’re committed to doing all we can to educate the public about offshore wind,” says Gore. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Environment & Conservation, News, Weather

SC couple sues security company for negligence

November 6, 2009 By

A Georgia security company is being sued by a Palmetto Bluff couple for hiring a guard accused of setting fires. Norman and Marjorie Agin is suing Norred and Associates and two Palmetto Bluff security directors for negligence.

The Island Packet of Hilton Head reports the couple said the company failed to investigate four fires that were set before the January 2008 fire at the Agin’s home. In the lawsuit, the Agin’s alleged that a Lady’s Island fire fighter, Bryan Yeager, who also served as a security guard, set fire to the partially built home. The suit claims Yeager and another guard were not investigated after they were both in the area before the fires were reported. Yeager is awaiting trial on an arson charge. The couple is asking for $1 million for damages. Norred and Associate attorneys deny the allegations.

Filed Under: Crime & Courts, News

Using pesticides, read directions

November 6, 2009 By

Investigators in Anderson County say that the overuse of insect foggers may have caused the death of a 10 month old boy who died Sunday of cardiac arrest after experiencing trouble breathing. The baby’s mother and two year old brother are currently hospitalized after experiencing respiratory distress. Authorities discovered that the mother overused insect foggers in the family’s small rental trailer. Managing Director of the Palmetto Poison Center Jill Michels  says far too often people do not carefully read the label directions on the pesticides they use  in their homes.

 ”That is the safest and easy way people can use these products. I often have to counsel people on making sure the product that want to use in the home is specifically for home use and not outside use. Many people use these products and don’t read the directions.” [Read more...]

Filed Under: Accidents & Disasters, Health & Medicine, News