February 10, 2012

Arrest made in drug-related murder in Newberry

The Newberry County Sheriff’s office announced Friday that they have arrested 22 year old Anthony Bookman of Prosperity in connection with the shooting deaths of two men Thursday. The bodies of 30 year old Ralph Harp of Greenwood and 36 year old Donald Springs of Saluda were found in the parking lot at Horne’s General Store. Major Todd Johnson says the men were making a deal to buy a pound of marijuana and Bookman fired shots.

“How tragic it is that someone would lose their life over the alleged deal of a pound of marijuana,” says Johnson, “and how tragic is this drug culture.  There are always going to be catostrophic ends.”

Circuit judge stands by Ludwig probation sentence

Circuit Court Judge James Williams re-affirmed his sentence of three years probation and community service for John Ludwig in his reckless homicide case at a hearing this morning. In this case, he was given probation after crashing his car into a house, which killed the occupant. After the sentencing, the  Thirteenth Circuit Solicitor Robert Ariail the judge to reconsider his sentence.

Meanwhile, Ludwig was also sentenced to three years probation after he pleaded guilty to an assault charge involving Benji Brown, a friend of his ex-wife. [Read more...]

Weather causes shrimping season to end early

The shrimping season will end earlier than normal due to the cold weather. Mel Bell with the Office of Fisheries Management explains: “Right now at this point the water temperatures are about what they have normally been in late January or February. So, because of the weather we have had recently they have just cooled off quicker this year. Temperature is an important factor in dictating movement of the shrimp, as well as if it get really cold then you can actually have some mortality,” says Bell.

Bell says any impact the early closure would cause for shrimpers wouldn’t show up right now. [Read more...]

New rebate program hits SC in March

The South Carolina Energy Office launched a new program this week that is giving out rebates for specific appliances.

Megan Herring with the Energy Office explains how residents can receive money back for appliances bought: “We’re going to be rebates ranging from $50 to $500, depending on the appliance you are looking at. All of these appliances are going to Energy Star-certified. Typically a refrigerator, dishwasher, water heater, we’ve got a whole list of them that are going to be eligible. It’s going to work two ways, if a customer is looking for a refrigerator or dishwasher, something you buy from a local Home Depot or Lowes, they’ll get the rebate instantly when they purchase the item,” says Herring.

For South Carolina, the program will start on March 31.

Graham, McCain question White House over detainees

South Carolina’s Senator Lindsey Graham and Senator John McCain of Arizona continue to battle with the White House over its policy regarding terrorist detainees.

Graham and McCain are urging the Obama Administration to immediately halt detainee transfers from Guantanamo in Cuba to countries with a significant al Qaeda presence. That includes Afghanistan, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Algeria and Sudan. the transfer of detainees to Yemen has been stopped. [Read more...]