The hall’s board of trustees today announced their 2012 choice: Thomas Lynch, Sr., a South Carolina planter and delegate to the Stamp Act Congress of 1765; and Judge Ernest Finney, Jr., the first African American Chief Justice of the South Carolina Supreme Court since Reconstruction..

Both inductees will be honored at a formal ceremony on Monday, Feb. 13 at the Sheraton Myrtle Beach Convention Center Hotel at 10:30 a.m. The event is free and open to the public. The Official S.C. Hall of Fame is located in the Myrtle Beach Convention Center.

Thomas Lynch, Sr.

According to background provided by the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, Thomas Lynch, Sr., (1727-1776) was an  indigo and rice planter in the colony of South Carolina, securing his placement as the colony’s second-wealthiest citizen. Lynch was also the leading statesman in the colony from 1751 until his death in 1776, serving in the Colonial Legislature of South Carolina, representing the colony of South Carolina in the Stamp Act Congress of 1765 including heading the committee that drafted the petition to the House of Commons, and serving as a representative to the both the first and second Continental Congresses under George Washington. Because of illness, Lynch’s son signed the American Declaration of Independence in his stead.

Ernest A. Finney, Jr., was the first African-American Supreme Court Justice appointed to the South Carolina Supreme Court (after the Reconstruction-era federal appointments of state leaders). He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Claflin College in 1952 and graduated from South Carolina State College’s School of Law in 1954, before beginning work as a teacher. In 1960, he began a full-time law practice in Sumter.

Chief Justice Finney

Finney served as chairman of the South Carolina Commission on Civil Rights in 1963 and was elected to the South Carolina House of Representatives in 1972. He was appointed to the House Judiciary Committee.  Finney was also one of the founders of the Legislative Black Caucus and served as charter chairperson.

After he sat on the State Supreme Court for nine years, the General Assembly elected Finney to be Chief Justice in 1994.  Finney retired in 2000.

Past SC Hall of Fame inductees include author Pat Conroy, President Andrew Jackson, jazz legend Dizzy Gillespie, Sen. J. Strom Thurmond, astronaut Charles M. Duke Jr. among others.

Livingston was one of those honored in Greenwood ceremony

The time and place have been etched indelibly in the mind of veteran Sergeant James Henderson, Jr. of Ninety-Six, South Carolina. That was the time Henderson suffered the wounds of combat. Henderson contacted 3rd District Congressman Jeff Duncan’s office several months ago to request assistance in obtaining medals that he never received during his military career. After working with the Defense Department, it was confirmed that Sergeant Henderson rightfully earned a Purple Heart and several other medals. On Monday, Congressman Duncan officially awarded Henderson with a Purple Heart in a ceremony Monday afternoon at steps of the old Greenwood County Library. Henderson says while he is honored, the memories are painful.

AUDIO: Henderson was moved (:12)

During the ceremony attended by local veterans, State Rep. Mike Pitts presented a Purple Heart to another Vietnam veteran Robert J. Livingston.

Duncan told WLMA’s Anne Eller it is a scar on the nation that the returning Vietnam veterans were not treated the way they deserved to be treated. He says ceremonies like the one in Greenwood Monday is an effort to right a wrong. Duncan says honoring soldiers that have been wounded in battle is always for him a humbling experience.

AUDIO: Duncan says we all should do more to honor veterans (:32)

Anne Eller, WLMA Greenwood covered this story.

The organization cited state Department of Health and Environmental Control data showing a teen pregnancy rate of 42.6 per every 1,000 teens. That is a 13 percent decline from 2009-2010, according to the group.

“In 2011, the Centers for Disease Control deemed teen pregnancy a winnable battle, and I am happy to report that we are currently winning that battle in South Carolina,” said Forrest Alton, the campaign’s Chief Executive Officer, “We have a long road ahead and much work remains, but we should absolutely take a moment to celebrate the amazing progress that young people have made over the last decade.”

The group says several factors contribute to the drop, including more teens choosing abstinence and contraceptives. Alton said more widespread discussion on teen pregnancy is also having an impact– as the number of sex education programs increase in the state.

Institute board member Barbara Rackes demonstrates the new site Monday

South Carolina is worst in the country for the percentage of women who serve in a state legislature, according to the Southeastern Institute for Women in Politics. In fact, the state Senate is made up entirely of men.

Now the Institute, a nonprofit that tries to get more women elected to public office, has created a new online system designed to train those women on how to run a political campaign.

The group conducts a half-dozen seminars across the state each year, but board member Barbara Rackes says the new online tool helps them expand to those women who would otherwise not attend.

“We have to approach women one at a time and persuade them to run for office,” said Institute board member Barbara Rackes, “They’re not thinking about it and they oftentimes lack the confidence. Their obstacles are mostly self-imposed.”

Rackes said the website is set up much like one of the group’s seminars and will offer courses on campaign planning, fundraising, media relations, and creating a narrative, among other things.

The Institute is partnering with Blue Cross Blue Shield South Carolina and the information technology collaborative IT-ology to create the site.

“I was okay taking that first step to go to the campaign training school, but some people might not even be ready for that,” said Cayce mayor Elise Partin, who took one of the group’s seminars before running for office in 2008. ”So, to look on the computer and to learn on your own time… in the safety of your own area, it makes that first step not such a big one.”

Rackes said 2012 is especially important because it’s a presidential election year (historically higher voter turnout) that comes immediately after the state redrew its political districts (meaning some new legislative, county, or town council seats will open).

Ruth Williams attended the Romney election night rally

AUDIO: Joe Kasko’s interview with Ruth Williams, who shares her story.

The woman who made headlines after GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney gave her $50 at a campaign event was in attendance Saturday night to support the former Massachusetts governor at his election viewing party.

Ruth Williams drove to the State Fairgrounds Saturday night on an empty tank of gas because she felt she had to be there.

“God told me to come,” she said. “I know it sounds out of this world.”

Williams, 55, has been unemployed since October. She said she had been cleaning houses for home builders, but has had trouble finding work with the downturn in the housing market.

Williams said it was God that told her to seek out Romney, after his campaign bus pulled up next to her at a traffic light. She eventually got an opportunity to speak to the candidate at a campaign event in Sumter.

“He really took time and he listened to me. Out of all those people he took time and listened to little me,” said Williams, as she fought back tears.

“I didn’t expect him to do anything and he gave me money. That was the water bill. Our water was turned off.”

Williams said state Treasurer and Romney supporter Curtis Loftis also gave her money.

“He pulled money out of his pocket and it paid part of the light bill. That kept us going and it gave us food to eat.

However, Williams, who had been homeless and living out of a van for part of last year, said she isn’t looking for handouts.

“I just want to work. I just want to work,” she said. “I don’t want to be homeless.”

Williams is also trying to care for her ailing adult son. In October 2010, Williams’ 26-year-old son Joe suffered a brain aneurysm that has left him unable to work and in need of care.

“It’s hard being a primary care giver for a grown son that’s got a problem,” she said.

“I can’t give my son away. I would rather sleep in nothing than to give my child away, but if somebody would just show me how to help him.”

Williams said people have criticized her and Romney, alleging that the former governor was trying to buy her vote. However, she said the Romney campaign hasn’t asked her for anything.

“Don’t talk about people that you don’t know their story. You don’t know my story. God really told me and I wouldn’t lie.”

Williams said she will be a Romney supporter throughout the campaign.

“It was like God answered my prayer. He used him even if he didn’t win here. He used him to help me and my kids to make it another week.”

Williams said she has had numerous interview requests since word of her story broke, but she has been hesitant to share it. She said that’s why she felt she needed to be at the Romney rally Saturday night.

“God said the right person is going to be there. It’s time to tell the true story.”

U.S.S. Laffey (File)

As a result, the museum is closed to the public until the weekend, although the Laffey’s return will depend on the tides and weather of Charleston harbor.

The ship has been berthed in North Charleston for the past two years as it underwent badly-needed repairs. In order to tow the Laffey back into position, crews will have to remove a pedestrian bridge that connects the shore with the museum’s docks. Since the public will be unable to access the museum’s ships without the bridge, there’s no reason to reason to keep Patriots Point open, officials say.

The Patriots Point Development Authority borrowed $9 million from the state to repair the ship in 2009 and has struggled to pay the loan back. It still owes approximately $8.7 million. It has until June 2013 to come up with a repayment plan, which director Mac Burdette says the museum is developing.

The Laffey will be displayed at the spot currently home to the submarine Clamagore. The museum plans to move the sub further down the museum docks to make room.

Laffey is one of only two Sumner-class destroyers that remain in existence. It was commissioned in 1944. It participated in the D-Day landings in Normandy, as well as the later invasions of the Philippines, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa.

King Day at the Dome rally

The 12th annual King Day at the Dome Rally was held at the State House Monday. The rally to celebrate the life and contributions of Dr. Martin Luther King is sponsored by the South Carolina Conference of the NAACP. In his remarks, NAACP national President and CEO Benjamin Jealous says the rights that King fought and died for are threatened today including the right to vote.

The Justice Department has stepped in to block South Carolina’s law, saying it could keep some voters away. Overall, voters in nine states are subject to these laws, which sponsors say will help prevent voter fraud. Critics say the laws place an unfair burden on young, low-income, and minority voters.

Jealous says while battling for equality and the civil rights of all individuals one is bound to get tired. He says he is tired of seeing some nay of his neighbors with foreclosure signs in there yards, tired of seeing so many of his neighbors in job lines, tired of seeing so many black males undereducated and over incarcerated. Jealous says he is especially tired of seeing a certain banner flying on the State House grounds every time he visits Columbia.

Since 1999, The NAACP’ has been conducting a tourism boycott of South Carolina until the state stops flying the Confederate flag on the State House grounds. Jealous asked Governor Haley to do some soul searching, and not continue to ignore the Confederate flag issue.

AUDIO: Jealous rails against voter ID bill and the Confederate flag

Courtesy: Friends of the Hunley

On Thursday, experts carefully removed a 50-foot, 17,000-pound truss that has long been sitting on top of the Hunley. Although researchers say the truss was necessary for the Hunley’s safety, it has also completely obstructed a complete view of the submarine until now.

Officials at Clemson’s Warren Lasch Conservation Center said the move was done to improve the visitor experience. “Separating the truss from the Hunley represents the official beginning of the final conservation treatment of the Hunley,” Director Mike Drews said in a statement.

The Hunley made history in 1864 when it became the first submarine to successfully sink an enemy ship– the U.S.S. Housatonic– in the Charleston harbor. However, the submarine sank shortly afterwards itself, taking its eight-member crew down with it.

The wreck was discovered by Clive Cussler’s National Underwater and Marine Agency in 1995. It was raised five years later and delivered to the Lasch Center. The Hunley’s study and conservation is run by the Clemson University Restoration Institute, the South Carolina Hunley Commission, Naval Historical Center, and Friends of the Hunley.

The next step will be modifications on the Hunley’s 90,000-gallon conservation tank.  The tank – which currently holds chilled fresh water to stabilize the submarine as it awaits treatment – needs to be altered in order to accommodate the chemicals necessary to conserve the sub.

Scientists hope to have the submarine soaking in the chemical solution by the end of the year. The solution is designed to leach out salts that got into the ship’s iron hull while it sat on the ocean floor. Salt is toxic to iron.

Jocelyn Jennings, Amir's grandmother, speaks to reporters Friday

Police are still searching for 18-month-old Amir Jennings, who was reported missing in early December by his grandmother. Amir’s mother Zinah Jennings was arrested last week after police say she lied to them about his location.

Columbia Police Chief Randy Scott gave an update on the case Friday at a press conference held at the Columbia Police Department.

“I’m fearful,” Scott told reporters, ”I will tell you I’m concerned, but I’m not willing to say, until we have proof, that something has happened drastically to Amir.”

A few members of the Jennings family also made a public statement at the press conference. Amir’s grandmother and Zinah Jennings mother, Jocelyn Jennings Nelson, gave descriptions of the missing child and told reporters where he is most likely to be found.

“He has four to six front teeth with a distinct gap. He is a very happy baby,” Nelson said. “I believe that Amir could be in the Atlanta area, Charlotte area, and of course Columbia. My daughter Zinah has ties in those cities.”

Zinah Jennings continues to be the prime suspect in the disappearance of her son after she gave inconsistent stories about where Amir was to authorities. Chief Scott says Amir’s father was investigated and has been cooperative.  Scott said the father does not seem to have any involvement in Amir’s disappearance.

Scott says the investigation will continue and anyone who has information pertaining to Amir’s whereabouts needs to contact police immediately.

South Carolina Radio Network’s Tripp Girardeau contributed to this report

Dr. Jackson donated $10 million, allowing the college the opportunity to build a new residence hall in the style of twin towers and a new student health and wellness center.

The residence hall will stand three stories and house 74 male and 74 female students in separate towers. The student health center will hold offices and classrooms for health sciences and recreation administration, areas for the ROTC program, and a fitness area.

The expansion will also include a new maintenance building and vehicle garage. An additional $1 million will go towards the college’s general endowment to be used for scholarships.

Groundbreaking ceremonies for the new facilities will be Tuesday, January 10th at 10 am.

The cobweb-like growth is barely visible on the spent fuel rods in this image provided by SRNL

Scientists at the Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) are working to identify an unknown material they recently found growing in tanks of spent nuclear fuel rods.

An October report from the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board (DNFSB) — a federal agency responsible for overseeing the U.S.’s nuclear complexes– mentions that researchers found a “white, string-like growth” on the ends of spent fuel racks stored underwater at the Site’s L-Basin.

The facility is owned by the Energy Department but is currently run by the private partnership Savannah River Nuclear Solutions. The L-Basin uses deep pools ranging from 17-30 feet deep to store the spent nuclear fuel assemblies originally used for research purposes.

SRNL spokesperson Angeline French said workers found the substance during “routine surveillance.”

French said officials have no idea what the material is. “What we do know is it looks like cobwebs in appearance,” she told South Carolina Radio Network.

The DNFSB report theorizes the growth may be “biological in nature.”

French said scientists have not noticed any negative effect on the rods or the pool from the mysterious growth.

Researchers at the lab unsuccessfully tried to get a sample of the material for study. ”What they learned in getting the initial sample… is that this material disperses very readily when it is disturbed,” French said, “So they were not able to get a large enough sample.”

They hope to try again later in January with a new sampler that will include a pump designed to pull both water and the substance through a flexible tube and discharge it into filters. The excess water would then drain back to the basin.  A long pole will be used to position the sample collection funnel in the basin.