Count on News 2: Bill taking aim at abandoned and derelict boats in local waterways passes SC House

CHARLESTON, S.C. – As law enforcement attempts to crack down on abandoned boats in local waterways, a new bill would place more responsibility on the owners. Bill H.3865, introduced by freshman Representative Spencer Wetmore, would require a permit for watercraft or floating structures to be moored in a public waterway for an extended period, specifically,Continue reading “Count on News 2: Bill taking aim at abandoned and derelict boats in local waterways passes SC House”

P&C: SC House panel shelves bill to ban transgender athletes from girls’ sports

COLUMBIA — A S.C. House panel shelved a GOP-led proposal on March 16 that would prevent participation in girls’ middle and high school sports by transgender athletes, with one Republican calling it deceptively worded. Known as the “Save Women’s Sport Act,” the measure raised concerns among opponents that such a move would be unconstitutional and marginalizeContinue reading “P&C: SC House panel shelves bill to ban transgender athletes from girls’ sports”

P&C: Gov. McMaster honors historian who found remains of 19 African American Civil War soldiers

FOLLY BEACH, S.C. — In 1987, just moments before bulldozers were about to plow a new road on the island, Charleston historian Robert Bohrn noticed something peculiar. Sticking out of the earth were the skeletal remains of 19 African American soldiers of the Union’s 55th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry. If it weren’t for Bohrn’s watchful eye,Continue reading “P&C: Gov. McMaster honors historian who found remains of 19 African American Civil War soldiers”

The Island Connection: First Impressions

“I will continue to support good legislation, from either political party, that benefits our sea islands district and the state of South Carolina.” – District 115 Rep. Spencer Wetmore After the marathon of running in four elections last year (Primary, Runoff, Special, and General), reporting to Columbia to begin the work of legislating instead ofContinue reading “The Island Connection: First Impressions”

The Island Connection: A Common Voice

Every beach along the South Carolina coast is unique, but each of them is blessed with the same natural beauty and in many ways burdened by similar natural and man-made issues. This symbiotic relationship was a major reason South Carolina Beach Advocates (SCBA) was formed in 2014, and the mission of the organization has remainedContinue reading “The Island Connection: A Common Voice”

P&C: Conservative lawmakers seek to ensure SC churches stay open during future emergencies

COLUMBIA, S.C. — After watching more liberal states shut down or limit religious gatherings in an attempt to slow the spread of the coronavirus, a group of conservative state lawmakers is seeking to ensure that South Carolina will never be able to to take similar action if another pandemic arises in the future. A newContinue reading “P&C: Conservative lawmakers seek to ensure SC churches stay open during future emergencies”

CCP: Charleston relic hunter, historian awarded Order of the Silver Crescent

Robert E. Bohrn, of Charleston, was awarded the Order of the Silver Crescent by Gov. Henry McMaster on Thursday. S.C. Rep. Spencer Wetmore, D-Folly Beach, presented Bohrn with the commendation at a Statehouse ceremony. This award is the state’s highest civilian award for significant contributions, leadership, volunteerism and lifelong influence within a region or community.Continue reading “CCP: Charleston relic hunter, historian awarded Order of the Silver Crescent”

P&C: Critics of SC abortion ban prepare for legal fight as bill nears final passage

COLUMBIA, S.C. — A bill to ban most abortions in South Carolina took yet another step closer to passage on Feb. 9, advancing out of a House committee on party lines to set up one final debate on the House floor before the Republican majority almost certainly approves it.  After around 2.5 hours of debate,Continue reading “P&C: Critics of SC abortion ban prepare for legal fight as bill nears final passage”

CCP: Charleston community leaders sound off on lessons from 2020

Looking ahead, looking back How about one final look back at 2020 before we close the book on this wild year and throw it on the fire? We’ve enlisted a group of local figures, some of whom you may recognize, to jot down some of what they learned over the course of the year. WithContinue reading “CCP: Charleston community leaders sound off on lessons from 2020”

Associated Press: South Carolina Democrat flips State House seat

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — A South Carolina Democrat has flipped a legislative seat from Republican control in a victory heralded by some Democrats as a possible signal their party could make more gains this fall. Spencer Wetmore won more than 59% of the votes counted in Tuesday night’s special election in state House district 115,Continue reading “Associated Press: South Carolina Democrat flips State House seat”