News - Local/State

Wednesday, Sep. 03, 2008

News In Brief - September 3, 2008

Spratt to open campaign headquarters

U.S. Rep. John Spratt will hold a campaign kickoff in downtown Rock Hill Saturday to formally launch his bid for a 14th term in Congress. The public is invited from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to the campaign headquarters at 214 Oakland Ave.

Guests are encouraged to RSVP by calling 328-0114 or e-mailing spratt@comporium.net. Spratt will speak at noon. Hot dogs and sodas will be served.

The veteran Democrat from York faces a rematch of his 2004 race against Republican Albert Spencer of Gaffney. Spencer picked up 37 percent of the vote in that contest.

Spratt, who returned last week from the Democratic National Convention in Denver, seeks another term as chairman of the House Budget Committee.

Steve & Barry's to close Rock Hill Galleria store

The Steve & Barry's store at the Rock Hill Galleria will close as part of the discount clothing chain's move out of bankruptcy.

The Long Island-based retailer grew quickly in recent years, often locating in spaces vacated by other large or big-box tenants, and gained attention by featuring bargain-priced clothing lines from celebrities such as "Sex and the City" star Sarah Jessica Parker. However, the company struggled financially and filed for bankruptcy protection in early July.

BH S&B Holdings, a newly formed affiliate of investment firms Bay Harbour Management and York Capital Management, bought Steve & Barry's late last month for $163 million and is closing a little less than 100 of the chain's 276 pre-bankruptcy stores. That will leave about 170 stores.

The Steve & Barry's in Gastonia, N.C., and on Sardis Road in Charlotte, both of which opened in 2006, will remain open, according to a news release.

The Rock Hill Galleria store opened in 2004 and will have a closing sale. The company said a closing date was not yet available.

-- The Charlotte Observer

Authorities recover stolen artifacts

AIKEN -- Authorities say $1,000 worth of American Indian artifacts stolen from the Beech Island Historical Society have been recovered.

Aiken County Sheriff's Lt. Michael Frank said Tuesday that an elderly man turned in the collection after buying it for $500 at a flea market in Augusta, Ga. He did not identify the buyer.

Frank said the items were bought Saturday from two men selling from a car trunk, and he's hoping other shoppers at the Old 56 Flea Market can provide more information.

The recovered items held as evidence include arrowheads, English coins and metal buttons from the 18th century.

Lexington County town approves smoking ban

COLUMBIA -- Lexington has joined the ranks of South Carolina communities snuffing out smoking in restaurants, bars and most workplaces.

On Tuesday, a once-reluctant Town Council -- all seven of whom are nonsmokers -- unanimously approved a ban that takes effect Oct. 4.

Lexington becomes the first Lexington County community, and the 19th in the state, to adopt the ban.

The town could be joined soon by nearby West Columbia as city leaders there agreed Tuesday to look at the idea.

Lexington town officials decided to be trendsetters after initially saying a ban should be adopted in conjunction with other communities.

-- The (Columbia) State