Editorials

Public records law was a step forward

Proponents of legislative reforms to improve South Carolina’s Freedom of Information Act didn’t get everything they had hoped for in the bill that passed on the last day of the session. But the bill came close, and it should be regarded as a victory for open government and citizens’ ability to gain access to public information.

State panel battles rise of opioid abuse

South Carolina needs to act quickly to prevent an upsurge in opioid abuse. Formation of a legislative committee to study the problem is one good way to do that.

School district tweaking its expulsion policy

The purpose of expelling students from school is to prevent them from disrupting classrooms, not to deny them an education. Fortunately the Rock Hill school district seems to understand that, and school board members are looking at ways to tweak district policy to ensure that expelled students don’t go weeks or months without instruction.

Water park project needed more scrutiny

The county needs to be prepared to inform council members and solicit public input before the next RUD project comes up for consideration.

Lawmakers finally pass a roads bill

The S.C. House voted 99 to 20 Tuesday to approve a compromise roads plan worked out last week by a panel of state representatives and senators.

An enlightened policy on parental leave

The City of Rock is something of a trendsetter in considering a generous paid leave policy. Congratulations to all who conceived of this proposal, and we hope the council will approve it.

Head off bill that endangers Catawba River

A bill now being considered by the North Carolina Legislature could have a significant adverse effect on the quality of the water as it flows downstream into South Carolina.

Different ways to give to charities

People who sign up for a Givolio account can choose from a list of more than 1 million nonprofit organizations to support and can give money on a one-time basis or in recurring donations.

Mental health court is a humane approach

The mental health court would operate in a space at the Moss Justice Center in York. Offenders identified as mentally ill would attend periodic sessions with the presiding judge and other mental health professionals, who would offer advice on dealing with mental illness and avoiding legal conflicts.

Catawba dodges list of endangered rivers

Despite continuing growth, the danger of sewage spills and runoff of dangerous chemicals, and the drought, the river continues to provide a stable water supply for much of the region.

Mergers might help some school districts

The S.C. Department of Education released a study last week showing that consolidating smaller school districts could save twns of millions of dollars.

Sports complex is a big step forward

With infrastructure work proceeding, development of the old Lowenstein mill building for multiple uses and now the plan to open the indoor sports complex as early as spring 2018, the dream of Knowledge Park is well on its way to becoming a reality.

Flex time offers options for students

Many school districts in the state are adopting what is known as a Flexible Learning Experience – or Flex for short. Instead of waiting until after school, students can engage in a variety of activities during the day.

Giving ex-cons a second chance

The goal is to prevent job seekers from being automatically disqualified by companies because of criminal records.

Fill area gap in radar coverage

The 80-mile distance between Charlotte and the nearest Doppler unit – at the National Weather Service office in Greer – is the longest in the nation for a major city. The radar unit is about 65 miles from Rock Hill.

Echols brought his own vision to job of mayor

Echols announced Tuesday that he would not seek re-election to a sixth term and will step down when his current term ends in October. Including two four-year terms on the City Council before his election as mayor in 1998, Echols has served Rock Hill for almost 30 years.

Both USC teams head to Final Four

The double win for the Gamecocks puts them in the history books. South Carolina is only the 10th school to have both its men’s and women’s program advance to the Final Four in the same season.

More options are good for students

Studies have confirmed that finding a good job with no credentials other than a high school degree is far more difficult than it used to be. Even those who choose not to pursue a four-year college education almost certainly will need some form of additional training after high school.

Graham should hold town hall

Area voters have been clamoring for Graham to visit his office in Rock Hill and meet with constituents. So far, however, he has not been so inclined.

Winthrop faces Butler in first round of NCAA

This time Eagles fans are hoping Winthrop, in its first NCAA Tournament appearance in seven years, will be the team that surprises everybody. That’s certainly a possibility.

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Inmate dies at Chester County jail

May 22, 2017

Inmate was in custody for alleged DUI Sunday and was found deceased overnight, Chester police officials said. SLED is investigating.

adys@heraldonline.com

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