Local

The 2010 Census questionnaire will arrive at households throughout South Carolina from March 15 through 17.

With one state legislator looking for sweeping changes that could reorganize school districts statewide, the message from local leaders seems clear: We like our districts how they are, thanks.

You don't have to be a trained sheriff's deputy to get an inside look at local law enforcement. You just have to sign up. For the second time ever, the York County Sheriff’s Office will open its Citizen's Academy to the public. The program offers participants insight into "major operational aspects" of the office, including tours of and information about the Uniformed Patrol Division, Criminal Investigations, Drug Enforcement Unit and K-9 Unit.

New water withdrawal permitting proposals in both Carolinas may need help to become law, but local legislators continue fighting for them in hopes of passing bills this year. N.C. Sen. Dan Clodfelter of Charlotte and S.C. Sen. Wes Hayes of Rock Hill, both long-time proponents of water permitting legislation, updated the Catawba-Wateree Bi-State Commission at its quarterly meeting Feb. 26 in Huntersville, N.C., about their ongoing efforts to mandate large water withdrawal permits. They say the bills would move their states forward not only in environmental management, but also economically.

Help support local military families by purchasing an 8- to 10-pound, fully-cooked smoked Boston Butt for $25 this week. Orders will be taken through 5 p.m. March 12. All proceed benefit military families and their deployed loved ones.

In the three weeks since our last Capitol Report, the House Democrats have pressed forward with a number of initiatives directed toward reforming how government works, rebuilding our rural economies, and making South Carolina safer. During this time, we also enjoyed two noteworthy addresses to joint sessions of the House and Senate. The first was on Feb. 23 by the National Commander of the American Legion, Hon. Clarence Hill. The second was on Feb. 24, by Hon. Jean Hoefer Toal, the Chief Justice of South Carolina.

he skeletal remains found late last month off a wooded Steele Creek road close to Lake Wylie have been identified as those of a Gaston County man

The North Carolina Turnpike Authority wants more than input from Gaston County residents on its Garden Parkway project. The group wants Lake Wylie to have its say, too. The turnpike authority recently asked the Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce to help gather information from its members for the Metrolina Region Travel Study. A survey taking 10 to 15 minutes should help the group better understand the interests of area residents regarding proposed tollway projects.

Since 1975, one Lake Wylie group accounts for a lion’s share of public service to its community. On Saturday, that group celebrates 35 years with an event set to jumpstart another 35 years of giving. The River Hills Lions Club hosts a gala dinner and silent auction Saturday at River Hills Country Club. The event is a community celebration, but also another funding opportunity for the club with a wide-range of charitable partnerships.

If and when lake-area development returns to pre-recession boom levels, builders could find themselves working within an entirely new landscape. New federal water quality standards affecting both Carolinas became effective Feb. 1, and North and South Carolina are working to phase them in beginning next year.