Free Computer Classes Offered
Are you new to using the computer? Do you want to learn about desktops and laptops? Wish you knew more about how your computer does its job? Computer Basics will introduce you to all the basic concepts that you need to know. Four free 2-hour inter-active sessions will be offered on February 15th, 17th,21st, and 24th from 6:30-8:30pm at the Magic Johnson Empowerment Center on 215 Broad Street, room A121 in Bennettsville.

U.S. Attorney’s Office to Sponsor
8th Annual Project Sentry Logo Contest
The United States Attorney’s Office is sponsoring its 8th Annual Project Sentry Logo Contest. The statewide contest allows students an opportunity to illustrate how they prevent gun violence in school by designing a logo for use on upcoming Project Sentry publications. The contest is open to any student enrolled in elementary, middle, or high school in South Carolina. Entries will be divided into four grade categories. A winner will be selected from each of the four grade categories and will receive a $100 savings bond. The overall winning logo, which will be chosen from among the four grade category winners, will receive an additional $100 savings bond, and will be featured in Project Sentry publications.
Entries should be consistent with the theme “Preventing Gun Violence At Your School.” The deadline for submissions is Friday, April 15, 2011. Contest information has been sent to schools throughout South Carolina encouraging them to participate.
Project Sentry, which is part of the district’s Project Safe Neighborhoods/Project CeaseFire program, is a vital step in strengthening our ability to prevent gun crimes among our young people and to ensure a safe learning atmosphere for our children.
For further information contact Stacey D. Haynes, Assistant U.S. Attorney, 1441 Main Street, Suite 500, Columbia, SC 29201, 803-929-3000, Fax: 803-256-0233.

Rep. Jackie Hayes Honored
The South Carolina Chamber of Commerce, the state’s unified voice of business, presented 17 South Carolina legislators with the second annual Business Advocate Award. The awards were presented January 26 at the South Carolina Chamber’s Business Speaks at the State House to members of the General Assembly who scored 100 percent in the Chamber’s 2010 Legislative Scorecard. Rep. Jackie Hayes was one of those honored. “The South Carolina Chamber of Commerce thanks these legislators who are committed to advancing business issues at the State House. It is imperative we hold legislators accountable on votes that directly impact the competitiveness of this state and the prosperity of every South Carolinian. Recipients of the Business Advocate Award are a testament to the importance of improving the state’s business climate,” said Otis Rawl, president and chief executive officer of the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce. The 2010 Legislative Scorecard tracked key legislative votes on issues, including economic development, tort reform, secret ballot protection, spending limits, Department of Employment and Workforce, unemployment insurance trust fund, state attorney fees, government restructuring and more.

Pee Dee Genealogy Chapter Meet
The Pee Dee Chapter of the South Carolina Genealogical Society will meet on Sunday, February 13, 2011, at 3:00 pm. at Mt. Olive Baptist Church, 321 Church Street, in Mullins, SC. After the business meeting, the rich history of the Church will be presented by church historian Fannie Leonard Simmons. Guests are welcome. Refreshments will be served.
Mrs. Simmons will highlight the founding of the church in 1882 by former slaves and descendants of slaves and its design by black architect and builder, Wade Alston Ford. Focusing on the present building that dates to 1922-1925, she will point out notable architectural details. Her presentation also will include photographs and a description of her research and successful quest to have Mt. Olive placed on the National Historical Register.
This program was postponed from October 2010. At that time, members of the Mt. Olive Church invited the Pee Dee Chapter to hold a meeting at the church. We greatly appreciate their invitation and this opportunity to celebrate Black History Month.
Directions to the Church and links to other information about it can be accessed from the Chapter website at http://www.peedee.scgen.org/

Lane Named To Dean’s List
Frank Lane of Latta has been named to the Dean’s List at Clear Creek Baptist Bible College, Pineville, KY. Inclusion to the Dean’s List means they have achieved a grade point average of 3.50 or higher for the 2010 Fall Semester.
Lane is the spouse of Regina Lane and the son of Linda Lane of Latta, SC.
A Kentucky Baptist Convention Institution, Clear Creek Bible College exists to provide educational preparation for adults called of God into Christian service.