Across the area: Census undercount could cost millions

Web posted March 10, 2000

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From Staff and Wire Reports

Augusta could lose an estimated $12.8 million in federal funds during the next decade if residents fail to return their census questionaires, a study released Thursday said.

The study, conducted by PriceWaterhouseCoopers at the request of the U.S. Census Monitoring Board, also found that a population undercount similar to the one that occurred in 1990 could result in a $271.9 million net funding loss for the state between 2002 and 2012.

The study used 1990 undercount rates to determine that a projected 179,603 Georgians would not be counted in the upcoming census.

About $185 billion in federal funds are allocated each year based on each state's share of the U.S. population as determined by the census. And an estimated $11 billion is lost in federal funds because of undercount rates, PriceWaterhouseCoopers reported. Census figures affect funding for programs such as Medicaid, Social Services, adoption assistance and child care.

AIKEN

Gossett to run for state Senate

Republican Robert G. Gossett has announced his intentions to run for the S.C. Senate District 25 seat currently held by Sen. Tommy Moore, D-Clearwater.

A resident of Graniteville, Mr. Gossett calls himself a ``common-sense conservative with real world experience rooted in family, community and business.''

He is expected to make a formal announcement at 4:30 p.m. Monday at the Aiken County Council Building on Richland Avenue.

Mr. Gossett, the founder and owner of a local commercial and residential cleaning company, is a lifelong resident of Aiken County and a graduate of the University of South Carolina Aiken with a degree in business administration.

HARLEM

Teen charged in bus wreck

A 19-year-old Harlem High School student was charged for failing to yield the right of way in an vehicle wreck that involved a Harlem High School bus.

According to Columbia County sheriff's Capt. Steve Morris, Melissa Lynn Herring of the 800 block of South Willowick Drive, Grovetown, pulled into the path of the bus being driven by Ola Mae Tankersley, 52, of Harlem, on Appling Harlem Highway at about 7 a.m. Wednesday.

Ms. Herring also was charged with a seat belt violation because a passenger in her car, who also is a teen-ager, was not wearing one, Capt. Morris said.

There was heavy damage to the car and moderate damage to the bus. Capt. Morris said both teen-agers were taken to Dwight D. Eisenhower Army Medical Center for observation but were released. Besides the bus driver, a bus aide and 6-year-old pupil were on the school bus. They were not injured, Capt. Morris said.

AUGUSTA

Attic sale set for Saturday

The Junior League of Augusta's Attic Sale 2000 will be from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the Augusta Exchange Club Fairgrounds.

Toys, furniture, children's clothing, housewares, linens, appliances and books are among the items on sale. There will be a country store with snacks and drinks available.

Admission to the sale is free. All of the proceeds benefit Junior League projects, which include a day shelter for homeless children, mini-grants to area schools and grants for nonprofit organizations.

AUGUSTA

Ex-press secretary to speak

Former White House press secretary Mike McCurry will be the guest speaker at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Augusta's 13th annual Steak and Burger Dinner at 6:30 p.m. March 16 at Augusta State University Athletic Complex.

The Abbeville, S.C., native served as White House press secretary from 1995 to 1998. Corporate tables range from $1,000 to $10,000, and individuals seats are $100 each.

For more information, call 722-2698.

GEORGIA

DNA bill wins House approval

ATLANTA -- A bill that would create a database of DNA samples from convicted felons won unanimous approval Thursday in the Georgia House.

The measure, a priority of Lt. Gov. Mark Taylor, would require that DNA be taken from all felons sent to prison in Georgia. The state now requires taking DNA from only sex offenders.

``People think it could do wonders to help solve crimes and be an available instrument to prove people innocent,'' Rep. Robert Reichert, D-Macon, said of DNA.

The bill already has passed the Senate, which must decide whether to accept changes made in the House.

The Senate version of the bill would have required felons to pay for the DNA sampling. The House version would make the state pay, with costs estimated at $1.6 million a year.

SOUTH CAROLINA

Report: Boating accidents sink

BEAUFORT -- Better law enforcement and public awareness are credited for a drop in boating deaths and accidents in South Carolina.

The number of accidents reported in the state last year was down 27 percent from 1998, the Natural Resources Department said.

The agency said there were 120 accidents last year, compared with 166 in 1998.

The number of deaths fell from 28 in 1998 to 18 last year, the lowest number in 15 years.

The Natural Resources Department has promoted boater education by using public service announcements during the past few years, agency spokesman Mike Willis said.

A 1999 law that increased penalties against drunken boating also made the waterways safer, Mr. Willis said.

The new law raised the maximum penalty for a felony drunken boating conviction from 10 years to 25 years in jail.

Beaufort County had the most boating deaths last year, with four fatalities. Berkeley County had three deaths.

South Carolina ranks eighth in the country in the number of registered water craft, with 415,000.

SOUTH CAROLINA

Man charged with animal cruelty

COLUMBIA -- A Columbia man is charged with ill treatment of an animal for allegedly using a 2x2 board to beat a Chihuahua.

Patrick Etheridge, 28, was arrested Wednesday and charged with the Feb. 23 beating.

The 2-year-old dog, Johnny, lost its eyesight, suffered serious brain damage and will need special care for the rest of its life, said Steve Stephenson of the Humane Society of the Midlands.

Mr. Etheridge denied beating the dog. He said he was trying to scare the dog away.

If convicted, Mr. Etheridge could get up to two years in prison and a $5,000 fine.