Across South Carolina

Law allows schools freedom with budget

COLUMBIA --- A new law will allow South Carolina schools to suspend programs such as character education and SAT improvement to help keep teachers employed amid budget cuts.

Gov. Mark Sanford signed into law Tuesday a measure that allows districts to shift money around. It allows schools to increase class sizes, suspend some testing and furlough teachers. The law also gives school officials an extra month to hand out teachers' contracts.

Superintendent Jim Rex said he still expects layoffs. He said he hoped the extra month would give Mr. Sanford and legislators time to figure out how to use federal stimulus money, but districts are already announcing layoffs.

Mr. Sanford has said he wants to use stimulus funds only to pay off debt.

Publisher must pay Mattel $3.6 million

SPARTANBURG, S.C. --- A federal judge has ordered a South Carolina publisher of children's literature to pay $3.6 million to an international toy maker in a trademark case.

The Greenville News reported Tuesday that Super Duper Publications has been ordered to pay Mattel Inc. about $1 million in damages and $2.6 million in attorney fees. The Greenville-based publisher must also destroy some merchandise.

The toy maker claims the company used its catch phrase "say" in some products. Mattel has held a trademark on the phrase for 40 years, beginning with its "See N Say" pull toy.

Accused finance chief seeks delay in trial

COLUMBIA --- An attorney for the former finance director of South Carolina's Department of Social Services accused of embezzling millions has asked a judge to delay the trial while a plea deal is worked out.

Beattie Ashmore made the request in court documents filed Tuesday. He says his client, Paul Moore, is discussing plea negotiations with prosecutors.

Mr. Moore pleaded not guilty last month to theft and fraud charges. Prosecutors say he took more than $5 million, spending some on parties and strippers.