Lexington Irmo Lake Murray Real Estate Update 12-27-2010

Area schools increase advanced placement achievement - Lexington High School students were some of the most successful in earning passing grades on advanced placement tests, according to the SC Dept. of Education. The end-of-the-year standardized tests give students a chance to earn college credit for English, history, math and foreign language courses. Lexington High School students passed 75% of the AP exams taken by more than 800 students in Lexington District One schools. Their success rate was the second highest in Midlands area schools. Students at Spring Valley High School in Richland District 2 had the highest success rate in the Midlands with 84%. More students took and passed the tests in 2010, according to state education department data.

Officials to pay back $5 million- Lexington County officials are looking for a solution to repay taxpayers about $5 million. Although nothing is yet final, they plan to credit homeowners next fall on their 2011 real estate tax bill. “If your credit amount is greater than your taxes,” County Auditor Chris Harmon said “we plan to provide instructions on the tax bill as to how a citizen can apply for the difference.”

LCpl. Carpenter continues his battle for recovery - He wanted to be a Marine, “The toughest Marine,” said Jim Carpenter. He was talking about his son Kyle and how he is bravely facing at least two more months of hospitalization and “who knows how many more surgeries” at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. “That will be followed,” LCpl Kyle Carpenter is told, “by a year or more of rehabilitation. The Lexington Marine remains at the Bethesda Medical Center where he is now sitting up in a wheel chair, in spite of multiple surgeries and painful rehab sessions. The proud father told the Chronicle that surgeries on his arms went well last week to prepare for needed skin grafts. Once they complete the arm surgeries, doctors will begin reconstructive surgeries to his face. “It is amazing how he has improved in the three weeks since arriving at Bethesda,” family members said. The staff at the hospital say cards and letters are great medicine. The address is LCpl. William Kyle Carpenter, National Naval Medical Center, 8901 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20889, c/o Marine Liaison Office.