In my weekly search for interesting articles about Lexington SC Real Estate, I came across these topics relating to the areas in and around Lexington SC including Lake Murray and Irmo. As usual these are courtesy of the Lexington Chronicle ! It really is a great local paper that strives to keep residents of Greater Columbia SC up to date on local events, especially those in Lexington County.
More Taking Advantage of Lexington’s Drug Card
Lexington residents have saved $4,400 with a free drug card. Using the card has saved residents an average of 20% on prescription drug costs. The program has been gaining popularity with citizens since it began in April. The card is available to anyone who does not have insurance or has no drug plan. The plan has helped people who have lost their job or been dropped from their insurance plan. It covers all prescription costs, including some for pets. The free drug card is available at town Hall, the Lexington Chamber of Commerce, Rileys Drugs, Long’s Drugs and Medicine Marts on Columbia Avenue and Sunset Boulevard.
Despite Tainted Samples, Lexington Says Water Safe to Drink.
Lexington water is safe to drink despite the presence of contaminants found in test samples of the water supply in August. Coliform bacteria was found in two of 16 water test samples in the Lexington water distribution system, according to letters sent out with bills to town water customers. Coliform bacteria are generally not harmful and occur naturally in the environment. They can be caused by plant materials, which was the case at the site of one of the contaminated test sites. Once shrubbery was trimmed and removed from the sample area, it was retested and came back clear. The coliform bacteria were not harmful and did not pose a health problem for water customers. The system was disinfected and subsequent tests were free from bacteria. The town conducts weekly sample tests on its water system.
Gaston Leaders Seek to Rebuild Police Force Nearly two years after closing its police department, Gaston town leaders are ready to begin rebuilding its police force. Town Council is working on plans to hire at least one town police officer by the end of the year. The new position would be for a chief at a salary of about $40,000 per year. In addition to personnel, the town needs funding for equipment and a vehicle. The old department had two full-time and six part-time officers. One of the old police cars was kept. Once funding is identified for new law enforcement expenses, the town will advertise the job and accept resumes. Town Council members are in support of the plan to add a new police officer. The town had hoped to reinstate the whole department using federal grants available through stimulus funds this year. But Gaston’s application for federal dollars was rejected this summer.
Tire Amnesty Day Nets Big Haul
Lexington County collected more than 16,000 old tires as part of a trial amnesty program this year. Nearly 8,800 tires were collected in April and 7,355 this month when the county waived its $1.50 disposal fee for a one-day period. The program was proposed to help rid the county of abandoned tires being left along roadsides. Now, county leaders will have to decide whether the program works well enough to keep it in place permanently. The county lost more than $23,000 in tire disposal fees by holding the fee-free day. Another $12,500 was spent to run the program in April. Cost figures have not been calculated for the October amnesty day. It is too early to tell if the amnesty program will help solve the problem but with the number of tires collected it should be working. It will be up to Council to decide whether to look for other ways to clean up old tires.
Landscapers Growing Green to Help Students
The greater Columbia Landscape Association has just pesented four checks totaling $4,800 to students from the Midlands who are seeking higher education degrees in the horticulture profession. The four scholarship recipients this year are Marc Edward Medaujgh, a lanscape architecture student at Clemson; Sean Franklin O’Neal, a student Golf Course Management at USC Aiken; Nathaniel Douglas Price, studying Horticulture at Spartanburg Community College; and Daniel Broom a Turfgrass Management major at Clemson. Since its inception, the Association has been dedicated to member development and giving back to the community. A board member of the organization, said the group’s project interests range from Camp Barstow, Ronald mcDonald house, Dickerson Center for Children, and Habitat for Humanity. Other projects include the parking entrance to Riverbanks Botanical Gardens, a halfway house for young people, an individual’s yard makeover, and the Veterans Memorial at Batesburg-Leesville.
