I just saw the great photos of Christmas parades in the paper issue of this week's Guardian. To those who are asking why Hampton does not have a parade, keep in mind that the Town of Hampton is not the only town in the county. Why not attend the Christmas parades in the other towns and while there for the visit, spend a little money?

It's too bad the Guardian does not have an opportunity to view blogs before they are posted. All the long ads posted are a nuisance. 

It was a great article in this week's Guardian honoring Dr. Welcker and his staff. His years of service to the community will be remembered for years to come.  One day while talking to one of my classmates, we spoke of long working hours. I told him one day he would look around and ask "where is my wife, where are my children?" I told him they are still there, just grew up and grew older without him. Dr. Welcker has his priority in order. God and family first - the rest will fall in place. Thank you.

I received my county tax notices and put off opening until my heart stopped racing. Like I thought, my assessment had gone up and my county/city taxes went up a whopping 24.46%. Can you imagine what they would be if I did not have Homestead and the credit factors reducing what I would have really owed. My home is a modest home, built in 1947. What if I had a larger, more modern home in an exclusive sub-division, unemployed, with a family ... guess it would be time to move on!

For full article see: Latest News: Van wreck on I-95 sends 12 to hospital

For full article see: Tuesday last day to vote for Lake Warren

248,019 VOTES 11:15 AM 9/2/11 The votes have really started coming in this morning. Thanks to all who have helped make the leap to another giant step! Marcia

Crank your computer up and you can cast your votes online for Lake Warren State Park. The link is http://www.livepositively.com/#/americasparks/vote . Key 29924 for the zip code, click on the red balloon on the map, cast your vote. Votes are not limited as to how many times a person can vote so whatever spare time you have, give the Park your time. Be sure when voting, you have Lake Warren State Park on the screen. We don't want your votes to go to another park by mistake. Thanks, Marcia

Folks across state lines are voting for Lake Warren State Park for Coca Cola's "America's Favorite Park" contest. If any way possible over the Labor Day Weekend, beginning now, we need every vote we can get. The Rangers do an outstanding job at the Park. If you need peace and tranquility, Lake Warren is the place to be. Walking the trail and fishing where fishing is more than great, hours of enjoyment for families could be just what a person needs. Join the voters in voting for Lake Warren State Park. On Friday, September 2 at 10:00 am the voting reached another goal of 247,000.

For full article see: HCSO starts Home Alone program Monday

Will the program be available to the citizens living in Hampton, Estill, Brunson, Varnville and Yemassee?

Guns, lights, action ... sounds like something from a movie scene. Many of us knew it would only be a matter of time when the Coroner would begin making requests. He can ask for all he desires, but the bottom line is ... the BUCK STOPS WITH COUNTY COUNCIL.

In reference to an office consolidation so the Coroner could have space, that decision had to be made by County Council.