Big TV advertisers are cutting ad spending on broadcast and cable networks.

These include General Motors, PepsiCo, Domino’s Pizza, General Mills and Cracker Barrel.

This is testing the TV industry’s 50 year-old way of doing business, The Wall Street Journal reported.

TV ad spending fell in the initial weeks of the corona virus pandemic.

It was insulated from a bigger drop because the majority of $42 billion spent on national TV ads is bound by contracts.

The 1st real opportunity advertisers had to cut future spending began May 1.

Companies now have the option to cancel up to 50% of their 3rd-quarter ad spending.

The companies are worried about selling their products in a prolonged economic downturn.

They wonder what programming networks can offer with the near-total shutdown of production in Hollywood.

1,442 more file for unemployment

Initial unemployment claims continue to fall as local businesses reopen.

According to the SC Department of Employment and Workforce:

1,442 more people filed for unemployment in Lexington County last week.

2,583 filed in Columbia and Richland County.

For the week ending May 9, 32,513 South Carolinians filed.

That’s a decrease of 14,234 compared to the previous week’s count of 46,747.

“This 4-week trend correlates with the gradual transition to people reporting back to work,” said Dan Ellzey of SCDEW.

Since March 15, 2020, SCDEW has paid more than $1.09 billion in a combination of state benefits.

New B-L assistant principal

Samantha Kennedy is the new Assistant Principal of B-L Elementary School.

Kennedy has been employed with Lexington School District 3 since 2016 first as a 4th-grade teacher at B-L Elementary School and most recently as the Instructional Coordinator at B-L Primary School.

Kennedy holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Clemson University and a Master’s degree in Educational Administration from the University of South Carolina.

She is replacing Angie Mishoe who is leaving BLES July 1 to become the new director of special services in Lexington 3.

Working together

First Reliance Bank is working to restock local food banks.

The financial institution is partnering with Mission Lexington through Friday to collect 2,000 canned goods to assist those in need during the covid-19 health crisis.

First Reliance Bank will provide bags at each of its drive-thru lanes for the collection and delivery of canned good donations. Proper attire will be worn when handling the items in branch and at delivery to the food banks.

If you’d like to make a contribution but do not wish to leave your home, monetary donations can be made online at www.MissionLexingtonSC.org .

Food pantry restocked

With so many people out of work due to covid-19, agencies like Mission Lexington are seeing record numbers of people needing food.

Saxe Gotha Mission Ministry volunteers are helping keep the pantry at Mission Lexington full, the Chronicle’s Chuck McCurry reported.

Church members participated in a “touchless” food drop-off April 28 to collect canned chicken and tuna, fruit, soup, pasta, rice, oatmeal, mashed potatoes, pasta sauce and personal hygiene items.

Members generously donated over 2,000 pounds of food and hygiene items which allowed Mission Lexington to help many people who otherwise may have gone hungry.

To reach the Mission Lexington food pantry, call 803-957-6656.

And the winners are ...

A pair of Lexington County high school students won the State Fair’s $6,000 Ride of Your Life Scholarships.

The fair awards 50 scholarships annually to SC high school students for any university or technical college in the state.

Local winners are Aaron Berry of Gilbert High and Parker Whittle of Airport High.

Easier college transfers

Midlands Technical College and Lander University are making it easier for students to transfer colleges.

Articulation agreements will allow MTC students to easily transfer their credits to Lander, entering as juniors.

Students who meet the requirements of the program will be guaranteed admission to Lander University and will receive priority acceptance into the major they have selected.

The agreements apply to:

• Midlands Technical College’s Associate of Applied Science in Human Services to Lander University’s Bachelor of Science in Human Services

• Midlands Technical College’s Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies to Lander University’s Bachelor of Science in Paralegal Studies

Airport brand refresh

Columbia Metropolitan Airport has an updated welcome sign leading into the airport thanks to local sign manufacturer Colite International.

The Columbia-based company is a fullservice sign manufacturer with over 70 years of experience in branding, engineering, fabrication, and project management.

CAE unveiled the brand refresh earlier this year with a new logo and website.

Drive-thru prayer

Saxe Gotha Presbyterian Church is hosting a drive-thru prayer morning.

SGPC volunteers will pray for you from the church parking lot May 26, between 7-8 am.

Contact SGPC at 803-359-7770 or go to ww.saxegotha.org .