15% of workforce applies for unemployment

The US Dept of Labor released data from another staggering week of unemployment claims.

The national total is over 26 million in the last 5 weeks.

The state of South Carolina has had 349,960 unemployment claims in the same period. That’s 15% of the state’s workforce.

The most recent SC Department of Employment and Workforce data shows 3,481 claims in Lexington County and 4,898 in Richland County.

SCDNR to re-open shooting ranges

The South Carolina Department of Natural has reopened all manned SCDNR-managed shooting ranges.

Tha includes the Wateree Rifle & Pistol Range in Richland County. Staff will be enforcing social distancing, and ranges will not be loaning out equipment.

High school seniors to be recognized

The South Carolina Commission on Higher will host a statewide virtual celebration of graduating high school seniors and their postsecondary plans.

The CHE’s announcement coincides with Governor Henry Mc-Master’s proclamation designating May as College and Career Decision Month.

The CHE will stream congratulatory video messages to seniors from state leaders and prominent personalities. Seniors are encouraged to celebrate during the statewide Spirit Week by wearing their school colors or uniforms and showing their letters of acceptance for college, the military, or the workplace.

For more information about the event, follow CHE on Twitter at @ SCCommHigherEd and @sccango.

Irmo to re-open outdoor dining

Good news for those who miss going out to eat.

Irmo Town Council has voted to reopen some restaurants, the Chronicle’s Liesha Huffstetler reported.

Restaurants with an outdoor patio may open for business.

Social distancing rules will apply. The tables must be 8 feet apart with no more than 8 people per table.

The restaurant workers will wear personal protection equipment, wash and sanitize often, and be checked daily for covid-19 symptoms. All tables and chairs will be sanitized after each customer leaves.

Approved outdoor settings will include open-air patios, balconys, rooftops, parking lots and sidewalks.

If using a tent, it must have all sides open.

More information will be posted on the town’s website and Facebook page.

Riverwalk now open

The West Columbia Riverwalk Park and Amphitheater is again open to the public.

The bathroom facilities will re main closed.

West Columbia will continuously monitor visitor usage and adjust as needed to ensure compliance with the guidance provided by SCDHEC and the CDC.

24/7 domestic abuse hotline

Penny Appeal USA has launched a domestic abuse hotline to address the increasing domestic violence crisis due to the covid-19 outbreak.

Nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the US. Every 9 seconds, a woman is assaulted.

Penny Appeal USA Domestic Violence Projects has started a 24-hour domestic abuse hotline that people can call or text at (704) 764-1773.

A domestic violence lead will answer any questions and help victims develop a safety plan.

Rules apply on the water

SCDNR is reminding boaters of Lexington County’s lakes and rivers that gathering on beaches is still prohibited.

Gov. Henry McMaster’s Executive Order prohibiting the beaching or “rafting” of boats on islands, sandbars or beaches statewide is still in effect.

The executive order states, “Vessels must remain underway at all times unless exigent circumstances exist. Anchoring to fish is allowed; however, rafting is prohibited under all circumstances.”

This does not allow boaters to legally anchor and swim.

Beaching to drop off others, camp, walk, have lunch, gather shells, or go to the restroom is not allowed.

Law enforcement will be increasing patrols on beaches, sandbars or other “hotspots” that traditionally attract large numbers of boaters gathering in crowds. That includes all island beaches on Lake Murray and sandbars on the Saluda and Congaree rivers.