This week we’re going to skip pontificating to announce our Winners and Losers.

• Winners. 11th Circuit Solicitor Rick Hubbard and his prosecutors. Despite experts witnesses’ testimony to the contrary and pleas from his family, they convinced a jury of Tim Jones Jr.’s peers that not only was he sane when he killed his 5 children, they convinced them to send Jones to Death Row.

• Losers. The state’s taxpayers who have to foot the bill not only for all this expert witness testimony but expensive legal appeals for the next decade or so before the state can put the child murderer out of his misery.

• Winners. Lexington-Richland School District 5 for tightening security requirements.

Purses will no longer be allowed at school events. You will have to bring possessions in a clear bags starting this fall.

• Losers. The over-reaching lawyers for SC Electric & Gas ratepayers. Judge John Hayes has cut their fees by $59 million from $110 million to $51 million. The judge saw that Attorney General Alan Wilson’s work was the main factor in settling the lawsuit, greatly reducing what the lawyers had to do.

• Winners. 275,000+ SCE&G ratepayers who could receive up to $146 million of the $2 billion they were charged for the failed nuclear reactor project, probably in reduced electric rates.

• Losers. Delaware-based owners of arms dealer Ellett Brothers of Chapin who have been accused of defrauding lenders of $160 million. They filed for bankruptcy after a lawsuit claimed they borrowed money to help the company but kept most of it themselves.

• Winners. Lexington Police and Lowe’s Home Improvement are offering free box fans for those who in need of a way to cool down this summer.

The “Free Box Fan Program” has been ongoing for over 10 years and continues from the generosity of local businesses and individuals with donations.

If you have a winner or loser you would like to nominate, please write me at JerryBellune@yahoo.com