Local News

A Heath Springs man pleaded guilty Monday to voluntary manslaughter in the death of a Kershaw County woman almost two years ago.

Judge Kenneth Goode sentenced Morris Calvin Harris, 36, to 30 years, the maximum sentence for voluntary manslaughter. Harris will have to serve at least 85 percent of the sentence.

Harris had also been charged with kidnapping and possession of a knife and firearm during the commission of a violent crime in the case, but those charges were dropped, 6th Circuit Solicitor Doug Barfield said.

The city of Lancaster has changed the way hospitality grant applications will be considered.

City Council voted 6-1 on March 24 to allow all grant applications for hospitality tax funding to go through a special committee before council gets involved.

Councilwoman Linda Blackmon-Brace dissented.

Teresa Meeks, the city’s support services director, spoke at the meeting about the Hospitality Tax Grant Committee’s duties.

The committee has been meeting once or twice a year to review and recommend grant applications.

Lancaster County Council will discuss on Monday tax burdens that could be imposed by the state.

Council will vote on a resolution to oppose any act of the Legislature that could transfer tax burdens to Lancaster County residents.

This comes as the state Senate is debating Bill H 3581, legislation that could cut the county’s local government fund.

Money in this fund goes to pay solicitors and public defenders and funds state agencies located in county buildings, such as the Department of Social Services.

Christina Chastain will have to wait at least a few more weeks before a decision is made about her funding request.

Chastain, a local artist, has asked Lancaster City Council for $24,000 for startup costs for The Artisans Center, a building planned to house arts classes, studio space, performances and exhibits that showcase local art.

Its location will be the old Badcock furniture store on Main Street. Chastain hopes the center will eventually own the building.