In Our Community...

**SC's School Consolidation Plan**

Instead of a new funding formula mandated by SC's Supreme Court Ruling in the Abbeville v. state of South Carolina et al case, both House and Senate, crafted two bills which has left the state of SC in a $866 Million Dollar hole in Public School Funding as of 2015.
With the current COVID-19 Pandemic in our midst, this funding disparity has only gotten worse for Public School Education. Governor McMaster seeks to "fork" over $32,000,000 of COVID-19 CARES Act funds to Private and Charter Schools. SC's Supreme Court is the only institution standing in his way having "looked the other way" in the Abbeville v. state of South Carolina et al case ruling without holding the legislature accountable to its outcome. Please contact your State Representative for redress on this matter.

**What Has Been The Impact Of Duke Joining CMC?**

“It has been positive in all areas. We have two affiliations with Duke Health: one in Cardiac services and the other in Cancer services. They havebeen tremendous in helping us to advance our mission. Before we became a Duke Health Affiliate in Heart, patients from this part of the county and west typically would have had to be transferred to other hospitals for interventional cardiology services. Since starting our PCI Program in August, wet recently completed our 70th case. Everyone has had a good outcome. There is no question that a certain percentage of those individuals would not be here today if they had to make the extra 45- minute trip to Grand Strand. I would say a large percentage of them had much better outcomes because even a few minutes of quicker intervention saves heart muscle.”

“Regarding the Cancer Service line, Duke Health has been very helpful as well. We now have two full-time Oncologists on site. Their schedules are filling quickly. Our patients are receiving top-notch award-winning care because Duke Health is assisting with the oversight of the program. We are extremely happy with both affiliations.”

**Gospel In The Park Series 2021**

The wait is over, Gospel in the Park Series 2021 returns Sunday May 2nd, from 5pm until 8pm in Pride Park located on 630 S. 6th Street, with the theme, “Bringing Unity into Our Community!”

Devotional Service will be rendered by Rev. Anthony Caldwell, Pastor of Centenary Kingsville United Methodist Churches. Live Gospel Entertainment by Minister Roland Johnson and Company in Sumter SC; Bobby Wilson and Chosen Ones, Bishopsville SC; YAYA Community Project Choir Florence SC. The Amazing Vizionaires ,Belton SC and more. Bring your Lawn Chairs and an open heart.

For more information call Sister Barbara Carraway at (843) 409-5241

**International Drive To Close For Race**

The International Drive Road Race will take place Sunday, April 18, 2021. On the day of the event, International Drive will be closed between the International Drive Ballfields and Highway 90 beginning at 5 a.m. through the duration of the event (approximately 12 p.m.).

Traffic will NOT be able to travel between Highway 90 and Carolina Forest on International Drive. Access will be provided to Lewis Ocean Bays Heritage Preserve and Horry County Solid Waste Authority from Highway 90 only. Motorists should use caution and utilize alternate routes.
The Wheatfield Drive entrance to The Farm subdivision located at International Drive will also be closed beginning at 5 a.m. for the duration of the event.