On tap this week

A few topics we're considering for editorials this week. As always, news intrudes and some of these will likely be ignored and other ideas we hadn't yet thought of will pop up.

This year in the legislature, local edition: The legislature starts the first year of its two-year session today, and already has a big to-do list. But there are a number of more local concerns that we'd also like to see passed, such as a municipal oversight bill to help Atlantic Beach, statewide laser rules, etc.

Horry County Schools and Accelerate program: Great news for Horry students, being tapped to participate in a new pilot program by the state that will allow students to graduate with a full year of college engineering credits. With the cost of college continuing to rise, it's a wonderful opportunity for local learners.

Who gets and spends the money? Last Thursday in Columbia, Sen. Harvey Peeler said "864 and 803 makes it, and 843 spends it." Plenty of local politicians have long complained that exactly the opposite is true. Who's right? Does anyone really know, or is it just a matter of perspective?

Sandy help. Kudos to U.S. Rep. Tom Rice for voting for Sandy aid for the Northeast, the only GOP member of our state's delegation to do so. One day -- a long time from now, hopefully -- we may need just the same sort of federal largesse to help us after a hurricane. Denying it now would have set a bad precedent that could have come back to bite us.

Blood drive: The Sun News is hosting a blood drive next week for the Red Cross. Roll up your sleeves and stop by to help save a life. You could also win a $50 gift card...

Hiring veterans: The Myrtle Beach chamber is co-hosting a job fair for veterans with the city and various other partners next Wednesday. A great chance for employers to show their gratitude to these heroes, many of whom are highly skilled yet have trouble finding a job. 

Also still brewing out there: Offshore wind energy possibilities, upcoming elections (school board, Horry chairman), Mick Zais' proposal to grade teachers, sweepstakes parlors, early voting, Myrtle Beach's 75th anniversary (3/12/13). 

Any thoughts on these topics or others that are on your mind are welcome. 

Horry County Schools and Accelerate program: Great news for Horry students, being tapped to participate in a new pilot program by the state that will allow students to graduate with a full year of college engineering credits. With the cost of college continuing to rise, it's a wonderful opportunity for local learners.

Who gets and spends the money? Last Thursday in Columbia, Sen. Harvey Peeler said "864 and 803 makes it, and 843 spends it." Plenty of local politicians have long complained that exactly the opposite is true. Who's right? Does anyone really know, or is it just a matter of perspective?

Sandy help. Kudos to U.S. Rep. Tom Rice for voting for Sandy aid for the Northeast, the only GOP member of our state's delegation to do so. One day -- a long time from now, hopefully -- we may need just the same sort of federal largesse to help us after a hurricane. Denying it now would have set a bad precedent that could have come back to bite us.

Blood drive: The Sun News is hosting a blood drive next week for the Red Cross. Roll up your sleeves and stop by to help save a life. You could also win a $50 gift card...

Hiring veterans: The Myrtle Beach chamber is co-hosting a job fair for veterans with the city and various other partners next Wednesday. A great chance for employers to show their gratitude to these heroes, many of whom are highly skilled yet have trouble finding a job. 

Also still brewing out there: Offshore wind energy possibilities, upcoming elections (school board, Horry chairman), Mick Zais' proposal to grade teachers, sweepstakes parlors, early voting, Myrtle Beach's 75th anniversary (3/12/13). 

Any thoughts on these topics or others that are on your mind are welcome.