Clyburn tours Bamberg County

Jerry Durgan, Contributing Writer

Congressman Jim Clyburn of the South Carolina 6th Congressional District spent the day last week visiting constituents in Bamberg County. “I think it’s very important that I keep a hand-in-hand touch with the people I represent,” Clyburn said Wednesday.

Clyburn represents perhaps the largest Congressional District in South Carolina, from Marion in the northeast to Charleston in the southern part of the state. The Sixth District contains five of the state’s six poorest counties and has the state’s lowest per capita income. Many of these counties are found along the I-95 corridor, which bisects the Sixth District. This two hundred mile stretch of interstate has been dubbed the Corridor of Shame, because it is home to inadequate public schools, high unemployment rates, widespread poverty and alarming rates of strokes, diabetes, and prostate cancer.

Clarkson Nimmo having fun unloading pumpkins Saturday morning at TUMC’s pumpkin patch.

Relay for Life

Joyce M. Searson, Publisher

“Because of you, lives are saved, lives are changed and Relay is helping to create a world with more birthdays. We’re in your corner to help you,” said Lisa Hartzog, Director of Market Development for the American Cancer Society of South Carolina, at Sunday’s Relay for Life meeting.

“Bamberg County Relay for Life raised $54,200 last year for the American Cancer Society and this year’s goal is $55,000,” said Hartzog.

During the meeting, all of last year’s corporate sponsors and teams were recognized with either a plaque or a certificate. The team that contributed the most money last year was Brabham Oil Company with $13,707.00.

Special recognition was given to Mollie Joe Brandemuehl and Mabel Frazier for their untiring effort and willingness to help whenever and wherever they were needed.

This year’s Relay for Life event will take place on Friday night, May 10th at the Leon Maxwell Stadium.

Mixon to compete in NBHA World Finals

Joyce M. Searson, Publisher

When it comes to horses, 15 year-old Kasey Mixon is a natural. She has been riding horses all her life and practically grew up in a saddle competing.

Kasey won 1-D Youth (18 years and under) Champion in the National Barrel Horse Association (NBHA) of South Carolina District Four winning a custom saddle. This qualified her to go to Youth World in Jackson, Mississippi.

“I have been riding horses all my life with my family. It’s a lot of hard work and a lot of fun. It is all about horse and rider communication and team work. You need to bond and communicate with your horse and be able to tell them what to do. You have to establish a relationship. To get that perfect turn, they have to be able to understand your cues,” said Kasey.

“I will be happy doing anything that has to do with horses,” said Kasey.

She says her 15 year-old quarter horse, Doc, is her ‘best friend’ with one exception …her sister Kristen.

Kasey, a 10th grader at Andrew Jackson Academy, is a member of the Bamberg 4-H Club, the US Equestrian Federation and the National Barrel Horse Association.