The South Carolina Department of Transportation seeks public comment on the action to amend the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program to include the preliminary engineering, right of way, and construction phases of work for a bridge replacement project in Berkeley County. SCDOT will receive public comment for a 21-day period from July 18, 2024, through Aug. 8, 2024.

The proposed project in Berkeley County is to replace a 45-foot bridge on S-9 (Cypress Gardens Road) over Canterhill Swamp. The existing bridge is a three-span structure. One span was previously repaired so that load posting could be removed. The remaining spans will soon have similar issues that will likely require reposting of this bridge. The total project cost is $9.4 million. This bridge replacement project aims to address structural deficiencies to meet current standards.

More information is available on our website.

To assist those without internet access, a printed copy of this press release and any supporting information is available for public review and comment at any of the South Carolina Department of Transportation District Offices and the South Carolina Council of Government Offices.

SCDOT has selected these projects based on established priorities as required by federal laws or regulations and in accordance with the S.C. Code of Laws, Section 57-1-370 and the Agency’s 10-Year Plan.

Comments will be accepted until the close of business on Aug. 8 and should be forwarded to Syrees Gillens Oliver, Public Involvement Director, SCDOT Public Engagement Office, 955 Park Street, P.O. Box 191, Columbia, S.C. 29202 or by email at SCDOTpubliccomment@scdot.org.

Please note that any information provided, including names and addresses, is subject to disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act.

The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) oversees South Carolina’s network of highways and bridges, including responsibilities such as planning, design, construction, financing, and roadway safety. To ensure the nation’s fourth-largest highway system is prepared to serve the needs of South Carolina’s growing economy and population, SCDOT has developed a strategic 10-year plan that addresses improvements to the state’s highway and bridge systems. Learn more at scdot.org.

Male High School’s (Louisville, Ky) Isaac Sowells Jr. is one of the nation’s top true center prospects in the 2025 class. Sowells recently released a list of his top three schools with South Carolina set to battle NC State and Kentucky for his services.

On Thursday, in a move that was predicted, Sowells chose to play his college career with the NC State Wolfpack. He spoke on the decision and the impact NC State coaches had on his decision.

“There were three things,” Sowells said. “One, the coaching staff. They offered me August 20th of last year. Coach Garett Tujague texted me every single day checking in on me and sending me motivational quotes. He was the only coach out of all my visits who had new cut-ups of my film on every single visit comparing to his guys and how he could fix it. It wasn’t always what I was good at. It was how I could get better and go a long way. Coach {Dave} Doeren made it known I was wanted. He showed me how much I mean to his program.”

Currently the Gamecocks have only one offensive line recruit committed in the 2025 class in four-star Shedrick Sarrat Jr. However the team is no where near finished building that room in this class.

Elite IOL Jaylen GIlchrist is the next lineman set to make his decision on August 3. All signs indicate the Gamecocks are the leader in that recruitment and securing him would be a huge addition (literally and figuratively) in this class.

With early signing day not until December, the Gamecocks will undoubtedly work to flip players and secure commitments before it’s all said and done. Not to mention the transfer portal plays a big role as well.

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SEOUL, South Korea — South Korea’s top court ruled Thursday that same-sex couples are eligible to receive the same health insurance benefits as heterosexual couples, a landmark verdict hailed by human rights groups.

The Supreme Court said it ruled that the state health insurance agency’s refusal to provide spousal insurance coverage for gay couples was an act of discrimination that violates the constitutional principle of equality.

Thursday’s ruling is final and cannot be appealed.

“Today’s ruling is a historic victory for equality and human rights in South Korea,” Amnesty International said in a statement. “The court has taken a significant step towards dismantling systemic discrimination and ensuring inclusivity for all.”

A legal battle between a gay couple, So Seong-wook and Kim Yong-min, and the National Health Insurance Service began after the insurance agency revoked So’s registration as a dependent of Kim, prompting So to file an administrative suit.

In 2022, the Seoul Administrative Court ruled in favor of the insurance agency. But in February 2023, the Seoul High Court overturned the earlier verdict, saying that denying So’s spousal coverage rights without reasonable grounds was discriminatory because such benefits are given to heterosexual spouses.

Public views on gender issues in South Korea have gradually changed in recent years, but critics say the Asian country still has a long way to go compared with other developed countries. South Korea doesn’t legally recognize same-sex marriages.

“While this decision is a major milestone, the case itself is a sobering reminder of the lengthy judicial processes that same-sex couples must endure to secure basic rights that should be universally guaranteed,” Amnesty International said.

So and Kim welcomed the ruling.

“When I listened to the verdict, I was so moved that I couldn’t hold back my tears,” So told reporters outside the court. He said he hopes the ruling will lead to South Korea legally accepting same-sex marriages.

Kim said he is “very happy” because he thinks the court recognized his love for So.

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