The North Carolina Board of Education has approved plans to open 11 new charter schools this year. They are among 20 applicant groups that were offered interviews with the state’s charter school advisory board last year. The newly-approved charters include the Charlotte Lab School, Queen City STEM School, and VERITAS Community School. Boards of the 11 new charter programs have until late May to submit further evidence that they are ready to open.
Romarco Minerals Moves Forward With Re-opening Of SC Goldmine
A Canadian company can move forward with plans to re-open the Haile Gold Mine in Lancaster County, South Carolina. Romarco Minerals says it came to terms with the state’s department of Health and Environmental Control, and the Sierra Club. Romarco promises to provide a total of $65 million for environmental work at the site over the span of the mine’s operations. In return, the company says, the Sierra Club has agreed not to challenge the project in court.
SC Legislators Hope To Streamline Approval Process For Construction Of Medical Facilities
South Carolina legislators say they hope to make progress this year on a bill to streamline the process for approving construction or expansion of medical facilities. Governor Nikki Haley vetoed funding for the current certificate of need program in 2013, saying such projects should be left to the open market. But South Carolina’s Supreme Court said last year that the state must continue the program.
One bill drafted for this year’s legislative session would eliminate the requirement that a hospital have state permission before expanding an existing facility.
Panthers Preparing For NFC Division Title Game
The Carolina Panthers are in Seattle, preparing for tomorrow’s NFC division title game against the Seahawks. In Charlotte yesterday, the Panthers practiced indoors, at the Convention Center, to sidestep sub-freezing temperatures.