Input Sought for Arts in Education Initiative, North Charleston to host Engaging Creative Minds Public Forum

The Charleston County School District, the Cities of Charleston and North Charleston, and the College of Charleston have convened a community planning process, titled Engaging Creative Minds, to determine how the cities, schools and arts & cultural resources can collectively serve area youth more equitably and with higher impact in the classroom.

The community will have an opportunity to learn more about this initiative and offer input at a public forum at North Charleston City Hall on Thursday, January 12, from 6:45-8:00pm.

Dallas-based non-profit, Big Thought, has been asked to facilitate this six-month process, in coordination with a community task force made up of local stakeholders. Big Thought made its first site visit to Charleston on November 9 and 10 in order to begin a planning timeline that will ultimately result in a set of recommended outcomes, program design, and a governance structure for the initiative.

In an effort to garner community input and support for this project, there will be two public forums held, the first of which will take place in North Charleston. Educators, artists, arts organizations, and the general public are invited to participate in these forums. For more information, contact the City of North Charleston Cultural Arts Department at 843-740-5854 or visit www.bigthought.org.

What: Engaging Creative Minds Public Forum
Who: Charleston County School District, the Cities of Charleston and North Charleston, the College of Charleston, and Dallas-based non-profit, Big Thought
Where: Montague Conference Room, 2nd Floor, North Charleston City Hall, 2500 City Hall Lane North Charleston, SC 29406
When: Thursday, January 12, 2012, 6:45-8:00pm

Police Community Panel Announces Annual Gun Buy Back Initiative

POSTPONED DUE TO WEATHER FORECAST 

The North Charleston Community and Police Panel will hold its 3rd annual Gun Buyback Initiative in January 2011, as part of their commitment to reducing gun violence in the City of North Charleston. The gun buy-back initiative is an opportunity for people to turn in weapons to authorities with no questions asked. Residents must be 18 years or older and must follow state concealed weapons laws when transporting weapons to a buy back site. No identification will be required to participate.

The program is open only to residents of North Charleston and limited to 3 weapons per vehicle. No payments will be made to gun dealers. Only weapons in working order will receive payment.

2010 Site Locations

View Gun Buy Back Initiative in a larger map

Schedule of payment
$100 gift card for hand-guns
$50 gift card for long guns | shot guns

Last year, 127 weapons were collected (handguns, shotguns, rifles and assault weapons)

The collected weapons are processed by the police department before destruction, in accordance with the
department’s policies.

Project Free Entry - City unveils initiative to aid stranded motorists

Mayor R. Keith Summey along with Police Chief Jon R. Zumalt and Deputy Chief David Cheatle unveiled the city’s latest initiative to aide stranded motorists “Project Free Entry.” Through Project Free Entry officers will be able to assist residents that have locked keys in their vehicle at no cost. The lock out kit is known for its ease of use and simple design. Unlike older door entry devices, the Big Easy Lockout Kit enters the interior of the vehicle without working the interior mechanisms of the door.

Deputy Chief David Cheatle said, “This is a wonderful opportunity for us to assist citizens in a time of distress. I see this as a way for us to continue developing relationships with our residents at a most difficult time.” Eighteen officers are trained to use the Big Easy Lockout Tool Kit. The lockout kits will be strategically located with officers throughout the city.

Residents can call the city’s non-emergency phone line (843) 745-1015 to report a lockout. Officers will respond as practical as possible to render aide. Emergency calls will take priority over locked out incidents. The vehicle operator will be required to provide identification and sign a release of liability form.

Mayor Summey said, “It’s a good feeling for residents to know that they can count on the city and its police department to help out in a time of need. This is what makes North Charleston a great place to live, work, or play.”

Project CLUE - Communities Lighting Up with Energy Efficiency

The goal of the project is to implement a lighting initiative aimed at helping communities illuminate their porch areas, while at the same time become familiar with greener living.  Many communities are dimly lit and inviting to the criminal element.



Program Objective

• Distribute new CFL (compact fluorescent light) bulbs to residents.
• Officers will issue light bulbs and literature at civic club meetings and to any resident that requests the bulb.
• Contractors will donate time and supplies, free of charge, to residents requiring upgraded wiring for the CFL bulb.

Benefits to the Resident

• Four times more efficient, late 10 times longer. 50-80% less energy than incandescent.
• Uses 1/3 less energy (heat) therefore cost .02 cents daily to operate.
• CFLs give high quality light and do not flicker or hum.
• Saving electricity reduces carbon dioxide emission for pollution reduction.
• Assists financially challenged residents.
• New wiring for residents with a need supplied by professional electricians.

Benefits to the Police

• Increased positive interaction with community members.
• Deterrence of the criminal element in some inviting areas.
• Bridging relationships with citizens
• Increased visibility for any potential witnesses of crime.

Project CLUE Pilot Locations

• Chicora Cherokee – Florida Street/Carlton Street
• Glynn Terrace – Eva Street
• Union Heights – Delaware Street/Forest Avenue
• Charleston Farms – Read Street/Greenbay Street
• Midland Park – Stall Road/South Kenwood
• Dubois MHP
• Dorchester Village MHP
• Accabee – Filmore Street/Baker Street
• Dorchester Terrace – South Allen

Project Coordinator

• Lieutenant Joyce Smith

Sponsors

• SCANA
• Wal-Mart
• local electricians