Wildlife in South Carolina - Types of South Carolinian Animals

Add A Pet To Family For $10

PALMDALE — The annual Clear The Shelters pet adoption campaign starts Saturday, with adoption fees reduced to $10 for all dogs and cats at Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control's seven animal care centers, including those in Palmdale and Lancaster.

The special promotion coincides with NBC 4 and Telemundo 52's monthlong Clear the Shelters pet adoption and donation campaign, which is in its 10th consecutive year. The discounted rate includes adoption, spay/neuter, vaccination and microchip but not licenses or spay/neuter deposits if necessary. The promotion ends Sept. 10.

"Now more than ever, our Animal Care Centers need adopters," LA County Department of Animal Care Center Director Marcia Mayeda said in a statement. "I want to urge anyone thinking of a new pet to come see us this month; we're certain you will find the perfect pet for your family."

Last year's campaign led to more than 158,000 adoptions —lifting the all-time adoption total past one million–and raised over $575,000, the department said. More than 1,400 shelters and rescues representing 49 states and territories, including the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam — along with 152 NBC and Telemundo stations — participated in last year's campaign.

Rhonda could use your help. The friendly, playful blue and brown-eyed 2-year-old Siberian Husky with a white and tan coat is available at the Palmdale Animal Care Center. So too is Talenti, a 2-year-old spayed female tortoise shell cat. There are plenty more cats and dogs available for adoption at the Palmdale and Lancaster centers.

Volunteer Robin Oliphant brought Talenti out of her cage.

"She was a hesitant when I put my hands in the cage, but now she's fine," Oliphant said. "It's because she doesn't know what to expect."

The cat rubbed her head against a visitor's hand and explored a cat tree.

Oliphant started at the Palmdale center in February. She and manager Daniel Dibene brought Rhonda outside to the enclosed play area.

"She'll make someone a great dog," Oliphant said of Rhonda.

Manager Daniel Dibene said volunteers are an important part of the care centers.

"If it wasn't for the volunteers providing support for the staff here for the animals, they interact and do a lot of the viewings," he said. "They have a lot more information on the animals that are here because they get to spend that time with them. They get to do a lot of the customer service that helps out."

Rhonda was a stray who came to the Palmdale center on July 13.  She appeared to be well-taken care of prior to coming to the center.

"People need to chip their dogs," Oliphant said. "That $10 will get them a spayed or neutered dog or cat with the microchip."

For those who cannot adopt but are still interested in participating in the campaign, the Los Angeles County Animal Care Foundation accepts donations to enhance the care and outcomes for animals in county-operated care centers, the department said.

All donations are tax deductible and support programs like spay/neuter services, medical care, behavior and enrichment and grooming for care center animals. Care vouchers to help pets stay with their families, and disaster response for animals in danger, among others. For details, visit lacountyanimals.Org/give.

East Ridge Animal Shelter Opening Soon; Multi-Purpose Pavilion Is Next

As one large project in East Ridge is being finished, another is already beginning. A walk-through with the contractor and architect to create a punch list has already taken place for the new East Ridge Animal Shelter, said City Manager Scott Miller. He said the building is now considered to be substantially complete. The next step will be to move in fixtures and furniture and then the animals.

The first event to celebrate its opening will be on Saturday, Aug. 24, at the East Ridge Community Center. It will be a family friendly event from 11 a.M. Until 3 p.M. And the $75 adoption fees for the animals will be waived. The shelter will open to the public in September after Labor Day.

The next big project being undertaken by the city is building a new multi-purpose pavilion. Advertising for bids will begin Sunday and the plan is to open them on Sept. 10. Bids will be reviewed until Sept. 24. Construction is expected to begin mid-October and go until the end of the month.

Close behind the pavilion will be the expansion to the East Ridge Community Center. Plans are to start construction on it in April 2025.

Early this year, bids were received to build a pedestrian/mountain bike trail on vacant property in Camp Jordan.  Bids were opened in April by the Parks and Recreation Department and the low bid was approved by the council. Recently, that company rescinded their bid. After going back to the second lowest bidder, Lumberjacks, Parks and Recreation Director Shawnna Skiles confirmed that their bid price of $38,488 was still good, and that company was approved to do the work.

Bids for various equipment and supplies for maintenance of the baseball and softball fields in the city for fiscal year 2024-2025 were also put out to bid. The bids were awarded to the companies based on the lowest bid per item. The winning bids went to one of four companies, River City Athletics Fields, BSN Sports, River City Athletics Fields and Liberty Apparel, depending on item prices submitted.

The future of the old McBrien School on Tombras Avenue is still unknown, but the city is required to remove any asbestos found in the building regardless if it is remodeled or torn down. An assessment has been done by S&ME for asbestos and also for lead-based paint used in the structure. The paint results were below the level needed for removal but asbestos abatement and monitoring will be needed for tiles and insulation. The council approve spending up to $20,000 for that work.

A budget amendment was approved on first reading. It was needed to provide the down payment of $1 million for the new fire truck that is being bought. When the vehicle is delivered a decision will be make whether to pay the reminder from the fund balance or do a bond issue when it comes in. The building and codes department will also be getting a used pickup truck after the city manager was given approval for the purchase.

East Ridge is one of only two cities in CARTA's service area that has taken advantage of paratransit services for the city's residents.  The service, known as Care-A-Van from CARTA, provides transportation to senior and handicapped citizens with the city picking up the majority of the cost. CARTA has notified the city that costs have increased and it can no longer maintain the current rates. The cost of a one-way trip will increase from $10 to $20. The commissioners agreed to pay $17.50 of that amount with the resident paying $2.50. The cost of a round trip will increase from $20 to $40 per trip with the city paying $35 and the resident paying $5. City Manager Miller said that since 2023, citizens of East Ridge have had over 278 trips. CARTA has said that the actual cost per trip at this time is $45. The new prices will go into effect immediately after passage of the resolution was approved by the council.

After the first reading of an ordinance proposed to amend the city's sign ordinance regarding lighting and store front display regulations, the motion to pass it was tabled in response to the concerns from business and property owners. They recognized that there would be unintended consequences with the original proposals. Since the first reading multiple proposals were drafted and considered until Thursday night when the first reading passed unanimously for a version that drew no opposition. It will not be in effect until a second reading has been approved.

Being Prepared For Emergencies

Dear Heloise: With climate change being a "thing" these days, we see a lot of flooding, snowstorms and extreme heat. Since I taught wilderness survival for a number of years, I thought that I should pass along a few hints to help people survive and thrive in difficult situations outside of their home:

• Never go on a trip without leaving detailed information with a close friend or family member — or, better yet, with both. Let them know the date of your return. When you return, let them know that you're home. This one simple step has saved more than one backpacker.

• If you get lost in the great outdoors during the evening, before it gets too dark to see, build a fire by digging a firepit with your hands. Use dry items like twigs and leaves. Remember to pack a lighter. You can also build a makeshift shelter from tree branches. Make sure that you also pack an air horn. It can be used to signal your location or scare off animals.

• Water will be your next priority. Always pack enough water for at least two or three days. And you might not be hungry, but even if it's just for a day of hiking, always have a few energy bars with you.

• Place the following in a lightweight backpack: a lighter, an air horn, energy bars, a lightweight tarp, a rope (you can place the tarp over the rope for shelter), water (no alcohol), bug spray for mosquitoes, and a flare gun if you have one.

Stay put if you are hopelessly lost or try to stay near a trail. You'll be easier to find. Most people are found quickly, so don't panic.

Dear Heloise: When I removed my clothing from the dryer, I noticed rust stains on them. What could be causing this? Please help me figure this out.

Cathy, you probably have a nick or scratch in your dryer. To find out if there is a nick, take an old pair of pantyhose and slip your hand inside. Slowly run your hand over the interior of the dryer drum. The pantyhose will snag on the rusty spot. A hardware store or possibly a paint store will carry a touch-up kit to paint over the rusty spot.

Now, to remove those rust stains, there are commercial products for rust removal on fabric, or you might want to try using vinegar on the rust stains. Never use bleach on rust stains because it will only intensify the stain.

Dear Heloise: While I was out shopping at a large department store, I happened to see the men's colognes, and I decided to wander over and take a look. I found one cologne I really liked. It came in a spray bottle, and I thought it would be nice to use it as a scent for my walk-in closet. I spray about six or seven tea bags with the cologne and place them in a nylon bag, which I then hang on my closet wall. It smells terrific in there.

Dear Heloise: I have two cats who are messy eaters. Their food often ends up sliding off their dishes onto the floor. So, I took an old bath towel, folded it in half, and placed it under their bowls. When it get too messy, I shake it outside, then toss it in the laundry.

This is a great use for old towels that have gotten ratty-looking.

Send a money-saving or time-saving hint to Heloise@Heloise.Com. I can't answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.

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