BUDGET CRUNCH

COLUMBIA - Gov. Mark Sanford has vetoed plans for a State House memorial for law enforcement officers. Sanford vetoed the measure late Wednesday, saying the $500,000 for the project could be better used by law enforcement agencies during the state's budget crunch. He said he does support putting the monument on the Statehouse grounds.In explaining his veto, Sanford said a $29 million shortfall at the Corrections Department and a $2 million shortfall at the State Law Enforcement Division were higher spending priorities.

"Our point was not that I was against the law enforcement memorial," Sanford said. "But in these budget times ... that $500,000 could go to Public Safety, it could go to SLED to deal with that shortfall." -- ASSOCIATED PRESS

House committee favors ending minibottle rule

ALCOHOL

COLUMBIA -- A measure ending the requirement to use minibottles in bars has been approved by a House committee. The Ways and Means Committee approved a proposal Wednesday identical to one awaiting action in the Senate.South Carolina is the only state that requires bars to use the 1.7-ounce bottles, said Rep. Bill Cotty, R-Columbia.

"We believe this would be good for business, and it's fair," Cotty said.

The measure now goes to the House floor. -- ASSOCIATED PRESS

Island dwellers grounded without cart insurance

TRANSPORTATION

DAUFUSKIE ISLAND -- Some residents of this isolated island off the coast in Beaufort County don't like a push by sheriff's deputies to make them register their golf carts because they fear they can't get insurance.

The golf carts and other small vehicles are the primary mode of transportation for the 700 or so people who live on the island that can only be reached by water or air.

Anyone who wants to use the carts on the island's public roads must register with the state, sheriff's Capt. Ethan George said. But liability insurance is needed to register, and Daufuskie Island resident Sandy Hutton said she can't find an agent willing to insure golf carts.

"Where do they want us to buy our insurance from because there is none?" Hutton said. -- ASSOCIATED PRESS