Viers sparks DHEC response on Mexican prescriptions

Following a story in the Herald about Mexican general stores selling prescription drugs over the counter, state Rep. Thad Viers contacted the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control concerning the problem.

The Mexican stores, or tiendas, routinely sell drugs that are normally sold only by doctor-issued prescriptions at regular pharmacies. Most of the drugs being sold, according to DHEC, are antibiotics or others that are not controlled substances.

The drugs are made by American manufacturers but are sold under Spanish names.
A DHEC spokesman told Viers that since the prescription drugs being sold are not controlled substances, there are no actual legal violations that can be enforced by DHEC or federal Drug Enforcement Agency investigators. Read more

AVX incident spurs call for DHEC audit

Strand lawmakers want answers on accountability to affected area

Grand Strand lawmakers have asked a state auditor to investigate whether the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control effectively prosecutes polluters and whether the agency should do more to notify people whose properties might be affected by contamination.

“We’re particularly concerned about the accountability of DHEC to local governments and affected citizens,” said state Rep. Alan Clemmons, R-Myrtle Beach. “If contamination flows onto your property, how accountable is DHEC in informing you of the impact.” Read more

Letters to the editor

S.C. PROBLEM

Thanks for Viers’ immigration efforts

I want to commend S.C. Rep. Thad Viers for his stance on fighting illegal immigration. I have been reading with great interest Viers’ efforts on this front. I am very impressed with his attention and focus on this obvious problem in our community and state. It is refreshing that one of our elected officials is listening to those he represents. His legislation he hopes to pass into law will be good for South Carolina. Read more

A Call to Account | Local legislators shine in initiating an audit of DHEC

Seven Horry County legislators did well last week to sic the state’s Legislative Audit Council on the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control. The good folks at the DHEC won’t agree, but an audit is in the agency’s own best interest.

The agency admits that its past handling of the toxic groundwater pollution in south-central Myrtle Beach leaves something to be desired. Its leadership professes to be on top of the problem now, with a comprehensive groundwater testing program in full swing and the likely polluter, AVX Corp., in line to pay cleanup costs. DHEC, they say, has taken accountability for ensuring that the toxic substance in question, trichloroethylene, gets cleaned up. Read more

Electrical problem blamed for apartment fire

MYRTLE BEACH

Electrical problem blamed for apartment fire

An electrical problem in a storage closet at a Myrtle Beach apartment complex is being blamed for a fire that forced tenants outside Tuesday night, police said.

The fire at Dunbar Villas, 1212 Dunbar St., was reported at about 8:30 p.m. No one was injured in the fire, according to assistant Myrtle Beach fire chief Dan Cimini.

Two storage closets were destroyed in the blaze, according to the report. Read more

Legislatures to discuss variety of issues

MURRELLS INLET

Legislators to discuss array of issues at event

The South Strand Republican Club’s annual Legislative Breakfast is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Saturday at Inlet Affairs Banquet & Catering, 4031 U.S. 17 Business in Murrells Inlet.

Legislators planning to attend include Sen. Ray Cleary, R-Murrells Inlet; Sen. Luke Rankin, R-Myrtle Beach; Rep. Nelson Hardwick, R-Surfside Beach; Rep. Thad Viers, R-Myrtle Beach; and Rep. Alan Clemmons, R-Myrtle Beach. Read more