GOP reschedules meeting on Senate redistricting

State Sen. Ray Cleary will give an overview of Senate redistricting plans and the redistricting process Saturday at 1 p.m. in the Applewood House of Pancakes in Litchfield. The meeting was rescheduled from tonight because the Senate is still in session.

The program was arranged by the Georgetown County Republican Party and is open to the public.

“From my perspective, there are so many plans being put forth by the Senate, it’s confusing to a lot of people,” said Jim Jerow, Georgetown County GOP chairman. “A lot of people aren’t close to the redistricting process and they need to understand what’s going on here.”

The Senate has put forth 15 plans so far, Cleary said.

Discussion will include details about plans for a seventh congressional district for the state.

Smoke along coast tied to fire in Georgia

The state health department is warning coastal residents about the potential effects from a fire in Georgia that has filled the air over South Carolina with smoke.

The Honey Prairie fire in the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge in Georgia is expected to continue to impact the area, according to the Department of Health and Environmental Control.

Smoke from the fire has affected eastern and southern parts of the state. The smoke is a mixture of gases and fine particles from burning trees and other plant materials. It has the ability to irritate the eyes and respiratory system, as well as worsen chronic heart and lung diseases. People with health problems should limit their time outdoors, the department says.