For some people in this region, the bitter cold temperatures several weeks ago harkened them back to 1973.

The winter of 1973 was notable because of a storm from Feb. 8 to Feb. 11 that set Lowcountry records that still stand today.

More than 18 inches of snow fell on six Lowcountry counties. The town of Rimini in Clarendon County had a record-setting 24 inches dumped on it, according to S.C. Department of Natural Resources data.

Lewis Gossett says government is the greatest competition to manufacturing today "and it's getting worse," he said.

Gossett is the president and CEO of the South Carolina Manufactures Alliance, an organization representing industries across the state. He was the guest speaker for the industry appreciation dinner held Jan. 28 at Sweetwater Country Club.

"I do believe the economy is turning around but said it hasn't been easy," Gossett said. "We haven't had the leadership we've needed to make things happen."

Two Barnwell men who robbed a local pizza delivery man have been arrested and charged with armed robbery.

Charles Ray Jones, 19, of 94 Williamson Road, Barnwell and Antwain Maurice Robinson, 20, of 20 Melon Street, Barnwell were arrested by the Barnwell Police Department Jan. 27 and both charged with armed robbery and conspiracy to commit armed robbery Jan. 27.

The victim was delivering pizza to a location on Perry Street around 9:45 Jan. 27, according to the police report.

He called by cell phone to let them know he was coming, according to the police report.