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Bill

S 1114

The Journal

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Thomas Alexander

The Journal is formally recognized by the South Carolina Senate for winning the General Excellence award for a third straight year and earning numerous other journalism awards.

Introduced and adopted
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Bill Summary · S 1114

Summary of Bill S 1114 (2025-2026) – South Carolina

Note: This is a Senate Resolution recognizing a newspaper, The Journal, for journalistic awards. It does not propose new law, spending, or regulatory changes. It is primarily ceremonial.

1. Purpose and Intent

  • The primary purpose of the bill is to congratulate and recognize The Journal, a South Carolina-based newspaper published in Seneca, for earning multiple South Carolina Press Association awards.
  • Specifically highlights that The Journal won the top award in General Excellence for a third consecutive year.
  • The resolution serves to acknowledge the newspaper’s contributions to journalism and the communities of Oconee and western Pickens Counties.

2. Key Provisions and Changes

  • Formal recognition by the South Carolina Senate of The Journal’s achievements in journalism.
  • Statements praising The Journal for:
    • Winning the General Excellence award (top prize) for a third straight year.
    • Earning a total of eighteen individual awards in addition to the General Excellence award, including:
    • Beat Reporting (Lauren Pierce)
    • News Feature Writing (Andrea Kelley)
    • Lifestyle Feature Writing (Lauren Pierce)
    • Profile Feature Writing (Andrea Kelley)
    • Spot Sports Story (Eric Sprott)
    • Sports Feature Photo (Sean Smith)
    • Overall decades-long print presence since 1904, with five editions per week (Tuesday–Saturday), serving as a major news source for the region.
  • The resolution notes The Journal’s coverage scope (crime, politics, news, sports, community events, local business, obituaries) and its availability in print and online editions.
  • A directive that a copy of the resolution be presented to Hal Welch, Chief Operating Officer of the Edwards Group and owner of The Journal.

3. Who/What is Affected

  • The Journal (newspaper) and its editorial staff are directly acknowledged and celebrated.
  • The Edwards Group, owner of The Journal, as represented by Chief Operating Officer Hal Welch, is the recipient of the resolution.
  • The communities served by The Journal (Oconee and western Pickens Counties) are noted in the context of the paper’s impact.

4. Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Status: Introduced and adopted on 2026-04-14.
  • Sponsorship: Co-sponsor Thomas Alexander.
  • Nature: This is a Senate Resolution (not a bill changing law or appropriating funds). It is ceremonial and intended to recognize achievement rather than enact policy.
  • No fiscal provisions or regulatory changes are included.

Bottom Line

S 1114 is a ceremonial resolution by the South Carolina Senate congratulating The Journal on its accolades from the South Carolina Press Association, including the General Excellence award for a third consecutive year, and recognizing the newspaper’s contributions to state journalism and local communities. A copy of the resolution is to be presented to Hal Welch of the Edwards Group.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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