Stories We're Watching in 2012

As we start off 2012, we thought we'd collect some of the stories that we'll be following this year. Some are issues that simmered through 2011 without making headlines. Others were highlighted in our 2011 wrap-up, but will continue to be big stories in the new year.

GOP Primary 2012: In the next few weeks, we'll be chasing primary candidates through the Lowcountry in the run-up to the important South Carolina GOP Presidential Preference Primary. As we get closer to the early contests (Iowans will be caucusing on Tuesday), its becoming increasingly clear that South Carolina will be make-or-break for everyone but Mitt Romney. Look for all of the candidates to make a run through the Charleston area.

Statehouse, County, Municipal Elections: Once the drama of the presidential primary is past us, national attention will move to swing states. But there will still be more than enough political turmoil to keep us busy. Goose Creek residents will go to the polls this spring for municipal elections. That will be followed by Statehouse primaries in June, , representing Goose Creek and Hanahan. The Hanahan City Council and Berkeley County Council will each have a few seats on the November ballot, as well.

Alcoa Power Dispute: The aluminium production plant rang the alarm in August that . Alcoa says the company provides $110 million in state and local revenue and has a $900 million economic impact in the state. The deadline for a deal should come late this spring. In November,

Berkeley Hospital Dispute: Two local medical groups should be heading to court early this year in . Two years ago, the state approved two hospitals in Berkeley: Trident Health System's planned 50-bed facility in Moncks Corner, and Roper St. Francis Healthcare's 50-beds proposed at Carnes Crossroads to service the Goose Creek community. Roper welcomed the decision, but Trident has balked at two facilities — claiming the county's population can't support both.

High School Football: Of course, we mean next fall. But 2011 was also a strong year for our other teams. In 2012, the Cane Bay Cobras join the Gators and the Stratford Knights in AAAA action and the Hanahan Hawks move up to AAA.