COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - Since he was 9 years old, Parnell Diggs has gotten much of his news from a South Carolina radio reading program for the blind.Now, 32 years later, that option is disappearing.The state Commission for the Blind is eliminating the service at the end of this month as part of its plan to reduce expenses and absorb budget cuts.For Diggs, the loss will be critical.

Since he was 9, Parnell Diggs has gotten much of his news from a South Carolina radio reading program for the blind. Now, 32 years later, that option is disappearing.

COLUMBIA, S.C. -- State budget cuts have forced the South Carolina State Library to end a reading service for the blind.

Local attorney to lead association Richmond County Solicitor General Sheryl B. Jolly will serve as president of the Solicitors General Association of Georgia. Elected Thursday at the solicitors association meeting at Jekyll Island, she is the first solicitor general from the Augusta area to hold the position, she said. "I think it's a tremendous honor," said the solicitor. "I think it says a lot for Augusta."

Graniteville resident Jerry Johnson said he cannot miss something he never had. Born prematurely, he has been blind all of his life.

...or jc.lexow@augustachronicle.com. LIZ MILLER LEWIS Occupation: Transition counselor for the South Carolina Commission for the Blind Family: Son, Rhys, 15; parents Allan and Betty Miller of Aiken and Michigan

There are lot of misconceptions about the blind.

WARRENVILLE - Patricia Green was hot, tired and moving slow Tuesday afternoon, tuckered out from a long tour of duty filling vending machines at Savannah River Site.

ROME, Ga. - A class-action federal lawsuit stemming from the discovery of hundreds of corpses at a northwest Georgia crematory has been settled for more than $39.5 million, attorneys said Thursday.

COLUMBIA -- Donald Gist, head of the South Carolina Commission for the Blind, was fired Friday by the governing board, which said only that "he no longer meets the expectations of the board." Mr. Gist was immediately escorted off the building's grounds by state guards after the decision, which came after a six-hour, closed-door meeting. Board Chairman Robert Harrelson provided no explanation. "At this time all I can tell you is that Commissioner Gist, now Mr. Gist, has been relieved of his duties because he no longer meets the expectations of the board," he said.