Just wondering how much demand there is for 93 octane gasoline? They keep preaching that demand is causing oil prices to rise. I guess those with vehilcles that require that level are using it, but how about others?

I don't know what goes into the different levels of gasoline - never studied it, but I read my car manual to be sure it would run sufficiently on the 87 before I changed from my normal "medium" 89. I know it takes oil to make it all, but it just seems to me that the less used would not increase as often as the others.

With nice weather here, outdoor exercising such as walking and jogging is on the rise. Runners and walkers face traffic, and when we can, we use sidewalks; however, in many neighborhoods we must use the road. I urge all drivers to please share the road. Don't feel like you HAVE to stay in your lane - it is so easy to slow down and if no other vehicles are coming to merge into the other lane for the runner or walker. I cannot understand those of you who have the attitude that it is your lane, and you're gonna own it. It is not safe nor is it necessary.

The front page hit a nerve this morning because I hear the same thing over and over again. New businesses jumping through hoops, and spending hundreds and thousands of dollars to satisfy the Design Review Board.

Remember a few years back when they were building the Outback Steakhouse, and the city of Beaufort made them change the roof due to wrong shade of green?

PLEASE explain to me how the building on Boundary Street near Pigeon Point Road was allowed to paint the entire building pink!! Sorry Merle Norman, but this building is ugly.

I just don't get it.

We got the news (thank you Gazette) that the first beam arrives on May 18th and then 10 weeks til completion (that puts it at Water Festival). Does anyone know if the one lane on the McTeer Bridge will remain open during the repairs? Wasn't sure if anyone had said yet or if it is even possible during such repairs.

Any info. would be great - Might be a good time to take vacation!!

I am told that gas trucks are not being allowed over the Woods Bridge. Once the gas stations on the Island run out of gas, they will not be able to receive a supply until the McTeer Bridge is repaired. I do not know if this information is correct, but it comes from a good source.

If you are heading to Lady's Island or beyond, make sure you have fuel as the gas might be gone on the Islands.

If anyone has information that validates this story, please let us all know.

I was so looking forward to Zach's view of the Hunting Island Biathalon this morning. It was nice to read about the winners, but having participated previosly, I wanted to hear from someone who hadn't done the race before, and didn't know what to expect.

Maybe you were having fun at the post-party or maybe too pooped to write about your "adventure".

I hope we will hear from you.

It is a fact that Beaufort County School District supplies at least some, if not all, of the vehicles that Sodexho employees drive, and the gas in these vehicles is paid by Beaufort County School District!

I also know that some of these employees drive these vehicles home - one lives a couple streets away from me. The tags on these vehicles state that they are governement vehicles, but there is a Sodexho name on the side.

Soooo, let's recap:

Sodexho is a contractor of Beaufort County School District. It appears we supply them office space, warehouse space, and utilities for this space. We definitely supply vehicles and gas. I would assume we carry the insurance on these vehicles - which is a huge liability! I thought the benefit of using a contractor as opposed to employees was that these expenses would be the responsiblity of the contractor (most contractors do absorb these expenses).

I was told Sodexho employees occupy a building on Mink Point Blvd. next to the old Battery Creek High which is owned by the school district.

Does anyone know if Sodexho has a lease with BCSD and actually pay rent for this or is this a concession for services provided to the school district?

After reading Mr. Bequette's letter to the editor this morning, I became puzzled about who GMK Associates are.

Does anybody know who they are and where they are based?

They are paid a lot to manage maintenance contracts, and what exactly does that mean?

Does anybody know what Larry Wilson is paid to do? Is he suppose to manage these contracts or just accept bids for the work? Does this mean Sodexho is managed by GMK and Wilson or do I have things really messed up?

Someone who can explain this whole family tree would be helpful because it sure seems like, as Mr. Bequette put it, money is being poured down a hole.