The Cherokee County Republican Party will meet at Aegean Pizza, 1547 West Floyd Baker Blvd., on Monday, March 22, at 6:30 p.m. Two statewide candidates are scheduled to speak: Bill Connor, who is running for Lieutenant Governor, and Kelly Payne, who is running for Superintendent of Education.

The public is invited and encouraged to attend. For additional information, contact Steven Blanton at 864- 490-3533 or at stevenblanton@ gmail.com.

The South Carolina Association of Extension Administrative Professionals (SCAEAP), a group made up of Extension Administrative Assistants, is currently holding a fundraiser to earn money for professional development and trainings. SCAEAP is selling RADA cutlery, cookbooks, candles and stoneware, and quick mixes for soups, dips, sauces, desserts and cheese balls. Many of the items make great wedding gifts or can be used to stock church fellowship halls. And don’t forget, Mother’s Day is just around the corner. To check out some of the products offered visit www.radacutlery.com. Stop by the Clemson Extension office on Floyd Baker Boulevard to place your order. The deadline for orders is Wednesday, March 31. at 4:30 p.m.

It’s that time of year again. Cherokee County 4-H is holding its Vidalia onion fundraiser. These world famous onions are mild sweet yellow onions that are great for use in a variety of recipes. They do not have the burn of the average onion, are low in calories and fat free, and are even said to aid in digestion. The onions can be purchased from a participating 4-H member, or by visiting or calling the Cherokee County Clemson Extension Office, 864-489-3141, ext. 115, anytime before 4:30 p.m. on Friday, April 16. Cash and checks will be accepted. Make checks payable to CUCES (Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service). All proceeds will benefit the Cherokee County 4-H program as well as individual 4-H clubs. Prices are the same as last year: $10 for 10 pounds and $15 for 25 pounds. The onions are normally ready for delivery in early May, but that does depend largely on this year’s growing conditions and weather. You will receive a phone call when the onions arrive.

The South Carolina Chamber of Commerce honored almost 500 company locations during the 2009 Safety Awards luncheon March 16.

Safety Award winners represented companies across South Carolina that have made workplace safety a priority. The Safety Awards are given based on companies achieving a commendable lost workday case rate during 2009.

“The Chamber salutes these exemplary companies that work diligently to make their workplace environments safe. We are proud these conscientious companies call our state home,” said Otis B. Rawl Jr., president and chief executive officer of the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce.

Winners from Cherokee County were: Blacksburg - Milliken and Company - Cypress Plant; Milliken and Company - Magnolia Finishing Plant; P&L Erosion Control Etc., Inc.