Cheraw's January Newsletter: PDRTA rolls into Town, Cheraw seeks Volunteer Firefighters, New COVID Small Business Relief, and more!

Cheraw Wants You! : Become a Volunteer Firefighter Today
Have you or a family member ever considered a career in firefighting?   Do you enjoy serving your community?  Or maybe you just want to ride in a fire truck.  

The Cheraw Fire Department is actively seeking volunteers to help serve our community.  Not only will you receive firefighter training, but it also comes with some great benefits.
 
Benefits of Becoming a Firefighter for the Cheraw Fire Department
  • The pride of helping those in your community.
  • Each member who has completed their Firefighter training and also completed a 6 month probation period will
    receive a stipend check each December. This stipend can range from under $1000.00 to as much at $3000.00 depending on your performance.
  • Workers Comp Insurance.
  • Free Flu shots and COVID Vaccines.
  • Free Training! ( Volunteers will become certified South Carolina Firefighters)
  • Paid membership to the SC State Firefighters Association
  • After the first year of service you will receive an annual contribution to a retirement account.
  • You get to ride in a fire truck, that alone is pretty cool!
  • All Personal Protective Gear is provided to you at no cost.
  • You even get a cool T-Shirt!
Applicants must meet the below requirements.

Be 18 years of age
 Have a High School Diploma or GED
Have a Valid Driver’s license.

Those interested or seeking more information should contact Chief Marvin Murray at mmurray@cheraw.com or by calling the Fire Department at 843-537-5941.


PDRTA Brings Free Transportation to Cheraw's Citizens
The Cheraw Town Council officially welcomed the Pee Dee Regional Transit Authority Director Don Strickland to January's Town Council meeting. Mr. Strickland gave updates about the bus service and their operation in Cheraw.  The role of PDRTA in our community is just beginning, and already routes and schedules are being adjusted based on feedback, with plans to expand the service in the future.
 
Want to Ride?
  • PDRTA offers free transportation to everyone in Cheraw through their Cheraw Express Route.  There are 14 stops throughout the Town, but the Bus will pick up people anywhere along the route if it is safe to do so.
  • Download a Route Map by Clicking Here
  • or download the PDRTA App from the Apple App Store or the Google Play App Store to track the location of busses throughout the Town.

If you have questions please visit PDRTA.org or call 843-665-2227.


First United Methodist Church in Cheraw will host an AARP Foundation Tax-Aide site beginning in mid-February and continuing into April. Tax-Aide provides tax preparation help to anyone, free of charge, with a special focus on taxpayers who are over 50 and have low to moderate income. AARP membership is not required for assistance.  
 
Tax-Aide volunteers are trained and IRS-certified every year to make sure they understand the latest changes and additions to the tax code. 
 
To ensure everyone's safety during the coronavirus pandemic, the service will be offered by appointment only and in accordance with strict public health protocols. Taxpayers will interact with Tax-Aide volunteers in one or two short meetings in the church parking area to exchange documents, and then meet online or by phone to prepare and file taxes.
 
Taxpayers who can scan or otherwise provide the necessary documents electronically may interact with Tax-Aide counselors entirely online or by phone, and no in-person meetings will be required.
 
For more information, including how to schedule an appointment and which documents to bring, visit aarpfoundation.org/taxaide. The website currently provides general information but will go live for appointments near the end of January. You can also contact the local coordinator, Cheraw resident Van Pate, by sending a note to cherawtaxaide2020@gmail.com.

South Carolina Small Business Development Center Offers COVID-19 Relief Training for Small Businesses
A new COVID-19 Small Business Relief Bill was passed in December 2020, in addition to the $600 stimulus checks many received, the bill also expanded relief for small buisnesses.  Relief programs include an expanded Paycheck Protection Program, new Economic Injury Disaster Loans, and potential grants for small businesses.  Guidance for these programs is still coming, but the South Carolina Small Business Development Center is hosting weekly webinars with the latest information.  This week's webinar will be today at 12:00PM.  You may register online here: REGISTER.

The Small Business Development Center is dedicated to helping small businesses navigate the complexities of these relief programs.  They are a free resource available to any business that may require assistance.  You may visit their website by clicking here.

The South Carolina Small Business Development Center can help you navigate:
  • PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM (PPP)
  • First Draw PPP Loans
  • Second Draw PPP Loans
  • COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL)
  • Employee Retention Tax Credit
  • SBA Debt Relief (for existing borrowers)
  • Shuttered Venue Operator Grants
Additional information may be found on the Small Business Administration Website by going to www.sba.gov.

If you have questions about these programs please contact Town Hall at 843-537-8400 and we may be able to offer guidance on how to get started.