While teachers have been back in the classroom for two days already, students throughout York County start a new school year today. We hope residents take note of that, especially when they're behind the wheel of their cars.

Smokers raise the overall cost of health care for state employees. It's only fair to require state workers who smoke to pay more for their health insurance.

Many of the suggestions by an energy advisory committee appointed by Gov. Mark Sanford appear to be sensible ways to help the state reduce carbon dioxide emissions. But we don't think the state should exclude discussions about new state mandates in addition to voluntary measures.

Two-year colleges nationwide are rearranging their schedules to help cash-strapped students save money on travel costs, and York Tech is among those schools offering students a helping hand.

State prison chief Jon Ozmint has a legitimate gripe with state lawmakers regarding lack of funding for the Department of Corrections. But we think he made a mistake in tainting an investigation of his department by the Legislative Audit Council.

Frustration over the lack of progress in developing Rock Hill's Textile Corridor no doubt is widespread. We hope the pieces soon will be in place for work to begin.

With inflation running at its fastest pace in 17 years, and prices for necessities rising accordingly, it is no surprise that programs to help feed the elderly are hard hit. We hope, however, that caring volunteers will continue to step up to help deliver meals.

Some no doubt will complain that the University of South Carolina spent $171,675 on a nationwide search for a new president -- only to choose someone already on campus. Ultimately, however, we think that is money well spent.

York County Council Chairman Buddy Motz is a good neighbor. Motz has proposed that York County pay back Lancaster County after tax dollars it should have received accidentally ended up in York County's coffers.

Some skeptics said local residents wouldn't show up for outdoor screenings of classic movies in downtown Rock Hill.