6003 – Gleaton v. Orangeburg County

This is an appeal in an action for slander of title. The story began with a flawed tax sale, but there were several mistakes for years after. The master-in-equity found in favor of Orangeburg County based on findings that the County did not publish a false statement impugning the owner’s title and did not act with malice. We agree with the owner’s arguments that the record does not support the master’s findings and that the master did not apply the proper legal standard. Therefore, we reverse and remand.

6004 – Abruzzo v. Bravo Media Productions LLC

Bravo Media Productions, LLC, Haymaker Media, Inc., NBC Universal Media, LLC, Comcast Corporation, Craig Conover, Chelsea Meissner, and Madison LeCroy (Appellants) appeal the circuit court’s Form 4 Order denying their motion to dismiss Joseph Abruzzo’s amended complaint and compel arbitration. Appellants assert the arbitrator should decide whether Abruzzo’s claims are subject to arbitration. We reverse the circuit court’s order and remand for an order compelling arbitration.

6005 – South Carolina CVS Pharmacy v. KPP Hilton Head, LLC

This case is about an option to renew a commercial lease. The tenant, South Carolina CVS Pharmacy, LLC, mailed its written notice of its intent to exercise the option, and it was available for the landlord to pick up at the local post office a day before the lease’s deadline for providing notice. The landlord did not retrieve the notice until the following week. The master-in-equity found CVS did not comply with the deadline. CVS argues this decision was error. We agree with CVS and reverse.

5998 – Annie L. Myers v. Town of Calhoun Falls

In this property dispute involving the abandonment of a railway line, Annie Myers and other property owners (collectively, Respondents) sought a judgment against Savannah Valley Trails, Inc. and the Town of Calhoun Falls (collectively, SVT) declaring Respondents were the property owners in fee simple of their respective properties, which were each subject to an easement held by Seaboard System Railroad, Inc. (Railroad). On appeal, SVT argues (1) the trial court lacked subject matter jurisdiction; (2) the doctrine of laches barred Respondents’ claims; and (3) the trial court erred in finding that when Railroad abandoned the line at issue, the rights accompanying the previously granted easements reverted back to Respondents. We affirm.

Posted by: Byron King on 11/07/23 (This information is only accurate as of 11/07/23. You must contact SCR for updates and changes to this information after 11/07/23 as laws and regulations may change over time. SCR 803-772-5206 or email info at screaltors.org or email byron at screaltors.org)

This information is not legal advice. This information is intended only to provide general information and may not be relied upon as specific legal guidance. Legal counsel should always be consulted before acting in reliance on this information.