GOOD NEWS: What do you think of the new state license plate?

You’ll start seeing a new license plate for cars in South Carolina early next year as a new design is phased in. The plate features a white background with an iconic palmetto tree and crescent design in the center that is a reverse of the state flag. (Some say it’s a crescent moon; others say it’s a gorget.)

Nevertheless, the state Department of Motor Vehicles says the new tag also will help the state save more than $800,000 because it will use a single annual sticker, not the two stickers (month, year) used now. The new tag also features an Anglicized version of the state motto, “While I Breathe, I hope.”

• What do you think of the new tag? Send feedback here. Our reaction: We prefer the Latin version of the motto. And we really like this dark-blue mock-up of a license plate discussed at BradWarthen.com.

In other good news:

Teck inaugural events: Charleston Mayor-elect John Tecklenburg has set up a special website — CharlestonTogether.org — that offers inauguration-related events for when longtime Mayor Joe Riley hands over the reins of the city. On the schedule:

• Family Day: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Jan. 9, 2016, Hampton Park, Charleston, S.C. The free event is designed to engage citizens with live music and fun activities. Food trucks will be on site. More.
• Swearing-in ceremony: Noon to 2 p.m., Jan. 11, 2016, City Hall, 80 Broad Street, Charleston. A pre-program begins at 11 a.m. with a second-line parade at 11:45 a.m. A reception in Washington Square follows. More.
• Inaugural concert and reception: 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., Jan. 11, 2016, Gaillard Center, 95 Calhoun Street, Charleston. An hour-long concert featuring spirituals and classic music will be followed by a general reception in the hall’s grand ballroom. Tickets are $25. More.

New president. Congratulations to long-time Charleston RiverDogs executive Dave Echols, who has been promoted to president and general manager of the minor-league baseball club. “Dave has proven to be one of Minor League Baseball’s most talented and successful executives during his tenure as general manager and under his operational leadership, the RiverDogs have experienced unprecedented success,” said chairman and principal owner Marv Goldklang. Former president Mike Veeck, who has served in the role since 1997, is now president emeritus and will continue to be involved with the team, according to a press release.

Recycle your Christmas tree. Charleston County’s Environmental Management Department encourages you to recycle your Christmas tree and greenery. Some municipalities will pick them up curbside, or you can take them to a convenience center. Trees will be composted at the Bees Ferry Compost Facility. If you drop off a tree at the facility, you’ll get a free bag of compost. See a holiday recycling video here. More information.