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December 2006 Archive
Area Christmas Light Displays
web posted December 31, 2006

Texas man resports identity theft with ties to Trenton and Aiken
web posted December 30, 2006
COUNTY – A Texas man contacted the Edgefield County Sheriff’s Office to report possible identity theft by someone working in Edgefield County. According to the Texas man he has been paying alleged back taxes for two years of almost $10,000 for not reporting the income associated to his Social Security number.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Grand larceny reported in Johnston
web posted December 30, 2006
JOHNSTON – A Johnston man called police Thursday morning to report a theft from his home. Around 3am Thursday morning the man reportedly let his dog out and noticed a go-cart, valued at over $1,400, was missing from his property on the 400 block of Addison Street. The go-cart was chained to a golf cart which was also locked with a separate lock to secure both vehicles.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Happy New Year from EdgefieldDaily.com - Top 10 stories of 2006 coming Monday
web posted December 30, 2006
WEBNEWS – On the last update before the New Year EdgefieldDaily.com would like to thank all our readers for the record setting year. A growth that continues to set new records every quarter for readership, visits, and hits; now reaching almost half a million a month. On New Year’s Day we will post the top 10 stories of 2006 along with any breaking news events that take place over the weekend.

Everyone associated with EdgefieldDaily.com wishes each reader a Happy New Year. Remember, if you intend to drink alcohol during the New Year celebration please do so responsibly and have a designated driver if you travel. Local law enforcement will be conducting sobriety checks and patrolling for intoxicated drivers.

Deputy, detainee uninjured in crash
web posted December 29, 2006
COUNTY – An Edgefield County Deputy and a man in custody were uninjured in a crash Christmas night in Merriwether involving the patrol car the deputy was driving.  The crash occurred on Wilderness Trail in very foggy conditions as the man in custody began “acting out” in the back seat – distracting the deputy. The patrol Car ran off the road and struck a tree.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Assault with knife results in no charges
web posted December 29, 2006
EDGEFIELD – Sometimes you just have to wonder about things that happen and the people involved. Such was the case on Christmas evening around 7pm. Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to Eastview Road due to a report of a man being assaulted with a knife. The suspect believed to have cut the man was last seen heading towards Edgefield in a blue F-150 Ford truck. Edgefield Police saw the truck on Main Street and began following it as it continued through town.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Uncle Sam wants US Muslims to serve
Pentagon builds Islamic prayer rooms and hires imams to make military life more appealing
web posted December 29, 2006
WASHINGTON – As US troops battle Islamic extremists abroad, the Pentagon and the armed forces are reaching out to Muslims at home. An underlying goal is to interest more Muslims in the military, which needs officers and troops who can speak Arabic and other relevant languages and understand the culture of places like Iraq and Afghanistan. The effort is also part of a larger outreach. Pentagon officials say they are striving for mutual understanding with Muslims at home and abroad and to win their support for US war aims. Among the efforts to attract and retain Muslim cadets
CSMonitor.com

NOTICE: Due to errors during upload some pages were missing
web posted December 28, 2006
WEBNEWS – Columnist Carl Langley's latest column, the Crime Blotter, and two other pages have been successfully re-uploaded and the problems appear to be corrected. Please e-mail the Editor if you find any other pages missing. We regret any inconvenience this may have caused.

Business owner reports $20,000 in damages to building and RV
web posted December 28, 2006
SWEETWATER – A business owner contacted the Edgefield County Sheriff’s Office to report someone breaking into his business and damaging the building and a recreational vehicle parked next to the business Friday afternoon. Damages to the building and the RV were estimated beyond $20,000.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Westside man finds cows shot, one dead
web posted December 28, 2006
WESTSIDE – A Westside man reported someone shooting two of his cows sometime between Thursday night and Friday morning. When a responding deputy arrived at the home on the 300 block of Key Road he found one cow dead and another wounded. The cow’s owner stated the value of the cows were $12,000.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Stolen cars recovered over weekend
web posted December 28, 2006
COUNTY – Car thefts were not absent for the Christmas weekend with Richmond County Sheriff’s Office recovering a car stolen from Trenton on Friday and an Edgefield County Sheriff’s Deputy recovering a car stolen from Dekalb County in Georgia on Sunday.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Texas boy, 9, stabs 2-year-old girl to death, no charges filed
web posted December 27, 2006
HOUSTON (Reuters) - No charges will be filed in the case of a 9-year-old boy who fatally stabbed a 2-year-old girl in a Texas home where a teen-ager was babysitting 12 children, Dallas police said on Tuesday after an investigation.
Reuters

Thank those who serve while we celebrate
web posted December 27, 2006
COLUMN – While everyone has been enjoying Christmas and being off work, not everyone was so fortunate. With local governments still closed information needed to complete several stories is not available so reports are not listed today. However, I would like to take time to spotlight those who were at work while we all enjoyed our brief time off; jailers, dispatchers, EMS, firefighters, first responders, Sheriff’s Deputies, and local Police Officers.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Collisions keep deputies - EMS- volunteers in giving spirit on Christmas day (Photos)
web posted December 26, 2006
SWEETWATER – Edgefield County deputies, firefighters, and EMS workers were busy responding to several collisions that occurred Christmas day. At least eight people were injured and transported to area hospitals for treatment. One crash sent five to MCG just after 2pm Christmas day.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Carl Langley: Quoting reality
EdgefieldDaily.com Guest Columnist
 web posted December 26, 2006
For many years I have made a habit of jotting down some of the more memorable quotes heard during the past year, and now I share with your readers some of them with accompanying commentary.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Suspected armed robbers cause hit and run crash and manhunt in Bettis Academy - Trenton area
web posted December 22, 2006
BETTIS ACADEMY – An armed robbery in Aiken County Thursday afternoon resulted in a manhunt in Edgefield County. As the three suspects, allegedly armed with a shotgun, robbed an Aiken County business they made their escape on Bettis Academy Road with a witness from the robbery in tow. Once in Edgefield County the grey two-door Kia Rio crashed into another vehicle and continued their escape. EMS was called to the scene to treat the woman driver of the car struck for injuries.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Single car crash closes Sweetwater Road for hours (Photos)
web posted December 22, 2006
MERRIWETHER – Just after 1am Edgefield County Deputies, EMS, and Merriwether Firefighters were called to the scene of a one-car crash cutting a power pole in half on Sweetwater Road. A resident on the 500 block called 911 to report the crash just after 1 am. When Deputies and First Responders arrived on the scene the driver was nowhere to be found.
EdgefieldDaily.com

JET installs video surveillance system during Christmas break (Photos)
web posted December 22, 2006
JOHNSTON - It is Christmas time and Santa is making his list and checking it twice. Parents tell their children to be good because Santa is watching. When Christmas is over and the students return to school at JET Middle School it won’t be just Santa watching, but school officials as well. Over Christmas break Deputies Sonny Reel and Jason Rushton have been busy installing a video surveillance system at the school.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Here's your card winners: "Come on in"
web posted December 22, 2006
SWEETWATER – If you are going to sit around and consume drugs, and possibly deal drugs, you might not want to invite the police to “come on in” when they knock on your door. That piece of common sense eluded four Edgefield County men Wednesday night.
EdgefieldDaily.com

School accuses 5-year-old of sex harassment
web posted December 22, 2006
HAGERSTOWN - A kindergarten student was accused earlier this month of sexually harassing a classmate at Lincolnshire Elementary School, an accusation that will remain on his record until he moves to middle school.
EdgefieldDaily.com's Off The Wall Section

Over 50 Christmas Light displays listed, take time to view them this weekend
web posted December 21, 2006
COUNTY – Readers have sent in over 50 locations of Christmas light displays. Each has been listed by area.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Bettis Academy home reports break-in
web posted December 21, 2006
BETTIS ACADEMY – A Bettis  Academy resident called the Edgefield County Sheriff’s Office to report a break-in at a home on the 20 block of Academy Estates Drive Tuesday afternoon. The man said when he arrived home just before 4pm he found his back door had been pried open.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Three rousing cheers for Goldman Sachs and free markets
web posted December 21, 2006
By Carl Langley
EdgefieldDaily.com contributing columnist
There’s nothing like a success story, or hundreds of success stories, to set our liberal scolds and complainers to weeping and wailing and screaming their protests against the free enterprise system.
EdgefieldDaily.com

An open letter from the Editor
web posted December 21, 2006
WEBNEWS – As Editor of EdgefieldDaily.com I would like to take this opportunity to thank our readers for a record-breaking year. Being Edgefield County’s number one web based local news source and the only source for daily local news EdgefieldDaily.com will continue to bring you “Edgefield County as it happens” in 2007. Founded in March of 2005 it was a dream to reach 1,000,000 hits and over 1,000 readers. That was surpassed within a few months and in 2006 it has now grown to over 7,300 unique visitors last month and almost 7,000,000 hits with thousands of pages read daily. And our growth continues.
EdgefieldDaily.com

The Ten Governor’s Cafe Christmas Hours
web posted December 21, 2006
PSA - The Ten Governor’s Café will be closed Sunday and Monday for Christmas and will also be closed on the following Monday for New Years.

School District makes preparations for Pandemic Influenza
web posted December 20, 2006
WEBNEWS – The serious impact of a Pandemic Influenza outbreak in Edgefield County has prompted the Edgefield County School District to prepare a Pandemic Influenza Plan of Action for the necessary response of addressing this issue of the virus should the need occur. Dr. Sharon W. Keesley, Superintendent ECSD met with county health officials and Mike Casey, EMA Director in July of 2006 to discuss the preparation plan.
EdgefieldDaily.com

All in a day's work; driver reaches for gun at traffic stop
web posted December 20, 2006
TRENTON – An Edgefield County Deputy was dispatched to be on the look out for a reckless driver northbound on Highway 25 Monday night. The driver of a blue SUV was said to be “swerving all over the roadway”. A deputy stopped at the intersection of highway 121 and 25 in Trenton saw the driver run the red light at the intersection and initiated a traffic stop.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Disney World Tells Santa Lookalike to Hit the Road
web posted December 20, 2006
The happiest place on Earth just said "no" to the jolliest man on Earth. Walt Disney World resort gave an ultimatum to a Santa lookalike who was visiting the park Sunday, warning him to ditch his festive gear or get out.
EdgefieldDaily.com's Off The Wall Section

EdgefieldDaily.com announces Christmas schedule
web posted December 20, 2006
WEBNEWS – EdgefieldDaily.com will be limiting updates during Christmas. Due to government closings and spending time with family the following schedule will be followed. Breaking news events will still be made on a daily basis.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Christmas Closings
web posted December 20, 2006
COUNTY – A list of closings of government agencies
EdgefieldDaily.com

Driver may face "attempt to kill" charge against officers at road block
web posted December 19, 2006
JOHNSTON – A license check conducted at the intersection of Aiken and Park Avenues has lead to the arrest of a Johnston man now facing possible charges of assault and batter with intent to kill among many other charges Sunday. Just before 10:30pm an Edgefield County Deputies and a Johnston Police Officer were working a routine license check when a silver Honda Accord approach the checkpoint and rather than stop the car veered towards the officers and sped up, barely missing at least one officer.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Wrecks keep deputies busy Monday afternoon in Merriwether (Photos)
web posted December 19, 2006
MERRIWETHER – Edgefield County Deputies were busy in Merriwether Monday afternoon with two wrecks called in minutes apart. The first call came in just before 4pm with a two-car crash at the intersection on Murrah Road and Five Notch Road. A man driving a Mercury Grand Marquis said he looked both ways before crossing Five Notch only to be struck by an eastbound Ford pickup.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Driver arrested after short chase into Aiken County
web posted December 19, 2006
SWEETWATER – An Edgefield County Deputy on routine patrol around 8:45pm Saturday night spotted a blue 1990 Cadillac exiting Square Circle Ranch Road onto southbound Highway 25 and failed to use a turn signal. The deputy began to follow the car and ran the license plate which came back as not on file, reports indicate. The deputy initiated a traffic stop using blue lights and siren and the Cadillac refused to stop.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Recovered bike possible link to  break-in
web posted December 19, 2006
JOHNSTON – A bicycle stolen from Bledsoe Auto Sales on Wednesday may have been recovered on Saturday police reports indicate. A Johnston man called police when he discovered a bicycle fitting the description of the one reported stolen earlier in the week on the front porch of his Calhoun Street home around 9 am when he came outside.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Johnston fireworks stand reports theft of over $600 in merchandise
web posted December 19, 2006
JOHNSTON – Another Johnston business reported a break-in on Saturday morning, this time to a fireworks stand on Calhoun Street. A man walking his dog flagged down a passing officer to report he believed the fireworks stand had been vandalized. Upon further investigation it was found the stand had been burglarized. The owner of the business arrived a short time later and told police that over $600 in fireworks had been stolen.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Photos of suspected foiled bank robber obtained (Photos)
web posted December 18, 2006
EDGEFIELD – Photos of the man suspected of trying to rob the First Citizen’s Bank in Trenton Friday have been made available over the weekend. The man police are looking for is described as a black male approximately 5’ 9” tall weighing around 150 pounds. He was wearing a black ski mask, a light blue pull over, dark gloves, dark pants, white tennis shoes, and a backpack over his shoulder. Authorities are also seeking to identify a possible witness captured in surveillance video.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Crash caused by transfer truck sends two to hospital (Photos)
web posted December 18, 2006
TRENTON – An 18-wheeler sent cars dodging off both sides of Highway 25 Saturday around noon when he ran up on a northbound car and swerved to avoid a collision. As a result he entered the southbound lane and a line of cars started swerving for the shoulders and other means of defensive driving, one lost control and slammed into a tree injuring the two women inside.
EdgefieldDaily.com


Goodbye Kofi, And Don’t Come Back
By Carl Langley
EdgefieldDaily.com contributing columnist
web posted December 18, 2006
The good news for a war-weary world is that the United Nations, a long-time haven for some of the planet’s worst liars and thieves, will soon be under new management.
At the top of the international pecking order of people who shun honest work is South Korean diplomat Ban Ki-moon, who took the oath as new UN secretary general last week and immediately vowed to change the character of the world body.
EdgefieldDaily.com

True North Church seeks volunteers for Christmas dinner deliveries
web posted December 18, 2006
PSA
COUNTY - The True North Church in North Augusta has partnered with the Salvation Army to provide a Christmas dinner to their kitchen and to deliver meals to shut-ins. Presently they are seeking methods and ways to let people know that this will be available to them via the Salvation Army or delivery for shut-ins.
EdgefieldDaily.com

HOSA Delivers to Adopted Family (Photo)
web posted December 18, 2006
JOHNSTON - The Strom Thurmond Chapter of Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA) proudly delivered Christmas gifts to their adopted family last Thursday morning. The students filled the Christmas list of their adopted family by bringing gifts or giving money for the purchase of gifts.
EdgefieldDaily.com


Masked man attempts bank robbery in Trenton (Photos)
web posted December 16, 2006
TRENTON – If you are going to rob a bank, it might pay-off to actually plan ahead. A man found that out when he attempted to rob the First Citizen’s Bank in Trenton Friday afternoon around 4pm. After donning his ski mask he tried to enter the doors and found them locked. Getting frustrated not being able to get in the man turned and left, removing his mask. It is unknown at this time if the masked man was armed. After a robbery on January 27, 2003 the bank began keeping the doors locked and customers have to be let in by bank personnel.
EdgefieldDaily.com

The bigger they are, the harder they fall
web posted December 16, 2006
EDGEFIELD – The old water tower at the Crest Building site was toppled Friday afternoon. After workers with the demolition company cut into the tower at various locations and attached a cable to the top a slow tug by heavy equipment brought the tower down as planned. Edgefield Police blocked traffic on Crest Road during the demolition. The water tower was the last structure standing of the old Crest Building location. The building was demolished to make way for the new Edgefield County Senior Citizens Center.

Alcohol believed to be a factor in Friday night crash (Photos)
web posted December 16, 2006
SWEETWATER – Shortly after 9pm Friday night Deputies, Countyline Firefighters, and EMS were summoned to a two-car crash on northbound Highway 25 and Square Circle Ranch Road. A Chevrolet Suburban was traveling northbound on highway 25 when a white Chevrolet 1500 4x4 truck reportedly ran the stop sign on Square Circle Ranch Road. The driver of the suburban tried to avoid the truck by swerving to the right but hit the rear of the truck spinning the truck around. The suburban stopped just short of several signs at the intersection.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Edgefield Toy Drive held today at the Discovery Center
web posted December 16, 2006
EDGEFIELD – The Edgefield Toy Drive will be held at the Discovery Center from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm today. 82 children will be receiving gifts from the citizens of Edgefield through the toy drive. Please bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate.

Dan Henderson Presents at Sportsturf Managers of the Future Meeting (Photo)
web posted December 16, 2006
COLUMBIA – Mr. Dan Henderson, Agricultural Instructor at Strom Thurmond Career Center was a guest presenter at the recently held Sportsturf Managers of the Future- SC Sports Turf Managers Association business meeting held on December 12 at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, SC.  Mr. Henderson was joined by Mr. David Brooks of Hillcrest High School as a guest speaker.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Four car crash halts rush hour traffic on Highway 25 (Photos)
web posted December 15, 2006
TRENTON – A four-car chain reaction collision brought traffic on Highway 25 to a crawl just after 4pm Thursday as Deputies, Firemen, EMS, and State Troopers worked the scene. According to witnesses and one of the drivers involved, a school bus was stopped followed by a car and a tractor-trailer truck in the southbound lane. Behind them was a white Ford Explorer which was the first vehicle truck by a Buick Le Sabre as it tried to stop which was then struck by an Acura and then a Ford Expedition. Three were injured, including a woman nearing the delivery of her baby next month.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Raid conducted for fugitive at Merriwether home goes awry
web posted December 15, 2006
MERRIWETHER – Edgefield and Aiken County Deputies along with North Augusta Public Safety and SLED Officers conducted a raid on a home on Eddington Lane, just off Delaughter Drive early Thursday night around 7pm in an attempt to apprehend a wanted fugitive with warrants extending from Aiken County to Atlanta Georgia. When Aiken County Officers and SLED agents converged on the secluded singlewide mobile home the wanted man fled out the back door and escaped.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Planning Commission elects leaders, changes road acceptance rules
web posted December 15, 2006
COUNTY – The Edgefield County Planning Commission held its December meeting Thursday night with a short agenda. After dispensing with opening procedures and the approval of previous meeting minutes Commission Chairman Fab Burt asked for an update on absent Commissioner Rodney Ingle, who underwent major surgery on Tuesday.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Student leads police on chase that ends in crash (Photos)
web posted December 14, 2006
EDGEFIELD – While on routine patrol Tuesday night in the area of Mims Street and Augusta Road an Edgefield Police Officer observed a burgundy Mitsubishi speeding and driving left of center, almost hitting the patrol car. The officer turned around and attempted to stop the driver but he ignored the blue lights and siren and tried to flee from police. The officer got the car to stop near Rosa Springs Road but when he told the driver to show his hands the driver took off and sped away.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Johnston business burglarized
web posted December 14, 2006
JOHNSTON – A burglary was reported Monday night at Bledsoe Auto Sales on Calhoun Street in Johnston. As the owner and his wife arrived home they spotted a suspicious person standing near the business around 9pm. When the owner went to check on the store he discovered a back window had been removed and the business had been entered.
EdgefieldDaily.com

NJ Senate bans pastor after he condemns same-sex marriage
web posted December 14, 2006
  The Rev. Vincent Fields says he didn't plan to speak out against same-sex marriage when he offered the invocation at the opening of the Senate session on Monday.
At first, he prayed for wisdom and understanding for the senators. But then, the Absecon pastor recalled yesterday, "the Holy Spirit took over, and I had to pray what he said."
The Star Ledger

Edgefield Police make use of new Tasers on fleeing suspect
web posted December 13, 2006
EDGEFIELD – The Edgefield Police Department just deployed the use of Tasers for its Police Officers this month. It did not take long for them to be used when a man ran from police after a traffic stop on Monday morning on the 200 block of Gary Street. While conducting the traffic stop, a check of the man’s drivers license by the officer came back suspended. When told he was under arrest the man began backing away and “clinching his fists” as if to fight. As the officer reached for the man’s right arm to handcuff him he broke away and ran.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Check of suspicious vehicle leads to arrest of wanted man and recovery of illegal gun
EDGEFIELD – While on normal patrol an Edgefield Police Officer noticed a grey and red van parked off the side of the road on W A Reel Drive Monday night around 10:30pm. A check of the license plate came back with no wants or warrants. A man exited the van and told the officer he ran out of gas and had someone bringing gas to him.  During their conversation the van shook and the officer asked who was in the van and the man said it was his cousin.
EdgefieldDaily.com

$1,100 in golf clubs stolen from Pine Ridge Country Club office
web posted December 13, 2006
JOHNSTON – A grand larceny of sport equipment was reported Monday morning at Pine Ridge Country Club. The theft was discovered around 10am and a Sheriff’s Deputy was dispatched to the Club House. In all, $1,100 worth of golf clubs were missing from an office.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Edgefield Dixie Youth Baseball announces sign up times
web posted December 13, 2006
COUNTY – The Edgefield Dixie Youth Baseball sign-up is fast approaching and organizers wanted to remind parents that applications are available and the Edgefield League will be holding sign ups on January 20 and 27 as well as February 3 at the Edgefield Dixie Youth Baseball Complex behind the National Guard Armory from 10am until noon each of those days.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Birth: Leland Randolph Reynolds (Photo)
web posted December 13, 2006
BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT – Edgefield County added to its population with the birth of Leland Randolph Reynolds on November 30 born to the proud parents of Jessica Nash and Danny Reynolds at a weight of 8 pounds and 3 ounces. Leland has a four-year-old sister named Haley.
EdgefieldDaily.com

No smoking - but killing teachers is fine, says new Taleban rulebook
web posted December 13, 2006
Killing a teacher is no problem as long as they have received a warning and a solid beating, but taking a beardless boy into your private quarters or spending money without your commander's permission is likely to cause big trouble.
EdgefieldDaily.com's Off The Wall

Four charged with first degree burglary, grand larceny
web posted December 12, 2006
EDGEFIELD – As EdgefieldDaily.com reported Friday a neighbor observed several people running in and out of a home on the 1100 block of Augusta Road on Thursday night around 11:30pm. When police arrived at the location they stopped the car the suspected thieves were driving and held them at gunpoint until additional deputies could arrive. Their identities were released on Monday.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Edgefield County Toy Drive announced
web posted December 12, 2006
EDGEFIELD - Southern Eagle Motorcycle Club of Edgefield and the South Carolina National Heritage Corridor Region 2 Discovery Center are sharing the spirit of Christmas through an Edgefield County Toy Drive. The drive is accepting donations of new toys for children up to age 12.  Monetary donations are also being accepted and will be used to purchase toys from local merchants.  All toys will be given to local families in Edgefield County.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Mailbox vandals continue to plague Merriwether
web posted December 12, 2006
MERRIWETHER – Vandals continue to destroy mailboxes in the Merriwether area over the weekend, this time hitting at least nine locations on Country Club Hills Drive and Stevens Creek Drive. Over the past few months dozens more have been damaged by the vandals. The Edgefield County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the vandalism.
EdgefieldDaily.com

District Receives End-Of-Course Results
web posted December 12, 2006
Edgefield County School District has received end-of-course tests results for the 2005-2006 school year. The Education Accountability Act of 1998 mandates the end-of-course tests. In math, students enrolled in Algebra 1 courses and Mathematics for the Technologies 2 takes the algebra end-of-course test.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Judge's pet injured in dog attack in Johnston
web posted December 12, 2006
JOHNSTON – Chief Magistrate Davis Parkman called police to report two dogs attacking his dog on the 500 block of Butler Street Wednesday. As the officer was responding to the call he observed two chow type dogs running from the area. The officer followed the dogs in an attempt to locate the owner. The dogs ran to a home located on the 800 block of Academy Street. The Edgefield County Animal Control Officer also responded to the call.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Johnston Town Council December meeting
web posted December 12, 2006
JOHNSTON – The Johnston Town Council held their December meeting Monday night with former Police Chief Butch Easler in attendance and Councilwoman Tyra Miller absent from the council. County Administrator John Pettigrew Jr. also attended the meeting.  With a very uneventful agenda the meeting last just under twenty minutes.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Thurmond FFA Wildlife Team Competes In State Finals (Photo)
web posted December 12, 2006
COLUMBIA, SC - The Thurmond Technology Center FFA Wildlife Management Team was named Runner-Up in the State Finals held at Pendleton High School, recently according to John W. Parris, state director of public affairs with the SC FFA organization.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Easler speaks out on investigation
web posted December 11, 2006
Former Johnston Police Chief Lelex “Butch” Easler sat down with the Editor of EdgefieldDaily.com for a 4 1/2 hour exclusive interview on Friday:
JOHNSTON – Former Johnston Police Chief Lelex “Butch” Easler broke his silence after the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office sent a letter to SLED and Johnston Mayor Willie Campbell stating they have closed the file on the fourteen-month investigation. One of the questions that still remains on Mr. Easler’s mind is why it took so long. “This should have been over last year,” Mr. Easler said on Friday.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Local recording artist spreads Christmas cheer through music
web posted December 11, 2006
EDGEFIELD – By day Wallace Watkins is busy serving customers and delivering mail at the Edgefield Post Office. In his spare time he is busy delivering Christmas cheer with a collection of Christmas songs available on CD. The CD, “A Special Delivery”, a postal term, is available for purchase locally. The compilation of songs were arranged and recorded by Mr. Watkins at the First Baptist Church in Vaucluse. The recording is dedicated to “the citizens of Edgefield County.”
EdgefieldDaily.com


Sarah's Angels Helping Santa event a success (Photos)
web posted December 11, 2006
JOHNSTON – JET Middle School was teeming with the Christmas Spirit Saturday as Sarah’s Angels Helping Santa held a huge sale and raffles throughout the day. Debbie Courtney, who founded the organization ten years ago, said in the past the group has served twenty needy families with Christmas presents and this year hopes to expand to serve even more. Ms. Courtney was brought to tears when presented with a check for $250 from her students. Mr. McKinney’s Show Choir provided entertainment for those shopping and bringing gifts.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Barrett votes against unfair trade legislation
web posted December 11, 2006
Washington, DC - Congressman Gresham Barrett (SC, 3) made the following comments explaining immediately following his vote against trade legislation detrimental to manufacturer and textile workers in South Carolina. H.R. 6406, a bill which will modify certain rates of duty, make technical amendments to trade laws, and extend certain trade preference programs is scheduled to come to the House floor Friday night.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Jimmy Carter, friend or foe
web posted December 11, 2006
GUEST COLUMN -  In 1976, after voting twice for Richard Nixon for president, I made the worst vote I ever cast in my life. I voted for James Earl (Jimmy) Carter for president. He made me wish we could get Nixon back.
EdgefieldDaily.com

STHS SADD Team Takes 1st Place Honors (Photo)
web posted December 11, 2006
AIKEN - The Strom Thurmond High School SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) Organization participated in the Aiken Center Teen Institute seminar held at Camp Gravit on December 1. High Schools represented at the seminar along with STHS were North Augusta, Aiken, South Aiken, Ridge Spring Monetta, and Wagner Salley.
EdgefieldDaily.com

FBLA Sponsors Favorite Community Project (Photo)
web posted December 11, 2006
JOHNSTON - The Adopt-A-Family for Christmas project is one of the most popular activities for members of the ST Career Center FBLA Chapter. Last week, the students met after school and began the task of wrapping gifts for their adopted family.
EdgefieldDaily.com



Building Construction Class completes project (Photo)
web posted December 11, 2006
JOHNSTON - Building Construction students at ST Career Center have just completed a hands- on-project where their skills of reading blueprint materials, constructing walls, floors, windows and framing were all tested.  The result of this project proved that the students were very knowledgeable in the area of building construction.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Rep. Barrett Votes to extend Tax Relief
web posted December 9, 2006
Washington, DC - This afternoon Congressman Gresham Barrett (SC, 3) voted in favor of H.R. 6111, the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006.  H.R. 6111 provides extension and modification of certain tax relief provisions through 2007, extension of certain expiring energy provisions and other energy provisions, health savings account (HSA) provisions, other tax relief and miscellaneous provisions.  The measure passed the House by a vote of 367 to 45.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Johnston Elementary Hosts Information for Hispanic Families
web posted December 9, 2006
JOHNSTON – On Monday, November 20, Johnston Elementary School hosted a parent information meeting for Hispanic families in the Johnston community. The purpose of the program was to provide an opportunity for open communication between the school and Hispanic families in their native language.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Neighbor foils burglary
web posted December 8, 2006
EDGEFIELD – Another citizen stepped up to the call and assisted in the capture of suspected criminals Thursday night. Just after 11pm a neighbor called 911 to report several people running into a home next door while the owner was at work. At least three individuals were reported running in and out of the home placing items in the car. A forth person was sitting in the car. Edgefield Town Police and Edgefield County Deputies converged on the area on the 1100 block of Augusta Road just as the group began to flee the mobile home complex.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Johnston leaders actions questioned over letter
web posted December 8, 2006
OPINION – Government belongs to the people, sometimes, elected officials forget that. Moreover, government is supposed to be open and above board with the public while conducting the business of the people. The recent discovery of an October 24 letter from the Attorney General’s Office to SLED stating they were closing the file on former Chief Butch Easler and returning the file to SLED was also sent to Johnston Mayor Willie Campbell. Mayor Campbell, for whatever reason, decided that was something neither Chief Easler nor the public needed to know. It is obvious by the public reaction to the news of the letter he was wrong.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Did You Ever Imagine?
Rev. Skip Myers
EdgefieldDaily.com contributing columnist
web posted December 8, 2006
EdgefieldDaily.com

Thomas H. Herlong named to New York Life President’s Council
web posted December 8, 2006
JOHNSTON  – Thomas H. Herlong has been named a member of the 2007 President’s Council of New York Life Insurance Company, Sy Sternberg, New York Life’s chairman and chief executive officer, announced today.  Members of the President’s Council are prestigious leading performers of New York Life’s elite sales force of 10,300 licensed agents.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Artists fill Rocky Shop with gifts, art, and more
web posted December 8, 2006
EDGEFIELD  – The Edgefield Regional Artists (ERA) have filled the old Rocky Shop with unique holiday gifts for everyone on your list.  Artists from the local ERA will be on hand demonstrating their talents. Penny candy will be for sale in the shop as well. At Star's Art and Antiques, Pamela Urban Moore of Art Azure will be showcasing her pottery talents by painting unique holiday ornaments. And, certainly, many special holiday surprises may be found in this unique, locally owned and operated shop.
 
Several big sales in the EdgefieldDaily.com Classifieds
web posted December 8, 2006
Classifieds

Letter to Johnston Mayor released
web posted December 7, 2006
JOHNSTON – EdgefieldDaily.com received a copy of the letter sent to Johnston Mayor Willie Campbell on October 24 of this year. The letter was from Jennifer D. Evans, Chief, State Grand Jury / Prosecution on the Attorney General’s Office letterhead to SLED’s Senior Agent Laurie Caldwell. Below are the contents of the letter. Johnston Mayor Willie Campbell was also copied in on the letter.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Fire destroys home and garage apartment (Photos)
web posted December 7, 2006
MERRIWETHER – The Merriwether, County Line, and Belvedere Fire Departments responded to a fire at 424 Hickory Drive Wednesday around 2pm. When firefighters arrived the two structures, a mobile home and a two car garage with an upstairs apartment, were fully engulfed. Sheriff’s Deputies closed the road as firefighters ran hoses from a nearby fire hydrant.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Edgefield Police investigate nursing home incident
web posted December 7, 2006
EDGEFIELD – A 76 year-old woman called 911 to report she needed help due to sliding out of her wheelchair at an Edgefield nursing home. The dispatcher called the nursing home and advised them of the woman’s call. According to police reports, the person answering the phone at the home said, “Oh Lord,” and started laughing. Dispatchers told the woman to call them back and advise them on the woman's well-being. An Edgefield Police Officer was also dispatched to the nursing home.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Merriwether Fire Department holds Christmas Banquet (Photos)
web posted December 7, 2006
MERRIWETHER – The Merriwether Volunteer Fire Department held their annual Christmas Banquet Wednesday night at the North Augusta Country Club with only one or two firemen unable to attend. Fire Chief Faye Fulmer spoke to Firefighters, their spouses, and a few quests including County Treasurer Arlene Traxler about the year. “We answered 196 calls this year,” Chief Fulmer said, “61 of those were fires and 27 were brush fires.” In addition the department responded to 107 First Responder calls.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Rep. Barrett Comments on the Iraq Study Group report
web posted December 7, 2006
Washington, DC - This afternoon Congressman Gresham Barrett (SC, 3), a former Captain in the U.S. Army and member of the House Committee on International Relations made the following comments regarding the report released today by the Iraq Study Group.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Philippi Baptist Church in Johnston, SC will present a Christmas Cantata
web posted December 7, 2006
Sunday, December 10th at 6:00 pm. Philippi Baptist Church in Johnston, SC will present a Christmas Cantata. It is compiled and accompanied by Wallace Watkins and performed by the Philippi Baptist choir. A nursery will be provided. Please mark your calendars and plan to join us for this joyous occasion.

Chief Easler cleared of wrongdoing, information
withheld by Town
web posted December 6, 2006
JOHNSTON – Former Johnston Police Chief Butch Easler has been cleared of any wrongdoing in the investigation conducted by SLED that led to his dismissal according to reports received by EdgefieldDaily.com. Contacted on Tuesday about the news Easler said he had not been notified about the investigation being closed. According to Johnston Town Attorney Greg Anderson the town received a letter from the Attorney Generals Office stating there would be no charges filed as a result of the investigation by SLED. The letter was received by the town in October but has not been released.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Sheriff's Office releases photos of suspect (Photos)
web posted December 6, 2006
COUNTY – The Edgefield County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s help in identifying a man passing forged checks. So far the man is believed to be responsible for at least a half dozen checks drawn on the South Carolina Department of Transportation and other well-known businesses. “We don’t know how many more are out there that haven’t been reported yet,” Chief Investigator Randy Doran said Tuesday. The man has presented at least three different driver’s licenses with different numbers while cashing the checks.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Johnston settles overtime lawsuit
web posted December 6, 2006
JOHNSTON – A settlement has been reached in the lawsuit filed last July by Officer David Willis against the Town of Johnston over nonpayment of overtime. The settlement was not made public until questions about the case were raised by EdgefieldDaily.com this week.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Edgefield woman injured in fall on Town Square, CPR administered
web posted December 6, 2006
EDGEFIELD – An Edgefield woman was injured in a fall in front of the Edgefield Library Tuesday afternoon just after 4pm and Police and Firemen began CPR on the woman awaiting the arrival of EMS personnel. It is unclear at this time if the fall was a result of a medical problem. Local authorities arrived on the scene within minutes and requested an ambulance and shortly thereafter began life saving measures.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Escaped convict places local law enforcement on high alert (Photo)
web posted December 5, 2006
COUNTY – Edgefield County authorities were put on alert due to an escaped prisoner Monday morning around 11:30am from the Lower Savannah Pre-release Center while on a work detail in Aiken County. The Center is a minimum-security facility located in Aiken. Authorities say Ronnie Ledale Gunnells, 32, walked away from a job site and may be traveling in a red 1995 Jeep Cherokee with a South Carolina tag number 363 VTT. The SUV is said to be “very dirty”.
EdgefieldDaily.com

14 year old shoots 13 year old with BB Gun over poker gambling debt
web posted December 5, 2006
EDGEFIELD – An Edgefield 14 year-old shot another 13 year-old in the leg with a BB gun last week. No one was injured in the event and no charges were filed according to police reports. However, the basis of the “shooting” leaves a lot for parents with something to be concerned about.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Audit shows Town of Edgefield with 99% of budget demands in reserve
web posted December 5, 2006
EDGEFIELD – The Edgefield Town Council held their December meeting Monday night and received the results of last year’s audit. Though exceeding last year’s budget, the town has a net 99% reserve fund (enough to carry the town for a year if all funding stopped) and revenues exceeded expectations leaving the town in solid financial shape. The Town of Edgefield has no long-term debt, unlike most municipalities, Toni McKinley of McKinley Cooper and Company said while giving the summary to the town council.
EdgefieldDaily.com

New Auto Service opens in Johnston (Photos)
web posted December 5, 2006
JOHNSTON – Johnston saw a new business opening on Monday, Enlow Automotive, located at 319 Lee Street. Owner Robert Enlow opened the doors for business at 7:30am and is already attracting customers. Mr. Enlow said his business offers wide-ranging services for auto and truck owners, including new and used tires.
EdgefieldDaily.com