Police step up patrols for New Years
web posted December 31, 2007
PSA – With many New Year’s Eve parties planned across the county, area Law Enforcement will be increasing patrols and check points. The Edgefield Police Department and the South Carolina Highway Patrol will be participating in the Sober or Slammer campaign as well. The bottom line is, if you intend on drinking alcohol this New Year’s Eve do not drive. Party-goers are asked to either have a designated driver or plan on staying at the location overnight. If you drink and drive you will be caught and arrested. There have been six fatalities on Edgefield County roads this year.

Top Ten Stories of 2007
web posted December 31, 2007
WEBNEWS – The New Year is just a few hours away. As EdgefieldDaily.com does every year we look back at the past year and the top stories published as ranked by the most widely read. Founded in March of 2005, EdgefieldDaily.com has grown to be the number one local news source for Edgefield County. EdgefieldDaily.com set all-time records with over 8.5 million hits and almost 2 million stories read for 2007 and an average of 17,000 unique internet addresses accessing EdgefieldDaily.com each month.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Lady Rebels end 2007 with win, first game of 2008 Friday
web posted December 31, 2007
AIKEN – Strom Thurmond's Lady Rebels downed Estill High 44-30 Thursday for their lone win at the Toyota Scion of Augusta Holiday Classic at Aiken High. The Lady Gators opened the game with an early 5-2 lead on the strength of a 3-pointer and a pair of free throws. The Lady Rebels broke a 5-5 with an 8-0 run that started with a 3-pointer by Alexsus Houston. Estill did manage to cut into the Strom Thurmond lead with a pair of baskets in the closing seconds of the quarter.
EdgefieldDaily.com

2007: One of County's most deadly
web posted December 31, 2007
WEBNEWS – 2007 has been a deadly year for Edgefield County with a possible record twelve deaths recorded, two of them the victims of murder. Not counting natural deaths or suicides, six people have lost their lives in fatal crashes, two due to horseback incidents, two the victims of murder with an associated suicide, and one from and industrial accident.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Closings for New Year's
web posted December 31, 2007
PSA – All Edgefield County government offices as well as those of the town's of Edgefield, Johnston, and Trenton will be closed on Tuesday. The US Postal Service and area financial institutions will also be closed.

One man arrested, second sought in most recent murder said to be drug related
web posted December 31, 2007
AUGUSTA – Richmond County Investigators have arrested one suspect in the murder of an Augusta man whose partially burned body was found in North Augusta Thursday morning. Authorities are looking for a second suspect in the case.  Corwin Lee was reported missing last Sunday. Lee left the Super Inn on Gordon Highway with another man and shortly after he left, his brother reportedly heard two gunshots.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Loony Left counts on "Global Warming" to rid America of Conservatives
web posted December 31, 2007
Say what you will about the looming catastrophe facing the world as the pace of global heating and polar melting accelerates. There is a silver lining... It should be considered acceptable, in this stifling new world, to say, “Shut up. We told you this would happen.”
Off The Wall

Burned body of Augusta man ruled homicide (Photo)
web posted December 29, 2007
NORTH AUGUSTA – The partially burned body of 38-year-old Corwin L. Lee of Augusta Georgia, has now been officially ruled a homicide Aiken County Coroner Tim Carlton said Friday. According to Carlton, Mr. Lee died from a single gunshot wound to the head before being set afire.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Prolific vandalisms continue at Fox Creek High School
web posted December 29, 2007
MERRIWETHER – Once again vandals have struck the Fox Creek Charter High School, this time during the Christmas holidays. An Edgefield County Sheriff’s Deputy on patrol noticed that the charter school’s activity bus had several windows shot as well as the windshield. Fox Creek has been the most vandalized school in Edgefield County again this year according to incident reports recieved by EdgeieldDaily.com.
EdgfieldDaily.com

News Partner: WJBF News 6 Video of Trenton Prison Escapee's Capture (Photo)
web posted December 29, 2007
Greenville, SC -- Some dramatic video to show in the arrest of Johnny Moore. Moore was arrested Thursday after more than a week on the lam from the Trenton Correctional Facility. This aerial video shows Moore running through the woods.High speen connectrion advised to view the video

WJBF News 6
 
Wanted man captured in Johnston (Photo)
web posted December 28, 2007
JOHNSTON – Julius Griffin, 21, wanted for his alleged participation in an armed robbery in Edgefield on December 19, was taken into custody on Thursday morning after an anonymous tip was given to the Edgefield County Sheriff’s Office alerting authorities to his whereabouts. Edgefield and Johnston Police, along with several Sheriff’s Deputies, converged on the Park Avenue Apartments in Johnston and found Griffin in an upstairs apartment. After a short discussion through the closed door Griffin emerged from the apartment and was taken into custody without incident.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Trenton Prison escapee in custody (Photo)
web posted December 28, 2007
GREENVILLE – South Carolina authorities have released that Johnny Moore, 26, who escaped from the Trenton State Correctional facility Sunday, December 16, has been captured Thursday afternoon. Moore escaped from the prison by climbing two fences topped with razor wire before making his way to Edgefield where he stole a 38-foot truck from a warehouse to make his escape.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Another Edgefield County son heads to Iraq (Photo)
web posted December 28, 2007
EDGEFIELD – Pvt. 1st Class Zeb Blackledge was home for Christmas and met with EdgefieldDaily.com in Edgefield on Thursday just before heading to Atlanta to fly out and begin his tour of duty in Iraq. Pvt. Blackledge was the focus of a August report when he also made national news after North Dakota Rep. Earl Pomeroy gave up his seat on a flight to Blackledge.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Trenton man charged in attempted murder, theft, assorted other charges in Christmas crimes (Photo)
web posted December 28, 2007
TRENTON – Edgefield County Sheriff’s Deputies investigating two separate crimes on Christmas morning ended up at the same house and arrested 22-year-old Michael Hunsberger at the home he shared with his mother on Sandy Springs Road near Trenton. In the two unrelated crimes Mr. Hunsberger is being held on charges of assault and battery with intent to kill, assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature, malicious injury to personal property over $1,000, and larceny from a motor vehicle.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Discovery of burned body ruled "suspicious"
web posted December 28, 2007
NORTH AUGUSTA – Aiken County Coroner Tim Carlton said a body that had been partially burned was discovered by a worker of the River Golf Course on Sand Pit Road in North Augusta Thursday morning around 11. The victim, identified as Corwin L. Lee of Augusta Georgia, was last seen by his brother in Augusta Mr. Carlton said
EdgefieldDaily.com

Promise of $1 million leads to scamming of local resident
web posted December 28, 2007
EDGEFIELD – Scammers continue to entice, and fool, some Edgefield County residents with a promise of a one million dollar prize. Earlier this month an Edgefield man contacted Edgefield Police to say that he received a phone call from a person stating he won a million dollar prize. The man said he was about to transfer the requested $2,500 to receive his prize money but wanted the officer’s opinion first. The officer informed the man if he won a million dollars to tell the caller to take the $2,500 from the prize money and that it sounded like a scam. A Moore’s Road resident was not as cautious.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Rash of car thefts reported over Christmas holiday
web posted December 28, 2007
COUNTY – At least five vehicles were reported stolen over the Christmas holiday period beginning Saturday, December 22 and Wednesday December 26 and an arrest was made on Christmas day in a car theft from October. The first report came in to the Edgefield County Sheriff’s Office on Saturday night from a home on Moton-Moore Road near McCormick.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Alien Watch: US will add alien every 30 seconds
web posted December 28, 2007
COUNTY – As our nation prepares to ring in the new year, the U.S. Census Bureau today projected the Jan. 1, 2008, population will be 303,146,284 -- up 2,842,103 or 0.9 percent from New Year’s Day 2007. In January, the United States is expected to register one birth every eight seconds and one death every 11 seconds. Meanwhile, net international migration is expected to add one person every 30 seconds. The result is an increase in the total U.S. population of one person every 13 seconds.
US Census Bureau

Gravel spill halts traffic on Sweetwater Road (Photos)
web posted December 27, 2007
MERRIWETHER – Traffic on Sweetwater Road was disrupted for over an hour after over a ton of large gravel was found spread over a large portion of the roadway just before 2 pm Wednesday at the intersection of Mealing Road and Sweetwater Road. Deputies had to direct traffic around the scene until the road could be cleared. All traffic was blocked at times while the gravel was removed.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Deputy gets his man
web posted December 27, 2007
MERRIWETHER – A Beach Island man is in custody after a Sheriff’s Deputy spotted the man traveling on Martintown Road Wednesday morning. Jason Laverne Jumper, 30, of Woodcrest Drive in Beach Island, was identified and then arrested on four outstanding warrants. The deputy that took the initial report is also the one that made the arrest.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Man arrested after shooting self with nail gun
An Eagle County man faces attempted murder and domestic violence charges after he shot himself with a nail gun by accident Monday while allegedly demonstrating how he was going to kill his companion, authorities said.
Off The Wall

Christmas wrecks keep deputies busy
web posted December 25, 2007
COUNTY – Edgefield County Deputies were busy Christmas night as two wrecks were reported between just before 7 pm and just after 8 pm. The first crash involved two vehicles at the intersection of Currytown Road and Martintown Road, and the second found the driver running from the scene just of Turkey Creek Road near Highway 283.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Cooking Section, others reworked during Christmas holiday
web posted December 25, 2007
WEBNEWS – Several sections of EdgefieldDaily.com have been updated including a rework of the Country Cooking Section making it easier to navigate and find your favorite recipe. Subcategories have been included as well as new recipes. The Happenings Section and others have also been completed. Other reworked sections will be available by the New Year.  Have a comment? Make it known in the ever popular Wandering Minds Section where readers can post anonymous comments on any subject.

Off The Wall: Couple forced to take in criminal lodger after he tells court their house is HIS home address
Off The Wall: A convicted criminal has moved in with a married couple against their wishes after giving their address in court as his home.
Off The Wall

Thank those who work during Christmas
A Column by the Editor
web posted December 25, 2007
COLUMN – Today is Christmas. Like many of you I am spending today with family and friends. However, not everyone is as fortunate, many have to spend this time away from family. Among them are the members of law enforcement, EMS personnel, 911 dispatchers, jailers, hospital workers, and many others working in retailers that remain open during Christmas Day.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Town of Edgefield closings and trash pick schedule for Christmas
web reposted December 25, 2007
PSA – The Town of Edgefield will be closed on December 24, 25 and 26, 2007. Due to the Holidays, the Commercial & Residential trash pick-up schedule will be as follows:
EdgefieldDaily.com

Edgefield Police seek armed gunman (Photo)
web reposted December 25, 2007
EDGEFIELD – Edgefield Police are still seeking one of three men wanted in connection to an armed robbery on Gary Street in Edgefield Wednesday night. Julius Griffin, 21, of Slade Road, Edgefield, is being sought for armed robbery, assault and battery with the intent to kill, burglary in the first degree, possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime, and pointing and presenting a firearm. Griffin is considered to be armed and dangerous.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Track Santa online tonight
web posted December 24, 2007
WEBNEWS – NORAD Tracks Santa's movements each year as he circles the globe. Use this handy link to make sure all the good boys and girls are in bed before Santa arrives in your area.
NORAD

Country Cooking Section grows to over 550 recipes
web posted December 24, 2007
WEBNEWS – The County Cooking Section has grown to over 550 recipes including many posted just in time for Christmas. Find that special dish just in time for the holiday or contribute your own to share with others. EdgefieldDaily.com maintains the largest online guide to local favorites.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Rebel victories hard to come by in Tournament Play
web posted December 24, 2007
JOHNSTON – Victories were hard to come by for the Strom Thurmond High boys and girls basketball teams in holiday tournaments this week. The Lady Rebels picked up one win after two games in the Thoroughbred Classic tournament at South Aiken.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Wagener man becomes 46th fatality in Aiken County
web posted December 22, 2007
AIKEN – A 25-year-old Wagener man was pronounced dead at the scene of yet another fatal crash in Aiken County Saturday morning. Joseph D. Gunter died when the Jeep Cherokee he was driving left the roadway and overturned. Mr. Gunter was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash, Aiken County Coroner Tim Carlton said.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Arrests of Hispanics increase number reported to Immigration Officials
web posted December 22, 2007
MERRIWETHER – Sheriff’s Deputies called to check out two suspicious vehicles in Mt. Vintage ended up arresting two Hispanic males Thursday night. Once again Federal Officials with the Immigrations and Customs Enforcement are being notified. When a deputy asked one of the two drivers for his drivers license, Carmona Altamirano Filemon, 32, gave the deputy three Mexican identification cards, one containing his picture but a different name.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Judge issues order on Mt. Canaan case, Rev. Brightharp not included
web posted December 22, 2007
COLUMBIA – With the recent court case involving Rev. Brightharp and the Mt. Canaan Baptist Church, Circuit Court Judge Casey Manning has issued an order on Thursday that was recorded Friday. Judge Manning left the case open on December 14, but the instruction from the bench appears to have caused more confusion that clarification when Rev. Brightharp distributed a handout the following Sunday with a title of, “Up-Date On Court Case”. The handout states, “He (Judge Manning) decided that the pastor Rev. George L. Brightharp has to stay in place because he has not resigned, nor has he been removed.” However, Rev. Brightharp is not mentioned in the written court order and Judge Manning never ruled Brightharp did not resign.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Sarah’s Santa delivers Christmas to over 140 children (Photos)
web posted December 22, 2007
JOHNSTON – Sarah’s Secret Santa was in full swing Friday as volunteers gathered together to wrap Christmas gifts and sort out the JET Middle School auditorium full of toys, blankets, winter coats, bicycles, and stocking stuffers for over 60 families and over 140 children. Founder Debbie Courtney said this is the eleventh year of Sarah’s Santa which started off providing gifts to just eleven children.
EdgefieldDaily.com

EMS “Adopts” ten families in need for Christmas (Photos)
web posted December 22, 2007
EDGEFIELD – The Edgefield County Emergency Medial Services (EMS) was busy tending to the wounded in our county Friday. However, the “treatment” was spreading Christmas cheer for ten families they “adopted” who, otherwise, would not have much for Christmas.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Closings for Christmas
web posted December 22, 2007
COUNTY – The following Government Offices will be closed for Christmas from December 24 through December 26:
EdgefieldDaily.com

Edgefield Police seek armed gunman (Photo)
web posted December 21, 2007
EDGEFIELD – Edgefield Police and Sheriff’s Deputies made two attempts to arrest one of three men wanted in connection to an armed robbery on Gary Street in Edgefield Wednesday night. Julius Griffin, 21, of Slade Road, Edgefield, is being sought for armed robbery, assault and battery with the intent to kill, burglary in the first degree, possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime, and pointing and presenting a firearm. Griffin is considered to be armed and dangerous.
EdgefieldDaily.com

3 Armed masked men invade Edgefield home 
UPDATED 9AM
web posted December 20, 2007
EDGEFIELD – Three men were reported breaking into an Edgefield man’s home wearing all black clothing and black ski masks, armed with handguns. The incident took place just after 9 Wednesday night at the Gary Street Apartments. The victim went to the Edgefield County Sheriff’s Office to report the crime.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Johnston Police investigate shooting incident
web posted December 20, 2007
JOHNSTON – Johnston Police are currently investigating a shooting incident that is alleged to have taken place Monday night. An 18-year-old man pumping gas at the Amoco Station in Johnston told police that another man approached him in the parking lot in an aggressive manner. The man claimed he did not pump all of his gas, got into his car, and began backing away when three shots rang out.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Living Word Fellowship donates 21 new bikes and toys to Sara’s Secret Santa
web posted December 20, 2007
TRENTON – Living Word Fellowship donated 21 new bikes and toys to Sara’s Secret Santa this week. Pastor Judy Layman and her husband Les made the delivery on Wednesday. Pastor Layman said, “Next year we hope to be able to do more.” Living Word Fellowship is located in Trenton. Sarah’s Secret Santa will be wrapping gifts at JET Middle School on Friday and make deliveries on Saturday to a record number of children this year. Click on this link for picture.

Budget to Offer Optional Income Tax Rate Cut of 50 Percent
web posted December 20, 2007
COLUMBIA – In the latest preview of his upcoming Executive Budget, Governor Mark Sanford called for an optional 50 percent reduction to the state's top marginal income tax rate - from the current 7 percent to 3.4 percent - to be offset by a 30-cents-per-pack increase to the state's cigarette tax.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Opinion: Sticking it to smokers is not the answer
web posted December 20, 2007
OPINION – South Carolina governor Mark Sanford released a preview of his upcoming budget on Wednesday stating he wants to lower the state’s tax rate from 7% to 3.5% resulting in roughly $107 million in tax saving for South Carolinians. However, to make up for the shortfall Gov. Sanford would add an additional thirty cents in taxes on each pack of cigarettes.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Christmas Give-Away winners announced, plus a “Bonus drawing”
web posted December 19, 2007
WEBNEWS – The drawing for the winners of this year’s Christmas Give-Away must enjoy eating out as both winners chose local restaurants for their gift certificates. We would like to thank the record number of entries in the contest. After each entry form was folded four times it took a box of twelve cubic feet to hold them all.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Pitbull at center of yet another animal attack, owner cited
web posted December 19, 2007
MERRIWETHER – Another attack of farm animals by a Pitbull has been reported, this time on the 1100 block of Stephens Road Monday afternoon. The homeowner arrived home around 2:30 pm to find a pitbull attacking one of her young goats that she raises as her only source of income. The dog ran off when she approached to chase it off and the young goat was injured.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Alleged Identity Fraud results in $5,000 loss
web posted December 19, 2007
EDGEFIELD – An Edgefield man is out over $5,000 in an apparent identity theft that was discovered Monday when he went to his local bank branch to find a savings account closed and reopened as a checking account. A Sheriff’s Investigator was shown where an unknown subject went to a branch in Augusta, Georgia, represented himself as the victim, and was issued a debit card for the new account.
EdgefieldDaily.com

EdgefieldDaily.com sets all time records in 2007
A Column by the Editor
web posted December 19, 2007
COLUMN – I want to thank every reader, advertiser, contributor, columnist, writer, and supporter of EdgefieldDaily.com for a record setting 2007. Over the past years we have celebrated milestones of one, two, five, and ten million hits. In 2007, which is not over yet, over 8 million hits have been recorded and we are fast approaching 9 million for this year alone. In October the one million hits a month mark was breached by the thousands of daily visitors.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Town of Edgefield announces closings and trash pick schedule for Christmas holiday
web posted December 19, 2007
PSA – The Town of Edgefield will be closed on December 24, 25 and 26, 2007. Due to the Holidays, the Commercial & Residential trash pick-up schedule will be as follows:
EdgefieldDaily.com

Letters to the Editor
web posted December 19, 2007
Edgefield Mayor Durham thanks citizens for participation in Christmas Decoration Contest

Johnston Town Councilman thanks Sheriff, Deputies
web posted December 19, 2007
Opinions

Hunt for escaped prisoner continues (Photos)
web posted December 18, 2007
EDGEFIELD – Police spent all night Sunday and all day Monday searching for Johnny Moore, 26, who escaped from the Trenton State Correctional facility Sunday evening. Moore apparently scaled a back fence topped with razor wire and made his getaway. Authorities were able to track Moore to Edgefield where the trail went cold near Star Road. A 38-foot SWEP North America panel truck was reported stolen near the location Monday morning.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Four charged, ten weapons seized
web posted December 18, 2007
EDGEFIELD – Four Hispanic men are in custody and immigration officials have been notified after the group was found to be in possession of almost a dozen weapons, including a fully automatic AK-47 assault rifle Sunday afternoon at a local rifle range. The men said they had no idea where the weapons came from when deputies began questioning the group.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Governor Sanford's Executive Budget to Call for Spending Reforms
web posted December 18, 2007
COLUMBIA – Governor Mark Sanford released another preview of his forthcoming Executive Budget on Monday, a series of measures aimed at reforming the way the state spends money. Specifically, the budget will call for three types of spending reform: caps on spending, more transparency in the spending process, and limits on using one-time money for ongoing expenses.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Merriwether Elementary Student’s Artwork Published In 2008 Economic Concepts Calendar
web posted December 18, 2007
MERRIWETHER – Martin Strauss and Caroline Yano are two of 16 students from around the state whose illustrations are featured in the SC Council on Economic Education’s 2008 Economic Concepts Calendar.
EdgefieldDaily.com

MES Chorus Spreads Christmas Joy (Photo)
web posted December 18, 2007
CONTRIBUTED ITEM
MERRIWETHER – Congratulations to Mrs. Bowen and the Merriwether Elementary School Chorus for a great performance of “Christmas at the O.K. Corral” on Tuesday, Dec. 11. Our chorus also traveled to NHC in North Augusta on Dec. 12 to share Christmas songs. The chorus helped bring holiday cheer to the residents, nurses, therapists, and administrative staff. What a blessing our students were to our older generation!  This was a great way to start the Christmas Holiday. (Click on picture for larger view)

"Holly Days" Sale in Edgefield this Saturday
web posted December 18, 2007
EDGEFIELD – The last weekend before Christmas is quickly approaching and many of the merchants of Edgefield are holding huge sales this Saturday, December 22nd for all of you last minute shoppers.  So if you don’t want to fight the mall traffic, then stop by cozy Historic Edgefield for those final few gifts.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Playing God? Synthetic DNA on the Brink of Yielding New Life Forms
web posted December 18, 2007
It has been 50 years since scientists first created DNA in a test tube, stitching ordinary chemical ingredients together to make life's most extraordinary molecule. Until recently, however, even the most sophisticated laboratories could make only small snippets of DNA -- an extra gene or two to be inserted into corn plants, for example, to help the plants ward off insects or tolerate drought.
Off The Wall

Prisoner escapes from Trenton State Prison (Photo)
web posted December 17, 2007 1:00 am
TRENTON – A prisoner from the South Carolina State Prison in Trenton escaped Sunday night just after 11:30 pm. All area law enforcement agencies were alerted to be on the lookout for the escapee.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Hispanic men arrested after report of shooting fully automatic weapons
web posted December 17, 2007
COUNTY – Edgefield County Sheriff’s Deputies were called to the Beaver Dam Shooting Range Sunday afternoon after a report of several Hispanic males shooting fully automatic weapons. A Game Warden was on the scene and observed the men from a distance until additional units could arrive.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Edgefield man seriously injured in single car crash
web posted December 17, 2007
NORTHSIDE – An Edgefield man suffered serious injuries in a single car crash Saturday night just after 11 pm. Calls to 911 began coming in stating the driver was thrown through the windshield. Edgefield Fire Department, EMS, Sheriff’s Deputies, and State Troopers began converging on the scene.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Give Blood This Christmas in Edgefield
web posted December 17, 2007
EDGEFIELD – Want to give a meaningful holiday gift?  Give the gift of life by giving blood. The American Red Cross invites you to donate blood on the bloodmobile 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 22 at the Edgefield Town Hall at 400 Main Street, Edgefield. Everyone who presents to donate blood will get a long-sleeve American Red Cross T-shirt and a chance to win a $1,000 gift card.
EdgefieldDaily.com

A Strange Place to Find a Savior
By: Dr. Skip Myers
web posted December 17, 2007
COLUMNIST – She looked tired but then again any new mother who had been forced to deliver her first child in a barn would probably look the same way. There was no midwife or relatives just some animals, her husband, and the innkeeper’s wife. My eyes met hers and for a brief moment I truly felt sorry for what she must have went through. But her eyes weren’t filled with bitterness or resentment. Her eyes guided mine to the child in the manger. I will never forget how she looked at her son. I have three children of my own and I can’t remember my wife, as much as she loves them, ever looking at them with such purposeful love.
EdgefieldDaily.com

A Special Christmas With Billy the Kid
By: Carl Langley
web posted December 17, 2007
GUEST COLUMN – Every growing boy should enjoy the companionship of a goat. There is much to be learned in keeping and caring for a goat. During this Christmas season I recall the time my brother and I got our own goat. On Christmas Eve of 1939 Billy joined our family. He was a solid white goat about six months old.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Sports:
Rebels topple Hornets
web posted December 17, 2007
JOHNSTON – Strom Thurmond avenged a one-point loss the first time the teams met by taking an 80-70 overtime victory at South Aiken on Friday. The Thoroughbreds overcame a nine-point fourth quarter deficit to send the game into the overtime period.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Wardlaw sweeps pair of wins from Fox Creek
web posted December 17, 2007
JOHNSTON – The Wardlaw Academy basketball teams swept a pair of home games from Fox Creek High School last Wednesday. The Lady Patriots won by a 54-23 score while the varsity boys held off a late rally to defeat the Predators 42-36.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Videotape shows Sharpton cutting a deal
web posted December 17, 2007
With a hidden FBI camera rolling inside a New York hotel suite in 2003, an unsuspecting Rev. Al Sharpton, Democratic candidate for president, spoke candidly. Sharpton offered to help Philadelphia fu`nd-raiser Ronald A. White win a multimillion-dollar business deal, if White helped him raise $50,000 for politics. White offered $25,000. "If you bring my guys up on this hedge fund, and I have the right conversation," White said, "I'll give you what you need." "Cool," Sharpton said.
Philly.com

Accused flim-flam artist arrested in Richmond County (Photo)
web posted December 14, 2007
EDGEFIELD – The prolific flim-flam artist wanted across Edgefield County has been arrested Friday night, Edgefield County Sheriff’s Chief Investigator Randy Doran said early Saturday morning. “They (Richmond County Sheriff’s Deputies) picked him up on a traffic stop Friday night.” Tyrone Eugene Reid, 40, of Augusta, Georgia was reportedly still being held in Augusta Richmond County due to several warrants from Edgefield County, Edgefield, Johnston, and Saluda.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Mt. Canaan Baptist Church dispute goes to court
web posted December 15, 2007
EDGEFIELD – Mt. Canaan Baptist Church was in court on Friday after Thomas McCain Sr., Joseph Curry, Trustees of Mt. Canaan Baptist, and Deacons James Johnson and Nathan Goodwin filed a suit seeking Rev. George Brightharp’s removal from the church. The case is based on a September 11, 2007 vote by the joint board of Deacons and Trustees to hold a vote of the congregation to remove Rev. Brightharp. According to the suit, Rev. Brightharp resigned, however continued in his role as pastor. Brightharp was arrested on October 8 for trespassing after notice at the church. Circuit Judge L. Casey Manning presided over the case.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Early morning crash leaves one woman dead in Aiken County
web posted December 15, 2007
AIKEN – Aiken County Coroner Tim Carlton said Debra L. Minder, 35, of Eastover SC, was pronounced dead at the scene of a 1:19am collision near the 31 mile road marker on Interstate 20 west Saturday morning. Ms. Minder was traveling to visit her daughter in North Augusta when her 1980 Buick Grand Sport became disabled. Ms. Minder and her fiancé, Michael Spaulding, also of Eastover SC, were attempting to push the vehicle from the roadway when the collision took place.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Burglaries, larcenies continue
web posted December 15, 2007
COUNTY – The reports of burglaries and larcenies continue to climb with a chainsaw taken from the garage of a home on Big Oak Drive in Merriwether, a front door discovered open with the lock damaged on Winding Road in Trenton, and over $7,000 in stolen property reported stolen in two other cases since Thursday.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Man found lying near roadway in Bettis Academy area
web posted December 15, 2007
BETTIS ACADEMY – Friday afternoon reports of a man lying on the side of the road on Bettis Academy Extension began coming into 911 around 4 o’clock. Edgefield County EMS and County Line First Responders were summoned to the scene. The County Line First responders were first to arrive and reported that the man had been the victim of an apparent assault and requested a Sheriff’s Deputy to be notified.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Lost Dog: Trenton
web posted December 15, 2007
PSA – Please help us find our white and black, shaggy Shig-tzu.  His name is Taz and he has been missing since Friday evening.  He is 14 years old and can't see or hear well.  Please call Joe Summer at 275-4927 if you see our dog or Helen Summer 275-2233.

Saturday updates delayed
web posted December 15, 2007
WEBNEWS – Due to unexpected problems, Saturday's Headlines will be made later Saturday. The Wandering Minds has been updated. Full updates should be online by 4 pm Saturday. We apologize for the delay.

Accused flim-flamer possibly strikes again (Photo)
web posted December 14, 2007
EDGEFIELD – Edgefield County’s most prolific flim-flamer may have struck again, this time at the Wal-Mart in Aiken on Wednesday. According to Edgefield Sheriff’s Chief Inv. Randy Doran the method used in the flim-flam and the description were similar. The man identified in the Edgefield County cases is Tyrone Eugene Reid, 40, of Augusta, Georgia. The Edgefield County Sheriff’s Office currently holds five warrants for Reid’s arrest. The Johnston and Edgefield Police Departments are also holding warrants as well as other agencies in the CSRA. “He gets around,” Doran said.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Sheriff's Office seeks accused child molester (Photo)
web posted December 14, 2007
EDGEFIELD – The Edgefield Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s help in locating a wanted man accused of molesting a ten-year-old Edgefield County girl. Howard Russell Bodie, 56, is wanted on a felony warrant for criminal sexual conduct to a minor under the age of 12. Edgefield Sheriff’s Chief Investigator Randy Doran said Brodie is wanted on a charge in Aiken County as well.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Governor Sanford Issues Statement on Approval of Ports Agreement
web posted December 14, 2007
COLUMBIA – Governor Mark Sanford issued the following statement Thursday on the SC Ports Authority's unanimous approval of a bi-state agreement with Georgia whereby the two states would cooperatively develop a new port on the Savannah River in Jasper County.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Jack Hanna to Make Special Trip for All God’s Creatures (Photo)
International television star to help with local pet rescue effort
web posted December 14, 2007
JOHNSTON – When world renowned animal expert Jack Hanna learned about All God’s Creatures, he accepted an invitation to make a special appearance to help the small organization. As a featured attraction at the upcoming Southeastern Wildlife Exposition in Charleston, Hanna will fly over to lend his support of AGC at a special fundraiser to be held on February 13, 2008 in Edgefield.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Off The Wall: Boston firefighter stabbed by a group of Hispanic males who told him they, "don't want any gringo here." Crime not “race related”
web posted December 14, 2007
BOSTON — A Boston firefighter is mending from what could have been deadly stab wounds he suffered early yesterday morning when he was allegedly jumped in East Boston while off duty by a group of Hispanic males who told him they "don't want any gringo here." Though police are not classifying the incident as racially fueled, the Boston Police Department's Community Disorders Unit is investigating. The 32-year-old jake, whose name officials were not releasing, is white.
Off The Wall

2007 Christmas Give-Away deadline Saturday, enter now!
web posted December 13, 2007
WEBNEWS – EdgefieldDaily.com is announcing our 2007 Christmas Give-Away where one lucky entry will receive a $50 Gift Certificate and a second place winner will receive a $25 Gift Certificate to any Edgefield County business*. Simply download your entry form and return it according to the details listed below to qualify.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Sen. Shane Massey Pre-files Spending Transparency Bill
web posted December 13, 2007
EDGEFIELD – Newly elected State Senator Shane Massey announced Wednesday that he is pre-filing legislation to stop secret pork barrel spending in South Carolina’s state budget. Massey will be the primary sponsor of the bill in the State Senate and it will be his first piece of sponsored legislation since his election.
EdgefieldDaily.com

7 year-old becomes 44th traffic fatality in Aiken County Wednesday night
web posted December 13, 2007
AIKEN – A two-vehicle crash near the intersection of Rutland Dr. and York St in the city of Aiken has cost a 7 year old his life. The crash happened at approximately 9 pm Wednesday when the driver of a 1998 Chevrolet Suburban attempted to make a U-turn from the outside lane of the westbound Rutland Drive and was struck on the driver's side of the vehicle by a 2005 Freightliner tractor trailer driven by Jonathan Hatcher of Thomson Ga, also going west on Rutland.
EdgefieldDaily.com

More information released on most recent daytime Merriwether burglary
web posted December 13, 2007
MERRIWETHER – More information has been released in the most recent daytime burglary in Merriwether. And not only was the crime committed during the day, the burglar or burglars went through the front door of the home located on one of Merriwether’s busiest roads, Martintown Road.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Rep. Barrett asks for letters to wounded soldiers
By Rep. Gresham Barrett
web posted December 13, 2007
PSA – During the holiday season, I invite you to help me extend a warm holiday wish to our South Carolina wounded warriors. As you and your loved ones are celebrating the season, I encourage you to join me in offering a simple thanks to our active duty hospitalized soldiers who are not able to go home for the holidays.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Road rage incident ends with injuries, handshake, and no charges
web posted December 13, 2007
MERRIWETHER – A case of road rage brought a deputy to the parking lot of Sportsman’s Corner when two men came to blows over an incident that occurred as the two traveled east on Martintown Road Tuesday morning. According to incident reports, one man became angry after the other man passed.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Blood Drive in honor of Shawn Patton set for Friday at STH
web posted December 13, 2007
JOHNSTON – Strom Thurmond students are preparing to host a blood drive for one of their own Friday. Shawn Patton, 19, who was critically injured in a horrific crash on August 26, is still recovering from his injuries at MCG where he was kept in a drug-inducted coma for nearly two months. Shawn has made tremendous strides in his recovery recently and his recovery was made possible by blood donors. To help Shawn, and the countless others that depend on the gift of blood, the Shepeard Community Blood Center and Health Occupations Class will have a blood drive at STH on December 14 from 8 am until 3 pm.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Edgefield Library schedule of remaining events for December
web posted December 13, 2007
PSA - EDGEFIELD – The Edgefield Library seeks to remind residents of the three remaining events at the library for the month of December. Included are two movie nights, storytelling, and a blacksmith demonstration.
EdgefieldDaily.com

IN CUSTODY: Sherrif's Office seeks wanted man
web posted December 12, 2007
EDGEFIELD – The Edgefield County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s help in locating a wanted man. Charles Dozier, 30, with a last known address of 26 Bouknight Road, Johnston is currently facing a one-year jail sentence and may be facing additional charges.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Merriwether homes site of two midday crimes
web posted December 12, 2007
MERRIWETHER – Two homes in the Merriwether area were struck by thieves Tuesday. The first report came into the Sheriff’s Office just after 4 pm when homeowners arrived to find their home on the 1400 block of Martintown Road burglarized. A second report involved a home a short distance away on Murrah Road early Tuesday evening.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Mobile home saved during early morning fire Tuesday (Photos)
web posted December 12, 2007
JOHNSTON – A Johnston home was heavily damaged by fire shortly after 8 am Tuesday. The Johnston Fire Department responded to the home on the 100 block of Long Cane Road and was informed the fire was “fully involved”. The Northside Fire Department was called for mutual aid.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Conservation District Donates Tree (Photo)
web posted December 12, 2007
JOHNSTON – The Edgefield Soil and Water Conservation District donated a Nuttall Oak tree to Strom Thurmond High School for the purpose of starting a Memorial Garden on the school grounds and in recognition of Arbor Day. The tree was planted on Arbor Day which is observed on the first Friday in December in the state of South Carolina.
EdgefefieldDaily.com

Piedmont Technical College sponsoring “Last Minute Christmas Show and Sale" today
web posted December 12, 2007
EDGEFIELD – The student of the Piedmont Technical College Center for Creative Economies are sponsoring a “Last Minute Christmas Show and Sale today only. The show will feature work designed and made by the students enrolled in the college’s Professional Pottery program at the Center for Creative Economies in Edgefield.
EdgefieldDaily.com

NOTICE: Johnston Town Council to hold special called meeting today
web posted December 12, 2007
JOHNSTON – The Johnston Town Council will be holding a special called meeting today at 2:30 pm at the Johnston Town Hall. Attending the meeting will be a representative of the South Carolina Department of Transportation. The public is invited to attend.

Aiken Regional Medical Centers 16th annual Christmas at the Lake program set for Thursday
web posted December 12, 2007
AIKEN – The public is invited to join Aiken Regional Medical Centers for a wonderful evening celebrating the season.  The 16th annual Christmas At The Lake program will be held on Thursday, December 13, starting at 6:00 p.m.  The event will take place at the lighted Christmas tree next to the lake that is directly in front of the hospital.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Woman beaten on bus by middle-schoolers not "hate crime"
web posted December 12, 2007
BALTIMORE - As Sarah Kreager, 26, tried to sit down on a Baltimore City bus Tuesday, police say, a middle-schooler told her she couldn’t. When she attempted to take another seat, a middle-schooler wouldn’t let her. Finally, according to police, Kreager just sat down. She was “immediately attacked” by nine students, three females and six males, from Robert Poole Middle School. They punched and kicked her at 2:59 p.m. at the intersection of 33rd Street and Chestnut Avenue, according to Maryland Transit Administration police. Greene said the investigation into the incident was ongoing and she didn’t know whether the attack had anything to do with the victim’s race. The suspects in the incident are black. The victim is white, according to the police report.
Off The Wall

Investigators seek help in Merriwether vandalisms, release of photo of suspect truck (Photo)
web posted December 11, 2007
MERRIWETHER – A rash a vandalisms in the Merriwether area has the Edgefield County Sheriff’s Office seeking the public’s help in identifying the possible culprits. Most of the vandalism occurred in the Currytown and Murrah Road areas between Thursday and Saturday of last week. Sheriff’s Investigator James Smith said the cases appear to be related due to the time and scope of the vandalism involved. The break in the cases came from video surveillance cameras near one of the crime scenes.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Belvedere gunman in custody Monday afternoon
web posted December 11, 2007
BELVEDERE – An alleged gunman was taken into custody by Aiken County Sheriff’s Deputies Monday afternoon without incident after reportedly stepping out on his Rosemary Street home and firing several shots with a rifle from the front porch of his Belvedere home. One eyewitness told EdgefieldDaily.com that they did not hear any shots but made the first call of the incident to 911.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Johnston Town Council told of possible shortfalls during recent audit
web posted December 11, 2007
JOHNSTON – The Johnston Town Council was informed of the results of the audit of the town’s finances Monday night and received “good news and bad news”, according to Toni McKinley, of McKinley Cooper and Company, who conducted the audit. The town slipped to the lowest amount of unrestricted reserve funds shown at $440,938. Mrs. McKinley cautioned Mayor Willie Campbell and the town council members that the reserve funds should be addressed in the upcoming year.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Johnston resident sends photo of Mid-west snow storm (Photo)
web posted December 11, 2007
COUNTY – While Edgefield County residents were experiencing record high temperatures, at least one Johnston resident found the exact opposite to be true when she awoke this week to go to work and found her car buried beneath a blanket of heavy snow.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Sweetwater home added to list of recent burglaries in Merriwether area
web posted December 11, 2007
MERRIWETHER – Another Merriwether home has been reported as the scene of a recent burglary over the weekend. On Saturday the owner of an unoccupied home on the 200 block of Sweetwater Road reported arriving at the home to find the side door of the home forced open. The burglary is believed to have occurred between 9 am Saturday morning and 11 pm Saturday night.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Fox Creek Trails in First Attempt Scores for End Of Course Testing
web posted December 11, 2007
COUNTY – The Edgefield County School District has received results from the first attempt administration of End of Course Examinations in the areas of English I, Physical Science and Algebra1/Mathematics for the Technologies 2. Schools that were included in this testing cycle were: Strom Thurmond High School, Fox Creek High School, Merriwether Middle School and JET Middle School where 8th grade students taking advanced placement courses were tested.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Sexual assault charge dropped against Martial Arts instructor
web posted December 11, 2007
EDGEFIELD – The sexual assault with intent to commit criminal sexual conduct in the first degree charge against Nikki Ray Smith, who was arrested in July, were dismissed on Monday due to an “uncooperative victim” Sheriff’s Chief Investigator Randy Doran said. The victim in the case, a teenage girl, later left the area to live with her mother in Alaska and attempts to have her return for trial were unsuccessful. “We had a good case,” Doran said, but without the victim returning the Solicitor’s Office had no choice but to drop the charge.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Gov. Sanford Proposes Additional $50 Million for Land Conservation
web posted December 11, 2007
CHARLESTON –  Gov. Mark Sanford announced Monday that his upcoming Executive Budget will add $50 million to the South Carolina Conservation Land Bank, for a total of $65 million aimed at increasing the state's ability to preserve and set aside land.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Guest Column: "Tangled up"
By: Rev. Stacy L. Williams
Edgefield First Baptist Church
web posted December 11, 2007
GUEST COLUMN – As many people do, we begin decorating for Christmas the weekend after Thanksgiving. In my family, the tree was always up and decorated on Thanksgiving day. It was tradition to eat Thanksgiving dinner and then break out the decorations.
EdgefieldDaily.com

One injured in Saturday morning crash (Photos)
web posted December 10, 2007
MERRIWETHER – One man was injured in a single vehicle crash early Saturday morning on Garrett Road. The first report of the crash came from a hunter in the woods near the crash scene and then others began reporting the crash. The Edgefield County Sheriff’s Office, EMS, and the SC Highway Patrol responded to the scene.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Speeding tops violations in Town of Edgefield for 2007
web posted December 10, 2007
EDGEFIELD – Following up on last week’s report of the Edgefield Police Department winning a hand-held radar, the total number of tickets, warnings, and arrests has been received and totaled 1,136 incidents for the year, as of November. Speeding ranked number one with 535 tickets or warnings written. “Other” followed second with 341 and 139 for seatbelt violations. Among arrests the department made five felony arrests, captured three fugitives, and 31 arrests for drugs.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Merriwether Mavericks Scholastic Chess Club Sweeps ”Gamecock Open VI” in Columbia
web posted December 10, 2007
COLUMBIA – Competing individually, as no team prizes were offered, and comprising five of the eight competitors at the 6th Gamecock Open in Columbia, S.C., it was certain that our Merriwether Mavericks would finish well. Finish well they did, however, unusually. The match had to be decided by a computer tiebreaker program when Alex Thibodeau, Tori Whatley, and Carlton Wren had each won 4 of their 5 games and tied for 1st!
EdgefieldDaily.com

Thurmond FFA Forestry Team Competes in State Finals (Photo)
web posted December 10, 2007
COLUMBIA -- The Strom Thurmond Technology Center FFA Forestry Team took third place honors in the state finals held at the Georgetown campus of the Horry-Georgetown Technical College recently, according to John W. Parris, state director of public affairs with the SC FFA organization. “The State Forestry Career Development Event is among the most scientific and technically challenging of all the competitions promoted by the SC FFA Association,” Parris said.
EdgefieldDaily.com

NOTICE: Edgefield Town Council announces Notice of New Meeting Times
web posted December 10, 2007
LEGAL NOTICE – The Edgefield Town Council will meet on Monday, January 7th, 2008 at 5:30 p.m. at Town Hall. Please use the rear entrance. Please note the time change. Until further notice the Edgefield Town Council will meet each first Monday of the month at 5:30 p.m. at Town Hall.

NOTICE: Johnston Town Council to meet at 6 pm for December Meeting
web posted December 10, 2007
NOTICE – The December 10, 2007 Council Meeting time has been changed from 6:30 PM to 6:00 PM.

SPORTS
Rebels drop to 1-4 for season
Lady Rebels swat Yellow Jackets in 65-38 win
web posted December 10, 2007
EdgefieldDaily.com Sports

Life as a Small Town Mayor Was Interesting
EdgefieldDaily.com Guest Columnist
Part 3 of a 4-part short story
web posted December 10, 2007
CARL LANGLEY – Being a small town mayor in most places is not a very exciting job, so a mayor’s main job is finding something interesting enough in town to grab and keep his attention. You can only watch so many haircuts at the town’s one-chair barber shop or watch so many oil changes and tire repairs at the corner gas station before dullness sets in on a grand scale.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Dr. Skip Myers: Making Special Gifts Personal
By: Dr. Skip Myers
web posted December 10, 2007
COLUMNIST – Merry Christmas!  Let me share with you some interesting Christmas facts. Did you know that Alabama was the first state to recognize Christmas as an official holiday? Visa Cards are used an average of 5,340 times each minute during the Christmas season. An estimated 400,000 people become sick each year from eating tainted Christmas leftovers. (If the turkey gets green, throw it out!) The abbreviation of Xmas for Christmas is not irreligious. The first letter of the word Christ in Greek is chi, which is identical to our X. Xmas was originally an ecclesiastical abbreviation that was used in tables and charts. These are just a few interesting facts to begin your Christmas week.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Johnston home destroyed by fire (Photos)
web posted December 8, 2007
JOHNSTON – The Johnston Fire Department received a call of a structure fire just before 3 pm Friday on Holmes Pond Road. Although arriving on the scene just minutes later the mobile home was completely engulfed in flames and burned to the ground. Due to dry conditions a small brush fire spread and caught a large pile of debris on fire.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Copper theft leaves $15,000 in damages (Photos)
web posted December 8, 2007
MERRIWETHER – A Merriwether business owner arrived Friday morning just after 8 am to discover all four of the air conditioning units at the business destroyed and all the copper removed. Talbert and Moore Financial Services, located on the 1300 block of West Martintown Road, has regrettably joined the ranks of many local businesses and churches to suffer such a theft.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Henderson Awarded Scholarship in FFA Wildilfe Competition (Photo)
web posted December 8, 2007
COLUMBIA – Angel Henderson, a member of the Strom Thurmond Technology Center FFA Wildlife Team, was awarded a $250 scholarship as the high individual scorer in the State Finals held at the Georgetown campus of the Horry-Georgetown Technical College recently, according to John W. Parris, state director of public affairs with the SC FFA Association. The scholarship was provided by BASF Corporation, a co-sponsor of the event.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Edgefield’s Tour of Churches this Sunday
web posted December 8, 2007
EDGEFIELD – Three of Edgefield’s historic downtown churches are coming together this Sunday, December 16th to celebrate the true meaning of the Christmas season.  A walking tour of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, the First Baptist Church of Edgefield, and Trinity Episcopal Church will illustrate the birth of Jesus Christ.  The tour will begin at 3pm at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. 
EdgefieldDaily.com

Letter to the Editor
Johnston Development Board thanks supporters
web posted December 8, 2007
Dear Editor,
Many thanks for your coverage of our recent Johnston Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony. This event served as a great kickoff to the Christmas season in our community. We look forward to continuing this event in a bigger and better fashion in the coming years. Of course, any comments and suggestions would be appreciated.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Lost Dog
web posted December 8, 2007
MERRIWETHER – A Merriwether woman reported her black and beige Husky missing Friday morning. The dog has brown eyes and is not wearing a collar. The dog was last seen in the Stephens Road area. If seen please call 803-279-4480.

Off The Wall: Santa-bot gagged after teen sex talk
web posted December 8, 2007
UK technology news site The Register was alerted to this problem by a reader whose two nieces, aged 11 and 13, allegedly received comments about oral sex after offering the chat-bot a virtual slice of pizza.
Off The Wall

Ten Governors Café re-opens with larger restaurant (Photos)
web posted December 7, 2007
EDGEFIELD – After closing to relocate last week, the Ten Governor’s Café has reopened for business on Thursday at 303 Main Street in Edgefield, just around the corner from their previous location on the Town Square. The new larger restaurant doubled the available seating to nearly one hundred, added a modern buffet line, and continues their tradition of great food and friendly service.
EdgefieldDaily.com

EdgefieldDaily.com 2007 Christmas Give-Away, enter now!
web posted December 7, 2007
WEBNEWS – EdgefieldDaily.com is announcing our 2007 Christmas Give-Away where one lucky entry will receive a $50 Gift Certificate and a second place winner will receive a $25 Gift Certificate to any Edgefield County business*. Simply download your entry form and return it according to the details listed below to qualify.
EdgefieldDaily.com

County Recreation announces basketball registration
web posted December 7, 2007
COUNTY – The Edgefield County Recreation Department is accepting registrations for the upcoming youth basketball season starting this weekend at four locations across the county. The youth basketball league is open to Edgefield County residents only. Parents can download registrations forms on EdgefieldDaily.com and mail them in or bring the completed forms to one of the upcoming sign-up locations. The forms will also be made available on the Edgefield County Government web site at a later date.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Sarah's Santa "Yard Sale" at JET starts today
web posted December 7, 2007
EDGEFIELD – Sarah’s Santa’s is gearing up for Christmas and is seeking donations and information regarding those in need during the Christmas season. Founded in 2004, the non-profit group has delivered Christmas joy to hundreds of area children who would not otherwise have such a bountiful Christmas. This year there is an “Angels Care Day” planned for December 7 and 8. On Friday, December 7 the yard sale will begin at 4 pm and end at 7 pm, and on Saturday from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm at J-E-T Middle School.  There will be entertainment, a yard sale, food and eight basket raffles throughout the day. 
EdgefieldDaily.com

Gov. Sanfornd: State to Be Visited by Three Ghosts from "A Budget Carol"
web posted December 7, 2007
COLUMBIA – In light of this week's report by USC economists that South Carolina's economy is expected to slow in the coming year, Governor Sanford today likened the upcoming budget challenges to the old Dickens story A Christmas Carol, warning of ghosts of budgets past, present and future coming back to haunt the state.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Merry Christmas from a "Mean Sweet Teacher"
By Dr. Skip Myers
web posted December 7, 2007
COLUMNIST – Ask any fourth grader at my school and they would have told you she was someone to avoid and fear. She walked the halls with a purposeful stride as her sixth grade class sheepishly followed in a perfect line. Ms. Wall’s salt and pepper hair in a tight bun, her black-rimmed glasses magnifying her steely eyes paved a wide birth and I truly believed the walls would part in fear just to let her pass. It was rumored that you should start praying in the fourth grade that the Lord would be merciful and let you avoid getting her in the sixth grade. So believe me when I tell you my fourth grade and fifth grade year was spent getting real close to the Lord. I made every deal imaginable with the Lord.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Master Sergeant Alan M. Perano awarded Air Medal (Photo)
web posted December 6, 2007
COUNTY – Edgefield County’s own Master Sergeant Alan M. Perano was recently awarded the Air Medal at the Charlestown Air Force Base recently. The medal was given because, “Master Sergeant Alan M. Perano distinguished himself by meritorious achievement while participating in sustained aerial flight as Aeromedical Evacuation Technician, 791st Expeditionary Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, 721st Air Operations Group, Ramstein Air Base, Germany, from 7 January 2006 to 25 March 2006.”
EdgefieldDaily.com

Merriwether Fire Department receives $10,000 grant from BP Products of North America (Photo)
web posted December 6, 2007
MERRIWETHER – Merriwether Fire Chief Faye Fulmer was surprised at their Christmas Banquet on Wednesday night by a large grant from BP Products of North America. Michael J. Hastings, BP Terminal Manager, and Don Mitchem of BP presented Chief Fulmer with a check for $10,000. “I’ve been working on this grant for some time now and it is my privilege to present it to the Merriwether Fire Department,” Mr. Hastings said.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Merriwether Fire Department holds annual Christmas Banquet; recognizes firefighters (Photos)
web posted December 6, 2007
MERRIWETHER – The Merriwether Fire Department held their annual Christmas Banquet Wednesday night at Old McDonald Fish Camp and enjoyed good food and great fellowship. After dining Fire Chief Faye Fulmer gave a run-down of the past year stating the department responded to 189 calls and held 59 training exercises. Chief Fulmer said she wanted to thank all of the firefighters for their hard work and commitment to service. “We drop whatever we are doing to respond to our community,” Fulmer said.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Edgefield Police Department awarded hand-held radar gun from State
web posted December 6, 2007
EDGEFIELD – The Edgefield Police Department attended a luncheon at Seawell’s in Columbia, SC on Tuesday. Police Chief Ronnie Carter and Cpl. Michael Butts attended the meeting for the department. Cpl. Butts has been keeping up with statistics of tickets, arrests, and warning issued by the department. The department won a hand-held radar gun from the SC Department of Public Safety valued at approximately $800.00. Two years ago the department won a dual ant radar system and in car camera valued at approx $7,500.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Part Two: Preventing local youth from joining gangs
web posted December 6, 2007
COUNTY – With the Edgefield County Sheriff’s Office naming six gangs that are known to exist in Edgefield County, Sheriff Dobey said there are no current major crime issues associated with them being reported. However, that does not mean the gangs are benign, and parents and citizens should be aware of what to look for in order to assist local law enforcement in preventing their growth or tracking their activity.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Sheriff warns of gang activity in Edgefield County
web posted December 5, 2007
EDGEFIELD – Edgefield County has its share of problems stemming from the growing problem with gangs according to an anticipated release from the Sheriff’s Office Tuesday. Sheriff Adell Dobey released that his office has identified several gangs that are operating within the confines of the county, naming six.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Trantec named as secret identity of "Project Tee"
web posted December 5, 2007
EDGEFIELD – The secretive “Project Tee” was announced as Edgefield’s own Trantec Inc. as they make a $4.7 million investment in upgrades over the next five years at the Edgefield plant and will receive a fee in lieu of taxes on the additional equipment. County Council Chairman Monroe Kneece explained that Trantec has been in Edgefield County for over thirty years and the agreement, “was to keep them here.” However, the exchange does not create any new jobs County Administrator John Pettigrew said. “It’s for machinery and equipment,” and for an, “expansion of production”.
EdgefieldDaily.com

County Council approves E-911 upgrades, critical repairs to radio tower
web posted December 5, 2007
EDGEFIELD – The Edgefield County Council held their last meeting of the year Tuesday night with a full agenda, including the announcement of Trantec as the recipient of a fee in lieu of taxes agreement that was a closely guarded secret. However, the two main issued faced by the county council was in relation to E911 and a “critical situation” with the north radio tower for emergency services operations.
EdgefieldDaily.com

STCC Welding Students Learn Welding and Business Skills
web posted December 5, 2007
JOHNSTON – The Strom Thurmond Career Center Welding Department students have worked extremely hard making and selling their popular flower trellis and just received their reward of new welding jackets displaying the emblem of STCC Welders.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Building Construction Classes Help With Local Project (Photo)
web posted December 5, 2007
JOHNSTON – Shown are building construction students, Ryan Houston, Anthony Hillary, Ricky Brunson, Brandon Griffin, Mr. Lewis Burt, Instructor, and Keenan Guillory standing with shelving that they constructed for the Ridge Spring Library. Under the direction of Mr. Burt, the students built the shelving and stained them. The project gave the students great lessons in the area of carpentry skills. The shelves have been delivered to the library and are being put to good use.
EdgefieldDaily.com

STH Mock Trial Team receives LRE Grant
web posted December 5, 2007
JOHNSTON – The South Carolina Law Related Education (LRE) Division has award Strom Thurmond High School with a $500 LRE School Grant. The grant will be used to help promote the Mock Trial Team as they begin their work for competition in the Spring. The South Carolina Bar recognized the goals that were set and can visibly see how this grant would impact the program.

Off The Wall: Homeless VT Man Kicked Out Of Shelter for Helping Those In Need
BARRE, Vt. (NBC) -- A 48-year old Vermont man who earns a modest daily stipend for manning a Salvation Army kettle at the local shopping center now faces eviction from a homeless shelter because of his work. He said he now earns a $20 stipend each day from the Salvation Army, which works out to $2 per hour.
Off The Wall

State Trooper discovers unreported trucking crash (Photos)
web posted December 4, 2007
WESTSIDE – A tractor-trailer dump truck was involved in a roll-over crash just after noon Monday, however, law enforcement was not notified until just before 3 pm when a State Trooper happened upon the crash scene. The truck, owned by Ray Walker Trucking in Piedmont, was found on its side near Carey Hill Baptist Church on North Martintown Road. Already on the scene when discovered was a Ray Walker Trucking supervisor, workers, the driver’s girlfriend, and a heavy-duty wrecker trying to right the truck, blocking both lanes of traffic.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Edgefield Town Council opens three seats up for grabs in April 1, 2008 election
web posted December 4, 2007
EDGEFIELD – The Town of Edgefield has announced the schedule for the upcoming 2008 town council elections for wards 2, 4, and 6, on April 1, 2008. The Official Notice, a handout from the Town of Edgefield said, would appear in The Citizen News on January 2, and a second notice to be published in the January 16 edition of the Edgefield Advertiser. The Books for election will open on January 3, 2008.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Merriwether Fire Department awards savings bonds to winners of Fire Safety essay contest (Photo)
web posted December 4, 2007
MERRIWETHER – The Merriwether Fire Department awarded three students at the Merriwether Elementary School as winners in this year’s Fire Safety essay contest Monday morning. Each student was awarded a $50 Savings Bond for his or her entry on Fire Safety in the home as a part of the recent Fire Safety Week Program promoted by the local fire department.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Audit shows Town of Edgefield has 84% of budget in reserves, sets new time for monthly meetings
web posted December 4, 2007
EDGEFIELD – The Town of Edgefield got a clean bill of fiscal health at the December meeting of the Town Council Monday night. Mrs. Toni McKinley, of McKinley Cooper & Company, said the town has 84% of its yearly budget held in reserves, or $1.8 million. “That’s a great place to be,” Mrs. McKinley said.
EdgefieldDaily.com

STH Mock Presidential candidates prepare for Dec. 8 debate (Photo)
web posted December 4, 2007
JOHNSTON – Members of the Strom Thurmond High School Aspiring Political Leaders of America will present a 2008 Presidential Mock Debate on Saturday December 8th beginning at 6:00 p.m. in the JET Middle School Cafeteria.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Governor Sanford Reappoints Schweitzer to Lead Public Safety
web posted December 4, 2007
COLUMBIA – Governor Mark Sanford announced Monday that he has reappointed Jim Schweitzer to lead the South Carolina Department of Public Safety for another four-year term. Schweitzer, 55, was first appointed in 2004 to lead the Department of Public Safety, the state agency that oversees the state Highway Patrol, Bureau of Protective Services and state Transportation Police. Prior to coming to DPS, Schweitzer served in numerous leadership roles with the FBI, including Chief of Instruction at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia, and Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau's headquarters in Columbia, S.C.
EdgefieldDaily.com

A Gruesome Killing Scars a Small Town
By Carl Langley
EdgefieldDaily.com Guest Columnist
web posted December 4, 2007
GUEST COLUMN – Part three of a four-part story
With Tim and his pal parked in a state penal facility, it appeared that life would return to normal, or what passed for normal in those days. But things were going to get worse. Much worse. The little petty crimes that had been inflicted on the town for several years turned into horror. A gruesome killing changed the town forever, splitting families and turning friends against friends.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Off The Wall: Seventh-Grader Suspended For Writing List of Kids He Dislikes
web posted December 4, 2007
PARKER, Colo. -- A seventh-grade Sagewood Middle School student is facing disciplinary action from school administrators for compiling a list of those he dislikes. “I can confirm to you that a student did indeed make a list that contained the names of fewer than five students. As a result, appropriate action was taken with the student, “ said Ralph Montgomery, Sagewood Middle School principal.Montogmery said the specifics of what disciplinary actions the student is facing will not be released due to privacy laws. School officials said, "We determined there apparently was no threat or intent to harm anyone.” But the student was suspended anyway.
Off The Wall

Johnston Police investigate possible kidnapping, sexual assault of 13-year-old
web posted December 3, 2007
JOHNSTON – The Johnston Police Department is currently investigating a possible sexual assault and kidnapping of a 13-year-old Johnston girl that allegedly took place the night before Thanksgiving, but was not reported until Thursday of last week. Very few details have been released in the case.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Santa arrives in Edgefield during Christmas Parade (Photos)
web posted December 3, 2007
EDGEFIELD – The Town of Edgefield hosted their annual Christmas Parade Saturday at 4 pm and with over seventy entries this year. Sam Crouch Sr. and Charlie Mathis were this year’s Grand Marshals and took center stage at the view stand on the corner of the Town Square. Jane Herlong and Calvin Henderson were the emcees for the parade and kept the crowds entertained with their commentary of the passing floats.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Downtown Shop-Around Event Returns to Edgefield
web posted December 3, 2007
EDGEFIELD – The popular Downtown Shop-Around event will return to Edgefield this Thursday, December 6th from 4pm to 8pm.  The Downtown Shop-Around is a newly created event that was a big hit when it first debuted in September. 
EdgefieldDaily.com

Edgefield County EMS sponsors toy drive
web posted December 3, 2007
COUNTY – Christmas is a time to rejoice, celebrate, and to spend time with our families and loved ones. It is also a time that we do not forget about those who have fallen on hard times. The Edgefield County Emergency Medical Services, the Edgefield BiLo, and the Edgefield County community are teaming up to bring Christmas to those in need. 
EdgefieldDaily.com

Merriwether Firefighters respond to Fire Chief's home (Photo)
web posted December 3, 2007
MERRIWETHER – Merriwether Fire Chief Faye Fulmer had the fastest response time in the twenty-two year history of the Merriwether Fire Department Sunday afternoon, one second. Chief Fulmer said she turned her self-cleaning oven to clean and forgot there was a pan of grease in the oven. A few minutes later the oven erupted in flames and heavy smoke began to fill the home.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Rebel Soccer Team hosts "homemade" Spaghetti Dinner
web posted December 3, 2007
PSA - JOHNSTON – The Strom Thurmond Boy’s Soccer Team will be sponsoring a Spaghetti Dinner on Friday, December 7, from 5 – 7 pm at the STHS Cafeteria. The dinner is sponsored by Edgefield Fuel and Convenience. Plates include spaghetti, salad, and roll and are $5. Carry-out is available.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Sports: Lady Rebels lose season opener to N. Augusta in 57-50 loss
web posted December 3, 2007
JOHNSTON – A 57-50 win for North Augusta at JET Middle School Thursday left the Strom Thurmond High Lady Rebels in search of their first win of the basketball season.
Strom Thurmond had worked for a 15-point lead in the second quarter before North Augusta began their eventual game-winning comeback.
EdgefieldDaily.com

The "Grizwald" family Christmas Tree (Photos)
A Column by the Editor
web posted December 3, 2007
COLUMN – With the Christmas season beginning this past weekend we headed off to find what my wife calls the “Clark Grizwald family Christmas Tree”. And there is no better place to do that than Charlie and Nancy Mills’ Clarks Hill Christmas Tree Farm located just off Garrett Road on Bennie Dorn Road in the western part of Edgefield County.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Edgefield Christmas Parade 4pm today
web posted December 1, 2007
EDGEFIELD – Bring the family out and enjoy the Edgefield Christmas Parade today at 4 pm on Main Street ending with the arrival of Santa followed by Christmas Caroling and the Tree Lighting at 6 pm.

Aiken Regional Medical Centers hosts 16th annual Christmas At The Lake
web posted December 1, 2007
AIKEN – Join Aiken Regional Medical Centers for a wonderful evening celebrating the season.  Our 16th annual Christmas At The Lake program will be held on Thursday, December 13, starting at 6:00 p.m.  The event will take place at the lighted Christmas tree next to the lake that is directly in front of the hospital. 
EdgefieldDaily.com

Rebels drop second game with 78-53 loss to N. Augusta
web posted December 1, 2007
JOHNSTON – North Augusta led after the opening basket and never looked back on the way to a 78-53 win over the Strom Thurmond Rebels at JET Middle School on Thursday.
EdgefieldDaily.com