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Gov. Sanford Calls for Passage of Additional Restructuring Legislation
web posted February 28, 2007
COLUMBIA – Gov. Mark Sanford today called for passage of two recently drafted bills aimed at bringing a greater degree of coordination and efficiency to the state's healthcare and administrative functions.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Students Inducted into Millennium Club (Photos)
 web posted February 28, 2007
JOHNSTON – A total of fifty students were recognized as new members of the STHS Millennium Club this past week. In order for a student to earn the privilege of becoming a Millennium Club member they must score a 21 or better on the ACT, are 1000 or higher on the SAT.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Bradley takes First Place in World Qualifying hunt (Photos)
web posted February 28, 2007
EDGEFIELD – Brent L. Bradley owner of Bradley’s Big Time Sally won First Place in the 2nd Annual Carolina Classic Elimination Style Squirrel Hunt, a World Qualifying Event. The event is held by the Red Hill Houndsmen Association of Edgefield; SC. There were a total of fourteen entries. The Huntmaster was Richard Waits
EdgefieldDaily.com

Convenience store burglarized
web posted February 28, 2007
MURPHY VILLAGE – A convenience store in Murphy Village was discovered broken into on Monday afternoon by the owner. When a deputy arrived on the scene the owner showed where a vent on the east side of the store had been pulled away and the security bars were pushed in causing around $200 in damage.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Clintons' Charity Not Listed On Senate Disclosure Forms
web posted February 28, 2007
WASHINGTON DC – Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton and former president Bill Clinton have operated a family charity since 2001, but she failed to list it on annual Senate financial disclosure reports on five occasions.
Washingtonpost.com

Al Gore's "Inconvenient truth" is he uses more than 20 times more power in his home than most homes
web posted February 28, 2007
Last night, Al Gore’s global-warming documentary, An Inconvenient Truth, collected an Oscar for best documentary feature, but the Tennessee Center for Policy Research has found that Gore deserves a gold statue for hypocrisy. Gore’s mansion, located in the posh Belle Meade area of Nashville, consumes more electricity every month than the average American household uses in an entire year, according to the Nashville Electric Service (NES).
Off The Wall

Trenton Foster mother arrested for child abuse on video (Photo)
Woman allegedly had another child video tape abuse
web posted February 27, 2007
TRENTON – A Foster mother has been arrested and a search warrant has been executed at her Heritage Drive home in Trenton following an investigation of child abuse. Edgefield County Sheriff’s Investigators have arrested Belinda Cooper, 53, of Trenton, and charged her with one count of assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature and one count of unlawful neglect, Corporal Robbie Harter of the Sheriff’s Office said Monday after the arrest.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Teen's death marks first traffic fatality of 2007
web posted February 27, 2007
TRENTON – A weekend collision resulted in Edgefield County’s first fatality of 2007 when Oquendo Jones, 17, of Johnston died after being ejected from the 2003 Chevy Blazer he was a passenger in when the collision occurred just after midnight Saturday night on Highway 19. According to Lance Corporal Scot Edgewood of the South Carolina Highway Patrol, Mr. Jones was not wearing a seatbelt at the time the crash occurred.
EdgefieldDaily.com

STH Mock Trial Team advances to State Competition
web posted February 27, 2007
JOHNSTON – Strom Thurmond High School students competed in the Piedmont South Carolina Bar High School Mock Trial Competition on Saturday, February 24, at the Greenville County Courthouse.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Gov. Sanford orders "Top-to-Bottom Review of Budget and Control Board"
web posted February 27, 2007
COLUMBIA – Gov. Mark Sanford today issued an Executive Order creating the Government Efficiency and Accountability Review Committee, a new task force charged with examining the Budget and Control Board from top to bottom and recommending changes aimed at greater efficiency and accountability.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Al Sharpton claims ancestors were slaves of Strom Thurmond's family
 web posted February 27, 2007
OFF THE WALL
EdgefieldDaily.com

A Veil of Secrecy Protects the Worst of the Worst
web posted February 27, 2007
GUEST COLUMN – There are few crimes that rank on the loathsome scale with murder and rape. But there is one, when ranked in the category of moral depravity, that can equate with murder and rape. It is child pornography, a betrayal of all things good and kind and sincere and loving and compassionate. The child pornographer ranks at the very bottom of the scale when it comes to singling out those whose moral depravity defies description.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Training Session Scheduled For Summit Initiative
web posted February 27, 2007
JOHNSTON – A training session for the establishment of Reading Comprehension Sites in Edgefield County will be held on March 3, 2007 at Johnston-Edgefield-Trenton Middle School. The training will begin at 9 a.m. and concluded at 11:00 a.m.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Probate Court joins Clerk of Court in pulling of records from Archives
web posted February 26, 2007
COUNTY – The Edgefield County Probate Court is following the lead of the Clerk of Court’s Office by retrieving thousands of records presently stored in the County Archives. Clerk of Court Shirley Newby is bringing almost 15,000 files from the Archives back to her office at a cost of $7,677.61. Probate Judge Bobby Peeler said his office would retrieve eleven more years of estate records from the Archives and place them in his office. No estimated cost of that transfer was provided.
EdgefieldDaily.com

One critically injured after being ejected from truck during crash
web posted February 26, 2007
TRENTON – An early Sunday morning crash left one person critically injured on Highway 19 near Windy Ridge Road just after midnight. Reports on the crash are incomplete but the passenger of the truck was reported to have been ejected from the vehicle and was found lying unconscious at a tree line near the scene.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Edgefield Community Development Association (ECDA) monthly meeting announced
web posted February 26, 2007
PSA – The Edgefield Community Development Association (ECDA) will hold their monthly meeting on March 8th from 8:30 am - 9:45 am at the Edgefield Town Hall.  All businesses and interested residents are invited to attend.  The primary topic to be covered will be the SCETV road show scheduled for May.  The group will discuss how members of the ECDA can participate.  Those planning to attend should email eharm@scprt.com.

Shocking Encounters of the Electrical Kind
Skip-ology by: Rev. Skip Myers
EdgegfieldDaily.com Columnist
web posted February 26, 2007
Column – I was dropping my wife off at work the other morning and of course, I leaned in to get the traditionally expected “have a good day” kiss.  WOW! And what a kiss it was! It was shockingly electrified. Now, I would like to think that the shock we felt at that moment came from my electrifying personality but I know better. It was a dry winter’s day, cloth seats in the car, and a wool coat that caused the sparks to fly. But in my own mind I still like to think that I added something to the electrification of that moment.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Country Cooking Section conitues to grow in recipes
web posted February 26, 2007
WEBNEWS – The Country Cooking Section added a dozen more tastey recipes over the past week. The Section now contains almost 350 dishes and grows each week. Send in your favorites to share with other readers. EdgefieldDaily.com maintains the only free online archive of local recipes.
EdgefieldDaily.com

NOTICE: EdgefieldDaily.com Classifieds receives overhaul
web posted February 26, 2007
WEBNEWS – The Classifieds Section of EdgefieldDaily.com has been reworked and expands the categories of items for sale, trade, or wanted. Classified ads for individual reader's sales are free. Yard Sales are given the prominent spot in the Section in Edgefield County's only local daily updated Classifieds available.

Pistol stolen during armed robbery in Edgefield
web posted February 24, 2007
EDGEFIELD – An Edgefield woman escaped injury during a strong-armed robbery that took place on Morange Street in Edgefield. The woman is said to have been approached by a man and an argument ensued. The man then snatched the woman’s pocketbook knocking her to the ground and took a 9 mm pistol from her purse and fled the area in a red vehicle.
EdgefieldDaily.com

"Snoring too loud" leads to 911 call
web posted February 24, 2007
EDGEFIELD – You have to love the job to work in law enforcement. It could not be for the pay and it certainly is not for the cushy and safe job setting. However, every now and then police respond to a call that we get to laugh at when all is said and done. In the early hours of Thursday morning a woman called 911 to have police sent to her home. When officer’s arrived the woman said her husband had been “snoring too loud”.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Open House this Sat. 10-11 & Sun. 1-2 at 608 Edisto St. in Johnston
web posted February 24, 2007
Paid Advertisement
JOHNSTON – Beautiful 4 br, 2 ba historic home with approx. 2,744 sq ft. Detached carport w/storage. Call Mary Derrick for directions or more details. Derrick Realty, Inc. (803) 275-4090. Click for a view.

Gov. Sanford Names Dr. Kathleen Hayes as DSS Director (Photo)
web posted February 24, 2007
JOHNSTON – Gov. Mark Sanford today nominated Dr. Kathleen Hayes of Columbia as the Director of the Department of Social Services. Dr. Hayes has served as Chief of Staff at the Department of Juvenile Justice since 2003. Prior to her role at DJJ, from 2000 until 2003 Hayes served as the coordinator for Nexuskids, a partnership between USC and DSS aimed at providing opportunities to foster children. Before that, Hayes served from 1995 to 2000 as the Director of South Carolina Families for Kids, a collaborative effort between DSS and the United Way to promote and facilitate adoption.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Desperately needed records purchased by county now on "permanent loan" to private entity
web posted February 23, 2007
EDGEFIELD – In July of 2006 County Archivist Patricia Glenn appeared before the Edgefield County Council requesting possession of the marriage license records housed in the Probate Court. After a discussion with Probate Court officials present at the meeting the County Council voted to order a set of the records on microfilm for the County Archives at a cost of $300 to $400.
EdgefieldDaily.com

War vote could switch Senate power to GOP
web posted February 23, 2007
Sen. Joseph Lieberman of Connecticut said today while he has no immediate plans to become a Republican, he might change his mind if Democrats oppose funding the war in Iraq.
WorldNetDaily.com

House Speaker Pelosi touts plan for student funds for illegal aliens
web posted February 23, 2007
Illegal immigrant students brought to this country as children deserve a path to citizenship and affordable higher education, U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said during a visit to Arizona State University on Monday.
East Vally Tribune

Man escapes serious injury in violent crash (Photos)
web posted February 22, 2007
WESTSIDE – An Edgefield County man escaped serious injury in a mid-day crash on West Martintown Road Wednesday around noon. While traveling west the man lost control of the Honda sedan and left the eastbound side of the road and continued down a steep embankment. The car then began to flip and went up another embankment before coming to rest upside down in the tree line.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Convenience store burglarized, over $2,000 in cash stolen
web posted February 22, 2007
COUNTY – The owner of J&L’s Convenience store on Highway 25 arrived Wednesday morning to find the store had been burglarized during the night. Sheriff’s Deputies and an Investigator arrived just after 8 am and found a side door had been ripped from the building to gain entry. It is possible that the perpetrator(s) may have used a vehicle and a chain to pull the frame and door away from the building.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Gov. Sanford Calls for Small Businesses Reforms
web posted February 22, 2007
COLUMBIA – Gov. Mark Sanford today made stops at small businesses in Aiken and Charleston to call for reforms aimed at improving South Carolina's climate for small businesses. The governor's three-point plan - outlined in his State of the State last month - would lower income taxes, reform the workers' compensation system and remove barriers for small businesses looking to provide more affordable health insurance for their employees.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Woman reports burglary to Edgefield home
web posted February 22, 2007
EDGEFIELD – A Covington woman reported a burglary to her deceased father’s home on the 300 block of Macedonia Road Tuesday afternoon to the Edgefield Police Department. The woman returned to check on the property when she discovered two large pieced of furniture missing from the home. The last time she checked on the home was in early January.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Man reports car stolen after walking to store
web posted February 22, 2007
COUNTY – A Sweetwater man has earned his Here’s Your Card recognition after reporting his car stolen from the J&L Convenience store on Tuesday afternoon. Edgefield County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to the area in an effort to recover the stolen vehicle.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Free Movie Night hosted by STHS Chapter of Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) postponed
web posted February 22, 2007
PSA – The STHS Chapter of Students Against Destructive Decisions hosting of a Friday Free Movie Night on Feb. 23rd, 7PM in the STHS cafeteria has been postponed. No alternate date was provided.

Family pet lost (Found)
web posted February 22, 2007
PSA - EDGEFIELD – Lost dog: He is black and white, fluffy fur, weighs about 19 lbs, and has red collar and tag. His name is Charlie and he is a very friendly dog. He was last seen in Edgefield Sunday evening. He is a beloved family pet, and we all miss him greatly. If you have any information on him please call 637.4946. Click on the picture for larger view.

Edgefield Community Development Association seeks involvement on SCETV filming
web posted February 22, 2007
PSA – The Edgefield Community Development Association (ECDA) will hold their monthly meeting on March 8th from 8:30 am - 9:45 am at the Edgefield Town Hall. All businesses and interested residents are invited to attend. The primary topic to be covered will be the SCETV road show scheduled for May. The group will discuss how members of the ECDA can participate.  Those planning to attend should email eharm@scprt.com.

Drug dealer arrested during recent SWAT raid given nine years (Photo)
 web posted February 21, 2007
 EDGEFIELD – A Johnston man taken into custody on February 2 after a SWAT raid on his home has been sentenced in General Sessions Court to nine years in prison. Cedric Sebastian Washington, 25, of McQueen Street, Johnston, plead guilty to one of the eight drug charges against him. The other seven charges were dismissed.
EdgefieldDaily.com

STHS Students Attend Science Bowl Competition (Photo)
web posted February 21, 2007
JOHNSTON – Strom Thurmond students competed in the 2007 Savannah River Regional Science Bowl Competition at USC – Aiken on February 10. The competition was a "round robin" format with four divisions. Questions for the students came from the areas of physics, chemistry, biology, earth science, astronomy and mathematics. The competition was fast and furious with students having only five seconds to answer the questions once they buzzed in.
EdgefieldDaily.com

STHS Presents Black History Month Celebration
web posted February 21, 2007
PSA- JOHNSTON – Strom Thurmond High School will present a Black History Month special event beginning Thursday evening, February 22, with the showing of the first six part series of the movie “Roots”. On Sunday, February 25, Professor Mike Searles-“Cowboy Mike” from Augusta State University, will be speaking on the significance of the mini series “Roots”. His presentation begins at 3:30 p.m. in the school cafeteria. The remaining parts of “Roots” will continue February 26-28, and March 1.

New York: Let illegals vote
web posted February 21, 2007
Immigrant-rights activists yesterday renewed their push to allow illegal noncitizens to vote in the Big Apple.
NewYorkPost.com

Merriwether woman identified as Good Samaritan
web posted February 20, 2007
MERRIWETHER – As EdgefieldDaily.com reported last week on a lost and then recovered moneybag that contained a school’s bank deposit, we are able to identify the good citizen as Shenna Williams of Merriwether. Ms. Williams attended Merriwether Middle School before graduating from Strom Thurmond in 1999. She now is Physical Therapist in Aiken and a graduate of USC-Aiken.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Gov. Sanford to Call for Tougher DUI Laws
web posted February 20, 2007
COLUMBIA – Governor Mark Sanford will hold a news conference today with members of law enforcement and the state legislature to call for the swift passage of stronger DUI laws in the General Assembly. The event will take place at 10:00 a.m. at the Statehouse in the First Floor Lobby in Columbia.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Here's Your Card
web posted February 20, 2007
SWEETWATER – A woman called the Sheriff’s Office around 2 am Saturday to report a man coming to her house and knocking on the doors and windows trying to get her to let him inside the home. The man was an acquaintance of the woman. When deputies arrived at the Trailside Drive home the man was gone but while deputies were talking to the woman he began calling her phone and cell phone.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Board of Trustees seeks input into Superintendent search, first meeting tonight
web reposted February 20, 2007
JOHNSTON – The Edgefield County Board of Trustees will hold three public meetings to hear citizens input and concerns in regards to the selection of a new superintendent for the school district. Citizens that wish to offer input into the selection of the new superintendent may sign up to speak as they arrive at the meeting. Comments will be limited to five minutes.
EdgefieldDaily.com

When in Rome? - Hillary in SC Objects to Confederate Flag
web reposted February 20, 2007
ORANGEBURG, S.C. (AP) -- Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton said Monday that South Carolina should remove the Confederate flag from its Statehouse grounds, in part because the nation should unite under one banner while at war.
EdgefieldDaily.com

February Proclaimed Oral Health Month for School District (Photo)
 web posted February 19, 2007
JOHNSTON – Strom Thurmond Career Center Health Tec II students visited the Kindergarten classes at Johnston Elementary and presented a program on Dental Health. The month of February is designated as Dental Health Month. The high school senior’s agenda for each class began with the singing of songs on dental health and reading of books about dental health. The students participated in an activity that taught them how to brush and floss their teeth so they would practice good dental care. The kindergarten students were presented a video on dental health prior to the high school students visiting their classes. Each kindergarten student was presented with an activity book created by the Health Tec II students that had fun activities to help the students learn more about good dental health.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Letter to the Editor: Writer defends Mayor Campbell
web posted February 19, 2007
Dear Editor,
I look at Mayor Willie Campbell of Johnston, South Carolina with an optimistic eye as he has been attempting to remove the lines a demarcation between the different sides of the town whether they be black or white, rich or poor, two parent or single parent.  In doing so, Mayor Campbell has struck a nerve within the heart of every type of prejudice that exists in the town of Johnston and seemingly beyond as well.  This is not merely about "beating a dead horse" but about carrying on what was promised to all citizens of Johnston and planned in the previous administration concerning recreation.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Public Notice: Homestead Exemption
web posted February 19, 2007
PSA – Please be advised that the sign-up for Homestead Exemption is now open and will continue through December 31, 2007. The Exemption is granted to persons who are at least 65 years of age as of december 31, 2006, blind or 100 percent totally and permanently disabled as of December 31, 2006, and exempts them from paying property taxes on the first $50,000 of the appraised value of their home, if living in the home. Persons who are eligible must file with the County Auditor's Office. Should you have any questions concerning Homestead Exemption, please contact the County Auditor's Office at 637-4034 or 637-4045. Bill Gilchrist, Edgefield County Auditor.

A Column by the Editor: I believe in coincidence (Photo)
 web posted February 19, 2007
COLUMN – I am a firm believer in coincidence. It happens all the time. Sometimes it happens repeatedly to the same person. I know it has happened to me. Every time that Fox Creek Charter High School is reported on by EdgefieldDaily.com or issues surrounding the school enters the fray in the Wandering Minds Section somebody drops by our house and destroys our mailbox and those of two of our neighbors.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Notice Me, I’m Noisy
By: Rev. Skip myers
web posted February 19, 2007
COLUMN – I was sitting at a stoplight just minding my own business when I suddenly became aware of what I knew had to be an approaching jet. The only problem was that I was no where near an airport. Well, if it wasn't a jet then it had to be some poor NASCAR driver who had taken a right turn by mistake. So I nervously stared in my rearview mirror waiting to see what was about to run me over. With each passing second, the decibel level increased along with my anxiety level. The least I expected was a muffler-missing dump truck. So I gritted my teeth and prepared for the worst.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Where has all the good music gone?
By: Carl Langley
web posted February 19, 2007
GUEST COLUMN – Johnny Mercer’s grandmother knew the infant she was holding in her lap would someday be famous for his musical talents. The legend has it that the doting grandmother told family members and friends that the six-month-old baby she was rocking in Savannah in the early years of the 1900s would begin humming a tune each time he heard a piano playing.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Mummified body found in front of blaring TV
web posted February 19, 2007
NEW YORK (Reuters) - Police called to a Long Island man's house discovered the mummified remains of the resident, dead for more than a year, sitting in front of a blaring television set.
Off The Wall Section

Strom Thurmond 79, Timberland 67
STH Rebels advance in 3-AAA Tournament
web posted February 17, 2007
COUNTY – The Strom Thurmond Rebels boy’s basketball team advanced in the 3-AAA Championship run Friday night with a 79 - 67 win over Timberland. Scorers for the Rebels were Jakar Hamilton 27, Jonah Lanham 10, Adre Brooks 6, Rick Hillary 5, Justin Smith 23, Joe Cook 2, Leroy Gilchrist 6. Strom Thurmond will face Lake Marion on Tuesday on an away game.

Students, Schools and Employees Recognized By Board of Trustees (Photo)
web posted February 17, 2007
JOHNSTON – The Edgefield County Board of Trustees held their “Spotlight” program at the February 13th board meeting and recognized student and employee achievement. School Spelling Bee winners were presented certificates and star student pins.
EdgefieldDaily.com


Gov. Sanford Names Climate Change Group
web posted February 17, 2007
COLUMBIA – Gov. Mark Sanford today issued an Executive Order naming nine members to his Governor's Climate, Energy and Commerce Advisory Committee, a group tasked with reviewing possible climate change impacts in South Carolina and formulating strategies to address those changes going forward.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Building Construction class presents Chamber with podium 
web posted February 17, 2007
JOHNSTON – Students in the Building Construction class met a request from a community partner by putting their skills to work and constructing a podium. Shown is Mrs. Donna Livingston, Executive Director of The Edgefield Chamber of Commerce, accepting the podium that will be used to display exhibit books at the office of the county chamber.  Mrs. Livingston represents the Chamber in numerous activities throughout the school district by supporting students and educators through an effective partnership. Click here to view the photo

Former student returns lost school funds
web posted February 16, 2007
MERRIWETHER – A Merriwether Middle School teacher called the Sheriff’s Office to report losing money as he drove away with a bank bag on top of his car when he left Merriwether Middle School Wednesday afternoon on his way to make a deposit. The bank bag contained an estimated $1,200 in cash and checks.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Merriwether Middle School’s Math Counts Team Places 3rd At Regional Competition (Photo)
web posted February 16, 2007
MERRIWETHER – The Merriwether Middle School Math Counts team, coached by Ms. Georgie Rohr, came in 3rd place in the Regional Math Counts Competition held at Aiken Technical College. Twelve teams from throughout the CSRA were in the competition.
EdgefieldDaily.com

SHOCKER: Hillary pays black SC State Senator's firm $200,000 - then gets "endorsement"
web posted February 16, 2007
STATE – Hillary Rodham Clinton's campaign reached a deal to pay a key South Carolina black leader's consulting firm more than $200,000 just days before he agreed to endorse her run for president, it was revealed yesterday. The arrangement involves South Carolina state Sen. Darrell Jackson, a well-connected African-American leader and pastor whose support is coveted by national campaigns.
NewYorkPost.com

Traffic stop leads to drug possession and distribution charges
web posted February 16, 2007
MERRIWETHER – An Edgefield County Sheriff’s Deputy spotted a car Wednesday night driving on Murrah Road with no tag light and stopped the driver to inform him of the faulty lighting. The driver stopped on Mealing Road near Holly Circle and as the deputy approached the car he noticed, “a strong smell of marijuana,” coming from the car.
EdgefieldDaily.com

NOTICE: Final registration for County Softball and Baseball Leagues to be held Saturday
web posted February 16, 2007
COUNTY – The Edgefield County Baseball and Girls softball leagues are having its final registration date for this upcoming season this Saturday, February 17th.  There will be three locations to signup: Edgefield Baseball Complex, Johnston National Guard Armory, and Bettis Park. Registration will be from 10am to 12pm.  The cost is $35 (baseball) and $30 (girls Softball) to signup.  Ages are 4-12(Baseball) and 7-15(girl’s softball).

DUI stop results in third drug offense for Trenton woman
web posted February 16, 2007
BETTIS ACADEMY – A Sheriff’s Deputy on patrol noticed a white Cadillac Escalade swerving as it traveled southbound on Highway 25 early Thursday morning and initiated a traffic stop near Casalina Drive. When the deputies approached the driver’s side window they reported noticing a strong smell of liquor inside the car. When the driver consented to a search of the vehicle the driver and passenger were asked to step out of the SUV.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Aiken authorities arrest Edgefield man for internet chat with supposed 14-year-old girl
web posted February 15, 2007
AIKEN – An Edgefield man chatting online with a supposed 14 year-old girl found himself in jail when he went to meet the young girl a few hours later in Aiken. The “girl” was actually an Aiken County Deputy with the Governor’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC). Michael Leonard Williams, 30 of the 400 block of Bauskett Street was taken into custody and has been charged with one count of criminal solicitation of a minor and one count of attempted criminal sexual conduct with a minor.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Congressman Barrett defends troops
web posted February 15, 2007
WASHINGTON – Congressman Gresham Barrett (SC, 3) delivered the following remarks expressing his continued support for the troops and concerns he has regarding a non-binding resolution expected to be offered by the Majority party this week. "Mr. Speaker, This week we will debate a non-binding resolution that will do nothing more than under- mind the mission in Iraq, weaken the moral of our troops, and embolden our enemy". 
EdgefieldDaily.com

Johnston to hold Public Meeting Monday
 web posted February 15, 2007
JOHNSTON – The Town of Johnston will be holding a Recreation Meeting on Monday, February 19 beginning at 6:30 pm. The meeting will be held at the Town Hall to establish a board, policy, and guidelines for future recreational activities. The public is invited to attend.

Just who is Mayor Campbell listening to?
A Column by the Editor
web posted February 15, 2007
COLUMN – For the record, I do not live in Johnston and I could care less where they install a walking trail. The ongoing battle over whether to put it at the Jaycee Park or the Watson Park is silly. The obvious choice would be the Jaycee Park location. Placing the trail around Watson Park, which is not completed, would mean that in a year or two the walking trail would be destroyed when the grading of the ball fields take place. It would be throwing money away.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Johnston Police seek three local men on drug charges (Photos)
web posted February 14, 2007
JOHNSTON – Johnston Police Chief Chris Aston said his department is looking for three wanted alleged drug dealers that are on the run from police. Michael Deon Norris, 26, Rico Antonio Norris, 23 both of the 600 block of Ridge Road, and Blake Marcell Clark, 18, of Lakeview Drive in Johnston are wanted for drug warrants stemming from a drug raid in Johnston a little over two weeks ago. “They’re running right now,” Chief Aston said, adding that his department wants to bring them into custody as soon as possible.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Tornado warning leaves downed trees, widespread power outages, and property damage
web posted February 14, 2007
COUNTY – A severe storm moved across the county late Tuesday afternoon causing power outages, wind damage, trees across roadways and power lines, and was responsible for at least one crash. Just before 6 pm reports came in to Edgefield County 911 Dispatch that a severe weather event was taking place with a report of a tornado crossing into Edgefield County from McCormick County in the area of Highway 23. No funnel cloud was spotted but Doppler Radar indicated a “tornadic” or “rotation” signature.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Ga. Congressman Charlie Norwood dies (Photo)
web posted February 14, 2007
AUGUSTA, GA – Congressman Charles “Charlie” Norwood (R-Ga) died early Tuesday afternoon. The seven-term House of Representatives member was the leading force behind a Patients Bill of Rights bill that was at the center of the 2000 election. Norwood received a lung transplant last year and later developed cancer that spread to his liver. He served until last week when he returned home and refused medical treatments to battle the spreading cancer. South Carolina Congressman Gresham Barrett expressed his thoughts on Rep. Norwood upon learning of his death.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Gun raises stakes during traffic stop
web posted February 14, 2007
JOHNSTON – Traffic stops are routine for law enforcement officers but sometimes a simple traffic stop can make even a seasoned officer’s heart skip a beat. Saturday night a Johnston Police Officer observed a car that appeared to be speeding. Once confirmed on radar that the driver was traveling 52 mph in a 35 mph zone the officer gave pursuit. The driver was crossing over the centerline several times as the officer got close enough to make the stop. All things seemed fairly routine at the time.
EdgefieldDaily.com

"Back in the Act" fundraiser set for the Class of 1997, free Movie night moved to the STH Gym
web posted February 14, 2007
PSA/COUNTY – The Class of 1997 is preparing for their ten year class reunion and is planning a fund raiser for the reunion. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to STHS fine arts department in an effort to begin giving back to STHS as well. "Back in the Act" is a spin off the STHS fine arts production "Caught in the Act" and some former students will be coming back to hit the stage one last time. The production will include singing, dancing, and also a lot of improvisation. Organizers promise a wonderful show that will be very energetic and humorous.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Public Hearing on Johnston Walking Trail gets contentious
web posted February 13, 2007
JOHNSTON – The Johnston Town Council held a Public Hearing at its February monthly meeting Monday night that started slow but ended up consuming a large portion of the near two-hour meeting. At issue was an application for a Rails Trails Program Grant for a walking trail, a “name change” according to Mayor Willie Campbell, from “walking track”. At first there were no takers for comments but after some urging of the Mayor and Administrator Olin Gambrel several people got up to support the Mayors preference of placing the walking track at Watson Park, at times drawing the ire of Councilman Tommy Burton.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Johnston Town Council February meeting
web posted February 13, 2007
JOHNSTON – The Johnston Town Council held their February meeting Monday night and after disposing of the approval of minutes and reports went into a Public Hearing on a Rails to Trails Program. Several local citizens supported the Mayor’s recommended Watson Park location.  Afterwards Roger Lamb of the Johnston Lions Club asked the town council for permission to use the vacant room next to the library for their annual flea market during the Peach Blossom Festival, which will be held on April 7. The Council approved the request.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Gov. Sanford Calls for Passage of Virtual Schools Legislation
web posted February 13, 2007
COLUMBIA – Gov. Mark Sanford today called for the passage of the South Carolina Virtual Schools Program, a program recommended in his Executive Budget aimed at creating more learning options for our state's students.
EdgefieldDaily.com

No tail lights lead to arrests for drug possession and distribution charges
web posted February 13, 2007
MERRIWETHER – A simple traffic stop turned into a drug bust and three people facing charges. A deputy on routine patrol Friday night observed a dark colored Dodge Dynasty traveling on Highway 25 with no working lights on the back of the car after dark. The deputy initiated a traffic stop near Stephens Road. When the driver rolled down his window to speak with the deputy the deputy noticed a strong odor of marijuana coming from the car and asked the driver to step out of the car to show him the non-working taillights.
EdgefieldDaily.com

A starlet’s death exposes the empty minds of millions
web posted February 13, 2007
COLUMN – All she ever did was stand there, flashing a manufactured smile, tossing her bleached blonde hair in come hither fashion and mumbling the one-syllable words that exposed her intelligence - and all the while looking as pretty as she could.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Free Movie Night, Pirates of the Caribbean "Dead Man's Chest" hosted by STHS Chapter of Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD)
web posted February 13, 2007
PSA – The STHS Chapter of Students Against Destructive Decisions will be hosting another Friday Free Movie Night on Feb. 23rd, 7PM in the STHS cafeteria.  The movie will be "Pirates of the Caribbean - Dead Man's Chest". This is a FREE movie, but there will be a charge for concessions.  We encourage families, teens and members of
the community to attend.
 
Web Warning: Computer experts warn of viruses in Valentine messages
web posted February 12, 2007
WEBNEWS –  Security experts are warning PC users to be on guard against viruses masquerading as Valentine's Day messages, which could damage computers. "Computer users should keep a wary eye on any romantic messages received by e-mail, as many of them could contain malicious code," said US security firm PandaLabs after detecting an increase in a worm it dubbed Nurech.A.
Breibart.com

Students enjoy Career Day (Photos)
web posted February 12, 2007
JOHNSTON – The Edgefield County School District held a Career Day for county eighth graders last week with thirty-eight speakers talking on their area of expertise. The event was held at Johnston-Edgefield-Trenton Middle School.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Lady Patriots get "Cocky" in Columbia (Photo)
web posted February 12, 2007
JOHNSTON – The Wardlaw Academy Lady Patriots took a team trip to the Colonial Center in Columbia on Sunday, February 4th to see the women’s USC Gamecocks play the 7th ranked LSU Tigers.  The LSU Tigers recorded the narrow victory with a score of 49-46 in a hard fought game that provided a more exciting contest than the Lady Patriots had expected from the two college teams.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Mud Puddles
By Rev. Skip Myers
EdgefieldDaily.com Columnist
web posted February 12, 2007
COLUMN – It drew me like a magnet. Its force was beyond anything I could ever imagine resisting. I had been warned against it and threatened that if I got too close there would be a high price to pay. But its beauty and perfection was just too much for me. I had to give in to its power and allow myself to experience the pure joy it had to offer. It didn’t matter what my new Easter suit cost my parents that mud puddle had to be mine. So without regard to life or limb, I jumped right in the middle of it. The mud went everywhere—on me and everyone around me. At that moment this little boy was in heaven.
EdgefieldDaily.com

UKC Coon Hunt High Point Winner announced
web posted February 12, 2007
EDGEFIELD – High Point Winner High Cotton Home Run Trot pictured with owner Patrick Nettles. Nettles' hound took the overall top spot in the February 9 coon hunt at the Brunsen’s Community Center. The Red Hill Houndsmen Association would also like to announce the squirrel hunt on February 24th (Saturday). The UKC World Qualifying Squirrel Hunt will be held at the Brunsen’s Community Center - Edgefield, South Carolina. For more information call Wayne Agner at (803)637-6219. Click on the picture for a larger veiw.

Opinion: America is in dire need of a leader in Presidential race
web posted February 12, 2007
OPINION – The Republican nominee for President in 2008 will be decided in the South Carolina primaries and the Democrats will be paying attention as well. Republicans historically stick with the early front-runner and that makes the South Carolina primaries the most important to them. No candidate can win the election without winning the south and the south generally votes conservative. The scary part is no true conservative is running under any party label and with all the current contenders it seems to be a vote for the lesser of evils. That is never a good thing.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Johnston Town Council meeting agenda
web posted February 12, 2007
JOHNSTON – Below is the agenda for the Johnston Town Council meeting scheduled for tonight at the Town Hall beginning at 6:30 pm.
EdgefieldDaily.com