Local Radar

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January 2007 Archive


Wintry weather forecast includes Edgefield County, sleet or freezing rain predicted
web posted January 31, 2007
COUNTY – Edgefield County may be facing a second bout with wintry weather this year as a low pressure cell moves up the coast tomorrow and temperatures continue to be in the mid to low 20’s overnight. Local forecasters are calling for a 100% chance of precipitation beginning late Wednesday night and continuing throughout the day Thursday. Freezing rain and sleet are forecast beginning in the early morning hours and is expected to continue until noon when temperatures are expected to rise above freezing.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Anonymous letter to SLED requests investigation of School Board member
web posted January 31, 2007
COUNTY – EdgefieldDaily.com received a letter that is purported to have been sent to Chief Robert M. Stewart of the South Carolina Law Enforcement (SLED) on January 17, 2007. The letter, signed “Representatives of the Faculty Strom Thurmond High School”, is asking SLED to investigate Edgefield County School Board member James Bibbs for “misuse of public funds” for his documented upgrades for accommodations at non-required conferences.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Democrat's wording on resolution could delay or end MOX project at SRS
web posted January 31, 2007
WASHINGTON D.C. – Representative Gresham Barrett (R-SC) is not happy with language that has been included in a Continuing Resolution by the Congressional Democrat leadership in Washington concerning the Mixed Oxide (MOX) project at the Savannah River Site. In addition to the added language by the Democrat Majority, Rep. Barrett said even more disturbing, “is the apparent desire by some to include language that would effectively kill the program entirely.” The vote on the resolution will be held today.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Engaging the community in the pursuit of educational excellence is our focus
By: Frank G. Roberson, Ph.D.
Asst. Superintendent, Edgefield County School District
PSA/ ECBOE – There is nothing more precious in our sight than the presence of children. And their development should claim our most focused attention and energy. Children are the nation's most valuable resources and the community's most reliable sustainer. What they become as adults is what the community becomes.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Life under Big Brother:
‘Fat police’ put children on abuse list
web posted January 31, 2007
SOCIAL workers are placing obese children on the child protection register alongside victims thought to be at risk of sexual or physical abuse. In extreme cases children have been placed in foster care because their parents have contributed to the health problems of their offspring by failing to respond to medical advice.
Off The Wall

State, local officials gather for Intergovernmental meeting (Photos)
web posted January 30, 2007
JOHNSTON – The Edgefield County Council hosted the annual Intergovernmental meeting Monday night at the Johnston Sertoma Club with local elected and appointed officials on hand from the county and three towns. State Representative Bill Clyburn and Sen. Tommy Moore rounded out the legislative delegation.
EdgefieldDaily.com


Johnston man facing burglary charges
web posted January 30, 2007
JOHNSTON – A Johnston woman and her 18 year-old daughter called police to report a man trying to climb into the daughter’s bedroom window in search of sex. According to police reports the 38-year-old man first knocked on the daughter’s window and asked her to come outside and she told him “no” and turned over in the bed away from the window. She then heard a noise and noticed the man had taken the screen out of the window, opened it, and was trying to climb inside.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Entrepreneurship Class Enjoys Guest Speakers (Photos)
web posted January 30, 2007
JOHNSTON – The Strom Thurmond Career Center entrepreneurship class enjoyed guest speaker Molly Lipka from the College of Charleston School of Business-SIFE (Students in Free Enterprise) during a recent visit. Ms. Lipka discussed the SIFE Organization which is a global non-project organization represented in 2000 colleges and universities in more than 40 countries which promotes skills covered  in market economics, success skills, entrepreneurship, financial literacy and business ethics.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Relay for Life Valentine Raffle being held
web posted January 30, 2007
COUNTY – A Relay for Life Raffle is being held for a Valentine’s Basket. Tickets cost $1 each and are available at W.E. Parker and Johnston Elementary and J.E.T. Middle Schools. The basket includes a $20 gift certificate to the Edgefield Grill, a Beth Christie Chocolate Pound Cake, a bouquet of chocolate Kiss Roses, a Personal Massage, and heart trinket boxes. Drawing will be held at W.E. Parker Elementary on February 14 at 12 noon. The basket will be available for pick-up immediately following the drawing. Support the Relay for Life by purchasing tickets.

Strom Thurmond High School's Student Council is on the Rise
web posted January 30, 2007
By: Ronnell Hill
JOHNSTON – During the first few months of the current school year, the students of Strom Thurmond High School chose new officers for the school's Student Council. As a result of this process, seniors Ridge Yeldell and Markia Randle received the positions of President and Vice President. Also a senior, Marla Brown received the position of Treasurer and junior Delonta Jones was appointed Secretary. With several committee leaders and many homeroom representatives, STHS Student Council is working and planning on things to help better their school and community.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Edgefield County Junior Scholars Recognized (Photos)
web posted January 30, 2007
MERRIWETHER – The Edgefield County School District held a Junior Scholar Recognition Program at Merriwether Middle School on January 22. A total of twenty-six eighth grade students from Merriwether Middle School and Johnston-Edgefield-Trenton Middle School were honored for their scores on the P-SAT tests, which most students take in High School.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Edgefield man earns Here's Your Card award
web posted January 30, 2007
EDGEFIELD – The old saying goes if you want to go to jail officers will be happy to oblige you. Such was the case in Edgefield early Saturday morning. Just after midnight an officer on routine patrol was sitting at the red light on the town square when he heard someone yell. When he looked over a man was waving his hands and walked over to the patrol car and tried to get in the back seat.
EdgefieldDaily.com

The Red Hill Houndsmen Association announces PKC and UKC coon and squirrel hunts
web posted January 29, 2007
EDGEFIELD – The Red Hill Houndsmen Association will be hosting qualifying coon and squirrel hunts beginning on Thursday, February 1 and continuing through February 24.   The hunts will be held from the Brunson’s Community Center, Edgefield. The hunts are PKC and UKC sanctioned events.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Johnston Town Council to hold Special Called meeting
web posted January 29, 2007
JOHNSTON – The Johnston Town Council will hold a Special Called meeting today at 5:15 pm at the Town Hall. The Town Council will meet in executive session to discuss candidates for the opening for a Police Officer on the Johnston Police Department.

Duke Lacrosse Non-Case Exposes Some Unsavory Business
web posted January 29, 2007
GUEST COLUMN – A noted author once wrote that there is nothing more dangerous than an outraged mother protecting her brood. Some time back I watched CBS’ popular news magazine show “60 Minutes” (one of my favorite viewing areas in a bleak television landscape) and saw firsthand what the writer was talking about. The mothers of Duke lacrosse players Collin Finnerty, David Evans and Reade Seligman were being interviewed by CBS correspondent Leslie Stahl, and what these mothers had to say should send shivers up the spine of Durham, N.C., prosecutor Michael Nifong.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Maine revolts against digital U.S. ID card
web posted January 29, 2007
BOSTON (Reuters) - Maine lawmakers on Thursday became the first in the nation to demand repeal of a federal law tightening identification requirements for drivers' licenses, a post-September 11 security measure that states say will cost them billions of dollars to administer.
YaHoo! News

Key made from website image could change your vote
web posted January 29, 2007
A hacker, using a photograph of keys to a Diebold touch-screen voting system available on the company's website, successfully duplicated two that were capable of opening the electronic balloting device now used in many states for elections.
WolrdNetDaily.com

Revealed: how eBay sellers fix auctions
web posted January 29, 2007
CUSTOMERS of the internet auction site eBay are being defrauded by unscrupulous dealers who secretly bid up the price of items on sale to boost profits. An investigation by The Sunday Times has indicated that the practice of artificially driving up prices — known as shill bidding — is widespread across the site.
TimesOnline

Church thefts continue
web posted January 27, 2007
COUNTY – The rash of church thefts that began in Edgefield County has now spread across area counties including Aiken and Bamberg Counties in South Carolina and some similar crimes in Richmond County in Georgia. Since the crime spree began over twenty churches have been hit with at least $60,000 in damages left behind. The amount of copper stolen is estimated to have netted the culprit or culprits around $400 as scrap metal.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Wanted Johnston man arrested after tip
web posted January 27, 2007
COUNTY –Dewayne Langford, 30, of Johnston has been taken into custody Friday afternoon. Langford was initially taken into custody in Johnston after a drug raid conducted by Johnston Police, the Sheriff’s Office, and a drug task force from neighboring counties in late September. Langford, Aiken County officials later released, was in the process of helping authorities make additional busts when he escaped.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Tailgating Forbidden On Super Bowl Sunday
web posted January 27, 2007
(CBS4) MIAMI Die-hard football fans attending the Super Bowl game at Dolphin Stadium are getting a rude awakening after finding out that no tailgating of any type will be allowed within a one mile radius on game day.
Off The Wall

Fire blocks traffic on Highway 25 during morning commute
web posted January 26, 2007
TRENTON – Just after 6:30 Friday morning County Line Firefighters were called to a vehicle fire on Highway 25 at Mt. Canaan Church. Traffic on Highway 25 was brought to a standstill as firemen battled the blaze in freezing temperatures. By 7:20am the fire was out and deputies were trying to relieve the traffic back-up. A wrecker was called to remove the car, which was completely destroyed in the fire. The cause of the fire is unknown at this time. The driver of the car was taken by ambulance to Doctor's Hospital.

Covar Recognized for 15 years Service (Photo)
web posted January 26, 2007
JOHNSTON – The Edgefield County School District and the South Carolina School Boards Association are celebrating “School Board Recognition Month” in January 2007 to build awareness and understanding of the vital function a local board of education plays in our society.
EdgefieldDaily.com

A column by the Editor: How to end partisan politics
web posted January 26, 2007
COLUMN – I am sick of the partisan politics that is taking place in our Capitol. Most recently being the proposed resolution that will send a message to the world that the American people do not support winning the war in Iraq by not supporting the troop level increase. To the new majority in Congress, Allah thanks you. However, I am a problem solver, and I have a solution to end partisan politics once and for all. Do away with political parties.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Governor thanks Senators who voted for reform, calls for people to continue making voices heard
web posted January 26, 2007
COLUMBIA, SC – Governor Mark Sanford issued the following statement on the Senate's passage of a resolution to give voters the opportunity to decide whether to allow future governors to appoint the Comptroller General, while denying voters the right to vote on continuing that practice with five other offices:
EdgefieldDaily.com

School District releases Honor Rolls
web posted January 26, 2007
COUNTY – The Edgefield County School District released the Honor Rolls for area schools on Thursday. Below is a listing of each District School and their respective Honor Rolls for the Second Nine Weeks.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Congressman Ellison's support for terrorist not a concern
web posted January 26, 2007
WND's report that new Minnesota Congressman Keith Ellison, the first Muslim elected to Congress, once advocated the release of a woman charged with placing pipe bombs under police cars and who was a member of a terror group that allegedly attempted to assassinate Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., has generated a string of "no comments" from the parties, as well as a key congressional leader.
WorldNetDaily.com

Police seize car, cash, and drugs in drug bust (Photos)
web posted January 25, 2007
JOHNSTON – Wednesday afternoon Johnston Police took an alleged drug dealer off the streets as a result of ongoing investigations into drug activity in the town. Johnston Police Chief Chris Aston, working in conjunction with the Edgefield County Sheriff’s Narcotic’s Division, pulled over a white Ford Taurus that netted three arrests, a “substantial” amount of cocaine, marijuana, and over $800 in cash.
EdgefieldDaily.com

STH students caught with drugs at school
web posted January 25, 2007
JOHNSTON – Two 16-year-old Strom Thurmond High School students were found in possession of marijuana at school on Tuesday afternoon. Strom Thurmond Principal Greg Thompson called the Edgefield County Sheriff’s Office to the school and the two boys were transported to the Edgefield County Detention Center where they were later released to their respective parents.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Barrett comments on State of the Union Address
web posted January 25, 2007
WASHINGTON D.C. – Congressman J. Gresham Barrett (SC, 3) released the following statement in response to the State of the Union address delivered by President Bush. "President Bush is guiding our nation through one of the most challenging times in our history," said Barrett.  "First and foremost, we remain in the midst of a global war against a ruthless enemy who is hoping the resolve of the American people will falter.  While here at home we are facing crisis situations in our health care and social security systems, our dependence on foreign sources of energy is far too high, and our immigration system is overextended and ineffective."
EdgefieldDaily.com

Former County Councilman warned of possible charges for continued property damages
web posted January 25, 2007
MERRIWETHER – A Merriwether resident called the Sheriff’s Office to report a local sanitation truck repeatedly running off into the grass in his yard causing damage, and in turn beginning to erode the roadway, as he turns the garbage truck around during his route. The driver, and owner of Merriwether Sanitation, has been contacted about the matter three times by the homeowner a Sheriff’s Incident Report shows but, “it still continues” the man complained.
EdgefieldDaily.com

NCAA Won't Expand Confederate Flag Ban
web posted January 25, 2007
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- An NCAA committee decided Tuesday it will not expand its ban on postseason championships in South Carolina and Mississippi, where the Confederate flag is displayed on Statehouse grounds. The Minority Opportunities and Interests Committee said the NCAA should continue its moratorium on bringing predetermined events, such as NCAA basketball regionals, to the two states. The ban will not be expanded, however, to sites awarded on merit, such as baseball tournament regionals or football playoff games.
Breitbart.com
 
Jailer arrested for providing contraband to inmates (Photo)
 web posted January 24, 2007
EDGEFIELD – An Edgefield County Jailer has found himself on the other side of the bars on Tuesday morning. James H. Brooker, 26, of North Augusta turned himself in at the Detention Center for providing contraband to inmates. The arrest stems from a several week investigation by the Edgefield County Sheriff’s Office and SLED.
EdgefieldDaily.com

President Bush's State of the Union Address
web posted January 24, 2007
WASHINGTON D.C. – President George Bush: Mr. Speaker, Vice President Cheney, members of Congress, distinguished citizens and fellow citizens: Every year, by law and by custom, we meet here to consider the state of the union. This year, we gather in this chamber deeply aware of decisive days that lie ahead.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Registration opens for girl’s softball league
web posted January 24, 2007
COUNTY – The Edgefield County Girls Softball League is holding registrations the next two Saturday’s (January 27th and February 3rd) from 10am to 12 noon.  You can sign up at the Edgefield Baseball Complex, Bettis Park or Johnston National Guard.  Registration is open for girls 7 to 15 years old. Cost is $30 to play.  Registration forms can be found at www.edgefieldcounty.sc.gov if you would like to mail them in.  If you have any questions please call Nick Wates at 637-2621.

Truck stolen from Georgia dealer recovered (Photos)
web posted January 24, 2007
COUNTY LINE – Edgefield County Deputies were called to a possible stolen truck found parked at a business on the 1400 block of Highway 25 Tuesday morning. A check of the vehicle identification number showed the truck to be stolen from a car dealer in Thompson Ga. on December 27, 2006. The truck had been parked at the business by the suspects for a month with the owner’s permission, not knowing the vehicle was stolen. The trio of suspects are believed to be responsible for at least two other car thefts in the two-state area.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Sheriff offers advice, seeks citizen help in rash of church thefts
web posted January 24, 2007
COUNTY – The Edgefield County Sheriff’s Office issued a press release Tuesday on the recent thefts from area churches. – Local Churches in Edgefield County have been hit by thefts over the past week. The culprit or culprits are taking away the copper tubing that is found in commercial air conditioning units.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Letter to the Editor: Writer gives history of Confederate Battle Flag
web posted January 24, 2007
I read with horror the way people chose to defend the Confederate Battle Flag. It is not a time for name calling or profane words, that accomplishes nothing more than to promote the Hollywood stereotypes of the 'dumb southerner." It is an insult to the persons that fought in The War of Northern Aggression. I will try to present the facts concerning the Battle flag and why I don't see it as a racist symbol but one of heritage not hate.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Tom Cruise 'is Christ' of Scientology
web posted January 23, 2007
Tom Cruise is the new “Christ” of Scientology, according to leaders of the cult-like religion. The Mission: Impossible star has been told he has been “chosen” to spread the word of his faith throughout the world.
And leader David Miscavige believes that in future, Cruise, 44, will be worshipped like Jesus for his work to raise awareness of the religion.
Off The Wall

Miss Peach Blossom Beauty Pageant announced
web posted January 23, 2007
PSA – The Johnston Jaycees Peach Blossom Festival is now accepting applications for the Miss Peach Blossom Beauty Pageant that will be held Saturday, March 10, 2007, at the Johnston Elementary School Gym. The event is sponsored by the Little Stevens Creek Baptist Church World Changer’s Mission Team. The pageant will be in two divisions, the first at 10 am and the second at 3 pm, in ten age divisions.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Church thefts cross county lines
web posted January 23, 2007
COUNTY – Edgefield County churches escaped being targeted by the prolific church bandit this weekend after striking eight churches in less than a week in the county. Though that is good news for Edgefield County churchgoers, it was bad news for neighboring Aiken County in the Ridge Spring - Monetta area where four similar thefts were reported over the weekend.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Barrett Speaks out in Support of Life
web posted January 23, 2007
Washington, DC - Congressman J. Gresham Barrett (SC, 3) released the following statement in support of the March for Life taking place in Washington, DC today.  Every year the March for Life coincides with the anniversary of the Supreme Court decision in Roe v. Wade, January 22, 1973.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Shotgun, dirt bikes reported stolen
web posted January 23, 2007
TRENTON – A Trenton man reported a theft from his shop on the 2500 block of Edgefield Road (Highway 25) Sunday afternoon with two dirt bikes and a shotgun stolen from the location. The theft is believed to have taken place on the previous night.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Credit Card theft traced to London
web posted January 23, 2007
WESTSIDE – A Westside resident reported two cases of credit card fraud this weekend resulting in almost $2,000 in reported fraudulent charges being made to the account. The charges, made against the credit card, traced back to London, England. The woman told the Sheriff’s Office she believes the charges were a result of a recent online purchase.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Bettis Academy hit with two burglaries over weekend
web posted January 23, 2007
BETTIS ACADEMY – Two burglaries were reported over the weekend in the Bettis Academy area, the second coming Monday morning. The first took place on Saturday when an unknown individual broke into a home on the 1400 block of Bettis Academy Road and made off with over $1,000 in artwork. The second resulted in the entire home being practically destroyed.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Web Warning: 'Castro is dead' spam email infects computers
web posted January 23, 2007
 A spam e-mail with messages including "Fidel Castro dead" and "Saddam Hussein safe and sound" contains a virus which has infected thousands of computers, Spain's Association of Internauts has said. With speculation rife about the Cuban leader's health, the association said that a computer would be infected by the virus if the recipient opened the message.
Breitbart.com

More recipes added to Country Cooking
web posted January 22, 2007
Country Cooking

Traffic stop finds wanted man
web posted January 22, 2007
COUNTY LINE – An Edgefield Sheriff’s Deputy initiated a traffic stop on Highway 25 due to the driver failing to use a turn signal, the driver turned onto Square Circle Ranch Road to stop. The driver was informed why he was being stopped and issued a citation. It was then discovered that a passenger in the car, Reginald Allen Brown, 30, of Hayes Drive, was wanted in Aiken County.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Carl Langley
EdgefieldDaily.com Guest Columnist
One lucky dog (Photo)
web posted January 22, 2007
GUEST COLUMN - Lucky hobbled down the ramp leading up to his new home. With his tail wagging briskly, a dog’s universal sign of welcome, he was eager to greet the guests arriving for dinner. On this sunny, warm afternoon the big, friendly dog was well on his way to recovery from wounds that could have killed him.
EdgefieldDaily.com

NOTICE: State's Sovereignty taken - Feds grow in power, Governors lose control over state National Guard
web posted January 22, 2007
WASHINGTON DC - A little-noticed change in federal law packs an important change in who is in charge the next time a state is devastated by a disaster such as Hurricane Katrina. To the dismay of the nation’s governors, the White House now will be empowered to go over a governor’s head and call up National Guard troops to aid a state in time of natural disasters or other public emergencies. Up to now, governors were the sole commanders in chief of citizen soldiers in local Guard units during emergencies within the state.
StateLine.org

Shooter sentenced to write essay on why he's sorry
web posted January 22, 2007
An Orangevale youth who fatally shot a passing motorist with a hunting rifle had to write a 1,000 word essay on why he was sorry and will serve 30 days in juvenile hall.
Off The Wall

A Column by the Editor: Assess this...
web posted January 20, 2007
COLUMN – Like hundreds of other Edgefield County taxpayers I had my day with Edgefield County Tax Assessor Kesha Bryant to address the disparity in our assessment and subsequent tax bill on Thursday. After filing my county provided dispute form, with a meeting mandated within 30 days, I finally got my appointment some 47 days later. Assessor Bryant apologized saying a worker remembered seeing the form but it somehow got “misplaced”. Isn’t that special?
EdgefieldDaily.com

Number of churches hit by thefts climbs to eight
web posted January 19, 2007
COUNTY – Three more churches have been discovered to have their commercial air conditioning units dismantled and the copper tubing removed. This brings the total of churches hit across the county to eight since the thefts began last Saturday. One church was struck shortly after a deputy checked it during patrol. Deputies are checking all county churches during all shifts.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Barrett Votes against H.R. 6: Tax increase will be passed onto consumer
web posted January 19, 2007
Washington, DC - After voting to send H.R. 6, the CLEAN Energy Act of 2007 to committee so that it could be thoughtfully considered, Congressman Barrett (SC, 3) released the following statement voicing his opposition to the legislation.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Merriwether home burglarized
web posted January 19, 2007
MERRIWETHER – A burglary was discovered at a Merriwether home Wednesday afternoon. The home, located on the 30 block of Dupriest Circle, was entered through a back door by breaking out the glass. The crime occurred sometime over the last week.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Letter to the Editor: Athletic Director thanks Edgefield Medical Clinic
web posted January 19, 2007
Opinions

Edgefield County Schools will delay openings by 2 hours today
web posted January 18, 2007
COUNTY – Due to the threat of icy or snowy conditions being possible today all Edgefield County Schools will delay opening by two hours. The delay is for all staff and students until road conditions are expected to clear. Bridges and overpasses may be icy and drivers are advised to exercise extreme care. Accumulations of 1/4 inch or less are expected. Track the winter weather radar here.

Two additional churches suffer thefts Wednesday
Five churches hit: Damages top $20,000, “We really want to get them”
web posted January 18, 2007
JOHNSTON – The number of churches targeted by an unknown thief or thieves grew by two on Wednesday as a report of the Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church on Steeple Drive in Johnston being added as a victim. A church member reported one of the air conditioning units had been disassembled and all the copper tubing cut way leaving the unit useless. That was the fourth church reporting similar crimes since Saturday and by 8:40 pm Wednesday night deputies discovering another church struck increased the number to five.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Gov. Mark Sanford's State of the State Address
web posted January 18, 2007
COLUMBIA (SC) - Governor Mark Sanford delivered his State of the State Address to state legislators Wednesday night. Following is a transcript of the speech.
Gov. Sanford: Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentleman of the General Assembly, Constitutional Officers and my fellow South Carolinians: It’s an honor to be with you tonight to deliver my view of the State of our State, but before I do I would like to offer a few “Thank yous.”
EdgefieldDaily.com

Sheriff's Office still looking for wanted sex offender (Photo)
web reposted January 18, 2007 COUNTY – The Edgefield County Sheriff’s Office is looking for a wanted Registered Sex Offender, Gerald Rowland Parker, 43, with a last known address of 334 Moore Road has failed to register his new address. Chief Investigator Randy Doran said Thursday that a warrant for Mr. Parker’s arrest has been issued, “We just have to find him”. If a registered sex offender moves they must reregister their address within ten days. “We know he’s moved,” Doran said, “we just don’t know to where.”
EdgefieldDaily.com

Forged ID may bring INS to Edgefield County
web posted January 18, 2007
EDGEFIELD – The arrest of JoaQuin Juan Vidot-Rosado on Tuesday has resulted in at least one felony charge and may be bringing federal immigration officials to Edgefield County. As EdgefieldDaily.com reported on Tuesday Mr. Vidot-Rosado parked the minivan he was driving in the Magistrate Court parking lot to bail a friend out of jail at the nearby County Detention Center. In an attempt to avoid arrest for driving without a license police say he presented the officer with forged identification when he was stopped leaving the area.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Theft of purse leads to felony charge and assault with chicken bone
web posted January 18, 2007
EDGEFIELD – A theft of a purse in Edgefield on Friday has led to warrants being issued against an Edgefield man, one of them a felony warrant. Edgefield Police took the initial complaint Friday afternoon. According to the Edgefield woman she stopped at the Amoco on Main Street and while she was inside a man went inside her car and stole her purse. When she discovered the theft she went back to the store and reviewed the surveillance tapes and recognized the man.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Police seek to recover stolen van
web posted January 18, 2007
JOHNSTON – A grand theft of an auto was reported to the Edgefield County Sheriff’s Office Tuesday night. The owner of T’s Auto, located on the 700 block of McCreight Road, Johnston, reported the theft of a 1995 Plymouth Voyager van from his place of business around 10pm after hearing his dogs barking and going out to investigate.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Aiken Standard announces evening edition free online
web posted January 18, 2007
AIKEN – The Aiken Standard has released it is publishing an online evening edition that readers can access free of charge on the internet. The announcement came today and the publication has already begun.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Another church targeted by thieves
web posted January 17, 2007
WESTSIDE – The Edgefield County Sheriff’s Office was contacted on Tuesday of another church being the target of theft just before noon. Thieves have already struck two other churches over the weekend, the Old Piney Grove and Carrie Hill Baptist churches, leaving over $10,000 in damage. Tuesday investigators were working another similar case this time at the Red Oak Grove Baptist Church.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Baseball sign-up begins
web posted January 17, 2007
PSA - COUNTY – Edgefield Dixie Youth, Johnston Dixie Youth and Bettis/Merriwether Dixie Youth baseball will be holding registrations on Saturday January 20th, 27th and February 3rd from 10am to 12 noon at three locations.  Edgefield Dixie Youth is at the Baseball Complex in Edgefield.  Johnston Dixie Youth is at the National Guard Armory(Watson Park)  in Johnston and Bettis/Merriwether Dixie Youth is at Bettis Park.  The fee to play is 35 dollars and kids from 4 to 12 can sign up.  Also Girls Softball and Dixie Boys and Major Sign ups will be posted within the next couple of weeks.  If you have any questions please contact Nick Wates at 637-2621.

Johnston business burglarized
web posted January 17, 2007
JOHNSTON – A Johnston realty business was burglarized sometime Monday night and discovered Tuesday morning when the business opened. When the owner arrived just before 9am she discovered the back door to Crouch Realty, 416 Lee Street, had the back door kicked in and called police.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Three arrested in traffic stops on same road
web posted January 17, 2007
COUNTY LINE – Sometimes it pays to be in the right place at the right time. An Edgefield County Deputy Sheriff found that out Sunday evening on Hayes Drive, just off Highway 25. A deputy spotted a car driving with no tag light and initiated a traffic stop and discovered the driver, Octavio Ventura Garcia, 19 of Hayes Drive, did not have a driver’s license and placed him under arrest.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Man eludes police in foot chase
web posted January 17, 2007
JOHNSTON – A Johnston Police Officer on regular patrol spotted a suspicious car parked behind a Johnston convenience store on Lee Street around 10:20pm Sunday night. The officer, along with two Sheriff’s Deputies approached the man standing beside the car at the back of the building. The Johnston officer recognized the man and asked him to speak to them, but he began walking away. When the officer told him to stop so they could talk with him he turned and ran.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Biden (D- Con) Wants Confederate Flag Off SC Statehouse Grounds
web posted January 17, 2007
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- Democratic presidential hopeful Joseph Biden said Monday he thinks the Confederate flag should be kept off South Carolina's Statehouse grounds. The comments by the U.S. senator from Delaware on a day of events celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy came as a potential Democratic presidential candidate, Sen. Barack Obama, evoked the memory of the slain civil rights leader.
Breitbart.com

S.C. Woman Rescued in New Mexico Forest
web posted January 17, 2007
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- A faint sound made Albert and Peter Kottke stop and look around as they hiked out of the Gila Wilderness at the end of backpacking trip. A figure moved on the other side of the Gila River. As it drew closer, the two university students saw a woman, hunched over and moving slowly.
Newsday.com

Cell phone ignites in man's pocket
web posted January 17, 2007
A Vallejo man was severely burned after an apparent cell phone malfunction ignited his pants pocket and touched off a fire in his hotel room. Luis Picaso, 59, suffered second- and third-degree burns over 50 percent of his body and is in critical condition at UC-Davis Medical Center.
Off The Wall

Edgefield Police solve burglary in short fashion
web posted January 16, 2007
EDGEFIELD – Edgefield Police responded to, and quickly solved, a first-degree burglary that occurred on the 90 block of Dogwood Lane. Just before midnight Sunday night the daughter of the home heard a noise in the bathroom of her mother’s bedroom. When one of the sisters went to investigate she opened the bathroom door a man was standing inside and he slammed the door and locked it. The young women heard glass breaking and called 911.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Vandals responsible for over $5,000 in damages at various Edgefield locations
web posted January 16, 2007
EDGEFIELD – Edgefield Police were busy Friday morning on at least five cases of vandalism which may be related. Windows at Parker Elementary School and several windows of vehicles were reported broken out with more than $5,000 in damages left as a result. The first call was to W. E. Parker Elementary School when custodians reported for work just before 7am and found windows broken and a computer laptop damaged by part of a brick used in breaking some of the windows.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Please have a driver's license when driving to bail your friend out of jail (Photos)
web posted January 16, 2007
EDGEFIELD – An off-duty Sheriff’s Deputy spotted a man he knew did not have a driver’s license driving up to the Edgefield County Magistrate Court Building. It seems the man was a passenger in a previous stop the day before when the driver in that case was arrested for DUI. The deputy notified Edgefield Police of the man’s whereabouts and that he did not have a driver’s license. The man apparently was coming to the Edgefield County Detention Center to bail his friend out of jail.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Letter to the Editor: Professor counters columnist's claims
web posted January 16, 2007
I am writing in response to Mr. Langley’s condemnation of university professors on January 2nd. There are several points which concern me, the main point being the way in which he generalized the behavior of a few professors to the behavior of all in the “rabble of academia” who spout a “counsel of hate”. Such generalizations, where the behavior or look of a few individuals becomes a representation for an entire group, serve no useful purpose for analysis.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Edgefield County Youth Soccer sign-ups announced
web posted January 15, 2007
PSA - Registration for the Spring league of the Edgefield County Youth Soccer Association will be on Saturdays, January 20th and January 27th from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the soccer complex in Edgefield. Registration forms will be sent home from school or call 637-2621 for more information. Please bring old cleats, shin guards, balls and shorts that your child has outgrown for our donation and swap program.

Closings for Monday
web posted January 15, 2007
PSA – All Edgefield County schools, County Government Offices, Johnston Town Hall, Trenton Town Hall, and the US Post Office will be closed Monday for observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Local churches targeted for thefts
web posted January 15, 2007
COUNTY – Edgefield County Sheriff’s Investigators and Deputies were busy Saturday investigating at least two thefts at area churches. Chief Investigator Randy Doran said Saturday evening that an unknown person or persons went to the churches and broke into the air conditioning units and cut away all the copper tubing.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Barrett Questions Secretary Rice; Seeks clarification on the new Iraq strategy
web posted January 15, 2007
WASHINTON, D.C. - A member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Congressman Gresham Barrett (R-SC, 03) was given the opportunity to address Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice during her Committee briefing Thursday, January 11, 2007. The Secretary appeared before the committee to discuss the changes in strategy to win the war in Iraq outlined by President Bush in his address to the nation Wednesday evening.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Strom Thurmond Career Center Welders Offer Unique Designs (Photo)
web posted January 15, 2007
JOHNSTON - Students from Strom Thurmond Career Center’s Welding Program are starting to prepare for spring by making custom designed trellis. Shown in the photo are the Carolina, Clemson and the South Carolina Palmetto trellis. Other designs are the hummingbird and flower, pineapple and trotting horse. Custom designs can be made with a pattern.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Woman dies of water intoxication after radio stunt
web posted January 15, 2007
A 28-year-old woman has died of water intoxication after taking part in a Californian radio station's water drinking contest. She was in the "Hold Your Wee for a Wii" competition trying to win a Nintendo Wii video game system.
Off The Wall

Attorney says agents made up assault case evidence
web posted January 15, 2007
CAMP PENDLETON ---- A hearing for a Marine officer accused of assaulting an Iraqi was halted Friday after a defense attorney alleged that Naval Criminal Investigative Service agents fabricated portions of statements that led to the charges against the lieutenant.
NCTimes.com

Barrett votes "to protect seniors' healthcare choices"
web posted January 13, 2007
Washington, DC - To protect the choice seniors currently have in their healthcare and prescription drug coverage from government intervention, Congressman Gresham Barrett (SC, 3) vote against H.R. 4, Medicare Prescription Drug Price Negotiation Act of 2007.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Clarification
web posted January 13, 2007
COUNTY – EdgefieldDaily.com would like to elaborate on a story published on Friday. An unknown man using a false name, fake driver’s license, and forged checks is wanted for several forgery cases across the county. The name he chose to conduct his criminal activity under has been confused with a Trenton man with a similar name.
EdgefieldDaily.com
 
Edgefield Police also investigating prolific check forgery suspect (Photo)
web posted January 12, 2007
EDGEFIELD – Edgefield Police are now working on a case that Johnston Police and the Edgefield County Sheriff’s Office is working, forged checks. The man is using a fake driver’s license using the name of Mike Cook and an address in Trenton. However, the license number comes back to a woman in Charleston and there is no such address as listed on the driver’s license in Trenton. The man cashed the most recent check at an Edgefield grocery store.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Edgefield man to receive Here's Your Card recognition
web posted January 12, 2007
EDGEFIELD – One thing is for certain, if you want to go to jail you will be obliged. EdgefieldDaily.com has awarded another Here’s Your Card due to a story out of Edgefield this past weekend. The setting; 3am on the 500 block of Brooks Street and an Edgefield Police Officer called to a disturbance. When he arrives he finds an 18 year-old woman sitting with two small children in her car at the home. The man causing the disturbance was in inside the home and she just wanted him to leave.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Governor Sanford's 2007 Inaugural Address
web posted January 12, 2007
COLUMBIA – Thank you for that warm welcome. Thank you as well to all the people of South Carolina for the honor of serving our state for the next four years. While on the subject of thank yous: I want to thank my Maker.  I believe that God brought all of us to this moment. I am humbled in simply being here, and I'm humbled in how important the task of bringing change to our state is for every one of us.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Kids kicked off bus for speaking English
web posted January 12, 2007
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - A school bus driver let Rachel Armstrong's three children board the bus Monday morning, but he warned them that he wouldn't give them a ride home that afternoon, nor could they ever ride his route again. The problem: Armstrong's 10-year-old twin girls and 8-year-old son speak English. According to their mother, the driver told them the route had been designated for non-English speakers only.
Off The Wall

Johnston Police solve burglary, four teens charged
web posted January 11, 2007
JOHNSTON – Johnston Police Chief Chris Aston released the names of four individuals arrested Tuesday on charges of burglary in the second degree and grand larceny over $1,000 that stems from an investigation of a burglary on January 4. The burglary took place at Executive Care Care located at 318 Lee Street. Among the four are three 17 year-olds and a 15 year-old juvenile.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Relay for Life to host "Kick Off" next week
web posted January 11, 2007
COUNTY – The 5th Annual American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life of Edgefield County will hold its Kick Off for the 2007 Relay on January 19, 2007 at 6:30 PM. The event will be held at the Edgefield Town Gym on Church Street. The “Kick Off” is for open to anyone who is interested in helping, supporting or just learning about Relay for Life. “We will have entertainment, refreshments and door prizes. The event staff will be on hand to answer questions and provide the information needed for those interested in forming a Team for the Relay for Life event,” Lynn Rearden said in a prepared statement.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Fire damages Sweetwater home (Photos)
web posted January 11, 2007
SWEETWATER – The County Line, Merriwether, and Belvedere Fire Departments were called to house fire on the 100 block of Pin Oak Drive Wednesday afternoon just before 3pm. The homeowner was working on a car in the back y