Bomb scare fears escalate after bomb dog “alerts” to possible threat (Photos)
web posted January 31, 2008
EDGEFIELD – Early Wednesday morning an unknown male called W. E. Parker Elementary School asking to speak to Principle Gaye Holmes by name. When the caller was told she was unavailable due to overseeing the children arriving at school the caller stated there was, “a bomb in the school, get the kids out,” Edgefield Police Chief Ronnie Carter said. The school was evacuated and students were sent to the Edgefield Gym on Church Street.
EdgefieldDaily.com

"Mud Boggers" could face hefty fines for damage to county roads
web posted January 31, 2008
COUNTY – With Edgefield County being largely a rural county some people take advantage of wet road conditions to try out the power of their four-wheel drive trucks by repeatedly traveling up and down some area dirt roads leaving serious damage in their wake. However, with the county trying to tighten road maintenance costs to dirt roads, those doing the damage may end up facing hefty bills for their extracurricular activities. County Administrator John Pettigrew said the county is looking into charging those responsible for the repairs.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Rekindled fire destroys remaining structure (Photos)
web posted January 31, 2008
MERRIWETHER – A fire at a home on Royal Place Tuesday night brought Merriwether and County Line Firefighters back to the scene on Wednesday morning when flames returned just before 8 am. The Tuesday night fire left the unoccupied home, that had no power connected, severely damaged when firefighters left the scene after hours of watering down the remains largely left intact. When the first units arrived Wednesday the flames were rolling out of the remaining structure.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Deputy forced to shoot pit bull during vandalism call
web posted January 31, 2008
COUNTY LINE – An Edgefield County Deputy responding to a call of vandalism ended with the shooting of a pit bull and two other unidentified breeds of dogs fleeing the scene. The Monday afternoon call to a home on Casalina Drive, just off Highway 25 south, was a routine call. The deputy arrived and spoke to the woman who reported her 2001 Mitsubishi Mirage had been vandalized. The deputy reported finding two flat tires on the car as well as scratches and “pry marks” on the car. Then the unexpected happened.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Saluda deputy questioned about drug purchases
web posted January 31, 2008
NINETY SIX – A Saluda County Sheriff’s Office deputy has been questioned about the purchasing of large amounts of Ephedrine/Sudafed according to a report by the Index Journal.com. The report states that according to a Ninety Six Police Department report, Sgt. Michael D. Franklin was patrolling near the Shell station in the town on Sunday evening when he was flagged down by the state’s district manager. The manager said Marty Cecil Fulmer, an off-duty deputy who was driving his squad car, had purchased more than 144 pills since Jan. 9.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Gov. praises passage of illegal immigration bills for South Carolina
web posted January 31, 2008
COLUMBIA – Governor Mark Sanford said Wednesday that the passage of the S.392 and H.4400, matching bills aimed at addressing illegal immigration in our state, was fitting to his desire to curb the influx of illegal immigration into the state.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Death Takes a Cowardly Killer from the World
By: Carl Langley
web posted January 31, 2008
GUEST COLUMN – The average American, burdened by ignorance on matters of historical significance, will not notice the death of a man a couple of days ago whose passage through life meant the deaths of thousands of innocent men, women and children. George Habash, the founder of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, was 82 at the time of his death from pneumonia in a Jordan hospital, which was 82 years more than this rat deserved to live.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Found dog:
web posted January 31, 2008
PSA – This dog was found on Sweetwater near Horn’s Creek – very sweet loving dog, likes to ride in the car!  Male Rott Mix about 8 months old. Please contact 803-637-5304, 803-275-7787, or 803-637-5391 to claim him. He is very friendly. Call to identify.

Off The Wall: Noah’s Ark for world’s seeds
web posted January 31, 2008
It's been called the Noah's Ark for plants and the planet's insurance policy. Now, after years of planning and construction the Svalbard Global Seed Vault will shortly open its armored doors on the remote Norwegian island of Spitsbergen.
Off The Wall

W.E. Parker students transported to Edgefield Gym after threat
web posted January 30, 2008
EDGEFIELD – W.E. Parker students were in the process of being transported to the Edgefield Gym on Church Street around 8 am Wednesday after an alleged threat was phoned into the school. Edgefield Police, Sheriff's Deputies, and the Edgefield Fire Department are on the scene. Parents may pick up their children at the Edgefield Gym if they so desire, however; classes will resume once the buildings have been cleared. School Officials are on hand and must be informed before picking up any student. A dog team from Aiken County Sheriff's Office is on the scene to clear the school buildings. All traffic on Crest Road is being blocked at this time.
Developing

Fire destroys Murphy Village home (Photos)
web posted January 30, 2008
MERRIWETHER – A wind driven fire gutted a Murphy Village home Tuesday night that brought both Merriwether and County Line Departments to the scene. When the first units arrived the home was fully engulfed in flames and a brush fire that was touched off began creeping to nearby homes.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Aiken Police seek armed robber (Photo)
web posted January 30, 2008
AIKEN – The Aiken Department of Public Safety is looking to identify a man they believe is responsible for an armed robbery of an Aiken woman in front of her home in the Gatewood neighborhood last Thursday. The suspect followed the woman home from her job on Laurens Street before forcing her to the ground at gunpoint and stealing her money.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Chamber of Commerce announces "Peachiest of Edgefield County"
web posted January 30, 2008
EDGEFIELD – The Edgefield County Chamber of Commerce held its annual “Taste” of Edgefield County Smorgasbord on Friday evening at the National Wild Turkey Federation headquarters in Edgefield, highlighted by the handing out of the first-ever “Peachiest of Edgefield County” accolades.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Edgefield Hospital Is Growing
web posted January 30, 2008
ADVERTISEMENT
EDGEFIELD – The Edgefield County Hospital proudly welcomes Dr. Prakash N. Maniam to the staff and he will begin seeing patients at the Specialty Doctor’s Office in Edgefield this February. Dr. Maniam is a Board Certified Urologist who has practiced in the CSRA since March 2005. Prior to working in Aiken, he practiced in Troy, New York.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Northrop selected as semifinalist for Coca-Cola Scholars Program (Photo)
web posted January 30, 2008
JOHNSTON – Parker Northrop, a student at Strom Thurmond High school has been selected as a semifinalist in the 20th anniversary class of the Coca-Cola Scholars Program. The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation, a joint effort of Coca-Cola Bottlers across America and The Coca-Cola Company, is one of the largest corporate sponsored, achievement-based scholarship programs of its kind in the United States.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Letter to the Editor
Open Letter from Edgefield Mayor; Seeks input on redesign of Town Square
web posted January 30, 2008
Dear Residents,
Thank you so much for supporting our town during this past holiday season.  Thanks to the hard work of many, it was a huge success! I would like to remind you of several upcoming events that you will not want to miss.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Gov. Sanford Praises Passage of Small Business Healthcare Bill
web posted January 30, 2008
COLUMBIA – Gov. Mark Sanford issued the following statement on the S.C. House's passage of S.588 on Tuesday, a reform the governor called for in his State of the State address aimed at making it easier for small businesses to offer health insurance to their employees.
EdgefieldDaily.com

It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s a… UFO?
web posted January 29, 2008
MERRIWETHER – A strange light was reported in the skies around Merriwether this weekend. Several people saw a suspicious light in the eastern sky at about 30° above the horizon around 7 pm Sunday. Though that sighting was just a single bright white light that zigzagged around as it intensified and diminished in brightness, it was nothing compared to what one Merriwether woman reported to the Edgefield County Sheriff’s Office on Monday morning.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Animal cruelty case investigated
web posted January 29, 2008
JOHNSTON – The Edgefield County Sheriff’s Animal Control is investigating an animal cruelty case in Johnston that left a female pit bull and all of her puppies dead. Two male dogs in the yard, a police report stated, “are in bad shape.”
EdgefieldDaily.com

The Information Connection Booth at Educational Summit: A Great Resource
web posted January 29, 2008
JOHNSTON – The Second Annual Edgefield County School District’s Education Summit is just a little over a week away. The event scheduled for February 9, 2008 from 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 at Johnston-Edgefield-Trenton Middle School is free to all parents and the public.
EdgefieldDaily.com

More firearms stolen across county
web posted January 29, 2008
COUNTY – More firearms were reported stolen over the weekend across the county bringing the total to five in the past week and a total of six recently. The most recent theft was reported on Friday when a Fox Creek Drive resident in Merriwether told deputies he discovered two guns missing from his garage.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Here's Your Card: Tasers work, resisting arrest does not
web posted January 29, 2008
JOHNSTON – A Johnston man learned the hard way that the Johnston Police have tasers and know how to use them. Just after midnight Saturday, Johnston Police were called to a disturbance at John’s Club. Officers arrived and found the man standing outside the club yelling and cursing at the owner. The owner told police the man was causing problems and she wanted him removed from the premises.
EdgefieldDaily.com

County Soccer registration adds additional sign-up this Saturday
web posted January 29, 2008
EDGEFIELD – Registration for the County Spring Soccer Program has added another sign-up weekend due to the bad weather of Saturday January 19. Sign-ups will be taken on Saturday, February 2, from 10 am – 1 pm at the Edgefield Soccer Complex. The season begins on March 10. A registration form is available for download.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Gov. Sanford Calls for Passage of 'First 30 Days' Agenda
web posted January 29, 2008
COLUMBIA – Gov. Mark Sanford visited four cities across the state Monday to call for passage within the first 30 days of the legislative session of three key reforms - a bill making it easier for small businesses to provide healthcare to their employees, a bill to strengthen our state's DUI laws, and a bill aimed at curbing illegal immigration in South Carolina.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Double-dog dare doesn't work out for 2 kids
web posted January 29, 2008
CHESTERTON - Single-digit temperatures brought a scene right out of the movie "A Christmas Story" to two students at Jackson Elementary School on Friday morning. The two fourth-grade boys, who served flag duty to raise and lower the flag for the school, stuck their tongues to the flagpole and spent the rest of the day in pain and embarrassment.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Aiken man dies in violent single car crash, second death in Aiken County in 2008
web posted January 28, 2008
AIKEN – An Aiken County man became the second fatality in Aiken County for 2008 Sunday after a violent single car crash on Roslyn Circle. According to Aiken County Coroner Tim Carlton, 57-year-old Larry Bruce Bowman of Aiken was pronounced dead on arrival at the Aiken Regional Medical Center at approximately 3:15 pm Sunday.
EdgefieldDaily.com

JET students awarded "Best Project Management Plan" in “Future City” Competition
web posted January 28, 2008
JOHNSTON – A team of seventh grade students at JET Middle School competed in the Future City Competition that was held Saturday at USC-Aiken with a city they built, first on computer, and then in scale. The students were awarded "Best Project Management Plan". Congratulations for a job well done.

Merriwether Elementary School Honor Rolls
web posted January 28, 2008
MERRIWETHER – Merriwether Elementary School has released the Honor Rolls for the second nine weeks. Each grade is listed individually. EdgefieldDaily.com congratulates all students for their achievements.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Public Invited to Attend Annual Pancake Supper
web posted January 28, 2008
PSA - EDGEFIELD – The Episcopal Church of the Ridge will be hosting the Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper on February 5th from 6:00 - 7:30 pm at the Trinity Episcopal Church Parish Hall in Edgefield. Admission is $3.00 per person and "carry-out" plates will be available.Mardi Gras (French for "Fat Tuesday") is the day before Ash Wednesday, and is also called "Shrove Tuesday" or "Pancake Day". It is the final day of Carnival and marks the beginning of fasting during the Christian liturgical season of Lent. People cooked pancakes to use up supplies of fat, butter and eggs which were forbidden during Lent.

Rebels pick up two wins, Lady Rebels fall
web posted January 28, 2008
JOHNSTON – The Strom Thurmond High boys' basketball team picked up victories in one region and one non-region contest this week. The Rebels improved to 10-9 overall and 5-1 in Region 4-AAA with a 55-49 win over the Chapin Eagles on Friday.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Lady Patriots remain undefeated, Patriots split games
web posted January 28, 2008
The Wardlaw Academy girls remained unbeaten while the varsity boys came away with a split of their basketball games this week. Friday, Wardlaw edged Newberry Academy 38-35 in overtime, but the Newberry Academy boys rebounded to take the nightcap 41-31.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Obama takes landslide win in Edgefield County
web posted January 26, 2008
COUNTY – Barack Obama took Edgefield County in landslide fashion in Saturday's Democrat Primary with a resounding 65.3% of the total votes cast. Hillary Clinton finished a distant second with 25.83% with John Edwards placing third with 8.32%. In all a total of 2,919 votes were cast. No problems were reported Election Officials said. The precinct breakdown and totals are listed below.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Federal Prison guard arrested; held on $20,000 in bonds (Photo)
web posted January 26, 2008
EDGEFIELD – An Edgefield Federal Prison guard has been arrested and is being held on $20,000 in surety bonds for four counts of threatening public officials. William A. Copeland was arrested Friday morning in Aiken after he made contact with the Federal Prison on Gary Hill Road in Edgefield. Aiken Police were notified of the phone call by the Edgefield Police Department and Copeland was taken into custody without incident a short time later at his home, Edgefield Police Chief Ronnie Carter said.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Two-hour "gas war" sees prices fall to $2.29 a gallon in Merriwether Friday afternoon
web posted January 26, 2008
MERRIWETHER – Merriwether residents began swarming to Sportsman’s Corner at the intersection of West Martintown Road and Woodlawn Road Friday afternoon as news spread of a “gas war” of sorts began and the store offered regular gas for $2.29 a gallon Friday afternoon. “It’s sort of a giving back to the community,” manager Kyle Kenrick said.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Flim-flam artist now in SC custody: will face charges in Edgefield County
web posted January 26, 2008
AIKEN – A suspected serial flim-flam artist that is allegedly responsible for countless swindles across Edgefield County has now been taken into custody by Aiken County authorities and will lead to him facing charges in the towns of Johnston and Edgefield and Edgefield County as well as Saluda County. Tyrone Eugene Reid, 40, of Augusta, Georgia, was taken into custody by Richmond County Deputies in mid December but due to the many charges in South Carolina being misdemeanors it seamed unlikely that he would ever be extradited across state lines. That has changed.
EdgefieldDaily.com

God’s Little Angels Preschool opens registration
web posted January 26, 2008
PSA - EDGEFIELD – God’s Little Angels Preschool at Edgefield’s Field Baptist Church will begin registration for Parents Day Out, 2K, 3K, and 4K for the upcoming 2008/2009 school year.  Church members register February 1st and 4th -6th, currently enrolled non-church members register February 7th and 8th, and registration is open to the public, Saturday, February 9th from 9am-11am. Classes fill up quickly so register early. For more information call the church at 637-6139

Edgefield Police seek arrest of Federal Prison guard (Photo)
web posted January 25, 2008
EDGEFIELD – The Edgefield Police Department is seeking to take a Federal Prison guard into custody but they are not having any luck locating the man. William Arthur Copeland, 39, of Pebble Lane, Aiken, has four warrants for his arrest for allegedly threatening several public officials at the Federal Prison on Gary Hill Road in Edgefield. Edgefield Police Chief Ronnie Carter said they are hoping Mr. Copeland will turn himself in to authorities.
EdgefieldDaily.com

JET students build “Future City” (Photos)
web posted January 25, 2008
JOHNSTON – A team of seventh grade students at JET Middle School are set to compete in the Future City Competition that will be held Saturday at USC-Aiken with a city they built, first on computer, and now in scale. “It has been amazing to watch the progress of these students.  I have been so proud of each one,” 7th grade Math teacher Debbie Courtney said. The city was built on the computer using the SimCity program is now in the year 2770 and has been replicated in scale by the students.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Community Road home destroyed in afternoon fire (Photos)
web posted January 25, 2008
COUNTY LINE – A Community Road man is left without a home after an apparent electrical fire gutted the small home Thursday afternoon. The man, who was next door when the fire started, said the flames started in the front room. Firefighters found several small electric heaters in the room. County Line and Merriwether Fire Departments responded to the 2 pm call and the home was fully engulfed in flames when the first fire trucks arrived on the scene.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Local Merchants, Artists, Businesses Pitch in For All God’s Creatures Big Event
web posted January 25, 2008
EDGEFIELD – The business and arts community want to help make the upcoming All God’s Creatures fundraising event become even more successful.  They hope their donations for both silent and live auctions will add to the special pro-bono appearance by Jack Hanna.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Belvedere Little League Baseball sign ups now underway
web posted January 25, 2008
PSA – The Belvedere Little League Baseball is having sign ups for youths interesting in playing this year. The dates for sign up are listed below and will take place at the ballpark on Rita Avenue, just off Highway 25, in Belvedere.
EdgefieldDaily.com

County Councilman said to cut power to mother of three during winter weather advisories over $30 dispute
web posted January 24, 2008
BETTIS ACADEMY – A single mother of three said Edgefield County Councilman Willie Bright turned off her power last Saturday night as temperatures plunged below freezing bringing the Edgefield County Sheriff’s Deputies and an Investigator to the scene. In the end Councilman Bright’s actions, she claimed, forced her and her three small children out of the home they have been in only three and a half weeks.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Democrats set to vote on Saturday; All eyes on SC again this week
web posted January 24, 2008
EDGEFIELD – All eyes will be on South Carolina again this week with the Democrat Primary this coming Saturday. Elections Director Trish Butler said the elections office has not received phone calls about the Democrat Primary that her office received last week leading up to the Republican Primary. “We haven't received any calls about the primary this week,” Butler said, “before the primary last week we got a lot of calls about where to vote and asking if all precincts were going to be open.” Mrs. Butler said that every voting precinct would be open from 7 am until 7 pm Saturday.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Off The Wall: Sister of dead teen says she takes comfort in knowing brother was drinking, going fast, and being together with friends
web posted January 24, 2008
Lorie Flaherty, the sister of one of victims, told the Camera, "The thing that really makes me feel much better about this is they died doing what they loved to do -- they were drinking, they were going fast and they were together."
Off The Wall

ESPN shelves host for 'F--- Jesus' rant
web posted January 24, 2008
ESPN has issued a one-week suspension to anchorwoman Dana Jacobson for a profane rant at a celebrity roast in which she said, "F--- Jesus," according to sources.
WND.com

Local thefts now include electricity
web posted January 23, 2008
MERRIWETHER – Everybody hates getting high electric bills and one Cheves Creek resident found a way around it, temporarily. Workers with Aiken Electric Co-operative met with a Sheriff’s Deputy at the Merriwether Fire Station on Sweetwater Road Saturday after discovering a home that was not supposed to have power hooked into the power grid.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Dixie Youth Baseball sign-up forms now available for download
web posted January 23, 2008
COUNTY – Dixie Youth Baseball is getting ready to start the 2008 season and is offering several sign up locations. All youths between ages 4 and 14 are asked to register in order to participate. Sign up forms are now provided for download.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Education Summit Gives Parents a View of Key Topics
web posted January 23, 2008
JOHNSTON – February 9th, 2008 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 will be the opportune time for parents of students in the Edgefield County School District to find themselves “back in the classroom” for a learning opportunity of their own. The Summit will be a family fair adventure and has been designed to give parents valuable information to help their child in the learning process and will be held at the Johnston Edgefield Trenton Middle School.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Guns stolen from home, vehicles
web posted January 23, 2008
COUNTY – At least three guns have been stolen recently with two of them stolen from automobiles. The most recent theft occurred last Friday when a County Line resident reported the theft of a 20-gauge shotgun from his truck on the 1500 block of Highway 25 south. The Sheriff’s Office is investigating the thefts, two of which involve handguns.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Parent Conference Meetings Thursday and Friday
web posted January 23, 2008
COUNTY – The Edgefield County School District has announced January 24 and 25, 2008 as Parent Conference Meeting Days for all Edgefield County Schools.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Governor Praises Committee for Passage of Bill Aimed At Improving Small Businesses' Access to Healthcare
web posted January 23, 2008
COLUMBIA – Gov. Mark Sanford praised the House Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee’s passage of Bill S.588, a reform the governor called for in his State of the State address. The bill’s aim is to make it easier for small businesses to join together to make healthcare more affordable.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Northrop obtains BSA Eagle Scout rank (Photo)
web posted January 22, 2008
EDGEFIELD – Parker Northrop was recognized for obtaining the rank of Eagle in the Boy Scouts of America on Sunday, January 20, 2008. Parker, a member of Troop 30 in Edgefield, served as Senior Patrol Leader for over two years and remodeled the Country Store of Trenton used in the Annual Peach Festival for his Eagle Project.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Edgefield County Chamber of Commerce to announce "Peachiest of Edgefield County" at annual banquet
web posted January 22, 2008
PSA  – The Edgefield County Chamber of Commerce is again presenting our Annual Banquet,  “A Taste of Edgefield County” Smorgasbord.  We are again asking the membership to bring a dish, according to your name, to showcase your talents.  A one tray dish is all we ask.  The event will be at the National Wild Turkey Federation, January 25th, 2008, beginning at 7:00 PM.
EdgefieldDaily.com

"Edgefield County Alliance" organizational meeting to be held February 4
web posted January 22, 2008
COUNTY – There will be an organizational meeting on Monday morning, February 4, 2008, at 7:30 a.m. at Pine Ridge Country Club for a new organization to be known as the “Edgefield County Alliance.”  Breakfast will be served, compliments of the Town of Edgefield.
EdgefieldDaily.com

An open letter from State Sen. Massey: "Our Work Begins in Columbia"
web posted January 22, 2008
Many of you have asked me what the first week or two has been like for a newly minted South Carolina Senator. In the Senate, there’s no question that things move swiftly, and you have to be able to juggle a lot of information, pay close attention to what’s going on, and give careful consideration to every bill.  It’s a challenge, to be sure, but it’s a challenge that I am enjoying – mainly because I can represent you.
EdgefieldDaily.com

48,589,993 dead: 35th Anniversary of Roe vs. Wade
web posted January 22, 2008
COLUMN – With the South Carolina Democrat Primary coming this Saturday, Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, and John Edwards are rushing to promise the gifts they are going to bring voters, via taxpayers’ money, if elected and clamoring for the “redeployment” of our troops from Iraq. The 3,850 named deaths are far too many they say. Yet they shun discussion of the killing of almost 50,000,000 Americans since 1973. Today marks the 35th Anniversary of the Supreme Court ruling on Roe vs. Wade, opening the doors to the mass extinction of America’s most innocent, our children.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Off The Wall: Not dead yet, Chilean man wakes up at his own wake
web posted January 22, 2008
An 81-year old man in the small Chilean village of Angol shocked his grieving relatives by waking up in his coffin at his own wake, local media said on Sunday.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Country Cooking Section grows to almost 600 local favorites listed online
web reposted January 21, 2008
WEBNEWS – The EdgefieldDaily.com Country Cooking Section continues to grow with almost 600 local recipes offered for your cooking pleasure. Find that special dish or send in yours to share with other readers.
EdgefieldDaily.com

EdgefieldDaily.com announces New Online Business Directory 
web reposted January 21, 2008
WEBNEWS – EdgefieldDaily.com is pleased to announce the only Online Business Directory available for Edgefield County that will be launching on February 4, 2008. Need your car repaired, looking for a local florist, or perhaps wanting to add on to your home? EdgefieldDaily.com Business Directory makes it all available with a click of your mouse. It is also the most inexpensive way to have your business advertised in Edgefield County and have it available to readers 24-hours a day, 7 days a week on the county’s #1 source for local daily news.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Pressure washers top stolen items in Merriwether recently
web posted January 21, 2008
COUNTY – A thief or thieves have made pressure washers an item of choice with several being stolen this month. The most recent occurred on Sunday from a home on Big Branch Road in the Merriwether Community.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Here’s Your Card Seño; No habla “Dead End”?
web posted January 21, 2008
MERRIWETHER – Three Hispanic males, all providing the same Charlotte, N.C. address, were spotted loading sand onto a trailer in the Whispering Woods subdivision last week by the owner of the property. When the owner approached the three men and asked whom they worked for they just got into their truck and drove away with the sand.
EdgefieldDaily.com

McCain a "front-runner" with 67% of SC Republicans voting against him?
web posted January 21, 2008
OPINION – The national media is pandering to Sen. John McCain’s razor thin victory in South Carolina and calling him the “front-runner” and lamenting all others should give up. The reality of the narrow victory was just three percentage points over Mike Huckabee and showed that almost 67% of Republicans chose anyone but McCain as a more qualified leader. That is not much to crow about and certainly does not cement McCain as a “front-runner” by any means.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Dixie Youth Baseball sign-ups begin Feb. 2
web posted January 21, 2008
JOHNSTON – Dixie Youth Baseball is getting ready to start the 2008 season and is offering several sign up locations. All youths between ages 4 and 14 are asked to register in order to participate. Sign up forms were not provided for download.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Sports:
Rebels, Lady Rebels move to 4-1 and 4-2 in Region Play
web posted January 21, 2008
SPORTS – The Strom Thurmond High boys' basketball team remained in the hunt for a Region 4-AAA championship by picking up a pair of road wins this week. The Rebels began by edging Swansea 64-61 on Tuesday and closed the week with a convincing 65-44 victory at rival Midland Valley on Friday.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Patriots attack with big wins against Long Cane
web posted January 21, 2008
SPORTS – The Wardlaw Academy basketball teams continued their respective successful seasons with road wins at Long Cane on Friday night. The Lady Patriots posted a commanding win with a 48-21 final score while the varsity boys rolled to a 46-34 victory. The Lady Patriots took control early in the contest going up 11-2 at the end of the first quarter and built a 27-6 lead by the end of the first half.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Huckabee takes first in Edgefield County followed by McCain, Thompson 
web posted January 19, 2008
COUNTY – Edgefield County Election Commissioner David Satcher said Edgefield County's Republican Primary was "a good clean vote" with only one fail-safe vote recorded. "That's really good". Satcher complimented Director Trish Butler for her outstanding work in running local elections. "She does a great job," Satcher said. All results shown are unofficial.
EdgefieldDaily.com

VOTE: Republican Primary Today 7 am - 7 pm
web posted January 19, 2008
All normal precincts will be available for voting. Local election results will be online in a special update Saturday night.

Winter Weather Advisory
web posted January 19, 2008
COUNTY – A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect today in Edgefield County until 10pm. Early morning rain, possibly mixed with sleet will possibly turn to snow during the afternoon hours. Accumulations of 2" or more are possible. Road conditions could become diminished. Use caution.

Southern Conduct Duo to appear in Johnston (Photo)
web posted January 19, 2008
JOHNSTON – You may have already heard the duo group, Southern Conduct performing during the Edgefield Downtown Shop Around during the Christmas holidays.   Here is your chance to hear them perform again this Friday, January 25th at Murphy’s Irish Pub in Johnston.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Edgefield Firemen respond to back-to-back fire calls (Photo)
web posted January 18, 2008
Firefighters called to two fires within two hours
EDGEFIELD – Multiple units of the Edgefield Fire Department were dispatched Thursday afternoon to a structure fire involving a three bedroom, double-wide mobile home located at 5 Glanton Drive around 3:30 pm.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Closings for Monday: Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birthday
web posted January 18, 2008
PSA – Below is a listing of all government offices that will be closed in observance of Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birthday.
EdgefieldDaily.com

From lemons to lemonade
My Final take on the property purchase issue
A Column by the Editor
web posted January 18, 2008
COLUMN –With the Edgefield County Council seemingly forging ahead on the purchase of the Calliham property I felt like taking a little time to gather data relevant to the properties involved. There have been so many numbers tossed around it appeared to me that a complete breakdown was needed along with a few of my personal comments. For those who do not know the difference between my personal opinion columns and news reports, this is my personal opinion column.
EdgefieldDaily.com
 
Letters to the Editor:
Sen. DeMint stresses importance of Saturday’s Primary
web posted January 18, 2008
Rex Should Focus On Job - Not Politics
web posted January 18, 2008
EdgefieldDaily.com

Women in Unity receive $50,000 DSS Grant (Photo)
web posted January 17, 2008
EDGEFIELD – Edgefield’s Women in Unity received the good news that they are the recipient of a $50,000 grant from the Department of Social Services this week. Essie Nicholson, who founded the non-profit six years ago, said the funds were a blessing. Rep. Bill Clyburn was to be on hand for the press conference but phone Mrs. Nicholson to say he was held up with a budget meeting in Columbia. Edgefield Mayor Ken Durham, who was also on hand, obliged Mrs. Nicholson and Joanne Samuel as a stand in Rep. Clyburn’s absence. 
EdgefieldDaily.com

Questions surface on County Building destroyed by fire and new building purchase
web posted January 17, 2008
COUNTY – According to information obtained by EdgefieldDaily.com, the $600,000 insurance settlement is not enough to rebuild the county building at the Church Street location that once housed the Senior Citizens Council, GLEAMS, and the Veterans Affairs offices. The near 9,000 square foot facility, by current commercial estimates, would cost over $1 million to replace evidently leaving the county lacking in insurance coverage for the building, which is in direct conflict with County Administrator John Pettigrew’s contention at the press conference on Tuesday that the county had “replacement coverage” for the building.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Shoplifting suspect leads police on car and foot chase
web posted January 17, 2008
EDGEFIELD – A report of a shoplifting incident at Dollar General ended with a police chase Wednesday morning in Edgefield. The report of the shoplifter from the store brought Edgefield Sheriff’s Deputies to the area and one spotted a car matching the description near the Bi-Lo on Columbia Road. When the deputy attempted to stop the car the driver fled, reaching speeds of at least 70 mph on Crest Road.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Swingin Medallions to perform at Aiken Fundraiser Friday (Photo)
web posted January 17, 2008
AIKEN – The Swingin Medallions will be performing Friday night at the Woodside Plantation Clubhouse for a benefit for the Aiken-Saluda Chapter of the National League of Junior Cotillion College Scholarship fund. Robbie Cox of the Swingin Medallions said the Greenwood based band is always happy to help out with a charity event.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Gov. Sanford rebuffs National ID, other issues in State of the State address
web posted January 17, 2008
COLUMBIA – Gov. Mark Sanford delivered his State of the State address on Wednesday addressing many issues facing South Carolina, including the state’s position on rebuffing the federal government on a National ID. Before addressing his plans Gov. Sanford said, “I’d first ask we pay tribute to the South Carolinians who died fighting in the Middle East over the last year,” and named the thirteen members of the military from South Carolina that paid the ultimate sacrifice this year.
EdgefieldDaily.com

North Augusta High School PTSA Announces CSRA Prom and Pageant EXPO
web posted January 17, 2008
NORTH AUGUSTA – North Augusta High School is rolling out the red carpet and turning its annual gown swap and sale into a prom and pageant expo to benefit the North Augusta High School PTSA, according to event coordinators David and Valerie Towles.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Ex-Lawmaker Charged in Terror Conspiracy
web posted January 17, 2008
WASHINGTON (AP) - A former congressman and delegate to the United Nations was indicted Wednesday as part of a terrorist fundraising ring that allegedly sent more than $130,000 to an al-Qaida and Taliban supporter who has threatened U.S. and international troops in Afghanistan.
Breitbart.com

Off The Wall: Sex in restroom stalls is private, ACLU says
web posted January 17, 2008
ST. PAUL, Minnesota - In a legal effort to help a U.S. senator, the American Civil Liberties Union is arguing that people who have sex in public bathrooms have an expectation of privacy.
Off The Wall

County reveals plan of building purchase (Photos)
web posted January 16, 2008
EDGEFIELD – Edgefield County Council Chairman Monroe Kneece and County Administrator John Pettigrew held a meeting with the local press to divulge the proposed purchase of the property currently known as the Calliham Furniture store on Penn Street. The plan would purchase the near one-acre lot that also connects in the rear to the Sheriff’s Office and Detention Center on Railroad Avenue. The cost of the property is stated at $450,000. Administrator Pettigrew said Calliham’s store would remain open for as long as five years under the agreement.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Is building purchase "lose-lose" for county taxpayers?
web posted January 16, 2008
OPINION – Is the just revealed plan of purchasing the property presently owned by J.P. Calliham worth the $450,000 price? Maybe so, but is it the right thing to do with insurance money? Probably not. The building owned by the county that housed several county offices and the Senior Citizens Building was razed by fire last year. The insurance settlement is reported to be over $600,000, more than enough to rebuild the building. To protect county assets the building should be rebuilt. Should the county also look at buying the Calliham property? Absolutely, but shorting one asset for another is a lose lose situation for the county taxpayer.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Strom Thurmond Career Center Wins Palmetto Gold Award
web posted January 16, 2008
JOHNSTON – Strom Thurmond Career Center has been recognized by the Palmetto Gold Awards Program marking the sixth year that the school has been among this elite ranking. Across the state, only 33 career centers were the recipient of the Palmetto Gold Award and one career center earned the Palmetto Silver Award.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Suspect runs into tree while fleeing arrest
web posted January 16, 2008
MERRIWETHER – EdgefieldDaily.com has added to the list of those eligible as a “Here’s Your Card” recipient, the most recent being 19-year-old Eddie Smith of Murphy Street in Murphy Village. Smith had at least one outstanding bench warrant for his arrest when an anonymous caller alerted the Edgefield Sheriff’s Office of his location. Known to run from police, Deputies surrounded the area before attempting to serve the arrest warrant.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Johnston Town Council hears from newly formed "Afro-American Club" at first meeting of 2008
web posted January 15, 2008
JOHNSTON – The first meeting for the Johnston Town Council of 2008 got underway with the first speaker to take the floor being School Board member Mary Alice Jackson to inform the town she and others had joined together to address their concerns with the town. “We’ve organized,” Ms. Jackson said, “and we tried to stay away from black and white,” in the formation of a committee turned club. “But, this is all about our heritage and our culture. So we are naming it the Afro-American Heritage Club.”
EdgefieldDaily.com

More illegal aliens arrested around county
web posted January 15, 2008
COUNTY – The problems with illegal aliens continues to be a problem as two more were arrested on Sunday by area law enforcement. The first came when a Sheriff’s Deputy on Highway 25 observed an oncoming car crossing the yellow lines into his lane of traffic early Sunday afternoon. The deputy turned around and stopped the driver only to find he had no drivers’ license and was intoxicated.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Department of Social Services sponsors Foster Family Recruitment
web posted January 15, 2008
EDGEFIELD – Edgefield County Department of Social Services is sponsoring a foster family recruitment drop-in.   The agency is striving to license more foster families for Edgefield County’s youth who are at risk. 
EdgefieldDaily.com

Upcoming Edgefield County School District Educational Summit Focuses On Parents
web posted January 15, 2008
The Edgefield County School District will sponsor the Second Annual Educational Summit on February 9, 2008. Last year’s summit drew a large crowd of faith based and community leaders to look towards a united effort of assisting our children with their learning process. This year’s summit aims to continue the joint effort with the Faith Based Communities as well as the private sector to see successful programs implemented for the students of Edgefield County.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Remorseless Killer’s Lifeless Hands end a Manhunt
By: Carl Langley
web posted January 15, 2008
GUEST COLUMN – In the end it was a pair of hands floating in a jar of formaldehyde that brought to a conclusion all the speculation about what had happened to a remorseless killer.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Reception Planned for Dr. Mary R. Crenshaw
web posted January 15, 2008
JOHNSTON – The Edgefield County School District will hold a morning reception for Dr. Mary R. Crenshaw, Superintendent of Edgefield County Schools on February 9, 2008. This reception will be held in conjunction with the Second Annual Education Summit.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Augusta Colts add quarterback to Indoor Football Team
web posted January 15, 2008
AUGUSTA – The Augusta Colts continue building their roster for the team with the announcement of more players being signed, including quarterback Brandon Satcher, a former Westside and North Augusta High School standout.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Clinton, Obama Clash Over who is best black candidate
web posted January 15, 2008
LAS VEGAS (AP) - Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama have become embroiled in racially tinged disputes as large numbers of black voters prepare to get their first say in the Democratic presidential campaign.
Off The Wall

EdgefieldDaily.com announces New Online Business Directory 
web posted January 14, 2008
WEBNEWS – EdgefieldDaily.com is pleased to announce the only Online Business Directory available for Edgefield County that will be launching on February 4, 2008. Need your car repaired, looking for a local florist, or perhaps wanting to add on to your home? EdgefieldDaily.com Business Directory makes it all available with a click of your mouse. It is also the most inexpensive way to have your business advertised in Edgefield County and have it available to readers 24-hours a day, 7 days a week on the county’s #1 source for local daily news.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Two sent to MCG after head-on collision (Photos)
web posted January 14, 2008
MERRIWETHER – A midday collision Saturday on Gregory Lake Road sent two people to the MCG Trauma Unit in Augusta when the two vehicles collided head on in a curve. Neither of the drivers was believed to be suffering from life-threatening injuries. According to the drivers each claimed the other driver had crossed over the double yellow lines causing the collision.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Courage and Tenacity Pay Off for the Youngest of the Merriwether Mavericks Scholastic Chess Team
web posted January 14, 2008
MERRIWETHER – It takes a lot of courage to participate in your first chess tournament. On Saturday, second-grader John-Thomas Mathis, and third-grader Gage Logan of Merriwether Elementary stepped up to play, for the first time, in the Ogeechee River Scholastic Chess Association Tournament in Statesboro, Georgia. It was a day they won’t soon forget. 
EdgefieldDaily.com

Learn About Honeybees at Short Course
web posted January 14, 2008
GREENWOOD – An “Introduction to Beekeeping” short course will be presented by the Lakelands Beekeepers Association and Clemson Extension Service at the Greenwood County Farm Bureau building, 211 Montague Avenue, Greenwood.   Veteran beekeepers, beginners, and prospective beekeepers should benefit from attending.  The course is designed primarily for hobby beekeepers.
EdgefieldDaily.com

County Soccer Registrations get underway
web posted January 14, 2008
COUNTY – Registration for the County Spring Soccer Program is getting underway with sign-ups beginning on Saturday, January 19 from 10 am – 1 pm and continuing on Saturday January 26 at the Edgefield Soccer Complex. The season begins on March 10. A registration form is available for download.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Sports:
STH and Wardlaw Basketball Sports Recap
Augusta Colts continue to build 2008 roster
web posted January 14, 2008
EdgefieldDaily.com

Lost Dog
web posted January 14, 2008
MERRIWETHER -- Saturday evening our dog went missing in the Hidden Circle area of the Sweetwater community. He was spotted about 8pm at Springhaven Dr. and Martintown Rd. The lady who saw him said that he looked bewildered and that some people had stoppd and appeared to be trying to get him away from the road. He is a very large, neutered male who is Brown with Black markings. He looks like a big mut. He is wearing a brown leather collar but does not have any tags. His name is Deisel and he is a valued family pet and in need of medication. Please contact 803-215-3939. A reward is being offered. 

Big Brother: California wants to control home thermostats
web posted January 14, 2008
SAN FRANCISCO: The conceit in the 1960s show "The Outer Limits" was that outside forces had taken control of your television set. Next year in California, state regulators are likely to have the emergency power to control individual thermostats, sending temperatures up or down through a radio-controlled device that will be required in new or substantially modified houses and buildings to manage electricity shortages.
Off The Wall

Clinton Adviser Charged With Aggravated DWI in NH
web posted January 14, 2008
NASHUA, N.H. (AP) - A senior adviser to Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton was arrested and charged with aggravated drunken driving a day before the New Hampshire primary. Nashua police say Sidney Blumenthal was arrested early Monday morning after an officer pulled over a car traveling 70 mph in a 30 mph zone. Blumenthal, 59, is a journalist and former White House adviser to President Bill Clinton who is now serving as an unpaid adviser on Hillary Clinton's campaign.
Breitbart

Johnston Police ID one of two suspected change machine bandits (Photos)
web posted January 12, 2008
JOHNSTON – Johnston Police have identified one of the men suspected in taking part in a series of thefts from change machines in the Johnston area, Johnston Police Chief Chris Aston said Friday. A warrant has been issued for the arrest of Edward Dewayne Doyle, 38, of Richland County, one of the two men police say was captured on video at a Lee Street carwash in Johnston last week.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Crash stalls afternoon traffic in Merriwether (Photos)
web posted January 12, 2008
MERRIWETHER – A crash just after 3 pm on Martintown Road Friday afternoon stalled traffic for over two hours as a wrecker crew worked to clear the roadway of a car that came off a trailer being towed by a pickup truck. The car ended up atop a guardrail and partially on the trailer.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Aiken woman killed by lighting early Friday morning
web posted January 12, 2008
AIKEN – An Aiken woman was killed after being struck by lighting while taking a break from working at Glaxxo,Smith, Klein Pharmaceuticals in Aiken just after 5 am. Aiken County Coroner Tim Carlton said Brenda F. Baker, 56, died as a result of the strike. An unidentified woman standing near Baker at the time was transported to Doctors Hospital in Augusta.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Gov. Sanford Names Reggie Lloyd as SLED Chief
web posted January 12, 2008
COLUMBIA – Gov. Mark Sanford nominated U.S. Attorney Reggie Lloyd to become chief of the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) on Friday. Lloyd, 40, was named United States Attorney for the District of South Carolina in 2006. In that capacity, Lloyd served as chief federal prosecutor for the State of South Carolina and chairman of the district's Law Enforcement Coordinating Committee.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Sheriff’s Office investigates animal cruelty case
web posted January 11, 2008
TRENTON – The Edgefield County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a possible case of animal cruelty after a Martinez woman called to report the poor condition of two horses at a Trenton home on Country Way. One of the horses, a fully-grown pony, was said to be on the ground and unable to get up.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Johnston man reports strange assault
web posted January 11, 2008
JOHNSTON – Though sexual assaults are not unheard of in Edgefield County, a call from a Johnston man had a deputy wondering how to write up the report once he investigated the call. The man told the deputy he was driving on Holmes Pond Road on his way home just before 7 pm Wednesday when he spotted a man in his pasture.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Dixie Youth Baseball meeting set for next week
web posted January 11, 2008
PSA – The Edgefield League for Dixie Youth Baseball will hold a meeting Thursday, January 17, 2007 at 6:30 PM to elect officers for 2008, discussing the upcoming sign ups, and other business of the league. The public is invited to attend.

Pair wheels dead man to store to cash his Social Security check, police say
web posted January 11, 2008
NEW YORK - Two men wheeled a dead man through the streets in an office chair to a check-cashing store Tuesday and tried to cash his Social Security check before being arrested on fraud charges, police said.
Off The Wall

Copper thefts continue
web posted January 10, 2008
JOHNSTON – Copper thefts continue to plague businesses across the county and this time a public utility company was the target. Workers at the South Carolina Electric and Gas company in Johnston arrived to find a hole cut in the chain link fence to get to copper wiring stored at the facility.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Johnston Jaycees Peach Blossom Festival Beauty Pageant set for March 8
web posted January 10, 2008
PSA - JOHNSTON – The Johnston Jaycees Peach Blossom Festival Beauty Pageant is set for March 8, 2008, beginning at 10:00 am for the first age division (ages infant to six years in five age groups) and the second age division (four age groups seven to twenty years). Little Stevens Creek Baptist Church World Changers Mission Team is sponsoring this year’s event. Complete listings of the age categories are below, along with a downloadable entry form. Deadline for entry is February 27, 2008.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Presidential candidate Fred Thompson comes to North Augusta
web posted January 10, 2008
NORTH AUGUSTA – Republican presidential candidate Fred Thompson continues his swing through the Palmetto State ahead of the South Carolina primary with a visit to Aiken and North Augusta next Monday, January 14. Due to a scheduling change, the visits will be one hour earlier than previously reported. Senator Thompson will be at Al's Family Restaurant located at 611 Atomic Road in North Augusta at 9:00 AM. He then appear at Papa Russ's BBQ located at 231 The Alley in Downtown Aiken at 11:00 AM. The South Carolina Republican Primary is Saturday, January 19.

One arrested in assault of teen at Edgefield grocery store
web posted January 10, 2008
EDGEFIELD – An Edgefield teen reported being assaulted in front of the Bi-Lo Grocery store as she left work around 8 pm Tuesday and her car being taken by a friend of the assailant. The 18-year-old teen told deputies as she walked out the door the two suspects were standing outside when one of them grabbed her and forced her to sit on a bench in addition to grabbing one of her breasts.
EdgefieldDaily.com

What is good for the goose is good for the gander
web posted January 10, 2008
JOHNSTON – 911 dispatchers received a call from a woman Tuesday evening saying a man was outside her home smashing the windshield of a car with a hammer. Officers raced to the scene in hopes of catching the person at the scene. In the end officers arrested the man responsible and the owner of the car as well.
EdgefieldDaily.com

More shenanigans from the Edgefield County Council?
A Column by the Editor
web posted January 10, 2008
COLUMN – Is the Edgefield Count Council going to pass on another golden opportunity to make things better for county citizens? If information available so far is correct, yes. The fire last year that destroyed the county building used by the Edgefield County Senior Citizens Council and other government agencies that leased office space from the county has culminated in a settlement offer by the insurance company, which was discussed in executive session in Tuesday night’s meeting. Will the county rebuild the building on the location and use it to house county offices? No. 
EdgefieldDaily.com

County Council addresses issues, entertains visit from Rep. Clyburn in first meeting of the year
web posted January 9, 2008
EDGEFIELD – The Edgefield County Council held their first meeting of 2008 Tuesday night with a visit from State Representative Bill Clyburn. Rep. Clyburn said there were many issues confronting the State Legislature this year including immigration, transparency in government spending, and the upcoming budget. Rep. Clyburn said, “there is a lot of talent throughout the county and I, personally, would like to see as much of that talent be used as possible,” and suggested that the county council work in conjunction with him, or on their own, to create a county relations board or commission.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Julia Miller takes State Title in F.A.C.E. Program in first attempt (Photo)
web posted January 9, 2008
EDGEFIELD – Julia Miller, a first-time entrant in the South Carolina 4-H Natural Resource contest for the State FACE (Food and Cover Establishment) Program, was announced as the State’s First place winner by State Coordinator Rick Willey and County Agent Stephen Pohlman at the Edgefield County Council meeting on Tuesday night. “To come in and win first place state, your first year, ya’ll should be very proud.” Mr. Willey said.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Manor House suffers major water damage, collapse of ceilings (Photos)
web posted January 9, 2008
EDGEFIELD – The former Manor House retirement home was found to be filling up with water after water lines in the attic burst over the last few days, collapsing the ceiling and causing extensive damage to furnishings, carpet, and the structure. An Edgefield County Deputy on a routine property check around 3 pm Tuesday discovered the one wing of the building flooded and called to have the water shut off at the closed facility.
EdgefieldDaily.com

County Council votes to auction surplus items
web posted January 9, 2008
COUNTY – Below are the items that will be placed for bid through online auctions by the County of Edgefield. The list is provided by the Edgefield County Council. EdgefieldDaily.com will place a link to the auction when it becomes available. Local residents interested in bidding on any of the listed items can request to view and inspect the items during normal operational hours of the county government at the location the items are stored.
EdgefieldDaily.com

The Lunatic Fringe Will Buy Anything
By: Carl Langley
web posted January 9, 2008
GUEST COLUMNIST – Hillary Clinton’s main campaign mantra is the need to bring universal health care to millions of what she describes as the lost, the hopeless, the uninsured, the ones whose birthdays are overlooked and the ones who didn‘t get a single present at Christmas.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Stolen camera leads to recovery of other items, arrest
web posted January 8, 2008
COUNTY LINE – A Clearwater man called the Sheriff’s Office to report an Edgefield County man stealing a camera from him after going to the man’s home on the 1600 block of Edgefield Road and finding the camera. When a deputy arrived the man admitted to having the camera and then gave the deputy permission to search the home.
EdgefieldDaily.com

No charges filed in knife attack
web posted January 8, 2008
EDGEFIELD – Edgefield Police and Sheriff’s Deputies involved in a search for an Edgefield woman believed to have been involved in an altercation where the woman’s boyfriend suffered cuts from a knife the woman had during the altercation. The Sheriff’s Bloodhound Team was also called and began tracking the woman from the home on Macedonia Street, when she fled the scene.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Gov. Sanford Unveils 2008-09 Executive Budget
web posted January 8, 2008
COLUMBIA – Gov. Mark Sanford released the fifth Executive Budget of his administration on Monday - a balanced, activity-based $6.8 billion spending plan for Fiscal Year 2008-09 that cuts overall spending levels, provides for an optional income tax rate cut, and continues paying for unfunded retiree commitments, while increasing funding for core government functions such as education, law enforcement, and healthcare.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Southern Bank & Trust finds new home in historic Southern house
web posted January 8, 2008
AIKEN – On Thursday, January 10th at 10:00 a.m., Southern Bank & Trust will demonstrate its long-standing commitment to growth in the Aiken area when it holds the Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for its third branch office located at 149 Laurens Street NW in Aiken.
EdgefieldDaily.com

SWAT officers invade home, take 11-year-old at gunpoint
web posted January 8, 2008
Nearly a dozen members of a police SWAT team in western Colorado punched a hole in the front door and invaded a family's home with guns drawn, demanding that an 11-year-old boy who had had an accidental fall accompany them to the hospital, on the order of Garfield County Magistrate Lain Leoniak.
WND.com

180 feet too far for firefighters, home burns as firemen turn around
web posted January 8, 2008
FAIRBANKS -- A Fairbanks couple lost a home to fire Thursday because it was just outside the fire service area and firefighters turned back from the scene.
Off The Wall

Car destroyed by fire Sunday (Photos)
web posted January 7, 2008
MERRIWETHER – Merriwether Firefighters were called to a vehicle fire just after noon on Sunday on Salty Dog Lane and arrived to find the 1988 Toyota Corolla completely engulfed in flames. Firemen quickly began battling the fire, which was located just beneath overhead power lines.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Rural Photography Contest Deadline Approaching; Fourth Annual Contest Open to Amateurs
web posted January 7, 2008
Columbia, SC – The South Carolina Department of Commerce is calling for entries for its fourth annual Amateur Rural Photography Contest. Entries should feature the unique qualities of rural life in the Palmetto State.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Bloodhounds called to find possible knifing suspect
web posted January 7, 2008
EDGEFIELD – The Edgefield County Sheriff's Office Blood Hound Team was called to locate a woman that may have been involved in a knife attack Sunday night. Officers were unable to locate the woman and it is unclear at this time if charges will be filed in spite of the victim refusing to cooperate. EdgefieldDaily.com will have more on the case as it becomes available.

Opinion: Washington D.C. says citizens have no right to own guns
web posted January 7, 2008
OPINION – The District of Columbia, otherwise known as our nation’s capitol, Washington D.C., claims that the second amendment to the Constitution is a right reserved for the Federal Government not the individual citizen. In other words, Washington D.C. wants your guns, not just in the Capitol, but everywhere.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Rebels roll to 73-44 win over Chapin in Region Opener; Chapin edges Lady Rebels 58-56
web posted January 7, 2008
JOHNSTON – Strom Thurmond jumped out to a double figure lead in the first quarter and cruised to a 73-44 win over Chapin in the region opener for both teams Friday night. The Rebels improved to 5-6 overall with the win while Chapin fell to 4-12 with the loss.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Federal Government Claims 2nd Amendment Does Not Apply To Individual Citizens
web posted January 7, 2008
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Second Amendment's provisions protecting the right to keep and bear arms apply only to the federal government, not the 50 states and the District of Columbia, lawyers for the nation's capital argued Friday in a written brief to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Tampa Bay Online (AP)

Bath woman becomes first fatality in Aiken County for 2008
web posted January 5, 2008
AIKEN – After a record 46 traffic fatalities in Aiken County last year, the first fatality in 2008 came just five days into the new year. 74-year-old Judith Turner Cox, of Bath SC, was killed when she pulled out of the parking lot of Bobby’s BBQ on US 1 and was broadsided by a pickup truck around 12:30 Saturday.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Change machine bandits caught on camera (Photos)
web posted January 5, 2008
JOHNSTON – Johnston Police and the Edgefield County Sheriff’s Office are seeking the public’s help in identifying two men suspected in a series of thefts from change machines across the county. Sheriff’s Chief Investigator Randy Doran said the men have hit a laundromat and carwash in Johnston twice in the past few days, including two attempts Thursday night, and may be responsible for other similar crimes in Trenton.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Johnston man arrested in Kidnapping and Burglary case
web posted January 5, 2008
JOHNSTON – An arrest has been made in the case of a man entering the bedroom window of a Johnston teen and then locking her door while telling her to “be quiet”. Freddie Howard, 46, of Lee Street in Johnston, was arrested Friday afternoon without incident. Howard is being charged with first-degree burglary and kidnapping.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Edgefield County School District Receives Achievement Award
web posted January 5, 2008
ORLANDO, FLA. – Mrs. Diane Murrell, Assistant Superintendent for Instructional Services, and Mrs. Bridget Clark, Principal of Johnston Elementary, attended the 2007 SACS CASI Annual Conference in Orlando, Florida to receive the District Accreditation Quality Achievement Award for The Edgefield County School District.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Letter to the Editor: Superintendent praises School Board
web posted January 5, 2008
Dear Editor:
The month of January marks the annual observance of School Board Recognition Month. This is a time to salute the work of school board members and celebrate public education.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Armed bank robber hits Carolina First Bank Downtown Edgefield (Photos)
web posted January 4, 2008
EDGEFIELD – A daring morning armed bank robbery of the Carolina First Bank on Main Street in Edgefield brought every available law enforcement agency converging on downtown Edgefield in an effort to capture the robber. Edgefield E911 dispatch received the call at 10:49 am, Edgefield Police Chief Ronnie Carter said, and within minutes downtown Edgefield was being cordoned off and the Edgefield Sheriff’s Bloodhound Team was tracking the robber.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Birthday Announcements premiere on EdgefieldDaily
web posted January 4, 2008
WEBNEWS – The Birthday Announcement page is now online and available to wish your friends, family, or acquaintances a Happy Birthday. Feel free to include Anniversaries as well.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Parent Conference School Meetings Announced
web posted January 4, 2008
PSA – January 24 and 25, 2008 will be Parent Conference Meeting Days for The School District of Edgefield County. Below is a listing of dates and times for all Edgefield County School District schools.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Johnston home destroyed by fire
web posted January 4, 2008
JOHNSTON – A Home on the 100 block of Long Cane Road was destroyed by fire Thursday night. The mobile home, located at 117 Long Cane Road, was "fully engulfed" in flames when it was reported to E911 at 7:37 pm. Johnston Firemen arrived on the scene minutes later and were assisted by Saluda County Firemen. The home was said to be a total loss. No cause of the fire was available at press time.

School Board Leaders Honored In January
web posted January 4, 2008
JOHNSTON – School Board Recognition Month is celebrated in January by South Carolina’s 85 school districts, as more than 630 elected and appointed school board members are honored by their schools and communities for untiring dedication to the governing of their schools.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Robbers Are Victims of Price Gouging
By: Carl Langley
EdgefieldDaily.com Columnist
web posted January 4, 2008
GUEST COLUMN – It’s amazing what you can stumble into while trying to ferret out some information. And that’s especially true when you are working through the tangled web of a court system.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Off The Wall: Alleged bank robber didn't notice uniformed policeman in line behind him
web posted January 4, 2008
A man passed a note to a bank teller yesterday in a Dorchester bank, demanding large bills and no "funny money," police said. Little did he know, Officer Kamau Pritchard was standing right behind him, in uniform, about to pull out his service weapon and place the man under arrest.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Obituary Section added, "Peachiest" ballot reworked
web posted January 3, 2008
WEBNEWS – Early Wednesday morning EdgefieldDaily.com began getting e-mail about the ballot for the Peachiest of Edgefield County available online. Unknown to us the ballot was formatted for 11 x14 inch, not the standard 8 1/2 x 11. The ballot was reworked and is available for download. We regret the inconvenience. Also online now is the Obituary Section which can be found under the Featured Sections heading on the left saide of the page. Additional Sections will be added on January 7.

Good Samaritans answer Wandering Minds poster with gift of airline ticket
web posted January 3, 2008
WEBNEWS – A Wandering Minds post on Wednesday from an email from the mother of a soldier heading to Iraq has left the mother “overwhelmed” by the generosity of a reader. Nora Korreck of Edgefield sent an email that was expressing her desire to raise the $450 needed to buy an airline ticket to North Dakota in order to see her son Zeb Blackledge off to Iraq. Part of the email was placed in the Wandering Minds and a reader contacted EdgefieldDaily.com Wednesday morning offering to buy the ticket.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Burglar crawls in girls room, locks bedroom door
web posted January 3, 2008
JOHNSTON – A Johnston woman called police to report a burglar in her home Saturday morning around 5 am. The woman told police that she was awoken by her daughter screaming and when she ran to the bedroom she found the door locked and her daughter still screaming.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Trenton business site of New Year burglary
web posted January 3, 2008
TRENTON – The owner of the La Pasadito in Trenton arrived at the store on New Year’s Day to find the store had been burglarized overnight. Although the door and windows had steel security bars the person or persons were able to pry the bars apart and then entered the store.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Neighbor reports theft of car, helps solve crime
web posted January 3, 2008
TRENTON – A Winding Road resident called the Sheriff’s Office to report the theft of a car from his neighbor’s back yard New Year’s Eve. When a deputy arrived he was told by the neighbor that he heard a noise and observed a subject pulling the neighbor’s 1987 Honda Accord away with a trailer.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Coke, when it's the real thing you get to go to jail
web posted January 3, 2008
EDGEFIELD – A New Year’s Eve party at the Edgefield Town Gym was enjoyed by many county residents. However, two men found they were going to spend the ringing in of the New Year in jail. Just before midnight an Edgefield Police Officer walked into the restroom and surprised two men who were allegedly in a bathroom stall together.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Change machine thief strikes again
web posted January 3, 2008
JOHNSTON – The owner of the H. W. Laundromat on Calhoun Street was the site of another change machine bandit this past week. The owner arrived at the store to find a five-dollar bill jammed in the change machine and money missing.
EdgeffieldDaily.com

More Updates begin on January 3
web posted January 2, 2008
WEBNEWS – EdgefieldDaily.com was closed on January 1, 2008, for all involved to spend time with family and friends. EdgefieldDaily.com will will be adding additional Featured Sections on January 7 to expand our coverage of Edgefield County activities. Among the new Sections will be Birthday Greetings, Wedding and engagement announcements, and an Obituaries Section. To have your free announcement listed simply send it by email to Editor@edgefielddaily.com or mail or fax it to our listed contacts.

2008 primaries: Voting to be slaves or citizens
A Column by the Editor
web posted January 2, 2008
COLUMN – 2008 is here and the presidential candidates are spending money like it grows on lobbyists trees (which for most it does) trying to convince voters they are “the” candidate deserving of your vote in the primaries. I have never seen a bigger bunch of liars, fakes, and selfish egomaniacs than I see in the candidates running on both sides of the isle. Sometimes I think we would get a better president if we opened a phone book and threw a dart at the page to choose.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Crash sends one man to MCG for New Years (Photos)
web posted January 1, 2008
MERRIWETHER – The Merriwether Fire Department, EMS, Sheriff’s Deputies, and North Augusta Public Safety were called to the scene of a single vehicle crash just before New Years Monday night that closed off Gregory Lake Road for two hours. The driver of a Chevrolet Silverado 2500 was northbound on Gregory Lake Road and left the right-hand side of the road, struck a tree, and overturned with the tree landing atop the overturned truck.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Fire engulfs Johnston home New Year's Eve
web posted January 1, 2008
JOHNSTON – A fire on the 10 block of Rosa Springs Road was reported as "fully involved" when Police arrived on the scene just after 10 pm Monday night. The Johnston and Edgefield Fire Departments were called to the scene as well as additional law enforcement officers due to people running into the burning home as firemen tried to fight the fire. EdgefieldDaily.com will have additional information available on Tuesday. The home reportedly suffered heavy damage in the fire.

Jacob McKie Road home site of burglary
web posted January 1, 2008
TRENTON – A Jacob McKie resident arrived back at his home Saturday night to find a window broken and his flat screen television missing. According to incident reports the television is a 37” LCD flat screen valued at $839 and a neighbor did see someone parked near the window.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Narcotic Investigators look into painkiller fraud case
web posted January 1, 2008
JOHNSTON – The Sheriff’s Office is investigating a case that was first reported as a fraud connected to prescription painkillers. A Johnston man called to report that an acquaintance offered to go pick up a prescription of sixty Hydrocodone pills at a local pharmacy on Friday, however, the man never returned with the pills.
EdgefieldDaily.com

RECOVERED:Thief targets registered hunting dog
web posted January 1, 2008
MERRIWETHER – A Merriwether resident reported the theft of a hunting dog from a home on the 600 block of Springhaven Drive Sunday. The owners of the registered Springer Spaniels were away on vacation and a family member overseeing the family pets and property discovered the theft when he came to feed the animals.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Crash results in DUI arrest
web posted January 1, 2008
JOHNSTON – A wreck on Bland Baptist Road late Saturday night did not result in the two occupants being transported to an area hospital as earlier reported. Information obtained earlier stated the two men were transported from the scene. That information was correct, however, one was transported to his home and the driver to the Edgefield County Detention Center where he was charged with DUI.
EdgefieldDaily.com