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Burglary, two attempts reported in two days web posted January 31, 2009 COUNTY – Though the number of burglaries had taken a dip for a few days this month that has changed in the last week. Just this week there has been at least one reported burglary and three attempted burglaries. A surprise as the week before a General Sessions Court period is usually very quiet. EdgefieldDaily.com Strom Thurmond Announces Millennium Club Honors (Photo) web posted January 31, 2009 JOHNSTON – Forty-Six Strom Thurmond High School students have been recognized as new members of the STHS Millennium Club. In order to earn the privilege of becoming a Millennium Club member, students must score a 21 or better on the ACT, or 1000 or higher on the SAT. Gathering with the outstanding students to offer congratulations were Dr. Mary R. Crenshaw, Superintendent, Principal Matthew Schilit, Assistant Principal Mrs. Suzanne O’Neal and SAT and ACT Prep Coaches Mrs. Marianne Beja and Mrs. Michelle Goforth. EdgefieldDaily.com Edgefield Regional Arts Oyster Roast today (Photo) web posted January 31, 2009 EDGEFIELD – Come out today and enjoy oysters on the town square and fellowship for a good cause. The Edgefield Region Arts is seeking to raise $256,000 to purchase the old Edgefield Advertiser building to convert it into a theater. Tickets will be available at the gates for $15 from noon until dark. Beer and wine will be sold separately. Chili, water, and tea will also be available. All proceeds go towards the purchase of the building. EdgefieldDaily.com FBI: Burgeoning gangs behind up to 80% of U.S. crime web posted January 31, 2009 USA TODAY – Criminal gangs in the USA have swelled to an estimated 1 million members responsible for up to 80% of crimes in communities across the nation, according to a gang threat assessment compiled by federal officials. USA TODAY Related: Presence of gang activity no longer denied Warning - Photos may be offensive web reposted January 31, 2009 EDGEFIELD – With the fallout from the recent melee that took place last weekend (original publication 08/15/08) on Morange Street from the mother of two of those arrested claiming officers “attacked” one of her sons for no reason and others grumbling about how many officers arrived on the scene. The one thing that has eluded news reports is the history of the area and the active gang activity that is taking place there and across other areas of the town and county. Some news reports fail to even mention the gunfire that erupted during the near two-hour event and leaned closer to insinuating possible police brutality. EdgefieldDaily.com Republican State Senators Want South Carolina Closed to Terrorist Detainees web posted January 31, 2009 COLUMBIA – Senator Ronnie Cromer (R-Newberry) and the South Carolina Senate Republican Caucus asked President Barack Obama on Tuesday to reverse his decision to close the Guantanamo Bay Detention Facilities in order to ensure national security. EdgefieldDaily.com 13th Annual Intergovernmental meeting held in Johnston (Photos) web posted January 30, 2009 JOHNSTON – The thirteenth annual Intergovernmental Meeting hosted by the Edgefield County Council was held Thursday evening with representatives from local government bodies, councils, committees, and the state legislative delegation. The meeting provides an opportunity for local dignitaries to share what is going on in their respective area with the rest. During the meeting Edgefield County Council Chairman Monroe Kneece recognized the two newest members to the council, Rodney Ashcraft and Genia Blackwell, and vice –chairman Willie Bright. “Mr. (Norman) Dorn isn’t here tonight. He’s probably out campaigning,” Mr. Kneece joked. EdgefieldDaily.com Merriwether residents get first look at upcoming plan process for new electric transmission line (Photos) web posted January 30, 2009 MERRIWETHER – Plans for a new power transmission line from North Augusta to a substation on Murrah Road in Merriwether drew a large crowd at the Sweetwater Baptist Church gym Thursday evening. Officials with the Central Electric Power Cooperative, who supplies power to the 40 electric cooperatives, were on hand to discuss the process of where the existing lines were and how the process to determine where and how the path of the new transmission line would be determined. EdgefieldDaily.com Senators Introduce Bill to Guarantee Secret Ballots for Unionization Votes in South Carolina web posted January 30, 2009 COLUMBIA – South Carolina Representative Eric Bedingfield recently filed a plan to protect South Carolina’s workers from union intimidation and 18 South Carolina Republican Senators introduced the plan in the Senate on Tuesday. EdgefieldDaily.com Bridal Fair to be held in Arts Center at the Federal Building web posted January 30, 2009 GREENWOOD – Uptown Greenwood and the Arts Council present the 2nd annual Bridal Fair at the Arts Center. This is the perfect opportunity for brides to satisfy any of their wedding planning needs. The event will be held on Saturday, February 7, from 1:00-4:00 PM, with a fashion show at 3:00 PM. Admission is free, and each bride will receive a welcome bag as long as supplies last. Door prizes will be given throughout the day. EdgefieldDaily.com New Ellenton Police Chief killed in crash web posted January 29, 2009 NEW ELLENTON – New Ellenton Police Chief Johnnie Hamilton, 55, was pronounced dead at the scene of a two vehicle collision in the city of Perry, South Carolina Wednesday afternoon. According to Aiken County Coroner Tim Carlton, Chief Hamilton failed to yield the right of way at the intersection of Walker and Poole Roads and was struck by truck that resulted in the fatality and two others being injured. EdgefieldDaily.com Mt. Vintage problems grow: $10 million foreclosure action filed by local bank web posted January 29, 2009 EDGEFIELD – Problems at Mt. Vintage are growing, and it is not just the failure to complete the infrastructure and roads on the “New Nine” complaints to the Edgefield County Council. Public records show just days before Bettis Rainsford stood before the county council claiming progress was being made, Prince Grading Company, Inc., filed a $661,623.63 mechanics lien on unsold property for non-payment. According to court records obtained on Wednesday, a foreclosure action has commenced against MV (Mt. Vintage) Development Company LLC for over $10 million in loans from Carolina First Bank. EdgefieldDaily.com Edgefield County Recreation Department Spring Season registration Saturday web posted January 29, 2009 COUNTY – Though the winter months have just begun the Edgefield County Recreation Department is gearing up for the Spring Season and sign-ups for Baseball, Softball, and Soccer are getting underway starting this coming Saturday and will continue through February 14. Instant download of registration forms are available. Please use contact information to address changes in soccer age cut off dates that have been changed. EdgefieldDaily.com Spending Caps on Fast Track through State Senate web posted January 29, 2009 COLUMBIA – During a time when South Carolina’s budget woes are forcing cuts to essential services, Senator Glenn McConnell (R- Charleston) is pushing a common-sense plan that caps state government spending and creates a “rainy day fund” that will help during these uncertain economic conditions. The McConnell Plan is moving fast through the State Senate. Tuesday the bill took the key step of passing out of Judiciary Committee by a vote of 22-0. It now heads to the Senate floor. EdgefieldDaily.com State Superintendent Jim Rex calls for new statewide property tax web posted January 29, 2009 GUEST ARTICLE – State lawmakers heard from Superintendent Jim Rex about his plan for a new statewide property tax on Wednesday. South Carolina public school districts already spend more than $11,000 per child but Rex is worried that declining state tax revenues might slow the growth rate in public school spending. The Budget and Control Board reports that public spending has grown by $2.2 billion since 2001, or 40% in the last seven fiscal years. EdgefieldDaily.com Piedmont Tech Associates to be Honored at State Conference (Photo) web posted January 29, 2009 GREENWOOD – Three Piedmont Technical College associates have been named Outstanding Educators for the 2008 – 2009 academic year and will be honored at a statewide conference. The three will join fellow winners from sister colleges at the annual South Carolina Technical Education Association convention next month. EdgefieldDaily.com Barrett Votes Against Democrat Stimulus Bill (Video) web posted January 29, 2009 WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Gresham Barrett (SC, 03) voted against the Democrat Stimulus Bill, H.R. 1 on Wednesday. Barrett took to the floor of the House of Representatives to speak out against the $825 billion spending package. During his floor speech, Congressman Barrett advised against the passage of the bill. EdgefieldDaily.com February Birthday-Anniversary Cake Giveaway drawing draws near, enter now web posted January 28, 2009 WEBNEWS – Time is running out to get your loved one listed in our monthly Birthday and Anniversary Cake Giveaway. The latest winner will be announced on Monday. A special drawing will be held to honor the first anniversary of the giveaway. Get those entries in before Saturday to be eligible. March Birthday and Anniversary wishes are currently being accepted for our next drawing. EdgefieldDaily.com Anne Geddes a champion for rural health at home and abroad (Photo) web posted January 28, 2009 EDGEFIELD – Anne Geddes has a vision that reaches across continents and even oceans, As a nurse practitioner and a trained medical professional, she has traveled many times around the world, both with the U.S. Army and other organizations, providing care (and knowledge) in the advancement of better rural health. Still, her attention is also focused on things right here at home. EdgefieldDaily.com State Senators Crack Down On Violence Against Teachers web posted January 28, 2009 COLUMBIA – South Carolina’s State Senators Tuesday vowed to protect educators from violence in schools by passing the Teacher Protection Act of 2009 out of Judiciary Committee. This important action puts the bill one step closer to passage out of the Senate and possibly, into law. EdgefieldDaily.com New support group to offer encouragement to local military families (Photo) web posted January 28, 2009 COUNTY – Bevalie Cannon remembers what it was like living in New Jersey. They were the dark days preceding the second Gulf War following the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, and her husband, Michael, an Army chaplain, was called into active duty as a Reservist. It was January, 2003, and she was scared. EdgefieldDaily.com Strom Thurmond offers free clinic for youth league baseball coaches web posted January 28, 2009 JOHNSTON – Strom Thurmond Head Baseball Coach Brent Wilder and the entire Thurmond Varsity Coaching staff will be holding a free baseball clinic for local youth league coaches on Saturday, February 28, 10 am until 11:30 am. Among the areas to be covered are the fundamentals of Hitting, Fielding, Pitching, and Practice Organization. EdgefieldDaily.com Senate Bill seeks to outlaw certain speech in South Carolina A Column by the Editor web posted January 28, 2009 COLUMN – Though the recent cursing tirade by Fox Creek teacher John Naas caught on video was a disgusting display and is a very serious matter, it is not necessarily illegal. The punishment for Mr. Naas is in the hands of the Fox Creek Board of Directors. But that could change if State Senator Robert Ford (D-Charleston) is successful in passing a bill to make cursing a crime in South Carolina. The Bill, S56, would make it a felony to utter an unspecified list of words and would be punishable by a fine of up to $5,000, a sentence of up to five years in prison, or both. EdgefieldDaily.com Religion: Diversions and Distractions By Pastor Stacy Williams web posted January 28, 2009 COLUMN – Sometimes I get irritated by “studies” that are done by some of our institutes of higher learning. While I truly believe in research, some things just do not need a “study” to be done to know the truth. I read this week about one such study that was done by the University of Alabama at Birmingham. For the study, they used virtual reality software and three TV screens to simulate traffic at an actual crosswalk in Birmingham, Alabama. EdgefieldDaily.com Found Dog web posted January 28, 2009 PSA – Found: Mostly Black Lab mix. Is very friendly and gets along with other dogs. Seems to be looking for someone who drives a truck. Found in western Edgefield, on Flat Rock Rd. Please call to identify 803-637-9988. Execution of convicted killer set for Feb. 20: Evans man killed wife and son in Edgefield County (Photo) web posted January 27, 2009 COLUMBIA – Luke Williams lll, 59, formerly of Evans, Ga., will be executed by lethal injection Feb. 20 at the S.C. Department of Corrections’ capital punishment facility located at Broad River Correctional Institution in Columbia. The S.C. Supreme Court on Jan. 23 issued an order directing the Corrections Department to carry out the sentence. Williams was convicted in Edgefield for the June 19, 1991 double murder of his wife and 12-year-old adopted son in November of 1993. Their bodies were found in a partially burned van on Deep Step Road in Edgefield County. EdgefieldDaily.com Republican Senators Join Fight to Protect Workers’ Rights web posted January 27, 2009 WASHINGTON D.C. – During a time when unions have forced the Big Three near bankruptcy and American taxpayers are bailing them out, Congressional Democrats are pushing a plan to grow unionization across the nation. Last week South Carolina Representative Eric Bedingfield filed a plan to protect South Carolina’s workers from union intimidation and South Carolina’s Republican Senators joined the fight. EdgefieldDaily.com State Senator Demands Answers from DSS, Requests Legislative Hearing web posted January 27, 2009 COLUMBIA – How did one man embezzle $5.5 Million from a state agency? Where is the money now? How was the money missed during four official audits? Those are just a few of the many questions State Senator Mike Fair (R- Greenville) wants answered by the SC Department of Social Services in a legislative hearing. EdgefieldDaily.com Narcotics Investigators, SWAT raid Eastview Road home web posted January 27, 2009 EDGEFIELD – The Edgefield County SWAT Team along with the Sheriff’s Narcotics conducted a narcotics search warrant on an Eastview Road home Thursday afternoon that led to one arrest with additional charges pending. Manley Hewit Crawford, 52, was arrested after the raid discovered “a quantity” of what is believed to be marijuana found in various locations in the home. EdgefieldDaily.com Horn’s Creek Cemetery Restoration Project planned (Photo) web posted January 27, 2009 EDGEFIELD – The restoration of the historical Horn’s Creek Baptist Church cemetery is the goal of a project just getting underway by the “Friends of Horn’s Creek Cemetery”. To raise money for the restoration the group is selling a booklet entitled, “The Old Stage Road – Asocial History of Horn’s Creek,” based on a nine part series of stories written by Nancy Mims in 1976. Clarice Wise said the group is seeking to add additional interested people to help. EdgefieldDaily.com Sheriff's Office investigating two shooting incidents this weekend web posted January 27, 2009 WESTSIDE – A Westside man was shot in the leg accidentally this weekend at his Martintown Road home after the man’s thumb “slipped off” the hammer and the .45 caliber pistol discharged. Westside First Responders and EMS were already on the scene treating the man when a Sheriff’s Deputy arrived. The man told the deputy that he thought the gun had been cleared and was just resetting the hammer when the gun went off. EdgefieldDaily.com NOTICE: Macedonia Community Meeting web posted January 27, 2009 EDGEFIELD – A Macedonia Community Meeting will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2009, at 10:30 a.m. at Macedonia Baptist Church, 315 Macedonia Street, Edgefield, SC to discuss the future of the Colored Community Center located across the street from Macedonia Baptist Church. All interested parties are invited to attend. Westside Fire Department target of second buglary in 30 days web posted January 27, 2009 WESTSIDE – For the second time in thirty days the Westside Fire Department on Garrett Road has been the site of a burglary. However this time the burglars got a bit of a surprise after breaking in the firehouse. The last burglary, which occurred over the Christmas weekend, found a chainsaw and a generator being taken at a value of around $1,500. EdgefieldDaily.com Letter to the Editor: Writer wants more "positive" comments about Edgefield County web posted January 27, 2009 Dear Editor, I would like to encourage the citizens of Edgefield County to speak out and be more vocal in recognizing the abundance of hard working, dedicated citizens we have in our county. There are so many positive things happening in Edgefield County and I would like to congratulate those that are making our community a better place to live and work. EdgefieldDaily.com Fox Creek Charter High School holds groundbreaking ceremony Saturday (Photos) web posted January 26, 2009 MERRIWETHER – Fox Creek Charter High School held a groundbreaking ceremony Saturday and although the weather was gloomy the spirits of those attending were bright. “Today we break ground on a new center for hope and inspiration in the Merriwether Community,” Dr. Tim Murph, Fox Creek’s Principal said in his opening remarks Fox Creek Charter High School would, “serve our community’s educational needs with distinction for many years to come.” EdgefieldDaily.com More road problems heading to County Council for February meeting (Photos) web posted January 26, 2009 MERRIWETHER – Though the unpaved roads and infrastructure on the New Nine at Mt. Vintage has been a hot potato for the Edgefield County Council, they are going to be dealing with another road at next week’s meeting. Townes Road has been passed on to the county council yet again by the transportation committee seeking to have a variance to right of way widths in order to pave the road. The endless debate, that has now stretched nearly two decades, is no closer to being resolved than it was when it began. “I think it is time to come to a permanent resolution on this once and for all,“ Merriwether County Councilwoman Genia Blackwell said. Townes Road lies within her district. EdgefieldDaily.com Fox Creek teacher caught on video cursing students in tirade web posted January 26, 2009 MERRIWETHER – The groundbreaking ceremony for the new Fox Creek Charter High School seemed to be overshadowed by recent news reports. On Friday four Fox Creek students were arrested for the most recent vandalism at the school and on Saturday a news report was released that involved a student using a cell phone to record a Fox Creek teacher in a vulgarity laced tirade during class last Wednesday. EdgefieldDaily.com ERA to hold Oyster Roast to Raise Money for Theatre Project web reposted January 26, 2009 EDGEFIELD – Saturday, January 31 is the date! From 1-4 PM, Chef Butler Derrrick will serve up fresh oysters and homemade chili in front of the old Edgefield Advertiser Building, soon to be a regional theatre and community center, to raise money to purchase the building, for which Edgefield Regional Arts (ERA) holds an option-to-purchase until the first of May. EdgefiledDaily.com Rebels Coach Lee Sawyer will stay at STH web posted January 24, 2009 JOHNSTON – Coach Lee Sawyer put an end to any rumors that he was considering leaving Strom Thurmond to fill the shoes of Greenwood coach Shell Dula who announced in December that he was retiring after 12 years as Greenwood’s head football coach. Coach Sawyer was thought to be the top pick for the job after being a former defensive coordinator under Dula for three years. “I would like to announce that I am not pursuing the Greenwood High School job or any other job that I may be rumored to take,” Sawyer said at a press conference at Strom Thurmond Friday morning. EdgefieldDaily.com Called meeting of County Council halted (Photos) web posted January 24, 2009 EDGEFIELD – The Special Called meeting of the Edgefield County Council has been cancelled according to the latest information. The meeting was called to address the failure of Mt. Vintage Development to make good on its promises to have all infrastructure in place over two years ago. Mt. Vintage property owner Dennis Brite addressed the council on January 5 saying Mr. Rainsford and his company had made the promises dating back as far as 2006. A two week deadline given by County Council Chairman Monroe Kneece expired January 20. EdgefieldDaily.com Four Fox Creek students charged in Christmas vandalism web posted January 24, 2009 EDGEFIELD – Four teens have been formally charged for the vandalism of Fox Creek Charter High School during the Christmas break. Three of the teens have been charged as adults and a 15-year-old has been charged in Family Court as a juvenile. All four face one count each of burglary in the second degree, malicious injury to personal property over $10,000, and larceny. The larceny charge stems from money allegedly taken from a lock box during the crime. EdgefieldDaily.com Man killed in shoot-out with deputies identified web posted January 24, 2009 AIKEN – The name of the man killed in a gunfight with Aiken County Deputies has been released. The shooting took place just before 5 am Friday when Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the Four Seasons Food and Fuel on Whiskey Road at Citadel Drive. The suspect held the store clerk hostage and fired at the two deputies after they entered the store. Aiken County Sheriff’s Deputy Larry Cleveland, 56, was shot twice - once in the right shoulder and once in the right side. He is recovering at MCG after surgery on Friday. Ronald Hamilton Jr., 26, from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was killed when Deputy Cleveland returned fire and struck him in the upper chest. EdgefieldDaily.com Found Dog web posted January 24, 2009 MERRIWETHER – Found Dog: Birch Point Subdivision area near Martintown Road. Found on Thursday. Male, “Beagle” type dog. Obviously lost and needs to find its owner. Call 803-279-6994 or 706-414-4283 to identify. Alarm stops burglary of Edgefield home web posted January 23, 2009 EDGEFIELD – A Weaver Road resident having a burglar alarm paid off late Wednesday night after the alarm company called the Sheriff’s Office to report the alarm being activated. A deputy arrived minutes later and found no one around the home but noticed “fresh pry marks” on the garage entry door. EdgefieldDaily.com New Mentor Program at Fox Creek High School web posted January 23, 2009 MERRIWETHER – The introductory meeting for Fox Creek High School’s new Mentor Program was held on January 12th and we recruited some fabulous volunteers at that meeting. These mentors represent great potential for some of our struggling teens; however, there are still a few mentor openings left. Anyone who is interested in volunteering as an adult mentor but who missed the introductory meeting will be happy to know that they have not missed the opportunity altogether. EdgefieldDaily.com Letter to the Editor: Former county employee rails against former county administrator web posted January 23, 2009 Dear Editor, I was done wrong by (former Edgefield County Administrator) Wayne Adams when I worked for Edgefield County. I started as an appraiser, and worked in the tax assessors office for two years. I was promoted to the Building Dept. when one of their workers left. I was doing a good job, and mainly trying to help the residents of Edgefield. EdgefieldDaily.com Governor: New Loan Request Prompts Serious Questions about Employment Security Commission web posted January 23, 2009 COLUMBIA – Governor Mark Sanford called for an expedited audit of the state's Employment Security Commission (ESC) on Thursday, after they more than doubled from $146 million to $316 million their loan request from only three weeks ago. The governor also released a letter he is sending to the ESC's commissioners, calling for jobless data to be shared on an expedited timeline, or else he would remove the Commissioners from office. EdgefieldDaily.com TRAC Bill moves out of Senate Subcommittee web posted January 23, 2009 COLUMBIA – A Senate Finance Subcommittee gave a favorable report to a bill creating an independent tax realignment commission (TRAC) on Thursday. This is the first critical step towards passing legislation to bring about a comprehensive look at South Carolina’s tax structure. Numerous tax exemptions initiated over the years by the General Assembly have created an imbalanced tax system that is in serious need of reform. Creating a more balanced system would create a more level playing field and would encourage greater economic growth. EdgefieldDaily.com Media "no bias" exposed: What Else Should a Reporter Be But a Liberal? web posted January 23, 2009 NEWSBUSTERS - On a Canadian Broadcasting Corporation morning TV interview show called "Sun Day," Helen Thomas ("Dean of the White House Press Reporters") was interviewed on how she felt about presidents past, present what was to be future with the Obama inauguration still then days away. She was also quizzed on her profession in which Thomas claimed only liberals should be engaged. And that isn't all. She also said that conservatives are neither thinking nor caring people. NewsBusters.org Fox Creek expels four students relating to school vandalism web posted January 22, 2009 - 12:30 pm MERRIWETHER – The four students believed to be responsible for the most recent vandalism at Fox Creek Charter High School have been expelled from the school, according to Principal Tim Murph. According to a email received by EdgefieldDaily.com from Mr. Murph, the school became aware the students were the focus of the investigation on January 16. EdgefieldDaily.com County Council Chairman calls special meeting: Two week deadline passes and no new roads paved at Mt. Vintage (Photos) web posted January 22, 2009 EDGEFIELD – Edgefield County Council Chairman Monroe Kneece has called a special called meeting that is scheduled for Tuesday, January 27, at 6 pm at the Council Chambers on Jeter Street, behind the Courthouse. The reason for the meeting is to follow up on the two weeks Chairman Kneece gave Bettis Rainsford to address the problems of not completing the required infrastructure for the expansion of Mt. Vintage, which expired this past Tuesday. To at least one councilman, there has been a whole lot of nothing going on. EdgefieldDaily.com Fox Creek students at center of investigation of most recent vandalism web posted January 22, 2009 MERRIWETHER – Four Fox Creek Charter High School students could be facing felony criminal charges as a result of the most recent vandalisms to the school and the Fox Creek Board of Directors held a meeting to address those findings Wednesday night. The four Fox Creek students, who remain unnamed at this point, have not been charged but are believed to be responsible for almost $20,000 in damages and the theft of hundreds of dollars of cash from a lock box in the most recent incident. EdgefieldDaily.com "Sunshine in South Carolina": State Republicans push for transparency - Video Included web posted January 22, 2009 COLUMBIA – Senate Majority Leader Harvey Peeler (R-Cherokee) today announced the Senate Republican Caucus’ 2009 first agenda package in an innovative form for South Carolina politics – posted on the website youtube.com. The “Sunshine in South Carolina” package centers around legislation that will bring accountability, transparency and efficiency to state government. EdgefieldDaily.com Possible dog-napping leads to felony investigation web posted January 22, 2009 WESTSIDE – Sheriff’s Investigators are on the trail of one that is usually on the trail of another, a $2,000 Walker “Coon Hound”. The prized canine took missing after two teenagers claiming to be looking for their own lost hound were seen on the property. When the owner arrived home the gate to the pen was open and the dog was gone. EdgefieldDaily.com Johnston Peach Blossom Beauty Pageant accepting applications for contestants web posted January 22, 2009 JOHNSTON – The Johnston Peach Blossom Beauty Pageant is taking applications for participants for the March pageant which drew well over 100 contestants last year. The event is sponsored by the Little Stevens Creek Baptist Church and proceeds go towards Mission Trips for the church. Applications are available for download in this report. EdgefieldDaily.com Edgefield County Recreation Department Spring Season registration gets underway web posted January 22, 2009 COUNTY – Though the winter months have just begun the Edgefield County Recreation Department is gearing up for the Spring Season and sign-ups for Baseball, Softball, and Soccer are getting underway starting this coming Saturday and will continue through February 14. As always EdgefieldDaily.com is the only local media outlet that provides instant download of registration forms. EdgefieldDaily.com Aiken Center For The Arts To Celebrate 10th Annual Antiques Show and Sale web posted January 22, 2009 AIKEN – Aiken will once again become a regional fine art and antiques destination when the 10th annual Antiques in the Heart of Aiken comes to the Aiken Center for the Arts from January 29 - February 1, 2009. Proceeds from Antiques in the Heart of Aiken benefit the Aiken Center for the Arts, which is celebrating its 35th anniversary as a major art resource for the area. Offering a variety of visual and performing art classes, free exhibits, children’s summer art camps and special events, the Center is dedicated to furthering arts in the community. EdgefieldDaily.com President Barack Obama's inaugural address web posted January 21, 2009 NATION – Below is a full transcript of President Barack Obama's inaugural address. EdgefieldDaily.com U.S. Stocks Slide in Dow Average’s Worst Inauguration Day Drop in history web posted January 21, 2009 Bloomberg -- U.S. stocks sank, sending the Dow Jones Industrial Average to its worst Inauguration Day decline, as speculation banks must raise more capital sent financial shares to an almost 14-year low. Bloomberg.com Edgefield resident takes in inauguration on Capitol lawn (Photo) web posted January 21, 2009 WASHINGTON, D.C. - It took much longer to get around due to the heightened security, but Edgefield's Patricia Moseley still had a blast at what should be remembered as the political event of the year. Presidential inaugurations can often be like that - crowded, massed affairs. But especially if they are like Tuesday's, one of historic meaning. EdgefieldDaily.com Edgefield County gets a taste of winter (Photo) web posted January 21, 2009 COUNTY – Edgefield County got a touch of winter Tuesday morning as anxious school children awoke to see snow falling and had dreams of a day in the snow and being out of school. In the end they missed out on both, the schools were not delayed or closed, and by the time school was out the snow was gone. Some parents were not pleased about the Edgefield County School District Office not delaying the school openings with wet roads, freezing temperatures, and snow falling. “What were they thinking,” one parent asked. EdgefieldDaily.com Parents - Meet Your School Resource Officer web posted January 21, 2009 JOHNSTON – Deputy Eddie Lyell, Strom Thurmond High School SRO, will be available to meet with parents and students on Thursday, January 22, 2009 (Report Card Night) 3:30pm – 7:00 pm and Friday, January 23, 8:30 am - Noon. Deputy Lyell will be in the STHS Commons Area (near the Cafeteria) during these times. Stop by and get to know your School Resource Officer. NOTICE: Johnston Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting web posted January 21, 2009 JOHNSTON – The Town of Johnston’s Zoning Board of Appeals will conduct a meeting at 5:00 pm February 10, 2009 at the Johnston Town Hall, 500 Mims Avenue, to consider an appeal filed by Carolina Retail Development Services, LLC, 383 Lee Street, Johnston SC. Tax Map 180-15-02-044-000 (relocation of Dollar General Store). Interested parties are welcome to attend. A burglar with style? web posted January 21, 2009 JOHNSTON – A Holmes Pond Road couple returned to their home this weekend to discover being the victim of a burglary. In a rather strange twist for burglaries, numerous electronics including a big screen TV and other usually targeted items were left undisturbed. However, the couple reported $2,250 worth of clothing missing. EdgefieldDaily.com Visit leads to over $3,000 in items stolen and damages web posted January 21, 2009 EDGEFIELD – A Johnston man visiting his girlfriend at the Brighton Ridge Apartments on Woodland Avenue went to leave around 2 am Tuesday morning and found his 1979 Chevrolet Caprice had been broken into and vandalized leaving over $3,000 in damages and stolen equipment. EdgefieldDaily.com It's only words By Pastor Stacy Williams web posted January 21, 2009 MERRIWETHER – What do a cat, a bagel and a taco have in common? I’ll tell you in a bit. Right now, I want you to think about something with me. When was the last time you were angry? I don’t just mean a little miffed at someone. I mean truly angry. Were you angry enough to hurt someone else, or maybe yourself? What was it over? Chances are, the thing you were so angry about probably seems pretty silly now, or at least a bit amusing. Perhaps you have completely forgotten what it was that so enraged you in the first place. EdgefieldDaily.com Guest Opinion: Gov. Sanford - Time is now to seize opportunities for state By SC Gov. Mark Sanford web posted January 21, 2009 The Wall Street Journal printed an interesting piece Tuesday entitled, “Freedom is Still the Winning Formula,” which summed up the findings of this year’s index of economic freedom. It turns out that there’s an amazing correlation between economic freedom and national income, as the freest enjoy per capita income over ten times higher than those countries that are viewed as repressed. EdgefieldDaily.com Local man knows how to shows movies (Photos) web posted January 21, 2009 JOHNSTON - When Ronnie Combs wants to go to a movie, he doesn't have far to go. He has a movie theater built right into his home in Johnston. And in fact, he has two. And he has literally hundreds of movies to choose from. "I prefer the old movies, the classics," he said. "My all-time favorite actor is Humphrey Bogart. But I also like a lot of the other older ones like James Stewart, Edward G. Robinson, James Cagney, Ingrid Bergman and Lauren Bacall." EdgefieldDaily.com Here’s Your Card  web
posted January 21, 2009HERE’S YOUR CARD – Anyone can make a mistake. The thought behind that statement is that people should learn from their mistakes and not repeat them in the future. That is not the case in our latest Here’s Your Card nominee. EdgefieldDaily.com Fox Creek Charter School to hold ground-breaking ceremony Saturday web posted January 21, 2009 MERRIWETHER – Fox Creek Charter High School will be holding a Ground Breaking Ceremony this Saturday, January 24, at 10:30 am at the Short Cut Road location off Stevens Road for the first ever publicly funded building of a Charter School in the state of South Carolina. A number of local dignitaries have been invited to attend. Yard Sale to Benefit Strom Thurmond Boy’s Basketball Program web posted January 21, 2009 PSA – The STHS Boy’s Basketball Program will sponsor a Yard Sale on Saturday, February 7, 2009 beginning at 8:00 am. The event will be held at Strom Thurmond High School. Anyone wishing to participate in the yard sale can rent a booth for $12.00 and should contact Evelyn Mitchell at 637-3859 to reserve a space. All proceeds benefit the boy’s basketball program at STHS. Board Appreciation Month Observed (Photo) web posted January 20, 2009 JOHNSTON – Mr. Zachary Collier, President of the STHS Student Body assisted Dr. Mary R. Crenshaw, Superintendent, at a School Board Recognition program on January 13th. Mr. Collier spoke to the Board thanking them for all their hard work that each member puts in to manage the district and for the support that they give to the students of Edgefield County. EdgefieldDaily.com Police seek suspects in Checkers Shooting incident web posted January 20, 2009 NORTH AUGUSTA – The Edgefield County Sheriff’s Office was put on alert after a shooting incident at the Checkers Restaurant on Highway 25 just south of the county line Monday night. According to reports, a green colored Toyota four door sedan occupied by two black males that fired shots into the restaurant shortly before 11 pm Monday night. EdgefieldDaily.com Author’s Night at the Peach Museum web posted January 20, 2009 JOHNSTON – The Edgefield County Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring an Author’s Night in conjunction with the Smithsonian Exhibit of Key Ingredients on January 24. Local authors will be on hand to sign their books. The event will be held from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. EdgefieldDaily.com School District to hold Parent Conference Days this week web posted January 20, 2009 COUNTY - The Edgefield County School District will hold Parent Conference Days on January 22 and 23, 2009. Parents are to pick up their child’s report cards at their schools. On January 22, the Parent Conference time starts at 3:00 for elementary and 3:30 for the high school with staff available until 7 p.m. that evening. On January 23, report card pick up time will be from 8:00 till 12:00 noon. Belvedere Little League announces sign-up dates web posted January 20, 2009 BELVEDERE – The Belvedere Little League will be conducting sign-up days for the upcoming baseball season. The dates are Tuesdays and Thursdays February 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19 from 6 until 8 pm. Saturday dates are February 7, 14, 21 from 10 am until noon. All sign ups will be taken at the Belvedere Little League Park off Hwy 25 at 199 Rita Ave. in Belvedere. For more information contact Kevin Wilson at 803-279-1345 or 706-831-5979. Obama: The wrong prescription for America's ills A Column by the Editor web posted January 20, 2009 COLUMN – While all the world will be glued to their TV’s today to watch the inauguration of Barack Obama as intently as they do their other passions - American Idol, Dancing with the Stars, and Entertainment Tonight - you can count me out of one of those who will be mesmerized and hanging on every word. I will be working, as will a majority of the half of Americans who did not vote for Obama. To me it is just another day, though I will admit that it does have very important significance. EdgefieldDaily.com MLK - "I Have A Dream"  web
posted January 19, 2009NATION – With the Observance of Martin Luther King Day, EdgefieldDaily.com has once again published his "I have a dream" speech given Aug. 28, 1963 on the Washington Mall. As a special feature this year video footage of the speech is also included. EdgefieldDaily.com Closings for Martin Luther King holiday web posted January 19, 2009 COUNTY – All Edgefield County Offices, Edgefield, Johnston, and Trenton Town Halls, the Edgefield County School District, and the US Postal Service will be closed today. Most area banks will also be observing the holiday. One injured in Sunday morning crash (Photos) web posted January 19, 2009 MERRIWETHER – A 42-year-old Martinez man was injured and taken to MCG Hospital after a brutal one vehicle crash Sunday morning on Woodlawn Road near Thurmond Road. The driver of the Jeep Grand Cherokee was westbound when he ran off the edge of the road entering a curve and struck a culvert causing the Jeep to become airborne. EdgefieldDaily.com “Voice of the Rebels Baseball” sought web posted January 19, 2009 JOHNSTON – Brent Wilder, the Rebels Baseball Head Coach said, “I need a responsible member of the community that loves the school and baseball to volunteer and be the “Voice of the Rebels”. The duties would include doing pre-game introductions and introducing batters, sponsors, at each Varsity home game. Coach Wilder said he was in the process of building a team website and is seeking photographs for past varsity teams. EdgefieldDaily.com Johnston Peach Blossom Festival Loves A Parade web posted January 19, 2009 JOHNSTON – The Johnston Peach Blossom Festival is now taking applications for individuals, organizations or businesses interested in being a part of the Festival’s parade. The Festival will be held May 2, 2009, in Johnston, known as the Peach Capital of the World. EdgefieldDaily.com JET Middle School Is Winner of Coat Drive Challenge (Photos) web posted January 19, 2009 JOHNSTON – A friendly challenge began the first of January between JET Middle School and Strom Thurmond High School to see which school could bring in the most coats for the KICKS 99.5 Salvation Army Coat Drive. On Wednesday of this week, Sean Kinzler, Assistant Promotions Director with KICKS, came to Edgefield County to pick up the donated items. EdgefieldDaily.com Livingston Recognized For Fifteen Years of Service (Photo) web posted January 17, 2009 JOHNSTON – Mr. Andy Livingston, a board member for Edgefield County Schools, has been recognized by the South Carolina School Board Association (SCSBA) for fifteen years of school board service. Mrs. Sallie Cooks, Board Chairperson and Superintendent, Dr. Mary R. Crenshaw, made the formal presentation of recognition at the January 13 meeting of The Edgefield County School Board of Trustees regular meeting. He received a lapel pin and certificate from the School Board Association. EdgefieldDaily.com Rep. Barrett Meets with Corps Officials Regarding Lake Levels web posted January 17, 2009 Washington, DC – Congressman Gresham Barrett (SC-03) met earlier this week with General Schroedel, commander of the South Atlantic Division, US Army Corps of Engineers to discuss the current drought situation and a better way forward. At the meeting Congressman Barrett followed up on a formal request he recently made to the Savannah Corps of Engineers that the releases from Lake Thurmond are kept at 3100cfs for as long as possible. In addition, Congressman Barrett has asked for a plan of action from the Corps of Engineers for any future drought conditions that are likely to occur. EdgefieldDaily.com Save the Jews By Carl Langley web posted January 17, 2009 GUEST COLUMN – The effeminate dilettantes of the United Nations have taken time off from their boring wine and cheese receptions, endless state dinners and show-and-tell lecture meetings to pass another resolution ordering the Israelis to cease and desist from fighting for their survival as both a people and a nation. In other words, shut up and die. EdgefieldDaily.com Edgefield mourns passing of town leader (Photo) web posted January 16, 2009 EDGEFIELD – Edgefield has lost a long time community leader with the announcement of the death of John Wallace Pettigrew, 82, who passed away on Wednesday night. Funeral Services will be held Sunday, January 18, 2009 at 2 P.M. at Edgefield First Baptist Church with burial in Eastview Cemetery. Mr. Pettigrew is the father of Edgefield County Administrator John Pettigrew Jr. EdgefieldDaily.com Letter to the Editor - Rainsford: EdgefieldDaily.com Editor "racist", a fake, and "un-Christian" Delivers scathing rebuke on day of funeral of family matriarch's burial web posted January 16, 2009 Dear Editor: I begin this letter by expressing my condolences to you and your family on the death of Mrs. Adams. Although I never had the opportunity to know her, I am sure that she was a fine woman. I have had the occasion to come to know one of her grandsons fairly well, and if he were her only legacy, it is a good one. EdgefieldDaily.com Editor thanks Bettis Rainsford for compassion during time of loss web posted January 16, 2009 COLUMN - Dear Mr. Bettis Rasinsford, Thank you for your heartfelt condolences. This has been a very hard week on my family. I was quite surprised to receive your letter so full of personally vile, mortifying, and shameful attacks on a day like today. I am overwhelmed not only by your compassion for me, but also for my entire family, including my wife who lost her mother on Monday. EdgefieldDaily.com Congressman Barrett Votes Against SCHIP Expansion web posted January 16, 2009 WASHINGTON D.C. – Congressman Gresham Barrett (SC, 03) voted against the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) reauthorization Act. H.R. 2 expands eligibility to children of higher income families prior to ensuring all currently eligible children have enrolled and are receiving the health care coverage afforded under SCHIP. H.R. 2 will increase taxes by $71.1 billion over the next ten years. Additionally, the bill will increase spending on the program from the $40 billion spent over the past ten years to a total of $60 billion over just the next four and a half years. EdgefieldDaily.com PTC Instructors Selected for SC Course Design Team web posted January 16, 2009 GREENWOOD – Piedmont Technical College math instructor Sherrie Holland and physics instructor John Edwards have been selected to serve as expert consultants on the Statewide Course Design Team for the South Carolina Course Alignment Project (SC CAP). EdgefieldDaily.com $500,000 to help local first-time mothers, create jobs web posted January 16, 2009 ANDERSON – More than $500,000 will be delivered Thursday to an Anderson County group collaborating to launch a cutting-edge program called Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP) that will profoundly impact the lives of 100 children and their mothers, plus establish six jobs to support this program in the county. The initiative will have long-reaching economic impacts as well as educational impacts for local children and communities. EdgefieldDaily.com No headlines today web posted January 15, 2009 WEBNEWS – There are no headlines for today due to the visitation on Thursday night and the funeral today of Mrs. Adams. The Wandering Minds has been updated. Full updates will return on Friday. Family Matriarch passes- Jennetta Bridges Adams (Photo) web posted January 14, 2009 MERRIWETHER – Funeral Services for Mrs. Jennetta Bridges Adams, 80, of Spring Haven Drive, North Augusta, SC, who went to be with her Heavenly Father January 12, 2009, will be conducted Thursday afternoon at 2 o’clock from the Big Stevens Creek Baptist Church. Rev. Eric Bruton, Dr. Paul W. Noe and Mr. Jerry A. Garvin officiating. Interment in Sweetwater Cemetery. EdgefieldDaily.com ERA Holds Oyster Roast to Raise Money for the Theatre Project web posted January 14, 2009 EDGEFIELD – Saturday, January 31 is the date! From 1-4 PM, Chef Butler Derrrick will serve up fresh oysters and homemade chili in front of the old Edgefield Advertiser Building, soon to be a regional theatre and community center, to raise money to purchase the building, for which Edgefield Regional Arts (ERA) holds an option-to-purchase until the first of May. EdgefieldDaily.com Thurmond student's Carnival idea could hedge budget shortfalls (Photo) web posted January 14, 2009 JOHNSTON - Sean Robins' carnival idea is hardly all fun and games. He knows that his vision will take some hard work. Fortunately, for students at Strom Thurmond High School, Robins, a senior, has the desire, strength and help needed to see it through. And if his efforts are successful, it could create a lasting legacy. EdgefieldDaily.com Pastor Stacy Williams: I didn't recognize you By Pastor Stacy Williams web posted January 14, 2009 COLUMN – Go to most any car dealership in the country, talk to the seasoned salespeople, and you’ll find some very interesting stories. One story that seems to be a common one, is the story of the person who comes into the dealership in an old vehicle, dressed in worn or dirty clothes who wants to look at a very expensive vehicle. Most salespeople would go the other way or try to not wait on them, only to find out that the person is very wealthy and could buy anything they choose. Depending on the story, the customer either pays cash on the spot or gives the business to the dealer down the street. EdgefieldDaily.com Relay for Life holds 2009 Kick-off event (Photo) web posted January 14, 2009 EDGEFIELD – Edgefield County Relay for Life kicked off its seventh campaign at the Edgefield Town Gym last Thursday night. This year's theme is, "Carnival of Hope." "This has grown into a great event," said event chairperson Sharen Fay. "As the American Cancer Society Relay for Life marks 25 years of bringing hope to communities nationwide, volunteers from all over the world have an opportunity to celebrate the progress we've made in the fight against cancer. EdgefieldDaily.com SC Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism requests Community Input for State Tourism Development Marketing Plan web posted January 14, 2009 COUNTY – The SC Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism is asking for statewide support and participation from each of the 46 counties to assist in the development of its new Tourism Development Marketing Plan. Edgefield County will be participating in the public forum and site visit portion of the process January 20, 2009. EdgefieldDaily.com Edgefield artist Jane Bess donates work to NWTF (Photo) web posted January 14, 2009 EDGEFIELD – Edgefield pottery maker Jane Bess was looking for a way to give back to a nonprofit organization that has given much to the local community. She had the answer at her fingertips. Bess, who owns Jane Bess Pottery, donated a special-edition hand-thrown stoneware pottery bowl to the National Wild Turkey Federation in Edgefield in January. EdgefieldDaily.com Photo Contest Announced web posted January 14, 2009 EDGEFIELD – The Commissioners of the Edgefield Soil and Water Conservation District are pleased to announce the opening of the annual photo contest sponsored by the Conservation District. The Edgefield Conservation District reaches out to every grade level with programs and projects each year in an effort to boost the overall knowledge of natural resource conservation. EdgefieldDaily.com Lee Sawyer Honored as December Culture of Excellence Award Recipient (Photo) web posted January 14, 2009 JOHNSTON – Lee Sawyer, Head Football Coach and weight lifting instructor has received the honor of being named the December “Culture of Excellence Award” recipient at Strom Thurmond High School. He was nominated for the award by fellow teachers. EdgefieldDaily.com Letter to the Editor: Ryberg: Bill wants Obese Employees to pay more for Insurance web posted January 14, 2009 Dear Editor, State Hourly workers have already had to bare the majority of the burden of salary cuts; far more than the department heads and specialty groups, why add another burden to the already underpaid hourly employees, you can bet the over weight “salaried” employees will never pay a dime extra for insurance benefits, which includes the Governor and his department heads. EdgefieldDaily.com Family Matriarch passes - Jennetta B. Adams 1928-2009 web posted January 13, 2009 UPDATED MERRIWETHER – Mrs. Jennetta B. Adams, 80, (Feb. 13, 1928 - Jan. 12, 2009) passed on to be with the Lord Monday afternoon around 2:00. Mrs. Adams was the family matriarch. Family and friends will be received at the home of Trish and Rodney Ingle, 680 Springhaven Drive on Tuesday. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 6-8 pm at Stephen Posey Funeral Home, North Augusta. Services will be at 2 pm, Thursday, at Big Stevens Creek Baptist Church. There will no news updates for Tuesday. There has been a limited update to the Wandering Minds. A full update will be made for Wednesday and then a limited update for Thursday. Single-car crash drops utility pole, flickers power in Edgefield and Johnston (Photos) web posted January 12, 2009 JOHNSTON – A single-car crash on Highway 23 near Wardlaw Academy on Sunday evening downed one utility pole, cracked another and flickered lights for miles around. Two power lines were also brought down as result of the crash, which occurred just after 8 p.m. EdgefieldDaily.com Debbie Courtney Honored At JET Middle School (Photo) web posted January 12, 2009 JOHNSTON – Ms. Debbie Courtney, JET Middle School Teacher of the Year, was honored with a morning breakfast reception on Monday, January 5, 2009. The school sponsored this event to honor her as their Teacher of the Year and thank her for her representation of their school during the year. Ms. Courtney was also selected as the Edgefield County School District Teacher of the Year. EdgefieldDaily.com Inaugural Carolinas/Georgia Junior Golf Championship this weekend web posted January 12, 2009 MERRIWETHER – The top ranked junior boys and girls from North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia will compete in the inaugural Carolinas/Georgia Junior at Mt. Vintage this weekend. The invitation only field is full and includes 96 of the finest junior golfers from the three states. Invitations were sent to the top ranked boys and girls based on state junior golf association rankings and Junior Golf Scoreboard rankings. EdgefieldDaily.com STHS Students of the Month named (Photo) web posted January 12, 2009 JOHNSTON – Strom Thurmond High School is proud to announce the names of the November-December Students of the Month. The Student of the Month Program recognizes students who display good citizenship characteristics. EdgefieldDaily.com Letter to the Editor: Writer says "Stop the poison" of the Wandering Minds web posted January 12, 2009 Dear Editor, As you and I have discussed before, I have made it my policy not to respond to comments made on the Wandering Minds section of (EdgefieldDaily.com). Many of these comments are written by people who have not tried to seek the facts. Pieces of information added to no accountability of signing your name opens the door for counterproductive and many times hate filled statements. EdgefieldDaily.com Editor defends Wandering Minds - readers will remain anonymous A Column by the Editor web posted January 12, 2009 COLUMN – Edgefield Mayor Ken Durham has published his personal disdain for the public’s ability to make anonymous comments in the Wandering Minds Section of EdgefieldDaily.com, calling it “counterproductive” and “poison” for our county. I vehemently disagree. Freedom of speech is one of the founding blocks of our great Republic. Neither you nor I have to agree with what someone says, but I defend their right to say it and support that position with the Constitution. EdgefieldDaily.com Obama climate czar has socialist ties web posted January 12, 2009 Until last week, Carol M. Browner, President-elect Barack Obama's pick as global warming czar, was listed as one of 14 leaders of a socialist group's Commission for a Sustainable World Society, which calls for "global governance" and says rich countries must shrink their economies to address climate change. Washington Times World’s first flying car prepares for take-off web posted January 12, 2009 Is it a car? Is it a plane? Actually it’s both. The first flying automobile, equally at home in the sky or on the road, is scheduled to take to the air next month. Off The Wall Rash of burglaries continues Updated information contained in this report 6:45 pm web posted January 10, 2009 MERRIWETHER – Another burglary and another stolen handgun has been reported, this time from a home on the 200 block of Cheves Creek Circle. The burglary was discovered late Thursday afternoon when the homeowner arrived home and found a dresser drawer open as well as a gun safe in the master bedroom. Though other guns were in the safe, the only one missing was the sole handgun. EdgefieldDaily.com Sheriff’s Office investigating shooting incident at Trenton apartment complex web posted January 10, 2009 TRENTON – The Edgefield County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a report of shots being fired at a Trenton Apartment complex on Woodyard Road Thursday morning around 9:25. According to witnesses, two black males dressed in “black tank tops with black bandanas around their hands” began banging on the door of an apartment yelling for someone to come outside. The witnesses said the two black males were armed with handguns and they heard two shots being fired before the group left in a green SUV. EdgefieldDaily.com Former Edgefield County Administrator Adams named in $2 million lawsuit in Newberry web posted January 10, 2009 NEWBERRY – Former Edgefield County Administrator Wayne Adams, no stranger to being named in a number of lawsuits in Edgefield County during his eleven year tenure here, has been named in a $2 million lawsuit in Newberry County where he is their current County Administrator. EdgefieldDaily.com Gov. Sanford Unveils 2009-10 Executive Budget web posted January 10, 2009 COLUMBIA – Gov. Mark Sanford released the sixth Executive Budget of his administration on Friday morning - a balanced, activity-based $5.8 billion spending plan for Fiscal Year 2009-10 that prioritizes spending in a tough budget year, provides for an optional income tax rate cut while phasing out the corporate income tax, offers $267 million in cost savings, and largely protects core government functions such as education, law enforcement, and healthcare. Edgefielddaily.com Supreme Court to decide voting rights law challenge web posted January 10, 2009 WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Supreme Court said on Friday it would consider a challenge to a central provision of the 44-year-old voting rights law aimed at preventing states and local governments from making it harder for minorities to vote. Reuters Three car crash stalls rush hour on Martintown Road (Photos) web posted January 9, 2009 9:00 am MERRIWETHER – An early morning crash stalled rush hour traffic on Martintown Road Friday morning after a three vehicle crash at the intersection with Springhaven Drive around 7:20 am. The collision left one car overturned and the driver trapped inside for a short period of time as Merriwether Firefighters and First Responders rushed to the scene. EdgefieldDaily.com Deputies arrest suspected armed burglar within minutes of crime web posted January 9, 2009 EDGEFIELD – An Edgefield man called 911 to report an intruder in his home on the 1300 block of Sweetwater Road Thursday morning around 11:30. The homeowner was upstairs sleep when he heard noises downstairs and went to investigate and discovered a man inside the home and confronted him. It was then the intruder produced a handgun and pointed it at the homeowner’s head and then made his getaway. EdgefieldDaily.com Forth cell tower struck in copper theft web posted January 9, 2009 JOHNSTON – Copper thieves have struck another cellular phone tower, the forth in the last month. The latest report came in to the Sheriff’s Office on Thursday saying an AT&T tower on W. D. Herlong Road in Johnston was missing the same copper grounding wires as the previous thefts. EdgefieldDaily.com Westside home burglarized: gun, meds, and cash stolen web posted January 9, 2009 WESTSIDE – Additional information on a burglary of a home on the 600 block of Republican Road has been released on Thursday. The homeowners did not discover the crime until Wednesday evening and notified the Sheriff’s Office. Though they were aware someone had been in the home they did not know there was anything missing until the man reached for money in his wallet and discovered the $50 was missing. EdgefieldDaily.com Letter to the Editor: Rainsford writes to "set the record straight" web posted January 9, 2009 Dear Editor: Mr. Brite’s presentation at the County Council Meeting on Tuesday night and your reporting of it leave a distorted picture of the facts of the case. I am writing to set the record straight. EdgefieldDaily.com Obama camp 'prepared to talk to (terrorist) Hamas' web posted January 9, 2009 (Editor's note: The standing "doctrine" of not meeting with terrorists has been held by all Presidents, not just Pres. Bush) The incoming Obama administration is prepared to abandon George Bush's doctrine of isolating Hamas by establishing a channel to the Islamist organisation, sources close to the transition team say. guardian.co.uk Burglaries, thefts rise in number first week of 2009 web posted January 8, 2009 COUNTY – The usual number of burglaries during the month of December were way down last year. That has changed in the last week with over a half dozen thefts being reported. It seems that when the schools reopened and homes were left unattended the thieves are making up for lost time. Since the first of the year the following burglaries and grand larcenies have taken place. EdgefieldDaily.com Edgefield Soil and Water Conservation poster contest winners announced (Photos) web posted January 8, 2009 EDGEFIELD – The Commissioners of the Edgefield Soil and Water Conservation District are pleased to announce the winners in the most recent conservation contest sponsored by the Conservation District. The Edgefield Conservation District reaches out to every grade level with programs and projects each year in an effort to boost the overall knowledge of natural resource conservation. EdgefieldDaily.com Airport hanger lease continues to be plagued with problems web posted January 8, 2009 EDGEFIELD – The issue surrounding the lease of hanger space at the Trenton Airport was on the agenda of the Edgefield County Council once again Tuesday night, this time for a third reading of a lease agreement between the county and Western Carolina Aviators LLC. The final reading was postponed due to problems that included improper paperwork and agreement wording filed with the county. Another problem was brought to the attention of the county council by County Councilman Rodney Ashcraft - those purporting to be Western Carolina Aviators LLC did not own the name. EdgefieldDaily.com Wrestling match Monday at JET web posted January 8, 2009 JOHNSTON – A wrestling match will be held on January 12 beginning at 6:30 pm in the JET Middle School gymnasium. First round match will be between Orangeburg Prep and Pelion. Second match will be between STHS and Orangeburg Prep followed by STHS with Pelion. Admission is free. Oil prices tumble as gas prices rise, again web posted January 8, 2009 NATION – As gas prices continue to inch up almost daily, oil prices fell 12 percent, the greatest drop in price in a day in seven years. The drop in price, in spite of turmoil in the Middle East, comes on the heals of data released from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) that showed crude stocks swelled by 6.7 million barrels, more than seven times the 900,000-barrel increase analysts had expected. EdgefieldDaily.com Smithsonian and Era Come To Johnston web posted January 8, 2009 JOHNSTON – The Smithsonian Institution’s program Museum on Main Street is coming to the Edgefield County Peach Museum in Johnston with its exhibit, Key Ingredients: America by Food, and Edgefield Regional Arts (ERA) has been invited to mount a show at First Citizens Bank in conjunction with it. EdgefieldDaily.com Global Warming alarmist get more bad news: Sea Ice Ends Year at Same Level as 1979 web posted January 8, 2009 Each year, millions of square kilometers of sea ice melt and refreeze. However, the mean ice anomaly -- defined as the seasonally-adjusted difference between the current value and the average from 1979-2000, varies much more slowly. That anomaly now stands at just under zero, a value identical to one recorded at the end of 1979, the year satellite record-keeping began. DailyTech.com Mt. Vintage’s Rainsford on hot seat for allegedly violating the law 139 times or more (Photos) web posted January 7, 2009 EDGEFIELD – The first meeting of the County Council for 2009 was one that no doubt broke in its two newest council members, Rodney Ashcraft and Genia Blackwell, in an unprecedented fashion. After a routine third reading of an ordinance to amend the current budget, Dennis Brite, of Mount Vintage’s “Third Nine”, leveled serious allegations against Bettis Rainsford and Mount Vintage Development armed with emails, photographs, and the county’s own ordinances to bolster his claims. “I can assure you if you or I had violated the law 139 times the Sheriff would be on our doorstep with handcuffs,” Mr. Brite said. EdgefieldDaily.com County tosses option on Calliham property purchase: Church street construction to begin soon web posted January 7, 2009 EDGEFIELD – The hotly debated issue of the purchase of the Calliham Furniture property for $425,000 has officially ended when the Edgefield County Council returned from and executive session Tuesday night and voted to stop their pursuit of the purchase of the option to buy the beleaguered property. The county will now seek to begin rebuilding the offices lost at the Church Street property that was ravaged by fire on July 6, of 2007. EdgefieldDaily.com County Council swears in new members - tackles hot issues (Photos) web posted January 7, 2009 EDGEFIELD – The Edgefield County Council swore in its two newest members Rodney Ashcraft, District 2, and Genia Blackwell, District 5, Tuesday night along with the re-elected incumbent members. Shortly afterwards the county council embarked on a near three hour meeting. Prior to the business meeting getting underway Chairman Kneece was re-elected as Chairman followed by a 3-2 vote to re-elect Councilman Willie Bright as Vice-chairman. Councilman Ashcraft received two votes for the position. EdgefieldDaily.com Countywide Tornado Warning System given green light web posted January 7, 2009 COUNTY – Emergency Management Administration Director Mike Casey told the Edgefield County Council that the tornado warning system for Edgefield, Johnston, and Trenton has been completed. The leader on the implementation of the system was lead by Edgefield Mayor Ken Durham and the other towns followed suit. Mr. Casey said that since its completion there was a desire to implement the warning system throughout the county but funds were not available, until now. EdgefieldDaily.com Religion: Higher Definition By Pastor Stacy Williams web posted January 7, 2009 COLUMNIST - Just before football season this past fall, we had a tragedy occur in our home. My large television in the living room stopped working. This was the TV that I watched most football games on, the one that I would fall asleep in front of, and the one where we had our family movie nights. My first impulse was to immediately replace it, but when we saw how much televisions sell for now, my wife and I decided to wait. Between that time and January we had four family birthdays and Christmas to think about paying for. Besides, we also had a smaller one in the master bedroom, and one in the kid’s playroom. EdgefieldDaily.com The game Kevin Ginn will never forget (Photo) web posted January 7, 2009 JOHNSTON - Kevin Ginn always gives his best, no matter the playing field. But it just so happens that his best night of football came when his teammates needed it most. It was a magical night that ended with another state title, with a championship medallion placed around his neck and plenty of memories the Wardlaw senior will never ever forget. EdgefieldDaily.com Register for Master Gardener Course web posted January 7, 2009 MCCORMICK – The McCormick County Master Gardeners Association and the McCormick County office of Clemson Extension Service are receiving registrations for the 2009 Master Gardener Course. An informational meeting and sign-up session will be held on Thursday, January 15, 2009 at 6:00 p.m. in the McCormick County Office Building meeting room (old McCormick County Library site) at 201 East Augusta Street. Attending this session does not commit you to the course nor do you have to attend to register. However, if you choose to enroll, you must do so by January 15. EdgefieldDaily.com Edgefield Town Council hires new police officer, gives permission for upcoming events web posted January 6, 2009 EDGEFIELD – The Edgefield Town Council held their first meeting of the New Year with all members present and a very short agenda. Ms. Anne Kiser, District Ranger for the Long Cane Ranger District was the visitor of the month, Ms. Kerry Klein had a request to hold the third annual Shamrock Run, and Chief Ronnie Carter had his pick as a new police officer. Another bit of new news was the installation of a webcam that has been installed looking down on the town square. EdgefieldDaily.com Eye on the town square (Photo) web posted January 6, 2009 EDGEFIELD – If you are on the Edgefield Town Square and you get the feeling that somebody is watching you, you may not be paranoid after all. Chances are somebody, somewhere, is watching. Mayor Ken Durham informed the town council that a new camera has been placed atop the old Rocky Shop looking down on the town square and will become “live” in the coming days. “I’ve been wanting to do this for a long time,” Mayor Durham said. EdgefieldDaily.com Federal Prison remains on “lockdown” web posted January 6, 2009 EDGEFIELD – The Edgefield Federal Prison remains on lockdown status this week after several inmates were fighting in a housing unit on New Years Eve, according to a press release issued on Monday. EdgefieldDaily.com Edgefield reworks gym rental agreement due to ongoing problems web posted January 6, 2009 EDGEFIELD – Due to ongoing problems with noise complaints and other situations, such as those at the Center, Mayor Durham stated the town needed to review if not change the lease agreement for parties at the Town Gym. Mayor Durham said he was tired of getting complaints and, in his opinion, something has to be done. The problems that were once at The Center on Macedonia Street before it was shut down have now spilled over to the Gym. EdgefieldDaily.com Fire destroys truck at Water Department (Photos) web posted January 6, 2009 EDGEFIELD – An Edgefield man paying his water bill on Monday morning got a lot more water than he anticipated after he began leaving the Water Authority building on Waterworks Road. A fire truck full in fact. Just as he began backing out of the parking place around noon his Ford F150 pickup truck burst into flames. EdgefieldDaily.com Learn About Honeybees at Short Course (Photo) web posted January 6, 2009 GREENWOOD – An “Introduction to Beekeeping” short course will be presented by the Lakelands Beekeepers Association and Clemson Extension Service at the Greenwood County Tennis Center in Greenwood. Veteran beekeepers, beginners, and prospective beekeepers should benefit from attending. The course is designed primarily for hobby beekeepers. EdgefieldDaily.com Govt at work: EPA 'Cow Tax' Could Charge $175 per Dairy Cow to Curb Greenhouse Gases web posted January 6, 2009 Call this one of the newest and innovative ways your government has come up with to battle greenhouse gas emissions. Business and Media Institute Two escape injury in crash after teen runs stop sign (Photos) web posted January 5, 2009 MERRIWETHER – A Merriwether man and a Johnston teenager narrowly escaped serious injury in a collision Saturday afternoon at the intersection of Murrah and Mealing Roads. According to the drivers involved, the teen was traveling down Mealing Road when he failed to adhere to the stop sign at Murrah Road and was struck by the other driver just before 5 pm. EdgefieldDaily.com Merriwether man walks away from violent crash Saturday night with minor injury (Photos) web posted January 5, 2009 MERRIWETHER – Edgefield County E-911 received a call of a one-car crash on Currytown Road Saturday night around 10:30 pm that left the BMW the man was driving completely demolished after it flipped several times and struck a tree. Surprisingly the driver managed to walk away with only a minor injury. EdgefieldDaily.com Johnston Peach Blossom Festival Accepting Applications web posted January 5, 2009 JOHNSTON – The Johnston Peach Blossom Festival is now taking applications for individuals, organizations or businesses interested in being a part of the historic 26th annual event. The Festival will be held May 2, 2009, in Johnston, known as the Peach Capital of the World. EdgefieldDaily.com Funeral Service Program to Expand Facility web posted January 5, 2009 GREENWOOD – The South Carolina Center for Funeral Service Education, also known as the Funeral Service Education department at Piedmont Technical College, will soon be the premier training facility for current and future funeral directors in the region with the completion of renovations of the embalming lab. EdgefieldDaily.com Kill the dollar to kill America A Column by the Editor web posted January 5, 2009 COLUMN – While Democrats eagerly await the coronation of their messiah, Barack Obama, later this month, the media and the people just close their eyes to the ensuing collapse of our once great nation. I have made no bones about my political opposition to the United States of America having a hard-line Marxist, who refuses to prove he is even an American citizen, lead our nation to its grave. As the economy is tanking, Obama and his fellow “hate America first” Democrats in Congress, seem hell bent in bringing about our end. EdgefieldDaily.com PC run amok: Primary school drops word "school" from name as 'too negative' web posted January 5, 2009 A new primary school has banned the use of the word "school" in its title because it has "negative connotations". Off The Wall 60% of Military "Wary about Obama" web posted January 5, 2009 When asked how they feel about President-elect Barack Obama as commander in chief, six out of 10 active-duty service members say they are uncertain or pessimistic, according to a Military Times survey. ArmyTimes.com Second teenager charged in Edgefield shooting (Photo) web posted January 3, 2009 EDGEFIELD – Edgefield Police have made a second arrest in the drive-by shooting at “The Center” on November 16. Billy Chardarl Brown, 17, of East Pine Street, Aiken, was taken into custody New Years night by the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office and turned over to Edgefield Police. Brown has been charged with assault and battery with the intent to kill for what police say was his part in the shooting that left one man injured. Edgefield Police have also released the name of the 16-year-old arrested just before Christmas. EdgefieldDaily.com Edgefield Prison remains on Lockdown web posted January 3, 2009 EDGEFIELD – The Federal Prison inmates in Edgefield remained on lockdown following what officials said was a fight involving as many as forty inmates in a housing unit that broke out New Year’s Eve around 7:30 pm. One inmate was injured badly enough to be transported to the local hospital for treatment of injuries. EdgefieldDaily.com Wrong place, right time: wanted man arrested web posted January 3, 2009 EDGEFIELD – An Edgefield man with two outstanding Magistrate Court bench warrants ended up being in the wrong place at the right time New Years night. Edgefield Police were called to a strange man sitting in their car in the 200 block of Gary Street just before 11 pm. An officer arrived in the area and spotted a man sitting in brown SUV and approached to identify him. It turned out not to be the vehicle the person was calling about, but the officer recognized the man sitting inside as being wanted and the man jumped from the truck and ran. EdgefieldDaily.com Poll: Americans unsure of Obama’s citizenship (Photo) web posted January 3, 2009 NATION – An unscientific poll being conducted by internet giant AOL shows that a majority of Americans believe there is merit to the challenges to President-elect Barack Obama’s origin of birth, including 54% of those in Illinois, the state that elected him to the US Senate. EdgefieldDaily.com Smithsonian Exhibition Explores the Diverse Food Traditions of America web posted January 3, 2009 JOHNSTON – The Edgefield County Peach Museum, in cooperation with the South Carolina Humanities Council, will host the local showing of Key Ingredients: America by Food, a Smithsonian traveling exhibition which delves into the historical regional and social traditions that merge in everyday meals and celebrations of the American table. The exhibition will be on view beginning January 10th and continuing through February 28th, 2009 and will give the Edgefield County Peach Museum an opportunity to celebrate the region’s food heritage. EdgefieldDaily.com EdgefieldDaily.com breaks all-time records web posted January 2, 2009 WEBNEWS – EdgefieldDaily.com has once again set all-time records for the year 2008 in hits, visits, pages viewed, and readership. As of December 31, 2008, EdgefieldDaily.com received 15,101,975 hits for the year with over 3,000,000 stories read by an average of 20,101 visitors logging in each month more than 1,000,000 times. EdgefieldDaily.com January Cake Winner Announced web posted January 2, 2009 WEBNEWS - The January Cake winner has been drawn. The winning entry is as follows: "Happy birthday to Charles Culver on Jan. 18th.. It is an honor to celebrate your 36th!! You are a blessing to all the lives you touch.. We thank you for all the joy, happiness, and love you give to us. We love you so very much. Love Mom and Dad." Charles Culver or those sending in the wish have 72 hours to contact EdgefieldDaily.com for instructions on how to claim the birthday cake from Jari's Bakery of Edgefield. Send in your Birthday and Anniversary wishes for February's drawing. EdgefieldDaily.com Most popular stories of 2008 web posted January 2, 2009 WEBNEWS – The Top Stories of the year are not always the most popular with readers so EdgefieldDaily.com combed through our monthly stats and compiled a list of the most popular stories of 2008. Sometimes the most popular are a bit more humorous or pointed. For the first time in four years an Editor’s Column made the ranks. EdgefieldDaily.com Letters to the Editor: web posted January 2, 2009 -A New Year, A New President, A New Era -Writer seeks to unite Fox Creek, Strom Thurmond students, parents and supporters EdgefieldDaily.com Classifieds and Country Cooking Sections continue to grow web posted January 2, 2009 WEBNEWS - The EdgefieldDaily.com Free Classifieds adds new items for sale and employment opportunities each day and the Country Cooking Section adds new recipes each week. Buy, sell, or trade in the Classifieds or find and share the best recipes in the county in the Country Cooking Section - now with almost 700 local favorites. Third cell phone tower targeted in copper theft this month web posted January 1, 2009 EDGEFIELD – Cooper thieves have struck another cell phone tower, this time on Parkman Road, the third such theft reported this month. Though the amount of copper being stolen during the thefts is minimal, the damage caused by the thefts reaches into the thousands of dollars. EdgefieldDaily.com Gov. Sanford: Unemployed Won't be Punished for Agency's Mismanagement web posted January 1, 2009 COLUMBIA – Saying that he won't allow the state's unemployed to be punished for one agency's utter disdain for accountability, Governor Mark Sanford announced today that he will continue aggressively pushing for transparency at the state Employment Security Commission (ESC) and will apply for a federal unemployment benefits loan. EdgefieldDaily.com Edgefield County overcharging taxpayers is standard operating procedure A Column by the Editor web posted January 1, 2009 COLUMN – I have written several times about the tax practices of Edgefield County, especially when it comes to car taxes. I have told readers how to drastically cut your car taxes, as I will explain again in this column, but I would like to point out the disparity in the values used by the Auditor’s Office to determine your taxes and the actual value of your automobile. EdgefieldDaily.com For all
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