Local Radar

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Johnston youth hit by alleged drunk driver in parking lot
web posted March 31, 2007
JOHNSTON – Johnston Police were called to the scene of a child being struck in the parking lot of the 3-way Food Store at 385 Lee Street just after 5:30 Thursday afternoon. According to police reports the 11-year-old child was sitting on his bicycle when he was allegedly struck by a car. An ambulance was called to the scene by Officers when they arrived. The driver was found by officers to have a “very strong odor of alcohol” being emitted and was still sitting in his car with the engine running.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Sheriff's Office solves two burglaries within days
web posted March 31, 2007
EDGEFIELD – A 22-year-old Edgefield man is behind bars for a Magistrate Court sentence and facing additional charges from two reported burglaries that took place this week on Plum Branch Road. Anthony Christian Smith, 22, of the 600 block of Addison Street, Edgefield was in Magistrate Court facing a charge of malicious injury to real property that took place earlier this month in the Town of Edgefield. He was found guilty and sentenced to 30 days in jail on Thursday. Shortly thereafter Mr. Smith’s troubles began to grow, as did the charges against him.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Edgefield County School District Honor Roll announced
web posted March 31, 2007
JOHNSTON – The honor Roll for Edgefield County District Schools have been released. EdgefieldDaily.com congratulates those students who have achieved excellence.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Yard Sales and other items listed in EdgefieldDaily.com Classifieds this weekend
web posted March 31, 2007
EdgefieldDaily.com Classifieds

Officer tells college Christian literature team missions work 'shameful'
web posted March 31, 2007
An officer with a state police force has confronted a team of college students on a spring break missions trip, telling them that handing out Christian literature is "shameful." In Pakistan? India? Perhaps Syria? Nope. In Utah.
Off The Wall

EdgefieldDaily.com sets all-time records
web posted March 30, 2007
WEBNEWS – EdgefieldDaily.com began publishing in March of 2005 with the intent on reaching one tenth of the population in Edgefield County, or roughly 2,300 readers. That goal was reached in a matter of months and the growth continued at an astonishing rate and continues still today. As the month of March and our second year come to a close EdgefieldDaily.com has set all time records for visitors, readers, and hits.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Three may be deported after arrests
web posted March 30, 2007
EDGEFIELD – Three men arrested this week in Edgefield will be deported by federal officials as illegal aliens EdgefieldDaily.com learned Thursday. The men, Rony Adonay Urbina, 26, Virgilo Fortin, 30, and Alberto Delgado, 27 are said to be scheduled to be returned to Costa Rica. Federal officials were in Edgefield on Wednesday and a “system” to deal with the onslaught on illegal aliens has reportedly been worked out.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Merriwether Middle School Receives $2,500 Monsanto Fund Grant
web posted March 30, 2007
MERRIWETHER – Merriwether Middle School has received a $2,500 grant to implement a project called “Bits – n – Pieces” that focuses on hands-on experiences in science that leads to “real-life” applications.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Kerr to Depart Health and Human Services
web posted March 30, 2007
COLUMBIA – Gov. Mark Sanford today announced the departure of state Department of Health and Human Services Director Robby Kerr, and thanked him for his time serving the people of South Carolina through the administration.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Mysterious hexagon spotted above Saturn
web posted March 30, 2007
A mysterious giant hexagon lies above Saturn's north pole, captured by cameras on Nasa's Cassini Orbiter. Spanning 25,000km - equivalent to the width of two planet Earths - the bizarre geometric feature appears to remain virtually still in the atmosphere as clouds swirl around it.
Off The Wall

Authorities unsure of role with illegal aliens
web posted March 29, 2007
EDGEFIELD – A series of arrests in Edgefield has many questions being raised about possible illegal aliens and forged identification. The recent event began on Sunday when an Edgefield Policeman stopped a car that was following too closely and discovered the man had no drivers’ license and did not speak English. He eventually presented a Rhode Island ID that had his information on it but the number came back to a 17 year old woman.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Reading Comprehension test questioned as politically biased
web posted March 29, 2007
COUNTY – Several Edgefield County residents contacted EdgefieldDaily.com concerning a “test” their children were being subjected to in the High School setting at Strom Thurmond. The “test” was described as a “propaganda essay on Democrats” by one parent and a description that cannot be published by another. “What does this have to do with ‘reading comprehension?’” another wrote. EdgefieldDaily.com began investigating and obtained a copy of the test presented to students.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Reading Comprehension "test" presented to Edgefield County Students
web posted March 29, 2007
Test of Reading Comprehension and Associated Foundational Skills
Grade 9-12
FORMA 1-2007
The test is designed to assess students' skill levels when reading texts and to assess how well they master foundationa! skills that facilitate reading comprehension. It also assesses analytical thinking. For comprehension to occur, words must be decoded and associated with their meaning in a reader's memory {National Institute for Literacy). The School District of Edgefield County © 2007
EdgefieldDaily.com

Parents question "no homework" letter
web posted March 29, 2007
Dear Families,
What would it be like if we didn’t have homework?  We have had some discussions around here about this very topic.  I am sure you have heard this subject discussed on the news shows lately.  This is topic that swings back and forth if you trace its history.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Second Plumb Branch Road home reports theft
web posted March 29, 2007
EDGEFIELD – A Second home on Plumb Branch Road has reported a theft this week. AS EdgefieldDaily.com reported, a nearby homeowner returned to find his front door kicked in and hundreds of dollars worth of electronics stolen. Tuesday afternoon the victim stated he went to check on his property and found $600 in lumber missing from the home.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Roberson tapped as new School Superintendent
web posted March 28, 2007
JOHNSTON – The Edgefield County School Board made it official Tuesday night, Dr. Frank Roberson will take over as the Edgefield County Superintendent of Schools. He will take over from Dr. Sharon Keesley who announced her retirement last year, which takes effect in June.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Congressman Barrett offers opinion on budget proposal
web posted March 28, 2007
WASHINGTON DC – The Democrats have released their budget.  And there they go again.  Unfortunately this budget is full of broken promises, except one – it will raise your taxes.  It didn’t take long for Democrats to go back to their tax and spend ways.  Having already increased current-year spending by $6.1 billion, and adding more than $20 billion to the Iraq supplemental, Democrats are proposing another increase of more than $22.5 billion in non-defense, non-emergency annual appropriations for fiscal year 2008.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Wanted man arrested in Edgefield
web posted March 28, 2007
JOHNSTON – Johnston Police were searching for a wanted man in connection to a driver that fled from a license check on Saturday night. Dexter Xavier Williams, 19, of the 100 block of Edgewood Road, Edgefield is wanted on charges of driving under suspension, fail to stop for a blue light and siren, resisting arrest, and grand larceny for allegedly driving a stolen car during the pursuit. “I believe there may be a charge (on Mr. Williams) of reckless driving too,” Johnston Police Chief Chris Aston said.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Eight Receive Early Award Of Palmetto Fellows Scholarship (Photo)
web posted March 28, 2007
JOHNSTON – Eight Strom Thurmond High School Seniors have received early awards of the Palmetto Fellows Scholarship. The Palmetto Fellows Scholarship is a merit-based Scholarship administered by the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education. The annual award amount for each Palmetto Fellow student cannot exceed $6,700 per academic year.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Gov. Sanford Joins Pro-Reform Senators to Call for DOT Restructuring
web posted March 28, 2007
COLUMBIA – Gov. Mark Sanford today joined with pro-reform Senators to push for meaningful restructuring of the state Department of Transportation, aimed at bringing about accountability to the people of South Carolina. The Senate has been debating a reform bill that would bring greater accountability to the agency, but those efforts were jeopardized last week by an amendment that creates a legislative shadow commission, which will in effect run the agency.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Edgefield man reports burglary
web posted March 28, 2007
EDGEFIELD – An Edgefield man returned to his home on Monday night around 10 pm to discover his front door kicked in and his Plum Branch Road home burglarized. He immediately contacted the Sheriff’s Office and a deputy responded to the scene.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Dog Performs Heimlich Maneuver on Owner
web posted March 28, 2007
CALVERT, Md. (AP) - Toby, a 2-year-old golden retriever, saw his owner choking on a piece of fruit and began jumping up and down on the woman's chest. The dog's owner believes the dog was trying to perform the Heimlich maneuver and saved her life.
Off The Wall

EdgefieldDaily.com's annual Golf Contest
web posted March 26, 2007
WEBNEWS – EdgefieldDaily.com is proud to announce our second annual golf contest. Guess the winner of the 2007 Masters and win a $25 gift certificate to any Edgefield County business.* All entries much be received or postmarked before midnight April 4, 2007. See below for details.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Sheriff's Office makes arrest in suspected arson case
web posted March 27, 2007
EDGEFIELD – The Edgefield County Sheriff’s Office has made an arrest in a suspected arson case they have been investigating since last week. Courtney Blake Simpkins, 20, of the 100 block of Community Road was taken into custody and charged with arson in the third degree.
EdgefieldDaily.com

School Board to choose Superintendent tonight
web posted March 27, 2007
COUNTY – The Edgefield County School Board will make their selection for Superintendent of Schools for Edgefield County tonight at their regularly scheduled meeting. The meeting will be called to order at 6:30 pm at the Edgefield County Administration Building.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Second arrest in 2006 shooting made after conviction
web posted March 27, 2007
EDGEFIELD – A second arrest was made over the weekend stemming from a shooting that took place on August 1, 2006. Toreeze Marquel Moten, 17, shot a man in the back after a verbal altercation on Sandy Hills Court. Moten was convicted in the shooting on March 12 and received a 15 year sentence for the crime. Edgefield County Investigators have now arrested Matthew K. Stevens, 17, and charged him with accessory before the fact to a felony.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Merriwether Middle School Receives $2,500 Monsanto Fund Grant
web posted March 27, 2007
JOHNSTON – Merriwether Middle School has received a $2,500 grant to implement a project called “Bits – n – Pieces” that focuses on hands-on experiences in science that leads to “real-life” applications.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Johnston business victim of burglary, grand larceny
web posted March 27, 2007
JOHNSTON – Johnston Police are investigating a burglary and grand larceny of an auto repair shop on the 300 block of Lee Street that occurred on Friday morning. An officer was flagged down by a man that informed the officer of the break in. Upon arriving on the scene police found a door to the business was damaged and opened. Over $3,000 worth of goods were discovered missing.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Drug raid report shows third arrest, money seized
web posted March 27, 2007
MERRIWETHER – Additional information of a drug raid at a home on the 500 block of Wood Drive Thursday night has been released. As Edgefield Daily.com reported Saturday, Dawn Marie Bosdell, 26 and Christopher David Blanton, 24 are facing multiple charges stemming from the raid. Also charged in the raid was Dion Lovell Meisinger, 41. Three minor children, ages ranging from 4 years to 10 years, were taken into protective custody by the Department of Social Services.
EdgefieldDaily.com

US. Can't Account for 600,000 Fugitive Illegals
web posted March 27, 2007
WASHINGTON (AP) - Teams assigned to make sure foreigners ordered out of the United States actually leave have a backlog of more than 600,000 cases and can't accurately account for the fugitives' whereabouts, the government reported Monday.
Off The Wall

Merriwether Mavericks Scholastic Chess Team takes Second in State Competition
web posted March 26, 2007
MERRIWETHER – It may have been a well-kept secret that Merriwether Elementary and Merriwether Middle School share a scholastic chess team, but that secret was exposed in a big way Saturday when the team competed in the 2007 S.C. Scholastic Chess Championships at Irmo High School in Columbia.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Gov. Sanford; Republican and Democrat Candidates to be invited to First Family’s May Bike Ride, 5K Walk
web posted March 26, 2007
COLUMBIA SC – Gov. Mark Sanford today announced plans to invite Republican and Democratic presidential candidates, their spouses and their families to his and First Lady Jenny Sanford's May bike ride and a 5k walk as part of their 2007 Family Fitness Challenge.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Muzzles and Filters: Standard Equipment
By: Rev. Skip Myers
EdgefieldDaily.com Columnist
web posted March 26, 2007
"SKIPOLOGY" – As children, we had some rather strange sayings that even though they may have been strange, seemed to work.  There was one in particular I remember. “I’m rubber and you’re glue. Whatever you say bounces off me and sticks to you.” And then there was the old standard, “Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me.”  We used these choice sayings as defensive weapons when we got into a verbal fight with another kid. They really didn’t work but when used as just the right moment would give us enough time to think of some reply to the insult that had been cast upon us by some verbal bully.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Religion can be directed only be reason and conviction
By: Carl Langley
EdgefieldDaily.com Guest Columnist
web posted March 26, 2007
GUEST COLUMN – “Religion can be directed only by reason and conviction, not by force or violence, and therefore all men are entitled to the free exercise of religion.” - James Madison, fourth president of the United States. James Madison’s affirmation of faith remains true after more than two centuries, but there are millions around the world who consider his words heresy. In the Muslim world freedom of religion can mark you for a death sentence.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Housewife convicted of frying husband
web posted March 26, 2007
SAO PAULO, Brazil -- A Brazilian housewife was convicted and sentenced to 19 years in prison Friday for killing her husband, chopping his body into small pieces and frying it. Rosanita Nery dos Santos, 52, drugged her husband in his sleep, then stabbed him to death two years ago in Salvador, about 900 miles northeast of Sao Paulo, said police spokesman Idmar Bonfim.
Off The Wall

Obituary
Henrietta Cullum Curry
web posted March 26, 2007
EdgefieldDaily.com

Thirteen injured in crash of Church van Thursday night (Photos)
web posted March 24, 2007
JOHNSTON – A collision on Long Cane Road just after 10 pm Thursday night sent emergency workers scrambling to care for over a dozen injured people in the crash. The original call of the crash reported four vehicles involved, however; two of the vehicles were passerby’s that stopped to render aid. According to information gathered on Friday, the car involved in the crash hit a deer that went under the car. That caused the driver to loose control and sideswiped a church van belonging to Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in Johnston.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Two arrested in Merriwether drug raid
web posted March 24, 2007
MERRIWETHER – Edgefield County Sheriff’s Deputies and Narcotics Investigators raided a Merriwether home on Thursday night arresting the couple living in the Woods Drive home. Dawn Bosdell, 26 and Christopher David Blanton, 24 are facing multiple charges stemming from the raid.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Congressman Barrett Votes Against Democrat Timeline
web posted March 24, 2007
WASHINGTON DC – Friday Congressman Gresham Barrett, (SC, 03), voted to support American troops by voting down a timeline that would embolden the enemy and $21.3 billion in non-emergency spending placed by House Democrats in a wartime emergency spending bill. The bill, H.R. 1591 U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans' Health and Iraq Accountability Act of 2007, a $124.1 billion emergency spending bill proposed by House Democrats to fund the withdrawal of troops from Iraq and domestic non-wartime projects passed the House by a vote of 218-212.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Mathis Award Richard T. Greener Scholarship
web posted March 24, 2007
COUNTY – Byron T. Mathis, a senior at Strom Thurmond High School has been selected as one f the 2007 recipients of the Richard T. Greener Scholarship sponsored by the Black Alumni Council of the Carolina Alumni Association. The competition for this scholarship was rigorous and Byron’s selection is an accomplishment that he can be very proud of. His scholarship carries a stipend of $2,000 per year. The award is renewable annually up to a total of $8,000 as long as he maintains a cumulative 3.0 grade point average and remains a full-time student.

Link Corrected: Ten injured in two vehicle crash in Johnston
web posted March 23, 2007
JOHNSTON – A multi car crash on Long Cane Road brought Johnston Fire Department personnel, Edgefield County EMS, the Johnston Police Department, and Sheriff's Deputies responding to a reported two car crash involving a 15 passenger van on Long Cane Road near the county line. As First Responders arrived on the scene along with law enforcement the causality account was stated to be at least eight with “several in critical condition”. An AirMed Helicopter was also summoned to the scene. Rescuers requested “every available ambulance” to respond.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Edgefield County School Board delays Superintendent choice until next week
web posted March 23, 2007
JOHNSTON – The Edgefield County School Board conducted what is considered to be the final interviews for the replacement of Dr. Sharon Keesley whose resignation as the Edgefield County Superintendent of Schools takes effect at the end of June. The School Board met in executive session to conduct interviews and emerged to say they have not reached a decision.
EdgefieldDaily.com

County Government, friends, say good-bye to Gibson (Photo)
web posted March 23, 2007
EDGEFIELD – Edgefield County department heads, employees, and friends gathered Thursday at the County Council Chambers for a going away party for County Building and Planning Director Howard Gibson. Gibson has taken a similar position with Municipality of Rome Georgia after serving the county for over five years. During the gathering Edgefield County Council Chairman Monroe Kneece read a resolution to be presented to Mr. Gibson.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Merriwether home burglarized Wednesday
web posted March 23, 2007
MERRIWETHER – A Merriwether resident returned home Wednesday night to find his Choata Drive home burglarized. The man told Sheriff’s Deputies he left the home around 9:30 Tuesday morning and made the discovery around 7pm when the back door was found broken open. The home, located off the Woodlawn Road area is rather secluded.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Inserting a Little Common Sense into Education Reform
web posted March 23, 2007
by Frank G. Roberson, Ph. D.
GUEST COLUMN – I honestly believe that Senator Jim DeMint is sincere in his call for change in our president's education reform law.  His speaking out is timely; it is right at the brink of No Child Left Behind's reauthorization.  In essence, Mr. DeMint contends (and I paraphrase) that NCLB has become an unintended burden of ridiculous regulatory expectations on schools and school people  --especially teachers.  He is right.   Needless to say, he should be joined by every member of this state's congressional delegation, as his efforts attempt to insert much-needed common sense into the  White House's education  reform movement.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Ridge Spring-Monetta Spring Festival of Flowers
web posted March 23, 2007
PSA – Ridge Spring-Monetta High School will be celebrating our Spring Festival of Flowers March the 26th through April the13th. On display in the Agriculture Department’s greenhouse are Impatience, Coleus, and Marigolds.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Gov. Sanford Announces Coastal Insurance Relief Plan
web posted March 23, 2007
COLUMBIA – Governor Mark Sanford and Department of Insurance Director Scott Richardson today announced legislation aimed at alleviating the high cost of coastal property insurance. Gov. Sanford made the announcement with House Labor, Commerce and Industry Chairman Harry Cato, who will be introducing the House legislation.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Obituary
James Patrick Florida, Sr.
Retired Richmond Co. Sheriff’s Dept.
web posted March 23, 2007
EdgefieldDaily.com



Teens charged in two Johnston burglaries
web posted March 22, 2007
JOHNSTON – Four teens arrested on Tuesday have now been charged Johnston Police said Wednesday. The Johnston Police Department issued a press release announcing three of the teens have been charged for the burglary of the New Creations Beauty Salon and all four are charged in connection to a burglary of a Johnston home on Partridge Drive. All four teens have been charged with burglary in the first degree and grand larceny in association with the burglary of the home and three have been charged with burglary in the second degree relating to the beauty salon.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Dixie Youth Baseball and girl’s softball Opening Day Jamboree to be held Saturday
web posted March 22, 2007
EDGEFIELD – The Edgefield County Dixie Youth Baseball and girl’s softball Opening Day Jamboree will be held Saturday. The jamboree will be held at the baseball complex in Edgefield. It will start at 9:15 am with the opening ceremonies which will include the National Anthem, recognizing our teams and sponsors, and a first pitch. That will be followed by a full day of games and team pictures. There are a total of 29 Dixie Youth baseball teams and 4 girl’s softball teams this Spring.  Recreation Director Nick Wates said,”I would like to invite everyone out the opening day jamboree. It will be a fun day for all to enjoy some great baseball.”

Barrett opposes tax and spend budget
web posted March 22, 2007
WASHINGTON DC – The Democrat budget released today proposes the largest tax increase in history - $392.5 billion over five years - mainly to finance immense new spending through 2012. It also puts off any significant entitlement reform for at least five years, despite repeated warnings during committee hearings that delaying reform invites a fiscal and economic crisis for these programs.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Conference to Highlight Debate Over Growth Alternatives and Options
web posted March 22, 2007
COLUMBIA – Gov. Mark Sanford has extended an invitation to community planners, the business community, environmentalists and all other stakeholders in the debate over alternatives and new options in how we develop over the next 20 years as a state.
EdgefieldDaily.com

"Animal rights" activists claim baby polar bear should be killed, not saved
web posted March 22, 2007
BERLIN (Reuters) - Berlin Zoo rallied to the defense of Knut, a three-month-old polar bear cub, Tuesday, rejecting demands that the animal be allowed to die after being abandoned by its mother.
Off The Wall

Johnston Town Council votes to place walking trail at Jaycee Park during called meeting
web posted March 21, 2007
JOHNSTON – The Johnston Town Council broke its deadlock and voted to place the much debated walking trail at the Jaycee Park at a called meeting on Tuesday. Mayor Campbell informed the town council that the Johnston Jaycees has offered to donate their park to the town. A short time later a vote to apply for the grant with the Jaycee Park being the location passed on a four to two vote with Councilwoman Tyra Miller casting the deciding vote.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Johnston Police make arrests within 24 hours of burglary
web posted March 21, 2007
JOHNSTON – The Johnston Police Department has made four arrests in a burglary to a Johnston business on Sunday. As EdgefieldDaily.com reported on Monday, the New Creations Beauty Shop on Edisto Street suffered the loss when someone entered the business through a back window. Johnston Police Chief Chris Aston confirmed Tuesday that his department has taken four juveniles into custody in connection to the crime. “One of them is 16 and he will be facing felony charges as an adult,” Chief Aston said.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Police seek stolen car, information on burglary
web posted March 21, 2007
JOHNSTON – A burglary of the Executive Car Care Center on Lee Street in Johnston resulted in $3,000 worth of related damages to the business and merchandise stolen in addition to the theft of a customer’s car. The owner of the business arrived just before 8 am to discover the theft. A customer’s blue 1989 Pontiac Bonneville that was parked at the business was also missing.
EdgefieldDaily.com

NOTICE: Johnston Town Council to hold Special Called meeting today
web posted March 20, 2007
JOHNSTON – The Johnston Town Council has scheduled a special called meeting to cover a proposal for the Walking Trail that was left in limbo after two tied votes last week. A grant application for the Rail Trail Program to help offset the cost of the project has to be submitted by March 23. A second item listed on the provided agenda shows a proposal from the Johnston Jaycees Charities, Inc. but does not list the nature of the proposal. The meeting will be held at the Town Hall at 6 pm tonight. The public is invited to attend. 

Car fire investigated as possible arson
web posted March 20, 2007
COUNTY LINE – The County Line Fire Department was called to the 100 block of Community Road on Sunday afternoon with a report of a vehicle fire. When a Deputy arrived he reported not seeing any smoke but was met by a man who stated the car was behind the house and on fire. When the Fire Department arrived the door of the car was opened but the fire had been smothered due to the windows being rolled up and no hoses were needed to extinguish the fire. Also noted by Deputies was a strong odor of gasoline inside the car.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Strom Thurmond S.A.D.D. hosts free double feature movie night
web posted March 20, 2007
JOHNSTON – The Strom Thurmond Students against destructive decisions (SADD) is hosting a "Pirates of the Caribbean" double feature starting at 6pm on March 23rd in the STHS cafeteria. The 2nd movie will start at approx 8 - 8:30 pm. No title was provided. This is a Free Family Movie Night with no admission charged. Concessions will be available for sale during the features.

Johnston beauty shop burglarized
web posted March 20, 2007
JOHNSTON – A Johnston business owner found her business burglarized Sunday afternoon and called police. When the Officer arrived no one was found inside but a window at the rear of the business had been opened and was the likely point of entry.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Gov. Sanford Issues Statement on Ultrasound Bill
Bill would require mothers be shown ultrasound prior to having abortions
web posted March 20, 2007
COLUMBIA – March 19, 2007 - In light of the floor debate anticipated this week, Governor Mark Sanford today asked House members to vote in favor of H.3355, a bill that would require mothers to have an ultrasound performed and require them to review that ultrasound prior to having an abortion. The bill has already passed the House Judiciary.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Aiken Regional Medical Centers Named Top Hospital by State Healthcare Organization
web posted March 20, 2007
AIKEN – Aiken Regional Medical Centers has been ranked as the top hospital in South Carolina for treatment of heart attack, heart failure and pneumonia by The Carolinas Center for Medical Excellence.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Over $3,000 in bedding stolen from delivery truck
web posted March 20, 2007
MERRIWETHER – Sheriff’s Deputies were called to the Restmaster facility on Restmaster Lane Friday morning due to a break-in of a delivery truck loaded with mattresses and box springs. The truck was loaded the day before and was set to begin its delivery route when the theft was discovered.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Woman returns late at night to find break-in
web posted March 20, 2007
JOHNSTON – A Johnston woman arrived at her Partridge Drive home around 11 pm Friday night to find it had been broken into. The woman believed the person or persons were still inside the home. Johnston Police arrived at the home within two minutes and entered the home searching each room and found no one inside. Once the woman was allowed to enter the home she found $3,000 worth of items missing.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Correction
web posted March 20, 2007
Correction: EdgefieldDaily.com published an incorrect spelling of one of the runners in Saturday’s Shamrock Run in Edgefield. The fifth place winner was Ben Dumais. The story has been corrected. We apologize for the error.

Study finds one-third in D.C. illiterate
web posted March 20, 2007
WASHINGTON - About one-third of the people living in the national's capital are functionally illiterate, compared with about one-fifth nationally, according to a report on the District of Columbia.
Yahoo!News

British Airways sits corpse in first class
web posted March 20, 2007
A BRITISH Airways passenger travelling first class has described how he woke up on a long-haul flight to find that cabin crew had placed a corpse in his row.
Off The Wall

Merriwether Fire Department receives gift of Ladder Truck (Photos)
web posted March 19, 2007
MERRIWETHER – The Merriwether Volunteer Fire Department was putting its new ladder truck through a service check on Saturday. The truck was a gift from a fire department in Wrightsboro, Georgia. “All it cost us was the gas to get it here,” Chief Faye Fulmer said. The truck was received about two weeks ago and underwent an inspection of its hydraulics and other functions.
EdgefieldDaily.com

First annual Shamrock Run and Walk draws over 125 participants (Photos)
web posted March 19, 2007
EDGEFIELD – The first annual Shamrock Run and Walk took place in Edgefield Saturday with an impressive attendance and participation Mayor Ken Durham said. Participants could either walk or run the 2.4-mile course which began at the Bi-Lo at Star Road and Columbia Road and ended at the Town Square.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Merriwether Middle School Band Students Attend All-State Band Auditions and Clinic (Photo)
web posted March 19, 2007
MERRIWETHER – Will Hoffmann and Haley Willis, students at Merriwether Middle School, attended the Region 2 All-State Band auditions and clinics held at Lander University recently. The event is sponsored by the South Carolina Band Director’s Association.
EdgefieldDaily.com

First Family Announces May 5th Bike Ride, Walk in Aiken
web posted March 19, 2007
COLUMBIA – Gov. Mark Sanford and First Lady Jenny Sanford today announced plans for a May bike ride and a 5k walk as part of their 2007 Family Fitness Challenge, an initiative aimed at improving the health of South Carolinians through encouraging healthier decisions in their day-to-day lives. This year's events will take place on Saturday, May 5, with the bike ride beginning in Aiken and ending approximately 70 miles later in Estill. Mrs. Sanford will lead a 5k walk in Aiken.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Big Win in Augusta for Central Carolina Dance Force
Guest Article
web posted March 19, 2007
AUGUSTA – What happens when you combine the love of dance, personal commitment, and many, many hours of rehearsal?  It’s a recipe for accomplishment.  The 32 dedicated students and their directors, Debi Stringfield and Hiliarie Covington, who make up the Central Carolina Dance Force (CCDF), use this recipe each week as they study the art of dance.  Sometimes the accomplishments are like baby steps and sometimes they are giant steps – but every level of achievement is important to the development of character. 
EdgefieldDaily.com

Excuse me, your hypocrisy is showing
A Column by the Editor
web posted March 19, 2007
COLUMN – The national media’s bias has become so blatant it cannot be questioned anymore. The left of America, the Democrats, and their propaganda arm, the national media, will scream for resignations with any move taken by a Republican or President Bush. The recent firing of eight US Attorneys by the President is called a crisis, Attorney General Alberto Gonzales should resign, and Democrats are calling for hearings. When former President Clinton fired all 93 then US Attorneys in 1993 it was applauded and supported by the media and the Democrats.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Opinion: Johnston residents suffer with division of town council over walking trail
web posted March 19, 2007
OPINION – The recently debated walking trail in Johnston seems to be dead, at least for this coming fiscal year. The original proposed site, the Jaycee Park, was a non-issue until Mayor Willie Campbell decided the town needed “to heal” and suggested the walking trail be placed at Watson Park, which is still under construction. The only “healing” that needs to take place now is from the division that was created by inserting Watson Park at the last minute in the planning.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Force Protection Expands Research and Development with purchase of facility near Edgefield
web posted March 17, 2007
EDGEFIELD – Force Protection, Inc. (NASDAQ:FRPT) announced it has purchased the Research and Developmental Testing Facility of NEWTEC Services Group, Inc. Force Protection’s ownership became effective March 9, 2007. The leading armored vehicle manufacturer will use the facilities located near Edgefield, SC to expand its research and development activities and support the verification and quality control validation of Force Protection’s armored vehicles used to protect military personnel against explosive threats.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Crook formally charged, released, in shooting incident
web posted March 17, 2007
EDGEFIELD – Becky Ann Crook, 33, of Trenton, arrested on Wednesday night after allegedly firing several shots from a pistol at her husband before running out of ammunition and then said to have returned to the home to retrieve another loaded gun in the attack.  The formal charge was handed down Thursday.
EdgefieldDaily.com

The check is in the mail
web posted March 17, 2007
JOHNSTON – A 23-year-old Savannah Georgia man is being sought by Johnston Police after a report of breech of trust vehicle sales from a Johnston car dealership last week. According to the complaint the 23-year-old man wrote a check to purchase a white 2005 Ford Mustang convertible for $17,500. The man is also accused of writing a second check for $3,000 to buy his sister a car. When the checks were retur