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 returned from the bank Thursday due to “uncollected funds” the dealership reported the incident.
EdgefieldDaily.com

In the Classifieds
web posted March 17, 2007
Multi-Family Yard Sale Saturday March 17th. 8 am- 2 pm

Obituaries
Barbara W. Rayford
web posted March 17, 2007
JOHNSTON

Lisa Holmes
web posted March 17, 2007
EDGEFIELD

Off The Wall
Husband kills wife's student lover Police say
web posted March 17, 2007
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — In a tragic twist to a familiar story, a teenager who had sex with his married 30-year-old teacher was fatally shot outside the woman's home, and authorities have charged the woman's husband.
Off The Wall Section

Update: Dozier arrested in Aiken County
web posted March 16, 2007
COUNTY – The Edgefield County Sheriff’s Office released that Charles Dozier, 20, of 26 Bouknight Road in Johnston, was arrested by Aiken Cuonty authorities and transfered to the Edgefield County Detention Center on Thursday. Mr. Dozier was wanted for the offense of failure to register as a sex offender.

Governor Sanford Issues Statement on House Budget Passage
web posted March 16, 2007
COLUMBIA – Gov. Mark Sanford gave the following statement on the S.C. House's passage of the FY07-08 state budget Thursday: "I'd first of all give credit to the House for putting a down payment on a three-year income tax cut to take the top rate from 7 percent down to 6.4 percent, something that we've long advocated as being incredibly important to our state's ability to compete," Gov. Sanford said.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Strom Thurmond High School Golf Team begins fundraiser
web posted March 16, 2007
JOHNSTON – The Strom Thurmond High School Golf Team is sponsoring a fund raising activity to assist with their season schedule. Golf team members will be selling a Savings Card that entitles the purchaser to specials when they use their card at the participating business.
EdgefieldDaily.com

A visit to the Middle School
web posted March 16, 2007
Guest Article by
Markia Randle
JOHNSTON – Strom Thurmond High School’s NJROTC is making an early start on its recruitment this year. The cadets recently visited JET Middle School to visit the eighth-grade students before they decide on what classes they will be taking next year. Cadets Kenneth Davis, Whitney Burton, Joann Lee, James Beja, Adriana Luna, Sarah Morrison, Justin Talbert, Markia Randle, Dontavia West, and Corey Ashe, along with Chief Warrant Officer McClendon and Petty Officers Face, walked into the school with great anticipation.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Trenton woman arrested after shooting incident
web posted March 15, 2007
TRENTON – A call of a woman with a gun came in to 911 Wednesday from a Trenton resident on Country Way around 6:30 pm. The caller stated her neighbor was outside with a pistol threatening to shoot her own husband. Within minutes deputies were alerted that shots had been fired and the woman was chasing her husband into the woods firing the gun at him.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Crafton given ten years for assault, jury deadlocks on burglary charge
web posted March 15, 2007
EDGEFIELD – Kyler Ramone Crafton, 25, of Warrenville, was found guilty of assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature by a jury on Wednesday. The jury was deadlocked on a charge of burglary in the second degree. General Sessions Judge Johnson sentenced Mr. Crafton to the maximum ten years in prison for the assault; he will have to serve a minimum of eight and a half years of the sentence. A trial last week with Mr. Crafton was declared a mistrial after the victim blurted out that Mr. Crafton was going to kill her during court resulting in a new trial and a new jury.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Saluda Red Cross to hold Silent Auction in Ridge Spring
web posted March 15, 2007
RIDGE SPRING – A silent auction to benefit the American Red Cross of Saluda County will be held on Friday, March 23, 2007, 6 - 9 pm at Juniper Restaurant in Ridge Spring. Oil paintings donated by local artists, a gas grill donated by Ace Hardward of Saluda, Seiko & Pulsar watches donated by Tidwell Jewelers, Jim Harrison framed prints donated by Phillips Boatwright, and a behind the scenes tour of the state house donated by The Honorable Marian Frye are just a sampling of the items available for bidding.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Gov. Sanford to Hold Open Door Meetings Today
web posted March 15, 2007
COLUMBIA –This afternoon Gov. Sanford will hold another series of his popular 'Open Door After 4' meetings. As with all preceding 'Open Door After 4' sessions, individual South Carolinians will have private, five-minute meetings with the governor in his office to discuss whatever issues are on their minds. Individuals wishing to sign up for one of these meetings should call the Governor's Office at (803) 734-1999 beginning at 9:00 a.m. today.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Wanted sex offender surrenders, authorities still seeking second wanted man
web posted March 15, 2007
EDGEFIELD – Charles Anthony Raines, wanted on a charge of Criminal Sexual Conduct in the first degree turned himself in to Edgefield County authorities on Wednesday morning Cpl. Robbie Harter of the Edgefield County Sheriff’s Office said. Authorities are still searching for Charles Dozier, 20, of 26 Bouknight Road in Johnston for the offense of failure to register as a sex offender.

District gags 14-year-olds after 'gay' indoctrination
'Confidentiality' promise requires students 'not to tell their parents'
web posted March 15, 2007
Officials at Deerfield High School in Deerfield, Ill., have ordered their 14-year-old freshman class into a "gay" indoctrination seminar, after having them sign a confidentiality agreement promising not to tell their parents.
WorldNetDaily.com

13-year-old racks up 128 felonies during alleged crime spree
web posted March 15, 2007
The multitude of charges filed recently against a Nelsonville teen has astonished prosecutors, some of whom have practiced law since before he was born.
Off The Wall

Two wanted sex offenders sought by Sheriff's Office (Photos)
web posted March 14, 2007
COUNTY – The Edgefield County Sheriff’s Office is seeking two wanted sex offenders in Edgefield County. Charles Anthony Raines, aka Tony Raines, is wanted for the offense of criminal sexual conduct in the first degree. Also wanted is Charles Dozier, 20, of 26 Bouknight Road in Johnston for the offense of failure to register as a sex offender. Both men have outstanding warrants for their arrest.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Veracity Payment Solutions to Hold Job Fair
web posted March 14, 2007
EDGEFIELD – Veracity Payment Solutions, a prospective company considering options for a new customer service center is considering existing buildings in Aiken and Edgefield Counties for their potential operation. The company is hosting a job fair this Wednesday, March 14, 2007 at the SC Employment Security Commission office located at 1571 Richland Ave., East in Aiken from 11 am to 2 pm.  The purpose of the job fair is for a market and resource assessment of the community in both counties.  Company officials will be available at the job fair to answer questions.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Three charged in drug raid
web posted March 14, 2007
EDGEFIELD – The Edgefield County Sheriff’s Special Response Team and Narcotics Division Investigators executed a search warrant Friday at a home on the 300 block of Gary Hill Road. Narcotics Investigators seized $461.61 in cash and between 28 and 35 grams of marijuana packaged in multiple plastic baggies from the home.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Governor Sanford Calls for Removal of Grants Review Proviso
web posted March 14, 2007
COLUMBIA – Gov. Mark Sanford today issued the following statement on the S.C. House's budget, including the soon-to-be-debated proviso setting up a new process to award tens of millions of dollars in grants at the state level.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Peach Blossom Beauty Pageant results
web posted March 14, 2007
JOHNSTON – The Johnston Peach Blossom Beauty Pageant final listing of recognized queens, runner-ups, most photogenic, and sportswear winners.
EdgefieldDaily.com

17 year-old Moten guilty, sentenced to 15 years for shooting (Photo)
web posted March 13, 2007
EDGEFIELD – Toreeze Marquel Moten, 17, plead guilty to assault and battery with the intent to kill in the August 1, 2006 shooting of a 19-year-old man near the County Line Fire Station. Three other charges, including possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime and a minor in possession of a weapon, were dropped. Judge Johnson took the guilty plea just before the trail was about to begin and sentenced Moten to fifteen years in prison.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Johnston Town Council deadlocks on location for Walking Trail
web posted March 13, 2007
JOHNSTON – The long and hotly debated issue of the Walking Trail in Johnston was addressed Monday night at the town’s monthly council meeting, but to no avail. Town Administrator Olin Gambrell told the town council he priced both locations, the Jaycee Park and the Watson Park locations, and presented both estimates. In the end the vote was deadlocked three to three on either location leaving the issue unresolved.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Johnston Town Council March meeting discusses raises of employees
web posted March 13, 2007
JOHNSTON – The Johnston Town Council approved several agenda items at their March monthly meeting including the final approval of the Edgefield County Fire Contract and resolutions for April being named Fair Housing Month, the Johnston Clean-up Campaign for March, and observance of Sunshine Week – March 12 -16. The council also addressed town employee compensation and Capital items and programs for fiscal year 2007-2008.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Governors Sanford, Perdue Announce Cooperative Port Proposal
web posted March 13, 2007
JASPER SC – South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford and Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue joined together today to announce their proposal for a port in Jasper County, South Carolina that would be owned, developed and operated jointly by the two states.
Under the proposal, the two states would form a Bi-State Port Authority with a Bi-State Compact - to be approved by the two states' legislatures and ratified by the United States Congress - for a port to be built on land currently owned by the Georgia Department of Transportation in Jasper County, South Carolina.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Baptist church serves beer with Bible, Man takes call from wife during rape
web posted March 13, 2007
EdgefieldDaily.com's Off The Wall

Missing boys prompts second search in eight days (Photos)
 web posted March 12, 2007
MERRIWETHER – For the second time this month the Edgefield County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call of a missing child. This time two boys, ages 13 and 14, were reported missing from a home off Moore Road. The boys had been missing for three hours when the call came in shortly before 2 pm Sunday. Within the hour the Sheriff’s Office had a mobile command center on the scene and bloodhounds on the ground.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Rickabaugh captures Miss Peach Blossom crown (Photos)
web posted March 12, 2007
JOHNSTON – The Miss Peach Blossom Beauty Pageant was held on Saturday with over 80 contestants competing in ten divisions. When the scoring was over the title of Miss Peach Blossom 2007 went to Lauren Rickabaugh. Teen Miss was awarded to Ainsley Ellis and Kristin Stone took Miss Pre-teen. Texanna Miller won Jr. Miss and Taylor Murrell was chosen Young Miss.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Bibbs continues to outspend other school board members on travel
web posted March 12, 2007
COUNTY – Edgefield County School Board member James Bibbs continues his travels on the taxpayers’ backs with six conferences attended since the beginning of Fiscal Year 2006-2007, which ends in June, spending a whopping $3,076. Double what the closest spending board member, Vice-chairman Scott Chitty, turned in for attending four conferences at a cost of $1,510.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Johnston fire destroys shed, equipment (Photos)
web posted March 12, 2007
JOHNSTON - Johnston Firefighters responded to a report of a structure fire Saturday afternoon around 4 pm on Berry Road.  By the time firemen arrived on the scene the small barn was completely engulfed in flames.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Edgefield County School District continues excellence in education (Photo)
web posted March 12, 2007
COUNTY – The Edgefield County School District has completed a rigorous, comprehensive evaluation of the school system including all schools in the district through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and the Council for Accreditation and School Improvement process to receive accreditation.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Dogs, one of God's wonderful gifts
A Column by Carl Langley
web posted March 12, 2007
GUEST COLUMN – They live in a world filled with boundless joy that comes from their love for the ones who care for them, and they are privy to secrets that not even the greatest researchers have been able to diagnosis with any great degree of confidence.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Changing your way to savings
A Column by the Editor
web posted March 12, 2007
COLUMN – Syndicated Radio Talk Show Host Neal Boortz touts a savings plan he claims he learned from a snow skier a few years ago, never spend one-dollar bills. That is easy to say and do when you are a millionaire, but what about a “regular Joe” like me? I need those dollar bills. I have been trying a smaller scale version of the plan and it is working quite well.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Obituary
Robert Lee Dowdle Jr.
web posted March 11, 2007
EdgefieldDaily.com

NOTICE: Daylight Savings Time tonight, set clocks ahead one hour
web posted March 10, 2007
PSA - Daylight Savings Time takes place tonight. Set your clocks ahead one hour before going to bed.

Johnston Miss Peach Blossom Beauty Pageant today
web posted March 10, 2007
JOHNSTON – The Johnston Jaycees Miss Peach Blossom Beauty Pageant will be held at the Johnston Elementary School Gym begining at 10 am and a second division starting at 3 pm today.

NOTICE: Email problems resolved
web posted March 10, 2007
WEBNEWS – There has been reported problems with e-mail to EdgefieldDaily.com over the past two days. The problem appears to have been corrected. If you sent an e-mail to the editor or the Wandering Minds and did not get a response or see your item listed please resend the e-mail. If you received a message saying your e-mail was not delivered please resend those messages as well. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Souma to attend Science P.L.U.S. Institute
web posted March 10, 2007
JOHNSTON – Roper Mountain Science Center, a facility of the School District of Greenville County, is pleased to announce that Joyce Souma, who teaches at W.E. Parker Elementary School, has been selected to attend the Science P.L.U.S. Institute during the summer of 2007. The institute, funded by a South Carolina Education Improvement Act (EIA) grant, gives intensive training in science teaching methods and activities to public school science teachers from throughout the State of South Carolina. The Institute emphasizes the Center’s belief that all students deserve a good science education.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Plan developing for Occupational Education
web posted March 10, 2007
PSA – The administration and staff of The Edgefield County School District are in the process of developing the local plan for Occupational Education. This notice is to provide students, parents, teacher and/or area residents with the opportunity for input into local decision influencing the character of programs.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Trenton man arrested for criminal sexual conduct involving seven year old (Photo)
web posted March 9, 2007
TRENTON – The Edgefield County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a Trenton man and charged him with criminal sexual conduct with a minor under the age of 11. On Wednesday evening Sheriff’s Deputies and Investigators served the arrest warrant on Myron Renew, 44, at his Sandrock Way home in Trenton. According to the arrest warrant Mr. Renew’s alleged victim was seven years old when the initial contact was made and continued for over a year.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Hotel sale confirmed (Photo)
web posted March 9, 2007
EDGEFIELD – The Plantation House, the hotel on the corner of the Town Square and Penn Street, has been sold according to Dru Mims, the late Walter Mims’ grandson. “We have a contract on the building and we’ll be closing soon,” he said adding that it could take 30 to 90 days. The building was purchased by a West Virginia couple.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Alleged teen shooter to stand trial Monday
web posted March 9, 2007
EDGEFIELD – The trial of Toreeze Marquel Moten, 17, of Hephzibah Georgia will begin on Monday morning at the Edgefield County Courthouse. Moten is charged in the attempted murder of a 19-year-old Edgefield County man on August 1, 2006. The victim was airlifted from the scene and recovered from his injuries.
EdgefieldDaily.com

JET Middle School to host Family Reading Night
web posted March 9, 2007
JOHNSTON – The Johnston Edgefield Trenton (JET) Middle School is hosting Family Reading Night on Thursday, March 22 at 6:30. Activities will begin in the cafeteria. This will be an exciting time filled with reading, activities, and refreshments for the whole family. We encourage you to support reading in your family by attending this educational event.  For more information contact Ginger Wates or Lynn Bowie at 275-1997.

Moore given three years in breech of trust case
web posted March 9, 2007
EDGEFIELD – Jonathan S. Moore, 32, plead guilty to breech of trust with fraudulent intent in General Sessions Court on Thursday. He was sentenced to three years in prison and five years of probation. The charge stemmed from an October 2006 incident where Mr. Moore was loaned a 2003 Chevrolet Malibu as part of a church effort to help he and his wife. Mr. Moore never returned the car and was later arrested in Arkansas.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Obituary
Charles E. "Charlie" Bell
web posted March 9, 2007
EdgefieldDaily.com

Apartment fire brings fire trucks from Trenton, Edgefield (Photos)
web posted March 8, 2007
TRENTON – The Trenton and Edgefield Fire Departments were called into action Wednesday afternoon just after 2 pm when a fire broke out at the Village Apartments on the 600 block of Woodyard Road. The woman who was in the apartment at the time the fire started said she was sleeping and woke up to find, “smoke everywhere and the stove was on fire”. She said she had not been cooking and nothing was in the oven.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Sweetwater Baptist to celebrate 175 years with "Wild Game Supper" and Community Crusade
web posted March 8, 2007
MERRIWETHER – Today church members at Sweetwater Baptist Church begin erecting a "big tent" capable of seating 1,100 people in anticipation of this weekend’s events beginning on Saturday with a “Wild Game Supper” and ending Monday with a Community Crusade featuring Rev. Tom Tucker, Pastor of Calvary Baptist Church, speaking at 7:00 pm.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Police work mutliple simultaneous events Wednesday
web posted March 8, 2007
COUNTY - Edgefield Sheriff’s Deputies were busy on Wednesday as three almost simultaneous events taking place right at 1 pm. The first was a hit and run crash on Highway 25 south when a brown pick-up truck sideswiped a blue car while both vehicles were northbound. The driver pulled over at the J&L store and notified police. The brown truck continued northbound on Highway 25 and was not located. The driver was not injured.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Three nominated for Here's Your Card Award
web posted March 8, 2007
TRENTON – Three Edgefield County men are nominated for the Here’s Your Card award from EdgefieldDaily.com. Tuesday night the owner of a Laundromat in Trenton went to close the building around 10pm and three men were at the business and refused to leave. She promptly called the Sheriff’s Office to report the three men and they continued to refuse to leave. According to police reports the woman claimed the three were smoking marijuana.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Off The Wall: 12 Washington State High School Students Suspended for Public Prayer Group
web posted March 8, 2007
Off The Wall - VANCOUVER, Washington, March 6, 2007 (LifeSiteNews.com) - A number of students who formed an interdenominational prayer group at a Washington state high school were expelled by the administration last week over their refusal to hold a morning prayer session in a closed room, The Columbian reported March 2.
Twelve students at Heritage High School in Vancouver, WA, were suspended last Friday after continuing to meet for morning prayer in the commons area of the school, despite a faculty order that they stop causing physical "disruption" to student traffic with public prayer.
Off The Wall

Obituary
web posted March 8, 2007
Charlie Bell, 59, entered into rest on March 6. Arrangements are incomplete. Visitation will be at Stephen D. Posey Funeral Home in North Augusta from 6-8pm Friday.

Thousands of dollars seized along with drugs in drug busts
web posted March 7, 2007
EDGEFIELD – The Edgefield County Sheriff’s Office released the names of two people arrested in recent drug cases. 23-year-old Jeffery Enlow, of Rope Horse Road in Johnston, and Ernest Curry, 33, of Sandy Hill Court, located in the lower part of the county have both been charged with possession of crack cocaine with the intent to distribute.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Sheriff Dobey thanks those who aided in search and rescue of 9 year old
web posted March 7, 2007
PSA – Sheriff Dobey and the Officers and staff of the Edgefield County Sheriff s Office would like to extend special thanks to the following people who were involved in the search and rescue of 9-year-old Caleb Cummings.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Edgefield County Council March meeting
web posted March 7, 2007
EDGEFIELD – The Edgefield County Council held their regular monthly meeting Tuesday night with a short agenda and three public hearings rolled into one. After the call to order Councilman Joel Hudson said he wanted to make clear that the Fire Contract was approved by the seven fire districts before the matter came before the county council. Administrator Pettigrew concurred and said if the Fire Board had not approved of the contract the council would not be voting on it.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Johnston Development Board Reorganizes (Photo)
web posted March 7, 2007
JOHNSTON – The Johnston Development Board, a non-profit volunteer organization that has helped the Town of Johnston grow in many ways for over 20 years, is reorganized and is focusing on ways it can work with others to continue to improve the Town.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Gibson resigns as Building and Planning Director
web posted March 7, 2007
EDGEFIELD – Edgefield County Building and Planning Director Howard Gibson has resigned his position effective March 23, 2007 to take a position as Building and Inspection Director for Rome, Georgia. Mr. Gibson has been in his current position in the county for five years.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Mayor Durham offers open letter to residents
web posted March 7, 2007
PSA -- Dear Edgefield:
Spring is just around the corner and the town of Edgefield is full of exciting news.  We have many merchants, organizations and citizens working hard to further enhance the quality of life that we already enjoy here in Edgefield.  With a lot of prayer and the proper vision we can ensure that Edgefield continues to be a great place to live.  Remember, the town belongs to the citizens and we, as elected officials, need to hear from you.  Your needs and suggestions are very important to us as we deal daily with the certain changes that are coming our way.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Sweetwater resident reports burglary
web posted March 7, 2007
MERRIWETHER – The Edgefield County Sheriff’s Office was notified of a burglary to a home on the 600 block of Sweetwater Road Monday afternoon. When the deputy arrived he found a window broken out of the backside of the mobile home to gain entry.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Thurmond FFA Tractor Driving and Tool ID teams win Mid-State Region Career Development events (Photo)
web posted March 7, 2007
COUNTY – Congratulations to the Thurmond FFA Tractor Driving and Tool ID teams for winning the Mid-State Region Career Development events. Both team wills now advance to the State Competition to be held in April at the Fair Grounds in Columbia.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Edgefield Town Council March meeting
web posted March 6, 2007
EDGEFIELD – The Edgefield Town Council held their monthly meeting Monday night with Councilmen Yelldell and Ellis being absent. After Mayor Ken Durham called the meeting to order he opened a Public Hearing for an application requirement towards a $120,000 grant to extend the walking track an additional quarter mile or more and including crossing another trestle. The continuing section was described as more of a “nature walk”.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Vandals continue to damage Merriwether mailboxes
web posted March 6, 2007
MERRIWETHER – Vandals hit several mailboxes in the Merriwether area again this weekend on Big Branch Court vandalizing at least eight mailboxes. The crimes were committed between Saturday night and Sunday morning. In the Merriwether area more than three dozen mailboxes have been vandalized over the past few months and police say there are more that people do not report and just replace the mailbox.
EdgefieldDaily.com

$40,000 backhoe stolen from utility company
web posted March 6, 2007
EDGEFIELD – Monday morning a worker for the utility company currently laying water lines along the Highway 25 Bypass in Edgefield contacted the Edgefield Police Department to report the company’s backhoe was missing and appeared to be stolen. Workers left the heavy equipment on Thurmond Street on Friday at the end of the day.
EdgefieldDaily.com

STHS Gifted and Talented Chorus Members Perform at State Event
web posted March 6, 2007
JOHNSTON – The Gifted and Talented Chorus competed in the South Carolina Music Education Association’s Solo and Ensemble competition recently. Out of the seventeen students attending, fourteen received superior ratings and three received excellent ratings.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Johnston Miss Peach Blossom Beauty Pageant coming this Saturday
web posted March 6, 2007
PSA - JOHNSTON – The Johnston Jaycees Miss Peach Blossom Beauty Pageant will be held at the Johnston Elementary School Gym begining at 10 am and a second division starting at 3 pm.

FOUND: Missing 9 year-old Merriwether boy found (Photo)
web posted March 5, 2007
MERRIWETHER – Merriwether was the center of activity Friday night and Saturday with a massive search for 9-year-old Caleb Phillip Cumming who went missing from the family’s Murrah Road home around 4 pm Friday. Family members searched for nearly two hours before notifying the Edgefield County Sheriff’s Office just after 6 pm. Within the hour authorities converged on the home and search parties were being organized.
EdgefieldDaily.com


Beja Receives Appointment to U.S. Naval Academy (Photo)
web posted March 5, 2007
JOHNSTON – James W. Beja of Johnston, signed his acceptance to attend the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, MD beginning on June 27, 2007. This appointment carries with it a four year scholarship valued at $300,000.00 and will result in a commission from the President as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy.
EdgefieldDaily.com


Key attends National Young Leaders Conference (Photo)
web posted March 5, 2007
JOHNSTON – Miss Ladavia Key, a 10th grade student at Strom Thurmond High School, has returned from the National Young Leaders Conference held in Washington, DC. She was among 350 outstanding students participating in this five day event. The overall theme of the conference was “Exploring Leadership in Our Nation’s Capital”.
EdgefieldDaily.com


Six to attend the Governor’s School of South Carolina (Photo)
web posted March 5, 2007
JOHNSTON – Six students were nominated to attend the Governor’s School of South Carolina at the College of Charleston and all six students have been selected to attend.  The criterion is highly selective to be chosen to attend this four-week summer activity. The six local students selected are Dontavia West, Sarah Brown, Laura Wintrow, Angel Henderson, Emily Foster and Jonathan Calliham.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Mt Vintage Plantation Racquet Club hosts South Carolina Tennis Association sanctioned event (Photo)
web posted March 5, 2007
MERRIWETHER – Mount Vintage Plantation Racquet Club is preparing for a unique combined event March 22nd through the 25th 2007. A senior tennis tournament played on Thursday & Friday with a player/resident outing to the Aiken Steeplechase all day Saturday followed by the completion of the tournament on Sunday. This event is sanctioned by the South Carolina Tennis Association and can be accessed on the United States Tennis Association web site. An event at a new facility in a beautiful setting.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Obituary
Mr. Thomas Jefferson Holmes

"Big Brother" alive and well in UK; Children to be fingerprinted
web posted March 5, 2007
UNITED KINGDOM – Children aged 11 to 16 are to have their fingerprints taken and stored on a secret database, internal Whitehall documents reveal. The leaked Home Office plans show that the mass fingerprinting will start in 2010.
Off The Wall

Missing child results in land and air search in Merriwether
web posted March 3, 2007
MERRIWETHER – The Edgefield County Sheriffs Office responded to a missing 9-year-old child Friday evening around 7 pm on Murrah Road that expanded to having reserve deputies, Merriwether Volunteer Firefighters activated, and a helicopter from SLED called to the area. The child, described as being approximately 4’ 5” tall weighing between 60 and 70 pounds was last seen wearing a blue and cream colored long sleeve pullover, tan pants and white shoes. The child had been missing for over two hours when the call came in to 911.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Aftermath of storm continues Friday (Photos)
web posted March 3, 2007
COUNTY – Edgefield County, area towns, and communities were still feeling the effects of strong storms that moved across the county in the early morning hours. As EdgefieldDaily.com reported on Friday, reports of trees down and power outages were widespread. As the sun rose Friday morning the largest problem facing many was due to flooding.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Local woman uninjured in single car crash (Photos)
web posted March 3, 2007
 EDGEFIELD – An Edgefield County woman escaped injury in an extended crash on Friday. The woman had just passed JET Middle School on Highway 23 heading west when she said she ran off the edge of the road. When she tried to ease back onto the road her Ford Escort wagon fishtailed and she slid on the wet grass which sent her completely off the road before striking a culvert.
EdgefieldDaily.com

“Legal proceedings have been initiated" in Probate Court records dispute
web posted March 2, 2007
EDGEFIELD – As EdgefieldDaily.com reported on Monday, the Probate Court requested possession of its records from the County Archives. The Archives turned over records dating back to 1932 that were in its possession Administrator John Pettigrew said. Seventy-Five years is the generally accepted number of years most title searchers trace back. That is a “point of contention” between the Probate Court and the Administrator. In addition, Judge Peeler contends the Archives only released records dating to 1939, a full seven years short of the mandated seventy-five year minimum.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Rain increases number of crashes on Thursday (Photos)
web posted March 2, 2007
EDGEFIELD – As the rains fell on Thursday the number of wrecks went up across the county with three being reported by 4 pm. The first, and most violent, occurred on Highway 25 a mile north of Brea Baptist Church around 1 pm. A woman driving a GMC extended cab pick-up truck said she hydroplaned while traveling southbound and lost control.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Heavy rains, flooding, and high winds create problems overnight
web posted March 2, 2007
COUNTY – Around midnight the Merriwether, Westside, and southern parts of Edgefield were hit with a series of storms producing very heavy rain and high winds downing trees across roadways and blowing debris elsewhere. Shortly before 1 am reports came in of a large tree blocking Martintown Road about three miles west of Sportsman's Corner. Shortly afterwards another tree was reported down on Currytown Road about a half mile from Martintown. An Edgefield County Ambulance was also caught in a washout on Star Road with the road being underwater and "washing away".
EdgefieldDaily.com

Governor Says True Reform Needed To Keep South Carolina's Business Climate Competitive
web posted March 2, 2007
COLUMBIA – Gov. Mark Sanford issued the following statement Thursday on the passage of the Senate workers' comp bill from subcommittee to the full Senate Judiciary Committee: "In talking to small business owners around the state, it's become abundantly clear that those businesses cannot afford yet another year of spiraling workers compensation premium increases, and that the time to act to reverse that trend is now," Gov. Sanford said.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Editorial: There is more blame to go around in Cooper abuse case
web posted March 2, 2007
OPINION – The recent story of Foster Mother Belinda Cooper being arrested for charges of assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature and child neglect has struck the hearts of many readers. Cooper is accused of stripping a 12-year-old foster child and beating him with different items on his buttocks and his face in addition to verbal abuse during the alleged events. To top it off, the beatings are captured on video, supposedly at Cooper’s direction.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Are you smarter than a fifth grader?
A Column by the Editor
web posted March 2, 2007
COLUMN – Publishing EdgefieldDaily.com six days a week leaves very little time to watch television. I never have been a big fan of sitting on the couch and watching hours of TV anyway, so I have that working for me. My wife, on the other hand, loves a new show on FOX called “Are you smarter than a fifth grader”. It sounds simple enough, answer a series of questions from grades first through fifth and win a million dollars.
EdgefieldDaily.com

EdgefieldDaily.com celebrates two years of unprecedented growth
web posted March 1, 2007
WEBNEWS – EdgefieldDaily.com celebrates two years of providing Edgefield County with the only locally based daily news available on March 1. Founded in February of 2005, EdgefieldDaily.com began the initial work for the web site in 2004 and produced the first story on March 1, 2005. From that first story, EdgefieldDaily.com has grown exponentially and we are working hard to make our third year in operation even better. The astounding success that EdgefieldDaily.com has experienced is due to you, our readers, now numbering over 8,000.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Johnston crash sends five to hospital (Photos)
web posted March 1, 2007
JOHNSTON – A midmorning wreck in Johnston sent five people to area hospitals just after 10 am. The driver of a 1996 Ford Taurus was traveling down Ridge Road in Johnston and as she rounded a curve a white Honda Accord had entered the road from a driveway. Unable to stop the driver of the Taurus tried to swerve off the right hand side of the road and struck the rear of the Honda. After the impact the driver of the Taurus lost control and spun sideways.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Copper caper arrest in Augusta may be related to county church thefts (Photo)
web posted March 1, 2007
COUNTY – Edgefield County Sheriff’s Chief Investigator Randy Doran said they are looking into the arrest of James Carpenter, 25, by the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office. Carpenter is charged in the theft of copper tubing and wiring from air conditioning units in the Augusta area recently.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Traffic stop results in arrest of wanted man from 1998
web posted March 1, 2007
SWEETWATER – An Edgefield County Deputy making a traffic stop for an expired tag ended up capturing a man with outstanding warrants dating as far back as 1998. While on patrol a car pulled out in front of the deputy as he traveled southbound on Highway 25. The deputy noticed an expired paper tag and initiated a traffic stop. When the driver pulled over the passenger door was already opening and the passenger got out and began walking away from the car down the highway.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Obituaries
web posted March 1, 2007
Fannie Mae Lanham Simpkins

Jean C. Yonce

Miracle baby comes back from the dead
web posted March 1, 2007
After trying for 30 minutes to bring two-week-old Woody Lander back to life, doctors decided there was nothing more they could do and called in his parents to say their tearful farewells.
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