Local Radar

Paid for by the Candidate

2006
May Archives

Reader comes to EdgefieldDaily.com's rescue
web posted May 30, 2006
WEBNEWS – EdgefieldDaily.com would like to recognize Davey Barton, of Johnston, for his computer assistance after an electrical event shut down EdgefieldDaily.com’s main system and put our ability to update the web site at risk Tuesday afternoon. Were it not for Mr. Barton’s assistance, EdgefieldDaily.com would not be updated for our readers to view the content posted today. If you would also like to thank Mr. Barton for his work to make today’s edition possible, please send your comments to the Wandering Minds. On behalf of EdgefieldDaily.com I would like to thank Mr. Barton; your services were professional and essential to getting us up and running again. A job well done!

Sweetwater home burglarized Saturday
web posted May 30, 2006
SWEETWATER – A Sweetwater man called to report a burglary at his home on Edgefield Road Saturday night that occurred between the hours of 8 pm and 11:50 pm. When the Deputy arrived the man showed the officer where his door had been pried open to allow the person or persons to gain access to the home.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Fire at strawberry farm destroys refrigerated truck Tuesday evening (Photos)
web posted May 30, 2006
MERRIWETHER – The Merriwether Fire Department was summoned to Gurosik’s Berry Plantation, 345 Briggs Road, for a vehicle fire just after 8 pm Tuesday evening. Firefighters arrived on the scene within minutes and found that the owner, Clyde Gurosik, had nearly extinguished the blaze.
EdgefieldDaily.com

$7,100 in tires stolen from Johnston business
web posted May 30, 2006
JOHNSTON – The Edgefield County Sheriff’s Office was notified of a burglary at a Trenton business Monday morning. Ridge Recycling on Highway 121 reported more than $7,000 in tires stolen from the business. The person or persons responsible first scaled the fencing and used a welding torch to cut the lock of the gate to gain entry.
EdgefieldDaily.com


Weekly gas survey; Gas steady at $2.54, Johnston location reports $2.39
web posted May 31, 2006
COUNTY – Area gas prices have remained steady as the average price across the county this week held to $2.54 a gallon. Prices varied twenty-four cents among retailers. SOC Smith’s Coastal in Johnston took the extreme lowest reported price this week with $2.39 a gallon. Kent’s Korner in Edgefield topped the list at $2.63. Below is the full report of the 17 reporting stations.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Tip leads to arrest for drug possession and distribution
web posted May 30, 2006
JOHNSTON – An anonymous caller reported there were individuals selling drugs on the 700 block of Addison Street around 10:00 pm Saturday night. Johnston Police Officers arrived at the location and found a man sitting in the driveway and officers could smell the strong odor of burning marijuana around him. While speaking with the man officers noticed a small amount of marijuana in his lap.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Traffic stops resort in several arrests for no drivers licenses
web posted May 30, 2006
JOHNSTON – Traffic stops continue to reveal a disturbing trend in Edgefield County, driving without insurance and no drivers license is a constant problem of many Hispanic drivers. On Thursday an officer spotted a driver making several turns improperly and proceeded to conduct a traffic stop. Initially the driver stated his name and supplied an identification card supporting the name. After further discussions, the officer obtained the man’s real name.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Tuesday updates delayed
web posted May 30, 2006
WEBNEWS – Due to the extended weekend, reports will not be available until 4:00 pm Tuesday. Uploads will be made between 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm for the Tuesday updates and the Wednesday report will follow with more reports of the weekend activities. We regret the delay due to circumstances outside of our control. Updates are still made to sections such as the Country Cooking and the Wandering Minds.

Google forgets Memorial Day?
web posted May 30, 2006
Search engine's catchy holiday logos have honored Earth Day, Persian New Year – but not war dead.
WorldNetDaily.com

Memorial Day Tribute
Memorial Day; from those who served
web posted May 29, 2006
COUNTY – EdgefieldDaily.com asked serveral local veterans; What does Memorial Day mean to you?
EdgefieldDaily.com

”Greater love hath no man than he give his life for another”
web posted May 29, 2006
COUNTY – ”Greater love hath no man than he give his life for another,” the Bible tells us, and today being Memorial Day it is so befitting a description of those who have given their life so that we may enjoy the freedom we take for granted.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Trenton Correctional Officer arrested on drug charges
web posted May 29, 2006
TRENTON – South Carolina Law Enforcement Division Officers arrested a Trenton Correctional Institute Officer on Friday on charges of possession with intent to distribute marijuana, furnishing contraband to prisoners, and misconduct in office according to warrants obtained by SLED.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Man escapes injury in single car crash Monday morning (Photos)
web posted May 29, 2006
SWEETWATER – A Sweetwater man escaped injury Monday morning when he flipped his Ford Focus after trying to dodge a coyote on Macedonia Road just before 7:00 am. The man said he was traveling west on Macedonia Road when a coyote crossed the road. He swerved to the left to avoid hitting it when he lost control and took down two mailboxes on the eastbound side of the road before sliding sideways across the westbound side of the road.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Merriwether Scout Troop 601 begins new Scouting year
web posted May 29, 2006
Merriwether Scout Troop 601 is beginning a new scouting year.  The Troop meets on Mondays, at 7PM at the Merriwether Community Center (next to the Fire Department on Martintown Road).  We would like to invite all boys 11 to 18 to come visit and see what scouting is about.  Scouting is a game with a purpose.  Fun is the GAME. Values are the PURPOSE. Learning is the PROCESS.  Please e-mail jydorn@bellsouth.net for more information. Visit the Merriwether Scouts website. Character is what you do when no one is looking.

Memorial Day Closings
The following will be closed Monday, May 29 in observance of Memorial Day
web posted May 29, 2006
County                                                     Towns
Auditor                                                      Edgefield Town Hall
Building and Planning                                 Trenton Town Hall 
County Administration                                Johnston Town Hall
Courthouse                                                
Magistrate                                                
Recreation                                               
Veterans Affairs


“Old tractors are like old friends... You don't give them up because they slow” (Photos)
web posted May 29, 2006
SWEETWATER -  Watching the expression on Rocky McKie’s face as he stood beside one his restored tractors it was easy to see this was much more to him than just a hobby.  Rocky explained, “This ole tractor has been in the family awhile, my Dad sold it to my cousin then,  then around fifteen years later bought it back,  I restored it completely from the bottom up a couple of years ago, what you see here is the finished product ”   What I saw was impressive indeed.
Outdoors with Freddy Petersen

Strom Thurmond Class of 2006 Graduation (Photos)
web posted May 27, 2006
JOHNSTON – Strom Thurmond High School held the graduation ceremony for the Class of 2006 Friday night with the weather cooperating. As the stadium began to fill with family and friends of the graduates the graduates, dignitaries, and faculty began to gather at the back of the stadium. With a full attendance, Steven McKinney and Barry wash began the processional, everyone stood, and the graduation got underway.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Home burglarized while owner away
web posted May 27, 2006
BETTIS ACADEMY – A man Bettis Academy man called police to report a friend’s house being broken into. The man and his brother said they were checking on the home and came to cut the grass for the woman that lives at the home. When deputies arrived at the home on the 700 block of Mt. Zion Road the man showed them where windows and a door had been broken. The homeowner is out of town and will not be back until Tuesday.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Found dog, Stephens Road area
web posted May 27, 2006
MERRIWETHER – Found April 30, medium sized "Husky looking" dog. Well mannered and friendly. Dog has obviously been around a family. Call 279-4480.

Reader submits photo for "Here's your card" recipient
web posted May 27, 2006
EDGEFIELD –  I was at the post office (Friday) and when I saw this person parked in the parking lot I just had to take a picture. I was on my way home from taking pictures of my dog at Slade Lake and cound't resist it. Could you find out who this is and send them a "here's your card" card?


White House compares illegal immigration to speeding
web posted May 27, 2006
WASHINGTON – The White House on Friday said a Senate bill that would grant legal status to illegal immigrants is analogous to a traffic law that allows a speeder to pay a fine and continue driving.
Off The Wall

Johnston Police Chief Easler terminated
web posted May 26, 2006
JOHNSTON – Thursday afternoon Johnston Mayor Willie Campbell issued a press release stating Johnston Police Chief Lelex “Butch” Easler has, “been terminated effective immediately.” In the release Mayor Campbell said, “We have tried to wait for the investigation by SLED to be concluded, but it is simply not fair to the taxpayers of Johnston for this situation to continue in its present state.  We must move forward with our police department.” Chief Easler has been on leave with pay since September of 2005 due to a SLED investigation.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Edgefield Deputy nabs suspected car thief from McCormick County
web posted May 26, 2006
NORTHSIDE – The Edgefield County Sheriff’s Office was notified by McCormick County Dispatchers Wednesday afternoon of a suspect vehicle that had driven away from a location in McCormick County. An Edgefield County Deputy in the area of Martintown Road and Red Hill Road spotted the 1983 Ford truck and initiated a traffic stop at the intersection. The two men were asked to step out of the vehicle and were cuffed for investigative and “officer safety”.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Found: Bassett Hound, Bland Baptist RD
web posted May 26, 2006
Please call to identify (803) 275-0691

Weekly gas survey; Gas drops to $2.54
web posted May 26, 2006
COUNTY – Area gas prices have continued to fall as the average price across the county fell another fifteen cents this week to $2.54 a gallon. Prices varied fifteen. Greg’s Gas Plus and the S&S Truck Stop in Merriwether took the lowest reported this week with $2.45 a gallon. Northside BP topped the list at $2.69. Below is the full report of the 17 reporting stations.
EdgefieldDaily.com

U.S. to repeal federal long-distance phone tax
web posted May 26, 2006
WASHINGTON, May 25 (Reuters) - The U.S. Treasury Department on Thursday conceded a legal dispute over the federal excise tax on long-distance telephone service and said the Internal Revenue Service will refund tax paid on the service over the past three years.
Reuters

Possible discovery at Hoffa search site
web posted May 26, 2006
MILFORD TOWNSHIP, Mich. - Investigators digging up a Michigan farm as part of the FBI’s search for the remains of former Teamsters boss Jimmy Hoffa have made a discovery underneath a barn on the property, NBC News reported Thursday.
MSNBC

Another Urban Outfitters employee arrested
web posted May 25, 2006
TRENTON – Urban Outfitters called the Edgefield County Sheriff’s Office to their Trenton facility just before 1:00 am Wednesday morning with the company stating they had an employee that has been stealing merchandise for four months. The employee admitted that he began stealing in February. Robert Washington, 29, of Edgefield Road, North Augusta, has been arrested and charged with felony breach of trust.
EdgefieldDaily.com

No good deed goes unpunished
web posted May 25, 2006
EDGEFIELD – A Martintown Road resident went to the Sheriff’s Office to report a forgery to police. According to the man making the report, a woman friend asked him to purchase a car for a friend of hers with the condition that the friend would make payments to the man for the car. The second friend, a woman also, needed the car to get back and forth to work.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Grand larceny reported in Merriwether
web posted May 25, 2006
MERRIWETHER – A Merriwether man notified the Sheriff’s Office of a grand larceny from a breaking and entering of a vehicle parked in his yard over the weekend. According to the reports, the man said he parked the truck, which belongs to his boss in Augusta, Georgia, on Saturday and when he checked the truck Monday morning several items were missing.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Strom Thurmond High School Graduating Class of 2006
web posted May 25, 2006
Below is the finalized list of certified graduates completed on Wednesday, May 24
EdgefieldDaily.com

NOTICE: Last day of school today
web posted May 24, 2006
COUNTY – Edgefield County Schools will release for the summer today.  Graduation for Strom Thurmond will be Friday night at 7:00 pm at the STH Football field. Please watch for children.

Correction: The recognition for receiving the Docorate
in the below story went to Dr. Angela Cooper, not Dr. David Mathis. We regret the error and have corrected the story.

Edgefield County School Board meeting
web posted May 24, 2006
COUNTY – The Edgefield County School Board held their second regular meeting for the month Tuesday night. Due to an extended executive session and the late hour of release of the meeting, this report will focus on just a few highlights of the meeting. A complete report will follow on Thursday.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Another car theft reported
web posted May 24, 2006
JOHNSTON – Another car was reported stolen, this time in Johnston on Sunday night. Johnston Police were working a wreck on Lee Street until the South Carolina Highway Patrol could arrive and investigate the collision. When the Trooper arrived it became known the 2001 Dodge Neon was stolen. The driver of the car is unknown.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Google dumps news sites that criticize radical Islam
web posted May 24, 2006
Search giant axes another news page, calls terrorism discussion 'hate content'
WorldNetDaily.com

Monday morning crash sends one woman to Trauma Center (Photos)
web posted May 23, 2006
MERRIWETHER – A single vehicle crash sent one local woman to the MCG Trauma Center for critical injures she received in the wreck. Around 10:00 am a report of the crash on Sweetwater Road came in to the E-911 Center stating a tree was also blocking the roadway. Edgefield County EMS, First Responders, and the Merriwether Fire Department responded to the scene.
EdgefieldDaily.com

NOTICE: Women in Business Luncheon - June 2, 2006
web posted May 23, 2006
COUNTY – The Edgefield Chamber of Commerce, in association with the Aiken Regional Medical Centers, will be hosting the Women in Business Luncheon on June 2, 2006 at the Pine Ridge Country Club from the hours of 10:00 am and 1:00 pm. Tickets for the luncheon are $15 and may be obtained from the Chamber of Commerce or by calling 803-275-0010. Deadline for ticket purchase is Friday May 26. Guest speakers include Virginia B. Wiinburn, MD discussing “The Cancer no one has to have,” and Miroslav S. Zotovic, MD, discussing “Getting a good night’s sleep.”  Several other health related exhibits and information will also be available.

Safe found in garbage container
web posted May 23, 2006
MERRIWETHER – A Merriwether man called the Edgefield County Sheriff’s Office to report he found a two foot safe that had been broken into behind his establishment. The man stated he has been out of town for a little over a week and after returning he was walking around his building to check on things. While on the backside of the building, he noticed a piece of plastic with the word “Sentry” written on it. When he checked a trash container he found the safe.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Three vehicles stolen - recovered over the weekend
web posted May 23, 2006
COUNTY – Three vehicles were stolen and recovered over the weekend. The first reported vehicle theft occurred between the hours of 6 am and 2 pm Friday from a home located on the 2000 block of Lakeview Drive in Johnston. The blue 1996 Cadillac Sedan Deville was valued at $5,000. While on patrol the Deputy spotted the car with all the windows down at the intersection of Highway 23 and Scott Ferry Road.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Documents Allege Democrat Rep. Jefferson Caught on Tape Taking Bribe
web posted May 23, 2006
WASHINGTON — A congressman under investigation for bribery was caught on videotape accepting $100,000 in $100 bills from an FBI informant whose conversations with the lawmaker also were recorded, according to a court document released Sunday. Agents later found the cash hidden in his freezer.
FoxNews

Another "Here's your card" winner
web posted May 23, 2006
JOHNSTON – A Monetta woman decided to have a few drinks Sunday night. There is nothing illegal about that; however, disturbing others at 1:00 am is another matter. To make matters worse, repeatedly knocking on the door of an Edgefield County Sheriff’s Deputy is not a very bright move.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Police believe crash may end rash of car thefts (Photos)
web posted May 22, 2006
EDGEFIELD – Edgefield Police and the Edgefield County Sheriff’s Office captured a man, who they believe is a prolific car thief, Sunday afternoon. A rash of car thefts in the past week, at least five, may have ended when a Sheriff’s Deputy spotted a white Chevrolet Tahoe reported stolen from Trenton Sunday morning on Main Street just after 1:00 pm. The deputy attempted a traffic stop when the driver took off down Mims Street reaching speeds estimated at 90 mph.
EdgefieldDaily.com

"Trailing your ancestors" Grand Opening held Sunday in Edgefield (Photos)
web posted May 22, 2006
EDGEFIELD – The Grand Opening of the “Trailing your ancestors” display was held Sunday afternoon at the Tompkins Library in Edgefield. Visitors were greeted by County Archivist Tricia Glenn, Connie McNeil; President of the Old Edgefield Genealogical Society and the State Genealogical Society, and Tonya Taylor; Director of the Tompkins Library. Ms. Glenn said she and Ms. Taylor filed for the 2005 SCRAB grant which made the display and the referencing of over 8,326 names contained in county archives possible.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Johnston Man injured in lighting strike
BETTIS ACADEMY – A Johnston man is said to be recovering from being struck by lighting at Bettis Park on Thursday evening as storms passed over the area. According to witness accounts, the man was leaning on a utility pole when it was struck by a lighting bolt. The man was knocked backwards and injured it the strike. A 9-1-1 call sent Edgefield County EMS to the scene. The man was treated and transported to Doctor’s Hospital in Augusta where he was hospitalized and has since been released.

Dining Review: Ten Governors Cafe
EdgefieldDaily.com
 
Storms, hail strike again
JOHNSTON – Strong thunderstorms moved through the county again on Saturday afternoon bringing more hail and damaging winds. Trees were reported down in Johnston, Westside, and Edgefield. One resident in Johnston photographed a hail stone compared to a silver dollar in his hand. Click picture for a larger view.


A Column by the Editor
"You don't need any help"
web posted May 22, 2006
COLUMN – Multiple emergencies Friday afternoon demonstrated the urgent need for additional Deputies in Edgefield County. Though not uncommon, several urgent calls went out to Deputies within a few minutes of each other. With the standard three deputies patrolling the county, resources were spread thin. A total of five calls came in to the Sheriff’s Office; a head-on collision on Sweetwater Road, a garbage truck on fire at the intersection of Martintown and Key Roads, a crash on west Five Notch Road, a twelve-year-old assaulted by an adult on Promisedland Road, and a burglary.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Off the Wall: Democrat hopefuls say "illegals" should be hanged and "Jews" removed
web posted May 22, 2006
Montgomery Advertiser - Alabama's Democratic Party is distancing itself from two Democratic candidates for state office who think all illegal immigrants must leave or be killed.
Off The Wall

Head-on collision sends two to hospital (Photos)
web posted May 20, 2006
MERRIWETHER – Just after 2:00 pm a report of a collision on Sweetwater Road and Briggs Road came in to the E911 Center. A woman driving a Ford Taurus north on Sweetwater Road was attempting to make a left turn on to Briggs Road when another woman traveling south on Sweetwater in a Honda Civic LX crashed into the Ford.
EdgefieldDaily.com


Garbage truck catches fire after passing controlled burn
(Photos)
web posted May 20, 2006
WESTSIDE – Shortly after 2:00 pm a 9-1-1 call came in reporting a garbage truck on fire on Martintown Road at Key Road. When the Westside Fire Department arrived the driver of the truck had emptied the burning garbage on a paved area in front of an old store at the intersection. Heavy smoke from the fire slowed traffic in the area until the flames could be extinguished.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Crash stalls traffic on Five Notch Road (Photos)
web posted May 20, 2006
MERRIWETHER – A minor two truck crash took place on West Five North Road Friday afternoon just after 2:00 pm. According to the drivers, the driver of an eastbound Ford Ranger was attempting to make a left turn into a driveway on the 800 block of Five Notch Road when the driver of an eastbound Dodge Ram 1500 could not stop in time and rear-ended the Ford.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Porn stars using MySpace to lure kids
web posted May 20, 2006
MySpace.com, the huge Rupert Murdoch-owned social website dominated by teenagers, is being used by porn stars to ply their wares with young Net users.
WorldNetDaily

State closes Birmingham abortion clinic after investigation
web posted May 20, 2006
While the patient was told during the examination that she was only six weeks pregnant, she went to a hospital emergency room six days later and delivered a stillborn infant that weighed six pounds, four ounces, according to the order. "It was nearly full term," said Williamson.
TimesDaily.com

Off The Wall: Couple Arrested For Asking For Directions
BALTIMORE -- Baltimore City police arrested a Virginia couple over the weekend after they asked an officer for directions.
EdgefieldDaily.com: Off The Wall

Break-in reported at Edgefield Mayor's home early Friday morning
web posted May 19, 2006
EDGEFIELD – Around 12:40 am Friday 9-1-1 Dispatchers received a call of someone breaking into the home of Mayor Ken Durham. The Mayor was not at home at the time. Mrs. Durham and her daughter retreated to a closet and called police from there.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Five burglaries reported at family's "Old Home place"
web posted May 19, 2006
EDGEFIELD – A Greenville family visiting the “Old Home place” on the 30 block of Mayson Drive in Edgefield Tuesday discovered that a camper on the property had been broken into. As they began checking the homes and sheds on the property, they discovered every shed had been burglarized. The family members notified the Sheriff’s Office immediately.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Gov. Sanford Calls for Passage of Eminent Domain Amendment
web posted May 19, 2006
COLUMBIA – Gov. Mark Sanford called on the S.C. House of Representatives to pass S.1031 -- a constitutional amendment to limit eminent domain powers -- without adding in "regulatory takings" provisions that could jeopardize the amendment's passage in the Senate. The governor's request today came as House leaders prepare to take up the Senate bill this week, and is a follow-up to a similar request the governor made via letter to leaders in the House and Senate in March.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Search of Michigan Farm for Jimmy Hoffa's Body to Take Several Weeks 
web posted May 19, 2006
MILFORD TOWNSHIP, Mich.-  In one of the most intensive searches for Jimmy Hoffa in decades, the FBI summoned archaeologists and anthropologists and brought in heavy equipment to scour a horse farm Thursday for the body of the former Teamsters boss who vanished in 1975.
Fox News

Citigroup Investment Research Named Top U.S. “Award-Winning Broker” By Forbes.com/StarMine
web posted May 19, 2006
AUGUSTA, GA - For the third consecutive year, Citigroup Investment Research has ranked number one in the Forbes.com/StarMine Fifth Annual North America Analyst Awards.  With 21 awards, Citigroup is the leader, with five more than J.P. Morgan, which placed second, and 11 more than Merrill Lynch, which tied Banc of America Securities and Raymond James for eighth place.  In addition, Citigroup analysts Charles Boorady and Doug Leggate were recognized in the top-ten of overall earnings estimators for their respective sectors.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Obituaries
James Mims Jr.
web posted May 19, 2006
EdgefieldDaily.com

Philip S. Clark
web posted May 19, 2006
EdgefieldDaily.com

Fox Creek Official resigns citing "unethical actions" of certain teachers and board members 
web posted May 18, 2006
MERRIWETHER – Further problems have surfaced due to the endorsement letter passed out at Fox Creek by some of the teachers last week, this time a school official has resigned his position citing “unethical actions of certain teachers.” B. David Franklin, Chairman of the School Improvement Council, turned in his resignation to the school on Monday. Mr. Franklin was also a candidate for the Fox Creek School Board. His name was not listed on the endorsement letter distributed by teachers.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Ballot samples and voting tips for June Primaries
web posted May 18, 2006
COUNTY – Printed absentee ballots are available now for the June 13 Republican and Democratic Primaries at the Edgefield County Voter Registration Office. As a Pubic Service, EdgefieldDaily.com has placed the ballots, in original form and typed form, online so voters can familiarize themselves with the candidates. We also would like to offer voting tips (not endorsements).
EdgefieldDaily.com

Defense Department Releases September 11 Pentagon Video
web posted May 18, 2006
Washington, DC - Judicial Watch, the public interest group that investigates and prosecutes government corruption, announced today that Department of Defense released a videotape to Judicial Watch at 1:00 p.m. this afternoon that shows American Airlines Flight 77 striking the Pentagon on September 11, 2001. The Department of Defense released the videotape in response to a Judicial Watch Freedom of Information Act request and related lawsuit.
Judicial Watch

Only one in four 12- to 34-year-olds can name all four major broadcast networks: ABC, NBC, CBS and Fox.
web posted May 18, 2006
The most popular activity? That would be surfing the Internet, which 84% said they did during their idle periods.
Advertising Age

Back-to-back fires keep Fire Departments busy
See exclusive video footage linked in the story! (Photos)
web posted May 17, 2006
TRENTON – The Trenton and Edgefield Fire Departments we busy Tuesday with back-to-back house fires in the Trenton area. The first fire was reported around 11 am on Victory Road. When Trenton Firefighters arrived on the scene a few minutes later they found the home “fully involved” and asked for mutual aid from Edgefield Fire Department to help supply water and firefighters.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Opinion: Fox Creek digging a deeper hole
web posted May 17, 2006
OPINION – With so much media attention being focused on Fox Creek Charter High School for missteps over the past year it would seem obvious that the school would go to extreme measures to make Board of Directors elections as open and honest as possible. Over the past year there have been allegations of improper past elections. So, knowing the media was watching, seven teachers published an “Endorsement” flyer and distributed it at the school during operating hours the day before the elections. All but one of the candidates endorsed was elected to the board, and the election is now being challenged. The students at the school may be very bright, but it is painfully obvious those running the school are very slow learners.
EdgefieldDaily.com

53-foot trailer disappears
web posted May 17, 2006
TRENTON – A 53-foot trailer was reported stolen from a local nursery on Monday morning. The transport company called the Sheriff’s Office stating their North Carolina transport company driver went to pick the trailer up and it was missing. The trailer was dropped off on Saturday to be loaded with plants and flowers at Hines Nursery on the 2100 block of Edgefield Road.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Weekly gas survey; Gas Jumps to $2.69
web posted May 17, 2006
COUNTY – Gas prices took a turn upward over the last week rising by an average of sixteen cents. Prices varied 18 cents between retailers. Sportsman’s Corner and Greg’s Gas Plus in Merriwether and the 3-Way Food Mart in Johnston took the award for the lowest prices at $2.61. Billy’s Super Store in Trenton reported the highest price of $2.79 a gallon. Below is the full report of the 17 reporting stations.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Man reports gun being pointed at him
web posted May 17, 2006
JOHNSTON – A Johnston man called police to report a gun being pointed at him as he walked along Lee Street Monday night. When officers arrived the man said he was walking to the store just after 11pm when the car pulled alongside and one of the men pointed the gun at him.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Edgefield County Council Budget Work Session tonight
web posted May 16, 2006
EDGEFIELD – An Edgefield County Council Work Session will be held tonight at the County Council Chambers at 225 Jeter Street, Edgefield at 6:00 pm. The public is invited to attend.

Truck and gun thefts reported in Trenton
web posted May 16, 2006
TRENTON – A Trenton man reported his 2003 Chevy Avalanche stolen from his residence on the 200 block of Church Street Saturday morning. The owner stated the truck took missing between 4 am and 8 am Saturday. In addition to the truck, two .38 caliber pistols were also taken during the theft. One gun was in the glove compartment of the stolen truck, the second was taken from a second truck at the location.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Trip to church, Mother's Day Dinner, and "bootleg liquor house" goes bad
web posted May 16, 2006
EDGEFIELD – An Edgefield woman arrived at the Edgefield County Law Enforcement Center and told authorities she was attacked by four other women Sunday night and hit with a brick during the assault. The woman told police she went to church, went to a Mother’s Day Dinner, and then a “bootleg liquor house” on the 100 block of Promiseland Road in Edgefield.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Woman reports drive-by shooting in Merriwether
web posted May 16, 2006
MERRIWETHER – Shortly before 9:00 pm a woman called the Edgefield County Sheriff’s Office to report a truck driving by and shooting out the window in her van while two of her grandchildren were sitting inside.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Honda Accord reported stolen in Johnston Monday morning
web posted May 16, 2006
JOHNSTON – A Johnston woman called police to report her 2005 Honda Accord stolen from her driveway Monday morning. The silver four door Accord, SC tag number W32 166, was last seen when she went to bed Sunday night.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Jimmy Shay Memorial Fishing Rodeo huge success (Photos)
web posted May 15, 2006
COUNTY – The Edgefield County Law Officers Association held their annual Jimmy Shay Memorial Fishing Rodeo Saturday with huge success. By 11:30 am over 600 people had registered, over 400 of them being children. Along with the ECLOA, the Department of Natural Recourses, the Edgefield County Sheriff’s Office, Edgefield County EMS, and the Merriwether Fire Department were there with fire trucks, ambulances, and the Sheriff’s Mobile Command Center were on hand for touring. However, the biggest draw was the fishing with stringer after stringer of fish being taken from the lake.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Storms create havoc Sunday afternoon (Photos)
web posted May 15, 2006
COUNTY – Strong storms moved through Edgefield County Sunday afternoon beginning around 4:30 leaving downed trees, hail damage, power outages, and at least two crashes in their wake. The storms entered the county from the west in two locations. One entered from Clarks Hill Lake area and created havoc from Martintown Road beginning at Garrett Road up to the intersection with Highway 23. From there it moved on to Edgefield continuing to drop dime sized hair and delivering high winds and heavy rain. A second storm raced across from the lower portion of the county towards Trenton and Johnston distributing much of the same.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Debris, cruise control blamed for crash after storm (Photos)
web posted May 15, 2006
WESTSIDE – Shortly before 6 pm, E-911 Dispatchers received a call of a crash on Martintown Road just below the intersection of Martintown Road and Highway 23. The woman driver said she was driving through the area with her cruise control on when the car suddenly went out of control as she drove over a layer of leaves left in the wake of the storm. There was no evidence the car ever left the northbound side of the road before the crash.
EdgefieldDaily.com

The Zig-Zag Nature of the Unexpectedly Unexplained
By: Dr. Skip Myers
EdgefieldDaily.com Columnist
web posted May 15, 2006
EdgefieldDaily.com

Obituaries
Kathleen Rearden Medlock
Edgefield
EdgefieldDaily.com
Glasglow S. Griffin Sr.
Edgefield
EdgefieldDaily.com

REMINDER: Strom Thurmond High School Honors Awards tonight
web posted May 15, 2006
JOHNSTON – Strom Thurmond High School will be holding their Honors Awards tonight at the STH gym begining at 7:00 pm.

Neighbor arrested after throwing cement block through window
web posted May 13, 2006
TRENTON – A woman on Casalina Drive called police to report a man throwing a cement block through a window in her home just before 5:00 am Friday. When the deputy arrived she stated she heard the crash of the window being broken and looked outside and saw a man standing in her yard. She told police she yelled at the man saying, “I saw you,” and the man, according to her statement, cursed her and said “you did not see nothing,” before leaving the yard.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Fox Creek School Board elections marred by possible improper endorsements by teachers
Funding and jobs may be in jeopardy
web posted May 12, 2006
MERRIWETHER – Fox Creek Charter High School held their public election of the Board of Directors for the publicly funded school on Thursday. What took place on Wednesday; however, has Edgefield County School District officials scrambling for answers. EdgefieldDaily.com received calls and information that at least one teacher handed out a flyer with a “slate” of candidates some of the teachers were endorsing for the election on Thursday, as parents dropped off their students at the school Wednesday morning. Others said the flyer came home with their child. EdgefieldDaily.com faxed a copy of the flyer to the Edgefield County District Office and a simple flyer set into motion a chain of events that could pose serious problems for the school and the teachers involved.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Fox Creek Board of Trustees election results
web posted May 11, 2006 10:31 pm
MERRIWETHER – The Fox Creek School Board elections results are as follows: The new school board members are Sherolyn Bishop, Ashley Williams, Jim Oliver, Charles Jenkins, Mack Thomas, Rod Huffman, Victoria Mollo, Ronnye Eubanks, Wayne Fuller, Clay Bryant, and Terri Mayson.

Reminder: The Jimmy Shay Memorial Youth Fishing Rodeo Is This Saturday
Get hooked on fishing not on drugs
web reposted May 12, 2006
The Jimmy Shay Memorial Youth Fishing Rodeo will be held Saturday, May 13, 2006 at Lick Fork Lake from 9:00 am until 1:00 pm for children 12 and under. Free Prizes, refreshments, fishing bait and tackle. Organized by the Edgefield County Law Officers Association. Sponsors include the Merriwether Fire Department, US Forestry Service, Edgefield County Bass Club, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. Individual and Coporate donations welcomed. To donate or recieve more information contact Chris Aston at (803) 637-5337 or (803) 275-3091

Mama's Truck Food Give-A-Way Saturday
Edgefield
May 13, 2006
191 W.A. Reel Drive at Country Manor
8:00 am - 10:00 am
Ward
Mt. Alpha Church
Highway 23
10:30 am - 12:00 noon

Two "shots fired" calls ends with stray bullet entering Trenton woman's home
web posted May 11, 2006
TRENTON – Two Trenton area residents called the Edgefield County Sheriff’s Office to report shots fired near their homes Friday night. When The Deputy responded to the first call on Cardinal Drive, the homeowner stated a man was shooting into the pond behind his house and wanted him to stop. The deputy met with the man, who was intoxicated according to police reports, and he agreed to stop shooting so late at night. The man said he had just purchased the gun and was just trying it out. Two hours later the next call became a little more troublesome.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Deputy rounds up a dozen escapees Wednesday afternoon (Photos)
web posted May 11, 2006
MERRIWETHER – An Edgefield County Deputy single-handedly rounded up twelve escapees Wednesday afternoon. Just before 3:00 pm Sheriff’s Dispatchers received call about several cows walking on Briggs Road near the bend. The first report was for three to five cows and a later report said as many as nine or ten. By the time the deputy arrived the number grew to an even dozen.
EdgefieldDaily.com

License check results in arrest and one on the run
web posted May 11, 2006
EDGEFIELD – A license check at the intersection of Highways 25 and 378 resulted in one arrest and one individual escaping from police Friday. An Edgefield County Sheriff’s Investigator was assisting the South Carolina Highway Patrol at the checkpoint when a green car approached. When the Trooper asked for drivers license and insurance papers, the man handed them to the Trooper through the window behind him. Officers immediately noticed a strong smell of marijuana emanating from the car.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Gov. Sanford introduces plan to lower gas prices in South Carolina
web posted May 11, 2006
COLUMBIA – South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford announced a plan to lower gas prices in the state Wednesday by removing the 16.75 cents per gallon state tax on fuel sales. The proposal has been sent to the House and Senate and the Governor is asking it to be added to the budget currently in review. The governor said that with nearly $1 billion more coming into state coffers this year, more needs to be done to give tax relief to South Carolina families. "We've said from the beginning of this budget process that government spending should be held to a meaningful cap and that more should be given back to the hardworking taxpayers of this state," Gov. Sanford said.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Weekly gas survey; Gas drops to $2.53
web posted May 11, 2006
COUNTY – Area gas prices have continued to fall as the average price across the county fell another six cents this week for a total of nineteen cents in the past two weeks. Prices varied little between retailers with most stations reporting a penny or two difference. Sportsman’s Corner in Merriwether took the lowest reported price again this week with $2.53 a gallon. Northside BP topped the list at $2.69. Below is the full report of the 17 reporting stations.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Edgefield Town Councilman found at home raided by police 
web posted May 9, 2006
EDGEFIELD – The Edgefield County Sheriff’s Office and the Edgefield Police Department conducted a raid of a Rosa Hill Street home Sunday and arrested three persons as a result. In previous weeks controlled buys of illegal alcohol, also known as bootleg or moonshine, were made at the residence. As a result of the investigation police obtained a search warrant and conducted the raid.
EdgefieldDaily.com

"Funny money" turning up in Trenton
web posted May 10, 2006
TRENTON – More counterfeit money has turned up in the county over the weekend, this time in Trenton. According to reports, employees at the Town and Country store in Trenton reported two men trying to pass faked $20 bills at the store. This is the second report in just two weeks at the store. The cashier stated a black male tried to purchase items at the store until employees checked the bill with a special pen to authenticate currency.
EdgefieldDaily.com

A Day That Should be a Month
Dr. Skip Myers
EdgefieldDaily.com Columnist
web posted May 10, 2006
Edgefield Daily.com

Placing a cart with no wheels in front of the horse
web posted May 10, 2006
COLUMN – The Edgefield County Council passed Rural Residential zoning for the Lake Trenton and Courtney Road area last week. I do not begrudge the County Council voting to approve the measure, notices were sent to every affected property owner and not a sole in attendance at the public hearing spoke up against the measure. I do know that there were a few who did attend opposing the zoning but they did not make it known. What is not known is the Planning Commission, in its hurried rush, passed the zoning on to the county council and is now having to correct even more mistakes made in their haste to zone.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Mohammed caught buying up cell phones at Dollar Gen.
web posted May 10, 2006
Clarke County Commissioners may not have been as far out in left field as countians thought when they voted to purchase terrorists insurance for the Clarke County Courthouse. Last week, a man who was known to have contact with a "subject" by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, was stopped in the parking lot in front of the courthouse and held by deputies until the FBI could send an officer to question him.
Clarke County Democrat (Alabama)
 
Woman charged in drug distribution at Trenton prison
web posted May 9, 2006
TRENTON – A woman visiting an inmate at the Trenton Correctional Facility ended up getting a ride to the Edgefield County Detention Center herself Sunday afternoon. According to police reports, Yendia Parks, 28, of Greenwood, came to visit an inmate on Sunday and while meeting with the inmate Correctional Officers observed her give the inmate two objects.
EdgefieldDaily.com

US Fibers warehouse fire reported Monday evening
(Photos)
web posted May 9, 2006
TRENTON – Just after 6:00 pm workers at US Fibers, located on Greenhouse Road in Trenton, called 9-1-1 to report a fire in one of the warehouses at the facility. Trenton Firefighters arrived just moments later and requested mutual aid from the Edgefield Fire Department, which arrived minutes later. When firefighters arrived, employees were standing outside and thick smoke filled the building.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Budget, Police Chief, bar closings top Johnston Council meeting
web posted May 9, 2006
JOHNSTON – The Johnston Town Council held its month meeting Monday night to another packed room. After dispensing with the invocation and other routine formalities Mayor Willie Campbell opened the public hearing on the proposed budget and the public comments period. Comments from the public included a suggestion to move the public comments period to the end of the meeting and problems with speeders on Bland Ave.
EdgefieldDaily.com

And...Here's your card!
web posted May 9, 2006
TRENTON – A Cardinal Drive resident called the Sheriff’s Office to report threats and trespassing on his property. When a deputy responded the man told police that a neighbor and his friend were making threats and one swam across the pond to stand in his yard and then swam back.
EdgefieldDaily.com

STH Class of 1986 holding 20 year reunion
web posted May 8, 2006
COUNTY – The Strom Thurmond Class of 1986 is planning their 20 year reunion, which will be held October  6 -8, 2006. Reservations are being accepted and should be made before June 15. $25 deposit is required to hold your spot. For more information and meeting dates please e-mail sths86reunion@bellsouth.net

Fire destroys truck Sunday afternoon
(Photos)
WESTSIDE – Shortly before 3:00 pm Sunday a passer by noticed heavy smoke rising from the back of a house on the 2800 block of Martintown Road and called 9-1-1. Neighbors went to the home and found the 2002 Ford F-250 truck engulfed in flames. The owners were in Edgefield at the time of the fire.
EdgefieldDaily.com

First Annual Charity Golf Tournament set for June 2
COUNTY – The All God’s Creature’s Pet Rescue and Adoption is holding their First Annual Charity Golf Tournament on June 2, 2006 at the Pine Ridge Country Club. Entry fee is $45 per player. All proceeds will benefit the All God’s Creature’s Pet Rescue and Adoption.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Opinion: If school work is to be done at home, why not home school?
OPINION – Perhaps the Edgefield County School District should pay for home internet service for students. Almost every day students are required to take quizzes online or perform some other activity on the internet for classes.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Group takes their message to the streets, literally
(Photos)
web posted May 6, 2006
EDGEFIELD – Edgefield County residents in the area of the proposed drag strip and racetrack have taken steps to get their message to the people by purchasing a billboard stating their opposition. The Northside Legal Defense Committee, some 100 members strong, purchased a billboard on Highway 25 as travelers head towards the Northside area. “Say No to drag strips, Say Yes to peace and quiet,” the sign says.
EdgefieldDaily.com

More crime reported at Fox Creek
web posted May 6, 2006
MERRIWETHER – Fox Creek Charter High School is once again the location of criminal activity. On Thursday a Fox Creek parent called the Edgefield County Sheriff’s Office to report his son’s 1995 Z71 pick-up being vandalized by another teen in the school’s parking lot.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Relay for Life begins today
web reposted May 5, 2006
COUNTY – The American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life of Edgefield County will be held May 5, 2006 at the Strom Thurmond High School Football field. The event begins at 7:00 pm and continues throughout the night. The public is invited to attend and there is no charge to participate.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Immigration bill passed by SC House on Thursday
web posted May 5, 2006
COLUMBIA – The SC House passed H.5057, a new immigration bill that will make all state sub-contractors verify their workers are legal citizens on Thursday. Under current law, sub-contractors do not have to provide, or even check, the citizenship of their workforce. South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford praised the bill’s passage saying, “I'd give real credit to the House for passing a bill that takes a step toward sending a message that our state won't create an incentive for illegal behavior.”
EdgeifleDaily.com

Found four-wheeler now stolen
web posted May 5, 2006