Local Radar

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Wednesday arrest may solve several recent crimes (Photos)
web posted November 30, 2006
TRENTON – Edgefield County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested a man and woman they believe may be linked to several recent burglaries and larcenies in the County. Ricky Dwane Saxon, 31, and Brandi Wilson, 24, of Edgefield are being held at the Edgefield County Detention Center on custody orders. The arrests stem from a contractor riding by a home under construction on the 700 block of Columbia Road and noticed a suspicious vehicle at the job site. The pair drove away from the scene with the contractor following while calling 911.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Ribbon cutting marks opening of Hospice Care in Edgefield (Photos)
web posted November 30, 2006
EDGEFIELD – Edgefield Mayor Ken Durham, Chamber of Commerce Director Donna Livingston, and Dina Reynolds, Community Relations Director for Hospice Care of South Carolina were among many present for the ribbon cutting ceremony of the new Hospice Care office in Edgefield on Tuesday. Mayor Durham presented Ms. Reynolds with a Proclamation naming November as National Hospice Month at the ceremony as well.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Johnston Police investigating forgeries
web posted November 30, 2006
JOHNSTON – Johnston Police are investigating two cases of forgery connected to a Trenton man that took place over the last month. The first case involves a check written drafted against the South Carolina Department of Transportation for $378.70. According to police reports the man entered a Johnston grocery store and purchased $31.66 worth of groceries and presented the check and received $347.04 in cash. The man offered a drivers license at the time of the transaction.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Letter to the Editor: Senior thanks community for support
web posted November 30, 2006
Dear Editor,
As a senior on the Ridge Spring-Monetta Fighting Trojan football team, (I) would like to applaud all of the “Ridge” community for supporting our football team.  No, the Trojans didn’t bring home the State Championship, but we did bring together a community for a common cause.  Friday, November 24, the entire community made the journey to Orangeburg, SC to see our team play for the Class A Division II State Championship.  When we as a team looked into the stands, we saw a multitude of people.  People that include yesteryears’ Trojans, mothers, fathers, preachers, teachers, and other community members.  All the people gathered to watch and cheer on our team.
EdgefieldDaily.com Opinions

Naked man smoking crack cocaine attacked by alligator
web posted November 30, 2006
LAKELAND (Fla) -- A man who was attacked by an alligator this morning was naked and smoking crack at the time, Polk County deputies who rescued him said today.
EdgefieldDaily.com's Off The Wall

Keesley named as Grand Marshall of Edgefield Christmas Parade
web posted November 29, 2006
EDGEFIELD – The Edgefield Christmas Parade Committee announced Tuesday that Dr. Sharon Keesley will be honored as the Grand Marshall in this year’s Christmas Parade. The parade will be held this coming Saturday at 1 pm on Main Street in Edgefield and will end with the arrival of Santa Claus.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Group seeks to provide Christmas to disadvantaged
web posted November 29, 2006
COUNTY – With Christmas closing in fast Debbie Courtney and Parents Have a Mission (PHAM) are helping people get into the giving spirit. The organization delivers Christmas presents to needy families in the area. Last year PHAM and Angels helping Sarah’s Santas were able to serve thirty-five families and the group seeks to increase that number to over one hundred families this year.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Three vehicle collision stalls traffic on Hyw 23 Monday afternoon (Photos)
web posted November 28, 2006
JOHNSTON – A three-vehicle chain-reaction collision stalled traffic on Highway 23 for about two hours Monday afternoon just before 3 pm. According to witnesses a small Ford Ranger pickup slowed near the bottom of Dorn’s Hill and a white Dodge Ram 250 van behind it also slowed. Unfortunately a Johnston Town garbage truck also heading west down the hill could not stop and struck the van sending it crashing into the pickup truck. The impact pushed the pickup about twenty yards up the road, injuring the driver who was taken to the hospital.
EdgefieldDaily.com

State Squirrel Hunt Championship set for Saturday
web posted November 28, 2006
COUNTY – The South Carolina State Squirrel Hunt Championship is set to take place this coming Saturday at the Brunson Community Center. The hunt is licensed by the United Kennel Club (UKC) and is limited to UKC registered Cur or Fiest dogs, however, dogs can be registered the day of the hunt before 6 am Saturday. There will be two scored hunting periods beginning at 6 am and the second at 1:30 pm.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Edgefield ready for parade, activities, and shoppers
web posted November 28, 2006
EDGEFIELD – The Town of Edgefield will sparkle once again this weekend with a special focus - children.  A children’s celebration will be held throughout the town on Saturday, December 2nd to include the annual Christmas Parade, Santa, caroling, refreshments, and activities.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Merriwether man discovers 3 am break-in
web posted November 28, 2006
MERRIWETHER – A Merriwether man reported that as he was driving by his home on the 500 block of Sweetwater Road around 3 am Sunday morning when he noticed two white males backed up to his garage and standing inside. The man notified the Sheriff’s Office and tried to block the men in at the driveway. The men jumped into a late 90’s model black Thunderbird and “spun out” around him. The man then gave chase of the car down Sweetwater Road.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Eleven arrested in traffic stops over holiday weekend
web posted November 28, 2006
COUNTY –  Routine patrols by local police and Sheriff’s Deputies paid off for citizens as dangerous drivers, drunk drivers, and even drug dealers were removed from county roads over the weekend. Beginning on Friday and ending Sunday night, at least eleven arrests were made by local law enforcement agencies police reports show.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Area Christmas Light Displays
web posted November 27, 2006
WEBNEWS – Now that Thanksgiving has passed and the rush is on towards Christmas shopping, EdgefieldDaily.com will place our annual Christmas Lights Display page back online. As you travel the county keep an eye out for homes or businesses that place Christmas Light Displays in their yards and send us the location. We will place them by area or town to make a driving tour possible for our readers. We may even award a special prize to the most dazzling display. Please send in the address if possible, if not, at least the road the display may be found. The link to the page will remain on the top of the main page just below the date, so check back often.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Strom Thurmond FFA Poinsettia sale underway
web posted November 27, 2006
COUNTY – The Strom Thurmond FFA Poinsettia sale is getting underway with the flowers available for sale each day between the hours of 8 am and 4 pm in the FFA greenhouse. The greenhouse is also open on Saturday from 8 am until noon. All proceeds directly benefit the STH FFA Chapter. For more information you may call Strom Thurmond High School at 803 - 275 – 1768.

Crash halts traffic in Johnston (Photos)
web posted November 27, 2006
JOHNSTON – A late night crash blocked traffic on Monument Drive in Johnston on Saturday for over an hour. Just before midnight an 18-wheeler hauling seed overturned after rounding a curve spilling fuel and seed across the roadway. Johnston Police rerouted traffic around the crash site as Johnston Firemen began spreading several bags of oil dry on the road to absorb spilled fuel and hydraulic fluid.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Three school board members account for 86% of all travel expenses
web posted November 27, 2006
COUNTY – Since the 2001-2002 school year Edgefield County School Board members have rung up $44,056.34 in travel, dues, and fees. This does not include the travel and fees for the 2006-2007 school year. In just two years on the school board James Bibbs accounts for almost 20% of all expenses over the past five years, or $5,949.50. Three school board members account for 86% of all funds spent; Sallie Cooks, Scott Chitty, and James Bibbs turned in $12,898.44 of the total $14,888.21 for 2005-2006.
EdgefieldDaily.com

NOTICE: Be Local Shop Local Schedule of events
web posted November 27, 2006
Shop Local this Holiday Season! Join Downtown Edgefield’s businesses and enjoy their Holiday Open Houses to kick off your Holiday shopping!
EdgefieldDaily.com

New Column coming to EdgefieldDaily.com; Point-Counterpoint
web posted November 27, 2006
WEBNEWS – Coming this week is a new column, Point-Counterpoint, where a reader takes on the Editor. The column will periodically analyze two opposing views on a current event or topic. The current topic under discussion is the issue of raising the minimum wage. A link will be placed under the Featured Columns listing when the first column is published. Also check out the Country Cooking Section with more than two dozen new recipes being added bringing the page to almost 300 recipes! Many Christmas cookies, cakes, candies, and more are available. Send in your favorite to be added.

Court shocker: 10 months for kiddie porn producer
Democrat activist faced 81 years in jail on charges involving kids as young as 6
web posted November 27, 2006
A Democrat community leader who would "offer a homily during worship services" and facilitated his congregation's "opening our doors to all people regardless of sexual orientation" has been given a slap on the hand after pleading guilty to extensive child pornography offenses involving children as young as six.
WorldNetDaily

First time fisherman lands 8 foot, 226 pound catfish
web posted November 25, 2006
When Carl Smith hooked his first catfish, it took two friends to hold him back as the 226lb (102kg), 8ft (2.4m) monster tried to turn the tables and instead drag him into the River Ebro in Spain.
TimesOnline

Wednesday arrest may solve several recent crimes (Photos)
web posted November 30, 2006
TRENTON – Edgefield County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested a man and woman they believe may be linked to several recent burglaries and larcenies in the County. Ricky Dwane Saxon, 31, and Brandi Wilson, 24, of Edgefield are being held at the Edgefield County Detention Center on custody orders. The arrests stem from a contractor riding by a home under construction on the 700 block of Columbia Road and noticed a suspicious vehicle at the job site. The pair drove away from the scene with the contractor following while calling 911.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Ribbon cutting marks opening of Hospice Care in Edgefield (Photos)
web posted November 30, 2006
EDGEFIELD – Edgefield Mayor Ken Durham, Chamber of Commerce Director Donna Livingston, and Dina Reynolds, Community Relations Director for Hospice Care of South Carolina were among many present for the ribbon cutting ceremony of the new Hospice Care office in Edgefield on Tuesday. Mayor Durham presented Ms. Reynolds with a Proclamation naming November as National Hospice Month at the ceremony as well.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Johnston Police investigating forgeries
web posted November 30, 2006
JOHNSTON – Johnston Police are investigating two cases of forgery connected to a Trenton man that took place over the last month. The first case involves a check written drafted against the South Carolina Department of Transportation for $378.70. According to police reports the man entered a Johnston grocery store and purchased $31.66 worth of groceries and presented the check and received $347.04 in cash. The man offered a drivers license at the time of the transaction.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Letter to the Editor: Senior thanks community for support
web posted November 30, 2006
Dear Editor,
As a senior on the Ridge Spring-Monetta Fighting Trojan football team, (I) would like to applaud all of the “Ridge” community for supporting our football team.  No, the Trojans didn’t bring home the State Championship, but we did bring together a community for a common cause.  Friday, November 24, the entire community made the journey to Orangeburg, SC to see our team play for the Class A Division II State Championship.  When we as a team looked into the stands, we saw a multitude of people.  People that include yesteryears’ Trojans, mothers, fathers, preachers, teachers, and other community members.  All the people gathered to watch and cheer on our team.
EdgefieldDaily.com Opinions

Naked man smoking crack cocaine attacked by alligator
web posted November 30, 2006
LAKELAND (Fla) -- A man who was attacked by an alligator this morning was naked and smoking crack at the time, Polk County deputies who rescued him said today.
EdgefieldDaily.com's Off The Wall

Keesley named as Grand Marshall of Edgefield Christmas Parade
web posted November 29, 2006
EDGEFIELD – The Edgefield Christmas Parade Committee announced Tuesday that Dr. Sharon Keesley will be honored as the Grand Marshall in this year’s Christmas Parade. The parade will be held this coming Saturday at 1 pm on Main Street in Edgefield and will end with the arrival of Santa Claus.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Group seeks to provide Christmas to disadvantaged
web posted November 29, 2006
COUNTY – With Christmas closing in fast Debbie Courtney and Parents Have a Mission (PHAM) are helping people get into the giving spirit. The organization delivers Christmas presents to needy families in the area. Last year PHAM and Angels helping Sarah’s Santas were able to serve thirty-five families and the group seeks to increase that number to over one hundred families this year.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Three vehicle collision stalls traffic on Hyw 23 Monday afternoon (Photos)
web posted November 28, 2006
JOHNSTON – A three-vehicle chain-reaction collision stalled traffic on Highway 23 for about two hours Monday afternoon just before 3 pm. According to witnesses a small Ford Ranger pickup slowed near the bottom of Dorn’s Hill and a white Dodge Ram 250 van behind it also slowed. Unfortunately a Johnston Town garbage truck also heading west down the hill could not stop and struck the van sending it crashing into the pickup truck. The impact pushed the pickup about twenty yards up the road, injuring the driver who was taken to the hospital.
EdgefieldDaily.com

State Squirrel Hunt Championship set for Saturday
web posted November 28, 2006
COUNTY – The South Carolina State Squirrel Hunt Championship is set to take place this coming Saturday at the Brunson Community Center. The hunt is licensed by the United Kennel Club (UKC) and is limited to UKC registered Cur or Fiest dogs, however, dogs can be registered the day of the hunt before 6 am Saturday. There will be two scored hunting periods beginning at 6 am and the second at 1:30 pm.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Edgefield ready for parade, activities, and shoppers
web posted November 28, 2006
EDGEFIELD – The Town of Edgefield will sparkle once again this weekend with a special focus - children.  A children’s celebration will be held throughout the town on Saturday, December 2nd to include the annual Christmas Parade, Santa, caroling, refreshments, and activities.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Merriwether man discovers 3 am break-in
web posted November 28, 2006
MERRIWETHER – A Merriwether man reported that as he was driving by his home on the 500 block of Sweetwater Road around 3 am Sunday morning when he noticed two white males backed up to his garage and standing inside. The man notified the Sheriff’s Office and tried to block the men in at the driveway. The men jumped into a late 90’s model black Thunderbird and “spun out” around him. The man then gave chase of the car down Sweetwater Road.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Eleven arrested in traffic stops over holiday weekend
web posted November 28, 2006
COUNTY –  Routine patrols by local police and Sheriff’s Deputies paid off for citizens as dangerous drivers, drunk drivers, and even drug dealers were removed from county roads over the weekend. Beginning on Friday and ending Sunday night, at least eleven arrests were made by local law enforcement agencies police reports show.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Area Christmas Light Displays
web posted November 27, 2006
WEBNEWS – Now that Thanksgiving has passed and the rush is on towards Christmas shopping, EdgefieldDaily.com will place our annual Christmas Lights Display page back online. As you travel the county keep an eye out for homes or businesses that place Christmas Light Displays in their yards and send us the location. We will place them by area or town to make a driving tour possible for our readers. We may even award a special prize to the most dazzling display. Please send in the address if possible, if not, at least the road the display may be found. The link to the page will remain on the top of the main page just below the date, so check back often.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Strom Thurmond FFA Poinsettia sale underway
web posted November 27, 2006
COUNTY – The Strom Thurmond FFA Poinsettia sale is getting underway with the flowers available for sale each day between the hours of 8 am and 4 pm in the FFA greenhouse. The greenhouse is also open on Saturday from 8 am until noon. All proceeds directly benefit the STH FFA Chapter. For more information you may call Strom Thurmond High School at 803 - 275 – 1768.

Crash halts traffic in Johnston (Photos)
web posted November 27, 2006
JOHNSTON – A late night crash blocked traffic on Monument Drive in Johnston on Saturday for over an hour. Just before midnight an 18-wheeler hauling seed overturned after rounding a curve spilling fuel and seed across the roadway. Johnston Police rerouted traffic around the crash site as Johnston Firemen began spreading several bags of oil dry on the road to absorb spilled fuel and hydraulic fluid.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Three school board members account for 86% of all travel expenses
web posted November 27, 2006
COUNTY – Since the 2001-2002 school year Edgefield County School Board members have rung up $44,056.34 in travel, dues, and fees. This does not include the travel and fees for the 2006-2007 school year. In just two years on the school board James Bibbs accounts for almost 20% of all expenses over the past five years, or $5,949.50. Three school board members account for 86% of all funds spent; Sallie Cooks, Scott Chitty, and James Bibbs turned in $12,898.44 of the total $14,888.21 for 2005-2006.
EdgefieldDaily.com

NOTICE: Be Local Shop Local Schedule of events
web posted November 27, 2006
Shop Local this Holiday Season! Join Downtown Edgefield’s businesses and enjoy their Holiday Open Houses to kick off your Holiday shopping!
EdgefieldDaily.com

New Column coming to EdgefieldDaily.com; Point-Counterpoint
web posted November 27, 2006
WEBNEWS – Coming this week is a new column, Point-Counterpoint, where a reader takes on the Editor. The column will periodically analyze two opposing views on a current event or topic. The current topic under discussion is the issue of raising the minimum wage. A link will be placed under the Featured Columns listing when the first column is published. Also check out the Country Cooking Section with more than two dozen new recipes being added bringing the page to almost 300 recipes! Many Christmas cookies, cakes, candies, and more are available. Send in your favorite to be added.

Court shocker: 10 months for kiddie porn producer
Democrat activist faced 81 years in jail on charges involving kids as young as 6
web posted November 27, 2006
A Democrat community leader who would "offer a homily during worship services" and facilitated his congregation's "opening our doors to all people regardless of sexual orientation" has been given a slap on the hand after pleading guilty to extensive child pornography offenses involving children as young as six.
WorldNetDaily

First time fisherman lands 8 foot, 226 pound catfish
web posted November 25, 2006
When Carl Smith hooked his first catfish, it took two friends to hold him back as the 226lb (102kg), 8ft (2.4m) monster tried to turn the tables and instead drag him into the River Ebro in Spain.
TimesOnline

Murphy Village woman jumps to death from bridge
web posted November 24, 2006
NORTH AUGUSTA – A Murphy Village woman was discovered by Aiken County authorities sitting on the edge of the overpass of Interstate 20 at exit 5 Wednesday morning around 9 am. An Aiken County deputy arrived on the scene and reportedly walked towards the woman before she jumped to her death.
EdgefieldDaily.com

No Grades, No Tests At 'Free School'
web posted November 23, 2006
(AP) One recent day at the Brooklyn Free School, the "schedule" included the following: chess, debate, filming horror movies, and making caves for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Not that the students had to go to any of these sessions. At this school, students don't get grades, don't have homework, don't take tests, don't even have to go to class. Unless they want to.
CBSNEWS

EdgefieldDaily.com to limit reports over Thanksgiving
web posted November 23, 2006
WEBNEWS – EdgefieldDaily.com will be making limited updates over the Thanksgiving weekend. A limited number of breaking stories and news will be presented as everyone involved in the production of EdgefieldDaily.com will be enjoying the holiday giving thanks with family and friends.

U.S. Department of Commerce Invests an additional $106,000 in the Third Congressional District of South Carolina
web posted November 23, 2006
Washington, DC - The U.S. Commerce Department's Economic Development Administration (EDA) today announced $477,000 in investments to the State of South Carolina, of which the Third Congressional District will receive $106,000 to boost economic development planning efforts.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Hall released on $25,000 bond Tuesday afternoon
web posted November 22, 2006
COUNTY – Ollie Dwight Hall, 59, who is charged with murder in connection to the shooting death of Gregory Jones in Johnston on Saturday night, has been released on a $25,000 bond by Circuit Court Judge McMahon in Lexington on Tuesday morning. Magistrate Judge Brenda Carpenter said after bond was set Mr. Hall was returned to Edgefield County where he was released after paying the bond.
Developing---

Lynn Rearden is Liz Claiborne’s Most Admired Woman
web posted November 22, 2006
EDGEFIELD – EdgefieldDaily.com reported earlier this month about Connie Stillinger nominating Edgefield native Lynn Rearden for the Liz Claiborne’s Most Admired Woman Contest. Both Stillinger and Rearden were overjoyed that the nomination made the top five nationally.  Thinking little about the entry form Ms. Stillinger entered a short paragraph about Edgefield native Lynn Rearden. “I filled it out and figured that would be the end of it,” Ms. Stillinger said in an earlier interview. Readers were asked to go to the web site to vote for one of the top five entries. The winner of the contest was announced Tuesday and Lynn Rearden has added another award for her tireless efforts helping others.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Driver to face charges after short chase and crash (Photos)
web posted November 22, 2006
MERRIWETHER – A clerk at Sportsman’s Corner, a popular Merriwether store, reported a customer harassing her and customers to the Sheriff’s Office Tuesday night around 7 pm. Just before deputies arrived on the scene the man attempted to leave the store and struck a light pole knocking out one of his headlights. The man then reportedly drove across the street and into a ditch where he remained stuck for a few minutes giving police time to arrive in the area. The man was able to free the Ford Bronco just before deputies arrived and proceeded down Woodlawn Road.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Downtown Edgefield Gears Up for State Sales Tax Holiday
web posted November 22, 2006
EDGEFIELD -- Merchants throughout the downtown Edgefield area will be participating in South Carolina’s One Time, Thanksgiving Sales Tax Holiday this weekend only!  Beginning at 12:01 am on Friday, November 24th and ending at midnight on Saturday, November 25th, area residents are encouraged to take advantage of this state sales tax reduction.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Edgefield Mayor sends open letter to Citizens (Photo)
Home decorating contest and award announced
web posted November 22, 2006
Dear Edgefield Citizens:
The town looks great!  I want to personally thank the many volunteers and merchants who have given their time and talents to make our downtown area so attractive for the upcoming Christmas season. 
EdgefieldDaily.com

Thurmond FFA Soil Judging Team Headed To National Finals (Photo)
web posted November 22, 2006
COLUMBIA - The Thurmond Technology Center FFA Soil Judging and Land Treatment Team was awarded an expense-paid trip to the National Land and Range Judging Finals scheduled in Oklahoma, May 2-3, 2007, as one of the two top teams in the state competition held in Anderson County recently, according to John W. Parris, state director of public affairs with the SC FFA organization.  “Soil Judging is among the most difficult and competitive of all career development events conducted by the SC FFA Association each year,” Parris said.
EdgefieldDaily.com

STHS Mock Trial Team Members Selected (Photo)
web posted November 22, 2006
JOHNSTON – Strom Thurmond High is proud to announce the members of the 2006 – 2007 Mock Trial Team.  These students have begun the tedious process of preparing for the Mock Trial Competitions to be held in the Spring of 2007. This year a murder case involving a college student spiking beverages at a Halloween Party will be presented.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Closings for Thanksgiving Observance
web posted November 22, 2006
The following will be closed for Thanksgiving: Thursday and Friday, November 23-24, 2006
Edgefield County Auditor
Edgefield County Building and Planning
Edgefield County Courthouse
Edgefield County Administrator's Office
Edgefield County Magistrate's Office
Office of Veteran's Affairs
Edgefield County Department of Recreation
Johnston Town Hall
Edgefield Town Hall
Trenton Town Hall
US Postal Service: Thursday only

Cause of death released in murder case
web posted November 21, 2006
JOHNSTON – More information was revealed on Monday in connection to the alleged murder of Gregory Jones in Johnston on Saturday. Presently Ollie Dwight Hall, 59, of McCreight Street, Johnston, remains in custody at the Edgefield Detention Center on a single count of murder in connection to the death.
EdgefieldDaily.com

SADD STHS Chapter plans community event featuring hard hitting Documentary ‘SMASHED: Toxic Tales of Teens and Alcohol’
web posted November 21, 2006
JOHNSTON – To combat the deadly, national problem of underage drinking and teen crashes, S.A.D.D. (Students Against Destructive Decisions) is proud to join communities across the country in screening the hard-hitting HBO Family documentary SMASHED: Toxic Tales of Teens and Alcohol, a stark look at the life-long repercussions of underage drinking and alcohol related driving. The SMASHED program, including the documentary, has been generously provided by the RADD Youth Coalition, a partnership of RADD, HBO, federal agencies and national organizations. The goal of the program is to foster dialogue between parents and teens and teens and their peers on the importance of curbing underage drinking and practicing safe driving, and to develop pro-active solutions that work in individual communities.
EdgefieldDaily.com

New County Administrator's home site of back to back break-ins
web posted November 21, 2006
EDGEFIELD – Newly hired County Administrator John Pettigrew and his family’s new home near Pine Ridge Country Club was one of several scenes of break-in’s over the weekend on homes newly constructed in the area. At least three homes nearby also had thefts reported.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Johnston Police still working armed robbery cases
web posted November 21, 2006
JOHNSTON – In spite of the recent murder in Johnston on Saturday, Johnston Police are still working an armed robbery that took place Friday afternoon, just before 5 pm at the Ridge Loan Company on Sawyer Avenue. Johnston Police Chief Chris Aston said his department is working on leads to try to solve the crime. In the robbery a black male wore a burgundy dress, a long wig, sunglasses, and white tennis shoes. He is described as slender built, 5’ 7” and 5’ 9”, and clean shaven.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Letter to the Editor: Writer has message for "gang of five"
web posted November 21, 2006
To our County Council,
It may come as a surprise to our Council ”Gang of Five”  that other citizens around the state are just as angry with their County Council’s attempt to “stick  it” to the property owners.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Padgett Selected For Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Seminar (Photo)
web posted November 21, 2006
COUNTY - Strom Thurmond High School is proud to announce that Bennie Padgett has been selected to be the school’s representative at the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Seminar to be held in the Spring of 2007 in Charleston.
EdgefieldDaily.com

“In The Spotlight” Program Recognizes Students
webposted November 21, 2006
JOHNSTON – Outstanding students from Strom Thurmond Career Center and Fox Creek High School were recognized at the November 14th Edgefield County School District Board of Trustees Meeting. The program spotlights the achievements and accomplishments of students who have excelled in various academic and extra-curricular activities.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Court Bailiff charged in murder of Johnston man Saturday  (Photo)
web posted November 20, 2006
JOHNSTON – Retired police officer and Court Bailiff Dwight Hall, 59, of McCrieght Street in Johnston has been arrested and is charged with murder. 911 dispatchers received a call of a shooting on the 100 block of Aiken Avenue at 6:20 pm Saturday night. When police arrived they found Gregory Jones, 54, of Walker Street, dead from gunshot wounds.  Mr. Hall was taken into custody across the street from the scene.
EdgefieldDaily.com

South Carolina Shoppers Get Second Chance at Tax-Free Savings for Christmas
web posted November 20, 2006
Columbia, SC -- As part of continued tax relief for South Carolina taxpayers, the South Carolina Legislature has approved the state's first, and one-time, Thanksgiving sales tax holiday which gets underway beginning at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, November 24, 2006 and ending at midnight on Saturday, November 25, 2006.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Barrett weighs in on new Republican Leaders
web posted November 20, 2006
WASHINGTON DC – Congressman Gresham Barrett (R-SC) issued a statement on the recent election of House Leaders for the Republican Party on Friday.  "House Republicans know the public lost their faith in us.  The election of our leadership team allows us to refocus and return to our conservative roots.”  Rep. Barrett said in his release, “We stand together, more unified than ever and ready to get to work to regain the trust of the American people.”
EdgefieldDaily.com

Hugh Bland Receives Honor Of Conservation Teacher Of The Year (Photo)
web posted November 20, 2006
JOHNSTON – Mr. Hugh Bland, Strom Thurmond Career Center Agriculture Instructor has been awarded the honor of Conservation Teacher of the Year by the South Carolina Association of Conservation Districts. The local educator was nominated by the Edgefield County Soil and Water Conservation District.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Bi-Lo Charity Classic Awards $1,000 to Johnston Elementary
web posted November 20, 2006
JOHNSTON – The BI-LO Charity Classic recently awarded Johnston Elementary with $1,000.00 donation from the annual BI-LO Charity Classic. The donation was received at the local BI-LO store in Edgefield. This money will go towards helping the school buy materials to assist teachers in their work to improve math skills of the students.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Rev. Skip Myers: Thanksgivers Giving Thanksgiving
By: Dr. Skip Myers
Edgefielddaily.com columnist
web posted November 20, 2006
We love food! We not only eat food but we love food. Stop and think about all the things we have so intimately coupled with food. We celebrate birthdays, holidays, anniversaries, and graduations with it. It has become one of the central aspects of bereavement and grief. It is a stress relief and a comfort for many.  It no longer serves only to nourish the body and keep it going--we have made eating an event.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Johnston home site of shooting death
web posted November 18, 2006  8:00 pm
JOHNSTON – Johnston Police, Edgefield County Sheriff’s Deputies, SLED, and all other available law enforcement officers were called to the scene of a shooting on the 100 block of Aiken Avenue, in Johnston, Saturday night. A Johnston man was said to have been shot twice at close range in his home just after 6 pm. A person of interest has been taken to the Johnston Police Department for questioning. SLED’s Crime Scene Unit was summoned to the scene and is said to be taking over the investigation.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Loan company site of armed robbery Friday afternoon
web posted November 18, 2006
JOHNSTON – A Johnston business was the scene of a second armed robbery in the town this week. Friday afternoon at 4:50 pm, 911 dispatchers received a call of the robbery at the Ridge Loan Company on Sawyer Avenue. A black male dressed in a burgundy dress and a long wig presented a small black handgun and demanded money. How much money, if any, was given to the man was not available. The man left running on foot down Sawyer Avenue towards Edisto Avenue. Johnston Police, Sheriff’s Deputies, and Edgefield Police swarmed to the area to set up a perimeter in an attempt to capture the robber.
EdgefieldDaily.com

STH students get close up of Medivac Helicopter (Photo)
web posted November 18, 2006
COUNTY - Students in the “Real Life” class and CPR/First Aid class had the opportunity to talk with several airlift medical personnel from the Medical College of Georgia last week. The airlift helicopter landed on the practice field at STHS.
EdgefieldDaily.com


Another teen involved in violent crash (Photos)
EDGEFIELD – An Edgefield teen escaped serious injury in a crash on Jeter Street in Edgefield Friday afternoon adding to the number of crashes and collisions involving county teens. Just after 1 pm an Edgefield 18 year-old male traveling west on Jeter Street just outside the town limits drove off the right-hand side of the road taking out several mailboxes, clipping a telephone pole just above the ground, and uprooted at least two medium sized trees before stopping in a driveway on the 1100 block. The young man said he had not slept last night and fell asleep at the wheel.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Fox Creek High School given 7 months to repay District for undeserved funds
web posted November 17, 2006
COUNTY – Fox Creek Charter High School is been granted a bit of a reprieve by the Edgefield County School Board in repaying funding it received above the schools allotment. According to Edgefield County School District Officials, the latest overpayment is between $75,000 and $100,000 dollars. The reason for the overpayment was due to student population figures given by Fox Creek being in excess of their actual enrollment. When the official numbers were confirmed the school was required to pay back the excess funding. Fox Creek is unable to do so in the fashion they received the funding, which was all at once.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Miscreant steals ring during viewing before funeral
web posted November 17, 2006
SALUDA — A public viewing is meant as a display of respect.That it could, or would, turn into a moment of opportunity for a criminal is unthinkable. This past Sunday, as friends and family mourned the loss of Dr. Robert Lee Sawyer Sr. — one of Saluda’s most loved and respected residents — his family, as well as the staff at Ramey Funeral Home, noticed something was missing. Sawyer’s college class ring, there just moments before, was gone. “We had skipped church so the kids could go back and see him again and it happened while we were there,” Lawrence Yonce, Sawyer’s son-in-law, said Wednesday. “As soon as we realized the ring was missing we closed the doors and started looking for it. My wife (Cecelia) is all bent out of shape.
IndexJournal.com

Historic Church suffers from vandalism (Photos)
web posted November 17, 2006
COUNTY – Horn's Creek Baptist Church, incorporated in 1790 and placed on the National Historic Register in 1971, has seen the restoration done in 1988 completely washed away due to vandalism. Several years ago the Edgefield County Baptist Association transferred the deed to the church to the Edgefield County Historical Society. During the restoration the society put over $12,000 into the church. Today the church is falling into despair as local teens and others have spray painted and carved graffiti into the walls, broken grave markers, toppled headstones, and broken every window out of the historic church.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Edgefield County EMS Relay for Life Golf Tournament this weekend
web reposted November 17, 2006
COUNTY – The Edgefield County EMS Relay for Life Team will be holding a golf tournament on Saturday November 18 to raise funds for the Relay for Life. The tournament will be held at the North Augusta Country Club and the public is invited to participate.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Elderly woman victim of armed robbery attempt 
web posted November 16, 2006
JOHNSTON – An elderly Johnston woman was the victim of a home invasion and armed robbery Wednesday morning. Johnston Police and Edgefield County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the 2 am call of a man armed with a sawed off shot gun forcing his way into a 76 year-old Walker Street woman’s home and demanding money at gunpoint.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Fire trucks put to the test (Photos)
web posted November 16, 2006
EDGEFIELD – Edgefield Town Fire Department trucks were put to the test Wednesday as the town’s fire trucks underwent a recertification of their water cannon capabilities. One by one the trucks were brought to the Edgefield National Guard Armory where the tests took place. Edgefield Department Head and Firefighter David Coleman said the small pond was the perfect location due to the depth of the water and being able to release the water back into the pond. “We have to do this every year,” Mr. Coleman said.
EdgefieldDaily.com

District Receives State Report Cards: schools move from "unsatisfactory to below average"
web posted November 16, 2006
COUNTY - The Edge field County School District has received the annual State Report Card for the 2006 school year. The districts performance held constant compared to last year. In terms of improvement, the district showed a slight increase from the previous year moving from a rating of unsatisfactory to below average.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Plum Branch man suffers critical injuries in motorcycle crash (Photos)
web posted November 15, 2006
WESTSIDE – A Plum Branch man was said to be in critical condition after crashing his Harley Davidson Sportster while riding with two other friends on Highway 23 west Tuesday afternoon just after 4 pm. According to one of the man’s friends the three were headed west on Highway 23 at a speed between 45 and 50 miles per hour when the man ran off the right side of the road and crashed as they exited dead man’s curve. “I don’t know what happened,” the unidentified man told a Sheriff’s Deputy, “he just went down.”
EdgefieldDaily.com

All in a day's work: Man claims CIA and terrorists involved in bike theft
web posted November 15, 2006
MERRIWETHER – A Merriwether man reported his bicycle stolen from his Country Club Road home on Monday afternoon. When a Sheriff’s Deputy arrived the man reportedly told the deputy that two “Puerto Ricans” had taken the bike but could not provide any description of the men. The man also told the deputy that the “CIA and terrorist” were involved. The value of the bike was listed at $10 police reports indicate.

Students Hear Representative From SC Governor’s School For The Arts And Humanities (Photo)
web posted November 15, 2006
JOHNSTON – Strom Thurmond High School and Fox Creek High School gifted and talented students had the opportunity to hear from Mr. Ric Standridge, Area Representative of the South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities last week. Mr. Standridge presented a quick reference of the programs offered by the Governor’s School and noted the many benefits that students could gain from attending the school.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Fire destroys abandoned boat (Photo)
web posted November 15, 2006
JOHNSTON – Heavy smoke brought several people to the old South C packinghouse on Highway 121 in Johnston just after 11 am to discover a 21-foot Master Craft boat ablaze. A call to 911 brought the Johnston Fire Department and Sheriff’s Deputies to the scene.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Local NWTF Chapter Shows Holiday Spirit Through Donation
web posted November 15, 2006
EDGEFIELD - The Edgefield chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation is providing turkeys to local organizations that service needy families in the area to help complete the centerpiece of an All-American Thanksgiving dinner.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Ernie Church Speaks To Marketing Class (Photo)
web posted November 15, 2006
JOHNSTON – Mr. Ernie Church from the Clemson Extension Service spoke to the STCC Marketing Class of Mrs. Jean Vess recently. The students were given a workplace personality indicator test that helps them understand themselves and how to relate to other people in the work place.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Letter to the Editor: Writer claims Editorial holds "abundance of ignorance"
web posted November 15, 2006
EdgefieldDaily.com

Ten Commandments stunner: Feds lying at Supreme Court
web posted November 15, 2006
NATIONAL - Every argument before the U.S. Supreme Court and every opinion the justices deliver comes in the presence of the Ten Commandments, God's law given to Moses on a fire-scorched mountain, and now represented for the United States in the very artwork carved into the high court structure.
WorldNetDaily.com

Fire destroys barn, contents (Photos)
web posted November 14, 2006
JOHNSTON – The Johnston and Ridge Spring Fire Departments responded to a call of a barn on fire at 963 McCreight Street Monday morning around 10 am. When the call to 911 came in the bard was reported to be fully involved. As firefighters raced to the scene billowing smoke could be seen from miles away.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Historic Edgefield Merchants to Kick Off Holiday Season
web posted November 14, 2006
EDGEFIELD – Edgefield merchants will kick off the 2006 holiday season with a merchant open house this weekend, November 17th and 18th.  Visit many of the local shops and experience the beginning of what promises to be a fun filled holiday season in Edgefield.
EdgefieldDaily.com
 
None injured in two-car collision (Photos)
web posted November 14, 2006
TRENTON – A two-car collision stalled traffic on Woodyard Road Monday morning just after 11 am when a woman driving a Chevrolet S10 pickup truck tried to make a left turn on Woodyard Road when it was struck by a Chevy Tahoe traveling south.
EdgefieldDaily.com


Heritage Jubilee Presents Donation To Elementary Schools (Photo)
web posted November 14, 2006
EDGEFIELD – Mr. Joel Jolly, Chairman of the 2006 Heritage Jubilee proudly presented a $4,000 check to Dr. Sharon W. Keesley, ECSD Superintendent, to be used for the purchase of library books for the four elementary schools in the district.

EdgefieldDaily.com

Rev. Skip Myers: The Good, The Bad, and The Incomplete
By: Dr. Skip Myers
Edgefielddaily.com columnist
web posted November 14, 2006
Have you ever had something on your mind and you just can’t get rid of it?
EdgefieldDaily.com

Trenton home burglarized Saturday
web posted November 14, 2006
TRENTON – A burglary was reported on Saturday afternoon at a home on the 200 block of Woodward Lake Road. The owner of the home stated someone had forced their way into a garage storage room and stole over $2,000 worth of tools from the room.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Johnston Town Council November meeting
web posted November 14, 2006
JOHNSTON – The Johnston Town Council held their November monthly meeting Monday night and heard the results of the audit of the town.  Councilman Morris Holmes was absent from the meeting. Toni McKinley of McKinley, Cooper & Company gave the report to the mayor and council and explained each items during the report.
EdgefieldDaily.com

More recipes added to the Country Cooking Section
web posted November 13, 2006
WEBNEWS – More recipes have been added to the Country Cooking Section. Please visit the Section for tasty treats, cooking tips, and creative dishes. Send in yours to be added.
Country Cooking Section

2006 Miss Peach Blossom Beauty Queen dies in horrific crash Saturday (Photo)
web posted November 13, 2006
SALUDA – Johnston’s 2006 Peach Blossom Beauty Queen Autumn Winn, 16, was killed in a tragic car crash early Saturday morning. Miss Winn was on her way home from a friend’s house when the crash occurred on US Route 178 just a few hundred yards from her home in Saluda just after midnight. Miss Winn died from injuries she received in the horrific crash.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Edgefield native makes top five in national search for Most Admired Woman
web posted November 13, 2006
EDGEFIELD – Everyone who has e-mail knows what it is like to get those forwarded messages about anything from chain letters to cute sayings. Most people simple delete them before reading. Connie Stillinger, of E