Local Radar

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VOTE 2006 : Sample ballot of electors in November 7 election
web posted October 31, 2006
COUNTY – Election time is just a week away and EdgefieldDaily.com wants to help voters make an informed vote with five Constitutional amendments, a choice of Governor, and many other local, state, and Congressional races at stake. Candidates running under party affiliation will be denoted with the first letter of the party name. Also at stake are two challenged non-partisan School Board seats. Below is the sample ballot. Write-in candidates are not listed on the ballot; you must type in their name on the proper screen at the time of voting.
EdgefieldDaily.com

VOTE 2006 : Statewide Constitutional Amendments
web posted October 31, 2006
PSA – Below are the five Statewide Constitutional Amendments that will on the ballot November 7, 2006. Please read each to make your decision prior to entering the voting booth. There are five amendments and seven questions. Understanding each question will make voting easier. An informed vote is a powerful vote.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Towns, communities prepare for Halloween
web posted October 31, 2006
COUNTY – Halloween is here and EdgefieldDaily.com has times for town trick or treating and safety tips, such as do not accept unopened or unwrapped treats or homemade candy. Treats should be in factory wrappers. Local towns are asking parents to limit trick or treater’s to the ages of twelve and below, as a suggestion. Edgefield and Johnston Police may also reduce speeds on some streets during the trick or treating times.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Bush claims Jackson residency impossible
web posted October 31, 2006
JOHNSTON – Announced Write-in candidate for the District 1 School Board seat, Zach Bush, has turned up the heat in a three-way race between himself, incumbent Mary Alice Jackson, and newcomer Nathanial Jackson. Mr. Bush contested Mr. Jackson’s residency and lost in a decision that was later upheld in District Court. Now, however, Mr. Bush contends that Mr. Jackson’s claimed residence is listed as commercial only by Johnston Town zoning and therefore cannot be used as a residence. Town Officials, Mr. Bush claimed, have sent notification to Mr. Jackson in that regard.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Edgefield County School District Honor Rolls released
web posted October 31, 2006
COUNTY – The Edgefield County School District has released the most recent Honor Rolls for all District Schools on Monday. EdgefieldDaily.com congratulates each student for their accomplishments and the respective schools for their commitment to excellence.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Trenton Flyers Candy Drop big hit on the ground (Photo)
web posted October 31, 2006
TRENTON – The Trenton Flyers' annual Halloween Candy Drop held Saturday at Yonce Field, Edgefield County Airport in Trenton was enjoyed by approximately 70 children and adults.  The largest group was at the 4:00 fly by.  Those in attendance had an opportunity to see a variety of airplanes, meet the pilots and experience the thrill of candy dropping from the sky.
EdgefieldDaily.com


County Cooking Section continues to grow: almost 250 recipes
County Cooking Section

General Sessions Court findings updated
web posted October 30, 2006
On The Record

Editor's Column: Edgefield County misses out on chance to advance
web posted October 30, 2006
COLUMN – With the hiring of John Pettigrew Jr. of Edgefield as the new county administrator I figured I would weigh in on a few things. The first being Mr. Pettigrew, who has served as Mayor of Edgefield and a stint in the House of Representatives. I have known John Pettigrew since high school and believe he is an intelligent, likeable, Christian man.  He is a successful businessman. He was not, however, the most qualified candidate for the job of administrator. At least two county councilmen agree.
EdgefieldDaily.com

County Council member's property assessments examined; Kitchens exaggerates increase claim
web posted October 30, 2006
COUNTY – The Edgefield County Council has faced tough questions over the reassessments and millage rate increases. The county council has offered little in the way of answers, but they did say they were in the same boat as the rest of the county’s taxpayers when it came to tax increases. Councilman Everett Kitchens said his assessment went up over 80%. EdgefieldDaily.com checked to see if they were telling the truth. It seems the members of the county council did not see the marked increases the rest of the county residents did, far from it.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Letter to the Editor: Writer "amazed" at question of Pettigrew's qualifications
web posted October 30, 2006
Dear Editor:
I am amazed at your suggestion that Mr. Pettigrew is “unqualified” for the position of County Administrator.
EdgefieldDaily.com Opinions

Announcments
Strom Thurmond Class of '87 meeting
web posted October 30, 2006
COUNTY – The Strom Thurmond Class of '87 will have a planning meeting for our 20th year reunion on Saturday, November 4, 2006 at 4:00 pm.  The meeting will be held at Pizza Hut in Edgefield. If you have any questions please contact Jean Mathis (803) 613-0515.

Edgefield Community Christmas Parade
web posted October 30, 2006
Edgefield Community Christmas Parade will be held December 2, 2006 beginning at 1:00 pm. To volunteer, or for an application to be in the parade, people can contact Crystal or Cindy at 637-3800

Strom Thurmond cheerleaders holding bonfire to begin football playoffs
web posted October 30, 2006
COUNTY – The Strom Thurmond High School varsity cheerleaders will be holding a bonfire Thursday, November 2nd, at 5:45 at the school near the tennis courts to kick off playoffs (The Rebels first playoff game is Friday, November 3rd). Radio station 98.3 will be at the bonfire to play music and conduct a live broadcast from the school.
- STHS varsity cheerleaders

Edgefield County Recreation Committee to meet tonight
web posted October 30, 2006
COUNTY – The Edgefield County Recreation Committee will be meeting tonight at the Edgefield County Council Chambers on Jeter Street at 6:30 pm. The public is invited to attend.

Edgefield County Chamber of Commerce warns of possible scam
web posted October 30, 2006
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE – There is a group called Concept, Inc. calling businesses asking them to donate for Strom Thurmond Athletics. This is a bogus outfit, and they are not selling on behalf on Strom Thurmond High School. Please do not do business with this company.  It will not benefit our athletic department at all.  Thanks for your support in this matter.

Pettigrew lands $75,000 salary as county administrator
Base salary for position advertised as $64,000
web posted October 28, 2006
COUNTY – With the news of John Pettigrew Jr. being hired as the new Edgefield County Administrator reported by EdgefieldDaily.com, more information has now been learned about the votes including Mr. Pettigrew’s salary, a whopping $75,000 a year, $11,000 more than the advertised starting pay of $64,000. A voice vote was taken to establish Mr. Pettigrew’s salary. The hiring process was taken by secret ballot. Everett Kitchens made the motion on the salary and the vote passed. However, there still is confusion among council members as to how votes were taken at the meeting and who voted for what.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Local United Way kicks off fundraising (Photo)
web posted October 28, 2006
COUNTY – The Edgefield County United Way got a huge boost to kick off their fund raising drive this week. A check from the Savannah River Site employees worth $62,232 was presented to Campaign Chairman Ken Durham and Co-chairman Dean Campbell. The local United Way is seeking to raise $95,000 during the fundraising period.
EdgefieldDaily.com


Happy 23rd anniversary
web posted October 28, 2006
COLUMN - Twenty-three years ago Genia Adams, of Merriwether, married the luckiest man in the world and the rest is history. High school sweethearts that never lost a love that began in 1976 in one day is a rare find. If you do not believe in love at first sight, you should.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Home is site of three attempted burglaries in three weeks, one successful
web posted October 28, 2006
JOHNSTON – A Johnston man reported a burglary to his Addison Street home late Wednesday night. According to police reports, this is the third similar incident at the home in the past three weeks.
EdgefieldDaily.com

STH vs Midland Valley for Regional Championship  Postponed until Saturday 
web posted October 27, 2006
COUNTY – The Strom Thurmond High School vs Midland Valley game set for tonight for a Regional Championship game has been postponed until Saturday at 12:30 due to inclement weather  A win would advance the Rebels towards a repeat for a second State Championship.. A live broadcast of the game on the web may be found here with dial-up and high speed connections available. The broadcast will begin at 12:30 pm EST

Pettigrew named as new County Administrator
web posted October 27, 2006
EDGEFIELD – The Edgefield County Council announced a meeting for 4 pm Thursday to continue the interview process for finding a new county administrator. What actually took place was not announced, the hiring of John Pettigrew Jr. as the new county administrator. Mr. Pettigrew’s name did not appear on the list of qualified candidates from the Upper Savannah Council on Governments, which conducted the screening process for qualified candidates.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Accused rapist in custody
web posted October 27, 2006
EDGEFIELD – Few details have been made available in a rape of an Edgefield County woman last weekend. What is known is an Edgefield County man is in custody and remains behind bars in the reported attack. Marvin Martin, 32, remains in jail in connection to the case and is charged with first-degree criminal sexual conduct records show.
EdgefieldDaily.com

STH vs Midland Valley for Regional Championship  broadcast live on the web
web posted October 27, 2006
COUNTY – Strom Thurmond High School will be at Midland Valley tonight for a Regional Championship game. A win would advance the Rebels towards a repeat for a second State Championship.. A live broadcast of the game on the web may be found here with dial-up and high speed connections available. The broadcast will begin at 7:30 pm EST.

Philippi Baptist Church Fall Festival
web posted October 27, 2006
PSA - Philippi Baptist Church in Johnston is hosting a Fall Festival on Saturday night, Oct. 28, 2006 beginning at 6:00 pm. There will be "jumping houses," games, hayrides, prizes, candy, hot dogs, popcorn, and cotton candy.  Children and adults of all ages are invited to attend. Click here for more information.

Move clocks back this weekend
web posted October 27, 2006
COUNTY – Daylights Savings Time begins Saturday night with clocks moving back one hour. Readers should set their clocks back one hour before going to bed Saturday night.

Pro Rodeo begins tonight
web posted October 27, 2006
COUNTY – The Sandy Oaks Pro Rodeo will be held this weekend with professional riders from across the county and Canada participating. The rodeo will begin on Friday at the Lazy J Arena located just 10 miles west of Edgefield on Highway 23. Gates will open at 6 pm. Tickets are $10 in advance or $12 at the gate, children ages 6 – 11 are $5. “We are going to have one heck of a rodeo,” Sandy Quarles said, inviting everyone to attend.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Gov. Sanford holds "commanding lead" over Moore
web posted October 26, 2006
COLUMBIA – Governor Mark Sanford holds a commanding lead in the upcoming general election, according to independent poll figures posted online today. (Rasmussen Reports, www.politics1.com) With less than two weeks remaining before the general election, national poll-watcher Politics1.com is reporting Governor Sanford’s lead has increased to 23 points over his Democratic challenger Tommy Moore, 57 percent to 34 percent.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Public invited to review proposed instructional materials and textbooks
web posted October 26, 2006
COUNTY – The public is invited to review textbooks and instructional materials that have been proposed for use in South Carolina’s public schools. The materials will be recommended to the State Board of Education for adoption on December 13 by the Instructional Materials Review Panels appointed by the Board. The materials are in the following subject areas:
EdgefieldDaily.com

The Edgefield County Council will hold a Called Meeting today at 4 pm on Administrator
web posted October 26, 2006
COUNTY – The Edgefield County Council will hold a called meeting to further interviews with the remaining four candidates for the County Administrator's job. A decision is expected on November 7. The interviews will be held in closed session. Remarkable as the county has released the names of the individuals identified. There is no legal reason to hold a closed interview on the applicants qualifications, which are public information after the release of the names of the finalists. The meeting will begin at 4 pm at the county council chambers.

Editorial: Bad things happen when good men do nothing
web posted October 26, 2006
OPINION – Bad things happen when good men do nothing. This has never been truer than today in Edgefield County and it is not just the Edgefield County Council. Bad things are happening across the county including within the Edgefield County School District. With the recent hoopla over the inaccurate reassessments many people are beginning to take notice. That is a good thing. But people should be involved in their government process long before it hits them hard in their pocketbooks when, more often than not, it is too late to act.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Hunters with Disabilities Enjoy Ultimate Team Up Weekend
web posted October 26, 2006
EDGEFIELD -- Fifty-five hunters with disabilities spent a weekend of deer hunting, food and fellowship at the largest Ultimate Team Up ever held in Edgefield, S.C., Oct. 20 to Oct. 21. The Wheelin’ Sportsmen NWTF Wild Turkey Center Ultimate Team Up marked the fifth anniversary for the Wheelin’ Sportsmen NWTF program in the Edgefield area that matches hunters with disabilities with local landowners and guides.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Pass-In-Review and Veteran’s Day Ceremony
web posted October 26, 2006
COUNTY - Strom Thurmond High School’s NJROTC will hold a Pass-In-Review Ceremony and a Johnston-Edgefield American Legions Veteran Day Celebration on November 10, 2006 at 10:00 a.m. The event will be held on the Strom Thurmond High School football field.
EdgefieldDaily.com

School board member questions Fox Creek on solvency
web posted October 25, 2006
COUNTY – The Edgefield County School Board held their bi-monthly meeting Tuesday night with seven of the Fox Creek Charter High School Board present for an “informal” question and answer session. Instead of asking the hard financial questions, the Edgefield County School Board did little in the way of actually revealing the financial situation at hand at the charter school. School Board member Brad Covar, who is also an accountant, was the only member to even raise the issue of the solvency of the charter school.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Edgefield Police give early halloween candy bags to children (Photos)
web posted October 25, 2006
EDGEFIELD – The Edgefield Police Department went to W. E. Parker Elementary to hand out bags of Halloween candy and stickers to all 520 students. Chief Carter, assisted by Lt. Mike Cockrell, Officers James Desmore and Virginia Bledsoe, personally handed each child a bag of goodies as they exited the lunchroom.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Pro Rodeo set for this weekend
web posted October 25, 2006
COUNTY – The Sandy Oaks Pro Rodeo will be held this weekend with professional riders from across the county and Canada participating. The rodeo will begin on Friday at the Lazy J Arena located just 10 miles west of Edgefield on Highway 23. Gates will open at 6 pm. Tickets are $10 in advance or $12 at the gate, children ages 6 – 11 are $5. “We are going to have one heck of a rodeo,” Sandy Quarles said, inviting everyone to attend.
EdgefieldDaily.com

School District honors long term school board member (Photos)
 web posted October 25, 2006
COUNTY – The Edgefield County School Board presented fourteen-year school board veteran Louise Talbert with a plaque in honor of her service to the school district. Mrs. Talbert is not seeking re-election this year as she has moved out of the county. The plaque read in part, “for 14 years of loyal and dedicated service to the students and employees of the Edgefield County School District.” School District superintendent Dr. Sharon Keesley presented the plaque saying it was a “bittersweet night”. Mrs. Talbert accepted the presentation and then proceeded to hug the board members and staff before excusing herself from the meeting.

The National Sleep Foundation and Aiken Regional Medical Centers Shares Tips to Help Parents Keep Trick or Treaters Well Rested
web posted October 25, 2006
PSA - Millions of American families have just returned to their busy back to school schedules. No sooner have routines been put in place, when Halloween and the end of daylight saving time wreak havoc with even the most carefully laid plans. The National Sleep Foundation (NSF) and the Sleep Evaluation Center at Aiken Regional Medical Centers has created a list of tried and true tips designed to keep families on track -- even when festivities may interfere with children’s sleep.
EdgefieldDaily.com

HOSA Students Attend Fall Leadership
web posted October 25, 2006
The STCC Health Occupations Students attended the State Fall Leadership Conference on October 19th. The Honorable U.S. Congressman Joe Wilson, 2nd District of South Carolina, opened the day’s activities with an address to the students participating.
EdgefieldDaily.com

STHS Salutes Two Outstanding Students With Nominations For The Wendy’s High School Heisman Award
web posted October 25, 2006
COUNTY – Strom Thurmond High School’s Justin Talbert and Kelly Eggers have been honored with a nomination for the prestigious Wendy’s High School Heisman Award. This program, awarded in conjunction with the collegiate Heisman, celebrates the achievements of the nation’s top high school seniors both in and out of the classroom.
EdgefieldDaily.com

More construction site thefts reported
web posted October 25, 2006
COUNTY – Construction site thefts continue across the county with more taking place over the past two days. A theft was reported Monday at another home under construction in Merriwether on Murrah Road Extension. In that report several 2x4 studs were taken along with ten buckets of sheetrock mud. Tuesday morning saw two more homes under construction reporting thefts.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Edgefield woman held on attempted murder charge
web posted October 24, 2006
EDGEFIELD – An Edgefield woman is in jail after a stabbing Friday night that occurred on the 200 block of Gary Street. Just before 8 pm Friday Edgefield Police were called to Gary Street home after a woman called to report the stabbing and the victim bleeding “all over the place”. When officers arrived the man had a large gaping wound to his left side and EMS was summoned to the scene.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Rebel Regiment advances towards state title
web posted October 24, 2006
COUNTY - The Strom Thurmond Rebel Regiment traveled to Charleston, SC on Saturday, October 21st and competed in the South Carolina Band Directors Association Lower State 2A Preliminary Competition held at West Ashley High School. The Rebel Regiment received an overall rating of Superior and placed fifth out of 17 bands making the band eligible to compete for the State Championship.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Wanted man arrested in Edgefield
web posted October 24, 2006
EDGEFIELD – Edgefield Police took a wanted man into custody during a traffic stop Sunday afternoon. The officer conducted the traffic stop on a gold Chrysler due to the window tint of the back window being too dark. When the officer asked the driver for his license he provided a beginner’s permit. When the officer asked the passenger for his license he stated he did not have it with him.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Fly-over candy drop planned for Saturday in Trenton
web posted October 24, 2006
TRENTON – The Trenton Flyers will be holding their annual Fly-in on October 28 at Yonce Field Airport in Trenton at noon and 4 pm. Parents are asked to bring their children to enjoy the “candy drop” by members of the Trenton Flyers. Also on hand will be Lt. Col. Alfonso Jackson, a Tuskegge Airman from World War 2.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Letter to the Editor: Mayor thanks volunteers, attendees, for Heritage Jubilee
web posted October 24, 2006
Dear Editor: 
I want to express a special thanks to everyone who attended the Edgefield Heritage Jubilee this past weekend.  I especially want to thank the Jubilee chairman, Joel Jolly, the Jubilee committee, town employees and the many volunteers who worked so tirelessly over the past year to make the Jubilee such a huge success.  Also, a special thanks to Sonny and Wanda Seawright who are past chairpersons.  Their previous efforts provided a good foundation to work from this year.
EdgefieldDaily.com Opinions

5th Annual Strom Thurmond Classic Meet
web posted October 24, 2006
By Navy Career Counselor Ty Face
COUNTY – In the morning twilight on a crisp cool day, the Strom Thurmond NJROTC Cadets started to arrive in the back parking lot at Strom Thurmond High School.  The 51 cadets wore the Khaki Uniform professionally with crisp creases and fresh haircuts.  On Saturday, October 7, 2006, twelve other JROTC Units started to arrive in their activity bus to compete at the 5th Annual Strom Thurmond Classic Meet.  The twelve JROTC Units competing are; Saluda, Butler, Greenbrier, Westside, T.L. Hanna, South Aiken, Silver Bluff, Colleton County, Cross Creek, North Augusta, Easley and Midland Valley.  Also arriving early in the morning with hamburgers, hot dogs, snacks, drinks and other barbeque equipment was the NJROTC Booster Club.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Traffic stop leads to drug charge, confiscation of moonshine
web posted October 24, 2006
BETTIS ACADEMY – A Sheriff’s Deputy spotted a car traveling on Highway 25 Saturday night with no rear lights and initiated a traffic stop. When the deputy walked up to the car he saw a passenger place a plastic baggie into his mouth. Once the deputy reached the driver’s door he noticed an “extremely strong smell” of alcohol coming from the car. A second deputy arrived on the scene to assist in the traffic stop.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Truck theft and attempted theft possibly connected
web posted October 24, 2006
EDGEFIELD – An Edgefield man reported his pick-up truck stolen after returning from the Heritage Jubilee on Friday night. When a Sheriff’s Deputy arrived at the home on the 900 block of Augusta Road the man said he left his house around 5 pm to go to the festival. When he returned a little after midnight he noticed the truck missing. The truck is a white 1982 Chevrolet four-wheel drive single cab truck.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Mama knows best
web posted October 24, 2006
SWEETWATER – While on routine patrol a Sheriff’s Deputy spotted a white Cadillac making turns without using turn signals. When the deputy initiated a traffic stop at a home on the 700 block of Square Circle Ranch Road, the man got out and ran inside the home. Within moments the young man exited the home with his mother behind him. The mother told the deputy that her son ran in the house and she made him go back outside to meet with the deputy.
EdgefieldDaily.com

The INsider
web posted October 24, 2006
Unqualified needed to apply
The INsider

Heritage Jubilee draws record crowds
web posted October 23, 2006
EDGEFIELD – Edgefield’s Heritage Jubilee brought the largest crowds ever to the festival organizers and Town Officials said Saturday. “I think this is the best turnout ever,” Edgefield Mayor Ken Durham said, but would not guess the number of attendees. Jubilee Chairman Joel Jolly said he was pleased with the attendance and the event went pretty much according to plan. “We had a few glitches, but they were minor,” Jolly said.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Editor's Column: Compounding problems rather than solving them
web posted October 23, 2006
COLUMN – Last week I discussed how rapid residential growth would decimate a county’s ability to support the additional services to the increased population. Supporters of growth will once again turn to government to solve the problem the local government created by trying to direct free enterprise. Often times government and pro-growth supporters claim zoning is the answer. However, as is reflected in Merriwether, zoning creates more problems than it solves.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Heritage Jubilee kicks off festivities on Friday, continues today (photos)
web posted October 21, 2006
EDGEFIELD – The Heritage Jubilee kicked off Friday afternoon with hundreds turning out to enjoy live entertainment, rides, craft vendors, and good food. The fun continues today with the festivities and live music continuing beginning at 9 am. Sixteen teams entered the Bar-B-Q Sanctioned Competition which will be available for sale beginning at 10:30.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Due to a crash involving family members Friday night Saturday's edition is incomplete
web posted October 21, 2006
WEBNEWS – The Saturday Edition of EdgefieldDaily.com is not complete due to a crash involving family members.

Residents' tax concerns fall on deaf ears at public meeting (Photo)
web posted October 20, 2006
COUNTY – The Edgefield County Council held a required meeting in place of a third (or forth) reading on millage rates and the county budget Thursday night at the County Council chambers with a standing room only attendance of angry taxpayers. Chairman Kneece called the meeting to order and disposed of the prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance and went right into the Public Meeting. Chairman Kneece read, “The following proposed millage rates for the Fiscal Year 2006-2007 will reflect increases exceeding the allowable consumer price index increase of 3.4% above the rates imposed for such purposes in the prior tax year,” and said the County Council would be voting to override the limitation and increase millage rates.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Crash slows traffic on major Merriwether roadway (Photos)
web posted October 20, 2006
MERRIWETHER – An early morning crash snarled traffic on Sweetwater Road for a little over an hour Thursday. With heavy fog making driving hazardous, a car exiting Murrah Road onto Sweetwater set off a chain reaction that left the driver of a Chevrolet Blazer upside down in the SUV and suffering only minor injuries.
EdgefieldDaily.com

United Way continues drive
web posted October 20, 2006
COUNTY – The Edgefield County United Way knows how important it is to help those with special needs. The United Way supports many endeavors in the county, and tries to support those programs that help citizens with special needs or victims of abuse.
EdgefieldDaily.com

STH vs Swansea broadcast live on the web
web posted October 20, 2006
COUNTY – Strom Thurmond High School will host Swansea tonight for a Senior Night. A live broadcast of the game on the web may be found here with dial-up and high speed connections available. Game time is 8 pm EST.

Edgefield prepares for Heritage Jubilee
web posted October 19, 2006
EDGEFIELD – Edgefield Heritage Jubilee volunteers were out in earnest on Wednesday putting the final touches on the Kendall Mill grounds by marking off booth spaces and laying out the location of the first sanctioned Bar-B-Q cook-off event. Joel Jolly, this year’s Jubilee Chairman, and other volunteers were solving last minute details in anticipation of what they believe will be the best festival to date.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Letter to the Editor: Mount Vintage Developer offers views on residential growth and Editor's Column
Dear Editor,
I read with interest your editorial “Building higher taxes and lowered revenues.”  I agree with your conclusion that residential growth is not always healthy for counties.  When young families with a number of children move into a county, more often than not the cost to the county will exceed the direct and indirect tax revenue produced.  As growth with young families continues, the county will be continually challenged to build new schools to accommodate the school population.  The capital and operating costs of these schools can be oppressive.  Other county services may have to be added as well, including law enforcement and ambulances.  In the end the net cost of providing the services required by this kind of growth will, in most cases, exceed the growth in the county’s tax base and will put further burden on taxpayers.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Edgefield County Council to hold unprecedented forth reading of budget; improprieties of votes ignored
web posted October 19, 2006
COUNTY – The Edgefield County Council will be holding a Special Called meeting tonight to pass a perfunctory fourth reading of the amended budget and assessment values. The Edgefield County Council has already voted for the required three readings on the budget amendments prior to additional spending measures being added after the final improper readings. Edgefield County Council Chairman Monroe Kneece stated the County Council would be retracting one of the  previous two votes, which never materialized, in order to legally include the added budget increases. The meeting will be held at the Edgefield County Council Chambers on Jeter Street at 6 pm tonight.

Report of driver with gun results in DUI arrest
web posted October 19, 2006
EDGEFIELD – A report of a man speeding down Beaverdam Street and pointing a gun out of the window came in to dispatchers just after 10 pm Tuesday night. AS an Edgefield Police Officer arrived in the area the brown Lincoln was spotted running a stop sign at the intersection of Beaverdam Street and Norris Street. The officer initiated his blue lights and the car refused to stop.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Car theft reported
web posted October 19, 2006
TRENTON – An Augusta man reported his car stolen from a home on Brightharp Road on Tuesday night. According to police reports, the man stated he arrived at the location and left his car at the home, with the keys inside the car, and then departed to spend the night with a friend in Evans, Ga. When he returned, the car was gone.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Elderly Edgefield woman reports burglary
web posted October 19, 2006
EDGEFIELD – An Elderly Edgefield woman called Edgefield Police to report a burglary at her Morange Street home. She stated to police that someone had stolen about $700 in cash, which she kept hidden in the house.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Lady Rebels place 7th in lower state play-offs, individual players advance to state
web posted October 18, 2006
COUNTY – The Strom Thurmond Lady Rebel Golf Team competed in the Lower State Golf Tournament on Monday, October 16. Out of 17 teams competing, the STH Team came in with a 7th place finish overall. Some of the team will be traveling to the State Golf Tournament on October 23 at Charwood Golf Course in West Columbia. Anne Marie Covar, Jessica Gibson and Cody Corley will compete in individual events at the State Golf Tournament. EdgefieldDaily.com applauds the accomplishments of the Lady Rebel Golf Team.

Column causes stir in retirement community
web posted October 18, 2006
WEBNEWS – A recent column has caused a huge influx of hundreds of e-mails confusing the information presented in the column about residential growth as pertaining specifically to Mount Vintage. The lead paragraph does mention Mount Vintage due to the impact higher taxes has on some of the most expensive property in Edgefield County, and therefore more noticeable, however the column clearly refers to residential growth as a whole and the county as a whole.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Chemicals may be responsible for fire (Photo)
web posted October 18, 2006
EDGEFIELD – Just after 11 am the Edgefield Fire Department was called to a vehicle fire on Macedonia Street Tuesday morning. A town garbage truck caught fire while collecting trash. Firemen arrived on the scene and had the truck empty the trash out on the roadway to prevent the truck from burning.
EdgefieldDaily.com


STHS Welding Class Completes Project (Photo)
web posted October 18, 2006
COUNTY – The Welding II students, under the instruction of Bill Cheatham completed a major project this week.  The students built two stainless steal cookers. One of the cookers was built for an agency w
ho supplied all the materials for the project. The other cooker will be sold by the group to make money for their classroom projects.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Church reports break-in
web posted October 18, 2006
BETTIS ACADEMY – The Edgefield County Sheriff’s Office responded to the Mt. Cannan Baptist Church, on Mt. Zion Road, on Monday morning due to a reported break-in. The call came into dispatchers just after 8 am. The responding deputy observed where a window leading to the Pastor’s Office had been broken to gain entry.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Judge rules: Nathaniel Jackson to remain on ballot for School Board 
web posted October 17, 2006
LEXINGTON – School Board hopeful Nathaniel Jackson will be on the ballot to challenge incumbent School Board member Mary Alice Jackson for the District 1 School Board seat in November. Zach Bush of Johnston challenged Mr. Jackson’s residency claiming Mr. Jackson’s residency was in North Augusta, not Johnston. At a Hearing held on August 31 the Edgefield County Election Commission ruled Mr. Jackson eligible to run for office. Mr. Bush appealed that decision to the Court of Common Pleas. The Case was heard by Judge Victor Rawl in Lexington last Friday.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Ruling: Bush v. ECBE
web posted October 17, 2006
LEXINGTON – Herbert Zack Bush v. Edgefield County Board of Elections
ACTION NO. 2006-CP-19-181
EdgefieldDaily.com

Fire hampers farmers harvest (Photos)
web posted October 17, 2006
TRENTON – The Trenton Fire Department was dispatched to a hay bailer that caught fire and caused a brush fire to a cut hay field around noon Monday in Trenton. With dry conditions and breezy winds the fire quickly spread. The brush truck arrived first and tried to stop the fire from spreading to an area of tall grass and a nearby wooded area.
EdgefieldDaily.com

EdgefieldDaily.com set to top 6 million hits 
web posted October 16, 2006
WEBNEWS – EdgefieldDaily.com quietly surpassed 4 million and 5 million hits in the past few months. As readership continues to grow we are set to top 6 million hits in the next few weeks and will be surpassing 7 million hits by year’s end. As Editor, and on behalf of everyone that makes EdgefieldDaily.com possible, I would like to thank our readers for making EdgefieldDaily.com the number one outlet for daily news in Edgefield County.

One seriously injured in weekend crash (Photos)
web posted October 16, 2006
WESTSIDE – Just after 5 pm Saturday Garrett Road residents began calling 911 to report a car crash. Westside and Merriwether First Responders and an ambulance rushed to the scene. A Turkey Creek Road man was traveling east on Garrett Road when he lost control of his Toyota Camry and crashed through several trees while flipping the car. The man was unconscious when the first rescuers arrived.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Resolution honors Adams' contributions
web posted October 16, 2006
EDGEFIELD – The Edgefield County Economic Development Committee issued a resolution in recognition of former County Administrator Wayne Adams’ contributions during his tenure in the county.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Augusta teen airlifted from violent crash Sunday night (Photos)
web posted October 16, 2006
WESTSIDE – Shortly after 9:30 pm Sunday, Westside and Merriwether First Responders, along with Edgefield County EMS were called to the scene of a second single car crash on Garrett Road this weekend. A 17 year-old Georgia teen was traveling east on Garrett Road when he lost control and flipped the Acura car he was driving, ejecting him some twenty yards away from the car.
EdgefieldDaily.com


Editor's Column: Building higher taxes and lowered revenues
web posted October 16, 2006
COLUMN – With the recent controversy over tax assessments a developer stood in the County Council chambers on October 3 to inform the council on how much money his developments bring into Edgefield County through additional taxes. Many Mount Vintage residents claimed the county council was going to “kill the goose that laid the golden egg,” with huge tax increases on their homes. However, the county taxpayer’s worst enemy at this time is developers and the county council, who are building Edgefield County into even larger tax increases, or worse.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Johnston Elementary Has Fantastic Science Day Event (Photos)
Jessica Gibson (L) and Josh McIlvried (R) help Johnston Elementary first graders
learn about plants during the Science Day

web posted October 16, 2006
COLUMN – Johnston Elementary School held a Science Day recently with a slate of presenters that fascinate the young learners. All presenters’ topics were featured to correlate to the science standards.
EdgefieldDaily.com


Turkey Federation hosts disabled hunters event October 20-21
web re-posted October 16, 2006
COLUMN – More than 75 people with disabilities will have the opportunity to deer hunt through the National Wild Turkey Federation’s Wheelin’ Sportsmen program Oct. 20 to Oct. 21 in Edgefield, S.C.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Ridge Spring-Monetta High School Fall Festival of Flowers
web posted October 16, 2006
RIDGE SPRING – The Ridge Spring-Monetta High School Fall Festival of Flowers.
will begin October 23 through November 6, 2006. For more information contact Michael Crim at 803-685-2100. Come see and purchase the beautiful fall Pansies that agriculture students have grown in the campus greenhouse. All sales benefit the Ridge Spring-Monetta FFA.

Check out this week's Happenings
web posted October 16, 2006
WEBNEWS – EdgefieldDaily.com's Happenings Section has added many new activities including the Discovery Center's Calhoun's Spooktacular Halloween, the Trenton Halloween Carnival, and Tours at Oakley Park. Also check the updated Chamber of Commerce Information and Activities page (linked at the top right hand side of the front page). Just two more ways to keep informed on EdgefieldDaily.com

Strom Thurmond moves to 5-3 and 3-0 in Region play with 34-7 win over Airport
web posted October 14, 2006

STCC Soil Team Wins Mid Region Title - Advances To State 
web posted October 14, 2006
COUNTY – The Strom Thurmond Career Center Soil Judging Team won the Mid-Region Soil Judging Competition held this week in Chester. The regional win gives the STCC team the opportunity to compete for the state title on November 18 at Clemson University. Taking the runner-up position was York County followed by Lexington Career Center.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Possible phone scam targets elderly
web posted October 14, 2006
MERRIWETHER – A Merriwether elderly woman’s son contacted the Edgefield County Sheriff’s Office to report a possible fraud that had taken place on Tuesday. The 83 year-old woman told a responding deputy that a man called her asking questions about her bank account. The woman thought the man was trying to help her and she gave the man her checking account number and all of her personal information. At the time she thought nothing of it, reports state, until she received notice of her bank account being overdrawn.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Strom Thurmond vs Airport: Live web broadcast by WKSX Oldies 97.2 and the E.C. School District
web posted October 13, 2006
Live broadcast of the game on the web may be found here with dial-up and high speed connections available. Game time is 7:30 pm EST.

Lady Rebel Golf Team advances to Lower State Championship
web posted October 13, 2006
COUNTY – The Strom Thurmond High School Lady Rebel Golf Team won the Region 5 - 3A Golf Championship on Wednesday at the Midland Valley at Charwood County Club in West Columbia. Also entered into the competition were Brookland Cayce, Chapin and Midland Valley High Schools.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Sheriff Dobey warns against littering
web posted October 13, 2006
The Edgefield County Sheriff's Office has taken over the position of litter control for the whole county. Our litter control officer position is a class 1 certified law enforcement officer that can investigate incidents, write tickets and make arrest of violators. Our litter control officer will be out 5 days a week, weather permitting, with county trustees picking up trash. They will be in a white marked van. We do not pick up trash on private property, but on major highways, secondary roads and parks.
EdgefieldDaily.com

County Planning Commission approves three subdivisions and over 200 new homes
web posted October 13, 2006
EDGEFIELD – The Edgefield Planning Commission held their regular monthly meeting Thursday night at the County Council Chambers with a short agenda. After calling the meeting to order the agenda was amended to add a subdivision approval for consideration. Three new subdivisions were introduced adding hundreds of new homes that would soon be under construction in the county.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Edgefield County United Way Supports Children
web posted October 13, 2006
PSA – The Edgefield County United Way stands firmly behind the county’s children, especially when it comes to recreation and scouting opportunities. The local United Way supports many endeavors in the county, and the need for programs that support children has guided the local United Way Board toward funding them where possible.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Soccer is Getting a Little Older
web posted October 13, 2006
COUNTY – Although soccer is a new experience for about one hundred kids this fall, for about fifty teenagers it’s Déjà vu all over again. Teens from JET, Wardlaw, Strom Thurmond High School, and home schools get together Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays and play five verses five soccer. “Many of these kids have been playing in the ECYSA (Edgefield County Youth Soccer Association) since they were in kindergarten,” said Arthur Northrop, ECYSA President.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Baker gets probation in meth lab case
web posted October 13, 2006
EDGEFIELD – Carla Rachelle Baker, 29 of Merriwether, had her day in court on Thursday as a result of her arrest during the discovery of a meth lab under the home she shared with George Marion Toole, 31 on July 7. Mr. Toole was sentenced to seventeen years earlier this week.
EdgefieldDaily.com

Parker given one year in prison for marijuana plants
web posted October 13, 2006
EDGEFIELD – A Merriwether man called the Sheriff’s Office in August to have a deputy investigate if a neighbor of his had one of his registered pedigree puppies. When deputies went to the home they discovered the missing puppy, and also found over two dozen marijuana plants being cultivated in the man’s back yard.
EdgefieldDaily.com