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March - April 2007 WE WILL NOT CORRECT
SPELLING!
Please
keep comments to less than 250 words
Wandering Minds Archives
January - February, 2007 Archive Sept. 1 - December 31, 2006 Archive April 30 - August 31, 2006 Archive January 2- April 29, 2006 Archive Wandering Minds Archive 2005 Editor's post: Due to the number of posts sent in each day the Wandering Minds will be archived each month to allow dial-up readers to load the page faster. March and April will be archived together with only April remaining here for a short time. At the end of each month the page content will be archived and linked and only the last 30 days will remain on the Wandering Minds page at any time. Thank you for making the Wandering Minds so popular and EdgefieldDaily.com the most interactive media outlet in Edgefield County. Please pass our location on to others and support EdgefieldDaily.com by visiting our advertisers online by clicking their ads. web posted April 30, 2007 This submission is
longer than 250 words, but it will inform your readers about the
complexity of disciplining students in Special Education programs.
Students with disabilities (students in Special Education programs) can
and must be disciplined (and suspended if needed). However, the school
must follow Federal law. The following information is from the web site
FamilyEducation.com.
"The suspension or expulsion of children with special educational needs.(Special Education programs) is governed by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA, Federal law). (These provisions are found mostly at 20 USC 1415(k).) The law states explicitly that a free appropriate public education ("FAPE") must be available to all children with disabilities, "including children with disabilities who have been suspended or expelled from school" (20 USC 1412(a)(1)(A)). There are certain behaviors for which a school system can change a student's placement to an "interim alternative educational setting" for up to 45 days (calendar days, not school days): 1. if the student carries a dangerous weapon to school or a school function or knowingly possesses, uses, sells or attempts to sell illegal drugs at school or at a school function (1415(k)(1)(A)) OR 2. if it is proved that maintaining the child in the current placement "is substantially likely to result in injury to the child or to others" (1415(k)(2)(A)). In either case, any alternative educational placement for up to 45 days under these provisions must provide FAPE. A school system cannot impose a long-term suspension or expel a student with special educational needs if the behavior for which s/he is being disciplined was a "manifestation" of his or her disability (1415(k)(4)(B),(C)). IDEA provides that the IEP team must find that behavior was a manifestation of the child's disability if: 1. the IEP was inappropriate with respect to the behavior or was not being implemented, including appropriate behavior intervention strategies; 2. the child was unable to understand the impact and consequences of his/her behavior because of her disability; or 3. the child's disability impaired her ability to control her behavior. If any of these circumstances applies, the IEP team must correct the IEP or its implementation and, except for the 45-day provisions described above, the school cannot legally suspend the student beyond ten days. If the team finds that the behavior is not a manifestation of the child's disability, the school can suspend longer than ten days as it can a student without a disability, but must still provide ongoing education under his/her IEP during the suspension. " web posted April 30, 2007 did you know that the (Fox Creek Charter High) school is out of money. please check it out. i believe thy fired the janitor. a nother teacher left and they are not geting another 1. who is gonna clean up there mess. web posted April 30, 2007 The bomb threats at Merriwether Elem are scary, but it is terrifying to read the yearbook distributed last week. This faculty is teaching my child to read? The typos and misspellings on nearly every page with print leave me dumbfounded. The person responsible for creating and distributing this yearbook should be unemployed. What a disgrace to the "adiministration" - they even misspelled the name of the school on page 1. Maybe they couldn't find a dictionary due to the library's computer being down for the past two months. Home schooling sounds better everyday. web posted April 30, 2007 To ALL Fox Creek parents! Please do not forget FCHS 2007-2008 Board of Directors Election will be held at FCHS on May 10 from 7:30 am to 7:00 pm. Your vote is VERY important! Each vote counts, even if you think it does not! All we can do is hope and pray that THIS TIME the Board will do things above board and legally! If they do then we all know who will NOT be on the board this coming year! Don't forget that our past principal is running and cares very much about our students! At least he does not disappear every day at lunch without telling other admin. where he is going for 2 hours along with our Board chairpersons husband and the Athletic Director. AND he never took the Athletic Director to a Charter School Convention with him! Think about it folks do we really need to be wasting money on things like that? Please help achieve our goal of getting a NEW school Board voted in! We need it, our children need it! Please vote! The following people are running for the BoD: Vernon Ball, Darlene Bell, Sherolyn Bishop, Steve Elliott, Ronnye Eubanks, David Franklin, Penelope Fulghum, John Gratop, Richard Hollifield, Rod Huffman, Johanne Jacobs, Terri Mayson, Victoria Mollo, Jim Oliver, Sharon Reese, Susie Stewart, Bernard Szybura, and Ashley Williams. web posted April 30, 2007 To the STHS English teacher: Could you please cite the current research that supports Dr. Roberson's teaching methods? I have been unable to locate any research to support these methods so far. Thanks. web posted April 30, 2007 On Friday night my wife and I watched Sam Waterson speak at the National Press Club. He was the spokesman for Unity08, an electronic political party which is dedicated to putting the government back to work. Is summary they are trying to field a bi-partisan ticket for winning the 2008 presidential race. Many goals of the party sound very attractive, such as, reducing the impact of lobbying on lawmakers and promoting cooperative effort for problem solving. Unity08 contends that too much time is spent on Capital Hill for purpose of getting re-elected and blaming the other guy, and, as a result, too little time is spent fixing real problems. Seems to me Sam has it right. It is amazing how much press coverage some high profile issues receive at the expense of some monster issues such as Social Security solvency or burgeoning national debt. Check it out and visit Unity08.com. In a related topic, I would like to remind the county council that they pledged to reduce the millage rate increase implemented last year. Their rational for the increase was to restore the reserve, although everyone, including the council, knew that was a bogus reason. They merely wanted to spend what they unabashedly called "the reassessment revenues". At a budget hearing a question was specifically directed to the chairman about rolling back the millage once the reserve is fully funded and he agreed that would be done. The editor should also remind the chairman that, in addition to reducing a bloated recreation budget, the windfall in property taxes from Mt, Vintage continues rolling along unabated and growing. Certainly there is enough incremental money from that alone to fund a few more deputies. But forward planning or thinking of Edgefield in 21st century terms are beyond this bunch of old men. They can only do what they've always done for last quarter-century and blame circumstances or other people for their short comings. For example, Mr. Kitchens insists that state law required the reassessment to be implemented although he never even read the applicable statute. When I read it to him and pointed out the state desired reassessment to be postponed and required county councils to specifically override site desires, he was literally speechless on the topic. Unity08 has the right idea for fixing Washington, I wonder if we could get Sam to energize voters in Edgefield to put this council out to well deserved pasture and elect some council members who will work on fixing problems than on fixing blame. web posted April 30, 2007 So, Fox Creek Board and Admin. are up to things again. Now they have fired two people without giving notice! Are there not laws about that? Shouldn't two weeks notice be given? I would understand if these people were doing something illegal or harming our children, but seems to me that both of these folks fired were people that might have actually cared about the students and would not bow down to Dr. Murph and Mrs. Bishop. It sure seems that if someone will not conform to what is "expected" then they are told to leave. If this keeps happening we won't have to worry about the new school as we won't have any teachers and if we do they will just be 'stepford wife' teachers. When will the nonsense stop? I for one am hoping that Bishop is voted off the Board at the next election which is coming up fast. It will probably be the ONLY way we can keep the school going! It's really too bad that our principal seems to have become best "hang out bud" to Danny Bishop. I suppose that as long as the Bishops are involved that means Dr. Murph will stay around. Sad that they ousted (one teacher), just when she seemed to be finally coming around to understand that the students are more important than the Athletics Dept. and the Board! Oh yeah, that is right...if you do that then you are asked to leave. Good luck (to the teacher). web posted April 30, 2007 I have seen cases, in the past, where a student in Special Ed. classes acted up or was a possible danger to himself or others. After determining this, teachers called law enforcement and the parents. Law enforcement would then pick up the parent, go to the school and get the child, and then the child would be escorted to Mental Health in Columbia or to P.B. Harris, for an evaluation. This evaluation took about three days and qualified doctors detrmined whether or not the child was fit to be around the other students. When did the Edgefield County School Board become certified in giving mental health evaluations? Maybe that's why they have no problem hiring school personel that aren't qualified? web posted April 30, 2007 I work in a neighboring school district,special ed kids have no repercussions for their actions. Seems they have more 'rights" than anyone, including the safety of the students and teachers. But being "special ed' doesn't necessarily mean that you don't know "right from wrong". Many of the students know exactly how to use the system. I've seen unruly special ed kids become violent and when they were told that a parent was going to be called they decided they could behave,not that the threat ever really materialized. As for JET allowing the student to stay in school, why not place him as "homebound" for the rest of the year. That way he is not expelled but not at school either? I know of one student that was placed on homeboundin Aiken County due to not being able to "behave". They couldn't expel that student either but they didn't have to let the student back in the school building. web posted April 30, 2007 To the STHS English teacher who said Dr. Roberson's methods were supported by current research: Please provide information about that research so that we may study it. web posted April 30, 2007 I guess if I say I like cheese my post will be at the bottom so I won't say that. I LOVE CHEESE!!!!!! There are CHEESE crackers, mac and CHEESE, CHEESE pizza, grilled CHEESE sandwiches, CHEESE toast, and i can go on and on. I love CHEESE on my CHEESE!!!!!!! Mr. Editor, maybe you can catch me with some CHEESE!!!!!!!! LOL I'll be seeing you soon!!!! :) By the way, nice to see you dressed up on Friday. web posted April 30, 2007 Editor's Post: Edgefield County Council Chairman Monroe Kneece confronted me about my Editor's post yesterday (available below). He stated he supported Sheriff Dobey but providing him with the requested deputies would raise taxes one million dollars. I then countered that the county council could provide six deputies (half of those requested) and not raise taxes. He asked how and I explained that he (Chairman Kneece) stated that recreation would never cost more the $58,000 a year when instituted and that the extra $250,000 plus a year could be directed to the Sheriff's Office. Chairman Kneece admitted that the recreation funding was "out of hand" and "over funded" but they (county council) could do nothing about it. Really? Isn't that what you do? Cut funds where they are not needed and place them where they are needed. It is a pretty simple concept. web posted April 28, 2007 Well, THE DEVELOPER raised his staff and the waters parted and CC Rd. was paved (which was already in good shape). Was this done to benefit his development? Just another waste of taxpayers money. Why pave CC Rd. which really did not need it and Bland Baptist is in need of repair as well as some other roads in the county. Is THE DEVELOPER any better than those that attend Bland Baptist Church, live on that road, or dine at Southern Suppers. I do not live on Bland Baptist but use it a lot. It just blows my mind what happens in this county. I for one cannot wait until election time for our school board and county council. Editor's note: Bettis Rainsford on Friday approached me and he claimed he had nothing to do with the repaving and he too felt like the road did not need repaving. I was unable to get an answer from the SC DOT on the matter before they closed on Friday. The same situation occurred on Sweetwater Road a few years ago with a repaving to Mt. Vintage. Purely coincidental I am sure. web posted April 28, 2007 From a STHS English teacher: We are teaching reading comprehension skills, not backwards spelling. In a reading passage, when a student comes to a word he does not recognize, he uses a "word attack" strategy, so he will not avoid it. For example, if a student does not know the word "comprehension", he would begin spelling and pronouncing the word from the back end ... "sion". "hension". "prehension". and finally "comprehension". Next, he would look for context clues in the passage to help him understand what the word means. Finally, he would create a short definition of the word using the contextual clues. He would take these steps before continuing to read the rest of the passage. Feel free to use the method yourself; it works. Our brains retain the spelling most likely because it is unconventional and forms a lasting impression. Dr. Roberson's concerns for improving reading skills are sincere and valid; his methods are in line with current educational research. web posted April 28, 2007 Concerning the JET Special Ed student mess, there was a teacher that wrote to say school officials couldn’t do anything about it; we need to contact the lawmakers. Thank you to her/him for that information, I did not know that. I have faxed a copy of the story to Governor Sanford and Senator Graham asking them to do something. Who else do we need to make aware of this? Also, if everyone else will fax or call these two, maybe something can happen. Senator Lindsey Graham’s Ph# 864-250-1417 Fx# 864-250-4322 (Greenville office) Governor Mark Sanford Ph# 803-734-2100 Fx# 803-734-5167 If anybody has any other suggestions who to contact or even vote out, please post it. I wish the papers in Edgefield would cover this, there is probably a lot of people and parents that don’t know about the situation because EdgefieldDaily is the only one reporting it. Many thanks to you Mr. Editor! Editor's note: Thank you for your kind comments. web posted April 28, 2007 The policy JET used in allowing the Special Ed student to remain is class, is not unusual. I had a family member threatened by a special ed student in another county. When she informed the school, they stated they could not remove the child, all they could do was send her home. I guess they choose not to recall the student who beat that poor teacher into a vegetative state in Augusta, I am sure he didn't mean to do it.. yes, they do deserve education, but our children have the right to a education free from threats. NA expelled a student for making threats about " I am going to VT the school" but because this is a special ed student the threat means nothing? does it make the threat any less real? Editor's note: I have a file on a "special" student that threw a brick at another student and just missed hitting him in the head which them struck the child in the back resulting in cuts and bruises. Had the roles been reversed the other student (victim) would have faced criminal charges. web posted April 28, 2007 Although there seems to be so much negative press in the school district right now, I did receive a very bright spot last evening. I attended the Young Author’s Night at JET Middle School. I was truly impressed with the student work that was presented. The works were filled with passion, sensitivity, and unique viewpoints about life and the minds of our young people. I also marveled at the great pieces of writing in the Window to JET publication. The Language Arts staff as well as the Administrative staff should be commended for a job well done. I am an English teacher in another state, and I am well aware of the struggle to have students write great pieces of worth-while reading. But JET appears to be doing an outstanding job in this area. I was also impressed with the organizational skills of Mrs. Prince and Mrs. Bowie in producing this night. The students were well dressed, well behaved, and well skilled in their sharing of the written word. I was also well pleased to see published authors in attendance at the program. I felt that this showed that one is never too old or too young to produce or to enjoy great writing. Despite some recent publications, JET is an impressive school, and I am proud that my children are a part of the student body. Mr. Scott, I simply say “Congratulations on a job well done.” web posted April 28, 2007 to the person asking why H Resourses of the school district isn't checking on qualifications , ask someone to catch you up on the news. All of this absurd hiring is being done with her having absolutely no idea it's happening , even how or why it's happening. She herslf is resigning - there you have it! web posted April 28, 2007 I too hope you and your family are feeling better. We are so blessed in this county to have someone like you that cares about what goes on behind the scenes. Thank you for covering the things that we would never know if someone like you did not bring them out in the open and allow us a voice. Even though you were ill you still posted. A Testament to your good work ethics and dedication to us all. Thank you for all you do!!!! Editor's note: Thank you. We are all feeling better and things are getting back to normal. web posted April 28, 2007 word is out that this "principal" in question has just failed the test for his certificate once again web posted April 28, 2007 Editor's post: I wonder why I never see an Edgefield County Councilman out when the Sheriff's Office is dealing with emergencies and the normal countless calls from citizens for help as Thursday held? Maybe they should have to respond to calls that get backed up because they refuse to fully fund the Sheriff's Office. I guess they are too busy mugging for the camera when they are giving away our hard earned tax dollars to some big corporation with a ton of money or paying for extended vacations of our incompetent tax assessor. web posted April 27, 2007 I am one of MANY concerned parents of JET middle school students that learned this week about a supposedly Special Ed student making terriost threats verbally to teachers. For instance, that Cho(the Virginia Tech. shooter) was his best friend and he could learn alot from him. That he thought it was funny to kill animals and like to shoot them in the head. Would love to spend the day with the Devil. Even though this student may be special ed I and many other parents are VERY concerned of what he may be capable of doing by thinking thoughts like this. Don't you think this is probably what the shooters of Columbine thought like and Cho, but no one did anything because they said they were no "Red flags" or "warning signs", what more does this kid have to do besides go through with this for someone to take him/her serious. I think this child goes far beyond "Special Ed" he needs some serious mental help and I don't feel safe with him/her out @ JET around my child on a daily basis. I have gotten about 100 parents ready to go to the school board about this if something is not done. Please see if you can dig into this and get us some help to remove this (deleted) child from our school!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Editor's note: Only you can make a change possible. Attend your school board meetings and write your legislators. web posted April 27, 2007 I am so thankful my children are not in JET. How dare the system and officials leave this child (who likes killing) in the school with other children. Shouldn't he be removed and evaluated to insure others safety? web posted April 27, 2007 Ok, so it's my understanding that one of the assistant principals at STHS doesn't have his administrative degree and is not qualified to be assistant principal. That has been pretty much confirmed in wandering minds and it has been said that he is in "the process" of obtaining that certification. I would like to know 4 things. 1. Did this individual lie on his resume and put down that he did have the proper certification to get the job? 2. If he didn't lie on his resume to get the job, who is he friends with on the school board that got him the job? 3. Is he being paid an assistant principal's salary currently or does his check reflect the fact that he is "in the process" of being certified? 4. Are the resume's of school officials of public record? There are several I would like to check out! We shouldn't be paying him what the other qualified assistant principals are making if he doesn't possess the same qualifications. His salary should also be "in process" to reflect his lack of credentials. Is there a way to find out this information? Perhaps if he is making a full assistant principal's salary, we can pull from his paycheck to help subsidize the ridiculous raise that Myrtis Brightharp is being handed! web posted April 27, 2007 I'm not a grown-up or anything I just think that whoever is making all of these bomb threats need to be cuaght and arrested. Merriweather Middle and Elm. had another one today. This time, instead of going on the bleachers, we had to get on the football field. My friends and i first knew that something was wrong because our princinpal got on the intercom and in a vey paniced voice told everybody to get out of the school now. When we got outside, everybody was running to the football field. There was just pure chaos everywhere. About an hour later, somebody started this unnessesary rumor that at the elementry school, the bomb was ticking and about to blow any second. I freaked out because my sister is in second grade over there and I was worried. After that everybody stared crying, then started praying. I, as a seventh grade student at MMS would really appreciate it if the person whose doning this would be cought and arrested. That way I can focus on school and everything will get back to normal. right now, I'm scared to go back. Editor's note: There is no need to be afraid The "rumors" you fear are just that and do not represent the reality of the situation. The person or persons responsible will be caught. web posted April 27, 2007 I am a teacher at an Edgefield County school. Those people who are upset about the situation regarding the student at JET need to know that there is very little that the schools can do about it. because he is identified as Special Needs he literally will have to act on his statements before he can be removed from the school. If you want to direct your unhappiness at someone, direct it at the federal and state lawmakers who have made it nearly impossible to take disciplinary action against students who have been identified as Special Needs. There are many of us teachers who would like to see these kind of students who make threats and fight expelled like everyone else, but unfortunately the law doesn't allow it. Urge the lawmakers to remove some of these protections, don't blame school administrators who have to follow the law. web posted April 27, 2007 I guess I must be dumb but why do you need to know how to spell backwards? On another note..I would love to see our youth in this area have the opportunity to work at the peach sheds during summer. The problem is that the farmers have to be certain that they will have people that they can count on to be there regardless. People that don't quit because it is too hot that day or have their mothers to call and say they won't be in because they don't feel well. We have some really hard working youth and some that do not. We don't give our children good work ethics anymore. What will your children be doing this summer? If the peach farmers could depend on them they might be able to work in the peach sheds making money to put back for college. Oh, I forgot. We go to college now on student loans. That lets our colleges raise the price of tution because the student will just take out more loans. I know one student that has never held a job, going to school on loans and on what Mommy and Daddy supply. I would hate to be the empoyer that hires him after college. Hats off to the youth that want to work. Apply at the peach sheds. You never know. web posted April 27, 2007 Sorry to hear that you and your family are all ill. I know what you mean because this same thing went through my home a few weeks back and everyone in my home was the same. Hopefully, you will all be better soon. In the meantime, you and your family will all be in our prayers. Get well soon! A Concerned Reader. Editor's note: Thank you. I am feeling better today, though still lacking sleep with the early morning scamper to cover the bomb threats. web posted April 27, 2007 There is a great deal of traffic on the Bland Baptist Rd in Johnston which at the intersection with Par Rd becomes Country Club Road. Just wondering why the CC part is being paved and the Bland Baptist part is not? I know it has nothing to do with the new development on the CC Road ! We all pay taxes to keep up our highways not just Mr. Rainsford. Sometimes the CC people like to take the short cut to Johnston on Bland Baptist. Maybe they will hit enough pot holes and complain to Mr. Rainsford and he can TELL the highway department to pave Bland Baptist too!!! web posted April 27, 2007 Editor's post: Sorry for so few stories in todays update. Most of the family, myself included, is ill and it is taking all I have to get the update done. web posted April 26, 2007 I have been reading about the lack of credentials for one of the principals in the county. I know that the board had to approve the hire, but isn't it (Human Resources) who interviewed the individual and should have gone over the application to make sure everything was in order? Mind you, I am in no way letting the BOE off the hook if they are responsible as well. As for Myrtis Brightharp, I know that she is qualified for the position, but I think she let's power go to her head. God bless those who have to work with her. The article with Dr. Murph at FCHS about the teacher that he was interviewing and she didn't realize that she wasn't at the middle school, I hope he didn't hire her. If she doesn't know the difference between FCHS and MMS, she should not have a position in the county. I was watching FOX news tonight and they gave you credit about a story that they did, here's to keeping the CSRA informed! web posted April 26, 2007 Even through my child attends FCHS, I am saddened to hear that the principle of STHS is leaving. Mr Thompson never thought twice (or what the board thought) about the safety of the students. For it was Mr. Thompson that had a certain student removed (this student just committed a crime against two elderely people at gun point and now kidnapping) from STHS. He removed this student for pulling a knife on two students on a school bus. Where as the past principle was too spineless to do this in other situations that were just as bad. STHS will lose a firm but fair man. I do wish him the best and wish we had someone with his committ to the students at FCHS. Editor's note: I have a great deal of respect for Mr. Thompson. He is a very fair man. If he leaves it will be a huge loss for the county. web posted April 26, 2007 The 10pm news tonight credited Edgefielddaily with a story they were airing......See, everyone is reading. web posted April 26, 2007 I justed wabted to let parents know that kids are being taught the practice of spelling backwards in class now. I have a child in the seventh grade where it has been presented, and I have heard of where it is being taught in the elementary schools. I am concerned about trying to teach a child to spell backwards when I think it is more important to focus on bigger issues with the schools. I remember when I was in school we had to do book reports where we actually had to write papers and learn writing skills whereas they just read a book and take a test on a computer. We also had science projects for science fairs, and I know my daughter has not had to do any kind of science project since she started school. I just don't see how spelling backwards is going to help these kids especially when they have already learned to spell in what I consider to be the right way. Everyone needs to sit up and pay attention to what is going on with our school district because it could have serious ramifications on our children in the near future. I believe that we do have some outstanding teachers and adminstration, but I am concerned that with the way issues are being handled we will lose some valuable people to our education system. I know we have had several resignations already from good people. web posted April 26, 2007 Wandering minds gives people a chance to vent and praise issues that are going on in the community. My eyes have been opened to several issues/rumors regarding our school district. If these issues and rumors are true then it is time to stop venting and make a change. The community desperately needs to come together and demand answers from our school board and district. One way is for the community to make a strong presence at board meetings. The ECSD board meets every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month. We need to be at these meetings to hold OUR board members accountable and ask questions face to face. They will continue to do what they want until the community steps up and says enough is enough. We need to put the pressure on our school board do what is best for the children of Edgefield County. Otherwise we can't gripe and complain unless we start digging and really see what their agenda is all about. Are you going to sit back and continue to whine or go to bat for the children because they will be the ones to ultimately suffer. web posted April 26, 2007 The resurfacing on Country Club Road sure is nice, but I am wondering .....could it be that(the Developer) had something to do with that? Country Club Road was in good shape compared to Bland Baptist Road to Hwy. 23 which has potholes and is in terrible shape. Our tax dollars at work again for certain people and not for others. web posted April 26, 2007 There's been quite a bit of talk lately about "credentials" for certain positions in the school district. I don't care about diplomas or degrees. What I care about is whether or not the person hired for the job can actually do the job. There seem to be some folks out there running our schools who have plenty of "credentials," but they can't "administrate" their way out of a paper bag. They might be nice people, but can they do their jobs? Can they improve the learning environments at their schools? Can they support their teachers and discipline their students effectively? Can they do what's best for their particular schools, or are they too busy playing school board politics? If Strom Thurmond's principal, Mr. Greg Thompson, decides to move on rather than play board politics, then I salute him. Unfortunately, this particular school board will be allowed to replace him. web posted April 26, 2007 Kudos to Bridget Clark! As a parent of 2 children at Johnston Elementary I can attest that Mrs Clark is one of the best assets our school has. She is not one of those principals who just sits behind a desk and expects her teachers to do all the work. She truly loves each and every one of the children in the school and can call each of them by name. She knows the siblings, the families and how each child is doing academically. I really believe that you will not find a more loving or involved principal anywhere. We are so very lucky to have Mrs Bridget Clark at the healm of our school! Thank you Mrs Clark for all you do! web posted April 26, 2007 If the school board has the funds for salary increases, then they do not need to charge an instructional fee. They pick my $25.00 off the same money tree. Are they going to tell me my kid cannot go to public school if I don’t pay? If everybody boycotts the fee what can they do? web posted April 26, 2007 I just read the article on the JET middle school student whom says he was friends with the virginia tech shooter. I can not believe that Sharon keesley does not feel this boy is a threat and to top it off they brush it aside just because he is considered special needs. This disturbs me even more because i am a parent of a special needs child and they do not always think before they act out and consider the consequences. This woman and the whole administration should take affirmative action with this boy and get him professional help outside of school or they will have the blood of all the students in JET on their hands. It sounds to me that this boy does mean to harm his fellow classmates and the idiots sitting up there in the admin building choose to do nothing about it because it takes too much time for them out of their busy schedules to prevent a repeat of what just happened in virginia. Editor's note: Dr. Keesley was not responsible for the decision, it was made at JET. She was just the source used to gain the information. web posted April 26, 2007 Can anyone explain to me why Fox Creek is Not under the district’s direct supervision, is an independent school and has their own school board, but our tax dollars are paying for it? Why is a student allowed to remain in school after finding drugs on him? It is a double standard!! They are indeed having it both ways. How can they? And how do we as tax payers change it? That school is doing nothing but causing animosity. I would not have a problem if they were under the district’s direct supervision and school board and were held to the same rules as the rest of the public schools. We don’t pay for Wardlaw. What is the difference? On another note: To all the gun haters, wanting to make it where law abiding citizens can’t have/buy guns would just make it worse. Don’t ya’ll realize that the thugs and creeps are going to get a gun one way or another, legally or illegally!! The rest of us need to be able to protect our own, preferably by buying a gun legally. web posted April 26, 2007 In response to the poster who questioned if anyone else applied/interviewed for the Title 1 position...I know of 3. All three candidates were well qualified and currently hold administrative positions within the school district. I also know that the 3 candidates are successful as administrators and have been for years. In my opinion, I find it very sad that the school board chose to give the Title 1 position to an "outsider" with such an unfavorable track record as an administrator. The 3 other candidates have been with the district for decades and to my knowledge, they have never been "asked" to leave. As for the Special Services position, it was given to someone who does not have any experience in administration. I know that at least one of the candidates that applied has administration experience and is certified in Special Education. web posted April 26, 2007 What are the qualifications for serving on the Edgefield County Board of Education (other than a pulse)? Until the voters, myself included, put better qualified people in charge of our children's education, we can expect no better than what we are getting. We grumble and complain, but are complacent when it comes to taking action. I am saddened by what appears to be happening to our school system. We are living in the 21st century yet many of the decisions I have seen made recently, reek of racial injustice in reverse and not what is best for the children in our county. We should all "step up to the plate" and demand that our voices be heard. If we do not like the decisions rendered by our board, then we need to "vote out" those who are making these decisions. Check out the Goals and Visions for each board member. Some have none and others aren't following through. web posted April 26, 2007 To the poster speaking of STHS affording cheerleaders...please know that this year it is costing the parents over $400 for their daughters to be on the cheerleading squad. STHS does not pay for the uniforms or anything the cheerleaders need. It is unlike the football team who also get free physicals. Cheerleaders have to pay for everything they get and also have to pay for camp they attend. They must also sell ads to go in the football program. The cheerleaders and their coaches work very hard, yet get little recognition or support from this school. web posted April 26, 2007 have they finally started the fox creek high school , their is a lot of tractor work on the back field Editor's note: I will check. Maybe the school that was promised for two years is there and it is just invisible. web posted April 26, 2007 I am so glad that this is my son's last year at STHS. STHS has been great to him, and I thank all his teachers for the fine job that they have done. For all the people who have kids going to schools in Edgefield County, GOOD LUCK WITH THE SCHOOL BOARD. web posted April 26, 2007 After reading so much about the Edgefield County School Board hiring unqualified people to fill school positions that will affect all our children, I realized that this county has a long history of doing this same thing. One woman, in particular, Sue Stidham Logue, taught in the Edgefield County school system for years with no formal training and was allowed to do this due to her being kin to a prominent lawyer in Edgefield, who went on to be a United States senator. As most Edgefield county people know, Mrs. Stidham/Logue went on to be the mastermind and killer in the Meeting Street murders which resulted in the sheriff and a deputy being killed. She also has the distinction of being the first woman ever executed in Edgefield County. Leave the good ole' boy hiring at home and hire people on qualfications they possess. A wise man once said, those of us who do not learn from our mistakes in the past, are destined to repeat them again. Wise up people! These are the county's children and future leaders! Do what's right by them. Remember, your own children are watching you! web posted April 26, 2007 Congrats to the Fox Creek sports program! Region champs in softball, baseball, volleyball, and soccer! And golf is doing very well also!! Way to go FCHS! web posted April 26, 2007 The ACLU and you have a similar respect for the individual's rights. Good on both of you. Can you think of another entity that is as consistantly on the side of the individual than the ACLU? Your editorial reminded me of their bold and necessary stance against the government's attempts to take away our individual rights. Love your sight. Thanks web posted April 26, 2007 The story about the “special ed” student making violent comments just confirms my earlier e-mail about school officials and administration covering up stuff at JET Middle. This is absurd that this child can stay in school “because he hasn’t done anything” (YET!) They said Cho was only a danger to himself. Well we know how that ended. (Deleted) This makes me belligerent! Don’t THEY know that history show serial killers start by abusing animals? This child is telling you something, you better listen before he harms someone innocent. If it comes to that, when the school knew he is unstable, the school and all those that make these anal decisions will be held accountable. I cannot express how angry and upset I am about this due to it wont get posted if I said what I want to. web posted April 26, 2007 Why are the T.V. stations in the area not talking about all this mess the ecsb has created. Maybe a little T.V. heat would spead the word. I dont know all the details but the litte bit i have heard there has to be some kind of law or regulations they are breaking. web posted April 26, 2007 To the person that posted his or her comment on April 20th on the bomb threats at Merriwether School stating that who ever wrote in about the schools being checked by the Sheriff's Department must be an idiot. This is my response to you (1) you must not have any children (2) you think that it is okay for the children to be affraid to go to school and their families to be overly concerned about the well being of their children (that is why 300 students did not attend school the next day because no one was concerned) and number (3) the Sheriff's Department have had officers and police dogs checking the school just about everyday. Now who is the IDIOT? web posted April 26, 2007 It is my knowledge and belief that the individual making negative statements about the Edgefield County Sheriff's Department is indeed a disgruntle ex-employee that has issues. I have lived in Edgefield County all my life and I consider it to be one of the most peaceful towns in America. Look at the news. See what is happening in other areas, then you can appreciate the Sheriff and the deputy who have cracked down on crime while putting their lives on the line. I say to this individual, "If you don't like Edgefield Count, please then leave." web posted April 25, 2007 There is not but one thing to say about our school system - it is going to (heck) in a wastebasket FAST!! People better wake up and start remembering the kids of this district. web posted April 25, 2007 As a parent I knew this long before today but the children at JES are so very fortunate to have Bridget Clark as their principal. She proves day in and day out that she loves and cares for them and that they are the most important thing. Today was no exception. She was down on her hands and knees searching through the lunch garbage that had been thrown out. Why was she doing this?... A child lost a retainer. Wow! She didn't expect someone else to do it. SHE looked for it along with four other staff members. With all of the other "things" that are happening in the school district, it is nice to know that there are ones that are committed to looking out for our children in all things! web posted April 25, 2007 I have heard this week that STHS brought in some people from out of town to host and decide the 07/08 Cheerleaders, Is this how the Football team will be chosen for next season also ?? These people do NOT know these girls , haven't a clue of their academic skills , attendance , or prior sports records, and they got to judge and choose our next cheerleaders , Who will be next ? Hope the new Cheerleaders make it through the whole season (Grades) I know some that were prior cheerleaders did not make the team but more than qualify on any grades , skills or abilities , Who's in charge that knows to check overall qualifications ? Sure hope the Football , Soccer , Basketball, Baseball , Golf Teams are not chosen in the same manner !! How many positions got cut ? Can they not afford to have more than what they chose ? Or is all the shool money getting spent on RAISES in the office next door ??????? web posted April 25, 2007 I have to comment on the post in support - I guess that's what it is - of Myrtis Brightharp. You better believe her "personally life" as the poster said it, is of interest to the parents of Edgefield County. When a woman is hired for a job that affects all of our kids and takes $25, 000 from our children and our schools, her work history (is) very relevant information. If the board was as concerned about it as the parents are, Ms Brightharp would be out of a job and our Title 1 program would be in a lot better place financially. The entire post was very confusing and very poorly written, but what I really want to know is what a "personally issue" is. As a non-supporter of Ms Brightharp and an even bigger opponent of her 25,000 raise that our idiot board gave her, I am sure I must have a "personally issue" with her. However, to be sure, I would like this poster to please write in and give me a definition of that phrase just so I can be sure. I also would like to suggest that this supporter of Ms Brightharp go back to school and take a grammar and spelling classes, especially since Ms Brightharp also appears to have a "personally life". Ms Brightharp would benefit from the support of a literate post much more than the one that was submitted! web posted April 25, 2007 I would like to thank the people of the CSRA for their support if the Edgefield County Hospital Relay for life Poker Run on Saturday April 21, 2007. A total of $1131 was raised for The American Cancer Society! This was outstanding for a first time event. I would also like to thank Kelvin Thomas, Sean Kelly, and Alison Diamond who helped organize the event. Sponsors included Edgefield County Hospital, Edgefield Medical Clinic, W. Hugh Morgan Family Practice, Linda Ely Graphic Design, Hardtail Custom Cycles, Pendarvis Chevrolet, Yonce Ford, Mims Package store, National Wild Turkey Federation, Augusta Triumph/Dicati, and Aiken Motorcycle Sales and Service. Fairway provided some food items, and the National Guard provided drinks. We had many volunteers who donated their time. Anyone who is interested in becoming a sponsor of next year's event please let me know and I will contact you when we begin planning. web posted April 25, 2007 You do know that STH Principle Greg Thompson is leaving. Chalk another one up to the racists on the school board. He is a good man and is just one more of the good guys our bigots running the school board have run off. What is it going to take for people to wake up!!!!!! In case nobody knows, Mr. Thompson is black but he doesnt' see race and that is why the kids and partent love him!!!!! web posted April 25, 2007 Does the School District have a hiring policy? If so when do they go by it? Do they have a pay scale, when do they go by it? Seems to me that it is a free wheeling organization, that, heaven forbid, will come down. web posted April 25, 2007 It scares me that an assistant principal can be in the process of obtaining his necessary credentials. Was he hired without the necessary licensure from the state of SC. He was a former teacher in Georgia. If the board approved the hiring of these individuals, then why? I smell something in the water here. Also, is it true that Dr. Roberson was a member of the deciding group that removed a recently hired district office employee when she was released from another county. If so, what has changed to make her more deserving of this job and a 40% raise. It just sounds fishy to me. No matter if the goings on or true or not, it certainly makes us raise our eyebrows and wonder what we are in store for this coming school term. A person should be hired for meeting the necessary qualifications, not because of the color of his or her skin. Edgefield County needs good leaders and strong administrators. We don’t need someone to fill a job just because of the color of his or her skin. Just because the Board is almost 100% black, does not mean that all of our leaders should be black. I am very concerned!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! web posted April 25, 2007 Can you please find out if some information I received today is correct. That two of our administrators do not have the qualifications needed - and even though the BOE knows of this, they can not remove them from their positions? I also heard that Mr. Robertson knew this and would not vote for them to be removed either. What in this world is going on w/our school system? Editor's note: I will check but without names it is difficult. Dr. Roberson does not have a vote on School Board matters. web posted April 25, 2007 Editor's post: Why is our Tax Assessor AWOL once again? Appeals are not getting held, deadlines are surpassed, and she is lollygagging around the beach? A request has already been submitted to the county for information. Has anybody informed John Pettigrew he is now in charge of all county department heads? Is anybody steering this ship? web posted April 24, 2007 Editor's note: We have another post moved to the top of the postings. I don't know who you thing you are by trelling everybody about who got arrested. that aint nobodys business. I am goning to sue you and then well see who is right. Editor's note: Public records are public records. You do not have to like them, but you have no protection from them. web posted April 24, 2007 Is it true that the assistant principal at our local high school does not have the necessary certification to be an assistant principal? Did this person "misrepresent" their qualifications when hired? If so, why is this being overlooked by our board? Editor's note: That has not been "officially" confirmed at this time. What has been confirmed is the person in question is "in the process" of obtaining the qualifications.  web posted April 24, 2007 In light of all that has gone on in recent weeks with the Edgefield County School Board, I thought this true account of frugality would help highlight the wide chasm of thinking between the board and its foot soldiers, the teachers. Several months ago a proposal was presented to the district teachers regarding merit bonuses based on individual gains in reading performance for students. We discussed all the pertinent issues regarding the proposal and kept coming back to the same question: Where was the money coming from? And if there was money for merit bonuses, wouldn't that money be better spent in the schools helping the students? After further discussion, we decided that each school could be rewarded for reading gains rather than the individual teachers. We felt that when the individual amounts were combined, the larger sum could do a greater good for our students. That was the recommendation given by our school. It's not that we don't appreciate the intent behind the proposal: an increase in teacher pay. It's that we'd rather use the money to help our students. Oh that our school board could learn the value of those few dollars as well! It is very demoralizing to give everything day in and day out, only to have our valuable dollars frittered away at the highest level. I just wanted our citizens to know that everyone in this school district is not self-serving and money hungry. Thanks for the outlet. Editor's note: That is what the Wandering Minds is all about. web posted April 24, 2007 I keep getting a page cannot be found when I go into wandering minds. Having problems? Editor's note: Readers using dial-up ISP's will begin to time out during download of the page due to the amount of the content when it reaches 350Kb for some reason. You can "reload" the page and it should load. Due to the growing amount of comments the page is being archived every two months. The next removal of content will take place on May 1. The page should load faster for dial-up users at that time. web posted April 24, 2007 This is in reference to a submission a few weeks back by a local peach farmer. When I first read his post I was appalled at the statement he made about not being able to hire an American for $8.00 an hour. I also had other issues with his post but figured it was no need to attempt to address him since he seemed to be so persistent about being right. UNTIL..... I read an article in the State newspaper this past weekend. (which I have included a link too) This is the biggest CRAP I've ever heard. When are these farmers and poultry plants going to realize what they are doing to SC's economy? I believe every living individual has an equal right to be in and work in the USA but not for the sole purpose to send money somewhere else!! I've heard the defense that they do buy food and clothes while they are here and that contributes to the economy. WRONG!! They (majority) are now having there needs delivered to them in Hispanic owned vans which. They don't even shop locally anymore. The only thing majority of them do is TAKE from us! Please read the article closely, especially the LAW that they must offer the job to Americans first. How many ads have you seen posted from our peach farmers this year? Did they offer us food? Did they offer us housing? What about tools?? Like I said, this blows the $8.00 right out the window. I remember the day that our teenagers spent long countless hours in packing sheds and on tractors simply because it was only in the summer and it did not effect school. That has not changed. They still look for part-time work and most don't stand a chance! Please notice above, I did say majority! If the whole family is here to work year round, invest, educate their children and make a contribution to society, WELCOME TO AMERICA! If not GO HOME! But how do you blame them when the bus is pulled up to front door?? http://www.thestate.com/101/story/42944.html Editor's note: If you are required to register to read the article please visit http://www.bugmenot.com to obtain a password for access. web posted April 24, 2007 I am writing because I am so disappointed in how the situation is going of hiring Dr. Myrtis Y. Brightharp. It saddens me to see that none of her experiences in education were mentioned but apparently everyone is worried about her personally life. Dr. Brightharp got the job because she has many the experience as well as the degrees to fill that position. No it is not that she is the sister-in-law of Sallie Cook because I personally know that Mrs. Cook only voted she had no doing with Dr. Brightharp getting her degrees. It makes one start to think that is there a personally issue that Edgefield County has against Dr. Myrtis Y. Brightharp? Editor's note: Several posts have been refused for posting covering Ms. Brightharp's work history. I guess it is the most widely known "secret" in Edgefield County next to Strom Thurmond's bi-racial daughter. web posted April 24, 2007 I just wanted to remind all Wandering Minds readers, they should try out some of the recipes in the Country Cooking section. I've fixed many of these and they were delicious! You can always go there and find a quick dish to add to a meal when you just don't know what to fix. There are some great summer time cookout and grilling dishes. Try some and you'll agree with me. Let the rest of us know when you find an especially good one! Editor's note: This post is by one of the most prolific contributors to the Country Cooking Section. Please join in and share your favorite recipe for others to enjoy. web posted April 24, 2007 As far as I am concerned, the county assessor is the most dangerous person in this county at this exact moment. She is a "useful idiot" in the county council's campaign to steal our money using the tax laws as shields. What a shame that Wayne Adams is still running the county from afar. What a shame John Pettigrew doesn't want to insert himself into his new position and play the part of "boss". How can they - Mr. Pettigrew and the county council - allow her to work in Newberry County for one minute when there are so many citizens that have not even had their original tax appeal reviewed by Ms. Bryant. Yet, the volunteer tax board has their full time jobs and still manages to hold hearings in the evenings. She should be holding meetings late into the evenings also, and on weekends if necessary in Edgefield County. After all, she is the department head and should be required to stay until the job is done. That is part of being in management. It might be better for citizens who work full time too. We had to take off work early in order to attend our meeting. Of course, she is not interested in doing anything to make scheduling easier for anyone else. If citizens are unhappy with the nonservice of the assessor, it might be time to start complaining loudly to the powerful people in the county government - Mr. Pettigrew and the "Gang of Five". web posted April 24, 2007 I seem to have a hard time understanding why every parent in Edgefield County Schools is provided a supply list for materials to be used in their child's classroom and then the BOE turns around and gives a new hire $25,000 raise. Something does not add up around here!! It is time we as citizens stand up to this kind of underhandiness!! Everyone knows what is going on here. web posted April 24, 2007 Editor's post: I catch some flack now and then for calling the Democrats supporters of defeat of the US in the war. Dems send me e-mail saying they support the troops, just not the war - whatever that is supposed to mean. Well, now the top ranking Dem, Sen. Harry Reid, has announced to the world that America has "lost the war". Odd, nobody told the President, the Military, or the rest of America. Who is he supporting by saying that? America? no. The troops? no. Ossama bin Laden? YES! Terrorists in general? Yes. Iran? Yes. If there was ever a question of where the Democrats' loyalties lay, there is no doubt now. Harry Reid should change his name to Baghdad Reid or Scary Fonda and play the part of Tokyo Rose. I blame the Republicans too, they are nothing but panty-waited wimps too scared to stand up and be counted. Where have all the Statesmen gone? Maybe we need to pull out of Washington DC. web posted April 23, 2007 I noticed a post questionlng the qualifications for the job for which Ms. Brightharp was hired. I would like to know if Diane Murrell is certified as a superintendent which was stated in the ad in the paper as a requirement for the position. Also is the new director of Special Services certified in administration which was stated in the paper as a requirement for the job? Is this school board asking questions, or just getting the "wool pulled over their eyes?' Editor's note: I have learned one person in a current "leadership" position does not possess the qualifications required, but is "in the process" of obtaining them (None of the recent hires). I will have to check into your questions. web posted April 23, 2007 Thanks for not letting folks hook-up to the video of this week's sick mind. ...also - - does anyone out there feel like it's time someone stood up to Sallie Cooks?? Is there someone we could appoint to do this? She thinks a lot of of herself right now...... Editor's note: I will never glorify a killer. On Ms. Cooks, I am not sure, but I think her seat comes up for election in '08. web posted April 23, 2007 As I was entering Hwy 25 from my street I also took note of all the Law Enforcement vehicles sitting in the median with their lights on. Now, I am no rocket scientist but it did take me about 5 seconds to realize two things: 1 Something bad had occured in the area and 2 they were obviously watching the traffic. I then locked both of my car doors. We all know what happens when someone assumes something without having the facts. Aggravates the heck out of me. Excellent job to all law enforcement. web posted April 23, 2007 You had some great pictures of the fire at the (North Augusta) Country Club but the Citizens News got the best one. The one they had was awsome! Editor's note: Thank you. If you will look at the photo credit you will see that I provided the photo. web posted April 23, 2007 It is way past time for the "little people" at the district offices of the school district to get good raises. These little people are the ones that are actually handling all the work for the "big paid people", but they are the ones that actually get all the glory. You can take that big raise that Ms. Brightharp received and divide it among the support staff people (ones doing all the work!!!!!!) Editor's note: Less than 38 cents of every dollar collected in school taxes make it to the classroom. "Administrative" costs keep rising (Does the name Brightharp come to mind?) and the money to the classroom shrinks each year. web posted April 23, 2007 I was looking at the school district website and there is a listing for an "anticipated" principal opening at the middle school level. Both middle school prinicpals are just completing their first year. Who is leaving and why? Editor's note: With so many top jobs about to come open at the district level I guess everyone is ready for musical chairs. To an earlier post about FCHS, they are reporting four teaching positions will come open. web posted April 23, 2007 In the S.C. Legislature the Senate is considering cutting grocery taxes from 3 cents to 2 cents. In the House they are trying to cut income taxes. The Governor is also advocating a cut in state income taxes. In Edgefield County our “Gang of Five” county councilmen raised taxes on property last year and are planning to spend more this year!! You can question them about their budget at the next Council Meeting (May 1) but they will probably tell you “You just don’t understand”. web posted April 23, 2007 In response to the buses being late it is not because of drivers staying in bed , it is because some of these drivers or running double routes because there is a huge shortage of drivers. Maybe the reason for this is nobody wants the job. From what I hear they put up with more behavior problems on these buses than in the classroom and they have to handle it on the bus, they cant just stop and put them off. web posted April 23, 2007 I am sure we could all could help MountVintageextra.com come up with a spelling or word variation that Bettis Rainsford and Talmadge Knight cannot lay claim too. I know it will come to a shock to them but them but they don't own everything. It is sad that they can not even get along with the people who bought homes in a development they made money from. They are getting public recognition but I doubt goodwill will ever be associated with the name Mount Vintage "greed" yes. Editor's note: If you have a suggestion I will send it to Mr. Sharp, but I will not post it. You never know "who" might try to register the name to squish any competition. web posted April 23, 2007 I never knew about (EdgefieldDaily.com) until a friend sent me a link to the pictures of the North Augusta CC fire. We live in Merriwether and read all the local papers and the N.A. Star. There are so few stories about our area for us to read, until now. You have faithful readers in our family. Editor's note: Thank you for your kind words. Please pass our location on to those in your address book so they too may enjoy being better informed on the happenings around Edgefield County and the outlying areas. web posted April 23, 2007 I’ll be first to admit that I had high hopes for Dr. Roberson. I thought he was above the back-door politics that permeate our Board...but this hiring debacle proves me wrong. Our district’s Title 1 is in deep trouble for 2 reasons. First, the salary increase is EXTREMELY absurd. We're taking $25K from our children, money that they can't afford to lose. Secondly, Dr. Roberson, along with the committee that he hand-picked, actually thinks that Myrtis Brightharp is the best choice. Yet, Dr. Roberson sat on the committee that was instrumental in getting Ms. Brightharp (out of) Aiken County. Since she was such a trouble-maker in Aiken County, someone please tell me why we need her here? Ms. Brightharp may be qualified. However, we're all aware that you can meet all qualifications and still have NO business holding certain positions. I'd like to know if anyone else interviewed for this position. I find it hard to believe she was the best choice. And another thing, Rev. Sallie Cooks should have recused herself from voting for the Title 1 position…should it matter how long ago Ms. Brightharp was widowed? Rev. Cooks…you can’t choose to be family when it suits you and then not family when it doesn’t…it makes you seem fickle and callous. Finally, the rumor you heard about Rev. Cooks wanting the HR position is one I heard as well. I wouldn’t be surprised if she tries to vote for herself when the time comes. Editor's note: I am following this carefully to see if it is, or comes true, what are the proper steps to be taken. Ethically Cooks should resign her BOE seat before applying. web posted April 23, 2007 As a parent that has had the benefit of having a child that has been in both Edgefield and Aiken County schools, I find all of this discussion about Edgefield county schools absolutley absurd. First of all, if it were at ALL possible, my child would have finished his eduaction at STHS. You have remarkable teachers and a Top guidance dept. who actually WANT to work with the students and assist them in applying for college, scholarships, fee waivers, whatever they need, they are ALWAYS available. thats no the case in Aiken County, unlesss you child is a member of the"popul;ar" kids, good luck ever meeting a counselor. I also had the opportunity to meet with Dr Roberson, while he was employed with Aiken County. He was the ONLY official that would respond to a citizens call, or email. HE truly cares about his students and employeesbut first and foremost he cares about quality education. You have a wonderful person in position to lead Edgefield County Schools.Just Give him the opportunity to do his job. web posted April 23, 2007 Editor's Post: I want to congratulate Edgefield County Sheriff''s Investigators Randy Doran and Jimmy Smith for solving a violent crime against an elderly couple in Trenton in one day. Working with small clues the two were able to make an arrest before ending their 20 hour day. web posted April 21, 2007 It seems like there may be a problem with school bus transportation in our county, specifically in Edgefield and Johnston. For the passed two years our child has been late to school NUMEROUS times because the bus driver was running late (which is unacceptable) or a driver wasn't available so another driver had to run an extra route. Is there a shortage of competent drivers and if so, why? Is it the wages or the hours? Also, why does it seem the driver's are not counseled for their tardiness if, in fact, they were late simply because they couldn't be responsible enough to get out of the bed on time. What example are they setting for our children? After all, it is EVERYONE's tax dollars paying for this much needed service....especially when both parents are employed and depend on this service. web posted April 21, 2007 The reason Mount Vintage is “going after” MountVintageExtra.com is that if Mount Vintage was to one time ignore such a trademark infringement their ability to prosecute any future cases would be very limited. MountVintage.com should approach Mount Vintage about settling on an “undisclosed price” for use of the name, or in other words a license, doing so would allow both sides to settle this is an amicable way. Mount Vintage has little choice in this matter but to prosecute or settle on a price, MountVintageExtra.com should have spoken with Mount Vintage prior to use of the name. There are MANY online resources about this subject; the following address is just one that I came up with in 30sec of searching. http://www.methvenlaw.com/Handout_for_Protecting_Trademarks_and_Domain_Names.html A web search for the words “Mount Vintage” returns many examples of the fact that Mount Vintage is actively using their trademark online and would be forced protect it. web posted April 21, 2007 Can someone tell me what was going on on the 4 lane highway of 25 before you get to murphy village? There were at least 15 cop cars parked 2 to a median with their lights flashing and just watching the traffic go by. Even animal control was there? So they get paid to all sit on the side of the road and do nothing. Why are they not out fighting crime? Editor's note: Fighting crime is what they were doing. An elderly couple was held at gun point and robbed in their own home and later the men were spotted on Hyw 25. They crashed the stolen car and ran. One has been arrested and the second will be in custody soon. web posted April 21, 2007 In response to the post about the bus on Long Cane, I can offer an explanation as to why you haven't had anyone complain about it. The bus in which you are referring to is a Saluda County bus. Also, in response to the Merriwether routes, the last bus from that area gets back to the central parking location around 5:30 but you have to keep in mind that they have to drive from the last stop back up to J.E.T. which accounts for at least 30 or more minutes of that time. There is a bus that does the way out country of Johnston that doesn't get back in until around that same time but nobody ever complains about how long those kids ride the bus. I think the complaints are an attempt to put a high school in that area. However, I have to agree with the editor. I think the ideal solution is to put Strom Thurmond in a central location so that ride time will be as evenly split as possible. web posted April 21, 2007 Stand tall Mount Vintage Extra and fight the evil powers. Remember, you can't fight city hall, but you can spit on the steps!! web posted April 21, 2007 I am writing in regards to the new hirings by the Edgefield County School Board. The fact that we will be paying one individual this much more money for a district position is INSANE. If Mrs. Brightharp is going to receive this much of a pay raise, then what kind of payraise is Dr. Roberson getting? I dare to even speculate. First of all, board members shouldn't be allowed to vote for family members. That sort of thing can only happen in Edgefield County with our school board. In addition, everyone knows that these positions were filled long before the interviews...just like the Superintendent's job was. Going through the motions of interviewing was a waste of time and money. Furthermore, why wasn't it on the Board Agenda that these positions were being announced? I find that suspicious as well. If Edgefield County has enough money to pay Mrs. Brightharp $25,000 MORE than the person who currently holds this position, then Edgefield County needs to be paying our teachers more!!!!!! We are losing good teachers to Aiken County and other districts who pay teachers more money. It doesn't make sense that these funds would be spent on one individual's salary. It is the teachers who spend day in and day out with our children. Pay them more! Heck, her pay raise is almost comparable to an ANNUAL SALARY for a teacher! I am getting sick of the way this School Board operates. I don't blame people for leaving. Just watch and see how many people leave the district this year. The numbers will amaze you. It's time that we, the citizens of Edgefield County, do somethihng about those we put in charge of our schools. Otherwise, it will only get worse. web posted April 21, 2007 Anyone interested in an administrative position with the Edgefield County School District should start attending Mount Canaan Baptist Church. Neither education nor common sense is required. It worked for Martin and Brightharp, it'll probably work for you. web posted April 21, 2007 Thank you for responding to my post about the fact that STHS performs very poorly when compared to other schools nationwide measured by the SAT/ACT yardstick. Both the editor and other posters make my point quite eloquently. Rather than post potential solutions or concern they immediately get defensive and make excuses for poor performance. The editor even blames FC for the problem. The data I cited did not include FC, I believe. However, I do believe you could go to any recent year and find exactly the same result. Once again, I urge citizens and parents of Edgefield to open their eyes and take a cold hard look at the fact that our schools are not providing the education for which we are paying dearly. Only then will solutions be voiced and resolve taken to improve the problem. Editor's note: I did not get defensive, I stated a fact. If the students at Fox Creek drag the whole county down in scores, put the students where the obviously qualified teachers are that get the best results. That would raise test scores. That is a solution. web posted April 21, 2007 Editor's post: I want to thank posters tonight. A record percentage (64%) of those sent in actually made it to the Wandering Minds. Once again I will advise readers: If you send in a post where you imply you know the identity of another reader/poster or make a comment that could lead to someone's implied identity - it will not be posted. web posted April 20, 2007 Editor's Note: As always, a post like this always make the top of the page! I have been reading your comments about Fox Creek High School. Although I do not have any children I feel as a resident of Edgefield County I need to, at least, respond to some of the comments you have made. I think it is very unfair the way you constantly bash the school and the principal. Everything you write about the school is negative negative negative. Don't you have anything postive to say or are you trying to convince all your readers to feel the same way that you do? So why don't you tell us Mr. Editor.......what's your real beef with the school?? What did you want the princpal's job???? You need to find something else to do with your time! Editor's note: If Fox Creek wanted to send (and they have been asked) news releases they will be published just as they are for the Edgefield County School District System. They refuse. I do not go looking for negative things to report on the school, that is the one thing they do provide. As a taxpayer I have every right to chide the incompetent and their misuse of my tax dollars. To wanting the job as principal at the school, no thanks. Why take a pay cut? Thank you for reading EdgefieldDaily.com web posted April 20, 2007 I feel sorrow for the families that lost their children at the school..And I hope everyone will pray for them.As for as lowing the Flag to half staff.I don't agree with this.We have men and women that are killed in Iraq everyday But no flag is ever lowered for the troops over there.Please think about the people that are protecting everybody in the USA Editor's note: All the familes are in our prayers. Six posts tonight were rejected for linking to the video of the killer released by NBC. I will not allow the killer to be glorified on this web site and I have removed any link on the web site that directed readers to the NBC web site. You also make a very good point on the flag issue. web posted April 20, 2007 Youre the Mat Drudge of Edgefield County. I discovered (EdgefieldDaily.com) about three months ago and love it!! My homepage used to be the Drudge Report but now its (EdgefieldDaily.com). I also found a lot of local websites I didnt know about like the local papers. I never knew they were online. Kinda limited but still nice to know. I'm on the road a lot and when I was told about (EdgefieldDaily.com) and started reading it was like a breath of fresh air. I subscribe to other news sites that charge and I would gladly pay to read your site. I dont know how you do it for free, but thank you!!! Editor's note: Thank you for your very kind comments. Please pass our location on to others. EdgefieldDaily.com will never require readers to register or pay to read the web site or register to post in the Wandering Minds. Our advertisers make it possible and I would ask that each reader take time to visit their web sites to help support EdgefieldDaily.com. web posted April 20, 2007 Myrtis Brightharp's appointment as the Director of Title I is disturbing on so many levels. This woman has hopped from one school district to another over the last few years and has not exactly left under honorable conditions. (deleted) As to the 40% raise she has been given, I was told, from a very credible source, that the money for her raise is coming from Johnston Elementary and Douglas Elementary. As a parent of children at Johnston Elementary, I cant help but wonder how their education is going to be impacted from the loss of the Title I money that will help support her $25,000 raise. And how, exactly, was this large of an increase even justified when she didn't posses the qualifications for the job? I know, the obvious answer is that the school board, with the exception of a few that actually have a conscience, is made up of a bunch of idiots who wanted a yes woman to carry out their own agenda. This board has gone off the deep end and heaven help us if Sallie Cooks gets the Director of Personnel job! That's another whole wandering minds submission in and of itself! Editor's note: "On paper" Ms. Brightharp had more than the required qualifications for the position as advertised. web posted April 20, 2007 I agree 100% that every person should be able to carry a handgun. Japan doesn't allow handgun ownership so what just happened? the Mayor of Nagasaki was killed by a mob boss with an illegal handgun. You outlaw gun ownership and all you accomplish is the law abiding citizen will be left without a way to protect themselves and their property. The only gun control I'm for is having a steady hand and accurate shot. Editor's note: An armed society is a polite society. When handguns were banned in Washington DC the murder rate by handguns rose to the highest in the nation. The states with the lowest rates have concealed carry laws. Kennesaw Ga., which has a law requiring the head of each household to own and maintain a weapon, has not seen a murder in the 25 years following its passage. web posted April 20, 2007 We have a son at Fox Creek HS and another that will be leaving MMS at the end of this year. We planned on sending both to FC next year but we have changed our minds. I want to thank you for covering some of the problems at the school people need to know what is going on before sending a child there and become involved to find out like we did. Next year both of our sons will go to Thurmond. I'm not sure if you know but at least 4 teachers are leaving this year and I think we are still paying (one) who is on leave and paying another teacher to teach his class. One of the reasons we decided to send (the son) to FC was the promise of the new school building. What happened to that? When we ask about it we are told they are working on the loan or get brushed off. Since when does it take 2 yrs to close on a loan? I notice (EdgefieldDaily.com) and the papers seem to have missed the boat on that one. Sorry, but I just had to vent. Thanks for all you do. Editor's note: Thank you for reading... and venting. Welcome to the Wandering Minds. web posted April 20, 2007 I want to respond to the person that said the Sheriff or the schools needs to check the schools everyday for bombs and other crazy stuff. You are an idiot. Mr. Editor, can you send them a Here's your card? web posted April 20, 2007 In response to all those who say it is an hour drive from Merriweather to Strom Thurmond. That may be true if on a school bus. I don’t know bus schedules, but there has been days after I get off work at 4:30 and I come along a school bus letting children off at their stops. This is on Long Cane Rd in Johnston!!! (3 miles from town) Now that has to be an hour ½ to two hours ride. No one hollers about those kids, just Merriweather privileged. Sorry to offend, but it is what it is. I went to school at STHS (1985) and then Meriwether kids had no problem with the ride. Most of them had their own cars anyway. I would hate to think the good friends I made in high school from that end of the county would not have been if their parents were like the ones are today. It sounds to me like the kids that like going to FC like not having a structured, disciplined atmosphere. Other words get to run wild. web posted April 20, 2007 I am sick and tired of the motorcycle gangs that race up and down our road every weekend. We live on Garrett Rd and every weekend they come flying down our road. One of them has already been killed doing this but nothing ever seems to get done about stopping it. You should come out and report on this. Editor's note: The Sheriff's Office has a very limited number of deputies on patrol and as a result it hinders the Sheriff's ability to provide traffic patrol. What the county needs to provide is a deputy to be on patrol in each county council district 24/7. You are not alone, residents on Woodlawn Road suffer the same problems. web posted April 20, 2007 About the Assessor's office - only those in the Assessor's Office not attached to the former administrators by an umbilical cord will be paid $25.00 per hour by Newberry. The Assessor Herself will earn $30.00 per hour for her undying devotion. Those in the Assessor's office not invited to Newberry will be left behind to try to clean-up the current mess in Edgefield County, on the weekends, for a fraction of the Newberry offer. Just like in Cinderella, the nasty old ugly stepmother makes a mess and expects others to clean it up! Editor's note: The additional work is being done on the weekends, not during the normal business hours. web posted April 20, 2007 I read the article you had about the free computer upgrade the county is getting. Councilman Kitchens really shows his intelligence! The county unemployment rate is already sky high and he wants to get rid of jobs and make it even higher. He is a council person that really cares about this county isn't he? Can't wait to clean house in the next election. Maybe this new computer system will allow us to delete council. Did you ask that Mr. Kitchens? web posted April 20, 2007 I think it's so backwards that we pay office people such as Title I Directors $85,000 a year salaries when most classroom teachers make between $30,000 and $50,000. I mean, who are really the most dedicated professionals-those who stay in the classroom with the children and teen-agers or those who leave the classroom to take office jobs? I'd rather put the money on the people who are spending the most time with my children. They're the ones who deserve it. web posted April 20, 2007 Anyone interested in leaving thoughts, prayers, condolences for the Virginia Tech victims, you can go to the VT web site at www.vt.edu . Scroll about a third of the way down the page,on the left side an article has April 16 memorial site highlighted to click and go from the VT site. The direct link is http://rosa.hosting.vt.edu/index.php/memorial/ It may or may not work by clicking on the link, sometimes you get an error message. Please remember that traffic on the site during the day is busy and it may take several minutes to load, be patient. I called my step son in VA to let him know how much I love him. Times like these remind you to make sure your family knows how much you care for them. I always tell him when we speak but something inside just made me call to hear his voice. No one knows where their time is up, take a minute to stop and appreciate the people you have in your life that you care about. Also as a twin, I can't imagine the pain Ryan's brother is going through, its would be like losing part of you. God Bless. I'm holding him up with a special prayer for peace. web posted April 20, 2007 I hope others will join me in thanking Andy Livingston for being fiscally responsible. There is no way to justify the hiring of Myrtis Brightharp at this salary when we have other applicants just as well qualified to do the job. I have heard teachers say that toward the end of the school year they have to "ration" copier paper, etc. because the money has run out. Twenty five thousand dollars would buy a lot of paper. Wake up people....remember these things at the next school board election. If you aren't getting concerned now, I don't know what it will take. web posted April 20, 2007 I recommend the following link for your website regarding how we're raising our kids in school to be passive/submissive which may have accounted for so many casualties at Virginia Tech. It all begins with teaching our kids to defend themselves. web posted April 20, 2007 To the person who wants to take Christ out of America, THAT IS WHAT IS WRONG WITH AMERICA!!!!! CHRIST IS THE WAY, THE TRUTH, AND THE LIGHT. I am so sick and tired of liberal Americans trying to take away my rights as a Christian. I have to listen to you and be tolerant, WELL LISTEN TO THIS: I AM A CHRISTIAN, I BELIEVE HE IS MY SAVIOR. HE DIED FOR MY MANY SINS. DEAL WITH IT. web posted April 20, 2007 Does the town of Edgefield have an ordinance about someone letting their yard go in the city limits? Editor's note: I believe they do. web posted April 20, 2007 I am concerned about the tax accessor getting paid $25 an hour for doing work for Newberry County. She is not also getting paid for doing Edgefield County work while she is doing this, is she? I certainly hope not. I do think our tax records needs to be straight before she takes on a job of helping another county. web posted April 20, 2007 What I think is more alarming is the work history for Ms. Brightharp. I have always heard she never had a "successful" role as a principal. I also heard she has been (deleted) from Aiken and Newberry schools. web posted April 20, 2007 Are June Marie Corley, 30; Possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute, placing a child at risk of harm, ECSO William Carl Turner, 43; Possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, placing a child at risk of harm, ECSO these individuals out on bond? Editor's note: Yes. Ms. Corley was released the next day (3/27) after her arrest and Mr. Turner was released the same day of his arrest (3/26). web posted April 20, 2007 This is to the person who wrote in about how low the SAT and ACT scores were in Edgefield County: You have to consider the following: With Fox Creek being counted in, it's bound to slip. On another note, the teachers at STHS do a marvelous job. Being a recent graduate of STHS, I did not take either tests, but I will say, the teachers teach the students what they need to know. They do a WONDERFUL job. It's up to the students to want to learn. There are a lot of students at STHS who score fairly good on the SAT/ACT tests. There are a few who do exceptionally well. Then, there is the bunch of students who want to take the test but consider it just "another test" and don't prepare. Which leads to the parents. The parents need to inform their children from an earlier age of how important and education is. Let them know they should take it very serious. Again, I say, STHS is an outstanding school and I'm proud to say that I earned my high school dimploma from there. web posted April 20, 2007 You said in the article concerning the new computers "The Edgefield County Court system will officially be a Pilot Project for the new Statewide Court Case Management System by the SC Judicial Department. Under the program the Judicial Department will provide the desktops, laptops, printers, software, training, hosting, and customer support. .." The implementation of the computer upgrades for all counties in the state is to be in place by the year 2010 " Does this mean that the State will finally have the central collection for child support payments? They are only over ten years behind in implementing the federally mandated program and have paid hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines. Please tell me thats part of the program. Editor's note: The Family Court system is included. web posted April 20, 2007 Dear Sir; I just read the editorial of September 13, 2005 about those who do not know history and do not know where they are. The war against the individual is also the war being waged by the Second Vatican Council which adopted the personalism of Jacquqes Maritain. Personalism was developed by Emmanuel Mounier who seems to have been an influence on the personalism of John Paul II. Maritain's book Man and the State is a fairly complete outline of the social philosophy in play with people like Ted Kennedy and Bill Clinton (studied at Georgetown University). An excellent editorial! Thank you for writing it. Editor's note: Thank you for your kind comments. web posted April 19, 2007 You mentioned earlier about the County Council meeting concerning Sheriff Dobey's requested budget on May 8th. I would like to attend that meeting and support the Sheriff but, honestly, I have never been to one of the Council meetings and wouldn't know what to do if I went. Is there anyway you or anyone else could educate myself and other citizens who may be like me in the ways of a Council meeting??? Or atleast advise of someone or somplace that can. I would feel alot more comfortable and apt to speak my piece if I new what the heck was going on! Editor's note: To speak at the meeting you should arrive at least 15 mins prior to the 6 pm start time and sign in at the podium positioned in the center isle. To the credit of Chairman Monroe Kneece he will generally allow citizens to interject comments if it is pertinent to the debate on the floor. If you support Sheriff Dobey in obtaining additional deputies you and other supporters need to attend the Public Hearing and make your voices known. To best present your point of view, try to have examples to support your position when addressing the county council. web posted April 19, 2007 I believe that if the media must find an explanation to why these violent acts are taking place they should spend a little less time on America's right to carry guns and maybe a little more time on taking Christ out of America!!! web posted April 19, 2007 A recent poster extolled the virtues of STHS and urged parents to "open their eyes and ears" to the inadequacies of Fox Creek compared to STHS. I do not have children in school any longer. Mine all graduated from schools in Virginia and Pennsylvania and went on to college. But if I did I would be spending my time trying to improve the academics at whatever Edgefield school my children attended rather than trying to justify a poor situation.. The poster commented about the excellent academics at STHS, however if they were to open their eyes and look at facts they would see the following (based on SAT & ACT scores posted by the SC department of education). Edgefiled county is 30th out of 88 SC school districts reporting 2005 ACTs and 35th in SATs for the latest year posted (2004) or barely in the top third of SC schools. That's not great, but not too bad when compared to other SC schools. However, nationally, SC is in the bottom 10%, ranking 47th out of 50! The truth is that STHS, on average, is barely in the top third of some of the worst schools in the country when measured by SATs or ACTs. Where's the outrage for this deplorable situation?. If we really are concerned about giving our children a " strong educational background" that is competitive nationally, something other than bashing Fox Creek is needed. First step is facing the reality of how poorly our children at STHS are doing compared to their peers in almost every state in the union: and then holding our school board, school administrators, teachers, and, most importantly, ourselves, accountable. Testing performance is not the only measurement of a good education, but testing this badly certainly should cause grave concern for the education our children are recieving.. Editor's note: Last year Fox Creek brought the entire School District down in results of the SAT scores. Pretty bad when you consider the few students enrolled at the charter school. web posted April 19, 2007 Hi. I have been hearing all kinds of rumors all morning about who got what job at the board meeting last night but couldn't find any info on Edgefield Daily. Will you be posting any of that today? Editor's note: The results may be found here. web posted April 19, 2007 I had a conversation with my sister this morning about gun control. She and I disagree all time about it. Her view is no law abiding citizen should own a gun. She keeps a ball bat by her bed. I may be a little slow sometimes but I do know that bullet beats ball bat every time. I would assume that if someone is breaking in my home they are armed with more than a stick. You can bet they will get more than a knot on the head from me. I'll call the coroner first cause that will be their next stop. If you want to change something change the law process. Manson should have been put to death along with all his "followers".Maybe if one of the victims in that house had a gun it might have saved a lot of my tax money to feed and clothe that piece of trash for the rest of his life. web posted April 19, 2007 Is there any proposed date when the "corrected" tax assessment records of 2006 will be on line? I'm sure the citizens of the county are awaiting the results of all the appeals to see how Ms. Bryant pored over all our requests. Since everything is now behind the "gate" in the office, she is now keeping the public from reviewing the records. Keep up the good work, Keisha! Editor's note: Tax Assessor Keisha Bryant is too busy getting paid extra money to do work for Newberry County (remember where Wayne Adams is now) at $25 an hour even though Edgefield County cannot resolve its own backlog of tax appeals under her administration. Okay, call me stupid but does anyone else see a problem here? web posted April 19, 2007 When something happens as it did in Virgina, we look for someone to blame. I just heard one reporter ask why the police did not do something about the man when they were told that he was acting strange. What could have been done? Until someone commits a crime there is little that can be done.Did his family try to get him help? Sometimes families turn a blind eye to what is happening. It's not the fault of Virgina gun laws.They did the proper checks. If he had not bought it at a gun shop ,he could have just bought it on the street. No waiting period there either. Editor's note: This cannot happen with an armed populace. That is a fact. web posted April 19, 2007 To the person questioning the law stating that a child can go to any school. It is the No Children Left Behind Act. In order to place your child in another school, you must go before the "new" schools board, interview and tell them why your child needs to attend that school. I tried with my children and they wanted to charge me $3000.00 per child to attend a school in a different county. If you do decide to change your childs school, be sure to ask if there will be a charge for it. web posted April 19, 2007 I would like to know where I can find the results of last night's school board meeting? I was unable to find anything on your site so far. Thanks for keeping us all updated. Editor's note: EdgefieldDaily.com covered the Special Called meeting of the County Council on the same night. A report of the meeting has been published today. web posted April 19, 2007 Editor's Post: No post will be allowed that tries or implies that one poster knows, or thinks they know, who another poster is. web posted April 18, 2007 I would like to take this opportunity to express my outrage at our national media, specifically the three major networks for their coverage of the Va. Tech. Shooting. I see that they are blaming everyone from the President to the NRA, and are now calling the shooter a " troubled young man ", before its over he will be referred to as a victim. And people wonder what’s wrong with our country. web posted April 18, 2007 Is there any way you can tell me where to find more information on the new law I think that just passed concerning SC Public Schools, where students can attend any school in the state regardless of where they live? I think I saw it in the State last week, but I am not sure and would really be interested in knowing if this is true. Editor's note: The House passed their version of the Bill (H 3677) in March. The Senate version is S 471 and was introduced 2/21/07. You can follow all legislation at the SC Legislature web site. web posted April 18, 2007 The town of Johnston does have an ordinance about keeping your yard clean, they just don't do anything unless a citizen makes a complaint. web posted April 18, 2007 To the person who commented on my post about the peach being removed from the doors of the Johnston patrol cars. web posted April 18, 2007 When are the Clerk of Court records going on line? Editor's note: With the just announced upgrades by the SC Judicial Department all court records should be available by the end of the summer. web posted April 18, 2007 Did the preacher who got arrested for alleging sexual assaulting the renter get in trouble for the same thing some time ago? If so, what was the disposition of that case? Editor's note: I do not know of a case but will check. web posted April 18, 2007 In response to the time it takes to get to STHS, my son alternates between driving himself and riding the bus to school. When he drives, he leaves 15 minutes after the bus would pick him up and he arrives home at the same time as when the bus would drop him off, approximately a 25 minute ride from the school. Same amount of time, whether he is riding the bus or driving his car. And I must say, STHS is a wonderful school with excellent teachers and staff!! web posted April 18, 2007 Is it true that one of the assistant principals is not qualified for the job? It is my understanding that the state of South Carolina requires any and all principals or assistant principals to have a masters in educational administration. It is also my understanding that this person posesses a degree in Chemistry, or something like that, and has no such administrative degree. Could we, as parents, not sue the school district for breaking the laws and putting an unqualified person in such an important position in our high school? At the very least we should be able to report him to a higher authority at the state level. Do you know who I should get in contact with to report this? I realize that the school board in no way shape or form gives a flying pig about rules and regulations but someone needs to start holding them accountable. You are doing all you can do, and if this information is correct, I would like to also join the fight and help right the wrongs of this current school board! Thanks! web posted April 18, 2007 On behalf of my family, I would like to extend my deepest appreciation to all of the agencies and individuals that assisted in the search for my daughter on Saturday, April 14th. While nothing can make the dread of hearing that your child is missing go away, knowing that dedicated law enforcement, rescue personnel, and neighbors are at the ready to conduct a search is comforting. It is because of these fine people and the others like them that my family and I love living in Edgefield. Thank you all again! Editor's note: The writer did submit his name but due to not being able to confirm the sender the name was removed. It did match those on police reports. web posted April 17, 2007 I cannot understand why there has been very little concern about the Bomb threats at Merriwether Elementary and Merriwether Middle Schools. All I have heard about is how someone was inconvenienced. Again today Monday April 16th they had another BOMB threat at Merriwether Elementary School and again the children were evacuated from their classrooms. I have grandchildren in both schools and I am outraged that more parents have not written in about their children and how they feel about the situation. My grandchild came home today from school and is affraid to go back. Next time there might not be a warning has anyone ever thought about that, maybe they have had their warnings and the next time God forbid it might be real and no one will be warned. I feel that the schools should be checked everyday before school starts and they also should be checked during the day. No one should be able to enter the school without being checked and this includes the entire staff. I think the safety of our children should come first and everything thing else that is going on in Edgefield County should be secondary. Who care about a Peach that was on someones car. Who cares about some lady that was inconvenienced she wasn't concerned about the other children at the school only that she was inconvenienced. She needs to understand that I really don't care about that, I care about the safety of all the children and that they find the person who is doing this. Edgefield County needs to find this person before something really does happen. Read the news people and wake up. Put more pressure on the Edgefield County Police Department to find this person. They say they are working as hard as they can to find this person but I say work harder. One threat might be a prank but two Bomb threats in less than a week makes me think maybe this isn't a prank. Editor's note: I understand your frustration. However, you have to consider between Richmond County and Columbia County they work over 100 such cases a year. All false alarms just as the two most recent events in our county. I will also say the Edgefield County Sheriff's Office and Sheriff Adell Dobey take this situation very seriously and it is a top priority in investigations. The Edgefield County School District equally shares the concern of the Sheriff's Office. I believe there will be an arrest in the case when the investigation is complete. There is no need to panic or to make unrealistic demands on an understaffed and underfunded Sheriff's Office. If you want the protections you desire, support the requested budget by the Sheriff by attending the Edgefield County Council meeting on May 8 and say so. web posted April 17, 2007 I went to pick up my son at MES today after the bomb scare and I could not hear the school people calling out the names of the students they were releasing because of all the (Murphy Village residents) rasing (heck) and trying to get in the school. It was a good thing there were police there because I would have punched a few in the face for being (rectal orifices). What a (deleted) joke. I hope when they catch the (son of a female dog) you will plaster their face on (EdgefieldDaily.com) for everyone to see. Editor's note: If the person or persons responsible for the recent threats are arrested they will be posted unless they are under the age of 17. web posted April 17, 2007 It is a shame that someone would ruin the educational process of so many children out of anger. There is a blanket of fear tonight around the community that someone might actually harm our children at MES (content deleted). LEAVE THE CHILDREN OUT OF IT! They are innocent little beings who mean so much to their families. Let us all pray that this will pass and life at MES can get back to normal. God answers prayers. Please pray for peace and safety for all. web posted April 17, 2007 Thank you for saying what I have always wanted to say. Editor's note: Thank you for reading. What stops you from saying what you want to say? web posted April 17, 2007 Thoughts and prayers to everyone at Virginia Tech. To bad the true tragedy of the story will probably be overlooked in just a few days with the persons against the handgun lobby. Just stay tuned for it to be politicized. God bless all the victims and their families. Editor's note: The best way to prevent these type things happening is to allow every citizen to carry a gun. web posted April 17, 2007 So I heard MES had another threat written this time. Did Fox Creek evacuate as well? Editor's note: District Officials said FCHS was not told of the most recent threat. web posted April 17, 2007 The Imus firing thing is upsetting to me for many reasons. One is, I agree with the Editor, the loss of his right to free speech and two is the double standard that we have in this society. You can not hold one person accountable for using speech you don't deem appreciate and then watch movies or listen to music that uses the same and let that slide. The very stations that fired him are probably guilty of that. He should sue them. The race card will continue to be used and race issues will always be as long as you have people like Al Sharpton and Jessie Jackson using it to keep themselves important. Their time would be better spent as "Reverends"by incrementing programs that teach the young to be responsible for their own actions rather than looking for excuses for their behavior using the race card.. web posted April 17, 2007 I love reading “Wandering Minds” every morning; however, it continues to amaze me how many parents continue to recognize Fox Creek as a real school, let alone send their children there. As parents, it is our responsibility to provide the best opportunities we can for our children to help them become responsible adults. Before throwing kids into the chaos at Fox Creek parents need to compare the schools for what is offered – not just the number of miles between Merriwether and Edgefield. Look at the academics, the guidance department, the career center, sports, etc. Also, go out and talk to colleges/universities in Georgia, S. Carolina and N. Carolina – in almost all cases, these Universities acknowledge Strom Thurmond High in a very favorable manner and look forward to yet another student with a strong educational background. Next, mention Fox Creek – “Who or what is that? “ What is the percentage of graduates at Fox Creek that have received any kind of scholarship compared to the percentage at Thurmond? Compare the scores on the ACT and SAT tests. How many athletic scholarships have been awarded to Fox Creek? How many FFA or ROTC programs/ scholarships does Fox Creek have? How about band and music? Parents, open your eyes and ears. Eighteen miles may seem like a long drive but look at the whole picture and try to think of your childs future and well-being. Taking the shortest path is not always the safest and smartest direction! web posted April 17, 2007 Your editorial on freedom of speech hit the nail on the head. I agree with you 100%. If Jessie and Al would look in a mirror, they could see two of the biggest racist in the world. I also agree that Jessie and Al do not care about black people, only lining their pockets with money. AND TO THINK THEY PUT REV. IN FRONT OF THEIR NAMES. web posted April 17, 2007 I don’t know anything about the new superintendent, but he deserves a chance. It has to get better. For a couple of years I have been hearing horror stories about JET (I guess ever since the assistant principle Ms. Holmes wrongfully got “promoted to Meriwether” rather than JET, but we had to “BALANCE”, whatever). I could not believe the stories until recently a TEACHER confirmed them, she/he them self was horrified about it. The teachers are told to keep quiet about goings on, EXCUSE ME?? That made me postal!!. My child is not even in kindergarten yet, but I intend on him going through the public school system because it is better than private, academically and socially (I went to both, in Edgefield County). But, if things don’t change at JET, he will be moved at that time. I know several parents that have sent their children all the way through public school until JET age and then feel they have to move them to that small private school due to and I am quoting “SAFETY”. Do whatever it takes to make it safe and non-threatening for both students and teachers, hire more security, cameras in gyms, locker rooms, etc. And if anyone can’t play by the rules, expel them, make parents accountable. Get the THUGS out of our middle school, and the administration that is covering it up! Maybe we can send them all to Fox Creek. web posted April 17, 2007 My last post on the hospital. First, I didnt say I wanted your name, I can read, I asked for your affiliation with the hospital. Secondly, istn' it true that in order to recieve federal funds ie Medicare reimbursement you must meet JACHO standards? When they review they actually review PAPERWORK. paperwork to JACHO standards a GOVERNMENT affilated organization,(we know how well the government runs health care, so going by standards they appove off isnt' something to thump your chest over) WHile they do lok at charts, they also are concerned with such things as if there are items on the floor,do you know the code for a fire alarm? Are you wearing an ID badge. Its not all patient care, just another form of red tape,however,you again,you spout off about qualified physicains,its really a misnomer, exactly what are their qualifications for ER work? You didnt argue that they weren't moolighting MD's from FP residencies or the like. Thirdly, you can take your loved one wherever you wish,but I know how I, and family members have been treated and we will stay away, for our own well-being. Don't take offense, I dont like the hospital you are affilated with either. web posted April 17, 2007 Do you know if there is an ordinance in the Town of Johnston to make someone clean up their yard? A year ago, a house across the street from us had over 100 pine trees cut down, and had the large trunks taken away. To this day, the yard is full of debris, and it is in large piles. The neighbor said he was taking it away, but that was 10 months ago!! Who can I talk to? It is a total eye sore and it only affects us as it is right in front of our house. Editor's note: You can contact Town Officials at 275-2488. web posted April 17, 2007 I just want to say that I completely agree with your Editor's Column this week concerning Imus and Jackson. I am a huge supporter of our constitutional right to free speech, but I understand why Imus was fired. The advertisers threatened to pull ads and such and therefore the broadcasting company had to cut ties with Imus to keep their money flow. It's all about money. If the broadcasting company had gotten calls about running more ads, they would have given Imus a raise. Business is business, and that is the broadcasting company's right, as well. Imus is an idiot who will say anything to get listeners... nothing more and nothing less. Jackson and Sharpton are absolutely causing race relations to be worse, not better, and are making millions off of it while those they claim to be helping get 15 minutes of fame and then are left in the same if not worse situation than they were before those two rolled into town. I wish they both would be seen for what they truly are... a couple of ambulance-chasers of sorts who never want the race relations in the country to get better, because then they would be out of jobs. So long as they are there to stir up trouble where trouble doesn't exist then they will make their money and have their fame. It's a shame MLK isn't here to set these people-users straight. web posted April 17, 2007 I must clarify my comment about believing it took an hour each way to travel from the Merriweather area to the county high school. I was assuming that students would travel by school bus not by driving personal automobiles. Would someone who knows how long it takes comment, rather than those who merely want to poke fun at a serious question? Also, the editor stated that a referendum on a high school for Merriweather could not be obtained at this time. Please explain why. Also please provide an opinion on when a referendum should be attempted, for example significant population growth. I have asked a serious question, in my opinion, and so far have not read a serious or complete response. Editor’s note: I cannot answer for other posters but will expand upon my comments. I will also say you ask a very good question. Edgefield County would not support a referendum on a new school for several reasons, the antics of Fox Creek among them. The cost of a new central school would be in the tens of millions of dollars. A second high school would run into at least ten million dollars. This would add to the taxes paid by property owners. With the latest fiasco of reassessments, no one would vote to raise their taxes an additional 20% or more. Fox Creek cannot become a part of the school district because they are in debt and the school district cannot assume a debt without a referendum. So that is out. I would suggest the school district place the Strom Thurmond facility up for sale to a college like Piedmont Tech or other such entities. Take the money from the sale; pay off the debt of the district, then pass a referendum to build a central Strom Thurmond High School just south of Trenton. This could actually lower the tax burden and satisfy the county’s needs. Cutting the over-inflated level and pay of the administration in the school district and schools would also lessen the burden on taxpayers. Over sixty cents of every dollar collected in school taxes never make it to the classroom. The business of the people should be run as a business, not as a government hole to pour money into to make some people feel important. America spends more money per student than any country in the world on education but lags behind most in performance, skills, and results. That statement is not an opinion, it is a fact. web posted April 16, 2007 Re: "If anyone living in Edgefield County believes it takes an hour to drive anywhere else in Edgefield County, you seriously need your driving skills re-evaluated or you need a GPS system, because you are definitely lost. I grew up in the Edgefield town limits and graduated from STHS. A lot of people I went to school with lived and continue to live on the north side of the county close to the Greenwood as well as the Merriweather. They also drive as far, or further, with some driving twenty miles or more to get to the school. I guess our only alternative for these citizens of the county is to build them a new high school also. I'm sure the county can support at least two more high schools." web posted April 14, 2007 I do believe that most people that have written in about this were talking about bus rides. Yes, they take an hour or more sometimes. Think about the last student being dropped off. That's why the last dropped off is the last picked up in the morning so that it's the opposite and they don't have to ride for an hour both ways. My oldest daughter hated that bus ride her freshman year. That is only one of the reasons why she goes to FC now though. There are many other reasons that factor in. I don't condone the lying and the other things that go on there and I do wish my children did not want to attend FC anymore, but they do so I allow them to. Editor's note: Not to be disrespectful of your opinion, but my wife and I make the decisions when it comes to our children's education, not our children, and that decision is certainly not being based on what they "want". Our children also wanted to eat ice cream and cookies for breakfast but we chose bacon and eggs instead because that is what they needed. The world is not run by children for that very reason, they are not intelligent or wise enough to understand the situation. Life reality, for them, does not extend beyond the next weekend. If you trust them with such an important decision as to their education, do you also allow them to file your taxes and make investment decisions for your family as well? In the end, they are one in the same. web posted April 16, 2007 I am so sorry to hear of the resignation of Dr. Angela Cooper. She has done a great job and it will be very, very hard to "fill her shoes." I do hope our Board and others in leadership positions will wake up before we lose more employees to surrounding districts. As you have stated, it is coming. We have some very capable people to fill various positions right here. Thanks for being here so I can express my thoughts. Editor's note: That is the reason for EdgefieldDaily.com being here. Thank you for reading and adding your opinion. I will add that I have not received any confirmation of the resignation of Dr. Cooper. web posted April 16, 2007 To the person worried about the Peach being on the Johnston Police cars , you need to go back to your own comment and read your last sentence. web posted April 16, 2007 To the person complaining about merriwether elementary school giving too much hw, in reality, how much hw can a elementary school give? Think about it. Also, I went to merriwether and all i have to say is if they are giving hw it is for a good reason. Its not busy work. These teachers work very hard to be able to give the education that children deserve. And oh yea if yall think that your kids have too much hw...hahaha wait until middle and high school. People just dont realize how much time teachers put into their jobs. web posted April 16, 2007 I have all the respect and appreciation in the world for law enforcement and other personel who offer such valuable services to the community. Now that gas prices are rising so high with no end in sight, isn't it about time the practice of taking patrol cars home and being used by so many different employees to go out of town, is stopped? I know response time is of utmost importance but in situations like todays are, all factors involved need to be weighed. To start with, there are always officers on duty in the county and each city. With one call from dispatch, other officers on duty ,or off, can respond within a matter of minutes no matter where they are in the county. I am not being callous about peoples lives. I am one of the most soft-hearted, caring people in the world. I just feel we should conserve gas as much as we can while we still have some. None of us know what the future holds so we need to think of this. From what I've seen, the major benefit to these officers taking patrol cars home is them saving gas money for their personal vehicles at the expense of county taxpayers. Police agencies all over the United States are stopping this practice every day. The old practice of only department heads taking police vehicles home should be standard practice again. This is a supplement to their salary as they carry such responsibility in running the department. In most jobs a person drives to work in their own car and park it if they drive an on-the-job vehicle. County and city governments are all on tight budgets these days. As I have seen in the past, there is a lot of police vehicle usage that is entirely unnecessary. I never got a satisfactory answer as to why there were so many patrol vehicles on Mccreight St. in Johnston, a few months back, except they said all those officers were off duty. Why wasn't it told what the situation was that called for so many patrol cars to respond? When did police calls become a secret from the public? web posted April 16, 2007 As I have said in the past, we all know that God don't like ugly. The people who call the shots in Edgefield County should open their eyes and hearts to that. They have schemed and manipulated peoples lives for too long.. On a whim, they have drug people's names and reputations through the dirt. Good people! And these same people, who play with others lives, sit in church on Sunday mornings and pretend to be rightious. Wake up, people! You are reaping what you have sown. Please look inside your cold hearts and try and find some human compassion. web posted April 14, 2007 I love (EdgefieldDaily.com) Finaly a place that tells it like it is. Thank you!! Editor's note: Thank you for reading. web posted April 14, 2007 What ever posessed the new police chief of Johnston to make him want the peach removed from the doors of the towns police vehicles? The towns image is built around peaches! I have had many people, over the years, make remarks about how unique and fitting this feature was. What is he trying to do, but trying to erase one of the important images of the town? What's next? Removing he peach from the water tower or painting over the mural in the town parking area? The new town leaders and department heads are going to ruin everything that took other responsible leaders many years to create. I'm sure the police vehicle change will be explained as needing a stronger image but it takes away from the cars, to me. They can do the job no matter what is painted on the door of the vehicles. web posted April 14, 2007 After reading the response to the test submitted to the students at Strom Thurmond High School, and thinking about the critical thinking skills the students will need to response to the essay, I believe the first question summed up the position of the test. Once you answered that questions you would gather more insight and realize the questions were asking for the students to use steps that have been taught them on the Bloom's Taxonomy. And so my response to those who responded to the quiz negatively, "Are you bias?" web posted April 14, 2007 If Edgefield County sent home a letter stating that there will be NO homework for the remainder of the school year then why is Merriwether Elementary School still overloading their students with homework everynight? Seems like my child has more homework now then he had the entire school year. This is very unfair since most children play sports this time of year! Was this letter for the entire county or just one school? The letter I printed from your website says Edgefield County School District-isn't Merriwether Elementary School in Edgefield County?? Editor's note: The no homework policy is for Johnston Elementary only. web posted April 14, 2007 Sorry to learn that Ms. Angela Cooper, Edgefield School District Human Resource Officer, is taking the same position at Lexington School District #2. Wander if this has anything to do with the way the Board handle the hiring of the new boss? Editor's note: There are many more resignations coming. You will not recognize the make-up of the school district next year. web posted April 14, 2007 If anyone living in Edgefield County believes it takes an hour to drive anywhere else in Edgefield County, you seriously need your driving skills re-evaluated or you need a GPS system, because you are definitely lost. I grew up in the Edgefield town limits and graduated from STHS. A lot of people I went to school with lived and continue to live on the north side of the county close to the Greenwood as well as the Merriweather. They also drive as far, or further, with some driving twenty miles or more to get to the school. I guess our only alternative for these citizens of the county is to build them a new high school also. I'm sure the county can support at least two more high schools. web posted April 14, 2007 To the poster who said, "And do they employ our own working folks around the community or do they employ Mexicans?" I would venture to guess that it takes anywhere from 500 to 800 workers to harvest the peach crop in this area each year. You go out and find me that many people in this area that will pick peaches all summer for $8 dollars an hour. I'll be waiting a long time because you probably wont find 50. The majority of the people in this area that would be suited for that type of work are too busy collecting welfare checks and standing around in front of the liquor store. Don't forget that these workers ride into town every day and spend a lot of the money they are making at local grocery stores and other local businesses. You seem to be too ignorant to realize the negative impact that a poor peach crop has on this ENTIRE community, not just the farmers themselves. Too ignorant or too stupid. As to the editors comment on the post, ahhh nevermind, his ignorance is on display here daily, what he said was'nt really a suprise. Editor's note: Thank you for reading. web posted April 14, 2007 Editor's note: Here we go again. I warned everyone about the zoning of the Lake Trenton area and the problems of the ordinances. A classic case of "I told you so". If I had to bet on the situation, I would bet Cato will win. South Carolina is a "Right to Farm" state and the laws on the books support Mr. Cato over the Lake Trenton residents. The Edgefield County Council ignored the warnings of the flaws in the ordinance before, during, and after their votes. This will get interesting. web posted April 13, 2007 I have recently moved to the county and do not know county history before 2002. I have read with interest both sides of the Fox Creek HS issue and am perplexed. Could someone tell me why there is not a high school in the Merriweather area? I do believe comments made about Merriweather students having to travel 1 hour each way to attend STHS. This seems to be an unreasonable burden on both students and parents. It also seems reasonable to expect that the only area of the county experiencing meaningful population growth has the appropriate school infrastructure to support and encourage that growth. Is the issue of denying a high school for Merriweather about giving students the best chance a getting a good education, or is it about retaining some political power base? Editor's note: The distance to STH from Merriwether is 18 miles, a far cry from a one hour trip. A resident from Merriwether can reach Columbia SC in one hour. To build a new school requires a referendum which cannot be obtained at this time. Fox Creek, as a Charter School, diverts funds for Edgefield County Schools to a 501(3)C. In addition, Fox Creek has subverted Edgefield County School District Policies and has allowed a student arrested for drugs at school to remain in school in order to continue to collect funds. web posted April 13, 2007 In response to the reader who thinks the Editor hates Fox Creek Staff, and publishes with attacks , hurts the innocent children there , Seems to me he is the ONLY person trying to inform your children of the real Dangers , Fox Creek doesn't need a Bomb Threat , They are Self Destructive !!!!!!! As I rode by Fox Creek on Tuesday it looked like they were having a Field day outside , talk about chaos , and as I drove up to the Merriwether Schools ,where the true threats were , everybody looked Organized and in Control of their much younger students , Oh yeh you called those at FC innocent children not Students . web posted April 13, 2007 After months of listening to the crap on all the main stream news media about Anna Nicole Smith and no substantial news, I just heard on the CBS news that Don Imus was fired from his radio show. I believe now we will have to endure months of Nappy-headed hoe comments. Personally, I will press the mute or even the off button and look at www.rense.com where I can make up my own mind about what's news or not. Even better is a commentary I read about Imus' firing which places it in perspective: http://pcapostate.blogspot.com/2007/04/nappy-headed-hoes.html Looks as if the dumbing down of
America is real - The main stream media ain't gonna tell you any News
any more...
I can imagine how
peeved they must have been! Editor's note: EdgefieldDaily.com does not endorse, support, promote, or sponsor the web sites listed in the post. A poster is free to link to web sites unless they are racially offensive or contain pornographic material. Political correctness is not a condition of being offensive. No reader has a Constitutional or legal "right" not to be offended by the material they access on the internet. web posted April 13, 2007 Oh, how I wish I had first hand knowledge of the "goings on" in that school! (FCHS). My daughter tells me the stories she has heard from her friends who attend (Fox Creek Charter High) school, or go for a short time and then return to STHS. Some of it is very bizarre. How parents could be so blind and uncaring about the quality of their child's education is beyond me! web posted April 13, 2007 Peach farmers do not "thin" their peach orchards to be greedy and get the "biggest" peaches they can. Peach trees must be thinned in order to produce properly. Please read the section below from the Clemson Extension website. I hope that the editor's previous comment did not lead people to think that farmers were being greedy by thinning their crops. THINNING FRUIT (from the Clemson Extension website) A peach tree cultivated under favorable conditions will set more fruit than it is capable of successfully carrying to maturity. Branches may break and the fruits typically have poor color and taste. To prevent limb breakage and ensure good fruit quality, excess fruits must be removed or thinned. Hand-thin the tree about four weeks after full bloom, spacing the peaches about 6 inches apart on the limb. When thinning by hand, grasp the stem or branch firmly between the thumb and forefinger and pull the fruit off with a quick motion of the second and third fingers. Editor's note: I never claimed anyone was "greedy". web posted April 13, 2007 You skin your ignorance if you talk about something that you don't know beans about! Such is the case with the posting about "each" of the peach farmers living in BIG houses, driving BIG cars, and having BIG vacation homes. I take offense at the generalization and the rest of the county should, too! Edgefield County is fortunate to have both large and small peach farms. Our smaller peach farmers contribute to the economy of Edgefield County, too, perhaps much more than the public recognizes, and they do not deserve such degrading remarks – particularly as they face the prospects of such a bleak season. And shame on you. You grew up in Trenton and your family is credited with the conception of the Ridge Peach Festival. In response to your comment about "Is that not about a 50-75% "destruction" of the fruit available?" Have you ever tried to sell a small peach? Editor's note: I did not support the post. I made a comment about the fact peach farmers do knock a large portion of the fruit off the trees during the spring season. Yes, I grew up in Trenton and know this process very well. I am skeptical of claims made of fruit damage in order to obtain federal funds. I, and EdgefieldDaily.com, support our local farmers. But at the same time I feel that it is important to point out all the facts and let readers make their own judgements in the matter. web posted April 13, 2007 I think that we should give Frank Roberson a chance. The spelling backwards technique that everyone is talking about is simply that- a "technique". It is not something that is being forced on teachers. Every child learns in a different way and if this technique and/or others can help a child learn, then why not use it?! We may not agree with everything that Mr. Roberson may suggest, but we have to accept that he is now this school district's leader and we should all pray and believe that he can and will do great and wonderful things for this district. I also think that those who are considering pulling their children out of ECSD would be making a mistake. There are so many wonderful and talented teachers in this district, and those children would be missing out on a wonderful education. And all over what? A change in administration that was not handed down to someone who eithers knows or is related to someone who hand picked them for the position. Let's give Mr. Roberson a chance and see what wonderful things he can do for our children. web posted April 13, 2007 Dr Tim Murph, who hereafter will be referred too as Lemony Snicket, is so intelligent. . . He managed to embarrass himself and his school yet again with his evacuation antics the day of the bomb threat to Merriwether Middle and Merriwether Elementary (not Fox Creek) and then posted a letter on the school website, detailing the series of unfortunate events, with a spelling error in it. I understand people make mistakes, but if you are a principal with a phD, wouldn't your run spell check or at least know the difference between "there" and "their". Just so Dr. Snicket doesn't get confused again, here's a little grammar lesson ... "There" indicates a place as in, "I live here not there." It is the opposite of "here." "Their" is the possessive of "they", as in "They live there but is isn't their house." Here you want to indicate that the house belongs to them. Here is the sentence Dr. Snicket, um, I mean, Dr. Murph wrote in his Lemony Snicket's Series of Unfortunate Events letter. . . "No students were allowed to drive themselves from school, for they were not allowed to return to campus to retrieve there cars" In other words, the students were not allowed to return to "their" cars, not "there" cars. DUH! I did learn one thing from all this though . . . (Discount stores are) now handing out phD's! web posted April 13, 2007 I am trying to find the location of the new Force Protection facility in Edgefield. I’m being told that it is on the north side of Edgefield, but can someone tell me exactly where? web posted April 13, 2007 I would almost have to believe that whoever called in the bomb threat is sitting back laughing. See the Fox Creek announcement at the link http://www.foxcreekhs.org/announcements.htm concerning the "series of unfortunate events" that took place on April 10, 2007. I, however, find it very sad that a supposedly intelligent administrator would take the actions he did, resulting in such chaos and diversion of manpower. There was never a threat against Fox Creek - they were not mentioned in the phone threat, nor in the phone call from the ECSD to the school, nor in the official letter from Dr. Sharon Keesley regarding the bomb threat. web posted April 12, 2007 I don't know if this video link has been released yet but wanted to pass it on. http://ecsdstaffdev.edgefield.k12.sc.us/frmBBCampbell.html It is a video of spelling being taught backwards that Frank Roberson wants to implement. Here's my question. . . It is taking forever to learn to spell one word backwards. Why is this necessary? I think this is much more confusing to the students and is a total waste of class time. I think this district is going to go to hell in a handbasket under his direction and that parents need to see this video to see what it's all about. His new thing is that in addition to getting rid of homework, he is doing away with the summer reading in high school because, as he said, "kids need to have fun". Is this not sending the message out that reading isnt fun? I have a feeling it's just going to get worse from here! web posted April 12, 2007 As I was reading the weekly news this week, I could not help but feel so sorry for the peach farmers losing part of their peach crop. Do my eyes play trick on me or what, but don't each of these farmers live in BIG houses, drive BIG cars and SUV's, and I am sure they all have BIG vacation homes. And do they employ our own working folks around the community or do they employ Mexicans? Shouldn't we all feel so sorry for them!! Editor's note: Not to mention that during the season workers are sent out into the fields to remove a majority of the fruit from the trees so that the remaining fruit is larger. Is that not about a 50-75% "destruction" of the fruit available? web posted April 12, 2007 Thanks for saying what nobody else would say web posted April 12, 2007 The comments that you made about the Fox Creek evacuation were really unncecessary. I know how much you really really hate the staff and board at Fox Creek but when you publish these ad hominem attacks, you only hurt the innocent children who attend there. Perhaps they evacuated the school because they were concerned that they too may have been the next target of a threat as well. By the way, there are plenty of tax paying residents in the Merriweather community that are glad Fox Creek is there so that thier children don't have to ride the bus for an hour to attend STH. Editor's note: Please send in a comment that refutes anything said in the column. web posted April 12, 2007 All that matters about the bomb threat is that my child came home safely! I think the school and the law enforcement handled every thing great. good job to all ! web posted April 12, 2007 they did NOT tell us that there was NO threat to FC...we were led to believe it was threatened also. Editor's note: You were lied to. What's new from that bunch. web posted April 12, 2007 Editor's note: I love this type of comment and will always post such at the top: (Deleted) jerk!!! Editor's note: (Deleted) reader. web posted April 11, 2007 What was going on at the schools today? Merriwether. Editor's note: This event is documented on the Headlines Page. web posted April 11, 2007 During the bomb threats at Merriwether Elementary, Middle and Fox Creek Schools today I find it unbelievable how unorganized things were. I did not have a vehicle today so I sent my oldest daughter to the Elementary school to pick up her sister. (She is on her emergency pick up list). Apparently they (teachers and admin.) did not take any information on students outside with them. I thought that was a must? If they have time to pick up their pocket books and cell phones shouldn't they have time to pick up the children's emergency contact cards? I spoke to a lady from the school and she was extremely rude to me, she said that ONLY parents could pick up the children. The lady was nasty on the phone and stated that she would not argue with me over it. I was not arguing, was just trying to get her to help. So...all in all, my six-year-old sat outside and did not get to eat lunch until two hours after her normal lunchtime. She also has asthma and does not need to sit outside without her inhaler nearby for that long especially at this time of the year! It's sad when our children have to sit outside for almost three hours and it's chilly and their sibling can't even pick them up. I hope that the Board fixes this so it won't happen like this again. Editor's note: Being on the scene within minutes of the call I can report that I saw no teacher or administration official walking around with a pocketbook. Their concern was the immediate safety of the students. Does a crisis situation result in some conflicts? Yes. School Officials were already discussing ways to improve the crisis plans with law enforcement and its implementation at the scene for future problems. Lunches were delayed because no one was allowed to re-enter the schools until the building were cleared by law enforcement. As an added note, there was no threat called in pertaining to Fox Creek High School. They created more problems with their actions. web posted April 11, 2007 With all the shady dealings of the ECSB, one must question the integrity and knowledge of the attorney of the school board. Don't they have an attorney who should advise them of their actions. Or is this attorney helping them in their shady dealings. Is there an attorney who is aiding the school board to hide their actions? If so, then they need to get rid of this lawyer. This lawyer's actions seem underhanded and seem to be hiding facts from taxpayers and honest people who want to know the truth. I'm thinking about pulling my 4 children out of Edgefield County schools and moving out of Edgefield and moving to somewhere I can find law abiding, honest Chrisitian neighbors and citizens. Editor's note: Atty. Greg Anderson is an honest and true public servant in his roles across the county. He can only advise the governing body he is hired to represent. They do not have to follow his advice. Do not throw out the baby with the bath water, as the old saying goes, no more than you would attack the messenger (EdgefieldDaily.com) for reporting the actions of the Edgefield County School Board. web posted April 11, 2007 You are a egotisticalist (sic) pervert that just tries to make people look bad to sell you r paper. I hope you are forced out of business. I agree with an earlier coment (sic) about your paper. Editor's note: Thank you for reading EdgefieldDaily.com. Please pass our location on to others so they can be equally offended. EdgefieldDaily.com does not charge for access to the web site. However, you can send contributions to support EdgefieldDaily.com to: EdgefieldDaily.com PO Box 972 Edgefield, SC 29824 Please make your check payable to EdgefieldDaily.com. Thank you for your continued support. web posted April 11, 2007 This will be my last response to the once again inaccurate ravings of "Anonymous"! I know exactly what I am writing about regarding Edgefield County Hospital and am comfortable using my name in the Letter to the Editor that I submitted. The person making these remarks appears to be vindictive, and a troublemaker just stirring up controversy. Refusing to make their name known is a clear indication of this person's lack of concern in providing readers with factual information regarding this subject. JCAHO is NOT A JOKE and they make unannounced surveys. They provide accreditation to literally thousands of healthcare facilities in the United States. The hospital and laboratory both had unannounced surveys in 2006 and passed these grueling, intensive 3 day review of patient charts and hospital procedures and policies. The ED has a regular staff of highly qualified physicians trained to provide Emergency Medicine. ECH provides licensed, certified and qualified staff in all departments including Laboratory, Radiology and Respiratory Care. These facts can be easily confirmed by anyone who takes the time to check with the hospital and make sure their facts are correct. Edgefield County Hospital is both necessary and essential to the medical well being of county residents. The innumerable people whose lives have been saved by the ED at Edgefield County Hospital are probably someone you know. Anonymous is free to choose the provider of their own health care and should let others decide the same. Maligning a much needed service to Edgefield and surrounding communities does every one a disservice. Editor's note: Please feel free to make comments on any subject matter. That is the purpose of the Wandering Minds. web posted April 11, 2007 I have a solution to the problem w/the Peach Blossom Festival. They just don't need to have it anymore. It is not just that festival, it is anything you try to do in this town or any other town. (Content deleted) Our society has got to quit supporting this type of people. I don't mean to degrade anyone, but sorry people with no lives-I have no use for. The front of the liquor store is pitiful. This looks like the forming of a welfare line. But hats off to all the organizers of the festival - although it was cold - it was enjoyable. If you can just rid of all the RIF RAF!!!! web posted April 11, 2007 I read (EdgefieldDaily.com) every day and love it, by the way, but I talked to a friend that said they know you. Is it true that you do the entire thing by yourself? I say there is no way one person could do it all. Who's right? Editor's note: In some respect you both are correct. The entire web site is produced by me every day, but there are others who send in columns and stories including, but not limited to, Rev. Skip Myers, Carl Langley, and press releases from various sources. Of course, readers submit a great deal of content to the site via the Wandering Minds. In that regard, you also help make EdgefieldDaily.com possible. Thank you for reading and contributing. web posted April 10, 2007 To the person complaining about all the “crazy stuff" happening after the festival in Johnston. You apparently weren't around the last two years. This year there were officers posted at numerous intersections (over 30), and there were relatively few arrest made. web posted April 10, 2007 I don't believe most of the things you put on this website. You make everything sound so dramatic and there aint that much going on around here to fill your pages. How much of this do you just make up? Im surprised you dont get sued. Editor's note: You got me. The gig is up. I fake all the photos of wrecks (I make model cars and then melt them to look like they are wrecked and build little bitty roads to put them on to take the pictures) and people arrested are just family members in costume. The crimes and victims are just figments of my imagination. Stay tuned... you never know what I have in store for tomorrow. Thanks for reading. web posted April 10, 2007 In reply to all the negative comments about Dr. Frank Robinson being chosen for the very important job of leading all of the Edgefield county schools. I live in Aiken county and I have known Frank for many years as a substitute teacher at Midland Valley High School as well as we have a daughter who teaches in one of the Aiken county high schools. I feel that you just watch and wait, you will see great things taking place with your school system. I feel sure that you will be completely happy with Dr. Robinson. Frank's wife is also a very nice person.For what it's worth-I am a white woman and there is only one other school personal that I can think of that would be comparable to Dr. Robinson and he is also black. Between the two, it would be a tough job for me to make the choice of which would be more qualified for the job. The other person has retired several times and each time someone, somewhere seems to think that Aiken county can't do without him. He is in a job now that he did not ask for The Churches and the people in the community wrote letters to get him to come back to their school. Just be glad he didn't apply for the job or they would still be there trying to decide which applicant should be hired. I've worked for one and worked with the other and have a lot of respect for both.Trust me, they have made the right decision. web posted April 10, 2007 We live in Johnston and things were a lot better this year after the festival than last year. I give (Johnston Police Chief) Chris Aston all the credit. Editor's note: Chief Aston indeed deserves the credit for keeping the town safe. He enlisted the help of several agencies for the event including the Edgefield County Sheriff's Office, Edgefield and Trenton Police, SLED, and the Highway Patrol. They all deserve credit for the work they did keeping the peace. web posted April 10, 2007 The letter to the editor concerning the hospital was interesting. I wonder what position does she have with the facility. Sounds like a PR letter to me. I do take exception with a few of her facts. First, a licensed MD does not mean one if "fully qualified' to work in emergency medicine. How many of these fully qualified staff are really residents from local programs moonlighting to make extra money? Are they ER residents? Family Practice? Dermatology maybe? There are many licensed physicians that are smart, and have plenty of book knowledge but I wouldn't let them take care of my worst enemy. Even if you have a physician on staff do you have all the supporting staff in house? X-ray, lab, respiratory? She also commented on how the hospital serves the poor. I believe it was " Edgefield is also one of only two Critical Access hospitals in the state of SC. The US Congress passed legislation that allows small hospitals in rural economically depressed sections of the US to remain open and serving the communities in which they are located. Much of our county's population is POOR, has no health insurance, or qualifies for Medicaid "Is that why the new administration is making people pay up front and not wanting to provide non-emergent care? Exactly where are these poor, economically depressed, persons to go for care? How many physicians accept Medicaid assignment? How many of those accept same day appointments? JCAHO accreditation is a joke. Every hospital has to be accredited to get government funds. It is a list of what you need to have, and the hospitals usually know in advance when the committee visits giving them time to get everything in order. Its just more government red tape and has nothing to do with the QUALITY of care. Just because it looks good on paper doesn't mean it works correctly. As for having my facts straight, I know exactly what I am talking about because it comes from personal experience with the local ED. I too worked in the medical field and know exactly how the game is played, that's why it scares me. web posted April 10, 2007 You asked a very important question in response to a reader questioning the hiring practices of the school board? The question was "How long will such antics be allowed?" I think the answer is obvious. It will be allowed until people whose jobs are not on the line come forward and insist that they stop. It will be allowed until taxpaying citizens find their voices and use them. It will be allowed until someone finds backbone enough to take these types of behaviors to task. It will be allowed until someone informs the Justice Department of a need to investigate certain hiring practices. Everybody's complaining, but no one's doing anything. That, of course, includes me. web posted April 10, 2007 I read the story on all the fires this weekend. I just have to ask, why didn't you give all the people that started the fires a Heres your card? Common, its windy, dry, and you want to burn? How stupid is that?!! Editor's note: That was a common question asked at most of the fires. web posted April 10, 2007 How about finding out who was interviewed and who were finalists for the Superintendent's position. File a FOI request and threaten to sue the school district if you have to go that route. You're an investigative journalist, go for the GOLD. Give the people what they want. Editor's note: The School Board pulled a nice little bait and switch. The law requires them to release the names of the top three candidates. So, Chairwoman Sallie Cooks and crew chose four and went to one so they did not have to legally release the names of the final three. How long will such antics be allowed? Cooks and Crew have proven they will subvert the "spirit" of the law in order to promote the agenda of Cooks with the help of Merriwether (Fox Creek) School Board member Scott Chitty. He has sold out Merriwether to benefit the select few. web posted April 9, 2007 That was a sad trio of the county council riding in the Peach Blossom Festival parade! I can't believe they took the risk of showing their faces in public! It's a wonder the car didn't get jumped! If only I had had some eggs . . Editor's note: It was humorous, Everett Kitchens chauffeuring Monroe Kneece and Willie Bright. He was being such a good "boy". web posted April 9, 2007 I hope you were around for all the crazy (stuff) that went on Saturday night after the festival. Every year its the same old thing by the smae old people turning the town upside down. Why don't the police do something about it? Editor's note: Johnston Police Chief Chris Aston had several undercover agents working along with Sheriff's Deputies to curtail the problems that follow the Peach Blossom Festival. These activities are not a part of the Jaycees event. Problem situations were quickly corrected. web posted April 9, 2007 To the Cannon Mill writer. We've been trying to get our road paved for 8 years. They have told us we were next on the list for years. web posted April 7, 2007 I am confused about foster care in Edgefield County. Several months ago five children were removed from their home, placed in state custody, and the parents arrested for child endangerment. Several family members called the local DSS office and offered homes for these children. None of the children are with family nor in Edgefield County. I also offered a home for one of the children. I was told I would have to be approved for foster care. I also asked for visitation with the children and never once did DSS arrange for any of this to take place. All this took place during Christmas holidays. I even tried to have all the children together at my home for Christmas, but that too didn't happen. How can the local DSS feel they have done what is in the best interest of these children by placing them with strangers and no contact from family? I pray the children won't end up going through more trauma like the present child abuse/foster care ongoing case in Trenton. web posted April 7, 2007 I though the Tompkins Library was a research facility and home for wayward cones. If they are going to promote a candidate on my dime, I want to have some say in who the candidate is. Your persistance in exposing those that do wrong, bringing to light that which others would rather remained in the dark and not giving a rats hiney about who the truth spotlights is commendable. Keep walking tall Buford. Oh, and remember to carry a big stick! Editor's note: Thank you for your comments. I just follow the money and report what happens. web posted April 7, 2007 Dear Editor, Thank you very much for running my ad. I just sold the '93 Ford Aerostar and it was directly due to my advertising on your site. Once again, thank you very much. Editor's note: Thank you for using EdgefieldDaily.com Classifieds. I get many letters like this one and just wanted to share one with our readers. web posted April 6, 2007 I was glad to see more people arrested in the abuse of the boy in Trenton. I never understood why there werent' more because somebody had to be holding the camera. Editor's note: Not everyone involved was captured on video. Investigators had to take time to identifiy all those involved on and off camera. I doubt any of the four charged will take the case to court and face maximum time for the crimes they are charged with. web posted April 6, 2007 I bet county council wishes they were Oscar Mayer Weiners so everyone would be in love with them! I don't know what kind of weiners they are....definately not Carolina Pride, and we know they're not kosher. They could be Ball Parks...kind of plump. Who let the dogs out? web posted April 6, 2007 We called the sheriff's dept last week and it took almost 40 mins for an officer to get to us. When he got here he apologized becasue he said they were behind on taking calls because they were shorthanded. Then i read where you said the (County) council werent going to fund any more officers unless they were free. Maybe Willie Bright's ball park could get a little less money so we can have a cop here in less than 40 mins. Editor's note: From your mouth to the county's ears. web posted April 6, 2007 Editor's note: I received 11 comments on this story so rather than post them all I posted the following two: why does the stolen truck from birch pt. have ga. plates -is it like so many others in that area- skipping out on their edgefield county taxes. I read the story about the stolen truck in Merriwether. Why does someone living in Merriwether have Ga plates? Editor's note: I have no idea why the license plate was listed as being from Georgia. I will check with the Auditor's Office and the Sheriff's Office on Monday to find out. web posted April 6, 2007 I have been looking over the proposed budget you have posted on the website. Got a couple of questions I would like you to address if you can. What is the "Edgefield Civic League" and the "Heritage Corridor". They are two of the biggest amounts listed in this portion of the budget ($16,000 and $10,000). Also, it shows $36,544 for medical indigent. Exactly who is the money set aside for? Maybe I'm medically indigent and I don't know it. Is this something set aside for county residents who need assistance with medical bills? I also am rather astounded that "medical indigent" (whatever that is) gets $36,544 and senior citizens gets only $17, 211. Those of us not already dead are getting older everyday. As a future senior citizen I think we should be doing what we can for the elderly of our community. Why do people seem to be more interested in their ancestors long gone than their family members still with them? Editor's note: The Civic League (Tompkins Library) was very involved in political activities in the 2006 election and should not receive public funding as a result. If the county, or the Town of Edgefield, funds them a challenge may be filed in Circuit Court to have the funds withdrawn. web posted April 6, 2007 To the person that says that the editor of this paper is trying to make people look bad...maybe you should do 2 things... learn to spell or learn to type, before you insult someone...personally I LOVE this website, I think it is AMAZING!!! Editor's note: Thank you for your kind comments. web posted April 6, 2007 You gave up passes to the Clubhouse at the Heritage? (BS). You just want to make yourself sound important. Editor's note: I could care less if you believe it or not, it is true. A very dear friend's brother is playing in the Heritage and gave my friend (his brother) the badges, which he in turn offered one to me to join him and other friends of mine for the tournament. I am not important, just lucky to have such generous friends. web posted April 6, 2007 I don't think they need to add salary for a new employee in the Tax Assessor's Office. I'm sure half of the Tax Assessor herselfs salary will cover the cost of the new employee. The tax assessor is only there part-time so she should only get half her salary anyway. If she gets a merit based raise we'll know the new administrator is riding around on the coattails of the last administrator. The mess that she has made of our taxes warrants a DE-merit! web posted April 6, 2007 To the person who assumes that a politician or elected official lives in Cannon Mill subdivision because the roads got paved should spend a little more time pressuring the county about their roads and less time whining in wandering minds. It took over three years of writing letters, attending county council meetings, transportation committee meetings and meeting with the county engineer to finally convince the county to pave Cannon Mill. If you have already done all of these things and still get no response from the county, then I understand your frustration, but if anyone thinks just a couple of phone call in this county will get anything done they are sadly mistaken. web posted April 6, 2007 By reading some if these posts, and how they spell and jumble up their words, it makes you wonder just where these people went to school?? web posted April 6, 2007 Edior's post: I gave up a Club House badge for the Heritage Golf Classic in Hilton Head to report next week's news. web posted April 5, 2007 Passing a urine test to get a public assistance check? Then what would they spend their checks on? I think its a great idea but, sadly, it'll never happen. Not as long as politicians are involved in politics. I'm sure that "Rev." Jackson and his "push" lobbyists would tell you that that would be a form of oppression. web posted April 5, 2007 I live off sweetwater rd and we have a bunch of kids that keep running up and down the roads on 4wheelers. We call the cops but nothing ever gets done. By the time they get here the kids are long gone. Editor: Call your County Councilman. They are the ones who refuse to provide the proper coverage of Deputies. web posted April 5, 2007 To the people complaining about their roads not getting paved. I have lived on a dirt road for over 30 years and get promised every other year "next year" the road would be paved. If you want your road paved you better hope some rich people move next door. Us poor people dont count. web posted April 5, 2007 You are a stupid idio that just tries to make people look badt. Editor's note: Thank you for reading. web posted April 5, 2007 Why does the papers dont report the stuff (EdgefieldDaily.com) does? Some of the peoples I work with say that you make up most of this just to make news. Editor's note: EdgefieldDaily.com stands behind every story published and has supporting documentation to confirm each story published. web posted April 5, 2007 I agree 100% with the person who wrote in and said we need better cable. The one we have is entirely too high for what we get. It seems they feel that they can increase the price anytime they get ready. web posted April 5, 2007 I wish the County Council Meeting tonight could have been seen by all the county residence. These guys haven’t a clue about running a county government. It doesn’t matter that they have been there for years. They could be there for one hundred years and they still wouldn’t know how to run the county. Editor's note: I encourage people to attend the meetings of government bodies. web posted April 4, 2007 Our mayor and council need to look at other rural towns and see that they have grown based on promoting industry. If that means tax incentives, then go for it. I am saddened by all the new home construction going on in the Sweetwater area. What was once beautiful land is now cleared for homes. You market it as "horse" land and it doubles the value. That's all well and good but where do these people work? How much do they pay in gas to drive 60 + miles a day. I quit my job in Augusta because I couldn't afford to work that far away any longer. I love living in a 'small town" but if I were looking to purchase a new home it wouldn't be in this county. Why? The schools are good, but taxes are horrible compared to surrounding counties, employment choices are limited and not looking to improve, nor are they trying to recruit new industry. If you want to build new homes then look at Enterprise Mill in Augusta, nice apartments, a museum telling the history of the mill, conference space. We don't need to build and destroy hundreds of acres of forest; we need to redevelop what we have sitting empty, and not bringing any money into the county. Downtown Edgefield is sad, a lot of potential but no one doing anything. The hospital thinks they are University Hospital in Augusta, they cry about not being a "clinic" but how often is the ED staffed with a physician? Aiken staffs only ER certified MD's and the care you receive is far superior, if you want to play act like the "big dogs' then back it up. I'm not even sure Edgefield needs a hospital, it seems like a money pit to me. The other thing is we need competition for cable. Our cable service is awful, especially the channel lineup. We pay far too much for what little we receive comparatively. HINT: underground lines will help fix the "every time it rains I lose coverage" problem, can they not try to get better coverage. I wondered why 99% of the people on my street had satellite dishes; it didn't take long to understand. Aiken has two, Augusta two; even most places in the Midland Valley area have a choice, a new company just opened up. Why can't they come this way? I thought more people meant more money the county pays out, in providing services so why are we trying to get people to drain the county rather than industry to pay the county? With industry and jobs come people, we don't need people without the industry. I guess recreation is more important than economic development. web posted April 4, 2007 I was reading all the postings about "nowhere to eat in Johnston". I have to disagree. I very rarely cook and my husband and I manage to find food in Johnston often. There are several places in town with pretty good food and there is a great place out in the country between Johnston and Edgefield that has great burger and steaks. Everyone should try this place. It isn't super cheap, but not very expensive either and they have Great food! and friendly service. web posted April 4, 2007 I know you won't mention business names so I am going to try and get around that. A certain small grocery store that is right beside a gas station owned by the same people on Lee Street in Johnston is going out of business. I stopped in there today because they were advertising 25% off everything in the store. I just want to let everyone know that if you do go in there, be very very careful with the perishable goods. There were packs of meat hanging on the back wall that were brown and gross with expirations dates of several months ago. The Kraft sliced cheese is advertised as buy 1 get 1 free, which caught my attention, but upon inspection of the expiration dates I found that they all had expired in February and March. The very few times I have been in this store that has always been a problem and I have brought it to their attention each time. I just don't want someone going in that normally doesn't look at expiration dates and then end up getting sick from the expired food. Thanks! web posted April 4, 2007 I would like to know how Cannon Mill got their road repaved when our subdivision has been here longer than them. When we went to the county they told us we would have to pay for it. What politician lives in Cannon Mill and made that happen? Editor's note: To my knowledge no elected public official lives in the Cannon Mill subdivision. web posted April 3, 2007 I know a lot of people have been giving (Edgefield Mayor) Ken Durham a hard time (in the Wandering Minds). I live in Edgefield and I think he has done a lot to bring attention and hope to our town. I think he really cares about the town. I don't care what other people think and think people who want to belittle him need to get a life. People are either a part of the problem or the solution and people like you are part of the problem. web posted April 3, 2007 I wanted to comment on the (alleged) drunk driver that hit the Johnston kid. Did you know he was a register sex offender? Editor's note: Yes, it was not mentioned because it had no connection to the story reported. web posted April 3, 2007 Congrats on the 8 million hits. I think I gave you about 1 million. Great site. Editor's note: Thank you for your kind comment and for reading EdgefieldDaily.com. Please pass our location on to family and friends. web posted April 3, 2007 Why? Editor's note: Too easy... why not? web posted April 3, 2007 Like a lot of folks in this state I have a job. I work, they pay me. I pay my taxes and the government distributes my taxes as it sees fit. In order to get that paycheck, I am required to pass a random urine test, with which I have no problem. What I do have a problem with is the distribution of my taxes to people who don't have to pass a urine test. Shouldn't one have to pass a urine test to get a welfare check because I have to pass one to earn it for them??? Please understand, I have no problem with helping people get back on their feet. I do on the other hand have a problem with helping someone sitting on their (buttocks). Could you imagine how much money the state would save if people had to pass a urine test to get a public assistance check????? web posted April 3, 2007 As an English teacher at STHS, I can assure the readers that the teachers I know do not spend 45 minutes teaching and the other 45 on homework. We must cover grammar, lterature, vocabulary, parallel reading books, and other areas (for example, the district test that was given and now the reading comprehension strategies/spelling in addition to what we are already doing in these areas). It is hard to cover everything in 90 minutes! I cannot speak for all teachers, but the ones I know do NOT only teach for half the block! web posted April 3, 2007 Are you kidding?? I'd come out of there smelling like a deep fryer and smoke. Nice place to take a family??? I wouldn't take Andy and his pants there!!!!!!!!!!!!! web posted April 3, 2007 I live on Thurnond Rd and I don't understand why Cannon Mill can get their roads repaved when we can't get our road paved in the first place. How dumb is that? Repave a paved road instead of paving a road with just as many people living on it? I'm sure that paved road was in a lot worse shape than our dirt road. We pay taxes too!!!!! web posted April 2, 2007 I wanted to write to tell you how much our family enjoys Edgefield Daily. I live in Tampa with my husband and our two beautiful children. My husband's family lives in Alabama and my family lives in Edgefield. We all read (EdgefieldDaily.com) and love it. I hope you will let me sign my post with "always homesick until now". Reading (EdgefieldDaily.com) makes me feel like I am back home again. (Deleted comment) Thank you for such a wonderful website. I included a picture of us at the beach with a print out of Edgefield Daily if you would include it with this message. Editor's note: Thank you for your kind comments. I am sorry that I cannot allow the picture to be posted. The Wandering Minds takes a fair amount of time to load for dial-up internet connections, which is a large portion of our readership being based in a rural county, due to the amount of data contained on the page. That may be a good idea for a contest or give-away. Who can e-mail a picture with a printout of a single dated Headlines page of EdgefieldDaily.com from the furthermost location from Edgefield County. I will have to give that some thought. web posted April 2, 2007 I notice everytime someone mentions a business you delete the name? You have done it to me too. Why? I didn't say anything bad about them so what gives? I thought this was a place to say what we think including good or bad. Editor's note: Please refer to the Notice above setting the rules for posting. Business names are not generally allowed in the Wandering Minds. In the past some business owners have tried to use this forum as a way to advertise their business under the guise of a post from a customer, one Belvedere business in particular. We sell advertising in order to provide our readers with a no-registration, free access, daily news outlet. In the future we may consider letting a business place a post for a fee and so noting the post, but until then - business names will not be used. Exceptions are at the Editor's discretion. web posted April 2, 2007 I agree! We do not need another discount store. I am curious as to what stores the public would like to see in this area.What would keep you and your children in our area shopping? Don't say (the W place)! My husband and I have been boy-cotting (the W place) for years and believe me, you can live very well without it. What would keep you shopping in our community? Maybe we can get some of the people that claim to have money to invest it and make even more. If , indeed, they really have money or just want you to think they do. Young people! Your input, please! Editor's note: As long as the "fox is guarding the hen house" Edgefield County will continue to lag behind. web posted April 2, 2007 Imagine that you have forty-eight minute to teach a language arts class. During that time, you are responsible for teaching vocabulary, writing, and grammar skills. If your students are to have no homework, how will they practice the skills you are teaching? From twenty years experience in the classroom, I can tell you with absolute certainty that there is not enough time. If you don't believe that, take a look at the S.C. PACT standards for language arts and see what I am required to teach them at the middle school level. Research also show that students should practice a skill while they are on the "cusp of mastery." That means right after they have learned the skill- not the next day, not two days later, not a week later. That's when they are best able to transfer that information into their long-term memories, which is what I am trying to have them do. Obviously, there are some who don't agree, and that's okay. I have seen what works in my classroom, with my students, and they appear to benefit from a reasonable amount of homework related to what we are studying in class. Editor's note: Having three children who have or still attend STH, none have ever worked on homework at home. We always asked, "have you done your homework" to which they reply that they did it in class. With the A & B days at STH they claim the teacher only teaches for the regular 45 minute class time and the rest is spent doing homework. web posted April 2, 2007 Me and the wife read (EdgefieldDaily.com) every day. Thanks for everything! Editor's note: Thank you for reading. web posted April 2, 2007 Obviously you've not been to the (business) in Johnston. Their steaks are far from a $10 steak. Just because there are pool tables and a bar, doesn't limit them (deleted). A fancy steak house anywhere in Edgefield County would limit their customers to only the higher income people. Is that what you want, to be separated from the majority of Edgefield County? web posted April 2, 2007 Editor's post: The "no homework" trial is being done at Johnston Elementary only. It does not apply to any other school. web posted March 31, 2007 People!!! I don't want a $10.00 steak, a $5.00 burger. Just something quick, and inexpensive. Isn't that what "fast food" means. Just check my earlier posts. web posted March 31, 2007 Everyone get ready for another Strom Thurmond High School production! Caught in the Act 2007, the show that the gifted and talented drama class writes, is going to be this May! I think it will be an awesome show full of comedy. Come out and support these high school students! Thanks! web posted March 31, 2007 There may be some students who are ignorant and lazy; however, I, along with many others, am certainly not one of them! How dare you make a comment bashing students' integrity! As to homework being abolished, that is not happening. They are doing away with written homework that continues to put stress on students. Students will still study hard for tests and such. When taking an AP class last year, I had 6 hours of pointless written homework for one class! Believe me, I agree completely with the homework policy they are trying. If lazy students do not study at home or are ignorant, they are obviously not being pushed to do much at home. Their parents must also contribute to their education and well-being. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. I may not look like a supermodel, but does that really affect my capability of learning and making good grades? I think not. One must be ignorant to even say something that preposterous. There has not been one year of my education, K-12, that I have not been on the honor roll. I take all honors courses and have taken advantage of the college classes offered, like many students at STHS. I have worked a job since 9th grade, so don't even try to discuss laziness and "needing to work" with me. The schools in Edgefield County are far from a joke. We have some of the most prestigious students in the area. Do you know how many are taking Advanced Placement courses and how many are going to make something of themselves of which they can be proud, obviously unlike yourself? Maybe you should actually do your homework and become involved in the community and schools before you make rude, ignorant statements. Wait, obviously you are doing us all a favor by staying away from the schools. web posted March 31, 2007 Is no one really thinking on the idea of no homework? Homework doesn't HELP kids. Majority of kids do not do their own work, anyway. No homework would equal to less cheating. If you want to keep homework because you think it helps your child... please remember: most children at middle school and high school (DOESN'T MATTER IF IT'S MMS, JET, STHS, FCHS, Wardlaw) do their homework that morning in the classroom, which doesn't lead to understanding the work because they go over it so fast and write anything they want. And for the person(s) who think Edgefield County schools are horrible and degrading, please rethink that. We have some of the smartest kids in the state. web posted March 31, 2007 Let me share with you some FACTS about the no homework policy. 1. Dr. Roberson had nothing to do with the no homework policy. 2. The no homework policy is a test for the remainder of the school year based on solid research. 3. The no homework policy is only being tried out in one school in the district. 4. The no homework policy only gets rid of WRITTEN homework. 5. It is a district-wide policy to not assign homework during the two-weeks of PACT testing in May. web posted March 31, 2007 You have a great site. I use it daily. What do you think is going on with all the break-ins reported on your site? Is this the normal rate over the years, or do I notice it more because I look at this site daily? I live in Merriweather and I am somewhat concerned about this. Turkey Season and the Forks Trails. You may want to run a blurb on your site that says the USFS has closed the Forks Area Trail System (FATS) to bicycles until 10AM Monday-Saturday during the month of April. This was initated by the local bike riders looking to share the woods with others. Years ago many tradtional trail users tried in vain to keep mountain bikers out of the woods. We just want a place to ride and share the resource. Now that we have gained some clout and are getting our places to ride, we haven't changed our stance on sharing the woods. So, beginning in 2007 the FATS trails are closed to bikes until 10AM to make way for the turkey hunters. Taxes. If congress could get rid or greatly modify one tax which should it be? Your choices are the Estate Tax and the Alternative Minumum Tax. Just curious where you stand on this issue. It will be a biggee coming up. The middle class is going to get slayed by the AMT if it doesn't change. Just give it a few more years. Editor's note: Very few of the crimes reported make it to the web site. For every crime you read about, 20 to 25 are not reported. The Sheriff's Office alone is responding to over 600 calls a month and also trying to solve the crimes reported during the same time frame. You notice more crime because EdgefieldDaily.com reports on what is actually happening in the county. As far as taxes go I support the Fair Tax bill. (HR 25) Thank you for your kind comments about the web site. web posted March 31, 2007 COME ON EVERYBODY….Why all the comments on Dr. Roberson; Let's please give the man a chance. Maybe there are people who are worried because he doesn't fit into the "Good Ole Boy" role that is such a strong force in Edgefield County. We are smart people in Edgefield County and I think that everyone, including Dr. Roberson, is aware that we won't stand for our kids' education to be jeopardized. We want to go forward and upwards in all areas and we are no different than other parents in surrounding counties who only want the best for our children and will not stand for anything less. If Dr. Roberson turns out to be a "flop" in his leadership, then that could be addressed, but he is here, seems to be very excited and his reputation is on the line, too. Do you really think that he wants to fail or do anything but be a great leader and make great strides in improvement or upward movement in scores, graduation rates, etc.??? I am curious to why the final two candidates were not made public. It was said at the meetings that when it was narrowed down to the final candidates, it would be made public. web posted March 31, 2007 Is the "No Homework Policy" a county wide policy or is it just being tested in one school? I have two children at two different Edgefield County Schools and neither schools have issued this policy letter. However, I will not sit in judgement on whether this is good or bad policy. It is what it is... A test to gather information from teachers and parents to see if this will be helpful or hurtful to our students. Let us be a little more patient. Editor's note: Refer to the Editor's post above. web posted March 31, 2007 If I were a teacher I can tell you that I would have believed in very little homework. There are times when homework is helpful, but most of the time it does cause conflict in the home.It also causes many children to dread school which leads to dropping out. How would you like your job if you had to bring hours of work home with you after putting in a full day at work. I had such a job. I started out loving it and could not wait to get to work each day. After about six months of it they began piling on more tasks so that to get it completed each day I had to work two or three hours in the evening.I stuck with that job for 8 years hating every day that I had to go in. I finally said enough is enough and took a lower paying job which I love.There must be other ways to teach without burning our children out on school. web posted March 31, 2007 Being a citizen of Edgefield and health care provider in the Augusta area I truly feel there is untapped potential of our hospital. If we can’t compete with them (local Hospitals) we must join them in providing health care services. (1) Team up with Doctors (specialists) in Augusta and North Augusta willing to see patients in Edgefield. Allow specialists to operate in the hospital environment for specialized procedures and care, for example Cardiovascular, Urology, Pulmonary functions, ENT and Gastroenterology are a few services that could be provided in an out patient setting.(2) Hospitals have been moving more and more to day surgery services with a large spectrum of Physicians to choose from. We must stay with the times or risk loosing what we have. We have outstanding Doctors and staff I hope we can keep them! web posted March 31, 2007 I just want to tell everyone involved how much I enjoyed the Fine Arts Festival on Thursday night at JET Middle School. There was a great deal of work that goes into that - my daughter attends Johnston Elementary School and let me tell you - (two teachers) could not do a BETTER job than they have done already with those kids. My daughter looks up to these two teachers. We can only hope and pray that Steve McKinney continues with this district. He is AMAZING. There is so much talent within this district. Principal Bridget Clark should be very proud of her kids. Johnston Elementary shined when they performed with the Strom Thurmond High School Show Choir. Editor's note: Mr. McKinney does a wonderful job. He is to be commended. web posted March 31, 2007 I just asked my son about the test, just wanted to let you know, if you don't, that there were more then the 12 questions on the test. Editor's note: I did not receive and further pages in the stapled test. If you have more they will be added. web posted March 30, 2007 I read all these comments about needing restaurants in Johnston. The (deleted) has wonderful food, one of the best steaks I've ever eaten, and a mixed crowd. It is a wonderful place to carry your family. It is no different than sitting down at any restaurant which serves alcoholic beverages. web posted March 30, 2007 Already parents are talking about taking their children out of the county, putting them in private school or placing them at FCHS, all because of our new superintendent, Dr. Roberson. Why not give the man a chance? From what I have observed, he seems to be capable and knowledgeable as well as having a genuine interest in all of the children of this county. We need to give our support and not bash the man because of the "no homework" policy. As I read the letter, I didn't get the no homework, students will still do homework by reading, spelling words and math facts, and the concerned parents will make sure that their children stay on task while the ones that have to "fuss" with their children will see this as a break for them. Get involved with your children, their teachers, and get to know the principals. Make yourself know around the school and if you see something you don't like go to that person at the school and let them know. If your concerns are not being met, go to the board. I guess you say they won't do anything, well you know what to do, go to the polls in '08 and vote them out! web posted March 30, 2007 People like you degrading our children are the reason they end up dropping out of school. Not one positive word came from you concerning the children of this area. I sure hope your children or grandchildren aren't in this area. You are a low-life piece of scum picking on children like that. What does their weight have to do with anything? As for your comment about the children getting a job so they can start paying lots of social security taxes to help supplement your retirement, that too was uncalled for. I think maybe you were one of the less fortunate children that you described. Hopefully you will seek counseling soon and an education too considering your mistakes in writing. You wrote: I need for them to get some kind of job when they get out high school whether they drop out, are given a diploma even though don't deserve one, or graduate with an earned diploma so they can start paying lots of social security taxes to help supplement my retirement; the majority of schools in edgefield county are a joke; we're just feeding them free lunches and breakfasts I understand that the taxpayers paid for a "consultant" to find our new superintendent. Will you please find out the amount paid and who this consultant was. There are several mistakes within this, maybe you should go back to school and correct these problems. You will get free lunch and breakfast with that. web posted March 30, 2007 i am very upset with the person that called our childern lazy and ignorant and that they need to go to boot camp how dare you talk about others childern my child goes to a edgefield school and is a A student and is far from lazy. i evern went to the same school my kid is at now and i am not ignorant nor lazy you need to watch what you say about others i think edgefield has the best school in the area and i think the kids are very smart and are no different then any kid in any other area so please look at your own self before you talk about others and dont mess with our kids because when you do you mess with us web posted March 30, 2007 Don't "bash" the no homework idea until you have read the actual letter and studied the research about the topic. Most of this research says that homework does not improve student performance. The school that sent the letter home is not expecting any less from its students. As a matter of fact, they are expecting more! Students will still be expected to study spelling and vocabulary words, practice math facts, read, and study for tests. (As the letter states!) The new policy only does away with written homework. The students will still be required to study and prepare for tests in all subjects. In addition to this, the letter clearly states that this is a new idea that will be tested for the remainder of the school year. The letter asks for parents to share their ideas about the "trial" homework policy. A new idea has to be tested in order to determine if it will be successful or not. This school is doing great things for it's students because they are willing to try something new, despite criticism from the outside. I'm curious to see how their "test" turns out at the end of the school year. web posted March 30, 2007 Have u heard that 72 letters were sent out at JET of kids that could fail out of 124 in the 7th grade.I would say we have a problem.It seems this just is a school trying to hold kids back.I know middld school is a big change but come on....... Editor's note: I would think there are a lot more than 124 students in the 7th grade at JET. web posted March 30, 2007 Correct me if I am wrong but, beginning the first of May I was under the assumption that state-wide testing for all students would begin and last for three weeks (every year I believe this happens). It is also my assumption that the practice of no homework during this period was established when the testing first began. Now, if this is the case, then why all of this no-homework discussion? Could it be that a person(s) is trying to take credit for something that happens each year anyway? Are parent(s) not aware of the testing and no-homework period? Is it not more gainful to speak of trivial matters than deal with any known or on-going major concerns? Just a thought! web posted March 30, 2007 I read the article about the reading comprehension test given by the Edgefield school district,and I must tell you it upsets me to see that if a school district is suppose unbias we now know where our school district stands and want to teach our young to teach one way instead of free will and of their own why now we know how the Democrats are thinking you can bet if we the Republicans had thought of this idea they would be calling it unethical and hateful and launching all types of investigations web posted March 30, 2007 Please let’s give Mr.Roberson a fair chance. Most people are afraid of change and what it will bring. Maybe he can take Edgefield county schools to a higher level. I have heard good things about him from parents in Aiken county, so let’s see for ourselves what he will do here before the criticism starts. web posted March 30, 2007 There are lots of "decent" places to eat in Johnston. Have you not realized there is a great pizza place on Calhoun St. There are also several places to get a good burger. One is behind the bank. They have great burgers, and who could forget about the place on Lee St, just past the grocery store? What about the new restaurant on Mims, or if you like food from different nationalities there are two examples of foreign food on Calhoun St. There are plenty more too! We are blessed with home cooking in our community. If you want Johnston to bring in new businesses, you have to support the ones that are already here. Why would someone bring in a new restaurant, when most of the people of Johnston go out of the city limits to eat. Support our local businesses to attract new ones. web posted March 30, 2007 You Go, Big Daddy Covar!! We knew you had it in you!! web posted March 30, 2007 I'd like to know where the person who wrote in about "all" the people writing in and defending Johnston's mayor, is reading thier info. The majority of what I've read on here about him is negative. I suspect the few posters who have defended him are his relatives, just like at his council meetings. As far as her remark about his feelings, if he can't take the heat he should get out of the kitchen. It comes with the territory. Especially if he's not competent to do the job. Let's all hope and pray that Dean Campbell will run again! We need help! web posted March 30, 2007 I agree with the person who was shocked over a Family Dollar store coming to Johnston. Don't they know what economic development is? This county already has two (similar stores) and (another). We do not need another discount store! The odds are the only thing to come of this is one or more of the stores going out of business. Bring in a business that the publc needs! web posted March 30, 2007 In reference to the bandaid inncident, which is completely disturbing, I've had many problems at this same food establishment. The employees there do not care one bit about the customers. I've been at the drive-through numerous times when the person taking the order wasn't paying attention to me, but to the guy in the background. I wonder if DHEC looked around a good bit, if this place would still be open. Apparently, after hearing people making complaints, the owners don't care too much, either? web posted March 30, 2007 So who is up for the asst. superintendent position? As to homework being abolished, where did the contributor hear that? They not only need to give more HW, but they need to send the majority of edgefield county students to boot camp to lose weight and gain discipline; the majority of edgefield county youth K-12 are ignorant, lazy, and need lots of HW and discipline; I need for them to get some kind of job when they get out high school whether they drop out, are given a diploma even though don't deserve one, or graduate with an earned diploma so they can start paying lots of social security taxes to help supplement my retirement; the majority of schools in edgefield county are a joke; we're just feeding them free lunches and breakfasts I understand that the taxpayers paid for a "consultant" to find our new superintendent. Will you please find out the amount paid and who this consultant was. I would also like for you to print who the other candidates for superintendent were. As taxpayers, the public deserves to know these things. Editor's note: A Freedom of Information request has been issued for this information. web posted March 29, 2007 A big welcome to Dr. Roberson,come on Edgefield county are you sad that the good old boy system are long gone.It's time for a change!! web posted March 29, 2007 I can't believe what I'm reading. I am looking at a paper sent home by one of the local schools stating that there will be no homework for the rest of the year. Okay, that's fine, but here are a few of the reasons listed on the paper. "We very often hear that students and parents fuss over homework...Homework not only causes fussing in many homes, but it also causes problems here at school. Children that do not follow the directions of completing homework lose point off their grades." Am I reading this right? We're giving up on homework because some parents don't want the hassle and some children won't do it. Be careful when you expect less. You often get it. Editor's note: The contents of the letter may be found here. web posted March 29, 2007 To the person who would like to have a good burger, why not try the new Pub, (good) food. The article on Portland, just remember, people DIED to give those the right to march. Does not make sense to me, if you do not like the United States, get the (heck) out. web posted March 29, 2007 Is it true that a Taco Bell/KFC combo is going to be built out by Bi-Lo in Edgefield? My mom said she saw it on Edgefield Daily a while back but I can't find it anywhere. I read edgefield daily every day and must have missed it. I hope it's true! Just wanted to check. Thanks! Editor's note: The details have not been released. web posted March 29, 2007 Wow! I just read that other persons post about Frank Roberson and how he wants to teach spelling backwards and no more homework. Well I have one thing to say to this man if I ever meet him face to face (deleted). My son has a disability and he has problems learning as it is so what happens to all handicapped and developmentally disabled kids in this school system? They will not learn correctly and fall far behind more than they are now. What is wrong with this school board tjhey are jepordizing these kids education and quality of learning and their future. If I could afford the outrageous tuition I would have sent my son to a private school but some of us dont have the cash to do so. I hate this school district and if I could afford to move I would to get my child out of this county. web posted March 29, 2007 I too am proud of Brad Covar for having the guts to stand up for such a farce as choosing Dr. Roberson. We wasted $30,000 on a search committee when the whole county knew who would be chosen. I, like the editor, want to know how much we will spend to find an assistant Superintendent to replace him. It is scary that our school board does not consider the needs of our children first. Fox Creek has received negative publicity, but it may fill very quickly now with our new captain. I am afraid that our ship is either heading for rough waters or storms that will sink us for good. But, we have come too far to sink. I am curious to see if Dr. Roberson will be as good as people say he is. My hat’s off to Dr. Keesley. It is going to be tough to get used to anyone when you’ve had the best. Good luck Dr. Keesley and hold your head up high. We will now miss you more than you will ever know. web posted March 29, 2007 i agree with the person who said why should i have to drive to edgefield to get a burger or pizza..we do have papa's pizza which i think is great, but who wants to walk in a pool room and get a burger and come out smelling like a grease pit...on sunday you can choose mexican or chinese food and thats it...yes, johnston get in to the 21st and lets support johnston, not edgefield...let the citizens of edgefield do that..we need to support johnston...maybe if people started going out of town and stop supporting local merchants that could possible get the point across...regardless of what they sell..merchants work together, now it time for them to work on getting something nice in johnston, more than one place... web posted March 29, 2007 Someone asked about jobs at Force Protection, according to their web site: Force Protection is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Affirmative Action participant. We encourage all qualified females, minorities, military veterans, Vietnam era veterans and disabled to apply. Please submit applications and/or resumes via your local South Carolina Employment Security Commission at www.sces.org and apply for the career opportunity within Force Protection Industries, Inc. that is right for you. the employment link can be found at: http://www.forceprotection.net/about/employment.html web posted March 29, 2007 Editor's post: The school board did just as they were predicted. That is not the scary part. Just wait till you hear who they want to fill the asst. superintendent's position with. Oh, I forgot, they have to go through the "process" first. How much does the "process" cost taxpayers? Rule number one, never think the voting public is stupid just because they elected you. On a second note, I love to hear the Democrats talk of how they support the troops but oppose the war. Somehow they can't seem to keep their supporters from showing their true colors. Take a look at this. Last, and certainly not least, I would like to thank every single reader and poster for taking EdgefieldDaily.com to a new level. A story on that will be coming out on Monday. Those who read and post on the Wandering Minds continue to make EdgefieldDaily.com the most interactive news outlet in Edgefield County. I wanted to personally thank each of you for your continued support. You can also support EdgefieldDaily.com by visiting our advertisers online. They are the ones that make it all possible. web posted March 28, 2007 So the BOE has picked Robertson, thats a big surprise. Everyone knew he was it when he was hired. Thanls for getting the news out so fast. I read it when I got home tonight and just rolled my eyes. Editor's note: The news was posted within twenty minutes of the meeting. web posted March 28, 2007 Well that's just great! Frank Roberson is the new superintendent. That is by far the worst thing that could have happened to our county. I have a close relative that teaches in the school district and have heard a lot of the ideas this guy has. First he thinks kids need to learn to spell by learning the word from the back to the front - spelling it backwards in other words. Then a letter comes home yesterday saying that he believes children should have no homework and that after spring break there will be no more! I am all for kids being kids and not spending hour upon hour on homework every day, but they need the practice and need to have the spelling and math facts remediated at home. What's next? I guess we are about to find out. I truly believe it is a sad day for Edgefield County schools and want to thank Brad Covar for having the guts and presence of mind to vote against his hire. Thanks Brad! web posted March 28, 2007 What is the story behind the FCHS students washing the faculty's cars? I hope this was a fundraiser of some sort. I am so tired of the negativity. All we hear is awful stories from the students who yearn to go to STHS. This is so sad because they raved it was wonderful and everyone should rush to enroll. I won't have my child anywhere near there if trips to the zoo are unsupervised. The zoo is in Columbia! An hour away- if it were Augusta it would be different. And-what is the story about the science teacher that (has been put on leave)? Students are being told a lie about (it). They were told that the teacher had some type of simple illness. He has a bigger problem and probably needs the support and prays from his students, but they don't know why he's not teaching! Posting in the past has made emphasis on FCHS treating their students mature and grown up. If this is true, why lie to them? Treat them mature and tell them the truth! (Deleted) Has his position been filled? Get it together FCHS. Stop defending and denying the problem and address the issues at hand. Parents, I think academically, students are better off at STHS. When colleges start to look at what classes were taken, SAT scores, extra curricular activities, they want a real school. Not just a county playschool. I'm not an Anti FoxCreek High School Posse. I'm in reality and you need to get there too. Editor's note: The teacher is currently on administrative leave. The position has been filled. web posted March 28, 2007 I am glad to see all the people write in defending the mayor of johnston. maybe now he will fell like the people who voted for him are finally defending him instead of putting him down all the time. web posted March 28, 2007 To the person inquiring about the county recreation budget for this year. It doesn't really matter how much it is because, as usual, the majority of the county will recieve a paltry amount while an exhorbitant amount will be given to a certain prominent citizens' pet project down on Bettis Acadamy Rd. Let's see how it plays out this year? Editor's note: Preliminary numbers show Bettis Park will receive $80,828 of the $300,000 budget. web posted March 28, 2007 There is 24 foot of roadway on US 25 and 26 foot of intersection on S-491. There should be no need to drive on the shoulder. web posted March 28, 2007 A FAMILY DOLLAR!!!!!!! What about a decent place to eat??? Why do I have to drive to Edgefield to get a burger or a pizza?? Come on Johnston, and wake up and be a part of the 21st century!!!! web posted March 28, 2007 This is to let everyone know that there is a rash of thefts of dirt bikes in our area. Two days ago my sons motorcycles were stolen out of our yards, which were stored up in the woods by our sheds. We found out by the police that this was the 5Th such incidents in a short period of time. So to all moms and dads, make sure all dirt bikes are locked up. Thanks to a neighbor we do know that it was a black ford ranger with a missing bumber that took them. So be on the look out in your area. web posted March 28, 2007 The attorney can say what he wants but the JUDGE decides if the person is abile to represent themselves. Evidently no one in Edgefield Countys is smart enough. I know of two instances, two different FAMILY court cases, where the person was fully capable and knowledgeable on their case, had everything needed and was told to "go get a lawyer". Still stinks to me. web posted March 28, 2007 Where is the new Force Protection research center to be located? Also where can you send resumes or put in job applications? Editor's note: The facility is already built and operating in the northern part of the county under the name of NEWTEC Services Group, Inc. (NEWTEC). The sale of the facility took place on March 9. I am unaware of any new jobs being available. web posted March 28, 2007 Editor's post: I hope that if I ever pass out drunk while driving (which I would not do) and get discovered by police intruding into traffic at a major intersection I will only be charged with disorderly conduct and not DUI. It is nice to know that is an option. web posted March 27, 2007 Just wandering if you could check into the damage then repairs and then again damage to the shoulder of road at the corner of highway 25 south and Stephens rd . This is obviously a Big Truck turning spot and a hole is always there , last week the DOT came out and graded the spot level and put rock down , spent about all day there , next day couldn't tell they had even been there , can they pave the shoulder as they did 200 yards down the road on other side ? I know they were ask to pave but responded that gravel will work , WELL here is your sign , Corner of Hwy 25 and Stephens rd!!!! web posted March 27, 2007 Why won't you say where the bandaid burger was from? Editor's note: I went by to talk to the manager on Monday but the manager was unavailable. I gave clues but if you need more I will say again that the Edgefield Chief of Police was not happy with his meal.  web posted March 27, 2007 As a local attorney, I'd like to clear one issue that I've been reading about on Wandering Minds. According to the South Carolina Supreme Court, the only entity required to have attorney representation in court is a corporation (or similar entity), and that's only in Common Pleas court. Every person has the right to represent themselves in any court. I, too, have heard family court judges tell people that they need to have an attorney represent them, but that's only after the individual was unable to personally prove the individual elements of their case according to the requirements of the law (but only because the individual simply did not know which elements of the case were supposed to be presented, not implying the individual did not know the facts). The judge is prohibited from telling one side or the other how to proceed and what evidence or testimony is required in a particular situation. Since the judge can't tell you how to proceed, an attorney can. Editor's note: The above post is verified as coming from a local attorney. web posted March 27, 2007 The new building on Lee Street in Johnston is a Family Dollar Store. web posted March 27, 2007 Has anyone been to the motorcycle races on Calhoun st in Johnston.Sad to say i am there everyday. Editor's note: I have not attended those races. I do get to attend the same type races on Woodlawn Road each weekend in Merriwether. To think that so many opposed a race track when we have so many across the county every weekend available for free. web posted March 27, 2007 To my understanding they are building a Family Dollar store on Lee St. Also ,in reference to the way the Johnston mayor dresses I think it is crazy. I will be honest I did not vote for the man, but if he is not in a meeting or conducting town buisness why should he not dress casual Mayor is not a full time job, and I think some people really do need to get a life. Worry about the job he is doing and not his clothes. web posted March 27, 2007 Editor's post: I got wind of a Police Officer being served a fish sandwich that had a used band-aide on it Thursday, so I checked it out. Sure enough my source was correct. A call to Edgefield Chief of Police Ronnie Carter confirmed that he was the officer and there was in fact a used band-aide in his sandwich. “I don’t think it was intentional,” Chief Carter said. The Chief returned to the restaurant with an official from DHEC and the evidence. The manager, the Chief, and the DHEC official had a nice long talk he said. I have not talked to the manager about this event. Until then I will not name the establishment. The Chief was not happy with his meal. web posted March 26, 2007 When are we going to stop the drug ring in this town with the teenagers? I am aware of one girl that use to work at (deleted) and (deleted) that is a (drug user), who happens to be under age. Who do I need to speak to about this problem? Editor's note: Contact Police Chief Ronnie Carter at 637-4060. I assume your post relates to Edgefield due to the deleted content. web posted March 26, 2007 You used the word casualty making it sound like a lot of people died in the wreck (in Johnston Thursday night). I guess you failed English class and just wanted it to sound like big news. Bad news sells right? Editor’s note: A person who is a casualty of a situation is a victim or injured. I believe the word you are thinking of is fatality. As to “bad news sells”, how much did you pay to read the story? web posted March 26, 2007 I would like to know how to stop the owner of the silver mustang with the black rag top from speeding down our residential area? We have children and animals in this area. (deleted) This needs to be prevented. Editor's note: Contact the proper law enforcement agency for your area. If you can, try to obtain the license plate number to provide to law enforcement. Do not take matters into your own hands. web posted March 26, 2007 Can someone out there let me know if it is legal or not to set out traps for cats? I'm talking a trap large enough that the cat severely damages their whole rear leg or legs trying to escape the trap. I live on Blockplant Rd. and we have a resident on the street who hates cats so bad they resort to anything they can to get rid of them. I suspect they have used poison in the past, also. I realize cats roam and will cross others property, but what harm are they doing? I only have one cat who is a replacement for a couple others I have lost after nursing their legs back to normal. Is there any way this person can be made to remove these traps? Maybe the A.S.P.C.A or All God's Creatures or some other outfit that helps animals? Someone please help because I'm sick of seeing these animals maimed. Editor's note: I would suggest you contact the Edgefield County Sheriff's Office (637-5337) and ask for the Animal Control Officer. If he is not in they will have him call you. web posted March 26, 2007 Any idead what they are building on Lee Street in Johnston? I hope it's a fast food place. Editor's note: I have no idea. Maybe when the Town Administrator reads this he will send in the information. web posted March 26, 2007 I don't believe the writer was talking about the Town of Edgefield. I thought the reference was to Johnston and the taxes? Editor's note: You may be right. With both mayors being discussed I thought I would explain who does not pay town property taxes and confused the towns in the discussion. That's why I have been staying out of that topic. No dog in the hunt, so to speak. web posted March 26, 2007 I would like to thank you, those of you who responded to my email about the Mayor’s tacky shirt, I like to see it when you get you back up over something silly. You take it so personally. I just more people would support the important issues so quickly. Thank you Edgefield Daily.com web posted March 26, 2007 You should not be REQUIRED to have an attorney in court. THere are many things that you can handle on your own. Do you call a doctor every time you sneeze? I dont think so. You are not REQUIRED to have any of those services you listed. Maybe you have money to throw away, not everyone does. web posted March 26, 2007 Folks out there wouldn't believe how many toddlers and children are not supervised these days - the older ones "watch" the younger ones and older means 6-10 yrs!! web posted March 26, 2007 Under the South Carolina Code of Laws, a party has the right to represent himself in Family Court without having an attorney. This is known as "pro se." Judges will often admonish a person who appears "pro se" to have legal representation, because the likelihood of a legal error being made is much greater. The Judge wants to be sure that both parties have adequate representation to reduce the likelihood of an appeal, which is costly. A person with a legal background knows how the laws are written and applied as well as how they have been interpreted by the Courts (case law). They also have knowledge of proper procedures and paperwork to follow when addressing the Court. Unfortunately, this knowledge and experience comes with a high price tag. The person who is "pro se" is oftentimes at a disadvantage because they do not have the access to law resources such as case law, interpretations, opinions, et c., that an attorney does. If money is an issue, there are pro bono services available from the SC Bar Association. If you are serious about appearing "pro se", you need to do the research to become familiar with how the law applies to your case and how the court systems work. There are resources on the internet and at the library to help people who want to appear "pro se." The proper forms can be obtained from the Clerk of Court; however, they can not give you legal advice. Even if you retain an attorney, it helps to read the applicable law in your case, so that you have a better understanding of the factors that will influence a Judge's ruling in your matter. Without knowing the specifics of a case, it would be hard for anyone to know why the Family Court Judge would order a party to have legal representation. It is not to pad the pockets of local attorneys though. There are four Family Court Judges who hear cases in Edgefield. They belong to a four county circuit (11th District which is Lexington, Saluda, McCormick, and Edgefield Counties) and rotate through each county. I understand your frustration with the Judge. Matters that concern the Family Court are oftentimes very emotional in nature. Just remember that Judge is obligated to look out for the interests of both parties - his rulings are made on the basis of law, not emotion. Editor's note: The above comment is not to be considered legal advise. For legal advise please contact an attorney. The above was the poster's personal opinion. It exceeded the 250 minimum but was allowed. web posted March 26, 2007 As far as the Mayor getting paid very little, it's because he DOES very little. So his salary is about right. Also, who in this town does not pay taxes?? And why not?? And how come?? Editor's note: Homeowners in the Town of Edgefield do not pay town property taxes this year. They do have to pay county property taxes. web posted March 24, 2007 I read with interest Dr Robersons editorial concerning the "no child left behind" legislation and what other states do to check the progress of their students. I can tell you from personal knowlege and experience that VA uses "SOL" testing,Standards Of Learning, there are really just anthother name for PACT, just their cute acronym. The difference being that they are taken in subject areas through high school. You must obtain a certain number of "verified credits"(passing the SOL in that subject area) to get credit for the class. Here is my problem. The teachers teach the test. For example, my relative is a junior in a VA high school, this is the year he had to pass the SOL for English and writing, he passsed but when I asked him what type of papers they had to write in his english class, and was he taught MLA format or APA he had NEVER heard of the acronyms before, has NOT written a paper using those standards.THey read TWO books, Our Town and Lord of the Flies, why? because they had to cover the material for the test. He also had to test in US history. They covered WWII in ONE DAY, why? because they had to get through the Cold War in order to know the material for the test, it seems WWII isn't important to have that many questions on the SOL test. He had not heard of Rommel, PATTON, or that we landed on three beaches during D-day, and no, he didnt' know when we landed in Normandy. Please don't hold up VA as the way to do things, I would like to seem them do away with PACT and any other standardized testing, let the teachers teach the subject NOT a test. web posted March 24, 2007 well i would just like to say that i just found out that this was here so i decided to go check it out and i was reading all the post and i have a few things to say.. first off some people just have TOO much time on their hands and on another note it's PARK ROW MARKET NO. 1 and i go in there all the time and they do have great food and i think it is pretty petty to post something when you don't have all the facts i mean go and find out wether you can post your own ad instead of writing on here complaining about it ask around make a few calls and see if you can do it too and if someone tells you can't then have a problem with it.. well just thought i would have a say in it if you have a problem let me know and i will be oooo soo HAPPY to write back..... Editor's note: Thank you for reading, please write back often. web posted March 24, 2007 I personally do not have a problem with our new mayor. And, what he wears should not be an issue. A golf shirt is a very casual comfortable attire. He is not going to to court or anything. All I have heard about this new mayor is negativity. Maybe if he had some support from the citizens of johnston he would care a little more what you think. I also remember running into the ex mayor and tons of other law enforcement that should be in uniform wearing the same description attire. I do not think that anyone will ever be happy with who they voteed or vote for in the future. There should be more important issues than what he wears and the stupid walking trail. Because he is black everyone thinks he is only for the black man. How can he help that the town population is or close to being majority african american. Because of course no white people voted him in right?(whatever) If you have a problem with the way a town is ran you should take action and do something about or get out of the town. Don't just sit back on your butts and belittle everyone else for what they do wrong. You must have issues of your own. And by the way, thanks alot for making edgefield county sch a crappy place to live. And for all the english teachers out there grading my spelling of this letter get over it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! web posted March 24, 2007 I think our mayor is doing as excellent job. It does not matter whether he wears a coat and a tie or not. If he did, someone would laugh. web posted March 24, 2007 I read on here that you need a lawyer to go to court. What's next? A dentist to pull your tooth? A realtor to sell your house? A doctor to fix a broken arm? Say it ain't so! You could do all of these on your own (court included), but SHOULD you? web posted March 24, 2007 This is to the person that wrote in about our Mayor's colorful shirt---you must not have much going on in your life to sit around and complain about something so trivial. Don't you think you should have encouraging things to say about our Mayor? Have you ever been Mayor? It can't be an easy job, especially when there are people out there with your kind of attitude. Shame on you. I think he is doing a fine job, no matter what he wears. Take your energy and use it for something positive. Don't be such a grump. Life is too short! web posted March 24, 2007 To the person writing about the way our Mayor dresses: This is the way we do it in small towns so you may as well go back to the big town that you are so fond of! Big town Mayors spend more time worrying about what they are going to wear every day than what they are going to do for the betterment of the town. By the way, you must have good eyesight to have seen that Mt. Vintage logo from your car! web posted March 24, 2007 The death of the child is so tragic.All accidents are preventable but we are human and accidents will be.We always look for someone to blame and of course there are ways it could have been prevented..Pray for that family and neighborhood and for the bus driver.. I can only imagine what they are feeling. Before you find fault with the school bus driver please remember that the two year old ran into the path of the bus. The bus comes everyday at about the same time so why was a two year old out there to begin with. Where was the care giver? So I hope the people in that neighborhood will contact the bus driver to extend that person some comfort and forgivenes. There is plenty of blame to go around. So sad for all involved. web posted March 23, 2007 In reference to the way our Mayor dresses: I cannot believe that someone would have the audacity to sit back and ridicule the way that someone else dresses. This man is a very caring individual who is trying very hard to do what is best for this town. He gets paid very little to perform the duties of Mayor and I think that he has been an asset to the Town of Edgefield. What the man wears should not be an issue. Every time I have ever seen him, he always looks nice. In my opinion, there is nothing wrong with a golf shirt and pants. People like you who sit back and talk about the way other people are dressed are the reason that a lot of people stay away from church and you should be ashamed of yourself! You are probably a resident of the town and are not having to pay taxes any more either but I'll bet you didn't once think to write in something positive about that! web posted March 23, 2007 How is it in Edgefield County the family court judge REQUIRES you to obtain counsel. You are not allowed to serve as your own attorney. This seems questionable and unethical at best... You require people to pay for an attorney, and you have to find someone either in Edgefield county to take your case or someone that will come to Edgefield. Are their that many choices or just a way of padding the local lawyers pockets? It doesn't pass the smell test to me. Editor's note: I have not attended Family Court so I have no idea if this is the case. I will check. web posted March 22, 2007 I am writing to warn some edgefield county residents about (a local plumbing company). I have seen a known drug addict working for (the company). I mean I am not putting him down or anything but it would hurt your business when something takes missing from a customers house, how would you explain that. Oh well I forgot to tell you mam or sir I have a crackhead on my payroll I am so sorry!!!! You said something about a story on a car dealer but i haven't seen one yet. Did you drop it? Editor's note: No, the story is still in the works and the matter is still developing. web posted March 22, 2007 The little boy that got run over in Augusta is so sad. Editor's note: It was truly a preventable tragedy. web posted March 22, 2007 Some one need to teach our Mayor about dressing for success Our Mayor walks around town looking like he just walked off the golf course. Today he had on a bright collared shirt with the Mount Vintage Logo. I was driving down the road and this spectacle jumped out at me like at red flag. How hard is it to wear a nice button down shirt that can have a coat and tie added when needed. They come in all types of fabric to accommodate the seasons. Maybe this is how things are done in small towns. Editor's note: Being mayor in any of the three towns in the county is a part time job. web posted March 22, 2007 I like the little bobble heads you are using in several of the Editor's post - they make me smile. web posted March 21, 2007 Every day I drive from Edgefield to Augusta on my way to work and for weeks I smell like smoke by the time I get to work. I t looks like everyone on Sweetwater Rd wants to burn the woods. Then today I got home to find my house surrounded in smoke. Who can I call to complain. Editor's note: The smoke noticed today in Edgefield and Johnston was from a 800 plus acre burn by the US Forestry. The other burns were private land owners. All were permitted. web posted March 21, 2007 HI...this is my first time writing in, but I would just like to say I have a friend that attends FCHS and this person is just not happy there at all. Next year this person is definatly going to attend STHS. They believe that they will do a much better job there. This person just does not agree with the things going on at the school and is just very unhappy. But on the brighter side atleast summer is near!! web posted March 21, 2007 Let me begin by saying that I have never been in a beauty pageant before. And, no I'm not ugly. I happen to be very pretty. I just choose not to flaunt it. But, I think that if others want to, more power to you. I have read all these suggestions about judging on something other than looks. Well. NEWSFLASH!!! It is called a beauty pageant. There are other clubs and teams that are for brainsmarts or athletes. I think that everyone who puts their children in a BEAUTY pageant and then complains about being judged on looks deserves a duh card. And, far as illiteracy goes. This is just an opinion web page (Wandering Minds) put here for our pleasure. It is not a spelling bee. I could care less if I mispell a few words. You have to much time on your hands. Most people read these articles for humor, pleasure,and to stay informed. Not to grade everyone's grammer. web posted March 21, 2007 I was looking at the results of the Shamrock Run in Edgefield and was astounded with the winning time. I’m not sure, but 2.4 miles in 8 minutes and 10 seconds would equate to around 3 minutes and 24 seconds per mile. The current World Record is around 3 minutes and 43 seconds. Congratulations on shattering the World Record! right………….. web posted March 21, 2007 As a teacher at Strom Thurmond High School I have used crayons in the classroom in grading. If I have the students correct their own work, I have in the past made them use crayons in order to make sure they do not change an incorrect answer for credit. I cannot presume to know what goes on in the classrooms at Fox Creek so I won't say that is what they are using crayons for, but there is a legitimate use for them in all levels of the educational process. web posted March 21, 2007 How do you get to town’s (Edgefield) website? Editor's note: The site is listed on the navigational menu on the left side of the page. web posted March 21, 2007 Editor's post: How far can political correctness go? Liberals want (and some builders are actually doing it) to have the term "master bedroom" deleted from home sales ads. They claim the term is, are you ready for this, racist. The master bedroom is now to be called the owner's suite or some other cute "feel good name".
What's next? Are we going to have to rename the master cylinder of a
brake system on cars? Where will the insanity end?web posted March 20, 2007 With all the cell phone towers around the county you'd think you could use your phone anywhere.If I'm not in town I might as well turn the phone off. I switched my service to (deleted) and still can't get a signal half the time. Oh, the sales person always says they cover the county but that ain't true. Does anyone know who has the best coverage? Editor's note: Company names may not be used in the Wandering Minds so any response with a service provider named will have the name removed from the post. Rival companies do not use the same towers. Edgefield County is largely a rural county and limited cell phone coverage is just part of that reality. web posted March 20, 2007 You said something about the recreation budget a while back but I can't find it. How much is it this year? Editor's note: The projected amount for FY 2007-2008 is $300,999 which is down from almost half a million last year. That is an early estimate and is subject to change, meaning increase, before the final budget is voted on. web posted March 20, 2007 I know all the news can't be good news but all the crimes that get reported makes me feel uncomfortable. I know if it happens the news is going to report it but do you have to report all of it? It sounds like there is crime everywhere. We should put a good face on so that other people looking at us want to come here. Editor's note: Very few of the actual crimes that take place get reported, even on EdgefieldDaily.com. Ignoring the problem will not make it go away. If the county leaders are serious about wanting to promote the county - making it safer should be first on their list of priorities. web posted March 20, 2007 I wanted to write and tell you how much I enjoy (EdgefieldDaily.com). I didn't use our computer very often but after several of my friends kept talking about the website I took a little spare time and signed on. I have been reading for a few weeks. I never knew so much was happening. Thank you. I read every day now. I feel so much smarter now knowing what is going on. Editor's note: Thank you for reading and please pass our location on to your family and friends. I cannot say reading EdgefieldDaily.com makes you more inteligent. It will make you better informed. web posted March 20, 2007 i just wanted to say to the student defending foxcreek being juvenile because they use crayons. I will have to say crayons are used by all grades for one reason or another, but a trip to the zoo, come on. I think the last time I went to the zoo I was like in elementary school. But, I do have 2 toddler's now, so thank you for making me realize it is time to take my kids to the zoo. I'll write back in and let everyone know how much fun we had with our kids. Oh yeah, did I read that right about students having to wash the teachers cars to enroll What kind of crap is that? THANK YOU edgefielddaily.com for giving us a place to just put it all out there. I should get back on here later and let out some steam. web posted March 20, 2007 I enjoyed your editorial on the (Johnston) walking trail. Spot on. Editor's note: Thank you. If you live in Johnston you might want to attend the meeting that will be held at 6 pm tonight at the Town Hall. It will no doubt be very interesting. web posted March 20, 2007 Let's talk about the new CEO at the Edgefield Co. Hospital.......Okay, let's do. I hear he's doing a fantastic job in moving the hospital forward. He's a straight shooter and has had to make some tough decisions. Is someone upset (deleted)? Editor's note: Why do I get the feeling this is going to be one of those topics that more posts are disallowed than allowed? Four never made it on the Wandering Minds today. Please read the rules for posting at the top of the page. web posted March 20, 2007 Thank you for covering the Shamrock Run. Everyone involved worked very hard to make it happen. Editor's note: It was a success and I know organizers have bigger plans for next year. web posted March 20, 2007 I have never been for "beauty pageants" myself maybe because I know for sure that I could never win one. It is very hard to judge beauty because it really is in the eyes of the beholder. Sometimes as my husband and I are watching TV he will say" now I think she is a pretty woman" Most of the time I think he is blind in one eye and can't see out of the other. So why not judge on what the girl has accomplished and not so much on beauty, or just get over it. It was for a good cause. web posted March 20, 2007 What happened to the cheese man? Editor's note: Guess why your post was placed at the bottom of today's listings. web posted March 20, 2007 Editor's post: I spoke with Edgefield Mayor Ken Durham about the ad for Market Row No. 1 on the Town's web site. Mayor Durham said the rotating space is available for any Edgefield business to advertise. "All they have to do is send us a paragraph and we will send it to our web people to be listed," Mayor Durham said. That seems fair enough. If you are a reader and own or operate a business in the Town of Edgefield I encourage you to submit a short paragraph about your business. You cannot beat free advertisement. web posted March 19, 2007 I wanted to write to say how much I enjoyed the Shamrock Run Saturday! I think it came off great! Kudos to everyone involved. web posted March 19, 2007 The (Miss Peach Blossom) pageant was held to raise money for LSCBC so that the youth could go on the their mission trip every year! The mission trip is hard work, awful showers, dirt, being tired, possible pain, ache in the joints,no sleep, worshiping, witnessing, being with (G)od, teaching and talking with others about gods word, being there for others and them for you. I should know because i have been and i thank (G)od everyday that i got the chance to go. I wouldnt take it back for anything, that was the best week of my entire summer, just to see the man who owned the house that i worked on smile as i hugged him goodbye and say "even though i've always thought i was along now i know Jesus was with me the whole time" . Its been a year and even tough we haven't see each other i know i will someday see him in heaven, cause i know where i'm going, do you? God works in misterious ways and now i know that, if it wasn't for the pageant last year i would have never gotten the chance to realize that. So, please don't keep making the pageant look so wrong because if LSCBC doesn't do it then they wont have the money to go and theirs going to be even more children out there not know the works of god and witnessing to others. Wouldn't you want your children to know and teach (G)ods word?, i know i do! web posted March 19, 2007 We had such a good time at the St. Patrick's day celbreation in Edgefield. Saturday. I hope it can have a parade next year like Augusta. web posted March 19, 2007 I read your article on (Force Protection) buying a place in Edgefield. Where is it? I haven't heard of the other company being here either. Do you know where it is? Editor's note: I do not know where the stated facility is located. I will be seeking that information on Monday and will follow up with another report when it is provided. I do know that over 100 acres near Trenton has supposedly been sold for over $1 million. (Vann Rd and Highway 25). It has also been confirmed that a Taco Bell / KFC will be coming to Edgefield in the near future. The site of the duel restaurant has not been confirmed. web posted March 19, 2007 To the person who "unfortunantely attended the Peach Blossom pageant"...the childs father was told that she had the lowest score in her group is because he asked and by the way no one preceded to show the final tally sheet that was kept privately. And if you would have came in at the begining of the convo then you would have know but you stuck your nose in at the wrong time and made comments that weren't even the total truth. At the end its the one's who arnt associated with the pageants that cause the problems! To all the others who are complaining you need to do some research and find out what this pageant was all about and find out were the money went to. Little Stevens Creek Baptist Church worked very hard on this pageant: finding a place to have it, props, getting the church to let them use it as a dressing room, getting the chairs set up, flowers, ordering trophs and crowns, getting judges, sorting forms out and pictures, getting the rosters ready for the judges and the guest who came, plus lots more so that your child could have fun and met new people. I'm sorry if they didn't win but thats why they gave the score sheets back so they could learn from their misstakes, not to embarrasse anyone! web posted March 19, 2007 Why didn't they cha(r)ge the Crook woman with attempted murder? I get the feeling that if I did that they would hammer me and put me under the jail. What gives? Editor's note: South Carolina does not have an "attempted murder" charge but rather lists the charge as assault and battery with the intent to kill (ABWIK). The events that took place certainly, in my opinion, fit the charge but I am not a Solicitor and do not have all the intimate details. web posted March 19, 2007 We have a daughter at Fox Creek and if my husband would let me I would have taken her out before the year was up but he doesn't want to do it.She WILL NOT go back next year. When she was at Thurmond she made decent grades but was not an exceptional student even though she studied hard. At Fox Creek she never studies and makes almost all A's. I fear she is not getting a real education an(d) it will hurt her in the long run. She loves it there (at FCHS) but that doesn't mean she is learning. The teachers and administrator don't seem to care about my concerns and just blow me off. That is why she won't be back. I also object to her having to wash the cars of the teachers in order to attend the school. I thought that is why we pay taxes. web posted March 19, 2007 I love the off the wall stories but some of the links are bad and the story don't load. Can you fix them? Editor's note: Unlike EdgefieldDaily.com, some web sites do not archive all their stories. The articles or stories are linked at the time they are published. If advised of a broken link in the Section that story will be removed. web posted March 19, 2007 I looked at edgefield's website and saw the ad too. It must be nice to have friends in high places. web posted March 19, 2007 To who ever was winning about the Fox Creek High School BIO 2 field trip to the zoo…….. I’m sure Dr. Murph only let the children with permission drive to the zoo… and I’m quite sure that the children who drove where mature enough to handle the responsibility… “Was there not a comment a few weeks ago about how the teachers at Fox Creek were treating the students like elementary students? Making them use crayons and such?”… “Grow Up… at least the students at Fox Creek are!” Fox Creek High School has more parental involvement than any other school that I know of in the area. I can’t wait to watch Fox Creek High School grow! P.S. “I also can’t wait to hear all the reply’s from all the anti Fox Creek Posse” Editor's note: Parent involvement is much higher at the Merriwether Elementary and Middle School. Including those who have no students in the schools. They do it without students and parents being forced to perform "community service" as a condition of enrollment. That is not a slam against Fox Creek, just a factual statement. web posted March 17, 2007 I would like to know as a citizen voter just how much our senators are paid and what their perks and retirement benefits are. I tried to find this information on Google and couldn't; could you direct me to a web-site or tell me how I could obtain this information. This should be public information, but it seems to be hard to find. I really appreciate your newspaper and all the reporters that are working hard to keep us up-to-date. Editor's Note: Thank you for reading and please pass our location on to others. To your question: a SC Senator in Washington makes $165,200 a year, plus you name it .... in 2006. I always wonder why someone would spend millions of dollars to get elected to a job that pays $165K a year? I also wonder how, on $165,000 a year, they can become millionaires in just a few years. Just lucky I guess. web posted March 17, 2007 I want to know why (the Town of) Edgefield has the Market Row restaurant listed on their website in the "places to visit" but not other private businesses? We all pay taxes and have been here a (heck) of a lot longer! Editor's note: I took a look at the web site and you are correct. They do feature the following: "Park Row No. 1: 108 Courthouse Square . Open Tuesday through Saturday . Great salads and sandwiches. Daily specials." in the rotating ads of historical locations.  web posted March 17, 2007 Is there any info on where Charles Dozier was arrested in Aiken County? Apparently there was a pretty big fuss in front of my house (that I guess I slept through) in the middle of the night just barely into Thursday morning. A half dozen cars from different law enforcement agencies and an abulance or two. A neighbors’ description of the bloodied young black man seemed to loosely sound like Dozier’s description. I read that he was arrested that night and in Aiken County, so I was curious if this was the same person or something totally unrelated. No one else seems to be posting any info on the arrest other than the Chronicle yesterday only saying he was arrested overnight in Aiken County. Thanks for everything you do. Editor's note: It will be Monday before I can obtain that information. All I know at this point is a tip led to his arrest. web posted March 17, 2007 Thank you for everything you provide to Edgefield County. You always had an exceptional passion for things you believed in and expressed that in your work in my classes when you were in High School. I always knew you would do well in whatever endeavor you pursued. I am proud of you. Editor's note: I am humbled. Family, community, and teachers were all integral in my education. Thank you for being a part of that process. web posted March 17, 2007 I think the person who wrote in praise of the Miss Peach Blossom pageant should learn how to spell the word pageant. Illiteracy does not make our county look any better. I do agree with the natural idea of beauty, and perhaps the sponsors should consider having the contestants wear no makeup and look more natural so that their beauty can really shine. Also those who complain are not always doing so for a bad reason, but some do it only to see changes made. web posted March 17, 2007 The Biology 2 class at Fox Creek visit the columbia zoo on monday.Why would Dr. Murphy allow 16 &17 year old students to drive themselves on the field trip when parents were willing to drive and chaperon the field trip.To add insult to injury the teacher let the students split up,half of them went to the mall or so they told him. I have not got the just of what the other half of students did with all that time on their hands without chaperons.Parents wake up FCCHS doesn't want parents to know all that goes on there. Editor's note: I checked into this and it is true. One student that went on the field trip said it was fun because they were not supervised and did anything they wanted and went anywhere they wanted. There were three parents that went with their children but did not supervise any of the other student groups. web posted March 16, 2007 I just wanted to give Kudos to the Edgefield (Sheriff's Office) for the fantastic job they do, especially in regards to the missing children's search they have had to do recently. I was very impressed with their fast response and action, of which I witnessed first hand in my neighborhood. Great Job! Also, to the Editor on the Edgefield Daily, Keep up the good work! Editor's note: They will be happy to know they are supported. Thank you for reading. web posted March 16, 2007 School board members need to come out of the meeting room and get into the schools more. They need to see what's going on before making decisions that affect those who are actually there. They might be surprised at some of the lumps they find under the rugs. web posted March 16, 2007 Let's talk about the CEO at the Edgefield County Hospital. web posted March 16, 2007 I was wondering why Dr. Roberson’s picture is in the paper almost every week? We all know who he is and we do not need to see him every week. It seems like the school board is pushing him down everyone’s throat. Please find someone else to print. We need to see picture’s of the students who make the county what it really is. I have seen very few photos of him working with students. web posted March 16, 2007 I had a wonderful time at the pageant! My daughter participated and really enjoyed it. She had a long dress, big hair and lots of make-up, I thought that was just part of it. All of the girls were beautiful. Congratulations to the winners and to the future queens. web posted March 16, 2007 I had to write in response to the whiners about the Miss Peach Blossom pagent. The youth of Little Stevens Creek took on this project several years ago as a fund raiser for their summer mission trip with the World Changers organization. This pagent is not a part of any pagent organization and the winner does not advance any further so there is no need to pay the fees to have professional judges. I don't agree with ANYONE being able to see their child's results however. That was a bad decision but we also need to remember that the decision of the judges is final. As for only allowing local girls to be in the pagent, that would greatly reduce the amount of money that is raised for a very worthwhile event. I would hate to see these youth that work so hard to put on this pagent stop doing it because of a few whiners. Grow up. web posted March 15, 2007 I also attended the Peach Blossom Pageant over the weekend. My daughter was a participant and I had several other family members participate as well. My daughter did not place, but enjoyed getting all dressed up! And that's what it should be about. As far as the judges go, they do not always seem to judge these beautiful young ladies appropriately. Each girl has a unique beauty and many try very hard to look older than they really are. The juding should be on how the girls really are without all of the make up. I thought pageants were about the NATURAL BEAUTY, not the made up beauty. Nonetheless, all of the girls that won or placed deserved the honor. The sportswear competition was very drawn out and made for a very long day for all contestants and spectators. Maybe the organizers should consider having this part of the event take place the night before. CONGRATULATIONS to all who participated!!!! web posted March 15, 2007 I received the phone call from Nick (Waits) from the Rec. Department and he explained the problem for me. Thanks for all your help! I really appreciate it!! Editor's note: That's why we are here. web posted March 15, 2007 hi i would just like to say that (it) makes me mad when people talk about are law enforcement i think they do (a) great job and far as the person talking about the blood(hound) team what does it matter what they where as long as they find the missing kids. i know some of these men and i know what hours they put in all times of the day and night. we should be praying for them and be thankful for them and there familys Thank you web posted March 15, 2007 To the person defending Myron Renew , Have you seen or heard what goes on behind his closed doors ? I don't believe anyone expects to hear these kind of claims about your so called friends , but you don't never know what is behind those shut doors , one thing for sure is the truth will always prevail !!!! web posted March 15, 2007 I have noticed the birds don't care about the orange cone next to the pretty blue car, It now has a nice white stripe down one site side. May be we could get Officer Bird and his flock to patrol more often now spring is here. web posted March 15, 2007 Editor's post: The Wandering Minds did not upload correctly on Tuesday. Today's update contains Tuesday and Wednesday's comments, including Tuesday's Editor's post. web posted March 14, 2007 I was glad to see Mayor Willie Campbell stand up and support us getting what we want and deserve by trying to get he walking trail atr the watrson park. We always have to do what they want and it is time we get what we want for a change. Editor's note: When did a public walking trail become a "we" versus" them" item? I thought it was for all Johnston residents. web posted March 14, 2007 What the (heck) is (Johnston Town Councilwoman) Tyra (Miller) doing voting for the Watson park walking track? I wonder if she voted that way to make sure nothing happened and the town loses the money. web posted March 14, 2007 I would like to give you those who feel the obsessive need to burn your yards fields or other property to please consider those of us out here with allergies and migraine headaches to do it on day that are less conducive to having the smoke infiltrate the whole county. I am sure some of those piles of brush could be covered until a light rainy day to help keep the smoke contained. This is my favorite time of year and it is very frustrating to have my walks ruined by the smoke. Why couldn’t some of these places be bush hogged? web posted March 14, 2007 Just came thru Edgefield and while waiting for traffic to move I saw a man come out of the archives building with, you guessed it, a "red cone". He placed it just inside the parking line but far enough that he could still back out. Maybe we should declare a "red cone day" and everyone bring your cone. Seriously, is this not against the law and if it is why isn't someone doing something. Editor's note: I have talked with Edgefield Police Chief Ronnie Carter on this matter several times. He states if an individual places items on the roadway or parking areas there is no law protecting the object they place there. It is basically considered litter and can be removed by anyone. Utility vehicles are able to place cones at the front and/or rear of service vehicles. web posted March 14, 2007 I know (Myron Renew) and I don't belive he is guilty of molesting a little girl, I hope you are going to print a retraction when he is found innocent. Editor's note: If Mr. Renew is found innocent at trial it will be the headline story. If he is found guilty it will also be a headline story. I could care less which way the verdict goes. web posted March 14, 2007 I sent you a comment for the wandering minds and you didn't print it yesterday. WHY NOT? I guess you print things you want to print and leave everything else out.I guess when people talk about you you just forget to list it. Editor's note: The above poster submitted the "You suck" post below. The Wandering Minds did not load properly on Monday night. It has been corrected and the posts for Tuesday are included in today's update. web posted March 14, 2007 Editor's post: I have one comment tonight. Mayor Willie Campbell needs to get a grip on running the Johnston Town Council meetings. There is no reason to make a 30-45 minute meeting last for almost two hours. As dysfunctional as the County Council is they can run an entire county in less than half the time than the Town of Johnston can do their business. Maybe former Mayor Dean Campbell can advise Mayor Willie Campbell on parliamentary procedures and time limits. web posted March 13, 2007 Per the reader who questioned the alleged deviant behavior happening in ‘Trenton’: neither of these perpetrators live in Trenton proper. Why such a vast swath of Edgefield County is addressed as Trenton is beyond me. Trenton is one of two ideals: 1) the area bounded by the Pine House Crossroads, Sunny Acres packing shed and the Airport, or 2) those of us who grew up in said area. Otherwise, we don’t claim them. Editor's note: I am a "Trentonite" originally and agree that the area used to identify locations (usually by postal delivery) encompasses a larger area than the town limits. Neither of the suspected persons actually "hail" from the Town of Trenton although Myron Renew does fall within the zoning by the county for Trenton. From a media standpoint, however, the location has to be reported as it is reported by law enforcement. web posted March 13, 2007 You suck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Editor's note: Thank you for reading. web posted March 13, 2007 I noticed in the pictures for the missing kids (in Merriwether) that the searchers were wearing camo. Why would searchers wear camo while searching for the lost? Maybe they should wear bright orange so they can be seen by the people they are looking for!!! Editor's note: The gear worn by the Bloodhound Team is set to conditions of heavy brush and briars. It is not as if they are not calling out for the missing person during the search or the fact that the bloodhounds have a "cowbell" attached to their collar so that it can also be heard. They are not hiding from those they seek to find unless the one they seek does not wish to be found. There is not enough money to provide for "friendly" or "foe" uniforms. web posted March 13, 2007 As a parent and spectator at the recent Miss Peach Blossom, my only complaint is that the application plainly said Springtime Sportswear. But contestants won wearing everything from blue jeans to dresses resembling the huge ball dropped in Time Square for New Year’s Eve complete with Dorothy’s red shoes and purse. I would hate to know that this contestant would choose this dress to wear to any sporting event . The director should have ensured that the judges were more aware of the specifications of the category, and that they judged it more appropriately. I also would like to see judges that are not from this area, and that have more pageant experience and are members of professional pageant organizations. I would also like to see Little Stevens Creek limit the participation to contestants in the county because out of town girls see a crown as just a crown, whereas our own would see it as more of an honor. Edgefield County is blessed with many pretty girls and we need to reward our own. As we all know, a different set of judges could have easily produced a different set of winners. But, poorly prepared judges are almost always a disaster. Photographers are not well qualified to judge pageants. Editor's note: I do not speak for the organizers, but will say that if it is their event they are well within their rights to allow who they want to participate in the event. I agree that it should be open to all comers. That aside, I do not know the qualifications for judges. I can say that, as a "photographer", my choices would have differed greatly from those of the judges. Beauty is, however, in the "eyes of the beholder". As if my opinion matters in a situation such as this. I default to the LSCBC's choices and support their decisions. web posted March 13, 2007 I unfortunately attended the Peach Blossom pageant this weekend. The pageant was fine until I went backstage with a friend to get her daughter’s score sheets. I was shocked when the auditor told a parent that his child had scored the lowest score in her group. She then preceded to show other parents the final tally sheet to add to his embarrassment. I felt she was totally unprofessional and inappropriate. The father seemed shocked and was very openly embarrassed. He did thank her for the information and tried his best to be kind. Pageants should be fun and a source of pleasure. But when those associated with them cause the problems, then you wonder if they are really worth all one goes through to prepare and participate. Editor's note: Portions of this post were deleted due to inflammatory comments. web posted March 13, 2007 I have now left two messages for Nick Waits regarding the fact that I registered and paid for my 5 year old son to play t-ball and that man has YET to call me back. T-ball has already started and my poor little boy gets to hear about the fact that he is not yet playing every time we take his sister to her softball practice. I am told by the coach that I need to call Nick Waits. I keep doing so, to no avail. If anyone from the recreation department is reading this, I would like Nick to explain to my little boy why he was not chosen for the team, even though he was registered and paid for. My little boy gets very upset about it. He was so excited when I signed him up and now it just crushes him every time we take his sister to softball. Editor's note: I spoke to Nick Waits about this on Monday. He said he has returned all calls given to him to date. He also said that if the poster lived in Johnston or registered in the Johnston area, the T-ball teams were set over the weekend and parents have not received their notification of team assignments yet. If this is not the case, please let me know and I will follow up on the matter. web posted March 13, 2007 Editor's post: A reader from Washington D.C. called Saturday to say the Edgefield Day in Washington is the third Saturday of September every year (Sept. 15 this year). A full list of activities should be received soon. I will post them in the Happenings Section when received. web posted March 12, 2007 What is going on in trenton? A woman (accused of) beating foster kids and now a guy (accused of) raping a little girl. Editor's note: Such crimes are not limited to any area, county, or state. web posted March 12, 2007 How do I get one of these deals my yard could use to be fenced in and since the county likes to fund private clubs, it should not be a problem. Guess I wont hold my breath. web posted March 12, 2007 To the person saying how hard the people work at Aiken county clerk of court office. Yes, I have sat in the office before. I will not say what I think of the Clerk of Court, it can't be printed. When you go to them with a contempt, the child support is supposed to be garnished, its not, the person is months behind and they dont file contiempt charges because "the computer hasn't caught it yet" then, yes, I have a problem. Its not just that office its the entire family court system, in Aiken county. talk about 'good ole boy", I personally know someone that has had contempt charges for failure to pay over TWENTY..thats 20, times, half the time he refused the mail so the case was DROPPED for "failure to be served'..they can be found in contemp in absentia and ruled in, he has NEVER paid ONE CENT,in fines, has constantly lied to the court and said he made payment,and they have done nothing. 20/20 or Dateline would have a field day with the story I know about the proceddings in Aiken County and the clerk of court is right along with them. They are USELESS. and they answer to NO ONE except the voters, so they can do what they want, when they want and her 'girls" in the office go along. Don't cry on my shoulder about working hard, i worked for a county ambulance service fof 20 years as well as holding down a part time job in a office seeing 100 patients a day during flu season, we took care of them period, we didnt have the option of putting it off until another day, you took care of it then,not later. so pardon me if I dont lose sleep over how hard they work. Maybe if they learned to work profeciently there wouldnt be as many calls needing things done 'right then". web posted March 12, 2007 Perhaps Ms. Glenn waited on Sandy Berger a few months ago, about the time the missing historical book went missing. Perhaps it is in his sock! Actually, it is amazing such an important document was able to leave the building without anyone signing it out and without anyone noticing it being taken. Editor's note: No original records are to be removed from any county office. Copies are available for display in other locations. web posted March 12, 2007 I have a collection of different glass bottles that some come from Edgefield .They are old.I am willing to donate them to someplace that wants to display them.I do enjoy reading your paper. Editor's note: I would suggest contacting the Discovery Center in Edgefield, across from the Town Hall, or the Edgefield County Chamber of Commerce. web posted March 12, 2007 Thank you for the coverage you gave the (Red Hill Houndsmen Association) .The papers only printed one picture. Editor's note: EdgefieldDaily.com does not have the space constraints of the local papers. web posted March 12, 2007 Editor's post: Over the past two days I have received countless reports of problems with e-mail to EdgefieldDaily.com. The problem appears to have been corrected late Friday afternoon after a day of IT support. Please send your comments back in if you had problems and your comment did not appear. web posted March 10, 2007 It would be interesting to know who owned the land before the county. I wonder what Mr. Dorn had to say about this. Editor's note: The county does not own the land, it is leased. Mr. Dorn does not believe he has to speak to the press, or the voters. I know Dorn has at least a "political" connection to the property, I am looking into other connections. web posted March 10, 2007 To the post concerning “Edgefield Day”. It is held every year in September in Washington,DC. The location used to be Dupont Park. Starting around July or August, there are ads in the Edgefield local papers with the details. Editor's note: The dates will be provided in the next few days. Problems with e-mail prevented emails from Washington DC getting to me. Lousy cell phone coverage also hindered me getting the dates when a call from Washington came in from a Congressional staffer on Friday. Thank you for your response to the question. web posted March 10, 2007 Editor's post: Sometimes I love my job and other times I hate it. When I was first alerted to the case involving Myron Renew weeks ago I knew this was going to be one of those cases that I would wish I did not have to know what I have to know in order to report on the arrest. The contents of the arrest warrant alone are not able to be printed due to the lurid and graphic allegations. I do not know if Mr. Renew is guilty of the crimes alleged against him or not, but the case against him seems very strong. If he is guilty, there is no amount of time he could serve in prison to pay for the crimes he is accused of committing. I support the death penalty for those guilty of doing such things to a child. God forgive me, but I have no compassion to anyone that would prey upon the innocence of a child, much less one 7 years old. web posted March 9, 2007 To the "ebonics" poster. I can't read half of what you were trying to say. Go back to school and learn English. Editor's note: I happen to know who that particular poster is and he or she has a Masters Degree. web posted March 9, 2007 Where is Northside park and why does it need a fence? Editor's note: It is on Liberty Springs Road in the middle of nowhere. It is the next pile of dirt the county will be pouring money into, this time to make Councilman Dorn happy. It needs a fence so that it can be torn down later and rebuilt. Early projections for recreation funding in the county is in excess of $300,000 for FY 2007-2008. Not bad for a program that, when founded, was said to never cost the taxpayers more then $50,000 to $60,000 a year to operate. web posted March 9, 2007 Can you answer a question for me? I signed my kids up for girls softball and boys t-ball and the girls have started but no one called me about the boys and no one can give me an answer. Who do I need to contact? Editor's note: I would suggest speaking with Nick Waits, Recreation Director, by calling the Administration building at 803-637-4000. If he is unavailable you can always direct your questions to County Administrator John Pettigrew at the same number. web posted March 9, 2007 I wanted to thank you for your coverage of the missing boy last week. We read (EdgefieldDaily.com) every morning and as soon as we read the boy was missing we went to help. Friends of ours said they didn't know anything about it until it was over when they saw it on TV. I sent them a link to (EdgefieldDaily.com). Editor's note: Thank you for reading and for passing our location on to others. Following the story throughout the ordeal is what EdgefieldDaily.com does in cases such as a missing child. There is no limit to the number of updates I will make to get the information out as soon as possible, including him being found. Most of all, thank you for assisting in the search efforts. The community response was tremendous and was greatly appreciated by the Sheriff's Office, and EdgefieldDaily.com. web posted March 9, 2007 You didn't change the date today. Its Thursday not Wedsday. Editor's note: Ooops. web posted March 9, 2007 I love the here's your card stories. Some of them crack me up. I didn't think people could be so dumb. The three guys smoking pot while waiting on the police to come make them move was a classic. Is there an archive of all of the stories? Editor's note: Thank you for you kind comments. Yes, people do some strange and funny things sometimes. There is not an archive of the Here's Your Card stories at this time. It may be something I consider in the future. They can, however; be found by reviewing the main page Archives listed by month and year. web posted March 9, 2007 Editor's post: In a working story is an Augusta car dealer that sold a car, would not transfer the title for four months, issued repeated 45-day temporary tags illegally (EdgefieldDaily.com has received and verified the issued tags), and yet think they have done nothing wrong. Four months later the car is still not registered in the buyer's name and the buyer will be fined if it is registered. This is one I will be sharing with other local media outlets. EdgefieldDaily.com has confirmed from State Officials that "no activity" on the title was recorded during the time frame provided. web posted March 8, 2007 What ever happened to Edgefield day? I thought they had a picnic day in Washington,D.C. at one time and will they ever have one again? My Family is from Edgefield S.C. Editor's note: I will ask around and see what I can find out. Readers... any help from you would be appreciated. This post comes from Maryland. web posted March 8, 2007 I love reading the wandering minds. As a title searcher I want to say what I think is important in the records article. I can say from experience that having the records in the office that generated them makes life much simplier for those of us that utilize them. If I have a question about a document generated by the Clerk of Courts office and the record is in the Clerk of Courts office, she or her staff can assist me with that question because they are familiar with the forms. Same can be said for the Probate Court records. If I have a question about a probate document the Judge and/or his staff are familiar with the process and the records. Saves me steps and time, which saves me money and I'm all for that. I call it "common sense" to have records within the office that originally generated them. You could also call it convenient. Editor's note: Thank you for reading and posting. web posted March 8, 2007 Thank you to at least one “positive” writer out there. I agree completely that the STHS girl’s softball team needs support from the school and community. These girls work so hard and most of them will continue to work hard, with or without any community recognition, because they love the game. The current coach is the 3rd in as many years and we need to stand behind him and ensure that we do everything possible to make sure the school is behind him and gives him the time, support and resources to learn this sport and to grow with this team of wonderful ball players and make sure they have a future with STHS softball. We need a coach willing to continue on each year and to give the team a chance to grow and mature together. Our girls have the talent and ability to be the very best – let’s get behind them and Coach Wood and give them the support and encouragement they deserve! Editor's note: We should all support our local schools and the students in their athletic endeavors. web posted March 8, 2007 I write in at least 3 times a week and you never post my comments about you. I'm sure you won't post this one either but I am going to keep sending them until you do. You are a (deleted)... Editor's note: You are half right. Expand you vocabulary beyond that of a drunken strung out crack head having a really bad day and your post will be listed. Get someone to read and explain the rules of the Wandering Minds to you since you obviously can't understand them in the dozens of responses I have sent requesting compliance as to your submissions. I can't fix stupid. web posted March 8, 2007 I wants to reply to da feller dat rote bout edgefield countians. I growed up here a long times ago. I ben round a lots longer than most. I dont take kindly to yous ritten stuff makin folly of hows wes talk. We aint da ones wit da accents, you is. Dont git me wrong, i like a meetin new friends and neighbors and ya welcome to come to my fish pond and catch yerself a mess of fish anytime ya wants. Yeah it true we all be basicaly country folk but wes (darn) proud of it and we be da ones dat keep this place going all da years befo yous got cheer. Yous is rite bout one thang, dem five boneheads wes got runnin the county circus aint worth a pimple on a gnats (rear end). an on dis trash thang, ya see, while we rides around in our pickem up trucks drankin our beer wes toss out dem cans to help feed the poor. see, they used to pick dem up and sells em for muny. now all yous uppity folks want to be takin food outs of the mouths of po folk. why yous otta be asahmed of yerself. jes think bout that po little kid win daddy come home wit no muny cuz yous paid sumbody to take his income away. as ole Gomer would say, shame, shame ,shame. Editor's note: Just what I need, an ebonics debate in the Wandering Minds. web posted March 8, 2007 Sure hate to hear that Howard Gibson is leaving but who could blame him. Better pay, close to his children and leaving behind the (zoo). He really knows how to work for the people of Edgefield County, fair and equal with all. Let's hope whoever takes his place will continue a job well done. Thanks Howard, we'll miss you! web posted March 8, 2007 Re this morning's postings concerning Tricia Glenn. Her supporters certainly deserve space to list her sterling qualities. Since the county pays for her services, it is good to hear that she helps those needing information from the archives. And, it is commendable that she should have such a lovely sentiment on her office wall. But , saying or posting it is one thing. Living by it is something else. Unfortunately, her behavior is not in keeping with this posted little saying. Her history in our county shows that her nature is that of a "pot-stirrer." Look at anything in the public domain with which she is involved and you find all kinds of conflicts: 1) the Edgefield theatre--she was to have been (in charge). How much did that ultimately cost the town? Her on-going feud with Bobby Peeler regarding public records--he is an elected official of our county, but she and her cronies constantly seek to undermine him and his work. Wherever she goes, turmoil follows, and, she, well, she is always shocked, hurt, and prettily defiant, confident that she will whine successfully and will be given her way. Let's hope some of her ardent and well-heeled supporters will get her some conflict-resolution help so that she can become a positive force for our county. web posted March 8, 2007 This is addressed to the administrator of our lovely county. Just because you went with the lowest bid, doesn't mean you will get the best service. Remember, money isn't everything, especially when next winter comes!!!! Editor's note: The lowest big will almost always get the contract, and most are voted on by the County Council (I believe under a certain dollar amount the Administrator can use his discretion, but I am not positive). If there is a problem or concerns as to the bidder's reputation, or if a second lowest bid is within about 10% and is local the body can take the next bid in line. web posted March 8, 2007 For those who think Mrs. Glen Is all sweet and kind need to get to know her deeper. Her history is very interesting. web posted March 8, 2007 I was the original poster on the topic of the STHS girls softball team and I apologize if I left the readers with the idea that it was the actual coach himself who I was talking about....it was not. It was the "stout and sweaty" assistant "wannabe". Mr "stout and sweaty" insults the young ladies in making crude comments about their "cycles" and how it pertains to their moods and recenty threw a temper tantrum which result in a young lady getting hit with an object. I could not agree with the editor and readers more, the real coach is a fine person (Deleted) web posted March 8, 2007 Please do yourselves a favor and check out the new resturant in Johnston, had lunch there today and its wonderful,good prices, great food, and they have done a beautiful job of redecorating.All the workers including the Chef are very pleasant. Editor's note: I have been there myself three times and have enjoyed it. I will cover the grand opening when the pub is finished and the sitting area is expanded. web posted March 8, 2007 To the woman complaining about the Aiken County DSS and Clerk of Court, I realize that you have frustrations with these agencies, but have you ever had the opportunity to sit in one of these offices for a day? The clerk of courts office is flooded with calls and people who want things done and right then at that second. Sometimes people don't have time to get things done right away, that is the way that the legal system works. Their is a chain that sometimes things just have to follow, especially when there are children involved. I realize that your experience was a negative one and your family should have been treated better and things should have been handled, but if you actually sit there and watch these people work, you can see that they have so many issues to deal with and DSS has such a high turnaround since it is so hard for people to watch as these children are affected and hurting. Yes, I do know someone that works for the Aiken County Courthouse (family court) and I know how hard they work and how difficult it is for them, people calling all day wanting you to fix problems that most of the times cannot be fixed with the wave of the wand. Again, I am sorry that you had a terrible experience, but don't discredit everyone out there who does work hard and does care about the people from the attitudes and the laziness of a few people. web posted March 8, 2007 Hey! What's goin on hear? I red that Mt. Vintage is havin a tennis thing. What's the matter with those people . Don't they know Edgefield aint no Aiken or Columbia? We is just a poor rural Southern county and don't appreciate no tenns. And them folks at Mt Vintage, just because they worked hard and saved some money they think they can come here and pick up our trash, have nice yards, and build nice houses. They got no respect for the rest of us and dont preciate our poor rural southern ways. How smart are they when they pay all those taxes and get nothing for it? Well I just say let em keep payen and our county council will keep given em nuthin. I herd they play bridge an do gormet cookin too. How uppity! Probably just a bunch of snooty folks lookin to settle down in a nice clean peaceful community. We'll show em! And how bout that New Zealand lady. Just because every one of our earliest ancestors come here from some foriegn country, unless you are a Native American ( American Indian for you council members), dont give her no right to settle here too. I think the council should buy every foriegner decendant who is not a Native American a ticket home and pass laws against tennis and bridge! Then us real Edgefielders can enjoy. Now I aint jealous of nobody but I got my pride too. We keep this up an pretty soon everyone will want better fire and police protection, emergency services, clean roads, a county council you can be proud of, and who knows what. I tell ya it'll destroy our way of life. Editor's note: I am still laughing. Too funny. web posted March 7, 2007 Why didn't you cover Al Sharpton coming to Edgefield? Editor's note: Please... was that news? Consider the source. web posted March 7, 2007 This message is in response to the mean spirited and misinformed comments made about Tricia Glenn, County Archivist. I am an African-American who has spent the last four years abstracting slave records at the Edgefield County Archives. As a result I have had the occasion to work closely with Ms. Glenn and have witnessed her interaction with other historical researchers, title searchers, genealogists and county employees who need her assistance in finding records. She is polite and efficient and has an excellent knowledge of Edgefield's past and its documentary history. Contrary to your "humbugs" report, Ms. Glenn has never lived or worked in Aiken. I have no idea why some people seem to thrive on making unfounded and disparaging remarks about others. Ms. Glenn has a sign hanging in the Archive's office that I think some of those who write into edgefielddaily.com should remember. "If anyone speaks badly of you, live so that no one will believe it". Editor's note: The Wandering Minds is not a section of "reports" (please refer to the above disclaimer). web posted March 7, 2007 What's with the Trish Glenn bashing? And they can't even get their facts right! Is she going to be the next victim on your website? Editor's note: I have no true control over the opinions expressed in the Wandering Minds other than removing abusive posts, threats, or vulgar remarks. As a county department head she is fair game for public comment. I personally have no ill will towards Ms. Glenn. She has always been kind and forthcoming during interviews. What the general public feels about her is their opinion, not mine. I may own EdgefieldDaily.com, but the Wandering Minds is owned by the people and our readers. If I make a comment it is based on factual events reported on EdgefieldDaily.com, not opinion. web posted March 7, 2007 Tricia Glenn has received a prestigious award from the South Carolina Historical Records Advisory Board for her exemplary dedication to, and accomplishments in, preserving and promoting Edgefield County's documentary cultural heritage. Why, when we have someone of this caliber in charge of our Archive Department, would anyone try and smear her? What's with this incessant need to make trouble? Editor's note: I have no idea unless she has more detractors than "fans". I don't write the Wandering Minds, I just post them. web posted March 7, 2007 To the person bad mouthing the Sheriff and deputies; they are all underpaid, over worked, and under appreciated. Walk a mile in their shoes before you go spouting off. I know none of them would say the things you are saying because they believe in what they are doing and follow our sheriff. Why don't you try being a part of the solution and not part of the problem? If you have all the answers run for sheriff. Otherwise shut the (deleted) up. web posted March 7, 2007 I love (EdgefieldDaily.com) and want to thank you for everything you do. I am away from the Edgefield County almost 9 month out of the year and enjoy being able to keep up on what is going on every day back home. If you ever deciede to make people pay to read I will be the first to sign up. Editor's note: EdgefieldDaily.com will never charge or require readers to register in order to be informed. web posted March 7, 2007 I just wanted to make some comments about the horrible recent situation of child abuse that occurred in Edgefield County. Edgefield County DSS was not involved in this situation at all. The placement was done by Aiken County DSS and it was an Aiken County child. I am not trying to make light of the situation at all - the staff involved in this situation should be held accountable for what happened to this child and the woman involved should be punished severely for her actions. From working formally and informally with the staff of Edgefield DSS, I can attest that they are committed to their jobs of working with children and families to keep them safe. They are often seen as "the bad guys" when all they are doing is following the law. What we should all see from this horrible incident is the desperate need for qualified, safe foster homes for children. Currently, there is only one licensed foster home located in Edgefield County (and this woman was not it - she was considered a mentor home, which is different). Our children have to be placed outside the county because of the lack of foster homes here. If you or someone you know would like to help a child, please contact DSS at 637-4040. Editor's note: You are correct, the child placed was from Aiken County DSS as we reported. web posted March 7, 2007 Several individuals have written in support of Dr. Roberson for Edgefield County superintendent. Based on what I know about him, I like him, too, but let's be careful. I especially like his reading initiative, but has he really been here long enough to reveal his long term agenda and views? We don't really need any more surprises. web posted March 7, 2007 As the editor said, he knows the sender had no interests in what you chose to read into the message so very negatively and that your "knowledge" is completely false....coming from this parent and fan. That was a simple last notation. I'm not a relative nor a personal friend of the STHS Softball teams coach; I only know that he is this teams coach. I only observe what I see as a fan. You really missed the point; how sad. I suppose that I shouldn't have mentioned giving a coach credit for the valuable time in hours/week that any and all coaches dedicate to a team. If you feel the need to complaign; then take on the task at hand. Do you have someone to nominate; if so, then please do so. It does make sense that there is no longer a JV team; why??? STHS Softball team can't seem to keep a coach on board for the team to grow with thruout the years. Your message really promotes the team & promotes keeping a coach on board; your special message was what I was pleading for as a fan and parent. You really helped to pump up a young team; in instigating that my message was about coaches and their insecurities. We just can't have one different coach year-after-year; a new one begged every year to ask to please coach this team of growing talent. A team grows with a coach, as does the coach with the team. You insulted all coaches of any schools and all team members of STHS Softball team. Please "rethink" and encourage these young and older ladies, and the coach. Don't look for negativity; when it's not there; positivity~ that's all that I was asking for. Are you a parent? Do you understand the process? That would be very interesting to know. The message was about the community, the school, the county supporting one of the fastest growing sports in the nation. web posted March 7, 2007 I have a right to be concerned about the way my town looks and is perceived by others. If I didn't love Edgefield then I would be content to take the by-pass and overlook it. Just what do you think the average Joe thinks about Edgefield when he travels through Edgefield and sees the businesses that show this lack of respect for their town and for their fellow business owners? What if he is scoping us out to locate a business of his own? How sad that you care so little about your town. The only thing I have asked is that those places be cleaned up and made to look presentable. I don't think that is an unreasonable request. Now let's get back to the fact that he cost taxpayers money because he didn't follow through with a deadline on Hwy. 25. You kind of skipped right over that one didn't you. Nice try!!! web posted March 7, 2007 Editor's post: A record 29 comments had to be refused today. Please, keep them clean and within the rules. I want your opinions to be published, but you have to respect the rules listed above. web posted March 6, 2007 Mr. Editor, you don't play fair. When the cry baby lies baby you are supposed to bow and submit. Obviously you are in need of a tea party to align your mind. Bubblegum machine and yellow journalism, tsk tsk, you bad bad boy. Are they addicted to bubblegum or yellow? Keep'em coming back for more you devil you. Fact really is stranger than fiction! web posted March 6, 2007 You know what I like about (EdgefieldDaily.com)? You don't care who you (make mad). You call it like it is and show how stupid the politicians around here think we are. I get more news that I care about in a day than I get in a month from the papers and tv. Thank you for everything you do. Why don't you run for (County Council) Chairman Keece's job? You'd get my vote. Editor's note: The County Council elects the chairman, not the voter. Why would I want to be a county councilman? My daddy always told me you were judged by the company you keep. When I see the "company" I would have to keep... no thanks. I set much higher personal standards for myself than that. web posted March 6, 2007 If i'm not mistaken, the song from "The Lion King" goes...."The Circle of Life" and this song could not be better suited for anybody but Trish Glenn from the County Archives. She started in New Zealand, then I think Aiken, then I think Lexington and now here she is in Edgefield County trying to run it. She has moved from town to town causing trouble and I think its about time she completes the circle and packs her bags and heads back to New Zealand cause we are really tired of all the "tea parties" here in Edgefield County!!! web posted March 6, 2007 I always miss out on all the fun, Rev. AL cam to town and I missed the party. Does this mean the Tompkins library will latch on to the credit for this discovery? Let me see who can I claim family ties to Storm T., James B, or Anna Nichol? Nah I think they should let the poor people rest in peace. Has James Brown even been buried yet? Editor's note: James Brown has not been buried to this date. web posted March 6, 2007 I agree that the School Board makes many of their decisions based on race. Some of them need to practice being fair in all situations. As far as Dr. Roberson becoming the new superintendent, he would make a great one! He is fair minded and more than capable of doing an outstanding job!! Editor's note: That's the problem. web posted March 6, 2007 Re: man arrested for attempting to meet 14 year old girl- I was not saying we should forget what HE has done, only that we should not forget that his wife and children are innocent and deserve our support as a community. I have no sympathy for HIM! Just for his family that is not at fault. web posted March 6, 2007 my family had the misfortune of having to deal the DSS in Aiken county due to a family court issue. They were useless. and failed to act, except to say that they would take the kids from the mother because she turned in her ex for failure to comply with a court order regarding care fo tr the kids. Last month they "forgot" to update her file for EBT and when she called she was told that the case worker had been interviewing clientsl,it was on her desk, she just 'had not be able to get to it in TWO WEEKS. Thankfully, Senator Moore's office is very attentive, and had the problem corrected within the day., DSS didnt care that her kids would have no money to eat until they decided to do their job. She told Sen Moore that if they couldn't handle the responsibiliy that she has been out of work for two years and would be more than willing to do it for them. So, instead of the case worker calling, and apologizing for the mix up she called and cussed out my sister, and told her she better not ever contact Sen, Moores office again. A call was placed to Columbia concerning this case worker but that the problem with the attitude at DSS, there are always a few rotten apples and in that buisness you can't afford ONE lazy worker to kids get hurt. On a side note, if our Governor is really concerned with our kids and with the budget and governemtn waste why is the State of SC paying out millions in fines for failure to impelment the Central database for Child Support Collection? Imagine what the 58 MILLION Dollars we have paid out in fines could do for our state? Education?Health Care? Raises for government workers OTHER THAN TEACHERS....hint Dept of Corrections (avg salary 23,000/yr). The fines will continue until the program goes into effect sometime around 2010. We can't seem to get the program we need, I guess the programs that the other 40 plus states use dont work. NC could figure it out be we can't, thats sad. VA, Florida, they have systems that work but not SC. We are still trying to write the program. WHY? why can't we purchase one of the programs that have been in place and working for years while we have fought over who, what and when. Maybe its really a problem that the Clerk of Court might lose some power and it will show what a horrible they have done with collections.(see Aiken County). web posted March 6, 2007 I don't know who you think you are but every day I read the lies you put on the web and claim to be some sort of legidimate reporter like the tv or the papers. You are a joke and your website is a joke It is nothing but liesand (excrement). I don't think there is anything I ever read that i believed. Editor's note: Thank you for reading "every day". Please pass our location on to others so they can be aware of the "lies and (excrement)" reported each day that actually took place. web posted March 5, 2007 Why isn’t the monthly county council agenda made public?? Posting it on the chamber’s door on the day of the meeting is not what I consider public; neither would 99% of the county’s residents, I believe. It’s also not posted in the Advertiser. When I phoned John Pettigrew, the county’s administer, he suggested I e-mail Barbara Stark who would be happy to send out an agenda. Indeed via return e-mail I was informed I would be placed on her e-mail list to receive an agenda. Happy day!! The meeting is Tuesday at 6pm and as many of you may guess----I have received NO agenda. I wonder if this is willful negligence or is it the council’s intention to keep their agenda covert?? Either way this is bad news for all the tax paying citizens of Edgefield County. Editor's note: Welcome to my world. Even after several requests to be notified, sent in writing (according to state law) of all county body meetings I have not received the agenda for any in advance either. I might get one the day of the County Council meeting if I am lucky. The County Council's agenda is supposed to be completed one week in advance. If I received it at that time, I would post it. If I did that more people might attend the meetings. We can't have that. New Administrator, same administration. That just shows that the Administrator's job is a puppet position, otherwise things would have changed. Ooops, did I spill a secret there? My bad. I hate when I do that. web posted March 5, 2007 I received a call Sunday fro something like the Faternal Order of the State Troopers asking for a donation. When I told him we do not commit to anything by phone and please send me the information I would look over it, he said postage is too expensive to send it out. I thanked him and hung up. I always feel bad so I want to know if there is such an organization or was I right in feeling like this is a scam?. Editor's note: You were probably correct. Sheriff Dobey has warned of similar scamers representing themselves for the Sheriff's Association as well. If you want to give, contact the agency you wish to contribute to directly. web posted March 5, 2007 To the person concerned about the "eyesore" downtown. First, understand that you live in Edgefield, NOT Hilton Head, we are a rural,agricultural community.If you dont like it, take the bypass. Lewis Grizzard said it best "if you dont like the way we do things down South, Delta is ready when you are." If you dont like the town, then go elsewhere where you dont have to worry about how a person keeps their buisness selling plants or produce. Obviously, you have way to much to worry about if you think that his buisness is a blight on the community.So you stay away, go ahead, thats your decision, but I'll take someone that works hard and gives to his community and State over someone that thinks they are to good to stop and learn something.Its your loss, not his. web posted March 5, 2007 The Spoon Man, we all know who he is, I'm just curious as to why he is allowed to go from town to town creating his mess.It use to be the first thing you noticed driving into Johnston, now it's the first thing you notice driving into Edgefield. Now there are two messes. Big Daddy boo booed bad, letting this happen in the midst of his beautification project. web posted March 5, 2007 As Little Richard says. "Help me, Help me!!!" These lady bugs are getting worse. They are all over the ceiling, sometimes falling into our food even. Does anyone have any idea on how to get rid of them?? Without much cold weather they seem to multiply. Editor's note: There is one way, thermo-nuclear weapons. Short of that, keep your doors and windows shut. web posted March 5, 2007 "99% of what the Tompkins Library sells as records belong to the Probate Court. It is all about who owns the historical records of the county, the county or a personal special interest." WHAT?!? Excuse me, but this comment is completely false and actually borderlines on SLANDER! The Tompkins Library is a genealogical library with over 2,000 family files, 1,000 subject files, and 900 family history books. It also has genealogical and historical books on almost every South Carolina county as well as South Carolina in general and other states. The Library has census records from across the country, and church histories, cemetery surveys, and newspapers from Edgefield County and other South Carolina counties. The Tompkins Library does have Edgefield County deed books, wills, probate and equity estate records, coroner records, Court of Common Pleas, and other court records on microfilm. However, these records were purchased by the Library from the South Carolina Department of Archives and History and certainly DO NOT belong to the Edgefield County Probate Court. They are public access and anyone who wishes to come to the library to do research is welcome. The Library charges .25 to .50 cents per copy and that money goes to help defray the cost of the microfilm, paper, ink, and equipment. Edgefielddaily, it is about time you got the facts straight and stopped using your "bubblegum machine" journalism skills to TRY to report the "news." It is obvious to me that your web site is a waste of good cyberspace. With your flair for sensationalism, perhaps you should try to get a job at the National Enquirer, but then I don't think that even they would want your brand of “yellow journalism.” Editor's note: Oh my, did I ruffle a few feathers or what? Records belonging to the Probate Court is what started this whole mess. I could write 10,000 words and not scratch the surface. Let's see, Judge Peeler removed his records that were "on loan" to the library and all heck broke loose. (Who owned those records and who had them?) Then, Archivist Trish Glenn whined to the County Council who broke down and bought her a new set of records. She then placed them back at the library on "permanent loan" to the library, which was later retracted (until everyone forgets about it). You are right, the library does not own the refered to records that belong to the county. As my 15 year-old daughter would say... "DUH!" Another question is why should the county fund over 15K a year to provide people with a second archive that is active in political campaigns? (A BIG no-no) Shoot, we spend too much to maintain the County Archive as it is. I guess it all boils down to who gets paid for copies of records generated by the county; the county or some self appointed "important people". Look on the bright side, Race-baiter Al Sharpton will not doubt be at the library for his claim of being owned by family members of Strom Thurmond this week. Hey, maybe they can do the DNA testing "Rev" Al wants in order to see if he is "related" to Strom Thurmond. web posted March 5, 2007 I would have made this comment sooner but my hectic schedule prevents me from reading but once a week or so. This is in response to the comment posted on Feb 19th about the Sheriff. I do hate to keep this argument going but it infuriates me to see such a good man and leader as Sheriff Dobey being bashed. I, personaly, worked under him for 3 years. ( I left because of a better opportunity. It had NOTHING to do with the ECSO) I have never met a person more commanding of respect - of him and from him. There was NEVER a day that I went out on the road not knowing absolutely that the Sheriff was behind me. He is a very fair and supportive man and leader. And as for his Brass, I feel the same way. This is Law Enforcement, people!!!! Not the Lollypop guild!!!! If the Deputies can't follow THEIR laws (it's a nice thick collection of papers called the Code of Conduct and it is issued to every deputy when they're hired.)and the laws they are paid to enforce then how are they supposed to maintain order in this increasingly drug, crime and "crazy" laden county??? Sounds like the person who wrote that is a former employee who's a little miffed and wants to lash out. I agree with you, Editor - If the Deputies are treated so badly and paid too little why are so many still there after 6 years???? But seriously! WHO has ever had a job where you are 100% completely satisfied and have never ever complained on your boss?? (Actually, now that I think about it - looking back on my 3 years with the ECSO I can't think of one time I [complained] about my boss!!) web posted March 5, 2007 I am curious about the school board of Edgefield county. First, why are they holding meetings for the Superintendent’s position when we all know that the board would not have hired Dr. Roberson without the intent of naming him superintendent. Don’t waste our time and the district’s money on useless meetings. We all know the race of our new superintendent based on the board’s past actions. And also, what is the big hype over the calendar. The board needs to move on and do what they have already planned to do. They have never listened to staff, so what makes anyone think they will listen now. Parents need dates so plans can be made for the summer. Editor's note: Here's a little inside tip for you. When the only thing you look at is race, that is what you get. There is a good chance Dr. Roberson may not be the next superintendent. Personally I think he is capable and certainly qualified, but he does not see things by race. Uh-oh, not a good thing when it comes to the majority of school board members who parse everything by race. As to following the recommendations provided by search committees? That is a very slim chance as the School Board historically throws the recommendations out and does what they intended to do in the first place regardless of what is best. web posted March 5, 2007 This is in response to the STHS Girls softball coach who feels the need to get as much attention as possible because he feels insecure. It's pretty pathetic to self-promote yourself. You're not fooling anybody by your "anonymous" posting calling attention to yourself. If you want attention, just try being a good coach instead of talking down to the girls. Also, it's inappropriate to make comments about such personal things as their "cycles." That can get you into a lot of trouble. Editor's note: Knowing who this poster is personally I can say there is not one sentence in your post that is correct. web posted March 5, 2007 I need a recipe for pickled eggs. Does anyone have one? web posted March 3, 2007 I read your website everyday and want to let you know how much I enjoy it. It is nice to be able to go to your site and read news on a daily basis. You do a great job of reporting and I'm sure most times it seems a thankless job. Most people don't realize what you go through to report what goes on in the county and what work it is to put on paper and into pictures what you do each and every day. As your site is free, I know you do it for the love of it and not for the money. Kudos to you Edgefield Daily, you are one of a very few! I would like to comment on your story about the county records. It seems a trivial matter to me when someone wants to get records that they are responsible for. I don't understand. If the records were never signed over to the Archives then what's the deal? Even if they were signed over, why can they not be signed back? I feel as though I'm missing something from the equasion. The Administrator indicated he feels the records are in the best place to be accessible to the general public. While I understand these records are public, it would seem to me that retention of these records not necessarily public access should be the first consideration. Isn't this archives the same place you reported the unreplaceable book took missing from? How does this all work? How can you be responsible for records that someone else has in their possession and you are refused access too? Does it make any sense to you? Editor's note: Yes, the records under the control of the Probate Court reach far beyond that of the Probate Court. 99% of what the Tompkins Library sells as records belong to the Probate Court. It is all about who owns the historical records of the county, the county or a personal special interest. web posted March 3, 2007 I have worked for DSS in two different counties. Workers are required to make at least one face to face contact each month. It behooves me how this foster mother was allowed to do this horrible crime and no one heard the cries for help. Where was DSS? Sure they can’t do it all, but home visits and school visits to the child should be a given. If this child had died, then someone would have gotten involved. DSS needs to be just as accountable as the foster mother and the worker for the case and the supervisor should have to answer some serious inquiries. The newspaper should interview the worker and supervisor to see what happened, and do not allow them to hide behind their state office and say they can’t answer. Edgefield County’s foster children deserve better than what has happened. Are they missing other red flags that could cause as serious danger as this. Who knows and obviously who cares, not DSS. web posted March 3, 2007 Your article titled "smarter than a fifth grader" was right on target in many areas. However, why does everyone who berates education look for someone to blame. The other morning I was listening to NPR, and they have an ongoing segment called "I believe...". They have regular people read letters that they have written to NPR telling what they beieve. One day a woman read a letter about her dauhgter who had been addicted to heroin. The young gilr grew up in a household of love, above average income, and she was a star student in high school. She became addicted to heroin after some casual use with friends. The mother talked about the guilt she felt and how she blamed herself, then the daughter's friends, and then anyone she could find. The daughter went through many years of addiction, rehab programs, and pain. The mother finally realized that blaming others did not ease her pain. This is the case with education in Edgefeild county and many small towns and counties across the US. Blame does not solve problems, it may bring problems to the attention of those who need to know, but it does not solve them. There are many factors that have caused the "dumbing down" of education. Parents are the frontline people who can start the process of change. Young children need to learn how to read before they can solve their own problems and become responsible voting adults. The initiative started by Dr. Roberson is a good place to start. They need volunteers and people who can motivate and make young people realize the importance in reading and reading comprehension. You would be alarmed at the number of people who can read words but can not comprehend or understand what they read. From firsthand experience I understand this concept. As a young Jewish boy I went to Hebrew school two times per week. I can read Hebrew, but I can not comprehend one word of the language. I can read paragraph after paragraph but I have no clue of the meaning of any of the words. So let's stop blaming and start helping. Go sign up for the training, if you have the spare time, and teach a young person how to comprehend what they read. The over used phrase is very true "A mind is a terrible thing to waste." web posted March 3, 2007 Is that like the show they just canceled on Public TV? You know the one, "Are you smarter than Andy?" web posted March 3, 2007 Don't be heartbroken because you didn't get the Tax Asscesers job. It just wasn't the right job for you. You would not have fit in with your co-workers and you would not have been able to sleep at night. Just face the fact that not everyone can graduate from Brown Nose University and go on to set such low standards for themselves.You just didn't cut it. Stop feeling sorry for yourself and move on!!!!!. Something better will come your way. web posted March 3, 2007 To "CN" paper regarding the STHS Softball Team: I'm extremely disappointed to see there was no news to report on the outstanding tournament, "Palmetto Classic" with their win as 1st runner-up. We can always count on "EA" paper. You did not even list the ST softball schedule. The "EA" paper did. "You" only did with the ST baseball schedule. How are STHS fans that read your paper, supposed to have the knowledge of this group of talented, ladies; such a great team that any school could ask for with potential throughout the coming years? The softball team played to win throughout the tournament. These girls advanced over the high school teams in the CSRA to go into the final Championship game against Midland Valley. What a way for this team of "young guns & older ladies; basically a newly formed team" to start off their season. Can't this p aper support that...for ladies to feel appreciated by their town & county? These ladies were an enormous integral "backbone" in advancing last season's varsity team to the regional playoffs. I would suggest that if this paper wants this program to prosper, then support them. Make special recognition for being runner up in the tournament in next weeks, for their exciting defeats of local high school teams, as deserving as they are. They're all remarkable for the challenges that they faced as a younger team. The team was probably honorably mentioned in the Standard; heading off Midland Valley in the championship game. STHS Softball team received a plaque in their honor to be placed in the STHS trophy case. Need I say more? Congratulations to "another" brand new coach, again, who took on the t eam with dedicated hours of practice to bring these ladies thus far. Wish these ladies the best for the rest of their season. This is one of the fastest growing sports in the nation. Our community needs to stand beside these girls for their effort...no matter the lack of emphasis from the school, unlike other schools in the CSRA; & unlike football; basketball. These ladies dedicate at least 10 hours/wk to showcase their school, town, and county...as does a coach. Maybe if a coach got recognition, the team might be able to keep one on board to grow with. Your paper plays in integral part in this process. web posted March 3, 2007 I think the death penalty should be allowed for certain child abuse and rape cases. Anyone that would do something like that does not deserve to live in my opinion. I hope I get pulled for jury duty on (Belinda Cooper's) trail. web posted March 2, 2007 This is in regard to whoever wants everyone to look past what the man who went to meet a 14 year old girl did. How could you forget, what if it was their daughter. You cant just forget about that and for his wife and children he obviously didnt respect them. web posted March 2, 2007 I've never been involved with DSS so I may sound dumb by asking this, but aren't the case workers supposed to make checks and interviews with the kids they place in other people's homes? How could these beating happen if they were talking to the kid like they should? Editor's note: That is a question a lot of people are asking. web posted March 2, 2007 Congratulations on your Two Year Anniversary. Keep up the good work! Editor's note: Thank you, and thank you for reading. (there were dozens of similar posts sent in but I did not see the need to place them redundantly) web posted March 2, 2007 I came by the wreck on hwy 25 today on my way back from Greenwood and saw you with a sign in your hand helping directing traffic. I know you have said in the past you are trained as a first responder but where did you get your traffic directing degree? :) Editor's note: Anytime I am on any scene I will do whatever I am asked. Oh, and I got that degree from a cereal box. I only needed three proofs of purchases. The other poster must have confused which degree I got from where. I did attend Brown Nose University in hopes of getting a cushy administrative job in the county government hierarchy, but I flunked out for refusing to undergo a lobotomy. It was heartbreaking, I really wanted that Tax Assessors job. web posted March 2, 2007 I find it somewhat ironic that people are concerned about trashy businesses on main street and don't seem to be concerned about the dilapidated buildings on the square, some of the highest tax rates in SC, a totally clueless county council, and industry fleeing elsewhere. For example, rather than a renovated structure useable for the arts, we have a condemned building and a "hotel" open to the elements. Smart thinking and well done to whomever opposed that project. Maybe we should elect a county council who are not all inbred and who will wake up and realize 1970 was 37 years ago. How can you expect a dynamic, growing, and healthy county when the leaders are boring, backward, and dull. It is said we get the government we deserve. I just wish we deserved better. web posted March 2, 2007 I am not a big fan of government interference but when someone or something is affecting the community as this is then there must be some kind of guidelines that people must adhere to. For instance.. someone moved in next door to you and decided to have a wild party every night and throw their liquor bottles and trash in your yard you would be the first one to call someone to get it stopped.Government interference! I don't care what the guy does to teach history to whoever. And I don't care if he was asked to come to Edgefield. I don't find any of that to be an excuse for that eyesore. If he cost us taxpayers money because he did not uphold his part of an agreement on hwy 25, then maybe we need to go back and make sure he pays the bill. So I am sure he will thank you for opening up that can of worms for him. Cleaning up his property can be the least of his worries.I don't think I am missing anything because I don't stop there except maybe a nail in my tire. web posted March 2, 2007 To those upset about the doors at MMS: If you do not like the doors or that the magnolia tree was removed you do not need to look to the administration at MMS, you need to contact the Director of Facilities and Maintenance. http://www.edgefield.k12.sc.us/Departments/Maintenance.htm He handles those sorts of things, not the administration. But please, keep in mind that those actions were taken for a reason, a reason you may not know about so “look before you leap” next time. At this point you're just grasping at straws trying to come up with a reason to discredit the new administrator. She is a good principal and deserves your respect, but most of all your cooperation. In the long run the doors on the school that your children attend do NOT matter, it's what goes on behind those doors that matter and rest assured that great things are going on. You may not like her but you can’t discount the fact that she loves your children and is giving them her very best. Regardless of what anyone says or what you may think her job is not an easy one and having to take flack from the community about doors is utterly absurd and a waste of your time. web posted March 1, 2007 I noticed that the little miss special person no longer had her orange cone out on the square.. Once again proving that (the Wandering Minds) puts the power of the people first. Thank you for giving us the chance to say what we want. Editor's note: The Wandering Minds is designed to give residents an outlet of unfettered access to voice their opinions. web posted March 1, 2007 I am so glad that someone looked up the info on charter schools on the internet, since the editor couldn’t seem to remove his head from his back end long enough to find it…… Thank You! Editor's note: I have long listed this information. If you would like to offer information directly attributed to Fox Creek, not charter schools in "general", I will be more than happy to post it. Once again, the total scores of the school shows FCHS way behind the county on reported test scores. However, it is nice to know that FCHS has at least one "committed" teacher. That has to be a feather in your cap. When will the volunteers on the docket for General Sessions court have their cases heard? I would not want to leave anyone out in their recognition. Would you like to name them now or would you prefer to wait until the General Sessions Court findings are published? Who has their head stuck where? I stand by my documented comments. web posted March 1, 2007 I agree that Edgefield business owners should clean their property...Why would you have a tractor at your business when sell/fixin tractors isnt your business....Another business i would NEVER shop at, reason being is there is always a bunch of men drinking outside..Thats not a type of business i would want my mother to stop at...Yes, Edgefield owners get busy and make Edgefield look as beautiful as the people are in this town... web posted March 1, 2007 Please be advised that Mr. Carpenter was paid several thousand dollars to remove the highway 25 mess next to the industrial park. This was not done, Even as construction started to widen this area, the contractor had to wait in order to start because he had not done his part of the deal. This cost county tax money. web posted March 1, 2007 Do any of the people complaining about Merriwether Middle School actually have children attending the school? The tree that was removed and the new doors should not be our priority – the children are receiving a good education and seem to like the school. My third child is currently in MMS and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Many of us really liked and appreciated the previous principal but the tree and rock out front looked like a burial plot; It was not appropriate for the front of a middle school! Change is always difficult but let’s give Mrs. Holmes a break and try to support her and the staff of our school. If all the parents would get involved and actually work with the school and teachers instead of bashing them, our kids will be far better for it! web posted March 1, 2007 You are certainly right about there being more eyesores than just the two but these are the two that really stand out when you are coming into Edgefield. Maybe Mr. Ransford needs to talk to the one in town and get him to clean up. Just because the one at tressel is operated by a nice young man trying to make a living is not an excuse. We are all trying to make a living. It is his responsibility to keep his place attractive to attract customers if he wants to make a living. web posted March 1, 2007 An ordinace saying to keep your yard neat. Yeah, thats what we need more government interference. As for the "eyesore" on main street. he was asked to move his buisness to that location. He is also well respected man that does alot to teach children at local living history events around the SE. Don't stop because its messy,I'd hate for you to learn something and meet a great person. web posted March 1, 2007 For
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