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NOTICE: Wandering Minds is an anonymous page of reader comments. You may send your
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WE WILL
NOT CORRECT
SPELLING!
Please
keep comments to less than 250 words
This is about the comment about James
Ruston. First of all his last name is spelled Rushton. He may
look like someone off America's Most Wanted but he is going to be
very good County Councilman. So don't always judge a book by its cover.
web
posted April 30, 2008
I just have a few words about all of you
people who feel the need to comment and put down chairman Monroe
Kneece. I understand that all people have a difference in opinion
and that you may not agree with his political decisions. However
it is the voters of this county that continue to but him in his
position. As for your comments on his store I must laugh at your
ignorance are you truly going to sit there and suggest that a liquor
store should not sell to alcoholics? If you owned a doughnut shop
would you refuse to sell to obese people? It would not be a very
lucrative business decision. And yes drunks hang out in front of
the establishment but I fail to see how that is a failing of his.
If it is posted no loitering then the police department is the one that
should take action. Do you expect him to run outside and chase
them off? I think that if you want to complain then complain
about his political decisions and not his personal life. And that
if you think you can do better you are welcome to run against him.
web
posted April 30, 2008
Congrats to Brittany Gobat. She signed a
letter of intent on Tue. April 29 to go to Georgia Tech for swimming.
Brittany won state last year breaking the South Carolina state record
in the Breast Stroke. She is the first to get an Athletic Scholarship
to a college. We are so proud of you. There is a theory that you can't
get college looks at a small school. That disproves that. Good luck in
Atlanta!
Today Fox Creek Golf claimed it's second Region Title. They go to the
State Playoffs on May 5th & 6th Good Job!
Congrats to Softball and Baseball for winning Region again. Softball
will play Whitmire tomorrow at Whitmire. If they win, they will win the
District and go to State with the top 8.
Years in the High School League - 2
Region Champs - 9
State Champs - 1
Being a Fox Creek Predator - PRICELESS
Keep up the good work and good luck to all of you!
web
posted April 30, 2008
It's a shame that the Developer at Mount
Vintage has fallen on such hard times. The entrance way drive is
full of large ruts that you have to maneuver around to avoid a blowout
.They are even filling in deep side crevices on an unpaved road with
manure instead of stone. It may only lead past the barn and to the
trails, but it also goes past some of the bigger houses and a beautiful
pond. Poor, poor Mr. Rainsford.
web
posted April 30, 2008
I do not understand how annexing into NA
is going to take money away from Edgefield County. They are still
in Edgefield County and must pay county tax
web
posted April 30, 2008
Edgefield county taxpayers should thank
the four NAACP school board members for bleeding our tax dollars into
their pockets and the pockets of their appointed friends such as
Professor Brightharp and the District Human Resource lady named
Clunk-Scales. They better enjoy their time sucking down our tax dollars
for their inept services will eventually come to an end as the
complexion of our school board changes later this year. Brightharp,
(name removed) and Crenshaw should enjoy their big money at our
expense, knowing the majority of Edgefield voters did not want them to
begin with, and that their loyalties are really with their NAACP
friends not to the betterment of our children's education.
web
posted April 30, 2008
I hope we see more articles about the
current County Council members so as to remind all of us why we need to
vote and change the way business in conducted.
How can any resident of Edgefield County not see through what the
current council members has done to each and every one of us not in the
“inner circle”?
Maybe we need a joint campaign. I enjoyed the comments by Ms.
Cockrell even though I am not in her district. I like what I hear
from all of the new candidates.
Let’s see – the new County Council, working for you, the individual
citizens of Edgefield County, to make fair and righteous decisions for
all of our communities.
Jeanette
Cockrell
District 1
Rodney
Ashcraft
District 2
James
Rushston
District 3
Willie
Bright
District 4 If I were Mr. Bright I would start right
now getting to know my new co-council members.
Genia
Blackwell
District 5
I would also advise certain employees of Edgefield County to start
looking for another job. I truly believe the new County Council
will take to task any and all employees not qualified to perform their
job responsibilities, not performing their job as intended and/or
abusing their employment rights.
This change can occur not a bit too soon.
web
posted April 30, 2008
If the County Council answers the
questions to the poster regarding the purchase of the Calliham building
(and I think they should), I have a few I would like answered as
well.
1. How was the purchase and
repair (totaling close to $900,000) of that building more feasible than
building a new building? The article posted in the Edgefield
Daily on 8/8/07 noted the Claims Manager as saying it would cost
$465,000 to rebuild the 6650 sq. ft. building at $70 per sq. ft..
The Calliham building is 4000 sq. ft. with the bottom section
only to be used for offices, so this is $106.00 +a sq. ft. for a
dilapidated building, plus another $450,000 to remodel. According
to my calculations, you could rebuild a new 4000 sq. ft. building at
$106.00 per sq. ft. for $424,000 and save the remodeling fee. You
will also save an additional $14,400 per year rent for the Building and
Planning Commission by putting them in the new building.
My recommendation is to rebuild the building where it was (with
adequate parking) using the insurance funds that are supposed to be for
that purpose. You will have one new building paid for. Then use
the $450,000 they were going to use for the remodeling and purchase the
Calliham building if needed for jail use. The $2000 per month
rental from Calliham’s and the $1200 rent saved from Bldg &
Planning can be used towards the remodeling.
2. This same article mentioned
getting estimates from the local contractor for the cost to
rebuild. Was this ever done? If so, what were those figures?
3. If they need the building for
future use of the jail, what will happen to the people brought in to
the offices after the people from the jail are moved in? I don’t
think it can house all.
web
posted April 30, 2008
I know the Tax Foundation is a
politically biased site. It is a CONSERVATIVE SITE. http://www.medillnewsdc.com/power_trips/trips1206_taxfound.shtml.
That is one reason I use it! It also has factual data about
taxes. These are raw numbers. Not theories or
projections. These numbers are what happened. They are not
biased. But the Tax Foundation is a CONSERVATIVE site.
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3827/is_200005/ai_n8886605
Another link describing the Tax Foundation as CONSERVATIVE.
"[The Tax Foundation's] tireless efforts to educate the public about
America's tax burden have made a big difference here in Washington, and
throughout the fifty states. Our tax policies are better for it, and
our economy is stronger." —U.S. Treasury Secretary John W. Snow
http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-soi/05in06tr.xls
http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-soi/05in08tr.xls
OK....here are two links the official IRS site. IT IS THE EXACT
SAME INFO PRESENTED BY THE CONSERVATIVELY BIASED TAX FOUNDATION.
Oh, and here are the same figures. http://www.rushlimbaugh.com/home/menu/irsfigures.guest.html
web
posted April 30, 2008
Would you place the following link on
your website? This is a brand new soccer club which combines the
current classic soccer clubs of Aiken, N Augusta, and Columbia
County. As a soccer mom I'm very excited about what this club and
its leaders have developed.
http://www.patriotssoccer.org/leagues/2011/graphics/FlierLayoutFINALHiResolution.pdf
web
posted April 30, 2008
Dr. Brightharp makes approx $86,500 per
year. What exactly has she done, no one knows, becasue she is
accountable to no one. It is very important that everyone get out and
vote in the November elections if we want to break from the grip of the
MoTown Fo. The educational standards have dropped considerably since
they have been in power. The MoTown Fo have impeded the work of the
principals and SROs in cleaning up the school district of thugs and
drug dealers. For educational quality to improve, the principals, SROs,
and the Hearing Office must be supported by the ECSB. This is not
happening. It must be a cultural thing. Why don't they open up a
Charter school in Edgefield County and let Reverend Wright come teach
the thugs and drug dealers if he is such a guru on learning styles.
web
posted April 30, 2008
Let's see if we have this correct.
North Augusta bought 150 acres, for whatever purpose and now they are
purchasing 27.5 more of Edgefield County for a new park. That is
a total of 177.5 acres which will come off the tax roll for the
County. That means less taxes to our County. North Augusta
recently annexed part of Edgefield County (North Augusta Country Club
area). Where else does North Augusta intrude into our
county?
I understand the owners selling for the prices they got, $16,472.73 per
acre for the 27.5 acres and $13,333.33 per acre for the 150
acres. Guess what, the surrounding areas will be ripe for upward
assessment. Isn't this kind of steep for undeveloped land?
I suppose a developer could charge much more than that if he/she
chooses. I could even understand it if a big store or industry
were purchasing this land but a city?? Makes you wonder just what else
they are up to and who will benefit, certainly not the citizens of
Edgefield County.
Interesting how the current County Council approved water and sewer
money being spent to improve the new expansion (Palmetto Parkway)
coming through North Augusta not Edgefield County. According to
the city administrator, Edgefield County paid the largest portion even
though Edgefield County does not directly benefit and when you consider
the water and sewer needs of our county.
I don't know about you but I can't wait for November elections. I
just wish we could make the council suspend all actions until
then. I'll bet the challengers wish we could also. Just
look at all the mess you will have to clean up when you are
elected. Also, editor loved your column, right on!
web
posted April 29, 2008
This past Friday, April 25, my wife and I
went to (a company), located on the river in Augusta,to buy a load of
compost. We took the other member of our family, our dog Woody, whom we
never leave behind if at all possible, with us. When we got there, I
went in the office to place our order, and was told where to park to be
loaded. As we drove to the designated place, we were attacked by a very
large dog. The dog chased our truck and jumped on the side to get at
Woody, who was in the backseat of the crewcab. The dog left scratches
in the driver's side of my truck and Woody was bleeding from the mouth.
After loading the compost I parked far away and went to the office to
pay. I told the cashier that we were attacked and my truck was
scratched. He said we are not responsible because we have a sign. He
then proceeded to show me the sign, which I had not seen, at the
entrance to the office. If you see the sign,you are at the office, well
on the property and out of your vehicle.The statement was made,that the
sign was at the entrance to the business at one time, but nobody
saw it there either. I then asked for the owner's phone number. I
called the owner and was told to get an estimate for the repairs. I did
and called him back. After two conversations he has quit returning my
calls. I wanted my truck to be in the same condition as it was when I
entered his place of business. I learned a lesson from this experience
and by writing this letter I hope that I can save someone grief in the
future and get this situation out in the open.
web
posted April 29, 2008
I wonder why neither one would answer the
question in the last debate about how raising taxes lowers tax
reveunues?
http://www.taxfoundation.org/publications/show/250.html
Table 4 is the total tax collected from all individual income taxpayers
from 1980 to 2005. These are from the actual tax returns
filed. They are not projections, or theories. They are the
historical facts of taxes collected by the federal government.
Please show me which year since 2000 the United States has collected
more revenue from individual income tax payers?
Bill Clinton raised income taxes in 1993 on high income earners.
Again, refer to table 4 and show me which year during Mr Clinton's
Presidency that tax revenues from indivuals went down.
Reagan became president in 1981 and promptly cut taxes (mostly for the
wealthy, he increased FICA taxes on the middle class and poor in
1982). The USA collected $282,298M in individual income taxes in
1981. Reagan's last year in office was 1988. The USA
collected $412,761M in 1988. This is a 46% increase in 8
years.
Bill Clinton became president in 1993 and promply raised taxes (on the
wealthy). In 1993, the USA collected $502,720M in taxes.
Clinton left office in 2000 and the USA collected $980,521M in
individual income taxes. This is a 95% increase in taxes
collected from individual tax payers in 8 years.
You got historical figures that back up your data? Just raw
figures, please.
Thanks.
Editor's note: Thank you for providing the information. However,
the site is politically biased and I prefer to follow actual
information from the GAO (Government Accounting Office).
To the claim Capital gains tax cuts did not pay for themselves is
false. Capital gains tax revenues doubled following the 2003 tax cut.
Claiming that raising tax rates is the best way to raise revenue is
also false. Tax revenues correlate with economic growth, not tax rates.
The more money available to business owners and investors in
"disposable income" is what grows the economy, not tax liabilities.
Taking away that income lowers tax revenues.
People grow our economy, not government or corporations. Companies do
not pay taxes, people do. All taxes are passed on to those who purchase
any and all goods provided. Those who purchase goods know no "economic"
boundary. Give me a link from the GAO or the IRS that supports your
false claim and maybe wecan talk. Your biased link from a biased source
is not viable.
Nice try.
web
posted April 29, 2008
In reference to the question about
Gateway Academy, the program is open to everyone. The camp is
primarily funded by a grant from the Society of Manufacturing Engineers
and the State Department of Career and Technical Education. Women
and other minority populations are under represented in
the engineering field and this is how the grant was written and
awarded. All students in the fifth through eighth grade are
encouraged to apply and each will be considered.
web
posted April 29, 2008
That picture of James Ruston on your home
page looks like something from America's Most Wanted!!!!
web
posted April 29, 2008
Why do you pay someone a salary for
writing grants, should not their salary be determine by the
amount of grants that they WRITE and are FUNDED. By the way, what
is her salary? if it is above $50,000 you can post it and how much has
she written and received in grants since being on the job? Now, I
cannot wait to see this one...
web
posted April 29, 2008
If the ignorant voters in Pinhead Bibbs
district continue to keep him as a dysfunctional member of the
school board, then former muslim Rev. Wright (a Bibbs hero) is correct
in saying "the chicken's have come home to roost." Pinhead Bibbs is
certainly a big chicken when it comes to racial diversification for our
children's education. He is only interested in lowering the educational
standards for black children so they can be more competitive for
education and job opportunities. It should not shock any of us that
Lovable Dr. Crewshaw has cozy-ed up with her radial racial
counterparts, Pinhead Bibbs, Sister Sallie and the Jackson sisters.
However, there may be good news insofar as Sister Sallie is concerned.
She will have an opponent who will win, thus changing the complexion of
the school board's racial mix. Watch out Dr. Crenshaw, your clandestine
behavior with the MO-Town Fo, may eventually put you out the Do(door).
web
posted April 29, 2008
James Courtney isn't the only one at the
school district making a whopping salary. At least he has
improved the district. Our schools look great! What about
Shawn Clinkscales, what improvements has she made? She makes a
wad and spends much of her time offending people and playing
boss. Remember, she wasn't even selected as one of the top
applicants to be interviewed. She has ties with Mr. Bibbs and he
made sure she was interviewed and hired.
web
posted April 29, 2008
How to use Your IRS Rebate check... As
you may have heard, we may be getting a tax rebate check to stimulate
the economy.
If we spend that money at Wal-Mart, all the money will go to China.
If we spend it on gasoline it will go to the Arabs.
If we purchase a computer, it will go to India.
If we purchase fruits and vegetables, it will go to Mexico, Honduras,
and Guatemala.
If we purchase a car, it will probably go mostly to Japan.
We need to keep that money here in America.
The only way I know is to spend it at Garage Sales, since those are the
only businesses still in the U.S.
Editor's note: According to the US Govt, a single person making $75,000
a year or less, or a couple making $150,000 a year or less, will get a
check (single $600, couple $1,200) plus an additional $300 per
child to stimulate the economy.
Wow, Congress actually thinks that money in the hands of the American
people actually stimulates the economy? Yet Sen. Obama and Sen. Clinton
both say raising taxes will help the economy. If they really want to
help the economy, pass the Fair Tax and let
people keep all their hard earned money.
I wonder why neither one would answer the question in the last debate
about how raising taxes lowers tax reveunues?

web
posted April 28, 2008
Why on earth do we need both a Supervisor
of Transportation and then a separate Director of Transportation?
How much of a raise did Mr. Courtney get for that? I understand
that Aiken County has a director and several supervisors, but look at
the size of the Aiken County Fleet. Aiken County also is divided
into areas. Edgefield is not.
web
posted April 28, 2008
Did you know that (Edgefield County
School Superintendent) Dr. Crenshaw (School Board Chairwoman) Sallie
Cooks (School Board member) James Bibbs and other school board members
attend meetings together?
Editor's note: I have been told of such meetings, but until someone
informs me at the time it is taking place there is no way I can
document a majority of school board members meeting illegally, and
therefore it remains just hearsay. If you are there, take a picture
with your cell phone and send me the photo. I will be more than happy
to make it public.
web
posted April 28, 2008
NA keeps saying they are going to be the
biggest city in Edgefield County and it never makes the news. I live in
Merriwether and I do NOT want to be a part of NA. How does this keep
happening? We moved from NA to Edgefield County for peace and quiet and
they are just yards away from us now. What can we do (to stop them)?
Editor's note: The City of North Augusta cannot annex personal private
property without the owner giving consent. The first thing is to always
vote against annexation and the second is to elect someone willing to
stand up for Merriwether.
web
posted April 28, 2008
To the person writing about overtime for
salaried employees: The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) actually
requires overtime be paid to salary employees if they make less than
$23,660 per year. This law was passed to keep employers from
placing low wage people on salary to avoid overtime pay.
Editor's note: You are correct. What are your feelings on someone that
abuses "comp time" and makes over $50,000 a year?
web
posted April 28, 2008
The Monroe Kneece Political Empire is
funded by that store. He is no different from the crack dealers
that have stood around the corner of his store in the past.
Editor's note: You have a right to your opinion. However, booze is
legal, crack is not.
web
posted April 28, 2008
I
wish you would go by (County Council Chairman) Monroe Keece's liquor
store and take a picture of all the drug dealers and drunks hanging out
in front of the "no loitering" sign he has out front.
web
posted April 28, 2008
Who are you going to vote for county
council?
Editor's note: Are you serious?
web
posted April 28, 2008
I would like to reply to the Citizens for
the Accountability of Public School Funding in Edgefield County.
Myrtis Brightharp was specifically hired as the grant writer for the
school system. She is the one that receives a salary at a much
higher rate than the director she replaced (how's that for saving
money?). Grant writing is under her department. Please face
the fact that she is untouchable regardless of her job performance
because of her close ties with Ms. Cooks and Mr. Bibbs.
web
posted April 26, 2008
I drive to Aiken 5 days a week and would
love to share this expense with someone else doing the same
thing. Even it was carpooling only 2-3 days a week, it would help
reduce the cost of driving to work. One last thing....non smokers only.
Contact me here.
Editor's note: I have questions about such a post but will let it slide
for now. If I get a pile of such requests I will shut it down and make
them post as a Classified Ad.
web
posted April 26, 2008
Did you know that the cops were called to
(Chairman of the County Council) Monroe Kneece's liquor store (in
Johnston) because some woman was trying to stab some guy with a big
knife (Thursday night)? He sells them the booze and then calls the cops
when they get drunk. This is who we make (the) face of Edgefield
County? I heard she got arrested for it. True or not>?
Editor's note: The situation you speak of is true, but I have no idea
who made the call, if the woman arrested was drunk, or what the
circumstances were in the matter. Chairman Kneece will
tell you his son owns the store and he only works there. He has no
control over how those who purchase his wares react to consuming them.
web
posted April 26, 2008
When I appealed my tax assessment they
asked me what my house would sell for andthat is what I should pay. How
did Mr. Calliham get to have his taxes cut in half when the county says
they know it is worth dbl what it is taxed at?
Editor's note: Ask your county councilman that voted to approve your
new assessments, the sale, and the price. All five approved all of it.
web
posted April 26, 2008
i thought it was in very poor taste
to put a story up about (Denise Bagwell). She didn't do anything wrong
and you made it out like she is some kind of criminal.
Editor's note: The report was factually correct. The incident happened,
the evidence was investigated, and she was charged and arrested. What
should I have done different?
web
posted April 26, 2008
I just wanted to comment on th post about
the Calliham Property. The person with the many concerns sounds
like a very smart person. I hope he or she will consider speaking
out to help our county make better decisions all around. Sounds
like to me this person would be a great candidate for the Edgefield
County School Board. Hope they and others will consider the
opportunity to help our schools and most importantly our children
attending our GREAT Edgefield County Schools.
web
posted April 25, 2008
Every time
(EdgefieldDaily.com) has a big story it's all over the tv that night.
Do they pay you for that?
Editor's note: No, but it is always curtious to credit
EdgefieldDaily.com. Some do, some do not. Guess who gets the stories in
advance?
web
posted April 25, 2008
I've been
reading all the comments about the county council and the school board.
How did we end up with these people running everything if they are so
incompetent?
Editor's note: They were elected.
web
posted April 25, 2008
What's up with all the trash on the road
around the curve at WA Reel Drive?
web
posted April 25, 2008
What good did it do to remodel the
Edgefield Fuel store in town? It took me three times to get in
there yesterday to get gas. People were pulling in and going out,
they were getting gas, waiting to get gas and getting blocked in.
When I finally got pulled in I had to wait on the person in front of me
to finish his conversation with someone at the pump before he
moved. there is no more space that it was before. That's my last
time to get gas there.
w
It should not surprise any of your
readers to learn how racist the four school board members (Professor
Bibbs, The Two Jackass-son Sisters, & Sister Sallie) are in terms
of reprimanding students, especially
black students. If it is true these four embarrassments have instituted
a policy which prevents school authorities from dealing with unruly
black students, then we have a Civil Rights issue facing us non-black
people. These four buffoons (and I am sure Obama & OJ Simpson
supporters) have done enough damage to our school system, while hiding
behind their NAACP agenda. Collectively, I bet these four Obama
supporters don't have the IQ of a cauliflower plant. Isn't it time to
remove some of these plants when election time finally arrives?
Editor's note: Filing for the School Board begins in August. Maybe we
will see many new faces offering to help change things there as we see
in the county council races. The four seats up for election this year
are Sallie Cooks, James Bibbs, Brad Covar, and Scott Chitty. Cooks is
very vulnerable as is Scott Chitty. Covar and Bibbs are fairly safe for
re-election due to their districts. A two seat swing could bring a
major upset to the power structure. Cooks will face a challenger in
November and there is a rumor of a challenge against Scott Chitty, who
even the Fox Creek contingent (who placed him on the ECBOE from the Fox
Creek School Board) are displeased with his performance. A general
feeling of neglect of Merriwether schools has also been expressed about
Mr. Chitty because he only gets involved in situations that involve Fox
Creek and not the Elementary and Middle School, which he is said to
never visit. This will be an interesting situation to follow as the
elections gear up.
web
posted April 24, 2008
Check this out. I was reading the Star
this afternoon. An article caught my eye. NORTH
AUGUSTA IN EDGEDFIELD. second part of header " Could North Augusta
become Edgefield County's largest city? As I read the article. I kept
thinking TAXES, well sure enough it was mentioned. Now they played up
the part about a recreational program. Here are a few of the quoted
comments.NA City Administrator Sam Bennett: " Bennett noted the City of
North Augusta's goal is simply to promote "good, quality growth." He
said as long as the residents want the City and its services, the City
will continue to offer annexation as an option." Hmm let me see. Good,
quality growth. Oh I know, that means more tax dollars in North
Augusta's pocket. And here are two from Edgefield County Administrator
John Pettigrew: 1st " EC Admin. John Pettigrew said he thought the City
of North Augusta's plans were good for the people of the southern part
of Edgefield County "if they choose." If they choose? Let me guess,
majority wins. Why is Edgefield Co. willing to allow another
county to come and annex parts of Edgefield Co. I moved to Edgefield
Co. for three main reasons. No City TAXES, great schools (Merriwether)
and peace & quite. Here is another Pettigrew comment. 2nd
"Pettigrew pointed out those residents who are in Edgefield County and
in North Augusta will pay taxes the same way they would if they were in
Aiken County----They'll have a tax bill from both entities,he
explained." Here is what I have to say about all of this. Hey Edgefield
County board members. If you need extra taxes. Go back to making folks
who live in town pay taxes. You see NA knows about the growth in
Merriwether and they are going to make the best of it, by making it
grow. In the long run Edgefield Co. will benefit in more tax dollars
from Merriwether folks. You guys just gave NA a free hand at any
property that they want. And hey Edgefield Co board, if want me to move
back to Aiken county and give them my tax money then I will. Oh wait a
minute NA city is coming so I will not have to move. I guess Saluda and
McCormick county will be next. EVERYBODY SHOULD READ THE ARTICLE IN THE
STAR.
Editor's note: See comment below.
web
posted April 24, 2008
Genia Blackwell and Rodney Ashcraft you
will be happy to know that the city of North Augusta is once again
gracing Edgefield County with its presence. According to the
Augusta Chronicle, the City is closing May 15th on a purchase for 27.5
acres along Murrah and Five Notch roads for a new city park to
compliment Riverview Park. This includes a potential connection
to the North Augusta Greeneway.
This new parcel connects to a 150 acre tract the city bought near
Sweetwater Baptist Church in November 2006. Wonder what that is
for? Looks as if North Augusta sees more potential for this
county than our current County councilmen. What benefit is there
to Edgefield County beside the obvious, a much needed recreation
park for the citizens of the fastest growing area of the County?
Wonder if North Augusta will charge discount fees for our citizens like
North Augusta residents will pay or if we will be considered
"outsiders".
Little by little North Augusta is taking over our area. He who
owns the land controls the development. Is that what the citizens
want? Maybe so, after all look at what happened with the Callihan
building. Your county council at work for us citizens.
Editor's note: The Edgefield County Council has long signed off on a
plan with North Augusta to surrender Merriwether to them. Ten years ago
it was called the Martintown Road Corridor Plan. When I exposed it back
then the name was changed and has never been signed off in public
since. Edgefield is afraid of Merriwether. If they formed a town they
would become the county seat, thus taking to power away from Edgefield
and he who controls Edgefield and thus the county. North Augusta is now
working on buying their way into the county along Five Notch Road. Once
they circle the area is is just a matter of closing the loop. They have
already breached the county line on Martintown Road.
Remember that Edgefield County Administrator John Pettigrew Jr., who
was not listed among the "qualified candidates" for the job by Upper
Savannah Council on Government's, was the former mayor of... Edgefield.
Follow the dots, follow the money, and follow the connections. This is
one of the reasons the Edgefield County Council refuses to give the
Sheriff the needed deputies. If they provided proper coverage there
would be no chance that North Augusta could offer better police
protection.
It is all a scam and it begins with the Edgefield County Council. North
Augusta cannot do it without their help. Both want the tax dollars to
divert them to areas other than Merriwether. Merriwether is just a
red-headed cash cow they want to exploit. It will take a strong
Merriwether representative to bring this to a halt. Something we have
not had in 20 years. Maybe that will change this year.
web
posted April 24, 2008
Can you back up the claim that you have
it on "good authroity" that the school board and Dr. Crenshaw told the
sro's to stop arresting bl(a)ck kids? That is just more of your racist
(vulgar comments deleted).
Editor's note: I never said I have it on "good authority" (please check
your spelling) I stated I have received information that confirms the
directive and I stand behind that statement. I doubt Dr. Crenshaw or
the School Board will want to challenge me on my information. I wish
they would.
web
posted April 24, 2008
It seems that there has been a little
stirring about the purchase of the Calliham Property with the use of
the funds from the tragic fire/burning of the Neighborhood
Center. Recently, you showed pictures and an article about the
condition of the courthouse. While that is truely a shame to
allow a public building to come to that point, it is no worse than the
building that has been left standing at the Neighborhood Center
site. I am not sure of the original date of construction of the
building but I do know that it was remodeled in 1977-78. At the
time of completion, desktop computers did not exist. Microwaves
and apartment size refridgerators were not in abundance, fax machines
were unheard of and printers that complement the desktop computers did
not exist as they do now. Telephone systems with voice mail, etc.
were not used either. My point is that the structure on Church
street was not wired so that it could handle all this extra and
neccessary equipment that exists in the building. Nothing has
been done to repair the fire damage to the two story building that has
a scarred roof from heat damage. Melted light fixtures and a
breeze way that is open and exposed on the northwest end of the
building. There is still a large hole in the earth (building footprint)
that has standing water each and every time it rains that will be a
prime breeding ground for pest in the months to come. The Church
Street property is a wonderful piece of real estate. It has
plenty of parking for most things and enough space to create more
parking if needed. It is historical in nature in that it is the
piece of property where Furman University had its beginning. It
is also the location of the schools that were in use when Strom
Thurmond was the Superintendent of Education. Aside from those
historical facts, it is still prime real estate! It is a shame
for this county council to walk away from it in favor of padding
someone else's pockets for furture development of the county
jail. As someone else suggested, perhaps the counties around here
should get together and build a regional jail. Instead of
rational thought guiding the process, it does appear that political
greed is doing the thinking. Unfortunately, it will be too late
when the election rolls around but maybe the good people of Edgefield
will correct some of these wrongs in conducting county business.
web
posted April 24, 2008
In reference to this posting:
Editor's note: Less than 40% of taxes collected for our local schools
make it to the classroom (some estimates have it at less than 30%).
This includes supplies, teacher pay, and other support. Edgefield
County also has one of the highest paid school boards in the state even
though it is among one of the poorest counties. Who is the majority of
the School Board serving?
web posted April 22, 2008
Who sets the pay for the school boards? Is it the state
superintendent? County Council? Who do we write to and question about
this. Can you provide backup that Edgefield is the highest paid
and one of the poorest counties? If so please do because I want
to start writing and questioning these folks for answers with backup.
Editor's note: I never said the ECBOE is the highest paid, they are
among the highest paid (among the top 10 in the state records show).
Their pay (which has recently been increased since the information was
obtained) is a matter of public record. The economic status of
Edgefield County is also public record. Do not take my word for it, ask
any of the longest serving school board members if the information is
correct. They will gladly tell you the same thing. It is not as if this
is some big secret, it is just that the public is left uninformed about
it, until EdgefieldDaily.com came along.
web
posted April 24, 2008
I wanted to write and tell you that I
love Edgefield Daily(.com). I REALLY love the Wandering Minds. I get as
much news from (the Wandering Minds Section) as I do the front page.
You have done more for this county than anyone in the last 50 years. I
just wanted to say thank you!
Editor's note: I am humbled by your comments. Thank you for reading and
your support.
web
posted April 24, 2008
Here is a chance for the current County
Council to show that they understand the frustration the citizens of
Edgefield County have in regard to how the council conducts county
business. There is a lack of transparency in how the Council acts
which is now showcased in the proposed Calliham property
purchase. If the council members want to demonstrate they are
acting in good faith they should have no problem in publicly answering
the following inquiries before the second reading of the ordinance
authorizing the purchase, the so-called public hearing. In the past,
the council has released little if any details concerning the topic of
such public hearings so the hearing is more of an opportunity for the
public to learn of the topic for the first time and not be able to
participate and ask questions on an informed basis. If the
council publicly answers the following inquiries, the public can
participate in the hearing concerning the Calliham purchase on a more
informed basis.
--Who negotiated the
purchase for the county and what are his/her experience in negotiating
purchases of commercial property? This is an important question
as this transaction needs to be at arms length. The county should
have retained a person experienced in negotiating such commercial
transactions.
--The council indicated that
the proposed purchased price was based upon an appraisal. Who was
the appraiser and how was he/she selected? Why was only one
appraisal apparently obtained? Why hasn't the appraisal report
been made public?
--Explain the discrepancy
between the assessed value of the property and the appraised
value. Given the huge difference in values either the Assessor
should be disciplined or the purchase needs to be renegotiated.
--Has an environmental study
been undertaken on the building and the surrounding land or is the
county buying a pig in a poke? Does the building contain asbestos
or lead paint? Is the surrounding ground contaminated by any
hazardous materials? Are there any above ground or buried fuel or
other storage tanks? Is there mold or fungus in any part of the
building?
--Has a structural study
been undertaken? What use will the county put the building to for the 5
year lease and thereafter? Is the building suitable for any use
without significant rehabilitation? If the county is going to
tear the building down in 5 years, why not wait until then, negotiate
in good faith to arrive at what from all appearances will be a lesser
selling price? If negotiations break down then, the county can
condemn the building and obtain it through eminent domain. Again
this needs to be an arms length transaction.
--How was the proposed rent
arrived at? Why is there no escalator clause in the rent for the
five year period? Most retail leases include as part of the rent
a percentage of the gross revenues of the tenant. Why doesn't the
proposed lease contain such a clause?
--Mr. Calliham apparently is
responsible for maintenance and repairs. What terms in the
proposed lease add teeth to that requirement? Will the county
inspect the building on a regular basis and insist on repairs being
made in a timely manner? If repairs are not made, what is the
county's remedy? Why not hold part of the final purchase price in
escrow to ensure the building is handed over to the county in
appropriate condition?
--If county offices are to
be moved to the building while the furniture store is operating or
after, has a study been done to determine whether the building is safe
for county employees and citizens and conducive to doing county
business? For example, what is the state of the HVAC systems,
roof and other structure? If county offices are to be located
there, will the noise from the retail operation disrupt the efficiency
of providing county services?
--What liability will the
county assume by owning a building where retail operations are
occurring that the county has no control over? If a slip and fall
occurs in the retail portion, are there any circumstances where the
county would be held liable? You better believe that the county
would be a party to such an action. Will the county assume an
expense to obtain appropriate insurance?
--What is the county's
exposure if the building is damaged or destroyed by fire or a natural
disaster? Will the county be subject to damages because the
retail operation will not be able to function? Will an expense be
incurred to acquire appropriate insurance?
--When the county owns the
building, it will go off the tax rolls. How much tax revenue will
be lost annually?
The purchase of the building may or not be a wise
decision. There are not enough facts known about the purchase and
proposed subsequent use of the building that one can make an informed
decision. Hopefully the council will answer the above inquiries
so the public will be able to participate in the hearing in a
meaningful way. To the extent the council cannot answer the
inquiries because the information is not available, the public hearing
should be postponed until the answers are forthcoming. Given the
current real estate market the value of the building will in all
probability decrease over time. If this seems like a good deal
today, it can only get better as time goes on. There is no
apparent need to rush into this purchase.
Editor's note: This post well exceeded the allowed word limit, but it
contained information I felt justified it being listed.
web
posted April 24, 2008
RE: I like the marching band too,
but you and i both know why everyone is there. FOOTBALL!! I agree
that there should be other sports, but they must learn to support/fund
themselves. It is not fair to take away
from the "main" sport, just b/c people don't attend the secondary
sports. You get over it.
Who do you think feeds you at these games? The marching
band. They DO support themselves and the booster club doesn't
just support football, it supports ALL sports.
web
posted April 24, 2008
I need some help. Is there a number
that I can call 'anonymously' to report drug activity in the
Johnston/Edgefield area. I have blatant proof that these scum
bags dealt to my child & I want to put a stop to it and any other
activity that they are dealing, without causing public
embarrassment to my child.
I feel like parents these days have their hands tied when it comes to
issues like this. What are our rights to protect our
children? Where can we turn too for advise or help?
Editor's note: You can call 803-637-5337 or 803-278-1625 to give
information about drug activity and remain anonymous. All information
will be passed on to the Narcotics Division of the Sheriff's Office.
Sheriff Adell Dobey will also meet with concerned parents. He can be
reached at the numbers listed above and all information will be held in
the strictest of confidence.
web
posted April 23, 2008
I read the story
on the Gateway program. I may be dumb but the “first come first
serve” seems to be a lie when they say that there is a “priority given
to girls and other under-represented groups” who get special treatment.
How is that “first come first serve”? I may have fallen off the turnip
truck but it wasn’t yesterday. To me that says white boys need not
apply!!!!! I never thought I would see quotas being used in our
schools. Sad to say I am not surprised. What a pile of (manure)!!!!!
Editor's note: At Strom Thurmond white males are a minority. I feel
certain that the district would consider them among the
"under-represented groups". Certainly race has nothing to do with the
published criteria for acceptance into the program.
web
posted April 23, 2008
The song goes, Dirty Deeds Done Dirt
Cheap. The Calliham
deal is a dirty deed,
but for the taxpayers
of Edgefield County it's not going to be cheap. This deal was cemented
long before the first reading was approved. J.P. knew it was a done
deal when the newspaper interview was conducted. A new furniture line
was the question, A June closing was the report. Well, lo and behold,
guess what, there may be a June closing after all, despite Kneece's
so-called ignorance of the subject. First reading approved they say,
$425,000 for a worn out furniture store is what I say. Have you no
shame? Now that was a stupid question. I know better. There is no shame
when it comes to spending money that does not belong to them in the
first place. Who will hold them accountable? I will, the voter. Now GET
GONE!
web
posted April 23, 2008
I am writing in response of the gas
prices. I don't understand how the government call go up on the gas
prices and want allow min.wages to go up. How in the h*** can you
afford gas and food with all the rise on prices and still making little
of nothing. I see if we can get a raise on our jobs. I feel gas
shouldn't be going up everyday. One day its 3.29 in a couple of hours
its has gone up about 6cents. That's ridiculous, how much money do you
need. GAS NEED TO GO DOWN!!!!!!
web
posted April 23, 2008
I just wanted to say thank you to Chief
Chris Aston and all of the other law enforcement that arrived on the
scene of an accident that my son and I were in last week. We were less
than 1 mile from home. Chris stayed with us on the scene until the
state patrol arrived. The state patrolman was very nice
and contacted us that evening to check on us and let us know how the
other man in the accident was. It is nice to know there are still some
caring people out there in this world.
web
posted April 23, 2008
Why are there so many fights at STH? Does
it have anything to do with the SRO's being told by the (majority of
the) school board to stop busting black kids because too many are being
arrested? Who cares what color they are, if they are breaking the law
ARREST THEM!
Editor's note: As I understand there has been a directive to that
effect from the majority of members of the School Board and Dr.
Crenshaw. I do not understand how the school board can direct the
actions of a deputy if a crime has been comitted. I am looking into the
situation.
web
posted April 23, 2008
I like the marching band too, but you and
i both know why everyone is there. FOOTBALL!! I agree that there
should be other sports, but they must learn to support/fund
themselves. It is not fair to take away
from the "main" sport, just b/c people don't attend the secondary
sports. You get over it.
To the person questioning the HC....let it go. There are a lot
more higher paid coaches of less caliber,
that have less non football duties, in this state. If you want a
successfull football team, then you have to pay the coach to coach, not
teach classes. I think 2 classes a day is taking away from his
football
time(maybe this is the reason we were 8-5 last year). He needs to
devote his entire time to football.
web
posted April 23, 2008
Today, Citizens for the Accountability of
Public School Funding in Edgefield County would like to speak
about just that, accountability. With the passage of property tax
reform last year, school districts will
have to run leaner and more efficient. Property tax reform was the best
thing that has happened to
property owners in a long time. However, school districts have
discovered that they are going to have
to work harder for the funds that they receive from the governmemt and
other sources. The ECSD pays two such employees to find grants. This
includes the Asst Superintendent of Currriculum and Instruction and the
position that was created for Dr. Brightharp. I do not know the title
of the new position. However, these two positions should be writing
grants and securing funds for the school district. These positions are
paid very high salaries and with high salaries comes greater
responsibilities. In the private sector, when someone makes $85,000 to
$90,000 per year then these persons are expected to produce. If they do
not produce, then heads roll and they are replaced with someone who
will produce. There are millions of dollars in grants that could be
obtained if the work was willing to be done. Someone earning up to
$90,000 per year from a school distrcit should have the knowledge and
skills needed to write grants and secure these funds for the school
district. I do not refer to the smaller grants secured by teachers for
special projects. These teachers are a priceless resource, but the
District Admins should not take credit for the hard work of these
teachers. If a
small rural school district is going to pay $90,000 per year for
services, then we should receive
something for it. This something should be more than photo ops, and
emails about courses for teachers the day before the dealine to
register for the courses. These District Admins should be working 70-80
hours per week to find, write, and deliver these million dollar grants
to the coffers of the ECSD. If not, then heads should roll. The ECSB
should find someone who can, and who has a proven track record. A
quality education is a terrible thing to waste.
web
posted April 23, 2008
Dear Mr. “I’m going to argue the points
of being and AD”,
It seems you feel you speak for the majority when you state the feeling
that the AD at Strom Thurmond is less than satisfactory. Fortunately,
you are mistaken. Many people stand behind him and feel as though he is
the best AD Strom Thurmond has had. Please, sir, can you name me
an AD that Thurmond has had in the past ten years who has done more for
girls’ sports than the current AD has? You also have to realize that we
are in South Carolina. Where football is the predominant sport of
choice and yes, it gets a large amount of support. It also generates
the largest revenue for the athletic program at ST, and the funds are
as proportionally distributed as possible. If you have any doubt of
this, I would suggest you take it up with the booster club, or the
school board. As for the publicity of the individual sport, it is the
coaches’ responsibility to promote the team and provide the newspapers
with a schedule of games. Please, DO NOT bring negative, rude,
disrespectful, comments to “wandering minds”. Yes, you have the right
to talk about what you want and whom you want, but do it nicely! We are
taught at a very young age to “treat others as you would have them
treat you”. I’m not trying to go “holy saint” on you but please, think
of how you would feel if someone were belittling you on the internet
for all of your friends and family to read about. You wouldn’t
feel very well, would you? All I ask is that if you have a problem with
the AD at Strom Thurmond, grow a pair and talk to him face to face.
Keep the ignorant, childish, comments off the Internet.
web
posted April 23, 2008
I know why little Timmy had to have two
assistant administrators at Fox Creek. Each of the assistants has
a relative on staff and they needed someone else to evaluate them so
not to run into problems at the dinner table (much less the ECSD
board.) This system is probably as "Fair and Balanced" as Fox News
Network.
web
posted April 23, 2008
Well, to the person who posted the
message re: Football Is the Only Thing That Matters - Thank You Very
Much. You have proven the parents voices for whom speak up for Spring
Girls/Boys Athletic Programs Do Not Matter in that softball; namely
just doesn't count. Congratulations! Wonder what will be left of the
football team since our awesome talent for the Hillary brothers are not
around.....it may show in a couple of years, especially now that all of
our sports programs are dropping to 2A vs. 3A. I certainly hope that
the AD; being that You must certainly be the boss of everything; i.e.,
booster club, etc. read this. Let's see....hmm..MV asks for what team
you are paying for in admission fees; softball or baseball. Perhaps,
they are using monies collected for each team equally? Such a simple
creative idea could provide so much more to contribute to the girls
athletic programs. 3A teams that show to ST like BC, MV, Chapin,
Swansea, Greenwood, South Aiken, Airport, etc. do so. There is much
money that is gained for softball; soccer, etc. The latest &
greatest pitching machine that is adjusted to present curve, inside,
outside, fastball, change-ups would be nice. Speak up parents &
fans of all sports. And how about a new bat for the team? Again, well,
oh well, to this person who honestly spoke up about football - we're
there for all sports all the way. You will not be missing us at those
games. That's what STHS is all about - right??? ST has basically
already forgone over the past 3 seasons the talent for girls. Oh well.
web
posted April 23, 2008
Editor's post: Politicians are like
underwear. They may
feel comfortable for a while, but eventually you have to change them.
web
posted April 22, 2008
I walk across the square every day going
to lunch. All the new flowers are there along with a bunch of new
weeds. I don't remember weeds on the square until they made it better.
I wonder if we are going to have to pay Sanchez and Umberto extra money
to pull up the weeds they planted.
web
posted April 22, 2008
I liked the duck story
but I aint too sure I like being called a "duck".
Editor's note: The column was not directed at anyone, it was an analogy
of the political system in the county.
web
posted April 22, 2008
Are we sending are kids to schools equal
to the quality you find in the projects of a big city. They probably
have more accountability to the spending of the funds in the districts.
The Superintendent and the Edgefleld County School Board need to get
their heads out of the sand. My Child came home with out a reading book
because the teacher was short of copies . She will have to make copies
of each story for the kids with out books so they can read the story.
That is just plain sad, our county is so
poor we cannot afford enough book for all the kids. Money seems to grow
on trees of other projects.
How can you expect them to do well on the almighty "test" that is so
important to each of the schools if they are not supplied with the tool
to learn. PACT, HASP, EOCEP and the rest of the alphabet.
How about taking a pay cut and buying the kids books.
Editor's note: Less than 40% of taxes collected for our local schools
make it to the classroom (some estimates have it at less than 30%).
This includes supplies, teacher pay, and other support. Edgefield
County also has one of the highest paid school boards in the state even
though it is amoung one of the poorest counties. Who is the majority of
the School Board serving?
web
posted April 22, 2008
This is in response to the numerous
negative comments regarding the STHS Athletic Booster Club. It is
appalling to attend Booster Club meetings each month with the same 8-10
faithful attendees. Even worse, several of those attending members DO
NOT have children currently attending Strom Thurmond, yet they
volunteer and support our athletic department. Instead of criticizing
the shortcomings of the Athletic Booster Club, why not attend the
meetings so you can voice your opinion and VOLUNTEER your time!
web
posted April 22, 2008
I don't get to read everyday and just
read the story on the mock crash at STH.
I wish I had read it before our son went to the prom because I would
have printed it out for him to read. I just wanted to let you know when
I mentioned it to him he said he read it at school. He said a lot of
his friends read (EdgefieldDaily.com) and I did thought you might want
to know. Thaks for all you do. A greatful reader.
Editor's note: Thank you for your kind comments.
web
posted April 22, 2008
Talking
about the gas prices at the pumps, well you need to call and complain
to (the manager) remember he"s the mastermind in making the big dog
some big money. (content removed) He"s not dumb as you think. I would
dare say its almost
borderline price gouging.
web
posted April 22, 2008
"No matter how you spin it; football is
the only sport that matters.." You get over it my friend---If it
weren’t for the STHS Marching Band I would not even attend a football
game. Our young women should have the same support and resources as the
young men have no matter what sport they play.
web
posted April 22, 2008
To the persons concerned about equality
of sports stuff, the following link will give you information of Title
IX http://www.american.edu/sadker/titleix.htm.
If you have a complaint, go to http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/cor/complaint.htm
or call our Title VI hotline :
1-888-TITLE-06 (1-888-848-5306)
The Federal Government takes these complaints very seriously and can
provide corrective actions. This applies to all schools,
including the Charter School.
web
posted April 22, 2008
RE: I heard that Timmy wants one or
two more people to help him run the school.
Isn't it amusing though that for the first two years John A. Gratop ran
that school alone with aprox. 12 teachers and 2 staff members?!?
It is just amazing isn't it?!? Too bad the "Board" does not
believe in nor adhere to the old adage of "if it isn't broke, don't fix
it"! Oh well....they are finding out the truth. Obviously
"Timmy" can not run the school alone since he has two admins. and a
Guidance Counselor that has no idea what she is doing. Good luck
to that school. I was really hoping it would work, but the day
they actually open the doors to the new school is the day I will truly
believe there will be one!
Yes ....I finally realize!
web
posted April 22, 2008
Post: Numbskulls and ADs....
RE: Today, we will discuss point #4 in our quest for accountability of
AD wages and duties. The Poster who said "Since you seem to know so
much about the AD at STHS maybe you can tell the rest of us how many
times you have been at the school and seen him work??" The Citizens for
Accountability of Public School Funding for Schools in Edgefield County
has eyes at the school everyday that monitor the AD, his whereabouts,
and his daily routines on an hour-by-hour basis. We know what he does
and with whom he does it with. What we ask is what is more important an
average teacher who prepares
lesson plans, teaches everyday, and passes knowledge that gives
students the opportunity to become citizens who contribute to society?
Or is it an AD who makes out a few schedules for sports, signs a few
documents (tardy slips) and aligns the corners, etc. Why should an AD
have a salary that is up to 50% higher than the average teacher? It is
a matter of priority. At least if the AD is not going to teach, either
because he does not have the intellectual ability to, or because the
Admin does not require him to, then he should always be on duty to
Substitute when a techer is out.
The AD should fill in on a daily basis for absentee teachers. This
would save the District a large amount
of funds on a yearly basis. Even better, let the AD watch the TOP
program the first two periods of the
day, and then let the Head Football coach watch it the last two periods
of the day. This would save the
District also.
What I have not read in any post is anyone defending the Head Football
coach and his duties. He teaches two periods a day, which means he is
free after 11:35. Why are we paying him as much as we do to work for
3.5 hours per day? Yes, he won a State Championship, which is an
enormous task, but do we give him a free pass for the rest of his days
at STHS for one accomplishment? Can the ECSD afford this luxury, when
we can't even attract average teachers to our county? These are
questions that we all should ponder if your are graduates are going to
become productive citizens.
web
posted April 22, 2008
We thought the story on the mock
crash at STH was well done. Thank you. We printed it out for our
son and daughter because they were going to the prom this weekend. It
was a surprise when they said they had already read it. I didn't know
if you knew the kids were reading. (content removed)
Editor's note: You would be surprised to know the number of comments
that are posted in the Wandering Minds from local students. Thank you
for your kind comments.
web
posted April 21, 2008
I just wanted to comment on the life of Wayne
Carpenter. I know the Carpenters primarily through
Wayne's brother, Ike..... Heroditus, an ancient Greek philosopher
wrote, "The content of your character is your choice. Day
by day, what you do is who you become."
Wayne, it seems you chose well. What you became is someone we
shall all miss.
web
posted April 21, 2008
Just wanted the people of Johnston to
know how the prices are raised at a certain gas station. They let the
gas run out, then place an order for a tanker to come. After the gas
tanks are filled, they then raise the price by 10 cents!! Any way to
make a buck on the backs of people who supported this place for
years!!!!
Editor's note: Residents of Johnston are not alone. I pulled into our
local station when the sign read $3.20 a gallon (and they were not
getting a delivery). By the time I got the nozzle into my gas tank the
price rose to $3.27. I wish the price would drop as fast as they rise
when oil prices go down as they do when they go up.
web
posted April 21, 2008
With the county council up for elections,
I just wanted to send in a message concerning Jeannette Cockrell, I
have known Jeannette for a long time and I will tell you she would be a
asset to our county as our new county council member, she is a very
honest and fair person and would do her very best to do whats right for
our county. Jeannette you have my vote!
web
posted April 21, 2008
AD response: I think the STHS AD needs to
spend all his time on creating an effective playbook for football
season. We need another state title! No matter how you spin it;
football is the only sport that matters....i have never seen 6,000
people attend a girls high school softball game...have you?
Yeah...i know, that some may believe this sounds chauvinistic, but it
is the truth. Get over yourselves and get out and support STHS
football! I cannot wait until football season.
web
posted April 21, 2008
(County Councilman) Everett Kitchens
should be arrested for solicitation of prostitution. He always wants to
take our money after he (deleted) us. If that aint prostitution I don't
know what is.
web
posted April 21, 2008
Re: It has come to my attention
that people up to 20 years old can attend the prom I happen to think
that your post is "ridiculous"! My daughter was dating a 19 year
old last year and took him to her last & final prom! I think
it would have been cruel to not allow him! Why cause her
the turmoil of having to make the choice of A. Not going to
prom at all. B. taking someone else to prom. or C. Going
alone to prom (which for most kids is boring and embarrassing). I
see nothing wrong with our kids taking good friends or boyfriend or
girlfriend that might be a year or two older than them.
Prom is usually only for Juniors and Seniors so they are at least 16
and up. Is it really THAT big a deal to be friends with or dating
someone that might have graduated already? Maybe you should
step back and take a look at how strict you are? Sometimes that
causes a lot of rebellion. Give the kids a break. Most kids
make better decisions than we think they will and are much more 'grown
up' than people give them the benefit of being. Don't forget you
were once a teenager also. I don't understand why so many adults
like to forget their teen years! I do hope your son or daughter
had a great time at prom!
web
posted April 21, 2008
We had a beautiful service this Sunday
give by (a visiting pastor). But our pastor ruined the message he
gave. He seems to be drowning his own self-pity. He needs to get
over it and leave.
web
posted April 21, 2008
To " THE LAY COACH". We must admit,
we actually know what a lay coach is ……. or perhaps our response would
be … Boy, What a gig. I didn't know there was such a sport !!!
How do you score ???? How can I become such a coach ? However,
all in fun and fairness we really need all the " Lay coach's " and
other obviously qualified individuals to help us make our Athletic
program better. The Booster club consist of Mothers, Fathers, Rec.
Coach's, Judges,Chemical operators, Salesman, Small business
owners,Blue collar workers, county employees,ect.ect.. We do not have
all of the answers But are willing to listen to Anybody that has
experience and more than anything else, willingness to volunteer to
help ! You are correct in the assumption that to attract people you
must feed them ! ( Obviously a Baptist ) . We WILL have food and drink
at the next meeting and encourage you and your wife to attend. As much
experience as we have in our meetings, we can always use people who
have Ideas and energy along with ambition to really help us make this
thing work.
To the best of my knowledge, and with conversation with people who have
been Involved much longer than I have been,, the " Athletic Booster
Club" basicly just went through the motions of selling raffles and
T-Shirts Until Mr. Thomas Holmes and his Wife ( Gaye ) took over and
really made this thing work. They started the " Reserved seating
section" at the football games ( To many peoples Ire ) which is a
large fund raiser for ALL sports and to this day still gives valuable
advise and Guidence. I Come from ( And played for ) a neighboring
county school that is perhaps our Largest rival ( NA ) and moved into
the county over 20 years ago, Met my wife and quickly was converted and
became a Supporter and did so BECAUSE of the Strom
Thurmond Rebels, And not inspite of the Rebels ! I am Proud
of what has been accomplished by this Coaching staff, AD and School
officials and Look forward to the Future in a very big way. The
question I have to ask is … Are you willing to help us become better ?
Come and join the Rebels. We need you and welcome your assistance ! By
the way, Ticket prices for the Auction are as follows.
Student $ 15.00……... Adults $ 30.00 …….. Couples $50.00 ……….. And for
Any or All willing to help sponsor this Event $ 250.00
One final Note : Think about a Fall Night in Edgefield County,
The buzz at the local schools, the "Augusta Chronicle and Aiken
Standard" as well as the " State" and other media outlets sharing
stories about our tradition and talent, businesses closing early, and
an entire county Eager in anticipation for FRIDAY NIGHT to share one
common goal….. REBEL VICTORY…. And the above prices seem worth EVERY
PENNY SPENT ! Go Rebels !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
web
posted April 21, 2008
It's so interesting to see that someone
initially opened up a much needed discussion re: STHS Girls Athletic
Program/Spring Program for boys & girls in general that has
resulted in so many responses. That's a wonderful thing. However, it's
completely unnecessary for someone to result to name-calling addressed
to "numbskull".....to stoop to such a level. That's shows ignorance
& anger over the issues having been brought to light. I have
enjoyed seeing both sides of the story. That's what I call being
"open-minded" without name-calling. Thanks to ST "Coach" for holding a
raffle ticket fund-raiser for our girls to earn new uniforms. I'm
certain many participated. Now, as announced in the Edgefield paper
this week.....after all the 'spring' sports are over (how ironic), let
it be known that there will be a 1st Annual Fulfill a Dream/Fundraising
dinner at ST on 5/6 @6:00 p.m. Contact the AD! Wonder what sport this
is directed towards? Hmm. Maybe a little too late...actually you just
don't realize how you have lost talent & don't even know it
yet...& it's sad. Now, what's left?
web
posted April 21, 2008
ST Booster Club vs. AD vs. Parents
regarding the girls/boys spring baseball/softball programs. What a
shame it has come to this. FC must be laughing & smiling. Parents
are there to support the softball program. This is a large fan group.
Re: Football team, do we see any parents there? Do we support football?
Personally, yes. It is heavily promoted. On the other side of the coin,
no, & no one would expect that & the AD...or is it the booster
club that is responsible for not promoting something such as a
tournament like MV does? The coach teaches classes everyday & then
spends time away from his wife & 2 'lil children. Is he supposed to
work 24 hrs/day? All that is asked for is equipment,attention from the
AD & reportage (definination = A formal, detailed account of the
proceedings or transactions of a group or organization). I have been to
nearly 100% of games; never would recognize the face of the AD. As
parents, we are cheerleaders, handclappers, & yelling out great
shout-outs for the team. I think we're doing our job. Next year, there
may not be any exchanges necessary via BC; AD; parents. 2 of the core
key star athletic talented players are in all likelihood going to
Wardlaw. All of the teammates are a wonderful group and the best
around. Each & every one of these girls. Other schools in our
region are aware of these types of problems. Maybe, it would help to
research how they create enormous programs such as MV, BC, Irmo, White
Knoll, N.A.? Continued blame on parents which insults their children
for which time & $$$'s are spent year round...will not help.
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