Nuclear plant safety Nov 11, 2008
Construction on the mixed oxide -- or MOX -- fuel plant began in 2007 at the Savannah River Site near Aiken. The nearly $5 billion plant is scheduled to be working by 2016. (Herald Online, SC -- Opinion)
Class AAAA playoff pairings announced Nov 10, 2008
Northeast (9) at Aiken (8). T.L. Hanna (13) at Goose Creek (4). (Herald Online, SC -- Sports)
Bruins playoff bubble bursts Nov 10, 2008
That would be the team s only region victory as the Bruins went on to lose to Lexington, North Augusta, Aiken, White Knoll and RNE to finish with a 6-6 overall record, 1-5 in region 5-AAAA.. I am thankful and blessed to be here, Brown said. (Orangeburg Times and Democrat, SC)
Project saves oral histories Nov 9, 2008
AIKEN --- In March 1943, Trenton native James F. Huiet, on the cusp of his 18th birthday, joined the Navy to avoid being drafted by the Army ... "The ocean was red instead of blue," Mr. Huiet, 82, said as he sat at Aiken Technical College across from a tripod-mounted camera recording his memories ... Mr. Huiet is among more than 200 World War II veterans from the Aiken area whose story has been recorded. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Hopelands will remain pristine Nov 9, 2008
AIKEN --- Since the city acquired it 38 years ago, Hopelands Gardens has been a place of quiet repose and social celebration for the community. From summer concerts to winter fetes, the gardens have carved out a place in the lives of Aiken residents. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Apples sell like hotcakes Nov 9, 2008
Volunteers fried the last of the apple pies and sold 44 bushels of apples just a couple of hours into the all-day festival inside the church and on its grounds in downtown Aiken. The early sellout of apples didn't deter crowds. (The Augusta Chronicle)
An Election Day to remember Nov 9, 2008
Georgia and South Carolina polls open. The Obamas cast ballots as their two young daughters look on. (The Augusta Chronicle)
FAU Plays Final Exhibition Monday Night Nov 9, 2008
The Tars won their first 11 games last season, including triumphs over nationally ranked Drury and South Carolina Aiken. They fell to local rival Tampa to begin the conference season and stumbled down the stretch to finish 19-9 and 8-8 in SSC play. (Fausports.com)
Holiday closings Nov 8, 2008
AIKEN CITY OFFICES: Open Tuesday ... AIKEN GARBAGE/RECYCLING: Regular service Tuesday ... AIKEN-BAMBERG-BARNWELL-EDGEFIELD REGIONAL LIBRARY SYSTEM: Open Tuesday. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Friday Night's Statewide Prep Scores Nov 8, 2008
Aiken 21, North Augusta 7 ... South Aiken 28, Hilton Head 27. (Orangeburg Times and Democrat, SC)
Rants and raves Nov 7, 2008
AIKEN CITY Manager (Roger) LeDuc says funding for some draining work in Hitchcock Woods "could come from ... the 1-cent sales tax that will be voted on in two years ..." What gall and arrogance to assume Aiken voters will vote for another SPLOST two years in the future. A RANT TO the person who hit my car and kept riding on Halloween night on Aiken-Augusta Highway. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Tyler, Hood bring 1-2 punch to Bearcats' offensive attack Nov 7, 2008
"We would have had him last season, but Jamal is shy and timid. We wish we would have known about his earlier.''Tyler, 5-10, 165 pounds, moved to Rock Hill from Aiken in his sophomore year and enrolled at Rock Hill just before classes started. He wanted to play football but felt, because preseason practice had been going on for close to a month, it was too late.Montgomery said: "If only he'd asked ... "I played on the JV team at Aiken my freshman season and was moved to the varsity for the... (Herald Online, SC -- Sports)
Clemson Downs USC-Aiken, 94-60 Nov 7, 2008
Trevor Booker scored 15 points to pace the Tigers in a rout of USC-Aiken ... Clemson, SC -- scored 15 points and pulled in eight rebounds, while added 14 points and six rebounds to lead Clemson to a 94-60 exhibition basketball victory over USC-Aiken on Thursday night at Clemson's Littlejohn Coliseum ... USC-Aiken, ranked number-one in the nation among Division II teams by The Sporting News preseason poll, had a 27-4 record last year. (Clemsontigers.com)
Class AAAA football pairings shaping up Nov 6, 2008
The other teams in that side of the bracket are Aiken, Richland Northeast, Beaufort and North Augusta. The upper bracket includes Lancaster, which will open on the road at Goose Creek. (Herald Online, SC -- Sports)
Clemson to Host USC Aiken in Men's Basketball Exhibition Thursday Nov 6, 2008
Senior and team captain K.C. Rivers and the Tigers will face USC Aiken in an exhibition game Thursday night at Littlejohn Coliseum ... Clemson, SC - The men's basketball team will host USC Aiken on Thursday in its only public exhibition game ... USC Aiken comes into the 2008-09 season ranked as the nation's #1 team in Division II by the Sporting News. (Clemsontigers.com)
Truck fire on I-20 Nov 5, 2008
A burning tanker truck is shutting down Interstate 20 traffic between Martintown Road in Aiken County and the Savannah River Bridge, according to South Carolina Highway Patrol. From the Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2008 online edition of The Augusta Chronicle Reader Comments Note: Comments are not edited and don't represent the views of The Augusta Chronicle. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Across the area Nov 5, 2008
Two Aiken teenagers accused of robbing a 13-year-old boy at gunpoint have been arrested ... The three teens were walking along Mockingbird Lane in Aiken when the 13-year-old heard a gun being loaded behind him and turned to find Mr. Smith pointing the weapon at him, according to an Aiken County sheriff's incident report ... The Aiken County Sheriff's Office and Aiken County Coroner's Office are investigating the death of a woman whose body was found Tuesday behind a home at 111 Wesley Drive in... (The Augusta Chronicle)
Prep: Warriors must stop Dublin Nov 4, 2008
WHO'S NOT: The South Carolina High School League, which handed out playoff bids this weekend to teams with poor records: South Aiken (2-8), C.E. Murray (2-8) and Seneca (3-7) ... Aiken won twice in five days ... North Augusta (7-3) at Aiken (8-2): Winner zooms into the playoffs with an automatic berth. (The Augusta Chronicle)
2008 Election Day Guide Nov 4, 2008
AIKEN: (803) 642-2028. EDGEFIELD: (803) 637-4072 or (803) 637-7154. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Training tests officers, horses Nov 2, 2008
AIKEN --- To be a part of a police department's mounted patrol takes skill on the part of the officer and the horse. "It's a combination of the confidence of the rider and the confidence of the horse," said Capt. Wendell Hall, of Aiken Public Safety, whose division oversees the department's mounted patrol ... Last week, Aiken Public Safety played host to the South Carolina Mounted Patrol Association's annual training and certification. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Today's Stories Nov 2, 2008
2 p.m. Augusta Marriott Hotel and Suites, 2 10th St., Augusta Fun. The 43rd Annual Columbia County Fall Fair: Columbia County Fairgr. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Being generous in character for November Nov 1, 2008
The initiative was based on a similar program in the city of Aiken. In Orangeburg County, however, there was the ambitious approach of going countywide with a focus on building positive character traits among citizens. (Orangeburg Times and Democrat, SC)
Early voters pack polls Oct 31, 2008
South Carolina does not have advanced voting, but Aiken County election officials say they have seen an increase in the number of absentee ballots compared with the 2004 general election. "It's definitely heavier," said Stuart Bedenbaugh, the director of Aiken County Registration and Elections ... Saturday will be the last day for Aiken County voters to turn in absentee ballots before Election Day. (The Augusta Chronicle)
People line up for a chance at a job Oct 31, 2008
Most of the jobs I see are in Columbia, Augusta and Aiken. I am only getting so much on my unemployment to pay my bills. (Orangeburg Times and Democrat, SC)
Cross Country Teams to Compete at ACC Championships Saturday Oct 31, 2008
A junior from Aiken, SC, Laughlin was 45th place at the 2007 meet. Kulik, a freshman, has scored in each of the last two meets for Clemson. (Clemsontigers.com)
T&D Region well represented in North-South All-Star football game Oct 30, 2008
Travis Fredimon, wr, Sumter; Galen Bennett, qb, Fort Dorchester; Nathan Dorton, wr, Irmo; David Sims, qb, Calhoun County; Kamrie Connell, db, Edisto; Damien Dixon, db, Hartsville; Ahmad Aiken, db, Hilton Head; Tyewan Johnson, rb, North Augusta; Tyreek Townsend, rb, Marlboro County; Jessie Scott, db, Midland Valley ... Marquise Carson, wr, Woodland; John Gadson, wr, Stall; Gary Smith, te, Aiken; Aldrick Fordham, te, Timberland. (Orangeburg Times and Democrat, SC)
Six advance in PGA qualifying Oct 29, 2008
Those already assured spots in the second stage are Stephen Poole, Dane Burkhart and Kevin Kisner of Aiken, Scott Brown of North Augusta, David Robinson of Sandersville, Ga. and former Augusta State golfer Major Manning. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Hammered: Aiken out-physicals O-W Oct 28, 2008
With just over eight minutes left in the game, Aiken running back Cortez Abney had to be helped off the field after reaggravating his bad ankle ... Adversity is something that we deal with daily, Aiken head coach Carey Johnson said ... Aiken s first scoring drive lasted nine plays and ended with 11:57 to go in the half when Scott powered into the end zone from 3 yards out tying the game 7-7. (Orangeburg Times and Democrat, SC)
MAU founder hits his targets Oct 27, 2008
We hugged each other and cried together and were thankful for the years that we had worked together," Randy said. Today, the business has locations in Augusta, Waynesboro, Thomson, Athens and LaGrange in Georgia; Aiken, Charleston, Anderson, Spartanburg and Greenville in South Carolina; and Chicago. It has 170 full-time employees and up to 4,300 contract employees. This year, the company was ranked number 11 on the Staffing Industry Analysts' list of U.S. Women and Minority-Owned Staffing Firms.... (The Augusta Chronicle)
Collecting DNA evidence should not be automatic Oct 27, 2008
"DNA is the fingerprint of the 21st century. This is one of the most important crime-prevention tools we can provide to our law enforcement officers. With the FBI ranking South Carolina as the most violent state in the country for the second year in a row, these types of crime-prevention tools are a must for our state.Jessica Carpenters family in Aiken saw their daughters killer brought to justice after his arrest in Georgia linked his DNA to Jessicas rape and murder. Six days after his arrest,... (Orangeburg Times and Democrat, SC)
O-W set to face tough Aiken team tonight Oct 27, 2008
Thing is though, when Aiken rolls into Orangeburg for tonight s 6:30 p.m. game against the Bruins, a win surely wouldn t hurt. O-W is 5-3, but sits at 1-3 overall in Region 5-AAAA. Aiken is 6-2 overall, 2-2 in Region 5-AAAA. ... O-W vs. Aiken 6:30 p.m.. (Orangeburg Times and Democrat, SC)
Aiken projects thrive Oct 26, 2008
AIKEN --- The economic situation across the country hasn't appeared to diminish the generosity of residents in Aiken County. While fundraising efforts may have slowed a little, money is still coming in for three major projects -- the Aiken Railroad Depot, the African American Cultural Center and the Fort Gordon Fisher House ... The Aiken County Veterans Council has been working to raise funds for a 21-bedroom Fisher House. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Dispute leaves councilman Oct 26, 2008
AIKEN --- On March 25, Gene Smith, a resident of the Three Runs Plantation subdivision, was elected to a four-year term on the New Ellenton City Council. The disputed 2005 annexation of the subdivision into the city persuaded Mr. Smith to get involved in local politics. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Conley provides Graham challenge Oct 26, 2008
COLUMBIA --- Democratic candidate Bob Conley's conservative views don't always mesh with those of most Democrats at the state and federal levels, but in Aiken County, at least, he's got the party chairman's vote ... He and Mr. Conley recently met for dinner at Aiken's Pizza Joint. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Edwards, Davis united in marriage (33) Oct 26, 2008
The groom is the son of Ralph and Brenda Davis of Chapin, S.C. He is the grandson of Olene Baker of Aiken, SC and the late, Fred L. Baker and Louise Davis of Florence, SC. and the late Ralph Davis, Sr. He attended East Carolina University and graduated from Richmond Community College. He is a veteran of the North Carolina National Guard. (Rockingham Daily Journal, NC)
Profits down for Aiken bank Oct 25, 2008
Aiken-based Security Federal Corp. reported lower quarterly earnings Friday, a combination of higher costs because of expansion, a charge-off for loan losses in a weakening economy and a tighter income margin from lower interest rates. The holding company for the 13-branch Security Federal Bank reported quarterly net income of $785,000, or 31 cents per share, down from $1. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Brown lawyers plan settlement Oct 24, 2008
AIKEN --- Lawyers involved in the battle over the estate of James Brown are hoping to have a proposed settlement agreement finalized and approved by the court by the end of the year. Judge Jack Early of the 2nd Judicial Circuit Court agreed Thursday to take under advisement the issue about a confidentiality order concerning the estate tax returns. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Mom killed by boy moving car Oct 24, 2008
Aiken authorities are investigating the death of a 42-year-old woman who they say was accidentally run over Thursday afternoon by a vehicle driven by her 13-year-old son. Paula Phillips, of the 200 block of East Pine Log Road, was pronounced dead at her home at 4:15 p.m., according to a news release from Aiken County Coroner Tim Carlton ... Late Thursday, nobody answered the door at the home across the street from Kennedy Middle School, South Aiken High School and Millbrook Baptist Church. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Pascoe wants robbery suspect tried here first Oct 24, 2008
Aiken County, the city of Columbia and the city of Cayce are also holding warrants against Douglas. Pascoe said he s going to meet with the solicitors representing those judicial circuits to decide where Douglas will be tried first. (Orangeburg Times and Democrat, SC)
Basketball Holds Orange & Purple Scrimmage Thursday Oct 24, 2008
The three-point line has been moved back one foot to 20'9" for the 2008-09 season. was the leading scorer on the night with 21 points. The sophomore from Cleveland, TN was 6-12 from beyond the three-point arc. He also added four assists in 32 minutes. Another strong sophomore, , had a strong night as well. The returning starter at point guard notched 13 points and eight assists and played nearly every minute. was outstanding in almost every facet of the game, producing 18 points, 11 rebounds,... (Clemsontigers.com)
Sex abuse suspect released Oct 23, 2008
AIKEN --- Stephen Eubanks, a former Aiken County school administrator, was released from the county jail Wednesday afternoon on a $25,000 bond ... According to the Aiken County Public School District, Mr. Eubanks was an assistant principal at the high school from 1971 to 1976. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Class AAAA girls' golf state tournament results Oct 23, 2008
Rock Hill Herald Online WEATHER TRAFFIC. Web search powered by YAHOO. (Herald Online, SC -- Sports)
SC jobless rate drops as seekers give up Oct 22, 2008
S. Carolina jobless rate drops as seekers give up 102208 - The Augusta Chronicle. S. Carolina jobless rate drops as seekers give up Associated Press Wednesday, October 22, 2008. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Ex-school administrator arrested on sex charges Oct 22, 2008
AIKEN -- South Carolina Law Enforcement Division agents have arrested a former Aiken County school administrator on allegations of inappropriate sexual behavior with students dating back three decades ... A bond hearing is scheduled for 10 a.m. today at the Aiken County Detention Center. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Prep: Damage control key for pair of teams Oct 21, 2008
CLASS AAAA UPDATE: South Carolina Class AAAA schools, such as Aiken and North Augusta, won't automatically be placed in Division II should they qualify for the playoffs ... While there's an outside shot they could be in the larger division, count on both Aiken and North Augusta making the playoffs and competing in Division II.. (The Augusta Chronicle)
City redevelops Edgewood area Oct 21, 2008
AIKEN --- Revitalization of Aiken's north side continues as the city turns its aggressive efforts toward the Edgewood community ... Over a four-year period, Toole Hill, a 15-block area in northwest Aiken that was crime ridden and dilapidated, underwent a startling transformation, drawing the attention of other municipalities across the country that are looking for ways to stimulate declining neighborhoods. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Aiken: home of hydrogen fuelbanner Oct 20, 2008
Earlier this decade the Department of Energy named the Aiken County-based Savannah River National Laboratory as one of 12 national labs to develop alternative fuels ... It's ironic a state that has been branded as a sort of backwater in terms of scientific research and economic development might turn out to be where hydrogen storage systems will be developed that could power cars to travel 300 miles or more without a "fill-up." What a bonanza that would be, especially for the Aiken area ... It's... (The Augusta Chronicle)
S.C. American Legion commander stops in North on 21-day walking tour Oct 20, 2008
Holland, a resident of Aiken, began his Walk for Veterans on Sept. 11 at the North Carolina-South Carolina border and concluded his tour in Charleston on Oct. 4. His itinerary, roughly along Highway 178, included visits to 21 South Carolina towns and cities that have American Legion Posts. (Orangeburg Times and Democrat, SC)
Public safety's traffic unit Oct 19, 2008
AIKEN --- Aiken Department of Public Safety traffic enforcement officers are easy to spot as they patrol the streets in their black Dodge Chargers, the roofs outfitted with flashing lights and the sides emblazoned with the department's logo. The officers and their equipment are funded by a three-year grant from the state Department of Public Safety, and Aiken Public Safety has been notified that it will receive second-year grant funding of more than $93,000 for the Highway Enforcement of... (The Augusta Chronicle)
GOP only inconveniencing voters Oct 18, 2008
All voters of any political persuasion should be outraged at the last-minute interference of a political party operative to close satellite absentee voting locations in Aiken County ... For anyone who didn't catch the story, a Greenville attorney who is the state Republican Party's parliamentarian, Todd Kincannon, filed a last-minute complaint to shut down the three long-planned and long-announced satellite locations in Aiken, North Augusta and Wagener, which were scheduled for absentee voting... (The Augusta Chronicle)
Three voting sites to reopen Oct 18, 2008
AIKEN --- The Aiken County Election Commission voted Friday night to re-establish three satellite absentee voting locations across the county ... County Attorney Jim Holly advised the county election commission to proceed with opening the satellite offices for absentee voting in Wagener, North Augusta and at Kalmia Mall in Aiken, although he felt the attorney general's opinion left several questions ... Absentee voting began in Aiken County Monday, but when eligible voters showed up to the... (The Augusta Chronicle)
Agencies keep eye on gang networks Oct 18, 2008
AIKEN --- An anti-gang task force established in Aiken County more than a year ago has produced results and plans to continue pursuing gang-related crime. The Regional Anti-Gang Enforcement Unit is a combined effort of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Aiken County and Edgefield County sheriff's offices; and the Aiken and North Augusta departments of public safety ... The task force recently met with success in Aiken County, concluding an 18-month investigation... (The Augusta Chronicle)
FBI: Suspect hits eighth bank Oct 18, 2008
The FBI alleges that a Clinton bank became the eighth robbed this month by the 49-year-old Aiken County man. Denise M. Taiste, spokesperson for the FBI, said that at 12:07 p.m., the Palmetto Bank in Clinton was robbed. (Orangeburg Times and Democrat, SC)
So Close: O-W loses second-half lead in 24-22 loss to NA Oct 18, 2008
Up next for the Bruins is a home game against nemesis Aiken, while North Augusta plays host to Richland Northeast. n T&D Senior Sports Writer Jr. can be reached by e-mail at or by phone at 803-533-5547. (Orangeburg Times and Democrat, SC)
Suspect rejects plea deal Oct 17, 2008
AIKEN -- A 22-year-old Aiken man accused of beating an elderly man to death last year rejected a plea agreement Thursday that would have kept him from a life sentence ... Mr. Williams is accused of robbing and killing Mr. Ellis on May 1, 2007, in his mobile home on Duck Wood Lane in Aiken ... The Aiken County coroner said Mr. Ellis died of head injuries. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Aiken County seeing decline Oct 16, 2008
Aiken County's graduation rate continued a three-year decline, dipping to 68 ... While Aiken County administrators say they aren't pleased to see another drop, they don't think the rate fairly reflects the number of students completing high school in the county ... "These numbers aren't final and we can still appeal to the state," said Kevin O'Gorman, Aiken County associate superintendent for instruction. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Woman gets 1 year for embezzlement Oct 16, 2008
AIKEN --- A 34-year-old Aiken woman, accused of stealing more than $300,000 from her employer's personal account, was sentenced Wednesday to serve one year of a five-year prison sentence ... An investigation by Aiken Public Safety revealed that Mrs. Copeland had embezzled money on 67 occasions, spending it on a down payment for a house, an interior decorator, vacations, gifts, clothes, private school for her son, a Lexus, a nanny and day care. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Sanford talks on need for change Oct 16, 2008
AIKEN --- On the first leg of a two-day, 10-city tour, Gov. Mark Sanford made a stop in Aiken County on Wednesday morning to speak with small-business owners about their needs and to talk about his goals and agenda. "Small businesses are the backbone of the country," he told Vance Wall, of Langley Drug in Warrenville. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Art Galleries Oct 16, 2008
AIKEN CENTER FOR THE ARTS: 122 Laurens St., Aiken; Women on Paper in October; with Nancy Schultz, Caroline Swanson, Karen Banker, Lauren Kerbelis, Ingrid Hofer, Lillie Morris, Gail Smith; holiday art workshops, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 24, 27 and Nov. 4; $65 per day; for children 5 and older; bring lunch and snacks; art supplies provided; need-based scholarships available; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday; ; (803) 641-9094. THE ARTISTS' PARLOR: 131 Laurens St. S.W., Aiken; jewelry, pottery, art... (The Augusta Chronicle)
Orangeburg County joins search for Aiken County man after bank robberies Oct 16, 2008
Orangeburg County Sheriff Larry Williams says he has obtained a warrant for the Aiken County man in connection with Tuesday s robbery of the South Carolina Bank and Trust on St. Matthews Road, near the hospital ... He is also accused of crimes in Aiken, Richland, Williamsburg, Lexington and Beaufort counties, according to the State Law Enforcement Division. (Orangeburg Times and Democrat, SC)
Aiken considers plan to clear out junk cars Oct 15, 2008
AIKEN --- The beige Crown Victoria in the driveway on Sommer Avenue hadn't been moved in awhile -- the back left tire was flat and the vehicle didn't have tags ... However, the Aiken City Council is looking at changing its procedures for dealing with junk or abandoned vehicles by giving the owners an incentive to get rid of them. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Fair in Aiken vows to be biggest yet Oct 15, 2008
AIKEN --- With the arrival of fall comes the Western Carolina State Fair to Aiken County ... The pass costs $20 and can be purchased at any SRP Federal Credit Union, Kent's Corner, Wal-Mart in Aiken and North Augusta, and Boots, Bridles and Britches. (The Augusta Chronicle)
It's time for fairs Oct 15, 2008
Thursday through Oct. 25, Aiken fairgrounds, 1566 Columbia Highway N., Aiken; tickets at. Prices: $6 daily, $5 advanced passes (must be purchased by Wednesday, ride tickets sold separately); $20 Mega Passes (unlimited rides for one day, admission included, must be purchased by Wednesday). (The Augusta Chronicle)
T&D Sports: Quick Hits Oct 15, 2008
AIKEN -- Summer Newman had 27 points, six aces, two kills and a block in leading Edisto past Silver Bluff 25-10, 25-16, 25-18. Haley Carson added 15 points, five aces, seven kills, a block and five digs for Edisto; Molly Bookhart had 10 points, an ace, nine kills, two assists and four blocks. (Orangeburg Times and Democrat, SC)
Judge's decision backs city's road annexation Oct 14, 2008
AIKEN --- The city of Aiken has the law on its side ... Since the city passed the annexation ordinance, Aiken Public Safety has been patrolling that section of road ... Since the annexation, there have been more than 150 collisions on the three-mile stretch of Whiskey Road that Aiken Public Safety has investigated. (The Augusta Chronicle)
