Edisto River News

09/04/2024

The Wagener-Salley Boys Baseball team will have a Conference game with Horse Creek Academy(Aiken, SC) on April 09,2024 at 6:00pm.

Wagener-Salley vs. Horse Creek Academy

15/03/2024

Again Wagener's Mayor and Council's failures hit the Headlines.
Editorial

It sounds like there's a pressing issue in Wagener. Mobilizing the community and contacting council members and the Mayor for a special meeting before March 26 seems like a proactive step to address the funding shortfall.
Supporting Councilwoman Nyia Adams in her efforts could help bring attention to the urgency of the situation.

15/03/2024

WAGENER NEEDS SPECIAL MEETING!
editors opinion

It sounds like there's a pressing need for action in Wagener. Encouraging citizens to reach out to the two council members and the Mayor to request a public meeting before the deadline is crucial. Councilwoman Adams seems dedicated to representing the people's interests, and support for her efforts could make a difference in ensuring transparency and accountability in local governance.

18/02/2024

For Black History Month:

JAMES O. BROWN
Mayor Wagener, SC 1989 to 1994

James Olen Brown
BORN March 4,1930, Tatum/Bennettsville, South Carolina
GRADUATE Claflin College - BS in Math and Science, 1951, M.ED. Boston University

United States Army - 2 years

HEAD TEACHER AND PRINCIPAL
Grades 1-6, A. L. Corbett Public School PRINCIPAL
A. L. Corbett High School 1969-1970
PRINCIPAL A. L. Corbett Middle School 1970-1987
MEMBER Mount Zion Baptist Church, Tatum/Bennettsville, SC, Saron
Baptist Church, Wagener, SC -

PRESIDENT Aiken County Teachers Association

SERVED ON South Carolina Election Commission, United Way, The
South Carolina Human Affairs Commission, Helping Hands

RECOGNIZED FOR

Dedication to Aiken County Community Action Commision,

Thirty- five (35) years of service to Education with 32 being in the School District of Aiken County, 1987

TEACHER TRAINER FOR South Carolina Department of Education's Program

The Commission on Elementary Schools of the Southern Association of Schools and Colleges, Trustee, Administrator, and Educator - Outstanding Leadership in Education, Class of 1963, A. L. Corbett High

South Carolina Administrators' Leadership Academy; Principal
Apprenticeship Program; Mt. Zion Athletic Committee, Blackville, SC 1992; Outstanding and dedicated service to the students
of A. L. Corbett, 1991-1992 - A. L. Corbett Alumni Association
Search Committee for new Superintendent for Aiken County
Consolidated School District; Recognition for services on the Board of Directors Municipal Association of South Carolina, 1991-1994
MEMBER Area Four Advisory Council - Wagener & RidgeSpring Schools
1988; Chairman of Advisory Council 1989 - 1994; Mayor of Wagener, South Carolina 1989-1994

18/02/2024

Wagener is still suffering from corruption.

Shall P&C reiterate:

Aiken County leaders took steps several months ago to increase oversight of Wagener fire fees amid concerns about financial transparency.

While Councilman Sandy Haskell expressed hopes that no wrongdoing has occurred, it wasn't long before the then, Wagener Fire Chief David Watson, was "allowed" to resign amidst allegations of embezzlement and mismanagement of funds.

Then the Wagener council unanimously approved a resolution granting authority to the county to review expenses before funds are released due to allegations of financial irregularities.

The irregularities date back several years and have prompted county scrutiny, with the town facing criticism for delays in providing requested information. A delay of 3 years and two county hired Accounting firms.

Wagener was forced to outsource their fire fees management, especially since the ex- Fire Chief is under a Sled investigation.

The Towns turnover in their accounting staff, has also raised questions about the Town's accounting practices.

An audit by Mauldin & Jenkins aimed to shed light on the situation, though the process has been slowed by incomplete information from the town. This is not the first time Mayor Mike Miller has had to face allegations concerning his inability to provide records for his spending.

County Councilmember Haskell has emphasized the need for significant improvements in Wagener's accounting procedures and a commitment to proper management, but has not followed through with any definite timeline for the Town to implement these changes and it looks like Mayor Miller will again slide by with his mismanagent of town funds. (See P&C's posts on town employees withholdings not paid in for insurance, retirement, and taxes).
The Mayor announced several months ago to the Town Council the town was no longer able to pay it's bills but oddly enough Mayor Miller purchased an electric sign for $45,000 an unnecessary purchase when town employees have no insurance. How about an $82,000 piece of equipment that a city like Lexington uses for Water Sewer but really, does Wagener need one that size? It doesn't matter cause MMMikey purchased one for Wagener. Remember $82,000.

Meanwhile, investigations into former fire chief David Watson's resignation, prompted by overtime concerns, are expanding. The State Law Enforcement Division has been called in to investigate overtime claims, with a broader probe into Watson's financial records underway. Pending the conclusion of these investigations, arrests may follow.

Hopefully Sled's investigation will expand to the Mayor, Town Council and Town Hall. Especially the Council, since they are responsible for the irrational spending by Mayor Miller.

18/02/2024

Guest Column: Chris Smith For South Carolina Senate District 26

"The clear, conservative choice ..."

11/02/2024

Think you are buying American? Think again.

https://fb.watch/q8pFA8Xk4i/?mibextid=I6gGtw

10/02/2024

Join Nikki Haley at her bus tour stop this Sunday (2/11) at 1:30PM at The Cinema! Located at 1225 Orangeburg Mall Cir, Orangeburg. Paid for by SFA Fund,

08/02/2024

Wasden Group is taking appointments for taxes.
Located on Church Street between Pizza Stop and the Optometrist, across from the old Claridge House. The two red doors.
Call 8032067252 or call 912-272-3842.

08/02/2024

Letter to the Editor: Chris Smith,
Candidate for SC Senate District 26.

As South Carolina gears up for the 2024 election cycle, Senate District 26 emerges as a key race on the watch list. After holding the seat for 48 years, Democrat Nicki Setzler announced he will not seek re-election.

On September 12, 2023, Lexington County Republican Chris Smith declared his candidacy, familiar to many constituents after his 2020 run against Setzler.

Despite not winning then, Smith garnered significant support, particularly in Calhoun County, and has since remained active in state politics, advocating for conservative values on issues such as abortion, election integrity, and more.

With endorsements from key figures like state rep John McCravy and support from conservative groups, Smith stands out as the top choice for the GOP to uphold their mission and platform in Senate District 26.

Patricia Middleton
113 Church St. NW
Wagener, SC
29164

06/02/2024

Editor's Tuesday's Opinion:
When we worry about an attack from China obviously China has found an easier way, buy itself into America.

SC is proof of this with China's ownership of the majority of Volvo.

It seems Volvo Cars is shifting its financial support away from Polestar, its all-electric sister brand, while still planning to produce the Polestar 3 SUV at its Ridgeville plant this year. This move suggests a potential reorganization within Volvo's ownership structure, possibly involving China's Geely Holding Group, which owns a majority stake in Volvo.

30/01/2024

Saudi Arabia to Allow First Alcohol Sales in 72 YEARS

It's evident that opinions on this decision vary, reflecting a diversity of perspectives. While some embrace the country's growth and changes, others express concerns about potential cultural impacts, emphasizing the delicate balance between development and preserving cultural values.

29/01/2024

Isn't it amusing how some have overlooked the fact that nobody owes them a living? The generation always reaching out for a handout might be in for a shock when there's no one left to contribute to the programs they believe they're entitled to, simply because they've always had their hands out.

24/01/2024

News in: stay away from plastic water bottles

Researchers used new laser technology to detect nanoplastics in plastic water bottles, revealing a concerning level of plastic pollution.

24/01/2024

https://share.newsbreak.com/5za4wzqh

AUGUSTA, Ga (WJBF)- Those W-2’s and other tax documents are starting to roll in and people are preparing to file their income tax returns. But there are a few changes this year at both the federal and state income tax levels. Americans spent more money in 2023 because of inflation, but the good ne...

16/01/2024

Trump wins Iowa:

Latest results from 24m ago
>95% of votes in
Analysis from our reporters
Trump won Iowa by a record 30-point margin, denying clear momentum to DeSantis or Haley heading into New Hampshire. 49m ago
In Johnson County, Haley is ahead by one vote with all precincts in. Trump is now on track to win 98 of 99 counties. 56m ago
The AP has projected that DeSantis will finish second. We estimate he will wind up about 30 points behind Trump. 1h ago

14/12/2023

Go Wagener Girls!

Competing with the best, Epoch Girls Squad Double Dutch of Wagener came out on top under the bright lights of New York City at the Apollo Theatre.

26/11/2023

Add your own suggestions to this list:

📸 Look at this post on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/B2pPR6pDAApsFRDC/?mibextid=I6gGtw

23/11/2023

Support small businesses.

23/11/2023

While you are hitting the the big box stores...Remember the locally owned and operated small businesses with the personalized services .
The Village Pineapple and their neighbors.

16/11/2023

The U.S. has more volcanoes than any other country in the world, most of which are located in Alaska. The U.S. Geological Survey has estimated that there are 161 potentially active volcanoes in the country, although only 42 of these have been active in the last 70 years.

14/11/2023

A local long time festival

13/11/2023

ELECTION
Tim Scott drops out of the 2024 presidential race
The South Carolina senator's surprise exit stunned his campaign staff after a summer spending spree failed to generate a lasting polling bump.