Freeman's Bar-B Que rebuilt after Sunday fire near Sand Bar Ferry Bridge
James Freeman and Beech Island volunteers rush to restore the family barbecue business after a grease fire destroyed the cooking area on US 278. Fire crews from Beech Island Jackson and Silver Bluff battled the blaze for about 30 minutes. Neighbors and customers donate money and manpower as Freeman plans a July 4th reopening to avoid missing the holiday for the first time in 23 years.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
James Freeman
Beech Island
Jackson
Silver Bluff
Freeman
Statewide outdoor burn ban issued in South Carolina
Michael Frank of the Aiken County Sheriff's Office notes a statewide ban on all outdoor burning. Hugh Ryan of the South Carolina Forestry Commission cites hot dry weather and rising wildfire incidents. Fireworks not banned but urged to be used responsibly near clear areas to prevent fires. Vendors face reduced fireworks sales due to restrictions and busy season impact.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Michael Frank
Aiken County
Ryan
Forestry Commission
Ken Cabe
Lover to face charges in Myrtle Beach shooting
John Boyd Frazier Jr. agreed to extradition to South Carolina to face armed robbery and murder charges in the shooting death of 24 year old William Brent Poole, husband of Renee Poole, during a strand stroll. Renee Poole initially claimed a ski masked robber, later implicating herself and Frazier.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Winston-Salem
N.C
South Carolina
John Boyd Frazier Jr
Kimberly Renee Poole
Frazier
William Brent Poole
Renee Poole
Heat tightens grip across South Carolina crops in drought
Temperatures exceed 100 degrees statewide as ground dries and crops burn. The Natural Resources Department declares an incipient drought and the Forestry Commission imposes a burning ban, with fines possible for trash fires. Rainfall in June was only two thirds normal, isolated storms failing to help crops, while tobacco and watermelon growers brace for worsening conditions.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Lewis Richardson
State Natural Resources Department
Forestry Commission
South Carolina
Charleston
Natural Resources Department
Columbia
Hope Mizzell
Darlington County
George Abbott
Barbecue Buffet Hours Announced for Week
The restaurant will be open Wednesday and Thursday for their regular buffet and take-out. On Friday only take-out will be available. Saturday offers pickup of reserved orders only. No plates will be offered Friday or Saturday, only bulk items. For more information call 652 2919.
Downtown Aiken business revitalization plan discussed
Downtown Aiken seeks a market driven assessment to identify desirable new businesses and a formal marketing plan by year end 98. Morris notes current by the seat of pants marketing but aims for structured strategy. Boozer praises downtown safety and dining options while citing parking, hours, and coordination as issues.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Ducta
Morris
ADDA
Aiken
Aiken Standard Details Local News Coverage
The Aiken Standard delivers local news, features and opinions focused on Aiken and surrounding communities. Readers find community events, school updates, city government notes and local business coverage in concise daily reports.
South Carolina considers legality of gambling video games
A federal judge pressed the state Supreme Court for guidance in a suit by players who lost money challenging the legality of video poker and lottery-style games. The Revenue Department moved to bar beer and wine sales where video poker licenses exist, citing a 1942 law and recent rulings. Officials caution about timing while lawmakers pause on a broader ban.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Revenue Department
State Supreme Court
South Carolina
Ernest Finney
Ken Allen
Allen
Carolina Entertainment Association
Danny Brazell
Beasley
Senate
Burnett Maybank
Brazell
Jim Hodges
Supreme Court
Joe Anderson
House
Ways and Means
Henry Brown
Also Mentioned on This Page
By Sharon Taylor
Frank
Lover
Myrtle Beach
Sharon Taylor
Surrey Center
York Street
OINK
Foster
Owens Corning
Boliag’s
Suly
Warrenville
Carolina
New Ellenton
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