Editorial questions taxes and voter self interest in SC
Aiken Standard editors argue South Carolina pursues cigarette tax increases for re election reasons rather than funding health care or fair shares. They note SC has the lowest cigarette and gasoline taxes and question why gasoline tax isn’t raised. The piece asks why lawmakers avoid bolder tax moves.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
South Carolina
Never Lost a Letter: USPS Performance Praised
A reader hails the United States Postal Service for its reliability noting that in over 50 years they have never lost one of the writer's letters. The comment emphasizes the vast volume handled daily and credits the agency's accuracy.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
USPS
Han
Hassle at Aiken DMV Prompts Call for Streamlined Service
Aiken residents recount a frustrating DMV experience with three visits to obtain car registration and driver's license. Inconsistent answers and document requirements from staff complained of wasted time and fuel, urging DMV to streamline the process into a smoother, more pleasant experience.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Aiken Dmv
School board tax levy critique sparks call for vote
A reader condemns proposed extra school funding tax and urges cutting high-salaried administrators over teachers. They oppose a sales tax and press for a public vote, noting homeowners already pay sufficient school taxes. Calls to TalkBack will be edited for space and content.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Aiken
Aiken County board member Richard Hazen seeks re election
Correction notice clarifies that Richard Hazen an Aiken County Board of Education member since 2008 will seek re election in the November general election. The Wednesday issue had misstated his candidacy and the paper invites readers to report errors to editor Mike Ribbons at 644 2381 or via email.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Richard Hazen
Aiken County Board of Education
Aiken Standard
Mike Ribbons
Editorial
Aiken
Female officers train in hands on class tailored for women
Nearly a dozen local female law enforcement officers completed a two day training course this week led by all female instructors from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers Association. The program blends self defense with firearms training and emphasizes strategy over brute strength. Participants praised the practical, non textbook approach and noted the course fills a gap since most training targets male officers.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
S.C. Law Enforcement Officers Association
Teena Gooding
Scleoa
South Carolina
Aiken Public Safety Master Public Safety
Jennifer Bickel
Name Your Adoption Fee event at Aiken SPCA draws crowds
The Aiken SPCA hosts a Name Your Adoption Fee weekend to place animals, with president Gary Willoughby noting 200 plus animals on site and hoping for 30 to 40 adoptions to ease crowding. Adoptions historically run 75 to 95 dollars, but buyers may pay what they choose while spaying neutering microchipping and medical needs are covered. Visitors can also check the nearby Aiken County Animal Shelter as an alternative. The hours are 1 am to 5 pm on Saturday at 401 Wire Road.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
SPCA
Willoughby
Aiken County
County Commission rejects RV park rule changes
Aiken County Planning Commission unanimously advised County Council to keep current density and setback rules for campgrounds and RV parks. They opposed Council’s proposal to raise minimum site size to two acres, increase density, and adjust setbacks citing satisfactory existing regulations. The panel also amended a North Augusta rezoning request from RD to AP to curb urban encroachment and preserve rural character.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Aiken
Stephen Strohminger
Terri Turner
Turner
Don Toole
Dennis Gmerek
Camille Furgiuele
Tom Biddle
George Turner
Lindsey Williams
Phillip Mottel
Ludlow Lake Road
North Augusta
Sandy Haskell
Arthur Shealy
Gmerek
Clearwater Road
Old Ludlow Lake
Child Flown to Georgia Hospital After Lake Park Rescue
A Warrenville boy about 11 was pulled from Richardson's Lake Water Park by staff and bystanders around 2:50 p.m. He was airlifted to Georgia Health Sciences University after EMS transport. CPR was administered by several people as staff searched for him.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Richardson’s Lake
Warrenville
Georgia
Travis Spears
Spears
Georgia Health Sciences University
Sports Editor Uplifts Coverage with Improved Stance
The sports desk emphasizes stronger stance and clearer reporting. Editor outlines tighter coordination with teams, aiming for sharper game summaries and timely bets. Readers gain concise results, player highlights, and standings updates.
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