News and Events

Vote for Don Wells on Tuesday, Sept. 8

City Councilman Don Wells Will Run Again

AIKEN — Don Wells, Aiken City Councilman At-Large, announced today that he will seek re-election.
Mr. Wells, the only small businessman on council, has owned Park Avenue Paints in downtown since 1996. He and his wife Monica live on the Southside with their four young boys. 
Wells is running on a platform of protecting financial security through the wise use of tax dollars, continuing a balanced approach to growth, which includes hiring a city traffic engineer, and preserving Aiken’s historical character and its Natural Resources.

Wells believes that his business experience and the experience he has gained in his first term on council have prepared him to further address the concerns of Aiken’s citizens. As an At-Large official, Wells is committed to representing the unique needs of Aiken’s northside, southside, and downtown. 

Ebner, Wells and Stewart for Council
09/06/2009 |Aiken Standard

City of Aiken residents have a dilemma before them, but it is the kind of problem that is good to have. In Tuesday's Republican primary, which will determine three seats on Aiken City Council, there are six excellent candidates to choose from.

They offer a variety of skill sets, experience and backgrounds, all of which can be useful on council for the next four years. There are political newcomers and those who have experience in the political landscape. There are longtime residents and those who have been here for just a few years.

What Aiken can expect to see, regardless of who wins the election on Tuesday, are council members who truly care about Aiken and its future and are willing to work and share their talents for the benefit of the city.

Voters in District 4 have the choice of Reggie Ebner or Allen Brodie. Our choice for this seat is Ebner, an engineer who has a background that will serve the council well. He brings a view of the city's growth that is in line with the majority of those in the district. He is fiscally conservative, which will put him in step with the way Aiken has handled its financial dealings to date.

There are two at-large seats, which all Aiken voters have the opportunity to cast ballots for. Voters get to cast two votes from among the corps of candidates: Kent Cubbage, Steve Homoki, Liz Stewart and Don Wells.

Our choices in the at-large selection are Stewart and Wells. Stewart has served the city ably on the planning commission and has a strong background in the corporate world. She has her own small business in Aiken and has been on the boards of directors of a number of nonprofit organizations. Her style of working together to solve problems and using collaboration rather than conflict will do well on council.

Wells is completing his first term on council. He owns a downtown business and understands that the local business community and the greater Aiken community must work together to continue making this city the vital entity that it is. Business is not the enemy but is part of what makes this city such a special place. Wells has shown in his first term that he is a person who has brought much needed civility to council debates.

Regardless of your choices for these important offices, it is important for the citizens of Aiken to go out to the polls and cast their votes on Tuesday. There are excellent candidates, and we hope that those who do not win this election will continue to find ways to use their talents and energy to serve Aiken and its people.

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday. Please vote.

Nuclear Regulatory Commission Issues Grants to Aiken Tech
08/27/2009 |Augusta Chronicle

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission announced this morning that it has awarded nearly $20 million to 70 institutions to boost nuclear education and expand the workforce in nuclear and nuclear-related disciplines.

A grant to be used for scholarship funding was given to Aiken Technical College. The school received $95,000.

South Carolina State University in Orangeburg received $199,853 for scholarships.

“As directed by the Congress, this funding provides broad benefits to the nuclear sector rather than solely benefiting the NRC. These grants help develop a workforce capable of the design, construction, operation and regulation of nuclear facilities and the safe handling of nuclear materials,” said NRC Chairman Gregory Jaczko.

The NRC awarded 102 grants for scholarships, fellowships, faculty development and nuclear education and curriculum development.

Colleges and universities in Georgia and South Carolina receiving money:

Scholarship Grants

• Francis Marion University Florence, S.C. - $152,833
• Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta - $200,000
• South Carolina State University, Orangeburg, S.C. - $199,853
• University of South Carolina, Columbia, S.C. - $59,826

Trade School and Community College Scholarships

• Aiken Technical College - $95,000
• Florence-Darlington Technical College, Florence, S.C. - $150,000
• Nuclear Education and Curriculum Development – Initial Grant
• Clemson University, Clemson, S.C. - $89,151
• Florence-Darlington Technical College, Florence, S.C. - $125,000
• Francis Marion University, Florence, S.C. - $103,211
• Nuclear Education and Curriculum Development – Second Year Funding
• Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta - $100,000
• Nuclear Education and Curriculum Development – Third Year Funding
• Southern Polytechnic State University, Marietta - $99,999

EDITORIAL: USC Aiken No. 1 Still
08/20/2009 |Aiken Standard

USC Aiken used to be a well-kept secret. That is no longer the case.

The local university was once recognized by people within Aiken County as a gem of an institution, where local high school graduates could get an education comparable to or exceeding those available in much larger colleges.

There were the smaller classes, an informed and collegial faculty and a caring community that embraced the university as its own.

Thanks in part to U.S. News and World Report's annual college rankings the secret is out, and USCA is seen as one of the top colleges in this region of the country. For the 11th straight year, USCA has been named among the top three in the magazine's ranking for public baccalaureate colleges in the South.

For the sixth time in that 11-year stretch, USCA was at the top of the list in the No. 1 position. The 2010 rankings were released Thursday and showed USCA repeating the honor which it had won in 2009, 2007, 2006, 2003 and 2002.

A school has to prove itself every year as a new group of students enters. The rankings of U.S. News mean little if the college cannot back up those lofty honors. Fortunately at USCA there is an attitude of keeping the students first. That means more than accolades from magazines.

We congratulate USCA, its administration, faculty and staff for taking this well kept secret and turning it into such a well-known entity.

Aiken County Gets Rid of Blue Law
08/19/2009 | Augusta Chronicle

AIKEN— The "blue law" that once banned certain purchases in Aiken County on Sunday mornings came to an end Tuesday night, but it won't be effective immediately.

The state ban forbidding purchases of items including clothes, jewelry and tools before 1:30 p.m. on Sundays was repealed Tuesday night by a third and final vote of the Aiken County Council.

County officials had said the repeal would be effective immediately. However, the council approved an amendment Tuesday night establishing an effective date of Sept. 13.

"That gives some notification to people," said Councilman Eddie Butler, noting that businesses might need extra time to adjust their staff schedules.

Some county businesses said Tuesday afternoon that they hadn't determined when they would be able to make the change.

Jason Sessoms, a manager for Lowe's on Whiskey Road in Aiken, said Tuesday that when his store starts opening on Sunday mornings it would likely do so at 8, as Lowe's stores on the Georgia side do.

The Lowe's in Aiken and in North Augusta have been closed on Sundays until 1:30 p.m. because most of what they sell had been subject to the ban.

A manager of Wal-Mart in North Augusta who wouldn't give his name said his company would have been able to adopt the change this Sunday but that it would have been a challenge because staffing schedules are set a few weeks ahead of time.

At Kmart in North Augusta, a worker said Tuesday that the change hadn't been discussed but that the store would likely open at 8 a.m. Sundays when the repeal is effective. It has been closed on Sundays until 1:30 p.m.

Brian Tucker, the president of the Greater North Augusta Chamber of Commerce, said after Tuesday's meeting that he had heard from several businesses that wouldn't have been able to open earlier this Sunday.

"We don't want people to rush and end up going the wrong way with this," he said.

Those in favor of ending the ban had said the sales restriction cost Aiken County sales tax money because customers drove across the river to Augusta, which has no ban.

People who wanted to keep the law intact said it honored the Sabbath and allowed people who work on Sundays to attend church before starting their workday.

e-mail notification list can call (803) 642-7620 and ask for Sgt. Aaron Dowdy.

Aiken Businesses Can Get E-Mail Crime Alerts
08/15/2009 | Augusta Chronicle

AIKEN— Businesses in Aiken have an extra resource for learning about crime.

The Aiken Department of Public Safety instituted a computer notification system that sends e-mails to businesses, alerting them to crimes ranging from area robberies to stolen checks to shoplifting.

"It's a way to instantly send out hundreds of messages," said Public Safety Chief Pete Frommer.

The chief said the idea began with those in Aiken's downtown business district, but -- with the help of the Greater Aiken Chamber of Commerce -- it's growing among those farther out in the city.

Chief Frommer called it another tool to prevent business owners and workers from becoming victims. He said the e-mails often have pictures of suspects or surveillance video clips.

Last month it was used to warn of a robbery suspect who was hitting banks throughout the state.

"We had a picture of him and we wanted everyone to be on the lookout for him," the chief said. "... We figure the more eyes, the better."

Officials in Aiken County were already using a reverse 911 system in which residents and businesses are notified by phone if a suspect is on the loose or if there is an emergency nearby.

Richmond County has a similar reverse 911 phone service but no e-mail notification system specifically for businesses, said sheriff's Maj. Ken Autry. In Columbia County, officials have both the phone and e-mail system.

"I've had an e-mail alert system here for 10 years," said Columbia County Emergency Services Director Pam Tucker. "Not only local businesses, schools, government offices, day-care centers, etc ... but also businesses and hospitals in surrounding areas who have requested to be added to the alert group."

Tucker said such information is invaluable to residents and businesses.

"It reduces false rumors and reduces panic by people who don't know what is going on," she said.

Aiken businesses wanting to get on the Department of Public Safety's e-mail notification list can call (803) 642-7620 and ask for Sgt. Aaron Dowdy.

Aiken Gets Stimulus To Hire Four Police Officers
07/29/09 | Augusta Chronicle

The Aiken Department of Public Safety will receive more than half a million dollars in stimulus funds for four new officers.

"This allows us to fill four of our vacant, unfunded positions in our community services division," said public safety Lt. David Turno. "This will help put those community police officers back on the street."

After Vice President Joe Biden announced Tuesday that money would be distributed to police departments nationwide through the COPS Hiring Recovery Program grant, Aiken learned it had been approved for $568,280. The four positions will be funded for three years, with no cost sharing by the city.

"Part of this is in hopes in three years the economy is going to turn around and we at the city will be able to maintain these officers," Lt. Turno said. "Of course, we agreed to do that under the funding."

Lt. Turno said his department is the only one in Aiken County to receive the funds, adding, "it is a big deal. ... With crime on the increase, these officers are going to help us put those feet back on the street."

According to a list of departments that received funds through the grant, no local police departments in Georgia were awarded money.

In South Carolina, the Barnwell Police Department was awarded $112,352 for one officer.

Lt. Turno said hiring for his department's new officer positions could occur in a couple of months.

Hospital Shows Off New Spine, Joint Center
07/28/09 | Aiken Standard

Aiken Regional Medical Centers celebrated the grand opening of its Joint and Spine Center on Tuesday.

The 2,000-square-foot center is located on the fourth floor of Aiken Regional. It will serve as a one-stop location for patients in need of physical therapy services and support, according to Lisa Pagani, director of radiology and rehab at the hospital.

Pagani said hospital officials talked with physical therapists when designing the facility, which is a part of several renovations to the fourth floor that took about a year to complete.

The Joint and Spine Center is part of a comprehensive program that provides diagnosis and treatment for a number of ailments, from chronic hip, knee and spine problems to neurological and renal disorders.

It features a preoperative education class designed to give patients details about their upcoming surgical procedure, from the length of the hospital stay to the recovery process. Pagani said the center also features speech pathology and several types of physical therapy equipment.

Employees with Hitchcock Healthcare Inc. will provide physical therapy services to the center's patients. Hitchcock has held a contract with Aiken Regional for 25 years, according to Karen Bowles with Hitchcock.

Patients who will be served at the center include those who have suffered a stroke, orthopedic conditions, arthritis, amputation, wound care, chronic neurological disorders and spinal cord injuries. Those who have age-related health issues such as degenerating joints and decreased bone health will also be served at the center.

At the grand opening, tours of the Joint and Spine Center were given as well as physical therapy demonstrations.

Carlos Milanes, CEO of Aiken Regional, said the hospital strives to provide excellent patient care, adding that it's not the brick and mortar that makes the hospital, but the people.

City Councilman Don Wells agreed, congratulating Aiken Regional on the new center, calling it a "giant step forward."

"It's a great day for the City of Aiken," he said. "It's because of you that we have second to none health care."

Aiken Praised For Government Transparency
07/23/09 | Augusta Chronicle

AIKEN — South Carolina Comptroller General Richard Eckstrom and other state and local officials praised Aiken's recent efforts in government transparency on Wednesday and encouraged more cities to emulate Aiken.

"This is one step in many," said Eckstrom to a crowd along The Alley in downtown Aiken. "... And I'm so proud the city of Aiken has taken a leadership role in restoring trust in government."

Recently, Aiken has posted on a Web site financial statements, including check registers that show residents how city money is being spent.

Last year, Eckstrom had state spending information posted online and then launched a campaign to persuade local governments to post their expenditures on the Internet.

Aiken is among eight cities to have pushed through such an initiative. Eckstrom said he hopes more cities will follow the examples set by these eight.

Officials with the South Carolina Policy Council and several state legislators were in Aiken to support the campaign.

"This is a big step," said state Sen. Shane Massey, a Republican who represents the 25th District, including Aiken.

Some state lawmakers also used the event to seek public support of a House bill that would require a registered roll call on all votes by representatives.

Currently, only some votes require House members to register their choice using an electronic push-button system as opposed to a collective voice vote.

"It (the roll call bill) can happen if the public is behind it," said state Rep. Tom Young, R-Aiken, a co-sponsor of the bill.

A similar proposal also is in the Senate, Young said, adding that the House legislation is in committee and won't be readdressed until the next session.

Also at Wednesday's gathering, Eckstrom announced that Jim Holley, who has been serving as Aiken County attorney, is now the comptroller's new chief of staff.

Aiken County Council Chairman Ronnie Young said Holley would be missed and that the county is in the process of finding a replacement.

Young also said the county is considering posting spending figures on its Web site as well.

Aiken County Council Votes To Dump Blue Law
07/21/09 | Augusta Chronicle

AIKEN — After more than an hour of comments from a standing-room-only crowd, the Aiken County Council again voted Tuesday night in favor of repealing the so-called "Blue Law" that forbids certain Sunday-morning sales.

The council voted 6-2 on second reading, with members Gary Bunker and LaWana McKenzie dissenting. A third and final vote is required Aug. 18.

The law forbids certain purchases, including clothes, jewelry and tools, before 1:30 p.m. Sundays. More than 100 people attended Tuesday night's meeting.

Roger Rollins argued for keeping the law intact, saying "It (the Bible) calls us to honor the Sabbath."

He said some might say the law takes away their freedom, but he added, "We are all subject to a higher power."

Meanwhile, business owners, officials of the Greater Aiken Chamber of Commerce, the Greater North Augusta Chamber of Commerce and even one pastor spoke in favor of repealing the ban.

"I would ask, 'Which day is the Sabbath?' " said Al Matchim, the pastor of Aiken Seventh-day Adventist Church, which honors Saturday as the Sabbath. "... So let's not make it a religious issue."

Chamber officials, many wearing buttons with the slogan "Support Our Kids," said the Sunday-morning ban hurts sales tax collections because Aiken County residents simply drive to Augusta for purchases on Sunday mornings.

They argued that more money would go to schools if the ban is repealed.

Those favoring the law said money shouldn't be a reason to repeal it.

Some council members said their vote wasn't solely based on the sales tax issue but also on the Sunday-morning ban being inconsistent and difficult to enforce.

Tuesday's vote in favor of repealing the law also included an amendment that reiterates state law, allowing employees to object to working on a Sunday based on their religious belief without fear of reprisal by their boss.

A third and final vote by the Aiken County Council to repeal the Sunday-morning ban on certain sales is scheduled for Aug. 18.

EDITORIAL: Rebuilding A Neighborhood
07/21/09 |Aiken Standard

The pilot project to renovate houses in Crosland Park may go a long way in turning around the fortunes of that neighborhood on Aiken's Northside.

Built in the early 1950s to accommodate the influx of workers at the Savannah River Plant, Crosland Park has seen a decline in recent years. It has been targeted by City leaders for restoration in much the same way that the Toole Hill area was. That area of Aiken was the site of run-down houses and high crime.

Through the auspices of city government and a variety of partners, some new homes were built, old homes were refurbished and the area took on a whole new life. Calls to Public Safety declined dramatically, and Toole Hill became a poster child for how a city can reverse the trends of urban decay.

Public Hearing To Be Held On Blue Laws
07/20/09 | Augusta Chronicle

AIKEN — If you have an opinion on the so-called "Blue Law" forbidding certain Sunday morning sales in Aiken County, Tuesday night will be your chance to give it.

The county council will hold its first public hearing on the matter during its meeting in the council chambers on Richland Avenue at 7 p.m.

The council has voted on first reading to suspend the state law that forbids some commercial purchases before 1:30 p.m. on Sundays.

If the ban's repeal is approved on second reading, the council will have a third and final vote Aug. 18.

Officials say the council has the authority to repeal the state law locally.

Many business managers and owners and the Aiken County Chamber of Commerce have supported repealing the restriction.

They've argued that it hurts sales, and county sales tax collections, when shoppers go across the river to Georgia, where there is no similar Sunday morning restriction.

So far, county officials say they haven't heard much opinion against repealing the ban.

Aiken Median work to Reduce Water Runoff
07/16/09 | Augusta Chronicle

AIKEN — Downtown Aiken's green space medians — known as parkways — are slated for changes that officials say should reduce water runoff and offer ideas for other cities.

The "green infrastructure" project is designed to help with stormwater issues in the city's Hitchcock Woods, particularly an area known as Sand River where erosion is a problem. The concept under the direction of Gene Eidson, the director of the Center for Watershed Excellence at Clemson University, is to adjust the city's 105 acres of parkways so they better retain stormwater heading toward Hitchcock Woods.

To do this, rain gardens that include added vegetation could be incorporated into the parkways. Underground cisterns and bio swales could be used, as well.

Dr. Eidson has outlined his project to city council members, and construction should start by late fall. He said that Aiken would serve as a model city and that others could emulate the project.

Research, design and analysis work will involve the help of Clemson graduate students and will be aided by up to $3.3 million in stimulus funds.

Dr. Eidson said no trees will be removed from the parkways. City officials have said the project will start with a few parkways, but "eventually we want to get to every parkway," City Manager Roger LeDuc said in a recent council meeting.

Aiken Hospital To Get Radiation System
07/16/09 |Augusta Chronicle

AIKEN — The Cancer Care Institute of Carolina at Aiken Regional Medical Centers has received a Certificate of Need to buy and install a second system designed to improve radiation treatment capabilities.

Installation of the system, called a Varian Trilogy Linear Accelerator, is expected to begin by the end of this year, according to hospital officials.

The technology helps decrease treatment times, allowing more comfort for patients and more people to be treated each day. A radiation oncologist uses the linear accelerator to deliver a precise dose of high-energy X-rays to a specific location to destroy cancer cells without damaging surrounding healthy tissues.

SRS Awards $91.5 Million Contract
07/16/09 |Augusta Chronicle

AIKEN — A team led by an Ohio construction firm has been given a $91.5 million contract for construction of the National Nuclear Security Administration’s Waste Solidification Building at Savannah River Site, the agency announced.

The building’s operation will involve processing waste streams from plutonium disposition at SRS, changing it to a cement material to be disposed of, according to a release. The wastes will mostly come from the Mixed Oxide Fuel Fabrication Facility and weapons pit disassembly operations.

The team that won the contract is led by Baker Concrete Construction Inc., of Monroe, Ohio, and includes Intermech, of Winston-Salem, N.C., and Besco, of Knoxville, Tenn.