Fire destroys home

Jerry E. Halmon, Staff Writer

An early morning fire of unknown origin left a Bamberg County home totally destroyed. At approximately 7:30 a.m. on June 18, 2009 a fire totally destroyed a house on Highway 321 north of the City of Denmark, in the Sweden Community. When firefighters arrived on the scene the house was totally involved. According to fire personnel, the fire is of an unknown origin and is still under investigation. The occupant of the house was not at home at the time of the fire and attempts were being made to locate the them. The  Denmark, Olar, Govan and Bamberg Fire Departments and the Bamberg County Sheriff’s Department responded to the scene.

FBC blood drive

Nancy C. Hiers, Contributing Writer

The Bamberg County Chapter of the American Red Cross held its annual blood drive at First Baptist Church in Bamberg Tuesday, June 16 from 2-7 p.m. First time coordinator Bonnie Harrison was extremely pleased with the high turnout.

Harrison expressed sincere gratitude for all of the volunteer efforts and was delighted with the community response. “People are here because they wanted to come, and the people who helped wanted to help.” The initial goal of 28 units was surpassed, and the total reached was 30 units for whole blood, 36 units for ALYX, with a total turnout of 39 presenters at the drive.

Temporary road closing

The South Carolina Department of Transportation plans to replace a bridge on S-05-74, in Bamberg County.

This bridge is in need of replacement due to its structural condition. This road is expected to close on July 6, 2009. The work to be performed is expected to necessitate the closure of this bridge for about six weeks. Pending any delays due to weather, etc., it is expected the bridge will reopen to the traveling public on Monday, August 17, 2009.

A detour route will be set up utilizing roads US 601, S-74, S-81, and S-59, with a net detour length of 4.2 miles. We do not anticipate any problems due to the relatively low traffic volumes on the affected road. Businesses in the area should not be impacted by this closure. We are notifying the school superintendent in Bamberg County in the event adjustments are needed for school bus routes.

Car & Bike Show

Jerry Durgan, Contributing Writer

Hot weather did not stop car enthusiasts from attending Saturday’s car and bike show in Olar. From Harleys to ancient and gorgeous Chevy pickups and Cobras, Olar Fire Department’s 2nd annual Car and bike show was “even more successful than last year’s,” said Kim Fail.

More than 60 entries graced the show with trophies that included the ‘Oldest Vehicle’ to the ‘Best in Show’ and ‘People’s Choice.’