District 2 City Council Election September 14

A special election will be held on September 14, 2010 to fill the Bamberg City Council District 2 Seat left vacant by the resignation of former Councilmember Ella Bamberg. Frances Johnson, who represented District 2 on Bamberg City Council for 16 years will face political newcomer Cynthia Summers in the nonpartisan special election.

The winner of the election will occupy the District 2 Seat until May, 2011 before facing re-election. The polls will open on Tuesday, September 14, 2010 at 7:00 a.m. and close at 7:00 p.m. The polling places are the Civic Center/Armory Building at 2477 Main Highway and the J. Carl Kearse Agricultural Building at 847 Calhoun Street.

On Thursday, September 16, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. in the J. Carl Kearse Agricultural Building the Bamberg Election Commission will hold a hearing to determine the validity of any ballots challenged in this election and to certify the results of this election. Any runoff will be held two weeks after the election on Tuesday, September 28, 2010.

Ranked #1

The South Carolina Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross has been named the top performing region in the national Red Cross system. The South Carolina Region is one of 36 Red Cross Blood Services regions in the United States.

The South Carolina Region was rated for high performance in areas including growth of red blood cell donations and distribution to hospitals, quality control, cost effectiveness and hospital satisfaction.

“We’re proud to be named the Red Cross Region of the Year,” said Delisa English, chief executive officer of the South Carolina Blood Services Region. “This accomplishment is only made possible by the tremendous support of our staff, volunteers, blood donors and blood drive sponsors who work hard each day to ensure blood products are available for patients in the South Carolina Region and across the nation.”

Bamberg Native Appointed

Lexington County Sheriff James R. Metts has appointed two veteran supervisors with the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department to assume command of the North Region Patrol District, which is based near Irmo, and the West Region Patrol District, which is based near Gilbert.

Bamberg Native Capt. John “J.J.” Jones, 36, of Gilbert will serve as commander of the West Region Patrol District, Metts said. Jones was hired by the Sheriff’s Department on June 16, 1997. Jones previously held the rank of lieutenant and served as assistant commander of the South Region Patrol District, which is based in Pelion.

Jones’ promotion reflects the continuing efforts of the Sheriff’s Department to enhance law enforcement services in the West Region Patrol District, where Lexington County continues to experience strong population growth, Metts said.

Jones is the son of John and Jean Jones of Bamberg and the grandson of Gladys and the late Joe Jones of Bamberg.