Run-off election for BPW Commissioner April 19th

Two political newcomers, Matt Medlin and Sharon Hammond are headed for an April 19th runoff for commissioner on the Bamberg Board of Public Works.

The official results of the April 5, City of Bamberg Municipal Elections show one incumbent member of Bamberg City Council was victorious, one political newcomer won a narrow victory over a political veteran. In the District 1 race for a four-year term on Bamberg City Council, political newcomer Linda Hayes-Hudson narrowly defeated political veteran Betty Mack 43to 34 to occupy the seat of former councilmember Teresa Hannibal, who elected not to run for another term.

In the District 2 race for a four-year term on Bamberg City Council, incumbent Cynthia Summers, who was elected to office six months ago to fill the unexpired term of the Rev. Ella Bamberg defeated Paul Sandifer 80 to 45.

In the District 3 race for Bamberg City Council, incumbent Janeth Walker was unopposed and was reelected to another four-year term on Bamberg City Council.

In the commissioner’s race for a six-year term on the Bamberg Board of Public Works, political newcomer Sharon Hammond was the top vote getter receiving 274 votes to 184 for Matt Medlin. Former BPW Chairman Bob Clary received 164 votes and Jeff Deibel received 86 votes. Because neither of the top two vote getters in the BPW race received a majority of the vote plus one, there will be a runoff election on April 19, to fill the seat of former Chairman Carl Kilgus who elected not to run for another term of office.

The polls will open for the April 19, at large runoff election for a six-year term on the Board of Public Works at 7:00 a.m. and close at 7:00 p.m. Results of the April 5th City of Bamberg Municipal Elections are as follows:

AJA students visit the State House

For many people, Wednesday, March 30, may have been a dreary, rainy day, but for students from Andrew Jackson Academy in Ehrhardt the day was still a great one to make memories. On the 30th, students in the 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades traveled with their teachers and chaperons to the South Carolina State House in Columbia for an educational experience.

While at the State House the group was greeted by Governor Nikki Haley. Governor Haley, a native of Bamberg and the youngest current governor in the United States, took time to answer questions, take pictures, and even sign autographs for the group of eager students. During this time, the governor answered questions on subjects such as school vouchers and the hardest job she has to do as governor. The students were treated to class photographs, as well as individual pictures, with Governor Haley.

After meeting with Governor Haley for around 30 minutes, the Andrew Jackson group was given a tour of the State House. The tour ended with the students being allowed to sit in on a meeting of the South Carolina House of Representatives. While seated in the balcony, Representative Bakari Sellers recognized the students from the floor. Mr. Sellers, who has represented the 90th district since 2006, met with the students after recognizing them. He spoke with the students about goals, answered questions, and challenged them to do their best in life.

Once the educational experience concluded, students returned to Andrew Jackson Academy. The experience was one that gave these students memories they are not soon to forget.

Collects $676

Jerry Durgan, Contributing Writer

Heroes for the American Red Cross. D-O High School Jr. Red Cross collected over $670 in pennies during Red Cross Month in March. That’s over 64,700 pennies, about 290 pounds. At the current selling rate for copper, those pennies could bring over $1,200. That’s almost twice the monetary value of pennies today. Unfortunately the modern “copper” penny has only about 2.5% copper in its makeup. The “core” is zinc.

However, the monetary value of the penny is still .01 cent so Jr. Red Cross’ donation is quite an accomplishment. These “pennies from heaven” will have a big impact on local Red Cross services.

Bamberg School District One projects ‘proceeding’

Jerry E. Halmon, Staff Reporter

By the middle of April, Bamberg School District One officials should “see the dirt moving” on the U.S. Highway 301 site location of the new elementary school, according Dale Collier of the Brownstone Group, who is the Owner’s Representative for the construction and renovation projects in Bamberg School District One.

“It’s well under way, things are proceeding, we’ve spent a little money,” Collier said. In fact Collier said district officials need to start thinking of a time for a formal ground breaking ceremony.

In giving an update on the project, Collier said that all the architects and contractors were in place. The land purchase with the Bamberg Board of Public Works has been done. And $2 million dollars in site work bids will go out on Thursday of this week with a second round of bids going out in May, in listing a number completed work items.

Collier noted that Bamberg Board of Public Works General Manager Bruce Ellis has been “very helpful” in preparing the 301 site. The architects are working with the staffs and meeting with city officials. By middle to late May, the building portion of the project should get started.

In an update on the renovation project at Bamberg- Ehrhardt Middle School, preparation for the demolition of the Allen Building to be done the week of April 18-22 over spring break has started, with students having been moved to three portable classrooms, where they will be housed after spring break also.

Collier noted that construction workers are “trying not to disturb” students during PASS Testing. It was also noted that bidding on the Highway 301 and Binnicker Bridge Road widening projects would be taken at different locations, with the widening projects costing upwards of $400,000.

The Binnicker Bridge Road entrance to be used for the school buses is projected to be the more expensive. Collier said that C-Funds may be available to help with the widening project and Superintendent Schwarting stated that she has spoken with Harold Johnson, who “seemed to be receptive” of trying to get additional funds.

Also during the meeting:

• Bamberg School District One trustees approved the district’s 2011-2012 School Calendar of 180 days for students and 190 days for teachers with teachers receiving five furlough days. The first day of work for teachers is August 8.

• In the financial report it was reported that data processing and property insurance are the only two area over spent, with all other areas “holding on.”