Bamberg County drug bust

Jerry E. Halmon, Staff Writer

Winds blowing an empty soft drink can from the bed of a truck on US 301 in Bamberg County, led to the search warrant, and arrest of two Bamberg County residents on March 4, 2009.

Roberto Morales Garcia of 8521 Rivers Bridge Road in Olar, and Sandra Lynn Still of 8521 Rivers Bridge Road in Olar were arrested for possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance.

In making the arrest that started with an investigation four months ago, the Bamberg County Sheriff Department confiscated more than 6 lbs. of marijuana, over $2,700 cash, and drug paraphernalia.

Garcia, who is in the country illegally, and deemed a flight risk, is being detained in the Bamberg County Detention Center under a $75,000 surety bond. Sandra Lynn Still was placed under a $10,000 Personal Recognizance Bond and was released.

According to Bamberg County Sheriff Edward “Ed” Darnell an investigation in the case is ongoing.

Students raise money for troops

The students of Richard Carroll Elementary School Campus B brought pennies to raise money for care packages to be sent to our deployed military. The project "Pennies for our Patriots" was a great success. $567.50 was raised and the class with the highest total of $238.43 was Mrs. Ashe's fourth grade homeroom.

The students worked very hard to raise the money for items that we take for granted, but will let our troops know we care and appreciate all they do each day to protect us and our freedom.

Rex to speak at Voorhees

Dr. Jim Rex, state superintendent of education, will be the guest speaker for Voorhees College’s 2009 Honors Day program. The program will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 19, in Massachusetts Hall Auditorium. The program will highlight students who are awarded and recognized for outstanding merit and academic accomplishments.

Rex took office as the state superintendent of education in January 2007. In this position, his goals include accelerating innovation, reforming accountability to ensure its success, expanding public school choices for parents and students, promoting fair and equitable school funding and elevating and reinvigorating the teaching profession.

B&L Gas to have grand opening

After working for someone else for 20 years in the gas business and retiring, Bamberg native Larry Johnson thought the time was right for him start out on his own and open up his own business.

Johnson has been in business now for over a year, and he recently opened up B & L Gas Services located south of Bamberg on Highway 301. And, despite tough times in the energy business now days, Johnson said that business has been “real good.”

Murden wins award

On March 3, 2009 in Columbia at the Recycle Guys annual award’s ceremony, Paul Murden , the attendant for the Colston L.A.D. site located at 2636 Colston Rd. in Bamberg County was recognized as the 2008 Recycling Center Attendant. This is the second time that this site has been recognized.