A Warrenville man was arrested for filing a false police report which stated Aiken County Sheriff's deputies stole money from him during a past arrest.

Randall Lee Rucker, 21, was arrested by S.C. State Law Enforcement Division and charged with filing a false report of a felony and filing a false police report of a misdemeanor on March 30.

Rucker reported during his disorderly conduct arrest on March 29, Aiken County deputies "unlawfully took $2,800 from him with the intent to permanently deprive him of the money," according to a SLED press release.

Rucker told deputies he was booked into the Aiken County detention center with $2,200 and claimed the other $2,800 was stolen, according to police.

On April 8, Rucker confessed and provided a written statement that he had lost $2,800 but did not know how he lost it, police said.

Rucker was booked and released to the Aiken County detention center where he remained Thursday afternoon, police said.

The case was investigated by SLED at the request of the Aiken County Sheriff's Office.

These are the bookings recorded for the Doris C. Gravat Detention Center for June 3, 2015. Some of the people listed may not have actually spent time in jail if they posted bond and were released. Although those listed have been arrested and charged, that does not mean they have been found guilty. All bookings may be viewed online by visiting www.aikenstandard.com and clicking on the "Crime" tab.

Melissa Jones Elam, 39 — trespassing after notice

Eric Isiah Williams, 52 — malicious injury to personal property

Kayla Nicole Craig, 17 — petit or simple larceny $2,000 or less

Ethan Jacody Burton, 20 — sale or delivery of a pistol and possession by certain persons unlawfully, no South Carolina driver's license

Anthony Hayes Cantwell, 28 — breach of trust with fraudulent intent less than $2,000, driving without lights at night, no tag, failure to stop for blue lights and siren, no South Carolina driver's license first offense, false information to police, leaving the scene of an accident, hold for Columbia County, Georgia, driving under suspension third offense bondsman off bond, possession of less than 1 gram of methamphetamine or cocaine base first offense

Hayward Eugene Barnwell Jr., 32 — failure to pay child support

Niki Pauletta Davis, 21 — violation of probation

Bernard Craig Green, 26 — false information must appear bench warrant, shoplifting must appear bench warrant

Deona Vernee Wells, 20 — criminal domestic violence first offense must appear

Terrance Lashawn Dunbar Jr., 18 — driving under suspension license not suspended for driving under the influence first offense bench warrant, shoplifting first offense must appear bench warrant, failure to register a motor vehicle, driving under suspension second offense, shoplifting second offense, resisting arrest, failure to stop for law enforcement

Peter Alan Johann, 37 — driving under suspension second offense must appear commitment, failure to surrender tag commitment, deface license plate commitment, tag registered to another commitment, expired tags commitment, trespassing after notice commitment

Casey Christian Kohler, 30 — driving under suspension third offense commitment two counts, operating an uninsured vehicle commitment two counts, improper display of tag commitment, failure to comply commitment

Bobby Milton Key, 52 — family court failure to pay commitment

Christopher Donnell Roberts, 27 — family court failure to pay commitment

Michael Burton Fulmer, 43 — trespassing after notice, possession of methamphetamine or cocaine base first offense

James Jeremiah Thomas, 32 — family court violating an order commitment

Tiffany Collette Gibson, 39 — driving under the influence

Jacob Wendell Curry, 40 — family court violating an order commitment

Robert Russell Ready, 49 — family court failure to appear

Dale Edwin Piercy, 59 — public drunk

Randall Lee Rucker, 21 — filing a false police report, failing a false police report (felony)

David M. Debruhl, 38 — family court violating an order commitment

Marcus Antonio Key, 22 — indecent exposure

Larry Christopher Ways, 25 — assault and battery third degree

Jason Glenn Miller, 35 — disorderly conduct/gross intoxication

Kenneth Fae King, 54 — possession of alprazolam, distribution of marijuana

Johnathan Matthew Crane, 33 — receiving stolen goods $1,000 or less

Gary Dean Cox, 44 — possession of stolen goods, burglary second degree, simple possession of marijuana

An Orangeburg man is wanted for attempted murder after a shooting in Orangeburg County.

The Orangeburg County Sheriff's Office is seeking information that will lead to the apprehension of Robert Jameen Morton, 37, for attempted murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime, according to a press release.

Morton is thought to have been involved in a shooting of a 22-year-old Orangeburg man, police said.

Anyone with information on Morton's location are asked to contact Orangeburg County Sheriff's Office at 803-534-3550 or Crimestoppers at 888-CRIME-SC.

A Trenton man who was ejected from his vehicle Wednesday is slowly recovering.

Tyrone Dozier's condition has improved from critical to serious, according to Georgia Regents University's Media Coordinator Arthur Takahashi.

Dozier was ejected from his 2001 GMC Jimmy on S.C. 191 at 8:30 a.m. when it ran off the road to the left and overturned once, according to the report.

Highway Patrol Lance Cpl. Judd Jones said Dozier was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the wreck.

Owen Sheetz and his longtime friend, the late Mac McClearen, were in their 80s, an age when they could have taken it easy.

Sheetz, who died on Tuesday at 94, instead teamed up with his pal on an ambitious project - spending years recreating the railroad depot on Union Street in downtown Aiken. For both men, they looked back into the past and also forward at the same time.

"The project was their vision," said retired Security Federal Bank official Tim Simmons. "They wanted to contribute to preserving Aiken's history."

The first train came through Aiken for in 1833. The depot was demolished in 1954, about 55 years after in opened.

Today, the facility includes the Aiken Visitors Center and Train Museum - a popular downtown attraction.

Union Street is the geographic center of the old Aiken historical grid, "and Owen contributed to the quality of life in Aiken County," Simmons said.

A Georgia Tech graduate with a degree in mechanical engineering, Sheetz was a World War II veteran who later lived in Holland while working for Dupont. He and his wife, Mary Jane, moved to Aiken in 1975 to work for Dupont at the Savannah River Plant.

Sheetz always wanted to change the look of Aiken, said his daughter, Kathy Fishburne of Arlington, Virginia.

He loved trains, she said. While he was living in Holland, he and his family would take the train to Austria for an overnight trip.

"My dad just felt that part of town (in Aiken) was neglected and needed something to bring people down there," Fishburne said.

Sheetz was a good guy who did a lot more for the community than people may realize, said Van Smith, president of Lionel Smith Ltd., a men's clothing store on Laurens Street.

"He was concerned about all of the downtown and being supportive of it," Smith said. "Owen was one of the people who shaped Aiken's future."

Sheetz and McClearen collaborated on another major project in 1994; they completed a thorough history of the iconic St. Thaddeus Episcopal Church, which dates back before the Civil War.

"St. Thaddeus of Aiken: A Church and Its City" can be found at the church's bookstore.

According to the St. Thaddeus website, the volume tells the history of the town and the church, beginning with Aiken's incorporation in 1835. The authors continued their intertwining of the city and the church.

Sheetz adored his wife, who preceded him in death. She always was dressed well and was a gracious woman, Fishburne said.

The standing joke was that she called him "Shabby Sheetz," which surely wasn't the case; Sheetz bought his clothes at Lionel Smith and always dressed to provide a dapper look throughout his life, Fishburne said.

Sheetz was an active member of the Aiken Rotary Club and later joined the Aiken Sunrise Club. He was a multiple Paul Harris Fellow, donating thousands of dollars to the Aiken Rotary Foundation, said Sunrise member Rich Waugh.

Sheetz also is survived by his son, Steven.

The service will be held at St. Thaddeus at 1 p.m. Wednesday. Following interment in the church cemetery, a reception will be held at the church's Stevenson-McClelland Building.

Senior writer Rob Novit is the Aiken Standard's education reporter and has been with the newspaper since September 2001.

He is a native of Walterboro and majored in journalism at the University of Georgia.

Members of the South Carolina Legislature representing Aiken and Edgefield counties filed bills Wednesday attempting to clarify the state's eminent domain laws in response to a proposed gas pipeline that would run through both counties.

The pipeline, a project of energy company Kinder Morgan, has created confusion among some residents in both counties as far as the company's right to seize the land of private property owners.

This lack of clarity also has lead local lawmakers to request an opinion from the state's attorney general to find a better understanding of the rights of the company and the rights of residents.

Lawmakers indicated that the existing law related to the power of eminent domain - the right to seize private property for public use - is decades old and deals more predominately with the rights of utility and power companies, rather than the construction of fuel pipelines.

S.C. Sen. Tom Young, R-Aiken, said companion bills - ones with similar language - were filed Wednesday in both the S.C. House and S.C. Senate regarding the issue.

The bills seek to establish a clearer framework by which a private company, particularly one seeking a petroleum pipeline, would have certain requirements to meet before they can have the power to exercise eminent domain.

The bills would require such companies to obtain a permit from the state's Public Service Commission, a state agency that already carries some oversight of utility projects, as well as the state's Department of Health and Environmental Control.

During the process of those two agencies considering the issuing of permits, the legislation also would necessitate these agencies garnering some form of public input, Young said.

He noted the push for such legislation was, at least in part, also in response to the requirements the state of Georgia already has in place for such projects.

The Georgia Department of Transportation recently denied Kinder Morgan's certificate of need request related to moving forward with the project, which would have allowed the company to use eminent domain in the state.

Georgia law allows private companies to use eminent domain, but only if the certificate is issued. Representatives of Kinder Morgan have said the company plans to appeal the decision.

The Palmetto Pipeline would carry up to 167,000 barrels of refined petroleum a day from Belton through Aiken and Edgefield counties. Currently, the pipeline is set to cross the Savannah River, work its way down the Georgia coast and end in Jacksonville, Florida.

Georgia lawmakers updated their laws less than a decade ago that apply to such a project, Young said.

Regarding the drafting of the new legislation for South Carolina, similar laws in the state are more than a half century old, he said.

"There is some question as to which laws we have would apply," Young said. "By filing this legislation, our goal is to update our laws in our state that would apply in a situation involving a private company wanting to install a petroleum pipeline and have the power to exercise eminent domain."

If passed by the South Carolina General Assembly, the legislation would stipulate that companies meet a number of marks before moving forward.

These would include that the installation of a petroleum pipeline in the state would have to show public necessity, which is defined in the legislation as being vital to the welfare of state residents after the weighing of any potential environmental harm.

Michael Ulmer is the opinions page editor.

Shyanne Lynn Atkinson, Douglas Padraig Barrios, Tyeshia Alyiah Bates, Kendra Lynn Britt, Ashanti Tenae Brown, Meagen Alissa Bryant, Marcus Alan Burlison, Nathanquise Alphanso Butler, Sean Michael Butler, Lindsey Taylor Calhoun, Sorelle Lynn Campbell, Miguel Angel Caracheo - Hernandez, Aaron Gino Carter, Chace Michael Cartwright, Valeria Castillo, Jesse Ian Chapman, Courtney Cierra Cheatham, Nicholas Duane Clevenger, Kyle Henry Cole, Justin Taylor Connelly, Cameron Michael Conner, Desmond Anthony Corbitt, Kaylin Symone Corbitt, Myles Xzavier-Hicks Corbitt, Alejandro Tadeo Cortes, Carley Marie Craig, Miranda Gene Cullipher, Sha'Bria Dahz Ja' Cummings, Malik Jamaal Curry, Dashawn Deaundre Curtis, Atyia Breana Duncan, Alyssa Janielle Dunlap, John Thomas Eaves II, Carlee Sharon Edwards, Robert Adam Edwards, Christopher Carl Estep, Morgan Nicole Fair, Diego Heredia Flores, Max Eduardo Florido-Lopez, Alyssa Teonna Garnett, Kaylafaye Breanne Garrett, Robert Aaron Garrett, Linda Harley Glanton, Hunter Cole Glisson, Austin Jeromy Goldman, Nathanael David Graybill, Carneal Alexander Hall, Corrina Mae Hall, Lindsey Nicole Hall, Emily Rose Hastings, Brittany Lynn Heath, Hailey Christine Heath, Kimberlyn Grace Heath, Helena Elise Herndon, Adren Megal Hill, Kaela Dianah Hill, Hannah Delaney Hodge, Joshua Lane Holcombe, Bryce Jalynn Holley, Mia Samone Holley, Patrick Wayne Holm, Trevor Daniel Hope, Miracle Brianne Howard, Genesis DaShawn James, Aaron Zykeah Jennings, Robert Lee Clayton Jolley, Cody Garrettee Jones, Tyler Bryant Jowers, Kayla Marie Justus, Jesse Dylan Keenan, Akeelah Shawntae Kelley, George Stuart Kelly, Jace Luiz Sanchez Kendrick, Jonathan Samuel Ketusky, Jesse Dalton Key, Lauren Haley Key, Franklin William Konarik IV, Kenneth Mark Lamar Jr., Daiquan Lamar Lee, Tyler Cruz Lupenetti, Ashley Nicole Matlock, Dillon Nigel'Lee McCorkle, Joseph William McLeod, Alexis Brucilla Miles, Marion Shelby Miles, Breyona Maria Mosley, Jacob Allen Murphy, JaQuilla LaVerne Murray, Michaela Elizabeth Myers, Hector del Angel Negrete, Walter Raymond Norris, Taneia Allene O'Bannon, Jordan Nikolas Owens, Kelsey Alison Paschall, Russell David Peterson, Ra'Vonte Dae'Jour Pinckney, Kyra Adrena Posey, Brandon Lee Poston, Hayley Michelle Pou, Eleanor Grace Powell, Geoffrey Arthur Powell, James Allen Powell, Samantha Renae Pruette, Holly Kristen Randolph, Anthony Demon Reed, Christian Josef Reeves, TyAsia Sharae Roper, Nala Alexis Rouse, Jennifer Lopez Ruiz, Ramon Lafey Ruffin Jr., Tamia Ragene Ruffin, Jacob Joseph Sedlock, Rebekah Alleen Shaw, Neriah Alaina Sizemore, Bailey Cheyenne Sleister, Briana Raquelle Smith, Chase John Smith, Khiana Nicole Smith, Bethany Savannah Soles, Austin Forester Spencer, Jasmine Monnique Squirewell, Jared Michael Stephens, Richard Cameron Stephenson, Jenna Rene Toole, Taley Jolene Tucker, Genesis Marie Vargas, Morgan LeeAnn Vincent, Augustine Victoria Vinson, Kippen Alana Wallace, Eric Tyler Walters, Keeyah Lasawn Walton, Jessica Elaine Ward, Keiona Amia Whitmore and Kurt Jacob Yarbrough

Naomi Odessa Aaron, Dora Janeth Acosta-Gonzalez, Christian Hope Adams, Judson Hunter Allen, Esmeralda Angulo, Randi Leigh Anzek, Mykia Michelle Archer, Juan Eduardo Arias Castaneda, Brenna Bailey Ashe, George John Athanaelos, Austin James Bady, Samuel Philip Baker, Zane Douglas Balbag, Keanu Elia Ballesteros, Andrew Desmond Barclay, Brittney Nicole Barnes, Myra Janet Bates-Butler, Kierson Owen Baxley, Murphy Holmes Bazemore, Kyle Joseph Becnel, Amanda Paige Benjamin, Kimberly Christine Bogle, Acacia Neeyala Boseman, Terkiera Elandoris Bostick, Victoria Ja'Vonna Boyd, Elijah Daevon Brewer, Austin Merrell Bridges, Tyler Austin Bright, Jessica Brito, Cierra Beth Broadway, Angel Tyanna Brooks, Christian-Seth Tre'Von Brown, Issac Jarrod Brown Jr., Brock Heath Browning, Mahalia Elizabeth Browning, Julie Elizabeth Brunson, Jacob Daloan Bryant, Robert Taylor Bryant, Fabiola Bucio, Destin Cole Buck, Sydney MacKenzie Budd, Alexia Deborahnesa Buggs, Christian Addison Bull, Nicolas Ryan Burr, Blake Alan Busby, John Darrion Butler, Tremayne Isaiah Butler, Erin Maryssa Calloway, Abigahil Camacho, Ryan Patrick Cantey, Candace Alexandra Channell, Kenjarvis JaQuan Chavous, Michael Garrett Chavous Jr., Michael Alexander Close, Aaron Phillip Cofer, Adria RaNek Cofield, Katherine Ann Marie Cohen, Timothy Adam Cole, DeQuontra Demarcus Coleman, Aaliyah Natalia Cook, Ashlyn Grace Cooper, Kayla Marie Cooper, Kellie Brianna Cooper, Morgan Elizabeth Corley, Lyndsey Tegan Court, Jeremy A Coxson, Abigail Leigh Craig, Alyson Brooke Craven, Morgan Alice Creasy, Reginald Delany Crews II, Raekwon Daniels, Allison Brooke Davis, Kathryn Ruth Davis, Carson Leigh Deal, Blake Alexander DeVivo, Emely Diaz, Alexandra Jade Dickenson, Christopher Eric Dixon Jr., Justin Keyshawn Dobey, Stephen Phillip Dorch, Rosa Kaneshia Dorsey, Tahtiana Lishe Dukes, John Claude Edwards, Serenity Dave' Edwards, Adrienne Hope Efird, Krysta Marie Ethridge, Noah James Evans, William Augustus Fagan, Bailey Jordan Farmer, Micah Harrison Farrar, Devren Maurice Fields Jr., Brianna Marques Finley, Kimberly Brice Flippo, Shawn Malik Foreman, Katherine Lorraine Foss, Samantha Rae Fox, Morgan Ashley Franklin, Haley Grace Fulmer, Tybia Kyonna Gallop, Alexander Bryce Gambill, Alexis Kiara Garnett, Katia Kiyana Gayle-Abney, Steven Daniel George, Dominick James Glaesemann-Ortiz, Darian Deontae Glover, George Ronald Glover Jr., Cari Margaret Golden, Brianna Janee Gordon, JaVon Azel Gordon, Nathaniel Aaron Gove, Haley Anne Grant, Dillon Coles Gray, Tanjanyka Daryonya Green, Jonathan Michael Grimm, Nicholas Alexander Grubbs, Samaria Alex Hall, Scott Austin Hammond, Adam Clay Harley, Margo Raye Harris, Twon Maliki Harris, Nazhel Renee Harrison, Evan William Hawkins, Jasmine Arnisha Hay, Jason Thomas Hays, Ajay Nitin Heera, Dianna Shante Heggs, Sierra Danielle Hendrix, Juan Sebastian Hernandez, Breelyn Noelle Hicks, Paige Lynn Holloway, Kaben Nicholas Holmes, Jonathan Brock Hood, Cassandra Michelle Hooper, Brandon Matthew Houston, Anna Elaine Huff, Benjamin Raymond Hutto, Megan Marie Hysell, Jesse Jamaree Jackson II, Marissa Elaine Jackson, Shawn Willie Jackson Jr., Abigayle Elizabeth Jacobs, Deantwan Isiah Jefferson, Korey Tyrice Jefferson, Zachary Shane Jennings, Victor Bartholamew Johnson, Madison Taylor Johnston, Taylor Edward Johnston, Alissa Mikala Jones, Domnick Preston Jones, Kameran Marie Jones, Tamia Danielle Jones, Shannon Elizabeth Julian, Amy Lee Kalayjian, Lillian Olga Kendinger, Zane Ian Kendinger, Kaitlin Olivia Kershner, Courtney Nicole Julia Key, Daezha Lamon Key, Tempestt Danielle Key, Erin Randi Lamb, Stacy JerAnna Lee, Tracy Brianna Lee, Bethany Lee Lewis, Jennifer Elizabeth Lewis, Mary Kathyrn Lewis, Romero Deshawn Lindley, Juliann Ava Lloyd, Megan Kaylee Logeais, Joselyn Denisse Lopez, Mark Jacob Lott, Devin Demarcquis Lowman, Patrick Haywood Lynn, Endia Nichole Lyons, Jordan Charles-Bascom Marshall, Andrea Martinez, Olivia Rae Martinez, Chase Lawrence Marzullo, Elijah Cole Mason, Cameron Emorye Mathews, Cydney Mona Mathews, Pamela Michelle Maxey, Andrew Simon May, Tramenka Ladaijah Mayes, Ryan Josiah McCain, Sydney Layne McCall, Grace Elizabeth McClain, Christine Princess McFadden, Keondra LaShawn McKie, NaKaylin Ty'Ashian McKie, Treasure Sean McKie, Sterling Alexander McPeake, Charles Anthony Mealer Jr., Raven Mealing, Dylan Leon Meisinger, Julian Mejia, Brian James Mere Jr., Julianna Ruth Meyers, Daysia Leoneta Mims, Jazmyne Marie Missey, Dominique Elijah Mixon, Brianna Angelica Moment, Xaria Lenne' Moore, Kaneisha Bo'Resa Morgan, OnRey Rece Moses, Samuel Evan Mottel, Sara Elizabeth Moyer, Brannon Chase Murphy, Edward Logan Newsome, Dan Hoang Nguyen, Sarah Ryan Nicholson, Gloria Tutita N'Kutula, Bernard Alexander O'Bannon, Taylor Jordan Ochiltree, Charles Vaughn Odom III, Mannie Fitts Ogletree Jr., Oji Njoku Oji, Alexis Dupree Osborn, Mary Elizabeth Owens, David Sinclair Park, Jessica Elizabeth Parks, Elizabeth Anne Parler, Briana Nicole Partlow, Logan Wayne Patton, Alonzo Pena, Jacqueline Alexandra Phillips, Jonathan Josue Picado, Camille Jewel Pierner, Alexis Deasia Pitts, Jackson Rushing Poole, Ashley Christine Pope, Shyler Xavier Portillo, Dominque Latrice Pressley, Jason Alexander Pressley, Raheem Tyquez Priester, Shenece Darcella Raiford, Miguel Angel Ramirez, Garrett Kyle Rangel, Keirsten Mikaela Ransom, Priscilla Zhane Raymond, Travis Wade Redd Jr., Andrew Tribble Reece, Eboni Symmone Reed, Sydney Alise Renfroe, Kumari Shanti Reynaldo, Destiny Tiandra Richard, Racheal Marie Riley, Deanglo Francisco Rodriguez Medina, Kentrell Antwuan Rollins, Patricio Antonio Salinas, Anna Elizabeth Salyers, Torrey James Samuels, Jose Eduardo Sanchez-Elias, Jevon Deon Sanders, Romello CheVonne Schley, Brittany Brigham Scott, Kenna Emmaline Shaffer, Deanna Faith Simmons, Alexander William Sims, Ashton Lee Sims, DeVonte Artavious Slater, Blake Ryan Sloan, Tyheim Qua'Sean Smalls, Allisa Ashlyn Smith, Briggs Anderson Smith, Jeremy Tomas Smith, Kamyyah Lonaye Smith, Kelvin Demarkis Smith, Logan Yanne Smith, Randi Danielle Smith, Adam David Snyder, Josiah Charles Soto, Kailey Brooke Spence, Lauren McKenzie Spires, Raynee Brooke Spires, Erin Annabeth Spivey, K'lynn Cynia Spivey, Briana Dale Spradley, Darian Jerrell Stevenson, Briawna Marea Stewart, Kevin Jared Stogner, Chandler Heath Stokes, Pryce Ahmad Raishaun Sullivan, Marques Edward Deon Sumner, Marquon Raleek Surry, Michael Colton Toole, Ashlyn Suzanne Towner, Jordan Daniel Trahan, Alexis Ngoc Thu Huyen-Nguyen Tran, Nathan Alexander Traynum, Ashley Rachelle Turner, Deyshaun Malik Tyler, Walker Chance vanHaastrecht, Olivia Noelle Vaughn, Jarrett Dylan Walker, Jonathan Andrew Wall, Amia Paulina Walton, Darius Byshaun Washington, Abbe Nicole Webb, Hunter Alexia Weigle, William Jacob Weisert, Christopher Ryan Wells, Thomas Albert Wheeler III, Ayanna Nygeria Whiteside, Corey Ryan Whittle, Lisa Antoinette Wigfall, William Terrell Wiggins V, Dasha Lyric Wilder, Alexus Nicole Williams, Keenan Maurice Williams, Teryl Evonne Williams, Desmone't Shanice Wilson, Emily Caroline Wilson, Preston Aaron Wilson, Courtney Katrena Wright, Elaijah Remez Wright, Joshua Caleb Wright and Emily Hope Young

Benjamin DeShaune Alexander, Britney Danielle Allen, Taylor Christian Allen, Emily Lauren Alverson, Erika Lynn Applegate, Lowell Ray Askren III, Norma Avila, Hannah Elizabeth Babb, Nathan Mark Babb, Brittany Aryn Bailey, Adrianna Nicole Baker, Ivy Gayle Barron, Cody Keith Barton, Jeremy Lee Barton, Armando Bautista Roberto, Adrian James Bembry, Marisela Binzha Disciplina, Cullen Avery Bishop, Thomas Allen Black, Justin Devon Blackmon, Rodney Evan Boatwright, Hunter Lee Bodiford, Ashley Caroline Bonnette, Justin Nathaniel Branch, Thalia Lagodmos Brekke, Stone Gregory Briatico, Shaunte' Miah Brigham, Matthew Carl Everett Brooks, Broderick Charles Brown, Kameron Alonzo Brown, Tyronda Alisha Brown, Jesse Robert Bryant, Bonnie Lee Buckingham, Marshall Tyler Busbee, Taylor Marie Byers, Johnathan Lee-Caldwell Callahan, Stacey Anne Campbell, Benjamin Joseph Canady, Brandie Nicole Capps, Dre'Shun Xavier Carr, Joshua Sean Cato, Ashley Nicole Certain, Christopher Dereck Clark, Derrick Alan Clark, 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Hambrick, Adam Edward Hamilton, Ashton Jordan Hammett, Joshua Brian Hammett, Willie James Harley Jr. III, Abigail Faith Harper, Chase Gregory Harris, Hollie Nicole Harris, Victoria Hope Hawkins, Trena Jeanette Hazel, Christian Alexander Heatherly, Wendi Marlen Hernandez Campusano, William Blake Herndon, Alice Dalanie Hewitt, Vonneshia Denae Hill, Hunter Colby Poole Hodge, Kenneth Matthew Horton, Joshua David Huber, Alissa Marie Hunsucker, Ryan Lee Hutson, Cody Ray Icenhour, Mattie Lee Inabinet, Marcus Devon Ivory, Madison Paige Jackson, Mel'Lena Le'Keta Jackson, Vedas Alia James, Bryan Michael Johnson, Cassie Lynn Johnson, Lauren Maelee Johnson, Shelby Ruth Johnson, William James Johnson, Beatrice Kimberly Regina Jones, Wyatt Alexander Jones, Blake Matthew Jordan, Navjot Kaur, Rachel Alexis Killinger, Kenneth Race King, Kourtney O'Hara King, Kourtney Lacey Murphy Krautheim, Samantha Taylor Langley, Aaron Blake Leaphart, Kelsey Ciera Ledford, Diamond Reanna Lee, Dalton Tyler Lewis, Aldo Jair Lopez Garcia, Llair Lopez-Trujillo, Cameron Tyler Lowe, Devin Wayne Lowe, Ingrid Paulette Luna Pesantez, Matthew Robert Lynn, LaQuavius Tramaine Madison, Dylan Cole Maroney, Akeem DaQuan Martin, Megan Lois Martin, Ana Cecilia Martinez Guijosa, Brianna Nicole Mason, Morrell Cody Maxwell, Kayla Brooke Mayson, Justin Daniel McElmurray, Kristen Amber McElwee, Kyle Anthony McKewen, A'Darius Marquece McKie, Josline Carisma Quintana McKinney, Joshua Andrew McLane, Allison Emmaline McWaters, Allen Micheal Mealing Jr., Justin Isiah Mealing, Caleb Denzel Meriwether, Lacie Nicole Mishoe, Zachary Wilson Mitcham, Elizabeth Benitez Molina, Chad Lee Morris II, Amber Lynn Moyer, Dylan James Moyer, Christopher Joseph Neely, Baileigh Caroline Nelson, Paige Jenay Nipper, Alexis MaKenzie Norris, Jagger Baylen Norris, Breanna Nichole O'Connor, Katherine Pamela Oliva Flores, Anthony D'onte O'Neal, Valencia LaShell Osborne, Bayleigh Michelle Padgett, Benjamin Joseph Padgett, Christian Hayes Padgett, Precious Unique Paige, Danielle Elizabeth Palmer, Jazmin Nicole Palmer, Cameron Bryce Payne, Meghan Renee Pearson, Rekiyah Yasmeein Perry-Hawkins, Joshua Gambrell Phillips, Kirstin Bailey Polk, Ryan Wallace Pou, Janisha Quinnea Prescott, Alyssa Alynne Profitt, Dayanna Quezada Olguin, Brandi Alanya Rains, Morgan Brack Randall, Aaron Ardell Ray, Mikal Trav'onne Reeves-Creech, Michael Edward Richardson, Brian Zachary Rittenberry, William Alan Robinson, Guadalupe Romano Santana, Pedro Rolando Santizo Jr., Kayla Leann Scarborough, Katlyn Brooke Scarlett, Michael Vincent Schaeffer Jr., Jackelyn Marie Schaffhouser, Bradley O'Neil Scott, Sarah Jane Seigler, John Robert Williams Self, Paulla Nicole Sharp, Tarna Le'An Shelley, Brett Douglas Silas, Sage Olivia Simpson, Khyilah JaShaee' Sims, Brandon Michael Smith, Joseph Tyler Smith, Tara Smith, Anna Rose Sons, Dora Alea Spann, Chrissy Elexis Spires, Philip Daniel Spires, Adam Kwin Stacy, Ti'Shawn Shantriece Starlings, Sidney Revis Steed, Shanikwa Shanell Steele, Jazzime Elizabeth Stevens, Alexzander William Raymond Stone, Sydney Patricia Strom, Allison Elizabeth Swiecki, Amanda Frances Swires, Matthew Daniel Matta Tabo, Kennedy Milo Tesch, Shanique Tyeisha T. Thomas, Christina Alexandria Thompson, Michael Dakota Tinsley, Justin Taylor Toole, Seth Dewayne Toole, Sydney Faith Toole, Whitney Angel Toole, Kaitlin Brooke Turner, Victoria Lauren Turner, Victoria Delaine Turner, Troy Mitchell Walters Jr., David Anthony Welsh, Ryan Thomas Welsh, Amber Elizabeth Lynn White, William Conner White, Joseph Clayton Whitt, DaQuon Deangelo Wigfall, Brandon Tyrone Williams, Idarius Trequan Williams, Ja'Quez Raikwon Chris Williams, Ki'ohn Jawante' Williams, Nathaniel Allen Willing, Casey Jay Wilson, James Kimbrell Wilson, Brittney Annastasia Winthrow, Sarah Alexis Wise, Marshall Deforrest Wise II, Codi Elizabeth Woodward, Jarrad Bryce Finnley Worley, Rassia Bonae Yeldell, Caitlyn Nicole Yensan, Ines Guadalupe Zayas Rabago and Sarah Jean Zorn

The preschooler injured in a Beech Island bus wreck last Wednesday is in "good" condition Thursday, according to Georgia Regent University's Media Coordinator Arthur Takahashi.

Michayla Brown was a passenger on the bus that collided with a tractor-trailer on Beech Island Avenue in Beech Island on May 27.

The wreck killed 4-year-old Kyrie Henry and injured Brown and the bus driver, Barbara Moore.

Moore's condition is undetermined, but she was transported to Georgia Regents University with minor injuries, said Highway Patrol Lance Cpl. Judd Jones.

According to Takahashi, Brown's condition stayed at fair for a few days and she is now in good condition.

Investigations have shown the bus crossed the center line of Beech Island Avenue, and marks documented where the tractor-trailer tried to avoid the collision, Jones said.

No charges have been filed, and cellphone records of Moore and the video footage of the bus are going to be reviewed, Jones said.

Will Whaley is the crime and court reporter for the Aiken Standard. He is a native of Fayette, Alabama and graduated from the University of North Alabama in Florence, Alabama with a degree in journalism.

Orangeburg man dies in construction accident

ORANGEBURG, S.C. (AP) — A construction accident has claimed the life of an Orangeburg brick mason and contractor.

Orangeburg County Coroner Samuetta Marshall tells local media outlets that 70-year-old Alexander Eleneas Mavins died Wednesday when a cement block wall fell on him.

Authorities say Mavins was using a sledgehammer to knock down a wall at an old car wash in Orangeburg when the wall fell on him.

Tractor-trailer of beer crashes, causes 8-vehicle pileup

HARDEEVILLE, S.C. (AP) — Hardeeville police say multiple tractor trailers crashed on Interstate 95 in an eight-vehicle wreck after a tractor-trailer hauling beer hydroplaned.

Police tell local media outlets the tractor-trailer was heading northbound on I-95 around 4:30 a.m. Thursday morning and hydroplaned, hitting a tree and spilling beer into the grass along the highway. Hardeeville Police Department chief Sam Woodward says the tree fell in the roadway.

Woodward says another tractor trailer and six other cars were unable to stop in time, causing a pileup. There were no reported injuries.

I-95 was open around 8:30 a.m. Police closed one lane of the interstate while the tractor trailer that hit the tree was removed.

Jeb Bush heading to SC on heels of official announcement

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Soon-to-be presidential candidate Jeb Bush is visiting South Carolina on the heels of his official announcement.

The campaign says Thursday that the former Florida governor will make a stop at the Charleston Maritime Center on June 18

Several senior aides confirmed Thursday that Bush would formally announce his decision to run on June 15 in Miami. After that announcement, the campaign says the 62-year-old Bush will travel to early voting states including Iowa, South Carolina and Nevada.

Bush has been raising millions of dollars for a separate political group that's expected to support his candidacy.

South Carolinians can register here: http://jebannouncement.com/south-carolina

The Sigma Pi chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. will celebrate 40 years of community service on Saturday.

The 9 a.m. celebration will be held at the Woodside Plantation Club, 1000 Woodside Plantation Drive. Limited tickets are available and cost $25 per person. That price includes breakfast.

The program's theme is "Forty Years of Serving the Community and Still Uplifting As We Climb," and Nathaniel Dicks, the chapter's president, said the program will look back on the chapter's milestones throughout Aiken.

"What we really want to do is reflect back on the 40 years that we have been here and the achievements that have been made," Dicks said.

Saturday's event will feature keynote speaker Dr. Shawn Foster, the incoming deputy superintendent of Aiken County Public Schools and fraternity member.

Foster is the director of Student and Administrative Services for the Spartanburg School District 7, and holds state certification in the areas of superintendent, secondary supervisor and guidance and counseling. Foster also holds a master's degree in the arts and education and a doctorate in education, and has experience working as a director, principal and guidance counselor.

Foster will replace District Deputy Superintendent David Caver, who will retire in late June.

The Omega Psi Phi Fraternity was founded on Nov. 17, 1911, on the Howard University campus in Washington, D.C. The fraternity is comprised of more than 750 chapters nationally; each chapter is mandated to implement programs involving scholarships, social action, health initiatives, illiteracy, mentoring, education and music.

For more information or to buy tickets, contact the following by Friday: John Brightharp at harp3@aol.com; Gene Bell at 803-507-3642 or gab342@hotmail.com; or Nathaniel Dicks at 803-645-2729 or ndicks816@att.net.

Maayan Schechter is the local government reporter with Aiken Standard.

COLUMBIA — Clemson fired longtime baseball coach Jack Leggett on Thursday after the Tigers' second straight 0-2 appearance in the NCAA tournament.

Leggett led Clemson to 955 victories, six College World Series trips in 22 seasons and a legacy as one of college baseball's top coaches.

However, the Tigers have not reached Omaha, Nebraska, since 2010 and have gone 5-10 in their past five NCAA tournament trips, including getting swept out of regionals in 2014 and 2015.

The Tigers were 32-29 this past season, losing both games at the Fullerton Regional last weekend. A year ago, Clemson lost two straight at the Nashville Regional.

Clemson athletic director Dan Radakovich met with Leggett earlier this week to assess the team's progress and future.

"After my evaluation, it came down to this: I think we can be better," said Radakovich, who informed Leggett of the dismissal earlier Thursday.

Leggett, 61, did not immediately messages from The Associated Press.

Clemson had been one of the best in college baseball for much of Leggett's tenure.

Leggett took over for the late Bill Wilhelm in 1994 and continued his predecessor's success - Wilhelm led Clemson to six College World Series trips between 1958-93 - with the Tigers.

Leggett's team, led by future Major League Baseball pitchers Kris Benson and Billy Koch, reached the College World Series in 1995 and 1996. His teams also went to Omaha in 2000, 2002, 2006 and 2010.

But since then, the Tigers have had a drastic postseason drop-off. They had not hosted an NCAA regional (Clemson held 11 in Leggett's first 18 seasons) since 2011.

Perhaps worst of all for Clemson fans was the rise of rival South Carolina, which won national titles in 2010 and 2011 and until this season had lost each season series with the Gamecocks since 2006.

Leggett's win totals slid from 40 in 2013 to 36 last year and 32 this season. His program came under scrutiny from Radakovich last season, the AD opting to retain the coach while putting him on notice there had to be significant improvement.

Leggett has one year left on his contract and is owed a buyout of $200,000.

Radakovich said the search for Leggett's successor had not started.

The Tigers' ace, right-hander Matthew Crownover, posted on Twitter that he came to Clemson because of Leggett.

"He will always be my coach. He deserved better," he said.

Crownover, a junior who went 10-3 with a 1.82 ERA this season, is among Baseball America's top 350 prospects for this month's Major League Baseball draft.

Assistant head coach Bradley LeCroy will take over until a new head coach is found. Radakovich said LeCroy expressed interest in the job and was encouraged to apply.

The next coach will be just the third for the baseball team since 1958 - a span of 57 years.

Leggett leaves a lasting mark on the game with former assistants achieving at the top levels of the sport. One-time assistant Tim Corbin led Vanderbilt to the national title last year and Florida coach Kevin O'Sullivan has built a successful program with the Gators since his time as a Clemson assistant.

Leggett, selected to the American Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2014, was a driving force behind the flat-seam baseball, which has so far increased offense in the college game in its debut season.

Radakovich was confident that with Clemson's facilities, its strong fan following and winning history, he would have little trouble attracting an energetic leader able to get the Tigers back to the top.

"We need to inject some new momentum and create optimism around our baseball program," Radakovich said. "And I'm confident in our search for a new head coach that we'll find someone who'll bring that excitement to our fans and our student-athletes."

WASHINGTON (AP) -- China-based hackers are suspected once again of breaking into U.S. government computer networks, and the entire federal workforce could be at risk this time.

The Department of Homeland Security said in a statement that data from the Office of Personnel Management -- the human resources department for the federal government -- and the Interior Department had been compromised.

"The FBI is conducting an investigation to identify how and why this occurred," the statement Thursday said.

The hackers were believed to be based in China, said Sen. Susan Collins, a Maine Republican.

Collins, a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, said the breach was "yet another indication of a foreign power probing successfully and focusing on what appears to be data that would identify people with security clearances."

But in Beijing Friday, the Chinese Foreign Ministry dismissed the allegations.

A spokesman for the ministry, Hong Lei said at a regular news briefing that Beijing hopes the U.S. would be "less suspicious and stop making any unverified allegations, but show more trust and participate more in cooperation."

Beijing routinely dismisses any allegation of its official involvement in cyberattacks on foreign targets, while invariably noting that China is itself the target of hacking attacks and calling for greater international cooperation in combating hacking.

"We know that hacker attacks are conducted anonymously, across nations, and that it is hard to track the source," Hong said. "It's irresponsible and unscientific to make conjectural, trumped-up allegations without deep investigation."

A U.S. official, who declined to be named because he was not authorized to publicly discuss the data breach, said the breach could potentially affect every federal agency. One key question is whether intelligence agency employee information was stolen. Former government employees are affected as well.

The Office of Personnel Management conducts more than 90 percent of federal background investigations, according to its website.

The agency said it is offering credit monitoring and identity theft insurance for 18 months to individuals potentially affected. The National Treasury Employees Union, which represents workers in 31 federal agencies, said it is encouraging members to sign up for the monitoring as soon as possible.

In November, a former DHS contractor disclosed another cyberbreach that compromised the private files of more than 25,000 DHS workers and thousands of other federal employees.

Cybersecurity experts also noted that the OPM was targeted a year ago in a cyberattack that was suspected of originating in China. In that case, authorities reported no personal information was stolen.

Chinese groups have persistently attacked U.S. agencies and companies, including insurers and health-care providers, said Adam Meyers, vice president for intelligence at Irvine, California-based CrowdStrike, which has studied Chinese hacking groups extensively.

The Chinese groups may be looking for information that can be used to approach or compromise people who could provide useful intelligence, Meyers said. "If they know someone has a large financial debt, or a relative with a health condition, or any other avenues that make them susceptible to monetary targeting or coercion, that information would be useful."

One expert said hackers could use information from government personnel files for financial gain. In a recent case disclosed by the IRS, hackers appear to have obtained tax return information by posing as taxpayers, using personal information gleaned from previous commercial breaches, said Rick Holland, an information security analyst at Forrester Research.

"Given what OPM does around security clearances, and the level of detail they acquire when doing these investigations, both on the subjects of the investigations and their contacts and references, it would be a vast amount of information," Holland added.

DHS said its intrusion detection system, known as EINSTEIN, which screens federal Internet traffic to identify potential cyberthreats, identified the hack of OPM's systems and the Interior Department's data center, which is shared by other federal agencies.

It was unclear why the EINSTEIN system didn't detect the breach until after so many records had been copied and removed.

"DHS is continuing to monitor federal networks for any suspicious activity and is working aggressively with the affected agencies to conduct investigative analysis to assess the extent of this alleged intrusion," the statement said.

Cybersecurity expert Morgan Wright of the Center for Digital Government, an advisory institute, said EINSTEIN "certainly appears to be a failure at this point. The government would be better off outsourcing their security to the private sector where's there at least some accountability."

Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Richard Burr, R-N.C., said the government must overhaul its cybersecurity defenses. "Our response to these attacks can no longer simply be notifying people after their personal information has been stolen," he said. "We must start to prevent these breaches in the first place."

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Associated Press writers Donna Cassata, Alicia A. Caldwell and Kevin Freking in Washington, Brandon Bailey in San Francisco and Ian Mader in Beijing contributed to this report.

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Follow Ken Dilanian on Twitter at https://twitter.com/KenDilanianAP

A North Augusta man became violent with his wife and deputies Thursday after his spouse told him she wanted a divorce, according to the Aiken County Sheriff's Office.

Clark Jukes, 44, was arrested and is facing charges of domestic violence and resisting arrest, according to reports.

Deputies responded to a call at 7 p.m. in which the victim said Jukes physically assaulted her by striking her in the head, neck and stomach, police said.

She also stated she attempted to run from the kitchen when Jukes pinned her to the ground and continued punching her in the face, according to reports.

The woman said their two children attempted to stop Jukes from reaching her, but Jukes pushed them out of the way and continued the assault, police said.

When deputies arrived, they found property thrown across the yard that the woman said Jukes had done, according to reports.

Jukes denied the assault, adding the victim had started the fight when she became angry at him and attacked him with a knife, police said.

The woman denied allegations of starting the fight, and the two juveniles said Jukes had started the assault, according to reports.

Police said when deputies attempted to place Jukes under arrest, he resisted and pulled a radio off a deputy's shirt and belt, police said.

Jukes then used the radio as a weapon by swinging the radio mic at the officers, striking one multiple times in the neck and head, according to reports.

Officers then used a Taser and deployed prongs with "minimal results," after he pulled the prongs from his body and continued to assault the deputies, police said.

The Taser was deployed again and Jukes became compliant, allowing officers to arrest him, according to reports.

During the altercation, one deputy's shoulder was dislocated, said police.

Jukes was transported to Aiken Regional Medical Centers for evaluation and to remove the Taser prongs from his body, according to reports.

Jukes was then transported to the Aiken County detention center where he remained Friday morning.

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) -- Two brothers wrongfully imprisoned for three decades in the killing of an 11-year-old girl say pardons will help them move on "with not just a clear conscience, but a clear name."

It will also help them adjust to life on the outside with hundreds of thousands of dollars in compensation. The governor's action Thursday qualified the brothers for $750,000 from the state.

Family and friends of Henry McCollum and Leon Brown were jubilant in early September after a judge vacated their convictions and ordered their release, citing new DNA evidence that points to another man killing and raping 11-year-old Sabrina Buie in 1983.

But their freedom has been difficult. Both men spent much of their adult life in prison. When McCollum walked out of death row, he needed help putting on the seatbelt in his father's car. At the time, he had never owned a cellphone and was unaccustomed to the Internet. Each man was given $45 by prison officials when they left.

North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory said he decided to issue the pardons after a comprehensive process that included meetings with Brown, who's 47; and McCollum, who's 51.

"I'm not going to rush into making an important decision. I'm going to do the right thing," he said.

McCollum had been the longest-serving inmate on North Carolina's death row. His half brother Brown had been serving life in prison.

"Today we put the past behind us with not just a clear conscience, but a clear name, committed to living a good life and doing God's work," the men said in a statement released by their lawyer, Patrick Megaro.

They also thanked the governor, their family and all the lawyers who have worked on their cases.

The brothers didn't attend the governor's announcement. They said earlier this year that they have had a hard time since their release.

"I can't do nothing to help my family," McCollum told the Raleigh News & Observer in January. "They're not able to pay their bills."

The newspaper reported that lawyers at the Center for Death Penalty Litigation in Durham held a fundraiser for them, and others donated money after reading about the case.

The pardon qualifies the brothers for $50,000 from the state for each year they were imprisoned, with a limit of $750,000. The compensation still needs to be approved by a state agency, but it is considered a formality. It's not clear exactly when they could get the money.

In September 1983, Buie was found in a soybean field in rural Robeson County, naked except for a bra pushed up against her neck. A short distance away, police found two bloody sticks and cigarette butts.

Defense attorneys have said the brothers were scared teenagers who had low IQs when they were questioned by police and coerced into confessing. McCollum was then 19, and Brown was 15.

The DNA from the cigarette butts doesn't match Brown or McCollum, and fingerprints taken from a beer can at the scene weren't theirs either. No physical evidence connects them to the crime, a judge and prosecutor acknowledged last fall.

Based largely on their confessions, both were initially given death sentences, which were overturned. Upon retrial, McCollum was again sent to death row, while Brown was convicted of rape and sentenced to life.

Current Robeson County District Attorney Johnson Britt, who didn't prosecute the men, has said he's considering whether to reopen the case and charge the other man, whose DNA was found on a cigarette butt from the crime scene. The cigarette butt was tested as part of the recent investigation by the North Carolina Innocence Inquiry Commission, a one-of-its-kind investigative panel.

The inmate whose DNA was on the cigarette is already serving a life sentence for a similar rape and murder that happened less than a month after Sabrina's killing.

Ken Rose, a lawyer who represented McCollum for 20 years, said he's thrilled by the pardon but frustrated it took so many years to prove their innocence.

"We're very happy that the governor reached this decision, but not at all surprised," Rose said. "None of us have any doubt that they are innocent. And finally the state has acknowledged actual innocence."

An Aiken man was arrested after a police foot chase through an apartment complex Thursday night.

Aiken Department of Public Safety officers responded to a disturbance call at Glen Arbor Court at 6:56 p.m., where they found the suspect had kicked in the door to his mother's house after a fight with his sister, according to reports.

Officers attempted to make contact with the man, who immediately started running once he saw the patrol car, police said.

The suspect jumped two fences and was caught on Beams Road, according to police.

The man was transported to the Aiken County detention center, where he was later released.

Gov. Nikki Haley will be in Aiken Tuesday.

Haley will hold a press event at USC Aiken at the Veteran and Military Student Success Center.

The event will begin at 1:30 p.m. Full details of the event have not been released.

Aiken County high school commencements got underway at the USC Aiken Convocation Center on Thursday.

Silver Bluff, Midland Valley and North Augusta high school students received their diplomas, drawing cheers and tears from their families.

Aiken High School's ceremony is scheduled for today at 9 a.m., followed by Ridge Spring-Monetta High at noon, South Aiken High at 3 p.m. and Wagener-Salley High School at 6 p.m.

Silver Bluff High School

A total of 132 Silver Bluff seniors happily tossed their caps after receiving their diplomas at the USC Aiken Convocation Center on Thursday.

Addressing their classmate were valedictorian John Eaves and salutatorian Jared Stephens. Senior class President Kippen Wallace led the Pledge of Allegiance.

The Silver Bluff faculty members have a tradition during commencement - lining up after the ceremony to congratulate the seniors. For honor graduate Shyanne Atkinson, that opportunity was meaningful as she tearfully hugged some of her teachers with gratitude.

"I was poor and didn't have anything," she said. "People had doubts about me, but I made it. Now I want to go to college and become a special-education teacher."

Carneal Hall, headed to Chowan University to play football, also appreciated that his favorite teachers were in the line to congratulate him.

For English teacher Patti Powell, the line of teachers was especially poignant - getting a chance to hug her own twin graduates, Eleanor and Jeffrey. Both took English from their mom as juniors "and it worked out pretty well," Eleanor said.

Did they compete much during school? Oh, a little, Eleanor said.

"There was always a competition," Jeffrey said and smiled.

Midland Valley

Midland Valley High School continues to grow, as 242 seniors hugged each other after receiving their diplomas on Thursday

Movingly, the students had their arms around each other throughout their performance of the alma mater.

"We've always done this at pep rallies," said Tracy Gartrel, "so it's been natural for us. It was the best feeling ever."

In her salutatory address, Britney Allen said the seniors have acquired knowledge that they will continue to use. Yet, it's also "the friendships we've made and the struggles we've faced that have made this experience unforgettable," Allen said.

Graduate Baleigh Padgett plans to major in biology, but music will have a role in her life. For her classmates, she performed Carrie Underwood's "Don't Forget to Remember Me."

Valedictorian David Welsh drew laughter from his classmates - suggesting that the graduates are now 100 percent respectful and mature. They will always get home by curfew and never, ever do anything immature again.

But "Always seize the day," Welsh said, "and always be the best version of yourself. Through it all, remember where you came from and that people here care about you."

Marshal Wise, a 21-year-old special needs student, drew applause from his appreciative classmates when he received his graduation certificate with the help of his aide, Olivia Curry.

Lauren Johnson joined Wise for a photograph just as three other seniors came up, too. Johnson shed tears in saying good-bye to her friend.

"I've known Marshall for three years," she said. "I've learned so much from him. He's one of the sweetest kids you'll ever see."

North Augusta

Family and friends filled the Convocation Center to near capacity to celebrate North Augusta High's 304 graduating seniors.

Valedictorian Jackson Poole is headed to Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, Tennessee, as a physics and pre-engineering major and plans to minor in some field of music.

Poole said he will miss the people he has met and the friends he has made while at North Augusta High.

"I'll miss the friends who left impressions in my heart and the teachers who left impressions on my mind," he said.

Co-salutatorian Christian Bull will study biology and minor in music at Clemson University. He, too, will miss his friends and teachers from North Augusta.

"They've all been really supportive," he said

Co-salutatorian Erin Spivey said she will miss the familiarity she's come to know at North Augusta as she prepares to enroll in the Honors College at USC Columbia to study chemical engineering.

"Today feels totally surreal," Spivey said. "I hope I'm prepared for what's coming up."

Brianna Moment, who wants to be a sportscaster, is moving to North Carolina to attend Central Piedmont Technical College and then plans to transfer to a four-year school to study journalism.

She summed up the end of high school and beginning of her new lift.

"It's official," she said.

Three Aiken men are facing charges after a traffic stop on York Street on Thursday.

Devin Smith, 21, was charged with simple possession of marijuana, violation of child restraint law and unlawful carrying of a firearm; Julius Gardner, 21, was charged with simple possession of marijuana and unlawful carrying of a pistol; and John Adams, 23, was charged with simple possession of marijuana.

Aiken Department of Public Safety officers initiated a traffic stop at 12:50 p.m. Thursday.

Officers noticed the vehicle parked in the fire lane in front of a store and started to make contact with the driver, according to reports.

As the officer got closer, the front seat passenger jumped into the driver's seat and started driving away, police said.

Officers noticed a child standing in the back seat of the vehicle, according to reports.

The driver came out of the store and told officers he was the one who had parked in the fire lane, police said.

Officers began to write tickets for fire and child safety violations as a drug search unit searched the vehicle, according to reports.

The rear seat passenger (Gardner) then told officers he had a gun on his hip, police said. Gardner was handcuffed and the gun, a Taurus .40mm semi-automatic pistol, was confiscated, according to reports. The other men were searched with no results, according to reports.

The vehicle search yielded a Smith and Wesson 9mm handgun under the armrest with one magazine loaded and several hand rolled, partially burned cigarettes believed to contain marijuana, police said.

The child was released to a family member and the three men were transported to Aiken County detention center, where Gardner and Smith remained Friday. Adams was released.

Aiken men charged with child safety, gun and drug violations