ASSOCIATED PRESS

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — St. Paul's mayor threw out a ceremonial ball of yarn to mark the opening of an annual festival for cat videos that drew thousands of feline fanatics to a city stadium.

Mayor Chris Coleman said 13,000 people were at CHS Field on Wednesday night for the fourth Internet Cat Video Festival.

Videos played on the stadium's large scoreboard as people watched from the stands and blankets in the outfield. Selections included clips of a cat startling a bear and a scene from "Jurassic Park" edited to include giant cats.

The festival has bene held in previous years at the Walker Art Center and the Minnesota State Fair.

Department of Energy leaders at the Savannah River Site continue filling top positions at the site's operations office with officials who have decades of experience.

Last week, SRS manager Jack Craig announced the selection of James L. Folk Jr. as assistant manager of waste disposition for the Savannah River Operations Office.

In a site-wide update, officials wrote that Folk has more than 32 years of experience in nuclear engineering, oversight of safety and technical management with the Department of Energy.

Before his new role, Folk's previous assignments included several SRS leadership positions, as well as the chairman of the Liquid Waste Source Evaluation Board.

Folk began his career as a federal employee in 1983 at the Site where he has continued to assume positions of increasing responsibility. He also has held positions with nuclear materials production planning and the reactor restart program, spent nuclear fuel program, heavy water program and nuclear materials disposition program.

Folk holds a bachelor's degree in nuclear engineering from Pennsylvania State University.

"We look forward to his continued leadership as assistant manager waste disposition," operations office officials wrote.

Craig's appointment of Folk came a couple of months after assuming his new role as SRS manager.

Craig took over after former SRS manager Dave Moody retired in June.

Derrek Asberry is a beat reporter with the Aiken Standard. He joined the paper in June. He is originally from Vidalia, Ga., and a graduate of Georgia Southern University. Follow him on Twitter @DerrekAsberry.

The Savannah River Site Museum, 224 Laurens St. S.W., will hold a preview opening for the public from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Work on the building and exhibits is not complete, but visitors will see initial exhibits about the Savannah River Site and learn of plans for the future of the new county museum. Admission is free.

SRS Museum holding preview opening

The future is looking much brighter for three historic barns off Mead Avenue near the Aiken Training Track that were in danger of being demolished.

The Whitney Barns Group recently finalized a lease agreement with the Whitney Trustees that will allow the organization to move forward with its plans to restore and preserve the three wood structures. Another barn in the area also is included in the arrangement.

"The lease is for 75 years, and we're allowed to renew it for 25 years at a time after that," said Cary Frommer, who teamed with Alice Knowles and Jack Wetzel to form the Whitney Barns Group.

This past February, however, the Whitney Trustees submitted a proposal to the Aiken Design Review Board to raze three of the four wood barns it owns at the east end of Whitney Polo Field, saying they had structural problems because of their advanced age and lapses in upkeep.

In February, however, the Trustees decided not to proceed with that plan after Frommer, Knowles and Wetzel developed a strategy to save the barns, which were built before the Training Track was established in 1941.

"We've begun the cleanup process, and right now we are hauling away couches and other stuff that had been left there for years," said Frommer, who is a trainer at the Aiken Training Track. "We also are cutting down a lot of brush, and there are some tree stumps we have to get removed."

In addition, the Whitney Barns Group has hired Dale Mast's Mast Construction Co. in Batesburg, and work will begin soon to refurbish one of the barns.

"It has a metal roof, and we are going to replace the sections that need to be replaced," Frommer said. "We're also going to replace a lot of the posts that support the roof and attach them to cement bases."

In addition, the electrical wiring and plumbing in the barn will be updated. Its 34 stalls will be repainted, and the boards inside them will be repaired or replaced. They also might get new doors.

"There was a little old building between a couple of the barns that we were going to tear down, but now we're going to fix it up and make it usable," Frommer said. "It has two restrooms, and we're going to put a washer or dryer in there."

After those tasks are completed, there still will be much more left to do, and it will be expensive.

"I would guess the entire project is going to cost around $2 million," Frommer said. "We got one estimate before we started, but it is proving to be off by about 50 percent."

Frommer and her Whitney Barns Group colleagues have been using some of their own money to pay the bills, and they have received promises for more funds from other people.

"We know we have a big job ahead of us, but we think it is well worth doing because these barns are in the heart of the Aiken horse district and they are historic as well," Frommer said. "We've gotten very good feedback from the horse community and the Aiken community in general about helping us out, and we're excited to be doing it."

Dede Biles is a general assignment reporter for the Aiken Standard.

A Warrenville man reported someone broke into his home located on Henson Street and stole several items Wednesday while his mother was asleep. The man said the unknown subjects entered through a space under the house, allowing them to enter through a vent.

A Ridge Spring woman reported Wednesday someone stole her vehicle from her home on Vanest Road. Deputies said glass was on the ground around the area where the vehicle had been parked.

Deputies reported someone broke into a Warrenville woman's home on Sarah Street while she was away Tuesday evening. The report states that money and food were stolen.

A Graniteville woman reported Wednesday her car had been broken into while parked at an Aiken residence located on Trolley Line Road. Deputies reported several items stolen and discovered the woman's credit card was used at a nearby gas station.

Deputies reported Wednesday a Beech Island woman was dragged out of her car and assaulted by a man on Sandbar Ferry Road. Deputies spoke with witnesses who saw the attack, and they claimed the man was intoxicated and fled before police arrived.

According to reports provided by the Aiken Department of Public Safety:

A 41-year-old Aiken woman was riding her bike Thursday and reported seeing four males driving by her in her mother's car on Horry Street. Officers questioned one of the juveniles and found out that he, along with three of his friends, had broken into the car to drive it around while smoking marijuana.

An Orangeburg woman reported Wednesday someone had stolen the air conditioning unit out of the backyard of a house she owns on Marion Street.

An 18-year-old Aiken woman reported Wednesday her car was broken into at her residence on Edrie Oaks Circle. The report stated the front passenger window was broken out, and the woman's wallet was missing.

Officers arrested and charged a 43-year-old Aiken woman Tuesday after she had been caught trying to conceal items from a store on Whiskey Road.

These are the bookings recorded for the Barnwell County Detention Center for Aug. 4-10, 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.

Sentonio Dewaine Allen, 33 — driving under suspension, leaving the scene of an accident unattended vehicle

Patricia Ann Cave, 41 — driving under suspension, filing a false police report

Kevin Timothy Milligan, 21 — no driver's license in possession

Alexious Quadell Price, 33 — receiving stolen goods

Haygood MacDuffy Stanley, 17 — assault and battery third degree two counts

John Daniel Moore, 28 — driving under suspension, open container of beer or wine

Ronnie Martin Williams, 27 — assault and battery third degree, obtaining goods under false pretenses

Anthony Elwood Mintz, 33 — disorderly conduct

Corey Jonathan Ellington, 27 — driving under suspension, Alcohol Beverage Control violation, leaving the scene of an accident, failure to stop for blue lights, resisting arrest

Ronnie Dean Dyches, 48 — domestic violence third degree, possession of other controlled substance schedule I to V

Glenn Allen Hankins Jr., 35 — disorderly conduct, simple possession of marijuana

Daniel Matthew Bodiford, 43 — manufacture of methamphetamine first offense, possession, manufacture or distribution of methamphetamine, disposal of methamphetamine

Charles Edward Grubbs II, 26 — driving under the influence, driving under suspension, allowing operation of an uninsured vehicle

Ryan David O'Callaghan, 31 — hold for Aiken

Christopher Dewayne Dunbar, 30 — trespassing after warning or refusing to leave

Phillip Hay, 43 — assault and battery third degree two counts

Arthur Julius Kelly, 68 — disorderly conduct

An Aiken man faces charges after police reported finding an open container and drugs in his car Thursday.

Clattee Williams Jr., 44, was charged with possession of cocaine, according to an incident report provided by the Aiken Department of Public Safety.

Officers reported that they pulled up behind a suspicious silver Chevy parked at the City park on Aldrich Street shortly after 2 a.m.

The car was parked in front of a sign stating the park closes when it gets dark, officers said.

Officers approached the vehicle, finding Williams sitting in the driver's seat; one of the officers noticed a beer lying in the vehicle with beer pouring out of it, according to the report.

Williams got out of the car, telling officers he was waiting on someone and that he wasn't drinking while driving, deputies said.

Officers searched the vehicle after Williams told them there was nothing else in the car, and they saw in plain sight a bag filled with what they believed to be cocaine, according to the report.

Officers arrested Williams and sent him to the Aiken County detention center.

Police report finding cocaine in man's car

An Aiken man was arrested and charged Thursday after police attempted to stop him for speeding, but he did not stop until he got home, according to an incident report provided by the Aiken Department of Public Safety.

Romon Jeroid Williams, 26, was charged with driving under suspension second offense and failure to comply. He also was ticketed for speeding.

Officers attempted to stop Williams after clocking him going 63 miles per hour in a 45-miles-per-hour zone, but he did not stop until he reached his home on Laurens Street, according to the report.

Williams opened his garage door and attempted to close the door behind him, according to the report.

Officers ordered Williams to stop and drew their weapons after he assumed a fighting stance and concealed his hand behind his back, according to the report.

After Williams stopped resisting, officers discovered he was driving with a suspended license, deputies said.

Williams was taken to the Aiken County detention center.

Man charged after not stopping for police

Mead Hall Episcopal School will kick off the school year with an orientation program Friday, ahead of the first day of school that begins Monday. The school has two campuses in downtown Aiken.

On Friday, children in grades 3K, 4K and 5K will meet their teachers at the St. Thaddeus campus on Pendleton Street from 1 to 2 p.m. Those in first through fourth grades will also meet there from 2 to 3 p.m.

Students in fifth through 12th grades will meet their teachers at the Aiken Prep campus on Barnwell Street from 2 to 3 p.m.

Classes will begin on Monday. The school hours are as follows: Kindergarten students will be 8 a.m. to 2:20 p.m. Those in first through fourth grades will attend school from 8 a.m. to 2:50 p.m. The schedule for those in fifth through 12th grades will be 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

For more information, email lrobinson@meadhall.org or call 803-644-1122 at the St. Thaddeus campus or 803-648-3223 at the Aiken Prep campus.

Kitty Gordon is the head of the school. Susan Wade is the principal at the St. Thaddeus campus, and Joanne Morton is the Aiken Prep campus principal.

The Mead Hall PTO will treat faculty and staff members to a back-to-school breakfast Friday. The PTO recently provided more than $21,000 for technology and classroom enhancements, thanks in large part to the support of parents, community sponsors and donors.

Mead Hall will mark a record of more than 370 students this year in 3K to 12th grade. In addition, the Aiken Prep campus will celebrate its centennial this year, observing several events to recognize the accomplishments of Aiken Prep's alumni.

The PTO will host a community-wide golf tournament on March 11. Sponsors and golfers are encouraged to mark their calendars now. For more information, visit meadhallschool.org.

A Georgia man is facing multiple charges after crashing his vehicle immediately after passing through two security gates at the Savannah River Site.

Paul Cooper II, 32, was charged with driving under the influence, said Lance Cpl. Judd Jones, of the South Carolina Highway Patrol.

Jones said the call came in around 6:20 a.m.

Cooper was driving a Toyota Camry south on South Carolina Highway 19, went through a Savannah River Site security gate, went through another security gate and proceeded to hit a ditch and a tree before overturning, according to a report.

Cooper suffered minor injuries.

Man charged with DUI after crash at SRS

A benefit cookout is being held Saturday to raise funds for the victims of the recent fire that devastated some units of The Colony at South Park.

A group of apartments at The Colony at South Park caught fire July 20. There were no injuries, but 22 people were left homeless.

This benefit will allow people to donate in order to help.

All donated funds will be used to purchase gift cards to local grocery and home goods stores, according to a recent press release.

The event will begin at 2 p.m., and is being held near the pool area at The Colony.

Those who attend the benefit will get to enjoy fresh smoked pork butts and various side dishes, according to the release.

For anyone who may not be able to attend the cookout, a bank account has been opened at the Wells Fargo Bank for Colony Fire & Rescue.

According officials with Wells Fargo, the account was opened to make it easy for anyone to donate.

If someone would like to donate to the fund, visit any Wells Fargo and place a donation with the account called Ted Roberts, Colony Fire & Rescue.

Roberts will be in charge of the donations, according to officials with the bank.

An Aiken trooper was fired Thursday after S.C. Attorney General Alan Wilson announced the law enforcement officer was the subject of a child pornography investigation.

John Lee Marshall Lillard, 39, a trooper with S.C. Department of Public Safety Troop 7, Post C/Aiken, is charged with 10 counts of sexual exploitation of a minor second degree and four counts of sexual exploitation of a minor third degree, according to a press release from attorney general's office.

Each count is a felony offense punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment.

"The termination was for improper conduct/conduct unbecoming a state employee and arrest or indictment for alleged violation of federal or state law," according to a release by Sherri Iacobelli, communications director with the S.C. Department of Public Safety.

Lillard was a corporal with the department and had been since 1999, Iacobelli said.

"Lillard held a position of trust as a law enforcement officer and possessing contraband of this nature betrayed that trust, creating a situation that reflected poorly on the department and the law enforcement profession," Iacobelli said in a press release.

The S.C. State Law Enforcement Division, a member of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, made the arrest, according to Wilson's office.

Assistance was provided by the Florence County Sheriff's Office, Aiken County Sheriff's Office and South Carolina Department of Public Safety.

The case will be prosecuted by the attorney general's office.

Tripp Girardeau is a beat reporter with Aiken Standard.

Registration opens next week for Aiken's eighth annual Senior Extravaganza, an event held for seniors and their caretakers by offering information and support in the Aiken area.

The City's Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department have partnered with Tri-County Home Health and Hospice, Right At Home, Regency Hospice, Cumberland Village, Trinity on Laurens and BeWell Home Services to hold the annual event.

The Senior Extravaganza is free and open to the public and will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 16, at the H. Odell Weeks Activities Center, 1700 Whiskey Road.

The annual event will feature a variety of products, services, programs and support from more than 80 home vendors, offering services on health care, assisted living and financial support.

Registration opens Wednesday, and the first 500 people - 225 more than in years past - to register can pick which class they would like to attend.

People who register will receive a 2015 Senior Extravaganza T-shirt; only 325 participants will receive a lunch by a lottery system.

Platinum sponsors for this year's Senior Extravanganza include Tri-County Home Health and Hospice, Aiken Regional Medical Centers, University Health Care System and Margaret's Garden Adult Daycare.

Gold sponsors are Agape Senior, Hospice Advantage, the Aiken Standard, Pepper Hill Nursing and Rehab Center, Shadow Oaks Assisted Living Community, AllStar Tents and Events and Allegra.

Silver sponsors are Trinity Home Service, ResCare, Cole Funeral Home, Carolina Musculoskeletal Institute, Professional Case Management, NHC Healthcare and Homecare, Alliance Hospice and CareSouth.

Bronze sponsors include Edward Jones Investments, University Home Health, Anchor Health and Rehab, Nuclear Care Partner, Southlawn Cemetery and Mausoleum, Pruitt Aiken and Pruitt North Augusta.

For more information, call 803-642-7631.

Maayan Schechter is the digital news editor with Aiken Standard.

Follow her on Twitter @MaayanSchechter.

Seven sporting tournaments held in the North Augusta area brought more than a quarter of a million dollars of economic impact to Aiken and Augusta during June and July.

"We have the facilities, and when you have the facilities for tournaments, you need to use them," said Rick Meyer, the director of North Augusta Parks, Recreation and Leisure Services.

In June and July, Riverview Park played host to the ASA Girls Softball Tournament, the South Carolina RBI Baseball Tournament, the Cal Ripken State Tournament for 9- through 12-year-olds, the Nike Peach Jam, the Cal Ripken Southeast Regional 9-year-old Baseball Tournament, the Dixie Boys State Baseball Tournament and the Nike Nationals.

"The seven tournaments, as a whole, produced a gross revenue of $263,000," Meyer said.

Of that amount, $223,000 is from the two Nike tournaments - the Nike Peach Jam and the Nike Nationals, Meyer said. Both tournament totals exceed last year's record-setting totals.

The estimates for the economic impact to the Central Savannah River Area, or CSRA, haven't been released by the Augusta Sports Council, but Meyer said he felt comfortable estimating it was between $5 and $10 million.

"I would even go as far as to say it was between $7 million and $10 million," he said. "It has to be, because you could not find a hotel room in the CSRA. It just wasn't going to happen."

Credit to a dedicated staff

Meyer credited his staff as being a major reason for the success of the department.

"That is one of our goals, and it always has been," he said. "As we move into the future, we want to be a destination for tournaments because of the facilities we have."

He said it is important to have a staff that knows how to run, organize and manage tournaments.

"If you ask Nike why they keep coming back, ... it's that they get a professional staff that bust their butts and they know what they're doing," he said. "Nike looks around for the best places to take their EYBL circuit, and sometimes they go experiment in a new state or facility because it looks good. Then they don't stay, because they don't get the same thing they get when they're here."

Support from elected officials

In addition to employees, Meyer pointed to North Augusta's elected officials, administration and community as supporting the recreation department's efforts.

The Activities Center is also looking forward to a potential two-gym expansion in 2017.

"There's a reason why people like myself have made this place home and hung around," he said. "You make progress and add new things. ... The two gyms aren't just for Nike; there's so much more we can do if we add two more gyms.

"Two months, over a quarter (of a) million dollars - just talking about seven tournaments. If you include sports camps in June and July, it runs over $300,000. It may not sound like much to Nashville, Tennessee, or Los Angeles, California; but, to North Augusta, it's pretty good."

Moving forward

Excitement is building over the potential Holiday Inn Express at Exit 5 and the new hotel and convention center as part of the Project Jackson downtown development, Meyer said.

He pointed to the State Dixie Boys Tournament as an example.

"They were staying in Aiken," he said.

"They couldn't get a hotel room in Augusta that they wanted, and they stayed in Aiken. We filled up the Sleep Inn here in North Augusta, but there are only so many rooms.

The cottages at the River Club were booked for both tournaments. There's many reasons why the month of July, and Nike, are No. 2 in this area behind The Masters."

Community leaders in Aiken County are reaching out to the Aiken Training Track, asking what they can do to help as the facility tries to cope with the loss of its biggest stable.

"We are concerned, and we want to be proactive," said J. David Jameson, president and CEO of the Greater Aiken Chamber of Commerce.

Last week, Jameson sent an email on behalf of himself and Aiken City Manager John Klimm to Aiken Training Track President Brad Stauffer.

They want to meet with Stauffer after he returns from his trip to Saratoga Springs, New York, this week.

"John and I talked about the Aiken Training Track's situation, and we both have the same level of interest in it," Jameson said. "We felt like it would be easier on Brad if he could brief us both at the same time."

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Makotum, the ruler of Dubai, plans to shut down his Thoroughbred training operation in Aiken by the end of September.

During the Training Track's most recent training season, which began in October 2014 and ran through this past April, 53, or approximately 30 percent, of the 175 horses that used the facility belonged to Sheikh Mohammed.

Based on a track usage fee of $1,200 per Thoroughbred, Sheikh Mohammed's stock provided $63,500 in income to the Training Track.

"The smartest businessman in the world would be stumped by an action like that," Jameson said. "I'm not exactly sure what we can do, but if there is something, I'll be willing to jump right in there and do it."

The Aiken Training Track was established in 1941, and numerous champion Thoroughbreds - including Conquistador Cielo, Forty Niner, Kelso, Pleasant Colony, Shuvee and Storm Song - have galloped over its surface. During the early 1980s, more than 400 horses spent each winter there.

"In my mind, the Training Track is an important component of Aiken's culture and personality," Jameson said. "It's one of the things that makes Aiken special, and it's part of the fiber of this community. We want to make sure that we don't lose it."

Jameson is eager to hear any suggestions that Stauffer might have about how the City of Aiken or the Chamber of Commerce could assist the Training Track.

"He could come to us with something specific, but I just don't know what it would be," Jameson said. "Maybe we could go with him to see a trainer, or maybe we could follow up with a phone call and say, 'We know you've talked to Brad, and we really wish you would consider Aiken. What can we do to help convince you to come?'"

Klimm sent an email message when asked about his interest in the Training Track's current dilemma and its future.

"I stand ready to work with Brad Stauffer, David Jameson and others to assist in any way possible in moving forward the Aiken Training Track," Klimm wrote. "I look forward to getting together with Mr. Stauffer to offer our support and assistance."

Stauffer, in a telephone interview Tuesday, expressed appreciation for Jameson's and Klimm's concerns.

"I'm very happy to have any and all suggestions and help of any kind to do what we need to do," Stauffer said. "We are currently sending emails back and forth while trying to set up a date for the meeting."

The Training Track is in Aiken County Councilman Andrew Siders' district, and he said he wants to hear from Stauffer and other people associated with the facility.

"I would love for someone to call me," Siders said. "I want to know what I can do to help. I'd be glad to do anything I could."

Cary Frommer, a trainer based at the Training Track, was happy to learn that leaders in the community were offering their assistance.

"We know how valuable the horse community has been in developing Aiken into the wonderful place it is," she said. "It's nice to know that they want to try to help, and we aren't in this alone."

During the City of Aiken's most recent fiscal year, which ended June 30, the Training Track received a $35,000 reimbursement from accommodations tax funds for money spent to promote the Aiken Trials. The purpose of that advertising was to attract tourists who live 50 miles or more from Aiken.

Dede Biles is a general assignment reporter for the Aiken Standard and has been with the newspaper since January 2013.

A native of Concord, N.C., she graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

These are the bookings recorded for the Doris C. Gravat Detention Center for Aug. 12, 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.

Daniel Lee White, 38 — unlawful carrying of a pistol, speeding 84 in a 55, defective tires

Mack Donquez Nelson, 22 — simple larceny $1,000 or less, domestic violence third degree, domestic violence second degree

Ashton Leigh Murphy, 23 — simple larceny $1,000 or less, grand larceny $10,000 or more

Raymond Christopher Toole, 40 — failure to pay child support

Vincent Ricarlo Shaw, 24 — driving under suspension third offense

Matthew Alex Goss, 18 — assault and battery third degree, minor in consumption

Eric Jovon Rowe, 24 — possession of marijuana second offense

Bruce Edwin Kight, 56 — possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine

Timothy Donnelly Moore, 20 — defective tires, driving under the influence, simple possession of marijuana

Jeremiah William Head, 34 — driving uninsured

Justin Leonardo Mayfield, 28 — domestic violence second degree

Marcus Tyrone Butler, 34 — simple possession of marijuana

Amber Skye Garrick, 26 — habitual offender unlawful to drive, driving under suspension third offense or subsequent

Kelly Elaine Caldwell, 29 — driving under suspension first offense, driving under the influence second offense

Jeramy Richard Hull, 38 — simple possession of marijuana

Marquise Terrel Green, 18 — assault and battery third degree

Kevin Eric Miller, 24 — no driver's license

Taki Emarl Stewart, 35 — driving under suspension first offense

James Thomas, 26 — shoplifting value $2,000 or less bench warrant

Charles Roger Eubanks, 54 — breach of trust with fraudulent intent less than $1,000

Matthew Anthony Cheverez, 27 — false information to police/fire

Tyshone Lee Crosson, 37 — possession of a firearm by a convicted felon

Darla Maria Ross, 45 — hold for Edgefield County

Richard Eugene Goudy, 51 — sexual exploitation of a minor second degree two counts, lewd act on a child two counts

Jerome Williams, 59 — family court civil contempt of court sentenced

Tasha Monquilla Hatten, 17 — assault and battery third degree

Ricky Antonio Jones, 39 — hold for Aiken Department of Public Safety

Cynthia Young Scott, 53 — awaiting warrant from Aiken County Sheriff's Office

Samantha Lynn Burns, 22 — shoplifting $1,000 or less first offense commitment

Jessica Ann Malone, 30 — assault and battery third degree

The City of Aiken Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism will sponsor its Back to School Fun Day Event 2015 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at Perry Memorial Park, 720 Abbeville Ave. N.E.

The event will include free school supplies, food and hair cuts. It's Better Live Entertainment will provide special guest performers and an open mic.

Bike club sponsors of the event are Free Riders MC Inc., Heavy Hitters Inc., Atomic Dogs, Ole Skol New Skol, Ultimate Pink Divas, Authentic Ladies, SC Morality, Zuke Boyz MC, Juke Joint Riders, WBSA, Hypnotic Rider MC and Faith Riders for Christ.

Fun Day to feature free school supplies, entertainment

Police have arrested an Aiken man who was wanted in Florida for murder.

Deondrea Pierre Brown, 24, was arrested Thursday and is being booked for burglary and assault and battery; he is also being held for Lake County Florida on the charge of murder, according to a press release.

According to WKMG Local 6 in Florida, Brown is wanted for the murder of Chacarion Avant, 20, of Mascotte, Florida, who was killed in July.

The Aiken County Sheriff's Office, assisted by the U.S. Marshals Service, was able to bring Brown in due to credible information on his whereabouts received from citizens, according to the release.

Brown was found on Cocoa Drive in Aiken, officers said.

Brown is believed to be responsible for assaulting a woman in her own house located on Whispering Pines Terrace in July, according to the release.

Brown is being held at the Aiken County detention center.

Former Silver Bluff head baseball coach Will Howard was introduced as the new head coach of the Aiken Hornets baseball program Thursday evening. Howard, who spent one season as the head coach of the Bulldogs, will fill the vacancy left by Kevin Lynn when he went to become the head baseball coach at Fox Creek.

"It's a blessing to be able to come to a place that has a great tradition and has the resources to be successful," Howard said. "It's humbling as a coach, and I'm very glad to be given the position. I look forward to helping continue the tradition this program has."

Prior to his year of coaching at Silver Bluff, Howard was on the coaching staff at South Aiken for a year and helped out with baseball operations at the University of South Carolina. He has also been the head coach of the Carolina Combat 15U team, a travel baseball program based out of Columbia.

Aiken recently returned to the playoffs in back-to-back season's under Lynn, who amassed a 23-22 record in his two seasons with the program. Howard is looking to build on that and take it a step further with his teaching both on and off the field.

"My goal is to impact these guys in a positive way and teach them the game of baseball and how to play it the right way. I want to be a positive influence on them as young men and teach them that everything we do, we do it with class."

Howard who is a native of Camden and played college baseball at Wingate University, teaches at Jackson Middle School. He feels that he has a lot that he can offer the team. Howard met many members of the team at Thursday night's event. He said he has already felt the love from the Aiken fan base, which has him anxious to get started.

"It's a local place. My family is here in Aiken. I love to stay here and be around them. The overall tradition and pride Aiken has was also a big reason I was drawn here," Howard said.

Howard said his team will be hitting the weightroom soon in anticipation of the upcoming year.

Eric Russell is the sports editor at the Aiken Standard. Follow him on Twitter @EricJ_Russell.

Some 6,700 undergrads moving into U of SC campus dorms

COLUMBIA — Curb-side parking and elevator space will be at a premium this week as more than 6,700 undergraduates move into University of South Carolina housing on the Columbia campus.

University spokeswoman Megan Sexton says most of the students are moving into dorms Friday and Saturday. She estimates 96 percent of the 5,200 incoming freshmen are expected to live on campus this semester.

Overall, more than 31,000 students are enrolled on the university's flagship campus.

A series of welcome events will be held from Saturday evening through early in the week to help new students become acquainted with the university community. A convocation will be held Sunday at the Colonial Life Arena.

Classes begin Aug. 20.

Steel mill in Georgetown shutters doors, costing 226 jobs

GEORGETOWN — The Georgetown steel mill is now closed and the city is looking toward the future.

Multiple media outlets report while the official closing was Thursday production at the mill actually stopped last month. The mill owner announced earlier this year it was closing the plant leaving 226 workers without jobs.

The plant was ArcelorMittal's main producer of wire rod in the United States. The company said it could no longer compete with foreign steel wire imports it said are being unfairly traded domestically.

Mayor Jack Scoville tells WCIV television (http://bit.ly/1gG8fgW) the city will lose up to a half million dollars in tax and business fee revenue. Scoville says there are no immediate plans for the property but the city planning committee will conduct a study of the site.

Popular Thunder Road roller coaster demolished at Carowinds

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A roller coaster that generated screams and smiles for nearly 40 years is no more.

Multiple media outlets report the wooden roller coaster Thunder Road was demolished Thursday at Carowinds amusement park near Charlotte. The demolition is part of a $50 million renovation plan for the park.

The roller coaster passed through both North Carolina and South Carolina at top speeds of 45 mph during a ride lasting more than two minutes.

The massive roller coaster required more than a half-million feet of treated lumber to construct before it opened in 1976, three summers after Carowinds opened.

Carowinds announced earlier this year it would tear down Thunder Road due to declining ridership and to make way for newer attractions.