COLUMBIA - A year ago, a nation stood horrified after nine African-Americans were deliberately gunned down during a quiet, evening Bible study at a church in Charleston, South Carolina. The massacre sparked anguish and soul-searching that led to steps unimaginable even a decade ago, including the lowering of Confederate flags in parts of the South.

Now, the ever-passionate conversation about race has a new venue: the South Carolina State Museum. An exhibit opens Saturday that aims to tackle and explain the elements that comprise race and racism in the United States, in an effort to help explain differences and perhaps find ways to bridge them.

"Race: Are We So Different?" opens June 4 and runs through September 11. Museum officials say the 5,000 square-foot exhibition is the first nationally traveling exhibit to tell the stories of race from the biological, cultural and historical points of view.

Museum officials estimate anywhere from 15,000 to 20,000 visitors will tour the exhibit during its run, spending as much as three hours taking in the videos, text panels and interactive materials.

The exhibit tackles its topic from a variety of angles, exploring the scientific reasons for different skin tones and using high-tech stations to give users an up-close look at how genes work and make us look different from one another.

Other areas use historical photographs of "whites only" water fountains to depict the Civil Rights Era. One exhibit lays out the disparities experiences by white and black soldiers returning home from World War II. In another section, visitors can try to match up voices with the speakers' faces, in an attempt to see if you can "hear" someone's race.

Officials have tried to bring the exhibit to South Carolina in years past but deemed it too expensive. But a new impetus for the project came on June 17, 2015. On that day, authorities say, an armed white man entered the Emanuel AME Church in Charleston and gunned down nine blacks during an evening Bible study. The suspect, Dylann Storm Roof, has since been charged in the killings.

Authorities have said Roof wanted to start a race war. Pictures of him brandishing photos of the Confederate flag led the state of South Carolina to remove it from its Statehouse grounds. A school district in Virginia banned apparel displaying Confederate and other symbols in public schools. The Florida Senate voted to remove the Confederate battle flag from the chamber's official seal.

William Calloway, executive director of the South Carolina State Museum, said that after the Science Museum of Minnesota approached him in February with a chance to launch the exhibit, the museum stepped into high gear to do in just a few months what typically takes nearly a year.

The museum partnered with the Central Carolina Community Foundation and worked with a consultant to train facilitators who will help visitors ingest the powerful information while they tour the exhibit, as well as talk about it afterward.

"A big part of this exhibit is not to leave the visitors hanging," says Calloway. "We do think it will stir emotion."

On Tuesday evenings throughout the summer, the public is invited to come and talk about the exhibit, as well as race issues in general. On June 17, the one-year anniversary of the Charleston shootings, the museum is opening its doors to anyone wishing to pause and reflect on the events of that night and the year since.

For Steve Benjamin, the first black mayor of South Carolina's capital city and first elected in 2010, the exhibit, and the conversations he feels certain it will inspire, will be beneficial for anyone interested in learning more both about what unites and divides us.

As he walked through the exhibit a few days before its opening, the mayor said he also sees the historic flooding that last fall devastated parts of South Carolina - including Columbia - as an important illustration of how tragedies can affect people of all races in massive ways.

"We showed America, we showed the world - even more importantly, we showed ourselves that we're in this together," Benjamin said. "It's not the crisis. It's how you respond to it."

The Aiken Department of Public Safety is asking for the public's help in identifying a man wanted for armed robbery.

Aiken police responded to the 400 block of Greenville Street Thursday afternoon after a 75-year-old Aiken man was robbed while completing home repairs, according to a news release.

The victim is the owner of the house and was cleaning it for the next tenant, a Public Safety incident report said.

The victim said when he arrived at the Greenville Street home, a young, black, skinny man wearing a hooded sweatshirt was sitting on the front porch, the report said. When the victim exited his truck, the man left heading toward Abbeville Avenue, the report said.

When the man turned around from his work, he saw three black males, including the man with the sweatshirt, at the doorway, and two of the men were armed with handguns, the release said.

The suspects demanded money from the victim, and were given an undisclosed amount, the release said.

The victim said all three suspects attempted to cover their face, but were recognizable at times, the report said.

The suspects fled the home on foot toward Florence Street and the Aiken Bloodhound Tracking Team were notified to search the area, but were unsuccessful, the release said.

Individuals with information related to the identity of the male suspect involved are asked to call CrimeStoppers of the Midlands at 888-CRIME-SC (888-274-6372).

Individuals will remain anonymous and could be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

Maayan Schechter is the digital news editor with the Aiken Standard. Follow her on Twitter @MaayanSchechter.

COLUMBIA - The South Carolina Department of Social Services has ended a lawsuit by agreeing to lower social workers' caseloads, put fewer children in institutions, and do a better job investigating allegations of abuse.

The agreement filed in federal court Friday settles a lawsuit accusing the agency of endangering children in its care.

Sue Berkowitz with Appleseed Legal Justice Center says the settlement brings life-changing improvements and a brighter future for the state's most vulnerable children.

The agency promises more face-to-face visits between caseworkers and children, to keep siblings together unless that would be unsafe - and provide better health care.

It must stop placing children in hotels and office buildings for overnight stays. And it can no longer keep kids in juvenile jail when the agency has nowhere to put them.

NEW YORK - Rising drug and alcohol overdoses, suicides, and disease from chronic alcoholism - labeled "deaths of despair" by one expert - are cutting the lives of white Americans short by nearly a half a year on average.

Increases in these types of deaths among whites means that life expectancy for whites is not increasing as fast as it is for other groups, according to a government report that offers an unusual look at how different threats are affecting U.S. lifespans.

"Things are moving in the wrong direction," said Anne Case, a Princeton University researcher, of what she calls "deaths of despair."

Drawing from death certificate data, the new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention focuses on what happened to white life expectancy between 2000 and 2014.

The work was a reaction to recent research that suggested drug overdoses and suicides have caused alarming increases in death rates for middle-aged white Americans. The new report, which did not perform the same analysis for blacks and Hispanics, was posted online Friday.

Overall, white life expectancy still grew because other things were improving. Deaths from heart disease - the nation's No. 1 killer - dropped significantly, and that alone added a year to white life expectancy. Nearly one more year was added because of falling death rates from cancer, stroke, and motor vehicle crashes, the researchers found.

But then drugs and alcohol subtracted about 4 months from life expectancy, according to Kenneth Kochanek, a CDC statistician who was the report's lead author. No other cause of death had a bigger negative impact, he said.

Increasing suicides had the second largest negative impact, subtracting roughly 6 weeks from white life expectancy. The growing impact of Alzheimer's disease was third, reducing longevity by about 3 weeks.

Falls also whittled down white life expectancy gains, the researchers found. So did chronic liver disease, often the result of heavy alcohol consumption or injection drug use that spreads the liver-destroying hepatitis C virus.

Experts cite several possible reasons that drug overdose deaths and suicides are occurring far more often among middle-aged whites than other groups. They say whites have had an easier time getting access to the powerful painkillers that have been the root of the current drug overdose epidemic. And whites may more quickly turn to suicide because often they don't have the kind of family and social support often seen in black and Hispanic communities, they say.

Though the gap is closing, white life expectancy is still significantly greater than life expectancy for blacks.

White life expectancy grew to nearly 79 in 2014, from about 77 1/2 years in 2000. Black life expectancy rose to a little over 75 from about 71 1/2. Life expectancy for Hispanics rose to 82 years from 79.

Things may be taking a turn for the worse, however. Earlier this week, CDC issued a report on preliminary death data for 2015 that showed the U.S. death rate rose slightly - the first increase in a decade. The report did not break down what was happening in different racial groups, but experts say whites death trends are likely the primary reason.

"This all just points to the fact that we have a very serious problem that we don't fully understand," Case said.

Online:

CDC report: www.cdc.gov/nchs/

Barry Lenzie Armstrong, Mykelti Shemar Barnes, Keomi Ali Berry, Tionne Lynette Brooks, Diana Makayla Bryant, Michael Anthony Chavis, Shamya Dimitrius Davis, Lexus Janelle Dukes, Alexus Natasha Dunbar, Devin Jawan Faust, Willie Edward Ferguson, IIII, Wayne Curtis Gilyard, Essence Monee' Grant, Jacob Holden Hair, Shaquanda Tynisha Hanberry, Clayton Ridge Holder, Tyniah Sheree' James, Jordan Faneshia Jenkins, Jwaun Lamont Jenkins, Aleah O'Nee Johnson, Reeon Ressan Johnson, Jordan Christopher Jones, Danequa Naaje Jones, Davon Markell Joyner, Hayley Marie Justice, Davida Japel Kenner, Katrina Angelica Kokubon, Darius Ja'Quai Lipford, Brandon Octavius Mitchell, Ashley Marie Moors, Danquan Zhamera Morrison, Shyriah Imari Myrick, Anthony Markell Plunkett, Kartaciana Nicole Pough, Ni'Asia Jalexis Raysor, Jalala Irene Rivers, Nicholas Dearlo Sanders, Nyeaijah Samone Saxon, Shaquoya Monique Shell, Jason Jarmez Smith, Najay Marnique Walker, Trey Demond Walker, Lanasia Monique Wardlaw, Carl Edward Williams and DaShana Naomi Williams

Carson Seabrook Anderson, William Greene Barnes II, Justin Garrett Baxley, Nicholas Tyler Bellmon, Austin Gregory Benton, Audrey Wayne Bodiford, Jonathan Wayne Bodiford II, Jacob Connor Bokman, Sevanna Ann Boleman, Alexis Anne Bozard, Banks Tillman Brabham, Dylan Byrnes Brant, DeMarcus Dewayne Brooks, Safwan Brooks, Edmond Alexander Brown, Jesse Alexander Brown, Ashley Alexandria Bryant, Bionca Lashay Denise Buckmon, Timothy Smith Burdette, Davina Renee Byars, Charlotte Lynn Byrne, Kiarra Symone' Calhoun, M'Lynne Shelby Carroll, Alexander Lamont Carter Jr., Savanna Jordan Carter, William Rhett Cato, Rakeya Michelle Cave, Noah Quinton Chavis, Jonathan Bailey Cheek, Taylor Donielle Collins , Bralyn Gray Creech , Kaitlyn Hannah Michale Creech, Logan Alyssa Creech, Jaquan Ali Daniels, Brooks Anthony Danner, Spencer Ryan Davis, Stacy Duncan Delk Jr., Shaliah Tiesta Dent, Emily Rice Dicks, Cameron Skye Dobson, Jacara Monae Donaldson, Kristina Marie Donaldson, Tymesha Alexus Drayton, Michael William Dulaney, Sy-Deysa Jabriea Edgerton, Martin Ervin Edsall, William Edwards, Thomas Dylan Elkins, Makayla Ayanna Elmore, William Roman Epperson, Jonathan Edward Eubanks, Victoria Ann Sophia Faglier, DonQuavius Omar Faulkner, Emily Albertha Flowers, Quaderius Tyreak Frazier, Anissa Monea Frederick, Zakiya NyAsia Latrice Fullington, Ayana Monique Gaines, Benjamin Lawrence Gardner, Robert Lewis Germaux Jr., Andrew Decosta Grant, Kendrick Antron Green Jr., Rodney Willard Hair Jr., Daryl Preston Hallingquest, India Eve Hartley, Brandon Neil Hess, Jacob Vance Holden II, John Michael Hardwick Hope, Raven Samone Hosey, Shelby Taylor Hurst, Katelyn Modasia Ingram , Arkeim Kemal Jacobs, Joanna John, Malik Dashawn Johnson, Marcus De'Andre Johnson, Daquawn Demetrius Jones, Robin Monique Kennedy, Taylor Ashton Lane, Diamond Deangelo Lingard, Shyneshah Salmone Lofton, Michaela Marie Long, Tristan Bradley Long, Richard Guy Green Lowery, Halee Nicole Lunsford, Maheedhar Naga Sai Varma Mandapati, Ethan Austin Mansfield, John Cristopher Mays, Oskana Mcanna Mae Mikell, Debra Elizabeth Miller, Kia Terrapin Miner, Raven Alexis Mixon, Lauren Nichole Mizell, Olivia Marie Mock, Makayla Renee' Moors, Kiah Nyree' Morris, Benjamin Franklin Nix , Cody Allen Nix, Denise Lakiwi Nichelle Crystal Nix, Ashley Mone' O'Neal, Janie Cecile Oswald, Alexcia Dra'nay Owens, Tyler Blake Owens, Clarence Richard Paige Jr., Hirali Mahesh Patel, Cierra DyNetria Patterson, Yasmine Diamonique Patterson, Kelsey Lauren Peay, Faith Summer Shae-Lynn Pennicuff, Kendall Morgan Perry, Robert Lee Pinckney Jr., Joseph Allen Price, Brooke Elizabeth Pridgen, Aniyah Monee' Decosta Priester, Antoinette Rio Priester, Tavian Job Priester, Samuel Parker Pritchard, Brittin Auburn Ray, Claudia O'Rea Ray, Taylor Yvonne Ray, Ciera Teonna Reed, Kiera Breonna Reed, Me'Khi Cornell Reed, Deonta Devion Rhodes, Quantelle Daniella Riddle, Justin Wrenn Ridgeway, Darius Jamal Ross, Deandre' Rashad Ryles, Lynn Alondra Salas-Ceja, Jacinth Samraj, Caleigh Dawson Sanders, Makenzie Laura Sanders, Victor Sanders, Abbigail Lynn Nicole Sankey, Kelsey Lane Shaner, Ra'Keisha Olivia Shannon, Jared Kione Simpkins, Krista Michelle Spencer, Christopher Matthew Stanley, Timothy Scott Thames, DeVaughn Antonio Thomas, Kevin Eugene Thomas Jr., Sarah Beth Thompson, Amelia Guadalupe Villalobos, Joshua Nathanial Walker, Morgan Nakayla Walker, Shondra Tanisha Walker, Taylor Nicole Walker, Nicholas Christopher Wall, Alyssa Anne Walters, Christopher Isaiah Washington, Rahkinah Latiffa Washington, Rachel Sue Carolyn Watkins, Janeka Simone White, D'Nerica Shanovia Williams, Johnathan Ryan Williams, Kayla Eunice Williams, Knacora Shanise Williams, Natori Lyshae Williams, Niesha Ciara Williams, Ashley Tierra Williamson, Hailey Anne Williamson, Paul Culbert Williamson III, Jonathon Edward Wood, Callie Victoria Wooldridge, Krystallee Mielle Yarbrough, Caroline Marie Zissette and Tiffany Diane Zorn

Christopher Jarrett Cole Adams, Ra'kaysia Ashanet Branch, Mallory Elizabeth Brown, James Da'John Broxton III, Tyshaun Jamal Bryant, Laura Hope Burbage, Jennie Caroline Burt, Clifford Shakur Chisolm, Angelica Ann Crane, Jackson Bryce Creed, Keyshawn Lamont Cuthbertson, Alexcia Shanice Dukes, Andre' Demetrice Dunbar II, Braxton Dontre Dupera, De'von Desmond Fagans, Ji'Quez Raheem Finey, David Glover Jr., Leon Green III, KeAndre' DeShawn Gregory, Jaleel Shemar Hammonds, Kaitlin McKenzie Hutson, Andrew Tyler Hutto, Joshua Caleb Jerkins, Brandarion Dequan Johnson, De'vonta Ry'Shawn Johnson, ShiTavia LaPrecious Johnson, Woodrow D'yante Jones, Kayla Michelle Key, Alex Marcell Kinard, Octavia D'Janae Mack, Deshawn Markel Mayes, Deurvon Jamori Milledge, Wade D'Angelo Moore, Ashton Elene Morris, Landrea Suzann Morris, Armani Kent Morrison, Jaquez Rashawn Myers, Kaleena Renee Fanilla Lamonda Myers, Tucker Yale Neville, McKayla Rose Nuno, Ke'shawn Anthony Ogletree, Keiwandra Niashia Parker, Brittani Shari Person, Nicole Lynn Pittman, Jennifer Carla Preble, Zawanna Devani Reed, Alexander Kincaid Rhinehart, Jacob Dustin Rhoad, Adhsa Nalay Ryans, David Gabriel Sadler, Baylee Danielle Sanders, Devonne Tyrell Sanders, Joseph Marvin Sanders, Andre'y Marquiss Simmons, Fasasha Rosechetta Simmons, Daniel Matthew Smith, Paul Lawrence Smith Jr., Zhane Dontrell Snider, Andrew Jesse-Wyatt Stephens, Hannah Susan Still, Marquez Terry Stroman, Marquise Mitchell Stroman, Oliver Wendell Terry, Madison Taylor Thomas, Teldric Da'shon Toney, Chandler Boyce Toole, La'Naiya Teonna Toole, Kirsten Ashley Ulmer, Jason Lewis Caleb Waddell, Brian Edgar Walden, Sallie Grace Walkup, Juliette Nicole Warner, Ashley Nicole White, Kandice Sarah White, Bryce Manning Williams, Shontayla Lashari Williams, Shaniya Shydea Williamson and Emily Anne Willis

Graham Matthew Adams, Dalton Thomas Anderson, Hannah Michelle Anderson, Brianna Marie Angel, Raymond Hunter Bailey, Nicholas Lee Bardinelli, Caroline Ashton Bishop, Allyssa Marie Bolton, Clayton Allen Bowen, Alexus Kiara Brighthop, Camara Grace Brown, Luke Francesco Browne, Daniel Mark Burt, Chaz Reginald Butler, Britton Hayley Campbell, Justin Taylor Campbell, Kayana D'Asia Campbell, Cord Thomas Conaway, Brandi Jean Cosnahan, Justin Clay Cross, Dolan Tucker Culpepper, Brandon Ross Dandy, Margaret Catherine Davis, Rachel Natalie Davis, Cheyenne Summer DeWolfe, Seth Michael Dobbins, Breanna Ethel-Naomi Drew, Chandler Allen Dunn, Blaire Lynn Effler, Kyle David Eggenberger, Hannah Dora Elser, Hannah Irene Fleu, Olivia Anne Floyd, Sophia Carin Kamele'o KaMoana Fowler, Tamara Alexis Garrett, James Lee Gathers, Payton Elizabeth Giffin, Morgan Frances Goff, Karwarren Jermual Green Jr., Kyleigh Elizabeth Grier, Dylan Mark Grose, Sean Curtis Hall II, Adam Robinson Hane, Austin Jayce Harper, Dylan John Hart, Brooke Elizabeth Hatcher, Todd Edward Heath Jr., Ryan Keith Hebbard, Tyler Vance Henry, Adaryll Malik Hightower, William Branden Hill, Joseph Eric Homyer, Bryan Gregory Hurt II, Nicholas Isaiah James, Dalton Joseph Johnfroe, Bryana Destiny Johnson, Joshua Dehaven Johnson, Gunnar Evan Kern, Darren Anthony Key Jr., Valerie Shyanne Ladousier, Nicholas Jay Livingston, Madison Avery Long, Keelle Rani Lovett, Daniel Austen Magness, Joshua O'Neil Martin, Morgan Taylor Matthews, Sara Anne McCommon, Harris Braswel McKie, Mark Charles Meyer Jr., Daija Monai Mims, DeAnte LaTroy Mims, Victoria Elizabeth Mock, Katelin Cassidy Moores, Emilee Jill Morgensen, Randi Danielle Moulton, Courtney Renee Mowell, Brianna Antoinette Musgrove, Alyssa May Niechniedowicz, Laikyn McKenzie O'Kelley, Madelyn Grace Overton, Sarah Cassidy Pack, Jacob Dillon Parrott, Caitlin Alexcia Patton, Kaitlin Ivy Pfennig, Robert Thomas Rizi, Ashley Nicole Roberts, Kaylan Brook Rodgers, Leland Tyler Saul, Hannah Elizabeth Sherrard, Jada Marie Simpson, Tristan Andrew Simpson, Kayley Lynn Smith, Lexi Arden Smith, Logan Elizabeth Smith, Misty Faith St. Germaine, Morgan Mae Swearingen, Dalton Allan Swires, Chloe Madison Syms, Taylor Douglas Temples, Caleb Kolbe Veihman, Betty Jo Vignati, Derek Zackary Waldrop, Corey DeAndre Walker, Nicholas David Welman, Ashton Taylor Williams, Benjarmin Cole Wilson, Victoria Ashley Winchell, Hannah Marilynn Worley and Katherine Marie Zeller

Brent Lee Batton, Zachary Edward Berry, Sarah Gabrielle Bishop , Addie Jo Bogovich, Charles Richard Burrell III, Melanie Lynn Howe, Sharon Holley Hughes, Bethany Morgan Jones, Nadia Celeste Jones, Jacob Samuel Martin, Alyssah NiQin Ridley, Branden Cole Shafer, Holden James Shaver, Cory Alan Simmons and Leah Nicole Smith

Alexis Rae Dominguez, Lauren Brandt Guillebeau, Daniel Jacob Harrington, Ella McGregor Morton, Brody William Muir and Caroline Courtney Wolcott

Austin Gregory Buckner, Brianna Gayle Huet, Avery Kelsey Kennedy, Bailey Coleman Marteney, Shana Leigh Mills, Rhett Paschal Rayos, Chelsea Breasia Reed-Brooks, Cannon Delonte Richardson and Jerrod Anthony Tyler

These are the bookings recorded for the Doris C. Gravat Detention Center for June 2, 2016. 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.

Todd Findley Griffen, 47 - driving under suspension third offense

Elijah Keenan Covell, 21 - driving under the influence, simple possession of marijuana

Christopher James Wise, 39 - grand larceny general sessions court bench warrant three counts, petit or simple larceny general sessions court bench warrant, burglary third degree first offense general sessions court bench warrant, possession of methamphetamine general sessions court bench warrant, grand larceny three counts, petit or simple larceny, burglary third degree first offense, possession of methamphetamine, failure to pay child support

William Michael Bassett, 30 - disorderly conduct/gross intoxication

Gavin Bradford Lamb, 24 - financial transaction card theft, financial transaction card fraud value more than $500 in a six-month period

Sonya Leigh Johnson, 31 - shoplifting $1,000 or less

Israel Jamael Haynes, 35 - family court failure to appear

Tracy Bogdansky Gray, 44 - driving under suspension second offense bench warrant

Albert Montrell Bush, 37 - failure to stop for blue lights and siren

Steven Lewis Johnson, 32 - shoplifting $1,000 or less

Michael Wells, 56 - family court failure to pay two counts

Michael Howard Reeves Jr., 29 - violation of probation

Ronald Wells, 48 - driving under suspension license not suspended for driving under the influence second offense

Martika Laeshae Spencer, 26 - failure to pay child support

Stacy Dorothy Toole, 28 - open container bench warrant, driving under the influence first offense bench warrant, failure to change address bench warrant

Kahlo Michael Calhoun, 21 - trespassing after notice, assault and battery third degree

Hillary Dawn Speckhardt, 35 - failure to pay child support

Kager Alexander Lee, 23 - hold for Aiken Department of Public Safety, no driver's license bench warrant

Destiny Butler, 17 - simple larceny less than $2,000

According to reports provided by the Aiken County Sheriff's Office:

Deputies arrested an 18-year-old Aiken man Thursday for possession of a stolen pistol, breaking and entering an automobile and underage drinking after causing a disturbance outside his Nokesville Circle home and stealing a 37-year-old man's pistol from his vehicle.

A 56-year-old Jackson man reported Thursday someone broke into his Ramsey Road residence and stole his television.

A 54-year-old Aiken man called police Thursday claiming an unknown individual broke into his Tratt Lane home and stole several items. Deputies reported the victim's doorframe had been broken during the break-in.

A 36-year-old Warrenville woman called police Thursday claiming a 24-year-old woman and a few others entered her Ruby Street home without her permission and stole many of her items.

A 72-year-old Graniteville man reported Thursday someone broke into his vehicle parked outside a retail store on Jefferson Davis Highway. He told police his prescribed medication was stolen from inside the car.

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

A 55-year-old Salley woman was arrested Friday morning for shoplifting after she was caught attempting to steal some merchandise from a York Street convenience store.

A 23-year-old Augusta man reported Friday his girlfriend's 16-year-old brother assaulted him at a Dupont Drive residence in Aiken. The victim said he was confronting the teen about stolen money when he started assaulting him.

A 65-year-old Aiken woman called police Thursday claiming one of her juvenile granddaughters stole $20 from her purse at her Plunkett Avenue home.

A 17-year-old Aiken teen was taken into custody Thursday for simple larceny after attempting to steal a 37-year-old Lexington woman's purse from a Whiskey Road restaurant.

An 18-year-old Aiken man called police Thursday claiming a man who goes by "Maliek" assaulted him at a park on Price Avenue by punching him in the face.

Officers arrested a 23-year-old Aiken man Thursday for second-degree domestic violence and unlawful conduct toward a child after his girlfriend claimed he assaulted her during a walk back to their Aldrich Street apartment. The victim's 6-year-old daughter also was present during the incident.

A 49-year-old Aiken woman reported Wednesday someone stole more than $100 from her purse after she accidentally left it at a Richland Avenue retail store.

Chastity Shatill Abney, Matthew Bruce Abney, Jaquan Marquise Adams, Sylvia Jackeline Aldrete, Lewanda Deshay Alewine, Kristiana Cashmere Anderson, Loughlin Davis Anderson, Kelsey Alexis Autwell, Sha-Quan Sha-Heed Jerome Bailey, Annette Shamaine Stacey Baker, Keon Jamal Milike Baughman, Dillon Thomas Beason, Bailey Tyler Benton, Kevin Thomas Berning, Daniel Edwin Blackwell, Matthew Allen Blair, Summer Grace Blanchard, Harold Deyvon Blocker, Luke Andrew Bolton, Jesse Ashaad Booth, Alexis Marie Bowles, Allison Renee Bowles, Marina Alane Brantley, Quantez Marquis Ira Brightharp, Alexander Scott Britton, Alexis Karan Brown, Avery Ryan Brown, Danika Brown, Jinny Thanh Brown, Tessa Noelle Burgess, Montrel Christian Burno , Brittany Joy Burroughs, Tomaz Ledeivence Burton, Brianna Brezuelle Butler, Gretchen Elizabeth Caddell, Derrick Heath Cadden, Taylor LaSonya Calhoun, Brittany Savannah Canady, Stephen Daniel Carlisle, Brycen Jaquez Carolina, Japheth Jardee-Kiel Carter, Xavier Raquan Clemons, Christina Marie Chavis, Shakira D'Asia Clifton, Patricia Nicole Coach, Juwan Mark'caus Coates, Aaron Mitchell Coleman, Savannah Morganne Coleman, Carlos Daniel Corona Gonzalez , Cameron C'eySean Counts, Jonathan Corey Couvillon, Daniel Christian Covell, Matthew Alexander Coverson-Springs, Myles Alexander Coverson-Springs, Christopher Tobias Croft, Shawn Michae l Cullum, Aliyah Lashaz' Curry, Chasielle Kianna Curry, Liyah Jynae' Curry, Nicholas Murphy Dairon, Lucas Gabriel Davila, Lauren Foster Davis, Lynsey Tira Day, Reid James DeMass, Deneka Aundreanna Dennis, Isabel Victoria Dickerson, David Isaiah Dixon, Meagan Elizabeth Dooley, Nate Robert Dorsch, Ayesha Octavia Drayton, Logan Tyler Durst, Jason Jacob Dyer, Madelyn Claire Edwards, Isabela Celeste Egbert, Derrick McKenzie Emerson, Erik Sidney Fallon, Savannah Lee Faulkner, Raequan Jamal Felton, Patrick Satsuki Ferguson, Raegan Dion Ferguson, Sarah Christine Fiscus, Leonasia Zantac Frazier, Tavarus Jamil Frazier, Caroline Elise Frei, Holly Irene Fulmer, Jonathan Tobias Fulmer, Laura Moreno Garcia, Kara Jean George, Sophia Lynette Gerstenberger, Ayanna Dominique Giddens, Ann-Marshall Gillam, Austin Gene Glisson, Jeffrey Marshall Glisson, Kayla Brianna Glover, Barrett Goff, MaKayla Renee Goff, Jocelyn Gomez, Molly Elizabeth Gordon, Emma Whitney Grabowski, Jhayniqua Michelle Graham, Sarah Marie Gray, Janae Brianne Green, Kelsi Amanda Green, Jack Comshaw Gregory, Regan Elizabeth Gregory, Milya Jaquilla Griffin, Quanisha Elese Griffin, Royce Nicholas Grover, Elizabeth Ann Grushkowsky, Eirian Katherine Hackenberg, Katelyn Elizabeth Hardin, Kortney Kay Hargis, Garrett Lawrence Harper, Aaron Omar Harrison, Jason Harold Hasley, Courtney Sierra Hicks, Da'Shawn Joshua Hicks, Kayla Cheyenne Hicks, Bryson Jaquan Hickson, Charquaisha Shantia Monea Hill, Isabella Marie Hill, Kianah E'Lexus Holmes, Joshua Edward Holtzendorff, Jaylesa Keyuana Hopkins, Christopher Allen Hudson, Melody Nicole Hutto, Jasmine Courtney Ingram, Ramey Danielle Jackson, Hunter Marshall James, Heather Lynn Jarchow, Akeya Leshell Johnson, Asia LaChristal Johnson, Myron Jaivon Johnson, Sara Jane Johnson, Tyvona Trenelle Johnson, Alyssa Ann Jones, Bryson Bernard Jones, Christopher Douglas Kappes, Michaela Ashley Keklak, Brandon Lenwood Kelly, Robert Kelly, Destiny Alexis Kern, Caroline Mae Kilgo, Dakwon Jarod Kitchings, Tyra Shakayla Kitchings, Marian Isabelle Kleinbub, Ryan Pierce Lamb, Oceana Yvette Lapointe, Cassia Rachel Larson, Madison Alexzandra Ledbetter, Patrick Mark LeGrand, Torah Ayanna Ligons, Anna Delrae Lipscomb, Jai'Lyn Rouxselle Lowe, Scott Anthony Lucas, Kenneth Lee Lybrand, Jeremy Michae l Maclure, Samantha Jennings Maddox, Allison Marie Malsbury, Jackai Mechelle Masters, Olivia Christina Mathison, Mitchell Ian Matthews, Samantha Marie McCarty, Michael Ryan McClintock, Antonia Shami McCreary, MaryFrances Elizabeth McGill, Taylor Briánna McKie, Collin Ramsey McKinnon, Kristen 'Olinda McKnabb, Evan Harold McPhee, Rayven Shamia Mealing, Miguel Angel Medrano, Christine Chanelle O'Neill Monroe, Marco Angelo Cha Montgomery, Jacob Raymond Moorehead, Andrika Juanita Morris, Rashad Deshawn Morris, Terrance Dentrell Morris, Noah Reid Moseley, Jessica Nicole Moxley, Cassidy Nicole Mulligan, Nicholas Shawn Muns, Lyndse y Marie Myers, Esczamilla Brenda Negrete, Timothy Allen Nelson, Kelsey Marie Nicely, Seth Kegan Nichols, Marionna Latonya Arika Nored, Sean Patrick O'Sullivan, Hannah Rose Osborne, Nathan Onderdonk-Snow, Darius Marquise Owens, Angel Joy Ownbey, Shala Tamara Padgett, N'Kyesha Zhandrell Paige, Reeya Bharat Patel, Carl Glenn Patrick, DeQuain Malik Patterson, Jai'Lyn DeShun Perry, Sierra Nicole Perry, Diamond Alize' Peterson, Naiya Jane Phifer, Lexi Cheyenne Pilz, Lynwood Pixley, Endon Stanley Platt, Marcus Tremon Pollard, Gavin Theodore Preddie, Breelyn Narquise Price, Ty'Bronne Marquailia Priester, Everett Alexander Prince, Jai'p Javon Prupis, Catherine Ann Pullan, Ronesha Shilexus Quattlebaum, Alexis Chenelle Rainey, Lauren Victoria Rayfield, Alexus Chanell Ready, Kaitlyn Anne Reeves, Tristan David Richardson, Mohsin Kazim Rizvi, Monica Maranda Roberson, Kamelah Rene Roberts, Marquette Laron Roberts, NeKaya LaFaye Robinson, Sha'Terria Monique Robinson, Brittney Elaine Rogers, Edna Maria Rosario Ramirez, Leon Anthony Roscoe, Adam Michael Rushton, Austin Lee Rushton, Kristin Sarah Rutland, AdreYanna Monique Sanders, Savannah Alyssa Sawyer, Austin Jerrard Schofield, Alexis Loren Schutts, McKenna Elizabeth Scott, Aaliyah Samone Scott-Richardson, Maurice Lorenzo Seaborn, Gary Allen Seigler, Jay'Quan Mykel Seigler, Jack Graceson Serkiz, Michael Maxwell Serkiz, Joshua Dwayne Sessoms, Avery Brennon Setters, Steven Pete Setters, Joseph Ashton Shaffer, Sarah Rebecca Shealy, Shaneeka Christian Sheard, Patrick William Shirah, DahnDre Cymir Shuler, Kayla Denine Sigwald, Timothy Jay Lamont Siler, Quamayne Dashawn Simpkins, Christopher Ja'Morris Smith, Daniella Nicole Smith, Hannah Demaris Smith, Julia Elizabeth Smith, Laura Elizabeth Smith, Marcus De'Wayne Smith, Gary Melvin Dean Spires, T'Meya Me'Shell Staley, Riley Allen Stebbins, Donte Akeem Stevens, Michael James Still, Mary Margaret Stokes, Cheyenne Marie Stone, Breighann Taylor Rose Swearingen, Keenan Jalen Swinger, Cameron Stuart Taylor, Keair Travone Thomas-Fuewell, Da'Shawn Maurtice Toole, Devin Ben Lavonte Trowell, David Matthew Tucker, Lucas David Turner, Chiquita Alah Nicole Tyler, Donta Pierrie Tyler, Trayton Jewel Tyler, Albany Rayn Underwood, Maxwell Zhamil Marsh Upson, Naviana Vasquez-Sanchez, John Robert Visbisky, Alexsis Chavonne Voncourtlandt, JaWaun McKinley Walker, Nijah Quanzahtis Walker, Trenton Bryce Warner, Quinn Sephen Warnock, Jarious Travon Washington, Hannah Nicole Watson, Kyson Ryan Weathersbee, Randi Nicole Weeks, Emma Elaine Wetmore, Aran Seth White, Donovan Anthony White, Miracle Mi'Kaye Whitt, Abraham Williams, Daniel Elisha Williams, Kiarra Sidney Williams, Terry Alfonso Williams, T'Ziah Deja Williams, Adrian Michael Leigh Willis, Kiwane Montez Withers, Erin Lyrick Wright, Trakala Adae' Wright, Jordan Chase Youngblood and Selena Betty Zavala

Fredrick William Abbott, Kentreiz Malik Abney, Jacob Zedrick Acosta, Grace Breanna Adams, James Cameron Adams, Carrie Elizabeth Albion, Jerrel Marquise Allen, Armani Victoria Anderson, John Micheal Archer, Nathan LaRome Armstrong Jr., Bailey Marie Arthur, Trevor O'Neal Arthur, Taylor Elizabeth Atkinson, Jordan Hunter Ayres, Jordan Paul Babb, Amber Lynn Bailey, Dominique Latrice Baldwin, Darnella Patrizia Bartley, Rashina Naquae Bauknight, Rose Emily Baxley, Khala TySha' Becker, TyRee Stavan Becker, Corey Christy Beckett, Allison Hampton Bell, Cortez De'shun Bennett, Jerry Hibert Bennett, Lydia May Bertzfield, Clyde Reginald Best III, Jeffrey Robert Betosky, Joshua Paul Beverly, Jacob Robert Beytes, Sarah Nathalie Bickford, Shykeem Ramal Bing, Cardazia Rechelle Bland, Brianna LaShay Bohman, Hannah Grace Bonham, Ariel Denae Bosdell, Alyson Jean Boudreaux, Kaylee Elizabeth Bowman, Damajeea' Jamell Boxley, Matthew Russell Boyajian, Brett Kaitlynn Boyd, Colby Slade Bradley, Guinness Erin Bradley, Jessalyn Elizabeth Brantley, Teondra Kenisha Brigham, Michael Colton Brinson, Jorge Luis Brito, Andrew Hart Brown, David Spenser Chace Brown, Niles DeMar Brown, Shanyah Lanae Brown, Christopher Brooks Bryan II, Sky Bianca Bultron, Megan Nicole Bunjevac, Hollis Tremaine Burchette, Joseph William Scott Burgess, Lindsay Nicole Burgin, Natalie June Burke, Jacob Thomas Burns, Grant O'Neal Bush, James Pickens DeLau Bush, Timothy Kyland Butler, William Nicholas Butler, Jonathan Tyler Byce, Thomas Rashad Byrd, Luis Federico Cabrera, Emilee Grace Carpenter, Austin Ray Carter, Benjamin Boyd Carter, Dallas Casey, Kaylee Renee Caudill, Nicholas John-Allen Champy, Andrew James Chapman, Jordan DeLaine Chavous, Nolan Anthony Chavous, Moses James Cheek, Cameron Scott Chriswell, Melissa Fay Clary, Brent Calvin Coach Jr., Gabrielle Claire Connor, Pierce Omar Cook, Michelle Renee Cooks, Chaniya Zykell Cooper, Bailey Rebecca Costello, Heather Marie Courcy, Katherine Elizabeth Coyle, Dionteze Shajuan Crawford, James Willard Creech III, Javon Maurice Croft, Kahlil Tupaculous Curry, James Duncan Curtis, Alexandra Grace Darby, Elania Nicole Darr, Daniel Jesse Davidson, DeAndre Malik Davis, Taylor Hildon Davis, Kyvy Najee Dease, Briana Gabriela Delgado, Carmelita Lazaro Diaz, Martha Elena Diaz-Lopez, Savannah Elise Ditty, Samantha Marie Dominguez, Abbrea Juliet Dorsey, Brandon Chance Dorsey, Jaylon Christopher Dorsey, Erica Paige Dovre, De-Angilo Malik Drayton, Alfred Maseon Dublin, Jasmine Alexandria Duncan, Annaliah Scarborough Dupeire, James Byron Elder IV, Hannah Christine Ellefson, Jarrett Vaughn Elliott, Ellisa LaChe' Ellison, Christopher Michael Farmer, Jasmine Nicole Farrar, Brandon James Ferguson, Brittany Somone' Finley, Keyshonia Rashidia Finley, JaQuan MarQuis Flowers, Christopher Taylor Floyd, Kiana Marie Franklin, Alissa Monae Freeman, Ciaira Nicole Freeman, Devin Michael French, Nathan Richard Frommer, Owen Christopher Gambrell, Zackery Marcell Gathers, Alexis Joy Gentry, William Richard Brant Gillespie, Franklin Tyron Gilpen Jr., Ariel Sade Glover, Keaton Tyrone Glover, Reagan Elizabeth Glover, Courtney Rose Godwin, Porsha Shantell Gomillion, Tanner Bryce Goodson, Kendall Turay Graham, Brittany LeAnn Gray, McKenzie Hannah Green, Caylin Marie Gregory, Katie Dean Greiner, Kendrick De'Shawn Griffin, Tanner Marie Grimes, Taylor Patricia Grimes, Shelby Brooks Hadden, Adeleigh Renee Hamilton, Caroline Grace Hammond, Brendon Cole Harley, David Harling Jr., Summer Renea Harn, Eric Jarell Harrison, Amber Lee Harvell, Bailee Katherine Hearn, Anna Elizabeth Hendrick, Christopher Moises Hernandez, Estrella Patricia Hernandez, Christian Nichelle Hightower, Ra'mon Recardo Hill, Joshua Daniel Holcombe, Courtney Ayleighsia Holloway, Mercedes LaNee Holmes, James Michael Hooper II, Colin William Hopkins, Joshua James Hosler, Jordan Alexander Houston, Kristen Brooke Hurst, Carol Ann Bailey Hutcheson, Joshua Michael Iaukea, Garyel Tranece Jackson, Shavonne Clinice Jackson, Billy Jerell Jefferson, Kenyatta Renee Jenkins, Sariyah Janae Jennings, Ariana Ta'Shun Johnson, Dalton Tyler Johnson, Kamiah Trashon Johnson, Hannah Kristen Jones, Hope Elizabeth Jones, Natalie Ann Jones, Savannah Joy Jones, Zachary Allen Jones, Zachary Robert Jones, Briana Rose Karlin, Daijah Tionna Nishay Kellogg, Carter Austin Kight, McAuliffe William Philip King, Tyler James King, LaChrissa Shanelle Kirk, Phillip Michael Knight, Lazar Alexander Knowles, Nathaniel Ian Koonce, Tyler Kenneth Lamb, Dakota Laramie Lane, Angel Lanay Lanham, Drequan Raymond Lanham, Emma Claire Larabee, Austin William Lavigne, Brooke Lauren Leaverette, Brock Lucente LeDonne, Janna Auriel Lee, Adriana Breanne Leon, Joshua Adam Leyda, Stephanie Jesenia Linarez Guerra, Grace Nicole Lint, Kyle Ryan Little, Miles Avery Lloyd, Jerrod Michael Logeais, Katelyn Dawn Lowry, Dominique Tocarra Lyons, Brandi Michelle Mabe, Aaron Alexander Maddox, Denzel Winbush Makin, Sterling Joseph Mantlow, Savannah Taylor Mariano, Diamond Unique Marine, Amnor Bryce Markwalter, Noah Szakacs Martin, Katie Marie Maxey, Carly Michele May, Anthony Tramaine Mayes, Constance Ruth Sudie Mays, Chad Thomas McAdory, Keallie Danae McCarley, Evan Matthew McClain, Ebony Antwone McClurkin, Jyrell Shiquen McCoy, Kelsey Lynn McGee, Eryn Chandler McGhee, Destiny K'Bril McKevie, JaNaeshia TyKia McKie, Shantrise LaCheryl McMillan, Stephanie Nicole Mentrup, Katherine Mercado, Chasity Alexis Middleton, Kelly Lynn Miles, Ashley Samarah Milton, Justin Allen Mims, Montier Delano Mitchell-Brown, Jessica Faye Mohr, Lewis Montrell Moment, Cameron Lee Morris, Joseph Mozone II, Christina Ann Naomi, Anthony James Nash, Matthew Robert Nash, James Edward Newman Jr., Joshua Chase Newman, Kaleb Brian Newman, Katie Brooke Nugent, Thomas Avery Nyland, Cara Beth Odom, Cameron Augustus O'Neal, Eric Michael Outlaw, Seth Thomas Owens, Yessenia Pagán, Marquis D'Angelo Parrish, Jaylon Jamari Patten, Madison Nicole Peacock, Christian Alexander Perez, Javier Steven Perez, Tianni Claire Pierner, Allison Brooke Pinion, Kayla Brooke Pokora, Lauren Nicole Prather, Aaron Lee Price, Oscar Occiel Puebla-Portillo, Amanda Paige Pulley, Kristopher Raishawn Quiller, Steven Drake Randazzo, Cole William Ranson, Marley W Ranson, Tyshecka Shantrell Ready, Megan Taylor Redd, Danielle Graeson Reyes, Leticia Rodriguez Reyes, Lance Dylan Reynolds, Allen Burke Rhodes, Caleb Lucas Richardson, Sarah Maria Riffe, Margareth Rivas, Levi Lamont Robinson Jr., Tiffany Michelle Robinson, Noah Thomas Rogers, Shadavia Mona Ross, Charles Patrick Ryan, Palmer Andrew Saggus, Anthony Logan Salva, Camila Sanchez, Nancy Sanchez-Elias, Sierra Nicole Sanders, Tia Monique Sapp, Hunter Gregory Satcher, Randi Jo Saturley, Tanner Christian Scaggs, Caroline Morgan Schaade, Dorien Alexander Scott, Blake Perry Seigler, Lauryn Nicole Seldon, Thomas Allan Sharp, Madison Annette Shiver, Rashid Lateef Slater Jr., Donald Sebastian Smalls II, Cameron Le'Chaiz Smith, Courtney Amber Smith, Daniel Eric Smith, Jaquez Da'shun Smith, Katherine Marie Smith, Kylan Keith Smith, Logan Yanne Smith, Nia Celeste Smith, Russell Cole Smith, Hannah Marie Snitker, Chaela Anne Sparks, Madison Elisabeth Spires, Kyera Nadine Spivey, Wendell Cameron Spivey, William Michael Squires, John Cameron Starnes, Genesis Destiny Stokes, Courtney Suzann Strauss, Christopher Zane Stripling, Diana Michelle Stubblefield, Kassidy Kianna Sullivan, Austin Goodale Thibodeau, Breana Mercedes Sharee Thomas, Shavonda Dantrill Thomas, Judson Thomas Thornton, Kevin Ashton Tierney, Kimberly Marie Towns, Xavier Antwan Trumpler, Abbie Lynn Tudor, Tyler Cordell Turner, Kyla Nicole Tyler, Megan Ashley Vance, Monica Alexandra Vance, Roberto Carlos Vital, Isaiah Nicholas Vorderstrasse, Shayaundra Mone't Walker, Emma Elease Wapshott, Caitlin DeAnna Washington, Cheyenne Alexis Washington, Jacob Harrison Waterman, Mark Anthony Weaver, Shakeena Essence Webster, Nathan Lee Weng, Brooke Erin Westall, Samantha Marlis Whaley, Tramaine Barry Wheeler, Kelontre' Timothy Lamont Widner, Adrian Jakwon Williams, Bankston Burnette Williams, Carson Deanna Williams, Jasmine Monique Williams, Katelynn Madeline Williams, Kayla Elise Williams, Amani Marquis Williams-Casteal, Justin Keith Willis, Chase Joseph Wilson, Nicholas Connor Wilson, Tyler Christian Wilson, Blake Andrew Winchester, Brooklynn Sarah Woodward, Blakeley Nicole Wright, Darius Antonio Wright, Martavious Rodney Wright, Brian David Yonn Jr., Frank Greylon Von Zander, Megan Lynn Zeaser and Paul Matthew Zeaser

Deiondra Abner, Ethan Aimar, Amber Bailey, Stephanie Barajas-Valencia, William Bedenbaugh, Destinee Brewer, Elizabeth Cook, Shelby Cumbee, Monica Edgerley, Keri Fallaw, Dustin Ferguson, Micala Fox, Johnathan Gibson, Banessa Gonzalez, Allyson Hall, Kira Hendrix, Trenton Herrin, D'Vonte Hickson, Marcus Hopkins, Marquis Hopkins, Jonquez Hurley, Willie Johnson, Nicholas Jones, Matthew Layton, Joelle Leguizamon, Dante Ligons, Andrew Long, Josefina Lopez, Jobani Martinez, Amber Merritt, Miranda Middlebrooks, Brad Newsome, McKenna Palmer, Raekwon Parris, Ariyal Phillips, Samantha Phillips, Bra'Quon Preston, Cedric Quattlebaum, Porsha Quattlebaum, Devin Ritchie, Stanley Rolland, Haley Salters, Noah Scott, Moseanique Swint, Brandon Tarlton, Christopher Whitfield, Cieara Wilson and Dustin Yeager

The third annual photo contest to benefit the United Way of Aiken County is now accepting contest entries.

The theme of this year's photo contest is "Iconic Aiken," according to the city's Community Relations Coordinator Sheri Clemons.

"This year, our theme is Iconic Aiken and, with this theme, we are hoping to get the creative juices going and are excited to see what photos we will get," Clemons said.

Aiken residents can submit their photos now through June 30. Each photo will cost $5 to enter.

Like last year, the winning photographs will be announced and auctioned off Aug. 11 during the city's Farmers Market in The Alley. All top winners will be highlighted in the City of Aiken's tourism materials and on Channel 4.

The Iconic Aiken photo contest encourages people to share their photos of what Aiken means to them, whether it's the fountain downtown, South Boundary, Hitchcock Woods, downtown Aiken or horses.

"We would love to see old photographs, present images made to look old, present images enhanced, and are really excited to see what in the photographer's eye is Aiken's present and future and how that is represented," Clemons said. "We want this to be fun and creative. We have so many talented people here in Aiken, we hope (this event) will give them an opportunity to share their work and support the United Way at the same time."

For more information or to submit photos, call 803-293-7869, email sclemons@cityofaikensc.gov or visit http://bit.ly/1VC0F91.

Submissions also can be brought to the Administration and Finance Building at 135 Laurens St. S.W. on a CD with an entry form, or mailed to The City of Aiken; Photography Contest; P.O. Box 1177; Aiken, S.C. 29802.

Dan Brown is the city government reporter for the Aiken Standard.

The American Red Cross has offered some water safety tips for residents planning to head out to the pool, lake, beach or water park this summer.

"There are several simple steps that you and your family can take to make water safety a priority this summer," said Rebecca Jordan, executive director for the American Red Cross of Central SC. "By learning how to be safe in and around water, your family can enjoy a fun day at the beach or pool and help prevent potential drowning."

The American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council has developed the circle of drowning prevention, according to Jennifer Heisler, American Red Cross spokeswoman.

- Provide close and constant attention to children you are supervising in or near water

- Fence pools and spas with adequate barriers, including four-sided fencing

- Learn swimming and water survival skills

- Children, inexperienced swimmers, and boaters should wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets

- Swim in areas with a lifeguard nearby

Residents planning on hitting the beach need to be properly educated on rip currents, which are responsible for many deaths at beaches every year, according to a news release provided by the American Red Cross.

Rip currents can form in any large open water area, such as low spots and breaks in sandbars, or near structures such as jetties and piers. Swimmers should be aware of the following before swimming in waters that may have rip currents:

- If you are caught in a rip current, stay calm and don't fight the current.

- Swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current. Once you are free, turn and swim toward shore.

- Stay at least 100 feet away from piers and jetties. Permanent rip currents often exist near these structures.

- Check the conditions before entering the water. Look to see if any warning flags are up or ask a lifeguard about water conditions, beach conditions, or any potential hazards.

The Red Cross also promotes water safety education for young people with a Swim app that can be downloaded for free by searching for 'American Red Cross' in the app store or going online to redcross.org/apps, according to the news release.

The app has features specifically designed for children, including a variety of kid-friendly games, videos and quizzes, the release said.

The Red Cross and National Swimming Pool Foundation developed an online safety course for swimming pool and hot tub owners, according to the release.

For more information about swimming pool and hot tub risks, visit homepoolessentials.org.

Those interested in learning more can visit redcross.org.

Tripp Girardeau is a general assignment reporter with the Aiken Standard.

Associated Press

COLUMBIA - New laws signed by Gov. Nikki Haley shorten the legislative session, allow South Carolinians to carry concealed guns in Georgia, and block petroleum companies from taking people's land for a pipeline.

Those are among more than 40 bills Haley quickly signed Friday, a day after legislators sent them her way. Dozens more could become law within the week.

While the session officially ended Thursday, legislators will return June 15 to take up Haley's vetoes.

Future legislative sessions will end three weeks earlier, on the second Thursday in May.

A reciprocity agreement with Georgia will make it easier for South Carolinians with concealed weapon permits to travel back and forth. And private, for-profit companies can't acquire land for a petroleum pipeline through eminent domain.

NORTH AUGUSTA - Project Jackson isn't under construction - at least not yet.

Concerns regarding work being done at the site of Project Jackson ahead of a Master Development Agreement being finalized began to rise Thursday, after some residents noticed the arrival of large amounts of sewer work pipes.

The proposed development - a planned $200 million project including a baseball stadium, hotel, retail and residential properties, is slated to open in 2017 - but so far, City Council has yet to hold second and third readings of the agreement.

"Second reading will not occur until we have all the private sector elements aligned and ready," North Augusta Mayor Lark Jones said. "We will let the public and media know prior to second reading. It's not happening this coming week."

As for the exact opening date, Jones is unsure.

"I would imagine an opening by April 2017 is unlikely at this point," he said.

Still, the site continues to see work. In March, the property was cleared of trees by the private owner of the land, a municipal news release said.

The announcement added, "The activity does not indicate the beginning of construction or final approval of Project Jackson by North Augusta City Council."

Resident and former Planning Commission member Richard Fletcher expressed concern Thursday after spotting some sanitary sewer work pipe at the site earlier this week, asking whether work was beginning before the finalization of the agreement.

"There was a statement made by the mayor and Council that they would not proceed with any construction until the master development agreement was finalized," Fletcher said. "And it appears to me, and if I'm wrong I'm willing to apologize and say sorry for the trouble, but it appears they're poised to begin construction on rerouting of the main sanitary sewer that leads out of the city."

North Augusta City Councilman Fletcher Dickert said the pipes are part of a relocation project required due to the relocation of Railroad Avenue as part of future development of the commercial district of Hammond's Ferry.

"The City does relocations and expansions and replacements of sewer and water mains all over the city every week. Every week, we have a project going on somewhere," he said Friday. "We just did a big water main expansion off Exit 5 in anticipation of future growth out there, and that's just kind of part of being a good government - constantly planning for growth and replacing old infrastructure, being proactive instead of reactive. This is just another utility project the city is doing and does all the time. They just replaced the sewer main that runs along a large portion of the greeneway over the past few months. This is just another utility relocation project."

Jones said he didn't think the piping work was specific to Project Jackson.

"I have seen the pipe. I am aware that sewer and other infrastructure improvements will be required for Project Jackson," Jones said. "It would not make sense to me to start any improvements that are specific to Project Jackson until the development agreement is finalized."

Amy Hunter is the news editor for the North Augusta Star.