Remains found in 2007 ID'd as local woman
Authorities have identified skeletal remains found near Laney-Walker Boulevard in March 2007 as a local woman.
Richmond County Coroner Grover Tuten said the results of a DNA test by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation show the woman is Karen Pryor, 38.
The cause of death remains undetermined, he said. Anyone with information on her death can call the Richmond County Sheriff's Office at (706) 821-1080.
Deputy's widow urges caution on highways
The widow of an Aiken County sheriff's deputy urged motorists Wednesday to use caution when they encounter emergency vehicles on highways.
Shelley Fulmer spoke at a news conference in support of signs that are being installed along South Carolina's highways to remind motorists that state law requires them to move over or slow down for stopped emergency vehicles.
"I hope no other families will have to go through what I went through," Ms. Fulmer said.
Ms. Fulmer's husband, Aiken County sheriff's Sgt. Jason Sheppard, was fatally struck by a car as he directed traffic near the scene of a plant fire on Dec. 7, 2006.
Ten indicted in drug case at housing area
Ten people accused of selling cocaine in and around the Dogwood Terrace housing complex in Augusta have been indicted on federal charges.
U.S. Attorney Edmund A. Booth Jr. issued a statement Wednesday about the 14-month investigation by local, state and federal law enforcement officers that led to a 32-count indictment.
The federal grand jury indicted Reginald Darrell Beale, 28, and Latria Grenise, 26, both of Hephzibah; Thomas Polonco Beale, 36, Brian Christopher Harris, 27, Mark Jones, 52, Sylvester Ruben Lewis, 33, Jaimere Prosser, 26, and Marsignor C. White, 26, all of Augusta; Sequoyal Elam, 28, of Lincolnton, Ga.; and Derrick D. King, 31, of Milledgeville, Ga. Charges concern a conspiracy, drug distribution and weapon violations.
Deputy arrested after sex accusation in bar
A sheriff's deputy from Missouri was arrested at his hotel Tuesday morning after he attempted to force a woman to have sex with him in the bathroom of a local bar, police said.
Lucian James Nevatt, 24, of Nixa, Mo., is charged with one count of sexual battery, a misdemeanor, according to a Richmond County sheriff's jail committal.
Mr. Nevatt followed a woman into the bathroom at The Loft, 927 Broad St., and "forced himself on her" in a sexual manner, a sheriff's report said.
Mr. Nevatt is a deputy with the Stone County Sheriff's Office, according to the report.
Planning commission to discuss club zoning
The North Augusta planning commission will hold a public hearing today to address zoning permits for public and private clubs and the use of city facilities for entertainment.
Current establishments would be grandfathered in based on requirements, said Skip Grkovic, the economic and community development director. Mr. Grkovic said the changes would mostly affect future establishments near residential areas. A complete listing of requirements can be found on the commission's agenda at www.northaugusta.net.
The commission will also discuss historic properties for sale, including Rosemary and Lookaway halls and the former Palmetto Lodge lot. Mr. Grkovic said no action is expected.
Aiken County jail offers updates on offenders
The Aiken County Detention Center is among 23 jails in South Carolina that now offers a victim notification service.
The service, funded by a grant through the S.C. Department of Corrections, offers crime victims information about those arrested via a phone call or e-mail.
"It's a great program," Aiken County sheriff's Capt. Charles Barranco said of the service started a couple of months ago.
Victims can sign up to be informed about the status of offenders, receiving updates when they're released or transferred. To sign up, call (866) SC-SAVIN or go online to www.vinelink.com.
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