Across the area

Woman wards off burglary attempt

An armed elderly woman scared off two men who police believe tried to break into her home early Thursday.

The victim, who lives in the 1100 block of Audubon Road, called 911 and hung up, but then called back

to say two men attempted to break into the back door of her home around 1:10 a.m., said Aiken County Sheriff's Sgt. Dave Myers. The woman said she had a gun, and had placed a chair under her door to block intruders.

The two men, who were both wearing hooded sweat shirts , ran away. The Aiken County sheriff's bloodhound tracking team was called out, but was not able to find the suspects.

Deputy's leg run over during traffic stop

An Emanuel County Sheriff's deputy was hurt Wednesday when a fleeing driver ran over his leg.

Deputy Daniel Moxley was hospitalized at Medical College of Georgia Hospital for a compound fracture, a broken nose and cuts, according to a sheriff's press release.

Authorities are searching for the driver, identified as 45-year-old Patrick Kersey, of Adrian, who was last seen in a dark green Ford F-150 truck with a Schwabe Motors paper tag.

Deputy Moxley pulled over the truck about 10 p.m. on South Main Street in Swainsboro after watching the driver fail to yield to the right of way. Deputy Moxley was telling Mr. Kersey he was under arrest when the suspect jumped in his truck to flee.

Man is sentenced to 12 years in drug case

A North Augusta man has been sentenced in federal court to more than 12 years in prison.

David Hinkler, 27, was sentenced Wednesday to 151 months for charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of crack cocaine and 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, possessing firearms and illegally selling firearms, according to a news release from U.S. Attorney's Office spokesman Kevin McDonald.

Jury indicts mother of child mauled by dogs

The mother of a 2-year-old boy who was found mauled by dogs on a neighbor's property last July has been indicted by a Richmond County grand jury.

Jessica Lynn Chavous, 24, of the 3600 block of Belair Road, was indicted Tuesday on one count of second-degree cruelty to children.

United Way family fun carnival is Saturday

The United Way's 5th Annual Family Fun Day Carnival will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at North Augusta Riverview Park Activities Center, according to a United Way of Aiken County news release.

Participants can enjoy food, inflatable rides, face painting and a costume contest. The contest will begin at 11:30 a.m.

Admission will be canned food donations for Golden Harvest Food Bank. For more information, contact Candis Moyer at (803) 648-8331.

Aiken County schools closed today, Monday

Aiken County schools will be closed today and Monday for students and staff. The days initially scheduled as teacher workdays for parent conferences and report card distribution are being used as furlough days for staff.

Litter cleanup moved back to original date

The next Gordon Highway litter cleanup will not be held this weekend, but on its original date of Nov. 7, according to Greater Augusta Progress Chairman and Empire Truck & Tractor owner Henry Frischknecht. Volunteers will meet at 6:30 a.m. in the parking lot of Southgate Shopping Center.

Waterway cleanup needs volunteers

Savannah Riverkeeper Inc. is seeking volunteers for its annual Rivers Alive Community Waterway Cleanup, scheduled from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday.

Volunteers will receive a Rivers Alive T-shirt and lunch.

For information, or to volunteer, call Dr. Frank Carl at (706) 364-5253 or e-mail frankcarl@knology.net.