Across the area

24-year-old man found shot dies at hospital

A 24-year-old Aiken man was fatally wounded Wednesday night.

Donald Hickman died at Medical College of Georgia Hospital at 6:40 p.m., according to a news release from Aiken County Coroner Tim Carlton.

A passing motorist discovered Mr. Hickman -- who had been shot more than once -- about 6 p.m. in the 100 block of Green Road.

An autopsy is scheduled today in Newberry, S.C.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Aiken County Sheriff's Office: 1-800-922-9709.

Individuals also may call Crime Stoppers of the Midlands: (888) CRIME-SC. Callers can remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of between $50 and $1,000.

Aiken County burglary suspect is captured

Aiken County deputies captured one of their most wanted burglary suspects Wednesday. Marquis Cummings, 26, of the 1900 block of Seaborn Drive, North Augusta, was charged with three counts of burglary, possession of a stolen vehicle and kidnapping, sheriff's Sgt. Dave Myers said.

Mr. Cummings was arrested around 1 p.m. at a home on Power House Road by deputies following a tip.

Man recognizes son in photo from robbery

Authorities arrested an armed robbery suspect Wednesday after his father told authorities he recognized a crime surveillance photo made public Tuesday.

The Aiken Department of Public Safety charged Shaun Andrew Benson, 26, of the 2800 block of Sunshine Lane. Thomson, with armed robbery, Lt. David Turno said.

Mr. Benson's father notified the department Tuesday night when he recognized his son and made arrangements for him to turn himself in.

Authorities believe Mr. Benson entered the Kangaroo Express on Whiskey Road early Tuesday, put a screwdriver up to the clerk's neck and demanded money, Lt. Turno said.

Regulators reach pact over SRS infraction

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the primary contractor building the U.S. Energy Department's $4.86 billion mixed oxide fuel facility at Savannah River Site have negotiated a settlement to a violation in which a senior contract engineer allowed a junior engineer to sign his name to construction documents.

Such an act was in violation of NRC regulations, the agency contended. The contractor, Shaw AREVA MOX Services, requested a process known as alternative dispute resolution in which a mediator helps the two parties find the best way to address the cause of the violation.

Some of the actions agreed to by Shaw AREVA have been completed and others must be completed by the end of next year.

In consideration of the commitments made by Shaw AREVA, the NRC will not propose a civil penalty, issue a Notice of Violation or take other enforcement action on the matter.

Group gives 500 trees to military families

About 500 Christmas trees will be distributed to military families at Fort Gordon from the Christmas Spirit Foundation.

The trees will be available to those with military ID cards in the parking lot by the Fort Gordon Dinner Theater. Distribution will start between 8 and 10 a.m. Wednesday, based on when FedEx trucks arrive.

The Christmas Spirit Foundation represents FedEx and tree growers.

Fund to help deputy who lost home in fire

Aiken County Sheriff's Office has set up a fund to help a deputy who lost his home in a fire Tuesday night.

Deputy Chris Eubanks and his wife will be helped from the fund, through an account at Regions Banks, sheriff's Sgt. Dave Myers said. Anyone can donate at the banks located in South Carolina or Georgia, he said.

"I think he pretty much lost everything he owned," Sgt. Myers said.

Fire crews fought the blaze, which began around 4 p.m. at the residence in the 2100 block of Green Pond Road outside of Jackson. Its cause is still under investigation, Sgt. Myers said.

Adopt-A-Stream hosts free training outings

Georgia Adopt-A-Stream will host two free workshops in December at Columbia County's Reed Creek Wetlands Center, 3820 Park Lane, Martinez, to promote awareness of water quality and to offer citizens tools and training to monitor water quality.

The workshops will consist of an Amphibian Monitoring Workshop and a Bacterial Monitoring Workshop.

The amphibian program will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11, and will include instruction on salamanders and frogs. Participants will be led along a stream or wetland identifying and calling frogs. Participants will receive a manual, with monitoring protocol, and a color identification key to assist volunteer monitoring efforts.

The bacterial program will be held from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, and includes instruction on how to monitor E. coli levels in their streams.

E. coli is an indicator organism that is often used to assess the water quality. Monitoring levels of E. coli can help identify possible sources of pollution. This workshop will focus on proper collection, testing and interpretation of results. Volunteers who successfully perform the bacterial monitoring and pass the written test will be considered a qualified volunteer for one year.

For more details or to register, contact Tara Muenz, (404) 675-1635, or e-mail tara.muenz@gaepd.org.