Across the area

Health care reform forum set for tonight

An Athens-based political action group will host a forum in support of President Obama's health care reform plan at the Columbia County Library tonight.

Starting at 7, the CSRA Health Insurance Reform Forum opens with a meet and greet with sponsors and panelists, which include Columbia County Democratic Party Chairman Robert Gray, Richmond County Democratic Party Chairman Lowell Greenbaum, University of Georgia law school professor Fazal Khan, Athens emergency room doctor Neal Priest, and Athens insurance billing specialist Teresa Duncan.

The forum was organized by Pull the Plug PAC, a political group formed to oust 10th District Congressman Paul Broun, who has been an outspoken critic of the president's health care plan.

Discussion topics at the forum include public option, health coverage for children, senior care and prescription drugs, according to a press release from Pull the Plug PAC.

The forum will be held in the Evans library at 7022 Evans Town Center Blvd. For information, visit online at www.paulbrounjr.com.

1 arrested, 1 sought in slaying, robbery

Aiken authorities have one man in custody and were seeking a second Wednesday in last week's death and robbery.

Authorities caught Robert Lee Smith II, 18, of the 100 block of Shannon Lane, Aiken, Wednesday following a tip.

He was wanted on charges of murder, armed robbery, possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime and conspiracy to distribute marijuana, Aiken Sheriff's Sgt. Dave Myers said.

A second suspect, Victor Marlous Manning, 33, of the 1200 block of Weston Street, North Augusta, remains wanted for conspiracy to distribute marijuana, and is a person of interest in the Nov. 23 death of Paul Lirley, Sgt. Myers said.

The victim was shot on the corner of Weston and Crestlyn drives in North Augusta. The motive is believed to be armed robbery, Sgt. Myers said.

Anyone with information can call (800) 922- 9709 or 888-CRIMESC.

Police seek person breaking into school

Authorities were trying Wednesday to identify a person suspected of repeatedly breaking into the vocational wing of Josey High School.

The burglar, who was filmed Nov. 10 on a security camera, is described as a black male, about 5-feet-9, according to Richmond County Board of Education Police Lt. Richard Roundtree.

Authorities found several rooms ransacked and the video shows the suspect entered the building by prying open an exterior door. Anyone with information can call the BOE police at (706) 826-1133.