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Fire at Aiken SPCA Doused Quickly, Animals Transferred

February 5, 2011 by · Leave a Comment

There was a laundry room fire at the Aiken SPCA Friday night, forcing the evacuation of around 100 animals and threatens to close the shelter for some time. Luckily, no animals or humans were hurt in the blaze.

The displaced animals were moved to the city annex building and to the Aiken County animal shelter by many volunteers and officers.

The laundry room set off a fire alarm at around 7 p.m. which was picked up by public safety officers and the Aiken fire department. The swift response by the officials and fire department led to the safe exit of the animals, whose only problem may be minor smoke inhalation, but no burns. A ruptured water line above the laundry room also helped douse the flames somewhat.

It is unknown at this time what caused the small blaze.

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Extreme Makeover Gets Help From Aiken Women

January 15, 2011 by · 1 Comment

The “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” crew came to Augusta in December to build a deserving family a new home over the course of one week, and you can catch it on TV fairly soon.

The episode, which enlisted the help of some Aiken female bodybuilders for the demolition process, will air January 23 at 8 p.m.

The demolition process, as usual, was quite interesting. Softball players from ASU batted softballs through the windows; bodybuilders launched 45 lb. weights through the walls, and roller derby teams slammed into each other on the inside. The show has a theme this time around of “Girl Power.”

Hundreds of local volunteers, along with Bill Beazley Homes, helped build the better than 2,000 square foot home in a week’s time and revealed the home to the Graham family on December 8.

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Man Poses as Salvation Army Bell Ringer, Scams Cash

December 1, 2010 by · Leave a Comment
Grinch

Salvation Army Bell Ringer

Aiken police and the Salvation Army are asking residents of Aiken to be aware of a shyster posing as a bell ringer collecting money for the needy but keeping it for himself.

A man was said to be standing outside of the Food Lion on Richland this week swinging a bell around collecting cash in a jar, but has no ties to the Salvation Army. He apparently stole the iconic red apron and bell and went to work for himself.

An employee of SA witnessed the man and asked him why he was collecting the money in a jar in lieu of the usual red kettle. He said someone stole it while he went to use the bathroom. A boldfaced lie, because SA collects the buckets at the end of every shift and none were reported missing. She then reported the man to police and to the organization.

Unfortunately, the man got away with some money and became another example of holiday thievery. If you plan to donate this holiday season, make sure the source is reputable and the cause is just. Anyone with information about the fake Salvation Army suspect is asked to call Public Safety at 642-7620.

Salvation Army Bell Ringer Grinch

Salvation Army Bell Ringer Grinch

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