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JANUARY 23, 2022 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

City of Aiken Announces Partnership with SRNL at State of the City Address

Aiken, SC – The City of Aiken announced Monday it will explore building a new high-tech workforce development Center in Downtown Aiken to house elements of the Savannah River National Laboratory using $20 million in Plutonium settlement funding set aside by the State of South Carolina for that purpose.

Aiken Mayor Rick Osbon hosted fellow elected officials, City staff, and members of the public for the City’s annual State of the City address. The event summarized the City’s successes from the past year before moving into the SRNL proposal to be considered in future weeks by Aiken City Council.

Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) is the newest National Laboratory under the Department of Energy (DOE). Nationwide, there are 17 DOE National Laboratories, and SRNL is the only DOE lab in the Carolinas, serving the Southeast region of the United State along with Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee. SRNL is operated by Battelle in collaboration with University of South Carolina, Clemson, South Carolina State University, University of Georgia, and Georgia Institute of Technology.

SRNL’s mission is ensuring America’s security and prosperity by addressing its energy, environmental and nuclear challenges through transformative science and technology solutions. We create high quality jobs in central Savannah River area and are an enduring economic engine by attracting advanced science and technology-based companies.

The Laboratory achieves this by attracting, motivating, and training a diverse and highly skilled workforce to execute on complex DOE programs. Therefore, SRNL is envisioning a workforce development building (WDB) that will provide the Laboratory with a pipeline for new talent acquisition as well as develop the existing employee base. Over the next five years, we anticipate hiring more than 1,500 highly-technical employees and host more than 100 faculty/graduate students and 500 undergraduate interns.

The work in the proposed building extends far beyond the five partner universities and includes an intense focus on minority serving institutions, continuing professional development of SRNL employees, recruitment of postdoc scientists; graduate students; undergraduate students; technicians (2-year degree); and precollege students. The pre-college tier is essential for building a long-term talent pipeline.

SRNL’s workforce development building is envisioned to be the hub for Laboratory’s collaboration with academic and industrial partners. SRNL would permanently place between 80-100 laboratory employees at this location to enable the following planned activities.

Director Dr. Vahid Majidi said he intends for the Downtown facility to serve as the community face of SRNL. His stated goals for the facility include:

Media Contact Mary Tilton Director of Operations City of Aiken mtilton@cityofaikensc.gov

More details about the plans for an economic development proposal that is one of the largest ever locally and would bring a new business to Sage Mill Industrial Park in Graniteville have emerged.

Project Sabal “will invest or cause to be invested, in the aggregate, at least $800 million” in Aiken County, according to an ordinance approved unanimously following its second reading by Aiken County Council on Tuesday.

In addition, Project Sabal will “create, or cause to be created, in the aggregate, at least 50 new, full-time jobs.”

The ordinance would authorize the execution and delivery of a fee in lieu of tax and incentive agreement between Aiken County and Project Sabal.

“If this passes and goes through (three readings of an ordinance are required), it would be the largest private investment in the county” since Bridgestone Americas announced in 2011 that it would spend $1.2 billion on projects to build a new tire production plant and expand an existing one, Aiken County Council Chairman Gary Bunker said.

At the time, South Carolina and Bridgestone officials described the figure as the largest initial capital investment by a company in the Palmetto State’s history and the company’s largest single investment in American manufacturing.

Project Sabal’s proposed minimum investment and job creation figures indicate that “this is a highly capital intensive investment,” Bunker said. “It means they are making a large investment per job.”

Also Tuesday during its meeting at the Aiken County Government Center, County Council unanimously gave its blessing to the second reading of another ordinance that would provide an additional incentive for Project Sabal through the creation of a jointly owned and operated industrial/business park in conjunction with Edgefield County.

That park will exist only on paper.

All nine members of County Council were present or participated in the proceedings via telephone.

Earlier this month, the panel unanimously approved the third reading of an ordinance to convey a limited warranty deed to Starskey LLC for a county-owned portion of Honeyberry Drive in Sage Mill Industrial Park.

The sale price for that section of land was $119,000.

According to the ordinance, Starskey was acting on behalf of Project Sabal.

Last December, Starskey and other entities purchased four tracts in Sage Mill for $19,299,555.

The seller of the 572.58 acres combined was the Wyatt Realty Investment Opportunity Fund Ltd.

Aiken County land records now identify Starskey as the owner of all four parcels.

Based on information posted on the South Carolina Secretary of State’s website, the Corporation Service Company of West Columbia is the registered agent for Starskey, which was incorporated in Delaware.

Bunker and Western S.C. Economic Development Partnership President and CEO Will Williams have declined to provide additional information about Project Sabal.

Also Tuesday, County Council approved the following:

• The third and final readings of ordinances that would provide incentives to Gateway Properties/Project Grove for a plan to spend around $24 million to establish a distribution facility in Sage Mill and create approximately 40 new, full-time jobs.

• The second reading of an ordinance that would convey a limited warranty deed for 48.4 acres in Sage Mill to Project Bundle, which has offered to buy the land for $1.062 million.

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10-10-10. That’s fertilizer, right? Wait, what? One can tailor uses of fertilizers by using chemistry and math. As my 10th-grade algebra teacher could attest, I’m not particularly strong in mathematics. I am always wary with formulas but by understanding the chemical symbols of N-P-K on a fertilizer bag, and then applying basic math, I can usually figure out when and how to use fertilizer. Research and note-taking help me to use fertilizers. May is perfect to apply amendments for a productive gardening season. April showers bring May flowers, and May applications will prolong the satisfactions of a garden.

Sixteen nutrient elements are essential for growth and reproduction. Plants obtain the three most abundant nutrients – carbon (C), hydrogen (H) and oxygen (O) – from water and air. The other 13 elements fall into three categories: Primary, secondary and micronutrients. Nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) are primary nutrients needed in fairly large amounts. Calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg) and sulfur (S) are secondary nutrients required in lesser quantities. Zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), boron (B), copper (Cu), molybdenum (Mo) and chlorine (Cl) are micro-nutrients required in trace amounts.

Fertilizers that contain all of the primary elements are considered complete, but formulations vary widely, so a wise gardener reads labels on amendments to avoid over-application and overpaying.

Clemson’s Home and Garden Information Center is a useful source of information. Fertilizers can be divided into two broad groups: Organic and inorganic. Organic fertilizer such as compost is derived from a living plant or animal source. Inorganic or synthetic fertilizers are usually manufactured but have the advantage of lower cost. The most commonly used synthetic fertilizers consist almost entirely of nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus in readily utilized form. In contrast, organic fertilizers likely have significant micronutrients, but the macronutrients may not be readily absorbed. Synthetic fertilizers are often deemed “fast” while organic fertilizers tend to be “time-release.”

One significant drawback with organic fertilizers is that they may not release enough principal nutrient such as nitrogen quickly enough for a plant’s best growth. Organic fertilizers depend on soil organisms to release nutrients, so are more effective when soil is moist and soil temperature is warm enough for soil organisms to be active. Whether synthetic or organic, each bag of fertilizer displays primary nutrients as a ratio of N-P-K.

All plants need nitrogen. This element is not reliably stored in soil. Nitrogen is easily absorbed in water and thus highly variable depending on moisture and factors like temperature. Plants need nitrogen to kick start growth, and plants like corn, tomatoes and roses benefit from regular applications of nitrogen throughout the growing season. Nitrogen accounts for rapid growth and the lovely green color of plants. Nitrogen deficiency can cause yellow leaves. Because nitrogen absorption is temperature sensitive, apply fertilizers with high rates of nitrogen no earlier than May – especially to lawns – and no later than mid-August. When temperatures climb above bearable levels, applying nitrogen will not help growth.

In contrast, phosphorus binds with and stays in soil. This chemical element is responsible for root growth and fruit set. Super-phosphate – with a ratio of 0-46-0 – is recommended when planting bulbs and new roses, helping to establish new roots. On turf grass and in most established gardens, phosphorus accumulates over time. Check that middle number signifying P on the fertilizer bag. When fertilizing an established garden or bed, select a formula like 16-4-8, with a lower P level, unless phosphorus is desirable, such as on roses. I use a systemic formula of 6-9-6 on my rose bed every six weeks.

The third essential element of potassium helps plants with photosynthesis at the cellular level, adding strength to cell walls, aiding in water movement, and providing disease resistance and resilience to stress. This element’s symbol of K comes from the Latin word kalium. Potassium gives plants support for the long haul of the growing season.

Now that we have covered soil chemistry, let’s apply some math. I can usually figure out the amount of fertilizer needed when I want to cover a 100- or 200-foot area. In a 100-pound bag of fertilizer labeled 10-10-10, there are 10 pounds of N, 10 pounds of P, and 10 pounds of K along with filler material. A 10-pound bag will contain 1 pound of N, 1 pound of P, and 1 pound of K. For another example, the ratio of 16-4-8 fertilizer is 4:1:2 or 4 parts nitrogen to 1 part phosphorus to 2 parts potassium. Fertilizer labeled 16-4-8 typically costs more but will cover more area than a lower analysis.

In the vegetable garden I often start with that familiar ratio of 10-10-10. For tomatoes, a handful in each hole will kick start plant growth with nitrogen and root growth with potassium. An added handful of well-decomposed compost will slowly release secondary elements and micro-nutrients. Too much fertilizer – either synthetic or organic – can burn young plants, so I am judicious. Remember that fertilizers can contain weed killer or insecticides. For instance, I use fertilizer containing insecticide and fungicide on my roses with that 6-9-6 formulation to promote root growth and discourage beetles and blackspot, but I would never apply that particular fertilizer to vegetables. Always read labels, especially for turf grasses. To make the task easier, before application, rely on a soil test’s recommendations. Fertilizers are pricey, so do some research before heading out to the store. Rely on the advice of good nursery staff and call the Aiken Master Gardeners if more advice is desired.

YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. — The USC Aiken baseball team lost both games to defending PBC Champion Young Harris ending their run in the tournament. The Pacers dropped game one 5-4 and game two 12-4 on Sunday afternoon at Zell B. Miller Field.

The Pacers wrap the season with a 32-22 record.

In game one, Head coach Michael Holder’s team struck first in the bottom of the fourth starting with a leadoff double down the left field line by Jackson Hannon. A perfectly placed sacrifice bunt by Justin Byrd pushed Hannon to the hot corner. A shallow sacrifice fly right behind second base by Luke Parker scored Hannon. Next up, Joseph Mozingo singled to right and was advanced to second on a base knock by Kaden Usry. Nick Tripp plated Mozingo with a single to center and moved Usry to second. Both runners advanced on a wild pitch, but a fly out ended the inning.

The Mountain Lions evened the scoreboard to 2-2 in the top of the fifth. Great pitching by the Pacers got the team out of a jam and ended the inning with the bases loaded.

USC Aiken retook the lead in the bottom of the sixth. Parker led off the inning with a double to left center. A ground out by Mozingo pushed Parker to third. Usry drove Parker home with a single up the middle.

Holder’s team added their fourth run of the contest in the bottom of the seventh. Jose Hernandez laced a single to center to lead off the inning and found his way to second by way of a passed ball. With two away, Byrd hit his own single to center scoring Hernandez. The Pacers threatened to add more to the board. Parker singled through the right side putting runners on first and second. A fielder’s choice putout by the third baseman ended the inning.

Young Harris took a 5-4 lead in the top of the eighth with three runs that accounted for the final runs of game one.

For the contest, Hannon tripled, doubled and scored. Parker doubled, singled, scored a run and collected an RBI. Usry singled twice and recorded an RBI. Byrd, Mozingo, Tripp and Hernandez each had a hit. Mozingo and Hernandez each got a run. Byrd and Tripp accounted for the other two RBI.

On the mound, Evan Condon got the start and hurled 4.1 innings giving up two runs on five hits. Cole Evilsizor pitched two innings in relief allowing one hit and struck out two. Jacob Bodkin pitched two-thirds of a frame. AJ Deibel pitched two-thirds of an inning giving up three runs (none earned) on two hits and struck out one. Aaron Flink pitched 1.1 scoreless innings while striking out two.

In game two, USC Aiken again struck first with a solo home run by Tripp to left field in the top of the third inning.

Young Harris quickly answered with two runs in the bottom half of the third to take the 2-1 lead.

Holder’s team retook the lead in the top of the fourth. Hannon led the charge with a base knock to left field. He advanced to second on a passed ball. Parker was added as a runner when he was walked. Mozingo drove the pair home with a double down the right field line making the score 3-2.

The Mountain Lions took the lead in the fifth and added to it in the sixth with two and four runs making the score 8-3.

The Pacers added their final run of the game in the seventh on a solo home run to left field by Mozingo.

Young Harris added a run in the home half of the seventh and three more in the eighth putting the game out of USC Aiken’s reach.

For the game, Mozingo went three-for-four with a home run, a double, a run and three RBI. Hannon hit a pair of singles and scored a run. Tripp hit a solo homer. Sharp, Byrd and Blankenship each had hits. Parker scored a run.

On the hill, Austin Sandifer got the start and pitched four innings giving up two runs on four hits while striking out two. In relief, Espinoza gave up two runs on two hits. Evilsizor returned to the mound in game two and hurled 1.1 innings giving up three runs on three hits and struck out three. Flink made his second appearance of the day and gave up a run and a hit. Parker finished the game for the Pacers pitching 2.2 frames giving up four runs (three earned) on four hits with two strikeouts.

A small task like picking trash is one way Crosland Park residents are trying to establish a sense of community in their neighborhood .

Crosland Park residents spent Friday morning picking up litter part of a neighborhood cleanup.

Bulky items such as washers, dryers and mattresses also could be disposed of for free during the cleanup.

The event was sponsored by Aiken Public Services, Palmetto Pride and the Crosland Park Neighborhood Cooperative.

The cleanup was the first one to be held since the COVID-19 pandemic, and there are plans to have cleanups twice a year.

Crosland Park resident Charles Means said he wanted to participate in the cleanup to make sure his neighborhood not only looks good for himself, but also for his neighbors.

Means said in the past a lot of people would come out and help, but with time he hopes more people will help in the future neighborhood cleanups.

“If we get consistent with it, it will catch on,” he said.

Thomas Emerson has lived in the neighborhood since the 1980s and joined the effort because he said it was needed.

Emerson said he found lots of beer bottles where he lives on Morton Avenue, and that improving a neighborhood starts with self-respect and being a leader who is willing to make change.

“If I can demonstrate the willingness, then I can get people to join me,” he said.

Jody Weidenhoft joined in the cleanup after she saw Emerson picking up trash .

“I always lived in an apartment and we always had someone clean up for us,” Weidenhoft said. “Now that I am a homeowner, I want to take pride in my neighborhood. I saw Mr. Emerson ... and decided to join him.”

Sarah Herring, a solid waste administrator with Aiken Public Works, who doesn’t live in the neighborhood, also pitched in to help.

“It’s an important neighborhood in the city of Aiken, and I think the residents need to know that the city of Aiken cares about what’s here,” she said.

Raymond Hall has lived in the neighborhood for over 20 years and said people should make an area look nice. Cleaning up a neighborhood is one way to fix a problem instead of complaining, he said.

Hall said he hopes that if others see that he is helping clean up the neighborhood that they will start to do the same.

“You would hope to think it will inspire and motivate people to do that and join us. We are not just helping ourselves; we are trying to help everyone,” Hall said.