Criminal Defense Lawyer in Aiken, SC

AIKEN, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) - The Department of Government Efficiency terminated some leases for federal offices in the Carolinas and Georgia, including the Savannah River Operations Center in Aiken.

According to the department’s website, DOGE canceled nearly 800 leases across the country.

According to the DOGE website, the Savannah River Operations Center had an annual lease of $42,225, and the move would save the federal government $200,568.

The agency also says the center is closed due to a true termination.

The closing is part of President Trump’s Cost Efficiency Initiative, which has called for cost-saving measures for the federal government.

Here’s a list of locations in the Carolinas and Georgia:

CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL - ATLANTA, GA - ANNUAL LEASE: $2,473,060 ($2,060,883 TOTAL SAVINGS)

FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION - ATLANTA, GA - ANNUAL LEASE: $446,286 ($0 TOTAL SAVINGS)

FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION - ATLANTA, GA - ANNUAL LEASE: $223,483 ($0 TOTAL SAVINGS)

ALLOWANCE TO FORMER PRESIDENTS - ATLANTA, GA - ANNUAL LEASE: $128,233 ($544,991 TOTAL SAVINGS)

SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION - COLUMBUS, GA - ANNUAL LEASE: $51,023 ($25,512 TOTAL SAVINGS)

SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION - GAINESVILLE, GA - ANNUAL LEASE: $506,527 ($1,688,423 TOTAL SAVINGS)

SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION - VIDALIA, GA – ANNUAL LEASE: $228,757 ($285,947 TOTAL SAVINGS)

SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION - BRUNSWICK, GA – ANNUAL LEASE: $215,383 ($341,023 TOTAL SAVINGS)

SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION - THOMASVILLE, GA – ANNUAL LEASE: $289,139 ($819,228 TOTAL SAVINGS)

FOREST SERVICE - ATLANTA, GA - ANNUAL LEASE: $1,399,770 ($2,799,539 TOTAL SAVINGS)

INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE NATIONAL OFFICE - SAVANNAH, GA - ANNUAL LEASE: $427,511 ($855,022 TOTAL SAVINGS)

UNITED STATES FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE - ATLANTA, GA - ANNUAL LEASE: $738,352 (NO INFO ON SAVINGS)

SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION - ATLANTA, GA - ANNUAL LEASE: $634,642 (NO INFO ON SAVINGS)

FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION - DULUTH, GA – ANNUAL LEASE: $184,341 ($553,023 TOTAL SAVINGS)

INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE NATIONAL OFFICE - MACON, GA - ANNUAL LEASE: $241,967 ($282,295 TOTAL SAVINGS)

OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION - SAVANNAH, GA – ANNUAL LEASE: $97,739 ($407,246 TOTAL SAVINGS)

GEOLOGICAL SURVEY - NORCROSS, GA - ANNUAL LEASE: $559,009 ($1,350,938 TOTAL SAVINGS)

NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE - GRIFFIN, GA - ANNUAL LEASE: $30,810 ($0 TOTAL SAVINGS)

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS ADMINISTRATION, WAGE AND HOURLY DIVI - SAVANNAH, GA – ANNUAL LEASE: $39,214 ($163,394 TOTAL SAVINGS)

GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE - ATLANTA, GA – ANNUAL LEASE: $487,199 ($1,908,196 TOTAL SAVINGS)

OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY - ATLANTA, GA – ANNUAL LEASE: $77,081 ($160,585 TOTAL SAVINGS)

BUREAU OF PRISONS - ATLANTA, GA – ANNUAL LEASE: $863,726 ($431,863 TOTAL SAVINGS)

OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY - ATLANTA, GA - ANNUAL LEASE: $665,692 ($0 TOTAL SAVINGS)

SAVANNAH RIVER OPERATIONS CENTER - AIKEN, SC - ANNUAL LEASE: $42,225 ($200,568 TOTAL SAVINGS)

DEPT. OF AIR FORCE - NORTH CHARLESTON, SC - ANNUAL LEASE: $725,132 ($0 TOTAL SAVINGS)

SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION - GREENWOOD, SC – ANNUAL LEASE: $154,546 ($141,668 TOTAL SAVINGS)

OFFICE OF U.S. ATTORNEYS - COLUMBIA, SC – ANNUAL LEASE: $942,986 ($1,257,315 TOTAL SAVINGS)

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION - GREENVILLE, SC – ANNUAL LEASE: $128,616 ($375,131 TOTAL SAVINGS)

SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION – NORTH CHARLESTON, SC – ANNUAL LEASE $13,725 ($0 TOTAL SAVINGS)

SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION - ROANOKE RAPIDS, NC – ANNUAL LEASE: $24,000 ($0 TOTAL SAVINGS)

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION - GREENSBORO, NC - ANNUAL LEASE: $107,197 ($348,390 TOTAL SAVINGS)

SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION - ELIZABETH CITY, NC - ANNUAL LEASE: $200,937 ($887,470 TOTAL SAVINGS)

NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE - GREENSBORO, NC – ANNUAL LEASE: $731,294 ($2,376,707 TOTAL SAVINGS)

SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION - FRANKLIN, NC - ANNUAL LEASE: $276,309 ($1,059,184 TOTAL SAVINGS)

SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION - GREENVILLE, NC - ANNUAL LEASE: $374,170 ($997,787 TOTAL SAVNGS)

BUREAU OF ALCOHOL, TOBACCO, FIREARMS & EXPLOSIVES - RALEIGH, NC – ANNUAL LEASE: $142,636 ($0 TOTAL SAVINGS)

DEPARTMENTAL MANAGEMENT (IG) - RALEIGH, NC – ANNUAL LEASE: $64,157 ($74,850 TOTAL SAVINGS)

SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION - GREENSBORO, NC – ANNUAL LEASE: $10,928 ($14,571 TOTAL SAVINGS)

CORPS OF ENGINEERS, CIVIL - WILMINGTON, NC - ANNUAL LEASE: $53,011 ($83,934 TOTAL SAVINGS)

FARM SERVICE AGENCY - COUNTY - HENDERSONVILLE, NC - ANNUAL LEASE: $111,756 ($0 TOTAL SAVINGS)

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS ADMINISTRATION, WAGE AND HOURLY DIVI - RALEIGH, NC – ANNUAL LEASE: $122,754 ($480,785 TOTAL SAVINGS)

INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE NATIONAL OFFICE - WILMINGTON, NC - ANNUAL LEASE: $319,571 ($239,678 TOTAL SAVINGS)

NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE - GOLDSBORO, NC – ANNUAL LEASE: $113,418 ($160,675 TOTAL SAVINGS)

INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE NATIONAL OFFICE - FAYETTEVILLE, NC – ANNUAL LEASE: $154,235 ($38,559 TOTAL SAVINGS)

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION - RALEIGH, NC – ANNUAL LEASE: $306,333 ($612,666 TOTAL SAVINGS)

FARM SERVICE AGENCY - COUNTY - WILKESBORO, NC – ANNUAL LEASE: $104,475 ($0 TOTAL SAVINGS)

GEOLOGICAL SURVEY - CHARLOTTE, NC - ANNUAL LEASE: $104,520 ($0 TOTAL SAVINGS)

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY - CHARLOTTE, NC – ANNUAL LEASE: $67,647 ($146,568 TOTAL SAVINGS)

FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION - GREENSBORO, NC - ANNUAL LEASE: $24,855 ($16,570 TOTAL SAVINGS)

Copyright 2025 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.

AIKEN, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) - The Fairfield Street Bridge, once a treasured crossing connecting Aiken’s historic district to the downtown district, has stayed closed for nearly a decade.

Last year, SCDOT said it and the Union Street Bridge would not reopen after failing inspections.

Since then, it’s sat in the same state - disrepair.

Now, Aiken city leaders are working on a plan to restore the Fairfield Street Bridge after a meeting last week.

We sat down with the assistant city manager of Aiken about what’s next for the bridge.

Something neighbors in Aiken have been driving past since 2016, road closed. But the city says the barricades could finally be coming down.

Brandon Wilde celebrates resiliency after Hurricane Helene

On Friday, Brandon Wilde celebrated the river region’s ability to stand strong despite what we went through with Helene.

A bridge that definitely whispers stories of the past, “The work on the Fairfield Sreet Bridge has been a long time coming,” said Lex Kirkland, Aiken assistant city manager.

And promises of the future, “I want to see opportunities to go from our community back over the railroad tracks to downtown without having to go all the way around,” said Jerry Lang, who lives in Aiken.

For the Fairfield Street Bridge, time has stood still.

“The South Carolina Department of Transportation closed the Fairfield Street Bridge in February of 2016,” said Kirkland.

The bridge is more than 100 years old and it was starting to show it’s age.

“It’s just it’s too old and probably too weak for auto traffic any longer. That’s probably why they closed it down,” said Lang.

But the city says they’re laying the groundwork for connection.

Army looks to drastically cut its size, according to reports

The Army – a major employer in the CSRA, thanks to Fort Eisenhower – is looking at thinning its ranks by tens of thousands of troops, according to industry news reports.

“The city has been able, in the last year or so, to have that bridge transferred to us so that some action can be taken on it. We’re working towards potentially demolishing the bridge and hopefully rebuilding a bridge in its place,” said Kirkland.

Jerry Lang lives near the bridge. He says it’s time for a fix.

“It’s it is an eyesore. There’s no doubt about it,” said Lang.

And he hopes the plans go through.

“Whether it’s in my golf cart, my E-bike, or my car, it’s just easier to commute,” said Lang.

To him, it isn’t just a way over, but a way forward.

Piedmont Augusta raises flag in honor of organ donars, recipients

April is National Donate Life Month and Piedmont Augusta is honoring it with a flag-raising ceremony.

“It sent a lot more traffic down Marion Street, where we live. So, that’s one of the things too. I’d like to see a little bit less traffic on our street by opening one of the bridges up. And I know it’s going to take a while, but they did York. Fairfield should be next,” said Lang.

The city says when they took over the bridge last year, with that came nearly $1 million from SCDOT.

And the city says they budgeted about $3 million out of plutonium funds.

With those funds, they hope to tear down the bridge and rebuild it.

Hoping to connect Aiken’s historic district to downtown all while making sure to preserve Aiken’s charm.

“York Street Bridge looks similar to the existing Fairfield Street Bridge and Union Street bridges, not identical but similar. So, I think if you looked at those three bridges, you wouldn’t necessarily know that York Street Bridge is almost brand new. So, we definitely want to have the historic look and the charm that goes along with that. And, if we were to move forward with how the plan currently stands, that’s exactly what it would look like,” said Kirkland.

Copyright 2025 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.

In my 14 trips to The Masters, I’ve stayed at all kinds of places, but none has been as quaint as this nifty little bungalow attached to a garage in Aiken, South Carolina. It sits on the land for a future retirement home of a good friend, Wayne Talsky, whose sons I have taught the game of a lifetime to for many years.

The morning drive from Aiken to Augusta National takes about 30 minutes, depending on traffic. But that half-hour journey feels like traveling between two different worlds. Augusta, with its bustling tournament atmosphere, gives way to Aiken’s genteel Southern charm – a place where horse-drawn carriages still clip-clop down oak-lined streets, and locals greet you with genuine warmth that feels increasingly rare in our hurried world.

“Aiken is a town; thus, it retains all the charm and warm, neighborly vibes,” Wayne tells me as we chat back in Orlando before my trip. It has that unique Southern charm and character. Basically, it’s the folks that make it special.”

He’s right. While Augusta becomes the center of the golf universe for one glorious week each April, Aiken maintains its unhurried pace, offering Masters patrons a peaceful retreat from the tournament crowds. The town’s rich history as a winter colony for wealthy Northerners in the late 19th century has left it with stunning architecture, manicured gardens, and a deep appreciation for equestrian pursuits that rivals its love for golf.

Hopelands Gardens exemplifies this heritage with its 14 acres of meandering paths, ancient oaks, and a serene labyrinth tucked away for quiet reflection. Walking these grounds, you’d never know you’re just miles from one of sport’s most electrifying events. The contrast is part of what makes an Aiken-based Masters experience so special.

Downtown Aiken centers around The Alley, a charming pedestrian area that comes alive during tournament week. “If you are in town for the week, I would visit The Alley, located in downtown Aiken,” Wayne suggests. “The area hosts incredible eateries and a few fantastic local watering holes.”

The Alley Downtown Taproom offers 48 taps of craft beer, cider, wine, and more, with a pay-by-the-ounce system that allows you to sample widely. Nearby restaurants deliver food directly to your table, creating a communal atmosphere where golf stories flow as freely as the beverages.

For those seeking more refined accommodations, The Willcox stands as Aiken’s crown jewel. “I highly suggest getting a cocktail or dinner at The Willcox, the only 5-star hotel in the area,” Wayne says. “The main lounge/bar is one of the swankiest hangs in Aiken!”

This historic hotel has hosted presidents and celebrities since 1898. Its white-columned facade and rocking chair-lined porch embody Southern hospitality at its finest. During Masters week, you might find yourself sharing the lobby with golf royalty, seeking refuge from Augusta’s spotlight.

Of course, many visitors can’t resist playing a round themselves while in the area. “In terms of golf, obviously, after walking the grounds of ANGC, most courses can’t compare,” Wayne acknowledges. “The choices for golf in and around Aiken and Augusta are still fantastic.”

For those with connections, the private options are exceptional. Palmetto Golf Club, designed by Alister MacKenzie (who also designed Augusta National), offers a glimpse into golf’s golden age with its strategic bunkering and subtle greens. Sage Valley provides a modern masterpiece with Augusta-like conditions, while Augusta Country Club sits literally adjacent to Augusta National, sharing a property line with its famous neighbor.

Two newer additions to the private scene have golf aficionados buzzing: Tree Farm and Old Barnwell. Both showcase contemporary minimalist design that works with the natural sandhill terrain rather than against it.

For public access, Wayne recommends Aiken Golf Club, a historic gem dating to 1912 that underwent a loving restoration. Mount Vintage and Cedar Creek offer solid alternatives with distinctive layouts that showcase the region’s rolling topography.

The future looks bright for golf in the area as well. “There are also some cool soon-to-come offerings,” Wayne mentions, “including The 21 Club and a resort to be built in SC on the Savannah River designed by Tom Watson.” The latter, known as Cypress Shoals, sits just 4.5 miles from Augusta National and promises to be another jewel in the region’s golfing crown.

For those enchanted by Aiken’s blend of sporting heritage and small-town charm, the real estate market offers everything from historic downtown cottages to sprawling horse properties. Danny Minolfo at ERA Wilder Realty specializes in helping newcomers find their piece of this unique community.

As another Masters week is now here, I look forward not just to the roars at Amen Corner but also to the quiet evenings in Aiken, where the pace slows, the tea is sweet, and the hospitality is genuine. In a world of increasing homogeneity, this corner of South Carolina remains refreshingly, defiantly itself – the perfect complement to its more famous neighbor to the south.

PGA Professional Brendon Elliott is an award-winning coach and golf writer. You can check out his writing work and learn more about him by visiting BEAGOLFER.golf and OneMoreRollGolf.com. Also, check out this week’s “The Starter” on RG.org.

Editor’s note: “My Take” is an ongoing series where Brendon shares his thoughts and opinions on various aspects of the game and industry. These are Brendon’s opinions and do not necessarily reflect those of GolfWRX, its staff, and its affiliates.

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Diners will be able to enjoy pita wraps, stuffed grape leaves, falafel and hummus at a restaurant that is preparing to make its Aiken debut.

Steak and chicken kebabs, chicken shawarma, gyros and more also will be served at Laziza Mediterranean Grill, which is coming to the shopping center that Lowes Foods anchors on Whiskey Road.

“We have a lot of loyal customers from Aiken, so we decided it was the next city that we wanted to move into,” said Laziza Director of Operations David Holmes in a telephone interview April 10.

Exactly when Laziza will open on the Southside, however, hasn't been determined yet, he told the Aiken Standard.

There are two Laziza restaurants in Georgia. One is in Evans and the other is in Augusta.

“Our big focus is on fresh, flavorful food made to order,” Holmes said. “We make almost everything from scratch.”

A Laziza "commissary kitchen and catering facility" also is located in Augusta.

Nadir and Lisa Khatib are the co-owners of the Laziza businesses.

Last December, the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce honored the Khatibs as 2024’s outstanding entrepreneurs during its Best in Business celebration.

“We’re really excited to come into the Aiken community and share some great flavors,” Holmes said.

For more information, visit lazizagrill.com.

The Aiken Standard reported last year that the local retail complex anchored by Lowes Foods is known formally as The Junction Shopping Center.

Powder Nail Spa, which offers manicures, pedicures and other services, also is based there.

PriorityPet Urgent Care and Sports Clips are getting ready to open.

PriorityPet will offer walk-in veterinary services for companion animals with urgent, non-life-threatening issues.

Haircuts for men and boys will be available at Sports Clips.

GRANITEVILLE, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) - Charges have been upgraded against a man accused of firing a gun as deputies tried to handcuff him after a domestic disturbance this week in Aiken County.

Deputies fired on the man, but no one was injured in the incident early Wednesday at the Palisades at Langley Pond apartments on Hanoverian Run in Graniteville.

Darius Porter, 38, had previously been charged with aggravated breach of peace, but the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division said Friday it had charged him with felony possession of a firearm. Jail records on Friday show he’s also now charged with assault and battery third-degree and malicious injury to a tree or house along with trespassing.

Public safety: Crime across the CSRA

The drama in Graniteville started around 1 a.m. Wednesday, when deputies were called to the apartment complex.

A woman had called authorities to report that her ex-boyfriend, Porter, was banging on her door. She said she called again after she heard five gunshots outside.

Deputies said they later determined he’d fired the shots in the breezeway of the apartment building.

“Deputies arrived on scene and observed Darius to be in front of the listed address,” deputies wrote in an incident report. “Darius was mumbling things to himself and deputies decided to detain Darius.”

Officer-involved shootings: By the numbers

He failed to comply and deputies tried to put him in handcuffs.

“Darius then fired a gun in an attempt to harm deputies,” according to the incident report.

Deputies returned fire and Porter ran off, according to the report.

Porter was caught near Jefferson Davis Highway, but he didn’t have a weapon with him, according to deputies.

From there he was taken to the Aiken County Detention Center and booked.

He remained in jail Friday afternoon, according to jail records.

SLED investigated the shooting at the request of the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office, which is standard in officer-involved shootings in the state.

Copyright 2025 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.