Local News in Brief for July 3

Man arrested after fast-food altercation

A 19-year-old man was pepper-sprayed and arrested early Thursday after he reportedly threatened to shoot a McDonald's employee and set the restaurant on fire, according to police reports.

The suspect, Dancer W. Richter, is charged with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest.

When police learned of the incident, they met with the man in the parking lot at the Whiskey Road restaurant.

He was yelling at an employee and customer with his shirt off.

He said he was upset because the staff would not serve him.

Police said the man continued to argue with police and would not do as ordered. The officer sprayed one burst of the spray in his face and arrested him.

He continued to fight with police, officials said.

Staff told police that the man became enraged after they would not serve him. He was a pedestrian in the drive-through.

He then made several threats, police said.

Number of offices closed for holiday

Because the Fourth of July falls on a Saturday this year, most offices and businesses that traditionally close for the holiday will be closed today instead.

City, County, state and federal offices will be closed.

The Department of Motor Vehicles office in Aiken will not be open Saturday.

The Postal Service will not deliver mail on Saturday but will maintain regular hours today.

The Aiken Mall will close early on Saturday at 6 p.m. Some stores, such as Belk, which closes at 7 p.m. Saturday, may be open different hours.

Most banks will be open today, but those with Saturday service will be closed then. The Aiken County Public Library will be closed today and Saturday.

The Aiken Standard offices will be closed today. Customer service hours will be from 6:30 to 9:30 a.m. today and from 7 to 11 a.m. on Saturday.

Korean veterans celebrate July 18

Chapter 255 of the Korean War Veterans Association will celebrate the anniversary of the Cease Fire of the Korean War and the Charter Anniversary of the Chapter with a catered dinner on July 18 at 1 p.m. at the Masonic Lodge in Langley. The cost is $10 per person.

Members and anyone who has served in Korea from 1945 through the present time is invited to attend. Reservations and payments must be received no later than July 10. Checks should be made payable to KWVA #255 and mailed to KWVA P.O. Box 6234, North Augusta, SC 29861-6234.

Education Matters marks anniversary

The radio program Education Matters on WAAW 94.7 FM will celebrate its sixth anniversary July 10 with a banquet paying tribute to teachers, education and students. Tickets are $40. The event will be held in the USCA B&E Gym at 6:30 p.m. For more information, call 502-0777.