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To community support - Thousands of people turned out Wednesday to pay their respects to the family of slain Aiken Public Safety Master Cpl. Sandy Rogers. They filled much of the USCA Convocation Center, lined the streets as the funeral procession passed and mourned at the grave site with a 21-gun salute. Wednesday's services were a painful reminder of a similar service for another slain officer, Master Public Safety Officer Scotty Richardson, just a few short weeks ago. The outpouring of love and support for the families and other law enforcement officers was healing for the entire community.

To champion spellers - Larisa Crowder, a home-schooled seventh-grader, took top honors during the Aiken County School District spelling bee championship Tuesday. Her winning word: jambalaya. Second place went to Tommy Carroll, a sixth-grader at Our Lady Of Peace School in North Augusta; and third place went to Justin Walker, a fifth-grader at Greendale Elementary School. Larisa qualifies for the regional spelling bee, scheduled in Augusta in March. The winner of that event will go on to the national contest in Washington, D.C.

To Cracker Barrel - The popular chain that specializes in Southern comfort food - pancakes, meatloaf, chicken pot pie, fried okra and hashbrown casserole to name a few - opened on Whiskey Road on Monday and is doing a brisk business. This is one of the few Cracker Barrels not located along an interstate.

To football recruits - on Wednesday, 14 Aiken County high school senior football players officially committed to become student-athletes at colleges and universities across the South. Congratulations to the Class of 2012 and we look forward to watching you play in college.

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To fires - Two fires last week resulted in major damage to two buildings. The Griffin, a controversial pub in The Alley, was severely damaged and neighboring businesses had smoke damage from a blaze early Tuesday. Then on Wednesday a fire destroyed part of the abandoned Clearwater Finishing plant. Much of the plant, including the area that burned, is being torn down to make way for a new multi-use development.

To Internet hoaxes - Rumors of a planned shooting at South Aiken High School last week had school administrators scrambling and parents anxious about their children's safety. Turned out to be a prank posted on Facebook. Not funny.