NORWAY, S.C. - Police protection remains a major concern in the town of Norway.

Mayor Brad Fogle opened the discussion at Norway Town Council's November meeting by recounting the events of the past month.

"We were going to meet with Sheriff Williams during October but, due to conflicts, we were unable to do so. However, I understand that four deputies have been assigned to the western region of Orangeburg County, so we do have a deputy in this area 24/7. Of course, there has still been criminal activity," Fogle said. "Three cars were stolen from a local car dealer. One of the cars was recovered in Aiken County, although it was burned beyond use. Another car dealer was also hit with theft/attempted theft. And near Sawyerdale, three modules of cotton were burned at a cost of approximately $40,000."

"I have noticed increased law enforcement presence, but there is continuing criminal activity," he said.

Resident Johnny Fogle said he believes if the law enforcement patrols were increased between the hours of 1 a.m. and 4 a.m., some of the criminal activities would be curtailed.

"I do appreciate the fact that the deputies have left property check cards at farms and businesses in this area," he said.

Orangeburg County Sheriff's Office Maj. Clark Whetstone noted that while the OCSO has assigned four deputies to the area, "they cover the entire western region of Orangeburg County and are not assigned to just a single municipality. Also, if any citizen notices anything out of the ordinary, please make us aware. The more input we receive from citizens, the more we are able to meet the area needs."

Resident Sandy Blake asked if Norway is currently advertising for a full-time police officer, and the mayor said it is not.

In other business:

* Councilman Greg Covington reported that a water line was repaired on Hunter Street near Hunter-Kinard-Tyler, but he said a hazard remains because the area that was dug up to repair the line was never properly repaved. Fogle said the S.C. Department of Transportation would not fix the hazard, but he said the town will correct the problem using grant funds.

* The mayor said he will present the town's proposed 2009 budget for first reading in December.

T&D Correspondent Sherryl M. Peters can be reached by e-mail at boykinbaby@surrealestate.com.

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