The Edgefield Advertiser turned 176 years old on February 11, 2012. This anniversary is also the beginning of a new and improved online presence, a digital reflection of what this newspaper has been doing for all these years – writing the history of the area we serve – Edgefield County and the Ridge (Old Edgefield District, when the paper started in 1836).

The Edgefield Advertiser is the oldest newspaper in South Carolina, by virtue of the fact of never ceasing to publish and never changing its legal identity.  Since 2003, this newspaper has sought to write the stories of the people of the area it serves, “a first draft of history” according to a famous journalist, always seeking to create an unbiased platform for the entire readership to use for grievances, for applauding good deeds, for criticisms and for conveying expectations of their local communities.

This week the Advertiser introduces to you not only a new “face” online, but a new face on our staff – Online Editor Robert H. Norris, III.  He has undertaken, with great skill and dedication, and with the help of Advertiser Advisor (a specialist in many things technical) Scott Wherry, the design and production of this new Web site for the good of our community, our readers, and the maintaining of the oldest newspaper in our state.  His interest in our community, all facets, has undergirded his technical talent that he developed in the US Coast Guard in his early years.  After leaving the Coast Guard he graduated from Francis Marion University and has now made his way back to Edgefield, his native town.