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PRESENTING SPONSOR OF THE 2019 ANNUAL MEETING
IN MEMORY Jerry Alexander | Retired owner, Pickens Sentinel; Syndicated cartoonist Sid Crim | S.C. Press Association President, 1983; Former president and general manager, The State-Record Company Steve Fagan | Former editor, Morning News David Farrow | Former columnist, The Post and Courier Clifton Jordan | Columnist, News-Chronicle Mike Foley | Former features writer, The Greenville News Shug Haigler | Sports writer, Pageland Progressive Journal Mark Haselden | Assistant sports editor and former sports reporter, Morning News Rachel Haynie | Contributor to The Columbia Star and South Carolina United Methodist Advocate Scott Hunter | S.C. Press Association President, 1995; Retired publisher, editor, general manager, managing editor, news editor, sports editor, sports writer, Aiken Standard Mimi Maddock | Former editor, publisher and co-owner, The Columbia Star Bartlene McMillan | Former associate editor, The Mullins Enterprise Al McNeely | Former sports writer, The Greenville Piedmont Edwin Craddock Morris Sr. | Former owner, publisher and editor, The Calhoun Times Van Newman Jr. | Former sports editor, Columbia Record Hank Schulte | Retired SCPA coach, veteran journalist, USC Journalism School professor Louis C. Sossamon | S.C. Press Association President, 1968; Retired Publisher, The Gaffney Ledger Bud Turner | Former circulation and operations executive, The Greenville News E. Richard Walton | Former reporter, The Greenville News Thomas F. Wamsley Sr. | Co-founder and former president, The Island Packet
Full necrology on page 11 of program
OBITUARY ALL WEEKLY DIVISION
THIRD PLACE Kyle Petersen Free Times
SECOND PLACE Adam Manno Charleston City Paper
School winners are listed first, then the runner-up. ◆ Pageland Elementary School – Christian McBride and Jaiden Hillian. ◆ Cheraw Intermediate School – Dakota Keith and Elija Smith. ◆ Jefferson Elementary School – Tori Brandon and Braelyn Oliver. ◆ McBee Elementary School – Meredith Sprouse and Lindsay Morris. ◆ Edwards Elementary School – Shekainah Pace and Jaymee Hutcherson. ◆ Ruby Elementary School – Gatlin Deese and Porter Kearns. ◆ Plainview Elementary School – Raegan Griggs and Kowen Starling. ◆ Chesterfield-Ruby Middle – Mia Ingram and Jessie Sellers. ◆ Long Middle School – Deja Cruz and Samara Cruz. ◆ New Heights Middle School – Kierstyn Drayton and Rafael Rangel. ◆ McBee High School – Jackson Morris and Naomi Hatfield.
OBITUARY ALL WEEKLY DIVISION
DON WORTHINGTON/Progressive Journal
When Emalee Moree of McBee wrote to Santa Claus this year she put the needs of others first, asking for a Blessing Box to help feed “the whole community.”
FIRST PLACE
By DON WORTHINGTON Progressive Journal
For the past several years, Emalee Moree of McBee has put others before herself in her letter to Santa. Usually it was a small request or kindness that Emalee, now 8, wanted to see happen. This year’s request to Santa was so big, so unselfish, that it melted her mother’s heart and made her cry. Emalee asked Santa for a
“blessing box” for people who need food and other supplies. She made the request after seeing classmates leave school with backpacks of food. If they needed food, Emalee wondered, what about others? “Why can’t we do this for the whole community?” Emalee asked. Rebecca Moree said the request likely started when Emalee saw a post on Facebook about a blessing box in Darlington. Emalee saw the need and
asked Santa for help. When Rebecca read her daughter’s request, she realized it was something that Santa could not do on his own. With the assistance of others, Emalee’s Christmas wish has come true. McBee’s Little Blessing box is stocked, unlocked and helping residents. Her father, Ronnie, built the blessing box and painted it red. Ronnie usually builds something each Christmas, but it is usually a toy, he said. The box was installed outside
Alligator Volunteer Fire Department’s Station 1 at 219 S. 11th St. near McBee High School. At first, Emalee said she didn’t know what to expect. “I thought most people would donate, but some would not,” she said. Her fear was that people would take items and not restock the blessing box’s shelves. “I got a surprise and I’m happy,” she said. People are restocking the
Don Worthington Pageland Progressive-Journal
See BLESSING BOX | Page 3
Mount Croghan loses a civic treasure By DON WORTHINGTON Progressive Journal
Even the wind was silent Saturday as the airmen folded an American flag, making sure each fold was precise and crisp. Suddenly the puttering of a single-engine plane interrupted the silence. Whether by design or hap-
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penstance, the sound of that airplane was a fitting tribute to James Oscar Taylor Jr. of Mount Croghan, who died Jan. 1 at age 98. Fitting not only because Col. Taylor was a 30-year veteran of the Air Force who served in World War II, Korea and Vietnam, but because Taylor had a single purpose much like that one engine that guided the plane.
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He served humanity one person a time. “He met each person as a friend, and he left them with a memory,” said the Rev. Alan Arnold during Saturday’s service. The result was everyone who met him “left amazed and blessed,” Arnold said. And, said Taylor’s son James, people recall meetings that happened 50 years ago “and they remember them like
TODAY’S WEATHER Partly cloudy with patchy fog
they were yesterday.” James O. Taylor Jr., the fourth generation of his family to call Mount Croghan home, died 11 a.m. Jan. 1 in Cheraw, one day after his 98th birthday. Saturday’s service and burial were at Mount Croghan United Methodist Church, near the land Taylors farmed for years. Yet farmer barely describes Taylor. See TAYLOR | Page 4
OBITUARY, 3 Margie Evans
INNOVATION OPEN DIVISION
SECOND PLACE
Staff, The Summerville Journal Scene MAY 2018
FIRST PLACE THIRD PLACE Will be presented at Daily Awards Dinner
A special publication of
deadline
EVENT MARKETING ASSOCIATE & INDIVIDUAL DIVISION
HLAD comes before MEO Institute in 2018
In 2018, Hometown Legislative Action Day will be held the day before the Municipal Elected Officials Institute of Government and Advanced Institute, reversing the order from previous years. This change will save on travel and allow more attendees to participate in the legislative reception.
Registration Information
The $100 registration fee includes lunch, reception and all meeting materials. Lunch is a ticketed event only available to meeting registrants. Due to limited seating, guests may not attend the luncheon.The preregistration deadline is January 23. On-site registration will be available for anyone who misses the preregistration deadline.
Municipal Elected Officials Institute of Government
e reception. For information rd: HLAD).
Staff Municipal Association of South Carolina
The $75 fee for Session A, Session B and the Advanced Institute includes registration, educational materials and lunch for the registrant only. Preregistration is required. The deadline is January 23.
Website
Visit www.masc.sc (keyword: HLAD) to register online and for more information about the Hometown Legislative Action Day, Municipal Elected Officials Institute of Government and Advanced Municipal Elected Officials Institute of Government.
Mobile App
Download the Hometown Legislative Action Day app to connect with speakers and other attendees, receive meeting updates and post comments about the sessions. Available from the App Store and Google Play.
Hotel Information
Hometown Legislative Action Day Tuesday, February 6, 2018 | Columbia Marriott
unicipal legislative issues ook (keyword: advocacy
on Tuesday, February 6 at
SECOND PLACE
Register yourself and others from your organization online at www.masc.sc (keyword: HLAD). Hometown Legislative Action Day
Reservation deadline: January 10
The Municipal Association has reserved a block of rooms at the Columbia Marriott, 1200 Hampton Street. When making reservations, indicate you will be attending the Municipal Association’s conference to ensure you receive the conference rate ($153 plus tax). To make reservations, call 1.800.593.6465 or visit www.masc.sc and click on the link for the 2018 Hometown Legislative Action Day. You will be directed to the Marriott’s reservation system to make reservations online. You must make reservations by January 10 to guarantee the conference rate. If you or anyone with you is disabled or has special needs, call the Marriott at 803.771.7000 to make special arrangements.
Municipal Elected Officials Institute of Government
Wednesday, February 7, 2018 | Sessions A and B | Advanced Institute
Parking Information
The parking garage behind the Marriott with entrances on Hampton and Sumter streets will have limited availability. Meeting attendees and hotel guests may not park above level 4-A in this garage (or they will be towed). Additional parking will be available at the parking garage located at 1200 Taylor Street (one block from the hotel).
EVENT MARKETING ASSOCIATE & INDIVIDUAL DIVISION
FIRST PLACE Jane James SC Biz News
PUBLIC RELATIONS PROGRAM ASSOCIATE & INDIVIDUAL DIVISION
THIRD PLACE
8 2:19 PM Page 1
Bill Johns S.C. Farm Bureau Federation
SECOND PLACE
Staff Municipal Association of South Carolina SC Municipal Insurance Trust and SC Municipal Insurance and Risk Financing Fund
k, America's largest air medical iding the highest levels of care and y and your community. Protect what edCare Network membership. eive an exclusive discount. r details. Use the Coupon Code
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Get 15% OFF MSRP, plus FREE freight and setup to dealer location on any new Grasshopper Zero Turn Mowers. Discount also applies to implements and accessories with purchase of a new tractor and deck. Membership proof required. Find your nearest dealer at grasshopperdealers.com. SC Farm Bureau members qualify for a Free Security System valued at not less than $850 and receive a free smoke detector or key fob when they become ADT subscribers through PowerLink, the most tenured ADT dealer in America. Add to that $2 – $5 monthly discounts on monitoring, 40% off additional equipment & a $99 installation special. Not available to current ADT subscribers or anyone who is within 90 days of terminating an ADT contract. Call (877) 289-4070. Over the last 20 years, Dungarees has been established as a retail leader in the work wear industry. Save 10-20% on the most premier brands like Carhartt, Wolverine, Yeti, Cat & more. Go to dungarees.com and use discount code SCFBF.
Charleston Harbor Tours & Dinner Cruises Save $5-$10 per person
ar Value Comprehensive Hearing Benefits and their families. ment & consultation n all Starkey Hearing Instruments , AudioSync & MicroTech) ies (1 case per instrument with purchase) visit www.clearvaluehearing.com
discount card accepted at over Up to 65% savings for name-brand
d take it to a participating pharmacy. into their electronic billing system. nce benefit and will not offer additional unts offered through insurance plans. learn more, go to www.scfb.org, , then Health Care.
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Myrtle Beach & Surfside Water Parks & Raceway Save up to $11/ticket
SC & Georgia Aquariums Save 20%
Go to SCFB.org for more information on these and other local discounts.
Carowinds & Six Flags over Georgia Save up to $25 on front gate prices Riverbanks Zoo & Garden Save 25% * “Best Available Rate” is defined as the best, non-qualified, unrestricted, publicly available rate on the brand sites for the hotel, date & accommodations requested. The discount for some properties may be less than 20% off Best Available Rate. Certain restrictions may apply. To redeem this offer, click our URL link on Organization’s website or call the phone number above and give ID at the time of reservation. Offer not valid if hotel is called directly, caller must use toll free numbers listed above. Advanced reservations are required. Offer is subject to availability at participating locations and some blackout dates may apply. Offer cannot be combined with any other discounts, offers, group rates, or special promotions. Discounted rates vary by location and time of year. Offer is void where prohibited by law and has no cash value. Dolce Hotels is not a current participant in the member benefit program. **Banking services provided by Farm Bureau Bank, FSB. Farm Bureau, FB, and the FB National Logo are registered service marks owned by, and used by Farm Bureau Bank FSB under license from, the American Farm Bureau Federation.
all member benefits subject to change without notice. Some restrictions may apply. For additional information go to www.SCFB.org
PUBLIC RELATIONS PROGRAM ASSOCIATE & INDIVIDUAL DIVISION
FIRST PLACE
COMMUNITY
ANNUAL REPORT 2017
Amy Stevens and Kevin Pontiff Tidelands Health
EDITORIAL OR COLUMN IN SUPPORT OF FOI/OPEN GOVERNMENT ISSUES ALL WEEKLY DIVISION
SECOND PLACE
THIRD PLACE
John Clayton Laurens County Advertiser OPINION
Graham Williams Union County News
Black Cyan Magenta Yellow
4 | Union County News
Monday, June 11, 2018
The Laurens County Advertiser
August 15, 2018
An Independent Newspaper Founded in 1885
Closed-door meeting violated state’s FOIA What is it that Union City Council doesn't want you to know about the upcoming change in city government? Last Tuesday, council met behind closed doors with its lawyers to discuss an amendment to the change from a mayorcouncil form of government to a council form. The agenda for the meeting listed the discussion under executive session, along with contractual matters. Under Section 30-4-70 of South Carolina's Freedom of Information Act, council is only allowed to close Graham a meeting for specific reasons - disWilliams cussion of a change in government is not one of them. “Any discussion of the form of government should be open to those governed,” said Bill Rogers, executive director of the South Carolina Press Association. Mayor Harold Thompson was informed of this prior to the meeting and indicated the matter would be discussed in open session. But after Thompson conferred with city attorney Larry Flynn and his partner, C.D. Rhodes, the situation changed. Rhodes reviewed the changes being made to the city's code regarding who would be responsible for the day-to-
6A
The Laurens County Advertiser
In our view
Keeping the light in the sunshine laws
After reading this you may have to bite the bullet How many times have you been told, You're barking up the wrong tree? Well, if you're like me, a lot. You probably didn't know that what you were told came straight from Davy Crockett himself.
wrong tree.” No argument there. And speaking of coons, nature's furry thief apparently is responsible for at least one more cliché. Something that seldom happens is often referred to as once in a coon's age. How the furry bandit gets tagged
barn or two during his escapades, he lived in Sherwood Forest and had, therefore, no barn. So, to go around Robin Hood's barn is to proceed in a manner that leads no place. The phrase first appears in J. F. Kelly's Humors of Falconbridge (1854) where he writes: “The way
Good ideas don’t need to be presented in the dark. But that’s what the City of Clinton did when City Manager Bill Ed Cannon lobbied members of city council individually or in small groups to break up Clinton’s Public Safety Department in favor of separate police and fire departments. Cannon claims having two different entities to serve the community is a good idea, citing his own experience, but met routine questions from reporters about the proposed changes with belligerence and profanity during a Napoleonic tirade. City Council passed first reading of an ordinance that would break up Clinton’s Department of Public Safety at a called meeting last Thursday evening. A short presentation by Cannon lasted only minutes and not a single question was asked by council members or Mayor Bob McLean. South Carolina’s “Sunshine” laws, which require government bodies such as the Clinton City Council to discuss and vote on issues in public forums, do not allow a quorum of any public body to hold meetings without public knowledge and access. Cannon circumvented that law by informing council members of his plans in small groups and waiting for a quorum to come together only for the vote. Had McLean and council members asked any questions, it would have been little more than a charade. The deal was done, essentially made in administrative offices or over lunch, before it ever appeared in public view. “I think by law, I can talk to three (council members) at one time, can’t I? And not be a quorum?” Cannon said when questioned about how council members became educated about his proposal. McLean and Cannon used a video of Clinton Public
The ancient war between The media are furious that President Trump serially decries "fake news." He often rants that journalists who traffic in it are "enemies of the people." Reporters have compared Trump
VICTO DAVIS HANSO
Viewpoint ALL WEEKLY DIVISION
4 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 25, 2018 • The News & Reporter
EDITORIAL OR COLUMN IN SUPPORT OF FOI/OPEN GOVERNMENT ISSUES Raw materials
Our View
A free consultation
P
T
here are a lot of service-driven businesses that tout the fact that they offer customers “free consultation.” You may or not actually end up paying for it in the long run, but the idea there is that they review your individual case or circumstances, apprise you of how they will proceed on your behalf if they are willing to take you on as a client and then begin to charge you once they are actively working for you. In some ways, that formula actually describes quite perfectly the process a public body undertakes when you file a Freedom of Information (FOIA) Request. If you decide you want to know how much a council spent attending a retreat or how much money a board spent on legal fees in a given year, you file that request in writing. The public body you are requesting the information from reviews your request and then verifies whether or not what you are asking for is exempt under the FOIA. If it is, they respond to you by telling you the information you are seeking can’t be given to you and explain why. If it isn’t, they will tell you so and usually give you an idea of when you can expect to receive what you’ve asked for. Then (and only then) they can assess a minimal fee to you for copies and time spent collecting the requested documents and information. Recently, we filed a FOIA request with the Chester County School District to obtain a list of properties that were considered as the site of a proposed new career and workforce development center. Superintendent Dr. Angela Bain had said publicly that 10 locations were considered before a tract next to the York Tech Chester Center off S.C. Highway 9 was chosen. Some members of the public balked at the price and other aspects of the plan and have continued to ask questions even after the February referendum that would have paid for the land and the new career center was defeated. Things that interest the public interest us, so we wanted to obtain and publish the full list of considered sites. The district did respond in a timely manner, but told us that in their view, the document was exempt under the FOIA because the information is “incidental to proposed sales or purchases of property” and is considered “proprietary” in nature. We disagreed, as did an attorney for the South Carolina Press Association (which advocates for open government). We have re-filed our request with the attorney’s objections noted and we’ll see what sort of response we get, but for our purposes here, that really isn’t the point. Towards the end of the response to us, the district’s reply (which was signed by Bain) indicated that they could have charged us for the “actual costs associated with the search and gathering of the records and information” we sought in our request. In layman’s terms, they claimed they could charge us for the information request they were denying, though they said they were waiving the fee in this instance. The FOIA very clearly states “fees may not be charged for examination and review to determine if the documents are subject to disclosure” and we know it does. We thought about that from a different angle, though. A large part of our job revolves around knowledge of the FOIA, we have booklets on our desks that not only have the FOIA printed wordfor-word but also explained in great detail in plain language. If we have questions even beyond that, we have access to the best FOIA attorneys in the state (if not the entire country) through the SCPA. Most citizens who might request information don’t necessarily have all those
YOur Views Many reasons to oppose the quarry To the Editor: Many people are aware of a proposed granite quarry that would border Fishing Creek in northern Chester County. The site is owned and leased to Hard Rock Aggregates LLC by Rock Hill City Councilman John Black. Some have wondered why the community is so fiercely opposing this project. Here is a list of our greatest concerns about what could occur, based primarily on information in the mining company’s permit application to DHEC and comments made by their representative at a public meeting. 1. 6,000-plus tons of truck weight a day crossing the high pressure Patriot Energy Group natural gas pipeline and passing within feet of the gas transfer station. 2. Planned regular withdrawals of water from Fishing Creek and depletion of the water table by quarry “monitoring wells,” which would threaten the creek, residential wells and farm ponds. 3. Contamination and/ or sedimentation in Fishing Creek and the water table.
8. Daily noise and tremors from blasting negatively affecting/ stressing residents as well as farm and domestic animals, particularly cattle, horses, goats and dogs, many of which already fear thunder and fireworks. 9. Remediation plans that propose using highly invasive species next to farmland and managed forest land. 10. Loss of property values and marketability of properties within an eight to 10 mile radius of the quarry. These concerns are voiced by residents who rightly fear this effort by a landowner/developer who does not live in this community and will not be directly affected when the mine destroys the quality of life we have worked, often decades, to achieve. Surely a community has the inherent right to decide its own destiny and to fight threats to its health and safety. Joanna Angle Lewis Turnout Quarry noise would be harmful to animals To the Editor: I am writing to share
energy consumption” (Escribano et al., 2013) and “Noise may also have indirect effects on population dynamics through changes in habitat use, courtship and mating, reproduction and parental care” (Rabin et al., 2003). Noise research has shown that noise causes a general stress reaction influencing most organs. Stress reactions causes short term effects and long term effects. For the dog owners who have dogs that fear thunderstorms, just imagine what it would be like for this dog to hear the blasting and crushing from the quarry all day. It would create significant ongoing stress for the dog, which could have horrific consequences. For the horse owners who have experienced a horse who has become injured or injured others when reacting to noise, just imagine if they lived in an environment with significant blasting throughout the day. Horses fear loud noises and use their natural instinct of flight to react to loud noises.I have personal experience with this. A neighbor shooting off fireworks caused several of
eople seem to think that $2.50 a gallon is a lot to pay for gasoline that has to be located underground using expensive, high-tech equipment, drilled for, extracted from deep beneath the ground, shipped to a plant to be refined, formulated to meet the government specifications in each state, shipped to the stores where it is sold and pumped into underground tanks. Well, I wonder how those folks would feel about paying $15 a gallon for water? Granted, this isn’t just any water…why, it’s, um, totally plain water! Not quadruple filtered to insure it is the cleanest substance mortal man can drink, not harvested from a glacier near the North Pole to provide the ultimate in purity and not from a Editor special spring noted for Travis its magical Jenkins healing properties. Nope. Quite the opposite of those things. Very plain, regular water. I read a story today about one of the latest culinary fads, that being the “raw” water movement. I’d never heard of it and wasn’t even sure what it meant, to be honest. I’ve heard of raw milk before, which is milk that isn’t processed or even pasteurized. I mean, drink whatever you want to drink, but not being calf, I don’t really want or need to know what milk tastes like coming fresh and direct from…well, you know where milk comes from. The only other “raw” liquid I’ve ever heard of is sewage, which I also have no interest in tasting. You can promise me it tastes like memaw’s fresh baked
FIRST PLACE Travis Jenkins The News & Reporter
EDITORIAL WRITING ASSOCIATE & INDIVIDUAL DIVISION
THIRD PLACE Rudy Gray The Baptist Courier People use drugs for lots of reasons. As Christians, we need to show them grace, not condemnation. But it’s also part of our love for them to point out the ways in which they are harming their bodies and limiting their potential for success and happiness. So if your loved one is experiencing vomiting and abdominal pain over and over, and nobody can figure out why,
THE LAST WORD
then cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome may be the cause. As Baptists, let’s just hope nobody discovers “casserole hyperemesis syndrome.” Now that would be a problem, wouldn’t it? n Edwin Leap is an emergency physician and writer from Walhalla. Read more at EdwinLeap.com.
Marshall Blalock The Baptist Courier PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE
BY RUDY GRAY, Editor
AS SOUTH CAROLINA BAPTISTS, WE HAVE A
SOME EVANGELICAL SENIOR STATESMEN ARE
(those born around 1982-84 to 2002-2006) have a biblical worldview. Dobson sounds an alarm: “We may have lost this generation known as millennials, but they are the parents of the next generation. We cannot afford to lose yet another generation.” But what can we do? We need something that rises above rhetoric, feelings, comfort, selfishness or individualism. We need Christ Jesus. Our churches may shrink, and our denomination may fail, but the Son of God will always be the same perfect Redeemer. He alone is worthy of our unwavering worship, adoration and obedience. The call today is the same as it has always been for the child of God: faithfulness. There are so many things we cannot do or change, but there are important things we must do: Believe His Word, pray, stay faithful to His truth, and obey His call not only to share the gospel but to be salt and light in the world in which we live. We need strong, healthy families more now than ever. Most of all, we can be the church — alive, militant and strong. May God give us the grace to be His people in all our relationships, and may He be glorified through our commitments. The confession of the early church was simply, “Jesus is Lord.” That should also be our declaration of life and faith today, tomorrow, and until we meet our Savior. Today is not the time to step back, but to stand firm (Ephesians 6:13). n
www.baptistcourier.com
BY MARSHALL BLALOCK
RACE, THE GOSPEL, AND POLITICS
CHALLENGES FOR THE CHURCH offering dire predictions for the future of the church if drastic and powerful changes are not soon made. The evangelical church at large, and the Southern Baptist Convention in particular, are losing ground. Culture wars have taken their toll on the faithful, and an increasing post-truth mindset makes sharing the gospel of God’s grace more difficult now than in previous generations. James Dobson, founder of Focus on the Family and the leader of Family Talk, recently stated that the Christian church ranks near the bottom in terms of impact or influence, with 48 other entities outranking it in significance. He said, “The number one priority for Americans is money. Marriage is held in low regard. Infidelity is frequently seen as no big deal. Monogamy is considered old fashioned. Divorce is commonplace.” He added that most Americans no longer believe in absolute truth, which would include the Bible and its teachings. At this pivotal moment in American history, the Southern Baptist Convention faces critical decisions that can influence the effectiveness of the denomination for years to come. Some of our key institutions are seeking presidents: LifeWay Christian Resources, the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee, the International Mission Board, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. However, Southern Baptists are primarily identified not by our institutions but by our churches — and far too few of our churches are healthy or growing. In South Carolina, our own convention faces tremendous challenges, with 88 percent of our churches either plateaued or declining. We need stronger churches, revitalized churches, more churches and, most of all, a dependence on the God of Scripture. Our faith may be tested more than we could have ever imagined. We face difficulties and opposition greater than our forefathers did. We need (particularly in our own denomination) a God-sent revival that produces lasting change and bold witnesses. Americans are ripe for exploitation in the age of false, fake and imaginary news. Communicators in every strata of our society are needed — those who will believe the truth, speak the truth, and stand in the truth even if it hurts. Barna Research has reported that only 4 percent of millennials
SECOND PLACE
• 23
unique opportunity before us on Tuesday evening, Nov. 14. We have been invited to hold our annual worship service during our state convention at Mother Emanuel Church in downtown Charleston where nine black Christians were murdered in June of 2015. Pastor Eric Manning has graciously offered us this invitation to come to this historic sanctuary for our corporate worship service. The worship will be designed to honor Christ above all with great music and anointed preaching. The plans for the evening, as exciting as they are, will be eclipsed by the silent witness of the blood stains on the floor in the basement below. The building itself will magnify God’s limitless grace in ways no other place can. The killer went to Emanuel Church on that fateful Wednesday night in order to foment a race war as he mercilessly killed nine people who had welcomed him to hear God’s Word taught. The city was in shock as the news spread, and other cities had gone up in flames over much less. Everyone wondered what would happen next. No war broke out, largely because the families of the Emanuel Nine showed the grace found only in the Cross of Christ to forgive the killer. The grieving families of Mother Emanuel chose to live the reconciling power of God, and the city of Charleston, the state of South Carolina, the nation and the world got a glimpse of the most powerful force known to humanity: God’s amazing grace. Three years later, Mother Emanuel is hosting the evening session of the South Carolina Baptist Convention. Honestly, it’s another act of grace on the part of Emanuel. They are inviting us into their spiritual home so that we may experience something of their lives. The events of June 2015 brought a new conviction to my own life: that I must work toward gospel-oriented racial reconciliation. Many of us in white communities think racial problems are over, that racial discrimination is a thing of the past. We are ready to move on. I have had moments when I thought exactly that. My black friends have helped me to see that reconciliation is not a simple matter of moving on, but listening and taking time to understand those whose lives have been seriously affected by racial hatred. Authentic Christian love calls us to build those bridges over the racial divide. Nothing else can do it but relationships built on gospel grace. That’s where politics gets in the way. I have had friends suggest that what we are doing may be interpreted by some as political. Allow me to be as blunt as possible here: I hate the politics of race. Why? Because politics can never be the pathway for racial reconciliation. Only the gospel can bring true and lasting reconciliation. The political world is filled with craven cowards reciting meaningless racial platitudes in
an effort to gain an advantage. Even our best public servants have limits on what they can do, and renewing hearts is clearly outside of their capacity. The atonement of Christ is the one and only basis of our reconciliation to God and to one another. This annual meeting’s theme is “Building Bridges,” a theme that centers on the gospel, which is God’s reconciling work to build a bridge to us. I am asking Baptists to join together in Charleston on Nov. 13-14 to focus on building bridges to the lost in our state, our nation and around the world. On that Tuesday night, I am praying we have a work of God in our hearts to move us to bridge the racial divide. When the world sees the power of the gospel to reconcile people who have been separated by race, they will notice God’s power like never before. Be a part of the miracle — no politics, just gospel. Marshall Blalock is pastor of Charleston First Baptist Church and president of the South Carolina Baptist Convention.
www.baptistcourier.com • 11
4 / NEWS MOST VIEWED ONLINE
EDITORIAL WRITING 3/ S O U T H C A R O L I N A L A W Y E R S W E E K LY I D e c e m b e r 1 8 , 2 0 1 7
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Cake case before Supreme Court has ties to S.C. barbecue decision
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Not a square to spare
ASSOCIATE & INDIVIDUAL DIVISION
Doing things the hard way
EDITORIAL
Pass the federal shield law bill When Attorney General Jeff Sessions appeared before the House Judiciary Committee on Nov. 14, Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Maryland, had a direct question. Raskin asked Sessions, “As Attorney General, will you commit not to prosecute investigative journalists for maintaining the confidentiality of their professional sources?” Sessions was less than direct in his answer: “I will commit to respecting the role of the press.” And he added, “There are some things the press seems to think they have an absolute right to [that] they don’t have an absolute right to.” That’s a far cry from President Obama’s Attorney General, Eric Holder, who was no friend of the press either, but who once said, “No reporter will go to jail for doing his job.” That night after Sessions’ appearance and lack of assurance, Raskin and a Republican colleague, Rep. Jim Jordan of Texas, responded by introducing “The Free Flow of Information Act of 2017.” This bill would establish a federal shield law for reporters and their sources. A shield law provides a reporter’s privilege protecting journalists from having to reveal confidential sources of information to governmental authorities, except under a number of exceptions. Currently 49 states and the District of Columbia have a reporter’s privilege, either by statute or in case law. (Wyoming is the outlier). There is no federal counterpart. The effort behind a federal shield law is nothing new. In fact, there have been several such bills over the last decade or so. It’s important to note that the proposed privilege is not absolute. Similar to prior bills, the 2017 effort has specific exclusions for national security matters and establishes a balancing test for when “the public interest in compelling disclosure of the information or document involved outweighs the public interest in gathering or disseminating news or information.” Like the Raskin-Jordan bill, past “Free Flow of Information Act” proposals have been bipartisan.
In fact, Vice President Mike Pence was a strong proponent of a shield law when he was a Republican congressman from Indiana: He was a co-sponsor for at least one such bill. The push for a federal shield law came close to success in 2013, passing the House by a wide margin and making it through the Senate Judiciary Committee. But the bill never made it to the Senate floor. Props to Raskin and Jordan for being champions of the press and pushing forward at a time when the charge of “fake news” is hurled routinely at a group President Trump has called “an enemy of the people.” At the House hearing, Raskin batted back the president’s invective, telling Sessions that “I think the Founders probably thought that a free press was the people’s best friend.” When the bill was introduced, Jordan echoed his Democratic colleague, “All of the rights protected in the First Amendment need to be defended.” He added, “From the religious liberty in our churches, to the free speech of students on college campuses, to the ability of reporters to protect the confidentiality of their sources, these fundamental American freedoms must be strengthened and preserved.” Hear, hear. And let’s remember why reporters and their sources need protection. The proposed privilege preserves the public’s right to know, which is one of the cornerstones of our freedoms. A whistleblower who fears that a reporter will be compelled to reveal his identity will never come forward. The ability to hold the government accountable will be lost. At a time when high-level officials refuse to give assurances that investigative reporters won’t be subject to prosecution, the time has definitely has arrived for a federal shield law. We urge Congress to move on the Raskin-Jordan bill quickly, and to pass it soon.
■ PUBLISHER Grady Johnson ■ EDITOR IN CHIEF Paul E. Fletcher paul.fletcher@sclawyersweekly.com ■ EDITORIAL Teresa Bruno, Opinions Editor teresa.bruno@sclawyersweekly.com Phillip Bantz, Staff Writer phillip.bantz@sclawyersweekly.com David Donovan, Staff Writer david.donovan@sclawyersweekly.com Heath Hamacher, Staff Writer heath.hamacher@sclawyersweekly.com Scott Baughman, Digital Media Manager sbaughman@mecktimes.com ■ ADVERTISING Andrea Mounts, Advertising Manager andrea.mounts@sclawyersweekly.com Sheila Batie-Jones, Advertising Account Executive sheila.batie-jones@sclawyersweekly.com Lisa Arnold, Advertising Account Executive Sponsorships, Plaque & Reprint Sales larnold@bridgetowermedia.com ■ ACCOUNTING & ADMINISTRATIVE Amanda Passmore, Business Manager amanda.passmore@sclawyersweekly.com ■ CIRCULATION JoAnn Griffin, Audience Development Manager jgriffin@bridgetowermedia.com Circulation: 1-800-451-9998 subscriptions@bridgetowermedia.com ■ EVENTS Tiara Benfield, Events Coordinator tiara.benfield@sclawyersweekly.com ■ PRODUCTION & OPERATIONS John Reno, Production Manager jreno@molawyersmedia.com Jennifer McNally, Designer jmcnally@molawyersmedia.com
FIRST PLACE Paul Fletcher S.C. Lawyers Weekly
Viewpoint EDITORIAL WRITING
Due to space limitations, Editor Travis Jenkins column will appear in Friday’s edition.
Guest Column
ALL WEEKLY DIVISION When local
THIRD PLACE
6
August 29, 2018
An Independent Newspaper Founded in 1885
OPINION
In our view
What’s the reason for Clinton City Council’s rush? One thing became clear this past Wednesday morning as the Clinton City Council voted to dissolve the Clinton Department of Public Safety: The people who plan to split the department back into separate fire and police entities don’t really have a plan. City Manager Bill Ed Cannon said it will be a “process” that could lead into the city’s next fiscal year. Let us note, it is neither our desire to see Clinton Public Safety remain as it is nor is it our desire to see it dissolved. But we do hold local leaders to account when it comes to due diligence in any manner regarding the public safety and public expense. It seems that the argument put forth to dissolve Clinton’s Department of Public Safety was too much like parents speaking to an unruly child. The “because we said so” argument should be no argument at all at city hall. To that end, there were too many basic unanswered questions as to how the process will work and what will happen afterward. Here are just a few: •How much will this cost? The reason behind the creation of the department 13 years ago was to help Clinton save money while still offering the public safety services necessary to its citizens. What has changed? •What will this do to staffing? Cross training first responders in law enforcement and fire fighting may not be ideal, but in small cities fewer people are able to do more. So, will the city need to hire more police officers or fire fighters? If this is done for the public good but leaves both departments short on staff, has it really done any public good? • If additional personnel are needed, where will they be found? The S.C. Highway Patrol is among the state’s law-enforcement agencies unable to fill its ranks. Relatively low pay at the state level is followed by relatively low pay at the local level in public safety. Some departments in the region are offering significant sign-on bonuses to attract officers. So, is Clinton ready to compete? “I’m not against it,” said Councilman Danny Cook. “But there are times when we ask to see how something will affect our budget before we approve it, and I’d like to see that plan because it can affect our taxpayers.” Cannon had answers to none of those questions but did say he saw a Department of Public Safety struggle when he held a similar post in Corbin, Ky., at the turn of the century. We have no doubt that Cannon’s experience has left him with a poor opinion of public safety departments and he very well may be correct in his assessment. But to ramrod with the help of Mayor Bob McLean such a proposal through city council with two called meetings in as many weeks with few if any explanations beyond quoting studies from an international firefighters’ association and saying, “it’s a long process,” we believe to be highly unusual. The questions should have been answered well before the vote was called.
Contact Your Representative S.C. Senate District 9 (Greenville and Laurens cos.) Daniel B. “Danny” Verdin III (R)
402 Gressette Building, Columbia, SC 29201 • (803) 212-6230 Home: P.O. Box 272, Laurens, SC 29360
I
SECOND PLACE
smaller profit margins and f you’ve got shopping to do, the national “big-box” less room for error, they tend to appreciate each cusand ecommerce retailers can seem like an appealing tomer – and to show it by being friendlier and offeroption. They’re often locating better customer service ed close to the interstate. With huge advertising bud- than the big-box chains. The success of local busigets, they bombard us with tantalizing deals and “door- nesses is linked to the wellbuster specials.” And in the being of the local community. Even if it’s not always Internet era, it’s easier than ever to make purchas- feasible to do all of our Black Cyan Magenta Yellow spending locally, we would es with a few clicks on a benefit the community by laptop or 6 TheCyan Laurens County Advertiser June 20, 2018 Black Cyan Magenta Yellow Black Magenta Yellow making an effort to spread smartour spending around and phone. 6A The Laurens County Advertiser May 2, 2018 An Independent Newspaper Founded in 1885 The Laurens County Advertiser South Carolina's Award-Winning Weekly Newspaper shopping local whenever But The Laurens County Advertiser South Carolina's Weekly Newspaper An Independent Newspaper Founded in 1885 The Award-Winning Laurens County Advertiser South Carolina's Award-Winning Weekly Newspaper possible. whatever 4A • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14, 2018 • The News & Reporter Small, local, indepenthe dently-owned companies advantagare run by people working es, we to build their own piece of don’t Guest the American dream. Some always ur iew have invested their life savrealize the Column O urinto View ings their business. hidden Richard But many face uncertainty costs of Pitts’ heavy-handed tactics about the future – especialonline and Eckstrom ly now, as online giants big box show worst way to begin grapple to dominate the stores – among them the consolidation conversation retail market and try to squeeze they put on our n the course of normal day-to-day sheriff to be killed. Those were a slighted. He could certainly take that Call Lindsey Graham and shout out on Twitter to Tim e don’t expect elected officials to be perfect. Like the It was announced Monday evening that Rep. Mike Pitts elbow small competitors local, independently-owned life, things can almost become a pretty stark reminder of how danger- to mean the paper’s decision-makers Scott, South Carolina’s two U.S. Senators. Email Rep. Jeff office holders are human, Wpeople they represent, (R-Laurens) had agreed to table the two bills on the floor they are fallible and they of make mistakes. What we do out the way. businesses. blur. If you travel as part of your job, ous his job is and how some people were playing down his achievement Duncan. of the S.C. House of Representatives that would have expect of them is consistency and adherence to rules… Tell them, succinctly, to do something. Follow that with as twosaid tenents that have Even been lacking in the City shift of a modest in There’s much to beChester’s you may not remember what city you will simply not afford him the respect and might reasonably assume that potentially brought about the consolidation of Laurens search for a new administrator. many exclamation points as necessary. County School Districts 55 and 56 by the 2020 school Following the search process from the time Sandi our individual spending for investing our dollars in were in three Thursdays ago. and honor that should come with his race played a part. Worthy officially resigned the position last April through year. Over the past decade or so, we have become all too used Monday night when Chester City Council may (or may habits can help balance the local businesses. Foremost, If you frequently deal with the position because of what he looks The only problem is, his recollecReportedly, Pitts, who authored the bills with no apparto the inaction of the U.S. Congress, a naturally dysfunctionnot) have offered the job to Stephanie Guy Jackson has ent counsel from school administrators, community leadbeen a fairly maddening exercise. first left, scale forWhen theWorthy “little guys.” it boosts your hometown public as part of your profession, it’s like. tion of this paper’s coverage was al institution that has brought that dysfunction to new depths the council voted to put Human Resources Director and ers, parents or school board members in either district, then-Clerk to Council Carla Roof in charge of day-to-dayhere are With that in mind, economy and keeps memdoubtful you remember exactly who Underwood also made note of his incorrect. because our leaders are simply plagued with a lack of leaderhas decided that community input might be somewhat operations of City Hall. Essentially, that meant she was valuable in one of the community’s most vital institutions. doing many of the city administrator.suggesTwo ship. few additional bers of your community in of the aduties you talked to or sold something to on treatment in the media, particularly This is where we have the benefit separate votes were taken to officially name her the The question is, however, what was Pitts thinking when The problem for immigrants and asylum seekers in this but both failed (the second on a 4-4 tions: jobs. Money spent at interim localadministrator Nov. 9, 2012, off the top of your head. this publication. of looking back at old newspaper he decided to pursue the consolidation in the first place? vote with one member absent). Now, the city does not country is that there is no PAC or industry with deep pockets have to have an interim administrator when it is without What was he thinking when he ramrodded the bills 1. If you dine out freshops and restaurants The human brain is a marvelous Underwood was one of 180 chalissues so as to recall exactly where a full-time one, there is no such mandate anywhere in the to give politicians a reason to move forward on immigration onto the House floor using a rule for local legislation usucity’s code. same time, make however, the council quently, an extra tends to remain in local cir-At the exact thing, but as you live life and do what lengers knocked off the ballot state- we were and what we did on election laws that will work for this country. ally reserved for recognizing Little League teams and did name an interim chief of police and an interim public works director. That may not seem like much of a distinceffort to visit smaller, famiculation. A recent study you do, every detail of every personal wide in 2012 because of a change in night – Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012. local heroes? What was he thinking when he used that No one in congress will reach across the aisle on immition, but with an interim tag comes a corresponding rule to bypass committee approval and place the bills bumpof up in pay. That is only fair…if you are doing the job ly-run establishments. It’s interaction you have and every mile state law that almost no one, even estimated that 48 cents Since our Nov. 7 paper went to gration or anything else because there is no deep pocket or before his colleagues who had no idea what they were of the police chief and handling all the requisite responsioward the middle of ing details on the web. ly expenditures by state with more new taxes. ATM waiting to reward them, so it’s a losing battle with “the that come with you absolutely be paid a that, proven factshould that some every dollar spent at bilities a local you travel goingagencies. to be chairmen and county election press before the election results were The idea isisn’t that taxpayers Sincerecorded then, pubBecauseparty of the immense TeachofMarch, open-govvoting for? (The only “nay” vote on the bills Friday literthe police chief’s salary. Roof did not get that, having to ernment advocates deserve access to specific lic colleges, school districts public interest, I decided base” on either side. ally came from a legislator who thought he was voting on instead for a the council-approved stipend. Rooffood didn’t observe best-tasting can “Sunshine be with business stays withinsettle that orcities, clarity. officials, understood. in, our election coverage ran in the Week.” 100 details percent about how theiraccuracy and dozens of towns to add to the transparency complain about it and perhaps she wasn’t doing every job It’s used to raise awaresomething else.) But they are presiding over a country that seems unrecogmoney and counties have since website a separate report The double standards of the Mueller investigation of the but she doing some“mom-andof them ness of the dangers found atwasthese community, compared tocity administrator, With the time and Friday, Nov. 9 paper. of is being passage of begun publishing online the showing how Any these fundscandidate affected by that What in the world was he thinking? nizable to its own ideals. Suddenly, the United States is a AND her job in human resources AND (for a while) clerk closed-door government used. check registers to join our are being collected and This was not one of Pitts' inane bills that he occasiontobig council duties. That sounds worthy of more than a and the importance pop” restaurants. just 14 cents spent at flood of new experiences, old memolaw had no recourse but to run as a On the top of that front page was of soAs a transparency campaign. spent. and allies and whether Trump has found little. Meanwhile, The country perpetual is about tovictim wit- – victimized by immigrantsinvestigating stipend to us, but whether it is or not is sort of beside the called “sunshine laws.” ally introduces in an attempt to make some sort of point, CPA, I Last month, I launched The gas tax spending point. If there is a protocol on whether or notfavorite to hire an or his advisers broke laws con- there is plenty of other wrongness an investigatory One of my placbox giants. a photo of Underwood at the county tariffs, realtrain and imagined. Sunshine laws,ries such as tend can tellto get fuzzy.in earnest the latest comreports petition are now online – candidate. Underwood did often to our chagrin and embarrassment. This wasn’t interim and what they should be paid, it should be fol- the S.C. Freedom of VICTOR doing already found, but no cerning the release of confiwreck. you ponent of this effort: visit cg.sc.gov, click the And we, the mighty United States of America that saved about once again seceding from the Union or adopting our If there the council Information to isn’t eata protocol, is a chicken res- Act, requireThose Local businesses lowed in all cases.es intaxnewspaand wastab,one of only a couple state- elections office getting a big hug from there’s of us who work Online gas transpar“Fiscal Transparency” dential government informa- one seems to be looking at it. In one direction, special DAVIS should craft and adopt one. own statewide currency. meetings of public bodies no betthen click “New Taxes and the world from fascism and in the process lifted Flynn, Cohen and other tion. up our morcounsel Robert Mueller’s The search for antaurant administrator has been consistent in to be open called Bernie’s. I to citizens strengthen your communipers are lucky in ency.Athat respect, who went on to win their races. one of his supporters. Underneath and new law which took Fees forwide Road Any sort of consolidation would have real-world HANSON officials bewith disciplined for their conAnswer: not much good atter all —Guest Justice one sense other city searches…that being that it grant people aides are Inspector considered If so, the at DOJ to Trump of investigation train is looking tal enemies to become close allies, are taking children themay haveDepartment access to antieffect last year raises Maintenance” – although know and ty. They sponsor little tookinentirely too long. AfterFurious" notthe havingcooks a police chief or a an because have a regular, printed Per Underwood’s retelling at was a story with the headline effects on real people with real jobs. It may or may not Column enoughHorowitz, fry to go an after. indict Comey. He confessed to small for any conceivable thing that information in governdote towe transportation-related there are no expenditures duct the "Fast and gununless incoming administration is General Michael tribune media border awayexpeditionary from their parents 2,000 so far – public works director from most of a year and going two ment records. They’re the agetaxes and fees – including yet to show. When the help administrators and educators educate children in better toPresident Japanese armies, – more than passing much Truman. Donald On Aug. 6, 1945, the United Comey, McCabe isand along confidential FBI Clinton, Trump’s VICTOR walking scandal. of a different political party than the Obama administration appointee, name, they league teams, partnerfullwith of what whenfuel we doDepartment Saturday’s breakfast, his achieve- “Underwood wins sheriff’s race.” years without acashiers finance director,by it took 11 months and to important Richard we do and becauserecord they old a 12-cents-a-gallon of andmight putting them in tent or Japanese civilians whocities likelyand an old Walmart Thousands campaign of Allied prisonStates dropped a uraniumLaurens County better. We just don't know, and neither seem big fry to memos building to a friend forscheduled the others team have hire2013 a new IG administrator. We checked our pastoutgoing stories helpadministration. keep government prob-thatEckstrom tax hike, to be phased in Transportation begins disA audit found thatAnd the Once to deliver a enough report this VICTOR ers, as well done wouldTexas have been incinerated by as civilians in south fueled atomic then-boss, Clinton,has know me. the food isYour public local schools it.offi- We not remember was Underwood himself was quoted DAVISand particiand found that in September of last year, council memexpressed of leaking leave alone. wrong inin 2016. does bomb Pitts. on because the Hillary administration decidedpurpose to honest. lemsmight of by two-cent increaseswhat bursingment the new money on downplayed on our pages. IRSbers were had toldtargeted conservative inareour politicized system, week on DOJ abuses during to bring the names of administratorhappens candi- cials an unimaginable Japanese-occupied China, train Hiroshima, Japan.WeThree using round an illegal private their contents to the press. more likely to put fraud and spending abuse annually for six years – to projects, the reports will No and oneFBIthought Hillary The oncoming is slow- was second knowdays that Laurens County’s two most populated DAVIS enforce a firebombing “zero-tolerance” against immigrants delicious. pate in communitygroups events. at upatheChester Council He specifically said on Saturday “The extensively in the story. He told The dates they to interview to the next meeting. Thatisyour HANSON for wished special scrutiny prior to there a rare interest in not covering the 2016 cycle. interests firsthappened when than opening books repairCity and maintain our show that information, as Southeast Pacific, later, another communities U.S. Army Air emailcampaign. server.policy Both had com-illegal Clinton campaign would blow the elecHigh-ranking Obama adminbutthe also larger. of It the involves – Clinton and Laurens – are two distinct and Asiaerand was six months ago. The initial list was comprised of at they know you’re watchfor all to see. deteriorating roads and well as the specific sources and the U.S. Senate will not move forward with any semIn the security and prosperity were dying each day the war Forces B-29 repeated the attack HANSON municated with Clinton about up or ignoring a damning IG report, the 2012 Obama re-election effort. Remember: His last investigation of tion. Top Obama officials at istration officials may also be congressional investigations, 2. Shopping the “little One recent report concludmeeting last April, but we can go pull first time since Strom Thurmond News & Reporter that night: “I want least 11 potential candidates, but the number actually tribune media different populations. There is personal and professional ing. My own push to make bridges. The debate over of the money collected and of peace, it isit.now common dragged on. More than 1 ofmilon Nagasaki, Japan, with an interviewed by the council audit was three or four. Maybe the FBI,advised DOJ, aintelligence subject to indictments, FBI givenmisconduct Department Justice referrals butthe in acting on it.use In 2014, an internal revealed criminal I typically details publicly the law was heated, with state agency that’s colblance of immigration reform.to tribune media cooperation among all the communities in the county guys” can be alastgreat way tobe asexperiencing ed that nonprofits and aancopyspending ofone our newspaper then tothe that a black man or anybody has run to get the department to where it is that the interviews didn’t take place until month Sunshine fault reports Truman forMueller his seemingly lion but Japaneseand soldiers abroad even more powerful plutonium is said to be investi- that they may have requested available online began a strong from feelings both for lecting it. agencies and National inspector general’s nowWeek thatfact CIA officials had the referral for fired former DeputySecurity FBI lost gating theBut moral high ground, and the moral high of American there are also distinct identities that always seem were to be still brutally (five months after the call to hacked bring names forward)We has may opportunity to promote decade ago when my staff and against. Those Right now, visitors to cruel decision. in whether 1945, killing the They’ve bomb. Trump Council believed in 2015-2016 the “unmasking” — mostly focused on improper network. If you’re trying toof online charities receive than help respected by the people and it something to do with that. The city ended up with ofthree those unusual occasions. Director Andrew McCabe, who inspectors general Senate Intelligence Committee's of various federalmore the value fiscal jog and Iour createdmemory. the state’s against it thought the the sitefor can seeoffice that the as a write-in candidate and for better and sometimes for worse. forobstructed about same price as the citizens proverbial bridge manygoes Americans werethe blaming innocent. Less than a maintained, month after often the showers, justice by requestperhaps 150,000 whose communica- that they could ignore laws or illegal FBI ground and DOJ behavgood finalists, but in many cases the best, most qualified transparency – the itemwebsite, an needed maintenance and fees have Soon,ized,various general computers while compiling allegedlywith liedimpunity to federal investigaIf Pitts’ idea in Japanese introducing bills was to force the wereiorstill upaforareport little business of inspector the U.S. government thou- go easy on tions were intercepted during There other second bombing, Imperial Ontransparency Saturday, county’s third-new taxes won, and it is on the second page of respects the people.” ingdays. thatforComey werethese killed. people aren’t goingdrum to wait around five or six months since a protec-agencies. twice as much support during theless 2016 election. checkbook-level post“online check register” theshould be handled with in Brooklyn these an interview. Good people are always in demand in ing interrogation techreports may appear concerning FISAitemized, month- existing funds rather than See ECKSTROM, Page 5-A tors. of school and county it was to say considerations. of American publicized The Japan agreed hand to formally sur-leaders Flynn.deaths from Truman wantedresidents, to use the of government spendshowing the surveillance of foreign par- tive Clinton administration In 2014, 47 of the nation's 73 on forenhanced Why are the two sands now about your own, make aabuse point from small local busiannual African-American Cultural The News & Reporter. Second page…. He talked about the process of every field and if you not only drag your feet butit also nothing happens. Again. fighting in the Right bombing cam- So, render on Sept. That date bombs the 2. least misguided. Forcing bills with such lasting impact B-29 IfPacific. so, then the DOJ will have ties and then leaked the names to avoid invading the incendiary niques. CIA Director John court and improper behavior at McCabe andsoon at least a half-dozen inspectors general signed and a letter would be in power. to collide? appear to not even have feet at times, you are going to And children for mothers after the war, tocry they complained paign from the distant Mariana marked the official end of onto look attheir Comey himselfand andfathers. Japanese mainland. recent have quit, infected thesealleging thatnesses of those citizens to the press. By charging former National and importance the House floor The without proper vettosearches patronize locally-owned asstonewalled they do from Breakfast On the front page of The News & having to go door-to-door to get sigmiss out. Whyclaimed do city take agents so long and the take Department so Brennanhad that his of Justice, FBI, CIAwas held, and the keynote other FBIPolitics employees retired, Obama had thatMichael the bombs should far Some World War II ting — the DOJ officials who obstructed a battleisfor resulted in Islands much longer than they do almost anywhere else? Is it a investigations. Trump was Mueller’s team apparently Securitykilled Adviser andbloodiest due diligence justOkinawa plain irresponsible. It is no had already 70 atomic former U.S. Attorneys who served under presinot improperly monitoring and National Security Council durwere fired or were reassigned as seen a their "abilitylarge to conduct our work were yourchains. speaker was Chester County Sheriff Reporter that day... was a picture of a natures to even get on the ballot and deliberate stall for businesses. some reason or is the Introduce process just in have been used even earlier to more Japanese than would the human or natural catastrophe in federal court. On at least four an estimated 50,000 American as a threat to the status quo, has assumed that Michael Flynn for lying to the FBI, The ABCs of FOIA…commercial solicitation way to start a dialogue and much more likely to start a computer files. He was ing the 2016 campaign cycle. The result ofand fallout from the politiciza- thoroughly, independently, and in a Senatestaff dire need of retooling? dentspreclude from both parties,such have openCohen’s letter tostatus U.S. as Trump’s nightmares history, accounting for fire. more casualties — the bloodiest of all two atomic bombs. occasions, theyassigned were notanhonFBI and DOJ lawbreakers Mueller emphasized that even self to the owner or Through advertiseAlex Underwood, the county’s first bottle with a butterfly on it…. On the said he planned to relax by taking a dumpster Then we came his to the actual vote night. This managforced to retract denials andMonday apolinvestigators theFreedom most part, tion of were the seen FBI. asYet, as Barack Most are, of thefor state’s of for commercial solicitation directed what steps must be taken, but the With newthe airfields onof Okinawa. than 65 million dead. Sessions, saying the administration’s about the deeply flawed the American battles has of opined the custodians of it. timely manner." attorney offers no protections appearanceAttorney false General testi- estJeff might be considered nitpicking, but from a parliamentary On these very pages, The Advertiser over Information Act tells governmental to any personsheriff. in this state is pro- public body’s second attorney should er when you shop. Leave a ments, local businesses African-American page: ‘Black Sheriff Wins few days off to go hunting. The story Obama appointees, not Trump Obama left office, his chief of staff, ogize for his prevarication. The frustrated nonpartisan audiWe also forget that Imperial Curtis LeMay Each August, Americans in Pacific War. Truman’s military Okinawa, Gen. Christopher Steeledossier standpoint it wasn’t carried out correctly. A motion to The more Mueller searches under normal attorney-client mony is felonious behavior. tolerance” policy is unsustainable and the practice of bodies how they should conduct hibited…all state agencies, local determine how this required notice the the years about possibilities a consolidated school a far greater force“zero hire2016, Daniel Wells madeDepartment's and seconded, then aappointees. motion Japan of 1945 wasthenot the of informa- privilege protocols. hindsight ponder need for, theplanners being source warnedof that invasions envisioned for hypothetical lawbreaking, If that is so,ofthen the DOJ Denis McDonough, strangely boast- tors cited systematic In the was State Obama adminmeetings and what He information and political subdivishould be those requesting business card you support the community had governments some excellent stories togiven toElection.’” also mentioned his educational and to hire Jackson was made a seconded beforeifthe first have asking whether the students of Laurens breaking families inofthe name of the law must stop. democracy four-engine bombers to be sent the morality ofdistrict, and the strategic and records they have to make sions of the state shall take reason- information. This statement could, tion used inJapan applications to the of the Japanese mainland to end County he administration is inadvertentlyistration refusals to turn over incrim- inspector If that is true, the DOJedwill will likely have to model chargeupforthat the the more Obama general foundThe thatvoteHillary motion was carried forward. to Wells failedAt and some point, the idea of toothbe better by might one district. wondered in missions available to the public. However, able measures to ensure that no for example, be included in the today, but a brutal, genocidal on daily against Japan. rationale behindmight the dropping of served Foreign Intelligence Graham. Scott. Duncan. the war cost theWe equivaunderscoring law-inating documents have to investigate why thebeen mer Deputy FBI Director one. They’ll rememnewspaper share about his profession, his race Underwood went on to call such professional credentials. the one to hire never Jackson was 4-3. There wasoften a lot talk from "has historically that free actual of scanClinton had sought approval less inspectors general needs to beperson that wereyou’re central reading the final section deals with protector private entity obtains or public body’s initial response or print a single district might be more efficient dictatorship. August 1945, it in a soulless LeMay wouldAndrew have had at his The the two bombs. Yetwhether President the dais that Jackson is extremely well educated (she is) Surveillance Court. lent of 20 more Okinawa camFBI allowedthat Clinton aide breakers must be subject to the McCabe with perjury By country is drowning now endeavor ing your personaland information. personal information included in a form the requestingracist. Had his accomplishdal."asObama recently con- to their investigations. forand her illegal use ofand ana family revisited. Something is how terriblydistributes ber and reciprocate now, helping to bring your the two often intersect. coverage We went back and looked at isreckless local. She and has roots in Chester in if they withdecision funds and But nearly had butchered disposal 10,000 offenses. four- already Harry Truman’s 73services Comey millions also has said that he Cheryl Mills to pose paigns.in the education of our youth. same himself standard of justice. or related A report “A person or private entity shall obtained from a public record for party completes when the request Chester and a deep abiding for Chester, heard. when dozens of IGs found you canAsians doing your for aofcountry composed pri-and thereby unsecured private emaillove server. The wewrong cluded of his eight-year tenure, "I The administration had purportedin predicated occupied China, engine B-iceof years ago to usethose the novel, terri- on these not knowingly obtain or use percommercial solicitation…a person is fulfilled. thejobs nature the Clinton’s Japan’s leaders questions pages are farswore from that putting the bombers, Ironically, Mueller’s investigaattorney fromincluding the Off ofstop theby can. community a vital source Stories about how he the was actually ments, both winning as a petition issues prior to the election. We can’t of argue with any of those things and this has sonal information obtained from a knowingly violating proviIG also found that staffers who were wrongdoing, only to object that their didn't have scandals." Southeast Asia and the Pacific. 29s, along with transfers of idle fying weapons legislative was not considly tried to sidetrack an IG investigaClinton of email investigation on be shielded from providing tion has reminded America would for fight to the bitter when none marily of the progeny immigrants. Inspector Generalindicates wheelsthey in motion drastic change nothing to do with Jackson or her ability to the job, but state agency, a local government, sions…is guilty of ain misdemeanor Editor’s Note: As a public ser- and breaking the color 3. If you have a good local information. Read the advised not to march a parade – or candidate Underwood was mentioned freJapan was still convinced that B-24s, B-17s and British ered particularly controversial, we certainly can point out there were local candidates for were being thwarted by an his assumptions her testimony bragging of their planned is past time to calltion into possible misconduct by worried on what she knew that McCabe lied Responsible at least four immigration about national security efforts Thosethat wereit puzzling assertions, of them have beenend, answered. lawsabout are attainable and needed. or other political subdivision of the and upon conviction must be fined vice, last summer, The News & police chief and public works director and they weren’t if the war could just continue, Lancaster bombers theinvestigators. either right beforeInorthe right after chances of winning the presi- about the email scandal as the Death opinions Comey, McCabe, and during a host ofthen-Sacramento times toafter federal state for commercial solicitation an amount not to exceed the “ABCs in of the county’s highest law being by the administration that a had given nearly nonstop scandals Mayor Kevin past, we sacrifice have asked for“Glorious consideration, experience with aabout local advertisements to get ancompromised to wear bulletproof vest$500 if orheReporter did – beganbarrier quently along with other petition hired. Now, we’ve heard nothing but unsegood thingsObama Now. directed to any person in this imprisoned for a term not to exceed FOIA” series as a way to provide, in and it James could kill thousands more investigatory involving her “client.” three the attacks. Both cities were of One Hundred Million.” They surrender of Germany dency — another Obama-era DOJ and involvFBI offi-Johnson. In addition, the Obama cured Former FBI Director the job performance about the two people from appointed outside and information. server were silenced by other most of them — and Obama's eight years in office state…each state agency, local govone year, or both.” small easily understandable pieces, American British soldiers, simply military targets. business, tellcomes your friends idea of local businesses conplanned to draw on 10,000 sui- months earlier.Comey may also Fix because of threats against him and enforcement office, actually been candidates over the course of many this. Investigators have swarmed cials to account. have lied toandabuse. Chester hired to fill those jobs, but this back to Pitts – at cide the urging of his colleagues in theThe local ernment and political subdivision This statute expanded the crime the Freedom of Information Act, aides. to be scandal-free. ing the For IRS;overGeneral Services then the exhausted might ensuingCongress napalm inferno Hiroshima was Now, the headquarconsistency. We believe in hiring the best peopleclaimed for the TheAllies Mueller team is report- Cohen’s offices and residence, planes and 10 million sola year, we have hadadministration reportedly thwarted Clinton when Do he testified of the shall provide a notice to of knowingly obtaining particularly some recent amendsomething. and neighbors. it state on veniently located his family. How the Klanpersonal distributed buried inside the paper, he would delegation a weekend of and consternation job you. no Obama matter where they hail but toAthe Share decision Finding government abuse andinformation Administration; Peace of Corps; Secret Still, was right infrom, a way: of Amtrak, the near finally negotiate a favorable mightparhave precluded ters of a Japanese army and unit,after looking into the pos- supposedly in fear that diers, militiamen irregulars. from legality whenIG investigations he two standards that he the hadinvanot written his edly still all requestors of records…that for commercial solici- ments to the law. This is the final makers, being local should either matter or not matter. ents and local education leaders hasother reversed obtaining about or using records The law not specifyepithet) installment of thecertainly series. armistice. sion of Japan. report But more and a key manufacturing center nothing it public is worse thantation. for does not become ahire scandal ifAndoing Service;there Veterans Administration; Environmental Protection Agency, scandal Truman also –had wor- course, can only be one. destroy pertinent onnonstop the Hillary Clinton sibility of election-cycle collu- might See EDITORIAL, Page 8-A Local businesses pay leaflets calling thedoes(racial have been entitled to feel You’ll note that social the vote to media. Jackson was 4-3endorseand tabling the bills and seeking community meetings. It isinternow hard to imagine any by Trump records. firestorms also havebefore and port. Nagasaki — a second- ries. sion with Russia A reckoning is near. emailwould scandal and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, the Troubled Asset Relief Program no one acts on findings of improper not finding any at all. ment from a personal taxes. This is important a good necessary it’s not See EDITORIAL, Page 5-A worseofficials. than dropping an caused far viewing more Japanese ary target after That's clouds and andThe Soviet first Unionstep hadbutdone Davis Hanson is aand the Office of Management and behavior. The FBI should probably Clinton.choices Former (Victor Davis Hanson is a classiFirearms (Victor and Explosives, not to Your Representative atomic bomb. But in track August the two atomic smoke obscured the city of nothing during the war to harm deaths than Director enough. That will require then reopen the investigation classicist and historian at the of Contact National friend or acquaintance goes because a broader revenue cist and historian at the Hoover Under former attorneys general mention the Clinton email server Budget. 1945, there were some that most bombs — at aIntelligence time when Japan Kokura — was The the site of ashould Mueller’s DOJ counterparts to into the Clinton email scandal, Hoover Institution, Stanford Japanalso following its cynical James Clapper process include studies from experts SWEARING-IN CEREMONY 2013 ELECTION NIGHT COVERAGE 2012 Ericcounty Holder and aLoretta scandal,University, the Benghazi and of Despite base the campaign longLynch, way. the Institution, Stanford University, and in youragainst town or certainly were.look carefully at the Clinton given that Clinton destroyed the huge Mitsubishi 1941consolidation non-aggression with was and scandal the author and formerbyCIA Director John S.C. Senate on themunitions impact of any on pact the schools, thealready blockaded the as2016 Democraticreleased National federal auditors, a findings of dozens of IGs were the author of the soon-to-be released Hansonwhich is a paid opposi- more than 30,000 emails, Navy and running lied out of plant. campaign, Japanese. But the soon-to-be “Thethese independent Brennan under (Victor oath toDavis employees and thethe students. What willinbeAugust gained?U.S. What 1869 ever, Nownewspaper moresincethan generally means a lowerChester County’s hometown District 9 (Greenville and Laurens cos.) classicist andtion historian at the Steele, Yet the sheer destructive researcher a well as computer hard drives 1945, the Soviets were oppor- food and supplies. Committeeemail scandal. Second World Wars: How thenumber of inspectors general still snubbed. That raises the question: "The Second World Wars: How the Congress on matters related to will be lost? Travis Jenkins are . . . . . .inspectors . . . local . . . . . . . . . . . . businesses . . general . . . . . . . .General Daniel B. “Danny” Verdin IIIfor (R)dirt on that were requested by federal Institution, Stanford In other words, the novelty of Hoover power of the two bombs — the tunistically preparing to invade British subject, First eight Global surveillance. needGlobal yourConflict Was Fought burden ordiFor nearly years,Conflict the ObamaWasmanaged tofinancial good ifManager/Editor a First issue damning indict-onWhat Once those questions are answered, any potential bill –
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4 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29, 2018 • The News & Reporter
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rom council chambers to courtrooms, ball field to board rooms, we try as best we can to keep you informed on what is happening in your county and what government is doing on your behalf. Our job is to be your eyes and ears, but with one recent development, we hope that you might be willing to be our voice. In July, Chester County School Superintendent Dr. Angela Bain filed a lawsuit against School Board Chair Denise Lawson and Ken Childs, a school district attorney, for conspiring to defame her, among other things. In an attempt to give you the “why” in addition to the “what” where that suit is concerned, we filed a Freedom of Information Act request for six months worth of emails from Bain’s district-provided account. Maybe there would be information in those emails that would demonstrate acrimony or tension between the parties or maybe there would be evidence to prove or disprove Bain’s allegations. We felt it was something the public needed to see. The district responded to our first request by acknowledging the information we requested was not exempt from release under the FOIA, but also told us that providing that information would cost us $29,404.04. The response claimed that the district was within its right to charge us for actual costs incurred in filling our request and said it could charge us the hourly rate of the lowest-paid person at the district with the expertise to fill our request. That person makes over $40 an hour, we were told, and it was estimated that pulling those emails and redacting information from them where appropriate would take 732.5 hours, hence the large price tag. We conferred with the South Carolina Press Association (which advocates for open government) and an attorney on the matter. SCPA Executive Director Bill Rogers deemed the cost “exorbitant” and said it appeared the district was using cost to cut oversight. An attorney noted that the FOIA provides that in instances where the information requested is “in the public interest” that fees can be reduced or waived. We certainly feel, given the public and possibly costly nature of the lawsuits and allegations behind them, that the information we are seeking qualifies as “in the public interest.” It should also be pointed out that we made an identical request in 2015 after the controversial departure from the district of Dr. Agnes Slayman, former superintendent. In that instance, the district put the emails on a disk and gave them to us at no charge. In 2011 we made an even larger request, asking for all the emails of Dr. Thomas Graves (another former superintendent) and all members of the school board. The district printed those out and only charged us for the cost of the paper. We wondered why the cost had skyrocketed from nothing to about the annual salary of a first-year teacher in three years. So, we resubmitted our request and included all those points. In the response we received Monday (signed by attorney Alexander Sherard), the district did not budge, reiterating that the actual cost to them to fill our request would be $29,404.04. They claim no one other than the district’s director of information technology (who they claim makes $40.82 an hour) has the skills needed to fulfill our request and that the 732.5 hours figure was arrived at by estimating that it would take five minutes to retrieve, then review for redaction purposes, each of the 8,791 emails requested. Our stance has not changed. What they are requesting is a bloated, unreasonable sum that essentially makes information they agree is public off limits. They are burying public checks and balances under a gigantic price tag. The response says they cannot waive or reduce the fees to respond to our request “based on the amount of time that it will take the IT director to conduct the necessary tasks prior to production.” We suppose that is a response to our “in the public interest” argument, and as such is a lousy one. The FOIA does not say fees can be waived “if the public body thinks it’s not too much trouble.” It says, simply and clearly, “in the public interest” which we believe this is. They didn’t really answer why the same request cost us nothing three years ago and the cost of paper only seven years ago and now costs $5,000 more than Chester County’s median household income. To be fair, it is a different administration and different attorney than we dealt with on our previous large requests and that may have been a question they can’t honestly answer. It doesn’t make the question any less valid, however. The response recommended we reduce the scope of our search to reduce the cost. We guess that’s their way of telling us if we only asked for three months of emails, the cost would fall to the low, low price of $14,702.02. Why, half of that (six weeks) would only run us $7,351.01 and one week would be a bargain at $1,225! It is difficult to narrow our
T
No More Lau the 23rd F
he world is a little less funny this week, because playwright Neil Simon has died. One of his plays about his early days in television writing was called “Laughter on the 23rd Floor.” Well, the 23rd floor is silent now, because “Doc” Simon isn’t writing anymore. Most people who know anything about me know that one of my passions is community theater. I looked over Simon’s bibliography and realized that in one way or another, I have been in productions of nine of his plays. That’s a little less than a third of his total catalogue of plays written. I was first introduced to the plays of Neil Simon in junior high school. We used to get the Scholastic newsletter, which, in addition to showing you what books you could order, contained articles and excerpts from all sorts of things, including plays. My first drama class did scenes from “The Good Doctor,” which was Simon re-writing (and injecting a lot of humor into the works of Russian writer Anton Chekhov). I don’t recall that the humor made a great impression on me, I just remember that play was a lot of fun to work on. When I attended the Fine Arts Center in Greenville during my junior and senior years in
Surplus is great, afford spendi
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irst, the good news: South Carolina closed out the 2018 fiscal year, which ended June 30, with a $177 million revenue surplus. That’s encouraging not See EDITORIAL, Page 5 just because of what it means for the state’s finances, but because of what it says about the strength of the state’s economy – which is expeChester County’s hometown newspaper since 1869 riencing broad growth (C) 2018 by Landmark Community Newspapers of South Carolina Inc. with increases in employTravis Jenkins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .General Manager/Editor ment, personal income Nancy Parsons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Great Falls Editor
high school, the usu assignment in the d class was to rehear present a scene from play, and it was ou as to which play. A from Wade Hampto High and I decided would do “The Odd Couple.” What I rem ber from the produ that it had a lot of s gags and slapstick. crawled around the and threw the plate guini at the wall. People liked the scene so well that they asked us to do it during an Moun open and house of Moleh the school – for a Brian G live audience. During the sc played Felix Unger fussy roommate (I k real stretch, right?) during the perform my fellow student K and I switched role played the slobby O Madison (yeah, I kn also a stretch, right was a Neil Simon f from then on, even most of his plays fe what one critic calle “Smart, New York humor,” even thoug wasn’t a Jew, not fr New York and as to smart, well, that w
and takehome pay. (Certainly, our recent governors and state commerce Guest leaders Colum deserve much credit for Richard their job- Eckstrom recruitment efforts, which
EDITORIAL WRITING Opinion Page 8A Chronicle The Clinton
Page 6A
Editorial It is not funny It is no longer funny. If it ever was. It’s not cute, it’s not gangsta, it’s not going to earn you respect. It’s not “just kidding." Do it again, and you are going to juvey. We might let you stop in at a Family Court Judge. Maybe. If you post a threat about a school, we are going to put you in jail. Maybe not real jail, but something pretty close. You have been making these threats at Laurens, Woodmont, Hillcrest, Greenwood, Abbeville and Oconee - a couple years ago, threats like this came through the mail in Clinton. Now that 17 people have been shot to death at a school in Parkland, Florida - just the latest in America’s disgraceful inability to protect its children - it is not funny any more. Plain-spoken Spartanburg County Sheriff Chuck Wright says it best: “If you are 13, 14, 15 and up and want to post something on Snapchat and think no one will know, you might see my ugly mug coming to your door and put handcuffs on you. It is time for our schools — all schools all over the country, not just here — to stop worrying about your reputation and let law enforcement help you. Because when you don’t tell us that these things are going on, and it happens, and then we find out you know about it and nothing’s been really done, where does it lead us? It leads us back to peg one. We’re doing the best we can because we love our babies and we’re going to do whatever it takes to protect them. I mean, whatever it takes.” We don’t care if you’ve been bullied. We don’t care if you are a loner - that’s OK, just go your own way. If you get the urge to shoot up a school, the mental health clinic is right behind the hospital, same distance from Clinton as it is from Laurens. Walk in there, and somebody will help you. It might be drugs, that’s OK, if it keeps those thoughts from becoming action. It might be counseling. It might be sports - it might be sitting in your room alone. It might be laps in the swimming pool. Whatever works for you - get help, if you are thinking about killing somebody. It is a lie, and a deflection of the truth to say that psychopathic killing is a mental health problem. These people are not mentally ill - their evil tendencies are not an indication that the mental health system is failing. And if it were failing, which it is not, state and federal governments can fix that problem quick. Give mental health more money to hire more counselors. Mental health is a people-to-people business - counselors who have 20 clients are more effective than counselors who have 200. Plain and simple. Mentally ill people get shot - not do the shooting. Mentally ill people are scared to death of guns scared to death of almost everything. They cannot process the world well enough to walk into the downtown gun store and buy an AK-15 semi-automatic rifle, and bullets, and install a bump stock, and learn how to use it by watching the Gun Channel on TV. Yes, mentally ill people can “freak out” and to an untrained person, that can be dangerous. But they can be “talked down” - there is only one way to stop a psychotic person with a rapid fire gun. That person will keep shooting until resistance is met. When the choice is between one dead intruder and 17 slain students and staff, we will take the dead gunman every time. Dead. Not a hearing to see if he will be tried as an adult. Not victims’ impact statements that he doesn’t pay attention to. Not, “I wasn’t going to use it, lighten up! ” Shoot the gunman dead - some of them, that’s what they want; but some of them crave the
ALL WEEKLY DIVISION Opinion Opinion Wednesday, February 28,8A 2018 Page
The Clinton Chronicle
The Clinton Chronicle
Wednesday, July 18, 2018
Wednesday, September 12, 2018
Arming teachers not the answer Where art thou, O summer? Domestic violence awareness soars on bridge Editorial Editorial PC Promise pricetag When freedom isn’t free
to believe summer Fourth, we run another threeEastside Elementary as well The idea that arming teachers teachers awaiting them? It’s hardbefore the teacher heads home? I am going tonew participate is nearly when these manyarmed educators week series of programs, asnot installing wood floors and providing them active When this idea was first pro- overWould in thisin event, but it isatan issue yetatoround reallyinhave some a continuation and oththe offices each of Ithe elshooter training is the best way posed in 2013 followingpeople Sandyhave keep the chamber so feel strongly about and there is a real vacation. Al- quickly shoot ers a brand new effort. Needementary schools, renovating to prevent/reduce mass school Hook (we have to give our masssummer that they can more a connection though calendar is less to say, the old definition the businesstolabsLaurens at Clinton shootings is ludicrous. It’s school shootings names to avoid theaschool bad guy? Or a child? BlueFranklin’s Hose Nation now knows Theconfusing Promisethem), pric- it was laughed for 180 days,Friends, any teacher of what were the three best County. Middle School, and increasing ridiculous. It’s insane. It won’t thiswill is justSchool crazy I turn 65 on the 29th of this tell you the time required is reasons for becoming a the technological capacities etag, work. More innocent people – thanks to a July 10 public hearing at. conducted talk. Let’s spend our gunTalk money and, increasingly, I real- acmuch, than that. for outsiders teacher “June, July and Au-month(adding far more wireless most of them children – willby die,the Corner Now the best idea ourmuch on more making it harder Laurens County Council. A couple PCit’speople less and less time inVic’s Many andschools. other How about gust” is no longer accurate ize I have cess points in classrooms) possibly at the hands of their up teachers to get into were there to do the No one“representatives” was there to docan come If you wantBytoDr. know Davidanything O’Shieldsfrom the City of Clinton — Byhearing. Larry Franklin violence, staff members either How about a and is in many cases down-left. Domestic many of the schools.cer- Views teachers. If you think this is a with. metalhave detectors? any speaking. tainly, will live onmay without you want to use existing state lawright to find out — just fill taught summer reading insulting. Summer have me fewer grand idea, you are a fool beI’ve not done a scientific sur-in the trained, armed law and enforcement is the always By Vic MacDonald So, we must presume, everybody is OK The program, the summer artistic Research shows students- but there students buthope the -lazy, hazy a gun.” outentrance? a form and attach $3. yond measure. vey, butwith I think the overwhelmofficer at every school thisare severe 101 class, in theirofbasic the hope days -of that summer now more Clinton might remem“get back immediately, to my roots” and Promise of PC - folks its new dorms on theingold football Newt Gingrich thinks it’s a number of teacherscamp, wouldthe College In an opinion pieceEffectively in a Calthat’s youroften costregress for freedom ad- era the SAIL Program (for ris- a work skills, especially in reading humanof problem an allusioncan to abe bygone ber its when a Bell Street Middle in a classroom one sestate has not only a transportagood idea to arm teachers. Afield Re- and at the idea ifornia newspaper, clinical non-scholarship football.cringe Of course, weof beingorasked information. dressed constructively. ing 4K Additionand writing, if they do not acthan an actual occurrence. Admester. School student got the gun of a to carry a gun. They would tion connector, but a staging publican state lawmaker in know Ala- that’s be students). psychiatrist said increased men-Not many boards not the case, but what’s done is done. A means to that end, The teachers take tively practice ministrators continue to meet Inwould the government’s to getit aover feethe allow this but on-going we have campaign area for fitness and community bama, who wants to become the school resource officer out of further frightened by theally, idea many of tal health treatment is not the anLooking at the pricetag of more than $60M Walkteachers Againstand Domestic classes andswer complete coursea strong, Hope with even stu- enhancement activities. an exceptionally good and state’s lieutenant governor, has the officer’s holster. And that some of their fellow educators because mostfrom of the masssingle human every activity —summer. businessThere fees,ismarViolence will be Sept. 15 on work during the summer. consistent need to offer prodents (at CHS) to plan for the Presbyterian College is borrowing the money from student-centered board in That’s what’s happening introduced legislation to provide cop had received more than 40 being locked and loaded. school shooters would not befishing fees, garbage fees, parking fees — the riage fees, In fact, I have just returned grams to address educational year ahead. the Ravenel Bridge in Sept. 15 but, oh, so much more Laurens County School Dishours of training. theaJobs-Economic Development Administration, 40 hours of gun training and I have read several opinions judged as needing involuntary list health istrict endless unnecessary, from of the University and physical needs. We in L56 I amSouth honored to work in needs a Charleston. Carolina’s 56. that kids won’t to be done. mental health evaluation. Teachsince Parkland that the cause admittanceof to Geora mental fa- — the latest is the absolutely which hasIf ayou potthink of money that colleges and universiwhere I spentShe a week at that have dedicated ourselves tomost recognizable system whichbridge placesplays a pre- We need to make strangulaYes, the summer is fleetingof Information get their hands on some of the all the school violencegia open-ended fee for the Freedom ers and principals would have to is becility. hinted the man ties can tap into, rather than going to a bank - we see for World minimize the erosion of basic planning per- tion a felony in South Carolina. and we have just completed host tomium manyonwalks, butand none supply their own guns. Sort of guns their teachers are packing, cause we kicked Jesus outthe ofAP theInstitute accused in Florida The probably Information Fee, let’s call it. The Clinton Counwhy PC had to retain that $4 million a year it was History. skills in ourCity students. formance. Our teachers and We need to be sure that the front nine (using the clasmore significant than this one. you have never met a kid. If you like they do now for paper and schools (another stupid idea). wouldn’t have beencilcommitted had the opportunity Sept. 10 to say,Although “You know what, As I did this past year, I these programsI grewadministrators among the up on the Isle are of Palms, payingdon’t - no, think wrongchildren word - investing in football will be Some when a white, male college pencils. of the playsame people who for treatment based on sic his golf past metaphor). Much plan to do again in the springenough require bestmany anywhere and I am humplanning goes into hapand like Charlestonians is enough. Ourwhat government doesn’tcontinued have to use bilkof facilfrightened by the idea15). their lament that Jesus is banned athlete is “caught red-handed,” ersa(first home game: Sept. Doug Jones, who defeated from actions and social media interof 2019—teach an AP class at pens in the summer besides ities and the increased operabe a history part of this of an bled age, to I have withdis-he is not considered to have armed and dangerpedophile to gain a seat in the now want to replace action. the taxpayers for another fee just because we can.” They Thatteachers moneyare will be needed for theschools loan repayClinton High School. Admintional expenses to cool and “the old trict. This coming year, the required maintenance and bridge.” Now that we “suffered enough” simply by ous, you have never met a child. Him with armed teachers. U.S. Senate, said arming teachWhat There is, she said, no reliable not to make that statement. clean the rooms, the benefitshave though ment. I find it incomprehensible istrators can far too often be-chose still bridge,” unwritten,our is not operational updates. “the new his appearance in a criminal ers “was the dumbest idea” he tha what? cure for angry young men with come insulated from teaching are so it. unplanned. Summer is the the three Eventhat though there was nopeople one there to express The During consequence —weeks Everybetime you ormuch your worth neighbor logical, reasonable has ever heard. Some have ansuggested violent fantasies. The focus, she and the I believe all of us remain This summer, educational best time to “heat up” learnfore the of the of — and opinion, or con, aboutwhy ourarmlocal college’s eco- purchase arepro having to explain wants file week a FOIA, youFourth pay $3 that $3 goes diThe chance that an armed school districts the even said,ifshould be on ways toto“put teachers we have programming is in high gear ing. July, we had four different teachers is a what bad idea. nomic ing future, here’s the more than $60Mforwill adrenaline-fueled teacher would handguns the Ramboother teachsome distance between these rectly to the City of Clinton that you already pay with your titles and responsibilibut so are the summer mainteprograms running in addition shoot another teacher or a pay stu- for: What do the police do when ers. Would the guns then ties. have to young men and their nance projects. Efforts include Dr. David O’Shields is sutaxguns.” dollars. A citysummer employee will then look it up and transmit to two open feeding they are summoned to a school be checked out of the gun closet dent is greater than the small Our board of trustees al- it back in actual new fire alarm sys- By Presbyterian perintendent of Laurens — construction of a 144-bed student housing fasites and closed site. College toand the one requester. Then, if youputting want an copy chance that a “good guy with a with an active shooter if they at the beginning of eachlows school Larry Franklin me the opportunity to is retiredAfter tems at Joanna-Woodson and PC School the week of the cility; studentsDistrict began 56. moving gun will take out a bad guy with know there are dozens of armed day and then checked back in lives in Clinton. of something, it’s 20 cents per page. If the City even susback onto campus on Saturday, — acquisition of the east quad of the campus; pects it’s going to take more than the bare minimum of time August 18. More than 400 new — renovation of Springs (student) Center and — and in the age of computers why should it? — then they students have become new resistudent housing in Laurens Hall and Bailey Hall; dents of the City of Clinton. It will tell you how much MORE to pay. — refinancing of prior indebtedness for the didn’t take them long to begin Remember, $3 is your minimum cost to obtain your helping their neighbors. School of Pharmacy; and city’s information. As you can imagine, more — payment of costs of issuance of the bonds. than a thousand people in all Blue Hose Happenings The natural question is, why now? Is it just a coinci“All facilities financed or refinanced by the moving into dorms can accumuBy Presbyterian College dence that the city’s ill-advised process used to eliminate Bonds will further the charitable purposes of the late lots of cardboard. A couple
court. This broadens the issue from domestic-partner abuse, to sexual assault in general still, a major mental illness and entitlement problem in our society today (see Brock Turner, 2015). We do not have enough room in our prisons for domestic violence and animal cruelty suspects when they are convicted. So, prosecutors must cut deals, and judges are getting creative in their sentencing. At least two people who pleaded guilty to domestic violence in the most recent term of Laurens County criminal court received probation, not prison time. They already had served some time in jail (awaiting trial) so they got credit, and were sentenced to stuff like working on litter pick-up crews. They pick up trash a few times and they have “served their sentence” - and
go right back home. Not passing judgment here - it’s just a fact of life. Make no mistake, though, criminal domestic violence is not a crime we can take lightly. Just like animal cruelty, it is a signaler of mental illness and the possibility that the abuser will “just snap” and take the life of the object of his/her abuse. And with strangulation, you might never know that someone you know is being tortured. We can’t save everybody, I know that. We can’t walk “against” everything, I understand. We can, however, try our best, educate our young people, lock up people for their own good, and hide away, for a “cooling down period” or maybe even forever, people
Domestic violence, 9A
FIRST PLACE
While we live, we serve Clinton
the Department of Public Safety generated more than the Borrower and College, respectively,” the public of students saw this as the perfect chance to practice the col- Russell collected, broke down, usual requests for information? Is it only natural, then, that hearing notice says. In addition to or instead of atlege motto, “While we live, we and drove the cardboard to the tending the public hearing, anyone interested in this someone in the city would say, “Since this is such a popular serve,” by helping a ministry in ministry on East Main Street, project can submit written comments to: beside Cooper Motors. thing, let’s make some money off it?” Clinton. Open Door sells the card— SC Jobs-Economic Development Authority, Liza Powers and Katie RusIf you want that city policy that lets you fill up your swimsell set up an area outside the board to help keep its ministry 1201 Main St., Suite 1600, Columbia, SC 29201; or ming pool from a fire hydrant after paying — you guess it dorms for all students to pitch going. Open Door serves those — County Council of Laurens County, 100 Hill— a fee, start out with a $3 Information Fee. A group of prisuffering from homelessness, their cardboard so they could docrest Square. Laurens, SC 29360. nate it to Open Door Ministries. addiction and hunger. vate citizens recently used the SC Freedom of Information “Recycling is such an easy Recognize, of course, that the county council The students were excited that Act to shake loose the credit card records of Laurens they could help such a worth- step to take, and the impact it has does not have a dog in this fight. It is giving no County employees. The Clinton City Manager used the SC while cause just by recycling on our environment is huge,” money to Presbyterian College - it did make an inFOIA to gain access to all fire training records for the fortheir cardboard. Powers and Powers said. “By donating the vestment a while back in parking lots at the PC cardboard we collected to Open mer Clinton Department of Public Safety. Did they all pay School of Pharmacy in Clinton. Still no word if any fees? other county investments are ever going to come The state legislature allows these fees, and municipaliClinton’s way (ie, a library). The county’s only ties have been anxious to feed at the trough of free money. function was to have a public hearing - and on July Rich governments can charge more — their citizens can 24, to adopt a “resolution of support” for PC borThe editor: ference room available as a pubafford it, after all — and the poor governments should rowing $60.42 million from the federal government I would like to thank the lic service for the people in Dis- yes, THAT, multi-trillions in debt federal governcharge less, because their people are impoverished. Funny Clinton Chronicle for allowing trict 56. ment. The money that PC will borrow will pay for a how life never seems to work out that way. me to present this information Since Representative Pitts, to the people in school district under pressure from the people, project that will create 11 jobs, and is considered Look, we get it. The day after Clinton City Council voted 56. withdrew the bill, you may “essential” to preserving another 350 jobs. We in not totohave The Editor: gun free. A morass of shootings Restrain honest people from a statement again in order fullyPublic Safety, we made requests of them under When the school district con- wonder why are we having the Clinton are glad have theMr. SCPaine Freedom of Information Act. We did not pay $3. We Everyone has a right to their occur wheretothe “nothem. guns al- chance to defend themselves or grasp understanding. solidation issue was front and debate, indeed Rep. Pitts in the Repaying note will never be a enjoy Laurens opinion or belief. Mine below is lowed” the exists. Is giving teachers recreational shooting. We made this statement center back in the spring, after second debate said, since the didnot notabout have to because the city didn’t have this policy in of belief: principals that It wish volthings in America already AR-15’s but yes, the two-shot a Countyand responsibility. willtobe PC’shave responsibility Representative Mike Pitts had bill has been withdrawn, why place at the time (notice, that’s policy; not ordinance — orThe thought that labelingmore the specifically, unteer and take necessary train- College illegal, yet evilEspeople possess minute Kentucky Long Rifle. pushed through the SC House a are we even debating unless it is the Presbyterian Real The editor: prayed for control his should nevervotes be in abyclean Assyria follow Biblical dinance requires twoover readings and affirmative a heart, NRA a terrorist organization, de- ing so schools can be better those or will. Society is quick to Great insight wouldn’t you bill to study do just that, Iand challenged to educate the people on the tate Foundation’s responsibility. Faithful agree? readers of The Clin-majority tongue, said, “Imembers will keep my only We Christ Jesus can for-him toprophecy. we read porting leaders or banning as- prepared the answer? Is allow- label individuals that commit meet me When in 3 public de-its hisissue of school district consoliof hecouncil both and times). annoyed Aside: note aboutfirearms Public Hearings: Laurens mouth with a bridle, while the give us and put a clean heart bates around tory wethe seecounty it was evil, Chronicle, Labeling have you ever sault weapons will deter crime is ing Just thema to possess such crimes as “mental ton issues”, the NRA a terrorist andunnatural, he dation. In doing so, Mike asked them — we get that. But, believe this if nothing else, the County Council is having one about its $30 million sinful, howheld did this you reallydeporting did wicked within. We cannot do it on ouragreed.and laughable at minimum. while at school after proper in some cases this is true,said but something not organization, the lead-is before me.” The firstsowas in transthe right question and gave the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act is not our law, come55 about? not mean? doYemen something Now own. July atformation the District High That right answer. These debates Why? Could someone thinkanswer? Churches If weoftruly found root Ever ers to and banning as-let us all pray that budgettraining on Julythe24th, and the Districtin56all. Board is your law. School,states and God’s the second the were ing deeper than the liberal Trustees left are is beginning address soft would determine in hated saultand weapons willitnot address you later asked yourprayer David praying in Psalms Remember sticks and stones favor inatIsaiah? Re- designed to educate the havingtoone about itstar$24 cause, millionwebudget Hickory Tavern middle school citizens on this important issue provide the question the above get issues by training those in some cases evil is the culprit. the issue. We can’tDon’t outlaw break and bruise, but words cut member Joshua led Israel in the self, “Why did I say that? Why 51:10. “Create in me a clean believe it? Take it from a former South Carolina on July 30th. Now that the State BudgetNot is everyone passed, that purchases everything. None of these stateand now the third has been local control over our statements resolve? (Waiting). the congregations who have of did I do that?” Yep, been there, Attorney heart O God, renew a right spirit to the heartconstrue and oftenthe never heal. Fall of Nineveh, and an angeleffecting General — “Simply stated, we must all the other budgets can (finally) fall into place. The scheduled for the people in Dischildren's education. This is what the liberal left does. CWP’s. Will any of this com- an AR-15 has intent of carrying ments northe anyBible gun control law done that. No wonder within me.” “Let us search and try our ways, God slew 185,000. Isaiah 37:36 to carry out its intent that citizens obtain pubbudget will raise property a little; the trict 56. They provide solutions thatcounty fit pletely stop such hideous acts? I taxes out deplorable acts against innowill ever purge evilFOIA out ofliberally an tells us the tongue is unruly. Letinus pray we use wisdom and turn again to the Lord.” Lam when the Assyrians fought God’sThe question I have was why Since the School District 56 would any thinking person obno questions or problems. D56 budget can’t say. I will say thattaxes I cent I own dividual’s heart. Prayer, there’s willBut raise property not people. at all. Personally,James lic information at we thetalk, least or delay. and love when andcost, eveninconvenience 3:40. people. 3:8, also read Proverbs officials declined to host this ject to citizens being fully inI do not support any form of of an instance firearms, have some to of which I have a different story. If all of ourwith this mandate, my Office has adopted the So, have why not did heard the Laurens County Council In love, the key to all right-debate it Iwill am not a deepMonday, history digger, 20:24, Jeremiah 10:23, and Isa- Consistent more so, to those we love and be held formed on any public issue. murdering the innocent. It is where someone has walked into owned over 48 years and never elected officials unified in conduct a public hearing about Presbyterian Colbutatwhen I can see it has been iah 53:6. Look it up, it may helpfollowing live with. I haveprinciples heard wives say eousness, guiding construing the FOIA: Sept. 24 the Clinton YMCA When people don't want “we just wrong. I am no expert but I a gun show and cut loose. Why? once have I or the firearm had prayer, that would certainly fighting brother, just people” to be informed that us all to watch closely, what we some cruel and ugly things to Think on this, faithful reader. lege? We don’t know it’s some government thing. locatedbrother on YMCA drive from 7and the “When in doubt, disclose. believe that “no gun” zones Unfavorable odds. Why? Guns- the propensity to harm another make me want to say, Whoopee, their husbands, also the husAssyria, a most interesting place, today, America diand do.AMEN and HALLELUEJAH! to 8:30asp.m. andwhen I want to thankis soshould raise a big red flag for And, why was the advertisement about the July communities across America a-plenty. individual. Maybe wesay should “When in doubt, post the meeting. vided,forand evil istherampant, we Is the issue as some say tells us Davidsubmitted. bands to the wife. Such words it is mentioned in the Bible about the YMCA making con- all. have to become more “hardlaws,published no matter inwhat say, “Guns don’t kill people,Psalms evil 39:1Respectfully 10 publicGun hearing The Laurens County “When in doubt, open the meeting.50 times. It was after the flood also follow the same blind path ened” targets in order to remain weaponOh, targeted do one thing. people kill people”. Tim Entrekin Advertiser? yes, PC is “Laurens County’s Col“When in doubt, release the document. ... started it, and immi- and Satan still laughs at us all. We when Shem, Thomas Paine, a founding faClinton lege.” Actually, it has something to do with “a newsgrants that frompublic Babylon settled there. have learned nothing, we still ther of America said (please pay “It is vital that we appreciate the reality servpaper of general circulation.” Clintonattention), needs one“Arms of discourage The Editor: Ishmael dwelt there in hold on to envy, hate, jealousy, ice requires officials and bodies relinquish privacysons in official those. and keep the invader and plunPrecious readers of the ClinIsaiah 11:11. We learn God will and revenge. What will it take to (our insert here: including e-mail). It is the awe, it and preserve ton Chronicle, thiscommunications is just me There are dark forces at work thatderer want in to make again bring His children out of awake us? You surely know and for theEgypt, public interin their the world as well as speaking and I sureprice hope each no oneof us in public service pays Assyria, and Israel will be that day is close at hand. possible for public/private entities tomorder publish www.MyClintonNews.com www.MyClintonNews.com property….Horrid mischief gets upset, but I amest.” so confused - Charlie Condon Tommie R. Nelson together. See verse 24, God will public notices on-line. Stuck there among the Faceemail: news@clintonchronicle.net would ensue were the law-abid- and email: angry news@clintonchronicle.net over these silly Clinton1900 bless her, verse 25 so we should While some court rulings have weakened the SC FOIA, www.MyClintonNews.com Established 1900 Established book, Presidential Twitter, cute cat videos, and of caveing deprived the use of them.” Letters, 7A email: news@clintonchronicle.net we believe it to be a document worth fighting for. Imposing trapped soccer players from Thailand, there’s Feel free“your” to read Mr. Paine’s Brian Whitmore............................................................Publisher Brian Whitmore............................................................Publisher Established 1900 an Information Fee in Clinton follows in the precedent that
Door, we were able to help not just our planet, but the people in our community as well.” The effort to help Open Door was just the beginning of the volunteering the students did when they returned to Clinton. Every year, students volunteer in locations across Laurens County on Service Day. It’s a way for the new students to get acclimated to the culture of service at PC. This year’s Service Day was on Monday, August 20. More than 300 students volunteered at 11 locations right here in Clinton. Students served at: Bailey Manor Bethany Presbyterian Community Garden Hospice Store in Clinton Musgrove Mill National Healthcare Center Open Door Soup Kitchen Palmetto Equestrian
Letters to the editor
Letters to the editor
Letters to the editor
The Clinton Chronicle
The Clinton Chronicle
The Clinton Chronicle
dead. I say no, not as long as people like Education Superintendent Molly Spearman and other state leaders who seem largely uninformed or unconcerned about centralizing power in the hands of fewer people which will have a negative effect on the liberty of all districts involved especially the smaller districts (like District 56) and harm true local control of schools. We need to understand that government at all levels tend to seek more and more power and control, leaving less and less for we the people. I encourage the people of District 56 as well as others to come and arm yourself with the facts about how this affects liberty, local control of education, and will it really save millions, is consolidation necessary to have economic development in the County. I urge you to plan to be there, and to encourage others to do so. We start on time and end on time. Keith Tripp, Laurens The Editor: I am writing this on behalf of the American Legion Auxiliary and myself. I have been president for the past 20 years and am 92 years old.
Presbyterian Community Thornwell Whitten Center PC students served lemonade, painted nails and read to residents at National Helathcare Center. Students also visited residents at Bailey Manor and the Presbyterian Community, and students prepared a cottage at Thornwell so that children could move into it. Some of the work wasn’t fun. They did landscaping and other outside work in the 90-degree heat at Bethany Presbyterian Church, the Palmetto Equestrian Center, and at the community garden on Bell St. But that didn’t hold any of them back. Hannah Sawyer was one of the PC students volunteering at the community garden. She
Vic MacDonald The Clinton Chronicle
PC serves, 9A
All of the ladies in the Auxiliary have almost caught up with me, some have passed me, so you can see why we can’t continue. No one has come forward to take over, but we have accomplished a lot. The one that we are most proud of is the “Vietnam Monument” in downtown Clinton. We dedicated it in 2007 and gave it to Clinton. It was designed by Randy Martin. On the past 10 years, we have put on Memorial Day programs, honoring our veterans. We thank all the citizens who supported us along with the city of Clinton’s Dianne Wyatt, who helped us get started, the city of Clinton for allowing us to give these programs, many people were a big part of this and I want to thank the city of Clinton Police and Fire Department, my son’s law office, Reggy Goodman, Joe at L & L Office Supply, V.F.W. Auxiliary, Clinton High School JROTC, all the people who took part in the program, the special music, the ladies of the auxiliary who baked all the cookies, Ingles and Dempsey’s, also the help of my companion, Charles Benjamin.
Letters, 9A
ELECTION/POLITICAL COVERAGE ALL WEEKLY DIVISION
THIRD PLACE
SECOND PLACE
Staff The Manning Times
Staff Carolina Gateway In this issue:
A weekly newspaper covering northern Lancaster County Indian Land ◆ Fort Mill ◆ Sun City Carolina Lakes ◆ Van Wyck
Loughry makes most of his return 5 Quarterback bounces back from injury last season
Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2017 ◆ Volume 14, Issue 48 www.carolinagatewayonline.com ◆ Carolina Gateway ◆ Nov. 29, 2017 ◆ Page 3
IT’S OFFICIAL VW Town Council meets Dec. 4 Van Wyck Town Council will hold its first regular meeting at 7 p.m. Dec. 4 in the Van Wyck Community Center, 5036 Old Hickory Road. Regular council meetings are set for the first Monday of each month.
Conservation district board meets Dec. 4 The Lancaster Soil and Water Conservation District board meets at 7 p.m. Dec. 4 at the district office, 1771 U.S. 521 Bypass South, Lancaster. The public is invited. Call (803) 2864455, ext. 100, for details.
Public meeting on IL post office Dec. 5 The U.S. Postal Service will hold a public meeting on the new site for the new Indian Land post office at 6 p.m. Dec. 5 at Inspiration Ministries/CrossRidge, 300 World Reach Drive, Indian Land.
Legislator offers services Dec. 5 U.S. House District 5 Rep. Ralph Norman’s staff offers legislative constituent services 9-11 a.m. Dec. 5 in the Lancaster County Administration Building, 101 N. Main St., Lancaster. County residents may also reach the staff at Suite 302B, 454 S. Anderson Road, Rock Hill, or (803) 327-1114.
Van Wyck groups to meet Dec. 5 The Van Wyck Crime Watch meets at 7 p.m. Dec. 5, followed by the Van Wyck Community Development Club at 7:30 p.m. Both groups meet at the Van Wyck Community Center, 5036 Old Hickory Road.
County Planning Commission meets The Lancaster County Planning Commission meets
A specialApublication of The LancasterPublication News & Carolina Gateway • Wednesday, November 22, 2017 Special Holiday of Carolina Gateway
www.carolinagatewayonline.com ◆ FREE
Van Wyck Council gets right to work Gateway Gab Van Wyck elects first council, mayor A weekly newspaper covering northern Lancaster County Indian Land u Fort Mill u Sun City Carolina Lakes u Van Wyck
Council and mayor take oath; 16 seek annexation into town
Absentee voting on IL town issue begins today; register by Feb. 27 to have your say The Indian Land incorporation vote will be March 27.
REECE MURPHY rmurphy@thelancasternews.com
VAN WYCK – Less than two weeks after the town’s first-ever election, Van Wyck’s mayor and council aren’t wasting time. They’re already moving ahead with plans to grow town boundaries through annexation. Van Wyck Mayor Sean Corcoran said 16 property owners turned in annexation petitions during a Nov. 18 swearing-in ceremony and barbecue at Van Wyck Presbyterian Church, while several others expressed interest. Council held its first meeting Nov. 20, where it voted on first reading of ordinances for the first batch of annexations. Second reading on the annexation ordinances was set for a 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 27, special meeting. The results of the second reading votes were not avail-
Registered voters may request absentee ballots now. As of noon Monday, 403 absentee ballots had already been requested, and about 100 people courtesy of JANE MASSEY from Indian Land had regLancaster County Administrator Steve Willis, left, swears in Van Wyck’s new town council and mayor Nov. 18 during a meet andistered greet barbecue to vote,atsaid Mary Van Wyck Presbyterian Church. From left are Van Wyck Council members Bob Doster, Cassandra Watkins, Xavier Kee and Richard Vaughan and Ann Hudson, Lancaster Mayor Sean Corcoran. County voter registration and elections director. “We’re working real hard. Van Wyck resident Linda Old Hickory Road. able before press time. Located just outside the Vaughan, wife of Council- We’ve got to,” She “Right now we’re using saidsaid. absentee voting Vaughan the ‘100 percent method’ to initial incorporation area, man Richard Vaughan, was “The only will Feb. waybegin we Wednesday, can annex property owners,” the center was the site of named town clerk. expand the 21, towninisthe through Lancaster CounShe served as director of annexation and the incorporation vote and is Corcoran said. that’s oneoffice of at 101 ty elections “That means 100 percent serving as the temporary administrative services for the most important things N. Main St., Lancaster. of property owners in a giv- home for town council the city of Lancaster for 30 on our agenda. The office is open 8:30 years before her retirement. en area petition the council meetings. “There’s a.m.-5 a lot ofp.m. things Monday-Fri“She’s been a huge asset Corcoran said another to voluntarily annex. we’ve got today. look into, but “We have enough interest order of business under con- for us all the way and now, right now it’s growing,” Anyone who wants to in that right now that it’s sideration is an ordinance going forward, it’s definitely vote must be registered by going to keep us busy for a enabling the town govern- a big win for the town,” Vaughan said. The townFeb. of Van while passing the ordinances ment to function, such as Corcoran said. 27.Wyck’s regular meetRichard Vaughan said he first scheduled Only how council conducts meetto take them in,” he said. Panhandle resiDec.outside 4. MeetAs a side note, Corcoran ings, along with the duties of and the other council mem- ing is 7 p.m.dents the Van for the first said one of the first annexed the town clerk and other bers were glad to be getting ings are setWyck town limits are eligimonth, right down to business so Monday ofbleeach properties is the Van Wyck administrative items. to vote. The proposed Corcoran said. He said longtime active soon after the election. Community Center at 5036 boundary runs from the northern tip to S.C. 5 south of Van Wyck, then along U.S. 521 to East North Corner Road. All Panhandle polling White House OMB Director Mick locations will be open Mulvaney answers questions durMarch 27. ing a press conference aired on For details on applying CNBC Monday after being named for an absentee ballot or acting director of the federal Conregistering to vote, visit the sumer Financial Protection Bureau. Lancaster County elections office at 101 N. Main St., Lancaster, call (803) 2852969 or email MAHudson@lancastercountysc. net.
Mulvaney... From Page 1 disregard English’s instructions and to inform the agency’s general counsel of any communications from her. Created by the Obama administration after the 2008 financial crash and subsequent recession, the CFPB serves as a consumer watchdog. The bureau has a broad mandate to monitor banks, credit-card companies, student-loan providers and payday lenders. It can impose fines and penalize
ness running the agency. “This is a giant middle finger to consumers,” said Warren, who was one of the
“there should be no question” that Mulvaney will be in charge at the bureau until the Senate can confirm a
WHAT’S INSIDE
Corcoran mayor; Doster, Kee, Vaughan, Watkins first council REECE MURPHY rmurphy@thelancasternews.com
Van Wyck voters chose their first town council Tuesday, Nov. 14, completing the nearly two-year process of protecting the rural enclave from being gobbled up by ever-expanding Indian Land.
Choosing among nine at-large candidates, voters tapped Bob Doster, Xavier Kee, Richard Vaughan and Cassandra Watkins to guide the town through its first two years as a municipality. Doster Kee The town’s first may- Corcoran or, Sean Corcoran, ran members were sworn in Saturday unopposed and was officially desig- during a drop-in and barbecue at nated Thursday. the Van Wyck Presbyterian Church Corcoran and the new council fellowship hall.
Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2018 u Volume 15, Issue 8
Van Wyck gears up for Christmas
www.carolinagatewayonline.com u FREE
Vaughan
Watkins
Corcoran said he and the incoming council members are ready to get to work. “We’re all coming into this with
no relevant experience, so it’s going to be a really sharp learning curve,” Corcoran said. “But we’re going to get busy right out of the gate, setting the town up and pursuing the annexation process. “First we’ve got to lay the foundation, town administration, ordinances for things like how meetings are to be conducted, the fiscal year, how we’re going to do the budget,” he said. See VAN WYCK, Page 2
Ross wins Upstate wrestling title
Puckett to lead new IL school
4
Seven ILHS grapplers qualify for individual mat finals
Van Wyck is expanding quickly The eighth annual Van Wyck Christmas Parade and Candy Toss begins at noon Dec. 9 at Steele Hill and Old Hickory roads and travels down Old Hickory to the Van Wyck Community Center. Bring a camera for photos with Santa at the center after the parade. Wilbur’s Last Ride BBQ truck will be at the center during the parade. REECE MURPHY Parade applications are rmurphy@thelancasternews.com available at the Van Wyck Post Office, 5222 Old The town VanPatWyck Hickory Road, of or from (803) 517hasOglesby moreatthan doubled in or poglesby@comsize0775 since its creation in porium.net. August through voluntary The annual Lighting of annexation itsp.m. neighbors. the Way is of 4:30 Dec. 10 starting the Wyck On Feb. 11, atVan Van Wyck Post Office. Town Council members Candles will line the main streets and stops for short programs at churches. For details, contact Claudia Thompson at (803) 2852148 or claudiathompson@comporium.net.
Town more than doubles its size, adds nearly 200 residents
annexation of 100 proper- ard Vaughan said. “One hunties totaled 1.4 square miles dred proprieties in two in area, increasing the town’s weeks? We probably won’t total area to 3.4 square miles ever get that again.” Vaughan said in addition gave final approval to a bun- with the 381 parcels already to the annexed properties, dle of annexations totaling annexed since November. While precise population there’s another 1,428 acres 882 acres. Russ Bryant, front, as a British sympathizer, andfigures Steven Bobo as a British were not immedi- worth of non-contiguous The council also made provincial officer, search Waxhaw area homes for Patriots in a scene set substantial moves to pre- ately available, the annexa- properties whose owners in April 1781. serve the traditional activi- tions have increased the have already applied to join ties of hunting and farming town’s population from 429 the town. Kyle Meadows, left, and Jamesproperties “J” Bobo warm themThe stretch residents to nearly 600. in the community. selves Van by the firedown in the first scene the Crawfordand parts ofofRebound “We are delighted,” Like the town’s original family traveling the Great Wagon Road to the Waxhaws. incorporation area, this Wyck Mayor Pro Tem Rich- Crenshaw roads on the west
side of U.S. 521 and along Rebound, Old Church and Nivens roads on the east side. If all of the properties came into the town, Van Wyck would stretch all the way across the Panhandle, from the Catawba River on the west to the state line on the east. HANNAH L. STRONG “We’re filling in the blanks hstrong@thelancasternews.com now trying to get them
HES principal to start new job in January
Steven Puckett, who got his first jobPage when2HarrisSeeprincipal’s VAN WYCK, burg Elementary opened three years ago, will do a repeat performance at Lancaster County’s next new school – the Panhandle elementary that will open in fall 2018. The Lancaster County school board voted 6-0 Nov. 14 to make WHAT’S INSIDE Puckett principal of the new Business....................................3 facility, which Classifieds...............................8 doesn’t yet have Education.................................4 a name. He will start Entertainment...........................6 Puckett the job Jan. 3. Lifechanges...............................6 Lisa Jillani, as Betty Crawford, and Hali Guisewhite “It’s bittersweet,” Puckett said Opinion....................................7 react in a 1781 scene where a British officer slashes after the vote. Religion.....................................6 young Andrew Jackson and his brother Robert with a “I enjoy the creation process of sword when they refused to polish his boots. Sports........................................5 building teams and creating enerfile photo gy…. I’m truly excited about the PAGELegion 6 opportunity.” Indian OBITUARY, Land American Post 250 Adjutant William Chick, center, reads commendations for, from left, Sgt. T.J. Murphy, GREGORY A. SUMMERSPuckett might experience déjà Sgt.Perry BillO’Neil Murphy and Brent Williams at a Lancaster County Council meeting last March. Law enforcement is one of vu at the new 95,000-squareMoore Jr., Deputy 57 gsummers@thelancasternews.com the issues an incorporated town of Indian Land would have to provide at a “substantially similar level” to the area’s existing foot building, which was designed To buy these photos, visit www. carolinagatewayonline.com from the same prototype as Harcoverage prior to seeking incorporation. A new multi-story apartment complex photos by JESSICA BRITTON risburg and will cost $24.4 milfor Carolina Gateway coming to Indian Land. lion. Costumed tour guide Jill He said the schools’ similarity
Council OKs 300-unit apartment complex is
ELECTION/POLITICAL COVERAGE Ring out the old with brass ensemble
OUT & ABOUT, 8
Buddy the Elf makes Kershaw appearance
Vols sweep Warriors on IL home court
FACES & PLACES, 8
SPORTS, 5
The
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2017
75 CENTS
Paperless voting leaves S.C. vulnerable
One of just 5 states that could not reconstruct a hacked election Elections Director Mary Ann Hudson cleans one of the county’s 190 aging voting machines last week.
The
Florida recount of the 2000 BushINSIDE Gore race.
Gregory A. Summers
gsummers@thelancasternews.com
Lancaster County Elections Coupon savings Director Mary Ann Hudson, valued at more whose office has 190 of the paperless machines, is concerned than $208
South Carolina is one of only five states whose voting machines create no paper trail that could to be used to reconstruct the See page 2B for your chance enter! balloting if hackers found a way to change votes in an election. The state has used its touchscreen system since 2004, when Congress spent $4 billion to upgrade systems across the country. That eliminated punch-card systems like the one plagued by “hanging chads” in the crucial
about the dated equipment. “I doubt any of us would wait that long to replace our personal smartphones and computers,” Hudson said. “When you have a system as old as ours, you have to start thinking about possible options.” In the wake of Russian inter-
ference in the 2016 presidential race, many states are upgrading their machines and electoral databases and adding cybersecurity measures to assure the integrity of the voting process. The S.C. Election Commission has been sounding the alarm for years that the state’s paperless system should be replaced at an estimated cost of $40 million, but so far the legislature has appropriated only $1 million to study the issue.
Lancaster News Lancaster County’s triweekly newspaper
Kershaw News Era publisher dies at 68
SUNDAY, JANUARY 28, 2018
www.thelancasternews.com
GREGORY A. SUMMERS gsummers@thelancasternews.com
Phil Noble, who hopes for a shot at governor this fall, makes a point Thursday during his first Lancaster campaign stop.
Hannah L. Strong
hstrong@thelancasternews.com
Jim McKeown Jr., owner, editor and publisher of the Kershaw News Era for three decades, was found dead Thursday in his home. He was 66. McKeown, who came from a newspaper-industry family, was known for his columns and hard work at the paper. “He was the paper,” said Kim Roberts, a 16year freelancer for the Kershaw News Era. “He McKeown had ink in his blood.” Roberts said McKeown called him after the sports editor died of cancer two days before football season started. “He just called me and asked would I write the football stories until he got someone,” Roberts said. “Well, that lasted 16 years.” He called McKeown’s death a “great loss” for the community.
See VOTING I Page 3
75 CENTS
Salty talk on Democratic stump Noble fires back anatomical challenge to erring questioner Gregory A. Summers
When discussing where the state falls in the nation’s publiceducation rankings, Noble forceERIC ROWELL/For The Lancaster News Democratic gubernatorial canfully challenged Kimmel’s asserThe city of Lancaster theone holiday didate Phil kicked Nobleoff isn’t to season tion with its annual lighting Friday at the that South Carolina ranks mincetree words, evenceremony with prospec35th, and Springs House. The celebration continued with not dead last in the tive supporters like Cary Kim- Saturday States as Noble had said. mel. “Christmas in the City” featuring trolley rides,United a merrygsummers@thelancasternews.com
Noble mmelMore hadphotos a “I page will kiss on 2. your a-- on Main go-round and loadsand of giftKiideas. scrappy exchange Thursday night Street if we’re not 50th, and I’ll during the local Democratic Par- give you half an hour to gather a ty’s “Our Revolution South Caro- crowd,” the 66-year-old Noble lina” forum at USC Lancaster. said.
One local doc saves another Springs Memorial’s Rashid Ansari
Lancaster News Lancaster County’s triweekly newspaper
Lancaster News
GREGORY A. SUMMERS gsummers@the lancasternews.com
SPORTS, 6
ALL TheWEEKLY DIVISION
Lancaster County’s triweekly newspaper
www.thelancasternews.com
NEW CHAMPS! Rec soccer teams win state crowns
Main photo by MARK MANICONE/ mmanicone@thelancasternews.com; inset photo courtesy of RASHID ANSARI
Dr. Rashid Ansari donated a kidney to his brother and fellow doctor, Amir Ansari. Both brothers work shifts at Springs Memorial Hospital.
This was Noble’s first Lancaster County campaign event. A Democrat with Greenville origins and a Charleston-based consulting business, he faces S.C. Rep. James Smith of Columbia for the Democratic nomination in this year’s race for governor. Noble was correct in his claim that South Carolina ranked last in the 2017 U.S. News & World See NOBLE I Page 3A
IL town vote set: 3-27-18 Ballot to resolve
www.thelancasternews.com
48-hour time limit ‘not fair’
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2017
75 CENTS
Looking back on integration
Norrell proposes uniform timelines for election protests Mark Manicone mmanicone@thelancasternews.com
State House Rep. Mandy Powers Norrell (D-Lancaster) has proposed changing the current municipal election law regarding contested elections. The proposal came during a regular, joint House Legislative Oversight Committee meeting Dec. 19, where all four sub- Norrell committees met to discuss each subcommittee’s respective state agency. Norrell is on the Economic Development and Environmental Subcommittee. “All parties are at a disadvantage under the current law because a protest must be made, and the defendant must be prepared to defend, within hours – or even immediately – after the vote is certified,” Norrell said. “The protestor may not know if he or she will even make a protest until the vote is certified, and the person defending may not have any idea a protest is coming. “And then it would have to be completed that same day. It’s not fair to either side,” she added. When the subcommittee in charge of reviewing the State Election Commission came before the committee to list proposed changes, Norrell requested that this section of the law be added at the request of the Lancaster County Election Commission. The County Election Commission referred to this section of the law because the 2016 Lancaster City Council District 3 election was contested. The current law states that a plaintiff has a 48-hour window to contest an election and make their case before an election commission, whether it’s the municipality’s commission or the county commission, in which the municipality resides, that handled the election. Norrell, the District 44 representative, proposed uniform protest timelines between state, county and municipal elections. Essentially, it would See TIME LIMIT I Page 2
FIRST PLACE
photos from the 1967, 1969 and 1971 editions of THE RAMBLER, Lancaster High School’s yearbook
Process ‘smoother’ here than elsewhere
Staff The Lancaster News
Above, a photo of Lancaster High School’s integrated basketball team appears in the 1969 Rambler. Below, from left, Gloria Mackey, Ronny Lowery, Charles Smith and Edgar Smith were among the first black students at Lancaster High in 1966. Dwight Witherspoon, right, attended South Junior High School that year. At bottom, Jerry Witherspoon was remembered in the 1971 yearbook as a football standout. With his photo is this caption: “Valuable player, Jerry Witherspoon, represented LHS skillfully in the 1970 Shrine Bowl Game.”
Hannah L. Strong
hstrong@thelancasternews.com
Gloria Mackey Gordon, wearing her first-day-ofschool dress and penny loafers, drove her blue Chevy to pick up three friends. It was 1966 and Gordon was a junior. She, Ronny Lowery, and Charles and Edgar Smith were on the way to their first day at Lancaster Senior High School. They walked into the building and got stares. Some called them names. They were four of 15 black students in the school. The other 822 students were white. “We all walked in and everyone just looked at us,” Gordon said. Gordon, now 66, said she knew she’d hear the N-word as she walked the halls. “You keep walking,” Gordon See INTEGRATION I Page 3
‘Barnes was just someone who did’
Hall of Fame educator, community leader dies at 92
REVIEW PORTFOLIO OPEN DIVISION
THIRD PLACE Chris Trainor Free Times
SECOND PLACE Will be presented at Daily Awards Dinner
REVIEW PORTFOLIO OPEN DIVISION
FIRST PLACE Maura Hogan Charleston City Paper
North Carolina about 7:45 a.m., Brooks said. The windows of a black Toyo-
Wendell Paul Price Jr., 29, of Airport Road, Pageland, was shot multiple times at a very close
“Whoever shot him was mad,” Brooks said, noting that there were multiple gunshots fired
Monday. The S.C. Law Enforcement Division, the Rockingham (N.C.)
trying to contact partners and friends who were with him Saturday and Sunday.
By DON WORTHINGTON Progressive Journal
Progressive Journal
One hundred years ago today, April 24, David Johnson, Lonnie Myers and Lemboston Seegars of Pageland awoke for their first day in France as members of the 371st Infantry Regiment. The men, all 22, had been farmers in Pageland. In France, they were noncommissioned officers. Myers was a sergeant. Johnson and Seegars were corporals. After they arose and squared themselves away, they went to the duties, getting the other 142 men of Company G awake and ready. Across the ocean, another set of noncommissioned officers faced similar tasks. Sgt. John D. Cato of Pageland, Cpl. Lonnie Blakeney of Pageland and Cpl. John Baker of Jefferson were members of Company I of the 118th Regiment. The
Don Worthington Pageland Progressive-Journal
The quest begins at the annual Easter Egg Hunt at Rivers Park in Mount Croghan last Saturday. In addition to finding eggs, children got their faces painted. For more photos go to page. 5.
Prayers, donated blood kept me alive, says Pageland man By DON WORTHINGTON Progressive Journal
The most common excuses people give for not donating blood are they are scared of the needle or they are too busy. The American Red Cross estimates 38 percent of the U.S. population is eligible to donate blood, but less than 10 percent donate – even though every two seconds, someone in the country needs blood. The Fultons of Pageland want to thank that 10 percent. When Larry Fulton’s pacemaker
surgery went wrong, doctors pumped in donated blood as fast as he was losing it. In just a few hours he received 16 units, slightly more than 2 gallons of blood. A human normally has about 1.2 to 1.5 gallons of blood. “The people who gave blood saved him,” said his wife, Donna.
Progressive Journal 4 |
VIEWPOINT
INDEX
TODAY’S WEATHER
CLASSIFIEDS .............................7 COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS......5 tunities to prevent heart problems. SPORTS .......................................6 Rzucidlo’s talk was VIEWPOINT comprehensive and................................4 sober-
Partly cloudy with a 10 percent chance of scattered showers throughout the day Overnight: Partly cloudy skies with a 20 percent chance of scattered showers
INSIDE, 2
Going Red draws attention to heart health Pageland Chamber of
Customer service (843) 672-2358 By DON Subscriptions WORTHINGTON Progressive Journal (toll free) ast Friday’s “Go Red Day” was not (800) 844-9344 about red wine.
L
Yet when Dr. Eva Rzucidlo of McLeod Vascular Associates told a roomful of red-clad women that drinking a small glass of wine each day could have heart-health benefits, the questions quickly turned to wine. The women wanted to know what red wine was best? Did it have to be red wine? Could it be grape juice? Was a more expensive wine better? To be clear, the American Heart Association says there is no definitive study that drinking a glass of red wine is a hearthealthy activity. But drinking a class of red wine in moderation could reduce stress, which causes cardiovascular problems, says the American Heart Association. Rzucidlo deftly answered their wine questions – and still managed to keep her focus. Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer in America with one death every 38 seconds. In South Carolina, it is the leading killer for women among all racial and ethnic groups. Friday’s event at Northeastern Technical College, and other places nationwide, was to educate women about their oppor-
ing. She explained there are risk factors that you can’t change: your age, your ethnicity (African-Americans and Hispanics have higher death rates due to cardiovascular disease), your family history and your gender. She talked about how certain behaviors, such as smoking, increase your chance of cardiovascular disease. Quitting smoking also has a dramatic impact. Within 24 hours of quitting smoking, the risk of a heart attack decreases, she said. Most of all, she stressed three things: ◆ Be an advocate for your health; talk with your doctors; learn as much as possible. ◆ Educate yourself about heart health. Listen to all the numbers doctors routinely talk about, and what they mean for you. ◆ You are what you eat and people need to be more active. Rzucidlo explained how each “number” can affect heart health. When there is too much cholesterol in your blood, it builds up in the walls of your arteries, a process called atherosclerosis. LDL or “bad cholesterol” is the main source of artery-clogging plaque. HDL or “good cholesterol”
Daughter: Autism is a family crisis Progressive Journal
DON WORTHINGTON/Progressive Journal
Larry Fulton of Pageland discusses the surgery to install his fifth pacemaker. Everything seemed OK until his superior vena cava vein tore. He needed blood – lots of blood. Donated blood saved him, said his wife, Donna.
February 6, 2018
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regiment was preparing to deploy to France. The trio had been in the S.C. National Guard since 1916. The troops of the 371st and 118th regiments would be among the more than 1 million U.S. soldiers who saw combat during World War I. The 371st and 118th regimental stories are different from most other American units. The 118th fought under British command with Belgian soldiers on one flank and Australian soldiers
By DON WORTHINGTON
The story
It has been 2½ years since Larry’s surgery. Sitting in his happy place – a small workshop adjacent to their See FULTON | Page 3
They answered the call
ALL WEEKLY DIVISION
THIRD PLACE Chesterfield County voters have one contested local race in the upcoming Democratic June primary – Sheriff Jay Brooks against James Dixon. It is a rematch of the 2014 primary where Dixon initially got more votes than Brooks, but not enough to win outright. In a runoff election, Brooks got 51 percent of the vote compared to BROOKS 48.5 percent for Dixon. The margin of victory was 189 votes. There are contested races for the 7th Congressional District and several statewide offices. Voters will have to pick which primary they want to vote in, Democratic or Republican. DIXON Residents who want to vote in the Republican primary will not be allowed to vote for sheriff, which is part of the Democratic Primary. The primaries are June 12. Both sheriff candidates point to long law-enforcement careers in seeking voters’ support. Brooks was police chief in Cheraw before becoming sheriff. Dixon has worked for the Chesterfield and Bennettsville police departments, the Chesterfield County Sheriff’s Office and currently for the 4th Circuit Solicitor’s Office. Dixon is on See SHERIFF | Page 4
KIM MANGUM/For the Progressive Journal
High: 82 Low: 62
For a larger view of this graphic, visit us online at www.pagelandprogressive.com.
works to clear cholesterol from the blood. A good HDL reading is 60 or higher. A good LDL reading is 100 or less. The American Heart Association recently updated its recommendations for blood pressure readings. The target numbers are 130/80. Under the new recommendations, 42 percent of Americans have high blood pressure. BMI, or body mass index, is another factor used
Letters to the Editor
to evaluate heart health. BMI is determined by multiplying a person’s height by itself and then dividing that number into a person’s weight. (There are numerous online websites that will do the calculation for you.) The key is you want your BMI to be between 18.5 and 24.9. Anything more than 24.9 is considered obese. One in three Americans is considered obese. Rzucidlo also talked
about a person’s waist circumference. If the waist measure is greater than 40 inches for men and 35 inches for women, there is an increased risk of heart disease and Type 2 diabetes. Finally, Rzucidlo stressed you are what you eat and how you exercise. Collectively, we eat too much saturated fats, too many calories, too much salt and, in general, too much food. Each affects
the health of a heart. And, collectively, we don’t exercise enough. At least one-third of the American population doesn’t exercise at all, or enough, to meet the American Heart Association’s recommendation of 30 minutes of moderate exercise five times a week. “The keys to keeping cardiovascular disease at bay are a healthy diet and daily exercise,” Rzucidlo said.
Meet the United Way Chairperson
on the other flank. They traded in their American equipment for British equipment. The only concession the British made was that the soldiers of the 118th got to keep their uniforms – and their coffee. They didn’t like tea. The 371st fought under French command, with Moroccan soldiers on one flank and French soldiers on the other flank. They swapped equipment too, including trading their American Springfield rifles for French Lebel-Berthiers. Both units would fight with distinction. There is one other distinction that separates them. The 118th Regiment was all white. The 371st had white officers. The noncommissioned and enlisted soldiers were African Americans. See 1918 | Page 6A
HEALTH BEAT REPORTING
Rematch: Brooks, Dixon running for sheriff
And they’re off!
By DON WORTHINGTON
Commerce holds truck drivers’ job fair
When Xanaa Myers was in second grade, she realized there was something different about her teenage brother. It was more than the usual older brother-younger sister differences. Her brother was easily agitated, kept to himself and didn’t seem to learn easily. His younger siblings realized “we knew more than him,” Xanaa said. In third grade, Xanaa tried to get her brother “to come out of his shell.” She decided to try what he liked, offering to play computer games with him. One of his favorites was “Sonic The Hedgehog,” where Sonic and his friends Tails, Knuckles and Amy, speed around the planet to battle the evil Dr. Eggman. Xanaa remembers losing many of those games. Her brother “doesn’t like to lose,” she said. See DAUGHTER | Page 4A
It is time to take a photo scavenger hunt to find some of the things we either walk or drive by daily without hardly ever noticing them. Today on page 8B the Progressive Journal starts its “Spot the Shot” contest. Participating is simple. Fill out the entry form, listing what you think the photo shows and its location. Photos were taken in Pageland, Jefferson, Ruby and Mt. Croghan. We have provided clues to, hopefully, help. Four $25 gift card prizes are being awarded. Contest rules are on page 8B. The deadline to enter is May 10.
SECOND PLACE
Elizabeth Bush LIVING WITHDaniel AUTISM Island News thedanielislandnews.com
May 17 - May 23, 2018 ■ The Daniel Island News
ISLAND NEWS
11
and Bob were about to head into a performance at the Gaillard in downtown Charleston. She had been suffering from bronchitis and began coughing intensely and could barely catch her breath. Bob took her to the emergency room. ELIZABETH BUSH “Everybody thought at that time she had perDaniel Island resident tussis, whooping cough,” he says. “She did not.” Sandra Jacobs, who The coughing went away but Sandra had six suffers from Myalgic Enmonths of new symptoms – profound fatigue, cephalomyelitis/Chronic debilitating pain in her head, discomfort in the center part of her chest, and more. She Fatigue Syndrome (ME/ was tested for a host of conditions, including CFS), took a photo of cardiac, neurologic, autoimmune and endocrine these two pairs of shoes disorders. All were negative. She was left with to post to her Facebook a diagnosis of an immunodeficiency and many page last Saturday in unanswered questions. recognition of the #Mil“I don’t even remember two years of my lionsMissing movement. life,” says Sandra. “I was just down.” The shoes represent the Bob became increasingly disappointed in the activities she is missing medical community, particularly given the belief out on as a result of her among some that the condition is purely psychodisease. logical and “all in a patient’s head.” “This is a disease,” he says. “It’s biological. Bob. “And there are lots of abnormalities that You would think physicians would respond to can be tested, but there really is no cure…With that…There is no question that patients with this illness there are no FDA approved treatthis disease are very likely to be depressed. But ments.” it’s not the disease that needs psychological “What became clear is Chronic Fatigue Synintervention. The patient may need it, and that’s drome as a name is a bad name,” he continues. the patient’s call.” “Because if we would tell someone that Sandra But in 2014, they connected with Dr. Susan has CFS, they would go ‘oh my, well I unLevine, a physician in New York who was derstand. I am so tired at the end of the day.’ No- able to give Sandra’s condition a name - ME/ body means to, but it kind of trivializes what’s CFS – and a place to focus their energies. Dr. happening.” Levine prescribed gamma globulin injections Sandra’s first inkling that something was wrong came about eight years ago, when she See ME/CFS on PAGE 12
‘I’ve had to give up everything’ Daniel Island woman shares her journey with condition known as ME/CFS ELIZABETH BUSH beth@thedanielislandnews.com It’s a beautiful, warm spring day on Daniel Island and Sandra Jacobs is gazing longingly out of the windows in her Center Park home while resting on her living room couch. Most people could easily get up and walk out the door to enjoy the outdoor splendor - and to complete most other normal tasks, such as going out to lunch with friends, taking a shower, or even reading a book. But for Sandra, a retired librarian and high school literature teacher, these activities are anything but easy. In fact, some days they are near impossible. Sandra suffers from Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS), a multi-system disease that causes dysfunction of the neurological, immune, endocrine and energy metabolism systems. “Before this I was quite active,” says Sandra, tears welling up in her eyes. “I would walk four miles a week with my friends, loved to entertain and we traveled quite a bit.”
Sandra’s husband, Bob, her devoted caregiver, sits beside her as she discusses the ravages of her condition. “You’re kind of trapped in your body,” he explains. “This isn’t the only illness that does that, but this is one that nobody knows about.” A retired rheumatologist, Bob’s experience in the medical realm has been extremely beneficial in understanding the disease’s complexities as he offers support to Sandra. But the fact that very little information is known about the condition is frustrating, he concedes. “Certainly, the etiology is not known,” says
Mother: Never settle, find the answers
14 | MEDICAL thedanielislandnews.com
The Daniel Island News ■ September 13 - September 19, 2018
Let’s gets ‘Fyzical’
For this portion of his therapy at Fyzical, Sam is using an overhead safety support system, which straps a patient to an overhead structure with a rolling track. According to Chalela, it’s the only one of its kind in South Carolina. “If he loses his balance, this holds 650 ELIZABETH BUSH pounds,” she adds. “It keeps him from fallbeth@thedanielislandnews.com ing. But I don’t have to put myself in danger to catch him. This has him. We’re breaking Wearing a bright blue harness attaching him to an apparatus above, Sam moves across down walking to work on strengthening and balancing…and creating a new neuropathway the floor slowly and deliberately, placing his to the brain for muscle memory.” feet inside rope boxes on the floor with each As Sam is finishing up his exercises, measured step. Chalela gets to work on another patient – “Make sure you’re balanced, so you have control the whole time,” says physical thera- Bill, a diabetic who is in for treatment with a non-invasive Class IV near-infrared laser on pist Susan Chalela of Daniel Island-based a two-year-old wound that won’t heal on his Fyzical Therapy and Balance Center, as she foot. This is his third session at Fyzical. stands by his side. “When you think about “He heard about my laser,” says Chalela, what you’re doing, in the right sequence, as she readies the machine for Bill’s treatyour muscles start to remember.” ment. “It increases blood flow to the area, deSam, a resident of the Jack Primus comcreases inflammation and promotes healing at munity off Clements Ferry Road, suffered a the cellular level…We want to get a healthy debilitating spinal cord injury two years ago wound bed. He’s tried everything – so this is after a fall - and has been in recovery ever the next step.” since. There is not a lot of research yet on the “People said I wouldn’t walk again,” he treatment’s effectiveness and it is not yet covsays, but clearly he has defied the odds.
DI physical therapy practice offers unique treatments with a personal touch
By VANESSA BREWER-TYSON Progressive Journal
ered by insurance. But for both Chalela and her patients, the results have been encouraging. “We’ve seen great improvement,” adds Bill. “I’m just hoping I can be done soon.” Bill promises to text Chalela later that eve-
A Pageland mother of an autistic son says her journey to find a diagnosis and understand her child’s challenges, has been long 02 | ISLAND NEWS Panoramic Marsh Views Mortgages with South State Bank 4 Bedroom, 3 Full and 1 Half Bath, Cochran Park and difficult. Located on Daniel Island. Iron Horses’ schoolSenior family rallies in support ofMost hospitalized student-athlete importantly she learned to “never, Vice President “Friday after the game he was completely and two at PSHS). Contributors were also ever settle.” Bryant Collins in re- Mortgage Loan Originator fine,” added Bendig. “It was just such asked to submit notes of encouragement to his mother and siblings. a sudden thing…As I was told from his “If you know Bryant, there’s something ‘off’ with covery after ruptured NMLS#204134 mother, he started complaining of head“Let’s show what our amazing community can do together when one of our Iron aches, dizziness, nausea, and his vision was you your child and keep getting dismissed, brain aneurysm blurred. He was vomiting…She got very Horses needs our support,” states a message (843) 324-0279 DON WORTHINGTON/Progressive Journal on the page. answers!” scared.” keep going! Find the 234COURT Seven Farms Dr., SuiteBryant’s 113mother, Tianna Mack, took him “Our kids have attended school together ELIZABETH BUSH 502 NORTH LEAVITT — $975,000 Miss Junior Teen Pee Dee Unitedbeth@thedanielislandnews.com States Xanaa Myers, left, grins at her for years,” said PSHS parent Lisa Kerns,”when her to the hospital and was informed he was Erika Smith’s journey started from Daniel Island to Hanahan and now suffering from a ruptured brain aneurysm. mother, Erika Smith, as they talk about isHighlike with a family memHe later had emergencywas surgery ata MUSC PhilipShe Simmons.knew Bryant and his family have The motto what for the Philiplife Simmons child baby. something was Children’s Hospital to repair the damage. become an extension of our family, and at School football team is “Win the Day.” as Bendig learned ofabout Bryant’s Philip Simmons Schools we truly embrace sophomore Bryant Collins, a key ber who has autism. Myers madeSo when autism awareness her platform as condition, aAs soondifferent him. Proverbs: 27:17. ‘As iron sharpens iron, so he headed straight for the hosmember of the team, was suddenly hospital. person sharpens another.’ We lovethat each wanted pitalized on Oct. 14 with a ruptured brain “He wasn’t oneone of those babies beauty queen. “Right when I found out I left school and of them dearly and would do anything to aneurysm, football coach Eric Bendig knew went over to to seebe him,” cuddled,” he said. “We went help them in their time of “Even need.” Bryant would have to call on that Iron Smith said. though he over as a staff Monday night…For the first Tianna Mack provided this message to Horse fighting spirit to overcome this new, couple of days he was very non-vocal…and Theon Daniel Island News about what didn’t the unexpected opponent. started walking time, he start it wasn’t until Tuesday that I went and viscommunity’s outpouring has meant to her “He’s rallied around that mindset,” said “If you know there’s something ‘off’ with your Philip Simmons High School sophomore family: ited him and he was up andwhen alert and veryI thought Bendig. “He’s talked about how fast he can talking he should have.” Bryant Collins, who plays football for the Iron much aware of what was going on.” “I would like to thank all of my family get back out there.” Horses, is in recovery after a ruptured brain and friends for theson love and support In the days immediately BryBut in the days surrounding his diagnosis, Smithfollowing compared her withtheyher niece. child and you keep getting dismissed, keep aneurysm. Bryant’s school going! community has ant’s diagnosis, his Philip Simmons’ school have been sending our way. Your thoughts his condition was a bit uncertain. Accordset up a Go Fund Me account to raise money family began rallyingniece in support. They set and prayers have years” truly made a difference ing to Bendig, Bryant played in the school’s The was “light ahead of her for his family. up a Go Fund Me page to assist Bryant’s in Bryant’s healing. He continues to make football game against Oceanside Collegiate Find the answers!” family (Mom, Tianna, has six children – progress and is now able to walk some withthe same child, even though they were about Academy on Friday, Oct. 12 with good suc- scored two touchdowns for the team. But that Sunday, after church, some troubling help. I would like to especially thank our one Hanahan High School graduate, three cess – and no signs of illness. He suffered symptoms began to emerge. age.Middle School students, no head trauma and no injuries – and even See COLLINS on PAGE 09 – Erika Smith Philip Simmons See MOTHER | Page 4A thedanielislandnews.com
The Daniel Island News ■ October 25 - October 31, 2018
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ELIZABETH BUSH
A spinal cord injury led Sam, a resident of the Jack Primus community on the Cainhoy Peninsula, to Fyzical Therapy & Balance Center on Daniel Island. He is shown here with physical therapist Susan Chalela, who is addressing pain Sam has been experiencing around his knee.
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See FYZICAL on PAGE 15
Wednesday, March 7, 2018
HEALTH BEAT REPORTING
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BY JENNA-LEY HARRISON jharrison@journalscene.com
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Base student cost affecting District 2 budget BY MONICA KREBER mkreber@journalscene.com Dorchester District Two could be in a financial hole again as it faces what officials project as another tough budget year. The district is projecting student growth of about 300 next school year. Chief Financial Officer Allyson Duke said the House Ways and Means version of the budget does not include an increase in the base student cost. A mandated step increase for teachers runs close to $2 million and if there is
no increase in the base student cost, the current base student cost would generate only about $800,000. Duke said the budget is finishing up on the House floor this week and then the Senate should be picking it up. Duke said she is hopeful the Senate version will include an increase in the base student cost. Chairwoman Tanya Robinson said they will go over possible wish list items at next week’s budget workshop (note the date change below), but following a recent trip to Columbia, Robinson said the district has been told it
is not getting any extra money from the state. “Fortunately it doesn’t look like we’re going to hire a lot of new teachers… that’s a good thing,” she said, adding, “If we get a lot of new students then we may have to rethink that but right now, the way it looks, fortunately for us we appear to have enough teachers for next year.” Every year the district is required to present a balanced budget to Dorchester County Council. The district participates in a series of meetings as it prepares for the May council meeting.
Board members reviewed upcoming meeting dates Monday night. Board member Justin Farnsworth said $2,425 is what the district currently gets for the base student cost. “The law requires that Columbia give us $3,018, so they don’t follow their own laws,” he said, adding, “So if anybody wanted to bug your legislators and let them know some issues that we’ve got that will really harm the district, please talk about base student cost – we need those funds for our district.” Duke said the base student cost has
‘Heart story’ Cardiac rehab patients, nurses find inspiration in each other As he sat—cane in hand—among past and present cardiac rehab patients at Summerville Medical Center this month, local resident Alan Jackson said he hoped to also enjoy good health in his older years. “I look at everybody as a motivation,” he said. “I want to become their age one day. Every day is a blessing.” Just 35, Jackson was one of the younger attendees at the hospital’s rehab reunion luncheon, which is hosted every two years. But while ages differed, they all shared one commonality: a ‘heart story.’ It’s the name they’ve given to that season in their lives when their hearts stopped working properly and their survival required a fight. They also each ended up regaining their strength, some better than before the heart event, through the hospital’s cardiac rehab program. For Jackson, it was a mild heart attack that forced him into medical care in 2016, a year after the doctor told him he had multiple sclerosis. “It turned my world upside down,” he said. The main artery in Jackson’s heart had become clogged and needed surgery to remove the blockage. While the father of two said he often “felt like giving up,” the program’s nurses were his medical angels, even nicknaming him “McFly” for his consistent calm demeanor in the face of adversity. Each time the
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$13M grant to complete 'A big day for us': Summerville Medical unveils special ambulance for children 78 Highway phase II https://www.journalscene.com/news/a-big-day-for-us-summerville-medical-unveils-specialambulance/article_2e5a6414-d9dc-11e7-a896-874401fe8d71.html
BY JENNA-LEY HARRISON jharrison@journalscene.com
PHOTOS BY JENNA-LEY HARRISON/JOURNAL SCENE
During a special cardiac rehab reunion luncheon March 6 at Summerville Medical Center, former patient Mary Hoyle shares her health struggle and successful return to good health, through the program. staff asked him how he felt, Jackson responded with a simple answer: “I’m fly; I’m fly,” he said. “I had a good support team here,” he said. On rare occasions, patients like James Cooper return to the program. That’s because his heart gave out the first time in 1996 and again last year. Cooper said at age 52 he underwent quintuple bypass surgery before going through the rehab program at Trident Medical Center. In August he suffered a second heart attack and is currently enrolled in the rehab program. Surrounded by others who understand his health struggle, Cooper felt at ease during the reunion, catching up and sharing stories. He said his Please see HEART, A10
Nurse Nikiesha Murray, of the cardiac rehab center at the hospital, showcases “Speedy” the heart mascot.
Dorchester County was chosen March 6 to receive $13.25 million in federal funding to complete phase II improvements to Highway 78, according to county officials. “We continue to get good news in Dorchester County,” said Council Chairman Jay Byars. “This is exciting news...for our region as a whole.” Through its TIGER grant program, the U.S. Department of Transportation awarded the money, which county officials said will be used to help widen the two-lane road between Dorchester and Ridgeville. The stretch is about 8.2 miles and is necessary for accessing the Port, Norfolk Southern Railroad, Interstate 95 and local industry, according to county officials. According to the grant application, the county applied in 2009 for $43 million, citing improvements were needed for safety and to “accommodate increasing westbound industrial traffic” along the highway. The application also stated U.S. 78 is No. 11 on the priority list for the South Carolina Department of Transportation. Medical staff gets a rst-hand look at the new pediatric ambulance Buy County officials have also anticiJenna-Ley Harrison/Journal Scene pated the improvement effort will lead to the creation of least hundreds of jobs: about 185 construction-related and another 477 jobs indirectly. However, withMedical 900 acres Center unveiled on Tuesday its rst-ever pediatric ambulance, which medical Summerville of undeveloped land along the route, there’s potential more a less scary experience for children who nd themselves riding in it. staff ahopes willforprovide than 1,800 jobs to open up, according to a press release. Numbers are based on the FedWithAdministration, innovative technology and advanced healthcare capabilities, the new ambulance—owned and eral Highway specifically “figures for and operated by direct MedTrust—is quite different in appearance and features than a typical one. indirect employment creation per Please see HIGHWAY, A8
Center receives bus donation to serve community BY JENNA-LEY HARRISON jharrison@journalscene.com
Dancing the night away: Local “celebs” raise money for The ARK, A4
not been fully funded in some years because of lack of funding. Farnsworth was one of three board members who participated in the Two Days at the Capitol event in Columbia earlier this month. Board members said they got to talk to several area legislators including Sen. Sean Bennett and Reps. Chris Murphy, Katie Arrington and Marvin Pendarvis. Farnsworth said he thought the event was very productive; he said Pendarvis is very interested in speak-
By Jenna-Ley Harrison jharrison@journalscene.com Dec 5, 2017
BY JENNA-LEY HARRISON jharrison@journalscene.com
It took a seemingly coincidental—but fateful—meeting at a coffee shop 900 miles northwest of Summerville for a deal affecting the Community Resource Center, and ultimately local residents in need, to transpire. Summerville resident Jeff Cassens said that about a month ago he was planning to meet with a friend for coffee at a place back in his Illinois hometown, when his friend also brought a friend to the occasion. That stranger was the brother-in-law of Chris Jefferson, who also lives in Summerville. According to all parties involved, that moment was meant to be. Jeff Cassens said he later called Jefferson and the
two chatted for more than an hour about the available opportunities for serving others locally and how a bus Cassens and his wife, Kris, owned could help meet those needs. Cassens said the bus had been used as a rolling restaurant for seven months, and while the couple didn’t operate the business on a day-to-day basis, they were initial investors. But the couple had to shut down the business about a year-and-a-half ago. While the Cassenses had various ideas about how to utilize the vehicle for helping the needy, the couple said at the time they couldn’t quite determine how to turn them into a reality. “My wife had the idea that we should Please see BUS, A8
Crystal Forte said she knows firsthand the dangers of shooting in heavily-populated areas. “A bullet came through my house and hit my headboard where I sleep at night, where my kids sleep at night,” she said. Her neighbor Brad Ward played videos of shootings he said he’s recorded hearing from his property. He talked to the committee over the piercing sounds, which also included shouts and cries from his children—a tactic one opponent of the ordinance said Ward used to play on the committee’s emotions.
JENNA-LEY HARRISON/JOURNAL SCENE
Louis Smith, Community Resource Center founder, tours the new bus the organization received free from a local couple this month.
For the first time since a fiery debate ensued in Dorchester County Council Chambers in 2012, dozens of concerned residents showed up to a Public Safety, Health and Human Services Committee meeting Monday in Summerville to voice input on a proposed shooting ordinance for unincorporated areas. “I know there’s passions on both sides of the issue,” Councilman David Chinnis told the crowd of about 40 people prior to public comments.
DHEC says fiber releases not threat BY JENNA-LEY HARRISON jharrison@journalscene.com Residents living near the Lauscha Fiber International Plant in Summerville learned Thursday the results of two different air-monitoring initiatives conducted in response to concerns about the possible health effects of ongoing airborne fiberglass releases. The releases have occurred from malfunctioning valves and seals clogging up operations, according to officials with Unifrax Specialty Fibers, the plant’s parent company. But testing recently conducted in locations in and around the plant show no impact on overall air quality. “Which is a good news thing from a public health standpoint,” said Dyron Hamlin, a chemical engineer and certified industrial hygienist with GHD. Unifrax hired GHD to monitor the amount of particulate matter in the surrounding Lauscha area, after multiple residents complained about finding the fiber on their properties and feared for their health. Hamlin said the monitoring has only focused on particulate matter measuring a diameter of 2.5 microns or less—a human hair is between 50 and 70 microns wide.
Forte and Ward were two of about a dozen residents from the Sunnyfield subdivision who attended the meeting. Though Sunnyfield is located in the town of Summerville limits, the properties back up to unincorporated areas, where the shooting is occurring, according to residents. There’s currently no shooting ordinance in the county. The proposed draft would prohibit people from discharging firearms within any residential district. There are exceptions for law enforcement and military personnel performing their jobs; self-defense; or anyone operating a shooting range.
A violation would be a misdemeanor and those found guilty could be fined up to $500 or jailed for up to 30 days. Council Chairman Jay Byars told the Journal Scene that while shooting safety “should be common sense,” it’s a challenge for the county to enforce, and the need to look at some sort of regulations is there. “We need to explore how to do so in a responsible manner,” Byars said. “It is not an attempt to impede on the rights of responsible gun owners, of which I am one.” Chinnis agreed. “Your right to bear arms to protect
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Brewing up business Newington Elementary Dunkin’ Dolphins stir up success with their own special coffee blend
FIRST PLACE BY MONICA KREBER mkreber@journalscene.com
Little baristas at Newington Elementary are brewing up business, coffee and synergy as they go about serving coffee to teachers and staff in the early hours of the morning. They may have to be at school around 6:30 a.m. to get the job done, but these young entrepreneurs love it. Newington Elementary is about a year into its student-run Dunkin’ Dolphins program. Every morning the group, consisting of third- through fifthgraders, brew, pour and serve coffee to faculty and staff under the guidance of music teacher and Teacher of the Year Jaimie Iggleden. “The kids have exceeded all of my expectations of this,” Iggleden said. The students serve a special blend called Coastal Dolphins – the dolphin references are a nod to the school’s mascot. Newington Elementary formed a partnership with Coastal Coffee Roasters to serve coffee this school year. Students got to take a field trip to the coffee shop and learn how brewing coffee works. Owner Brad Mallett said he is proud to partner with “future leaders and entrepreneurs.” “Creating an environment where win-win relationships reign will help define who they
Jenna-Ley Harrison The Summerville Journal Scene
Please see FIBER, 6A
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yourself, your family, your property shall not be infringed,” he said. “Irresponsible discharge does none of the above. To pass off a bullet hole and a bullet in a bedroom wall as ‘emotional’ is a reprehensible comment.” He wasn’t the only gun owner, or local NRA member, who had similar thoughts. In fact, supporters on both sides of the issue included gun enthusiasts. Many who labeled themselves as hunters and “responsible gun owners,” military and law enforcement veterans, told the committee an
PHOTOS BY MONICA KREBER/JOURNAL SCENE
Third-grader Talya Pashuta stirs coffee for resource teacher Thomas Henry.
MONICA KREBER/JOURNAL SCENE
Third-grader Chase Parker prepares to pour coffee to be served for teachers in the hallway at school.
can become,” he said. It is a group effort to serve the coffee in the morning. Currently 22 students are employed and they have “shifts”: there is a Monday/Wednesday/Friday group and a Tuesday/Thursday group. The students handle the monetary transactions; thirdgrader Talya Pashuta said the business offers punch cards for teachers – the teachers can buy punch cards in advance for $7 and if the teacher does not immediately have any money on them they can just get a punch in the punch card. Punch cards Please see BREW, A3
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FAITH REPORTING
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Happy birthday, UMC
Photo by Matt Brodie
United Methodists help Puerto Rico rise S.C. team helped island begin recovery through UMCOR, Home Depot, Methodist Church
By Jessica Brodie HATILLO, Puerto Rico — Driving through San Juan and into the mountains of northern Puerto Rico, it’s hard to tell what is hurricane damage versus storm-exposed poverty. Two-story concrete houses and mural-
painted businesses stand strong alongside half-tattered rubble and buildings with bluetarp roofs. Still others are just a crumpled shell of iron bars and decay. Litter-strewn patches of grass share space with grazing cows, horses and goats; a giant crushed-metal structure fills
the next field over. And everywhere, amid the wreckage and the rebuild, Puerto Rican flags wave proudly. Almost six months after the island was hit by a See “Puerto Rico Mission,” Page 13
voted to place The One Church Plan before the 2019 General Conference for legislative action. In their release May 4, the bishops reported on a motion as it was voted by bishops, indicating that all three plans (The Traditionalist Plan, The One Church Plan and the Connectional Conference Plan) considered by the commission and the COB would be shared with delegates. The bishops also reported their recommendation of the One Church Plan and inclusion of historical narrative of
See “UMC is 50,” Page 12
Salkehatchie celebrates 40 years of service
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their discernment process regarding all three plans. However, after a bit of confusion as to whether the special session would consider one plan or all three, the bishops issued a statement of clarification May 18, which noted The One Church Plan will be placed before the 2019 General Conference for legislative action, though all three plans would be shared. See “Bishops’ One Church Plan,” Page 16
S.C. to re-vote on gender justice amendment
United Methodist Church marks 50 years since merger By Allison Trussell and Dr. Phillip Stone The United Methodist Church turns 50 years old this month. On April 23, 1968, Bishop Reuben H. Mueller of the Evangelical United Brethren Church and Bishop Lloyd C. Wicke of the Methodist Church joined hands over symbolic items and said, “Lord of the Church, we are united in thee, in thy Church, and now in The United Methodist Church.” With that pronouncement, The United Methodist Church became the second-largest denomination with nearly 12 million members worldwide.
June 2018
Bishops recommend One Church plan for UMC
By Jessica Brodie The United Methodist Church’s Council of Bishops is recommending one plan for the denomination’s way forward through differences over human sexuality, though information about two other plans developed by the Commission on a Way Forward will be shared with the delegates of the 2019 Special Session of General Conference. At their meeting in Chicago April 29 to May 4, the bishops
Photo by Jessica Brodie
David Ivey, member of Mount Horeb UMC, Lexington, clears away debris at a house in Hatillo, in northwest Puerto Rico.
Jessica Brodie S.C. United Methodist Advocate $2 copy or by subscription
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eral Conference 2016 and tasked to lead the UMC forward in unity. Appointed by the COB and authorized by General Conference, the 32-member commission comprises bishops, other clergy and laity of varying gender, race and sexual preference. The way forward report will be presented at a called Special Session of General Conference set for Feb. 23-26, 2019, in St. Louis.
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Conference or designated petitions secretary, as well as to translators and publishers in preparation for official release to the full church, approximately July 8, said Dr. Maidstone Mulenga, director of communications for the COB. “The two sketches provide avenues for unity, contextualization and mission,” said Bishop Ken Carter, one of the moderators of the commission, established after Gen-
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UMC bishops to consider two models for church unity amid sexuality impasse
By Jessica Brodie A plan to keep The United Methodist Church united despite difficult differences over human sexuality will go before the denomination’s bishops this month. The UMC Council of Bishops will receive a finalized report from their Commission on a Way Forward at the next meeting, set for April 29-May 4 in Chicago. Initially presented at the bishops’ February meeting in
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Two Rivers’ pastor the Rev. Wendy Hudson-Jacoby said they formed to reach people who don’t feel welcome or wanted in church.
Church on the margins
Two Rivers reaches out to lost, lonely By Jessica Brodie DANIEL ISLAND—It’s not your typical church scene. You park outside a stadium, then climb a short flight of stairs to find yourself in a pub—only instead of a host waiting to seat you, there’s a smiling church greeter offering a marker and a peel-and-stick nametag. You’re ushered to a long mahogany bar, only instead of an array of questionable libations, you’re offered regular or decaf coffee and
your choice of brownies or chocolate chip cookies. Loose gatherings perch at tables scattered around the room in all manner of dress, from khakis to sundresses and high-end heels to flip-flops. Kids intermingle, some at tables coloring, some in the back playing Legos, some eating breakfast biscuits and chatting with parents. There’s an excitement in the air, a sense of camaraderie and fellowship. A sense of belonging. This is Two Rivers Church, a United Methodist community, and all of it—the fellowship, the laidback vibe—is intentional. See “Church on the Margins,” Page 14
By Jessica Brodie GREENVILLE—Lay and full clergy members of Annual Conference will get the chance to revote on The United Methodist Church’s gender justice constitutional amendment when they gather June 3-6 at the TD Convention Center. The amendment, Constitutional Amendment I, was one of five amendments approved by the 2016 General Conference but which had to be ratified by annual conferences before they could become part of the 2016 Book of Discipline. The proposed constitutional amendment, which would have created a new paragraph focused on gender justice, narrowly failed to be ratified by the conferences. A two-thirds majority (66.66 percent) is required, but only 66.52 percent (31,304 voters) approved it. However, the Rev. Gary W. Graves, secretary of General Conference, learned an error was made in the text of the amendment as it was presented for voting. It mistakenly included a sentence that had been removed by the legislative body. The sentence that should not have been included in the amendment was removed by a vote of 746-56, but was inadvertently included in the version that was distributed. See “Gender Justice,” Page 17
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The Children’s Security Blanket, founded by Tom Russell (right), helps the families of children battling childhood cancer with everything from power bills to gas to hotel stays.
By Jessica Brodie SPARTANBURG—Horrible stuff happens to the most beautiful people. Tom Russell has seen it too many times. “We don’t know why,” he says, recounting the stories: the 16-yearold who came seeking hope and a cure—and died just a month later. The 10-year-old in remission five years from leukemia who was bouncing in a bounce house one day, then rushed to the hospital the next, cancer back with a vengeance. The families who go from riches to rags in a heartbeat when they get the diagnosis, barely scraping by on one income while the other takes a child for nonstop treatment.
Those are the stories that make Russell cry, make him turn to God and to his fellow Christians with all his hopes and fears and dreams tied up in one word: Help. Just help. Help is exactly what Russell and his team try to do: help in the form of hope, love and immediate practical support to families as they seek treatment for childhood cancer. Their organization is called The Children’s Security Blanket, a nonprofit organization that came “out of a Methodist church and a Methodist heart,” Russell said. See “The Children’s Security Blanket,” Page 13
Blessing Boxes help community’s needy with cleaning supplies, paper products, hygiene items By Jessica Brodie WINNSBORO—Again and again, Jane Hinnant felt the tug on her heart. She knew it was God, knew He wanted her to step up and do something to help, but the why-not reasons piled on. “I just kept shoving it back,” said Hinnant, longtime member of First United Methodist Church in the heart of Fairfield County. She knew about the poverty issues in her community, saw the needs in the two square miles surrounding her church, but she didn’t think it
was for her to address. God had other plans. The tug became an outright prod, and Hinnant met with her pastor, which led to gathering a few friends for a brainstorming lunch at her home. A year and a half later, God’s will is now being done through Hinnant and other members of First in what they call the Blessing Box Ministry. On the first Thursday of every month, First gives out boxes of basic non-food items to its neighbors in need, from cleaning supplies and
paper products to hygiene items. When they started in March, they gave out 25 boxes, but they’d doubled it to 50 six months later. They plan to increase that number again soon. The Rev. Julie Belman, First’s pastor, said the need is great. Particularly since the V.C. Summer Nuclear Generating Plant abruptly closed this summer and left thousands out of work, money is tight. See “Blessing Boxes,” Page 7
FIRST PLACE
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Pageland Chamber reorganizes under new leaders Staff report
The Pageland Chamber of Commerce has a new leadership team. Tim Griffin, of the Griffin Scholarship Foundation, is the new president, replacing Shawn Freeman. Billy Hogge, business opera-
FAITH BEAT REPORTING
Accounting of Pageland, is the treasurer. Charles Brown, business teacher and basketball coach at Central High School, is the new secretary. Hogge, Anderson and Lavonna Rivers were last members of the previous board of directors. They appointed the new
leadership team. Rivers, owner of Rivers Graphics, continues as a member of the board of directors. New to the board of directors are Daniel Toler, owner of Pageland Florist and Gift Shop; Phillip Melton, co-owner of Pageland Hardware and Outdoors;
Hickman to play for Knights
Dillon Melton, president of Titan Stainless; Jordan Seidhom, manager of Carolina Scrap; Brian Broughton, president and chief executive officer of Lynches River Electric Cooperative; Justin Young of First Citizens; and Josh Smith of Nationwide Insurance.
ALL WEEKLY DIVISION
Rev. Graham simple and sincere, says former co-worker
THIRD PLACE
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By DON WORTHINGTON Progressive Journal
For three years, if you wanted to reach Billy Graham by phone in the evening, you had to get past Mary Davis Dale of Pageland. A student at the University of North Carolina Asheville, her part-time job was to answer the phone at Graham’s office in Montreat, N.C. From 5 to 10 p.m., she screened calls from notables as well as those who Touched just wanted to see if by Rev. they could talk with the evangelist. Graham’s She became part words of the office staff PAGE 4 that dealt closely with Graham and his wife, Ruth. She fondly remembers the moments she shared with them. She keeps some of those memories private, preferring to not be seen as bragging. By DON WORTHINGTON But what Dale saw most was the Progressive Journal sincerity of the Grahams. Before the 2017 football season, “He was very simple,” Dale said the seniors on Central’s squad Sunday. DECEMBER “Every time I saw him, the 19, 2017 www.pagelandprogressive.com made a pact. They were all out for 75 cents attention was on me instead of him. each other and the team. He had a way of making things perThe leader among the leaders sonal. was Jaekwon Hickman, linebacker “It was an example of his humility. and running back. His leadership It was never about him.” on and off the field helped Central Dale found Ruth Graham to be a to a 7-4 record and a trip to the good storyteller, someone who was ed God’s help.” iff’s office investigated a social Byplayoffs. VANESSA state AA amusing and honest and a woman There was another pact that in- About 35 people stood united media threat to “not come to BREWER-TYSON with a gracious heart. spired Hickman – the one he madeat Central. There were students school. I’m gonna’ shoot up the Progressive Journal Reporter When Dale and her husband, Joel to himself his brother, Quin-– not all of them from Central – school,” sent on Dec. 6. Sheriff When cyberand threats were made as well as residents and spiritual Jay Brooks said the threat was (now pastor at Pageland’s First Baptaven Davone Collins. against their school, some Cen- leaders. “not credible” because the stutist), started planning their May 1989 had been a linebacker, tral Collins High School students turned “It’s good to be united as a dent who made it did not have wedding, they had a conflict. Mary’s tonose God.guard and running back at church was not available because of a Central before dying in an acci-school,” said Gracie Helms, a access to weapons or a vehicle. Theyingathered The 14-year-old student who homecoming ceremony. dent 2009. at the school’s sophomore at Central. flag“When pole in Ithe cold temperatures She wrote to Ruth Graham, asking felt pain, I would close “This world today is not a made the threat, and a 16-yearlast praying for“Itheir if they could use the chapel at the myWednesday, eyes,” Hickman said. had togood one,” said Autumn Bryant old student who reposted it, were school of Cheraw High School. “There’s charged with communicating Cove that was nearing completion. make and himcommunity. proud.” Central High Hickman sophomore Luke thea lot going on in the schools.” threats. “She was so overly gracious and Last week, spiked MANGUM/For the Progressive Journal Rev. Joel Dale, the pastor at Deese, whopride organized sheKIMallowed us to use the chapel,” parental meter,theasevent, well asPrayer can change these things, united at the flag pole First Baptist of Pageland as well Students, residents and spiritual said, “With all ofCentral the things hap- she said. Mary leaders Dale said. those of his teammates, at Central High School in response cyber threats. The Chesterfield County sherpening here lately, we just need-with Photos by DON WORTHINGTON/Progressive Journal See PRAYER | Page 2 When to Mary Dale heard of Grasigning a football scholarship ham’s death, “I wasn’t sad,” she said. St. Andrews University of Laurin- Jaekwon Hickman, center, flanked by his parents, signs with St. Andrews “I knew what he had lived for and University last week. Hickman was named an all-region selection for defense and burg, N.C. rejoiced at the fact that he was where See HICKMAN | Page 8 served as a team captain in the 2017 season. He also led the team in tackles. DON WORTHINGTON/Editor he wanted to be.” Isabel Soto tells Santa what she wants for Christmas at the Pageland Christmas Parade.
Vanessa Brewer-Tyson Pageland Progressive-Journal Eagle standout honors his brother, signs college scholarship
NOVEMBER 28, 2017
Central students offer prayers after cyber threats
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tions/project manager of Screwmatics, is the new first vice president. He has previously served on the chamber’s board of directors. Andrew Currie, of Cross Country Adjusters, is the second vice president. Dennis Anderson, of Anderson
DON WORTHINGTON/Editor
“I was scared the surgery would kill me. It was the scariest I had ever been,” Mickey Jordan said.
Faith helps local man survive cancer BY VANESSA BREWER-TYSON Progressive Journal Reporter
Mickey Jordan knew something was wrong. He was coughing up blood and passing out. His doctor said it was bronchitis. He knew it was worse. It was. Tests showed he had lung cancer. Jordan told his wife, Barbara, he was going to die. “I just busted out crying,” Barbara Jordan said. “I couldn’t even talk.” Doctors wanted to remove the lung. Jordan vacillated. He was more sure of death. “I was scared the surgery would kill me. It was the scariest I had ever been,” Jordan said. Several days after the October 2015 diagnosis, the Jordans went to the Subway in Pageland. Barbara went into the restaurant to get her comfort food, a sub sandwich. Mickey waited in the car. An older gentleman approached the car, asking if he could pray for Jordan. He See JORDAN | Page 3
Shoppers counting John C. Pitts: A man of dignity and song down to Christmas By VANESSA BREWER-TYSON Progressive Journal
John C. Pitts is being remembered as a church leader who reached out to people’s souls through song and sustenance. “If you could name it, he probably had done it all,” said the Rev. Evan Willis, current pastor of the Pageland Seventh Day Adventist Church. “He had the heart of a missionary and was desirous of seeing souls saved.” Pitts recently died at 84. Pitts had a consuming interest in music and health. “He treated every person with
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whom he came in contact with grace and dignity, no matter their station in life,” Rev. Willis said. At the Door of Hope food pantry, he was the man that prepared the bags. At Pageland Seventh Day Adventist Church, he led the choir. Dr. Lawrence Elliott, a member at the Seventh Day Adventist Church, knew Pitts for almost 40 years. They met in Maryland when Pitts, his wife, and their two daughters, Angela Ruth and Johanna Marie, returned from a six-year mission trip in Sierra Leone, West Africa. “John has been one of the most generous men that I’ve known,” Elliott said. “He and his wife have
fed, visited, clothed and cared for many people over many decades.” Elliott said Pitts was his “Google person” because of his vast knowledge of the Bible, accounting and life in general. Many people sought Pitts’ opinion and he gave them excellent life changing advice, Elliott said. “Because of his great knowledge and his love for God, he has been a tremendous resource for each of the churches he attended during his life.” Pitts and his wife, Sara, came to the region in 2005, leaving retirement in Florida and moving to Wadesboro, N.C. They joined the See PITTS | Page 4
INDEX
TODAY’S WEATHER
CLASSIFIEDS .............................7 COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS......2
Mostly sunny with a 10 percent chance of scattered showers
“Wherever he went, he was embraced by others because he was kind, generous and loving, and he was a man who the Lord.” BYloved VANESSA
– Nelda Brewer BREWER-TYSON and Davis MELINDA CATO
Chris Sokoloski COASTAL OBCoastal SERVER Observer
Vol. XXXVII No. 17
50 cents
Thursday July 12, 2018
Pawleys Island South Carolina
The Grinch who stole Christmas vacation? Florence BY CHRIS SOKOLOSKI COASTAL OBSERVER
Another week. Another hurricane. Another school closure. Georgetown County Schools are closed today as the remnants of Hurricane Michael move across the state on their way from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic. Since the start of school in August, the county’s public schools have only had two full weeks of classes.
Today is the 12th day in the last month that schools have been closed due to storms. In September, it was because of Hurricane Florence and the flooding that followed. Even though that storm’s impact on the county was slight, some schools were used as evacuation shelters and as staging areas for emergency workers. This is the fourth straight years schools have lost days to storms. Superintendent Randy Dozi-
er told the school board this week he will present a proposal at their Oct. 23 meeting for make-up days, and how many days won’t have to be made up. Of the 12 days, the district can write off three days and the state legislature can vote to waive three days. Dozier floated the idea of classes on Veterans Day and the days at the beginning of their Christmas vacation (Dec. 20 and 21) and at its end (Jan. 2).
CHURCHES
Just add water
BY CHARLES SWENSON COASTAL OBSERVER
It will cost up to $37,500 per space to create additional parking at the Murrells Inlet Community Center by buying an adjacent home, according to an estimate from the Georgetown County Capital Projects office. “Trees are the biggest issue. Trees would be sacrificed,” County Administrator Sel Hemingway said. The project is not on the list of the county’s capital improvements, which was cut back by $4.5 million this week after county staff discovered that an error in their spreadsheet formula left the capital plan in the red. County Council agreed to delay work at a park in Andrews and Eight BY CHRIS SOKOLOSKI Oaks Park outside Georgetown as COASTAL OBSERVER well as cut funds for land acquisi-
BY CHRIS SOKOLOSKI COASTAL OBSERVER
Belin Memorial United Methodist Church has a deep connection with the waters of Murrells Inlet, with its sanctuary sitting on Parsonage Creek. That connection is strengthened every year when the church baptizes people in the inlet’s waters. This year’s event drew about two dozen people. Some were baptized for the first time, while some had been baptized before but were reaffirming their faith. “This gives kids a chance to think about what their baptism means to them,” said the Rev. Mike Alexander, Belin’s senior pastor. “It also allows some peoBY CHARLES SWENSON ple who have never been bapCOASTAL OBSERVER tized to be baptized.” Ella McLaurin, 8, of Murrells Inlet said being baptized meant a lot to her. “It made meof feelthe like A long-delayed review loves me a lot.” Highway 17God corridor on the WacElla was accompanied by her grandparents, Larry camaw Neck won’t Frankie startanduntil Day, who reaffirmed their faith. early next year. search for a “It was The so much more special I thought,” Frankieasaid. consulting than firm to update 2003 The decision to be baptized study was delayed Hurricane sprang from by a conversation during month. which Frankie asked Ella if Florence last she wanted to ask God into her In the heart. meantime, George“We’re raising her so we’re town County is seeking firms to glad that we’re leading her in carry out a the land usedirection,” study in the right Frankie said. “Her mom passed away a corridor. It’s unclear whether the few years ago so we’ve got the work will be done by tothe privilege of trying bringsame her up right.” firm, but the two eff orts will be Troy Devers and his daughter, expected toEmerson, interact, saidreaffi Counwere both rming their faith. “It made me feel a lot cil Memberbetter Steve Goggans, who because I feel like I’m closto God,” Emerson said, adding pushed for er both projects. that she was glad her dad was The initial Highway corwith her. “It made me 17 feel better I wasn’tat as nervous ridor studybecause looked ways and to I was happy that he got to do it improve traffi c without widenwith me.” justlanes. a very special exing the road “It towas six It led perience to be able to share it Georgetown to require withCounty her,” Troy said. Lia Domhoff just moved to Murrells Inlet in March. The bap-
tions and contingencies. The county will move forward with plans for ballfields at Waccamaw Elementary School and a study to determine whether there is demand for an aquatics center. The Murrells Inlet Community Center emerged as part of the county’s review of capital improvement projects after it was raised during the GOP primary for County Council District 1. Bill Hills, who challenged the incumbent, John Thomas, argued the county needed to buy a house on Murrells Inlet Road next to the center to expand the facility. The .9-acre lot and house are on the market for $350,000. Hills proposed that the community develop the site once the county bought the land. Capital projects staff came SEE “PROJECTS,” PAGE 4
Photos by Tanya Ackerman/Coastal Observer
Corridor study expected to start in early 2019
Stella Eubanks, 11, negotiates the mud pit with a watermelon.
PAWLEYS ISLAND | Rising water
State response to flood proves a boon to town A vacuum truck under con-
The church had done the outdoor baptisms in the past.
said. “Not only do [the participants] make a commitment, but
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Pawleys Island South Carolina
A camper makes notes from Proverbs 31, far left, the basis for the Empower Angels. The final group, left, was one of four that took part in the weeklong events.
BY CHRIS SOKOLOSKI
Blessed by the inlet
more interconnectivity between developments to keep local traffic off the highway and was the basis for replacing the two-way left-turn lane in the Pawleys Island business district with a raised median. It was Goggans’ opposition to the median project that led him to run for council in 2014. He sought funds to update the corridor study through the Grand Strand Area Transportation Study. That group, which directs transportation funding in Georgetown and Horry counties, “It’s the most special moment tismal experience was different approved $100,000 forof the study the entire year,” Bond said. from what she expected. “My two older sisters they got “The first inlet baptism was the in 2015. baptized in a pool and I’m doing most special moment of my entire that life. There’s it in theIt inlet. This church is a lot wasn’t until June thenothing that rebigger and it feels more welcom- ally compares. It’s incredible.” regional study reAlexander was pleased to see ing. It was reallytransportation overpowering.” of people who came Belin revived practicefiof ceived bidsthefrom rmsthetodozens do the inlet baptisms in 2012, after sev- to witness the event, since any work. baptism is a time for the church eral young AECOM, congregants an askedinternational Austin Bond, the director of toacome engineering firm with offitogether. ce in “The whole body of the youth ministries, whether they SEE “CORRIDOR,” PAGE 4 participates,” Alexander could be baptized in the inlet. church
COASTAL OBSERVER
COASTAL OBSERVER
HIGHWAY 17
Photos by Chris Sokoloski/Coastal Observer
Thursday August 2, 2018
Faith-based program helps promote ideals of service
Welcoming God’s love in the waters of Parsonage Creek
C.J. Collins, above left, found a puddle during the mud bowl, while Adams Springs, above right, raced toward the end zone through a rainbow.
BY CHARLES SWENSON
Wednesday before Thanksgiving was “sacred” and would not be used as a makeup day. That’s a day families use for travel. Another option would be to offer online instruction. Dozier said Anderson County is using this option to make up some of time it missed. It is possible the weather could still cause more cancellations. In February 2014, two ice storms in two weeks closed schools.
More parking at inlet center comes at a cost, including trees
Belin’s Mud Bowl builds youth program
From the outside, a recent football game on a muddy patch of land on Business 17 looked like just a bunch of kids of all ages having fun. But about two-thirds of the participants in the annual Mud Bowl were linked by their membership in Belin Memorial United Methodist Church’s youth group. “I don’t see how kids make it through life without being connected to some kind of group that helps them develop their faith,” said Austin Bond, the Belin’s director of youth ministry. “I think its super important just to have a place to go to with other kids their age. I think there’s something powerful for youth to get together and talk about their problems.” Since each participant has to fill out paperwork to play in the Mud Bowl, Bond sees it as a way to connect with kids not involved with the youth group, and parents who are unchurched. “It’s non-threatening because it’s just football in the mud,” he said. “It kind of opens up a door.” SEE “BELIN,” PAGE 3
Oct. 26, which is on the school calendar as a staff development day, will definitely be a makeup day. The district also has a staff development day on Jan. 18, a teacher preparation day on March 19, and a “flex day” on April 19, which is the Friday before spring break. There are also three dates (Jan. 17 and June 6 and 7) listed as early dismissal days that could be converted into full days. Dozier told the board that the
RECREATION
The Progressive Journal
The days to find that special Christmas gift are dwindling. The Progressive Journal team of Melinda Cato and Vanessa Brewer-Tyson were out last week and Monday, doing some last-minute shopping in Pageland, Jefferson and Ruby. In Pageland, Merle Norman Cosmetics Studio has a large variety of cosmetics combined with super holiday specials, said co-owner Darlene Miles. Purchase two cosmetic items INSIDE, 3 and you receive a free gift. Lipstick CentralareHigh School in ornaments 40 percent off. Brewer-Tyson was looking for the inducts new members
COASTAL OBSERVER
Pawleys Island, South Carolina ~ October 11, 2018
people who are watching make a commitment to help them grow in the faith.” “It started as more of a youth thing and its kind of become a whole church thing,” Bond said. “That’s been real special to watch.” The fact that the baptisms occurred just days after the Fourth of July was not overlooked by Bond. “We celebrated our great country just a few days ago and today we’re celebrating our great God.”
At top, Best friends, Clara Griffith, 13, and Charlynn Madill, 14, reaffirm their faith with a baptism by the Rev. Mike Alexander, Austin Bond and the Rev. Walter Cantwell. Above left, Troy Devers reaffirms his faith. Above, church members and bystanders clap and cheer after each baptism. Left, Ella Grace McLaurin, 8, gets a kiss from her grandmother, Frankie Day, after her baptism as her grandfather Larry Day, at right, looks on.
Some summer camps are about fun. Some are about education. And many try to be about both. But very few are about empowering young girls to be better people and better Christians. Murrells Inlet-based Empower Angels held four one-week camps this summer for girls in elementary school through high school. The camps were based on Proverbs 31. “Our mission for these girls is to be selfless and learn that we would like them to serve others,” said Gina Clapham, who founded the organization. Each day began with Bible study. Clapham said the goal was for the girls to “be the Bible for somebody else. Be bold and speak boldly about your love of Christ because you never know who it’s going to influence.” Reynolds Danahy, 12, a Waccamaw Middle School student, said if you’re going to be a Bible for somebody then you have to act like it not just talk about it because “it really makes people doubt you’re really a Christian.” Daily activities at the camps included gardening, sewing, arts and crafts, carpentry and cooking. Heath Hanser welcomed the campers into his kitchen at the Hanser House, where he taught them how to cook steaks and shrimp, make meatballs and hush puppies, and how to serve a dinner. The girls also hand-made sachets and delivered them to some of the residents at the Lakes at Litchfield. “There needs to be more of this bridging of the gap. There needs to be more love between the youth and the seniors,” Clapham said. “We’ve got to get these young children to not be afraid of going into these senior homes.” Anita Ingram, a member of the Empower Angels board, volunteered at the camps, teaching the girls about gardening and sewing. “I’ve so enjoyed working with these young ladies and being able to instill something in them other than being just self focused,” Ingraham said. “It’s so fulfilling for everyone involved.” On the last day of the camps the girls helped Hanser prepare lunch and serve it to their parents, and gave their moms handmade gifts. “That’s about 48 to 50 lives we’ve impacted this summer,” Ingraham said. “It’s just not like babysitting your children. We’re not just entertaining them. They’re being educated. They’re being guided. They’re being directed.” These were the first summer camps for Empower Angels, which hosts a weekly Bible study during the school year. Either parents or local restaurants donate dinners for the meetings at American Fitness in Murrells Inlet, which donated a room to them. Clapham, who has been a dancer all her life, started the group, and the Gracefully Fierce Girls dance company, because she wanted to be a Christian mentor like her dance teacher was when she was growing up. “Dance has been my life,” Clapham said, “and empowering women and girls has always been my mission.” Clapham is also a personal trainer who teaches fitness classes at the Waccamaw Regional Recreation Center and American Fitness. About 49 girls from area schools were involved in Empower Angels last year. Adult volunteers mentor the high school girls who mentor the middle school girls who sometimes mentor the youngest girls. “We’re trying to teach them that what they see on TV and in magazines and on social SEE “CAMP,” PAGE 18
Photos by Tanya Ackerman/Coastal Observer
Girl power
The Empower Angels visit with Louise Daniels, 89, at the Lakes at Litchfield.
Clockwise from top left, Hollis Grafe, 11, and Molly Congdon, 11, make meatballs for the moms lunch. Heath Hanser helps the girls make a cake. Alex Abernathy makes a bouquet to thank Hanser for his help. Everyone who aided the program received thank-you notes; Sadie Moore and Reynolds Danahy write theirs. Gina Clapham, who started the program with the girls before their luncheon.
Features | 283-1156
ednesday, April 25, 2018
Faces & Places
FAITH BEAT REPORTING
9A
Just passing through
ALL WEEKLY DIVISION
regory A. Summers
ashlights run, de from me uring storms
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lashlights hate me. I was reminded of that about 8 p.m. April 15 when led Duke Energy in an effort nd out what time our power ld be restored. Yes, the late rnoon storm socked the Anh community with a hayer. We lost the lights about p.m. that day. ir, our utility crews are still ssing damage in your area,” courteous customer rep . “That’s all the information ve at this time.” ow, that was not what I ted to hear. I hurriedly hit red button on my cell ne screen to stem another ding loss of power. rasped her polite response. sely translated, she was say“Mister, I ain’t got a clue. If I e you, I’d buckle down for a , dark and dismal night.” eing an Eagle Scout, I always scribed to the motto, “Be pared,” so I set about taking of business. etrieved the one-burner pane camp stove from storto warm some leftovers. I he two oil lamps off the tel and rubbed off a thin n of dust. I fetched a box of ches from a secret hiding e. om a bookshelf, I also ed down this LED lantern gy someone gave me as a stmas gift several years ago. rabbed the battery-powradio off a kitchen shelf, ch was almost immediately rned to its place. It was erless, too, and there were pare “D” batteries to fit it. hat’s OK, I thought, as I ed my headset radio from op of the refrigerator. This keep me in the know with e ever-changing weather ditions. hat? You don’t keep your dset radio on top of the rerator? No wonder you can’t it. earned as a youngster that hing of lasting significance pt above the fridge. n Erwin Farm, the top of the gerator was the Holy of HoHad there been an 11th mandment at our house, it ld’ve been, “Thou shalt not s with anything on top of refrigerator.” hat’s where my parents kept big carpenter’s flashlight. I forbidden from even gazing s luminous workings. umongous, metal and meng, the toggle-switch flashstraddled a lantern battery. d a huge glass, headlightd lens protected with a k, wire cage. ompared it to the fruit of ree of knowledge of good evil in the Garden of Eden. new it was there. But if I hed – or even worse – pped the flashlight, my mory could be at stake. having been a pupil of that rine, I now stash the flashs atop the refrigerator. new there should be a least dozen of them up there, but my dismay, I couldn’t find a le flashlight. I lit an oil lamp d in the search, but it was less. here are they? I checked the tstand dresser, bathrooms kitchen drawers and pan, but no luck. ashlights indeed loathe my h. They grow legs and run ard the road, screaming EEDOM!” as soon as the s go out. ustrated, I grabbed the LED ern and headed to the pickfound a small insignificant hlight inside the glove box, bed it and returned inrs. was indeed a dark and pless night. I tossed and See FLASHLIGHTS I Page 10A
Photo at left courtesy of MIKE BRAZZELL; others by ERIC ROWELL/For The Lancaster News
The American Legion Riders of South Carolina’s state Legacy Ride covers 600 miles in 3 days and supports a scholarship fund for children of fallen military and disabled veterans. Above, Michael A. Culbreth of the Abbeville Post 2 Legion Riders leads a group into the Post 31 parking lot. At left, World War II veteran Bernie Shankman, 94, of Cayce arrived with the final group. Perhaps the oldest participant in the ride, Shankman rode his own hog for the entire trip. He is a member of the Legion Riders of Post 6 in Columbia. At left, riders enjoy lunch from local restaurants, including Dominos, Shrimp Boat, 521 BBQ , Bojangles, Catawba Fish Camp, Leos, Wing King, Charley’s Cafe and Grinders during their stop at Lancaster’s Post 31.
Stay ‘prayed up,’ ready for change Pinckney’s widow: ‘You never know the cards that you are going to be dealt’ Mandy Catoe For The Lancaster News
Jennifer Pinckney is a survivor. Three years ago, she and her 6-year-old daughter, Malana, crouched under a desk as bullets pierced the walls around them. A couple of minutes earlier, she had been working peacefully on the computer Pinckney while her daughter quietly watched TV in her husband’s study in Charleston’s Emanuel AME Church, where he served as pastor. They were waiting for him to finish Bible study. Then she heard a loud “Pop! Pop! Pop!” She first thought it was a generator exploding, but as she neared the door she realized it was gunshots. Instinctively she locked the door, grabbed Malana, ran to the adjoining office, shoved her little girl under the desk and then wedged herself in the opening. “The gunshots got closer and bullets pierced the office wall,” Pinckney said. There was a pause in the gunfire. She heard footsteps approaching. “I thought to myself, ‘This is it for us.’” Last Saturday, Pinckney shared her story of survival with nearly 100 people who attended the Bright Light Baptist Church Women’s Conference in Heath Springs. This year’s annual meeting focused on survivors and their faith. Attendees sat on the edge of their seats as she shared the details of the evening of June 17, 2015, the night white supremacist Dylann Roof killed nine innocent people as they prayed. Among the dead was her husband, state Sen. Clementa Pinckney.
Hard to close eyes She said Roof was welcomed into prayer study and given a Bible so he could follow along “and learn the word of God.” “It is extremely hard for me to close my eyes during prayer because it was at the end of Bible study when they all stood in a circle and bowed their heads in prayer that they
Photos by MANDY CATOE For The Lancaster News
Above, survivors and event speakers Linda Hatley and Jennifer Pinckney share an embrace after the program. At left, Pinckney shares her experience at Emanuel AME Church in Charleston. were shot,” she said. Pinckney, her daughter, and three others lived to tell the story. “We are a survivor of that tragedy that took my husband and eight other wonderful people,” she said. “We heard the chaos that went on. We heard the moans and groans and the comments Mr. Roof was making while he shot them. His words and what he did still make the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.” Until that night, she said she never knew how one person could shatter the sense of security and comfort of so many. “Are we not safe in church anymore? Is that not a safe place anymore” she said as she reflected on that night. Pinckney said she is determined to move forward to a life of purpose. “The person who committed this crime hated, and it was a hate-filled act of terror,” she said. “His murderous rampage captivated me in a place of deep despair.” She refuses to remain hostage to hate or allow it to dwell in her heart. The tragedy has left her with post traumatic stress disorder. Last November it flared up after the rural Texas church shooting that took 26 lives.
Overall, she is doing well with the help of good friends, faith and staying busy. Jennifer Pinckney would have preferred that her life remain quiet, allowing her to go about her days as a school librarian raising two daughters with a supportive husband. “If my story can help someone or encourage someone or motivate someone, then it is worth me facing my fears of public speaking,” she said. Her faith in God, her dear friends, and life lessons from her mother and her husband continue to carry her through.
‘You never know’ She stood firmly behind the lectern Saturday, let out a sigh and followed it with a prayer. She was wearing a purple blazer and her husband’s wedding band on her left middle finger. Her speech was so well-crafted, it felt like she was just talking to friends. She inspired tears, laughter and hope. The refrain of “you never know” ran through her talk. Her mother had taught her to be strong and prepared in life, because of uncertainties. “‘Get a job. Keep a job and have your own money, and if something happens you will know how to pay bills and
how to survive,’ my mama taught me,” she said. Last summer, she was teaching her oldest daughter, Eliana, 13, to cut the grass, something she had learned from her own mother, but had not had to do in years. “Listen to your mama, “ she told Eliana. “Because, see I listened to my mama and I got us to this point.” Be ready for change that will surely come, she told the audience. “You can’t get set on a given path because you never know the cards that you are going to be dealt, so you have to be ready,” she said. She offered some advice. “Stay prayed up,” she said. “You need to know the Lord and you need to know who to ask for strength, because when you are placed in a situation, God is going to be there with you as he was there with me and my little girl that night.” After her speech, she said she has established the Clementa C. Pinckney Foundation to support the many charitable causes that were dear to her late husband’s heart. “I want to carry out his legacy,” she said. “And continue to be the voice for the voiceless just as he was.”
The potter’s wheel Another survivor spoke offering inspiration from a life with many trials. Monroe resident Linda Hatley, member of Lee Park Baptist, shared her battles with cancer, infertility, a Hatley nervous breakdown, openheart surgery, and marital difficulties. Her trust in God allowed her to navigate the many twists and turns of a life that began as the daughter of the town drunk in a small rural community. She overcame all that to become a schoolteacher with a soft spot for underdogs and sensitivity for those grappling with disease and discrimination. Hatley said God never gives up on us. He made us from clay and will continue to remold us as many times as necessary to prepare us for life’s trials. Using the analogy of the potter’s wheel, she said: “Miracles happen because God doesn’t throw clay away – even when it’s broken or cracked. He puts us back on the wheel.”
Customer resents questioning when making a store purchase, Dear Abby/4B
The Lancaster News
Faces & Places
Sunday April 1, 2018
1B
>> INSIDE: Church News, 2B I Classifieds, 5B I Coming Events, 2B I Education, 3B I Entertainment, 4B
Holy Harleys
Aging Matters
Sally Sherrin
May is Older Americans Month
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ay is celebrated each year as Older Americans Month and at the Lancaster County Council on Aging we plan to celebrate May by recognizing those persons who formed this great country. Brevard stands well over 6 We plan to celebrate seniors by feet tall. He was dressed in celebrating our important black leather from head to volunwhoamake happen at toe.teers He has slim things athletic the four seniorshy centers build and a sweet, smile.across the and were who deliver His county black boots coveredso many mealssilver to homebound seniors. We in shiny studs, which will have fun at ahelmet. dance for sematched his chrome He rode his 2004 Harley Road niors. King to Bright Light Sunday. We will recognize May 30 as NaBrevard said Health the bikers tional Senior and Fitness range in age from 9 to 78. The seniors Day. We plan to join with onesfrom whoacross can’t ride – due toto recogthe nation injury, or with age –our either nizeillness the day own Lancastride in cars or with other moer Senior Health and Fitness Day. torcyclists. Last year, the Senior Network After a rousing and powerCoalition wasloving formed, comprised ful sermon about one’s of many government, nonprofit neighbor, Charles Brace, 59, civic presented organizations, andand Brevard $501 as well as businesses in Lancaster to their home church. The do- County that provide to seniors. nation includedservices personal has cashThe giftsSenior to twoNetwork elders ofCoalition the church, Bessie Johnsonevents and and already sponsored Jackabout McCain. 250 seniors attended last Johnson, 93, has been a Fitness year’s Senior Health and member of Bright Light Bap- informaDay event, where much tist tion for 80 years, andabout accordwas shared services for ing to her fellow churchgoers, seniors in Lancaster County. Photos by MANDY CATOE/For The Lancaster News she is there every Sunday. This year’s event, scheduled At top, from left, Independent Missionary Bikers Andre Ross, Darryl Evans, Les McMullen, “They surprised me giving 7 to 10 a.m. May 30, will offer William Brevard and Keith Robinson stand with their bikes last Sunday morning before attend- me from some money,” she said. “I ing church in Heath Springs. Above, brothers Donald and Eddie Waiters enjoy the praise music. felt even like more givinginformation them someand services for seniors. The event will be money cause I just enjoyed held at the Upper YMCA (formerly being here.” heart, and it means a lot when thought it would be a way to month, on the second and them the Gregory Health and Wellness Bright Light Pastor William you come in the building to attract people who might oth- fourth Sundays, but as the Center) at 476 Hubbard Drive, Coleman said he appreciates worship together. But you got erwise shun church. group has grown, they have Lancaster. the bikers do for area to take that love outside and The idea seems to be work- added some third and fifth what churches. He saidSenior their gift to and FitLancaster Health give it to somebody else,” he ing. Sometimes the parade of Sunday visits. church well besaid. “You can’t just keep it.” motorcycles includes more “We try to leave space so the ness Dayextends will feature the following the monetary gift. Waiters lives in Indian than 100 shiny two-wheelers. you can go to your own yond vendors: “This what community is Land. Mt. Carmel AME Zion is On this chilly morning, only church to worship,” Brevard ◆ isAbsolute Total Care Coleman said. “It’s his home church. the five braved the bad weath- said. “We don’t want to cheat about,” ◆ Advanced Diagnostics together. It’s The bikers have been wor- er. our home church too much.” about◆coming Agape Hospice shiping this way for nearly 15 The Independent MissionBrevard, 64, said the group about ◆worshipping Anna Laura’stogether years. The caravan of motor- ary Bikers has about 75 regu- also has benefit rides and regardless of what walks of ◆ Care Health cycles travels to each mem- lar members, according to fundraisers for members life people come from. We ◆ Carillion Health Care ber’s church once a year. That William Brevard. This Sunday fighting cancer or facing fi- serve the same God through Carolina Cardiology Associates Christ.” number has grown from 10 to was special for him because nancial hardship. They also his son◆Jesus ◆ Carolina LLC Looking aroundHeart at the Specialists, men 25 churches in Lancaster and Bright Light Baptist is his give to toys for tots, the home◆ Casey’s Flowers hugging each other surrounding counties. home church. less and Safe Passage, the in leather ◆ Catawba Area Agency and church members, he on Mel Cloud, 47, is one of the Once a missionary biker women’s shelter in Rock Hill. “That is what love is all group’s founding members. has ridden for a year, that “We just did a benefit ride said:Aging we justEye had just a Wear He pitched the idea to the person’s church is placed on for Jerry Glenn, who has can- about.◆IfDavid’s love in the world, pastor of his church, Union the list of those the club will cer,” Brevard said. “His bills little more ◆ Founders Federal Credit what a special place it Ezell AME Zion, and they de- visit. Initially, the missionar- got so high we wanted to help. oh Union cided to give it a try. Cloud ies visited churches twice a He rolled with us for a while.” would◆be.” Golden Care Adult Day Care ◆ Heart to Heart ◆ HOPE in Lancaster ◆ KARE in Kershaw ◆ Kindred Hospice and Home Health Care ◆ Lancaster County Council on Aging ◆ Lancaster County Department of Social Services ◆ Lancaster County Sheriff’s Department ◆ Lancaster Fire Department ◆ Lancaster Jewelers ◆ Lula Roe ◆ Paparazzi ◆ SC Works ◆ Senior Helpers ◆ Springs Memorial Home Health and Hospice Above, the Independent Missionary Bikers fill the first four pews at Bright Light Baptist Church ◆ Springs Memorial Hospital in Heath Springs. Many stand and sing with the congregation while Charles Brace and Williamproviding blood screenings Brevard, seated, arrange a donation for the church. At left, Eddie Waiters, who smiled through ◆ Springs Memorial Hospital the entire service, proudly displays his status as a Vietnam veteran. At right, Bright Light BaptistSenior Circle member Bessie Johnson hugs Charles Brace. ◆ University of South Carolina Lancaster ◆ Wells Fargo OOD ORNING ◆ YMCA Mark your calendar and join us for this fun event. There will be Extended Weather Forecast lots of important information for seniors,Thursday blood screenings, give-aMonday Wednesday Tuesday ways, and door High prizes. High High Low Low Low High Low For details on the event, call the Lancaster County Council on Aging at (803) 285-6956, Lisa Roddey at Senior at (803) 416-8350, Partly cloudy with a 10 percent Cloudy with a 70 percent SunnyCircle and breezy Partly cloudy with a 10 percent or Christal Childers at HOPE, (803) chance of scattered showers chance of showers chance of scattered showers 286-4673.
Bikers drop in to praise God, donate to local congregation Mandy Catoe For The Lancaster News
On this cold, damp Sunday morning, the deep rumble of Harleys on U.S. 521 broke the silence across the Heath Springs countryside. Leather-clad bikers pulled off into a field and dismounted, fancy boots engaging kickstands. Standing side-byside, the five broad-shouldered men looked like an NFL defensive line. They led a caravan of 25 vehicles from Lancaster to Bright Light Baptist Church in Heath Springs, where about 50 members of the Independent Missionary Bikers piled out of the cars and trucks and walked into the morning service, filling the first four rows. They worshipped, sang, smiled and sometimes reached their arms toward heaven. “We do it to serve the Lord,” said Lancaster resident Horace Johnson, who drove his truck in the procession. No one smiled brighter than Eddie Waiters, who took a few minutes after the service to talk about his deep joy, his saving grace. “Without the Lord, where would you be?” he asked. “He is your everything.” Waiters, a Vietnam veteran, believes it was God who brought him home safe from the war. He served in the 3rd Armored Division near the end of the war. He stood during most of Sunday’s service, wearing a serene look of certainty. Waiters, 61, believes the Independent Missionary Bikers can reach some people who have left the church, and he feels honored to take the message of salvation out on the streets. “We have church in our
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‘God’s gift to the world’
FIRST PLACE MANDY CATOE/For The Lancaster News
Bessie Johnson, right, shares a laugh with her daughter Vanessa after the pair counted just how many people lived in their house after Johnson’s brother lost his home to a fire and moved his large family into her already-full home.
Bessie Johnson still going strong at 94 Mandy Catoe
her,” Cameron said. “Because she made sure he was well taken care of and happy and that he was loved.”
For The Lancaster News
Bessie Johnson barely stands 5 feet tall and weighs well under 100 pounds. On Sunday mornings, she can be found seated in a pew near the front of Bright Light Baptist Church in Heath Springs. When the spirit moves her, she stands and reaches her arms towards heaven. She recently spent a little time talking about her life as she sat on the couch between her daughter, Vanessa Waiters, and her adopted son, Anthony. Ginger, her 10-year-old Chihuahua, sat near her feet. The walls were decorated with family photos, the Ten Commandments and the Lord’s prayer. During the conversation, she shared her favorite Bible verse. “Clap your hands, all ye people, shout unto God with the voice of triumph,” she recited as she clapped her hands in joy. Her journey began nearly 95 years ago. Shortly after her birth in 1923, her mother gave her to a couple who raised her as their own child.
Family central to her life She grew up and married Henry Johnson, the love of her life. They had six children. Just before her husband died, they adopted an 11-year-old son. Frank, their firstborn, had cerebral palsy and relied on a wheelchair and
‘Master motivator’
PHOTO SUPPLIED
Bessie Johnson poses for a photo with granddaughter Jessica Johnson Cameron. Johnson for his every need until he died at the age of 59 in 2000. Johnson’s granddaughter, Jessica Cameron, described her grandmother’s devotion to Frank. “That was during a time when you locked people like that away. You just put them away and don’t talk about it and she refused to do that,” Cameron said. “He was so incredibly bubbly and happy, and I think it was all because of
Cameron, 38, an anesthetist, lives in Indian Land and describes her grandmother as a master motivator. “I have never honestly heard her say anything bad about anything,” Cameron said. “She believes in giving people second chances. She believes in forgiveness.” Cameron said her grandmother’s encouragement has allowed her family members to achieve success. “I tell her all the time that she is my hero. It makes me cry because I don’t think she fully understands how much she means to me, to all of us,” Cameron said. “Always words of encouragement. Always. I mean doing things that we never thought we could accomplish and she just always told us it was possible. ‘You can do anything’ is what she would say.” While her children were small, Johnson’s brother lost his home to a fire. She moved him and his family of six into her house filled with her own half-dozen children. “You do what you have to do and I was glad to do it,” Johnson said. “I had a tiny path to squeeze through to get to the kitchen to cook breakfast.” See JOHNSON I Page 7
It’s never to late to go to school
USC Lancaster offers tuition-free classes for seniors Kayla Vaughn kvaughn@thelancasternews.com
Who says it’s too late to get a college education? Lancaster senior citizens are taking advantage of USC Lancaster’s tuition-free classes. Senior adults, age 60 and up, may enroll in free courses at the university if they have been a South Carolina resident for more than 12 months. Retired high school principal Mary Barry says she prefers to take part in the art classes offered at the university. “I’ve avoided academic classes because I’ve been in school all of my life,” she said. “Its an enjoyable opportunity to pursue interests I was never able to actively pursue while active in my career.” Barry was encouraged to enroll in art classes by a retired friend who had always been interested in the arts. “Together we decided she would renew her talents and I would see if I had any talent,” she said. The classes are a mixture of all ages, from fresh out high school to retirees like Barry. She has taken classes along-
not segregated as a retired adult. I’m included in the class with everyone else.” While the classes are tuition-free, senior adults taking the classes do still have to pay certain fees, like lab and application fees, and have an opportunity to take classes for credit toward a degree. Barry said most seniors don’t register until the day before classes begin to make sure classes are not full. She has taken some classes that are not as popular among seniors, including a paid Maymester class that allowed her to study abroad in Ireland. If seniors are not pursuing a degree, they simply complete the special student application at the university and pay a $10 application fee. For those wishing to pursue a degree, seniors must complete a regular application either at the university or online at www.sc.edu/about/system_and_ campuses/lancaster/apply/index.php and pay a $40 application fee. If students pursuing a degree have fewer than 30 hours of attempted college credits, a high school transcript is required. Other credentials such as
Mandy Catoe The Lancaster News
SPORTS BEAT REPORTING ALL WEEKLY DIVISION
THIRD PLACE Travis Jenkins The News & Reporter
SECOND Sports PLACE The Summerville
JOURNAL SCENE
INSIDE
CONTACT Roger Lee, sports writer rlee@journalscene.com
Test your knowledge with the new Crossword Puzzle. See B6
Roger Lee The Summerville Journal Scene B1
Wednesday, October 31, 2018
Swamp Foxes advance in tennis playoffs BY ROGER LEE rlee@journalscene.com
The Ashley Ridge Girls Tennis team continues to be a force to be reckoned with. The Swamp Foxes (11-5) defeated Stratford (7-9) by a 6-0 margin Oct. 24 during the first round of the Class AAAAA playoffs. Three of AR’s losses this year came to Summerville and Wando, which both won their region, while the other two came to Berkeley, which placed second in its region. “We’ve had a big turnaround from last year,” Ashley Ridge second-year coach Sean McCawley said. “Our overall goal for the season was to win our region. We came up a little short, but overall we are having a pretty successful season. We really want
to build on what we started last year and try to do some things that tennis at Ashley Ridge has never done.” Ashley Ridge, the No. 2 seed from Region 8, was in good form during the playoff match. Ariana Brim had to battle on the No. 1 Singles court, but defeated Stratford’s Celeste Rodriguez 6-1, 5-7, 10-6. None of the other courts went to a third set. Kate Schmedeke won 6-2, 6-1 while Caroline Jacky won 6-2, 6-3; Abby Overman won 6-2, 6-2; Megan Schmedeke won 6-1, 6-0; and the No. 2 doubles team of Lydia Teague and Jaylin Gil won 6-2, 6-2. “We have three seniors in our Top 7, two of which have been playing since their freshman year,” McCawley said. “I think
Ariana joined us as a seventh-grader. Having her and Kate lead off our lineup and being leaders at matches, in practice and in school has really helped drive the work ethic of the other girls. Also some new additions to the team helped us round out our lineup and add depth.” Ashley Ridge was scheduled to travel to Socastee, a No. 1 seed, for the second round Oct. 29. If the Swamp Foxes advance, they will face either Berkeley or River Bluff in the third round Oct. 31. Summerville also advanced to the second round of the tennis playoffs. After defeating James Island 6-0, the Green Wave was scheduled to host West Florence Oct. 29. If ROGER LEE/JOURNAL SCENE Summerville advances it will face either Kate Schmedeke is one of three seniors in the starting lineup Wando or Dutch Fork in the third round. for this year’s Ashley Ridge Girls Tennis team.
Green Wave tops Patriots in double overtime ROGER LEE/JOURNAL SCENE
Ashley Ridge running back Nick Cunningham stiff arms a Stall defender Thursday night.
Swamp Foxes rout Warriors BY ROGER LEE rlee@journalscene.com
ROGER LEE/JOURNAL SCENE
Summerville’s Luke Taylor, De’mon Campbell and Cole Phillips sack Fort Dorchester’s De’Andrae Sabb Monday. BY ROGER LEE rlee@journalscene.com
T
he Green Wave took down the Lowcountry football giant in a game that won’t soon be forgotten. Summerville defeated Fort Dorchester 43-42 in double overtime Oct. 29 to clinch the Region 8-AAAAA Championship. The victory also broke a 34-game winning streak Fort Dorchester had against Lowcountry opponents. “This has been a long time coming,” Summerville quarterback Jonathan Bennett said. “I told Coach (Joe) Call my freshman year ‘before I leave I’m going to bring you a region championship.’ Fort was top dog and they had all that, but there is a new top dog in town now. … We’ve been getting our behinds beat by these guys since freshman year, so this feels good.” After the teams exchanged field goals in the first overtime period, Fort Dorchester opted against kicking a field goal on fourth down on the first possession of the second overtime period. The gamble paid off as Patriot quarterback De’Andrae Sabb scored on a 2-yard run to put his team up 7 points with Kobe Shelton’s ensuing extra-point kick. Bennett answered with a 10-yard touchdown
“Our guys, no matter what, they fight. They just love to win so they don’t give up. …” Coach Joe Call
Summerville Green Wave
in the region while Fort Dorchester fell to 8-2 with a 3-1 mark in the region. Even if the Green Wave loses its next game against Stall, Summerville will still receive the region’s top playoff seed based on the head-to-head win over the Patriots. Fort Dorchester has a bye next week. The Patriots have already locked down the No. 2 seed for the region so they are now awaiting to see who they will host in the first round of the playoffs. “We made a (bunch) of mistakes,” Fort Dorchester coach Steve LaPrad said. “We knew the exact play they were going to run and they got it, so take your hat off to them. They got the best of us tonight but we didn’t give up. I’m proud of these guys. I’ve told you before, we only got four starters back this year so I’m proud of them.” Fort Dorchester took a 25-0 lead early in the game on a field goal, touchdown runs by Sabb and Kalil Jenkins and an interception and 46-yard return by defensive back Jy’Heim Wilson. Defensive back Derrick Larry then gave Summerville a boost with a big kickoff return down
run. Then the Green Wave gambled, going for the two-point conversion and the win instead of a field goal to tie the game and force a third OT. On the conversion play, Bennett handed off to Pedro Rios, who then sent a reverse pitch to receiver/backup QB Andre Banks. He rolled right and threw to Bennett who fell into the end zone for the game-winning score. “Our guys, no matter what, they fight,” Call said. “They just love to win so they don’t give up. … Fort Dorchester is a phenomenal team so for our guys to stay in there and continue to come back is big. After they hit that extra point I told our offense ‘when we score we are going for 2’. That was the plan all along. Coach (Hunter) Spivey is the mastermind of the trick play and we had to find a way to get some points.” Summerville improved to 7-2 with a 3-0 mark Please see OVERTIME, B2
Runners qualify for state championships
Less preparation time didn’t hurt the Swamp Foxes. Running back Nick Cunningham scored four touchdowns Oct. 25 and quarterback Matt Duncan had a hand in three scores as Ashley Ridge earned a 66-10 victory over Stall. The Swamp Foxes moved their homecoming game up a day due to concern of weather fronts expected to push rain into the area that Friday. “We did what we had to do, moving the game until Thursday,” Ashley Ridge coach Kenny Walker said. “We had a bit of a slow start, but hung in there. I’m not happy with our discipline. We had way too many penalties. I mean we work on that at practice but it isn’t getting any better. We have been improving overall and we are executing better, we just need to work on our discipline. We have some guys who can get down the field.” Cunningham, who rushed for 217 yards, scored on runs of 5, 34 and 56 yards as well as on a screen pass from Duncan that covered 54 yards. After the senior scored on the opening possession of the second half, he was able to rest the remainder of the game. Duncan also connected with Jaylen Perry for touchdown passes of 88 and 84 yards and with Chris Yates for a 20-yard TD pass. After completing 12 of 15 pass attempts for 333 yards in the first two quarters, the QB didn’t play at all in the second half. After defensive back Jerren
because we did a better job of against a strong team.” moving without the ball.” Magnet’s run came unhinged Wando takes sixth in the second half of the cham- in Dolphin pionship game. David CrockWando went 1-2 to place sixth ett outscored the Raptors 17-9
do coach Jeff Emory said. “We didn’t step up and take accountability to do what we were supposed to do.” Wando rebounded with a 4542 win over Daniel on Thurs-
aged just two field goals in the first quarter though as they fell behind 18-8. The deficit grew to 30-18 by halftime and 45-30 entering the fourth.
the fourth quarter. Katie Cullum finished with 10. Keenan dealt Bishop England a 42-30 loss the following day. The Bishops led 18-16 at halftime but managed just
third-place game to Woodruff 38-31 on Friday. Palmetto Christian topped Colleton County 43-26 behind 20 points and 14 rebounds from Davidson.
SPORTS BEAT REPORTING ALL WEEKLY DIVISION
Wando’s Caroline Funk rises for a shot against Lady Mary Wednesday in the Carolina Invitational.
Bishop England’s Josie Dennis passes against Richland Northeast in the Carolina Invitational.
Porter-Gaud’s Halle Kilburn drives against Oceanside in the Carolina Invitational Wednesday in Charleston.
Porter-Gaud dedicates Roundball title to coach BY FRANKIE MANSFIELD fmansfield@moultrienews.com John Pearson is positioned at the end of the Porter-Gaud bench, standing tall in the corner of the court by the baseline with both feet planted firmly inbounds as if he’s a sixth man for the Cyclones responsible for at the very least casting a shadow of intimidation over the opposition that he dwarfs. The deep rumble in his voice pounds off the cinder block walls of North Charleston High School’s outmoded gymnasium as the veteran coach directs his team. His roar is assertive, persistent, and to Cyclones senior guard Aaron Nesmith, every bit comforting. “He definitely has a presence,” Nesmith said. “We lose a lot of energy without him. Last year, we didn’t have him here and we
FRANKIE MANSFIELD/STAFF
Porter-Gaud coach John Pearson has led the Cyclones to back-to-back state championships the past two years. weren’t complete. Now we’re all here and making it to the championship game, winning it all is
for him.” Pea rson missed Por terGaud’s run to the Roundball Classic championship game last year as he dealt with the passing of his mother. This year, on the anniversary of one of toughest weeks of his life, Pearson stood victorious, bolstered by his adoring players as they captured Porter-Gaud’s first Roundball championship in the event’s 25-year history and the Lowcountry’s first title in the tournament since 2013. “People say a win is a win. Sometimes it’s a little more than a win,” Pearson said. “It was haywire last year. It was really hard for me and them. Standing here right now, it feels good. It feels really good.” Porter-Gaud defeated Linden, 58-40, in the Foundation Division championship game on Saturday in a fitting end one of
FIRST PLACE PROVIDED/CLIFF LAVELLE CLEAREDGE SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHY
Aaron Nesmith celebrates with Josiah James and Denham Wojcik during the championship game of the 25th annual Roundball Classic Saturday in North Charleston. the most dominant runs by a Lowcountry team the holiday showcase has ever seen. In four days, the Cyclones ran through Oceanside, St. Mary’s Ryken of Maryland and New Jersey perennial power Linden by an
average of 25 points per game. The Cyclones’ zone defense was swarming Saturday, just as it was all tournament, limiting Linden to 32 percent shooting, forcing 12 turnovers with five blocks. The offense was again
ignited by its Big Three of Nesmith, Josiah James and Jake Lanford, who all week powered lengthy rallies that pummeled teams into submission. Please see BOYS, Page B2
Frankie Mansfield Moultrie News
On the eve of election day the South Carolina Republican party filed a lawsuit in Cherokee County to stop an alleged write-in campaign in the sheriff ’s race. Brian “Opie” Blanton, a veteran City of Gaffney police detective, ran against incumbent Sheriff Steve Mueller this year and lost in the Republican primary 4,780 to 3,528, according to unofficial re-
olina Republican Party and authorized by Chairman Dew McKissick, alleges that Blanton signed a “Statement of Intention of Candidacy & Party Pledge” when he became a candidate March 29 and the pledge required Blanton to abide by the results of the primary election and to not offer or campaign as a writein(c) depositphotos.com/kelpfish candidate for the office of sheriff in
INDIANS DROP THIRD STRAIGHT REGION GAME SEE SPORTS / PAGE 10
specifically authorizes the party chairman to seek an injunction if the pledge is violated, the lawsuit claims. The lawsuit claims Blanton engaged in a write-in campaign in violation of the pledge. The lawsuit included a Facebook social media post allegedly written by Blanton, in which he advises how to write in his name on the ballot. The law-
NEWS HEADLINE WRITING Voter turnout heavy
BLACKSBURG ACE NO-HITS LANDRUM; WHIFFS 16 / 8A
ALL WEEKLY DIVISION in every precinct
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paperwork until late Tuesday afternoon, just a few hours before the polls closed. Blanton who was at work throughout the day Tuesday, said he hasn’t been waging a write-in campaign. “All my signs are in the attic,” Blanton said. Blanton said he hadn’t yet had an opportunity to speak with legal counsel.
50 CENts
THIRD PLACE
Gunman opens fire in downtown eatery
By LARRY HILLIARD Ledger Staff Writer larry@gaffneyledger.com
A newspaper in all that the word implies, devoted to the best interests of the people of Cherokee County.
Suspect admits guilt at hearing; judge orders him held without . . bond WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18, 2018 GAFFNEY, S.C.
WWW GAFFNEYLEDGER COM
50 CENTS
Voter turnout in Cherokee County appeared strong Tuesday as voters cast ballots in races for By tiM GULLA Congress, governor, and other ofLedger Staff Writer fices. tim@gaffneyledger.com Voters headed to the polls amid As if adding insult to injury, a By TIM GULLA burglar broke into a popular heightened political interest Ledger Staff Writer downtown Gaffney restaurant sparked by the election of RepubBy SCOTT POWELL tim@gaffneyledger.com just a few hours after a shooting incident inside the business inLedger Staff Writer lican President Donald Trump in jured two people, including the Dozens of emergency manspowell@gaffneyledger.com 2016. owner. agement and fire department ofA security camera captured ficials from multiple agencies Blacksburg High Principal As of Tuesday afternoon, footage of a male subject breakwill be descending on BlacksCraig Bramlett hopes to return ing into Harold’s at approxiburg this Thursday evening, but turnout was far higher than a typfor another school year. mately 4 a.m. Tuesday. residents have no reason for Bramlett has returned as HE ical midtermHE election,Voter RegisDet. Lt. Ron Ramsey said the alarm. Blacksburg High principal for suspect could be seen trying for This is only a test. the past three years under the tration and Election Board of approximately 15 minutes to pry A semi-annual drill being state’s Teacher Employment Reopen the back door and then Cherokee County Chairman conducted Thursday will tirement Incentive (TERI) probreaking the glass. demonstrate Cherokee County’s gram. The program allows Suzanne Turner said. The suspect, who was wearing readiness to respond in case the employees to retire and continue a Gaffney High School Indians “The voting is heavy , and it’s worst ever happens at Duke Ento work at their regular salary sweatshirt with a covering over Gaffney Police department ergy’s Catawba nuclear power Crime scene det. Jeff sizemore uses a flashlight to search for for a maximum of five years. his face, was then captured on everywhere,” Turner said. evidence inside Harold’s Restaurant on Monday evening after two people were shot there. plant. Due to his status as a TERI emvideo looking around the bar (Ledger photos / tiM GULLA) Police reportedly found five .32-caliber shell casings. About 2,000 absentee ballots The drills are rotated every ployee, school board policy rearea. Ramsey said all valuables two years between the county’s and money had been locked quires principals to re-apply if were cast. By tiM evacuation GULLA weapon during the commisaway the previous evening. primary site in they want to return for another sion of a violent crime and unLedger Staffand Writer The burglar then proceeded Blacksburg its secondary Glenn Moss Sr. and his wife, school year. The principals will lawful possession of a weapon, tim@gaffneyledger.com into the restaurant, where he site at Gaffney High School. be interviewed along with other allegedly was asked to leave Diane, were among the many votstole several beers. The burglar this photo shows glass In addition to the Blacksburg candidates for the the position. Harold’s Restaurant after an A 59-year-old Gaffney man accused of opening then went out the back door, smashed out of the rear en-said he Volunteer Fire Department, On Tuesday , Bramlett ers who cast ballots at the Southargument took place Monday fire in a popular downtown restaurant, shooting came back in and then broke tranceplans doortoto Harold’s. A BlacksGaffney Fire Department and re-apply for the evening and he came back intwo people Monday night, didn’t invoke his right into a storage area where he burglar, who stole beer side Baptist Church precinct on alltoEast Side departments, burg High principal job for the Issue 82, 1 Section, 12 Pages side the bar with a .32-caliber remain silent at a bond hearing held Tuesday grabbed several cases of beer, from the restaurant, broke Thursday evening’s drill will 2018-2019 school year. pistol, Gaffney police allege. O’Neal Street, where parking afternoon despite a judge’s warnings. possibly Bud or Bud Light in at approximately 4 a.m. also“You include theyou’re American “I feel like I still have some Once inside the bar, Barknow, right,”Red Eddie Jerome Motts, brand. Just eight hours previously, spots were sparse near the front of Cross, state Department of Sogood years left,” said Bramlett, nette claimed in court, Motts of Hamrick Street, said aloud after 7th Circuit SoAnyone with information the popular downtown cial Services, state Departwho iswas in his sixth year as first confronted and shot at licitor Barrythe Barnette announced the allegations about the incident is asked to the church’s life center. restaurant shut down ment of Health and Brandon Foy Ramsey, who was EddiE Motts Blacksburg boss. “There against Motts in Gaffney Municipal Court. “I contact Crime Stoppers at 1-888after two people,High including Poll workers check the identification of Marvin Clary at the Southside Baptist Church Moss never misses a chance to shot in the leg. Tony Lipscomb, the owner of Environmental Control, federal done exactly what you said.” are a lot of really things CRIME-SC; the Gaffney Police the owner, were shot good inside T.A. Campbell Stadium at Blacksburg High, where thousands of highor school football playHarold’s, pulled out a gun of his own but the gun and Motts, state emergency managewho is accused of two counts of athappening in the school district. Department at (864) 489-8115. the business. (Ledger photo / LARRY HILLIARD) ers, families and fans have played and watched Wildcats teams in morning. action, was demolished vote but he said Tuesday’s polling place Tuesday tempted murder well as Nupossession of a l see GUNMAN, Page 5 ment agencies andasthe U.S. I’m looking forward to seeing the
Be advised this is only a drill
Burglar strikes just hours later Principal
BHS STADIUM GONE IN A CLOUD OF DUST
midterms seemed to generate more than the usual amount of interest. “I feel it’s a privilege and obligation (to vote),” Moss said. “It seems like a lot of interest among the young, old and middle-aged.” Diane Moss said it was important to vote because the “future of the country was at stake.” “I think our leadership now is learning to help all the people,” she said. “President Trump is kind and considerate. I watched him in Charlotte and I believe he will do what he says.” Marvin Clary, who voted along with his wife, Peggy, around 10:30 in the morning, said interest is high in the election as a result of “the heated language” between the Democrats and Republicans. Peggy said casting a ballot is important to her because it reflects her feelings on issues. Stein Keller said the unusually high interest in the midterms is a result of the Republicans’ enthuFRIDAY, OCTOBER siasm for President Trump and the Democrats’ itch to repudiate him at the ballot box. But, he hopes the voters, “are l See VOTER, Page 5A
Lady Cycs advance
SECOND NEWSPLACE &REPORTER Chester moves on in playoffs. See Page 7-A. THE HE
www.OnlineChester.com
will re-apply to keep his job
www.OnlineChester.com
Football Friday
Travis Jenkins ‘Go away!’ Klonie Jordan NEWS&REPORTERThe News & Reporter The Gaffney Ledger NEWS&REPORTER C HESTER C OUNTY ’ S H OMETOWN N EWSPAPER SINCE 1869
Cycs, Devils have big games at home. See Page 8
T
Flowers for downtown www.OnlineChester.com Moving on
Monday morning. The school district will soon start construction of a $4.28 million football (Ledger photo / SCOTT POWELL) stadium scheduled to open during the 2018 season.
Institute of Innovation open and the district’s move to block scheduling.” The district is in the midst of two men entered the Dollar the annual hiring season for General Market on North Limeteachers and school administrastone Street. One of the men By SCOTT POWELL dium Monday morning for a couple of group pho- tors. May 10 is the state deadline then left the store and got into a tographs taken with a parent’s drone. Ledger Staff Writer to return contracts. a silver-colored Toyota Corolla “We wanted to give our students one last memspowell@gaffneyledger.com Cherokee County was able to shortly before the second man ory in the stadium before it was torn down,” hire 26 teachers this year by offled with 46 items, described in Blacksburg High Principal Craig Bramlett said. A lot of been fering signing bonuses available a report as memories body wash,have valued at made in the “Our students spelled out ‘2018.’ Our seniors filled through a state rural teacher reBlacksburg High football stadium since it opened $206. in around the ‘B’ for a group photograph.” man with the stolen merinThe 1971. cruitment initiative. The group photos were taken Monday when chandise ranoftoan thehour, Toyota and In a span a bulldozer demolished New high school math and sciTIMfootGULLA Gaffney Ledger in the hopes the subjects headed south whereBy Blacksburg High seniors returned from a class the two football stadium Monday Wildcats ence teachers are being offeredof a on Limestone trip to New York City. The signature “B” painted ballNorth players and fansStreet weretotreated to their share $3,000 signing bonus for the 2018warning others. Ledger StaffinWriter ward downtown , a wit-over the the home stands was done by football coaches of triumphs andGaffney heartbreak past four 2019 school year as a way to reness told police. during the tenure of Blacksburg football Fake coach sweepstakes and decades. tim@gaffneyledger.com cruit new teachers in foreign A responding Mickey Moss, who coached from 2008-2012. The stadium Gaffney was tornpolice down to make way for a difficult-to-fill subject areas. lottery scams have been around officer spotted a vehicle matchA new stadium became necessary after Duke $4.28 million stadium on the existing site behind The school district has several ing the description on North Energy declined last year to grant a right-of-way Blacksburg High. The new stands will have apfor a number of in years now but openings the district office folArecovered local resident didn’t have to Granard Street and attempted Police a stolenso car and bottles andcould bottles of stolen wash and shampoo. permit the school district replace 50- bodylowing proximately 3,250 seats, meeting state requireretirements for chief aca(Ledger photolocal / tiM GULLA) l see CRooKs, Page 5 Unfortunately theto suspects, who fled on foot, weren’t apprehended. the scam letter the resident look hard spot the red flags in year-old visitor bleachers located near the utilments to host high school playoff games, demic officer, early childhood transmission lines.mail Duke Energyreceived made a including the Upper State championship. coordinator and middletwist. school included a new a letter she ity’s received in the Blacksburg High students gathered in the l See Page 5A director. PAGE 4 sta-OBITUARIES PAGESTADIUM, 8 PERSPECTIVE
You dirty crooks! Suspects who heisted body wash, shampoo make clean getaway
‘Lottery letter’ sends resident’s red flags up
$4.28 million structure will take its place
In this case, the scam letter inthe other day. formed the recipient that that Based on the postage, it apthe lottery winnings had to be peared someone had spent 91 FostER, Gantry, 22, Gaffney 1.) i KNoW that I must be highly educated picked up in person in Madrid, cents to send her the good news for economic success and high quality of life. LANGLEY, Richard, 29, Blacksburg Spain —that that unless the that she had won $4.5 million in 2.) i KNoW beingis highly educated is recipachievable by me, my family and my commient paid an upfront delivery tax-free money By TIM GULLA clients.— see CodY sossAMoN’shim the Legendary Don from a “mega Column unity. Thompson brushes off the Thompson and always joked if Ledger Staff Writer charge to avoid having to travel lottery” held Oct. 20. There was notion that long hours like I ever got into trouble he tim@gaffneyledger.com half way around the world. that symbolize anything out would be on my legal team.” on the letter no return address of the ordinary. “Whatever Following a lengthy career During a recent term of “I knew it was a scam,” the but it apparently was postas an attorney who had an imGeneral Sessions Court, attor- I’m going to do, I want to do it right,” he said. pact on thousands cases,station in Lislocal resident said. “But some ney Don Thompson was more marked at aofrail Those who know ThompThompson is retiring at the than just an early riser. people might fall for this.” bon, Portugal. end of the month and many He had gone home and slept son, however, say that kind of dedication simply showed say he and the experience he a few hours but he couldn’t There’s no shortage of scam While the promise of tax-free how much he cared about his brought to the table will be stay asleep while thinking artists and trying to sepmoney might to defense Veteran public attorney Donscams Thompson (center), clients and his job as a degreatly missed locally. be tempting about a case. At 1:30 a.m. he fense attorney. Deputy 7th Circuit Solicitor seen here with his wife, Diane, and Circuit Public Defender was back at the Cherokee arate people from their cash. some, the local resident wasn’t “He is an exceptional perKim Leskanic, who has been Clay Allen, is stepping down from a long legal career later County Public Defender’s OfBased on the scams that fooled by the scam. She worried, son to work with,” offered trying cases with Thompson fice making sure everything this month. Members of the Cherokee County Bar cele- were C M Y B C M Y B tHE GAFFNEY LEdGER — sERviNG CoUNtY siNCE 1894 / voLUME 125 No. 18 reception Cherokee County Clerk of forCHERoKEE the past 12 years, was in place for a planned Thompson’s at a drop-in Frireported to the Southheld Carolina however, thatoffered, othersbrated might drop career Courts Brandy McBee. “I call jury trial for one of his (Ledger photo / TIM GULLA) l See DEFENDER, Page 5A day at the courthouse. their guard and called The l See SCAM, Page 5A He was just about to put his glass under the outlet when Sher Bear told him it was broken. ... “Why don’t you just push the UNLOCK button?” Well, well, well.
YOUR HONOR, THE DEFENSE RESTS
Public defender Don Thompson calling it quits after 18 years in Cherokee County
PERSPECTIVE
PAGE 4A
Here we go again. State politicians want to take more of your money. This time, their scheme is to tax everything you buy on the internet. On Tuesday, the money-grabbing states made their case to the United States Supreme Court. — See BETSY McCAUGHEY’S Column
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Y
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OBITUARIES
PAGE 6A
ALLISON, Mary, 86, Gaffney CLARK, Scott, 50, Chesnee
JOLLEY, Shuford, 83, Gaffney
LITTLEJOHN, Larry Jr., 50, Suitland, Md.
PERSPECTIVE What exactly did she
1.) I KNOW that I must be highly educated mean by “the district had for economic success and high quality of life.
not beenthatalerted toeducated ‘the is 2.) I KNOW being highly MERRITT, Robert, 81, Clifton achievable by me,of mydangerous family and my commpresence WRAY, Marvin, 83, Blacksburg unity. mold in any of our facilities?’” C M Y B THE GAFFNEY LEDGER — SERVING CHEROKEE COUNTY SINCE 1894 / VOLUME 125 NO. 17 MAHAFFEY, Ted, 55, Gaffney
— See CODY SOSSAMON’S Column
Burglars get cookies, but no fortune By TIM GULLA Ledger Staff Writer tim@gaffneyledger.com Fortune cookies and change from a cash register were reported stolen following the Nov. 2 burglary of a Chinese restaurant in downtown Gaffney. The burglary, which was captured on security camera, occurred at approximately 9:30 p.m. but wasn’t discovered until 9:30 a.m. the following day. Security camera footage released by the Gaffney Police Department on Monday showed what appeared to be four teenage boys repeatedly approaching the business and one of them subsequently smashing a window and two of them going inside. The video was posted on the police department’s social media site and shared on The Gaffney Ledger’s Facebook page Monday. Attempts to identify the suspects remained ongoing as of Tuesday afternoon. Det. Sgt. Michael Hadden said investigators are assuming the suspects are from Gaffney as one of them was wearing a Gaffney High School hooded sweatshirt and all four were on foot. Another suspect is seen on video wearing an Under Armor-
BY TRAVIS JENKINS tjenkins@onlinechester.com
(c)depositphotos.com/AlphaBaby
brand hooded sweatshirt The video captured two of the suspects facing the camera at one point. With school out Tuesday, Hadden was hopeful that school employees might possibly be of assistance in identifying the subjects Wednesday. “Hopefully, by tomorrow, we’ll know who they are,” Hadden offered. When police responded to the burglarized restaurant Nov. 3, they observed the glass door had been shattered. The owner of the business told police there was some change taken from a cash register and some fortune cookies were missing. Crime Scene Det. Candice Mabry was called to process the scene for evidence.
THE CHURCH REBORN Lando Baptist Church opens the sanctuary door once more
PAGE 4A
BY BRIAN GARNER bgarner@onlinechester.com
OBITUARIES
PAGE 8A
Lando Baptist Church may BOWEN, Brenda, 66, Gaffney have DOUGLAS, taken as their John John, text 59, Blacksburg 2:10-21: “Destroy this temple, and ESTES, Patrick, 54, Greer in three days I will raise81, it Gaffney up. LESTER, Woody, “Then said the Jews, Forty MARTIN, Curtis, Blacksburg and six years was PATTON, Don,this 63,temple Gaffneyin building, and wiltBrad, thou42, rear it up ROBBINS, Gaffney in three days?” STUARD, Lynn, 60, Gaffney Rebuilding the church after it was destroyed by fire and water
75 Cents
A surprising development
THE WINNER IS ... Marion Porter won $100 last week after being one of eight people to turn in a perfect entry. She was just one point away from picking the exact tie-breaker score. Grab a copy of Monday’s paper and get your entry in. You could be our next winner.
All signs pointed to no, but the final vote was a yes. On Tuesday, the Chester County Zoning Board of Appeals gave approval to a pair of requests from Judson Stringfellow and St. Katherine Properties related to a special exception for “family residential district use, clustered single-family development.” Essentially, that will allow for construction of 295 new homes off of Edgeland Road in Richburg. Early this year, the county’s planning commission voted 5-1 to recommend approval of a zoning switch on a large parcel of land off Edgeland Road from RS-1 (single family residential) to PD
(planned development district). The zoning switch request was made by Bobby MacNaughton of LGI Homes, who hoped to build an 840 home development on the property. Chester County Council approved the first two readings of the switch, but changed course and voted it down on the decisive third reading. Among the concerns expressed by members of the council and public (many of whom spoke against the development) was the county’s lack of impact fees, which would leave current taxpayers to bear the brunt of all associated cost increases in education, fire and law enforcement the developSee RICHBURG, Page 4
All over but the waiting Accreditation evaluators visited CCSD recently BY BRIAN GARNER bgarner@onlinechester.com
ents and school district partners at the Chester County School District office lead evaluator Dr.
Questions abound at quarry public info meeting
Note: Part I of this story contained some of the comments from the public at the recent informational meeting about the Fishing Creek Quarry, held by developer HARDrock Aggregates at the Gateway Conference Center. In the conclusion of the article, we continue to report on citizens comments, as well as the perspective from landowner John Black.
THE HE
Smaller version of proposed Edgeland Road development get ZBA approval, opposition calls plan “bait and switch”
(c) depositphotos.com/justinkendra
clear Regulatory Commission. Cherokee County Emergency Management Director Rick Peterson said the drill will start at By tiM GULLA approximately 6:30 p.m. and last Ledger Staff Writer about an hour. tim@gaffneyledger.com During the drill, local officialsAand agencies will set up to an Gaffney police response evacuation at theled Blacksa report ofcenter shoplifting to a burg Middle chase, Schoolagym where high-speed dead-end volunteers serving as road, the recovery of “evaca car full uees” from a nuclear incident of allegedly stolen merchandise near the Catawba plant areshamincluding body wash and greeted, tested for radiation and poo, and a dropped cell phone. suspects who ran from sentTwo for decontamination if necthe vehicle, which was apparessary , and directed to help with ently reported stolen early this lodging and other social servmonth, were able to get away, ices. however. Peterson said planning for the investigation drillThe started about 90 remained days ago. ongoing as offrom Tuesday . Evaluators various fedThe incident began at approxeral and state agencies will not imately 3:40 p.m. Monday when only monitor Cherokee County’s readiness but grade the county as well.
12, 2018
75 Cents
BY BRIAN GARNER bgarner@onlinechester.com
Devils win playoff opener. See Page 8.
C HESTER C OUNTY ’ S H OMETOWN N EWSPAPER SINCE 1869
This was the Lando Baptist Church as it was consumed by fire in 2016.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 2018
Issue 35, 2 Sections, 14 Pages
C HESTER C OUNTY ’ S H OMETOWN N EWSPAPER Fishing SINCE 1869 Creek Quarry Project
Issue 34, 1 Section, 12 Pages
FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 2018
engineer Jerry Meade elicited some strong reactions from the
crowd with some of his comments on the operations of the mine at the Fishing Creek Quarry informational meeting. When pressed by the crowd to say how many trips heavily-laden dump trucks would be making up and down Fishing Creek Church Road, Meade calculated if everything was being hauled out by trucks, it would be 182 loads per day. Each truck would make about four loads, so the total number of trucks would be about 45, he said. “A perspective on this is with a See QUARRY, Page 2-A
75 Cents
SCPA:reception School board Quarry gets rocky public meeting violated FOIA BY BRIAN GARNER/THE N&R
Students from the 2nd grade at School of Inquiry met at the Chester Farmers Market on Tuesday and planted flowers and flowering plants in pots to decorate downtown. CPESI BY BRIAN GARNER Quarry and ask questions Road near the railroad crossing. teacher Mrs. Gaston explainedRock they were studying shapes, the students did ofwhile the proposed mine owners.geometric“We are farmers and friends bgarner@onlinechester.com a project based learning exerciseMany on howpeople to beautify created sporteddowntown green ofChester. FishingThey Creek, andmodwe are ribbons in solidarity to protest environmentally concerned,” Emotions ran high Wedels of things they’d like to see, such as dog-watering stations, swing sets and benches. nesday night as members of the against the plans for the rock said one audience member. Chester CitytoCouncilmember Reid a presentation on theseMeade projects of and Meade she quarry, theattended entrance of which is Jerry public gathered hear the plans Annie located on ChurchMany Gunnell thesaid princifor the proposedthey Fishing Creek suggested beautify downtown byFishing addingCreek flowerpots. of theEngineering, students had they’d like to see flowers downtown. The flowers will need to be reinforced against the elements before they can be placed, but they will be seen in different spots.
pal engineer for HARDrock Aggregates, the developer of the BYdirected BRIAN GARNER project, the audience to bgarner@onlinechester.com postcards they could fill out listing their questions and concerns Theasked Chester Countyattending School and everyone Board may have violated the meeting to sign up andthe proS.C. Freedom of Information Act when they made a decision in executive session to have
vide contact information so they could send them additional Superintendent Dr. Angela information. Bain“We’re carryinout course of the a very beginning action theplanning moving proof stage regarding of this mine Lewisville Elementary School students to Lewisville Middle See QUARRY, Page 2 School next school year.
Judge issues Zoning exception is dead anddefault buried judgment City officially ends bid to allow funeral home in residential area of York Street neighborhood against King BY TRAVIS JENKINS tjenkins@onlinechester.com
unanimously. A first reading consideration” to seeking the passed Chester City Council but needed zoning exception. TRAVIS JENKINS The that King was not qualisecond reading BY never arrived planning commission’s fiedlast to hold office or because of atjenkins@onlinechester.com lawsuit and a reasoning yearelected in granting even towas register vote in judge’s order. the exception that ato funeral elections because of his Chester City Coun“As of March 28, the owner of home seemed to be a fit with status as a convicted felon. William King other has commercial the propertycilman informed the city uses already judgment suffered a setback his he no longer seeks to locate a in allowed inThe the R-10 zoning des-on Thursday that legal against a group funeral home inbattle the location,” ignation, like bedconcluded and breakCouncilwoman Susanto Kovas fasts. Had request been to Kingthe “has failed to answer seeking have him read in announcing that Levister removed from office, one or otherwise plead in a See fashion ZONING,in Page 2-A “did not intend give further response that tocould lead to him timely being blocked from acting to the summons and complaint.” That came after an as an elected official. BY BRIAN GARNER/THE N&R Thursday afternoon, April 11 filing in which Chester County Guardians ad Litem and their neighbors in nearby offices helped plant the pinwheel garden Judge Roger Henderson CCEG attorney Desa in front of the Chester County Courthouse in observance of Child Abuse Awareness Month. issued a default judgment Ballard said more than 30 against King in regards to days had elapsed between the lawsuit brought the time that King was and Economic Stability) for Dye and Carl L. Bagley. Boy“the Scout summons, against him by the watch- served with Chester. Boyd, the former Chester Andrew Griggs and motion for a dog group Chester Citizens complaint Ken Lebbon, executive High JROTC senior instruc(on ladder) and restraining for Ethical Government temporary director of CURES, has been tor and commander of the CURES BY BRIAN GARNER (CCEG). In the original collecting pictures, stories and Chester DAV Chapter, said Executive bgarner@onlinechester.com details on the lives and service he felt privileged to be honsuit, the group claimed See KING, Page 2 Director Ken of veterans living and ored as a Hometown Hero,people to be aware child BY BRIAN GARNER Court staff. “We want Lebbon at Citizens who drive up and deceased Estelle as theyStevenson, developed County because he is aabuse veteran andneglect is here in this coordiand bgarner@onlinechester.com right, install the down Main and Gadsden the firstnator class offor 50 the veterans to this “is like the commuGuardian adhonor Litem county, and we’re advocating to stop last of three Streets in Chester see their names likenessnitysaid is saying You.’ It’s office in and Chester County, the ‘Thank it here,” Stevenson said. A very special should gardenlook sprouted banners closelyovernight at the lampposts up esof put up on the banners. were like the country is saying ad Litem are volunblue pinwheels planted in Guardians almost on the grounds unfurled at the and downCounty those Courthouse streets. this“I’mobservance meeting a lot people You.’ You are being ofof Child Abuse‘Thank Awareness teers and the office is always seeking the Chester Hometown They’llItsee sign ofgarden, that I’veMonth. just been speaking to recognized by the homewho team. people want to be advocates for week. wasa visible a pinwheel Heroes kickoff Chester’s patriotism – the or seen on Facebook and all of I have received all kinds of “The pinwheels represent the children. The next GAL training will planted by the members of the Cass event. Since he Hometown Heroes banners, a sudden, I have a lot of people awards and accolades from Elias McCarter Guardian ad Litem safer world we want for the children take place May 14. was a City of 50 of them Chester from comingwe up and I can see people all over the For world, butinformation about trainadvocate for.there As court advocates more office, along honoring with volunteers Chester policeveterans, have been are actually people behindofthe theyCounty, didn’t knowing me,and they justto become a GAL volunfor the children Chester how their neighbors who installed. share the same It was one of the most watched and contentious issues the City of Chester faced last year, but last week a zoning exception to allow a funeral home to locate in a residential area on York Street died a quick and quiet death. The matter, which spawned a
lawsuit, arguments and a charges of racism, began on June 27 of last year when the city’s planning commission met to consider an application allowing funeral homes in the R-10 (residential) zoning district. The request the commission dealt with specifically related to a property at 126 York St., submitted by a real estate broker, Randall Chapman, on behalf of the prop-
See FOIA, Page 6-A
erty owner, Pastor David Levister of Word and Spirit Ministry. John King, a member of the South Carolina House of Representatives and a Chester native, spoke in favor of the request and revealed that Christopher King Funeral Home (which he and his family own and operate) was the potential buyer. The planning commission recommended its passage
A visible sign of patriotism
Guardian ad Litem pinwheel garden sprouts to bring awareness to child abuse issues Hometown Heroes banners unfurled
Another delay in murder trial of
to vote:
June 12 election ballot samples
BEWARE NEWSSTRANGERS! HEADLINE WRITING
See Page 4
Donation:
OF
Fraternity donates See Page 18 & 19 to Hemingway Boys & Girls Club See Page 9
ALL WEEKLY DIVISION See Page 14 & 15
“Making a difference one week“Making at a time” a difference one week at a time”
Let us Spray!
Vol. 46 • No. 22
KiNgstree, sC • WedNesday, May 30,Vol 2018 . 46 • No. 32
2 seCtioNs • 24KiNgstree Pages, sC • •50 CeNts WedNesday, august 8, 2018
2 seCtioNs • 20 Pages • 50 CeNts
Fiscal budget pistons and rotors, oh my! Fly wheels,
includes funds trophies will highlight car show One-of-a-kind BY MICHAELE DUKE for downtown Before you know it the annurevitalization al Pig Pickin’ Festival will be news@kingstreenews.com
upon us. Preparations for the BY MICHAELE DUKE three-day event have been Brighter signs! Signs for this program may be replacednews@kingstreenews.com going on for months and one with a higher reflective signage known as “diamond” group of men and women is grade that will allow for increased visibility, especially Kingstree Town Council hard at work doing their part at night. ScDot to makeait apresentation success. heard regardKingstree Fire Department ing the firefighters town’s 2018-19 (KFD) and a budgethost before passing of others are busy cre- second unique, custom made ofating three readings. The baltrophies for the 4th Annual anced budget reflects Kingstree Pig Pickin’ Festivala notaCar Showofto be held bleClassic increase $143,100 in The South Carolina nation, and this program is Saturday, October 13, in front the Accommodations and Department of Transportation attacking that problem mile of the Williamsburg County increases Courthouse. fund. The The special(SCDOT) Commission has by mile,” said Secretary ofHospitality ty additions awards are appropriately approved the second phase Transportation Christy Hall.and such as Kingstree of the agency’s Rural Roads “SCDOT is targeting the ‘worst designed with car parts and expenditures are sure to be the center oftotaling Safety Program – an additional of the worst’ roads in our stateLive attentionand at the $60,000 end of the day. 446 miles of safety improve- with our Rural Roads Safety$22,500 for downThe idea for recycled ments across South Carolina. Program.” town marketing focus on the Williamsburg County roads In Year 1 of the 10-year plan, auto part trophies has been Monument to celebrate Street around for aproject. few years but are: SCDOT already awarded con-Main first anniversary Fire was Department •Hemingway Highway/ tracts totaling 187 miles of safe- Kingstree Kingstree selected See Page 4 to Board Street beginning near ty improvements, well ahead of Assistant Chief Jeremy Morris
Rural Roads Safety Program Phase II approved by SCDOT
NPS:
Cow Head Road and ending at Williamsburg/Georgetown County line. •US 521 beginning near Sims Reach Road and ending near Glad Street. •County Line Road beginning at Berkeley/Williamsburg County Line and ending at Williamsburg/Georgetown County line. •State Highway 41/51 beginning near Good Earth Drive and ending near Williamsburg/ Florence County line. •US Highway 521 beginning near SC-41, County Line Road and ending near Sims Reach Road. “South Carolina’s fatality rate is the highest in the
Williamsburg County’s
theTown Main recalls when in he and of Street projections. SCDOT has anoth-participate Chosen By Kingstree after WateranTechnician er 276 miles in phase 1 current-Program extensive proOur Readers! ly under development. The Chris Tisdale got the idea to cess. The Municipal Association commission’s recent approval do something for Pig Pickin’. South andCarolina, I went to a carMain show Street for phase 2 includes the start ofof“Chris For more information See Page 5 in Sumter,iswhere theyon were an additional 446 miles of safe-Program based the Four ty improvements across South handing out homemade troPoint Approach developed by Carolina. This constitutes a phies,” said Morris. “The guys who made them told me they Center total of 909 miles in projectsthe National Main Street got old parts and threw approved for development. tojust assist downtown revitaliza“We are looking to keep them together.” Their first set efforts The of trophies were nationwide. presented last the momentum going as wetion year and it went over big. Since work together to make SouthFour Point Approach combines Carolina roads safer,” Hall March they’ve been working organization, economic develon a new bigger and better said. Vol. 46 • No. 2 KiNgstree, sC • WedNesday, JaNuary 10, 2018 2 seCtioNs•20 Pages•50 CeNts group of awards. Hall said nearly 30 percentopment, design and promotion. Morris and his co-workers of the rural fatal and serious Sparks fly as Kingstree Fire Department Assistant Chief Jeremy Morris welds a car The Kingstree initiative Fatal injury crashes are occurring started the process by con- part to a trophy. The trophies are handcrafted by men and women who work for the in sponsors Januaryand2017. At tacting off various on just over five percent orkicked fire in fire department, Town of Kingstree and other agencies and will be presented during donors who might beFreeman able to the approximately 1,900 miles ofthat time William volPig Pickin’ Festival Classic Car Show in October. Photo by Michaele Duke Hemingway Please turN to SCDOT, 5 provide the artists with the unteered to the drive the project, tools to create imaginative Smith and Carly Patrick dress er then sandblasted for a clean ist that brings the trophies to BY MICHAELE DUKE awards. included Tommy Patrick, Ben, up like which preparing a 1950s carhop girls and finish. Some are left in their life with paint. “It starts with news@kingstreenews.com
“Making a difference one week at a time”
Boom!
HarleyPlease and Owen Packtohelp sell raffle turN TOWN, 5 tickets during the out with the show and Town show. of Kingstree employees Julie Each piece is welded togeth-
raw state with only a clear coat
imagination,” said Welch. “We
while others are painted. KFD county just kind of sit down with the Winter Storm Grayson blankets
Andrews Main Street organization committee created council likely to oppose quarry Testing the science behind managing a menace BY MICHAELE DUKE
Engineer Sara Welch is the art-
Please
turN to
TROPHIES, 3
news@kingstreenews.com
The
storm,
dubbed
Grayson by the Weather BY MICHAELE DUKE Channel and a Bomb Cyclone news@kingstreenews.com
once it moved north the evening of January 3, wreaked The next step in the revitalhavoc across the east coast. ization of Kingstree Williamsburg County is resi-underway. the ofTown of dents In took2017, advantage the soft stuff was by making snow Kingstree selected to partangels and snowmen. ner with the South Carolina The following day, citizens Municipal Association, Main across the county reportStreet Program afterfrom a rigored snowfall amounts fourprocess. to eightKingstree inches, butis one ous Photo by Michaele Duke wasn’t Street the endcommunities of the ofthat 18 Main storm. Days of frigid temselected into the program. peratures and harden snow As a for parttreacherous of the Main made roadsStreet, South Carolina, town will and highways. On the Thursday, January roads and bridges receive intensive help for were years partiallyincovered with three what is known snow and ice and all secondcsokoloski@southstrandnews.com asary“Boot promotroads Camp,” were coverin with A group of volunteers met at the Depot in Kingstree, where they formed an organiing theand downtown businesses, snow ice. According to The transparent wings of a wandering glider (Pantala enhancing NOAA reports, the area had physical proper- zation committee. The committee is one of four that will help oversee the Main Street the through most consecutive days and project, which is an initiative to revitalize the city and make it a place where citizens flavescens) glow in the sun as it perches on an old ties good design with lows 20 or less eight will want to spend time. Photo by Michaele Duke fence post. The wandering glider is found on every con- proper upkeep while looking at days (1/1/2018 through tinent except Antarctica. Research suggests the two-inch ways to diversify theseven economy Where the program focuses training and an understanding vitality, organization, promo1/8/2018), breaking insects regularly make transcontinental voyages. ofdays thefrom downtown commercial on revitalization of the down- of the program’s four points of tion, and design to make it 1/7/1973 through 1/13/1973. According Photo by Michaele Duke district. Please turN to PROJECT, 5 town area of Kingstree, it takes approach, which are economic to statistics provided by INSIDE Williamsburg County Sheriff Neither snow nor ice nor freezing temperaturesLike keep aus trueon outdoorsman away from the hunt. Friday mornUpcomings.................................page 2 Stephen Gardner, ing found Sandy Bay resident Sam Floyd and his trusty sidekick, Jack, working for dinner. The temperature was
Telling a story under glass. Charleston County Taxonomist Mosquito Control agent Ed Harne retrieves a microscope slide coated with miniscule droplets of mosquito killer. The slide along with others will be viewed under a microscope to determine size and dispersion of the solution, which helps commercial sprayers in delivering precise applications.
BY MICHAELE DUKE news@kingstreenews.com
If you live in the south you’ve probably seen a small plane flying areas either in the morning or late afternoon. Some may be crop dusting but this time of year you’re most likely watching a mosquito sprayer. The single engine Piper is in and out before you know it but what goes into preparing for that application takes knowledge and a plane that can deliver
the solution in a precise manner. Enter Guy McClary, owner of Williamsburg Air Service. McClary, a seasoned pilot and expert mosquito slayer, has been hosting an annual event for professional sprayers for five years. Pilots from across the state attend the daylong class that includes demonstrations and classes by experts in the field. On May 22, throughout the day four planes took to the skies to test their delivery systems for accuracy of
the solution. Before the first plane lifted off, a series of events had to occur. Each plane’s owner inspects his equipment and the jets that deliver the product, and accuracy is everything. The group gathered at the end of the tarmac at Williamsburg Regional Airport to watch several men set-up a system that would later tell a story. A row of poles, set to the width of the plane’s wings, was posi-
Andrews Town Council heard from two groups opposed to plans for a limestone quarry in Williamsburg County that faces fierce resistance from people who live near the proposed oBiTUaRies..................................page 6 Pl SNOW, 3 a frosty 10 degrees but at least Jack didn’t Facebook! PHOTO COURTESY SAM FLOYD seem to mind. ediToRial....................................page 7 P lease turN to SPRAY, 5 site. WE HAVE THE SOLUTION! FaiTh.......................................... page 8 “I have not been convinced www.kingstreenews.com classiFieds/legals................... page 19 ✔ We can get you connected to the right customersthat it’s in the best interests ✔ Extend your customer reach ✔ Deliver results with targeted ad campaigns of this area,” Mayor Frank Facebook.com/thekingstreenews We’ll provide the easiest and most cost effective way to reach For timely news, House of Representative. engaged a Master of Arts Degree in McClary said during a council consumers in a targeted way, while getting unparalleled updates, return on investment and tracking capabilities! ALL 355-NEWS (6397) and special offers! Dedric Bonds (DEM) Business Management. Pasley meeting on May 17. He added (Challenger) worked as directorCALL of the843-355-NEWS town would seekTODAY input FORhas HOME DELIVERY • Visit us online at kingstreenews.com John Henry (DEM) DHEC-Williamsburg County, from the Coastal Conservation (Challenger) Healthy Start Coordinator, and League and the South Carolina No Republican candidates director of Eastern-Carolina Environmental Law Project filed for election. Incorporated. on crafting a resolution. Both W.C. Supervisor Dr. Tiffany Cooks groups had representatives Stanley Pasley (Incumbent) (Challenger) speak before council at the Pasley was sworn in as Cooks has worked in pub- meeting.
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Primary election lineup, plus a look at what’s on the ballots
BY MICHAELE DUKE news@kingstreenews.com
The primary election will be held on June 12, and the general election is on November 6. The Voter Registration and Election Office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and additional
Noble (DEM), Henry McMaster (REP), James Smith (DEM), Marguerite Willis (DEM), John Warren (REP), Catherine Templeton (REP), and Kevin Bryant (REP). House of Representatives District 101 Cezar McKnight (DEM) (Incumbent)
the Criminal Defense Lawyers, Williamsburg County Bar and Florence County Bar. Alfred Darby (DEM) (Challenger) No Republicans filed for election. District 103 Carl Anderson (DEM) (Incumbent)
By Chris Sokoloski
ease turN to
The weather may be to blame for a fatality. According to Williamsburg County Fire Department around 4 a.m. Thursday, January 4, firefighters responded to a residential structure fire on Harmon Street just outside the city limits of Hemingway. According to Williamsburg County Fire Department Public Information Officer Captain William B. Horton III, first units on scene reported a doublewide mobile home was fully involved, and bystanders reported to firefighters that the resident was possibly still inside. After initial knockdown of the fire a primary search of the home revealed one victim. The victim has been identified by the Williamsburg County Coroner’s Office as Robert J. Please
turN to
FIRE, 3
Pediatric office opens in Kingstree Riverside Pediatrics will host an open house January 13, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at its new Kingstree office located at 402 Nelson Boulevard, Suite 100, in the Williamsburg Hospital Medical Plaza Kingstree. Citizens can meet the staff and tour the kid-friendly facility. Riverside Pediatrics is an independent pediatric practice owned by Dr. Jonathan Elias and Dr. Michelle Steffen. Drs. Elias and Steffen have been serving the community of Georgetown and surrounding areas since 2009 and 2012 respectively. They opened Riverside in Georgetown in 2016 with a mission to “Care for Yours Like We Care For Our Own.” This atmosphere of personal attention and commitment to serving families has led to an impeccable reputation in Georgetown for exceptional pediatric care. Working along with Dr. Elias and Dr. Steffen are three
FIRST PLACE Michaele Duke The News, Kingstree
Leading ladies of country music visit Lancaster
Warriors’ Yarborough ‘team first’ player
The FEATURE HEADLINE WRITING Lancaster News OUT & ABOUT, 10
SPORTS, 5
Lancaster County’s triweekly newspaper
OPEN DIVISION Lucky again, as storm blows past FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2018
www.thelancasternews.com
Choo-choo Christmas at Sun City
Lady Bruins win in split with Northwestern
‘We were blessed,’ Player says
75 CENTS
Georgia and North Carolina. Four of them were in Gaston County, Fla. Michael was originally predicted to be a Category 3 storm, but rapidly intensified into a Category 4 with 145-mph winds late Tuesday night into Wednesday morning. It continued to intensify as it made landfall between Panama City and Mexico Beach with sustained winds of 155 mph – 2 mph short of Category 5 status. The hurricane made its way inland, moving into Georgia as a Category 3, then downgraded to Category 1 before entering South Carolina as a tropical storm. See STORM I Page 3
THIRD Lancaster News PLACE OUT & ABOUT, 1B
SPORTS, 5A
Mark Manicone and Kayla Vaughn
Lancaster County’s triweekly newspaper
The Lancaster News
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2017
com
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Reece Murphy
For the second time in six years, Robbie and Julie Dunn have found one of their horses shot dead at their Panhandle ranch. The Dunns said someone shot their 28-year-old gelding Boss in the side of the head with a small-caliber weapon the morning of Nov. 18. The bullet did not kill the horse for hours, and its suffering and collapse were captured on surveillance video. Julie Dunn said she found
y: 9 IL isions ve to their reets
Barber Francis Faile dies at 92
casternews.com
na get ’em, which homeowners,” said hn Weaver. “They divisions believing ken in the county.” ing letters of credit developers of Rosey Woods, Audubon efield, Reid Pointe divisions, as well as l subdivision phas-
companion.” Boss, a registered descendant of Ben Cartwright’s horse Buck in the long-running TV show “Bonanza,” is the second horse killed by gunfire at the couple’s 10acre ranch northeast of Andrew Jackson State Park. In August 2011, Robbie Dunn found his wife’s 25-year-old Tennessee walker mare Pretty Girl shot to death in the ranch’s pasture behind his parents’ home. He said she’d been shot six times See BOSS I Page 3A
Clippers go silent after half century on Grace Avenue
Summers
ve given the develand subdivisions a e required letters of w the county to take ounty system. ubdivisions’ homewill take on permar all road mainte-
Boss lying on his side dead near the barn at their ranch on Old Church Road when she went to feed him and his five stablemates that afternoon. Dunn said she’s still shaken by the loss of a second horse that she had owned for more than 20 years. “I’ve always said I wanted to be with my horses when they die. Now I lost two and wasn’t able to be there,” Dunn said, growing emotional. “Boss was special. I grew up with Boss. He was a
Gregory A. Summers
PHOTOS SUPPLIED
Francis Faile Sr. gives his grandson, Aston Blackmon, his first haircut on April 8, 2011. Aston was 3 years old at the time. Faile was known in Lancaster for his infectious smile.
ot a surprise to the t the subdivisions 015, Weaver said. bout the Dec. 31 ars, and it is set in
F
gsummers@thelancasternews.com
rancis Faile opened his one-chair barbershop on Lancaster’s Grace Avenue in 1967, and he was still cutting hair there up until nine weeks ago. A small-business institution in the Erwin Farm community, Faile died Tuesday, two months after what he thought were kidney stones turned out to be inoperable cancer. He was 92. “He was content and never lost his great smile,” said his son, Frankie Faile. “Daddy would greet you with a smile and leave you with a smile.” Faile said his father never once grumbled about his diagnosis. Thursday at lunchtime, the barbershop seemed frozen in time. A barber’s cape lay neatly folded on the arm of a worn porcelain-and-leather barber’s chair. Electric clippers hung on a nail beside the sink. To open, all one would have to do is unlock the front door, flip on the lights and take the “CLOSED” sign out of the window. “He told me, ‘Make sure you put up a sign on the door that I’ll be back next Tuesday,” Frankie Faile said. “It just wasn’t in God’s will for him to make it back.”
Polio survivor worked on his feet Faile was born in Lancaster. In 1961, he moved his young family to West Pelzer, where his wife, Lydia, worked at a finance company run by the Petit and Parr families, who owned furniture stores in Lancaster. The Parrs also owned the Parr Theater on Main Street. Faile worked third shift at a cotton mill and went to barber school during the day, graduating in 1966. They returned to Lancaster in early 1967 after George Parr died and the finance company was sold. See FAILE I Page 2A
on’t file the papernty will not be rening and repairing ts. a game of chicken,” ent Lauren Hodge, sion’s homeowners the issue. She said are working with eloper Hearthstone lic Works Director en care of.” f the time line and
ee ROADS I Page 3A
iver protects kids, takes bite from a pit bull
ong
ews.com
y school by a pit ning on r the dog closing
to finish s up Lan-
that dog away from other kids…. That was her primary goal and responsibility.” The school district did not Vaughn release the driver’s name. Vaughn said she
ing property, according to a Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office report. The student threw her book bag at the dog, causing the dog to pause and give the student enough time to get on the bus, the report said. After the student boarded the bus, the dog approached the bus as the driver was shut-
The dog then ran toward the driver, the report said, and the dog bit the driver on the elbow while the driver was attempting to keep the animal away from students. The owner of the dog pulled the dog off the bus by the collar, Vaughn said. There were about five students on the bus during the
Sheriff’s spokesman Doug Barfield said all domestic animals are required to be restrained to owners’ property. “You can’t let your dog run loose. You can’t let your cats run loose,” he said, noting animal control has the right to pick up animals that aren’t contained. The school district has had
Blackmon cites 22,960 lifetimes of unfair criticism
SECOND PLACE
KAYLA VAUGHN/kvaughn@thelancasternews.com
Brian Melton Final salute in granite The LancasterFaces News& Places 1B
horse shot dead at Panhandle ranch rmurphy@thelancasternews.com
Tropical Storm Michael whipped through Lancaster County with 50-mph gusts Thursday but caused little disruption here, after obliterating parts of the Florida Panhandle and killing six people. Darren Player, the local emergency management director, said the county fared extremely well, as it did last month during Hurricane Florence’s devastating slow crawl across the Carolinas.
“We were blessed. It could’ve been a whole lot worse than it was,” Player said. “And if you look at the people around us, they did get a lot worse. “We didn’t get the amount of rain they predicted, and the wind didn’t really materialize for us either,” he said. “We dodged a huge bullet.” The Category 4 hurricane was the most powerful ever to hit the Florida Panhandle, making landfall Wednesday with storm surges up to 14 feet and winds topping 150 mph. Six deaths have been reported across Florida,
Firefighter Matt Baker cuts up a fallen tree Thursday morning on McCardell Street, just around the corner from the Lancaster Fire Department.
Photos by GREGORY A. SUMMERS gsummers@thelancasternews.com
From left, Sheriff Barry Faile stands with Deputy James L. Kirk’s brother, James
Tearful 8-minute speech Douglas Kirk, his widow, Traci McIlwain Kirk, Customer when making a store purchase, Dear Abby/4B and questioning his son, Grayson Kirk, after the unveiling to council on ethics case resents of the Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, Mark Manicone
mmanicone@thelancasternews.com
The Lancaster News
shown below, which now includes Kirk. Visit us online at www.thelancasternews.com for
more photos from the ceremony. Lancaster City Council member Linda Blackmon Sundayheld the floor for eight minutes at April 1,night’s 2018 Tuesday council meeting, sobbing at times as she spoke about >> INSIDE: Church News, 2B I Classifieds, 5B I Coming Events, 2B I Education, 3B I Entertainment, 4B the recently disclosed ethics complaint filed against her a year ago. “I’m speaking Blackmon because I do not want to see anybody go through what I have been put through on this city council,” Gregory A. Summers Blackmon said through tears. “Now gsummers@thelancasternews.com with our local paper, I’ve been A 10th name was added Wednesday to the black-granite dragged up and down this city, with monument at the corner of Dunlap and Catawba streets disrespect to me, my family, my that honors our law officers who died in the friends.” line of duty. Later she appeared to compare The name of Deputy James L. “Ole Man” her suffering to the Senate confirKirk Jr. was unveiled after a standing-roommation hearing of Judge Brett Kaonly ceremony in the Historic Lancaster vanaugh. County Courthouse. The memorial service “I thought about the state Suwas supposed to be outside, but a pelting preme Court justice,” she said. “He rain drove it indoors. did not want to endure seven days. The 57-year-old Kirk died April 24, 2018, He said seven days would be a lifeafter collapsing from an apparent heart at- Kirk time. Now seven days for him, I tack during firearms training at the firing range on Kennel multiplied it. So that means that he Lane. felt that he was going to have to “My brother’s death was not a loss when you look at the endure 409 days…. I endured 329 life he lived and all the things he did, doing what he loved, days. Which equates to 22,960 lifeserving God and serving his community,” said Kirk’s brothtimes.” er, James Douglas Kirk, who spoke on behalf of the family. After Blackmon finished speak“That is not a loss. He did it to the day he died.” ing during the citizen-comments See KIRK I Page 2 part of the meeting, Brevard stands well over 6 Mandy Catoe no one I Page 3 feet tall. He was dressed in For See The BLACKMON Lancaster News black leather from head to On this cold, damp Sunday toe. He has a slim athletic morning, the deep rumble of build and a sweet, shy smile. Harleys on U.S. 521 broke the His black boots were covered silence across the Heath in shiny silver studs, which Springs countryside. matched his chrome helmet. Leather-clad bikers pulled He rode his 2004 Harley Road off into a field and dismountKing to Bright Light Sunday. ed, fancy boots engaging armed country boys and a 20-footKayla Vaughn Brevard said the bikers kickstands. Standing side-bytall mutated bullfrog. kvaughn@thelancasternews.com range in age from 9 to 78. The side, the five broad-shoulTo the chagrin of any serious ones who can’t ride – due to Popcorn tubs and merriment dered men looked like an NFL injury, illness or age – either overflowed Tuesday night at the film-o-philes in the theater who defensive line. ride in cars or with other mogala premier of Lancaster’s home- were concentrating on the multiThey led a caravan of 25 grown horror flick – “Radioactive ple subplots, cheers erupted from torcyclists. vehicles from Lancaster to the attendees whenever another Bullfrogs From Hell.” After a rousing and powerBright Light Baptist Church in The cast and crew joined a row- of their friends appeared on the ful sermon about loving one’s Heath Springs, where about dy, packed house at the Crown screen. neighbor, Charles Brace, 59, 50 members of the Indepen“It was completely surreal,” Cinema to absorb the 40-minute and Brevard presented $501 dent Missionary Bikers piled action thriller, written and direct- Fleming said of premier night. to their home church. The doout of the cars and trucks and ed by Phillip Fleming and turned “And just knowing that we’ve got nation included personal walked into the morning serinto a campy cinematic master- all of these friends and all of these cash gifts to two elders of the KAYLA VAUGHN/kvaughn@thelancasternews.com vice, filling the first four rows. people I’ve never even seen before piece by a passel of his daring church, Bessie Johnson and J.R. Snipes, one of the film’s stars, poses with his coming out to support us is aweThey worshipped, sang, pals. Jack McCain. biggest fan – his mom, Mary Gibson – at the after smiled and sometimes It’s a fight to the death – spoiler some.” Johnson, 93, has been a reached their arms toward See MOVIE I Page 3 party at The Craft Stand on Main Street. alert! – between a trio of wellmember of Bright Light Bapheaven. tist for 80 years, and accord“We do it to serve the Lord,” ing to her fellow churchgoers, 166th No. 122 said year, Lancaster resident HorPhotos by MANDY CATOE/For Deaths, The Lancaster News Opinion, 9 Index 4 she is there Today’s Weather every Sunday. ace Johnson, who drove hiswithAt top, from left, Independent Missionary Bikers Andre Ross, Darryl Evans, Les McMullen, One section, 14 pages Sunny a 10 percent Church News .................. 11 Out & About .............. 10 “TheyLawmakers surprised me giving Bonnie Allen truck in the procession.chance of showers William Brevard and Keith Robinson stand with their bikes last Sunday morning before attendme some money,” she said. “I Classifieds .......................12 Opinion ........................... 9 Rachel Faile kill governor’s No one smiled brighter ing church in Heath Springs. Above, brothers Donald and Eddie Waiters enjoy the praise music. Overnight: Mostly clear Coming Events ............... 12 Sports ............................... 5 Charles Sanders felt like giving them some than Eddie Waiters, who took for money budget cause I vetoes just enjoyed with a 10 percent chance High: 75 Entertainment ............. 12 Mary Brewer a few minutes after the serheart, and it means a lot of scattered showers Low: 51when thought it would be a way to month, on the second and them being theirhere.” pet projects vice to talk about his deep joy, Bright Light Pastor William you come in the building to attract people who might oth- fourth Sundays, but as the his saving grace. worship together. But you got erwise shun church. group has grown, they have Coleman said he appreciates “Without the Lord, where to take that love outside and The idea seems to be work- added some third and fifth what the bikers do for area would you be?” he asked. “He churches. He said their gift to give it to somebody else,” he ing. Sometimes the parade of Sunday visits. is your everything.” said. “You can’t just keep it.” motorcycles includes more “We try to leave space so the church extends well beWaiters, a Vietnam veteran, Waiters lives in Indian than 100 shiny two-wheelers. you can go to your own yond the monetary gift. believes it was God who “This is what community is Land. Mt. Carmel AME Zion is On this chilly morning, only church to worship,” Brevard brought him home safe from his home church. the five braved the bad weath- said. “We don’t want to cheat about,” Coleman said. “It’s the war. He served in the 3rd The bikers have been wor- er. our home church too much.” about coming together. It’s Armored Division near the shiping this way for nearly 15 The Independent MissionBrevard, 64, said the group about worshipping together end of the war. He stood duryears. The caravan of motor- ary Bikers has about 75 regu- also has benefit rides and regardless of what walks of ing most of Sunday’s service, cycles travels to each mem- lar members, according to fundraisers for members life people come from. We wearing a serene look of cerber’s church once a year. That William Brevard. This Sunday fighting cancer or facing fi- serve the same God through
Holy Harleys ‘Ole Man’ James Kirk Jr. called first-rate cop, community hero
Bikers drop in to praise God, donate to local congregation Hometown cinematic rollouts don’t get no better than this!
10 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2018 • The News & Reporter
Nancy Parsons The News &Great Reporter Falls Reporter
Great Falls Reporter
Bags packed, √ Become an ‘Ultimate Outsider’ √
Page 5B
BY NANCY PARSONS gfreporter@onlinechester.com
“You know what I want,” Fish Pate told waitress Breezy Baker at Tiffany’s Diner. “I got you in already,” Baker replied. Baker said she, more often than not, knows what a select few of her regular morning diners want to eat before they put in their orders. Thomas Black, 85, said he joins the breakfast crowd most weekdays. The group hangs around for an hour or so, he said. Often called “Paw Paw” by Baker, Black said he is the oldest member of the men’s breakfast crew. “I’ve been coming for a couple of years,” Black said. “But I don’t come on Sunday. They don’t open until 9 and I’ve done ate by then.” Black said he enjoys eating breakfast and talking with the “crazy a** people.” “We’d solve the world’s problems if they’d listen to us,” Black joked. “But nobody won’t listen to us!” Black, a retired mail carrier, said he enjoys camping at Lake Wateree State Park. He said he is happy, is in good health and can get out and enjoy
Great Falls Reporter
F3 = Fitness, Fellowship and Faith
First Place will be presented at the Daily Awards Dinner Up,” “Point Break” and “Butterfly.” The nicknames belong to members of the local F3 chapter. The tag names
mer resident Jamie Jones through Army Sgt. Maj. Joe Medlin. Jones helped in the formation of the local F3 team.
to physical ability, Snipes said. “We modify the workout so they don’t feel alienated or that they can’t do
Duke Energy updating customer equipment the utility company.
in the early 1960s that
Page 6B
LIFESTYLES Pages 3B – 4B
PUBLIC RECORD
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 6, 2018
Chris has always been put the kayak in the water an outdoorsman and for the first time when he enjoyed hiking, backpack- visited Goodale State Park ing and camping. Wanda near Camden on a windy said she camped with her day. family when she was “The first time I was in young and when she and a kayak, the water was Chris began dating, they about 60 degrees. It was in GREAT FALLS PAGES enjoyed outdoor recreation February and was about Pages 1B – 2B together. 80 degrees. I flipped the On their days off, kayak and went swimCLASSIFIEDS Harris, a registered nurse ming!” Harris said. Page 6-B at Chester Regional When paddling, Harris Medical Center, and his said ideal temperatures LIFESTYLES wife, the part-time secre- are 60 to 70 degrees. Above Pages 3-B and 4-B tary at Mt. Zion Baptist 80 degrees is too hot, he Church, started their jour- said. His medical training PUBLIC RECORDS ney visiting local parks. caused concern for hypoWEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 2018 BY NANCY PARSONS/GREAT FALLS REPORTER Page 5-B They decided to wander thermia when he flipped The table on the left at Tiffany’s Diner fills up around 8 a.m. every morning as a group of men gather for out and began traveling to the kayak. coffee, breakfast and some news sharing. Last Thursday morning, the men had a new face at the table. other parks in the state. Following another cleConservative Republican State House Candidate Randy Ligon sat with the group, shared his goals and “We had been to 15 or anup and drawing, Mrs. asked for their votes. Left to right are Donnie Day, Ligon, Henry West, Thomas Black, Christian Hunter, Kirby 20 parks in 2014,” Harris Harris was the winner of a Joe Perry and Billy Norsworthy. said. “And every park we kayak so the Harrises purvisited, we hiked the trails, chased a trailer to haul visiting with friends. day,” he said. “I keep a special pot for The table was full kayaked or visited the their watercraft. “I’m lucky,” Black said. “I’ve been coming off Donnie,” Baker joked. Thursday morning so museums, whatever they “We had a canoe a long “I don’t have any health and on for 12-14 years,” “Yea, the ones left from Jody Thompson sat at had to offer.” time ago,” Mrs. Harris issues.” West added. yesterday!” one of the men another table. Thompson PHOTO PROVIDED The couple enjoy hiking said. “So it was easy to He said he takes two West reflected on three chimed in. said he has been coming to A Charles held Town Landing State Park ranger the finaland stamp in Chris and trails and often leave the learn to kayak.” BYhow NANCY PARSONS outdoors, rain orgaveCatoe Hank Ingram. Aleve tablets in the morn- regular “members” of the Kirby Joe Perry said the restaurant at the stoptrail different from the Harris is off on the Wanda Harris’ state park guide shine, hot or cold. “Workout starts at ing. breakfast “gang” who the group talks about light for a long time. He way they found it. The gfreporter@onlinechester.com weekend so he and his “That’s it,” he said. have passed away, everything – what is hap- remembers when Linda saw baby a good to let the Harrises have participated wife often map out a jour- County, they The threeit’s Fs inideathe 0500crowd. or 0-dark-30,” Snipes Henry West said he William Lee from No. 3 pening in town, baseball, Lawson and daughter “I like seeing different in several local cleanups ney to an unvisited loca- alligators in the water park ranger know how name stand long foryouFitness, said. “There is no set leadThe place: Great Falls. eats breakfast with his (as he was known by most sports and the “good old Karen Lawson managed during the spring. plan to be gone. things I normally would along the Catawba Thread tion. Fellowship Faith er. We areMrs. all Harris leaders.” time:theThe hour mili“We saw a dozen or and Rangers often –provide not see,” said. friends every morning people since there were days.” the restaurant then Trail and in riversweeps TheWhen Harrises Mrs. Harris said. shuttle service back to A“You’re learning about sponsored by the Great tary started visitingrefer state tomore,” except Sunday. two William Lees in town), On Thursday, Perry named Korner Kitchen. the last of which is defined different person people as South Carolina history Falls Home Town Asso- parks, they bought a state “We heard a strange sound your vehicle. “That’s my church Bill Garris and most shared a story about He said he met his wife in as not one leadsandthe workout session “0-dark-30.” gators andspecific The religion adventurous couseeing new places. ciation. park guide. As they visited from the baby recently, the Rev. James “Fudge” Baker. According the adjoining Dodge City soon their momma came ple have hiked to the top of Each park has its own “We take a bucket and each park, the park ranger Freeman. to Perry, “Fudge” Baker Saloon when it was open. each morning. The Great Falls Police or faith. Crowder’s Mountain and story.” tongs and pick up trash,” stamped the page of the out.” Freeman was often was a regular patron at a “I come every mornmembers gather gets them out of received a said theyF3 She have seen the 3.6 uphill at climb to “It For anyone interested Harris said. “It’s a service Department park they were at. They accompanied by Steve poolroom in town. Baker ing,” Thompson said. fewer snakes expect-school reach the top of Table Rock state zone parks, aand to the community.” wereinatthe Charles Towne thethanhigh parking theirin visiting comfort call early morning Varnadore, one of his would often stick his finThompson said he park passport is $50 a After one of the clean- Landing State Park when ed on their journeys but State Park. parishioners. Varnadore ger in a light socket and gives Baker a hard time lot or Republic Ball Field puts them in charge,” hours. It was still dark “In the week leading up year. There is a $75 pass ups, a drawing for a kayak they completed their 47th encountered a scorpion at opens the restaurant and touch anyone who walked about the grits. He is at stayed 5 a.m. Monday, makes The cabin they in at on to Table Rock, we hikedSnipes a that said. includes“It coastal parks you was held for participants. outside. visit to a state park.caller After atold begins getting breakfast by him, giving the person known to ask if the grits Oconee Park. lot,” Mrs. Harris “It something and a $99 passport that Harris won the kayak and police their there final stamp, ready on Thursday, Friday an electrical shock. are soupy and you can Wednesday, Friday andsaid. do you normalwas athey group of State “There was no cell ser- was a three-hour hike at includes admission to turned in their verification and Saturday mornings. Perry also related the suck them through a Saturday for Table an hour-long ly don’t do and it shows men atUltimate the Outsider Post Office vice, no TV. You could litRock.” lighthouses and plantaform for H.C. Wright usually story he shared with straw of if you need a fork the earth, like They enjoyed the landcertification. received erally workout session. you tions. that you can do it. It who were They hollering. Thefall off arrives a little later than friends one morning. to mash them up. His “South Carolina is certificates and bright you disappeared. It was scape of Edisto Beach and the regular squatters. He While eating breakfast, comments are all in joking F3 started helps build We’ve leadership caller to report like a retreat “The – back local to Hunting Island. interesting. got orange neglected and yellow t-shirts. said he has been eating Perry told the men he was and not meant to be taken nature.” with six of us about They also traveled qualities to mountains, the coast the front the men shirt were a year and self and confithatOnsome of ofthe with the men for about a going hunting after he fin- seriously. Baker realizes it The Harrises normally Rivers Bridge State everything in between – is written “Ultimate PHOTOS ago,” Snipes said. standing onon their month. ished PROVIDED eating. He said he and does not take the critplan day trips. Historic Site, the sitedence.” of sandy areas, marshy Outsider” and the back hands Donnie Day, 70,gather retired at went to a tree stand and icism to heart. to right, Great Falls “Long day When trips!” Mr.all one the men Confederacy’s “Usually areas. Visiting and ‘Q’ exploris printed “All 47their Parks √feet up of ofthe the (per- Stacy Roof, Henry Stevenson and Mike Snipes, left and walking from Duracell. He said he right off the bat, a deer Grits seem to be the Harris laughed. last stands against ing the parks is healthy Check.” High School before heading out for a community cleanup day. show up, there are 14 son in charge) leads the the wall. has been eating breakfast was in sight. only breakfast food the The Harrises agree it’s General William T. recreation,” Harris said. “We have visited three at the diner for a good “It seemed to be wait- men joke about. guysa ranging in age from warm-up withan stretching. “Rabbit,” Mike hard to pick favorite Sherman’s sweep across Becoming “Ultimate parks in one day – LakeSnipes while. ing for me,” Perry said. “I know what they park. the South. Of all the Civil Outsider” is a challenge, is Hartwell, Sadler’s Creek 17 to 52. No one is trained professhouted out. “Blackout,” “I come every day,” Day Perry got his shot for want to eat and what “It depends on what War Sites in South time consuming and reand Calhoun Falls,” he thewas It depends J.B. Hinson followed. Thewant to Snipes said. “They have good the day and returned to they’ll say,” Baker said. “I do,” Harris said Carolina, Battle sionally. of quires commitment. But on Harris said. “And some of you Breezy Baker says serving the breakfast crowd is prices, the best food and the restaurant a short make them feel at home.” is the only reward becomingto ando,” the parks never heard said. withBridge a F3 whatthethe Q ofwants roll call I’vecontinued, “On working outRivers like attending a party every day. “I look forward to it,” the best service.” time later with his deer. Baker said her The couple are plan- one in the State Parks sys- “Ultimate Outsider” is the of,” Mrs. Harris added. group trip in to Rock Snipes said. Call,” “Beep she said. On Monday morning, Baker poured Thomas ning a kayaking temHill that isbut homeitto a prejourney from the mounDay has a reputation His quick success seemed Obsessive Compulsive They’ve visited HickoryBeep,” in Pickens battlefield. tains to the sea, down Broom, a regular at the right hand table, a second for asking about the con- unbelievable to some of Disorder (OCD) often Knob, Baker“Granddaddy Creek, Devils Fork required himserved to get up at Newcomers arethe not “Padre,” If you’re planning to rivers, through the lakes BY NANCY PARSONS/GREAT FALLS REPORTER Hamilton Branch, Aiken, County to view the watercup of coffee. sistency of the grits. the men. kicks in after the break3 a.m. in order to make expected to keep up with Long Legs,” “Lazy Boy,” Chris and Wanda Harris show off their S.C. State Barnwell and Redcliff falls, some accessible only visit a state park, the and historical landmarks. 5 said a.m.Harrises workouts. seasoned F3 members. Harris recommend It’s an adventure you don’t Parks “Ultimate Outsider” t-shirts they were given“Tombstone,” Plantation Parks. “Goose,” At by water.the when you’re in the water, weekday visitsforto avoidExercises a want to miss! after visiting all 47 state parks. Woods Bay in Florence Snipes connected with can be modified “Happy Gilmore,” “Square
BY NANCY PARSONS
Pages 1B – 2B
CLASSIFIEDS
Biscuits, bacon and ‘shooting the bull’
BY NANCY PARSONS gfreporter@onlinechester.com
Chris and Wanda Harris have a 29055 zip code but they don’t live in the town limits of Great Falls. They are “outsiders.” The Harrises have now become “Ultimate Outsiders.” The Harrises “outsider” status did not come from living three miles from Great Falls. The couple earned their status from South Carolina State Parks. An “Ultimate Outsider” in South Carolina means you have visited and experienced all 47 state parks. It may sound simple but it is more of a challenge than you think. It takes commitment to visit all of the parks that are located from the mountains to the sea and everywhere in between. The Harrises are two of over 100 Ultimate Outsiders in S.C. State Parks whose journey has carried them down rivers, through lakes, forests and historic landmarks. “What’s interesting is that each state park is unique. We saw areas of South Carolina that we would never have seen otherwise,” Chris Harris said. Chris and Wanda Harris are adventurous. They love the outdoors.
GREAT FALLS PAGES
It is also hard to find
mation to understand
the customer’s door prior
fast crowd leaves. They are known to move the chairs around or from table-to-table, she said. “All the chairs have got to be in a certain spot,” she laughed. “I’ve got squatters’ rights on mine,” West responded. Four members of the group are military veterans – H.C. Wright, Kirby Jo Perry, Donnie Day and Henry West. Billy Norsworthy, 67, is the youngest of the group. He said he comes to breakfast two or three mornings a week. When school is out, Norsworthy is often accompanied by his grandson, Christian Hunter, 14. “I come in the summer,” Hunter said. “I enjoy coming here.” The breakfast crowd had a special guest join their table last Thursday morning. While out on the campaign trail, Conservative Republican State House candidate Randy Ligon sat with the men during breakfast. “I was at the Flopeye Fish Festival,” Ligon said. “It was a good experience. I enjoy visiting with folks.” Ligon said he is a cousin to the locally known Noland family. “It’s good to connect with family,” he said. After cleaning his plate, Ligon visited with a few other people inside the restaurant, shaking hands and telling them that he would appreciate their vote in the upcoming primary election. Asked if he ate grits for breakfast, Ligon answered, “Yes, I had grits. They were good. I didn’t leave them.” As “challenging” as satisfying her customers may be, Baker said she loves waiting on the group of men. “I love them,” Baker said. “That’s why I get up every day. I look forward to waiting on them. It’s like a party every single day.” About that time, Black shouted out, “Breezy, it sure would be good to get some coffee over here!”
Arrest made in Fairfield County church burglaries From staff reports
An individual has been identified as a suspect in
in the Blair and Jenkinsville areas. Miscellaneous items, including electronics, were
County Detention Center for similar incidents that occurred in Newberry County.
little more,” Fairfield County Sheriff Will Montgomery said. “We are pleased that an arrest
Sheriff Lee Foster and his staff at the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office for the great working rela-
tion sharing among law enforcement.” Montgomery asks that all citizens be vigilant
SPORTS HEADLINE WRITING Black Cyan Magenta Yellow
OPEN DIVISION
December 13, 2017
An Independent Newspaper Founded in 1885
THIRD PLACE
The Laurens County Advertiser
Wednesday night brought about the official end of the football season for Laurens County as the Touchdown Club honored the season’s best with its annual awards banquet at The Ridge. Laurens, Laurens Academy and Clinton High all were recognized during the banquet, which featured former Carolina Panthers’ President Danny Morrison as the keynote speaker, but it was Clinton High that took home the top two honors as running back Mark Wise was named Player of the Year and Andrew Webb was named Coach of the Year. Wise beat out Laurens’ defensive back Braylen Williams and Laurens Academy wide receiver Wil Tindall for Player of the Year honors. Wise finished the year with 192 carries on offense for 1,308 yards and 13 touchdowns, including a season-best performance against Aiken that saw him rush for 255 yards and five touchdowns.
“It’s an honor,” Wise said. “I’ve been playing for three years and trying my best. It’s an honor to be recognized for my achievements on the field.” Wise didn’t just limit himself to just producing on offense, either. On defense, the linebacker had 67 tackles, including eight for loss, and two forced fumbles. Wise said he was willing to play anywhere coaches put him on the field, and he did just that. But when it came to his offensive numbers, Webb noted how it wasn’t just Wise alone who got the numbers he did. “He couldn’t be here without his offensive line. Those guys paved the way for him,” Webb said. “Kris Holmes is another one, right there with him, rushed for 1,100 yards and blocked his tail off for Mark.” Wise, who said he is looking at possibly going to Georgia State after National Signing Day in February, also noted the impact Webb had on the entire team. He said Webb pushed the players harder to go further than they
SPORTS
Will be presented at Daily Awards Dinner
thought they could and always told the players not to be surprised by the outcome of the game - especially if the team won. “Mark’s been a good team player, he’s played everywhere we’ve asked him, he’s played a lot of plays on offense and defense. Watching him grow from a sophomore starting on defense to a senior who is on the field as much as possible has been fun to watch,” Webb said. As for Webb, this year’s Coach of the Year honor is far different than the one he took home from the 2015 banquet because, unlike this year, he didn’t know if he’d still be the head coach after 2015 as he was the interim coach with the Red Devils. This year’s team returned to the playoffs before falling to Seneca. “This group has sure been fun to coach and no matter the end result, every group is special,” Webb said. “There are a lot of guys who are going to be leaving that we’re going to miss tremen-
IT’S SHOWTIME — The Presbyterian College football team is ready to going this week as it heads to Tennessee to take on the Austin Peay G ranked No. 24 in the Football Championship Subdivision Coaches Poll.
SECOND PLACE
Inexperienced Blue Hose look t
dously - not just because they are good football players, but they’re good people.” Webb said the biggest thing he’s learned about himself as a coach is that it is about relationships. Sometimes, he said, people can get caught up in winning championships, but those aren’t possible without “good friendships and good relationships.” All-Laurens County team Offense Linemen: Zach Plaia, Laurens; Kody Varn, Clinton; Jishon Payne, Clinton; Kyler Simmons, Clinton. Tight End: Dawson Green, Clinton. Wide Receivers: Wil Tindall, Laurens Academy; Deonte Smith, Laurens; Will Tinsley, Laurens. Running Backs: Troy Dendy, Laurens; Kris Holmes, Clinton. Quarterback: Thomas Lowry, LA. Defense Linemen: Wesley Carlay, Laurens; Jamarcus Cook, Clinton; Darian Bailey, Clinton; Joshua Moore, LA. Linebackers: Tyrese
By Nick Herman Sports Editor
Photo by Nick Herman
PAYDIRT — Clinton High running back Mark Wise and head coach Andrew Webb took home their top respective honors at the season-ending Laurens County Touchdown Club dinner last Wednesday at The Ridge.
Photo by Dale Knight
Flynn, Doehla dash to Reindeer Run victory part in the 5K run in support of the Laurens Y. Division and overall winners were congratuCold, wintry conditions did lated by Congressman Jeff nothing to slow the hearty souls Duncan, who was on hand for who turned out for Saturday the event. morning’s edition of the Reindeer Run in downtown Overall Results Laurens, and nothing would pre1. Ricky Flynn, 15 minutes, 22 vent Ricky Flynn and Alissa seconds; 2. Matt Shock, 15:47; Doehla from topping the field to 3. Garrett Sponenberg, 17:32; 4. win the 18th-annual holiday 5K Alissa Doehla, 17:54; 5. race. Michelle Ziegler, 18:19; 6. Flynn, who led the field Robert Lyon, 18:37; 7. Eric through a mix of rain and snow Newton, 18:57; 8. Aubin Payne, at times, finished first overall in 20:10; 9. Zac Bagwell, 20:39; a time of 15 minutes, 22 sec- 10. David Ariola, 20:52. onds. He beat Matt Shock, who 11. Nichoals Perkins, 21:18; finished 25 seconds behind, and 12. Justin Nobles, 21:24; 13. Garrett Sponenberg, who com- David Wilkie, 21:52; 14. Doug pleted his run in 17:32. McAbee, 21:55; 15. Will Doehla topped Michelle Burroughs, 23:42; 16. Gary Ziegler for the women’s overall Bailey, 23:44; 17. Morgan title when she finished in 17:54, Creasy, 24:02; 18. Peter Ihske, out-pacing Ziegler by 25 sec- 24:02; 19. Jackson Edwards, onds. Morgan Creasy was the 24:05; 20. Edward Weston, third-best women’s performer, 24:27. finishing in 24:02. 21. Apryl Bailey, 24:36; 22. Eighty-four participants took Jacob Hawkins, 25:00; 23. Paige
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The Laurens County Advertiser
March 14, 2018
An Independent Newspaper Founded in 1885
SPORTS
Moses, Laurens; Mark Wise, Trevor Madden, Laurens. Clinton; Kenny Langston, LA. Special Teams Cornerbacks: Braylen Williams, Kicker: Devon Hubner, Laurens; T’Quan Cromer, Laurens. Punter: Cade Clinton; Vilo Boyd, Clinton; Thompson, Laurens.
Wildcats set to
Storey writing her farewell tale with Presbyterian
RUN, RUN, REINDEER — Hearty souls start their annual December jaunt through downtown Laurens during Saturday morning’s Reindeer Run. Ricky Flynn won the men’s overall title, while Alissa Doehla took home the women’s overall crown.
Trent, 25:00; 24. Dorothy Trent, 25:28; 25. Julia Kerber, 25:38; 26. Heather Carew, 25:38; 27. Zach Fortman, 26:12; 28. Michael Goforth, 26:23; 29. Dustin Carew, 26:36; 30. Lexi Taylor, 27:00. 31. Daniel Fallon, 27:14; 32. Lori Weston, 27:12; 33. Brian Fortman, 27:18; 34. Daniel Lauer, 27:20; 35. Wren Winters, 27:44; 36. Anna Ottosen, 27:49; 37. Josh Bryant, 28:13; 38. Trust Winters, 28:24; 39. Stacey Garcia, 28:25; 40. David Bryant, 28:31. 41. Charlotte Davis, 29:10; 42. Ray Sizemore, 29:39; 43. Mattie Noffz, 30:15; 44. Samantha Thoe, 30:55; 45. Stephanie Hamby, 30:57; 46. Campbell, Atkinson, 31:21; 47. Matthew Wiggins, 31:24; 48. Lee Atkinson, 31:58; 49. William Higgins, 32:35; 50. Susan Johnson, 32:53. 51. Katrina Butler, 33:04; 52. Lynn Wilkie, 33:20; 53. Benjamin Rickert, 33:30; 54.
LDHS-CHS Round 2 ends in draw
John Crenshaw, 34:11; 55. Summer Owens, 34:33; 56. Nick Herman, 34:41; 57. Karla Evans, 35:37; 58. Lindsey Burroughs, 35:54; 59. Amy Fallon, 36:09; 60. Debbie Hamby, 36:37. 61. Lewis Lawson, 37:02; 62. Chuck Swofford, 37:39; 63. Kelly McKittrick, 38:34; 64. Henry Sparrow, 42:42; 65. Gabriel Rickert, 42:49; 66. Betty Jo Bell, 44:36; 67. Julia Bitter, 46:49; 68. Becky Ellis, 46:49; 69. Donna Godfrey, 47:38; 70. Jessica Latta, 48:29. 71. Jasmine Latta, 48:30; 72. Trish Latta, 48:53; 73. Marcy Helvig Shorkey, 49:06; 74. Michelle Ritchie, 49:21; 75. Casey Ritchie, 49:22; 76. Sadie McGowan, 49:48; 77. Jerry Zajaczek, 50:11; 78. Nathan Senn, 57:24; 79. Nathan Senn, 57:24; 80. Eowyn Rickert, 57:59. 81. Denise Helvig, 58:16; 82. Dianne Rickert, 58:16; 83. Rowan Rickert, 58:16; 84. Victoria Taylor, 58:17.
experience after some players nation of decided to transfer elsewhere as after last se the program transitons to non- sponding de The new-look Presbyterian scholarship Divison I. “We’ve g College Blue Hose football team “It’s like teaching a calculus learning ho is about to take the field for the class. You’ve got half the class Spangler sa first time, and when the players that has taken calculus before continuing open the season Saturday night at and has a pretty good under- These youn Austin Peay there will be a standing of it,” Spangler said. of repetition decidedly stark streak of inexpe- “Half the class has never taken it PC’s offe rience running through the team. and doesn’t have a clue. Where fifth-year s Fifty-nine players on this do you go? Do you teach to the Last seaso year’s team are true freshmen, ones who have had it and lose only three while 15 more are redshirt-fresh- everybody else, or do you teach Hose and w men. Eleven players are either down to the ones who haven’t Walker star Magenta Yellow had it.” redshirt- orBlack trueCyan seniors, while but has don six players are redshirt-juniors, The biggest positive so far is job. Walker five are redshirt-sophomores, all the players - young and not- running ba and eight are true sophomores. so-young - have come in with a wide rec TheLaurens team, as aCounty whole, isAdvertiser “creep- positive attitude and The South Award-Winning We areCarolina's all eager Buchanan, ing along,” as head coach to learn, Spangler said. Where DaShawn D Tommy Spangler put it, but it has they have work to do is simply and Davis made improvements during the getting the inexperienced players yards, three preseason. used to playing at the college PC lost some of its depth and level, especially with the elimi- ■ See Blue
Nick Herman Laurens County Advertiser
By Nick Herman Sports Editor
By Nick Herman Sports Editor
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South Carolina's Award-Winning Weekly Newspaper
Clinton cleans up at Touchdown Club awards
By Nick Herman Sports Editor
The Laurens County Advertiser
reminder of what could’ve been, and it acts as a catalyst for a team that is looking forward to getting back into Big South play Jan. 2 against Liberty. “We could see the win was coming - 20 seconds to go, (Asheville) down by 1 - doesn’t look like anything is going to go their way,” Storey said. “That was the toughest part. We were so close to winning and, at the end, we lose it.” But Storey has picked up her play quite well as she, along with Janie Miles and Allie Wagner, enter their final year with the Blue Hose. Storey has got off to a strong start through the first eight game, leading the team in scoring (15.3 points per game), field-goal percentage (minimum 10 attempts, .462), rebounds (27) and assists (42), while shooting 84.8 percent from the foul line. Storey has also had five double-digit games so far, including 27 points against USC Upstate on Nov. 15. “She had a great preseason,” PC Head Coach Todd Steelman said. “The way she finished last year has led to her start this year. She’s more at ease with what we’re trying to and how we’re trying to do things.” She also has more confidence in her ability to score. Steelman noted that she was hesitant or passive at times in the past, and may have been too unselfish. Now, in her senior year, Steelman noted how Storey is realizing how important it is for her to score in order to open
Last season’s Presbyterian College women’s basketball team looked in prime position to reach its first-ever Big South Tour nament final and get some revenge at the same time when it rallied from as much as 11 Cortney points down Storey against UNC Asheville to grab a 55-53 lead with 21 seconds to go on a free throw by now-senior Cortney Storey. It was a shot that capped a night where Storey had 22 points, six assists and five rebounds, and had PC in position to get revenge after Asheville had eliminated the Blue Hose one year earlier in the semifinals. Asheville, though, had one last play in it as Bronaza Fitzgerald scored and was fouled by Janie Miles with less than 2 seconds to go. Fitzgerald then made the ensuing free throw to cap off Asheville’s 56-55 victory and eventually send the team to its second straight NCAA Tournament bid. For Storey, and the senior class that exited following the loss, it was a bitter pill to swallow. It still is a game the players think of when they go into the locker room and see the schedule from last year’s tournament as a ■ See Storey, page 2B
Defeat by 1,000 cutbacks Arizona’s secon Myrtle Beach flexes offensive muscles, tops LDHS
Photo Courtesy Todd Drexler, HPU
LAST-SECOND MISERY — High Point women’s basketball player Camryn Brown goes up for the game-winning 3-point shot during the final seconds of High Point’s 62-60 victory over Presbyterian in the Big South quarterfinals Friday.
Presbyterian women check into heartbreak hotel By Nick Herman Sports Editor There’s a reason March is full of Madness in college basketball. Either victory or defeat can fall into a team’s lap with swiftness and a lack of empathy. Presbyterian’s women’s basketball team knows this too well. A year ago it had a potential victory snatched in the final seconds of its Big South Tournament semifinal against eventual champion UNC Asheville. On Friday, history repeated itself, but in an even crueler twist of fate. Camryn Brown put in a deep 3point shot over the outstretched reach of senior Cortney Storey, as time ran out, and sent Presbyterian
High Point with 2.3 seconds to go, inbounding on the sideline across from its bench. On the second attempt Emma Bockrath, last year’s Big South Player of the Year, inbounded to Brown, who forced a 3-pointer from about 28 feet away – and found nothing but the bottom of the net. The shot got off with threetenths of a second to spare and sent High Point to the semifinals against Liberty, where the Flames easily advanced to Sunday's final. “Camryn Brown made a great shot, and I told the team – the game gives and it takes as well," Steelman said. “This team is a team that has represented PC in the best way, and I am so proud of every player on our team.”
Having to deal all the South Carolina commit forwith 2020, controversy over a recent ESPN the Seahawks’ passing game report that its head coach, Sean moved the Miller, ball atwaswill against caught on an aFBI wiretapthat discussing potential Laurens defense could not do payment of recruit Deandre anything toAyton slow last it down. year caught all the “Their quarterback (Doty) and national headlines last month wide receiver a hecksudand (Grissett) nearly led toisMiller’s den exit. of a football player. They were comes the t It didn’t. Miller is still there, tournament throwing the football before theand Ayton is still playing, (N By Nick Herman wideouts even came of their of Virginia because of it out the University Cincinnati ( Arizona Wildcats basket- in the region break,” Laurens Head men’s Coach Sports Editor team has put itself among Both are ou Chris Linerball said. the top contenders for the units that w The Myrtle Beach Seahawks But it wasn’t just the Seahawks’ NCAA Tournament title as the nuts, but Ay are the exact opposite of what the pass attackprogram goesin for Laurens. its first since be too much that did 1997game - whenalso it was had a No. an 4 seed teams to sto Laurens Raiders are – a pass-ori- The ground the Southeast Region. the South ented team that doesn’t need the impact as in Jermani Green Arizona is a No. 4rushed seed again Wildcats w long ball to overpower its oppo- 15 times for 117 yards and three this year, back in the South Final Four is a Green far better nent, rather a steady diet of short touchdownsRegion of hisand own. ledteam since 2001. than the 1997 champions were.SUCCESS passes mixed with runs to wear a ground game Who sho that averaged 8.2 And, despite what would be a meet up w down the opposing defense. yards perdaunting carrylistagainst of potentialthe oppo-pile for a s Four? come their way, in tocomparison to the Final Laurens learned that lesson the Raiders, nents North Caro Wildcats have enoughaverto hoistplays and b rushing hard way Friday night in its home Laurens’ 1.6-yard the West. Th the championship trophy April defending opener at K.C. Hanna Stadium, age. 2 at the Alamodome in Sanseconds off Tar Heels After forcm ShamareAntonio. Dendy, who led the giving up 443 total yards of final before Ayton is a freakish athlete. Laurens’ fi in their victory offense on 51 plays as Myrtle Raiders in rushing of gas again He’s averaged 20.3 points andMyrtle therebounds week before, was for but theBeac rest Beach rolled to a 42-6 victory that over Clinton 11.5 per game nament op carries. Arizonaon as nine a freshman - in what65 yards on handed the Raiders their first loss held to 25 yards against Lip may turnranked out to beNo. his only Myrtle Beach, 4 insea-with of the season. Laurens is now 1-1. more anoth than son ofits college ball before turn-touchdown gotpro offense going Myrtle Beach quarterback Luke Class 4A, ing - and had four double- Carolina ha 16 yards Dotydoubles hit Grissett for five an 11Courtesy when PC Athletics Doty was very effectivePhoto against in his last games.ingTournament state1:49 sincele1 THEIR LAST GAME pass — Friday’s loss turned thetouchdown last The last games, againstwith yard on two the first series Laurens’ defense, going out 22-to be game at PC for both senior guard Cortney Storey and Head UCLA and USC in the semis eventual Fin the game, but the score capped ter. for-Steelman, 31 for the 279latter yards and three Coach Todd of whom resignedof Tuesday. and finals, respectively, of the Pennsylvani TheHeels two at that nearly was halted touchdowns. His favorite target, off a drive Pac-12 Tournament, saw Ayton Tar this weeken (227). Her 66 steals thisGrissett, season are also ond had half by PC’s defense. Shea it score befor 32 points time out.punts before started aseachJaylen Marcus a huge the most since the Division I tran- Morgan and Kennedy Currie made He added 14 rebounds against ter after win touchdown Sparkman fumbled the opening night as he was on the receiving er and S sition for the Blue Hose. up for Bockrath’s scoring, though, UCLA in overtime, then added runTexa th against kick and tackled on the hisTrojans own inyard Miles ended with Morgan getting points (8 was endwith ofnine allpoints threeontouchdowns and 16 18 boards against UNC driv sho 3 of 8 shooting from 3-point range.catches rebounds)forand128 Currie1-yard finishing line.Saturday’s But the Seahawks did- 80-yard conference final. recorded seven Her 66 3-pointers this season are with 10 points (10 boards). Michigan, t Arizona has in wonthe fiveway gamesBeach up 2 n’t edge let the yards get yards en season routeforto seven catches the fifth-most in a single High Point held a 43-26 in 99 in a row with the help the has not pla half. T the Blue Hose in Division I and her Behind rebounds Doty, for the game, heldfirst a Ayton, score as theycenter used 14 and 128 yards. a ofbutthe it wo senior Dusanthewhen 197 career 3-pointers are the second-most since 2007. Presbyterian has been one of the better 3-point shooting teams in the Big South this season, and Friday’s near-victory was a product of that shooting. PC went 12 of 33 from 3-
minimal 8-7 edge in secondchance points. Steelman resigns: PC Head Coach Todd Steelman announced his resignation as head coach of the Blue Hose Tuesday afternoon. Steelman went 25-36 in his two
Ristic, Rawle Atkins and The Wolve Alonzo Trier - all of whom are pick in som averaging double figures in West Regio scoring. The team that went 0-3 the champ in the Thanksgiving Battle 4 Wolverines Atlantis Tournament against that, expect seeded Xav Nick North Carolina State, SMU and By
PC o
Class A Girls 100 METER DASH Adrieanna McMullen, Great Falls, sixth Jada Fossett, Lewisville, seventh
School wasn’t much of a threat to jump ahead of the other two with no triWEDNESDAY, APRIL 18, 2018 • The News & Reporter • 7A ple jump qualifiers. Both Lewisville and Scott’s Branch had two qualifiers in the triple jump and each had a team running in the 4x400 meters relay. PHOTOS BY TRAVIS JENKINS/THE N&R Gaston said even though Jashawn Jason medaled in two jumping events for Lewisville. she didn’t know exactly team also enjoyed a sucwhere she needed to place, 8 • FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2018 • The News & Reporter cessful day, finishing in she decided to leave no seventh place overall in doubt. Class A. Jashawn Jason “I put it all on myself to medaled in a pair of events, bring it home,” she said. coming in second in the Gaston said she wanted triple jump and third in to win for her teammates, the high jump. but said she also wanted to The Great Falls girls do it for her late grandteam recorded an impresmother. sive seventh-place finish in “This feels amazing,” the girls Class A meet. she said. Anaya Canty, only a sophHelping to build onto omore, came in second in the lead was the perforthe shot put with a long mance in the same event of 33 feet and six by freshman Jayla Wade, Lewisville softball wins state, gives school record three titlesthrow in girls sports this year inches. In the 4x100 meter who placed fourth, giving BY TRAVIS JENKINS to left (only her relay, the team hit of single Jazmine Lewisville 15 total points. team’s third of the night) tjenkins@onlinechester.com Floyd, Tamyia Cloud,stole second Scott’s Branch’s athletes and promptly base. With one out, she All three of their runs Kiara Dunham and came in fifth and seventh, was able to get to third on were unearned, but their Adrieanna McMullen for 6 was points. a wild pitch. Chloe Thomas victory not. So, that onecame in second place, edgthen walked back-to-back The Lewisville point deficit softball became an batters, team put the wraps on aAt that ing out McCormick bya rarity just for a hurleight-point lead. er that had issued less banner year for athletics at over five-tenthsthan of 10 a secpoint, it would have taken free passes in the school, particularly more than 200 innings girl’s sports finish are con- in the ond. awhere first-place pitched coming into the cerned, with a 3-0 victory Chester’s boys team 4x400 relay by Scott’s Anaya Canty took a second place finish in the Class state finals. With the bases over East Clarendon enjoyed a turnaround loaded andseaone out, though, Wednesdaypaired to claimwith the a lastA girls shot put for Great Falls. Branch she got the next batter to Class A state title. It was son in 2018. After sending place finish by Lewisville pop one up harmlessly, the first softball crown in of athletes When Scott’s Branch Owings said it took a full only a handful then to deny the Lady Lions the struck out Driggers Lewisville history. swinging get out of the The game was aBranch stark past tofew title. Scott’s did was announced as the run- team effort for Lewisville to state over the jam. She mowed East contrast to Monday’s openyears, the team won a to bring the big trophy ner-up finisher, the win the event, but Clarendon’s batters down ing game of the state title order inand the seventh to series that sawcame three balls season Lewisville in second Lewisville team erupted home. He said his distance region title this in leave the yard and base th clinch the game and the overall in came in 16 runners came through in a into cheers, knowing they’d to clinch the title. Before it state title, touching off a runners in bunches in a earned massive on-field celebra9-7 Lewisville victory in won the school’s first-ever big way and the sprinters AAA. Qua Hardin was actually announced, tion in the process. extra innings. It was reada silver medal in the triple contributed as well. though Owings said he state crown. Both teams got base ily apparent early that firstintime Lewisville got a run- jump. It was therunners “We’re just so blessed wasn’t going toChloe celebrate. the first inning. both Lewisville’s East Clarendon’s Caitlin Thomas and East since Terrance Morris won ners-up finish last year and thankful,” Owings “I knew in my head we Timmons singled and Clarendon’s Marleigh in Reardon 2013 walked said. “I won a title as a despite taking only three the same event had had dialed it, but Abby Floyd were in andI didn’t with two outs, but the next wouldn’t be giving up that any Chester boys want to overdo it just in player but I’ve never won athletes to state. Owings batter popped one up on much of anything. That had said participation overall track and field athlete one as a coach before.” case we’d miscalculated the infield to end the meant any opportunity to medaled at the threat. state Chloe trackThomas got Though it came down to was up this year. push a run home something fromwould an earlier a free pass in the home have be to The Lewisville boys meet. the final two events, event,” hecaptilized said. on
SPORTS HEADLINE WRITING SportS OPEN DIVISION S portS Great Falls s iGninG D ay Three Times a Lady (Lion) 200 METER DASH Tamyia Cloud, Great Falls, fifth 400 METER DASH Jada Fossett, Lewisville, third
800 METER RUN Megan Flynn, Lewisville, second Ashley Flynn, Lewisville, fifth 1600 METER RUN Megan Flynn, Lewisville, first Ashley Flynn, Lewisville, fourth
3200 METER RUN Megan Flynn, Lewisville, first Ashley Flynn, Lewisville, second
The Genesis of a program
4X100 METER RELAY Jazmine Floyd, Tamyia Cloud, Kiara Dunham a nd Adrieanna McMullen, Great Falls, second 4X400 METER RELAY
Lauren King, Jada Fossett, Ken’Jerica Cloud Great Falls’ Camp signs with and Megan Flynn, Lewisville, second USC-Union 4X800 METER RELAY
Ashley Flynn, Jordan Ken’Jerica Cloud BY TRAVIS JENKINS with Fossett, newly-hired soccer coach Ashley Jackson. tjenkins@onlinechester.com and Lauren King, Lewisville, fourth With Jackson not having HIGHon-board JUMP full-time Genesis Camp says sev- come is a bit eral people laughed atTamyia her until Cloud,February, Great Falls,she sixth when she told them she’d behind in terms of recruitandJUMP needs players. She accepted an offer to play ingLONG focusedLewisville, less on Camp’s soccer at USC-Union. Alaysia She Gaston, third socactually understood that cer inexperience and more onTRIPLE her JUMP background as a reaction. the Great “I do love to watch Alaysia soc- runner Gaston, on Lewisville, firstFalls cer, but I’ve never actually track team. Jayla Wade, Lewisville, fourth “She’s an athlete,” played it before,” she said. said. “So I know At Great Falls High, Jackson SHOT PUT playing soccer isn’t an she’s very coachable. I’m Great Falls, hoping that shesecond can be a option for Camp or Anaya any Canty, half of the first but ended and the Lady Lions did student since the school diamond up stranded. just that in the fifth inning. DISCUSin the rough. Lewisville almost got With one out and with PHOTOS BY TRAVIS JENKINS/THE N&R hasn’t fielded a boys or With her background in the break it needed in the Lewisville having man- Lewisville’s team celebrates after winning the Class A state championship on Wednesday. Taylor Strong, Lewisville, fifth girls squad in more than track I’m hoping she can third inning. Wood led off aged only one infield single the frame by drawing a all night, left fielder Paige 12 years. She could have be a wing or a midfielder.” walk. With one out, Odum Williamson stepped to the Camp was already pretchosen to play on the hit a slow roller no one plate and promptly slapped could reach for an infield a single, bringing up BY TRAVIS JENKINS/THE N&R Lewisville High team, but ty well sold on attending single. That brought third Ashley Wood. She made METER DASH Camp USC-Union for her first Genesisgood said the driving back-and- 100 baseman Amber Bass to contact and but hitKoby a two- Ruff took part in Great Falls’ signing day ceremony Friday. the plate hopper Lady BYstraight TRAVIStoJENKINS two college years. She said forth would have made walk off the track withwho no absolutely Kamari Davis, Lewisville, eighth smoked a shot that looked Wolverines shortstop that difficult. So she’s she liked the compact layvisible difficulties. tjenkins@onlinechester.com to be headed for the gap. Gracen Watts that looked WattsAshley made a terrific lungtailor-made for a force out out METER of the DASH campus and the channeled her efforts in 400 Megan and grab, however, then at second. Instead, East both run a lot,ing obviously, Ashleysecond Flynn smallerLewisville, student body, the spring into trackTravon and Sherred, fourth threw back to second to Clarendon base- had a double offand Wood for the man Olivia Singletary’s in meets, in practice good showing at the state field instead. Camp, who is which reminded her of third out ofwas the inning. foot came off the bag. BY TRAVIS JENKINS on their own. Megan track meet on Saturday, narrow win. Being a com- Lion Evan Sisk. He has Roberts said that being Great Falls.RELAY also a cheerleader for the 4X100 METER East Clarendon’s only Williamson was safe at one ofthrowing the state’s most with exception. other real shot at denting second one and Wood stood at petitor and wanting his developed into one of the a lefty and in the tjenkins@onlinechester.com “It seems like everybody Red Devils, has always Daryl Grafton, Kamari Davis, Travon Sherred the scoreboard first.“It’s Lauren Crocker cross countrycame in the hard towas keepteam up to win, the outcome top pitchers for the 80s decorated would have gotten exhibited natural athletic knows everybody. It’s a fourth. As Reardon led off, up next and had a sharply and Jonathan Hyatt, Lewisville, sixth thethefor fall she said of obviously stung a bit, but Cougars program. Ruff runners a chance in to play aand Greatwith Ruff storm clouds that had hitFalls’ ballMegan,” to Koby third baseman ability, having picked up good place to acclimate threatened Kinsley Driggers that was named the Region her sister. Ruff was able to keep “Just seeing his success lot of college programs. He to postpone the loves baseball, partly myself to college life before golf as a seven-year-old. 4X800 game altogether finally again looked like a routine METER RELAY II-A track Athlete of Of course, almost no things in perspective. there has really helped expects him to be star he considers it the Even as a kid at the youth I go to a bigger campus,” because out. openedfor up.the As heavy rain Her throw to first Bobbylevel, Cabbagestalk, Anthony Walls, Eric Kingultimateone Year. Both say allthethat else could The“That was one of my me,” he said. pelted field, she lifted a sailed high,game though,either. and Lancaster. team and she said. or recreational high shot to left field that made it all the way to the Flynn running prepares them performance the and Brian Sexton, Lewisville, sixthhad partly because most memorable starts, Friday was basically Ruff had some options it teaches On top of that, she though, she has never Williamson seemed to lose fence. Williamson rounded daysto like offered up though we lost. the culmination of a life- and for inSaturday. the downpour. The ball third scoredfail, easilybut and even talked coaches atfor a double youandcan a scholarship offer she had you thatsisters competed in soccer. and Wood just beat a throw Valley BY TRAVIS JENKINS/THE N&R Surprisingly, dropped both also Saturday atHe Spring Lewisville went on to Bass win makes time dream. has been various schools butafter liked saysa Lewisville ideaJUMP she’d be receiving, still be successful. USC-Union is now field- noHIGH a brief stoppage of home to give Lewisville third-baseman Amber a diving catchRuff of a pop-up. Sisters Ashley and Megan Flynn pose with the state build their endurance by High School would be play, she was sacrificed to 2-0 lead. Jason,made Lewisville, third to he is proof“Just state, which made it even playing the sport almost the idea of pitching and of that. her decision ing a soccer team andJashawn the which third. With before under that playany cirThe Lewisville rally get everything The pursuing defending state championship trophy. they could never slowed down either an activity that one out, impressive more is Clarendon’s literally since he was playingLady a position thehit one to left, but Ruff has obviously had didn’t fledgling program will play commit easy. Driggers happened, (assistant) stopspecial…baseball there. Alexis out of East as she rounded firstold and champion Wolverines and is as far away from heat cumstances. Megan (a LONG JUMP Coach (Douglas) Crocker in only two mis- to second and it to didn’t relinquish their a hard-charging Williamthe drove only game where youdefensive enough picksaid upmade a ball fact that USC-Lancaster than Josey fail- Odum Camp, who is undecid- more successes its first game in August. After a fairly Owings hedone told pounding junior) came firstwith and not only made a nice said ‘it’s going to bein a one a sacrifice groundout takes long of the and night. The third. Had she not so, his crown and easily sneakers and they son seventh fail seven of and bat. has apavement new coach new diamond, since ed on aLewisville, major but wants to ures on the Camp will be on theJashawn field Jason, catch, she fired the ball or two run game.’ When tocan make it 3-0. Lady Lionsout runners were both off swing and shea wouldn’t have scored nearly answered Lewiscold winter (by10 South athletes to prepare for the asand is imaginAshley (an eighth-grader) so quickly, that weFriday scored those two runs I Coach Jerry Thomas said moving the instant since playing the inning ended one ville’s big inning. In the top homeHe times and be a hall of fame “I started when program direction. to play at for the Bantams when that go into the medical field, he signed Carolina andcontact conditions in advance. able. fourth in it. theWe’ve 16000 said ‘That’s got meter his team’s aggressive basestandards) Crocker’s bat made batter after Odum’s of the sixth, Elly Floyd led TRIPLE JUMP hitter,” he said. I Crocker was “Igroundout three orher four. likes the to Heplaced says, second day comes playing her first said she is looking forward USC-Lancaster. it,’” Chloe Thomas said. See LIONS, Page 9 running allowed them to with the ball. got home. off the frame withproximity a wellan unseasonably cool stressed to them “Swimming,” Megan run. They Having been so domiEverybody has always home and the smaller that fifth it was a loss being a part of a team, though, and game too, doing so Jashawn as a to Jason, Lewisville, second respectively in spring, the temperature about getting proper rest, said. “We do it every day nant against a team thatto said always had a ball campus and student body thatmeters showed scholarship athlete. On making friendships she last season suddenly spiked 96 I’ve hydrating and eating in the summer.” the 800 and first DISCUSlast THROW proveddegrees to be on theSaturday. state’s So, in myright. hand,”We’ve he said. size, which saidfield make had second the potential a lifetime and him he and Friday, she became the hopes trained hard Trackheand is an in the 3200 some suc-wouldThat won’the said. change for anunusual easy transition the college level. best, along being a solid building block to play at second signee for theJaylen LadyMcFadden, Lewisville, eighth the with competition all year,” sport from in that meter run. Additionally, workplace at in camps when he Surprisingly, goes off to college. a small high school. USCEarlyMegan last season, Bantams’ inaugural class, on which the Bantams protemperaMegan members of the same ran oneRuff leg forcessful the take showedtures Ruffno where he really Ruff is taken the pri- high Lancaster coaches sawcomagainst getting the opportunity gram can be built. If she took the one had saidbeing she found team often end up 4x400hill meter relay team if he continas a pitcher but will complenty to likehead-to-head in him too. GreatinFalls’ based primarily on poten- can meld her natural ath- Lewisvillle, hadup a chance to trainmarily in temperatures and peting in that came second could and end ued working hard. some schedule first base. to be “They my mindset. rival.aAfter skillHURDLES to the nuances of in-county tial. and prep for.Oddly, On topalso of play pressed somelike events. Both were Ashley leg offive the 4x800 400letic METER least of one intoThat his was When I’m outtothere, I don’t to surprisingly, thethatLewisville, theatthreat evening“That “notfactored that bad.” Camp visited the USC- soccer quickly enough, she innings,meter proud contribute relay team fin- that,or Qua Hardin, fourth a quick flip apparent from said watching recent forced graduates, decision big time,” just Lewisville want to compete, notfourth only ledinthe winningI an ished ClassofA.its storms wouldChester, like to continue Red Devils Union campus recently to aa “rolling schedule” on the track.Ben As she state Combined, has played role in shapGreather Falls Coach wantoverall to establish myself.title Ruff had they a no- logged with her family. She was playing the sport at the Lions, but HIGH JUMP BY TRAVIS JENKINS 2 to be exact, as the four-word Thea conditions went that meant less rest phrase in- that lapped in the almost eightamiles theanother ing of Ruff’s deciRoberts. “He willrunner have an TheySaturday, like that but I’mboth level-were against very inOctober actually sitting in the stu- University of South hitter going the end of her volleyball became a social media from drought to flood prettjenkins@onlinechester.com Qua Hardin, Chester, second between runs. A for number 1600 and the rest headed of alsoand focused on ratbeating course ofLewisville just a few hours. sions. After his two years opportunity tobeat on don’t get regular season was hashtag Lewisville fans ty quickly. Toplay those paying Carolina. If she ends up on potent line-up. dent union when Dean approaching the play- were and athletes, Bassto said she attention, there 90 Amber Bass couldn’t ofand athletes unable the field by though, more than one another when the consistently excel in the T.J. Hollis, Chester, fourth with Lancers, he’d like fields he’s played on before tled easy,” he said. to plate a couple an SEC soccer roster, it was ableTo John Catalano (who knows offs loomed, Bass made an was actually very proud to were some early indicabelieve what she started. finish events or required seconds in the 3200, she starter’s pistol was fired. that many distance races to gocomment to durCollege of counterparts and have tions a chance to stand Even during momenin the Camp’s family) recom- will be Camp who has the of unearned see her male that the 2017-’18 As runs she and her off-handed an interview about competing for titles basschool year would likely be Lewisville softball teammedical attention because would pause briefly when “I’m not going to let her is difficult, but there was TRIPLE JUMP like former outinhis freshman year.” tary failures. sixth inning to stopped pull out a ingCharleston laugh. mended that she go speak last mates by how she wanted this to be ketball and football and a good one for those wearof the oppressive heat. crossing the finish line to beat me. I’m older than an added degree of diffiT.J. Hollis, Chester, eighth Lewisville Elementary “the year of the girl” at winning one in baseball ing Lady Lions uniforms. Matthew catch her team breath, her,” Megan said. culty play Saturday. Lewisville. Lewisville She had no Coach recently, but she was also The softball had beenthen School forin a brief pep rally
A running feud
Class A Boys
Successes, failures pave the way for Ruff
AAA Boys
before beginning their long ride to Turbeville for the opening game of the Class A state softball series, the junior third baseman couldn’t help but smile. Everywhere she looked
idea at the time that she had coined a theme, a catchphrase and a mindset that would take hold to such a degree and be the common thread that ran through three title-win-
ready for girl’s sports to shine. It had been a while, with 16 years having passed since the school had hung a title banner for a girl’s sport (competitive cheer in 2001). Bass felt
built into an annual contender by Coach Jerry Thomas and his staff, with the program making five straight trips to the upperstate championship bracket. Last season, Lewisville
JV call-ups play well, but Cycs fall to Wildcats
FIRST PLACE Travis Jenkins The News & Reporter
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North Augusta 2018
OUTLOOK: PROGRESS!
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Hurricane Florence spares coastal areas SEE A9
VOL. 25 NO. 38
SEPTEMBER 21, 2018
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Floodwater closes key bridges, threatens to isolate Horry, B1
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RIVERTOWN REELING
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A boat filled with memories is gently slid from the front porch of Les Whitley's home off Sherwood Drive in Conway on Tuesday. “It’s hard. This is home. We talked about it, and we’ve accepted this is it. We know it’s flooding, will be flooded, and it’s hard to say goodbye,” he said holding a piece of china he pulled from a cabinet tucked along the wall. “It’s home, our family home. This is hard.” He said his wife Barbara wasn’t able to help pack up the house with he and daughter Heather because it was too emotional. Three men from a faith and fitness group, F3, volunteered to help the Whitleys in the packing. The men are, from left, Jonathan Harris, Chris King and David Turner. Heather Whitley said the ripped screen on the front porch was damaged in Hurricane Florence.
WHICH ROADS ARE CLOSED?
Officials project historic flood will impact hundreds of Conway homes and businesses BY CHARLES D. PERRY AND CHRISTIAN BOSCHULT INFO@MYHORRYNEWS.COM he flood from Hurricane Florence’s North Carolina downpour will reach Horry County in the coming days, forcing more water into the already swollen Waccamaw River and likely invading hundreds of homes and businesses that have until now been dry. Conway officials project 944 homes and businesses that did not flood after Hurricane Matthew in 2016 will not escape the rising river this time. That doesn’t include the 427 Conway homes that did see water following that storm. The Waccamaw is expected to surpass Matthew’s record flood by at least two feet. “I’m getting ready to lose every damn thing I’ve got,” said Jess White, a 42-year-old fishing apparel maker who frantically cleaned out his Busbee Street house this week. “I don’t know where to start. I’m lost.” White’s grandfather built the house and his
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mother left it to him when she died four years ago. The home didn’t flood after Matthew, but when the area was subjected to three days of Florence’s relentless rains, water from Crabtree Canal came up to the back door. White had to choose among his possessions. What couldn’t he afford to replace? What couldn’t be replaced at all? He walked past boxes of duck decoys and deer heads. He packed up his fishing poles, stopping briefly to kill a snake that was seeking shelter in the house. A man who understands the river, White expects the water to retreat for a little while, but when the surge from Florence’s North Carolina load makes its way downstream, his home will likely be inundated. “This is where I grew up,” he said. “And it’s all going to be taken.” FLORENCE, A5
A FLOOD IN NUMBERS 944 Conway homes and businesses that did not flood in 2016 but are expected to now
19.9 Projected crest (in feet) of the Waccamaw River
17.9 Actual crest (in feet) of the Waccamaw River in 2016
128 Assisted evacuations and water rescues by Horry County and Conway officials
3,080 National guardsmen assigned to help with Hurricane Florence in the Pee Dee
30,000 S.C. people impacted by Florence’s flood
PHOTOS BY MATT BISE/JOURNAL SCENE
ease see HOMELESS, A8
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Extra! Extra! Student project comes to life
Y JENNA-LEY HARRISON arrison@journalscene.com
One local nonprofit is inviting mmunity members to forgo their mfortable beds and spend at least e night next month sleeping in an conventional place. The experience is meant to open e public’s eyes to the issue of homesness in our area. That really causes you to stop and nk,” said Pam Christ, board memr with Dorchester County Comunity Outreach. Throughout the month of March e organization, which oversees mmerville’s men’s homeless shelHome of Hope and is currently sing money to start a women’s elter called Hope’s House, is concting the initiative “Sleep Out 4 elter: A Night of Hope for the omeless” (SO4S). Christ said it’s a new effort for DCO but is one other communities ve hosted throughout the nation raise awareness about homelessss and encourage the more privied populations to walk in anoths shoes. Christ said she’s considering joing in on the initiative herself to see hat would it be like if I didn’t have ed...if I didn’t have a choice” and hinking about sleeping in her car th her grandchildren. Christ strongly suggests participan from families and youth-related oups—churches, students and out troops—“to help...children to nk about those less fortunate.” To get involved, pick a night and gister a group, or individual, with CCO online. Registration will include an inforational packet and suggestions for e event. Nonprofit officials are asking that
the safety and security coordinator for the Berkeley County School District. “There’s a lot of people, even cops, who have never experienced gunfire inside of a building before, much less a teacher. It is sad that we have to have this kind of training but it is necessary,” he said. While the drill has been planned for a while, just two days before the training 17 people were killed by a gunman with an assault rifle at a high school in Parkland, Florida. “They [teachers] get kind of complacent with the everyday routine, like we all do
NEWS SECTION OR SPECIAL EDITION
fety and Security Coordinator Tim Knight talks with teachers out what is being heard and how to react as blank gun rounds e fired in the hallway.
Community urged to sleep ike homeless
It’s a muffled “pop” that reverberates off tile and brick and quickly goes silent. In the right context, it is a chilling sound—gunfire in a school hallway. Along with a smoky haze and the unmistakable smell of gunpowder, the sound is meant to train the senses, because most times, it is identical to what is heard at the start of a deadly school shooting. Teachers and administrators huddled into a classroom at Cane Bay Elementary on Friday to hear gunshots from different firearms at various distances inside the school. A Berkeley County Deputy ejects a blank round after firTears welled up in some eyes as the “pop” ing a 12-gauge shotgun durof blank rounds from a .22-caliber, .38-caling the gunfire training drill iber pistol, .223-caliber assault rifle and a Friday at Cane Bay Elementary. 12-gauge shotgun were fired in an open
BY LESLIE CANTU lcantu@journalscene.com
DAVID KENNARD/JOURNAL SCENE
After weeks of hard work — securing interviews, drafting and redrafting articles, seeking just the right angle for a photo, sweating the details of an ad — the staff of the 2018 Turtle Times practically quivered in anticipation, noses pressed against the floor-to-ceiling glass of a breakroom on the first floor of The Post and Courier building, waiting for the presses to start up. With a word from pressroom manager Sid Stover, the presses fired up and paper after paper after paper whirred by, each bearing the smiling face of Jasonie Hickman showing off her press badge. A few minutes later, Stover returned to the breakroom and distributed fresh copies of the Turtle Times to the students of Joy Derrick’s fifth-grade class — who soon Please see STUDENTS, A5
The 2018 Turtle Times staff
LESLIE CANTU/JOURNAL SCENE
Pressroom manager Sid Stover holds up a copy of The Turtle Times for students to see.
LESLIE CANTU/JOURNAL SCENE
Students admire their work hot off the press.
Plant officials to disclose air monitoring results
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SECOND PLACE Bill Johns and Stephanie Sox S.C. Farm Bureau Federation South Carolina
FARMER
‘BUILDING BRIDGES’ S.C. BAPTISTS SET TO GATHER IN CHARLESTON Pastors Marshall Blalock and Anthony Thompson
NOVEMBER 2O18
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n Church Revitalization: Back from the Brink n After Hurricane Florence, the Rebuilding Begins
The Magazine of the South Carolina Farm Bureau Federation Summer 2018
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Ryan Wilcox, Jane James and Licia Jackson SCBIZ Magazine
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Beaches 2018 Edition
Friday, November 9, 2018
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About this issue: For our annual Beaches edition, the Coastal Observer staff assembles a selection of its reporting on subjects of interest to beach-goers. That includes ongoing activities and places to visit, along with some background about the area known as the Waccamaw Neck. Find more at coastalobserver.com and on Facebook.
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Food Shrimp and grits: A meal that tastes like summer. PAGE 38 Photo: Neil Fico paddles toward the rising sun for a day of surfing at the north end of Pawleys Island. Tanya Ackerman/Coastal Observer
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COVERING BEAUFORT COUNTY
Superintendent's resignation leaves school board with work to do By Justin Jarrett
One of the biggest points of contention among a divided Beaufort County Board of Education has been removed from the equation. Now it’s time for board members to work on their deeper issues. The Board of Education accepted Superintendent Jeff Moss’s resignation Tuesday, May 15, effectively ending a tenure marked by numerous successes but marred by controversy. Moss’s last day with the district will be July 31, at which time he will be paid an amount equal to his 2017-18 salary of $220,000, plus other benefits including his contractually earned annuity of $44,000 and payments for benefits and unused leave days.
Beaufort County Superintendent Dr. Jeff Moss, seen here meeting with the student advisory council at Bluffton High School, tendered his resignation Wednesday, May 16. His last day with the district will be July 31. Moss’s tenure was marked by positive growth in the district but also marred by controversy.
“This was a necessary step for the district to move forward, and I’ve
said that for years,” board District 2 representative David Striebinger
said. “It’s not the only step we need to take, but it’s a necessary step. This is our first step. Now we need to follow through. The board has to change the way it acts. We don’t have Dr. Moss now to hold up as the problem. Now we have to come to grips with the fact that we’re the problem.” If the board’s first meeting following the announcement is any indication, that might not happen right away. District 4 representative Joseph Dunkle, a member of the board’s so-called “minority bloc” that has long opposed Moss and sparred with the board’s officers, left the board’s special meeting Thursday and posted a live video to Facebook complaining
We have a total of 23 teachers, aids, and social workers. All have been trained on what to do and when to do it.” —Ann M. Feltner, principal at St. Peter’s Catholic School
that the officers had taken it upon themselves to determine the procedure for selecting an interim superintendent without consulting the board at large. “It’s still two-thirds of the officers that we tried to remove a few months ago that I feel are failing at their leadership, and clearly they’re demonstrating that again,” Dunkle said in the video filmed from his car. “The officers run the show. The officers make the decisions. The officers set the agenda. … I feel like I have no say … So many times I walk into these board meetings and feel like it’s game, set, match.” Although Striebinger is also part SEE BOARD, PAGE A6
BHS student earns lofty scholarship It’s not quite a one-in-a-million opportunity, but Beaufort High School senior Chris Hoogenboom can claim an honor that only a tiny
SECOND PLACE Shellie Murdaugh Jasper County Sun Times
All-Stars compete 7-8 team plays at the state level
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The Clinton Chronicle Vol.118, No. 27 • 20 Pages
Wednesday, July 4, 2018
www.MyClintonNews.com
Spotlight
Clinton, S.C. • 75 Cents
Boy’s body is found, beaten to death and abused ‘No place in our society’ Editor’s note: This article contains information that could be upsetting to some readers.
By Vic MacDonald Editor
For the Survivors. Laurens County Sheriff Don Reynolds looks at toys collected for the surviving brothers of 2-year-old Brantley Smith, found beaten to death at a residence near Clinton Saturday morning. "What must have gone through (Brantley's) mind. He suffered a terrible death," Reynolds said Sunday evening at a prayer vigil where the toys were collected. Two people have been arrested and charged in the boy's death. More prayer vigil photos Inside and at MyClintonNews.com. Photo by Vic MacDonald
Slain boy now in ‘place of love’ By Vic MacDonald Editor Dozens of Laurens County residents attended a Sunday evening vigil for a 2-year-old beaten to death allegedly by his
Two dogs guarded his lifeless body. Two people, in jail, are charged with crimes. Two boys will forever cope with knowing what happened to their brother in a horror house south of Clinton. Dozens came to the Sheriff’s Office with the same thought, shouted after a candlelight vigil, “Justice for Brantley, No Plea Deal.” The brief life of Brantley Smith has people in Laurens County wondering, Did we do enough? Could this not have been prevented? Anti-violence activist Jack Logan said, “This is a test for all of us.” "Fly high baby boy daddy will always love you," the child's father posted on Facebook. Brantley, age 2, was found by officers at 2:23 a.m. Saturday, dead in a residence at 176 Country Lane, a street south of Clinton off Sunset Drive. He had been beaten, there was evidence of sexual abuse, and his 6 1/2 - and 8-year-old brothers were taken from the home. Their mother, Jessica Blake Smith, was arrested, charged and held without bond for the crime of homicide by child abuse. Her boyfriend, William Ryan Looper, was arrested, charged and held without bond for the crimes of murder and criminal sexual conduct with a minor in the first degree. A report said he al-
William Ryan Lopper and Jessica Blake Smith are charged in the death of 2-year-old Brantley Smith. legedly used a sex toy. Both are charged with two counts of unlawful conduct toward a child. Laurens County Sheriff Don Reynolds announced the charges Saturday, and he said, "These animals, who are possessed with pure evil, have no place in our society. There is no rehabilitation for people this evil. I'm sure God has a place for these broken individuals, as he does for these precious children." "Unfortunately, I have had to work many homicide cases over the years, some of which involved children, however, this by far is the worst thing I've ever seen. This incident brought tears to the eyes of our investigators and what these individuals did to this child is unimaginable," Captain Robert Wilkie said. A vigil was held for the victim, 2-year-old
Child’s death, 7A
Second alleged murder in two days, woman is fatally shot in Fountain Inn By Vic MacDonald Editor Anti-gun violence activist Jack Logan got the distressing news as he arrived in Laurens to remember a little boy allegedly beaten to death. A woman was shot to death at a Fountain Inn residence earlier on Sunday, July 1, following the homicide that took the boy’s life on Saturday, June 30.
rens County had its second homicide in two days. A report said Garcia allegedly shot Garca in the face with a handgun. Officers found her dead in a camper, and Garcia has fled the scene. He later was taken into custody without incident. Sunday night, Garcia was held at the Johnson Detention Center pending a bond hearing. Logan said he originally planned to spend Sunday handing out gun locks in Chester, but
FIRST PLACE Vic MacDonald The Clinton Chronicle
BREAKING NEWS REPORTING Pop up your own winter wonderland
FOOD & FUN, 9
Bruins’ Hinkle signs with Chants SPORTS, 6
2-3 TIMES WEEKLY DIVISION
News Lancaster THIRD PLACE The
Lancaster County’s triweekly newspaper
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2017
www.thelancasternews.com
75 CENTS
McMaster declares opioid emergency
Hannah Strong The Lancaster News
SECOND PLACE
Kayla Vaughn and Mark Manicone The Lancaster News Lady Warriors gear up for battle
Restricts prescriptions issued under Medicaid and the State Health Plan Reece Murphy
rmurphy @thelancasternews.com
McMaster
Gov. Henry McMaster on Monday declared the opioid epidemic a state emergency, ordered limits on opioid prescriptions for Medicaid recipients and participants
in the State Health Plan, and pushed legislation restricting sales more broadly. The governor’s action follows a huge spike in opioidoverdose deaths across the state, and comes two weeks after President Trump declared a public health emergency nationwide.
Police, SLED investigating toddler’s death
Lancaster County has recorded 25 opioid-related deaths this year, a fivefold increase over last year. McMaster made the announcement during a press conference at the S.C. Emergency Operations Center, saying S.C. opioid deaths increased 21 percent be-
tween 2014 and 2016. He said the 616 opioid fatalities last year “far outpaced” the state’s 366 murders and 331 fatal DUI accidents. McMaster compared the epidemic to the destruction brought by hurricanes. “There’s been deaths involved… and it’s disrupted
our growth and happiness and security,” McMaster said. “But taking all those things into consideration, according to the statistics, there’s a silent hurricane going on in our state, and it’s getting worse, and it hits us every year.” See OPIOIDS I Page 2
Lancaster News Lancaster County’s triweekly newspaper
FRIDAY, MAY 11, 2018
www.thelancasternews.com
75 CENTS
Manhunt for killer in Kershaw 2 shot in moving car, but 4-year-old boy with them escapes unhurt
Hannah L. Strong
Dating-site hookup,
The
Wreaths Across America
hstrong@thelancasternews.com
Law enforcement and the Lancaster County Coroner’s Office are investigating the case of a 3-year-old girl who died at home Monday. The child’s name has not been released. The Lancaster Police Department responded to 418 Heath Circle east of downtown just after noon Monday due to an unresponsive and unconscious child, according to a police department release. The child, the release said, was lying on the living room floor with no pulse. The release did not say who else was in the house. The 3-year-old was taken to Springs Memorial Hospital’s emergency room by police vehicle, with police and fire personnel administering CPR, according to the release. Deputy coroners were called to the hospital about 1:30 p.m. Monday in reference to the death, according to a release from the coroner’s office. Neighbor Mindy Myers said the child’s stepmother came to Myers’ house “frantic” asking for help. “She was looking for anybody to help and her phone wasn’t working,” Myers said, noting that the day was “slow-motion hell.” Myers said the child was “a lovely little 3-yearold girl with a beautiful smile.” She said the girl just turned 3 on Dec. 2. Lancaster Police Chief Scott Grant said the Lancaster Child Fatality Task Force continues to investigate the accident. The case is also being investigated by the S.C. Law Enforcement Division. An autopsy was scheduled for Tuesday.
SPORTS, 5
Kayla Vaughn and Mark Manicone The Lancaster News
Two people were shot, one fatally, while riding in a car just north of Kershaw early Thursday afternoon, causing the lockdown of two nearby schools as deputies conducted
photos by TIM DEATON/For The Lancaster News
Volunteers honored military service members Saturday at Kershaw City Cemetery by laying wreaths on graves for the Wreaths Across America ceremony. More than a million wreaths were laid out across the country during the annual commemoration, including more than 500 in Kershaw. Above, veterans salute the flags of the military divisions and the POW-MIAs during the playing of Taps. At left, Wanda Gardner lays a wreath on the grave of a veteran. Below, the Rev. W.C. Wallace watches the ceremony. A World War II veteran, he saw combat in the Army’s 86th Division, nicknamed the Black Hawks.
a manhunt for the shooter. “Right now, I just don’t want to guess at what happened,” said Lancaster County Sheriff Barry Faile, still supervising the search at press time. “We’re processing everything, trying to piece it all together.” Deputies responded to Pine Ridge Drive off Fork Hill Road
just after 1 p.m., according to a sheriff’s statement. They found three people in a 2008 Nissan Altima stopped in the roadway. The female driver and a male passenger both had gunshot wounds, the statement said. A 4-year-old boy in the car was not hurt. The woman was taken by
Lancaster County EMS to a hospital for treatment. Her condition was unknown at press time. The man died at the scene, said Lancaster County Coroner Karla Deese. The child was placed in the care of relatives. The victims’ names were not immediately released.
Kershaw has aura of Elvis
“It’s always very sad when you work any death,” Deese said. “It’s even sadder that someone else is injured, but every now and then you find the silver lining to the cloud. A child that was also involved came out completely unscathed.” See MANHUNT I Page 2
Rep. Norrell making leap to statewide political race
s&RepoRTeR BREAKING NEWS REPORTING
C ounty ’ s h ometown n ewspaper sinCe 1869 WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14, 2018
a wildlife officer
75 Cents
City hires Guy Jackson as administrator… BY TRAVIS JENKINS tjenkins@onlinechester.com
BY BRIAN GARNER/THE N&R
att Owen was invited to share a few words at the Ministries annual Sportsman’s Banquet recently. being on the
ce officer before NR and he said s of kids who h the benefit of mes they were ng things they en doing,” he
opic to enforcethe room of re our eyes and all the time I my job without community. unting and fishhere is a 1-800 k of that license. ion, please for-
ward that information along,” he urged. “We are two officers for the county, and we really count on the assistance of you helping us out in whatever it may be,” he said. He urged the hunters and fishermen, “Be safe, whether you’re out here hunting, fishing or boating. I’m on the dive team, and when they call me, it’s not for a rescue (but for a recovery). Make sure, especially if you have your kids on the boat, or are around water, that you’re being safe. Teach children the safe way to handle firearms,” he said. “Hope you are safe, and I look forward to meeting you out in the field, hopefully, on good terms,” he said.
The 11-month search for a new Chester City administrator may be coming to an end. On Monday, Chester City Council voted to offer the position to Stephanie Guy Jackson, a Chester County resident who currently works as the assistant principal at Hunter Huss High School in Gaston County, North Carolina. Before that vote, though, Councilwoman Susan Kovas actually put forward another name, that being Daniel Wells. “Without somebody like that that can hit the ground
running, there’s really no point in making the hire,” she said. Wells graduated from Emporia State University in Kansas with a Bachelors of Science in recreation administration. He was a director of parks and recreation in Perryville, Missouri and Junction City, Kansas for 12 years before moving to South Carolina in 2001 to become executive director of the Irmo/Chapin Recreation District. He was town manager of Kingstree, South Carolina (where he worked with current Chester Police Chief Eric Williams) from 2009 until See JACKSON, Page 6-A
…Or did it?
BY TRAVIS JENKINS tjenkins@onlinechester.com
Stephanie Guy Jackson has received a conditional offer of employment to become the next city administrator of Chester, but there is a question about whether Chester City Council actually voted to offer her the job, and procedural missteps appear to have been made in the process that could leave the vote open to a challenge. The vote to fill the long-
vacant city administrator post took place at Monday’s meeting of Chester City Council. Councilwoman Susan Kovas made a motion to offer the job to Daniel Wells, a former town manager in Kingstree who was named as one of three finalists for the position. That motion was seconded, but then Councilman William King moved that Jackson be hired for the job. That too See CITY, Page 6-A
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SECOND PLACE THIRD PLACE Vaughn Travis NJenkins ews&RepoRTeR KaylaThe Due to storm damage, The N&R’s office on York Street is temporarily closed . A secure drop box is located at the front door for your convenience . To place a paid advertisement, call 803-416-8411 . For newspaper delivery, call 803-283-1145 . For news, call 803-385-3178, ext . 26 . We apologize for the inconvenience and will reopen as soon as repairs are complete .
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Lancaster Lancaster County’s triweekly newspaper
The News & Reporter
C hester C ounty ’ s h ometown n ewspaper sinCe 1869
Issue 89, 1 Section, 14 Pages
Emails hint at issues related to Bain lawsuit District provides N&R with documents at no charge after initial $2,000 bill BY TRAVIS JENKINS tjenkins@onlinechester.com
A review of a month’s worth of emails by members of the Chester County School Board gives some limited insight into the conspiracy to defame lawsuit against Board Chair Denise Lawson filed by Superintendent Dr. Angela Bain. The emails were obtained by the newspaper through a FOIA request that was filed
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2018
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shortly after Bain filed her lawsuit in July. Initially, the district told The News & Reporter that it would incur a cost of nearly $2,000 to obtain the emails, but after a meeting with the newspaper’s editorial staff, Bain agreed to waive the fee. The only issue specifically mentioned in the lawsuit BY BRIAN GARNER/THE N&R (that was filed against Lawson and attorney Ken A poll worker at Chester Ward 2 located at the Chester County Library, helps set up a voting machine for a Childs) that turns up in the Tuesday afternoon voter. No major problems were reported and turnout was heavy at many polling places. The results of Tuesday’s midterm elections will be completed after The N&R has gone to press. Check See LAWSUIT, Page 2 OnlineChester.com for the election results and see the full story and results in Friday’s N&R.
www.thelancasternews.com
Paramedics find toddler, unconscious father, drugs within reach
SUNDAY, JULY 1, 2018
Way behind
Kayla Vaughn kvaughn@thelancasternews.com
This is a story about an EMS crew, an unconscious dad, an open bag of white powder and a precocious 3-year-old dialing 911. It’s midday Saturday, June 9. Sirens scream at passing cars as paramedics make their way to Barker Lane, off S.C. 200 just south of Airport Crossroads. Most of the cars ahead of the ambulance don’t pull over as it approaches, slowing the trip. It’s a routine call, a diabetic with low blood sugar. Two vehicles respond, one with three paramedics and the other with a supervisor and a reporter invited to ride along for a shift. The supervisor snaps on blue latex gloves as she strides across the front porch. It’s quiet inside except for soft country music from a TV music channel. Through the living room and dining room, they enter a bedroom where a man lies unconscious
Contractor shortage, ra blamed for VW school Mark Manicone mmanicone@thelancasternews.com
Van Wyck Elementary School, which was originally supposed to be finished by June 8, won’t be ready for building inspections until at least Aug. 2, and school officials are worried about it being completed by the start of the school year. Jimmy Wilhide, senior architect with Moseley Architects of Charlotte, blames a lack of contractors and large
cally with the eleme Van Wyck, it’s the elec one electricians were “There is a concern ect, and it is tight, but as hard as we can pus School Superinten Phipps expressed his the delays and noted completion date is school. After the Aug spections, contractors
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OK, here are the real election results Smith will hire attorney to challenge outcome By LARRY HILLIARD Ledger Staff Writer larry@gaffneyledger.com Longtime Gaffney City Councilman Bernard Smith said he plans to challenge his election loss to a write-in candidate. Unofficially, write-in candidate Monita Dawkins defeated Smith with 54 percent of the vote. She received 79 votes, while Smith got 68 votes. According to the South Carolina Election Commission, the write-in candidate’s name must be counted for that candidate if the voter’s intent can be determined with reasonable certainty. That’s the rub, according to Smith, who claims the election commission has too much discretion to determine the voter’s intent. “They have so much authority to determine what is a name and what’s not a name,” Smith said. “(The election commission) only told me that the name had to be similar.” Election commission official Ed Elliott said a couple of ballots weren’t counted because the voter’s intent wasn’t clear. Smith said he had until 10 a.m. to appeal the results with the election commission. Smith added he plans to hire an attorney familiar with election laws to handle his appeal.
“I take full responsibility. I had no clue the law had changed and did not have a copy of it. I have one now and will help try to make things right again.” — Election Director Suzanne Turner By SCOTT POWELL Ledger Staff Writer & CODY SOSSAMON Publisher It wasn’t quite as egregious as the “Dewey Defeats Truman” headline in 1948, but the results of Tuesday’s school board elections provided by the Election Board of Cherokee County were erroneous to say the least. After declaring unofficial winners in all school board races Tuesday night, the election board had to walk that back Wednesday morning. There will be two runoff elections for school trustee, voter registration and election director Suzanne Turner confirmed Wednesday morning. When asked about the runoff scenario by Ledger staffers Tuesday night, Turner said winners of school trustee elections are determined by a plurality — getting the most votes but that amount of votes may be less than 50 percent of the votes. When asked again Wednesday morning by email, Turner said the same thing. The Ledger then contacted Rep. Dennis Moss, who sponsored a bill in 2007 — which was signed into law on June 25, 2007 — that changed the date and method of trustee elections. Moss provided a copy of that bill to The Ledger and also to Turner. Turner said she wasn’t aware until Wednesday morning that the 2007 law requires runoff elections in school board races if no one receives a clear majority over 50 percent. “I take full responsibility,” Turner said. “I had no clue the law had changed and did not have a copy of it. I have one now and will help try to make things
FIRST PLACE
This photo shows 146 campaign signs picked up by District 7 school board candidates early Wednesday morning prior to being informed a runoff election will be held Aug. 28.
WHAT THE CANDIDATES HAD TO SAY Here’s what the candidates involved in the runoff elections had to say: “I hate to see this confusion about the election happen. We were all under the impression from previous articles there would not be any runoffs in the school board. I’m disappointed with the voter turnout for an election that has such an impact on the future of our children. “My son and I left our house Wednesday at 4 a.m. and went around picking up signs because we thought the election was over. There were 146 signs when we separated them out of the back of my truck. It’s quadruple the work to put signs back over a mixup with the election results.” — Alan McEntire “Needless to say, I was very disappointed to learn the right again.” After receiving a copy of the legislation from Rep. Moss, Turner said she called the top two vote-getters in District 5 and District 7 to let them know about the Aug. 28 runoff. “We changed the law in 2007 after Mike Ellis was re-elected with only 26 percent of the vote,”
day after the election there would be a runoff as it was explained to me and my fellow constituents that it was a plurality election. That being said, I want to thank everyone who came out and supported me on election day and would like to ask for the same support Aug. 28.” — Kevin Phillips “I went from total despair to total joy when I heard the news I was in a runoff election. I will do everything in my power to get the word out to voters in hopes I can win the election.” — Noah Lindemann “We will stay positive and keep our message out in the community. I feel my message has resonated with voters and hope there will be good voter turnout in the runoff election.” — R.J. Holly
Moss said. “There were four or five candidates in that race and a lot of voters were upset that someone could be elected with less than 50 percent of the vote.” The top vote-getter in District 7, Kevin Phillips (154 votes), will face Alan McEntire (123 votes) on Aug. 28. Elaine Fowler received 99 votes.
McEntire, Phillips and Fowler had a joint agreement to help each other pick up their campaign signs once the election results were official. A runoff election between R.J. Holly (190 votes) and Noah Lindemann (170 votes) will be held for the District 5 trustee seat. l See ELECTIONS, Page 5A
‘They didn’t give him a chance’ Relatives of Blacksburg home invasion victim speak out about the slaying
Scott Powell and Cody Sossamon The Gaffney Ledger
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THIRD PLACE
Rick Brundrett S.C. Policy Council - The Nerve
SECOND PLACE
Melinda Waldrop Columbia Regional Business Report 6
www.columbiabusinessreport.com
Feb. 12 - 25, 2018
S.C. House bills may put brakes on SCANA merger By Melinda Waldrop
A
mwaldrop@scbiznews.com
ction taken by the S.C. House to address the V.C. Summer nuclear reactor fiasco has left the future of a proposed merger between SCANA and Dominion Energy in doubt and SCANA vowing to protect its interests. In late January, the House passed a bill repealing the controversial Base Load Review Act and dropping the 18% charge on SCANA subsidiary S.C. Electric & Gas bills, which amounts to $37 million a month, for costs related to the abandoned nuclear reactors in Fairfield County. The bill would also guarantee that no future utility projects can recover those costs, a measure that would likely deal a blow to Virginia-based Dominion Energy’s proposal to acquire Cayce-based SCANA. Dominion has said that its $14.6 billion proposal hinges on being able to recover the V.C. Summer costs from ratepayers, albeit for fewer years than SCE&G’s current payment schedule and with a plan to provide refunds to ratepayers. “The House action, assuming it becomes law and survives legal challenges, could offer temporary relief for SCE&G customers, but unfortunately could threaten the permanent solution offered by Dominion,” the company said. “Regarding our combining with SCANA, as we have said from the beginning, any change in law that has a significant financial impact on our proposed transaction would create a path for Dominion Energy to walk away from our proposal and eliminate the immediate positive benefits for South Carolina.” SCANA reacted to the bill’s passage by signaling readiness to fight for its interests. “There is a regulatory process in place for adjudicating the recovery of costs associated with the nuclear project,” Eric Boomhower, SCANA’s director of public affairs and corporate communications, said in an email. “SCANA and Dominion have filed a petition with the Public Service Commission that explains how a combination of the companies would result in significant benefits being provided to customers. “In the event legislation is passed that interferes with the regulatory process and changes the legal standards for recovery of those costs in a way that would inflict severe damage on the company, the company would have no choice but to seek legal recourse at that time.” SCANA sought and received nine rate increases from state regulators during the reactors’ decades-long construction under the BLRA, a 2007 law that allowed the utility to raise rates to pay for the unfinished reactors. SCANA may still be able to recoup those costs, but the bill would require the utility to prove to regulators that actions
taken during the reactors’ construction were prudent. The legislation would keep ratepayers from forking over more money while the S.C. Public Service Commission considers motions related to rate relief. SCANA has predicted dire financial consequences if the BLRA is repealed and hotly disputed an audit by the Office of Regulatory Staff that found only a 35% chance of bankruptcy for the utility in that event. The company noted the audit contained no affidavit or sworn statement and said it represented a “fundamental misunderstanding” of accounting principles. The PSC also appeared dissatisfied with the audit, directing the ORS on Jan. 31 to perform a “thorough audit, inspection and examination” of SCANA’s financial records.
DEAL OR NO DEAL
The proposed Dominion merger would reduce the average SCE&G customer’s rates by 5%, or more than $7, a month. A $1.7 billion-plus write-off of existing V.C. Summer capital and regulatory assets would eliminate customer costs related to the project over 20 years, faster than the 50to 60-year period proposed in a November 2017 offer from SCE&G, which would have reduced annual rates by 3.5%. Dominion has also promised a $1.3 billion cash payment to refund SCE&G ratepayers within 90 days of the merger’s completion. The utility would work with state regulators to determine refund amounts based on usage. A residential customer with an average $150 bill could get around $1,000, said Chet Wade, Dominion’s vice president of corporate communications. “It’s the most sure thing,” Wade said in an interview with the Columbia Regional Business Report on Jan. 19. “Certainty in business is very important, and so to have some sense of not having this hanging over the state’s head for potentially years is something that businesses would like.” SCANA’s board voted in favor of the merger in early January. SCE&G and state-owned utility Santee Cooper, co-owner of the V.C. Summer project, poured $9 billion into the reactors before delays and rising costs led contractor Westinghouse to file for bankruptcy last April. SCE&G and Santee Cooper abandoned the project in July. S.C. Gov. Henry McMaster has said he would sign legislation that refunded customers’ money and prevented any future V.C. Summer-related charges but veto any that “continues to place the financial burden of this corporate failure on South Carolina ratepayers,” he said in January’s State of the State address. Wade said Dominion is open to changes that would keep the BLRA from applying to any future utility projects, but “if you try
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Rimer Pond vs. Palmer Tuesday night Commercial Zoning Request Comes to Council 4th Time
Barbara Ball
Barbara Ball ol advertised their annual Rennaissance Festival with this horse-drawn of the festival’s actors. See more photos from the parade on page 9.
decides against refinancing 0 $5.5 million BFC bond
er sug-
readings and a public hearing. “To the extent that the market is not with us today, and it appears it will not be with us
able at the Town’s option on Sept. 1, 2018, or at any time within 90 days before that date,” Parker said.
Barbara Ball Publisher BLYTHEWOOD – The zoning fate of the Rimer Pond Road area will once again be in the hands of Richland County Council as members cast their votes Tuesday
Michael Smith Reporter
SECOND PLACE
JENKINSVILLE - Jenkinsville Water Company leaders “willfully” provided false and misleading information about the water company’s ability to provide water service to its customers, according to documents filed in Broad River Campground’s ongoing lawsuit against the JWC. Also filed recently is a sworn affidavit from former JWC board member Lori Smith, who issued a blistering rebuke of the water company and its president, Gregrey Ginyard. “Mr. Ginyard did not hold up JWC’s part of the bargain with the Campground because he never allowed the Campground to use the full amount of water JWC agreed to provide contractually,” the affidavit states. A circuit judge is expected to rule soon on whether or not to accept amended litigation that says Ginyard and vice president Joseph McBride broke an agreement to provide water services to the Campground. In previous filings, the JWC said water is a finite resource that must be regulated. It has denied entering into a contract, saying what the campground considers a contract was actually a letter outlining water capacity. “JWC’s actions did not harm the public interests, as the Company acted prudently to ensure that the water would be conserved properly and would
Michael Smith The Voice of survives Fairfield move Countyto fire him Chief
Barb Seeing It Differently Artist Mark Conrardy renders The Pearl of Monticello on canvas during the Fairfield Co Ag+Art Tour last weekend. For more photos, see page 5.
Judge, others issue NAACP, School officials called to defend Culp complaints against chi Michael Smith Reporter
Michael Smith Reporter
RIDGEWAY - Christopher Culp still has his job. Ridgeway’s police chief was not present when town council members killed an effort to fire him immediately. Councilman Rufus Jones made a motion to immediately fire Culp, but the motion died when nobody seconded it. Culp’s brush with potential termination comes amid a number of complaints, including doubling as a school resource officer at the expense of policing the town and openly disrespecting the town judge, according to public records obtained by The Voice. (See ‘Judge, others issue complaints against chief,’ at right.) Mayor Heath Cookendorfer said Monday that Culp isn’t certified to serve as an SRO, nor has the town appointed him to that role. “His primary job/responsibility is to perform
RIDGEWAY - Ridgeway Police Chief C topher Culp has repeatedly shown “a lac manners, professionalism, and respect” fo town’s traffic court and Municipal Judge Ad Wilkes, according to public records obtaine The Voice through a Freedom of Informatio quest. Wilkes recently penned a scathing lette rected at the chief, who according to Wilke one point made a veiled threat against him disputed the judge’s sentencing. “He openly attempted to tell me how I sh sentence individuals and insinuated that p ous judges had been relieved of their dutie not issuing sentences the way he thought ought to be issued,” the letter states. Culp couldn’t be reached for comment Tue Mayor Heath Cookendorfer said the letter
See Council page 8
See Complaints pa
Representative Cezar McKnight are part of the county delegation that have been involved with the school district in an effort to support a path to better education. A timeline reflects since 2016, the board has refused to do its job and fought the delegation the entire way: AUgUSt 2016: The South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) notified the Williamsburg the night before she made the decision to declare a state of emergency for the Williamsburg county School District, South carolina County School District that Department of Education Superintendent Molly Spearman addressed a packed Kingstree Senior High Gymnasium regarding critical issues it is redirecting 25 percent of affecting the district on Tuesday, April 10. Spearman also answered parents’ questions and promised the district would not shut down. 2016 and 2017 IDEA funds Photo by Michaele Duke due to “system, longstanding uncorrected noncompliance.” The district must use approximately $700,000 of the
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State of emergency declared Board stripped of authority, Superintendent Brock out
BY MICHAELE DUKE news@kingstreenews.com
At 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 11, S.C. Department of Education Superintendent Molly Spearman held a press conference at the Department of Education in Columbia to announce that the state has taken over Williamsburg County School District. Williamsburg County Superintendent Carrie Brock’s position has been eliminated. Dr. Rose Wilder has been appointed to the position under a one-year contract. Wilder, is an experienced district administrator and former S.C. Superintendent of the Year. The Williamsburg County Board of Trustees has been stripped of their authority. Ryan Brown, Chief Communications Officer for the Department of Education said the board could conduct meetings; however, they do not have any decision-making authority and the entirety of the district staff and Dr. Wilder will report directly to Spearman.
Spearman said the agency has been working with the district for the last few years. She said there were many reasons for the takeover such as, after being notified of many deficiencies and given a year to correct them, the state had to redirect approximately $360,000 that is generally spent on special education teachers. “This is not an overnight decision,” said Spearman. “This has been something that we’ve been working on for several years and we’re just not satisfied with the progress that has been made.” The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is investigating financial irregularities. In addition, student achievement has been at some of the lowest levels in our state in many years. Only 21 percent of students in grades third through eighth met or exceeded state standards in the state English Language Arts assessment. Only 15 percent met or exceeded state standards in Math and 19 percent met
turN to
tIMELINE, 5
Community speaks out
BY MICHAELE DUKE news@kingstreenews.com
the Williamsburg county school District Board of trustees look on as Department of Education, Superintendent Molly Spearman addresses a crowd in the gymnasium at Kingstree Senior High School. The board’s refusal to follow through demands of the department, along with mismanagement of funds led to her visit and subsequent Photo by Michaele Duke take over of the district. or exceeded expectations in Science. Certain graduation rates have the state concerned. Hemingway High School has
a 92 percent graduation rate, which is above the state average of 84 percent and higher than the national average. Only
Body found
BY MICHAELE DUKE
please
uties that on April 7, he had been
area and discovered some of Tisdale’s
12 percent of its seniors passed the end-of-course test for U.S. history and the Constitution please
turN to
EDucatIoN, 3
Nearly 700 citizens filled the Kingstree Senior High School Gymnasium April 11, to hear what South Carolina Department of Education Superintendent Molly Spearman had to say about the status of the school district. The crowd was surprised to hear how badly things are and many had questions. The following day Spearman announced a takeover of the district. The news hit hard for many who are alumni or have children in the district. Minnie Lee Lambert is a mother of a special needs child in the school system. Her child is one of the many special needs children that have been affected the most by the mishandling of approximately $650,000 in Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) federal funds. The funds are generally spent on special education please
turN to
SPEaK, 5
FIRST PLACE Michaele Duke The News, Kingstree
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SECOND PLACE ®
Wednesday, December 20, 2017
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Bill reintroduces single-member districts for DD2
Jenna-Ley Harrison The Summerville Journal Scene
BY MONICA KREBER mkreber@journalscene.com
A prefiled House bill is calling for a change in how Dorchester District Two’s school board members are elected. The bill calls for changing the election of “Summerville School District 2 (more commonly referred to as Dorchester County School District 2)” board of trustees from the at-large method to single-member districts. The bill was filed Dec. 13 by House Rep.-elect Marvin Pendarvis and Rep. Joe Jefferson. Pendarvis said this is a way of making sure all students in Summerville have a voice on the board. In his new role as a House rep-
Berkeley considers limits on shooting
“I’m very much in favor of the at-large seats like we’ve got right now.
resentative, Pendarvis said he wants to address education and increase opportunities for students. He said the current at-large system tends to “disfavor full representation.” Justin Farnsworth Rep. Chris Murphy attempted a simiDistrict 2 School Board lar bill two years ago, though Murphy’s bill was tied to fiscal autonomy for the district. The S.C. Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Office even drew up a potential map of districts at Murphy’s request. The Louis Smith map, which was revealed in January Local activist 2016, gained the support of The National Action Network, the North Charleston NAACP, the S.C. Progres- “It’s something that’s gotten some sive Network, Lowcountry Peace, the traction before,” Pendarvis said. Community Resource Center and The The bill will go to committee in Coalition. January. If it eventually passes, the
“All I want is our children to have representation.”
2018 election would have school members elected by district. Board members Justin Farnsworth, Brian Mitchum, Gail Hughes and Tanya Robinson will be up for re-election next year. Farnsworth said he hasn’t seen the bill but said he would like to speak with the sponsors to get more detail and to allow the school board to provide input. He said it’s still too early to announce if he’ll run for re-election next year but Farnsworth said he “100-percent” is against single-member districts. “I’m very much in favor of the atlarge seats like we’ve got right now,” he said, adding that he thinks “looking out for the entire district” works out
Please see FIREARMS, A12
Inside
Please see DD2, A12
Neighbors want plant to stop fiberglass emission Lauscha Fiber International promises to fix malfunction
BY MATT BISE mbise@berkeleyind.com Berkeley County leaders are once again taking a look at how to handle gunfire in densely populated areas. In 2016 a county ordinance was passed banning the shooting of firearms in the Sangaree neighborhoods. Now council members want to expand similar ordinances but zoning and boundaries are making it difficult. “What we are Schurlknight talking about is established subdivisions, and there is a lot of concerns not only with the noise but also the possibility of a projectile hitting somebody,” said Councilman Jack Schurlknight, who represents District 6. “It’s a problem countywide and I would like council to give it consideration,” Schurlknight said last week at a county council meeting. “We looked at it years ago going countywide with some kind of restrictions for safety and we could not get the votes.” The measure is working in Sangaree because there are defined residential boundaries, so it can be enforced by the sheriff ’s department. Something similar is now considered inside Berkeley Country Club, which also has defined residential boundaries, but with the population growth countywide, more areas will be considered sooner than later. “I am telling you we get these
better with the at-large system. The school board approved a resolution in 2015 opposing single-member districts. Meanwhile Louis Smith, local activist and founder of the Community Resource Center, has been pushing for single-member districts for a while. Smith is also a former Dorchester District Two candidate. Smith said he is done running for school board but supports the bill. “All I want is our children to have representation,” he said. Robinson said she had not looked at the bill either but said she favors the at-large system.
BY JENNA-LEY HARRISON jharrison@journalscene.com
PHOTOS BY JENNA-LEY HARRISON/JOURNAL SCENE
A piece of fiber Reporter Jenna-Ley Harrison located on a walk through the Club at Pine Forest on Nov. 30. This above piece is just one of several she said she spotted along Renau Boulevard.
Little white fabric-like pieces rain down from the sky, covering cars, plants and decks in certain Summerville subdivisions. Some fragments are as large as golf balls; other tinier pieces lie hidden among blades of grass. The fragments are nothing new, though some have yet to detect them or cast a second glance, sloughing the fuzzy fragments off as dryer lint or litter. The mysterious fluffy-looking particles have off-and-on floated through the air and into local communities, traveling far from home: the Lauscha Fiber International plant in Summerville, from which the fiberglass particulates spew forth. The plant, which specializes in melting glass beads into microfibers used in certain large-scale batteries Another fiber piece along and air filtration de- Renau Boulevard vices, operates on East Port Lane—its location for the last 20 years. In 2013 Unifrax Specialty Fibers, headquartered in New York, acquired the plant, one of 27 manufacturing facilities the company operates in 12 countries, according to its website. The company produces high-temperature materials for insulation and other industrial uses; environmental materials for catalytic converters in vehicles; and specialty fibers for certain types of car batteries. Lauscha is Unifrax’s only specialty fibers plant in the United States. A plant in Germany makes the glass pellets and ships them to the plant for melting. The glass is composed of silicon dioxide, made from sand, officials said. Tom Lord, director of operations for Unifrax, gave a Please see PLANT, A3
Summerville Town Council passes 2018 budget
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Adam Manno and Chase Quinn Charleston City Paper
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Martin L. Cahn and Jim Tatum Chronicle-Independent Chronicle-Independent Serving Kershaw County since 1889
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Friday, March 23, 2018
Camden, South Carolina
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Economic Development Is Kershaw County getting its fair share of industrial business?
By MARTIN L. CAHN C-I (Camden, S.C.) senior writer mcahn@chronicle-independent.com
Today, the Chronicle-Independent is devoting its entire first section to the topic of economic development, focusing on the industrial sector and using 2011 as a starting point. That October, Kershaw County lost a bid to bring Continental Tire to the community. That halfbillion dollar deal, which many local officials felt certain would come here, instead went to Sumter County, along with 1,620 jobs. In gathering information from a variety of sources, including the S.C. Department of Commerce (SCDOC) and Kershaw County government officials, one stark fact stands out: Since the beginning of Fiscal Year (FY) 2011, South Carolina has announced nearly $10.2 billion in new industrial announcements, as opposed to expansions, creating more than 48,000 new jobs. Not all of those announcements were in the seemingly obvious locations – larger, richer, more developed counties of South Carolina. In fact, many were in smaller, rural and less affluent South Carolina counties. Yet, according to the SCDOC (see charts, starting on pg. 5), since 2011, Kershaw County has had one new industrial announcement: Diversified Information Technologies (DIT), which
ing to Carpenter and Kershaw County Economic Development Director Peggy McLean, since 2011, the county has announced $300 million worth of expansions for a total of 643 jobs. Those do not automatically happen, Carpenter and McLean say because each company has multiple locations around the world, each vying to be the site of the next expansion. There is criticism. Some officials question why McLean’s office has seen its budget double since she came on board, also in 2011, now standing at $750,000. Some officials wonder if the county’s paying $72,000 annually -- $504,000 in seven years -- for membership in the Central SC Alliance, a 501(c)(3) public/ private nonprofit organization formed in 1994 that promotes Photo by Martin L Cahn/C-I its members for economic development, is money that could be Kershaw County’s spec building looms large economic development “products” designed to better spent elsewhere. on a rise near I-20 Exit 92 in Lugoff. Still un- attract new industry. Today’s in-depth look at ecoder construction, it is one of the county’s new nomic development asks, “Why?” Why has Kershaw County only brought a $5.8 million invest- mately 63,000 in 2015 vs. ap- looking at a site in Kershaw seen one tiny sliver of the $10.2 ment creating approximately 25 proximately 32,000). According County, according to Kershaw billion in new company anjobs in September 2012. DIT is to SCDOC’s information, since County Administrator Vic Car- nouncements from across the a document management com- 2011, Chester County has had penter and, separately, Kershaw state? Here, we present answers nine announcements for a total County Councilman Sammie from those in charge of economic pany; it makes no products. By contrast, Chester County of $973.6 million -- nearly $1 Tucker Jr. Giti provided Ches- development: members of Ker-- while it boasts an interstate, billion -- in new industrial an- ter County with a $560 million shaw County Council, which I-77, as Kershaw County has nouncements for a total of 2,662 investment, creating 1,700 jobs. sets the county’s economic poliSuccess for Kershaw County cies, and Carpenter and McLean, I-20 -- is smaller both in terms jobs. One of those companies, Giti in the industrial arena appears who must follow those policies. of geography (740 vs. 586 square miles) and population (approxi- Tire in June 2014, had been to lie with expansions. Accord-
‘The sales people
Similar goals,
SECOND PLACE Golfer Scott Roberts sizzles with blazing 56 from silver tees
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News Lancaster The Lancaster News Lancaster County’s triweekly newspaper
SUNDAY, JUNE 24, 2018
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Crime & Delayed Punishment
A childhood lost awaiting justice
Springs Block plan includes apartments overlooking Main Street Mark Manicone mmanicone@thelancasternews.com
German investor Ingo Kübler, who purchased Lancaster’s historic Springs Block in February, plans to put 17 apartments, retail stores and a two-story parking garage on the property. Mayor Pro Tem Tamara Green Garris mentioned the plans during the mayoral candidate forum Monday night. Later in an interview, she said she is excited for the opportunity Kübler could bring to the city. “I think it’s going to be a win-win situation for us…. It will draw more people downtown because you will have more residents on Main Street,” Garris said. “If they have children, they’re going to shop; they’re going to walk; they’re going to visit the Native American Studies building. The adults will go to The Craft Stand. We’ve got restaurants, clothing stores – I mean it’s exactly what we need.” City Administrator Flip Hutfles confirmed that Kübler is planning to create second-floor apartments combined with first-floor commercial space. The parking garage would accommodate the apartments. See BLOCK I Page 2A
Molested at 8, she finally sees her attacker go to prison – but he wasn’t tried for a decade Kayla Vaughn kvaughn@thelancasternews.com
She’s a high school senior, and it was just last month that Rusty Joel Stacks, who molested her when she was 8, finally went to prison. Stacks was free all those years, out on bond awaiting trial. The backlogged solicitor’s office handed off the case to the S.C. Attorney General’s Office three years ago to speed prosecution. Twice, the case was set for trial, but delays were granted at the defense’s request. Last month, just as a jury was finally about to be seated, Stacks pleaded guilty to a lesser charge and began serving 10 years in state prison. “He took my childhood away from me,” Stacks’ victim, now 18, said after he was sentenced May 22. She describes a devastating decade of
waiting, of not trusting people, of unpredictable crying and panic attacks that often kept her out of school. She ran into Stacks at CVS one day a few years ago, she said, and they recognized each other immediately. They said nothing. “He just smirked and laughed at me,” she recalled in a June 7 interview. “If you can do that to an 8-year-old and smirk at her like that and laugh at her, then there’s something wrong with you.” The victim’s mother said seeing Stacks around town and not behind bars would leave both of them in tears. “When he smiles at us, it makes me want to kill him,” said the mom. “Especially after dealing with all of the nightmares that she had because of it.”
2nd-worst county Sixth Circuit Solicitor Randy Newman said he understands that frustration.
For Brooks, a 24-man cell,
See JUSTICE I Page 3A
Rusty Stacks: “He just smirked and laughed at me,” the victim said, recalling the day she bumped into him at CVS.
400 acres on 521 may become site of industrial park Hal Millard hmillard@thelancasternews.com
A new business and industrial park could be in the offing for Lancaster County. Duke Energy this week announced it has selected a 400-acre parcel 4 miles north of downtown
BES sends greetings to veterans FACES & PLACES, 1B
The
AJ’s Small to play softball for NGU
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LLancaster News Lancaster County’s triweekly newspaper
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2017
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Devastating fallout for towns If IL incorporates, Lancaster, Kershaw and Heath Springs will pay Reece Murphy rmurphy@thelancasternews.com
If you live in Lancaster, Heath Springs or Kershaw and think you don’t have a dog in the Panhandle incorporation fight, you are mistaken. Incorporation by Indian Land would directly affect tax-
payers in the county’s other towns because the new municipality would be far more populous and would suck up a large majority of Local Option Sales Tax revenue. Raised through a local 1-cent sales tax, LOST money is used to provide tax relief for local See FALLOUT I Page 8A
Estimated lost revenue
Lancaster Kershaw Heath Springs
$1,500,000 $352,000 $155,000
Inferno in Buford
“I hope and pray they don’t become a city.” – Heath Springs Mayorelect Eddie Moore
Deputies nab naked, noisy guy in yellow Hummer Mark Manicone
mmanicone @thelancasternews.com
An
N.C.
man
was
FIRST PLACE Reece Murphy The Lancaster News
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Larry Hilliard and Cody Sossamon The Gaffney Ledger A newspaper in all that the word implies, devoted to the best interests of the people of Cherokee County.
GAFFNEY, S.C.
MONDAY, MAY 21, 2018
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$50,666.44 County fined mutiple times for late payment of payroll taxes to state, federal authorities dating to October 2016 By LARRY HILLIARD Ledger Staff Writer larry@gaffneyledger.com
PENALTIES & INTEREST
(c)depositphotos.com/dacasdo
● The county paid $46,563.82 in penalties and $1,416.33 in interest to the Internal Revenue Service from Oct. 17, 2016, to March 13, 2018, county records show. ● The county was assessed either a penalty or interest 13 times over that span. ● The penalties range from highs of $12,602.64 on Oct. 17, 2016, and $11,026.36 on March 20, 2017, to a low of $277.25 on Feb. 19, 2018, according to the county records.
“Wow!” That was Cherokee County Council Chairman Tim Spencer’s initial reaction to the news the county paid thousands in penalties and interest for late payments of payroll taxes to state and federal authorities. Spencer said he was informed in January by then-outgoing Cherokee County Finance Director Ann Boggs the county paid $19,000 in penalties and interest. Spencer was understandably speechless when he was told the actual total of penalties and fines was $50,666.44, according to information sought by The Gaffney Ledger and provided by the county under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The county paid $46,563.82 in penalties and
BRUSHING ELBOWS WITH ROYALTY
$1,416.33 in interest to the Internal Revenue Service from Oct. 17, 2016, to March 13, 2018, county records show. The earliest charge was incurred from the June 20, 2015 tax period. The county was assessed either a penalty or interest 13 times over that span. The penalties range from highs of $12,602.64 on Oct. 17, 2016, and $11,026.36 on March 20, 2017, to a low of $277.25 on Feb. 19, 2018, according to the county records. An employer is required to withhold federal income and payroll taxes from its employees’ wages and pay them to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The state Department of Revenue (DOR) has a similar requirement for state income tax withholding. The county made late state tax deposits three times and paid $386.44 in penalties and ● See FINED, Page 5
County will unveil budget
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By ANNA BROWN
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SECOND PLACE Community mourns teens’ deaths
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KIRSLYN RICHARDSON
Michael Smith The Voice of Fairfield County Your Hometown Newspaper
Thursday, June 7, 2018
Several hundred people gathered for a candlelight service in the West Towne Plaza shopping center parking lot on Feb. 5 to remember the three teen-agers killed in a traffic accident in Laurens County the previous day.
Graham Williams Union County News
By ANNA BROWNPRSRT STD by Blair head-on. The pickup then Union County mourned theECRWSS loss of struck a Dodge Charger and injured three young lives with funerals and the driver, Sergio McDowell, 31, of U.S. POSTAGE PAID memorial services last week. Laurens. SC of the teen-agers had on seatHunter Carter, 18, BLYTHEWOOD, of 133 Echo None Road; Kirslyn Richardson, PERMIT 16, of 115 NO. belts. 2 Blair was wearing a seatbelt. Stepp Road; Charner Inabinet, 15, of They and Blair all were pronounced 3104 Cross Keys Highway in Union dead at the scene, Laurens County and Bruce Blair, 54, of 167 Cedar Deputy Coroner Vickie Cheek said. POSTAL Grove Road in Laurens, wereCUSTOMER all killed Heavy rain was falling and authoriafter a three-car crash on Feb. 4. The ties believe Carter's truck wreck occurred aroundFairfieldCountyVoice.com 11:30 a.m. on hydroplaned, causing him to lose conU.S. 221 near New Prospect Church trol. Cheek said a final determination Road. The teen-agers were headed of what caused the wreck would be back to Union from Lake Greenwood. made by the Highway Patrol. According to the Highway Patrol, "It was the worst I have seen in my Carter, Richardson and Inabinet were 17 years with the coroner's office," she in a Toyota Tacoma pickup truck trav- said. eling north on U.S. 221. The truck, Laurens County Coroner Nick driven by Carter, crossed the center Nichols, who has held the office for 35 line and struck a Nissan Altima driven years, said it was one of the worst acci-
Voters reject Jenkinsville annexation
Town resists tougher animal control laws
A Union man was arrested Saturday morning after firefighters found the remains of a methamphetamine lab in his burned home. John Anthony Stafford, 29, of 1418 Peach Orchard Road, Lot 25, was charged by the Union County Sheriff's Office with attempting to manufacture methamphetamine, second offense, Sheriff David Taylor said. The fire at Stafford's trailer was reported by his neighbors in Humphries Mobile Home Park around 8:30 a.m. "When we were en route, we were told STAFFORD someone had heard an explosion," Monarch Fire Chief Dr. John Flood said. Bonham, Philippi and Kelly-Kelton fire departments were called to assist Monarch. "The fire was mostly on the right side when we arrived but the whole trailer was well involved," Flood said. When firefighters and Union County EMS arrived, neighbors told them they were not sure if Stafford was in the mobile home, Flood said. They said he rides a moped to work, but he took the moped into the trailer with him at night. They also said a woman had been living in the mobile home with him. Flood said it took some time to determine that no one was in the burned trailer and while looking for victims firefighters found the meth lab. Major John Sherfield and arson investigator Scott Coffer were called. In the meantime, Deputy Reggie Ellison went to Stafford's place of work and brought him back to the scene. Stafford is being held in the Union County Jail. His bond hearing was to be held Sunday evening.
dents he had investigated in his career. He said only one other time had he been called to a wreck where so many died - early in his career when an entire family was killed. Members of the congregation at New Prospect Baptist Church told the Laurens County Advertiser they heard the crash and some went outside to see what had happened. “I couldn't even recognize what I was seeing,” said Pastor Phil Hall. “There was no recognition of the truck, for sure. There was trash everywhere; it was strewn everywhere because I'm assuming they were carrying some trash in the back of the truck. Then, there was the realization for me that there was another car.”
Turnout was High: 34 of 54 registered voters
Michael Smith Contributor
See TEENS, Page 2
Four fire departments were called to fight the fire at the home of John Anthony Stanford. A methamphetamine lab was found in the house. (Anna Brown photo)
Sports Medicine helps prepare students for healthcare careers Editor's note: This is the first in a series of articles highlighting the courses and opportunities available to students at the Union County Career and Technology Center. By GRAHAM WILLIAMS
WINNSBORO—Winnsboro leaders think Fairfield County is barking up the wrong tree by asking the town to emulate the county’s animal control ordinance. On Monday night, Winnsboro Town Council members resisted the request, saying the county’s law is overly superfluous and restrictive. “I think the ordinance is relatively lengthy and cumbersome and may impose some difficulty and cost in enforcing it,” said Winnsboro Mayor Roger Gaddy. “We still have to deal with issues with animal control without passing something consistent with the county.” For example, Gaddy said he
Michael Smith Contributor JENKINSVILLE—Annexation appears to be off the table in Jenkinsville. Farm-to-Table Barbara Bal Chelsey Eison Alexis Gaffney’s wrist with tape in Ashley Jolly’s sports Thewrapping controversial measure, Fairfield County’s annual Farm-to-Table dinner is set for Thursday, June 14 at The Pearl (formerly thepractices medicine Career and Technology Behind them, Julia Bailey wraps Janna which would have Center. annexed Robinson House) overlooking Lake Monticello. The dinner and entertainment will serve as theclass kickat the Fleming’s wrist. off for the County’s Ag & Art Farm Tour on June 16 and 17. A previous farm-to-table dinner table was 143 properties into the town limits, failed by a 19-15 vote, set under the Town Clock, above. For more information about next week’s event, see page 2. according to unofficial results. There were 36 ballots cast, but two under-votes – one By ANNA BROWN absentee and one in-person – Sims Middle School were discounted, said Debby girls' basketball coach the county’s direcRuth Ann Pitt saysStidham, there is a lot of difference tor in theof voter registration and way eighth-grader election. Carley Sumner is playing this of election reBarbara Ball Barbara Ball year in contrast to theCertification way sults is scheduled for 10 a.m. Carley played in seventh
High school students who are thinking about a career in healthcare should talk to Ashley Jolly, who teaches sports medicine at the Union County Career and Technology Center. “Students who take sports medicine are prepared for many careers in healthcare,” says Jolly, a certified athletic trainer who has taught sports medicine classes for nine years. “Students are exposed to technical skills that can be translated to many healthcare careers, such as taking vital signs, first
aid and CPR training.” After completing Sports Medicine 1 and 2, a student could go on to be an athletic trainer or physical therapist. They could also go into occupational therapy, exercise physiology or become a personal trainer. “There's lots of different areas they could go into,” Jolly said. In addition to basic skills, students who take sports medicine also learn about ethics and employability from a medical standpoint, Jolly said. “Students have the opportunity to create a resume to build on and create goals for both now and the future,” she said. Even if a student does not choose a career in healthcare, the skills they learn in See SPORTS MEDICINE, Page 6
Sims basketball player getting recruiters’ attention Smith: ‘I won’t seek reelection’
Council chair ushered in meeting order, efficiency
Gilbert, Brandenburg seek District 7 seat
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A ‘no’ helped fuel a passion still going strong after more than 20 years A NEW TRADITION
EDITOR’S NOTE: The News and Press will be running several stories in a series on women who work in male-dominated industries. Sometimes called non-traditional workers, these women found jobs and careers that they love and didn’t let gender stereotypes keep them from pursuing their passions. By Melissa Rollins Editor editor@newsandpress.net
When Sue St. Armour went for the first interview after getting her welder certification, she felt good about the process. She did a sample weld to show what she was capable of and left feeling like she had done a good job. “I stopped by a shop and talked with the guy on shift,” St. Armour said. “He told me to come back and do a welding test and we could go from there. We talked about me doing third-shift and I took the pipe-welding test.” After taking the test, she even got a call back. “He called me in a day or two and asked me to come back,” St. Armour said. “He brought me in and said ‘Hey, you did excellent. Everything was great; you’re test passed. Unfortunately, my boss is concerned that you would be a distraction at night with the men. So, unfortunately, I can’t hire you but you’re a great welder.’ That didn’t upset me; it didn’t make me mad. It just made me want it more.” Originally thinking that she would go into a career in science, it was the final two credits she needed to graduate high school that sent St. Armour in another direction completely. “I had to have two credits for my senior year so I found a school within our district that allowed you to take two classes during the summer,” St. Armour said. “I took an English and then an agricultural class. In that agricultural class is where I got my first introduction to welding and I fell in love with it. It came very easy to me and I enjoyed it. I was raised to work hard and it kind of just felt right.” After graduation, St. Armour jumped into welding classes but not before making a deal with her mother. “I talked with my parents and let them know that I was interested in welding,” St. Armour said. “I found a night class at Florence-Darlington Tech and I made a deal with my mother that if she let me take that welding class and I wasn’t successful at it, I would join the National Guard. She agreed.” That first college-level class helped St. Armour build confidence in her skills. “That class was great and I learned a lot,” St. Armour said. “My teacher was very open to having a female in there; he was almost extraordinary. He took a lot of time with me, made sure I had everything right. I knew just from working with him, with his reputation, that as long as I could succeed on my side
FIRST PLACE that I would be successful at it. He gave me a lot of confidence. I was the only girl in that class but I’ve been the only girl a lot of times.” To continue learning the trade, St. Armour enrolled in several more classes, eventually finishing a diploma program. “I took two classes at night and then I went back and took the year long diploma program,” St. Armour said. “In the last semester at Tech, they would allow you to find a parttime job kind of hand-in-hand with the industry. I worked through my instructor and I got a job through Aluminum Ladder. It was a great place to work; everyone was nice. But that was still back in that time where females were kind of frowned upon. You were the only women in the shop. And back then, it was dirty, it was nasty. Sweaty. You just had to take all of that with a grain of salt, dig in and prove that you could do it. Work hard. Have a good attitude about it and things turn around.” Several years later, St. Armour secured a job at Nucor. She said that experience has been amazing. “Once you come in that gate you’re not a girl, you’re not a guy, you’re a part of the team,” St. Armour said. “As long as you come to work with a good attitude and a great drive to work, helping your team be successful, you get treated with respect. A lot of industries aren’t like this but at Nucor you are paid on a pay scale. It doesn’t matter if you are male or female because this job is going to pay you
from X to X, as long as you meet the criteria and you work safe. Everything is level across the board.” While millwork may have been dark and dirty when she started, St. Armour said that the industry has changed a lot. “People still think about a steel mill as dark and nasty and some of it still is,” she said. “Then there are parts where all you do is you work in a control room. You work with animation and technology. You can work in a lab. The choices here are so great. As long as you put forth your effort, as a female, you will be successful.” After welding for many years, she now works as a Quality Control Technician. “We work hand-in-hand with the different departments, like our Rolling Mill, our shipping department, some of our customers and our melt shop to make sure we are producing a quality product for our customer,” St. Armour said. “We spend a lot of time with our teammates in the mills, down at shipping looking over steel, helping them out any way we can as a resource.” That hands-on experience she got, starting in that first welding class, helps her still. “Quality Control is different than welding but welding helped me get a base knowledge of steel and that comes in really handy,” St. Armour said. “That is one of those great facets of being a welder: you
don’t have to be a welder your entire life. You can be a supervisor, you can go into engineering, metallurgy, inspection; welding is basically math and science and that is what we do here.” St. Armour said that she would encourage other women to follow their passion, regardless of where it takes them. “I think that one thing young girls need to know is that they can do it, they just have to have the confidence that they can do it,” St. Armour said. “The sky is unlimited, really, when it comes to a lot of the non-traditional roles.” She also said that she would encourage them to explore careers they may be interested as early as the opportunity presents itself. “The earlier you can get started the better, that way you can build on your skills, like your math, your sciences,” St. Armour said. “We deal a lot with chemistry in our melt shop. Also, start getting good communication skills at a young age; being able to walk in an interview and say this is who I am and this is why you need me. Those things you have to learn early or it causes you to not be as successful as you could be. Get into a vocational class, whether it’s welding or electrical, coding, programming, all of those things. Getting an understanding of how all those things work, make you a better person and a better leader.”
‘I knew welding was right for me the first
Melissa Rollins News and Press
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COASTAL OBSERVER
SECOND PLACE Vol. XXXVII No. 15
Pawleys Island, South Carolina ~ September 27, 2018
HURRICANE FLORENCE | The flood
UTILITIES
Charles Swenson Coastal Observer
Photos by Tanya Ackerman/Coastal Observer
Waters from the Waccamaw River had already reached Kings River Road on Tuesday, days before massive flooding from Hurricane Florence was expected to reach the Waccamaw Neck.
On the rise
With no evacuation planned, residents urged to watch waters
BY CHARLES SWENSON COASTAL OBSERVER
No evacuation order will go out for neighborhoods along the Waccamaw Neck that face flooding as the rain that fell across the Carolinas during Hurricane Florence last week makes its way down the rivers. But residents may get a phone call or text message. “There will not be an official evacuation order,” Sel Hemingway, the Georgetown County administrator, said this week. “The most important message that I can convey at this time is that you need to prepare to leave if you live in these areas.” A flood model prepared by the state Department of Natural Resources shows the potential for water to rise 10 feet or more over land along the Waccamaw River and its tidal creeks. The water draining through the Waccamaw and Pee Dee River basins is at or above historic levels. The Waccamaw was expected to crest in Conway at 4 feet above the record set during Hurricane Matthew in 2016, according to the National Weather Service. But Hemingway pointed out that the flooding from Matthew can’t be compared to the current circumstance. This time, the Pee Dee River that runs west of the Waccamaw is close to record levels last seen in 1945, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. “The Pee Dee is the 800-pound gorilla in the room,” Hemingway said. “The Pee Dee is the domi-
50 cents
Protecting water supply from too much water
BY CHARLES SWENSON COASTAL OBSERVER
A 4-foot berm went up this week around the pump station for the plant that supplies drinking water to Waccamaw Neck residents. Flooding in the Waccamaw River poses the dilemma of having too much water and yet not enough. Georgetown County Water and Sewer District’s main source of water comes from the Waccamaw River. It is treated at a plant off Sandy Island Road adjacent to Willbrook Plantation. The plant is designed to serve the peak summer demand so it is running at less than half of that now, about 3.5 million gallons a day, said Ray Gagnon, the utility’s chief executive officer. The berm is expected to protect the pump station and its electrical panels, based on current estimates of the flood. But there is another threat to the water supply from fly ash ponds at the Santee Cooper power plant in Conway. One pond had already flooded, but the state-owned electric utility said most of the fly ash had been removed. The material, the residue produced by burning coal, contains toxic metals. A second pond was expected to flood Tuesday. If it washes into the river, Gagnon said, “it would be extremely diluted” by the time it reached the water intake, “You’re talking about billions of gallons of water,” he added. But the district
Ray Gagnon
would close the intake. Even though the district has the ability to treat the raw water to remove the contaminants, “we want customers to be confident in water quality,”
Gagnon said. If the water district has to shut down the treatment plant, either for flooding or contaminants, it will draw on water stored in the aquifer, wells and water provided by the Grand Strand Water and Sewer Authority in Horry County. At current demand, those will be able to maintain the water supply. Last week, the district asked customers to cut back on water use by 50 percent. Unlike the first phase of Hurricane Florence, which threatened the beachfront with a storm surge, the flooding shouldn’t require the utility to cut off water. That was done along the beaches due to the threat of damage to the water mains. “If those broke, the water would pour out of the system,” Gagnon said. Where the district will cut off water is in locations where sewer pump stations are flooded and lose power. “If lift station pumps go underwater, the best thing to do is cut them off,” Gagnon said. “We hate to turn off people’s water.”
LITCHFIELD PLANTATION
Development raises stormwater concerns BY CHARLES SWENSON
Ken Watts and Dustin Sweat pack up Watts’ home of 25 years on Wassamasaw Road. He does not have flood insurance because he said this technically is not a flood zone. nant river,” said Keith Duffy, a hydraulics and hydrology engineer for the Army Corps of Engineers district in Portland, Ore. He spent last week working with Georgetown County emergency management officials. “The analogy is, when they come together, the Pee Dee actually has the right of way. The Waccamaw would be held back somewhat.” Forecasts of when the rivers will crest in different locations change regularly. The state Department of Transportation was installing flood barriers along Highway 17 at the Waccamaw and Pee Dee river bridges (Story, Sec-
WACCAMAW HIGH | Real life lessons
ond Front.) The agency expected flooding to start Wednesday night and into Thursday morning. “This area is very hard to predict because of the width of the floodplain and the number of rivers that are coming in just upstream,” said Leland Colvin, the deputy secretary of engineering at DOT. The agency is also basing decisions on the worst-case model developed by DNR. Duffy explained that the map was “a snapshot of the maximum, the crest.” It has changed since it was first released last week. Duffy SEE “WAITING,” PAGE 3
COASTAL OBSERVER
Within Litchfield Plantation, concerns over a 41-unit multifamily project were allayed when the developer agreed to use the main entrance to the gated community for access and to preserve a buffer around wetlands that separate the site from existing condos. Outside the plantation, neighbors have concern about the impact on traffic, trees and, as residents braced for a major flood, stormwater. Bentley Thompson of Native Homes received approval for the site plan last week from the Georgetown County Planning Commission. The 10.6-acre site is already zoned for multi-family use and the units are already figured into
density calculations for Litchfield Plantation, where development began in the late 1960s. The commission and County Council review multi-family projects for compliance with the development regulations. “The applicant has worked diligently with the adjacent property owners association,” said David Gantt, a principal at G3 Engineering, who represented the developer. The Litchfield Plantation association objected to the first draft of the plan, which showed an access to the project from Kings River Road. The association wanted to maintain security at the main entrance. In addition, the association at Chapel Creek Villas, the adjacent community within Litchfield SEE “PLANNING,” PAGE 4
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
SERIES OF ARTICLES WEEKLY OVER 4,500 DIVISION LIVING HERE The Greer Citizen
WEDNESDAY, MAY 23, 2018
THE GREER CITIZEN B5
There was no hope.
None of them (the patients) said anything about going home. It’s almost like they were the forgotten.
Retired Upstate nurse recalls
Summer of ’61 on Bull Street Editor’s Note: The following article is part of a series Buchheit is writing on the men and women that worked at the SC State Hospital in Columbia. Look for further stories on Bull Street to appear this summer in The Greer Citizen. 1961 was not a good year to work at the SC State Hospital. For the first time in the institution’s history, the patient population eclipsed 6,600, well above its listed capacity of 4,823 despite an operating budget that ranked 45th out of the 48 states with state hospitals. Without adequate funds for staff, facilities and treatment, hospital conditions were crumbling faster than Kennedy’s recent Bay of Pigs invasion. It was a shocking and hopeless scene that awaited 20-year-old nursing student Linda McLamb (who then went by her maiden name Linda Cox) when she arrived at the gates of Bull Street that summer. Enrolled at nearby Baptist Hospital’s School of Nursing, McLamb was forced into a unique rite of passage for any senior nursing student studying in Columbia– a mandatory summer of work at the state hospital. To make matters worse,
THE BUCK STOPS HERE
William Buchheit The Greer Citizen
WILLIAM BUCHHEIT Incredibly, McLamb even claims she witnessed the aftermath of a transorbital lobotomy on one poor patient. The woman, a schizophrenic, found a frog in the courtyard one day during recreation and hid it inside a body cavity where it died. When staff discovered what she had done, McLamb says, the irreversible operation was ordered. “I’ll never forget it. When I came back to the hospital on Monday, she had two black eyes,” says the retired nurse. “She had had a lobotomy. That’s the reason she had two black eyes. They let her on A Ward after that because she was like a zombie. The procedure made it easier for them to control her. I never did hear much about her after that. I guess that was the straw that broke the camel’s back – that frog.” McLamb’s recollections of Bull Street paint a portrait pulsating with horror and sadness. In her memories, C Ward was a hellish place where chain-link
FIRST PLACE
WILLIAM BUCHHEIT | THE GREER CITIZEN
Pictured is the maximum-security Saunders building at the South Carolina State Hospital, where McLamb worked. for murdering a woman. Madison would write to him constantly and then try to persuade McLamb to sneak the letters out to
father, drugs within reach
Electrical, mechanical and plumbing rough-in has begun. Below is a rendering of what the new school will look like when complete.
SERIES OF ARTICLES
Kayla Vaughn kvaughn@thelancasternews.com
This is a story about an EMS crew, an unconscious dad, an open bag of white powder and a precocious 3-year-old dialing 911. It’s midday Saturday, June 9. Sirens scream at passing cars as paramedics make their way to Barker Lane, off S.C. 200 just south of Airport Crossroads. Most of the cars ahead of the ambulance don’t pull over as it approaches, slowing the trip. It’s a routine call, a diabetic with low blood sugar. Two vehicles respond, one with three paramedics and the other with a supervisor and a reporter invited to ride along for a shift. The supervisor snaps on blue latex gloves as she strides across the front porch. It’s quiet inside except for soft country music from a TV music channel. Through the living room and dining room, they enter a bedroom where a man lies unconscious on a bed. As the paramedics examine their patient, there’s a giggle in the hall. “What you doing?” asks a tiny voice. A little girl stands there, watching, with a cell phone up to her ear. She’s talking to her grandmother. The paramedics know this family. They’ve been here many times. “She called it in,” one of the paramedics says of the girl. “This isn’t the first time this has happened.” The man is now conscious, but is still out of it. The paramedics already know who he is, but ask for his name See TODDLER I Page 2A
2-3 TIMES WEEKLY DIVISION
Contractor shortage, rainfall blamed for VW school delay
THIRD PLACE Mark Manicone
mmanicone@thelancasternews.com
Van Wyck Elementary School, which was originally supposed to be finished by June 8, won’t be ready for building inspections until at least Aug. 2, and school officials are worried about it being completed by the start of the school year. Jimmy Wilhide, senior architect with Moseley Architects of Charlotte, blames a lack of contractors and large amounts of rain at the work site this year. “The trades are stretched everywhere.... It’s like this all over the state,” Wilhide told school board members at their Tuesday night meeting. “Specifi-
cally with the elementary school at Van Wyck, it’s the electricians. Thirtyone electricians were on site today. “There is a concern with that project, and it is tight, but we are pushing as hard as we can push,” he said. School Superintendent Jonathan Phipps expressed his frustration over the delays and noted how close the completion date is to the start of school. After the Aug. 2 building inspections, contractors will have until Aug. 13 to rectify any problems the inspectors spot. While that additional work was being done, furniture, equipment and supplies would have to be moved in. See DELAY I Page 8A
Hal Millard The Lancaster News
“What scares me is every project we have is behind schedule. Talk about something to keep you up at night…. There is no Plan B. I just want to make sure we’re all clear on that.” – Superintendent Jonathan Phipps
On a mission to legalize medical cannabis First of two parts
Hal Millard
hmillard@thelancasternews
As far as Indian Land mom and activist Michelle Simonetti is concerned, it’s high time that South Carolina legalize medical marijuana. Too many people are suffering without it needlessly, she said. It’s not about getting high, Simonetti noted. It’s all about getting well. “I want people to see it as a medical issue,” she said. And a lack of legal medical marijuana also is too often turning desperate
166th year, No. 78 Two sections, 14 pages
patients or their caregivers into criminals, she lamented. Anecdotes abound of S.C. residents forced to either flee to pot-friendly states or else purchase the illicit herb here from drug dealers rather than through their doctors and a state-run apparatus that ensures the drug is safe and systematically monitored — “from seed to sale” — free of pesticides and other toxins that could undermine its supposed medicinal effects.
Michelle Simonetti of Indian Land displays a binder of products by S.C.-based Palmetto Harmony, which produces hemp-based oils and creams that Simonetti says have helped improve her family’s health. Still, she and others hold out hope S.C. legislators will ultimately legalize medical marijuana as 30 other states already have to treat a range of serious illnesses and ailments.
Index
Today’s Weather Partly cloudy with a 20 percent chance of rain Overnight: Partly cloudy with a 20 percent chance of scattered showers
HAL MILLARD/hmillard @thelancasternews.com
“I’ve gotten involved in this because I see (marijuana) as a true medical benefit,” said Simonetti, 38, who works in the electronic medical records field, holds a degree in neuroscience and acts as regional outreach director for the medical-marijuana advocacy group CompassionateSC. “People aren’t really educated to understand (the issue),” she added. “I hear people speaking about it and they don’t have a medical background. And a lot of the families who are dealing with (sick) See CANNIBIS I Page 3A
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Celebrations ...................5B Church News ..................2B Classifieds .......................6B Coming Events ...............2B Education .........................3B
Entertainment ............. 4B Faces & Places ............. 1B Opinion ........................7A Sports ............................5A
Deaths, 4A
Inside, 2A
Betty Hall Charles Mosley LaBruce Roberts
Norman talks immigration, civility and Supreme Court appointment
SECOND PLACE
Martin L.SPORTS Cahn Chronicle-Independent Chronicle-Independent
see page 6 & 7
Serving Kershaw County since 1889
© 2018 Camden Media Co. LLC
Camden, South Carolina
Friday, April 6, 2018
Orphaned and homeless
Jury awards $150,000 to teen in SCDSS case By MARTIN L. CAHN C-I (Camden, S.C.) senior writer mcahn@chronicle-independent.com
At the age of 14, an orphan listed in court documents as “J.M.” lived on the streets of Elgin for about four months, sleeping in abandoned cars, sheds and even a burnt-out home. On March 16, a jury awarded J.M., now 17, $150,000 in a judgment against the S.C. Department of Social Services (SCDSS) concluding that the agency’s negligent actions led to his ending up on the streets. The judgment came almost exactly two years after being filed in the Kershaw County Clerk of Court’s office in March 2016. But J.M.’s story started well before that and involves his older sister. The case also involves former SCDSS caseworker Shallia Belton, who has been at the center of other complaints against
14-year-old ended up homeless after agency ‘turned their back’ on him - Part 1 of 2 the agency, including one in which a man was confined to a skilled nursing facility against his and his wife’s wishes. In that case, a jury awarded the couple $250,000 in June 2017. Attorneys Robert and Deborah Butcher, who represented the elderly couple in the earlier case, represented J.M. in his case against SCDSS. In the March 2016 complaint, the Butchers wrote that SCDSS “is responsible for ensuring that any children who are orphaned are placed in the custody of the state and provided with food, shelter, medical treatment, and the basic necessi-
Candidates off
ties.” J.M., through the Butchers, alleged not only that SCDSS failed to provide him and his sister with “much needed services,” but that failing to do so ultimately left him to “roam the streets of Elgin at will with no structure, no parents, and no one to love him” from May to August 2015. Becoming orphaned According to a court document called a statement of disputed material facts, J.M. was detained at age 12 in August 2013 for shoplifting a pair of jeans and a pack of socks from a J.C. Penny’s store in Richland County.
Richland County entered him in its youth arbitration program, but terminated services after J.M.’s parents failed to maintain communications and comply with the program. The family, including his sister, disabled father and unemployed mother, moved to Kershaw County at the end of 2013, specifically to the Elgin area. By the end of the first semester, J.M. was failing most of his middle school classes and had been disciplined for missing detention and for using profanity. In March 2014, Richland County Family Court placed J.M. on six months probation and 20 hours of community service for the shoplifting charge. J.M. and his sister became orphans after their parents died within months of each other. His mother committed
See Teen, Page 10
Single copy 75 cents
Cup-related charges cut by more than half By MARTIN L. CAHN
C-I (Camden, S.C.) senior writer mcahn@chronicle-independent.com
The Camden Police Department (CPD) and its partner agencies issued summonses or arrested 43 people during March 31’s 84th running of the Carolina Cup. That is a more than 50 percent drop from previous years, according to CPD Chief Joe Floyd. “Our typical total numbers have been between 120 and 150 cases,” Floyd said Wednesday. Of those 43 cases, Floyd said officers arrested seven people: two for cocaine possession, two for illegal possession of prescription medication and three for breach of peace. The 36 other cases resulted in summonses, 25 of which were for minors in possession of alcohol. The remaining summonses were for various other charges. “This was definitely down from our normal
numbers,” Floyd sai “The numbers were ce tainly very different.” At the 2017 Carolin Cup, the CPD and S. State Law Enforcemen Division (SLED) filed 11 charges, 23 of which r sulted in people going jail. In 2016, the CPD an SLED made roughly 20 charges. Floyd said only on person was transporte to the hospital this yea -- someone who suffere medical distress fro drinking alcohol. He said the CPD e pected lower arrest num bers going into this year Cup because of the e pected smaller crowd siz “The Cup was able tell us in advance -- a most two months out that there were going be fewer people,” Floy said, especially in th area known as Colleg Park. That, he said, turne
See Cup, Page 1
GONE TO THE DOGS...
SERIES OF ARTICLES
A newspaper in all that the word implies, devoted to the best interests of the people of Cherokee County. GAFFNEY, S.C.
for readers ide who gets en Peaches
OWELL Writer eyledger.com
ts compete for Grammys. tresses covet Oscars. Athred for their performances
esidents have an opportuize Cherokee County busidividuals for providing ervices in the community. ard winners will be deterers of The Gaffney Ledger. 018, voting is now underrd annual Golden Peach ored by this newspaper. be found on Pages 11 and aper and will be included n until Friday, Jan. 12. Balvailable in The Weekly
l determine winners in 118 categories and have the o recognize their favorite d places to go in Cherokee ds will be presented in Best All-Around Restaurian, Auto Dealer, Doctor, assage Therapist. limited on entry forms he newspaper along with edger. There will be no ons year. 50,000 votes were received lden Peach reader choice
r will receive a plaque as a h Winner” on Jan. 25 durbanquet at the Cherokee y and Arts Museum. A will be given to the winner votes. his will be a lot of fun for said Greg Moore, Ledger cial Media and Marketing. f the biggest ways to honor businesses, services and o serve them every day.” l category found in very rs, but said to be one of the is “Cleanest Restroom.” rked at Gastonia, we were with the response to that ore said. “The winner said coming to his business restroom.” oter in the Golden Peach in $100. Details can be allot pages inside today’s
MONDAY, JANUARY 1, 2018
WWW.GAFFNEYLEDGER.COM
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COMMUNITY MATTERS
2-3 TIMES WEEKLY DIVISION
NO PLACE TO CALL HOME Activities behind the scenes help Cherokee County’s 71 homeless students try to adjust (EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the first in a series of stories that focuses on the plight of the homeless in Cherokee County. Today’s story deals with the issue of students who attend our public school system.)
FIRST PLACE
By SCOTT POWELL Ledger Staff Writer spowell@gaffneyledger.com A family was living temporarily in an old daycare building that had no heat in the Goucher community three years ago as they prepared for another holiday with no Christmas tree or gifts for five children. The family rented the structure from a relative while their older children attended elementary school. As the holidays approached, the family’s only wish was to have a home for the holidays. Their dream came true in an unexpected way when Gaffney High students helped their history teacher George Duncan pull off a miracle through their annual “White Christmas” service project. Contributions from local businesses and student fundraising efforts provided money to pay three months rent on an old farmhouse and fill an oil drum outside the home with kerosene for the furnace. Students delivered oversized stockings and presents for the children. They brought another special holiday delivery — the key to a house. After school hours, Duncan spent several days in the fall of 2014 searching for rental homes in the Goucher Elementary area after school officials informed him about the family’s situation. He managed to secure a farmhouse and got $1,100 in required electric and water utility deposits waived so the family could afford to move. The family is still living in the same farmhouse three years later. “They are doing well,” Duncan said. “All they needed was a house and a little help.”
PERSPECTIVE I wasted a lot of time in
PAGE 4
Caleb Hogg and Colby Parker look for a pair of shoes as Cherokee County Junior Ambassadors fulfill wish lists for seven children before a recent Christmas. Cherokee County is among many school districts where community service projects help meet basic needs from food and winter coats to enrolling students who do not have a regular nighttime residence. Since August, local schools have provided assistance for 71 homeless students this school year. While this family’s story has a happy ending, it illustrates how schools often work behind the scenes to meet basic needs for students beyond the classroom. Local schools regularly collect items such as winter coats, socks and shirts. The extra clothing and school supplies is quietly distributed by school principals to students who are in need. “It’s hard to imagine a child having to go to school without a jacket or coat, but they do,” Duncan said. “We also like to think it only happens in other places, but we are wrong. It happens right here in Cherokee County.” The McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Act requires school districts to provide assistance to homeless students who are enrolled in public schools. The l See HOMELESS, Page 5
SPORTS
PAGE 10
Gaffney High School students sort coats by sizes so they can be distributed to needy students in county (Ledger file photos) schools.
Staff The Gaffney Ledger
BEAT REPORTING
WEEKLY OVER 4,500 & UNDER 4,500 DIVISIONS COMBINED
CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK
sday 2018
THIRD PLACE onwide shortage of court reporters causes
o. 16 6671
news.com
$1.00
Kathy Ropp The Horry Independent
duling problems for Horry County courts
NEWS.COM
to take guilty r hear family ury, prosecutorneys and onnel, right? ne essential ed here, the ecoming scarce. Myrtle Beach,
who works as a court reporter in Horry County’s Family Court, says the shortage of court reporters is real and she fears that when her generation leaves the courtroom there won’t be anyone to replace them. Ginny Jones, spokesperson for the S.C. Judicial Department sums up the problem much the same way. Fewer people are entering the profession, training programs
Project,” Jones wrote in response to questions posed by The Horry Independent. “This proven technology, which is operated in courtrooms by trained staff, is now capturing the record effectively in five courtrooms and is coming to more this year. “It is important to note that we view digital recording as a supplement to court reporting; it has never replaced an existing court
have closed and the numbers of new court reporters hasn’t kept up with retirements, according to Jones. Machines are the obvious choice to remedy the problem, and S.C. Court Administration is already experimenting with digital recorders. “In January 2018, the S.C. Supreme Court issued an order for a Digital Courtroom Recorder
BY KATHY ROPP KATHY.ROPP@MYHORRYNEWS.COM
KATHY ROPP / THE HORRY INDEPENDENT
love words. I love typing’...Bobbi Fisher •
s profession doesn’t have many takers
n’t feel but she -reary prohe way she and h Car-
resident
ED
COURT REPORTERS, A3
Judge denies protection from prosecution under ‘Stand Your Ground’ law for two Conway area defendants
reporter Bobbi Fisher worries about the waning numbers of people who want to become court reshe enjoys. South Carolina currently has 36 openings for court reporters.
EWS.COM
reporter, nor do we intend for it to.” So far, this nationwide shortage of court reporters hasn’t created too much of a problem for Horry County’s circuit court, according to 15th Judicial Circuit Solicitor Jimmy Richardson, but for the first time next week Horry’s court has been forced to drop a term of
is a court reporter in Horry’s Family Court and will be inducted next month as president of the S.C. State Court Reporters Association. “I like my judge. I like my team. I like my work environment,” she said touting the benefits of being a court reporter. Fisher is a “steno” reporter who types, sort of in code,
everything that happens during a Family court proceeding, the same way court reporters do in circuit court. Some court reporters speak into masks to make recordings of the court events. “I love it,” she said of being a court reporter. “I love words. I love typing.” The problem is as is the cycle with many jobs, court
Richardson wins primary
reporters are retiring, and not enough people are stepping up to take their places. Fisher isn’t sure why more people aren’t going into the profession, but thinks that a lot of people just don’t realize that there is such a position. And, she said, there are FISHER, A3
Horry County Circuit Court Judge Benjamin Culbertson denied Conwayites Diane Durkin and James Rosenbaum the right to be protected from prosecution under the Stand Your Ground law after a two-day hearing regarding the death of Roy Davis in July 2016. “This does not determine guilt or innocence,” Culbertson said. “We’ll have to have a trial in this case.” Durkin testified Monday that she was trying to hold Davis at her home until police arrived when she and her boyfriend Rosenbaum beat Davis to death with a baseball bat and hit him with the butt of a pellet rifle after Davis tried to sexually assault her. Durkin, 51, and her boyfriend Rosenbaum, 54, are both charged with murder as a result of the death of Davis, a Conway area farm worker. The defendants tried to convince Culbertson that they feared for their lives when, Durkin says, Davis tried to sexually assault her at the residence she and Rosenbaum shared on Highway 548. In questioning by prosecutor Nancy Livesay and defense attorney Jarrett
Bouchette, Durkin explained differences in her testimony Monday and her statement to police on the night of the killing. On the witness stand Monday, Durkin said she and Rosenbaum met online in December of 2014. They lived together in Connecticut before vacationing in this area, going home, packing up and moving here. She said she was not working at the time of the Davis’ death and that the two were living on Rosenbaum’s military benefits. She said she started using cocaine and marijuana when she was 13years-old, but quit after a couple of years because her mother had been killed by a drunken driver. She also stopped during two pregnancies, she said. She said she was doing heroin around the time of Davis’ death. She testified that she met Davis through a friend that he was smoking crack with. They gave her some and she “shot it.” At that time, she said, she was looking for work and Davis told her she could probably get a job working on the farm where he worked driving a tractor. She said she went by the STAND YOUR GROUND, A2
SECOND PLACE Viraj Naik Myrtle Beach Herald
BEAT REPORTING
WEEKLY OVER 4,500 & UNDER 4,500 DIVISIONS COMBINED
FIRST PLACE Charles D. Perry Myrtle Beach Herald
the day Carla arrived at Bob’s house in Lugoff. It was also her birthday. She turned 71 and her birthday present to herself was to visit Bob, her older brother, for the very first time in their lives. Carla returned to her home in Port Orange, Fla., on Thursday, but on Wednesday, they were still sitting close to one another on a couch, hugging often, both amazed that they were finally together. Carla also met their 91-year-old mother, Dene (pronounced “Dean,” short for Eldene), for the first time since being given up for adoption in 1947.
BEAT REPORTING 2-3 TIMES WEEKLY DIVISION
THIRD PLACE Kayla Vaughn The News Lancaster The Lancaster News Annual arts gala draws big crowd
Lady Bruins win BHS tourney
OUT & ABOUT, 8
SPORTS, 5
Lancaster County’s triweekly newspaper
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 7, 2018
www.thelancasternews.com
Austin Steele ‘never met a stranger’
75 CENTS
Howard still improving, lung tumor shrinks 50% ‘The care team is very pleased,’ daughter says Mark Manicone mmanicone@thelancasternews.com
After seven weeks in the hospital, Lancaster Mayor John Howard continues to gain strength, and the tumor in his lung has shrunk significantly after his first chemo treatment. “From an oncology perspective, the care team is very pleased,” Shelley Robinson, Howard’s daughter, posted on a website set up to keep the public informed. Howard “With his first round of chemo, the tumor in his chest has reduced in size by 50 percent or more.” The mayor is still in the progressive-care unit at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, after being moved out of intensive care a few weeks earlier. See HOWARD I Page 3
Befriended pair now charged in his brutal killing Kayla Vaughn kvaughn@thelancasternews.com
Austin Steele was a loving, generous young man who worked part-time jobs and liked to take off on his moped for solo excursions to the beach, says Peggy Rape, his caretaker for several years. He was mildly autistic but was able to function independently most of the time, according to Rape. He was studying for his GED. She says she would always ask him, “How far do I love you?” And he would respond, “To the moon and back.” Steele trusted people too easily, Rape says, and that’s how he ended up sharing his trailer with Christopher Holford and Brandy Duncan, newlyweds now charged in his death. Holford is charged with murder, Duncan with accessory after the fact. Steele’s dismembered, burned body was found Thursday on High Point Circle south of Lancaster, where they lived. The remains were discovered after Holford was arrested for criminal domestic violence. A nurse at Springs Memorial Hospital reported to police that he had hit his pregnant wife. Duncan told officers at the hospital that her husband was a killer. A preliminary autopsy showed that Steele suffered a single gunshot to the neck sometime between Jan. 29 and Feb. 12, but likely didn’t die until the next day. Rape says she was frightened by Holford when she met him a few weeks before Steele disappeared. “I told Austin to please stay away from him,” Rape said Monday. “There was just something about him that made my skin crawl.” She said Steele took Holford and Duncan in because they had nowhere to stay. See STEELE I Page 2
“He had a way with kids…. Coach Moyer
AJMS staffers get marching orders as fire recovery starts Mark Manicone
mmanicone@thelancasternews.com
PHOTOS SUPPLIED
At top, candles illuminate photos of Austin Steele at a vigil in his memory Saturday. Above, wearing his Air Force JROTC uniform, Steele hugs friend and caretaker Peggy Rape.
Teachers from fire-damaged Andrew Jackson Middle School filled every seat and lined the walls at the nearby high school library Thursday, as Superintendent Jonathan Phipps and district staff pledged support to the faculty and laid out plans for the weekslong recovery. “To the Andrew Jackson Middle School family, we are sorry that this happened,” said Sheri Watson, principal of Heath Springs Elementary, one of the campuses where the AJMS students will attend classes during the cleanup from Thursday night’s fire. “We’re opening up our doors to you,” Watson said. “After all, you’re family.” Phipps said he anticipates reopening AJMS in two weeks, but he said that might be an “optimistic” estimate. David Small, the school district’s facilities director, said ServPro has 200 people working 10-hour shifts to get the school ready as fast possible. The fire started in a janitor’s See AJMS I Page 2
Buford High mourns loss of ‘Coach Mo’
“We lived in a boxcar,” Bob said, “that had been converted to be like a trailer or mobile home. There were 10 of us.” After living in the boxcar for a while, they moved again, this time to a house with his grandmother, who worked for Oscar Mayer in Davenport. Bob had a younger brother, Aaron, born in 1945, who unfortunately died in a freak boating accident a number of years ago on Lake Powell, a reservoir straddling the Utah/ Arizona border. “Dad was married three times. I have three half-sisters -- two in Arkansas and one in Mississippi -- and two halfbrothers,” Bob said.
See Meeting, Page 9
Photo by Martin L. Cahn/C-I
Bob Snell, 74, of Lugoff, hugs his sister, Carla Sauders, 71, of Port Orange, Fla., on a couch at his home on Wednesday. The siblings met for the first time ever on May 14 -- Carla’s birthday -- after finding each other on March 31 thanks to DNA testing through Ancestry. com. Both born along the Mississippi River in the Davenport, Iowa, area, Carla never knew she was adopted, while Bob had known since the 1980s that he had a sister. Carla came up from Florida to meet Bob, his wife, Brenda, and their large family, including her and Bob’s 91-year-old mother, who gave her up for adoption in
Robbins to be new KCSD superintendent
School board sends millage options to council
School board takes vote late Thursday night
Also, trustees vote to name new ATEC after Woolard
SECOND PLACE
By MARTIN L. CAHN C-I (Camden, S.C.) senior writer mcahn@chronicle-independent.com
Martin L. Cahn Chronicle-Independent By MARTIN L. CAHN
C-I (Camden, S.C.) senior writer mcahn@chronicle-independent.com
Thursday, the Kershaw County School District (KCSD) announced that the Kershaw County Board of School Trustees selected, by unanimous vote, Dr. William (Shane) Robbins as its new superintendent to replace Dr. Frank Morgan who is retiring in June. Robbins is currently superintendent of Mt. Vernon Community School Corporation in Fontville, Ind. Prior to this post, he was superintendent of Northwestern Consolidated School District and Monroe Central School Corporation, both in Indiana.
See KCSD, Page 12
Kershaw County School District (KCSD) officials will appear at tonight’s Kershaw County Council meeting in order to bring forward two options in regard to requested 5.4 mil tax increase for the district. The options come in the form of a single unanimous vote during the Kershaw County Board of School Trustees’ May 15 meeting. The vote followed a nearly hour-long presentation from the co-chairs of a joint board/council ad hoc committee on growth,
ROBBINS
2-year-old girl found safe By MARTIN L. CAHN C-I (Camden, S.C.) senior writer mcahn@chronicle-independent.com
Two-year-old Dakota Ray is safe more than a month after being declared missing on April 15. Her parents are under arrest after being located in Decorah, Iowa, on Thursday afternoon. The Camden Police Department (CPD) listed Dakota as missing even though she was thought to be with her parents, William Eugene Ray, 46, and Jessica Louise Ray, 36, both of Maggie Avenue, Camden. The case actually began April 12 and involved the Kershaw County Sheriff ’s Office. According to a CPD incident report, county deputies called Department of Social Services (DSS) workers to the Plantation Motel on U.S. 1 in east Camden due to the Ray’s alleged methamphetamine use endangering the little girl. DSS reportedly set up a safety plan for Dakota with William Ray’s brother, Johnny. The CPD later arrested Johnny Lynn Ray, 46, also of Maggie Avenue, for unlawful neglect for allowing Dakota to be
with her father unsupervised because he claimed -- falsely, as it turned out -- that he had left Dakota and William Ray at DSS’ offices on East DeKalb Street. Officers then charged him with being an accessory before the fact for grand larceny of a motor vehicle. They did so because Johnny Ray reportedly admitted to taking William to the Dollar General in east Camden in order to steal a license tag and then drove him to bondswoman Donna Davis’ office on Bramblewood Plantation Road where William stole a gold-colored Ford Aerostar Van he had put up as collateral for bond in an earlier case. William and Jessica Ray then left the state with Dakota, which led the CPD to declare her as missing. According to a copy of a Winneshiek County (Iowa) Sheriff ’s Office (WCSO) incident report obtained by the ChronicleIndependent, deputies conducted a traffic stop on the gold Ford van being driven by Dakota’s father a little after 5 p.m. Thursday. The reporting deputy said they stopped the van because William Ray was
The Chronicle-Independent is distributed Tuesday and Friday. (803) 432-6157 (phone) (803) 432-7609 (fax) jtatum@chronicle-independent.com (e-mail)
See Girl, Page 9
See Board, Page 9
Parents arrested in Iowa
Photo provided by CPD
A poster provided by the Camden Police Department, now stamped with “Found” for 2-year-old Dakota Ray, and “Arrested” for her parents, William and Jessica Ray.
Index Ariail............2 Classified..........10 Editorial..........2
school resource officer (SRO) funding and school safety. The first option would be for council to agree to grant the district a 5.4 millage increase -- the maximum increase allowable under state law -- in order to fund the following: • One mental health coordinator; • two mental health workers; • two SROs; and • academic intervention programs. The second option would be for council to accept the ad hoc committee’s immediate,
deaths Obituaries.......4 People&Places..11 Sports.............6
William Carlos, Camden Thomas Champion Jr., Camden William Blake Ford, Camden Patricia Ann McMorris Lewis,
Eugene Spann, Camden Shelby Rodgers Watts, Cassatt Raymond G. Woolfe Jr., Charlottesville, VA
Choo-choo Christmas at Sun City OUT & ABOUT, 1B
The
BEAT REPORTING
Lady Bruins win in split with Northwestern
2-3 TIMES WEEKLY DIVISION
SPORTS, 5A
Lancaster News Lancaster County’s triweekly newspaper
www.thelancasternews.com
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2017
75 CENTS
2nd horse shot dead at Panhandle ranch REECE MURPHY/ rmurphy@the lancasternews. com
Julie Dunn loves on Honey, left, and Slider, two of her five horses that remain after the loss of Boss last week.
County: 9 IL subdivisions may have to repair their own streets Gregory A. Summers
Reece Murphy
rmurphy@thelancasternews.com
For the second time in six years, Robbie and Julie Dunn have found one of their horses shot dead at their Panhandle ranch. The Dunns said someone shot their 28-year-old gelding Boss in the side of the head with a small-caliber weapon the morning of Nov. 18. The bullet did not kill the horse for hours, and its suffering and collapse were captured on surveillance video. Julie Dunn said she found
Boss lying on his side dead near the barn at their ranch on Old Church Road when she went to feed him and his five stablemates that afternoon. Dunn said she’s still shaken by the loss of a second horse that she had owned for more than 20 years. “I’ve always said I wanted to be with my horses when they die. Now I lost two and wasn’t able to be there,” Dunn said, growing emotional. “Boss was special. I grew up with Boss. He was a
companion.” Boss, a registered descendant of Ben Cartwright’s horse Buck in the long-running TV show “Bonanza,” is the second horse killed by gunfire at the couple’s 10acre ranch northeast of Andrew Jackson State Park. In August 2011, Robbie Dunn found his wife’s 25-year-old Tennessee walker mare Pretty Girl shot to death in the ranch’s pasture behind his parents’ home. He said she’d been shot six times See BOSS I Page 3A
Clippers go silent after half century on Grace Avenue Barber Francis Faile dies at 92
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mily Justice Center raising money for domestic violence shelter
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mestic violence vicave no shelter in County, but there’s ort to change that. Family Justice Center ry and Georgetown es is working to raise y hoping to acquire a
safehouse for domestic violence victims in Horry County. A safehouse is a place with no listed address for individuals to seek refuge from immediate danger. “It’s desperately needed,” said Fred Nesta, who works as the Horry County volunteer fundraising chairman
with the nonprofit. Through a public-private partnership and other means, the center is working toward raising $1.5 million to purchase or rent a shelter in the county, officials said. The goal is to open the safehouse as soon as possible. “Everybody understands
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, A3
Death of Van Watts could delay Downtown Conway apartment complex project BY KATHY ROPP KATHY.ROPP@MYHORRYNEWS.COM
o needs green eggs?
KATHY ROPP / THE HORRY INDEPENDENT
Tufts wasn’t interested in the green eggs Saturday morning at the Dr. Seuss party. It was the blue n the cupcakes, her mouth and hands that delighted her, along with the bubbles coming out of ue bubble wand. Tufts got her cupcake at the ribbon cutting for Conway’s Little Free Library proSee page A11.
U ASKED FOR IT |
the severity of the problem and should everybody get involved, we’ll save lives,” Nesta said, “not only of women or children, but of police officers.” Nesta explained the $1.5 million figure will pay for the acquisition of the shel-
Conway city officials are optimistic that the death of the project manager for a Downtown Conway apartment complex won’t stop the project, but they concede that it will likely delay it. Van Watts died Sunday in Boston, Mass., where he had been receiving treatment for cancer, according to several sources. Conway city administrator Adam Emrick said the 39-unit apartment building was set to close in February with plans to start construction immediately after that, but the project didn’t close. Construction on the apartments, to be located on Kingston Lake between S.C. 905 and the Ocean Fish Market, is expected to take 18 months. “It’s a hurdle. We’ll get over it,” he said, after expressing his sympathy for the Watts family. “Van was the architect of this. He was the driver, but he had a lot of support for it. There’s clearly a demand for this product in Conway,” Emrick said, adding that where’s there’s a need, the market responds. Nigel Horonzy, the realtor on the project, said, “Van had several partners in this project and right now we are in the process of updating all the partners. It was obviously a loss, a real blow, you know, losing him. Van was kind of the lead on this.” Horonzy said Tuesday that he was trying to bring the other partners up-to-speed, but he hasn’t been pushing the issue. “It’s a great project for Conway,” he said, adding that if the current investors don’t want to
Watts continue he feels confident that somebody else will pick it up. “They’ve got a lot of due diligence money in there. Hopefully the partners will jump back in. I’m sure they’ve got to find one more investor now, but hopefully we’ll get through it, and it’ll be a great thing for Conway,” Horonzy said. Watts first presented his plan to the Conway City Council in April of 2017 when council members voiced total support for it. The plan starts with a four-story housing project including 39 one and two-bedroom units on a 10,000-square-foot building pad. Watts said then that his company, The Pace Group, had developed many apartment complexes in Myrtle Beach and throughout Horry County. They’ve built subdivisions, four developments in Carolina Forest and offices in Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach, according to Watts. WATTS, A2
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Mayor candidate Butch Flynn arrested Mark Manicone
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One of the five candidates running for Lancaster mayor in the upcoming special election has been arrested. James “Butch” Flynn, 47, was arrested Tuesday on an outstanding family court bench warrant for failure to abide by a
court order. He was also cited for secondoffense driving under suspension, according to a Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office incident report. His first offense was in 2011, according to court records. The incident report did not say what court order Flynn was alleged to have violated.
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Flynn, who said when filing for mayor that he was a Domino’s pizza deliverer, could not be reached for comment and did not return phone calls. The manager at the Domino’s store on S.C. 9 Bypass East said he could not give out any information about company employees. Flynn’s arrest does not legally
affect his candidacy in the July 10 special mayoral election, according to county Elections Director Mary Ann Hudson. As of press time Thursday, Flynn was still listed as a candiFlynn date, according to scvotes.org. If Flynn dropped
out of the race, it would be reflected online. “He would have to send a letter to us withdrawing as a candidate,” Hudson said. This is not Flynn’s first run-in with the law. In November 2007 he See FLYNN I Page 2A
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Allegations found to ‘be substantially accurate and of significant concern’
Audit: CCDSNB employee misused resources By LARRy HILLIARD Ledger Staff Writer larry@gaffneyledger.com An internal investigation found evidence a Cherokee County Disabilities and Special Needs Board (CCDSNB) employee misused department resources when she managed her private company. The South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs Internal Division audit said the CCDSNB Early Intervention supervisor used an agency credit card, vehicle, personnel and telecommunications equipment to operate her private early intervention company. The audit also found non-compliance of program standards, significant issues relating to Medicaid billing and a failure to follow sound business practice and fiscal management over the early intervention program. “The lack of supervision and oversight by the executive director allowed
OK, he’s not really quitting ... yet By LARRy HILLIARD Ledger Staff Writer larry@gaffneyledger.com Apparently, Cherokee County Interim Assistant Administrator Bill
the early intervention supervisor to neglect her duties as the early intervention supervisor to the Provider, while building her new, for profit business,” the audit said. “The early intervention supervisor established a system at the Provider in which she was paid a substantial salary as an early intervention supervisor with a partial caseload, had an agency vehicle, cell phone, gas card and access to office supplies. She had little to no expenses for her new business, as many of those expenses were being run through the Provider. The early intervention supervisor had access to new referrals coming from BabyNet to her new company as well as to those coming into the Provider. She neglected all supervisory duties, deciding to turn those over to her administrative assistant. “Had the early intervention supervisor been properly supervised by the executive director, the aforementioned activities may not have occurred or
“PUBLIC MONIeS were used in an unwise manner with little or no supervision or oversight,” the audit charged. “Additionally, this lack of supervision created the perception that certain employees receive benefits other employees do not, creating an atmosphere of unfairness and ambiguity for Provider employees.” would have been caught prior to complaints being filed with the DDSN.” The Cherokee County Disabilities and Special Needs Board aids persons with intellectual disabilities, autism and brain and spinal cord conditions. An internal audit division was established to ensure the agency is accomplishing its goals. During the routine audit, the agency received allegations concerning the Early Intervention program and its oversight by the CCDSNB executive director. The audit, which was presented to the CCDSNB in November and spanned fiscal years 2015-2017, found the allegations to “be substantially accurate and of significant concern.”
The audit failed to identify by name the early intervention supervisor as well as the Board’s executive director. Charlie Gray, a 9-year employee of the CCDSNB who was named executive director a month ago, also declined to identify the subjects of the audit, citing legal concerns. He did say both employees left the CCDSNB during the time of the audit’s release. He said he was unaware if they resigned or were fired. Acknowledging the results of the audit were troubling, Gray said he’s focusing his attention on the future. “Our main focus is taking the agency in a positive direction,” Gray said. l See AUDIT, Page 5A
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Council deducts $84,000 from sheriff ’s budget Money will cover cost of truck purchase department made outside of procurement policy BY TRAVIS JENKINS tjenkins@onlinechester.com
The Chester County Sheriff’s Department will have $84,000 deducted from its coming year fiscal year budget to make up the difference of a truck purchase the department made
without going through proper county procurement. During a discussion of the coming fiscal year budget, Councilman Joe Branham brought up a purchase made during the curSee COUNCIL, Page 6
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It’s chemistry
Liquid sodium silicate factory opens in South Carolina. Page 17
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Thebiggesteventinprofessionalbassfishinghaulsin the best anglers, their fans and their dollars. PAGE 10
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Whatagrowingtempsector says about the economy. Page 22
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CaseyAshleyofDonaldsreturnstotheUpstatelakewherehehoned his craft and became a champion in 2015. (Photo/Provided)
By Teresa Cutlip
F
tcutlip@scbiznews.com
ive young men signed their names and donned the hats. It was signing day. But they weren’t committing to play football or basketball or any other sport. They signed on to the Michelin Youth Apprenticeship program. Scott Clark, chairman and president of Michelin North America, said a low unemployment rate coupled with strong economic growth is making it harder and harder for Michelin to find new people. “We know we’re not alone in this challenge. All companies are evaluating innovative approaches to find the right people,” Clark said. “Michelin believes that we should develop this talent locally and invest in our state. Strong and stable careers in industry contribute to strong and stable communities. It is for these reasons that our strategic partnership with Greenville County schools is so critically important.” The students — Johnathan Harper, Jacob Tucker, Iquavious Lewis, Janias Tinch and Aidan O’Boyle — signed their intent to pursue careers in industry, starting with becoming youth apprentices at Michelin’s Donaldson Center plant, the company’s first in the United States. The students, their families, representatives from Michelin and Greenville County schools took part in an official signing ceremony at Enoree Career Center. Burke Royster, superintendent of Greenville County Schools, said the youth apprenticeship with Michelin “represents the single largest commitment of an employer and the greatest potential for additional commitment for the apprenticeship opportunity.” “These five young men represent the first group — the pioneering group — for See SIGNING DAY, Page 6
The view from behind the tee box at No. 18 at Harbour Town Golf Links during the Heritage Classic gives a scenic vista of Calibogue Sound and the familiar lighthouse, wrapped in plaid to celebrate the tournament’s 50th anniversary. (Photo/Heritage Classic Foundation)
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Youthapprentices have signing day with Michelin
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At Work
PEOPLE, PLACES AND HAPPENINGS ACROSS THE MIDLANDS
S.C. among leading states in growth of women-owned businesses By Melinda Waldrop
B
“I’m every day involved in the planning and talking to consultants and trying to figure out how we can grow and still maintain that small-business feel.”
mwaldrop@scbiznews.com
eth Renwick didn’t start out to be a entrepreneur. An emergency room physician at Lexington Medical Center, she had just completed her residency when a side gig of her husband’s morphed into a second full-time job. Now the owner of Green Energy Biofuel, Renwick is one of a growing number of women in South Carolina who own their own businesses. A recent survey funded by American Express compiling U.S. Census Bureau data found that S.C. saw a 67.9% increase in the number of women-owned businesses from 2007 to 2018, fifth-highest in the nation. Nationwide, the number of women-owned businesses grew 57.6% from 2007-2018, from an estimated 11.6 million to 12.3 million. That growth was magnified in the last year, when women started an average of 1,821 businesses per day in the U.S. between 2017 and 2018, according to analysis in the 2018 State of Women-Owned Businesses Report. “Over the last 11 years, what’s really driving it, and I think in South Carolina in particular, is necessity entrepreneurship,” said American Express research advisor Geri Stengel. “You’re seeing much smaller businesses started in South Carolina than you would see nationwide. That’s why, relatively speaking, you’ve got good growth in the number of firms compared to the nationwide numbers, but not good growth in terms of total employment and total revenue.” South Carolina ranked 28th during that time frame with a 12.6% increase in jobs created and 45th in growth of business revenue at 14.4%. Renwick was not a necessity entrepreneur — someone who is unemployed, or in need of a second job to make ends meet. She became, if accidentally, an opportunity entrepreneur — someone who sees a marketplace need and attempts to fill it,. That category is less common in S.C., Stengel said. Renwick was completing her medical residency in Augusta, Ga., when her husband, Joe, began looking for ways to power a diesel truck he owned as fuel prices climbed toward $5 a gallon around 2008. He learned to make biodiesel, at first making just enough in his garage to power his truck with waste vegetable oil collected from a nearby restaurant. When Renwick began working at Lexington Medical Center, he teamed with a friend at the S.C. Department of Commerce to expand his operation.
Elizabeth Renwick Owner, Green Energy Biofuel
Beth Renwick, an emergency room physician, is also the owner of Green Energy Biofuel in Winnsboro. A recent survey funded by American Express using U.S. Census Bureau data found that South Carolina had a 67.9% increase in the number of women-owned businesses from 2007 to 2018, the fifth-highest growth rate in the nation. The state saw a 12.6% increase in jobs created and a 14.4% increase in revenue. (Photo/File)
The friend left the business in 2011. Renwick stepped in, loaning the enterprise startup funds. She also took over the books, then marketing and strategic planning, and then became a 51% owner. “We had one truck and one driver,” she said. “We’ve grown now to 26 employees in Winnsboro, and we have a second oil collection location in Knoxville. Recently, we purchased a foreclosed biodiesel plant in Aiken County. We’re thinking about hiring about maybe between 30 and 40 new people in the next year or two.” That size business is a bit unusual for South Carolina, where the number of people employed by women-owned businesses increased just 1.6% from 2017 to 2018. Nationwide, the number increased
2.2% year-to-year. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing, Stengel said, as entrepreneurs may be rejoining the workforce. “It means probably that the overall economy may be doing better in South Carolina,” Stengel said. “You’re not seeing the opportunity women entrepreneurs in South Carolina. Those would be the kinds of companies that would be more innovative, more likely to be hiring people and adding more revenue to the economy.” In S.C. and nationwide, Stengel said the driving force behind the increase in women-owned businesses is women of color. The report found that the number of firms owned by minority women has grown by nearly three times that of all women-owned firms during the
past 11 years. “The wage gap is greater for women of color than for non-minority women, so they’re leaving the workforce out of frustration sometimes, but also they’re leaving the workforce because the company may have downsized,” Stengel said. “They also may be trying to make ends meet, and this might be supplemental income.” Minority entrepreneurs are also more likely to be millennials, Stengel said. “It’s greater frustration, but it also could be more ambition,” she said. “African-American women feel that they would have more value by starting their own company and getting paid that way than within somebody else’s company.” However, because millennial entrepreneurs have less experience and fewer financial resources, they are more likely to re-enter the workforce, Stengel said. As Renwick’s business keeps growing, she grapples with challenges such as trying to provide health insurance for employees while also fielding questions from others in her line of work surprised to find a woman running the show. “I’ll get questions from other biodiesel companies just almost questioning me, like ‘What kind of process to do you use?’ I think they’re just kind of testing me to see how much I’m involved,” Renwick said. “I’m every day involved in the planning and talking to consultants and trying to figure out how we can grow and still maintain that small-business feel.” Renwick advises any would-be women entrepreneurs to do their research, and to not be shy about reaching out to others. “People are always willing to help you. You just have to figure out that right person to ask,” she said. “For any females that are out there wanting to start their own business, it’s all about information gathering and flexibility, knowing that their business model may change. They might start out selling one product and then have to change to sell another.” CRBR
Reach Melinda Waldrop at 803-726-7542.
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State seeks death penalty in 2015 Pageland murders Staff report
South Carolina will seek the death penalty when Rayshawn Montez Little goes on trial for the 2015 Pageland murders of Tyvonn Terrell Threatt and Shannon Rasheal Little. Fourth Circuit Solicitor William Rogers announced the state’s intentions last Wednesday at a hearing in Darlington. The South Carolina Court Administration will assign a judge to preside over all further proceedings in
this case. No trial date has been set. In the notice of intent order, Kernard Redmond, deputy solicitor for the Fourth Judicial Circuit, said the state will “call the case” within 30 days of June 30. In 2015 Little was charged with two counts of murder in the deaths of Shannon Little and Tyvonn Threatt, as well as two counts of possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime. The solicitor’s office said two
“aggravating circumstances” led to the decision to seek the death penalty: u There were multiple murder victims. u The defendant “knowingly and intentionally created a great risk of death to more than one person in a public place” by means of a handgun. Rayshawn Little had been previously charged with five counts of attempted murder for firing shots at
Chesterfield County sheriff’s deputies as they responded to the incident on Evans Mill Road in Pageland on Oct. 25, 2015. According to news accounts at the time, Shannon Little, Tyvonn Threatt and Luther Chambers were shot near Evans Mill Road about 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 25. Little was inside his home when he allegedly fired at responding deputies. See MURDERS | Page 5
RAYSHAWN LITTLE
Hospice changes to help Springhill facility By DON WORTHINGTON Progressive Journal
Photo above supplied; photo at right by EMILY POLLOK/epollok@thelancasternews.com
Sylvia Hinson, right, and her assistant, Gail Hyatt, cut and assemble layers for a cake. Above is one of many cakes the pair has crafted over the years.
Masterful bakers Hinson, Hyatt celebrating 25 years in business Emily Pollok epollok@thelancasternews.com
Walking into Sylvia’s Cakes and Things off Kershaw Camden Highway is reminiscent of walking into your mother’s kitchen. The warm, cluttered bakery has a homey warmth and a sweet, sugary aroma. Cakes are stacked all along the counter as the two master bakers responsible for the delicious scent are busy at work. Sylvia Hinson and Gail Hyatt, “the cake ladies,” have been working their magic in this same kitchen for 25 years. Sylvia’s Cakes and Things was born on Aug. 23, 1993, when Hinson started the business to sustain her while she home-schooled her daughter. She never expected it to continue for a quarter century. “It’s a creative outlet,” she said. “Everything we do revolves around happy stuff.” The business started out as a full-scale bakery, but with the emergence of Pinterest and TV shows such as “Cake Boss,” customers began to order more demanding and time consuming cakes. PHOTOS SUPPLIED
Cakes today come in all shapes and sizes. Animal cakes are popular, like this kangaroo and joey cake and the turkey shown above.
“Cakes aren’t cakes anymore. They’re art,” said Hinson. “The amount of time it takes to make cakes now compared to 25 years ago has probably quadrupled. It is nothing for us to spend six hours on a child’s birthday cake. “We had to choose between cakes and doughnuts. Cakes were our passion.” The business now focuses on creating custom cakes for most of the year, except from November through Christmas Eve, when it functions as a bakery to produce Christmas treats. Hyatt, who previously owned Gail’s Cake Specialties in Lancaster, has worked with Hinson since Sylvia’s Cakes and Things first opened. It was Hyatt who first inspired Hinson to start baking. After Hyatt visited Hinson’s high school home economics class to demonstrate cake decorating, the young student was hooked. “I stood there with my jaw on my desk,” said Hinson. “I could not believe you could do that from sugar.” Hinson says it’s a dream come true to be able to work with her inspiration. “She is 80 years old and can pipe a wedding cake like a champ,” Hinson said. Hinson owns the company, but she said Hyatt is 50 percent of the business. “It’s a partnership,” she explained. “Her strengths are my weaknesses, my strengths are her weaknesses. “My biggest regret is naming it after me,” said Hinson. “It’s not an ‘I’ business. I could not do this alone.” Hinson’s husband, Rick, helps out by making the icing and building
frames for her cakes, while her grandchildren often deliver wedding cakes. Sylvia’s Cakes and Things has become part of the family over the years, and the Hinsons live right next door to the workshop. “In my f a m i l y ’s eyes, I didn’t work,” she said. “I was a stayat-home mom because I was always accessible. It’s worked out great for raising children and grandchildren.” Hinson and Hyatt find a lot of fulfillment in their work and love to be part of the memories that last a lifetime. “All of us can remember a cake from our childhood,” said Hinson. “Cakes make memories. I couldn’t tell you how many photo albums we must be in because we have had a part in that magic moment. “We had a child that came in here recently and looked at his birthday cake and squealed. And when he squealed, the hair stood up on my arm,” she recalled, smiling. “I love it. There’s always something new to learn,” said Hyatt. “I have a kitchen to play in. And I don’t have this mess at my house – I have it here,” she laughed. The “cake ladies” custommake all kinds of cakes for all kinds of celebrations from birthdays to anniversaries to weddings. “If you can dream it, we can do it,” said Hinson. “Sometimes you do it just as a personal challenge.” Hinson and Hyatt attended the International Cake Exploration Society convention in Cincinnati last month, which drew 500 cake decorators from all over the world. The ladies’ kangaroo cake was one of the eight cakes from the event fea-
EMILY POLLOK/ epollok@the lancasternews.com
Gail Hyatt and Sylvia Hinson show off the bakery’s first dollar. “My biggest regret is naming it after me,” Hinson said. “I could not do this alone.”
A soundtrack for sales Vendor mimics firework sounds BY DON WORTHINGTON Progressive Journal
tured in the Cincinnati Enquirer. However, the pair are less concerned with public recognition and winning awards, (of which they have many), than with providing each individual client with a special experience. “I just want to give you a product that you love and you feel is wonderful,” said Hinson. It hasn’t been easy to keep Sylvia’s Cakes and Things going for 25 years. Customers are sometimes put off by prices without realizing the time and effort that go into these specialty cakes. All the cakes and icing are made from scratch, and each project is treated like a custom piece of art. Looking back over 25 years, Hinson is grateful for the community she serves.
“We definitely have a loyal following. I have done many children’s first birthdays to now I’m doing their weddings,” she said. “Lancaster’s been good to us.” Follow Emily Pollok on Twitter @ PollokEmily or contact her at (803) 283-1155.
PHOTO SUPPLIED
In addition to the fancyshaped cakes, Hinson and Hyatt create traditional cakes like this one for a golden anniversary.
photos by DON WORTHINGTON
Above, Teresa Miller holds a Roman Candle that has 120 individual shots.
Teresa Miller is fluent in fish and fireworks. Most often you can find her at the fish market in Petersburg. But when the calendar flips from June to July, Miller heads out on U.S. 601 to the state line where she has sold fireworks for the past 18 years. Regulations don’t allow Miller to demonstrate her product first hand. An errant lit firework near a stand full of fireworks would produce, well, a BIG boom. Still customers what to know what they are Cheraw: buying and Miller has July 3 from 6 p.m. to 10 mastered the art of snap, p.m. Food, children’s rides crackle, pop, twirl, sizzle and games, music and and even sparkle. fireworks display. Her voice inflections Ruby’s annual celebration mimic the sounds of the was Saturday. fireworks. The July 3 edition of the Progressive Journal was She even has a phrase produced June 29. to describe her selling Coverage of the Ruby event technique, “You have to will be in the July 10 paper. be sound effectiveish!” Combine the sounds
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with her salesmanship and a customer might spend more than initially intended, but won’t complain when the final product lights the night sky. Miller knows just what colors are in a firework, how high it will shoot and how long it will last. Often a customer will come in with a budget and then ask Miller to create a backyard show with the “wow’ factor. “They want fireworks that are colorful, bigger and louder,” she said. Miller sells TNT Fireworks. “Festival Balls” is one of her big sellers. It is a two-for-one item. For about $18 you get 12 shells. Each shell is colored coded so you know what to expect. The shells at lit one at a time and explode at a medium height. Fireworks are rated on a scale of 1 to 4. Rating factors the volume of the noise, the altitude where the firework explodes, its color and how long it lasts. A four is the most “intense” firework. Fireworks also carry a label on the “charge” of powder. The maximum See FIREWORKS | Page 3
Changes at Hospice of Chesterfield County could result in additional rooms at Springhill Assisted Living in Pageland and construction of a similar facility on the eastern side of the county. Hospice of Chesterfield County is finalizing an agreement with an unnamed provider to take over its hospice services. Details of the sale have not been released, but John Douglas, executive director of Hospice of Chesterfield County, said the buyer is a “quality provider.” The sale announcement comes as Hospice of Chesterfield County is selling its building at 700 West Boulevard to the county. The county is paying $410,000 for the building. It will house the county’s Economic Development Office. Hospice of Chesterfield County may change its name, Douglas said. Regardless of its name, the organization will continue to operate Springhill Assisted Living Center, Douglas said. Springhill is a private-pay facility with 22 rooms. Douglas said it typically operates at capacity. Adding eight more rooms and new amenities is being considered, he said. A similar facility in the eastern section of the county would meet market needs, he said. Proceeds from the sale of the Chesterfield building will be invested in Hospice of Chesterfield County’s assisted-living services. Market conditions were one reason Hospice of Chesterfield County decided to sell. Currently there are 32 other hospice providers serving Chesterfield County, Douglas said. Hospices serving Chesterfield County are not required to have an office here, Douglas said. “With mega hospices employing multiple physicians and others being operated by hospital systems, it has become increasingly challenging for our agency to receive referrals,” Douglas said. “We have employed an aggressive public education campaign over the past decade, but the obstacles have been too great to overcome.” Hospice of Chesterfield
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COVER |
TREIS MINING
STATE MINE WORDS BY ANDREW MOORE • PHOTOS BY WILL CROOKS
TREIS MINING IS DIGITALLY DIGGING CRYPTOCURRENCY IN GREENVILLE
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ver the past several years, cryptocurrencies like bitcoin have surged in popularity and become a worldwide phenomenon, with millions of people buying and selling them. Now Greenville-based startup Treis Mining is looking to capitalize off the growing market and invest about $10 million in a cryptocurrency data center. Located in a 25,000-square-foot warehouse off Pelham Road, the center will house South Carolina’s largest cryptocurrency mining farm once renovations are complete, according to David Pence, managing director and co-founder of Treis. The company plans to invest $2 million in capital improvements over the next two to three years. “The process of confirming financial transactions over the internet is going to change the way countless industries operate over the next 10 years or so,” Pence said. “We’re here as a company to facilitate that transition.” Unlike fiat currency, or printed money, bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are not tied to any bank or government. The system is instead maintained by a decentralized network of specialized computers around the world that confirm all cryptocurrency transactions and add them to a public ledger, which is also known as “the blockchain.” 16
UBJ | 5.11.2018
To add a transaction, the specialized computers, known as microprocessors, are required to “mine” for new cryptocurrency coins by competing against each other to solve complex mathematical problems. The first computer to solve the problems receives a share of the new coins. It can also collect transaction fees from coin holders and payment processors. “We verify a transaction, and it is added to the blockchain,” said Michael Bolick, managing director and co-founder of Treis. “We are compensated in the particular cryptocurrency or coin upon which the transaction was processed.” The calculations required to mine cryptocurrencies, however, are becoming more difficult as more and more computers join the network. This difficulty level adjusts itself according to the amount of computational power being employed after every 2,016 transactions, or roughly every two weeks. In fact, the mathematical problems have become so complicated that miners are now teaming up to verify transactions and agreeing to split the profits. Many cryptocurrencies have also been designed with a finite limit on the number of units that can ever be generated. The bitcoin network, for instance, has a set limit of 21 million coins. Miners have discovered and distributed about 17 million of those coins since 2009, but it could take more than 50 years to find the remaining
4 million due to the increasingly difficult calculations required to mine cryptocurrencies, according to Pence. At that point, mining for new blocks won’t generate any coins. Additionally, the rewards for bitcoin mining halves roughly every four years. For example, when bitcoin was first created, the reward for successful mining was 50 coins. The reward now stands at 12.5 coins, and soon they’ll only get 6.25. However, as the reward becomes smaller and smaller, every bitcoin mined will become more valuable as increased demand pushes the currency’s price upward. Luckily, Treis is going to have the hardware necessary to compete, according to Pence. Today, the more computing power miners manage to accumulate, the more chances they have of solving the calculations required to verify cryptocurrency transactions. That’s why miners have begun using Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASIC) rigs to solve the problems. Treis, for instance, plans to invest roughly $8 million in more than 4,000 ASIC rigs over the next two years, said Bolick. “They are purpose-built and are the most effective way to participate in helping to verify and add a given transaction to the blockchain," he said. Treis has already installed roughly 300 ASIC rigs capable of mining bitcoin, litecoin, and various other popular cryptocurrencies, he added. The microprocessors, however, require
FIRST PLACE Andrew Moore Greenville Journal
GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT BEAT REPORTING ALL WEEKLY DIVISION
THIRD PLACE Cindy Landrum Greenville Journal
GREENVILLEJOURNAL GREENVILLEJOURNAL.COM • Friday, April 27, 2018 • Vol.20, No.17
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SECOND PLACE Elizabeth Bush Daniel Island News
GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT BEAT REPORTING Another day of work in Promise Neighborhood FACES & PLACES, 1B
The
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DAVID KELLIN/For The Lancaster News
Michelle Snipes and her daughter, Olivia, pick up garbage in the Clinton Elementary attendance zone last Saturday as part of a Promise Neighborhood workday.
Lancaster News Lancaster County’s triweekly newspaper
SUNDAY, MARCH 25, 2018
www.thelancasternews.com
75 CENTS
Lancaster picked for economic boost McMaster targets city as federal ‘opportunity zone’ for job creation Gregory A. Summers gsummers@thelancasternews.com
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said at a press conference in Ridgeway. “It’s not the end, but another new beginning for South Carolina.” Lancaster is divided into two of the opportunity zones, each of which encompasses one U.S. Census tract. The two zones include all the area inside the Lancaster city limits and a little land
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Gov. Henry McMaster on Friday picked Lancaster as one of 135 sites across the state that will become “opportunity zones,” part of a new federal program designed to create jobs in economically distressed areas.
McMaster submitted his list to the U.S. Treasury Department, which is expected to approve the sites in the next 30 days. The program makes those areas eligible for tax incentives to encourage business creation and the development of affordable housing. “It’s a great step forward, and there will be more,” McMaster
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The city of Lancaster has two census tracts named opportunity zones by Gov. Henry McMaster. The tracts flank Main Street and stretch east to the S.C. 9/U.S. 521 Bypass and west to Bear Creek.
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It’s finally time to vote on IL town Heavy turnout expected, 1,700 ballots already in Reece Murphy rmurphy@thelancasternews.com
After more than two years of public discussion and often contentious debate, Panhandle residents this week will voice their opinions on Indian Land incorporation in the only way that really matters – at the ballot box.
FIRST PLACE Gregory A. Summers The Lancaster News
EDUCATION BEAT REPORTING WEEKLY UNDER 4,500 DIVISION
THIRD PLACE Information Please 2018
ation Inforsm 018ng e l2 County Livi Plea to Barnwel
Jonathan Vickery The People-Sentinel Your 32-page Guide to Barnwell County Living,
A Guide
Special Magazine Inside
ion of The
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. entinel People S
Volume 141, No. 37
SECOND PLACE Graham Williams Union County News
Salkehatchie Spring Schedule, Inside/2A
WeDNeSDAY, December 27, 2017
6-B | Union County News
Monday, December 4, 2017
2 SectioNS/ 20 pAgeS/ $1.00
Sweet fired as WEMS principal jonathan vickery Managing Editor
The employment of WillistonElko Middle School’s principal has been terminated due to misconduct, although the district is tight-lipped about details. Greg Sweet, who had been Williston-Elko Middle School’s principal since 2013, was fired on Dec. 11 by the school board, according to documents recently released by the district following a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request. Before his termination, Sweet had been on paid administrative leave since
Monday, October 30. The latest action follows two meetings where the board voted to terminate an employee, but Sweet was not identified as the impacted employee until the district responded to The People-Sentinel’s FOIA requests. It is now revealed that the board voted on Nov. 21 to suspend and “conditionally sustain” the interim superintendent’s recommendation to immediately terminate Sweet’s employment. The board met again on Dec. 11 and voted to terminate Sweet’s employment immediately. A Nov. 14 letter from the district to Sweet identifies the
reasons for his termination, but Interim Superintendent Dr. Everette Dean will not release that document because he said it’s exempt from disclosure. The section of the law he cited exempts information that is of a “personal nature” and would be an invasion of privacy. “Rest assured, however, that my rationale for the recommendation that Mr. Sweet’s employment be terminated does not involve an event which negatively impacted students,” said Dean in his written response to The PeopleSentinel dated Dec. 19, which was received in the mail on
Friday, Dec. 22. However, a Nov. 21 letter from Dean to Sweet uses the word “misconduct”, but the exact reason is blacked out in the copy provided to the newspaper. “It is the administration’s position that this misconduct justifies the termination of your employment contract pursuant to S.C. Code 59-25-430,” according to the letter. The cited code states: “Any teacher may be dismissed at any time who shall fail, or who may be incompetent, to give instruction in accordance with See FireD, 9A
Levi Gentry sits between Preston Thorne and Langston Moore as they talk about the importance of writing to third grade boys at Foster Park Elementary School.
Promote reading, writing and ‘Just a Chicken’
Football players-turned-authors visit Foster Park By GRAHAM WILLIAMS
Greg Sweet
D45 downsizing district office staff jonathan Vickery Managing Editor
Langston Moore has the attention of a group of third grade boys as he talks to them about the importance of writing
Former Gamecock football players Langston Moore and Preston Thorne are on a mission - to encourage children to read. Moore and Thorne, who played defensive tackle for USC when Lou Holtz was coach, visited Foster Park Elementary School last Wednesday to promote their children's book, “Just a Chicken.” They spent the day with groups of students in grades K-5 encouraging them to read and write. “We played for coach Holtz and obviously he's an avid reader and writer; that's something he instilled in a lot of us,” Moore said. “For Preston and myself, reading was a mainstay in our house, so being an author was something we always wanted to work on so we tried to be ambitious and work on bigger, thicker chapter books and we said, 'man, let's try to do a kids book, it will take us two weeks.'” Three years later, they finished their book. “We thought it would be easier and it ended up being tougher, because with children's books there's less words and less space,” Thorne said. “You have to be really, really efficient with your own words. It was a learning process.” Holtz used to tell his team about an
eagle that fell because that's into a turkey going to be coop and the backbone never realized for everyits greatness, thing you do Moore said. in life, being “It's kind of very good synonymous readers and with our own writers,” story,” he Moore said. said. “When After they we played at wrote the South story, Moore Carolina I and Thorne was there for had to find an the 0-11 seaillustrator. son, so a lot They used of folks used social media to say we to locate Kev “Just a Chicken” is available online and in Columbia area were just Roach, who bookstores. chickens also went to those Tigers used to tease us all the time. South Carolina and now works for ESPN. A lot of people used to say stuff like we “We were lucky to connect with him,” didn't belong in the SEC, so it's a cool Moore said. “He always wanted to do a story about identity and surrounding your- kids book and luckily he can draw, and self with good people and that's obviously wrote a little bit, so it was kind of the pera story we all need to hear - young people fect deal. So we came together and he did and adults.” all of these wonderful illustrations.” Young children envision themselves When it came time to publish their one day playing professional sports, but book, they turned to Mascot Books, which Moore and Thorne encourage them in specializes in books about team mascots. another direction. “We reached out to them, they're great “We tell them to go pro in reading, to work with, and we just started the
process of being self publishers,” Moore said. Just a Chicken appeals to young people and adults, Thorne said. “There's a lot of different messages people can get from the story but I think the biggest thing is at different ages you get a different take on it,” he said. “For kids, the biggest thing is for them not to compare themselves to other people, because they have to recognize what's neat about themselves. We all sort of compare ourselves and contrast, but when once everybody figures out what makes you special, you can go on and successful in life.” When he and Moore began promoting their book it was a part-time project, Thorne said. “It was something we were doing in our spare time and then this year we decided to go full time and try to spread the message around the state,” he said. Thorne said he and Moore and working on another children's book. “It's central to our theme of being Gamecocks and being South Carolinians,” he said. You can follow the authors on Twitter at #justachicken or go to their website at justachicken.com. Just a Chicken is available at Amazon.com as well as at several bookstores in Columbia.
EDUCATION BEAT REPORTING WEEKLY UNDER 4,500 DIVISION
Senior Spotlight
Stopping the slide
Betty M. Harris
Page 3
Page 4
JULY 31, 2018
www.pagelandprogressive.com
75 cents
High turnover at Central High By DON WORTHINGTON Progressive Journal
One-fourth of the teaching and administrative staff at Central High School will be new when the school year starts Aug. 20. The biggest change is the science department, where three of the five science teachers are new. Other new hires are two guidance counselors, two special-ed-
ucation teachers and two physical-education teachers, an agriculture teacher and a social studies teacher. Driver’s education will be done by contract. In all, there are 11 new faces, said Principal Damon Barnhill. It is the highest turnover at Central in recent years. The turnover represents the cy-
Judge closes murder trial hearing to the public By DON WORTHINGTON Progressive Journal
CHERAW – A preliminary hearing on the alleged murder of an 11-monthold Chesterfield child was closed to the public last Wednesday. Prosecutors requested the hearing for Breanna Lewis – charged with murder in the death of her daughter, Harlee – be closed to the public because the case was still under investigation, and that
clical nature of education, Barnhill said. A school can go for several years with minimal turnover and then see the numbers increase, said Barnhill and Harrison Goodwin, the superintendent of schools. Five of the vacancies were the result of people retiring, he said. See CENTRAL | Page 6
Key student information
u County-wide registration for new students is Aug. 7 and Aug. 8. u Returning students can register online, but fees have to be paid at the school. Central’s fees for this school years are $35 for registration, $10
for parking decal and $2 for a locker. u Central will hold its freshman orientation Aug. 16 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Students should wear appropriate school attire for the orientation.
FIRST PLACE
Don Worthington Pageland Progressive-Journal
EDUCATION BEAT REPORTING WEEKLY OVER 4,500 DIVISION
Chris Sokoloski Coastal Observer Pawleys Island, South Carolina ~ July 12, 2018
50 cents
Long-delayed federal funding alters Pawleys beach plans BY CHARLES SWENSON COASTAL OBSERVER
An 11th-hour announcement that the federal government will fund a beach nourishment project on the south end of Pawleys Island has town oďŹƒcials scrambling to determine whether the work can be combined with their own plans for a $12.2 million beach project that is due to start
this fall. Town Council must decide by Monday whether to move ahead with that project. The town has tried for over 20 years to get the Army Corps of Engineers to conduct a beach nourishment project on the island. Last week, the agency announced that Pawleys Island was one of 57 communities included in $13.9 billion earmarked for funding under the Long Term Di-
saster Recovery Investment Plan, which is contained in the current federal budget. “This money comes from the results of the storm damage we received,â€? said Sean McBride, spokesman for the Charleston District oďŹƒce of the Corps. “It’s a catch-up from all the big storms we’ve had in the last few years.â€? The Corps’ $9.2 million project would place 666,400 cubic
yards of sand along 1.4 miles of beach between the island’s south end parking lot and Hazard Street. The cost is based on estimates from 2006, when the project was approved by the agency and submitted to Congress for funding. The money never came and the town started planning its own project in 2016. The town’s project calls for pumping 796,000 cubic yards of
ROADS
oshore sand onto 2.6 miles of beach from the south end to just north of Pawleys Pier. It will fund the work with $5.7 million collected from a local accommodations tax, a grant from the state Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism, and a $1.7 million loan. The town has state and federal permits to place up to SEE “PAWLEYS,â€? PAGE 3
ELECTION 2018
County approves paving funds for Petigru Dr.
District 1 primary sets new record for spending
BY CHARLES SWENSON
BY CHARLES SWENSON
COASTAL OBSERVER
COASTAL OBSERVER
Paving is due to start in the next three months along a dirt portion of Petigru Drive that provides access to Stables Park. It won’t be completed in time for the fall sports season, said Ray Funnye, Georgetown County’s director of Public Services. Funnye was once hopeful the project would be able to smooth the way for kids headed to football practice. But that was in the spring of 2016 when the project plans were ďŹ rst drawn. Instead, the county found it needed to shift the right of way because a portion of the route is fronted by heirs property with no clear owner. “We needed extra right of way. River Club was very helpful,â€? he said. The paving will extend work done this spring at the intersection of Petigru and Martin Luther King Road that provided turn lanes. That was a state Department of Transportation project. The county project will continue the paving through to Aspen Loop in LitchďŹ eld Country Club. That will provide local trafďŹ c an alternative to Highway 17 for north-south trips. Since the project was ďŹ rst proposed, the cost has increased. County Council approved a $755,053 bid from Stone Construction for the paving. The original cost estimate was $674,682. The work will be tied into drainage improvements at the River Club community to the west of Petirgu and drainage work in neighborhoods east of the road. “We’re working with the road engineer to make sure we have ample infrastructure under Petigru,â€? Funnye said. The original design of the road work included a traďŹƒc island around a stand of oak tree that currently line the dirt portion of Petigru. That was SEE “ROADS,â€? PAGE 4
Last month’s Republican Party primary in County Council District 1 set a new record for campaign spending for a local race. Council Member John Thomas and his challenger, Bill Hills, raised over $41,000. That topped the record set in 2014 by more than $8,000. The candidates spent $35,664, according to reports ďŹ led with the S.C. Ethics Commission. Hills spent $1.51 for every $1 that Thomas spent. Thomas won reelection by 67 votes. “I’m not at all surprised,â€? Hills said of the cost of the campaign. “I was told by a number of informed sources that it would take between $20,000 and $25,000 to start. I doubted that.â€? He spent $23,630. Thomas, who ran unopposed for election in 2014, said “I didn’t have any idea how much campaigns can cost because I’ve not really been a politician.â€? The fundraising included the $10,000 that Thomas gave to his own campaign. The other $8,080 came from outside contributions. Thomas said he would rather pay his own way than ask people for money. He did get a couple of lastminute donations from neighbors at North LitchďŹ eld and from Reese Boyd, who lives in the Horry County portion of Murrells Inlet and ran unsuccessfully for state Senate in 2016. “That was a surprise,â€? Thomas said.â€? Hills said most of his contributions were around $100, although he had $1,000 donations from several Murrells Inlet restaurants. “As hard as I found it SEE “ELECTION,â€? PAGE 4
Worst-case scenario Agencies hold active-shooter training BY CHRIS SOKOLOSKI COASTAL OBSERVER
In 1999 while two students were murdering classmates and setting o bombs inside Columbine High School, the ďŹ rst law enforcement oďŹƒcers on the scene waited outside for a SWAT team to arrive. About 45 minutes after the ďŹ rst shots, oďŹƒcers entered the school. That is not the response school districts want in 2018. “Since Columbine, it’s really changed a lot. That’s where lessons were learned by law enforcement,â€? said Sgt. Gary Scott of the Georgetown County Sheri ’s OďŹƒce. “We don’t wait on SWAT now. We train our oďŹƒcers here that if it’s one oďŹƒcer on scene, if he’s there ďŹ rst and someone is actively shooting, then they’ve got to stop the threat. And that’s what they do.â€? “Time is critical and also SEE “SHOOTER,â€? PAGE 2
Photos by Tanya Ackerman/Coastal Observer
At top, Cpl. Brian Delval leads Midway Fire and Rescue personnel Gary Rush, Josh Herncane and Will Tayloe down a hall. Above, Sgt. A.J. Kohut, at left, the Waccamaw High resource oďŹƒcer, clears a classroom with Georgetown police oďŹƒcers during the training exercise this week.
ENVIRONMENT | Longleaf pines
When these trees talk, Clemson researchers listen
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Bus rapid transit could be a Lowcountry reality by 2025 BY JENNA-LEY HARRISON jharrison@journalscene.com
More information
Visit https://lowcountryraA faster work commute be- pidtransit.com/about. t we en Su m mer v i l le a nd Charleston could be a reality by 2025—or sooner—with the pro- has suggested utilizing Highposed plans for a fully-opera- ways 78 and 52 as a future cortional bus rapid transit system in ridor for bus rapid transit. Part the Lowcountry, according to of the organization’s ongoing officials with the Berkeley- i26alt project, the initiative’s Charleston-Dorchester Council goals also include operating a of Governments. cost-effective system and one It’s no surprise to locals that with little to no impact on the traffic congestion is an ongoing environment, according to Shachallenge that’s only escalating ron Hollis, principal planner for with each added development the COG. across the region. Hollis presented an overview Although CARTA and Tri- of other public transit ideas and County Link provide some con- costs, along with the proposed nectivity, with public input the long-term bus plan, during the COG has agreed to study an- Greater Summerville/Dorchesother solution to the often-slug- ter County Chamber of Comgish commute between the Holy merce’s monthly “Power Hour� City and Flowertown. session Wednesday in Town To help prevent the daily grid- Council Chambers. lock on Interstate 26, the COG She said while a light rail like
the one in Charlotte, North Carolina, is one solution to congested traffic areas. But at an estimated $2 billion to construct, it’s too costly. Plus, the tri-county doesn’t quite have enough density to justify a rail line. Instead, bus rapid transit— dubbed “a light rail on wheels�— is a proven system already operating in more than 160 other cities worldwide and the one the COG identified in 2016 as the preferred public transit for the proposed corridor. While many particulars of the project are in place, several others remain undetermined, including exact locations of the proposed 18 stops along the 23-mile corridor. The first stop— or last, depending on a person’s destination—is suggested for downtown Summerville, but Hollis couldn’t quite answer where. “We will be working closely with the mayor and
town officials,� she said. From Summerville, the bus would head down Berlin G. Myers Parkway to Lincolnville then College Park Road, Trident Medical Center and Charleston Southern University to Northwoods Mall in North Charleston. Other stops include Trident Tech, North Charleston City Hall and Shipwatch Square before reaching the Upper Peninsula, Romney and Huger streets. Stops would be stationed between a quarter- and a half-mile apart and wouldn’t eat up too much time to ensure success of a quicker commute, according to Hollis. She said the buses would most likely run from 5 a.m. to 3 a.m. Stops along Rivers Avenue were concerning to some chamber members, who asked Hollis about how the COG planned to ensure rider safety in rough spots. She said COG officials hope to work with local law en-
forcement in various jurisdictions to devise added security measures. The project also includes a much more developed and aesthetically-pleasing route along Rivers Avenue, with added sidewalks and other pedestrian and bike-friendly enhancements. “It will be a very significant investment in that corridor in terms of pedestrian access,� Hollis said. “This is more than just putting a bus on the road; it’s a re-do of Rivers Avenue. ...The last thing we want is to abandon you... where you can’t walk anywhere.� But to annually operate the system, about $6 million is needed. Cost assumptions are based on operating 16 partially or fully electric buses, though they might be entirely electric, Hollis said. Some of the funding has been identified by the voter bond referendum passed in Charleston County in 2016. COG offi-
cials said they will pursue federal funds to leverage $250 million in half-cent funds. The timeline for implementing the new public transit system is tricky. While the end goal—still a bit fluid—is the year 2025, COG officials said much of the schedule depends on the special federal grant program, through the Federal Transportation Administration, that the organization plans to apply for this year. But even acceptance into the program doesn’t guarantee federal funding. “You don’t know for sure until you get the funding grant,� Hollis said. The i26alt project officially commenced its planning phase in 2014, with a 15-month comprehensive analysis study that incorporated numerous public meetings. The engineering phase is anticipated to start in 2021 with construction two years later.
Monica Kreber The Summerville Journal Scene Official says DD2 is focused on keeping kids safe in school BY MONICA KREBER mkreber@journalscene.com The Feb. 14 school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High in Parkland, Florida, generated questions, concerns and ideas about school security in Dorchester District Two. District safety, security and emergency manager Mike Turner said security is not a destination but a journey, and everything is subject to change based on what those who have evil intent do. Turner went over the district’s security measures at the Monday night board meeting, which was packed with concerned parents. Turner said what works today or what worked yesterday may not work tomorrow, “and there are some things that we are looking at to do differently so that tomorrow we’re better than we are today.� Turner said the three components to security measures are the district’s buildings, SRO program and district and school crisis plans. In 2013 the school board approved a security improvement program to address secure vestibules in the schools — some schools had major renovations, others had minor, Turner said. The district also increased the number of electronic doors to buildings and added more interior and exterior surveillance cameras, among other measures. Local law enforcement provides officers to the schools: Summerville Police Department provides nine officers including a supervisor; Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office provides eight including a supervisor and North Charleston provides seven, including a supervisor that is shared with North Charleston. Turner said a lot of what the district does is required by state law — like 10 fire drills a year. Turner noted the Florida shooter, Nikolas Cruz, pulled the fire
alarm — he said this makes the district start to rethink how they do things based off that incident. The district has a district-wide all-hazards plan that addresses all predicaments – an active shooter threat is included as well, Turner said. Individual school plans are a subcomponent of the district-wide plan and requires a crisis team and outlines drill requirements plus procedures for natural and man-made threats or emergencies. Turner said the district conducts lockdown and lockout drills. They don’t use the term “active shooter� because the goal is not to scare the students and instead get them to do what they’re told to do — quickly and quietly. Turner said students are told it is a drill. “The goal of a drill is to go through your procedures, find out what works, what doesn’t work, what do we need to change?� Turner said more injuries occur at home than at school and asserted district students are safe. “Can I guarantee you nothing will ever happen? No – and I don’t think you’d believe me if I did,� he said, adding the district has the students’ best interest at heart. Principals also weighed in; Fort Dorchester High Principal Greg Harrison said his school is active in figuring out ways to improve in case there is a real scenario, including getting feedback from students, parents and teachers. Among some of the things she reported, Reeves Elementary Principal Natalie Hayes said one thing they have implemented with fire drills in general is that the teacher is the first one to look out the door and check the hall before anybody leaves the classroom. Oakbrook Middle Principal Brandon Pitcher said the school always reviews its drills; he said one of the most significant things the school has in place is a “cli-
mate of reporting�: trust from the students to talk to the staff if they see or hear something that could threaten the school. Parents and residents had a number of questions and ideas. Several residents asked about teacher training. Turner said teachers receive FEMA classes that includes online training, and a lso gat her more information in faculty meetings Turner in addition to participating in the drills. Fort Dorchester High 11thgrader Billy Somers was among the speakers who asked about teacher training; Somers said students and teachers don’t always take lockdown drills seriously. Somers asked about active shooter drills for teachers, among other ideas. “It’s hard to get training through online courses and things like that without real world experience
there,� Somers said. Turner said he is hoping teachers and staff understand that they’re dealing with lives and that the drills should reinforce what they learn in online training. One resident noted that the school community in Florida reportedly missed the signs that Cruz was a violent individual, and asked what steps the district takes to protect students from violent offenders. Turner referenced Pitcher’s comments on trust from students to report issues to staff – and that the issues are addressed, while Superintendent Joe Pye said in terms of students with chronic behavior problems – and it’s a manifestation of the conditions of their special needs – they can be referred to other agencies in the community to address the issues. Pye said they have at least parttime mental health employees in every building in the district. Residents hit on number of comments and questions. One suggested arming teachings – registering them, getting them psychologically evaluated and
training them – this was met with a couple of “no’s� from others in the crowd. Among some of the items she hit on, House Rep. Katie Arrington, who represents district 94, said legislators need to pass a bill to let behavioral health clinicians into the schools and allow them to have more one-on-one time with the children. She also encouraged residents to keep tabs on a cybersecurity task force. “We need to have an infrastructure within the state, not just within the school districts, that is communicative to let us know when things are happening,� she said, adding, “The reality is we’re looking at multiple attacks at one
time, and what do we do, how many first responders do we have? So we need to have a statewide information system that lets us all know where and when things are happening in real time. That capability doesn’t exist right now because we don’t give the funding and the resources to it.â€? Dorchester County Councilman Con Chellis said there is a policy and money side to the issue. “The same reasons y’all don’t have 24-seven security in your homes, same reason you don’t have metal detectors at your homes‌all these types of safety measures that you hear getting thrown around online cost money,â€? he said.
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Vol. XXXVII No. 4
SECOND PLACE
Wednesday, February 28, 2018: A3
SJ04-1661812-1
THIRD PLACE COASTAL OBSERVER
The Summerville Journal Scene
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EDUCATION BEAT REPORTING WEEKLY OVER 4,500 DIVISION
6 | GREENVILLE JOURNAL | 08.24.2018
GREENVILLEJOURNAL.COM
Battling Bullying
Programs aim to prevent, reduce behavioral issues in schools
FIRST PLACE
Words by Ariel Gilreath
When Molly rushed to Wade Hampton High School after receiving a call from administrators, she found her daughter in the front office — bruised, bloody, and crying. The 11th-grader was jumped on the school’s walkway by another girl, according to her account, which was recorded on a cell phone video that quickly spread around the school. After the incident, Molly’s daughter left Wade Hampton and finished high school through virtual school. Molly asked that her last name and her daughter’s name not be used in this story because of the widespread attention the video received. “She lost her whole world,” Molly said. “She didn’t want to go back — she didn’t have anything to go back to, really.” Molly said her daughter didn’t press charges after talking with officers, and a student was suspended from school for several days in connection to the incident. More often than not, bullying doesn’t manifest in a physical, documentable way like with Molly’s daughter, and when it does, it’s the culmination of much subtler harassment built up over time. “If I had known the stuff going on prior to that fight happening, I probably would have taken her out of school a long time before that,” Molly said.
In 2016-17, South Carolina schools recorded 2,856 incidents of bullying — 475 of which were in Greenville County Schools, according to the district’s records. The numbers differ slightly from what the state Department of Education reports for the district because the Greenville district use a different management system to record the incidents, which could capture incidents not recorded in the state system, according to Ryan Brown, a spokesperson for the department. As the largest school district in the state, Greenville makes up more than 10 percent of public school students in South Carolina and about 17 percent of the state’s recorded bullying incidents, according to records from the state Department of Education. Greenville isn’t the only district with disproportionately high bullying numbers — Colleton County School District comprises only 0.8 percent of South Carolina students, but it has more than four times that in recorded bullying incidents. Kenza Hicks, a behavior interventionist for Greenville County Schools, started a second-chance program in the district last year aimed at preventing and reducing behavioral issues in schools. The six-week program targets at-risk students and students who have been in
trouble for behavioral problems. The students focus on different issues each week with one week dedicated to bullying. Hicks has said that in the year the program has been active, she’s already noticed behavioral differences in students. “There was a student who, when I would come in the first week or two, he would put his head down and was just not interested,” Hicks said. “He actually ended up on the A/B honor roll.” Grove Elementary School, which also implemented the second-chance program in 2017, had 41 bullying cases in the 2015-16 school year — the most in the district. By the end of 2016-17, the school had reduced its cases to 10.
The federal Department of Education estimates only 40 percent of bullying cases on average ever get reported. Counselors in Greenville County Schools hope to change that. Rob Rhodes, director of counseling for the district, said there are several ways a student can report bullying without having to walk up to a teacher or administrator: by calling the district’s bullying hotline (864-452-8559); by emailing the district at quicktip@greenville.k12.sc.us; or by using an anonymous SchoolMessenger app on school-issued Chromebooks or on the district’s website. “We want students to feel comfortable that, if something is going on that should
“We want students to feel comfortable that, if something is going on that should not be occurring, we want anyone to tell us that because we want to help. Because that’s what makes our schools safer.” Rob Rhodes, director of counseling for Greenville County Schools
Ariel Gilreath Greenville Journal
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Parnell admits ‘inexcusable’ acts Democrats desert 5th District candidate over 1973 wife-abuse issue Gregory A. Summers
gsummers@thelancasternews.com
Archie Parnell’s congressional campaign imploded Tuesday as his staff, major supporters and Democratic Party leaders deserted his run after reports that he physically abused his then-wife 40 years ago.
Parnell, who lost a close 5th District special election to Republican Ralph Norman last June, did not deny the abuse, which surfaced in documents from his 1974 divorce. He called his long-ago actions “inexcusable, wrong and downright embarrassing,” but he refused to withdraw from the race.
Parnell was the Democratic frontrunner in the party primary next month. “Forty-five years ago, while still a college student, I did something that I have regretted every single day since,” Parnell said in a statement to Charleston’s Post & Courier, which broke the story over the weekend.
“In response to actions I feel unnecessary to specify, I lashed out and became violent with other people, including my former wife, which led to a divorce and monumental change to my life,” he said. “Since then, my life has been changed by a remarkable woman, See PARNELL I Page 2 Parnell
Mom, uncle of 1 suspect charged in murder case
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That makes 6 arrests in Kershaw shootings Kayla Vaughn
kvaughn@thelancasternews.com
The mother and uncle of one of the defendants in the May 10 Kershaw murder have been arrested, accused of transporting the three suspects away from the area shortly after the double shooting. Latoshia Marie Kirkland, 41, and William James Jones, 55, were arrested Monday and charged with misprision of a felony. Jones is also charged with accessory after the fact of murder. Misprision of a felony, which carries a prison term of up to 10 years, is knowing about a crime but not telling authorities. Kirkland is the mother of Ka’Darius Aintwayn Kirkland, one of the suspects charged with killing Vincent Barry Lambert Jr. on Pine Ridge Drive just north of Kershaw. Jones is his uncle. Two other susKirkland pects were arrested last week in Lambert’s murder of Lambert and the attempted murder of Jody Holt and her 4-year-old son, who were in a car with LamJones bert when he was shot. They are Dorian Tyrese Clyburn, 16, and Brennan Jamil Patterson Jr., 17. Holt, who was seriously wounded by the gunfire, was also arrested last week for possession with intent to distribute marijuana and unlawful neglect of a See CHARGED I Page 2
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Hannah Strong The Lancaster News
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Above, Semaj Digby celebrates his fellow Andrew Jackson High School show choir members after AJHS won first-place overall at a show choir competition in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. The competition was in April at Dollywood, and they were competing against 19 other schools.
Semaj Digby never missed a school day Mark Manicone mmanicone@thelancasternews.com
Digby will graduate with honors from AJHS with a 4.40 GPA and numerous choir accolades. Above, he plays the part of Santa in a choir Christmas production.
Let’s invent the senior superlative Most Likely To Show Up When He’s Supposed To. The winner is Semaj Digby. The Andrew Jackson High School senior has achieved 12 years of perfect attendance, and is the only graduate in the Lancaster County School District to do so this year. He has not missed one day of school since he started kindergarten at North Elementary School, moved on to A.R. Rucker Middle School and now finishes four years at AJHS. “I just went to school every day. I really don’t know how I did it,” Semaj said.
Perfect attendance is far from Semaj’s only school highlight. He is graduating with honors from AJHS and has won numerous choir competitions with the AJ men’s choir, along with numerous individual awards and recognitions for his vocal talent. He maintained a 4.40 GPA. Semaj was awarded a music scholarship to the University of South Carolina in Columbia, an uncommon feat for vocal students, said Lizzi Elliott, choral director at AJHS. “He’s about as accomplished as you can get. He’s definitely one of my most accomplished students,” Elliott said. “He’s pretty much the model core student. Semaj is outgoing, willSee DIGBY I Page 3
Post 31 stalwart Gene Wallace dies at 86
75 CENTS
Street safety at issue for IL schools
300 sign petition pushing DOT for sidewalk, crosswalks Hannah L. Strong hstrong@thelancasternews.com
An Indian Land Middle School parent has collected about 300 signatures on a petition pushing SCDOT to put in sidewalks and crosswalks on River Road and U.S. 521.
“I don’t want someone to get hurt or killed before they decide to put in crosswalks and sidewalks,” said Pam Houge, who started the petition Oct. 26 and got about 300 signatures in two weeks. “It shouldn’t take someone getting killed before they do something.
“I’m on a mission. I’m not going to stop until this is done.” The Lancaster County School District is on board with Houge’s petition because student safety is the issue, and a letter was sent Thursday to SCDOT requesting a traffic study to
determine if sidewalks and crosswalks should be added. SCDOT is working on the request and it’s expected to take a few weeks to gather facts and data, said John McCarter, SCDOT District 4 engineering administrator. “I have asked the district
Sindarius wows fans
engineering staff to evaluate the situation and determine possible options to address concerns based on what we gather from visiting the site,” McCarter said. “The department will work with Lancaster County and the Lancaster County See PETITION I Page 3
Houge
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Study shows no significant mold threat in school district By SCOTT POWELL Ledger Staff Writer spowell@gaffneyledger.com Air quality testing found only one instance of black mold in county schools according to a Spartanburg firm’s investigation of mold and odor concerns expressed on social media. The school district paid $25,000 to JMAC Environmental LLC in Spartanburg to conduct air quality tests for mold levels from Oct. 15-Nov. 6 in all 21 district buildings. The district released the environmental company’s 147-page final report Tuesday.
School mold has been a hot topic among county residents since October. More than 7,600 people watched a Gaffney Ledger live stream of the school board meeting at which JMAC presented its air quality findings. There were 715 comments about the report on The Gaffney Ledger’s Facebook page. Spartanburg microbiologist Donnie Patterson has posted numerous photos on Facebook about what he contends is mold concerns in local schools. Patterson used his entire 3-minute speaking time with school
trustees Monday to share examples of people whom he said have become sick from air quality problems in schools. After collecting 180 air samples from all 21 schools, contractor John McNamara reported one positive test for airborne black mold called Stachybotrys. He said the mold was found in an office in Corinth Elementary and has already been remediated by the district. “In JMAC’s experience and time spent in schools throughout South Carolina, Cherokee County School District 1’s facilities were found to have a re-
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“The school buildings are in really good shape. I would let my granddaughter go to any school in Cherokee County.” — John McNamara JMAC Environmental LLC markable low level of mold growth,” McNamara wrote on page 11 in JMAC’s final report. “It is our opinion that the use of concrete masonry unit walls versus sheetrock wall systems have helped Cherokee County School District to limit mold growth.” The original investigation
began in September of 2018 in response to an air quality complaint at Granard Middle. In the JMAC report, McNamara said a limited investigation on Sept. 6 found a heating and air conditioning (HVAC) unit had dust on the grills and slightly elevated mold spores. l See MOLD, Page 5A
POOF!
And just like that, city council pay
FIRST PLACE Scott Powell The Gaffney Ledger
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THIRD PLACE
SECOND PLACE
Elizabeth Bush, Katie Estabrook and Suzanne Detar Daniel Island News 20 FEATURE
thedanielislandnews.com
The Daniel Island News ■ February 22 - February 28, 2018
February 22 - February 28, 2018 ■ The Daniel Island News
Suzanne Detar, Elizabeth Bush and Katie Estabrook Daniel Island News
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The Daniel Island News ■ March 1 - March 7, 2018
Berkeley County School District teachers, staff plan for the unthinkable PROVIDED
Using a 12-guage shotgun, Capt. Bobby Shuler of the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office fires blanks down a school hallway.
ELIZABETH BUSH beth@thedanielislandnews.com
T
hey were talking quietly together in a classroom at Cane Bay Elementary School last Friday when the shots rang out. First a 38 revolver, then a 12-gauge shotgun, and finally an AR-15 semiautomatic rifle – the same type of weapon used two days earlier in the killing of 14 students and three staff members at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. “It sounded like someone slammed a door,” said one participant, after hearing the first rounds. “…Or like someone hitting a can.” The shooters moved closer, stepping away from the front office area to a spot at the end of the hallway, and then to a location just outside the classroom door. A succession of loud pops shook the room, causing most inside to jump. After the last shot, there was just silence, as the weight of the moment sunk in. Some fought back tears. “Wow,” said Creighton Eddings, principal of Sedgefield Intermediate School, after the gunfire ended.
PROVIDED
A school district staff member covers her ears as the shots ring out.
Fortunately, in this case the “shooters,” members of local law enforcement teams, were firing blanks. And it was all part of a drill planned for Berkeley County School District teachers and administrators who were taking part in a large-scale staff development training conference. The gunfire demonstration, planned long before the events unfolded in Florida last week, understandably took on added significance. “The dynamics and the sound (of gunfire) outside and inside are totally different,” Tim Knight, BCSD’s safety and security coordinator, told the audience as he painted a scenario for the group before leading them to the classroom. “It’s a Friday morning. It’s 10 o’clock. You’re in your classroom. You have your kids with you. It’s a typical day. And then something like this happens…” With that, an actual video recorded by a student during last week’s shooting in Florida played on a large screen. The sound of gunshots and students crying and screaming echoed throughout the room. “It’s horrible, right?” Knight asked, after the video came to an end. “Our worst-case scenario. Do we need to practice? Do we need to train for situations like that? Yes. Why? Because it can happen anywhere. It can happen here.” Berkeley County Sheriff Duane Lewis was also present for the program and shared his insights with the attendees – reminding them that the Lowcountry is as susceptible to active shooter situations as any other place in the U.S. “People say it hasn’t happened here,” he told the group. “Well it has happened here. In 1992 at Goose Creek High School there was a student in the parking lot. Some altercation developed and he was shot and killed. I know that because I was one of the responding officers.” Lewis also remembered times when he, as a student at Goose Creek High, would plan hunting excursions with his friends after school. They would place their shotguns in the back of a truck on a rack in the parking lot and leave them there for the day. “Nobody thought anything about it,” said Lewis. “We would never have imagined that anyone would have gone to that
fired from down the hall. “That’s probably not a locker door. Something else is probably going on. Now they are moving down the hallway.” “Think outside the box,” he continued. “Think about what you’re going to do…When you go back to your classrooms on Tuesday morning, I want you to look around your classroom and think ‘what can I put in front of that door should I have to?’” Once the AR-15 rifle was outside the door – two thunderous booms sounded, jolting the room. “That’s two days ago in Florida,” Knight said somberly. “Makes it pretty real, doesn’t it?” In a debriefing session after the gunfire demonstration, officers gave participants some more words of wisdom on what to expect PROVIDED should they ever find themselves in an active shooter situation. Berkeley County Sheriff Duane Lewis tells the audience that According to Captain Aarons, the typical response time for there is currently a deputy or an officer stationed at each SWAT teams is about 45 minutes to an hour. But prior to that, middle and high school in the county, but not elementary other waves of law enforcement officers will arrive fairly quickschools. “Are we going to expand that?” he asks. “…I think ly, he said. And even though most active shooters stop within we’re gonna have some real conversations about that.” minutes, either because they are killed or they flee, participants were told to expect to be on lockdown for hours as officers secure the campus and make sure there is no longer a threat. vehicle and gotten a gun…So you see how this thing has evolved “It’s important to have that expectation,” said Aarons. and how things have changed.” And all officers and staff leading the program encouraged For that reason, BCSD and local law enforcement officers those in attendance not to be afraid of taking matters into their are working diligently to give teachers and other school staff own hands if they encounter a shooter. members the tools they need to prepare for the unthinkable. Two “Who is the first responder?” asked Aarons, gazing at his years ago, BCSD brought in members of the FBI to conduct audience. “You are. You can’t lock down a cafeteria. If you’re an active shooter/gunfire training session. This year’s program, standing and monitoring the hall in the main lobby and someone held on a designated teacher workday when students were not comes in and starts shooting, do you run?...You fight…You do in school, followed a similar format but was led by the Berkewhat you need to do. You kick. You bite. You hold on. You stay ley County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) and Goose Creek Police for the ride and hope someone else comes on…You are the first Department (GCPD). responder. It’s your only option.” Firing the blanks during the gunfire demonstration were Capt. “The point is to do something,” added Knight. “Don’t just David Aarons of the GCPD and Capt. Bobby Shuler of the stand there. The worst mistake is to do nothing…It’s emotional. BCSO, while Knight directed the session from the classroom. It’s real. It’s powerful. But I want you to leave here feeling “You hear a succession like that, eight noises like that, what empowered.” you are thinking?” Knight asked the group, as the shots were Afterwards, teachers and staff chatted quietly as they filed out,
thoughts. Take our online survey on the topic by visiting the following link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CWCYKH3 digesting the gravity of the lesson. It was clear the program had an impact. “It’s an excellent training to have people aware of what could happen,” said Hanahan Middle School Principal Robin Rogers. “…A lot of it will depend on that individual in that moment making the right decision.” For Rogers, who oversees an open campus with four separate buildings, the potential threat is real. “To hear those shots and know what could happen,” continued Rogers, “you’ll have some that will just freak out. Some kids that will freak out, especially after what just happened in Florida. It makes you think really hard about the situations that we’re in. We’re very vulnerable.” “Hearing it outside the door – you know what that panic is going to feel like,” added Brittany Angell, a teacher at Whitesville Elementary. For College Park Elementary School teacher Kimberly Gore, who is the daughter of a police officer and grew up with guns in her family, the experience left a heavy impression. “It just made it a lot more real,” she said. “And it was emotional…I’m not scared of gunshots…But I’ve never heard it in a school building, so when they did it far away and you couldn’t hear it – that was scary. You don’t know it’s there until it’s outside your door…I’ve always thought about what I would do in my classroom. But you also have to think about what you would do when you’re not in your classroom. You have to have a plan for everywhere.” In the end, both the district and law enforcement teams hope the training will further develop staff members’ crisis decisionmaking skills – knowing every person in the room could be the difference between a bad outcome and a good outcome. “We take this very seriously,” added Sheriff Lewis. “It’s not something that will not happen here. It’s already happened here. Let’s just hope that we’re prepared if it does happen. We only have one chance at this. One chance to get it right.”
PROVIDED
Capt. David Aarons of the Goose Creek Police Department shows attendees the AR-15 assault rifle that was used in the gunfire demonstration, as Capt. Bobby Shuler of the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office looks on.
PROVIDED
KATIE ESTABROOK katie@thedanielislandnews.com
A
The Daniel Island News would like to hear your
Tim Knight, safety and security coordinator for Berkeley County Schools, briefs participants on Friday, Feb. 16 before a gunfire demonstration presented at Cane Bay Elementary School.
FEATURE 19
Third Annual Intergenerational Forum to address trio of pressing topics fter leaving a monthly meeting approximately seven years ago with his men’s group, Retired Old Men Eating Out (ROMEO), where the members discuss important topics such as world affairs, politics and the environment, island resident Fred Danziger pondered what would differ if the same questions were to be discussed with a group of high school students. “I thought that wouldn’t it be great if instead of us just meeting and discussing these issues, why don’t we ask the same questions that we ask once a month to each other to a group of high school students?” said Danziger. “… We have a lot of young minds out there that might have different opin-
CAN GUN VIOLENCE BE PREVENTED? HOW?
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Mending the Gap:
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ions than ourselves.” This vision soon began to unfold into a reality after Danziger spoke with Publisher of The Daniel Island News, Sue Detar, at a lecture they were both attending. Detar immediately grasped onto the concept. From there, the Intergenerational Forum (IGF), sponsored by The Daniel Island News with support from the Daniel Island Community Fund, would be established in 2016. “I have great memories of learning from my grandparents and other older family friends and know that a lot of families do not have that same opportunity,” said Detar. For Danziger, who explained that his most substantial regret in life is the missed moments and lost wisdom from his elders who have passed, specifically his grandfather who grew up in 19th century Russia, the forum, which is in its third year, is a way to provide and strengthen the relationship between the different generations today. “I wish I would have asked them questions,” said Danziger. “I can’t just go on Google and google my grandfather, who is no longer here, and ask how it was living in Russia…These people are gone now and it’s really a shame that you can’t get that information back. I don’t want that to happen with the generations now.” Taking place on Tuesday, March 6 at 7 p.m. at the Bishop England High School Performing Arts Center, this year’s forum will bring together five senior citizen panelists and five junior and senior area high school students to discuss three topics, including the environment, stress in America and problems facing their
generation. Like last year, the panelists will also be asked a fourth question, added Danziger. That is, “What did you learn from each other?” The students will be competing for a total in $1500 in grant funding, with the first place winner receiving $1000 and the second place winner, $500. The winners will be determined by a panel of three judges, including past judge Principal of Philip Simmons Middle School Anthony Dixon, education consultant and college counselor Claire Law and retired attorney, college professor, and former IGF panelist Thomas Pinckney. For Dixon, who judged the forum last year, what is most intriguing about the platform that the event provides is the bridge it is able to build between generations. “I’ve always had an affinity towards the older generation and learning from them,” said Dixon. “I’ve also always had an affinity towards the relationships that you can garner from mentorship and those conversations… These young people will soon be in charge, running our country, society and world. Having these conversations open up their minds to different viewpoints.” The panel of students, which for the first time includes high school juniors, are Zachary Kronsberg from Academic Magnet; Savannah Wray from Academic Magnet; Bryn Gerding from
Academic Magnet; Shelbie Hughes from Hanahan High School; and Jaryn Valdry from Wando High School. Zach Wallace-Wright from Academic Magnet is the alternate panelist. “We have expanded it to the junior class because they might find the forum beneficial to use when applying for college,” said Danziger. After receiving feedback from attendees on a survey post last year’s event requesting there be more diversity within the panelists, specifically the senior citizen panelists, Danziger explained that while it has been difficult, they were able to address that concern. “The first year we had one female panelist and the second year there were no females,” said Danziger. “This year, we have two female senior panelists. The one negative comment or positive criticism we received was that we needed more diversity and we’ve worked on that.” The senior citizen panelists include Marilyn Geiger, a retired attorney and small business owner; Arnold Freilich, a financial consultant and president of S.C.O.R.E. of Charleston; Ted Kinghorn, a member of the Isle of Palms Town Council, business investor, and former government affairs consultant; Harold “Skip” Crane, a Seabrook Island Town Councilman and retired IBM manager/executive; Linda Hite, a retired math teacher; and, the alternate, Nicholas Pappas, a sales and marketing executive. The third edition of the IGF comes at a troubling time in America, occurring less than a month after the deadly shooting of 17 staff and students at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, something that strikes the student panelists a little too close to home. Ron Silverman, a member of ROMEO and IGF committee member, who wrote the question regarding stressors in America, hopes to see some discussion
between the generations specifically regarding this topic. “The whole idea of IGF is that years ago, a lot of older people didn’t listen to younger people because they thought they had nothing to offer, but today, it’s totally different,” said Silverman. “Gun control is a case where older people have not been able to rally enough forces to do something about gun control. These students who went through it are, in my opinion, mounting what could be a nationwide effective movement to finally do something about gun control. It just illustrates that we should not discount students and the younger generation. That’s what one of major points of having the IGF is: To get a good perspective of who the students of today are.”
PANELISTS
the questions • THE ENVIRONMENT… Should our country be involved in efforts to protect the Earth’s environment? If yes, why and how? If not, why not? What competing interests come into play?
Harold “Skip” Crane Seabrook Island Town Councilman, retired IBM manager/executive
Linda Hite Retired math teacher
Arnold Freilich Chairman of SCORE Charleston, financial consultant
Marilyn Geiger Retired attorney and small business owner
Bryn Gerding Senior, Academic Magnet High School
Shelbie Hughes Ted Kinghorn Zachary Kronsberg Senior, Hanahan High Isle of Palms Town Councilman, Senior, Academic School business investor, former Magnet High School government affairs consultant
ALTERNATE PANELISTS
• STRESS IN AMERICA… According to a recent report by the American Psychological Association entitled “Stress in America: The State of our Nation: “Nearly two-thirds of Americans (63 percent) say the future of the nation is a very or somewhat significant source of stress. The report further states, “The uncertainty and unpredictability tied to the future of our nation is affecting the health and well-being of many Americans. The most common causes are health care, the economy, trust in government, hate crimes, crime, wars/ conflicts with other countries, and terrorist attacks in the United States.” 1. How is your sense of well-being and that of your generation? Is it suffering due to some or all of the stressors mentioned above? Or are there other stressors? 2. How stressed are you about the future of our nation and what might you do, what might our community do, and what might our nation’s leaders do, to help brighten the outlook for the future of our country? • IMPORTANT ISSUES… What do you see as the most important issue facing your generation? Why is it important? How would you go about addressing a solution?
Savannah Wray Junior, Academic Magnet High School
Jaryn Valdry Senior, Wando High School
Zach Wallace-Wright Junior, Academic Magnet High School
Nicholas Pappas Sales and marketing executive
JUDGES
Anthony Dixon Principal, Philip Simmons Middle School
Claire Law
Educational consultant, college planner and IECA Certified Educational planner
Tom Pinckney Former IGF panelist, retired attorney
YOU’RE INVITED! 3rd Annual Intergenerational Forum Tuesday, March 6, 7 p.m. Bishop England High School Performing Arts Center 363 Seven Farms Drive, Daniel Island Join us for a public forum featuring five senior citizens and five local high school students, who will share their perspectives on crucial matters facing humanity, our nation and the world today. All are welcome. Free to attend.
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A newspaper in all that the word implies, devoted to the best interests of the people of Cherokee County. GAFFNEY, S.C.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 17, 2018
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OK, here are the real election results Smith will hire attorney to challenge outcome By LARRY HILLIARD Ledger Staff Writer larry@gaffneyledger.com Longtime Gaffney City Councilman Bernard Smith said he plans to challenge his election loss to a write-in candidate. Unofficially, write-in candidate Monita Dawkins defeated Smith with 54 percent of the vote. She received 79 votes, while Smith got 68 votes. According to the South Carolina Election Commission, the write-in candidate’s name must be counted for that candidate if the voter’s intent can be determined with reasonable certainty. That’s the rub, according to Smith, who claims the election commission has too much discretion to determine the voter’s intent. “They have so much authority to determine what is a name and what’s not a name,” Smith said. “(The election commission) only told me that the name had to be similar.” Election commission official Ed Elliott said a couple of ballots weren’t counted because the voter’s intent wasn’t clear. Smith said he had until 10 a.m. to appeal the results with the election commission. Smith added he plans to hire an attorney familiar with election laws to handle his appeal.
“I take full responsibility. I had no clue the law had changed and did not have a copy of it. I have one now and will help try to make things right again.” — Election Director Suzanne Turner By SCOTT POWELL Ledger Staff Writer & CODY SOSSAMON Publisher It wasn’t quite as egregious as the “Dewey Defeats Truman” headline in 1948, but the results of Tuesday’s school board elections provided by the Election Board of Cherokee County were erroneous to say the least. After declaring unofficial winners in all school board races Tuesday night, the election board had to walk that back Wednesday morning. There will be two runoff elections for school trustee, voter registration and election director Suzanne Turner confirmed Wednesday morning. When asked about the runoff scenario by Ledger staffers Tuesday night, Turner said winners of school trustee elections are determined by a plurality — getting the most votes but that amount of votes may be less than 50 percent of the votes. When asked again Wednesday morning by email, Turner said the same thing. The Ledger then contacted Rep. Dennis Moss, who sponsored a bill in 2007 — which was signed into law on June 25, 2007 — that changed the date and method of trustee elections. Moss provided a copy of that bill to The Ledger and also to Turner. Turner said she wasn’t aware until Wednesday morning that the 2007 law requires runoff elections in school board races if no one receives a clear majority over 50 percent. “I take full responsibility,” Turner said. “I had no clue the law had changed and did not have a copy of it. I have one now and will help try to make things
FIRST PLACE
This photo shows 146 campaign signs picked up by District 7 school board candidates early Wednesday morning prior to being informed a runoff election will be held Aug. 28.
WHAT THE CANDIDATES HAD TO SAY Here’s what the candidates involved in the runoff elections had to say: “I hate to see this confusion about the election happen. We were all under the impression from previous articles there would not be any runoffs in the school board. I’m disappointed with the voter turnout for an election that has such an impact on the future of our children. “My son and I left our house Wednesday at 4 a.m. and went around picking up signs because we thought the election was over. There were 146 signs when we separated them out of the back of my truck. It’s quadruple the work to put signs back over a mixup with the election results.” — Alan McEntire “Needless to say, I was very disappointed to learn the right again.” After receiving a copy of the legislation from Rep. Moss, Turner said she called the top two vote-getters in District 5 and District 7 to let them know about the Aug. 28 runoff. “We changed the law in 2007 after Mike Ellis was re-elected with only 26 percent of the vote,”
day after the election there would be a runoff as it was explained to me and my fellow constituents that it was a plurality election. That being said, I want to thank everyone who came out and supported me on election day and would like to ask for the same support Aug. 28.” — Kevin Phillips “I went from total despair to total joy when I heard the news I was in a runoff election. I will do everything in my power to get the word out to voters in hopes I can win the election.” — Noah Lindemann “We will stay positive and keep our message out in the community. I feel my message has resonated with voters and hope there will be good voter turnout in the runoff election.” — R.J. Holly
Moss said. “There were four or five candidates in that race and a lot of voters were upset that someone could be elected with less than 50 percent of the vote.” The top vote-getter in District 7, Kevin Phillips (154 votes), will face Alan McEntire (123 votes) on Aug. 28. Elaine Fowler received 99 votes.
McEntire, Phillips and Fowler had a joint agreement to help each other pick up their campaign signs once the election results were official. A runoff election between R.J. Holly (190 votes) and Noah Lindemann (170 votes) will be held for the District 5 trustee seat. l See ELECTIONS, Page 5A
‘They didn’t give him a chance’
Scott Powell and Cody Sossamon The Gaffney Ledger
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October 29 - November 11, 2018 • www.charlestonbusiness.com
Patrick Hoff A Charleston Regional Business Journal Blockchain building
Company funds project with cryptocurrency technology. Page 15
Volume 24, No. 23 • $2.25
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new report from the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce puts data behind what many Lowcountry residents have known for the past few years: Attainable housing is hard to come by in the Charleston region. Ian Scott, senior vice president of advo-
cacy at the chamber, said the report uses the word “attainability” rather than “affordability” because the government has definitions of what constitutes affordable housing, which Scott said is important but isn’t what the chamber is trying to address with this report. “Really, what we’re looking for is everybody to be able to attain housing that meets their needs,” Scott said. “If you’re working in this region, we think you should be able to
By Patrick Hoff
Volume 24, No. 2 • $2.25
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he city of Charleston has spent almost two years studying and discussing how to regulate the short-term rental industry — which is currently illegal but still rampant — but many say the resolution is still a ways off. “I would say it’s premature to think
this is wrapping up,” said Chris Cody, manager of advocacy and staff attorney at Historic Charleston Foundation and a member of the city’s Short-Term Rental Task Force. The city’s 18-member task force concluded in late September, delivering its recommendations and a draft ordinance to the Planning Commission. Since then, the commission has publicly discussed short-term rentals on five occasions, three of which were meetings or
Food and beverage brings in billions to South Carolina, supporting more than 200,000 jobs. Page 2
CALLING ON
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to deploy See program SHORT-TERM RENTAL, Page 7 When British Airways launches twice-weekly nonstop service between London and Charleston electric infrastructure for
Acquisitions alter picture of S.C. power transportation. Page 3
INSIDE
p
0 farmers hemp as ram. Developers want to transform a downtown site in the Westside from
Upfront ................................ 2 SC Biz News Briefs ................ 3 Best Advice .......................... 4 In Focus: Financial Services .............. 15 List: Credit Unions.............. 21 Bonus List: Accounting Firms ...............22 At Work ..............................25 Hot Properties .....................27 Peer to Peer ........................28 Viewpoint ...........................29 Melinda Waldrop Day in the Life .................... 30
By and Travis Boland
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in April, South Carolina begins its first ever trans-Atlantic commercial flight. The seasonal flights run through October, although customer demand could increase the frequency.
Photo/File
See HOUSING, Page 6
By Patrick Hoff
workshops solely devoted to the topic. The most recent meeting, a regularly Buy now, pay later scheduled Planning Commission meeting South Carolina among states in December, saw again with the lowestissue averagedeferred credit because some commissioners were absent and card debt nationally. Pagesaid 15 he wanted the comchair Gordon Geer mission to have more time to digest the complex subject. Electric assets Duke Energy proposes
afford a house here, also. That seems like a pretty reasonable goal.” The Charleston metro region is growing by 38 people a day, 10 of whom are born here and 28 who move from elsewhere. Many of the migrants are moving from other Southeastern locales, such as Columbia, Greenville, Spartanburg, Charlotte and Atlanta. This
Medal of Honor museum to look at other locales
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ree CHS in
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hen Joe Daniels took over as CEO of the Medal of Honor Museum Foundation, one of his main goals was to get public input on the design of the museum. “We want to do this right from the first time,” he said in a June interview. “So our intention is to listen, and it’s going to be reflective of how we’re going to build this museum going forward. It’s going to be a much more open, transparent, collaborative endeavor with the folks from Charleston, Mount Pleasant, and then the surrounding counties and state.” Six months later, though, his focus, and the foundation’s, has shifted gears from finding a design to finding a new location. At the beginning of the month, the foundation’s board of directors voted to begin a targeted national search of potential new sites for the museum. The search will consider market size, proven tourism — both overall and “patriotic” — and community support for U.S. history. “All I can say is I had zero intention, the organization had zero intention, of coming in and kind of taking the project away because we still think this is such a special place,” See MEDAL OF HONOR, Page 8
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.......................... 2 s Briefs ................ 4 ospitality and ......................... 15 with Meeting ......................... 19 ......................... 21 .........................23
Volume 11, No. 17 • $2.25
RESTORING THE
GOLDEN GRAIN
FIRST PLACE
THE QUEST FOR THE LOST FLAVORS OF THE SOUTH
Melinda Waldrop Columbia Regional Business Report
By Melinda Waldrop
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mwaldrop@scbiznews.com
hen diners at Terra restaurant in West Columbia sample a distinctive dessert featuring a local pumpkin variety few have ever tasted, they’ll have David Shields to thank. The Dutch Fork pumpkin is one example of once-indigenous ingredients that Shields, a University of South Carolina professor and chairman of the Carolina Gold Rice Foundation, and like-minded colleagues are reintroducing in places where they once flourished before succumbing to the demands of industrialization. The foundation’s namesake grain is one of its most well-known success stories, but Shields travels the globe, poking into agricultural nooks and crannies in search of others. “He’s like the Indiana Jones of Southern food,” Terra head chef Mike Davis said. “He goes and finds these things. It really is remarkable that he can track them down.”
THE SEARCH FOR FLAVOR
The gustatory odyssey began in 2003 when Shields, an English professor who has published numerous works detailing the history of regional food, was approached by Glenn Roberts, founder of Columbia artisanal mill Anson Mills, at a See GRAIN, Page 18
Mike Davis, head chef at Terra restaurant in West Columbia, harvests Carolina Gold rice in a field near Savannah, Ga. (Photo/Provided)
NEWS FEATURE WRITING Remembering World War I
#PickPageland moves forward
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THIRD PLACE Monday December 11, 2017 Volume 9, No. 11
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Peeler wants DST study By GRAHAM WILLIAMS
What would happen if South Carolina did not observe daylight saving time? State Sen. Harvey Peeler wants to know. Last week, Peeler, R-Gaffney, sponsored a resolution to direct the Senate Committee on Interstate Cooperation to conduct a study of the potential impact of not recognizing daylight saving time. If approved, the committee would work with other southeastern states to review the possible impacts resulting from South Carolina choosing to opt out of the federal daylight saving time program. “Every year we are told to 'spring forward' and most of us don't even know why,” Peeler said. “From my observations, this abrupt change in time causes a loss of sleep and productivity. There are potential safety concerns on highways due to longer darkness in the morning hours. I want the committee to look into the real and modern day consequences of South Carolina opting out of this antiquated federal program.” Background
Daylight saving time was first used in the United States for seven months in 1918 and 1919, but it was discontinued because it was unpopular. President Franklin Roosevelt instituted year-round daylight saving time, called “War Time,” from February 9, 1942, to Sept. 30, 1945. There was no federal law regarding daylight saving time until 1966. Instead, states and localities were free to choose whether or not to observe daylight saving time as well as when it began and ended, which led to much confusion.
City, utilities get high rating By GRAHAM WILLIAMS
The City of Union and its combined utility system have received an A2 rating from Moody's Investor Services. The A2 rating, the city's first national rating, frees up around $1 million the city had put up to guarantee loans, Mayor Harold Thompson said. That money will be placed in the city's general fund. “I am very pleased that Moody's recognized the strong financial position of the city and our combined utility system,” Thompson said. “In its assessment of the
city, Moody's cited 'the financial position is expected to remain strong given conservative budget management, sound liquidity and limited debt burden.'” Thompson said the city and its combined utility system join other South Carolina municipal entities in receiving a solid investment grade. “We will continue our watchful approach to financial management and promote economic growth in our tax See RATING, Page 3
YMCA director leaving By ANNA BROWN
After 10 years on the job, Union County YMCA CEO Scott Sandor is leaving to
tured and we made some adjustments to some membership categories," he said. "We have always tried to stay up with the
Vanessa Brewer-Tyson Pageland Progressive-Journal Deadline for disaster claims nears By DON WORTHINGTON Progressive Journal
Gazebo at 3rd annual Fall Festival/Haunted Oct. 31, 5–9 p.m. Moore’s Park - Wednesday, The area will be blocked
Sponsored by area businesses. ent for the safety of off by the Pageland Police Departm the children.
er must be accompanied by an adult.
At one time you had to dance, sing or pray for your Halloween treats. The practice was called “mumming.”
Unused prescription drugs
YOUR TURN – Salvation Army Kettle Bell Ringer Ronnie Tucker offers his bell to Jace Hearn, who is being held by his grandfather, Eddie. Tucker has been ringing the bell for the Salvation Army for many years at Christmas. (Anna Brown photo)
SECOND PLACE FEMA aid trickling in OCTOBER 30, 2018
www.pagelandprogressive.com
◆ Pageland: 5:3 0-8 p.m. ◆ Ruby: 5-8 p.m . ◆ Mt. Croghan, Patrick &Cheraw 5-7 p.m. ◆ Jefferson, Che In all locations, sterfield & McBee: 6-8 p.m. children 12 and und
On Jan. 4, 1974, President Richard Nixon signed into law the Emergency Daylight Saving Time Conservation Act of 1973 and two days later, clocks were set ahead one hour to help conserve oil. Congress amended the Act in October and standard time returned. Daylight saving time resumed on Feb. 23, 1975, and ended on Oct. 26, 1975. In 1986, daylight saving time began at 2 a.m. on the first Sunday of April and ended at 2 a.m. on the last Sunday in October. The Energy Policy Act of 2005 extended daylight saving time beginning in 2007, to where it begins at 2 a.m. on the second Sunday of March and ends at 2 a.m. on the first Sunday of November. Last week, Peeler introduced Senate Bill 755, aimed at reducing opioid-related deaths by improving ways to safely dispose of unwanted controlled substances. The program would provide prescription drug drop boxes at sheriff's departments in every county that would be available during regular business hours. “The opioid epidemic is ripping apart communities and families nationwide, and South Carolina is feeling the effects,” Peeler said. “This program will allow a safe, convenient way to get rid of unused prescription drugs - and hopefully reduce the use, sell and distribution of these drugs. Opioids present a real danger to families and law enforcement as it makes its way back on the streets. Proper disposal will reduce the availability of dangerous, illegal opioids.” The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control estimates 550 deaths occurred in 2016 as a result of prescription drug overdose, up 18 percent from 2014.
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Hurricane Florence did at least $5 million in damages in Chesterfield County, according to emergency management officials. Disaster relief agencies are still refining that estimate as more residents report claims to FEMA.
So far, 1,241 Chesterfield County residents have filed claims with FEMA. The agency has paid about $538,000 to residents, FEMA officials said last week. FEMA is still accepting claims. The deadline for Chesterfield County residents to submit a claim is Nov. 20. Some Chesterfield County residents have received letters See FEMA | Page 4
Long-term recovery efforts
Efforts to form a longterm recovery group to assist Chesterfield County residents affected by Florence are underway. The group’s purpose would be to match disaster-caused needs with resources to help families recover. The focus is deter-
mining what each family needs to recover from disaster and help them find a “new normal.” Following a natural disaster, there is usually a number of agencies that respond to get people back on their feet.
See RECOVERY | Page 4
Time out tyke to stand out teacher
Kathryn Eaves and Robert Candler exchanged wedding vows on Nov. 11. They went to Lockhart High School together and became reacquainted after 60 years. (Betsy Vaughan photo)
Never too late Former high school classmates tie the knot By ANNA BROWN
When they were students at Lockhart High School, Kathryn Cromer Eaves Candler remembers thinking that her husband, Robert, was a good-looking fellow. "But he wouldn't give me the time of day," she said with a laugh. Robert said it wasn't that he didn't think Kathryn was attractive; he was just focused on sports. "At that time I wasn't even thinking about girls," he said. "There were 19 in our class and most of the boys were playing basketball and baseball." The summer after their sophomore year in 1956, Robert's father received a job transfer and the Candlers moved to Bladenboro, N.C. Kathryn and Robert didn't see each other again for 60 years. On Oct. 3, 2016, he came calling. Kathryn said she happened to be looking out the day Robert came to visit and saw that he first went across the road to the home of her neighbors, Wayne and Mary Ann Grady. "He was in a truck," she said. "Then it turned in my driveway. When it turned in my driveway I got up and locked the doors. He knocked on the door and I said, 'Who is it?' I don't let anybody in my house that I don't know. I thought it was a salesman and I thought, 'I don't have a thing for him and he is not getting in my house.'" Robert knocked on the door. He asked if she was Kathryn Eaves and he wanted to know if she knew Robert Candler.
Most popular candies in
S.C.
◆ Skittles, 118,870 poun ds or 136 million individual packs ◆ Candy Corn, 97,610 pounds. First made in 1898, Candy Corn also made Forbes’ list of most hated candies. ◆ Hot Tamales, 39,738 pounds
New candies for 2017
◆ Candies that glow in the dark ◆ Candies with spooky wrapper ◆ Candies made in the shape of monsters.
Photo at top supplied; main photo by DON WORTHINGTON/Progressive Journal
Kathryn Eaves and Robert Candler cut their wedding cake. (Betsy Vaughan photo)
"He said, 'I'm Robert Candler," Kathryn said. "I opened the door and peeked out and I recognized him." Robert gave Kathryn some apples he had bought in the mountains and they had a good time talking over old times. As Robert got ready to leave and return to his home in Boiling Springs Lakes, N.C., 275 miles away, he said he wondered if Kathryn would be interested in seeing him again. Her counter tops and kitchen table were spread
with pies and cakes she had baked for a fund-raiser for Robin Massey, who is battling cancer. "I walked by, saw all those cakes and pies and I started thinking, 'What kind of question could I ask her?' I said, 'Kathryn, if I come back here will you cook me a meal? I can't cook. I never learned to cook. She said, 'I certainly will." "He called me around the middle of November and we started seeing each See CANDLERS, Page 6
st popular This year’s mo e: es in S.C. includ adult costum Spider-Man ◆ Fortnite ◆ inn ◆ Harley Qu y’s, a kFest at Sniffan ’s. For Dogs: Bar any Breakfast at Tiff k takeoff from as a pin out dog r Don’t send you sunflower. flamingo or a
◆ Kids should wear bright costum es and be with a parent or anothe r adult. ◆ Carry flashlights or glow sticks. ◆ Choose face paint and makeu p whenever possible instead of masks, which can obstruct a child’s vision. ◆ Make sure a costume is the right size to prevent trips and falls.
Angel Washington, left, now a science teacher at Porter Ridge High School, talks about her days in Head Start with her former teacher, Vanessa Brewer-Tyson, and how she found herself following her lead.
Staff Column
Vanessa BrewerTyson
W
hen National Head Start Awareness comes every October, I am reminded of the young children I taught when the program came to Chesterfield County in 1984. I was one of the first teachers at the Pageland Head Start center. I had the four-year old class. Of all my students, one stands out, Angel Washington. While her name was Angel, my teacher assistant Sunnie Voorhees and I thought she was far from being an angel.
Although she was a very bright and beautiful child, Angel just would not follow classroom rules. She would not stay still in her seat. She spoke out of turn. We put Angel in “time out,” but to no avail. Her mother, Ethel Washington, was so kind and cooperative when we discussed Angel’s behavior. But Angel continued to be “Angel” throughout the rest of the school year.
In June I saw Angel at the Pageland Branch of the NAACP’s Freedom Fund banquet. I had not seen her since she graduated from Head Start more than three decades ago. She was so poised and beautiful. We hugged and I told her how lovely she looked and how proud I was of her. Earlier in the evening her mother had told me Angel was a teacher in Union County, N.C. See STAND OUT | Page 8
FAITH, FAMILY, FRIENDS
Progressive Journal
By this time next year, residents of McBee will no longer have to travel far to buy their groceries. IGA Grocery is coming to McBee, thanks to the Alligator Rural Water and Sewer Co. Glenn Odom, manager of Alligator Rural Water and Sewer Co., said building the grocery store is a done deal, “or we wouldn’t be here” at last Thursday’s groundbreaking. Alligator Rural Water will own and build the grocery store on four acres at its industrial park on S.C. 151. The project will take six to nine months to complete, Odom said. Weather is the determining
The deli will have a bakery and fresh seafood. “It will have quality, everything like the nice stores in Columbia,” Odom said. “We will feed the kids hamburgers before they go to classes,” said Gail Stoudemire, administrative assistant to Odom. Odom was referring to the future Northeastern Technical College campus to be located at the Alligator Industrial Park. The Rev. Don Robinson Sr. of McBee said residents appreciate what Alligator Water is doing to bring IGA here. “The residents here would like to see a grocery store,” Robinson said. “Having IGA here is a major milestone. They are bringing the dream to fruition.”
Progressive Journal
of the NETC Area Commission. “We need to hold hands together and make this happen.” Bozard said the first challenge is funding. Working with Alligator Rural Water, local businesses and legislature is the key to getting the project done, he said. Dr. Kyle Wagner, president of NETC, said the college had been exploring how it could partner with local industries and Alligator Rural Water to bring the college to McBee. “This is a huge step forward with the foundation receiving this property,” Wagner said. “We are fully committed to making this happen. See NETC | Page 3
NEWS FEATURE WRITING Northeastern Technical College took the first step last Thursday to add a campus in McBee. Officials of all sorts turned over the ceremonial first shovel on a 10-acre site donated by Alligator Rural Water and Sewer Co. The property is in the Alligator Rural Water Industrial Park on S.C. 151. Glenn Odom, manager of Alligator Rural Water and Sewer Co., said he asked his 91-year-old mother if she ever thought she would see a college campus in their small town. “Not in my wildest dreams,” she said.
WEEKLY UNDER 4,500 DIVISION
NATIONAL BOW TIE DAY
The Bow Tie King Colorful sartorial splashes are ‘my brand,’ says JES principal By DON WORTHINGTON
T
Progressive Journal
oday is National Bow Tie Day. Perhaps you wore one today because you want to be outlandish or comical, like Krusty the Clown or the wacky Cat in the Hat. Perhaps you wore one today because you think it gives you sartorial sophistication, like Fred Astaire or Charlie Chaplin.
Or maybe you wanted to be nerdy like Jerry Lewis in “The Nutty Professor,” or smart like Albert Einstein and Thomas Edison, or powerful like Winston Churchill and Abraham Lincoln. All wore bow ties. But if you are Omoro King, principal at Jefferson Elementary School, you understand that you don’t wear a bow tie to stand out. You wear a bow tie to be outstanding. And you don’t just wear a bow tie on National Bow Tie Day. King, who has been an educator in Chesterfield County for 16 years, has come to school each day wearing a bow tie. “It has become a part of me,” King said. “It has become my brand. I feel different when I don’t wear one.” King learned about the importance of appearance from his mother, Sandra Pettus. She taught him if he cared about his appearance, people would respect him. His inspiration to be the “bow-tie guy” came from his pastor at The Living Church of Jesus Christ, Rev. Bennie Lee James. James routinely wears bow ties and if King was going to “pattern the perfect man” as the Bible teaches, See KING | Page 2
What does wearing a bow tie say about you? ◆ You are patient and willing to go the extra mile. Tying a tie takes time. ◆ You are smart. You know all about knots. ◆ You are creative. Matching the right tie to the right suit and shirt is an art form. ◆ You are confident. Not everyone can pull off the bow-tie look. Remember, “My name’s Bond. James Bond.” He always wore bow ties. ◆ You are meticulous, or not. Many who wear bow ties are perfectionists. Others like the George Clooney swagger of an askew bow tie or one hanging around your neck.
DON WORTHINGTON/Progressive Journal
Principal Omoro King has a bow tie for every occasion, including the Blue Jay Festival.
‘It sounded like a bomb’
Homeowner won’t forget the shot fired into her bedroom
FIRST PLACE
Don Worthington Pageland Progressive-Journal
NEWS FEATURE WRITING WEEKLY OVER 4,500 DIVISION
THIRD PLACE Charles D. Perry Myrtle Beach Herald
SECOND PLACE Chris Trainor Free Times
NEWS FEATURE WRITING WEEKLY OVER 4,500 DIVISION
FIRST PLACE Eva Moore Free Times
NEWS FEATURE WRITING 2-3 TIMES WEEKLY DIVISION
Ladies gather for LCCA’s Sunday Afternoon Tea
Vols honor athletic standouts
The THIRD PLACE News Lancaster FACES & PLACES, 8
SPORTS, 5
Lancaster County’s triweekly newspaper
Mandy Catoe The Lancaster News FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2018
www.thelancasternews.com
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‘Overnight, his life changed’ LHS grad gets diploma at Levine, asks principal to sing alma mater Mark Manicone
mmanicone@thelancasternews.com
Deontee Patterson is one of the 330 seniors graduating from Lancaster High School this week, but he won’t be walking across the stage with his classmates at tonight’s commencement. Patterson, 17, got his diploma May 1 in a personal delivery from Principal Rosalyn Mood and other LHS staffers, who visited him in his room at Levine Cancer Institute in Charlotte.
Patterson has spent the past three months at Levine, fighting anaplastic large-cell lymphoma, a rare blood cancer that’s most common in young people – usually boys. Brenda Blackmon, Deontee’s mother, was delighted when Mood called and asked if she could make the presentation. “It was very emotional,” Blackmon said of the visit. “There were five faculty and staff members, my pastor and two deacons, as well as a couple of nurses there. Ms. Mood
gave a little speech for his diploma.” Accompanying Mood were teacher Erin Sims and assistant principals Paul Crenshaw, Richard Pringle, Marie Johnson and Jason Young. “There was a lot of love that went into this,” Blackmon said. “They also gave him a couple of congratulations cards and a graduation cake.” Mood said school officials have stayed in touch with Deontee’s family and kept up with his progress. “We knew that he wouldn’t be able to make it to graduation,” Mood said. “So we got together as See GRAD I Page 2
Mandy Catoe
For The Lancaster News
Above, Bob Doster crafted the memorial plaque for Terri Ledbetter using a line drawing of Terri made by James Ouzts. Below, Debbie Crenshaw, left, dances with Crystal Bowman during the picnic.
Hal Millard
kvaughn@thelancasternews.com
Terri Ledbetter spent every day smiling, dancing, listening to music, praying for her friends and hoping for a picnic. She died unexpectedly three years ago at 43. Her mother, Janice Steele, has spent every day since then making sure that Terri would be remembered.
Her goal was to honor Terri and show gratitude to Terri’s friends at the Chester Lancaster Board of Disabilities and Special Needs on Camp Creek Road, where Terri spent two dozen years in the day-program workshop. The dream became a reality last week, when she and the Terri Ledbetter Memorial Fundraisers dedicated a wheelchair-accessible picnic shelter for Terri’s friends to have a safe and all-inclusive place for See TRIBUTE I Page 3
A Lancaster man was sentenced to 40 years in prison Thursday after jurors convicted him of sexually assaulting a single child multiple times over a five-year period. David Matthew Carter, 33, was found guilty on three counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct with a minor. He was arrested on Oct. 4, Carter 2016. Circuit Judge Steven John sentenced Carter. Jurors returned the verdict after five hours of deliberation over two days. Sixth Circuit Assistant Solicitors Ashley McMahan and Henry McMaster Jr. See CARTER I Page 3
Kershaw
Budget dips, but tax rate will inch up Gregory A. Summers gsummers@thelancasternews.com
Photos by MANDY CATOE/For The Lancaster News; inset photo supplied
Above, Terri’s sister-in-law, Carrie Steele, shed a tear as she and Terri’s mother, Janice Steele, look at the memorial plaque. Inset, a photo of Terri with her grandmother, Cornelia Hinson.
166th year, No. 62 One section, 12 pages
Today’s Weather
Cloudy with a 50 percent chance of afternoon thunderstorms Overnight: Cloudy with a High: 82
Church News .....................9 Classifieds .......................11 Coming Events ............... 10
KERSHAW – The proposed 2018-19 budget for the town of Kershaw is about $120,000 less than this year’s, but residents are likely to see a slight tax increase anyway. Town council voted unanimously Monday night to raise the property tax millage rate to 85 mills from 82 mills in the current budget. The proposed budget is $3.9 million, compared to $4 million this year. The three additional mills means an estimated $5 to $10 tax increase for the owner of a $100,000 home. A tax mill in Kershaw brings in about $5,000 in revenue, so the total millage hike equates to a little more than $15,000 in new revenue for the town. The amount the town gets from See KERSHAW I Page 3
Deaths, 4
Index Faces & Places ................ 8 Opinion ........................... 7 Sports ............................... 5
Sunny Harris Nancy Kennington Pearley Mae Perry
Lancaster County’s triweekly newspaper
FRIDAY, AUGUST 3, 2018
hmillard@thelancasternews
PHOTO SUPPLIED
Kayla Vaughn
New picnic shelter at disabilities center honors Terri Ledbetter’s playful spirit
News Lancaster Emily Pollok Business incubator to open downtown The Lancaster News The
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N.C. developer buying old First Citizens Bank building on Gay Street
Man gets 40 years in childsex case
Clients of the Chester Lancaster Board of Disabilities and Special Needs enjoy the new picnic shelter at its grand opening last Friday.
SPORTS, 5
www.thelancasternews.com
Brenda Blackmon, left, shares a proud moment with her son, Deontee Patterson, as he receives his diploma from Lancaster High School while at Levine Cancer Institute in Charlotte.
Tribute to a joyous soul
SECOND PLACE All-Stars to battle ’Bama
Mary Ann Rogers Betty Lou Still Ree Taylor
Downtown Lancaster’s path to revival is on the cusp of taking yet another step. A family-owned company based in Indian Trail, N.C., is in
the final stages of purchasing the long-vacant First Citizens Bank building at 115 W. Gay St. – ideally situated at the intersection of Catawba Street directly across from the historic Springs House. The new owner plans to ren-
Mackey says this will be his last city council race
Kallie Blackmon rounds a barrel atop her partner, Clutch, in competition in 2017. Last weekend, she took the world title in her division at the National Barrel Horse Association championships in Georgia.
mmanicone@thelancasternews.com
Mark Manicone
mmanicone@thelancasternews.com
The school board election is heating up, with incumbents Janice Dabney and Chairman Bobby Parker facing challenges from two political newcomers. Lancaster natives Melissa JonesHorton and John Mahaffey have filed to be on the Nov. 6 ballot – Jones-Horton for Dabney’s District 5 seat and Mahaffey against Parker in District 3. “I just think there needs to be a change,” Mahaffey said Thursday. “If you’re not willing to make a change, everything always stays the same. I think that we’ve got room for improvement.” Jones-Horton said she has kept close See SCHOOLS I Page 2
166th year, No. 92 One section, 12 pages
of the old Kimbrell’s Furniture building on Main Street and the historic Ellen Dean Hotel property on White Street – both bought by private investor groups with as-yet undisclosed plans for redevelopment. See BUSINESS I Page 3
PHOTOS SUPPLIED
Mark Manicone
On school board, Parker, Dabney face opponents
in the next couple of weeks. News of the planned redevelopment comes on the heels of several other high-profile downtown real-estate deals announced in the past two months. They include the recent sales
16-YEAR-OLD BARREL-RACING CHAMP
Jimmy Sweatt opposing him in District 2 contest
After 12 years on the Lancaster City Council, Gonzie Mackey filed for reelection Wednesday but said this will be his last run for public office. “If I can get one more term to help with the new mayor and the new elected city council members, I think that I can help things Mackey work out better for the citizens of Lancaster,” Mackey said. Mackey, who holds the District 2 seat, faces opposition from Jimmy Sweatt, a Rock Hill native who has been living in Lancast- Sweatt er for 18 years. This is his first run for public office. See CITY FILING I Page 2
ovate and redevelop the site as a business incubator for entrepreneurs and small, start-up businesses in need of office or work space. The building also will provide a venue for meetings, parties and other events. The deal is expected to close
A world beater from Heath Springs Kallie Blackmon ‘should have been born a horse’
S
Emily Pollok
epollok@thelancasternews.com
ixteen-year-old Kallie Blackmon of Heath Springs has brought home a world title from the National Barrel Horse Association championships in Perry,
Ga. It was a shock to Kallie and her parents, Cristy and Kevin Blackmon. She started riding only five years ago, when her parents bought her a pony for Christmas, and she has been competing for just over two years. “We all jumped and went crazy, hooting and hollering and crying,” Kevin Blackmon said after Saturday’s championship. “This was super big for her. It was awesome.” Kallie, crowned the 2018 NBHA 2D Teen World Champion on her horse Clutch, says she didn’t get into the sport with the idea of international competitions. “I just wanted to ride horses and stuff,” said Kallie, a rising junior at Andrew Jackson High School. “I feel like I was just meant to ride.” She has come a long way since receiving that Christmas pony. “She just learned so fast and worked at it so See BLACKMON I Page 3
Today’s Weather
Cloudy with an 80 percent chance of thunderstorms Overnight: Cloudy with an 80 percent chance of High: 82
Kallie, who started competing just two years ago, learned quickly because she listens well and works hard, says Linda McManus, a horse trainer from Jefferson and one of Kallie’s mentors. “She’s just a natural,” McManus said. “She’s got excellent balance.”
Index
Death, 4
Inside, 4
Inside, 3
Church News .....................8 Classifieds .......................10 Coming Events ..................9 Opinion ........................... 7
Mildred Cooke
McDonald Green Elementary’s Pet Parade
Two arrested in sex cases involving kids
NEWS FEATURE WRITING 2-3 TIMES WEEKLY DIVISION Chronicle-Independent Serving Kershaw County since 1889
© 2018 Camden Media Co. LLC
Friday, June 29, 2018
Camden, South Carolina
Single copy 75 cents
A hearty ‘welcome home’ for All-America City delegates
By MARTIN L. CAHN C-I (Camden, S.C.) senior writer mcahn@chronicle-independent.com
Laurey Carpenter stepped off the bus, faced a crowd of welcoming people and jumped up and down while holding the county’s 2018 All-America City award above her head. Carpenter, executive director of the PLAY Foundation that headed the more than three-year effort to win the award, and most of her fellow All-America City delegates arrived at the Kershaw County Government Center around 6:30 p.m. Monday. They had won one of the National Civic League’s 10 All-America City 2018 awards about 24 hours earlier in Denver, Colo., along with one of only two Youth Leadership Awards, for delegation member Clinton Washington, and the only Social Media award from the league. The crowd, made up of dozens of family members, friends, colleagues, elected officials and others lined one side of Broad Street next to the government center as the bus arrived with a police escort, passing under a huge 20 foot by 30 foot American flag hung from the extended ladder of a Camden Fire Department truck. The delegation left Denver that morning by airplane, landed at Charlotte Douglas International Airport and then got on the bus to ride down I-77 to I-20 and back home to Camden. After at least 15 minutes of hugging, cheering and
laughing, Jaelen Bussey, the Jackson Teen Center and Boys & Girls Club of the Midland’s Youth of the Year -- at Kershaw County Council Chairman Julian Burns’ urging -- called out, “When I say Kershaw, you say County. Kershaw!” “County!” the crowd shouted back. “Kershaw!” “County!” Another time and then, Jaelen finished off with something of a war cry, joined by the crowd and his fellow delegates. Having the crowd’s attention, Burns, who had flown back to Kershaw County ahead of the rest of the delegation due to business meet-
ings, welcomed Carpenter and the delegation back home and then asked her to come up and speak. “This started three and a half years ago. I said we were the best place to live in America, now we’ve proved it,” Carpenter declared. “I want to give you the feedback that we got from 12 live panelists from all over the nation. No. 1, the very first thing they said, was that we were the only delegation that had non-profit, local elected officials, county elected officials and a state elected official and showed the equity all the way from
ground zero to the state house.” Carpenter said Kershaw County’s win couldn’t have come without the help of a lot of people, including delegate Johnny Deal, of KershawHealth, who helped the county win the 2018 Social Media award. “They took two things that Johnny does every single day in our community and said that they couldn’t believe it. In one weekend, we reached more than 50,000 people on our social media,” said Carpenter, who
FIRST PLACE Martin L. Cahn Chronicle-Independent
See Award, Page 6
Martin L. Cahn/C-I
PLAY Foundation Executive Director Laurey Carpenter jumps up and down as she hoists Kershaw County’s 2018 All-America City award above her head after getting off a bus from Charlotte Douglas International Airport outside the county government center, with Kershaw County Councilman Sammie Tucker Jr. behind her. Carpenter, Tucker and most of the other 30 delegates flew back from Denver, Colo., on Monday to be greeted by dozens of residents and Martin L. Cahn/C-I elected officials. Speaking to the crowd a short time Dozens of people wave flags and cheer along Broad Street on Monday evening later, Carpenter noted that while other cities entered next to the Kershaw County Government Center as a bus escorted by police the competition repeatedly before winning, Kershaw passes by carrying most of the county’s 33 All-America City delegates trium- County had won on its very first try. Waiting to give phantly returning from a National Civic League conference in Denver, Colo., with Carpenter a welcome home lei is new Kershaw Counone of 10 All-America City awards for 2018, one of two Youth Leadership awards ty Chamber of Commerce President Kimberly Dixon, vice president of finance at First Palmetto Bank. and this year’s only Social Media award. (see more pictures on page 5)
Dewey Bass Band lands
FEATURE WRITING ASSOCIATE & INDIVIDUAL DIVISION
THIRD PLACE Margaret Lamb Tidelands Health
SECOND PLACE Margaret Lamb Tidelands Health
FEATURE WRITING ASSOCIATE & INDIVIDUAL DIVISION
FIRST PLACE Margaret Lamb Tidelands Health
Lemon, who called Duncan elle Griffin and William Beard the funds that were allocated for took the oath of office, which the defunct K9 program for uni“friendly and helpful.” Jonathan Vickery / Managing Editor Harris T. Barker is taking was led by Mayor Lemon. Barnwell Mayor Edward Lemon (right) presents retiring councilman Police Restructuring Duncan’s place and will be See COUNCIL, 3A Ben Duncan a framed picture in honor of 22 years of service.
LIFESTYLE Autopsy showsFEATURE WRITING wreck victim diedUNDER 4,500 DIVISION WEEKLY of natural causes
THIRD PLACE Jonathan Vickery Managing Editor
Autopsy results revealed an Olar man did not die from a weekend wreck, but rather from a medical issue. John W. Deer, 62, of Dana Ave., Olar, was pronounced dead on Dec. 9 following an automobile versus tree collision on Highway 64 South near the Bamberg/Barnwell County line, according to Barnwell County Coroner Lloyd Ward. However, his death is not John W. Deer attributed to the wreck. “The autopsy performed on Mr. Deer revealed that he did not die from any injuries from the collision. His death has been determined to be of natural causes,” said Ward on Dec. 11. Deer, who was wearing a seatbelt, was traveling north on Highway 64 when he suffered a medical issue. This led him to veer off the road and collide with a tree, said Ward. Born in Columbia, Deer was the son of the late John Wesley Deer Sr. and Margie Reed Deer. He was a retired engineer with the CSX Railroad. He was a member of Olar First Baptist Church. Deer had coached football, basketball and softball at Jefferson Davis Academy, Barnwell High School and BambergEhrhardt High, according to his obituary on page 7A. He is survived by two children, Brandon Cody Deer of Florence and Shannon (Andrew) Deer-Smith of Columbia; two grandsons; and a number of other family members.
Laura J. McKenzie The People-Sentinel Contributed Photo
Fishing pier replaced
The visiting AmeriCorps team of 10 volunteers replaced the fishing pier at Barnwell State Park last week over two days. They are pictured with park volunteer/assistant ranger Ben Andrews, park technician Troy Boan and park manager Eddie Richburg. Full story on page 3A.
Winning ‘athletes’ always race for home laura J. mckenzie Publisher
Saturday morning’s (Dec. 2) sky was gray over Snelling, the shade matching the feathers on Monty Morrow’s racing pigeons. A “team” of 20 birds circled above trees whose leaves were reddish brown. They flew as a group, never perching, exercising their wings like the athletes they are. “This is our young team. They’ve won 6 out of the 12 races this year,” said Morrow. “We’re heading to Georgia today for a race.” The “young” team members are those birds which hatched between January and May of 2017. “Old” birds are a year
older. Their breeds include names like Janssen, De RaulSablon and Kannival. Some have almost all gray feathers while others have more patterned markings. Before they are 10 days old, the birds are banded with plastic leg bands which not only records the year they were hatched, but also hold an electronic chip that relays to a computer system. “You can’t band them after they are 10 days if they are to compete,” said Morrow. When they are six weeks old, their training begins. “I go about 10 miles for their first training toss,” said Morrow who lives along Seven Pines Road. Their second run is from the Savannah River Nuclear Labo-
WHAT’S INSIDE
$1.00 Retail For home delivery pricing, 4A
Laura J. McKenzie / Publisher
See PIGEONS, 3A Racing pigeons return to their loft, stepping on an electronic pad before entering the cage.
Opinion....................................4A Arrests......................................5A S o c i e t y. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 - 7 A Education...................................9A Letters to Santa..............................................1-2B Sports....................................4-6B C a l e n d a r. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 B Classifieds............................8-10B
THURSDAY’S WEATHER
OBITUARIES, 7A Alice Boyd Collins, Aiken John Wesley Deer Jr., Olar Sara M. Dyches, Hilda
Sunny High 60 | Low 38
Bob Jolley, Aiken Richard ‘Ricky’ Zorn, Snelling
SECOND PLACE Melissa Rollins Newslifestyles and Press 2B SOCIETY 3B BOOKING REPORT 4B LEGAL NOTICES 5B CLASSIFIEDS
SEPTEMBER 26, 2018 | PAGE 1B
THE NEWS AND PRESS, DARLINGTON, S.C.
WWW.NEWSANDPRESS.NET
‘It has been a journey’
Historical records and DNA help family find roots in Darlington County By Melissa Rollins
When Melissa Burch first got a message from a stranger asking for information on her husband’s family, she had no way of knowing that her husband’s ancestral history was about to change: They were about to meet a whole new side of the family that they never knew existed. “The first conversation I had with them was Stephanie calling me,” Melissa said. “She said that she was given my number as the Burch Family historian, she is a Burch and she wants to find out more about her family. She understands that they come from South Carolina. I asked her what she wanted to know and she said ‘Well, first, let me tell you that I’m Black.’ When she said that I was kind of like, ‘Well, okay, what’s your point?’ Melissa said that with her husband having a military background, race was not an issue for them. "We've been all over with the military," Melissa said. "Because of that, rank was more important than race. It didn't matter who you were or where you came from; it mattered what rank you where." Melissa said that Stephanie began telling her that she had watched the PBS special Blood and Soil: The American Epic and identified Elder John Burch as an ancestor. Stephanie was able to trace her family genealogy with John Burch back to Mt. Croghan, South Carolina. "I asked her what names she knew in her family’s line,” Melissa said. ‘She started naming them off and I started hearing all of (my husband) Andy’s family’s ancestral names. There’s the Josephs, the Jameses, the Thomases. They are absolutely Andy’s family line; they all repeat themselves over and over through the lines. Well the minute she said those names, I told her that there was no doubt in my mind that she was family. Melissa said that they didn't know exactly where in the family tree Stephanie fit but she did, undoubtedly, fit. "There was no doubt that she was one of the Mt. Croghan Burches," Melissa said. "The Caucasian Mt. Croghan Burches. There were six brothers who were born in the era of the1820’s. They all went into the Civil War as Confederate Calvarymen." As the Burch Family historian, Melissa knows many of the names on the family tree. There was one, however, that she did not know. “As she names all these names and tells me what she knows, she says that her threetimes-great grandfather is Alfred Roland Burch,” Melissa said. “Well, there is no Alfred or Roland in our group so that was a different name. But he is born of Joseph Jackson Burch. Stephanie and some of her cousins wanted to come, see the area, go, look and learn. So we set up a time for them to visit and in the meantime, I was digging trying to find any Alfred, any Roland, and I couldn’t. Alfred’s children are all Joseph, James, all the Burch family names. So what he did is he named his children after his uncles, his grandfather and his father.” As Melissa searched she enlisted the help of Darlington County Historical Commission Executive Director Brian Gandy. At their disposal is the Commission’s records room with umpteen birth, death, wedding, and land purchase records. Gandy, who loves a good genealogy search, said that he was fascinated that they were able to uncover as much as they did. “They were able to isolate a
particular ancestor that a far amount of African-American Burches were able to prove that they were a decedent of, which isn’t surprising because in this particular ancestor’s will he left one African-American a considerable amount of land for the time period,” Gandy said. Historical records are scarce for African-Americans, Gandy said, especially in early America. “In the case of the Burches, I like to think that based off of the connection, and the way that he left land, along with the information that remains, that it was a relationship type thing and not a property situation,” Gandy said. “We know that many slaves took on the names of their former masters or owners. We also know that some picked names of other people who had been kind and respectful of them. That is probably one of the most difficult periods to do genealogical work because the records are sketchy. They were not really worried about keeping records of where people come from and who they sold them to.” Gandy said that the Burch family was prominent so the fact that land was left to an AfricanAmerican male and not just known children said a lot. “The hostilities between the Tories and the Patriots was eased in South Carolina and it was a direct result of the treaty that was signed on Joseph Burch Sr.’s property at Burch’s Mill,” Gandy said. “We know that he provided rations for the Patriot army. We have receipts from Francis Marion’s logbook where he did that. We know that he was very supportive of our efforts to become an independent nation based off of what he gave and the fact that his property was were they met. It was a pretty influential family back in the day.” Stephanie said that she was interested in family history but began her Burch search several elderly relatives asked her to look into their family’s history. “In 2001 two of my great aunts, who are now deceased, asked me to see what I could find; they knew that I was interested in our family history,” Stephanie said. “I really didn't know a lot being raised by my mother who is not a Burch but my mother had me in contact with them. I always knew about some of my relatives but I didn't know their history, nor did they. If they did, they didn't say too much for it. I didn't start looking at the Burch side but when you're doing research and you find something interesting about another side it is easy to veer off. I started doing research on both then.” After coming to a stopping place herself, she sought help from friends. “I started asking my geneology friends what I could do because I'm not an expert,” Stephanie said. “I gave them what I had and they would go on their resources. We all came back to one conclusion: this slave owner has a male child that is in his midst that is about my great-great-grandfather's age. I didn't really know what to make of that and I sort of took a break.” A family reunion sparked her to begin her search again. “We had a family reunion and some distant relatives, who I now know, showed up,” Stephanie said. “They lived 1520 minutes down the street in the next town over and we didn't even know it. They started asking me to look things up for them; it turns out they were at the same point in the search that I was.” Facebook has become a great resource over the years, a meeting place for enthusiasts and seekers. “I found this guy in North Carolina who handles the
Left to Right: TaShaun Chandler, Kim Burch, Andy Burch, Raymond Chandler, Stephanie Wright. Arin is in front. Photos Courtest of Melissa Burch
genealogy of Wadesboro and North Carolina, African American slaves,” Stephanie said. “On Facebook I somehow put in our Burch Family connection and got to a page of the Descendants of Joseph Burch and I got in contact with Melissa. I told her that I was looking for a slave list or anything they might have; I didn't really know anything about who the slave owner was. She immediately started giving me information and said that she had a gut feeling that my Burch side was a descendant of Joseph Burch. I wasn't really sure but I started talking to one of my older cousins and she said that our aunties wouldn't really say much about their history; it was like it was a mystery. The only thing that they would say is that my great-great-grandfather Alfred Burch was the son of a slave owner.” Stephanie and Melissa said that they both reached the conclusion that to have definitive proof of a family connection a DNA test was the way to go. “The only way that we could find out if we were related to the Burch Family was for a male child to take a blood test,” Stephanie said. “Melissa's husband Andy said that he would take the test because he really want to know and he really wanted us to be related. We had built a relationship just the few times that we were together talking. We felt really comfortable
around them and I didn't want to be let down so I kept saying 'if', if we are related. It has been a journey.” Andy took a DNA test and sent it in for results. Stephanie’s cousin also took the test. “I had my cousin Tyson take the test and I told him that I would pay for it and I wouldn't put his name on it,” Stephanie said. “He did a swab and Andy did a swab and they sent it in. Andy texted me one morning at five o'clock asking if I was up. I was getting ready to go to work and I texted back asking if something was wrong. He said that he got an email saying that he found a match and he was scrolling down and said that it had my name; we were a match. We were related. So that meant one of two things, either my grandfather was his grandfather's brother or he was his child.” On a visit to South Carolina, Stephanie and some of her African-American relatives took part in an annual Burch Family Reunion. Melissa said that she wasn’t sure how the family who had been coming to the reunion for years would react, specifically the older generations. While there were some who didn’t come that year and others who were standoffish, most everyone was welcoming and enjoyed meeting the new cousins. Stephanie said that the Caucasian family members were
Alfred Roland Burch not the only ones with their reservations. “I had some cousins who went with me to meet Melissa and they were really skeptical because they were on this politically correct black thing,” Stephanie said. “We have to get off that because it isn't about that. This is about finding family history. What has happened in the past is in the past. We have to know our past but we have to move on from that. We finally know where we come from.” Gandy said that he was happy to be part of the research and knowing that a family has finally found the origin that they’ve been looking for. “There were already indicators that led to the belief that there was a connection rather than just ‘I knew this person’ and
as a result of that, they were able to dig and through DNA they were able to secure the information and prove it,” Gandy said. “Now their family has expanded greatly. That particular period, as painful as it is in our history, there were numerous ways that folks took on the names of people. When you are able to secure documentation, DNA or whatever, that verifies a family connection it is sort of the glory find. For this particular family, they had been drifting around for a while and really had nowhere to call home. Now that they have found this very strong connection to this very patriotic family, historically patriotic, they have found some very deep roots and I am very pleased that they have done that.”
LIFESTYLE FEATURE WRITING WEEKLY UNDER 4,500 DIVISION
Their love story began more than fifty years ago By Samantha Lyles Staff Writer slyles@newsandpress.net
Darlington residents Gus and Betty Battista have been married for over 50 years. Let that sink in for a moment. In a time when too many marriages are considered disposable, when unions splinter over arguments or illnesses or hard times, they have managed to stick together for five decades. Their road has not been smooth (Betty would be the first to tell you) but their partnership is a testament to the deep and abiding love that can grow when couples not only accept each other's imperfections, but also learn how to love them. I could wax on about them for a bit, though I think their story is best told by Augustino Michael and Betty Jeanne
Battista themselves...mostly Betty. Betty: We were born in the same hospital in Camden, New Jersey. We met on April 23rd but I don't know the year. Gus: 1966. Betty: He remembers when I don't. But I was working on the line at the RCA factory and they put me on a line with all men, and the men said 'There's someone we want you to meet.' And when (Gus) brought the stock up, they introduced us. That meeting led to daily lunch dates where they would share chicken salad sandwiches made by Gus's mother, an excellent cook with many delectable recipes of Northern Italian favorites. After about a month, the couple went bowling on their
first date, and Gus – a skilled bowler – admits he may have shown off a little bit. Gus: I was good, but it was mostly the ball. Betty: He had a gold bowling ball. It was beautiful, but my mother hated it. Her league bowled on the same nights as his, and they said that gold ball was distracting because it would pick up the light and glitter. Gus: It was 24-karat gold flake in a clear ball...I got it on sale, and everybody hated it but me. Betty: I liked it! They dated practically every night, including a fancy dress bowling banquet, and Gus knew pretty quickly that Betty was the girl for him. He proposed on June 23, 1966, at one of their favorite haunts – Calico Kitchen in
Camden. Unfortunately, the wedding took place in an old church with no air conditioning on one of the hottest days of the year. Gus: We got married June 10, 1967, and it was a hundred and ten degrees. Betty: He was in a white tuxedo, and when I looked up at the alter, he was so white that I thought he was going to faint...I told my dad, 'Look, he looks scared to death!' Gus: That was the shock of seeing you. Betty: He had pitch-black hair and big brown eyes. I thought he was handsome, but I told my mom and dad when he asked me out, I told them he had a hump on his back and he had a big nose. LOVE STORY ON 8B
FIRST PLACE Samantha Lyles News and Press
LIFESTYLE FEATURE WRITING WEEKLY OVER 4,500 DIVISION
THIRD PLACE
SECOND PLACE IP01-1651417-1
Heath Ellison Daniel Island News
18 | FEATURE thedanielislandnews.com
The Daniel Island News ■ August 30 - September 5, 2018
House approves anti Home-Rule Bill BY SULLY WITTE editor@moultrienews.com In response to last week’s vote in the S.C. House of Representatives (73-41) to pass House Bill 3529, a bill that would prevent local municipalities from addressing plastic pollution and considering bag bans, Coastal Conservation League Land, Water and Wildlife Program Director Emily Cedzo said it was a rejection of Home Rule and the best interests of our communities and environment.
August 30 - September 5, 2018 ■ The Daniel Island News
thedanielislandnews.com
PLANTING THE SEEDS OF GIVING
Daniel Island kids target local charities through Young Philanthropist Contest HEATH ELLISON heath@thedanielislandnews.com
O
ne of those classic images of childhood and summer is a lemonade stand made of plywood, homemade signs, and an eager youth ready to make a sales pitch and a little money. The Daniel Island Property Owners Association (POA) channeled that working spirit in local kids with a recent competition that also helped area nonprofit organizations. For the length of the summer, contestants in the Young Philanthropist Contest operated a small business. They could select one of 13 local charities identified by the Daniel Island Community Foundation in four categories: human services, children, education and nature/environment. The money raised by the kids will be donated to the charity of their choice and matched by the Daniel Island Community Foundation. There were five contestants for the competition, ranging in age from seven to 13. “There’s a lot of big-hearted families and kids on the island, so we decided to issue a challenge and get the kids thinking around which of these charities might they like to support,” said contest coordinator Carina Buckman, a Daniel Island resident. Taking home the top prize as the winning young philanthropist was 10-year-old island resident Christian Bussinelli, who created and operated a golf cart cleaning service to benefit the Berkeley County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA). The fundraising champ conceived the business three years ago as a way to show his appreciation to all the
According to the POA website, the Daniel Island Community Foundation was set up as a vehicle for Daniel Island residents and businesses to fund non-profit initiatives. In 2018, a resident advisory committee was established to help in identifying charitable causes and organizations important to Daniel Island residents. Below are the categories and related non-profits the foundation is focusing on this year:
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• Human Services: East Cooper Meals on Wheels, East Cooper Community Outreach, Lowcountry Food Bank, Sustainability Institute
For over 50 years Mount Pleasant has counted on the Moultrie News team to deliver the news of the week — the news that matters to our community. And as we roll into 2018, we kick off our Voluntary Pay Program, in which faithful readers show their appreciation by making a contribution to their community newspaper. If you contributed last year, thank you. You have our sincere gratitude because it is contributions like yours, big or small, that help provide us the resources needed to be successful. Since its incepption the Moultrie News has been delivered free to area residents. We have worked hard to keep our circulation in check with population growth, but in recent years that has been cost prohibitive. We continue to receive newsprint increases from suppliers and at the same time have been asked to reduce our inventory by 15 percent due to shortages from the mills and transportation issues. The tariff placed on the Canadian mills that passed on Jan. 9 is likely the first step of increases as the penalty phase is expected in April. The Moultrie News is a special product. Paid advertising is our main source of revenue. The Voluntary Pay Program is an annual contribution campaign launched to allow our readers to express their appreciation. A Voluntary Pay Program is exactly that — a completely voluntary contribution. We are asking for yearly contributions to continue to provide you with the quality newspaper you are used to. So if you gave last year, please consider giving this year. Every contribution counts. Please tell advertisers you see their ads in the Moultrie News, and better yet, shop locally. We support local businesses and we hope you do too. We enjoy hearing from our
For additional information, click on the “philanthropy” tab at www.dicommunity.org. PROVIDED
Ten-year-old Daniel Island resident Christian Bussinelli is the proud winner of the 2018 Daniel Island Young Philanthropist Contest! Christian managed a golf cart cleaning business over the summer to raise money for the Berkeley County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).
PROVIDED
Berkeley County SPCA Executive Director Marcia Atkinson. “We know that philanthropy starts at a young age, and youth have demonstrated, especially in the past several years, that they can be forces within the community for good.” “It really is encouraging to see students and youth evaluating where they can make a difference in their community, doing the research, and following through with the project or their efforts,” Atkinson added. Spencer Farina set up a lemonade stand and a bake sale to raise cash for East Cooper Meals on Wheels. Spencer’s mother Allison said that she enjoyed seeing her son support
Also taking part in the Young Philanthropist Contest was island resident Spencer Farina (left), who worked to generate funds for East Cooper Meals on Wheels. Pictured here with him at a lemonade stand he hosted across from Blackbaud are his good friends and fundraising helpers Jake and Mia Bornstein.
a worthy cause. “That whole experience was heartwarming,” she said. “What he was doing then brought out the best in everyone that we encountered.” Allison believes that the experience is one that many youths can learn from. “You’re training them [young people] to be aware that there are things more important than having them be profitable,” she said. “Other people are needy, and that’s a good way to bring out the best
in the people that they encounter and bring out the best in them as children.” A total of $624.01 was raised for the two charities by all of the contest participants. Christian’s contest win earned him a $100 Visa gift card and a celebration at Sky Zone along with the other participants. Hermann hopes that the competition can continue to grow in years to come, and she wants to see this year’s contest encourage kids to
contribute to charitable organizations. “We hope that the children think of different ways that they can support (non-profits) in their own way, and just continue to get their foot in the door for fundraising,” she said. Buckman concurred by issuing a broader statement to all island residents. “Although the contest is over, this avenue of giving is available all year-round to both children and adults,” she said.
FILE/JAKE LUCAS
Isle of Palms is one of only two municipalities in the state to have enacted a ban on plastic bags distributed by retailers.
Please see PLASTIC, Page A5
English Black
• Nature/Environment: Berkeley County SPCA, Water Missions International, East Cooper Land Trust
from Daniel Island to think of ways that they could support local nonprofit organizations,” said Danielle Hermann, recreation and communications manager for the POA. Buckman added that it’s an important opportunity for children to see how lucky they are, and to understand the importance of giving back when they’re in a good place. Three other participants also helped out the Berkeley County SPCA. Avery Steel and Felix Brown sold homemade dog treats, and Nichella Allen sold cookies that she baked. “We are always gratified when individuals go out and make grass root efforts on our behalf,” said
tourism was one of the top economic drivers for coastal South Carolina. Rather than oppose Home Rule, why not provide real leadership from the Statehouse and work with local governments to promote environmental change and lessen the economic and convenience questions through potential incentive programs?” The full body of council considered the draft ordinance as the Moultrie News was going to press.
“There’s lots of silver linings in this disease and honest to goodness we wouldn’t trade it for anything. It’s made us so much more grateful and appreciative and blessed for the small things in life.”
DANIEL ISLAND COMMUNITY FOUNDATION 2018 CHARITABLE CAUSES
• Education: Daniel Island School, Philip Simmons High School, Reading Partners
“I had nothing else to do in the summer, and I wanted to help the animals,” said Christian. Christian’s father Dan Bussinelli is very proud of the effort his son put into the business. “Winning’s one thing, but it’s more about how hard he worked at it,” he said. “He was out there sometimes three times a day, hot, scrubbing, cleaning, getting underneath the golf carts. He really worked hard at it. Winning was just a nice little pat on the back for him.” The Daniel Island Property Owners Association developed the idea to get kids involved in charitable pursuits. “We wanted to encourage kids
“Local governments and citizens should have the right to address local problems, like plastic pollution, with local solutions. We will continue to fight for them,” she said. This came on the heels of a proposal by Mount Pleasant Town Councilman Jim Owens to enact an ordinance in Mount Pleasant that would prohibit things such as plastic straws or single use plastic bags. He said he did not follow the rationale of a legislator siding against Home Rule. “I am of the opinion that
FEATURE | 19
• Children: Lowcountry Orphan Relief, Darkness to Light, Dee Norton Child Advocacy Center
dads in his neighborhood. “It was 2015, when it was Father’s Day, and I found a cardboard box that I used for a project,” he remembered. “I went out there and said ‘free golf cart cleaning for Father’s Day.’” “We used the contest as a jumping off point, because he’s been talking about this for a long time,” said Christian’s mother, Lisa Bussinelli. Christian set up a Facebook page and a signupgenius.com page for his golf cart cleaning service, to make appointments easier to manage. He chose to support the Berkeley County SPCA, as it is the only no-kill shelter in the county.
Zach Giroux Moultrie News
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2018 | PAGE A1
PROVIDED
Young Philanthropist Contest participant Spencer Farina held a bake sale outside of the Refuel gas station over the summer to raise money for his charity of choice - East Cooper Meals on Wheels. Other participants in the competition were Christian Bussinelli, Avery Steel, Felix Brown and Nichella Allen.
She climbs for Steven
Show us the love
Local family makes strides with rare muscular disease
PROVIDED
Steven Black (center) shows off his new Smart Drive MX2 wheelchair with Andrew Gilberti at Numotion Mobility.
BY ZACH GIROUX news@moultrienews.com ackie Black is moving mountains in her effort to raise awareness and funding for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). She’s also climbing them. Over the winter holidays, 12-year-old Mackie and her mom English Black made a trip to Africa (Tanzania) to climb Mount Kilimanjaro to raise support for her brother Steven’s cause. He was diagnosed with DMD several years ago. The mother and daughter duo trained by running on the Ravenel Bridge every day for four months straight in prepara-
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tion for the physical elements of the trip. They partnered with SheClimbs.org, a nonprofit organized by local friend Cokie Bereyni, who joined them on the two-week long trip. “I felt like I did something that served a purpose,” Mackie said about doing the trip in honor of her little brother. The Blacks climb up Mount Kilimanjaro was not the peak though. They also raised nearly $12,000 through local donations, bake sales and a GoFundMe account called “Mackie’s Mission” in honor of Steven, https://www.gofundme.com/ mackies-mission. Half of the proceeds paid for the expenses of the trip and the other half went toward the Parent Please see STEVEN, Page A4
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THE GREER CITIZEN B5
RHS student’s legacy lives on through band BY JULIE HOLCOMBE STAFF WRITER Bella Muntean may not be playing the flute when the Pride of Riverside marching band takes the field this fall, but her spirit will still ring through the notes. Muntean had studied flute with Riverside Middle teacher Kevin Styles and Riverside High teacher Kris Bence for four years before passing away from osteosarcoma last month. “She was the most positive and bubbly student I’ve ever had…She always came in with a smile on her face even though she was walking in on crutches or walking in from her last chemo treatment. She was always looking forward to playing her instrument and playing as a part of the band,” Bence said. “With band, it’s not about the notes on the page, it’s really about the friends you gain and the experiences you get. She was always about being a part of that band family.” Bella’s passion for the flute came naturally. Her mother, Brenda, played for six years in school and even taught while in high school. “Since I was rusty from not playing over the years, Bella took private lessons from Wendy Smith, who Bella became attached to immediately because of her patience and kindness. Mrs. Wendy’s exceptional skills in playing the flute and joy for playing overflowed to her students giving them the courage and
confidence to perform at various recitals that she initiated. She enabled Bella to excel and appreciate the gift of music because music is a gift available to all of us, in many different forms,” Brenda said. Muntean’s commitment to the instrument and her band family surpassed the challenges of her illness. “The saying is true, that music is healing to the mind, body and soul.... Many times when Bella was in pain, she would play her instrument and that gave her so much comfort. To her doctors amazement, with too many bone tumors to count, shaped like broken fragments of teeth, throughout all of her lungs, Bella qualified into All-State in 7th grade, the weekend before her cancer diagnosis, and continued to play the flute up until her passing. Her lung capacity which sounded normal, bewildered the doctors which was contradictory to what they saw on the scans, but it didn’t matter to Bella because she knew this was a blessing from God and she continued to play with such passion that it filled our hearts with joy. This is what music is all about and Bella appreciated it,” Brenda said. It was that positive spirit that inspired Bence to start a band commission in her honor when the 15-year-old entered hospice care. After Muntean’s passing, Bence put the project in gear, creating a gofundme page to raise the $4,000 needed to com-
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Riverside High teacher Kris Bence started a band commission in Bella’s honor when the 15-year-old entered hospice care. After her passing, Bence created a gofundme page to raise the $4,000 needed to complete the commission. plete the commission. He contacted fellow high school band teacher Joshua Hinkel, of River Bluff High in Columbia, to compose the piece. “I thought it was appropriate to make it a South Carolina composer,” Bence said. “He’s done a lot of writing and arranging for marching band shows and done some concert band pieces. I think he really gravitated toward the idea after I explained the situation with Bella and who she was. He said ‘This is exactly something I would like to write a piece about.’” Bence spent some time explaining the elements he would like to include in the yet untitled piece. He wanted the work to be approachable for middle and high school students so that both Riverside bands
can present it at the premiere. He wanted it to feature the flute in some special way. And he wanted it to represent the passion that Muntean had for the band and for life. “I don’t want it to be a solemn ballad. I want it to be something uplifting, maybe have some good tempo to it that is kind of an inspiring and motivating sound because that was what Bella was-really motivating and inspiring to all of us. I didn’t want this sappy, slow piece,” Bence said. Hinkel will work on drafts of the piece throughout the summer with the final version likely completed for band camp practice. Bence hopes to debut the work with both bands at the October Band Extravaganza, perhaps inviting the community out
Host families needed for exchange students during 2018-19 year
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Bella’s passion for the flute came naturally. Her mother, Brenda, played for six years while in school. for a charitable fundraiser to support a charity of the Muntean family’s choice.
MUSICAL LEGACY
Muntean’s musical influence will continue to ripple through her communi-
ty and beyond. “I had the privilege to teach Bella for a year and a half before she got sick,” Styles said. “She was always one of the first kids to the Band Room in the SEE BELLA | B8
Julie Holcombe The Greer Citizen
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THIRD PLACE Andrew Wigger The Newberry Observer Coloring Contest Winners
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Issue 26, Volume 136
Saturday, March 31, 2018 • $1
A car full of memories
Sprouse presents to Council By Kelly Duncan
kduncan@newberryobserver.com
Courtesy of the Reid Family
Zeb, Zoe and Zarek Reid with the 1955 Chevrolet Nomad.
By Andrew Wigger
awigger@newberryobserver.com
NEWBERRY — Those who know the Reid Family know they are a car family, in fact Zebulon “Zeb” Reid created the Midlands SC Muscle & Classic Cars group. Those who know them may also know of the 1955 Chevrolet Nomad. The Nomad was originally owned by Mike Reid, Zeb Reid’s father, and is filled with special memories. The story of the Nomad goes back to before Zeb Reid was born, when Mike Reid was a youth in Brevard, N.C. He first spotted the vehicle when his father would take him to buy doughnuts at a local bakery. Across the street was an Amoco Station, and the owner of the station bought the car when it was new in the 1950’s. Mike Reid still remembers watching the original owner washing and waxing the car. When he became a teenager, he still admired the car, only now from Joe’s Pool Hall, rather than the bakery. However, Reid lost track of the Nomad when the owner passed away. Then one day, when he was in Hendersonville, N.C. in the mid 1980’s, he was having his company vehicle washed, and noticed a garage door open at a home across the street. The very same Nomad was sitting inside, with a for sale sign on
it. The grandson of the Amoco Station owner inherited the car and wanted to sell it, and Reid purchased it. “This car represents a form of nostalgia for me to a time where I was a young boy and my dad would come home after working five to six consecutive days for Southern Railroad/later Norfolk Southern Railroad. Dad would take me fishing at Burnt Pine Plantation, a hunting and fishing club in Newborn, Georgia, and we would take the Nomad fishing. I drove this car a lot in high school as a student at Loganville High School,” said Zeb Reid. “This was the vehicle my dad and I spent a lot of time in going fishing and driving to my grandparents’ house from Georgia to Brevard, N.C. as a child/teenager. There were a lot of trips to Katherine’s Kitchen to buy a country ham biscuit on the way to Glade Creek Road in Pisgah Forest, N.C. to visit my grandparents.” Approximately 21 years ago, when Reid was a freshmen at Newberry College, he received heartbreaking news. “I received news from my mother (Denise Reid) via a phone call that my dad had sold the Chevrolet Nomad to a man who worked with my Uncle Ronald Reid at Ecusta in Brevard, N.C.,” Zeb Reid said. “It was a bitter pill to swallow, mom and dad needed space in the garage at the time, and mom had a new car. Dad has
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Courtesy of the Reid Family
The 1955 Chevrolet Nomad.
his 58 Vette in the garage and wanted to make room since he bought mom a new vehicle.” However, Reid’s uncle told him who purchased the car and gave him his home phone number. Reid said he would call and ask about it, but the new owner was not interested in selling it. About seven years ago, Reid got the owner’s cell phone number, and about every six months he would call or text and ask him if he was interested in selling. “Earlier this year I received a dollar amount he wanted to buy the car back. Dad and I drove up to see the vehicle and the next day the vehicle was back home,” Reid said. “To our surprise it had the same floor mats my dad put in years ago, nothing had really changed.”
Now, after 20 plus years, Reid has the Nomad back in his possession, and interestingly enough, his son, Zarek Reid, has taken a similar interest in it. “My son has really taken an interest in this Nomad, it’s the one car he wants to ride in, go do things in. When he walks by it he pats the roof. He really enjoys this Nomad,” Zeb Reid said. Reid said for a car in it’s early 60s, it is in good shape. Adding that it has had a lot of engine work, and had a transmission rebuilt. “It is a rare car, Nomads were only made 1955-57, in my opinion the 1955 is the most desirable. You’d be amazed the folks who look and follow these cars, See NOMAD | 5
FLC approves property bids By Andrew Wigger
awigger@newberryobserver.com e
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NEWBERRY — The Newberry County Forfeited Land Commission has approved 17 bids for properties
are not responsible for any possible biological hazard, due to it being a funeral home,” said Donna Lominack Elizabeth Folk gave a second, and the bid was approved. Laquanda Elkins, of Newberry, put
WHITMIRE — Gregory Sprouse, of Central Midlands Council of Governments, spoke before Whitmire Town Council to solicit input on the community’s needs and priorities. “We are in the process of applying for some Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding for the town and what that is is a funding program that is from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The money comes out of Washington for this program to the state of South Carolina and then South Carolina awards projects on a competitive basis to communities for a variety of different projects,” he said. For this year, the CDBG program had total estimated funds of about $15 million across the state available. These funds are broken up into different types of program areas, one of which is Community Infrastructure and is used to pay for water and sewer line upgrades and other infrastructure needs. “The estimated amount they have available for this year is about $10 million, the maximum grant that a community can apply for is $750,000 and the minimum is $50,000,” Sprouse said. “That’s where we currently are in the grant cycle, that deadline is in April and then in the fall they have another round of funding called Community Enrichment and Neighborhood Revitalization and that is used for other types of projects like improvements to parks, playgrounds, other types of community access features as well as for sidewalk improvements.” The current draft plan for the Town of Whitmire shows top priorities in downtown revitalization, demolishing vacant houses that are beyond repair, sidewalk and housing improvements and water upgrades on Church Street. “In the fall we may potentially be looking at some additional grant funding to implement some of the recommendations in the 2013 plan,” Sprouse said. Other business: • The second and final reading was passed accepting the Duke
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Mom follows her kids’ lead, now they’re karate kinfolk
‘This has given me a great deal of confidence, unlike anything else ever has’ From left, Natolee, Stella, Kathy and MaryJoe Faulkenbury strike a pose at Kenaki Karate in Lancaster before MaryJoe and Kathy receive their black belts.
Mandy Catoe ome mothers shop and dine with their daughters, but Kathy Faulkenbury spins and spars with hers. Two to three times a week for almost four years, Faulkenbury and her daughters have dressed out in martial arts uniforms, practiced and sweated together and advanced through the ranks. This past Thursday night, she and her middle daughter, MaryJoe, 11, were presented with their black belts at Kenaki Karate in Lancaster. Kathy Faulkenbury, 38, is a force to be reckoned with. She can do push-ups, sit-ups, squats, jumps, fancy kicks and punches. “I was just a lump before karate,” she said. Yet she is most proud of the self-confidence she has gained. The once timid mother of three now stands up and speaks out. She even helps teach karate now. “Having a conversation with anyone has always been difficult for me,” she said. “This has given me a great deal of confidence in myself, unlike anything else ever has.” Her daughters discovered a love for karate during summer camp in 2013 through the Lancaster County Arts Council. Until then they had tried and quit various activities including dance, gymnastics and Girl Scouts. MaryJoe and her sister Natolee, 13, began their karate journey in October that year. Mom was pregnant with her third daughter, Stella, who was born in January 2014. Kathy signed up six months later. “I’d sit in the lobby for an hour just playing on my phone,” she said. “So I thought why not take karate with my girls, do something healthy for us all and have something special to share with them always?” Natolee, a seventh grader at Andrew Jackson Middle School, earned her black belt this past December. Stella, now 4, is progressing through the ranks and looking forward to “breaking boards.” MaryJoe, a fifth grader at McDonald Green, was glad to
move on from scouting and dancing to karate for one very clear reason. “Because I don’t have to wear a dress,” she said. Just before receiving her black belt, MaryJoe said, “Earning a black belt is so much more than having kicks and punches or thinking, ‘Hey, I’m better than you.’ It’s about helping someone else and being able to protect yourself if you need to.” The black-belt ceremony was attended by friends and family. Each was given an opportunity to speak publicly about their loved one. All were amazed at Kathy’s growing confidence. Kathy’s mom, Kathy Ellis, has enjoyed watching her daughter come out of her shell. Kathy received her black belt wearing the new martial arts uniform her mother bought her last month for her birthday. One family member commended Kathy for making time for her girls despite working full-time in a medical office. Grand master Shihan White is impressed by Kathy’s dedication and the time she gives to her daughters and her own development. “Mothers have so much more on their plates and have to keep more ends tied together,” White said. “Kathy finds the time to do this with her children and has endured the training to reach this pinnacle. It’s a huge accomplishment.” The instructors presented them with their black belts and a sword. They were honored with the title “sensei,” which means teacher of martial arts. The once-shy Kathy smiled more when her instructors called her “sensei” than when they tied the new black belt around her waist. Connie Funderburk, Kenaki co-owner and third-degree black belt, shared her thoughts about Kathy’s inner and outer strength. “She has done things in her martial arts career so far that no one expected, and she didn’t know that she possessed the power and strength to do, but I saw it. I knew it.” Funderburk said. Kathy’s husband of 19 years, Brooks Faulkenbury, commended their daughter Mary-
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Joe’s growth and maturity. He also addressed his wife just before the belt ceremony. “I am amazed at how strong it has made you, not just physically, but as a person,” he said. And then with a knowing laugh, he added, “You used to be shy, and that is pretty much gone now.” Funderburk said she realizes that Kathy’s motivation is to be a strong role model for her daughters. Being awarded a black belt during the week of Mother’s Day made it extra special for Kathy, who sees her kids learning important lessons. “I want them to know their opinion on things matters. I want them to have self-respect and respect for others,” she said. “I want them to know they can do whatever they put their minds to. I want them to not let the world’s opinions about who they should or shouldn’t be matter.” Kenaki Karate is owned by a black belt mother-daughter team, Teresa and Connie Funderburk.
Photos by MANDY CATOE/For The Lancaster News
From left, Kenaki Karate’s Connie Funderburk, a third-degree black belt, holds up certificates while MaryJoe, Natolee and Kathy Faulkenbury celebrate. All three have earned black belts.
Above, a proud Brooks Faulkenbury holds the karate belts and certificates his wife and daughters earned. At right, Stella works on her skills to follow in her mother’s and sisters’ footsteps.
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LIFESTYLE FEATURE WRITING
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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2017
THE GAFFNEY LEDGER
lifestyles
2-3 TIMES WEEKLY DIVISION
Lifestyles Editor Abbie Sossamon may be contacted at abbie@gaffneyledger.com
Shannon, Kathy, Mary Katherine and Kevin Phillips stand in front of the Joy Drive In sign, a place that’s been like a second home to them. The current (Ledger photo / ABBIE SOSSAMON) owner, Shannon, is retiring and the Joy’s last day will be Saturday.
No more ‘Joy’ in Gaffney By ABBIE SOSSAMON Lifestyles and Features Editor abbie@gaffneyledger.com The Joy Drive In is more than just a place to get a quick bite to eat. It’s as much about the socializing and friendships as it is about the footlong hot dogs. But after Saturday, the socializing and the hot dogs will be no more at the Joy. Current owner Shannon Phillips is retiring after more than 36 years. Started in 1968 by Olin Phillips with help from his nephew David Phillips, the menu at the Joy was simple: footlong hot dogs, burgers and fries. But it soon became a place where friends met to hang out under the big pecan tree behind the drive in. “We could’ve filmed a reality show up here,” Kathy Phillips, wife of the late David Phillips, said. “It was a cast of characters that would come up here and sit under the pecan tree. They would tell stories about everybody and even each other.” Olin opened the restaurant every morning and David covered the afternoon shift before working third at American Fast Print. When Olin decided to go into politics in 1980, he turned the business over to David, and the Joy became a central part of the Phillips’ life. “All three kids grew up here,” Kathy said. “And I always told David he loved the Joy more than me because he spent all his time here.” David and Kathy’s children — Shannon, Kevin and Mary Katherine — have spent many hours and summers working at the drive in, but none as much as Shannon. “I was 10 when dad took over,” Shannon recalled. “I would come in after school and work.” “I was the plow mule that helped Kevin and Mary Katherine have the life they did,” he said laughing. Shannon learned all the ropes and continued working with his dad, taking on responsibilities such as the important task of making the chili. “I’ve made the pot of chili every day since I was 17,” he
said. “One day I was sick and dad called me and told me I had to come in and make it because he didn’t know the recipe.” Though David and Shannon expanded the menu to include chicken fingers, barbecue and hash, the friendship and socializing at the Joy never changed. “It’s a big hangout spot,” Kevin Phillips said. “I go by just about every day and get the local news and see what’s going on around that side of town. It’s always been that way.” The Phillips children weren’t the only ones who grew up at the Joy. Family friend Joe Craig recalled all the trouble he and Shannon caused around the drive in when they were kids. “We (Craig and Shannon) used to terrorize this place,” he said. “David and Olin would give us both whoopings, but I never got one I didn’t deserve.” Sadness struck the Phillips family in May of 2016 when David passed away suddenly. Though Shannon continued without his dad, the Joy hasn’t been the same since. “When daddy died, it just felt different,” Shannon said, with Kevin and Mary Katherine agreeing. That feeling contributed to Shannon’s decison to retire — a move that is bittersweet for the Phillips family. “All good things must come to an end,” Kevin said. “I’m sad in a way but also happy for my brother. I had a real good childhood and life and made a lot of friends because of that place. And it’s because of the people in this town, they always supported us.” “I always think of daddy when I think of the Joy,” Mary Katherine said. “He would come home every night smelling like onions.” Shannon is moving to Sunset Beach where he plans to spend most of his time relaxing. “I’ve been at the Joy all my life,” he said. “Some very important people in this town and this state have come through here and that’s meant a lot to me, but it’s just time for a new chapter.” The Joy’s final day will be this Saturday. Shannon said
David Phillips from a 1988 article in The Gaffney Ledger on the Joy Drive In. he plans to stay open until 5 p.m. but will continue serving until the last order is taken. “It’s just a joy to serve you,” David Phillips said in a 1988 article in The Gaffney Ledger. After Saturday, the ‘joy’ will be gone, but the memories will remain.
Limestone College to hold commencements Dec. 14-16
FIRST PLACE Abbie Sossamon The Gaffney Ledger
Carter retires from library
Displaying some of the t-shirts available for the Relay For Life campaign (from left), Alex Oliver, Jessica Owens, Peggy Fowler and Jasmine Owens attended the Doko Manor kickoff for the May event for a reason: Oliver, for her son who has leukemia; Jessica Owens, for her mom, Jasmine, a cancer survivor; Peggy Fowler, for her parents who both died of cancer and cancer survivor Jasmine Owens, to support the fight against cancer.
PROFILE FEATURE WRITING OR STORY BLYTHEWOOD - Blythewood Library is preparing to say goodbye to a friendly, familiar face. Shirley Carter, who has served as location manager for the past Carter eight years, is retiring Saturday, Feb. 3.
WEEKLY UNDER 4,500Earnest DIVISIONmoney kinks Doko sale
THIRD PLACE Laura Stone The Manning Times
See Carter page 2
Rimer Pond meeting set for Jan. 31
Barbara Ball Publisher
BLYTHEWOOD - County Councilwoman Gwen Kennedy, who represents residents on Rimer Pond Road, has agreed to a community meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 31 at 6 p.m. at the Windermere Club in LongCreek Plantation. The meeting was called by residents in the area to discuss the proposed commercial rezoning at the intersection of Rimer Pond Road and Longtown Road. Councilman Chip Jackson and Council Chairwoman Joyce Dickerson have also been inivited to the meeting. While Kennedy represents the residents on the road, she has steadfastly backed the Palmer family in their bid to bring commercial zoning to Rimer Pond Road. The Palmers have repeatedly, over the last
See Zoning page 2
Barbara Ball Publisher
($10,000 each) for the Southeast Conference Equestrian Championships to be held at One-Wood Farm in Blythewood on Friday, March 30 and Saturday, March 31. Martha Jones, president of Bravo Blythewood, requested the funds for the University. She said the two giant video boards would be situated in the two main arenas to show what is happening in the other arena(s). The participating teams, she said, will include USC, Texas A&M University, University of Georgia and Auburn University with more than 120 athletes and their families representing over 35 states, Canada and the Bahamas. Jones said 3,000 people are expected to attend over the two-day period. Theatre Blythewood Council also awarded $4,000 toward theater production costs of $18,000 to establish Theatre Blythewood, a small
torney Jim Meggs that Wheeler wants to back out of the original earnest money schedule. “I had a call from Mr. Wheeler’s lawyer complaining about the $16,250 earnest money,” Meggs reported to Council Monday night. “He said Wheeler doesn’t want to tie up $16,250 for 60 days. [He wants to] split the earnest money into two chunks - $5,000 initially [5 days after receipt of a fully executed agreement] and the balance ($11,250) at the end of the 60day inspection period, when the contract is closed,” Meggs said. “But we’ve lost some time,” Meggs said. While Meggs suggested the
Town allow Wheeler & Wheeler to split the earnest money into two parts, he said the amended contract would shorten Wheeler’s inspection period to 45 days and would not be delayed for everybody to sign the contract or for second reading of the amended ordinance. In regard to depositing the two earnest money payments, Meggs said, “We would specify that the effective date of the contract is tomorrow (Jan. 23) and that the 45 days inspection period commences tomorrow as well,” Meggs said. Council voted unanimously to approve the amended contract.
his home in Blythewood, leaving behind not only his beloved Toby, but family, friends and many memories and stories of his glory days that are still passed around by those who knew him. “He loved to talk about his days playing baseball,” his stepdaughter Jeannie Blume recalled. “His high school coach, E. L. Wright once said, “Odell has splendid character and an excellent outlook on life that will take him where ever he wants to go.” And it did. And he went many places. During high school, Martin played football and baseball,
Odell Martin and his sidekick Toby.
SECOND PLACE
BLYTHEWOOD - While Town Council struck a deal more than two months ago to sell the Doko Depot building and the property it sits on to a Columbia developer, Wheeler & Wheeler, it turns out the deal is not done yet. Council voted Dec. 16 to authorize Mayor J. Michael Ross to sign the contract which called for Wheeler & Wheeler to make a $16,250 earnest money deposit on the $325,000 sale prior to a 60-day inspection period. Now Wheeler’s lawyer has reported to the Town’s at-
Barbara Ball The Voice of Blythewood
See A-Tax page 2
Odell Martin lived his dream
Barbara Ball Publisher BLYTHEWOOD - For many folks in Blythewood, Odell Martin was just a great old guy who tooled around town in his ancient green pickup truck with his trusty Jack Russell Toby riding shotgun at the driver’s side window. He was a happy, friendly hometown guy who was content with his life in Blythewood. What many people may not have known, however, is that Martin had a past, a glorious past. When he was young, he was a major league baseball player, a pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds. Martin, 86, died last week at
See Martin page 2
Barbara Ball
businesses fill the community center that day. From 2-7 p.m., the summit is a chance for area businesses to promote themselves to residents, as well as talk with potential job applicants. From noon to 2 p.m., the summit is a chance for businesses to talk with other local businesses. That connection, frequently referred to as “B2B,” has been lacking in the Pageland business community, Griffin said. When local businesses need supplies or services, they should first look to other Pageland businesses, Griffin said. “It’s important to keep it local,” Griffin said. A lack of an active chamber of commerce has also been part of the problem he said. “There is so much we’ve been missing,” Griffin said. In addition to local businesses, the chamber has invited local politicians, representatives from the town of Pageland, its police department, the Chesterfield County Economic Development Office, and Northeastern Technical College. The center portion of the community center will be set aside for companies looking to hire and job seekers. Griffin said there will be several people at the job fair to assist people in filling out job applications. The Business Summit is just one of several events the chamber has planned to bring more people – and potential customers – to downtown. In October a “Historic Downtown Walking Museum” event is planned. Each participating business will display some aspect of Pageland’s history. In November the chamber is participating in the American Express Small Business Saturday program on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. The program is designed to get people shopping locally. Holiday events to increase foot traffic are planned for December.
PROFILE FEATURE WRITING OR STORY
KIM MANGUM/For the Progressive Journal
The journey began Monday for the more than 1,200 students of Chesterfield County’s 18 schools. For those at Petersburg Primary it was a day of discovery for staff and students. It was the first of school ever for many of the students. It was also the first day of school for new Petersburg Primary principal Shanika Harrington-David. She was out front to greet students and their parents. Parents marked the day with photos and videos. The school’s sign was a frequent site of first-day photo shoots.
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Screwmatics marks 30 years By VANESSA BREWER-TYSON
Ann Dulin celebrates her journey with doughnuts and wet-nosed dog kisses
Progressive Journal
By VANESSA BREWER-TYSON Progressive Journal
The night before the eventful day, Ann Johnson Dulin slept peacefully. She awoke the morning of Aug. 16 about 4:40. “Today is my birthday, my 100th birthday,” she told herself. Later that morning, family, friends, her fellow residents and Sassy, the therapy dog, gathered in the main room of Springhill Assisted Living in Pageland to celebrate. Everyone but Sassy shared coffee, juice and doughnuts. Dulin’s birthday doughnut had three candles, sprinkles and was cream-filled. (Therapy dogs can’t eat on the job.) Dulin listened to “Happy Birthday,” – via a cell phone. She watched a video of the Clemson offensive line singing her birthday wishes. Her nephew, Robbie Caldwell, coaches the Tigers’ offensive line. See BIRTHDAY | Page 6
photos by DON WORTHINGTON/Progressive Journal
When Ann Dulin started her journey in rural Chesterfield County, she did her homework by lamplight. Last week, Pageland Mayor Jason Evans declared her birthday Ann Dulin Day in the town. Dulin celebrated with a donut. Today is National Senior Citizens Day. In addition to celebrating Dulin’s 100th birthday, Progressive Journal writer Vanessa Brewer-Tyson checked in with several of her former Senior Spotlights to see how they are doing. For their updates, see page 6.
In 1988, Tom and Kim Hogge took a leap of faith. Tom, who was out of work, and his wife, Kim, started their own machining services. It was not something that was planned. It was Company out of necessity, they said. has job Kim answered the openings phones and kept the books. PAGE 2 Tom operated the machines. Screwmatics of South Carolina was born. Tom had earned a degree, and later taught – even met his future wife -- at Florence/Darlington Technical College. He had been an apprentice at Union Carbide Corp in Florence and part of Conbraco Industries’ management for almost 10 years. Unemployed, he placed his faith in the work ethic of people from Chesterfield County and the belief there was a market for precision parts components. They opened Screwmatics in an old industrial building where wooden storage pallets were once made. Property owner Henry Knight saw the Hogges’ hard work and determination. As Screwmatic grew, he built another building specifically to rent to them. “He didn’t mind helping people who See 30 YEARS | Page 2
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OBITUARY, 3
FIRST PLACE
Vanessa Brewer-Tyson Pageland Progressive-Journal
PROFILE FEATURE WRITING OR STORY WEEKLY OVER 4,500 DIVISION
THIRD PLACE Kaelyn Cashman The Greer Citizen LIVING HERE The Greer Citizen
THE GREER CITIZEN B5
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2018
Dr. York to retire after 27 years as a veterinarian BY KAELYN CASHMAN STAFF WRITER A long-time Greer veterinarian is retiring and planning a move to Colorado this summer. Dr. Lori York, who purchased Blue Ridge Vet Clinic in Greer in 1991, is ready to take a break after running Blue Ridge Animal Hospital for 27 years. “It’ll be hard to leave Greer,” Dr. York said. “There’s 27 years of memories here. I’ve met a lot of super great people, awesome people, that I never would’ve met if I hadn’t been here doing what I’m doing. “What’s incredible about it is you see families with puppies and kittens, and that’s so exciting and joyful like new babies,” she said, “but then, so many years later, you see those puppies and kittens, and now they’re old, and then you’re with the family again, and that’s a very sad occasion where they’re sick and dying or you put them to sleep. For some clients that I’ve had for 27 years, I’ve gone through three or four generations from puppyhood to old dog. You get attached to the people and to the animals themselves. It’s emotionally draining. It will be kind of nice to take a break from that.” At the end of 2016, York sold the practice to a corporation called Pet Partners USA out of New York. “I truly appreciate your continued support of Blue Ridge, and your friendship and kindness showered upon me and all my staff,” Dr. York wrote in a letter to her clients and friends. “I have worked very hard all these years with the goal of providing the best possible care for your pets that could be in a general practice.”
LOOKING AHEAD
York is ready for some rest as well as time to spend with her husband Greg. They purchased a house in Cortez, Colorado, with views of the San Juan Mountains. “We are very excited about this new adventure but also very sad to leave behind so many good friends,” she said. “All my associates are excellent veterinarians, and I believe I am leaving the hospital in superb hands I do plan on helping out now and then with relief work at Blue Ridge, and hope to see some of you then.” The new house is just north of Mesa Verde National Park near Utah, Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona. “I’ve always wanted to live there since I was a kid,” York said. “I love the mountains. I love being able to see the natural beauty that is out west, so incredibly beautiful.” “It’ll be interesting,” she said. “I’m hoping that we can see a lot of stuff and do a lot of things.” The house has 14 acres with plenty to do, such as landscaping, working on the pastures and taking care of fences as well as a pond. “I hope to have some horses,” York said. “I’ve always wanted a horse of my own but not boarding somewhere else, so, now, we’ll be able to have some horses on the property. “Maybe I’ll help out with
PHOTO | SUBMITTED
After 27 years of running Blue Ridge Animal Hospital, Dr. Lori York is planning to retire no later than June 1 and to move to Colorado.
‘I like it all, but the biggest part of doing what I’m doing is not always just about treating an animal. You’re helping a person or you’re helping the family by taking care of their animal for them because it means so much to them.’
DOING MISSIONS
Dr. Lori York Veterinarian
ally want to do what you’re doing. I don’t think you’re happy doing this. What do you really want to do?’” “That was the first time anyone asked me that question,” she said. “I think I’d like to go to med school. He helped me find a job in Georgia and helped me get in Georgia vet school. That’s what I ended up doing. I think that’s what I was meant to do.” After spending a few years working in a research lab, she moved away from the cold and snow to attend veterinary school at the University of Georgia. She graduated from UGA in 1986. “I wanted to get out of Ohio,” York said. “My parents had moved down here to retire. They moved to Greenville to retire.” “I ended up going down to University of Georgia Med School because I didn’t want to stay in Ohio,” she said. York got her first job at a mixed animal practice in Lavonia, Georgia. There, she met her husband Greg, who was the technician/ receptionist at that animal hospital. She then decided to focus her energy and expertise on dogs and cats.
vorite part is the people. “I like it all, but the biggest part of doing what I’m doing is not always just about treating an animal,” York said. “You’re helping a person or you’re helping the family by taking care of their animal for them because it means so much to them. That to me is what gets the most satisfaction out of it.” “It’s great to save a dog, but what makes it so fulfilling is that it meant a lot to this family or to this person,” she said. York related another personal story. “One man I met, he came in here,” she said. “He just stood there and was crying. He says, please, help my little baby. All he had was one chihuahua because his wife had died. “You see so many people that their spouses died, been through that with them, and all they have is their animal, and so you really get even more attached trying to make the animal feel better because we realize that’s all they have right now and how important it is to them, and that’s what makes the job more fulfilling.” That man’s dog is buried in York’s backyard since he asked her to bury the dog for him. “He knew he wasn’t going to be living at his house very much longer,” she said. York also has another dog’s ashes on her China cabinet because a client didn’t want them thrown away by her son. “They’ll probably get buried in my yard before I move,” she said.
PHOTO | SUBMITTED
During her tenure in Greer, Dr. York went on medical mission trips to Honduras with Greer First Baptist and Fairview Baptist. Landrum. “When I got home from Landrum, I thought, I don’t want to work for anybody else any more. I want my own place,” she said. “There was a letter on the table announcing a small animal practice for sale in Greer, South Carolina.”
it alone, hardly.” “We’ve grown a lot, and it’s been great,” she continued. York started out with herself, her husband and her mother as a part-time receptionist. “Now, we have four veterinarians and 15 employees and built this
he couldn’t get his head out,” she said. “They had to cut the wheel rim off his head, but they needed the dog sedated, so I remember being there with the fireman laying on the floor of the kitchen where the dog was. That was an interesting thing too.” York has worked with
For a ten-year period, Dr. York went to Honduras every year with either Greer First Baptist or Fairview Baptist as the veterinarian for the medical mission trips. “We go down there and treat horses and cows and dogs, a few cats, goats, that kind of thing,” York said. “Those are really terrific memories too. I really loved doing that.” “I haven’t been able to do that in like the last five years. My husband’s health hasn’t been good enough to go out of the country again.” With moving to Colorado, York may look into missions to Indian reservations, but she plans to wait and see after getting settled. “I’d like to be able to start doing some of that again,” York said. “I don’t know if I’ll go out of the country.” “I look at this country now, and it seems like there’s probably more people needing help in this country now than they do somewhere else in the world. There’s probably a whole lot you can do staying in this country….I’ll see what I can find out there.”
MOVING FORWARD
York plans to take with her one Great Dane and one Border Collie as well as three cats. “I think they’re going to love it, having bigger areas to run around in because I’ve got an acre and a half here in Greer, but nothing like a big open space like we’ll have out there, and it’s a much bigger house,” she said. “The house has room for us to have visi-
SECOND PLACE Chris Trainor Free Times
PROFILE FEATURE WRITING OR STORY WEEKLY OVER 4,500 DIVISION
A Soldier’s Story: Local Army vet Tom Austin recalls World War II memories Aug 20, 2018
FIRST PLACE Andrew Moore Greenville Journal
Pictured: Greenville resident and U.S. Army veteran Tom Austin. Photo by Will Crooks/Greenville Journal.
On a warm, quiet morning in September of 1944, Tom Austin boarded a Higgins landing craft and crossed the English Channel for the shore of Normandy, France, with a loaded M1 carbine riße and Thompson submachine gun hanging off his shoulder, unsure of what to expect. Three months earlier, the stretch of beach codenamed Omaha had been the site of the D-Day invasion, during which roughly 20,000 soldiers had been killed.
PROFILE FEATURE WRITING OR STORY 2-3 TIMES WEEKLY DIVISION
THIRD PLACE Brian Garner NEWS&REPORTER
SECOND PLACE
www.OnlineChester.com
Rematch
Lions and Devils meet tonight. See Page 8.
Kayla Vaughn The Lancaster News
THE HE
The News & Reporter
C HESTER C OUNTY ’ S H OMETOWN N EWSPAPER SINCE 1869 FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2018
Issue 10, 1 Section, 12 Pages
Auctioneer Rick Cox is…
Going Once…Going Twice…(Almost) Gone! BY BRIAN GARNER bgarner@onlinechester.com
T
he people who raised their hands or nodded at Chester auctioneer Rick Cox as he conducted his monthly auction on Monday did so with a tear in their eyes and a fond farewell. After 18 years selling everything from boardgames to bulldozers, Cox is hanging up his gavel and closing the doors of Cox Auction. He said contractors will tear down the auction barn beginning in March and the plan is to construct a new Spratt Savings & Loan. His landlords told Cox he had until then, but he decided to close the doors a month earlier than that. Monday was his final auction. “I live in Charlotte,” Cox said in his Southern drawl, which is at odds with his rapid-fire delivery (what he calls “the jibber-jabber) when he’s working, “and I’ve been in Chester for 18 years. The best years of my life have been here, and you can give the credit to
Chester,” he said. “I brag on Chester; it’s been a very supportive town, and the people who have come to the auctions, they’re just like family now.
We get people coming in from all over, even as far as New York. And
maybe today they’ll be as many as three states represented, plus those from the local counties and towns around here,” he said. “We get a big variety of people coming in here; some of them buy stuff and re-sell it and some of them buy stuff and keep it. I’m sure every house in Chester has got some of our furniture in it,” he said. Cox is not giving up auctioneering completely – he will travel the circuit of the eight states he is licensed auctioneer in (South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia, Georgia, Florida and Ohio) and will be calling the bids on farm equipment and construction equipment auctions. “I know the owners of just about all those auctions, but it’s always been hard to get in with them because I’ve been tied down here. If they said ‘You have to be in Georgia on Wednesday,’ I had to tell them I have to pick up stuff to get ready for my sale on Monday here,” he said. Cox said he would continue to do estate sales and some liquidation auctions as well. See COX, Page 2
Bill introduced by Fanning would dissolve Education Oversight Committee, shift
75 Cents
School District still dark after ransomware attack
Schools go ‘old school’ with books, pencil and paper From staff reports The computers are still off at Chester County schools and throughout the school district following a ransomware attack that encrypted access to the district’s servers. The attack
was discovered after last weekend. According to the school district, there was no data breach. Apparently, the ransomware gained entrance to the school district sysSee SCHOOLS, Page 2
York County DSS director dies in traffic accident From staff reports
A fatal collision took place on Lancaster Highway about three miles west of Richburg about 10:35 p.m. Wednesday night. According to Cpl. Bill Rhyne with the South Carolina Highway Patrol, the accident took place on Lancaster Highway near
Oakley Hall School Road. According to Rhyne, the driver Nichols of a 1999 Freightliner log truck and the
See ACCIDENT, Page 4
Norman, wife uninjured in Va. Amtrak accident BY REECE MURPHY Landmark News Service
Rep. Ralph Norman and his wife escaped injury
members and their families to a retreat in West Virginia when the train collided with the truck outside Crozet, Va., about
Features | 283-1155
Wednesday, September 5, 2018
Faces & Places
9
‘Deal with it and get the job done’ Kayla Vaughn kvaughn@thelancasternews.com
B
etween the four of them, these Lancaster County public servants have spent nearly 200 years fighting fires and rescuing victims. They are among 13 active volunteer firefighters in the county who are 70 or older.
Up and down stairs during jail fire
H
oward Gainer, 73, who works for Belltown Volunteer Fire Department, started running to fire calls when he was 18. He joined the Lancaster Fire Department as a volunteer, then moved out to Belltown when they organized in 1976.
The 1979 Lancaster County Jail fire is memorable not for its size, but for the lives lost. “I remember running up and down the stairs,” Gainer recalled recently. “I went through three air-packs pulling bodies out of the building. It’s adrenaline in those situations boosting you
PHOTOS SUPPLIED
Paul Blackwelder with Indian Land Volunteer Fire Department tells a group of elementary school children about the firetruck and his job as a firefighter. His story appears on page 12.
Far left, a young Howard Gainer in his Lancaster Fire Department uniform. At left, Gainer, right, talks
tim@gaffneyledger.com
IS FOR KIDS Here is the list of donors to Christmas Is For Kids, sponsored by this newspaper. Bring contributions to The Gaffney Ledger at 1604 W. Floyd Baker Blvd., Gaffney, or mail them to: Christmas Is For Kids c/o The Gaffney Ledger, P.O. Box 670, Gaffney, S.C. 29342: l In memory of George & Joan Wheeler: $50 l Anonymous: $500 l In memory of Garrison (Mac) McCraw by Connie & Gregg: $100 l Anonymous: $45.11 l Drew, Heather & Sumter Scott: $100 l In memory of Charles & Edna Cooper: $100 l In memory of Ray & Nellie Phillips: $100 l Beta Sigma Phi Alpha Delta: $50 l Clifford Byars: $100 l In memory of Joyce Parris by Danny Parris: $100 l Broad River Electric Cooperative: $1,000 l In memory of Maynard & Sue Wood: $100 l Anonymous: $400 l Joe & Tana: $100 l Robert & Patricia Jordan: $200 l Tracy Jordan: $100 l Wanda Taylor: $100 l In memory of our papa Charles Wayne by Kaylin, John, Kelby, Arlie, Klayton, Jug & Abel: $150 l Nord & Nancy Davis: $100 l Anonymous: $100 l In memory of Catherine McIlwain: $100 l Kathie Kennedy Finocchi: $100 l Anonymous: $100 l In memory of Marvin & Juanita Lowry & Vera Westbrooks from Mr. & Mrs. Howard Lowery: $100 l Reg Wylie: $200 l Abbie Sossamon & Drake Scott: $100 l In memory of Bette Jo Berry by Sara & Scott Berry: $200 l In memory of Sue Peeler: $25 l In memory of Junior & Rheba Erwin: $25 l In Memory of Leah McCullough: $25 l In memory of Wayne & Doris Evans: $25 l Anonymous: $250 l Sherry & Cody Sossamon: $200 l Dennis & Kay Pettit: $100 l In memory of Kenneth Elder by the Elder Family: $100 l Jenny Ward: $25 l Mary Mullinax: $100 l In memory of Kathryn Sossamon and in honor of Louis Sossamon: $100 l In memory of Tommy Lemaster by Nanette Lemaster: $100 l In memory of Dever & Azalea Davis: $200 l Stan & Teresa Littlejohn: $200 l Quality Inn: $151 l Fishing For Kids: $1,550 l Lou Ann, Eric & Erica Wright: $200 l In memory of my mother Teresa Hughey by Heather Hughey: $25 l In honor of our grandchildren Heather, Stephanie & Dylan Hughey: $100 l Theta Beta Gamma Inc.: $100 TOTAL: $8,096.11 Santa illustation (c)depositphotos.com/Malchev
is encouraging students, faculty and staff to wear superhero T-shirts on Thursday in support of Williams’ family. Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Thursday at Orchard Street Baptist Church Christian Life Center.
tian Life Center for visitation with young Korbin Williams’ family and for a celebration of life service. Williams, 8, died Friday near his Daniel Morgan School Road after he was attacked by three dogs belonging to a neighbor. The still unexplainable incident sent ripples of shock not only through the quiet neighborhood but across the region. The boy had been walking to his friend’s home when the attack occurred and the friend tried to intervene, only to l See HERO, Page 5A
PROFILE FEATURE WRITING OR STORY
A young boy with a huge heart who had already overcome a lot of adversity in his short life will be celebrated as a hero when he is laid to rest Thursday. His friend who stepped into harm’s way in an effort to help will also be honored as a hero. As of Tuesday afternoon, plans called for area motorcycle riders, Cherokee County Sheriff ’s Office deputies and other First Responders to escort Batman
and his Batmobile, also known as John Buckland from the Heroes 4 Higher organization in West Virginia, from the In-
2-3 TIMES WEEKLY DIVISION No bodies
in peach shed rubble By TIM GULLA Ledger Staff Writer tim@gaffneyledger.com
Bruce DeWalt is shown with Ewing Middle School students Austin Buckner, Erica Dawkins and Sarah Benton on Monday while volunteering in the school cafeteria. DeWalt spends four hours every day serving as a mentor and offering encourag(Ledger photo / SCOTT POWELL) ing words to every student he meets.
‘Blessings don’t ever collect dust’ By SCOTT POWELL Ledger Staff Writer spowell@gaffneyledger.com Bruce DeWalt dishes out compliments, high-fives and encouraging words as 400 Ewing Middle School students file through the school lunch line every day. He leaves his house on Serene Drive every morning and makes the 20-minute trek on a motorized scooter for his favorite part of the day — the four hours he gets to spend greeting and talking with students in the cafeteria. DeWalt has been a volunteer coach, mentor and school lunch greeter at Ewing Middle for 22 years. His school volunteer activities started in 1993 when then-principal Dr. Marcia Duncan approached the football coach to see if he would be willing to mentor kids in a self-contained special education class. “After I worked the third shift at Pet Dairy, I would come over to the school to spend time with the kids,” DeWalt said. “I would take the kids out to lunch at Fuddruckers, the Beacon, and take them over to different places just to talk and spend time with them. I came to realize it makes a difference to these kids to see somebody is caring about them. I just do it for the blessing. Blessings don’t ever collect dust.” DeWalt worked at Pet Dairy until he was forced to retire on disability in 2012. He continued with his volunteer duties until both legs had to be amputated above the knee. He lost the first leg in April of 2015 due to complications from diabetes. He spent the next two-and-a-half years away from the school while he recovered. He returned as a
PERSPECTIVE
PAGE 4A
Ewing Middle volunteer when school opened in August. “The first leg (amputation) was my fault,” he said. “It was too much apple pie and ice cream and not taking my diabetes medication regularly like I was supposed to. I lost the second one because of poor circulation but I don’t get depressed about it. My heart is good, my mind is good, my kidneys are good. I’m still here. I have a good family that takes care of me. I just love being around the kids in school.” Originally from Philadelphia, DeWalt played college football at Texas El Paso where he was a kickoff and punt returner. He played wide receiver in third-down passing situations. He spent two years in the Navy on an aircraft carrier in 1972-1973. He moved to Gaffney in 1983 when Stouffer’s brought him here to help train workers. “My wife and I looked around Gaffney and just fell in love with the place,” DeWalt said. His connection with Ewing Middle students started when he became a volunteer football coach in the early 1990s. Several explayers gave him the Gaffney football flag that is attached to the motorized power chair he got last year. Through the efforts of longtime friend David Parker, a Jerusalem Project team installed ramps at his house so DeWalt can easily get around his home. “I look forward to coming to Ewing Middle every day so I can be with these kids,” DeWalt said. “The only time I’m not here is if it’s snowing or raining. It’s a blessing to be with kids. It’s like medicine and therapy for me.”
OBITUARIES
PAGE 8A
A ray of light emerged from a potentially gloomy situation Monday when Gaffney Fire Chief Jamie Caggiano announced that everyone had been accounted for in the wake of Friday’s fire at the old Sunny Slope Peach Shed on Old Georgia Highway. Investigators spent the weekend digging through the rubble in an effort to make sure no one was still inside but that search came to an end. Fire crews responded to the old peach shed at 6:03 a.m. Friday and found approximately 50 percent of the large warehouse in flames. Firefighters immediately encountered three people who had been living in an apartment inside the warehouse — one man who was uninjured, one man who sustained some cuts on his body from glass, and a woman who suffered inhalation burns. The woman was later transferred to the Joseph M. Still Burn Center in Augusta, Ga., for treatment. Caggiano said statements gathered by investigators from the occupants indicated there was a fourth person inside the building at the time of the fire. This person was unaccounted for throughout the weekend, neccessitating a search. Investigators searched the building by hand and brought in a K-9 specially trained in detecting human remains. It had been reported late Sunday afternoon that the dog did not alert its handler to anything. While more specific details were not released, Caggiano said Monday that investigators were able to determine that the fourth occupant was safe and accounted for. Authorities are still trying to determine the cause of the blaze.
FIRST PLACE Scott Powell The Gaffney Ledger
FOOD WRITING
WEEKLY OVER 4,500 & UNDER 4,500 DIVISIONS COMBINED
THIRD PLACE Chris Sokoloski Coastal Observer Thursday August 9, 2018
COASTAL OBSERVER
Pawleys Island South Carolina
Ford Bryant, 2, raises his cone after getting in his licks at Gilbert’s Ice Cream. Home-made ice cream in more formal settings is served at Frank’s, left, and Bistro 217, right. Photos by Tanya Ackerman/Coastal Observer
THE HAND-MADE TALE Some still churning out summer’s frozen treats the old-fashioned way BY CHRIS SOKOLOSKI COASTAL OBSERVER
Nothing is more cooling on a hot summer day than ice cream. It’s also a tasty treat on a cold winter’s night. Nowadays you can usually find some sort of ice cream product at most gas stations, dollar stores, souvenir shops and convenience stores, and of course ice cream shops. What’s harder to find is ice cream made in the same place where it is served. Adam Kirby, chef and coowner of Bistro 217 and Rustic Table, grew up making homemade ice cream with his grandparents. “If you can make it why buy it?” Kirby said. “You can just tell the difference between homemade and one that’s just full of corn syrup and fake milk. People are putting so much other things in the ice cream that don’t need to be in the ice cream.” Kirby’s staff uses an old-fashioned, electric churn complete with rock salt on top to make ice cream. The only ingredients are cream, eggs, sugar and whatever additional flavor, like chocolate. Preparation takes about 15 minutes and churning takes 30. The machines are so loud, Kirby said, that everybody in the restaurant knows when they finished in the afternoon. Kirby “keeps it simple” at Rustic Table: vanilla, chocolate and strawberry. He said they go through two or three gallons a day. Bistro serves about 10 to 12 flavors including key lime pie, chocolate cayenne, mint chocolate chip - using mint grown by Kirby - roasted banana, salted caramel and cinnamon pecan. “We make a lot of ice cream there. [The churns] are always running,” Kirby said. “Bistro sells tons of ice cream.” An old-fashioned churn with rock salt is also used at Frank’s and Frank’s Outback. Chef Pierce Culliton said it is “very important” for them to make the ice cream in-house. “We get to control what’s in it, what it tastes like,” Culliton said. “It just feels better making it ourselves. We know the exact ingredients and we know everything that’s in it if anybody has any questions.” Culliton starts with a custard made with eggs, cream and sugar and chills it overnight to become the base of the ice cream. He then adds whatever extra flavoring and in to the churn it goes. Culliton also has a simpler recipe that uses sweetened condensed milk instead of the custard base and can be made and ready to eat in about 45 minutes. Oreo cookie is the most popular flavor at both restaurants, Culliton said. Frank’s used to have a Milky Way ice cream on the menu but the recipe has gotten lost and attempts to recreate it have been unsuccessful “It was really, really good,” Culliton said. On average Frank’s and Frank’s Outback go through a
couple of gallons of ice cream a week, more in the summer. Culliton said occasionally they will buy some vanilla ice cream just to keep up with the demand. Debbie Gilber and her daughter Angela, Maryland natives, opened Gilbert’s Ice Cream in May of 2017. “It’s something that we always wanted to do,” Angela said. “We always wanted a small, little seasonal business.” Their ice cream starts with 14 percent fat cream poured into an oversized plastic measuring cup, stirred and then poured into a commercial ice cream churn that is about the size of a small washing machine. After 16 minutes in the churn the ice cream is poured into reusable plastic containers, which are less susceptible to freezer burn, Debbie said, and then put into the freezer for a minimum of two days, although Angela said two weeks is “ideal.” “The more sugar it has in the longer it takes to freeze,” Debbie said. “Chocolate is our longest and it still comes out soupier than our vanilla, no matter what we do.” ■ THE GILBERTS have about 12 staple flavors on hand, such as vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, cotton candy and coffee. Their most popular are pralines and cream, Southern bourbon butter pecan (non-alcoholic), chocolate, and anything with peanut butter. There are also seasonal flavors like pumpkin, peppermint, apple pie, maple walnut and egg nog. “We’ll sit in here and try different flavors and its fun,” Angela said. But not always successful. Candy corn “was not good,” Debbie said. “But the kids liked it.” Butter pecan was also a struggle. Their first batch was so bad they changed the recipe. “Now we sell it like crazy,” Debbie said. Debbie said ice cream is so popular because it invokes memories of childhood. People come into the shop and tell them stories all the time. “This is a good memory,” she added. “It’s a happy place.”
Fire and ice. At Bistro 217, Lilliana Chavez prepares the custard base on the stove, above. At left, ice is packed around the churn.
Mix and pour. Angela Gilbert mixes milk, cream and vanilla before pouring it into the churn at Gilbert’s Ice Cream.
A recipe to try at your home Here is the basic recipe for ice cream used at Frank’s and Frank’s Outback. Mix all the ingredients together and place inside an ice cream churn. 1 14-ounce can sweetened condensend milk 1 pint half and half 1 pint heavy whipping cream 1 quart milk 4 pounds rock salt (sold in boxes as ice cream salt) 1 bag crushed ice Plus flavoring of your choice In the container of an ice cream maker, add half and half, heavy whipping cream and sweetened condensed milk. You can include the flavoring of your choice. (Frank’s adds Oreo cook-
ies.) Stir to combine. Add enough regular milk to the line on the ice cream container. Cover the ice cream maker lid and place in the other container that holds the metal container of liquid. Secure and lock in place. Add a layer of rock salt (about 2 cups around container) and a layer of ice and repeat layers of salt and ice until you cover the top of the machine. Note: Be sure to keep watching the churn and adding rock salt and ice until the ice cream is made. Plug in and let the machine run for 30 minutes or until it stops. Cover the machine with a towel for 10 minutes. Serve.
Fast and frozen. Pierce Culliton uses condensed milk in one of his ice cream recipes at Frank’s.
SECOND PLACE Ariel Turner Greenville Journal
FOOD WRITING
WEEKLY OVER 4,500 & UNDER 4,500 DIVISIONS COMBINED MARCH 16, 2018 | VOL. 8 ISSUE 11
FIRST PLACE Andrew Moore Greenville Journal
THE BUSINESS OF
GROWTH HOW TYGER RIVER SMART FARM IS USING TECHNOLOGY TO BOOST PRODUCTION AND SAVE RESOURCES
INSIDE // GBX TO GATHER GVL • CHESTNUT LIVING’S SIMPLE WAY OF LIFE • TABLE 301 CATERING & KITCHEN Ryan Oates of Tyger River Smart Farm. Will Crooks/Upstate Business Journal
Sept. Chamber Recap
Cruise-In Held LOCAL • 3
Carter Lake, Agent 101 Grace St. | Prosperity, SC 29127 Bus 803.364.2909
CHAMBER • 6
Providing Insurance and Financial Services
Newberry County’s Hometown Newspaper Issue 79, Volume 136
Breaking news at newberryobserver.com
Park closed for safety THIRD By Kelly Duncan
kduncan@newberryobserver.com
FOOD WRITING School stars walk the red carpet
Wednesday, October 3, 2018 • $1
Kelly Duncan | The Newberry Observer
The Town of Little Mountain has closed off Rocky Branch park until further notice to improve security measures and tend to park repairs.
Staff Report
NEWBERRY — The Newberry Police Department is currently searching for Keante Lasoun Donaldson, 22, of 200 Woodberry Road in Columbia for outstandDonaldson ing warrants, charging him for attempted murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime.
See PARK | 2
See SEARCH | 2
Tajh Boyd speaks Get ready to eat at Oktoberfest to football players Boyd talks his journey to Clemson
“Football is obviously pretty special, and that is the reason that we are all here tonight, for some of us it has taken us places we never thought we would have went. For a lot of us it has taught us values nothing else could have taught us, and when you look at what it By Andrew Wigger means and what it takes awigger@newberryobserver.com to play in general, at any level, you realize NEWBERRY — how equipped you are Tajh Boyd, Clemson’s in life,” Boyd said. “I starting quarterback don’t know where it is in 2011 and the football is going to take quarterback that led you later in life, I hope the Tigers to the 2011 you accomplish every ACC Championship, dream you can imagine. inspired Newberry The game itself, when County football players you look at what it is, and coaches during and what it is to us as Newberry County players, you start to Touchdown Club’s realize not everyone is monthly meeting. equipped to play.” Boyd, who was born When Boyd was and raised in Hampton, playing high school Virginia, was the middle football, he said they child that grew up were 43-2 in three playing almost every sport imaginable. See BOYD | 5
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ATL students walk the red carpet, told they are amazing on first day of school BY BRIAN GARNER bgarner@onlinechester.com
If you are looking for brats this weekend, Oktoberfest will be the place to be.
Courtesy photo
Plenty of German dishes to sample this Saturday awigger@newberryobserver.com
NEWBERRY — Newberry Oktoberfest is this Saturday, and
one of the key features of this German Heritage Festival is of course the food. Mary Alex Kopp, Tourism and Events manager at City of
Newberry said there will be 17 main food vendors in the food court, which will be the area surrounding Community Hall. See OKTOBERFEST | 5
Sheriff ’s office seeking assistance
paparazzo were cardboard cutouts), there were balloons and there was a red carpet. It was an event to rival any Hollywood premiere, and it was all about the students of the Academy for Teaching and
Learning. The charter school opened their doors for the beginning of their school year on Wednesday. Academy
9 last year. Land is alleged to have put a gun to the head of Joseph Woods and taken approximately $1,800 from him. Wilmore (who took a plea deal in the case) took several hundred See COURT, Page 2
School board on referendum: Back to the drawing board
SECOND PLACE
There were paparazzi (well, except for one harried newspaper reporter and one teacher, the
See ATL, Page 4
BY BRIAN GARNER bgarner@onlinechester.com
Senator Fanning, Legislative Coordinator Wanda Thompson ‘measure up’ to Salkehatchie standards BY BRIAN GARNER bgarner@onlinechester.com
Chester Salkehatchie Camp volunteer Ron Poston told State Senator Mike Fanning and Legislative Coordinator Wanda Thompson they really “measured up” to Salkehatchie standards when they showed their support of the organization – and they’ve got the carpenter’s rule suspenders to
The Chester County School Board said in a recent meeting there will be no attempt to put the failed bond referendum question on the November ballot. After the Chester County School District bond referendum question was defeated in February, there had been speculation in the community that the Chester County School Board wanted to put the same question, one that would have authorized the construction of a new career and workforce development center and a
Brian Garner The News & Reporter
prove it. Both Senator Fanning and Thompson spent some time this summer with the Chester Salkehatchie campers as they worked on two houses in Chester. Wanda Thompson even got into the spirit of the work as she helped with the work preparatory to putting a new porch on one residence. This week on behalf of the Chester camp in appre-
ciation for their support and hard work, long-time Chester camp volunteer Ron Poston presented Fanning and Thompson with a “camp book,” a scrapbook of thoughts and photos taken during the week the campers were working in Chester. Known for his trademark outlandish (though totally appropriate for a builder) suspenders that have the marks of a car-
penter’s rule printed on them, Poston also presented a pair of the braces to both Senator Fanning and Thompson. Poston thanked Sen. Fanning and Thompson for being part of an historic event, because in the history of Salkehatchie, or at least the history of Salkehatchie in South Carolina, this is the first
See SALKEHATCHIE, Page 4
round of extensive repairs for the schools in the district, on the November ballot. That speculation was laid to rest at the June school board meeting as board members expressed their desire to start over from square one. The discussion on what was the next step after the referendum failed to pass was originally scheduled to be in executive session and an action item labeled “referendum decision” was planned for the April meeting, but after The N&R contacted board chair Denise Lawson about the See REFERENDUM, Page 4
In Chester, the word for BBQ is Buttermilk’s BY BRIAN GARNER bgarner@onlinechester.com
By Andrew Wigger — INDEX Obituaries: 2 Opinion: 4 Chamber: 6 Sports: 7, 10-11 Comics: 8 Classifieds: 9-10 Community: 12
ATL rolled out the red carpet for students on the first day of school this week.
PLACE Police search for man in attempted murder case
Andrew Wigger The Newberry Observer LITTLE MOUNTAIN — Until further notice, the Town of Little Mountain has decided to close off Rocky Branch Park to improve security measures and perform park repairs. Mayor Jana Jayroe said the town first began having trouble with people breaking into the bathrooms, usually occurring at night. “Then we had complaints from people who live very close to Rocky Branch saying that during the day there was so much traffic, but it wasn’t people walking, it was cars meeting and then leaving, they felt that it was some type of drug-related
Land, who was charged with entering an Ashford Street home last April and robbing a table full of poker players at gunpoint. “You understand this is BY BRIAN GARNER/THE N&R not the wisest decision you ever made,” Judge Mark Hayes said.
The idea of buttermilk and barbecue don’t seem like they go together at first, but in Chester, that’s about to change. Buttermilk’s Barbecue & Southern Cuisine held a grand opening and ribbon cutting this week. They are located in the back of Rhino’s Restaurant, the former location of J. Scott’s and are using the barbecue pit built for Buddy’s DriveIn. During the Grand Opening day, Buttermilk’s owners Rob and Jane Brown took a few minutes from handing out samples of pulled pork BBQ, ribs
I N D E X
and brisket to talk with The N&R about what makes their carryout and catering restaurant unique. The first question was where the “Buttermilk” name came from. “My grandfather worked for the Shamrock Dairy, which was here in Chester for years and years. He drove a milk truck. Everybody started calling him “Buttermilk” and it got passed down to my father and there’s a few people that call me that,” said Rob Brown. “We decided it was an unusual name and it would stick in people’s minds, and so we
BY BILL MARION/SPECIAL TO THE N&R
Pitmaster Rob Brown checks the meat in the pit. The meat is smoked over oak wood, old-school style in See BUTTERMILK’S, Page 4 the BBQ pit that was built for Buddy’s Drive-In.
Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . 9 Police . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Jumps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Lifestyles . . . . . . . . . . . 5
O B Andrew Blair Jr ., 89 I Robert Feaster, 79 T Carmilla Jackson, 41
Carl Thompson Sr ., 76 Page 4
N O Council cancels T Chester County Council will I not hold its regularly schedC uled meeting on Monday .
Fair weather fan
Act (FOIA) to delegate the task to Superintendent Dr. Angela Bain to deal with the expected growth of meteorological observations. in the Lewisville attenThe Weir observing legacy goes all dance area. After acknowlthe way back to his grandfather, edging that the board Leonard A. Weir, who started as the should not have made a observer for Chester in 1922, Andy Weir recalls. “My dad took it over in 1934. He was Leonard A. Weir Sr. The station was moved in the early 40s over to College Street. A man by the name of Fossett (J.F.) Atkinson kept it there
FOOD WRITING
Andy Weir’s family has been keeping an eye on local weather for three generations BY BRIAN GARNER bgarner@onlinechester.com
For the past 32 years, Andy Weir has gotten up and like most people do, checked on the weather. Most people do that so they know what it’s going to do during the day: rain or shine, snow or hail, so they know what to wear and what kind of day it’s going to be. Andy Weir checks on the weather to let the rest of the country know
what it’s going to do in Chester. And like the weather, he shows no signs of stopping. Weir, a retired firefighter and SLED special agent, has been a cooperative weather observer for the National Weather service for 32 years. He follows in the footsteps of his father and his grandfather who were also weather watchers. Weir received the 2017 John Campanius Holm Award for outstanding accomplishment in the field
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See WEIR, Page 6-A
Kicking butt
He’d injected and rubbed the pork butts, he’d meticulously tended the fire that would slowly bathe that meat in smoke all night long, but James Davila of the Sauce Pig competitive barbecue team still didn’t have a good feeling. “I never have a good
feeling,” said the caterer from Greenville County. Davila was one of a dozen participants in this year’s Hog on the Hill Barbecue festival held this past Friday and Saturday. Competitors began arriving and setting up as early as lunchtime on Friday. Some pulled a simple barrel smoker to the site and had supplies in the back of a pick-up truck, while oth-
ers had trailers and customized rigs. One of those was Stanley Young of the team “Grilling Beast.” The Rock Hill resident brought along a massive set-up that included an eight-foot six rack rotisserie grill, a separate 48-inch charcoal grill, a warming area, a refrigerator, a restaurantstyle sink and a stove. He points out “the controls” but his high-end cooker
Destiny Day Students choose their destinies at CHS, LHS Decision Days BY BRIAN GARNER bgarner@onlinechester.com
Lewisville High School called it Decision Day. Chester High School
days, similar to National Signing Day, the first Wednesday in February, when students going to college on an athletic scholarship sign their letters of
to see what decision the seniors have chosen for their next step, and it was also exciting for the underclassmen (who were in attendance) to see “folks
with its high-tech gadgets belie a very old-school mentality. “It’s a stick burner. We have gas at the front for frying fish or chicken but back there it is 100-percent wood and smoke. No gas or anything else,” he said. Some teams got right to work preparing for the See FESTIVAL, Page 6-A
See SCHOOLS, Page 2-A
Another delay in murder trial of Stewart, Roscoe
BY TRAVIS JENKINS tjenkins@onlinechester.com
Local teams show well at this year’s BBQ festival BY TRAVIS JENKINS tjenkins@onlinechester.com
Reid asked. “It seems like this (estimated increase in enrollment) is upon us and I just wanted to know where are we going? What’s next?
A case that has seen a series of delays has seen another one. Meleke Stewart and Broderick Roscoe were scheduled to be in court this month in Horry County to face charges in the 2014 shooting death of Alton Daniels in Myrtle Beach. That was after the case was bumped off the docket by another trial in April. According to 15th Circuit Solicitor Jimmy Richardson, though, the presiding judge deferred the case to July,
even though there are two sessions of court in Horry County this month. Stewart and Roscoe (both 18 at the time and both former Chester High student athletes) were arrested in connection with the shooting death of Daniels of Shallotte, N.C. According to a statement from the Myrtle Beach Police Department at the time, Daniels was murdered in the early morning hours on June 16, where the victim and suspects met, in the 800 block of
FIRST PLACE Travis Jenkins The News & Reporter See TRIAL, Page 6-A
ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT WRITING WEEKLY OVER 4,500 & UNDER 4,500 DIVISIONS COMBINED
THIRD PLACE Vincent Harris Charleston City Paper
SECOND PLACE Patrick Wall Free Times
ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT WRITING WEEKLY OVER 4,500 & UNDER 4,500 DIVISIONS COMBINED
FIRST PLACE Chris Trainor Free Times
ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT WRITING 2-3 TIMES WEEKLY DIVISION
THIRD PLACE Tommy Martin The Cherokee Chronicle
Lady Warriors gear up for battle
SECONDLancaster PLACE News SPORTS, 5
The
Lancaster County’s triweekly newspaper
FRIDAY, MAY 11, 2018
www.thelancasternews.com
75 CENTS
ManhuntA. forSummers killer in Kershaw Gregory The Lancaster News 2 shot in moving car, but 4-year-old boy with them escapes unhurt Kayla Vaughn and Mark Manicone The Lancaster News
Two people were shot, one fatally, while riding in a car just north of Kershaw early Thursday afternoon, causing the lockdown of two nearby schools as deputies conducted
a manhunt for the shooter. “Right now, I just don’t want to guess at what happened,” said Lancaster County Sheriff Barry Faile, still supervising the search at press time. “We’re processing everything, trying to piece it all together.” Deputies responded to Pine Ridge Drive off Fork Hill Road
just after 1 p.m., according to a sheriff’s statement. They found three people in a 2008 Nissan Altima stopped in the roadway. The female driver and a male passenger both had gunshot wounds, the statement said. A 4-year-old boy in the car was not hurt. The woman was taken by
Lancaster County EMS to a hospital for treatment. Her condition was unknown at press time. The man died at the scene, said Lancaster County Coroner Karla Deese. The child was placed in the care of relatives. The victims’ names were not immediately released.
Kershaw has aura of Elvis
“It’s always very sad when you work any death,” Deese said. “It’s even sadder that someone else is injured, but every now and then you find the silver lining to the cloud. A child that was also involved came out completely unscathed.” See MANHUNT I Page 2
Rep. Norrell making leap to statewide political race Joins Democrat Smith’s ticket for lieutenant governor run Hal Millard hmillard@thelancasternews.com
New guy in town is Travis Powell, and you can see him in action Saturday at Spring-A-Thon Gregory A. Summers gsummers@thelancasternews.com
KERSHAW – You’re eating at the 521 Filling Station on Hampton Street. Suddenly, you notice another customer with swept-back hair and thick sideburns wearing a ball cap. For a split second, you make eye contact. When the man winks and smiles, you’re almost hypnotized and the wheels in your mind inexplicably turn…. “Hey, isn’t that Elvis?” Relax. It’s not. It’s just Travis Powell, and yes, he’s messing with you. That’s what Powell, a professional ETA [Elvis Tribute Artist], does for a living.
“You know, all Elvis had to do was smile and he had you in the palm of his hand,” Powell slyly said. “There’s a whole lot more to it than being able Powell to curl your lip.” Powell has been judged one of the top Elvis tribute performers in the nation. He performs from late May through December in the Legends in Concert shows at Myrtle Beach. Powell moved to Kershaw last June to be close to friends. He will perform for his new neighbors at noon Saturday durSee ELVIS I Page 3
S.C. Rep. James Smith, who is running to be the Democratic nominee for governor, will announce today that Lancaster native Rep. Mandy Powers Norrell will join his ticket as a candidate for lieutenant governor. Smith and Norrell have scheduled a joint campaign appearance for 2 p.m. today at the Springs House in downtown Lancaster to Norrell make the announcement after weeks of speculation, according to a campaign official who was not allowed to speak on the record. Norrell declined comment when reached by phone Wednesday in CoSmith lumbia. The General Assembly remained at work Thursday as both houses worked on a flurry of bills and other business before the legislative session was set to end at 5 p.m. See NORRELL I Page 2
One-candidate Heath Springs vote too costly, officials gripe Gregory A. Summers
gsummers@thelancasternews.com
HEATH SPRINGS – If you want to light Rick
body go through what I have been put through on this city council,” Blackmon said through tears. “Now with our local paper, I’ve been dragged up and down this city, with disrespect to me, my family, my friends.” Later she appeared to compare her suffering to the Senate confirmation hearing of Judge Brett Kavanaugh. “I thought about the state Supreme Court justice,” she said. “He did not want to endure seven days. He said seven days would be a lifetime. Now seven days for him, I multiplied it. So that means that he felt that he was going to have to endure 409 days…. I endured 329 days. Which equates to 22,960 lifetimes.” After Blackmon finished speaking during the citizen-comments part of the meeting, no one See BLACKMON I Page 3
Gregory A. Summers
ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT WRITING gsummers@thelancasternews.com
A 10th name was added Wednesday to the black-granite monument at the corner of Dunlap and Catawba streets that honors our law officers who died in the line of duty. The name of Deputy James L. “Ole Man” Kirk Jr. was unveiled after a standing-roomonly ceremony in the Historic Lancaster County Courthouse. The memorial service was supposed to be outside, but a pelting rain drove it indoors. The 57-year-old Kirk died April 24, 2018, after collapsing from an apparent heart at- Kirk tack during firearms training at the firing range on Kennel Lane. “My brother’s death was not a loss when you look at the life he lived and all the things he did, doing what he loved, serving God and serving his community,” said Kirk’s brother, James Douglas Kirk, who spoke on behalf of the family. “That is not a loss. He did it to the day he died.” See KIRK I Page 2
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Hometown cinematic rollouts don’t get no better than this! Kayla Vaughn kvaughn@thelancasternews.com
Popcorn tubs and merriment overflowed Tuesday night at the gala premier of Lancaster’s homegrown horror flick – “Radioactive Bullfrogs From Hell.” The cast and crew joined a rowdy, packed house at the Crown Cinema to absorb the 40-minute action thriller, written and directed by Phillip Fleming and turned into a campy cinematic masterpiece by a passel of his daring pals. It’s a fight to the death – spoiler alert! – between a trio of well-
166th year, No. 122 One section, 14 pages
Index
Today’s Weather Sunny with a 10 percent chance of showers Overnight: Mostly clear with a 10 percent chance of scattered showers
armed country boys and a 20-foottall mutated bullfrog. To the chagrin of any serious film-o-philes in the theater who were concentrating on the multiple subplots, cheers erupted from the attendees whenever another of their friends appeared on the screen. “It was completely surreal,” Fleming said of premier night. “And just knowing that we’ve got all of these friends and all of these people I’ve never even seen before coming out to support us is awesome.” See MOVIE I Page 3
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Church News .................. 11 Classifieds .......................12 Coming Events ............... 12 Entertainment ............. 12
Out & About .............. 10 Opinion ........................... 9 Sports ............................... 5
FIRST PLACE KAYLA VAUGHN/kvaughn@thelancasternews.com
J.R. Snipes, one of the film’s stars, poses with his biggest fan – his mom, Mary Gibson – at the after party at The Craft Stand on Main Street.
Deaths, 4
Opinion, 9
Bonnie Allen Rachel Faile Charles Sanders Mary Brewer
Lawmakers kill governor’s budget vetoes for their pet projects
Kayla Vaughn The Lancaster News
SHORT STORY WEEKLY OVER 4,500 DIVISION
THIRD PLACE Viraj Naik Myrtle Beach Herald
SECOND PLACE Justin Jarrett The Island News
HEALTH: BMH expands hours at Express Care & Occupational Health Clinic. PAGE A7
AUGUST 2 - 8, 2018
WWW.YOURISLANDNEWS.COM
Alan Ours is council’s pick for new county administrator
During its regular meeting on July 23, Beaufort County Council voted to offer Alan Ours the position of County Administrator. The council will now take steps to negotiate an employment contract with Ours for an anticipated start date later this summer. Ours would replace Gary Kubic, who served as County Administrator from 2004-17. Ours was one of two finalists after a nationwide search and interviews with four candidates. Two meet-and-greet sessions were held last week to allow the public a chance to learn more about the final two candidates and ask them questions one-on-one. William Shanahan, County Manager for York County, S.C., was the other participating finalist. Ours is currently the County Manager for Glynn County, Ga., where he has served since 2010. Glynn County is located between Savannah and Jacksonville, and is home to the City of Brunswick and sea islands including Jekyll Island and St. Simons Island. Ours has worked with various local governments including serving as County Manager in Lee County, Ga., Alan Ours Lowndes County, Ga., and Pickens County, S.C., and as Deputy County Administrator for Spartanburg County, S.C. His public service also includes time with York County, S.C., and Lexington County, S.C. He is a graduate of Leadership Lee and the South Carolina Executive Institute; former Vice-President on the International City-County Management Association Executive Board; and Past President of the Georgia City-County Management Association. He currently serves as Chairman on the United Way of Coastal Georgia Board of Directors. Ours holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Winthrop University. Ours is an ICMA Credentialed Manager – a designation shared with about 1,400 local government management professionals in the U.S. ICMA, which formed in 1914, is the leading association of local government professionals dedicated to creating and sustaining thriving communities. To receive the prestigious ICMA credential from the organization, candidates must be a full voting member of the organization. Th ey must submit to a peer review process, which entails completing a comprehensive knowledge assessment and demonstrating executive experience across a broad spectrum in the field of public administration, adherence to high standards of integrity, and a detailed professional development plan to evolve over the course of their careers. Ours has been married to his wife, Elizabeth, for more than 35 years. Th e couple has 10 children and three grandchildren.
PRESERVING THE PAST PIHMS donates $200K to preserve historic film collection. PAGE A2
COVERING BEAUFORT COUNTY
Beaufort kids’ lemonade stand seeks to provide clean water abroad BY JUSTIN JARRETT
This is not your typical neighborhood lemonade stand. Siblings Nate and Anne-Murphy Miller aren’t peddling watered-down Minute Maid to fill their piggy banks, they’re working to make a difference in the world — and a big one at that. Anne-Murphy, 9, and Nate, 8, were inspired when Rev. John Dau spoke at Holy Trinity Classical Christian School, and the idea of Murphy’s Pucker Up was born. It started with selling their homemade recipe from their LemonAid Cart with a nebulous goal of helping to provide safe drinking water to schools in developing nations. Using her connections, their mother, Jodie Miller of Plum Productions, found a way to make that goal more feasible. She eventually connected with LifeStraw, a company that has developed filtration systems that make contaminated water safe to drink. With that, the target became more clear – raise $2,500 to purchase five LifeStraw Community filtration systems. Doing so would provide clean water to 500 students at Good Shepherd Academy in Juba, South Sudan — Holy Trinity’s sister school — for up to five years. “I don’t know if we as a family just can’t do things small, but it’s become this big deal,” Jodie Miller said with a laugh. And despite mom’s help from time to time, it remains the kids’ project, for the most part. Anne-Murphy has the marketing personality, so she’s “out front,” while Nate is the math whiz who runs the credit cards, makes change, and crunches the numbers. They’re about halfway to their goal, but a new partnership struck this week should help them make up the rest of the total. Starting Friday, Murphy’s Pucker Up will be a staple on the lunch menu at Breakwater Restaurant and Bar. The kids were in the kitchen at Breakwater over the weekend perfecting their all-natural and preservative-free recipe, which the restaurant will produce in-house and serve in a special branded glass featuring the Murphy’s Pucker Up logo. The proceeds from every lemonade sale will go toward the clean water project. “You can barely turn around without hearing something great that Breakwater is doing in the community,” Jodie Miller said. “I called Gary and Donna and explained what we were doing, and we had dinner, met, and squeezed about a bajillion lemons.”
FUN IN THE SUN Friends of Hunting Island State Park’s Turtle Conservation Project blends entertainment, education. PAGE B1
INSIDE News A2 Schools Around Town A4 IGNO Business A5 Voices Health A6-7 Events Community B1 Directory B2 Classifieds Sports
B2 B3 B4 B5 B6 B7
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FIRST PLACE Viraj Naik Myrtle Beach Herald
with arrest Gregory A. Summers
gsummers@thelancasternews.com
A woman out on bond in a December armed robbery has been arrested in two similar holdups at Lancaster businesses and is suspected in a third – all committed within minutes of each other Monday night. County authorities charged Jessica Luann Medlin Talford, 25, of Liberty Hill, with one Talford count of armed robbery in an incident at Lloyd’s@200 on Monroe Highway and one count of attempted armed robbery in an incident at the Lancaster Inn, 1391 Charlotte Highway. City police plan to charge Talford in the attempted robbery of Westgate Exxon, 1101 W. Meeting St., as well. See TALFORD I Page 3A
SHORT STORY Dimsdale suffered
Stray bullet ricochets off AJ bleachers Kayla Vaughn
kvaughn@thelancasternews.com
Jimmy Boswell was watching his grandson play soccer at Andrew Jackson High School Monday night when he heard at least two distant gunshots and a loud “clang!” as a stray bullet hit the aluminum bleachers. Boswell, owner of Custom Plus Seamless Gutters in Lancaster, said the bullet hit the bleachers behind him, ricocheted between him and a nearby family and rolled to a stop near someone’s foot. “I was scared for my grandsons, and I was scared for the people in the stands,” Boswell said. “There were kids in the stands, and it’s terrible to go somewhere you think is a safe place to watch a See BULLET I Page 3A
Total $2
2-3 TIMES WEEKLY DIVISION a broken leg
THIRD PLACE Kayla Vaughn The Lancaster News
Local raise
epollo
Kayla Vaughn
SECOND PLACE kvaughn@thelancasternews.com
A race car driver was injured in an accident Saturday night at Lancaster Motor Speedway. The driver, Colton Avery Dimsdale, 23, of Inman was in fourth place during the late-night race when his car was struck. He was trapped in the car and had to be cut out by first responders before he was flown to Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte for his injuries. Dimsdale said he momentarily went unconscious, then awoke to find a metal bar stuck in his leg. “It all happened so fast,” Dimsdale said. “When it happens, you really don’t think about anything except that you know you’re about to go for a ride.” See WRECK I Page 3A
Kayla Vaughn The Lancaster News
United Wa brated its ca nouncing it 2017-18 cam al organizati contribution During the raised $400,6 its $425,000 the goal set f nificant imp ures. In 2016 just 70.7 perc “We just ha said Deborah up her first y One of the loss of Dura tributors in much as $125
PHOTOS SUPPLIED
Colton Dimsdale gives a thumbs-up after breaking his leg in a crash at Lancaster Motor Speedway.
PushWallet stolen amid aborted moment of bliss in a truck parki to ma Kayla Vaughn
kvaughn@thelancasternews.com
Admitting to one crime while reporting another one is never a good idea. A 71-year-old truck driver has been charged with first-offense soliciting for prostitution after calling 911 to report that a woman had stolen his wallet in Kershaw. Jerry A. Hall of Cassatt, northeast of Camden, reported the theft on June 24, telling the responding deputy that the wallet contained two credit cards and $700 in cash, according to a Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office incident
166th year, No. 82 Two sections, 14 pages
report. Hall told the deputy a woman had called him that morning and asked him to meet her in the parking lot across from The Markette convenience store in Kershaw. She said she needed money and offered to perform a sex act to get it, Hall told the deputy. Hall said they never agreed on a price, but the act commenced anyway, according to the report. Hall told the deputy that she “was only down there for a minute” before she stopped and rushed off, the report said. Hall said the woman explained that her mother was waiting for her, and
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Push-ups first sign of s Mill man who orderly cond Robert Kim with public sion of drug fense posse stance. According press store on Kerber left t
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Today’s Weather Mostly sunny with a few afternoon clouds Overnight: A few clouds with a 30 percent chance of stray thunderstorms
she jumped into a burgundy getaway car. While refastening his clothes, Hall realized his wallet was missing, he told the deputy. He said the woman must’ve taken it out of his pants while they were down. Hall said he tried to follow the vehicle, but lost track of it and decided to call 911. The report said the deputy thinks he knows who the woman is, and that Hall will be asked to look over a photo lineup later. Hall was issued a criminal citation with a $465 fine and given a July court date.
Faces & Places ............. 1B Opinion ........................7A Sports ............................5A
Wendell Adams Loyce Craig Ronnie McCain Dorothy Neal Lillian Phillips
Local Easter events for ‘Everybunny’ OUT & ABOUT, 12
The
SHORT STORY
Warriors rally, top Bruins on diamond
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SPORTS, 5
Lancaster News Lancaster County’s triweekly newspaper
FRIDAY, MARCH 30, 2018
www.thelancasternews.com
75 CENTS
788 unused names for IL town Kayla Vaughn
kvaughn@thelancasternews.com
Photo illustration by ATHENA REDMOND/aredmond@thelancasternews.com
5th District candidate comes with unusual bio Mark Manicone
mmanicone@thelancasternews.com
It’s a moot point, since the Panhandle incorporation flat-lined in Tuesday’s referendum, but more than half the voters would’ve named the new town Indian Land. Other conventional write-in names on the ballots included Belair, Carolina Lakes, Fort Mill Proper, Harrisburg, Pleasant Valley and Possum Hollow. Then there were the smart alecks. “Fort Thrill,” wrote one voter. “Anything but Indian Land,” said another. A query: “What were we thinking.” There was McCuskerville, perhaps a salute to incorporation organizer Matt McCusker. Some got nasty – Suckers, Abomination, The Empire, Crazyville,
Nopeville, Taxland, Go Home Yankees. Some sounded like 10-yearolds wrote them – Towny McTownface, Kissmybuttburg. The public servants at the county elections office got a kick out of all this. “Just the fact that people take the time to write some of these is amazing,” Elections Director Mary Ann Hudson said Thursday, laughing as she read the list. “Peo- Hudson ple are a lot more vocal now about things than they used to be, that’s for sure.” You could tell from most of the names which way the person voted. “Please say it ain’t so,” wrote one No voter. There was Don’t Do It and
Woodland
Cash Cow Gone. Yes voters wrote Home Town, Celebration and Warrior Town. All municipal referendums, like this one and the vote that created the town of Van Wyck last year, include a place to select the name of the town or write in an alternative. Out of 10,939 ballots cast Tuesday, 6,108 checked Indian Land, and 787 wrote in something else. The referendum failed by a 4-to-1 margin. Some of the names bashed the town, calling it Developer Land Inc., Idiot Land and even Hell. One No voter said: “The Land Stolen from the Natives.” Other entries were profane or vulgar, not fit for publication here. One head-scratcher was Intercourse – maybe an obscure nod to one “active-adult” community, sometimes jokingly called Viagra Falls.
FIRST PLACE Kayla Vaughn The Lancaster News
COLUMN WRITING ASSOCIATE & INDIVIDUAL DIVISION
THIRD PLACE Margaret Evans Lowcountry Weekly
SECOND PLACE Laura Packard Lowcountry Weekly
COLUMN WRITING ASSOCIATE & INDIVIDUAL DIVISION
Viewpoint
VIEWS, PERSPECTIVES AND READERS’ LETTERS
Just doing our jobs: When journalists become the story
O
n the last Friday in June, I walked into the office and sat down at my desk. An unremarkable sentence. An unremarkable act. The day before, five people in Annapolis, Md., did the same unremarkable thing — for the last time. A gunman with a grudge opened MELINDA fire in the Capital WALDROP Gazette newsroom, killing them as they worked. Gerald Fischman, 61, was the “clever and quirky voice of a community newspaper,” the Baltimore Sun said. Rob Hiaasen, 59, brother of writer Carl, was a “generous mentor.” John McNamara, 56, covered sports, his dream job. Wendi Winters, 65, was a “prolific” features writer and a mother of four. Rebecca Smith, 34, had recently been hired as a sales assistant and was known for her kindness. These are facts, like the ones the staff at the Capital Gazette produce every day for its readers. Its writers cover city council meetings and high school football games and pen editorials and columns with titles such as “Teen of the Week.” I didn’t know these people, but then again, I did. I have been a journalist for 25 years. I have worked in six newsrooms in three states. While the locations changed, the people remained constant. Different personalities, to be sure, but all good people. The best people. The night of the shootings, trying to process feelings I still can’t name, I wrote a rambling Facebook post and started tagging all my journalist friends. I quickly reached the limit for tagging people in one post (it’s 60; I had no idea) and had to start again in the comments. I looked at the names through a scrim of tears and felt humbled amazement. From Washington state to Texas, from Philadelphia to Florida, here was a list of people who, for years, have sacrificed time with their families, vacation days, sleep and mental well-being to provide facts for their readers. The other thing those six newsrooms shared is that they were sanctuaries. Newsrooms are safe places, places where people like you but not, from all kinds of walks of life but all a little off-center in some (usually) endearing way, come together to put out a product about which we all care fiercely. At any given moment,
FIRST PLACE
At the Newseum in Washington, D.C., a tribute to reporters, photographers and broadcasters killed doing their jobs contains 2,323 pictures. (Photo/Melinda Waldrop)
Journalism burrows into your bones and becomes the only thing you can do, or at least the only thing that matters. As I sit at my desk and do my job, I am grateful for the chance. a glance into a newsroom — in South Carolina, in Virginia, in any city or country in the world — would reveal a group of folks who probably would never have crossed paths otherwise, eyes fixed on the computer screens that prematurely ruin our vision, fingers flying over the keyboards we know like lovers, corners of mouths curled in some dry quip as we work. We are not always the people corporate types would choose to be the face or the voice of an organization. We wear cracked shells of sarcasm and possess a hard-edged humor, forged by years of seeing bad things and describing them to readers who, God willing, will never have to watch the small, tarp-covered body of a child carried from a bedroom where he was hit by a hurricane-felled tree, or who wonder how life goes on for the family of a teenage football player who took his own life. We are often, to the outside eye, brash, sometimes inappropriate, likely running on too much caffeine and too little sleep. But to each other, we are family. On June 28, a shotgun blast shattered that sanctuary. Blood ran in Maryland
like it did in Paris and like it may well do again unless we can find a way to connect with what makes us, different personalities all, all human. Last month, I sat in a room full of journalists. We had all cleaned up as nicely as we could to puzzle over the correct salad fork at a dinner honoring the work of colleagues throughout the country and in Canada and Australia. We applauded each other and got to know one another. We left invigorated, eager to share ideas and try new things in our publications. The day after collecting awards, I stood in front of a wall of 2,323 pictures of journalists who have been killed doing their jobs. I barely noticed other visitors to the Newseum in Washington, D.C. I looked at faces, read names, and I cried. It didn’t feel like a museum exhibit. It felt immediate. Sadly, that was exactly the right word. Five more faces can now be added to that wall. I didn’t know them, but they are my colleagues. A day after the shootings, the Capital Gazette produced a newspaper, aided by notes taken by reporters covering a news
conference where officials described the death of their friends. A reporter tweeted about how it felt to hide under a desk and hear the shooter reload. A photographer talked about how he thought he should be doing more to cover an event in which he thought he was going to die. Social media filled with pictures of Capital Gazette staffers at their desks, doing their jobs, because, as one reporter said, “I don’t know what else to do except this.” None of us in this business do. Some of us have tried to leave it — some more than once — for jobs that pay better, that demand less, that garner more respect. But journalism burrows into your bones and becomes the only thing you can do, or at least the only thing that matters. As I sit at my desk and do my job, I am grateful for the chance.
We want to hear from you Write: Melinda Waldrop, Editor Columbia Regional Business Report, 1612 Marion St., Suite 301 Columbia, SC 29201 Email: mwaldrop@scbiznews.com
Melinda Waldrop Columbia Regional Business Report
rial Day celebration is 10 a.m. Monday (May 28) outside the Chesterfield County Courthouse. Rev. Bruce Adams, who served as a senior master sergeant in the U.S. Air Force, is the speaker. He is the pastor at St. Paul’s Methodist Church in Ches- REV. ADAMS terfield. Adams said it is important to remember the distinction between Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Memorial Day is a day to remember all those who died in services to the United States. Veterans Day is for all those who have served in the U.S. military. “We all know, deep down, that there are others who gave the supreme sacrifice,” Adams said “Because of that, the best way we can honor their memory is to make the world a better place.” Adams said he will talk about the importance of memory throughout the history of world. He noted the Last Supper was a memorial service. Adams said he might share the story of a World War II chaplain who comforted dying soldiers on the invasion beaches of Pacific Ocean islands. The chaplain, Adams said, heard soldiers over and over again talk about coming home to America. The chaplain realized, Adams said. “that one day would he would see them again. What would he say to them about America?” Hopefully, Adams said, the answer would be people tried to be, in some way, a hero each day. “It is our obligation to carry the torch for them,” Adams said.
COLUMN WRITING WEEKLY UNDER 4,500 DIVISION
THIRD PLACE
AMERICAN BATTLE MONUMENTS COMMISSION
ps at the Meuse-Argonne American cemetery in France. hesterfield County are buried in the cemetery.
‘Conspicuous gallantry, indomitable courage’
SECOND PLACE
Don Worthington Pageland Progressive-Journal
Noah Knight earns Medal of Honor By DON WORTHINGTON Progressive Journal
THINGTON/Progressive Journal
and Neil Kirkley, who Vietnam War, render Odell Knight.
The temperature was falling. The rain turned to snow. The sounds of rockets, shells and gunfire filled the air near the Imjim River in South Korea, not far from the 38th Parallel. The Koreans called the place Kawang San. The Americans and Canadians defending the hills above the river called it “Little Gibraltar.” Pfc. Noah Odell Knight, 22, of Pageland, was on Hill 355 when Chinese troops attacked. Knight’s military occupation was officially a light vehicle driver. But on Nov. 23 and Nov. 24 of 1951, everyone in the 7th Infantry Regiment was a rifleman. Over two days of intense fighting, American soldiers would lose, and then regain, Hill 355. On Nov. 24, Knight was killed in action, one of three members of Company F to die that day. His actions earned him the Medal of Honor. He is one of 34 South Carolinians to hold the nation’s highest medal for valor. He is the only Medal of Honor winner from Chesterfield County. On Feb. 24, 1952, Knight was laid to rest at the Union Hill Baptist Church Cemetery. It was a cold day with temperatures in the 40s and a breeze from the south. An honor guard and bugler from Fort Jackson provided the military honors. In December 1952, Knight’s 19-year-old wife, Becky, learned her husband was being awarded the Medal of Honor.
Medal of Honor citation:
Pfc. Knight, a member of Company F, distinguished himself conspicuous gallantry and indomitable courage above and ond the call of duty in action against the enemy. He occupied ey position in the defense perimeter when waves of enemy ops passed through their own artillery and mortar concentras and charged the company position. Two direct hits from an my emplacement demolished his bunker and wounded him. See CITATION | Page 4
Stories to be remembered, stories to be told
W
hile it was not officially recognized as a national holiday until 1971, Memorial Day has been celebrated in the United States since 1868. The first “Decoration Day” observances were to remember the armed forces veterans who had died during the Civil War. After World War I there was even more interest in having a time to reflect. Another generation of Americans had experienced the realities of war. Originally, the Progressive Journal planned to commemorate Memorial Day as part of “Project 1918,” the newspaper’s ongoing series to honor those from Chesterfield BY DON County who served in WORTHINGTON the Great War. EDITOR Yet, when we started researching all the soldiers, sailors and airmen who have died in service to the country from Chesterfield County, limiting our Memorial Day coverage to just one war made no sense. As you study those who served and died from Chesterfield County, there are many familiar historical places and events. Then you realize these were the men who were there, the ones who created the history. Each has a story to be told and a story not to be forgotten. The story includes Noah Odell Knight, who won the Medal of Honor in Korea. (See accompanying story.) See STORIES | Page 4
Brian Whitmore Chronicle Opinion The ClintonOpinion
Page 6A
VIEWPOINT Lesson on the walk up the mountain
Progressive Journal 4 | January 16, 2018
H
ow much progress have we made in the past 50 years since Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in Memphis? Have we reached the mountaintop? Is the dream still alive? That progress, in many ways, is simply about shoes – as in “you have not walked in my shoes.” It works both ways; you have not walked in MY shoes. The challenge is having a conversation where we agree to agree, agree to disagree and agree on what we can work together to change. The shoes of my youth, largely sneakers and loafers, left me ill-prepared for a larger world. I grew up in Northern Virginia where names such as Lee and Jackson were revered, even celebrated with a state holiday. I knew I grew up in a high school that didn’t reflect society. There were few minorities, fewer African Americans. When Charlie Cox, who played with me in the band, graduated, he proudly proclaimed he was “No. 2,” the second African American to gradu-
Editor’s Column Don Worthington is the editor of the Pageland Progressive Journal.
ate from Annandale High School in the 19 years the school was open. Charlie might have been No. 2 statistically, but he knew he was not second-class. (In recent years, the school's diversity has been celebrated by notables such as Bill Clinton and Michelle Obama.) Most of my career as a journalist has been in the South, and each stop has offered eye-opening walks. In Virginia, I worked for one of the men who orchestrated the state’s “Massive Resistance” to integration. These men in power would rather close public schools than integrate. The result, for some Virginians, was a generation – black and white – that lost the
opportunities of education. A lesson learned in a community leadership class changed my outlook. I walked in different shoes. In a role-playing, team-building exercise, I was a person with no education, no skills, not even enough “credits” to participate in the exercise. My class cohorts vowed to earn enough credits so I could participate. While they worked, I sat. At the end of the exercise, I still sat, never once leaving the room. I learned that, for some people, when they look up all they see is the underside of the bottom. Through no fault of their own, they need something more than a helping hand. In North Carolina, I was a government and political reporter for The Fayetteville Observer. I was also the racial relations reporter for a community that was almost equally split between whites and blacks. A conversation with the local head of the NAACP was another lesson learned. While I can’t remember his name, I remember his words. It was not an issue of
black or white, he told me. It was an issue of green – green as in opportunity regardless of color. In South Carolina, I’ve talked with the Friendship Nine, the students at Rock Hill’s Clinton Junior College who went to jail over their protest for equal rights. Those men, for the rest of their lives, remained committed, making Rock Hill a better place. I interviewed Jessie Jackson shortly after a white school resource officer forcefully removed an African American student from a classroom at Spring Valley High School near Columbia. The student had been disruptive and a teacher, a school administrator and finally the officer had asked her to get up and leave the classroom. Jackson told me the event was “racial.” I asked why. Nothing in my walk prepared me for his simple answer. “This is South Carolina,” he said. For Jackson, a native of Greenville, at that moment, nothing had changed. As we asked people in Page-
land about Dr. King and his dream I was struck by their answers. Among those that worked hardest for change locally were parents who wanted a better life for their children. It reminded me of the most important lesson my father ever taught me. At my grandfather’s funeral in 1969, a group of African Americans entered the funeral home chapel in Lexington, Ky., from a side door. They were directed to the back of the chapel. My father left the family section, went to the back of the chapel and led these African Americans to the front of the chapel. I later learned these were the people who cared for my grandmother during her final illness. I learned some were the men my grandfather promoted to mechanics at a time when promotion was based on being a lodge brother rather than merit. I learned my grandfather had walked in big shoes. So did my dad. I learned, much like the people of Pageland, that anything is possible when we are family.
Editorial What if there was a tax increase
One of the most frustrating jobs ever must be putting together Laurens County’s budget. You take one step forward, and two steps back. Six years ago, you had a $9 million surplus. Then, the full effect of the 2008 recession hit. The SC General Assembly began using the Local Government Fund to balance the state budget, and $1 mil4 | December 19, 2017 lion a year - the shortage by the state - started Dream coming right off the top of that $9 million surplus. continued from the front The ship started to get righted. You took $1 millate Martha Hamilton were among the locals Yes, lion Virginia ...from the Greenville County School a year away who marched for equality in places such as Columbia. District, While many African then,money no poetry, generated no romance by industries in the FounEditorial of The New York Americans and other mito make tolerable this exisSun, September 21, 1897tain Inn norities haveanta seen Claus imarea. Since they are the richest school disstill variations based on lanis one of the provements in education, tence. Editor’s Column guage and culture. But to most, jobs and housing, Baker people in the busihardest theshould state, didn’t miss it - everything was havethey no enjoyWe take pleasure in an-trict in We said he believes more he is now simply, Santa Claus. ness to interview. progress is needed. Don ment, except in senseuntil and ... swering thus prominentlykind the of The national unemployWashington Irving described There is no question he hasn’t stabilized, ment rate among African sight. The external light with communication below, exWorthington Santa Claus in his book “A Hisbeenis 6.8 asked. Americans percent, childhood fills the pressing at the same time ourThewhich state decided local governments had to help is editor of the the lowest has been tory of New York,” which was Hisit answers, while heartfelt, since the Bureau of Labor world would be extinguished. great gratification that its Progressive Statistics followpublished Dec. 6, 1809. Irving lackstarted specifics. in bailing out years questionable investments in Not believe in Santa of Claus! faithful author is numbered ing minority unemploywas the first to write about We ago. know he lives at the Journal. ment 46 years You might as well not believeNow the county (not just among the friends of Thethe state pension plan. StillNorth the national unemSanta’s unique delivery method Pole, but exactly where? ployment rate is 4.1 perin fairies. You might get your Sun: – down the chimney. know he travels by sleigh, cent. We African Americans Laurens allwatch counties, and cities, and school papa County, to hire men to in are more likely to be laid it fly so far so On Dec. 28, 1823, the Troy but how does off or fired than their all the chimneys on ChristDear Editor— white quickly? co-workers, Baker (N.Y.) Sentinel published “A istoobligated for annual payments toward mas Eve catch Santa Claus, I am 8 years old. Somedistricts) of said. Visit from St. Nicholas,” now How he get all those Edgeworth saidcan part of Every time but even if you did not see my little friends say therethe is pension rescue plan. More money out of rethe problem is African commonly known as “T'was presents to all the children, all Americans have not taken Santa Claus coming down, no Santa Claus. Papa says, Night Before Christmas.” Did overof the world, in just one advantage all the opI interview what would that prove? No“If you see it in The Sun,serves. it’s portunities available to Santa give Clement Moore a night? them. bodywith sees Santa Claus, but so.” Please tell me the truth,Now, FY18’s growth and FY19 coming, the post-Christmas interview? Hisfailed answers “We have our- are just a twinthat is no sign that there is no is there a Santa Claus? Santa, I selves,” Edgeworth said. The definitive homage to kle of his eye. Edgeworth blames busiSanta Claus. mostmore real Virginia O’Hanlon ship seems a The little stabilized - the county’s nesses that have Claus moved also has interSanta Claus is from a most unSanta things in the world are those 115 West Ninety Fifth Street jobs out of the country for expect him A group Petersburg residents made a trip to Washington, D.C. during theto mid-1950s as minorities nationwide started pushing for equality. likely source, Francis Pharacelviewers a disadvantage. He contributing to theat unemgeneral fund budget balanced without a property that neither children noris men The group is shown above in front of the U.S. Capitol. Some of them identified included, seated from left, Lola Blakeney, Minnie Blakeney, ployment rate. if “It’syou the are lus Church. knows naughty or rich people fault,” he said. Oneza Lowery, Lola Seegars, Leona Robinson, Vashti Dargan, and Dorothy Arnold; standing from left, Mildred Hough and her daughter, Avis can see. DidThe you ever seebudget fairVirginia, your little friends tax increase. first idea was to raise taxes ask about the Church helped found the Baker, and nice, he remembers every Blakeney, George Blakeney, Jesse Seegars, Rich Blakeney, the bus driver, Bundy Robinson, Joe Williams, Alvin Arnold, Marcella Baker said and he believes ies dancing on the lawn? Of are wrong. They have been Robinson. The little boy standing is John Rivers. Henry Edgeworth, who is pointing to people in the picture, also went on the trip, but housing, especially gift in Susie magazine now called Atlantic Christmas he ever gave larger areas, is not afford- was not in the picture. (Some of the people pictured were not able to be identified.) 2.1% - that’s thethat’s national course not, but no proof rate of inflation. That didaffected by the skepticism of able for many minorities. Monthly. He was a war correyou. Royal portThe result is they can’t they are not there. Noa skeptical age. They do not spondent for The New York time n’t gothat over too well, so there were negotiations and, move outEvery of poverty and I interview Santa, body can conceive or imagine believe except they see. They high-crime areas, he said. Times“Mickey” during the Civil War. He I expect him to ask about the Baker able manual◀ Gerald It also means young miall the the wonders therepassed are un- July 24. No tax increase think that nothing can befinally, budget is reputed tochildren have been cynic portable manual typenorityRoyal children have to at“Parents taught their thea values seen and unseeable in the which is not comprehensible tend low equity and unand an atheist. writer he gave me as a child. of self respect and respect for others,” derperforming schools, typewriter Baker he world. fee increase. by their little minds. All one small Baker said. I still Another have it, Santa. The says, Eight-year-old but the parentsVirginia wanted problem is these schools You tear apart the baby’s minds, Virginia, whether they County employees are receiving a 2.1% pay inwrote to the New honed cannotskills recruit good teach-on that manual more, theO’Hanlon key “was desegregating be men’s or children’s, are lit- rattle and see what makes the a andYorkother ers, hetypewriter said. Sunpublic in September are helping compose gave me as schools places.” 1897. Baker said he also feels toinside, match theisnational rate of inflation. Just noise but there a veil tle. In this great universecrease, of “Some of my little friends column. many this black youths are not ours, man is a mere insect, an covering the unseen world aware of the struggles of child. say there is no Santa Claus. Yes, I believe Santa has a a sidewhich note: if you did not receive a 2.1% increase their forefathers and not the strongest man, ant, in his intellect as comtherefore have a different “Papa says, “If you see it in special kinship with writers. perspective. norpay even the united strength pared with the boundlessin your for this coming year, you are falling beThe Sun, it’s so.” After all, we struggle with I still have it, Edgeworth said the reworld about him, as measured of all the strongest men that sponsibility startsthings. at “Please tell me the truth, is the same hind. home. Kids should be ever lived could tear apart. by the intelligence capable of there a Santa Claus?” allpeople make lists andHenry check Edgeworth taught toWe respect Santa. ▶ faith, poetry, love, ro- not be paying more taxes is grasping the whole of truth TheOnly regardless of their race, fact that we will On Sept. 21 The Sun pubthem twice. economic status or apmance, can push aside that and knowledge. says a challenge pearance,Journalists he said. lished “Yes, Virginia, There is writeHenry aboutEdgeworth those curtain and view and City picture of Clinton passed along a Yes, Virginia, there is aa good moving forward is responsibility, which “If it doesn’t start there, thing. The and turn them into memories. a Santa Claus” as an unsigned naughty and youngwho peoplehave won’t been get beauty and glory Santa Claus. He exists as cerstarts at home. “Kids should be taught the concept of being Over the years Santa has editorial. We now know Church celebrate thea people who have small the taxsupernal increase; 56 schools did not raise whole person,” Edgeto respect people regardless of their beyond. Is it all real? District Ah, Virtainly as love and generosity been the inspiration – and like- was the author. worth been said. nice. It would be wonderrace, economic status or appearance.” ginia, in all this world there is wants to pay taxes, until and devotion exist, and you Baker said the late Japroperty taxes. Nobody ly the secret source – for some Church’s words have created ful if we could access Santa’s maican civil rights leader nothing else real and abiding. know that they abound and Marcus Garvey put and it best:nice files. His inof the greatest writers, especial- eternal memories. It is the most naughty your house isClaus! burning No Santa Thank down. You have to wonder, give to your life its highest “People without knowlly those who write for newsparepublished editorial in the formation-gathering operation edge of their past history, God! He lives and lives forevbeauty and joy. Alas! how originis andbetter culture isthan like a any intelligence pers. world. His words are worth rewhat if the county tree without roots.” er. A thousand years had from passed along a tax increase. dreary would be the world if The name Santa Claus first membering now in a time of agency. now, 10 times there were no Santa Claus! ItWell - Virginia, if theynay had done so, they could have set up appeared in American print on cynicism and doubt. We both have deadlines and would be as dreary as if there 10,000 years from now, he DEADLINES Dec. 23, 1773, in “The New The Progressive Journal now one chanceSTAFF to get things right. a small Human Achievement Fund, giving grants to will continue to make glad were no Virginias. There York Gazetteer,” published on joins the long list of those who There is a special bond that the heart of childhood. would be no childlike faith human service agencies (mental health, special Wall Street. He had many honor Church’s words. We wish links Santa Claus and writers, names before that and there are everyone a “Merry Christmas.” though. We both take words The views reflected in the letters to the editor and guest columns are not those of the newspaper. needs, blind, deaf, youth empowerment, college scholarships, fighting cancer). We have to invest in fire trucks and such, but our people also are an investment - an investment that is neglected because we can’t part with a little money. Our proposal is hristmas is a love story and a what to do. He concluded that he modest - $50,000; five grants of $10,000 each, no Guest Column
Progressive Journal
OPINION
Santa, newsmen share bond
S
DON WORTHINGTON/Editor
Don Worthington, editor......................editor@pagelandprogressive.com Vanessa Brewer-Tyson, reporter ....... vtyson@pagelandprogressive.com Jessica Blackmon, ad sales............... jblackmon@thelancasternews.com Melinda Cato, office assistant ............mcato@pagelandprogressive.com
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The Progressive Journal is published weekly on Tuesday by Landmark Community Newspapers of South Carolina, Inc. Subscriptions are $11.95/3 months, $19.95/6 months, $34.95/year in Chesterfield County; $15.95/3 months, $27.95/6 months, $49.95/year outside of Chesterfield County; and $19.95/3 months, $32.95/6 months, $59.95/year out-of-state subscriptions. Due to the premium nature and increased production and distribution cost of Special Editions, subscribers will incur a nominal additional charge of $1. Periodicals postage is paid at Pageland Post Office. Address changes should be mailed to: P.O. Box 218, Pageland, S.C. 29728.
“Christmas: A Love Story and a Light Story”
The Clinton Chronicle
Page 8A
Wednesday, August 1, 2018
Blimey, my DNA resultsEditorial are bloody cool
It’s official. I have British and Irish blood coursing through my veins. I got the 23andMe test kit for Father’s Day. You spit in vial, send it in and they tell you about your ancestry. I spit in the vial and prepared it for transport. Then I read the instructions and had to open the box up to do it right. After duct taping the box back, I mailed it. I joked with Larry Franklin that the results were going to come back – REDNECK. A few weeks later the results were delivered by email. Now I knew I was of English decent, but the results go deeper. I’m 71.3 percent British and Irish. No doubt about the English part, tested 5 out of 5 for United Kingdom, which explains why I like hot tea. Tested 2 out of 5 for Ireland, which explains why I love all things Celtic. Turns out I got more DNA from my father, Harvey Whitmore. My paternal DNA is RL1066.1. That links me to Niall of the Nine Hostages, a king in Northern Ireland. His legend is
Publisher’s Point By Brian Whitmore that he held nine hostages from the regions he ruled over. The DNA I got from my mother, Nellie Whitmore, is H1r. That connects me with the Tuareg, a semi-nomadic people who inhabit the West-Central Sahara. 23andMe also told me how much Neanderthal I have in me. (You can laugh.) Turns out I have 296 Neanderthal variants – more than 80 percent of 23andMe customers. (Explains a lot). Apparently I got straight hair from Neanderthal ancestors. If you’ve seen me, you would agree that most of my DNA report is spot on. I have red hair and pale skin. I’m 8.3 percent French and German and 3.9 percent Scandi-
Page 6A
Editorial
navian. I’m 11.8 percent broadly Civil War, but hit a wall. Likely northwest European. All to- will need some help to go furgether, I’m 99.5 percent Euro- ther. pean. That doesn’t leave much My research shows my greatdoubt. great grandfather RT Whitmore This test confirms what I was in the 4th Regiment, South knew and offered some new in- Carolina State Troop Junior Reformation into my ancestry. serves. He was called up as a Whitmore is an English boy to defend his home and name, from the Old English family, as Union General “white” and “moor.” It’s even a William Tecumseh Sherman village in Staffordshire, Eng- was destroying everything in land. (Did I mention I love fish sight. Whitmore never saw acand chips, and Dr. Who?) tion, but was close to some bulMy mother’s maiden name By lets.Susan Rowell was Faulkner.President She had told I’m proud of that. Don’t ofme the National Newspaper Association that was German. Turns out that think anyone can fault a boy for also is an English name, deriving picking up a gun to defend the There are two things you need to know about from the profession of Falcon family farm. handling. newspapers. (So that’s why I pull The more I dig, I’ll find for the Atlanta Falcons — it’s things I don’t like. But the good Newspapers important to us community life sure not the win-loss record). areand the bad make who we Predominately English blood Always are. and democracy. have been. – no surprise. Having Irish Most of all I’m proud that We at the National Newspaper Association blood, a cool confirmation. I Harvey Whitmore was my faenjoy Celtic music. blue- ther for and Nellie Faulkner is my think itIisloveimportant all sorts of newspapers grass music and Appalachian mother. God created me and survive for theplaced sakeme ofina their freecare. society music has to roots in Irish, Scottish In the — the and English traditional scheme of things, are liberal very largemusic. and thegrand very small ones,wethe So, where do I go from here? all sisters and brothers. the conservative ones,——— the middle-of-theI’d like toones, keep digging. I’ve traced my andonesBrian is publisherbut just roadWhitmore ones, the withWhitmore no viewpoint Faulkner ancestors back to the of The Clinton Chronicle.
Guest Opinion
Tariffs threaten newspapers’ future
Opinion
The Clinton Chronicle
Wednesday, April 4, 2018
Let me tell you about my best friend
“There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” – John 15:13
Sunday we celebrated Easter. Growing up, Christmas was my favorite holiday. It is for most kids. Wonder why? As an adult, Easter is my favorite holiday. I asked my wife, Jane, to marry me on Easter. In spite of all the pollen, the holiday does usher in warmer weather. Trust me, it’s going to get warmer. Hunting Easter eggs with my daughter, Lydia, is fun. And seeing her face covered in a chocolate bunny on Easter morning is a blast. Sharing a meal with family adds a few pounds, but is worth it. All that is great, but the real reason I love Easter is my best friend. I grew up knowing this friend, but I never treated him like a friend. I acknowledged him in col-
Publisher’s Point By Brian Whitmore lege, but we were more of acquaintances. Another friend gave me a book written by this friend. I already had several copies, but this time I read it. Bringing in the New Year of 2003, I had a heart to heart with this friend. Since then our relationship has grown each day. He was there when I was married in 2005 and he’s helped me be a better husband. He was there in 2008 when my father, Harvey, died after seven months battling a stroke. I had to make a hard decision at the end, but my friend helped me through it. He was there when Jane and
important news, all of them. Some are our members. Many are not. We defend them anyWednesday, March 7, 2018 The Clinton Chronicle way. America needs them like we need oxygen. We took God out of our The second is that even if your newspaper schools, and the world went to hell. seems to beschool “online,” After each day, the my digital copy that youbie Ray took Lydia out front of watched his children grow up I hear daughter Lydia, 5, comes to The The Chronicle andthe hadsentiment a snow- frequently. playing with the Finding press crew in mayI am count on probably I suppose not Chronicle. unlike Clinton She has her couldn’t exist if thereball fight. bringsmembers the back reof the old Union Daily OneDebbie of myoften church My Way many folks who were in a laptop own office and from books. Times.as racently offered this opinion weren’t araised printed newspaper behind it. TheLydia home. She watches The rest of the staff doesn’t I imagine it’s about like that my part of the world – raised in cartoons and Home all of today’s Publisher’s playsconservagames the Nick Junior little girlfor running around all cultural over. One reason is that newspaper inon print supports all of the othermind ationale a wonderful, solidly Finding
I struggled with infertility for seven years. We had given up on being parents. My friend was instrumental in bringing Lydia into our lives and he helps me be a better father. As Lydia was born, my mother, Nellie, was entering a nursing home. I’d been assisting her at her home for years. I wanted that to continue, but it wasn’t meant to be. Today she is immobile with dementia. My friend has been there every step of the way and I draw strength from his presence. There are so many other times my friend has been there to listen, help and love me through life. I’ve tried to return the favor. I’ve tried returning the love. I can’t. I fall short every time. You see, in addition to all this, my friend died to save my life. My friend’s name is Jesus Christ. I sin, but He loves me. I fall short in every way, but
He loves me. He’s blessed me with this job, my wife, my child, my home, food, clothes, everything I need. I was drowning in my sin and He reached out His hand, I took it and He saved me. When my body fails me, my soul will go on and I’ll celebrate my Friend for all eternity. I’m at a crossroads in my spiritual walk, but I’m going to follow Him, whichever path He decides for us to take. That’s why I love Easter, because it’s not just one day, it’s every day for all eternity. As the song says, “He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today. He walks with me and talks with me along life’s narrow way.” Do you have a friend like mine? He wants to be your friend too. I pray you’ll accept His friendship. ——— Brian Whitmore is publisher of The Clinton Chronicle. He can be reached at publisher@clintonchronicle.net.
God is with us in all our beautiful diversity Watch how you Newspapers are a great place to raise kids use the Bible
Eastern neighbor in the news versions economically. Point if the printed verMy WaySo,
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and Disney Junior websites. a few hours each day. Lydia newspaper jobs usually have irtive, protestant church, Bible Mostly she does a lot of writlikes Larry thinks in regular hours. You have to come FirstFranklin. BaptistSheChurch Dallas, teaching was a staple my and diet.numbers, coloring in letters funny calls him early and stay late sometimes. TX, and nowoften claiming famein as a Fox disappeared, youand can’t assume all wouldhe’s Home Our neighbor to the east, Union County, is in sion the fascination By Brian Whitmore My childhood with paper, ing and cutting “Silly Goose.” With the kids along for the ride, By Dr. Russ Dean newsgrandson, guest and counselor to the amazing stories of the Bible news now-a-days for an appeal to the SCthe High School organizing. She’s learning a lot Larry’s Wilkes, the family stays bit intact. of hell in the world even when be well because it is online anyway. It won’t president, the same judgin Mrs. AmandaaSicilia’s class at are not for play. And Lydia’s fa- previously occupiedoffered Lydia’s ofNow that doesn’t mean it’s was later conditioned through League and for a decision by a state lawmaker. we were using prayers to start thing is toDean find and use all fice. His M.S. by Bailey Child Development vorite sign is At still on door: time easy. ItRev. can be frustrating when ment. thethesame be. education what By Dr. Russ The High School League has decidedthorough to let Union each Center and a lot of what she the permanent markers at the “Wilkes McWatters, Specialthrew As- you hear, “Daddy!” andschool you are day. The problem Robert Jeffress his good, religion-scholars call are a County High School compete as a Classsome AAA school, with of trying to make the world like These important because the papersignments.” learnsfacts gets practiced in her of- paper. Below his sign: right in the middle someheritage thebutbus suspicion.” message of challenging even though its enrollment qualifies it for“hermeneutic Class AAAA of fice. She sneakssurprise those markers out “LydiaBaptist Whitmore, District under 56 thing, I wouldn’t trade ititfor anything used to be is that when your newspaper printed on under the separationanything. of church This is justputs a fancy-pants of is – there that brings “enemies” together our is truck. On theattack. way to Specialblaming Lydiaway is content and to Correspondent.” That little and her status. Because we are the closest, that decisions yougirl look back to any “good old day, sheand pulled one is Newspapers often hearasa peep outinschool are for pretty cool shootings. momma are my heart. and state school saying we toyou learn todon’t read neighbors in aone strange small paper mill Washington State the Yellow Jackets in Clinton’s region starting in ought theOne days” just a trace of honesty will drawing, getting for kids. of her.eye. But several each af- out and started is Not a bigmental ware- health. I’m sure gets older, the Bible with a critical For- times NotThere guns. Notas Lydia wonderfully-shared community. fall sports season. help you some on her hand.tariff I said, “They you will hear:federal “Daddy!” trade in the back and lots of coming to the newspaper will see be that the good old use the and lawshouse lack Itrying learnedternoon totoread “susThis true community exceeds of security. The separation of days The decision was not popular with tunately, Clinton High That’s my cue to head to her of- are going to think you don’t get stuff to investigate. boring. And there willnever come areally were. The halJust as fice fortunately, Iwhatany we havea bath.” ever been ableuncoated to church and state responsible for doesn’t thisseepaper or She grinned. and the—newsprint, boss I remember during my is time time she holler, School’s powers-that-be. While they arepiciously.” dedicatedto to make cyon time of “Leave it to Beaver” never loving the Bible. asmost we beautiful con- blue in Union With the needs. If I’m in thebuild, middlebut of especially seeing kids trailing “Daddy!” She’s growing up too mass murder. being competitive against anybody, and are ablequit to conwas not so simple and sincere. groundwood paper, intoI’ll paper parlance —andabout I learned eyes you’ve ever seen two Anna Brown somethingabout and can’ttinue answer, shatter relationships, deWow.of the Union fast. trol just what they can control (ie, effort, attitude), hav- enough We should teeth that she’sone grinded off County News. Bobby and Anhear:frailty “Daddy! Daddy! God help me to always real- not want to go back human finitude and inDaddy! riding and front disrespecting 50It percent more expensive. This mill has comSpoken one way or another I ing a much larger school in the region just is not fair. past. at night,atshe has Daddy Demanding boss. one Tweet up at the newspaper, ize the treasuretoofany these mo-Today’s world is betreading it carefully,Daddy!” however, to another a time, thatwrapped gela grew often hear this conventional stands to reason, more students to pull from, more athThere are times we have to around her finger. following Anna everywhere on ments.“wisplained to the U.S. Department of Commerce ter than any bygone era, no matter believe that humility is always becomes allit the more dom”Graham about God and our schools. When snowed in January, assignment. talk about staying outvision of the supWilliams, Brian Whitmore is publisher letes you will find on campus. That, afterthe all,first is theword rea- in reading how you remember it. And toandall, powerful and International Trade Commission about important. (As the advertising representative Deb-in-also at The ply closet.–After sticky notesand the Union County News,enough of ThetoChronicle. words are easy say morrow will be better. son there are five regions in South Carolina high school always the first reason never to late G.K. Chesterton once noted, ternational competition. If it succeeds, the that the opinion can be repeated sports. Then, we should question how make the mistake of making a “It’s not that Christianity has with conviction, whether you’ve it is that we could actually manOur colleague Monte Dutton summedbillystick up the situaprices of newspaper printing skyrocket. of this “double-edged been tried and foundwill wanting, it thought it through or not. It offers tion well in an on-line report: “Union sword.” County High (It always cuts both is that it has rarely ever been The resources available for everything else a simple diagnosis and an even age to take God out of anything School’s entry into Region 3-3A was a controversial
Guns. If you are still reading ...
tion offered in homeroom will silence all the mentally disturbed individuals with semi-automatic rifles? You may object at this point that the kind of “prayer” I’m criticizing is not really prayer. And I would say… Exactly. Jesus instructed his disciples, “When you pray, go to your closet… pray in secret… and you will be heard in secret.” Jesus practiced a life of prayer and advocated for prayer, but never for showy or shallow, perfunctory, mandatory public purposes. We need to go forward with much prayer for our schools. We do not need to go back to obligatory “prayer in the schools.” This brings us back to the sooften misunderstood “separation of church and state.” The good Texas pastor wants us to “put God back in the schools” – but, Rev. Jeffress, which God? Have you been to a public school lately – especially in a large American city? In 2016 there were students
representing Islam, Baha’i, Sikhism, Jainism, Zoroastrianism, and the major branches of Judaism, Hinduism, and Buddhism. Which teachers in our public schools, practicing which of those religions, does the Good Reverend really want leading the daily morning prayers for his Christian children? The freedom of religion which our ancestors sought in coming to this continent has always included freedom from religion, and the diversity of our public life today, ethnic and religious, is the result of our brave, bold experiment in democracy. We should celebrate such diversity. It proves our democracy is working! Our Christian forebears did not leave their religion behind when they came to this new world. We should not expect anyone else to leave their religion behind either. And, public schools, for a public nation, must always be as they were designed to be… public. God has never been absent from our public schools. The
COLUMN WRITING WEEKLY UNDER 4,500 DIVISION
FIRST PLACE Laura Stone The Manning Times
COLUMN WRITING WEEKLY OVER 4,500 DIVISION
THIRD PLACE
SECOND PLACE
Betty Moses Myrtle Beach Herald
Bill Rauch The Island News
VOICES &WINE
VOICES
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www.myhorrynews.com March 23, |2018
A new slant on cleaning
hursday is my day off, and I usually spend it like any hard-working elderly, non-retired woman should — snoozing in my big recliner and watching a little TV. Last Thursday was no exception. I snuggled under my warm afghan and watched a little Rachael Ray as she cooked up some yummy pasta and interviewed several guests who were all different self-help experts. I didn’t listen too carefully as house cleaning and decorating weren’t exactly on my sleepy mind. But I came alive when the latest guest spoke about a book called “The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning� by Margareta Magnusson. No, it’s not about cleaning up crime scenes, although that was the first thought that popped into my mind. The message the book preaches is that we are not being fair to our loved ones when we accumulate and hang on to things we don’t actually need, and we are placing a burden upon them with the responsibility of having to sort through our things after we are gone.
I thought about this new-to-me idea of getting rid of one’s possessions in order to give peace of mind to | MY SENIOR | one’s chilMOMENT dren and BETTY grandchilMOSES dren. I looked around me at the southwest pottery and paintings I have collected over the years. Since no one else in the family seems to share my passion for all things Native American, should I list my collectibles on eBay and sell them off one by one? What about books? Even though I have been converted to a Kindle, I still have shelves loaded with beloved mysteries and a large box of art books filled with invaluable guidance and beautiful pictures. I have hundreds of photos accumulated from the days before our history in pictures was digital and subject to loss when our computers crashed. Am I to believe it will cause anxiety to my children when
they are left to sort through these photos after I’m gone? Pardon me, Margareta Magnusson, but I remember after my parents were gone, it gave me great pleasure to look through their old albums and remember the wonderful times we shared as a family. It was a gift to touch and look at the books of photos my mother had put together with her own hands. And I love to hold the Pendleton blanket my daddy received with such pride when he was recognized as an elder of the Cherokees. I have a blue and white clay pitcher that belonged to my grandmother and I cherish it and the memories it holds. I’m so thankful I have these tangible memories I can hold in my hand and touch where their sweet hands have been. Somehow, I feel my children may view my possessions with respect and love, so, no, I’m not getting rid of the things I might not need but love to have around me. I intend to enjoy them to the end. I have one exception — those roosters I have been collecting in the kitchen. They’ve gotta go.
The legend known as Red Farmer
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hen I stopped by to visit Talladega Superspeedway, my drive took past the wildly popular Talladega Short Track, a onethird mile, red clay oval that is located within spitting distance of the big track. Two things made me smile as I passed: the red tire marks where cars had pulled out from the track onto the asphalt road the night before and the thought of Red Farmer. I love Red Farmer and I have for 30 years. Red, now 84, is a racer’s racer. He was part of the Hueytown
Davey suffered severe head trauma and died the next day in a Birmingham hospital. Red suffered a broken collar | DIXIE | bone and ribs DIVAS and a shattered RONDA heart. RICH At St. Aloysius Catholic Church, a still shaken and hurting Red sat in a pew near the front where Davey’s red cherry coffin set while the Al-
there.� “Whattaya mean ‘used to’?� Ed asked. “He still does.� Ed went on to tell me that when Red was inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in Talladega;the ceremony was arranged so that Red went first. This was necessitated by the fact that Red was running over at the short track that night and needed to get back to race. While the other inductees showed up in suits and ties, Red appropriately received his induction while wearing his racing suit. Red is 84 and still racing
MYRTLE BEACH HERALD Page 5 | www.myhorrynews.com November| 24, 2017
COUNTY ‘How did it getSOLID soHORRY late so soon?’ WASTE AUTHORITY
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Then I turn around and The last ime flies. That stateI’m 82 and I’m still doing the fast move I ment is not an exagsame thing, except now made was geration by any toddlers the night means. The Horry County Solid Waste Authority’s willthose be holding a Boardare getting gray-haired and the I worry just seven Let me prove it. Yesterday Workshop on the following date toyears present information and discuss as much as I did back then. ago when at work, I found out a dear Salary Step Plan Review: I can’t physically pick rushing to colleague was having a them up now and take them my car rebirthday today. Monday,| March 12, 2018 to the doctor when they’re sulted in a Instead of sending good Date: | MY SENIOR Time: MOMENT 10:00 A. M. broken arm sick, but I can lay a guilt trip wishes her way, I bluntly Solid Waste Authority on them about heaping and a walstated, “That can’t be true.â€? Place: BETTY nut-sized Whether you are a provider Administrative Office Multi Purpose Room worry on an old lady. It I remembered with clarity or looking for one, the classifieds can help you out. 1886 Highway 90 MOSES works almost every time. pumpknot her Call last birthday when she today to place an ad or start a subscription. Conway, South I have plans I have made onCarolina my forereached the significant mileover the years and I feel the head. A fear stone of 70. She did not go For additional information contact calendar turning page after of falling has please gently into this number of page and I haven’t achieved been my companion843-347-1651 since years, but entered it kicking 2510 Main St., Conway my goals. that night. and screaming, and it was a 843.488.7231 For years, I’ve wanted to But the slower I became , fun day around the office. the faster time flew by, espe- write a book about the adNow she was having anventures of two fluffy midcially when I reached 80. other birthday and the last pet unis a partdle-aged of our family ladies who had the Now, where at 82, Iyour face the one thecould have only been A place time of their lives after they believable fact that two of three or four months ago. became empty-nesters. my children will 1-855GETAPETDR be in their Her drivers license conNow I find myself jumping 60s, my oldest grandchild is vinced me it was really her 438-2738 on Facebook or working a his 40s I don’t know • COMPREHENSIVE birthday it had 2321 Dick Pondand Road (Hwyindeed 544) MyrtleinBeach, SCand AFFORDABLE jigsaw puzzles instead of how we all got to this stage.• VETERINARY been a year since the last 843-650-1555 • www.thepetdoctormb.com SURGICAL CARE turning out a novel whenevActually, the title of my one. ~ GROOMING SERVICES AVAILABLE ~ down at the computer I sit Last night, I thought about column came from a quote by  Dr. Seuss, and it’s so true: er, so I guess the time has the way time was flying by February passed for me to make my “How did it get so late so now that I was in my soK-9/FELINE mark in the literary world. soon?â€? called golden years. (value I can’t fight it, so I’m Sixty years ago, I was a Physically, being 82 has $164) gonna roll with the seasons seemed to slow down every- young mother of 22, caring includes anesthesia thing in my life. I walk slowly for my family in the best way and forget all about the I knew how, and always wor- clock when I listen to my now, I drive a little slower radio in the wee rying about my children. Veterinarian onhours Staff of the when I’m on the highway Sat/Su That’s what we on do when wen morning. andNow! I never make any fast Book by Appointment Only ($30 value) Then time stands still. have children. moves Spots fill up in my life.
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computer, I came ~ GROOMING SERVICES daughter’s AVAILABLEnever ~ met. Madeleine weighted a oldest grandacross an old photo of Comwhopping 2 pounds, 12 child, Scarpany D Texas Rangers, FronFebruary ounces when she was born, let, 5, is so tier Battalion, made in 1894. K-9/FELINE but she was a fighter, just like much like This company was led by (value my mom. my daughter Capt. John Hughes. It so hap- $164) When she grew enough to when she pens four of my sons belong includes anesthesia | MY SENIOR | start eating, this little toddler was that age to the Hughes tribe and one MOMENT proved that she had a lot of that it of them, Greg, is the spitting BETTY Veterinarian onher Staffas she my mother in amazes me. image of this Texas Ranger n MOSESon Sat/Su Book Now! dearly loved tomatoes, My daughwho protected our frontiers. by Appointment Only green ($30 value) SpotsIfillthought up beans and fresh vegetables — ter was just it was amazing (value quickly $154) of a as preco-501 Myrtle not that my son could look so Ridgethe Dr. •usual Conway,preferences SC 29526 young child. cious, pretty much like another man from I don’t see my own face in and smart like Scarlet, and I 123 years ago. any of my children, but when had so much fun with her. I might add that the capI get pouty and my lower lip I watch my daughter when tain was just as handsome as juts out, it reminds me of she’s making crafts and Greg. Mama when Daddy would painting pictures with ScarI see faces in other places, let and wonder if she is aware try her patience now and but not so far away in time. then. of how I feel as I watch the Recently, a friend and coBut I do see bits of me in two of them. worker was proudly displaymy children and my grandSuch sweet memories. ing photos of her 3-year-old children. My youngest son Jason left great-granddaughter. I’ve always loved music — us for heaven more than six I looked at the photos and Licensed of Audiology Specializing Hearing Problems playing it and singing it — years ago,inbut I only have to startedDoctor laughing. and drawing and painting look into the faces of his two “She’s a mini you,â€? I told children to once again see his has been a passion for me her. dark brown eyes shining back 9 since I was a child. I could see in her pretty lit-79 9&8-653)9/549,83786 27849#8 79/%452'2)5 Much to my delight, at me. tle face the intelligence and Madeleine is becoming a natThey are both so much like sass that makes her great (839+2% 68968-4+9729(8-69 877860009 8 68968-4+9729(8' artist and she is learning 609 5 86'+9 53) him, especially Collin, who at ural grandmother such a joy to be to play the piano — quite 13 is a little taller than his dad around. well, I might add. was. I considered my statement 1 &9 1 *9#*/,& . 1 . *9#*/,& , / I see faces and I like what I And in Madeleine, 16, I can to be a compliment to both "! 9"7(9/ 809.2%7( .%5789$ !$,9.53)'87239154)89140 see. also see traces of my mother. my friend and the little girl. $ $9 '833 9#-+9140
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Thanksgiving 2017
ast year marked the 25th anniversary that I have hosted Thanksgiving for family and friends. And, it’s a really big deal for me. There are people like my sister, Louise, or my dear friend, Barbara Dooley, who are effortless at hosting and cooking. I stand in awe. Barbara is flawless in how quickly she can put together supper or a Saturday afterthe-game party. She tells delightful stories as she dashes around the kitchen, seemingly never thinking about the
Southern biscuits. By 9 p.m. on Thanksgiving night when everyone has left and I’m sweeping the kitchen, I’m | DIXIE | worn out. But the DIVAS RONDA house is clean and there’s leftRICH overs enough in the fridge to do through the weekend. On Friday, I pretty much do nothing all day long. Now, in the early days of this
Time to get real at the school district MYRTLE BEACH HERALD Page 5A
| OPINION |
She was born the year after Closer to • COMPREHENSIVE fewRoad weeks ago544) while 2321 Dick Pond (Hwy Myrtle Beach, SC AFFORDABLE my motherCARE died, so the two home, my surfing around on the 843-650-1555 • www.thepetdoctormb.com SURGICAL • VETERINARY
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college friend, one of my faage area of the road trip recently vorite people in those years, daily newspaswung me down the sat down on the bench beside per for which I back roads of Georgia me. He spoke in a charming, worked. Back and took me through a little gentlemanly Southern drawl in those days, town called Homer. I little towns like with quick humor attached. wouldn’t have thought much He was always entertaining Homer still about it until I saw that wonLicensed Audiology Specializing in Hearing and fun. Banks County, Georcounted Problems their derful Doctor old brickofcourthouse | DIXIE | gia, was his home so he ballots by shaded by trees under which, DIVAS pointed out the farmer who hand. The balprobably, once rested a Conowned lot boxes federate soldier or two. RONDA 27849#8 79/%452'2)5 79 9&8-653)9/549,83786 9 the most land, the one whose family had first settled would be delivIt’s funny how forgotten RICH the area, the elected officials ered to the memories are, how they’ll and 609 5 86'+9 53) whose wife made the courthouse come rushing out in such a (839+2% 68968-4+9729(8-69 877860009 8 68968-4+9729(8' best coconut cake for the and, with great jumble that it feels like it hap ceremony, the officials would church socials. pened just yesterday. My 1 &9 1 *9#*/,& , / Tim Harper. I hadn’t count them out loud. heart was thunderstruck with . 1 . *9#*/,& "! 9"7(9/ 809.2%7( .%5789$ thought of him in years. We That night was a perfect !$,9.53)'87239154)89140 such vivid memory of a had fallen out of touch as colsummer’s evening pleasant summer’s evening $ $9 '833 9#-+9140with little lege friends often do. I looked humidity but the kind of that I turned the car around,
MYRTLE BEACH HERALD Page 5‘
A place where your pet is a part of our family
a good friend promised she’d send over her housekeeper to clean one day and the rest, I figured, would just fall into place. But not as I expected. The housekeeper, through a misunderstanding, didn’t show up. So Tink cleaned. He didn’t do the windowsills and baseboards as I always do and he didn’t get down on the kitchen floor with an old toothbrush and scrub in the crevices but he cleaned what people would see. Meanwhile in Connecticut,
The Beaufort County School Board is delusional if they think the voters are going to vote to give them more money to build more schools in Bluffton...
By Bill Rauch
No. Unfortunately for the county’s children who The Beaufort County School District had nothing to do with Board is delusional if they think the voters it, Superintendent Moss are going to vote to give them more money regrettably inapproprito build more schools in Bluffton while the ately put his wife on the FBI — the FBI! — is, according to school district’s payroll a few board members, investigating possible crimyears ago, and regrettably inal wrongdoing in the bidding processes of Bill Rauch the school board chose to the last two schools they built in Bluffton. wink at his transgression. It would be foolish for them to continue The voters haven’t winked back. to go forward with their current plan to put The implication of The Island Packet retheir $76 million measure before the voters ports that have appeared so far regarding the sure off until the November elections? on April 21. Unfortunately for the district, for two reaThe voters have voted against them once current FBI inquiry is that the superintenalready (2016) and voting NO to schools is dent is suspected of having been up to his old sons that alternative is probably not a winnot a habit that it is in the interests of the tricks when he was overseeing the building ner either. It is unlikely that nine months of May River High School and River Ridge from now the investigation will be concludcounty’s children for the voters to get into. Admittedly the clock is ticking against the Academy: favoring family and friends over ed, and that whatever post-investigation steps should have been taken will have been district in two ways. The median age of the arms-length, on-the-merits stewardship. Maybe he was. Maybe he wasn’t. Only time taken, and that then enough time will have Beaufort County voter increases each year, passed for the wounds to have healed. and the number of children who attend and the results of the investigation will tell. Unlikely, but not impossible. The voters who are also the taxpayers will school in the Bluffton area increases relentBut, secondly and of equal importance, be interested to know. lessly as well. (839+2% 68968-4+9729(8-69 877860009 8 68968-4+9729(8' 609 5 86'+9 53) All that means the board must wait until in November the schools initiative would But the political reality is that to woo the necessary votes the School District’s house the investigation has been concluded, the be sharing the ballot with two more widely chips have fallen where they may, and the popular measures: another bond issue for must first be put into order. 1 &9 1 *9#*/,&It doesn’t help. 1 . *9#*/,& , / FBI affair be- Rural and Critical Lands and a proposed that the superintendent is dust has settled on the whole ahead with another ask. penny sales tax for countywide transportanot because of fore they press !$,9.53)'87239154)89140 "! 9"7(9/ 809.2%7( a controversial figure, and .%5789$ What about putting the school bond mea- tion needs. his progressivism in matters of education.
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Both measures, it seems today, would enjoy more widely-based support than the School Board’s need to build more schools in the Bluffton area. That means, given the unlikeliness of the voters voting YES three times in a day to tax themselves, someone’s going down. And from the looks of things today, that someone would probably be the new Bluffton schools. The school district’s best bet on behalf of the children they serve is to stick with the special election strategy: pulling this one now, and putting it back on the ballot when the FBI-raised questions have been answered. Bill Rauch was the mayor of Beaufort from 1999-2008. Email Bill at TheRauchReport@ gmail.com.
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Multiculturalism traditionally enjoy theYou self-indulgent • Chaplains knew one. protection One time isit in. wasFree thetrade properSo, ofgosquabbling ahead andwith call.one After all, we are isa out, border is luxury another. ty manager house we hadare rented out. just on the and having out, tariffs arefor in.aHuman rights out and Nextsitting time you passback by a porch place of worship • Trades ď€Şď€ ď ď Žď Žď ľď Ąď Źď€ ď ?ď Ľď ˛ď Łď Ľď Žď ´ď Ąď §ď Ľď€ ď ™ď Šď Ľď Źď ¤ď€ ď€¨ď ď ?ď ™ď€Šď€ ď Ľď Śď Śď Ľď Łď ´ď Šď śď Ľď€ ď€°ď€śď€Żď€°ď€śď€Żď€˛ď€°ď€ąď€¸ď€Žď€ ď ƒď „ď łď€ ď Żď Śď Śď Ľď ˛ď Ľď ¤ď€ ď ˘ď š “You knoware that strongmen in.storm we had last night, well (isour it coffee. still OK to use that politically correct ď …ď ¤ď ˇď Ąď ˛ď ¤ď€ ď Šď Żď Žď Ľď łď€ ď Ąď ˛ď Ľď€ ď ˘ď Ąď Žď Ťď€ď Šď łď łď ľď Ľď ¤ď€ ď Ąď Žď ¤ď€ ď †ď „ď ‰ď ƒď€ď Šď Žď łď ľď ˛ď Ľď ¤ď€ ď ľď °ď€ ď ´ď Żď€ ď€¤ď€˛ď€ľď€°ď€Źď€°ď€°ď€° Specialists ď€¨ď °ď ˛ď Šď Žď Łď Šď °ď Ąď Źď€ ď Ąď Žď ¤ď€ ď Šď Žď ´ď Ľď ˛ď Ľď łď ´ď€ ď Ąď Łď Łď ˛ď ľď Ľď ¤ď€ ď ˘ď ľď ´ď€ ď Žď Żď ´ď€ ď šď Ľď ´ď€ ď °ď Ąď Šď ¤ď€Šď€ ď °ď Ľď ˛ď€ ď ¤ď Ľď °ď Żď łď Šď ´ď Żď ˛ď€Źď€ ď °ď Ľď ˛ The changes are dizzying. term?), go in and pray that the squabbling ď Šď Žď łď ľď ˛ď Ľď ¤ď€ ď ¤ď Ľď °ď Żď łď Šď ´ď Żď ˛ď šď€ ď Šď Žď łď ´ď Šď ´ď ľď ´ď Šď Żď Žď€Źď€ ď Śď Żď ˛ď€ ď Ľď Ąď Łď ¨ď€ ď Ąď Łď Łď Żď ľď Žď ´ď€ ď Żď ˇď Žď Ľď ˛ď łď ¨ď Šď °ď€ ď Łď Ąď ´ď Ľď §ď Żď ˛ď šď€Ž So much change so fast will inevitably lead continues. ď ?ď Źď Ľď Ąď łď Ľď€ ď śď Šď łď Šď ´ď€ ď ˇď ˇď ˇď€Žď Śď ¤ď Šď Łď€Žď §ď Żď śď€ ď Żď ˛ď€ ď Łď Żď Žď ´ď Ąď Łď ´ď€ ď šď Żď ľď ˛ď€ ď Śď Šď Žď Ąď Žď Łď Šď Ąď Źď€ ď Ąď ¤ď śď Šď łď Żď ˛ď€ ď Śď Żď ˛ ď Ąď ¤ď ¤ď Šď ´ď Šď Żď Žď Ąď Źď€ ď Šď Žď Śď Żď ˛ď ď Ąď ´ď Šď Żď Žď€Žď€ ď “ď ľď ˘ď Şď Ľď Łď ´ď€ ď ´ď Żď€ ď Ąď śď Ąď Šď Źď Ąď ˘ď Šď Źď Šď ´ď šď€ ď Ąď Žď ¤ď€ ď °ď ˛ď Šď Łď Ľď€ ď Łď ¨ď Ąď Žď §ď Ľď€Žď€ ď ƒď „ to factionalization, which leads to inter-party Bill Rauch was the mayor of Beaufort from ď śď Ąď Źď ľď Ľď łď€ ď Ąď ˛ď Ľď€ ď łď ľď ˘ď Şď Ľď Łď ´ď€ ď ´ď Żď€ ď Šď Žď ´ď Ľď ˛ď Ľď łď ´ď€ ď ˛ď Ąď ´ď Ľď€ ď ˛ď Šď łď Ťď€ ď łď ľď Łď ¨ď€ ď ´ď ¨ď Ąď ´ď€ ď ˇď ¨ď Ľď Žď€ ď Šď Žď ´ď Ľď ˛ď Ľď łď ´ď€ ď ˛ď Ąď ´ď Ľď łď€ ď ˛ď Šď łď Ľď€Ź HIGHLIGHTING DAILY LIFE OBSERVATIONS squabbling, and so the races are nip and tuck. 1999-2008. Email Bill at TheRauchReport@ ď ´ď ¨ď Ľď€ ď °ď ˛ď Šď Łď Ľď łď€ ď Żď Śď€ ď ƒď „ď łď€ ď Łď Ąď Žď€ ď ¤ď Ľď Łď ˛ď Ľď Ąď łď Ľď€Žď€ ď ‰ď Śď€ ď ƒď „ď łď€ ď Ąď ˛ď Ľď€ ď łď Żď Źď ¤ď€ ď °ď ˛ď Šď Żď ˛ď€ ď ´ď Żď€ ď ď Ąď ´ď ľď ˛ď Šď ´ď šď€Źď€ ď ´ď ¨ď Ľ ď Šď Žď śď Ľď łď ´ď Żď ˛ď€ ď Łď Ąď Žď€ ď Źď Żď łď Ľď€ ď °ď ˛ď Šď Žď Łď Šď °ď Ąď Źď€ ď śď Ąď Źď ľď Ľď€Žď€ ď †ď „ď ‰ď ƒď€ ď Šď Žď łď ľď ˛ď Ąď Žď Łď Ľď€ ď ¤ď Żď Ľď łď€ ď Žď Żď ´ď€ ď Łď Żď śď Ľď ˛ď€ ď Źď Żď łď łď Ľď ł Which brings me back to thea writer first point — gmail.com. Lee Scott, and recent retiree, shares her everyday observations about
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life after career. A former commercial banker responsible for helping her clients to reach their business objectives, Scott now translates those analytical skills to her writings. She recently moved to St. Helena Island with her husband and two cocker spaniels. She enjoys boating, traveling and reading.
pictures I will show Now what?
HIGHLIGHTING DAILY LIFE OBSERVATIONS
Lee Scott, a writer and recent retiree, shares her everyday observations about life after career. A former commercial banker responsible for helping her clients to reach their business objectives, Scott now translates those analytical skills to her writings. She recently moved to St. Helena Island with her husband and two cocker spaniels. She enjoys boating, traveling and reading.
On our recent travel adventure, I took my place, repeatedly, at least one will come out iPhone and my husband took his small Nikon that is acceptable. camera. It was our intention to capture scenes M i When I l wasl expressing disappointche e G i bmy bo ns of all the places we were visiting and print the personal ment about our training, photos to my daughter llcshe pictures to show our friends. said,A“You have AVE, a history of where you were, 820 PARIS PORT ROYAL When we got home and looked through Mom. 843-597-2188 Don’t worry about the quality.� our photos it became clear that neither of That is true. But as I flipped through all
What we know about this delicate place By Bill Rauch
The scientific community and the old-timers alike agree there’s seawater in Beaufort County in places there didn’t used to be. Scientists, special interests and the politicians who represent the special interests argue over not whether the seas are rising — everyone agrees they are — but why the seas are rising. This is the story of what is known about sea level rise in Beaufort County. There is nothing political about it ‌ until the very end. Charleston, our neighbor to the north, now experiences “nuisance floodingâ€? an average of 23 days a year. That is, according to a recent National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) study, up roughly four times from what it was 50 years ago. Charleston is talking about a possible future need to erect barriers to the sea, and the Bill Rauch city has already spent big money installing various check valves, pumps and water tunnels to help control the unwanted waters. How fast is the land sinking and how fast are the seas rising here? Both these factors are of course important and importantly, like the tides, they are not universal. Th e level of the ocean does not rise like a bathtub, oceanographers caution, and the land does not sink (what the scientific community calls “subsidenceâ€?) universally either, geologists say. The NOAA maintains water level monitoring stations at the entrance to Charleston Harbor to our north and at Fort Pulaski outside Savannah to our south. The data from those facilities shows sea level rise plus land subsidence and confirms what the old-timers know: that between 1901 and 2017 the seas are higher at Charleston by an average of 3.25 millimeters per year, or by 1.07 feet per 100 years. Th e data from Savannah is similar: 3.24 millimeters per year with a 100 year total of 1.06 feet. By way of comparison the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change recently
released a report that says the worldwide average for sea level rise is 1.7-1.8 millimeters per year. Accordingly, keeping in mind that the seas do not rise like a bathtub and the land does not subside universally, these and other data indicate that the long term rate of sea level rise in the Lowcountry is about twice the global average. Moreover, sea level rise here has quickened over the last decade, the Federal Government’s scientists say, and the quickening is expected to continue to increase here over the next 50 years. “A slowing of the Gulf Stream, continued land subsidence, and gravitational changes from loss of land ice, especially in Antarctica, all will contribute to higher than global sea level rise amounts in this [the Carolina Lowcountry] area,� NOAA’s Dr. William V. Sweet said last week. Sweet, a native of North Carolina, was the lead scientist for NOAA’s 2017 study, “Global and Regional Sea Level Rise Scenarios for the United States.� At Charleston, NOAA’s reports predict, the rate of increase (sea level rise plus subsidence) over the next 50 years will be two to three times the previous rate, or 1.25-1.5 feet more lost to the sea by 2065. With regular reports of Antarctic glaciers making unusual groaning sounds, and pictures of enormous icebergs freed from the polar ice cap, we are pretty well informed on the melting of the poles.
But little or nothing is said about subsidence. That’s because subsidence is more local, and subsidence rates are aected by less understood influences than the melting of polar ice caps, influences like aquifer depletion and other subterranean events. Some coastal areas are subsiding virtually not at all while the subsidence rate elsewhere is dramatic. Southwestern Louisiana is the most quickly subsiding area in the coastal U.S., according to U.S. Geological Survey maps. A recent Tulane University study found the land there is subsiding at twice the rate previously charted, or as much in some places as nearly half an inch per year. A recent Scientific American story attributed the dramatic subsidence increase there to oshore drilling. Louisiana, a poor state where Big Oil holds big sway, has now permitted more than 50,000 wells in its coastal zone. The pipes that bring the crude oil ashore are laid into man-made undersea trenches that stretch from the rigs to the shore. Some scientists say the trench-digging contributes to the erosion
of the land there. Others say the cavities left by the extracted oil result in undersea caveins, and that the collapses of these cavities contribute also to the unusual subsidence rate there. As can be easily imagined, the many and well-heeled proponents of Big Oil fiercely dispute any findings that lay increased subsidence rates at the feet of the oil companies. Nonetheless, in addition to the very real, costly and destructive risk of spills, oshore drilling probably also causes beach denourishment. Along the Florida to North Carolina seaboard the Carolina Lowcountry is already, in the words of Dr. Sweet, “in the subsidence bullseyeâ€? with subsidence rates of 1.3 millimeters per year. If we didn’t know it already, that tells us Beaufort County is a delicate place. And when the hurricanes come every millimeter counts. All of that is why I’m going to do something next month that I rarely do. I’m going to vote for Joe Cunningham. I trust him way more than I trust his opponent to keep the rigs out. Bill Rauch was the mayor of Beaufort from 1999-2008. Email Bill at TheRauchReport@ gmail.com.
This is the story of what is known about sea level rise in Beaufort County. There is nothing political about it ‌ until the very end.
The Uninvited Guests
The community I live in has an outdoor pool that overlooks a large live oak tree. The tree looks so majestic with the Spanish Moss dripping from its limbs. Behind the tree is a creek that, depending on the tides, is either rushing water or scenic marshland. Because of this tree and its view, there are many couples who come to get married under the live oak. Despite these weddings, our community pool does not close. And
Now what?
HIGHLIGHTING DAILY LIFE OBSERVATIONS
Lee Scott, a writer and recent retiree, shares her everyday observations about life after career. A former commercial banker responsible for helping her clients to reach their business objectives, Scott now translates those analytical skills to her writings. She recently moved to St. Helena Island with her husband and two cocker spaniels. She enjoys boating, traveling and reading.
wooden chairs lined up looking out over the live oak and the marsh. It was a perfect evening with a blue sky, comfortable temperature and a nice breeze. We voyeurs all commented on the benefit of the dry grass too. As we sat there in our bathing suits and sunhats, drinking our iced tea, we admired the dresses on all the invited guests. Finally, it was time! Th e bridesmaids came first in their cranberry colored dresses. Then we
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Sunday, November 19, 2017
I could have brought my AK-47, says the raging man with the axe I
can’t stop thinking about the 11th paragraph of a Nov. 8 story on our front page. A 44-year-old Lancaster man was accused of trying to break in on his estranged wife, screaming that he would dismember her and a fellow she was with. He had arrived with a .38 revolver, a knife, an axe, a metal baton and a set of throwing knives, according to the incident report. In the 11th graph, the suspect told the arresting deputy: “I could have come over here with my AK-47 and AR-15 and… nobody would have had a chance.” In Sutherland Springs, Texas, two Sundays ago, Devin Kelley walked into First Baptist Church with his AR-15-style rifle. He killed 26 churchgoers and wounded 20 more, leaving 15 empty ammunition magazines on the floor, each with a 30-round capacity. Like the Lancaster incident, the Texas case started with a domestic dispute. Kelley fired 450 times in a just few minutes. He stood there in that place of worship, holding the absolute power to end all of those lives in an instant. Half of the dead were children. Eight belonged to one family.
Rights and laws Many people consider that kind of firepower a guaranteed constitutional right, like freedom of speech and peaceful assembly. Many of these folks also hold up the Founding Fathers’ original intent as the standard for interpreting the Constitution. Never mind that the Second Amendment’s “well-regulated militia” would have been using single-shot muskets with a maximum firing rate of about three per minute. I no longer get my hopes up after mass shootings and think that this will be the one that forces some kind of reasonable retrenchment on gun rights. Newtown put an end to such thoughts for me. If 20 dead 6- and 7-year-olds in their elementary classrooms couldn’t shift the tide, what could? After Gabby Giffords, I thought perhaps limits on 33shot magazines for handguns might be possible. Nope. The National Rifle Association is astonishingly effective as a lobbying group and a source of campaign funding. I have heard NRA chief Wayne
Editor’s column Brian Melton is editor of The Lancaster News.
Divergent opinions from our cartoonists
LaPierre make the slipperyslope argument so many times. No new laws, he says, just enforce the ones we have. The Texas killer shouldn’t have been able to buy his Ruger AR-556, since he was ejected from the Air Force after cracking his toddler stepson’s skull and being convicted of domestic violence. But the Air Force didn’t log his name into the national database that would have limited his gun rights. Fix the Air Force, LaPierre says. No more laws.
Volume of carnage I’m not advocating taking all your guns away. I have owned one before and might again. People should be able to hunt and protect themselves. I’m glad an armed man outside the Sutherland Springs church chased Kelley away with gunfire, perhaps even killing him. I just think America should consider some measures that would reduce the volume of carnage that we keep seeing, month after month. Not eliminating weapons from civilian hands – though that certainly seems to hold down mass shootings in some other countries – but limiting one person’s ability to mow down a church full of Texans or 600 Jason Aldean fans in Las Vegas. In the Lancaster case, Kelly Roberts was charged with aggravated domestic violence, aggravated assault and battery, and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. He was denied bond initially and spent 17 days in jail, but was freed on $50,000 bond Tuesday. Does he really own an AK-47 and an AR-15? I don’t know, and neither do law enforcement officials. There is no registry that would tell us. Before the Oct. 28 charges, his criminal record did not rise to the level that would prohibit him from buying such weapons. In considering Roberts’ bond, a judge could have required that he surrender all firearms as a condition of being allowed out of jail while
awaiting trial. But that didn’t happen in this case. And who could know for sure if he had complied with such an order anyway, since there’s no way to know what weapons he has?
Getting on NICS list If the system works as designed, Roberts at least won’t be able to buy more firearms while awaiting trial. It doesn’t take a conviction to get your name on the FBI’s no-buy list. You’re supposed to be entered after an indictment or arrest warrant on any violent crime punishable by more than a
year in prison. Roberts’ alleged offenses of Oct. 28 qualify. But will the system work as designed? The alert should go from our sheriff’s office to the S.C. Law Enforcement Division, and from there to the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System, or NICS. That’s the database that determines whether you can buy a gun. But as we saw with the Texas shooter and the Air Force, that doesn’t always happen. The Army acknowledged this week that after at least 10 percent of its felony convictions, the
name never made it to the NICS. Roberts might already be on the list after Oct. 28. We have no way of knowing. It’s not a public record. If he eventually is convicted of a violent felony, it will be illegal for him to possess firearms in South Carolina. But unless a law officer catches him possessing them, there’s no mechanism to enforce that. No one will just show up at his house and say we’d like to look around and make sure you don’t have an arsenal in here.
PAGEgaffNey 4A the LeDger
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Editor | (803) 283-1159
Sunday, June 3, 2018
40 years ago, smitten in the Roses checkout I was home for Christmas break my junior year at Clemson in 1976. I went to the old Roses store in Lancaster Square to buy spark plugs for my ’64 VW. And boy, did I ever pick the right checkout line. Her eyes were what drew me in – big and blue and welcoming. “Hey Brian,” she said. “You home from school?” I acted like I knew who she was. She rang up my spark plugs, and I walked out, kicking myself in the parking lot for not being smooth enough to figure out from the small talk who those eyes belonged to. When I got back to Clemson, I found her photo in my LHS yearbook. Joy Westmoreland, one year behind me. She was a Golden Girl, and I was in the band, so that’s why she looked familiar. I lamented to my hallbuddy Frank that I didn’t know how to get in touch with her. He mentioned this to his girlfriend, who had a sorority sister from Lancaster, who happened to be one of Joy’s best friends. I soon had a phone number. “Hi. This is not a prank phone call,” I started. The phone was in her dorm at Winthrop. I told her who I was and that she had rung up my spark plugs at Roses. She remembered. We got reacquainted for a few minutes. She had babysat for my younger brother once at our house, but we didn’t bump into each other then. Our moms, both teachers, were good friends. I asked her to come to Clemson the next weekend. The Tigers are playing the Tar Heels, I said, and I cook good pizza. She said yes. That Saturday, we got to Littlejohn Coliseum hours early to stand in line outside and were almost crushed in the orange surge when they
Editor | (803) 283-1159
Editor’s column
Sunday, July 22, 2018
Brian Melton is editor of The Lancaster News. opened the doors. It was the Tree Rollins Clemson team against the Phil Ford UNC team. We beat them by 22 points. We floated back to the dorm, and I made pizza from scratch in the kitchen on my hall. It was my 21st birthday, and my parents showed up to surprise me just as we took the pizza out of the oven. Joy knew they were coming and was in on the surprise. What a first date. We became best friends and did a lot of commuting between Winthrop and Clemson that year. The following Dec. 21, I went to Emanuel Jewelers on Main Street, where The Craft Stand is now, and bought a diamond ring. I planned on giving it to her for Christmas, but just couldn’t wait. I picked her up at Roses after her shift, stopped in the bandroom parking lot at the high school and gave her the tiny box. Six months later, 40 years ago this Sunday, I stood at the First Baptist altar. The back doors opened, the organ soared, the guests stood, and Joy and her dad walked down the aisle. I remember thinking I have never smiled this hard. Four decades is a long time. We’re starting to grow old together, which we always said would be fun. And it is. We’re still best friends. There’s no one I’d rather talk to or hang out with, though our 26-year-old daughter is a close second. And those eyes still knock me out. Happy anniversary, Joy.
The First Amendment Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and
LEDGER COLUMNIST
Underhanded pay raises approved at the 11th hour
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Courtesy of ANNA K. MELTON
Charlotte Shaw and her son, Joe Jr., talk about happy memories in the Ellen Dean Hotel’s disheveled lobby in 2016. Charlotte’s father, Carl W. Mullis, built the hotel in 1941, so she and Joe Jr. both have vivid memories of growing up there. The hotel’s name came from the middle names of Mullis’ daughters Charlotte Ellen and Iris Dean.
Reviving Mayor Shaw’s hangout, the Ellen Dean
e learned this week that an investment group plans to buy White Street’s old Ellen Dean Hotel and rehabilitate it for some new purpose. id you vote for Hallelujah! For a uscandidate and for the family of theinlate Mayor for president the 2016 Joe Shaw.election The Ellen–Dean general or was his home base for many deagainst one? voted against cades,Iand Charlotte and one, Joe and I’m still bitter it.sell it Jr. have beenabout trying to since who he died in 2015. Not about won. Like most And on today’s front page, Americans, wasn’t happy we’reI breaking the newswith that the winner, but that’s not building what the vacant Kimbrell’s a block away on Main Street left me bitter. has been sold. What left me bitter is the fact No word yet on what either that my only options werebut a Presibuilding will become, new MayorTrump Alston DeVenny, the indent Donald or a Presivestors’ agent inIboth sales, dent Hillary Clinton. didn’t have says the projects are the kind the option of a President Kaof redevelopment thatJohn downis looking for. sich – ortown evenLancaster a President Marco Ellen Dean sale should(Of Rubio or aThe President Jeb Bush. close in the next few weeks. course I’m disappointed that IAs Kimbrell’s closed in March. didn’t have option of a Presisoonthe as we learn more, we’ll let youGraham, know. dent Lindsey but not A block to the south, a Gerbitter, because I’m not sure he man developer has already ancould have wonplans the nomination nounced to turn the historicmy Springs Block onscenarMain even under best-case Street into apartments and io.) stores. I’m bitter because didn’tstruchave Turning theseitunused
D
Editor’s column
years away. The mayor, who downtown that really took it served 33 years in the job, had on the chin when Springs Injust died in office at age 83. dustries closed and then the Brian Melton One of our reporters was Great Recession hit. is editor of writing about the hotel’s histoSlowly, parcel by parcel, our The Lancaster ry and its part of the mayor’s city is coming back. This takes News. legacy, and I met up with people willing todifferent make leapsplanets. Charlotte for a phoof faith. I hope you’ll joinpeople me The who sit and outJoe theJr.prishoot. in supporting Don and Brandy maries are lesstopartisan and less It was great to talk with Geraghty at The Craft Stand, the people who Charlotte again – hands-down 521’s Mike Dial, ideological Pelican’s Ca- than vote. Many of my fellow pragmamy favorite teacher ever, endtures into something econom- leb Clayton-Molby and Chickabout biolically productive again will en King owner George Housi- to lessly tists refuse vote enthusiastic in primaries, ogy at Lancaster High in the perk up downtown. They’re a das. because they don’t want asso- to1970s and stillto effervescent stone’s throw from our gleamWe need to reward these ciate themselves with a political day. ing new government buildings risk-takers with our patronage Her father, Carl W.it’s Mullis, and our preserved 1828 courtand hope that more willSome follow people party. just think built the hotel in 1941, and she house. them. none of their business. And, as I and Joe Jr. had vivid memories In between the three fixerAnd let’s tip our hat to the explained it isup a lot more of growing in the place upper tracts sits downtown’s Shaw family’s legacy. When I recently, across successive generations. crown USC Lancaster’s primaries in general outjewel, in the presidential asked Charlotte difficult to drop offthan voting She you and Joe Sr., who Native American Studies Censome photos to go with this where elections, have the had op-startis huge compared to turnout in ed working at the hotel as a ter, whose art galleries open a column, she surprised me intion of simplyyoung voting forbought all Demour June state primaries. In 2016, man, it in 1972. different window to our area’s stead with the column below, ocrats or all Republicans. On the day that we talked, history. 25 percent of registered voters her personal tribute to Joe. the lobbyfor wassitting litteredon with There’s still a lot of But there’s a price participated indormant our Republican Elegant old place worn-out furniture but still real estate nearby – the stately sidelines: The primaries are with perI love historic the buildings. paneled in rich sycamore, oldpresidential post office andprimary, Bank of and 13 decided by people who are farcent participated in our DemoHaving renovated five houses a tiny phone-booth room Lancaster buildings are begfromThat the 1920s and ’30s, can leftalong wall. The wide, ging to be refurbished – but ther to Ithe andthe theback right than cratic presidential primary. stand in a dark, decrepit space winding staircase was missing these new projects will be exthe people who don’t vote. They’re June, just 14 percent and see it as it once was, or a few ballusters. A green, reciting to watch, perhaps si- of registered decided by people who aresafe angrivoters participated in thewhat state it could become. frigerator-sized squatted multaneously. I marveled of besidedemand the front desk. Along with new and arrivals The er. lobby By people who ideoRepublican Democratic pri- at the the Ellen Dean in December Letters still wedged into the Craft Stand, 521 BBQ, Chicken logical purity, who consider commaries. Combined. 2015, a month after moving mail slots behind the manualKing and Pelican’s Snoballs, promise word. turnout a littleback better to my hometown aftera40dirty button cash register. A stack of they’llThe inject some lifewas into a
Guest column
Cindi Ross Scoppe is associate editor of The State newspaper in Columbia.
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING ON FACEBOOK ABOUT CITY COUNCIL’S PAY RAISE
“Joe Shaw for Mayor” signs leaned beside the front door, some of them hand-lettered and autographed by the artist. In my mind’s eye, I could see the place shiny and elegant, the only hotel in Lancaster when it opened, with its 50seat dining room full of fancy folks enjoying a fine meal, out on the town. I peeked into the old Cellar nightclub downstairs, which always scared me a little when I would ride past it as a kid. A bit rowdy for my teetotaling family. Joe Jr. reminisced about spending good times at the Ellen Dean with his dad, who managed the hotel from the 1960s to its closing in 2014. Charlotte showed me a young photo of her and others from her family lined up in the lobby seven decades ago, wearing their best dresses. Whoever the new crop of Ellen Dean investors are – most from the Charlotte area, we’re told, but some from Lancaster – thank you for taking on this hefty renovation project. You’re saving a slice of history in a town whose character is worth preserving. I hope the revived Ellen Dean is a great success. Many of us will always think of it as Joe Shaw’s place.
danger faces police
dying Vietnam vets
The danger facing police again is front and center as Florence comes to grips with the
The Joe Shaw of my dreams
H
zor?”
all over the map, so you could
yet to meet on this side of the
So, a majority of Gaffney City Councilmen think they deserve to be paid more — a lot more — for their public service. I don’t have a problem with any of our elected officials receiving fair compensation for the hours they spend making decisions that affect us all. Before I go any further, please take note that not all the councilmen felt these very large raises were appropriate. Billy Love, Glenn Fuller and Boone Peeler opposed the budget amendment at Monday coDy sossaMoN night’s final reading of the Ledger Publisher 2018-2019 budget. Mayor Henry Jolly made the motion for the raises in a finance committee meeting. Bernard Smith, Charles Montgomery and Harold Senator Bernie Sanders says that Littlejohn joined him in voting for the raises. because Medicare is “the most popuAmericans who join the military How much did they approve? lar, successful and cost-effective know they’ll be making sacrifices. The mayor will get 38 percent more — from health insurance in about the country” $8,671 per tolives $12,000, or $3,329. They putyear their onit,the line, everyone should have regardless Councilmen will see their go from $6,484 obviously they of age. , but beyond that, compensation to $10,000 or 54have percent —bait $3,516 per year more. But watch out for know they’ll nothe say in and where The timing of this vote is certainly questionable. switch. Truth is, Sanders’ they live. Indeed, frequent moves “Medicare-for-All” Monday night’s was the actufinal reading of the comare often part of vote thelegislation package. ally abolishes Medicare and voted in favor obviously ingThe year’s budget. Those in who service-member question Medicare aswhen well as learned fromAdvantage, past and years the subject was brought up BETSY MCCAUGHEY may understand accept this, employer-provided union earlier in the budget coverage, process. The public outcry was loud butplans what about sacrifices of his and plansthe people buy to fordrop themselves. Every person, enough to persuade council the proposal. or whether her children? They’ll be moving, want voting to or not, be forced a governAlso, two they of those forwould the raises areinto up for retoo. That means only new name “Medicare-for-All.” The ment-run systemnot with theaphony election. They are running unopposed. The deadline to quality ofnew yourneighbors, medical care would plummet. home but a new file hadand passed before this subject came up.EDo you think D F EULNER “Medicare-for-All” would plunge hospitals into financial disschool. someone might have run against them if this had been tress, exposing patients to dangerous shortages, and Which one will they attend? Notyou amedical whole of would choice an issue BEFORE the deadline? Do thinklot they forcing pay cuts on health care workers. there, either. It’s to be the closest public school to have voted if going theysenators, had opposition? But 16 ‘yea’ Democratic including New York’s Kirsten their new home, regardless ofinhow good itendorse is – or unanInGillibrand, comparison, County and Cherokee 123 Democrats theschool House,trustees the legiswhether it’s the right fit. read imously to CUT their ownit? pay by 20 percent in lation.voted Have they actually That’s a tough break, youwarns maywas sayreduced , Sanders but do we really June of 2016. Board member pay from $5,000 President Donald Trump that is “eliminating to $4,000 fringe for trustees was cut by need to while address this?benefits And what anyone Medicare as a program for besides, seniors.” Trumpcan cautions thatdo? “hospitalsreason would be out ofaddress business,” patients wouldBesides face “long $2,000. The weput should this is simple: wait lines,” and seniors would “effectively be denied” care they This resulted in a $11,000 savings in the budget. basic fairness and wanting to do right by our serviceneed. for Salaries officials a hotly debated members, it’selected not a stretch toare sayoften this can affect milicalls Trump a liar. Fortunately , there’s way to topic.Sanders Some school trustees make nothing, whileaothers
LEDGER COLUMNIST They’ll do the right thing
Mention mold and you are likely to get a negative reaction. And rightly so. Mold in homes, schools or any other occupied building can be a serious matter. All kinds of health-related issues can arise from the various types of mold. Spartanburg County is having to build a new courthouse complex due to mold in the old building. Currently, many Cherokee County residents are panic-stricken CODY SOSSAMON over claims of dangerous Ledger Publisher mold in our schools.The person who made these claims public through social media insists his attempts to discuss the situation with school officials have been ignored. An anonymous letter given to trustees and also to this newspaper bring into question the credentials of this self-professed mold expert. Others have jumped on his bandwagon and are making accusations about cover-ups or that the mold issue is just being downright ignored. I’ll be the first to admit I know very little about mold, Finding skilled workers is except that it can cause health problems. I tend to poohanpooh ongoing challenge for warnings, whether it be about a lot of these health American businesses. coffee, salt, red meat, etc. But that’s just me. Others are Media reports tend toevery warning as if the entire just the opposite, taking world’s at risk, especially them and their focus on population the lack ofisscience, loved ones. tech, and math skills. But Somewhere more than fourininbetween 10 busi-these two extremes is probably the best course of action. ness executives complain I can’t say with certainty that claims of cover-ups are that too many job appliunfounded, but I find it difficult to believe that any of cants lack “soft skills” like or employed — would our school officials — elected creativity , teamwork, andand teachers at risk without deliberately put students communication. a doing a thoroughIndeed, investigation and fixing any problems discovered. full half of the nation’s hirAt a workshop ing managers sayMonday the col-night, trustees were updated about this moldthey issuemeet and what the district is doing lege graduates about it. This update was added to the agenda Monday are short on “critical thinkJDGaffney HOYE afternoon and the news media (at least The ing and problem solving” Ledger) was notified. skills theon ability to pay adequate to Weand posted our Facebook page that “attention the discussion detail.” would be streamed live and the recording posted on our ClosingThe thisupdate soft skills gapin is open critical. Fortunately website. was held session, so there , was no attempt the board was said. business leadersby don’t have to tohide waitwhat on schools or colGranted was noteasily the best, butaction I couldon hear leges to stepthe in audio — they can take their what was being said and see what was happening. own. I could be wrong, but I believe the superintendent and
G UEST C OLUMNIST ED FEULNER S TAR PARKER Saluting school choice How high schoolers can L IBERTY B ELLE Then and now; real ‘Medicare-for-all’: A disaster boost American business for military families VA Mission Act won’t help T HEIR V IEW
death of a sergeant and the wounding of six Tens of thousands of Vietnam other officers. Last Monday, mourners gathvets, now in their sixties and early ered to celebrate the life of Sgt. Terrence seventies, are carrying a dangerous BRANDON QUINN: What Carraway. It’s a ceremony of the type that is parasite picked up in Asia called progress is he (Mayor Jolly) talkrepeated far too often across our nation. liver fluke. Many don’t know it, but ing about? Lol. I mean if he wantSince the start of 2018, nearly 70 law it’s a ticking time bomb likely to kill ed to do a good job, look at what enforcement officers have died while on duty to be this way. two years earlier, when we had Primary voters tend to punish them. downtown has done — with at least 40 of those deaths caused by It seems pretty clear that most statewide contests on the ballot, Spartanburg candidates who work across party President Donald Trumpgunfire. just S.C. voters – even committed Rebut even then it was just 16 per-15 years! lines – which of course creates a in the last Downtown publicans – would have preferred cent. self-perpetuating cycle: Elected signed the VA Mission Act, which is 135 officers died in 2016, making it Roughly hasn’tofficials did anything newparty better options in November. So if the trend Gaffney holds, only about who work across e wasbeen a kindno man, a gimoney was lines needed to defeated in primaries by supposed to help ailing vets get There might have avoidone in sixcolumn registered will get the deadliest in at least five years. In 2017, 129 Guest or voters tried tothat better itself, It’s only ant of a man. meet his personal budget. His ing a Hillary Clinton nomination, turn out on June 12 to decide who people who promise not to work He loved people. He family knew what he was doprompt care, including seeing a civilofficers died, 46 by gunfire. Charlotte gotten worse! across but I’m not sohissure Mr. will be on the ballot in November party lines, and they keep loved family. HeTrump loved his ing with his fortune. He was Betsy Mccaughey Shaw is a church. giving it away. those promises for fear of getting ian doctor on Uncle Sam’s tab. Don’t It is Florence today, but 25 years ago in would have won the nomination or, in theLancaster many cases where the Heprimary. loved his And love a kid!defeated It would themselves. Which is deif he hadn’t won the S.C. November election is uncontestresident. 1993, Orangeburg was the scene for mourncount on it to help these vets. city and its break his heart to see a kid in JERRY D PERA: Well, this is And he won that withpeople. just 240,882 ed, who will be elected. And need. He would stroying find a way,our go republic. theare lossguaranteed of a police officer to an The equally The fine print shows thating vets nothing. votes – barely more than a tenth Drill down a little bit more, and because of looking forabout a sponsor or talk Soas come November, going over well as a those in this, he was more fortunate of the votes cast in South Carolithat means fewer than 6 his percent thebuddies sensible center are stuck with shocking crime. is simply empowDepartment of Veterans Affairs secretary elected mayor, into helping. nuclear plant na’s 2016 general election. of South Carolina’s registered vot- meltdown. candidates talking to your neighbor about over and over A good meal he would share who are farther to the It was Friday,care. Jan. 15. A bad check call to ered to make rules for who gets civilian Though Trump ers likely will vote for thewith candiThe reason he was again. able to win this?” left or the anyone who looked like right than they are, with “Go Cocks!” Joe Shaw they needed a bite to eat. who “My are less interested in dates who win the Republican the primary, and possibly even Prince ofWilkie, Orangefavor Mall took Orangeburg people Joe Shaw and his pick for secretary, Robert making it easy “We can do better than MARCUS served for 33 momma taught me to share,” Remove nominations for governor and at- HOLLY: the reason Mrs. Clinton won – working this.” years and died in office still he would say. Coming fromfor a pragmatic solutions police Sgt. Tommy Harrison there. What torneymy general. About for vets, Wilkie’s rules could last only as long as Wilkie and this serving. is the bottom line for my than they “How’s blue-eyed wife?” 2 percent He loved to help peofamily of eight siblings, that are. (And, no, this isn’t them from office. awaited was a bad man. “It’s beginning to look lot person ple–solve problems, especially was a good likely will vote forathe whothing. bitterness is that two-thirds of an exact science; Mrs. Clinton deremains secretary. Worse, they don’t go into effect for two and Photos courtesy of CHARLOTTE SHAW Christmas.” those cityvoters services. liketurns He had few attachments to out to(He besang thethis Democratic my fellow S.C.concerning registered feated the moreThe liberal challenger Community policing wasn’t a buzz word one.) He wanted everyone to be things, except for those spiffy Lancaster News photo files have nominee for over governor. did not bother voting a half years, too late for many Vietnam vets with liver fluke. in POOLE: the andget Mr. “My heart burns this.” treated fairly. He when wanted it them ties and his beloved 2006S.C. Ca- primary, CHRISTINE They no shortage of dance shots featuring then, but it was Harrison’s way. He liked to you’re not one of those peomatteredtomost: in the primaries. “I’mIfproud of you.” know that without them, dillac. Trump’s positions back and then Charlotte Joewere Shaw, early in Scandalously, their the VA is doing zip to identify and treat these “Who’s been using my rathere would be no city and no A kinder, gentler soul we’ve bigger checks for doing nothing ple who vote in the primaries, this Two-thirds of my fellow South courtship and later in life. “Light on his mayor’s job.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2018
L EDGER
Opinion
It’sParcel crazy let tiny by parcel,to downtown Lancasterminority is coming back to life W decide who’s on Nov. ballot
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2018
THE GAFFNEY LEDGER
feet,” Charlotte describes her beau.
talk to people. He was a young officer with an
C OLUMNIST I cowered there, hiding from the enemy
It is beyond our human capacity to comprehend how another person feels unless we have had a similar experience. How can you know what it is like to suffer the loss of a close family member unless you, too, have mourned the passing of a loved one? If you’ve never suffered a debilitating disease, there is no way you can understand what the afflicted is CODY SOSSAMON going through. Ledger Publisher Only an alcoholic or drug addict can relate to those similarly affected by drugs or alcohol. On the flip side, if you’ve never won a championship of any kind, you have no idea of the sense of pride and accomplishment that comes with the achievement. People who have no children or grandchildren can never understand the love parents and grandparents experience. The list goes on, and on, and on. OK, you ask, so where is THIS going? Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD. We’ve all heard about it but very few of us have it or know much about it. This column stems from a dream I had Monday night. Actually, it was more like a nightmare. I was a soldier in some conflict somewhere on a stakeout with several of my fellows. I don’t need to go into detail, but it got very scary, with bullets flying and bombs exploding. It ended with me cowering underneath something, hiding from the enemy as they searched for us. It seemed so real, like it had really happened. However, I have never served in the military, so I have no actual memories that this dream could have drawn on. I am, though, infatuated with war movies and
It’s time to put open internet protections into law The Federal Communications Commission haas voted to classify internet access service as an information service, once again moving regulation of internet Service Providers under Title I of the Communications Act. For almost 20 years, this lightCONGRESSMAN touch regulatory RALPH NORMAN structure enabled the internet to rapidly develop and innovate with little intervention from the federal government. In fact, under this regulatory framework, ISPs have made roughly $1.5 trillion in investments into broadband networks and infrastructure. This FCC action reversed the 2015 decision by the Obama Administration to classify ISPs under the more stringent common carrier regulations of Title II. This was done under the premise of protecting net neutrality principles of protecting consumer access to legal content on the internet. However, in the two years following the application of these heavier handed utility style Title II regulations, investment in broadnies of the sports team, or band networks by America’s largest providers by $3.6 billion. the storyhas of adeclined neighborInvestments in broadband infrastructure hood volunteer who helps vital tosomereaching unserved and undermake lifeare better for served rural areas across South Carolina, and one in need. the 5th fathers Congressional District, which I repreThe founding sent. than 200 decided more South Carolina ranks in the bottom half of years ago that if democrastates for consumer broadband access with an cy was to function as they intended,estimated there had517,000 to be a people who lack access to internet, 764,000 people who only means tohigh keepspeed tabs on the have one provider, people’s governments. They and another 194,000 people whoFirst don’t have any wired internet providers adopted the in their areassure at all. Amendment to make A returncouldn’t to the light-touch regulatory those governments DAVE WEIFEL framework that to existed prior to Z 2015 will hinder the people’s right restore the regulatory conditions to know or silence the opinions that might notnecessary please make these investments possible. those in power. Almost 2,000 5th District residents have Journalism exists to keep the people informed. It written, emailed, called and faxed my offices exists to spread knowledge and, yes, it exists to provide to express their support for the net neutrality viewpoints from many different perspectives, to proprinciples of protecting consumer access to vide the fuel that people in a democracy need to take the free and open internet. part in their governments. While I strongly believe that free market Journalism matters because democracy matters. competition dis-incentivizes companies from The two are inseparable. engaging in anticompetitive practices like ————————— blocking and throttling — this competition Dave Zweifel is Editor Emeritus doesn’t exist in the parts of my district that of The Capital Times in Madison, Wis. only have one provider. That is why I am proud to support H.R. 4682 the Open Internet Preservation Act, introduced by Rep. Marsha Blackburn (TN-07). This legislation would amend Title I to codify into law the net neutrality principles of a free and open internet by preventing Internet PeopleService sometimes ask mefrom why blocking community Providers andnewspathrotpers are important. reply is always the same. It’s tling onlineMy content. because everything thosefinally pagesbe is important to The FCC in would provided with how to regulate in a someone.explicit Maybe authority the ribbonon cutting isn’t flashyISPs enough manner that balances theturkey benefits of ais regulato go viral, and the Thanksgiving recipe not tory framework will spur the private investgoing to change culinary that trends across nation. But mentthese in broadband infrastructure things, these small thingswhile in comensuring thatacross consumer net neutrality protecmunities the county and across tionsthe areworld, maintained forgive years to come. are what meaning and This bill would provide my constituents in purpose to all of our lives. Prosperity Winnsboro, Camden, Blacksburg The,ribbon cutting is the culmination and of across the 5th District withdonations the certainty a childhood dream. The at that the they arepantry able use theallow internet to grow food will a family to theirgather onlinearound businesses, their favorite their shop table at without worrystores, friends family on ingconnect if therewith is enough to and fill each plate. social media and yes, even their The honor roll goes on contact the fridge, of congressman. course, because it’s a reminder to a young
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student that she can flourish when she applies birthPHOTOS announcement WEherself. WANTThe YOUR marks the proudest, greatest moment of The next time you go out of town, take a copy a mother and father’s life together. The of The Gaffney Ledger along and snap a photo GEIGER looking outyour from the obituary is one offace yourself and/or group reading it so we that a wife, and children, grandchildren, will feacan use it in ourand “Readers On The Road” never kiss again.ture. The E-mail new school beingphotos paid for your digital to: with the referendum is where a young student might cody@gaffneyledger.com; or develop an interest in science, growing up and developing a editor@gaffneyledger.com. treatment for cancer or Alzheimer’s, allowing millions of people to live a little longer, and have their faces kissed by those who love them few more times. ATTENTION aPOSTMASTER Journalism matters, now more than ever, because The Gaffney Ledger, established Feb. 16, people matter. Community journalism matters, now 1894 (USPS 212-760) is published three times more than ever, because roughly half the world’s popuweekly by The Gaffney Ledger, Inc., 1604 lation lives in small communities, and in the pages of Baker Blvd., Gaffney, S.C. Periodicals postage their newspapers, they see themselves and the ones paid at Gaffney, S.C. they love. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: ————————— The Gaffney Ledger, P.O. Box 670, Gaffney, S.C. 29342. Matt Geiger is Executive Editor of the News Publishing Co., Black Earth, WI.
I T ’ S J UST M E G UEST GUEST COLUMNIST I T ’ SLJIBERTY UST MB EELLE C OLUMNIST Sex vigilantes trash Energy lessons from due process the recentTaking hurricanes a better shot at missile defense
New York’s Hurricanes Harvey and Irma killed Senator Kirsten dozens of Americans and caused tens Gillibrand is of billions of dollars in property spearheading a Thirty-three minutes. damage. McCarthyite That’s all the time we’d But there’s one silver lining. purge of sexual haveinvaluto respond to an The storms taught us three harassers from able lessons about the U.S.incoming energy intercontinenCongress, throwtal ballistic missile from market. ing the nation’s We need more refineriesanywhere scattered in the world. capital into turRoughly half an hour around the country. moil. What to avert disaster – if Harvey decimated the Gulf Coast, BETSY MCCAUGHEY KLONIE JORDANwe’re —percent Executive Editor counts as sexual lucky. KLONIE JORDAN — Executive Editor which accounts for about 55 harassment? Good question. Men accused (editor@gaffneyledger.com) Sure, that isn’t the of overall U.S. refining capacity . S&P (editor@gaffneyledger.com) of boorish gestures or vulgar remarks face most cheerful thought to Global Platts estimates that Harvey the same disgrace as outright rapists. And especially at temporarily shut down fiveentertain, refineries never mind if the accusations lack proof Christmas and limited the output of 10 more. time. But MERRILL MATTHEWS and the accusers remain anonymous. allitthe saber-ratFederal regulations havewith made Consider the charges dredged up again tling coming from North which are harder and more expensive to build new refineries, I’ve been a fan of The Statlers for as long as I this week against President Trump. You Korea these days, notboom’s to needed more than ever to handle the fracking expanded can remember. ED FEULNER heard them last year when he was cammention other global oil and natural gas production. I’m talking huge fan, so much so that I know We take care of the birds hotspots, over at our for president. One accuser, wehouse. don’t have the luxury to pretend this word topaigning According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, every every song they have ever written This is something I have been doing for years. With Jessica Leeds, said that more than 30 years threat doesn’t exist. no new refineries were built between 1998 and 2014. And only or performed. all due respect, am somewhat an authority on humTrump groped her on a plane. But Aof successful nuclear strike carry an Their musicago five were builtIin the 1980s and 1990s. So while five newwould refinerspeaks to me and and while some mingbirds and built muchin more knowledgeable than reporters were not able to confirm the unthinkable toll. Themost bomb thecome U.S. droppedmight on think that’s ies have been the past three years, only 10 have just a corny cliché, I can regarding other date or even year the incident was yield ofto you flight, online in most the past 37 kinds. years.Hiroshima, Japan, in 1945 had an explosive affirm that in my case it is genuine. I’m blowing horn. I’m just Iprimary haveKorea’s to have occurred and couldn’t 15 continue kilotons oftosaying TNT. North in stories supposed Thenot Gulf Coastmy willown likely be the U.S.nuclear testThe they tell, the places they talk spent a countless ofOctober? time observing, track down one witness to support her 250 kilotons. refining hub. Butamount expediting newstudying, refinery construction, espeabout, the people they refer to all remind me of logging, and of photographing. story.and people I’ve met and the According to the film “33 Minutes,” cially incharting other parts the country, should bedocumentary a strategic enerplaces I’ve known I have numbers of feeders and watering staThe same wassituations true withto the other accusthe 9/11 attacks resulted in 3,000 deaths andkinds $80 bilgy goal.massive The Trump administration ought to do what it can to of small-town, country ers. Nolive facts. tions across my back yard. There’s always plenty of bomb dropped onwhich all of us lion in new damage. A nuclear remove obstacles and encourage construction. who in those kinds of enviNo wonder the public dismissed the food andStrategic water available forManhattan them. You can step outtoon would cause hundreds of thousands of The Petroleum Reserve doesn’t need be so large. ronments can relate. claims and elected Trump. my back porch in the morning and a symphony of songcasualties, and trillions in damage. The Strategic All of us males have encountered a “Shirley On Monday , Leeds bird sounds Reserve will envelop you. That’s not the only way a nuclear bomb could Petroleum Jeanbe Berrell” somewhere along theand waytwo andother accusers reiterated their unsubstantiated I take care of birds two against reasons:the 1.)U.S., I enjoy however. An electromagnetic was created in the 1975, in forused those of us my age or around thatold, vicinity can charges at a press conference. In response, learning them, It makes the, is birds happy . pulse, or EMP another likely method of attack. In “The hit parade, grape Tru-Aid, the the wakeabout of the Araband; 2.) remember sixDance, Democratic senators,duck including And when they’re happy, I’m happy . a nuclear bomb isn’t dropped on the oil embargo, to provide this case, tar-Hawkins Sadie pedal pushers, tail Gillibrand, are calling foramong Trump to step We go throughsupply about 50 pounds of bird every hundreds of mileshair, an emergency geted area, butseed detonated above and peggin’ your pants,” and who down from the presidency . It’s“I’ll as if the week to 10oil days. During the it. hummingbird season (lateEnergyburst of us of crude in case This would emit a wide-ranging electrohas not promised someone we love that, According to the U.S. #MeToo movement lessens the standard of April until mid-October) wemagnetic go through 10 Administration, to 15 pounds U.S. imports were radiation. go to my grave loving you?” Information no proof and makes due process unnecessary. ofinterrupted. sugar a month keep the feeders at electric capacitygrid. . Theto SPR Goodbye, Nearly everything powSee what I mean? new refineries were built between That’s what’s in hits Congress. currently holds nearly While watching all the birds a treat, I think I’vetelephones, told eredisby electricity , from Internet servThose songs are among the happening many Statler 1998 and 2014. And only five were Takeof the anonymous former 700 before million barrels of hummingbirds you that it’s the I enjoy most. ice and electric power, to car batteries and airplane that are treasures mine. I still play themcampaign all built in the 1980s and 1990s. who’s accusing Rep.the Ruben Kihuen, crudehad oil. a back yard full of controls, would beAt disrupted damWe’ve them this year. certain or permanently the time, singworker along as I’m driving down So while five new refineries have D-Nev., of touching her thigh twice, In Harvey’s aged. And not just in one city, but across theroad, conti-or still chuckle when Harold Reid chimes maktimes of the daywake, , it was almost impossible to walk from been built in the past three years, her feel uncomfortable. Kihuen denies thegate U.S.to Department of nental United States. In a flash, we’d be set back the the house without getting almost bumped by in with a jokeing or interacts with the audience only 10 have come online in the it, but House minority leader Nancy Pelosi Energy only had to by them more thanthey’re a century . one or “dive-bombed” when hungry during a live recording. past 37 years. The Gulf Coast will the woman for coming release 5 million barBut wait, you may be thinking. You said we’d But it’s alsocommends the gospel songs that hold a place forward and we get too close to their feeders. likely continue to be the primary (anonymously?) and demands that he rels from the —a have 33 birds minutes in my heart, one in particular that is implanted This kind of SPR commitment to the is ato lotrespond. of work.We could counteract U.S. refining hub. expediting quarter of the 20 milsuch attack, right?But Stop it from happening? there and willresign. remain until the day this heart Much of Saturday afternoon wasan spent cleaning the refinery construction, lionfeeders, barrels re-filling them and If new you’re thinking missile defense, you’re no longer beats.What about Kihuen’s right to a fair hearseed repairing poles of and especially in that other parts of the ing and A the presumption of innocence? Americans consume in poles right. have a way of responding, and weIt’s called “There’s Man In Here” and the hangers. I found two new in We thedo shed I didn’t country, a astrategic and the sexisvigilantes are all too a single day . I put them together could stop ashould missile with missile. That’s the good it’s myPelosi reason all-time favorite because the know I had and and made abe 20 footready due process the wastebasgoal. TheitTrump Harvey news.energy day the doctors told to metoss I needed to havein openlong pole. I demonstratfilled a church-shaped feeder and hung at administration to missile-defense do what ed top thatofenergy producThe badthe news isought that the system heart surgery,ket. they wheeled me into a room to the this pole, so it towers over others. I just Gillibrand Al Franken, ers could keep refinerit have can to remove and we isn’t as comprehensive and well-developed wait to go upstairs and as Iconceded was lyingSenator there with thought it would make an interesting feature inobstacles the D-Minn., wasand entitled to a Senate Ethics ies well construction. asencourage it could andanew should be at this stage. We have my a wife and some friends Rev. Joyce yard and supplied kind of give the feeder kingdom bit more Committee but last week, she despite major chalMurphy, the room was so investigation, quiet it seemed like revolver, when we could have an automatic rifle. character. out front bullying him into resigning. lenges. So while it may you could cutwas through the silence with a knife. Nearly 35 years ago, President Reagan first called After the sun had gone down and the hummingbirds That’sJoyce like saying make sense to keep And that’s when chimedthe up.accused “It’s toois entitled to for a way todown, render the threat of ballistic missiles had called it a day, I took those feeders dumped fairsaid. trial,“Let’s but let’s execute him first. some oil in the SPR for quiet sing something.” “impotent and obsolete.” partin tohere,”a she out any remaining old nectar (it’s actually just sugarYet today, thanks in Same thing happened to John national emergencies, Well, everyone just looked at each other kindConyers, opposition from those consider missile defense water; but I like to call it nectar), took them in thewho house insisted hisone.” own inno700 million barrels is awkwardlyD-Mich., and thenwho I told her, “I on know both unworkable and destabilizing, we haveof only and put them in the dishwasher. This, I’ve found, is the cence and “There’s at first rejected likely overkill. President Trump is right to have proposeddown long-range And I started singing A Man calls In to resign. onefeeders system of shooting most effective way to keep the atcapable their cleanest Ultimately, he was forced out on Dec. 5. shrinking or eliminating the SPR. missiles headed for the U.S. homeland: Here.” ballistic the and free of bacteria. One should never just “top-off ” a Franken’s alleged to have forcibly kissed The fracking boom has prevented major spikes in energy And that has sort of become an anthem all Ground-Based Midcourse Defense (GMD) system. hummingbird feeder. They need to be cleaned and prices. The most remarkable lesson of the hurricanes is not a fellow actor, and touched several women my own ever since. refilled at least once a week. We can do better, though. The GMD system is the how much, but how little, they affectedwe gasoline prices.ofThere inappropriately during photo-ops. It simply tells the story about how Jesus was One system havebringcapable intercepting an I spent the next hour or soonly mixing fresh food, were some temporary price hikes. a few gas stations accuser says when “we posed thereafor people at their most desperate and for the shot ICBM in And the ”mid-course phase ofinits flight. With ing it to a boil on the stove to “steam-off the chemicals parts of Texas largely unaffected by Harvey sold out of space-based all he immediately put his hand on my waist, troubled times. system that includes seaand intercepin the tap then leaving it to cool until morntheir fuelwater — butand only because panicked andearlier in their flight grabbing a handful flesh. for I froze. Then “There’s a man in here that I’mof looking tors,the wepublic could target ICBMs – ing. Just before dawn, I took the feeders out of the dishswamped the gas stations. during the boost or ascent phase, when they’re squeezed. At no least twice.” That’s it? cried the manhe who could find room at the travwasher, pieced them back put fresh food in “Concerns Officials clarified theretogether, was actual shortage. Rep. Blake Farenthold, R-Texas, is door. So they lowered him down on a stretcher elingno more slowly and are easier to hit. them and placed themgasoline back on shortages their hangers. and even panic over are leading to a sense of him bantering that heyour had “wet bed and Jesusaccused looked at and said, ‘All Now’s the time, as the Trump administration Usually when I do this, there is aWhen feeding frenzy at isn’t one,” that there’s a gasoline shortage. in fact, there dreams” about a female staff who sins are all now gone this day; take up your member, bed conducts its own missile-defense review, to reverse first but on Sunday morning I noticed there saidlight, Texas Railroad Commissioner Ryan Sitton. says she as was for through complaining and go your way ,’ and hefired walked the about it. the cutbacks that occurred under the Obama weren’t as many birds as before. This is because it’s getIn fact, U.S. supplies were so unaffected Defending that OPECourselves countries, Farentholdt denies Mia him declare, ‘I it. canYet tellRepublican you all administration. on the crowd, cheap they heard ting close to the time when they head back and to Mexico whose embargo led to the 1970s gas lines the creation of priorities, R-Utah, striving to keep up with sex there’s in there.’” is unwise. With the right budgetary we a manLove, and fordebating the fall and winter. and the Panama SPR, were whether toMigration cutthat their even is calling aboutGillibrand, how Jesus calmed theon Farenthold to can ensure weproduction get more than one shot at And it tells bully instincts over to and these birds that I enjoy so much, more in take an effort keep oil prices from falling. downsea immediately , without a House waters on thestep troubled when the frightened destroying an incoming missile. thatAfill my heart and lift my spirits, will soon be gone. decade ago, no one would haveKorea, believed weall, could facing Committee hearing. him from his slumber. North after isn’tbethe only threatdisciples (as if wokeEthics Through observations, I have deter- major oilturmoil inmy thestudies Middleand East, relations with Rep. Trent Franks, “So they wokeThen him there’s up as the waves blew high R-Texas. it sour wasn’t enough). Iransome has a large ballistic missile mined that the final day you will see them in thesenatural parts disasproducing countries like Venezuela, Distressed andabout his wife you carethat that he we’re to can’t conarsenal andand an several active nuclear program, andand it said, ‘Don’t isters around Oct. see 16, although might already be makand still gas pricessome below $3.00 a gallon. ceive,‘Peace he asked two office aidesthe to bear his And He said, be still,’ and when remains a dogged opponent of U.S. interestsdie?’ in the ingThe their way southward. current stability is almost due to the fracking child as a ‘Where’s surrogate, offering winds had laid he said, your faith?one of them Middle entirely East. Whenthat thehas birds leave, fall into a state of of boom made theI generally United States a net exporter natural week, Speaker Paul Why were you$5somillion. afraid?’Last When theyHouse saw that Then there’s our old Cold War nemesis, Russia. depression. They an seem take with themago, a part of me the Intermediate-Range gas and created oil to glut that isyears financially a Ryan, not be outdone by‘Thank the sex vigithe sea was smooth andto clear, they said, Thirty it hammering signed — perhaps the countries. best of Nuclear me — onForces their colorful number ofeven hostile lantes on the left, demanded Franks resign you God that the man’s in here.’” (IMF) Treaty with the U.S. But The hurricanes have undoubtedly been devastating, but wings. for all of usbehavior. based on forhope his blundering “Russia has violated the treaty at they least twice,”It’s a song of proved that the is this strong —expert and stronger. As I looked outenergy at themsector during writing, it getting suddentruths. A It’sfair a song aboutSince the light at theWar, only penalty? the Civil writes defense Michaela Dodge. “TheBiblical U.S. ————————— ly occurred to me that maybe the actual cause of my identifies a Russian end of the tunnel, about a way out of thehave dark-been two members of Congress government’s 2017 report Matthews is birds a resident scholar with the Instituteballistic depression Merrill is not so much the themselves, but ness in our most frightening hour. expelled, both for multiple felonies like ground-launched intermediate-range misfor Policy Innovation in Dallas, Texas. Follow him more what they represent. a song we can use today to remember bribery and tax evasion. Eventhat New York sile 3N-14 that can potentially carry a nuclear It’s waron Twitter When they make their first appearance of the@MerrillMatthews. new Christ is still Congressman there for us at Charlie every moment Rangel,offound guilty head.” year, so does the warmer weather. WhenTrump the hummers every day. He’s whenof theviolating waves get rough ofthere 11 counts congressional President has called the tax-cut bill before and we’re certain that our boats are going to appear, flowers begin to bloom and trees are budding ethics rules in 2010, was only censured, not Congress “a big, beautiful Christmas present” for capsize. and bursting forth with leaves. are humming, asked to resign. the Bees U.S. With the work of the administration’s balIt’s a great song of once hope.did It helped me get birds of all varieties are building nests, neighbors Only Congress threaten a memlistic-missile defense review coming shortly therethrough surgery and after I had misconduct. ber with expulsion for sexual whom you haven’t seen for months because after, what betterboth way of to you follow up this gift than to that heart recovered andInreturned church, Rev. Joyce 1995, thetoSenate ethics committee voted have been taking refuge from the 2018 cold,the begin towhen appear make year we finally get serious called me to the front and we sang song R-Ore., to expel Senator Bob that Packwood, to soak up the freshness of the newborn season and about protecting ourselves? together. after reviewing 10,145 pages of evidence, of suddenly there is reason to have hope and renewed ————————— Now, every “habitual time I talkpattern to her, she always of aggressive, blatantly faith. The world is new again. Ed FEulnER is president of The Heritage brings that song up and remindsand medestruction that there of evisexual advances” The hummingbirds are a punctuation mark ofFoundation this (www.heritage.org). is a man in here. dence. They had the goods on him. excitement; an exclamation point sent by God himself. That man is there for all of us. He can be in Sexual harassment holds women back. Maybe that’s why I love them so. in our lives if to weit.will invite Good riddance Butbut in the zeal to right Although they are preparing to leaveATTENTION us, maybe the POSTMASTER our hearts and him in. that wrong and to preen as defenders of folks who live in the places where they’re now headed The Gaffney Ledger, established Feb. 16, 1894 During thiswomen, season, politicians we’re reminded how are trampling also need some renewed hope (USPS and faith. 212-760) is published three times weekly by grateful we are for the greatest gift of all that American values — due process, the preIf that’s the case, then I canThe let them goLedger, with my blessGaffney Inc., 1604 Baker Blvd., Gaffney, was given us in the manger that day, and the sumption of innocence andfor enacting penalings and pray that God takes careS.C. of them on the treach-paid at Gaffney, S.C. Periodicals postage tiesbrought. that fit the crimes. These are too preerous journey they now face. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to:hope The and joy He I wish for you a joyous Christmas and the cious to lose. Gaffney Ledger, Box 670, Gaffney, S.C. 29342. And I can look forward to the spring when P.O. we shall best-ever new year. meet again. — COPYRIGHT 2017 CREATORS.COM
Depression of the avian variety
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CONGRESSMAN RALPH NORMAN
There’s a man in here
COLUMN WRITING
I T ’ S J UST M E
2-3 TIMES WEEKLY DIVISION
KlOnIE JORdAn — Executive Editor (editor@gaffneyledger.com)
10 pop bottles = 1 comic book with a penny left over Back in the day (and by “the day” I mean when I was in elementary school) one of the most important parts of a young man’s life (and maybe the girls’ too, although we were of the impression that girls weren’t really big fans of Spiderman or the Fantastic Four) was when a new comic book was released. Our preferred purchasing site was a drug store on the corner right down the street from the Ben Franklin Five and Dime. Turns out I was confused about the name of that store because I thought the “Five and Dime” part meant everything in the store cost either a nickel or a dime. “Shucks,” I thought to myself when I first learned of the existence of the store, “I can afford a bunch of stuff in there.” And I thought the “Ben Franklin” part meant that Ben Franklin actually owned the store. Little did I know that Ben had died many, many years earlier. The drug store was as much a lunch counter and malt shop as it was a place where you went to have your prescriptions filled. But the best feature (OK, not counting the ice cream) was in the corner near the front door in the form of a 5-foot-tall wire rack filled with comic books. The rack was affixed to a rotating base so it was easy to move the books around and casually peruse the covers. The comics were packaged in see-through plastic wrappers to not only protect them from smudges but I suspect to also prevent unauthorized reading. There were two things that were of enormous value to me at the time. One was, of course, my comic book collection, and the other was what I called my “comic book fund.” Now back in the day, I didn’t get an allowance. I was “allowed” to sleep in the house my father paid for and I was “allowed” to eat the food he and mom brought home from their weekly grocery shopping outings (every Tuesday night was “hot dog” night when we would have hot dogs and potato chips for supper and then watch “Combat” and “The Red Skelton Hour” on the black and white television; we thought Tuesday must be what heaven is like) and sometimes was “allowed” to ride in the car to various destinations. This was all the “allowance” my parents figured we needed. Mom bought your school clothes right before the new school year started and they were expected to last you until the next school year. If you tore a hole in your jeans, it was repaired by affixing an iron-on denim patch. A school lunch wasn’t something you bought; it was something you took with you each day in a brown paper bag. You got a nickel to buy your milk (and “this is for milk ONLY, mister,” my mom would remind me) and that was the extent of your bankroll (not counting birthday gifts and the quarters you earned here or there for mowing lawns with a manual push mower or the cash you took in for washing cars or hoeing corn). Those five nickels I received each weekday was all the money I got except for my “comic book fund.” The “comic book fund” came courtesy of something that disappeared years ago — the returnable “pop bottle.” Back in the day, if you wanted a Coca-Cola, it came in the form of a 6½-ounce returnable bottle. It was called “returnable” because the company wanted you to bring that bottle back so they could sanitize it, steam-clean it and use it again. They would pay you 2 cents in good old-fashioned American money for every bottle you returned. The way it worked was that your parents might buy a couple of cartons or a case of pop each week and the next week would return the empty bottles from the previous week and have the 2-cents-per-bottle return fee deducted from that week’s purchase. Lucky for us kids that not everyone who bought a bottle of pop took the time to return the bottle. Often they would be tossed in ditches or deposited in various trash receptacles. Those of us in need of disposable income weren’t too proud to go collect those bottles, return them to the store and get our 2-cents-per-bottle payoff. I don’t know what everyone else bought with their pop bottlehunting money but I used mine (kept stored in a Roy Rogers tin under my bed) largely to pay for my comic books, although I occasionally would dip into it to get one of those little cardboard containers of ice cream at school, the kind that came with the tiny wooden “spoon” attached to the lid. The best, most exciting times of my life were whenever the new hot-off-the-presses comics would be delivered to the drug store. My heroes lived within those illustrated color pages. I spent a great deal of my youth shouting “FLAME ON!” (that’s how Johnny Storm was transformed into the Human Torch) and then pretend I had burst into a human ball of fire just like him and go rescue a damsel in distress or vanquish a super villain. Those books were “imagination boosters” for me. One summer I pretended an old toy plane with the landing gear broken off was the Fantastic Four jet. I spent pretty much every day that summer pretending the plane was jetting Reed, Ben, Sue and Johnny on adventure after adventure. I carried it through the house between my thumb and forefinger pretending it was airborne while making “vrooshing” sounds and other jet-like noises. Dresser tops, the kitchen table and window sills were “landing places” for missions which might involve rescuing Spiderman from the Green Goblin’s lair behind the hairbrush or taking refuge behind momma’s bowl of artificial fruit to escape the warring aircraft of some vicious interplanetary superhero killers (the secret is to let them pass by overhead and then fall in behind them and ambush them). Those comics cost 19 cents back then. That’s 10 pop bottles, with a penny left over. That’s a small price to pay to jet across the world battling danger at every turn.
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The road trip
inside?” I offered as Grace handed me the keys to her car. “Thanks, but we’ll do that when we are back,” Grace replied, patting my arm as she studied her notes. Grace is the consummate planner, making a list of all the things we need take with us when we travel and what needs to be tended to at home before we leave. She and Toogie were reviewing the checklist like any good pilot and copilot would do DALTON WILLIAMS before takeoff. (Editor’s Note: Get ready to laugh! This is one of “Sunglasses?” Grace inquired. Dalton’s best, especially when you consider recent “Check,” Toogie answered. events in the Charleston area. Be sure to read to the “Umbrella?” end. You won’t want to miss it!) “Check.” “Hand sanitizer?” “If you want to make yourself useful…” my “Check.” lovely wife, Grace, began. “Snacks and power bars?” “Make yourself useful” is Grace’s euphuism for “Check,” Toogie responded adding, “How about “I could use some help here,” particularly when a map?” she is awash in activities. The request that followed “No need,” Grace replied, “I have MapQuest and was to fill her car with gas, top off the windshield Google Maps on my phone, but remind me to keep washer fluid, and check the tires’ air pressure. Durthe power cord with the phone so the charge won’t ing the last few days I had heard Grace and my Aunt, run down during the trip.” Toogie, talking about a car trip. Toogie owns a condo “Will I need my checkbook?” Toogie asked. in western North Carolina. I dimly recalled them “No. Credit cards will be fine. But be sure to bring talking about the mountains and I assumed they were your coupons in case we can use them. Oh, and let’s headed there, as they often do during the warmer take the cooler and some ice packs.” months in Charleston. “Anything else?” Toogie queried. “Do you want me to get it washed or vacuum the “I think that’s it,” Grace mused and, after a pause,
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added, “We’ll want waters for the trip. I’ll put some in the fridge now so they will be cold.” Turning to me she announced, “Now there is deli meat in the fridge for your lunch and a casserole there, too.” “Aye, aye, Captain!” I rejoined, offering a fake salute. Ignoring my weak attempt at humor, Grace continued, “If you do warm the casserole, be sure to then turn off the oven.” Before I could respond, Toogie chortled, “Call us if you aren’t sure about how to use the appliances since you don’t seem to use them much when we are home.” Absorbing those instructions I asked, “When are you coming back?” “Not sure. We’ll call you,” Grace replied. “So be sure to leave your phone on.” “When are you leaving?” “Early tomorrow morning. The traffic should be lighter then.” “Now when you go through Columbia,” I offered, “stay in the left lanes headed west and then in the right lanes coming back.” “Columbia?” Grace scoffed. “Who said anything about Columbia?” “I thought I heard you say you were going to the mountains.” “Mountains? We’re not going to the mountains.” “Then where are you going?” “Mount Pleasant.”
EDITOR
6. Do you support “Extreme Risk Protection The Daniel Island News ■ November 15 - November 21, 2018 Orders” (ERPOs)? ERPOs enable courts to temporarily prohibit a person from having a gun Dalton: No, let’s do Macintosh. Route me to a florist. Dalton: Draft Roethlisberger. OPEN LETTER TO CANDIDATES ON 2. Do you support improving the expedited if law enforcement or immediate family members Bubba: Before or after the spirits store? Bubba: Bad move, dude. Until Le’Veon Bell is back GUN POLICY sharing of criminal information from SC law show the individual poses a significant danger to the other team is going to key on Big Ben. I’d go with Dalton: I don’t care. Just the fastest. Before I cast my vote in this year’s SC prienforcement to the federal background check self or others. Bubba: Copy that, but if they sell out of Blanton’s it’s Luck. mary and general election, I want unequivocal system? (In the SC 2018 legislative session this I believe the affirmative answers to these your fault. Dalton: Okay, okay! Do Luck. answers from candidates on their gun policy bi-partisan bill, S.516, failed to pass). questions would keep our children and families Dalton: Okay. Spirits store first, then the florist, then Bubba: Whoa, chill, bro. Just trying to help. All the positions. 3. Do you support banning bump-stocks? safer by focusing on prevention rather than the fabric store. algorithms pointed to Luck. Don’t get angry. Keeping our children and families safe from 4. Do you support limiting the number of waiting to react to the next tragedy. Furthermore, Bubba: Where you going? Dalton: I’m not angry. gun violence is aDALTON priority voting issue for me. To rounds in high capacity magazines to no more these policies would notstore. infringe on the second WILLIAMS Dalton: To the spirits Bubba: Sounds like it. be transparent I will state that I support second than 10 rounds? amendment rightsstore of law-abiding citizens. Bubba: Spirits is the other way. You’re lost. Dalton: Can we talk about this later? amendment rights and I respect the family tradi5. Do you support funding to provide a mental Do you I’m know officials Almost all virtual assistant apps – Siri, Alexa, Cor- Bubba: Want to stop at the spirits store? Dalton: nothow lost.your This elected is a short cut. or tion GPS of firearm in SC. In addition, with I health counselor in every SC public school? these questions? Pri-go? tana, in yourownership car, and more – communicate Bubba: Iswould this asanswer fast as this piece of crap will Dalton: No, I’m supposed to go to the fabric store. candidates support common sense and non-legisChief Mark Keel of SLED (SC Law Enforceday is June 12.the limit, and it’s not a crap car. you in a female voice. Notlegislative that I’m opposed to that in Bubba: Dalton: I’m going It’s your rodeo, but the spirits store is on the mary lative approaches reducing gun violence. ment Division) stated at a hearing during the Peter any way. No, sir…I to mean no ma’am. Bubba:Zalka Is too. Remember when you had that blue way. Dear candidate, legislative session that one of his recomBoard Chairman The female voice has obviously been tested by the 2018 sports car? Chicks would check you out at a traffic Dalton: I know. I respectfully ask forthese yourgadgets. responses the folmendations to improve school safety would be Arm-In-Arm SC companies that produce Thetovoice is light? Bubba: I just checked their stock. They have Blanlowing questions: provide a mental health counselor in every South for awesome. Responsible Gun Ownpleasant, friendly, and helpful…not to mention with toton’s. Dalton:Carolinians Yeah, that was 1. Do more you support background checks school. Currently only about half of SC schools ership (arminarmsc.org) probably commoncriminal sense than the male version. Bubba: [sings] Yesterday. All my troubles seemed Dalton: They do? Route me there and then to the for all sales? have mental health counselor on staff. But, for gun a minute or so, let’s imagine a male virtual so far away. Now it looks as though they’re here to fabrica store. assistant. We’ll call him…Bubba. stay… Bubba: Re-routing…I said re-routing…Hello? No Dalton: Bubba, where is the nearest fabric store? Dalton: Stop it! I don’t have troubles. thank you? Bubba: Why? Bubba: Want to bet? Fabric store just closed. I Dalton: Huh? Dalton: I promised Grace I’d pick up some fabric checked their home page. Bubba: You know, a little something for the effort. Wefor plan feature June 7 edition of the paper. Bishop England and Hanahan have provided photos samples her to to look at. graduating seniors in our Dalton: They closed? You didn’t tell me they were Dalton: You’re quoting Caddyshack again, aren’t of You’re all graduating seniors and we would also like to include all students in ouryou. readershipgoing areatowho Bubba: kidding, right? closeattend so soon.other high schools you? If you want a thank you, then thank Dalton: Just givePorter me directions, I’m late. Bubba: YouAcademy, didn’t ask, Einstein. By the way, Grace is Bubba: Good. Now when you die, on your deathbed, including Gaud,man. Ashley Hall, PCA, University School, Coastal Christian, Crown Leadership Oceanside ColleBubba: Whenever you arrive equals on time for us, calling on your cell. Want to answer? you will receive total consciousness. giate Academy and home schooled students. right? But first, let me ask. Have you been to one of Dalton: No, not right now. Let me think…I was supDalton and Bubba: Which is nice. those places? posed to get to those fabric samples. Dalton: Bubba, check my calendar. What do I have in Please send your student’s photo by Friday, June 1 to: Dalton. Not exactly. I mean not that I can remember. Bubba: Hey, I got an idea. Why don’t I send her a the next three days? Bubba: Hey, it’s me. That was a big N-O. Loading beth@thedanielislandnews.com text from the fabric store apologizing that they had Bubba: You mean, other than your anniversary? directions now. But let me tell you, it’s more mindDalton: Oh, crap! That’s day after tomorrow, isn’t it? to close early today for inventory. Then you can go numbing than a To craftbe store. featured you must include: name, high school and a phone number where we can tomorrow morning. I havestudent’s such a memory problem. Dalton: How’s my fantasy football contact team doing? Bubba: Yea-ah. Dead man and walking. Dalton: You can do that? you to confirm authenticity to secure the proper releases. Bubba: Still sucks and getting worse. Your QB is Dalton: Go to Open Table. Book dinner at Macintosh Bubba: Done…and done. doubtful this week. at 6:30 or closest time. Dalton: You’re the best, man. Dalton: Search available quarterbacks. Bubba: Great place but Olive Garden has two for one Bubba: Right back at ya…but your car and fantasy Bubba: Found it. Top two are Ben Roethlisberger and that night. team still suck. Andrew Luck.
letter to the
Talk to me, dude drollery
Attention Graduating High School Seniors & Parents of Graduates
letter to the
EDITOR
SPECIAL THANKS TO FIRE DEPARTMENT ON DANIEL ISLAND I want to thank the City of Charleston Fire Depart-
door with my purse inside. They have a special tool that unlocks the door, but it did not work and they spent a half hour trying. Finally, they drove to our
with the keys inside. I also want to thank the very kind and helpful people who work at Publix who watched over me. They even brought me bottled water. And the people coming from Publix that stopped to try to help. Daniel Island is a great place to live. Be thankful of
Billy Cannada SPORTS SPORTS The Greer Citizen SPORTS The Greer Citizen
The Greer Citizen
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2018
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 2018
The Daniel Island News ■ May 31 - June 6, 2018
thedanielislandnews.com
SECOND PLACE B
hoops camp
BLAME CANNADA
BLAME CANNADA BILLY CANNADA
drollery
Byrnes falls Blue Ridge to Don Bosco Steinway Piano
claims second in conference
After fourth quarter rally
Finishing behind
Tatted
M
Danger
W
Greer thumps Westside Arnaud takes BMW for second straight win Will take on Mauldin
BLAME CANNADA
BILLY CANNADA
After taking an early the Eagles gave upalso bring on a new boy’s set in facilitating our stuBY lead, BILLY CANNADA a 22, nearly 80-yard drive tobasketball coach, Jamar dent government associa14 HUMOR thedanielislandnews.com The Daniel Island News ■ November 16 - November 2017 SPORTS EDITOR Ridge “Now, struggled to Blue Ridge, who tied theArmstrong, from Green- tion and she will provide set of snowflake suggestions Blue some university what?” gives to freshmen?” “The list says not to use the words either game at 7-7 afterCollege a Ronnieville High. get anything going during e did it. those same efforts in our Greer Middle BLAAH! and or together,” Toogie recited, readMackey touchdown. its home My wife and I “Not freshmen,” Toogie replied, with a opener ing from thelast paper in Friher hand. “To do so could respond, she launched into an explanaBailey has coached athletic department.” Charter High School regrin. “It’s first-year students. See right here, promotes exclusion, a choice between two tion. Her sister, Tootsie (actually, Tootsie’s The Eagles then lit up day, falling to Chesnee have made it to Bailey will continue as cently announced changes at GMC and Greer High onday afternoon, on the list.” options, rather than inclusion.” given name is Margaret and Toogie’s is “You are starting to sound like one of “What does that gibberish mean?” Bertha, but that’s sort of a Southern thing), the scoreboard before theSchool and the adminis- GMC’s college seminar in42-7. the point in our child’s in its athletic department during my hour DALTON WILLIAMS those Hollywood actresses at an awards…” “I think it means,” Grace chuckled, “it isBILLY CANNADA has a grandchild who attends college. The BY half, taking a 35-7 lead life where everything she The Tigers, now 0-2 on for the 2018-19 school tration believes she will be structor. lunch break from BLAAH! nuts and the world has gone crazy.” school gave students a long list of words and I did not notice IT when I strolled “Actor, not actress.” the season, “What else is ongiven that looney list?” I SPORTS asked. phrases not to use because they may make into the EDITOR break. have does might kill her. Armstrong was the as- work, I was getting a tatthe right fit. year. into the kitchen a few mornings ago. My I paused to sip coffee and think more “Oh, there’s a whole bunch more,” Toogie someone uncomfortable. A copy had now Blue Ridge will remain “We’re so happy to have sistant varsity boys’ bas- too in Duncan. up a combined 84 points Kelley For the last 11 months, lovely wife, Grace, and my Aunt Toogie about what I might say next. Finally, I said, replied. “Want to try to guess a few? I’ll give Bailey will serve made its way to Toogie. were sipping coffee at the breakfast table. Datesthishave been “This is sure a long way from Americafirst you the incorrect word or phrase see ifschool’s “This is my new political correctness at home week as theanin the their two games, Shannon and I have been coach Bailey lead our ath- ketball coach at Greenville asand the new athletI feel like I should tell Initiating pleasant conversation, I inquired, our forefathers envisioned.” give me the correct one.” alarm,” she announced pointing to the air nounced foroverthe third host Chapman. scoring justyouThinking 7can points on ic Tigers working with Penny to letic department,” princi- High. The Red Raiders fin- you the events that led to director, taking du-The “So what are you gals up to today?” The BLAAH! BLAAH! that would be better than havhorn. Waving the school’s required speech rejoinder was a high-pitched siren, BLAAH! list in front of me, but not close enough to annual Yellow Jacket Bas“Wh-what?” I stammered. ing the air horn blasted at me,ties I responded, pal Jimmy Armstrong said. ished the season as region this. held by James Tigers will thenDillard. hit the offense. help her achieve mileThe noise came from the ‘it’ - a battery “This says there are over 30 countries in “Fire away…unless ‘fire away’ promotes be read, she added, “If you say one of those, ketball She has been a great asGreer MiddleCamp, Collegehosted will “by SEE GMC | B4 Before I start, however, I stones. First solid food, Chesnee had no align proboperated air horn, like one that might be the Americas, North and South,” Toogie arson or doesn’t with some road gun controlthree straight times you get one of these.” She pressed a foreused in water navigation, and with Toogie at finger to a yellow button atop the air horn, Greer High basketball need all of you to agree to explained. “Saying America when we mean agenda.” to end September with first word, rolling over, lem slicing up the Blue the helm. The sound so startled me so that I United States can be hurtful to people in all “It might be fun, Dear,” Grace spoke up. which erupted once more – BLAAH! not tell my grandmother. coaches Greg Miller and matchups at Travelers crawling—in each of accumulatspilled coffee, missing my cup and scalding those other countries.” Ridge defense, “I’ll help you.” “Are you serious?” I asked. my bare feet. I hopped and hollered, “What I’m not ashamed of my “You blew the horn over that?” Mazzie Drummond. Perusing the list, Toogie muttered, “I “Oh, heck no.” Toogie replied. “This list these things, we’ve been ing more than 400 yards Rest, Vernon (Florida) and in the world are you girls…” “The first time. The second horn was for don’t see fire away here, but it sounds like it takes ‘dumb and dumber’ to a new level. new tattoo (as you’ll come The camp, set for July Berea. of total offense and three her biggest cheerleaders. BLAAH! The air horn cut me off. Toogie the word forefathers. According to this list, it should be.” Then she offered, “Okay, here is What’s next? Banning one-dollar bills begrinned like a kid who had stolen from the to realize), but my grandan easy one. What is the politically correct cause they have George Washington’s image should be ancestors.” touchdown passes. 16-19, will be held from But now that she’s docandy jar. Grace offered a smile that seemed on them?” “So are you going to blow that horn every word for waitress or waiter?” mother just suffered a 8:30 a.m.5 p.m. daily. It to say, “Don’t blame me, but if you do, I’ll ing all of these things time I say something off the reservation?” person,” I quickly answered. “So why the air horn?” PHOTO | COURTESY“Wait OF TED CONWELL side with Toogie.” broken bone and this BLAAH! “Nah,” Toogie replied, hitting the horn to designed to spark in“I just thought we should take the lanwas and more, we regret “Got him twice before breakfast,” Toogie guage list for a test drive. The air horn will “That one doesn’t need an explanation,” let me know I was wrong. news would not do anyterest in the program from chortled, as I settled into a chair as far away let you know when you stray from the safe showing how.| THE GREER CITIZEN KAELYNher CASHMAN Toogie declared. BLAAH! from her as possible. The Tigers recently topped region front-runner thing toBILLY aidCANNADA her recovery. “Sheesh,” I sighed. “Either this is nuts or GraceEastside, suggested, “How about server?” space.” young players, according It’s not that we want | THE GREER CITIZEN “Say hello to my little friend,” Toogie “Let me get this right,” Iovertime. stated somewhat the world has gone crazy.” Now that we’ve all 8-7 in continued, patting the air horn. Before I to 22Miller. our daughter to be deSee DALTON on PAGE BLAAH! sharply. “Are you saying we have to follow a The BMW Charity Pro-AM, presented by Synnex Corporation, tookrewind place last agreed, let’s backweek from Thursday to Sunday at Upstate “We’re excited to get toMatthew Huff and theGreer’s Greer Thornblade. offense put up 48 points during win over Westside last velopmentally delayed or courses, including to Dec. a17, 2011. We don’t want to be the biggest pediatric dental do this again,” Miller said.Friday at Dooley Field. we think she’s growing That’s the day my wife practice in Charleston, just the best! too fast (she is). But her “Really, the purpose of it is and I exchanged vows, INVENTORY REDUCTION SALE life is now constantly in for our players to become placed rings on our finDoes your pediatric dentist offer the following? danger. NOVEMBER 15 - DECEMBER 20 leaders. We want them to gers and began a marriage • “EZ Pedo” Zirconia Let me explain it this get to know and mentor that is still thriving today. (tooth colored way. New, Used & Player Pianos some of the younger playcrowns) for primary The ring my wife gave teeth At any given moment, ers in Greer and increase me, however, is long • Waterlase dental SAVE you have five items on their passion for basket- BY BILLY CANNADA laser, using less THOUSANDS! gone. So is the next one I drilling and fewer your floor that would kill ball.” SPORTS EDITOR bought to replace it. injections a child. There will be two ses• Oral sedation We all have flaws. • Digital X-rays You don’t know about BY BILLY CANNADA sions during the event. Michael Arnaud put DON’T ACT LIKE YOU At Dr. Randy’s office, them because you don’t SPORTS EDITOR Boys, grades 3-6, will com- together an impressive ARE PERFECT (sorry, I’m you will see a board that’s why weMy have some have a child crawling pete from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 four-day run to claim theto score two more touchAct fast for best certified pediatric getting defensive). dentist in our office for up to front. selection and The Rebels had Don Bosp.m., while girls, grades 2018 BMW Charity Pro-Amdowns and tally 154 rushflaw success just happens be We’re around, but trust me, every visit. Always! Christmas Eve used to seeing kids coto onhost the aropes. 3-6, will go from 1 p.m.-5 championship last week,ing yards on the night. losing things. Well, one of with they’re there. get playoff game. Delivery. speed and kids that are “Obviously, he looked Although you may not With a 17-3 lead on the WE HAVE MOVED! p.m. Registration forms earning $126,000. my flaws. My wife would Blue Ridge hasn’t hosted COME SEE OUR NEW OFFICE. big. When wemore. get here on see these things, they are fine. He came back in there Ramsey, New Arnaud was the last a road boy’sinplayoff game in Jera 1664 received by July 1 will get insist I have a lot PRESTON BURCH | THE GREER CITIZEN 495 Wando Park Boulevard Friday night, there’s sey,time.” Byrnes gave up Old 19Towne Rd. CANNADA long everything. Leav- noth- all your child sees. a discounted rate of $40BY BILLY player to qualify for theand played pretty well,” I lose 843.642.8588 843.971.6221 inghouse new for us.”10 West Ashley unanswered points the EDITOR For example: the othThe team has been in led, ing my takes for the camp. All regis-SPORTS but finishedYoung said. “We think he’s www.smilesbydrrandy.com SteinwayCharleston.com and Greer will head into thetournament, Class AAAA postseason as the No. 1 seed and No. 3 times as The winasover Westside is er day we were showing to pick up Eastside infourth part, quarter by goalkeeper long it should tration after July 1 will be the tournament at 27-un-going to be fine.” respectively. Greer’s first victory over The Yellow Jackets’ final their first of the sea- seed $55. off Penny’s crawling to a Dre Williams is dangerNeko Crist,loss along with because I have to find my The price includes a der-par (69, 60, 65, 63),
Correct may not mean right
B
WEDNESDAY, MAY 23, 2018
Tigers blasted Coaches GMC brings on new AD, schedule by Chesnee boy’s basketball coach BY BILLY CANNADA SPORTS EDITOR
B
The Greer Citizen
title
BILLY CANNADA
Royalty got me
N
o one needs this column I’m about to write. (For those of you that just thought, “No one needs any column you write” —SHAME ON YOU!) Enough words have been written about the royal wedding, and I promise you I never thought I would be a contributor to this topic. As I was telling a friend last Friday, “Search the entire universe for the person who cares least about this wedding, and put me right below them as someone who cares a little bit less than that.” It’s weird. It doesn’t appeal to me. And I don’t get why it appeals to anybody. Yep. I didn’t care about the royal wedding… But then Saturday evening rolled around. My wife and I were having a busy day. I left the house at about 5 a.m. and didn’t return until 5 p.m. I hadn’t seen any coverage of this wedding, nor did I have time to even glance at a television or scroll through social media. As I walked in the door,
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HIGHLIGHTING DAILY LIFE OBSERVATIONS
nch and dinner, with a special Bloody Mary Sunday Brunch.
Lee Scott, a writer and recent retiree, shares her everyday observations about life after career. A former commercial banker responsible for helping her clients to reach their business objectives, Scott now translates those analytical skills to her writings. She recently moved to St. Helena Island with her husband and two cocker spaniels. She enjoys boating, traveling and reading.
d Parkway | St. Helena Island, SC 00 | foolishfrogrestaurant.com
The scary Talking with a Friend
t to talk about! to Jesus about whatever you wish. Tell him what’s
Bigi – It Is What It Is!
trees in my yard
If you drink wine for enough years, you’ll at the same time — perfect notice that some new wines come and some for a warm weather sipper. go, no longer available for whatever reason. It pairs well with fish and When you’re lucky, some old favorites come shellfish (despite no water There is a scene in the movie “The Wizard in her bed, oblivious borders to my fears. back, which is exactly where we are this week. in its region), mild Umbria is our go-to region for this week. There are other cheeses, cold suppers, salof Oz” where Dorothy and the Scarecrow times when the trees Unique in all of Italy because it is the the only ads, vegetables, and more. are walking along the Yellow Brick Road and come alive during a storm, especially when I HIGHLIGHTING DAILY LIFEone OBSERVATIONS of 20 wine regions that does not have at bottle blueSea foil notice some apple trees. As they start to pick am driving on certainThis streets outhas onathe Celia Strong Lee Scott, a writer and recent retiree, shares observations leasther oneeveryday border that is a bodyabout of water. The topbend and sells $10.99. Jesus want to get wordtoin, apples,will one of the apple treesa comes lifetoo! and Islands. The oak trees overforthe roads life after career. A former commercial banker responsible clients region, known asfor “thehelping green her heart of Italy,” with is their Bigi long Orvieto Classico Amabile is alooks much begins from his huge round mouth. branches and the moss Like all yelling good conversations, you will want to make sure yourtotime reach their business objectives, Scott now translates analytical skills to located south those of Tuscany, between the Adri- rarer wine. It is made from 50 percent TrebThe Jesus tree, ifisyou has a It tangled like tentacles reaching out to grab me. The with notrecall, one-sided. will betrunk important to allow timeherforwritings. She recently moved to St. Helena with her husband atic andIsland the Tyrrhenian seas. and two biano Toscano (Procanico), 20 percent Gremaking it lookback even to more gruesome, and usually the rain and headlights only make it worse by him to speak you. He doesn’t speak in a loudcocker voicespaniels. She enjoys boating, traveling and reading. The history of Umbria and its wine goes chetto, 10 percent Verdello, 10 percent Mallong heaven, limbs become arms touches hurling apples at in the silence and in reflecting the shadows from but rather our hearts back to pre-Roman times when it was settled vasia Toscano, and of 10waving percentarms. Drupeggio. Dorothy andoftheHoly Scarecrow as they is after a good storm,toIthe findSecco, myself by the Etruscans. Some 3,000 years ago, and It Production is similar andstudythe reading Scripture. Weescape. will explore this in our upcoming I can relate to this scene when my own trees merized by it all. When the lightning strikes, and walking ing thethis largest live oak instraw my yellow yard. The s toward me. It the dawns on me,were I an still somewhat today, Etruscans wine also is a colortree’ with messages. come to life during some of our thunder- I notice the trees wave their arms at me, and am gladancient is merely the gaping hole left from a I’m notand a child because wouldchieftains be mouth mysterious tribe.I Their aromas and flavors of wildflowers, honey, storms here in the Lowcountry. The storms the holes — where limbs once existed — sud- petrified.and priests putcloser wine to at my the spouse center of fallenmusk, rottedand limb. Thealmonds. beady eyes, bitter Butso it’smenacing with food Still, I move in their You will get better prayer as youre-keep practicing! festivals They built that this wine The plain shrimp are so vibrant, with theat sound of thunder the night before, areshines. only knobs in the wood.you denly look like eyes and a mouth. bed as the cracksand of religious thunder ceremonies. shake the house townlights of Orvieto, in the of Terni, Seeing can enjoy the Secco, get verberating creekskeep and showing marshes. up to thesewith majestic treesbut up when close they makes Butyour my trees even scarier than those and the the room up with theprovince approachEven if it is through difficult the at first, daily look prayer which is today the capital of Umbria. dipped in cocktail sauce, they need the AmaOccasionally, at night, during with one of these can apple trees. The long limbs hang out over ing trees. Why can’t our dog hear or sense me realize how much I love the live oaks time. Just as fifteen minutes a friend pass without Orvieto is also the appellation for one the bestSushi their shinesstormy with thetransformations, Amabile. Anything very nastyit,downpours, I find watchhere,bile. despite yard andtoappear to move as the hanging the trees advancing? Doesn’t she know realizing the time you set myself aside for prayerthe will start Umbrian wine. Established in 1931, with a bit of spiciness (sauces, curries, ginger) ing the liveit oak in myJesus backyard. Spanish moss starts to sway. I can almost a gnarledknown limb is going to break the window, and I am grateful that I do not have to worry seem like goestrees quickly. lovesThere you and the vineyards for Orvieto cover the central needs the Amabile. Sharper and stronger is something almost mystical as I sit mes- hear the trees pulling up out of their roots reach in, and grab me? No, she just lies there about the apples. wants to give you his strength and and best areas in the town. The vineyard soils cheeses need the Amabile. Slightly sweet does have a base of tufa, a type of limestone. There not mean sweet. It means just a small hint of peace; it’s as easy as talking is an Orvieto Classico, from vineyards located sweetness that makes Amabile perfect when with a friend! close to the tufa rock, that are considered to no dry wine can come close. For $10.99, with be a higher quality. Orvieto wines also come a gold foil top on its bottle. in Secco (dry) and Amabile (semi-sweet) vaBut Bigi makes one more Umbrian white rieties. Est! Est!!!fermentation di Montefiascone. The tures.wine. And, theEst!! second is done Every once in a while something just hap-
Prayer as a conversation with God
k to Jesus as a friend. time set aside for prayer, you can imagine Jesus sitting d you can talk to him in a conversational way. For our prayer time is after breakfast, you might start off, ng, Lord! Here I am again. Thank you for this beautiful given me, and for this strong cup of coffee! Help me mind and heart to you this morning.”
couple scrutinizing the menu. “Take your time,” she said, “You are not the only ones who are shocked.” My husband ordered a beer, to which I replied, “How many calories are in that beer?” He responded, “120 calories. Maybe I will just have four beers and call that dinner.” I pulled out the calorie counting app on my phone and discovered a half rack of baby back ribs without sides is 681 calories, so the 1,360-2,400 made sense. The restaurant offered two sides with that rack of ribs. Let’s see – baked potatoes, 145-400 calories. A plain stripped baked potato was around 145 calories, but if you start adding butter, sour cream, bacon bits, and scallions you are easily up to 400 calories. The Southern coleslaw I wanted was 200 calories. We got out a calculator to determine what we were going to eat. I got the Lowcountry shrimp plate, which was only 525 calories and my husband opted for a Cobb salad and only ate half of it. Then the evil waitress brought over the dessert menu. The brownie lover’s brownie was 1,650 calories and the Southern pecan pie was 730. It was hard, but we were good. We looked at the calories, shook our heads, and ordered the ooey gooey caramel pie anyway. “Bring two spoons,” my husband said, as we put away the calculator.
Restaurants, bakeries, and coffee shops have begun to list calories on their menus.
VOICES & WINE
Tips for Daily Prayer
n’t have to be complicated. g a daily prayer life, one might imagine prayer as a tuffy endeavor, with a lot of words like “thou” and But it can be as simple as a conversation with a good two friends spend time together, catching up and the heart, time seems to fly by. This is how daily ant to be.
Something scary is going on right now across the country: Restaurants, bakeries, and coffee shops have begun to list calories on their menus. No longer can we just go out and enjoy a nice meal without guilt. Now, it is in your face. We had gotten used to having the calories listed on the foods we purchase in grocery stores, but you have to really look for the information on the packages. It is different in a restaurant, when the description of the menu item has the calories posted right there. While traveling recently, we went into a restaurant that specialized in good old fashion barbecue ribs. It was a highly recommended place, and we were looking forward to a delicious dinner. The menu had pictures of ribs, hamburgers, steaks, salads, and desserts, all of which looked great. I wanted to have the baby back ribs, and the description was wonderful — hand-rubbed ribs with herbs and spices, slow roasted. (Cal 1,360-2,400) “What? There are calories listed on this menu! What is going on?” We called the waitress over to our table and asked, “Is this correct? Are you sure there weren’t any typos in this menu. How could a house-made chicken pot pie have 1,420 calories?” She nodded, slowly, knowing that she was going to have to deal with another
Now what?
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HIGHLIGHTING DAILY LIFE OBSERVATIONS
Lee Scott, a writer and recent retiree, shares her everyday observations about life after career. A former commercial banker responsible for helping her clients to reach their business objectives, Scott now translates those analytical skills to her writings. She recently moved to St. Helena Island with her husband and two cocker spaniels. She enjoys boating, traveling and reading.
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sacrilegious. After all, I am a known calorie counter. My mother taught her five daughters how to track what we ate. She was big on fruits and vegetables when we were young. She would not have approved seeing her grown daughter stuffing her face with a vanilla milkshake and cheese puffs. As I was sitting there, a mother came in with her young son who looked to be around five years old. Obvious regulars, he sat up at the counter and was soon served a hot fudge sundae in one of those glass boats. It had three scoops of vanilla ice cream, some fudge sauce, nuts, whipped cream and a cherry on top. I am not sure who was having more fun eating, me or him. We both devoured our treats like we could not get them in fast enough. I finished up and noticed my orange stained fingers and the little boy’s mouth covered with chocolate syrup. We were five-years-old together for a few moments. I licked my fingers, grabbed some napkins and watched him turn back to his half-finished sundae. As I walked over to my adult function, grinning from ear to ear. I was glad to have felt like five again. Sometimes you just have to let go and enjoy yourself.
Now what?
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Executive Chef
OD • • K•
There was a fundraiser in Beaufort recently for the Friends of Carolina Hospice. It was the 15th Annual Fashion for Compassion event and a group of friends were all going together. At the last minute, I decided to drive myself since I wanted to stop at a couple of stores on Bay Street to pick up cards and gifts. As I was walking along the Old Bay Marketplace I passed the Southern Sweets Ice Cream Parlor. Remembering they have sandwiches and I had not had supper yet, I walked in and caught a glimpse of all the ice cream flavors. The shop looks like something out of the old Ozzie and Harriet television show. One can imagine Ozzie ordering his Tutti-Frutti ice cream. As I looked at the menu of hot dogs and Reuben sandwiches, I was overcome by a sudden and real desire for a vanilla milkshake. How long had it been since I had a real vanilla milkshake? As a child I swore I would have one for dessert every night when I grew up. But adulthood took over and I learned moderation. However, that evening, I dismissed moderation and ordered up a milkshake. I listened to the sound of the milk shake mixer and noticed Cheese puffs below the cash register. Why Not! For people who know me, this is almost
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Vanilla milkshake and cheese puffs
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FIRST PLACE Lee Scott The Island News
BY RICK BRUNDRETT
HUMOR COLUMN WRITING
S.C. Supreme Court Chief Justice Donald Beatty is a former state House member. So is James Lockemy, chief judge of the S.C. Court of Appeals, the state’s secondhighest court. The road from the State House to the court house historically has been an easy one, as The Nerve has previously reported. Last week, the Legislature, which has 52 lawyer-lawmakers, or 30 percent of the 170-member body, continued their tradition of nepotism in the latest round of judicial elections. South Carolina and Virginia are the only states where their legislatures play primary roles in electing judges. And lawyer-legislators exert considerable control or influ4A • WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2018 • The News & Reporter ence over the process in the Palmetto State. Lisa Collins, the 6th Judicial Circuit’s chief deputy solicitor in Lancaster and an attorney for 31 years, says she experienced that legislative pressure first-hand. A The real root of our problems Rock Hill resident, Collins lost her bid in a rare contested To the Editor: race last week for a circuit court seat in the 16th Judicial I am very, very sorry for Circuit which covers York and Union counties. and pray for the families of Several hours after losing her election to challenger the victims of the Florida William McKinnon by a lopsided 134-21 vote, Collins told hen I read stories shooting and am very, very The Nerve that the “pressure was very intense to withabout people doing Our View sorry that it happened. It really dumb, really dangerdraw” before the election. She said “several” legislators is a true tragedy. Unforous, really outrageouswere or “pressuring me” to drop out, though she declined to really curious things, I tunately, I suspect that name them. always assume that at there will be more of these some point the phrase Collins said before the election, she had about 60 lawevents. “alcohol was involved” will makers who had committed votes to her, adding there is appear. The snowflakes, the I take you now to an “intense dislike” in the Legislature for recorded votes left, the mainstream media Spring Hill, Florida and in judicial elections. and the like are screaming introduce you to 38-yearAsked why, she replied, “I’ve been told by some of old Douglas Jon Francisco. more gun control. What them that for the attorney-legislators, it’s a very uncomLike many people, Douglas BY RICK BRUNDRETT good will that do? We supapparently gets insatiable fortable position for them to have to vote publicly for a After S.C. income taxpayers can no longer claim tax for Mexican food on posedly have drug control, urges judge that they might appear in front of.” credits to offset a 75-percent gas tax hike, the occasion state and one of those and look at society now. I transportation agency expects to have $114 million urges apparently hit himVotes were recorded in Collins’ race. Among the lawam 81 and we did not have available annually for a new interstate-wideningasprohe was driving one day yer-lawmakers, there were three votes for her and 43 for YOur Views gram – and to help fix crumbling bridges. last week. So, he pulled school shootings when I But newly released records reviewed by The Nerve into a Taco Bell, wentMcKinnon. to was in school. I and many the community and all and the clean-up crew – show that over the next five years, the S.C. Department the driveUnder state law, the Legislature can vote on no more other students often went the people in surround-will no matter whatayou of Transportation have to transfer totaldid, estimated through than three candidates for a judicial seat. Typically, candiing areas whomillion participatpeople in who $300.1 to coverincluding projectedthe shortfalls a special and hunting before or after dates who believe they don’t have enough votes drop out ed in the benefit madeto purchases, account that given will be used fund the gas may tax credits ordered a school, and we took our God richly bless you. burrito. for me.until they expire. before their election, leaving a sole candidate who is make happen deficit Words In alone aretax not the last year What for theyou credit, the expected guns to school – no harm That all elected on a voice vote in a joint session of the General is more than four times largerGod than projected sufficient to say thank for others, willthe make sounds fine done and no one was balance, a revised fiscal impact you for account all the hard work.according happentofor you. Assembly. As customary, challengers withdrew in the and not at alarmed. During a show on the gas-tax-hike law that went into effect To thestatement people who preall indicaFeb. 7 election of two new circuit court judges – Jennifer state Revenue and Fiscal Affairs (RFA) pared last the year. food,Themade Annie McFadden and tell (5th or 6th grade), tive or Editor McCoy, a Charleston County magistrate and wife of Rep. Office Tuesday Nerve its updated deliveries andonserved theprovided The Pastor ofwith Trinity “alcohol I and several other stupeople,projections. to the musicians Christian Fellowship was Peter McCoy, R-Charleston and an attorney; and Walt Fifteen months into the gas-tax-hike law, the special Travis involved” McLeod IV, the son of former Democratic House member account had a balance of less than $21 million –but well Jenkins there and lawyer Walt McLeod of Newberry County. short of the $114 million that DOT expects to was haveone available annually. minor hitch…he wasn’t atThere are no laws banning lawmaker’s relatives for The problem, RFA documents show, is that expected a Taco Bell. He wasn’trunning at a for judgeships filled by the Legislature. In 2015, tax credits claimed by S.C. income taxpayers overDel theTaco, either or a resnext five years will far exceed estimated collectionstaurant of a of any for and example, theproceeded Legislature elected attorney Bill he cooler is usually by I once worked for a kind.temps He $250-per-vehicle registration fee for out-of-state had, vehi-in fact,falling parties up to county department that Rep. pulledleaves upFunderburk, toremind a theleading husband of Democratic state uthor’s note: Anybody cles. that autumn, Christmas, get-togethers, celebrated at the drop of a Bank ofme America location.my Laurie Funderburk of Kershaw County, also a lawyer, to The RFA estimates the individual tax credit forHe this favorite time year is friends coming over, just hat and celebrating usualpassed out in theofdriveremember Charlotte tax year will average $10 per vehicle for up tothrough two finally an toAdministrative Law rejecting 16-year TV host Sonic Man? here.only Time drag like those old AndreCourt Cold seat, ly meant “everybodyabring lane and allowed vehicles. That amount, however, likely won’t those sweaters and Duck commercials in a covered dish from came toout when employees incumbent. cover wear-and-tear expenses for motorists driving In atobit of as Internet his is going come coats, (remember those? The home”. lefton thewarmer bank, came tocrank his up Lawyer-legislators canplays run for court seats the state’s numerous pothole-riddled roads. DOTcar has a shock to you, but I heaters in theon car and “Carol of the Bells” “Hey, we’ve had controlled two andthe repeatedly beat snooping, I came across an said 80 percent of the state’s 42,000 miles of roads saw an odd news story get ready to they doby some extra in the background, glasses in aafter row! Let’s the General Assembly just Thursdays one year leaving his window. When article about a needs to be resurfaced or rebuilt. miles on the treadmill. celebrate! Everyone bring this morning and it sent repository finally managed to rouse office, underclinking statetogether law. on the DOT chief Christy Hall did not respond to written in other memoof careening tapes and Starting in fall and bell notes, while the in some cheese dip tomor- my mind him, he rolled his window questions this week from The Nerve about possible McCoy McLeod were screened and nominated by rabilia directions. First preserved at before Halloween is what and announcer row! Someone make ham strange down and placed his burribeing shortfalls in the state “Safety Maintenance Account,” time for everything, I I call thethey Fat Season. urges us and cream rol- Merit to order. Sadly, were a 10-member committee called the cheese Judicial which is designated to fund gas tax credits. Asked unable what Seems guess. UNC Charlotte. I rememevent you all to drink lups!” to meetevery his request Selection Commission. By law, six of the members mustEarly revenue sources DOT would use to cover any deficits in attend, they have this morning, orangeto excess “Hey, it’s the start of ber watchingI Sonic Man and told him he was not at the account, a spokesman for the RFA referred The iced cupcakes be saw a report that a suspisixseason! are attorneys: as iflawmakers, to say duringand the currently, alltax Don’t forget Sen. Taco Bell, so he left. Well, when I lived in Nerve to DOT. “Halloween is Luke almost holidays the chips and BBQ meat- cious package had been he didn’t leave so much as Rankin, R-Horry and the current commission State lawmakers promised that revenues generated here, soon you’ll be eating Wilmington found in Charlotte, one and we got and fill up balls!” he drove to the front parkchairman; Rep. Murrell Smith, R-Sumter by the gas-tax-hike law, which raised the gas tax by 12 candy and pretzels that caused a building to on chamAnd it was and worse the at comWCCB. Thinking about ing lot where he remained and cents over six years from the base 16 cents, and pumpkin pie and…” be evacuated. Obviously, pagne and the holidays.Sabb, We celebratmission vice-chairman; Sens. Ronnie D-Williwith his car still running Sonicgoing Man increased various other taxes and fees, would be used given what’s on made me think Stop! cold duck? ed Halloween, the week when police arrived. In a amsburg, and Tom Mountains Young, R-Aiken; and Reps. Chris to fix South Carolina’s deteriorating roads and bridges. right now in our country, about my own brush with And then there’s the Everyone after Halloween, surprising turn, he failed andand Todd Rutherford, Yet only five bridge projects are identified on the dreaded Halloween Murphy, R-Dorchester, D-Richland. nothingaabout is in looks so Thanksgiving, Christmas, his field sobriety test and night localthat television station DOT’s latest “IMTF (Infrastructure Maintenance Trust anyway funny. What itself,under whenarrest. if you Lawmakers don’t happyelected and Molehills Boxing Day (ask your Murphy’s wife, Maite Murphy, to was placed Fund) Project List,” which totaled $586.2 million as of get any (or many) trick or It was turnedhost. up inside that Bozo. In fact, they’re Canadian and British The story I read doesanot circuit court seat 2013. Sept. 30. DOT has identified 465 out of 750 “structurGarner though, was anme geometry. treaters, well, you just really glad inBrian friends), Three Kings Day package, Bozo taught what his blood ally deficient” bridges statewide to be replaced. mentionhave old cassette tape of an The other four 10-member committee eatbut theifcandy to see themembers of the(ask your Latino friends) alcohol level to was, A portion of this colThe Nerve in June revealed that the DOT plans to yourself, album by the band seems a shame guy who comes in with his and probably the Day the also you mistake a bank for a are attorneys, including former state senator Wes add $15 million annually to a separate 10-year, $1.51 umn has appeared previJourney. If somebody did to waste it, that chocolate arms full of bottles! Cold Cleaned Up the Manger and pass out at Hayes, billion bridge-replacement program – but not Taco untilBell that intenis going to go bad if you R-York. duck is a blended wine, by After Jesus Was Born. ously. the drive-through window, 2024 after the gas tax credit expires, freeing those tionally as don’tmay do something with of the the way, notlawmakers a room-tem- who One Christmas weappointTwo three control the your blood actually be funds for bridges. it, you didn’t it just to the perature waterfowl as you commission decided nothingare wouldlawyers: do some kind pure, PBR.buy ments judicial screening The DOT Commission last Thursday approved a undiluted of “prank,”I generally don’t have a for it this to sitstory in the cupmight think it was.) but to have a Low Anyway, was new interstate-widening program in rural areas, House Speaker Jay ILucas, R-Darlington, who appoints I hope problem they board until New Any-way, digress. But Country boil, and when with clowns, interesting but it left meYear’s… dubbed the “Rural Interstate Freight Network Mobility are quickly And from then on it’s a Christmas is all about we were done, the worktaall five of the commission’s House members; and Rankin, wanting more in terms of Improvement Program,” which ranked five projects col- slow for the creepy ones. locatedexcept and and greasy slide to that get-together-and-eatble was littered with the I imagine there who appoints three senators as the Senate Judiciary lectively costing an estimated $4.2 billion over 10 details. to 15 Thanksgiving punished (the traditill-you-plotz feeling. bodies of crawfish and I thought the late Emmett PHOTO PROVIDED had to be more to the conyears. accordingCommittee chairman. Senate president tempore tional overeater’s holiday, And after Christmas shrimp we hadpro consumed. between the tellThis is anThe image the certificate the Bronx Zoo sections will versation Kelley was a genius, I topof three projects involve widening of where ly. Even we tell ourselves:Leatherman, (or any of theR-Florence other One for sure; most andthing thewasSenate’s erthe and the drunk guyHugh than send you you name a roach in your sweetie’s Editor I-26ifbetween Columbia and Charleston, and I-95 in always enjoyed Red “It’s okay to stuff yourself December celebrations you never went hungry in something just “gimme a burrito.” I honor. Not shown is thecorner. look on said sweetie’s faceinvolve lawmaker, appoints thethat other two Senate state’s southwest The other two projects that benign on stuffing andpowerful turkey that take place around the department. And memSkelton’s clown as a kid mean, you ever tried when you tell them. widening portions of I-85 and I-77 in northern parts of have Travis caused and gravy andbers. cranberry same time) you get into there weren’t that many to talk to someone who and IJenkins interacted without the state. panic and sauce and pie, it’s For what Collins, New who Year’s fell Eve, 57 where times you had to bring votes short of the minimum 78 hisses. This is the bug to have over the million hero and they by was drunk? There DOT expects $114 annually 2024that forced law the Pilgrims did!” you just have to have one your lunch from home, that youafter see in of those can’t afford a tarantula. some back-andthealltax credit program expires, of which $80had mil-to be votes needed tocanapé win her judicial because election lastwasn’t week, enforcement to have to Actually, the Pilgrims more and aren’t if there a said horror flicks when they also the of choice forth and misunderstandlion would be used It’s toward thebug interstate-widening were probably on more of those crackers with cheese holiday coming up, some- expend resources. For need some sort of while horrific$15 million is earmarked for bridges, ings. I think I might she know wanted a recorded vote even though she knew she program,
Viewpoint Viewpoint ob?
2018 • The News & Reporter
The bank has no burritos
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Running on empty?
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ation: “Based on Commission and (insert name) is e (him or her), is rsons appearing ect on employee persons appearew Committee’s cal behavior by
Pastor McFadden mbers were done thanks community he $9 billion V.C. To the Editor: Thank you to Pastor w, PURC is supch PSC member Ronnie Green, Debbie Holly, Richard Bianco, received annual the Community Church nuary. The last and its friends and memDec. 5, 2016, for bers, the New Beginning 016, though it is Singers, every pastor site as the “2017 and church member, friends and neighbors in PURC, told The 2017 evaluations tions to Oconee xander and Bill hairman, respectheir respective stry committees, The Nerve. o each represent n our venerable profesal districts, are sion, the morning slog ; Vice-chairman through all of the interest“Butch” Howard, ing mail has been replaced Elizabeth “Lib” by the morning slog man, District 6; through all of the interesting email and Twitter 2; other commis- feeds, and unlike my edithe state salary tor, I never get popcorn in the email members’ work or in the least fiscal year feeds. c & Gas customOne y the PSC for the particuclear reactors at lar, dare I nty. say it, f more than $1.7 “juicy” they will receive item on ect costs remains Mountains Twitter rgy has proposed and caught e-based SCANA Molehills my attenwhich partnered tion and n the project. combined ommittee whose Brian Garner with use speaker and thoughts of What do I get exerts tremen- Jenny for Valentines Day? and nominating has sparked an idea. eral Assembly. For a fee, you can get he terms for the the Bronx Zoo to name une 30. one of their hissing ceived last sum- Madagascar cockroaches suspended in the after your sweetheart. son on Thursday What’s a Madagascar elections in the hissing cockroach and how referring further is it different from the garden variety ones you see w allows incum- outside here in South f elections aren’t Carolina? Well, they hiss, as a “holdover” for one thing. That fact a common situa- alone should be enough and members of for you. But if you need more, this is a cockroach or the complete that is black and brown in year and allows color, about the size of a ng candidates as computer mouse. And it nor but before its
DRETT, Page 5-A
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outh Carolina Inc.
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2-3 TIMES WEEKLY DIVISION
YOur Views
THIRD PLACE
n members who ed V.C. Summer y in their six-figlative committee
Brian Garner The News & Reporter
Bugging your sweetheart (Or, What Not to Get Me, Valentines Edition)
I
T
The Fat Season
A Journey Bozo Through A ‘80s the
dents took guns to school for our discussion, and no harm was done and no one was alarmed. What has changed? Here are a few points to consider: Dr. Spock came on the scene and advocated parents to not punish or spank children. It hurt their self esteem and instituted the demise of discipline and the creation of time out rooms. – God and prayer were removed from schools. – American history was diluted or ignored in schools. – The Pledge of Allegiance has been removed from schools. – Discipline was removed from schools. – Participation and meritocracy were rewarded. – Competition was discouraged and hurt feeling-
swere consoled. – Breakdown of the criminal/justice system. – The newly generated snowflakes reproduced more snowflakes. – Snowflakes began teaching and creating more snowflakes. This did not happen by accident. It is a planned, self-destruct operation of the US. Prepare for more of the same. Joel Shockley Chester, SC Retired teacher shares view on referendum To the Editor: I worked as a professional educator for 43 years. Thirty-five of those years were with the Chester County School District. I started the Teacher Cadet program at See LETTERS, Page 5
was my math teacher
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fear to the late, great Tim Houston of Chester when he was in clown get-up. I’ve even worn clown white makeup myself before. I don’t have any fear of any (normal nonMountains scary) and clown from Molehills Koko to Bozo. In Brian Garner fact, Bozo was my math teacher. I can hear the comment from the Peanut Gallery now. “That explains why you’re so bad at algebra, Garner!” But really, Bozo was my math teacher. And thereby hangs a tale. When I was a fifth grade student in Puerto Rico, my math teacher (who tried valiantly to
teach me long division) was a man named Mr. Bingert. He was a (for the time) cool guy with, as I recall, glasses and a goatee and a friendly manner that wasn’t above joking with his students. We had yet to enter the “teachers aren’t cool” phase in school so the students thought he was okay. He took a lot of extra time and patience with me trying to drill the math concepts into my head and that made him okay in my book. I spent a lot of time with him, so he got to know I had an interest in theater. One day I was sitting in a classroom and Mr. Bingert came around the corner and asked if my brother and I would like to be on the Bozo Show. Our local English-language TV station in San Juan had a See GARNER, Page 5
The ABCs of FOIA…legal relief
some reason, though, the a starvation diet than and summer sausage one was having a birthcreatureaccording to be crawling See GARNER, Pageweek’s 5-A how have played to documents presented at last DOTit might that, but who am I to good? Following New day. Birthday cake? Sure, idea of a Journey cassette outbe actually… Commission meeting. Another $15 million would tape See 5 made me think of the mess around with years of Year’s is Superbowl but thatEDITORIAL, was after the Page “Hi. Norman How canRockwell-like I help you used to “incentivize others to invest” in certain road ‘80s. I mean, name someSunday, when we do three birthday hamburgers, today?”tradition? projects “through a matching program,” and $4 million thing more quintessenthings: watch football, birthday pickles and “Um, I Following need to seethat a it’s only drink and eat more food is designated for “routine maintenance,” documents Thea Journey South Carolina birthday ham and cream tially ‘80s than menu.”a hop, skip and a frozen show. cassette tape? That led than you could fit in a staFreedom ofto Information “Hmm. Well, this is the which dium. licly. Nothing contained in claim or other matters Under the proposal, following a publiccovcomment See GARNER, Page 5-A me creating a bunch of jump to Christmas, person-to-person drivethis item shall Hall prevent thebe “directed ered by the attorney-client Act allowspuns a public body to period, would to begin the preliminary dumb Journey/’80s through. If you pull around public body, privilege, settlement work”in on its thediscreprojects “once significant fundingof becomes in my own head, then it request a hearing in a cirChester County’s tion, from deleting legal claims, or the position to the other side of the available as thethe tax credits sunset.” a challenge to see Ourhometown iews newspaper since 1869 becamecuit court for relief from names of the other employ- of the public agency in building, there is an ATM (C) 2018 by Landmark Community Newspapers of South Carolina Inc. how many I could come a detailed menu.” ees or clients whose records other adversary situations See BRUNDRETT, Pagethat 5-Ahas FOIA requests under cerVote for are clear, up with. That morphed Travis Jenkinsple . . .from . . . . .unfair . . . . . . insurance . . . . . . . . . . . .his . . . .positions .General Manager/Editor “ATM? Does that stand are submitted for use at involving the assertion Parnell pretend practices, and he will fight easy to read and under- into a full-blown tain, very limited circummeat?’” the hearing.” against the agency of a for ‘awesome Nancy Parsonsto . preserve . . . . . . . . .and . . . .strength . . . . . . . . . . .stand . . . . . . and . . . . . are Greatcommon Falls Editor’80s themed news conferTo thetaco Editor: stances. “I beg your Basically, individual claim.” Thispardon?” letter is to encour- en Social Security and sense. ence that’s among the Brian Garner .Medicare . . . . . . . . . and . . . . .resist . . . . . .any . . . . . . . . The . . . Reporter/Photographer “Nothing, never mind. I next employment matters may This passage exempts age readers to vote I’ve everbody may file “A public Archie Parnell I dumbest things if I can findtoKaren the be discussed behind closed contract negotiations and don’t know Tuesday and vote V .for which is really effort . .to cares conceived, Graham . . . privatize . . . . . . . . .them . . . . . or . . . . .know . . . . . . .is . . .honest, . . Office Manager Chester County’s hometown newspaper since 1869 a request for hearing with of the building. doors, but it is(C)important to Community receiptNewspapers of legalof advice. AsInc.other side Archie Parnell. 2018 by Landmark South Carolina reduce benefits. about people and is intel- saying something. It went Ashley Johnson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Advertising Consultant the circuit tell me what note that the employee always, though, a vote on a Can you just I know Archie Parnell On the environment, ligent, well-informed and something like this. court to seek . . . . .that . . . . . . . . .contract . . . . . . . . . . .or . . .action . . .General menu?” involved Travis mayJenkins request onManager/Editor legal is on the and his wife, Sarah. From “OKrelief guys, we’re Archie will work with disarticulate. He is someone fromready unduly burdenPhyllis W . Lucas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C omposition Manager would beand inter- trict residents to exercise who would work in a to start. My name is Mr. the discussion take place take Nancy Parsons . . . . . . .in . . . . . .advice . . . . . . . . received . . . . . . . . . . . .must . . . Great Falls Editor “Well, mythere discussions some, overly broad, vague, to check open session. Any vote on place in open session. an option actions withyour him and my Marissa D . Campbell-White . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .bipartisan . . . . . . . . . . .way . . . Writer/Typist responsible stewardship for the Mister, I’m the backup Brian Garner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reporter/Photographer
The ABCs of FOIA: Open/closed meetings
Some portions of the state’s Freedom of Information Act should almost go without saying, but it is made plain that government business is the public’s business. “Every meeting of all public bodies shall be open to the public unless closed pursuant to Section 30-470 of this chapter.” Meeting may only be closed for “discussion of employment, appointment, compensation, promotion,
thing to watch. The Olympics were officially over, which had filled my viewing time for the previous two weeks. It was 11 p.m., and there was NOTHING on that interested me in the least (which is basically the case anytime of day, any day of the week, but I digress). I flipped through my channel guide for several minutes before finally seeing something that piqued my interest. “Johnsonville Cornhole Championships, from Orlando Florida.” I could not get there fast enough. For those unfamiliar, cornhole is a game where people throw small beanbags at a rampshaped wooden thing that has a hole near the top of the ramp. Basically, the object is to fling your beanbags into that hole from a dis- Editor tance of 27 feet with a Travis Jenkins greater level of proficiency than your opponent. So it’s sort of like horseshoes…except that you are tossing beanbags instead of curved pieces of metal and an ornately designed board is the target instead of a stake driven into the ground. So, other than throwing a thing at another thing, they really aren’t alike at all and I made a terrible analogy there. As for the sponsor, Johnsonville is a company that makes tasty meat products. So, my channel guide could have said “Floridian bean flingers, brought to you by sausage” and it would have conveyed the same message as what the channel guide described. I felt to truly enjoy this experience, I needed someone to converse with and hoped that one of my friends was awake and willing to watch the magnificent spectacle with me. “Anybody awake and watching cornhole on ESPN2?” I texted to several people. As luck would have it, my friend Jed was awake, as bored as I was and willing to engage in a running dialogue on what we were watching. I have played cornhole a few times and I guess I’m not completely terrible at it to have done it so little. I’ve seen people who are what I would have considered good…at least until I started watching the Bean-slinging Sausage Kings Extravaganza. Jed agreed. “These guys are embarrassingly good at flinging beanbags,” he texted. “Eerie efficiency, yes sir,” I answered. I only saw one guy miss the board entirely and they just nailed shot, after shot, after shot. The few misses they threw usually stopped just inches short of the hole. When that
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sure…a person or entity with specific interest in the underlying records or information shall have the right to request a hearing with the court or to intervene in an action previously filed.” Under the law, the court can award actual or compensatory damages and/or attorney’s fees to the prevailing party if a FOIA matter makes it to
records are not subject to disclosure, the determination constitutes a finding of good faith on the part of the public body or public official, and acts as a complete bar against the award of attorney’s fees or other costs to the prevailing party should the court’s determination be reversed on appeal. If the person or entity prevails in part, he
SECOND PLACE Travis Jenkins The News & Reporter
HUMOR COLUMN WRITING 2-3 TIMES WEEKLY DIVISION
FIRST PLACE Tommy Martin The Cherokee Chronicle
SPORTS REPORTING ASSOCIATE & INDIVIDUAL DIVISION
THIRD PLACE Annemarie Mannion Tidelands Health
SECOND PLACE Bill Sorrell The Baptist Courier FOR NFL’S RYAN SUCCOP, SALVATION IS A ‘BEAUTIFUL THING’ BY BILL SORRELL RYAN SUCCOP STILL GETS A LAUGH OUT OF
being tagged “Mr. Irrelevant” in 2009. That’s the nickname traditionally attached to the player chosen last in the NFL Draft. “I think God has a sense of humor in making you wait [during the draft], and here we are 10 years later. I’ve been very blessed,” said Succop, the placekicker for the Tennessee Titans.
Succop kicks a field goal in a game with the Green Bay Packers. (Courtesy Tennessee Titans)
Even though the former University of South Carolina player was selected No. 256 in the last round by Kansas City, he never considered it a negative. “I always looked at it from the beginning as an opportunity,” he said. “I always thought, man this is amazing — I am getting drafted to play football and to do what I love. I feel like God has given me this ability to play this game. I want to try to maximize that.” Succop, 32, has made the most of his opportunity. He has two NFL records, two Kansas City records and two Titans records. He was signed by Tennessee in 2014. While he said that he feels blessed by the records, he doesn’t think about them too often. “It’s more about helping your team win,” he said. Playing at South Carolina was an “unbelievable thrill,” he said. “We have some of the most passionate fans in the country, and being able to play against Florida, Georgia, Tennessee and Clemson every year was awesome. Having that opportunity is something I am really thankful for.” At South Carolina, he performed placekicking, punting 6•
October 2O18 | THE COURIER
and kickoff duties for the Gamecocks. His 251 career points ranks 10th on South Carolina’s all-time list. During his first couple of years at South Carolina, Succop began to realize how much he needed a personal relationship with Christ. “That is when I really grew in my faith,” he said. Growing up at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Hickory, N.C., he had always believed in God and his family always went to church. At South Carolina, he was invited to Bible studies by teammates. “This was different, because it was my peers encouraging me,” he said. As he began studying the Bible, he realized his need for Jesus. “I couldn’t do it on my own,” he said. Away from home and on his own, Succop faced the pressure of kicking in front of 80,000 fans. He attended Shandon Baptist Church in Columbia and began to claim his favorite Bible verses: Philippians 4:6-8. “That is talking about not being anxious, not worrying,” Succop said. “For me, that really resonated. The more I spent time in God’s Word and the more I prayed, the more at peace I became in those [pressure] situations. I am really thankful for that.” Faith has given Succop a feeling of freedom along with an appreciation of grace.
“When I am in the Word consistently and when my prayer life is good, that is when I am the strongest in my faith.” —Ryan Succop “Being able to know that you have that salvation is a beautiful thing,” he said. “Jesus means salvation. We are saved through faith. It means forgiveness of sin. It is a beautiful picture of grace. It means everything.” Succop and his wife, Paige, have experienced the blessings of being a parent. Their son was born in 2015 and their daughter in 2018. Having children has grown his faith. “Whether we met the baby through ultrasound or when the child was born, that amazing moment — knowing there has to be a
SPORTS REPORTING ASSOCIATE & INDIVIDUAL DIVISION
FIRST PLACE Tim Hyland Tidelands Health
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WEEKLY OVER 4,500 & UNDER 4,500 DIVISIONS COMBINED
SECOND PLACE
THIRD PLACE Ian Guerin Myrtle Beach Herald
Go to moultrienews. com/sports for complete sports coverage and photos.
Frankie Mansfield Moultrie News
WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 2018 | PAGE B5
Pursuing perfection Wando caps undefeated two-year run with second straight state title BY FRANKIE MANSFIELD fmansfield@moultrienews.com PROVIDED/PATRICK VAGLIENTI
The Academic Magnet girls hoist their mascot, El Pollo Loco, after winning the AA state championship Friday in Irmo.
Academic Magnet sweeps AA state championships It’s the fifth state title in the BY FRANKIE MANSFIELD fmansfield@moultrienews.com past seven years for the Raptor boys and the sixth in the past Academic Magnet’s boys and eight years on the girls side — girls soccer teams both waded put together, easily the most through unfamiliar situations dominant championship run as a May sun bore down on by any one school in the state W.C. Hawkins Stadium Friday right now. in Irmo. “We’ve accomplished a lot,” The Raptors boys team, one Magnet boys senior midfielder that’d scored 109 goals this sea- Nick Price said. “We’ve taken a son, had yet to find the back of nerd school and turned it into the net through four overtime a great athletic school that evperiods of its state title match erybody recognizes.” with St. Joseph’s. The Raptors girls scored 24 The Raptors girls team, who’d goals through the first three lost just four games all season, rounds of the playoffs. Southfound itself trailing, also score- side Christian, though, entered
t long last, the final whistle had blown. His players were storming the field in celebration. Shilo Tisdale could finally exhale and enjoy himself. The state’s longest winning streak creates a different type of pressure, even more so when coupled with the country’s top ranking and the defense of a national title. Each accomplishment this season — the state record, the national rankings, the tournament championships — they all fed insatiable expectations. Anything other than a second championship would be an unacceptable close to such an unprecedented run. So the Warriors did that too. Wando won its second straight state title and 54th consecutive game with a 2-1 decision over Nation Ford in the AAAAA championship match Saturday in Irmo. It’s
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Please see WANDO, Page B10
PROVIDED/SCHSL
National No. 1 Wando soccer won its second straight state championship Saturday in Irmo.
SPOT SPORTS STORY
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Wednesday, november 22, 2017 | PaGe b3
“A lot can happen in 12 months”
Second straight state championship First Baptist rallies for win we were down at halftime. No BY FRANKIE MANSFIELD fmansfield@moultrienews.com one panicked. We all stuck together, believed in each other COLUMBIA — It was just 12 and you saw the rest.” No one player has been more months ago that First Baptist celebrated its first postseason responsible for First Baptist’s surge of success than runwin in school history. Head coach Johnny Waters ning back Michel Dukes. The gathered his team in a shadowy 200-pound Power 5 recruit was end zone of an outdated recre- just a 150-pound eighth-grader ation field and promised it was when First Baptist stumbled just the beginning. He assured through an 0-10 season folhis upstart Hurricanes that even lowing a jump from eight-man competition in Waters’ first year better days were still ahead. Sat u rday, Waters stood at the helm. Dukes kept his faith in Waters drenched in Gatorade at midfield of Charlie W. Johnson Sta- over the next three years and dium. His team, clad in purple Saturday embraced his coach with gold medals swinging from with a prolonged squeeze as the their necks, swarmed around. final seconds ticked down. Waters hoisted a glistening “It seems like it’s all happened state championship trophy up so quick but it’s been a long protoward the stadium lights with cess,” Dukes said. “We stuck one hand and then raised two with Coach Waters’ plan. He’s fingers in the air with the other. had the vision. He always has a “A lot can happen in 12 plan.” months, I guess,” Waters said. It was Dukes that Waters “It’s been a heck of a ride. The sought out in the locker room first is always special but, I don’t at halftime as First Baptist know, this one might be even faced a 20-0 deficit — its largest of the season. First Baptist sweeter.” First Baptist captured its sec- had only held possession for ond straight state championship 5:28 of the first half as Trinitywith a 35-20 win over Trinity- Byrnes controlled the clock with Byrnes in the SCISA AA title its double-wing, ground-based attack. Frustration led to the game Saturday in Columbia. The Hurricanes rallied from Hurricanes losing more yards a 20-point halftime deficit to to penalties than they gained close the season with their 11th on offense. Trinity-Byrnes was slamming First Baptist upfront, straight victory. “This is a special group,” Wa- leaving Dukes minimal room to ters said. “I know everyone says manage less than 40 yards by that but this really is. You know, halftime.
YOUR FAMILY DESERVES A HOME! LET ME HELP YOU BUY ONE FOR THEM!
a look back at Escambia (Ala.), 38-10 L at Burke, 55-12 W vs. Pinewood Prep, 40-0 W vs. Academic Magnet, 45-0 W at Hilton Head Prep, 70-0 W at Porter-Gaud, 38-14 W vs. Bethesda (Ga.), 72-0 W at St. Andrew’s, 38-7 W vs. Northwood, 66-0 W
sCIsa aa playoffs vs. Spartanburg Christian, 52-0 W vs. Lee Academy, 77-20 W vs. Trinity-Byrnes, 35-20 W
FRANKIE MANSFIELD/STAFF
First Baptist players shower head coach Johnny Waters with Gatorade following their victory over Trinity-Byrnes in the SCISA AA state championship Saturday in Columbia. “Coach pulled me aside and told me it was my time,” Dukes said. “It was powerful. I took it to heart and it was on from there.” Dukes struck less than three minutes out of halftime, taking a pitch 55 yards to the end zone for the Hurricanes’ first score. The highlight run ignited First Baptist’s sideline with new energy. The Hurricanes’ defense had been pushed backward most of the first half as Trinity-Byrnes smashed 250-pound fullback Shamar Byrd up the middle time and again. First Baptist showed a different edge in the second half, though, holding Trinity-Byrnes out of its red
zone through the final two quarters. The Hurricanes defense finished with three forced turnovers, all three fumble recoveries by Jackson Watson. “We were so angry,” First Baptist senior linebacker Timmy Campbell said. “We knew we were better than that. We stayed focused, though, one play at a time. We never gave up we just did what we had to do.” First Baptist faced fourthand-3 at midfield early in the fourth quarter when quarterback Tremez Brown hit Tylan Major on a crossing route for a 47-yard touchdown that pulled the Hurricanes within one score. Brown, a first-year start-
ALLEN FAMILY DENTISTRY, LLC Drs. Cory & Chelsea Allen Mark 12:30
ing quarterback, transferred to First Baptist this offseason because he, like Dukes, believed in Waters. He pointed over to Waters and the Hurricanes sideline following his strike to Major with a newfound swagger that was absent in the first half. “I wanted everyone to know we had this,” Brown said. “This is why I came here to First Baptist, to play for Coach and win state championships. That pass to Tylan, after that, I knew we had it.” Dukes pulled First Baptist ahead with a 15-yard touchdown run with 7:22 left in the fourth quarter. He tacked on scores of 5 and 10 yards over
the next five minutes, seemingly growing stronger as the Hurricanes fed him nearly every play. Dukes finished with 185 total yards, averaging 10.1 per carry. “(Dukes) is hard to stop when you’re fresh, let alone late in the game when you’re tired like that,” Trinity-Byrnes coach Jared Amell said. “We played them as hard we could, better than anyone else this season. They just wore us down.” First Baptist will jump leagues again next season, rising into the SCISA AAA ranks just five years removed from its eightman days. Dukes will be back, as will Brown and a slew of starters. So how do the Hurricanes plan to follow back-to-back state titles? “We got a good thing going,” Dukes said with a smile. “We’re going to enjoy this one then, I don’t know, might as well get another one.”
FIRST PLACE Frankie Mansfield Moultrie News
SPOT SPORTS STORY 2-3 TIMES WEEKLY DIVISION
THIRD PLACE 6A
Sports
Unsung Heroes
The Lancaster News Sports | (803) 283-1157
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2018
Robert Howey The Lancaster News
DAVID KELLIN/For The Lancaster News
Lancaster High School sophomore swimmer Makenzy Mills and LHS swim coach Daniela Sanchez-Gelpke were elated with Mill’s state title in the girls 100-yard backstroke at the Class AAAA state swim meet Friday at the University of South Carolina Natatorium in Columbia.
Lancaster
Lancaster High School senior Fred Reid led the Bruins’ offensive line play with a 93 percent grade and two pancake blocks. Junior defensive lineman Immanuel Bush notched four tackles, three tackles for loss and two sacks. LHS junior defensive back Nehemiah Bailey had a 50-yard interception return for a touchdown. Jalen Harfield also picked off a pass to halt a SPHS drive. Senior kicker Jacob Cato had three extra points and a 24-yard field goal in LHS’s 35-30 home loss to the South Pointe Stallions.
Buford
Webber Moore led the Jackets’ tackling points with 26 in Buford’s 14-12 road win over Central on Friday night. Moore notched five first hits, four assists, three tackles for loss and a caused fumble. Tanner Vespe posted 25 points with three first hits, two assists, three interceptions, a fumble recovery and a crucial blocked extra point. Tyler Griffin generated 21 points on six first hits, four assists, two tackles for loss and the Jackets crunch bar, BHS big hit of the week. Tanner Funderburk registered 11 points on two first hits, an assist, a tackle for loss and sack. T.V. Varnadore had 10 points with three first hits, one assist and a tackle for loss. Marcus Brunson also had 10 points on two first hits, three assists and a fumble recovery.
Mills joins LHS state title swimmers Robert Howey rhowey@thelancasternews.com
Indian Land Indian Land, idle last week with a bye week, set its defensive leaders for the season to date. Robbie Csuhta has 80 total tackles to date, 57 solo hits with 23 assists, five tackles for loss and a forced fumble. Dorian Williams has 54 tackles, 41 solo tackles and 13 assists, with three tackles for loss, two interceptions and a fumble recovery. Alex Murphy had 43 total tackles, 36 solos, seven assists, four tackles for loss and a sack. Tajh Knight has 41 total tackles, 35 solo hits, six assists, 14 tackles for loss and two sacks. Caden Bloxham has 26 total tackles, 22 solos, four assists, to go with two tackles for loss, two forced fumbles and two pass break-ups. Cornelius Barber has 25 total tackles, 21 solo hits, four assists, with eight tackles for loss, three sacks and an interception. AJ Jefferson has a team-high four interceptions to go with 14 total tackles, including 13 solo hits, and six pass break-ups.
Directions to the Games Lancaster at York From Lancaster, take U.S. 521 North to S.C. 5 West just below Andrew Jackson State Park. Follow S.C. 5 West through Rock Hill and on to York. Turn left toward Balsam Lane. And turn left on Balsam Lane. Turn left and follow to the school, 275 Alexander Love Highway in York. Kickoff at 7:30 p.m.
Carolina Christian at Buford From Lancaster, take S.C. 9 East to S.C. 522, Buford Crossroads. Turn left on S.C. 522 and follow to Tabernacle Road. Turn right on Tabernacle Road and follow to Jackets Stadium on he left. Parking available in the BHS student parking lot. Kickoff at 7:30 p.m.
Keenan at Indian Land From Lancaster, take U.S. 521 North to Indian Land and follow to River Road. Turn left on River Road and follow to Indian Land High School. ILHS’s Warrior Stadium, “the Reservation,” is located on campus. Kickoff at 7:30 p.m.
PHOTO SUPPLIED
Lancaster High School swimmer Makenzy Mills displays her gold medal on the podium after winning the girls 100-yard backstroke in 57.60 at the Class AAAA state swim meet at USC on Friday night in Columbia.
Mills golden up front in backstroke state title Robert Howey
rhowey@thelancasternews.com
Lancaster High School sophomore swimmer Makenzy Mills, saving her best time for the season’s biggest moment, etched her name in Bruins’ swim team history Friday night. Mills, an ace backstroker and a fouryear member of the LHS swim team, became the first Buford High School member of the Bruins swim team to win a coveted individual state title at the Class AAAA swim meet at the University of South Carolina Natatorium in Columbia. Mills, who had never won a state meet medal as a LHS swimmer, captured two medals, including the girls 100-yard backstroke gold medal with a personalbest 57.60 to top her nearest competitor by three seconds. Mills, who has been swimming with the LHS swim team since her seventhgrade year, competes with the Lancaster High team since Buford High doesn’t field a team. The Lancaster High team includes swimmers from the four county high schools and middle school students from across the county. She also earned a bronze medal for a third-place finish in the girls 200-yard individual medley with a 2:13.12 at the state meet. Mills competed in the state meet as a freshman last fall, but didn’t earn a medal. She said she was focused to earn pool hardware this season. “I was really, really nervous last year, but I was determined I wasn’t going to let that happen this time,” said Mills, who just missed a bronze last fall with a fourth-place effort in the 100 backstroke at the state meet. “I wasn’t going to let my nerves get the best of me.” “Makenzy’s determination was tremendous,” Lancaster High swim team coach Daniela Sanchez-Gelpke said. “She pushes herself and that made a big impact on her effort. Makenzy simply
FILE PHOTO
Lancaster High School swimmer Makenzy Mills, a Buford High School sophomore, won a gold medal in the girls 100-yard backstroke and a bronze in the girls 200-yard individual medley at the Class AAAA state swim meet to help the LHS girls to a seventh-place finish in the 20-team state field. “I had hurt my shoulder over the summer, but our coach, Daniela (Sanchez-Gelpke), worked with me and helped me get there. That pulled me through.” “We worked Makenzy through different drills and worked on different areas,” Sanchez-Gelpke said. On Friday night when Mills hit the water for the backstroke, she was the one who put the hurt on the field. “When I did my first stroke under water, it felt good, really smooth,” Mills said. “My shoulder felt really good. “When I won, I was shocked, but happy,” she said. “I looked up in the stands, and my friends and teammates, Taylor Teague and Isabella Ihm, were really happy. They were crying. “When I got on the podium (for the gold medal), I got emotional and fought back some tears, too.” Mills, a region champion in the 100 backstroke and 200 IM, displayed sportsmanship, expressing happiness for her nearest competitor, South Aiken High School freshman Kaitlyn Golyski,
The 2018 Lancaster High School swim season marks the school’s 21st competing in high school swimming. With the 2018 LHS swim season, Bruins’ sophomore swimmer Makenzy Mill’s 100-yard backstroke state championship gives the program four individual swimmers who have won at least one state crown. Mills, a Buford High student, joins the ranks of former LHS swimming state champions Sean Quinn, sister Kathleen Quinn and Jory Pettit. Mills is the second LHS girls swimmer to win a state title and the first swimming state champion from another Lancaster County high school, Buford High School. The Lancaster High School swim team includes swimmers from the four county high schools and county middle schools, grades 7-8, since swimming isn’t considered a contact sport. Sean Quinn, an assistant coach with the University of North Carolina swimming and diving team, gave Lancaster High School quite a pool boost in the Bruins’ first season in 1998 under coaches Midenna Anderson and David Taylor. Quinn, later a three-time AllAmerican swimmer at UNC, won the 100 breaststroke and 200 individual medley as a LHS senior, setting state records in each event. Quinn, in a brilliant senior season at LHS, also was a member of the state champion 200 medley relay team which also included Phillip Horton (butterfly), Ben Ardrey (backstroke) and Curtis Small (freestyle). Quinn also swam on the state title 400 freestyle relay team, which included James Simmons, Curtis Small and Phillip Horton. Kathleen Quinn, who followed in her brother’s footsteps as a star swimmer at UNC, won high school state titles at LHS in 1999 – 100 backstroke and 200 individual medley – and 2000 – 100 backstroke and 200 individual medley. Jory Pettit, as a junior in 2011 at LHS, won the coveted gold medal in the 50 freestyle. Then came the 2018 LHS swim season when Mills, with a personal best 57.60, captured the girls 100-yard backstroke. Mills was also a bronze medal winner with a third in the girls 200-yard individual medley. “I have seen Makenzy’s progress as a swimmer since her days with the Lancaster County swim
SECOND PLACE Travis Jenkins The News & Reporter
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WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 2018 • The News & Reporter • 7A
PLAYER OF THE YEAR Lewisville’s Rhett Cox was named the top player in Class A baseball on Tuesday. See Friday’s News & Reporter for full story.
SportS
2-3 TIMES WEEKLY DIVISION
Lady Lions take state title series opener BY TRAVIS JENKINS tjenkins@onlinechester.com Young Lewisville softball supporters Piper Sealey and Caroline Thomas made their way into the dugout prior to Monday’s Class A softball championship opener to sprinkle the team with glittery “pixie dust” for good luck. It might have just done the trick. Lewisville produced some two-out and lateinning magic, erasing a seventh-inning deficit and beating defending champion East Clarendon 9-7 in nine innings in Turbeville. The two teams had battled back-and-forth all night, but the Lady Wolverines had broken a 5-5 tie in the bottom of the sixth with an unearned run. East Clarendon pitcher Marleigh Floyd retired the first batter she faced in the seventh, leaving Lewisville with only two outs to produce a tying run and avoid falling behind 1-0 in the best-ofthree series. Third baseman Amber Bass came to the plate having hit the ball hard in two of her previous three atbats with no hits to show for it. Given the high stakes, Bass said she was a bit nervous. “But I also like to be aggressive,” she said. As such she jumped on the first pitch Floyd sent her way and launched it way over the left field fence to tie the game at 6-6. Lewisville’s Chloe Thomas retired the side in order in the home half of the frame to send the game into extra innings. Each team got a base runner aboard in the eighth, but stranded them there. In the ninth, the contest went to the international tiebreaker format, meaning each team began the inning with a runner at second base. For the Lady Lions that was Ashley Wood. Lewisville tried to sacrificeh her to third, but couldn’t get a bunt down. With one out, Alexis Odum came up and hit a slow roller to third that left East Clarendon’s Kinsley Driggers with no play at third or first. That brought Bass back up to the plate, but rather than pitch to a player who hit a bomb in her previous at-bat and almost homered earlier in the game, the Lady Wolverines intentionally walked her. While it did take the bat out of Bass’s hands and did set up a possible double play, the strategy didn’t come without risks. It meant Floyd would be pitching to Chloe Thomas, who is among the state’s leaders in runs batted in at 50. The move appeared to backfire as she hit one sharply to right that looked so certain to drop for a hit, the runners all took off. Britni Anderson made a fantastic diving catch, however. Wood had actually already crossed home plate and was headed for the dugout. With an accurate throw to third, she’d have been doubled up and the inning would have ended. Instead, it was way off line, hitting the fence. That came as Wood was diving back to the bag. Had she been able to see how errant the throw was, she may actually have had time to turn back around, head for home and score.
PHOTOS BY TRAVIS JENKINS/THE N&R
Lewisville’s Chloe Thomas and Amber Bass celebrate after their team’s win over East Clarendon Monday. Instead there were two outs and loaded bases for Codi Horne. “I’ve been seeing the ball well,” said the second baseman, who sports a better than .500 batting average. Floyd tried to come inside, but Horne turned on it and ripped a runscoring single to give her team a 7-6 lead. With East Clarendon hitting the ball so well and with them also getting to start the home half of the inning with a runner at second, a one-run lead didn’t feel secure. For most people, that situation would have carried an enormous amount of pressure. “I do good under pressure. I was never nervous. I’m not the kind of person who gets nervous, really,” said Ivy McCall. McCall not only knocked in a pair of runs with a single, she had the presence of mind to dart to second base as a throw went to third to try to get Horne. Floyd managed to get out of the inning and East Clarendon did get one run home in the ninth, but it wasn’t enough. The dramatic finish was set up by some offensive fireworks in the middle innings. The contest was 0-0 after two, but Lewisville broke the scoreless tie in the third. Wood led the inning off by drawing a walk, one of only two Floyd would issue on the night. Lauren Crocker followed that up by continuing to swing the hot bat she’s had since the playoffs began, delivering a solid single. Floyd managed to get a pair of easy infield outs, but Chloe Thomas knocked Wood in with a single, then Horne had had a two-run hit to give Lewisville a 3-0 lead. The Lady Wolverines answered in the bottom of the inning. Hannah Hickman drew a leadoff walk (only the ninth issued by Chloe Thomas in more than 200 innings pitched this season). The next two batters popped out to the catcher, but Caitlin Timmons had a two-out single, then both runners came in on an error to make it a 3-2
FIRST PLACE Travis Jenkins The News & Reporter
In addition to making several good defensive plays, Lewisville second baseman Codi Horne delivered four hits Monday in her team’s state championship series-opening win. game. East Clarendon tied the game in the fourth in one swing. Abby Reardon led off the inning with a blast over the left field fence, but Lewisville answered in the top of the fifth. Crocker was hit by a pitch to begin the frame and Odum had one of her two infield singles on the night. With one out, Chloe Thomas plated a run with a sacrifice groundout, then Horne continued her big night with a shot to the gap that turned into a two-run triple and a 5-3 score. The defending champs didn’t go without a fight. Gracen Watts hit a tworun homer that was just off the outstretched glove of Lewisville left fielder Paige Wiliamson. East Clarendon took the lead in the sixth, but couldn’t hold it. Lewisville Coach Jerry Thomas compared the game to a “heavyweight slugfest.” He said he was surprised by the high score given that two of the best pitchers in the state were in the circle. “Both teams just came out hitting tonight,” he
said. Thomas said he liked that his team answered almost every East Clarendon score and came up big when it mattered most. “The biggest thing is we kept believing and fought to the end,” he said. He said Horne and McCall’s hits were huge but also pointed to a leaping defensive play Horne made after one of the homers by the Lady Wolverines, saying it could have prevented a much bigger inning. McCall thinks that play, along with Bass’s home run were actually the plays of the game as they renewed the team’s faith after a couple of shaky innings. Lewisville, now 26-4, leads the state title series 1-0. They can clinch the first title in school history with a win in game two which is scheduled to be played at Lewisville tonight at 6 p.m. Rain is in the forecast, however, so check OnlineChester.com online or @CNR_Sports on Twitter for news on Some young fans sprinkled players with “pixie dust” possible postponements. prior to Monday’s game.
SPORTS ENTERPRISE REPORTING ALL WEEKLY DIVISION
THIRD PLACE Mac Banks Fort Mill Times
BlythewoodOnline.com
SECOND PLACE PRSRT STD ECRWSS U.S. POSTAGE PAID BLYTHEWOOD, SC PERMIT NO. 2
Michael Smith The Voice of Blythewood POSTAL CUSTOMER
Thursday, May 3, 2018
Your Hometown Newspaper
Blythewood man dies in motorcycle accident
Rep. Gwen Kennedy says no to lacrosse
The Voice Staff
Michael Smith Contributor
COLUMBIA – Blythewood resident Christopher P. Dawkins died in a two-vehicle collision on April 28 at the intersection of Two Notch and Polo Roads in Columbia. Dawkins was the driver of a motorcycle that collided with a vehicle that pulled out onto Two Notch Road. Dawkins, who was not wearing a helmet at the time of the
COLUMBIA - Alex Oakes has two kids who attend Blythewood schools and play in Richland County’s youth lacrosse league. Sean King has another. Their children are among the 31 county youths who compete weekly in a sport where the only thing faster than action on the field is lacrosse’s growth in popularity. The league is doing well with both teams undefeated.
Morton’s Auto Sales was one of the five Blythewood businesses hit by the thieves recently when two cars were stolen from this lot. Callie Sims
SPORTS ENTERPRISE REPORTING ALL WEEKLY DIVISION
FIRST PLACE Charles D. Perry Myrtle Beach Herald
SPORTS FEATURE STORY WEEKLY UNDER 4,500 DIVISION
THIRD PLACE
Naeem McFadden Marion Star & Mullins Enterprise
SECOND PLACE Michaele Duke The News, Kingstree
Achievements:
Williamsburg Tech announces Summer Achievement List See Page 12
We Are
Inside This Edition
Knockin’ Out Breast Cancer ONE PUNCH AT A TIME!
“Making a difference one week at a time”
Vol. 46 • No. 42
Referendums on midterm election ballot
BY MICHAELE DUKE news@kingstreenews.com
Williamsburg County citizens who are voting in the November 6, election will notice a couple of referendums on the ballot. However, if you vote straight party and you click ok without going to the end of the ballot then you won’t see the referendums so make certain to scroll to end of the ballot. The first referendum is a vote to change the form of government from Council-Supervisor to Council-Administrator, where the administrator is an appointed official employed by the council. Williamsburg County Council passed an ordinance to change the form by
KiNgstree, sC • WedNesday, oCtober 17, 2018
way of referendum in March. Williamsburg County falls under the Council-Supervisor form of government. The council may employ the administrator for a definite term or not, at its discretion. The second referendum voters will vote on the State Superintendent of Education. The superintendent voted on or appointed by the governor. A “Yes” vote will require the Superintendent of Education be appointed by the governor, with the consent of the Senate. A “No” vote maintains the current method of electing a superintendent. Two Williamsburg County School District At-Large Board Please
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2 seCtioNs • 16 Pages • 75 CeNts
MAKING THE TEAM
Tiny teammate
shows he can hang with the big boys BY MICHAELE DUKE news@kingstreenews.com
South Carolina Technical College System President Dr. Tim Hardee stopped by the Williamsburg Technical College October 8, to present a check for $5,250 to President Patty Lee that will be used for student scholarships. Hardee is cycling his way to the 16 colleges across the state on a two-week, 800-mile route designed to raise the scholarship funds. PHOTO BY MICHAELE DUKE
WTC receives scholarship funds BY MICHAELE DUKE news@kingstreenews.com
The Williamsburg Technical College received a generous
students. His tour began September 27, at York Technical College in Rock Hill and ended October
Miles Salters has grown up with a dream of playing football. It doesn’t matter that at the age of seven he’s only 36 inches high. And he most likely won’t grow much more since he’s born with achondroplasia, a bone growth disorder and form of shortlimbed dwarfism. Miles may be vertically challenged but his heart is as big as Williamsburg County. His desire to play football has no boundaries. It doesn’t seem to bother him that he doesn’t see a lot of action on the gridiron. Miles’ coach Chris Osborne says it’s more about being a team player. “He said I know I won’t play every play but I just want to be a part of the team,” said Osborne. “When you got a heart that big what are you going to do? You’re going to put him in there.” Osborne said Miles can play anywhere but he’s usually on the defensive side. “I let him play safety some, linebacker some. I’m not going to put him on the line. He only weighs 35 pounds soaking wet.” At first, Kingstree Parks and Recreation Director Tony McGill was concerned about Miles’ size but he sent home a helmet and shoulder pads with the child’s father, Jervon Salters. The next day Miles Salters doesn’t let his size get in the way of he asked Mr. Salters if he was going to return the equipment and he said no. “He said his son really wanted to play and to please playing football. The 36-inch, seven-year-old Kingstree find some place on a team for him. And I did,” said McGill. “Ever Bears safety has a heart and willpower of a super bowl since then he was sacking people and going at it. He’s a special kid champion and is adored by his teammates and fans alike. Please
Polly Ann’s receives
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PHOTO BY MICHAELE DUKE
SPORTS FEATURE STORY WEEKLY UNDER 4,500 DIVISION
Bear Nation, others remember #19 throughout past baseball season
NEWS-CHRONICLE - June 13, 2018 - Page 5
BHP Bear Booster Club Next meeting July 10 @ 7 p.m. in the Athletic Field House
BHP athletic booster club membership, ad drive underway
HONEA PATH -- The BHP athletic booster club has started its ad campaign for the 2018-19 school year. Business and individual membership and ad forms can be found online at bhpbears.com. Forms are due by July 1. Football program ads run $100 to $600 depending on size and whether in color or not. Bear credits, which give special benefits, accompany each $300 and up ad. Ads should be in high resolution pdf, jpeg or eps format on CD or emailed to bhpboosterclub@ aol.com. Banners to hang on the stadium fence can be purchased for $400 the first year and $300 annual renewal. The business name will also be recognized on the scoreboard marque and the 4’x4’ banners will be hung on the fence of a selected spring sport. Banners should be in highresolution pdf format and email to tinareece1993@gmail.com. Forms and payment should be mailed to BHP Athletic Booster Club, PO Box 487, Belton, SC 29627. Booster club memberships are $25. Memberships which include all-sports passes range from $50 to $400 depending on the number of passes needed. Reserved parking permits are $50 on a first-come, first-serve basis. For answers to other questions, contact Melanie Kyle at 864-933-2872 or Tina Reece at 864-760-3597 or tinareece1993 at gmail.com.
Water aerobics in HP
HONEA PATH -- Water aerobics classes got underway last week at the Honea Path town swimming pool on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9 a.m. Interested persons can still attend. The cost is $1 per class. Being able to swim is not required since classes are in shallow water. Call 864-202-0605.
2018 Bassmaster Elite on the Sabine River June 7-10 Orange, Texas Casey Ashley Results
Angler of the Year Standing 24th Day 1: 09-10 (5) Day 2: 09-05 (5) Day 3: 07-06 (5) Day 4: DNQ Tourn. Total 26-05 (15) 26th Next Tournament Mississippi River LaCrosse, Wisc. June 21-24
Sports Scoreboard Fore Club Seniors Star Fort - June 11
Flight One: 1-Mike +7 , 2-Mike F u n d e r b u r k + 6 , 3- To m m y L a n g l e y +4. Sharp Shooter Awards (closest to the pin): Hole #7-
Mike Funderburk 27-0, #9-Ron Moseley 10-3, #11-Jimmy Ashley 10-1, #16-Jody Pulley 12-10, #18-Jimmy Ashley 6-7.
(Editor’s note: Blake Holliday influenced many people, not only in Bear Nation, but also throughout the state. After his death in October, many tributes to honor his memory emerged. Holliday will be remembered, not only for his athletic skill, but also for the person he was on and off the field. His infectious smile resonates in our minds and his caring and friendly personality will be remembered. The following article recalls those tributes to the former BHP athlete and two-time state champ.) HONEA PATH -- The past baseball season was tough for Bear Nation and others throughout the state, as many were affected by the news of the tragic death of 19-yearold Blake Holliday on Oct. 17. Holliday, a former BHP athlete, played on two state championship baseball teams, 2015 and 2016, and received numerous individual honors for his skill on the baseball diamond. The Bears kept Holliday in their memories all season as they hung his #19 jersey in the dugout and wore his number on their caps, batting helmets, wrist bands and T-shirts. At times his initials and number were screened behind home plate and the pitcher’s mound for home games. Near the end of the season, the Bears named their home dugout in honor of their former teammate during an inspirational ceremony prior to the last game of the regular season. Holliday’s family was on hand for the announcement and to view the newly installed turf bull pen, which will later be enclosed by a fence. “Blake meant a lot to this baseball program and to the people in this community,” said BHP head baseball coach Steve Williams. “He made a lasting impact. He will be missed and he will always be remembered.” BHP agriculture teacher Ben Woody and his students made a metal cutout plate to hang at the bull pen. Friends in the community raised money in Holliday’s memory for improvements to the baseball field. Those improvements included rebuilding the mound on which Holliday spent a lot of his baseball career, improving the home bull pen and installing drainage on the field. “Future players will benefit for years to come,” said BHP principal Lester McCall. Bear Nation also raised money to present a scholarship of $1,900 to a baseball player who exhibits the qualities that were important to Blake. These included teamwork, humility, humbleness, kindness, giving and loyalty. BHP senior outfielder Alex Roach is the first recipient of the scholarship. The #19 became a way to remember Holliday, not only for Bear Nation, but also for his teammates on other teams throughout the state. Furman’s Jake Crawford and The Citadel’s Dylan Spence, both high school teammates and longtime friends of Holliday, traded their respective #7 and #20 jerseys for #19 jerseys during their junior collegiate year. “Hopefully by me wearing his number, I can show him through me,” Crawford told Myron Hosea, special reporter to The Greenville News. “I really just want to keep him in my memory and make sure that he’s with me. Every day I’m out there on the field, I’m playing for more than just myself.” He started his tribute by focusing on Holliday’s number as he tweeted “only 19 more days until the 2018 season opens.” Spence made a personal vow before the season started. “I dedicated every game, every pitch to him,” he told Anderson Independent reporter Lake Morris.
“We were always together growing up, and I just want to play for him and his memory. He was a great guy and a good baseball player, but he was an even better person.” Both Crawford and Spence had good seasons and earned Southern Conference honors during the season. The first weekend of the season, Crawford was the SoCon player of the week after his three-game performance against Marist. The junior third baseman went 7-for-9 at the plate with a double, a home run, three RBI and scored five runs in Friday and Sunday combined starts. Saturday, he pitched four innings, allowing two runs, one earned, while striking out eight. Spence earned SoCon pitcher of the week honors after he led The Citadel to a 5-0 win over Virginia Military Institute. In the outing he had a seven-strikeout, six-hit shutout performance over seven innings of work. After spending his freshman year as a redshirt at Clemson, Holliday transferred to Erskine College. He had practiced with the Fleet, been accepted as a teammate and made a lasting impression on those he met during his short connection with them. Although he never pitched a game at Erskine, the Flying Fleet remembered him by dedicating the season to him, making him an honorary captain, taking his jersey to every game -- varsity and JV, home and away -- and marking his initials and number on their home field. “His love, influence and example continue to impact each of us,” Erskine baseball coach Mark Crocco told Morris of the Anderson Independent. “He came in here with immense talent, but was so humble and down-to-earth, he made a significant impact on our players and staff as a person. I think you will continue to see that impact in the coming years.” The Fleet also named their players’ lounge in Holliday’s memory and reserved one locker in the locker room for him. When the tragedy struck, Crocco called a coaching friend, who had experienced the death of a player, for advice. “He kept telling me, he said ‘Coach, you have to keep your eye out for Blake’s number this year,” Crocco told Index-Journal reporter Skylar Rolstad. “It’s going to show up left and right, just keep your eyes peeled.” It didn’t take long for those words to ring true as the Flying Fleet recorded 19 strikeouts in their first game of the season, a 6-5 walk off win over Mars Hill. “We had a lot of fight, a lot of heart, we knew we were trying to play for Blake and everything we were trying to do was in his honor,” pitcher Alex Calvert said of the opening series. Holliday’s performance and personality also impacted opponents. St. James High School of Murrells Inlet, the last team Holliday faced in his high school career, paid tribute to him by placing a sign with his name and number in their outfield. Holliday pitched a complete game in the 2016 state championship game to beat the Islanders 5-0. “We were shocked and saddened like everyone in the state, and I thought it would be a great way to honor and remember him,” coach Robbie Centracchio told Independent-Mail reporter Morris. “The team loved the idea as
BHP SENIOR BASEBALL PLAYERS William Reinert (5) and Alex Roach (13) and the entire
NEWS CHRONICLE PHOTO - Debbie Rogers
THE BEARS SPORT WRIST BANDS with #19 to honor the memory of former Bear Blake Holliday. Players (l - r) are Austin Vaughn, Josh Davis, Sam McCall, Hunter Wilbanks, Luke Ivester and Gray Hollingsworth.
NEWS CHRONICLE PHOTO - Debbie Rogers
Fore Club Seniors play Monday at Rolling ‘S’. Show time at 8:30 a.m.; tee time at 9:00.
THE NEW BHP BULLPEN IS DEDICATED to the memory of former Bear pitcher #19 Blake Holliday.
Upcoming Events Road Race
Freedom Dream one-mile & 5K walk/run - July 4 on Anderson’s East-West Connector; begins at 7:30 a.m. at Grady’s Great Outdoors; registration $25 per event with proceeds going to The Outdoor Dream Foundation; packet pickup prior to 7 a.m. day of event at Grady’s parking lot; register before June 22 to gurantee a T-shirt; register online at www.active.com or pick up form at The Commercial Bank in Honea Path or call coach Harold Jones at 864-226-8775 or Mike Cannon at 864-314-2610; checks payable to The Outdoor Dream Foundation and mailed to PO Box 802, Anderson, SC 29622.
NEWS CHRONICLE PHOTO - Debbie Rogers
baseball team and coaching staff wore #19 on caps and helmets in memory of their former teammate.
we have a lot of returning players define him,” his mother Libby told “You’ll not find one person who who faced him in the 2016 state Morris. “He was always wanting to did not like Blake Holliday,” said championship series. Holliday is help, always kind and always had Crocco. and always will be a part of the a big grin.” “He was definitely the most Holliday’s father, Richard, said humble guy that I’ve known that history of our program and high school baseball in South Carolina.” the Erskine lounge was what his has played this game and has had Centracchio said he only met son was about. so much success at the game,” said “He was never about awards,” Crawford. “I was blessed to know Holliday twice in the series, but he could tell the type of person he was. said his father. “A lot of the awards him and call him my best friend. “His coaches, players and the he got are boxed up or still in the More than that -- even a brother.” BHP community embraced him wrappers they came in.” with such excitement and love,” he said. “I have never seen a high school player so loved by his community, and it was obviously mutual.” All the tributes are a testament to who Holliday was as a person and player. He liked people and baseball gave him opportunities to meet people statewide. His smile was captivating. His friendliness genuine. His perPhoto courtesy of Hunter, Reid, Furman University Athletics Photo courtesy of The Citadel photographer Zach Bland sonality magnetic. “As good as he was JAKE CRAWFORD, LEFT, AND DYLAN SPENCE traded their jerseys for at baseball, it did not #19 to honor the memory of their Bear teammate Blake Holliday.
NEWS CHRONICLE PHOTO - Sam Gilmer
NEWS-CHRONICLE PHOTO - Sam Gilmer
SAM MCCALL, above, wears a helmet with Blake Holliday’s initials, while Jim Autrey, far right, wears a #19 tee shirt and cap. Holliday’s #19 jersey hangs in the dugout as a tribute to the former Bear and a metal medallion, top right, hangs near the bullpen.
NEWS CHRONICLE PHOTO - Debbie Rogers
NEWS CHRONICLE PHOTO - Debbie Rogers
FIRST PLACE Debbie Rogers News-Chronicle
SPORTS FEATURE STORY WEEKLY OVER 4,500 DIVISION
THIRD PLACE Frankie Mansfield Moultrie News
SECOND PLACE
Go to moultrienews. com/sports for complete sports coverage and photos.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 6, 2018 | PAGE B1
18
VOLVO CAR OPEN
Elizabeth Bush Daniel Island News
thedanielislandnews.com
Calling the shots!
A FATHER AND SON’S JOURNEY THROUGH A LIFETIME OF FOOTBALL
The Daniel Island News ■ April 5, 2018 - April 11, 2018
VCO Chief of Officials Tamma Klassen shares insights from the court
FRANKIE MANSFIELD/STAFF
Will Grier and his father, Chad, throw together in an impromptu training session this spring in Mount Pleasant.
Griers’ game BY FRANKIE MANSFIELD fmansfield@moultrienews.com
A
PROVIDED
Will hugs his father, Chad, as his exits the field at the end of his final high school football game.
THE ROAD TO COLLEGE ADMISSION COULDN’T BE MADE EASIER
shirtless Will Grier showers himself in an excessive cloud of bug spray as he makes his way across a few acres of empty youth soccer fields. The peaceful plot of land lays quiet, secluded from a sprawling suburban neighborhood by a thick barricade of pine trees that stretch tall toward a clear blue spring sky. “If one bug bites me out here, it’s on you,” Will yells out to his father Chad who’s wheeling training equipment from a small steel shed placed near the bank of a man-made pond filled with fish that splash every so often. Chad laughs to himself as Will swipes through the thick humid air at bugs that aren’t actually there. Will is a long way from what he’s used to. The South Carolina Lowcountry that his dad now calls home shares little with the rolling hills of Morgantown where adoring Mountaineer fans nicknamed their quarterback with
PROVIDED
Chad coached Will most of his life, as he did both of his two other sons, Nash and Hayes. the flowing brown locks “Touchdown crucified him as an untrustworthy Jesus.” He’s even further removed fraud the next. His high school days from Gainesville, where many of the in his hometown of Charlotte seem same people who celebrated him as the Gators’ offensive savior one week, Please see GRIER, Page B3
Ask about our summer discounts on SAT/ACT test prep and full-service college planning.
is the real nuts and bolts.” Klassen should know. In her 35 years as a line umpire working on the professional tennis circuit, at events for the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA), the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP), and the International Tennis Federation (ITF), she has built an impressive resume of ELIZABETH BUSH court experience. She’s worked at four beth@thedanielislandnews.com Olympic games and dozens of Grand Slam events (Australian Open, French She is close enough to hear the gritty skid of a tennis shoe across the clay. Close Open, Wimbledon and the U.S. Open). In the late 1990s, she was among a select enough to hear a 100 mph serve cutting group invited to participate in the very through the air. Close enough to hear the first ITF school for chiefs of officials. words a player utters under her breath when she misses a shot. And close enough Varying levels of badges - bronze, silver to feel the emotion of a hard-fought point and gold - are awarded based on an annual review of work rate and performance. when it’s all on the line. Meet Tamma Klassen, chief of officials Klassen has earned the gold. In addition to her work at the VCO, she for the Volvo Car Open and a veteran line umpire in the world of professional tennis. is also currently chief of officials for an Klassen, who just wrapped up an officiat- ATP event in Newport, Rhode Island (Dell Technologies Hall of Fame Open) and a ing stint at the Miami Open, arrived in combined WTA/ATP tourney in CincinCharleston last week to begin her duties nati (Western & Southern Open). Klassen at the VCO, where she handles recruitalso serves on the technical advisor team ment of officials, processes applications, at Wimbledon. and oversees logistics for a team of 59 “I worked as a line umpire for many umpires. The Daniel Island News spoke to Klassen by phone at her home in Holly years there,” she said, of her time at the Springs, N.C. before she left for the Holy London event. “And they asked me to be part of this technical advisor team. Our City. role is to coach and assist the line umpires “It’s got a great vibe,” said Klassen of in terms of their techniques to increase the Charleston tournament, emphasizing the word “great.” “It’s a beautiful setting - their success on the court. There are seven and line umpires love to work there…The of us from all over the world. I’ll be going people you’re working with are outstand- back this year to be part of that program.” Aside from global travels, there are ing. And the crowds who come are tennis lovers and there is a lot of positive energy many other perks of the job when it comes to officiating, added Klassen, but there are on that site, truly enhanced by the wonderful staff that they hire. It’s the staff that a few in particular that stand out. First and
Vail Travel
PETER FINGER
As chief of officials for the Volvo Car Open, Tamma Klassen handles recruitment of officials, processes applications, and oversees logistics for a team of 59 umpires at the tournament. She has served in the role for the last 12 years.
foremost, it’s the people, she said. “We’re a very eclectic group and we come from lots of different backgrounds and got into tennis officiating in lots of different ways. And so I think people really enjoy the folks they’re working with.” “People who want to be officials are people who love tennis,” continued Klassen, whose husband is also a line umpire
and is part of her Charleston team. “It’s very exciting to be on court with the top players in the world…And I know people feel by being able to be in a position like that they are able to give back. Giving back to the sport is something that I think every single person out there is wanting to do.” See KLASSEN on PAGE 19
SPORTS FEATURE STORY WEEKLY OVER 4,500 DIVISION
FIRST PLACE Charles D. Perry Myrtle Beach Herald
all night, left fielder Paige Williamson stepped to the plate and promptly slapped a single, bringing up Ashley Wood. She made good contact but hit a twohopper straight to Lady Wolverines shortstop Gracen Watts that looked tailor-made for a force out at second. Instead, East Clarendon second baseman Olivia Singletary’s foot came off the bag. Williamson was safe at second and Wood stood at first. Lauren Crocker was up next and had a sharply hit ball to third baseman Kinsley Driggers that again looked like a routine out. Her throw to first sailed high, though, and made it all the way to the fence. Williamson rounded third and scored easily and Wood just beat a throw home to give Lewisville a 2-0 lead. “Just before that play happened, (assistant) Coach (Douglas) Josey said ‘it’s going to be a one or two run game.’ When we scored those two runs I said ‘That’s it. We’ve got it,’” Chloe Thomas said.
SPORTS FEATURE STORY 2-3 TIMES WEEKLY DIVISION
THIRD PLACE Travis Jenkins The News & Reporter
BY TRAVIS JENKINS tjenkins@onlinechester.com Amber Bass couldn’t believe what she started. As she and her Lewisville softball teammates stopped by Lewisville Elementary School for a brief pep rally before beginning their long ride to Turbeville for the opening game of the Class A state softball series, the junior third baseman couldn’t help but smile. Everywhere she looked there were not only hundreds of young students chanting, clapping and asking for autographs, there were also signs reading “Year of the Girl.” Seven months earlier, on
the frame by drawing a walk. With one out, Odum hit a slow roller no one could reach for an infield single. That brought third baseman Amber Bass to the plate who absolutely smoked a shot that looked to be headed for the gap. Watts made a terrific lunging grab, however, then threw back to second to double off Wood for the third out of the inning. East Clarendon’s only other real shot at denting the scoreboard came in the fourth. As Reardon led off, the storm clouds that had threatened to postpone the game altogether finally opened up. As heavy rain pelted the field, she lifted a high shot to left field that Williamson seemed to lose in the downpour. The ball dropped for a double and after a brief stoppage of play, she was sacrificed to third. With one out, Driggers hit one to left, but a hard-charging Williamson not only made a nice catch, she fired the ball home so quickly, that
Lewisville third-baseman Amber Bass makes a diving catch of a pop-up. The Lewisville rally didn’t stop there. Alexis Odum drove Crocker in with a sacrifice groundout to make it 3-0. Lady Lions Coach Jerry Thomas said his team’s aggressive base running allowed them to
get everything they could out of East Clarendon’s only two defensive mistakes of the night. The runners were both off and moving the instant Crocker’s bat made contact with the ball. Crocker
never slowed down either as she rounded first and second and made it to third. Had she not done so, she wouldn’t have scored since the inning ended one batter after Odum’s groundout got her home.
October 2 to be exact, as the end of her volleyball regular season was approaching and the playoffs loomed, Bass made an off-handed comment during an interview about how she wanted this to be “the year of the girl” at Lewisville. She had no idea at the time that she had coined a theme, a catchphrase and a mindset that would take hold to such a degree and be the common thread that ran through three title-winners. “I was hoping I (was) because I really wanted the girls to do good this year. But nah, nothing this big,” she said. At the time she uttered
the four-word phrase that became a social media hashtag for Lewisville fans and athletes, Bass said she was actually very proud to see her male counterparts competing for titles in basketball and football and winning one in baseball recently, but she was also ready for girl’s sports to shine. It had been a while, with 16 years having passed since the school had hung a title banner for a girl’s sport (competitive cheer in 2001). Bass felt like there was enough talent on campus to end that drought. “I knew we had a shot in most sports. I knew we had a lot of athletes and could do it,” she said.
The conditions went from drought to flood pretty quickly. To those paying attention, though, there were some early indications that the 2017-’18 school year would likely be a good one for those wearing Lady Lions uniforms. The softball team had been built into an annual contender by Coach Jerry Thomas and his staff, with the program making five straight trips to the upperstate championship bracket. Last season, Lewisville advanced to the upperstate finals, but lost twice at home to Dixie (in two, one-run games) to end agonizingly close to the state
The defending state champion Lady Wolverines didn’t relinquish their crown easily and they nearly answered Lewisville’s big inning. In the top of the sixth, Elly Floyd led off the frame with a well-
See LIONS, Page 9
PHOTOS BY TRAVIS JENKINS/THE N&R
The new state champions hoisted their trophy. It was See GIRLS, Page 9 the third state title for the school this year.
SECOND PLACE Christopher Decker Georgetown Times
SPORTS FEATURE STORY
SportS
8 • FRIDAY, JANUARY 12, 2018 • The News & Reporter
2-3 TIMES WEEKLY DIVISION
Money Ball
Chester native drains $10,000 shot BY TRAVIS JENKINS tjenkins@onlinechester.com
At Littlejohn Coliseum on Saturday, as Clemson battled Louisville in a pivotal ACC match-up, Chris Carns made the biggest and most impressive shot of the day, draining a length-of-the-floor, 94-footer. Carns is not a basketball player and the shot he made actually didn’t involve a backboard or a net. The Chester native, a former Cyclones athlete and a senior accounting major, was in attendance for Saturday’s game to root on his beloved Tigers just as he always does. “I try to go to as many games as I can. I support as many Clemson athletics teams as my schedule lets me,” Carns said. With it being right near the end of winter break, many students had not yet returned to campus for the new semester, so the student section wasn’t quite as full as it might normally be. Carns said he was approached and asked if he’d like to participate in one of the interactive fan activities Clemson stages during timeouts. “I didn’t sign up for it or anything. I guess I was sitting in the magic seat. I was randomly selected by Clemson event staff,” he said. So, Carns left his seat and was taken to the tunnel to sign a waiver. He waited there with the Tiger mascot and stadium announcer/entertainer JDew. When the time came, he was brought onto the court. He was tasked with putting a golf ball the length of the court toward a cardboard cutout (bearing the name of Roto-Rooter) that had what he figures was a four-inch hole in the bottom (right below a picture of a sink drain). If he could knock the ball in the
hole from 94-feet away, he would win $10,000. That would be a daunting task for even a professional golfer, which Carns decidedly is not. “You could probably count on one hand the number of times I’ve played organized golf. I play putt-putt when I go to the beach sometimes, but that’s about it,” Carns said. He was not given the opportunity to take a practice swing in the tunnel as he waited, but really didn’t want one anyway. He said he didn’t want to think too much about what he was about to do or what was on the line, saying that was a recipe for something to go wrong. Really, he knew the odds of rolling a shot in from that distance were next to impossible and made even harder than a normal putt by the slickness, grooves and subtle bumps of a basketball court. “My goal was that I just wanted to make sure I hit the sign,” he said. “I didn’t want to miss it completely and embarrass myself.” He didn’t really try to line up his shot or even get in a standard swing away from the ball to loosen up. He just hit it. When he did, he got an odd feeling. “I told myself once I hit it, ‘That felt good.’ For what little knowledge I have of golf, it felt like I hit it pretty good,” he said. As the ball made it to midcourt, he said the Tiger squatted down to watch carefully and JDew’s voice boomed excitedly over the arena PA system in celebration. Even as the ball appeared to be tracking toward the hole, Carns still didn’t think it had a chance of going in. As it rolled within a few feet of the hole, he knew it had a chance.
FIRST PLACE Travis Jenkins The News & Reporter
Chester native and current Clemson student Chris Carns hit a $10,000 putt on Saturday. When the ball rolled cleanly into the tiny hole, the arena erupted as though the Tigers had won a game with a threepointer at the buzzer. The Tiger grabbed Carns and the two started jumping up-and-down and JDew soon joined in. At first, he was really more celebrating the fact that he’d made the shot. “The fact that I made the putt, that shocked me. Then it dawned on me that shot had made me $10,000,” Carns said. Surprisingly, as he made his way back to his seat to watch the rest of what would turn out to be an overtime Clemson vic-
tory, no one even jokingly asked Carns to buy them any concessions. He said he just got a lot of congrats. It wasn’t until a few minutes later that the enormity of what he’d accomplished really hit Carns or the lightning speed at which information now travels. As he watched the game, he got an alert from ESPN on his phone. “It was right at the end of regulation, so I thought maybe it was just something that said the Clemson game was going to overtime. I looked down and it said ‘Clemson student makes $10,000 shot.’ I got an ESPN alert about
myself. That was the first thing that said to me that this was big-time, not just something that was big around Clemson,” he said. His shot became one that was truly heard (or seen) around the world. It made ESPN’s Top 10 plays of the day, he saw his name and a video of his shot on the Twitter feeds of CNN and ABC News. “Golf Digest” posted the video on its website, as did USA Today and CBS Sports. Stories about Carns’ feat have appeared in print in both Italian and Spanish. “That’s been kind of a new experience,” he said. “Seeing this side of
Cyclones fall at Columbia
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things.” As for how he’ll spend the money, Carns said he’ll definitely buy himself “a celebratory gift” but otherwise, he plans to be responsible with his winnings, with plans to invest the money or spend it on graduate school. Carns’ magical shot may not be his last. He said he purchased a starter set of clubs at Dick’s Sporting Goods two summers ago. He said he’s taken them to a driving range once or twice and that’s all, but that’s subject to change. “I may start playing and put my newfound skills to use.”
March 7, 2018
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pose before a recent scrimnea Path.
ere going to be as good as they e,” Youmans said. “We have a rd region to play in, so I don’t ow how that’s going to go. But e have the ability to win severmatches.” Roster: Andrew Dominick, ndrew Taylor, Aden Partee, len Davis, Will Adams, y’Kevious Jones, Walt omble, Hampton Barker, ooks Nelson, Murphy Rush, illiam Yates, Matthew hnson, Seth Tucker. BHP 4, Laurens 3 (Monday): he Raiders got three victories singles play against the Bears, t it was not enough to pick up e overall victory. Dominick (No. 1 singles) won hree-setter, rallying for a 5-7, 5, 10-7 decision. Murphy Rush o. 3) and Will Adams (No. 5) ch won their matches in aight sets.
After a year of unexpected changeover with the departure of Dale Nelson as the Laurens’ Head Baseball Coach, new fulltime coach Tori Patterson moves on from his interim title and takes command of a team that could find itself in the mix for a region championship. This year has certainly been much smoother for Patterson as he prepares for the 2018 campaign. He has had a full offseason to work with the players and put his coaching philosophy and styles in place. “Last year it all happened at once. Everything was rushed and hard to get everything ready for the season,” Patterson said. “It’s been a little slower pace, and I’ve had enough time to get done everything I needed to get done.” Patterson has focused on improving the team in agility drills, getting his players to be more explosive and be more of a threat to take an extra base when such a chance makes itself available. That focus is part of a plan to try and improve a team that lost, as Patterson indicated, too many games because of their own doing. “We lost seven games last year. One of the games we got straight-up beat,” Patterson said. “The other six, we probably should’ve won.” Ty Madden will be at the top of the lineup this season, with Layton Mahon and Jalen Bragg also toward the top of the order with Kobe Williams and Nathan Rutter in the mix as well. Rutter is likely to be at the No. 3 spot in the order as he is closer to being 100 percent again following the knee injury he suffered during the 2016 football season, while Bragg should find himself batting cleanup. One guy to watch at the plate is Zak Rice. As a freshman catcher, Rice has plenty of potential to swing the bat well in addition to handling Raider pitchers. If he can provide timely hits, Rice could be the kind of
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cored 23 points for the team as it earned a firsty at Charleston Southern.
e Week on Monday. She shared e honor with UNC Asheville’s onaza Fitzgerald. Storey averaged 25 points, six sists and two steals in a pair of ctories last week, including 30 ints against Fitzgerald and UNC sheville last Tuesday.
ory of 2018
ht now, but we battled and we d what we had to do to win.” LA took the lead for keeps in e bottom of the sixth. After a ir of one-out walks and a hit-pitch loaded the bases with e out, Kyle Thompson used a nt down the first-base line to sh home Lowry with the evenal winning run. Lowry also got himself out of uble in the top of the seventh hen Shannon Forest had a runr on first with two out followg an error when runner A.J. owley was thrown out trying to from first to third with two t on a single to right-center ld. LA was held to three hits in e game, but also drew four alks. The Crusaders were slated to st Oakbrook Prep Tuesday ght, but the game was rained t Tuesday afternoon. The game as originally scheduled for last day, but was also postponed e to rains the previous two days at left LA’s field unplayable.
Presbyterian College’s football team is in an unusual spot as the 2018 season starts to draw closer: It still has Week 1 open on its schedule. That’s likely a product of going down to the Pioneer League, the fact PC has no game that week that would otherwise be filled by an Football Bowl Subdivision opponent who would give PC a nice paycheck to show up, likely get trounced and then send the team back to Clinton with all the best wishes in the world. Because of that the Blue Hose currently have 10 games on the schedule – with off weeks currently slated for Week 1 (Sept. 1) and Week 5 (Sept. 29). Playing 10 games this season is not a preferred option for the Blue Hose program, and neither is having a week off the opening week of the season. But there is a solution, something that could possibly be done that would alleviate the situation this year, and in future years, to help bring a spark to Presbyterian’s football program in much the same way a spark has been provided to the Clinton-Laurens prep football rivalry by having it the first game of the season. It’s time to revive the Bronze Derby. Presbyterian and Newberry College have not met in a game since the 2006 season, a 10-0 victory for the Blue Hose in the team’s final game before the start of the Division I transition. The rivalry appeared to go the way of the Dodo bird when PC went to the Football Championship Subdivision, formerly Division IAA because Presbyterian had no reason to play it anymore. As an FCS program, PC needed games against Division I foes. It needed money from teams like Clemson, Wake Forest, Vanderbilt, California, and Georgia Tech – just to name a few – to help fuel the athletic department. Newberry didn’t provide that sort of money, and in fact would’ve likely cost PC money to play them. Such a game would also have been a lose-lose for the Blue Hose, no matter what happened on the field. If PC were to win? It was supposed to, being an FCS program and all. If PC lost? Many would be left
NICK HERMAN
sports editor wondering how a burgeoning FCS program could possibly lose to a Division II program, no matter who it was. PC couldn’t win for trying, and therefore didn’t try at all. But it can try now, and should – preferably for this year, and certainly for the future. Newberry’s current tentative schedule for the 2018 season has three games to fill at the start of the season. One of those opponents currently listed as "TBA," or To Be Announced, is on Sept. 1 – Week 1 of the season. The schedules are practically screaming out to make the revival of the PC-Newberry Bronze Derby rivalry a reality. And now, with PC going to the non-scholarship Pioneer League, the reasons for cancelling the Bronze Derby game really no longer exist. Picture what it would be like at Bailey Memorial Stadium for the Blue Hose and Wolves to fill up the stands for the return of a game that always marked Thanksgiving weekend. Then, imagine what it would be like to have this game start the season instead of the finish. Could you imagine how great it would be to see Bailey Memorial Stadium filled to the brim with fans of both PC and Newberry, those who remembered the good old days of the pre-Division I era and the annual Highway 76 slugfest? A new generation of fans will be introduced to the rivalry, which began withtwo games in 1913, for the first time. The solution to filling those season-opening dates seems so easy that not doing it would be a crying shame. It’s time to bring back part of small-college football tradition in the state. It’s time to provide PC and Newberry fans the spark to reignite a fire that once burned brightly in the inter-county rivalry after 11 years of sitting on the ash heap. It’s time to bring back the Bronze Derby – and not a moment too soon.
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Thursday
South Carolina's Award-Winning Weekly Newspaper
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SPORTS
Owens brothers were called to become officials NICK HERMAN
Younger buzzer-beater lifts PC men past UNCG By Nick Herman Sports Editor
Laurens County Sports Hall welcomes new class
J.C. Younger gave the fans in attendance for Tuesday night’s Presbyterian College men’s basketball game something to remember. Younger took an inbound pass from Reggie Dillard with 1.2 seconds left in regulation and hit a shot frum just inside the 3point line as time expired, handing the Blue Hose a 74-72 victory over UNC Greensboro at the Templeton Center in Clinton. On the final inbound play Dillard, facing solid pressure from UNCG, managed to get the ball over the UNCG on-ball defender and hit Younger, who had beat his defender by a step to get a clean look at the basket. Younger’s defender flew by just as the shot was released, and the ball fell through the hoop as the horn sounded to set off a celebration as fans went on the court to celebrate before officials reviewed the shot and determined it was a good goal. The victory is PC’s second straight and moves the team’s record to 3-5. UNCG fell to 4-3.
game. Stafford plans on majoring in health sciences. Brewington: Former Laurens Academy boys’ basketball standout Chase Brewington is averaging 2.6 points per game through the first five games of the season with Coker College. Brewington is also shooting 30.8 percent from the field, 33.3 percent from 3-point range, and 25 percent from the foul line. His season-high scoring total came against Emmanuel (Ga.) on Nov. 14, when he scored six points in his team’s 107-105 loss. Baseball PC inks 4: Presbyterian College signed four players to letters of intent during the early signing period earlier this month, signing Matthew Burke (OF, Weddington, N.C.), Garrett Jones (IF, Chesapeake, Va.), Cade Owens (RHP, Cumming, Ga.) and Ashby Smith (IF, Gaffney). Each player will join the program for the 2019 season. Volleyball Stevenson wraps first season: Former Laurens Raiders’ volleyball standout Anna
scored nine to lift the Panthers. Hickory Tavern Middle girls 54, Southside Christian 9 (Monday): Ranyia Jackson scored 24 points and teammate Kimyah Foggie had 16 points to lift Hickory Tavern to a onesided victory. Hickory Tavern boys 36, Woodruff 31 (Tuesday): Cureton scored 18 points as Hickory Tavern moved to 3-1 overall. Hickory Tavern girls 30, Woodruff 27 (Tuesday): Jackson scored 20 points as Hickory Tavern won its fourth straight game to start the season.
25:54.10; 21. Penelope Kerber, 27:41.56; 27. Ivy Coddington, 28:56.84; 28. Morgan Marlett, 29:27.11. Boys’ 5,000m: 16. Dawson Foster, 20:25.97; 63. Andrew Codington, 25:22.72; 68. Dimitri Wells, 27:36.38; 76. Devin Sampson, 30:41.17; 80. Noah Manning, 31:31.11.
Wrestling Laurens splits (Tuesday): In a pair of matches at Byrnes, the Raiders picked up a 63-18 victory over Riverside and suffered a 60-15 loss to the host Rebels. In the victory over Riverside, Laurens picked up pinfalls from Laurens Middle boys 38, Damien Ladd (120 pounds), Northside 33 (Monday): Myles Reppart (138), Robert Waldrick Burnside scored 15 Lawson (152), Braylen Williams points and had seven rebounds to (170), Caleb Reid (182), lift Laurens to victory. Christopher Jackson (195), Wil Photo by Nick Herman Laurens Middle girls 34, AWAY Pontoon —(220) and Nathan FIRE Laurens’ Northside 12 (Monday): (285), while Lucas softball Hamby pitcher Rachel Johndelyn Grant scored Tathamup (113) won by a 7-1 deciDelio12warms before the points and Nadia Anderson sion, and Murphy Rush (106) start ofwonFriday’s added 11 as Laurens rolled. by forfeit. game against home. LMS boys 36, Westview 24 Mauldin Against at Byrnes, Laurens got a (Wednesday): Devon Redd pinfall from both Reppart and scored 19 points as Laurens won Hamby, while Williams won by a its second straight game to start 5-1 decision in his match. the season, topping Westview. Laurens goes to the Hillcrest
June 14, 2018
Sports Editor: Robert Anderson
Pioneer move means PC wagon has lost its wheels
Black Cyan Magenta Yellow half, 40-32, following a layup By Nick Herman from Rahjai Harris. Sports Editor In the second half the Raiders March 28, 2018 The Laurens County Advertiser 7A Laurens High boys’ basketball displayed more confidence in coach Ryan Walker was happy their play, something Walker with the effort of his guys late in cited as the key reason behind An Independent Newspaper Founded in 1885 South Carolina's Award-Winning Weekly Newspaper Tuesday’s home opener with the their second comeback attempt. Byrnes Rebels as they erased a This one started with a 14-5 run 12-point third-quarter deficit that ended the third quarter, turnand pulled even with 1 minute, ing a 12-point deficit into a 5116 seconds left in regulation. 48 margin entering the fourth Unfortunately for the Raiders, quarter. Laurens managed to stay Byrnes managed one last basket close to its foe through the fourth in the game’s final seconds, and quarter, never trailing by more it proved to be just enough to than five points. When Justin hold off Laurens, handing the Anderson netted a field goal home team a 62-61 loss to send with 1:16 left in regulation the the Raiders to 1-3 on the young contest was even at 60-all. When asked what he hoped the way back to Truman’s first go, Michael was in the car with season. Byrnes ran down the clock on Photo by Nick Herman game in the 1960s. Laurens spent all those in attendance at Thursday’s Sam as trying they went to the next night the next possession and, after a NO HARM, NO FOUL — Laurens’ Dee Foster drives past a It was a footballtogame Ford Laurens County Sports Hall of rally at back afterassignment. falling behind timeout, got a driving basket Byrnes defender for a layup during Tuesday’s 62-61 loss to High in Watts Mill.11-0 He inwas Fame induction ceremony would the brothers thepaid first 2:12Truman of the open-saidfrom Davonte Wright that put the the Rebels. Laurens hosted rival Clinton Friday night. $11, including travel, to work and take away about both Sam and worked foot- but Laurens ing quarter, whiletheir the 500th Rebelscareer up 62-60, that game. Truman Owens it was Sam’s son, together, theirlast 600th, Raiders ultimatelyball did games pull even had one chance to force missed layups have been the the Rebels were able to coast home sports editor the effort Laurenstheir put in700th, to rally The two brothers ultimately Michael, who noted how he andovertime their 795th, when,and after a Christian problem for the Laurens girls for and hand the Raiders their second back proved to be just a little Anderson Dee Foster was many years. Both factors reared loss in three games to open the seaofficiated more than a half-cenhoped the attendees would know would’ve worked No.miss,800 short of distinits goal. together had Sam fouled 1.4on. seconds to go. their ugly heads again in the loss son after last week’s 1-1 preseason tury, and carved out such how passionate his father was for not with passed "It’s tough when you dig yourFoster, who finished with a to the Rebels, where the squad tournament performance. guished careers that they were what he did. The SCHSL let Truman work the front porch. That’s where they self a hole like game that, just 13 points, made the trailed by as much as 36 points in Byrnes 18 13 20 15 — 66 the first set of brothers to be “My dad loved officiating. He always met and studied. withnot his team-high family members being ready to play. I keep telling first free throw. After a Byrnes the third quarter before erasing Laurens 5 5 9 18 — 37 High loved it. He enjoyed the assignin Sam’s memory. “I think I learned more on that inducted into the National them they belong - they do," timeout to try and ice the sopho- part of the deficit. Hall of said. Fame,"They’ve ments,” Sam said during his porch about officiating than I School Federation Walker “It isworked an honor to be inducted more, Foster’s second shot was Clinton DH: In its non-conferCali Heisey led the squad with the throughout acceptance speech. “He especial- ever could from a book,” and Truman also into the Laurens Hall of Photo by Nick Herman hard won enough the offCounty the mark. Byrnes collected 14 points, 11 of which came in ence lead-in to the Friday doublethe Year in Fame, ly enjoyed teaching young offi- Michael said. “I wouldn’t be National Official of andand to also the priviA GREAT — Michael and header Truman summer, throughout the fall thehave rebound and promptly ran NIGHT at Owens Laurens,pose the Clinton the second half, but Owens it was not cials like myself and others out where I am at today, as an offi- both football and basketball. legepartto ofbetheinducted with my before the enough Laurens Sports HallRed of Devils Fameswept ceremony throughout the first out the clock. a pair of home for County the Raiders to erase Michael said hisseason. father, who just here tonight the rules and how to cial and as a man, if it wasn’t for brother, Littleton, Wednesday. Truman and thedeficit late to Sam Owens, Michael’s They’ve got to Sam, real- Kinard "Dee has got a great motor. what games against High Point had been a 16-2 ize officiating. that they belong, and they passed in 2007, loved apply them.” Buddy Ivey andWhen Rickey father, werestart inducted together as part ofAcademy the 2018Wednesday class. night. The my dad.” his Foggie,” head is on right he can the contest. can play on the floor withsaid any-in his be really good Michael That teaching went beyond Truman speech. “It’sfor a us," Walker The Owens brothers were part He especially loved, "I’m disappointed in our CHS girls won 46-39 in their body in the state." "He’s got the point game,officiating while the basketboys scored a showing tonight," head been officials the special honor tosaid. County Sports Hall Laurens of “I’ve simply classrooms and on-field of the second-ever Hall of Fame said, teaching young be inducted with to Laurens Laurensthem. foundmy its brother, offensive where, hopefully, keeps play68-55 decision in theirnot game. coach Yoneko said.ball "I realsaid he knew bothAllen of the for 29 years and would experiences. Truman’s front class Thursday at The Ridge at rules and how to apply Sam. He has alwayshe Fame, in the quarter ing and doesn’t dwellOwens’ on things DeShanti Watts I am scored a ly thought to with Sam at second brothers during we his were time going be anywhere close to where porch in Clinton was the place to Laurens, joining a group that Michael spent timegroove been with us. Tonight is about when it put together a 9-3 run to in the past." game-high 24 points bring better execution bet- without in Laurens and refereed games and at atoday Truman Owensto lead be for officials to learn more included Bobby Ivey, Rickey games, sat in on pre-game meet- the two of us.” get within 22-19. Connor Josh Greene scored 11 points ter effort - as far as focus, mak- Clinton in the girls’ contest, with the sidelines with both of them. Truman, as and Sam Owens and some of the about the games, asking ques- Foggie and Kinard Littleton. The ings, and walked Dunlap Littleton said Truman, who and Ty Foster each hit 3- and Foster added 10 points for ing sure we make those layups teammate Savanna Campbell said he Dunlap said, told him that he has other officials in this room,” tions and getting asked them in two brothers worked more than during games. Michael coached Little League baseball pointers during the run, two of the Raiders, who hosted rival and make those free throws." scoring 14 points, including four becomeshots a list game he’s worked “Tonight was a treat return. Michael said everybody 100 games together in various was never influenced and the American ball, fiveto3-point squad Legion Clinton in thewas second halfofofevery a 3-pointers. Laurens, which turned Dunlap the ball said. theintime he his in every sport, he incan tell –for me to induct who knows anything about foot- sports - football, basketball, an official, but from mentor up. Billy made the game, to help sparkgrowing doubleheader Friday night. In theSam boys’Owens victory,and J.D. Payne over and 35 times the game leading mom him however, who he worked themfrom with.ByrnesTruman ball, they know about Truman’s baseball and softball, starting all could go, and his the Dunlap, manthe chairman of21the run.letByrnes, Byrnes 19 11 11you – 62 hit four 3-pointers and scored 22 to 24 points – also Owens.” aged to turn back the run and Laurens 10 22 16 13 – 61 points to lead four players in shot 4 for 11 from the foul line. build the lead back to 11 past the But what really hurt Laurens in double figures. Jahleed Cook midway point in the quarter with Girls the first quarter was its 2-for-14 added 15, with Zay Bennett its own scoring run (11-3) and Byrnes 66, Laurens 37: Too shooting, which helped fuel adding 13 points and Zay Hurley eventually led by eight at the many turnovers and too many Byrne’s early surge. From there, posting 10.
Robert Anderson The Horry Independent SPORTS BY ROBERT ANDERSON
SPORTS Late missed FT dooms Laurens’ rally at home
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CLASSIFIEDS
Howle, Elena Hernandez, Emma Johnson, Jo Johnson, Tayl Wilson. Pictured on the front row are Taylor Hendrick, Em and Ellie Howle.
Conway tennis caps winning campaign with pla
December 2, 2017
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The Conway High School girls’ tennis team competed in the playoffs recently completing a very successful campaign. Pictured are, left to right on the top row, Wilson Harry, Anna Altman Dingle, Landry Harrelson, Kyndall Skipper, Savannah Stevens, Piyal Patel, Coach Patrick
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spark toward the bottom half of the order that Laurens needs to extend rallies and build big innings. “He swings the bat well,” Patterson said of Rice. “He’s one of the youngest, but he’s one of our better hitters, too.” On defense, Rutter, Foster and Layton Mahon should find themselves manning the outfield spots most of the time, while Williams returns at second base after just two errors all of last year. Heath Bragg will move to shortstop and could play at second or pitch in a pinch, and Jaylen Bragg will be staying at third. Nate Towles may play at first or pitch as well, with Matthew McGowan also pitching when not in the outfield. McGowan is an improved player from last year and, aside from defense, could be a pinch-runner, Patterson said. Patterson said he believes everyone on the roster is going to pitch during the year. Towles and Jalen Bragg are the only returning pitchers with varsity experience, but Nathan Robertson is expected to be the No. 1 starter and take on the bulk of the Tuesday region-game assignments. Mauldin is always a threat to win the region, and Patterson said that hasn’t changed this year. Greenwood was a young team a year ago and should be a good team this year, while Riverside lost some of its experience off last year’s team. But the prospect of a tough region has done nothing to hinder the optimism of Patterson and the Raiders. Patterson said he believes his team has a chance of winning a region championship and potentially going deeper into postseason play than the team has gone in many years. “It would be awesome. It’s been forever since we did it,” Patterson said of getting out of the district round. “For us to get over the hump and make it to Upper State would be awesome.”
SPORTS
Thursday NOVEMBER 1, 2018
If you are a fan or alumnus of Presbyterian College football, the next three years may prove to be very difficult to stomach. Presbyterian announced its strategic plan Nov. 20, which includes a host of changes throughout the college. One of the most pronounced changes comes to the football program, which will become a non-scholarship program and will leave the Big South for football only starting with the 2021 season. PC will then move to the Pioneer League, which presently has 11 teams - including Campbell, which is moving into the Big South for football starting next season. The move saves money in scholarships, some of which will be spent on road trips to future conference foes like Drake, San Diego, Butler, Marist, Dayton and Jacksonville, and it will remain in the Football Championship Subdivision. It also, as told by PC President Bob Staton to editor John Clayton, at least opens the foor for the possible return of the Bronze Derby game between PC and Newberry - a game that hasn’t been held since 2006, the last year before PC jumped to Division I. Staton said he would listen on that front. But what the move also does is hamstring the football program when it comes to recruiting talent to the Clinton campus. It’s hard enough to recruit to a program that is among the worst in win-loss percentages in the conference and has done no better than 6-5 twice (2007, 2014). This past season’s team went 1-4 in the Big South, the second straight year PC has only won a single conference game, and posted a 4-7 overall mark. Add to that the knowledge that the program will not offer football scholarships anymore, and instead offer grant-in-aid packages to prospective recruits, and the question becomes more about what level of talent will PC be able to bring to Clinton? Certainly the players who were coming to PC may now think twice, knowing the financial aid they were expecting to get will not be there anymore. Those who are still in the early stages of the recruitment season and are looking at PC, among presently-similar programs, may now have a reason to discard the Blue Hose straight away. The football program may not have anywhere near the depth
NICK HERMAN
sports editor that it’s had the last few years, either, as current players graduate or even leave for other programs - if any of the latter do so. Consider what things are going to be like for PC when it plays teams in the Big South the next three years, all of whom can use the carrot of PC’s departure as a reason to not go to Clinton and instead go to Charleston, or Buies Creek, N.C., or Kennesaw, Ga., or even Boiling Springs, N.C. - among a few. And what does Tommy Spangler do? The head coach, who came back for his second stint in the position starting this season, has apparently been asked to stay on by Staton. But if you’re Spangler the question must become whether or not it’s worth it to stay at PC or head off for greener pastures as he did when he moved to Louisiana Tech in 2007 as the defensive coordinator. Meeting with recruits and telling them there is no football scholarship available is not going to be easy, and Spangler may be better off going somewhere else that has a more stable footing in Division I. My hope is this move will be relatively short, that things will get better financially to the point where PC can return to the Big South in the future, but it will not be the only thing considered. Will PC’s soon-to-be conference setup with the Pioneer League and Big South become the norm? Will PC consider dropping to Division II, or will PC even go to the furthest end and kill off football as Hall of Fame coach Shell Dula feared last week? The latter of those would be the most extreme, and hopefully never comes to pass. A drop to Division II would mean admitting the move to Division I was a mistake, and pride - even though the key pieces to the move are long gone from their then-PC posts - may prevent that from happening. No matter what happens the Presbyterian College football program is about to go for a ride with the Pioneer League down football’s version of the Oregon Trail. I just hope the program doesn’t get lost along the way.
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SPORTS
Hats off to the incomparable Michael Lynch Conway High School has many supportive fans, but no one stands taller than faculty member and Spanish teacher Michael Lynch. When it comes to supporting CHS students, Lynch is head and shoulders above everyone else. He’s everywhere. If there’s an event going on at CHS, that’s where you’ll find him. Football games. Tennis matches. Soccer, softball, baseball, basketball games. He’s always there supporting his school and his students. A Norfolk, Va., native, Lynch swam as a kid, played football and basketball in high school and competed in basketball at North Carolina Wesleyan. He has been a part of Conway High School since the mid-1990s when he was hired as a foreign language teacher. To say Lynch towers above others would be an understatement. He’s 6feet, 8-inches tall and hard to miss. The impressive thing about Lynch is how loyal and supportive he is. Unlike University of South Carolina super fan Gamecock Jesus and his long flowing hair, Lynch doesn’t carry a flag or yell and scream for his team. He’s there simply to support his school and its students. Conway High School is lucky to have him. I remember several times through the years when Lynch stepped up when no one else would do so. The varsity girls’ basketball program desperately needed a leader in 1997 after several of the Conway coaches made decisions to move to the new Carolina Forest High School. Lynch stepped up to the plate, serving as coach for two years. Although Conway didn’t win a lot of games those two seasons, the team, which included current head coach Shamae Hemingway, was one of the most improved in the region. Conway won just one game in Lynch’s first season, but he held the team together and every eligible player returned the following season. “The thing I’ll remember the most is the way they stuck together in the hard times and worked together,” Lynch said. “They went through a lot and no one quit.”
The team won eight games in Lynch’s second year. According to former CHS athletic director Chuck Jordan, Lynch agreed to take the job as a favor and did very well despite overwhelming odds. “He took a program that was on the bottom and brought it up a SPORTS notch,” Jordan TALK said. That wasn’t Robert the only time Anderson Lynch proved his devotion and loyalty to CHS. Through the years, he also served as head coach for the soccer and tennis teams when no one else wanted the jobs. I remember in 1997 the versatile Lynch played an umpire in a movie filmed in the Lowcountry called Major League III. Interestingly, Lynch previously served as an umpire on the Little League level. He also appeared in several other movies including Super Mario Brothers, The Horror Story, Chasers and Wild Hearts Can’t Be Broken. Through the years, Lynch has taught swimming lessons for local youngsters and raised money for local students and families through an annual powderpuff game sponsored by the CHS chapter of the National Spanish Honor Society that he directs. Through the years, the school has raised more than $10,000 to help pay medical bills and meet the financial needs of distressed students and their families. That’s the kind of man Lynch is. He’s there through thick and thin. Wins and losses.Good times and bad. Fortunately for CHS, Lynch has no plans to retire. Despite his septuagenarian status and having more than 40 years in the education field, he doesn’t want to retire. That’s good for Conway and good for CHS, and its future students.
Thursday
AUGUST 2, 2018
Sports Editor: Robert Anderson
The future looks bright for the girls’ tennis program at Conway High School. Despite no senior starters, the Tigers posted a winning record and earned a state playoff berth during HAVING A YARD SALE? the 2018 campaign that ended this Be sure to attract a crowd past by week at River Bluff. placing a powerful ad in“I’m the very pleased,” said first-year Horry Independent Coach Patrick Howle, whp plans to be with the team for the long haul. CLASSIFIEDS “Out of our top eight, we had five
seventh graders. They were playing To end the season, junior Savanagainst juniors and seniors. That nah Stevens was the number one made it very satisfying. Coming singles player followed by seventh into the season, I didn’t know what grader Maura Wilson. Freshman to expect. I wanted to have a winEliza Sansbury was number three. ning season and make the playoffs. Rounding out the top five were We did that.” junior Landry Harrelson and sevSocastee and West Florence were enth grader Taylor Hendrick. the top twoBe teams region, sureintothe attract a crowd byStevens and Wilson teamed up with Conway, St. James and Carto form the number one doubles placing a powerful ad in the olina Forest battling for the next team. The second doubles team three spots.Horry The Sharks edged Con- often consisted of seventh grader Independent way 4-3 in a battle for third place Wilson Harry, who also competed that wasn’t decided until the final in several singles events. Other doubles match. doubles competitors included sev-
HAVING A YARD SALE?
CLASSIFIEDS
843-248-6671
Jordan Aynor’ s Hinson retires after Cheers forsuccessful Richardson deserving career in athletics at four area schools “I enjoyed football. of many I saw what accolades chances it gave
enth graders Emma Thomas and Ellie Howle. Seniors Elena Hernandez and Piyal Patel did a good job of providing leadership for the younger members of the team. Also contributing to the team’s success were Emma Johnson, Taylor Loan, Anna Altman Dingle and Chesney Larrimore. According to Howle, the team was blessed with lots of parental and community support. “We appreciate all the community support,” he said. “We’re try-
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Former footballers release chil
Conway High School students ing festivities at CHS. A pair of BY KATIE POWELL had plenty to cheer about during male students were Mr. HomeKATIE.POWELL@MYHORRYNEWS.COM the Tigers’ 37-14 homecoming coming contestants. They can be BY ROBERT ANDERSON my players,” said. “I sidelines in Convictory over St. James. foundheon the ROBERT.ANDERSON@ coached many who have really Former S.C. Gamecock The loudest cheer of the nightexcelled. way football jerseys on most FriMYHORRYNEWS.COM One is an oral surfootball players Langston was reserved for Regan Richard-geon. One’s day nights a dentist.during One’s a football Doug Hinson grew up in I had some who played Moore and Preston Thorne son, a special needs student whodoctor.season. Aynor and played three sports in the NFL. I haddeserves some you a lot of credit for hatched a plan for a Gamewas crowned homecoming CHS at Aynor High I’ve School before didn’t think would make it who said it before and I’ll I wanted cock-themed children’s queenme. during halftimeto festivities.endedincluding these graduating in 1983. up turning their livesstudents and say it again. He took his talents to N.C. and becoming book just a few short years A social butmaking thema poa part of the school Former Conway football give other people a around State University for two and a liceman or working ago, and Tuesday they visterfly, the they love. with DNR. Coach Chuck half years where he played of-Jordan got a On the flip side, I remember a ited Aynor High School to teen was I turned in a 5-1 record on my raw deal chance to feel what lot of tragedies. fensive tackle/guard forwhen Coach he was I remember share their new book Just A born without for to the local high Tom Reed and the Wolfpack. losing predictions five football players forced into an early retireHe decidedment to transfer to Pres- County Suaccidents and having to begames a felt.” by Horry Chicken. a pieceI of school football this past byterian College and finish hisRick Maxey. pallbearer for some of them. perintendent “[The story] is based on chromoweek. Here we go again. career after Reed was let go. “That was tough. You think I don’t like the way an old parable that I had some 5Doug on Hinson It was during his time at PC, about the times you helped Retiree Maxey forced where he played for Coach El-Jordan to the Hinson them off the ground and now West Florence over Conway heard over and over, and band 3 that sidelines liott Posse, that Hinson and de- there’s nothyou’re lifting their casket. I reThe Knights can wrap up the we adapted it to the Gameresulted in a ing the superintendent can before leaving for coaches.” cided he, too, wanted to appearances member one of my players region with cock culture,” says Thorne, become a coach. Latta in 1999 to serve as thehost of medHinson received an opportu- who worked forcrown DNR losing hisa victory. say or do “I enjoyed Vikings’ head football coachical probnity to come home when Dr. son inWFHS a four-wheeler accident Coach Jody Jenerette a former team co-captain tofootball,” con- he said. SPORTS “I saw whatvince chances it gave me. and athletic director for twolems. Darryl Brown offered him the and having to go see him. me never won a region title at Aynor, who’s now a teacher and I wanted to give other people a years. A.D. job at Aynor. He will offiso rewarding is seeing otherTALKlargely What’s win one in his first coach at Blythewood High adverchance to feel what I felt.” Hinson returned to his na- Thecially retire tomorrow, peoplebut thathe youmay touched their wise. I’m After graduating from PC in atand West School near Columbia. “We tive Horry County in 2001 assity failed to of his mother’s declin- lives inseason because some way, theyFlorence. restubborn 1988, Hinson received a job the head football coach andsideline ing health. member you.” Knights-28 Tigers-14. put the message on the andan my offer to become assistant athletic director at Green Sea “It’s ironic that I spent four Hinson is quick to credit back of the book: ‘This is Regan. Shehere in high Robert coach at Johnsonville Floyds High School. years school and I others for much of his success. mind is High Forest over Socastee the story of you; the story cheerSchool. When Marty Williams “When Horry County was a came back to Aynor for the last “NoCarolina one has success by himmade Anderson left following theIt1992 season, Schools decided to make the self,” he said. “Itmay was a team ef- best Carolina This be the of me; the story of USC.’ ” leaderfour in years of my career,” he ROBERT ANDERSON / THE HORRY INDEPENDENT up. the superintendent called Hinathletic director’s job an adsaid. “They have been four fort. There’s all of your assistant was an Forest football team ever. If not Thorne said that the middle SPORTS son into his office and offered ministrator’s position in 2005, wonderful years. It was four coaches who worked behind Former Conway Coach Chuck shares ait’s laugh withgiven former player Darryl following recent Conway certainly one of the best. Pan-McCracken parable that ainspired the Solid Gold-sponsored event. and him the jobinjustice. as head football Chuck Jordan and I were theschool great years in the 1980sJordan and the scenes. You were Some coach and athletic director.TALK only two who were grandfa-gets as four great years now. credit thers-49 for it, but didn’t deserve Braves-14. story involves an eagle who involved inhere as many will a club that re- thered in,” he said. “The only Hinson joined Aynor is a unique place.can. It has credit. They deserved credit. I falls into a chicken coop, schoolgreat activities as she argue mains almost exclusive, even problem was Chuck had help kids. It’s a great commuended up looking good, but Aynor overI did, Cheraw and grows up thinking he is Richardson’s coronationnot because today, by leading the Golden I didn’t. I gave up football Miss nity.” of what but Maxey Robertand Flashes to afelt 26-7his win over Buin 2005 and became A.D. Atsays a lot According Hinson, his body what theyThe did.” Blue Jackets are “just a chicken”. about to the student ford in the state championship that point in time, I started enmother’s health requires much Hinson change any- Second Anderson pushovers no more. Thorne and Moore at CHS, that elected her by popu- Would hands game in his first season as a joying the administrative part. of his time, as do the requirething about his career? BY ROBERT ANDERSON were tied so much is I remember coming “I“If Iremember the first time we beat Summerville place in theone region teamed up with another head coach in 1993. The only It included a lot of projects, lar try- vote. ments of his job. had to change thing behind Dillon ROBERT.ANDERSON@MYHORRYNEWS.COM he high is a huge accomplishment for former Gamecock, illustra- home on the bus and telling the thatone young ofI’d probably other Southand Carolina ing to improve and beautify theIt proves “I decided day itpeople was change appreciathad noit choice. school coach to do is current Hogwash. facilities and give aid to the today,time,” said. “Everyone saidat ing theCoach moment at the time in- crew. down there. Again, it was one of those milestones. Jason Allen’s Aynortor Kev Roche, and the trio guys we were going to the state andhe especially those Former Conway Coach Jordan assistant is a good man and championship. You go back to the Clemson University coaches.” you’ll knowfootball when it’s time. It’s stead of looking over the 38 Braves-21. took about two-and-a-half Conway High School are loving coach Jeff Scott, who led far better Hinson time was for me. Being athletic and worrying about Chuck Jordan enshrined indithe moment he deserved thanstayed at GSFHS championship games. All of Thiscoming hadn’t before.” years to finish the book. state compassionate kids whoa what’s Blythewoodthe to asuperintendent state title in its until 2014. rector requires youS.C. to beAthgone next,” hehappened said. Hall and of Fame during the and those were special. In three of first seasonthe of varsity football “I enjoyed the players,” lot atAssociation’s night. It wasincluding becoming In addition hunting, Hin- over McBee GreentoSea Floyds Roche is a freelance illus- those four games, it was a one-play about others, letichecare Coaches recent Horry County School and his first year as a head said. “I had some good players overbearing.” son hopes to spend more time annual meeting and clinic at the Board afforded him. game. Those are tougher to lose, The Trojans might be the trator and graphic designer those who are different. coach. who bought into the system. I Hinson has many fond with his family. He and his wife North Charleston Convention Following an investigabut also the most rewarding. Anarea’s biggest surprise if it wasn’t who works with ESPN on homecoming queen Hinson led Johnsonville to a made a lot of friends I still haveAt CHS, memories of years spent at all Becky haveJordan two daughters, Chuck Center. tion incident durother one that was special was 70-12 record, fiveinto regionan titles today. We still hunt and fishcontestants tofour schools. Martin and Alyssa Aynor. GSF is the only Horry baseball-related broadare sponsored by Chloe for Former CHS coach “Itseniors was neat,” Jordan said. “Anyingchampionship which Jordan was beating Summerville 7-3 in 1992. and three state gether. I enjoyed the assistant “I’m reallyfootball proud of some of Phillips. County school playing a nonrecasts. He jumped at the on the team. time you get honored by your involved in an altercation My mother passed away and they gion game this week. The team Wave on chance to workbecause on a chilRichardson peers isMiss special. It’s a nicewouldn’t event.” seems like yesterday.” with a 17-year-old male the schedule he gave me that game ball.” alreadymemorable has a playoff berth nailedknew his dren’s book involving havecompiled gotten toaenjoy such a big Jordan 278-143 Another game came student, Maxey decided to team would improve the by Jordan, who also served as the down. Trojans-32 Gamecocks. moment a big stage had of- in 1984 record during on a 34-year coaching when Conway Panthers-21 edged place the longtime coach playing against good competition. athletic director at CHS from 1983career at Conway High School. He Hartsville 3-0 at Kellytown Staon paid administrative “I remember the first timeto wedo a 2015, was inducted into the S.C. “I always wanted fensive lineman Joshua Turner the to City numerous region on an EarlLake Sessions leave until his contract ex- Inlet scoredled down there,” Athletic Administrators AssociaLoris over Cityfield goal beat Summerville children’s book,” Rochehe notTigers stepped uptotoopen thethe plate BY ROBERT ANDERSON Murrells its lone at Lake June and dium championships and state in overtime. pired and Jordan was was one tion Hall of Fame in March. ROBERT.ANDERSON@ run in the top of the first inning, portionher. of thefour schedule. The Lions need a victory to said. “Again, said. “Iit think it’sofathose good sponsored MYHORRYNEWS.COM in the Trailing 3-2,appearances. Post 111 erupted “They beat us down in 1983,” forced to retire. but Horry scored threechampionship happened He will also be one of several nail down a playoff berth. Lions- milestones. story This withhadn’t a good message football hisgame girlfriend attends of the frame to take theSince four runs in the fifth, and six None of for Jordan’s coaching victoJordan said. “It was a measuring I called Maxey’s bottom decision before.” coaches inducted into the Panthers-14. about everyone neighboring Aynor School, stick.21We The HorryaPost 111 American for good. moremore in the sixth toHigh turn the ries were any memorable were getting better. Back copout then andlead nothing Jordan alsohow remembers 2016can S.C. Football Coaches Association Legion baseball Hayden Franklin scattered game intoone ato rout. playTigers an important role.” chose sponsor Regan. then you had to go through thanTurner the very first as the man overteam thecame pastup 11 months when the played back-toHall of Fame in December in conbig in several recent games. four hits in five innings of work Will Smith collected the win Myrtle Beach over Hartsville back triple Moore, a defensive line- junction with the annual TouchOne of the reasons is that he lost Hartsville.” in charge at alma mater. has changed my mind. overtime games, losing Coach Tim Whittaker’s troops to record the win on the onhis the mound, giving up six “You always have some those Although he isn’t sure the Fortunately to Sumter at and home and beating stone Energy Cooperatives Bowl The Seahawks willabout shock a man, Thorne, defena special needs sister several rolled to an 11-1 victory over for Jordan, mound. a hits and three runs inof five inthat stand nings out,”that said. “I still reyear,huge Jordan has fond memories of lotinof good things have Carolina Forest on both the road. vs. South Game inLangston Decem- Moore talks to Aynor Hi Murrells Inlet a Thursday In another game, Post 111years ofhe mound duty. Brendan Former Gamecock throng of Fox fans assemsive tackle, played for North ago he loves and member my firstand game with Myrtle Summerville and happened over theturned past in a solid performance of things stick night contest that was called Batten Nathaniel Marquez bled for a Beatdown of legthe Beach “Those thekind Gamecocks, and out,” Moore ber. misses very much. Lucy was onlydefeating after six innings. during a 6-1 win over Lake City We worked an inning each. Beach. won 15-10. Robbie endary coach John McKissick on year. He has been enhe said. Former Conway quarterback at Kellytown Stadium. Seawent on to play for the De11 when she died in 2010, and fall athletes about the imlose.” Horry scored in all six inWednesday night at Conway Smith scored three runs and Squatriglia was our quarterback the road for the first time. One of shrined in both the S.C. “One of the games I’m most tick- and current Myrtle Beach Coach hawks-31 Red Foxes-28. nings, pounding out 14 hits in High School. troit Lions, the Arizona CarJosh often talks about the imporcollected three hits to help his portance of honing the They stressed the im and he broke a long run late in the the first things Jordan did after beAthletic Coaches Associaled about was beating Byrnes in Mickey Wilson Jr. said Jordan is a Whittaker just 29 at bats. Jakob Marlowe went 2-for-3 ownshe cause. Walt Richardson and thethere,” Cincinnati tant played in his fundamental skills of readtance of how losing is a game. Yourole never forget that firstlife on coming the coach at CHS was to tion and the S.C. Athletic 2000 indinals the rain down JorWalt Richardson led P-111 at the plate with a pair of hits was 2-for-3 with a pair of home NMB over Marlboro County Bengals. his Facebook page. ing, writing and speaking, of life, but great things JORDAN, A7 one. It seems so long ago and yet it try to get McKissick’s mighty Green Administrators Association dan said. “The reason it tickled us with three hits including a and runs to pace the Horry ofruns and drove in seven runs. Seth Hucks had a hit and Fame. also threw a scare into Thorne and Moore spent WayHetoscored go, Josh. You’re a spe- scored theThe as well as about how to lose come out of it. home run, aHalls doubleof and a trio He will fensive attack. three times. Mack loneChiefs run for Horry. be inducted S.C. of RBIs. Richardson scored ainto theWill Smith added two hitscial young James was 2-for-3 a home had the only other Myrtle Beach this past week. the day at AHS reading to man andwith a good ex- Will Smith and not to compare them“We all fall short if w pair of runs Football as did teammates and drove in a pair of runs. Seth run, and he scored three times. hit for Post 111. Coaches AssociaNMB-22 Bulldogs-21. the different grade levels. ample of what’s right with selves to others. compare our insides to Jakob Marlowe and Kody Hucks Jordan Hilburn added two Florence scored four runs in tion Hall of Fame in De-recorded two hits and AHS focuses heavily on littoday’s younger generation. “We want to let kids someone else’s outside Hanna. Several Horry players drove in a run. hits, one of them a home run. the fourth inning to open up a cember. recorded two hits including Nick Fowler threw six innings Seth Hucks scored a pair of 5-0 lead. South Florence over St. James eracy and has a 20-minute We’re better off than many peoknow they can be what Moore said. “Failing is He is deserving of all Hanna, Todd McClellan and of scoreless baseball to collect runs for the winners. Will Smith tagged have with won only one Thewas Sharks period each school day ple think. they want to be, not ‘just of the winning equatio three enshrinements. Ethan Prosser. Prosser also the victory on the mound. He Florence Post 1 ended the loss on the mound. game but made it a big one by where everyone reads a ForHorry’s the record, wasn’t an’ anything,” Thorne said. The pair told the ath Jordan compiledallowed a 278-only one hit and drove in two runs. Horry will square off against winningRegan streak with an Thethe Horry Post 111atJun143 record during fanned a 34- five Lake City batters. Nick Fowler blasted a double 11-1 defeat Marion High Inlet today at 7 p.m.of atgolf and beating neighborhood rivalcart. So- Hole sponbook of his or her choosing. “If you blame, complain only special needs student Murrells that while only a smal as did Prosser. Horry also posted a 13-5 win School Friday night. Socastee High School. ior American Legion baseare available for The duo spoke with the year coaching career at castee. Bruins-35sorships Sharks-14. who participated in homecomand make excuses, you centage of athletes eve
Jordan enshrined in coaching Hall of Fame
Horry Post 111 baseball team has 11-1 record
Horry finishes third in state
Conway High School. He led the Tigers to numerous region championships and four state championship game appearances.
ball team finished third in the state tournament this past week in Georgetown. Conway dropped a 2-1 verdict to Kingstree in the
SPORTS | SHORTS |
the Boys and Girls Club of the Grand Strand and mail
$100. The tournament features a captain’s choice format and begins with a shotgun start at 9 a.m.
to hang with the South Pointe Stallions, he was trying to be nice and complimentary. As it turned out, it was the reality of the situation. The Red Foxes lost the Class 4A State Football Championship Saturday night 38-14 to the Stallions. It was the third loss in four years, and to the same team. “We got beat by a really good football team,” he said. “Our kids fought like crazy, I’m proud of them.” There is still plenty to take away from the season as a whole. “Being Lower State Champions, it’s an awesome season,” he said.
“There’s no moral victory in the state championship football game,” he said. “You’re frustrated you couldn’t find a way to win. I’m frustrated we can’t find a way to beat them the last couple of times.” Calabrese had nothing but praise for his senior class members. “(it was a) small crew, these kids hung in there,” he said. “There are a lot of kids in that class that didn’t make it through. I’m real proud of these young men for seeing it through, and having a great season.” Hartsville scored twice in the contest. In the first quarter, A.J.
ville 39-yard line. Hartsville converted a fourth-and-three opportunity when South Pointe jumped off sides to keep the drive alive. On its last possession of the game, Dariyan Pendergrass broke loose for a 26-yard run to set up firstand-goal, where he proceeded to punch the ball in on the next play. Caldwell hit the PAT. Joyner had runs of 16 and 10 yards and Hartsville took advantage of a Stallions’ 15-yard penalty for too many players on the field. Statically, Tiyon Evans had 80 yards on 16 rushes, followed by Joyner with 47
SPORTS COLUMN WRITING
Red Foxes runners-up at state, again
T
he South Points Stallions won their third Class 4A state football championship Saturday night 38-14 over the Hartsville Red Foxes at Williams Brice Stadium on the campus of the University of South Carolina. The above is a classic Associated Press stock lead for a football game. Back in the day, they taught this type of story lead in college. However, that is not the direction this story is going to go. There is a statistical story above this one. Everything that needs to be learned about the statistics of the game is out there. Here is the story behind the story. After four months of preparation, Saturday’s game can be an enormous learning experience. For the eight seniors on the team, they hopefully learned that life is full of adversity; you have to work hard to overcome adversity. The lesson is learned when these young
There were no egregious penalties. Hartsville had three penalties for 25 yards. There was one personal foul and two false starts — and those two happened on a PAT kick. KentMahoney To the returning playKent’s Korner ers; remember Saturday night. Remember how that men take something a coach told them and apply felt, what your emotions were telling you. Promise it to a real-life situation. yourself not to feel that The two biggest emoway again. tions on the field were The 2018 season frustration and disapstarted Sunday mornpointment. I will be ing. You will work harder the last person to deny than last year. You will anyone their emotional response to any situation. listen to your coaches and take to heart when they There was frustration have to say. You will study throughout the season. and practice your posiThere was frustration Saturday night during the tion until it is as sharp as humanly possible. You game. will perform at a playing There was obvious level you never thought disappointed in finishing possible. in second place. No one And the most important strives to be the bride’s part is that you remain maid. However, there was see- humble in your pursuits. able growth in that game, You must not boast of your abilities. You must too. not boast of your accomThe Red Foxes did not plishments. Pride goes turn the ball over. They before the fall. had three fumbles, but Cherish your accomdidn’t lose them. They THE HARTSVILLE MESSENGER picked up a fumble in the plishments, Red Foxes, PAGE 4A you earned them. 24, 2017 second quarter. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER
Sports p You have got to see this
Hartsville takes pair from West Florence
Red FoxBYF ootball KENT MAHONEY Preview a 30-6 lead after the first kmahoney@hartsvillemessenger.com
The Hartsville Red Foxes took a pair of basketball games against the West Florence Knights Friday night at the Hartsville High School Arena. The Lady Red Foxes blew out the Lady Knights 9047. Hartsville had four players in double figures led by Saquita Joyner with 20 points, followed by Taleah Stephens with 13 points. Myesha Huggins and Tarewyn Dawson each chipped in 10 points. Hartsville opened up
KentMahoney Kent’s Korner
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f you didn’t attend last week’s Red Foxes football game, here is what you missed. » The largest comeback of the season. » The Red Fox offense scoring 34 unanswered points. » The display of guts and determination required to win a ball game down 14 points at half time. If you missed last week’s football game, you missed something special. Kelleytown Stadium has a capacity of 5,500 people. That would mean the home side would seat approximately 2,750 people. School officials have indicated that gate receipts for games this season are running just at 1,000… total. Wait, What? Hartsville is the defending Lower State Champs; has won 47 consecutive home games; has won 95 games in this decade (the record is 105) with two seasons left to go, and the home side of the stands maybe has 500 people, including students, in it? I say again. What? I’m not trying to be negative here. I’m not picking on the hometown fans. I am merely asking the question, “Why aren’t the stands packed during the playoffs especially, but during the regular season, too?” The 55 or so young men that are the Red Foxes are pouring out their collective athletic talents for the entire city to see. It was impressive that Lower Richland brought something close to 500 people to a road game. We will have to wait and see what Berkeley brings to the
quarter and never looked back. They also led 48-15 at the half and 61-30 at the end of the third quarter. West Florence was led in scoring by Shakaylah
Cohen with eight points, Naudea Richardson with seven points and Rianna Stewart and Nydrea Bradley, each with six points.
See HHS, Page 5A
Keyshawn Wicks is a junior running back with 1,915 yards and 15 touchdowns on 277 carries. He averages seven yards every time he touches the ball. The Stags’ receiving corps has three standout players. D.J. Chisolm (Soph., 5-11/155) “Simply the Best Less” for 1,049 yards hasfor 63 catches and 13 touchdowns. He is folVISIT OUR lowed SHOWROOM AT (Jr., by Dervon Pesnell 6-4/178) whoBeach, has 42 catches 131 Causey Street Myrtle SC for 691 yards and eight touchwww.windowworldofmyrtlebeach.com downs. Alec Wyndam (Jr. 5-7/135) has 17 catches for 204 yards and one touchdown. Chisolm is also the kickoff and punt returner. He has 418 yard collectively between the two and has returned three punts for touchdowns this season.
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KK’s Keys to the Game For Hartsville to come out on top, they will need to do the following: PHOTOS BY CHRISTOPHER BEASLEY/HARTSVILLE MESSENGER » Eliminate early game Hartsville’s Cole Beasley (44) picked up a first down on this 12-yard reception to keep a Hartsville drive alive. mistakes. Hartsville has had numerous touchdowns called back game attendance. because of a penalty, sometimes These young men need, and 30 yards away from the play. deserve, your support on Friday » No turnovers. Hartsville has nights. They work hard during to protect the ball at all costs. the week, and you are missing Fumbles are drive killers. out on the fruits of their labors. » Come out swinging. I’m not The parents and relatives going to equate Berkeley to a are there; a good portion of 300-pound gorilla. But… the the student body is there; it Red Foxes have to come out and goes without saying the band assert themselves, put Berkeley and cheerleaders are there; so, on its heels and take them out of where is everyone else? their comfort zone. Come on out tonight and see » Stingy defense. Hartsville these Red Foxes play football. gives up less than 12 points per Okay, enough said on football game. Their harassing defense game attendance. up front creates havoc in the What is known about the backfield. Collectively, they have Berkeley Stags? 80 tackles for lost yards on the Hartsville’s Collins Bishop (3) finds some running room behind Tical They are 14-1 overall and went McFarland (50) in Friday’s 41-20 win over Lower Richland. season. That needs to continue. undefeated in Region 8 play. » Finally, focus, focus, and foCoach Jeff Calabrese. “They are They defeated North Myrtle cus. I don’t know a coach on any Eric Tuttle (Jr., 6-1/180) has tough to defend; my hat’s off to Beach last week 34-17, after level, at any sport who doesn’t 2,249 yards passing with 22 them for what they do.” trailing early 10-0. agree with the adage that sports touchdowns and 10 intercepTheir only loss was the first is played 90 percent above the tions. Berkeley Offense week of the season to Daniel, eyebrows. Players and teams Calabrese describes him as a which just happens to be the very smart player who does not who are proactive instead of Through 15 games, the Stags school that current Stags Head reactive, who anticipate what is have generated over 5,200 offen- make a lot of mistakes. Coach Randy Robinson hails going to happen next, and keep Ten interceptions to me says sive yards. That is just less than from. Robinson is in his third cool and calm under pressure there is a chink in the armor. 350 yards of offense per game. year at Berkeley. are the teams and players who Hartsville has picked off 19 They score 30 points per game “They didn’t get a pass in the are successful. passes this season, including on average and have held opsemifinals by playing someone Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. at four last week against Lower ponents to just about half that not very good,” said Hartsville Kelleytown Stadium. Richland. many points.
Elliott selected for leadership forum
High School Basketball Emmanuel Christian 55 The Kings Academy 16 FLORENCE — Chandler Morrell scored a team high 20 points as Emmanuel Christian defeated The Kings
JACOB BURR/HARTSVILLE MESSENGER
Hartsville running back Tiyon Evans (15) had 80 yards rushing and 36 yards receiving in Saturday’s game against South Pointe at Williams Brice Stadium.
yards rushing on 15 carries. However, Joyner also lost 32 yards on rushes or sacks finish with a net of 15 yards. Collins Bishop had 42 yards on nine carries followed by Pendergrass with 28 yards on two carries.
Donovan Lambert had 15 yards on nine carries and Zavaric Hines had 14 yards on three carries. There are no seniors among the running backs this season. Joyner was 4-for-6 passing for 45 yards, no TDs, no
interceptions, but he was sacked five times. Kevon Haigler and Zay Peterson led the team with eight total tackles. Haigler had a sack for a four-yards loss. Hartsville finished the season with a 13-2 record.
Sports p ALL WEEKLY DIVISION
THE HARTSVILLE MESSENGER PAGE 6A FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2018
Crusaders, Govies split first meeting
Crusaders down Calvary 1-0 O
From Staff Reports boys’ side, but the Lady The first basketball Crusaders coming out on meeting between the Em- top in the girls’ tilt. Carolina Helms scored manuel Christian Crusaders and The Governor’s 17 points as Emmanuel School Eagles was a draw defeated The Govies 54KentMahoney with the Eagles defeat- 35. Kent’s Korner Helms was supported in ing the Emmanuel on the
Region 6 Football
scoring by Paige Beisecker with 16 points. Maya Brown had 11 points for the Lady Eagles. Emmanuel opened up a 13-8 first quarter lead.
n the soccer pitch the Crusaders took a 1-0 lead at halftime on a beautiful corner kick from Caleb Johnson (pictured here). It was Senior Night as well as for the soccer team as Jackson Roach was the lone ECS senior. For his career Jackson tallied 17 goals and 13 assists with his most memorable goal coming in a semifinal state SCACS soccer tournament.
See BASKETBALL, Page 5A
19th Annual Title may Father hinge on Daughter D a n c e a couple of games T
here are just three weeks left in the regular season for the Red Foxes. Each contest becomes increasingly more important. Last week, Wilson just about had Hartsville where they wanted them, but the wily Red Foxes scampered away with a come-from-behind victory. The Region 6Pictures standings, de- at 5:30 pm. - Until begin spite weather delays, look The dance begins atpretty 6:30 pm at the SImT building. good at this point. Hartsvilleare andaMyrtle Beach $25 donation per family Tickets minimum are at the top, both at 2-0. & may beFoxes purchased The Red have North only at the Florence ymca. Myrtle Beach followed calltonight, (843) 665-1234 for details. by Darlington on the road and all proceeds Myrtle Beach at home in will No-benefit the morning News’ Newspaper In Education Program vember. & Florence Family ymca’s Scholarship Program. If it had not been for Hur(Sorry, is a father-daughter ricanethis Florence, this picture evening, so remember, no moms allowed!) might already be clear, cut and dried by now. Hartsville and Myrtle Beach were set tothis play special father & don’t miss on the opening night of region daughter event! play. But as the last game of the regular season, this might play out better than a day-time soap opera. Wilson (5-3, 2-1) is sitting on third place, while North Myrtle Beach (5-1, 1-1) is in fourth. NMB’s region loss was to Wilson and the Chiefs would have to win out to have any shot at claiming the title, but they have to get past the Red Foxes first. Marlboro and Darlington are both winless, but face off tonight in Darlington. As if all of this were not interesting enough, go take a look at the Lower State Football bracket on the SC High School League website. The alleged concept of having BY KENT MAHONEY Region 4 play in upper state one kmahoney@hartsvillemessenger.com year and lower state the next has been scrapped. Region 4 will send its number It was Senior Night at Emone and four seeds to the upper manuel Christian volleyball state and two and three seeds to Monday night as the Crusaders the lower state. dispatched with Calvary ChrisIn order to compensate for tian (Myrtle Beach) in four sets this, the upper state will have 25-14, 25-16, 22-25, 25-15. two at-large bids and the lower Honored seniors were Chanstate will have three at-large dler Morrell and Madison bids. O’Neal. Here is the kicker, Class 4A has Morrell had 11 kills and three 40 schools. Regions 1 through 6 blocks; Abby Clark led the Lady each have six teams and Region Crusaders with eight aces and 7 has four. added 12 assists. Why not make eight regions Emmanuel went up two sets each with five teams? It would to nil behind some strong servhave made it much easier. ing as they registered eight aces If you don’t have a massive in the first set alone, as Clark headache after that explanaopened up a 5-0 lead in mere tion, you’re a better man than I, minutes. Gunga Dinn. Calvary got as close at 16-11, That’s all I’ve got Hartsville. but no closer. See you in the funny pages. Game two began a little closer
FIRST PLACE
FRIDAY, FebRuARY 9, 2018
FILE PHOTO
RED FOXES COMPETITION CHEER
space is limited!
Kent Mahoney The Hartsville Messenger
The 2018 Hartsville High School varsity and competition team is in the heart of its season. Members of the team are: (back row,from left to right) Nancy Jane Beasley, Ashlyn Goff, Laney Askins, Madelyn Stewart, Becca Greene, Amelia Harless, Raven Addison and Chloe Hammond; (middle row, from left to right) Caitlyn Johnson, Ally Harless, Mary Madden Gage, Lexie Bulson, Lainey Calabrese, Emily Stacy, Ainsley Hamilton, Jasmin Lynch and Fara James; (front row, from left to right) Alexandria Tucker, Lily Calabrese, Hannah Grace Williamson, Kailyn Johnson, Tiyonna Dolford, Kayla Mack and Allison Gainey. The team competed at the Viking Invitational (Spring Valley High School) on Oct. 17. They will coplete the season with the Conway Cheer Challenge (Conway High School) on Oct. 20, and the Forest Acres Cheer Classic (AC Flora High School) on Oct. 27. The team hopes to qualify for state on Nov. 5 in order to compete for the 4A state title on Nov. 17 at the Colonial Life Arena.
SUBMITTED PHOTO
Prep Volleyball
Emmanuel Christian downs Calvary in 4 sets
KENT MAHONEY/HARTSVILLE MESSENGER
Crusader senior hitter Chandler Morrell hits with purpose as she goes through a block at the net in Monday’s four-set win for Senior Night over Calvary Christian.
with Calvary tying the game at aces sandwiched in the middle 3-3, but Morrell reeled off five and Emmanuel took a comconsecutive points with two manding 9-3 lead.
Morrell had two blocks and a kill and Callie Johnson had one of each. Game three was also back and forth for the first eight points, four points for each side. Emmanuel opened up a 9-4 lead, but Calvary caught a second wind to tie the game at 9-9 and proceeded to take a 16-11 lead in the blink of an eye. The Crusaders fought back to tie the game at 19-19 and again at 20-20. Calvary stepped up its game with the aid of a net serve and an unforced error by Emmanuel. They finished the game with a block and kill by sophomore middle blocker Jess North. Emmanuel went back to what worked well in the first two games with strong serving and smart net play to take the final set 25-15.
Lady Red Foxes take McBee in straight sets BY KENT MAHONEY
kmahoney@hartsvillemessenger.com
and two dumps. She was ster had one point – an ace, missed. Alize Thomas led followed by Alize Thomas and one dump at the net; this game with six points
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he way Jerry Blassingame sees it, the S.C. Legislature created opportunities for business operators as well as men and women leaving prison with a decisive message to the governor on June 27. The legislature voted to override Gov. Henry McMaster’s veto of a bill to allow low-level felonies to be expunged to certain nonviolent offenders. The bill had widespread support among the state’s business leaders and social
reform leaders alike. Supporters think H. 3209 will put more people in the labor pool while eliminating a major obstacle to employment for people who have been convicted of crimes. In the Greenville-Spartanburg-Anderson market, the number of jobs available is about 12,000 larger than the number of people looking for work, according to numbers from the Greenville Chamber of Commerce. Blassingame, executive director of Soteria Community Development Corp., spends much of his organization’s energy making sure people leaving the prison system are ready to
hold and perform a job. About 9,000 people leave prison in the state each year, and Blassingame said many of them are eager to be employed and to be good employees. First, they need a chance. Blassingame helps create those changes today, but in 1999, he needed one himself. It came when a woman trusted him enough to give him parttime work at her water-garden business. She trusted him enough to loan him a car so he could get to work. See SECOND CHANCE, Page 12
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Shock this Block Anderson in early stages of plan to bring new life downtown. Page 5
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Leading Off .......................... 2 SC Biz News Briefs ................ 3 C-Suite ................................ 4 In Focus: Mid-Year Economic Forecast ............................ 13 LIST: Largest Employers ..... 17 At Work .............................. 19 Viewpoint ...........................23
The first models of the lastest version of the legendary F-16 will be built in Greenville by Lockheed Martin. PAGE 8 Boom time for the Upstate’s economy
Pair of economists take mid-year look at how we’re doing. Page 13
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Mount Pleasant’s Gateway project offers central office space off the peninsula. Page 13
President retires
Glenn McConnell to step down as 22nd president of the College of Charleston. Page 5
Learning to build
Clemson architecture students in Charleston take on James Island project. Page 15
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Realtors say low inventory keeps prices up
STATE
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OF THE
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CITIES Mayor John Tecklenburg outlines a plan to alleviate Charleston’s flooding problems, while Mayor Keith Summey looks back on how North Charleston has changed during his two decades leading the city.
Jobs aplenty
Charleston, Columbia among cities with best job opportunities in the U.S. Page 2
INSIDE Upfront ................................ 2 SC Biz News Briefs ................ 3 Best Advice .......................... 4 In Focus: Architecture, Engineering and Construction ............... 13 List: General Contractors....22 At Work ..............................25 Hot Properties .....................28 Viewpoint ...........................29 Day in the Life .................... 30
2016
Tecklenburg focuses on funding drainage projects in Charleston
Summey highlights revitalization in North Charleston address
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ast year was a strong one for the real estate market, according to a report from the Charleston Trident Association of Realtors, and agents are optimistic that their good fortune will continue in 2018. “2017 was the best year I’ve had, and I’ve already got two closings (this year). ... I’m basically showing property around the clock,” said Ariel Trouche, a real estate agent with Carolina One Real Estate. “So my biggest problem is finding the inventory.” According to CTAR’s Annual Report on the Charleston Area Housing Market, new listings increased 4.5% in 2017 and closed sales were up by 3.1%. Houses stayed on the market for an average of 55 days in 2017, the report said, three days fewer than in 2016 and 31 fewer days than in 2013. Joey Von Nessen, a University of South Carolina research economist who spoke at CTAR’s Year in Review Residential Market Update, said housing markets across the state look good, and Von Nessen he predicted 4.1% growth in sales across the state. According to CTAR’s report, the median house price in the Charleston region was $251,333, which is 4.8% higher than in 2016 and 22.7% higher than it was in 2013. Von Nessen said this is the result of home prices rising to meet demand after the recession, as well as prices normalizing after the recession. “We’re seeing price increases ... across all price points,” he said. “It’s not limited to one area of the market. This is a phenomenon that is affecting all of the housing market, in general, See REAL ESTATE, Page 8
CHARLESTON UNDER CONSTRUCTION Who is building what in the Charleston area? Projects, companies, prices, projected timelines, photos and stories. Page 13
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Central football claims unofficial county title
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In a special called meeting last Tuesday night, Darlington City Council passed first reading of Ordinance 2018-06Master Storm Water Ordinance and a Series Ordinance for financing the Southwest Storm Water Project, though not without reservations from council members Bryant Gardner and John Milling, both of whom cast a nay vote. Before Bond Attorney Ben Zeigler spoke to council, City Manager Howard Garland gave a recap for council and community members present. “This project started with the original grant application in October 2015, through the South Carolina Rural Infrastructure Grant; the application was rejected,” Garland said. “We reapplied in March of 2016 for the same project, which is the Chalmers Street ditch. That project application was successful in June of 2016. The original amount was $445,000.” Garland said that through a procurement process Mike Hanna, with Hanna Engineering in Florence, was secured as the engineer for the project. A Preliminary Engineering Report by Davis and Brown indicated that an additional 72-acre area needed to be included in the project, Garland said. “(The report) said that that needed to be included as part of the outfall and that the project was essentially just designed to work in the middle but wasn’t designed to take it all the way to the outflow,” Garland said. “That is where the project grew in size.” PROJECT ON 3A
Hartsville accepts $1.5 million loan from Byerly Foundation By Samantha Lyles Staff Writer slyles@newsandpress.net
At their March 13 meeting, Hartsville City Council approved final reading of an ordinance related to its “Canalside Project,” which could yield over $10 million in downtown capital investments. Council unanimously approved Ordinance 4325, which accepts a $1.5 million loan from The Byerly Foundation to allow the non-profit Hartsville Public Development Corporation to pursue development in the South Fourth Street area. The City of Hartsville will also receive a $500,000 grant from The Byerly
Foundation to reimburse the city for related properties it has already acquired for its Canalside plans. The ordinance lists over 30 involved properties, and at least 23 of these have been purchased by the City of Hartsville. At Council's February meeting, city attorney Lawrence Flynn said this five-year loan is interest-only, and carries a provision that would allow Byerly to forgive $500,000 of the principal after five years, provided there is no default. The ordinance extract states that the City of Hartsville expects the Canalside Project to yield perhaps $10 million in capital investments over the
Lamar gearing up for Egg Scramble By Samantha Lyles Staff Writer slyles@newsandpress.net
Lamar Town Council held their monthly meeting on March 12 and heard about all the egg-citing plans for the annual Egg Scramble Jamboree, scheduled for April 5 through 7 in Downtown Lamar. Jeronell Bradley of the Egg Scramble Committee outlined some of the attractions and events on tap, including the return of an old-time festival tradition. This year's program will include a beauty pageant (March 24), a Taste of the Lamar Egg Scramble (April
5), a Friday Night Parade and Street Dance (April 6), and a fun-filled Saturday featuring a classic car show, street parade (starting at 11 a.m.), Kid's Zone, carnival rides, Egg Games on Main Street (10 to 11 a.m.), the Bubble Man from GSSM, and two stages with free live musical entertainment. There will also be a large selection of food and craft vendors from throughout the southeast region offering everything from funnel cakes to hand-made jewelry. Bradley added that this year will mark the return of a beloved town tradition as Mayor Darnell McPherson emulates past Lamar leaders by donning an egg-cellent outfit: a white suit and bright yellow blouse, evoking the colors of egg and yolk. LAMAR ON 3A
long term, including commercial and residential developments. The project could also bring three new jobs to the city. Council also passed final reading of Ordinance 4324, amending several city codes to create a master ordinance related to delinquent and dilapidated properties. Flynn explained that these changes make it clear that the City of Hartsville's enforcement of International Property Maintenance codes will be “a separate and independent right of action from the state law codified unfit dwellings act provision” to allow for prosecutions, fines, and other actions to abate nuisance properties and protect public health.
Also at this meeting, Darlington County Economic Development Partnership director Frank Willis spoke about business development in Hartsville and the county. He noted that there are only two real ways that municipalities and counties can fund their operations: by raising taxes, or by bringing in new business. Willis noted that when he took his job five years ago, there were no certified industrial parks in Darlington County. Now the county has two certified industrial parks, and a third in the City of Hartsville is in the 'due diligence' phase of becoming certified. Through the Partnership's private business arm, Darlington County
Progress, his office is now spending about $30,000 a year to market these parks to industry – an effort that may soon yield fruit. He explained that an unnamed manufacturing company is considering locating in one of these industrial parks, and this venture – if successful – could bring 600 new jobs to the county. “And 600 new jobs in Darlington County is a big deal,” said Willis. He also praised Hartsville for its continuing investment in developing the downtown area and making the city an attractive prospect for people and businesses considering a move to this area.
Officials say South Carolina seeing record-making years in exporting By Melissa Rollins Editor editor@newsandpress.net
During a recent Economic Development Workshop at SiMT, attendees learned just how invested South Carolina companies are in exporting the goods produced within the state. Norris Thigpen, with the International Strategy and Trade Division of the SC Department of Commerce, said that even though it is a relatively small state, South Carolina is a leader in export. “Every single day what we are seeing is people and goods from the state of South Carolina traveling throughout the world and it is really exciting,” Thigpen said. “We have goods that are manufactured here and the people who actually sell them and make them traveling overseas, representing our state. South Carolina is truly a global leader both in what we produce and as an exporter.” Thigpen said that South Carolina goods find their way
Norris Thigpen speaks during a Darlington County Economic Development Workshop held March 7 at SiMT. PHOTO BY MELISSA ROLLINS
to nearly 200 countries around the globe. “In 2017…goods manufactured from across the state where sold to 190 countries throughout the world; that’s pretty much everybody,” Thigpen said. “There are a couple outliers but, for the most part, some one or some thing from South Carolina has been in nearly every country. To me, that is
Benjamin Hubbard
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Vol. 144, No. 12 Darlington, S.C.
By Melissa Rollins Editor editor@newsandpress.net
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Chesterfield County casualties of wars Special Editon to remember those who served.
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An infrastructure study is being done to see what possibilities Darlington County holds for perspective developers and also to see what is holding the county back. That information was part of Frank Willis’ Director’s Report during the Jan. 17 meeting of the Darlington County Economic Development Partnership. Willis told Board Members that one potential pitfall is the lack of water and sewer availability throughout the county. He said that there is land between Hartsville and Darlington, as well as land in Society Hill, that could attract investors if not for the fact that certain utilities are not currently in that area.
Alexander said. “Making sure that we have the best location in Darlington County, identified and ready for that next industry to come in. We felt like to get to that point, where we had product ready to sell, it would be helpful to bring in these other bodies (such as water and sewer) so that we are already ready, we aren’t having to play catch up when someone is approaching us.” Willis agreed, saying that preparation will be key to their success. “We only have one product to sell and its land,” Willis said. “If we are not prepared with land, then we’re simply not prepared. For us to not incorporate any agency or any organization that’s involved in the process, we are being derelict.”
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rapidly for the past few years. I've been here for seven years, and we've gone from 99 students to 273 students….and our goal is toward 300-plus students. That growth has precipitated the idea that we need more space, and particularly an area where we can expand our math and science programs with more classroom space,” said Ed Hoffman, Head of School for Trinity-Byrnes. Trinity-Byrnes offers 15 Advanced Placement courses, and a number of rigorous college preparatory courses focused on the growing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) field of study.
the City of Hartsville, there is no sewer along that corridor. We’ve got some really great properties in there but we don’t have the water and sewer, we don’t have gas, so we’re going to have to initiate it.” Willis also said that the partnership needs to be sure it is giving the same attention to all of the municipalities in Darlington County. Darlington County Economic Development Partnership Board Member Greg Alexander said that the partnership should be looking as far ahead as possible to anticipate needs that may arise. “We’re trying to think five, ten, fifteen years down the road and we have a product to sell to a new business coming in, that being location,”
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Trinity-Byrnes Collegiate School recently celebrated the completion of a new building that will allow its student body a bit of room to ease those growing pains, and allow the school to allocate improved classroom spaces for its science and math curriculum. “We've been growing quite
“We’ve initiated a little bit of an infrastructure study which I think addresses a little bit of what we’re talking about this morning,” Willis said. “The issue with the water and sewer, and I say this not as a criticism but just as a matter of fact, is that Darlington County Water and Sewer, they are not looking for places to put water and sewer. If we have an interest we go to them and say ‘We’ve got XYZ companies coming and we need water and sewer.” Willis said that that leaves some responsibility on the Economic Partnership when they are seeking to attract new companies or companies wishing to expand. “We’ve identified three areas,” Willis said. “The 151 corridor between the racetrack and
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development to create the unique solution. This multilayered, paper-surfaced membrane proves to be easier to peel and softer to the fingers than its all-foil counterparts, especially full-panel aluminum closures. “We’ve heard from both consumers and brand owners about the risks of cut fingers from traditional membrane closures, and have worked to address this in our membrane and end portfolio,” said Jeff Tomaszewski, division vice president and general manager of rigid paper containers, North America at Sonoco. “Sonoco’s SoftPeel membranes provide safer and easier opening for consumers, while providing the same barrier protec-
Students learn about Norman Rockwell by making their own Saturday Evening Post covers. PHOTO BY MELISSA ROLLINS
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Sonoco (NYSE:SON), one of the largest diversified global packaging companies, has introduced its SoftPeel™ membrane, a new closure option for cans that delivers improved cut-finger protection, printable billboarding space, and a more natural look and feel than allfoil options. The membrane is commercial with a leading CPG company, and widely available to new customers. Sonoco leveraged its material expertise in flexible material converting and closure
Trinity-Byrnes celebrates opening of new building
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Sheila Baccus, Elaine Reed and John Segars get sworn in during the Jan. 2 Darlington City Council meeting.
letes and teams, and the athletic department as a whole, to keep track of the hours that students are completing. “Students can log on and put in their hours and then their coaches or I can look at them and can validate the hours,” Bell said. “It is really easy because students can log on with the app and put things in and I can also send them notifications. It has been a great system because it is all right here whereas before there were spreadsheets or a picture with people trying to tell us what they did.” Bell said that she is proud of the work students put in not just in Hartsville but also back in their home communities and abroad. “Students can speak loudly with their actions,” Bell said. One organization close to the team’s heart is Make-AWish. During the games Saturday Jan. 27, the teams will be celebrating local MakeA-Wish child Aidyn Prescott with a team signing ceremony and a visit from the local fire department. The games begin at 2 p.m
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there.” Even though student-athletes often have busy schedules between classes, practices and games, Bell said it is important that they also look beyond their college years. “It is important for them to be a well-rounded person when they leave here with their degree,” Bell said. “Doing well in athletics and giving back to the community, that shapes who they are when they leave here; we want to do all we can to give them as many opportunities as possible. They see a lot and they learn a lot.” Organizations that are the recipients of Coker volunteer hours benefit from the help but the act of volunteering also helps strengthen the teams, Bell said. “It really is fun for them and it is a lot of team building experience,” Bell said. “The coaches have been really good about pushing them and getting that team to have the right attitude about it too.” A central system called Helper Helper allows the ath-
major fund, and the aggregate remaining fund information of the School District as of June 30, 2017,” Miller said. “That is a good, clean audit opinion; that is what you want.” The audit findings showed areas that were a weakness of the district and gave suggestions for ways to strengthen them. Improvements by district staff and administration were also noted. One area of ‘Material Weakness’ stated that there were ‘Incomplete, inaccurate records and activity reconsolidation related to capital assets’ and said that the ‘School District should evaluate staffing needs and make necessary changes to implement controls to ensure complete and accurate records are maintained.’ The audit also noted, “Management has evaluated staffing needs and made necessary changes to implement controls to ensure complete and accurate records are maintained that are necessary in the preparation of financial statements.”
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before enrolling, and they must be able to demonstrate baseline fitness before proceeding with the program. “There's never really been a program before for cancer survivors, encouraging them to exercise,” says Knockemus. “We do a functional assessment for each person before they take part in the class. We check their endurance with a walk test, they have to do a stretch test and flexibility test so we can see where they are.” She adds that the first LIVESTRONG class of five (which just finished up) made great progress and bonded quite well. The Y already has a waiting list for the next class in February, and inquiries about enrollment are welcome. LIVESTRONG classes meet twice per week for 90 minutes.
Student-athletes at Coker College are making a difference, one community service project at a time. In the last semester alone, they have logged nearly 6,000 community service hours completely smashing the goal of 5,000 hours for the entire school year. Coker is currently listed 19th among all Division II schools for the number of community service hours. “Community is important and we always want to give back,” said Jenn Bell, Associate Athletic Director for Internal Operations at Coker. “It starts at the top with Dr. Griffin, our Director of Athletics. She wants us to be involved. It also starts with the Division II model of a wellrounded student who is focused on athletics and academics; service-minded students.” Bell said that she grew up in a small college town where the school was insular and she doesn’t want Coker to be that
way or for local people to see them that way. “We do our best to get out there,” Bell said. “How are people going to know who we are if we stay on our campus and never get out? We branch out all over from Carolina’s Kids and pumpkin delivery for a local church, to going to the local elementary schools to read with students. We are forming mentor programs with some of the students this year.” Bell said that currently student-athletes have committed to visiting students at two local schools. “We have about 30 or so athletes who are going over to South Side and spending about an hour a week with those students to give them a figure, a role model, someone that they can look up to and aspire to be,” Bell said. “We do have a lot of great role models among our student athletes. The men’s basketball team has really stepped up with that. We also have someone who started that program at West Hartsville Elementary and she has gotten a lot of interest
By Melissa Rollins Editor editor@newsandpress.net
After a timing hiccup due to staff changes, the Darlington County Board of Education’s audit has been completed. During the regular monthly meeting March 12, Jennifer Miller, a partner of audit engagement for WebsterRogers presented the audit to the board. Miller said that audit was last but that it was completed. “We had a few difficulties during the audit, which I’m sure everyone is aware of,” Miller said. “You had significant turnover in personnel, which caused some delays in getting the audit done. We had some issues getting that information because of that turnover.” Even with the delay, Miller said that Webster-Rogers gave a favorable opinion of the DCSD audit. “In our opinion, the financial statements…present fairly in all material respects, the respective financial position of the governmental activities, the business-type activities, each
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in treating and preventing disease with three new classes aimed at helping those with cancer, pre-diabetes, and high blood pressure. The nationwide LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program focuses on helping cancer survivors through their recovery by incorporating a variety of exercise and fitness activities, wellness education, stress reduction techniques, and tactics for continuing these healthful habits after the 12-week program ends. Knockemus says that in the past, cancer patients were often told to limit physical activity and prioritize rest, but current science indicates that patients often rebound from illness better if they maintain some level of fitness and stay active. LIVESTRONG at the YMCA participants are required to have a medical clearance from their physician
By Melissa Rollins Editor editor@newsandpress.net
DCSD receives clean audit opinion
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If you're looking for a fun way to get fit in the new year – with the added spice of a little friendly competition – the Let it Melt! Winter Weight Loss Fitness Challenge at the Hartsville Family YMCA might be just the ticket. “We want everybody to start the new year with healthy lifestyle goals to help you lose those pounds and increase your physical activity,” says Nique Knockemus, Hartsville Family YMCA wellness coordinator. Y members can sign up for Let it Melt! at the front desk, and they will receive an information packet containing program guidelines, goals, and handy tips to get started on the right foot. Participants will also receive weekly emails packed with ideas and inspira-
tion to help keep them on track. They will weigh in once a week at the YMCA, but success isn't solely measured by the number of pounds shed. “It's going to be based on their total percent weight loss – not the pounds, but the percentage. And if there is a change in their BMI (Body Mass Index), they will get points for that. We'll also count the total number of minutes they exercise per week, and the total number of times they've come in to the Y to workout,” says Knockemus. The person with the highest number of total points at the end of eight weeks will receive a prize as a reward for their hard work and commitment, but Knockemus hopes the real reward is a new set of healthy habits that will last them well into the future. The Y is also encouraging people to take a proactive role
Coker Athletics: more than just a game
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public schools don’t have that as their center. It wasn’t a cost thing or anything like that it was just a desire of mine.” She first heard about Classical Conversations during a convention when she was exploring the idea of homeschooling. “I went to a conference when the girls were two because I knew I wanted to homeschool,” Nesseth said. “I went to a Homeschooling 101 class and the speaker went through and talked about what type of person I am and what would fit me best (as a teacher). She talked about five different styles, classical, traditional, unschooling, Charlotte Mason and then unit studies. I went to a Classical meeting after that and it was just great. It talked about how it was during the Middle Ages, how prevalent it was before the Middle Ages; that’s how people learned back then. The memorization part was important to me because I knew that they when they are young they are sponges. Classical Conversations came to the Pee Dee when the girls were three and I went to their practicum and I really liked it.”
Jennifer Miller delivers the audit findings to the Darlington County Board of Education, March 12.
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YMCA programs can help make 2018 a healthy new year
By Melissa Rollins Editor editor@newsandpress.net
Education comes in all shapes and sizes. This week Americans celebrate National School Choice Week, a time dedicated to understanding all of the educational opportunities available including public schools, magnet schools and private schools. Across the Pee Dee there is a group of a families dedicated to homeschooling their children. Some of those families, such as the small but energetic group that meets weekly at Kelleytown Baptist Church, choose to use the Classical Conversations curriculum. Group Director Jennifer Nesseth said that part of her family’s decision to homeschool came from a desire to incude God in their studies. “We have twins and before they were even born my husband and I decided that we were going to homeschool,” Nesseth said. “The school systems, where we were, were not very good and we thought we were going to be there forever. We moved down to South Carolina when they were two…The focus on God was really important to us, having that at the center was the most important thing and
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Darlington City Council passes ordinances for stormwater project
of the City), meet all federal, state and city requirements and standards for the processing of industrial waste, and anticipate generating 750,000 of sewer flow per month. Qualifying industrial customers will be charged a base fee and volume rate per 1,000 gallons matching the rates charged to city residential customers.
Classical education for modern students
Coker College softball players sponsored a family for Christmas in 2017 rather than having a traditional team gift exchange.
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objections. Ordinance 4316 also cleared public hearing and final reading. This measure will create an Environmental Remediation Rate Class for industrial customers of the city's sewer system. To qualify for this rate, a customer or potential customer must invest no less than $500,000 into city-owned portions of the sewer system (as approved in the sole discretion
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accept and treat industrial leachate generated by DEP from its coal-ash remediation efforts (the “DEP Flow”) in and around the H.B. Robinson Nuclear Generating Station. Per this agreement, “the city needs to upgrade its existing Pine Ridge pump station and construct a new force main sewer to properly process, treat and dispose of the DEP Flow.” Council approved 4315 with no
315 Chinaberry Drive and the corner of Reservoir Street from Shirley G. Anderson for $60,000. No. 4322 approves the purchase of property located at 311 Reservoir Street from the estate of Linda D. Byrd for up to $70,000. Also on the agenda, a public hearing and final reading for Ordinance 4315, an agreement with Duke Energy Progress to
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At their January 9 regular monthly meeting, Hartsville City Council approved the purchase of several parcels of land as part of the city's plan to further develop the Fourth Street corridor. These properties were approved for purchase through passage of the following ordi-
nances: No. 4318 approves the purchase of .083 acres located at 316 Reservoir Street from Heyward Gainey for $65,000. No. 4320 approves the purchase of property at 313 Reservoir Street and the corner of Coker Street from Danny L. Byrd and David C. Byrd for $110,000. No. 4321 approves the purchase of property located at
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Members of the LIVESTRONG at the YMCA class learn how to bounce back strong after cancer treatment.
Darlington City Council started 2018 on a sobering note during their Jan. 3 meeting, with several citizens and local representatives chastising them for their behavior during 2017 council meetings. Citizen Linwood Epps told council members that they need to conduct their meetings with civility and decorum, unlike what attendees have been seeing. “It would be so nice…if you all would stop acting like school kids on a playground,” Epps said. “You’re not up there for this; stop doing that. You ought to let each other speak before you interrupt. The City of Darlington is in Darlington County; go to the Darlington County Council meetings and watch how they act at council meetings. They let each other speak; they don’t care what you say. You can say what you want to; you have the f loor. You all
Vol. 144, No. 4 Darlington, S.C.
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shouldn’t be interrupting each other. Stop acting like kids. You are all grown-ups. Act like it.” Darlington County Representative Robert Williams told council members that if they are interested in doing anything other than working to make Darlington better, they are in the wrong place. “It is very crucial, critical to all of us, to unify ourselves,” Williams said. “It is timeout for games. If you’re into playing games, you need to go to the Olympics. As far as dealing with the business of the city, I think this is the time to be serious and we need to get serious with that. I urge all of you, including the mayor, to walk worthy of your calling. Not only walk worthy but live worthy of your calling. That calling is to be elected officials and to be a public servant.” Williams said that the citizens who elected the council expect more out of them.
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Hartsville buys several properties for Fourth Street Corridor project
Darlington City Council gets stern talking to at first meeting of the year By Melissa Rollins Editor editor@newsandpress.net
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Council has discussed the nature of their relationship with the CTC. At their January 3, 2017 meeting, Council voted 5 to 3 to approve distribution of $846,927 in CTC funds to resurface sixteen damaged county roads. Kilgo, Joyce Wingate Thomas, and Mozella “Pennie” Nicholson were the “no” votes. Before this vote, several members of council voiced concerns about how the CTC chooses which roads will receive attention.
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da are there so the county can use the state procurement process for these road improvement projects. CTC money comes from the South Carolina Department of Transportation and requires no match from the county. Typically, the state budgets funds based on CTC requests, that money is then accepted or refused by county council, and the county's Roads and Bridges Department then uses the money to construct or repair the designated roads. This isn't the first time
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county administrator Charles Stewart how Flatnose Road was approved for repairs so quickly when other county roads have been in “way worse shape” for a longer period of time. Stewart replied that he couldn't speak to the CTC's reasoning, and that the county can only accept or reject the funding they offer for the projects they choose. “The county doesn't have any control over where they assign the assets that have been charged to them,” Stewart said of the CTC, adding that the items on County Council's agen-
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75 Local Government Act – we're just sitting here as puppets,” said Kilgo. Kilgo also brought up the poor condition of Commanchee Street (in the Centerville Community), which floods and becomes impassable along a roughly 3,200-foot section during heavy rain, and questioned why the CTC has not put Commanchee on its repair list despite repeated pleas from residents. Council member Dannie Douglas (who motioned for approval of the funding) asked
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Darlington County Council convened their regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, January 2, and discussed the county's relationship with the County Transportation Committee. The talks began after Council approved the receipt of $151,938 in CTC funds for improvements to Flatnose Road. Roughly half of this road is unpaved and becomes impassable during heavy rain, and residents visited Council
and the CTC last year asking for help. Council member Bobby Kilgo voted against receipt, maintaining his pattern of “no” votes on CTC matters as a protest against the perceived lack of autonomy granted Darlington County to prioritize its own road repairs. “This is another situation where local government is being controlled by the legislature. Until they are willing to release and allow us to act as a governing body for a county – as was prescribed in the 1974-
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County Council discusses CTC, road repairs
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just amazing.” Giving an overview of how South Carolina stacks up against larger states and neighboring states, Thigpen said that the state is in the top 20 states across the nation. “Last year, we exported $32.2 billion dollars worth of export sales,” Thigpen said. “That is our seventh straight year of export sales growth and this has been continued
growth, no big dips in those seven years. Last year was a record for the state and 2018 is getting off to a good start. South Carolina is the 16th largest exporter. Regionally, we compete neck and neck with our neighbors North Carolina and Georgia. Per capita, South Carolina as a smaller state in the Southeast is ahead of our friends.” When it comes to the types of products being exported, Thigpen said that that are two that have been consistently on the top of the list. “South Carolina, last year and for the past several years, has been the number one exporter of passenger automobiles,” Thigpen said. “We make and export 16 percent of all U.S. automobiles that go overseas and tires as well, 31 percent of the tires; we expect that to keep going up.” As far as what markets are purchasing South Carolina goods, Thigpen said, China and Canada top that list. EXPORTS ON 3A
#PickPageland
Special committee will run 2019 festival
Staff report
Are you hooked on those shows were a celebrity comes to someone’s home and gives it a makeover? Are you watching every time you go to the home-and-garden center, hoping someone is lurking in the aisles to offer you a fantastic new kitchen or back yard? What would do you think about someone coming to Pageland and investing $500,000 to give the downtown a business makeover? It could happen if you join the #Pick Pageland movement. The Pageland Chamber of Commerce has applied to be the next small town selected by the show “Small Business Revolution Main Street.” Deleux, a firm that assists small businesses and financial institutions, is the sponsor. The company is a leading printer of checks. So far, the show has gone to Alton, Ill. Bristol Borough, Pa. and Wabash, Ind. Is it time for Southern charm? To convince the producers they need to come to Pageland, the chamber is launching #PickPageland. “It’s going to be fast and furious,” said chamber president Tim Griffin. Nominations for the show close Oct. 26. #PickPageland will be a multi-faceted campaign to get producers to, well, pick Pageland. Details of #PickPageland are being developed. Check with the Chamber of Commerce on how you can help. Ideas are wanted, the bigger, the bolder, the crazier the better. For information on the show and to view previous episodes, go to: https:// www.deluxe.com/small-business-revolution/
By DON WORTHINGTON
Lacey Anne Catoe dances with the Blue Jay at the 2018 Blue Jay Festival in Jefferson. Below is mascot dance contest winner, Marshall from Paw Patrol. See page 2 for more photos.
See FESTIVAL | Page 4
Ready to soar
BY VANESSA BREWER-TYSON
Seidhom steps up to chair festival panel
Progressive Journal
See LEGACY | Page 3
The Pageland Town Council and the chamber of commerce have agreed to create a committee to run the 2019 Watermelon Festival. The town accepted the chamber’s latest compromise by a 5-0 vote, the action coming in a darkened council chamber last Thursday. There was no power in parts of downtown Pageland because of Hurricane Michael. The six-member festival committee will have two members appointed by the town council, two by the chamber, and two downtown business owners selected by the chamber. The chamber will have a small financial role in the festival, but will not make any decisions, said chamber President Tim Griffin. The chamber will allow the committee to use its nonprofit status to apply for grant funding, but any funds awarded will go directly to the committee, Griffin said. Jordan Seidhom, owner of Carolina Scrap Iron and Metal of Pageland, has agreed to chair the committee. He has resigned as a board member of the chamber to lead the committee. The chamber offered the compromise to the town, noting it had acted hastily after the end of the festival in July. The chamber board voted to end its association with the festival, citing the time required to produce the festival, budget concerns, as well as the board’s
By DON WORTHINGTON Progressive Journal
Seven-year-old Jordan Seidhom learned how to soar when he took a helicopter ride at the Pageland Watermelon Festival. The ride sparked a life-long interest in flight. Now, Seidhom, 28, wants to help the Pageland Watermelon Festival soar to new heights, relying on his long association with the festival and his business acumen. Seidhom is the chairman of the committee that will oversee the 2019 festival. The committee is the idea of the PageSEIDHOM land Chamber of Commerce and has the endorsement of the town council. After producing the 2018 festival, the chamber voted to get out of the festival business.
Above, Jennifer and MaKenzie Brumett wave from their car during the parade. At right, an old fire truck displays flags.
See SEIDHOM | Page 4
Pageland family hit hard by cancer By VANESSA BREWER-TYSON Progressive Journal
Cancer and Evelyn Wadsworth Diggs are old enemies. Diggs lost her mother, Katie Wadsworth, to cancer in 1971. Four of her eight siblings have died from cancers, as well as a niece. Diggs herself is a cancer survivor, overcoming non-Hodgkin Lymphoma in 2011. So when Charlotte Radiology
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called in August of last year, saying her annual mammogram showed abnormal cells, she was concerned. A second mammogram and a biopsy showed breast cancer. Those two words devastated Diggs. “I could hardly believe it,” Diggs said. “I was crushed.” After overcoming emotions and returning to reality, Diggs resolved to be strong and trust her faith in God –and to beat cancer again.
Family experiences
Radiation and chemotherapy are shared family experiences. Diggs’ mother died from breast cancer. The family flew their mother to Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia, where she received radiation and chemotherapy treatments. Her cancer eventually spread to her bones. Two older brothers, Harry Wadsworth Jr. and Eutus Wadsworth, died
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Cloudy with a 50 percent chance of showers early then thunderstorms later in the day Overnight: Cloudy with a 40 percent chance of scattered thunderstorms during the evening
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Harry Deese Franklin Gaskin Sr. Glenn Gooden High: 77 Low: 64
MARCH 13, 2018
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Police arrest suspect in shots-fired incident Staff report
County to honor those who died serving America
Pageland holds 5K run for Enduring Freedom airman: Chesterfield County holds courthouse ceremony Speaker: carry the torch forward
Progressive Journal
Springhill Assisted Living: A family legacy People passing the Springhill Assisted Living facility in Pageland often see residents relaxing in rocking chairs, like family, on the front porch. For 18 years, giving its residents a family-oriented atmosphere has been one of the center’s trademarks. Mary Blythe Chipman said that family-feeling, started with her parents Robbie and Julia Robertson, the original owners, and continued through her service as administrator. Chipman retired last Friday after CHIPMAN four years. But she has spent much of her life at the facility, working side-by-side with her parents. “I’ve worked with my parents at the facility since the first dirt was moved until the building was completed in 2000,” Chipman said. While the building was being built, Chipman remembered her father calling people he thought would benefit from the assisted residential care facility. The facility opened in 2000 with 10 residents. Her father was the administrator and her mother was the vice president and treasurer.
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The 8th annual Staff Sgt. Jason Hicks Memorial 5K race starts 9:30 a.m. Saturday at the Pageland Community Center. The race is the primary fundraiser for the Jason Hicks Scholarship fund. The race honors Hicks, who died March 23, 2003, while serving with the U.S. Air Force HICKS in Afghanistan. His helicopter was on a rescue mission to pick up two Afghan children with life-threatening injuries when it crashed. Hicks grew up in Jefferson and Pageland. He graduated from Central High School and played on the Eagle football team. He was also a member of the Pageland Rescue Squad and the Highpoint-EastSide Fire Department. He enlisted in the Air Force on May 5, 1996. The Hicks scholarship is given to a Central senior. The first scholarship was awarded in 2003. Last year’s recipient was Wesley Smith.
Chesterfield County’s annual Memorial Day celebration is 10 a.m. Monday (May 28) outside the Chesterfield County Courthouse. Rev. Bruce Adams, who served as a senior master sergeant in the U.S. Air Force, is the speaker. He is the pastor at St. Paul’s Methodist Church in Ches- REV. ADAMS terfield. Adams said it is important to remember the distinction between Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Memorial Day is a day to remember all those who died in services to the United States. Veterans Day is for all those who have served in the U.S. military. “We all know, deep down, that there are others who gave the supreme sacrifice,” Adams said “Because of that, the best way we can honor their memory is to make the world a better place.” Adams said he will talk about the importance of memory throughout the history of world. He noted the Last Supper was a memorial service. Adams said he might share the story of a World War II chaplain who comforted dying soldiers on the invasion beaches of Pacific Ocean islands. The chaplain, Adams said, heard soldiers over and over again talk about coming home to America. The chaplain realized, Adams said. “that one day would he would see them again. What would he say to them about America?” Hopefully, Adams said, the answer would be people tried to be, in some way, a hero each day. “It is our obligation to carry the torch for them,” Adams said.
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A bugler sounds taps at the Meuse-Argonne American cemetery in France. Several men from Chesterfield County are buried in the cemetery.
‘Conspicuous gallantry, indomitable courage’
American Legion women distributing red poppies By VANESSA BREWER-TYSON Progressive Journal reporter
The American Legion Women’s Auxiliary Unit 92 is gearing up for its poppy distribution over the Memorial Day weekend. The red poppy is nationally recognized as a symbol of sacrifice. The poppy has been worn by Americans since World War 1. The red poppy honors those who served and died for our country in all wars. Pat Terry, secretary and treasurer for the Pageland/Jefferson unit, said members will distribute poppies in front of Roses Express from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 25 and 26. There is no charge for the poppies. Donations are accepted. People can also receive the Poppy poem if they desire. She said people can wear the poppies all weekend. The unit will also give out poppies during the Memorial Day event in front of the Chesterfield County Courthouse on May 28. Terry said all proceeds from the poppy fundraiser go to fund programs that help veterans and their families. She said most of the funds go to the Veterans Hospital and Child Welfare. The red poppies are made by veterans using crepe paper. The use of the red poppy as a symbol of sacrifice started with two World War 1 events. The sight of delicate, vibrant red flowers growing on a shattered World War I battlefield caught the attention John McCrae, a Canadian soldier. He noticed how they had sprung up in the disturbed ground. The image was the inspiration for the poem “In Flanders Fields,” one of the most famous pieces of literature from that war. Moria Michael, a school teacher, read the poem and wrote a poem of her own. The last stanza of Michael’s poem was: “And now the Torch and Poppy Red We wear in honor of our dead. Fear not that ye have died for naught; We’ll teach the lesson that ye wrought In Flanders Fields” Michael became know as the poppy lady. In 1930, Moina was awarded a medal for distinguished service by the American Legion Auxiliary.
Noah Knight earns Medal of Honor By DON WORTHINGTON Progressive Journal
DON WORTHINGTON/Progressive Journal
Henry Edgeworth and Neil Kirkley, who served during the Vietnam War, render a salute to Noah Odell Knight.
Medal of Honor citation:
Want to join?
Membership in the local auxiliary welcomes is open to women who have spouses or relatives who are members of the American Legion Post 92. For details, contact Doris Thurman, president, at (843) 658-7824.
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The temperature was falling. The rain turned to snow. The sounds of rockets, shells and gunfire filled the air near the Imjim River in South Korea, not far from the 38th Parallel. The Koreans called the place Kawang San. The Americans and Canadians defending the hills above the river called it “Little Gibraltar.” Pfc. Noah Odell Knight, 22, of Pageland, was on Hill 355 when Chinese troops attacked. Knight’s military occupation was officially a light vehicle driver. But on Nov. 23 and Nov. 24 of 1951, everyone in the 7th Infantry Regiment was a rifleman. Over two days of intense fighting, American soldiers would lose, and then regain, Hill 355. On Nov. 24, Knight was killed in action, one of three members of Company F to die that day. His actions earned him the Medal of Honor. He is one of 34 South Carolinians to hold the nation’s highest medal for valor. He is the only Medal of Honor winner from Chesterfield County. On Feb. 24, 1952, Knight was laid to rest at the Union Hill Baptist Church Cemetery. It was a cold day with temperatures in the 40s and a breeze from the south. An honor guard and bugler from Fort Jackson provided the military honors. In December 1952, Knight’s 19-year-old wife, Becky, learned her husband was being awarded the Medal of Honor.
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“Pfc. Knight, a member of Company F, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and indomitable courage above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. He occupied a key position in the defense perimeter when waves of enemy troops passed through their own artillery and mortar concentrations and charged the company position. Two direct hits from an enemy emplacement demolished his bunker and wounded him. See CITATION | Page 4
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Stories to be remembered, stories to be told
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hile it was not officially recognized as a national holiday until 1971, Memorial Day has been celebrated in the United States since 1868. The first “Decoration Day” observances were to remember the armed forces veterans who had died during the Civil War. After World War I there was even more interest in having a time to reflect. Another generation of Americans had experienced the realities of war. Originally, the Progressive Journal planned to commemorate Memorial Day as part of “Project 1918,” the newspaper’s ongoing series to honor those from Chesterfield BY DON County who served in WORTHINGTON the Great War. EDITOR Yet, when we started researching all the soldiers, sailors and airmen who have died in service to the country from Chesterfield County, limiting our Memorial Day coverage to just one war made no sense. As you study those who served and died from Chesterfield County, there are many familiar historical places and events. Then you realize these were the men who were there, the ones who created the history. Each has a story to be told and a story not to be forgotten. The story includes Noah Odell Knight, who won the Medal of Honor in Korea. (See accompanying story.) See STORIES | Page 4
NOTE TO READERS
Today’s front page was designed to reflect how your newspaper might have look on in 1918. It was the style then to have a large headline and a series of following headlines that told the story, one headline at a time. Sometimes the numbers of headlines was bigger than the story. We also used the paper’s historic name. The “flag” – newspaper for the paper’s name – is in the typeface that was used by typesetters in 1918. Don Worthington, editor
OBITUARY, 3
Joyce Ford
Pageland police officers recently defused a potentially lethal situation swiftly and professionally, says Chief Craig Greenlee. About 6:30 p.m. March 2, officers responded to a call for shots being fired in the 500 block of West Evans Street. Officer Richard Plyler found Thomas A. Tyson Jr., 37, standing in the middle of the road with a handgun.
Plyler, according to his incident report, removed his AR-15 patrol rifle from his car and told Thomas to put his hands up and get on the ground. Thomas then ran behind a Honda Accord, a potentially dangerous situation, Greenlee said. “When he disappeared behind the car, you didn’t know whether he was preparing to have a shootout,” Greenlee said. “That’s the truly scary part.” Thomas then started walking
away
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TODAY’S WEATHER
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Central students sample chicken noodle and Mexican tortilla soups
PAGE ONE DESIGN PORTFOLIO WEEKLY UNDER 4,500 DIVISION
Achievements:
Get ready to vote:
Williamsburg Tech announces Summer Achievement List
We Are
See Page 12
Inside This Edition
June 12 election ballot samples
Knockin’ Out Breast Cancer ONE PUNCH AT A TIME!
See Page 4
“Making a difference one week at a time”
See Page 18 & 19
Vol. 46 • No. 42
BY MICHAELE DUKE news@kingstreenews.com
“Making a difference one week at a time”
Let us Spray!
Vol. 46 • No. 22
KiNgstree, sC • WedNesday, May 30, 2018
2 seCtioNs • 24 Pages • 50 CeNts
Fiscal budget includes funds for downtown revitalization
BY MICHAELE DUKE news@kingstreenews.com
Kingstree Town Council heard a presentation regarding the town’s 2018-19 budget before passing second of three readings. The balanced budget reflects a notable increase of $143,100 in the Accommodations and Hospitality fund. The increases and additions such as Kingstree Live expenditures totaling $22,500 and $60,000 for downtown marketing focus on the Main Street project. Kingstree was selected to participate in the Main Street Program after an extensive process. The Municipal Association of South Carolina, Main Street Program is based on the Four Point Approach developed by the National Main Street Center to assist downtown revitalization efforts nationwide. The Four Point Approach combines organization, economic development, design and promotion. The Kingstree initiative kicked off in January 2017. At that time William Freeman volunteered to drive the project, which included preparing a Please
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Telling a story under glass. Charleston County Taxonomist Mosquito Control agent Ed Harne retrieves a microscope slide coated with miniscule droplets of mosquito killer. The slide along with others will be viewed under a microscope to determine size and dispersion of the solution, which helps commercial sprayers in delivering precise applications. Photo by Michaele Duke
BY MICHAELE DUKE If you live in the south you’ve probably seen a small plane flying areas either in the morning or late afternoon. Some may be crop dusting but this time of year you’re most likely watching a mosquito sprayer. The single engine Piper is in and out before you know it but what goes into preparing for that application takes knowledge and a plane that can deliver
the solution in a precise manner. Enter Guy McClary, owner of Williamsburg Air Service. McClary, a seasoned pilot and expert mosquito slayer, has been hosting an annual event for professional sprayers for five years. Pilots from across the state attend the daylong class that includes demonstrations and classes by experts in the field. On May 22, throughout the day four planes took to the skies to test their delivery systems for accuracy of
the solution. Before the first plane lifted off, a series of events had to occur. Each plane’s owner inspects his equipment and the jets that deliver the product, and accuracy is everything. The group gathered at the end of the tarmac at Williamsburg Regional Airport to watch several men set-up a system that would later tell a story. A row of poles, set to the width of the plane’s wings, was posiPlease
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Primary election lineup, plus a look at what’s on the ballots
BY MICHAELE DUKE news@kingstreenews.com
The primary election will be held on June 12, and the general election is on November 6. The Voter Registration and Election Office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and additional hours on Saturday, June 2, and Saturday, June 9, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sample ballots can be viewed on page 4. The lineup for governor, House of Representatives and local elections are as follows. Governor Yancey McGill (REP), Phil
Noble (DEM), Henry McMaster (REP), James Smith (DEM), Marguerite Willis (DEM), John Warren (REP), Catherine Templeton (REP), and Kevin Bryant (REP). House of Representatives District 101 Cezar McKnight (DEM) (Incumbent) McKnight is a Kingstree native and was elected to the House of Representatives in 2014. He serves on the Judiciary and Rules Committees. He is a member of the South Carolina Trial Lawyers Association, Black Lawyers Association, South Carolina Association of
the Criminal Defense Lawyers, Williamsburg County Bar and Florence County Bar. Alfred Darby (DEM) (Challenger) No Republicans filed for election. District 103 Carl Anderson (DEM) (Incumbent) Anderson is a Georgetown native and was elected to the House of Representatives in 2005. He is a member of Labor, Commerce and Industry Regulations and Administrative Procedures, V.C. He is the Senior Member of the delegation and has seniority in the
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House of Representative. Dedric Bonds (DEM) (Challenger) John Henry (DEM) (Challenger) No Republican candidates filed for election. W.C. Supervisor Stanley Pasley (Incumbent) Pasley was sworn in as supervisor in 2007. He is a 1973 graduate of Hemingway High School, a 1977 graduate of Charleston Southern University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science and a 2001 graduate of Webster University, where he received
a Master of Arts Degree in Business Management. Pasley has worked as director of DHEC-Williamsburg County, Healthy Start Coordinator, and director of Eastern-Carolina Incorporated. Dr. Tiffany Cooks (Challenger) Cooks has worked in public service for more than 20 years. She has worked in Williamsburg County for 10 years as Emergency Management/E-911 Director. She has a PhD in Applied Management and Decision Science, a Master’s Degree Please
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VOTE, 4
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By Chris Sokoloski
csokoloski@southstrandnews.com
Andrews Town Council heard from two groups opposed to plans for a limestone quarry in Williamsburg County that faces fierce resistance from people who live near the proposed site. “I have not been convinced that it’s in the best interests of this area,” Mayor Frank McClary said during a council meeting on May 17. He added the town would seek input from the Coastal Conservation League and the South Carolina Environmental Law Project on crafting a resolution. Both groups had representatives speak before council at the meeting. The quarry would be located in the Earles community between Seaboard Road and U.S. Highway 521. The state Department of Health and Environmental Control is currently reviewing permit applications associated with the Please
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INSIDE
Upcomings.................................page 2 oBiTUaRies..................................page 6 ediToRial....................................page 7 FaiTh.......................................... page 8 WmBg coUnTy gRads..........page 18 & 19
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Williamsburg County citizens who are voting in the November 6, election will notice a couple of referendums on the ballot. However, if you vote straight party and you click ok without going to the end of the ballot then you won’t see the referendums so make certain to scroll to end of the ballot. The first referendum is a vote to change the form of government from Council-Supervisor to Council-Administrator, where the administrator is an appointed official employed by the council. Williamsburg County Council passed an ordinance to change the form by
way of referendum in March. Williamsburg County falls under the Council-Supervisor form of government. The council may employ the administrator for a definite term or not, at its discretion. The second referendum voters will vote on the State Superintendent of Education. The superintendent voted on or appointed by the governor. A “Yes” vote will require the Superintendent of Education be appointed by the governor, with the consent of the Senate. A “No” vote maintains the current method of electing a superintendent. Two Williamsburg County School District At-Large Board Please
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2 seCtioNs • 16 Pages • 75 CeNts
MAKING THE TEAM
BALLOT, 5
Tiny teammate
shows he can hang with the big boys BY MICHAELE DUKE news@kingstreenews.com
Miles Salters has grown up with a dream of playing football. It doesn’t matter that at the age of seven he’s only 36 inches high. And he most likely won’t grow much more since he’s born with achondroplasia, a bone growth disorder and form of shortlimbed dwarfism. Miles may be vertically challenged but his heart is as big as Williamsburg County. His desire to play football has no boundaries. It doesn’t seem to bother him that he doesn’t see a lot of action on the gridiron. Miles’ coach Chris Osborne says it’s more about being a team player. “He said I know I won’t play every play but I just want to be a part of the team,” said Osborne. “When you got a heart that big what are you going to do? You’re going to put him South Carolina Technical College System President in there.” Osborne said Miles can play anywhere but he’s usually Dr. Tim Hardee stopped by the Williamsburg Technical on the defensive side. “I let him play safety some, linebacker some. College October 8, to present a check for $5,250 to I’m not going to put him on the line. He only weighs 35 pounds President Patty Lee that will be used for student soaking wet.” scholarships. Hardee is cycling his way to the 16 colAt first, Kingstree Parks and Recreation Director Tony McGill leges across the state on a two-week, 800-mile route was concerned about Miles’ size but he sent home a helmet and designed to raise the scholarship funds. shoulder pads with the child’s father, Jervon Salters. The next day PHOTO BY MICHAELE DUKE Miles Salters doesn’t let his size get in the way of he asked Mr. Salters if he was going to return the equipment and he said no. “He said his son really wanted to play and to please playing football. The 36-inch, seven-year-old Kingstree find some place on a team for him. And I did,” said McGill. “Ever Bears safety has a heart and willpower of a super bowl since then he was sacking people and going at it. He’s a special kid champion and is adored by his teammates and fans alike.
WTC receives scholarship funds BY MICHAELE DUKE news@kingstreenews.com
The Williamsburg Technical College received a generous donation via a bike rider. South Carolina Technical College System President Dr. Tim Hardee stopped at the college October 8, to present a check for $5,250 that will be used for student scholarships. Dr. Hardee is crossing the state on his Tour de Tech, a S.C. Technical System Foundation fundraising initiative. Hardee is cycling his way to the 16 colleges across the state on a two-week, 800-mile route designed to raise the scholarship funds. The South Carolina Technical College System currently has over 80,000 enrolled
students. His tour began September 27, at York Technical College in Rock Hill and ended October 12 at Horry-Georgetown Technical College. “It’s been a nice adventure thus far,” said Hardee. “I’ve been able to raise a lot of scholarship dollars for students for the technical colleges.” Hardee expects the tour will raise somewhere near $90,000 in scholarship funds. A crowd gathered in front of the college in Kingstree to watch the check presentation to college president, Dr. Patty Lee. “This (tour) is bringing very positive awareness to the technical college system, not to mention the cash that he’s Please
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PHOTO BY MICHAELE DUKE
Polly Ann’s receives Image Award
Williamsburg HomeTown Chamber
The Williamsburg HomeTown Chamber presented the Image Award for September to Polly Ann’s Flower Shop located at 101 West Main Street in Kingstree. Danny and Melannie Mims are truly invested in Kingstree and hope to see it grow. Before purchasing the flower shop in 2017, the couple was already busy running Please
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Polly Ann’s Flower Shop
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UPCOMINGS.................................PAGE 2 OBITUARIES..................................PAGE 6 EDITORIAL....................................PAGE 7 FAITH.......................................... PAGE 8 CLASSIFIEDS/LEGALS....................PAGE 15
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Fraternity donates to Hemingway Boys & Girls Club
TOWN, 5
Andrews council likely to oppose quarry Testing the science behind managing a menace
news@kingstreenews.com
KiNgstree, sC • WedNesday, oCtober 17, 2018
Referendums on midterm election ballot
See Page 9
See Page 14 & 15
“Making a difference one week at a time”
Vol. 46 • No. 32
KiNgstree, sC • WedNesday, august 8, 2018
2 seCtioNs • 20 Pages • 50 CeNts
Fly wheels, pistons and rotors, oh my! One-of-a-kind trophies will highlight car show
BY MICHAELE DUKE news@kingstreenews.com
Before you know it the annual Pig Pickin’ Festival will be upon us. Preparations for the three-day event have been Brighter signs! Signs for this program may be replaced going on for months and one with a higher reflective signage known as “diamond” group of men and women is grade that will allow for increased visibility, especially hard at work doing their part at night. ScDot to make it a success. Kingstree Fire Department (KFD) firefighters and a host of others are busy creating unique, custom made trophies for the 4th Annual Kingstree Pig Pickin’ Festival Classic Car Show to be held The South Carolina nation, and this program is Saturday, October 13, in front Department of Transportation attacking that problem mile of the Williamsburg County (SCDOT) Commission has by mile,” said Secretary of Courthouse. The specialapproved the second phase Transportation Christy Hall. ty awards are appropriately of the agency’s Rural Roads “SCDOT is targeting the ‘worst designed with car parts and Safety Program – an additional of the worst’ roads in our state are sure to be the center of 446 miles of safety improve- with our Rural Roads Safety attention at the end of the day. The idea for recycled ments across South Carolina. Program.” Williamsburg County roads In Year 1 of the 10-year plan, auto part trophies has been are: SCDOT already awarded con- around for a few years but •Hemingway Highway/ tracts totaling 187 miles of safe- Kingstree Fire Department Board Street beginning near ty improvements, well ahead of Assistant Chief Jeremy Morris Cow Head Road and ending projections. SCDOT has anoth- recalls when he and Town of at Williamsburg/Georgetown er 276 miles in phase 1 current- Kingstree Water Technician County line. ly under development. The Chris Tisdale got the idea to •US 521 beginning near Sims commission’s recent approval do something for Pig Pickin’. Reach Road and ending near for phase 2 includes the start of “Chris and I went to a car show Glad Street. an additional 446 miles of safe- in Sumter, where they were •County Line Road begin- ty improvements across South handing out homemade troning at Berkeley/Williamsburg Carolina. This constitutes a phies,” said Morris. “The guys County Line and ending at total of 909 miles in projects who made them told me they just got old parts and threw Williamsburg/Georgetown approved for development. County line. “We are looking to keep them together.” Their first set •State Highway 41/51 begin- the momentum going as we of trophies were presented last ning near Good Earth Drive and work together to make South year and it went over big. Since ending near Williamsburg/ Carolina roads safer,” Hall March they’ve been working on a new bigger and better Florence County line. said. •US Highway 521 beginning Hall said nearly 30 percent group of awards. Morris and his co-workers near SC-41, County Line Road of the rural fatal and serious and ending near Sims Reach injury crashes are occurring started the process by conRoad. on just over five percent or tacting various sponsors and “South Carolina’s fatali- approximately 1,900 miles of donors who might be able to Please turN to SCDOT, 5 provide the artists with the ty rate is the highest in the tools to create the imaginative awards. Tommy Patrick, Ben, Harley and Owen Pack help out with the show and Town of Kingstree employees Julie
Rural Roads Safety Program Phase II approved by SCDOT
Sparks fly as Kingstree Fire Department Assistant Chief Jeremy Morris welds a car part to a trophy. The trophies are handcrafted by men and women who work for the fire department, Town of Kingstree and other agencies and will be presented during the Pig Pickin’ Festival Classic Car Show in October. Photo by Michaele Duke Smith and Carly Patrick dress up like 1950s carhop girls and sell raffle tickets during the show. Each piece is welded togeth-
er then sandblasted for a clean finish. Some are left in their raw state with only a clear coat while others are painted. KFD Engineer Sara Welch is the art-
ist that brings the trophies to life with paint. “It starts with imagination,” said Welch. “We just kind of sit down with the Please
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TROPHIES, 3
Main Street organization committee created
BY MICHAELE DUKE news@kingstreenews.com
The next step in the revitalization of Kingstree is underway. In 2017, the Town of Kingstree was selected to partner with the South Carolina Municipal Association, Main Street Program after a rigorous process. Kingstree is one of 18 Main Street communities selected into the program. As a part of the Main Street, South Carolina, the town will receive intensive help for three years in what is known as “Boot Camp,” in promoting the downtown businesses, The transparent wings of a wandering glider (Pantala enhancing physical properflavescens) glow in the sun as it perches on an old ties through good design and fence post. The wandering glider is found on every con- proper upkeep while looking at tinent except Antarctica. Research suggests the two-inch ways to diversify the economy insects regularly make transcontinental voyages. of the downtown commercial Photo by Michaele Duke district.
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A group of volunteers met at the Depot in Kingstree, where they formed an organization committee. The committee is one of four that will help oversee the Main Street project, which is an initiative to revitalize the city and make it a place where citizens will want to spend time. Photo by Michaele Duke Where the program focuses on revitalization of the downtown area of Kingstree, it takes
training and an understanding of the program’s four points of approach, which are economic
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PROJECT, 5
INSIDE
Upcomings.................................page 2 oBiTUaRies..................................page 6 ediToRial....................................page 7 FaiTh.......................................... page 8 classiFieds/legals................... page 19
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FIRST PLACE Tami Rodgers The News, Kingstree
PAGE ONE DESIGN PORTFOLIO WEEKLY OVER 4,500 & 2-3 TIMES WEEKLY DIVISIONS COMBINED
SECOND PLACE
THIRD PLACE
Charles Swenson Coastal Observer
Hope Falls Oswald The Island News
GRAINGER NISSAN of BEAUFORT
AROUND TOWN: Palmetto Animal League hosts auction to help homeless pets. PAGE A10
LIFETIME WARRANTY
COASTAL OBSERVER
Vol. XXXVII No. 3 APRIL 12 - 18, 2018
WWW.YOURISLANDNEWS.COM
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COVERING BEAUFORT COUNTY
WHAT'S NOT TO LOVE?
ATING EDUCA TIO N
CE
FEBRUARY 1 - 7, 2018
The month of February evokes feelings of love, and what better way to capture this feeling than with local events that celebrate the joy of love.
WWW.YOURISLANDNEWS.COM
Springtime in Beaufort
First Friday & DeepWater Music Festival made a lively weekend in the Lowcountry PHOTOS BY BOB SOFALY
Pawleys Island, South Carolina ~ July 5, 2018
COVERING BEAUFORT COUNTY
The inaugural DeepWater Music Festival kicked off Sunday, April 8, at the old Port Royal Port Authority in Port Royal and, judging by the enthusiasm of the crowd, was a huge success. “This is just great” said Tayler Gampo from Chicago who is visiting family in Beaufort. “It’s still pretty cold back home. But this, this is great,” she said as she danced, wearing cutoff shorts and twirling a plastic hula hoop. Attendees talked with friends and enjoyed the live music. There was even a visit from medieval Spanish explorer Pedro Menendez, portrayed by Stephen Shinners.
AUGUST 23 - 29, 2018
WWW.YOURISLANDNEWS.COM
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President’s State of the College Address 5:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 8, Bluffton New River Campus Mather presents An Evening of Jazz with the Earl Fleming Trio featuring Marlena Smalls 7 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 22, TCL Beaufort Campus Mather History & Education Day Friday, Feb. 23, TCL Beaufort Campus Mather presents the Sesquicentennial Semi-Formal Gala with the Lavon Stevens Band 7 p.m., Friday, Feb. 23, Beaufort Holiday Inn Mather presents the Sesquicentennial Luncheon Celebration Noon, Saturday, Feb. 24, Beaufort Holiday Inn College Commencement 6 p.m., Friday, May 11, Beaufort Waterfront Park 50th Anniversary Dinner & Gala Thursday, Sept. 20
The town of Pawleys Island has two questions for property owners: do you favor a beach nourishment project that will require the town to borrow money and do you favor an assessment to fund future projects? Property owners had considerably more questions when they gathered in the Pawleys Island Chapel last week to hear the final recommendation from the town to place 796,000 cubic yards of offshore sand along 2.6 miles of beach. PAGE 2
TCL President Richard Bough, right, cuts a piece of birthday cake for Morgan Laird, 17, the youngest student in attendance Monday for the ceremony. Photos by Bob Sofaly.
Technical College of the Lowcountry students and staff marked the college’s yearlong anniversary celebration on Monday, January 29 with a cake-cutting at each of its campuses in Beaufort, Bluffton and Hampton. TCL shares its mission of education with The Mather School, which opened in 1868 to educate the daughters of freed slaves during Reconstruction. For 100 years, this extraordinary establishment educated and empowered countless individuals. In 1968, the property was given to the state of South Carolina and eventually
became TCL, your community college. Over the last 50 years, TCL has welcomed more than 85,000 students from Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper counties, and beyond. The public is invited to the President’s State of the College Address at 5:30 p.m., Thursday, February 8 at the New River Campus in Bluffton. Also, tickets are now available for purchase for the Mather School Alumni sesquicentennial celebrations in February. Please visit www.tcl.edu/2018 for details.
BEETHOVEN IN BEAUFORT USCB hosts the The Ehnes Quartet as part of the 38th Chamber Music Season. PAGE A6
CYAN-AOOO
MAGENTA-OAOO
YELLOW-OOAO
Jessica Bridges, left, and Leigh Copeland unbox the traditional birthday cake, which was later cut during the anniversary ceremony of TCL on Monday, Jan. 29 in the school’s MacLean Hall.
BEST BUBBLY Wine expert Celia Strong recommends a perfect bottle for Valentine's Day.
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BARBERSHOP QUARTETS
Three fabulous barbershop quartets — The Beaufort Harbormasters’ Tidal Fource and EU41A, plus State and Main from Vermont — will perform Valentine songs, show tunes and barbershop favorites on Sunday, Feb. 11 at 4:30 p.m. at the Fripp Community Centre, 205 Tarpon Boulevard. This event, sponsored by Fripp Friends of Music and supported by the SC Arts Commission, will benefit the Music-in-theSchools programs. Attendees will get a free pass at the Fripp gate, plus a treat donated by The Chocolate Tree. Admission is by donation. For details, visit www.frippfriendsofmusic. com, www.beaufortharbormasters.org, or call 843-838-1777.
INSIDE Lowcountry Life A2 Community Business A3 Sports Health A4 Schools Local News A5 Events Around Town A6 Directory Art A7 Classifieds
B1 B2 B3 B5 B6 B7
Story by Justin Jarrett, Photo by Bob Sofaly.
Snack trucks were available to feed the crowds during the inaugural DeepWater Music Festival.
Event organizers Mary and Eric Thibault of Thibault Gallery on Bay Street said April’s First Friday was a huge success.
93rd annual Old Sheldon Church service to be held Sunday, April 15 Since 1925, the Parish Church of St. Helena has hosted a service of Morning Prayer and a picnic on the grounds of the Old Sheldon Church ruins in Northern Beaufort County. The service is held the second Sunday after Easter. Now over a half century since the first service was held, the Old Sheldon Church tradition continues. The public is invited to join with parishioners of St. Helena’s at 11:30 a.m. on Sun-
THE VOTES ARE IN AND THE WINNERS ARE HERE! PAGE A8
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FEATURING LIVE MUSIC, ARTISTS, FOOD VENDORS, FAMILY-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES, AND A SHRIMP AND GRITS COOK-OFF!
UP IN FLAMES
INSIDE Lowcountry Life A2 News A3-5 Business A6 Health A7 Community B1 Schools B2
“...we’re going to try to make a change and bring back the beauty of Beaufort.” Kelly Chelten Owner of Lowcountry Spotlight marketing service
did not deliver the services he promised verbally, along with intimidation tactics that nobody in this town deserves,” said Amanda Patel, former owner of Kalon and Company women’s clothing store. It was Patel’s post on Facebook that prompted an avalanche of comments as others who claim they were victimized came forward. LeeAnn Logan, owner of Exclusively Yours, also said she successfully sued Brancho for most of the $1,150 she paid him for marketing services she says were not provided. The response culminated with a peaceful protest
downtown as business owners who said Brancho had taken advantage of them were joined by supporters to raise awareness. A second protest included the group Bikers Against Bullies. “I’m here to support the local business owners who have been taken advantage of and been victims of this unethical behavior by Eat Sleep Play Beaufort,” said Kelly Chelten, owner of the Lowcountry Spotlight marketing service and a former employee of Brancho’s. “I myself have been harassed by (Brancho), so I’m here for support, and we’re going to try to make a change and bring back the beauty of Beaufort.” Others say Brancho’s misgivings go beyond business. Lily and Lou owner Alyssa Johnson says she is owed hundreds of dollars worth of advertising she has not received, and she says Brancho often visits her store and makes her feel uncomfortable. “He targets people that he knows he can take advantage of, and he tries to catch them at their weakest moments,” Johnson said. “He just needs to stop. … He’s a predator. He targets female owners.”
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e invited to the 5th annual You’r
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THE BLOCK PART Y IS FROM NOON UNTIL 5 PM. THE SHRIMP AND GRITS COOK-OFF IS FROM 1:30 UNTIL UNTIL SHRIMP AND GRITS ARE GONE!
Saturday, April 28 | Port Royal on Paris Avenue | presented by Ameris Bank
A historic plantation home in Lady’s Island’s Pleasant Point neighborhood was destroyed by fire Sunday, Aug. 19, after apparently being struck by lightning. The homeowners, the Guest family, were unable to call for assistance due to a 9-1-1 outage caused by the same storm. The 7,800-square-foot home had been listed on Zillow for $1.7 million. Photo by Robert Gecy.
BACK TO SCHOOL Beaufort Country teachers and students head back to school. PAGE B1
Whitehall park project moves a step closer to approval The Beaufort County Council’s Natural Resources Committee agreed Monday night to move to the full County Council the proposal to purchase 10 acres of the Whitehall property on Lady’s Island for the purpose of developing a public park. The proposal will be evaluated by the full Beaufort County Council on Monday, Aug. 27, and proponents hope for full approval at that time. The Beaufort County Open Land Trust, which administers the county’s preservation program, and Whitehall Development Group, have been in discussions and negotiations since July. Friends of Whitehall Park, a nonprofit group started earlier this month with
WARRIORS TAKE ROUND 1 Whale Branch claimed the first of two meetings this season against crosstown rival Battery Creek. PAGE B2
the aim of supporting a 10-acre park on a Lady’s Island property slated for development, will host “A Walk in the Park” from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 25. The event is an opportunity for the public and media to tour the property on Whitehall Point and see the potential park first-hand. About 3,000 people have signed online and paper petitions encouraging Beaufort County Council to purchase 10 acres of land currently slated for development, using money set aside for land preservation. “A park at Whitehall is, in my opinion, as important now as it was for Henry Chambers to pursue his vision of the Waterfront Park in the past,” Friends of Whitehall Park board member Robert
Semmler said. “I imagine Mr. Chambers was thinking of the future generations that would benefit and enjoy the efforts of those who dreamed as well as leaving this place we call home and live in, better than when they arrived. Keeping the vista that Whitehall provides for Beaufort and Waterfront Park plus for those who use the Beaufort River beautiful and as close to natural as possible will become an immeasurable part of the Beaufort experience for our children and their children.” The event Saturday will feature a children’s group from Rabinowitz Music Studio, entertainment with “Beek, Vic and Friends” and a chance to tour the property.
INSIDE Lowcountry Life A2 Around Town A3 News A4 Business A6-7 Community B1 B2 Sports
Schools Voices Wine Events Directory Classifieds
B3 B4 B4 B5 B6 B7
COASTAL OBSERVER
The Georgetown County School District barred the press from Waccamaw school campuses on Wednesday as students took part in the 17-minute National School Walkout to draw attention to gun violence following last month’s shooting in Florida that left 17 students dead.
A bill that changes the way the state establishes jurisdiction over the beachfront that received unanimous approval in the House last week faces a more uncertain path in the Senate, where the bill was approved by a subcommittee Wednesday. “We’re having an internal power struggle and trying to figure out how that’s going to work out,” state Sen. Stephen Goldfinch of Murrells Inlet said. “We are going to need help when it gets to the floor.” He said that could happen next week after it passes out of the full Agriculture and Natural Resources committee. State Rep. Lee Hewitt was the primary sponsor of the bill that followed his efforts last year to delay implementation of new jurisdictional lines by the state Department of Heath and Environmental Control. The agency was following a legislative mandate to adopt new lines by the end of 2017. On portions of Pawleys Island, Litchfield Beach and Garden City, the proposed lines were drawn behind the front row of houses.
NATIONAL SCHOOL WALKOUT
Show of solidarity behind closed doors BY CHARLES SWENSON COASTAL OBSERVER
About a third of the students at Waccamaw High School walked out of classrooms on Wednesday to join a nationwide show of support for students at a Florida school where 17 of their peers were killed by a gunman last month. “It was very respectful and
very passionate,” principal David Hammel said. “I was impressed at how the students who walked out handled themselves.” Between 300 and 350 students walked to the auditorium, where five students spoke. They were not allowed to go outside out of concern for their safety, Hammel said. The district barred press access to its schools during the
walkout. It lasted 17 minutes and students were told they had five minutes to get back to class before being marked absent. About 1,355 students in the county public schools participated, according to a statement from the district. “The safety of students and staff is the district’s top priority, therefore during the observance access to campuses was limited,” SEE “WALKOUT,” PAGE 3
ARTS | Moveable Feast
FOURTH OF JULY
Dawn’s early light
Anyone passing by Waccamaw High School can see that a transformation is taking place. Large areas of trees by two of the driveways have been cleared and fencing has gone up behind the school. PAGE 12 Elections: Murrells Inlet fire district delays vote on tax increase to catch up on audits. PAGE 3 Highway 17: Pawleys Island area man, 23, dies in motorcycle accident. PAGE 4
CHURCHES
PAWLEYS ISLAND
MURRELLS INLET
Usual suspects: Cute kids, Kim Jong-un and Elvis
Boats, flags and plenty of spirit fill the water
BY CHARLES SWENSON
BY ROGER GREEN
COASTAL OBSERVER
COASTAL OBSERVER
It never rains on the Pawleys Island Fourth of July Parade. This year was no exception. “I’ve been coming since 1987,” said Mayor Jimmy Braswell. “It’s rained before the parade and after the parade.” This year followed that pattern, with the threat of rain thinning the crowds that come from off the island to view the event. But there were 50 entries, two more than last year. This was Braswell’s first parade since winning election last year. In the past, he has driven the grand marshal. This year, he got to make the pick: SEE “PAWLEYS,” PAGE 6
“Anchors Aweigh and God Bless the USA” was a fitting theme for the 2018 Murrells Inlet Boat Parade. Red, white and blue offered the backdrop as the boats made their annual pilgrimage from Garden City Point, down along the Marshwalk and on to Morse Park Landing. Whether standing along the Marsh Walk, dining at a waterfront restaurant, or gathering along the creek behind Belin Memorial United Methodist Church, revelers offered a myriad of reasons why the boat parade has become a must-see event and a Fourth of July tradition. SEE “INLET,” PAGE 7
North Litchfield: Community parade draws 141 golf carts. PAGE 8 Photo: Fireworks over the Litchfield Beaches this week.
Kids programs have new look From slime, to superheroes, water slides and Judean markets, local churches have come up with unique ways to keep campers entertained. SECOND FRONT Obituaries ......................... 4 Crime................................. 9 Opinion ........................... 10 Crossword ........................14 What’s On .........................15 Classifieds ........................ 17 Sports ...............................19 Online coastalobserver.com
The “baseline” marks the crest of the primary dune and the “setback line” that estimates the extent of erosion over 40 years. The state Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, a division of DHEC, has jurisdiction over the area between the lines and seaward of the baseline. It doesn’t prohibit new construction or rebuilding, but state law limits the size of structures and requires permits. The current law also says the lines can no longer move seaward. Hewitt initially proposed removing that restriction, saying he didn’t have faith in the process that determined the lines. The bill was later amended and now establishes the seaward limit of construction as either the current lines of the proposed line, whichever is more favorable to the property owner. “The lines will not move seaward any more,” Hewitt said following passage in the House. This week, Sen. Chip Campsen of Charleston proposed an amendment that removed that language. If adopted, it will overturn the state’s policy of “retreat” from an eroding shoreline. “It flushes many years of work SEE “BEACH,” PAGE 3
Town will join suit over permit for seismic tests
After 20 years, literary luncheons still fill seats and shelves
BY CHARLES SWENSON
BY EMILY TOPPER
From labs to tennis courts, WHS building gets under way
50 cents
PAWLEYS ISLAND
Going by the book
Photo at top: About a dozen victims, business owners and supporters on Friday, Aug. 17, held a protest march in the downtown Beaufort area claiming to be fighting back against Eat Sleep Play Beaufort, alleging poor and intimidating business practices. Tempers flared when someone complained about ESPB on Facebook, causing a firestorm of complaints and allegations aimed toward the popular website. Here, protesters make their way down Bay Street trying to convince visitors and downtown businesses to boycott the website.
day, April 15 for this annual event. Plan to bring a picnic lunch, folding chairs, and bug spray. This year, the guest preacher for the day will be the Rev. David T. Drake, rector/senior pastor at Church of the Resurrection in Lutherville, MD. Old Sheldon Church is located near Gardens Corner. For more information, visit www.sthelenas1712.org/the-93rd-annual-old-sheldon-church-service.
SC LITERARY HALL OF FAME South Carolina Academy of Authors induction comes to Beaufort.
A backlash that began with a Facebook post developed into a firestorm embroiling the owner of a popular local website last week. A group of local business owners and supporters organized a protest in downtown Beaufort on Friday, Aug. 17, calling for a boycott of Eat Sleep Play Beaufort and owner Gene Brancho, whom some of the protesters accuse of intimidating business practices and objectionable behavior. In the days following the protest, the Eat Sleep Play Beaufort Facebook page that had garnered more than 70,000 followers went offline. The website remains active but has not had a new posting since Aug. 14. Brancho, who was briefly contracted by The Island News to oversee social media, declined to comment for this story. Numerous local business owners past and present shared their experiences in social media comments last week, alleging Brancho failed to deliver services for which he was paid and threatened and harassed them. “He took $1,600 from me, and I say took because he
BY CHARLES SWENSON
Waccamaw students join gun walkout
Town poses two questions on beach project
Social media storm sets off protest against popular local website, owner
One of the big crowd pleasers was this super-charged 1933 Ford “Three Window Couple” on display during April’s installment of First Friday. Downtown merchants had Bay Street closed to traffic for the event with businesses staying open late, and many serving wine and snacks. The addition of about a dozen classic cars, hot rods and live music made for a very enjoyable evening.
Pawleys Island, South Carolina ~ March 15, 2018
COASTAL OBSERVER Vol. XXXVI No. 28
Pawleys Island, South Carolina ~ December 28, 2017
50 cents
Beachfront lines face Senate headwinds after sailing in House
PAWLEYS ISLAND
BUSINESS OWNERS BAND TOGETHER
Rabbi Radonsky will perform the one-person play Becoming Dr. Ruth on Saturday, Feb. 3 at 7 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Beaufort, 178 Sams Point Road, on Lady’s Island. Written by Mark St. Germain, the play follows the life of celebrity sex therapist Dr. Ruth Westheimer. Radonsky said she was moved by Dr. Ruth’s ability to achieve happiness and success in spite of a childhood deeply affected by the Holocaust. The play is directed by Suzanne Larson. Admission is $25. Email sheralaloba@gmail. net for reservations.
Vol. XXXVI No. 39
COVERING BEAUFORT COUNTY
SCHOOLS
BECOMING DR. RUTH
2018 ANNIVERSARY EVENTS
COASTAL OBSERVER
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
LITERATURE OF LOVE
During the First Friday celebration on Friday, Feb. 2 from 6 to 7 p.m., a whole host of community leaders, artists and beloved locals will be reading or performing "Literature of Love" on the steps of the Verdier House on Bay Street. Hosted by Gail Westerfield, this fun, one-of-a-kind performance will feature poems, short stories, monologues and true-life tales about all forms of love told by a variety of voices, including members from Beaufort City Council, and even Mayor Billy Keyserling himself. This unique event is not to be missed.
50 cents
COASTAL OBSERVER
COASTAL OBSERVER
Fishing, tennis, golf. That’s what Pawleys Island had to offer when Linda Ketron moved to town from Manhattan in the 1990s. “I wasn’t into any of those things,” Ketron said. “There was pretty much nothing to do here.” Since then, Ketron has launched numerous projects in the area, including starting Moveable Feast in January 1998. The weekly luncheon offers residents an opportunity to hear from authors about their recent books. Coinciding with Women’s History Month, last week’s soldout luncheon featured Rebecca Boggs Roberts, author of “Suffragists in Washington, D.C.” Authors over the years have included Pat Conroy, Jon Meacham, David Baldacci, Jodi Picoult and Dorothea Benton Frank. A bibliophile with her own publishing company, Ketron’s initial involvement in the community began with her volunteer work at the Waccamaw Library. “We decided to see if there were any artists in the community and to see if they wanted to donate paintings to the library,” Ketron said. “We wanted to auction those off to raise money for more books.” People began donating paintings that they had kept stuffed beneath their beds. They weren’t painting anymore because they didn’t have a place to showcase them, Ketron said. That project eventually led to the development of Ketron’s gallery, Art Works, located in the Litchfield Exchange. From there, Ketron’s projects started to take off. She cre-
Tanya Ackerman/Coastal Observer
Rebecca Boggs Roberts signs books at last week’s Moveable Feast.
History provides a timely topic BY EMILY TOPPER COASTAL OBSERVER
Rebecca Boggs Roberts turned back the clock last week as she described the years leading up to the passing of the 19th Amendment, granting women the right to vote. The author of “Women Suffragists in Washington, D.C.” was the first March speaker for Moveable Feast, kicking off Women’s History Month. Her book was published in December. ated Community Learning About Special Subjects (CLASS), which offers lessons and opportunities on various interests. “Literature was my interest, so I wanted to help promote reading and our local authors,” she said. “There were quite a number of local authors. I have always be-
“There are so many stories of women whose names are now sliding into oblivion,” Linda Ketron, who leads Moveable Feast, said. “This book will bring them back to life.” Roberts is the daughter of journalists Steve and Cokie Roberts, and the granddaughter of the late Lindy Boggs, a former member of the U.S. House of Representatives. “You might imagine that women’s history has been drilled into me,” SEE “BOOK,” PAGE 4
lieved in continuing to learn, but I think there is a real value to the social aspect of classes.” CLASS began to present what became Moveable Feast. In the first six weeks, the feasts featured both authors and historians, as well as opera singer Tom Fox, who lives at Litchfield.
“After two to three years it had grown so much that we were doing it all through the school term,” Ketron said. “We had it every week.” The program was successful, but Ketron was starting to run out of people to pull in as SEE “FEAST,” PAGE 4
GEORGETOWN COUNTY | Public employees, elected officials
Complaint brings to light rift within courthouse BY CHARLES SWENSON COASTAL OBSERVER
The state Human Affairs Commission is investigating a complaint about a Georgetown County employee’s treatment at the hands of the county treasurer last year. The incident that occurred last summer was made public this week when the president of the local NAACP chapter told County Council it needs to intervene.
Marvin Neal told the council that Jessie Duncan, the deputy auditor, was ordered out from behind the counter by Treasurer Allison Peteet and verbally “attacked by the treasurer” in front of the public on several occasions. That prompted a letter last August from Auditor Brian Shult asking Peteet for an explanation. Peteet worked in the auditor’s office before she was elected treasurer in 2016. She began her term
with the start of the current fiscal year last July. Neal also said that Peteet placed all the treasurer’s office staff on a six-month probation period. “She is the most inexperienced person in the office,” he said. Duncan, who is black, is the longest-serving courthouse employee, with more than 30 years, he added. Peteet is white. “There seems to be an acceptance of discriminatory practice in Georgetown County govern-
ment,” Neal said. Peteet and Shult said they couldn’t comment on the matter. County Administrator Sel Hemingway did not dispute any of Neal’s claims. He confirmed that the Human Affairs Commission is investigating Duncan’s complaint and briefed council members on the issue in an executive session. Peteet, like Shult, is an elected official with the authority to SEE “COURTHOUSE,” PAGE 3
The town of Pawleys Island will join more than a dozen municipalities in a legal challenge to federal permits that allow seismic testing for oil and gas off the South Carolina coast. The permits have not been issued, but the S.C. Environmental Law Project began lining up plaintiffs for the challenge in January, said Amy Armstrong, the project’s director and chief counsel. “As far as I know, South Carolina municipalities are going to be the only ones challenging this directly,” she said. “We don’t know when a permit is going to be issued.” Permit applications filed during the Obama Administration were denied after a proposal to lease portions of the Outer Continental Shelf was shelved by the Department of the Interior. President Trump ordered a review of the lease plan and resumed the permit process for the seismic tests. Conservation groups oppose the testing – which uses SEE “PAWLEYS,” PAGE 2
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Chapel at rest: Move completed, Pawleys Island chapel readied for weddings. SECOND FRONT Schools: Whether three years or 30, top teachers are excited about their job. PAGE 9 Crime................................. 7 Opinion ............................. 8 Crossword ........................12 What’s On .........................13 Classifieds ........................14 Sports ............................... 17 Online coastalobserver.com
22017 0177 IImages magess
of the
Year
PAGE ONE DESIGN PORTFOLIO WEEKLY OVER 4,500 & 2-3 TIMES WEEKLY DIVISIONS COMBINED Pickens County
Strawberry
gs
Sp rin
Wesc
lp h ur
Batson
Eunice
Merritt
Randwood
Lora
25
Parkdale
Marion
Ashe
25
gs
Sp rin
Hill
lp h ur
Su
Batson
Carlton
Merritt
Eunice
Randwood
Oak Hill
Wilbanks
Avon
Stokes
Woodbriar
Folkshire
Lewis
Rainbow
West
Indigo
Calhoun
Scout
Bridge
Lora
Bent
Marion
Ashe
Jib
Royal
Hill
Mcdonald
JC
Fuller
State
State
Sentell
Stallings
Old
Camelot
Shelton
Thorn
Carlton
Old
Stokes
Riley
Mark
Flora
Rison
Davis
State
Camelot
State
Princess
Riley
Mark
Bridge
Polk
Staunton
Mona
Vedado
Davis
Vesta
Kondros
Bridge
Polk
Staunton
Waxhaw
Kondros
Ryland
Lakeside
Waxhaw
Lakeside
Old
Old
State
Old Cleveland
Cely
Ryland
Barclay
143
Associate
39
Elrod
39
Exit
Crossridge
Forest
Elrod
85
Ramp
Hill
Sitka
State
Powderkeg
Chafin
Gray Log
Woods
Heritage
§ ¦ ¨
Brown
• OPINION SPORTS • OBITUARIES OBITUARIES • LIFESTYLES FOOD • COMMUNITY COMMUNITY • FOOD COMICS • COMICS FOOTBALL • CLASSIFIEDS CLASSIFIEDS
Old Cleveland
Associate
Princess
Simpson
Pinewood
Galerie
Caradale
Mona
Edens
Lamar
Bagwell
Dale
State
Riverview
Avice
Stage
Channel
Vedado
Patchwork
Hill
Ballard
Vesta
Pepper
Matilda
Pamela
Cheryl
Trinity
Brook
Ferol
Adams
Kaci
Diedra
Missy Jo
Bonney Nolin
Dodds
Harvey
Carrie
Merriwoods
Newfound
Bowen
Galerie
Thompson
Shelton
Watson
Bagwell
Von
Indigo
Dale
La
Stallings
Stage
Caradale
Ragsdale
Anderson
Robbins
Old Highway
Old
81
Nolin
Knoll
Avice
Kaci
Diedra
Missy Jo
Anderson
Pine
Channel
Matilda
3J
Samuel
Carrie
Watson
Robbins
Old
Samuel
Tucker
Poinsettia
81
Old Highway
Dellwood
Ragsdale
Ramp
Ramp
Ramp
Assembly
Barclay
Ramp
Assembly
Reeves
Claire
Landis
Garland
Springs
Poplar
Sommerset
Philbert
Pinewood
Sellers
Bridges
Associate
Exit
Brown
143
Ramp
Chafin
Powderkeg
State
Cut
Dam
Bridges
Hill
Debsyl
Pepper
Heath
Saluda
Milford
Oba
Pamela
Oba
Trinity
Cheryl
Agnes
Latham
Ware
Brook
Ferol
Bonney
Melissa
Merriwoods
Timberwood
Ballard
School
Harvard
Emory
Dodds
Kay Harvey
Bowen
Hill
Beacon
Ramp
State
Syracuse
Sitton
Wrentree
Wessex
State
Windermere
Lee
Bent Twig
2 Notch
Church
Airy
Associate
Hill
Church
85
Trotter
Forest
Airy
Boozer
Crossridge
§ ¦ ¨
Boozer
Gray Log
State
Woods
Orr
Joyce
Mount
Lakeside
Wood
Wood
State
Cedar
Heritage
Mount
State
Rison
Adams
Days Inn
Hinton
Reeves
Three
Three
Nicholas
Nu Life
Clover
Dewberry
Bobbie
Rooker
Newfound
Rolling Oak
Camperdown
Colonial
Cely
Rio
Del
Corrine
Blake
Zion
Rabbit
Ashwood
Blue Bird
Campbell
Oakvale
Heritage
Heathwood
Jordan
Cleveland
League
Garrison
Front
Alpine
Pace Valley
Pinehurst
Day
Claire
Powell
Landis
Oakwood
Thompson
Freeman
Von
La
Garland
Birchwood
Indigo
Allan
Days Inn
Springs
Berry
Corrine
Red
Poplar
Knoll
Parkway
Bobbie
Nu Life
Forest
Pine
Brighton
Williams
Stratford
Sommerset
Lakeview
Blake
Rabbit
Sherwood
Oaklane
Caron
3J
Wenlock
Laurel
Philbert
Halifax
Biltmore
Pintail
Oakwood
Belmont
Astor
Woodberry
Iris
Carolyn
Cate
Kayaker
Birchwood
Truman
Kennedy
Eisenhower
Sylvia
Mcarthur
Sunningdale
Berry
Red
Arcadian
Roosevelt
Pinewood
Brighton
Pineview
Echo
Players
Smith
Mossie
Stratford
Wenlock
Creek
Wellesley
Boulder
Ascot
Estates
Jade
Purpose
Pintail
Mossie
Kelly
Country
Cate
Cambridge
Tucker
Poinsettia
Maple
Red
Sellers
Wellesley
Hill
Celebrity
Windham
Summer
Smith
Dellwood
Deck
Dorcas
Popular
Oakwood
State
Jade
Vista
Chapman
April
Hatters
Ballentine
Johnson
Colonel
Sawtooth
Bridges
2Nd
1St
Asbury
Mad
Lakeview
Troy
Forest
May
Pace
Florida
Sherwood
Herron
Mill
Tadpole
Vermont
Skyland
Jeanes
Fawn
Heidi
Caron
Richard
Ray
Hamilton
Waynes
Laurel
Gray Haven
Pickens
6Th
7Th
5Th
Davis
2Nd
Halifax
1St
3Rd
4Th
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Graham
Belmont
Astor
Woodberry
Iris
Carolyn
Bradley
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Charles
Nalley
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Truman
Eisenhower
Sylvia
Mcarthur
Sunningdale
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Liberty
Mccoy
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Roosevelt
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Players
Jasper
Creek
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Joan
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Cambridge
27Th
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Reedy
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Celebrity
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Purpose
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Windham
135
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Mark
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Hatters
Red
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Camperdown
Ridgecrest
Oaklane
Jade
Dillard
Jane
Stella
Mary
Mcalister
Colonial
Ramp
James
Joan
Donald
Bonita
Jade
Vista
Hinkle
Tom
State
Lake
Lake
Orchard
State
Ballentine
Johnson
Dugan
Colonel
Morey
Sawtooth
Syracuse
Sitton
Lakeside
Jackson
Barclay
183
Trotter
Jewell
Cooper
Audley
Wrentree
Pines
Piedmont
Audley
State
Singing
Stables
Raven
Barclay
Orr
Laboone
Henderson
Lee
Pines
Ramp
Stables
Data Sources:Jackson SDPC, ESRI Map Created: ADD, January 2018
Cooper
Laboone
Henderson
Sitka
State
Bent Twig
Singing
Pocahatchie
Piedmont
Chase
Joyce
Chase
Debbie
2 Notch
Boling
Ramp
Frontage
85
Frontage
40
Exit 40
Ramp
85
Pickens § ES ¦ ¨
Six Mile ES
Exit
Exit 40
Pocahatchie
Rolling Oak
Roper
Sunflower
Miller
Anzio
Liberty
Mccoy
Liberty
Parkway
1St
Jasper
Duke
Williams
Hudson
Wallace
Poplar
Maple
Dillard
Mcduffie
Jane
Boling
Mary
Hollywood
Chel Bug
Driveway
Dugan
Turpin
Mcduffie
Morey
Lulu
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La Rosa
Griggs
Ramp
Sangamo
85
Frontage
West End ES
Childers
Fariview
Denmark
Grahl
Dogwood
Bainbridge
Childers
Hollen
Sanders
Von
Homestead
Turner
B And
25
Merri
Sanders
Hollen
Homestead
Von
178
Branif
Hollywood
Cely
Abbey
Horseshoe
Best
Julian
Cely
Westchester
Briarwood
153
Timbrooke
Stonegate
Merri
Lia
Lost
Welcome
Dana
Abbey
Frontage
40
I NINDEX DEX • OPINION
Crepes — perfect for a main dish or dessert Food, Page 7AHagood Mill keeping the past alive Lifestyles, Page 1B Food, Page 3B
Lundsford
Satterfield
State
Raven
Harrison
Fresh broccoli dishes are good for you
Cove
Data Sources: SDPC, ESRI Map Created: ADD, January 2018
Pine
183
Cater
Cedar
Opinion, Page 4A
Driveway
153
Westchester
Lia
Carla
Lake Holborne
Sherman
Pine
Wyatt
Clemson’s Swinney gives his take on Friday’s game
Curtis
Stonegate
Ridge
Kensington
Westbrooke
Lake Holborne
Caroline
85
Leader
Propes
Exit
Hicks
Berkley
Kensington
Clarendon
Sherman
Scott
Cypress
Robinson
Charles
Ellie
Arrowood
Sangamo
East End ES
Kennedy
Harrison
Cove
Griggs
Satterfield
Daffodil
Lockman
Liberty ES
Chastain Road ES Clemson ES
Circle
Hicks
Scott
Cypress
Lundsford
Patti
Barwood
Huff
Vickilyn
State
McKissick ES § ¦ ¨
Simpson
Central ES
Siloam
Ellie
Kennedy
Westbrooke
Arrowood
Robinson
Lamont
Forest Acres ES
Riverside
Williamsburg
Tara
Meadow
Briarwood
Ellison
Timbrooke
Lumber Mill
Othol
Charles
Merritt
Cochran
Maxie
Daffodil
81
Anderson
Stevenson
143
Ambler ES
Elaine
Westchester
Cross
Circle
Cater
Redwood
Hood
Plantation
Pug
Gin
Barwood
Huff
Vickilyn
Lockman
Driveway
Hagood ES
Road
V U
Propes
Cooper
Yorkshire
Marcal
Main
Trailer
Powdersville
ll
Haven Rest
Bennington
Circle
Patti
Short
Florida
Jean
Theodore
Caroline
Myers Sitton
Commons
Mcneely
Leader
Gin
86
Janice
Stevenson Oaks
Foster
Anderson
Panorama
Bridges
Easley
Simpson
Siloam
Meadowridge
Tara
81
Daniel
Welcome
Tall
Lamont
81
High School 143 V U 2017-18 ES Boundary
ES Option 2
Merrilane
Wyatt
Riverside
Hi
Dana
itton
Middle School
# *
Commons
_ ^
Cochran Maxie
Wilbanks
West
Ramp
Easley
Aloha
Driveway
Martin
Staton
Old
Dacusville ES
Anderson
V U
Road
River
Quail
Merritt
Turpin
Hood
Trailer
Flint Lock
Bridges
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Andover
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Trailer
Ann
Meadow
Greenleaf
Ellison
Tinsley
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Shefwood
Westchester
Sitton
Cross
Mill
Grahl
Sheffield
Sedgewood
State
Venus
Rose
Summer
Easley
Oak
Circle
Martin
Warrington
Crestview
Selsea
Williamsburg
Haven Rest
Wellington
Plantation
Patio
Carnoustie
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River
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Lewis
Bridge
Old
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Lana
Crosswell ES
Old
Elementary School
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Merrill
Bridge
Anderson
State
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Buxton
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Lucille
Ragsdale
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Lakeview
Schools Type
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Portsmouth
Inverness
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Daniel
Franklin
Powdersvi
Ketura
Meadow
James
Hill
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Edgewood
Quail
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Roe
Caren
Judge
Odom
Teal
Wilson
Snipe
Helen
Orr
Smoak
Mill
Woodcock
Elmwood
State
Bridges
Yorktown
Yorkshire
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Merriwoods
Wood
Old
Old
Hunt
Stegall
Gordon Street
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Cascade
State
Sunset
Branch
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Creek
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Bennington
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Freeman
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Wessex
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Crestview
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Clarendon
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Martin
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Buxton
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Nobska
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Bridge
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Country
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Norwood
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124
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Shannon
Crestview
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Evergreen
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Portsmouth
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124
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Page
Janice
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Larry
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Commerce
Sedgewood
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Bigby
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State
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Daniel
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135
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Driftwood
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Easley
253
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Place
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Old Anderson
Bridge
253
Old
V U
State
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Snipe
Creek
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Grouse
Georges
Home
Russell
Elmwood
Lynn
Mayfair
Dustin
April
Stanford
Curtis
Odessa
State
Autumn
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Cascade
Joe
Plainview
Shop
Redwood
Koswell
Leone
Trish
Hantzel
Floyd
Paul
153
Flint Lock
Redwood
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Maycaw
Mill
86
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Hope
Stonehurst
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V U
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Buckeye
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Green Pine
Twin
Edgewood
Ellenburg
Pendleton 1St
Shannah
Mission
Watkins
Pine
Saint Paul
Wt Wyatt
Ridge
Miles Mill
Tara
Stanley
Easley
James
Crosswell School
John
Rusty
V U
Cardinal
Flintlock
Calvert
Wing
Country
Pond
Wrenway
86 Ridge
Black
Deer Creek
Brook
Pickens County
Old
Ramp
Ramp
Alma
Shore
Saluda
Old
Frady
Merriwoods
Wood
State
Pete
Jolly
Rangeview
Stacy
Deborah
Cherie
River
Branch
Sandfield
123
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Aspenwood
Rackley
S
Molly
State
Innis
Berkley
Sonora
Flora
State
Riverview
Thorn
Strawberry
State
Jones
Wesc
Oba
Latham
Carpin
Sandalwood
Bowen
Club
Parkdale
Woodridge
Point
Ridge
Simpson
School
Quiet
Sentell
Old
Teakwood
Belt
Pinewood
Pistol Club
Madgie
Norman
Oak Hill
Avon
Woodbriar
Belt
Pistol Club
Folkshire
Jib
Royal
Fuller
Quinlan
Paradise
Hughes
Bridges
Debsyl
Milford
Kingswood
Cork
Shamrock
Heath
County
Homestead
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Oba
Chaparral
Hitt
School
Lake
Louise
Falls
Cimmaron
Agnes
Lida
Ware
Private
Old
Heritage
Chandler
Heathwood
Falls
Creek
Melissa
Harvard
Kay
Mel
Sun Meadow
Su
Jones
State
Private
Carpin
Club
Scout
Teakwood
Woodridge
Point
Ridge
School
Hinton
Mcdonald
JC
Lanford
Cut
Old Dacusville
Timberwood
Dam
Saluda
Clover
Dewberry
Gibson
Rooker
Pond
Ashwood
Blue Bird Ridge
Radcliff
Shepherds
Dam
Oakvale
Meadow Sun
Beaver
Campbell
Woodstream
Alpine
Pace Valley
Bellewood
Pinehurst
Day
Powell
Calhoun
Quinlan
Paradise
Hughes
Kingswood
Cork
Shamrock
County
Homestead
Old
Chaparral
Chandler
Madgie
Norman
Bellewood State
Asbury
Nicholas
Deck
Cimmaron
Lake
Louise
Falls
Lida
Mel
Meadow
Woodstream
Sun
Sun Meadow
Powell
Way
Dorcas
Troy
Mad
Dublin
Mill
Tadpole
Vermont
Zion
Florida
Jeanes
Skyland
Ny
Shelby
Jordan
Richard
Blackberry
Hamilton
Gray Haven
Miller
Dunn
Cleveland
League
6Th
7Th
Garrison
5Th
Hill
Front
Davis
2Nd
1St
4Th
Pickle
Popular
3Rd
Herron
Ray
Waynes
Emory
Edens
Lamar
Hill
Beacon
Delray
Whitehaven
Patchwork
Latham
Patricia
Broadway
Spinnaker
Garden
Cypress
Amberway
Collins
Vista
Bluestone
Walden
Hollow
Canvasback
Wild
Rockford
Dewberry
Creek
Hill
Claude
Stratford
1
Wrenway
Stratford
Windermer
Roper
Sunflower
Miller
Quiet
Falls Creek
Dam
Beaver
2Nd
1St
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Sandalwood
Hitt
Gibson
Pond
Hill Pickle
Wilson
Poinsett
Church
Bagwell
Store
Hester Rio
Oakwood
Del
May
Pace
Bowen
Lanford
Old Dacusville
Powell
Way
Ny
Dublin
Shelby
Blackberry
Dunn
Shepherds
Miller
Radcliff
Ridge
Wilson
Merrill
Gordon Street
Channing
Eastbourne
Vale
Ramp
Claxton
Stegall
Wildrose
Borden
Childress
Shubuta
Westcliffe
Grady
Store
Willenhall
Hester
Cherrylane
Etowah
Eastcliffe
Fairfax
Racing
Allan
Lilac
Penarth
Freeman
Curtis
Etowah
Lily
Larkspur
Burdine
Poinsett
Club
Church
Martin
Lions
Bagwell
Judge
Bradley
White
Parker
Castell
Lawnview
Davis
Lake
Coralvine
Saxon
Lazy
Midland
Ron
Bradley
Folger
Coan
Woodward
Charles
La Juan
Pickens
Hardwick
Mist
Graham
Blue
Caren
Castell
Salem
Lenhardt
Saluda
Elmhurst
Kennelworth
Nalley
Hunts Bridge
Page
Earle
Pittman
Lenhardt
Spruce
Holley
Lazy River
Dam
Acres
Shady
Roper
Leland
Fawn
Ridgeover
Heidi
Hiwassee
Saponee
Nottingham
Tom
Bertrand
Saran
Aiken
Merrill
Ogden
Avery
Kellogg
Fern
Saluda
Coral
Top
Glenda
La
Laura
Park
Richland
Wexford
Mcgregor
Bentcreek
Brushy
Sitton
Glenn
Hidden Lake
Creek
Conway
D
Oak
Meadowood
Glazner
Greenleaf
Adger
4 Lakes
Finley
Turner
Indian
Anthony
Bridge
Sun
Hunt
Morton
Forest
Carriage
Providence
Court
Overlook
Ash
Mill
Doris
Lane
0.5
Miles
Marc
Old Forest
C
Woodland
Harlem
View
135
Johnson
Shefwood
Avalon
Tecora
Rock
0
Stratford
Ridge
Miles Mill
Darlene
Barr
Wellington
Winterwood
J And W
Flat
Jill
Holcombe
Ridge
Bristol
Claremont
Joy
Nellstone
Tree
Ramp
Pendleton
Creek
Magnolia
Wicklow
Stonehaven
Hawksbill
Mccue
Church
Sugarhill
Meadow
Odom
State
Oak Forest
Springs
Pendleton
Lula
Butler
Vincent
Singleton
Sapphire
Beacon
Carolina
Side
Waverly
Nobska
Latham
Crumpton
Bonanza
Travis
Trina
Old
Walnut
Norwood
Dancer
York
Ashton
Habersham
Tripp
Davidson
Yates
Maycaw
Marie
Black
Grant
Hasting
Mountain
Edgewood
Inverness
Sky View
Lumber Mill
Three Pond
Moore
Hill
Hidden Lake
Wt Wyatt
State
Duchess
Lake
Laramie
253
Sulphur
Banner
Fayethel
Bull Dog
Homestead
Batson
Pickens
Salle
Frontier
Princeton
Fox
Donna
State
Cardiff
Jesse
Pinnacle
James
Deer
Estates
Nesbitt
Tinsley
Oak
White
Bridge
Satterfield
Ellison
Jessie
Burnie
Ridge
Surrey
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8
Oak
Liz
Bridges
La
Rochester
Rochford
Redwood
Pine
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White
Easley
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Passage
Andrea
Glenn
Rockford
Tanglewood
Wood
Sunset
Old
Oakwood
Rolling Hills
Severn
Patrick
Pleasant
Foster
Fairfax
Hill Orr Prestwick
State
Stone Briar
Bakerville
Jodi
Liz
Creek
Lehigh
Brockman
Sunset
Pug
Centerfield
Windy
Finley
Indian
Mull
Preston
Smith
Strawberry
Stone
Wilson
Beverly
Glenwood
Mccoy
Mckensie
Welby
Diamond
J And W
Lake
Crest
Lula
Sadie
Eddie
Lou Scott
Arrendale
Flower
Carla
Winterwood
Hill
Avalon
Windy
Hickory
Pine
Kimberly
Doris
Cobblestone
Carson
Calvert
Killarney
Kelly
Ruby
Saint Paul
Church
Watts
Hill
Old
Rocky
Latham
Carson
Huntington
Medinah
135
Eagle
Southside
Ann
Rackley
Canterbury
Country
Bentley
Nellstone
Perry
Long Creek
Alicia
153
Claude Leslie
School
Dayton
Ginger
Le
Forest Acres ES
Stegall
Yorktown
Chinkapin
Barksdale
Side
Addington
Chesterfield
Carter
V U
Cardinal
Aspenwood
Lavonne
Bluestone
Walden
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Wimberly
V U
State
Seth
Medlin
Forks
Bishop
Heaton
Lowell
Dogwood
Haverhill
Page
Mcalister Charlton Hollow
Canvasback
Wing
Tree
Jamestown
Knoll
Five
Sugarhill
Meadow
La
Dam
Austin Loraine
Saco
Sondra
Edgemont
Jamie
Briggs
Wild
Longview
Bent
Lockwood
Buckthorn
Ash
Knoxtowne
Springs
8Th
6Th
7Th
5Th
9Th
25Th
Tara
Avis
Diamond
Grace
Country
Hollings
Laura
Spring
Richland
Ridgewood
Nancy
Lemuel
Althea
Peoples
Linda
Robbie
Molly
Stone Briar
Bakerville
Stone
Oak
Marine
5Th
Lisa
Gillespie
26Th
Tomahawk
Bud
Tinsley
Dustin
Flower
Genell
Midnight
Glenn
Valley
Kimberly
Glendale
Wales
Lake
Agnes
Leone
Flintlock
Knollview Buckskin
Iris Pate
Green Meadow
Lindsey
Nikol
Pecan
Bj
Woodfern
Main
Crescent
Mae
Wicklow
Carriage
Brookway
Ballentine
S
Parker
Pine Forest
Tuliptree
Cindy
Claremont
Joy
135
Lafayette
Lloyd
Ruth
Carnoustie
Moore
Summer
Rhome
Centerfield
Avis
Creek
Park
Hill
Bowen
Rae
Joes Wexford
Mcgregor
Walkers
Rebecca
Walter
Sabra
Brushy
Camp
Jericho
Henry
Alfred
Whitten
Orchard
Sable
Sentell
Riverview
Buckle
Club
Riverview
Greenway
Lenhardt
Crosswell ES
Rusty
Vista
Powers
Forest
Avalon
Brookview
Thalia
Pearle
Fish
Albertson
Couch
Magnolia
Burns
Grace
Providence
Court
Pearson
State
Franklin
Peppercorn
Dewberry
Anton
Phillips
Main
Garrett Grigsby
Norris
Oakfield
Woodhill
Williams
Gail
Cotton
Hill
Thalia
West End ES
Hill
Blazes
Hawksbill
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Ridge
Jackson
Andrew
3Rd
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Laurel
Apple
Barton
Turner
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Lakeshore
Esther
Waverly Bristol
Ashton
Neal
Pebble
Bentcreek
Glen
Paul
Cottonwood
Village
Mark
Nottingham
Sherwood
Shannah
Mission
Watkins
Patio
V U 135
York
Anderson
Hickory
V U
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Hale
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Newman
Garrett
2Nd
Kyle
Mcbee
Washington
Stonehaven
Oates
David
Surrey
Old Stagecoach
Woodfield
Blue
Townsend
3Rd
Gulf
Sitton
Katherine
Roper
Park
Hagood Park
Nora
Boxwood
State
Emile
Green Fern
Rainbow
Owl
Pistol
Berea
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Main
1St
Dancer
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Pinnacle
Welborn
Cherokee
Mohawk
Trina
Jeanette
Mayes
Satterfield
Gamble
Wyatt
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8Th
Ramp
Deer
Park
John
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Bracken
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Travis
Morton
Utility
Park
C
Mcdaniel
B
Runion
Main
Burnie
3Rd
4Th
Jones
Ridge Ross Pine
Ross
Overlook
Habersham
Crenshaw
State
Helen
Daniel
Franklin
Sky View
Three Pond
Ann
Mccue
Collins
Carmen
Balsam
Lake Forest
Elrod
Kensington
Argonne
Clay
Reedy
Vale
Notchwood Birchbark
124
Valley
Georgetown
Adams
Hanson
Riding
Augusta
A
Tanglewood
West
Tripp
Bonanza
Ridgeway
Ellison
King
D
C Avenue
Wilbur
Gilliland
2Nd
Finley
Baker
Olive
Fl e e tw ood
Lucille
E
D
C
B
Robinson
Pear
Barkley
King
Farmer
Foster
Park
Fairfax
Rockmont Prestwick
Charlie
Estates
Quiet Acres
Park
Spivey
Ramp
Ramp
Patrick
Caroline
Fleetwood
Bell
Lucky
Dewdrop
Frank
Camille
Creek
Ketura
Adger
Meadow
Kaye
Killarney
Kelly
Kayla
Robbie
Mikenah
Coconut
Brushy
Spring
Briarwood
Church
Chase
22Nd
Tobie
Cindy
123
Waterstone
Whetstone
Commerce
Maryland
Hillcrest
Enon
25Th
29Th
Ruby
Buckingham
Windamere
Stone
John
Andrea
Glenn
Fox
Medinah
Baywood
21St
Jamestown
Rotterdam
Georgetown
Nesbitt
Cliffstone
Due West
Creek
Bedford
Brushy
Addis
Shannon
Blair
Linwood
Oakland
Lena
Sherry
Amy
Tinsley
Luke
Burdine
Riverstone
Pleasant
Carolina
Whitmire
Cobblestone
Cumberland
Pine
Mccollum
State
Canterbury
Summit
Pine Mountain
Onyx
Hallmark
School
Dayton
King
Carson
Carson
Maple
Hill
Lila
Grady
Easy
Trey
Smithfield
Patriot
Hillway
Evergreen
Hillandale
Hill
Fern
Mill
Highland
Greenville
Stegall
Rollingwood
Pinetree
Sharon
Westchester
8
8
State
Northridge
Strawberry
Acorn
Pickens Railroad
Pickens Huntington
Manita
Chestnut
Wimberly
Liberty
Greenville
Shallowford
Carlee
V U
Ramp
Margo
Landmark
26Th
Tree
Old
Woodbury
Lockwood
Blazes
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Latham
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Crest
View
Bigby
Hiles
Rice
Cedar
Rock
Forest Acres ES
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Longview
Bent
Ann
Ridgeland
8
Page
Sweetbud
Logan
Peoples
Prosperity
Parker
Linda
Hill
Le
Mcalister Charlton
Nestle
Dearborn
Haywood
Walkers
Rebecca
Walter Quarry
Sabra
Pine Forest
Peppercorn
Apple
Pine
Pierce
Ann
Dayton Rampey
Ginger
Jessica
Fairview
Zip
Jamie
Briggs
State
Franklin
Brook
Laurel
Cornerstone
Mendel
Mary
Lavonne
Oak
Robinall
Star View
Barr
Dora
Pearson
State
West End ES
Thalia
Pebble
Newman
Park
Vista
Forest
Mount
Northway
Shadowbrook
Althea
Hill
Mountain
Mulberry
Edgemont
Duncan
Walnut
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Sondra
Ridgewood
Lemuel
Esther
Waverly
Atlantic
Ryan Oaks Shady Old Pond
Brookview
Ben
135
Woodfield
Kayla
Bella
Bridge
Montana
Biltmore
Mccall
Edgewood
V U
Neal
Anderson
Church Dogwood
Bella Vista
Norte Vista
Dale
Owen
Lily
Mill
Sunset
Lakeshore
Beverly
Hale
Pace
Haverhill
Cross Hill
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Pilgrim
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Arial
Lincoln
Brezeale
Brookway
Ballentine
Vista
Harry
Mountain
Arial
Stancil
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Walker
Stanley
Mae
Baker
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Mcgaha
Griffin
Smith
Chel Bug
Grady
V U
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Ballard
Spring
Church
Peachtree
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Preston
Bud
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Fairfax
Penarth
Larkspur
Snyder
Laurel
Patchwork
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Terrace
Rock
Cedar
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Fish
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Denmark
Club
Piney
Larry
Piney
Covenant
Fleet
Bird
Hillcrest
Mccoy
Mckensie
Harvest
4Th
Pinewood
Sadie
Eddie
3Rd
Lou Scott
8Th
6Th
7Th
5Th
9Th
Nottingham
5Th
Arrendale
B And
Lions
Lot
Parking
Haven
Hodgens
Shaina
Kingswood
124
Bluff
Green
Heights
Berea
Wardview
Rockview
Rollingwood
Winston
Evelyn
Featherstone Stanford
253
Katie
Bramlett
State
Wahoo
Antioch
Herta
Taxiway
Crestwood
Churchill
Crosswell School
Farr
Alice
V U
Wilcun
Old
Gethsemane
Ridge
Glen
Kristin
Amberway
Tucson
Settlement
Anacoca Champlain
Motor Boat Club
Sorrell
Colt
Howard
Courtney
Driftwood
Night
Latham
Hill
Lake
Lee Haven
Nature
Alma
Provo
Duncan
Gabriel
Sametta
Pemberton
Appaloosa
Old Bent Bridge
Cabin
View
School
Farms
Vinland
Vinland
Deere
Pond
Red
Scotland
D
Southway
Saint Lo
Lloyd
Ruth
Lisa
Gillespie
Tomahawk
178
Parker
Tristan Ridge
Fern Valley
Frady
Saluda
Vinland
Shop
Floyd
John
Mill
Latham
Greenvale
Place
Wilton
Brayden
Nora
Mark
Boxwood
Rutledge
Grace
Nancy
Welborn
Charlie
Albertson
Midnight
Horseshoe
Coan
Harbor
Paradise
Harbor
Freeman
Odessa
Gin
Home
Lynn
Mockingbird
Beth
3Rd
Gulf
Sitton
Katherine
Roper
Park
Hagood Park
Oakfield
Woodhill
Williams
Pearle
Lost
La Juan
Lakeside
Harris
Bridge
Farrs
Old
Driveway
Eldorado
Maxeva
Saluda
Old
State
Duchess
Stonehurst
Lake
Lacy
San Ford
Meadowood
Ada
Mayfair
B B
C Dobson
Landmark
Gail
Cotton
Cherokee
Rockmont
22Nd
Glen
Church
Hardwick
Hope
Buddys
Shore
State
Cherie
River
Penny
Old
James
Finley
Slickum
Crumpton
Hunts Bridge
Jolly
Rangeview
Berea
Vista
Clear Dawn
Hill
Whisper
Pond
Harmony
Twin
Conway
Pete
Indigo
Patricia
Stacy
Rio
Berkley
Sonora
Hantzel
State
Redding
Dove
Stanley
Deborah
Lazy River
Lazy
Midland
Creek
Sylvan
Old Forest
Johnson
Darlene
Grant
D
Russell
Sherwood
Rock
Leland
Spinnaker
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Dam
Alex
Georges
Forest
Dusty
Albatross
Rainbow
Channing
Latham
Whitehaven
Saluda
Hamburg
Woods
Coppice
Carmel
Oak
Looper
Frontier
Garden
Cypress
Franklin
Hendricks
Noble Boggs
George Prince
Claude Leslie
Isley
Addington
Rochester
Alicia
Oakwood
Pine
Turpin Buena Vista
State
Red
Crest
Rayfield
Lehigh
Mull
Blackberry
B
Ellenburg
Pendleton 1St
Lewis
Lucky
Oak
Glazner
Fletcher
Lake
Rolling Hills
Lowell
Crescent
Falcon
Thomas Mill
Shade
Crosswell ES
Princeton
Humphery
Fox
Ridgeover
Elmhurst
Willenhall
Claxton
Wildrose
Borden
Childress
Shubuta
Eastbourne
Delray
Curtis
Cricket
Knoll
State
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Dorr
Lula
Glenwood
C
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Woodland
King
Harlem
View
Bell
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Upper
Montague
Austin Loraine
Saco
Old
Hiwassee
Burdine
Cherrylane
Westcliffe
Homestead
Batson
Jim Hunt
Knoxtowne
Springs
State
Oak
Glendale
Marine
Family
Hasting
Mountain
Brockman
Coconut
Beverly
Hillcrest
Powers
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Saponee
Green Fern
Lilac
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Edgelawn
Elaine
Chesterfield
Perry
Happy
Rocky
Hollings
Main
Hill
Gary
Derby
Creek
Creek
Castell
Lawnview
Etowah
Lily
Etowah
Eastcliffe
Sapphire
Farrs
Mini
Ridgeway
Cochran
Jericho
Due West
Couch
Main
Garrett Grigsby
Norris
Jenny
Hamilton Forest
Putt Putt
James
James
Montaigne
Long Creek
Springs
Castell
Salem
Davis
Lake
Coralvine
Broadway
Lenhardt
Holly
Mckell
Cannery
Bluff
Pittman
Avery
Lenhardt
Saluda
Kellogg
Club
Pistol
Sulphur
Ogden
Lenhardt
Spruce
Holley
Buckskin
Vineland
Woodward
Welborn
King
Wales
Lafayette
Henry
Alfred
Whitten
Crenshaw
3RdHill
Ware
Old Stagecoach
Baywood
21St
Dalton
Divine
Crest
West
Chad
Oak Forest
Snyder
Flintlock
Buckle
Kennelworth
Rollingwood
Ray
Mckissick
Garrett Elljean
Andrew
Yeoman
Holly Bush
Carter
Laramie
Rockview
Antioch
Nottingham
Mikenah
Montana
Buckingham
Windamere
Argonne
Jackson
Orchard
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Bishop
Doberman
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Bj
Woodfern
Sable
Harbor
Howard
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Since 2007, serving Central, Clemson, Dacusville, Easley, Liberty, Norris, Pickens, Pumpkintown, Six Mile and everything in between
Hope
Clear Dawn
Sylvan
Owl
Shaina
Evans
135
183
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Petunia
Turner
Camelot
Westwood
Townsend
East End ES
Kyle
Mcbee
Washington
Oates
David
Mohawk
Pine Mountain
29Th
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together we make life better
State
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State
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Freeman
Coppice
Carmel
Fleet
Cliffstone
Vista
Church
Davis
Ridge
Main
Idell
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7Th
8Th
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State
Buddys
Mini
State
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Taxiway
Walker
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Shadowbrook
Kaye
Ross
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Summit
Grace
Rio
Jim Hunt
Red
Deere
Pond
John
Mill
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I I N N S S I I D D Pickens Rec Players Scan to visitofour the website Week honored Eyourpickenscounty.com! Sports, Page 5A E
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Saluda
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Blair
Connifer
Balsam
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Ireland
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Chase
Georgetown
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Hill
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Griffin
Greenville
Sherry
Amy
Bentley
Holcombe
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Patriot
Hillway
Sharon
Westchester
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Onyx
Shallowford
Carlee
Valley
Yates
Grady
Rollingwood
Pinetree
Greenville
Woodbury
Marie
Harmony
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Liberty
Prosperity
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Seth
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Carmen
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Baker
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start of next school year will be to make the transition as smooth as possible for families in the rezoned areas.” The board began consideration of rezoning late last year with four issues in mind. The first goal was to use Legend school facilities more efficiently Crosswell ES Schools Type based on projected attendance Dacusville ES Elementary School and available space. East End East End ES Middle School Legend Elementary is above recomForest Acres ES High School Hagood ES mended capacity, and its student 2017-18 ES Boundary Liberty ES ES Option 2 population is projected to grow LIBERTY — A 41-year Wednesday, 3:26ESa.m., McKissick Ambler ES Aug. 31, at over the next five years, while Pickens ES old man lost his life last week and Central the victim was pronounced ES Crosswell Elementary, Forest Six Mile ES ES in a work-related accident at the deadChastain at theRoad scene, Kelley said. Acres Elementary and West End End ES Clemson ES Liberty Denim plant on Mills AvAn autopsy was West performed Elementary all have capacity for 4 enue in Liberty. at Greenville Memorial Hospigreater enrollment. Pickens County Coroner tal, with results available in six to The other goals were to im1 Kandy Kelley said that Lewis Ed- eight weeks, Kelley said. prove car and bus transportation First-year Easley High zones, Schooltoprincipal Dr. Tim Mullis poses with ward Smith II of Golden Creek The accident Special is under to TheinvesCourier routes within school Road in lines Liberty killed when tigationschools by theset Pickens EHS head custodian Carl Livingston. arrived backattendance TheEasley abovestudents map shows the new forwas Easley-area elementary to takeCounty effect Coroner’s Ofce and the Liberty at school Tuesday for final beforeyear. moving to the new he fell into rollers at the mill. See SCHOOLS onthe page 2Asemester next school The accident occurred last Police Department. campus on Highway 8 in January. Trey
held two informational meetings on the topic and solicited community feedback through an online survey. Rezoning affects Crosswell Elementary, East End Elementary, Forest Acres Elementary, McKissick Elementary The service will be a time and West End Elementary. of re andthis remembrance “I ection believe plan will as wellthe asEasley a call for compassion, serve community well said Zungoli, professor in thePat coming years,”a SDPC suhelping coordinate the event. perintendent Danny Merck said. Theshould servicehelp will us include “It serve music, all of welcome remarks from Clemour students without the need 0 0.5 sonexpand Mayorfacilities, Larry and Abernathy to hopeMiles and University President James fully it will also make commutes F. Barker, andmore personal stories and bus routes convenient. Our focus from now until the See MARK on page 2A Forks
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Nestle
Dearborn
Sweetbud
Logan
Five
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Lucille
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Whetstone
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Barkley
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community to mark Sept. 11 anniversary
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Ridgeland
Pickens
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State
EASLEY — Attendance lines for Easley-area elementary schools will change beginning next school year. The School District of Pickens County’s board of trustees voted during their meeting CLEMSON — Clemson Monday night to adopt the reUniversity holdasa “Option rememzoning planwill known brance service to mark the 10th 2.” anniversary of Sept. The The option was 11. recominterfaith byevent titled “Lookmended demographic coning Back–Looking Forward Tosulting firm Cropper GIS Conward Compassion, Peace with and sulting, which has worked Reconciliation” will be atthe 4 p.m. the district throughout reSunday,process Sept. 11, the Brooks zoning to at predict popuCenter and for the Performingtrends. Arts. lation enrollment The vote eventcomes is free and to The after theopen district the public.
Gin
Greenvale Hendricks
Noble
Oak
Pace
Cross Hill
Fairview
Zip
Farr
Katie
Fayethel
Wardview
Ridge
Lee Haven
Nature
Kristin
Churchill
Winston
Boggs
George Prince
Bella Vista
Vista
Forest
Mount
Arial
Mulberry
Hill
Alice
Wilcun
Heights
Lake
View
School
Vinland
Kingswood
Turpin
Bella
Bridge
Mountain
3Rd
Lincoln
Anacoca Champlain
Motor Boat Club
Pemberton
State
wALDROP
Tucson
Settlement
Gabriel
Saluda
Vinland
Farms
Vinland
Provo
Duncan
Fern Valley
Berea
Lake
Stanley Harry
Baker
Brezeale
Tristan Ridge
Sametta
Old
Redding
Finley
Franklin
Slickum
Upper
Berea
Lakeside
Driveway
Eldorado
Harris
Bridge
Farrs
Old
Harbor
Paradise
Penny
Cabin
Happy
Pine
Buena Vista
Norte Vista
Church
Arial
Stancil
Duncan
Officials: Move designed to Clemson University, use facilities more efficiently
Forest
State
Rock Cedar
Mccall
Mcgaha
Quarry
State
Knoll
Cochran
C E Ellison
Rutledge
Breazeale
Thomas Mill
Albatross
See SCHOOL on page 10A
Montaigne
Holly Bush
Montague
Falcon
Brayden
Dobson
Landmark
Curtis
Shade
Looper
Humphery
SCIvEDGE
Orchard
Hill
Divine
2011 Sam Wyche Food Fight Bowl this Friday night Alex
Edgelawn
Elaine
Creek
Creek
Dove
RICE
Gary
Derby
Hamilton Forest
Putt Putt
Board approves rezoning for Easley-area schools Beverly
Oak
Dorr
Elljean
Idell
Jenny
Mckell
James
James
Tree
Rosemary
Holly
opening Chastain Road Elementary! With the start of any school
Cannery
Doberman
Scotland
together we make life better
Camelot
Esuary
Westwood
Wilton
I I N N S S I I d D Pickens Rec Players Scan to visitofour the website Week honored Eyourpickenscounty.com! Sports, Page 5A E
Petunia
Davis
COUNTY — The much- schools; Pickens County Career needed O’BRYANT rain didn’t seem toPALM and Technology PRESSLEY Center (CTC); dampen the spirits of parents, and Liberty and Pickens High teachers or the 16,000 plus stu- schools. dents who began the 2011-2012 In addition to the grand school year in Pickens County opening of these recently conon Tuesday. structed school buildings, McKAmong the notable back issick and Liberty Elementary to school highlights were the schools boasted freshly renoopening of ve new schools vated facilities and major renoin the School District of Pick- vations continue at Edwards and ens County: Chastain Road Dacusville Middle schools. and Dacusville Elementary Here is what some of PickBeth
ceive tuition waivers from their schools in exchange for teaching and undertaking research. Current tax law does not consider CLEMSON — Clemson waivers to be income, thus it is University graduate students, not taxed. The bill currently under faculty and supporters rallied last week against provisions in consideration, which was apa proposed tax reform bill that proved by the U.S. Senate early they believe would have devas- Saturday morning, would cause tating and wide-reaching effects. waivers to be considered — and The rally was part of a na- taxed — as income. not Mullis opposed to paytionwide Grad School Studentprincipal“I’m First-yearprotest, Easley High Dr. Tim poses with ingEasley taxes, students but I amarrived opposed to Walk Out/Rally EHS head custodianFor CarlHigher Livingston. back payingbefore taxes on income I don’t Education. at school Tuesday for the final semester moving to the new Many re- receive,” Clemson graduate stucampus ongraduate Highway students 8 in January.
Yeoman
4A
4A5A 5A6A 1B7A 2B8A 3B9A 4B1B 5B9B
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Wednesday, September 7, 2011 • Vol. 5, No. 13 • Pickens, S.C. • (864) 878-6391
2011 Sam Wyche Food Fight Bowl this Friday night
EASLEY — High school students in both Pickens and Easley have been working around the clock trying to raise funds for Pickens County Meals on Wheels over the past several weeks, wait is almost over Left: Clemson quarterback and Kellythe Bryant seeMVP which celebrates after being namedtothe of student body the most money in the ACC Championship Gamehas onraised Saturday year’sback fourth annual Sam in Charlotte, N.C. Above: Tigerthis running Wyche Food Fight Bowl. Tavien Feaster reacts after scoringThe a touchFood Fight Bowl, down during his team’s 38-3 win over annually the Mi- on the gridplayed ami Hurricanes. Photos by Rex Brown/Courtesy The Journal iron between the Blue Flame and Green Wave, will kick off this Friday night at 8 p.m. at
jevans@thepccourier.com
Farrs
135
Hayes
Ada
See RACES on page 2A
vs.
See SCHOOL on page 10A
By Jason Evans Staff Reporter
CLEMSON — Clemson The service will be a time University will hold a remem- of reection and remembrance brance service to mark the 10th as well as a call for compassion, anniversary of Sept. 11. The said Pat Zungoli, a professor interfaith event titled “Look- helping coordinate the event. ing Back–Looking Forward To- The service will include music, ward Compassion, Peace and welcome remarks from ClemReconciliation” will be at 4 p.m. son Mayor Larry Abernathy Rex Brown/Courtesy Journal Sunday, Sept. 11, at the Brooks and University PresidentTheJames Clemson graduate and and professors to Center forUniversity the Performing Arts.students F. Barker, personallisten stories speakers protest The eventduring is freea and openoftoa proposed tax reform bill on the steps of Sikes Hall last week. the public. See MARK on page 2A
Blair
Mockingbird
opening Chastain Road Elementary! With the start of any school
Running for a vacant Easley Combined Utilities Commissioner seat will be Nick Caldwell, Rusty L. Jones and Jerry C. Ross. In the city of Liberty, the race to ll the recently vacated mayor’s ofce will be between current mayor pro tem Michael Sheriff and Philip Rus Smith. Daniel D. Graybeal, Lavant Padgett and current councilman Brian Petersen will square off for one at-large Liberty city council seat, while incumbent Joshua Harrison will face Francine G. Powers for the council’s Ward 3 seat. Eric Boughman will run unopposed for the Ward 4
historic Brice Field in Easley. The winner of the game will receive the Food Fight Bowl trophy to display in their new trophy case at their new school, while a halftime announcement will reveal which student body has raised the most money for Meals on Wheels, earning them the Ultimate Food Fight Trophy. Grasshopper Mowers representatives will also be on hand at Friday night’s game to present a pair of ze-
dent Kylie Smith said at the rally. Smith and fellow graduate student Michael Carlo organized the rally. If tuition waivers become taxable, “it would—about double LIBERTY A 41-year my burden,” old tax man lost hisCarlo life said. last week people who are still on in a “For work-related accident at the teaching assistantship stipends Liberty Denim plant on Mills Avhere enue at in Clemson, Liberty. it could at least triplePickens their tax County burdens,”Coroner he said. Carlo saidsaid hethat andLewis his wife Kandy Kelley Edare payments on wardmaking Smith IIfull of Golden Creek their student loan Road in“massive Liberty was killed when debt.” he fell into rollers at the mill. “Another part of the tax last reThe accident occurred
Clemson’s Swinney gives his take on Friday’s game Opinion, Page 4A Fresh broccoli dishes are good for you
These cookies are not just for Santa Christmas parade season kicks off in county Food, Page 7A Food, Page 3B Lifestyles, Page 1B
“P cken
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near S x M History ” h n making W m H M n COUNTY — Filing closed last Thursday at noon for this fall’s municipal elections throughout the county, so races are now set for the November 8 elections. In the town of Central, three town council seats are available, with incumbent council members Lynne O’Dell Chapman, Tony H. Craig and Harrison R. Holladay, Jr., running for reelection against Blake Magnus, Joe N. Moss and Will Mullinax. In the city of Easley, mayor Larry Bagwell will run unopposed this November, as will city council members Brian Garrison (Ward 1), Chris Mann (Ward 3) and Thomas H. Wright, Sr. (Ward 5).
O fi d m w n
Running for a vacant Easley Combined Utilities Commissioner seat
n m nh
See BOWL on page 10A
Clemson University, Clemson waiverdies threat communitystudents to mark rally against tuition Worker at Sept. 11 anniversary Liberty Denim See SHELTER on page 5A
CH
Lewis
New school year starts
COUNTY — Filing closed last Thursday at noon for this fall’s municipal elections throughout the county, so races are now set for the November 8 elections. In the town of Central, three town council seats are available, with incumbent council members Lynne O’Dell Chapman, Tony H. Craig and Harrison R. Holladay, Jr., running for reelection against Blake Magnus, Joe N. Moss and Will Mullinax. In the city of Easley, mayor Larry Bagwell will run unopposed this November, as will city council members Brian Garrison (Ward 1), Chris Mann (Ward 3) and Thomas H. Wright, Sr. (Ward 5).
jevans@thepccourier.com
Evans
V U
183
Grover
Ju Jo
Hillcrest
Fletcher
jevans@thepccourier.com
schools; Pickens County Career and Technology Center (CTC); and Liberty and Pickens High schools. In addition to the grand opening of these recently constructed school buildings, McKissick and Liberty Elementary schools boasted freshly renovated facilities and major renovations continue at Edwards and Dacusville Middle schools. Here is what some of Pick-
Circle
Tigers wrap up third straight conference title, playoff berth
ens County’s principals had to say about the rst day of school: “It has been an amazing day
Arron
Bovine
to say about the rst day of school: “It has been an amazing day
Ireland
See RACES on page 2A
Current enrollment at the career center is around 1,300 students. Of all the district’s facilities, only Easley High School LIBERTY — The director has more students, Hitchcock of the Pickens County Career said. “We’re fed by the four high and Technology Center believes his facility is one of the best ca- schools,” he said. The 151,000-square-foot fareer centers in the state. cility is “probably one Ken Hitchcock of the top three career recently spoke at a centers in South Caro“State of the City” lina,” Hitchcock said. event hosted by the Superintendent Liberty Area Chamber Danny Merck’s vision of Commerce. is to fill the career cen“I’m always exter up, he said. cited about talking “And we’re alto Liberty residents most there,” Hitchbecause we work cock said. “And then, so closely with the HITCHCOCk if we need spillover, Liberty EASLEY community,— High historic Brice Field in Easley. we’ll over to andschool also students we work in both Pick- The winner of spill the game willLiberty High School. So Bowl Liberty veryensclosely with Liberty High and Easley have been receive the Food Fight will offer career School,” Hitchcock working around said. the “We’re clock High trophySchool to display in their probably a mile oth- new trophy case at their new trying to raisefrom fundseach for Picker.”ens County Meals on Wheels school,See CENTER on page while a halftime an- 2A over the past several weeks, nouncement will reveal which and the wait is almost over student body has raised the to see which student body most money for Meals on has raised the most money in Wheels, earning them the Ulthis year’s fourth annual Sam timate Food Fight Trophy. Wyche Food Fight Bowl. Grasshopper MowThe Food Fight Bowl, ers representatives will also played annually on the grid- be on hand at Friday night’s iron between the Blue Flame game to present a pair of zeand Green Wave, will kick off See BOWL on page 10A this Friday night at 8 p.m. at
By Jason Evans Staff Reporter
Hood
183
Turner
Family
Rocky Nimmons/Courier
By Nicole Daughhetee Staff Reporter
Principals report on rstday goings-on in district
Stable
Hawk
V U Map 4h: School District of Pickens County, SC Boundary Planning Study ensES County’s principals had Option 2
Principals report on rstday goings-on in district
Running for a vacant “The investigation is still Eaflusley Combined Comid at this point, butUtilities it appears that missioner will orbepersons Nick an unknownseat person Caldwell, Rusty and gained entry into L.theJones residence Jerry Ross. ... andC. discharged a firearm(s) In the city Tollison of Liberty, thea multiple times,” said in race to ll the recently vacated news release Monday night. mayor’s ofce will be between current pro tem Michael See mayor SHOOTING on page 2A Sheriff and Philip Rus Smith. Daniel D. Graybeal, Lavant Padgett and current councilman Brian Petersen will square off for one at-large Liberty city council seat, while incumbent Joshua Harrison will face Francine G. Powers for the council’s Ward 3 seat. Eric Boughman will run unopposed for the Ward 4
Career center aiming ‘ahead of the curve’ vs.
New school year starts Dalton
started to help people with chronic mental and physical conditions by making these nicole@thepccourier.com individuals honorary Walmart CENTRAL — Before drivers and giving them the his passing in 1992, Walmart ride of a lifetime in a Walmart founder Sam Walton said of his truck. Last Wednesday, August truck-driving employees “When you’re out on the highway, you 31, Six Mile resident Kathryn can bet your bottom dollar the Hicks was honored by the Walguy behind the wheel is a true mart Heart program at the Walprofessional. He’s not just driv- mart Super Center in Central. “It was fun and exciting,” ing a truck. He’s dedicated to said Hicks. “I wasn’tand nervous serving our stores andnating he’s andefensive performance won at the By Eric Sprott all.” as they smashed Miami by a ambassador to everything we battle, turnover Courtesy The Journal stand for out on the road.” AfterforKathryn wasconsecudiagfinal score of 38-3 their third eric@upstatetoday.com The Walmart Heart is a nosedtitle.with Spinal Muscular tive conference Atrophy three (SMA)straight as a 13-monthvolunteer After winning CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The program goal for that began old infant, her mother Karen in 1998 when a young boy with the Clemson football team Saturday night congenital heart problem and Hicks said that the doctors told was to leave no doubt awho was the best See TIGERS 3A Phillip to her and on herpage husband a Conference. short life expectancy, was Nimmons/Courier teamRocky in the Atlantic Coast his wish to ride in one go home and enjoy their baby Kathryn Hicks was made an honorary driver in Consider the Walmart pri- granted it mission accomplished. of the Walmart trucks. vate fleet last Wednesday. She is pictured aboveThe withtop-ranked her motherTigers scored on their See HICKS on page 2A Truck drivers Karen Hicks and Walmart driver Antoine Sadler. By Jason Evans first three possessions, turned in a domi-for Walmart Staff Reporter PICKENS — The county’s animal shelter is getting a facelift. County council approved a request from the Upstate SPCA to use $68,200 from the general fund to make improvements at the facility, located on Prison Camp Road. The funding would allow COUNTY — to The for improvements be muchmade needed rain didn’tcompliance seem to for environmental dampen thealso spirits of the parents, and would allow purteachers the 16,000 plus supstuchase of orsome additional dents including who began thekennels 2011-2012 plies, dog and school year in Pickens County beds. on Tuesday. “This is the old pound at Among ofthethenotable back the bottom hill,” county to school highlights were the attorney Ken Roper said. “It was of back ve 30 new schools aopening dog pound or 40 years in the School District of Pickago.” ens The County: Chastain structure is not Road safe and Dacusville Elementary from the elements, he said.
Walmart Heart honors Six Mile teen
Fernwood
Walmart Heart honors Six Mile teen
County council passes animal shelter upgrade
See SUIT on page 5A
Liberty only city with contested mayoral election
Kathryn Hicks, front middle, is joined at the Walmart in Central by company representatives and Central fire chief Ed Reynolds as part of a Walmart Heart event in her honor.
See STUdENT on page 5A
Sheriff ’s Office. Sheriff ’s office chief deputy Creed Hashe later issued a statement saying his department was wrongfully accused in
”
EASLEY — Easley police were still looking for answers COUNTY — Filinginjured closed Tuesday after a shooting last people Thursday at night. noon for two Monday this According fall’s municipal elections to Easley Police throughout county,a so races chief Tim the Tollison, woman are now911 set shortly for the November called after 9 p.m.8 elections. saying she and her fiance had the town of Central, three beenIn shot. townOfficers council responded seats are available, to the with incumbent council memhome at 103 Coconut Street and bers Lynne O’Dell Chapman, Tony H. Craig and Harrison R. Holladay, Jr., running for reelection against Blake Magnus, Joe N. Moss and Will Mullinax. In the city of Easley, mayor Larry Bagwell will run unopposed this November, as will city council members Brian Garrison (Ward 1), Chris Mann (Ward 3) and Thomas H. Wright, Sr. (Ward 5).
goliver@upstatetoday.com
Rayfield
TRIPLE
municipal races set Office and Duke Energy as defendants, as well as “John Does,” not identified by name in the suit. The suit alleges the inmates should be considered employees of both Pickens County and the Pickens County
Monday nightcity incident Liberty only with contested mayoral election found two people hurt, Tollison said.
By Greg Oliver — KarenThe Hicks Courtesy Journal PICKENS — Pickens County Sheriff Rick Clark announced Friday that 13 people are facing 37 crimiRocky Nimmons/Courier nal charges in a multi-county, multi-agency undercovKathryn Hicks, front middle, is joined at the Walmart in Central by company representatives and er drug operation that stretched forchief moreEdthan eight as part of a Walmart Heart event in her honor. Central fire Reynolds months. Ten of those charged are Pickens County residents, Clark said. The sheriff said his office joined with the S.C. Law Enforcement Division, Easley Police Department and a U.S. Marshals task force to conduct the started to help people with By Nicole Daughhetee investigation, which targeted mid- to upper-level dischronic mental and physical Staff Reporter tributors of methamphetamine. PickensbyCounty sheriff conditions making these nicole@thepccourier.com “This is not simple possession — it’s distribution Rick Clark speaks at a individuals honorary Walmart and network type of distribution we’re going after,” news last the andconference giving them CENTRAL — Before drivers Clark said at a news conference Friday morning in week announcing the a lifetime in a Walmart his passing in 1992, Walmart ride of Pickens. “You don’t just pull people over to the side founder Sam Walton said of his truck.results of a monthslong methamphetamine Last Wednesday, August truck-driving employees “When sweep. See SwEEP on page 3A Rocky Nimmons/Courier Mile resident Kathryn you’re out on the highway, you 31, Six can bet your bottom dollar the Hicks was honored by the Walguy behind the wheel is a true mart Heart program at the Walprofessional. He’s not just driv- mart Super Center in Central. “It was fun and exciting,” ing a truck. He’s dedicated to serving our stores and he’s an said Hicks. “I wasn’t nervous at ambassador to everything we all.” After Kathryn was diagstand for out on the road.” The Walmart Heart is a nosed with Spinal Muscular volunteer program that began Atrophy (SMA) as a 13-monthin 1998 when a young boy with old infant, her mother Karen a congenital heart problem and Hicks said that the doctors told a short life expectancy, was her and her husband Phillip to Rocky Nimmons/Courier Kathryn Hicks was made an honorary driver in the Walmart pri- granted his wish to ride in one go home and enjoy their baby vate fleet last Wednesday. She is pictured above with her mother of the Walmart trucks. See HICKS on page 2A Truck drivers for Walmart Karen Hicks and Walmart driver Antoine Sadler. BRUENING BURNS SCOTT DURHAM SHEILA DURHAM FARMER kELLY
Blackberry
”
PICKENS — A lawsuit has been filed in the Pickens County Court of Common
behalf of his clients, who are the guardians of a teenager who worked at Mile Creek Park when the incidents allegedly occurred. It names Pickens County, the Pickens County Sheriff ’s
13 charged in meth sweep
Welborn
action has been taken against an — Karen R.C. Edwards MiddleHicks School student who officials said took locker room photos of her teammates on the school basketball team. School District of Pickens County spokesman John Eby said last week the incident occurred Nov. 21 in Anderson County. The student, a member of the Edwards girls’ basketball
jevans@thepccourier.com
Pleas alleging that a lack of supervision of inmates working at Mile Creek Park led to sexual assaults and drug use involving a minor. The lawsuit, filed Nov. 20 by attorney Kyle J. White on
November in Easley municipal shooting races set 2 hospitalized after
“
I hope that people will see Kathryn and be inspired and encouraged.
Ray
and be inspired and goliver@upstatetoday.com encouraged. CENTRAL — Disciplinary By Greg Oliver Courtesy The Journal
By Jason Evans Staff Reporter
Wednesday, September 7, 2011 • Vol. 5, No. 13 • Pickens, S.C. • (864) 878-6391
continues
Flat
“
Wednesday, September 7, 2011 • Vol. 5, No. 13 • Pickens, S.C. • (864) 878-6391
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form bill is that student loan interest payments would no longer be deductible,” he said. “That gets added on to the tax burden as well. It would be a pretty huge financial taxAug. burden.” Wednesday, 31, at 3:26 a.m., such as and Chanting the victim slogans was pronounced “Tax me, degree,” dead at theno scene, Kelley“Defend, said. not defund,” and was “Taxing higher An autopsy performed education onlyMemorial serves to our naat Greenville Hospition,” march ran from tal, withthe results available in sixthe to Library Bridge to said. the steps in eight weeks, Kelley frontThe of Sikes Hall. accident is under invesThe by rally a crowd of tigation thedrew Pickens County Coroner’s Ofce and the Liberty See RALLY on page 3A Police Department.
I NINDEX dEX
• OPINION • OPINION SPORTS • OBITUARIES • LIFESTYLES FOOD • COMMUNITY • FOOd COMICS • COMICS FOOTBALL • CLASSIFIEdS CLASSIFIEDS
4A 4A5A 6A6A 1B7A 2B8A 3B9A 4B 1B 5B 9B
New schoo year s ar s
C m mm
I N S I D E together we make life better™ mybsmg.org
U
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mW h h B w n h
Th nk p nk b n w n Wo ke d e a L be y Den m
m
Mo her Daugh er INDEX S s er
Clemson’s Swinney gives his take on Friday’s game Opinion, Page 4A
Fresh broccoli dishes are good for you Pickens Rec Players of the Week honored Sports, Page 5A
Food, Page 7A
• OPINION • SPORTS • OBITUARIES • FOOD • COMMUNITY • COMICS • FOOTBALL • CLASSIFIEDS
4A 5A 6A 7A 8A 9A 1B 9B
FIRST PLACE Zack Mauldin Pickens County Courier
SINGLE PAGE ONE DESIGN WEEKLY UNDER 4,500 DIVISION
THIRD PLACE
Athena Redmond Pageland Progressive-Journal PREMIUM EDITION
High school delegates attend Palmetto State
Chesterfield County schools offer online registration
Page 5
Page 5
SECOND PLACE
Kyle Camp Pageland Progressive-Journal Mayor lists possible town projects
Page 4
JULY 24, 2018
www.pagelandprogressive.com
75 cents
McLeod seeks options for rural health care
Open for business
Pageland Chamber hosts summit Staff report
The Pageland Chamber of Commerce wants every business in the town to shout “Pageland Is Open For Business.” Every business, large and small, is invited to participate in the chamber’s Sept.18 Business Summit at the Community Center. Chamber President Tim Griffin hopes businesses fill the community center that day. From 2-7 p.m., the summit is a chance for area businesses to promote themselves to residents, as well as talk with potential job applicants. From noon to 2 p.m., the summit is a chance for businesses to talk with other local businesses. That connection, frequently referred to as “B2B,” has been lacking in the Pageland business community, Griffin said. When local businesses need supplies or services, they should first look to other Pageland businesses, Griffin said. “It’s important to keep it local,” Griffin said. A lack of an active chamber of commerce has also been part of the problem he said. “There is so much we’ve been missing,” Griffin said. In addition to local businesses, the chamber has invited local politicians, representatives from the town of Pageland, its police department, the Chesterfield County Economic Development Office, and Northeastern Technical College. The center portion of the community center will be set aside for companies looking to hire and job seekers. Griffin said there will be several people at the job fair to assist people in filling out job applications. The Business Summit is just one of several events the chamber has planned to bring more people – and potential customers – to downtown. In October a “Historic Downtown Walking Museum” event is planned. Each participating business will display some aspect of Pageland’s history. In November the chamber is participating in the American Express Small Business Saturday program on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. The program is designed to get people shopping locally. Holiday events to increase foot traffic are planned for December.
By DON WORTHINGTON Progressive Journal
McLeod Health of Cheraw has received a grant from the S.C. Office of Rural Health to offer one-day health screenings to residents of Chesterfield, Dillon and Marlboro counties. Residents will have access to screenings for primary and dental care. There will also be a portable mammogram unit available. No date or locations have been set for the health fairs. There will be one per county. The $13,600 grant is one step in addressing one of the biggest needs in rural health care – access to care. It is an area where McLeod has seen some of its biggest successes and biggest challenges, said hospital administrator Meriba “Mib” Scoggins. “This is a personal passion,” said ScogSCOGGINS gins, who came to Cheraw when the hospital changed ownership from Community Health System to McLeod. She was part of the transition team and stayed as the hospital administrator. “Yes, we are in a rural, high-poverty area, but that should not prevent access to quality health care,” she said. McLeod is using telemedicine to address the issues of access and affordability. Doctors at the Cheraw hospital can use computers for live consults with colleagues at other hospitals. Doctors at other hospitals have instant access to a variety of patient data See McLEOD | Page 3
Medshore Ambulance honored From release
The American Heart Association recently honored Medshore Ambulance for providing superior pre-hospital car for patients experiencing severe heart attacks in Anderson, Barnwell and Chesterfield counties. To quality for the EMS awards, emergency medical services had to meet specific criteria for treating patients experiencing a type of heart attack known as an ST segment elevation myocardial infarction, or STEMI. Nearly 250,000 patients experience STEMIs in the United States annually. The 2018 awards include a Gold Plus Award for the company’s Anderson County division, and Silver Plus Awards in its Barnwell and Chesterfield divisions. “We work very closely with our hospital partners to ensure our crews quickly and efficiently administer specific STEMI protocols. Our objective is to help minimize the time between a patient’s first medical contact and intervention in the cardiac catheterization lab,” said Greg Shore, chief executive officer for Medshore Ambulance. Medshore Ambulance advanced life support interventions include 12-lead ECG monitoring of patients’ cardiac activity. Medshore paramedics follow See AMBULANCE | Page 3
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AUGUST 21, 2018
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75 cents
1 MINUTE OF MELON MADNESS
KIM MANGUM/For the Progressive Journal
Central’s Usher wins celebrity challenge By PENELOPE McCLENNY For the Progressive Journal
The inaugural celebrity watermelon eating contest sponsored and produced by the Progressive Journal at the Watermelon Festival had all the makings of a main event fight: three well-renowned
competitors, a staunch, preevent stare-down, and a little friendly trash talking. “Our Braves have been beating these Central Eagles for so long, I’m gonna let them win this one,” Cheraw resident and Chesterfield County Sheriff-elect James Dixon jokingly said before competing with Central High
More Watermelon Festival coverage inside
Photos by DON WORTHINGTON/ Progressive Journal
From left, Trent Usher, Sheriff-elect James Dixon and Mayor Jason Evans compete in the celebrity watermelon eating contest. School football coach Trent Usher and Pageland Mayor Jason Evans. While Dixon appeared to work his hardest throughout the minute-long competition, Usher stood victorious at the
FESTIVAL FOOD
For the Progressive Journal
FESTIVAL CAR SHOW Page 2
WATERMELON PARADE Page 4
FESTIVAL RODEO & THE MELON MILE Page 6
THE MELON UNIVERSE Page 8
end. “I hope that’s good things to come,” Usher said, suggesting that the winnings continue onto the football field this fall. See CONTESTS | Page 2
Savoring the delights you won’t find at home By PENELOPE McCLENNY
The front fender mirror brings into focus Pablo Serrano’s first and forever car. Story on page 2.
From the careful consideration of the placement of the vendors to the meal planning decisions of their hungry customers, the casual nature of festival food is actually a serious endeavor. “It takes about six hours the week of the event to do the layout on the computer,” Festival Director Darron Kirkley said Saturday as people passed carrying funnel cakes and palm tree bottles of drink slushes from some of the event’s 19 food vendors. The planning begins in March, Kirley said, when previous vendors are given the right of first refusal for the upcoming festival. Each applicant must also have the required insurance and food safety certificates. Next, Kirkley makes sure to select vendors that will provide a variety of options for festival attendees. “We don’t want 16 people serving the same food,” he said. From fish sandwiches to sweet kettle corn and many options in between, this year’s food midway of-
fered a little something for everyone. “We look around and see what catches our attention,” Monroe resident Kimberly Aragon said as she sat on the grass behind one of the vendors Saturday afternoon and enjoyed a cheeseburger and butterfly fries. Aragon and her boyfriend, Abraham Ramirez, said they came to the festival solely for the food. “We came last year and the food was good, so we came back,” Ramirez said. They skipped breakfast that morning to make room for each of their favorite fair foods. As Ramirez ate a burger and cheese-covered butterfly fries, he admitted he still may not have enough room for the fried Oreos and funnel cake he planned to eat for dessert. “I have to take one of them home because I can’t finish it all,” he said. Across the street, Kershaw resident Cynthia Pharr enjoyed a fish sandwich under a tent next to the United Methodist Church. By Saturday afternoon, she had already See GOOD EATS | Page 6
Friends, farmers and festival goers honor watermelon icon Billy Jenkins during Saturday’s parade. Everywhere you looked were watermelons.
INDEX CLASSIFIEDS .............................7 COMMUNITY NEWS ...................5 SPORTS .......................................6 VIEWPOINT ................................4
The journey began Monday for the more than 1,200 students of Chesterfield County’s 18 schools. For those at Petersburg Primary it was a day of discovery for staff and students. It was the first of school ever for many of the students. It was also the first day of school for new Petersburg Primary principal Shanika Harrington-David. She was out front to greet students and their parents. Parents marked the day with photos and videos. The school’s sign was a frequent site of first-day photo shoots.
TODAY’S WEATHER Mostly cloudy with an 80 percent chance of scattered thunderstorms Overnight: Mostly cloudy with an 80 percent chance of scattered thunderstorms
INSIDE, 3
High: 83 Low: 70
Body of Cheraw man found in wrecked car
Screwmatics marks 30 years By VANESSA BREWER-TYSON
Ann Dulin celebrates her journey with doughnuts and wet-nosed dog kisses
Progressive Journal
By VANESSA BREWER-TYSON Progressive Journal
The night before the eventful day, Ann Johnson Dulin slept peacefully. She awoke the morning of Aug. 16 about 4:40. “Today is my birthday, my 100th birthday,” she told herself. Later that morning, family, friends, her fellow residents and Sassy, the therapy dog, gathered in the main room of Springhill Assisted Living in Pageland to celebrate. Everyone but Sassy shared coffee, juice and doughnuts. Dulin’s birthday doughnut had three candles, sprinkles and was cream-filled. (Therapy dogs can’t eat on the job.) Dulin listened to “Happy Birthday,” – via a cell phone. She watched a video of the Clemson offensive line singing her birthday wishes. Her nephew, Robbie Caldwell, coaches the Tigers’ offensive line. See BIRTHDAY | Page 6
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When Ann Dulin started her journey in rural Chesterfield County, she did her homework by lamplight. Last week, Pageland Mayor Jason Evans declared her birthday Ann Dulin Day in the town. Dulin celebrated with a donut. Today is National Senior Citizens Day. In addition to celebrating Dulin’s 100th birthday, Progressive Journal writer Vanessa Brewer-Tyson checked in with several of her former Senior Spotlights to see how they are doing. For their updates, see page 6.
INDEX
CLASSIFIEDS .............................7 COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS......5 OBITUARY .................................3 SPORTS .......................................8 VIEWPOINT ................................4
In 1988, Tom and Kim Hogge took a leap of faith. Tom, who was out of work, and his wife, Kim, started their own machining services. It was not something that was planned. It was Company out of necessity, they said. has job Kim answered the phones and kept the books. openings PAGE 2 Tom operated the machines. Screwmatics of South Carolina was born. Tom had earned a degree, and later taught – even met his future wife -- at Florence/Darlington Technical College. He had been an apprentice at Union Carbide Corp in Florence and part of Conbraco Industries’ management for almost 10 years. Unemployed, he placed his faith in the work ethic of people from Chesterfield County and the belief there was a market for precision parts components. They opened Screwmatics in an old industrial building where wooden storage pallets were once made. Property owner Henry Knight saw the Hogges’ hard work and determination. As Screwmatic grew, he built another building specifically to rent to them. “He didn’t mind helping people who See 30 YEARS | Page 2
TODAY’S WEATHER
Partly cloudy skies with a 40 percent chance of scattered morning thunderstorms Overnight: Partly cloudy skies with a 40 percent chance of scattered evening thunderstorms
OBITUARY, 3
Charles Shrappe Jr.
High: 89 Low: 70
SINGLE PAGE ONE DESIGN WEEKLY UNDER 4,500 DIVISION
Achievements:
Williamsburg Tech announces Summer Achievement List
We Are
See Page 12
Inside This Edition
Knockin’ Out Breast Cancer ONE PUNCH AT A TIME!
“Making a difference one week at a time”
Vol. 46 • No. 42
KiNgstree, sC • WedNesday, oCtober 17, 2018
Referendums on midterm election ballot
BY MICHAELE DUKE news@kingstreenews.com
Williamsburg County citizens who are voting in the November 6, election will notice a couple of referendums on the ballot. However, if you vote straight party and you click ok without going to the end of the ballot then you won’t see the referendums so make certain to scroll to end of the ballot. The first referendum is a vote to change the form of government from Council-Supervisor to Council-Administrator, where the administrator is an appointed official employed by the council. Williamsburg County Council passed an ordinance to change the form by
MAKING THE TEAM
way of referendum in March. Williamsburg County falls under the Council-Supervisor form of government. The council may employ the administrator for a definite term or not, at its discretion. The second referendum voters will vote on the State Superintendent of Education. The superintendent voted on or appointed by the governor. A “Yes” vote will require the Superintendent of Education be appointed by the governor, with the consent of the Senate. A “No” vote maintains the current method of electing a superintendent. Two Williamsburg County School District At-Large Board Please
turN to
2 seCtioNs • 16 Pages • 75 CeNts
BALLOT, 5
FIRST PLACE
Tiny teammate
shows he can hang with the big boys BY MICHAELE DUKE news@kingstreenews.com
South Carolina Technical College System President Dr. Tim Hardee stopped by the Williamsburg Technical College October 8, to present a check for $5,250 to President Patty Lee that will be used for student scholarships. Hardee is cycling his way to the 16 colleges across the state on a two-week, 800-mile route designed to raise the scholarship funds. PHOTO BY MICHAELE DUKE
WTC receives scholarship funds BY MICHAELE DUKE news@kingstreenews.com
The Williamsburg Technical College received a generous donation via a bike rider. South Carolina Technical College System President Dr. Tim Hardee stopped at the college October 8, to present a check for $5,250 that will be used for student scholarships. Dr. Hardee is crossing the state on his Tour de Tech, a S.C. Technical System Foundation fundraising initiative. Hardee is cycling his way to the 16 colleges across the state on a two-week, 800-mile route designed to raise the scholarship funds. The South Carolina Technical College System currently has over 80,000 enrolled
students. His tour began September 27, at York Technical College in Rock Hill and ended October 12 at Horry-Georgetown Technical College. “It’s been a nice adventure thus far,” said Hardee. “I’ve been able to raise a lot of scholarship dollars for students for the technical colleges.” Hardee expects the tour will raise somewhere near $90,000 in scholarship funds. A crowd gathered in front of the college in Kingstree to watch the check presentation to college president, Dr. Patty Lee. “This (tour) is bringing very positive awareness to the technical college system, not to mention the cash that he’s Please
turN to
WTC, 3
Miles Salters has grown up with a dream of playing football. It doesn’t matter that at the age of seven he’s only 36 inches high. And he most likely won’t grow much more since he’s born with achondroplasia, a bone growth disorder and form of shortlimbed dwarfism. Miles may be vertically challenged but his heart is as big as Williamsburg County. His desire to play football has no boundaries. It doesn’t seem to bother him that he doesn’t see a lot of action on the gridiron. Miles’ coach Chris Osborne says it’s more about being a team player. “He said I know I won’t play every play but I just want to be a part of the team,” said Osborne. “When you got a heart that big what are you going to do? You’re going to put him in there.” Osborne said Miles can play anywhere but he’s usually on the defensive side. “I let him play safety some, linebacker some. I’m not going to put him on the line. He only weighs 35 pounds soaking wet.” At first, Kingstree Parks and Recreation Director Tony McGill was concerned about Miles’ size but he sent home a helmet and shoulder pads with the child’s father, Jervon Salters. The next day Miles Salters doesn’t let his size get in the way of he asked Mr. Salters if he was going to return the equipment and he said no. “He said his son really wanted to play and to please playing football. The 36-inch, seven-year-old Kingstree find some place on a team for him. And I did,” said McGill. “Ever Bears safety has a heart and willpower of a super bowl since then he was sacking people and going at it. He’s a special kid champion and is adored by his teammates and fans alike. Please
turN to
TEAM, 5
Williamsburg HomeTown Chamber
The Williamsburg HomeTown Chamber presented the Image Award for September to Polly Ann’s Flower Shop located at 101 West Main Street in Kingstree. Danny and Melannie Mims are truly invested in Kingstree and hope to see it grow. Before purchasing the flower shop in 2017, the couple was already busy running Please
turN to
IMAGE, 3
You Can Help Us
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PHOTO BY MICHAELE DUKE
Polly Ann’s receives Image Award
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UPCOMINGS.................................PAGE 2 OBITUARIES..................................PAGE 6 EDITORIAL....................................PAGE 7 FAITH.......................................... PAGE 8 CLASSIFIEDS/LEGALS....................PAGE 15
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THIRD PLACE Phyllis Lucas The News & Reporter www.OnlineChester.com
Rematch
Lions and Devils meet tonight. See Page 8.
NEWS&REPORTER THE HE
C HESTER C OUNTY ’ S H OMETOWN N EWSPAPER SINCE 1869 FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2018
Issue 10, 1 Section, 12 Pages
75 Cents
Auctioneer Rick Cox is…
Going Once…Going Twice…(Almost) Gone! BY BRIAN GARNER bgarner@onlinechester.com
T
he people who raised their hands or nodded at Chester auctioneer Rick Cox as he conducted his monthly auction on Monday did so with a tear in their eyes and a fond farewell. After 18 years selling everything from boardgames to bulldozers, Cox is hanging up his gavel and closing the doors of Cox Auction. He said contractors will tear down the auction barn beginning in March and the plan is to construct a new Spratt Savings & Loan. His landlords told Cox he had until then, but he decided to close the doors a month earlier than that. Monday was his final auction. “I live in Charlotte,” Cox said in his Southern drawl, which is at odds with his rapid-fire delivery (what he calls “the jibber-jabber) when he’s working, “and I’ve been in Chester for 18 years. The best years of my life have been here, and you can give the credit to
Chester,” he said. “I brag on Chester; it’s been a very supportive town, and the people who have come to the auctions, they’re just like family now.
We get people coming in from all over, even as far as New York. And
maybe today they’ll be as many as three states represented, plus those from the local counties and towns around here,” he said. “We get a big variety of people coming in here; some of them buy stuff and re-sell it and some of them buy stuff and keep it. I’m sure every house in Chester has got some of our furniture in it,” he said. Cox is not giving up auctioneering completely – he will travel the circuit of the eight states he is licensed auctioneer in (South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia, Georgia, Florida and Ohio) and will be calling the bids on farm equipment and construction equipment auctions. “I know the owners of just about all those auctions, but it’s always been hard to get in with them because I’ve been tied down here. If they said ‘You have to be in Georgia on Wednesday,’ I had to tell them I have to pick up stuff to get ready for my sale on Monday here,” he said. Cox said he would continue to do estate sales and some liquidation auctions as well. See COX, Page 2
Bill introduced by Fanning would dissolve Education Oversight Committee, shift duties to Department of Education BY BRIAN GARNER bgarner@onlinechester.com
State Senator Mike Fanning (Dist. 17) hasn’t expended all of his ener-
gies fighting against giant energy companies, he’s also turned his attention towards improving education in the state as well. During the last session
of the state legislature, he prefiled a bill in December ‘relating to the establishment, composition, powers, and duties of the Education Oversight Committee
(EOC), so as to abolish the committee and devolve its functions, powers, duties, responsibilities, and See FANNING, Page 4
School District still dark after ransomware attack From staff reports
The computers are still off at Chester County schools and throughout the school district following a ransomware attack that encrypted access to the district’s servers. The attack
was discovered after last weekend. According to the school district, there was no data breach. Apparently, the ransomware gained entrance to the school district sys-
I N D E X
enjoying success and no one is enjoying that as much as Marshall. Last year’s SMC squad finished with a losing record despite Marshall’s best efforts and though she was on some competitive teams at Chester that made it to the post-season, the Lady Cyclones lost early in the playoffs in each of her seasons. Marshall said she often put a lot on her own shoulders during her prep career, so much so that she wasn’t able to sit back and enjoy what she was accomplishing. “I felt like I was expected to do a lot by myself. If we lost, I blamed myself. I always wanted to put everything on my own back,” Marshall said. She has learned, over time, to lean on her teammates. The game has slowed down a bit for her as a result. “I can take my time to appreci-
Classifieds . . . . . . . . . 12 Police . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Jumps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Lifestyles . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Religion . . . . . . . . . . . 6
ate the game more,” she said. “I can savor each moment a little more now. I let it come to me instead of trying to go chase it.” Marshall actually would not have been able to predict that she would end up at smaller junior college. Given that she scored more than 1,200 points at Chester, is a good ball-handler and defender and once had a 45-point effort against Union County in which she outscored the Lady Yellow Jackets by herself, it should have been a given that she’d have her pick of several good college offers. For some reason that didn’t happen and there doesn’t seem to be any good reason why. “I didn’t have as many offers as I thought I would. My coaches told me to go to a junior college, that it would make me better. So here I See DEJA, Page 4
O Dan Dubose B Teresa Hunter, 56 I James Nichols Jr., 58 T S Page 4 803-385-3177
A haunting tale from Lancaster’s most storied mansion
Buford blanks Knight to win Region IV-AA football crown
FACES & PLACES, 1B
SPORTS, 5A
The
From staff reports
A fatal collision took place on Lancaster Highway about three miles west of Richburg about 10:35 p.m. Wednesday night. According to Cpl. Bill Rhyne with the South Carolina Highway Patrol, the accident took place on Lancaster Highway near
Oakley Hall School Road. According to Rhyne, the driver Nichols of a 1999 Freightliner log truck and the
See ACCIDENT, Page 4
Norman, wife uninjured in Va. Amtrak accident BY REECE MURPHY Landmark News Service
Rep. Ralph Norman and his wife escaped injury Wednesday when an Amtrak train carrying members of Congress to a conference hit a trash truck on the track in Virginia, killing one person. Norman, the 5th District congressman from Rock Hill, was traveling with other U.S. House
Lancaster News Lancaster County’s triweekly newspaper
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2018
www.thelancasternews.com
members and their families to a retreat in West Virginia when the train collided with the truck outside Crozet, Va., about 11:20 a.m., killing the driver. In a telephone interview Wednesday afternoon, Norman said he and wife Elaine, like others in the congressional group, were uninjured “other than See NORMAN, Page 4
75 CENTS
House 45 debate veers into slugfest Newton
“All right, so civics lesson No. 3. You don’t pay for Medicaid in your FICA tax, you pay for Medicare.”
Emily Pollok
epollok@thelancasternews.com
Fireworks usually come at the end of an event, and so it was in Tuesday’s marathon five hours of Lancaster County politicking known as the Before You Vote Forum 2018. After a calm, often wonky, sometimes pedestrian evening, things got downright flinty when the candidates for S.C. House District 45 clashed on state pensions, Medicaid
and teacher pay. In the final debate of the night, Republican incumbent Brandon Newton and Democratic challenger Corin Buskey sat alone on the stage at USC Lancaster’s Bundy Auditorium, a few feet apart. Newton responded to a question from moderator Rick Jiran of Duke Energy about the state’s long-term pension insolvency, saying he See DISTRICT 45 I Page 3A
Garris
DeVenny
Mark Manicone mmanicone@thelancasternews.com
Budget issues and downtown development dominated Tuesday’s nuts-and-bolts debate between Lancaster Mayor Alston DeVenny and opponent Tamara Green Garris. Garris, the mayor pro tem and a 10-year city council veteran, said that as a Lancaster native, she witnessed the gradual decline of downtown and yearns to see it thriving again. “My grandmother was a former worker at the Lancaster Bakery. Growing up as a child, I loved to get those fresh-baked cookies,” said Garris, a bank executive who works in Fort Mill. “I’ve watched Main Street go from the teenagers strolling up and down the streets to now we’re struggling to get business owners to stay there in the city. And it’s hard, because we have so many people like myself traveling up and down 521 every day to gain employment. “If we could get behind our local businesses here, to support local business, then we could keep our downtown thriving,” she said. DeVenny, an attorney who moved here 30 years ago, said revitalizing downtown involves more than just finding businesses willing to See MAYOR I Page 4A
Photos courtesy of WONZA JOHNSON
Above, the cast wishes Wonza Johnson a bit of luck by laying hands on him before one of his early performances in the role of Alexander Hamilton. At left, Johnson strikes a pose while in costume for a performance in Cleveland, Ohio, where he played the roles of the Marquis de Lafayette and Thomas Jefferson.
Wonza Johnson tells AJ kids: ‘I found my gift at this school’ Kayla Vaughn kvaughn@thelancasternews.com
See Tuesday’s forum on LearnTV’s YouTube channel.
BY TRAVIS JENKINS/ THE N&R
I N Big game, big snacks S Culinary columnist The Kitchen Diva has some ideas for snack food as you watch a certain I super football game this Sunday. D See Page 5 E
Buskey
Garris, DeVenny: Success requires attracting business
Coming Wednesday: School Board candidates’ debate
Deja Marshall scores two of her 20 points in SMC’s win over Converse Monday.
“You’re 24 years old. You haven’t had the life experience to know what’s best for the people of Lancaster.”
L ANCASTER’S OWN
See SCHOOLS, Page 2
York County DSS director dies in traffic accident
Marshall excelling in college, just as she did at Chester High BY TRAVIS JENKINS tjenkins@onlinechester.com
Athena Redmond The Lancaster News
Schools go ‘old school’ with books, pencil and paper
Deja vu Deja Marshall was an all-state player in high school, was the Region X Conference Player of the Year and an honorable mention All-American last season as a college player, yet she frequently had to pick herself up off the floor, had trouble driving to the hoop and had to settle for jump shots a lot this summer. Of course, she was playing against an offensive lineman. Marshall is now a sophomore at Spartanburg Methodist College. The Pioneers are off to a great 12-6 start and the Chester High grad is a big reason why. She leads the team at 16.9 points-per-game, is second in rebounding with an average of 6.4 points-per-game, is second in assists (3.7) and first in steals (3.5). The Pioneers are
SECOND PLACE
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onza Johnson grew up in Lancaster, thrived in the artsfocus program at Andrew Jackson Middle School, and left to pursue his dreams at the Governor’s School for Arts and Humanities. Now 24, he lives in New York City and performs in the national tour of “Hamilton: An American Musical,” the Broadway blockbuster that has sold out Charlotte’s Belk Theater since Oct. 10. Johnson often plays the lead role of Alexander Hamilton. With only a week left in the show’s Charlotte run, Johnson stopped by Andrew Jackson Middle and AJ High School Friday morning, addressing crowds of ecstatic students at both schools. “This school laid the foundation for everything,” Johnson said at the middle school. “I learned how to juggle here. I was in a clown troupe. I learned to play the piano. I started sing-
County council candidates differ on handling growth Gregory A. Summers gsummers@thelancasternews.com
Don Duve, who is running for Lancaster County Council District 4, has a surefire way to slow down growth in the Panhandle and address traffic along the congested U.S. 521 corridor. “If I was on council, I would request... we put a moratorium on commercial projects on 521,” Duve said Tuesday night during a campaign forum co-sponsored by the Lancaster County Chamber of Commerce, Duke Energy and The Lancaster News. The former precinct captain of First Ward in Aurora, Ill., moved to Lancaster three years ago. A Republican, Duve is challenging three-term incumbent Larry Honeycutt, a Democrat, for one of the seven seats on county council. See COUNTY I Page 8A
166th year, No. 129 Two sections, 14 pages
Index
Today’s Weather Sunny with a 10 percent chance of showers Overnight: Mostly clear with a 10 percent chance of scattered showers
High: 68 Low: 48
Church News ..................2B Classifieds .......................4B Coming Events ...............4B Entertainment ............. 3B
Home & Garden ........ 1B Opinion ........................7A Sports ............................5A
ing and I started dancing here. “Everything started in that little hallway right there. I found my passion. I found my gift right at this school.” In addition to the role of Alexander Hamilton, Johnson (whose first name is pronounced WAHN-zay) has played many characters in the traveling production – Marquis de Lafayette, Thomas Jefferson, Hercules Mulligan, James Madison, John Laurens and Philip Hamilton. “Hamilton” won 11 Tonys in 2016 and the Pulitzer Prize in Drama for writer and star LinManuel Miranda. It has become a cultural phenomenon, incorporating hip hop, R&B, pop, soul and traditional show tunes and casting nonwhite actors as the Founding Fathers and other historical figures. Johnson’s aunt, Shanita Doster, still lives in Lancaster, but the rest of his family lives in Georgia. See JOHNSON I Page 2A
Death, 4A
Inside, 2A
Daisy Huneycutt
2nd Florence officer dies from injuries in shootout
SINGLE PAGE ONE DESIGN
WEEKLY OVER 4,500 & 2-3 TIMES WEEKLY DIVISIONS COMBINED COAST CLEAR
Hurricane Florence spares coastal areas SEE A9
VOL. 25 NO. 38
SEPTEMBER 21, 2018
$1.00
TRUMP IN CONWAY | SEE PAGE A15
A SPECIAL EDITION FROM WACCAMAW PUBLISHERS
Floodwater closes key bridges, threatens to isolate Horry, B1
Two mental health patients die when deputies crash in river, A3
Rising water fuels fears about utility’s coal ash ponds, A10
RIVERTOWN REELING
FIRST PLACE Charles D. Perry Myrtle Beach Herald
JANET MORGAN | WACCAMAW PUBLISHERS
A boat filled with memories is gently slid from the front porch of Les Whitley's home off Sherwood Drive in Conway on Tuesday. “It’s hard. This is home. We talked about it, and we’ve accepted this is it. We know it’s flooding, will be flooded, and it’s hard to say goodbye,” he said holding a piece of china he pulled from a cabinet tucked along the wall. “It’s home, our family home. This is hard.” He said his wife Barbara wasn’t able to help pack up the house with he and daughter Heather because it was too emotional. Three men from a faith and fitness group, F3, volunteered to help the Whitleys in the packing. The men are, from left, Jonathan Harris, Chris King and David Turner. Heather Whitley said the ripped screen on the front porch was damaged in Hurricane Florence.
WHICH ROADS ARE CLOSED?
Officials project historic flood will impact hundreds of Conway homes and businesses BY CHARLES D. PERRY AND CHRISTIAN BOSCHULT INFO@MYHORRYNEWS.COM
T
SUMBITTED
• East S.C. 9 • Pleasant Meadow Drive • Old Wilson Road • S.C. 9 • Old Reaves Ferry Road ROADS, A14
he flood from Hurricane Florence’s North Carolina downpour will reach Horry County in the coming days, forcing more water into the already swollen Waccamaw River and likely invading hundreds of homes and businesses that have until now been dry. Conway officials project 944 homes and businesses that did not flood after Hurricane Matthew in 2016 will not escape the rising river this time. That doesn’t include the 427 Conway homes that did see water following that storm. The Waccamaw is expected to surpass Matthew’s record flood by at least two feet. “I’m getting ready to lose every damn thing I’ve got,” said Jess White, a 42-year-old fishing apparel maker who frantically cleaned out his Busbee Street house this week. “I don’t know where to start. I’m lost.” White’s grandfather built the house and his
mother left it to him when she died four years ago. The home didn’t flood after Matthew, but when the area was subjected to three days of Florence’s relentless rains, water from Crabtree Canal came up to the back door. White had to choose among his possessions. What couldn’t he afford to replace? What couldn’t be replaced at all? He walked past boxes of duck decoys and deer heads. He packed up his fishing poles, stopping briefly to kill a snake that was seeking shelter in the house. A man who understands the river, White expects the water to retreat for a little while, but when the surge from Florence’s North Carolina load makes its way downstream, his home will likely be inundated. “This is where I grew up,” he said. “And it’s all going to be taken.” FLORENCE, A5
A FLOOD IN NUMBERS 944 Conway homes and businesses that did not flood in 2016 but are expected to now
19.9 Projected crest (in feet) of the Waccamaw River
17.9 Actual crest (in feet) of the Waccamaw River in 2016
128 Assisted evacuations and water rescues by Horry County and Conway officials
3,080 National guardsmen assigned to help with Hurricane Florence in the Pee Dee
30,000 S.C. people impacted by Florence’s flood
FEATURE PAGE DESIGN ASSOCIATE & INDIVIDUAL DIVISION
THIRD PLACE
SECOND PLACE
Ryan Wilcox SCBIZ Magazine
Andrew Sprague Lake Wylie Today
Food for Thought
COVER STORY: THE HERITAGE
COVER STORY: THE HERITAGE
Food for Thought The view from behind the tee box at No. 18 at Harbour Town Golf Links during the Heritage Classic gives a scenic vista of Calibogue Sound and the familiar lighthouse, wrapped in plaid to celebrate the tournament’s 50th anniversary. (Photo/Heritage Classic Foundation)
E H T TORY S R A -YE A 50
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e all know summer brings an abundance of fresh produce. From apricots to zucchini and a long list in between, it’s the high season for just-offthe-vine variety. But just because the days are shorter and cooler in September, October and November doesn’t mean we have to do without fresh fruits and vegetables. Especially here in the South with its long growing season, options abound for enjoying fresh, healthy bounty from area gardens and farms. Fall is also a great time to savor some of South Carolina’s most idyllic weather. Once the withering heat and humidity subside to more tolerable levels starting in September, we are blessed with cool, clear mornings, warm, easy afternoons and nighttime temperatures that make us dust off the sweater or jacket we 22
www.LakeWylieToday.com | Fall 2018
stashed in the back of the closet in April. So take advantage of the beautiful weather along with the bountiful harvests produced by local growers. Lake Wylie residents are blessed with a number of nearby farms that offer fresh produce, meats and other products, along with a wide variety of family friendly activities and events. None are more than a few minutes’ drive and all of these places let you escape the hectic side of life for a more rural, relaxed setting. Bush ‘N Vine Farm in York runs produce stands in York, Rock Hill and Clover for most of the year. Its fall offerings include delicious squashes, apples, sweet potatoes, broccoli, tomatoes and more. The farm has many activities throughout the year, including tours, pick-your-own pumpkins, food truck festivals and much more. Visit their website at www.
bushnvinefarm.com for more information. J&J Family Farm in Clover is a sustainable-growth farm that also includes a mushroom-laying yard, honey bee aviary and garlic beds, along with its wide variety of fresh fall produce. You can learn about sustainable farming, beekeeping and more through the farm’s workshop series. Their website is jandjfamilyfarm.com Rock Ridge Farm in Clover offers grass-fed beef, farm-raised pork and all-natural chicken to go with its home-grown produce. A highlight of the farm is the restored, reclaimed log cabin called “The Cabin” that serves as the farm’s country store. They have more information on their Facebook page, www.facebook. com/thecabinatrockridge. Windy Hill Orchard in York is a familyowned and operated boutique apple orchard
Fall 2018 | www.LakeWylieToday.com
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FEATURE PAGE DESIGN ASSOCIATE & INDIVIDUAL DIVISION
g n i y a Plfor s t u n Pea Feature
l
McDanie
utterstock.com
Woodstock Image/Sh
by Steve
Feature
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harlie Brown, Snoopy and the rest of the Peanuts gang have a new home at Carowinds. The amusement park that straddles the North Carolina/South Carolina border south of Charlotte opens the 2018 season with a transformed kids’ area. Formerly called Planet Snoopy, the new Camp Snoopy features five new junior rides that include Pig Pen’s Mud Buggies and a soaring Camp Bus, and an 8,000-square-foot climb-and-play area with plenty of shade. A new fountain with shady pergolas serves as the centerpiece and gathering place for families. Wilderness-inspired theming and upgraded amenities add charm and practicality. Overall, the updated attraction gives families a chance to spend quality time together, or just let parents relax for a few minutes while kids play nearby, said Carowinds Vice President of Operations Jerry Helms. “We did this update to add some new rides for families and give them a place to relax and regroup a little. We have a new fountain and pergola area that’s ideal for sitting and watching. There are a variety of of things that make the Peanuts area very family friendly,” he said. Camp Snoopy isn’t the only new experience at Carowinds. The Great Carolina Fest will serve as a celebration of Carolinas culture with new food choices that include a smoked brisket bacon cheeseburger, Carolina bird dog sandwich, s’mores funnel cake and more. The old Character Carousel has been relocated to a site near the Vortex roller coaster and updated as part of a a new pavilion. It is now called the Grand Carousel. The Flying Ace Aerial Chase got a new paint scheme and has been renamed Kiddy Hawk, a reference to Kitty Hawk on the North Carolina Outer Banks, the site of the Wright Brothers’ first airplane flight.
Summer 2018 | www.LakeWylieToday.com
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FIRST PLACE Andrew Sprague Lake Wylie Today
FEATURE PAGE DESIGN PORTFOLIO ALL WEEKLY DIVISION
THIRD PLACE
SECOND PLACE
Jan Marvin Daniel Island News
20 FEATURE
thedanielislandnews.com
The Daniel Island News ■ February 8 - February 14, 2018
February 8 - February 14, 2018 ■ The Daniel Island News
Laura Albert’s
Soup’s on! ELIZABETH BUSH
beth@thedanielislandnews.com
T
he dictionary defines soup as a “liquid meal, typically made by boiling meat, fish, or vegetables, etc., in stock or water.” That description is so, well, watered down! As several of our readers recently discovered, soup can be pretty “souper” – especially when enjoyed at Daniel Island restaurants. We sent out some taste testers to sample some of the simmering, savory liquid menu items that don’t always get the fanfare they deserve! From a revved up jalapeno cheddar concoction, to a soul-warming tomato basil, to a chicken noodle medley sure to chase away the winter blues - read on as we serve up our readers’ top soup selections. PROVIDED
Andrea Dussault (left) enjoys a tasty broth at Wasabi.
Wasabi brings down the ‘House’…soup
I’m somewhat obsessed with soup. I make batches all winter long, trying new recipes and repeating old favorites. But there are two types I routinely avoid: cold soups and cream-based soups. The latter I resist because I find them a bit bland and one-dimensional. There’s something about heavy cream that dulls my palate, obscuring more interesting layers of flavor. It’s a personal thing. I recently visited Laura Albert’s Tasteful Options on an unseasonably chilly afternoon, eager to warm up with a bowl of soup. A glance at the menu dampened my enthusiasm. Soup of the day: broccoli cheddar. I admit my prior experience with it is limited. So, I pictured a bland beige bowl of creambased soup. I’ll just try a cup, I thought, and ordered the soup and salad combo. That first spoonful was a game changer. The soup was light and creamy but not excessively rich, a result of having just enough chicken stock to balance the heavy cream. Tiny bits of broccoli and a topping of shredded cheese added texture. But
TOM WERNER
what grabbed me was the brightness of flavor. There was an acidity underlying the creaminess that added that unexpected layer of flavor. I had a hunch what it was and had to ask. “Yes, it’s white wine,” said Mike Herron, the restaurant’s General Manager. “We add it to many dishes here. It adds complexity.” That’s precisely what made this soup so delicious. It had complexity. Not something I generally associate with creamy soups, until now. Next time I’ll order the larger bowl. They were gracious enough to share their recipe which served 24. I’ve scaled it down to 6 servings but have not tested it in my kitchen (see below).
LAURA ALBERT’S BROCCOLI CHEDDAR CHEESE SOUP
ANDREA DUSSAULT The “House Soup” at Wasabi is my go-to soup! Don’t let the simple presentation deceive you, because this clear broth favorite has a great punch of flavor that will keep you coming back for more. The delicate blend of aromas and flavor come from the combination of the broth, a few green onions
Sauté broccoli, onion and celery until soft, about 5 mins. Add wine and stock. Bring to a boil, then let simmer for 30 mins. Purée using a blender or immersion blender. Thicken with 1/4 cup cornstarch mixed in ¼ cup water. Add heavy cream and cheese. Continue to cook on low heat for 15 mins. Season to taste. Serves 6.
Rarely does one consider a $50 bowl of soup a bargain, except when that soup is from Sermet’s Courtyard. Let me explain: My wife, Sue, and I intended to top off a chilly February day filled with cheating on crossword puzzles and entertaining our cat with a laser pointer by grabbing a quick bowl of soup. While we have dined at Sermet’s countless times since we first dated, never have we ordered and the patrons with endless soup options. Not Sermet’s. When you tell your server that you’ll the soup. And, by “the soup,” I mean, “the have a bowl of soup, they don’t ask, “which soup.” Other restaurants confuse both the staff one?” They don’t ask because there is one soup
SUZANNE DETAR
Typically, when my husband and I eat at Dragon Palace, he orders the Egg Drop soup and I order the Wonton soup. This past Saturday we went for a long walk with our dog, Iggy, to the dog park on Daniel Island. It was a chilly morning. We decided to stop and get some soup for take-out, so we could warm ourselves up when we got home. I ordered the Chicken Noodle and Tom ordered the Seafood Soup. The Chicken Noodle Soup was advertised as spicy, and indeed, it had the biggest kick I’ve ever tasted in a chicken noodle soup. The
noodles were thick but light and it was loaded with large mushroom chunks. Overall, this was one of the best chicken noodle soups I’ve had in a very long time. The seafood soup was just as hearty – it was served with plentiful portions of mussels, crab, shrimp, and other bounty of the sea, as well as mushrooms, celery, carrot, onion and egg whites. It had a wonderful taste and was not spicy. Both soups were topped off nicely with fried Wonton strips. Dragon Palace also offers a Hot and Sour Soup.
20 FEATURE
Dockery’s
20 | FEATURE thedanielislandnews.com
The Daniel Island News ■ November 15 - November 21, 2018
November 15 - November 21, 2018 ■ The Daniel Island News
thedanielislandnews.com
There is no better time to have a bowl of soup than on a cold, windy day. So last week when I found myself entering LIDI Restaurante at lunch time, soup was on my mind. LIDI does not have a regular soup item on their menu, but they do offer a soup of the day. On the day I was there, the special was Italian Wedding Soup. I never had Italian Wedding Soup before,
thedanielislandnews.com
KRISTIN LYSIK
HEATH ELLISON
Guilty. I seem to be reaching the 5 p.m. “What’s for dinner?” conundrum more often than not. As a last minute quick fix, I ended up at the Publix soup counter for what was left of the day’s picks. Looks like there were four soups to choose from during lunch and as the day neared dinner, I was left with one choice…Chicken Noodle Soup. So for $4.49 I filled a 16 oz. bowl and was on my way. Publix Chicken Noodle Soup is definitely a hearty meal. My soup was packed evenly with noodles, chicken, carrots and celery. The broth is a bit on the thicker side versus my homemade soup, but I wasn’t disappointed. I just hope that next time, in my last minute rush, the other pots will be full so I can venture out to a new choice.
but decided to give it a try. While I waited for its preparation (which I admittedly thought would be ladled out of a pot or large stainless steel vat), I peeked over the knee wall separating the kitchen from the dining room. To my surprise I saw the chef making my order from scratch in a skillet. She tossed the ingredients into the skillet, which I observed to be chicken stock, ground
beef (hand patted into four small meatballs), a bunch of shredded escarole, finely chopped carrots, and five sweet potato gnocchi, and assorted spices. A few minutes later out came this steaming fragrant bowl of soup that was a meal by itself. Upon my first taste, it made me feel warm and comfy all over. I felt like I hit the lunch lottery right here on Daniel Island.
FEATURE | 21
FINDING A NICHE
August 23 - August 29, 2018 ■ The Daniel Island News
thedanielislandnews.com
laptop bag always ruins the look, especially for women. I really wanted a laptop bag that was as nice as a great handbag.” She states that her target demographic is “the smart girl.” Daniel Island Dinners is a mobile kitchen that provides full meals for folks that order them online. “I saw a need for Daniel Island families to not have to worry about dinner,” said Ladd. “They see the menu and we send out a text message to our people that sign up for our text club. They place their order like they’re on Amazon and they walk up to the truck, give us their last name, if we don’t already know who they are because we have a lot of regulars.” According to Starkman, 2 Chicks with Gifts is aiming for the mom on the go. “We do have some lovely gift stores around here,” she added. “I just feel like there’s a niche.” Starkman and Cawood’s business is a mobile and online gift shop. It’s a quick way to get presents when there’s not much time, added Starkman. “People just call up or text me and tell me what they want. A lot of times it’s last minute stuff,” she said.
to have enough product, or access to enough product or create enough product, so that it won’t only be just me creating this, but have other women have the opportunity to learn what I know.” Opelt shared a similar sentiment with the creation of her fashionable laptop bags. “I see this bag as sort of a symbol of the working woman,” she said. “And I see that, now as a mom, the working mom could be a lot of things. It could be the PTA president, it could be a woman working on a political campaign, it could be a woman who is raising research money for curing cancer.” To Opelt, the bag represents the modern woman. “It’s not the stereotypical business woman who goes in and sits down at a desk at work, but it’s a woman who is working on what she feels her life work is,” she added. And for Ladd, Daniel Island Dinners is a chance to give families a moment of unity through communication. “Having a general conversation with your children and not worrying about if the water’s going to boil over or if the chicken’s going to be burnt—that is a very precious time to spend with your family,” he mentioned. “If Daniel Island Dinners can provide a very simple way to grab a dinner and not have to worry about any of that, that’s what it’s all about.” Having the tools for the job is valuable from the start, but all In the middle of every entrepreneur’s ideas, at the intersection the business acumen in the world can’t sustain something without of ambition and tireless work, is their business. Some are small. ardor. Some are growing. But, at the grassroots level, before a corporate “Do what you love,” said Starkman. “Do what you’re passionhierarchy is formally established and money becomes a primary ate about and the money will follow.” focus, there’s a desire to provide an altruistic service to the comStarkman put her care for helping women succeed into 2 Chicks munity. with Gifts. “I would love to see this grow, not only on Daniel Island, but also the greater Charleston area,” she stated. “And I would love
PASSION PROJECT
FEATURE
Charleston 9/11 Heroes Run on DI to feature new honorees and the GORUCK Challenge
S PROVIDED
S
ergeant Rob Jones was a combat engineer in the Marine Corps. On his second deployment, in 2010, the serviceman was searching for IEDs in an area of Afghanistan with a high likelihood of housing explosives in the ground. While carrying his metal detector through the area, something happened that would alter his life. “My luck ran out and I stepped on an IED,” said Jones. The ensuing explosion mangled both of Jones’ legs, leading to an amputation shortly after. For the next year and a half, the soldier fought through physical therapy, having to learn to walk again. “It was definitely physically grueling and required a lot of patience, and [it was] mentally taxing,” said Jones. “It was a lot of figuring out how to do stuff, and relearning the things I wanted to do.” The wounded Marine showed a fighting spirit in the days following the traumatic event. “The first week that I was lucid, I started looking up sports I could try and do,” he said. “The nurses and all the physical therapists that were in that section of the hospital would come in and tell me that prosthetics were great and I’d be able to walk, so I knew it pretty quickly.” Jones began to train for the 2012 Paralympics and naturally took to rowing. In that same event, two years after losing his legs, he would win a bronze medal. One year later, in 2013, he placed fourth in the World Rowing Championships. But, the most important part of Jones’ story is how he took his injury and used it to inspire other military members and veterans through his project, the Rob Jones Journey. “It’s about proving what is possible for veterans,” said Jones. “I wanted to figure out a way to give back to the community that I had gotten so much from: the veteran community and the military. Just because I was wounded, didn’t mean that I didn’t have that responsibility.”
PROVIDED
Charleston 9/11 Heroes Run honoree and participant Rob Jones (far left) lost both of his legs in Afghanistan.
Beginning with a bike ride across America, which lasted approximately seven months, Jones has used his situation to show the possibilities of recovery. “Rob Jones Journey is my way of continuing to fight for my fellow veterans, using the skills that I have,” he said. Jones continues to push himself physically in the Rob Jones Journey. The latest example comes from his 2017 marathon of marathons, where he competed in 31 marathons in 31 different cities, 31 days in a row. On September 8, Jones will put his seasoned athletic skills to the test at the upcoming Charleston 9/11 Heroes Run on Daniel Island, an event at which he will serve as both a participant and honoree. Created by the Travis Manion Foundation, the 9/11 Heroes Run is an international 5K for both walkers and runners. It is meant to remind people of the thousands who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, including hundreds of first responders. The event also serves as a tribute
to all military and first responders, past and present, who serve our country and communities. Now in its seventh year, the run kicks off in front of the City of Charleston Police and Fire Station on Daniel Island. The family of deceased North Charleston Police Officer Ryan MacCluen will be present and will serve as honorees. “He [MacCluen] was killed in February of this year in a motorcycle accident,” said Charleston 9/11 Heroes Run Director Theresa Faircloth. “We’ve got several of his family members that are going to speak about Officer MacCluen, about his service and his sacrifice. So, we’re really honored to have them just come and share some information about what the service meant to Ryan.” The third guest of honor will be York County Sheriff’s Deputy Chris Doty, the twin brother of York County Sheriff’s Deputy Mike Doty, who was killed in the line of duty earlier this year. “He’s going to come and share Mike’s story of service and sacrifice, and he has a unique perspective, too,” said Faircloth. Each of the honorees will speak at the event’s opening ceremony. This will be the first year that the Charleston 9/11 Heroes Run will have a GORUCK division. “It’s like a challenge,” said Faircloth. “GORUCK is an organization that was inspired by military veterans, where people will put on a backpack and do a run or a walk in honor of fallen heroes.” GORUCK sells special forces-grade rucksacks and clothing, and is known for their GORUCK Challenge, where people load additional weight into a backpack while they complete a GORUCK sanctioned event. “If you complete a GORUCK event, you get a GORUCK patch for that event,” said Faircloth. Although there is typically a requirement for the amount of weight put into a bag, there will not be a specific weight for the 9/11 Heroes Run. “They [GORUCK runners] will be participating on the same race course as everybody else, at the same time as everybody else, but they would need to wear a backpack, or if they’re a police officer, they can wear their uniform and their vest, or if they’re a
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to the Part 2
PROVIDED
TAG YOUR PIX
The Charleston 9/11 Heroes Run event, pictured here on Daniel Island, is one of more than 50 held in cities around the world each year on or near September 11.
Show your true colors, Daniel Island! Paint the town in red, white and blue! Members of the Daniel Island community are encouraged to line the race route with American flags and signs of support. This includes Daniel Island Drive, from Seven Farms Drive to Beekman Street; Seven Farms Drive, from Daniel Island Drive to River Landing Drive; and River
Landing Drive, from Seven Farms Drive to the Daniel Island Sales Center. To register, or for more information: visit www.911heroesrun.org/charleston or the event’s Facebook page, 911 Heroes Run – Charleston SC. Registration prices will increase as the event ap-
Lifestyles
Wednesday, July 18, 2018
I
n part one of our story last week, Elizabeth Keckley, a talented seamstress and slave, had been told by her master that she could buy her and her son’s freedom for $1,200. She managed to raise the money, buy their freedom and amazingly work for ladies of the upper class. This included the family of Sen. Jefferson Davis, future president of the Confederate States of America. A daughter of Union Maj. Gen. Edwin Vose Sumner was one of Elizabeth’s patrons. “Bull Head” Sumner inspired a legend that a musket ball once bounced off his head. He also had a great booming voice. His daughter asked Elizabeth to make a dress for her in a hurry to wear to a very special social event. Elizabeth explained that it was asking too much to have it completed so soon. Then came the game-changer. The woman told Elizabeth that she had heard that Elizabeth was wanting to work at the White House. “I have it in my power to obtain you this privilege. I know Mrs. Lincoln well, and you shall make a dress for her provided you finish mine in time.” How did Elizabeth manage that? She hired several assistants, and “after much worry and trouble” the dress was finished in time. The general’s daughter made good on her pledge, and Elizabeth went nervously to the White House for her interview. In the waiting room were several other dress makers also waiting for interviews. Elizabeth was the last to enter. Mrs. Lincoln was standing and looking out a window. Mrs. Lincoln knew that this was Elizabeth Keckley. Mrs. Lincoln asked for whom Elizabeth had worked in Washington. Elizabeth said, “Mrs. Sen. Davis was one of my best patrons.” Mrs. Lincoln replied, “So you have
Public invited to make their own signature Clemson ice cream flavors By Denise Attaway Clemson University
C
CLEMSON — lemson ice cream has been around for 100 years, and on July 28 the public will have an opportunity to become a part of this deliciously sweet tradition. The first-ever Clemson Ice Cream Makers Day is slated for July 28 in the only place where Clemson ice cream is made — the Ice Cream Innovation Laboratory in Newman Hall and the Class of ‘55 Exchange on campus. Groups of family, friends, or both are invited to come and make their very own signature flavor of Clemson ice cream during one of three timeslots — 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Pre-registration and pre-payment are required. Cost is $40 per group, limit 10 people per group. Youth participants should be accompanied by an adult. Registration must be done in person at the Class of ‘55 Exchange ice cream shop during normal store hours. No phone-in or online registration allowed. Store hours are 11:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 1-6 p.m. on Sunday. The Class of ‘55 Exchange is located in the Clemson University Hendrix Student Center at 720 McMillan Road in Clemson. Participants in the July 28 event will be led by Clemson food science students Marianna Painter, a master’s student from Myrtle Beach, Kelly Polte, a junior from Elmhurst, Ill., and Jonathan Dillard, a senior from Conway. “We are very excited to be holding this event,” Polte said. “It will be so cool to show people how we make Clemson ice cream. We want to give people a chance to have a behindthe-scenes look at what it’s like to make original Clemson ice cream.” This event will be the first time customers will be allowed to make their own signature Clemson ice cream, Painter said. “Everyone who participates will learn the entire process of how Clemson ice cream is made right here on campus,” Painter said. “We will begin at the Class of ‘55 Exchange for a brief lesson on Clemson’s historic ice cream and then move to the Ice Cream Innovation Lab where participants will learn
worked for her, have you? So far, good. Can you do my work? … I can’t afford to be extravagant. We are just from the West and are poor. If you do not charge too much, I shall be able to give you all my work. … If you will work cheap, you shall have plenty to do. I can’t afford big prices.” (Do you see why the book is controversial? There is much, much more.)
Mrs. Lincoln’s first ‘fit’
Elizabeth was hired and was to make a dress for a formal reception. The reception was postponed from Friday night to Tuesday night. Elizabeth arrived at the White House in plenty of time with the dress when Mrs. Lincoln suddenly went ballistic. She bizarrely declared that Elizabeth had deceived her, and had brought the dress at a late hour. She declared she was not going to dress, and was not going to go downstairs! Elizabeth said she thought the time was fine for her to help dress Mrs. Lincoln, and said she could have her ready in a few minutes. Mrs. Lincoln said she would not be dressed and would stay in her room. “Mr. Lincoln could go down with the other ladies.” There were other women who chimed in at this time, and said there was plenty of time to dress. They begged Mrs. Lincoln to let Elizabeth assist her, and told her that Elizabeth would soon have her ready. Mrs. Lincoln finally consented, and Elizabeth fixed Mrs. Lincoln’s hair and arranged the dress. It fit beautifully, and Mrs. Lincoln seemed pleased. About that time President Lincoln came in and threw himself on the sofa and was laughing with his sons, Willie and Tad. The president started pulling on his gloves and was reciting poetry. Mrs. Lincoln said he must be in a poetical mood. “Yes, mother,
Pickens County Courier 1B
Cold creations
By Dr. Thomas Cloer, Jr. Special to The Courier
Beloved children’s classic coming to Liberty High stage this weekend By Jason Evans Staff Reporter
these are poetical times … I declare you look charming in that dress. Mrs. Keckley has met with great success.” Mrs. Lincoln with smiling face took the president’s arm and led the group downstairs. Elizabeth seemed to have a flair for faint praise in her memoirs. This is what she published for the world to see. “I was surprised at her grace and composure. I had heard so much, in current and malicious report, of her low life, of her ignorance and vulgarity, that I expected to see her embarrassed on this occasion. Report, I soon saw, was wrong. No queen accustomed to the usages of royalty all her life could have comported herself with more calmness and dignity than did the wife of the President.”
jevans@thepccourier.com
T
The death of Willie
The children of the Lincolns were consistently getting presents. Someone gave Willie a little pony. Willie absolutely loved the pony, and insisted on riding it every day. Willie took a bad cold that turned into typhoid fever. There was to be a large reception soon at the White House, and Willie
ELIZABETH BUSH
The Charleston Pipe Band will once again be featured during the event’s opening ceremonies.
proaches. TAG YOUR PIX
Close to 1000 people took part in last year’s event, which raised more than $75,000. After expenses, remaining funds were distributed to the Travis Manion Foundation, Summerville Fire & Rescue and the North Charleston Fire Department. This year, organizers plan to use a portion of the proceeds to provide life-saving trauma kits to more than 20 local law enforcement agencies.
Pickens County Courier 1B
Keckley joins the
firefighter, they can wear their air pack or their turnout gear,” added Faircloth. Half of the proceeds of the 9/11 Heroes Run go to the Travis Manion Foundation, while the other half stays local. “This year, we have chosen to partner with the TriCounty Fraternal Order of Police Lodge Three, and what we’re going to be doing is providing life-saving trauma kits to more than 20 local law enforcement agencies,” said Faircloth. “We are helping to provide kits that our officers would be able to utilize to save lives, while they’re waiting for EMS to respond.” To register for this year’s event, or for more information, visit www.911heroesrun.org/charleston.
There will be raffles and giveaways at the end of the awards ceremony. Awards will be given out at 10 a.m. in several categories, including Top Team Participation, Most Patriotic Team, and Top Individual Fundraiser.
Lifestyles
Lincoln family
The death of their son, Willie, devastated President Abraham Lincoln and his wife, Mary.
The upcoming 9/11 Heroes Run 5K and one mile fun run/walk on Daniel Island welcomes runners, ruckers and walkers of all levels and ages.
Wednesday, March 7, 2018
White House
BE A PART OF THE CHARLESTON 9/11 HEROES RUN Saturday, September 8 Daniel Island Fire & Police Station Opening Ceremony with remarks by Guests of Honor - 8:30 a.m. Race starts - 9 a.m.
Pickens County Courier 1B
Black history month 2018
From slavery
HEATH ELLISON
Todd Ladd can be spotted working out of his Daniel Island Dinners mobile kitchen outside of Volvo Car Stadium several days a week.
Daniel Island entrepreneurs share tools of their trades “In ’08 when it got real bad, and nobody was sitting in seats, she worked with him at ePrize. She said she watched Linkner start we decided to make a move,” he commented. “I liked the sales several businesses while she was the vice president of marketing process when I was in sales. I made a complete jump from the at the largest promotion agency in the world at the time. mall businesses are the most reliable talking point kitchen to the operating room and worked for Stryker Medical.” Having the combined knowledge of sales and the food industry on almost every political candidate’s campaign For many entrepreneurs, working for themselves was the primatrail for a reason. It could be a popular trend play- has helped him manage his catering business and mobile kitchen ry incentive to owning a small business. But, in a stroke of capivery effectively since starting in 2016. ing off that famed rugged individualism found in Daniel Island resident Susan Starkman, of 2 Chicks with Gifts, talistic logic, every island entrepreneur interviewed for this article U.S. history, or maybe people are just weary of said that they saw a need in the market, so they tried to fill it. said that her business was made possible thanks to the compleanswering to a supervisor every day. Opelt noticed that there was an opportunity to correct a problem mentary skills she shares with co-founder Clarice Cawood. Regardless of the reason, people like island resident and entrethat she always had over her various professions. “My day job is a web developer and my partner has been in preneur Alesya Opelt want to be their own boss. “I worked in Silicon Valley when I started my career,” she said. sales for 20 years, so we kind of have a very mutually beneficial “My grandfather had this great job at Ford and that was the skill set,” said Starkman. “I like to develop and create things, she “I’ve always had to carry a laptop for every job, and the darn gold star in my family,” said Opelt. “You work for a big company? You’re going to get a car, you’re going to get vacation, and likes to go out and sell stuff.” 2 Chicks with Gifts creates and sells jewelry, personalized tummy grandfather worked in Europe for a while, and that’s what you blers, customized candles, and pillows. In addition to Cawood’s need to do. But then I realized you really want to call your own two decades of sales experience, Starkman is a “serial entrepreshots. You have to have your own business.” neur,” as she puts it. Opelt is the creator of laptop bag manufacturer Alesya Bags. “I started creating websites in 1998,” she said. “I kept doing She is one of many entrepreneurs on the island and in the Charlesthat, and I always had a side gig, whether it was personalized ton area. stationary or creating handbags.” The co-owner is also the creator of Code Surfers, a program that educates kids on the basics of coding. Before any individual can start a business, a comprehensive Alesya Opelt had two wells of background knowledge to help knowledge of a field is required. Daniel Island Dinners founder Todd Ladd accidently spent his entire career preparing himself to her find her path. Her experiences at Silicon Valley search engine AltaVista primed her to follow markets right out of college. run a small business in the food and beverage industry. “One day you’re flying high and everybody’s got stock op“I was always in food,” he said. “I went to a vocational tions,” she said. “You’re excited and you’re hiring, and the next program in high school in culinary arts, and have always been moment the market falls out, your stock options are worth zero involved with food.” PROVIDED Ladd made a snap transition from a culinary consultant at Cisco and they’re laying people off.” Daniel Island residents Susan Starkman (left) and Clarice Cawood Opelt found a mentor in famed entrepreneur Josh Linkner when to the sales industry during the Great Recession. (right) are the founders of mobile gift shop 2 Chicks with Gifts.
HEATH ELLISON heath@thedanielislandnews.com
Lifestyles
Wednesday, February 28, 2018
Savvy!
to those who serve and sacrifice
HEATH ELLISON heath@thedanielislandnews.com
The 9/11 Heroes Run unites communities internationally with the goal to never forget the sacrifices of the heroes of September 11, 2001, and the wars since: veteran, first responder, civilian and military.
Daniel Island resident Alesya Opelt holds the laptop bags she created for working women.
THE RIGHT STUFF
The Daniel Island News ■ August 23 - August 29, 2018
A tribute
STARTUP
Publix
DAVID SIDES
(Editor’s Note: It’s not necessarily a soup, but we felt David’s decision to sample some chili at Dockery’s fit the bill. It’s a delicious and fulfilling meal – and the perfect way to warm up a cold and blustery day!) I had the Brisket Chili at Dockery’s today. Wow was it good. I have had many different chilis but I have never had one made with brisket before. It was wonderful and I was left wanting more. It was very flavorful and filling but I did not fill bloated after eating it. The chili was not too spicy and would go well with a sandwich or fries from the Dockery’s menu. I will definitely be back for more. I would put this up against my own chili recipe which I might be modifying to add brisket. I am looking forward to trying their tomato soup next.
FRED DANZIGER
It was a chilly late January evening, so it made sense to go indoors at the DI Grille rather than our usual spot on the enclosed patio. We have enjoyed their two menu soups (tomato basil and chili) in the past so this time I opted for the soup du jour… Jalapeno Cheddar Bacon. I’m not a big fan of spicy so I was mildly cautious about jalapeno leading the description. It turned out not to be a concern! It was a thick, creamy soup dominated by the cheddar with enough bacon to be interesting. Any jalapeno influence was mild at best. A good, hearty choice for a cold evening.
MORE REVIEWERS NEEDED!
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eyes wandered. And so, after the soup came the Parmesan Crusted Salmon. Sue, a la Carrie Bradshaw, followed that with a Cosmopolitan. When asked if we wanted something sweet to end our meal, I turned to Sue and said, “I have all the sweetness I need right here.” I said this because I play to win the game. Ever shy on the actual ordering of dessert, Sue said, “I’ll just have a bite of whatever you get...” Which, as we know, is code for “If you want dessert, we better order two.” And that, my friends, is why a $50 “bowl of soup” at Sermet’s is, indeed, a tasty, tasty bargain.
Italian Wedding Soup is a LIDI ‘special’
RONI PAYER
Is there a soup you love at a Daniel Island eatery not featured here? We’re still looking for soup reviewers for the following restaurants: Ali Baba, Blondies, Vespa, Honeycomb Cafe, Orlando’s, and Agave! If interested, please send an email to beth@thedanielislandnews.com. We will feature your review in an upcoming issue!
on the menu... because that’s all there needs to be. That soup is a Roasted Tomato and Mushroom with Basil Oil and Parmesan. It has chunks of tomato and thick slices of mushrooms, and is served with a drizzle of Basil Oil and heaps of grated parmesan cheese. It’s what mom should have served with her grilled cheese sandwiches when you were a kid, but she didn’t, and because of that, she will never be forgiven. Now, this soup is rightfully placed at the top left of the menu. Were we able to keep our focus solely on the soup selection, we could indeed have accomplished our stated mission. But, our
Dragon Palace soups are hearty and flavorful
Daniel Island Grille
sprinkled in, some thin sliced floating mushrooms, and of course the tasty fried onions. Pair it with your favorite sushi roll or kick off your lunch or dinner entree with a warm bowl of this soup, and you will not be disappointed! Enjoy!
FEATURE
Sermet’s soup is a tasty, tasty bargain!
TERESA DONOHUE
8 oz. broccoli florets 1/4 large yellow onion, small diced 1 stalk celery, small diced 1 T. olive oil 1/2 cup white wine 1 quart chicken stock 1 pint heavy cream 8 oz. sharp cheddar cheese, grated salt and pepper to taste ¼ cup cornstarch ¼ cup water
thedanielislandnews.com
Zack Mauldin Pickens County Courier
Although their relationship was not without its tense moments, former slave Elizabeth Keckley became a trusted friend and advisor of Mary Todd Lincoln, the wife of President Abraham Lincoln.
seemingly was getting worse. Mrs. Lincoln wanted to call off the reception. President Lincoln said to summon a doctor before any steps were taken. The doctor saw no reason to call off the reception, and said there was every reason to expect an early recovery. But, on the evening of the reception, Willie became very sick. His mother sat by his bedside, holding his feverish hand in hers. The doctor claimed there was no cause for alarm. Elizabeth arranged Mrs. Lincoln’s hair and assisted her with her dress. The president was very solemn. Mrs. Lincoln wore a very low neck dress with a tail. President Lincoln remarked, “Mother, it is my opinion, if some of that tail was nearer the head, it would be in better style.” Mrs. Lincoln “turned away with a look of offended dignity…” They both went downstairs, leaving Elizabeth with Willie. Willie lingered for a few more days and died. Elizabeth assisted in washing him and dressing him on the bed. When the president came in, he was “bowed down with grief.” The president “buried his head in his hands, and his tall frame was convulsed with emotion. … His grief unnerved him, and made him a weak passive child. I did not dream that his rugged nature could be so moved.” Mrs. Lincoln was inconsolable. “The pale face of her dead boy threw her into convulsions.” The president “kindly bent over her his wife, took her by the arm, and gently led her to the window. With a stately,
See KECKLEY on page 3B
LIBERTY — he story of a pig in danger and the smart, resourceful spider trying to save him may be geared toward children, but Liberty High School theater teacher Jean Scales Toole says it has a message for everyone. “I love this story,” Toole said. “I love what it has to say. It is not just a children’s book. If you really listen, there are some true life lessons in this play.” One of her favorite scenes is one where Wilbur the pig asks Charlotte the spider “Why did you do this for me? I haven’t done anything for you,” Toole said. “And she says ‘By helping you, perhaps I lifted my own life a trifle,’” Toole said. “And everybody’s life needs a little of that. In this day and age, there’s a real lesson for this play.” “Charlotte’s Web” is the latest Liberty High School theater production directed by Toole. The show will open this Thursday, March 8, and run through Saturday. The play starts at 7 p.m. on Thursday and Friday and at 2 p.m. Saturday. Attendees of Saturday’s show will have the opportunity to see the school’s improv troupe, Walking Shadows, perform afterward at no extra cost. Tickets are $7. The show is recommended for those age 3 and up. “Don’t think of this as a kids’ play,
Jason Evans/Courier
Liberty High School students Noah Thomas and Lauren Patterson pose with theater teacher Jean Scales Toole on the “Charlotte’s Web” set. Thomas plays Homer and Patterson plays Charlotte in the show, which is set to open on Thursday at the school. Toole is retiring this year after nearly three decades at Liberty.
because the adults, if they’re listening, will walk out with a lot,” Toole said. “It’s a beautiful story. It’s about life.” The play runs about 90 minutes with an intermission. Some attendees will leave the auditorium with copies of the classic E.B. White novel the play is adapted from. “The first hundred families that attend each performance will be given a copy of the book,” Toole said. “I can’t give one to every child because I don’t have that much money.” The books will be autographed by Wilbur and Charlotte, Toole said, and there will be an opportunity to take photos with cast members after every performance. “We like to do that,” Toole said. Eight years ago, Toole directed “Charlotte’s Web” at the old Liberty High School. “We didn’t have a stage,” Toole said. “We did it in the bandroom. It was tiny. “It was wonderful the first time, but I wanted to do it again on this stage, now that we have this incredible facility,” she continued. “So we have expanded things.” The production eight years ago sold out. Toole would like to challenge the Liberty community to make this production a sellout. “433 seats,” she said. “This community can do that. Let’s sell it out. It’s good stuff.” This production has 31 cast members.
Courtesy photo
Clemson family and friends are invited to make their own signature Clemson ice cream during the first-ever Clemson Ice Cream Makers Day.
some of the science behind creating the perfect ice cream. Then, we will show them where and how we make the ice cream sold in the Class of ‘55 Exchange and give them a chance to design, formulate and make their very own signature Clemson ice cream.” Each group will create its own ice cream from start to finish with help from food science students who work for the Class of ‘55 Exchange. The groups will receive a list of all of bases, flavorings, mix-ins and variegates. Ice cream variegates are used to add extra texture or dimension to any ice cream. From the list they
See FLAVORS on page 3B
Six innovative ways to indulge in ice cream
I
ce cream is a popular dessert that’s enjoyed across the globe. Blending the cold and the creamy, ice cream is an ideal treat on a hot day. According to IceCream.com, 87 percent of Americans have ice cream in their freezer at any given time. While Americans may enjoy their ice cream, New Zealand consumes more ice cream than any country in the world. Historians and foodies believe Ancient Greeks enjoyed a dessert similar to ice cream as early as the fifth century B.C. Considering ice cream has been around so long, and that many cultures have created their own take on frozen treats, from gelato to sorbet to frozen yogurts, one may think there aren’t many new ways to indulge in this beloved dessert. But with a little creativity, anyone can come up with innovative ways to serve ice cream or any of its frozen cousins. The following are just a few different recipe inspirations. 1. Lightly butter flour tortillas and sprinkle them with cinnamon and sugar. Drape the tortillas over
See CLASSIC on page 3B
“Charlotte’s Web” cast members wrote some of their favorite lines from the play on the whiteboard in director Jean Scales Toole’s classroom at Liberty High School.
the rungs of the shelves in an oven, placing a cookie sheet underneath to catch any drips. Bake at 300 F until just crisp. Fill with your favorite ice cream for some frozen dessert tacos. 2. Create your own ice cream sandwiches from any firm cookies or dessert bars you have on hand. For example, cut two thin slices of fudge brownies. Spread softened ice cream in a complementary flavor, such as peanut butter or black cherry vanilla, in between the brownie sandwich pieces. Freeze to firm everything up and make it easier to eat. 3. Fried ice cream pairs the seemingly incompatible frozen dessert with heat. Freeze scoops of ice cream until they are solid, dip them in an egg wash and coat with crushed cookie crumbs. You can then refreeze the finished ice cream balls and
have them set to fry in time for dessert. 4. Ice cream and frozen waffles make a quick dessert in a pinch. Raid the freezer for the ingredients, toast the waffles and then sandwich with ice cream. Top with fresh fruit and whipped cream, if desired. 5. Spoon your favorite cookie dough into a muffin tin and mold the dough so it lines the individual cups of the tin. Bake until firm and let cool. Use the cookie cups to make little ice cream sundae holders for parties. Their diminutive size makes them ideal for kids. 6. Whip up your own ice cream cake. Place a thin layer of any flavor cake on the bottom of a dish or pan that can be placed into the freezer. Scoop softened ice cream on top, then continue to layer as desired, finishing with ice cream as the final layer. Let freeze several hours until firmed up, then enjoy. Ice cream can be enjoyed in cones, cups, a la mode or as part of soda floats. There is really no limit to what can be created with this popular dessert treat.
FEATURE PAGE DESIGN PORTFOLIO ALL WEEKLY DIVISION
Thursday October 11, 2018
COASTAL OBSERVER
Pawleys Island South Carolina
Thursday September 6, 2018
COASTAL OBSERVER
Pawleys Island South Carolina
Thursday May 17, 2018
COASTAL OBSERVER
Kirsty Forgie helps pack a dinosaur from the exhibit that closed Sunday.
Pawleys Island South Carolina
Donna Krabill of LanternFest Creative unwraps a vignette for the Summer Lights Festival.
Photos by Tanya Ackerman/Coastal Observer
Marvin Grant, left, weaves a hammock at the Hammock Shops. Marion Grate, right, still weaves hammocks at home.
A Sacred Man | Bronze | Neal Martz, Tokyo
External Blossom | Felt, polyfill, foam, wire and steel | | James Hsieh, New York
Figures exhibition AT AN
River Spirits | Bristlecone pine | Victoria Parsons, Parker, Colo.
The National Sculpture Society’s 85th annual Awards Exhibition of works by 42 sculptors runs through Oct. 28 at Brookgreen Gardens. Awards, including a People’s Choice Award, will be announced at a reception Oct. 27.
Swing time
The rope hammock weaves a pattern that defines Pawleys Island
BY MARGARET LAMB
L
FOR THE OBSERVER
ABOR DAY might signal the unofficial end of summer, but hammock lovers, take note: To borrow a popular phrase – our best days lie ahead. After all, a cool breeze and the slant of autumn sunlight set the mood for sipping your favorite beverage, reading a book, or just plain swinging and dreaming. Hammocks have been a part of A.H. “Doc” Lachicotte’s family for more than a century. His parents turned an idea for a Pawleys Island Rope Hammock into a thriving enterprise and a brand that has made Pawleys Island famous. Lachicotte’s uncle, Joshua John Ward, a boat captain who transported rice from Waverly Mills to Charleston, was desperate for a good night’s rest. “He wanted something that would be comfortable, provide some stability, and allow the air to circulate so he could get cool,” Lachicotte said. That was in the 1890s. According to a website on hammock history, Ward’s most important contribution to the art of hammockmaking was the spreader bar, which kept the hammock bed wide. “Cap’n Josh took staves – that is, slats – from wooden oak storage barrels and sawed them to his selected size, boring holes in them at equal distances apart. He then fed the rope ends from a standard mariner’s clew knot through the newly bored holes, tying each threaded rope to a looped end of his woven hammock
Sylph | Bronze | Roderick Morgan, Calgary, Alberta
Brookgreen changes Gardens exhibits Photos by Tanya Ackerman / Coastal Observer
Charles Zidar, chief operating officer of Lantern Fest Creative, hugs one of the company’s anamatronic dinosaurs that have been on exhibit at Brookgreen Gardens since October. At right, a display of Chinese lanterns will open next week and run through the middle of August. The new exhibit includes pieces that tie in with its location at the Lowcountry Zoo. An alligator also carries on the theme of the popular dinosaur exhibit. The lantern exhibit will be open from 7 to 10 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays.
bed. This way, the only knots were away from the hammock bed itself.” The heavy rope and double-latch weave kept it strong and secure, and the cotton made it soft. By the time Ward had designed his hammock, his grandfather-in-law, Philip Lachicotte, had a thriving enterprise, including a rice mill, a lumber mill, a
shipyard, a barrel and nail factory, and a marine railway at Waverly Plantation. Entrepreneurship was in the Lachicotte DNA. In the 1930s, Lachicotte’s parents, Herbert “Doc” Lachicotte Sr. and his wife, Virginia, began making hammocks at their Pawleys Island house, Tamarisk. SEE “HAMMOCK,” PAGE 16
Hammocks define the porches of Pawleys Island. Below, Marvin Grant at work.
The dinosaurs were so popular, the exhibit was held over this spring.
SeaQueen | Bronze | Eugene Daub, San Pedro, Calif.
Marcy | Resin | Susan Wakeen, Litchfield, Conn. The crew sets up “Wings and Pretty Things.” Photos by Tanya Ackerman/Coastal Observer
Sense of Life | Plaster | Joseph Noorigian, Philadelphia.
Jim Lowes transports a dinosaur to a shipping container as the Lantern Fest Creative changes exhibits.
FIRST PLACE Charles Swenson Coastal Observer
SINGLE FEATURE PAGE DESIGN WEEKLY OVER 4,500 DIVISION
SECOND PLACE
THIRD PLACE
Stephanie Orr Greenville Journal
Jan Marvin Daniel Island News
18
FEATURE thedanielislandnews.com
July 5 - July 11, 2018 ■ The Daniel Island News
The Daniel Island News ■ July 5 - July 11, 2018
thedanielislandnews.com
FEATURE 19
THE DANIEL ISLAND NEWS STAFF RESTAURANT REVIEWS
Good Eats!
SEE WEE RESTAURANT 4808 N. Hwy 17, Awendaw
“First we eat, then we do everything else.” – Virginia Woolf
F
ood is good, right? And Charleston certainly has plenty of options on the menu. We recently asked our readers via a survey to help us identify some hidden gems in the area. Sure, there are lots of big eating establishments that get a healthy dollop of attention. But we wanted to hear about the places that are located off the beaten path, tucked away on a quiet side street or down a dusty dirt road. The go-to eateries for locals. The ones that offer fabulous fare – whether it’s shrimp and grits, mouth-watering barbeque, savory fried green tomatoes or some other delectable culinary creation. On these pages, we serve up our reader recommended hot spots and their comments, including some reviews from staff members of The Daniel Island News who couldn’t resist giving them a try as well.
DANIEL ISLAND RESIDENTS RESTAURANT REVIEWS MUSE 82 Society Street, Charleston What do you love most about it? “Small, never crowded.” What is your favorite dish and why? “Risotto and scallops. Tastes great and simply tasty.”
PROVIDED
Daniel Island residents Sally and Harmon Feig are fans of Cuoco Pazzo!
These Daniel Island residents recommend MUSE restaurant.
CUOCO PAZZO 1035 Johnnie Dodds Boulevard, Mount Pleasant What do you love most about it? “Authentic Italian cuisine.” What is your favorite dish and why? “Veal Pizziola. Veal is very soft and sauce is thick and tasty.”
POKE TEA HOUSE 441 Meeting Street, Unit E, Charleston What do you love most about it? “Delicious food and unique drinks!” What is your favorite dish and why? “Poke bowl with spicy tuna, but their Poke Burrito is great as well!”
AMALFI’S - BELLE HALL SHOPPING CENTER 664 Long Point Road, Mount Pleasant STACK’S COASTAL KITCHEN What do you love most about it? 1440 Ben Sawyer Blvd #1107, Mount Pleasant “Quaint & small. Fantastic Italian cuisine” What do you love most about it? What is your favorite dish and why? “Consistently good food at reasonable prices.” “The tomato bisque is our favorite starter. I love their What is your favorite dish and why? veal marsala. They make a fantastic Sicilian pizza too!” “Rib eye steak with pepper sauce--tender and tasty.”
THE CO-OP 2019 Middle Street, Sullivan’s Island What do you love most about it? “The casual relaxed atmosphere. Local ingredients.” What is your favorite dish and why? “The made to order breakfast sandwich, “In and Out” burger night, strawberry salads and “froze” (adult version of a slurpee).” GRAZE 863 Houston Northcutt Boulevard, Mount Pleasant What do you love most about it? “Great food.” What is your favorite dish and why? “Beef.” BASIL – SHOPPES AT SEASIDE FARMS 1465 Long Grove Drive, Mount Pleasant What do you love most about it? “Love Thai food.” What is your favorite dish and why? “They are all good.”
ANDREW BARTOW
Lamb gyros is one of Andrew Bartow’s favorite dishes.
WALLY’S GYRO FOOD TRUCK 2028 Pittsburgh Avenue, North Charleston (Call for location of truck: (843) 926-1811) What do you love most about it?
“Wally’s is all about customer service, (some) of the hardest working people I have ever met, plus the food is amazing.” What is your favorite dish and why? “Lamb gyros. I get two, one to eat now and one for later. The loaded fries are great, too.” THE WRECK 106 Haddrell Street, Mount Pleasant What do you love most about it? “The fish tastes so fresh!!!” What is your favorite dish and why? “Fried flounder.”
What do you love most about it? “Always polite and courteous staff and enjoy seeing all of the throwback décor…they use locally sourced options whenever possible.” “Fresh seafood. Unique ambiance.” What is your favorite dish and why? – “See Wee Style Flounder (Old Bay, garlic, lemon and sherry); Not fried and amazing flavor. Also love their fresh selection of pies.” “Hard to choose with varying seafood options! Hush puppies are consistently good, but they’re not a main course.”
DELL’Z UPTOWN 511 Rutledge Avenue, Charleston What do you love most about it? “Fresh and healthy AND delicious!” What is your favorite dish and why? “Jazzy pizza, but you don’t feel guilty at all!”
WE TRIED IT! Suzanne Detar The Daniel Island News
THE JUNCTION 4438 Spruill Avenue, North Charleston What do you love most about it? “The great menu and funky vibe.” What is your favorite dish and why? “Toad in the hole! Candied bacon!”
WE TRIED IT!
GREENVILLEJOURNAL.COM
“ART
Darin Gehrke S T O RY B Y M E L O D Y W R I G H T
“
HIGHEST
WE TRIED IT!
BETH BUSH
SUZANNE DETAR
The Portabello Wrap is flavorful and filling.
Sue’s comments: “I dropped by the eclectic downtown eatery with my husband, Tom, for a Thursday lunch date. He’s a vegetarian and ordered the Portobello Wrap which was served with tortilla chips and a wedge of pineapple. I snuck a bite and it was a delicious mix of mushrooms, marinated artichoke hearts, bell peppers, feta cheese, fried green tomatoes, avocado and their goddess dressing. I opted for the vegan My Thai Bowl. It was a very tasty and moderately spicy mix of zucchini squash, coconut lime rice cabbage, ginger shoots, turnip greens, and rice noodles served in a Thai sauce and topped with mango salsa and avocado. I declined the vegan sausage. It was coupled with two pita wedges. Don’t worry meat-eaters, there are plenty of meat options to choose from in addition to several vegan and vegetarian only options. We also shared the Uptown Diesel – a magically chocolaty smoothie made from chocolate almond milk, chocolate plant protein, peanut butter and banana. The atmosphere at Dell’z is hippy - groovy music and funky artwork complemented the wisdom-oriented signs – all of which creates a cozy and relaxed atmosphere at this counter-order establishment. Alcohol beverages are available, as well as an assortment of other non-alcoholic drinks, but we opted for the complimentary water.”.
The Junction’s “Toad the Hole” features an overmedium egg on Jewish rye with swiss mornay sauce and candied bacon.
Beth’s comments: “This place is quite literally on the other side of the tracks, just up the road from Park Circle. But that is what makes it unique and so worth the trip! Named ‘The Junction’ for its proximity to nearby train tracks (passing trains often rattle the windows during the week), it is a quaint and cozy space with rustic touches. But the menu, oh the menu, is what truly sets it apart! I tried our reader recommended “Toad in the Hole” with candied bacon and was not disappointed. Described as an “over medium egg in Jewish rye” it arrived atop a delicious swiss mornay cream sauce. Add in the two accompanying slices of deliciously sinful candied bacon and it was a meal that offered a taste explosion I have not experienced before! I also tried their homemade donut with maple syrup. In a word - wow! This place is indeed a hidden gem. In addition to breakfast (served all day), they also offer lunch and weekend brunch.”
See RESTAURANT REVIEWS on PAGE 20
11.02.2018 | GREENVILLE JOURNAL | 5
COMMUNITYJOURNALS.COM
CERAMICS
is the
Elizabeth Bush The Daniel Island News
Jan Marvin The Daniel Island News
Jan’s comments: “See Wee Restaurant was originally a general store that opened in 1925. The restaurant has continued to keep the same old-time décor and ambiance to this day. I ordered the See Wee-Style Flounder with Old Bay seasoning, garlic and lemon. The flounder was moist and seasoned to perfection. It seemed JAN MARVIN to melt in The flounder was moist and seamy mouth. soned to perfection. I chose green beans, steamed squash and sweet potato casserole as my side dishes. Sweet hushpuppies are served with every meal. My husband, Rick, and I topped off the meal with a dessert of caramel cake. I had planned on taking only a couple of bites of the cake and letting Rick have the rest but I ended up eating almost all of it! All of the food served at See Wee is fresh and local. The service and food were excellent.”
4 | GREENVILLE JOURNAL | 11.02.2018
I make work to be used. I think when something can be interacted with and used each day, it makes me feel better.”
form of
HOPE
GERHARD RICHTER painter
The 17th annual Greenville Open Studios will commence on Saturday, Nov. 10. The event will feature 143 local artists, giving the public a chance to see inside the studios of some of the Upstate’s best talent, and engage more with the visual arts community in Greenville. “It is very rewarding for the entire Upstate to see the evolution of Greenville Open Studios. Since its inception in 2002, the event has provided over $3.1 million in income for the participating artists and well over 500,000 visits to the various studios have been recorded. Greenville Open Studios is the premier sales and marketing event for Greenville’s fantastic community of visual artists.” — Alan Ethridge, executive director of MAC Jewelry by Tanya Stiegler | Photo by Will Crooks
Photo by Will Crooks
Blending art, education, and science, potter Darin Gehrke creates art to be used rather than simply viewed. “With ceramics—functional ceramics— it needs to not only look nice and want to be used, but it also needs to be functional as well,” Gehrke says. “And so, you have to meld those two things together—aesthetics and functionality.” Making pottery as a full-time career since 2005 when he opened his own studio, Gehrke instantly fell in love with ceramics as an art education major at Pennsylvania State University. While his father was an engineer and his mother was a teacher, Gehrke was always involved in the arts. “Ceramics was the perfect melding of technology, science, and art,” he says. “I make all the glazes, which involves chemistry. Working on the kilns, that part of it is all technical—which I enjoy. Then along with the forming and creating of the pieces, it all works together.” While Gehrke could use his skills to make sculptures, he chooses to make functional ceramics. “I make work to be used,” he says. “I think when something can be interacted with and used each day, it makes me feel better.” Gehrke says the piece is truly completed when it’s used by someone. While using creativity to design aesthetically pleasing artwork, he must also implore engineering to make well proportioned ceramics. “When something is created well, we are attracted to it and want to touch it,” Gehrke says. Considering nearly everyone knows what a teapot
should look like, a misplaced or misshaped spout would drive people away, he says. Inspiration for all his pieces comes from Japanese, Chinese, and Korean ceramics. Having lived in China for a year with his wife, Gehrke explored the local potteries and generated ideas. Specifically inspired by the periods in each culture where the pottery designs were timeless, he likes to add some modern edge to his pieces. “There wasn’t a lot of glazing going on. It was just like a single glaze, and it was all about form,” he says. “So, those periods in each culture are what I am drawn to, and that’s what I use in my own work.” This year being his fourth time participating in Open Studios, Gehrke looks forward to using his art education experience to explain his creative workflow with visitors. “It’s great for people to actually see the processes behind the artwork,” he says. “It makes the artwork even more valuable I think when people can actually see how it’s created.” Gehrke’s workspace flows into the gallery allowing guests to see work in all stages, from beginning to end. “If they’re drawn to a piece, hopefully they’ll appreciate it even more because they will know the time that was put into it and the care that was taken in creating it,” he says.
VISIT HIS STUDI0 1205 Pendleton St. www.drgceramics.com
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10 | GREENVILLE JOURNAL | 11.02.2018
GREENVILLEJOURNAL.COM
OUTSIDER
SAVING APES
Greenville Zoo funds primate conservation in Africa
DID YOU KNOW?
AN ESTIMATED 3,000 GREAT APES, INCLUDING ORANGUTANS, GORILLAS AND CHIMPANZEES, ARE LOST FROM THE WILD EVERY YEAR AS A RESULT OF ILLEGAL TRADE. According to the UN Environment Programme
PRIMATES IN PERIL
Many of mankind’s closest living relatives — the world’s apes, monkeys, lemurs and other primates — are on the brink of extinction.
S T O RY B Y A N D R E W M O O R E
75%
of primate species have declining populations
60%
and of primate species are now threatened with extinction.
Source: Estrada, A., Garber, P. A., Rylands, A. B., Roos, C., Fernandez-Duque, E., Di Fiore, A., … & Rovero, F. (2017). Impending extinction crisis of the world’s primates: Why primates matter. Science Advances, 3(1), e1600946.
THE FUTURE IS LOOKING BLEAK FOR MANKIND’S CLOSEST BIOLOGICAL RELATIVES A study published in the journal Science Ad-
nonprofit — partially funded by the Green- primates that have been rescued from the il-
vances warns that great apes, monkeys, and
ville Zoo — is working to stop the devastating
legal wildlife trade or orphaned by the illegal
other non-human primates will begin to van-
effects of these practices before it’s too late.
hunting of endangered species. It recently re-
ish from the face of the Earth in 25 to 50 years
The Pan African Sanctuary Alliance (PASA) ceived a $944 grant from the Greenville Zoo
if the effects of habitat loss, hunting, and man- is comprised of more than 20 wildlife centers made climate change aren’t mitigated. Now a
to support the publication of a children’s book
and sanctuaries across Africa that care for about primate conservation.
FIRST PLACE Stephanie Orr Greenville Journal
SINGLE FEATURE PAGE DESIGN 2-3 TIMES WEEKLY DIVISION
THIRD PLACE Abbie Sossamon The Gaffney Ledger PAGE 6A
FRIDAY, JANUARY 12, 2018
THE GAFFNEY LEDGER
SECOND PLACE Athena Redmond The Lancaster News Guilt weighs down daughter of independent elderly mother, Dear Abby/6B
The Lancaster News
Lifestyles Editor Abbie Sossamon may be contacted at abbie@gaffneyledger.com
lifestyles
Sunday March 11, 2018
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Gardening as therapy KAYLA VAUGHN/kvaughn@thelancasternews.com
Lancaster Garden Club President Pat Clancy, standing, passes out pots to clients at Lancaster-Chester Disabilities and Special Needs Tuesday as part of a special garden therapy program.
Courtesy of ROMANTICASHEVILLE.COM
Mingo Falls in Cherokee, N.C., is one of many stops on the tour of historic and cultural sites planned by the Native American Studies Center for this May.
NASC hosting 7-day road trip to see historic, cultural sites Ludovic Nkoth will be exhibiting several “portraits” in CAVA’s newest exhibit, “Eight Southern African-American Artists: Past, Present, Future.” His style is energetic and expressionistic for this show of images based on master Baroque portraits, especially Rembrandt and Vermeer. The exhibit is opening at the Gaffney Visitors Center and Art Gallery Jan. 15. A reception for the artists is scheduled for Jan. 21 from 3 - 5 p.m.
“Eight Southern African-American Artists: Past, Present, Future” CAVA’s exhibit celebrating Black History Month opens Jan. 15 “Eight Southern African-American Artists: Past, schools. His innovative mixed-media paintings are inPresent, Future” opens January 15 at the Gaffney Visicluded in private and public collections including the tors Center and Art Gallery. South Carolina State Art Collection. The January-February exhibit celebrating Black HisMarshall’s sister, Inez Littlejohn, who was also selftory Month includes artists both southern born and taught, died in 2011. According to her husband, there ones who have made the south their home. The artists was never a time when she was not involved with art include Liani Foster, Pat Kabore, Shanequa Gay, Lumaking. Her works depict life around her as she experidovic Nkoth, Antonia Modesto and Tracey Timmons. enced it. Her mixed-media works are visually complex, Additionally, two Cherokee County artists who have well designed and decorative. The exhibits committee passed away, brother and sister Leroy Marshall and Inez was interested to learn that Littlejohn sometimes comLittlejohn, are remembered pleted subjects in Marshall’s in this exhibit. works that he felt uncomfortable “I want my art to build A reception will take place doing. Sunday, Jan. 21 from 3 – 5 p.m. Liani Foster originally hails bridges and The artists will participate in from Ohio; he recently moved connections between a gallery talk around 3 p.m. from Washington, D.C. to Lake They will give short presentaLure, N.C. He incorporates fibers cultures and people.” tions about their works or in usual ways but also plans to about their artistic backinclude at least one large wood - Pat Kabore grounds. sculpture that conjures an earlier “Eight Southern Africantime period and place. His work American Artists” is presented by the Cherokee Alwas brought to the attention of CAVA’s exhibit commitliance of Visual Artists (CAVA), the art organization tee last year during Gaffney’s annual Peach Festival juthat operates the gallery in the visitors’ center. Accordried exhibit. ing to president Noah Lindemann, CAVA enjoys being Having lived in West Africa, Pat Kabore currently reable to present exhibits that relate to the community sides in Pacolet, S.C. Included in Hub City’s recent book, and to special events during the calendar year. “Artists among Us”, Kabore has an extensive exhibition The exhibit includes both established artists, included and teaching record. Primarily a printmaker and in major collections, and emerging artists. Those who mixed-media artist, she said, “I want my art to build are local contribute to the cultural life of the upstate bridges and connections between cultures and people.” and help to foster a climate for the visual arts. Several Georgia resident Shanequa Gay presented a large exare members of the Artists’ Guild of Spartanburg and hibit of her works recently at Wofford College. That exSpartanburg’s Main Street Co-Op. hibit introduced her work to CAVA members. Using a Each artist will be represented by five to seven pieces. painterly approach, she explores historical and contemAll works are fairly recent, reflecting the artist’s current porary social concerns of black culture. Gay provocainterests. Visitors will be able to view paintings, jewelry, tively introduces collage elements that are interesting mixed-media works, fibers and prints. both for their content and aesthetics. Self-taught “folk artist” from Gaffney Leroy Marshall Born in Cameroon, West Africa, Ludovic Nkoth is one died in 1988. A major exhibit in the 1980s introduced his of the area’s upcoming artists. He studied art at USC work to the public and established his reputation. AlUpstate. Although his paintings for this exhibit are though a paraplegic, he conducted workshops in area based on portraits of the old masters, his style is also
"Joy Gate," a re-configured mono print, by Pat Kabore is one of the art works that can be seen in CAVA's newest exhibit, "AfricanAmerican Artists: Past, Present, Future." This twomonth exhibit celebrates Black History Month. Kabore is well known in the area and has exhibited nationally and internationally. Her main media is printmaking, but she also works with mixed media, as the above work suggests. Enthusiastic about discussing her art work, Kabore will be delighted to talk with visitors at the reception on Sunday, Jan. 21 from 3-5 p.m.
Linai Foster’s “Fragmentations” will be part of CAVA’s “Eight Southern African-American Artists” exhibit opening Jan. 15. reminiscent of Francis Bacon. Nonetheless, his works are truly innovative. Framed to reflect the earlier period, visitors should enjoy the paintings’ Baroque-inspired reference. New York City transplant, Antonia Modesto, is a painter and photographer living in Lyman. An emerging artist, his painting style is reminiscent of the bright, flat colors to the pop art era and the colorful patterns of the Latino world from which he is descended. He plans to include a selection of digital prints as well as paintings for this show. Tracey Timmons has lived in the South a long time but was born and raised in Ohio. She is a self-taught metalsmith and studio jeweler working with precious metals and semi-precious gemstones. She plans to include a series of gingko leaf inspired pieces. The exhibits committee is pleased to be able to include a three-dimensional artist in this group. There is no charge to attend the exhibit that continues through February 23. The Gaffney Visitors Center and Art Gallery is located at 210 West Frederick Street in Gaffney. The gallery is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. For more information about this exhibit, CAVA membership or art classes, call the CAVA Gallery at 864-4899119 or 864-489-9817.
From release
USC Lancaster is organizing a trip to visit Native American cultural and historical sites across the Southeast this May. Faculty from USCL’s Native American Studies Center will lead a seven-day bus tour through the Carolinas, Virginia and the District of Columbia. Heading out on Friday, May 18, this educational road trip will make its first stop at Town Creek Indian Mound in Mount Gilead, N.C. Next it will head to coastal Virginia, where participants will visit Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestowne and the Museum of the Pamunkey Indian Tribe, a member of the historical confederacy to which Pocahontas belonged. On May 20, the tour bus will roll into Washington, D.C., for three nights. Highlights will include visits to the Museum of the American Indian, the Powhatan Museum and the Smithsonian Museum of American History. The last two nights will be spent in Cherokee, N.C., where participants will visit the Museum of the Cherokee Indian, the Oconaluftee Indian Village and Mingo Falls. The trip will conclude with a stop at the Catawba Indian Cultural Center near Rock Hill. Throughout the trip, faculty will lead discussions, offer insights and provide background information to enhance visits to Native American sites and museums. This educational opportunity is open to the general public. Participants must enroll in one of three courses – ARTS 399 Special Topics, ANTH 317 American Indian Nations, or ENGL 429 Native American Oral Traditions – and pay the $1,600 fee to cover travel, lodging, food and tickets for site visits. Students will receive three hours of course credit for completing the travel-study course. For more details, contact Dr. Stephen Criswell, USCL’s director of Native American studies, at (803) 313-7108 or criswese@ mailbox.sc.edu.
Lancaster Garden Club shares its passion for nestling plants into soil Kayla Vaughn
kvaughn@thelancasternews.com
The Lancaster Garden Club treated a large group at Lancaster-Chester Disabilities and Special Needs to a little gardening therapy Tuesday morning. More than 30 participants welcomed the garden club members for the annual event. Each person planted a small plant to take home and watch grow. Everyone enjoyed a hot dog lunch and sang songs. The ages of the individuals who attended ranged from 18 to over 60 years old. Garden club publicity chair Carolyn Tolson said the main purpose of the program is to share a love and enjoyment of gardening with the disabilities center’s clients. “It is very inspirational for us,” Tolson said. “Members of the LGC enjoy connecting with the participants, who immensely enjoy the day.” Each finished potted plant had a wooden pick stuck inside it, topped with a decorative Easter egg and a photo of the person planting it. The photos were taken and printed by members of the garden club a week before the event. The garden therapy program was started by National Garden Clubs Inc., a nonprofit educational organization. The Lancaster Garden Club, organized in 1935, began participating in the program more than 30 years ago. “Mental health is a very complicated issue,” Tolson said. “Research has shown that gardening can improve our mental health. Gardening
Photo above and photos below supplied; photo at left by KAYLA VAUGHN/kvaughn@thelancaster news.com
Above, garden club members Sis Yoder, standing at left, and Janesta Williams, standing at center, help clients decorate their pots with stickers. At left, Bobbi Ann Helgeson helps a client with his pick. Each client made a pick for their flowerpot that included a photo and an Easter egg. can provide emotional solace and a sense of stimulation.” The garden club meets every third Thursday of each month, and each member pays a $50 membership fee
every year. Those interested in joining may contact club President Pat Clancy at (803) 286-0133. Follow Kayla Vaughn on Twitter @kaybvaughn or contact her at (803) 283-1155
The facility’s clients show off their completed projects.
GOOD MORNING!
Extended Weather Forecast Today High
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58 39 Cloudy with a 90 percent chance of showers
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51 31 Cloudy with a 10 percent chance of showers
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55 30 Mostly sunny with a few clouds
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50 29 Partly cloudy and breezy
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56 34 Sunny with a 10 percent chance of scattered showers
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Shown here is a Haitian village near the orphanage in Fond Blanc where a mission team from Lancaster traveled last month.
The Lancaster News
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Long, hard days in Haiti
Mission team makes concrete for orphanage in remote town Kayla Vaughn
Drawn back quickly: Amanda Gaskin returned for a second mission trip just three weeks after returning home to Lancaster. Here she hugs Eugens, a boy she met in Fond Blanc whom her family now sponsors. “He stole my heart,” she says.
kvaughn@thelancasternews.com
Amanda Gaskin had never left the country and had never seen a clear blue ocean before June 2, when she and a small mission team took a trip to Fond Blanc in Haiti. The small construction crew stayed for a week, working tirelessly each day at an orphanage with no power or running water, before returning to America. The country is still suffering from a devastating earthquake eight years ago. Once they left the airport, the group made their way to a bus, called a “tap-tap,” which had an open back and carried 32 to 36 people up a mountain. The only thing to sit on was a wooden bench. Gaskin said the roads were rough, basically like driving down dry creek beds. “It was like a culture shock for me,” she said. “I was just like, ‘Wow! Am I really seeing this?’ There was still rubble from the earthquake and trash littering the roads. There were no speed limits, so people drove as fast or as slow as they wanted. “Most families there live off of about $2.25 a day, so they’re basically working just to pay for food and gas. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing.” The orphanage where they stayed was a large concrete building that houses about 60 kids. The group stayed on the third floor of the building, in tiny closet-sized rooms, with two sets of bunk beds in each room and mosquito nets hanging over the beds. There were no fans or any source for airflow in the rooms. The mission team’s days began at 5:45 a.m. They would go to work at 6 a.m., preparing to lay concrete. They had to pull rocks from the riverbed, break those up into smaller gravel for concrete and sift through sand. They also made six tables for the marketplace in front of the orphanage. At 8 a.m. they had breakfast and morning devotion. They went back to work, with a snack break at noon and supper at 3 p.m. They would take 15- to 20-minute water breaks using their water cooler, which contained clean – but hot – water. With no power, the orphanage had no way to keep cold water.
Around 8:30 every night was the best time to get cool water, when they turned the power on for just a few hours to have worship. One day, the group played soccer with a group of Haitians. To get to the area, they had to go on a hike and cross a river. The river, Gaskin said, is very important to the people who live near it. It is where the entire village bathes, where they wash their clothes and where they get their drinking water. Most of the team members couldn’t wait until after supper when they got a chance to spend time with the kids at the orphanage. Gaskin said she became close with one of the young boys there and that her family has started sponsoring him. “Eugens is just precious, and he stole my heart,” she said. “When you sponsor a child, the money doesn’t just go to one child, it goes to the orphanage as a whole to provide them with clothes and food. The child you are sponsoring sends you quarterly e-mails and a postcard.” Gaskin came home to her husband and three children, but said she felt something pulling her back to Haiti. “Every day there was this tugging in my heart,” she said. “God was telling me I wasn’t done, and I needed to go back and serve the people and serve him more. It was a constant pull.” Through donations from her church, Spring Hill Baptist in Tradesville, she was able to come up with the rest of the money to travel to Haiti and to purchase a laptop, shoes and school supplies to take with her
for the school there. She also ordered English translation books for several of the kids there who are teaching themselves English. She returned to Haiti three weeks later, ready to work. The mission trips are organized by Next Step Ministries in Wisconsin. “Leaving my kids behind was tremendously hard,” Gaskin said. “I was torn because God was telling me to go do something, but I had only been back with my family for three weeks. I knew they were in good hands with my husband and my mom, during the day. They all fully supported me.” She said the second time around they worked mixing and pouring concrete by hand, but that the kids were now out of school and were able to spend a lot more time with them. “Being there a week by myself was so much different than being there with the group,” Gaskin said. “I was able to interact with the children and the community more and really get to know them better.” Gaskin said both times she went to church with them. They have worship services on Wednesday and Friday nights and Sunday mornings and nights. “It was way different than what I’ve ever experienced in America,” Gaskin said. “I was just fascinated to watch them live everyday. They have so little, but they still praise God for everything they have. It really shows how the world is full of darkness and evil, but the world is also full of goodness and love. Love always conquers evil.”
PHOTOS SUPPLIED
Above, Jill Laney takes in the scenery while in Fond Blanc, Haiti. At left, Shawn Macy, youth pastor at Spring Hill Baptist Church, teaches a young boy how to use a power drill while building tables at the orphanage. Below, Ashlyn Macy hugs one of the children.
Above, Amanda Gaskin swings a sledge hammer to prepare for new concrete. At right, she spends time with the children at the orphanage as they check out her smartphone. Haiti is now under a travel advisory because of civil unrest in the country. The discontent among Haitians is the result of a spike in gas prices. Mission trips have been canceled and some missionaries have had trouble getting home. Gaskin said she got out just in time. She had to cut her last week short because of the uproar throughout the country. “I hated to have to say good-
bye early, but I know why I had to,” she said. “Riots had already started, and I hate that they are going through that. A piece of my heart was left behind in Haiti.” Gaskin said she has already started making plans to return next year. Follow Kayla Vaughn on Twitter @kaybvaughn or contact her at (803) 283-1155.
Good MorninG!
Extended Weather Forecast Today High
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88 69 Partly cloudy with a 20 percent chance of scattered showers
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83 70 Cloudy with a 60 percent chance of scattered thunderstorms
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FIRST PLACE Athena Redmond The Lancaster News
SPORTS PAGE DESIGN PORTFOLIO OPEN DIVISION
THIRD PLACE B
The Greer Citizen
Five vie for Player of the Year
T
he Greer area saw some stellar performances on the gridiron in 2017, with four of the five area high schools making state playoff appearances. Those accomplishments can, in part, be attributed to the efforts of five young men, who have been named finalists for The Greer Citizen - Owens Insurance Player of the Year award. At Greer, senior Qua White did it all for the Yellow Jackets. The versatile speedster notched 577 rushing yards with six touchdowns; 773 receiving yards with 15 touchdowns; and more than 500 special teams yards with four touchdowns. He ended the season with an appearance at the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas. “You just look at how many places he helped our football team,” coach Will Young said. “In the secondary, at receiver, at running back —he even played quarterback SEE NOMINEES | B3
PLA NOMYER OF INEE THE S YEAR
BLAME CANNADA BILLY CANNADA
CK STAP... U
Roll Tide?
Greer falls to TR on road
BY BILLY CANNADA SPORTS EDITOR
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X MAURIS LO
N DA N JORRGA MO
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HIGH SCHOOL HOOPS
Eagles nab first region win Beating Union Co. 61-43
In 2018 season
Tigers hunting third straight region crown BY BILLY CANNADA SPORTS EDITOR In search of a threepeat, the Peach Blossom champs are ready to defend their crown. The Blue Ridge baseball team will rely heavily on experienced pitching this spring as they make up for the graduation of seven players. “We graduated key position players from a team that has won 21 or their last 24 region games and back to back region championships, so we will be counting on some position players to step up,” head coach Travis Henson said. “Our JV team went undefeated last season, including wins over Dorman, Boilings Springs, and Gaffney. So, we know our younger players can SEE TIGERS | B3
Warrior bats come alive in preseason
‘The guys
BY BILLY CANNADA SPORTS EDITOR
Byrnes returns six starters BY BILLY CANNADA SPORTS EDITOR The Byrnes baseball team is hoping to return to form in 2018. The Rebels will bring back six starters in an effort to shake up a region that could be considered one of the best in the state. “We have a good mix of youth and experience on the team,” head coach Michael Maus said. “We have six returning starters on the SEE BYRNES | B3
The Riverside baseball team graduated 10 seniors in 2017, but replacing an experienced lineup is a little easier when you don’t have much trouble swinging the bat. Travis Pitman’s team has already scored 62 runs in eight preseason scrimmages, and the head coach is hoping that kind of offensive output will make up for areas of weakness this spring. “We are returning a strong core group of underclassmen,” Pitman said. “In the offseason we focused on the offensive aspect of our team and it has paid off.” Sophomore Caden Grice and senior Jackson Wilder will handle most of the duties on the mound this season for Riverside. “Both are coming off great seasons last year and are off to great starts this season,” Pitman noted. “Offensively we expect productive SEE WARRIORS | B3
I
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BILLY CANNADA
For the clicks
f Yahoo! is doing it for the clicks, it’s working. The website has been slowly leaking documents it obtained relating to the FBI’s college basketball corruption investigation, and SOME of it is actually kind of juicy. I say SOME because not all the information being released is equal in its level of severity, although the media would have you believe otherwise. If you were browsing the internet Friday morning, chances are you read a headline saying something like this: “Duke, UNC basketball players named in FBI investigation.” Sounds bad huh? I have to admit, my heart dropped when I read that headline. I thought: here we go again. Another scandal. Another NCAA investigation. A whole new wave of cheating allegations. It’s probably what everybody thought. But boy oh boy is this coverage dishonest. The documents Yahoo! released did name Duke and North Carolina players, as well as players from a number of other high profile schools. But, lumping everything together in the same big look-who-cheated story was journalistic malpractice—especially when you’re using Duke and North Carolina solely to get clicks. Here’s a team I bet you didn’t see listed before North Carolina in any headline Friday morning: NC State. You wanna know why that’s terrible journalism? Well, that’s why I’m here. You see, NC State’s Dennis Smith Jr. is alleged to have taken tens of thousands of dollars in loans and payments from NBA agents. That’s the kind of thing we expected to see in this FBI investigation. Loads of money changing hands. Scandal. Lies. Deceit. On the other hand, you have North Carolina freshman Tony Bradley, who declared for the NBA draft after just one season with the Tar Heels. The reason UNC is listed on this report is because Tony Bradley HAD PIZZA with an NBA agent after he declared for the draft. The kid was looking to hire someone to represent him, and he met with an agent over a couple of slices of pizza. The documents don’t say who paid, so we don’t actually know if Tony Bradley picked up the tab for his own meal (if he did, UNC’s inclusion in this is an outrage of the highest order). Even if the agent did buy Tony Bradley pizza, anything under $200 isn’t a NCAA violation. And EVEN IF the pizza just so happened to be $201, I doubt the NCAA is taking away a banner for a meal that occurred after the national championship game had already been played and forgotten about. Duke’s Wendell Carter is in the same boat. He took a meeting or had a meal with the same agent, and that’s why the Blue Devils are listed. Compare that to Clemson or South Carolina players who took actual cash money from sources and you have what some would call “CLICK BAIT.” Nobody cares that PJ Dozier is getting paid, but put UNC in your story and everybody is gonna click. My guess is, there is nothing on Duke and North Carolina. This is all you’re gonna get. And that’s why they’ve got to get their clicks now. Because once PJ Dozier is all you’re left with, nobody is visiting Yahoo. com.
Jan Marvin Daniel Island News
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The Greer Citizen
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1, 2018
Jackets relying on young talent
Heading into his second season as head coach of the Yellow Jacket baseball team, Matt Landreth believes his team is ready to compete with anybody. “Last year there was a learning curve for all of us,” he said. “They were learning who I was and my system, and I was learning each one of their personalities. This summer and fall was an extension of that with new guys coming in. We spent a lot of time in the weight room and on the field together. I love my team. I would do anything for them and they trust the plan I have in place for them.” Landreth will enter the season with a group of young faces competing for major varsity minutes. “There are five freshmen vying for starting positions on varsity,” he said. “This is great because it keeps the competition high.” That competition has been evident in the preseason, according to Landreth. “Everyone has been getting hits and is where they’re supposed to be, even if the ball is not hit to them,” the head coach said of his team’s first couple of scrimmages. “One of the big points of emphasis from last year was to handle the baseball and not make unnecessary throws. “Another thing we’ve done a great job with is getting faster and stronger, thanks to several guys pushing SEE JACKETS | B3
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The Greer Citizen
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emember a few weeks ago when everybody was up in arms because Alabama made the college football playoff without making its own conference championship? Good times, right? It’s clear now that those who protested the Tide getting in weren’t doing so because Alabama was undeserving, but because they knew Saban’s team would probably win it again. AND WHO WANTS TO SEE THAT AGAIN, AM I RIGHT?? Nobody wants to see 5 that. Exactly nobody but e s: 11 Alabama fans. gam ckle ing Ta s: 3 tions: But yet, here we are nn tput ck r ru ou . Sa rcep again. Alabama is the ou ’s or of ense ribut ll Inte king of the college footwl ne off nt ba bo our g co foot us 2 Bo e: 1 ck ball world and we had to a ne bi r nc hy ri ba w a er fo Sh eara watch them beat another the on was ov that was reas Max take do App SEC team in overtime to “He d the eat. ility to le to do it. an so gr e ab as ab There are two things washas th he w d people should take away He e an t.” Smith il from this playoff season. gam a bi h Ph ite ac One is encouraging and qu d co ea the other isn’t. -H The encouraging takeaway is that the college football playoff has only gotten better each year. From Clemson’s dramatic win last year to Alabama’s this year, we’re getting to see peak footing ceiv 3 ball in January and that’s Re s: 77 rd not something you could Ya ing 7 sh always say with the old Ru s: 57 rd am BCS system. Ya . Te 5 ec g 5 Just look at the OklaSp s: 56 ns: rd ssin 16 homa/Georgia semifinal. Ya hdow Pa s: 4, ions: uc rd Has there been a better To Ya plet m 25 game than that all year Co 7 28 ing ns: 45 long? I don’t think so, . r ss ow ou ader and I couldn’t care less Pa hd was e le t 12 uc To ing ns: “He fensiv grea and about either team. sh ow a d k s de What has slowly disapRu hd ha in ea uc He ball m rs sp” peared in the era of the To be . footnum lves college football playoff se thethem h is the argument that the ac for d co k One of these athletes will be announced as The Greer Citizen Player best teams aren’t playing ar -Hea e Cl of the Year in next week’s edition. for the national title. an Sh I just heard the one UCF fan that reads this column shout at me, so let me correct myself. The best teams *generally* make the playoff. Undefeated Florida teams with weak schedules have a case to make, but most serious college football fans would agree that Alabama would’ve trampled the Knights of UCF. Maybe I’m wrong, and I’m all for expanding this thing to eight teams, but we’re seeing the best football right now. The second takeaway is a little less exciting. BY BILLY CANNADA Are you ready? Are you SPORTS EDITOR sitting down? BY BILLY CANNADA The Greer boys basket- SPORTS EDITOR Alabama is probably ball team opened region going to keep being the play with a road loss to best team in college footThe Eastside boys basTravelers Rest, falling 66- ketball team dominated ball for, like, a really long 52 after a sloppy third Union County to pick up time. quarter. its first region win of the Occasionally they may lose a game in the last The Yellow Jackets are season, topping the Jacksecond, on the last play now 7-7 overall with a ets 61-43 at home. The Eagles stormed out of the college football game against Eastside this of the gate with a 25-2 run season. But most of the Friday. that set the tone. time, the Tide rolls. “We jumped on them I don’t need to go back kept early,” head coach Tom through the credentials Chamness said. “I think because I did most of battling and that took the air out of that last week, but Alatheir sails real quick. It bama is a flat-out dynasfighting, but it was a game where a lot of ty. guys were able to get in Depressing, I know. But ended up getting and get some experience, that’s what good coachwhich is what you want. ing does for a program. It away from us. We “Union just didn’t play recruits the players and very well and that’s not wins the big games. have to learn from typical of how they’ve Like the NBA, college been this year. Sometimes football is broken. our mishaps.’ that happens,” he said. The only difference Now 1-0 in the conferis, the Warriors have Greg Miller ence, Eastside will look stacked their talent and picked their team. Greer head coach to stay undefeated on the road at Greer on Friday, Nick Saban just recruits “They look similar to the Greer put together a well and does it with a strong first half, taking a way they looked last year, new group every year. two-point lead into inter- but we know they’re more He’s kind of a jerk and experienced,” Chamness mission. he never smiles and he’s Halfway through the said. “They’ve got several like Bill Belichick in all third quarter, however, players that are athletic the wrong ways, but boy Travelers Rest went on a and can hurt you. does he win. “They create some run. I hope that I’m wrong. I “They played really, real- matchup problems,” he hope that Clemson’s rise WILLIAM BUCHHEIT | THE GREER CITIZEN and Georgia’s newfound ly well,” head coach Greg said. “You just watch film Miller said. “They were on them and try to figure success can be enough able to find gaps and find out what you’re going to Pantry McKinney and the Eastside Eagles will take on Greer this Friday on the road. to turn the tide in college open shots. They were do.” football, but right now I Picked to finish first, steal a few on the road,” home on Jan. 16 for a teams can step up and doubt it. knocking them down.” The Devildogs took a second and third in the Chamness said. “With this matchup with Travelers beat you. Right now, we The Tide will be rolling 15-point lead on a 15-3 league, Travelers Rest, game being at Greer, I’m Rest, before hitting the have to try to keep up with indefinitely. Greer and Eastside are sure they’re feeling a lit- road again against Blue the rest of the league berun. “We made some mis- fighting for position early. tle pressure to win, so we Ridge. cause you can’t afford to “If you want to win the know we’ll get their best takes and they capital“We have to be care- fall too far behind.” ized,” Miller said. “Even league, you’ve got to win shot.” ful,” Chamness said. “Any The Eagles will return night, any one of these billy@greercitizen.com | 877-2076 SEE GREER | B3 all your home games and
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SPORTS BASEBALL WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2018
H TH O W EY
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2018
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PETER FINGER
2017 VCO Champion Daria Kasatkina signs autographs with fans.
Predictions
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ugust is here, and so are my annual wayto-early high school football predictions. Try not to take anything I say in this column too seriously (like always) because I’m only operating on the knowledge I’ve gained over the summer. Actual Friday night football is an entirely different animal than 7-on-7 tournaments.
GREER
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FOOTBALL IN FORCE
SPORTS
Julie Holcombe The Greer Citizen
SECOND PLACE
August practice underway for area teams Article by Billy Cannada | Photos by Preston Burch
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BYRNES
ith kickoff less than 20 days away, area high school football teams are putting the pads on for the first time this week. After a trip to the Upper State championship game in 2017, expectations are high for the Yellow Jackets heading into August. “We’ll find out more about our team this week,” head coach Will Young said. “We’ve got a lot of areas that look good like our defensive line. Trey Houston and our receivers look good so far. We’ve still got some work to do in other places, but we’re getting better.” While summer workouts and 7-on-7 leagues are beneficial, Young said the intensity is about to go up for his team. “The biggest change is the intensity,” Young said. “Once you’re in pads, everything is in full-speed and live. You don’t see a lot of contact in the preseason, so the intensity level jumps up a notch. It’s a good tool to separate the guys that can play on Fridays from those who cannot. “We’ve played Week 0 for quite a while now, so we don’t really feel pressure getting ready. The pressure comes from playing Byrnes,” Young said. “There’s a big challenge for us there and the guys know it.”
BLUE RIDGE
New Blue Ridge head coach James Thurn has noticed a spark in his team this week. “Our energy is fantastic,” Thurn said. “We’ve still got a long way to go, but we’re continuing to get better every day. It’s good to be back and have a chance again in a new season.” The Tigers will head into the season under the leadership of a freshman quarterback, Braeden Enloe, who won the job this offseason. Thurn said his team hopes to surprise some people this fall, and his players are putting in the work to do it. “All I want our kids to do is better every day,” he said. “I know that sounds cliche, but when you’re trying to turn around a program that went 3-8 and has not been successful over the last couple of years, trying to get better every day is a good thing to focus on. I want these kids to fight every day and overcome some adversity, because at the end of the day, that stuff translates to life. “Wins and losses are important. Coaches are hired and fired over them. But we don’t talk about that. We talk about controlling what we can control. If we play the best game we can play, we feel like we have a chance,” Thurn said.
BLUE RIDGE
SEE FOOTBALL | B2
Expectations are high for a Yellow Jacket squad that is coming off a trip to the Upper State title. Greer lost some pieces, but the return of Dre Williams and Trey Houston should give fans a Dooley something to cheer about throughout the fall. Don’t be surprised if the record takes a hit early, however. The Jackets have a monster slate of non-conference games that will be difficult, but winnable. Once Greer gets through its run of Westside, Byrnes and Spartanburg, they’ll be in line to compete for another region championship. The ceiling for this team is very high, and Greer should have another contender come October.
BYRNES
Reggie Shaw proved he was the guy for the job last season when he helped the Rebels win seven of their first eight games. The lackluster finish for Byrnes left something to be desired, however, and the Rebels enter 2018 with an axe to grind. The most dangerous weapon in Duncan is in the backfield, as Rahjai Harris enters his junior season. The team will be quarterbacked by Lawrence Scott, who will have weapons such as Ben Henson out wide. The Rebels’ schedule is also very difficult, with games against Don Bosco Prep, Northwestern and Greer early on. That doesn’t include region matchups with Gaffney, Spartanburg, Dorman and Boiling Springs down the line. Byrnes is certainly a playoff team that could go a couple of rounds. After that, it’s anybody’s game. A team with a new head coach leaves a lot of questions to be answered for this year’s Blue Ridge squad. James Thurn has been installing a new system and breaking in a freshman quarterback this summer, so growing pains should be expected as August practice gets underway. Every coach around here will tell you that Blue Ridge is a traditionally scrappy team, and none of that should change in 2018. Still, the Tigers will have their work cut out for them if they want to make the playoffs. The addition of Greenville and Berea to the region will make that goal more difficult.
RIVERSIDE
RIVERSIDE
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n a matter of days, more than 100 professional women tennis players from 35 countries around the world will descend on Daniel Island for the Volvo Car Open (VCO). And as banners and billboards promoting this year’s event proclaim, “It’s all
on the line.” Whether you are a seasoned VCO veteran or this will be your first event, those putting on the show report that the 2018 rundown of talent and activities is a must-see experience. With nine of the top seeded players in the tournament currently ranked among the best 20 in the world, the Open’s 46th year overall and 18th year on the island is set to be one of the best yet. With some 16.4 million people tuning in across the globe to watch elite athletes compete for a total purse of over $700,000, awarded in various prize amounts throughout the tournament, North America’s largest women’s only tennis tournament, formerly known as the Family Circle Cup, officially kicks off on Saturday, March 31 with the fan-favorite “Family Weekend.” Qualifying rounds begin at 10 a.m. that same day. Main draw play begins on Monday, April 2 at 10 a.m. “Family Weekend is always a big hit,” said VCO Tournament Manager Eleanor Adams. “The kids come out and have a lot of fun. There will be face painting, dancers and a lot of other entertainment. Some people stay all day because there’s that much going on.” “Family Weekend is built for kids,” added VCO Director and President Bob Moran. “We have all kinds of activities planned for families. From tennis clinics and great matches, we will have all types of performers and activities to keep the entire family entertained.” Tickets for adults for Family Weekend are only $10, added Adams. Even better, throughout the week children 16 and under get free admis-
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really exciting.” Also strong is the roster of American players competing in this year’s Open, continued Adams. Some of these names include Madison Keys, Sloane Stephens and Catherine ‘CiCi’ Bellis. “We’ve got some great American players coming, like Sloane Stephens who won the U.S. Open,” said Adams. “We also have Madison Keys who was the finalist against Sloane at the U.S. Open. We have CiCi Bellis, who is an up and coming 18-year-old. We’ve got Christina McHale, Madison Brengle and Lauren Davis. There’s a resurgence of U.S. players these days, which is very exciting for us. They are very personable, fun girls with a lot of different personalities. The U.S. players, I think will bring it on strong this year.” Unfortunately, hometown favorite Shelby Rogers formally withdrew from the tournament on March 20 due to an injury that requires six to eight weeks of healing, an official statement from Rogers explained. “It has been a very tough year for me and it breaks my heart I will not be able to compete in my favorite tournament,” said Rogers, a former Daniel Island resident who once served as a ball girl for the VCO (when it was known as the Family Circle Cup). “I absolutely love these fans and the whole city has been supportive of me since the beginning of my career. As difficult as it is, I know this is the right choice in order for my body to heal and be ready to play again. I have so many great memories here and I am
looking forward to coming back to play next year.” While she may not be playing, Rogers will be fully immersed into other aspects of the Open, added Adams. “It’s really unfortunate, however, Shelby is not one to miss the tournament,” said Adams. “She will be here. She’s going to be out on site and will do meet and greets and sign autographs. She’s almost like a tournament ambassador because she can’t stay away. We’re grateful that she’s making the time to come and we welcome her with open arms.” MORE THAN TENNIS ON THE MENU As those returning to the tournament probably already know, there is much more to the VCO than really great tennis. The reason, explained Moran, is quite simply – the fans. “We focus a lot of our efforts on the fan experience,” said Moran. “We realize that people will spend their day with us so we want to make that
time memorable.” Throughout the week from March 31 to April 8, there will be various events and opportunities to take part in the action, including old favorites like the “Doubles and Bubbles” luncheon hosted by former World No. 1, Tennis Hall-ofFamer and Tennis Channel analyst Tracy Austin, MUSC Health pickleball clinics, Special Olympics demonstrations and tennis drills, “Volvo Car Ride and Drives” where attendees can test drive the Volvo XC60, the 2018 North American Utility Vehicle of the YearTM, the 7-passenger XC90, the 2016 North American Truck of the YearTM, and the newly launched XC40. There will also be four themed nights and much more. “There will be a lot of fun things for the entire family to do,” said Adams. “It provides for a great way for the parents to see tennis, while the kids are having fun doing other things as well… There will be some player appearances and things like that. We have entertainment in the PETER FINGER
Bethanie Mattek-Sands, who received a wild card entry into this year’s VCO, posed for a selfie with fans during the 2017 tournament. MattekSands won the doubles title in Charleston last year with Lucie Safarova.
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evenings. There’s a lot going on.” Another fan-favorite that will be back this year is the Draw Party on Saturday, March 31 at 3 p.m. For the first time, the event will take place at the new Dockery’s restaurant on Daniel Island. “That’s a really fun, interactive way for the public to be involved,” said Adams. The Draw Party is free to the public. Some players will be making appearances and photo opportunities will be available. Also new to the tournament this year is the Net Generation Zone. Created as an initiative by the United States Tennis Association (USTA) to get kids into the sport, the Net Generation Zone is for those ages 5 to 18 who are interested in learning more about the sport. Open all week throughout the tournament, there will be mininets set up, junior rackets and other equipment available for those interested in participating. “It’s a fun way for them to learn about tennis and participate and be with other kids,” said Adams. “It’s a great way for them to be introduced to the sport. It’s fun, new and fresh. We’re excited that it will be available all week.” Also added this year is the Strive Wellness Center, according to the 2018 fan guide. This interactive addition to the tournament will include tips on subjects spanning from physical fitness to nutrition to beauty. WHAT’S ‘APP’ AT THE VCO? A brand new VCO application for smart phones will also be available this year. The interactive fan guide includes features such
The Daniel Island News ■ August 16 - August 22
he Philip Simmons High School football team might be a bit of an unknown entity this fall. But the Iron Horses won’t be unheralded. After years of planning, development and finally becoming a reality, the school is about to take a major step this fall by fielding a varsity football team for the first time in its brief history. The school had the foresight to hire a bright and energetic coach in Eric Bending. And the school should be thankful that its enrollment area includes the football fertile Cainhoy-Huger area. ELIZABETH BUSH The Iron Horses made a dry run last year The Iron Horses took on Colleton Preparatory Academy in a scrimmage at PSHS last and the team posted a 7-1 record. That left week. the school and community thirsting for a winner, which will be a challenge because what to expect when his team runs onto the followed us, it’s not tough to figure out. We there are no seniors on the roster. The field Aug. 17 when the Iron Horses host are going to play hard and play to win.” flipside to that is all 22 starters return. No The team’s roster is split about 50/50 other school in the Palmetto State can make Charleston Math and Science. geographically with half of the players “If you are playing us in the first game, that claim. and you know we don’t have a senior on from the Daniel Island/Clements Ferry Bendig, who coached at Wando, the team, you might not know what to Road corridor and the other half is from the Hanahan and Ashley Ridge prior to landexpect,” said Bendig. “But if you have Cainhoy/Huger area, which was a major ing the PSHS job, might not even know pipeline for Hanahan the last 20 years. That part of Berkeley Country produced three major football stars in the 1990s including defensive end Courtney Brown, who was the first pick of the 2000 NFL draft and quarterback Joe Hamilton, who was the Heisman runner-up his senior season at Georgia Tech. The Iron Horses have talent on this year’s team, but only time will tell if it is elite. Running back Solly Bess has the potential to play at the next level. He worked hard in the weight room over the summer and is bigger and faster. That’s good news for a team that likes to run the football. ELIZABETH BUSH He’s one of two stars in the backfield. The Misting fans helped cool the Iron Horses off during a hot late afternoon scrimmage last other is quarterback Omaro Asby who Thursday.
City downtown. To view a full schedule of events or to inquire about tickets, visit www.volvocaropen.com. For the first year ever, the tournament is offering $10 tickets for Daniel Island residents. To access this discount, use code “ISLANDLOCAL” when buying tickets online or show your ID at the box office.
WHAT’S NEW AT THE VCO? NET GENERATION! The USTA’s bold new approach to inspire the next generation of tennis players, Net Generation embraces all aspects of youth play for kids ages 5-18 and makes it easy for youngsters to develop tennis skills at their own pace and on their own terms. Mini-nets and junior rackets are available all tournament week. VCO APP! Keep up with your favorite players and know when they get on the courts! VCO has created an app to help inform and engage attendees at the tourney this year. Find key data on players, draws and order of plays – plus much more! Visit your phone’s app store and download the app for free (under “Volvo Car Open”). STRIVE WELLNESS CENTER Get in the know on all things health and wellness! Visit the Strive Wellness Center on the VCO campus to sample smoothies, try a new “lip look,” get a quick hairstyle fix, engage in a mini-workout provided by O2 Fitness, and more!
ELIZABETH BUSH
This fall, PSHS will field a varsity football team for the first time in the school’s brief history.
PROVIDED
For the 2018-19 season, 22 starters are returning at PSHS. No other school in the Palmetto State can make that claim.
proved he could throw the football when needed. One of his top targets is RJ Watson, a game-breaking wide receiver who has good hands and moves to avoid contact after he makes the catch. Of course, the game is won in the trenches, and that’s why the play of lineman Max Crites and Keshawn Lockwood will be so important. They will be joined by Carter Ensley, a 6-4, 250-pound transplant from New Jersey. He will also play defense. Linebacker play will be a major strength on defense. Javier Collins-Smith showed great potential this year. Another LB with potential is freshman Tripp Williams, who will only get bigger and better. He checks in at 6-2, 210 pounds this fall.
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even-year-old Nyla stepped up the net, armed with a racket and fierce determination. Volunteer Ana-lei Kalawe, a local tennis player and high school junior, tossed a ball in Nyla’s direction and the youngster power hit it back over the net. “It felt good!” exclaimed Nyla, who served up a beaming smile and a double fist bump after making the shot. “I wanted to join the tennis Olympics!” And that is exactly the type of reaction organizers of the “Tennis in the City” event on April 2 at the Jack Adams Tennis Center were hoping for. The program, a 15-year tradition, is held in conjunction with Volvo Car Open tournament week for inner city youth. It brings together WTA tennis players, local tennis pros, as well as
April 5, 2018 - April 11, 2018 ■ The Daniel Island News
‘Tennis in the City’ event an ace for local youth
high school and college teams to introduce the game of tennis to local kids. SunTrust Bank is a sponsor of the popular event, which serves over 100 youth each year. SunTrust Vice President Omar Ramberan explained what he likes most about the program. “It’s the kids,” he said. “And playing with the College of Charleston and also playing with the pros. Just seeing their faces light up and be able to hit around. It’s a great experience.” Joining the festivities were Charleston City Councilmen James Lewis and Kevin Shealy. “The best thing about it is we’ve got a lot of young people here who are willing to learn to play tennis…and that is great!” said Lewis. “It’s a great opportunity for kids to have a healthy experience,” added Shealy, referencing the program’s tie to the Volvo Car Open. “And it brings great things to our economy here in Charleston to
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ou just have to check the Bishop England High School football roster and depth chart to realize 2018 could be a season when the theme might be “Youth is served.” There are only 10 seniors on this year’s team and only three starters are back from last year’s squad, which posted a 7-4 record and reached the playoffs. Twenty-one players graduated, and the most notable were running back/receiver Christian Greavu and quarterback Leo Albano. Greavu had a combined 1,290 yards rushing and receiving while Albano tallied 2,876 yards running and passing. Combined, the two were responsible for JEEP MCCABE 4,156 yards. The Bishops finished the The Battling Bishops return this season with 10 seniors. The 2011 team had 14 seniors season with 4,259 yards in total offense. and the 2012 team had 20. “We’re going to take our lumps early,” said coach John Cantey, whose team kids have good work habits, but it might yards. opens the season this Friday in a battle “He has a lot of poise for a sophoagainst SCISA power First Baptist at Jack not be instant success. We have a lot of young guys, and we’ve been doing a lot more,” Cantey said of Daniel. “He has to Cantey Stadium on Daniel Island. “The of coaching.” be a more physical runner, but that will The returning starters include defencome. All he needs is a little more confisive back/wide receiver Sullivan Clair, dence. He has a good arm.” lineman James Busche and wide receiver Marinaro’s father, Ed, played at Cornell Chris Dengler. and finished second in the Heisman votJust how young are the Bishops? The ing in 1971 after he set numerous NCAA offensive backfield is nothing but sopho- records. mores. Will Daniel won the quarterback Junior Sawyer Thompson saw plenty of position with a strong spring. The running action last fall at wide receiver and in the backs will be classmates Ed Marinaro and secondary. Michael Long. “Both of our running backs are creating Daniel comes from a football family. their own personalities,” Cantey said. His father, Jim, served as head coach at “They have started to develop.” Bishop England before taking the head The secondary should be well stocked JEEP MCCABE coach at Palmetto Christian. He’s back at as well as linebacker positions, so the Bishop England’s Will Daniel (No. 5) and BE as an assistant. The younger Daniel Bishops should be strong against the pass Michael Long (No. 22) move the offense at completed his only pass attempt last fall and on plays that spread the field. last week’s Sertoma Football Classic. for 34 yards and carried 16 times for 82 The starting linebackers include senior
JEEP MCCABE
Starting linebackers for the Bishops this year include senior Creston Taws, junior Drew Owens and sophomore Sammy Gress.
JEEP MCCABE
Porter-Gaud took home a victory against the Bishops at Sertoma on Aug. 10.
Creston Taws, junior Drew Owens and sophomore Sammy Gress. James O’Connor, Nolan Hickey and Busche are the keys to the line. Cantey is entering his 11th year as coach of the Battling Bishops. He led the 2011 and 2012 teams to state championships, the only teams in the school’s proud history to reach the promised land. The 2011 team had 14 seniors and the 2012 team had 20. This year, there are only 10 seniors. “I don’t remember a team this young,” Cantey said. “I don’t think this has happened before. We just have to be disciplined and get some experience. It’s going to be interesting.”
See FOOTBALL on PAGE 18
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to the game of tennis!
ELIZABETH BUSH
FEATURE 17
PHILIP M. BOWMAN
T 2018 VCO to showcase top-notch tennis talents and new activities
as a match schedule, an option to “follow” your favorite player, a rewards store and more, explained Arielle Alpino, from Obviouslee Marketing, the company that handles marketing and communications for the tournament. The “Volvo Car Open” app will be available for free to download in the app store. “There will be a part of the app where you can follow your favorite player, so if you really like Sloane Stephens, you can have a notification sent to your phone every time she is playing so you don’t miss her match,” said Alpino. “There’s also a rewards store in the app where you can do certain things on-site that you’ll be able to earn reward points. For example, if you visit one of our sponsor booths or you take a photo with the big Volvo Car Open letters, those will start earning you points. There’s also trivia questions in the app. As you earn a certain amount of points, you’ll start being applicable for rewards like a free poster or an autographed tennis ball. You can also post photos in the app and interact with other fans on the app, too.” Additionally, for box seat holders who download the app, there will be an option to have water, beer, wine and champagne delivered right to your seat from the touch of a button, stated Adams. Also important to the tournament is the sense of philanthropy. The players will be taking part in a variety of charitable activities, such as visits to the MUSC Children’s Hospital, the tournament’s official charity, and hosting an inner-city youth clinic via Courting Kids at Tennis in the
thedanielislandnews.com
BISHOPS LOOK TO YOUNGER PLAYERS TO BOOST TEAM THIS FOOTBALL SEASON
IRON HORSES TO COMPETE AT VARSITY LEVEL FOR FIRST TIME
COURTING KIDS WTA pro tennis player Nicole Melichar, 24, who is in town to take part in this year’s Volvo Car Open, stopped in at the “Tennis in the City” event at the Jack Adams Tennis Center in downtown Charleston to lend a hand. Melichar is currently ranked No. 37 in the world in doubles!
August 16 - August 22 ■ The Daniel Island News
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW PHILIP M. BOWMAN
The Daniel Island News ■ April 5, 2018 - April 11, 2018
thedanielislandnews.com
FEATURE thedanielislandnews.com
PETER FINGER
Some 90,000 spectators are expected to take in court action at the VCO during the tournament.
Photos by Peter Finger Photography
sion to the tournament thanks to a VCO partnership with SunTrust. CHAMPION CHATTER The top ten seeds taking part in this year’s tournament are Caroline Garcia (France, World No. 7); Petra Kvitová (Czech Republic, World No. 9); 2017 returning champion Daria Kasatkina (Russia, World No. 11); 2016 returning champion Sloane Stephens (USA, World No. 12); Julia Goerges (Germany; World No. 13); Johanna Konta (Australia, World No. 14); Madison Keys (USA; World No. 15); Anastasija Sevastova (Latvia, World No. 17); Ashleigh Barty (Australia, World No. 20) and Naomi Osaka (Japan; WTA Rank 22). In addition to Stephens and Kasatkina, past champions Andrea Petkovic (Germany, World No. 111), who won in 2014, and Samantha Stosur (Australia, World No. 45), who won in 2010, will also be returning to compete. In total, 56 players will compete in the singles draw, 32 in the qualifying rounds and 16 in the doubles showdown. While some of these names may be unfamiliar to some, Adams emphasized that the line-up will be sure to impress. “Daria Kasatkina, our defending champion is coming back,” said Adams. “She was the finalist at Indian Wells last Sunday, which is a huge achievement. Naomi Osaka, who just won Indian Wells last weekend will be here. They’re both like 20 and 21-years-old, which is incredible. There’s Petra Kvitová, who is a two-time Wimbledon champion. Our draw is one of strongest draws we’ve had in years, which is
BLUE RIDGE
The Warriors face a brutal schedule during Rick Martin’s first year as head coach. Riverside will head back to its former region with Byrnes, Gaffney, Spartanburg, Dorman and Hillcrest in hopes of improving on its one-win 2017 season. A young roster should throw another wrinkle into the mix as the Warriors look to recapture the magic they found three seasons ago. I don’t think this is a playoff team considering the other teams in the conference, but It will be interesting to see how Martin changes the program’s outlook longterm.
EASTSIDE
KATIE ESTABROOK katie@thedanielislandnews.com
Tennis is Served! March 29, 2018 - April 4, 2018 ■ The Daniel Island News
The Daniel Island News ■ March 29, 2018 - April 4, 2018
have these events and I just appreciate all of the work that everybody has done.” Before the kids were dispatched to the courts to play, a few local high school students who have taken part in the City of Charleston’s tennis programs shared their thoughts with participants on the benefits of the sport on their lives. “Tennis is a great sport because it helps you with your tennis etiquette and it helps you become a better person because you know good sportsmanship and how to be kind to other people,” said Mathew Ogiba. “And you make a lot of new friends!” said Lewis. “Tennis has pretty much taught me how to be independent,” added Ana-lei Kalawe. “And that it doesn’t really matter what people think. I am really grateful to have found tennis and I am glad it’s part of my life.” “I’ve been playing tennis for about 11 years,” said Tyzell Richardson. “Tennis has done a lot of great things for me – I got a free
SEE COLUMN | B2
First Place will be presented at the Daily Awards Dinner
photos by Elizabeth Bush
More than 100 local kids took part in the “Tennis in the City” event on Monday. The program is held every year in conjunction with the Volvo Car Open.
trip to Winston-Salem for the Arthur Ashe essay competition…And I get to hit with a few professional tennis players at the Volvo Car Open. I love playing tennis!” Professional players Nicole Melichar and Kayla Day, who are both taking part in this year’s VCO action, were also on hand to work with youth during the event. “I think it’s really good to get all the kids out here, whether they pursue tennis or not,” said Melichar. “It’s great to just have them exercising and staying in sports, being healthy…I find that when kids do sports they seem to tend to stay more focused on what’s important. I think it just sets up a really good foundation for life – just wanting to be outside, be with other people, meeting people, and I think you’re gonna find some really cool friends through sports.” “I think it’s so fun,” added Day. “It’s a great thing for the community to be able to do these types of events. It gets the kids on the tennis courts, which is always good!”
During the drills, which were broken down by age group, Melichar, Day and other volunteers worked with kids on their shots. “Drop that racket head!” shouted an enthusiastic Hollie Connolly, a Charleston Tennis Center coach, as she helped a group of elementary school students. “There you go!” And the youngsters moved in formation through a line to the net. “Good one!” said Connolly, after a little girl named Molly returned a shot. In the end, the participants seemed pumped for more – a definite “mission accomplished” for organizers. “I liked it,” said Virginia, 6. “I liked hitting the ball!” “The best part is that it’s not too intense,” added Kevaughn Williams, 13. “It’s not serious, just having a good time.” “It’s pretty fun,” noted Lauryn Clark, 15. But for Nyla, it might just turn out to be a little bit more. “I sort of got a good feeling about it!”
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THIRD PLACE Phyllis Lucas The News & Reporter 8 • FRIDAY, AUGUST 3, 2018 • The News & Reporter
SportS
“It’s a measuring stick.” – Chester Coach Victor Floyd
Pop quiz
Local teams prep for first scrimmages
BY TRAVIS JENKINS tjenkins@onlinechester.com
“It’s hard to have full 11-on-11… in practice.” – Lewisville Coach Will Mitchell
They won’t be in a classroom, but the Chester Cyclones football team has a test today. “I look at it as a pop quiz,” said Coach Victor Floyd. “It’s a measuring stick.” Chester will have its first scrimmage of the pre-season Saturday morning at 9 a.m. at home against Union County and Ridge View. The Yellow Jackets are coming off a tough twowin season, but have a new head coach in former River Bluff defensive coordinator Brian Thompson. Ridge View went 7-4 last year, with impressive wins over Fairfield Central, Westwood, Blythewood and Lancaster. Floyd said he is glad to have his team on the field facing a high level of competition because it gives him a good idea of his group stands. “That first scrimmage, you’re trying to see where some of your guys are at this point. It tells you just how much work you have to do,” he said. Chester’s second scrimmage will be Tuesday at Buford. The team wraps up the preseason with two quarters of action against Hough High in the Chester County Football Jamboree before beginning preparation for the season opener at Aiken on Aug. 17. Lewisville will also be on the field Saturday
morning for a four-team scrimmage at Pelion that will also include Ben Lippen and Orangeburg Prep. Coach Will Mitchell said scrimmages are important for a school his size because it’s difficult to simulate a real game on the practice field. “With smaller schools and smaller teams
like ours, it’s hard to have full-on 11-on-11 and a game-type situation,” he said. Mitchell has had good numbers during the summer, the most he’s ever had in his time at Lewisville (more than 40). A lot of those are inexperienced newcomers, so Mitchell said he’s having to do a lot of teaching. The Lions didn’t just lose a lot of seniors, they lost a bevy of college-quality players. There is plenty of talent on hand but, for example, no one on the roster has logged more than three carries last year. There is a strong group of receivers, though, so the offense may be tweaked to include more four or five receiver sets. That means more of a learning curve for everyone, including returning players, so Mitchell said he’s anxious to see how his team performs. The Lions will have a home scrimmage Tuesday with Camden, Blacksburg and Providence Day.
Great Falls will begin its pre-season schedule this Tuesday at home against the Carolina
Crusaders. Above all else, Coach Scotty Steen is just anxious to get things going.
“I want to us to have that first big hit or that first touchdown. Then we can get the butterflies out and move on,” he said. The Red Devils are looking to turn things around after consecutive winless campaigns. Steen will be employing a new offensive attack, moving away from the spread and going to a power running attack that will utilize a lot of zone read concepts. So, the scrimmage Tuesday will be Steen’s first chance to see offense in action. One other thing he hopes to see on display is senior leadership. He only has a handful of 12th graders but said they’ve already shown him signs that they are ready to take the reins. He’d like to see some progress from
Tuesday to Friday when the Red Devils go up against Lewisville in the jamboree, then another when the team opens the season against C.A. Johnson. Like Mitchell and Floyd, he’s hoping his team aces the test.
New offensive looks, new QBs for county teams
BY TRAVIS JENKINS tjenkins@onlinechester.com
“Get the butterflies out and move on.” – Great Falls Coach Scotty Steen
There won’t be any radical shifts, but fans will likely notice some subtle differences in offensive philosophy from Chester, Lewisville and Great Falls. Chester will still be working from a spread that balances run and pass and features a breakneck tempo. However, Coach Victor Floyd says his team will feature tight ends more than in the past few years. “I love it,” he said. “It brings a lot to the offense.” In some sets, fans might see the team go double-tight and doublewide. Lewisville will also remain in a spread look, but the team may not be as balanced as in the past few years. With running back and sometimes single-wing quarterback Quentin Sanders gone (4,000 total yards and 50 touchdowns the past two years), Lewisville really doesn’t have anyone on the roster that has logged a significant varsity carry. Coach Will Mitchell said he has some talented can-
didates to fill the void in the backfield, but also said with a bumper crop of speedy wide receivers, his team might show some four and even five receiver sets this year. “Our screen game may end up being an extension of our running game this year,” Mitchell said. Great Falls has experimented with the spread the past two years, but will go back to the longtime bread-and-butter of Red Devils football with a power running game that will feature a lot of zone reads. “We’ll be more committed to the run. We have a couple of running backs with Elijah Simpson and Da’Shawn Johnson (both sophomores) that we’re expecting big things from. We’re also going to be huge up front. We’ve got a couple of 300-pounders that move,” Steen said this summer. Steen said his team won’t abandon the passing game altogether, hoping to create big plays as teams try to crowd the box to stop the run. There will be some new faces running those offenses this year. There will
also be a lot of faces. All three county teams are in the envious position of not only having quarterbacks, but having some depth at the position. Chester has junior Stan Mills, an all-region pick last year who scored double-digit touchdowns as a running back and back-up signal-caller. However, with his nose for the end zone, good hands and excellent running skills, he can also play running back or slide out to receiver. In that case, Floyd has an intriguing freshman prospect in Zan Dunham, who brings uncommon size for a ninth-grader at 6-foot-1 and 210 pounds. While he is still learning the offense, Dunham has a strong arm and mobility. Demetric Hardin got most of the work under center for the Lions during summer 7-on-7 work and picked up the position well considering he played wide receiver last year. The junior, who is also an outstanding basketball player, has worked hard in the weight room and Mitchell says it really shows. The athletic ability is obviously there, he’s used to running an offense
as a point guard and he proved over the summer he can throw the ball well. Mitchell thinks he has the potential to be special. Lewisville also has Christien Yoder, a freshman with a name that should be familiar, since his brother starred on the Lewisville football and baseball teams the past few years. Like Hardin, he is a good athlete and seemed to pick things up well this summer. Great Falls has three candidates at quarterback and Steen said it wouldn’t be a shock to see all three play this year. “When you have guys going both ways, it helps to have more than one quarterback. It’s difficult to play two or three series in a row, then cover a punt, then stay on the field for another series at quarterback,” he said. That’s especially true given the aforementioned zone reads the Red Devils will utilize more this year. Last year’s starter Kel Brown (a junior) and sophomores Tommy Seagle and Kaleb Funderburk all have the talent to make the offense go this year, Steen said.
SECOND PLACE Jan Marvin Daniel Island News
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Go to moultrienews. com/sports for complete sports coverage and photos.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2018 | PAGE B1
Josiah’s decision
FIRST PLACE Frankie Mansfield Moultrie News
PROVIDED
Josiah James is the top-ranked basketball player in South Carolina. He’s listed as the third-best combo guard in the entire nation. He’s won three state championships at Porter-Gaud and a gold medal with Team USA. He’s the highest-rated player to ever come out of the Lowcountry. Josiah received his first scholarship offer in sixth grade. He’s collected 41 more since then. These are his words, his story, told his way. This is his decision. BY JOSIAH-JORDAN JAMES with Frankie Mansfield
es. And that’s cool. That’s something worth bragging about. But for me, as far back as I can remember, basketball was all I ever wanted to do. always knew I was going to play college basketball. I was raised by this game. My mother was refereeing That’ll probably read kind of bold in print. I don’t Division I basketball while she was pregnant with me want to sound braggadocios. My classmates at Por- inside her belly. I didn’t have a teddy bear in my crib ter-Gaud will go on to become chartered accountants. They’ll become doctors and lawyers and build bridg- Please see DECISION, Page B2
Our goal is to help you lower the cost of entry into college life.
Ask us how.
collegeplanningcenters.com | 843.442.9222
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THIRD PLACE Phyllis Lucas The News & Reporter
SECOND PLACE Kyle Camp The Lancaster News
12 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2018 • The News & Reporter
The Lancaster News
Education | (803) 283-1155 SUNDAY, MARCH 4, 2018
Education
3B
Seven locals make Furman dean’s list
PHOTOS BY BRIAN GARNER/THE N&R
At left: Charlotte Symphony Orchestra Assistant Conductor Christopher James Lees led the orchestra in this special educational performance with music that ranged from the “Toreador Song” to Offenbach’s “Can-Can” with stops at “The Blue Danube” and the Brazilian “Cidade Marvilhosa.” At left: Five students from each of the participating schools, including all five Chester County elementary schools, were selected to perform on stage with the orchestra.
Moved by the Music; Moving in the Music Chester County students participate in special Charlotte Symphony performance
BY BRIAN GARNER bgarner@onlinechester.com
To slightly re-write an old joke, that was told about getting to Carnegie Hall: Some young musicians found themselves lost in Charlotte. Late for a concert at the Blumenthal, one asked a passerby: “Excuse me, how do you get to the Belk Theater?” Without breaking stride, the passerby replied: “Practice, practice, practice.” A large group of Chester county students had been doing just that, and on Friday, their practice got them to the Belk Theater to play their recorders along with the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra. The students from all five Chester County Elementary schools joined students from Chester County, Mecklenburg County in North Carolina and students from Charlotte Preparatory Academy as part of the Link Up program administered by Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute. Hundreds of symphony orchestras across the globe host similar Link Up programs for students who may have never had a chance to see a live orchestra, let alone play with them. The Chester students were moved by the music – in more ways than one. The special program of music was entitled “The Orchestra Moves”, and students learned about movements as the term applies to a piece of music, music that could move you emotionally, the movement of their fingers as they played, music that changes as it moves from one tempo to another and even music that they could move their bodies to. The Springs Close Foundation provided the transportation to the venue and the soprano recorders that every child clutched as they filed into the impressive hall that is the Belk Theater inside of the Blumenthal Center. On the stage waited the
Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Assistant Conductor Christopher James Lees, who conducts at all the Symphony’s educational programs and the Lollipops series of concerts. The Orchestra Moves program was narrated and emceed by Charlotte public radio personality Frank Dominguez. Five students from each Chester County elementary school auditioned for the privilege of being seated on the stage with the orchestra during the program, as well as students from the other schools who participated in Friday morning’s concert. At total of 3,000 students would take part in the Link Up program that day. “Throughout the year, music teachers are provided with curriculum-based education resources, so they’re teaching their students throughout the whole year up until this performance. They learn certain pieces of music with the recorders; some physical movements and they work closely with their teachers and other students. This is the culmination of that education. They sit in their audience chairs and they play their recorders along with us, and they sing and dance,” said Virginia Brown, director of communications for the Charlotte Symphony. “I think it’s so much fun for these students, to feel like you’re part of something, which is the way Carnegie Hall designed it. It’s not just ‘come up here, sit, listen, here’s Beethoven and here’s a lecture about it,’ this is the student as part of the music-making experience,” she said. The musical compositions that the students had a chance to listen to performed by the orchestra ran the gamut from a lively Brazilian tune to Beethoven’s famous Fifth Symphony with the stern four-note ♫dit-dit-ditdaaaah♫ beginning, said to represent Fate knocking on the door. The students followed along with their recorders on Mendelssohn’s Nocturne from “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”.
Seven local students were named to Furman University’s fall 2017 dean’s list. To qualify, students must earn at least a 3.4 grade-point average. Those students were: ◆ Emma DeVenny of Lancaster. ◆ Mary DeVenny of Lancaster. ◆ Roxette Fourie of Fort Mill. ◆ Zachary Kolat of Fort Mill. ◆ Alexis Wood of Fort Mill. ◆ Jack Wagner of Fort Mill. ◆ Baillie Steele of Fort Mill.
Metzler graduates from Piedmont
David Metzler of Lancaster graduated from Piedmont Technical College in Greenwood with an associates degree in applied science, majoring in funeral service. Metzler is a licensed funeral director and embalmer for Burgess Metzler Funeral Home and has been employed there since 1996. He is the son of Linda and the late Vic Metzler.
PHOTOS SUPPLIED
All Young People in Charge board members were part of the “Share the Love” project. From left, they are Alaina Houghtaling, India Clyburn, Olivia Faulkenberry, Alicia Jones, Logan Pelham, Raina Truesdale and Reagan Wade.
‘Share the Love’ project organized by Young People in Charge, a local youth philanthropy From release
Scholarship applications now available
Lancaster County Partners for Youth is accepting scholarship applications for the Lancaster County Clemson Club, Partners for Youth Future Teacher and Crenco Food Stores/Crenshaw Oil Business Marketing scholarships. All scholarships are for Lancaster County residents and applications must be turned in by 4 p.m. March 23. For details, call (803) 286-1465 or e-mail sharon@ lcpartnersforyouth.org.
Students marvel at the tall buildings in Charlotte as they prepare to enter the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center to hear and play their recorders along with the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra.
Chester County students play their recorders along with the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra as they perform Felix Mendelssohn’s Nocturne from “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”.
The performance also included dancers and vocalists from the Northwest School of the Arts and a surprise visit by an opera singer, who led the audience in a rousing version of “The Toreador Song” from Bizet’s Carmen, and even took off his coat to imitate the actions of a bullfighter, a toreador, while he was singing. Mary A. Deissler,
President and CEO of the Charlotte Symphony, said she thought the students got something from this performance that perhaps, many of them had never experienced before. “All of the basic academic stuff is important, they have to read, they have to do their math, but creativity and expression is so important to them. I think every child has a right to have a little beauty
and a little bit of creativity in their life. “So many of these kids have probably never picked up an instrument, never played a recorder, never sang along (they may have been told they didn’t have a good voice). This program allows everybody to participate, and there’s just a feeling of joy. Joy is a really important thing for kids in our schools, especially right
now, don’t you think?” Deissler said. For the students, all too soon, the concert was over, and they had to file back on their buses and head back to their schools, and while they may not have made it all the way to Carnegie Hall, they could now brag they had performed with a real symphony orchestra. And yes, it did require some practice.
At left: All four tiers of seats in the Belk Theater were full as students, principals and teachers attended this very special Link Up performance. At right: Chester County students learned not only can the music move you, not only are their movements in music, but that you can move to music as they stretched and danced to Link Up host and composer Thomas Cabaniss’ composition, “Away I Fly”.
My Favorite Teacher contest open
Kindergarten through secondgrade students can create a My Favorite Teacher work of art to show their teacher they care. Artwork should be in color on 8 1/2x11 inch white paper. Third- through 12thgrade students may write a My Favorite Teacher essay. The deadline for artwork and essays to be turned in to the school office is March 20. My Favorite Teacher contest winners will receive prizes and be featured in a special section of The Lancaster News.
Conservation district offers scholarship
The Lancaster County Soil and Water Conservation district is accepting applications for the Glenn Alexander Memorial Scholarship. The $500 scholarship will be awarded to a Lancaster County high school senior who plans to attend a fully accredited college, university or technical college. The district prefers the recipient major in an agricultural- or environmental-related field. The deadline to apply is 3 p.m. March 26. Those interested may visit www.lancasterswcd.com or call the office at (803) 286-4455, ext. 100, for an application.
all Logan Pelham and Reagan Wade are smiles as they present their messages of encouragement.
Sticky-notes were the medium for inspirational messages at Lancaster High School on Feb. 13. Students decorated 1,000 notes with messages of love and hope for the “Share the Love” project, arranging them to spell “Love” on a wall at the school. Other students could then take a note off the wall and pass it along to another person to inspire or comfort them. The event was organized by Young People in Charge, a youth philanthropy project started in 2001 with a grant from the J. Marion Sims Foundation. The project is a youthrun foundation where the students define youth issues and problems in Lancaster County, develop and distribute requests for proposals to address those problems, award grants, and serve as volunteers in the projects they fund. B o a r d m em bers are
from Lancaster High, Andrew Jackson High and Buford High schools. Each year the group has $2,000 to $4,000 to award to youth groups to implement a project that they designed. YPC board members also volunteer in the community at events such as Boo Fun Fest and Promise Neighborhood community workdays. The YPC board read about the sticky-note project in an article from Cincinnati, Ohio, where a group of students put a note of encouragement on every locker in the school after the suicide of a classmate. YPC adapted the project to do something positive and “share the love” at their schools the day before Valentine’s Day. Tragically, the school shooting in Parkland, Fla., happened the day after the sticky notes went up at LHS, making their inspirational messages even more meaningful and timely.
Alaina Houghtaling and Himanshu Patel display their encouraging sticky notes created for the “Share the Love” project.
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Features | 283-1156
Friday, March 9, 2018
Out & About
Jo Dee Messina brings feisty country to USCL Mandy Catoe For The Lancaster News
More than two decades ago, Jo Dee Messina became a country music-chart topper with a feisty, slightly rebellious sound, willing to leave her fate to the toss of a coin as in her first hit, “Heads Carolina, Tails California.” Messina is a little less carefree now but still feisty. These days, it’s more about holding on than letting go. She has two children and runs her own music label, Dreambound Records. Messina is coming to town this weekend and will perform at USC Lancaster’s Bundy Auditorium at 8 p.m. Saturday. The show is almost sold out. Tickets are $47.25 and available at lancastercitysc.com/performingarts/. In a brief statement this week, the singer said she was looking forward to the Lancaster concert. “It’s my first show in a while,” she said. “I’m excited to get back to making music.” Messina postponed her tour last September, citing a cancer diagnosis. This week’s statement did not mention her health. Now, 47, Messina has matured since moving from the Northeast to Nashville to live out her dreams. Her songwriting and self-reliance pulled her through several setbacks, including digging herself out of bankruptcy in the late ’90s. She enjoyed fame that cast her in TV shows including “Touched by an Angel” and toured with country greats Vince Gill and George Strait. She joined her childhood idols The Judds on their reunion tour a decade ago. Messina’s most recent album, “Me,” more than any of her previous work, demonstrates her resiliency and ability to take the reins on her music career. And by the way, she wants you to know one thing – Jo Dee Messina is not dead yet. Any questions anyone may have had about that will be answered with this album, which she financed with crowd sourcing through Kickstarter. She made this one for her fans. The lead-off song “Not Dead Yet” proclaims “I’ve paid my dues, gotten bent and bruised. I’ve walked a thousand miles in these shoes. I’m here and I’m well. I’ve felt the fire. I’ve been through hell. I’m a little out of breath. But baby, I’m not dead yet.” Women nearing 50 who have made their way through hard times and heartache will appreciate several anthems true to Messina’s fiery tenacity and honesty. “A Woman’s Rant” wastes no words or time as it hits its mark addressing the feminist issue of less pay for more work: “You see, women do twice the work and get half the pay. Men climb the ladder while women pave the way. They say we’re the weaker sex. I’d have to disagree. I’d walk a mile in his shoes if he’d walk a half mile in these.” The title track “Me” reveals the secret behind her success. She is searching for the answers to big questions and relies on her faith to get her through. Messina has always shared her faith in her music. She once said the song “That’s God,” written shortly after the birth of her first son in 2009, captures her spiritual message. Messina has had nine No. 1 hits, 16 Top 40 songs, and sold over 5 million records. She was awarded the top female vocalist of the year in 1998 by the Academy of Country Music, and a year later the Country Music Association presented her with The Horizon Award. In 2015, Messina co-wrote the book “Thanks to My Mom: 101 Stories of Gratitude, Love and Lessons.” A portion of its sales go to hunger, animal welfare and literacy programs. Messina also supports Special Olympics.
9
Jo Dee Messina’s Albums 1996 1998 2000 2002 2003
Jo Dee Messina* I’m Alright* Burn* Holiday album Joyful Noise Greatest Hits with four new songs 2005 Delicious Surprise* 2010 Unmistakable * full-length studio albums 2014 Me*
PHOTO SUPPLIED
Country singersongwriter Jo Dee Messina will perform Saturday at USC Lancaster, a presentation of the city of Lancaster’s Performing Arts Series.
FIRST PLACE Athena Redmond The Lancaster News
GOOD MORNING!
Flashback Friday
March 9
This day in history
LEE STUDIO/courtesy of Travis Bell Photography
Children play tug-of-war during field day at Buckelew Park in August 1970. Visit lancasterarchive.blogspot.com for more images of Lancaster.
◆ 1858 – Philadelphia iron manufacturer Albert Potts patents his design for a lamppost-mounted collection mailbox that postal customers could drop their letters into instead of making a special trip to the post office to mail them. ◆ 1954 – New York local station WNBT-TV, now WNBC-TV, broadcasts the first local television commercials in color. ◆ 1959 – Barbie makes her debut at the American International Toy Fair in New York City. More than 350,000 dolls, priced at $3 each, were sold in the first year. Manufacturer Mattel estimates that more than a billion Barbie dolls have been sold worldwide since its introduction. ◆ 1974 – Work begins on the 800-mile-long Alaska Oil pipeline connecting oil fields in the northern part of the state to the seaport at Valdez. The pipeline is completed in just over two years and transports up to 2 million barrels of oil per day. – Compiled by Athena Redmond
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THIRD PLACE Staff The Star, North Augusta Wednesday, May 2, 2018
NORTHAUGUSTASTAR.COM ||
Strawberries: Pick a pint or two BY BILL BENGTSON bbengtson@aikenstandard.com Spring has sprung at Gurosik’s Berry Plantation, and North Augusta Elementary School celebrated the event with a Friday field trip. Over 100-plus students got the chance to pick a pint of strawberries and learn about the Edgefield County operation, home to about 10 acres of strawberries. For more information, visit the farm at 345 Briggs Road, North Augusta, or visit gurosiksberryplantation.com.
STAFF PHOTO BY BILL BENGTSON
Strawberries – headed eventually to homes around North Augusta Elementary School’s area – are on the move at the end of a picking session Friday morning.
STAFF PHOTO BY BILL BENGTSON STAFF PHOTO BY BILL BENGTSON
Diane Gregory, a tour leader, offers a one-minute lesson on which strawberries to pick and which ones to avoid (for at least a day or two).
Strawberries – headed eventually to homes around North Augusta Elementary School’s area – are gathered and ready to roll Friday morning, at Gurosik’s Berry Plantation.
STAFF PHOTO BY BILL BENGTSON
Journi Williams, 6, a North Augusta Elementary School kindergartner, almost has her strawberry container ready to take home.
STAFF PHOTO BY BILL BENGTSON
Kindergartner Jake Lorier, 6, gets some instructions on strawberry-picking technique Friday morning.
Michaele Duke The News, Kingstree THE NEWS – Wednesday, May 16, 2018 – 13
Focus on You 1B
SECOND PLACE
STAFF PHOTO BY BILL BENGTSON
Kindergartner Owen Bennett-Morris, 6, almost has his container full.
PHOTO PAGE DESIGN Page 8 The Progressive Journal, April 3, 2018
www.pagelandprogressive.com
WEEKLY UNDER 4,500 DIVISION
Photos by DON WORTHINGTON/ Progressive Journal
The police barricaded the streets, but did nothing to stop a shouting mob. People lined the sidewalks, using their cell phones to take pictures and video of the walk. No one moved to stop the mob. Shouts of “crucifixion” filled the air. A street preacher replied, “It doesn’t matter what you are. It doesn’t matter how crazy you are. God loves you for you.” People prayed. Hands were raised. Dancers celebrated the joy. Last Friday’s Hope Family Worship Center Cross Walk did what it intended – illustrating what Jesus’ final walk was like. “If just one life was changed, it was all worthwhile,” said Trey Thompson, the center’s pastor. At right, a Roman soldier restrains a woman who wants to help Jesus as he stumbles under the weight of the cross.
FIRST PLACE
Athena Redmond Pageland Progressive-Journal “A man from Cyrene, named Simon, (was) forced to carry the cross.” Matthew 27:32
“The soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head.” Mark 19:2
Above, Pastor Trey Thompson prays with a woman to receive Christ during a service that was part of the Hope Family Worship Center’s cross walk. At left, a young boy prays during the service at Moore’s Park. At right, Aubri Jordan, 4, waits for the cross walk on Good Friday.
PHOTO PAGE DESIGN WEEKLY OVER 4,500 DIVISION
THIRD PLACE
SECOND PLACE
Julie Holcombe The Greer Citizen LIVING HERE
Wallace McBride The Fort Jackson Leader
The Greer Citizen
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2018
THE GREER CITIZEN B5
NEWS
Hoopla
Halloween Hoopla brought thousands to Greer City Park last Saturday. The event, hosted by The Church at Greer Station and Resurrection Church, featured performances, games and plenty of candy. Photos by Preston Burch
TriHard Fort Jackson athletes compete in Tin Man Reverse Sprint Triathlon Photos by Wallace McBride
Fort Jackson Soldiers and Family members competed April 14 in the Tin Man Reverse Sprint Triathlon. The event, which kicked off at 8 a.m. at Knight Pool, tasked athletes with a 5K run, bicycling a 15K and finishing the route with a 150-meter swim – all in the name of sexual harassment and assault prevention.
TriaThlon/DuaThlon resulTs Duathlon ParticiPants 30-39 Male: 1 – Thomas Roldan 2 – Irvin Thompson
40-49 Male: 1 – Carlos Castro Perez 2 – Edison Canizares 3 – Benny Rodriguez
30-39 Female: 1 – Jana Chisolm
50-59 Male: 1 – Ismael Medina 2 – Jimmy Gaffney
50-59 Female: 1 – Stephanie Terrell triathlon ParticiPants 18-29 Male: 1 – Daniel Bessey 2 – Nelson Carrero 3 – David Foster 30-39 male: 1 – Gary Krese 2 – Roland Garza 3 – Dustin West
18-29 Female Participants: 1 – Megan West 2 – Chelsea Lahna 2018 Female Triathlon Participants 30-39 Female: 1 – Kelly Dunn 2 – Alevandra Peach 3 – Indira Glennon 40-49 Female: 1 – Christy Pollack
PHOTO PAGE DESIGN WEEKLY OVER 4,500 DIVISION
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FEATURE thedanielislandnews.com
The Daniel Island News ■ January 11 - January 17, 2018
January 11 - January 17, 2018 ■ The Daniel Island News
thedanielislandnews.com
FEATURE 17
ENJOY THE SNOW! Daniel Islanders got creative when it came to maximizing play time in the snow last week! Riding on everything from laundry baskets to pool inflatables to large tarps – residents of all ages discovered many ways to pack in the fun!
MARY WESSNER PHOTOGR
APHY
GRAPHY
PETER FINGER PHOTO
PETER FING
OGRAPHY ETLER PHOT
ER PHOTOG
RAPHY
MANDY HOST
ELIZABETH
BUSH
PETER FINGER PHOTOGRAPHY
KIM HALL
JENNIFER
CARRIGAN
BROOKE HESS BREWER CAROLINE SMITH
CHARLES MARAZITI
JENNIFER CARRIGAN
JESSIE THAXTON
MARY BETH JOHNSTON COLLIER
FIRST PLACE Jan Marvin Daniel Island News
PHOTO PAGE DESIGN 2-3 TIMES WEEKLY DIVISION
THIRD PLACE Phyllis Lucas The News & Reporter 8A • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 6, 2018 • The News & Reporter
SECOND PLACE Athena Redmond The Lancaster News Out & About
The Lancaster News Wednesday March 28, 2018
1B
Chester County Graduation 2018
PHOTOS BY TRAVIS JENKINS/BRIAN GARNER AND NANCY PARSONS/ THE N&R
On Saturday, 307 Chester County students received their diplomas as Chester, Lewisville and Great Falls celebrated commencement exercises.
Photos by DAVID KELLIN/ For The Lancaster News
Future Farmers of America and the S.C. High School Rodeo Association held a rodeo Friday and Saturday in Indian Land. Here are a few scenes from the event.
Good MorninG!
Extended Weather Forecast Today High
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77 56 Partly cloudy with a 10 percent chance of scattered showers
High
Saturday
Friday Low
80 60 Partly cloudy with a 10 percent chance of scattered showers
High
Low
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75 51 Partly cloudy with a 10 percent chance of scattered showers
PHOTO PAGE DESIGN 8
Out & About
2-3 TIMES WEEKLY DIVISION
Features | 283-1155
Friday, July 6, 2018
photos by DAVID KELLIN/For The Lancaster News
The Heath Springs annual July 4th Parade and Summerfest brought food, vendors, music, ATVs, cars, bikes and more to kick off the Independence Day celebration. At left, the parade passes through downtown Heath Springs.
FIRST PLACE Kyle Camp The Lancaster News
The 39th-annual Charlesboro July 4th Parade also brought festive celebrators out. Above, Tristan Roberts, Kenny Hinson, McKenna Phillips and Kelsey Phillips are all smiles. At left, a young parade-goer rides in the Charlesboro parade. At right, Lady Liberty makes an appearance at the Heath Springs parade. Below, more participants ride through the Charlesboro, left, and Heath Springs, right, parades.
Uncle Sam makes an appearance at the Charlesboro parade.
PHOTO SUPPLIED
Bethlehem Baptist Church hosted its Celebrate Freedom event June 29 with food, a showing of “I Can Only Imagine,” games, inflatables and fireworks.
INFOGRAPHIC
ASSOCIATE & INDIVIDUAL DIVISION
Ryan Wilcox SCBIZ Magazine TRENDING: AEROSPACE IN S.C.
Kevin Pontiff Tidelands Health
SECOND PLACE PLANES MADE IN S.C. BOEING 787-10
Boeing began building commercial jets in the Lowcountry in 2011 in a landmark decision to expand 787 Dreamliner production beyond Washington state to South Carolina. The new 787-10 is produced completely at Boeing S.C.
Singapore Airlines was the launch customer for the first 787-10 Dreamliner. The airline took delivery of the jet in March in North Charleston, becoming the first airline to operate all three Dreamliner derivatives.
Dreamliner windows are larger than those on traditional commercial airplanes. Passengers can dim the windows during their flight, based on preferences.
SKY ARROW LSA
The 787-10 is the newest and biggest Dreamliner. The 224-foot airplane is an 18-foot stretch of the 787-9 and 38 feet longer than the 787-8. It is capable of carrying 330 passengers for 6,430 nautical miles.
The 787-10 Dreamliner has a wingspan of 197 feet, the same as the 787-8 and the 787-9.
Boeing officials said the 787-10 had to be built completely in North Charleston because its midbody is too long to fit on the Dreamlifter, a modified 747 jumbo jet that ferries Dreamliner parts between North Charleston and Everett, Wash., assembly sites.
The Sky Arrow LSA, a 100% composite plane, will be built in Walterboro by Lowcountry Aviation Co., founded by former Boeing S.C. vice president Marco Cavazzoni.
The plane can seat two people, one in front of the other, and can be flown from either seat. People with disabilities are also able to fly the plane using modified controls from Able Flight, a nonprofit in North Carolina.
The Sky Arrow can hold up to 250 pounds of sensors behind its seats with a single pilot. Cavazzoni said a farmer mapping his fields could map 8,000 acres per hour, as opposed to 220 acres per hour with a drone. The clear dome also allows the pilot to have a full 180-degree view of the world below him.
F-16
The Sky Arrow LSA has a wingspan of 31.5 feet and a body length of 24.9 feet. Its cruising speed is 124 mph, and it consumes 4.9 gallons per hour.
The latest iteration of the ‘Fighting Falcon’ will be built at Lockheed-Martin’s Greenville facility. This new version, called Block 70, is described as the ‘most technologically advanced fourth-generation fighter in the world.’ Wingspan: 32 feet, 8 inches Length: 49 feet, 5 inches Height: 16 feet Maximum takeoff weight: 37,500 pounds
www.scbizmag.com
THIRD PLACE
22
The top speed of the F-16 is 1,500 mph (Mach 2 at altitude), and has a thrust of 27,000 pounds.
Sources: Boeing Co., Lowcountry Aviation Co. and Lockheed Martin
Armament: one M-61A1 20mm multibarrel cannon with 500 rounds; external stations can carry up to six air-toair missiles, conventional air-to-air and air-to-surface munitions and electronic countermeasure pods.
Leading Off
INFOGRAPHIC
ASSOCIATE & INDIVIDUAL DIVISION BRIEFS | FACTS | STATEWIDE NEWS | C-SUITE
T
Photo/Provided
The economic impact of the Bassmaster
A LA CARTE
he Bassmaster Elite Series is the biggest thing is pro bass fishing and the Classic is the biggest event in the series. Their season is structured more like the PGA in
Bandwagon has launched a new product,
that the “Superbowl of bass fishing” is a mid-season event.
the Stadium Identity Management Platform, which is built for professional sports organizations and college athletic departments, to
$
$
help them identify game-day fans so that a personalized experience can be delivered. This marks a significant shift in Bandwagon’s business model. It had focused on
$23 million
Anticipated economic impact
$52 million
Combined economic impact of 21 tournaments, including two Bassmaster Classics
helping fans create their best game day ex-
Hotels:
11,000 fans
are expected to watch them weigh fish
56 boats
The courtesy dock will accommodate in the Bassmaster Classic at one time.
ON THE
RECORD
what they wanted – not just what was avail-
BASS booked 4,000 nights of hotel rooms for staff, sponsors, anglers and associated families.
3.1 million
The amount of money the county spent and is spending $2 million more on further development.
perience by finding better seats tailored to
18 hours live:
The tournament is live streamed six hours a day for three days to audiences around the country and world.
able on the market, said Harold Hughes, the company’s CEO and founder. However, by focusing on how athletic departments and sports teams can optimize the fan experi-
Anderson County:
Green Pond Landing and Event Center was built in Anderson County, opening in 2014 with a three-lane concrete boat ramp long enough to accommodate historic highs and lows in the water level.
Largest Launch:
The largest event launching from Green Pond Landing will be a 350-boat Basssmaster-sponsored high school tournament in April.
ence, they believe they can radically change the sporting landscape and the profit opportunities for sports organizations. Bandwagon tracks qualitative customer data for ticketed events through a proprietary blockchain database that monitors each ticket transaction, Hughes said. Event owners can track the economics of each ticket and stay informed of the end user who ultimately attends the event. A Greenville business hopes to move the concept of Small Business Saturday
See related story on the 2018 Bassmaster Tournament, PAGE 6
to a year-round effort? Locally Epic has launched the Upstate Shop Local Saturday campaign, which is an effort to drive consumers to locally owned and operated
“We know we’re not alone in this challenge. All companies are evaluating innovative approaches to find the right people.” — Scott Clark, chairman and president, Michelin North America, when talking about the skills gap facing manufacturers
businesses every fourth Saturday of the month. To help raise awareness of the campaign, the Locally Epic app will help people find promotions and offers the entire week leading up to Shop Local Saturday each
FIRST PLACE Jessica Stout GSA Business Report
SPOT NEWS PHOTO
WEEKLY OVER 4,500 & UNDER 4,500 DIVISIONS COMBINED
THIRD PLACE Janet Morgan Myrtle Beach Herald
SECOND PLACE Kathy Ropp The Horry Independent
SPOT NEWS PHOTO
WEEKLY OVER 4,500 & UNDER 4,500 DIVISIONS COMBINED
FIRST PLACE Janet Morgan Myrtle Beach Herald
SPOT NEWS PHOTO 2-3 TIMES WEEKLY DIVISION
THIRD PLACE Nancy Parsons The News & Reporter
SECOND PLACE Tim Gulla The Gaffney Ledger
SPOT NEWS PHOTO 2-3 TIMES WEEKLY DIVISION
FIRST PLACE Nancy Parsons The News & Reporter
GENERAL NEWS PHOTO WEEKLY UNDER 4,500 DIVISION
THIRD PLACE Vic MacDonald The Clinton Chronicle
SECOND PLACE Michaele Duke The News, Kingstree
GENERAL NEWS PHOTO WEEKLY UNDER 4,500 DIVISION
FIRST PLACE Lindsey Hodges The Star, North Augusta
GENERAL NEWS PHOTO
WEEKLY OVER 4,500 & 2-3 TIMES WEEKLY DIVISIONS COMBINED
THIRD PLACE Bob Sofaly The Island News
SECOND PLACE Nicholas Salcido The Fort Jackson Leader
GENERAL NEWS PHOTO
WEEKLY OVER 4,500 & 2-3 TIMES WEEKLY DIVISIONS COMBINED
FIRST PLACE Will Crooks Greenville Journal
FEATURE PHOTO ASSOCIATE & INDIVIDUAL DIVISION
SECOND PLACE Mark Roberts Tidelands Health
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FIRST PLACE Tom Priddy
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THIRD PLACE Debbie Rogers News-Chronicle
SECOND PLACE Sam Gilmer News-Chronicle
FEATURE PHOTO WEEKLY UNDER 4,500 DIVISION
FIRST PLACE
David Rogers The Journal, Williamston
FEATURE PHOTO WEEKLY OVER 4,500 DIVISION
THIRD PLACE Joan Yates The Link
SECOND PLACE Wallace McBride The Fort Jackson Leader
FEATURE PHOTO WEEKLY OVER 4,500 DIVISION
FIRST PLACE Janet Morgan Myrtle Beach Herald
FEATURE PHOTO 2-3 TIMES WEEKLY DIVISION
THIRD PLACE Brian Garner The News & Reporter
SECOND PLACE Travis Jenkins The News & Reporter
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FIRST PLACE Bill Marion The News & Reporter
SPORTS PHOTO ASSOCIATE & INDIVIDUAL DIVISION
SECOND PLACE Tom Priddy
SPORTS PHOTO ASSOCIATE & INDIVIDUAL DIVISION
FIRST PLACE Tom Priddy
SPORTS ACTION PHOTO WEEKLY UNDER 4,500 DIVISION
THIRD PLACE Pete Cochran Union County News
SECOND PLACE Pete Cochran Union County News
SPORTS ACTION PHOTO WEEKLY UNDER 4,500 DIVISION
FIRST PLACE
Michael Lollis The Journal, Williamston
SPORTS ACTION PHOTO WEEKLY OVER 4,500 DIVISION
THIRD PLACE Chris Sokoloski Coastal Observer
SECOND PLACE Rob Gantt The Gazette
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FIRST PLACE Janet Morgan Myrtle Beach Herald
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THIRD PLACE Johnnie Daniels The Dillon Herald
SECOND PLACE Travis Jenkins The News & Reporter
SPORTS ACTION PHOTO 2-3 TIMES WEEKLY DIVISION
FIRST PLACE Johnnie Daniels The Dillon Herald
SPORTS FEATURE PHOTO WEEKLY UNDER 4,500 DIVISION
THIRD PLACE Bill Bengtson The Star, North Augusta
SECOND PLACE Rickey Ciapha Dennis Jr. The Berkeley Independent
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FIRST PLACE Debbie Rogers News-Chronicle
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THIRD PLACE Janet Morgan Myrtle Beach Herald
SECOND PLACE Peter Finger Daniel Island News
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FIRST PLACE Janet Morgan Myrtle Beach Herald
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THIRD PLACE Travis Jenkins The News & Reporter
SECOND PLACE Bill Marion The News & Reporter
SPORTS FEATURE PHOTO 2-3 TIMES WEEKLY DIVISION
FIRST PLACE Travis Jenkins The News & Reporter
PERSONALITY PHOTOGRAPH OR PORTRAIT WEEKLY OVER 4,500 & UNDER 4,500 DIVISIONS COMBINED
THIRD PLACE Will Crooks Greenville Journal
SECOND PLACE Will Crooks Greenville Journal
PERSONALITY PHOTOGRAPH OR PORTRAIT WEEKLY OVER 4,500 & UNDER 4,500 DIVISIONS COMBINED
FIRST PLACE Michaele Duke The News, Kingstree
PERSONALITY PHOTOGRAPH OR PORTRAIT 2-3 TIMES WEEKLY DIVISION
THIRD PLACE Abbie Sossamon The Gaffney Ledger
SECOND PLACE Maggie Parsons The News & Reporter
PERSONALITY PHOTOGRAPH OR PORTRAIT 2-3 TIMES WEEKLY DIVISION
FIRST PLACE Ed Sharpe The News & Reporter
PHOTO SERIES OR PHOTO STORY WEEKLY UNDER 4,500 DIVISION
THIRD PLACE
David Kennard The Berkeley Independent
SECOND PLACE Michaele Duke The News, Kingstree
PHOTO SERIES OR PHOTO STORY WEEKLY UNDER 4,500 DIVISION
FIRST PLACE Bill Bengtson The Star, North Augusta
PHOTO SERIES OR PHOTO STORY WEEKLY OVER 4,500 DIVISION
THIRD PLACE Janet Morgan Myrtle Beach Herald
SECOND PLACE Janet Morgan Myrtle Beach Herald
PHOTO SERIES OR PHOTO STORY WEEKLY OVER 4,500 DIVISION
NEWS
FIRST PLACE Staff Sgt. Jacob Granger, with Delta Company, 2nd Battalion, 39th Infantry Regiment, looks over to his spotter to check his accuracy during the battalion’s marksmanship competition Feb. 9 at Aachen Range on Fort Jackson.
takingaim Battalion holds marksmanship competition at Aachen Range Photos by ROBERT TIMMONS Above, 1st Sgt. Jeremy Robertson scans the lane. Right, Staff Sgt. Alice Lewis with Alpha Company, 2nd Battalion, 39th Infantry Regiment, dons her protective mask. Left, a Soldier taking part in the competition adjusts the sights on his weapon prior to shooting.
Staff Sgt. Jacob Granger, with Delta Company, 2nd Battalion, 39th Infantry Regiment, fires at a grouping target.
Robert Timmons The Fort Jackson Leader
PHOTO SERIES OR PHOTO STORY 2-3 TIMES WEEKLY DIVISION
THIRD PLACE Nancy Parsons The News & Reporter 12A • WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 2018 • The News & Reporter
SECOND PLACE Gregory A. Summers The Lancaster News Out and About WEDNESDAY, MARCH 21, 2018
Festival celebrates 50th anniversary of town photos by GREGORY A. SUMMERS/gsummers@thelancasternews.com
Carolina Clash Super Late Model series driver Josh Langley kicks up a cloud of red clay Saturday during a practice session at Lancaster Motor Speedway.
Saturday night
THUNDER Lancaster Motor Speedway hosted its first race of the 2018 season Saturday. Here’s a little look at the action on and off the banked half-mile dirt track
The 35th annual Great Falls Flopeye Fish Festival was held Friday and Saturday. Seniors at Great Falls High School were recognized for their success. There was also a special recognition of the town’s 50th year of incorporation. “Marilyn Monroe” was on hand to sing “Happy Birthday.” Several patriotic events and recognition, including the Two Bell Memorial Ceremony, was held. There were no heavy downpours as forecasted but the dance floor had to be dried a time or two. Senator Mike Fanning jumped in to help Mayor Lee Montgomery and Festival Organizer Todd Wright mop up the rain.
Renegades Division driver Junior Stacks waits in the line-up chute to go out on the track.
PHOTOS BY NANCY PARSONS/GREAT FALLS REPORTER
Above from left, Artie Brownell and Mitchell Montgomery hustle to replace a clutch in Richard Montgomery’s race car before the start of the Renegades main event. Their work paid off as Richard finished second. Brownell is the Montgomerys’ dad. Left, Pebo Johnson laces up before a SECA Crate Sportsman heat race.
BY CINDY TAYLOR/SPECIAL TO THE REPORTER
E.J. Everall, 8, had his own race going in the infield on Saturday.
From left Lancaster Motor Speedway drivers Timbo Mangum and Kenneth “The Big Show” Deese talk before the start of the drivers’ meeting. The two have a combined 57 years of racing experience.
GOOD MORNING!
Extended Weather Forecast Today High
Thursday Low
53 33 Cloudy with a 60 percent chance of morning showers
High
Saturday
Friday Low
58 33 Sunny and breezy
High
Low
59 36 Partly cloudy with a 10 percent chance of scattered showers
>>Features I (803) 283-1158
High
Sunday Low
59 46 Partly cloudy with a 40 percent chance of afternoon showers
High
Low
62 37 Cloudy with a 60 percent chance of scattered showers
PHOTO SERIES OR PHOTO STORY 12 • FRIDAY, MAY 11, 2018 • The News & Reporter
Muster at the Meeting House The inaugural Muster at the Meeting House was held this Saturday at Union ARP Church in Richburg in conjunction with the church’s homecoming celebration. During the Revolutionary War period, the Meeting House was known as Rocky Creek Meeting House. As part of this historical event, re-enactors recreated a typical militia muster and drill on the grounds of the church. Here are some images from that event. PHOTOS BY BRIAN GARNER & RITCHIE SHARPE/SPECIAL TO THE N&R
2-3 TIMES WEEKLY DIVISION
FIRST PLACE
Brian Garner and Ritchie Sharpe The News & Reporter
PICTORIAL ALL WEEKLY DIVISION
THIRD PLACE Michaele Duke The News, Kingstree
SECOND PLACE Tanya Ackerman Coastal Observer
PICTORIAL ALL WEEKLY DIVISION
FIRST PLACE Peter Finger Daniel Island News
HUMOROUS PHOTO WEEKLY UNDER 4,500 DIVISION
THIRD PLACE Jonathan Vickery The People-Sentinel
SECOND PLACE Pete Cochran Union County News
HUMOROUS PHOTO WEEKLY UNDER 4,500 DIVISION
FIRST PLACE Graham Williams Union County News
HUMOROUS PHOTO WEEKLY OVER 4,500 DIVISION
THIRD PLACE Tanya Ackerman Coastal Observer
SECOND PLACE Tanya Ackerman Coastal Observer
HUMOROUS PHOTO WEEKLY OVER 4,500 DIVISION
FIRST PLACE Tanya Ackerman Coastal Observer
HUMOROUS PHOTO 2-3 TIMES WEEKLY DIVISION
THIRD PLACE Kasie Strickland The Sentinel-Progress
SECOND PLACE Travis Jenkins The News & Reporter
HUMOROUS PHOTO 2-3 TIMES WEEKLY DIVISION
FIRST PLACE Kayla Vaughn The Lancaster News
PHOTO ILLUSTRATION OPEN DIVISION
FIRST PLACE Scott Suchy Charleston City Paper
Third and Second Place will be presented at the Daily Awards Dinner
WEBSITE
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SECOND PLACE Carl Lindquist Tidelands Health
WEBSITE
ASSOCIATE & INDIVIDUAL DIVISION
FIRST PLACE
Staff Municipal Association of South Carolina
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SECOND PLACE Staff The Gaffney Ledger
WEBSITE
ALL WEEKLY DIVISION
FIRST PLACE Staff Myrtle Beach Herald
INDIVIDUAL USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA OPEN DIVISION
SECOND PLACE Chris Trainor Free Times
FIRST PLACE THIRD PLACE Will be presented at the Daily Awards Dinner
ELECTRONIC NEWSLETTER/PUBLICATION
THIRD PLACE
Staff Charleston Regional Business Journal
SECOND PLACE
Staff Municipal Association of South Carolina
ELECTRONIC NEWSLETTER/PUBLICATION ASSOCIATE & INDIVIDUAL DIVISION
FIRST PLACE Carl Lindquist Tidelands Health
NEWS VIDEO ALL WEEKLY DIVISION
THIRD PLACE
Travis Jenkins and James McBee The News & Reporter
SECOND PLACE Michaele Duke The News, Kingstree
NEWS VIDEO ALL WEEKLY DIVISION
FIRST PLACE Janet Morgan Myrtle Beach Herald
FEATURE VIDEO ALL WEEKLY DIVISION
THIRD PLACE Janet Morgan Myrtle Beach Herald
SECOND PLACE David Kennard The Berkeley Independent
FEATURE VIDEO ALL WEEKLY DIVISION
FIRST PLACE Janet Morgan Myrtle Beach Herald
SPORTS VIDEO ALL WEEKLY DIVISION
THIRD PLACE Mac Banks Fort Mill Times
SECOND PLACE
David Kennard, Roger Lee and Rob Gantt The Summerville Journal Scene
SPORTS VIDEO ALL WEEKLY DIVISION
FIRST PLACE
Travis Jenkins and James McBee The News & Reporter
NEWSPAPER PUBLICATION ASSOCIATE & INDIVIDUAL DIVISION
THIRD PLACE
Staff Charleston Regional Business Journal
SECOND PLACE
Staff Columbia Regional Business Report June 18 - July 16, 2018 • www.columbiabusinessreport.com
Volume 11, No. 10 • $2.25
Special section: Main Street Update Columbia’s main drag deals with growth, questions. Page 19-28
HISTORY in a different light
Expanded program Walgreens adds 11 kiosks for medication disposal. Page 8
Cricket crunch
Columbia Fireflies serving up unusual snack. Page 10
By Melinda Waldrop
Big brew plans
Cottontown Brew Lab planning deck, tasting room. Page 34
INSIDE
Upfront ................................ 4 SC Biz News Briefs ................ 6 In Focus: Architecture, Engineering and Construction ......................29 List: Architecture Firms ...... 41 At Work ............................. 45 Viewpoint ...........................47
T
mwaldrop@scbiznews.com
he most obvious change to the renovated and newly reopened Hampton-Preston Mansion is the burnt ochre color that replaced its previous beige façade. But it’s not the most profound. Inside the 19th-century mansion at 1615 Blanding St. in downtown’s Robert Mills historic district, visitors will find more than new oilcloth flooring in the foyer and entryway walls scored and textured to mimic their original cut-stone appearance. Updated exhibits include interpretative panels and
an iPad-enhanced tour designed to present a more inclusive picture of the mansion during its many incarnations — specifically, insight into the lives of the enslaved African and African-Americans integral to its storied history. “The idea is that, for so long, when you came to the site, there was a relatively narrow band of interpretation that was being had, and that was largely the story of the people who owned the property during the antebellum period,” said John Sherrer, director of cultural resources for Historic Columbia, which owns and maintains the mansion. “But obviously there’s a lot of history beyond that. And even during that time period, there
Photo/Melinda Waldrop
were a lot of things going on, particularly in regard to the enslaved persons who lived and worked here whose stories simply haven’t been focused on before.” The mansion’s anecdotal past is wellknown in preservation circles. Wealthy Columbia merchant Ainsley Hall and his wife, Sarah, had the house built in 1818 and lived in it until 1823 when Ainsley Hall sold it to Wade Hampton I, one of the South’s richest planters — without, rumor had it, Sarah’s knowledge or approval. The house and its gardens flourished as one of Columbia’s grandest homes under a succession of See HAMPTON, Page 36
COLUMBIA UNDER CONSTRUCTION Who is building what in the Midlands area? Projects, companies, prices, projected timelines, photos and stories Page 38
NEWSPAPER PUBLICATION ASSOCIATE & INDIVIDUAL DIVISION
FIRST PLACE
Jessica Brodie and Allison Trussell S.C. United Methodist Advocate
GENERAL EXCELLENCE WEEKLY UNDER 4,500 DIVISION
THIRD PLACE Staff The Star, North Augusta HURRICANE RELIEF: Business collecting Florence relief supplies, 3A
INSIDE: N.A. Christmas store prep begins, 6A
SECOND PLACE Staff The Clinton Chronicle Textile conclusion 3A
N O R T H A U G U S TA’ S H O M E T O W N N E W S PA P E R S I N C E 19 5 4 WedNeSdAy, September 26, 2018
NORTHAUGUSTASTAR.COM
Vol. LXIV, No. 13 || NORTH AUGUSTA, S.C.
Historian honored for ‘outstanding service’ BY BILL BENGTSON bbengtson@aikenstandard.com Milledge Murray, one of Aiken County’s foremost authorities on local history, got a salute from his peers Tuesday, Sept. 18, at the Heritage Council of North Augusta’s meeting. Brenda Baratto, executive director of the Aiken County Historical Museum, presented Murray with the Robert N. Pryor Volunteer Service Award, which recognizes “outstanding lifetime volunteer service” to a member of an organization in the Confederation of South Carolina Local Historical Societies. Baratto, the confederation’s president, now lives in Aiken and lived previously in North Augusta. Murray, who was born in Augusta,
There is hope
Local man shares the dark side of addiction
moved to North Augusta at age 5. The two frequently work together on history projects. The heritage council’s president, Merrilee Anderson, noted that Murray is a longtime council member and a past president. His name, she added, has strong connections to regional history, as “Milledge” is the name of the Georgia governor linked to the city of Milledgeville and Augusta’s Milledgeville Road. Murray’s middle name, Galphin, came down from the name of an Indian trader on Murray’s family tree. “He has spread history far and wide in this area,” Anderson said. “He talks to a lot of local groups and like-minded organizations.” Murray was the featured speaker at the council’s Sept. 19 meeting, recalling the history of Hamburg,
a town that sprang to life on the edge of the Savannah River, competed heavily (for commerce) with Augusta and reached its peak in the 1840s, all under the leadership of German immigrant Henry Shultz. It became the western terminus of the South Carolina Railroad, which had Charleston at the other end and was the world’s longest railroad line at the time of its completion in 1833. Murray also displayed a new roadside marker summarizing the town’s tale. It reads, “Hamburg, located in the surrounding area, was a thriving river port and trading center for cotton and tobacco. Founded in 1821 by Henry Shultz and incorporated on Dec. 19, 1827, Hamburg became the Please see MURRAY, page 4A
Please see HOPE, page 4A
Contact Us General offices ...803-279-2793
Index Classifieds...................................... 9A Opinions....................................... 11A Religion.......................................... 3A Starring You.................................. 2A Sporting Life................................. 8A
Red Devils travel to Union County
The Clinton Chronicle
Vol.118, No. 39 • 20 Pages
Wednesday, September 26, 2018
www.MyClintonNews.com
Clinton, S.C. • 75 Cents
By Larry Franklin For The Chronicle
STAFF PHOTO BY BILL BENGTSON
Milledge Murray, a historian with particular expertise in the CSRA, offers some insight on Hamburg at the Heritage Council of North Augusta’s Sept. 19 meeting.
NAHS marching band dazzles
Breaking bread together. It was harvest time last Wednesday at The Clinton Community Garden, and everybody got to sample the garden's fresh, healthy produce presented in imaginative ways. "This is what the garden is about, harvesting friendships," Garden Board Member Rev. Steven Evans said. "We want to thank Young Dendy, who was very instrumental in allowing this to take place. This is his property. He leased the property first for a year, and we went back to him and he said you can have it for three years. Because of that, we've been able to be here. We had a meeting with him not too long ago and he said just keep doing what you're doing. ... Hopefully, this will become a model of empowerment for future gardens around the city." More about the third annual Gathering at the Garden is on Spotlight in today's issue, and a photo gallery of this event is on MyClintonNews.com. Photos by Vic MacDonald
Superintendent’s contract is renewed By Vic MacDonald Editor
North Augusta High School’s marching band earned top honors at the 21st annual Mustang Classic.
STAFF PHOTOS BY BILL BENGTSON
Jacket Regiment bags top honors in Mustang Classic
District 56 Superintendent Dr. David O’Shields received a contract extension Monday night by unanimous vote of the Board of Trustees. Meeting at Joanna Woodson Elementary School, the board voted for the extension until June 30, 2021, with a 2% salary increase. The board agreed to place 5% of the salary in an annuity of O’Shields’ choosing, with a 1% increase each year. The board met in executive session prior to the open, public session in the school’s library, and then again after the public session to discuss contractual and personnel matters. The board heard from JWES Principal Eddie Marshall, teachers and students about literacy initiatives, flex seating and fund-raising efforts as part of the school’s welcome to the board. The next District 56 board meeting will be Oct. 22 at its normal meeting place, the Clinton High School auditorium, and
the following meeting will be held at Eastside Elementary School. O’Shields guided the board’s Spirit of 56 award presentation to Joey Avery, the Laurens County Emergency Preparedness director, for his guidance during Hurricane Florence and past emergencies, and his efforts to involve first responders in the security of all schools in Districts 56 and 55. Avery said, “You folks are no different from me. You are emergency managers, you recover from the day and sometimes you put the mitigation plan in place. We’re all a team. My staff is the backbone of my operation.” O’Shields said Avery will be coordinating active shooter drills for all schools once new state guidelines for these situations are placed into effect. A state law requires these drills, but protocols have not yet been released by the state. Avery said schools also will undergo an earthquake response drill next
School Board, 3A
Phillip Russell, a former manager at the SC Fire Academy, was introduced Sept. 11 to members of the Clinton Fire Department as the city’s temporary fire chief. It was also announced at that meeting that former fire commander Scott Shiflet is now the fire marshal and safety officer. Clinton City Council voted 5-2 on Aug. 22 to dissolve the Clinton Department of Public Safety into separate fire and police departments. In an Aug. 10 press release, the day after council’s first vote to dissolve DPS, City Manager Bill Ed Cannon said Russell had accepted an offer to become interim fire chief. Two weeks ago, in response to an FOIA request regarding Russell’s salary and job duties, Cannon said Russell would serve as a third party consultant and not as interim chief. He later said Russell would be paid $830 per month and would not have set hours. Cannon said at that time that Russell’s job title might change, but the pay would remain the same. In response to emailed questions last week, Cannon said Russell would work the same hours as the city’s other exempt department directors (those who are not eligible for overtime pay). According to a statement issued Thursday, ex-
Phillip Russell empt department directors are expected to work at least 40 hours per week (8 am until 5 pm with an hour for lunch). “Exempt department directors are not compensated for hours worked, but rather are expected to work the necessary hours required to fulfill their position’s responsibilities and duties. The actual number of hours worked to fulfill that
Russell, 2A
Animal cruelty charge filed against couple By Vic MacDonald Editor
The fourth serious animal abuse case in Laurens County in a month resulted in a Sept. 17 arrest. Suspects Brandon and Robin Hayes were taken into custody after deputies investigated conditions at a residence in the 300 block of Wofford Shoals Road on Sept. 13. Animal Control left a note about the conditions of five dogs on the property Sept. 12, a report said. One dog was padlocked around the neck so tightly the fire department had to be called in to cut the chain off. No food, water and shelter were found for the animals, a report said. A caller contacted authorities, concerned about the lack of care for the animals. The husband and wife couple - both are age 40 of 2616 Lakeview Heights, Laurens - is charged with the ill-treatment of animals. Authorities found two dogs in a wooden box; another dog appeared to have escaped from a chain, and two other dogs were chained, a report said. Laurens County authorities have investigated and animal rescues and vets have taken steps to nurse back to health dogs named Champ, Courage and Led Zeppelin - all of which were allegedly starved or tortured, Led Zeppelin was tortured
Brandon Hayes
Animal cruelty, 2A
By Vic MacDonald Editor
A brand for the future. Prisma Health was unveiled Tuesday morning as the new brand for the combined Greenville Health System and Palmetto Health, Columbia, as two of the largest healthcare providers in South Carolina continue on their journey of joining together. The unveiling was done simultaneously in Greenville and Columbia, and via live-stream at GHS Laurens County Memorial Hospital’s Women’s Life Center conference room. The new branding starts immediately, and GHS campuses including LCMH will see new names incorporating their legacy name and the new brand around the first of the year, officials announced. More on Page 3A & 10A. Photo by Vic MacDonald
Echoing that sentiment was sophomore clarinetist Alex McCabe. “It was fun. The work’s not over yet. We still have plenty more competitions to go. Hopefully we do just as well as we did this time, if not better.” The Pride of the Valley, as Mid-
land Valley’s band is known, did not compete, as the host, but did perform an exhibition for the show’s finale. This year’s show theme is “The Night Circus,” and has such elements as tents, patrons and performers.
Spraying for infected mosquitoes happened last weekend in Laurens County, again. Laurens County Emergency Management announced Sept. 19 that starting Friday, Sept. 21, Gregory Pest Service would spray an area in Northern Laurens County in response to the mosquito-borne West Nile Virus. This time, an infected bird was found dead - earlier this month, a human case of the virus was detected in SouthEastern Laurens County, officials reported. Spraying there
was done last Thursday. The latest spraying was in a .5-mile radius of where the bird was found - for human exposure, a 1-mile radius for spraying is recommended. West Nile Virus gives people flu-like symptoms. Most people don't even know they're infected - they just don't feel "right" for a time. One fatality from the virus has happened this summer, in Greenville County. It is not contagious, humanto-human (like a cold). A statement released last
West Nile Virus, 2A
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Members of the Jacket Regiment, North Augusta High School’s marching band, celebrate their collection of trophies and accolades Saturday night, at the close of the Mustang Classic. have been working on the show since late July. Referring to his peers, he said, “They all had really good runs. They loved it. They were super excited to win it, especially the people that had never done this before. They had a great time.”
Robin Hayes
with acid - all of which were found living at residences in Laurens County. The Fight Like a Champ Facebook site is petitioning the state government to impose more serious penalties for first offense cruelty to animals based on the incidents in Laurens County. In a separate incident, authorities identified Brian Kevin Hall, 35, of 48 Douglas St., Waterloo, as an attempted murder suspect. He is accused of firing a gun at two men. His charges also include aggravated breach of peace, two firearms charges, and simple possession of marijuana. A report said Hall allegedly fired a Charter Arms. .22 caliber handgun on Sept. 17. The gun’s serial number had been removed. Hall also is ac-
Second West Nile infection means county sprays again for mosquitoes
BY BILL BENGTSON bbengtson@aikenstandard.com Seven hours of music, marching and occasional merriment took up the afternoon and evening Saturday at Midland Valley High School, as the school held the 21st annual Mustang Classic. The school’s annual competition for marching bands had North Augusta High School as the top overall winner, under the direction of Chuck Deen, in his corps’ first competition of the season. The Mustangs’ event, in keeping with tradition, had schools of various sizes, ranging from relatively small neighbors, such as Fox Creek, Wagener-Salley and Ridge Spring-Monetta, to much bigger players, such as Aiken, South Aiken, Ninety Six, T.L. Hanna and Lakeside (Georgia’s representative, from Evans). William McGee, a junior at North Augusta, was on trombone and euphonium duty on the Mustangs’ turf. “It went really well. We put a lot of effort into it, and we performed really great,” he said. “Nothing went wrong at all, really.” The Jacket Regiment’s show theme this year is “Imaginaire,” and presents concepts relating to the sky, such as paper airplanes, balloons, clouds and changing light patterns. McGee said he and his bandmates
4A
Russell new fire chief
BY TRIPP GIRARDEAU tgirardeau@aikenstandard.com Many people may realize there is a huge problem with opiate addiction in America, and this includes Aiken County as the Aiken County Coroner’s Office continues to see a high number of overdose deaths in the area. However, hearing about a problem from the local news and learning about it from someone who has lived the horrors first-hand are two entirely different things. Cody Sanders, 26, is an Aiken resident, father of three and a recovering heroin addict who has witnessed the disturbing, dark side of addiction. It’s a miracle Sanders is still alive today after he admits to overdosing over 10 times in the past seven years. As of August, there have been 19 accidental overdose deaths recorded in Aiken County in 2018, said Aiken County Coroner Tim Carlton.
On the road again
Column on textile mills comes to close
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Security to tighten at athletic events sought. Last week Barnwell school officials issued a statement, “At the urging of the South Carolina High School League (SCHSL) and in collaboration with local law enforcement agencies, Barnwell High School will begin using metal detectors at entrances into W.W. Carter Field.” Bags will be subject to inspection, stated the school.
By Laura McKenzie General Manager
Those planning to attend Barnwell or Williston’s football games will undergo increased security efforts. The measures follow a shooting incident as spectators left a football game in Williston two weeks ago. No one was injured. One arrest has been made in the case and one suspect is still being
“Book bags and other large bags will not be allowed and should be left in your vehicle.” Going forward the gates will open at 6 p.m. to minimize wait times, “so please arrive a little earlier to accommodate this new practice.” The new procedures were started on Friday, Sept. 21. Following the football game BHS Principal Franklin
Chamber changes its name and focus By Laura McKenzie General Manager
There’s a new name and new direction for the Barnwell County Chamber of Commerce. The “Southern Palmetto Regional Chamber” for Barnwell and Allendale Counties was announced at the chamber’s annual meeting held Monday, Sept. 24 at Sweetwater Country Club in Barnwell. Chamber executive director Terri Smith said the theme of “Working Together Works!” exemplifies the move toward regionalism, gaining strength by joining forces. She said Barnwell’s chamber has grown from 75 to 150 members over the last year. “Businesses are contacting us, asking to join. I believe things are changing, looking up,” she said. She said the Barnwell’s Chamber board and a steering committee from Allendale worked together to create the two-county organization. “Allendale County is joining the chamber and we couldn’t be happier,” said Smith. “It’s no longer us by ourselves.” Joining the board are
The new logo for the Southern Palmetto Chamber of Commerce was showcased at the annual meeting Monday evening.
The Chamber of Commerce held its annual meeting at Sweetwater Country Club. [PHOTOS BY LAURA MCKENZIE / GM]
See CHAMBER, A6
McCormack said, “This procedure added another layer of security to ensure our students, staff and community members are able to focus on the performances of our students in a safe environment.” “The Warhorse Family embraced the new procedure, only validating what I already know - the Barnwell community is second to none,” said McCormack. “I
am grateful for our fans and commend them on their patience as we implemented this new practice.” Williston-Elko Williston-Elko also announced enhanced security procedures. Their first home game since the incident will
See SECURITY, A2
County intends to appeal EDC ruling By Laura McKenzie General Manager
Attorneys for the Barnwell County Council have filed a notice of their intent to appeal a ruling in a lawsuit related to the Economic Development Corporation. The notice of intent was filed Friday, Sept. 21 at the Barnwell County Courthouse. This filing is the latest in a dispute between the county and the towns which dates back to 2013. The original lawsuit was filed by the municipalities of Barnwell, Blackville and Williston after the Barnwell County Council passed an ordinance in 2017 to eliminate the Economic Development Corporation and, in effect, nullify an agreement between the government entities over the makeup of the Economic Development Commission. The county also entered into a contract with SouthernCarolina Alliance to handle all its economic development efforts. The agreement between the towns and the county was negotiated to return of $14 million in property and assets deeded to the towns by former members
of the Barnwell County Economic Development Commission in 2013. That agreement created a 7-person board with four of the members appointed by the towns and three by the county council. A majority of the property dwells within the municipalities. Judge Doyet "Jack" Early ruled in favor of the towns in May 2018 after negotiations to settle the disagreement failed. The county asked for reconsideration of that ruling but Early in August also denied that motion. The decision ruled that the county does not have control over the corporation or commission (whose commissioners oversee both), and the council could not eliminate the EDC or have power over its assets. Since the initial ruling the county has been separating itself from the EDC. Last week the Barnwell County Council approved final reading of an ordinance to stop all funding to the EDC. Previously the county had allocated five percent of revenues to the EDC from “all future multi-county industrial park agreements, See APPEAL, A2
N AT I O N A L N I G H T O U T
Families asked to attend Williston event for unification By Laura McKenzie General Manager
A free event is being held Tuesday, Oct. 2 in hopes of fostering better relationships between law enforcement and the community. “National Night Out” will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. at
Volume 142, Issue 23 © GateHouse Media 2018
the Lincoln Park Complex, 131 Windsor Road, Williston. It is being sponsored by the South Carolina Regional Housing Authority #3 and the Williston Police Department. A flyer for the event states there will be a program and information as well as food, face painting, games,
For advertising and subscriptions, call 803-259-3501.
resource booths, giveaways, and more. Families are encouraged to come out and participate. National Night Out area partners also include police departments in the municipalities of Barnwell, Blackville, Bamberg, Fairfax and Hampton; fire
Arrest Reports ...............A5 Community Calendar ..... B5 Obituaries ................... A7
departments in Williston and Barnwell; sheriff offices in Barnwell and Orangeburg Counties; SC Dept. of Natural Resources, Polly Best Center, SC Works, Low Country Health Care System, Early Intervention Service, AT&T, Barnwell Dept. of Social Services and the Cumbee Center.
Opinion ...................... A4 Sports...................... B1-4
Thursday’s weather 89/71 Chance of rain
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GENERAL EXCELLENCE WEEKLY OVER 4,500 DIVISION
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NONPROFITS FACED SHORTAGE OF FOOD BEFORE FLOOD, B1
Pickens County
INSIDE daniel still unbeaten easley vs. j.l. mann liberty ready for region pickens ‘better every week’ clemson vs. georgia tech
CAROLINA FOREST RESIDENTS, BUSINESSES FEED NATIONAL GUARD, B1
SEPTEMBER 28, 2018
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HURRICANE COWBOYS
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I hope that people will see Kathryn and be inspired and encouraged. Since 2007, serving Central, Clemson, Dacusville, Easley, Liberty, Norris, Pickens, Pumpkintown, — Karen Six Mile Hicks and everything in between
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Wednesday, September 26, 2018 • Vol. 12, No. 16 • Pickens, S.C. • (864) 878-6391 COUNTY — Filing closed Running for a vacant Ealast Thursday at noon for sley Combined Utilities Comthis fall’s municipal elections missioner seat will be Nick Rocky Nimmons/Courier throughout the county, so races Caldwell, Rusty L. Jones and are now set for the November 8 Jerry C. Ross. elections. In the city of Liberty, the In the town of Central, three race to ll the recently vacated town council seats are available, mayor’s ofce will be between with incumbent council mem- current mayor pro tem Michael bers Lynne O’Dell Chapman, Sheriff and Philip Rus Smith. Tonythis H. Craig andand Harrison R. this time.” Daniel D. Graybeal, Lavant ing incident believes started to help people with Holladay, runningevent for that re- Padgett current councilthat this is Jr., an isolated ChiefandTravis Riggs said By Nicole Daughhetee chronic mental and physical electionnoagainst Blake man Brian Petersen will square poses threat to the Magnus, public,” anyone with information on Staff Reporter conditions by making these Joe N. Mosssaid. and“To Willprotect Mullinax. off shooting for one at-large the release the the is askedLiberty to call city Lt. nicole@thepccourier.com honorary In theofcitythe of Easley, mayor Samuel council Byers seat, atwhile integrity investigation, (864)incumbent 878-7361. PICKENS — Pickens poAccording to a news reInvestigators recovered individuals No injuries wereWalmart reported. and Pickens giving them Larry Bagwell will run unopfurther details regarding this Joshua Harrison will face FranBefore lice are asking for the public’s lease, the Pickens Police Depart- 30 toCENTRAL 40 casings all—around the drivers“The PolicetheDe- no ride of a lifetime in a Walmart posed this November, as will city will be released at cine G. Powers for the council’s his passing in 1992, help to find the culprit after ment dispatch center received a home, the news releaseWalmart said. partment is actively investigat- investigation truck. council members Brian GarriWard 3 seat. Eric Boughman will founder Sam Walton said of his someone fired multiple shots call at around 2:30 a.m. Sept. 18 Last Wednesday, August son (Ward 1), Chris Mann (Ward run unopposed for the Ward 4 at a home in the middle of the about multiple shots being fired truck-driving employees “When 3) and Thomas H. Wright, Sr. you’re out on the highway, you 31, Six Mile resident Kathryn night last week. into a home on Secona Road. See RACES on page 2A (Ward 5). can bet your bottom dollar the Hicks was honored by the Walguy behind the wheel is a true mart Heart program at the Walprofessional. He’s not just driv- mart Super Center in Central. “It was fun and exciting,” ing a truck. He’s dedicated to serving our stores and he’s an said Hicks. “I wasn’t nervous at ambassador to everything we all.” After Kathryn was diagstand for out on the road.” The Walmart Heart is a nosed with Spinal Muscular volunteer program that began Atrophy (SMA) as a 13-monthin 1998 when a young boy with old infant, her mother Karen a congenital heart problem and Hicks said that the doctors told a short life expectancy, was her and her husband Phillip to Rocky Nimmons/Courier Kathryn Hicks was made an honorary driver in the Walmart pri- granted his wish to ride in one go home and enjoy their baby vate fleet last Wednesday. She is pictured above with her mother of the Walmart trucks. By Jason Evans See HICKS on page 2A Truck drivers for Walmart Karen Hicks and Walmart driver Antoine Sadler. Staff Reporter
Police: Shots Walmart Heart honors Six fired Mile teen into home Kathryn Hicks, front middle, is joined at the Walmart in Central by company representatives and Central fire chief Ed Reynolds as part of a Walmart Heart event in her honor.
Authorities ask for public’s help to identify suspect
Pitching in
County time capsule to be unearthed for anniversary
2011 Sam Wyche Food Fight Bowl this Friday night jevans@thepccourier.com
SC governor to visit for New school year starts grand opening next week
Principals report on rstment and tar from the capsule. By Jason Evans day goings-on in district “Teasers and updates on Staff Reporter
ens County’s principals had to say about the rst day of school: “It has been an amazing day
JANET MORGAN | WACCAMAW PUBLISHERS
Flood destroys homes, upends lives during push through county HOW TO GET HELP • Those who have sustained flood losses in Horry County may apply for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) by registering online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 800-621-3362. The program offers money for temporary rental assistance, essential home repairs and low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration. Applicants who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY may call 800-462-7585. Anyone using 711 or video relay service may call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers operate 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day. • To report flood damage, visit Horry County’s website (horrycounty.org) and click on the link for “property damage self-reporting.”
BY CHRISTIAN BOSCHULT AND VIRAJ NAIK INFO@MYHORRYNEWS.COM
Debbie Everett carried toys and clothes as she sloshed through the shin-high water in her Embassy Lane mobile home Saturday afternoon. She handed the treasures to family members on the roof who stacked each parcel high above the flood invading her home. As dusk settled in, the family loaded themselves on waiting boats bound for safety. “I’m exhausted,” Everett said while smoking a cigarette on her back porch. “We did this all day yesterday, through half the night until about 3 a.m. in the morning. Then we all got back up at 6 a.m. trying to get as much up there as we can.” For nearly two weeks, local, state and federal agencies have helped Horry County residents flee the rising floodwater. As of
Wednesday, nearly 100 people had been rescued and over 170 others had requested assistance getting away from the flood. The National Weather Service estimates Hurricane Florence dumped more than 8 trillion gallons of water in North Carolina. That deluge flowed into a South Carolina already saturated from the storm. The water spread through Horry County like a consuming disease, metastasizing into Longs, then Conway and later Bucksport and Socastee. Homes that had never before seen water flooded. Entire subdivisions were cut off from main highways. Sections of S.C. 9 and S.C. 22 sat beneath the river. Transportation officials scrambled to keep U.S. 17 open in Georgetown. Some roads gave way to the flow and crumbled. FLOOD, A2
HOW TO HELP OTHERS • The South Carolina Emergency Management Division asks that those wishing to volunteer do not self-deploy, but contact local officials. To help with volunteer efforts in Conway, call John Rogers, coordinator, (843) 283-7514. Those wishing to lend a hand can also contact www.VolunteerSC.org, which is maintained by the United Way Association of South Carolina. That group will match volunteers with the appropriate opportunities. • For other information about donating time, money or anything else, visit www.disasterhelp.me. That website is for the Waccamaw VOAD (Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster), a group that helps coordinate relief efforts.
Flood reaches coal ash ponds as Santee Cooper fights to limit damage BY CHRISTIAN BOSCHULT INFO@MYHORRYNEWS.COM
On Sunday afternoon, a helicopter flew behind the Horry County Government and Justice Center before hovering for a minute to pick up 1.5-ton sandbags and fly them to dikes surrounding the old Grainger power plant’s coal ash ponds, one of which holds 200,000 tons of coal ash. Coal ash contains arsenic and other heavy metals that can be dangerous to humans and wildlife. The helicopter dropped the sandbags on top of the dikes to provide additional protection from the flooding Waccamaw River,
which would eventually hit a 21-foot crest on Wednesday. “Everything is holding up the way it was intended,” Santee Cooper spokeswoman Mollie Gore said. To prepare for the flood, Santee Cooper reinforced the dikes with sandbags, brought in bags of rocks to fill any breaches in the dike, installed an aquadam and silt fence to contain the coal ash, and filled the ash ponds with water to equalize pressure on both sides. They did the work in preparation for the flood overtopping the second pond, but that didn’t happen. “By filling the ponds with water ahead of the river over-topping, it reduces the
chances that it is going to get stirred up,” Gore said. Waccamaw Riverkeeper Cara Schildtknecht said the river breached one of the ponds that was already mostly cleaned out. But she had been worried about the overtopping of the second pond and all the coal ash there. “Major concerns are just with the coal ash contaminating the river,” Schildtknecht said. “If that happens, there could be heavy metals in the river that could potentially impact wildlife. We don’t really have a concern at this point in terms of drinking water, so COAL ASH, A5
“If that happens, there could be heavy metals in the river that could potentially impact wildlife. We don’t really have a concern at this point in terms of drinking water.” Cara Schildtknecht Waccamaw Riverkeeper
opening Chastain Road Elementary! With the start of any school See SCHOOL on page 10A
EASLEY — High school students in both Pickens and Easley have been working around the clock trying to raise funds for Pickens County Meals on Wheels over the past several weeks, and the wait is almost over to see which student body has raised the most money in this year’s fourth annual Sam Wyche Food Fight Bowl. TheWes Food Fight Bowl, ickens County Council members Chris Bowers, left, and played annually on the gridHendricks pick up litter as part of the county’s “Team and Clean iron Up between the Blue Flame Up” litter blitz last week to prepare for the county’sand sesquicentennial Green Wave, will kick off this Friday night in at 8 p.m. at celebration, scheduled for next week at the J.B. “Red” Owens Complex
time capsule preparation will provided through COUNTY — The much- be schools; Pickens CountyPickens Career social media PICKENS — A time capsule needed rain didn’t seem to County’s and Technology Centerhandles,” (CTC); said. and Pickens High buried 1968spirits will beofunearthed dampenin the parents, Burns and Liberty South Carolina and opened next16,000 week plus stu- schools. teachers or the Gov. Henry as part Pickens dents whoofbegan the 2011-2012 In addition to McMaster the grand willthese attend the grand County’s sesquicentenschool year in Pickens County opening of recently conopening of theMcKtime nial celebration. on Tuesday. structed school buildings, According to Among the notable back issick andcapsule. Liberty Elementary Thefreshly opening is Pickens County pub- were the schools boasted to school highlights renoslatedand to major occur renofrom lic information officer opening of ve new schools vated facilities 2-3 p.m. Friday, Oct. Jamie time of Pick- vations continue in the Burns, Schoolthe District at Edwards and on the steps of capsule will be Chastain excaens County: Road Dacusville5,Middle schools. Pickens County vated its location and from Dacusville Elementary Here the is what some of PickCourthouse. Historiat the Pickens County MCMASTER ans and community Courthouse during a leaders will be on hand public ceremony from as the time capsule is opened for noon-1 p.m. Monday. Following the excavation, the first time in 50 years. a team of experts will begin reSee CAPSULE on page 2A moving the outer layers of ce-
jevans@thepccourier.com
The Everett house is inside out with the Waccamaw River flowing through every room. The family puts clothes, toys and anything else they can stack on the roof of their home near Lee’s Landing on Saturday. Debbie Everett said the river has come up so fast she hasn't had time to prepare. "Floyd was higher than Matthew, according to my house," she said, referring to hurricanes in 2016 (Matthew) and 1999 (Floyd).
Hospital systems announce vs.change in branding
P
GREENVILLE — Baptist Easley Hospital will soon have a new parent company, but officials say patients shouldn’t worry about any changes in services. Greenville Health System and Palmetto Health announced Tuesday morning that they are historic under Brice Field in Easley. uniting a new brand — The awinner of the game will and new name. receive the Food Fight Bowl trophy to display in their new trophy case at their new school, while a halftime announcement will reveal which student body has raised the mostOfficials money with for Meals on both organiWheels,unveiled earning them thePrisma Ulzations the new timate Food Fightand Trophy. Health moniker branding Grasshopper Mow- at during a news conference ers representatives also Greenville Memorialwill Hospital. be on handis atreally Friday “This thenight’s birth of game to present a pair of zeone of, size wise, one of the top 50 health care organizations in See BOWL on president page 10ADr. the country,” GHS Spence Taylor said. “So this is a brand-new beginning to build on the legacy of two great orga-
Clemson University, community to mark Worker dies at Sept. for 11 anniversary Fall the Arts Festival planned Saturday Easley LibertyinDenim CLEMSON — Clemson By Jason Evans University will hold a rememStaff branceReporter service to mark the 10th jevans@thepccourier.com anniversary of Sept. 11. The interfaith event titled “LookEASLEY — Forward Old Market ing Back–Looking ToSquare will host Easley’s ward Compassion, Peaceannual and Fall for the Artswill Festival SatReconciliation” be aton 4 p.m. urday. Sunday, Sept. 11, at the Brooks Thefor festival will run from 9 Center the Performing Arts. a.m.-3 p.m., is Easley MarThe event free Farmers and open to ket the manager public. Lisa Chapman said.
The service will be a time The festival normally on of re ection andisremembrance the firstas Saturday in October, as well a call for compassion, but that’s the datea ofprofessor Pickens said asPat Zungoli, County’s “Blue-Ribbon helping coordinate theBirthday event. Bash” at J.B. will “Red” Owensmusic, RecThe service include reation Complex, welcome remarksofficials from decidClemed to move the festival up a week son Mayor Larry Abernathy to conflictPresident with that event, andavoid University James Chapman F. Barker,said. and personal stories This year’s festival features more thanSee 120MARK vendors, said. on she page 2A
I I N N S S I I D D Pickens Rec Players Scan to visitofour the website Week honored Eyourpickenscounty.com! Sports, Page 5A E
Easley.To read more about the cleanup, turn to page A2.
Courtesy photo
See PRISMA on page 2A
“We’ve got a couple of food the Pumpkin Prince and Princess trucks,” Chapman said. “We’ve Pageant. Chapman is taking apgot some people from Green- plications for the pageant until ville, Sunset Slush, that sell Italian noon on Friday, Sept. 28. The Ice.” pageant is open to kids age 1-10. Four bands are lined up to There is a $10 entry fee. play on the amphitheater stage. The festival will also feature “We’ll Easley have High danceSchool perfor-principal a face Dr. painter, well as the “CarFirst-year Tim as Mullis poses with mances oncustodian the Combined Utili- olina Choostudents Choo Train.” EHS head Carl Livingston. Easley arrived back ties stage,”Tuesday Chapman a little train tothat at school forsaid. the final semester“It’s before moving thetakes new The on festival will 8also feature kids on rides around the parking campus Highway in January.
lot for free,” Chapman LIBERTY — Asaid. 41-year Fall for will week also old man lost the his Arts life last feature artist demonstrations, inin a work-related accident at the cluding a potterplant and weavers, she Liberty Denim on Mills Avsaid. enue in Liberty. The BloodCounty Connection will Pickens Coroner hold a blood drive at the festival. Kandy Kelley said that Lewis Edward“Everyone Smith II of who Goldendonates Creek gets Walmart gift card,” Roadain$10 Liberty was killed when Chapman he fell intosaid. rollers at the mill. The by The festival accidentis sponsored occurred last
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the Easley Downtown Business Wednesday, Aug. 31, at 3:26 a.m., Association, Council and the victimthewasArts pronounced of Pickens County,Kelley the Sentineldead at the scene, said. Progress, Foothills Arts An autopsy wasDance performed and the Easley Memorial Farmers Market. at Greenville HospiFall results for the available Arts is traditiontal, with in six to ally the last day of the farmers eight weeks, Kelley said. market’s Theseason. accident is under inves“Weby arethe going to haveCounty some tigation Pickens of our weekly at the Coroner’s Ofce farmers and the Liberty market that day,” Chapman said. Police Department.
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WEDNESDAY • SEPTEMBER 26, 2018 Vol. No. 136-Pub. No. 306000
Laurens, South Carolina
No. 25-16 Pages
Local minister, wife arrested, face kidnapping, drug, abuse charges By John Clayton Editor A mother’s frantic attempts to locate her missing infant and its babysitter led to the arrest Friday of a local minister and his wife by deputies from the Laurens County Sheriff ’s Office. Jennifer Bunting, 31, was charged with kidnapping and unlawful conduct toward a child after she was located with the child at a residence in Joanna
around midnight Friday. During the course of the i nve s t i g a t i o n , deputies also arrested B u n t i n g ’s h u s b a n d, D a v i d Jennifer English, Bunting who had allegedly assaulted his wife. A warrant
was issued for his arrest, and E n g l i s h turned himself in to authorities Monday. English, who is listed minister at David New Hope English B a p t i s t Church in Clinton on a website used by
the church, is charged with second-degree domestic violence and unlawful conduct toward a child and was booked into the Johnson Detention Center along with his wife, whose bond was set at $45,000 on three charges. “This was a terrible incident but luckily we found the baby before this turned out to be much more tragic than it already is,” said Laurens County Sheriff Don Reynolds. According to police reports,
deputies found that Bunting had smoked marijuana around the infant while it was in her care. The infant was taken to Laurens Memorial Hospital where the child was evaluated and treated. During the course of the investigation, deputies also discovered that English, 33, had assaulted and injured his wife during a dispute over her whereabouts earlier in the week. The LCSO report said the assault had caused “significant injuries to her body.”
According to the LCSO, investigators also found that English had been aware of his wife’s drug addiction and had taken her to “obtain illegal drugs” on previous occasions. “This guy is a preacher as well as a teacher in another county,” Reynolds said. “It is very disturbing to think that someone in his position, which makes him a role model to our youth, would assist his wife in purchasing illegal drugs or would assault a woman.”
O’Shields receives contract extension By John Clayton Editor
Photo by Judith Brown
NEW NAME — Dr. David Williams and Justin Benfield clap after unveiling the new name and logo for Prisma Health, the unified non-profit health care company joined Greenville Health System and Palmetto Health, which merged last year. It will be implemented in early 2019.
GHS and Palmetto Health names, logos give way to unified Prisma Health By Judith Brown Staff Writer Laurens County Memorial Hospital will retain its name, but staff will be wearing name badges with a new logo, new colors and a new company name this week after a Tuesday morning announcement revealed the new branding for the combined Greenville Health System and Palmetto Health. Local Laurens County
Memorial staff filled the Women’s Life Center Conference Room here as a live-feed broadcast from Greenville Memorial was shown to hospital staff in Laurens and other regional hospitals. Palmetto Health staff and facilities were doing the same announcement in the Midlands. The two large companies, GHS in the Upstate and Palmetto Health in the Midlands, merged last year,
and GHS Co-Ceo Mike Riordan said initially directors had planned to keep their highly recognized “legacy names.” But that will now change as officials began to realize a unified brand would help push their primary task of creating a healthier South Carolina. Prisma Health is designed with colors in pink, red and orange and open-ended letters which offer the ability to “write your own story,”
Riordan said. Staff members here clapped as local Southern Regional Co-Directors Dr. David Williams and Justin Benfield removed the black cover which had covered the large banner, which said “Greenville Health System and Palmetto Health are becoming Prisma Health” The unveiling Tuesday morning was timed to match the unveiling taking place in ■ See Prisma, page 15
Laurens County District 56 Superintendent David O’Shields will continue to impart the lessons he has learned from a career in education and from a father who labored in local textiles to District 56. Dr. David O’Shields O’Shields received a contract extension with a 2-percent salary increase through 2021 during Monday night’s
District 56 Board of Trustees meeting at Joanna-Woodson Elementary School. His prior contract ran through 2020. “This is a reflection of what’s being done here, and what we’re doing together,” O’Shields said. “We all work together for the students, and I work with people. My dad was a supervisor in the mill and he always told me that you don’t have people work for you, they work with you, and I’ve always felt that way.” O’Shields, a 1976 Clinton High graduate, took the job as interim superintendent on Oct. 1, 2009, and was named superintendent in 2011. Before rising to the district’s top post, O’Shields ■ See O’Shields, page 15
Motorcyclist struck, killed in Cross Hill By John Clayton Editor A motorcyclist from Greenwood was struck and killed Tuesday morning while traveling on Highway 221 in Cross Hill. Justin Perrin Justice, 36, of Greenwood, died at the scene of the accident near Gables Drive, according to Laurens County Deputy Coroner Vickie Cheek. He was pronounced dead at 8:16 a.m. from multiple blunt-force injuries. Cheek said Justice was riding his motorcycle along
Highway 221 when he was struck from behind by another vehicle. The S.C. Highway Patrol was investigating the incident but further information was unavailable as of press time. A Facebook page belonging to Justice includes a photograph of Justice sitting on a customized motorcycle, which would be classified as a cruiser. The social-media page also says Justice was a 1999 graduate of Ninety Six High School and is originally from Fort Worth, Texas. Justice is survived by a young son, Cameron.
Caime: Audit reveals no wrongdoing By John Clayton Editor Laurens County Administrator Jon Caime said Tuesday an audit of credit card usage by county employees uncovered no evidence of fraud, but the county will be revising some of its spending policies and procedures. Caime was to present a report on the audit to the Laurens County Council Tuesday at its regular meeting. Questions concerning spending on county credit cards by employees were raised several months ago by a group of citizens who found what they believed to be abnormalities after requesting documents through the state’s Freedom of Information Act. “Basically, no evidence of any fraud was found,” Caime said. “We found that some of our paperwork can use some improvement, so we’re going
to revise some our procedures for travel and for gas cards. But of the 144 questionable charges found, on the vast majority of them, some of the paperwork or something was missing, but there was no evidence of fraud.” The citizens asking for a closer look into the purchases also brought up multiple trips by employees to resort areas that concerned them, and Caime indicated that employees will be urged to more carefully consider travel in the future. Caime said the audit determined the travel expenses were handled correctly. Still, employees will be asked to be more selective when it comes to work travel when trips are optional. “Organizations hold these events at attractive places so people will go, so that’s why there are trips to Hilton Head or Myrtle Beach,” Caime said. “Maybe a business meeting should be in
Columbia, but that’s not the way they do these sorts of things because they want people to come.” Employees or Constitutional officers going on trips are required to include an agenda of the event they are attending for validation, and Caime said future trips will only be paid for by the county if all the necessary paperwork, including the agendas, is included. Caime said he expects council members to consider posting credit card statements online, a proposal brought before council several months ago, but has been “on the back burner” since moving to committee for study and a recommendation. “It’s a way to be transparent – and we want to be transparent. It’s for the public trust,” he said. “The public can look at it and say, ‘It’s all right here, they’re not hiding anything,’ and it can give our employees pause before they swipe that card.”
Photo by Judith Brown
IT’S ABOUT HONOR — Keith Burbage was one of many Laurens County Cancer Association volunteers, walkers and runners who signed the pink Carolina Concrete truck, created in May to honor those who are fighting for their lives. Burbage, a Laurens Electric Cooperative employee, donated $500 from the LEC’s Pay it Forward program to the LCCA. See full story on page 2.
www.laurenscountyadvertiser.net SPORTS
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Rough terrain LDHS, CHS football both drop games on the road; LA wins at home
GOOD MORNING
FINALLY FRIDAY
From Matthew Rann of Mountville, who has spent every fall for the last five years showing his Jerseys and Brown Swiss cows through the Laurens County 4-H Club.
Main Street Laurens downtown event features live music, chili and beer tasting Friday from 6-9 p.m.
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Camden, South Carolina
October is Fire Prevention Month
By MARTIN L. CAHN C-I (Camden, S.C.) senior writer mcahn@chronicle-independent.com
On a unanimous vote Tuesday -- minus Councilman Jeffrey Graham, who was absent -Camden City Council proclaimed the month of October as Fire Prevention Month in Camden. The proclamation came just ahead of Saturday’s 23rd annual FireFest. The proclamation noted that four out of five fire deaths occur in homes each year, and urged Camden residents to identify places in their homes where fires can start and eliminate those hazards. It also urged residents to install smoke detectors in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area and on every level of a home or apartment. The proclamation also recognized first responders as dedicated to reducing home fires and injuries through prevention and protection education. This year’s fire prevention theme is “Look. Listen. Learn. Be Aware -- Fire Can Happen Anywhere.” Camden Mayor Alfred Mae Drakeford presented a copy of the proclamation to Camden Fire Department (CFD) Asst. Chief Eddie Gardner, who said that prevention isn’t just what the CFD does, but “what everybody does.” “We’re still losing in America about 3,000 people a year to fires,” Gardner said. “Last year, for us, it was a little (more than) 100 in South
Carolina -- a bad year for us. Right now, we’re at about 57, so, hopefully, we’re going to be down this year.” FireFest will begin Saturday at 9 a.m. with a parade of new and antique fire trucks and other emergency vehicles from Camden City Hall on Rutledge Street and then Broad Street to Camden City Arena at Bull Street. The parade will feature the CFD’s recently restored 1920 Seagrave pumper truck, the city’s first motorized fire truck. Activities will include Junior Explorer competitions; firefighting demonstrations -- including a popular side-by-side burn demonstrations, featuring one “room” without sprinklers and one with sprinklers -- a giant kid’s zone; car cruisein; local dance teams; and more than 70 vendors with crafts, services and food through 2 p.m. After Drakeford presented Gardner with the proclamation, he turned the tables and presented her with a plaque of appreciation to the city for sponsoring the annual festival. In other business Tuesday: • Council passed second and final reading of an ordinance amending the part of the city code that governs the Camden Board of Construction Appeals, primarily relating to members’ terms of service. Later in the meeting, council unanimously appointed Kevin Flowers and Travis D. Kelly to the board and reappointed Joseph
See City, see page 8
Staff The Hartsville Messenger SPORTS: Crusaders compete at Pee Dee Classic. 5A
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Friday, September 28, 2018
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Camden Fire Department Asst. Chief Eddie Gardner (front, left) accepts a copy of a proclamation designating October as Fire Prevention Month from Mayor Alfred Mae Drakeford. Looking on in back are (from left) council members Deborah Davis, Stephen Smoak and Joanna Craig. In turn, Gardner presented a plaque to Drakeford thanking the city for its sponsorship of FireFest, which starts at 9 a.m. Saturday with a parade of fire trucks and emergency vehicles down Rutledge and Broad streets.
DiscOver camden-Kershaw county returns Publication is official magazine of Kershaw County Kershaw County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Amy Kinard looks over the recently published official magazine of Kershaw County, Discover Camden-Kershaw County. The magazine is a joint venture of Camden Media Co., the Kershaw County Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center and the city of Camden Tourism Development Office. Discover Camden-Kershaw County will be distributed throughout the year to visitors, businesses and individuals planning to or interested in relocating to Kershaw County. Discover Camden-Kershaw County is published each September and placed at locations throughout the county. The magazine will also be available at the Chamber of Commerce and Kershaw County Economic Development Office and distributed to the state’s welcome centers and the Olde English Tourism District as well as other locations around South Carolina. Also, the 2018-2019 edition of Discover Camden-Kershaw County will be included in chamber relocation packets distributed to potential individuals and businesses interested in Kershaw County as a new home. It will also be supplied to anyone who asks for additional information about Kershaw County through the chamber’s website. In addition to Discover Camden-Kershaw County, Camden Media Co.’s magazine division consists of Camden’s official city magazine, Camden: Classically Carolina, The Camden Horse & Equestrian, The Blythewood Horse & Equestrian and Lee Magazine.
MESSENGER T H E H A RT S V I L L E
Darlington County’s News Leader Since 1893
WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 26, 2018
BY ARDIE ARVIDSON
aarvidson@hartsvillemessenger.com
When Hurricane Florence threatened South Carolina a few days ago, people in Hartsville secured their homes and braced themselves for the worst, for some, that included packing up and leaving town. Pet owners had to make a decision as to what to do with their pets to make sure they were safe, too. For some, this meant boarding them at local kennels. “Pet owners with outside dogs and those leaving the area and could not take their dogs with them started looking before the storm hit for places to board their animals,” said Heather Neubauer, owner of Gray Oak Boarding Kennels in Hartsville, located at 1513 Bay Creek Road. She said she noticed an increased intake of animals during Hurricane Florence. This week, she has also been taking in dogs from residents asked to evacuate because of the potential for flooding of their homes. “We also took in two from the Humane Society,” she said. Neubauer said she took in 17 dogs over the weekend. However, some have gone while others remain. “We are more than half full,” she said. Beth and Jamie Dudley, owners of Country Cabin Pet Resort, 255 Jumping Gully Road in Hartsville, said they have been busier than usual. “We had some people who were going to stay with someone else and couldn’t take their dogs along bring them to us,” Beth said. She said others brought their dogs in because they were experiencing flooding or had no electricity. Although she said they weren’t as busy as they thought they might be they did have two buildings full of evacuee dogs. She said the last of them went home on Tuesday.
See PETS, Page 3A
Jim Tatum/C-I
county council passes first reading for millage Budget will not require a tax increase
camden man charged with firing shots into home By MARTIN L. CAHN C-I (Camden, S.C.) senior writer mcahn@chronicle-independent.com
By JIM TATUM C-I (Camden, S.C.) Editor jtatum@chronicle-independent.com
Kershaw County Council passed first reading of the county millage rate during its meeting Tuesday. Under state law, the county passes the millage ordinance to establish the tax rate for the fiscal year. The millage rate is applied to the assessed value of property in the county. While the lengthy process of putting together the budget was finished in June with
the approval of the fiscal year 2019 budget, the final step, which is determining the actual millage rate to finance that budget via collection of taxes. The calculation of the millage rate is done by the county auditor, who then presents a recommendation for county council’s review. “I think everyone’s headline should read ‘no tax increase,’” County Council Chairman Julian Burns noted. Council members thanked their col-
See KCC, see page 8
The Chronicle-Independent is distributed Tuesday and Friday. (803) 432-6157 (phone) (803) 432-7609 (fax) jtatum@chronicle-independent.com (e-mail) www.chronicle-independent.com (web)
Camden Police Department (CPD) officers arrested Raheem Kawon Fuller, 28, of Arnett Drive in east Camden, for allegedly firing at least five rounds into a Court Street home around 10 p.m. Monday. No one was injured, according to the CPD report. The daughter of a 54-yearold man living in the home called dispatchers and met
Index Ariail............2 Calendar..........5 Classified..........9
Editorial..........2 Obituaries.......4 People&Places..12 Sports.............6
See Shots, see page 8
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BY KENT MAHONEY A press release from Sonoco heralded kmahoney@hartsvillemessenger.com the good news: “Water levels on Prestwood Lake and the Black Creek in Hartsville conEDITOR’S NOTE: This story original appeared tinue to recede, and there is no danger of in the Florence Morning News. The time frame is Sonoco’s dam in Hartsville overtopping.” from the perspective of the Monday and Tuesday While maybe not perceptible to the naked after Tropical Florence on Sept. 13 through Sept. 17. eye, water levels were well below previous It was a bright sunrise Wednesday morn- levels and water that once covered the Pating that signaled things would be returning rick Highway Bridge behind Sonoco was gone Wednesday morning. to normal. “Based on current assessments, Sonoco The post-Tropical Storm Florence euphobelieves there is no threat of additional ria was due to several reasons. The Prestwood Lake level was slowly go- flooding to the Hartsville area, and waing down, Darlington County Schools ter levels on the Black Creek continue to would be back to class today, and cleanup efforts were ongoing around the city. See AFTERMATH, Page 3A
City of Hartsville work crews went around town helping with various projects and jobs after Hurricane/ Tropical Depression Florence dumped copious amounts of rain on the area over two-and-a-half days.
COURTESY OF CITY OF HARTSVILLE
COKER COLLEGE
Coker College students sheltered in place Thursday through Sunday from Tropical Storm Florence at the DeLoach Center on campus. As long as the lights were on, everything was fine, like playing video games or watching Netflix.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF DANIELLA SEWELL/COKER COLLEGE
Audio visual equipment was useful in keeping Coker College students occupied during Tropical Storm Florence from Thursday afternoon through Sunday at the DeLoach Center.
Cobra students sheltered in place BY KENT MAHONEY
kmahoney@hartsvillemessenger.com
College is a pursuit at a higher level of learning; to expand one’s experiences and — broaden one’s horizons. Several dozen students at Coker College sheltered in place from Thursday, Sept. 13 to Sunday, Sept. 16 afternoons at the DeLoach Center for Hurricane Florence last week, some by choice, others not so much. For three particular students, Kamain McClain, Kiisha Hilliard and Nico Parra, it was a mixture of both.
McClain is from North Carolina, and Hilliard is actually a Hartsvillian, but Parra is from Chile, South America, and has been through a natural disaster, it just wasn’t a hurricane. Parra, 22, is from Temuco, Chile and is a senior business administration student, who also plays for the college golf team. He will graduate in May 2019. He was not at Coker College for Hurricane Matthew, but he did experience a natural disaster in The DeLoach Center concession area became a buffet serving his hometown when a massive line for approximately 60 students who sheltered in place Thursday through Sunday from the effects of Tropical Storm See SHELTER, Page 3A Florence.
124th Year 12 pages Happenings................................... 2A Local News.................................... 4A Opinion.......................................... 8A Sports ........................................... 5A Entertainment............................... 9A Classifieds.................................... 10A
with her father and officers there. The man said he was at home alone lying in bed when a younger man -- later identified as Fuller -- announced himself at his front door and asked if his son was home. The victim said he told Fuller his son was not home, but expected him shortly. After a few minutes, the man suddenly heard gunshots outside the house and bullets striking it. He said he briefly dropped to
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FLORENCE AFTERMATH Pets are family, too Potential disaster averted in Hartsville
Wallace’s devotional book gives people hope BY ARDIE ARVIDSON
aarvidson@hartsvillemessenger.com
Elizabeth Ann Wallace is a wife, mother, author, motivational speaker, photographer and Bible study teacher. She is a native of Columbia, living in Hartsville, and has reCONTRIBUTED cently written a 30-day devoElizabeth Ann Wallace has written a 30-day devotional book called tional book, “Extraordinary Hope,” published by Morgan “Extraordinary Hope.”
James Publishing. The release date for her book is Nov. 3, although, it is already out in e-Book format. The devotionals are written to strengthen and inspire people with hope. The book is filled with stories of people who have overcome obstacles in their lives through hope, faith and love, people who have faced grave challenges and become
victorious through joy, peace and hope. Wallace said she looked to the Bible to find passages about hope until she found 30 of them. Then she researched stories of people of hope and faith. “You can see the good that come out of disaster through hope,” Wallace said.
See BOOK, Page 3A
GENERAL EXCELLENCE 2-3 TIMES WEEKLY DIVISION
FLAG ON THE PLAY...
SEE SPORTS / 7A
GHS coaches stress discipline after 62 penalties in 5 games
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A newspaper in all that the word implies, devoted to the best interests of the people of Cherokee County. GAFFNEY, S.C.
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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2018
LOCKDOWN!
50 CENTS
Copperhead bites 2-year-old By TIM GULLA Ledger Staff Writer tim@gaffneyledger.com
A manhunt in a kudzu-covered area Monday near B.D. Lee Elementary School led to two (Ledger photo / TIM GULLA) schools being placed on lockdown.
Schools secured during manhunt While there was no direct threats, two schools were placed on lockdown Monday morning after a car chase through Gaffney turned into a manhunt in an kudzu-covered utility rightright-of way. Two men who allegedly ran from the vehicle that was trying to outrun police were subsequently taken into custody. The situation began just after 10 a.m. when members of the Community Action Team (C.A.T.) — which is comprised of Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office and Gaffney Police Department agents — spotted a white-colored sport utility vehicle with a Florida license plate and recognized the alleged driver, Quincy Raynard Littlejohn, 40, of Gaffney, as having a suspended driver’s license, Sheriff Steve Mueller said. The C.A.T. members attempted a traffic stop but it’s alleged Littlejohn would not stop, leading police on an approximately 2mile chase from the area of
Thompson Street and College Drive through the historic district, and ultimately to Oliver Street, where the occupants abandoned the sport utility vehicle outside an apartment building and fled on foot. One man, Worth Franklin Jackson, 33, of Gaffney, was taken into custody a short distance away, Mueller said. Littlejohn was taken into custody by Gaffney police and sheriff’s deputies in the kudzu-covered right-of-way along West Montgomery Street, a few hundred yards from B.D. Lee Elementary School. A third person who allegedly ran from the vehicle was not located, Mueller said. Gaffney police immediately notified the Cherokee County School District of the situation and both B.D. Lee and Granard Middle School were placed on a precautionary lockdown. Several officers were observed stationed outside B.D. Lee Elementary, monitoring the exterior of the building. The search, which included the use of bloodhounds, lasted only about 30 minutes before it
was called off. School Superintendent Dr. Quincie Moore said both schools remained on modified lockdown status for the remainder of the day as a precautionary measure, “as directed by law enforcement officials.” Mueller said Littlejohn was charged with 3rd offense driving under suspension, failure to stop for a blue light, habitual traffic offender, and three drug offenses including possession of ecstasy, possession of Oxycodone and possession of Oxycontin. Online Cherokee County Detention Center records show Littlejohn’s bond was set at a total of $32,100. Jackson faced the same three drug-related charges as Littlejohn, the sheriff said. Online jail records show Jackson’s bond was set at $7,500 per charge. The drug charges against both men stemmed from a backpack that police recovered during the manhunt, Mueller said. The vehicle involved in the chase had a license plate that came back to a holding company, Mueller said, and it was believed the vehicle was a rental car.
HOW EMS RESPONDS
City looks to replace aged aerial fire truck
FIRE SAFETY PROGRAM Kevin Burchfield of the Blacksburg Volunteer Fire Department dresses in firefighter turnout gear Monday as part of a fire prevention program at Blacksburg Primary. The Cherokee County Fire Chiefs Association is taking a fire trailer — complete with smoke machine — to elementary schools to educate students about the basics of fire safety.
By LARRY HILLIARD Ledger Staff Writer larry@gaffneyledger.com It’s never too early to plan for a $1 million investment. That’s the thinking of the Gaffney Fire Committee on Monday when its members discussed the purchase of a new aerial fire truck. Gaffney Administrator James Taylor said the city’s current aerial truck is nearing 20 years old and needs to be replaced. Another concern is the aerial truck was made by American LaFrance, which went out of business in 2014, which makes finding parts for repairs difficult. Taylor said it takes about 12 to 15 months to order l See TRUCK, Page 5A
(Ledger photo / SCOTT POWELL)
PERSPECTIVE ...Thanks to officials at the county, city, town and school district for being so cooperative in our requests to live stream meetings using their wi-fi. — See CODY SOSSAMON’S Column C
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OBITUARIES
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DAVES, Rose Ann, 68, Boiling Springs, N.C. DAVES, Ted, 70, Boiling Springs, N.C. REYNOLDS, Janice, 66, Gaffney SMITH, Reggie, 56, Gaffney TATE, Miles, 86, Spartanburg WYATT, Judy, 70, Spartanburg
THE WINNER IS ... Two people correctly predicted the winners of every game last week. Johnny Childers won with a perfect tie-breaker score of 48 and cashes in to the tune of $100. The contest appears in each Monday edition throughout the football season.
THE GAFFNEY LEDGER — SERVING CHEROKEE COUNTY SINCE 1894 / VOLUME 125 NO. 83
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By TIM GULLA Ledger Staff Writer tim@gaffneyledger.com
A 2-year-old child was recuperating Tuesday after being bitten by a copperhead snake Monday evening, the second victim of a venomous snake bite in Cherokee County in the past week. The child reportedly was bitten in the leg by a snake that was beside a sidewalk outside a Jolly Road home, Macedonia Volunteer Fire Department Chief Dennis Gardner said. The child was immediately taken from the scene to meet with responding paramedics, who transported the child to Spartanburg Regional Medical Center for treatment. The child subsequently was transported to a Greenville hospital. As the child was being whisked away for treatment, Gardner said he and the child’s grandfather returned to the scene of the bite to locate and identify the type of snake — which they determined was indeed a copperhead. Just a week ago, on Sept. 17, a man was bitten by a copperhead snake in Blacksburg, confirmed Randy Guyton of Upstate (c)depositphotos.com/lifeonwhite Carolina EMS. Gardner, who also serves as director of Cherokee County E-9-1-1, said snake bites are very rare locally. According to Randy Guyton of UpMonday night’s call in state Carolina EMS, when paramedics Macedonia, he said, was the respond to a snake bite call, they: first one they had responded to in several years. l Control the bleeding Will Dillman, who previl Give the patients intravenous ously served as the South fluids Carolina Department of l Place the victim on cardiac Natural Resources’ herpetol- monitoring ogist and who currently l Usually employ rapid transport serves as the assistant chief to a trauma center where antiof wildlife, said now is actuvenom is available ally one of two peak times in South Carolina for snake activity. Snake activity peaks in the spring, when snakes are emerging from hibernation, and late summer/early fall before hibernation. There’s generally a lot of movement this time of year, he said, as well as more young snakes. Still, he assured, encountering venomous snakes is pretty uncommon and getting bitten is very rare. “The last thing they (the snakes) want to do is bite a large mammal,” he said. Of the 38 species of snakes found in South Carolina, according to the SCDNR, only six are venomous with the copperhead being the most common. When paramedics respond to a snake bite, Guyton said they control the bleeding, give the patients intravenous fluids, place them on cardiac monitoring and usually employ rapid transport to a trauma center where anti-venom is available. He said medical professionals generally want to know the type of snake involved as part of the treatment process but cautioned, “You don’t want somebody to get bit trying to catch it.”
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FIRST PLACE Staff The Gaffney Ledger
JAY BENDER AWARD FOR ASSERTIVE JOURNALISM ALL WEEKLY DIVISION
SECOND PLACE Travis Jenkins The News & Reporter
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