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Obama sanctions Russia for alleged election hacking A3 FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2016
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School attorney defends executive session Claims personnel issues ‘significant’ BY BRUCE MILLS bruce@theitem.com Attorneys representing The Sumter Item and the Sumter School District Board of Trustees disagree on whether the board provided a legitimate reason for going into executive session and behind closed doors last week to discuss an audit report at a special called meeting. The South Carolina Freedom of Information Act requires public bodies,
such as school boards, to provide a viable purpose for entering executive session and leaving the public’s view at their meetings. Section 30-4-70 of the state’s FOIA provides six specific reasons for public boards to enter executive session. Each reason — such as employment matters — must provide a specific, detailed explanation, according to the law. On the printed agenda and at the beginning of the special called meeting Dec. 20 at the district office, the board
said its purpose for entering executive session was “to discuss personnel matters and legal briefings,” according to a news reporter’s taped transcript of the meeting. According to the state’s FOIA and Sumter Item attorney Taylor Smith IV of Harrison & Radeker, P.A., of Columbia, that’s technically not sufficient SMITH information and a justifiable purpose for a public board to enter executive session. “Unfortunately, when school board members went into executive session
on Dec. 20, they failed to announce a specific purpose for why the public would not be allowed to know what they would be discussing,” Smith said after reviewing the transcript and printed agenda. When contacted, the school board’s attorney — William “Bick” HalliHALLIGAN gan, of Childs & Halligan, of Columbia — said in his legal opinion, the executive session was not in violation
SEE BOARD, PAGE A4
‘A cop’s cop’ Sheriff Randy Garrett reflects on 42-½ year career; 8 years as sheriff BY KONSTANTIN VENGEROWSKY konstantin@theitem.com Grateful for the opportunity to serve. That’s how Clarendon County Sheriff Randy Garrett said he would describe his 42-½ year career in law enforcement and his last eight years as the top lawman in Clarendon County. In January, he will officially give up his post to Sheriffelect Tim Baxley, to whom he lost the election in the Democratic primary in June. There was no Republican opposition to the seat. “I’ve had a great career and I couldn’t accomplish anything without the support of the people around me,” Garret said in an interview on Wednesday. “I’ve worked with some fine law enforcement officers over the years, and we got through many difficult situations by working together. That’s where the success came from. I’m just blessed to have had the head job.” Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott said he knew Gar-
rett before he was elected sheriff and had developed a friendship with him. “He was a cop’s cop,” Lott said. “As Manning Police Department chief he developed a reputation of honesty, integrity and being tough on crime. Once he was elected sheriff, he carried those traits with him and never compromised on them. I watched him face personal and family challenges while keeping his faith strong. I am honored to call him my friend.” Sumter County Sheriff Anthony Dennis described Garrett as a “longtime lawman who always stayed on the forefront of technology.” “He made sure his deputies were well-trained and ready for almost any situation,” Dennis said. “We worked many operations together and enjoyed a great working relationship. I not only knew him as a colleague but also as a friend.” Clarendon County Chief Deputy Preston Stukes said he considers Garrett to be a big brother to him. “He’s a great boss and a
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Clarendon County Sheriff Randy Garrett has spent 42-½ years in law enforcement, including eight years as sheriff. very compassionate person,” Stukes said. “He is a great leader who would always steer you in the right direction.” Clarendon County Council Chairman Dwight Stewart said he appreciated all of the hard work that Garrett has put in over the years to the county and City of Manning. “Sheriff Garrett is well respected throughout our county and the law enforcement community,” Stewart said. “He had to deal with a lot of changes in law enforcement
over his 42 year career. He worked well with other agencies in fighting crime throughout the region.” Manning Mayor Julia A. Nelson said she always found Garret to be very approachable and responsive. “During the times of natural disasters, his leadership played a major role for the best outcomes, which ensured safety for public safety workers and our citizens,” Nelson said. “His public service will be missed but not forgotten.” Garrett, 62, a native of Holly
Hill, said he was always fascinated with law enforcement while growing up. At age 20, Garrett started out as a dispatcher with the Gaffney Police Department and at 21 he became a full time officer. In the early 1970s, he moved to Clarendon County and started out as an officer with the Summerton Police Department. He then served the Manning Police Department for four years and the Clarendon
SEE SHERIFF, PAGE A4
Judge orders Roof Hoppin’ John a South Carolina evaluated again tradition, New Year’s Day or not ‘Eat poor for a day, live before sentencing rich for a year.’ BY JIM HILLEY jim@theitem.com
COLUMBIA (AP) — A judge has ordered another competency exam for Charleston church shooter Dylann Roof, who faces the death penalty for killing nine black parishioners last year. Federal Judge Richard Gergel ordered another evaluation of Roof “in an abundance of caution.” But the judge said Thursday that he finds no reason to delay or cancel the trial’s sentencing phase, set to begin Tuesday. Roof, who is white, intends to represent himself. A jury found Roof guilty Dec. 15 on 33 counts, including hate ROOF crimes and obstruction of religion. Gergel’s order says Roof will be evaluated over the weekend at the Charleston County jail. The judge says he will rule on Roof’s competency Monday, following a hearing. He’s again considering closing the hearing, as he has before over the prosecution’s objections.
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here is a tradition in South Carolina that it is good luck to eat Hoppin’ John on New Year’s Day. Sources vary about why this is true, but many cite old sayings such as “Eat poor for a day, live rich for a year.” The original Hoppin’ John was undoubtedly the food of poor people. The dish is basically made from peas, rice and cured pork and evolved from early African-American food. Recipes have since been modified to add ingredients such as collard greens, celery, snap peas, green pepper, onion and red pepper. Today, there is somewhat of a controversy about whether modern ingredients can produce the flavors of the original recipes, such as this one from Sarah Rutledge’s “The Carolina House-
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OLD ADAGE wife,” published in 1847: “HOPPING JOHN One pound of bacon, one pint of red peas, one pint of rice. First, put in the peas, and when half boiled, add the bacon. When the peas are well boiled, throw in the rice, which must first be washed and graveled. When the rice has been boiling half an hour, take the pot off the fire and put it on coals to steam, as in boiling rice alone. Put a quart of water on the peas at first and if it boils away too much, add a little more hot water. Season with salt and pepper, and, if liked, a sprig of green mint. In serving up, put the rice and peas first in
the dish, and the bacon on the top.” Modern critics say Rutledge’s recipe would lead to a flavorless mush using today’s ingredients. The rice we eat today is not the plantation rice harvested by hand in 1847, black-eyed peas lack the color or flavor of older varieties, and modern processed bacon is a far cry from the smoked and salt-cured pork once available. Mike Dellinger, owner of The Farm Store, recommends using cow peas instead of black-eyed peas. He said some pea varieties that were common generations ago have mostly disappeared, especially what he called “fall peas.” “When you plant early, all you get is a vine,” he said. “It ain’t gonna do anything until days get shorter.”
SEE HOPPIN’ JOHN, PAGE A6
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2 SECTIONS, 20 PAGES VOL. 122, NO. 55
Mostly sunny today with no chance of rain; tonight, clear and much colder. HIGH 53, LOW 28
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