2021 Awards Celebration Digital Presentation (Part A) by S.C. Press Association

Welcome! AWARDS CELEBRATION BANQUET

Special Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor!

Associated Press S.C. Photo of the Year

Ken Ruinard Independent Mail

Collegiate Journalist of the Year Under 5,000 Division

Jaliah Robinson

The Panther, Claflin University

Collegiate Journalist of the Year Over 5,000 Division

Kailey Cota

The Daily Gamecock, University of South Carolina

South Carolina Press Association

Hall of

Fame

Ken Burger 1949-2015

South Carolina Press Association

Hall of

Fame

Dean B. Livingston 1933-2014

South Carolina Press Association

Hall of

Fame

John Henry McCray 1910-1987

Full Necrology with newspaper information on page 9 of program

Judson Chapman Award

Open Division

Third PLACE

Second PLACE

Jennifer Berry Hawes and Gavin McIntyre

Chiara Eisner

The Post and Courier

The State

SPECIAL REPORT

They executed people for the state of South Carolina. For some, it nearly destroyed them. BY CHIARA EISNER UPDATED JANUARY 04, 2022 12:24 PM

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‘I Am

Omar’ A quest for the true identity of Omar ibn Said, a Muslim man enslaved in the Carolinas

Between 1985 and 2011, Craig Baxley, Jim Harvey and Jon Ozmint performed different roles related to the task of carrying out executions in South Carolina for the Department of Corrections. JOSHUA BOUCHER JBOUCHER@THESTATE.COM READ MORE

Executions in SC Many of those who helped execute people in South Carolina have never spoken about their job’s toll. The State interviewed 10 involved in the work, explored SC execution history and exposed how South Carolina is keeping current execution information secret. RANDOLPH LINSLY SIMPSON AFRICAN-AMERICAN COLLECTION/YALE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY

STORY BY JENNIFER BERRY HAWES PHOTOGRAPHS BY GAVIN MCINTYRE

This story was supported by the Pulitzer Center

AKAR — Dust rolling in from the Sahara Desert cloaks the horizon, shrouding the clay structures ahead and disorienting the band of strangers as they approach. Yet they come to this ancient village in search of clarity. Imam Amadou Baîdy Sy, among the most learned men in the area, welcomes the unexpected guests into his home. Gathering around him on colorful mats and tapestries, they clutch two Arabic texts, each laden with a trans-Atlantic mystery. The documents contain words written two centuries ago by a man captured somewhere out here in the sand-swept expanse of northern Senegal. The visitors, who include two Post and Courier

journalists, explain the importance of the author. Draped in folds of royal purple, Sy leans over to grasp the packet. He has never heard of this Omar ibn Said. That’s not surprising. Omar wrote his most historically important text, a brief autobiography, 190 years ago, and it spent much of the last century forgotten in an old trunk in Virginia. When he wrote it, Omar was 61 and more than two decades into a long enslavement in America — first in Charleston and then North Carolina. He lacked the freedom for candor, though he’d become a minor celebrity for his exotic script and born-again zeal for Jesus. Or so they said.

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The first time Craig Baxley executed a man for the state of South Carolina, he wasn’t sure it was the right thing to do. He slipped the surgical gloves on anyway at around 6 p.m. Behind the one-way mirror that hid his face from the others in the death chamber, a heart monitor beeped a reminder.

Still alive, it told him. That person you’re supposed to kill is still alive.

STORY CONTINUES ON PAGE 2

By then, Baxley was no stranger to death. Straight out of high school, he had enlisted with the Marines and trained at Parris Island next to friends who would be blown up in one of the deadliest attacks against the service since World War II, the 1983 Beirut Marine barracks bombing. Soon after he was discharged, at

Judson Chapman Award

Open Division

First PLACE David Slade

The Post and Courier The essence of journalism’s role in public accountability is wrapped up in this reporting.

Cartoon

Open Division

Third PLACE

Second PLACE

Steve Stegelin

Ed Wilson

Charleston City Paper

The Horry Independent

Cartoon

Open Division

First PLACE Robert Ariail

Charleston City Paper

The artist got the point across well with these cartoons. Great job!

Infographic

Associate & Individual Division

Third PLACE Kevin Pontiff

Tidelands Health

LIFEWAY CHRISTIAN RESOURCES HAS

entered into a contract for the sale of its building in downtown Nashville. Contract terms, including the sale price, have not been disclosed. LifeWay President and CEO Ben Mandrell said he is excited about LifeWay’s future workplace and the prospects of settling into a new work environment. “LifeWay is moving forward, building fresh vision, and getting prepared for a new season of ministry to churches,” Mandrell said. “This has led us to think strategically about selling our large building downtown, fully embracing remote work as the norm, and moving into a new era of creative and collaborative work.” Mandrell said he and other LifeWay leaders have been looking at options for its headquarters since the summer of 2019, well before anyone knew COVID-19 was on the horizon. LifeWay dedicated its current corporate headquarters in November 2017, moving to Capitol View from its former location about a half mile away. “One of the first questions I asked when I took this role was, ‘What should we do with this building?’ A study completed last year showed we were using the building at only 60 percent occupancy on a daily basis,” Mandrell said. “We want to be wise stewards, so it makes sense for us to do all we can to make the best use of our resources, including our corporate office building. The decision to sell our building is a strategic one.” LifeWay will continue to occupy a portion of the building over the near term until it determines a location for its new headquarters. “We’re definitely moving to a new work environment,”

Mandrell said. “Our new space will be designed specifically around a healthy blend of strategic meetings and team collaboration, as well as the flexibility of working from home. Like other companies are doing as a result of COVID, we’re reimagining the corporate office for the future of work. “We are moving away from the idea of a ‘headquarters’ to a fully mobile and agile workforce that intentionally gathers to build strong relationships, celebrate what God is doing, and share ideas.” In March, LifeWay’s Nashville-based employees moved to fully remote work as the city implemented a number of restrictions due to COVID-19. Mandrell said employees will continue to work remotely the majority of the time and will come to the building for strategic meetings. The new work environment will offer a mix of conference rooms, casual meeting spaces and drop-in workstations. LifeWay began a feasibility study of its corporate office building in downtown Nashville in April 2020. The study explored multiple options, including leasing several floors to external occupants, selling the building and leasing back office space, or moving to another location. Based on the positive results of that feasibility study, LifeWay’s board of trustees authorized a resolution for the organization’s executive team to pursue viable options for the sale of its corporate headquarters. LifeWay has not announced a timeline for closing on the current building or for moving to a new facility. n

Second PLACE Candace Rathbone The Baptist Courier

Carol Pipes is director of corporate communications for LifeWay Christian Resources.

LIFEWAY’S CHANGES OVER THE YEARS

Founded in 1891 as the Sunday School Board of the Southern Baptist Convention 159 employees took voluntary retirement incentive

5 percent of workforce cut (approximately 1OO jobs)

Announcement that all 17O retail stores would close

2OO8

1992

1998

World Changers discontinued

MAY 2O19 2O17

MAY 2O2O APRIL 2O2O

Name changed LifeWay moved Series of budgetary into a new Publishing today freezes, Do you have toaLifeWay story to tell? Contact177,OOO-sq.-ft. Courier atcutbacks and staff reductions 1-888-667-4693 or visit CourierPublishing.com. building debt free

8•

MARCH 2021 | THE COURIER

Ridgecrest Conference Center and Summer Camps sold

JAN. 2O21

OCT. 2O2O

Announcement that new World Changers will be led by church leaders and individuals

JAN. 2O21

Entered a contract to sell LifeWay headquarters built in 2O17

Infographic

Associate & Individual Division

First PLACE Kevin Pontiff

Tidelands Health

Graphic provides important data in a simple and creative manner to inform readers of COVID-19 updates with relevant illustrations.

Informational Graphic

Open Division

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Greg K. Deal

Brandon Lockett & David Slade

Index-Journal

The Post and Courier How South Carolina’s population has changed BY BRANDON LOCKETT and DAVID SLADE | The Post and Courier

+25,000

-60,000

-30,000

-50,000

-25,000

Spartanburg

Richland

(+43,690) +20,000

+15,000

Lexington

(+31,643)

(+24,985)

+10,000

+20,000

-20,000

-15,000

-10,000

-20,000

Anderson

Lancaster +15,000

(+19,364)

+10,000

Pickens

(+16,592)

(+4,334)

(+8,709)

+10,000

+5,000

-15,000

-10,000

-5,000

Jasper +5,000

-5,000

(+3,706)

(+211)

Oconee 78,607

Anderson 203,718

Lancaster 96,016 Chesterfield 43,273

Fairfield 20,948

Kershaw 65,403

(-707)

Bamberg 13,311

Jasper 28,791

Dorchester 161,540 Colleton 38,604

-10,000

Marion 29,183 Horry 351,029

-5,000

Berkeley 229,861

Chester Charleston 408,235

(-846)

+5,000

Beaufort 187,117

-5,000

Calhoun

Saluda (-1,013)

(-1,056)

+5,000

Abbeville (-1,122)

+5,000

Union

Edgefield +5,000

(-1,328)

+5,000

-5,000

Barnwell

Sumter +5,000

(-1,900)

-5,000

+5,000

-5,000

Bamberg (-2,676)

Marlboro

(-2,032) +5,000

+5,000

(-2,689)

Allendale +5,000

(-3,008)

Hampton +5,000

(-3,397)

Chesterfield +5,000

-5,000

Dillon (-3,770)

(-3,827)

Darlington

Marion

Clarendon +5,000

+5,000

(-3,879)

+5,000

(-2,529)

-5,000

Williamsburg +5,000

(-1,717)

-5,000

Fairfield +5,000

(-2,380)

-5,000

Lee +5,000

(-2,266)

-5,000

+5,000

(-310)

Georgetown 63,404

-5,000

+5,000

Greenwood 5,000

Williamsburg 21,026

Orangeburg 84,223

Hampton 18,561

Clarendon 31,114

(+174)

Dillon 28,292

Florence 137,059

Sumter 105,556

Calhoun 14,119

Marlboro 26,667

Darlington 62,905 Lee 16,531

Richland 416,147

Allendale 8,039

McCormick +5,000

Laurens 67,539

Barnwell 20,589

-5,000

Florence +10,000

Abbeville 24,295 Greenwood 69,351 Saluda 18,862 Lexington McCormick 293,991 9,526 Edgefield 25,657 Aiken 168,808

(-288)

-5,000

County populations in 2020

Chester 32,394

(+874)

-5,000

York 282,090

Newberry 37,719

Colleton +5,000

+5,000

-5,000

Union 27,244

-5,000

(+1,002)

+5,000

Cherokee Greenville 56,216 525,354 Pickens Spartanburg 131,404 327,997

Cherokee

Laurens

(+3,246)

+5,000

-5,000

Newberry +5,000

Georgetown

Kershaw

(+4,014) +5,000

(+24,884)

Oconee

Aiken

(+12,180)

+10,000

(+52,018)

Beaufort

Dorchester

(+31,600)

+15,000

Population decreased

Berkeley

(+56,017)

+25,000

2+ races

Population increased

York

(+58,026)

+50,000

Other

Charleston

(+74,309)

+30,000

Hispanic

(+81,738)

Black

Greenville

Horry +60,000

White

The Palmetto State’s population grew by 493,061 from 2010 to 2020, to 5,118,425. That 10.7 percent population gain was the second-largest among states east of the Mississippi River, behind only Florida. All the growth in S.C. was concentrated in 22 of the 46 counties, while the remaining 24 lost population. Meanwhile, the racial and ethnic makeup of county populations shifted as people moved in or out, were born or died. This map shows the 2020 population of each county, and the individual boxes show the racial and ethnic components of each county’s population change.

(-5,776)

(-3,461)

Orangeburg +10,000

-5,000

-10,000

(-8,278)

NOTES: “Other” in the county charts are residents who identified themselves as being American Indian, Alaska Native, Asian, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander or “other” race. Racial categories refer to the non-Hispanic population. People of Hispanic ethnicity, of any race, are counted in the Hispanic category. SOURCE: Data from the 2010 and 2020 censuses released by the U.S. Census Bureau, via the Associated Press.

Informational Graphic

Open Division

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0 Ap 12 r2 01 Ju 3 l2 01 No 3 v2 0 Ap 13 r2 01 Ju 4 l2 01 No 4 v2 0 M 14 ar 20 15 Ju n 20 15 Oc t2 01 5 M ar 20 16 Ju n 20 16 Oc t2 01 Ap 6 r2 01 Ju 7 l2 01 Oc 7 t2 01 Ap 7 r2 01 Ju 8 n 20 18 De c2 01 8 M ay 20 Ju 19 l2 01 No 9 v2 0 Ap 19 r2 02 Au 0 g2 02 0 De c2 02 0 M ay 20 Ju 21 l2 02 1

Replay

No v2

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450

Lucas Smolcic Larson

Hispanic or Latino 418

400

350

Student headcounts

The Island Packet

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300

Today, they make up 54% of the student body.

250

White 252

200

150

100

Black 73 50

Other 30 0

Source: SCDE student headcounts • Chart: Lucas Smolcic Larson Note: Students identified as Hispanic/Latino and another race are counted only under Hispanic. HHI Elementary for the Creative Arts and Early Childhood Center excluded.

This chart provides an informative and creative way to display the demographics of the schools in an easy-to-understand format.   

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Innovation

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Lucas Smolcic Larson & Chiara Eisner The Island Packet

Kayla Green, Vince Johnson & Micah Green

EDUCATION

The story of ‘La Isla’: How Hispanic students became the face of Hilton Head BY LUCAS SMOLCIC LARSON AND CHIARA EISNER

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The Sumter Item 

(HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/STUDIOSUMTER)

Sumter Item creates Local News Advisory Board to strengthen coverage, bonds in community

UPDATED NOVEMBER 29, 2021 11:05 AM

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Wednesday, February 16, 2022

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HOMEPAGE

Why are ‘Dreamers’ who call South Carolina home leaving? ‘It’s like a toxic relationship’ Jessica Bonilla Garcia, 27, stands for a portrait on April 15, 2021 in her apartment in Ridgeland, S.C. with her DACA renewal paperwork in hand. Nine years ago, Garcia used the photos and rewards surrounding her, collected from her life in South Carolina since she was 4, to apply for DACA for the first time. She fills out new forms and pays $495 to renew her status every 21 months. DREW MARTIN DMARTIN@ISLANDPACKET.COM

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(https://gamma.creativecirclecdn.com/sumter/original/20210607-143031-localnewsboardgraphicFINAL.jpg) Posted Saturday, June 5, 2021 6:00 am

BY CHIARA EISNER AND LUCAS SMOLCIC LARSON UPDATED NOVEMBER 29, 2021 11:05 AM

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BY KAYLA GREEN kayla@theitem.com (mailto:kayla@theitem.com) For Sumter to thrive, it needs all hands on deck working together.

Immigrants and first-generation Americans, many from Spanish-speaking households, are poised to become Hilton Head, South Carolina's future. Here's a by-thenumbers look at how area classrooms have changed. BY LOUMAY ALESALI

The New Majority READ MORE

The New Majority

Nearly half of Hilton Head’s public school students are Hispanic and Latino. New challenges must be met for them — and the island — to prosper. EXPAND ALL

Lea este artículo en español.

From government and education to business, health care, arts and culture, advocacy, faith and everything in between, each organization, every community leader who stands up for the silenced and ensures our children have access to the brightest future plays a part in whether our community grows or fades. We at The Sumter Item know that and appreciate our relationship with the community members who help make that happen. To help promote that vision, we formed our �rst Local News Advisory Board. Made up of 24 members from across communities, organizations and departments, the board met for the �rst time on May 12 and will continue to meet monthly on Zoom to share what is going on in each member's organization and community and pitch any coverage ideas they want The Sumter Item's newsroom to explore. Discussion topics can range from ensuring we know about an upcoming event to spotlighting a trend or telling us about someone who should be in the spotlight. Our team at The Sumter Item believes we can all work together to ensure the right stories are being told in Sumter, the right voices being heard for the bene�t of all. Local news is critical to the wellness of a community. There are 200 counties across the U.S. (https://www.usnewsdeserts.com/) that do not have a local newspaper. South Carolina saw a 14% decrease in newspapers from 2004 to 2019.

The Sumter Item has been here for 126 years, and we know constant evolution is what's needed to not just stay a�oat, but also to have a meaningful presence. Our reporters do their best to shine light on the most important stories people need and want to know. Sometimes, our knowledge of a situation, an event or a person or business is lost outside the blinders of what we know or personally experience.

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LATEST NEWS Author Michae Wade Hampto (/stories/auth speak-on-wad scouts,37835 Survey sugges teachers, staff different leade suggests-sum teachers-staff different-lead Sumter Galler conversation T G. Cole Miller

SUNDAY

TO KNOW IN

SOUTH CAROLINA PAGE 10

Innovation

MAJOR MILESTONES OF THE FREEDOM STRUGGLE IN THE US

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CIVIL RIGHTS GROUPS, THEN AND NOW, FIGHT FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE (AND MORE)

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MANY IN SC HAVE DEDICATED THEIR LIVES TO SOCIAL AND RACIAL JUSTICE

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F O U N D E D 18 0 3 Sunday, February 14, 2021

$1,34

IN SAVING FOR 202

W I N N E R O F T H E 2 0 15 P U L I T Z E R P R I Z E F O R P U B L I C S E R V I C

Charleston, S.C.

POSTANDCOURIER.COM

Open Division

S ac T

SPECIAL REPORT News deserts are growing. South Carolina has weak ethics laws. The feds aren’t investigating corruption like they used to. We are.

First PLACE

UNCOVERED

7 Re with 2nd

BY LIS and ER Associ

The Post and Courier, The Sumter Item, The News & Reporter, The Index-Journal, The Independent Voice of Blythewood and Fairfield, The Times and Democrat, Aiken Standard, The Kingstree News, The Newberry Observer, The Anderson Observer, Lancaster News, The Easley Sentinel-Progress, Pickens County Courier, Latino Newspaper, The Laurens County Advertiser, The Charleston Chronicle, The Gaffney Ledger and Pageland Progressive Journal

WAS

STAFF ILLUSTRATION

Weak state ethics laws, shifting federal priorities Innovation and collaboration at its best. An impressive project that made a difference. allow corruption to run rampant in South Carolina Certainly hope this type of innovation is replicated in other states. Powerful journalism. BY TONY BARTELME, GLENN SMITH, JOSEPH CRANNEY and AVERY G. WILKS The Post and Courier

1. Light

The U.S. Department of Justice and FBI have a

Online VIDEO: What causes someone to become corrupt? INTERACTIVE GRAPHIC: Find corruption cases and where newspapers have gone

was ac the ho Capit impea the fir presid of Am and le nation to term violen by his presid Bare since Jan. 6 stun world ate co sessio ing wh troop posts o The of a fo perilo come deep tr of pres had re Rallyi he unl to “fig Capito ing De As hu ing, so ing in lawma people The is all b only th

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Editorial/Column in Support of FOI & Open Government

All Weekly Division

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Second PLACE

Charles D. Perry

Travis Jenkins

Myrtle Beach Herald

SOAPBOX

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

ach Herald is published every ccamaw Publishers, Inc., 2510 eet, Conway, S.C. 29526

ce: 843-488-7231 x: 843-448-4860 info@myhorrynews.com

Subscriptions: unty $60 out of county

ER: Send address changes to Myrtle Beach Herald 740 Conway, S.C. 29528.

Member:

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 to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

October 8, 2021 Page 4

Releasing video of struggle was the right thing to do

Beach Herald

hen Robertson Jr. Publisher rian Robertson usiness Manager Charles Perry Editor anet Morgan Visual editor Shari Harms vertising Director

The First Amendment

SOUND OFF! Reacting to complaints, NMB City Counci is considering an ordinance that would require music with obscene, profane and vulgar language to be played at a lower volume than other music. Council has given first reading to the ordinance but it must pass two more readings before becoming law. Acccording to two legal experts, the ordinance is unconstitutional. This could signal a protracted legal battle. Do you think North Myrtle Beach should try to regulate music with lyrics some find objectionable? Choices are: 1. Yes. 2. No. 3. Undecided. Send your comments on this subject to: steve.robertson@myhorrynews.com. Poll results will be reported in next week’s edition of this newspaper. To vote, log on to www.myhorrynews.com and go to the Opinion menu.

Recent poll A recent Sound Off! poll asked participants in the survey if they think Horry County should spend $4.2 million for next 30 years to fund I-73. The results were: Yes 35.3% No 62.7% Undecided 2%

We listened to a man die last month. We watched him struggle after being mortally wounded. Sadly, we needed to. As disturbing and haunting as the records of Tristan Vereen’s death are, the decision of prosecutors and the S.C. Highway Patrol to release audio and video of the incident was the right one. Secrecy breeds suspicion. It allows rumors and misinformation to fuel rage. Solicitor Jimmy Richardson referenced that human tendency recently when he explained why he would release video of the incident even as state police investigate whether the shooting was justified. “Hopefully the transparency cuts down on the misinformation that leads to people breaking out windows,” he said. But it's understandable why the public would be skeptical. While conspiracy theorists will always search for alternative realities, there’s a reason for the lack of trust in the official narrative of police-involved shootings: they aren’t always accurate and are sometimes woefully incomplete. Take the killing of George Floyd last year. Initially, Minneapolis, Minnesota police issued a news release headlined "Man Dies After Medical Incident During Police Interaction." The release said that after Floyd was handcuffed police noticed “he appeared to be suffering medical distress.” Nowhere in the official press release does it mention that officer Derek Chauvin kneeled on Floyd’s neck and back for over 9 minutes. A bystander’s cellphone video documented the officer’s actions. Chauvin was convicted of murder charges in April. The State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is still investigating whether W.B. Benton, the trooper who shot and killed Vereen, was justified in doing so. We don’t know all the evidence that will be reviewed, but releasing the dashcam video and audio of the incident was important. It was also critical that Richardson provided video of the shooting that was captured by a neighbor’s surveillance camera. The video and audio show the pursuit and the ensuing struggle. Some parts are difficult to watch and to hear. Vereen's family and law enforcement will understandably have many questions in the coming weeks, but releasing public records quickly was a wise move to give the public a clearer understanding of what happened. That being said, the S.C. Highway Patrol still has not revealed exactly why Benton tried to stop Vereen. That information certainly should have been released by this point, especially since many other records have been provided. Public confidence can only be earned through complete transparency.

orth Myrtle Beach must fight for family values

The News & Reporter An extra step

By Editorial Board Tuesday, July 13, 2021 at 9:38 pm (Updated: December 10, 2:49 pm) We always expect elected officials to follow the law, but in one case we’d actually like to see them go a bit beyond what is actually legally required of them. Last week, Chester City Council voted to advertise its human resources director position as open. The council did not vote to terminate or accept the resignation of Barbara Haggray, former HR head (see related story on page one), but one way or the other that position is now vacant for the second time in eight months. When Haggray was hired, we requested the names, resumes and employment applications of all finalists for the position. Per the state’s Freedom of Information Act, not fewer than three finalists are to be named for any such opening. The law also allows 10 working days for a response to a request and then an additional, reasonable amount of time for requests to be fulfilled. The City followed the letter of the law and provided us everything we asked for. So we are not accusing anyone of doing anything wrong in that case. The letter of the law was followed, but we think this is an instance where more openness than is actually required would be welcome. Until a few years ago, when department head level positions were being filled, the City would actually announce a list of finalists and, upon our request, would immediately give us the names, resumes and applications. That allowed us time to publish the information before a hire was actually made. The salaries of these employees is paid for by city taxpayers and the people hired will have some degree of power or authority within city government. They will make decisions that impact everyone and given that, we think city residents have the right to see who is being considered for employment. They should have time to look at the education and work history of each finalist, decide who they think is the best qualified and voice their opinion to elected decision-makers. They might also notice that a particular candidate is related to a member of council, was previously employed by a local government entity and dismissed under questionable circumstances or other things that qualify as “red flags.” Again, these are people that will be working on behalf of city residents and whose salaries will be funded through their tax dollars. Their opinions and collective knowledge should be weighed in making hires. Instead, what happens now is that by the time the City responds to our requests and provides information, the deal is done, the hire is made and the person is on the payroll with little or no public scrutiny or input. We are not sure why this change was made, but it has actually led to a step backwards in terms of involving citizens in the process. Following the law is important, but adhering to the spirit of the law and operating openly will, we think, build more public trust and perhaps ensure that the best person is always chosen for the job.

opinion

Editorial/Column in Support Observing 9/11 of FOI & Open Government

All Weekly Division

As we partially depict on today’s front page, Kershaw County communities observed the 20th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on our country in different ways. Our photos show students meeting first responders at the former Jackson School on Campbell Street in Camden -- the current home of the Kershaw County School District’s Continous Learning Center (CLC) and Wateree Community Action’s Early Head Start Center. Inside the CLC, and in addition to writing letters to other first responders, students learned about 9/11 through recordings of 20-year-old television coverage. Saturday, an estimated 300 people or more participated in the 2021 edition of the Walk of Remembrance. Launched a year ago by former Camden Fire Department (CFD) firefighter Dejuan Warren, the walk -following a few words from Warren, CFD Chief John Bowers, Camden Mayor Alfred Mae Drakeford, and a prayer from Lugoff Fire-Rescue (LF-R) Chief Chris Spitzer -- started from CFD headquarters at Camden City Hall and ended almost two hours later at LF-R headquarters. It was, perhaps, the most symbolic event of first responders and the public paying tribute to the firefighters, police officers and others who lost their lives trying to save the lives of others on 9/11. There were other events we were unable to cover, and want to especially point out Bethune’s Day of Prayer and Remembrance at the town’s memorial park. The event included prayers and speeches from local clergy, some of whom served in the military, as well as the town’s new police chief, Tim Huggins. To them, and others who observed 9/11 in their own ways, on behalf of the entire community, we say, “Thank you.”

First PLACE Martin L. Cahn

Chronicle-Independent

May not must is heart of FOIA

One thing that crossed my mind while working on our stories concerning the Kershaw County School District and Camden High School Athletic Director/Head Coach Brian Rimpf is how the S.C. Freedom on Information Act (FOIA) works in such cases. Many government entities and public bodies treat the exemptions allowed under the S.C. FOIA as things they “must” do. They act as though the FOIA exemptions -- such as employment matters, in this case -- are to be invoked in all cases, without exception, thus keeping the the public from truly understanding what they are doing and why. But that’s not how the FOIA works, at least not here in South Carolina. First, let’s look at executive sessions like the one held Sept. 7 by the Kershaw County Board of School Trustees. Members voted to enter that executive ses-

Martin L. Cahn Editor sion to discuss “personnel matters.” According to the S.C. FOIA, they should have used the term “employment matters” -- “personnel matters” appears nowhere in the FOIA. This is because “personnel” refers to many people, while an “employee” is a single individual. Matters that affect all personnel are not mentioned in the FOIA; matters that affect an individual’s employment are mentioned. When it comes to all the possible exemptions for allowing closed-door discussions, Section 30-4-70 begins, “Meetings which may be closed...” Notice the word “may” -- it means that a public body can also choose not to discuss an employment matter in executive session. They can do

so publicly, in open session, if they so choose. Nothing in the FOIA prevents them from doing so. If they had wanted to, trustees could have discussed Rimpf’s suspension in public. They simply chose not to, likely on the advice of legal counsel. So be it, but I happen to think it would have been better if they had been open about what was going on -- especially, in hindsight, after the release of the district’s three-sentence nonexplanatory statement. The closest the S.C. FOIA gets to “must,” is when it comes to certain employment documents. For example, salaries and/or other compensation are not to be withheld from the public when they are equal to $50,000 or more annually. There are other stipulations for lower salary/compensation amounts. This part of the FOIA also exempts from release (again, with the word “may” as the

operative term) information of a personal nature whose release would be seen as an unreasonable invasion of personal privacy. A related section exempts employment applications from release, but does not exempt those applications once someone becomes part of the final set of contenders for a public job, such as school district superintendents. The FOIA is not a mandate to public bodies to keep things secret, only that they may under very specific conditions. This, in my opinion, is the very heart of the FOIA: That public bodies have the choice to be open or not, not that they must be secretive all the time. (Martin L. Cahn is editor of the Chronicle-Independent, Camden, S.C. Email him at mcahn@chronicle-independent.com. Follow him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/martin.l.cahn.)

Ethics gag rule shields official watchdogs This column does a great job in explaining why the FOIA is important to the public and why it should be followed. Drop us a line... Something on your mind? Write a

If a S.C. legislator gets arrested for starting a bar fight or driving drunk, the police

Cindi Ross

from the subsidiary of a lobby the legislature to close the byist’s principal -- a company loophole, because contrary to or person who employs a lob- his assertion, it’s no secret.

Editorial/Column in Support of FOI & Open Government

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OpiniOn PLACE Second

Third PLACE

‘Silence is more musical than any song.’ Christina Rossetti | English poet

A4 The Journal

Viewpoints Richard Whiting SATURDAY

May 29, 2021

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 to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

Index-Journal Richard S. Whiting

President and Publisher

Executive Editor

William A. Collins Editor Emeritus

R. Frank Mundy 1915-1982

Eleanor M. Mundy Judith Mundy Burns 1917-1998

1947-2019

Editorial opinions in this column represent the views of this newspaper. All other columns, cartoons and Letters to the Editor reflect the views of the individual author. They are not the opinions of this newspaper.

OUR VIEW

Weeding the garden at John de la Howe If you owned a property with, say, four bathrooms that all needed significant renovation, would you bring someone in to price the project one bathroom at a time or would you ask for a price if the work were done all at once? Logically, you would figure that bundle purchases of tile, sinks, countertops and toilets would be less costly in the end than if a contractor had to do one project at a time over the course of several months. In fact, you’ve probably seen those bundled contractor rates for supplies on the shelves of Lowe’s. Of course, as a private home or business owner, that’s your prerogative. If you want to spend more by doing the work piecemeal, so be it. But if you’re a state agency, such as the Governor’s School for Agriculture at John de la Howe, there are annoying bidding and procurement procedures you must go through in getting construction projects done. Well, that is unless you can break those projects into bite-size pieces that stay under the state’s procurement policy threshold. For example, a project that might carry a more than $50,000 price tag would first have to be put out for bidding. Then there’s the selection of the winning bid to be made. But if you take that project and split it up across various stages that each come under $10,000 you can pick and choose who is awarded the work. Piecemeal is precisely how those in charge at John de la Howe in McCormick County doled out renovation projects before reopening this past year. Hundreds of thousands of dollars in renovation were spent, and nearly all under the radar of state procurement policy. Why? We tried to find out. Managing Editor Matthew Hensley pored over pages and pages of documents related to the school’s renovations, finding questionable practices and equally questionable documentation. Those findings are spelled out in an extensive investigative report on today’s front page, which sprang from the Uncovered investigative story published last month by The Post and Courier in conjunction with the Index-Journal. But Hensley’s attempts to speak with key de la Howe staff who might be able to shed light on the findings were met with silence. Chrysanthemums might not be blooming on the 1,300-acre ag school, but mum seems to be the word as the school’s president, Facilities Director Ken Durham and Durham’s top deputy, Scott Mims, chose to ignore this newspaper’s efforts to seek answers to what appears to be a

Making pronouncements on words, generally speaking

t’s probably a dangerous thing to do, but I’ll wade a little into words. That’s words, not woods. This is not someone living in a glass house about to throw stones, although I fully expect to hear something along those lines from some people. Full disclosure: WHITING’S We make WRITINGS mistakes in this business. RICHARD You see, in S. WHITING less than 24 hours our business cranks out the equivalent of a fresh novel on a daily basis. That’s ads, classified line ads, obituaries and stories combined. For some perspective, it helps to understand that your average novel goes through a host of editing stages before it is published. And even at that, many of them still contain typos and grammatical errors. To keep me in check and help me recognize that mistakes will get through, a fellow journalist at my first newspaper job gave me a sign that simply reads “We never make mistrakes.” Typos and grammatical errors are not where I’m wading, however. I dislike those. I wince when they get

through. And I truly admire people Jean “Miss Chicken” Park for her eagle eye. She finds the errors faster than any proofreader I’ve known. Of course, proofreaders are as prevalent as elevator operators these days. We — that’s the writers themselves, we editors and, when they have time, page designers — are the proofreaders. But we are also the ones answering calls and emails, reading more copy — that’s newspaperspeak for words that somehow make up stories — than anyone should in a day’s time. All under rather stringent deadlines in order to get the paper to you, the reader. Now if that sounds like a bunch of excuses for errors ... Come to think of it, it does sound like a bunch of excuses. But it’s not so much excuses as it is a little perspective on the reality newspapers face. OK, enough about the typos already. And the occasional grammatical gaffes. They are occasional, right? This is about word choices. More pointedly, it’s about word choices for which I have a disdain. Like that? I was going to write “it’s about word choices I have a disdain for,” but figured someone would gig me for the “for” hanging off the end there. Here we go: • Held. Now if you’re writing about a book you held in your

hands, that’s fine with me. If referring to a cup of coffee you held in your hand, that’s fine too. But a meeting? No way. You don’t hold events. Some meetings contain some mighty meaty material, but they’d be tough to hold in your arms, much less in your hand. Have a meeting; don’t hold one. • Pronounced dead. Sorry, Sonny Cox and all ye coroners of the Lakelands, but that just sounds wrong. Pronouncements, I do believe, made their way from our royal English heritage and have lingered as long as our bizarre fascination with all things royal. The minister pronounces the bride and groom “husband and wife.” Why? He already pronounced their names during the ceremony. How about “declare” instead? But back to the coroners and their propensity for pronouncing people dead. And yes, it sometimes slips into our writing. Dang it. Just say the person died at the scene. No need for pronouncements. It’s certainly not a happy occasion like a wedding. OK, sometimes those aren’t so happy, either, but you get the point. • Member of the public. Please, no. That’s reminiscent of those Members Only jackets. What the heck was that about? And yes, I did own one. Years ago. At least it wasn’t emblazoned on the jacket the way Tommy Hilfiger’s name

covers his clothing. Pray tell, what are non-members of the public? Which carries the higher standing? The member of the public or the non-member? Membership usually gives an air of privilege, like having a country club membership, but I dare say there are more members of the public than non-members so I’m guessing the non-members have greater status. Just say or write “the public.” No membership required. • General public. This falls into the same category as members of the public. Who makes up the general public? Are they categorized that way on the basis of socio-economic standing? Jobs and careers? Is there a major public? Colonel public? If there is a general public, here again, it stands to reason that there must be a non-general public. And here again, who the heck are they? How do you pick them out in a crowd? Enough. I pronounce my general pronouncements on certain phraseology now dead. For now. Whiting is executive editor of the Index-Journal. Contact him at 864-943-2522; email rwhiting@indexjournal.com, or follow him on Twitter @IJEDITOR. Views expressed in this column are those of the writer only and do not represent the newspaper’s opinion.

Resisting the illusionist caucus

he political world has been focusing on the serious splits in Republican ranks — and rightly so. Purging party members who won’t worship before the altar of Trumpism is an exercise in self-demolition.

very slim majorities in Congress next year — he has to resist the pressures coming from those progressives. There’s a good reason he defeated Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren for the Democratic nomination: He understood political reality.

An examination by House Democrats about why they fared poorly last November came to a similar conclusion. Rep. Sean Maloney, who headed the inquiry, accused Republicans of using lies and distortions, but admitted that attacks that branded Dem-

he book of Ecclesiastes advises that the Almighty sends rain to fall on both the just and the unjust. American incarceration policy follows the same pattern. We’ve always locked up people who have been convicted of crimes. But in recent decades, we’ve made a practice of also jailing people who have not been convicted of crimes. On any given day last year, some 631,000 people were held in city and county jails. Of that group, 75 percent are awaiting trial — and, in our system, entitled to the presumption of innocence. But many defendants have learned that the presumption of innocence and $3 will get you a Starbucks latte. They are in jail for lack of the money to make bail. This phenomenon has contributed to mass incarceration. In 1999, notes the Prison Policy Initiative, the number of convicted criminals held in local jails has been stable — while the number CREATORS people merely awaiting trial SYNDICATE | of has soared. Over the next 15 years, 99 percent of the growth STEVE CHAPMAN in the jail population came from locking up people who have not been found guilty of anything. They were defendants who were denied bail or, more commonly, couldn’t pay it. Americans who run afoul of the police are generally entitled to be free until trial. The 14th Amendment says no one may be deprived of “life, liberty or property without due process of law.” The 8th Amendment says, “Excessive bail shall not be required.” Bail is supposed to serve two purposes: ensuring that defendants show up in court and protecting the community from those who pose a clear danger. But huge numbers of those detained languish behind bars for days, weeks or months simply because their bail exceeds their financial means. Meanwhile, other defendants charged with the same offenses walk free because they have the money to buy their way out. Those unjust realities have spawned a movement to eliminate cash bail for most defendants, replacing them with “personal recognizance bonds” — a signed promise to appear in court. Among the jurisdictions that have adopted the change is Cook County, which, in 2017, began using money bonds less often, while reducing the amounts on those it imposed. But this year, Chicago has been hit with a tidal wave of shootings and homicides, and critics — notably Police Superintendent David Brown — immediately blamed those bail reforms. If more arrestees were required to provide money for bail, the argument goes, fewer of them would be released and the community would be safer. There’s some truth to this theory. If everyone arrested were denied bail, none would commit crimes. But that’s never been a realistic approach. Even before Cook County adopted these changes, the great majority of defendants were freed before trial. The reforms, in fact, have had only a marginal effect on the number of defendants allowed out — rising from 77 percent of those arrested to 81 percent, according to a new study by criminologists Don Stemen and David Olson of Loyola University Chicago, who examined the six months before and after the reforms took effect. That represents 500 more defendants. The difference is that 57 percent of those freed didn’t have to come up with cash, compared with 26 percent before. And 80 percent of those released didn’t miss a single court appearance, only a slight decline. There was a huge measurable benefit to defendants and their families — a savings of $31 million in bail costs. From the evidence, the releases didn’t generate a surge in violence. Before and after the changes, about 17 percent of the released defendants were rearrested. The share rearrested for violent crimes also remained stable, at about 3 percent. The overall crime rate, Stemen and Olson found, was not affected. What’s often forgotten is that the bail reforms don’t prevent judges from denying bail to any arrestee who appears to be dangerous. In fact, the number of defendants held without bond doubled — mostly those charged with violent crimes, weapons offenses and other serious felonies. Still, freeing an additional 500 defendants equates to about 85 new charged offenses and about 15 new violent ones. But those numbers don’t make the reforms a bad idea. To foil one person who would allegedly commit a violent crime, the county would have to lock up 32 people who wouldn’t. We’re justified in keeping people behind bars because they are guilty. But to keep them behind bars because they are poor — well, that’s a crime.

Staff

| YOUR VIEW | Glad to read Zakaria’s column EDITOR:

I would like to thank The Journal for featuring the editorial by Fareed Zakaria in Saturday’s publication. I found it very well written, enlightening, honest and reflective. Mr. Zakaria is a highly intelligent and internationally recognized opinion leader. Please continue to serve him up in the future.

The Journal, Seneca

Locally owned since 1919

Mundy Burns Price

Bail reform has not led to violent crime

Tuesday, November 24, 2020

with another anti-police “voter-repellent” label. A second issue mobilizing the left is Biden’s staunch support for Israel during its recent clashes with Hamas in Gaza. Sen. Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, stalwarts of the Illusionist Caucus, in-

Bob Graves Seneca

Open letter to Clemson leaders about track team

| OUR VIEW |

EDITOR:

The public doesn’t need to know? I n late August, The Journal requested a report via the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act that detailed the goings-on inside the Westminster Fire Department. Accusations of sexual misconduct ranged from one fireman requesting nude photos of another’s girlfriend to people using the department as a brothel. We can’t tell you which allegations were true and which weren’t, nor what recommendations were made as a result of a $6,700 investigation by an outside firm, because Oconee County’s Council decided you didn’t need to know. When the accusations were made, county administrator Amanda Brock ordered an outside firm to perform an investigation costing nearly $7,000. That’s a move that would typically make such an investigation a matter of public record. After the investigation and our initial reporting, we requested to see said report, only to be denied by county attorney David Root. He claimed attorney-client privilege and said that only the council could waive that, so we asked the council. In a story on today’s front page, you read that the council told us — and you — to stick it in our ear. “That’s like beating a dead horse,” Wayne McCall said. “The public doesn’t really need to know,” Glenn Hart said. John Elliott thought it was best to just stay silent. Paul Cain referred the question to the attorney … imagine that. Julian Davis at least tried to couch it as protecting the employees and the work environment. All of that illustrates that they missed the point — violently.

You deserve to know what your tax dollars are being spent on, period. It doesn’t matter whose feelings are hurt here. If some buffoon is grabbing somebody else’s behind at the fire department or asking for nude photos of his girlfriend, then who — or what — are we really protecting here? Some immature nincompoop, or the county’s image? If said accusations are not true, then share the report and give the public the truth — any lack thereof gives credence to both the crime and the cover-up. If any portion of the accusations are true, then man up, tell the taxpayers and indicate the corrective actions that are being taken to eradicate such ridiculous behavior in a county operation. In the grand scheme of things, this should have been a quick situation that was disposed of with reprimands made and everyone learning from the mistake. We made less of the discovery of marijuana in county offices, because the officials were transparent in that case. Due to the decision to pretend that if we don’t look then it never happened, the county decision-makers have made a mountain out of a mole hill, and we aren’t just going to look the other way. Clearly there’s something here no one wants you to see. We’ll continue to use all legal means to find out what happened here and what the investigator found and recommended, even if we have to sue to see it. If they’ll use loopholes to hide something so inconsequential, what happens when it’s really important?

Got something to say? Send us a letter! Drop it by our office at 210 W. North 1st St. in

This is an open letter to the Clemson Board of Trustees, Clemson administration and Clemson athletics. As the oldest of five children from a middle-class New Jersey family, I had little hope of attending a university without an athletic scholarship. Luckily for me, the Clemson track coach, PeeWee Greenfield, scouted New Jersey. I came to Clemson, where I had enjoyable and fairly successful careers on the track and soccer teams. I earned my degree, ran a small construction company and found my home for the last 50 years. One of my most vivid memories was carrying my javelins down the Champs de Elysees in Paris with teammates Norm Tate, Sam Caruthers, Bouncy Moore, Steve Prefontaine, Ivory Crockett, All Feuerbach, Frank Shorter and other great athletes who were given a chance to excel in their sport and went on to Olympic competition. Countless Clemson runners, black and white, have gone on to international competition as well. Without a track scholarship, the whole course of my life would have been different. I think about my teammates. We were the definition of Clemson diversity. We northerners didn’t know what Harcombe served at breakfast was grits and not cream of wheat. Your decision to end men’s track and field goes against the values that the Clemson I knew had always tried to embody. I recognize the CLEM$ON$PORT$. com helps recruit students and brings revenue to merchants and realtors, but what about those athletes who have hope and heart but no draft prospects? They deserve the opportunity to be members of a Clemson athletic team, too. Where is the diversity in athletics if only $$$ teams are funded? Two million is chump change to the athletic department. You could probably downgrade the countertop for executive washrooms in one of the many facilities currently under construction and cover the cost of track and field. This should not be a case of .com wagging the .edu. Clemson should embrace all sports, especially those with a history of world-class athletes. Please reconsider your decision.

Editorial/Column in Support of FOI & Open Government

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https://www.postandcourier.com/opinion/editorials/editorial-taxpayers-deserve-answers-on-secret-payment-toformer-charleston-county-attorney/article_��ca�-�fae-��eb-a��-��e��a��aa.html

Editorial: Taxpayers deserve answers on secret payment to former Charleston County attorney

First PLACE Cindi Ross Scoppe

The Post and Courier It wasn’t a huge surprise that Charleston County o�cials weren’t willing to explain the secret payment made to former county attorney Joe Dawson just because one of the newest council members asked them to. After all, some if not all council members knew in advance about the $��,�� payment — half a year’s pay for the since-con�rmed U.S. District Court judge — and

Lays out point by point how they violated the law and point by point questions they should have answered to the public.

if they had wanted the public to know about it, they would have taken steps to make it public, rather than forcing The Post and Courier’s David Slade to ferret it out. Which, thank goodness, he did.

Chronicle-Independent, Camden, S.C.

VIEWPOINT

Editorial Writing

Friday, August 20, 2021 / Page 2

robert ariail’s lowcountry

All Weekly Division

Third PLACE Second PLACE VIEWPOINT VIEWPOINT Martin L. Cahn Chronicle-Independent, Camden, S.C.

Serving Kershaw County since 1889

MICHAEL MISCHNER Publisher

Betsy Greenway General Manager

robert ariail

Serving Kershaw County since 1889

center’s construction. I be- represent its focus on telling In the wake of the Revolu- MISCHNER MICHAEL the community’s role in the The House vote on lieve it is an excellent invest-MISCHNER tionary War Visitor Center Publisher MICHAEL shouldn’t have to back down who are coming to confiscate Martin L. Cahn Publisher Martingrand L. Cahnopening Betsy Greenway Southern Campaign of theWednesday ment that should reap finanat Camden’s from a fight, so the legisla- their guns. And strap N95s inviting all Editor General Manager Martin L. Cahn BetsyRevolution. Greenway And, cial rewards well beyond the American a week ago, several people Editor Cindi Ross ture passed the “stand your over their mouths. And nosSouth Carolinians to proudEditor General Manager Barbara Stevens yes, that’s a story of defeat atly pack a handgun on their $5.5 million price tag. Scoppe have asked me where in Production the ground” law, which says you es. Director The First Amendment Barbara Stevens the Battle of Camden, but ithip -- no training required, The only two stipulaworld $5.5 million -- not the time. Mostly, though, the people can shoot someone whenever Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting Production Director The Chronicle-Independent is published Tuesday and Friday of each week by botched shooting attempt at who voted for H.3096 are you feel threatened. Even if I checked in with Sheheen was the lessons learned from tions we knew of back in background check demanded $6 million I thought it was the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the Camden Media Company, a subsidiary of Morris Multimedia, 909 West The Chronicle-Independent is published Tuesday and Friday of each week by right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a DeKalb St., P.O. 1137, S.C. be 29020.sure Subscription rates are: In I remembered that loss Multimedia, that ultimately ledor questions asked -- was Ashley Hall by a woman who your fear is completely dis- simply afraid of angering the 2018 were a) that the acenter -- came from toBox pay forCamden, its to Camden Media Company, subsidiary of Morris 909 West redress of grievances. state: 3 mos., $22.00; 6 mos., $41.00; yearly, $80.00; Out of state: 3 mos., had just purchased a gun degun lobby and the paranoid connected from reality. Even driven by the idea that it’s things correctly. Asis itpaid turns to 29020. the British would an1137, “academic construction, and theyearly, cre- $85.00. DeKalbincluide St., P.O. Box Camden, S.C. Subscriptionsurrender rates are: In at $24.00; 6 mos., $43.00; Periodicals postage at First Amendment state: 3 mos., $22.00; 6 mos., $41.00; $80.00; Out of state: mos., time to take back our Sec- spite being legally adjudged if you The carelessly kill the crowd they’ve suckered into October 8, 2021 Page 4 out address I hadn’t, so Itothank him enhancement Yorktown. That’s the3story. S.C. 29020. Postmaster: changes Chroniclefacility” for yearly, ationCamden, and installation of the Send $24.00; 6 mos., $43.00; yearly, $85.00. Periodicals postage is paid at ond Amendment rights from mentally ill, the legislature wrong person. Congress shallAs makehappened no law respecting an establishment their of religion,Orwellian or prohibiting vibelieving Independent, P.O. Box 1137, Camden, S.C. 29020. for setting me straight. ontosocial media CCTC, and b)29020. that ifPostmaster: the proj-Send Some exhibits. the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the Camden, S.C. address folks changes Chronicleofpetition American dystopia. high-profile caseto assemble, in sion a government that has been voted in 2013 to require state in one right of the people peaceably and to the Government for a Independent, P.O. Box 1137, Camden, S.C. 29020. First of all, CCTC’s initial ect cost more than $5 mil- have been critiquing the idea Well, we can thank former • Camden Chronicle • Camden Independent • Chronicle-Independent UPSP-086-600 redress of grievances. And that’s the problem: where a judge steadily chipping away at probate courts to send the the Midlands, 39 No.277 80 1889 established 1978 1981 Vol. 35, $5established million actually came lion, CCTC would not bear of enshrining a loss. But the State established Sen. Vincent Sheheen, names of people judged men- agreed with S.C. House Dem- March Our 5,legislators afraid of them. 2021 Page are 4 Chronicle • Camden Independent • Chronicle-Independent UPSP-086-600 VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS history is clear, and additional cost -- hence former S.C. State Rep. Lau- in two parts. The first $3 the• Camden 39otherwise 85 VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS established 1889 established 1978 established 1981 Vol. 35, No.277 tally ill to the FBI’s backoffending the 20 percent of ocratic Leader Todd RutherThe reality is, well, differMyrtle Beach Herald rie Funderburk, Kershaw million came from leftover Sheheen finding additional would make for a very differ-ent. ground check database. Two ford that his client couldn’t voters who control the GOP County Administrator opinion Vic funds allocated for CCTC’s funds to give the college to ent South Carolina. Let’s say Set aside the federal govyearsBeach later, the legislature The Myrtle Herald is published every be charged with a crime for primaries, but they aren’t We listened to a man die last month. We watched him strugPatriots had won the Battle ofernment, where modest con-Fridayallowed Carpenter, and the folks at expansion. Sheheen credits put toward the project.opinion gle after being mortally wounded. judges to make tem- mistakenly killing an in- afraid of offending the majorby Waccamaw Publishers, Inc., 2510 Myrtle Beach HeraldSadly, we needed to. Main Street, Conway, S.C. 29526 part nocent bystander. After his ity of us: the rational South Myrtle Beach Herald that have led What was not known, yet, Camden. Would forfeiture of guns Central Carolina Technical Carpenter for his “excellent gressional restrictions have porary As disturbing and haunting as the records of Tristan Vereen’s Carolinians, whoBeach aren’t followed home. ThetoMyrtle Heraldpart is published every more than outweighed of the criminal sentences for daughter resulting inbeenevery College (CCTC). I’ll explain management” of the proj- was exactly what form the to overconfidence Localwas leaders were right to take a cautious approach public meetings. The Myrtle Beach Herald is published death are, the decision of prosecutors and the S.C. Highway Office: 843-488-7231 Friday by Waccamaw Publishers, Inc., 2510 ofthe either fringe, who oppose By a carful of menacing girls. After COVID-19 cases spiked following winter holidays, some public ect to end up with that re- visitor center would take. The later, more devastating lossesbyInc.,a2510breathtaking pro-gun batterers. Friday by Waccamaw Publishers, as we go along. Patrol to release audio and video of the incident was the right Main to Street, Conway, S.C. 29526 Fax: 843-448-4860 bodies such as Horry County Council shifted their meetings a virtual forMain Street, Conway, S.C. 29526 With rare exceptions, radical laws aimed at turnSeriously. reversal of long-established one. The plan first came to light mainder. Then, according to only clue came from our next that could have ended with Email: info@myhorrynews.com Secrecy breeds suspicion. It allows rumors and misinformainto the As mat. the prosecutor ex- ing South Carolina 843-488-7231 What if theSupreme Court precedent, though, the past 25 years when we published a pre- Sheheen, there was another report following the city coun- British victory?Office: As an emergency measure, that made sense. The meetingsOffice: were still 843-488-7231 tion to fuel rage. Solicitor Jimmy Richardson referenced that been a headlong rush plained Wild West or turning with over only sar- so Fax: 843-448-4860 streamed theslight county’s website, the public could--follow their leaders’ it had neverand other states, whose laws have view of a Camden City Coun- $2 million allocation made cil meeting, and is taken from Battle of Camden Fax: 843-448-4860 human tendency recently when he explained why he would Stephen Robertson Jr. into California. the lawHowever, means have no bearing on South to further liberalize our gun casm, decisions. casesomenumbers and hospitalizations have been trending info@myhorrynews.com Email: Email: info@myhorrynews.com release video of the incident even as state police investigate cil meeting that took place available to CCTC that was the initial agreement: “The been fought? Could that have Publisher downward. thefor return court proceedings March Of course, that’sonour fault, one who claimsAnd towith fear hisof in-person Carolina, and consider our laws. whether the shooting was justified. in December 2018. At that expressly for the visitor cen- city and CCTC, together with led to Washington surrender-state’s history. 15 and Gov. Henry McMaster’s decision to no longer require S.C. DepartAdrian Stephen Robertson The gun Robertson lobby complained life “could we don’t vote Jr. shoot a 4-year-old because either “Hopefully the transparency cuts down on the misinformaStephen Robertson Jr. ment of Commerce approval for events of more than 250 people, in-person Yorktown A quarter-century ago, the that Business point, we knew CCTC and ter through the state budget other local entities (notably, ing to Cornwallis atPublisher Manager Publisher tion that leads to people breaking out windows,” he said. it was just too onerous playing in her frontshould yard and council meetings come back.in the Republican primary Adrian Robertson process, bringing Charles Perry This week, thetoC-I had the unfortunate duty CCTC’s of inthe county, South Carolina, ... or even sooner? But it's understandable why the public would be skeptical. the city were going partAdrian Robertson eight whole hours still beAs some -- which ismeetings where Repubimmune fromhave prosonly South Carolinians who to spend local activists recently noted, the virtual do not While conspiracy theorists will always search for alternative Business Manager forming it had violated the S.C.$5 andIfHistoric direct investment to the and Manager that’scould legally carry guns were learning Editor Camden) shall allow for the type of engagement needed to holdwin leaders ner on a newKershaw tourism County visitor that nothing else, the wordsWho S.C. knows, HouseBusiness District about S.C. law ecution.” licans oraccountable. lose, just as realities, there’s a reason for the lack of trust in the official narCharles Perry example, if a community disapproves of a rezoning requestCharles for a newPerry Janet Freedom of Information (FOIA) in terms of the million it had promised. point. It didn’t go negotiate and make future ar-of the center on a piece of property Act on the useMorgan of deadly is AndFornow the gun lobby the Democratic primary police and 2,700 other 52we’ve Rep.had Victor Dabney Kershaw County used have been suffering from force, tonthat Post reported that an ex- people So, two major rative of police-involved shootings: they aren’t always accurate subdivision or a concrete plant, neighbors can show up to a meetingEditor wearEditor Visual editor process by which Kershaw County Council added an handgun safety and storage and itsingfellow Indeed, it was Paul Nap-mass Democrats win thereJanet is post ample, rangement.” Inin addition, the way, and Facebook are canwhere Historic Camden Foundation who of passed a criminal backsome type of mental illness. amination the overturned shootings recent and are sometimes woefully incomplete. T-shirts ortravelers holding signs. They look their councilman inJanet the eyes as or last Wednesday in a since-deleted Morgan Morgan L. Cahn Take the killing of George Floyd last year. Initially, to city an executive session thenexecutive entered that practices, soHarms the legislature complaining lose -- or we don’tVisual hold dethat people they explain the reason for their opposition. In Atlanta, theShari shooter there would havecheck included thedemonground and in Boulder, per,and former direc-weeks, sound historical andban mliagreement included that Martin a sold item to the for $5 -- eseditor Visual editor in one opposition toColo., a “hate crimes” bill were certainly Advertising Director Minneapolis, Minnesota police issued a news release headThe conceal process also their forces elected officials to face their constituents whenHarms theyour thought to have moscaled backbeen the law to re- have to AR-556. Sinceto the cisions like this against guns one in Atlanta, Ga. room be tary strated S.C. shooter State LawisEnexecutive was not error Center, -- we and100-person Editor Shari Shari Harms toranofegregious The ALPHA research to show that if assembly sentially a gift.session. We alsoItknew lined "Man Dies After Medical Incident During Police vote on these matters. hurtful. The bill ultimately passed the S.C. House, tivated by either anti-Asian bought it six days before his Both, but especially the Advertising Director quire training of unspecified legislators. rather than proudly (or menAdvertising Director forcement Division (SLED) do not believe there was any intent to violate the S.C. that CCTC was agreeing to who pushed the CCTC Area part of the facility. That’s now we hadn’t lost the Battle of There’s not much of a hot seat when council members are sitting behind Interaction." Reacting to complaints, NMB Counci considering an we 79-22. hatred duration. and/or Subscriptions: some form of -- or fourhad daysaafter in Boulder, have -- as Kroger-owned King Soopers rampage notis ready to say acingly) display them for all City I’m they legitimate FOIA$5andmillion we know of nothing untoward that resulted their home computers. The release said that after Floyd was handcuffed police Commission, of which he isonebeen have nev-that included in the center’s Camden, we would provide toward ordinance that would require music with obscene, and in county $60 out ofgun county Subscriptions: Subscriptions: groceryto store. outrage concerning the ban -- thereneed is afor someother mass shooting It’s Hall. one thingevents for Dabney say he wouldn’t “bow At this point, the fact that the countyshould is willing toall participate in town halls othThe more fragile own- the voteprofane against world to see. And they business them. moral They $38 noticed “he appeared to be suffering medical distress.” from theconstruction. executive session itself. now chair, to approve the ex- Liberty er won the war. That, again, vulgar such language to bemeeting played at a lower volume than other music. the center’s $18 in county $34 out of county POSTMASTER: Send address changes to $38 in county $60 out of county as last week’s at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church about an amAsanother CPR reported, “It victimis what loose the tobusinesses -- described logic people in thinking havedown in theto past -- ‘Left.’” become It is NowhereHorry in theCounty officialCouncil press release it mention offiWhilewho waterhad levels diders not come close to the historic marks set complained that they recentlydoes approved tax and that fee hikes erwise responsible reprehave tohas take a first perfunctory included the to claim What happened is covered in detail in a sidebar Council given reading to the ordinance but it must pass Sendbe address to is the storyPOSTMASTER: that must told. POSTMASTER: Send address changes cer to Derek In February 2019, the city Ah, but where did CCTC’s penditure. theseveral Myrtle Beach Heraldroads were phitheater project or next week’s meeting at the Carolina Forest Recreation in 2018been by Hurricane Florence, important neck and$200,000 back forhome overby 9 thatChauvin will raise kneeled the bill ofon anFloyd’s owner-occupied the pistol version of Ruger’s in several accounts as if “masthat ifchanges the ban hadn’t the epicenters the debate could get shot they had to training who supported course. And pass a sentatives make large bank deposits readings before becoming law. Acccording two legalHerald the Myrtle Beach to our come article on Tuesday’s Kershaw Council theto Myrtle Beach hood dueof to what heAR-556 describes as colleagues onHerald Center about a proposed townhome development makes county council’s closed in Horry County due to the most recent and otherstwo more P.O.Box Conway, S.C.flood 29528. $105.80 in most of the unincorporated areas. Inside the city limminutes. Later on,County Sheheen remind-on and In fact, one of the exhibits its partners unveiled the $5 million from? It was rifle, which is theConway, sage --740 he targeted. overturned, he wouldn’t have for gun control. experts, the ordinance is unconstitutional. could740 signal a proleave their guns in their cars criminal H.3096.This P.O.Box background check. for their businesses, in-parlors” P.O.Box 740 S.C. 29528. Conway, S.C. 29528. were in peril of being closed. virtual meetings pointless. its, the owner of a $200,000 home would pay $20 more per year meeting. At the end of that meeting, council began A bystander’s cellphone video documented the officer’s the claiming “whiteness” and in the center’s Public Housestance, actual plan, whichreally is the almost -- as our Dec. 11, 2018 arti- ed me, he was able to obtain The company’s take on the“straightAR- purchased legal battle. Do you think North Myrtle Beach should try to I’m beginning towent lean to- bars, the and weapon. oneleft in Boulder Docourse you think the county and the state are doing enoughso to tracted Those town hall gatherings tend to have more people in closer quarters (those residents pay separate city taxes). The hikes in the counwhen they into But those of us who have So on Wednesday, 69 Reof judges actions. Chauvin was convicted of murder charges in April. Member: voting --to“the enter executive session on a-- motion music withmeetings lyrics some address the floodslatter closing roads in Horry County? regulate ness”me ofbecause people like are to blame forMember: Black 15. from being among wardofthe ty’s nearly million budget will help pay is forstill raises for county Thatand doesn’t mean heproblem than the council do. Thefind council meetings alsoresponsible have anMember: overflow ReI have anotherbased $500,000 again, toconcerned is very appropriately titled exactly what opened to him theAside cle stated remainder rather thannarrative, telling them that publicans anobjectionable? otherwise rode to the rescue legislators because, The State Law $600 Enforcement Division (SLED) investiChoices are: well, workers, additional 911 dispatchers, firefighters and patrol offito receive Then, Councilman roomare: to accommodate social distancing and larger-than-normal audithe most popular firearms which would place it in be fre- of Choices his living nearby: my asis-threefunneled throughJimmy CCTC --family “Victory Defeat.” Well, SLED I have public last week: of Fiscal Yeara legal 2017 briefing. fund- be American’s problems. Dabney thenfrom goes oninto couldn’t degating whether Benton, the trooper who shotthink andcounty killed maybealso they shouldn’t possibly law-abiding publican House member who is a gotten state agency. cers, and W.B. new stormwater equipment. Do you 1.our Yes. ences. Jones made a motion to amend the executive session’s America, AR-15-style rifles the mental illness category hands somesummer, other1.weapon terbuilding and twofacility nieces, one ofthe ones Vereen,council was justified in doing so. We don’t know all the eviYes.the legislathink WaronThat including ing CCTC received from the for “finishing up work.” should have increased taxes? quenting those bars, the leg- gun supported this bill conshould owners (with no want backcrymy that whites are whothe areRevolutionary being vilified 2. No. For residents who don’t to attend council meetings and remain No.peo- in my book. dence that will be reviewed, but releasing the dashcam video purpose to include a “personnel Nothe further ex- whom are also commonly used in and killed the same2.10 was savvymarket, enough to Choices are: 3. Undecided. cerned about public gatherings, still haveout the opportunity watch the or now andtolet him checks, who’s totheyreach In matter.” addition, American “Law Abid- islature let them carry their ground Visitor Center at Camden isture passed the an open-air exhibit state for a Workforce Develthe light of their skin. 3. Undecided. and audio the incident was important. It was also critical 1. of Yes. high-profile mass shootings. ple at that supermarket If that is the case for both just herself “safe” color on Faceplanation was given, and council voted unanimously to markfor of the Sendlivestream your comments on this subject to: how disappointed bars. her know know?), voting tomeetings. liberalize your comments guns on thisinto subject to: ing CitizensSend Self-Defense a fantastic victory itself. gift space, andItan opment Center, a portion of Battlefield Trust paid for one andIn that Richardson 2. No. provided video of the shooting that was caphisshop Dabney accusations Some council members have even expressed concerns about the virtual is easy to about shoot, even for miles from where my steve.robertson@myhorrynews.com. sister shootings, then we also need I post, knew she (and complains both amend the executive session item and then again book so that steve.robertson@myhorrynews.com Undecided.surveillance camera. They complained about South format. we are. that not we’ll be Carolina’s gunCouncilman laws. Act of 1996,” which, as I extured by a3.neighbor’s (Martin L.crime Cahn isand editor buildwhich was used for the ex- of the exhibits in the Publicby educational/meeting Danny HardeeAnd said he would Poll resultsHorry willCounty be reported in next week’s edition of thissupnewsPoll results will reported in next week’s with edition of this novices.” Later, CPR pointsrates to be look at how people nieces live. extension her are mother that “we theandreason” for Black Send your comments on this subject to:the ensuing to enter the executive session. The video and audio show the pursuit and theamphitheater next again. Eleven Republiplained at newspaper. the time, meant how inconvenient it was Yet port the council voting on a rezoningwatching for a controversial paper. To vote, log on to www.myhorrynews.com and go vote toprojtheon of “At thefirstChronicle-Indepening was primarily to be usedout pansion of CCTC’s Kershaw House, and -- of course -- citysister) that, glance, an I personally believe civil- mental illnesses are getting OK. many struggle. steve.robertson@myhorrynews.com. Some parts are difficult to watch and to hear. and that Black by children grow up without This resulted in a double S.C. FOIA violation. First, ectmenu. in his36 district until the council hold in-person meetings. To vote, onto www.myhorrynews.com and go to their the carry this and other gun bills. And cans joined Democrats in could that “any adult whologpays a that they couldn’t Opinion Poll resultsand willlaw be reported in nextwill week’s edition of this dent,eyeCamden, S.C. ians Email CCTC.were several differ- untrained County campus during the of Camden staff put in thou- There could easily their hands on weapons -should not have access Vereen's family enforcement understandably acknowledged thesein re- the even if Jones did not detail the specific purpose of his father figures. While, in an interview with him thatGardner we intend to vote no. County Council Chairman Johnny $50 fee andOpinion passesmenu. an eight- guns in Georgia, so the leg- voting Horry have many questions in the coming weeks, but releasing pubthe at pistol version for to military style firearms, assault style or not -- that in mcahn@chronicle-inthe time, it was mistake to him the attacks alities during Tuesday’s meeting. He said the council will begin holding in2018 fiscal year.” That money sands of hours of work intoencesAtbetween Recent poll “personnel matter” -- which, by the way, should have islature said, well, OK, we’ll Republican primary in 2022. There are, unfortunately, hour training course and ancase Last week’s poll for today’s front page story, he talks about Black lic records quickly was a wise move to give the public a clearer person discussions again starting with their March 16 meeting. the rifle version.” this were used to take a which the AR-15 is certainly that need to be taken into Last week’s poll the center. be known as the Camden- dependent.com. Follow him can been be credited to Sheheen Georgia permit holders some legislators And that then we have need follow called an “employment matter” since the S.C. account honestFBI and, background canof let understanding of what happened. “I know I said atwho the beginning of February we would ourto meetfriends helping Black people, in styled the after So, is riflehis or words not,atand, 18 people’s lives. therefore,check so total whenand using them A recent Sound Off! poll asked participants in the survey if they A recent Off! Highway poll asked Patrol participants in the So,“personnel yes, statematters” funds, -i.e., Kershaw onit aFacebook www.faceCounty Visitors and FOIA Funderburk ings virtual February,” Gardner said. “Then in March, I said we would That being said,Sound the S.C. still has notsurvey if Last week’s Sound Off!carry poll asked participants in the survey ifly their guns in South through. believe theformisleadingly carry afirearms concealed weapon” provides nothrough exemption for think Horry County should spend $4.2 million for next 30 years to they think climate change is the greatest threat to the nation’s if so, is it an assault rifle or If there is a defiency in the are any other styled to frame any debate on gun post seem as ifchanged he wants and their allies have virtual for March, but there’s been a lot of changes. This is only March they thought growth would pay for itself in Horry County. revealedsecurity? exactlyThe whyresults Benton tried to stop Vereen. taxes, paid forinmost of the Center, book.com/martin.l.cahn.) but later to Blacks theirthe legislative workthat at the the presiding (thus triggering (Cindy Ross Scoppe is an named “Constitutional in all but a handful of places. Carolina were: fund I-73. The results were:Carlaw requires officer, this case,

Chronicle-Independent

Barbara Stevens Production Director

The Chronicle-Independent is published Tuesday and Friday of each week by Camden Media Company, a subsidiary of Morris Multimedia, 909 West DeKalb St., P.O. Box 1137, Camden, S.C. 29020. Subscription rates are: In state: 3 mos., $22.00; 6 mos., $41.00; yearly, $80.00; Out of state: 3 mos., $24.00; 6 mos., $43.00; yearly, $85.00. Periodicals postage is paid at Camden, S.C. 29020. Postmaster: Send address changes to ChronicleIndependent, P.O. Box 1137, Camden, S.C. 29020. • Camden Chronicle established 1889

• Camden Independent established 1978

• Chronicle-Independent established 1981

Charles D. Perry

Tuesday, April 13, 2021 / Page 2

How the visitor center was funded S.C. gun laws are getting more liberal Serving Kershaw County since 1889

Martin L. Cahn Editor

Friday, March 26, 2021 / Page 2

Chronicle-Independent, Camden, S.C.

UPSP-086-600 40 No.277 29 Vol. 35,

opinion

Leave local decisions to local officials

The KCC’s executive session vote

We applaud S.C. State Sen. Penry Gustafson of Kershaw County and S.C. State Superintendent of Education Molly Spearman for sticking up for local school districts when it comes to making decisions about requiring masks or not in the fight against the COVID-19 novel coronavirus. As we report today in one of several separate stories, Gustafason shared a letter she sent to S.C. Senate President Harvey S. Peeler and S.C. House Speaker Jay Lucas asking them to reconvene the General Assembly. Gustafson asked them to do so in order to reconsider a 2021-22 fiscal year budget proviso banning local school boards from enacting mask mandates in their facilities. The freshman state senator said that while she doesn’t support statewide mandates for either masking or vaccinations -- something for which we have advocated at least serious consideration -- she believes the legislature was “premature” in prohibiting local school officials from making “their own medical poliCouncil Chairman Julian Burns -- to provide that species.” cific after the vote, but before members actually enter The previous day, Spearman -- standing next to executive session. Second, the S.C. FOIA also requires not only a twoState Epidemiologist Linda Bell and other healthcare thirds vote, but a finding of “exigent,” or emergency, professionals -- declared she disagreed with S.C. Gov. circumstances by the chairman for which an item When I was one year out of Henry McMaster on the same matter. She also urged must be added to an published agenda for the college, I said good-bye toalready my people to wear masks and be vaccinated.

Myrtle SOAPBOX Beach Herald

SOAPBOX

Words matter The Colorado and Atlanta shootings

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

Releasing video of struggle was the right thing to do

It’s time for local leaders to return to in-person meetings

SOUND OFF!

June 25, 2021 Page 4

Impact fees not a ‘cure all’ To hear some Horry County Council members tell it, impact fees will cure many of the county’s growth ills. Make the newcomers bear the cost of infrastructure, they say. Force the developers to pay their “fair share.” Under this convenient narrative, the development industry is the scapegoat: developers are responsible for flooding subdivisions, for the potholes on roads, for the insufficient county police force — and impact fees will help keep them in check. What this argument ignores is that impact fees will also cost taxpayers in the long run. The levies are designed to build projects that recurring funding (i.e. property taxes) will pay to staff or sustain. That’s because state law severely limits how these fees can be used. Impact fees, which are one-time levies on new construction, cannot pay for police officers, firefighters or the salaries of any county employee. They can’t be spent on maintaining roads or repairing playground equipment at parks. A new police station, a road or a park could be funded with impact fees. The officers to man that station, the crews to clean that park or the asphalt to repave that road must come from another source — local taxpayers. So why not enact impact fees? Isn’t some money to help with growth better than nothing? At some level, yes, impact fees can help pay for infrastructure. But county officials shouldn’t oversell them. At best, impact fees would provide a relatively small stream of money to help pay for new projects. How small of a stream? Consider that RIDE III, the county’s road-building program, will allow the county to build nearly $600 million worth of roads. If the county approves the highest impact fees, that would generate $133 million for new roads over 10 years. That might pay for a quarter of what it would take to widen S.C. 90. Altogether, the fees would bring in more than $200 million over 10 years. That’s not something to ignore, but it’s not the grand solution some leaders would like you to believe. It’s also important to remember that while the building market is scorching now, this type of growth is not sustainable. And as some leaders have noted, the rates for commercial projects do not encourage business development. Tacking on more than $6,000 to the price of a new home may not mean much in a strong real estate market (though there are long-term housing affordability concerns that no one has addressed during this debate). However, when county officials are considering adding a bill of more than $10,000 per 1,000 square feet of new retail space, that could deter investment in new businesses. We share the community's frustration with the unchecked growth in recent years and we agree that county leaders should have planned better than they have. But residents need to understand that impact fees have limited value. And while cheering for county council to stick it to the developers, residents shouldn’t be surprised when they are stuck with a higher tax bill, too.

not? laws that would keep this after it. That’s just my percontrol. Results were: 2, but there’s been a lot of changes in the last two or three days. … I believe That information certainly should have been released by this to stop blaming white people for ills that Black Yes 24.2% reciprocity), editorial a good Today,However, 560,000 ISouth Yes 16.9% want toidea. come toWho the courthouse and bewriter heard.” for the Post Well, the barrel is 6 inches sonal belief. from happening, theneven I say though ry” billtheispeople also CaroFor one thing, the Boulder point, especially since many other No records 72.7% have been provided. Yes 35.3% No requirements 77.9% people their and in that Charleston. drunk on want theto Koolright. People be heard, and they Courier should be given opportuPublic confidence can only Undecided be earned 3% through complete them. Andfor a gun are soHe’s callinghave for concealed-carry those of let’s strengthen shooting tookexperience. place at one shorter than the rifle version am notlinians No 62.7% Undecided 5.5% — face to face.that they Email her at cscoppe@postpermit ... well, similar to Aid ofnity conspiracy transparency. permits. multitude of factors -- 1poverty, poor than accessyou to who and is pounds lighter do are these things believe differently I say let’s locationA while the Atlanta Undecided 2% what better the House now wants believe it’s their only hope andcourier.com. For daily covhas tightthe rifle, comes withhigher a “brace”expoalong with criminal from me The and legislature currently own shootings took place at muleducation and safe housing, even requirements to be. of surviving the marauding erage of the Lowcountry, visit ened ourtogun a couple thatpollution strapped to -thehave forearm, control our laws, as Sheriff Lee havelaws them tiplesures locations. For another, and to chemicals led,such di- firearms complained ) of times since then. After a putThey Boan it recently, andthat they gangs of deep-state agents www.postandcourier.com. there was initially some and it’s actually illegal to taken away. rectly and indirectly, to higher rates, espefrom arrest the weather to Iwho pool inside a church. would, on the other hand, better programs to help the question as to what type of fire like a rifle by pressing it Recent road closures to flooding 2018 send a clear signal to closures caused by flooding, even Conway on U.S. 701. This roadway a Horry County,has nicknamed the aged by weather or vehiA former audit manager, Forman used totherefore the signs of Without question, it died cially Black males, and higher against the shoulder. ill, and better edu-road not the bedue bothered by the rein- mentally firearm the among Boulder shooter on the Waccamaw River should serve as address major problems though they must be keenly aware of the history of closing even during flash

Toting my bags

State, county need to address roads closed by floods Do-it-yourself beautification projects are admirable

North Myrtle Beach must fight for family values Independent Republic, is composed of a

cles. Yet there are limits

his financial knowledge and formed a

permit, which then makes it your responsibility.”

Editorial Writing

All Weekly Division

First PLACE

OPINIONS

Our View: Charleston County o cials need to remember they work for us

Our View: SC transparency law keeps public in the dark

by City Paper Editorial Board February 10, 2021

by City Paper Editorial Board September 22, 2021

Editorial Board

Charleston City Paper Source: Google Street View

Advocate Wanted News �ash: It is actually possible to pull off a major local project without wasting millions of dollars. But in Charleston County, the concepts of transparency and common sense generally are nowhere to be found. At every turn in recent years, it seems like whatever Charleston County leaders touch winds up being more expensive than budgeted and clouded in controversy.

| Credit: Sean Rayford �le photo

If someone on Charleston City Council were to be under investigation by the State Ethics Commission right now, you would not know about it. Why? Because South Carolina law prohibits public knowledge of potential ethics violations by public o�cials, unless the commission’s secret vote deems the claims worthy.

Hard-hitting and unafraid should be the goal of every newspaper. This paper is most certainly unafraid.

E.A. Ramsaur Award for Editorial Writing

All Daily Division

Third PLACE SECTIONS

Second PLACE

Trudi Gilfillian

SECTIONS

The State OPINION AND COMMENTARY

David Lauderdale The Island Packet OPINION AND COMMENTARY

Editorials and other Opinion content offer perspectives on issues important to our community and are independent from the work of our newsroom

SECTIONS

reporters.

Editorials and other Opinion content offer perspectives on issues important to our community and are independent from the work of our newsroom reporters.

OPINION SECTIONS

EDITORIALS

Liberty and justice for all? SC’s Murdaugh case continues to expose 2 systems of law

Justice is going to have to be blind to the Murdaugh spin machine and power plays

New Balance

BY THE STATE EDITORIAL BOARD UPDATED DECEMBER 26, 2021 10:17 AM

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BY DAVID LAUDERDALE SPECIAL TO THE ISLAND PACKET AND BEAUFORT GAZETTE

$239.99

UPDATED NOVEMBER 22, 2021 12:19 PM

SECTIONS

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OPINION AND COMMENTARY

our community and are independent from the work of our newsroom reporters.

OPINION AND COMMENTARY

EDITORIALS

McMaster, GOP need to get their stories straight on COVID-19, vaccines

HOMEPAGE

McMaster on the hunt for obscene material. Is the government coming for your books next? BY THE STATE EDITORIAL BOARD UPDATED NOVEMBER 12, 2021 1:09 PM

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reporters.

DAVID LAUDERDALE

Murdaugh case shows there’s a need to kick legislator-lawyers out of courtroom | Opinion BY DAVID LAUDERDALE SPECIAL TO THE ISLAND PACKET AND BEAUFORT GAZETTE

BY DAVID LAUDERDALE SPECIAL TO THE ISLAND PACKET AND BEAUFORT GAZETTE

UPDATED OCTOBER 02, 2021 5:38 PM

UPDATED OCTOBER 26, 2021 1:33 PM

 On Feb. 24, 2019, Paul Murdaugh and five others, including Mallory Beach, boated home highly intoxicated and

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crashed into a bridge that connects Parris Island to Port Royal Island, S.C. (Artist's renderings based on location not position) BY DREW MARTIN 

Editorials and other Opinion content offer perspectives on issues important to our community and are independent from the work of our newsroom

OPINION

UPDATED AUGUST 08, 2021 1:08 PM

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OPINION AND COMMENTARY

Editorials and other Opinion content offer perspectives on issues important to our community and are independent from the work of our newsroom reporters.

Murdaugh madness shines light on unequal justice in South Carolina

BY THE STATE EDITORIAL BOARD

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Editorials and other Opinion content offer perspectives on issues important to

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 Alex Murdaugh was in court for charges of insurance fraud, conspiracy to commit insurance fraud and falsifying a police report. He turned himself in to police late Thursday morning and was booked into the Hampton County Detention Center. BY JAKE SHORE

Murdaugh murders in Colleton County

Two members of a powerhouse legal family were shot and killed June 7 in Colleton County, SC. Read more of our coverage.

EXPAND ALL

On the way home from my Uncle Jack’s funeral many years ago, I was charged with going 55 mph in a 35-mph zone on the outskirts of Allendale.

This story first published Aug. 13, 2021. Each week seems to bring some new disturbing revelation about Paul Murdaugh and the apparent special treatment he received from law enforcement. This week, our team at The Island Packet and Beaufort Gazette obtained records related to a traffic stop where Murdaugh, charged in the 2019 boat crash that killed 19-year-old Mallory Beach, received a speeding ticket in Charleston County while out on bond in May 2020.

Stack of Used Old Books in the School Library, Toned Cross Processed Image. Getty Images | Royalty Free GETTY IMAGES | ROYALTY FREE GETTY IMAGES/ISTOCKPHOTO

These outskirts were so far out that the only thing you could hear was cattle lowing. And, as it turned out, so far out that the speed limit was actually 55.

Delta is a variant of the virus that causes COVID-19 and is more contagious. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that the best way to protect yourself against Delta and other COVID variants is to get vaccinated. BY U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

S.C. Senator Dick Harpootlian and Jim Griffin, attorneys for Alexander Murdaugh and their handling of the

Listen as Alex Murdaugh calls 911 on Sept. 4, 2021 roadside shooting of himself. BY DREW MARTIN 

media at his bond hearing on Sept. 16, 2021 at the Hampton County, S.C. Law Enforcement Center. I was reminded of my day in court while watching Alex Murdaugh face a judge BY JAKE SHORE  | DREW MARTIN 

Thursday on much more serious charges in a small courtroom in Varnville, right up the✕ road.

TOP VIDEOS

Enough with the mixed messaging.

Picture your favorite book, you know the one, slightly worn cover, dog-eared pages. You know some passages by heart. Perhaps it’s the first book you read that left you feeling hopeful or the first that finally featured characters who looked and lived like you.

TOP VIDEOS

If we ever want to see the tail end of the COVID-19 pandemic, Gov. Henry McMaster and his fellow republicans have got to listen to the medical experts and clearly tell their supporters to do the same. Today on FOX News Sunday, McMaster accused the nation’s health experts of exaggerating the threat of COVID-19 and the highly transmissible delta variant.

TOP VIDEOS

Murdaugh madness is like a familiar old South Carolina Lowcountry scene.

They think we don’t see them.

You come into the kitchen in the middle of the night, flip on the light, and the hissing Palmetto bugs scurry for the cover of darkness.

Or that we’re too dumb to care.

The powerful Murdaugh family of rural Hampton County has inadvertently switched on that light.

cases of death and deceit that have rattled the South Carolina Lowcountry like a hurricane shaking a palmetto.

But the whole world now sees lawyers making a farce of justice in the Murdaugh

TOP VIDEOS

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E.A. Ramsaur Award for Editorial Writing

All Daily Division

https://www.postandcourier.com/opinion/editorials/editorial-mcmasters-nakedly-political-anti-mask-ordersendanger-sc-progress-against-covid/article_e��c��ee-b��-��eb-ad��-��a��.html

Editorial: McMaster’s nakedly political anti-mask orders endanger SC progress against COVID

First PLACE

Editorial: Whatever Charleston County Council is hiding, it needs to stop.

https://www.postandcourier.com/opinion/editorials/editorial-we-must-reclaim-our-national-soul-we-need-leadersto-help-us/article_�a�cb��-��d�-��eb-b�b�-�f��f��bc�eb.html

Editorial: We must reclaim our national soul. We need leaders to help us.

Cindi Ross Scoppe

The Post and Courier

https://www.postandcourier.com/opinion/editorials/editorial-whatever-charleston-county-council-is-hiding-itneeds-to-stop/article_e�c��-��fe-��eb-��a-c�d��e�e�c�.html

Kids probably won’t die or even get terribly sick as a result of Gov. Henry McMaster’s demand that schools allow children to attend without masks, in de�ance of Education Superintendent Molly Spearman’s requirement and DHEC’s recommendation. After all, serious illness and deaths from COVID-�� are rare in

Did you hear the one about the county council chairman who, confronted by a

young people.

reporter over the fact that the council had spent ��% of its time over the past six months meeting in secret, said �) we meet in secret when our attorney tells us we

The Monday night encounter between Upstate legislators and an activist group probably wouldn’t have attracted much attention a week earlier: just a bunch of disa�ected voters venting to lawmakers over COVID restrictions, unspeci�ed “corruption and non-integrity” in state and local government and the “illegitimate incoming Biden administration.” And maybe that’s all it was. If you listen to Jon McMakin addressing Greenville County legislators, it’s hard to hear a threatening tone in his voice; it sounds like more of a plea for help. The video that he posted on Facebook shows a roomful of supporters who seem more excited than angry.

Editorial writing should be direct, but not pretentious. The writer hits the mark in these submissions.

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Weekly Under 3,500 Division Celebrating Constitution Week

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Kasie Strickland

Don Worthington

Varsity football scores

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LOCAL • 3

The Sentinel-Progress

Breaking news at sentinelprogress.com

pecial ns: running?

Mac Martin will have he ballot box as Andrew Grayden have tossed their s well. The Town Council With only three seats ave five candidates to llen, Paige Hudson Bowl Evatt and L C Hayes, un.

aces going on this one of them will be unopposed races we

Wednesday, September 22, 2021 • $1.00

A Pillar of Easley Beloved coach, former mayor passes away Kasie Strickland

kstrickland@cmpapers.com

TY — With the special wo months away, resite on how local commisouncils are shaping up. by municipality.

Larry Bagwell

Pageland Progressive-Journal

Two charged after drive-by shooting in Jefferson, Page 3

EASLEY — You can’t look around Easley without seeing the impact of Larry Bagwell. Throughout the decades, the former football coach and long-time city councilmanturned mayor helped to shape Easley into the growing city so many people are proud to call home. But now, the city will have to do something it hasn’t had to in 84 years — carry on without Larry Bagwell.

Bagwell was a native of Pickens County and a 1955 graduate of Easley High School. He earned a master’s degree from Clemson University and was a member of the Tigers baseball program that reached consecutive College Baseball World Series. As a Councilman with the City of Easley for three decades and Mayor from 2008 to 2019, He was a motivating force behind the city hosting the annual Big League BaseSee BAGWELL | 5

www.pagelandprogressive.com

75 cents

JUNE 29, 2021

Coaching to change lives Al Usher’s legacy more than wins, loses By DON WORTHINGTON Progressive Journal

Whether it was football, family or fellowship, Al Usher Jr. pursued life at full speed. It was his natural pace. As a boy, he was the fastest person on the playground. At Pageland High School, he used his speed to win the 100-yard dash and his strength to win the shot put. He was the first Pageland football player selected for the NC/SC Shrine Bowl.

He was Pageland High’s “GOAT,” before the acronym was coined. The defining moment of Al Usher’s coaching career, however, was taken slowly, step by step, arm in arm, with his son, Trent. Football and family intersected at Williams-Brice Stadium where Al Usher had played football for the University of South Carolina. Father and son had dreamed of the moment for years – the two, together, winning a state high school football championship. See USHER | Page 6

Al, left, and Trent Usher at the 2003 championship game.

No sho of vacc but too get the

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By GREGORY A

Landmark New

First PLACE

COLUMBIA – Havi an ample supply of C state health officials a tougher problem – ge arms of skeptical and s Available vaccinatio state are going unfilled ler, public health direc partment of Health a Control, said Friday. The fastest way to h the least amount of de ness is vaccinations, T “That’s why we are so earnestly the import It’s a nationwide p en-day average of daily nations in the United 11% in the past week Washington Post. The number of vac Carolina has fallen 2 period, the Post reporte As of Friday, 1.6 mil ians – 40.3 percent of have gotten at least on nation. Chesterfield County 46 counties in the pro residents who have g COVID-19 vaccination According to DHEC field County resident a shot, and 11,355 (30 so. The vaccine perce unchanged from last w DHEC reported 607 tions Friday, which is count in the last week. Dr. Jane Kelly, assis ologist, said Wednesd

Pallbearers move the casket of Willie Williams into the hearse Sunday, The pallbears were Trent Usher, Mitch Leaird, Punkie Haigler, Joey Hendrix, Wendell Johnson and Mario Moore.

By DON WORTHINGTON

Don Worthington

Pageland Progressive-Journal

Progressive Journal

It could be a glance over the shoulder. Or, an exchange of smiles or hand waves. The moment could last seconds or hours. Regardless of time or circumstance, when you saw Willie Williams you knew that everything would be OK, whatever needed to be done would be done. You never knew when or where you might encounter Willie. WILLIAMS It could be in the halls of Central High School where he once worked. It could on the baseball field at Pageland’s Pigg Park where he umpired. It could be on the athletic fields at Central, where his duties included tending to injured athletes. The students called him the “Witch Doctor.”

See

Telephon holds ele

See WILLIE | Page 2

Staff re

The journalist’s capture of a man’s life of service from start to finish and the ability to relay the respect of all is simply outstanding.

Photos by DON WORTHINGTON/Progressive Journal

Members of the Pageland Rescue Squad pay their respects to Willie Williams before Sunday’s funeral.

Historic S.C. initiatve plants 3 million tree seeds

Courtesy of REP. RICHIE YOW

One of the demon-

Members of the Sand operative can for vote Saturday during a driv Heights Middle School Voting is from 8:30 The McBee exchang is contested. Five-term incumbent McBee faces challenge Middendorf. They agree broadba nomic development are the cooperative. McCluney, 67, has gree from the Universi na. He is retired from A past 16 years, he has b lington County. Catoe, 74, is Nort College graduate, whe tronics. He went to NE after serving as an elec the Navy. He was stat

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Veterans Day section inside

Abbie Sossamon

The Gaffney Ledger

Brian Garner

A newspaper in all that the word implies, devoted to the best interests of the people of Cherokee County.

GAFFNEY, S.C.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2021

www.gaffneyledger.com

75 CENTS

Trustees balk at county’s request By SCOTT POWELL Ledger Staff Writer spowell@gaffneyledger.com

Raven Ross hugs his ‘sister’ Kim Teague after blowing out the candles on his birthday cake in 2016.

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN By ABBIE SOSSAMON Ledger News Editor abbie@gaffneyledger.com Raven Ross could light up a room

former owner the late Bill Mason so much that he hired several other DSN consumers, according to a 1991 Ledger article on Ross. While many in Gaffney knew

on his bike; someone would give him a ride home. He didn’t worry about a ticket to see the Gaffney Indians play on Friday nights; someone in town always had a spare

A county request for an additional $500,000 towards its broadband internet project has left a sour taste in the mouths of Cherokee County School Board members. The school district included $1 million in its federal American Rescue Plan in August to assist in efforts to expand broadband internet access throughout the county. At Monday’s meeting, school trustees balked at a request from the county to increase their contribution to $1.5 million. County council member Quay Little asked administrator Steve Bratton to send the letter at an Oct. 18 meeting to help with the county’s $3 million cost to install fiber optic lines. County council members did not take a formal vote on Little’s request. Superintendent Dr. Dana Fall said the county’s letter was received after South Carolina already approved the school district’s spending plan for $19.6 million in the third round of Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) money. Fall said it is difficult to amend the school district’s 30-page spending plan where districts pay for expenses upfront and must be reimbursed from federal relief funds. “I have been a team player with the county since day one,” Fall said. “Had they made the ($1.5 million) request earlier, I would have asked for it.” The crux of the matter is school trustees want Cherokee County to move forward with a previous plan for a ● See BALK, Page 3

The News & Reporter Ed Sharpe and me

By Brian Garner Tuesday, March 23, 2021 at 10:27 pm (Updated: November 28, 12:28 pm) When I started to write this column about my friendship with Ed Sharpe, I thought to myself: which Ed Sharpe shall I write about? Because there are a lot of aspects to the man that I bet most people don’t know. I could write about the dedicated Richburg Town Councilman and Mayor Pro Tem who served on council ever since the late Barney Nichols asked him to after he moved to the area from the Tidewater area of Virginia, tasked by the late Steve Gedney to help the Lancaster & Chester Railroad. That Ed Sharpe served on Town Council since 2001 and can list such accomplishments as the renovation of the Richburg Post Office building on Broad Street and the continued fiscal health of the Town he helped govern. When Chester County created the Gateway District Steering Committee to oversee the Gateway Master Plan, Ed was the first one to volunteer to serve on the committee. He often took pictures of the Committee members at their monthly meetings, jollying everyone to stand together (until Covid put the kibosh on that practice). I could write about the man who every year hauled out the red Santa Claus suit and played the part of Jolly Old Saint Nick at the Richburg and Fort Lawn Christmas parades, even stopping after the parades to interact with the children and hand out candy. I know because I’ve had the privilege for a few years of being Santa’s chauffer. Since we both had to attend both parades, I would drive Ed back to his house, grab some food with him and get him to the Fort Lawn parade (which was always the second one of the day) so he could do it all over again. Ed never failed to pelt me with candy whenever he saw me on the sidelines taking pictures at both parades, which I’m sure made the kids around me very happy. Then after the parade, I took the weary Santa back home again, and the suit was returned t the room under the stairs, unless Ed was playing Santa somewhere else, like at the Chester County Senior Center or Union A.R.P. Church. Speaking of Christmas, I could write about the Ed Sharpe who discovered one year that a person in the community he knew had some children who had never received a bicycle, and with my help (and that of a local bike drive) he very quietly made sure those kids had bikes for Christmas. I could write about the man so passionate about trains, that he traveled around the states with his son Ritchie to look at them and even repair a few here and there. And he did this for fun! Ed and Ritchie also maintained the appearance of “The Dinky” (or “The Dummy”) the No. 5 Edgemoor and Manetta Railroad locomotive that is located in Richburg Park, painting it every year that it needed it. Ed was instrumental in getting the Dinky informational monument placed that told the history of the locomotive and how it came to rest in

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Weekly 3,500-6,500 Division

https://www.myhorrynews.com/news/local/conway/conway-unofficial-greeter-passes-away/article_d8efc3c2-5f7811eb-918f-0fd5ae6818e6.html

Conway mourns man who offered waves, smiles and kindness BY CHARLES D. PERRY CHARLES.PERRY@MYHORRYNEWS.COM Jan 25, 2021

First PLACE Charles D. Perry

Myrtle Beach Herald An unassuming bench by a winter-barren pecan tree sits between Church and Apple streets in Conway. Traffic buzzes by on Fourth Avenue on a rainy Monday. Some drivers blow their horns, some stare and a few waved at the empty bench. That bench, refurbished from a McDonald’s, was where Herman Days sat most mornings and afternoons waving at folks passing by. Days, 69, died on Friday as the memorial grew. Photo by Janet Morgan/janet.morgan@myhorrynews.com Janet Morgan janet.morgan@myhorrynews.com

The emptiest bench in Conway sits beneath a sprawling pecan tree just off Fourth Avenue. By Monday afternoon, black bows, a heart-shaped balloon and flowers covered the seat, but a void remained.

Touching tribute to a man who had a tremendous impact on his community through life’s simplest gifts — smiles, waves and kindness. Well done.

Obituary

Weekly Over 6,500 Division County prep teams feeling COVID-19 hit

Three men charged in detention center disturbance

Sports, A7

News, A2

Third PLACE thelancasternews.com

WEEKEND EDITION

Gregory A. Summers

SERVING LANCASTER COUNTY LANCASTER n HEATH SPRINGS n KERSHAW n VAN WYCK n INDIAN LAND

August 28-29, 2021

District changing quarantine rules By MAC BANKS

mbanks@thelancasternews.com

two weeks, even if they have no symptoms of COVID-19, due to possible close contact with someone with the coronavirus. There were 222 positive cases in the district, with another 2,880 people quarantined, through Thursday of this week. Concerned grandmother Tonya Ross said she thinks that masks need to be worn in school. “Masks make sense,” she said. “You need to make it part of the dress code. I ask the school

board to take accountability – accountability for not having a plan A, B or C.” Parent Amanda Contesso said that the instability of pulling children in and out of school because of quarantines is hurting the kids. “This instability has wreaked havoc on our children psychologically,” she said. “Our children have been placed second

The Lancaster News Mac Banks / reporter

Board members and others at the Lancaster County school board meeting Friday morning look at a PowerPoint presentation on COVID-19.

‘Bubber’ Gregory made Lancaster better C.D. “Bubber” Gregory Jr. was all smiles at the May 2018 opening of the renovated Gregory Family YMCA as scores of Lancaster’s business and civic leaders came to christen the county’s first Y and honor the renovated building’s namesake. File photo

A special called meeting of the Lancaster County school board Friday morning was contentious at times, with parents arguing with each other, as well as blasting the district for the way it has handled the coronavirus issue during the first weeks of school. Many parents voiced concern about their children being sent home and quarantined for at least

Charlotte man faces sex charges involving minors

gsummers@thelancasternews.com

David Clarey

The Post and Courier Columbia/Free Times https://www.postandcourier.com/free-times/food/goodbye-my-friend-andy-shlon-owner-of-columbias-belovedandys-deli-has-died/article_��be�a-��-��eb-b��-df��e��c�e�d.html

Goodbye, my friend: Andy Shlon, owner of Columbia’s beloved Andy’s Deli, has died

By MAC BANKS

mbanks@thelancasternews.com

file photo

Greg Gregory, left, architect Paul Boney, left, and C.D. “Bubber” Gregory stand with a photo of a young Bubber that now hangs in the lobby of the Gregory Family YMCA at USC Lancaster.

By GREGORY A. SUMMERS

gsummers@thelancasternews.com

As a community leader, C.D. “Bubber” Gregory Jr. focused his energy-filled, nonstop life on building a better Lancaster. The lumber business owner, education visionary, civic champion, dad, grandfather and all-around good guy and gentleman, died Wednesday, Aug. 25. He was 93 years old. “It’s a sad day,” said longtime friend Charlie Bundy. Bundy met Gregory in the mid-1950s when Gregory lured him here to manage the local chamber of commerce. The two of them were the best of friends for 60-plus years. “I feel like we’ve lost two giants in our area with Anne Springs Close and, now, with Bubber. Both of them have made a tremendous impact on this community,” Bundy said. “We going to miss him. He did so many things, and kept doing them. He was so interested in improving Lancaster and doing things to help people.” Born Jan. 15, 1928, the athletically inclined Gregory graduated from Lancaster High School in 1944. He attended the McCallie School in Tennessee after graduation and joined the Navy in 1946, where he served on the USS

Princeton. After military service, he attended Furman University and graduated in 1951. He then joined his father, C.D. Gregory Sr., at Builders Supply.

USCL legacy By the late 1950s, Gregory, who was heavily involved in a number of civic organizations, was named the county’s Outstanding Young Man of the Year in 1957 and was active in founding the Lancaster County Chamber of Commerce. Its members launched an effort and an educational foundation to organize a satellite college campus that would eventually become USC Lancaster. “Everyone thought this was a great idea, but we all thought it was far too ambitious for us to handle. How could a small town of 10,000 people accomplish such a mammoth task? This suggestion was put on the back burner and almost forgotten,” Gregory wrote in a 2019 column to The Lancaster News to celebrate the college’s 60th anniversary. Gregory noted that they contacted USC Columbia to gauge interest in establishing a university branch here. And they indeed were, he said. “Well, you can imagine our delight to hear this news. Everything moved quickly See GREGORY, page A3

No scam with address on county tax bills By GREGORY A. SUMMERS

See RULES, page A3

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Instead of that’s to us. Some property bank. It automatically goes to coming here, owners see the Charlotte mail- the bank,” Helms said.

The Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office recently arrested a former Lancaster man on sex charges involving minors. William Brandon Campbell, 42, of Charlotte was arrested Aug. 19 and charged with four counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, first degree, and four counts of voyeurism. The sexual exploitation of a minor charges CAMPBELL are punishable by up to 20 years in jail on each count. The charges stem from events that occurred in 2017 when Campbell lived in Lancaster County, according to the sheriff’s office. The Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) task force investigators See CAMPBELL, page A2

Man dies on death row for 1983 killing in Lancaster By MAC BANKS

mbanks@thelancasternews.com

For more than three decades, Donald Allen Jones, 60, lived on death row. He was never executed, but died Saturday, Aug. 21, in a Columbia

Andy Shlon, the eponymous owner and face behind the register at Five Point’s ��year-old Andy’s Deli, died on Thursday, his nephew and former city council member Moe Baddourah con�rmed on Friday. He was ��.

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Community

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COMMUNITY / NEWS

The long, beautiful life of Lucinda Simmons by newsbyte · May 26, 2021 · 18 mins read · 

First PLACE Mindy Lucas

The Island News

My first inclination was to call this a column or a first-person feature or an essay ... or we could just call it the first-place winner in this category! It took time and effort to put together this comprehensive, engaging profile of a life well-lived. I’m sure it was read start to finish by most of your readers - especially those who were stuck and traffic - and it will be treasured by the family for generations to come. SHARE THIS

in coupons inside

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Down Highway 10 toward McCormick, just a few miles outside the bustling Uptown Greenwood, is a community rich with history. Some call it Promised Land, others call it home.

INSIDE TODAY’S EDITION

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Daily Under 8,500 Division

Behind the Promised Land School sits an old Promised Land Volunteer Fire Department truck.

Promised Land Association

Morning News SUNNY 80 • 56 FORECAST, A2

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2021

scnow.com

THE VOICE OF THE PEE DEE

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LT. JOHN STEWART, 1972-2021

Farewell, Lieutenant

Fallen Lake City officer mourned as ‘a true sheepdog who protected the ﬂock from the wolves.’ Pages 4-5A.

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GHS takes on Greer; Emerald faces Clinton

INSIDE TODAY • ABBY • CLASSIFIEDS • DEAR DAVE • OBITUARIES • COMICS • SPORTS • TV LISTING • VIEWPOINTS • WEEKENDBREAK

DAVID L. YEAZELL, SPECIAL TO THE MORNING NEWS

Mt. Zion AME Church has been a fixture in the Promised Land community for more than 100 years. PHOTOS BY JAMES HICKS | INDEX-JOURNAL

St. Claire Donaghy

HIGH SCHOOL HOOPS

Sports 1B

Lt. John Stewart, a Lake City police officer who was killed on Sept. 17 in the line of duty in Lake City, was eulogized Friday during a funeral service at the Florence Center.

See HOME, page 6A

For information, visit the Promised Land Association on Facebook, https://www. facebook.com/PromisedLand-Community-AssociationInc-196903057003798/. Send donations to P.O. Box 50232, Greenwood SC 29649 or online at gofundme.com/f/promisedland-community-association.

Third PLACE Matthew Christian

“When I think of Promised Land, I think of Black folks having a place to call home,” said Greenwood County Councilwoman Edith Childs, who represents the community.

2C 1D-4D 3B 4A 7A 1B-2B 5C 8A-9A 2A

Index-Journal

‘’Bye for now’: Jon Lee was man of many musical masteries By ST. CLAIRE DONAGHY sdonaghy@indexjournal.com The late Jon Lee is remembered as a gentle giant who was a skilled keyboard player and a meticulous audio designer, with a keen sense for sound. Lee, 63, died suddenly Jan. 20 at his home in Greenwood. Many in the Lakelands knew the Michigan native as a key-

board player and vocalist with the Carolina beach music and party band, The Fabulous Expressions. In more recent years, he played keys and sang vocals with Shag Attack. He also worked as a technician with Abbeville-based Custom Audio and Lighting and was the owner of JL Sound Design LLC.

See BYE, page 6A SUBMITTED

facebook.com/indexjournal twitter.com/ijindexjournal

Tigers clash with Wolfpack

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In the tech booth for Greenwood Community Theatre, Jon Lee’s goal was to make sure audiences had the best experience possible with sound and light design for concerts, musicals and more.

It’s Water Heater Tune-Up Time!

WEEKENDER VOL. 103, NO. 86

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SATURDAY, JUNE 12, 2021

4 SECTIONS, 28 PAGES

COVID-19 in SC Cases statewide: 156 new, 492,737 total

Cases in the Lakelands Greenwood - 7,581 Abbeville - 2,124

Saluda - 1,576 Laurens - 6,593

McCormick - 797

Deaths statewide: 16 new, 8,616 total

Deaths in the Lakelands Saluda - 41 Laurens - 152

Greenwood - 155 Abbeville - 34

McCormick - 19

Vaccine percentages in the Lakelands Percent of people in each county who are fully vaccinated Greenwood - 39.3 Abbeville - 36.9

Saluda - 35.1 Laurens - 32.1

McCormick - 48.4

‘An unshakable faith’ Family, friends remember Koch as selfless, loving adventurer

By DAMIAN DOMINGUEZ ddominguez@indexjournal.com

First PLACE Damian Dominguez

DAILY $1, WEDNESDAY | WEEKENDER $2

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ob Koch felt closest to God when he was outdoors, in nature. He lived life with a passion few can muster. As one of his sons, Richard Koch, put it, he was “all in.” Bob didn’t just jog around the block, he ran three Boston Marathons. He didn’t just hike local parks, he tackled all 2,000 miles of the Appalachian Trail. He couldn’t paddle along the placid waters of Lake Greenwood in

his backyard, he wanted to canoe the Mississippi River from St. Louis to New Orleans. “It was very important to him. He needed to do this,” said Bob’s wife, Rebecca. “That was Bob. He had an adventurous spirit — he wasn’t afraid to take risks and try things.” It was that dedication and passion that those who knew him loved. He embarked May 2 from St. Louis. A week into his trip the water grew turbulent just below where the Ohio River meets the Mississippi. A storm passed through earlier, and the current capsized his canoe. He was pulled

under and drowned. “He was outgoing and he was friendly,” said Rebecca, who goes by Becky. “He never met a stranger. He had an adventurous spirit. He was goal-driven.” Bob often talked about his “God moments,” instances where he felt God’s presence and influence on his life. They’d come in the form of flowers he’d spot after difficult stretches of trail, or an ice chest full of drinks and snacks he stumbled upon when running low on rations. See KOCH, page 4A SUBMITTED

Bob Koch embarks on his trip to paddle the Mississippi River, starting in St. Louis.

INCLUDED IN TODAY’S PAPER

Index-Journal

Kudos for a story that sings from start to finish, using carefully selected details throughout that back up the love of outdoors and spirituality of the deceased.

Biden to be 13th president to meet with Elizabeth II, 6A INSIDE TODAY

• ABBY • CLASSIFIEDS • DEAR DAVE • OBITUARIES • COMICS

2C 1D-4D 5B 4A 6C

Riders put skills on display

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Lana Ferguson

Ashley Dill

The Island Packet LOCAL

Pillars of Ridgeland community married 65 years died within 24 hours of each other BY LANA FERGUSON UPDATED JANUARY 21, 2021 1:06 PM

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Herald-Journal NEWS

Family, friends reflect on Spectrum worker killed in Cleveland Park standoff Ashley Dill Herald-Journal Published 6:01 a.m. ET July 12, 2021

Updated 7:49 a.m. ET July 12, 2021

Rhonda McIntyre just got fresh highlights and a hair cut and was thinking about surprising her husband, Perry, to show him her new hair over lunch. She was in downtown Spartanburg at the time and knew her husband was on a job for Spectrum not too far away in Cleveland Park. "I wanted to see if he could meet me for lunch,” Rhonda said. “He liked my hair lighter, and I was excited for him to see it. I’d called him four or five times, and he wouldn’t answer, and the work phone kept going straight to voicemail.” She decided to drive down Asheville Highway, just to make sure he was OK. “I went down the road and saw cops everywhere,” she remembered. “And I knew Perry was in there, and he wasn’t answering his phone.” BILL NIMMER

SUBMITTED

Her husband had been shot while checking Wi-Fi at a home on Amelia Street. He was there to run tests to make sure it was running properly, and it wasn't expected to take long.

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Daily 8,500-25,000 Division

LOCAL

‘So many carrots. So many kisses’: Beloved Hilton Head Clydesdale horse, Harley, dies at 17 BY KATHERINE KOKAL UPDATED APRIL 16, 2021 10:24 AM

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Katherine Kokal The Island Packet

The Clydesdale belonging to Lawton Stables on Hilton Head Island was humanely euthanized on March 15, 2021 after a serious illness. BY DREW MARTIN 

An unexpected winner in this category, but it was beautifully written. The writer treated the horse with the same level of reporting as a human, and what resulted was a great story. 10

Editor’s note: This story was originally published March 21. It was updated April 16 with new photos shared with The Island Packet and information about how Lawton Stables is remembering Harley.

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Bristow Marchant

Maura Hogan

The State *Disclosure

The Post and Courier https://www.postandcourier.com/news/joey-morant-jazz-trumpeter-and-horn-player-of-the-jenkins-orphanagetradition-dies/article_a�a�b��e-f��-��eb-a�f�-�b��e�.html

LOCAL

Goodbye, my friend: Columbia mourns beloved founder of Andy’s Deli in Five Points

Joey Morant, jazz trumpeter and horn player of the Jenkins Orphanage tradition, dies

BY BRISTOW MARCHANT, SARAH ELLIS, AND ERIN SLOWEY UPDATED JANUARY 15, 2021 3:34 PM

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Andy Shlon, a 79-year-old Lebanese immigrant, opened Andy’s Deli in Five Points in 1978. He was known for working behind the counter daily, slinging sandwiches -- and salutes of “my dear” and “my friend” -- at his customers. TIM DOMINICK TDOMINICK@THESTATE.COM

Charleston native Joey Morant, a heralded New York City jazz trumpeter and COLUMBIA, S.C.

Everybody who’s ever gone into Andy’s Deli felt like they were visiting an old friend, even if it was their first time through the door.

baritone horn player who is arguably the last to emerge from the Jenkins Orphanage tradition, died on July �� after �ghting a neurological illness. He was ��.

Obituary

https://www.postandcourier.com/news/thomas-rivers-charleston-ob-gyn-dies-at-age-��/article_a��d��a-��b��eb-bcb�-db��e�.html

Thomas Rivers, Charleston OB-GYN, dies at age 86

Daily Over 25,000 Division

First PLACE Maura Hogan

The Post and Courier Thomas Pinckney Rutledge Rivers, a leader in progressive obstetrics and gynecological surgical techniques who delivered thousands of Charleston babies over his ��-year career, died Monday. He was ��. A native of peninsular Charleston known by all as Tommy, Rivers was an elegant, yet unpretentious stretch of a physician. He was known to possess a deep and abiding reverence for the natural world, whether it took the form of a newborn child, a �edgling bird or a native wild�ower.

Hard to imagine someone who had more of an impact on that many lives in his community. He was “an elegant, yet unpretentious stretch of a physician” is an exceptionally nice turn of phrase.

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Brian Garner

Michael Stern

The News & Reporter

Aiken Standard https://www.postandcourier.com/aikenstandard/lifestyle/food/taste-of-the-town-apizza-di-napoli-brings-connecticut-pizza-tradition-toaiken/article_��c��-�d��-��ec-��d�-��a�f��b.html

Taste of the Town: Apizza di Napoli brings Connecticut pizza tradition to Aiken

Fibro and Her

By Brian Garner Tuesday, July 6, 2021 at 9:32 pm (Updated: November 28, 1:58 pm) Tabatha McCree Strother likes to say she doesn’t “suffer” from fibromyalgia; she lives with it. Now she has created a monthly planner that makes that a little easier, for herself and for others who also live with the condition. The experiences Strother has gone through as someone who lives with fibromyalgia have led her to create the “Fibro & Me” Monthly Planner.

Brian Garner

Tabatha Strother, who among her many talents is a newlyelected City of Chester Councilmember, has created the “Fibro & Me” monthly planner that contains affirmations, healing words from the Scriptures and a place for those who live with fibromyalgia to chronicle their journey.

The best book that you'll hate

By Brian Garner Tuesday, March 30, 2021 at 7:42 pm (Updated: November 28, 12:51 pm)

symptoms were alike.

She was diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 2001 “after months of pain, and you don’t know what’s going on. I thought I had the flu, because that's what it felt like. You go to the doctor because the pain is not right, and they tell you there’s nothing wrong. Then you start to feel like it’s all in your head,” she said. Strother had three small children, a job and helped run Big Momma’s Kitchen Restaurant along with husband Tony. She said before she was diagnosed, it was all she could do when she got home from work to help with the kids with their homework and get dinner ready – that usually wiped her out. Then one Saturday she woke up and couldn’t move her entire left side. The night before, she complained of a tingling on her left side. When she started experiencing pain, she found a refuge in the Father, Son and Holy Spirit Bookstore in Chester and proprietor Pastor Annie McFadden. She collected a couple of books including a collection of passages from the Scriptures about healing, that would later inspire her on her path to create the “Fibro & Me” planner. After the day she woke up and couldn’t move, Strother eventually took time from her schedule to see a doctor, and after tests and an examination, she was slated for what would be the first surgery on her back, and the doctor told her she had lumbar myalgia. Strother started researching myalgia and a nurse practitioner told her she believed that Tabatha had fibromyalgia. She described her symptoms to a frequent restaurant customer, and she revealed she had fibromyalgia and the

https://www.postandcourier.com/aikenstandard/lifestyle/food/taste-of-the-town-whiskey-alley-menu-imaginative-and-�avorful/article_��cc��-��fa��ec-a�a�-��c��d��a.html

https://www.postandcourier.com/aikenstandard/lifestyle/food/taste-of-the-town-juniper-o�ers-worldly-meals-in-a-humble-setting/article_�c��aa-��d��ec-bf��-�f��ba�ea�a�.html

Taste of the Town: Whiskey Alley menu imaginative and avorful

Taste of the Town: Juniper o ers worldly meals in a humble setting

When you consider eating out, here is a good question to ask: Is the restaurant’s owner on premises?

Local author Jonah Lee travels the "Zombie Road"

If the answer is yes, proceed. You might be in for a good meal. If the owner is

Strother began seeing a leading fibromyalgia researcher in Charlotte, who educated her about fibromyalgia, what she was By Brian Garner experiencing, what she would experience in the future, and what she wouldTuesday, and would not be of pm doing because of the December 22, capable 2020 at 6:50 (Updated: November 28,disorder. 1:27 pm)

somewhere else … who’s minding the store? It’s surely no guarantee, but when a restaurant is operated hands-on by someone with a vested interest, things tend to get done right.

He’sas really into WWII battleships and older lifted trucks, but foryou a while, Jonah Lee of Chester was traveling on the “Zombie “He was giving me a doomsday, if you will. I’m sitting there crushed, because young mother, a young wife cars andand a young person, Road” and in his story “The Mysterious 454,” he was doing it aboard a train. feelAdventures like you have your life ahead of you,” Strother You’re not going to like the characters in Larry B. Hill’s latest book, “The Bizarre of Jesse Wilson” subtitled “A Journey Into recalled. She poured out her sorrows to her great-grandmother (who she called “Big Momma) back in Chester and told her what the doctor had said. The Zombie Road series by David A. Simpson is a series of stories about truckers, veterans and Self Destruction”. In fact, you’re not going to like the story.

Which brings me to Cli� Garzzillo – host and chef at Apizza di Napoli. When you

“everyday people” coping with the aftermath of a zombie apocalypse, many times with various

come to his restaurant, you aren’t just eating out. You are visiting him. He’s up front

By following along on the “Bizarre Adventures” you’ll learn quite a bit about Jesse Wilson (a thinly Fiction Collection book and how he came to write the story, “The Mysterious 454,” which details the disguised portrayal of the author and his “She own experiences – Larry Hillelse, had some of theright sameon watching Bob Barker like nothing had happened…I went adventures of Cowboy, Noelle, Rob didn’t say anything and went home, had my pity party forand a the other people who call the Pacific steam locomotive adventures as Jesse Wilson had). (which is itself almost a character in the story,) home. day or two and then came to myself.

The N&R caught up with author Jonah Lee to talk about his entry into The Zombie Road Fan

done. As a matter of principle, he serves some pizzas uncut along with utensils to

Jonah said he decided to contribute to the Zombie Road universe after seeing the third volume in This book, technically Hill’s second, is a re-write an earlier work, Promise of Whalesongs”, “On myofnightstand was “The the book of healing Scripture verses, and I cried out to God, because I still had Those Days, (and it that never the series, Ragebut on the Rails had a steam locomotive on the cover. that Hill started working on about 15 years ago. As the book evolved into “The Bizarre Adventures” stopped registering what Big Momma had said). I said ‘Well, God, what do You Say?’ I wasn't anywhere then in my spiritual walk where it took a year to craft it into its current incarnation. “There’s no steam locomotive in the book itself. I had two ideas – the first was going to be an

He even tells you how to eat your pizza: with knife and fork, the way Italians do.

powered vehicles asthe their weapons. had said: ‘That’s what But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t read“She it. said ‘hmm,’. I wanted her to have a pity party with me, but she said, after I told her what the doctorgasoline

doctor said. What did God say?’

– literally; he greets those who enter. It’s his place; he knows how he wants things cut them yourself. “Please do not ask us to cut these,” the menu implores.

Unlike Burger King, which used to advertise “Have it your way,” in Cli� ’s place, you have it Cli� ’s way.

I am now, but I always believed God had greater plans for me. But if He had greater plans for me, then Iadventure couldn’tonbea naval where I was in warship and the other was on the 454 that I created. I decided to go with the pain,welcomes and devastated. began cryofout to God. Scripture again,” she story in that world. I decided to combine some adventure becausebooks it’s a more reasonable According to the book description, ‘This book the readerI into the to mind a truly lonelyAnd I know now the Holy Spirit led me to pick up those 454 said.the 1960s. elements and other things I’ve seen to create the story,” Jonah said. child growing up in Harlem, New York during The 454 is well-defended, because it sports a five-inch naval gun from a battleship on it as well as

to realize that she needed andofmaybe others needed, a book full of spiritual affirmations and promises, passages that ‘He witnesses much too much, and muchStrother too soon.began The horror and mayhem becomes a part his provided a cowcatcher used for scooping hordes of undead off of the rails it rides on. daily life, and he struggles to make it from one day to the next; with to only his mother rely could be spoken aloud provide thattocommitment and healing from within. Looking a bit like his character Cowboy (minus the low-slung “I was wanting to incorporate something naval into the story, since I didn’t go with the warship on...even though he also had a father.

Hill

File Photo

and atohorde of zombies option,” said.Strother is now not “As you start to speak these healing Scriptures and hear them out loud, you .45 begin really believe them,” she he said. chasing him) Chester author ‘The book explores his teenage years in on South after thefor death of his best and friend...his anyCarolina medications fibromyalgia is taking natural remedies. Jonah said he had an interest in trains, but he did some research getting into the mechanics of a Jonah Lee holds a copy of the mother. locomotive, “because I didn’t want to just say it was a steam locomotive. I researched into a model volume of Zombie Road fan that I liked and paid attention to how steam trains worked,” he said. She continues to live with the condition fiction that his story “The ‘It is in the military where he first experiments in the dark world of street drugs. That is the time Mysterious 454” appears in. Jonah said he became a fan of the zombie genre when he got interested in The Walking Dead TV when his voyage of self destruction begins.’ “A lot of times, like the Apostle Paul about the thorn in his flesh, I would askprogram, God tobut take thisthe away. ButZombie sometimes it’s there keep us he likes way the Road author handlestothe genre.

sometimes for various reasons, to show someone else the way,” Strother said. The book tells the semi-autobiographical story of Jesse Wilson, who grew up humble, having hisormother exposeit’s himthere to culture all over New He said the word that David A. Simpson was going to edit a volume of fan fiction based on the universe he created was spread on York, dragging him to concerts, the Metropolitan Opera and even to hear a nascent James Brown and the Famous Flames before media. The author originally posted photo a character One the ways Strother showingwith others the inway and sharing the healingsocial Scriptures and affirmations was aby theofcreation ofand thisinvited fans to come up with that character’s backstory and what Brown would hit super stardom. The book details Jesse’s life on the streets and hisof descent to drug abuse,isbeginning his time they were all about. monthly planner, which she hoped would help others as it has her. the Marine Corps. “David Simpson eventually ended up posting that there were a lot of great people out there that had a story, and he asked if people wanted it to affects contribute to a volume of fan fiction.remember I put my name in the pot fibromyalgia your memory. I don’t things likeand I was accepted,” Jonah said.

“I his likelife to around write things down abecause honest, sometimes with The story of destruction is also one of hope, as Jesse is able to eventually turn and become minister inlet’s his be church. used to, even though I speak it and I’m trying my best to, sometimes I needJonah some help,” she said. said that he wrote the story in October and submitted it in November of this year. When he heard that his short story had been

Is there another restaurant as relentlessly inventive as Whiskey Alley? Every plate is surprising. Pimento cheese comes dotted with smoked candied pecans. Peanut butter and jelly mounted on a brioche bun is amended with a patty of foie gras and

As a professional eater, the question I am asked most frequently (other than “Why

topped with the grape must syrup known as saba. Even carrots – carrots, mind you!

don’t you weigh �� pounds?”) is, “What’s your favorite restaurant?” In this part of

– transcend vegetable ennui when masterfully char-grilled and glazed with barbecue sauce. The wizards in the kitchen like to give dishes familiar �avors in unexpected ways. “Everything bagel” seasoning infuses smoked salmon dip. Firm, �aky Spanish mackerel hums with pastrami spice. It perches on a bed of super-fermented sauerkraut atop a slice of black Russian rye bread: the delicatessen sandwich reimagined!

the world, I have no problem saying Juniper. It’s not the swankiest, that’s for sure. Located in a former hardware store on Main Street in the peachy town of Ridge Spring, Juniper does little to camou�age its modest setting. A well-worn wood �oor, thrift-shop décor and mismatched tableware let you know

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First PLACE Maura Hogan

The Post and Courier

https://www.postandcourier.com/columnists/review-�-exhibitions-cast-a-level-gaze-on-loadedissues/article_a��c��e-fbb�-��eb-��af-a�e��a��b.html

Review: 2 exhibitions cast a level gaze on loaded issues

https://www.postandcourier.com/columnists/review-artist-and-activist-mary-edna-fraser-renders-a-rare-view-ofdewees-island/article_�b��c��-��db-��ec-��-b�f�e�ab��d.html

Review: Artist and activist Mary Edna Fraser renders a rare view of Dewees Island

https://www.postandcourier.com/charleston_scene/review-after-a-pandemic-hiatus-charleston-symphony-beginsanew-at-the-gaillard-center/article_d��f��e-��-��eb-��-�b��c��a�.html

Review: After a pandemic hiatus, Charleston Symphony begins anew at the Gaillard Center

From Pablo Picasso’s “Guernica,” which rails against the savagery of war, to the provocative works of the anonymous feminist Guerrilla Girls, art has long been a canvas for activism, an eye-catching, gut-gripping agent of change. Recently, enslaved potter David Drake from Edge�eld gained a national spotlight, with works including those of protest molded from Carolina clay.

If you’ve never �nagled access to Dewees Island, this might be your chance. (And, be advised, that is a hard “might.”) Getting a toehold on the �,��-acre private island, which sits just north of Charleston o� Isle of Palms, is a triumph most regularly endeavored by ferry, and usually achieved by invitation only.

Enjoyed the decorative and creative writing to describe the art and background.

Ludwig van Beethoven was a late bloomer. By the time he rolled out his Symphony No. �, he was pushing ��. Compared to the wunderkinds of yesteryear like Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, who wrote his �rst symphony at the age of �, the German behemoth was notably long in the tooth when he premiered the work in ��.

Health Beat Reporting

A newspaper in all that the word implies, devoted to the best interests of the people of Cherokee County. gAffNEY, S.C. Get To Know

Second PLACE 4 day face-to-face learning planned for older students By SCOTT POWELL Ledger Staff Writer spowell@gaffneyledger.com

$1.00

Rice defends impeachment vote at constituent call-in COASTAL OBSERVER

President Trump’s actions while a mob attacked the Capitol on Jan. 6 disqualified him from serving as president, U.S. Rep. Tom Rice told constituents this week. The 7th District congressman was one of 10 Republicans who voted for impeachment. “That attack on the Capitol

“I didn’t sign up to protect Donald Trump. I took an oath to protect our Constitution,” Rice said.

to vote,” Rice said. “He certainly encouraged the protesters and rioters to come to the Capitol and to confront members of Congress. He said ‘nonviolent’ but only in ambiguous terms. He said over and over and over again to go and fight like hell.” Rice addressed his impeachment vote during a telephone town hall meeting with constituents on Monday. A handful of people on the call criticized Rice

for his vote, but some thanked him. Rice stood behind his decision. “That day was a direct attack by the executive branch on the legislative branch and it cannot stand. Any president that does that, I will vote for retribution,” Rice said. “People who are fussing about my vote to impeach Donald Trump, if Obama had See “Rice,” Page 4

Coastal Observer Charles Swenson/Coastal Observer

was timed to occur when we were voting whether or not to accept the Electoral College votes. The purpose of it was to intimidate members of Congress to vote the way the president wanted them

CORONAVIRUS | Eyes on the vaccine

Supply frustrates providers large and small By Chris Sokoloski While 20,000 people 70 and older are on a waiting list to get an appointment to get the COVID-19 vaccine from Tidelands Health, a pharmacy is ready to help. Glenn Cox, owner of Pawleys Island Pharmacy, purchased a freezer capable of storing the vaccine, got his staff vaccinated and trained to administer the vaccine, and is now approved to be a vaccination center. The problem is, he can’t get his hands on the vaccine. “We’re just waiting, waiting, waiting. We’re very frustrated,” Cox said. “We’re stuck right here in a community with a lot of people that are dying and no vaccine. Vol. XXXIX No. 27 Pawleys Island, I don’t know what the hold up is.” Cox bought a $6,000 freezer to store the vaccine at -85 degrees. It’s been running for three weeks, but remains empty. The state can’t activate more providers until they get more vaccine, said Dr. Brannon Traxler, interim public health director for the state Department of Health and Environmental Control. majority of the people hopefulBy right Chris Sokoloski “The biggest challenge COASTAL ly getting vaccine Traxler so we can willthis be allocated, said. hospitals.” now is the limited amount of vac-OBSERVER soon,” Diaz-GonzaAs of Wednesday, 297,453 dosStarting next week the get stateover this cine available, not just in South es“This of the is Pfizer will becare receiving 10,000 Carolina but across the country,” lez said. the and wayModerna to over- vacAn intensive nurse and a more cines had beentoadministered doses thefirst Moderna Traxler added. come the pandemic, vaccinate in cardiologist wereofthe health vaccine state. than itinhasGeorgetown been getting. people, The the “There’s a lot going care on with to develop immunity.” workers of people unable of vacdoses to the poor planning from the feder- toweekly “This isThe thenumber first chance we get County get a shipment COVID-19 get the vaccine state will now beDr. 72,600, peral government down to the state go ontooffense,” said Dr.worries GeraldGayle cine. Ashley Griffith and Vic-a 16to Resetar, chief operating officer of government,” Cox said. “They cent increase. tor Diaz-Gonzalez said they were Harmon, vice president of mediDHEC officials are still trying Tidelands Health. dumped it on the states and it cal affairs for Tidelands Health. an example forthose theirvaccines See “Vaccine,” Page 3 to figure out how seems DHEC dumped ithappy on theto set

Vol. XXXIX No. 52

Planners ‘Country keep tech park doctor’ ready as future use By Charles Swenson COASTAL OBSERVER

The Georgetown County By Chris Sokoloski Planning Commission last week OBSERVER reaffirmed COASTAL its objection to a plan to develop 182 apartments at a site in Pawleys Island currently Gerald zoned for an office park. Harmon was halfway It was ato housekeeping a degree detail, in astrophysics when but the 4-0 vote came as the projthe notion of attending medical ect is awaiting review by Georgeschool town County Council.was put into his head. The commission voted505-0years later, HarNearly in November to recommend device president of medical nial of themon, rezoning request by Graycliff Capital Partners 14.5 affairs for onTidelands Health, is acres on Petigru Drive. In orabout to be sworn in as the presider to change the zoning, state dent of county the American Medical Aslaw requires that the first South Carolina ~ December 17,its2020 $1.00 amend future land-use plan. sociation. County Council can’t act on “It’s exciting. the land-use amendment with- I don’t deny it’s out a recommendation from the an honor,” Harmon said. “It gives Planning Commission. me the opportunity to preach the “It’s pretty much a housemessage forRichhealth care in generkeeping issue,” said Holly ardson, theal.” county planning director. When Harmon enrolled in the The future land-use plan currently shows the property University of as South Carolina in Charles Swenson/Coastal Observer “commercial.” Graycliff wants to 1971, he spent two years studying change that to “high density resA freezer at Pawleys physics, astronomy and matheidential.” That would allow the Island Pharmacy See “Park,” Page 2

COASTAL OBSERVER

CORONAVIRUS | The vaccine arrives

EDUCATION

A shot in the arm for health care workers

co-workers, families and community, after receiving the vaccine Wednesday at Waccamaw PAWLEYS ISLAND Community Hospital. “I think it’s so important to get vaccinated because there are so many people that are carrying it around and don’t even realize By Charles Swenson it,” Griffith said. “I see the people COASTAL OBSERVER that it’s affecting in the ICU. It’s important to get vaccinated so Pawleys Island wassoalways we Now, can all get immunity and have part of Hank Martin’s life. this pandemic end.” Martin has a part of Pawleys Is“I’m looking forward to the land.

“Now we get to fight back. Not only are we treating those who are infected, now we’re preventing the virus from even getting inside our system. We’re building an armor-plating that lets that virus not get in.” South Carolina received 42,900 doses of the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine this week. Tidelands Health received 975 for Waccamaw and 500 for Georgetown Memorial Hospital. See “Vaccine,” Page 5

has been running at -85 degrees for three weeks. Owner Glenn Cox is waiting for a supply of

vaccine.

positive person. Local elementary schools have operated on a normal five-days-a-week schedule since Oct. 5, 2020. Middle and high school students have spent the majority of the year on a hybrid schedule - two days in class and two days virtual. Older students have alternated Fridays in school since Sept. 18, 2020. “Hybrid A/B days will not be in effect for our middle schools beginning February 22,” Fall said. “Students who currently attend school five days a week will continue to do so. We are in the process of preparing our high school buildings and daily operations for an increased, inperson learning schedule beginning the week of March 8, 2021.” School bus schedules must be adjusted since buses are still limited to 67% capacity. The school district is seeking a state waiver from the requirement. Middle and high schools will be deep cleaned, outfitted with plexiglass dividers around teacher desks and additional personal protective equipment. Students enrolled in the district’s Virtual School Academy will remain on the all-virtual model for the remainder of the school year. There are approximately 2,000 students in the virtual school, which required a yearlong commitment and a reliable Internet connection.

Councilwoman gets hearing for restraining order request

Funds will follow ideas as board starts work on new budget

District offers help to kids struggling in online class By Chris Sokoloski COASTAL OBSERVER

The Cherokee County School District announced a timetable Friday for middle and high school students to return to school classrooms for increased face- toface instruction. Starting Feb. 22, middle school students will attend school for in person learning Monday through Thursday. Students will have an e-learning day Fridays while buildings are closed for a deep cleaning day. High school students are set to return March 8 for additional in-person learning days. “The CDC and local health officials have continued to share that schools are the safest place for our students,” superintendent Dr. Dana Fall said. “In monitoring this data and consulting with our task team, the Cherokee County School District has begun preparing for students and staff to transition to an increased, in-person learning schedule for our secondary, non-virtual school students.” As of Feb. 12, district figures showed 46 positive cases of coronavirus in county schools. A total of 392 students and staff are currently quarantined because of close contact with a COVID-19

By LARRY HILLIARD Ledger Staff Writer larry@gaffneyledger.com

A Gaffney city councilwoman will finally have her day in court. After two continuances, a hearing has been scheduled for 9:30 a.m. today (Friday) in Magistrate’s Court to hear councilwoman Steph Smith’s request for a harassment and stalking restraining order against Arjana “Ana” Moss, the wife of Gaffney Mayor Dr. Randy Moss. Smith’s complaint alleges that she has been harassed on social media, which has Smith fearing for her and her family’s safety. On June 22, Smith filed a motion for a restraining order in the Magistrate’s Office for second degree harassment. In that complaint, Smith claims that beginning May 27, Moss made “contin-

uous messages and posts inciting threats via social media and other means.” The complaint alleges that on June 4, Moss made various statements and posts directed to Smith; and STEPH SMITH in the days following Moss “liked, encouraged and commented replying back to threatening comments, posts and remarks.” Because of conflicts, out-of-county Magistrate Brooke Rhodes will hear the request. The original hearing was scheduled for July 13.

The Gaffney Ledger george Duncan works

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HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY TO on MEa storage building with his construction Freda Norris was the lucky winner in The Ledger’s Valentine Gift Away. A 27students at Institute year employee at Nestle, her entry was drawn from hundreds of others. The Storage prize package included numerous gift certificates and goodies Innovation. from the sponsoring businesses. buildings and hand

crafted wooden American flag orders can be placed by calling Institute of Innovation at 206-2576.

Judge seeks Gaffney residents participate in vaccine trials

By SCOTT POWELL Ledger Staff Writer spowell@gaffneyledger.com

‘false affidavit’ in suit over Building America’s Future meetings

Research Oxford anGroup. The nounced Friday longtime it has started Gaffney resitesting its coroMike Spearman and Phillip Gibson dent was happy navirus vaccine never hesitated when an opportunity to volunteer for in children as arose to participate in blind clinical trials a 2-year medical young as 6 in a for coronavirus vaccines still waiting on study evaluatmove that exfederal approval. ing the effectivepands vaccine By SCOTT POWELL Spearman lost his taste and smell folness of an trials to the lowing two trips to visit his grandchildren AstraZenaca youngest age Ledger Staff Writer in Florida over the past year. While his vaccine still group yet. The spowell@gaffneyledger.com senses were only missing for two weeks, waiting on fedOxford trial will the experience led Spearman and his wife, eral approval. include 300 Kaye, to sign up for a clinical trial for the After getting child volunteers George Duncan has traded in history Johnson & Johnson vaccine. blood work done ages 6 to 17, COASTAL OBSERVER S PEARMAN The Johnson & Johnson vaccine reand a COVID-19 GIBSON with receivtextbooks for teaching tools of the240 conquires only one shot unlike the Moderna test, Gibson reing the vaccine struction to high with school students. and Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines. The cliniceived an injection. It would be many tradeco-developed AstraZeneca. cal trial conducted by Spartanburg Medmonths when he did not know officiallyspends if AstraZeneca expects to have ahis new verDuncan his days outside ical Research Group was a blind study he received the vaccine or the placebo. sion of the COVID-19 vaccine ready to use Institute classroom where some participants received the ac“My clinical trial doctor unmaskedof my Innovation this fall. This comes amid concerns about tual vaccine while others received a blind status five days ago and informed emerging variants from the stuUnited Kingworking to ensure construction placebo. me that I have had the vaccine protection dom, Brazil and South Africa that might dents have an edge on their peers when “When one of our friends referred us to from the virus since November 10th of be more contagious or resistant to existthe research center, we figured why not, last year,” said Gibson,they who reports no the workforce. ing vaccines. All three virus variants have enter Students even if there was only a 50% chance we side effects from his vaccine shot. “I feel now been identified in the United States. have built several storage buildings FRIDAY, JULY 23,Spearman 2021 got the real vaccine,” Mike pretty good about it.” Despite these concerns, Gibson didn’t LOCAL NEWS said. “It’s good to be able to participate in AstraZeneca’s Covidand vaccine could rehavewooden to think longAmerican about whether he hand-crafted a study to help researchers develop vacceive emergency use globally as soon as wanted to participate in a vaccine study. flags now displayed in county homes. cines for the virus. My arm was sore for the middle of February for the vaccine “I figured what did I have to lose,” GibTheUniversity future carpenters learn through the first day, but there haven’t been any which was developed at Oxford son said. “I would rather have the vaccine side effects since then.” in Britain, according to the World Health then get the virus. The best part is it’s the basic stepsashot involved in home conGibson has participated in clinical reOrganization. Data from a large United chance to further medical research so whilescientists framing and more building search studies in recent years for the flu States clinical study ofstruction the shot is not excan develop effective vacand shingles for the Spartanburg Medical pected until March. cines against the virus which can help 12 by 16 utility storage buildings made

By Charles Swenson

more people.” About 67% of Americans plan to get vaccinated or have already received shots for the virus, according to a Feb. 10 poll from the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. Another 15% are certain they won’t get a coronavirus vaccine while 17% have indicated they are skeptical about whether to receive a shot. A carpenter’s assistant can make $16 Many expressed doubts about the safety and effectiveness of available vaccines a to $17 per hour while a master carpenmonth and a half into a U.S. vaccination ter in the Charlotte area makes $35 per drive to get more Americans protected againstrunning the virus. hour a job site. The Bureau of Johnson & Johnson recently applied to Labor Statistics reported carpenters the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for emergency authorization of its took homeuse $53,150 on average in 2019 COVID-19 vaccine. On Feb. 26, an advisory while laborers earned $42,320 nationcommittee will hold a public meeting to make ally . a recommendation about whether the vaccine should be approved. “We are a dying breed,” Duncan said. Mike Spearman recently learned he received the real vaccine from the Johnson & Duncan learned carpentry trade Johnson last November in the clinical working on the family farm alongside study. His wife, Kaye, got the placebo shot in the study and has since gotten the Modhis father while he grew up in Blackserna vaccine. burg in the 1960s. THE GAFFNEY - PAGE 11 “When my bloodLEDGER was drawn, the doctors found I already had the While working atcoronavirus Airport High in twice,” Spearman said. “Even after we early 2000, Duncan became a certified reach herd immunity with the vaccine, building construction when he this virus is still going to remain inteacher our communities. I think we’ll probably have briefly taught classes outside his norto get a coronavirus vaccine every year mal field atjust the request like the flu shot, to keep up withof the a superinchanges in the virus.” Limestone University and the Chero-

A Pawleys Island resident and a former mayor say the town failed to follow the state law in conducting town meetings. The town administrator says it did. Circuit Court Judge Ben Culbertson will look through the town’s records included in a suit alleging a violation of the Freedom of Information Act to find out who is correct. tendent. He has spent the past several kee County School District held a “Somebodyto order. obviously has summer breaks helping “Game Changer” All-Star panel to friends with PAGE 8 OBITUARIES SPORTS discuss student-athlete mentalsuch as decks, “The construction work involvedPAGE in a5 construction projects filed a false affidavit,” Culberthealth issues. Pictured are Cherokee BLANTON, Billy, 76, Gaffney storage last building are “I the same flooring volunteer the Jerasulem The Ewing Ea- at a hearing son said week. County Schoolwork Districtwith athletic direcCRAWFORD, Franklin, Moncks Corgles boys bastor Terrence Scriven; Limestone athsystem, wallner, and frame construction Project and built an outdoor stage for S.C. don’t ketball teamknow who.” letic director Mike Cerino; Kansas techniques to build aBetty, It’s justS.C. on Varsity Square. EDWARDS, 93, Landrum, Mission Statement had no equal City Chiefs team clinician Dr. Shaun Henry Thomas, an island res-house. To connectand individuals and organizations during the regTyrance Center for Per-in High, DunHOLMES, Melvin, 70, Gaffney a smaller scale,” Duncan said. After 14National years at Gaffney CherokeeHealth Countychief to develop a positive ular season orfiled suit in 2019 claiming formance physician Dr. ident, LEARY, Cynthia,is 54,the Gaffney The storage building latest excan jumped atandthe opportunity this fall culture of learning good healthPhoto) for postseason. Rahul Mehra. (Limestone University SCHAIBLE, Jon, 61, Gaffney and civic prosperity. that the town ample violated state law of project-based learning Institopersonal worksuccess at Institute of Innovation by holding executive sessionsstudents at tute of Innovation are under longtime friend and director Dr. Y B C M Y B THE GAFFNEY LEDGER — SERVING CHEROKEE COUNTY SINCE 1894 / VOLUME 127 NO. 156 two council meetings involved inwithout each yearaas they train for David Smith. Smith was the social By SCOTT POWELL athletics department to start a Game lege and high school athletes include aca“I’m always around and guys are in my offuture careers. Previous construction department chair when Dunvote, without stating the purpose Ledger Staff Writer Changer program in 2018. demic work, daily practices, strength and studies fice all the time, even when times are spowell@gaffneyledger.com Game Changerclasses is designed to confidenconditioning, injury rehab. good.started That’s a big thing for me.” buildand Habitat for can at Gaffney High in 2008 and of thetially sessions andhave by helped talking help Limestone students with menKansas City Chiefs hired Tyrance to The Game Changer program provides Humanity houses and project plan several classstu-trips to WashMental health education and prevention tal health issues that impact academic serve as the team’s firsthouses in-house clinician helped confidential 24/7 access for Limestone about matters that should have play a key role in helping athletes deal and athletic performances, relationships, prior to their 2019 Super Bowl champident-athletes to connect students with relater sold at an auction. ington. with issues that impact their personal re- discussed career and financialin planning. onship. Tyrance is one of just seven fullsources that can get help for someone. been public. Students who become a for 2-year pro“I time Gaffney High. I lationships and performance in sports. It’s important to dispel stigmas around time clinicians NFL teams. Theloved Cherokeemy County Schoolat District As talking part ofanxiety agram motion This was a key takeaway from a “Game about , depression and for sumHis athletic experience extends across has set a goal to make its own version of completer from the Institute of was starting to get a little burned out Changer” panel discussion last Friday on other mental health conditions. Mehra the professional and collegiate ranks, inthe Game Changer program available to mary judgment, Thomas’ lawstudent-athletes emotional fitness at said mental health issues that developstep in cludingafootball, basketball, baseball, students. Student services director Bessie Innovation into construction in-golf from teaching history and just felt I Fullerton Auditorium. Limestone partadolescence can become more serious and NASCAR teams. Westmoreland said this would provide a yer, Taylor Smith, an hasracing dustry withfiled hundreds thousands ofplayers needed a change of scenery,” Duncan nered with the Cherokee County School problems if not addressed. Tyranceof found a team’s best valuable resource to help support the emoDistrict and the National Center for Per“Student-athletes are under ajobs. great are often tional wellness See “Town,” Page 3their happiest players. He said said. unfilled “Oneofofstudent-athletes. the great things about the

Emotional fitness program is a ‘Game Changer’ for student-athletes

Flu shots encouraged amid COVID-19 surge By SCOTT POWELL Ledger Staff Writer spowell@gaffneyledger.com The flu shot is a critical part of staying healthy as hospitals continue to be overwhelmed with new COVID-19 patients requiring medical treatment. With the flu season starting in September, the state health department has reminded residents that the best way to protect against the flu is to get a seasonal flu vaccine. Flu vaccines are safe, effective and do not cause the flu. “Contracting the flu and COVID-19 at the same time is possible and could likely cause more complications than if the flu were the sole infection,” said Dr. Linda Bell, state epidemiologist. “We are fortunate that science has afforded our generation with safe and effective vaccines, and we should take advantage of them to protect against life-threatening illnesses like the flu and COVID-19.” This year’s flu vaccine protects against the four most common different flu viruses that are expected to circulate this flu season. The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone over six months old. State health officials are concerned hospitals overwhelmed by COVID-19 patients this fall will have more limited resources for patients requesting treatment for the flu and other illnesses. Last week, news outlets reported Ray DeMonia, 73, of Cullman, Ala., died from heart problems after emergency medical staff were unable to find a specialized cardiac ICU bed in three states. In DeMonia’s obituary, the family

Nearly 600 students enrolled in the Georgetown County school District’s virtual program are eligible for extra help from the state. The state Department of Education has started Engage South By Chris Sokoloski Carolina to reach students who COASTAL OBSERVER have disengaged during the tranTidelands photolearning, idenformance Health to host the event. Panpressure to perform on the field, in the it’s important to place the same priority “If I could wave a magic wand, we sition Health to remote construction is sprawling and building program is it The Georgetown County elists included Kansas City Chiefs team classroom and in theU.S. community ,” said on mental health as an athlete does on would alreadyconstruction have it,” Westmoreland tify why Dr. Gerald willthey’re con-not connecting, clinician Dr. Shaun Tyrance, Limestone Mehra, a Gaffneyemploys native who has7.3 worked other people services such as massage therapy, said. School Board started workingHarmon on million nationwide. teaches students how to problem solve. provide academic coaches and athletic director Mike Cerino, Cherokee with several teams in Major League Baseand rest and recovery following periods of The district’s Game Changer program the district’s next budget, but intinue to see patients as presiChris Sokoloski/Coastal Observer The industry is essentially its own My hope is connect students will leave here County School District athletic director ball, the NFL, and United Soccer League. intense training and practices. would primarily students to commonitor them for the rest of the stead of talking about money, Terrence Scriven and National Center for “Making mental health services readily “My main duties are to support our munity services and nonprofit organizaAshley Griffith gets the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine from schoolMedical economy, building billions worth of with construction skills they will be year. dent of the American they talked about ideas. Performance Health chief physician Dr. available should be one of the highest priplayers, their families, their friends, their tions. Mehra said a parent’s consent Rahul Mehra. orities.” significant others, their children – anywouldto be needed beforethe children under Kathy Dowling at Waccamaw Community Hospital.Keith Price “The main thing is, No. 1, we structures each month. able use for rest of18their lives.” Superintendent Association. Mehra partnered with the Limestone The time pressures and demands on col- body that’s in their circle,” Tyrance said. could receive mental health services. want to make sure these students asked board members to write down what was important to are OK and, No. 2, is there someSmokin’ Hot Tire Prices! them and matics. the districtHe andwas thenalsothing we can do differently for serving in the sort the ideas into 11 categories. them,” assistant superintendent OBITUARIES BINGO CONTEST NEWS Air Force Reserves. In the category of small class Jon Tester told the school board sizes, Board Member Pattihis HamBefore junior year, BROWN, Joe, 83, Gaffney this week.one of Photos by Charles Swenson/Coastal Observer mel is worried that they aren’t There is one more way left to win in the his commanders told him there AmeriCorps is providing five 1966 Pontiac GTO 389 Tri-Power the same in all parts of the disDAWKINS, Willie, 101, Gaffney Justin & Kenny Manry volunteers to contact the familiesWill Freund sails up the Waccamaw River on his way from Miami to Norfolk, Va. Ledger Bingo contest. weren’t many jobs for astrophys-

Heir claims parcel on marsh in effort to build creek dock

STORMWATER | Keeping ahead of rising water

EDUCATION

Pawleys Island, South Carolina ~ June 10, 2021

PAWLEYS ISLAND

LAND USEHEALTH

to lead AMA

COASTAL OBSERVER

It’s a small part, just 5,335 square feet at the northern end of Myrtle Avenue. But it has caught the attention of the town because Martin has applied for a state permit to build a dock on Pawleys Creek. “The town does not acknowl-

The site will initially house as many as 20 modular data centers that could increase to 50 over time. The modular data centers house the computers which do the operations. He looks to employ as many as 250 to 300 workers statewide, with 25 to 30 employees at his Gaffney site. Tate, a Clemson University graduate, said Gaffney will serve as his pilot project, with sites in Charleston and Columbia as possibilities in the future. Tate said State Sen. Harvey Peeler, local businessman Mike Daniel and Gaffney Board of Public Works officials were extremely supportive in his effort. The announcement will take place at 10 a.m. at the Hwy. 105 property. A luncheon at Limestone University will follow.

Chris SokoloskiCOASTAL OBSERVERScott Powell Pawleys Island, South Carolina ~ January 28, 2021

75 CENTS

Blockchain data center plans $80 million investment

CEO Tony Tate changes communities. site said. “But we don't stop there. We guide our That change is coming to Gaffney. clients through each phase of the process from land Tate will officially announce Monday he has choacquisition, to negotiating energy costs, to site consen Gaffney as the state hub for his blockchain data struction. We are there every step of the way to maxicenter that advocates for cryto-mining and assets. His mize our clients results and provide the best possible investment will top $80 million, making it one of the client experience.” largest ever in the city. Tate will lease a portion of the Board of Public According to its website, “Unlike traditional comWorks warehouse property on Hwy. 105 for his operaA newspaper in all that thepanies word implies, to the best of the people of Cherokee in thisdevoted space, where youinterests lease hash rate on antion. County. nual contracts, with LITCHAIN, you www.gaffneyledger.com own the ASICs Utilities are attractive sites for this type of opera50 CENTS GAFFNEY, S.C. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 15, your 2021flat rate monthly mainte- tion because of the power it requires. hardware outright and

Third PLACE COASTAL OBSERVER

By Chris Sokoloski

www.gaffneyledger.com

... TIMENA SARRATT

Occupation: Talk to Me Partnership Coordinator Cat person or dog person: Dog Hometown: Martinsville, VA Best vacation: Destin, FL Family: Married to Apostle Rickie Sarratt with daughters Ambria Place I’ve always wanted to go: Dubai and Asha Favorite pro team: none Education: B.A. in Communication USC Upstate Favorite college team: Georgia Bulldogs! Byfrom LARRY HILLIARD nance fee covers electrical costs, network fees, supFavorite book: The Success Principles by Jack Canfield Goal I’ve yet to achieve: Starting a nonprofit to help parents exLedger Staff Writer port, and various other associated costs.” Favorite movie: Coming to America pose their children to extracurricular activities such aswarranty, sports and Favorite song: Great is Thy Faithfulness (hymn) arts. larry@gaffneyledger.com “LITCHAIN also works directly with each of its Favorite entertainer: My daughter Asha Childhood hero: My mom Hiawatha Mitchell clients to customize a crypto asset mining & data cenFavorite food: Pork Chop Famous person I’d like to meet: Oprah Hobbies: Zumba and singing WhataCherokee County needsCORP. is: More activities for children With jobs that pay $60,000 year, LITCHAIN ter solution that meets their specific needs,” the webDream car: Infinity Q80 ages 11 to 17.

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2021

Officials debate open meetings for proposed design panel

pleaded for everyone to get vaccinated to prevent others from being denied medical care because of a lack of resources. “In honor of Ray, please get vaccinated if you have not, in order to free up resources for non-COVID related emergencies,” the obituary read. “Due to COVID-19, CRMC emergency staff contacted 43 hospitals in 3 states in search of a Cardiac ICU bed and finally located one in Meridian, MS. He would not want any other family to go through what his did.” Face masks, frequent hand washing, physical distancing and disinfecting common surfaces prevent the spread of the flu as well as COVID-19, according to the state Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC). “As the COVID-19 crisis continues, we need to keep ourselves as healthy as possible and getting your flu vaccine is one of the key measures we can take,” Bell said in a news release Wednesday. “Please, keep yourself healthy and help shield our state’s overburdened hospitals by getting your annual flu shot.” Last year’s flu season was one of the mildest in decades with COVID-19 safety measures in place statewide. There were only 265 cases of the flu, 188 flu hospitalizations and 19 flu-related deaths in South Carolina in 2020. Over the previous five years, DHEC figures show the state averaged 3,779 flu cases, 2,944 flu hospitalizations and 135 deaths from the flu each year. Flu shots are available at multiple locations across South Carolina. Contact a pharmacy, doctor’s office or hospital near you to see if they are offering flu shots.

PAgES 2, 3, 5 LISTER, Fred, 93, Gaffney PHILLIPS, Jack, 74, Blacksburg

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HOME / NEWS / BISHOP ENGLAND SCHOOL NURSE KAREN SEARSON IS MAKING THE GRADE

PROVIDED - Daniel Island teen Sydney Severance, a rising junior at Bishop England, has launched “Operation Upright,” a campaign to raise money to purchase an upright MRI for MUSC. It will be only the second machine of its kind in South Carolina. The other is located in Greenville.

Wellmore resident Michael “Micky” Calderon was among the first at the facility to receive the COVID-19 vaccination last week.

Daniel Island, SC

DI Teen’s Dif cult Health Battle Inspires Operation Upright

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Sydney Severance launches campaign to bring Charleston its first upright MRI BY: ELIZABETH BUSH

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Wellmore Seniors And Staff Among First To Get Weather COVID-19 Vaccine

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Plans in the works for other local facilities

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BY: ELIZABETH BUSH

2:30 PM Fri Feb 18

Karen Searson, school nurse at Bishop England, named the Faculty/Staff “Bishop of the 2:30 PM Fri was Feb 18 WillyWeather Month” last September. The award described Searson as “a veritable port in this coronavirus

“It’s finally here! The day has come!” The brightly-colored rainbows painted on each of her fingernails might besomeone the first who hint,has butbeen called upon to do the taxing storm; everyday responsibilities of the job as well as bearing the brunt of fielding questions, doing research, and putting out all there are other clues to Sydney’s Severance’s vibrant spirit. varieties of fires related to COVID-19. This person is someone who remains calm in the face of wasa beat.” the message sent out to residents and staff of the Wellmore senior lifestyle chaos and manages the stress of her position without That missing These days, her eyes sparkle when she speaks, she can’t stop smiling and her face radiates joy. With that in mind, it’s hard to imagine the battle this effervescent Daniel Island teen was beginning to fight just over a year ago — and how far she has come. IN THE BEGINNING

community on Daniel Island to announce the arrival of Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine. On

Daniel Island, SC Wednesday, Dec. 30, through a partnership with CVS, the facility administered more than

130 doses to waiting arms. Weather Bishop England School Nurse Karen Searson Is Making The Grade 73.4 S Wind Wellmore Executive Director Colby Bryant described the atmosphere as °F the long-awaited day Wed, 01/20/2021 - 9:21am admin

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unfolded.

Searson is the school nurse at Bishop England High School – and the only person on campus tasked with overseeing the health of students, faculty and staff on a daily basis. It is a critical position, not only in today’s COVID environment, but because her role has an unmistakable impact on a student’s well-being and academic achievement. In fact, according to the National Association of School Nursing, a student’s health is directly linked to his or her ability to learn. Searson doesn’t take the significance of her post lightly. “As a school nurse, we have to understand the physical, the emotional, the mental and the social needs of these children,” said Searson, who sat down with The Daniel Island News on the students’ first day back to campus last week, after the holiday break. “So, we, along with

In-depth interviews bring the story to life. The reader gets the full the picture of what is being reported. The general goal of journalism is to tell the story – great job!

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In March 2020, Sydney was a typical high school student. A sophomore at Bishop England, she loved academics, playing tennis, musical theatre, and outdoor adventures. But she came BY: ELIZABETH BUSH

When Karen Searson heads to work on Daniel Island, she never knows what the day will bring. But she has to be prepared for it all.

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Avery G. Wilks

Sam Ogozalek

The Post and Courier

https://www.postandcourier.com/politics/as-sc-decided-covid-��-vaccine-priorities-businesses-jockeyed-for-aplace-in-line/article_c�d�de��-�f��-��eb-b�c�-e��a��f�.html

https://www.postandcourier.com/columbia/inside-dhec-where-workers-�ght-anxiety-frustration-fatigue-amid-crush-of-pandemic/article_��ce��d�-�fe�-��ec-��-�fe�f��f��.html

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As SC decided COVID-19 vaccine priorities, businesses jockeyed for a place in line

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Editorials and other Opinion content offer perspectives on issues important to our community and are independent from the work of our newsroom reporters.

CORONAVIRUS

OPINION

Will SC be stuck with COVID-19 forever? Here’s what experts think could happen

I’ve covered COVID-19 for almost a year. Here’s what it was like to get a vaccine

BY SAM OGOZALEK MAY 02, 2021 6:00 AM

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 BY SAM OGOZALEK APRIL 04, 2021 6:55 AM

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https://www.postandcourier.com/columbia/politics/south-carolinas-health-agency-is-missing-permanent-leaderas-coronavirus-pandemic-worsens/article_c��f��-��-��eb-�ae�-��fd��c�cd.html

South Carolina’s health agency is missing permanent leader as coronavirus pandemic worsens

CORONAVIRUS

155 fully vaccinated people in SC got COVID-19 in extremely rare ‘breakthrough’ cases BY SAM OGOZALEK UPDATED APRIL 18, 2021 9:58 AM

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DHEC launched a heat map that shows coronavirus outbreak across the Palmetto State as of Nov. 21-Dec. 5, 2021. BY SCDHEC

COLUMBIA — Microbiologist John Bonaparte can count on one hand the days he has taken o� from work since South Carolina recorded its �rst cases of the coronavirus in March ��.

As South Carolina prepared to distribute scarce doses of the new coronavirus

One of his co-workers in the state’s public health laboratory, Kendra Rembold, has

vaccine last month, dozens of businesses and trade groups bent the governor’s ear to

missed three seasons of her children’s soccer games while pulling ��-hour shifts to keep up with the state’s unprecedented demand for COVID-�� testing. And one of their supervisors in the Department of Health and Environmental Control’s cramped lab in Columbia, Christy Greenwood, decided she couldn’t adequately juggle the demands of the pandemic and her responsibilities as a single parent. So she took her �- and �-year-old children to stay at their grandmother’s house until things calmed down at work.

request a spot near the front of the line.

The coronavirus vaccine distribution process has been ever-changing in South Carolina. The Island Packet’s COVID-19 reporter Sam Ogozalek, Dr. Faith Polkey and Russell Baxley talk about the COVID-19 vaccines in Beaufort and Jasper counties. BY ISLAND PACKET

Don’t ditch your face masks just yet. Even if South Carolina reaches the initial threshold for COVID-19 herd immunity in 2021, the coronavirus is here to stay for years to come, health experts say.

More than �� industry associations, individual companies and advocacy groups petitioned S.C. Gov. Henry McMaster’s o�ce to have their workforces inoculated in Phase � of the state’s vaccine rollout, according to documents obtained by The Post

More than �� days since the coronavirus took hold in South Carolina, that respite still hasn’t come for the hundreds of public health workers who toil in the background of the state’s response.

There are three COVID-19 vaccines authorized for emergency use in the U.S.: Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson. All three prevent severe disease and death but there are some differences on how each vaccine works. Here's what to know. BY DANIEL A. VARELA  | MICHELLE MARCHANTE 

COLUMBIA — South Carolina’s public health agency has been without permanent

leaders in two of its top positions for months as the state confronts a rising toll from the worst global pandemic in a century.

A quarter of eligible South Carolinians have now been completely vaccinated against COVID-19, yet state health officials have recently discovered a small number of

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https://www.postandcourier.com/health/as-covid-��-cases-rise-hospital-workers-and-their-patients-enter-a-grimnew-reality/article_��-f��-��eb-��b-�b��be��cd.html

As COVID-19 cases rise, hospital workers (and their patients) enter a grim new reality

https://www.postandcourier.com/health/as-delta-variant-spreads-vaccinated-are-getting-breakthrough-infectionsof-covid-��/article_e��d��e�-��c-��ec-��d-��d�c��caafb.html

As delta variant spreads, vaccinated are getting breakthrough infections of COVID-19

First PLACE https://www.postandcourier.com/health/covid��/the-journey-of-one-pregnant-woman-who-almost-died-of-covid��/article_��a��-�b��-��ec-�db�-�b��c��c��.html

Jennifer Berry Hawes The Post and Courier

The journey of one pregnant woman who almost died of COVID-19

The poet Marjory Wentworth, who normally moves at roadrunner speed,

Dr. Kent Stock dashes into a hospital unit for patients who are coming and going from intensive care. Its �� patient rooms, wrapped like a horseshoe around a cramped nurses’ station, are full this morning, their doors closed. Every patient inside has COVID-��.

It felt surreal. She couldn’t possibly have COVID-��. The longtime South Carolina poet laureate had gotten a vaccine back in March. Since then, she relished the freedom to socialize more despite the pandemic. She

A week ago, the unit had only three.

Kudos to Jennifer Berry Hawes for putting a face on the biggest health story of the decade and for pushing to humanize the issue. Well done.

languished at home last week exhausted and coughing.

hung out with her vaccinated friends but still wore a mask everywhere else.

A nurse pushes the young woman in a wheelchair through the hospital’s front doorway, then out into sunlight that feels dazzling and strange. Victoria Kelehear hasn’t breathed fresh air for an entire month.

Faith Reporting

Associate & Individual Division

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Todd Deaton

Kevin Wiatrowski

The Baptist Courier THREE WWII VETERANS SHARE FAITH, NAVY IN COMMON BY TODD DEATON, Managing Editor EIGHTY YEARS AFTER AMERICA ENTERED

the war, three South Carolina Baptists who are among an ever-dwindling number of veterans of World War II share something in common, in addition to their faith: They all served in the Navy. Myles Isbell, now 94, was only 17 years old when he joined the Navy. At the time, the Navy was building ships called LSTs, short for “Landing Ship, Tanks,” for amphibious assaults, and he was assigned to one. Aboard the LST-540, Isbell would serve in both the European and Pacific theaters. Early on, the ship was part of a convoy near the English coastline that was training along the upper shores of England when it was attacked by German E-boats. That convoy lost six of its transport ships to torpedoes, Isbell recalled. The LST was also among about 200 to participate in the Normandy invasion on D-day. “Normandy was 30 miles long, that was all shore. Part of it was covered by high property, with big guns to protect the shoreline,” he recalled. “It was said to be Hitler’s pride and joy. He said, ‘Nobody could ever come in there.’ But we did!” His LST made 38 runs back and forth from England to the beach, ferrying tanks, ammunition, and other supplies. “We would take trucks, troops, jeeps, whatever they needed over. Then, going back, we would take prisoners and the wounded to England,” he said. “I was a gunner’s mate; I used to fire the guns,” Isbell said. “I was on an anti-aircraft gun when we hit the beach in Normandy.” Isbell later became a helmsman and steered the ship. The LST-540 also participated in amphibious assaults on various Japanese islands. After Japan surrendered, the boat would be turned over to the Japanese to be used for humanitarian relief efforts. “They gave it to the Japanese to haul food to the islands. There are a lot of islands out from Japan, where they didn’t have any food or any stores,” Isbell explained. “I was on that ship from the time it was built until it was done [turned over].” Isbell was then transferred to a Naval oil tanker, which made runs between China and Bahrain, Arabia. “I’m the only one that I know of that’s alive today, who had traveled during World War II around the world,” he said. He was fortunate, though, to have never been injured. “No, I never as much as had a scratch,” he said. He and his second wife, Barbara, are members of Clearview Baptist Church in Travelers Rest. “Miles is such an important part of Clearview and the Greenville community,” said Pastor Michael Welch. “In many ways, he is a modern4•

JULY 2021 | THE COURIER

day hero. He is quick to give God the credit for where he is today. Miles has had the opportunity to share with our congregation on multiple occasions how he has seen God’s provision.” Gordon Leslie was a freshman at Clemson University when he was drafted for service in 1943. When a recruiting officer at Fort Jackson asked how he’d like being in the Navy, he responded, “I wouldn’t like that at all. I don’t swim, and I don’t like the water,” Leslie said. But he was inducted into the Navy anyway. At first, Leslie wasn’t assigned to a ship. Instead, after boot camp at a Maryland base, he was sent to Norfolk to serve in a mess hall, “washing dishes, peeling potatoes, and stuff like that,” he recalled. While additions and repairs were being made on ships there, crew members would eat at the mess hall, he explained. When he was finally selected, Leslie went aboard the USS Whitehurst, a destroyer that escorted fuel tankers and supply ships. “I was trained as one of six signalmen,” he said. “Flashing lights and flags were used to send messages to other ships.” The Whitehurst performed escort duties in the Pacific, along the Philippine Islands, Leslie explained, noting that two days after a Japanese submarine sank an American ship, they found and sank the sub. When the Americans landed on Okinawa in April 1945, the Whitehurst was part of a task force, protecting transports and cargo vessels. The destroyer drove off enemy planes that attacked the ships. Leslie was injured by a kamikaze attack on April 12, when four dive-bombers attacked his ship from all directions. Two of the planes were shot down, but one tore through the pilot house, penetrating bulkheads and starting fires that enveloped the bridge. Thirty-six sailors were killed, and six of those listed as missing in action were never recovered. “It hit 12 to 15 feet from where I was standing,” Leslie recalled. “I was next to the closest crew member,” Leslie said. “A 50-pound bomb [on the plane] did not go off on impact, but went all the way through the bridge of the ship and exploded over the water,” he said. “I got hit by several pieces of shrapnel in my shoulder,” Leslie continued. Along with several other medals, he received the Purple Heart for his valor. The Whitehurst later was converted into a floating electric power station, which supplied the city of Manila with power from August through October 1945. After the war, Leslie completed his degree in architectural engineering at Clemson, after which he worked

Tidelands Health

Faith Reporting

Associate & Individual Division

BROWNING: FROM BARNWELL TO LOS ANGELES BY RUDY GRAY, Editor FOR BARNWELL NATIVE WILL BROWNING,

First PLACE Rudy Gray

The Baptist Courier

From rural South Carolina to metro Los Angeles, this is a great faith profile that I’m sure readers enjoyed! Great work!

the relocation of him and his family to Los Angeles, Calif., is more than just a move — it is like moving to another country. Browning grew up working on the family farm, moved to Statesboro, Ga., to attend Georgia Southern University, and met his future wife, Tarah, from Miami, Fla. They were married in October 1999 and began an adventure that has led them to what he calls “one of the world’s most influential cities.” He is the chief church-planting strategist for Los Angeles and serves as a Send City Missionary for the North American Mission Board. After planting Journey Church in Ladson (Charleston area), he saw the church grow over the next 13 years and 10 months into a church-planting church with a weekly attendance approaching 1,000. Thus far, Journey Church has planted nine other churches and trained many church planters through its church-planting center and residency program. While attending Northpoint Community Church in Alpharetta, Ga., Browning says the Lord impressed on his heart a message: “I want you to spend the rest of your life seeing your generation come to worship Me.” One of his guiding principles has been “attempting something so great with my life that it is doomed for failure unless God is in it!” Recently, NAMB President Kevin Ezell spoke at Taylors First Baptist Church’s Reach Day. Using the church at Antioch in the Book of Acts as an example of living on mission, he said, “They sent them away. As you go, we go. As Will goes, you go. The church at Antioch sent its best, and South Carolina is sending its best. “God often calls us to do things greater than our ability to accomplish them,” Ezell added. “Will, you must be completely obedient, completely dependent, and completely flexible as you go. There will be challenges from the outside and the inside, but you must stay faithful and focused to the finish.” As he spoke to the church, Browning said, “NAMB is the leading church-planting mission in North America. I think it is the most powerful church-planting organization on the planet!” He referenced a statement from church growth specialist Peter Wagner that stated, “The single greatest tool we have for evangelism is church planting.” Los Angeles, which means “City of Angels,” has a population of 3.8 million and is larger than 21 states. Greater Los Angeles, in the Send City context, has a population of nearly 20 million. The region consists of 100 cities among 400 diverse people groups. There is one Southern Baptist for

NAMB President Kevin Ezell (left) and Taylors First Baptist Church pastor John Powell (right) with Send City Missionary Will Browning.

every 17,570 people. The estimated evangelical presence is 8.3 percent of the population. South Carolina Baptist Convention Executive DirectorTreasurer Gary Hollingsworth led the church in prayer. He said to the congregation, sitting in the massive auditorium, “What we have today is a powerful portrait of partnership.” Taylors First has signed on as a lead partner for the church-planting ministry in Los Angeles. Pastor Josh Powell stated that the church is involved also with church-planting efforts in Boston and Salt Lake City. Los Angeles requires a unique focus for church planting that focuses on universities, inner cities, beach cities, people groups, and Hollywood. Browning’s job as a strategist for the region will be to recruit and train church planters. “We need friends in South Carolina who are willing to hold the rope for us. Our church planters are missionaries,” he said. The ministry journey from rural Barnwell to metropolitan Los Angeles is a stark contrast in both size and culture. Browning is suited for the challenge, having devoted his life to church planting. He received his M.Div. degree in Evangelism and Church Growth with an emphasis in Church Planting from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and his D.Min. degree in Great Commission Studies from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Using that educational foundation, he spent nearly 14 years planting a church that focused on planting other churches. Taylors First is one of the chief supporters of Browning’s work in L.A. Their support will include prayer, training, giving, and going periodically to the area to assist in the work. Browning and his wife have a daughter in nursing school, a son in the Marine Corps, and a son in high school. n

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INSIDE WEEKEND: Find our newest edition of Lakeside magazine SPORTS

Ashley Dill

Bruce Mills FEBRUARY 6, 2021 - FEBRUARY 8, 2021

BY KAYLA GREEN kayla@theitem.com

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 2021

‘We need to set the example’

Jacob Ebersole’s ministry is launching their new website worldharvest.global. Ashley Dill Herald-Journal Published 7:31 a.m. ET Feb. 19, 2021

"We wanted to do something that was a gift from the collective churches and Christian community to the city," said Jason Williamson, Missions Pastor at Church at the Mill. "This mural has a meaning for believers that there is hope in Christ in Spartanburg, but it also has a meaning for nonbelievers — that they have hope in our city and our city's resources." NEWS

Approximately 75 community members stopped by Saturday to contribute to the completion of the mural by painting a few bricks. Paige Stephenson, president and Chief Executive Officer of United Way of the Piedmont, said the reason United Way chose to partner on the mural is that the organization sees it as an opportunity to move forward together as a community. Ashley Dill

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The Rev. Marion Newton, senior pastor of Jehovah Missionary Baptist Church, speaks to attendees at Sunday’s community-wide, drive-in prayer service in south Sumter.

A $46.5 million contract was approved at the end of 2020 for the construction of facilities to house and support Shaw’s MQ-9 Reaper operations. The facilities will include a permanent operations building for two squadrons and a headquarters build-

BY BRUCE MILLS bruce@theitem.com

Updated 7:32 a.m. ET Feb. 19, 2021

Ebersole, 31, had no idea whether anyone would show up. He said the hardest part was getting all of the permits for the event, and he was surprised and felt blessed when he saw the crowd that came. “The night before; you have no idea. No one could have shown up,” Ebersole said. “Around 3 p.m., I finally went up to the stage and remember seeing floods of people coming in. The field

was almost full. It was estimated at around 30,000 people. I just sat down on the steps and From hospital room to dorm room: Isaac started to cry. I was so humbled and thankful for what God had done.” Edens beats odds after medical issues, Michael Seth, a volunteer with Christ for All Nations, was with Ebersole the day of the heads to USC crusade. “Jacob ministers through authenticity and love,” Seth said. “He’s not trying to

"This is a great visual representation of that unity," Stephenson said. "And it's about all Herald-Journal different parts of our community coming together: business, faith, and nonprofit."

| Serving South Carolina since October 15, 1894

The final stage of a three-phase build out that brought a new group of airmen to Sumter is set to break ground at Shaw Air Force Base.

Timothy Monroe, 25th ATKG commander. “These new facilities will allow us the space we need to execute our mission to our highest expected standard.” The build out at Shaw is part of Air Combat Command’s initiative to strengthen the Reaper enterprise. Monroe said the group’s sum includes about 900 people, with just more than

SEE MQ-9 UNIT, PAGE A9

Extra security posted at Statehouse after riots in Washington, D.C.

Inman native, Jacob Ebersole, preaches to 30,000 in Kahama, Africa

The HOPE mural is located on Dunbar Street and is a gift to residents and visitors from the faith community and area churches. It is meant to encourage and direct struggling people with resources that can bring them hope.

ing for the 25th Attack Group. The MQ-9 Reaper is an armed, remotely piloted aircraft employed primarily against "dynamic execution targets" and secondarily as an intelligence collection asset. It is operated by the 432nd Wing/432nd Air Expeditionary Wing, which in addition to Sumter has units at Creech, Ellsworth and Whiteman air force bases. “A building to us is an intricate part of our weapon systems,” said Col.

Christ for All Nations, an evangelistic ministry based in Orlando, Florida, sent him on the mission trip to Kahama, a town in northwestern Tanzania. He arrived in August working to spread the word about the upcoming crusade scheduled for November.

Hope In The Burg: A new mural in downtown Spartanburg, inspires hope, action

A new mural, Hope In The Burg, has joined the city's growing collection of public art in downtown Spartanburg.

Final phase since airmen’s 2018 arrival

at Shaw New bakery is includes permanent facilities coming to Sumter this month A2

Preaching the gospel to a crowd of about 30,000 people in a Muslim town in Tanzania was not something Jacob Ebersole could have ever imagined growing up in Inman.

NEWS

Updated 9:54 a.m. ET Oct. 13, 2021

The Sumter Item BUSINESS

WORLD2021 New Seeing the ‘miracles’ chaplains continue to minister to session UK authorizes PfizerHospital patients, families, staff in age of COVID-19 opens in COVID-19 vaccine Columbia

NEWS

Published 7:00 a.m. ET Oct. 13, 2021

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Construction set for MQ-9 drone unit

Herald-Journal Ashley Dill Herald-Journal

| Serving South Carolina since October 15, 1894

Brady or Mahomes will make history Sunday during Super Bowl B1

expand his ministry for his sake. He’s doing it for the sake of the lost and the sake of the lamb, and that is expressed in everything he does. He’s a workhorse and on fire for God.”

Published 8:00 a.m. ET Aug. 16, 2021

Marsha Edens has spent the summer preparing her sonChaos, Isaac for hope his freshman year of college in CHOP Finding the artist, a mural of hope at the University of South Carolina in Columbia. His room at their Chesnee home is filled

Prior to traveling to Tanzania, Christ For All Nations sent Ebersole to Seattle in June where with new USC gear, of a new school Several months ago Come Closer, a city movement made up of a group faith,laptop, business, andsupplies, new bedding and everything he will need he ministered to people in the middle of the Capitol Hill Occupied Protest, or the Capitol to outfit dorm room this fall. civic leaders put out a call for an artist for a new mural idea his in downtown Spartanburg. The Hill Organized Protest (CHOP). Saying goodbye on move-in day can be an emotional time for parents and college students. But for the Eden family, dropping off Isaac at his dorm this week is something the family never really considered. For so many years they were thinking only of the next week, next day, sometimes even just the next moment. Isaac having the opportunity to attend college and live independently in a dorm is a miracle. Isaac suffered a stroke in utero that damaged the left side of his brain and a small stroke on the right side. Doctors told Mike and Marsha their son would never sit up on his own, crawl, or be able to feed himself. “The neurologist told us we should take him home and think about his quality of life not his quantity because we wouldn’t have him long,” Marsha said. “But Isaac was a fighter from day one.” The Edens were able to bring Isaac home at 2 weeks old, and he began intense physical therapy. He did have some delays, which were expected. For example, his speech lagged about one year behind other children his age. He was never able to crawl and did a “cute type of army crawl before learning to walk” that his mother adored.

for emergency use

First vaccinations expected within days of announcement A3

BY JEFFREY COLLINS The Associated Press

SERVING SOUTH CAROLINA SINCE OCTOBER 15, 1894

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2020

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Sumter’s Rep. Smith reelected chairman of budget committee PHOTOS BY MICAH GREEN / THE SUMTER ITEM

About 65 vehicles lined up in five rows Sunday for the drive-in, community-wide prayer service organized by Sumter Leaders of Faith, a group of pastors from across the area, at Jehovah Missionary Baptist Church. The service was streamed on the churches’ social media pages.

Cross-racial, cross-denominational pastoral group holds service for unity BY BRUCE MILLS bruce@theitem.com

BY JEFFREY COLLINS The Associated Press COLUMBIA — South Carolina’s Republican leaders made no major changes on Wednesday to their main House committees, and the group that handles the budget remains stuck with the same problems, only this time they’re looking at steep cuts because of the coronavi-

Don’t discount the power of prayer. Sumter Leaders of Faith, a group of about 70 pastors that formed last year in prayer for racial reconciliation after the police killing of George Floyd, came together again Sunday afternoon for a community vigil in light of last week’s attack in Washington, D.C., in which five people died after supporters of President Donald Trump stormed and vandalized the Capitol. Given the COVID-19 pandemic, the community-wide prayer service on the South Harvin Street property of Jehovah Missionary Baptist Church resembled a modern-day drive-in movie with vehicles parked five rows deep. Other attendees also parked nearby. Most in attendance stayed in their vehicles, and honks of affirmation replaced amens from the pews inside of a church. Longtime pastors the Rev. Marion Newton, senior pastor of Jehovah, and the Rev. Clay Smith, lead pastor

vigil in just three days following the chaos from Jan. 6. After Newton and Smith led off the service, 10 pastors who lead congregations representing a cross-section of Sumter’s denominations, races and generations prayed one by one for the nation and faith community. Smith encouraged attendees not to just listen to the pastors but to join them in prayer from their vehicles. The prayers all took a similar tone with most asking God to intervene and give leaders, especially faith leaders locally and their congregations, proper direction, wisdom and guidance at this time. Smith and other pastors encouraged Christians in attendance that, based on God’s word in the Bible, they are not only citizens of the country and world but also citizens of God’s kingdom and called to love others. “We, God’s people, need to set the example,” Smith said. “The example of loving our enemies, the example of loving our neighbors and

rus pandemic. Rep. Brian White off the powRepublican Rep. erful panel he led for eight Murrell Smith of years. Sumter was reSmith told his committee elected chairman that they will have to immediAttendees pray in their vehicles at of the House ately deal with the budget, as Sumter Leaders of Faith’s drive-in prayer service on Sunday afternoon. Ways and Means economists can’t guarantee SMITH at Alice Drive Baptist Church at the Committee on that tax and other revenue escorner of Loring Mill Road and PRAYER, PAGE A6 South Wise Drive, organized the Wednesday, two timates slashed bySEE the COVIDyears after House Speaker Jay 19 economic downturn will be ‘Don’t pay attention to the sign a person holds. Lucas wielded his power to enough to avoid budget cuts Pay attention to how they live their life.’ make committee assignments SEE COMMITTEE, PAGE A6 for all members and kicked THE REV. CLAY SMITH, Alice Drive Baptist Church lead pastor

COLUMBIA — The South Carolina General Assembly opened up its 2021 session Tuesday promising to not let COVID-19 stop their work and with the largest Republican Senate majority in modern times changing rules that could limit lengthy debates. It was a much different opening day. There were lawmakers in masks — although not all of them — and elbow taps Above, Patricia Flood, voland fist bumps replaced hugs and handunteer chaplain at McLeod shakes. There was extra security in fatigues and uniforms, supplementing the Health Clarendon, speaks securityat inthe suits after typical Statehouse with a patient hospilast week's violence when a mob tal on the medical surgical breached the U.S. Capitol in Washington. floor on Friday morning. At The Senate welcomed six new memright, Flood is seen in the bers to the 46-seat chamber. Three of

Being blind during pandemic creates Statenew attorney challenges hospital’s chapel.

SEE SESSION, PAGE A6

PHOTOS BY MICAH GREEN / THE SUMTER ITEM

Pentagon deploys troops to fuel COVID-19 vaccine drive

COVID-19 has affected ally go to the everyone’s daily lives this movies, dine year, and the blind and viout, have soPresident Joe Biden has sually impaired are no difcial lives, are called for CANTY setting up 100 mass vaccination centers across the ferent. active in social country within a month. Two Most of the blind and of the five new military teamsand religious vaccinationparticipate centers sight-impaired normallywill go to circles, in comopening in California. Coronalive different lives from virus senior munity functions and travadviser Andy personnel what people with sight Slavitt saidel,military Canty said. will arrive at those centers in might expect, according ato for everybody else in little more Like than a week. centers are those activiDebra Canty, who is the Three additional the pandemic, Sumter chapter president ties have been SEE VACCINES, PAGE A9 taken away. of the National Federation SEE BLIND, PAGE A6B2 and B5 of the VISITBlind. US ONLINE AT DEATHS,

COLUMBIA (AP) — South Carolina's top prosecutor is facing a disciplinary complaint alleging he backed a "false and frivolous" lawsuit seeking to overturn the results of the 2020ALONSOpresidential BY RICARDO election, accused of helping ZALDIVAR and LOLITA C. to fan the flame of insurrecBALDOR tion that engulfed the U.S. The Associated Press Capitol last week. In a four-page filing with WASHINGTON — The the South Carolina Office of PenDisciplinary Counsel, Co- than tagon will deploy more lumbia attorney Chris KenWILSON 1,100 troops to five vaccination ney accused Attorney centers in what will Genbe the eral Alan Wilson and 16 other Republifirst wave of increased milican attorneys general of contributing to tary support for the White the chaotic political situation by filing House campaign to the get more legal challenges casting doubt on Americans vaccinated against election's integrity, the Post and Courier COVID-19. of Charleston reported Tuesday. Five people died amid the rioting by President Donald Trump's supporters at

National Guard members work the line of people at Triton College in River Grove, Illinois, on Wednesday, the opening day for mass vaccinations sponsored by the Cook County Department of Public Health. THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

INSIDE

SEE WILSON, PAGE A6

.com

Fireside Fund helps man after restaurant job lost in pandemic helps the ministry pay clients' final notices, pay down large bills, provide vouchers for kerosene and sometimes

as has just seeing people turning back to God through all this. All three chaplains said the bond that has developed among their entire hospital staffs in the pandemic has been tremendous. Seeing doctors, nurses and administrators’ personal sacrifices during COVID-19 and ministering to them is special, Massey said. “So many of us go into a health care career not knowing what a pandemic will bring to it,” he said. “We are all in new territory here, and so being able to share these moments together and know that we are not alone has been a high point for me. For more of them to shift in their thinking that the chaplains are here for the patients and families to understand, ‘Oh, they are here for me, too.’ That’s been a high moment for Chaplain Cook and me, too.” A hospital chaplain’s work involves death and at increasing numbers amid COVID-19, but the three all said they have been called to the work. At the two hospitals, the chaplains don’t physically minister at the bedside with virus patients due to safety protocols, but

SEE MINISTERING, PAGE A9

Sumterite general faces shares story, how she perseveres complaint Many blind BY BRUCEover MILLS and visually bruce@theitem.com election challenge impaired usu-

the BY KAYLA GREEN kayla@theitem.com

“I love you, Mom.” … “I love you, Dad.” … “Hang in there, Dad.” These represent some moments in Deberry Cook’s work as a chaplain at Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital when she holds her cellphone at a crackedopen door to a COVID-19 patient’s room and a family member is speaking on the other end of the line. Cook and two other area hospital chaplains spoke Friday about their experiences in the last 11 months while serving in the pandemic and ministering to patients, their families and hospital staff. Fellow Tuomey Chaplain Jason Massey said one of his high moments was taking part in a small celebration parade as a recovered COVID-19 patient — who had previously been on a ventilator for weeks — was released from the hospital. McLeod Health Clarendon volunteer Chaplain Patricia Flood in Manning said likewise those small parades have been a high moment,

YOUR IMPACT BY THE NUMBERS

Nancy Halter Blanche Smith Smalls Antionette Williams Benjamin Vivian Linton Davis Loretta Jackson Simmons Robert Michael Dickson Sr. Margaret English Rodgers

John Ray Lee III James Edward Burgess General Lee Pendergrass Daisy Mae Williams Sullivan Robert O. Purdy IV Randolph Ondrake Ford Malinka Benz Marian B. Brown

Dr. Eddie Carroll DuRant Sr. Hattie Mae Washington Benbow Birnie Geddis Jr. David Myers Abraham McCauley Elizabeth Samuel Mouzon Olga McKnight Johnson

Mattie Lue McLeod Lydia Nelson Latawtay Deshawn Peacock Fulton Lockwood John Shaw Jr. Willie Lewis Conyers

3 SECTIONS, 22 PAGES VOL. 126, NO. 80

Classifieds B6 Comics C1 Opinion A11 Reflections A6 Sports B1 Yesteryear A7

Faith Beat Reporting

Open Division

BEAUFORT NEWS

RELIGION

Beaufort woman copied the Bible by hand. Here’s what we can learn from her

Baptist church in Beaufort has ‘incredible story.’ Its plans for a $87,500 windfall

BY KARL PUCKETT

UPDATED MAY 30, 2021 8:14 AM

UPDATED OCTOBER 26, 2021 1:54 PM

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Karl Puckett

The Island Packet

She once left the Catholic church. Now Beaufort woman cares for 175-year-old St. Peter’s BY KARL PUCKETT NOVEMBER 14, 2021 6:00 AM

Pastor Kenneth F. Hodges describes the theme -- "By Our Love: A Service of Unity, Brotherhood, And Love" -- of the Tabernacle Baptist Church's 153rd anniversary service on Sunday, Aug. 28, 2016. BY JAY KARR

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Caroline Campbell, who has Down syndrome, not only transcribed the bible but plays the piano on May 27, 2021 at her Beaufort, S.C. home. BY DREW MARTIN 

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When Caroline Campbell announced she was going to copy the entire Bible by hand, using a pen and notepaper, even her mother wondered whether she would lose interest or how long it would take if she did finish.

This story has been updated to include the correct grant amount of $87,500.

Robert Smalls' former home in Beaufort, South Carolina, has been voted America's favorite historic home by HGTV's Ultimate House Hunt. Smalls was born into slavery on the property — and bought the home after he escaped in heroic fashion in 1862. BY ASHLEY JEAN REESE 

Theresa Pulliam left the Catholic church for more than a decade in the 1980s. Now she’s its biggest promoter and a devoted caretaker of one of the oldest Catholic church buildings in South Carolina, St. Peter’s Catholic Church in downtown Beaufort. The small landmark with a big history, having survived hurricanes, the Civil War and time, turns 175 on Sunday. Pulliam is a survivor, too. Today, she loves on the

Positive, enjoyable reads. Standout is story about the woman who copied the Bible. I like how the story is structured with the writer revealing bit by bit information about the woman, her interests and family.

Sports Beat Reporting

All Weekly Division

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Mike McCombs

Travis Jenkins

The Island News

Get convenient home delivery of Island News & Lowcountry Weekly! Click here to get the printed edition mailed to your home.

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Youth is served

The wait is finally over by newsbyte · July 21, 2021 · 11 mins read · 

Hoping for the best, prepping for the worst

by newsbyte · June 16, 2021 · 6 mins read · 

By Travis Jenkins Tuesday, September 7, 2021 at 5:06 pm (Updated: September 8, 11:03 am) Get convenient home delivery of Island News & Lowcountry Weekly! Click here to get the printed edition mailed to your home.

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In 2021, football schedules are a lot like the weather…frequently changing and often unpredictable. “If 2020 taught us anything, it is the importance of being flexible,” said Lewisville Coach Will Mitchell.

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Lewisville is heading into its fourth game this week, but won’t be playing the team that was originally on the schedule. New Hope cancelled because of COVID-19 protocol, so a substitute was lined up in Ridge Spring-Monetta. The Lions were supposed to open with Laurence Manning, but that game wasn’t played either, with that lowcountry private school delaying the start of its school year (and thus, its athletics) for a full week, so a replacement game was arranged on short notice with Columbia. The Lions managed to play two scheduled games before the latest cancellation and quick change.

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Bob SOfaly photo Beaufort weightlifter C.J. Cummings, gets in a final workout Thursday, July 8, at The Foundary gym before leaving for Toyko to compete in the 2021 Olympics.

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High school teammates claim men’s, women’s championships at 15th annual Beaufort River Swim

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Above: Weightlifter C.J. Cummings, gets in a workout Thursday, July 8, at The Foundry in Beaufort. Cummings is set to compete July 28 in the 2020 Summer Olympic Games in Toyko. Photo by Bob Sofaly

Olympic dream coming true for Beaufort’s CJ Cummings

By Mike McCombs

Last week, when Skylar Bruner, the Beaufort River Swim’s 16-year-old defending overall champion, was talking about what makes open-water swimming different

Monday, March 30, 2020 was a day that would have been more than discouraging for most 19 year olds. C.J. Cummings was not most 19 year olds.

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By Travis Jenkins Tuesday, August 17, 2021 at 8:10 pm (Updated: August 17, 8:33 pm)

As the radio play-by-play voice of the Chester Cyclones, Clint Davis has called plenty of big hits. Once upon a time, though, he himself was on the receiving end of a hit that likely drew a chorus of “OH!”s from the press box. Many of those that paint a picture of high school football games on the radio every fall Friday night, or detail them via the printed word on Saturday mornings played the game themselves. As his radio listeners know, Davis (who calls Chester High games on 90.3 FM) was an offensive tackle for Hunter Huss High School from 1994 through 1996. He obviously delivered plenty of hits for a team that made multiple deep playoff runs, but said his favorite memory of a collision was one on which he ended up planted on the opposing sidelines.

“Really, week-to-week, you don’t know what’s going to happen. You have to be prepared for anything,” said Great Falls Coach DeMarcus Simons.

by newsbyte · July 21, 2021 · 15 mins read · 

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CHESTER COUNTY FOOTBALL 2021 SNEAK PEAK: Bringing you the hits...and taking a few too

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CJ Cummings follows in siblings’ footsteps on road to Tokyo Above: C.J., Crystal and Omar Cummings, left to right, have all lifted weights competitively for Coach Ray Jones. Also pictured is Crystal Cummings’ daughter Christin. Photo courtesy of Crystal Cummings. By Mike McCombs Crystal Cummings remembers when Coach Ray Jones �rst came to her school and gave a weightlifting exhibition.

Athletic directors like Garrett Knight of Great Falls are staying busy this year constantly adjusting schedules for sports because of COVID cancellations.

He would know, with his team having to reschedule games on three occasions already this season. They got through the opener with Whtmire and played the next week against Eau Claire as scheduled, but that’s where the best-laid plans went awry. The team was then to have played Timmonsville, but the Whirlwinds had to scrap all athletics for a week as entire schools in that district were shut down because of COVID. On extremely short notice, the Red Devils lined up a replacement in Latta. Traveling from rural Dillon County to Chester County’s eastern riverside is a 110-mile trek, but for Latta it was worth it. “Those teams down in that part of the state have had so many contests cancelled, they are willing to travel pretty much anywhere. Some of them haven’t played at all,” said Garrett Knight, Great Falls athletic director.

Serving up success

“It’s more fun to talk about one where you got blown up,” he said. During his senior campaign, Hunter Huss ended up facing perennial power Crest High School in the North Carolina Western playoff bracket. The two teams had played a tough, close game in the regular season, with Crest escaping with a close victory. In that game, Davis and a player from Crest spent much of the game jawing at one another. That back-and-forth wasn’t with some minimally talented back up, though. The player Davis spent the evening exchanging pleasantries with was Shamar Finney. He was the number-one ranked player in his class in North Carolina, was eventually a starting middle linebacker at Penn State and spent a little time in the NFL. File Photo

Clint Davis, left, has called lots of big its as the “Voice of the Cyclones” and was involved in a few as a player.

In fact, this week Great Falls is again facing a lowcountry team, one that has not yet played a game a full month into the season. Originally, Great Falls was to have played East Clarendon this week. Region IV-A (which includes East Clarendon) voted to move its the two teams met in the playoffs, Davis said it was the Friday after Thanksgiving, on a cold night with a wet field after a heavy September 21, at did 3:31 pm (Updated: September When 22, 7:23 am) region games up, though. Eventually, RegionTuesday, II-A (which includes Great Falls and2021 Lewisville) the same. That has become rain. When the game started, the conversation between the two resumed. commonplace this season. Region games are what determine playoff participants and seeding. To give those games the best chance possible of actually being played, many schools are now playing them early, which allows extra weeks at the end of the season to make Like most middle school volleyball coaches, Martha Hayes at Great Falls Middle hasDavis a team comprised mainly of girls with little “We talked a lot of trash,” remembered. the contests up if need be. Of course, that is a double-edged sword in the estimation of Simons. He knows region games take that are justhislearning the sport. That her precedent, but if they end up being played asexperience they’ve now been rescheduled, Red Devils (should they make the puts playoffs) faceon the exactly equal footing with varsity coach Makala McCrorey. prospect of having three weeks off between the end of the season and the start of playoffs. In addition to playing on the line, Davis was also a special teams contributor. While working punt coverage, he made the mistake of “In terms of momentum, that’s not something you want,” he said.

taking his eyes off the field and watching the ball. So, he didn’t see what was coming. As best as anyone can remember, there has not been a volleyball program at Great Falls for at least 35 years and there is no local feeder systemand ofdoing any what kind,you sonever McCrorey is at starting “I was outside the numbers do, looking the ball,”at hethe said. “I got hit so hard, my feet came off the ground

So, he and Knight are working to line up potential non-region games after the region slate ends, but those can’t be written in stone just and with the ground being wet, I slid about five yards into their bench.” absolute ground level. yet, because Great Falls might be playing region games cancelled because of COVID protocol then…and so might the teams they hope to play at the end of the season. The fluid nature of all things involving scheduling is neatly presented by Great Falls this week. He was dazed, but was with it enough to hear most of the Crest bench tell him, loudly, that he’d gotten rocked. Their game with East Clarendon was cancelled, so a game was lined up with Columbia. The Caps were in quarantine recently and just “Most of the girls hadn’t even seen a volleyball before,” she said. returned to business-as-usual. They could have played Great Falls, but the game would have to have been pushed back to either “Then I looked up and there was Shamar Finney, talking trash,” Davis said. Saturday or next Monday. At that point, the game would have been intruding on preparation time for the all-important region opener with Lamar next Friday, so that was scrapped and the Hemingway game arranged. Great Falls had to find a replacement for its Still, Great Falls Athletic Director Garrett Knight has wanted to start a program since he arrived at replacement. Davis watched the player later on film and said it was, in fact, a completely legal hit. It was also obvious on film that Davis didn’t see

the school. In fact, it was something he mentioned he again interviewed for the ineliminated 2019. Hunter Huss during his junior and senior seasons) Finney coming. Unfortunately, when Crest once emerged with a winjob (they

Chester has actually had its schedule impacted the most by COVID cancellations. The Cyclones were to have opened the year at but Davis emerged with a great story. Union County, which was a highly anticipated rematch of the 2018 upperstate championship game. It’s a natural rivalry as well with the “We have great cross country program here,” he said. “But I feel like volleyball has become the county’s bordering one another, but it never happened as Union County’sTravis teamJenkins was forced to quarantine. Just twoadays before the Nearly everyone in the tri-county area knows the name and voice of Robert Earl Carter. He called Chester, Lewisville and Great Falls contest, Chester was left scrambling and eventually went out-of-state to play Charlotte Providence. The Cyclones did play Fort Mill the girls sport in this state fall.”(including from the bed of a scissor-lift dump truck with a generator powering his equipment on one occasion) and Athe Great up but comemarquee gamesinonthe WGCD next week as scheduled (just a few days before Yellow Falls Jacketsplayer went into goes quarantine), last Tuesday, the hunt was on for a until recently called games all over the area on WRHI in Rock Hill. He’s seen some ferocious hitters over the years, including Jadeveon replacement game for this past Friday. The Lancaster Bruins came out of protocol just long enough to play Fairfield Central last for a point against Richard Monday, but then they had to pull the plug again. Chester was able to schedule a game with AirportThe High School,was but byto Tuesday and Stephon The most vicious he’s seen in a Chester-York game on a punt return. A Cougar blindsided a start a teamClowney last year and anGilmore. interest meeting waslickheld, but came Knight’s plans were Winn.for this Friday. Again, it was an anticipated matchupplan morning, they found themselves without an opponent with the Woodruff Wolverines knocking him flat and out with such force, the collision could be heard over the air from the press box despite there being no scuttled byoutthe onset of the Cyclone, COVID-19 pandemic. So things were pushed back a year. Another set to come to Chester. Woodruff didn’t play last week because of being in quarantine and though they will come of that this week, field microphone. they would not have proper practice time andinterest they reportedly had additional positiveand tests.when Tuesdayitafternoon, Chester was able to linewere more than enough girls to fill out a team, Great Falls found they had meeting was held was determined there up a game with Northwestern, which found itself in need of a game after a COVID cancellation. The team’s region has also voted to On the field, Carter was a varsity player for Chester in 1982 and ’83. The Cyclones were playing Newberry at the old stadium on the a volleyball program. move up region games, so those are set to commence next week with Chester scheduled to play Mid-Carolina.

fairgrounds.

Shuffling and rescheduling games is nothing new in the Palmetto State, but it normally revolves around the weather. Severe The innext step wassototeams findsimply a coach. played the sport thunderstorms or hurricanes are often predictable advance, though, move upMcCrorey kick-off times, or play a day early or

at“We Rock andbehind thenme, at Winthrop University. in into Rock hadHill two High deep men I was an up back. Ball wentShe over teaches my head and the end zone for an automatic touchback,” Carter said,about the start-up in her neighboring county. Hill and has coached at the club level, but was intrigued when she heard Carter was drifting back with his back to the field. The whistle blew and that should have ended the action. Unfortunately for him, it

“I saw it as the opportunity of a lifetime. How many chances do you get to build a program from scratch?” she asked. didn’t.

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https://www.myhorrynews.com/sports/ccu-defensive-ends-journey-to-being-the-best-after-putting-family-first/article_4e028aaa-fcf9-11eb-b504-5b36a127e329.html

Coastal Carolina building $5 million soccer stadium

Family and football: The journey of a CCU defensive end becoming one of the best in the Sun Belt

The new facility is expected to be completed by the fall of 2023.

'I just want to prove to everyone that I can play'

BY IAN LIVINGSTON BROOKING IAN.BROOKING@MYHORRYNEWS.COM

IAN LIVINGSTON BROOKING IAN.BROOKING@MYHORRYNEWS.COM

Aug 5, 2021

Aug 16, 2021

First PLACE Ian Livingston Brooking

Myrtle Beach Herald

https://www.myhorrynews.com/news/two-ccu-track-athletes-overcome-adversity-to-push-themselves-to-ncaa-championships/article_3036bb9a-c810-11eb-97dc4bee3b9999aa.html

CCU track athletes reflect on adversity as they prepare for the national championships The NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships are scheduled for June 9 to June 12. CCU men's and women's soccer programs will play in a new $5 million dollar facility in 2023 after it was approved to build a new stadium. Photo by Ian Livingston Brooking. IAN LIVINGSTON BROOKING IAN.BROOKING@MYHORRYNEWS.COM

Jun 8, 2021 Jeffrey Gunter played for Coastal Carolina for two years before transferring to North Carolina State to be closer to home to help his family through a rough time. He returned to CCU in 2020 and helped create the historic season that was for the Chants. Now, his eyes are focused on continuing that success. Photo by Ian Livingston Brooking.

Coastal Carolina University's soccer teams will play in a new stadium, possibly within two years.

Ian Livingston Brooking ian.brooking@myhorrynews.com

CCU sophomore Melissa Jefferson competes in the Sun Belt Track and Field Championship on May 14 in Mobile, Alabama. She will compete in the 100m and 200m at the NCAA O Field National Championships in Eugene, Oregon from June 9 to June 12. Photo by Scott Donaldson and provided by Coastal Carolina athletics. Ian Livingston Brooking ian.brooking@myhorrynews.com

Two Coastal Carolina Track and Field athletes are making history this week as they travel to Oregon to participate in the NCAA Track and Field National Championships. Fifth-year senior jumper David Ejumeta and sophomore sprinter Melissa Jefferson qualified for the national championships after standout performances in the 2021 NCAA Track and Field East Preliminaries during the final week of May.

The level of reporting here is thorough and engaging. Great job of going beyond the game story to really drilling down to the players and programs and the back stories around them.

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Joe Dandron

Jon Blau

Odds By

Herald-Journal

Odds By

The Post and Courier

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No. 9 Clemson falls to N.C. State, 27-21, in double overtime SPORTS

SPORTS

DJ Black evolved into more than a go-route receiver, now he's breaking Chapman records Joe Dandron Herald-Journal Published 7:01 a.m. ET Oct. 6, 2021

'I wouldn't have it any other way': Dorman's Hall of Fame coach and her path to 1000 wins

Clemson football player de es odds by overcoming COVID, asthma to return to eld

Joe Dandron Herald-Journal

Updated 9:23 p.m. ET Oct. 13, 2021

Updated 9:32 a.m. ET Sept. 10, 2021

INMAN — When he got the call, Chapman senior D.J. Black couldn't even find the words.

Published 7:01 a.m. ET Sept. 10, 2021

Two hundred-seventy receiving yards? His coach had called him after the Panthers Week 6 win over Woodruff to give him the stats.

ROEBUCK — Dorman High volleyball coach Paula Kirkland has a piece of hardwood resting in her office. It's a piece from the old court when she first began coaching.

Black didn't know what to say. He just sat at home and realized what he had accomplished. It wasn't the first time he had more than 200 yards receiving in a game, but he had made history this time around. Against Woodruff the senior had 12 catches, five for touchdowns, and 270 receiving yards – a single game record for the school. "I kind of sat on the phone with him then when I hung up… I just kind of took that moment to myself and took it all in," Black told the Herald-Journal. Odds By "It kind of hit me and I kind of like... I just, enjoyed it all right then," he said. He snapped his fingers when describing the moment

where he realized there were more goals to be met. "I had to go back to, 'I gotta go, do more... gotta make more goals, (meet) more goals.'" He had finally caught greatness: former University of South Carolina and current San Francisco 49ers receiver Deebo Samuel SPORTS

previously held the record with 266 during a game in 2012. Now Samuel is the NFL's leader in receiving yards through four games

She hangs on to it to remember; to remember where she started and how far the program she's raised up from the ground into an empire has come. When she won against Mauldin on Wednesday, 2-0, in a sweep, to get her 1,000th career victory, she went back to that place where it all began. As she thrust her fists into the air and her team mobbed her after the game, she was happy for the players. Their joy drives her. Her greatness, she often says, is founded in each and every one of them – not her. "We come in here … I try to hold on to that," Kirkland said after the win that saw her become just the second volleyball coach to reach 1,000 wins in the state.

Athlete-author: Spartanburg Day's Rose Harmon writes and "Because what we started at that old gym in the 1980s was just the beginning of this." runs, and is pretty good at bothShe pointed at the massive gym in which her team now plays, the small crowd gathered to celebrate a milestone, she

this season with 490. The former Chapman star had 156 receiving yards and two scores in the 49ers victory in Week 4 over the Seattle Seahawks. If you ask Black, that's pretty good company.

https://www.postandcourier.com/sports/clemson/clemson-football-player-de�es-odds-by-overcoming-covidasthma-to-return-to-�eld/article_c�b��b�-��ae-��ec-��-a��f��e��c�.html

"It's kind of crazy to me," Black said. "Because I never thought that I would be in that (same) category."

Joe Dandron

Sometimes start offinals her cross More: Boiling Springs swimmer Will Humphreys' goals set upat bigthe finish at state

Meet Ruke Orhorhoro: Clemson’s ‘skinny’ 295-pound defensive lineman

RALEIGH — Freshly removed from a �eld overrun by crazed North Carolina State

brushes off, if jokingly, because this team has a state title to win.

fans, Clemson coach Dabo Swinney was asked to think back even further.

"It's special," Kirkland said. "I won't downplay it."

When could he remember a time like this, when the Tigers’ o�ense was so anemic,

It's not something that could've happened two years ago, Herald-Journal either. Black was a running back until his junior year – he sprouted to 6foot-2 prior to last season. His combination of Published length, crisp route he gets from being a track 10:31 a.m.running ET Sept.and 15, speed 2021 that Updated 5:09 p.m. ET Sept. 19,athlete 2021 has paced him to one of the best seasons in state history.

https://www.postandcourier.com/sports/clemson/meet-ruke-orhorhoro-clemsons-skinny-��-pound-defensivelineman/article_ba�ef�fc-��ea-��ec-�eb�-��ac��.html

Kirkland's goes back to a few things: Winning, building up her players into better people and making it country races, Rose Harmon gets boxed in bymind her always opponents. about those players. She's humble, deflective of credit for a career founded solely in her work ethic.

so inconsistent, so lacking explosion? What could match what everyone has seen on the �eld this season and continued to see Sept. �� at Carter-Finley Stadium, as the

CLEMSON — If pain returned to Justin Foster’s chest mid-workout, he just had to recall assurances from his doctor at Duke Medical Center. “Your chest is going to hurt, you’re not going to feel good when you go home,” the Clemson football player was told. “But if this is really what you want to do, you’re going to push yourself through it.”

Through five games, the senior has 956 receiving on 49 catches within 12 touchdowns. To follow has 5,000-meter an astronomical average It yards happens to many the tight starts ofhethe race. of 19.5 yards per grab and has accumulated more than 200 yards receiving in three of five games this season.

The jumbled crowds, screams of fans, parents and teammates "She's a legend," said Drew Copeland, 24, an assistant coach with the varsity team at Dorman. He said he looks up the watching with timers and counting places. It’s a mess of noise, athletic feats and pure determination.

He also runs a 4.41 40-yard dash and competes on the basketball court for Chapman.

example she's set as a leader in athletics across the state, it's inspired him to spearhead the men's volleyball club team at Dorman. in athletics but in her

Determination has carried a sophomore cross country runner at Spartanburg Day School, not just By some measures, he tops the entire state of South Carolina in receiving yards. AndHarmon, he only has two Division I offers, according to his Twitter account, from Howard University and Army.to string words into art. Harmon is one of the top runners in the state among those competing under ability Association. "Since last year was my first year (at receiver) IIndependent didn't really have School the confidence," Black said. "This year it's like a whole different ballgame. I have more confidence in myself and in my game and all the work that I put in over the summer. She is also a self-published author.

"Into the summer I started working hard, going to a lot of camps, figuring out where I stand and seeing what I could really do. It just kind of gave me that confidence boost that I needed to be the player that I am."

South of Carolina By the time he was born, she had already wonthe a majority the state championships from 1990-2000. It's that kind of example the woman who has been at the helm for 41 seasons sets. That's true in most senses of the word when it comes to high school athletics in South Carolina. To find out why that is,

got11 here we've got to go back to the start of itShe all. finished Harmon's time of 19:47 at the Heathwood Hall Highlander Invitationalhow on she Sept. in ... Columbia was a personal best. fifth there – just one race prior Harmon placed seventh at the competitive Eye Opener Invitational and ran a 20:23. Her personal Back to the old Dorman High School, that old court which still lives on in her office – and back to when she was cuttin' best time would’ve put her in the top 10 at last year’s SCISA State Finals. grass instead of coaching.

The senior has evolved his game – with that, his numbers on the field have grown.

But in her life, Harmon is anything but boxed inside anyone’s parameters. She’s determined to succeed at both things she loves: running and writing.

Author-athlete or athlete-author

CLEMSON — In its own way, football can naturally separate athletes into groups. The fastest and the lankiest throw and catch on the perimeter. The biggest and most powerful mash at the line of scrimmage. On and o� the �eld, those groups tend to stick together.

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Former Gamecocks make it clear: Frank Martin should remain coach at South Carolina

A shot in the dark: How AJ Lawson’s family, upbringing prepared him for NBA leap

BY MICHAEL LANANNA

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139 • 18 Comments

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Through multiple COVID shutdowns, why Gamecocks are compelled to press on with season BY MICHAEL LANANNA

South Carolina basketball coach Frank Martin discusses the 2020-21 season and shares his perspective on his UPDATED JANUARY 16, 2021 10:42 AM tenure as the Gamecocks' coach. BY SOUTH CAROLINA ATHLETICS

South Carolina guard A.J. Lawson talks about how he's grown while playing for Frank Martin and the Gamecocks. BY SOUTH CAROLINA  ATHLETICS   



A devastating hip injury threatened to derail TeMarcus Blanton before he ever played a game for South Carolina. Years later, what the former Gamecock remembers most about his USC career is how Frank Martin lifted him up. Martin, Blanton said, has a penchant for creating “something out of nothing.”

Jerome and Anthony Lawson grew up on that farm, raised by their grandfather, Moses Lawson, and grandmother, Mary Gertrude Boatwright Lawson. They never knew their father, but Moses and Gertrude cared for them like their own sons.

Because of the injury, Blanton played limited minutes for the Gamecocks, retiring

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Report: Spartanburg has highest COVID19 hospitalization rate in the nation

headache, but they quickly knew Kyle needed to go to the hospital. “Kyle went to the ER on August 6,” Jen said. “He woke up that morning saying something just wasn’t right. They gave him IV fluids and some anti-inflammatory medicine and sent him home saying he would either get better or be back.”

Updated 11:54 a.m. ET Sept. 24, 2021

Spartanburg County has the highest hospitalization rate for COVID-19 patients in the nation, The Washington Post reported Thursday. The newspaper published a color-coded map, showing that in general, areas shaded green had the highest vaccination Hi, Digital rates and the lowest hospitalization rates for COVID patients. Areas with the lowest vaccination rates tended to have the highest COVID hospitalization rates in areas shaded purple, The Post reported. "In general, the rates of vaccination in each region are the inverse of hospitalization rates. In less hospitalized green zones, 50 percent of the population or more are fully vaccinated," The Post article stated. "Meanwhile, the least vaccinated purple area sits at only 21 percent. In the counties in South Carolina where hospitals have been hit hard, vaccination rates are between 35 and 42 percent." Spartanburg County school districts: COVID cases, quarantine Friday update Latest on COVID cases: COVID updates: South Carolina DHEC reports 3,165 cases, 44

Kyle was re-admitted Saturday, Aug. 7.

deaths on Thursday SUBSCRIBER EXCLUSIVE

Meanwhile, other members of the Settle family were also getting sick. Kyle’s younger brother Ryan tested positive, as well as his mother Julie, and father Randy.

Spartanburg County had a rate of 38 COVID patients per 100 beds, the highest

rate in the country, according to The Post. 'I haven't had a normalhospitalization year': How Monday, Aug. , Jen received a call from nurses at Greer Memorial Hospital saying her Spartanburg students Afeel being spokesperson for Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System could not immediately be husband, Kyle, was coding and she should come to the hospital. She was able to spend time reached Thursday for a response. The hospital system operates the 540-bed Spartanburg back at school amid COVID with him on Monday. Medical Center and the 207-bed Mary Black Campus in Spartanburg.

Ashley Dill, USA TODAY Published 6:01 AM EDT Oct. 11, 2021 | Updated 6:01 AM EDT Oct. 11, 2021

t has been 19 months since children in Spartanburg County have had a “normal” school year. Since children were sent home in March 2020, learning has looked quite different, and they're now familiar with terms like virtual learning, hybrid days,

quarantine, close contact, and social distancing. While full-time in-person learning has been available to students this school year, some

Mayor Steve Benjamin declared an emergency mask order for Columbia elementary and middle schools due to rising cases of coronavirus. Here’s what to know. BY LOUMAY ALESALI

COLUMBIA, S.C.

families are continuing to keep their children in virtual learning, if they do not feel comfortable attending school in person due to concerns of COVID-19.

COVID-19 Coverage

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SC hospital workers describe pandemic: ‘Every day, you feel a sense of overwhelming’

First PLACE Staff

The Post and Courier

https://www.postandcourier.com/health/as-covid-deaths-and-hospitalizations-soar-in-sc-vaccine-hesitancyremains-high/article_��c��-fbaa-��eb-ac�e-��a��ac�a�c�.html

As COVID deaths and hospitalizations soar in SC, vaccine hesitancy remains high

https://www.postandcourier.com/health/covid��/the-journey-of-one-pregnant-woman-who-almost-died-of-covid��/article_��a��-�b��-��ec-�db�-�b��c��c��.html

The journey of one pregnant woman who almost died of COVID-19

When Letitia Moorer came down with COVID-�� back in March, she ended up in a

On March � last year, everything changed.

hospital where she was diagnosed with the virus along with COVID-related pneumonia. But doctors released her anyway, advising Moorer to come back if her

At least, in South Carolina it did.

condition got worse.

Other states had already reported their �rst cases of COVID-��, the strange new strain of coronavirus that would soon spread much more quickly than our capacity to contain it.

It did get worse, but she never returned to the Regional Medical Center in Orangeburg.

This is the best of a category of extremely competitive entries. Outstanding work!

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Dawn Bryant

Rudy Gray

Tidelands Health MENU

Video diary: ICU nurse captures life on front lines battling COVID19 HEALTH

The Baptist Courier THE OPIOID CRISIS IN AMERICA BY RUDY GRAY, Editor

THERE CONTINUES TO BE AN OPIOID CRISIS IN

Dawn Bryant December 31, 2020 10 mins read

The tears. The exhaustion. The glimmers of hope. Like many health care professionals, Ashley Gri�ith is experiencing a broad range of emotions – at times all in a single workday. Gri�ith, head nurse in the critical care unit at Tidelands Georgetown Memorial Hospital, is among the front-line health care professionals taking care of the regionʼs sickest COVID-19 patients. Some of Gri�ithʼs lowest, and highest, moments – candidly captured in a real-time video diary – clearly demonstrate why nurses and other health care professionals are the heroes of 2020.

Long days, many emotions The long days bring waves of emotion and exhaustion. Thereʼs heartache a�er a patient takes a turn for the worse, followed by hope when a patient shows signs of improving. There are buoyed spirits when a child drops o� handmade cards of appreciation, followed by the heavy emotional toll of battling a new virus where treatment protocols are still emerging.

the United States that threatens the health, happiness, and future of millions of Americans. It has been called the greatest health crisis of the 21st century. Walhalla resident and emergency room physician Edwin Leap stated, “It’s clear from the oxycontin crisis that there was a drive from the drug companies. Purdue (a large drug manufacturer in Connecticut) marketed oxycontin as if it were a less addictive option.” As it has now been proven, oxycontin and other opioids are highly addictive. Purdue, owned by the Sackler family, has been sued for billions of dollars. For over two years, the company has been in Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Now they are presenting a $10 billion plan to settle all the lawsuits with one sweep. Their proposal hinges on around $4.5 billion from the Sackler family. The company would emerge from bankruptcy into a company that uses profits from its earnings to fight the opioid crisis, likely producing another type of drug to combat opioid addiction. However, in mid-August, the Sackler family refused to support the legal settlement, including the $4.5 billion they were asked to pay. The family’s wealth is estimated to be over $11 billion, with most of it coming from oxycontin sales. A family member stated that they were planning to litigate in court rather than accept the terms of the settlement. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the opioid epidemic contributed to 70,630 overdose deaths in 2019 and more than 93,000 in 2020. According to Carrie Krieger, Pharm.D., “When opioid medications travel through your blood and attach to opioid receptors in your brain cells, the cells release signals that muffle your perception of pain and boost your feelings of pleasure. The feelings of pleasure that result from taking an opioid can make you want to continue experiencing those feelings, which may lead to addiction.” Opioids are highly addictive, especially if they are used to treat chronic pain. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, “Opioid use does not come without risks. Regular use can increase your tolerance and dependence, requiring higher and more frequent doses.” Many opioids, like oxycontin, were approved by the Food and Drug Administration for short-term use (i.e., following major surgery). In 2001, the FDA was allegedly pressured by Purdue to expand the use of oxycontin for people with chronic

pain. In the aftermath of that decision, opioid addiction grew. Leap observed, “We have more limitations and monitoring of providers now, but there is still a lot of opioid abuse and an epidemic of opioid deaths. For that, I mostly blame heroin and especially fentanyl.” Prescription fentanyl is a synthetic opioid 80 to 100 times more powerful than morphine. Leap adds, “Fentanyl is pouring across our porous southern border, and it is pretty cheap to make. It ends up being used on its own or mixed with other drugs like heroin.” Both heroin and fentanyl are readily available today on the illegal drug market, courtesy of inexpensive Mexican products. Leap said, “‘Big Pharma’ does some wonderful things, but a profit motive is always lurking.” Bill Whitaker, in a CBS “60 Minutes” report, told the

Opioids contributed to 7O,63O deaths in 2O19 and more than 93,OOO in 2O2O. story of Alex Burlakoff, a sales representative at Insys Drug Company. He created a system of bribing doctors as much as $125,000 a year to boost opioid prescriptions. Burlakoff classified the payments as “speaker’s fees.” When Burlakoff was asked about the key to success in opioid sales, he replied, “The less of a conscience you had, the better.” He cooperated with prosecutors against his company’s executives in a plea deal and is now serving part of his 26-month sentence. When Big Pharma — with its money to influence regulators — is combined with illegal drug manufacturers and illicit drug deals, the perfect storm is created. As hurting and broken people step into that world of addiction, the results are too often death. Leap said, “I suspect the opioid epidemic has a lot to do with despair, the loss of meaning and purpose along with the loss of financial hope, the loss of connections to others, and especially the loss of the anchors of faith. I feel confident that emotional, physical, and sexual trauma lies at the bottom of much of the opioid crisis.” n

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The Baptist Courier

Sing Along is entering a second phase of distribution that will place the music in as many as 20,000 respite care and hospice facilities. When the second phase is complete, the foundation intends to produce new DVDs to distribute to nursing homes, as in the program’s first phase, Wolfe said. The outreach is personal to Wolfe. He launched it in 2018 after his father Mack Lonnie “M.L.” Wolfe died of Parkinson’s

“We sang ‘Amazing Grace,’ and he sang with us,” Wolfe said. “That just really had an impact on me. So I talked to the other guys on the board of the foundation, and we agreed that we would try to send the DVDs all over to nursing homes. People from everywhere helped us.” n Diana Chandler is senior writer at Baptist Press.

COWPENS FIRST SEEING GOD ‘COME THROUGH’ AFTER DEVASTATING FIRE BY TODD DEATON, Managing Editor

SEVEN-YEAR-OLD

Jensen Graves was among a small crowd that gathered as First Baptist Church of Cowpens was ablaze on the Saturday after Christmas. His mother had brought him to see the flames shooting through its roof. Jensen got out of the car and began to cry. “The fire was devastating!” Jensen Graves Pastor Kermit Morris said. (video screenshot) “It took everything. We have nothing left except the family life center, which is a metal building. Everything was destroyed.” Jensen, whose father is pastor of nearby Philadelphia Baptist Church, wanted to help Cowpens First. He decided to organize a yard sale, and he raised more than $5,500. On Sunday, Jan. 10, Morris, who has been transitional pastor at Cowpens First since September, interviewed Jensen, and a video of Jensen and his yard sale was shown to church members. After the interview, Morris thanked Jensen and asked if he could pray for him. “When I got through praying, this 7-year-old boy said, ‘Can I pray for the church?’” Morris recalled. As Jensen prayed, there wasn’t a dry eye in the place, Morris said. That’s just one of many ways “God has come through” since the devastating fire. “It’s been just blessing after blessing,” Morris said. Donations from individuals and churches already have begun to come in, he noted. “I’ve probably had over 80 calls 8•

from pastors or staff members of churches asking, ‘How can we help?’” One pastor called and said his church had a surplus leftover. They sent a check for $12,000. “Now that’s God’s family taking care of each other,” Morris said. On the Monday after the fire, Morris walked around the burned-out sanctuary looking at the charred ruins of the historic church, which began in 1878. The church treasurer was across the street with a group of onlookers, and he motioned for Morris to come over. As Morris started across the street, a woman met him. “Pastor, I’ve walked around this church, praying for it a number of times,” she told him. “As I was praying at home this morning, God told me to come down here to meet you.” Morris stuck out his hand to greet her. When he pulled it back, some money was in his hand. “She said, ‘I’ve got to go. I’ve done what God told me to do,’” he recalled. Later, the treasurer and the church’s project manager

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Unity Walk pledges work against hate By Vic MacDonald Editor Standing against hate, about 30 people gathered Saturday in Uptown Clinton for prayers and a walk, and more came together at Hebron Baptist Church. The Unity Walk program elicited a pledge from the chief of police. “Any time you stand against hate, I and the rest of the Police Department will be with you,” said Chief Sonny Ledda, adding that “it lightens my heart to see young people here.” Event Organizer Rev Anita Williams said of the effort, “This is not in vain, we are determined to fill this parking lot. We need to encourage one another. We can do it. I know we can do it.” Williams said that after the election, she needed to “take a look at the woman in the mirror” and back away from hateful rhetoric. “We need to respect one another. There is so much

hate and crime - we need to get in front of it.” Clinton Mayor Bob McLean said he wonders, “What kind of person would go into a church in Charleston, South Carolina and sit down and pray with them, and then murder them. What kind of person would go into parlors in Atlanta, Georgia looking for people to kill. What kind of person would ride into a group of people to kill them.” The walk came a day after a U.S. Capitol police officer was killed by a car in a second attack at the heart of government in the past three months. “I just can’t envision that myself,” McLean said. “It’s not only a person who’s filled with hate, it’s also a person who’s suffering with mental illness. There are lots of children who grow up with mental health issues, and they grow up to be adults who commit these atrocious crimes, they do. When you have hate and mental illness come together, you have a serious problem, folks.” McLean echoed a statement that Rev. Williams made about social media. “Facebook

has become a cesspool of hate. People put things on there they would never say to your face.” Before walking to Hebron Baptist, Minister Kenneth Murray led the group in Unity Prayers, calling on people, on the day before Easter, to call God by His name and claim victory over evil. At Hebron Baptist Church minister, youth counselor and now published author Treca DeShields and Minister Krystal Joy-Calwile were the featured speakers. The City of Clinton was represented by council members Shirley Jenkins and Robbie Neal. At both events, the crowd masked-up and distanced to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. On a bright sunny spring early afternoon, the church played host to a hot dog lunch and an Easter egg hunt for the children. A Bible verse imparted by the speakers was Joshua 7:10: The Lord said to Joshua, “Stand up! What are you doing down on your face?”

By Vic MacDonald Editor

The side of the home facing Chesnut Street shows heat and smoke damage from Sunday morning’s fire. Some people living in the area said they heard an explo-

sion around 4 a.m., but firefighters did not get the call to respond to the scene until around 5 a.m., Camden Deputy Fire Chief Phil Elliott said. (Martin L. Cahn/C-I)

Two charged in sex material cases C-I (Camden, S.C.) editor mcahn@chronicle-independent.com

Rev. Anita Williams and Clinton Police Chief Sonny Ledda embrace, as Clinton Mayor Bob McLean speaks, during the start of Saturday's Unity Campaign walk from Uptown Clinton to Hebron Baptist Church on Buice Circle. Photo by Vic MacDonald

Caime, Council go separate ways; decision pending on interim position

C-I (Camden, S.C.) editor mcahn@chronicle-independent.com

By MARTIN L. CAHN

Vic MacDonald

The Clinton Chronicle

By MARTIN L. CAHN

Late Sunday night, the Camden Police Department (CPD) announced it had arrested Thomas Dwayne Knotts, 43, who was arrested at a Kershaw Highway, Camden residence where he was living with family members, in connection with a Sunday morning house fire on Lyttleton Street where firefighters found two deceased people. So far, the CPD has charged Knotts with two counts each of murder and kidnapping, and one count each of second-degree arson and use of a vehicle without owner’s consent. In a statement released just after 11 p.m. Sunday, the CPD said Knotts was acquainted with the victims and that more charges are pending. “He is in jail,” CPD Chief Camden Police Chief Joe Floyd (left, wearing ball Division (SLED) agents outside of 1615 Lyttleton Joe Floyd said during an cap) and Capt. Tom Borowski (second from right) St., the site of a double homicide discovered after See Murder, Page 8 speak with unidentified S.C. State Law Enforcement a fire at the home on Sunday. (Martin L. Cahn/C-I)

Camden P o l i c e Depart-

leased on $15,000 bond.

In this photograph, looking south on Broad Street from Chesnut Street, SLED agents and other officers gather outside 1605 Broad St., which is owned

Thomas Dwayne Knotts, 43, of Kershaw Highway, Camden (above), is charged with two counts of murder and one count of arson for allegedly setting a Lyttleton Street home ablaze and killing two people whose bodies were found inside. He is being held at the Kershaw County Detention Center and is expected to have his first court hearing today. As of Monday, Kershaw County Coroner David West had yet to identify the victims found inside the home.

by one of the same people living at the Lyttleton Street home where two victims were found after a fire. (Martin L. Cahn/C-I)

Dollar General robbery suspect turns himself in

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Pastor Jerry Pickens of Springdale United Methodist Church, Clinton, leads congregants in the Easter Sunrise Service at the church's three crosses. Part of the responsive reading is "Accept this Easter candle, a flame divided but undimmed, a pillar of fire that glows to the honor of God." - Photo by Vic MacDonald

A man who had substantial influence on spending $30 million of Laurens County taxpayers’ money is out of a job. Jon Caime had his contract terminated March 30 by the Laurens County Council. It is an issue that has been brewing since March 9 when the county council announced an investigation. The next day, Caime was offered leave from his Caime six-figure salaried job. The County never has said why. The County issued a “wish him well” statement. It is not malfeasance or illegality, Council Chairman Brown Patterson said last Tuesday night. The county is not firing Caime “for cause” since it is paying him the 6 months severance pay called for in his contract, executed for May 22, 2019, and signed by Caime and former chairman Dr. David Pitts, witnessed by County Attorney Sandy Cruickshanks. It was to extend through May 22, 2022. But on March 9, 2021, the tenor of Caime’s relationship with the council changed. Caime has not met with the council, at least in public view, since then while the Laurens County Council conducted 4 closed meetings last month. Dale Satterfield is the Acting County Administrator.

Patterson said March 30 that a decision is pending as to offering Satterfield the Interim County Administrator position. The action could be decided as soon as this Tuesday (the April 13 regular council meeting). Patterson’s statement on behalf of the Laurens County Council - which split 4-3 on a decision to terminate Caime’s contract - said, “To the members of the media: This letter is to inform you that earlier this evening Laurens County council met and voted to exercise our option to end the county administrators contract effective immediately. Mr. Dale Satterfield, the County’s Public Works Director will be acting administrator until further notice. Mr. Caime has worked for the County since May of 2016, I appreciate all he has done for Laurens County and wish him well in future endeavors. Council will discuss at the next regular meeting how we will move forward with the hiring process for a new county administrator. Sincerely, W. Brown Patterson, Jr. Chairman, Laurens County Council” No other council member explained his/her vote during or after a closed session meeting on March 30. The vote was taken in open session; the meeting was 1 hour and 19 minutes (also discussing a buildings and grounds contract). The council convened March 18 and 30 in the main conference room of the Hillcrest Square Administration Building, then retired to a back conference room to talk; and on March 9 and 23 adjourned from its chambers in the Historic Courthouse to a back conference room to talk. At the fateful March 30 meeting, Patterson, Jeff Carroll, Garrett McDaniel, and David Tribble voted to exercise the county’s option to terminate

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Teaching life skills through horses and art expression

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The Clinton Chronicle

Wednesday, June 2, 2021 www.MyClintonNews.com

Clinton, S.C. • 75 Cents

James gets 90 days for ill-treatment By Vic MacDonald Editor A 90-day sentence for animal starvation is not sitting well with people in the internet universe, but that was the outcome Thursday of a three-day trial in Laurens County Criminal Court. A mostly white, evenly split male-female jury decided to convict Elizabeth James, formerly of Lisbon Road, Laurens County, of a lesser included offense, misdemeanor ill-treatment of animals, in the Champ case. Presiding Judge Don Hocker called the case “horrible.” A felony conviction would have meant a potential of 5 years in prison for James. But, she was a sympathetic defendant, a single mom who struggled to feed two large dogs, keep a roof over her

Echo sign is lit

Champ living a better life after recovery in New York.

The Verdict. Elizabeth James dabs her eyes after emotions flow from the stress of a three-day trial in Laurens County General Sessions Court. Instead of felony ill-treatment of animals which carries a maximum of 5 years in prison, James was found guilty of misdemeanor ill-treatment of animals, punishable by a maximum of 90 days in jail. After the verdict Thursday, she is accompanied by her attorneys, Catherine Page and Joel Broome. - Photo by Vic MacDonald

child’s head on a $14/hour job, and left with no car when her husband departed the house after an argument. The Defense asked Hocker to sentence her to “weekend time” so she could keep working. He would have none of that. “What I can’t wrap my arms around,” he told James, “is how you allowed this dog to get in this

condition.’ The State’s Exhibit 1 was the skin-and-bones dog picture of Ace, as James knew the Bull Mastiff, lying on the ground, chained to a tree, taken by a neighbor. James was written a citation. Then she was arrested. Then the dog was rescued by Rescue Dog Rock New York, and a narrative began of how a

Good job telling this story. It was hard to read and look at the photos and I’m sure harder for the writer to cover in person. I wish she had gotten life! By Vic MacDonald

Editor

Laurens hosted a revival Thursday at sundown in front of The Echo theater. The theater’s marquee was lit in gold letters - for the first time in 25 years. The Echo project’s $3 million price tag is bolstered by proceeds from the movie “Burden” which tells the building’s racial recon-

woman in rural South Carolina starved her dog. The narrative, the Defense said, gave James a lot of “unwanted attention.” James said people have threatened to kill her and her child. Her attorney Joel Broome handed up two sentencing sheets from other Laurens County animal abuse

Champ, 5

Clinton apartment shooting: One dead

At approximately 10:55 a.m. on Wednesday May 26, 2021 Clinton Police Department responded to Countryside Townhouses at 100 Countryside Circle in Clinton for a reported gunshot victim. The Laurens County Coroner was requested by the Clinton PD to respond to the scene. This is an active crime scene and is being investigated by Clinton PD,

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REMAINS OF MISSING WOMAN FOUND By ABBIE SOSSAMON Ledger News Editor abbie@gaffneyledger.com Nearly three years after she went missing, the remains of Falon Cooksey were found Wednesday afternoon, less than one mile from where she was last seen alive. Cooksey had been missing since June 11, 2018. She was last seen walking away from the now-closed Gaffney Inn on Hampshire Drive. On Wednesday, the Cherokee County Sheriff ’s Office received a tip there were skeletal remains in a wooded area off Matthew Drive. A person who had been living in the woods during the past three weeks had seen the remains and notified the sheriff ’s office, according to Sheriff Steve Mueller. A jawbone with teeth and a partial dental retainer were used to positively identify Cooksey. A purse containing credit cards and identification were

also located at the scene. Based on the evidence at the scene, investigators believe Cooksey died at her own hands. “This outcome is certainly not what law enforcement wanted and this is not the outcome the family wanted,” Mueller said. “However, with the discovery of the remains, it will allow the family to have a memorial service for Falon and bring some closure and healing for this family. This family has been patient throughout the investigation and leaned heavily on their faith over the past 32 months. I would respectfully ask our community to continue to pray for this family as they move forward in the grieving process.” It was reported in 2018 after her disappearance that Cooksey was last seen near a Blacksburg convenience store. Initial search efforts focused around the Blacksburg area. Family members later told the Ledger that it was discov-

Limestone Street

COOKSEY ered Cooksey traveled to several places after leaving the convenience store and was last seen walking away from the Gaffney motel around 7 a.m. June 11. Cooksey reportedly sent her last text message around 8:40 a.m. June 11. In the two and a half years since Cooksey’s disappearance, there were numerous searches conducted across five counties and hundreds of tips received

by law enforcement, most of which were fabricated, Mueller said. Those searches included wells, farm ponds and the Broad River. Investigators continued to focus their efforts on the area near the motel based on evidence that her cellphone had last pinged in the area and articles of clothing had been recovered nearby. The sheriff ’s office last searched in October, and Sheriff Mueller believes they had searched within 50-60 feet of where her remains were found, which was just outside of the coverage area where her cellphone had pinged. Investigators believe her phone died but Cooksey continued to walk to the area where her remains were found. The Cherokee County Sheriff ’s Office, along with numerous other law enforcement agencies, spent more than 2,500 hours as part of the investigation into Cooksey’s disappear-

ance. The news of Cooksey’s remains being found came as a shock to her family, cousin Jamie Cooksey said, who had hoped she would come home alive one day. “There are still questions,” Jamie Cooksey said. “We may never really know what took place because it’s been so long.” Although it’s been almost three years, time has yet to heal the wounds of Falon Cooksey’s family. “I don’t think it will ever be easy,” Jamie Cooksey said. “We had 30 years with her, but it wasn’t enough. She was such a special person to so many people.” Falon Cooksey was the mother of two children, 12-yearold Noah and 9-year-old Kenzie. Cherokee County Coroner Dennis Fowler said a forensic exam will continue to confirm there was no blunt force trauma to indicate there was something else involved.

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House fire claims life of 6-year-old By ANNA BROWN

Six-year-old Caeli Ratcliffe died, her grandmother was critically injured and two firefighters were injured Wednesday in the fire that destroyed the Ratcliffe home. (Jarrad Gardin photo)

Caeli Lea Ann Ratcliffe had just celebrated her sixth birthday and was looking forward to Christmas. The Foster Park Elementary student, described as smart and lively, died Wednesday evening in a fire at her home on 207 Second Ave. that critically injured her grandmother and injured two firefighters. "She was full of life and always had the biggest smile on her face," said Union County First Steps Parent Educator Joni Long. "As a teacher, you never imagine losing a child, especially like this. My heart is absolutely shattered. She loved Christmas and Santa with a passion. The holidays are going to be difficult this year." Long said she felt blessed Caeli Ratcliffe (Facebook) to have had Caeli in the program for four years. "What an amazing little girl; full of all the potential in the world. Just trying to remember that our loss is surely Heaven's gain. She will always be one of my 'babies.'" Firefighters called to the wood frame home around 5:30 p.m. found it engulfed in flames, Lt. Eddie Williams with the Union Public Safety Department said. They called for backup from several area departments. The cause is undetermined; SLED is assisting in the investigation, which is protocol when a fire results in a fatality, Williams said. Two firefighters were injured. Williams said their injuries were not life-threatening. See FIRE, Page 5

Wrecks kill two people

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https://www.myhorrynews.com/news/i-knew-something-was-wrong-one-dead-in-myrtle-beach-area-airplane-crash/article_d6edbc86-ba87-11eb-bdd1-236b5870d62b.html

'I knew something was wrong': One dead in Myrtle Beach area airplane crash The crash was reported at about 6:15 p.m. Friday. HANNAH STRONG OSKIN, CHARLES D. PERRY AND JONATHAN HAYNES INFO@MYHORRYNEWS.COM May 21, 2021

First PLACE Ian Livingston Brooking, Jonathan Haynes & Charles D. Perry

https://www.myhorrynews.com/news/family-remembers-north-myrtle-beach-pilot-that-died-in-plane-crash/article_0814bdd6-bc14-11eb-baf6-8f9e9b0db5d4.html

‘He was a wonderful man’: Family remembers pilot who died in Socastee plane crash "Flying was his passion. He fell in love with the trade." BY IAN LIVINGSTON BROOKING IAN.BROOKING@MYHORRYNEWS.COM May 23, 2021

Yana Mintz, in sunglasses, and Sara Ortega hug following a plane crash in Socastee on Friday. Charles D. Perry charles.perry@myhorrynews.com

From the front porch of her Buck Hill Drive house, Yana Mintz watched a small plane drift even with the pines. She immediately called 911. “I knew something was wrong,” said Mintz, who often watches planes buzz over her Socastee home just a few miles from Myrtle Beach International Airport. “And then you just seen it keep dropping. … It was going down. You could tell. … I just said, ‘Oh my God, no.’" Neighbors described hearing a loud boom and seeing large cloud of thick smoke when the plane crashed along Socastee Boulevard around 6:15 p.m. Friday. The Horry County Coroner's Office confirmed that one person died in the crash, which happened at 3833 Socastee Boulevard. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) told myhorrynews.com's news partner WMBF that the plane, a twin-engine Piper PA-31, had left Myrtle Beach International and was heading to Grand Strand Airport in North Myrtle Beach. The pilot, who was the only person in the plane, was trying to return to the Myrtle Beach airport when the plane crashed in a field. The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the accident.

Myrtle Beach Herald

James Harper, 60, had a passion for flying, getting flight lessons as a high school graduation gift. He turned it into a life dedicated to journeying through the open skies. He died Friday when his plane crashed in a Socastee field.

Lots of detail and color. Good work.

Image courtesy of Sally Harper

When James Harper graduated from high school in 1979, his parents gave him flying lessons.

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County native Art Craig to lead South stars

SPORTS, 6A

Lancaster News The Lancaster News In-person job fair Thursday

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DHEC: Stench is coming from New Indy plant Calls in EPA for in-depth investigation of problem Mac Banks mbanks@thelancasternews.com

S.C. environmental officials on Monday identified New Indy Containerboard as the source of the stench drawing complaints from Lancaster and York county residents, but they’re still trying to determine if it can be stopped. The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control said the odor is originating at the paper mill, located between Rock Hill and Van Wyck just west of the Catawba River, but it’s not clear what process is causing the smell. The state has called in the federal Environmental Protection Agency for a more in-depth investigation. “We are going to be taking many additional steps with the EPA,” said Rhonda Thompson, DHEC chief bureau of air quality. Since the complaints started in March, DHEC has studied air patterns and asked residents to create logs showing when the odor was detected. An agency report said more than 6,000 complaints have described the smell as “rotten eggs, sewer/sewer gas, cabbage, chemicals, etc.” “This has been a unique and unprecedented report of odors,” said Myra Reece, DHEC director of environmental affairs. “The citizens have played an instrumental role. We have quite a vast description of the smell. That makes this investigation very important.” The smell has been noticed as far north as Mint Hill, N.C., and as far south as Lowrys in Chester County, DHEC said. See NEW INDY I Page 3A

Local man gets 30-year term in drive-by killings Mac Banks mbanks@thelancasternews.com

A Lancaster man pleaded guilty Monday in two drive-by killings from 2017 and will spend the next three decades in prison. Demarcus Marsh was sentenced to 30 years in jail with no chance for parole on each murder count, to run concurrently. Marsh pleaded guilty in General Sessions Court in Lancaster Marsh before Circuit Judge Eugene Griffith. Marsh, 28, killed Rakeem Patterson, 21, and Markevis Foster, 22, both of Lancaster in a drive-by shooting June 29, 2017, at Palmetto Place Apart-

Breathtaking video shows pickup slam through Kershaw restaurant Gregory A. Summers gsummers@thelancasternews.com

KERSHAW – Christie Watson lost her Hampton Street restaurant in the blink of an eye Friday afternoon when an out-of-control pickup careened straight through it. “I’ve never seen anything like it. It’s like we were in a movie. It’s just so surreal right now,” Watson said, recounting how the truck plowed through the center of the Sparetime Restaurant about 3:45 p.m. The pickup’s driver, 41-year-old Donald Brent Sarratt of Wheat Street in Kershaw, was transported to KershawHealth Medical Center in Camden, where he was treated and re-

Watch the video The Lancaster News obtained video of the crash, shot from a surveillance camera at a nearby business. Visit our Facebook page, The Lancaster News (Official Site), to see the video.

Photos courtesy of LANCASTER COUNTY FIRE RESCUE

The front of the green pickup truck that plowed through Sparetime Restaurant on Friday can be seen through the hole in the building. No one was seriously injured, though four people were taken to the hospital for treatment, including the driver of the truck. leased. Three others, including one Sparetime employee, were also taken to the hospital for treatment, though no one was seriously injured. Lancaster County Fire Rescue Capt. Larry Ammons, who is sta-

tioned at the Kershaw Fire Department, said Sarratt had two passengers with him when the pickup went airborne and burst through the building. At mid-afternoon, there was only See CRASH I Page 2A

State halts use of single-shot J&J vaccine Linked to blood clots in 6 women and 1 death mended suspension of the Johnson &

As of Monday, more than 6.8 million doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine have been administered in the United States, said Peter Marks, direc-

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https://www.postandcourier.com/free-times/arts/black-artist-in-residence-at-columbia-gallery-awoken-detained-bypolice-in-his-apartment/article_d�c�ea��-b��-��eb-be��-bb��fc��f��c.html

Black artist-in-residence at Columbia gallery awoken, detained by police in his apartment

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The Post and Courier Columbia/Free Times

A Black artist-in-residence at a Columbia gallery says police o�cers burst inside his provided apartment with guns drawn while he was in bed and o�ered no explanation before detaining him in the early morning of May ��.

This story received a lot of attention, no doubt, with provocative imagery and subject matter that stoke passions ... but the reporter did a great job of getting presenting both sides of a story that needed to be told, no matter how uncomfortable it may have been for some.

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T&D Staff Report Aug 19, 2021

Orangeburg County School District Superintendent Shawn Foster, left, and Sheriff Leroy Ravenell held a news conference Thursday about the Wednesday shootings at Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School. With Foster and Ravenell is OCSO Chief of Staff Chandra McPherson-Gibbs. LARRY HARDY, T&D

T&D Staff Report

he gunshots at Orangeburg-Wilkinson that injured three on Wednesday did not come from a passing vehicle, Orangeburg Count Sheriff Leroy Ravenell said at

a Thursday news conference. Ravenell said investigators initially believed the incident was a drive-by shooting, but that proved inaccurate. A suspect was arrested at the back of the O-W campus about 4 p.m.

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Aiken and brutally murdered in a “pine thicket” outside of town. No one was ever charged. “Upon my learning about this situation, I was disappointed that my AP history class that I took at a local high school didn’t highlight this piece of local history that made quiet and in the shadows and hasn’t been brought to light.”

Enterprise Reporting Daily 8,500-25,000 Division

First PLACE and

best of the best Katherine Kokal, Jake Shore & Drew Martin The Island Packet

SOUTH CAROLINA

There were many excellent entries in this category. This one stood out because of its exceptional detail and its relevance to many people who read the story. The online presentation with a list of offenses was well done. Very nice work. DREW MARTIN DMARTIN@ISLANDPACKET.COM

Enterprise Reporting

Daily Over 25,000 Division

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Sammy Fretwell

Andrew Caplan

The State

The State LOCAL

SC voters hoped penny tax would fix roads in their communities. But USC benefited most BY ANDREW CAPLAN UPDATED DECEMBER 05, 2020 3:19 PM

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Joyce Omega Delk campaigned for the Penny Sales Tax, believing it would pay for paving the dirt road she lives on. Years later her neighborhood's road is still unpaved. BY JOSHUA BOUCHER 

When Joyce Omega Delk began knocking on doors, asking people to support Richland County’s penny-tax program in 2012, she believed a small portion of the $1 billion raised would pave dirt roads and improve transportation in long neglected, rural areas. Delk told neighbors the proceeds would pay to widen and pave their own street, Wilson McCoy Road in Eastover — a promise frequently relayed over the years by

Enterprise Reporting

Daily Over 25,000 Division

$75 WORTH OF COUPONS INSIDE IN SELECT AREAS $5,920 IN SAVINGS FOR 2021

SUNDAY

Saving music on the peninsula LIFE, F1

F O U N D E D 18 0 3 Sunday, September 19, 2021

Georgia upends USC SPORTS, B1

W I N N E R O F T H E 2 0 15 P U L I T Z E R P R I Z E F O R P U B L I C S E R V I C E Charleston, S.C. $3.00

POSTANDCOURIER.COM

SPECIAL REPORT R I S I N G WAT E R S

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The Greenland Connection

Tony Bartelme & Lauren Petracca

The Post and Courier

LAUREN PETRACCA/STAFF

CHAPTER 1

Gravity

Reforms helping fuel a shift toward cleaner energy in SC

Inside

Claflin partnership lets inmates earn degrees, prepare for future

Writing and photography that represent what all enterprise reporting should aspire to. This is a ambitious approach to a story that has implications for not just the South Carolina coast but coastal areas worldwide. Beautifully executed. BY CHLOE JOHNSON cjohnson@postandcourier.com

A quiet transformation has been happening on a board that regulates South Carolina’s power utilities — and could help herald the state’s transition to cleaner energy. The Public Service Commission weighs in on power companies’ proposals for what types of energy they use. This year, the PSC ordered both Duke Energy’s South Carolina subsidiaries and Domin-

ties that they needed more specific plans to address the removal of coal, the dirtiest of fuels used to keep the lights on today. As a result, both utilities are now planning to retire coal generation within a decade. The move, among others, marked a sea change from just a few years ago, when the commission didn’t question power companies’ plans at all, and advocates who sent in comments on them were mostly ignored. But the ramifications of a nuclear reactor project known as V.C. Summer that

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BY LIBBY STANFORD lstanford@postandcourier.com

TRENTON — Stephon, an inmate

at Trenton Correctional Institution near Aiken, spends his afternoons studying criminal justice. He takes notes on his lectures using a prison-issued tablet, notebooks and pens. As he whittles away at his assignments, he dreams of a future career as a lawyer. Stephon did not think about what his life will look like outside of the prison’s walls for most of his

University in Orangeburg to launch a program that gives inmates the opportunity to earn bachelor’s degrees in criminal justice, psychology and organizational management. Stephon now has a concrete goal: When he gets out of prison in 2025, he is going to attend law school. “I’m in a better position than somebody who hasn’t been through the criminal justice system to help change it,” said Stephon, whose last name cannot be released to the public because of a Corrections Department policy to protect inmates’

Reporting-in-Depth

Associate & Individual Division

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Rick Brundrett

The Nerve, SC Policy Council

Reporting-in-Depth

Associate & Individual Division

First PLACE Rick Brundrett

The Nerve, SC Policy Council Every entry in this class is deserving of an award, but Brundrett stands out for the quality of writing and potential impact. He takes on big matters and investigates the heck out of them. In this entry, he reports on the power and dominance of legislative delegations on local government matters. From parks and school boards to VA office operations and the courts, these public officials exert tremendous control in their home counties, yet there is very little public information available about how they operate. Brundrett is commended for exposing a variety of issues related to the dominance of these delegations. In-depth reporting at its best.

Reporting-in-Depth

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Lindsey Hodges

Martin L. Cahn

The Star

Chronicle-Independent Chronicle-Independent INSIDE: Camden’s

Official City Magazine

Serving Kershaw County since 1889

One of

South Carolina’s most historic and charming towns

Friday, July 30, 2021

Camden, South Carolina

Single copy 75 cents

A Guide to

Camden,

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2021-2022

Among city hotels and motels, Mona Lisa is tops for police reports

Fog shrouds the area behind the Mona Lisa Motel on Thursday morning at 1011 West DeKalb St. According to data supplied by the Camden Police Department, officers have filed 141 incident reports at the motel during the last four and a half years, listing 187 total offenses. The motel includes the white “apartment” house at the

CPD lists 141 reports from motel in four and a half years By MARTIN L. CAHN C-I (Camden, S.C.) editor mcahn@chronicle-independent.com

In 1959, the city of Camden left special postcards on out-of-town visitors’ cars inviting them to get in touch with Mayor E.C. Rhame. As Camden Archives and Museum Director Katharine Richardson reported in 2014, many of those visitors would use those cards to tell city officials what they thought of Camden. In several cases, Richardson said, “Three leading hostelries of the time -- the Mona Lisa Motel, the Park View Motel and the Sarsfield Hotel -were often singled out for their comfort.” Today, a statement like that might be less likely. According to CPD data covering four

rear where Shahid Saleem Shabazz, 49, of Mt. Pleasant, died of blunt force trauma on July 20. While it is the only murder to have taken place at a motel or hotel since January 2016, it is the latest in a string of activity that includes assaults, domestic violence, drug-related offenses, and property crimes, such as motor vehicle

and a half years, from Jan. 1, 2016, to July 21, 2021, officers have filed 141 incidents from the Mona Lisa Motel. With some reports listing more than one offense, the CPD reports reflect 187 total offenses. Those are the most incidents and offenses at any of the six hotels within the city limits of Camden. Coming in second, with 114 reports and 152 total offenses, is the Deluxe Inn, at 311 East DeKalb St. Those numbers are far above and beyond those for the other four hotels or motels within the city limits. The Colony Inn on West DeKalb St. and Comfort Inn & Suites near I-20, only generated 26 reports each during the last four and a half years; the Holiday Inn Express & Suites on U.S. 521, also near the interstate, had 22; and the Hampton Inn, across from the Holiday Inn, which opened in June 2019, only generated nine reports. The Chronicle-Independent sought out anywhere from five to 20 years’ worth of CPD data for the Mona Lisa following the July 20 murder of a 49-year-old Mt. Pleasant man inside an apartment at the motel. Shahid Saleem Shabazz died of blunt force trauma to the head and neck, but the CPD and Kershaw County Coroner’s Office have

declined to describe exactly how the man died. Five people have been arrested so far, including Jordan McKeever, 27, of Wylie Street, Camden, for murder. The other four suspects are charged with misprision of a felony, meaning they did not stop whatever actions McKeever took that caused Shabazz’s death. McKeever was also arrested in early late July 2018 in connection with the alleged assault of a 55-year-old man behind the motel. The victim suffered severe lacerations and possible internal injuries. McKeever and another suspect were arrested several days later. It was unclear, however, whether any part of the assault, or what led to it, took place on any part of the motel’s actual property. As it turned out, by the time the C-I made its request for motel data, the police department had already been compiling four and a half years’ worth of statistics at the request of Camden City Manager Mel Pearson. Pearson said he did so following an alleged sexual assault at the Deluxe Inn in late May. “That got a lot of attention internally,” he said. Floyd said the decision was made for

Classically Carolina

See Motels, Page 5

break-ins. City officials reportedly asked the police department to collate the hotel/motel crime data following an alleged sexual assault at the Deluxe Inn on East DeKalb Street in June. The Deluxe Inn has the secondhighest number of reports and offenses, with 114 and 162, respectively. (Martin L. Cahn/C-I)

KCSO responds to Park View 292 times In addition to the Camden Police Department’s data, Kershaw County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) deputies have responded to calls at the Deluxe Inn 82 times, and the Mona Lisa Motel 54 times since January 2016. Sheriff Lee Boan said the reasons for those calls vary. The number of KCSO calls to those two locations are significantly lower, however, than deputies’ calls to the Park View Motel that is in a “donut hole” under the county’s jurisdiction. Boan reported that deputies have responded to the Park View a total of 292 times since January 2016, far exceeding the total calls by both agencies to either the Mona Lisa or Deluxe Inn. KCSO Chief Deputy Steve Knafelc said the majority of the calls during the last four and a half years the Park View were for civil disturbances, but noted those could have crossed over to developer charges for crimes. There were 110 civil disturbance calls, far above and beyond any other calls at the motel. Far behind, with 20 reports each, were narcotic-related incidents and suspicious person reports. There have been 10 assault calls, eight fights in progress, seven domestic issues and seven larceny calls. There have also been three suicides, one reported rape and one reported stabbing, according to Knaflec’s count.

Kirkwood Community rezoning passes first round

Reporting-in-Depth

Weekly Under 3,500 Division

First PLACE Michael M. DeWitt, Jr.

The Hampton County Guardian

Good job giving historical timeline and reporting with balance.

Reporting-in-Depth

Weekly 3,500-6,500 Division

Third PLACE COVID closing

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www .OnlineChester .com

Library temporarily closed . See Page 5-B .

Travis Jenkins and Brian Garner Brian Garner and Travis Jenkins News&RepoRTeR The he

The News & Reporter

C hester C ounty ’ s h ometown n ewspaper sinCe 1869

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 14, 2021 • The News & Reporter • 3A

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2020

Issue 49, 2 Sections, 14 Pages

Chester County Christmas YMCA closing comes to Lowrys Aging building, expenses cited as reasons for closure BY BRIAN GARNER & TRAVIS JENKINS bgarner@onlinechester.com tjenkins@onlinechester.com It is the former site of Chester High School and of Dora Jones Gayle School. Unfortunately, it will soon be the former site of the YMCA as well. Olivia Chamblee, the Director of Development and Marketing for the Upper Palmetto YMCA (which manages the Chester branch) confirmed the Chester YMCA will close at the end of December. Primarily, the age of the building and the exorbitant cost estimates to repair it

are the reasons given for the decision. This does not necessarily mean the YMCA doesn’t have a future in Chester County, but it does mean the current location is no longer viable and there won’t be programming available in-county for the foreseeable future. In a letter addressed to “Members, Program Participants and Community Stakeholders,” Upper Palmetto CEO Kirk Eich wrote: “I am writing this letter to share some critically important information related to Chester County YMCA. Over the last twenty years, the YMCA has been able to serve the community by operating out of the old Chester County High School building (gra-

From staff reports

The Christmas season in Lowrys started Friday as the town held their 3rd annual Christmas Tree Lighting in the Town Square . TheTown will hold their annual Christmas Parade on Dec . 19th at 1 p .m .

See YMCA, Page 2-A

Sutton talks impact of Career

‘Gallo bill’ passes S.C. Senate, headed to the House floor

BY JILSON SORRELL/SPECIAL TO THE N&R

Arrest made in

The South Carolina bill that would make the way easier for the Ernest & Julio Gallo winery, bringing $400 million capital investment and approximately 500 jobs to Chester County passed the S.C. Senate on Friday and now heads to the floor of the S.C. House. The bill was approved just before the Saturday “cross-over deadline” to be passed to the S.C. House for approval. The bill (as reported previously in The News & Reporter) modifies some of the regulations regarding South Carolina’s threetiered liquor laws regarding manufacture, distribution and sales of alcohol. In an earlier letter to the General Assembly, Governor Henry McMaster urged the passage of the bill. He said in the letter, ‘California based E&J Gallo Winery (“Gallo”) is a well-respected, family owned company with products that are distributed across the globe. They are very close to announcing a once-in-ageneration $400 million capital investment in Chester County that will create nearly 500 jobs. This area of our state has a rich and proud history of local family owned textile mills, whose products once dominated the industry and were known and distributed world-

wide. This investment by Gallo will transform the community and contribute greatly to South Carolina’s economic prosperity. The statutory changes contained in S.619 are a critical part of Gallo’s business model for expanding their operations and making this large capital investment. I urge members of the General Assembly and interested parties to work together and come to a consensus. I look forward to signing this bill into law and welcoming Gallo to South Carolina.’ The bill initially encountered some opposition by alcohol distributors in the state and some resistance on the Senate floor, but compromises to the original terms of the bill satisfied the opponents and the measure was approved by the Senate. Co-sponsor of the bill State senator Mike Fanning, whose district include Chester County, said Friday in a statement, “Big win for the state of South Carolina... and Slam-Dunk for Chester! Yesterday, minutes before the annual “cross-over deadline,” my Senate colleagues joined with me to approve S.619 - bringing the world’s largest wine-producer to Fort Lawn in Chester County. “Each year, bills must pass one body (Senate or House) by the “cross-over”

PHOTO PROVIDED

The Gallo Headquarters building in Modesto, CA. deadline in order to have a chance to become law that year. And, yesterday, on the very late legislative day before “cross-over” ...late at the end of a marathon-day on the Senate Floor... we got this passed! Almost a half a BILLION Dollars and 500 jobs... and the most prestigious wine producer in the world... locating their East Coast Operations here in South Carolina. Here in Chester County! Game-changer! “While the successful vote made it in just before the “cross-over” deadline,

yesterday was NOT an easy one. A last-minute amendment almost killed the entire deal (amazingly trying to eliminating bottles of wine from wine tastings). And another last-minute amendment helped save the bill (including much-needed help for local distilleries across the state). Then, minutes before the final vote, several senators threatened to block the entire deal unless Commerce came immediately to the Senate Chamber to talk with

them... personally! “And even the final successful vote last night was chaotic... as one Senator announced an objection - before he quickly changed his mind. Immediately after the removed objection, the vote resumed and S.619 ended up passing by an overwhelming 31-6 vote! “I think I had six small heart-attacks during this tense final day! But every obstacle placed before us... we were able to overcome. God is Good! “I am so thankful to my

colleagues in the Senate and Governor McMaster for their hard work helping get this major-lift across the finish line. And our local Chester leaders who even drove to the State House to help advocate for this “Home-Run!” “BMW in Greenville. Volvo & Boeing in Charleston. And now Ernest & Julio Gallo Winery... in CHESTER! The largest wine-producer in the world... locating its East-Coast Operations Headquarters in our teeny textile town of Fort Lawn!”

Man with Chester connections found unresponsive in Greenville From release

5th, according to the Greenville

on Monday, April 5, 2021.

This individual was pronounced

tion by the Greenville City Police

Reporting-in-Depth

Thursday January 28, 2021

By Charles Swenson COASTAL OBSERVER

Charles Swenson Coastal Observer

The journalist researched both sides of the debate of ‘protection or development’ of Prince George and laid all the evidence in the light. Great writing and great work protecting a sanctuary!

Pawleys Island South Carolina

D Prince E T C E T RO P George

Weekly 3,500-6,500 Division

First PLACE

COASTAL OBSERVER

he first plan for the Prince George property didn’t turn out well. The developers who proposed nearly 3,000 dwellings, a 500-room hotel and three golf courses on 1,934 acres between the Atlantic Ocean and the Waccamaw River went bust. The current owner has more confidence in his plan: protect 1,065 acres from future development. A conservation easement granted to the Pee Dee Land Trust last month is the final chapter in a story that has played out over 35 years. It comes at a time when development pressure has focused attention on small parcels along the Waccamaw Neck. But people involved with the Prince George property say that the potential for development remained in spite of claims that it was protected. Bud Watts, the sole member of PG Preservation LLC, bought 1,200 acres at Prince George from the University of South Carolina Development Foundation in 2015 for $3.94 million. He declined to comment about the easement, but a statement issued by the land trust on behalf of PG Preservation said, “it is truly a spectacular piece of property and needed to be protected permanently.” That was the goal from the start, when Phillip Lammonds, a former owner of Prince George Sotheby’s International Real Estate, went looking for a buyer. “When he realized that the tract could in fact be developed, he worked hard to find a conservation minded buyer. He brought us the concept of acquiring and conserving the property,” according to the statement from PG Preservation. Watts has kept his role in Prince George low-key. The head of the USC foundation at the time of the sale said he didn’t know the buyer’s identity. Watts wanted the focus to be on the preservation effort, not on himself. Watts made a career in finance after serving in the Air Force as a fighter pilot. He lives in Charleston and owns a beachfront house at Prince George. He also serves on the board of the Belle W. Baruch Foundation, which owns Hobcaw Barony. “Many people that do this are low key,” said Johnny Weaver, a member of the Pee Dee Land Trust board. He lives at Waterford Heights, which is adjacent to 500 acres protected by a conservation easement created by the Havel family in 1989. The Prince George property adjoins the Havel tract. There are tax benefits that come with granting a conservation easement. For instance, under a federal tax incentive that was made permanent in 2015, donors can apply a deduction for the value of the easement to half of their annual income over 15 years. South Carolina is among several states that allow donors to sell tax credits if they don’t owe enough tax to use the full credit, according to the Land Trust Alliance. But those who are fa-

miliar with the process said even people with an attachment to the land and a strong desire to see it protected have to swallow hard before signing away development rights in perpetuity. Few people have the sort of income that would maximize the tax benefit from a property like Prince George, said Dana Beach, founder of the Coastal Conservation League. He met Watts soon after the sale in 2015 to talk about a forest restoration plan for the property. The conservation easement is part of a long tradition of protecting land on Waccamaw Neck, starting with Brookgreen Gardens, Beach said. “There’s so little protected habitat of that type in South Carolina. We’re lucky to have so much of it in Georgetown County,” he said. “The trajectory on Wacccamaw Neck to develop anything that’s not protected.” n The recent history of Prince George is the storm of storms: tropical, financial and political. In November 1985, Lucille V. Pate sold 1,934 acres that was part of Arcadia Plantation to the Prince George Joint Venture for $17.5 million. That’s equal to about $42 million today. The sale was financed with a $17.5 million loan from Sunbelt Savings Association in Dallas. Sunbelt filed notice that the joint venture was in default in July 1988. A month later, federal regulators took over Sunbelt. It had assets of $2.2 billion and liabilities of $4.1 billion. The joint venture planned to sell the property to Wild Dunes Associates, owners of the resort of the same name at the north end of the Isle of Palms. In July 1989, Georgetown County approved a plan for a development known as Arcadia II that showed 2,922 residential units and a 500-room hotel. Hurricane Hugo made landfall in September at the Isle of Palms and Wild Dunes Associates withdrew from the project. Photos by Charles Swenson/Coastal Observer The Federal Deposit InAnglers and beachgoers on the south end of Pawleys Island will see little change under the easement. With- surance Corp. foreclosed on the Prince George property out it, about 600 acres was available to develop on the west side of Pawleys Creek. in the spring of 1991 saying $23 million was now owed on the original loan. The joint venture tried to halt the foreclosure in a series of court actions, but the property was finally sold on the steps of the Georgetown County courthouse in October 1992 for $12 million. The FDIC put the property up for sale to government or nonprofits. The offering was limited because a portion of the property was in the federally-protected Coastal Barrier Resources System. The state Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism wanted the land for a state park. It only had $1.5 million to spend. Georgetown County put together a bid with the Melrose Corp. of Hilton Head that would have provided the public with beach access and recreation facilities. Melrose planned a golf course and residential development. The USC Development Foundation partnered with the group that had bought See “Easement,” Page 12

Conservation easement on 1,065 acres is final chapter in 35-year saga

Reporting-in-Depth

Weekly Over 6,500 Division

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Second PLACE

Mindy Lucas

Catherine Kohn Wednesday, december 16, 2020 | PaGe a1

$3.00

Fog was no impediment to Christmas parade

The Island News

Moultrie News BY CATHERINE KOHN editor@moultrienews.com

The 25th Annual Christmas Light Parade held Sunday night along West Coleman Boulevard in Mount Pleasant lit up the cool foggy evening as residents lined the road on each side. Most brought lawn chairs and settled comfortably while enjoying the parade floats. Fireworks were supposed

to signal the beginning of the parade at 5:30 p.m.; however, that was changed to the end of the parade due to the weather. The parade began at Live Oak Drive and traveled south, ending at the intersection of West Coleman Blvd. and Patriots Point Road. Despite the misty night that softened the lights of the parade, the lively, colorful floats featured singing, dancing, jug-

gling, characters, decorated jeeps, classic cars, trucks and boats. Clubs, school groups, and businesses drove down the street decorated with everything from the Grinch to Baby Yoda. Shouts of “Merry Christmas” to the crowd were returned just as enthusiastically. For more photos, please visit moultrienews.com.

KENNA COE/STAFF

The crowds enjoyed a long line of floats at the 25th Christmas Light Parade Sunday.

Removing the veil of secrecy

Sex crimes against children an online problem BY CATHERINE KOHN editor@moultrienews.com

CATHERINE KOHN/STAFF

Each child received a Chickfil-A cow with their picnic lunch.

Secrecy is the enemy when it comes to sex crimes against children. That is the consensus among those who work to protect children from sexual predators. “Anywhere a child is, there’s a predator. If there’s a child (internet) platform where children are known to be, then you can bet someone is hunting them,” said Detective Kenny Clark of the Mount Pleasant Police Department. “None of us want to think our neighbor Clark would do anything to harm our kids or anything like that, but in all actuality it happens,” Clark said. “If we put something in the media, of an arrest this week, next week nobody’s thinking about it until the next one.” Clark became a member of the Inter-

Moultrie News

BY CATHERINE KOHN editor@moultrinews.com

Ultimate goal of polygraph: Find new victims

Please see CRIMES, Page A4

ILLUSTRATION BY CATHERINE KOHN

How to talk to your kids about safety

such as sharing pornography involving children, have also been hands-on with a victim. “So that’s our ultimate goal,” Clark said. “Obviously we don’t want people looking at child sexual material, what used to be called child pornography, but we also want to go after the

Wishing you a A/C Very Mey Christmas! for Voted Best Company 11 Years! Merry Christmas from Billy Swails and staff Our office will be closed

Who are the victims and predators BY CATHERINE KOHN editor@moultrienews.com Most of what we have known about sex offenders for many years was based on the reports from offenders themselves, research has revealed. But self-reporting rarely discloses the full extent of an offender’s true sexual history. Polygraph testing began as a way to validate these self-reports and to ensure an offender was following treatment, if that had been mandated. A federal probation report called “Polygraph Testing Leads to Better Understanding of Adult and Juvenile Sex Offenders” offers a retrospective of the problem and the results of several studies. It explains that there was a major shift in how child molestation was viewed by society. Before the 1970s the sexual exploitation of children was rarely a subject that received any attention. There was almost no professional literature on the subject and frequently laws that were in place were not enforced. However, “the rise of women’s rights Please see VICTIMS, Page A3

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Clark had similar experiences. He said the suspect in this type of crime “is unlike others.” “We can’t come in to an interview with a person that we see as a predator and talk to them like someone who has burglarized a house,” he said. “The

a friend? How much personal information do you share online? Remember: Tell your child it’s safest to only add people you know offline to your online circles. Ask kids to check their “friends” and “followers” lists to see who has access to their accounts. Encourage them to remove anyone they don’t know or trust. Children should also block or “unfriend” anyone bothering them. Privacy settings are there to help make the experience safe. Teach kids and teens to use privacy settings. While they don’t guarantee complete privacy, they can help children control who sees what they share. Talk about online reputation. Help children remove any personal or inappropriate images from social media and other accounts. Remind them if it wouldn’t be OK to do something offline, it’s not OK online, either. Help children and teens report any criminal behavior to the police and report inappropriate posts to the website or app — most have a system in place to handle these complaints.

E STRAW • ROCK

CRIMES, from A1 net Crimes Against Children (ICAC) task force out of the state Attorney General’s Office in 2014. He began his career in the Saluda County Sherriff ’s Office in 1997. He said that in 2006 “we (Saluda) had the highest child sex assaults per capita in the state. So I began working child sexual and physical assault cases … and from 2006 up, that was the main focus of my career.” “All of our cybercrime tips come from National Center for Missing and Exploited Children,” Clark said, explaining the center receives information from Internet providers and services such as Google and Yahoo. Their systems flag potential abuse and send it to the center, which then sends the information to the appropriate agency. “From our state it goes to the AG’s office and they farm them out to whatever jurisdiction it’s in,” Clark said. “I get weekly updates from NCMEC as to how many cases per year since they’ve been doing it. It’s a fairly large number.” According to center for missing and exploited children, nearly all child victims of internet sex Conkey crimes report not knowing the “extorter” (the person trying to meet them)

In the true spirit of the holidays the Mount Pleasant Police Department, in a partnership with Chick-fil-A and Walmart at Oakland Market held their annual Shop with a Cop event “The hardest part is knowing sically off to the races,” Clark on Friday, December 11. you can’t stop it all,” Clark said. said. Twenty children from across “You take it home. You try not Most law enforcement agenE a st C ooper element a r y to but there is some stuff that we cies offer the same tips to keep schools were chosen by their see and do that normal people your children safe: communischool guidance counselors to participate in the annual event. would never see, nor want to do. cate with your children and The students first enjoyed But again, that just goes back monitor their online activity. an outdoor picnic courtesy of to a support system and faith.” Silence is not golden when it Chick-fil-A with their famous cow dressed in a Santa jacket Clark said when he started comes to child safety. joining the group. The meal working with child sex assaults “Monitor your children and included a toy cow for each the most vulnerable children their internet activity,” Clark child. Once lunch was over the were BY those who didn’t have advised. “I’ve got two kids, and CATHERINE KOHN children piled into police vans it does nothing would tell you right a good home environment. my kids“If editor@moultrienews.com and were escorted by two moBut that has changed. “With now, especially else it my willdaughter start a torcycle police officers, lights Gottfried directoris of (who the is now 18), she would tell f lashing, in a small motorinternetEmily crimes there really n when Sexual Behaviors Clinic than and Lab you and sheconversatio cade across the parking lot to had a ‘hard’ life.” He nobody less vulnerable MUSC assistant professor, reports, “As the Walmart where they were they go complete home from expected to have acanybody else.”prevention He saidefforts, in a raiswith many paired up with Mount Pleascess tochurch. their phones and devichands-on crime there usuThat’s where ing awareness is key.”isThe primary ant Police officers on a holimeans“grooming to prevent online sex solicitaday shopping spree. Walmart es because “if I child is hiding ally a long process” it starts – being able of children and teens includes provided a $2,000 grant to the something on his or her phone but thetion internet has altered that cyber-safety websites and education police department so each child to talk about it.” scenario. Clark said, “With inthere is something on there that programs for youth, education and recould spend $100 dollars on shouldn’t be.” Kenny clark ternetsources crimes couldand have foryou caregivers, guidelines whatever they wanted. Mount Pleasant police detective “I mean if you can’t go on a grooming process that thatserve lastssuch as for organizations The excited children sometimes looked a bit overwhelmed schools and clubs. 15 minutes. Onesports of our short- your child’s phone at any cerwith all the choices, but eventu“TheisAGs general) tain time something’s wrong. est arrests four(attorney hours. He got office ally managed to find toys and will come and speak to classes for one and Exploited Children that may help Something is being in our(person) systemorand we gotcome him family members keephidden. their children other items to fill their carts. 200. They’ll anytime CATHERINE KOHN/STAFF I’m were and within four hours we safe:saying it’s something Many, also in the spirit of the you want them. They have a person not What’s your favorite website or to buy gifts for they pay just in to travel to talk to kids like this, but there’s something putting someone handcuffs.” Education and awareness is one of the best preventatives against onlineholiday, sexualdecided exploitation. app? What you like do there? their family members as well. So what aboutis internet safety,” Clark Mount Pleason there.” Hedosaid theto only grooming? ant police Detective Kenny Clark said. Have you ever seen something onway to stop child sex abuse described it as “building a quick “Our biggest resource is churches,” line you didn’t want to see? is for parents to be involved, talk He said a predaanyone would talk about their the truth to be able to lie. eration (recent sting operation relationship.” you don’t Clark said, noting that with a church Do you ever talk to people know online? What dobecome you talk about? youtry “havetothe parents and the child at their with children and find common sex offenses. “If I knew that, Both the polygraph examin- and arrests in Mount Pleasant) tor will you show me which sites and thewith same the time.child If it does else Can with resources that are andnothing try familiar I’d probably be making more ers and the investigator said showed we arrested one that ground apps you’re using? willchild start a“on conversation when they available. the their side.” money.”Conkey said the ques- their professional experience was a registered sex offender. to get itgo home from church. That’s where Would you feel comfortable if I “Wechecked can do allaccounts? we can here, relationship cretions “start out very innocuous, has convinced them that most The main goal is to get them on They build it startsa – being able to to talk about it.” your but it starts parents,” between them. “Once but open a door and then we go who are convicted of online the registry and try to monitor ate trustThe following is a list of questions What with kinds the of things do you post? the National Center How do you decide who to add as Clark said. that’s from established then it’s for ba-Missing further in.” child sexual material crimes, them. “

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A4: Wednesday, December 16, 2020

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First PLACE Gregory A. Summers

The Lancaster News

Many complaints about LPD detective Coupon savings valued at more frustration at Detective Sgt. Gregory A. Summers than $72 Pete Beck of the Lancaster Pogsummers@thelancasternews.com

Twenty-one Lancaster residents complained to city council Tuesday night that a city police officer is harassing Black drivers and they want it stopped. Speaking during the citizen comments portion of the meeting, the residents aimed their

Rams sweep rival Mustangs for thing or wrote him a ticket. The time he sees my son in his hoops crownswith 30-inch rims first time, she said, he was go- Challenger

lice Department’s an on it, he has an excuse to pull it INSIDE TODAY special op- ing to be cited for driving SPORTS, 1B erations unit. They said he tar- uninsured vehicle, so she hur- over.”. gets young Black men without ried to the sceneWEEKEND with the in-EDITION Resident Timothy Duncan cause and frightens children surance card. told city council: “It’s getting who witness his Lancaster aggressive County’ be“By the time newspaper I got there, my outrageous…. It’s bad that a s biweekly havior. son was already pulled out the young Black man like me has Katie Harris told council that car and it was being searched to be in fear of police that’s Beck has stopped her son four for drugs and whatever else he supposed to be serving and times since mid-December, was looking for,” Harris said. protecting us.” but never arrested him for any- “Since that first stop, every Some citizens spoke in per-

The

son at City Hall, while others called in by phone, which is allowed under COVID-19 guidelines. Mayor Alston DeVenny told those who spoke that city leaders are listening and will respond once their concerns are investigated. Police Chief Scott Grant didn’t speak at the meeting, See COMPLAINTS I Page 2A

Lancaster News

PMC’s owner Beck complaints precededtrying LPDto block job Sheriff forced him out after repeated violations of department policies, documents MUSC’s planshow for IL hospital FEBRUARY 20-21, 2021

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Gregory A. Summers

gsummers@thelancasternews.com

Excellent reporting on an issue that many communities face. Perfect example of a community newspaper doing its part to make a difference.

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Sgt. Peter Beck, the Lancaster police officer accused last week of harassing Black drivers, resigned under pressure from the sheriff’s office last March after an investigation showed he acted recklessly and violated policies during two traffic stops and a drug arrest. Twenty-one city residents complained about Beck, a de-

tective with the Lancaster Police Department who joined the force 10 months ago, at the Feb. 9 meeting of the Lancaster City Council. They claimed Beck routinely targets African-American motorists without cause, pulls them from cars, intimidates them and frightens their children. City officials and Police Chief Scott Grant are looking into the complaints. Grant and City Ad-

Middle, high schools start 4-day classes EMS producing TV on March commercial to help22

ministrator Flip Hutfles did not respond to an email Friday from The Lancaster News seeking comment. Mayor Alston DeVenny responded to the email, but did not comment. The newspaper filed Freedom of Information Act requests with the LPD and the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office to view all formal complaints filed against Beck. The city of Lancaster provided one complaint filed against

75 CENTS

Beck, and the sheriff’s ments later, Beck actioffice provided four, vated his blue lights, so including the one that she pulled over in the prompted his resignaBeverage Warehouse tion. parking lot on ChesterLatoya McIlwain, Mac field BanksAvenue to see who recently moved what the issue was. Anmbanks@thelancasternews.com back to Lancaster from other officer, she said, Louisiana, filed the city The was with Beck. owner of Piedmont Medical Beck complaint on Jan. 21, described Center in Rock Hill McIlwain is trying to block 2021. the incident in an MUSC Health’s plans to buildinterview a hosShe wrote that on Jan. 19, Friday. pital in Indian Land. Beck was “riding my bumper” “He did scare me, just walked MUSC-Health hasSeebought down Hampton Road. MoBECK I Page87 4A

acres on U.S. 521 for $10.25 million and plans to move 98 beds from its Lancaster hospital to the heart of the Panhandle. Now it faces regulatory opposition from Tenet Healthcare, the Texas-based owner of Piedmont. MUSC-Health filed an application for its project with the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control in mid-2020, starting the state’s long process of issuing a “certificate of need” for the new hospital. Tenet has filed an objection to MUSC’s application as “an affected

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Comprehensive coverage that highlights questionable behaviors at John de la Howe, an agency that contends it has nothing to hide, yet struggles with openness. Good job sticking with it and shining a light for all to see.

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JDLH employee alleges he was defamed, mistreated

rest, Starks’ family had planned a vigil Friday night to honor his life. With the arrest, Palmore was able to see the man accused of killing her son in court the morning before the vigil. INSIDE This is GreenMother faces wood’s first murder case of the her son’s accused killer year. “It hurts so in court,4A much to think about, that your son is the first to be murdered in Greenwood,” Palmore said at the vigil. “When that judge said he could get the death penalty, I almost cried. He was misguided. “No revenge. Just keep loving

Hands and heads turned to the sky Friday evening, Antone Starks’ family was grateful that justice can start being served for his slaying. The 39-year-old Starks was shot and killed in what Greenwood police called a robbery gone wrong Sunday morning. His mother, Cathy Palmore, and three siblings were shocked by the shooting — Starks was a loving, kind and compassionate man who they said likely worried for the young man who is charged with killing him. Caviseis White, 19, was arrestDAMIAN DOMINGUEZ | INDEX-JOURNAL ed Friday morning and charged Atone Starks’ sister, Tquell Wells, raises a candle for her slain broth- with murder in connection with er Friday evening at a vigil celebrating his life. Stark’s slaying. Even before the ar- See FAMILY, page 4A

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Frank Dorn, then director of agriculture at John de la Howe, feeds a calf in 2018. Dorn has filed a lawsuit against the school, its president and a teacher after he was removed from his post and made assistant director of facilities.

By MATTHEW HENSLEY mhensley@indexjournal.com Editor’s note — The Index-Journal is one of the newspapers collaborating with The Post and Courier on the Uncovered investigative project. hen officials and media gathered to watch Gov. Henry McMaster anoint John de la Howe as the Palmetto State’s newest governor’s school in December, there was more INSIDE than a fresh coat Piecemeal of paint on the work projects walls. raise quesRoofs were tions at John rebuilt, bathde la Howe, rooms had new 8A tile and modern fixtures, and students were already on campus. After two years of soul searching and site work, John de la Howe KEN emerged ready DURHAM for its next chapter. But an Index-Journal review of invoices and requisition forms found something TIM hiding on the KEOWN school’s 1,300 acres in rural McCormick County. Those charged with breathing new life into the Governor’s SCOTT School for AgriMIMS culture at John de la Howe’s crumbling buildings flouted South Carolina procurement law while awarding hundreds of thousands of dollars in work, keeping the public, potential

By MATTHEW HENSLEY mhensley@indexjournal.com Editor’s note — The Index-Journal is one of the newspapers collaborating with The Post and Courier on the Uncovered investigative project.

De la Howe flouts law while spending taxpayer dollars

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John de la Howe teacher Libby Templeton, left, taught campers how to recognize different cuts of livestock on July 19. Templeton was named in a lawsuit filed by Frank Dorn.

“Might better mind your own tailgate.” “Careful who you downgrade me to, I might just know them.” “Tend to the skeletons in your own closet before telling blatant lies about me.” Tim Keown sent these comments and others in a “vitriolic” email to Frank Dorn that accused him of creating “a hostile work environment and one of paranoia,” according to a lawsuit alleging Keown defamed Dorn. Keown, then director of the education center at John de la Howe, was months from starting his current post as president when he sent the email, while Dorn was director of agriculture at the

time. Keown moved Dorn to assistant director of facilities earlier this year. The civil complaint, filed Friday in McCormick County court, also alleges Keown worked with Elizabeth “Libby” Templeton, a FRANK teacher who started in DORN fall 2020, to “interfere with Plaintiff ’s job, undermine Plaintiff ’s professional credibility, and diminish his reputation in the agriculture community” ahead of stripping Dorn of his TIM position overseeing the KEOWN fledgling school’s farm. “Damages include reputational losses, diminished earning capacity, embarrassment, lost goodwill, shock, humiliation, and emotional pain and suffering,” Dorn’s attorney, J. Paul Porter, writes in the filing.

Keown and Templeton did not immediately respond to requests for comment. “We are aware of the lawsuit and are reviewing the allegations. We do not comment on pending litigation and look forward to providing our response in court at the appropriate time,” Hayley Belton, the school’s director of public relations and marketing, said in an emailed statement. The lawsuit comes as the South Carolina Governor’s School for Agriculture at John de la Howe has come under sustained scrutiny for violating ethics and purchasing laws, with reports from the state Office of Inspector General and Division of Procurement Services detailing a laundry list of violations. Those probes came in response to reporting as part of Uncovered, an investigative project spearheaded by the Post and Courier to ferret out questionable behavior among elected officials and public employees across South See GROUNDED, page 4A

D52 board discusses communication, practice on holidays itive disadvantage. all extracurriculars. “It kind of caught me off guard petitive advantage over us.” By LINDSEYPHOTOS HODGES BY ANDREW J. WHITAKER | THE POST AND COURIER The board met Tuesday to discuss Ninety Six High Athletic Director because what do we expect from our lhodges@indexjournal.com He mentioned in his 40-some years

An aerial view of the S.C. Governor’s School for Agriculture at John De La Howe on April 14. including the pos- Brian Wertz and Band Director David coaches? Commitment, sacrifice, suc- of being involved in sports, every a handful of topics, NINETY SIX — A handful of ex- sibility of restricting extracurricular a contract a on national tracurricular leaders andnegotiating parents groups from with practicing consultant she religious then joined, both asked Greenwood School District 52’s and holidays. The board also trustees not to restrict theofdays that might discussed possibility of using one which havethe violated students can practice, citing competstate ethicscommon laws. communication method for

Vickery spoke about both topics. Regarding holidays, Wertz said he was caught off guard when he saw the topic on the agenda, as it was the first time he had heard of a problem.

cess, all these things right here,” Wertz football team he’s been a part of has said. practiced on Labor Day. “If we go restricting the practice He said the dream of football times for our coaches, then the people we’re playing are going to have a com- See D52, page 4A

Tim Keown, the school’s FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL president, has not responded to an• interview from the DAYBREAKrequest2A • SPORTS 1B-2B facebook.com/indexjournal Index-Journal. • MARKETS Emails 3B seeking • TV LISTING 6A twitter.com/ijindexjournal • OBITUARIES 4A and • VIEWPOINTS 8A comment from Durham Mims went unanswered. Despite working in McCorPrepare formick unexpected outages County, which hadpower the state’s third-lowest capita with a Generac homeperstandby generator income in 2010, they are among REQUEST A FREE theQUOTE! top earners with their titles. Mims, a member of Edgefield Special Financing Available Town Council, receives $70,674 Subject to Credit Approval 7-Year Warranty* a year,Extended making him the high*To qualify, consumers must request a quote, purchase, Aest-paid $695 Value! and activate the generator with a participating facilities maintenance install dealer. Call for a full list of terms and conditions. Limited Time Oﬀer -manager Call for Details listed in the state salary database. Durham, Edgefield’s School President Tim Keown, left, and Facilities Director Ken mayor, isn’t listed but makes Durham stand outside the door to a restroom in one of the S.C. more. He rakes in $91,755. Governor’s School for Agriculture at John de la Howe’s cottages Together, they exercise broad April 14 while giving a tour of the 1,300-acre campus. discretion in deciding who gets to participate in large portions of the renovations, which have er-funded fiefdom is Facilities topped $5 million. Director Ken Durham and his Their secret? Divide. top deputy, Scott Mims. A review of invoices dating It’s the latest revelation from back to 2018 found that while Uncovered, a partnership some major projects, such as sigbetween The Post and Courier nificant roof work or building a and community newspapers security checkpoint, were put out — including the Index-Journal to bid, others were spread across — to shine a light on questiondozens of invoices and multiple able conduct by government vendors. This kept each request employees. The series has preunder thresholds for adverting viously highlighted Mims’ close work, seeking state approval or contractors and even state regu- relationship to a contractor he hired at the school and former lators in the dark. interim President Sharon Wall See DIVIDE, page 6A At the center of this taxpay-

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Great in-depth work looking into what was, by all appearances, a deeply muddled situation exacerbated by lawsuits that can keep some people from talking. The breakouts detailing the multi-year sequence of key events was very helpful, especially given the length of the article. Great work on keeping the public informed.

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Nicely done with a lot of digging, questioning and researching back through tons of records over the years. Having done similar stories on Volunteer Fire Departments, I hope things can get straightened out and everything heading in the right direction because VFDs are invaluable to their communities.

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Tales of Valor

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Richard Gordon Cliff Sr. and Julie Sanders Cliff in their home in Mount Pleasant.

Life interrupted... An ordinary beginning It’s been 13 years since Richard Gordon Cliff Sr. and his wife, Julie, lost their first born son, Richard Gordon Cliff Jr., in combat in Afghanistan. Their comfortable home is filled with family photos and many items that honor their son. The pain they feel now sits just below the surface, not raw like it was before, but still palpable. Richard, called Rich, and Julie have been married for 43 years. Their story began simply. Richard grew up in Georgia and then attendedWestPoint,graduating in 1968. He spent five years on active duty, which included a year in Vietnam and then spent three years in the Army Reserve. He moved to Charleston to work in sales at IBM. There, he was introduced to his wife by her brother who worked with him. They went on a blind date. The two married in 1978.

his freshman year Richie told his father he was interested in taking Army ROTC. His dad, an Army veteran, thought he would learn useful skills. After beginning ROTC Richie called his dad saying “I’m really in a quandary.” His wrestling conflicted with his ROTC training. The Army had offered him a full three year scholarship. After talking with his dad Richie decided the Army was the way to go. “He just fell in love with the Army,” Rich said.

Building a family and a military career While he was in college Rich said his son met “his beautiful wife, Stacy, who’s from that area. They were both students there.” After graduation Richie was commissioned a Second Lieutenant, and went into the infantry. Rich said Richie asked for his first assignment to be deployment to Iraq. Rich explained that while he was in college, 9/11 happened. The two

with me, with her two sisters, and she said, ‘I have something to tell you. Richie and I are going to elope and get married.’ I just burst into tears.” So instead of an elopement a small family wedding was planned over a period of about 10 days. “It was a red, white and blue wedding,” said Julie smiling. The couple moved to Fort Lewis and Richie was deployed in fall 2003. Richie spent a year in Iraq as an infantry platoon leader and was decorated for his bravery. He rescued a couple of helicopter pilots that went down and received a Commendation Medal of Valor. They deployed again about a year later. And this time, Richie went over as a company executive officer, and was selected to go to the infantry captain’s course at Fort Benning and then on to Special Forces training. Richie and Stacy moved to Fort Bragg, North Carolina for his Special Forces training, (an 18 month program). Rich said,

Gold Star families’ courage is derived from love, pride, and deep sadness that is held together by remembrance. The Moultrie News thanks these two Gold Star families for their valor in sharing their heartbreak and love for the children they lost — two young men who volunteered to serve their country.

Surprising legacy in ink

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Gerald Jeter never found out who killed his son UNSOLVED Town gets UNSOLVED MURDERS MURDERS $500,000 Rhinehart case still a mystery for cleanup (Editor's note: There are at least 10 unsolved murders being investigated by the Union County Sheriff's Office, the Union Public Safety Department and Jonesville Police Department. Union County Crime Stoppers is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in each case. Over the next weeks, the Union County News will feature stories on each of these unsolved murders.)

Army helped Darren Raley discover his full potential

Most people have a moment in their lives when they are forced to “grow up.” Sometimes it’s goingtocollege.Forothersit’swhen theyhavetheirfirstchildorafirst job. For Darren Raley it was his first combat experience. Raley, 52, is a sergeant with the Mount Pleasant Police DepartmentandamemberoftheSWAT team as a sniper, which he said involves“expertobservationand being able to sit in a single spot withoutbeingnoticed,observing PROVIDED whatever your objective is.” He grew up around military Darren Raley in full uniform. men. His father was a career Navy radioman. His grandfa- After a year Raley said “I felt ther was a Marine, uncle was in like I needed more. I was always the Air Force and great-uncle in an excellent shot. I went into a the Army. His path took him on shooting program for the diviKENNA COE/STAFF sion and became a competitive the one he knew the least about – the Army. It turned out to be marksman with the 101st AirDiane Lesko holds a photo of her son Jonathan who served theone U.S.asNavy. the in right he ended his borne.” However, as rewarding military career after spending asthataccomplishmentwas“that 18 years in the Special Forces as still didn’t feed my drive to excel at something.” a Green Beret. Born in Hawaii, his fam- One day he went to a Special ily moved to Guantanamo Bay, Forces briefing and “watched Cuba when he started school the video, listened to the NCO and then endedpeople up in Key Westongive BY KENNA COE absorbed random facts from “I want to focus the his brief, and the lightbulb wasit’s around the they Na- died, just turned on.” He decided to as a teen. news@moultrienews.com shows or articles he read and fact “I that not how vy allbut the it’s time, prepare for could rattle them off instanhow they lived,” Diane jets men and women the selection Tattoos often tell a deeper taneously. While his sense watching of said about flying, seeing process for the story than what appears on the humor stood out in a crowd, Diwho die while in service. the ships come enlisted in the Navy Green Berets. surface. ane fondly remembers his genJonathan into at the19har“I was about As a U.S. Navy Petty Officer erous side – a side that showed years old after finishing bor.” His dad, four mi les Second Class, it only made through when passing a home- one year of college. Diane didn’t Elwood, would from where sense for Jonathan Lesko to ink less man on the side of the road remember him mentioning bring home a I worked, the military before, but the top half of his arm with a or in simple courtesies such Morse as joining code so I stopped shewhich knew one of his favorite large, colorful ship floating on always taking the grocery cart keypad driving and movies was Saving Private Ryan bright blue waves with two red back inside instead of leavingheit played with. walked with and he spent time playing Call birds underneath. However, his in the parking lot. “I thought it a rucksack on of DutyHe with his brothers, so the mom Diane Lesko said she was On Sept. 26, 2013, Jonathan was cool.” that weighed never much of a tattoo person. died by suicide at his apartment went decision to schoolmade sense to her. She 50pounds,”he thought it was a step in the right As a mom of three boys, how- in Virginia Beach while serving on the military said. Eventudirection for Jonathan. ever, Diane had learned to let his country on the USS George bases, which ally “I started Diane knew Jonathan was a some things go. H.W. Bush. Diane became part he described running with She said her son was her of a group she never expected, as “very strict” that rucksack. as thePlease teachers Ever y where own “personal Google.” He a Gold Star parent. see LESKO, Page A9 PROVIDED I went I ran. were from the Department of Mount Pleasant police serAnd then I geant Darren Raley. Defense. would repeat.” On Key West Raley began he was starting down a path of the selection process in 1996 at gettingintotrouble.“Growingup Fort Bragg, NC. “Selection is 21 on a small island, there is either days of pure sacrifice. Mind over tourism or trouble,” he said. He matter.” He said you may think got married young, at 18, and you want to quit “a thousand had a child and decided to join times a day” but you never say theArmy attheageof19inApril the words aloud. 1989. “I wasn’t concentrating on The last week of selection in-

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Loss and love also take courage

Richard Gordon Cliff Jr., died in combat in Afghanistan.

Anna Brown

Union County News

Monday January 25, 2021 Volume 12, No. 18

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Valor comes in many forms. Many think of it as something that happens only in combat or when faced with some extreme danger. But there is a different kind of valor. It’s quiet. Often solitary. And it is always unexpected no matter how much a person understands the risks inherent in military service.

BY CATHERINE KOHN editor@moultrienews.com

Monday January 18, 2021 Volume 12, No. 17

up. “I remember falling asleep walking. You know you’ve been walking while asleep when you startwalkingintotreebranches.” At the end the men were called out into formation and split the men into two groups and one group is marched off. “Out of almost 400 people 30 of us made it.” “If it (being a Green Beret) is not in your heart, you will not make it,” Raley said. Two years of qualification courses and training followed and Raley became a communications and intelligence expert. He was deployed to the Basilan Island in the Southern Philippines after 9/11 to fight a terrorist group, Abu Sayyef. This group was notorious for taking hostages, including two Americanmissionarieswhowereonan anniversary trip at a resort. In the Philippines, American forces had to work with the Philippine Armed Forces. Raley said it was frustrating trying to flush out the terrorists because, “we knewwheretheywerealmostevery time and it seemed like every time there was an operation they would move because somehow the information go leaked out.” Raley said the lack of training and resources hampered the operation. “The way the Philippine ArmyfightsI’msurprisedIcame out alive,” he said, adding they had “Vietnam era equipment.” The most difficult of his combat deployments were in Afghanistan. Which he described as hard both physically and emotionally. He had 13 combat tours there. He was quiet and thoughtful describing a time when a child who drowned was broughttothem“stillwarm,with aweakpulse.Shehadbeenpulled outofthewaterandexpiredright in front of us.” Raley said the Taliban often used women and children as shields and would dress like women to disguise themselves. “We didn’t act as we would have in the States.” He said everything and everyone was a potential threat. “That got to me. You would have workers on the base withyou,paythemincash.They leave the base, maybe they want to send some money home, and they don’t return. Then you find

By ANNA BROWN

Gerald Dean Jeter said that before he died, he wanted to know who killed his By GRAHAM WILLIAMS son, Quinten Dean Jeter. JONESVILLE - The Town of Jonesville has been awarded a $500,000 grant to demolish the old Wellington Quentin was 18 when he was shot to Leisure Products building and remove the debris. deathmurders on Nov. 30, 2007. (Editor's note: There are at least 10 unsolved Last week, the S.C. Department of Commerce Gerald said in a 2017 interview that he being investigated by the Union County Sheriff's Office, announced that Jonesville was among 15 communities the Union Public Safety Department and Jonesville Police felt like thereChristopher were a lot of people who Rhinehart (above) was shot to death on April 16, awarded more than $6.4 million in Community Department. Union County Crimestoppers knew is offering who akilled Quinten but none of them Development Block Grant funding for public improve2015. his death is still unsolved. $1,000 reward for information leading to an arrest eachto the wouldintalk police. ment projects. case. Over the next weeks, the Union County News will When he made these statements, Gerald "Economic development is a team effort - and Team feature stories on each of these unsolved murders. This is South Carolina works diligently to ensure that every counwas suffering from health problems, the second story in the series.) ty within our borders has an opportunity to progress,” said including pain from a spinal injury, high Gerald Dean Jeter holds a pictureSecretary of his son, Quinten, whoCDBG was found shot Commerce Bobby Hitt. “The program is to death on Nov. By ANNA BROWN blood pressure and other issues. He said he critical tool in the overall development and growth with30, 2007. (Anna Browna photo) On April 16, 2015, Christopher Rhinehartwondered went outside how much time he had left. in our state. We're proud to say that these grants will not his home on Haas Street and was standing beside his car remembers seeing called him. Gerald never knew the answer to who ond shift job. He only attract more investment to our state, but will also when someone shot him to death. house "He said,who 'Daddy, shot Quinten and left him lying on Axle Quentin at his grandmother's benefit the everyday lives of the people live income these get me. I am on Authorities said at the time that Rhinehart's mother and he was leaving for East Main.' I told him I would come get Street. passed away on Oct. 4, (Gerald's mother) ascommunities." one of his four children were inside the house when Gerald the The grant money will be used for demolition and When I got off work. Other boys around Quentin's age him when I got off work. 2020. shooting occurred. She told sheriff's deputies that she site,top" said Michael one inofathe "box work ITyler, wentJonesville over theretown and I didn't see anyheard gunshots, looked outside, and saw her "I sonmiss on themy son Quinten," Gerald said. were there, includingcleanup ground. gray and blue striped administrator. Chevrolet Caprice. body." "His smile lit up my world." “The smokestack will have to be demolished and the Nearly six years later, sheriff's deputies haveGerald leads, but Later that night about two disposed hours before Gerald said he wasn't last saw Quinten alive on Nov. material of at a prearranged landfill,” he said. concerned when are still looking for answers in 28-year-old29Rhinehart's at midnight, he went homematerial and Quinten wasn't there; before Gerald went to work on his sec- Gerald got off work “There are alsoQuinten small amounts of roofing that

to investigators

PROVIDED

In top photo Darren Raley is featured in an Elite Forces magazine in Japan, In the lower left photo he is working as a communications expert. Lower right, he is in full gear. giggling some more. So finally I hear a really good splash this time and I look back and there’s this seal. It was following me. I’m wearing all black with fins. And the guys go ‘it must be mating season.’”

What would he say to someone thinking of joining the military? “Do it. That’s where they will find themselves. Find out their boundaries and limitations.” Finally, when asked what he

missed about the service his answer is surprising. “The smell,” he said. “Jumping out of airplanes and the smell of the fuel. The smell of being in a new country. The smell of new food.”

WE THANK

death. Rhinehart's murder is one of around 10 that remain unsolved in Union County since 2007. Some of the cases are being investigated by the Union Public Safety Department and others are being investigated by the Jonesville Police Department. "At the end of the day we want to solve them just as much as the victim's family wants justice," said Capt. Scott Coffer of the Union County Sheriff's Office. "I know it has been some time but we are going to do all we can to hold the person accountable and get justice for the family. We want to give the victims some type of closure." Sheriff Jeff Bailey said he is making the sheriff'sBy office's ANNA BROWN cold murder cases a priority and he recentlyFoster assigned Park Elementary

contains asbestos on the site that will require professional abatement and proper disposal techniques guidelines from the EPA followed.” All of the unusable concrete pads, concrete footings, asphalt, brick and any other building materials will be demolished and disposed of in the landfill, Tyler said. “The overgrown vegetation and nonviable soil will also be removed and disposed of,” he said. “By the end of Phase I, grading of the site will take place and erosion control measures will be put into place, such seeding of grass, sediment fencing and sediment basins.” Once Phase I of the project is completed the town will

Quinten sometimes spent the night with his grandmother. Later that morning, Quinten's sister called. "She said, 'Daddy, Quentin's dead,'" Gerald said, tears filling his eyes. Quinten was found lying in a yard on Axle Street with a gunshot wound to his chest. According to an autopsy, the shot perforated both lungs and the aorta and Quentin died within minutes. Gunshots had been reported in the Foster Street area earlier that night but officers couldn't find the source. After Quinten's body was found, blood was found on McBeth and Foster streets, which are not far from East Main Street. Gerald said he thinks Quentin was trying to get to a friend's house after he was shot. According to a case history that is part of Quentin's autopsy report, there were 9 mm shell cases in one area and .40 caliber shell cases in another area. A 9 mm gun was found 50 yards from his body. His body was one and a half blocks from where the See JETER, Page 2

New SROs at Foster Park, Union County High School Dell Mitchell once attended Foster Park

School has2a See RHINEHART, Page

new School Resource Officer but this officer is no stranger to the school. SRO Dell Mitchell is replacing Bryan Shaver, who is the new SRO at

Quality of life programs explained

See GRANT, Page 2

Series of Articles

All Weekly Division

Wednesday, February 10, 2021 | PaGe a1

Taking a walk through hidden history

Wednesday, February 3, 2021 | PaGe a1

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BY CATHERINE KOHN AND KENNA COE editor@moultrienews.com news@moultrienews.com

Pup W bowl IV

First PLACE Catherine Kohn & Kenna Coe Moultrie News

A wonderful job of communicating his story. I found myself drawn is with a clear understanding of the history so rich on the streets of Charleston. As a reader I was anxious for the next installment of the series. Superb job all around.

$3.00

This story is Part II

alking through the describing the walking streets of downtour by Professor Damon town Charleston is L. Fordham and his taking steps through history. insights into the lives Tourists meander past stately and contributions of homes, stroll along the beautiAfrican Americans in the ful waterfront, visit the MarPalmetto State. Fordham ket or stop at one of the many teaches United States and restaurants. But the city’s African-American History beauty has its foundations in at Charleston Southern a dark past on the backs of enUniversity and The slaved people. Citadel. He is the author There was a struggle for surof “Mr. Potts and Me,” plainthe bottom line is we’re “Voices of Black South course BY KENNAvival COEthat is hidden in sight. Carolina-Legend and saving animal lives.” news@moultrienews.com Professor Damon L. Each Ford-quarter will feature difLegacy” and “True Stories hambe is ruff, one of Charleston’s of Black South Carolina.” ferent puppies that are availFootball can espeschola rs who help He received a citation able for adoption. Most of the cially whenBlack there are puppies people to better understand from the South Carolina competing on the field. The dogs are mixed breeds, known the unvarnished of blends, with mixes House of Representatives as shelter reigning champions, Kansashistory Charleston by sharing the perfor his work in education, City Canines are taking on the of labs, shepherds and other sonal stories of the Black men, historical research, and in Pup breeds with “a little bit of cuteTampa Baywomen Barketeers and children who lived social justice. Bowl IV onand Saturday, Feb. 6 at and nessdied sprinkled in,” added Hyloved and worked The Oaks. Charleston Animal man. The puppies will be feahere. Society and He Mount Pleasant invites people tured to joinon Charleston Animal ILLUSTRATION BY CATHERINE KOHN Towne Center theStories Society’s himare inhosting his Lost of Facebook page the adoption event. daytour beforeand thehad event. his mother, Pearl, in publican party.” Community.” him of bribing illiterate Black by Fordham shifts to Black orBlack Charleston walking This is no simpleTour game of Spectators will get the full 1922. A monument to his grandfaThere is a story passed down people who didn’t know what phaned children. He said until through Charleston. fetch – the puppies willown haveroots football live “He was thewith first in the family ther can be found in a greens- in Fordham’s family about an they were doing into voting the late 1800s, there were only Fordham’s run experience beaeducated,” said pace in the Four-Mile Com- arrest and trial of Maxwell. for him. Claiming the election orphanages for WhitePROVIDED children as he istime onlyto two play generaone quarterdeep, of playing actiontoon big screenFordham promunity. does It says, “Intolerate honor of “Nov. 12, 1879, he was tried at was illegitimate.” His grand- in South Carolina. The Mount with prideVisual in hisand voice.The “He“rufferee” tions away fromthe slavery himby Fox Audio not disputes from players. roll over, leap or run across vided graduated g reat-g randfather a turf grass playingfrom fieldAvery fromInstitute James Buchanan Maxwell. the City Courthouse,” Ford- father, according to the court Pleasant Home for Destitute end zone toself. scoreHis a touchdown was freed after the fallLowe’s. of the in 1873 and became the first Entrepreneur. Community ham said. “There was a g uy transcripts, got up and stated Children, an orphanage for for their team. Blackthose notary public in Mount Leader. Church Parish’s named E.J.that Mathew, a Repubrepeatedly, “I can will read.” So he Throughout Black children, 1881 in 1865; his Atson, the event, interested starts. They willChrist be able to view with the puppy they want adopted, the coaches draw theopened event,inthere “It’s goingConfederacy to be adorable,” randfather, J.B. Pleasant. also deal Firstthat African American lican that time, wasfrom released. Fordham’s g will He fillwas out ana big the puppies are in separateNotary. and give thecandidate adoptionatsurvey names a hat and that’s will be “retired” dogs over age said Kay Hyman, director of in adopting the post-Reconstruction Re- based A Leader and Educator thethatand his opponent accused married One stop the walking tour Please see TOUR, Page A6 adoption in survey that is avail- groups on quarter. Then, into specific coach. When the order thaton adopters get to communityMaxwell engagement forElizabeth

Kansas City Canines and Tampa Bay Barketeers are competing for the title

Charleston Animal Society. “Of able an hour before the game they will choose the quarter it’s time for the puppies to be choose their puppies.

Please see PUP BOWL, Page A3

Essay Carolina Park educator honored contest Police Charlestonin storyteller illuminates Black History video series judge middle schools use. The hon- a drawing from one of the BY KENNAon COE Chief walking tour ored educators are featured in kindergarteners. “I’m brown news@moultrienew.com looks forBlack history a video series that shares their in the picture and she’s peach BY CATHERINE KOHN stories. Some ofprincipal those stories are horrify- Charleston, through ordinary neighborpassions for education. and we’re both holding hands.” Asofthe assistant Carl sincerityeditor@moultrienews.com Mustipher said she ispasts. honored The student drew a big heart for ing, Carolina Park Elementary extraordinary profoundly sad and reach down into hood streets with

Ritchie retiring

PROVIDED School and thankful to be recognized. underneath the picture of the in Mount Pleasant, historian with the darkness of the human soul. At times, Fordham is a passionate BY KENNA COE sizeaofstrong the audi- two of them. Mustipher found Maurice Washington Mustipher of matter detailstheand This is the first of two parts about Prof.Shnickqua there is humor and hopes courage and pride — a deep mastery“No news@moultrienews.com ence, it makes me really happy the card in her mailbox during the students embrace their Damon L. Fordham, Charleston native and stories that offer a glimpse of what could understanding of the context of events. that someone hears voice, me and a busy, emotional week after whether Sometimes he will assume a different Black American who offers insights into thedifferences, be and should be.it’s a difimportance of fighting to make The Moultrie News, in partsomeone sees me.” finishing racial equity trainferent nose shape, different hair lives and contributions of African Ameri- In addition to teaching U.S. and African accent or dialect for emphasis. While walkvoice heard. nership with local attorney Even though she in of heran first ing. She asked the little girl if or a name that is each block, he reveals the islife cans in thehis Palmetto State.The Partfirst-time I focuses ontexture American history atoftenCharleston Southern ing onPROVIDED Constitution Essay Contest Larry Kobrovsky, is sponsoring academic yearthan at Carolina she knew that they look differmispronounced. rather usingPark a the life of the storyteller himself, while Parttimes University and The Citadel, along with individual struggle, its Annual Constitution Essay judge has always cherished the She wants to lead by example Shnickqua Mustipher is be- Elementary School Mustipher ent from each other and the girl paintthe his school visual pictures. II focuses right on histostories. researching and writing books, Fordham broad brush to said BY KENNAContest, COE which asks readers free speech and is look- and show students that any- ing honored in Committee community replied, “yes.” Then, Mustipher At History one point in his tour he spends his “free” time giving two-hour Black news@moultrienews.com to write an essay focusing on ing forward to reading a range thing embraced herstops fromand thedestart, said “but you still love me.” fora Children’s is possible. CATHERINE KOHN scribes how, in 1775, the sugar refinery on born of storyteller. Historian. Educator. walking tour calledMonth, “Lost Stories ofvideo Blackseries. essays from “What does our right ofAfreeespecially the students. students and Month “Yes” was the answer. During Black History was highlight turned into a slave Charleston storyteller through Tour Charleston, Magazine Street“The Looking back his 32-year dom on of speech actuallyWriter. mean adults on the topic. of everything “The kids, they’re so genutheCharleston” national organization, dungeon, known as the Sugar House. He Damon Fordham standing Prof. Damon L. Fordham is a man who which is headquartered at Buxton Books career, the moment that stands within the context of our Conhas been the children. Kids are ine, they’re authentic, “I think it’s so timely and it’s Committee for Children, has they’re the Old Slave Mart truth of the African Americanrecognized on King Street. out to Mount PleasantOne Police stitution?” of thereveals judges the thought provoking particularly not tainted, they’re pure. The Mustipher, along Committee for Children is a amazing because I know theyoutside STORYTELLER, Page experience the powerful winds across lower Chief Carl who Ritchie willisbeleading evaluating these forthrough recognize thatA7I’m different,Museum. school-aged kids – I’mmedium excit- withThe parents who have raised these six tour otherslowly Charleston non-profit knownPlease for its see social10,000 people across the Aressays is Maurice Washington. ed about reading their thoughts County School District edu- emotional learning curricu- but they don’t care,” Mustipher children they have done an thur RavenelAs Jr. the Bridge during second youngest of 10 cators for their impact on the lum, Second Step, a program said. siblings, community as Black educators. that all CCSD elementary and Mustipher recently received Please see EDUCATOR, Page A6 the aftermath of theWashington Emmanuel knows the Please see ESSAY, Page A5

AME Church shooting in 2015. “For that one moment, everyone was here to tell the world, ‘We don’t like what happened, it shouldn’t have happened and BY KENNA COE hate has no place here,’” Ritchie

ECCO opens doors to a better life

Dee Norton focusesing,on comprehensive care for abused children explained, “We have people not to be simply a quick “hand- maxes out. You can’t really live Most of the money they receive BY KENNA COE AND CATHERINE KOHN

that open that door and those out service.” Rather they want in Mount Pleasant on social se- is from private donations, about terview is to allow curity benefits anymore. We’re 85 percent. “Only about 7 perfirst couple steps are the hardest to provide practical helpthe thatchild

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COVID-19 in SC Saluda - 1,446 Laurens - 5,801

Deaths statewide: 35 new, 7,578 total Deaths in the Lakelands

Biden uses upbeat message to reassure US, world

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MONDAY, MARCH 1, 2021

City council to discuss masks and annexation

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WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden declared Wednesday night in his first address to a joint session of Congress that “America is ris-

ing anew,” and pointed optimistically to the nation’s emergence from the pandemic as a vital moment to rebuild the U.S. economy and fundamentally transform government roles in American life. Biden marked his first 100 days in office as the nation

pushes out of a menacing mix of crises, making his case before a pared-down gathering of mask-wearing legislators because of pandemic restrictions. Speaking in highly personal terms while demanding

ASSOCIATED PRESS

See BIDEN, page 4A

DHEC uses survey to fight hesitancy to get vaccine

Blooming career

From staff reports Face coverings and annexation are the topics for tonight’s special called meeting of the Greenwood City Council. Councilmembers will discuss whether to extend the mask mandate beyond its expiration or let the ordinance expire. The city’s mask mandate is set to expire at 8 a.m. March 10. Council voted on its first emergency ordinance requiring face coverings to be worn in retail and food service establishments in July. It has since extended the requirement in 60day intervals. In December, a motion to apJOHNATHAN prove a tradiRONNIE BASS ABLES tional ordinance — one that remains in effect until rescinded by council or until Gov. Henry McMaster ended his state of emergency BETTY NIKI — failed on a HUTTO BOLES tie. Council split 3-3 with Mayor Brandon Smith, Mayor Pro Tem Johnathan Bass and Councilman Ronnie Ables voting against the measure. MATTHEW PATRICIA Councilman PARTLOW Matthew Miller, MILLER Councilwoman Betty Boles and Councilwoman Niki Hutto supported the measure. Bass said at the time his problem with the ordinance was the permanent nature of it. Council has approved four BRANDON previous emergency ordinances SMITH — July, September, November and January. Newly elected Ward 2 Councilwoman Patricia Partlow, who filled the seat of Linda Edwards after her death, will be able to take part in the vote on this ordinance since taking the oath of office in late January. Also on council’s agenda for the special called meeting is to consider the annexation of nearly 80 acres at 1400 Florida Ave. and Elementary Avenue in Greenwood. A housing development planned for this property has twice appeared on the Joint Planning Commission of Greenwood County’s agenda. Both times the developer, Mark III Properties of Spartanburg, have withdrawn their request prior to the commission’s meeting. The company had requested the property be rezoned from commercial zoning, C-2 and single-family residential, R-1, to master-planned residential. The development’s application said the overall density would not exceed 268 lots and the use of master-planned residential would allow “more economical and efficient use of the property.” The application also made it known that the development would seek to be annexed into the City of Greenwood. Council will consider first reading of

President Joe Biden turns to Vice President Kamala Harris and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of Calif., after speaking Wednesday to a joint session of Congress in the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol in Washington.

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By JONATHAN LEMIRE and JOSH BOAK Associated Press

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Cases statewide: 1,197 new, 444,207 total Cases in the Lakelands

Greenwood - 6,692 Abbeville - 1,919

Greenwood - 142 Abbeville - 29

VOL. 102, NO. 348

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THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2021

2 SECTIONS, 18 PAGES

Florists must think creatively because of special requests

By DAMIAN DOMINGUEZ ddominguez@indexjournal.com

By GREG K. DEAL gdeal@indexjournal.com

PHOTOS BY GREG K. DEAL | INDEX-JOURNAL

ABOVE: Debra Case makes a floral arrangement at The Floral Case in Uptown Greenwood. RIGHT: Case holds a flower while making an arrangement.

on’t tell a florist a rose is a rose is a rose.

“Roses are still the No. 1 flower, and we get so many different colors of that,” said Debra Case, owner of The Floral Case in Uptown Greenwood since 1991. “Everything has a lot of different colors and textures, and I like things that smell good. You can get different shades or red, even. You have three or four different shades of yellow, and some have different head sizes. “There’s just tons of different colors of pinks. You’ll get a deep pink, a hot pink, a pink that’s a little white on the top. So, lots of different colors you can get with roses.” Case and her brother, who owns Kay’s Flowers in Saluda, have been doing floral arrangements since 1973. “It’s a fun job, and I like doing fun things,” Case said. “I had the experience growing up with my brother and mom doing this, so it was something my husband thought that might be something I wanted to do. “My brother and I always did stuff when we were growing up, and my mother grew beautiful flowers. We had always been exposed to flowers. And then my brother and I used to make arrangements. It’s basically been a lifetime of learning.” Case’s late husband is the one who came up with the name The Floral Case. She said she likes working with flowers because it makes people happy. “Even for funerals, it’s comfort for them,” Case said. “We’ve always been special for proms because you get to see that happiness on their face. Still, when we deliver stuff to people, it’s exciting to see a smile come over a customer’s face when they receive pretty flowers.” Case works with different wholesalers. One comes from Anderson every day with a refrigerated truck. “A lot of days, we call ahead and ask them what to bring us,” Case said.

See BLOOM, page 5A

Drawing a bead

GREG K. DEAL | INDEX-JOURNAL

Lori Holloway applies a flame to glass tubes and spins the material to create a bead that can be used for necklaces, bracelets or other art.

Jewelry designer has fiery passion for fine details By GREG K. DEAL gdeal@indexjournal.com

ori Holloway’s passions emerge from fine details. Her husband, Jon, is a professional photographer in Greenwood. They look at things differently. “Jon and I joke because we can walk through the woods, and he says I always see the little world,” Lori said. “He’s looking at these big landscapes. I’m looking at the mushrooms.” Deep inside their home, in a small basement room, Lori fires up a blowtorch and starts spinning tubes of glass to make beads for jewelry and other art. “Making these tiny little pieces of art — these little beads that I make — something about it stuck,” LORI Lori said. HOLLOWAY Lori took a single three-hour class on lamp-making 17 years ago while working as a nurse. She had no idea that one day she would devote her time to creating commissioned art

or art that is sold at Main & Maxwell in Uptown Greenwood. She also offers her art on Facebook at Facebook.com/LoriHollowayLampwork. “I was terrified when I took that class,” Lori said. “This was kind of just a little hobby. I set up my torch on the kitchen table after I took the class and just made beads.” She was sitting in front of a big bowl of her handiwork one day. “Jon finally looked at me and was like, ‘What are you going to do with all of those?’” Lori said.

She had no idea, but said, “I guess I need to learn to make something.” There was no YouTube at the time to scour for instructional videos, so she turned to books and became self-taught. At her work desk, she uses one hand to hold a steel rod called a mandrel. In the other hand, she applies various colors of glass tubes to the mandrel and spins the melting glass to create a bead. If the bead touches the cold table after it is torched, it can break; so, she often puts the bead that’s on the mandrel in a kiln so there is a cooling-down period. What might seem like a tedious process to some is just right for Lori. “It’s very meditative,” she said. “The actual melting of the glass, you can get mesmerized by watching the interactions of the colors. There are so many new colors being made that I can’t keep up with what’s out there. You don’t even know what the reaction is going to be between colors until you try it.” She also works with copper in creating jewelry See BEAD, page 4A

See SURVEY, page 5A

See COUNCIL, page 5A

IJ snags 27 SC press awards, including 11 first places From staff reports

paper five president’s cups in en short of winning the covet- lar Rolstad swept the sports Coverage of how COVID-19 Writer and designer Greg the past decade. ed President’s Award for Excel- features story category, taking created uncertainty ahead K. Deal took first place in spot

Pausing the Johnson & Johnson vaccine was the responsible thing to do, said state Director of Public Health Dr. Brannon Traxler. The CDC issued a moratorium April 14 on use of the COVID-19 vaccine produced by Janssen, a Johnson & Johnson company, and took that time to review cases of a rare side effect. There were reports of six women developing a rare type of blood clot, so health officials took the time to look into these BRANNON TRAXLER clotting cases. On Friday, federal health officials lifted the pause, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued new recommendations, including adding these rare blood clots to a list of potential side effects. In a media briefing Wednesday, Traxler said the state Department of Health and Environmental Control told vaccine providers statewide that they can go back to giving out the Janssen shots they had left in storage for the duration of the CDC’s pause. Nearly 100 million Americans have been fully vaccinated through one of the three emergency-use approved vaccines, Traxler said. There’s been a lull in how many people are getting vaccinated, however, and she said people should get vaccinated as soon as they can to prevent the virus from continuing to spread and mutate. “Some of us, myself included, have lost loved ones who cannot be replaced,” she said. “We need everyone to get their vaccines as soon as possible.” More cases are circulating among younger populations, who Traxler said might not

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‘HELPING SOMEONE’: Sandifer Funeral Home offers more than just the norm. B1 News Editor: Riley Morningstar | rmorningstar@upstatetoday.com spouses reunite as US borders open. D1 ‘A BIG FEELING’: Grandparents await hugs, A4 The Journal

Tuesday, November 9, 2021

We have a problem with authority

OCONEE COUNTY

Who are Oconee County’s top public earners? By the

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Tuesday, November 9, 2021

Vol. 117 No. 220

‘KEEPING THE FAITH’ ‘We are slow to believe Tigers continue that which if believed would our feelings.’ to fighthurtthrough adversity. Louis Nizer | AmericanC1 lawyer

numbers

ast Tuesday’s election results, which apparently shocked the nation, have consumed days of TV talk as cable pundits and others have sorted through data for clues to explain why so many voters pulled the lever for Republicans. At least, this time, nobody blamed the Russians. Very seldom are election results unexpected BY RILEY MORNINGSTAR if you bother to talk to people across this vast nation asTHE JOURNAL opposed to “operatives,” which in the nation’s capital are as— The School District SENECA common as “producers” Los of OconeeinCounty claims 19 spots Angeles. on a top 25 list of the area’s highDepending on the corridor — annual public salaries. Interstate 405est or the Acela rail The Journal — every other person seems to was provided variPARKER’S be one or the other. That doesn’t ous salary figures from the school POINT OF mean they know what they are County governdistrict, Oconee doing. | VIEW Democratic consultant James SEE EARNERS, PAGE A5 TO READ A RELATED EDITORIAL, TURN TO PAGE A4. Carville would be an exception. KATHLEEN In summing up why Virginia PARKER voters went for Republican Glenn Youngkin for governor instead of Democrat Terry McAuliffe, Carville said on PBS: “It’s this stupid wokeness.” He was also correct when he said in 1992, during oday’s front-page story aim to be a principal at an eleBill Clinton’s first presidential campaign, “It’s the starts a weeklong series mentary school or strive to be a economy, stupid.” More generally, I would suggest that the simcalled “The People You Pay,” county department head. plest explanation for the outcome is about nationlooking at how much those in And in June: al identity. It boils down to this: Americans hate Oconee County government jobs “To be clear, we’re not against being told what to do. And lately they’ve been told make annually. employees who do good work a lot: Stay at home. Stand apart. Wear a mask. Get The genesis of this series really being paid what they should be a shot. Get the booster. traces back to what we said in paid, and we understand the Also? They don’t like transparently cutesy May, and several other times, market is competitive. But last slogans that lack a cutting edge. Whoever came up with “Build Back Better” needs to go back to when Oconee County Council year during this process, county the marketing department or wherever they came was preparing to pass a fourth administrator Amanda Brock from. At least “Make America Great Again” didn’t straight year of raises for emtold her council we had fullsound like a 5th grade diorama assignment. When ployees. Here’s a little of what time employees who were living the House convened to consider the BBB package we said at the time: below the poverty level. That Friday, I half-expected a singalong: Everything is “Let’s be honest — when we simply isn’t true. We took a look, beautiful, in its own wa-ay. were all children, none of us and in our research, we could Some commentators have pointed out that voters grew up aspiring to work are rarely so engaged in policy details that they’d not find oneAccording full-time employee THElocal JOURNAL STAFF to Addis, oppose a candidate over a few billion dollars here government jobs. Local goveven remotely nearwasn’t the poverty Mackey wearing and there. This is inarguably true. But they might ernment jobs were low-paying, line. Shame on the entire counSENECA — A Penna personal flotation vote against a party that’s trying to cram social thankless jobs that nobody cil at the time for not asking for services and climate regulations into the same $1.75 sylvania man drowned device and wanted. The pay was terrible, verification.” trillion package, even if some of the specifics accrue early Saturday morncouldn’t hours were bad and supervisors Wednesday’s story will foto their (or their grandchildren’s) best interests. ing during a kayak were entitled jerks. Why would custrip on those employedswim. by the There’s no mystery to why Democratic moderate gone awry. Mackey anyone take those jobs? We Sens. Joe Manchin III of West Virginia and Kyrsten Oconee County government, of Kellen Jerome which there are many. was Sinema of Arizona, who sided with big business took them because the benefits Noneinof rather than support Medicare expansions and cor26,off, of New for a were good. Lots ofMackey, paid time this is meant to shametown anyone, porate tax hikes, are now darlings of the GOP. Brighton, wedding sick leave, good health insur-Pa., drowned but to shed a light on where Telling Americans how to live their lives is, unforJoe Rich inThe Lake Hartwellyour after ance, retirement. ... benefits money is going toand andwas what tunately, sometimes necessary, and I acknowledge Special were the reason we took those it’s paying for. Do you think Mackey his kayak overturned, at a home that COVID is one of those times. But don’t Forces expect Association jobs. … what you’re getting is a fair according to a release near the people to like it. Or to line up to vote for more of it. Parachute Team member “Government workers always County trade? It’s partly the spending, stupid. All told, Presfrom Oconee Martin Creek area of ident Biden’s proposed federal spending would compared their lifestyles toKarl theirAddis. You’ll find comprehensive Coroner Lake Hartwell, accordamount to $5 trillion over the next decade, acfriends who were making pri-fundraiser spreadsheets ourDepartwebAn online ing through to the S.C. cording to government number crunchers. Even vate-sector moneyfor butMackey who had site at upstatetoday.com. Be said he had though Democrats say that most will be covered no benefits and couldn’t retire. sure to follow along there, beby increased revenue coming from the wealthiest, SEE MAN, PAGE A5 a 2-year-old son. That isn’t true today — not all of cause we’ll print as many salait won’t just be billionaires picking up the tab. it, anyway.” ries as we reasonably can inside But the other weapon Republicans deployed Now, after looking at some of our paper daily. Not all of them was about parental control, or lack thereof. Some voters surely see Biden’s proposed expenditures for these figures? A few of us are will fit, especially the county or universal pre-K, otherwise known as day care, as a left wondering why we didn’t school district, so check online. back door to ever-greater government control over their lives. Or, in the vernacular of the far-right: government-weaned babies potty-trained by socialist nannies, precursors to propagandist educators schooled in critical race theory. More or less. Virginia’s gubernatorial race was a textbook case. When Fairfax County parents objected to Today is Tuesday, Nov. Germany and Austria in mans danced atop the library books they deemed too sexually explicit

TOP FIVE BASE ANNUAL SALARIES FOR OCONEE PUBLIC EMPLOYEES

1. Michael Thorsland (SDOC superintendent) 2. Scott Moulder (Seneca city administrator) 3. David Root (Oconee County attorney) 4. Amanda Brock (Oconee County administrator) 5. Bob Faires (Seneca utilities director)

CLEMSON

$186,644 $179,857 $160,000 $135,000 $133,286

Diving in

Parachuting pair practice for Military Appreciation Day game in Clemson This series held public officials and those in leadership positions accountable,

while providing pertinent information to the public that taxpayers are entitled to. BY LAUREN PIERCE THE JOURNAL

CLEMSON — team of two parachutists with the Special

Thorsland first as school district dominates list

| OUR VIEW |

OUR VIEW

The people you pay SENECA T

‘All you see is the parachute coming and landing, but there’s a lot of support that goes behind it, so it’s kind of neat.’

Pa. man drowns after kayak flips on Hartwell

CLEMSON

Official calls for

| TODAY IN HISTORY |

| YOUR VIEW | ‘See something, say something’ — please! EDITOR:

A tribute to my son, who should be celebrating his birthday today. A recognition to the compassionate and timely article published in The Journal, titled “Unsolved, but not forgotten.” Beautifully written. Tragedies like the Gabby Petito and Brian Laundrie case should never happen. The unsolved cases relating to Oconee County residents should never happen. My heart and soul aches for the Petito and Laundrie families. Whatever their differences, they will always share the same heartache — each have lost a child! Although we may never know the full details of this horrific crime — and yes, a crime it was — I believe someone, somewhere out there must have details pertaining to this case and the unsolved ones for our missing loved families of Oconee County. Let me explain: As most everyone knows, our son Alex took his own life — “death by suicide — Greenville city parking garage, eighth floor.” Were there any witnesses? Did someone, anyone, see something? Say anything? Suspect anything? We never knew. Days and months went by. Suddenly, a mutual friend broke their silence. “I knew this might happen.” “He threatened numerous times to carry out the place and method he chose.” A wave of shock and disbelief shattered our world all over again. The response to a family waiting for answers came from a devastated, bewildered and frightened young man who simply said, “What was I supposed to do? I certainly never expected him to follow through.” Please understand. If you see something, suspect abnormal behavior, witness any actions that disturb you, especially domestic violence, as my son was involved in a “toxic” relationship, please report it immediately. It’s human nature to have doubts, fears and concerns. Even a feeling of betrayal and loyalty if you reveal the “hidden details” of confidence.

Series of Articles

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Staff

The Post and Courier

Series of Articles Daily Over 25,000 Division

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Best of the Best Staff The State This series illustrates in a real way that earmarks exist and taxpayers are hurt by that. It shows the power of great reporting.

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Christian Boschult

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Myrtle Beach Herald

CHEROKEE COUNTY GOES BACK TO SCHOOL 2021 SPECIAL SECTION INSIDE TODAY!

PAGE 2 - THE GAFFNEY LEDGER

The Gaffney Ledger

SLED charges Blacksburg man By SCOTT POWELL Ledger Staff Writer spowell@gaffneyledger.com

LOCAL NEWS

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2020

County’s long-range plan to be unveiled Monday

By LARRY HILLIARD Ledger Staff Writer larry@gaffneyledger.com

Invitations have been extended to The chairman of one of the govother government bodies as well as erning bodies, Cherokee County the media. Council’s Tim Spencer believes the Palladian Group official Karen study will be a game changer for the A Blacksburg man was arrested Tuesday by state law It’s been a little less than A a cenFloyd the goal of implies, the county. to the best interests of the people of Cherokee County. newspaper inexplained all that the word devoted enforcement agents in connection with an altercation tury and a quarter in the making. study was to develop a doable strate“The council is excited to have www.gaffneyledger.com 50 CEnTS S.C. between the mayor’s son and a town council member. For the first time since gAffnEY, the Cherogic plan that makes the county a this roadmap to help us in decision AUGUST 13,for 2021 Cody Michael Patterson, 26, was charged with assault kee County’s founding in 1897, lead“better place to live,FRIDAY, work and play .” making the future,” Spencer and battery 3rd degree by the S.C. Law Enforcement Diers will unveil a long-range plan To that end, the plan identified said. “The report shows that the citivision. Patterson was booked at the Cherokee County based solely on the input from John four sectors — economic developzens recognize the amount of potenDetention Center and was released Wednesday on a per- and Joanne Q. Public. ment, infrastructure, quality of life tial we have in Cherokee County sonal recognizance bond. “This is something that we’ve and tourism. Several doable steps and now it is up to us as governing The charge stems from a S.C. Law Enforcement Divineeded for a long time,” Cherokee were identified and addressed in bodies to take the steps to fulfill that By County SCOTT POWELL after sheBratton left, stating child would stop everyone who sion (SLED) investigation into a June 17 dispute beAdministrator Steve Brateach of the sectors, said.that thepotential. Wenot thank Ledger crying and askingof her home, to their input into tween Patterson and Blacksburg Town Council ton.Staff “WeWriter have never had a vision For example, construction anto come took the according time to give Leskanic. member Dennis Stroupe in the Bantam Chef at 114 W. spowell@gaffneyledger.com that the community put forward to airport, interchange beautification this process.” “It was the first time he had been left alone with a Cherokee St. in Blacksburg. make the county a better place.” and the development of a unified The process began in early June A Gaffney man expressed remorse in court before a child,” Leskanic said. “Brock started crying as a 3Blacksburg Police were called to the scene at 7:59 p.m. judgeThe community’s gath-in the marketing plan amongchild the county , do.”when county council approved imposed a 20-year vision prison was sentence savmonth-old tends to after a radio call from a Cherokee County Sheriff ’s from committee memCity of. Gaffney andthe Town of Blacksup to $100,000 for the study ageered beating ofsteering a 3-month-old baby boy last January After mother arrived, itspending was determined the Deputy who was flagged down on Highway 5 about a ber comments and 20, more than 200 to abuse burg among theunresponsive 10 doable steps that council members Justin Keith Crowe, plead guilty of were a baby was and he was taken for emer- said would fight in progress. online and paper surveys. series identified and addressed in the secchart the future of the county for child resulting in great bodily A injury Thursday gency treatment. Stroupe claimed he got into an argument at Bantam morning in connection January 2020,according of tactical meetingswith werethe held last 16,tors, Gaffney police took Crowe the intonext custody he adto Bratton. two after decades. of to David Brock. some of the to striking the child several times. Chef over Patterson allegedly taking pictures while the beating month implement “We nevermitted promoted the county . More than a month later, the baby boy was in critiDuringin anthe interview with police, council member met with people in a parking lot owned Thepublic’s survey responses. This is all addressed commucountyLeskanic hired thesaid Palladian Group to after a prose-Palladian Crowe told investigators angry when by Tessner’s Detailing, next door to the restaurant, ac- cal condition Spartanburg-based nity vision and strategy plan,” Brat-he became conduct the study . the said gathered the baby was baby would not stop crying andNot struck the boy twice cording to an incident report on file at Blacksburg Po- cutor Group the information and ton said. coincidentally , the study prespunched in the head mulin the head and once in the stomach with the full lice Department. compiled the results into a lengthy Bratton also said that respondents entation coincides with the launch tiple times by Crowe. force of his fists. Leskanic said Crowe blacked out SLED investigated the case at the request of the 113-page report, dubbed Cherokee in the public input phase spoke of the county’s new website, cheroCircuit Court Judge and attempted to strangle the baby at one point. Blacksburg Police Department. The case will be prose- Michael County 2037: ordered A Clear Vision, that “loud and clear” of the importance Bratton said. The Nettles While Brock has physicallykeecountysc.gov, recovered from his incuted by the 16th Circuit Solicitor’s Office. willhave be presented at Monday’s 5 p.m. for the localjuries, governing bodies to cowebsite Crowe a mandatory Leskanic stated in court it willwas be adesigned couple ofby the PallaAccording to the arrest warrant, Patterson attempted mental Cherokee Council meeting. operate to attain goals. dian Group. healthCounty evaluation yearsshared before it is known if the baby’s brain developto injure the victim by “using his body to aggressively and receive anger management and cognitive ability is impaired long-term, push (the victim) outside the door of the restaurant. Af- ment counseling. Prior to sentencing, Crowe read a letter in court Crowe can see his senwhere he apologized to Brock’s parents for his acfiant’s belief is based upon statements from multiple CROWE tence reduced to 13 years tions. witnesses, video surveillance from the Bantam Chef, with two “I’m not able to look in the mirror,” and SLED investigation.” Theyears state probation Department of Health the past two weeks, according to at myselfStatewide, DHEC announced has good behavior and complies with the court Crowe said. “I hate what I became. I am truly sorry The victim’s name was redacted from the arrest war- if he and Environmental Control (DHEC) DHEC. There have been 68 COVID1,754 new confirmed cases on requirements for counseling. for what I’ve done.” rant provided by SLED. The victim was identified as announced 15 new cases of the 19 related deaths here during that Thursday bringing the total since Deputy solicitor Kim Leskanic said the child sufAfter the court appearance, Beverly Hueston said Stroupe in an incident report released by Blacksburg novel coronavirus Wednesday and time, according to agency’s numthe start of the pandemic to 208,435. Brock, who turns 2 in October, is enjoying his new fered brain bleeds, a crushed larynx and several broshe is happy justice was served for her son. Police Department. cases Thursday bers. wasyears a 23.8% rateas ina big brother and has recovered physically kenfour ribsadditional when he was lefton in the care of. Crowe to “Brock is doing well. He is There about two nowpositiverole Blacksburg Mayor Mike Patterson said he has been babysit This brings the total number of groceryAstore total of and 164 county residents testing conducted Thursday . while his girlfriend went to the is a big brother so he’s really happy about that,” from the injuries he suffered in a January 16, 2020, advised by attorneys not to comment. cases here to 2,163 since the are hospitalized because thesolicitor’s office There have been 4,145 deaths andvirus run errands. Hueston said. of “The did a wonderful childdue abuse that was resolved in court Thursday. (Photo provided by Beverly Hueston, Brock’s mother.) Stroupe could not be reached for comment. pandemic began, including over virus, DHECjob said. to the virus statewide, DHEC said. Crowe called the boy’s mother246 about 30 minutes with this case.”

Gaffney man gets 20-year sentence in child abuse case

15 new COVID cases Wednesday; only 4 here Thursday

FallGood PlantingLuck Is Here! Indians &

Mums • Pansies • Topsoil • Shrubs

Brewery brings salty to”downtown ghly Wreck-A-Mended! “We Come Hiflavor By LARRY HILLIARD

sour ales, and cookie stouts that will

Beat Reporting

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Weekly Under 3,500 & 3,500-6,500 Divisions Combined

thedanielislandnews.com

Rash of car break-ins plagues Daniel Island park ELIZABETH HORTON

news@thedanielislandnews.com

One should never leave valuables unattended inside a vehicle under any circumstances. Lately, this advice has become more pertinent, especially in public spaces on Daniel Island. Since July 31, there have been four separate incidents involving thefts from motor vehicles at Governor’s Park, located at 165 Fairbanks Drive on Daniel Island. All of the thefts took place during the early evening hours. Three of the incidents involved a forcible entry into the vehicle while in the fourth instance a key was left on a tire which allowed the suspect access into the vehicle. The first incident occurred on July 31 between 6:35 - 8:40 p.m. The victim parked his 2008 Toyota Sienna at Governor’s Park near a visible, central walkway. Within the two-hour timeframe, an individual forced entry into the vehicle by breaking the front passenger-side window. Once inside, the offender stole a handmade shopping bag containing clothing, two thermoses, and some silverware. The items were valued at $300. Then, on Aug. 7 between 6:45 - 7:45 p.m., an individual forced entry into a 2019 Subaru

First PLACE Elizabeth Horton

The Daniel Island News

04 | NEWS

The Daniel Island News ■ September 9 - 15, 2021

thedanielislandnews.com

tion department. In turn, Mount Pleasant P.D. charges at a Walmart in Mount Pleasant. were notified. Surveillance video captured the The next day, another victim parked her individual using the stolen cards. 2019 Honda Passport at Governor’s Park. At “The individual, a 34-year-old resident of some point between 6:50 - 7:45 p.m., the perpetrator forced entry into the vehicle by break- North Charleston, South Carolina, was found to be in possession of five debit cards and ing the front passenger-side window. A purse eight recently purchased gift cards. Also in the containing $60, a pair of sunglasses, a credit subject’s possession was a burglary tool used card, two debit cards, a key fob, a wallet, and Forester parked at Governor’s Park, again by to break vehicle windows,” Wojslawowicz other miscellaneous items were stolen. The breaking the front passenger-side window. victim informed police that her debit card had noted. The individual removed a drawstring bag The Charleston Police Department plans containing the victim’s wallet, driver’s license, been used at a Walmart in Mount Pleasant. to collaborate with their colleagues in Mount During the last three incidents, debit or military card, a debit card, an iPhone, keys, Pleasant to attempt to identify whether this $20, and swimming attire. The debit card was credit cards were stolen and were used or attempted to be used at local Walmarts, primar- individual was responsible for the other car used at the Centre Pointe Walmart store in break-ins in both jurisdictions as well as to ily to purchase gift cards. North Charleston on the same day. determine whether others are working in colLt. Matt Wojslawowicz, Team 5 comOn Aug. 30, a victim parked her 2010 mander for the Charleston Police Department, laboration with this individual. Volvo XC60 at Governor’s Park. At some While reviewing the pattern of incidents, point between 6-6:57 p.m., an individual used said, “This pattern is not seen only on Daniel Wojslawowicz mentioned that a crime Island but has been documented across the a key that was left on top of the front passenger-side tire to enter the vehicle. Once inside, Lowcountry over the past couple of months.” scheme that originated from a group in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, called the “Felony Lane With the assistance of the Mount Pleasant the individual stole an iPhone 12 along with Gang” uses the same modus operandi. Federal her driver’s license and debit card which were Police Department, one individual has been authorities are warning about the organization attached to the iPhone. The victim’s friend had arrested. Shortly after the Aug. 31 theft on that travels to locations throughout the U.S. to individual use 4, 2021 placed her personal items in the same vehicle Daniel TheIsland, Danielan Island News attempted ■ Oct. 28to- Nov. commit vehicle break-ins and fraud sprees. the stolen bank cards at a Walmart in Mount and she was missing her vehicle keys as well Pleasant. During the transaction, the card was as her driver’s license and debit card. ActivSee BREAK-INS on PAGE 08 declined, which alerted the store’s loss prevenity reported on her debit card showed illegal

TO REPORT A CRIME

Call Charleston County Consolidated Dispatch at 843-743-7200 and ask for the on duty detective at the Charleston Police Department, or call Crime Stoppers of the Lowcountry at 843-554-1111.

Local swimmer healing after brutal assault at college

Waldrop’s heart journey to recoveryof will be amt. pleasant Family is thankful for their former Daniel Islandmodel village townhome in the long one. His mother, Annette Waldrop, said,

ELIZABETH HORTON

news@thedanielislandnews.com

Recovering at his home in Charleston, Chad Waldrop told The Daniel Island News, “I do not regret doing the right thing.” According to a criminal complaint filed in the matter, Waldrop suffered serious injuries after being assaulted by a fellow studentathlete, Ezayah Oropeza. Oropeza was arrested and charged with assault for third degree substantial bodily harm by the state of Minnesota, Stearns County. According to details presented in the criminal complaint, Waldrop — a former Daniel Island resident and a collegiate swimmer at St. Cloud University in St. Cloud, Minnesota — was at his off-campus residence on Sept. 18 when around 1:30 a.m. he heard screams coming from outside. The complaint referenced eyewitness and video tape showing that Waldrop stepped outdoors to investigate and found a man and woman arguing. When Waldrop asked if everything was all right, the defendant rushed at him, lifted him and tackled him to the ground. The video further depicts the de-

fendant striking Waldrop while he was limp on the ground, the complaint states. Resulting injuries included a broken nose in four places, multiple facial fractures, bilateral black eyes, hemorrhaging in the eyes, chipped teeth, multiple cuts and bruising internally and externally throughout his face and head. One of his teeth punctured through his mouth, requiring multiple stitches. After the attack, the complaint states that the video shows the female trying to render aid to Waldrop and that eventually the defendant carried him back to Waldrop’s home. Police arrived and Waldrop was transported to a hospital to be treated for his injuries. 843.642.3546 According to a media release from the City ben@mattoneillteam.com of St. Cloud, Oropeza is a 20-year-old student on the wrestling team at the university. Waldrop said that he did not personally PROVIDED LISTED BY MISSY REID know his attacker but had seen him on camChad Waldrop pets Luke, a new dog that was pus several times, entering into the gym as gifted to the family and has helped improve the swim team was leaving. Waldrop’s spirits during his recovery. Waldrop’s father, Jerry Waldrop, said the arrest was the first step in claiming justice community members and people all over the for his son. He credits a change.org petition world, which Jerry believes helped lead to that received over 10,000 signatures from the arrest.

Ben Laaper

“Chad had to have metal plates put into his lower and upper jaw. The doctors intended to put multiple plates in Chad’s cheeks but during his first operation there was so much trauma to the cheeks the screws could not be screwed to the bone. Chad’s mouth will be wired shut for six to eight weeks.” Additional surgeries will be likely, where doctors will have to cut the upper jaw from the skull, line it up the lower jaw and put screws and plates to tie it into place, wiring the jaw shut for six to eight more weeks. He is suffering from nerve damage to the right side of his face from his eye to his lip. Annette reported that Waldrop is in good spirits after a “guardian angel” in the community gifted him with a new dog named Luke. “Luke has been a great addition to our family and fits us like a glove. Before Luke came into our lives, Chad was getting very depressed. Not being able to finish his junior year of college in St. Cloud, and leaving all the friends he made was really taking a toll on him,” she said.

AT TOWNE CENTER MALL

1876 CAROLINA TOWNE COURT - MOUNT PLEASANT

CALL BEN AT 843-642-3546 TO GET YOUR HOME SOLD!

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Very good writing. This reader was able to follow the story from beginning to end with no knowledge of the area. Good job. Congratulations.

“Dr. Church and the staff at Daniel Island Dentistry continue to deliver professional and courteous service. I have been a patient since moving to Daniel Island and wouldn’t consider going anywhere else. Simply the best!!”

See HEALING on PAGE 08

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Business, A5

thelancasternews.com

Wednesday, August 25, 2021

District quarantines more than 1,100 Most are students, only 42 staff

Last week, the district started using its COVID-19 dashboard again at the end of the first week of school. As of last Friday, the By MAC BANKS district had 1,110 individuals quarantined, with 42 of listed as mbanks@thelancasternews.com staff. It isn’t clear from the dashLancaster County School Dis- board if the rest are students, IL job fair: D.J. trict now >> has Vols’ more than 1,000 because those numbers aren’t on people quarantined, most of the dashboard, nor are they broEmployers Ealey signs them students. ken down by school level – ele-

mentary, middle or high. “The COVID case numbers are on the rise in our district and county. These high numbers are very concerning,” said LCSD Superintendent Dr. Jonathan Phipps. Although the quarantined numbers are high, the district is only listing 139 positive cases through last week, with 109 of

those students and the rest staff. Students who are quarantined are going to classes virtually to keep up with school while they are out. The two-week positivity rate in Lancaster County is listed as high at 13.8 percent, with the trend in incident rate listed as high as well. The district is limited in what

it can do to prevent the spread of COVID-19. “We highly recommend students and staff to wear masks and emphasize increased handwashing and social distancing when possible,” Phipps said. The district cannot force the issue of mask wearing, due to a current state law banning mask mandates.

Second PLACE The News Lancaster Gregory A. Summers <<

seek workers

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with Morris

County Lancaster County’s biweekly newspaper working to contain COVID BUSINESS, 5

SPORTS, 6

Happy Birthday, Van Wyck! Police net

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 16, 2021

19 on drug charges

No new COVID-19 cases in county By GREGORY A. SUMMERS

By MAC BANKS

gsummers@thelancasternews.com

DHEC: No coronavirus deaths in state either

mbanks@thelancasternews.com

Lancaster County leaders have taken three measures DHEC reported three new casof them were in Lancaster Coun- new COVID-19 infections and Gregory A. Summers to deal ty. with the latest wave seven deaths in the state, fol- es in Lancaster County on June gsummers@thelancasternews.com DHEC also announced of the COVID-19 pandem- in its lowed by 119 cases and no 9, one case Thursday and five COVID-19 numbers across the latest data that there were no deaths Thursday, June 10, and cases and one death on Friday. ic, and additional measures state and Lancaster County con- deaths in the state to report. 156 cases and 17 deaths on FriNine local cases from the weekcould be Since coming before tinue to fall. March 2020, of the state day, June 11. end and Monday, were included The S.C. Department of Health the end has of the week.492,985 confirmed The agency is no longer rein the June 14 report, with no reported and Environmental Control“It’s re- not COVID-19 casesbetter. and 8,623 porting weekend data. getting any cases reported on Tuesday. ported 53 new infections state- deaths from the virus. DHEC reported 116 cases and We’re starting to see numOn June 9, DHEC reported 162 two deaths Monday, June 14. wide Tuesday, June 15, but none See COVID I Page 2 bers that we haven’t seen since January,” said County Administrator Steve Willis in an update to County Council at its meeting Monday, Aug. 23. The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control reported 151 new confirmed coronavirus infections and one death in the county Monday, followed by 50 cases and one death here The town of Van Wyck celTuesday, Aug. 24. ebrated its fourth birthday Across the state, DHEC rewith a community party ported 3,124 new confirmed on Monday, Aug. 23, at its cases and 36 deaths Monday, Gregory A. Summers community center. The followed by 3,121 cases and gsummers@thelancasternews.com town voted to incorporate The Lancaster Police Department will nine deaths Tuesday. on Aug. 15, 2017. ABOVE: receive 10 new patrol cars as part of the At least 568,857 people Van Wyck Town Coun- city’s $31.9 million budget for fiscal have tested positive for the cilman Richard Vaughan 2021-22. coronavirus in South CaroliThose vehicles will replace the departblows out the candle on ment’s na and there have been 9,073 obsolescent Ford Crown Victoria a piece of cake at the Police Interceptors at a cost of $585,000. confirmed deaths in the state birthday party. From left Lancaster City Council unanimously since March 2020. are VW Council members passed first reading of the budget at its Willis said county staff will Cassandra Watkins, Xavi- June 8 meeting. meet in the upcoming days “We don’t ask for stuff because we’d er Kee and Mayor Sean like to have it. We ask for it because we to determine what additional Corcoran. RIGHT: Van need it,” said Capt. Phillip Hall, interim steps need to be taken inside GregorytoA. Summers Wyck Town Councilman Lancaster Police Department chief. county facilities better Bob Doster, who baked protect thegsummers@thelancasternews.com public and county See BUDGET I Page 2 woemployees. of Lancaster’s best – volunteer firefighter Den-the lemon-iced cake, nis Straight and Lancaster County lights the candles on it, The local numbers areSheriff’s Office Deputy James Kirk Jr. – were remembered Tuesday, with help from longtime starting to have an impact on June 15, by 14 bicyclists who rode through the county to

The Lancaster News $31M budget includes 10 new police vehicles City taxes fall slightly for homeowners

Carolina Brotherhood Ride honors Kirk, Straight on ride through county

Three arrested for beating man with shovel

honor those who have lost their lives in the line of duty.resident Betty Broome. Photos courtesy of Jane Massey COVID, pageRide A2 – Honoring The nonprofit CarolinaSee Brotherhood the Fallen & Their Families, made stops at the Van Wyck Volunteer Fire Department and the county Emergency Operations Center to honor Straight and Kirk on this year’s sixKirk day, 650-mile trek across both states. The riders were escorted through the city by Lancaster Mac Banks Fire Department and through the county by Lancaster County FireA. Rescue. By GREGORY SUMMERS tients. That was alwaysmbanks@thelancasternews.com his priority joined the county’s STAR (Special“The whole thing about the fire service, Three men were arrested gsummers@thelancasternews.com and that’s what we teach,” Catoe said. izedrecently Tacticsforand Resources) team and EMS and law enforcement is it’s all a their involvement in beating a man with McKinney, a U.S.a Navy and11. was looking to get into the education brotherhood,” said Raleigh Fire Deshovel veteran Friday, June partment Capt. Denahas Ali, lost volunteer Lancaster County EMS one father of two daughters, to work side of EMS,” The went Lancaster Police Department ar- Catoe said. “Richard for the riders. restedEMS Christopher of its ownspokeswoman to COVID-19. for Lancaster County in Sep-Julian just Taylor, wanted20,to help others.” and Deyshaun Lamarrstarted feeling bad about Paramedic Richard See McKinney, re-3 tember EMT.Lee, He 20, earned McKinney RIDERS I Page Straight 2013 as anMickey Hargrove, 18, and charged them with garded by his 125 coworkers as a his paramedic certification and was two weeks ago and was showing second-degree assault and battery by “big ’ol teddy bear,” diedphotos early Tues-A. SUMMERS/reporter recently promoted mob. to assistant super- some of the respiratory symptoms by GREGORY day, Aug. 24, at Piedmont MedicalFirevisor. COVID-19, said co-worker Josh Police received a call for about 10 p.m. Escorted by the Lancaster Department from a woman said that her McKinney then testand Lancaster County Fire Rescue, members loved Friday Center in Rock Hill, said County “Richard everybody and who Faulkenberry. a 23-year-old Lancaster resi-for the coronavirus and the Carolina EMS DirectorofClay Catoe.Brotherhood Riders lovedbike theupservice. boyfriend, He is one of the ed positive dent, was being assaulted at the ChesNorth White Street on Tuesday, June 15. At McKinney was 45. rare ones who couldn’t seem to do was hospitalized. He was placed on terfield Apartments. left, Statesville Fire Department Chief Andy “He was a team player who always enough. He volunteered for arrived manyon the scene, they Once police off in the shade at the went by whatWeathersby was besttowels for his pa- tasks and becamediscovered a tacticalmultiple medic, men attacking a See MCKINNEY, page A2

A three-month operation by the Lancaster Police Department resulted in the arrests of 19 people on drug charges. The Lancaster Police Special Operations Unit issued 51 warrants for various offenses in the arrests, including drug distribution, possession and firearm charges. All of the arrests had to do with the sale of drugs, including methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine and crack cocaine. There were a dozen instances where transactions occurred near a park or a school. “Our Special Operations Unit worked hard gathering intel to put each of these people behind bars,” said interim Police Chief Phillip Hall. “It is our hope that by arresting these 19 people, we have made dent in the drug problem in Lancaster. We will continue looking into and arresting those that are dealing drugs in our city. “I ask that the public aid us in our fight against drugs by reporting any suspicious activity that they see,” he said. “Our anonymous tip hotline is the perfect way to deliver information to us if you wish to remain unidentified.” Those arrested were: n Dajuan Foster, 32, distribution of meth, possession with intent to distribute near a park or school, possession of cocaine, possession of Schedule IV drug, possession of less than 1 gram meth/cocaine base, possession of ecstasy n Mark Nesbit, 56, possession of crack cocaine n Brandon Cunningham, 39, distribution of meth, possession with intent to distribute meth near a park or school n Antonio McIlwain, 35, distribution of meth, two counts of possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, two See ARRESTS, page A3

County paramedic McKinney dies from COVID

Emergency Operations Center.

Mac Banks

mbanks@thelancasternews.com

Photo supplied

See BEATING I Page 3

169th year, No. 68 Today’s Weather USC Lancaster lights the cupola Index One section, 10 pages Partly cloudy with a 15% Business The men’s teamchance was also lighting. It will mostly glow of stray showers league and tournament cham- Mostly with the Overnight: clearUSCL colors of blue

Lancaster County paramedic Richard McKinney, 45, died early Tuesday, Aug. 24, due to COVID-19. He was regarded as a “big ’ol teddy bear” by his EMS coworkers.

Church News Classifieds

Deaths, A4 A5 A10 A8

Coming Events Out & About Sports

A10 A10 A6

Larry Amos Michelle Jones Patricia Hood

Rose Coleman Anne Close Ruby Williams

were cleared

Beat Reporting

Weekly Over 6,500 Division

First PLACE Mac Banks

The Lancaster News

one of the speakers, who wanted Police Chief Scott brown Grant fired, verbally sparred with a man in the cardboard. crowd who interrupted her. The citizen-comment procedure is defined by city Nearby ordinance. Residents are allowed only to address the residents council as a whole, and there is no back-and-forth discussion between councilbelieve and speakers. the Residents may not address the audience. The rules are spelled plant is the out in every meeting agenda. See CHAOS source of a I Page 3A

counts of unlawful following a neglect of a child. Mac Banks verbal altercation The results of an between a ongoing investigambanks@thelancasternews.com speaker and a tion revealed the White The old paper mill just man in the crowd causeBowater of death of during the the girl was dehydration and mal-River stunk across the Catawba upcitizencomments part of nutrition, to neglect, according the due area around it for decades, its to the Lancaster County Coroner’s the meeting.

dirty-diaper smell wafting around See CHARGES I Page 3A rotten smell in the northern half of Lancaster County on the air currents. the area for the The site off S.C. 5 is now owned by past few weeks. cardboard-maker New Indy Containerboard, and nearby residents land Patriots owner Robert Kraft, DHEC to investigate to eradicate this are complaining that there’s a new employs 2,000 people across the or lessen the odor.” stench in the area – harsher and country and 455 at the Catawba Johnson, along with Sens. Mike more penetrating. It stretches from plant, which it bought inMac 2018 for Fanning (D-17) Wes Climer (Ramount ofand merchandise stolen so far tops Banks $80,000. contacted DHEC reTega Cay into Lancaster County and $300 million. mbanks@thelancasternews.com 15), collectively In the most recent case, $6,000 worth of It’s like a of bank robbers who hit the north across the state line. Calls and e-mails togang New Indy garding smell. perfume was stolen May 4 from the Ulta only theabout BB&Ts and only the $100 bills.agency Beauty said at the Promenade at Carolina ReComplaints are flooding legislative management asking thetake smell The it is monitoring A multi-state theft ring is targeting Ulta serve in Indian Land. offices, and lawmakers have called in were not returned this week. the situation but has little control at Beauty stores across the Carolinas, includAccording to the sheriff’s report, a man ing the at Indian store, a who the S.C. Department of Health and “We feel confident thisLand point theaccording this to point because plant all in appearedthe to be in his has 40s walked report from the Lancaster County Sheriff’s and went to the fragrance section. Environmental Control to investi- smell is coming from them,” said the licensing anddirectly paperwork needed Office. He opened a black trash bag and raked gate. They’re assuming that Califor- Sen. Michael Johnson, who repreto operate. PHOTO SUPPLIED They steal only perfumes and colognes, into it whole shelves of perfume and coThe store’s surveillance shows suspect carryingsents a large the trashbag storesin in Charlotte, Rock Hill“Odors and as logne. nia-based Newfootage Indy is theasource. 16th hitting District York and of any type can trigger far away as are Columbia to the south and full of perfume. A total of $6,000 worth fragrances stolen from Ulta He then out and hopped counties. “We pushing The company, owned byofNew Eng-wereLancaster Seewalked STENCH I Page 3Ainto a Morganton, N.C., to the north. The total

Perfume thieves target Ulta stores in IL and far beyond

Beauty at the Promenade at Carolina Reserve in Indian Land on May 4. 169th year, No. 39 Two sections, 16 pages

See THIEVES I Page 8A

Index

Saturday Weather

Deaths, 4A

Inside, 2A

Howard Catoe James Little Faye “Prissy” Page William “Pete” Sutton

Masks no longer required for those vaccinated

Patrol dogs expand sheriff’s tactical options Partly cloudy with a 4% chance of stray showers Overnight: Partly cloudy with a 3% chance of stray showers

Mac Banks

High: 76 Low: 53

Church News ..................5B Classifieds .......................6B Coming Events ...............2B Education .........................3B

Just for Fun ................... 4B Opinion ........................7A Sports ............................5A TLN Weekend ............ 1B

mbanks@thelancasternews.com

The Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office has added two new officers – the four-legged kind. Deputy Andrew Soler has been partnered with Sultan, and Deputy Victoria Crowley has teamed up with Jack. Both dogs are Belgian shepherds, a breed known for intelligence and learning ability. Crowley and Soler have been training with Sultan and Jack at the American Society of Canine Trainers in Virginia. Before then Jack and Sultan had been at Southern Marsh K-9 in Ridgeland, a nationally certified police dog See K-9 I Page 3A

169th year, No. 21 Two sections, 18 pages

Courtesy of LANCASTER COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

The sheriff’s office has new K-9s to celebrate – Victoria Crowley and Jack, Joseph Minors and Daisy Mae, Andrew Soler and Sultan. Jack and Sultan will complete training with Crowley and Soler in a few weeks. Minors and Daisy Mae will complete the certification process later this year.

Saturday Weather

Cloudy with a 15% chance of scattered showers Overnight: Cloudy with a 24% chance of scattered High: 60 showers Low: 50

Sheriff’s Office Officers resp Hamilton’s hom sault call. The three others noticed a spen front porch an had fired a p sheriff’s statem Hamilton w and the house S

Nursi visits gover

Not yet i positive

Grego

gsummers@

With corona and more vacc ry McMaster h allow face-tohome resident If a county’s ID-19 testing i homes can re tion. For visit home must h cases among s weeks. The America tion, which re homes and oth ties, reported l cases among it 82% since Dec There are 19 state, and 177

Index

Deaths, 4A

Church News ..................2B Classifieds .......................7B Coming Events ...............5B Education .........................3B

Paula Adams Lynn Baker Francis Jackson Roberta Moon

Just for Fun ................... 4B Opinion ........................9A Sports ............................5A TLN Weekend ............ 1B

You did a great job showing everything that was going on in the law enforcement sector and reporting on topics that most people don’t understand. You were able to explain everything in a way that anyone can understand the process and what law enforcement has to do. You also did a great job talking with law enforcement and attaining the information that you need to write such detailed stories.

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Shelbie Goulding

Matthew Christian

BUSINESS

Ulta Beauty will open March 5 in Sumter A2

TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2021

$1.00

| Serving South Carolina since October 15, 1894

School enrollment decrease similar to state trends BY BRUCE MILLS bruce@theitem.com Sumter School District’s enrollment decrease this school year matches statewide traditional public school trends amid the pandemic, as there has been growth in alternative forms of K-12 education. A spokesman for the state Department of Education and the executive director of the S.C. Independent School Asso-

ciation spoke Monday about how COVID-19 has affected enrollment trends. In their last two school board meetings, Sumter district administrators have shared that the official fall 2020 student headcount for all its schools is down 440 students, or 2.8%, from official spring 2020 enrollment at the outset of the pandemic. That reduction from last school year to the current

year will translate to less state revenue for district operational purposes, likely in the range of $1 million to $2 million, according to officials. But Sumter’s scenario is similar to that of Clarendon and Lee counties and also statewide public school totals. According to state data, public school enrollment is down 1.4%, or 10,290 students, in the same timeframe. Ryan Brown, chief communications

officer with the state department, notes if the two public charter school districts in the state are removed from aggregate totals, then enrollment in the 79 traditional school districts in South Carolina is down 2.5%, or 18,217 students. Brown said many families chose to enroll their children in online virtual public charter schools in August. Kayla Audette, program manager for the Charter

Schools Program, said last week there are five virtual public charters in the state, and each has at least four years of experience with virtual education. With virtual education prevalent this school year in the pandemic, families may have chosen these schools because of their experience in administering such learning

The Sumter Item

Morning News

SEE ENROLLMENT, PAGE A6

CLARENDON SUN

‘I refuse to give up.’

Orchard Cafe in Manning thriving

Family, friends continue search for missing 18-year-old BY SHELBIE GOULDING shelbie@theitem.com

candle, fighting tears as she dence. His mother, Angel leans on a nearby shoulder Brown, last saw him on while a prayer is shared. She Christmas Day, and she can’t lifts her head, wiping tears believe he’s so far vanished from her eyes, hopeful her without a trace. 18-year-old son will return “We refuse to give up home soon. hope in finding him,” Brown Jackson “Brent” Garcia was said. last seen on Dec. 26, 2020, Salvation Army officers leaving his cousin’s and other local pastors led a Ithica Drive candlelight vigil Friday night SERVING SOUTH CAROLINA SINCEresiOCTOBER 15, 1894

Business open since June has been busy serving up deli items, smoothies, more

A single light shines down on more than 50 candles flickering in the dark Wesmark Plaza parking lot Friday evening. A mother clutches a large

FRIDAY, JULY 9, 2021

SEE BRENT, PAGE A6 $1.00

Car part gives thieves big money but owners, police big headaches HOW YOU CAN HELP Jackson “Brent” Garcia was last seen wearing light gray sweatpants, black-and-white sneakers and a dark jacket. He is 5 feet 11 inches and weighs about 170 pounds. He has brown hair and hazel eyes. He is known to visit the U.S. 15 South and Cherryvale areas. He does have a history of mental illness and was not on medication when he was last seen. Anyone with information about his whereabouts, recent activities and people he could be in contact with should call the sheriff’s office at (803) 436-2000 or call Crime Stoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC (274-6372). Tips can also be given electronically and anonymously by going to www.p3tips.com.

Sumter detectives hope for decline in catalytic converter thefts after new state law took effect May 18 BY SHELBIE GOULDING shelbie@theitem.com A Sumter man had to rearrange his business operations for weeks to avoid becoming the next victim of

the newest local and state trend in property crimes. He moved six vehicles to his house every night for two weeks while Angel Brown is surround- of others in a sestoring a handful ed by family members cured location and community mem-after learning similar bers Friday during a can- businesses had reand neighboring dlelight vigil in the park-catalytic converter ported multiple ing lot of the Beacon Cinthefts in the City ema on Broad Street in of Sumter. honor of Brent “They hitGarcia, some businesses around her son, who has been me, and I didn’t missing since Dec. 26. want to be the next victim,” said the man, who wished PHOTOS BY MICAH GREEN / THE toSUMTER remain anonymous to protect his ITEM

Coronavirus deaths rising Vaccine supply from federal A berry good summer in 30 U.S. states in surge

MORE INSIDE See page A9 for tips from the Sumter police on how to prevent catalytic converter theft from your vehicles.

business' privacy. “Once I found out this was going on, any cars that I left out overnight, I either brought

SEE THEFTS, PAGE A9

U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY MASS COMMUNICATION 3RD CLASS AARON XAVIER SALDANA

Missy Lattanzie, an RV park resident, searches through her belongings that were destroyed after a tornado touched down on Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay on Wednesday. Lattanzie is an employee at the Kings Bay post office and has been a resident of the RV park with her husband for four years. Twelve RVs were damaged

Beat Reporting

Daily Under 8,500 Division

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The Times and Democrat

This is truly solid reporting from a writer who puts in the extra effort to get the stories from the perspectives of the people affected. Great work.

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Kate Hidalgo Bellows

Colin Demarest

The Island Packet

Aiken Standard

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Aiken Standard

This story accurately covered the officer-involved shooting while providing intriguing and valuable details of the event, the suspect, and the victim. It was very well-rounded and told the full story without excess information.

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Rebecca Liebson

Chloe Johnson

The State

The Post and Courier

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Greenville News

This articles and photos are very informative. The photos are very visually stimulating.

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Barbara Ball

The News & Reporter

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April 22, 2021 • The Voice

Your Hometown Newspaper • 5

The Voice

BHS Celebrates Seniors Blythewood High School celebrated its senior class in a drive through College/ Career Decision Day event on Friday, April 16. Members of the Class of 2021 drove through the front bus loop where teachers, staff, college, and military representatives cheered for them and their accomplishments.

BlythewoodOnline.com

subscribe to Blythewood Tennis off to P8 4-0 start

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RIDGEWAY – Two giant angel wings painted last week on the side of the Subscription form on Olde Town Hall Restaurant in downtown Ridgeway are causing a stir and may have broken a law, according to the town’s zoning administrator. Ridgeway resident Patsy Palmer, who consigned the painting, reportedly said she had permission from town council to have the wings painted on the building which is owned by the town government. Mayor Heath Cookendorfer confirmed as much to The Voice, saying, “When Patsy asked me if she could have the wings painted on the building, I thought it was a good idea and called the other council members to see what they thought. They all agreed it was, so I told her, “Yeah, go ahead.” However not only does town councilBlythewoodOnline.com not have the authority to approve such a project, council’s on-the-fly ‘vote’ is a violation of the state’s Freedom of Informa- A stop order was issued by the town zoning administrator after the wings were tion Act. painted on Olde Town Hall restaurant, one of the town’s historic buildings. Barbara Ball Councilman Rufus Jones told The Voice that, in hindsight, he realizes that he that location,” Bush told The Voice. “I cuss it in depth. The next thing I knew, made a mistake to agree to the painting. think now that the location should have I was driving through town and it was Councilwoman Belva Bush Belton said been given a little more thought. I think painted on the building.” she doesn’t remember actually agree- we were giving our opinion that it was a Because the painting is rendered on ing to the painting going up on a specific good idea to do something like that, but an historic building in the town’s overlay building. it never came back as that location and it district, the Architectural Review Board “We didn’t specifically ok this location, never came up for a vote or even to dis- is the board authorized to approve it,

Zettle

From page 1

Freeway Music, Doko Station hold grand opening

The Voice of Blythewood

up to date! Ridgeway angelStaywings may SPORTS violate zoning ordinance Barbara Ball Publisher

FEATURED

Thursday, September 23, 2021

Town attorney resigns; Council mandates councilmen not notified masks BHS choir performs at 9/11 ceremony to honor victims P2

Town to Provide Needed Protection for Businesses

Barbara Ball Publisher

BLYTHEWOOD – Town Attorney Shannon Burnett has resigned her position with the town, according to emails exchanged between Councilman Donald Brock and Town Administrator Carroll Williamson on Tuesday, almost a week after sources say Burnett’s resignation letter was received by Williamson. When Williamson was asked for a copy of Burnett’s resignation letter, Mayor Bryan Franklin considered the request as “harrassment and intimidation”

of Williamson and sent an angry email to Brock (see page 4) expressing his dismay, asking Brock to resign his council seat. Rumors had been circulating since Thursday, Sept. 16, that Burnett had submitted her resignation Wednesday afternoon, Sept 15. The Voice was unable to independently verify that timeline. On Tuesday, Sept. 21, Brock YouranHometown Newspaper sent email to Williamson asking if Burnett had, indeed, resigned and, if she had, why had the council not been notified. Williamson responded that Burnett had sent her resignation

BW schools Three R2 school board members shine on walk out of chaotic meeting SC report card

his young son – a boy estimated to be 3 or in 2019, amidst a flurry of politicized me4 years old – after the man asked permis- dia reports supporting Lorance, President sion to move some wire a few feet so he Trump granted him a pardon, and Lorance could access his field. Zettel said Lorance was released and treated like a hero as he also made false reports that the platoon arrived home from prison. had taken fire from the village. Then he The story of the Afghan massacre, Zettel tried to get members of his platoon and said, was distorted on Fox News. After their Afghan allies to shoot at rocks that heMichael Fox’s Sean Hannity encouraged Lorance on Smith claimed were IED’s. air to claim that the three men on the moReporter Zettel said his testimony at Lorance’s torcycle were armed threats, members of subsequent trial related mainly to an inci- the platoon pushed back, saying the three dent that occurred the second day. were villagers with only cards, scissors, BLYTHEWOOD - IDBlythewood “I was in a guard tower when Lorence some pens and three cucumbers in their schools bested ordered us to harass locals with gunfire,area pockets and generally had posed no threat other to the expressing sadistic enjoyment at theirMidlands soldiers, according testimony. schoolstoon the recently frightened reaction,” Zettel said. The story of the pardon and the detail released 2021 school report cards, Zettel said he has agonized over the of the killings were widespread fodder on a news few programs schoolsand fellnewspapers, short of thought that, though he didn’t personallythough national fire any shots, perhaps he could have saidstate including a recent results. book by Anne Jacobson and district or done more to stop what happened. titled First Platoon: A Story of Modern War Four of five Blythewood area ele“In the moment, it’s not as easy as what in the Age of Identity Dominance. mentary performed better people think it is.” He said. “It wasschools tough to stomach,” Zettel said. LoBy the third day, Lorance claimed, falsely,than rance’s conviction had beenin the only sign their counterparts Richland that the rules of engagement had changed, that someone was being held accountable, well as invalidation the stateofintheallevents subenabling the platoon to shoot at anyone onTwo theas only formal a motorcycle – a common form of trans-ject that had left Zettel’s platoon wracked with areas. portation in the area. guilt – the killings, the harrowing investiLake Carolina, Langford, Round Later that day, Zettel said Lorance or- gation that followed and the various forms and Bethel-Hanberry dered members of the platoon to fire onTop of condemnation that they facedelemensince. three local men on a motorcycle, killingtary Asschools he prepares to leavedistrict the Army and after topped two of them without provocation. In the more than a decade of service, Zettel said state results in the Language Matha aftermath, they killed two more men in the the killings and aftermathArts, have taken village as well. on the menaccording in his platoon. of them andtollScience, toFive state re“It was by then obvious to us that Lo-port arecard dead.data. But these deaths didn’t occur on rance had crossed a line,” Zettel said. the battlefield; they happened after everyThat day, soldiers in the platoon turned Blythewood one came home. Middle, Kelly Miller him in. After that, all those who had wit-Middle Zetteland said the men’s Road strugglemiddle to cope Muller nessed Lorance’s behavior over the three with what happened – the crimes, the inschools achieved the same feat in days were pulled into a months-long inves- vestigation, the trial, the lack of support Arts afterward and Science, though tigation in which the entire platoon livedLanguage they received and Lorance’s under the threat of criminal charges, atwo exoneration – tookMiller a heavy and psyschoolsof –sorts Kelly nerve-wracking time, Zettel said. chological toll on the men. Zettel said he Road – fell Math. In the end, after 14 members of the pla-Muller believes it was the short demonsinand haunting toon testified against Lorance, he was sen- At memories that school pushed three the five the high level,ofBlythe-

Your Hometown Newspaper

FEATURED

not town council, according to the town’s zoning administrator, attorney Robert Hartman. Cookendorfer said he just wasn’t thinking when he gave Palmer permission to paint the wings on the wall. He said, however, that he actually gave her permission to paint wings on two other town-owned buildings as well. “I have since told her to hold off on the other two until we get this settled,” Cookendorfer said. On Friday, Hartman issued Palmer and the Town of Ridgeway a Stop Order that stated: “The ‘wings’ graffiti shall be immediately removed by the Town of Ridgeway and Patsy Palmer from the Olde Town Hall building and must follow all correct procedures to not damage the bricks and mortar upon removal.” Hartman further instructed the Town and Palmer to seekBall the assistance of the Barbara appointed town historian Jon Ward in Thursday, September 16, 2021 Publisher determining proper removal of the paint from the brick. AestheticsBLYTHEWOOD aside, Ward, a preservation– During a speist for over 30 years, addressed the paint cial oncalled meeting week, as an assault the structure and sentlast a letter saying as much to the4mayor, memcouncil voted – 1 to approve an bers of council and the mask zoning adminisemergency ordinance that trator. is, according Town Administra“Preservaton of historictobuildings requires a tor working knowledge of proper Carroll Williamson, largely like

to both him and Mayor Bryan Franklin, but offered no other information about the resignation except that he assumed Burnett had notified council. “I emailed Mr. Williamson again, asking him to forward Ms. Burnett’s letter to the full council. So far I have not received the letter or any further correspondence from Mr. Williamson on the subject,” Brock said. Two other council members told The Voice that they also had not been notified by anyone at town hall about Burnett’s resignation the previous week. By law, council is responsi-

the one recently passed by RichSee Wings page 8 land County and similar to the one the Town enacted last year. Councilman Eddie Baughman voted against the ordinance. One difference in this ordinance COLUMBIA – A dramatic walkand the county’s is that the Blytheout by three Richland Two School wood ordinance does not apply to Board members during Tuesday schools, Williamson said. night’s regular school board meetThe ordinance requires masks to ing, ended the meeting after only 35 be worn in all commercial estabminutes. lishments for the next 60 days. The walkout left only four board Councilman Brock asked how members to continue the meeting. the ordinance will apply to the OkBoard policy specifies that it takes toberfest. five members to constitute a quo“There would be no exception rum, Superintendent Dr. Baron Dafor the event,” Williamson said. vis told the four remaining board As for enforcement of the ordimembers: Chairwoman Teresa nance at Oktoberfest, Williamson Holmes, Amelia McKie, James Mansaid, “We will make sure they do ning and Cheryl Caution-Parker. everything they can to comply with The fiasco began when the board the ordnance.” was asked by Holmes to approve He said, however, that there are the meeting agenda. After a motion no enforcement plans specifically. Chairwoman Teresa Stream and second to approve the agenda, R2 Board “It does say every effort willHolmes be Standing in for Kelly Powell’s parents, Bill and JenniferRichland Trapp2 Live present the Eagle Scout badge to Powell. board member Lindsay Agostini Linda Franklin-Moore made for voluntary compliance,” time to said. look over the pro- McFadden said they had not re- meeting. They said they were not moved to postpone the agenda item more Williamson contract. ceived the contract until late the prepared to discuss and act on the on the superintendent’s contract posed Brock suggested an amendment Agostini and board members Dr. day before and that additions were until the Sept. 28 board meeting, that would alleviate the businesses saying board members needed Monica and special LaShonda See R2 page 6 from Elkins-Scott having to fund pro- given to them at noon the day of the tections by providing the town’s Linda Franklin-Moore “He always made sure the younger project, including paperwork, to the scouts were having a good time Eagle Scout review board. businesses with all necessary hand Contributor on their first camp-out away from Powell was accompanied to the sanitizer, masks and face coverings Contributed BLYTHEWOOD - It is not often home or while they were learning a review board meeting by Scout David and Kim Zettel, Declan See Masks page 4 you hear about a wrong being new skill. He always attended and Committee member William (Bill) ter Lorance’s trial, Zettel went to college, what haunts him the most is the thought helped with all the camp-outs, sum- C. Ferguson, LTC, US Army, Retired, righted after 27 years. earning two degrees in 2015 – in applied that he could’ve done more to stop the killmathematics and economics – and be- ings, more to help his friends overcome But on Friday, Sept. 17, that’s ex- mer camps, service projects, regu- of Blythewood.

Barbara Ball Publisher

After 27 years, he’s an Eagle Scout

Freeway Music to cut ribbon Sept. 18

Shannon Burnett ble for hiring and firing both the town administrator and the municipal attorney. The Town Administrator is responsible for

See Burnett page 4

“Of all the things I ever wanted in my life was to be an Eagle Scout. Kelly Powell Kelly Powell. He was devastated. The decision was appealed. While a different set of board members are supposed to hear appeals, there was only one member on Powell’s appeal board – the same man who had deemed the project unworthy at the initial review. He denied the appeal. While this violated the Boy Scouts of America appeal procedures, there was not enough time before Powell’s 18th birthday to complete another project. And, until this day, there is no record of the appeal hearing recorded on the local or national level. Powell, disappointed, accepted

Government Beat Reporting

Weekly Under 3,500 & 3,500-6,500 Divisions Combined

First PLACE Samantha Winn The Star

The writer offered good coverage and solid supporting information about project plans, limitations and exceptions.

Government Beat Reporting

Weekly Over 6,500 Division

Third PLACE

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Evan Peter Smith

Mike McCombs

Greenville Journal

The Island News

Champion found not guilty By MAC BANKS

nio Emmanuel Champion ended late Friday, Oct. 29. Stevens, 33, was found guilty of voluntary manslaughter, assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature, possession of a firearm during a violent crime and possession of a firearm by a person convicted of a crime of violence. He was sentenced to a total

of 50 years – 30 years for voluntary manslaughter and 20 for the assault and battery charge, with those two STEVENS sentences running consecutively. The other charges were given five-year sentences, which will run concurrently. Champion, 32, was found not guilty on all charges, but did

plead guilty before the trial to possession of a firearm by a person convicted of a crime of violence. He was given five years for that charge. Judge Brian Gibbons handed down the sentence to both individuals. The jury trial for both Stevens and Champion started Oct. 20 and lasted until the jury rendered a verdict late last Friday. Stevens was charged with two counts of murder in the shoot-

Government Beat Reporting mbanks@thelancasternews.com

One of the longest trials in the history of Lancaster County concluded last week with one man sentenced to 50 years and another being found not guilty on all charges. The Ole Skool shooting trial of Breante Deon Stevens and Anto-

Weekly Over 6,500 Division

ing Henry Lee Colvin of Rock Hill and Aaron Mastafis Harris of Kershaw, and also faced eight counts of aggravated assault and battery for gunshot wounds inflicted on eight others at the Ole Skool Sports Bar and Grill the night of Sept. 21, 2019. Champion was charged with murder as well. According to warrants, Stevens got into an altercation with

and demonstrating or picketing in a Capitol building. He is among 650 people from across the country who has been arrested for the Jan. 6 riot. Less than a week after the riots, Colbath was identified by the FBI

said when he first entered the Capitol building, he was in a hallway, and saw a cloud of what he believed was tear gas and saw a man who had been affected by the gas. Colbath said he helped the man to an already broken

ing to the documents. The documents say Colbath made two videos outside the Capitol with a cell phone before entering. One of the videos appears to have been made from the outside of the Capitol with about

Happy Birthday, ‘Miss Plummie’

See OLE SKOOL, page A2

Council passes Edgewater II agreement County to recoup $900K in back taxes in 4 years By GREGORY A. SUMMERS

gsummers@thelancasternews.com

Durr Burgers: A new year’s resolution?

The second phase of a huge development along the Catawba River can now move forward. After three months of legal wrangling, negotiation and heated debate, members of Lancaster County Council passed third reading of an ordinance that restructures residential improvement bonds tied to stalled Edgewater II project. The 375-acre development FOOD is& along FUN,Fishing 9 Creek and off S.C. 200 in the southwestern portion of the county. Almost 200 homes have been built in the last year in its first phase, with more than 1,000 planned for the second phase. Council’s main concern has been recouping about $900,000 in back taxes owed on 1,059 defaulted lots and making sure that the develGregory A. Summers / reporter opers fix infrastructure and erosion issues there Roxanna Alexander, 100, right, talks to her granddaughter, Donielle Nesbit, on Saturday, Oct. 30, outside the Barr Street school so county taxpayers don’t have to foot the bill. campus. Alexander’s family and friends held a drive-by birthday parade in her honor. The final vote at the Oct. 25 council meeting was 5-2, with County Council Chair Steve Harper and Allen Blackmon voting against it. Harper has maintained a stance that the county www.thelancasternews.com should get all the back taxes upfront. By GREGORY A. SUMMERS He noted that in the original agreement the county would only get back 20 percent of gsummers@thelancasternews.com

Gregory A. Summers

The Lancaster News

The

Alexander celebrates 100 years surrounded by family, friends

INDIAN LAND — The explosive population growth in the northern end of Lancaster County has leaders in the cross hairs as they try to redraw political lines after the 2020 census. The first draft of the seven council districts was a thorny, contentious issue during a public forum Wednesday, Oct. 27, at the Del Webb Library at Indian Land. More than 30 Panhandle residents attended the information session, which had County Councilwoman Charlene McGriff sparring with them over racial issues and then walking back something she said. The redistricting process repeats itself every 10 years, requiring county leaders to redraw the maps. The initial proposal is a drastic one as council seeks input on shifting the lines through SPORTS, 6 a complicated process that is governed by state law.

By MAC BANK

mbanks@thelan

County prep hoops play returns

Lancaster News Lancaster County’s biweekly newspaper How it works

The U.S. Constitution, the state constitution and law requires South Carolina to redraw the electoral lines so that people have equal representation within various levels of government as populations increase and decline. This is done to comply with the equal protection JANUARY clause of 6, 2021 WEDNESDAY, the 14th Amendment of the

75 CENTS

Hunter Wallace removed from office Three municipal elections on Tuesday Norman presses See DISTRICTS, page A3

This is the first first draft of the seven redrawn Lancaster County Council districts, presented Wednesday night at the redistricting public forum at the Del Webb Library at Indian Land.

Governor: She forfeited auditor’s post by moving voter registration to Horry County

tions,” said County Elections fast-growing community. ready filled by incumbents By MAC BANKS and Director Mary Ann Hudson. There is a crowded field for Bob Doster, Xavier Kee and GREGORY A. SUMMERS qualified from serving” be- hoping of Hunter Wallace’s term,elections. ac- Wallace left the county admin“We’re voters will Van Wyck’s Cassandra Watkins, who The Lancaster News cause she is no longer acome regiscordingso to their the governor’s order.race,istration building about 1 p.m. gsummers@thelancasternews.com out Tuesday In the mayor’s incum- will be taking on newcomers tered voter Lancaster Councurrent auditor’s term isTuesday after Graham, being informed Now that the in state has its voices will be The heard.” bent Sean Corcoran trying Stuart Sheena HinSusan Hunter Wallace is no own ty. Municipal Election This is not expires June 30. to hold off Robertthat McMaster removed a countywide “Bob” son, Kyle had Starnes and Lance longer the auditor for Lancast- Day, Auditor-elect voters in Heath Springs, the only votYoder attempts Jr. This is Corcoran’s Awbrey. Suzetteelection Mur- and Despite multiple her from“Kip” office. er County. Kershaw and Van Wyck are ers who can cast ballots are first challenge for the mayIncumbent Richard phy, who defeated Hunter Wal- Tuesday, The Lancaster News “She was made aware ofVaughan this Marshall and Brigitte Benson wave to Roxanna Alexander as they pass by in the parade across South residents ofcould the three oral seat.Wallace He ran unopposed not left,” running forsaid. re-elecGov. Henry McMaster issued among lace those in last year’s Republican nottowns, reach Hunter situationisand Willis processional. By MAC BANKS Carolina who will head to along with eligible resi- when he was first elected tion. an executive order just before 1 Party primary, will be sworn in for comment. Willis said the auditor’s office mbanks@thelancasternews.com the polls on Tuesday, Nov. 2, dents who live within the mayor in 2017 and again in One thing different about p.m. Tuesday stating that to at 4 p.m. today in council Lancaster County Adminiswas immediately andisitsthe Hunter Murphy She also has 25 grandchil- usher boards and is now the church choose new local leaderVan Wyck Fire Department 2019 when he was re-electthis year’sclosed election Hunter Wallace “is legally disSee AUDITOR I Page 3 chambers to fill the remainder tratorThey Stevewill Willis ship. coverage area. ed. said Hunter number of years that people dren, 48 great-grandchildren, 14 mother of Cedar Creek. Wallace U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman is putting pressure “Municipal Election Day consider a ballot question to The field is full of con- are running for. There are on the U.S. Postal Service to build a post office great-great-grandchildren, and one Alexander said in a letter to The Lanis something that the state decide if they want to create tenders for Van Wyck Town two-year seats and four-year in Indian Land, but his requests great-great-great-grandchild in her caster News that life had been difficult Election Commission has the Van Wyck Fire Protec- Council, with seven candi- seats on the ballot as the town are being returned to sender. family, which add up to 96 descen- at times, but her faith had gotten her really gotten behind because tion District to enhance fire dates battling for four spots. For years, the residents of Indidants. through them. of the impact of local elec- and rescue services in the Three of those seats are alSee ELECTIONS, page A2 an Land have been trying to get Alexander retired from the Lancaster “I’ve had struggles, disappointments

Postal Service about IL office

Gregory A. Summers

This collection of stellar reporting immediately stood out with clear Hospital, EMS, coroner strain writing on complex and sensitive government issues. as virus surges and hardships, and yet, I never stop trusting in God,” she said. DeVenny noted that Aleaxander enjoys fishing, puzzles, playing dominoes, scratch-off lottery tickets, Atlanta Braves baseball, and spending time with God and her family. She also likes Cannonball Chewing Tobacco. “They shouldn’t have told that one,” DeVenny said, over a round of laugh-

a standalone post office, but their efforts have fallen short time after time. The current postal substation for the area is in a conveNORMAN nience store at the corner of Fort Mill Highway and U.S. 521. Norman recently wrote a letter to U.S. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy requesting more transparency regarding the efforts to build a post office in Indian Land.

W e a a

sho in f

By GREGORY A. SUMMERS

See EDGEWATER, page A3

County School District as a cafeteria worker at North Elementary School, something that wasn’t lost on the mayor. “She fed my children, by the way,” DeVenny said in a remark that drew a wide grin from Alexander. She is a member of Cedar Creek/ Warner Temple AME Zion Church, and has served in numerous capacities. She has been a member of the senior

f a

Council redraws districts Trio gsummers@thelancasternews.com

First PLACE

Happy 100th Birthday, Roxanna “Miss Plummie” Alexander. Her family and friends commemorated the day with a parade in her honor around the Barr Street school complex on Saturday, Oct. 30. Friends in cars, pickups, SUVs and a city firetruck participated in the processional, with sirens blaring, horns honking, shouts of well wishes and gifts. “Too cold to wave,” said a smiling Alexander as she sat bundled up in a comfortable chair with a small heater nearby. Born Oct. 30, 1921, Alexander is the second of 15 children born to Robert and Lillie Bell Jones. Lancaster Mayor Alston DeVenny noted that Warren G. Harding was U.S. president that year. “You’ve been doing your tasks for a long, long time,” said DeVenny, who presented Alexander with a proclamation in her honor. “Yay!” shouted an unidentified person in the crowd. Alexander has outlived husbands Earl Alexander and Leroy Harris and enjoys a rich family legacy that almost matches her age. She has eight children: Yvonne, Vernell, Verda Mae, Floyd, Joanna, Sammie, Donna and

Paul Colbath was arrested and appeared in federal court in Columbia on Thursday, Oct. 28. He faces four misdemeanor charges and was released on $25,000 bond. According to court documents,

169th year, No. 87 One section, 14 pages

Today’s Weather

Index

Mostly cloudy with a 9 percent chance of stray showers Overnight: Mostly clear with an 8 percent chance of stray showers

Community Classifieds Education Just for Fun

High: 63 Low: 46

Lancaster man shot dead after 3-county A10 A13 A5 A12

Religion Sidelines Sports TLN Weekend

A11 A7 A6 A14

The Lancas hands full, w in five days. Three peop 25, and Tuesd ing last Frida hurt. Lancas lieve the shoo On Tuesday part of his bo cal facility. T block of Pard On Monday Gregory Stre was struck w where the sh police. Shell found in the en to a nearb threatening in This shooti away from t The Oct. 22 8:30 p.m. on Officers fo

COVID scrub By GREGORY

gsummers@thel

The annual between And schools that to be cancele sues. “The timin being the last and the play tunately, that control over,” District Sup who is also a “We know e follow guidan Health and E can’t pick an directives,” h While Phip the details, h from contact Buford footb someone that

Deaths, A4 Jalin Belton Lydia Borgaro Charles Cauthen Pattie Crider Gloria Danzy

Government Beat Reporting

Daily Under 8,500 & 8,500-25,000 Divisions Combined

COVID-19 in SC

Frontcourt play guiding Lander

Cases฀statewide:฀ 2,228 new, 412,996 total Cases฀in฀the฀Lakelands

Page 1B

Greenwood - 6,186 Abbeville - 1,745

Saluda - 1,303 Laurens - 5,439

McCormick - 670

Deaths฀statewide:฀35 new, 6,849 total Deaths฀in฀the฀Lakelands

Greenwood - 128 Abbeville - 24

Third PLACE Eva Wen

Herald-Journal

VOL. 102, NO. 327

Saluda - 33 Laurens - 125

McCormick - 15

Second PLACE indexjournal.com

2 SECTIONS, 18 PAGES

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2021

DAILY $1, WEDNESDAY | WEEKENDER $2

Tampa Brady! Buccaneers 31, Chiefs 9 Eviction morotorium

EDITOR’S NOTE: The daily SCDHEC COVID-19 numbers are now published on page 2A Woodfields Elementary School guidance counselor Elizabeth Justesen talks with students Izabelle Morrow and Miranda Burkes.

ends Now what? Holloway captures nature’s best side

COVID concerns James Hicks

News 7A

Area school counselors talk about student mental health

Unwind 1C

Index-Journal WEEKENDER

President spends Veterans Day reflecting on the ‘spine of America’ News 5A

By฀MEGAN฀MILLIGAN mmilligan@indexjournal.com

VOL. 103, NO. 239

some children, is more than just a FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2021 VOL. 103, NO. 163 place to learn; it can be a DAILY $1, WEDNESDAY | WEEKENDER $2 SATURDAY, AUGUST 28, 2021 place to share burdens with professionals who can help them. But what happens when those resources become unavailable, such as when schools are closed? Savannah Campbell, guidance counselor at Ware Shoals High School, said that depression, anxiety and other mental health concerns increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Three chapters of the Daughters of the American Revolution “Socialat theisolation has veterans plaza laid wreaths Thursday Greenwood County caused stress andof the anxiety in honor of the 100th anniversary Tomb of the Unknown to go through the roof,” Soldier. Campbell said. “We’re seeASSOCIATED PRESS ing more depression, rouTampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady holds the Vince Lombardi trophy after defeatPHOTOS BY MEGAN MILLIGAN I INDEX-JOURNAL tines and sleep patterns ing the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl 55 on Sunday in Tampa, Fla. Natalie Chitwood pretends to throw a ball at the screen while have been affected.” See game coverage, Page 1B. Lillianna Spearman pretends to catch it, an example of staying connected during virtual learning. See STUDENTS, page 4A

indexjournal.com

For

school 2 SECTIONS, 18 PAGES

4 SECTIONS, 30 PAGES

COVID-19 in SC Cases statewide: 4,650 new, 579,769 total

Cases in the Lakelands Greenwood - 8,451 Abbeville - 2,364

Saluda - 1,727 Laurens - 7,219

McCormick - 866

Deaths statewide: 25 new, 9,174 total

Deaths in the Lakelands Greenwood - 158 Abbeville - 35

Saluda - 42 Laurens - 155

McCormick - 19

Vaccine percentages in the Lakelands Percent of people in each county who are fully vaccinated Greenwood - 45.6 Abbeville - 42.1

Saluda - 41.0 Laurens - 38.5

McCormick - 52.6

Doozy of a docketHonoring

There are more than $210 in coupons inside

INSIDE

STEVE BROWN

Greenwood close to getting public transportation

sacrifices Victims advocates work to give Lakelands’ veterans groups comfort amid restrictions commemorate 100thCOVID year

STEFFANIE DORN

of Unknown Soldier’s tomb

By฀DAMIAN฀DOMINGUEZ ddominguez@indexjournal.com

By DAMIAN DOMINGUEZ

ddominguez@indexjournal.com The way the program works is a Compassion and consolation are person will call MAT and arrange hands-on jobs forrests victims advocates “Here in honored glory an American soldier known but God.” for a trip. A person may schedule under mosttocircumstances, but with The words emblazoned the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier reenwood County the trip months in advance but INDEX-JOURNAL the COVID-19 precautions the localonad| PHOTO ILLUSTRATIONresonated with Olivia Reynolds, a member of the Mount Ariel unveiled its plans toEighth trip needs to be scheduled by 2 p.m. vocates who used to hug to show Circuit Chief Public Defender Chelsea McNeill reviews notes inchapter of the Daughters ofemthe American Revolution. She adsolve a public trans-her office on after the day prior. Some trips mayCounty. pathy now have to the keep theirgathered distance. dressed group Thursday morning at the Greena day of court in Greenwood woodand County Veterans Center plaza to honor the 100th anniverportation problem be scheduled on the day off but Sarah Parris Rhetta Smith are sary of that during council’s that would be subject to availability, victims advocates fortomb. the 8th Circuit Reynolds paid homage to the men and women who gave their meeting Tuesday. Dorn said. Solicitor’s Office, their job is without to act any personal glory in return. lives forand the United States “It is up to us as the county coun“To begin with we will offer the as a resource “We for honor victims and those whofamilies did not return home to a final ceremony honoringjustice their sacrifices, she said. “To those who did not receive cil and servants of the citizens and transportation in a five-mile area who are seeking for a ”crime. a military escort, did not receive a final rifle salute, taps were not up to the community to make this centered around the Greenwood While prosecutors take a case to trial, played in their honor and no U.S. flag was folded at their burial By DAMIAN DOMINGUEZ DAMIAN | INDEX-JOURNAL PHOTOS BYDOMINGUEZ DAMIAN DOMINGUEZ | INDEX-JOURNAL work,” County Treasurer Steffanie Chamber of Commerce,” Dorn said. victims advocates work with the next fam-of kin.” site and presented to their ddominguez@indexjournal.com Lowery holdsadvocates a wreath from the Daughters the AmeriShe and other members of her chapter joined with members of Missy Dorn said at the meeting. “It will only be for medical and esily to keep them informed of hearing Eighth Circuit Solicitor’s Office victims Rhetta Smith,ofleft, and can Revolution, intended to honor the many unknown fallen solThe county’s transportation ini-About sential are trial pharma6,400shopping people arewhich awaiting in the 8th dates, the defendant’s status and to Sarah Parris work closely alongside attorneys to ensure that families the See VETERANS, page 4A diers of America’s military. tiative is made possible by a SCDOT grocery store have trips.”nearly doubled connect them with resources they circuit serves stay informed Circuitcy as and pending warrants about their case and have access to necesgrant of $150,000 which requiressince a the start If theoftrip is approved, will 2020, accordingMAT to officials. might need. sary services. In January the 8thofCircuit Solicitor’s 50/50 match from the county, Dorn notify2020, the person the fare which OfBut just as important as managing fice reported pending Solicitor said. is due.6,950 The rate is $1 warrants. per trip and $2 the behind-the-scenes work is being fort someone, and having to stay six she said about 15 members of the David Stumbo saidtrip. that MAT was aswill lowschedule as the docket with families as they go to trial, to feet away from someone, the most victim’s family were involved with “McCormick Area Transit — also for a round “It’s important that our students underBy LINDSEY HODGES The program included the history and many but bywill mid-August, do why when they’re the case. known as MAT — is a nonprofithad andbeen theintrip andyears, the driver collect the comfort when they face emo- you canstand we are able tocrying live like is we live DAVID them lhodges@indexjournal.com meaning behind the empty table, the 21numberthe of fare. warrants had swelledmust to about ” Smith said. that gen- “Emotions are superpilot high, a todayaistissue, because of the sacrifices STUMBO they are an approved service providThe passenger be 13,100 tional moments in court. In a homi- hand them gun salute, the chocolate and and the poprang out Thursday at erations before have made and will about106,400 defendants. py times flower. you’d like to give them a Smith worked as them a victims advolot of er that we intend to partner with— torepresenting ready within minutes of the drivcide trial, for Patriotism instance, descriptions of Northside Middle School during the continue to make,” said Northside PrinciChristopher Price with the theJimstate’s first jury trial fol- pat onStaff the Sgt. shoulder or back, but you provide the transportation services er’s arrival, a slaying canschool’s be graphic and prove cate in pal See DOCKET, page 6ADorn said. Veterans Daycan program. Still. “I want our students to be cog- South Carolina Army National Guard was lowing initialofpandemic closures. In couldn’t,” she said. here in Greenwood County,” Dorn The cost to the county depends on deeply upsetting families to hear. The for school’s assembly on Thursday was nizant that, understand that, understand full of of patriotic music history. this Laurens what Veterans Day ismurder all about.” trial, SeeSee NORTHSIDE, page County said at the council meeting. “A huge part our job is and to comADVOCATES, page4A4A See CLOSE, page 4A

By฀JAMES฀HICKS jhicks@indexjournal.com

Prosecutors, defenders struggle to keep up with bloated caseload

DAILY $1, WEDNESDAY | WEEKENDER $2

‘Horrific’ Man gets life sentence in slaying of 2-year-old

By DAMIAN DOMINGUEZ ddominguez@indexjournal.com LAURENS — Cuffed to a waist chain, William Looper faced a judge Thursday evening, his back to the family still grieving the loss of the child he killed. In the early hours of June 30, 2018, Laurens County deputies rushed to 176 Country Lane to investigate an unresponsive child. “What they found was nothing short of horrific,” 8th Circuit Solicitor David Stumbo said. “They find his broken, battered body on the bed.” The body of 2-year-old Brantley Justin Smith lay lifeless on the bed. A WILLIAM R. dog was on the bed beside his body, LOOPER protecting the child from the strangers entering the house. Once deputies secured the dog, EMS tried but failed to resuscitate Brantley, who appeared to have died some time before, Stumbo said. Brantley’s two brothers, 8-yearold Bobby and 6-year-old Brian, were taken to safety by Department JESSICA B. SMITH of Social Services staff. They would go on to tell investigators about Looper punching their 2-year-old brother. They described to officers how Brantley was swung by his feet against a wall. They heard his screams through the night as he was killed. “I hope, mercifully, they’re able to WILLIAM H. forget those, judge,” Stumbo said. LOOPER III In court Thursday, Looper contested some elements of what Stumbo said as the state’s case against him. His attorney, 8th Circuit Chief Public Defender Chelsea McNeill, said that he never swung Brantley by his feet. The two other children were not in the room when he fatally assaulted Brantley either, he contested. He never punched the boys, but did use a belt on them, McNeill said. An autopsy found Brantley had fractured ribs, bite marks on his body and signs of sexual trauma along See HORRIFIC, page 4A

Northside Middle students celebrate veterans

The latest from Afghanistan, 10A INSIDE TODAY • ABBY • CLASSIFIEDS • DEAR DAVE • OBITUARIES • COMICS • SPORTS • TV LISTING • VIEWPOINTS • WEEKENDBREAK

2C 1D-4D 5B 4A 6C 1B-4B 5C 8A-9A 2A

Team spirit

INSIDE TODAY Greenwood fans, left, and •฀BUSINESS฀ 10A •฀DAYBREAK฀ Emerald fans brought their A-games Friday night •฀CLASSIFIEDS฀5B-8B •฀MINI฀PAGE฀ to J.W. Babb Stadium at •฀COMICS฀฀ 4B •฀OBITUARIES฀ Greenwood High School as

2A 3B 4A

•฀SPORTS฀ 1B-2B •฀TV฀LISTING฀ 6A •฀VIEWPOINTS฀ 8A

DAMIAN DOMINGUEZ | INDEX-JOURNAL

Circuit Judge Donald Hocker addresses William Looper, right, as one of his attorneys, S. Boyd Young, comforts his client.

FOLLOW USdoesn’t ON SOCIAL slow; state now has extra $1B in its coffers SC economy

facebook.com/indexjournal shock of the COVID-19 pandemic and people spending money much twitter.com/ijindexjournal faster than experts predict.

By JEFFREY COLLINS Associated Press

COLUMBIA — The amount of

The

latest

estimate

cording to the state Board of Econom- South Carolina. spending or dwindling federal stimuic Advisers. It also doesn’t count about a $1 bil- lus money didn’t come true. That boosts the money that the lion surplus after the state closed the The 13.2% growth in the 2020-21 released General Assembly has control over to books on the fiscal year that ended fiscal year budget was the largest in at

Government Beat Reporting

Daily Under 8,500 & 8,500-25,000 Divisions Combined

First PLACE Kacen Bayless

The Island Packet

Great job covering topics that matter to your readers. This is an example of why good journalism matters.

Government Beat Reporting

Daily Over 25,000 Division

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Second PLACE

Joseph Bustos

Seanna Adcox

The State

The Post and Courier

Government Beat Reporting

Daily Over 25,000 Division

First PLACE Avery G. Wilks

The Post and Courier

A compelling package of well-researched and well-written articles.

Business Reporting

Associate & Individual Division PEOPLE IN THE NEWS

Greg Tedder joins Hussey Gay Bell.

PAGE 29

SEPTEMBER 20 - OCTOBER 3, 2021 ■ $2.25

CURTAINS UP! Teri Errico Griffis

OLUME 27 NUMBER 19 ■ CHARLESTONBUSINESS.COM

Part of the

network

After nearly 18 months of lost revenue and stalled shows, Charleston’s theaters are ready to return to the stage with health and safety protocols in place. Page 6

affic jams

uth Carolina invests 60 million to widen ngested sections of I-26. ge 8

eadership changes

bert Engelhorn replaces udt Flor as BMW CEO and esident in South Carolina. ge 10

ech savvy

mall businesses embrace gital tools to help them rvive the pandemic. ge 13

the kitchen

linary expert Jenni Ridall ps revive local kitchens. mall Business Spotlight, ge 4

NSIDE

ront ................................ 2 Biz News Briefs ................ 3 all Business Spotlight ....... 4 Focus: ormation Technology ......11 t: IT Services and tworking Companies ...... 14 Work ..............................29 wpoint ........................... 31

Charleston Regional Business Journal

Musicians Christian Zamora, Justin Parrish, John Holenko and Thomas Norris warm up at rehearsals for Charleston Stage’s production of “Bright Star.” (Photo/Teri Errico Griffis)

Soft skills a key indicator for employee retention By Teri Errico Griffis

tgriffis@scbiznews.com

illon Lesniewski majored in history at Clemson University. He never expected his education to transfer to a successful career at a tech company, but after nearly five years of promotions, he is now a product owner at BoomTown, a software company in Charleston. Lesniewski said people often judged his course of study, assuming he’d work at a museum or something artistic and unstable. But history is an underrated major, he said. During his four undergraduate years, he researched, wrote, debated and questioned in ways that translated well into the professional world.

So what if he didn’t know the technology? Lesniewski knew he had the skillset to learn it, and that is what set him above the rest of the candidate pool — even those with relevant occupational skills. “People try to make a big deal that I didn’t study software, that I can’t code a website or build an API, but I don’t need to know everything,” Lesniewski said. “I just need to know what brings me to the table and recognize my own strengths, like interpersonal skills, patience and empathy. Those are what earned my seat there.” More and more, workforce experts are finding that soft skills have become critical indicators of individuals who can not only attain employment, but retain it.

Power List: Banking pros

The first Power List explores some of the most influential people in S.C. banking. Special Section begins Page 17

Technology companies like BoomTown and Blackbaud on Daniel Island know occupational skills can be taught, but flexibility, problem solving and whether an employee brings kindness and passion to their daily role cannot, said Stephanie Walker, Blackbaud’s vice president of talent acquisition “Organizations have grown to recognize that soft skills and higher emotional intelligence lead to greater success,” Walker said. “It’s not just about completing the task.” Blackbaud Senior Director, Leadership and Culture Monica Mutter said the focus starts in the interview and whether the candidate can tell a story. See SKILLS, Page 5

Third PLACE Second PLACE Reba Campbell

Melinda Waldrop

Columbia Regional Business Report VOLUME 14 NUMBER 13 ■ COLUMBIABUSINESSREPORT.COM

Part of the

network

SEPTEMBER 27-OCTOBER 10, 2021 ■ $2.25

Honorable Mention

FROM THE GROUND

That’s nuts

Premium Peanut coming to Orangeburg County. Page 2

Milliken duo turns dirt into momentous projects

Your table awaits

McCutchen House serving lunch to public once more. Page 4

Vaccine mandates City of Columbia passes measure requiring shots. Page 6

Power List

SC Biz News ranks state’s most influential bankers. Page 17

INSIDE

Upfront ................................ 2 SC Biz News Briefs ................ 3 In Focus: Commercial

Tombo Milliken (left) and Tom Milliken scout a piece of property in Fairfield County for NAI Columbia. The father-son duo has been behind many of the Midlands’ biggest commercial real estate deals. (Photo/Ashley Wright for NAI Columbia)

By Melinda Waldrop

mwaldrop@scbiznews.com

wenty years ago, Tom Milliken sat on a Blythewood porch and rocked. He had a vision for land surrounding the house where he was occupying a rocking chair. He would have to get it under contract three times and keep an assemblage of

with all those people, take them a little something at Christmas, and stay in touch with all of them,” he said. “It took exactly 20 years to close from the time I ever set foot at somebody’s door. Any one person could have pulled the plug in the middle.” The park, along Interstate 77 in northeast Richland County and completed in 2019 in a deal involving the county, is just one of the

been a part of a firm that has gone through five mergers since it was founded in the mid1960s by real estate pioneer Joe Edens. Ten years ago, Tom Milliken was joined at the firm by his son, Tombo, and the duo has been the driving force behind some of the Midlands’ biggest — and most complicated — commercial real estate deals ever since. “I always wanted to be in the real estate

Business Reporting

VOLUME 14 NUMBER 3 ■ COLUMBIABUSINESSREPORT.COM

Associate & Individual Division

Art afoot

Melinda Waldrop, Molly Hulsey & Alexandria Ng

network

FEBRUARY 15-28, 2021 ■ $2.25

A SHIFTING LANDSCAPE Small S.C. businesses navigate changes wrought by COVID-19 with the help of state and federal funds while trying to chart a post-pandemic future

Third Cottontown Art Crawl set for March 15. Page 2

First PLACE

Part of the

Luring industry

S.C. lands $4 billion in capital investment in 2020. Page 4

Changes at the top Chernoff Newman restructures leadership. Page 6

Research reward Irmo biotechonology company receives grant. Page 7

Columbia Regional Business Report INSIDE

Upfront ................................ 2 SC Biz News Briefs ................ 3 In Focus: Banking and Finance ...................... 13 List: Banks ......................... 16 At Work .............................. 21 Viewpoint ...........................23

Margaret Nevill, owner of Columbia fired arts studio Mad Platter, prioritized payroll with the PPP loan her small business received. She was committed to making sure none of her nine staff members at the Millwood Avenue studio were let go, a goal she achieved. The Mad Platter has been in business for 23 years. (Photo/Melinda Waldrop)

By Melinda Waldrop, Molly Hulsey and Alexandria Ng

SC Biz News

he COVID-19 pandemic has laid bare obstacles small businesses face that go beyond financial. As small businesses across the country struggle to keep the lights on after a spring shutdown and varying degrees of reopening in the nine months since, federal Paycheck Protection Program loans and state grants

have provided much-needed help. But the $525 billion distributed nationally in the first round of PPP, along with $40 million in SC CARES grants to small- and minority-owned businesses in South Carolina, are stopgap solutions for many. “There’s obviously a number of problems that have been exposed,” said Frank Knapp, president and CEO of the S.C. Small Business Chamber of Commerce. “There’s been exposed the problem of entrepreneurs and very small businesses not having good access to the financial institutions or keeping proper

A complicated question Home office tax deductions must meet a set of qualifications. Page 8

Good article that explains COVID relief funding and highlights the struggles small businesses have faced. Profiling the three organizations across the state was a good way to show impact and go beyond reporting data.

records and getting the proper training.” While those issues may have prevented some from receiving a cut of the first round of PPP loans, another factor makes it hard for many small businesses in the state to thrive even in good times, Knapp said. “There’s obviously a problem with broadband,” Knapp said, exposed most visibly in education and health care, but also an economic development issue. “From our perspective, we recognize education’s important. See BUSINESSES, Page 18

Business Beat Reporting

Weekly Under 3,500 & 3,500-6,500 Divisions Combined

THE TWIN-CITY NEWS

Third PLACE

Second PLACE

Tonya Rodgers

Don Worthington

The Twin-City News

AroundAT own Town round 2

THE TWIN-CITY NEWS

Pageland Progressive-Journal Page 4

Open April 1 ! st

FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2021

Fresh from the ﬁeld!

Around Town

NOVEMBER 24, 2020

www.pagelandprogressive.com

75 cents

Mae’s to keep outfitting Batesburg-Leesville

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

BIG grants, big problems

TERMITES

ROACHES Ready for an adventure? Rikard can help CORDER PEST CONTROL

75 cents Photos by DON WORTHINGTON/Progressive Journal

Why Pageland is Pageland 110-C West Church Street Batesburg, SC 29006 803.332.3043 Fax 803.332.3043

SOUTH CAROLINA IS NOW IN PHASE 1B FOR COVID-19 VACCINES

Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

The Twin-City News

The Professional Choice! • Coverage for ALL Makes and Models, Domestic and Import • 750,000 Parts Available • Fleet & Farm Savings • Hydraulic Hose Made Here

AUTO PARTS www.CARQUEST.com

(803) 532-4437

Trotter Auto Parts 505 W. Church Street • Batesburg (Next to Amick’s Shoe Shop)

By DON WORTHINGTON Progressive Journal

It was a promise of prosperity. To the holder, the promise was a return of 5 percent interest paid semi-annually and $1,000 in gold by 1955. The promise ended with bankruptcy and the holder received $100 in 1941 and $87.84 in 1943, paid through the court. The paper, though, is a priceless piece of Pageland history. The company and the names on the paper are the reasons Pageland is, well, Pageland and not Old Store, or Blakeney Crossing, or simply Blakeney. The paper is a bond issued by the Chesterfield and Lancaster Railroad. The railroad issued the bond in 1905. The goal was to raise $750,000 at $1,000 per bond. The railroad, which started in Cheraw, reached Pageland in 1904. It never reached Lancaster. The end of the line was Crowburk – about 40 miles of track. It principally moved local freight and some passengers – slowly. J.P. Tucker, editor of the town’s newspaper, quipped C&L stood for the “Comes Late” railroad. The legacy of the railroad is in the names of who signed the bonds – Aldophus “Dolly” Page and William Godfrey. Page signed the bonds as the railroad’s secretary. He was also the railroad’s engineer and president. See PAGELAND | Page 2

By DON WORTHINGTON Progressive Journal

Exploration of the Brewer gold mine near Jefferson has reached the “main event,” the drilling of the deepest holes yet in the search for gold. Previous drillings have been about 60 feet deep. The new drillings by Pancon Resources will be almost 2,000 feet deep. The drillings are part of a multi-phase exploration process to determine if it is economically feasible to mine gold at the site. So far, Pancon Resources president Layton Croft has been encouraged by the efforts. Pancon Resources is a Canadian-based mining exploration company. Nintey-six of samples fromtreating. a Tiffany Watts moves a new charge of lumber into thepercent 102-foot cylinder for pressure series of shallow-depth holes had detectSo relax and take a step back as we hoped to share with much fanfare. traces revisit of gold, Croft said.go forward to 2020 But, as you know from livingible through 1920 and then BREWER | PageLumber 3 Spanish Flu of 1918, a pandemic can be – and 100See years of C.M. Tucker deadly. So instead of a celebratory cake with 100 candles, we donned masks and socially distanced to avoid COVID-19. Carl Tucker the entrepreneur will be glad to know that the CM Tucker Lumber Companies have been as busy as ever during the COVID-19 pandemic. With people quarantined, home-improvement projects have increased – and so has the demand for lumber.

Companies history.

***

Remember the day you sold the paper for cash and a car? It was 1920 and Pageland, a town of slightly more than 500, was booming. The railroad came in 1904, the town was founded in 1908 and by 1920 there was a thriving business community. Perhaps the biggest news of the day See TUCKER | Page 2

A of

SPOR

Chera dives Sowel

don Wor

TuesdAy,

Growth, downtown, p top issues for Pagela

By DON WORTHINGTON

STA

The effort to update business signage in Pageland’s downtown is once again on hold, if not over, for 2021. The deadline to execute agreements between the town and grant winners passed last week without action – in part The town of Pageland has six because the town never officially notiwww.pagelandprogressive.com districts. Districts fied the award winners. 4, 5 and 6 have It was also the deadline to pay a sign contested races contractor who had agreed to do all the for 2021. work as one order, thus cutting costs for award winners. That deadline passed when town, on the advice of its attorney, said the BIG program has reimbursed businesses, not pre-funded work. The missed deadlines come as the Town Council, the Pageland Chamber of Commerce and downtown business owners have spent almost a year trying to find an agreeable funding comproJEFFERSON mise, as well as new guidelines for apBy DON WORTHINGTON plying and awarding the grant. Progressive Journal In August, the council announced $21,312,80 in façade grants. About The Brewer mine near Jefferson $12,000 was allocated for 15 new downis one of the oldest and most protown business signs. ductive gold mines in the eastern As of last United States, according to the BREWER MINEweek only one sign – a lighted sign at New Creations Embroidery Environmental Protection Agency. and Gifts – was almost done. PHOTO SUPPLIED The Brewer mine and the JefferLast week was alsoThe theBrewer deadline Minetois son Gold Project are in the “Carowrite a check for $9,000 of sign work the striped area in lina Slate Belt,” a gold-rich strip of that had been “bundled” into onePancon conthe center. volcanic rock that runs from Virtract, saving money andResources materials,also as ginia to Georgia. well as cutting construction instalowns and the mineral Gold was discovered in the Carlation costs. rights to all of the olina Slate Belt in 1799 on Little The Chamber of Commerce, whichblue. faMeadow Creek in Cabarrus Counareas shaded cilitated the bundled price, had repeatedly asked the council to give it the sign funds in advance. Last week town attorney Adam Foard advised council that giving the funds in advance did not meet the requirements for the Business Improvement Grants. The BIG grants have historically been awarded once the work is finished. Foard said changing the rules and funding projects in advance could have affected business that did not apply for

C lan agr imp and and imp issu Li the on acc can gre Th can thre tric Th bal are the dist tion Fi dat firs son her cou Ea spo vey M uno A Pro elec spo in M and dat cou per Th Pa vot Cen par

NOVEMBER 17, 2020

Drilling resumes at Brewer site

The Tuckers, sons (from left) Andrew, David, Paul and Mark share the leadership of C.M. Tucker Lumber Companies with their dad, Carl (center).

ear Carl Tucker Sr., This story is for you and about you. There is no better place to tell this story than on the front page of the Progressive Journal. Your brother, J.P., published the town’s first newspaper, The Scout, in 1910. You joined him in 1911 and, in 1912, you took over the paper, renaming it the Pageland Journal. You edited the paper for eight years. Today’s headline, “Tucker Lumber 100!” is a homage to your journalism heritage and your style of humor. We’ve heard when you wed, the announcement simply said, “We got married.” When your first son, C.M. Tucker Jr., was born you announced, “It’s a boy.” What could be simpler than “Tucker Lumber 100”? It is a story of you, your son, your grandson – all named Carl – and four great grandsons, none of whom is named Carl. It is a story of commerce, community and commitment. It is a story that Carl III and his boys – David, Mark, Paul and Andrew – had

www.pagelandprogressive.com

Progressive Journal

Page 6

Adventures By Design

Shop owner turns ‘eyesore’ into unique business

Town of Pageland did not follow its own rules

Shock and awe stuns Cheraw

NEIGHBORHOOD NOTEBOOK

Shop offers spot of Primitive Peace

75 cents

51 .1 S.C

license, althoughSPOTLIGHT two-thirds So far, 17 communities and collide with free speech guar- Edisto rivers and streams that BUSINESS antees since it would apply to feed them clean and healthy. of communities in the coun- counties in South Carolina Two locations: distribution of newspapers Environmental groups say ty have that requirement as a have approved a ban, includLexington County Council has discarded a proposed and advertising sometimes plastic bags are a major pol- condition for a firm to operate. ing Camden and Arcadia Dixie Belle, Inc.: bagged as protection from lutant because they do not Unofficial estimates by var- Lakes in the Midlands. Neighban on plastic shopping bags 500 E Main Street, Ridge Spring, SC decompose easily. Bags often ious commercial experts sug- boring Richland County has widely used for purchases. rain. Field: 1536 SC Highway 191, Johnston, SC The idea was dropped after • Suggestions that theBY idea endRODGERS up as litter, torn into tiny gest there are about 22,000 given initial approval to the TONYA Mae’s Distinctive is largely symbolic since most particles in drinking water businesses in the 758-square- idea, but officials there are languishing nearly two years, Come get your strawberries for Easter! Feminine Apparel a wait that spanned several stores are inside the county’s while clogging Mae’s Distinctive Femininestorm drains mile county. Those projec- not rushing to put the requiremonths when retailers halted 14 municipalities, who setStore and together to create tions don’t spell out how many ment in place. Apparel onclinging Main Street 9 a.m.-6 p.m. raftsa staple in waterways, ad- typically use plastic bags. Business groupsHours: are pushreliance on reusable bags to their rules on bag use inde- trash in Batesburg has been Monday-Saturday to avert carry merchandise during the pendently. vocatesarea of thesince ban say. Batesburg-Leesville officials ing back against bans in the downtown Where: 130 N. Oak St., Supporters call the ban a It’s unclear how stores in estimated last year that 150 what some THE retailers say will coronavirus epidemic. TWIN-CITY NEWS FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2021 1963. of Council members are conway to reduce litter Today, along at 90 theyears county Batesburg-Leesville old, now Mae use plastic businesses in town – about be a confusing patchwork tent to leave the choice of bags roads as well as keep Lake continues bags foroperating shoppers’ purchases. two of every seven – probably where plastic bagsContact: are permis-(803) 532-6177 Buzhardt Murray, the lower Saluda andandThere is her no cuscounty business use plastic bags. sible and where they – reusable, plastic or paper – her store assisting or are findnot. them on Facebook tomers with great enthusiasm. Her store offers fine ladies Ants • Fleas • Ticks • Fire Ant Control • Bed Bug Control clothing including dresses, Buzhardt has seen many • Mosquito Control • Termite Bonds • CL-100 jewelry, handbags, sportswear changes during her years on BY TONYA RODGERS separates and lingerie. Main Street in Batesburg. Buzhardt purchased an apWhen she first opened her Send news of happenings to Editor@twin-citynews.com. parel store from Lona Etherwould run Have store, you the evertrain wanted to edge in February 1963 across throughApp, the city and leave all Lexington County Red Cross Bloodthe Donor travel world, but Aalways Batesburg – 803-532-6471 the street from her current loof their packages. gentleSchool District Three, in call 1-800-RED-CROSS or cation. Etheredge had operatman would pick up packafford it?theMayLexington – 803-359-7779 conjunction with the Lexingactivatesay the you Bloodcannot Scheduling ed her business since 1916 and ages and call bringLeigh them toAnn each you should ton County Election Commis- Skill forbe Amazon Alexa. Saluda – 864-445-3901 was ready to retire. Various stores have sion, will hold a Special ElecBloodRikard drives in business. Bateswith and Adventures By www.corderpestcontrol.com “I had never worked in the come gone. Years ago, tion in July to fill a Board of burg-Leesville are planned: apparel industry and didn’t only cash or checks were acin Batesburg-Leesville. Trustees seat that was vacated • MayDesign 20: 2-7 p.m., Cedar know what to do when I first cepted, but now credit/debit Rikard is a1220 licensed travel due to the April 22 resignaGrove Lutheran Church, began. I talked to her one cards are mainly used. And, of tion of the Rev. Leon Drafts. Cedar Grove agentRoad who can assist youdifferin Thursday and the next Thurscourse, prices are quite Candidate filing for the seat is • June 1: 2-7 p.m., Circle day, she gave me the key,” Buent, she dream said. When her store planning your vacation. scheduled to open May 7 and Fire Department,opened, 3321 Cozhardt said. “There was one a dress that would sell “Everyone who travels needs will remain open for a 10-day lumbia Hwy. fan and one light bulb hanging for $25 will sell for about $120 to7:have a Batesplan so you can get period. All interested candi• June 2-7 p.m. from the ceiling and I had to today. dates are encouraged to file, burg-Leesville Fire Buzhardt Departthe most enjoyment out toof re-organize everything.” said she loves be Photo by Tonya according to a district release. ment, Rodgers 431 East Church St.people, as is evidenced Buzhardt said she stayed in around your trip,” Rikard said. “We that building until 1969 before Last month, Mae Buzhardt (right) celebrated her upon walking in her store. can find the best deals and andalways set A COVID-19 vaccine site Calvary Chapel LeesDoreen Black has assisted her moving to her current location. 58th year in business. “God is in charge will be from 9ata.m. ville, 3334 Columbia Hwy. in your foropen 35 years theto Batesburg shop. up everything for trip so Last month, she celebrated as a consultant has been. This community has 1 p.m. Saturday, May 15, at Leesville at the traffic circle, her 58th year in business and been great to me and my the only thing you have to famdo Philippi Missionary offersstudents. a clothing and has no plans of stopping. She the piano. We ily. food When my husband died lived next to it Baptist is today for college isduring showfrom up. Ifa.m. anything, a trav131clean Philippi bank Tuesdays 10 is assisted by Doreen Black, of the church so Church, 10 years ago, everyone was so we helped If aChurch student went home agent isin need. your toadvocate Batesburg-Leesville, who has it every week.Road comforting me. I have in no My job was to the they hadelto signfor all in Prosperity. Noweekend, apto 12:30 p.m. worked alongside Buzhardt as clean the pews,” intention of going anywhere. she said. are necessary. in and be back in their room pointments case something goes wrong on a consultant for 35 years, and I’d rather see smiling faces on She attended Lander Col- by 9 p.m. You could goWaters out on Baptist Still your trip. you is Photos courtesy of Adventures By Design Gloria Price, who works part lege, which is The theAll girls thathave cometo in do rather nowWomen’s Lander Saturday but if going Ministrynight,Church at on 374 Delmar pick up than the and time in the store. sheeven said. University, when it was Pentecostal a two- a date you had to havein a senior at Bethel Holiness Road Leesville has anything aphone,else,” Leigh Ann Rikard and son, Gavan Rikard, traveled to Santorini, Greece, in 2019. Buzhardt grew up in Edge- year college, graduating Buzhardt says she hopes with chaperone and be back no latChurch at 284 Old Duncan “Take what you need, though we leave are miles away, ato field County, where her father a degree in business continue see progress made in 1948. offerofthan Buzhardt Road, Leesville, Hwy.10:30 p.m.,” what you can” blessing boxtoget travel agent can you the was a farmer and operated a The first year378 Batesburg-Leesville andasshe she attended said. is having a Spaghetti with canned andin boxed food sistance you need.” general store. At age 11, she Lander, it wasDinner would love to see storefronts an all-girls col- Sale A on friend introduced her to for and Bake items available anyone began helping her parents lege, but in her secondMay year,15, from Jessie4-7 Buzhardt at a dance. encourage shopRikardremodeled grew uptoin the BatesSaturday, in need. Photo by Tonya Rodgers with the store, wiping down six boys werep.m. allowed She loved didn’t; ping downtown. Platestoofatspaghetti with to dance, heburg-Leesville An abundance of home decor items are on display at shelves and operating the cash tend. The students had daily but garlic he quickly learned. They Gospel area and has meat sauce, salad and The Midland always fascinated with Contact travel agent Leigh register, among other tasks. room checks attoast 10 every mornmarried in 1955Singing and moved to been Primitive Peace, located just outside Saluda. are $8 and can be Center, located at “I had a great childhood. ing and classes were held until the Batesburg-Leesville area. travel. She purchased at the door. 705 Martin Smith Roadfirst in traveled to Ann Rikard by phone My father sang in the church lunch on Saturday. They have one son and three Gilbert, invites everyone to Europe at 16 years old as part at (803) 582-8783 or choir and my mother played “It was quite different than grandchildren. The American Red the monthly singing. study club of angospel international by emailing leighann@ Cross urges individuals of all Guests on June 5 will be through Batesburg-Leesville blood types to give blood, and Stan Ardis and the Believers adventuresbydesignllc.com. NEIGHBORHOOD NOTEBOOK schools. She at has traveled in most cases, those who have Quartet. Singing begins received a COVID-19 vaccine 6 p.m. throughout Admission is free. theAUnited States, Photo Tonya Rodgers to Sendby news of happenings Editor@twin-citynews.com. BY TONYA RODGERS can donate. However, knowlove offering will be accepted Primitive Peace Marsha Riley says a lot of local residents shop with ville. Within this agency, she Canada and Central America, ing the name of the manuand contact light refreshments will annual Goff through pop tour in. will showcase Lexington For information, her, but she also hasThe folks traveling has also begun The Ridge among other countries. If you love shopping at home Hours: Noon-4 p.m. facturer of the vaccine you be served. Social distancing Reunion will be held County farms and pair them Vickie Davis at Vickie@ have received is important in guidelines will be followed. décor stores and enjoy unique, Fridays and Saturdays Within six months of mar- Ramblers Travel Club, which beginning at 11:45 a.m. with local artists. lakemurraycountry.com. one-of-a-kind items, Marsha determining eligibility. Come prepared to receive a Saturday, March 27, at is the first travel club in the rying her husband 15 years Where: 936 Batesburg Riley of Saluda has just the Schedule a donation time blessing. Call Brenda Crosby Shealy’s Bar-B-Que (Dutch Hwy., outside Saluda Batesburg-Leesville area. ago, they vacationed out of the place for you. at RedCrossBlood.org, on the at (803) 719-1289. treat). Begun in 1976, this Gail Davidson country twice,You andare he had nevPrimitive Peace is the per- Phone: (864) 992-2508 consists of the descendants now eligible if you are: and Judy fect place for those who love to of Josiah Garrett (Joe) Goff. SERVING OUR COMMUNITY SINCE 1925 er been out of South Carolina Turner Fox assist Rikard with Come out for a day of food, decorate their homes with fun OBITUARY POLICY: Obituaries of 250 words or less are The Ridge Ramblers and, before they met. • 55 and older, Trey Bruner • Publisher fun and fellowship. Please and interesting décor items. so much stuff. Then I decided $75 plus 10 cents each additional word. Include a photo Mary Frances Hendrix • Editor/Designer In 2005, before traveling to along with their members, wear a mask due to COVID-19 Located at 936 Batesburg I would open a home décor for $10. Call (803) 532-6203 or contact your funeral home. protocol. Hwy., on the outskirts of the shop with some things I al• Have one or more medical conditions or Jay Hendrix • Sports Editor Anna Long • Staff Reporter have high-risk a great time vacationing Disney World with friends, town of Saluda, Riley loves to ready had,” Riley said. “I have Teresa Shealy • Office Manager Daniel Shaw • Sports Columnist Membership is disability, free Rikard arrangeda their entire together. developmental or severe high-risk Calvary Chapel LeesTonya Rodgers • Staff Reporter offer her customers something always loved primitive things itinerary. After that trip, she for this club that has traveled ville, 3334 Columbia Hwy. ~Corrections~ they will not find anywhere so I knew that would be part Phone 803-532-6203 • Fax 803-532-6204 in Leesville at the traffic to Italy, Greece, New England began helping other friendsworker else. of the name. Then one night, • A frontline with increased occupational The Twin-City News wants to correct errors in our publications. P.O. Box 2529 • Batesburg-Leesville, S.C. 29070 circle, offers a clothing and “I have a lot of locals that ‘peace’ came to mind because I you think Ave. we have made anSC error, please call 803-532-6203. and Las Vegas. Two trips – to plan their vacations. 114 E.IfColumbia Batesburg, 29006 risk, or food bank Tuesdays from shop with me, but people who also love peace signs and symEditor@twin-citynews.com “I felt since I was helping Hawaii and Alaska – are in the 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Food are also traveling through bols. That is how it became www.twin-citynews.com and clothes are available for works now. risk in a setting where friends and • enjoying plan- at from other places often stop Primitive Peace.” An individual increased Business Hours: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday-Friday anyone who is in need. in to see what the store has to After opening in Septemlearn so in much from ning their trips, people then maybe Closed Wednesday are Iliving“People and working close contact. offer. If you see something you ber 2015, Riley has added should be getting paid for it,” traveling. You can read about Still Waters Baptist Photo by Tonya Rodgers like, whether it is a wreath or lots of new items, inside and SERVING OUR COMMUNITY SINCE 1925 Church, Delmar In-state subscription: $39 per year a location a book, but when Rikard said. See a more detailed wood374 from herRoad grandfather’s an arrangement, I can deco- out. For the past four years, Riley used recovered list ofinwho is eligible for Phase (corner of Delmar and S.C. Out-of-state subscription: $44 per year Trey Bruner • Publisher outside of a metal storage building. She took a series of online you get to see it firsthand, it is rate it as you wish, to make it a Santa Claus has even visited home to cover theHwy. 378) in Leesville, will 1b at scdhec.gov/vaxfacts. Mary Frances Hendrix Teresa Shealy • Office Manager one-of-a-kind item when you and has had his picture taken through the Travel In- an amazing experience,” Rihost an Easter Egg Hunt and In event of an error in advertisements,Tonya classes • Editor/Designer Rodgers • Staff Reporter leave,” Riley said. with those young and young at for 41 years, including Salu- Mission all of her Childrens’ Daycustomers. from we willJay be Hendrix responsible onlyEditor for error space.Annastitute and became a licensed kard said. • Sports Long • Staff Reporter Housed in what was once heart. People from as far away da, Ridge Spring-Monetta, If you April like anything “cow, Ready to make your vaccine appointment? 10:30-noon Saturday, 3. travel agent in 2016, opening a She strongly encourages an old silver storage building as Charleston and Greenville Batesburg-Leesville and Pied- fish, sunflowers, trucks, etc.,” Guest editorial and Letters to the Editor Policy or to call DHEC’s next to her actual home on the have come, especially for that mont Technical College. Now RileyGospel said, Primitive Peace is readers to submit travel agencyVisit with ascdhec.gov/vaxlocator partner at those wanting travel, but COVID-19 Phone 803-532-6203 Fax 803-532-6204 The Midland We urge Guest Editorials and •Letters to the Batesburg-Saluda Highway, occasion. retired, she enjoys Singing spendingCenter, your place, right in theEditor. coun-Deadline is the 705 Martin Friday noon •before publication. All willS.C. P.O. Boxat2529 Batesburg-Leesville, 29070 Vaccine Info Linewho at 1-866-365-8110. that time. might be concerned about Riley felt it was an eyesore for “I’ve known Marsha for a time with her two daughters, try,Gilbert, whereinvites you can sit on the be reviewed and the authenticity of the author We will Smith Road in 114 E. Columbia Ave.verified. Batesburg, SC 29006 Then in 2019, she opened a budget, to think about what her and anyone who came by. long time and she has great Ashley Bouknight and Brant-to their porchmonthly to relax and chatnot forpublish a letters or editorials Editor@twin-citynews.com containing foul or hateful laneveryone hernotown agency, Adventures their goals are for their trip Gavan Rikard and mom, Leigh Ann Rikard, pause for After moving back into the taste and flair when it comes ley Buzhardt, their husbands, while as an guage. Letters to the Editor should www.twin-citynews.com address a timely issue and gospel singing. Guests onadded bonus. house that she was raised in, to decorating. She also gives and helping with her seven “I stay so my750 words. Guest exceed Editorials are written withDesign, in Batesburg-LeesApril 3 will be Kingsway andbusy with By and then give her a call. Business Hours: 9 a.m.by - 5persons p.m. Monday-Friday a photo at the Trevi Fountain in Rome, Italy, in 2019. she decided to renovate the practical tips for decorating,” grandchildren who are ac- grandchildren knowledge about the issue and should not exceed 750 words. theall Heritage Quartet. Singing and helping Closed Wednesday up to shoppers and retailers to settle. “The thinking was that so many businesses are taking care of it themselves,” said Councilwoman Beth Carrigg of Irmo, who supported the proposed ban. It was shelved amid multiple challenges: • No indication from many store owners that the idea is acceptable, even if it drives up their cost of operation a bit. • Realization that the step could proliferate litter and

We need a little Christmas now

Page 3

Strawberry Stands

FRIDAY, MAY 14, 2021

Lexington County drops plan for plastic bag ban

BY TIM FLACH

Bandanas and bows for groomed dogs

Bringing you the news, VIEWPOINT A4

see BIG GRANTS, page A3

Time to get

Mining in gold-rich Carolina Slate Belt dates to 1500s

ty, N.C. It was the first gold discovery in the United States. Activities at the Brewer site are rumored to date to the 1500s, involving the Indian trade with Spaniards. The first local discovery of gold was by Burrell Brewer in 1828. Before World War II, the U.S. Geological Survey studied the site for use as a topaz/gold mine. From 1987 to 1995 the Costain Limited Group, a British company, mined gold from an open pit. See MINING | Page 3

Grab a bag, pick up litter

Staff report Meet the candidates, Pages A3 and A6 Chesterfield County residents

are being asked to join the statewide litter pickup effort called “Grab a Bag SC.” The Link, WCRE Radio and the Progressive Journal are asking

Boggled by a chicken bog?

Business Beat Reporting

Weekly Under 3,500 & 3,500-6,500 Divisions Combined

First PLACE Charles D. Perry

Myrtle Beach Herald

Great leads. Your writing kept me interested.

Business Beat Reporting

Weekly Over 6,500 Division

Third PLACE

Second PLACE

Kenna Coe

Mike McMillan

Wednesday, July 28, 2021 | PaGe a1

$3.00

Michael Allen: Lifetime of service in preserving history

Moultrie News BY CATHERINE KOHN editor@moultrienews.com

Wednesday, March 17, 2021 | PaGe a1

Michael Allen

“In the middle of things, you often don’t think about the depth of what you’re doing, or the impact that you may have,” Michael Allen said of his many accomplishments. A llen is a man who has worn many hats throughout his life, and garnered numerous honors along the way, including the state’s highest civilian $3.00 honor the Order of the Palmetto. A long-time

Managing growth

Hydroponic farm provides major challenge Last Chance! for Mt. Pleasant for to your Favorites! freshVote lettuce schools

ery year, … short term rental policies, land development policies, reductions in buildTen years of dramatic growth ing heights, and densities and and change characterize the a moratorium specifically on multifamily,” DeMoura said. Town of Mount Pleasant. Those changes have been “So now in city manager so profound the town is now world, we talk about things like listed by the U.S. Census Bu- 126 types of amendments. You reau as the 12th fastest grow- may say, ‘Well, what on earth ing town in America over is a text amendment?’ It’s a the past decade, according change to our zoning code and to Town Administrator, Eric we’ve had 126 in 10 years, and I DeMoura. Speaking at the can tell you, that’s a lot.” Mount Pleasant Chamber of DeMoura said he has been inCommerce meeting on July volved in three strategic plans, including what 15 he described he con sidere d the growth and both a failure and growing pains of a learning experithe community. ence. DeMoura said “I love how we the Mount Pleasoperate today. I ant commulove our people, nity cares about their competency m a i nt a i n i ng a and commitment, high quality of their passion. We l i fe. “Combi ne use strategic planthat with heavy ning as the tool growth pressures, to keep moving and a lot of people to do better and were not sure they Eric DeMoura better and better. liked what was going on around them. And so And the most recent strategic our community has been very plan uses these elements. … It’s vocal on how the community how we communicate with citishould take shape as years go zens with the public. It’s resilPROVIDED iency. Its things like investing in by.” Top left: The lettuce growing in a controlled upcycled shipping container. Top right: Vertical Roots check- and also ways infrastructure… Significant policy and regu-farmers ing on the lettuce in one of the shipping containers. Bottom right: Lettucelation growing in an indoor, controlled envithat we can improve neighborchanges were inevitable ronment. with 25 elected off icials over hoods in our community.” “Let me give you an example the past 10 years and several election cycles. DeMoura said of the way we’ve been able to when “men and women came improve, especially f rom a BY KENNA COE by feeding the community into off ice they wanted to public outreach and citizen news@moultrienews.com healthy, nutritious food,” said serve, they heard their con- input point of view. Years ago Jessica Diaz, the sales manager stituents, and they decided the town went about a project Vertical Roots, a hydropon- at Vertical Roots. to take action. And that has called the Coleman Boulevard ic farm in Charleston, looks The school system is no exresulted in a lot of dif ferent Revitalization Project. And different compared to a tra- ception to the organization’s policy changes to help control what came out of that was a plan for growth around an urgrowth.” ditional farm. Inside the up- mission. At the end of FebHe also noted there were ban core as a means to protect cycled shipping containers, in- ruary, Vertical Roots began “unprecedented emergency the outer suburbs – the outer dividual heads of bright green providing all of Charleston events” beyond the usual prob- reaches of the community. and red lettuce line the walls County schools with fresh lems involving annual tropi- And what came out of that was as they complete the growing lettuce from the farm. cal storms and hurricanes. tall buildings, great densities, process without touching the “They’ve never been in the He cited issues with the I-26 things like that,” he said, addoutdoors. position where they could Don Holt Bridge, snow, and ing sarcastically, “And God, we Vertical Roots’ goal is to have a local lettuce provider,” civil unrest. “Oh, by the way, I did everything right.” forgot to throw in a worldwide He continued, “We did evrevolutionize the way com- said Diaz. “You have to be able pandemic,” he quipped. “And erything. Oh, we won all the munities grow, distribute and to provide that product yearcan think of, for then, as of you’ll we’re still awards the see, Agriculture, which you includes consume food. round for it to be an option for meet the requirements publicand outreach, grappling with what the ecoVegetables sufficient quantity abilitywe did every“All the founders of the the farm to school program.” Fresh Fruits and nomic outcome will be from thing that was state of the art. Catacompany have always been In order to provide food Order Receipt System COVID-19. Recovery is on the …we sent letters to people’s Pleaseissee A6welcomed everyof know very inspired and motivated to the schools, a farm has to log from the Department housesPage and we way, but we don’t howLETTUCE, fast or how much recovery will one in, gave people coffee and things like that. And that wasn’t happen.” To slow t he rapid pace enough, we had a typical pubof growth there have been lic hearing where everybody changes in “building permit showed up to give their input. allocation, which is a meter- And we did it all and won a ing out building permits ev- bunch of awards.” DeMoura paused and then added, “The best thing about that was, none of it worked. So things started getting built, people started to get angry, evBY KENNA COE erything we thought that we did news@moultrienews.com

park ranger with the National Park Service, education specialist and community activist, he is well-known for his achievements and efforts to elevate the vital importance of the Gullah Geechee Culture and the enormous historical contributions and cultural impact of African Americans. Allen’s most recent honor is the Governor’s Award in the Humanities, which will be presented in October at the 2021 Governor’s Awards in the Humanities Luncheon

and Award Ceremony in Columbia. The award recognizes achievements in “humanities research, teaching, and scholarship” as well as participation in helping South Carolina communities “better understand our cultural heritage or ideas and issues related to the humanities.” Allen was nominated by Michael B. Moore, a founding leader of Charleston’s International African American Museum, which is slated to open in 2022. In his nomi-

KENNA COE/STAFF

Mount Pleasant gallery showcases local art talent

Affordable Art of Charleston opens its doors again to art enthusiasts with ‘Go Bold’ event Wednesday, May 12, 2021 | PaGe a1 Mathewes said. “I’m looking forward to it. I think everyone is trying to get back to normal.” Affordable Art’s purpose is to provide customers with affordable, local art. Williams said most of the artists are from the Charleston area with the furthest being from Atlanta. “Everybody wants original art in their homes now, but they want to be able to afford more than one piece,” Williams said. Williams’ definition of affordable is pieces under $5,000 while most art in the gallery is under $1,000. Williams said she’s not trying to be a downtown Charleston gallery and doesn’t expect to command those high prices in Mount Pleasant. “I think people are looking for affordable and it doesn’t mean cheap. It means that it’s just something you can put in your house and have original, beautiful artwork and not pay a fortune,” Williams said. Williamsdescribestheartwork in the gallery as contemporary. She displays a range of mediums including acrylic, oil pastels and charcoal artwork. Many pieces have bright pops of colors or include ocean-themed elements. Debb Rugg Warren, an artist at the gallery, said when it comes to creating a piece, she loves experimenting with

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Georgiana Thaxton and Caroline Cochran create bags at Five Eighth Seams’ sewing camp on July 6.

Local shops each offer something unique to the sewing community BY KENNA COE news@moultrienews.com Some may think sewing is a pastime of the past, but Charleston’s local sewing shops have a different story to tell. Charleston’s sewing community covers a diverse group of ages and socio-economic statuses. The hobby ranges from intricate, traditional quilters to fashion-forward apparel designers. Some crafters stick to a pattern while others combine patterns to create their own look. One recent trend that came and left, for the most part, was the face mask frenzy. “We’ve definitely gotten a lot of people that made masks that had never sewn before and now they want to,” said Brooke Floyd, owner of Five Eighth Seams in West Ashley. Floyd is glad the focus has shifted from mask making to other projects. During the height of the pandemic, she was stocking the store with fabrics that included little prints and designs that would fit well on a mask. In the beginning of the pandemic, Five Eighth Seams was giving out free fabric for masks and some customers would donate to the cause. While the pandemic may have encouraged people to pick up the hobby to help others stop the spread, some simply pulled out their machines to find a creative outlet while staying at home. “We felt the resurgence happening prior to COVID, but then once COVID hit, I mean people came out of the woodwork,” said Debbie Newman, owner of Wild and Wooly in Mount Pleasant. She said sewing became an outlet for many while stuck at home. Newman said some loyal customers felt so isolated at home that they would sit

Now that small groups are able to safely gather, Wild and Wooly is planning to start classes again in the fall. The shop offers beginner knitting and quilting classes, along with advanced classes for those who are familiar with the craft. Newman said there is always space for crafters to improve. There’s also an indigo dyeing class where crafters create a dyed design on a sheet. Newman said in-person classes make the shop feel like a community. She took over the shop as owner in January 2019 and felt embraced by the quilting and sewing community from the start. She’s looking forward to reenergizing by inviting groups back into the store. “The biggest goal was to create a haven for

in their car in the Wild and Wooly parking lot when the shop was closed. “For people that were already established within their crafts, it was not a lifesaver for them, but it certainly saved their sanity,” said Newman. Wild and Wooly caters to quilting and knitting. Kim McPeake, the manager at Wild and Wooly, said their customer base is fairly even between knitters and quilters, while many crafters try both hobbies. “Most quilters, we try everything,” said McPeake. “Every hobby that’s got anything to do with thread or fabric or yarn, Please see SEWING, Page A5 we’ve probably tried it.”

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Affordable homes a reality in Mount Pleasant A teacher at Laing Middle School, a Trader Joe’s employee, a nurse at East Cooper Medical Center and a couple of Costco workers are a few of the individuals who recently purchased a home in Mount Pleasant. In an area saturated with expensive real estate, Gregorie Ferry Towns aims to provide an attainable price point for Mount

Independent bookstores anticipate interest in tangible, physical books

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Pleasant’s workforce. thing to us – it means we can One goal of the workforce stay here forever and take housing is to allow those who moving anywhere else off the work in Mount Pleasant to be table,” said Erinn Stampe, a able to call the same commu- single mom who is a teacher for nity home. The 36-unit, two the Charleston County School and three bedroom townhomes District and new homeowner at located on Winnowing Way off Gregorie Ferry Towns. Highway 17, start in the midStampe and her son Lucas, $200,000s. The townhomes are who is in fourth grade, have available for qualifiedMount buyers been renting inbookstores Mount Pleassee GROWTH, Page A4 Pleasant’s two independently ownedPlease differ earning between $40,000 and ant for years. Their in what they offer, however bothseven owners said the best aspect of a curlocal bookstore is being a part of the community. has become $64,800 per year. rent apartment “I think the majority of this business is getting to know the cus- too tomers and enjoyingcrowded their friendship,” saidthe Beverly Gibbs,of owner “This project means everyfor two them, of Trade-A-Book. KENNA COE/STAFF

The Village Bookseller’s classics section features novels like “Catcher in the Rye” and “To Kill a Mockingbird.”

Trade-A-Book is a used bookstore on Ben Sawyer Boulevard that has provided the community with resale books since 1999. Throughout Gibbs’ more than 20 years in the business, she has seen many used bookstores close their doors because they were Please see BOOKS, Page A4

along with their dog that just Stampe. had six puppies. Lucas is lookThe two drive by Gregorie ing forward to watching the Ferry Towns each day to obdogs run around at the nearby serve the progress of their fudog park at Gregorie Ferry ture home, noting new details Towns. each time. They are expecting “It’s so nice to be able to live to move in at the end of the in a community where there’s summer. other like-minded individuals From ideation to creation, who are also working in Mount Gregorie Ferry Towns was a Pleasant and working as joint-effort between several Wildhard and Wooly caters to quilters and knitters. as we are to give their families groups committed to the cause: a good life here and to give Housing for All – Mount PleasLove, hope, success, back to the community,” said ant, a non-profit dedicated to

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Affordable Art of Charleston, an art gallery in Mount Pleasant, is hosting an upcoming showcase, “Go Bold,” on March 25 that will give guests the opportunity to browse a handful of newandrecurringgalleryartists. After a year without hosting a gallery show due to the pandemic, Affordable Art’s owner Carol Williams is looking forward to opening her doors again to art enthusiasts. The show will utilize outdoor and indoor space, so guests who prefer being in the open air can still attend the event. There will be an open bar and food from Braised in the South food truck. The small showcase will feature artists Debb Rugg Warren, Haley Mathewes, Gary Bodner and Shelby LeBlanc. For those who cannot attend the event, the art show will run at the gallery through June 30. Mathewes, one of Affordable Art’s new artists for the spring show, creates charcoal abstract figures and landscape paintings. She’s been involved in a couple of other gallery shows over the last year and said she was surprised by their success even during the pandemic, and expects Affordable Art’s event to be the same. “I applaud her for going ahead and doing an in-person event,”

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December 2017. “I was told very early in my retirement by two good friends of mine that working in the field of history and preservation that you will not be able to ‘just lay on the couch.’” When asked about any future plans, perhaps in politics, Allen said after 37 years in the National Park Service he feels he can do even better now as a private citizen. He cited his responsibilities to his family

Sewing Revival

BY CATHERINE KOHN editor@moultrienews.com

Gary Bodner’s Charleston-themed artwork is available at Affordable Art.

nation letter Moore offers a long list of Allen’s lifetime of contributions, before and after his “retirement.” Perhaps most revealing was how Moore ends his nomination by emphasizing that Allen’s “kindness, compassion and empathy have led to bridge community gaps and helped community leaders understand each other in a more meaningful way.” Allen spent 37 years in public service and retired f rom the National Park Service in

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Sumter police: Video shows woman struck by 18-wheeler BY SHELBIE GOULDING shelbie@theitem.com What originally started as a missing person case became a fatal hit-and-run investigation after Sumter officers indicated the missing 23-year-old was struck by a tractor-trailer truck traveling on South Guignard Drive on the night of her disappearance. Rebecca Danielle Brown, of Sumter, was reported missing on March 17. She was last

seen with friends after she walked away from the Sumter Stop, a gas station on South Guignard Drive, after 9 p.m. BROWN Multiple searches by ground and air were conducted beginning on the night of her disappearance. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division and

SEE HIT AND RUN, PAGE A5

School district now projects $4.8M net income this year

February report takes out unlikely $3.7M state revenue cut BY BRUCE MILLS bruce@theitem.com

Alice Drive Baptist will donate $175,000 to finish homeless shelter

South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster, right, joined by U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, speaks to reporters on Tuesday in Columbia about a sweeping voting and ethics bill that passed the U.S. House along mostly partisan lines last month. THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

BY SHELBIE GOULDING shelbie@theitem.com

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In its December and January financial reporting of the projected fund balance for this fiscal year, administration estimated 2020-21 to be about a break-even year for the district and included a $3.7 million, or 5%, across-the-board state revenue reduction due to the pandemic. Given that scenario and other factors, the district’s general fund was projected to stay at roughly $25.3 million. Adding future potential fallouts from COVID-19 into the mix, Miller and Superintendent Penelope Martin-Knox said offering bonuses or pay raises at this time would not be the best approach and preferred a “wait-and-see approach,” given the “budget unknowns.” However, the state General Assembly has not discussed state revenue cuts for public schools in the current budget cycle, due mostly to a large surplus last year. In Monday’s end-of-February general fund statement report, Miller took out the

Graham, McMaster criticize sweeping voting rights bill

The Sumter Item After only projecting the district to basically break even in recent monthly financial reports, Sumter School District now projects a change in fund balance, or net income, of $4.8 million this fiscal year. District Chief Financial Officer Jennifer Miller provided the district’s general fund statement of revenues and expenditures through February at Sumter school board’s regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, and it appears the topic of employee bonuses will resurface soon based on a trustee’s comments. After the district built its general fund balance to $25.4 million after closing the books on fiscal 2020 in December, the full board — led by Area 4 Trustee Johnny Hilton — has discussed on several occasions the possibility of extending a bonus to all employees, citing added workloads since the start of the pandemic.

BY MICHELLE LIU The Associated Press/Report for America

COLUMBIA — U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham joined South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster on Tuesday in criticizing the sweeping voting and ethics legislation that passed the U.S. House last month along mostly partisan lines. The two Republicans insisted the bill would take power

away from states and lead to less secure elections. The critique comes as conservatives across the country push back against the proposal that could reshape the U.S. electoral process for years, while Democrats argue that they are trying to rebuild trust in the ballot. The federal legislation

SEE VOTING RIGHTS, PAGE A8

Sumter United Ministries got a generous donation that will help speed up the process and complete construction for its new emergency shelter by this fall. SUM received news that Alice Drive Baptist Church, as past of its local missions funding campaign, will bestow a gift of $175,000 to the local nonprofit in an effort to get construction completed for Sumter’s homeless population. “We set out in 2020 to make 2021 our finest hour of generosity,” said Alice Drive’s lead pastor, the Rev. Clay Smith. “Everybody’s a little crazy during COVID-19, but we saw it as a time of opportunity.” Although they have not made the donation yet, Smith said it will be given in three increments. Alice Drive Baptist Church chose Sumter United Ministries following a mission to raise funds to build a home for its Pocalla campus and give 10% of what it raises to needy causes. Since the church is building a home for its Pocalla campus, the church thought it made sense to provide a home for its com-

From

wave

With travel restrictions, more family time, working from home, the business of pools and backyard oasis building is booming

PHOTOS BY MICAH GREEN /

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BOTTOM: A hot tub is seen Wednesday at All About Pools and Spas, 1170 South Pike West. PHOTOS BY BRUCE MILLS / THE SUMTER ITEM

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Sumter-based breast cancer group supports U.S. ‘Breasties’ despite losses

make a few dollars and share a few smiles, but that came to an end Sunday. The weekend served as the final two days of business for the Sumter County Flea Market, located just a few miles outside Sumter city limits on Myrtle Beach Highway, and several vendors shared personal stories and pondered their next steps with

station will be built on the property. The new landowner, Monica Phan, who bought the property last year, said she might build a new, modified version of a flea market nearby. The recognizable fixture on U.S. 378 has been in the same spot since 1989, and a few vendors have been there since the start, including Sarah Shipman Lee.

Night frights at Second Mill

Johnny Pringle Jr. Lester Reed Betty Goins Levy Conyers

make $700 a day in 1996. That was before Dollar Trees and Dollar Generals hit the landscape and began taking some business away from flea markets. AT THE CENTER OF Like many other vendors, Lee WHO WE ARE IS A lives on a fixed income, and she COMMUNITY BANK. could bring home about $150 extra

SEE MARKET, PAGE A8

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Perseverance rover Demand isThe dropping. takes its first drive on Mars on March 4. The rover has been on Mars for a month, When COVID-19 vaccines became collecting data and making each day. available for discoveries anyone older than 16, there was an initial rush of people seeking shots. Now state and local health officials are concerned available WEATHER, A10 INSIDE appointments will I’Mgo NOT READY FOR unfilled. THIS HEAT YET Classifieds B4 Sports B1 Mostly sunny today; partly Carolina South opened eligibility for Comics C1 Television C2 cloudy tonight the vaccineOpinion lastA9 week, and Self RegionNASA / JPL-CALTECH VIA AP, FILE

MIDDLE: A hot tub is seen on the display floor this week at Charpy’s Pools and Spas on Liberty Street.

indexjournal.com

Conflict beneath the surface Greenwood Together Abbeville softball takes on Crescent in playoffs, unveils workforce Vaccine appointments going unfilled as supplies increase development guidance

By฀DAMIAN฀DOMINGUEZ ddominguez@indexjournal.com SEE SKF, PAGE A6

SEE POOLS, PAGE A5

FaithVISIT Strong Ministries, a Sumter-based US ONLINE AT DEATHS, B2 WEATHER, A12 INSIDE Elizabeth L. Brown breast cancer group, raisedGregory money with for 48 2 SECTIONS, 20The PAGES Sumter Item. BY BRUCE MILLS Cornelius Black Clyde Franklin Greene Sr. the .com An Avon representative A MORNING STORM VOL. 126, NO. 114 .com Lila June remembers Taylor Bailey Denise Henry Blocker III Ridethe for a Cure on Oct. 23 inJanae light ofRucker Breast A storm and breezy The old, run-down wooden strucyears, “Ms. Sarah” bruce@theitem.com Loretta Christine Harvin Green Inez Gibson Hall Carolyn Gibson White Clarendon Sun A8 Opinion A11 this morning; clear sky Westleyto Allante Brown Penny D. Robbins Cancer Awareness Month and support ture when the establishment was boomand warm tonight Classifieds B6 Sports B1with a tin roof will be demolLinda C. Timmons Elliott Kelly Jr. David Johnson Television B4 82, LOW 61 their Breasties across the U.S. it was a placeComics to A6 ished soon, and a new Tanners gas ing in the 1990s.Gloria She J. said Thomas Robert Tindal Patrick CliftonFor Clark 32 years,HIGH Zuellshe could

SKF Sumter to Mars Sumter’s manufacturing base has always been known for making products used across the globe, but now it can add “other planets” to that portfolio with SKF bearings on NASA’s Perseverance Mars Rover. SKF, with two production sites in Live Oak Industrial Park, has five thin-section bearings in five locations on the Mars rover, and Senior Vice President John Bloomer was in town Tuesday to discuss the company’s Kaydon bearing product line

Sumter County Flea Market closes doors after 32 years; new owner might rebuild VISIT US ONLINE AT

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Bearings are inspected for quality assurance at SKF Sumter on Tuesday.

TOP: An in-ground pool construction site for Water Works Pools and Spas is seen Wednesday at a Sumter home.

PHOTOS BY SHELBIE GOULDING / THE SUMTER ITEM

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Cicada swarm swamps Biden press plane ODD NEWS, 2A

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BY BRUCE MILLS

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL THE SUMTER ITEM

BY BRUCE MILLS bruce@theitem.com

n the pandemic, pool sales are booming, and it is easy to figure out the reasons why.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2021

Buzzing, bothersome bugs VOL. 103, NO. 84

Riding the

During the last year, people have not traveled internationally to resorts because of restrictions, and many didn’t take their regular beach vacation last summer. Camps were shut down in 2020, and both children and parents have been home with virtual school and virtual work. The "everybody is at home, so let’s get a pool" philosophy and craze has been playing out nationwide and locally, and three Sumter-based pool builders and vendors spoke this week with The Sumter Item on whether they think the wave will continue. Billy Colquitt, owner of All About Pools and Spas on South Pike, and Eric Prince, owner of Water Works Pools and Spas on Alice Drive, have both been in the business

James Hicks

VOL. 103, NO. 21

SEE REVENUE, PAGE A5

Sports 1B

munity’s homeless. “Our total goal for 2021 is $5.5 million. We’ve already received $1.5 million, and we were looking for a place locally where we could invest that money that would really make a difference,” Smith said. “Mark had made us aware of the need for the funding to complete the homeless shelter.” Sumter United Ministries Executive Director Mark Champagne was speechless at the idea of receiving enough funds to complete the new emergency shelter’s construction, especially after losing its temporary shelter last year. CHAMPAGNE “This will help us get our shelter kind of back,” he said. “(Alice Drive Baptist Church) did it, and that’s like unbelievable. You don’t get $175,000 checks from churches. It’s pretty crazy.” Prior to the new shelter moving to 36 S. Artillery Drive, SUM was using its original shelter on Oakland Avenue, but it became uninhabitable during the COVID-19 pandemic and after it was broken into several

3 SECTIONS, 16 PAGES VOL. 126, NO. 122

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ty, Vision Greenwood is a nonprofit focused on community development and quality of place issues. Vision Greenwood, a rebranding of ecutive director of Vision Greenwood, Goodwill stores: Stop donating trash, 2A the Foundation for a Greater Greenabout her organization’s strategic plan Police IDwood suspect in Pearl Street shooting, 3A County, was Partnership Allifor the future. ance’s nonprofit arm that worked Demi Lovato says she’s nonbinary, 6Aon Both organizations address tasks charitable and grant-driven projects in economic devel- in community and workforce development, but the two opment, Self said. Founded in 2000, the nonprofit organizations have not worked together. has invested more than $2.9 million While Greenwood into initiatives in Greenwood County. KAY Together is a consor- Vision Greenwood’s board of direcSELF tium of entities that tors consists of former Partnership work on individual tasks to advance page 5A economic development in the coun- See RIFT,indexjournal.com

Presentations at legislative delegation meeting expose rift INSIDE

By JAMES HICKS jhicks@indexjournal.com

Surface-level challenges for economic development in Greenwood County are at the forefront of discussions by participants of Greenwood Together, the county’s economic development transitional identity. A qualified workforce, housing options and challenging a perception that Greenwood has a crime and educationVOL. problem 103, NO. 63are challenges that Jim Medford, chairperson of the

Greenwood SC Chamber of ComThose conflicts, which were premerce workforce task force, says must viously only whispered about, came be addressed in order out at Greenwood to fulfill the needs of County’s legislative the county’s indusdelegation meeting tries. Monday. But other chalMembers of the lenges are lurking bedelegation gathered low the surface, conto hear about Greenflicts that go back to wood Together’s BARBARA JIM the county’s previous workforce strategic ANN HEEGAN MEDFORD economic developplan from Medford ment entity, Greenwood Partnership and Chamber CEO Barbara Ann HeeAlliance. gan as well as hear from Kay Self, ex-

Sports 1B

Farmers al Healthcare CEO and President Jim said. “Everybody’s clambering to get back Pfeiffer said there was an to normal, everyone is, and the fastest way market immediate uptick in at- to get back to normal is by everybody getstarts new tention from the public. ting it. It’s as simple as that.” season KELLY LARA DAWN KAY JAMES JIM A.P. “CHIP” BARBARA STEVE That’s already starting to BATEMANTo find outSTOCKMAN where you can get a vaccine, BROWN MCWHORTER HILLER ANN HEEGAN HUDSON SELF MEDFORD By JAMES HICKS jhicks@indexjournal.com slacken, he said. visit the state DepartmentDespiteoftheHealth and dark clouds, farmers “In reality, right now Environmental Control’sand some produce seekers came out online vaccine Wednesday to the Greenwood County Farmers Market. we have same-day ap- provider map at vaxlocator.dhec.sc.gov The county market, which openedor its season Saturday and operates unpointments available — call til October, welcomed a new market One year since Partnership Alliance’s collapse, Greenwood Together rises 866-365-8110. To sign upRebaveteran for vaccoordinator. Vinson,a a 20-year JAMES A. of “We are call exactly what term anniversary of Greenwood County chain reaction leading to its ultimate “No credible process of Greenwood accountabilBy JAMES HICKS youGreenwood can ourthe number County School Dis-by Together means,” Green- Council’s vote tocine leave Greenwood demise. Regional The vote was nearly unaniity of the CEO, ” public chiding jhicks@indexjournal.com at Self Medical Center, fill PFEIFFER trict 50, has joined the wood County Council Chairman Partnership Alliance, the economic mous, save for Councilman Robbie GPA board members and disparagand get countyCounty to manage the In the past year, several government Steve Brownan said at appointment Tuesday’s County development organization that served Templeton’s vote against in hopes that ing remarks about Council farmers market operCapt. Darin Cromer checks the Greenwood City Fire Department’s hazardous materials suits by and business entities joined forces Council meeting. “We are working tofor many years in Greenwood County. the county and the Partnership could were listed as the concerns the counations. inflating them to ensure there aren’t any leaks — one of the many maintenance jobs firefighters to create a newsame economic develop(the) betterment the vote toSee remove the coun- work out their differences. Vice VACCINE, page 5A ty had about the“Soorganization. either the day gether orforthe nextof Greenday,ty’s”It wasmembership he far, it’s going do would regularly. ment engine that some say fits wood County.” and investment Those differences were read aloud 2 SECTIONS, 18 PAGES

THURSDAY, MAY 20, 2021

DAILY $1, WEDNESDAY | WEEKENDER $2

Phoenix of economic development DAMIAN DOMINGUEZ | INDEX-JOURNAL

Hot topic ‘Beautifully strong’

Greenwood County.

” Vinson said. Wednesday marked the one-year of $300,000 in GPA that sparked a with Brown’s statement at the time. See PHOENIX,great, page 4A REBA Vinson, who also VINSON works part time with the Lander Police Department as a fill-in dispatcher, said she likes the atmosphere of the market and enjoys participating in activities like that so it was fitting for her to get involved at the market. Few patrons were out Wednesday morning at the market. Vinson said a few conditions played into low turnout. By DAMIAN DOMINGUEZ “A lot of things haven’t come in yet,” ddominguez@indexjournal.com Vinson said. Billy — Rodgers, farmer who hasor WARE SHOALS Are theya harmless drinks, been selling at the market for many a potentially deadly liability? years, saidCouncil he should have in less Ware Shoals Town voted to corn approve sellthan 2 weeks.

Maintenance routine keeps fire department running smoothly

Ware Shoals OKs alcohol sales at town events

By฀JAMES฀HICKS jhicks@indexjournal.com

Greenwood Together, the county’s economic development transitional identity, unveiled recommendations Tuesday on how it should proceed with workforce development to about 35 people from government, education and community groups The lack of participation from the county’s manufacturing leaders was not lost on Mamie Nicholson, president of the Self Family Foundation, TED ABERNATHY See WORKFORCE, page 4A

Business Beat Reporting

Daily Under 8,500 & 8,500-25,000 Divisions Combined

First PLACE Katherine Kokal The Island Packet

These stories show the impact of change among those living in the community. They capture history in the making as the well-known landmarks change into something new. In the future, these stories will be what people seek.

Business Beat Reporting

Daily Over 25,000 Division

Third PLACE

Second PLACE

Marcus Navarro

Mike Fitts

Greenville News

The Post and Courier

Business Beat Reporting

Daily Over 25,000 Division

First PLACE David Wren

The Post and Courier

Good selection of entries that show a range of business reporting. All three submissions were engaging and informative.

administrator Page A3 75 cents

www.pagelandprogressive.com

TuesdAy, OcTOber 12, 2021

Growth and Development Beat Reporting Town buys Pageland Hardware building Downtown farmers’ market planned

deep. There is also an odd-sized, .3-acre lot behind the storefronts where a lawnmower and chainsaw business operated. The foreclosure sale was to satisfy the outstanding loan on the property held by First Citizens Bank and Trust. The bank had earlier agreed to a deficiency judgment, meaning it would accept a bid less than what was owed. The Town of Pageland of was leading bidder in the first round

Weekly Under 3,500 & 3,500-6,500 Divisions Combined By DON WORTHINGTON Progressive Journal

The Town of Pageland is buying the former Pageland Hardware building and related property for $95,600. The town outbid two other persons for the North Pearl Street property during an auction at the Chesterfield County Courthouse on Thursday. Town Administrator Cecil

Kimrey said the town plans to use the space for a farmers’ market. Kimrey said a more detailed plan will be developed now that the town owns the property. Pageland Hardware was one of the oldest operating businesses in downtown, opening in 1911. It underwent several ownerships and closed about 2019. The property is two stores, each about 30 feet wide and 150

don Worthington / Progressive Journal

The Town of Pageland recently purchased the Pageland Hardware building with intentions of turning the space into a farmers’ market.

Third PLACE

Second PLACE

Don Worthington

Shellie Murdaugh

see BUILDING, page A2

No tax increase in proposed town budget

‘SAVE THE CLOCK’ EFFORT CONTINUES

STAFF REPORT

Digging deep into Clemson’s past

Eason snags African American first Read In from win Istanbul

Pageland’s Town Council is set to approve a 2022 budget that maintains services without increasing taxes or fees. The council held first reading on the budget on Oct. 5. A public hearing and second reading on the proposal will be in November. The tax rate remains at 98 mills. Town Administrator Cecil Kimrey said the budget could include an additional police officer, Page which would be funded by a federal grant. The budget also sets aside $10,000 toward the future purchase of a fire truck and more part-time funding the Fire Department. The department has been paying part-time firefighters during the day when most volunteers are working another job. “This is your basic maintenance budget with police, fire www.pagelandprogressive.com

Pageland tackles litter problems

Pageland Progressive-Journal at Petersburg Primary

VIEWPOINT, A4

SPORTS, A5

Page 2

Photos by don Worthington / Progressive Journal

ABOVE: Cakes baked and donated by members of the Pageland Garden Club filled the office of the cents www.pagelandprogressive.com Pageland Chamber of Commerce75prior to the on-line sale. RIGHT: Pageland Garden Club member Judy Rankin shows one of the cakes she baked for the It’s Time fundraiser to repair the town’s Centennial Clock.

TuesdAy, sepTember 14, 2021

Is Pageland prepared for growth?

No crumbs, just tasty desserts in drive to fund clock repairs Advocates want new strategic plan, new ordinances STAFF REPORT

The Pageland Planning Commission, the Pageland Chamber of Commerce and Chesterfield STAFF CountyREPORT Economic Development agree – the town needs a new plan to guide growth.

land should have a moratorium on new development along the Van “It is time for Pageland to look Lingle Mungo Boulevard bypass. at their ordinances and if they The town council decided need to be adjusted to fit a new against the moratorium recomstrategic plan,” wrote Economic mendation by thetPlanning ComDevelopment director Kim Burch mission. goal isCommission $10,000. reon items June 1. were for sale for $30 The Planning The letter was reference brought to cently recommended the town each, but in some The Progressive then debate over whether Page- consider developing an “overlay”

There was hardly a cake crumb left when the Pageland Garden Club finished its fundraiser for the town’s Centennial Clock. Members of the club baked cakes, pies, muffins and cupcakes. Businesses, such as the bakery at Food Lion, donated cakes. The baked

district for the Van Lingle Mungo Boulevard bypass. The chamber endorsed the idea, requesting the town council authorize the planning commission to work with the chamber, economic development and others, to develop regulations that would apply specifically to the bypass. Journal’s Burch, in her letter to Mayor

75 cents

higher prices. The result? The garden club nearly doubled its goal, raising $2,630. The garden club’s tally puts the civic drive to repair the clock almost at the halfway point. So far, about $4,000 has been raised. The

Jason Evans, said the town is not ready for more growth. She suggested the town “immediately” address the issue and make a five or 10 year plan on how the town will update its infrastructure to “accommodate anything new that comes to the area” as well as existing retail, residential and utilities.

see BUDGET, page A2

Pageland’s growth brings water woes County looks

$5 challenge has raised $515. Challenge donations are being taken at the newspaper’s office on S.C. or at Town services that will be affected The higher the ISO rating, the higher DON WORTHINGTON the Pageland By Chamber of the most are police and the fire depart- insurance premiums. Commerce office on North Progressive Journal ments. “As we grow we need to look at our Pearl Street. How much water does a growing Pageland Fire Department Chief water supply,” Rivers recently told the The cake sale “was a Pageland need? Tommy Rivers has said his department Pageland Town Council. Having Town officials, will likely add a station to meet the enough water is critical. “It makes up see CAKES, page A5 economic development officials and the Chesterfield needs of new residents. STAFF REPORT 40 percent of your ISO score,” Rivers County Rural Water Co. are having Rivers said this issue is more than said. By DON WORTHINGTON one of the first mobile homes in Pageland preliminary talks about the issue. Redrawing Chesterfield County having equipment ready to fight fires, “As the demand for water grows it Progressive Journal before buying a house on East Maynard council’s election districts Street. It’s been their home Pageland is poised for both residenhowever. meansshould there is less water to fight fires For most of his 12 years on Pageland since 1969. be complete by early 2022, said you increase your capacitial and industrial/commercial growth. The Insurance Service Office looks with unless Town Council one of the nagging problems From 1955 to 1995, Clontz director Kevin By DON WORTHINGTON down. at a them number of factorselection when determinty,”Thurman. Rivers said,. homes are being builttown nearrecently Cen- tore Joe Clontz faced was the town clock. drove to Lancaster where he New The county saw a 7 percent Progressive Journal The sport of choice is soccer. It could not keep time. was a production scheduler Charlie Gray, administrator for tral High School. Town officials have ing a fire department’s rating. The ratBut Clontz can honestly say the clock’s for Springs Industries. in population the 2010 County Rural Water, said ing can day affectforthe costdrop of home insur- from Chesterfield about how to provideSunday servicesisto a popular location, on the corner of West McGregor “I was a country boy. talked I Census. Atbuy one time,that Pigg wasbe soccer at the ance. park, said town residents willPark likely annexed. and North Maple streets, is where he had needed a job so I could See WATER | Page 3 Then county’s population in time of his life. a car,” Clontz said. the center of Pageland’s activ- administrator Cecil Kimrey. A CLONTZ That’s where he met his future wife, When he had ity. enough An American flag flies in downtown Pageland cuts the grass at the 2010 was 46,734. The 2020 Cencontractor Amelia, in 1956. money set aside, Clontz bought his first this past weekend in honor of those who died in sus count for Chesterfield County were youth baseball park. the Sept. 11 terrorism attacks. Councilman Joe (The clock was installed in 2008 as part car, a 1952 Ford, two-door, hardtopThere with is 43,273. games followed byPageland’s picnicsflagatdisplayThere are new nets on the basClontz made possible. of the town’s centennial celebration.) They were married in 1960. They lived in dON WOrTHINGTON / progressive Journal see CLONTZ, pagepavilion. A3 The numbers did not necessarithe You could take a ketball court. PHOTOS SUPPLIED ly mean that many people left the walk through the woods to the The town has two choices Dorothy Chambers county. The Census count is based town pond. when it comes to the pond, it Moore celebrated on the number of people who Today, there is no electric can either remove the earthen completed the 2020 Census forms. power at the pavilion and the dam or improve it. The decision her 90th birthday Thurman said the districts roofBy needs repair. The town necessity. is not immediate, but at some with a surprise DON WORTHINGTON Progressive Journal It is a challenge Kimrey said he has still must comply with the Votrecently solicited bids for the point the S.C. Department of drive-by parade in always been fascinated with because ing Rights Act of 1965 when it replacing or repairing the paHealth and Environmental her honor Feb. 28 By DON WORTHINGTON Cecil Kimrey’s fascination with of its many components. Knight recently sold his house in comes to minority voting. The vilion’s willchallenge force of thehowtown to “how roof. to solve a problem” will be his Control There is basic it Progressive Journal District 6 and decided not to seek Pageland legacy.field can be done. Then there’s the finanre-election. Dugouts on the baseball don Worthington / Progressive Journal The town’sthat adminInaround 11 years a Pageland Town A key for Pageland’s growth, were in such poor shape the cial aspect. Shooting at as Pigg Park in Pageland. see PIGG PARK, page A4 see REDISTRICTING, page A2 istrator for 23 years, There’s working with engineers Councilman, Johnny Knight de- Knight said, is the sewer improve-

Changes in leadership coming for Pageland

at election district lines

Honoring veterans is Clontz’s legacy

What is Pigg Park’s future?

Johnny Knight: Council has Pageland poised for growth scribed the job “as a thankless task where the little things seemed more important than the big things.” But the work of the

CALL US

ments the council has been working on for more than a decade. Then Mayor Brian Hough started the sewer conversations. Initially, the town investigated the possibility of partnering with Alligator Rural CLASSIFIEDS Water & Sewer Co. in McBee.

Town’s problem solver retiring

INDEX

Kimrey announced and designers. last week he is retir- There’s working with the town ing, effective Oct. 15. council to make sure they underPageland’s problem stand what’s happening. has been how to up- “It’s a constant challenge from the date and expand the start,” he said. “There are so many cloudy with a 14 percent town’s sewer treat- little things that must be done to find

TODAY’S WEATHER A5

KIMREY

Partly

INSIDE, A2

Mentoring

INSIDE, A5 Absentee

Jasper County Sun Times

MARCH 9, 2021

One dead, one shot in home invasion Staff report

A 17 year-old male died following an attempted home invasion on S.C. 207 north of Pageland on March 5. According to Chesterfield County Sheriff’s Office, Noah Daniels, 21, of Marshville, and the 17-year-old knocked on the door and asked the homeowners for directions. They forced their way into the house. The 17 year-old was shot by one of the occupants of the house. The homeowner was shot by one of the two suspects. Deputies have not released the name of the deceased because of his age. Daniels has been arrested on two counts of attempted burglary and murder.

Growth and Development Beat Reporting

Weekly Under 3,500 & 3,500-6,500 Divisions Combined

First PLACE Charles D. Perry

Myrtle Beach Herald

The journalist examines difficult issues such as eradication of an animal to exorbitant fees of doing business with solid research and opinions from both sides.

Growth and Development Beat Reporting

Weekly Over 6,500 Division

Third PLACE

Second PLACE

Mindy Lucas

Evan Peter Smith

The Island News

Greenville Journal

Growth and Development Beat Reporting

Weekly Over 6,500 Division

First PLACE Rachel Hartdegen

Bluffton Today

These stories show how the past has connected to the present. Plans that were made years ago can be accounted for now. The stories show the changes that take place in communities as they grow and shift over time.

Growth and Development Beat Reporting

Daily Under 8,500 & 8,500-25,000 Divisions Combined

Third PLACE

Second PLACE

Kathryn Casteel

J. Dale Shoemaker

Herald-Journal

The Sun News

Growth and Development Beat Reporting

Daily Under 8,500 & 8,500-25,000 Divisions Combined

First PLACE Bob Montgomery

Herald-Journal

Unique way to show the true impact of economic growth.

Growth and Development Beat Reporting

Daily Over 25,000 Division

Third PLACE

Second PLACE

Kirk Brown

Macon Atkinson

Greenville News

Growth and Development Beat Reporting

Daily Over 25,000 Division

First PLACE Gabe Cavallaro

Greenville News

I love how the focus of these discussions of community changes is not on the powers at be, but the people who live and work in the areas affected. Nice job!

Sheriff makes case for eight more patrol deputies

Education Beat Reporting By Charles Swenson COASTAL OBSERVER

Sheriff Carter Weaver wants to add eight patrol deputies this year and wants Georgetown County Council to reinstate merit pay raises to help keep them. It would be the first increase in patrol deputies in 15 years, although deputies have been add-

Carter Weaver wants to reinstate a merit pay system to retain deputies.

ed for schools, traffic enforcement and a beach patrol through grants. The county has also added deputies for security at the judicial center and at the county offices in the old courthouse. “I’m not here today to scare you with ominous reports of lawlessness if you fail to act, but I am here to say that the issues I have laid out will not fare well

for Georgetown County if not addressed prior to July 1 or shortly thereafter,” Weaver told council members this week. The new deputies would amount to a 20 percent increase in the number assigned to patrols. Weaver said that’s justified by growth in the county, whatever way it is measured. He told council members that

he wants the county to develop a metric that will trigger the hiring of new deputies. “The sheriff’s personnel numbers must keep up with growth and calls for service. To date, they have not,” Weaver said. Since 2006, the calls for service have increased by over 38 percent, according to figures See “Sheriff,” Page 2

Weekly 3,500 & 3,500-6,500 Divisions Combined COASUnder TAL OB SERVER LAND USE

CORONAVIRUS

Rezoning tests limits of rural growth

Governor overrules mask mandate in schools

By Charles Swenson COASTAL OBSERVER

A zoning change that could lead to the creation of 90 units of affordable housing outside Vol. XL No.narrowly 21 Georgetown passed County Council this week, with the chairman saying concerns raised by opponents can be dealt with before a development plan is approved. “I believe in, instead of concentrating on why it can’t be, By Charles Swenson concentrating on why it can be,” COASTAL OBSERVER Council Chairman Louis Morant said. “It can lead to a better, It took nearly fourCounty.” years to get blended Georgetown the The greenvote lightwill fromallow Georgetown multiCountyuse for on a system that family 16 acres oncontrols WedgetrafficRoad signals vefield thatfor areemergency part of a medhicles. Now fire and rescue units ical “planned development” are seeing in nothing green.conapproved 2008 but to allow “We drive like we normally struction of a new hospital by due, use the same That caution. It’s Tidelands Health. project just that greenCrown lights was tied we to see the more proposed now,” Midway Fire and Rescue Pointe development, which inChief Doug said. It was cluded overEggiman 7,700 homes. The system, known as Optinever built. com, activating last month A began development group wants as buy the firm that owns Global to a portion of theit,hospital Traffic Technologies, began insite to develop rental units under a program of Low Income Housing Tax Credits administered by the state. It needs the county LAND USE zoning approval to move forward with its application. It won’t find out if it receives the credits until late summer. The project came up for approval this spring on the heels of a housing needs assessment commissioned by the county. The study showed little rental housing available for households with incomes equal to or below 80 percent of the county average, which is $50,000 a year. That is By Charles the threshold Swenson for affordable housCOASTAL OBSERVER ing. Most public sector and serCounty Council viceGeorgetown sector employees have is expectedSee to learn next week the “Zoning,” Page 2 outcome of its vote last week on a rezoning request that drew opposition from Waccamaw Neck residents. At issue is whether the deMENTAL HEALTH | Signs of cision of one member to abstain prevented the council from having the majority needed to approve the request. County attorney Jay Watson is researching the council vote on the third reading of an ordinance to Chris changeSokoloski the future land-use By COASTAL OBSERVER map from low density to medium density for 14.8 acres off Highway Suicide is not aRoad. tabooIt subject 17 near Waterford was 3-2 at School. in Waccamaw favor of theHigh change, but Coun“We don’tEverett want the first concil Member Carolina abversation stained. about suicide to be when is suicidal,” The someone council’s rules of proceEmma Wheeler, the school’s dure require a vote from “a psymachologist, said. “We want to norjority of the members present” in malize about it and asking order totalking pass an ordinance. for help. really “The We issue withwant the students attorney to feel just as comfortable comis what counts as a majority,” Caring tosaid a counselor olina this week.about a mental health problem as they do goAlthough he voted in favor of ing the nurse about a physical the to change – and a companion health problem.” ordinance that changes the zonhasfrom been “resia big ing “Mental on the health property topic of half-acre” discussionto in“residential our school dential for the three that I’ve been4 See years “Council,” Page principal,” Adam George said. “We always want to continue the

By Chris Sokoloski COASTAL OBSERVER

Parents now have the option

Pawleys Island, South Carolina ~ November 4, 2021 of not having their children wear

masks inside school buildings. Gov. Henry McMaster signed an executive order on Tuesday overriding all mask requirements in the state. “We have known for months that our schools are some of the safest places when it comes to COVID-19,” McMaster said. “With every adult in our state having the opportunity to receive a vaccine, it goes against all logic to continue to force our children – especially our youngest children

– to wear masks against their parents’ wishes. Whether a child wears a mask in school is a decision that should be left only to a $1.00 student’s parents.” McMaster directed the state Department of Health and Environmental Control to distribute a form for parents to sign for their children to “opt out” of wearing a mask. State Superintendent of On hand forMolly the launch of the Education Spearman system were, from left,very Pat said Wednesday she was concerned about the governor’s Gadek, Karen Yaniga, John decision, butGary rescinded her mask Thomas, Gadek, Tom requirement. Stickler and Doug Eggiman. “It puts our classroom Charles Swenson/Coastal Observer See “Masks,” Page 4

Emergency vehicles now get green lights on Highway 17

Third PLACE COASTAL OBSERVER

stalling equipment at 17 intersections between Georgetown Memorial Hospital and the Horry County line. There are 13 traffic signals along Highway 17 on Waccamaw Neck. The equipment was installed in 37 emergency vehicles starting in September. The system was completed this week. It uses a GPS system to give fire trucks and ambulances priority at traffic signals. That allows traffic to flow ahead of the vehicles rather than scramble to get out of the way. “It benefits the people out there driving,” Eggiman said, recalling the look he has seen in

drivers’ eyes when an emergency vehicle comes up behind them with lights flashing and horns blaring. Vol. XXXIX No. 23 The $1 million cost of the system was funded through surplus revenue collected from a capital projects sales MONTESSORI tax that was in COASTAL See “Traffic,” Page 4 ordinance to limit the size of a By Charles Swenson COASTAL OBSERVER house’s second floor to no more than 80 percent of the space on POLITICS A proposal to preserve the its first floor. Council and commission traditional look of houses on Pawleys Island will follow a tradi- members agreed at a workshop tional approach: an architectural in March to bring the proposal to the council for the first of review board. Pawleys Island Town Coun- two required readings in May. cil is due to take up the latest In addition to the limit on secversion of the plan next week. It ond floor space, the commisByrecommended Chris Sokoloski By Chris Sokoloski the town follows months of debate by the sion also COASTAL OBSERVER COASTAL OBSERVER steeper roof pitch, protown Planning Commission that adopt a saw a list of design mandates hibit “stacked” porches and ban After four on the job, Republicans flipped leadandmonths faux stucco whittled down from six tothe four to vinyl, aluminum ership of Georgetown city gov- siding.Gene Nicastro is out as director one. of the Coastal Montessori ernment this week, claimingcrethe It also proposed that the town CharAlong with an ordinance Charles Swenson/Coastal Observer School. to review and mayorship seats on hire anterarchitect ating the ARBand andthree a set of guideThe school’s terminatCouncil Member Bob Anderson debates affordable housing lines, council. with theboard commisthe Planning Commission approve plans, ed Nicastro’s contract after diswith Marilyn Hemingway, who supported the zoning change. voted Carol collected 1,330 sion acting as an appeals board. last Jayroe week to recommend cussing 90-day review for votes defeat Mayor Anderson opposed it. Seehis “Town,” Page 3 that thetotown amend itsBrendon zoning three-and-a-half hours in execBarber in his bid for a second utive session term. Barber got 1,064 votes. during a meetJayroe is the first woman, and ing on Monday first Republican, elected mayor Suicide night. of the state’s third oldest city. The vote “There’s quite an excitement was unaniabout a different type of leadermous. ship in the city of Georgetown,” No reason Jayroe said. “People are excited, was given althey’re happy, they’re ready for though the something different. Do we know Gene Nicastro board said in what everybody wants? No we conversation.” a statement it This year Waccamaw institutdon’t. But we know that with the Carol“would Jayroebewill bebest theinterest” first of in the ed the Signs of Suicide prevenoverwhelming support of hun- woman serve as mayor of the to school. tion program, known as SOS, that dreds of volunteers, and the way Georgetown. The board named Chip Henhas reached more than 250 sophpeople got out to vote, they trust necy, the school’s long-time asomores and juniors. what was goingas on withdirecus and they know that we’re go- know sistant director, acting Wheeler and Bo Godbold, the 24 hours second before stint a ing to work hard. We’re in it to council tor.until It’s Hennecy’s in school’s rehabilitative behavior when we would Observer get the make the city better and nothing meeting Swenson/Coastal thatCharles position. health services counselor, work Waccamaw High students took a mile agenda. want to be enelse.”long wellness walk on Pawleys IslandPeople this week. The green Tyler Easterling, chairman of with small groups, one classroom flags are a symbol of mental health awareness. Three Republicans topped gaged.” the board, declined to comment at a time. Students watch videos, Council Member Jonathan three Democrats for the council on Tuesday. presented resources to adult,” Wheeler said. “Teach- We’ve answer questions and fill out a right away, or if it’s somebody we an Angner was thethe top vote seats, including Jayroe’s. Nicastro did notgetter return a how to help each questionnaire that screens for just need to check on in a week or ing teenagers them so they know where to go 1,308. call Jimmy Morris was “I took that chance to become with phone seeking comment. other and how to Iseek two,” George said. possible problems. who with toAt talk to.” second 1,303 and Jimboard Clem-meetmayor because felthelp like from may- and last month’s Charles Swenson/Coastal Observer trusted adult important when it’s needed The motto of the program is aor “Small groups provide enWheeler and Godbold was with 1,147. both was more and we ents ing,third several members said they The head that wears the crown | Anaiah Deas adjusts her so important.” gagement. They’re engaged in it A.C.T.: “acknowledge” the signs iscould hasschool shown that a plan think the these fourtopeople have a mayor who was ac- said “Iresearch wanted have crown after being named Homecoming Waccamaw “The really thing about of mental queen illness, at show the perinstead of sitting there waiting to kids suicide does have the bestabout interests for all of back cessible and good transparent,” Jay- talking in place to bring students High. It be was part Godbold of the return normalcy after the 2020 at Waccamaw you “care” about them,event and our for it to over,” said. toson to Karol suicides. thelead city,” Anderson, chair- Beroestudents said. “People want to High know not for in-person instruction. was moved to aeffectiveness soccer match spring due to the pandemic. School they’re aware,” “tell” a trusted adult. “We’ve seen the al- last “Having is of thethat Republican what’s is going on. I more feel like in the man cause ofcounty theconversation COVID-19 pandemic, said. “They’re out essential are ready.” to preventing suicide. See “City,” Page 2 virlast several years I looking didn’t even More photos of homecoming events“Teenagers are on Page 14.much more George students have been learning “We are able to see if a stu- likely to tell their friends how for each other and they’re able It’s thetually big elephant inbeginning the room of the since the dent needs somebody to talk to they’re feeling than they are to to know if someone needs help. See “SOS,” Page 4 school year. “Regardless of what the vote is, we’re not ready to be back on EDUCATION | Montessori School of Pawleys Island Nov. 12,” Nicastro told the board. “I feel like we’re going to be a litINSIDE THIS ISSUE tle bit short-staffed at that point.” The board approved extending the virtual program through Crime..............................................5 Nov.Brown 24, with a proviso that one of the program’s 247 gardens By Chris Sokoloski Aviana prepares toNicaOpinion ..........................................6 stro bring two reopening plans to COASTAL OBSERVER in the state. plant flowers outside the this week’s meeting. Sports .............................................9 “It’s designed to teach baMontessori School. “I’ll bring 10 options if the Crossword ....................................10 Take a walk past the Montes- sic horticulture skills and conSokoloski/Coastal Observer boardChris wants me to, but I’m not sori School of Pawleys Island and nect folks to their local resources Classifieds .....................................11 going to say they’re my recomyou might see some of its young- through the extension and other Property transfers ....................... 12 mendations,” Nicastro said. est students digging in the dirt groups that we work with,” said Atto Monday’s virtual Schools: Disbe adapted for meeting, the Amy Dabbs, Clemson’s statewide Online grade, had and watering plants. Nicastro told the board that trict safety gardencoastalobserver.com younger Montessori students, as the Students in pre-K classes are school and community school’s policy committee director is did the size of the raised gardens. was “If students are learning about food production ing coordinator. still working on a reopening Change Waccamaw High state’s top adSummer camps: Registration open “We’re excited about it. It def- plan. exposed to gardening from preand the circle at of the life top: by maintainCoastal is a pubcoaching careers come toleftan endK all the wayministrator. for children’s programs. initely opens up aMontessori different group through 12th grade, ing gardens and composting sponsored by the with the season. Second Front Pageas 4 a conPage 7 for uslic andschool we’re happy to work they’re better prepared over food. See “Charter,” Page 3 with them,” Dabbs said. “I think “It really is a great program. sumer, or whether they decide to

PAWLEYS ISLAND

Final version of design rules calls for town review board

Chris Sokoloski

Council vote on rezoning still under review

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Dredging plan draws concerns over turtles

Coastal Observer

Grant helps introduce pre-schoolers to the circle of life

go into a career in agriculture or horticulture.” There have been gardens at the Montessori school for several years, paid for with money donated by parents. “That’s why we were so interested in participating in this Clemson program,” Moree said. In order to join, Moree took a 20-hour online Clemson course this summer and enrolled in Live Well Georgetown County, a Tide-

By Charles Swenson COASTAL OBSERVER

Photos by Charles Swenson/Coastal Observer

Austin Bond, above right, with students outside the school board meeting. Below, the Rev. Mitchell Adger argues against adding in-person classes. Bottom, Dr. Angie Strickland shows the board a chart of coronavirus cases in the county.

EDUCATION | Bringing back students

Board rejects call for 4-day week By Chris Sokoloski COASTAL OBSERVER

For the second time in a month, a proposal to bring some of Georgetown County’s students back for in-person learning four days a week was defeated by the school board. Under the hybrid-plus plan recommended this week by district staff, all students in pre-K through fifth grade, along with at-risk children like English learners, homeless students and students in foster care, would have four days of in-person classes starting on Nov. 30. “This has been the most difficult issue facing public education in generations,” School Board Chairman Jim Dumm said. The vote was 5-4, with Lynne Ford, Mike Cafaro, Sandra Johnson, Bill Gaskins and Randy Walker voting against the plan. Dumm, Patti Hammel, Pat DeLeone and Arthur Lance Jr. voted for it. It was the first meeting for Ford, Hammel and Gaskins, who were elected to the board Nov. 3. “While we’re trying to push forward with more safe in-person options, our state and our country is seeing a spike again,” Superintendent Keith Price said. “There’s so many valid concerns See “Schools,” Page 3

that’s going to work really, really well for them. What better way to get kids learning and excited NONPROFITS | Tara Hall Home for about science and eating healthy than to expose them this young.” Dabbs also had to find smaller tools for the smaller hands. Clemson provides plants and By Chris Sokoloski times a year. meetings to report on her prog- seeds four COASTAL OBSERVER Within the next week Moree ress. kale andof onions. The Clemson curriculum, will be receiving After 50 years working at Tara Hall After thefor food is Jim harvested, which is geared toward students Home Boys, Dumm is retiring. See“It’s “Education,” 3 said. “But I’m in kindergarten through eighth bittersweet,”Page Dumm ready for it.” The nonprofit is a residential facility for troubled boys. The facility will be converted into a nonresidential school for girls and boys which could be open as soon as next year. Obituaries ......................................2 “Going through this change, it might be a Crime..............................................5 good time to bow out,” Dumm said. “I’ll still

A third request for a permit to place sand on the south end of Litchfield Beach was the first to generate positive comments, but it also drew new objections from a state agency and a conservation group that say the proposal to allow work in the spring and summer will harm sea turtles. The Peninsula Property Owners Association wants to place up to 400,000 cubic yards of offshore sand on the beach in front of 33 lots. The area is part of Inlet Point, a gated community. The Peninsula POA first applied in April for federal and state permits to place sand along portions of the beach in front of both communities. Inlet Point owners objected, many saying they didn’t want to share the cost for a project estimated to cost $12 million. A revised permit application sought approval to bring sand by truck to the Peninsula over two or three years. That drew an outcry from Litchfield Beach property owners who were concerned about the impact of the truck traffic, estimated at 100 to 150 trips a day for three months. The current proposal will return to an offshore borrow area as a source for sand that will be pumped to the beach by a dredge. The work, funded by the Peninsula POA, will take place around the clock for six to eight weeks. See “Litchfield,” Page 7

PAWLEYS ISLAND

Bid for clarity brings new suits over easements for beach project By Charles Swenson COASTAL OBSERVER

Boys

Director retires after 50 years as facility plans conversion

lands Health initiative. Representatives from Clemson occasionally stop by to check on the school’s gardens, and Moree attends monthly Live Well

50 cents

LITCHFIELD BEACH

Charter board stays silent after firing GOP slate ousts Democrats new director in sweep of city election

Program encourages talk to promote prevention

They’ve all really taken a lot of responsibility,” said Karen Moree, the school’s pre-K lead teacher. “It’s really showing them how to produce a sustainable garden and how to grow your own food and take responsibility for taking care of the garden.” The activities are part of School Gardening for S.C. Educators, a Clemson Cooperative Extension program started in 2012. The Montessori school is home to

Pawleys Island, South Carolina ~ November 19, 2020

The boys have not returned, but staff has continued to work with them virtually. “In addition to COVID, for the last four, five even six years, our numbers have been down,” Dumm said. “It really wasn’t cost effective.” At one time Tara Hall was licensed for 24 boys and then that was changed to 18. Recently they’ve averaged 14. Dumm said state and federal guidelines for placing children have changed and fewer kids are being sent to group homes. “They don’t think group care, in the long run is good for children,” Dumm said.

Second PLACE

An attempt by the town of Pawleys Island to clarify how it will use easements from oceanfront property owners obtained as part of its beach renourishment project has led to a new round of lawsuits from three owners challenging the process. They say the town is trying to do an end-run around the suits they filed in July. The town needs easements from 113 property owners in order to partner with the Army Corps of Engineers on the $14.8 million renourishment project completed in the spring. The Corps will plant vegetation on the new dune along 1.4 miles of beach at the south end. The agency will also fund any repairs if that portion of the beach is damaged by erosion and pay half the cost of periodic future beach renourishment. The owners of three properties – Frank Beattie, Barry Stan-

Brian Garner

The News & Reporter

SPORTS

Education Beat Reporting

Weekly Under 3,500 & 3,500-6,500 Divisions Combined

The Voice

Debra McCown

The Voice of Blythewood

ECRWSS U.S. POSTAGE PAID BLYTHEWOOD, SC PERMIT NO. 2 POSTAL CUSTOMER

BlythewoodOnline.com

Thursday, November 19, 2020

Tucker retiring as principal of RTE conflict, disharmony Dysfunction, mar R2 school board meeting

BlythewoodOnline.com

Barbara Ball Publisher

First PLACE

Councilmembers Pugh, Mackey hold first of three mask giveaways P4

subscribe to Westwood girls wrap up 4th straight Subscription form on P6 region title P5

Thursday, February 18, 2021

Your Hometown Newspaper

Fireworks erupt in R2 board meeting

Your Hometown Newspaper

Agostini Calls Out Chair’s Maneuver To Bypass Board

left 18 out.years members currently have more in- against a manufacturer of vaping Debra McKown Thomas BLYTHEWOOD – After With regard to meetings that put than they used to. devices, an item they had just disReporter as the principal at Blythewood’s were held to set the agenda, she When discussion moved to ap- cussed in a closed meeting. No Round Top ElemenCOLUMBIA - Internal policies said: “Simply, Dr. Elkins [fellow proval of the minutes from the information or context about the tary School, Debra McCown and a class-action lawsuit Jeaneen about board member] and I were not board’s previous meeting, Agos- proposed lawsuit was presented. vaping were Tucker among is theretiring severalef- invited to those.” tini and Elkins – whose input, The motion failed on a 3-3 vote PRSRT Reporter STD fective Dec. 1. Tucker points of controversy at the Feb. Elkins then asked to add dis- they say, is often marginalized with Vice Chair Teresa Holmes ECRWSS 9 meeting of the Richland School COLUMBIA - The Richland Two previously served cussion of the agenda policy to a – pointed out that a failed agen- absent due to illness. Manning U.S. POSTAGE PAID BLYTHEWOOD, SCBoard of Trustees’ TuesDistrict Two at Board of Trustees, future agenda. da-related motion they’d made and board members Amelia Tucker School Bethel-Hanberry, PERMIT day NO. evening 2 which was marked by contenBoard Chair James Manning de- had been left out of the minutes. McKie and Cheryl Caution-Parker special called meetRice Creek, North Springs, Lonnie tious discussion. clined consider the request. They asked for it to be added. voted in favor of joining the law- Governor Henry McMaster ing started off quietly enough B. Nelson, Dent Middle andtoLauThe meeting began with more a board During the brief downtime suit. Agostini, Elkins, and recently Natwhen Humphries straps his brother Thomas’ green T-Rex sculpture onto a trailer headed for West with the nomination of officers, rel Ridge elementary “I can recall that POSTAL CUSTOMER than 20 minutes of debate about member wanted to place any while the addition was being elected board member Lashonda Barbara Ball Columbia where the dinosaur will settle into the city’s art park. a requirement following any schools. how meeting agendasBlythewoodOnline.com are assem- item on the agenda, it was auto- made, Manning quipped, “Does McFadden voted against. Thursday, December 3, 2020 Your Hometown Newspaper election impacting the composibled, who shouldTucker controlbegan the pro-her matically placed,” Agostini said. anybody know a good camp Seemingly in disbelief that his tion of the board. The previous career in by 1981 as a “We changed the policy so that in song?” cess, and the procedure which request was voted down, Davis chairman, James Shadd, was not special then requested that someone items should be added. education order to place something on the Davis calls for joining lawsuit Bennett The discussion, firstand raised by agenda, it has to go through the Once the board got through check to see if the motion really re-elected to his seat in the Nov. teacher throughboard member Lindsay Agostini, superintendent 3 election. James Manning was out her career has been honored and board chair.” approval of the meeting minutes, failed (due to the tie vote) before recording it in the record. In the reflected her with ongoing concerns “I actually remember that very they discussed Superintendent provisions of this chapter electedwith to the finish Shadd’s chaircountless local, state and naabout certaintional boardawards, members’ different than you do,” Manning Baron Davis’ request that the disappropriate supervisory office.”which expires June manship, including teacher requested agenda items being said, stating that he felt board trict join in a class-action lawsuit R2 page 6 See Philpot says the fact vote was 5-2 with Dr. and principal of the year. ing Streets - it’s forever home, the amphitheater near the River 2021. Thethat Barbara Ball Holmes took the oath of office Monica Elkins and Lindsay AgosWhile principal at Round Top Publisher Humphries hopes. Walk. three weeks before she filed her tini voting against. Elementary, Tucker repeatedly For years, the recycled-fromHumphries said Statement of Economic Tony Bartelme and Avery G. WilksInterests Fireworks garnered top state, national miss BLYTHEWOOD – Last month, junk dinosaur has stood around he’s going to Post with the S.C. Ethics Commissionsoon erupted, howand Courier seated. when Amelia McKie was and international achievement the last big green T-Rex dinosaur being green – first in Humphries’ the big green fella, makes her illegallyever, The remedy, Philpott says, is forto represent the COLUMBIA - Southnominated Carolina awards for the school, including: left Blythewood. back yard and, for the last several but as a working both McMaster Holmes andand McKie to take Gov. Henry at least board for a four-year term as the Palmetto Gold, Palmetto’s FinThe 7-foot-tall scrap metal di- months, in front of his sister-in- artist, he can always the oath of office again, which he are region calling 8fordirector for the South est, National School of Character, nosaur, created by Blythewood law Liz Humphries’ Blythewood create anotherfour one lawmakers Humphries says wouldand satisfy the missed promore scrutiny fewer ethics Carolina School Board AssociaLighthouse School of Academic native and scrap-metal sculp- Consignment store on Main – or something else. cedural requirements. loopholes for the state’s many tion (SCSBA). Distinction and Avid Elementary turer Thomas Humphries, was Street in downtown Blythewood. His work is on display at the Philpott told The Voice that he special purpose districts in the wasthe never notified byAgostini the state ofreported that ManShowcase School. Last month it was purchased. Riverbanks Zoowake (a lion), Blue strapped onto a flatbed trailer of athat Post and Courier re-true. SCColumbia his claimsning, werein not his “The City of West Columbia is Room Ballroom by Humphries’ brother Nat and port inthat painted a portrait of previous term as chair, email he sent to Holmes, had andInaanlife-size See Tucker page 4 hauled to the City of West Colum- into art these days,” Humphries (dancing couple) free-spending withalready little nominated McKie to Philpott agencies stated: “Your statement the board, without the board’s were on disbia where it is now on display explained, “and they bought two giraffe and a zebra oversight. ‘... and I am a legal board member The who moves less isthan in the city’s art park near the of my sculptures - T-Rex and a hascame paid a fine’ false.72 hours after the newspaper’s “UnSee R2 page 4 intersection of State and Meet- five-man band that now stands at “Paying a 5fine to the S.C. Ethics See Humphries page

Governor You see a muffler; Thomas eyes closing R2 trustee threatens to sue constituent Humphries sees Marilyn Monroe ethics loopholes

BW & RW to light Plastic trees this pollution’s weekend local

covered” investigation showed Commission was for her violation how of misconduct lavish an ethics law,”and Philpott told The Voice. “It did not because cancel her of violaspending flourishes tion ofinS.C.state Code ethics of Laws laws, SECTION R2 board vice-chair Theresa Holmes, above, is threating constituent with legal action. Richland District 2 exceptions 8-13-1110(A).and ” weak enforcement shrinking school at a special called board meet- ally, you have been asked several Debra McKown scrutiny Philpott as newsfollows desertsthe grow. closely and has taken issue ing on Nov. 17 that she aspires to times to stop repeating slanderReporter The board investigation, published with awith variety10 of board policy and serve as the board’s next chair- ous statements. It’s unfortunate in concert community procedural concerns, at least COLUMBIA - A school board man, maintains that Philpott has that your motives are seemingly Barbara Ball newspaper partners, focused onone of which Superintendent Baron vice chair has threatened to sue been harassing her with false racially motivated with a poorhow at- officials Publisher with the state’s lita constituent over comments statements. tempt to hide behind pretending Davis recently acknowledged tle-known gas authorities gorged BLYTHEWOOD/RIDGEWAY he made about her and another In her last email to Philpott, that you are not a racist by using a the district’s error and changed themselves on a buffet of perks. - Ridgeway will host the Lights board member, according to a dated Nov. 23, Holmes set a date beard / beards to cover your true his proposed course of action. In Responding to the newspaper’s of Ridgeway on Friday, Dec. 4, series of emails obtained by the that she says she will be speaking intentions and hateful nature.” this case, Philpott notified Davis Staff Reports findings, McMaster contends Glitz Barbara Ball from 6:30 – 8 p.m. at the Ridge- Voice. with her attorney. The fracas with Holmes stems that his proposedMore swearing in ofin RW The Voice that board members of special North of Charleston, a “Mr. Philpott, I have been more from Philpott claiming two years way Town Hall. Following the In four separate e-mails dated a newly elected Slightly board member purpose report tree lighting, everyone is invited Sept. 3, Oct. 25, Nov. 9 and Nov. 23, than patient and have excused ago that Holmes and fellow board on districts Nov. 10, should 2020, was not art le- gallery in Ridgenew fine COLUMBIA - Learn more the gifts freebies the state to tour the town’s Christmas Richland Two Board of Trustees your slanderous/liable [sic] be- member Amelia McKie were galand because the to board member way, held its grand opening about lights plastic pollution’s global Ethics elect Commission, just aseligible, other – routes will be provided. Vice Chairman Teresa Holmes in- havior long enough. I will be never sworn in to office in accorwas not legally last week by with a ribbon cutpublic statute, officialstodo, governor’s and local impact to There will and also how be shopformed constituent Gus Philpott speaking to my attorney on Mon- dance to statute with of S.C. Code bethe sworn in until Nov ting by the spokesman, Briandays Symmes, ping and dining specials at the that she is considering a lawsuit day and I am planning to take le- of Laws SECTION 8-13-1110(A). 13 – seven after thesaid Nov. 3 Fairfield County support a cleaner environment Chamber shopsworkshop and restaurants. against him. gal action against you. Enough is That law states: was certified on Nov. of 7. Commerce. The Feb. 16.election The governor also wants duringtown’s a virtual on gallery is located in the forThe town will be decorated and “No public official…may to takeseeDuring Via email, she accused him of enough,” she wrote. the November 10 board the districts regulated Nov. 19, at 1 p.m., hosted by the the shops will be stocked with defamation, slander, and libel “You are well aware that what the oath of office or enter uponmore his stringently. meeting Supt. Davis acknowl-station on Palmer mer police South Carolina Aquarium, Rivergifts and holiday treasures and in relation to his often-repeated you are saying is not true which, official responsibilities unless he edgedsimply that the District mis“There’s too muchhad op-Shop Street. owner Kathy banks trinkets. Zoo & Garden, Richland claim that she is not legally seated the state of SC has given you in has filed a statement of economic portunity for bad actors to abuse center, and RidgeGoldbach, See General R2 page 5 County Music Conservation provided Commisby Town on the board. Holmes, who stated writing,” Holmes wrote. “Addition- interests in accordance withtheir the positions, but the way Mayor Heath CookendCouncilman Prioleau sion and Congaree Donald Riverkeeper. Assembly can mitigate some of orfer cut the ribbon. Guests will fill thewill nightget air. a sneak Participants that opportunity,” Symmes said And before you leave town, toured the newly renovated of the governor’s stance. preview of a plastic pollution stop by the old fire station on gallery and enjoyed refreshJoining McMaster in calls for documentary beingStreet filmed in South Palmer and purFor a sneak peek at more transparency, a ments. trio of ReRichland anda Charleston counchase fresh Christmas tree zoned to RS-LD (Residential Goldbach’s work, go to kathypublican senators filed a bill to fromhear Caldwell Tree Lot. Low Density.) The site is adties and from University close this loophole. lynnfineart.com or call 803Ridgeway Town Hall jacent to another residential of SouthThe Carolina graduate stu- is One neighborhood of those senators, Wes for shop hours. 206-7120 located at 170 S. Dogwood Ave. that is currently R-Rockdeveloped Hill, was angered Blythewood traffic congestion these neigh- snakes across the lower section where, during drive times, traffic Climer,being by Great See Pollution page 5beborhoods of the larger Great Southern can back up a mile or more down when he read about theand conduct The Christmas season bring. Southern Homes next to The latest his corner of gins in Blythewood every yearrezoning-for-hous- Homes property,” Steelman said, Rimer Pond Road. A little further of gas authorities the Cooper’sinPond subdivision.

Shop Small more than ever before

“More than half of small business owners (52 percent) have stopped paying themselves in a bid to keep their businesses afloat, and 42 percent already have begun laying off employees or cutting workers’ pay, according to a survey from Goldman Sachs.” --This Week magazine

impact Nice reporting on what sounds like a meeting full of “oddities.” The reporter does an excellent job of relaying what happened in the meeting factually and adding in just a few descriptive sentences that give the reader a sense of what was happening at the school board meeting. Its so important for journalists RC Council zoning public hearing for Rezoning for housing requested to accurately represent the actions of elected officials and this story does that. Rimer Pond Road set for Feb. 23 on Rimer Pond Rd. Barbara Ball Publisher

Education Beat Reporting

Weekly Over 6,500 Division

Third PLACE

Second PLACE

Mike McCombs

Adam Benson

The Island News

The Post and Courier Columbia/Free Times

Education Beat Reporting

Weekly Over 6,500 Division

COLUMBIA – One week after setting a daily record of 2,470 new COVID-19 infections, South Carolina exceeded that number by 700 cases Friday. Records also fell in Lancaster County, which report-

tion of seven cases is unknown. The 65 new cases reported in the county on Friday came after 40 new infections Wednesday and 21 Thursday. In the last seven days, DHEC has reported 16,940 See VIRUS I Page 8A

New class in the works at career center Education, A5

down, the district plans to have just one more week of inperson classes. It is converting all schools to online only for Dec. 21 and 22, heading into winter break. At all middle and high schools, A-day students will resume in-person instruction See SCHOOLS I Page 2A

Knight a ‘true team player’ for Warriors Sports, A6

classroom are looking mistic. We are getting Mac Banks through a forest of dividers through it, but there are mbanks@thelancasternews.com that block clear views of the some challenges…. Elementary students re- teacher and the whiteboard. “I have concerns with kids turned to four-day-a-week Teachers have trouble seeing being able to hear and see classroom instruction Mon- their students. Dividers are and be engaged,” said day, separated by Plexiglas also deadening sound, mak- Phipps. shields atop their desks. ing it hard to hear what evThe trifold dividers came The adjustment has not eryone is saying. from the S.C. Department of been easy, and the dividers “I don’t know how they are Education and aren’t what are not getting rave reviews doing it,” school Superinten- the district had originally so far, school board mem- dent Dr. Jonathan Phipps wanted. They have wide bers learned at their Tuesday said. “I think our teachers are white borders that obscure SERVING LANCASTER COUNTY night meeting. troopers and pushing vision. The school district has PLEXIGLAS Students in back of the through nthe n KERSHAW and are n very optiLANCASTER HEATH SPRINGS VAN WYCK n See INDIAN LANDI Page 8A

thelancasternews.com

Plexiglas dividers clutter the view of students at their desks and make it harder to hear the teacher.

WEEKEND EDITION

Kershaw’s September 25-26, 2021 Spring-a-Thon draws Preston crowds Simpson Top-cop award for Investigator

Christmas basket Parents seek school COVID changes tops goal by far FACES & PLACES, 1B He got married in 2012 and want-

Mac Banks

good,” said Sheriff Barry Faile,

State law ucation. She said down the group would nominated Simpson for the ed to settle in one place.LCSD Superintendent Dr. JonGroup wants district towho stop close contact continue to askhome the board South Carolina law 44-29-200 award. “I can think of no better “I was for amonthweddingathan and Phipps said the district is Mac Banks Preston Simpson, an investigaly toastop the close contact following state requires that schools take meawin,officer earn state bid tracingAJ andVols quarantining healthy students to receive thistitle honor match for friend mentioned hetracwas in law tor with the Lancaster County ing and quarantining of healthy law and the mbanks@thelancasternews.com S.C. sures to prevent the spread of mbanks@thelancasternews.com

Mac Banks

2020.” enforcement,” SPORTS, 5A Simpson said FriSheriff’s Office, has asked the district to stop close students. Department of disease byChristmas By MAC BANKS limiting attendance The Ward Faulkenberry Basket has Faile noted Simpson’s unusual day. “I looked at it as a career, and has been named contact tracing and quarantining “By doing that we are not takHeath and Envimbanks@thelancasternews.com of students and staff with contopped its goal in two short weeks. route into law enforcement. it checked all the boxes. I didn’t the state’s Law healthy students. ing choices theit as parronmental tagiousator$9,711, infectious diseases The drive Connow stands surging pastatits ALancaster LancasterCounty’ native, s Simpson realize Iaway wouldfrom enjoy much as biweekly A groundswell of upset parents The core group is about 20 ents,newspaper but there is now the virtual trol (DHEC). The and school activities. Enforcement Ofgoal of $8,000. Theschool drive took in $3,716 during Itthe played baseball at Presbyterian I have.” districtending has Dec. fol- 11. has been forming school parents from around the district, option, as well. Or you can send also states, “that the decision to ficer of since the Year. week College and graduated with a joined the sheriff’s office in started last month. They are34, un- but Green, who has been one of them inHe a mask, because that is a lowed COVID-19 prohibit limit attendanceofmust Simpson, “HOPE is so grateful foror the outpouring kinddegree, then 2014,Green starting as “We a patrol deputy. PHIPPS happy with how Lancaster Coun- business the most vocal parents in received recent choice,” said. don’t protocols from be based on sound evi- a received the honness this Christmas. We have now medical completed his master’s from Clemson Uni“Preston came to us our after havmonths, said there are about have a choice or not whether both DHEC and ty School District is handling studence and must comply with the or Thursday at a versity in construction science ing worked as an engineer bewonderful drive- through holiday event for seniors, dents being quarantined. 150 parents who have formed a children get an education because the Centers for Disease Control official procedures adopted by ceremony in Cowhich is the first half of our Ward Faulkenberry management. he quarantined had an interest law since the Simpson are being when in(CDC) pandemic startThe group, mainly led by Bu- and Facebook page called Lancaster theycause lumbia. Christmas Basket distribution,” See said Bekah ClawHe got a jobfor asChoice a construction wanted to make PARENTS, page A2 ford resident Courtney Green, County Parents in Ed- theyenforcement are completelyand healthy.” ed. son, executive director of HOPE in Lancaster. “Preston is dedicated to law en- project engineer, moving around a difference in people’s lives,” forcement and to the greater WEDNESDAY, See BASKET to different parts MAY of the country. See SIMPSON I Page 2A 12, 2021 $1I Page 3A

The

www.thelancasternews.com

McMaster: Parents can choose no Good job of keeping parents informed with information they need facemasks to know, but also giving them a voice and getting explanations students from the decision-makers. Also, recognizing a bus driver -for so often a thankless job - was a nice touch, too. Great reporting!

ty COVID deaths were reported Friday by the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control. The Lancaster ZIP code had 295 active cases, the highest number since the pandemic began in March. There were 136 active cases

Phipps: Plexiglas blocks views, deadens sound PHOTO SUPPLIED

First PLACE The Lancaster News

487. Active cases are those within 14 days of diagnosis. “Unfortunately, this was a record-breaking day across many categories,” said Stuart Barfield, Lancaster County Emergency Management, citing the statewide and local figures, which came two

Staff report

COLUMBIA – Gov. Henry McMaster late Tuesday ordered the state’s school districts to let parents decide whether their children wear face coverings on campus. The governor directed state public health officials, in consultation with

Lancaster News

County defers 2 agencies Deaths, 4A Index Saturday Weather driver jerks child outEdgewater of way Sculpture get $468K Bus vote on bond, truck barrels past on shoulder the for victim as in back taxes Mac Banks services Landscape

168th year, No. 100 Two sections, 16 pages

Partly cloudy with an 8% chance of stray showers Overnight: Partly cloudy with a 47% chance of scattered showers

High: 67 Low: 53

Church News ..................6B Classifieds .......................7B Coming Events ...............2B Education .........................5B

mbanks@thelancasternews.com

The split-second reaction and the strong right hand of a Lancaster County school bus Hettie Smith: Both Palmetto Citizens Againstdriver prevented a likely tragSexual (PCASA) Van Wyck Town “TheAssault good Lordand the Councilman Bob Lancaster County Sheriff’s Officeedy Monday. Doster stands under have been selected to receive grant Hettie Smith, a 23-year vetwas with me “Neutronof Starthe 1” byschool dismoney from the S.C. Attorneyeran driver North Carolina artist General’s Office to this help victims of to protect trict, was Hannamaking Jubran. The her second crime. bright red afternoon, metal The Attorney General’s Office isstop of little boy.” the dropBy MAC BANKS

mbanks@thelancasternews.com

getting more than $32 million in federal and state grant money to go to nonprofit groups across the state, with a total of $468,530 coming here. Locally, PCASA will get $381,717, and the sheriff’s office will receive $86,813 out of that $32 million. “These state and local agencies and nonprofit groups do so much to help people going through traumatic

sculpture at the corner of Old Hickory and Rebound roads in Van Wyck is part of the town’s recently installed Sculpture in the Landscape exhibit. To see more sculptures on display, visit thelancaster

Just for Fun ................... 4B Opinion ........................7A Sports ............................5A TLN Weekend ............ 1B

ping children off near Country Club Lane in Kershaw. She was stopped, with flashing lights and stop arm activated. She opened the door, and students started filing out of the bus. Then in her mirror, Smith saw a pickup truck barreling up behind her, swerving onto the shoulder on the bus’s right side, where the students were

Rodgers Baker Jr. Scott Faile Arlene Grier Blanche Thompson Michelle Lowery

Leona Perry Dessie Reeves Lester Reeves Timothy Sims Clyde Steele Carl “Buddy” Watkins

about to step off. “When I saw him coming, GREGORY A. SUMMERS kid there By was a kindergarten gsummers@thelancasternews.com who was on the second step,” Smith recalled “When Lancaster Tuesday. County Council has put the brakes forgiving about $800,000 of he went to on step out the door, I the $1 million in back taxes owed on degrab him and jerked him back faulted properties in the 375-acre Edgeup.” water II development. development is along The The pickup flew past, sheFishing Creek and off S.C. 200 in the southwestsaid, missing a stop sign and ern portion of the county. Almost 200 fire hydrant at the homes have been intersection built in the last year in its firstSee phase. SMITH I Page 2A But the second phase – Edgewater II – is at a stalled-out standstill over the unpaid back taxes and the need to amend a bond schedule on residential improvement bonds needed to pay for infrastructure. At this point, county leaders have drawn a legal line in the sand on an agreement that would allow Edgewater II to move forward. Following a public hearing at its Sept. 13 meeting, Coun-

Panic at the pumps

Education Beat Reporting

VOL. 103, NO. 104

Daily Under 8,500 Division

Figuring out Groundwork set for Greenwoo Second PLACE

Third PLACE

By DAMIAN DOMINGUEZ ddominguez@indexjournal.com

STATE

FRIDAY, MAY 7, 2021

$1.00

| Serving South Carolina since October 15, 1894

S.C. to cut $300 federal unemployment boost from weekly payments Gov. McMaster says original assistance ‘has turned into a dangerous federal entitlement’ THE ASSOCIATED PRESS COLUMBIA — South Carolina will leave the federal unemployment programs providing extra money to jobless residents in light of “unprece-

dented” workforce shortages across the state, Gov. Henry McMaster announced on Thursday. The state will opt out of the coronavirus pandemic assistance programs beginning

June 30. The federal benefits include an extra weekly $300 to unemployed workers that was scheduled to run through early September. The labor shortage has affected all areas of the state's economy, state government officials said, with the hotel and food service industries

SEE PAYMENTS, PAGE A8

Bill adds firing squad to state’s execution methods A4

Bruce Mills

Staff at McLeod Health Clarendon looks back on year of pandemic

The Sumter Item BY KAYLA GREEN kayla@theitem.com

Just over a year ago, hospitals were fortresses. Trying to ward off an invisible enemy causing tangible chaos, machines buzzed on specially marked floors as movements made through plastic were many people’s last. Now, there is no COVID-19 unit at McLeod Health Clarendon, and the omnipresent noise is hospital commercials playing on TVs in 15-min-

ute intervals interspersed with occasional whoops and even laughs as another person receives her vaccine. With a lower threshold of new COVID-19 cases and more and more people getting vaccinated against the coronavirus, McLeod Health Clarendon, which was once responding to hospitalizations and deaths in the state’s hottest spot, has been able to take a

SEE McLEOD, PAGE A8

Working for the smiles

SUMTER SCHOOL DISTRICT FOOD SERVICE DEPARTMENT BY THE NUMBERS 1,152,583

Meals prepared from March 16, 2020, to March 16, 2021

15,082

Student enrollment

4,150

Meals prepared in a week now at Pocalla Springs Elementary

165

Temperature in degrees for chicken to be served

164

District food service workers

145

Temperature in degrees for beef to be served

Cafeteria managers (one for each school)

Working hours per day for school food-service workers

5:45 a.m.

Time Pocalla Springs Elementary cafeteria manager arrives at school

Smile needed per day for Pocalla Springs cook Glenda McKnight to feel good Source: Sumter School District

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Lakelands teams return to the gridiron for Week 4 action Sports 1B

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Trustees again vote down mask mandate 5-4 but approve resolution on state budget proviso

INSIDE WEEKEND:

VOL. 103, NO. 184

DEATHS, B2

WEATHER, A12

Total confirmed cases in the Lakelands Saluda - 1,960 Laurens - 8,477

McCormick - 948

Greenwood - 163 Abbeville - 36

Saluda - 43 Laurens - 160

McCormick - 20

Vaccine percentages Eligible people in each Lakelands county who are fully vaccinated Greenwood - 48.4% Saluda - 44.1% Abbeville - 44.7% Laurens - 41.1%

McCormick - 54.4%

Eligible SC residents fully vaccinated

50.2% DATA PROVIDED BY SCDHEC

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Willa Vennetta Means Wilkinson Jimmy Lee Parker Dorothy Anderson Nelson Nicole Michelle Choice

Breezy in the afternoon; clear tonight

STILL BREEZY HIGH 74, LOW 46

Opinion A11 Television A6-7

2nd largest S.C. school district to enforce mask requirement for its 48K students

Dilts replaces Dickerson at Prisma Health Tuomey

Area teams hope to keep playoff runs alive Sports 1B

WEEKENDER Impact players Bryson Coleman, right, presented his jersey Friday to teacher William Carr as part of the “My Jersey, Your Impact” program.

Emerald teacher Barry Kinard, right, dons John Deal’s jersey Friday mornEdrekus Tolen, right, chose to present his jer- ing after Deal chose to recognize him sey to teacher Jennings West. for “My Jersey, Your Impact.”

By LINDSEY HODGES lhodges@indexjournal.com

INSIDE

VOL. 103, NO. 65

ABBEVILLE of Abbeville County SATURDAY, MAY — 22,Finalization 2021

4 SECTIONS, 28 PAGES

‘Tragic mistake’

First Steps could lose funding after audit

in coupons inside

INSIDE TODAY • ABBY • CLASSIFIEDS • DEAR DAVE • OBITUARIES

Showing support

Senior Vikings show gratitude for teachers

Pentagon ends defense of Kabul attack News 6A

DAILY $1, WEDNESDAY | WEEKENDER $2

School District’s budget was pushed back a month because the district didn’t publicize the budget figures and public hearing. The district’s board of trustees on Tuesday passed Cases statewide: 281 new, 489,948 total a continuing resolution to allow the district to be Cases in the Lakelands funded until the second reading of the 2021-22 budGreenwood - 7,561 Saluda - 1,581 McCormick - 792 Abbeville - 2,111 Laurens - 6,555 get can happen in July. The continuing resolution passed 8-1, with board Deaths statewide: 2 new, 8,513 total member David Brooks opposed. By LINDSEY HODGES Deaths in the Lakelands lhodges@indexjournal.com The initial agenda for the meeting included the Greenwood - 156 McCormick - 19 Saluda - 42 t’s the final season of Viking Abbeville - 34 Laurens - 150 second and final reading of the budget as well as a football forCommunity Emerald’s seniors rallies behind public hearing on the budget, but a revised agenda who, after receiving support Vaccine percentages in the Lakelands By JAMES HICKS from their teachers for the past Percent of people in each county who are fully vaccinated later distributed with those items removed. jhicks@indexjournal.com principalwas after three years,WSHS are returning that support Greenwood - 36.7 Saluda - 28.7 McCormick - 45.8and gratitude. The change stemmed from an error on the dis“My Jersey, Your Impact” involves The First Steps program in Abbeville - 33.2 Laurens - 28.9 board votes to oust him trict’s part, when it failed to place a public hearing senior football players choosing one South Carolina exists to make of their favorite staff members to By LINDSEY HODGES notice in a newspaper at least 15 days before the sure all children start school wear their jersey during gameday as a lhodges@indexjournal.com with readiness to succeed. An show of gratitude. hearing, according to Superintendent Mason Gary. “Our teachers work extremely area office or “local partnerPer board policy, said Chairman Brad Evans hard and sometimes being a teacher, vote against continuing An unexpected a contract ship” is in each of the state’s there’s not a lot of give-back and this with a Ware Shoals principal has left some in the during the meeting, if the board doesn’t accept a 46 counties. is just a small way for our teachers to Ware that Shoals community shocked. understand the impact they’ve However, funding for the budget by June 30, the board will adopt a continuing made on somebodyMonday in a positive way evening, the Greenwood County School Greenwood County First on the last year’s operating budget. and just to give aDistrict little gratitude back of trusteesresolution 51 board voted 2-2 on based a motion Steps could be in jeopardy afto them,” said coach Tad Dubose. INDEX-JOURNAL FILE that would have continued WareAShoals School an emergency to add the convoteHigh to declare A student observes a robot to se ter an indeFor each of Emerald’s five home Ware Highpassed School Principal Paul Anderson games, the seniors will present the au- Larkins w tinuing resolution to theShoals agenda 8-1, with Skinner, left, andpendent Peyton jersey in the morning to a teacher orpage 4A See SUPPORT, assists a student on the first day of school in 2019. ditor raised support staff member who made an a Sphero robot qusing so u e s t i ocomputer ns PHOTOS BY LINDSEY HODGES | INDEX-JOURNAL See DELAY, page 4A about how See IMPACT, page 10A Tuesday morning. Ann Cavalier holds the jersey presented to her by Robby Harrison. There are more than $140

COVID-19 in SC

Parents air concerns for more student safety measures

2 SECTIONS, 18 PAGES VOL. 126, NO. 144

Sports B1 Classifieds B5

District error forces delay in budget passage

News 6A

Total confirmed deaths in the Lakelands

‘Not going to stop’

INSIDE

Movie theaters plan ABBEVILLE COUNTY SCHOOLS for resurgence this summer

COVID-19 in SC

Deaths statewide: 60 new, 10,099 total

A day on the farm at McCaskill’s

DAILY $1, WEDNESDAY | WEEKENDER $2

Cases statewide: 3,610 new, 660,034 total

‘The team at each school is a wonderful group of people. I appreciate them, and they are truly the superheroes this year with all the changes we have had to implement, last minute many times.’

IN THIS EDITION

Lindsey Hodges

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2021

Lee superintendent speaks on unused wing of school Social media post on

Greenwood’s generous — it’s a refrain often shared by people working in nonprofits and charitable organizations throughout the county; people in Greenwood want to help others. How do you turn that willingness to help into measurable, lasting, systemic change? That’s the question the Greenwood Counts Community Consortium is working to answer by bringing together people who have been building a healthier PHOTOS BY DAMIAN DOMINGUEZ | INDEX-JOURNAL community for years. In their fourth meeting, Patrick Jinks steered the GreenThe consortium is a group of wood Counts Community Consortium’s discussions about experts, nonprofit members and advocates throughout Greenthe group’s future organization.

WEEKENDER Blockbusters return Index-Journal

4 SECTIONS, 30 PAGES

Greenwood - 9,692 Abbeville - 2,745

BY BRUCE MILLS bruce@theitem.com

A motion for a mask mandate was again placed on Sumter school board’s agenda by a trustee on Monday, but it failed once more by a split vote. However, board members did unanimously approve a resolution urging the state’s ON THE WEB General Assembly to Read Sumter school “reconvene board’s full immediateresolution urging the ly” and reGeneral Assembly to peal a budrepeal the budget Students are served lunch at Poget amendproviso online with calla Springs Elementary on ment from this story at theitem. Wednesday. this sumcom. mer that bans such mandates. After more discussion on a face mask requirement for students and employees, trustee Johnny Hilton’s motion for a two-week mask mandate in Sumter School District failed 5-4 late Monday at the board’s regularly scheduled monthly meeting. Votes for and against a mask PHOTOS BY MICAH GREEN / THE SUMTER ITEM PHOTOS BY BRUCE MILLS / THE SUMTER ITEM requirement were the same as at Food service workers serve lunch at Pocalla Springs Elementary School on Wednesday. Today is national Sumter School District parents Kimberly Hodge, foreground, and Mario and Michelle Giampopo protest outside the district’s offices School Lunch Hero Day across the country, celebrating food service employees who help students learn at the board’s last meeting three on Wilson Hall RoadTV on Tuesday weeks ago on Aug. 23. Hilton, Students go through the lunch their best by keeping hunger at bay during the school day. Columbia sta- morning. Brian Alston, Shawn Ragin and line at the school on Wednesday. tions arrived on the Gloria Lee voted in support of the scene several hours requirement. Board members voting down the motion included later, and one station Chairwoman Barbara Jackson, said on its website that Frank Baker, Daryl McGhaney, the huge hole in the Matthew “Mac” McLeod and OCTOBER 9, 2021 - OCTOBER 11, 2021 $2.00 BY BRUCE MILLS roof has been that way Sherril Ray. McDANIEL BYfor BRUCE bruce@theitem.com SERVING SOUTH CAROLINA SINCE OCTOBER 15, 1894 concerned because her The apparent sticking point has spread the virus. fiveMILLS years now. bruce@theitem.com 12-year-old son at Furbeen the amendment, specifically For the district to pursue that McDaniel, the district leader, told ers, the biggest change in BY BRUCE MILLS man Middle School was Proviso 1.108, to the state budget route though, it must have at least a BISHOPVILLE — Can we blame news outlets that the school has not breakfast and lunch meal bruce@theitem.com Sumter School District parents sent home to quaranthat went into effect in June. It 50% staff shortage, per the state Deprep as a result of the paneverything on social media? wing Hodge in anyand capacity Kimberly Mario and Mitine on Aug. 30 after partment of Education, and then a states school districts cannotused use the older Much has been made demic has been prepackBRUCE MILLS / THE SUMTERorITEM No, that would not be correct, since reopening schoolare in 2014 chellethe Giampopo somewhat in a being identified as a transition must only be temporary any state-controlled state-apabout K-12 classroom aging all items versus MARIO propriated money districttoadministraboat “close contact.” The until staff are able to return. The roof of the unoccupied wing atto implement but Lee County and that thesimilar district is as looking dechanges during the panon traysSuperintendent as placing food GIAMPOPO or School enforce collapsed a mask requirement tors: They arespace. stuck in the middle bigger problem, she Here’s the rub: At the state level, 4 SECTIONS, 24 PAGES | VOL. 126, NO. 254 Dennis Elementary molish the unoccupied Bernard McDaniel demic, but what about the we all remember in the says a Facebook for their students or faculty/staff. of a political swamp and can’t padsaid, was he never rethe General Assembly put in Jackie Golden and Ginger Griffin changes and “new norworld COVID-19. this summer because of storms. The The Sumter Item On Friday, post before with inaccurate information dle. ceived any instruction School districts that go against amendments to the state budget in work together to pack lunches for mal” for school food-serMeals are still cooked looked into the matter, and McDanon Thursday morning caused a wing hasn’t been used since the school parents all spoke during pubThe or assignments from the proviso, which is a one-year June that require in-person, face-todelivery at Pocalla Springs Elevice workers? from scratch though, she lic participation at Monday’s Sumhis teachers during his law, can lose key educational face, instruction for 95% of a disiel and other local sources conmedia frenzy at a district elementareopened seven years ago. mentary on Wednesday. Given today is national said. SchoolElementary District’s Board 10-day quarantine. trict’s students, or risk losing state funding. firmed thatter Dennis hasof Trustry school week. School Lunch Hero Day Francis hasthis worked in ees meeting regarding student safeHodge said she is con- funding. The difficulty with those When asked Tuesday by The social media not since theamid school with the roof caved inItem andfor suggestacross the U.S., The SumfoodThe services in the districtpost from 8:40 cerned about his educa- amendments lies in when they were tywing and protection the surge in Sumter her reasoning forused the ter Item sat down this from ground up over 26 an unused a.m.the Thursday shows ed students andvoting teachers the requireMICHELLE tion and falling behind. COVID-19, and they were out again put into law. In June, positive down use the mask week with some of Sumter years. she began GIAMPOPO ment, — the board chair Tuesday SEE morning protesting After seven or eight COVID-19 cases daily in the state ROOF, PAGE A4 in andJackson instruction. wingShe at said Dennis Elementary School area for learning School District's finest cui- her career in 1995 as a sub— again declined to elaborate as front of the district office. attempts to reach some- were low. In the last several weeks, sine creators to get a feel stitute cafeteria worker. of press time. one at the district office those case counts, as well as hospiIt marked the second Tuesday in a for the work and capture Then, Francis was a fullwithout any answers, Hodge first talizations, have surged even above row that Hodge and the Giampopos DIGGING DEEPER all the change that has octime cashier and later became out to protest last week. January levels. held up signs on the sidewalk of came a school cafeteria curred in the last 15 As of Tuesday, seven of the She said she wants the district to The virus is also now also impactWilson Hall Road to rally support months with food prepara- manager. Next, she served STACEY FRANCIS state’s 77 traditional school districts ing younger people than it did bemove to a hybrid or virtual instrucfor their concerns about their chiltion in the COVID-19 era. as one of two district field dren’s safety. had imposed mask requirements/ tional format, like it used last year. fore. Children under the age of 12 According to Stacey supervisors, working with Hodge, a mother with two kids in That would mean less students in Sumter School District Lori Werner and Rachel Gibson Francis, the district’s food SEE SUMTER, PAGE A7 SEE PROTEST, PAGE A7 the district and a military spouse, is schools each day to potentially deliver lunch to third-graders. food service director SEE HEROES, PAGE A8 service director, and oth-

A look at a day inThursday the life about of hole in roof causes media frenzy district school ‘lunch heroes’ and changes amid COVID-19

WEDNESDAY,

2 SECTIONS, 18 PAGES

3C 1D-4D 8C 4A

Sound healing: Listening to Smile uses music as medicine By ST. CLAIRE DONAGHY INSIDE sdonaghy@indexjournal.com

Listening to Smile

BILLY GARRETT

the local partnership operates. The Index-Journal was made

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JONESVILLE - The Town of Jonesville has been 108 E. Main St. awarded a $500,000 grant to demolish the old Wellington Products building and remove the debris. (Editor's note: There are at least 10 S.C. unsolvedLeisure murders (Editor's note: There are at least 10 unsolved murders Union, being investigated by the Union 427-1090 County Sheriff's Last Office,week, the S.C. Department of Commerce being investigated by the Union County Sheriff's Office, announced the Union Public Safety Department and Jonesville Police that Jonesville was among 15 communities the Union Public Safety Department and Jonesville Police in Community Rhinehart (above) was shot to death on April 16, awarded more than $6.4 million www.unioncountynews.org Department. Union County Crimestoppers is offering a Christopher Department. Union County Crimestoppers is offering a Development Block Grant funding for public improve2015. his death is still unsolved. $1,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in each in each Jonesville Police Chief Carl Jennings points to a bullet hole in the abandoned house next to $1,000 reward for information leading to an arrest ment projects. case. Over the next weeks, the Union County News will case. Over the next weeks, the Union County News will where Kenny Therrell's body was found. (Anna Brown photo) "Economic development is a team effort - and Team feature stories on each of these unsolved murders. This is feature stories on each of these unsolved murders. ThisCarolina is South works diligently to ensure that every counthe second story in the series.) the third story in the series.) ty within our borders has an opportunity to progress,” said (Editor's note: There are at least 10Secretary Bobby Hitt. “The CDBG program is Commerce unsolved murders being investigated by By ANNA BROWN By ANNA BROWN a critical the Union County Sheriff's Office, tool the in the overall development and growth withOn April 16, 2015, Christopher Rhinehart went outside Jonesville Police Chief Carl saysDepartment he hopes in our state. Union Jennings Public Safety and We're proud to say that these grants will not his home on Haas Street and was standing beside his car Jonesville Police Kenny Department. Union more investment to our state, but will also those with knowledge about who killed Therrell only attract when someone shot him to death. Countydecency. Crime Stoppers is offering a will come forward out of human benefit the everyday lives of the people who live in these $1,000 reward for information leading to Authorities said at the time that Rhinehart's mother and holdcase. lawOver enforcecommunities." an "People arrest in each the next one of his four children were inside the house when the weeks, Union County News will feature grant money will be used for demolition and menttheaccountable andThe don't shooting occurred. She told sheriff's deputies that she stories of theseaunsolved murders.) cleanup wantonuseach turning blind eye toof the site, said Michael Tyler, Jonesville town heard gunshots, looked outside, and saw her son on the administrator. those doing wrong," he said. By ANNA BROWN ground. “The will have to be demolished and the Gerald Dean Jeter said that before he "I want the people also not tosmokestack Nearly six years later, sheriff's deputies have leads, but died, he wanted to know who killed his material disposed of at a prearranged landfill,” he said. turn a blind eye to wrongdoare still looking for answers in 28-year-old Rhinehart's son, Quinten Dean Jeter. “There are also small amounts of roofing material that ing. If you know death. Rhinehart's murder is one of around 10 that remain Quentin was 18 when something he was shot to contains death on Nov. 30, is unjust and2007. wrong, don'tasbestos on the site that will require professional unsolved in Union County since 2007. Some of the cases abatement Geraldasaid in a 2017 interview are being investigated by the Union Public Safety keep closed mouth andthatwho a heand proper disposal techniques guidelines from felt like there were a lot of thepeople EPA followed.” Department and others are being investigated by the blind eye. That is somebody's knew who killed Quinten but none All ofofthem the unusable concrete pads, concrete footings, Jonesville Police Department. would talkand to the somebody's police. father son. asphalt,Gerald brick and any other building materials will be When he made these "At the end of the day we want to solve them just as How would youstatements, feel if in demolished was suffering from health problems, and disposed of in the landfill, Tyler said. much as the victim's family wants justice," said Capt. KENNY THERRELL their shoes?" including pain from a spinal “The injury, overgrown high anda nonviable will also Geraldvegetation Dean Jeter holds picture of his soil son, Quinten, who was found shot to death on Nov. Scott Coffer of the Union County Sheriff's Office. "I know blood pressure andof other issues. He said he and disposed of,” he said. “By the end of On Sept. 14, 2016, Therrell, a father four bechildren removed 30, 2007. (Anna Brown photo) it has been some time but we are going to do all we can to wondered much time was he had left. who had attended Lockhart High as ahow teen-ager, found Phase grading thejob. site He willremembers take place and erosion ond of shift seeing called him. Gerald never knew the answer toI, who hold the person accountable and get justice for the family. dead from a gunshot woundshot to the head Hollow will be put into place, such seeding at his grandmother's house "He of said, 'Daddy, come get me. I am on Quinten andon leftPump him control lying on measures Axle Quentin We want to give the victims some type of closure." as he wasbasins.” leaving for East Main.' I told him I would come get Street.saw Gerald passed lying away on Road in Jonesville. A neighbor his body in Oct. the 4, (Gerald's grass, sediment fencingmother) and sediment Sheriff Jeff Bailey said he is making the sheriff's office's Other boys around Quentin's age him when I got off work. When I got off 2020. house and called 911. roadway near an abandoned Once Phase work. I of the project is completed the town will "I miss my son Quinten," Gerald said. were there, including one in a "box top" work I went over there and I didn't see anycold murder cases a priority and he recently assigned

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Gerald Jeter never found out who killed his son

Jonesville Police Chief Carl Jennings points to the areaSee where Kenny Therrell's RHINEHART, Page 2body was found. (Anna Brown photo)

Therrell was 38 years old and been on C Street "Hishad smile lit upliving my world."

Gerald last saw Quinten alive on Nov. 29 before went to workPage on his 2 secSeeGerald THERRELL,

gray and blue striped Chevrolet Caprice. body." GRANT, 2 said he wasn't concerned when Later that night about twoSee hours before Page Gerald Gerald got off work at midnight, Quinten he went home and Quinten wasn't there;

UNSOLVED MURDERS Quinten sometimes spent the night with his grandmother. Later that morning, Quinten's sister called. "She said, 'Daddy, Quentin's dead,'" Gerald said, tears filling his eyes. Quinten was found lying in a yard on Axle Street with a gunshot wound to his chest. According to an autopsy, the shot perforated both lungs and the aorta and Quentin died within minutes. Gunshots had been reported in the Foster Street area earlier that night but officers couldn't find the source. After Quinten's body was found, blood was found on McBeth and Foster streets, which are not far from East Main Street. Gerald said he thinks Quentin was trying to get to a friend's house after he was shot. According to a case history that is part of Quentin's autopsy report, there were 9 mm shell cases in one area and .40 caliber shell cases in another area. A 9 mm gun was found 50 yards from his body. His body was one and a half blocks from where the See JETER, Page 2

New SROs at Foster Park, Union County High School of life programs explained TommyQuality Cudd remembered for his service

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Occupation: Customer Service/Office Assistant at Progressive Screen Printing Hometown: Blacksburg, SC Family: Husband, Tyler & two pets Education: BHS-Diploma; CTC Cosmetology; SCC-A.A.S Administrative Favorite book: “Walk to Beautiful” by Jimmy Wayne & Ken Abraham Favorite movie: Any movie produced by Tyler Perry Favorite song: Too many to pick just one Favorite entertainer: Tyler Perry, Johnny Depp, Robin Williams Favorite food: Mexican Hobbies: Painting, writing, traveling, cooking

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Your Dream Car: Anything Audi Cat or Dog Person: Both GAFFNEY, Best Vacation: Key West, Florida Place You’ve Always Wanted To Go: Ireland Favorite pro team: NA Favorite college team: NA Goal I’ve yet to achieve: Earning my Bachelor’s degree Childhood hero: Not sure Famous person I’d like to meet: Elon Musk or Neil deGrasse Tyson What Cherokee County needs: More affordable postsecondary By LARRY HILLIARD education opportunities Ledger Staff Writer larry@gaffneyledger.com

MONDAY, MARCH 29, 2021

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Christma OH CHUTE... 85 split causing problems parade an

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Macedonia Volunteer Fire Department Chief Dennis Gardner has one word of advice for motorists thinking about driving on a southbound section of the I-85 road widening interests of the peopleproject: of Cherokee County. “Don’t!” “I tell them don’t get on50 CENTS www.gaffneyledger.com I-85 from exit 90 to exit 83. It’s too dangerous.” That section now splits into single lanes for a 5mile stretch beginning near mile marker 86. Despite signage alerting motorists, Gardner said the lane split is confusing The Macedonia VFD has responded to 11 accidents with injuries, including one fatality at the hot spot to motorists, who attempt (Ledger photo / LARRY HILLIARD) since the lane split went into effect on Nov. 15. to change lanes at a high northbound lanes of I-85, call for the road split to exrently working on a retion. After that, the same rate of speed. dubbed ‘The Chute,’ is par- tend past the 92 Intersponse plan to accidents in ‘Chute’ model will be used According to Gardner, ticularly difficult. That change near the Hwy. 150 the road split area. While to widen the northbound the Macedonia VFD has single lane has concrete bridge, which would inhe has concerns, Caggiano lanes of I-85, which could responded to 11 accidents barriers on each side. clude the City of Gaffney said the road widening take another three years, with injuries, including Emergency vehicles Fire Department service project is a necessity. Gardner said. one fatality at the hot spot must access the lane by area “You always have conBut Caggiano said he’s since the lane split went way of Gossett Road exit Gaffney Fire Chief cerns, but we have to have been told the entire project into effect on Nov. 15. The 80, then travel in reverse Jamie Caggiano said he reconstruction to get three could be finished by 2023. state Highway Patrol reuntil they reach the acciceives updates from state lanes,” he said. A message left for a local spondedGet to 15 To accidents in Know dent site, as much as a 5 Department of TransGardner said he’s been DOT official seeking comthe area during the first 1/2-mile trip, Gardner portation and the project told that it may take as ment wasn’t returned. week, Gardner said. Occupation: grade teacher Dream car: I long loveasmy Toyota Runner said. at B.D. Lee Elementary general contractor, Blythethree more4years to Work on the 21-mile Responding toFirst accidents Hometown: Gaffney Cat person or dog person: I have to sayproject both Even more of a concern Zachry. complete work onHard the choice, road widening that occur in the southFamily: Parents, Dennis Kim Fowler; andsaidBest vacation: Pawleyswidening Island, always! to Gardner is thatsister, plans Lexi Fowler; Caggiano he’s cursouthbound secbegan in summer 2017. bound lane nearest to the and

‘How many people have to die?’

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By LARRY HILLIARD Ledger Staff Writer larry@gaffneyledger.com State Sen. Harvey Peeler receives a slew of emails from local residents who complain about the Interstate 85 widening project. One in particular from Christopher Spencer is an example of county residents and officials frustration over the I-85 widening project, Peeler said. “…The construction project has been an absolute disaster,” Spencer wrote. “…How many people have to die before we can find a better way? I don’t want to halt the project but find a safer and more efficient way to do the job. There are beautiful days and nights that no one is working on the (21 mile project).” To date, there have been three fatalities this year in the project’s 21-mile construction zone, including two people who were killed in a fiery six-vehicle crash on Interstate 85 earlier this month. In front of a packed audience of local residents, officials and first responders, Peeler read Spencer’s email at the beginning of Friday’s Cherokee County Legislative Delegation meeting with DOT officials who updated the project and heard local residents’ concerns with the project. After a series of meetings with local emergency services this past week, the DOT announced measures at Friday’s meeting they hope will improve safety in the construction zone. DOT officials cautioned the measures aren’t solutions, but improvements. They include: prohibiting trucks in the left passing lane, refreshing pavement markings, increased presence of law enforcement, enhanced onsite towing, additional signage and message boards, more cameras, and partnering with local law enforcement. Before the new safety measures were announced, local residents expressed their concerns with the project which DOT officials said will be completed by the end of 2023. The original completion date was June, 2021.The total cost of the project is now estimated at $830 million — $645 million in actual construction cost and the remainder in related costs such as land acquisition. First responders, for example, complained about access to a section of construction on the southbound lanes known as “The Chute.” That single lane has concrete barriers on each side. Emergency vehicles have been forced to access the lane by way of Gossett Road exit 80, then travel in reverse until they reach the accident site, as much as a 5 1/2-mile trip. In response, Secretary of Transportation Christy Hall said “The Chute” construction technique has been used successfully on other construction projects. The

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... Leighlan Fowler

The City of Gaffn will celebrate Christ beginning Friday w drive-thru parade an laser light show. Unlike a tradition rade with floats and ticipants in motion, parade entries will o cupy a stationary pl South Limestone Str while guests remain their vehicles as the view the entrants. P spectators will enter route at the intersec of Corry and Limes streets. The parade w take place from 6 p.m 7:30 p.m. The popular laser show will follow from p.m. to 11 p.m. at Jol Park. Additional sho can be seen on Satur Dec. 5 from 7 p.m. to p.m. and Sunday, De during the same hou To ensure residen without vehicles are to get into the Chris spirit, Cherokee Tax fering free rides to t rade on Friday. For a or more information (864) 206-4898 or 514-

Place I’ve always wanted to go: Bora Bora fiance, Shane Camp Education: Elementary education degree from USC Upstate Favorite pro team: None Favorite book: “Safe Haven” by Nicolas Sparks Favorite college team: USC Gamecocks Favorite movie: “Sweet Home Alabama” Goal I’ve yet to achieve: Being a school administrator By ABBIE SOSSAMON After high school, C Childhood hero: My papa Favorite song: “Dancing Queen” by ABBA Ledger News Editor began working at Mill The Cherokee County Legislative Delegation hosted a public meetingFavorite with officials from the SC Departentertainer: Garth Brooks Famous person I’d like to meet: Candace Cameron Bure abbie@gaffneyledger.com ment of Transportation to provide an update on the I-85 widening project and answer questions. Shown at Favorite food: Chick-Fil-A What Cherokee County needs is: More places for children and where he is still emplo the head table are (l-r) Secretary Christy Hall, Sen. Harvey Peeler, Rep. Dennis Moss and Rep. Steve Moss. this day and spent his Hobbies: Teaching, walking and shopping families to enjoy.

Blanton hanging it up after 69 year

Nearly 70 years after its ends at the cleaners. It founding, a longtime familywasn’t until his dad go owned business will close its in 1995 that he began t doors Friday. dle more of the day-toBlanton’s Cleaners owner operations. Carlton too Carlton Blanton cited a decontrol after his father cline in demand and a big passed in 1996. While h hit from the coronavirus since turned a great de pandemic as part of the rearesponsibility over to h son behind the decision to wife, Wanda, Carlton s close. rives every morning to The dry cleaning operaup shop and turn on th tion was founded in 1951 by steam machine before Ellis Blanton at the location ing out to his job at Mi www.gaffneyledger.com 50 CENTS In addition to the daywhere it still stands today on Elm Street. tasks, Wanda is also re Ellis always had a dream sible for all of the was to open a “pressing club” as and sorting of laundry dry cleaners were called at well as the alterations CARLTON BLANTON the time, his son Carlton partment. Wanda bega said. Ellis worked in the texcareer at Blanton’s in tile industry but when the Depression hit he had to find school after she and Carlton started dating. new work. Although the dry cleaning business has scaled do Before the dry cleaning business, Ellis opened Blansince its boom in the 1980s, Blanton’s still has a siza STAFF REPORT ● Nord & Nancy Davis: $100 ton’s Grocery on Elm Street, and while operating the eration with two large washing machines and num ● Smokin’ Rita: $3,700 store, he bought his wife a washing machine — thewere first killed pressing irons — and four employees who have bec Two people in a fiery six-vehicle ● Kathie Kennedy Finocchi: $200 in the neighborhood. Neighbors thencrash began bring their like family . ThursontoInterstate 85 inmore Cherokee County ● Bill Mason Enterprises: $250 clothes by the home, asking Ellis if he and his wife would Shirley Jamison, 78, began working at Blanton’s ● In memory of Charles W. Randolph by Martha day evening. do their laundry. Seeing the demand for a laundryCounty opera- Coroner Carlton was aFowler young boy — remembering the days By LARRY HILLIARD Randolph: $100 Cherokee Dennis idention, Ellis got out of the grocery business and opened he and his sister would ride horses out back. Jamis Ledger Staff Writer ● In memory of Carol Groezinger: $100 tified the deceased as 50-year-old Sherron Blanton’s Cleaners. and three other including Dot Jefferies, larry@gaffneyledger.com ● Anonymous: $100 Shenette Alexander of Stonecrest Laneemployees, in Carlton was born just four years after the business was has with the business for 32 years, are respons ● Bill & Becky Wheeler: $300 Gaffney and Gary Parks, 61,been of Campton, KenSimon says they have no plans to close the “Yellow founded and practically grew up at the dry. cleaning oper● Ed Mall.” & Nancy Elliott: $100 for manning the pressing irons. tucky Simon Property owns the Gaffney Outlet Marketplace, better known ● Anonymous: $200 as “The Yelation. The family lived behind the building, and Carlton The customers of Blanton’s have also become lik Alexander, the driver and lone occupant of a low Mall.” ● J. Frank & Bertha Harris: $100 and his sister, Patricia, spent many days at the business. , Carlton said, with many devastated their longtim Nissan Altima, stopped ily with other vehicles near Simon Property area representative Sharon Campbell announced ● Anonymous: $200that news in a His interest in one day running the family business cleaner is closing. meeting late this past week with Gaffney Administrator James Taylor, Gaffney mile marker 88 in the northbound passing lane of ● In memory of Joyce Parris by Danny Parris: $100 was piqued in high school. Once he had his license, his Citing a decline in business coupled with the ong Board of Public Works operations engineer Corey Cox and Cherokee County AdminI-85 due to construction at approximately 10:22 ● Anonymous: $500 dad put him in charge of laundry pick up and delivery pandemic, Carlton felt it was time to say goodbye. W istrator Steve Bratton. p.m. ● In memory of Mary Jane Coyle: $100 for some of the cleaner’s more rural customers, which he more people working from home, church services b Local officials were also told that many large retailers who closed their stores at While stopped, Alexander was rear-ended by a ● In honor of Chelsea Gardner: $40 the mall aren’t making leasing deals right now because of the economic uncertainty. enjoyed, but it was the family aspect that kept him held virtual for many months and also moving tow 2018 Volvo tractor-trailer being driven by Parks. ● In memory of Garrison (Mac) McCraw by Connie & To fill some of the vacant spaces, attempts will be made to lure some small local busiaround. more casual attire, the demand for dry cleaning ser Gregg: $100 The tractor-trailer then crashed into another tracnesses to the outlet mall. “I got to spend a lot of time with my dad here and I has fallen dramatically — reducing operations at B Westrock: $2,000 tor-trailer that was stopped for traffic in the conThere are also plans to address the store front●facades. Simon Property had loved that,” Carlton said. “I have always loved working ton’s from five days to three this year. ● Anonymous: $200 struction zone. South Carolina Highway Patrol planned to replace the awnings but that was scuttled due to the pandemic. The mall with my hands and I learned a lot of mechanical skills “This is one of the toughest decisions I’ve ever ha ● Lou $25 owner is testing an awning to see how well it holds up. Phillips: If it proves durable, the mall Master Trooper Gary Miller said Parks’ tractorhere. Whenever something broke, I was here to help dad make,” Carlton said of the decision to retire from th Company officials say the ‘Yellow Mall’ will remain open. ● In memory of Patricia Jordan by Bob and Tracy owner is expected to install more of the awnings. trailer sideswiped a Ford pickup truck before it fix it.” business. “The pandemic really hurt us. During the Jordan and Wanda Taylor: $300 struck the Nissan. It was also the sense of pride that kept Carlton tied to height, we were only washing two days a week.” ● In memory of Scott Morgan from his early childThe impact of the crash pushed a third tractorthe business. While Carlton plans to continue his job at Millike hood friend: $100 PAGE 8 trailer into a fourth tractor-trailer. Miller said the PAGE 5 OBITUARIES MEALS ON WHEELS ● In memory of Bruce Thompson Sr.: $100 “People always talked about Blanton’s Cleaners and Wanda will be a full-time retiree come Friday. That i Nissan and the first tractor-trailer then caught on that it was the place to go,” he said. “That gave me great February when the Blanton’s third grandchild is du ALLEN, J.B., 45, Gaffney fire. TOTAL: $13,530.98 ● See BLANTON, pride.” Over the past 37 years, Cherokee County “Following impact, Alexander’s vehicle burst MARTIN, Paul, 88, Gaffney Meals On Wheels has provided hot, nutriinto flames trapping her inside,” Fowler said. tious meals and a well check and personal Mission Statement PETRY, Samuel, 72, Gaffney “Both victims were pronounced dead at the To connect individuals and organizations in contact to those in our community who are PAGE 4 PERSPECTIVE PAGES OBITUARIES scene.” SAWEY, Amber, 25, Gaffney Cherokee County to develop a positive elderly, homebound, and in need. No other reported from the six-vehicle ATKINS, John, 91,injuries Spartanburg culture of learning and good health for TACKETT, Richard, 59, Gaffney TOWNSEND, Thomas, 88, Gaffney accident. personal success and civic prosperity. I spent the better part of BLACKWOOD, Michael, 49, Gaffneywere closed just All lanes of I-85 northbound Monday afternoon going WELLS, DeRoy, 79, Gaffney Exit 85 Gaffney at Green River Road. South Carolina CLARY,after Henry, 81, C M Y B C M Y B THE GAFFNEY LEDGER — SERVING CHEROKEE COUNTY SINCE 1894 / VOLUME 128 NO. 18 through hundreds of picHighway Patrol set up detours at exits 83 and 87 as WILLIAMS, James, 63, Gaffney tures stored in various CLARY,cleanup Ramona, 92,the Gaffney from accident scene took several WOODIE, Goldie, 71, Gaffney files on my computer. hours. LANE, Briana, 26, Gaffney Fowler said autopsies will be performed to asYOUNG, John, 69, Gaffney The driver of this tractor-trailer and the driver of the vehicle he rear-ended both died in the crash. PETTIT,sist Jimmy, Gaffney with 58, his investigation into the fatal crash. See CODY SOSSAMON’S column big difference is the higher traffic volume on this project, she said. One first responder said access to construction zones was raised two years ago to the DOT. “You aren’t listening to what the problems are,” the first responder told DOT officials. Another resident voiced concern about inadequate road markings, particularly near Blacksburg. State House Rep. Dennis Moss questioned why the entire 21-mile project is under construction when it was his understanding it would be completed in sections. Never providing clear answers to many of the concerns, DOT officials instead shifted their focus to the difficult challenges of the project. Hall said I-85 is the most heavily traveled interstate in South Carolina, with trucks making up 40% of the traffic. Other challenges include: original poorly designed interchanges, rolling terrain and constrained work areas. DOT Deputy Secretary for Engineering Leland Colvin presented a construction update that calls for extending “The Chute” five miles from near mile marker 86 to SC 11. Once work on the “The Chute” is completed by the end of this year, Colvin said all four

lanes, including northbound traffic, will be shifted to the southbound lanes. Three traffic shifts are planned from SC 11 to SC 18, Colvin said. Asphalt, not concrete, used on the project’s Here iswill thebe list of donors to Christmas Is For Kids, third phase from the Broad by River the North Carolina sponsored thistonewspaper. Bring contributions to state line, Colvin said. That section have just two Baker Blvd. or The Gaffney Ledgerwill at 1604 W. Floyd traffic shifts and should be completed in summer 2023, mail them to: “Christmas is for Kids,” The Gaffney he said. Hall told another questioner that the state Ledger, P.O. Box 670, Gaffney, S.C. 29342. would repair ‘haul roads’ damaged by related construcIf you do not want yourand name listed on our donors tion traffic. Webber, Overbrook, Swofford Cannons list, please indicate that.been We will Campground are among those that have dam-be shopping on Saturday,near Dec.the 19,project so please send your contributions in as aged. A landowner asked about runoff soon as possible. that has impacted a pond on his property. He was told any problemsGAFFNEY, associated withS.C. the project would be corrected. From The contractors can2019 be fined $10,000 for each day the ● Cherokee Sheriff’s $300 completion deadline is delayed.County Hall said some ofOffice: the ● Chick-fil-A sales: $1,161.98 delays cannot be blamed on the cookie contractors. Macedonia VFD●fire chief Dennis Hall $204 Goucher BaptistGardner Sundaytold School: his department responded to 47 accidents January $50 ● In memory of MonicainLittlejohn: and February. “My are deeply affected by the per2020guys Donors sonal tragedy, especially when fatalities occur,” he said.School: $1,500 ● Limestone Presbyterian Sunday “They were holding one woman when she died. They ● Carolyn Paschal: $100 will never get over●it.” Broad River Electric member-owners: $1,200

A newspaper in all that the word implies, devoted to the best interests of the people of Cherokee County. MONDAY, MARCH 15, 2021

Gaffney woman dies in fiery I-85 crash

It’s official: ‘Yellow Mall’ not closing

Coverage and opinion pieces about a rash of auto accidents, injuries and fatalities occurring after the start of a construction project along a section of interstate highway, no doubt fueled public outcry and led to increased scrutiny by local and state government officials. A series of meetings and hearings ultimately resulted in significant modifications to the project. Lives may have been saved as a result. In our opinion, there is no greater measure of public service.

THE GAFFNEY LEDGER — SERVING CHEROKEE COUNTY SINCE 1894 / VOLUME 127 NO. 124

Mayor Moss: County will offer incentives to ‘yellow mall’ owners

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CIVIL RIGHTS GROUPS, THEN AND NOW, FIGHT FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE (AND MORE)

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MANY IN SC HAVE DEDICATED THEIR LIVES TO SOCIAL AND RACIAL JUSTICE

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SPECIAL REPORT News deserts are growing. South Carolina has weak ethics laws. The feds aren’t investigating corruption like they used to. We are.

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The Post and Courier, The Sumter Item, The News & Reporter, IndexJournal, The Independent Voice of Blythewood and Fairfield, The Times and Democrat, Aiken Standard, The Kingstree News, The Newberry Observer, The Anderson Observer, Lancaster News, The Sentinel-Progress, Pickens County Courier, Latino Newspaper, The Laurens County Advertiser, The Charleston Chronicle, The Gaffney Ledger and the Pageland Progressive Journal

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was acquitted the horrific Capitol, con impeachment the first-ever president but e of America’s d and left a divid nation to co to terms with violence spark by his defeat presidency. Barely a mon since the dea Jan. 6 riot th stunned t world, the S ate convened session to del ing while arm troops contin posts outside t The quick tr of a former pre perilously clo come to dest deep tradition of presidential had refused to Rallying outsi he unleashed to “fight like Capitol just as ing Democrat As hundreds ing, some in t ing in bloody lawmakers fle people died. The verdict, is all but certa only the forme

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FRIDAY, AUGUST 6, 2021

VOL. 96, NO. 32 • ONE DOLLAR

Builders: Limit on lake homes won’t fix traffic woes BY TIM FLACH Home builders are warning Lexington County leaders that proposed limits on new neighborhoods near Lake Murray won’t solve increasing congestion on roads. A push by some County Council members to restrict the spread of homes around the lakeshore will backfire and instead worsen traffic jams, according to Allen Hutto, chief executive officer of the Building Industry Association of Central South Carolina. The step under discussion will increase sprawl by pushing new homes around the lake further west, forcing longer commutes that increase overcrowding on roads, he

Key dates Aug. 9-13: Teacher workdays Aug. 12: Meet the teacher events Aug. 16: First day grades 1-12 Aug. 23: First day 4K, 5K Learn more: lex3.org

See HIGH, Page 4

Photo by Tonya Rodgers As principal, Charlene High is getting BatesburgLeesville Primary School ready for the new year.

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Pageland Progressive-Journal MAY 11, 2021

www.pagelandprogressive.com

By DON WORTHINGTON Progressive Journal

BACK TO SCHOOL

BY TONYA RODGERS

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No action on rezoning moratorium

See TRAFFIC, Page 2

Children at Batesburg-Leesville Primary School will be seeing some new faces this year, as well as some returning ones they are familiar with. Mrs. Charlene High will be taking on her new role as principal, however she is a welcoming face that the children have enjoyed seeing for the past 10 years. High was born and raised in the Batesburg-Leesville area and graduated from B-L High School in 1986. She grew up with two siblings, her mother, who is now deceased, and her father, the Rev. Charles Davenport, who preached at sev-

Water tank plans move forward

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said. “What they’re looking at is not going to fix traffic problems,” Hutto predicted. “It will result in unintended consequences.” Builders are preparing to suggest other approaches on lakefront development to council members. Hutto declined to specify those until those discussions happen. The protests suggest builders are uncomfortable with changes coming that will force new approaches designed to make growth less intensive, Councilman Larry Brigham of Batesburg-Leesville said. “It’s not going to slow things down,” he said. “It’s going to

New primary school principal shares goals

Hartsville’s Arthur to challenge Rep. Rice

Photo by Tonya Rodgers Carolina Kids Aquatics instructor Teresa Hrab helps 13-month-old Brexton Price with floating.

Friendship inspires lifeline for others Family’s need for healing motivates woman to reach goal of teaching water safety BY TONYA RODGERS Brandi Halford and her family experienced a tragedy several years ago. Shortly after moving to South Carolina, Halford, her husband, and three small children returned to Louisiana to visit family. During the trip, their almost-3-yearold son Caleb, drowned in a family member’s swimming pool. Although consumed with a fear of water and the grief of their loss, the Halfords wanted their children, including a fourth child born shortly after Caleb’s death, to have a normal, fun childhood. Water activities had always been a significant part of their life and they wanted to find a way to feel comfortable with swimming again. Then Halford met Teresa Hrab through her church, The Hope Chapel in Batesburg-Leesville, and Halford’s healing journey began. Hrab and her family had moved to the Saluda area and Hrab was working to become trained to teach swimming lessons. Because of Halford’s encouragement, Hrab completed her training and now operates Carolina Kids Aquatics, Survival Swim, where she is passionate about helping to reduce childhood See WATER, Page 3

Photo by Tonya Rodgers Brandi Halford, right, whose son drowned when he was about 3 years old, offered encouragement to Teresa Hrab to complete training to help teach water safety.

Two Mississippi artisans have combined their talents to give Pageland a masterpiece. Eli Morgan is a master of words and images. Will Sellers is a master of colors and texture. They are the creative team behind the “Welcome to Pageland” mural at the intersection of McGregor and Pearl streets. Loiter at the intersection and you will quickly understand why their effort is winner. Cars and pickup trucks slow down, drivers and passengers roll down windows to give a thumbs up and shout, “Lookin’ GOOD!” It’s been that way for over a week as Sellers progressed from big brush strokes and a can of paint to a smaller strokes and a 16-ounce drink cup with a few ounces paint to squatting on the sidewalk to sign his name to the mural. The project is a partnership between the Pageland Chamber of Commerce and Lynches River Electric Cooperative. They entered Touchstone Energy’s “Main Street” contest designed to help revitalize towns. The contest was open to the more than 750 electric cooperatives in 46 states that are members of Touchstone Energy. Pageland was a Passion Project winner. Morgan and Sellers were recommended by contest consultants Ben and Erin Napier, producers of the HGTV series “Home Town” and “Home Town Takeover.” Morgan worked for the Napiers’ business, “The Mercantile,” as a graphic designer. He has a bachelor’s degree in graphic design from the University of Mississippi, as well as a degree in English Literature. He is a high school English teacher in Vicksburg, Miss. The Napiers approached Morgan about designing the Pageland mural and the 25-year-old See MURAL | Page 8

A Pageland Planning Commission request for a rezoning moratorium did not follow proper procedure and therefore was not considered at last Tuesday’s town council meeting. After an executive session to hear advice from town attorney Adam Foard, the town council asked the Planning Commission to make a recommendation on a proposed rezoning on the S.C. 151 bypass. The request is to rezone a piece of property from residential to commercial. When the Planning Commission considered that request, the discussion focused not on the rezoning, but on imposing a temporary moratorium on rezonings. The Pageland Chamber of Commerce made the request to allow the town time to update its ordinances governing the appearance and operations of some types of businesses. Chamber president Timothy Griffin talked about “eyesore” businesses, which have operated for years. The Planning Commission passed a motion, requesting the town impose a moratorium until ordinances could be updated. At Tuesday’s council meeting, town attorney Adam Foard explained the Planning Commission did not follow proper procedure on its request. The item on the Planning Commission’s agenda was See ZONING | Page 2

Two feet

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Central's Kody Dawkins is consumed by the pit. More track and field coverage on page 6.

The winner will be announced at tonight’s school district banquet.

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JANUARY 19, 2021

Six days in a South Carolina jail

Civil rights lessons learned by Pageland’s mayor pro tem By DON WORTHINGTON Progressive Journal

In 1963, media coverage of the Civil Rights Movement exploded across American newspapers and television screens.

Pageland Progressive-Journal

There were images from Birmingham, Ala. where high-powered fire hoses were directed at protesting students Among those arrested that April was Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In his cell, he wrote his “Letter from Birmingham Jail.” In August, King stood on the steps of the Lincoln Monument to deliver his “I Have a Dream” speech as part of the March on Washington. Historian estimate that between those dates more than 14,700 people were arrested at 758 demonstrations in 186 cities across the county.

The movement took a tremendous stride forward with the March on Washington. In South Carolina one of the hot spots for civil rights change was the campus of South Carolina State in Orangeburg. In 1968, South Carolina State was written into Civil Rights history when students protested a segregated bowling alley. Two days after the protest, students and others gathered on campus. State highway patrolmen opened fire on them, killing three, and wounding 28. The mood on campus in 1963 was one of tension. There were frequent demonstrations and the unwritten rule among students and faculty was it was OK to attend the protests. Students would not be given an unexcused absence. Students were required, however, to make up the work

County sets virus case record

See HUTTO | Page 2

Photos by DON WORTHINGTON/Progressive Journal

Central basketball coach Charles Brown encourages his players during last week's win over Cheraw.

Staff report

Chesterfield County recently saw the highest, one-day number of confirmed COVID-19 cases – 40 – on Jan. 11. There have been 249 confirmed cases in the county this year, according to the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control. DHEC also reported two deaths for people with the virus in the county. Each person was middle-aged. There have been 65 confirmed deaths in the county since March. There have also been four probable deaths. Probable deaths are ones where the death certificate lists COVID-19 as the cause of, or a contributing factor to

This was very well written. It brought the history to life and was written to where the reader can really visualize what was taking place in the country at that time. Great job! At right, Central's cheerleaders had the

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Harold Hutto makes a spiritual point at the ninth-annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration on Jan. 20 last year.

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Witnesses unwilling to provide information about fatal shooting

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(Editor's note: There are at least 10 unsolved murders being investigated by the Union County Sheriff's Office, the Union Public Safety Department and Jonesville Police Department. Union County Crimestoppers is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in each case. Over the next weeks, the Union County News will feature stories on each of these unsolved murders. This is the eighth story in the series.)

Graham Williams

By ANNA BROWN

The average age of the victims in Union County's cold murder cases is 31. Dre Shun “Fat” Smith didn't make it that far. He was 26 and had an infant son when someone gunned him down on June 10, 2020, in the 200 block of Union's South Church Street. The victims of Union County's unsolved murders range in age from 17 - Jabbrie “Nate” Brandon who was killed during a “block party” on Dover Road in Jonesville on May 23, 2020 - to 55-year-old James “Mann” Parham, who was shot at his home on Aug. 26, 2018. “These are young individuals who had their whole life ahead of them,” said Capt. Kevin Powers with the Union Public Safety Department. “Any murder is senseless.”

Union County News Dre Shun Smith in a picture made when his son was born in 2019. (Facebook)

UNSOLVED MURDERS Powers said Smith's case is like so many of the other cold murder cases - people witnessed it but no one was either able to or wanted to give police any useful information that might lead to an arrest in the case. What sets it apart is Smith had at least one person with him whom he considered a friend. The witness told police that he and Smith had left a house and were going out to get in a vehicle when shots were fired. When officers arrived, Smith was lying face down on the sidewalk beside a burgundy vehicle. The witness said the shots might have come from a car, but he could provide no further information about the vehicle. Someone in the house also was unable to provide any information “He was accompanied by friends but none of them were

Record meth seizure made

Suspicions about dirt bike lead to its safe return By GRAHAM WILLIAMS

Demetrius Harris recently sold his two dirt bikes and was in the market for another one. He wanted a Yamaha YZ 250. Fortunately for Demetrius, he found what he wanted on Facebook Marketplace - in Forest City, N.C. - and paid $5,000 for it. “Something told me to get this one don't ask questions,” he said. “It looked good.” What Demetrius didn't know, however, was the dirt bike he just bought was stolen. • •• Taji Whitener bought the Yamaha for $10,000 in 2019. Soon after he bought the bike it fell over, creating a small dent in the exhaust pipe. Taji never rode it on dirt; instead, he let some of the air out of the rear tire so he could do wheelies. He only had the bike for about a year before it was stolen in December 2020 from his family’s home in Santuck. Taji and his father, Albert, filed a report with the Union County Sheriff's Office. Albert also posted a photo of the stolen bike on Facebook in hopes that someone would see it and help them recover it. “We never expected to get it back,” he said ••• Demetrius, 21, lives in Simpsonville,

but has family and friends who live in Union County. When he brought his new dirt bike home he inspected it and noticed some things that made him think it was stolen. For instance, the identification number had been scratched off the bike's frame. Demetrius called the person he bought it from and expressed his concerns. He said he wanted to return the bike and get his money back. The seller said he would contact the person he bought the bike from and get back with him. He never called back. Demetrius' best friend, Rashawn Washington, lives in Union. He knows Albert and he also knew about Taji's stolen dirt bike. Meanwhile, Demetrius' girlfriend, Katie Upchurch, found Albert's Facebook post about the stolen bike from January. “She forwarded the photo and I could tell there was a dent in the tailpipe,” he said. “I talked to my girlfriend, we prayed about it and I contacted him (Albert) on Sunday.” ••• Sunday night, Feb. 28, Albert got a message on Facebook saying someone might have some information about the stolen dirt bike. Albert replied that it was late and to call him in the morning. See DIRT BIKE, Page 2

See SMITH, Page 2

By ANNA BROWN

Demetrius Harris is pictured with the Yamaha YZ 250 dirt bike he purchased from someone in Forest City, N.C., not knowing it had been stolen in Union County.

A Lancaster woman was charged by the Jonesville Police Department with trafficking methamphetamine in what is believed to be the biggest seizure of the drug in county history 2.1 kilos. Shadarica Trena Jones, 30, of 391 South Ave. was arrested on Feb. 28 after a traffic stop by Cpl. J a m i s o n Taylor at the intersection of JONES Poplar Road and Tim Drive. Chief Carl Jennings said Taylor stopped Jones' vehicle after she came through town exceeding the posted See METH, Page 2

JEMS sixth-grader honored for life-saving actions

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contested mayoral election

Easley names new police chief

”

— Karen Hicks

Pickens County Courier Rocky Nimmons/Courier

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. with the U.S. Army, Whitten the town Central, then In became an of Easley Firethree Detown council seats are available, partment firefighter, serving for withyears incumbent council memtwo before becoming a real bers Lynne O’Dell Chapman, estate developer, the release said. TonyAH. Craigtoand Harrison R. desire return to pubHolladay, 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).

Running for a vacant Easley Combined Utilities Commissioner seat will be Nick Caldwell, Rusty L. Jones and Jerry C. Ross. In the incity of led Liberty, the lic service 2007 Whitten racebecome to ll the recentlywith vacated to a deputy the mayor’s ofCounty ce will Sheriff be between Greenville ’s Ofcurrent fice, the mayor releasepro said.tem HeMichael served Sheriff and Philip Rus Smith. Daniel Graybeal, Lavant SeeD.cHIEF on page 2A 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

Kathryn Hicks, front middle, is joined at the Walmart in Central by company representatives and Central ﬁreEvans chief Ed Reynolds as part ofWhitten a Walmart Heart in her ber honor. served as aevent military of the Dignitary Protection By Jason police officer and investigator Team. He was also assigned to Staff Reporter with the United States Army Panama Town, where he worked jevans@thepccourier.com from 1987-1991, the release with the Metropolitan Police LiEASLEY — Easley’s new said. During that time, his du- aison Element, the release said. After completing his time police chief will be sworn in ties included working as a memstarted to help people with during the April 12 Easley City By Nicole Daughhetee chronic mental and physical Staff Reporter Council meeting. conditions by making these Easley officials announced nicole@thepccourier.com individuals honorary Walmart the hiring of Stan Whitten as the CENTRAL — Before drivers and giving them the new chief of the Easley Police Department in a news release his passing in 1992, Walmart ride of a lifetime in a Walmart founder Sam Walton said of his truck. last week. Last Wednesday, August A native of Easley, Whitten truck-driving employees “When has more than 20 years of expe- you’re out on the highway, you 31, Six Mile resident Kathryn See RACES on page 2A rience within public service, the can bet your bottom dollar the Hicks was honored by the Walguy behind the wheel is a true mart Heart program at the Walrelease said. WHITTEN professional. 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 Hicks was made an honorary driver in the night. Walmart pri- granted his wish to ride in one go home and enjoy their baby home the previous By Kathryn Jason Evans vate ﬂeet last Wednesday. She is pictured above with her mother Pickens County Coroner of the Walmart trucks. Staff Reporter See HICKS on page 2A Truck drivers for Walmart Karen Hicks and Walmart driver Antoine Sadler. Kandy Kelley identified the vicjevans@thepccourier.com tim as Wesley Alan Gantt of SteCOUNTY — Two men phens Road. The collision occurred at died last week after separate moA U.S. military c-119 like this one 11:35 p.m. Tuesday, March 30, tor vehicle accidents. crashed near downtown Liberty in 1960, A 25-year old Pickens man on S.C. Highway 183 at Stebut no loss of life, injuries or major propdied in an Upstate hospital phens Road, two miles south of erty damage were reported. Courtesy photo Wednesday after his dirt bike was struck by a vehicle near his See mEN on page 5A ens County’s principals had opening Chastain Road Elemento say about the rst day of tary! With the start of any school school: “It has been an amazing day See SCHOOL on page 10A EASLEY — High historic Brice Field in Easley. school students in both Pick- The winner of the game will 1960 — turned out to be anything but By Ron Barnett ens and Easley have been receive the Food Fight Bowl typical. Staff Reporter COUNTY — The much- schools; Pickens County Career working the clock trophy to display in their Jerry ran out the back door just around in rbarnett@thepccourier.com needed rain didn’t seem to and Technology Center (CTC); trying to raise funds for Pick- new trophy case at their new time to see one of the vertical stabilizdampen the spirits of parents, and Liberty and Pickens High ensa County LIBERTY — ers of a C-119 airplane — militaryMeals on Wheels school, while a halftime anteachers or the 16,000 plus stu- schools. the — past several weeks, nouncement will reveal which t was a typical Saturday morn- craft known as a “Flying over Boxcar” dents who began the 2011-2012 In addition to the grand and through the wait is almost over student body has raised the ing in downtown Liberty, and break loose and go twisting school year in Pickens County opening of these recently conto see which student body most money for Meals on 12-year-old Jerry Nalley was the air above a neighbor’s yard. on Tuesday. structed school buildings, McKhas raised the most money in Wheels, earning them the Ulat home watching TV with his The plane, whose four-man crew Among the notable back issick and Liberty Elementary this year’s fourth annual Sam timate Food Fight Trophy. younger sister. had bailed out safely moments earlier to school highlights were the schools boasted freshly renoWyche Food Grasshopper Mow“Probably some Western,” he rec- when they realized they were going to Fight Bowl. opening of ve new schools vated facilities and major renoThe the Food Fight Bowl, ers representatives will also ollected. crash, careened blindly through in the School District of Pick- vations continue at Edwards and played annually on the grid- be on hand at Friday night’s All at once they heard a great trees, clipping power lines, spreading ens County: Chastain Road Dacusville Middle schools. iron between the Blue Flame game to present a pair of ze“commotion” — and it wasn’t coming debris across people’s yards and finally and Dacusville Elementary Here is what some of Pickfrom the cowboys and Indians on their bursting into flames — and in aGreen vacantWave, will kick off See BOWL on page 10A this Friday black-and-white television set. lot just 100 yards from Liberty Highnight at 8 p.m. at “It was just a tremendous noise,” School. Courtesy photos he said. “We didn’t know what in the “It was just a thousand wonders world it was.” — Liberty resident See DISASTER on page 2A This Saturday morning — Feb. 27, Jerry Nalley

Walmart Heart honors Six Mile teen

Accidents kill 2 county men

‘The hand of God’ vs.

2011 Sam Wyche

New school year starts Food Fight Bowl Local residents recall day Liberty Principals report on rstday goings-on in district

this Friday night avoided military aircraft disaster

It was just a thousand wonders that that plane landed where it did. The Lord had to be flying that thing.

Clemson University, New face for city council community to mark Worker dies at Sept. 11 anniversary Central officials considering cluster Liberty Denim zoning to save town’s greenspace

A special Pickens city council meeting held monday evening recognized outgoing city councilwoman and mayor pro tem Donna Owen and newly elected councilCLEMSON — who Clemson man Robert Nealy, won University will by hold rememOwen’s seat picka up more

The service will be a time of reection and remembrance

LIBERTY — A 41-year

Wednesday, Aug. 31, at 3:26 a.m.,

News Feature Writing

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Myrtle Beach Herald

Well written story that showed strong interview skills.

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Sam Spence

Jay King

Charleston City Paper MORE THAN A BUILDING

The International African American Museum takes shape in Charleston By Sam Spence

Feature 04.28.2021

ot far from where the International African American Museum is rising along the Charleston waterfront, Septima Clark rallied workers and Esau Jenkins started a credit union. Mother Emanuel sits nearby, rooted in uprising. Charleston hospital workers protested unfair conditions in the 1960s down the street. Enslaved Africans hauled ill-gotten cash crops steps from where they themselves were bought and sold along downtown docks. Yes, the International African American Museum (IAAM) sits at 14 Wharfside St. in Charleston, but its stories lie far beyond its walls. “The stories are hemispheric, they're Atlantic and they are indeed global,” College of Charleston history professor Bernard Powers said at the museum's October 2019 groundbreaking. U.S. Rep. James Clyburn

insisted the museum must tell the rich histories of Americans of African descent. “It has to be about what African Americans are and can be and will be,” he said. The museum is the fruit of a more-than20-year effort by local leaders — including Clyburn, former Mayor Joe Riley and others — to memorialize Charleston's place at the center of African-American cultural history in the U.S. Nearly $100 million was raised from private benefactors and blue chip corporations ahead of the museum's construction, which is expected to be nearing completion by this time next year.

A platform for disruption

Tonya Matthews was named on April 10 as the museum's new CEO. With a doctorate in biomedical engineering from Johns Hopkins University, as well as museum and education experience (plus a talent for spoken-word poetry), Matthews said the IAAM will be an institution as powerful as the history it commemorates. “This is an incredible museum

that is destined to be much more than a building,” Matthews told the City Paper. “It is a platform for disrupting institutionalized racism on a global scale, with the power of the stories we tell, and the authenticity that we tell them with. And frankly, Charleston is home to some of the most powerful stories Matthews in the world.” Beyond the legacy of Gadsden's Wharf as a landing site for the trans-Atlantic slave trade, Matthews said modern histories of those who call Charleston home will be important to the museum's ongoing work. “Charleston has also been on the front lines of some of those earliest fights for equity

and equality of Black people in America. And of course, those people are still here, still alive — long and storied histories and families that can tell the stories of that resilience, of that moving forward. And, even some of our stories of allyship are rooted here in Charleston.”

Critical in this time

Even 50+ years removed from the civil rights movement, the IAAM's exhibits and programming are being curated as America continues confronting its racist past and how it persists into the present day.

Greenville Journal

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I loved reading this story. It was very well written and kept my attention. Perfect tribute.

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James Hicks WEEKENDER Index-Journal 2020: A year where the fist-bump became a mainstream greeting, Page 1C

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SC Sen. Hugh Leatherman dies

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IN THIS EDITION

DHEC did not compile and release a COVID-19 data report for New Year’s Day. New numbers will be released today and will be available at indexjournal.com. Reports will also resume Monday.

State Sen. Hugh Leatherman, R-Florence, listens during the first day of a legislative session at the Statehouse in Columbia.

By MEG KINNARD Associated Press

COLUMBIA — State Sen. Hugh Leatherman, South Carolina’s oldest and most powerful state lawmaker, died Friday at the age of 90.

Reactions

Lakelands legislators weigh in on longtime state senator’s death, 5A.

Leatherman died at his home in Florence, his office said, after being diagnosed with an inoperable cancer. As he entered hospice

care last month, Leatherman’s staff began notifying lawmakers that the

See LEATHERMAN, page 5A

Bringer of hope amid sorrow

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PHOTOS BY JAMES HICKS | INDEX-JOURNAL

Sara Juengst shows a picture of her grandfather who operated a general store in Willington in the early 1900s.

Fighting extinction

How Willington has survived, thrived By JAMES HICKS jhicks@indexjournal.com

WILLINGTON

ld small towns faced with extinction often disappear without anyone thinking about them. One town in McCormick County is fighting for survival.

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Willington is a small town of 64 inhabitants. Located in northwest McCormick County, Willington is a few miles south of Mt. Carmel on Highway 81 and just north of John de la Howe agriculture school and now the state’s third official Governor’s School. The town was featured twice on a list of most endangered historic places. Readers might recall columnist Chris Trainor’s discovery of the town’s bookshop, which he chronicled in an October column. The bookshop proudly displays his column,

Willington History Center and Bookshop

See TOWN, page 3A

Spears released from conservatorship

News 10A INSIDE TODAY • ABBY • CLASSIFIEDS • DEAR DAVE • OBITUARIES • COMICS • SPORTS • TV LISTING • VIEWPOINTS • WEEKENDBREAK

In a first, Congress overrides Trump veto of defense bill President Donald Trump

trolled Senate easily turned aside the veto, dismissing Trump’s objections WASHINGTON — Congress on to the $740 billion bill and handing

Associated Press

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The Willington Bookshop is home to more than 30,000 books ranging from fiction to theological studies.

PHOTOS BY LINDSEY HODGES | INDEX-JOURNAL

Visitors to the Mays site check out the museum and statue ahead of last Saturday’s anniversary event.

Weekend of events celebrates Mays’ life, legacy

CRANBERRY TART

Britney freed

Location:1801 Morrah Bridge Road, McCormick Open: Wednesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

laminated and attached to the end of one of the book cases. While known among bibliophiles as a great stop, the town has so much rich history located within its limits. The Willington History Center, which contains historical artifacts from not only Willington, but elsewhere, is located in Sara Juengst’s grandfather’s old general store. “This is my grandpa and he lived up the street,” Juengst said as she looked at an old picture. “I was born in his house in 1930.” Juengst, 90, said her grandfather, William Oscar Covin, moved to Willington from Mt. Carmel to open a general store in 1898. She said she moved away when she was 3 years old but her family would return to have “Sunday dinner” with her grandfather. “I loved Willington,” Juengst said. While the town began to grow into more than a cotton town with the installation of the railroad lines in 1886, the name of the

happy

Pies-Giving

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By LINDSEY HODGES lhodges@indexjournal.com ld Mount Zion Baptist Church began under a brush arbor in 1861 — the same year the Civil War began. It was the home church of Benjamin Elijah Mays, noted civil rights leader from Greenwood County, born 33 years later.

The Epworth church, which celebrated 160 years earlier this year, was the host of the final event of a weekendlong celebration of the 10-year anniversary of the GLEAMNS Dr. Benjamin E. Mays Historical Preservation Site. The message of the Sunday morning service was given by the Rev. Grady Butler, mentee of Mays who was jailed alongside See MAYS, page 4A

The Minorities on the Move gospel choir from Lander University provided music during the weekend’s events

Benjamin Mays legacy isn’t confined to the historic preservation site or to classes at Lander. His name endures on schools, roads and buildings in Greenwood, and across the country. Here are a few: In August 2020, Greenwood County School District 50 renamed a school after Mays. Springfield Elementary School is now Dr. Benjamin E. Mays Elementary School. The change was initially spurred by Greenwood Mayor Brandon Smith, who challenged the district’s board of trustees to name a school after Mays. There are other schools named after Mays. A high school in Atlanta bears his name, as does an International Baccalaureate school in Minnesota. There’s the Benjamin E. Mays Consolidated School in the Spartanburg area, to name just a few. Driving between Saluda and Greenwood, travelers might notice they are going through Mays Crossroads. That, too, is named for the scholar. It was during the dedication of Mays Crossroads that he expressed interest in his childhood home being preserved.

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Great job conveying a family’s love and travails with parents’ declines.

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Mary Norkol

Aiken Standard

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The Island Packet Who better to tell the story of a young man’s killing than his mother, who knew him best? Great job getting to the source at telling the story from their POV.

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Glenn Smith

Lillia Callum-Penso

The Post and Courier

Greenville News

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Best of the Best Jennifer Berry Hawes The Post and Courier

A story that captured my attention from the beginning to end. The writer did a great job alternating between past and present to tell a story that was heart breaking and inspiring. The best of a very competitive category.

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Tidelands Health

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The Baptist Courier

did not want to disappoint my Heavenly Father by not doing the very best I could to love and nurture my children. The blessings that accompany answered prayer are endless.” Her dad was also a pastor. She says, “My dad taught me to love the Lord, and my husband showed me what it means to follow after God. My sons encourage me because of the tenacity and determination of their love for their wives, the depth of their commitment to raising their sons and daughters in the Lord, and Shelley constantly inspires me

with phones and social media. Always have loads of fun, never-ending memories. What your children hear you say, see you do, and watch you eat and drink will, most likely, become their own pattern of life. Christ is their only anchor, and their home is their primary sowing field.” Don said, “Karyn has been totally devoted to me and totally loving to our children and totally surrendered to her Savior every minute of our 45-year marriage. I love her today more than ever!” n

CARLOTTA JACKSON CONSIDERS HERSELF A ‘BLESSED’ MOTHER BY RUDY GRAY, Editor CARLOTTA JACKSON GAVE BIRTH TO NINE

children, homeschooled all of them, and will celebrate the birth of her 12th and 13th grandchild later this year. The wife of family physician Robert Jackson and a nurse herself, she and her husband have devoted themselves to pro-life ministry, missions, and discipleship. She said, “I am so glad I never quit. I’m so glad I had a multitude of children, and I am one blessed woman.” On April 5, her third daughter, Miriam, was giving birth, and Carlotta was by her side. Miriam asked, “Why? Mama, why did you have all of us?” After pondering Miriam’s question Carlotta Jackson with her newest grandbaby. for some time, 4•

she wrote, “It would have been easy to quit when my sixth was born with a respiratory defect requiring an ICU in our living room for 18 months. It would have been easy to quit during the season of 25 eye surgeries for my husband, or the sleepless nights when a child was out late or one was making poor choices, when the stomach virus ran through the entire family like a biblical plague, or when we had to pay for five daughters to marry!” That day, she looked at Miriam and gave her an answer for why she gave birth to her and her siblings. “In a few minutes, you’re going to deliver a little person, and that little person will be amazing, simply amazing. You are about to find out what love really is,” she said. She says she learned much about love and sacrifice through raising her children. “I turned a deaf ear to the world’s unbiblical and distorted view of marriage, womanhood, and the value of children. I ran to the Word of God that told me children are a gift of the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward — and I just happened to believe it,” she said. “Then I read, ‘Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one’s youth. How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them,’” she continued. “My husband and I did our best to shape those arrows — with the Lord’s leadership — to fly straight and true by discipling our own children. We did not rely on anyone else to do what we believed we should

MAY 2021 | THE COURIER

This is a very interesting story. I love how each of the children were interviewed on thoughts of their mother. This is very heartwarming and a good reminder that the family unit is still out there.

Lifestyle Feature Writing

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Third PLACE Inaugural Juneteenth event comes to downtown Newberry Wednesday, June 16, 2021 • $1

Issue 24, Volume 139

Andrew Wigger Elyssa Haven

for The Newberry Observer

NEWBERRY – Newberry’s inaugural Juneteenth event is set for Saturday, June 19 in downtown Newberry. It will take place from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. According to History. com, Juneteenth (short for June Nineteenth) marks the day when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas in 1865 to take control of the state and ensure that all enslaved people be freed. The troops’ arrival came a full two and a half years after

the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth honors the end to slavery in the United States and is considered the longest-running African American holiday. The inception of the event was proposed in September 2020 by Councilperson Jackie Holmes and with the favor of the other members of council, the city’s Parks, Recreation and Tourism department has been working with a committee of seven local citizens to assist in coming up with a vision for the event.

Committee members include Holmes, Councilperson Carlton Kinard, Barbara Chapman, Margo Whitener, Shelia Brown, Tomekia Means and Michael Raiford. Together, the committee has met since January with Mary Alex Kopp, city tourism and events manager. “My role essentially became logistics,” Kopp said. “I would gather with the committee, we’d discuss their vision and I would then take that back to our department as well as others including the police and fire depart-

ments to discuss how to bring that together. We would then go back to the committee with recommendations,” she said. One vision of the committee, Kopp said, was to have a dedicated space to explain what Juneteenth was. To bring that vision to life, there is a Juneteenth History exhibit in the Newberry Opera House lobby that is open to the public throughout the month of June. The exhibit features a timelineoriented booklet discussing events in black history

The Newberry Observer Courtesy photo

Buttons supporting the Juneteenth event are available on a first come, first served basis thanks to the Newberry County Chamber of Commerce.

Teachers projected to get pay increase By Andrew Wigger

awigger@cmpapers.com

NEWBERRY COUNTY — The proposed Newberry County School District Fiscal Year 2021-22 budget includes a $1,000 pay increase for teachers and nurses, as provided by the state. According to NCSD Chief Financial Officer Susan W. Dowd, this increase, required by the state, will go toward teachers and nurses only, and is an increase in the budget of $636,784. This will average to a two percent salary increase, according to Dowd. Along with this increase, teachers and nurses will also receive their annual Step increase, which is an increase in the budget of $333,723. Originally, the FY 2021-22 budget included a $300,000 increase to add one percent to the local salary supplement for certified teachers, taking it from 6.5% to 7.5%. “We have a local salary supplement of 6.5%, whatever the minimum salary is the

state says we have to pay, the district has always paid, as long as I’ve been here, 6.5% higher than that minimum. We are asking to increase it, trying to be more competitive with other districts,” Dowd said. During the public hearing last week, the board requested that Dowd reduce the increase to half of a percent for a total increase of $150,000, rather than $300,000. There was also a $180,000 Step increase for all other district staff and an increase of $157,907 for a two percent cost of living adjustment salary increase for all other staff. The board requested the removal of the Step increase for classified and administrative staff. These board requests were due to no increase in revenue at this time, according to Dowd. These changes will be presented to the board during the second reading, to be held on June 28. Within the budget, See INCREASE | 3A

Estimated oldest bottle of bourbon

Ted B. Williams

The bottle of bourbon, the box it came in, and the note that was originally given to the Drake family with the bottle. awigger@cmpapers.com

B AG + ART Comics: 2

NEWBERRY — What is estimated to be the oldest bottle of bourbon is about to be sold at

auction via its local owner, Rex Woolbright, Newberry florist. The bottle is up for auction at Skinner Auctioneers, and according to research

provided on their website, “carbon 14 dating conducted in 2021 in collaboration with the University of See OLDEST | 2A

JOIN THE CONVERSATION What’s your take on today’s news? Go to newberry observer.com

Jake McElveen

TheManning Manning Times The Times

for The Newberry Observer

By Andrew Wigger A NEWS Obituaries: 2 Editorial: 4 Weather: 5 Faith: 6 Classifieds: 7-8

See EvENT | 5A

Second PLACE

Council approves FY 21-22 budget By Andrew Wigger

final, reading of the fiscal year 2021-22

NEWBERRY — City Council passed first reading of the budget with no proposed increases in city taxes. Prior to first reading, Mayor Foster Senn held a public hearing on the proposed budget. With no public comments received in favor or opposition to the budget, motion to approve first reading was made by Councilperson Lemont Glasgow and seconded by Councilperson David DuBose. City Manager Matt DeWitt said the city’s overall general fund and special fund budgets were up $163,840 over the current fiscal year and totaled $13,263,795 for fiscal year 2022. DeWitt told council there were sufficient revenues and savings proposed to cover all expenses scheduled for the upcoming fiscal year. The utility fund’s request as a whole is down $33,472 over the current fiscal year, DeWitt said. This budget is balanced with a 2.5% overall water fee increase and a 1.25% overall sewer fee increase. These increases were reevaluated by the city’s bond council and are associated with major upgrades

Vigilant Sisters and Unmarked Graves Mission Accomplished By Jake McElveen manningsctimes@gmail.com When The Manning Times received a phone call from Ruthie Mae Walker and Dorothy Mitchell in March of 2020, we were unsure what to expect. A small graveyard covered in trees in the back of a lonesome field on the outer edge of the county sounded like the plot to a fantasy treasure hunt movie. However, after a few brief conversations, the charismatic siblings had us convinced that we needed to come and see what they were so excited about. What followed was a very interesting story. “There is a small dirt road right off of Governor Richardson road between the towns of Summerton and Remini. This road, named Julia James road, is just like any other dirt road in the south. However, a short two miles in, at the back of a large field in a thicket of trees, lies a small graveyard. This graveyard, named

See NEW LIFE, Page 5

Former Coach’s legacy honored

THE MANNING TIMES / JAKE McELVEEN

Ruthie Mae James Walker and Dorothy Mitchell stand outside of their family graveyard that they have been trying to clean for almost two years. With a little help, this goal has been accomplished.

Petition set to rename gymnasium

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MARIE LAND Restoring Clarendon

First PLACE Jake McElveen

The Manning Times

By JAKE McELVEEN mtsceditor@gmail.com

Women’s History Month

Women’s History Month is a time when “The Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum join in commemorating and encouraging the study, observance and celebration of the vital role of women in American history.” While all these national organizations are a great way for women’s history to be publicized, it is still important for us to observe and celebrate our local heroes, or, “Sheroes.” With this in mind, The Manning TImes will celebrate a different woman who has made waves and created history in Clarendon County throughout the month of March. For our second selection, we turned to none other than a woman who many would be proud to call the Matriarch of the modern Clarendon County, Marie Land. If you look briefly into the history of several buildings and organizations in Clarendon, it won’t take you long to find her name. She is known as a headstrong and passionate woman with a never-ending desire to better the people and communities of Clarendon. From her work in public education to the beautification of See WOMEN, Page 11

On Time Distribution, LLC establishing Kudos to the reporter for highlighting someone who hasoperations shown leadershipin Clarendon County

$5.8 million investment will create 75 new jobs over the next five years

and initiative to make her community better. The Q & A format allows the reader to feel like they are having a personal conversation with Mrs. Land. Submitted mtsceditor@gmail.com

On Time Distribution, LLC, a water and air filtration company, today announced plans to establish operations in Clarendon

Governor Henry McMaster. “We thank them for their commitment to our state, and we look forward to watching them succeed in the area.” Located at 1665 Joe Rodgers Boulevard in Manning, On Time Distribu-

the first quarter of 2021. Individuals interested in joining the On Time Distribution, LLC team should call 704-234-3716. “I’ve always believed that Clarendon County was a great place

ty to assist with the project. “On Time Distribution, LLC’s announcement in Clarendon County is right on time,” said Central SC Alliance Chairman W. Keller Kissam. “Primed for new and expanding industry oppor-

Lifestyle Feature Writing

Weekly 3,500-6,500 Division Black Cyan Magenta Yellow

per copy

Third PLACE WEDNESDAY • OCTOBER 13, 2021

Vol. No. 139-Pub. No. 306000

Quick Read Haley joins Clemson board Former South Carolina Gov. and Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley has been named to the Clemson University Board of Trustees. Haley graduated with a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Clemson in 1994. After leaving Clemson, she worked for her family business and served as its chief financial officer before entering politics. “Ambassador Haley’s love of country, leadership skills, commitment to education, and passion for Clemson University will serve the Board well. She will be a tireless advocate for the University and all of its constituents,” said Kim Wilkerson, chair of the Board of Trustees. The Bamberg native succeeds David H. Wilkins of Greenville, who is retiring as a trustee after serving since 2007, including six years as chair. Wilkins will become a Trustee Emeritus. Haley’s career in public service began in 2004 with her election to the South Carolina House of Representatives. In 2010, Haley was elected as the first female and first minority Governor of South Carolina and was the youngest governor in the country at that time. She was reelected as Governor in 2014. In 2016, then President-elect Donald Trump nominated Haley to be the 29th U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations.

Weather

Happenings Friday, Oct. 15: High School Football, No. 10 Chapman at No. 3 Clinton, 7:30 p.m.; Laurens at Eastside, 7:30 p.m.; Laurens Academy at W.W. King, 7:30 p.m.; Ware Shoals at McCormick, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 16: Fall Farmers Market, Downtown Laurens, 8 a.m. noon Saturday, Oct. 16: College football, Presbyterian at Davidson, 7 p.m.

Laurens, South Carolina

No. 15-14 Pages

Latimore, Ledda in top ranks of S.C. Police Chief Association By Judith Brown Staff Writer Laurens County now has two law enforcement off icials holding top spots in the South Carolina Police Chief Association following this past weekend’s SCPCA annual leadership conference. Laurens Police Chief Chrissie Latimore was installed as the president of the South Carolina Police Chief Association, and Clinton Police Chief Sonny Ledda was installed as sec-

John Clayton

ond vice president, meaning he will transition into the top spot in two years. Latimore said the SCPCA works for the preparation and training of every police department in the state, and having two executive committee off icers from smaller cities in the same county provides a unique perspective. “In Laurens, community relations may not be the same as in larger cities. We are different and we have different struggles from the large cities,” Latimore said. “The

executive committee comes up with the training, and so having two people from small towns does give us an advantage and the ability for smaller cities to allow their perspectives to be heard.” Following the deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, the SCPCA began working proactively with community partners which could assist them in training, Latimore said. “These agencies come and

Laurens County Advertiser ■ See Chief, page 8A

NEW STATE LEADERS — Newly installed officers of the South Carolina Police Chiefs Association include, from left, Clinton Police Chief and 2nd Vice President of the SCPCA Sonny Ledda; Chrissie Latimore, Laurens Police Chief and president of the SCPCA; and, at right, Anderson Police Chief and 1st Vice President of the SCPCA Jim Stewart.

Ministers taking discussions outside church walls By John Clayton Editor So, do all dogs go to heaven? Does God really care who wins a football game? Maybe there are no real answers, but those and many more questions remain, and Mike McCracken, pastor at Laurens First Presbyterian Church felt there was need for discussion. And that was the beginning of Taproom Theology, a monthly open discussion for anyone who wants to join him at Palmetto Brothers Dispensary in downtown Laurens. “One of the things that we really value in the Presbyterian church is the idea that there’s room enough to question,” McCracken said. “Be faithful to your tradition, be faithful to God, but you can stand and ask a hard question and then maybe sit in the interim while you wait for an answer, knowing that it may take a lifetime for the answer to show itself to you.” It is also a way for McCracken to reach out beyond his pulpit and beyond his congregation to speak to and hear from other people. Daniel Eplee, pastor at Laurens United Methodist ■ See Theology, page 8A

Work pays off at Youth Livestock Show By Judith Brown

Photo by John Clayton

OPEN FOR DISCUSSION — Laurens First Presbyterian pastor Mike McCracken, center, leads a group discussion during September’s Taproom Theology at Palmetto Brothers Dispensary in Laurens.

Main Street Laurens launches Fall Farmers

Second PLACE Charles D. Perry

Myrtle Beach Herald

Lifestyle Feature Writing

Weekly 3,500-6,500 Division

First PLACE Zach Giroux

The Daniel Island News

Hold your horses! This was an interesting read about the equine culture and history in Charleston and surrounding areas.

Lifestyle Feature Writing

Weekly Over 6,500 Division

Third PLACE

Second PLACE

Samantha Connors

Evan Peter Smith

Charleston City Paper

Greenville Journal

Lifestyle Feature Writing

Weekly Over 6,500 Division

First PLACE Rick Spruill

Greenville Journal This story shows a day in the life of a regular guy in the community. It’s a refreshing change from the current state of the nation, and it hits the note of nostalgia for many.

Lifestyle Feature Writing

Daily Under 8,500 Division

Third PLACE Kayla Green LOCAL SPORTS

A special family Christmas for Nathan Harris-Waynick B2

DECEMBER 26 - 28, 2020

$2.00

| Serving South Carolina since October 15, 1894

The Sumter Item Virus changes churches’ Christmas plans BY DENNIS BRUNSON dennis@theitem.com

The Christmas spirit was on full display last week at Bethesda Church of God. It may not have been the most pleasing sight to the eyes, but it definitely celebrated Christmas. Bethesda had Ugly Christ-

mas Sweater Day, for which Pastor Al Sims asked members of his congregation to wear their most gaudy Christmas attire to the church’s two worship services on the Sunday before Christmas. “There’s so much that we had to discontinue (for Christmas) that we wanted to do something to create a little

fun,” Sims said. “It’s way out of the box for me to preach in an old, ugly sweater. My wife (Jackie) didn’t believe I’d actually wear it. I wanted us to get our minds off of the bad things for a little bit, all of the bad things that happened.” Of course, most of the bad that Sims referenced has come from the coronavirus

pandemic that hit the country in March and has spiked to new highs in recent weeks. The pandemic has affected the way local churches have worshipped this Christmas. Bethesda normally has a Christmas production featuring a drama with music from its choir with two different

events. That was canceled, as was a drive-through production when positive cases began to rise locally and across the state. That also forced the cancellation of the church’s Christmas party. Zoar Church, which is in southeastern Sumter County

SEE CELEBRATE, PAGE A5

Second PLACE St. Claire Donaghy Index-Journal WEEKENDER Day 2 of the US Open

Nothing boring about Friday’s round: Bland co-leads; sandy finish for Hovland Sports 1B

VOL. 103, NO. 93

SATURDAY, JUNE 19, 2021

4 SECTIONS, 28 PAGES

DAILY $1, WEDNESDAY | WEEKENDER $2

COVID-19 in SC Cases statewide: 120 new, 492,667 total

Cases in the Lakelands Greenwood - 7,578 Abbeville - 2,112

Saluda - 1,574 Laurens - 6,596

McCormick - 796

Deaths statewide: 1 new, 8,618 total

Deaths in the Lakelands Greenwood - 155 Abbeville - 34 Mackenzie Colclough, 9

Madison Colclough, 9

Richard Colclough, 8

Sean Colclough, 7

Mason Colclough, 4

Luke Colclough, 3

‘God story’ Their

Saluda - 41 Laurens - 153

McCormick - 19

Vaccine percentages in the Lakelands Percent of people in each county who are fully vaccinated Greenwood - 40.2 Abbeville - 37.9

Saluda - 35.9 Laurens - 32.8

McCormick - 49

IN TODAY’S EDITION

‘The roads are still there’

3rd adoption into Colclough family brings 6 biological siblings together BY KAYLA GREEN kayla@theitem.com

he glow of the Christmas

Residents remember homefront POW camps from World War II

tree silhouettes a room full of kids.

They’re dancing in the way kids do. With abandon, limbs flailing, often more jumping than dancing. You can’t see the grins, but you know they’re smiling. It wasn’t just because Christmas was coming. It’s because this Christmas, for the first time, they’d all be together. For the first time, through three rounds of adoptions, they’d all eight be an official part of the same family. Melanie Colclough doesn’t believe in coincidence. Not when it comes to her family. “Our God story is so obvious,” she said. David Colclough proposed the same weekend in 2010 they found out they were having a boy in 2011. In March 2012, in month eight of an otherwise healthy pregnancy, the couple who met at age 7 lost that boy. Gabriel would be their only biological child. They never thought they’d adopt before they lost Gabriel. The same weekend they took maternity photos was the same weekend the oldest four’s adoptions were finalized five years later, and that same weekend that now has memories of a proposal and a gender reveal also includes that of Mason coming home. The 4-year-old joined his biological

less Mason is asking any playpen passerby a question or for a hug — on weekdays when twins Mackenzie and Madison, 9, Richard, 8, and Sean, 7, at-

DEATHS, B5 James Gamble Porter Gaymon Willie Alexander Jr. Rosa Lee Sanders Cousar Richard Samuel Newman Dr. Robert C. Wimberly

Dorothy B. Meeks Evelyn Kathryn S. White Areene Irene Harrison Patricia White Hartley Alfred Williams Sr. Wilhemena Taylor Mills

WEATHER, A10 CHILLY WEEKEND Plenty of sun but chilly on Saturday; clear and cold at night HIGH 44, LOW 26

ST. CLAIRE DONAGHY | INDEX-JOURNAL

tend school in their living room, a la pandemic. Luke, as Melanie puts it, is

Bob Calhoun remembers driving down this road at what is now the Greenwood County Airport as a teenager, not long after he got his driver’s license. He said the road was adjacent to a German prisoner of war camp that was next to what was then the Coronaca Army Air Field. It was located southeast of the airport runways. ABOVE: Articles that were printed in the Index-Journal during World War II about the POW camp and plans for its operation.

SEE FAMILY, PAGE A8

MELANIE COLCLOUGH

.com

See ROADS, page 10A

PHOTOS BY MICAH GREEN / THE SUMTER ITEM

The Colcloughs, from left, Richard, Mackenzie, Luke, David, Melanie, Mason, Madison and Sean, spend time together at home on Christmas Eve. siblings at the end of November. Before that, the Colcloughs adopted 3-year-old Luke in 2019. The two “little ones” keep each other company — un-

Mother of six, executive director of Patriot Hall and the Sumter County Cultural Center VISIT US ONLINE AT

ob Calhoun, 85, remembers when a small group of German prisoners of war showed up at his grandparents’ farm, to work, during World War II. The POWs had been taken to his paternal grandparents’ farm on Calhoun Road East, in Greenwood one fall. They came from a prisoner of war camp that was near what was Coronaca Army Air Field. “My granddad had a big farm,” Calhoun said. “We lived in the same house with my granddad for a good while. ... It was hard to get anybody to pick cotton during World War II. My granddaddy

“I remember recently my daughter said during devotion, ‘How do you receive love?’ At 9 years old, she said, ‘I receive it when you adopted my brother. You did that for us.’”

the

By ST. CLAIRE DONAGHY sdonaghy@indexjournal.com

A WET WEEKEND

INSIDE 3 SECTIONS, 20 PAGES VOL. 126, NO. 51

Classifieds B6 Comics C1 Opinion A9

Reflections A6 Sports B2 Yesteryear A7

Tropical weather could dampen Father’s Day plans News 3A INSIDE TODAY • ABBY • CLASSIFIEDS • DEAR DAVE

3C 1D-4D 5B

Kitson Mill site might be home to new development ATC Development has two

Lifestyle Feature Writing

Daily Under 8,500 Division

First PLACE Kareem Wilson

The Sumter Item

This was a compelling story that really allowed the reader an inside look into this older-younger brother dynamic and its importance in their lives.

Hospital marks 70 years in Manning Facility has been with McLeod for 5 years BY KAYLA GREEN kayla@theitem.com In deciding where to live, closeness to a hospital is typically among the priorities.

Yet, in many rural communities across the nation, rural hospitals are shuttering. Before the pandemic, as people and priorities departed to urban centers, funding followed. When hospitals are forced to close their doors, hundreds are left without jobs, thousands without health care. This is not the image of Clarendon County.

On Thursday, rather than mark yet another loss among rural health care, McLeod Health Clarendon celebrated its continued presence in Manning. Calling it their 70/5 anniversary to mark 70 years since the hospital opened and five since it joined the McLeod Health system, an outdoor ceremony preceded tours of new and improved service units.

A hospital is vital for a community’s physical health. But its existence supports more, said state Rep. Kimberly Johnson, D-Manning. It supports the mental health of those living nearby. It tackled testing disparities and vaccine accessibility during the height of the pandemic when Clarendon County

SEE MCLEOD, PAGE A10

Summerton athlete praises brother as a father figure Siblings lost both parents in 2 weeks but supported each other to keep thriving

Adrian Coard hugs his brother, Tariq Coard, after Scott’s Branch High School’s 66-45 loss to Southside Christian in the 1A state title game this spring.

BY KAREEM WILSON kareem@theitem.com For some families, fathers can be any strong male figure, whether it’s the biological dad, stepfather or an uncle in a child's life. Tariq Coard, however, had his older brother, Adrian, to play the role of his father and one of his main supporters in life after the death of his parents. Ruth Lee “Cuyke” Coard, mother of Adrian and Tariq, was the girls’ basketball coach at Scott's Branch High School and was coaching a game at East Clarendon High School one night in January 2012. After the game ended, Cuyke and a then 8-year-old Tariq were on their way to Sumter to see Adrian at his basketball game during the Morris College Homecoming. The ecstatic duo left the ECHS game and traveled to see her son’s game at her alma mater. While on the road in Sumter County, the two were in a car accident after Cuyke's vehicle struck an animal. Tariq was unharmed, but his mother sadly lost her life. Adrian, meanwhile, was still unaware of the events that were happening as he was in the middle of his game. He said he saw his family leaving the game early and thought it was strange and was later told his mother passed away.

SEE FATHER FIGURE, PAGE A10

VISIT US ONLINE AT

the

.com

PHOTOS BY MICAH GREEN / THE SUMTER ITEM

Tariq Coard and his older brother, Adrian Coard, spend time together at the Riley Park basketball courts. The brothers and their sister, Jessica, lost both parents in the span of two weeks in 2012, when Tariq was 8 years old, and Tariq credits Adrian for being a father figure to him. His sister has also played a motherly role in his life.

DEATHS, B5

WEATHER, A12

INSIDE

Information: (803) 774-1200 Advertising: (803) 774-1246 Classifieds: (803) 774-1200 Delivery: (803) 774-1258 News and Sports: (803) 774-1226

Michael Anthony Marbra Leonte Dennis Betty Ann Dingle Levy Albert David Barkley Sr. Willie Earnest Brown Ida Jean Lovelace Payne

MORE NORMAL

3 SECTIONS, 22 PAGES VOL. 126, NO. 175

More humid on Saturday and breezy in the afternoon with showers late; storms possible on Sunday afternoon HIGH 92, LOW 72

Classifieds B6 Comics C1 Outdoors A9 Opinion A11

Reflections A6 Sports B1 Yesteryear A7

Lifestyle Feature Writing

Daily 8,500-25,000 Division

Third PLACE

Second PLACE

Samantha Winn

Alexandra Koch

Aiken Standard

Lifestyle Feature Writing

Daily 8,500-25,000 Division

First PLACE Mike Ellis

Independent Mail Interesting story about the adventures of a missing foot stone. Makes you want to look around bars and other establishments to see what may be there.

Lifestyle Feature Writing

Daily Over 25,000 Division

Third PLACE

Second PLACE

David Travis Bland

Josh Morgan & Carol Motsinger

The State

Greenville News

Lifestyle Feature Writing

Daily Over 25,000 Division

First PLACE Jennifer Berry Hawes The Post and Courier

Love the detail, depth of story.

Profile Feature Writing or Story

Weekly Under 3,500 Division

Third PLACE

Second PLACE

Andrew Wigger

Don Worthington

Apple Hunt

DAISY Award

LOCAL • 3A

LOCAL • 9A

H George Piersol II, Agent

2720 Main Street | Newberry, SC 29108

Bus: 803-276-0333 george.piersol.c0wk@statefarm.com Providing Insurance and Financial Services

Wednesday, August 18, 2021 • $1

Issue 33, Volume 139

Dr. Rivers’ first City Council receives Juneteenth Resolution months as PTC president a ‘slam dunk’ Elyssa Haven

for The Newberry Observer

NEWBERRY — Newberry City Council was presented a resolution Tuesday by Representative Rick Martin for the city’s recent Juneteenth festival. “It is my great pleasure to present this to the city,” Martin said. While Martin was not able to be at the Juneteenth celebration, he thanked council for allowing him the opportunity to present the resolution Tuesday. Mayor Foster Senn thanked Councilmembers Jackie Holmes and Carlton Kinard

for their work as part of the city’s Juneteenth committee that made the event a success in the community. Under updates and announcements, Senn said that council attended the Municipal Association of South Carolina’s annual meeting in July. He gave a brief review of the conference, saying the city received the Joseph P. Riley award for their “Fiber to the Home” project as well as several staff members involved with the project having participated in a panel discussion during the meeting.

The Newberry Observer Courtesy of PTC

NEWBERRY COUNTY — Dr. Hope E. Rivers has game. Ever since arriving on campus in January, the new president of Piedmont Technical College (PTC) has been in constant motion, diligently studying the college’s existing playbook and gradually adding some new plays of her own. Growing up in the quaint historic mill town of Whitmire in Newberry County, Rivers played varsity basketball throughout high school. And she still has a mean jump shot. “My coach placed me in the position of shooting guard because I was pretty good at shooting jump shots,” she recalled. “My basketball lessons are relevant today because I learned that, sometimes, I had to just ‘take the shot,’ and other times, I had to pass the ball to my teammates because they were in a better position to score. That’s how teams work.” Already, Rivers has demonstrated a leadership style not unlike her basketball persona. She’s quick on her feet, pivots on a dime, and keeps a wary eye across the entire court, constantly looking for opportunities. In her first months at PTC, Rivers has visited every campus and met with municipal officials from every county in the college’s seven-county service area. She also has been interviewed by all major newspapers in the region. She has attended after-hours county council, chambers of commerce and other civic meetings to introduce herself. “I knew coming in that I was going to need

to do a lot of listening and learning. I want to understand the campus culture and the community culture,” she said. “One of the things I love about this job is that I have an opportunity to be impactful in the community. It is my belief that improvement is everybody’s job. We truly are that community college.” Rivers feels a kindred link with PTC students because she identifies strongly with their origins. “I am very much like our students. That is the main thing I want them to know,” she said. “I come from a small town, like many of them. I am a first-generation college student, like many of them. I was very fortunate to be a part of the TRIO Program (federal student support services) at the University of South Carolina. At that time, the program offered smaller classes. I was able to receive more individual instruction.” With the help of TRIO, many high-quality mentors and her own competitive drive, Rivers ultimately earned a doctor of philosophy in educational administration and a certificate in higher education leadership from the UofSC. She obtained her master of education and bachelor of arts in English both from the same institution. Rivers came to PTC after serving for five years as executive vice president of the S.C. Technical College System. A Riley Fellow and graduate of Leadership S.C., Rivers was named the 2019 Woman on the Move by the S.C. American Association

Jeff Wicker | For The Newberry Observer

Newberry City Council was presented a resolution Tuesday by Representative Rick Martin for the city’s recent Juneteenth festival. Pictured from left to right: Mayor Foster Senn, Representative Rick Martin and Councilperson Jackie Holmes.

Family tradition of Eagle Scouts

See DUNK | 2A Pomaria Troop 76’s 99th Eagle Scout, Harmon Vinson.

A NEWS Obituaries: 2 Editorial: 4 Weather: 5 Faith: 6 Classifieds: 7, 8 B COMMUNITY Comics: 2

By Andrew Wigger

Scout for Troop 76, and his uncle (Benji Harmon) was the 50th. POMARIA — Vinson has continued Harmon Vinson became the tradition by the 99th Eagle Scout becoming the 99th. for Boy Scout Troop 76 “I joined the Boy this month, continuing Scouts in the fifth grade a family tradition that (2014), I bridged from stretches back to the Cub Scouts to Boy first Eagle Scout for Scouts at that time. I Troop 76. joined Cub Scouts in Vinson’s grandfather the first grade,” Vinson was the very first Eagle

awigger@cmpapers.com

JOIN THE CONVERSATION What’s your take on today’s news? Go to newberry observer.com and visit us on facebook to share your thoughts.

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Carjacking results in NCSO involved shooting

Pageland Progressive-Journal Page 3

Page 4

www.pagelandprogressive.com

75 cents

NOVEMBER 24, 2020

Staff Report

said. To become an Eagle Scout, Vinson said there was a lot of work that had to be done. He said there were service projects, earning merit badges, attending a certain number of camping nights, getting hiking miles. All together, See TRADITION | 5A

See SHOOTING | 2A

Vinson becomes Troop 76’s 99th Eagle Scout

We need a little Christmas now

See COUNCIL | 3A

LEXINGTON COUNTY — The Lexington County Coroner’s Office and SLED are investigating an in-theline-of-duty shooting involving a Newberry County sheriff’s deputy at mile marker 91 of Interstate 26 East. The incident began with an attempted carjacking in Laurens County around 5:30 p.m., according to the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office’s Facebook post. Per the post by the NCSO, a suspect attempted to steal the vehicle of a couple that had stopped to assist him. The suspect appeared to have been armed. The couple drove away before he could take control of the vehicle. The suspect then drove to the Newberry/Laurens County line on I-26, where he ran off the road and rolled his vehicle around 5:50 p.m. The suspect exited the vehicle and attempted to carjack two vehicles that had stopped to assist him, according to the post. A third vehicle was successfully stolen and headed east on I-26. It was reported that the white male was armed. The calls to the Newberry County 911 Center said he was armed, varying witnesses stated it was a knife, a pair of scissors or a handgun. Residents notified Newberry County 911 of the direction of travel and descriptions of the vehicle. A Newberry County sheriff’s deputy spotted the vehicle at mile marker 72 East I-26 and attempted a traffic stop. The suspect then began to evade the deputy, according to the post. The pursuit continued on East I-26, with the suspect striking several vehicles, the post further stated. The pursuing deputies believed several of the strikes were intentional to prevent the pursuit. An assisting deputy

Nancy Shirley | For The Newberry Observer

Bandanas and bows for groomed dogs

Choose Amick for

Photos by DON WORTHINGTON/Progressive Journal

The Tuckers, sons (from left) Andrew, David, Paul and Mark share the leadership of C.M. Tucker Lumber Companies with their dad, Carl (center).

Why Pageland is Pageland By DON WORTHINGTON Progressive Journal

Readers, Today’s edition of the Progressive Journal is being mailed not only to subscribers, but to all residents of Pageland as well. For those reading us for the first time,

Tiffany Watts moves a new charge of lumber into the 102-foot cylinder for pressure treating.

hoped to share with much fanfare. But, as you know from living through Spanish Flu of 1918, a pandemic can be deadly. So instead of a celebratory cake with 100 candles, we donned masks and socially distanced to avoid COVID-19. Carl Tucker the entrepreneur will be glad to know that the CM Tucker Lumber Companies have been as busy as ever during the COVID-19 pandemic. With people quarantined, home-improvement projects have increased – and so has the demand for lumber.

So relax and take a step back as we revisit 1920 and then go forward to 2020 – and 100 years of C.M. Tucker Lumber Companies history.

***

Profile Feature Writing or Story

Weekly Under 3,500 Division

First PLACE Richard Caines

The Post and Courier Myrtle Beach/Georgetown Times Tough story to write, but the writer obviously built some trust with the subject and really got him to open up. Nicely done.

Profile Feature Writing or Story

Weekly 3,500-6,500 Division

Third PLACE

Second PLACE

Scott Powell

Zach Giroux

The Gaffney Ledger PAGE 2 - THE GAFFNEY LEDGER

LOCAL NEWS

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2021

Veteran’s Last Patrol honors Joe Buice “Serving in the U.S. Navy changed the rest of Joe’s life.” By SCOTT POWELL Ledger Staff Writer spowell@gaffneyledger.com Korean War veteran Joe Buice almost lost his life on the USS Princeton aircraft carrier when a fire broke out after a plane missed his landing and crashed into the ship. God prevailed and he survived. It was one of the more harrowing experiences he had while aboard the USS Princeton, a ship that earned eight battle stars. The Veteran’s Last Patrol gathered outdoors Tuesday afternoon to celebrate Buice’s military service in the U.S. Navy at Summit Hills where the Gaffney resident is under hospice care in Spartanburg. The last patrol works with medical providers to connect veteran volunteers with veterans in hospice. They seek to provide friendship so veterans don’t make their last tour in life alone. Buice was presented with a handmade American flag quilt, letters of appreciation for his military service from all over the United States and a congressional letter from U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman. The ceremony ended with the playing of “Taps” by the Veteran’s Last Patrol. An article written by Jeannine Bowers, Buice’s daughter, was read at Tuesday’s ceremony with more details about Buice’s military service. Buice was 17 when he graduated from Rock Hill High School in 1949 and enlisted in the U.S. Navy. When he completed boot camp, he was allowed to choose an area of focus and chose electronics “because it sounded sophisticated.” “He knew there would be smart people in the electronics field, and he wanted to be around the smartest people,” according to the article. “Joe says he trained under some of the most brilliant minds he’s ever seen in electronics. He thought the Navy had the best and smartest people.” Buice was assigned to Treasure Island in San Francisco, Calif. He completed his electronics training and then served on the USS Princeton, an aircraft carrier that held 100 planes. “He served for three years on the USS Princeton when the Korean War broke out and he was required to serve one more year,” the article by Bowers states. “When he got out of the service, he enrolled at the University of South

Fall is Coming!

Carolina using the GI Bill to pay for his education.” Buice graduated in 1957 in electrical engineering. He went onto earn his master’s degree in electrical engineering based on the background and training he received through the U.S. Navy. He worked for General Electric in research and development for several years and holds numerous patents for his work with capacitors. “His most noted achievement was his design of the electrolytic capacitor that was responsible for firing the retrorockets to return the astronauts to earth in the first manned space vehicle, Mercury Capsule, in 1963,” Bowers’ article states. “He’s published many technical papers and made many presentations on electronic components in the Aerospace industry and the Minuteman missile program.” He left General Electric to establish Joe Buice Realty in 1970 in Gaffney where he stayed until his retirement. He helped start a church in Costa Rica that has now expanded to eight churches and additional church plants. “Joe says the best advice his dad gave him was, ‘If you don’t know what you’re going to do with your life, join the service,’” Bowers said. All four brothers in the Buice family served in various military branches at the same time — two in the Army, one in the Navy and one in the Coast Guard.

08 | NEWS

thedanielislandnews.com

The Daniel Island News ■ January 7-13, 2021

Ready to make a difference Congresswoman Nancy Mace discusses her

agenda for the Lowcountry and Washington ZACH GIROUX

zach@thedanielislandnews.com

Joe Buice expresses his appreciation after receiving a handmade American flag quilt. Buice, who served in the Korean War with the U.S. Navy, was honored Tuesday at a special ceremony held by the Veteran’s Last Patrol at Summit Hills in Spartanburg. (Ledger photo / SCOTT POWELL)

ART of PLAY Recent Work of SOUTHERN EXPOSURE Artists Collaborative Jessica Barnes, Jim Creal Amy Goldstein-Rice, Claire Miller Hopkins Linda Hudgins, Cynthia Link A K McMillan, Jane Allen Nodine Sara Dame Setzer, Doris Turner David Zacharias

September 8 October 29 Reception: September 16, 5 7

Buice when he healthy, servedwhich on the “All came home is a USSblessing,” Princeton true Bowers said. “Serving

The Daniel Island News

rom high school dropout to graduate of The Citadel to congresswoman, Nancy Mace's backstory is as inspiring as biographies get. But the inspirational journey to who she is, where she stands and what she stands for is far from a storybook transformation. The Daniel Island resident and representative for South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives, who was sworn in Jan. 3, is a lady of many firsts. In addition to being the first U.S. congressperson from Daniel Island, she was the first female to graduate from The Citadel’s Corps of Cadets, with magna cum laude honors in 1999. Now, in 2021, she is shattering yet another glass ceiling among her peers. Mace is the first Republican female from South Carolina to assume a congressional seat as a member of the 117th U.S. Congress. Arriving at this juncture was not easy, and Mace has been publicly forthcoming about her life’s journey. Her formative years as an adolescent weren’t idyllic. The Goose Creek native was a sexual assault victim at 16 years old. She also dropped out of Stratford High School at the age of 17, where she then went to wait tables at a Waffle House off Exit 203 on College Park Road in Ladson. Her difficult early experiences shaped her into the passionate, no-nonsense, single working mother of two school-aged children that she is today. Mace did go back to get her high school diploma by enrolling in classes at Trident Technical College before moving on to The Citadel.

In 2017, Mace broke through into the political realm as a representative for S.C. House of Representatives District 99, going on to challenge incumbent Democrat U.S. Representative Joe Cunningham to win the 2020 election. Recently, Mace was again forthcoming as she sat down with The Daniel Island News for an open discussion about her life, outlook and political goals. Here’s where Mace stands on the following fronts, from hyperlocal Lowcountry topics to her congressional agenda in Washington, D.C. LOWCOUNTRY AND SC PRIORITIES • Infrastructure Roads, bridges and transportation are at the top of Mace’s mind. She noted how an average of 40-50 people are moving to Charleston daily, pre-COVID-19. When the Don Holt Bridge’s tarp collapsed in July 2017, Mace said she was out there asking the “hard questions” to improve the Lowcountry’s infrastructure. She noted she will always be an advocate on this forefront and will be proactive to hopefully prevent future incidents such as that. Mace received the 2019 Taxpayer Hero Award from the South Carolina Club for Growth. • Offshore drilling In the November 2020 general election, Mace maintained her platform on saving the natural beauty of South Carolina with a focus on banning offshore drilling off the coast of the state. She co-sponsored a South Carolina anti-offshore drilling bill in 2018 and during her U.S. congressional run, she broke ties with President Donald Trump’s plan to offer oil drilling leases off of South Carolina beaches.

SUE DETAR

SC 1st Congressional District U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace visited The Daniel Island News office for an interview about her political priorities. Mace said that preventing oil exploration and offshore drilling is an issue for which she will continue to be a strong advocate. • Law enforcement Mace believes it’s important that law enforcement has the proper training and resources to be successful. In May 2020, Mace's prison reform bill, which ended the shackling of pregnant mothers in prison, was signed into law by South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster. Mace plans to revisit federal drug sentencing guidelines in the future. • Abortion In 2019, Mace successfully advocated for the inclusion of exceptions for rape and incest in a fetal heartbeat abortion ban bill that passed in the S.C. State House. She has stated that she opposes abortion but does not believe the government has the right to tell a victim of rape or incest they do not have the right to choose. • Education: School-choice In October 2020, McMaster attempted to spend $32 million in federal coronavirus aid on grants to help parents afford K-12 private school tuition. In the fall, the South Carolina Supreme Court rendered a unanimous verdict that it violated the state’s constitution. While state Republicans fought for a reconsideration, the court upheld its original decision in early

December. “I am a firm believer that no child should be left in a broken school system,” Mace said. “Everyone, regardless of their economic situation, should have access to the best educational opportunities afforded to them.” She added that Congress needs to look at providing vouchers and tax credits, allowing low-income children to attend whatever schools they choose — charters, private schools or public schools. In an Aug. 11, 2020, op-ed in The Daniel Island News titled, “Pandemic makes school choice more important than ever,” Mace further opined her policy views on the issue. “I believe the time has come to change the way we think about how we fund education and how we allow parents to determine where their kids are educated,” Mace continued. “As a mother, I know when parents only have one choice, they have no choices. But school choice is meaningless without choice in funding.” For this reason, Mace supported McMaster and multiple proposals in Columbia and Washington that support private-school choice. She viewed this as a onetime scholarship for low-income students to attend a private school if they wish. In 2019, Mace received the Champion Award from Palmetto Goodwill for her efforts in education.

WASHINGTON: CONGRESSIONAL PRIORITIES When asked if Mace plans to work on both sides of the political aisle to accomplish objectives or take a hardline party stance, her answer might shock some party loyalists. Particularly as one of the most staunch fiscally conservative members of the General Assembly and one of the most proconservation lawmakers in the state with a 100% rating with Conservation Voters of South Carolina. “Washington hasn’t worked for a long time because both sides have failed to listen to each other,” Mace said. “It’s become a sounding board for the extremes on both sides.” Mace will be joining the Problem Solvers Caucus, a group of Republican and Democratic legislators that work to get to "yes" to help solve some of the country’s most pressing challenges. As far as the Electoral College is concerned, Mace said she would not vote to overturn the results from the recent presidential election. “I do not believe Congress somehow knows better than voters and overturning the results of the Electoral College assumes just that,” Mace continued. “The principles of federalism and the idea of preserving the Electoral College demand that we respect the decisions the states make in choosing their electors.” Top-of-the-line congressional topics that Mace foresees will pose as the most challenging: • The COVID-19 pandemic • Restoring the economy and job growth • Holding Washington accountable for out-of-control spending on both sides of the aisle • Restoring fiscal responsibility and being good stewards of your tax dollars • Strengthening environmental protections with free-market solutions. “This is the honor of my lifetime,” Mace added. “Even if folks here on (Daniel Island) didn’t vote for me on election night, I’m just asking for a chance. A chance to prove that I will be a thoughtful leader, a good listener and that I will be compassionate in every way ... No one will work harder for the residents of South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District because they’ve earned it.”

icated on Sunday, the family of the late Evan Bass received the Spirit of the Eagle Award from the Palmetto Council of the Boy Scouts of America. Evan’s father Bobby, mother Wendy and brother Brady also gathered inside of the prayer building to light the maple-leaf shaped Eternal Flame that will burn inside a lantern in the building at the Chester County Coroner’s Office. Evan Bass’ light was not put under a bowl, but was literally put on a stand inside of the Prayer Building he designed and his fami-

young man…when he died, so many of our family members learned so many things about Evan being such a jokester, a ham but also a loving and caring friend to many in our community and outside. His Scout friends saw that side of him; his Bonclarken Camp friends saw that side of him. His Chester ARP Church friends saw that side of him and his Chester High School friends saw that side. Often we adults did not get to see it, so we have been happy to be surrounded by young people from each of these groups mentioned. They shared stories, pic-

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love the building.” Palmetto Council Assistant Scout Executive Taylor Thomas said before the ceremony, looking at a building that began in the dream of a Scout, “it’s wonderful to see the community work together. This wouldn’t have been possible without everybody’s help, the people in the city, the community, to the donors and the Scouts. It’s wonderful to see it all come together finally,” Thomas said. He said the Spirit of the Eagle

‘Port Lawn’ as are prepares to welcom E. & J. Gallo Win

BY TRAVIS JENKINS & BRIAN GARNER tjenkins@onlinechester.com bgarner@onlinechester.com

It didn’t take a miracle to turn “Magma” into wine, See BASS, Page 2-A just a vote of Chester

County Council. On Monday, kept secret in t was made offic the Council un approved final re

See GALLO

The Defense rests

Mike Lifsey, Chief Public Defender for Chester, Lancaster, Fairfield counties retires

BY BRIAN GARNER bgarner@onlinechester.com

After a total of 30 years “before the bar” 6th Circuit Chief Public Defender Mike Lifsey is retiring. His last official day was June 1st. He is succeeded in his post by William Frick as the 6th Circuit Public Defender. The week before his retirement, Lifsey reflected on his career as a public servant, having served previously as both public defender on the defense side and solicitor on the prosecution side. He served as the 6th Circuit

I N D E X

Afte year lawy inclu mos post year Pub Defe the S Circ Lifse at th May

(which is comprised of Chester, Lancaster and Fairfield Counties) Public Defender since 2009. Before the PD office went to a statewide system, he was Chester County Public Defender from 1994 to 1997. Lifsey was the first Public Defender after the statewide Circuit Public Defender system was created. Prior to that, he was Assistant Solicitor and also a Public Defender in York County. He has a total of 30 years “before the bar” as a lawyer. Lifsey said he is retiring

BY B GARN THE

See LIFSEY, Page 2-A

Classifieds . . . . . . . . 5-B Great Falls . . . . . . . . 1-B Police Beat . . . . . . . . 4-A Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-A

O B Stephen Hall, 66 I Ronnie Greene, 65 T Page 7-A S

. . . . . 5-A The journalist recalls a life’s work with the ease of a pen stroke.Viewpoint From . .what Mr. Lifsey inherited beginning the job to what he left to those that follows, it is time to rest! 803-385-3177

GREAT FALLS Dorothy Ray, 95 Page 1-B

I N S I D E

Patriotic potat

Culinary columnist Th Kitchen Diva has a pic to celebrate the red, w and blue .

See

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Catherine Kohn

Charleston City Paper

Moultrie News

Wednesday, February 24, 2021 | PaGe a1

$3.00

Thomasena Stokes-Marshall

A force to be reckoned with, a lifetime of service BY CATHERINE KOHN editor@moultrienews.com Her roots in Mount Pleasant run deep, even though a great deal of her life was spent elsewhere. Her grandparents, the descendants of slaves, purchased land, raised a family and worked their farm, living off the land, planting crops, raising animals, fishing, crabbing and shrimping. Thomasena Stokes-Marshall was the first and, so far, only African American on Mount Pleasant Town Council, serving four terms from 1998 to 2015. In that role, she established a senior center, which bears her name, for the community and founded the Sweetgrass Cultural Arts Festival Association. She has been active in myriad charitable organizations, particularly East Cooper Meals on Wheels, East Cooper Habitat for Humanity, the International African American Museum and the Mount Pleasant Affordable Housing Task Force. All this, and more, following a successful career as a corrections officer and police detective. Stokes-Marshall is a force to be reckoned with. Strong-willed, stubborn, outspoken and deeply dedicated to a life of service. Her life of over 80 years, she said, has “always been about the people.”

PROVIDED

In photo at left, Thomasena Stokes-Marshall in her home in Mount Pleasant. Above with Congressman John Lewis.

CATHERINE KOHN/STAFF

So what was the impetus for such a life? For Stokes-Marshall it was her parents. Although born in Mount Pleasant, her family moved to the Bronx in New York City when she was 5.

She enjoyed life there and spoke fondly of playing with both Black and White kids in the city streets and of how she was protected from the racism of the Jim Crow era, especially in the South, while

growing up. But with two busy working parents, like many city kids, she had responsibilities at a fairly early age helping to care for her two younger brothers. “My mom would give me instructions on how to take care of them, how to prepare food, make sure that when they went

job” as a corrections officer for the New York State Department of Corrections. After five years, she took the exam for the NYPD and became a police officer in 1968. “It was a time when women were just starting to enter into law enforcement. I served as a patrol officer. I had my beat I used to walk. Then I got assigned to radio patrol cars where I would respond to whatever jobs central assigned us to,” she said. “After doing patrol for 10 years I got promoted to detective and assigned to community affairs.” It was in this role she learned the importance of community involvement. She began working with tenants and block associations, churches, schools and politicians. “It opened up a whole new world for me in terms of dealing directly with the residents I was charged with serving.” Part of her job also involved bringing police leadership up-todate on issues concerning the precinct. “In doing that I used to attend 20 to 30 community meetings per month. But it was good, because it got me out into the community. I got to know the people I served, they got to know me.”

out to play and that when they came back in they were clean. So, at an early age because of the teachings of my parents I learned to be responsible for other people. I believe that has stuck with me pretty much all of my life.” That sense of responsibility was evident when she got what she called her “first meaningful Please see LIFETIME, Page A8

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Find your ballot inside for this year’s contest

Greg K. Deal

Kareem Wilson $1.00

Prisma Health launches mobile vaccination effort

The Sumter Item

7 mobile clinic units to be deployed as effort expands to increase vaccine accessibility to rural, underserved communities across S.C. BY KAYLA GREEN kayla@theitem.com

As has been expected, people eligible to receive their COVID19 vaccine in South Carolina's rural and underserved com-

munities are not doing so at the rates health officials would like to see. Data has indicated there are barriers for eligible residents to get their shots. To combat those barriers, Prisma Health,

which owns and operates Sumter's Tuomey Hospital, launched a mobile vaccine clinic initiative with two mobile vaccination events, one in the Midlands and one in the Upstate, during the weekend for adults age 65 and older. The event at Weber Elementary School in the Lower Richland area saw 173 vaccines administered, according to Dr. Kerry Sease, Prisma Health

physician and COVID-19 mobile operations leader. Sease said in a media briefing Wednesday seven clinics will be deployed imminently, and locations are being determined by those barriers such as transportation, a "lack of digital literacy" in being able to make appointments or access credible information and hesitancy. “Our team is ready, and our

trusted community partners, those organizations who intimately know the challenges facing their local residents and whole neighborhoods, are so important in this collaborative effort. They will serve as our host sites and help us specifically reach those who are vulnerable, eligible and ready to get vaccinated," Sease said.

SEE UNITS, PAGE A5

History

HOLIDAY SALUTE

Marine’s memory

made

Retired lieutenant colonel helped U.S. win key battle in Vietnam By GREG K. DEAL gdeal@indexjournal.com

Page 2

You can also vote each day online through Feb. 28 at theitem.com/bestof A6-A7

SERVING SOUTH CAROLINA SINCE OCTOBER 15, 1894

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2021

Index-Journal e choked up while talking about the men he served with during the war in Vietnam. He clinched his fist near his face to compose himself, then he continued. “You know, with officers, you are not supposed to show your emotions,” retired Lt. Col. Joe Como said while sitting in a room full of war memorabilia in his Greenwood home. The 91-year-old remembers plenty of rubber body bags containing dead soldiers while on the airplane on his journey home from Vietnam. “It’s what I trained for all my life,” Como said of his role in the Battle of Dai Do. “I got a chance to do it. We did it well. I was so thankful to God that I was going to go home and see my kids grow up. These kids (in the bags), they aren’t going to make it. It’s something that will stay with me. It will always stay with me.” He also recalls arriving back in America after his service to chants of “baby killer.” It was in stark contrast, he said, to the hero’s welcome service members received following the end of World War II. “In World War II, everybody was together,” Como said. “Vietnam was very controversial.” Como served as the commanding officer of the 3rd Battalion, 12th Marines at the time of the Battle of Dai Do, which lasted from May 1-3, 1968. The then-38-year-old was in his fifth overseas deployment and third in the Far East. Como was in charge of the artillery, which provides fire suppression support for infantry regiments. Maj. Gen. James Livingston, commander of Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine regiment, said in a letter that “the intensity of the struggle could not be underestimated.” Livingston wrote, “Without Joe Como and his artillery, I would probably not be writing this letter.” It wasn’t until many years later that Livingston learned Como was responsible for the lifesaving fire support missions he said led to the victory at Dai Do, which was in the vicinity of the Quang Tri province of Vietnam. “Without the on-time, on-target artillery support from the 3rd Battalion, 12th Marines, many of us Marines and sailors would not have survived the battle,” Livingston wrote. “In fact, I doubt that we would have won, and the entire province would have most definitely fallen into enemy hands, altering the military strategic and tactical equation and the public perceptions of our presence in South Vietnam. The political implications would have been irreversible.” Como received no specific honors for his successful support during the battle; however, in May of this year, Leatherneck, a national magazine for Marines, featured Como

A10

IN TODAY’S EDITION

GREG K. DEAL | INDEX-JOURNAL

Retired Lt. Col. Joe Como, of Greenwood, holds a picture of himself given to him during his retirement from the Marines. in an article about the battle — and about his pivotal role. Como keeps the article in a binder, along with several letters and reports about his role in the battle. It’s a small part of a vast collection of war memorabilia in his home. He is a war history buff, and his home is filled with not only Vietnam memorabilia, but lots of Civil War historical items. One writeup in Como’s folder said he was “everywhere during the course of the Dai Do battle.” It says he instilled confidence in his artillerymen by “his presence and steadfastly urging them on.” Como also recommended novel harassing and interdiction artillery battle plans based on military intelligence, which a lieutenant general in the Vietnamese forces called “extremely effective” some 30 years after the battle. “I never gave somebody an order I wouldn’t do myself,” Como said. Col. W.H. Cuenin, chief of staff of the 3rd Marine Divi-

sion, and Maj. Gen. Raymond Davis wrote at the time of the battle that “during the reporting period, his (Como’s) battalion delivered devastating and accurate fire in direct support of infantry units during some of the most difficult fighting ... His battalion kept mobile and responds to direction to displace. Lit. Col. Como is aggressive, yet calm and collected. Despite the fact the battalion is spread wide, he fulfills all administrative and logistic requirements, and his unit has an excellent maintenance record.” Como was a 1967 graduate of the Marine Corps Command and Staff College at Quantico, Virginia, and a two-time graduate of the Army Artillery School at Ft. Sill in Oklahoma. He previously commanded the 105mm artillery batteries in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Marine divisions. He remembers the night presidential candidate Sen. Robert Kennedy was assassinated. Como, in Vietnam at the time, juxtaposed how the word would always remember the day Kennedy died, but, for the young men going home in body bags, few would ever remember. It’s something that caused him to reflect on his fellow Marines and the sacrifices they made. Como spent three years at the Marine headquarters after returning to America. He taught at the Command and Staff College for three years until he retired in 1974. The military wasn’t the direction Como originally planned for his life to go. “I always wanted to be a history professor,” he said. “I was always thinking historically.” He attended Williams College in Williamstown, Massachusetts. He went out for the football team and broke his leg. His left ankle was in a cast for nine months. “I was hopping around campus on crutches,” Como said. “I knew I had to get there early because of the stampede of students. So, I was always an early bird to get there.” The head of the history department at Williams College was a lieutenant in World War I. “My objective when I started the school was to be a high school history teacher and a basketball coach,” Como said. Como’s orthopedic surgeon told him he would be disqualified for military service because of his injury. He graduated from Williams College, and, two weeks later, he got a notice to report for his draft physical. The doctor in the military, though, told him he would be fine and he would be going into the Army within two weeks. But Como remembered a time when he was working for a highway crew while still in college. Four of the five men working took a break and told each other Army stories while the boss was gone. One man, a Marine, kept working. That man told Como that, as a Marine, he had a job to do and he was going to do it. That impressed Como, who decided the Marines instead of the Army would be his course. He was sent to Parris Island for boot camp. “I was one of only three enlistees,” Como said. “The rest were all draftees.”

December 5, 2020

again

Jackie Blackwell’s unexpected journey to the Clarendon coroner’s office and barriers she broke along the way

BY KAREEM WILSON kareem@theitem.com

n the morning of Jan. 4, Jackie Blackwell stood in unison with five other elected officials as they were

sworn into office by Clarendon County officials.

Blackwell, 66, wore a smile under her jet-black mask as she raised her right hand to take the oath with her three adult children, daughter Ka’Tasha Blackwell-Smith and sons Charles Brown and Terrain "Terrin Levier" Blackwell, by her side. She didn’t simply become Clarendon County’s new coroner upon taking the oath, but she also broke a major barrier in her hometown by becoming the first African-American woman to be elected coroner in Clarendon County. JACKIE BLACKWELL “Overwhelming” was how she described the day. “It was Clarendon County’s something I dreamed of for a long time, and when it actualfirst African-American ly came to the day of, I was female coroner overwhelmed with joy.” However, in the beginning, Jacqueline Blackwell followed a different path in her youth.

‘I didn’t set out to become the first. I set out to do the job.’

PHOTOS BY MICAH GREEN / THE SUMTER ITEM

Jackie Blackwell, coroner of Clarendon County, was sworn in Jan. 4, becoming the first African-American woman elected as coroner in the county.

FIRST OF MANY Blackwell never imagined going into a career of law enforcement, much less becoming a coroner. “I didn’t set out to do these things. It just happened,” she said. Growing up in Alcolu, a community outside Manning, Blackwell, the third of seven children, was someone many called a “prim and proper” person. When South Carolina schools integrated in 1971, she became senior class president at

SEE BLACKWELL, PAGE A5

SUMTER ITEM FILE PHOTO

Blackwell of the Clarendon County Sheriff’s Office keeps watch outside The Citizens Bank in Turbeville as other investigators check the inside. Blackwell served as a deputy sheriff for the office beginning in 1989.

SHIRLEY WILLIAMS • 1946 � 2021

Family, friends remember ‘community mom,’ restaurant owner BY KAREEM WILSON kareem@theitem.com

and Catering in Sumter, for her years of kindness, hospi-

Jim’s Restaurant, now called The Imperial, on Broad Street

death of her husband, Isiah Williams, and didn’t reopen at

this community,” said Lakeisha Williams-Kinder, Williams'

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News / 3A

Three charged with murder Jonathan Vickery VOLUME 145, NO. 12

Jonathan vickery Publisher jvickery@thepeoplesentinel.com

WEDNESDAY, JULY 14, 2021

in Allendale on July 9. Identification of the body is pending, but Barnwell County Coroner Denise Gibson said an autopsy was scheduled for Tuesday, July 13. She thanks Allendale County Coroner Renique Riley for her help with the case. Barnwell County Sheriff Steve Griffith said the vehicle that was found in Allendale is the same type as the Cadillac Escalade that belongs to missing Hephzibah, Ga. resident Alfonso Green. Griffith commends his personnel for their dedication con-

2 SECTIONS/ 16 PAGES/ $1.00

Green’s relatives last talked to him on June 27 when he said he was headed to a home on Ballpark Road in Barnwell to meet a woman. Phone data tracked his phone to Barnwell. Residents on Ballpark Road also reported seeing Green’s 2014 Cadillac Escalade backed into a driveway on June 27. However, he never made it home that night and hasn’t been seen or heard from since. On June 28, just one day after Alfonso Green disappeared,

The People-Sentinel Three local men have been charged with Murder in the case of a missing Georgia man. Investigators with the Barnwell County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) arrested Aubra “AJ” Dunbar Jr., Hezekiah Croney, and D’Angelo Moffite, who are all from the Barnwell area. Each is charged with Murder. The arrests follow the discovery of a body in a vehicle

Aubra Dunbar Jr.

D’Angelo Moffite

cerning the Alfonzo Green case. “They worked extremely long hours and demonstrated professionalism throughout the process. Also, a special thanks

Hezekiah Croney

to Investigator Matt Davis and Captain Darlene Cook for their relentless work,” said Griffith. The case remains under investigation, said Griffith.

See ARRESTS, 8A

Law enforcement expo aims to unite community The Barnwell County Sheriff’s Office will host its inaugural Law Enforcement Expo this Saturday, July 17 at the Barnwell County Veterans Memorial Park (11094 Ellenton Street, Barnwell) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The expo will showcase 30 or more law enforcement agencies from across the state of South Carolina. The public can expect to see state-of-the-art equipment from these agencies representing state, federal, and local law enforcement. There will also be on hand multiple state agencies that will have an abundance of information and resources on various community issues to share with the public. There will also be free food for the children in attendance. Several colleges and universities will be on hand to provide information to those that desire to further their education. In the wake of the current trend across this nation impacting law enforcement-community relations, it is incumbent on us that we host events geared at making our relations better. It is the hope that this event will show that all of us are a part of a community that is much bigger than ourselves. This event will provide an opportunity to connect with people and further enhance positive relations between citizens and law enforcement. The second objective we hope to accomplish is the increase of positive relations with our youth. It is a fact that when law enforcement interacts with youth it provides an opportunity to correct misconceptions, answer questions, and educate youth about what our role truly is in the community. It is our belief that positive law enforcement interaction with youth of all ages is the key to reversing the current culture that has caused See EXPO, 8A 1st Sgt. Eric kirkland Barnwell Co. Sheriff’s Office

Eat Street officially opened for business on June 1 at the Winton Inn. Pictured are the owners, Sunil TCH and Supreethi Tadamatla, with their children, Sam and Sarah. Also pictured are Amy, Mike, Hirali and Vivek Patel.

New restaurant serving up multi-cultural cuisine Jonathan vickery Publisher jvickery@thepeoplesentinel.com

The INDIAN menu includes a vegetarian dish called Paneer Tikka Masala.

new multi-cultural restaurant is a fusion of flavors in Barnwell. Eat Street opened on June 1 at the Winton Inn (8273 Marlboro Avenue, Barnwell) with a menu of Indian, Mexican and American dishes. “We want to provide a variety of food at fine dining comfort. We are not just here to sell food, but are here to sell an experience that involves good customer service and a variety of flavors,” said Sunil TCH, the restaurant’s owner. Sunil and his wife Supreethi are originally from India, but have called Barnwell home since 2014. “We love this town. We don’t feel like outsiders here. The people of Barnwell have been very supportive and accepted our family since we moved here,” said Sunil. That’s why they bought a home in Barnwell and plan to stay here. Sunil comes from a software engineering background, but got into the hospitality industry in 2014 after moving to Barnwell when he became the manager of the Winton Inn. How- See EAT STREET, 8A

The MEXICAN menu includes Fajitas.

The AMERICAN menu features staples like the ribeye steak with a choice of two sides.

WHAT’S INSIDE Opinion....................................4A A r re s t s. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 A Education................................3B C a l e n d a r. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 A Classifieds............................7-8B

Allendale County Council ‘shocked’ by forensic audit results CPA Ronnie Burkett stood Linda murphy myrick before the Allendale County Contributing Writer Council and told the members, “The Allendale County Treasurer ’s Office is a mess, but all this can be corrected.” Results of the forensic audit were released during the regular council meeting June 19. “I knew it was going to be bad, but not this bad, it was a shock. I was appalled,” responded Allendale County Chairman Rick Gooding. In a September 9, 2020, letter to county council, Allendale County Schools Superintendent Dr. Margaret Gilmore listed multiple financial problems the school was dealing with, including monthly tax revenues not received, unable to contact the treasurer during regular business hours and deposits into school accounts were not being issued by Treasurer Gerzell Chaney. S.C. Senators Brad Hutto and Margie Matthews, in a letter to Governor Henry McMaster, See AUDIT, 8A listed eleven problems in the Al-

OBITUARIES, 6-7A Donna Baughman, Prosperity James Feagin, Barnwell John Griffin Sr., Williston Reahilda Hunter, Jacksonville, Fla.

Ned Nichols Jr., Macon, Ga. Bridgette Machell McMillan, Allendale William J. Wicker Jr., Fairfax Laura Williams, Barnwell

Food Writing

Chesterfield County saw its highest one week COVID-19 death total last week. Four elderly and one middle-age persons died with the virus. Three elderly persons died Jan. 20 and one on Jan. 21. A middle-aged person died Jan. 21. The total number county

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First PLACE Vanessa Brewer-Tyson

Pageland Progressive-Journal This is a simple story about soup, but it was chock full of interesting tidbits and gets the top prize.

to attempted murder, other charges for 3

COVID deaths is 76, according to the S.C. Department of Health and Enviornmental Control. The county also reported high numbers of daily cases last week, 36 on Jan. 20, 28 on Jan. 21 and 23 on Jan. 22. As of Jan. 22, there have been 3,176 cases in the county. There were 425 active cases within the 14-day quarantine period.

DHEC COVID-19 statistics for Chesterfield County and the state as of Jan. 22: ◆ State recovery rate: 88.4 percent ◆ Testing: 17.4 percent positive for the state, 14.7 percent in the county ◆ County cases by age bracket: 41-50, 15.6%; 51-60, 15.1%; 21-30, 14.6%; 31-40, 13%,61-

70, 12.7. ◆ County hospital rate: 8.8 percent ◆ Death: 76, (72 confirmed, 4 probable cases.) According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention a confirmed cases is an individual who had a confirmatory viral test performed by way of a throat swab, nose swab or saliva test

and that specimen tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, which is the virus that causes COVID-19. A probable case is an individual who has not had a confirmatory test performed but has: ◆ A positive antigen test. ◆ Symptoms of the the infection and is at high risk for COVID-19 infection (e.g. healthcare worker).

NATIONAL SOUP MONTH

Staff report

An altercation at the Miller Ingram apartments in Cheraw on Jan. 6 turned into a shooting and arrests for attempted murder. Cheraw police initially responded to the emergency department at McLeod Cheraw to interview Dewan Cole, 19, who had been shot twice at the apartment DAVIS complex. Cheraw police detectives interviewed witnesses at the apartment complex and watched video of the shooting. FLOWERS Multiple suspects were identified and arrests were made. According to the Cheraw police: Cole, RegSELLERS gie Davis Jr., Tymere Stacks and Nazir “Lupe” Malloy went to the apartment complex with the intention of fighting Joshua Sellers. Sellers was accompanied by Michael Flowers Jr. and Desean Freeman. Flowers fired several shots in the air, causing people to run. While running Davis began shooting at Sellers and Flowers. Davis’ bullets did not strike anyone but did hit an occupied apartment and an unoccupied vehicle. Sellers fired at Cole and Davis, hitting Cole twice. Shots by Sellers hit two occupied apartments, one occupied vehicle and one unoccupied vehicle. Flowers was arrested for attempted murder, two counts of discharging a firearm into an occupied vehicle and possession of a deadly weapon during a the commission of a violent crime. Davis was arrested for discharging a firearm into an occu-

Vegetable beef soup now at convenience stores By VANESSA BREWER-TYSON Progressive Journal

There is nothing like a warm bowl of homemade soup on a chilly winter day. Town and Country Convenience Store, 701 S. Pearl St., specializes in Penny Gurganious’ homemade vegetable beef soup that will not only warm you, but will give you a nutritious meal as well. Gurganious, a Pageland resident, has been making the soup at the store for nearly seven years. “The store is known for my soup during the winter months,” Gurganious said. “I come in at 3 a.m. to prepare it for our customers.” The soup is served with cornbread or saltine crackers from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. The cornbread is not homemade, she said. Gurganious’s grandmother, Blanche Massey, taught her how to make the vegetable beef soup when she was about 17 years old. Making the soup is a five-generation family tradition. The recipe for making it VANESSA BREWER-TYSON/Progressive Journal has not changed throughout all these Penny Gurganious’ family recipe for vegyears, she said. etable beef soup goes back five gener“I love to make it for my family and ations. Get a taste at Town and Country See SOUP | Page 2 Convenience Store on Pearl STreet.

Paper’s new ad rep ‘right at home’ in Pageland By VANESSA BREWER-TYSON Progressive Journal

Julie James is the Progressive Journal’s new advertising sales representative.

idays. With the COVID-19 everything is a little different, she said. Now, James said she feels right at home. “I love Pageland,” she said. “Everybody I’ve met has been very nice.”

To contact Julie James, the Progressive Journal advertising consul-

Food Writing

Weekly Over 6,500 Division

Third PLACE

Second PLACE

David Clarey

Ariel Turner

The Post and Courier Columbia/Free Times

Greenville Journal

Food Writing

Weekly Over 6,500 Division

First PLACE David Clarey

The Post and Courier Columbia/Free Times While we’re all complaining about places being understaffed in this day and age, this story really dives into the challenges restaurant owners are facing in staffing their businesses. Very informative.

Food Writing

Daily Under 8,500 Division

Third PLACE St. Claire Donaghy Unwind C Index-Journal Indexjournal.com

facebook.com/indexjournal @IJIndexJournal

Saturday, September 11, 2021

The apple never falls far from the tree

Grillin’

& chillin’

Heart attack leads to salt-free seasonings By ST. CLAIRE DONAGHY sdonaghy@indexjournal.com

o salt. Low salt. This is a mantra for one Upstate man after a heart attack and two strokes prompted him to create barbecue seasoning that fits into hearthealthy nutrition guidelines. Robert Hoefer Jr. of Piedmont is the creator of Carolina Bob’s Grillin’, which now includes a no-salt barbecue rub, with a kick of cumin, along with his vinegar-based marinade and a dry rub version with salt. Carolina Bob’s Grillin’ can be found in several Upstate Food Lion stores, including two in Greenwood, and you can buy it at: carolinabobsgrillin.com. If Hoefer’s name is somewhat familiar, he’s the vocal coach behind Pitch Doctors, a Greenville-based vocal training center, that has hosted classes for 20 years, and talent search competitions in school districts throughout the Upstate, including Ware Shoals. He has helped train vocalists for auditions on “The Voice” and “America’s Got Talent.” “A heart attack — in spring 2019 — just about took me out,” Hoefer said. “Most salt-free seasonings I tried were terrible. I thought there was no way I would be able to enjoy barbecue again...God was my inspiration to take my product and take out the salt, putting in all the good stuff, like turmeric and garlic, cumin and onion.” Hoefer said he’s always been active, playing sports and music, but heart disease runs in his family. “I still work out,” Hoefer said. “I was working out when I had the first twinge in my arm at the time of the heart attack. I was doing squats and I couldn’t breathe. I work out four times a week with a personal trainer. ... My strokes happened after my heart attack. ... The Lord has spared me to do some works. My motivation is to help somebody else who is going through what I went through.” Hoefer, 63, said his cardiac physicians with the Prisma hospital system in Greenville are now telling patients about the no-salt Carolina Bob’s Grillin’ dry rub, especially if they are on salt-restricted diets. Dr. Leon Buffaloe Jr., a Simpsonville internist, said he has been recommending Hoefer’s Carolina Bob’s Grilling no salt and low salt products to his patients for about three years. “I’ve tasted Hoefer’s products and a number of my patients are using them on everything, not just barbecue,” Buffaloe Jr. said. “I think it’s great he (Hoefer) is taking his health seriously and is doing something about it. It is very difficult to get See GRILLIN’, page 1C

SUBMITTED

Vocal coach and Bob’s Carolina Grillin’ creator Robert Hoefer Jr. presents a cooking demo for his barbecue seasoning product line at a Food Lion in 2019. Hoefer Jr. says his Carolina Bob’s Grillin’ product line enhances the flavor of many dishes and there’s even a no-salt version available.

eptember is here. People love the Fall season. Football season, leaves changing, the best weather of the year, and finally the kids are out of the house and going back to school; ahh yes, to me the most wonderful time of the year. Sorry Christmas, but that’s how I feel. A SLICE Many might OF MIKE disagree, but MIKE ELIS it’s my column COLUMNIST and I’ll cry if I want to. If we could just do something about the overload of pumpkin spice, that would make the season perfect. Apart from all of the reasons I listed above, there is a greatness of September that transforms me from an adult to a kid in a candy store. It’s apple season. Living right near Hendersonville, North Carolina, there are a dozen orchards and fresh apples to enjoy. From the gala apples to the honey crisp, from the apple cider donuts to the apple slushies, from the turnovers to the apple cookies, the sight of a local orchard is the apple of my eyes. I moved to apple country 10 years ago. During apple season, my family went from orchard to orchard, trying the different yummies and seeing “U-Pick” signs. We bought enough apples that we needed a U-haul when they should have a sign that says U-will never eat this many apples. “Daddy, why would anyone want to pick their own apples when they already have a bag ready to go?” These were the words of my daughter who is much like her daddy in a lot of ways. I have always wondered the same thing. Time is of the essence to hit all of these places, so why pass up on the opportunity for the orchards to take the work out of it and get us on our way? My daughter analyzed the situation even further. She had it figured out that to effectively maximize the time, the U-pick was not the way to go. Of course, like most kids, her priorities had nothing to do with her valuable time and had everything to do with maximizing consumption of various slushies and apple cider donuts. Everyone has their favorite orchard. The art of comparing apple farms is not necessarily apples to apples. My daughter kept notes as to which place had her favorite apples, her favorite sweets, and even her favorite apple salsa. She does this so that we don’t make the same mistakes over and over again. Much like my daughter, I keep lists, notes, and don’t like to waste time. Even if she is now a typical 18-year-old girl that thinks she revolutionized the theory of being always right and having parents that have no sense of reality, she is much like me even if she won’t admit it. I would’ve done the same thing and kept notes when I was her age. If you think that the apple obsession is a little hard-core, I will assume that you haven’t done an orchard tour and I will pray for you. To those who haven’t experienced this, when you are sitting at home wondering what is wrong and missing in your lives, maybe a trip to the mountains in Western Carolina could’ve prevented it. So, deciding what to do on a day trip with the family this beautiful fall season? Don’t be See ELIS, page 2C

Second PLACE HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL

Sumter district players gather to show they want to return to the court

Shelbie Goulding

TUESDAY, JANUARY 26, 2021

$1.00

| Serving South Carolina since October 15, 1894

State lawmakers advance $208M for vaccine rollout

Locally, Sumter also strained in surge of virus

SCHEDULE A VACCINE APPOINTMENT

According to DHEC’s online vaccine location locator map, Tuomey and Doctors Care on Broad Street are taking appointments, as of Monday afternoon. Various Tandem Health and Colonial Healthcare locations are listed on the map but are not currently taking appointments. To look at the map, go to https://bit.ly/3pjzhz0. DHEC’s Care Line: 1-855472-3432 Schedule an appointment with Prisma Health: www. prismahealth.org/coronavirus/ covid-19-vaccine. If you do not have an email and computer access, call 833-2PRISMA.

BY KAYLA GREEN kayla@theitem.com

The Sumter Item

BY MICHELLE LIU The Associated Press/Report for America

COLUMBIA — The lawmakers who write South Carolina's budget voted Monday to advance a $208 million coronavirus pandemic relief bill to speed up COVID-19 vaccination efforts. The House Ways and Means Committee voted unanimously to move the legislation, which would give the South Carolina Department of Health and

Environmental Control $63 million to continue combatting the pandemic. The Medical University of South Carolina would receive $45 million, and an additional $100 million would be placed in a reserve account to help hospitals and other vaccine providers offset costs. The money, drawn from state surplus dollars, would help cover the costs of

As of Monday afternoon, Sumter County was recording an incidence rate of 898.6 per 100,000 people, including nearly 960 new cases in the last two weeks. New cases per day for the 15th most populous county in the state peaked around the time the state total did so about a week into 2021, a surge that is translating to hospitalizations. Prisma Health Tuomey Interim CEO Louis Smith said on Friday that Sumter is seeing a surge in hospitalizations because of COVID-19 complications. That surge is riding a bump

SEE VACCINE, PAGE A6

SEE CASES, PAGE A6

Study shows elementary students most affected by ‘COVID slide’

10-16% fewer in early grades expected to meet state math standards BY BRUCE MILLS bruce@theitem.com Most officials think student achievement levels will fall nationwide and in South Carolina in the spring because of remote learning in the pandemic, and a recently released study provides insight into projections for the state. The study, commissioned by the S.C. Education Oversight Committee and Northwest Evaluation Association, aimed to measure and project shortterm future effects of the “COVID slide,” which is the learning deficit caused by the pandemic. The scores are partially based on benchmark tests given to students throughout the school year called Measures of Academic Progress, or MAP, tests. The purpose of these tests is to gauge student progress in core subject areas and project their performance on end-of-grade standardized tests. Projections are based on the difference in MAP test scores in the fall of 2019 and 2020 for about 222,000 state public school students in grades 3-8. The COVID slide is expected to be steeper in math among elementary students and for students who are often identified as vulnerable, such as those living in high-poverty households or who do not have access to reliable internet access, according to a news release from the state committee. When comparing the two years’ results in math achievement, the slide was most dramatic in grades 2 through 5, with between 10-16% fewer South Carolina students expected to meet grade-level proficiency. In grades 6-8, about 5% fewer students are projected to be proficient on grade-level standards in math. In English language arts (reading) achievement, state students showed smaller declines than in math, with between 4-6% fewer students expected to meet grade-level proficiency in grades 2 through 5 this spring. In grades 6 and 7, there was no change in projected proficiency and only a 1% decrease in grade 8. Matthew Ferguson, executive director of the Education Oversight

SEE SLIDE, PAGE A6

PHOTOS BY MICAH GREEN / THE SUMTER ITEM

Hamptons’ new front house manager and sommelier Michele Gargiulo has been part of the downtown Sumter restaurant’s team since late 2020. She is holding “Wine Wednesday” classes to help Sumterites learn more about wine tasting and pairings. She is a level-two sommelier and is working on becoming a master sommelier.

New Hamptons house manager enlightens Sumter on grape history

BY SHELBIE GOULDING shelbie@theitem.com

.com

of 30 people. Holding that glass was a new face to Sumter’s Hamptons

restaurant, dressed in all black with her hair pulled back into a perfect blonde bun. The fork to her glass was a gavel to its stand, signaling the start of her class where scholars would learn the art of drinking and understanding wine. Hamptons’ new front house manager, Michele Gargiulo, arrived in Sumter just before the new year. The 29-year-old is originally from New Jersey, but she came from the world-renowned French restaurant Jeans-Georges in Philadelphia after it failed to reopen amid the pandemic. “All the big cities are slowly hemorrhaging with all the restrictions and COVID19 issues going on,” Gargiulo said. “I kind of figured it was time to get out.” There, Gargiulo was a sommelier, which she refers to as a “servant of wine.”

“I will know all the things about wine that you do not have to know. I will pair wine with your food and make your meal spectacular,” Gargiulo said. “It’s to elevate both the food and the wine together and create an experience that you won’t forget.” She is currently a level-two sommelier through the Court of Master Sommelier. There are four levels: introductory, certified, advanced and master. She is also a certified specialist of wine through the Society of Wine Educators, an executive bourbon steward through the Stave and Thief Society, a certified sake adviser and diploma student of the Wine and Spirits Education Trust. It takes studying and practice to receive any title in the beverage service world. From being graded on how well you open and pour a champagne bottle to taking a 4-minute blind test to identify a wine’s components, Gargiulo considered it extensive. “It does take a decent amount of time,” Gargiulo said. “I’ll be learning about it until the day I die.” Only being a certified sommelier, Gargiulo is working her way to master. In the meantime, she’s excited to bring her knowledge to Sumter with themed wine tastings and educating local wine enthusiasts and

‘I’m here to tell stories, and I’m here to tell the story of that wine maker and that farmer who’s been working his farm for 13 generations.’

DEATHS, A9

VISIT US ONLINE AT

the

links of a wine glass echoed in a room

William A. Mallett Michelle Renee Rogers Charles H. Powell Joan Marshall Dinkins Cynthia Jonne Snook Shortt Emery A. Miller

Rosa Marie Collins Mullins Flossie Delores Cousar Barbara Jean Dillard Donald Ray English Matthew Williams Mitchell Heriot Jr.

Roger Prothro Jr. Lora Lee McLeod Osborne Twanda E. Saddler Roman James Hilton Sr. Tommy Cole Smith

SEE GARGIULO, PAGE A6

WEATHER, A12

INSIDE

SOME RAIN

1 SECTION, 12 PAGES VOL. 126, NO. 71

Clearing with a shower today; some rain late tonight HIGH 73, LOW 58

Sports A8 Classifieds A11 Comics A5 Opinion A7

Food Writing

Daily Under 8,500 Division

FRANK DORN

animals at the state’s fledgling governor’s school. But the page lacks context. It doesn’t explain who solicited these statements, why they were taken, whether the

South Carolina Governor’s School for Agriculture at John de la Howe sought Dorn’s account of what happened or

First PLACE Index-Journal

that was printed months after it was written, but was then signed and dated for before the message was even sent. See BOOK, page 6A

Hungry for a dream

There are more than $110 in coupons inside

INSIDE

St. Claire Donaghy

ments received from an open records request is that Dorn was moved from his post as director of agriculture earlier this year and made assistant director of facilities.

Chef Trudy opens restaurant in Abbeville during pandemic

By ST. CLAIRE DONAGHY sdonaghy@indexjournal.com

EHS inducts latest group into school’s Hall of Fame

Riding by 117 Trinity St. in Abbeville almost daily after work, Erica McCier would look at the space, with its large windows and dream. She envisioned a small-town restaurant with a big-city feel. “I could just see people sitting here, dining, with a view of Trinity Street and the (Trinity Episcopal) church,” McCier said, noting the space was previously occupied by a slot car business, followed later by a personal care products business, Breezy Quarters, which moved to a different Abbeville location.

Sports 3B

INSIDE TODAY • ABBY • CLASSIFIEDS • DEAR DAVE • OBITUARIES • COMICS • SPORTS • TV LISTING • VIEWPOINTS • WEEKENDBREAK

2C 1D-4D 8C 4A 6C 1B-3B 5C 8A-9A 2A

See DREAM, page 7A

ST. CLAIRE DONAGHY | INDEX-JOURNAL

Erica McCier, aka Chef Trudy, is chef and owner of Abbeville’s Indigenous Underground.

facebook.com/indexjournal twitter.com/ijindexjournal

This reporter knows a great story when they see it.

$13 -$18 .75

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Food Writing

Daily 8,500-25,000 Division

Third PLACE

Second PLACE

Samantha Swann

Katherine Kokal

Herald-Journal

The Island Packet

Food Writing

Daily 8,500-25,000 Division

First PLACE David Lauderdale

The Island Packet

Well told story about the closure of a one-of-a-kind restaurant with a fascinating history. Makes me want to have visited before it was demolished.

Food Writing

Daily Over 25,000 Division

Third PLACE

Second PLACE

David Wren

Parker Milner

The Post and Courier

Food Writing

Daily Over 25,000 Division

First PLACE Lillia Callum-Penso

Greenville News

The reporter does an excellent job with eatery’s history and with quotes.

Arts and Entertainment Writing

Weekly Under 3,500 Division

Third PLACE

Second PLACE

Samantha Winn

The Star

Arts and Entertainment Writing

Weekly Under 3,500 Division

First PLACE Samantha Winn The Star

Inspirational feature on a daughter following in her mother’s footsteps.

Arts and Entertainment Writing

Weekly 3,500-6,500 Division

Third PLACE

Second PLACE

Heather MacQueen Jones

Abbie Sossamon

The Daniel Island News

Dec. 31, 2020 - Jan. 6, 2021 ■ The Daniel Island News

thedanielislandnews.com

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.

ART AROUND TOWN | 25

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2020

50 CENTS

Will the 2nd time be the charm?

The silver lining HEATHER MACQUEEN JONES

For many, 2020 has become a description for all that has gone wrong in this year. Flat tire – that’s so 2020. Favorite restaurant closed? UGH! 2020! But for all its flaws, and there are plenty, you have to admit there have been silver linings. More cuddle time on the couch with the kids, longer walks for the dog, experimenting with new recipes, finding a new passion or rekindling a fire within ourselves for something that brings us joy. For Peter Finger, most known on Daniel Island as a professional photographer, COVID-19 created space both in his life and in his home for an oil painting art studio. He’s painting his silver lining. “My photography has been my full-time career for over 20 years, but my passion for painting never left me,” shared Peter, who had his first one-man show while still in high school and moved on to finish college as an art education major with a minor in fine arts. For years, Peter showed work at various galleries and outdoor art fairs earning local, regional and national awards as a fine arts painter for landscape paintings. He started teaching art and was a lecturer at the Hudson River School of Painting. Following a teaching career, Peter went to work for Apple computer company and worked at various design firms until his photography passion blossomed into a business. “I simply didn’t have the time to dedicate myself to painting,” he said. Peter’s professional photography range is broad, covering musical artists and concert work, real estate, weddings and corporate events and educational clients. “Then came this awful COVID-19! All of my clients could not use my services. Schools shut down and weddings were canceled or postponed,” he said. As many small businesses can attest, this is the time when you have to get creative if you want to continue to pursue a profession that fulfills you personally and financially. Peter made the decision to pivot from photography to painting. “It was a rough start. My early work was very detailed, almost photo realistic. I didn’t want to paint that way, so

www.gaffneyledger.com

Third reading on Nestle tax break expected Monday By LARRY HILLIARD Ledger Staff Writer larry@gaffneyledger.com

ALI HENDERSON

PROVIDED

Well-known Daniel Island photographer Peter Finger turned his talents to oil painting while at home during the pandemic. my new work is more painterly, less detailed and sometimes more abstract.” As Peter created more work, he also created a space to work. “I have a studio under my home and now, after a lot of work on trying to find my new style, I’m painting on a regular basis,” he said. Peter’s passion for painting has been rekindled during the pandemic, and he’s found joy in experimenting. He found a love for water soluble oils instead of the watercolors and traditional acrylics he used in his early works. “As soon as I have about 20 pieces that I am very happy with, I plan on looking for gallery representation,” he said. In the interim, Peter has collaborated with the owner of Blondies Bagels & Cafe to fill their walls with beautiful work. His paintings are also available on his website, along with commissions at PeterFingerArtist.com, and you can follow his progress on Instagram at Peter Finger Artist, and Serving Daniel Island for 18 years.

843-278-0800 843-278-0804 FAX

he continues to be a source should you need a professional photographer at PeterFingerWeddings.com. Daniel Island resident artist Heather MacQueen Jones specializes in commissioned original oil paintings curated specific to your sanctuary. To learn more, visit her website at MacQueenJones.com or follow her videos on Facebook. 843.207.4849 2157 Rich St. N. Charleston KennedyRichter.com COMMERCIAL BUILDING ENVELOPE RESTORATION & MORE! 4Brick 4Stucco 4Exterior Insulation Finish Systems (EIFS) 4Siding 4Stone

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Gaffney native taking her music in a new direction By ABBIE SOSSAMON Ledger News Editor abbie@gaffneyledger.com Gaffney native singer-songwriter Ali Henderson’s latest song is all about the girls. “Other Girls” is a song about girls, written by girls and produced by a girl. With only 5% of music producers female, working on a project from start to finish with an all-female team was a goal Henderson had been eager to accomplish for some time. Released earlier this month, “Other Girls” is a fun pop song that Henderson was drawn to from the moment she heard the track. “I was in a writing session, and when I was leaving, I heard the track for ‘Other Girls’ coming out of another room,” she said. “I guess curiosity killed the cat because I turned around and went to ask the writer about the song; she said she was stuck in the process.” Sometime later, unable to get the track out of her head, Henderson reached out to the writer, who then asked for her help in completing the song. “It was just stuck in the back of my head, and when I’m that way with a song, I know it has to be mine,” Henderson said.

Drawing inspiration from artists such as Kacey Musgraves, Lady Gaga and Queen, Henderson describes her musical style as pop with a “sprinkle of rock.” “Kacey Musgraves is my favorite artist. I get a lot of inspiration from her, not necessarily from her genre, but in the way she can tell a story,” she said. “Musically, the huge pop artists like Lady Gaga and Ke$ha inspire me. And I grew up listening to Queen with my dad and that’s where the rock edge comes from.” The 23-year-old Nashville resident also draws inspiration from a core group of talented friends who champion each other and celebrate one another’s successes. Upon first moving to Nashville in 2015, Henderson found it quite intimidating, but once she found her groove, with a group of like-minded songwriters, she was able to feel right at home. “When someone is telling a story our minds are constantly working; we’re all thinking about how we can turn it into a song,” she said. “Nashville is very big on community. If I win, you win; if one of us makes it, we all make it. The community of songwriters and musicians is nothing like I’ve ever experienced; it’s not competitive like how it is in other cities.” In addition to singing and writing songs for herself, Henderson works with

Cherokee County Development Board Director Jim Cook is optimistic that final reading of a tax break for a second planned expansion of Nestle could come as early as this Monday when Cherokee County Council meets for the first time in 2021. Final reading was expected at Cherokee County Council’s most recent meeting on Monday, Dec. 21, but the action was delayed for an undisclosed reason. Cook has said that Nestle’s planned expansion would be “significant,” but he gave no further details. Those details will come after final reading of the tax break which includes a feein-lieu and special source revenue credits. It was just a year ago that Nestle’s announced a record-setting $100 million ex-

pansion. Despite the huge capital investment there was no job creation associated with the expansion. Nestle’s expected announcement is the latest in a series of exciting economic development news. Two weeks ago, the Cherokee County Economic Development Corporation (CCEDC) unanimously approved a resolution to enter into a letter of intent to sale the countyowned spec building to a company known by the codename of “Sweetwater” for $2,765,000. Earlier this month, Techtronic Industries Co. (TTI) finalized its deal with the county to invest $67 million to double the size of its 500,000-square-foot facility at the Meadowcreek Industrial Park. The expansion will add 100 jobs. Council is also considering a tax break for another economic development project, known by the codename of Project Pigeon.

The City of Gaffney will discuss returning this vacant lot to the Gaffney Little Theatre. The site was once home to Brown Furniture, which was to (Ledger photo) become the theatre’s new home.

What conditions will city place on returning property to Little Theatre? By LARRY HILLIARD Ledger Staff Writer

Kasey Dill Carnley, who argued there were no stipulations in the original

Arts and Entertainment Writing

Weekly 3,500-6,500 Division

February 25 - March 3, 2021 ■ The Daniel Island News

First PLACE Marie Rocha-Tygh

The Daniel Island News

A great example of local coverage and clever writing.

thedanielislandnews.com

COMMUNITY | 23

Church's mosaics are a labor of love MARIE ROCHA-TYGH

“I have wonderful volunteers ... This has been a terrific way to get other parishioners involved.” Mosaics are like the perfect puzzle — Community members have been eager when the pieces are placed together they create a beautiful piece of art. Mosaics will to lend a helping hand. Bishop England be an important accent when construction of baseball coach Mike Darnell recruited his Daniel Island’s Saint Clare of Assisi Catho- players to help transport heavy tile boards for sorting. lic Church is completed next year. Daniel Island parishioners Janie Still, The mosaics will be handcrafted by the Micki O’Connell, and Stephanie Iauco tireless dedication of local volunteers. painstakingly started the process by sorting Several years ago, Daniel Island resident tile pieces into like colors, cleaning off Catherine August began researching religious architecture artwork. The artist found gummy residue, removing the netting from inspiration from Basilica di Santa Chiara in previously used tiles, and cutting the tile squares into a number of different shapes. Assisi and started to work on her designs “I have such a small part in the creation for six mosaics. After reviewing her ideas of these intricate masterpieces!” Still said. with Saint Clare’s pastor, Father Gregory “Catherine has been the mastermind behind West, and church committee members, August began laying the groundwork for the all of it ... The amount of time she put into researching the creative process, designing future church’s mosaics. the artwork, getting the materials, guiding August was able to help cut costs by using a company in Atlanta and picking up the us on what to do ... is all a huge testament tiles to avoid the shipping costs. Volunteers of her love for the Catholic church.” Working on the project can be time were able to reclaim tiles from other projconsuming, but volunteers are happy to ects to save even more money. help bring the project to life. “We knew that August is quick to give others credit. marie@thedanielislandnews.com

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Daniel Island resident Catherine August works on s mosaic for the currently under-construction Saint Clare of Assisi Catholic Church. much of the work needing to be done was tedious and just required time ... They are

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going to be incredible! Mosaics are part of the liturgical tradition of Catholic Church architecture. They are as modern as they are historical. Helping with this project has been so special for us,” Still added. O’Connell had a lot of fun working on the project and enjoyed learning about the “symbolism involved in liturgical architecture.” The first of six mosaics will be completed and installed in the 22,000-square-foot Gothic Revival structure’s narthex (entrance) in time for Saint Clare’s grand opening. The remaining mosaics will be installed later, giving members the chance to be an integral part of the project. August hopes parishioners will participate in creating the next five mosaics and provide a real sense of ownership and accomplishment. “I’d like to have as many people involved as possible so when people walk through they can look down and say ‘I laid this stone, scraped those tiles. I’m a part of this church. I helped build this.’” To make a donation to the project go to clare.church/blessed-to-build-campaign. html.

Arts and Entertainment Writing

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Jordan Lawrence

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Greenville Journal

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St. Claire Donaghy

Damian Dominguez Gaskin: ‘Nothing to hide’

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NEWS: Summer camps prove conducive to COVID

VOL. 103, NO. 117

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TUESDAY, JULY 13, 2021

2 SECTIONS, 16 PAGES

Saturday, January 9, 2021

That old familiar feeling

SUBMITTED

Austin Woodard and Zach Todd of The Mezz have been collaborating since 2016, bringing different musical ideas to the table for jams.

Mezzmerized Austin Woodard talks about side gig, his music By ST. CLAIRE DONAGHY sdonaghy@indexjournal.com

reenwood area musician Austin Woodard says one of his favorite compliments received at a show was made by an older man sitting in a chair. “When I used to smoke weed, I would have loved this,” the man said.

Woodard said that compliment makes him laugh, but it also makes sense, given that one The Mezz performs during a full virtual concert experienced produced by Hometown Hodges during of his most frequent musical the novel coronavirus pandemic. This and other archived shows can be viewed on the Hometown collaborations, The Mezz, is oft Hodges Facebook page. described as a jam band. Bandmate Zach Todd says he and Austin met “A lot of what we do as The in 2016. The Mezz evolved from there and the Mezz is sort of improvising on band booked its first gig in March 2017. the spot,” Austin said. “I listen to “The Mezz has had a few member changa lot of stuff — John Coltrane, es since then, but it kind of evolved into our sea shanties while washing dishAUSTIN project,” Todd said. “Austin is by far my favorite WOODARD es, Snarky Puppy, but jazz and musician to play with. We don’t always agree on funk are my two favorite genres. musical ideas, but we always find a way for our ... The freedom of this kind of playing to compliment the others’. When either band is fun. You can miss a note and act like that of us presents a musical idea, Austin is the one was part of it.” who usually keeps up with the musical theory Austin’s mom, Jamie Ridgeway Woodard, had behind it, to make sure everything ‘works.’” him take piano lessons as a child. Growing up, Austin said his dad, Glenn’s love “I absolutely despised it,” Austin said. “I dreadfor Motown rubbed off on him. ed doing it, but I’m glad she did. I started lessons “My granddad was a Southern Baptist pastor, around age 7 or 8 and took until I was 12 or 13.” and when I was way too young, he asked me to Austin got savvy with playing by ear, so his clever teacher would write lines of music that he Greenwood musician Austin Woodard of The sing a song for him. My dad had a cassette tape Mezz is keen on infusing music theory and differ- and two songs on it that stuck with me were would have to read to play. ‘Brick House’ and ‘Love Machine,’” Austin said. “Now, that I’m older, I wish I had paid more ent genres, including jazz, in his music. “My granddad, who loved Southern gospel, attention, but that’s where YouTube kicks in,” looked mortified.” said Austin, 26. Thompson on drums. Austin’s cousin, Keller Music is a side gig for Austin, who says while With The Mezz, it’s not uncommon to see Ridgeway, plays guitar with The Mezz, too. he loves music he doesn’t have the patience to Austin playing keys and bass guitar simultaneteach it. To pay the bills, he works in sales at “I was home-schooled and had a lot of free ously. Also in his repertoire are guitar, mandolin time to learn stuff,” Austin said. “My mom’s side Batteries Plus Bulbs. He has also done freelance and drums. With him in The Mezz are Zach See MUSIC, page 2C Todd on guitar, percussion and vocals, with Will of the family is real musical.”

ne of my resolutions for the new year is to teach myself a new way to play guitar. I love just about everything associated with the instrument and I’ve played and collected guitars since I was in high school. Currently, I am lucky enough to have a wall with guitar hangers featuring an OFF THE Epiphone RECORD hollow body electric guitar PAUL CRUTCHER in Pelham Blue, a Koa Martin acoustic, a vintage hollow body acoustic from the 1920s that was given to me as a gift, a Music Master bass guitar and a Fender Stratocaster copy that I built (with the help of Lander University Master Carpenter Terry Powell) from a solid piece of poplar wood purchased from a Greenwood construction company about 20 years ago. Guitars make me happy. I love seeing them in music stores and catalogs. There is a distinct pleasing aroma when you first pop open a guitar case and I love the way the neck and body contrast with the felt material inside. It’s pure joy to see local talents like Ashby Stokes, Jake Bartley and Duane Terry lose themselves in the strumming and solos — a cathartic experience, for sure. You can lure me in with an epic electric riff through a giant Marshall Stack or a quiet minor melody on a nylon string acoustic. I love them both. Give me Wes Montgomery’s “Four on Six” on repeat and, as I said, I am a happy man. One thing I want to do this year is tackle a new style of finger picking using a technique known as the “Travis picking style.” While I can finger pick plenty of songs, the Travis style is what is used brilliantly by masters such as Chet Atkins and Tommy Emmanuel. To me, it seems like a demarcation point for guitar players. To learn this style would be to elevate my playing ability beyond simply strumming chords or the finger picking I am already familiar with. But, it can be a bit tricky and I am having to teach my right hand to separate into two entities to accomplish this task. Named for the country guitarist Merle Travis (writer of “Sixteen Tons”), the Travis style requires your right thumb to become the in-house bass player alternating between two notes back and forth while your remaining fingers play the melody on the first beat of a measure and then commonly on the off beats for the rest of the measure. I have been practicing every day using the Fleetwood Mac song “Never Going Back Again” written by Lindsey Buckingham as the first piece to tackle and master. And, I must say that it’s starting to click with me. I initially broke the song down into sections and started very slowly to build up confidence in the new technique. This daily practice session is taking me back to the first instrument for me, which was the piano. I took piano lessons for just shy of a decade starting at the age of 9. While my teacher never whacked my knuckles with a ruler, she was tough and expected diligent practice every day. I was tested each week and there was a timer on our piano at home. Sitting on that piano bench

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First Steps director answers legislative delegation’s questions sible conflict of interest. “I’m concerned with several things on behalf of the citizens of my district and the Lakelands lawmakers questioned Green- taxpayers of South Carolina,” state Sen. Billy wood County First Steps Executive Director Garrett, chairman of Greenwood County’s Michael Gaskin about his salary and a pos- legislative delegation, said during the body’s By JAMES HICKS jhicks@indexjournal.com MICHAEL GASKIN

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meeting Tuesday. the same roof. The delegation asked Gaskin to attend “Talking with state officials, my underafter an annual state audit brought forth standing is that Greenwood and Abbeville concerns about appearances with the non- counties were the only two counties not to profit’s in-kind documentation and Gaskin’s service to three nonprofits housed under See GASKIN, page 4A

City staff catches its breath after festival By DAMIAN DOMINGUEZ ddominguez@indexjournal.com They left as quickly as they came. More than 90 barbecue cook teams called Greenwood their home for the weekend during the S.C. Festival of Discovery, and by Monday morning, the streets were opened for traffic. From months spent figuring out the logistics ahead of the festival to the mad rush to get the teams on the road back home and the dirty job of cleaning grease and trash from the streets once everyone has left, Greenwood’s staff members had their jobs cut out for them. “It takes the entire city staff over those three days — four if you count Sunday — to pull this off,” city Fire LARA HUDSON Chief Terry Strange said. “It’s a lot of work, but it’s a well-oiled machine.” Confidence is key, Uptown Manager Lara Hudson said, and that confidence requires a lot of planning and T.J. trusting the city’s staff. CHAUDOIN No one person could pull off organizing the labor for the festival, she said, so it’s important to make sure everyone knows their roles, as well as what everyone else is doing. If one person ends up facing unexpected challenges while working the festival other staffers can help them out, so long as everyone knows their roles. Everyone who works for the city works the festival at some point, Hudson said. Staff are given a packet ahead of time with maps, team lists, sponsors and the power needs of every team and vendor, among other details. They’re encouraged to take notes on anything that doesn’t go smoothly, so they can discuss it after the festival is finished and plan to fix the problem for next year’s festival. Hudson said while she and City Manager Julie Wilkie are involved in overseeing a lot of the festival and managing the logistics behind the scenes, other staffers are just as important to ensuring things run smoothly. City street crews manicured green spaces and ensured Uptown was looking its best before guests arrived, while See FESTIVAL, page 3A

DAMIAN DOMINGUEZ | INDEX-JOURNAL

Catherine Brickley performed this past weekend at the Festival of Discovery.

Catherine Brickley on keyboards and Mattie Phifer on guitar and harmonica played Saturday at the S.C. Festival of Discovery as The Sensible Pumps, reuniting in the Greenwood area for the first time since they played Jackson Station.

Adventure continues T H E

SUBMITTED

The Sensible Pumps play at festival in honor of Jackson Station By DAMIAN DOMINGUEZ ddominguez@indexjournal.com

hen The Sensible Pumps’ motor home pulled up to Jackson Station for their first concert there, singer Mattie Phifer wasn’t

sure what to expect. It was about 1986, and while Jackson Station was a popular late-night bar and music venue for the area, Phifer had never heard of it. She and her three bandmates were living out of her hometown of Whitmire, and earlier that year they decided to quit their jobs and

be a full-time working band. “We got hooked up with an agent who booked us at Jackson Station,” Phifer said. “That was one of our first full-time gigs It was always Friday night, but it was an all-night thing. You wouldn’t start playing till 11, then you’d play until 5.”

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Their hosts, Gerald Jackson and his partner Steve Bryant, treated people at their club just as guests in their home — they actually lived in a loft upstairs that overlooked the dance floor and stage. Phifer remembered telling See ADVENTURE, page 4A

Abbeville - 21

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VOL. 102, NO. 299

MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 2021

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Memories and sideburns

First PLACE Robert Jordan

Index-Journal

Referencing Elvis’ famous sideburns is a creative way to grab hold of your reader’s attention.

Laurens

Elvis tribute artists to take the stage at Abbeville Opera House

By DAMI ddominguez

By ROBERT JORDAN rjordan@indexjournal.com ABBEVILLE here’s only one Elvis, man.” Fortunately for lovers of the King of rock ’n’ roll, that’s not accurate. A nearly year-long drought at the Abbeville Opera house will end when Abbeville’s Jacob Eder and Anderson’s Austin Irby break out gold lame jackets and jumpsuits to make memories of Elvis Presley live for one night. The Opera House opens its doors Saturday as the Elvis tribute artists present an Elvis Birthday Celebration in JACOB the Carolinas. EDER The show starts at 7:30 p.m., but a pre-show event will be held at 5 p.m. with a performance for VIP ticketholders from 5:30-6 p.m. “I always tell (Mike Clary) that I love historic venues and I love vintage,” Irby said. “The Opera House is vintage. Being able to perform there is awesome even if it’s 20 minutes outside my door.” Performing with Eder is “showing how hometown boys have come along over the years.” While the show will mean memories for the audience, for Eder it might mean a job. For Irby, it’s a career. They said the show will be the third or fourth time they have performed at the Opera House. Every single time Eder has performed there, it’s a sellout or close to one,

“T

SUBMITTED

Austin Irby performs as Elvis Presley. He, along with Jacob Eder, will perform Saturday at the Abbeville Opera House. he said. Part of the goal is interacting with the crowd, although Irby indicated that might not be feasible with COVID-19. “With this COVID going on, it’s changed the entire entertainment industry. It’s crazy,” Irby said. An early start Both Eder and Irby learned about Elvis as children, through

listening to albums owned by their parents and grandparents and watching movies and performances. Eder said his grandparents played Elvis’ music all the time. Eventually, he stated singing Elvis tunes for his family, even doing karaoke. Word got out about him and he was offered an opportunity to

sing at a local beauty pageant. In time, he went to eBay and bought a $20 jumpsuit. He said now he has a replica of a real jumpsuit. Eder’s efforts have led to a five-year hobby/job. Irby comes by a love of music and Elvis honestly. He said his father was a big Elvis fan and turned See TRIBUTE, page 5A

Ninety Six man turns 96 Mayor Mike

Park boo ami shut

By MEGAN MILLIGAN mmilligan@indexjournal.com

Leopard trained new soldiers. Once a torpedo struck his ship. He was the only man on this ship to grab his suitcase be-

During a businesses nations sa because o flocked to wood Cou Compar State Park 44,000 vis closed for spring. Las revenue ov $150,000. “Lake G formed in pancy, reve in 2020 c Queen, dir cations for Recreation This gro ments, res shelter ren closed visit families ar ter at a tim “It’s been ing the cl COVID-19 are gratefu ardship an Parks team sure positiv At the Site, range flow of vis visitation dent of the Parks Grou at the park

See PARK

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The Sun News

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The Post and Courier

Well written. Covers many different aspects of the issue. Keep up the good work.

Short Story

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The Daniel Island News

28 | HOME & GARDEN

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ELIZABETH BUSH

beth@thedanielislandnews.com

Meet your local

Vol. XL No. 4

Pawleys Island, South Carolina ~ July 8, 2021

Charles Swenson

By Chris Sokoloski COASTAL OBSERVER

A homeowners association will have to find an alternative to cutting down trees that is says are damaging the community. The Reunion Hall Homeowners Association at Willbrook wants to cut down 30 live oaks because the trees’ roots have damaged sidewalks and roads and could eventually damage the stormwater system and hous-

es. The trees were planted in one of the three neighborhoods that comprise the development 16 years ago. Kristal Infinger, the Georgetown County zoning administrator, denied a permit in January 2020 to remove the trees because no structures were threatened, a requirement of the tree regulations. The HOA asked the county’s Board of Zoning Appeals, to overturn Infinger’s decision. Dan Stacy, agent for the HOA,

nance, structure is simply limited to buildings. The ordinance is what the ordinance is.” “This body is charged with the interpretation of this ordinance,” Stacy said. “I’m asking this body to interpret this ordinance to allow this particular situation to occur and be addressed.” Board member Will Moody asked Stacy whether the trees were planted on top of water lines or fiber-optic cables. Stacy said stormwater and

argued that the regulations, which are part of the zoning ordinance, don’t define a structure. Board member Cindy Person pointed out that the definition of a structure in the zoning ordinance specifically excludes sidewalks and pavements. “I can see if structure wasn’t defined to specifically exclude sidewalks, I could understand that there might be some leeway. But it’s pretty black and white,” Person said. “As I read the ordi-

FOURTH OF JULY

PAWLEYS ISLAND

Design board starts with display of flexibility

N. Litchfield parade honors guiding spirit

By Charles Swenson COASTAL OBSERVER

COASTAL OBSERVER

ALL PHOTOS BY ELIZABETH BUSH

Retreat at Beresford residents (from left) Keaton, Ava and their mom, Kate, visited the goats almost every day.

About 10 goats from Green Goat Landscape Management, a company owned by a disabled veteran, helped get to the root of overgrowth in the Retreat at Beresford by clearing an area surrounding a creek in the neighborhood.

Madison feeds the goat crew some leaves while the animals were on a break from their work cleaning out brush.

power lines are about 12 feet from the trees. According to Stacy, the HOA got estimates ranging from $35,000 to $65,000 to fix the sections of sidewalks that are currently damaged. Repairs would include removing and replacing the concrete sidewalks, chopping the tree roots and installing new sidewalks. “We’re not real thrilled about cutting down live oak trees, but See “Oaks,” Page 3

Coastal Observer

By Chris Sokoloski

Madison and her little brother Bennett enjoyed visiting the goats when the animals recently stayed in their Retreat at Beresford neighborhood, located off Clements Ferry Road. The goats took part in a clean-up effort in the neighborhood last month and were a popular attraction for many residents.

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Goats get to work cleaning up neighborhoods hen homeowners in the Retreat at Beresford subdivision off Clements Ferry Road started looking into ways to trim back brush around a creek in the neighborhood, they decided to go a more natural route. Instead of hiring a business to come in with machinery to clear the area, they turned to a special group that was just chomping at the bit to get the job done. Enter Green Goat Land Management, a company owned by a disabled veteran that provides “goatscaping” to individual, corporate and community properties. The mighty munchers get to the root of overgrowth – literally! Close to a dozen goats spent about 10 days in the neighborhood recently, much to the delight of local residents, who enjoyed visiting their new furry friends as they set about their work. “I feel like this is the best solution that has ever been invented!” said Kate, a mom living in the neighborhood who brought her two children, Keaton and Ava, to see the goats. “It’s really my favorite thing.” “It’s been a lot of fun!” added Retreat at Beresford Homeowners Association President Jackie Clarke, while watching the crew at work. Green Goat Land Management set up temporary fences to keep the goats contained and also provided the animals with a water source and minerals. In the end, the workers performed better than expectations and gave the community a memorable activity for all ages to enjoy. Clarke called the job one of the top five GOAT (Greatest Of All Time) experiences in the neighborhood. The goats even took part in a special Easter parade. “The goats and ‘kids’ had an unexpected result of not only cleaning out the brush for our HOA waterways for our neighborhood, but a ‘spring clean’ for our social neighborhood — cleaning the social cobwebs off from the pandemic reclusion,” Clarke said. “We had more people come out to visit the goats daily than we have had (out in the community) in years. Everyone had their own special connection to the goats.”

Second PLACE COASTAL OBSERVER

The Fourth of July children’s parade returned to North Litchfield on Sunday, but without its long-time hostess. Kitty Clay, who had hosted the parade since 1989, died in February at age 73. “It’s such a celebration of her because this is what she loved,” Clay’s daughter, Marshall Ridgeway, said. “She was so patriotic, it was her favorite holiday.” Until her dying day, Clay urged her family to continue the parade after she was gone. Unlike other parades in the area, the North Litchfield parade has no registration fee, no judges and no prizes. The only rule is no internal combustion engines. The parade began in 1986. She became its unofficial hostess three years later, when it was just a handful of people in golf carts. It always began in front of the Clay house on Hanover Drive. “She always wanted it to stay small,” Ridgeway said. “She never wanted it to be big. She never wanted it be more than just a simple parade with no frills.” On Saturday morning, Clay’s See “Litchfield,” Page 8

Photos by Charles Swenson/Coastal Observer

Freedom. Rings. By Charles Swenson COASTAL OBSERVER

There was a little more white in the red, white and blue at Pawleys Island’s Fourth of July Parade. And a little more sparkle. Thanks go to Casey Peissel, his family and his future in-laws. They stopped the parade at 336 Myrtle Ave., just short of the town’s Nature Park, so Peissel could propose to his girlfriend of five years, Kelsey Maloney. But not for long. “It was an immediate yes,” Maloney said. She surprised by the proposal and to see her family from Connecticut on a float with Peissel’s family from Hickory, N.C. They all wore white and rang small hand bells. See “Pawleys,” Page 8

Casey Peissel proposes to Kelsey Maloney at the Pawleys Island Fourth of July Parade. Above, she accepts as family look on.

The group responsible for approving the design of new houses on Pawleys Island started work last week by looking for a blueprint to show how it will operate. The town created an Architectural Review Board last month in an effort to preserve the traditional look of island cottages and turn back a trend toward “boxy” designs. Only one mandate was included in the ordinance: the second floor of a house can have no more than 80 percent of the first floor’s living space. A list of guidelines adopted by Town Council provides recommendations about porches, roof pitch and other elements of the “Pawleys Island look” will let owners know what the town is looking for and shape the board’s decisions. “The key to this body is going to be flexibility,” Mayor Brian Henry told the members. They took that to heart, and voted to recommend the town change one of the recommendations that appeared to be more of a requirement, that owners hire an architect. “You’re pretty much stopping me from building here,” said David Lane, a designer and builder whose firm Carolina Homes by Lane has built several houses on the island. “I’m kind of speaking for the other designers, too.” Lane has a client who plans to build on a vacant lot at the north end of the island, but who won’t complete the purchase of the property until his building plans are approved. If required to get See “ARB,” Page 3

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Failed residential site in county proposed for 700 campsites for RVs

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graves at the Belin Cemetery. Students from the Belin UMC preschool helped VFW members with the Memorial Day ceremony of remembrance. Photos by Charles Swenson/Coastal Observer

They remembered

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By Charles Swenson COASTAL OBSERVER

First PLACE Charles Swenson Coastal Observer

This story left the judge wanting more of it. Great job. Great visual storytelling on a difficult topic.

arry Price remembered two things: hours spent talking with his uncle; two minutes on the phone with a friend. He told the audience that gathered at the Georgetown County Veterans Memorial on Memorial Day that he was 6 when he realized that his uncle, Bill Merriman, was troubled. The family was on the beach at Pawleys Island. They gathered to eat, but Merriman was missing. They found him alone looking out to sea. “He was weeping,” Price said. “He took his hand and moved it across the horizon. ‘I can see them. I can see them all.’ ” His uncle served in the 29th Infantry Division in World War II. His company was in the fourth wave in the D-Day landing on Omaha Beach. “I didn’t understand then, but I sure do now,” said Price, a local historian. While it is important to honor those who served, Memorial Day is the time to remember those who served and never came home, he said. “There’s more than two kinds of veterans,” Price said. “I’m talking about those people who have gone to the battlefield and have suffered wounds, wounds for which there is no Purple Heart. Wounds that are deep and that last a lifetime.” It was only in 2006 when Merriman was suffering from terminal cancer, that he talked with Price about D-Day and the campaign across France and into Germany. “I’m so proud of what you did in the war,” Price told him. “No, don’t be proud of me,” Merriman said. “If you want to be proud of anybody, you be proud of all the men we left on the beach that day.” After 62 years, Price said, his uncle still didn’t know why he lived when so many others had died. The phone call was with his friend Sam. Price didn’t want to give his last name. They have been friends for 50 years. When Sam went into long-term care for Parkinson’s disease and dementia, the result of exposure to Agent Orange, Price started phoning him every day. Over the years, Sam hadn’t talked much about his time as a Marine in Vietnam, but Price knew he had been in combat. Three weeks ago, Sam was still on the battlefield he had left over half a century before. “I talked to a man who was in heavy combat,” Price said. “It wasn’t a phone, it was a walkietalkie.” Sam screamed that his unit was surrounded and taking casualties. “He kept pleading,” Price said. “He was back in Vietnam.” Price told him help was on the way. The phone went dead. “We can never repay them, but every day of our lives we can live our lives so that we, by our actions, do in fact thank them,” Price said.

“Memorial Day is probably the most solemn day of the year,” said retired Major Gen. James Livingston, who spoke at the Murrells Inlet VFW Post. By Charles Swenson COASTAL OBSERVER

J Barry Price, above, speaks at the observance at the Georgetown County Veterans Memorial.

ames Livingston remembered the knock on the door. “I went several times and was involved with that knock on the door. I thought combat was tough, but when you stand up with a chaplain and knock on that door, folks, sometimes that’s worse than combat. That’s the most difficult situation that’s ever been presented to me during my life,” he said at the Memorial Day observance outside VFW Post 10420 in Murrells Inlet. Livingston retired from the Marine Corps as a major general after 33 years. He received the Congressional Medal of Honor for his actions in May 1968 as a company commander in Vietnam. That was just six weeks after the action for which he received the Silver Star. “All of us are remembering today,” Livingston said. “Having been a commanding officer in Vietnam in ’67 and ’68 during the height of that war, I’m thinking today about those 41 young

Marines and sailors who died in Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, during that period and whose names are up on that wall in Washington,” Livingston said. A Georgia native who now lives in Mount Pleasant, Livingston, 81, was a captain when he led the company in an attack on a fortified village in March 1968. A platoon from an adjacent company was pinned down. Livingston’s men were forced back twice by heavy fire as they tired to help. When a third company launched an attack, “he jumped to his feet during a heavy rocket attack, rallied his men and led them in an aggressive charge,” accord-

ing to the Silver Star citation. In the subsequent action, another Marine company was isolated when the North Vietnamese took control of a village. Livingston was wounded twice by grenade fragments while leading the attack. He was wounded a third time and couldn’t walk when the enemy counterattacked. Livingston continued to direct his men and supervise the evacuation of casualties. Only when they were safe, did he allow himself to be evacuated, according to the Medal of Honor citation. “It is a hell of a feeling, and I recall it, when you tell those young Marines like I did so many times, ‘guys, there are some real bad guys out there and we’re going down range. We’re fixing bayonets.’ But you know in those circumstances what happens? They think about their country, but most of all they look right and left and they think about their fellow Marines,” Livingston said. “That’s the greatness of our military, because we love one another. That’s what makes us special.”

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Kayla Green

Scott Chancey

The Sumter Item NATION

Hospitals fear staffing shortages as vaccine deadlines loom A3

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2021

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Only 2 virtual schools as week begins, officials say BY BRUCE MILLS bruce@theitem.com For the first time in a while, South Carolina began this week with no fully virtual school districts and just two virtual public schools. The update comes as some state health officials think the Palmetto State is “beyond the peak” of the third COVID-19 surge. A state Department of Education spokesman shared schools’ operational status information with The Sumter Item on Monday afternoon and attributed declines in fully remote learning to lower

virus transmission rates and spread in South Carolina. Only C.E. Williams Middle School, based in Charleston County School District, and the South Carolina School for the Deaf and Blind, based in Spartanburg, were virtual as the week began, according to Ryan Brown, chief communications officer with the state department. Brown noted that the state’s percent positive transmission rate, according to the state public health department, has declined in the last couple weeks. At one point earlier this month, about 100 schools were fully virtu-

al across the state. Michael Sweat, director of the Center for Global Health at the Medical University of South Carolina, told The Post and Courier on Saturday that a peak in the delta variant surge is evident. “I think we are beyond the peak,” Sweat said. “If you look at the current wave of COVID-19 cases, we are trending downward much like other states with an initial summer wave who are on track to see declines in cases.” However, Sweat added he anticipates another spike in the winter season.

‘A legacy worth preserving’

KAYLA GREEN / THE SUMTER ITEM

More than 150 people attended Sumter’s inaugural Out of Darkness Walk for suicide prevention on Saturday at Patriot Park.

Walk shines light on prevention of suicide, sharing of experiences BY KAYLA GREEN kayla@theitem.com

KAREEM WILSON / THE SUMTER ITEM

Children look at the portrait of Wilhelmina “Mimi” Reuben-Cooke inside the Wilhelmina Reuben-Cooke Building at Duke University on Saturday after a formal ceremony to dedicate the building in Reuben-Cooke’s honor.

Sumter native Reuben-Cooke 1st Black woman with Duke building named for her BY KAREEM WILSON kareem@theitem.com As soon as she stepped through the campus doors, Kenya Oliver was amazed by the many people inside the Reuben-Cooke Building exhibit. She shuffled through the hustling and bustling crowd, making her way to the front of the line. From there, she stood face to face with a mural on the wall. Her eyes were glued to the sight of a woman in the portrait.

The woman was her grand-aunt, Wilhelmina “Mimi” Reuben-Cooke. She was overwhelmed by the sight of the lifelike picture of her family member and her timeline displayed on the walls of the exhibit. She was happy to see the legacy of her grand-aunt recognized in the campus’ history. Oliver was one of more than 450 people who gathered on Saturday at the West Campus of Duke University’s sociology-psychology building for a formal ceremony to

dedicate the building in Reuben-Cooke’s honor. The renaming of the building took place in September 2020, but school officials couldn’t hold a formal ceremony because of the pandemic. One year later, an official ceremony was held with family, friends and school officials in attendance to commemorate the life of a “phenomenal woman” who became the first African-American woman to have a Duke campus

SEE REUBEN-COOKE, PAGE A5

There is no color in the darkness. Out of it, color hangs around your neck, symbolizes your struggle, your story. The beads offered to those attending Sumter's inaugural Out of the Darkness Walk showed each wearer's connection to suicide and helped each other identify with whose experience they understand. A teal necklace meant the wearer has a friend or family member who is struggling with or has attempted suicide. Wearing blue beads meant you support suicide prevention. A green necklace signified a personal struggle or attempt. Silver represented the loss of a first responder or member of the military. Purple, the loss of a relative or friend. Orange, a sibling. Gold, parent. The loss of a spouse or partner was shrouded in red, the loss of a child in white. The meanings were read aloud as about 150 people gathered at Patriot Park on Saturday morning for the walk, which was postponed initially because of COVID-19. It was the culmination of a fundraising campaign that brought in more than $8,500 from local efforts. It was one of those early fall mornings that requires sunglasses and layers. It was one of those events that brings out families and people of all ages, from parents to siblings, friends, co-workers, young children and even dogs. Because suicide is one of those things that affects everyone. Before the walk, which took participants

SEE PREVENTION, PAGE A5

ARE YOU IN CRISIS? American Foundation for Suicide Prevention hotline: 800-273-8255 Or text TALK to 741741

Morning News

Short Story

Sumter’s 20-year mayor and 12-year Ward 2 representative. Mayor Joe McElveen and Councilwoman Ione Dwyer attended their final council meeting on Tuesday at the Sumter Opera House auditorium. “Thank you for the time working with you,” City Manager Deron Mc-

Dwyer served three terms as the representative of the city’s Ward 2 since 2008. “It’s been a pleasure for me to serve on Sumter City Council,” Dwyer said. “I can remember when I was a little

SEE McELVEEN, PAGE A5

2020: Year of the tiny turkey

Daily Under 8,500 Division

Experts weigh in on Thanksgiving staple and COVID-19 trends

BY BRUCE MILLS bruce@theitem.com From news outlets across the country to two state agricultural officials right here in South Carolina, many people are expecting 2020 will be the year of the small turkey for Thanksgiving. Given the COVID-19

First PLACE

SEE TURKEYS, PAGE A5

DID YOU KNOW? Per-capita consumption of turkey nearly doubled for Americans in the 1980s and peaked at 14.4 pounds per person in 1996, according to Mark Jordan, executive director of LEAP Market Analytics in Jonesboro, Arkansas. The rise was attributed to better technology for carving breast meat. However, interest in turkey has been falling, thanks in part to price increases five years ago when flocks were hit by bird flu. Annual consumption is now about 12 pounds, Jordan said. According to Clemson Agribusiness Economist Nathan Smith, decreases are also due to substitution demand, for example with chicken.

Bruce Mills

The Sumter Item

pandemic, many expect more small gatherings, more families eating at home and less travel for the Thanksgiving holiday next week. Those factors translate to a trend for smaller turkeys on people’s tables. Clemson University Extension Agribusiness Economist Nathan Smith told The Sumter Item on Wednesday he

Source: USA Today

POLL OF THE WEEK This week, we asked Sumter readers what their plans for Thanksgiving are this year. See the results on A2.

A look at COVID-19 in the tri-county: Virus still a threat BY KAREEM WILSON kareem@theitem.com The tri-county has been through quite a whirlwind these past few months with coronavirus cases surging since October. For Sumter, Clarendon and

A really good story on a topic most reporters would have never thought about. Seasonal and fun. Good job.

VISIT US ONLINE AT

the

.com

Lee counties, COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations have risen since the pandemic starting surging again. While Lee County has a low twoweek incidence rate at 178 per 100,000 population as of Wednesday, both Sumter and Clarendon counties are classi-

fied as high incidence rates with Sumter at 269 per 100,000 and Clarendon at 207 per 100,000. Now that Thanksgiving is less than a week away, here’s how each county stood at the first half of November with cases, deaths and hospitaliza-

DEATHS, A9 William Martin McCormic Carolyn Lee Coleman Glenda Tart Edward Franklin Smith Sr. Lucille E. Wright Walters Willie Lee Hickmon

Willie Harper Martha Mae Miller Hester B. Frierson Ruth Ann Anderson-Baccus Jake Thaddeus Richardson Mary Lee Gibson Waiters

tion rates.

SUMTER COUNTY During the summer, the state health agency observed a rise in cases and hospitalizations. The county has an 8.3% hospitalization rate as of Wednesday, second in the tri-

county behind Clarendon County, and its cases have fluctuated since peaking at the end of July but are steadily rising since October. Like most counties in South Carolina, cases in Sumter rose rapidly

SEE VIRUS, PAGE A3

WEATHER, A12

INSIDE

STILL SEASONABLE

1 SECTION, 12 PAGES VOL. 126, NO. 26

Plenty of sunshine; clear and chilly tonight HIGH 59, LOW 39

Classifieds A11 Comics A4 Opinion A10

Sports A8 Television A7

Short Story

Daily 8,500-25,000 & Over 25,000 Divisions Combined

Third PLACE

Second PLACE

Alexandra Koch

Landon Stamper

Aiken Standard

Short Story

Daily 8,500-25,000 & Over 25,000 Divisions Combined

First PLACE Sarah Ellis

The State

There were a lot of entertaining submissions in this category, but the writer’s approach to this story made it standout.

Column or Editorial Writing

Associate & Individual Division

Third PLACE

Second PLACE

Aida Rogers

Melinda Waldrop

Columbia Regional Business Report 22

www.columbiabusinessreport.com

December 7 - 20, 2020

Finding words amid a pandemic an ongoing struggle

here’s a cardinal in the bush outside my window. Its red feathers present a striking contrast against the still-green leaves, a lush, almost gaudy display, a preview of Christmas lights a few weeks early. I stare at the bird until the sun blurs its plumage. I drag my attention back to the screen. Always the screen. My laptop sits, as it has now for most of seven months, on my dining room table. I shift in the office chair at its head that my mother shipped to me. I was wary of shopMELINDA ping for a comWALDROP fortable chair, even when retail restrictions eased in the state, and was reluctant to add to the load of already overburdened delivery people. Instead, I sat for weeks in a hardbacked, thinly padded seat more suited for Friendsgiving dinners (yet another thing not happening this year) until my back screamed and an Amazon box arrived. I contemplate the groceries that have yet to find kitchen cabinet homes and instead lounge on the window seat, which is still decorated with cushions in Halloween-themed slipcovers. Halloween is my holiday. I throw the parties. I post the year-round memes counting down the days. I add each year to an already obscene pile of decorations. Amid the very real worries and concerns of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, with a quarter of a million Americans dead and many more sickened, I, safe in my selfish bubble, fretted that we’d have to skip Halloween this year, like most of the spring and summer gatherings and fall festivals. Instead, we borrowed a friend’s tailgating tent, gussied up the yard and iced down autumnal beverages in coolers. We stood six feet apart as flames crackled in the fire pit and talked and laughed under the bright gaze of a full moon. Thanksgiving is tomorrow. We’re doing a two-person, stay-at-home feast. I hope I can see my parents sometime before Christmas. I have a plan, involving another test and two-week quarantine. But it just depends on the numbers, which are spiking again as temperatures drop. It all depends on the numbers. I lasso my thoughts and force them back to the task at hand. Those tasks vary day to day but don’t ever really seem to change much. I conduct interviews, transcribe tape, write stories. Wash, rinse, repeat.

Illustration/File

I write about unemployment rates and looming evictions. I take a deep breath before opening the daily email that will tell me how many South Carolinians have been confirmed to have COVID-19 today, and how many have died. It seems I’m doing so much and so little. I want to launch ambitious investigations into why my county’s reported cases were so much higher than the rest of the state’s at the start of this mess and probe how telemedicine is changing the health care landscape. I wish I could respond to every email telling me about each local company’s efforts to help. But I am one person, editor and writer rolled into one perpetually exhausted package, wading through staff reductions and pay cuts. Each morning, I compile the four to six briefs that go into the daily email blast to 9,000 online subscribers before I turn my attention to what I need to work on that day. On the best days, I can lose myself for a few hours in the longer-form pieces that comprise our print newspaper. When finished, I sketch article layouts among hard-won ads and read everything for the fifth time, with some editing help from friends at sister publications. I am grateful to be working, and to be able to work from home and this more comfortable chair. I am grateful for the readers who keep clicking on the emails and opening the paper pages.

But I am also angry, for me and for my colleagues, those I know and those I’ve never met, in an industry which has never been more needed, or more hobbled. Wounds, self-inflicted and from outside sources, leave us struggling to inform our readers as we worry about our futures. My phone buzzes with a text from my mother. My parents live an hour and a half away. I’ve seen them three times since March — once for a 10-minute meeting in a gas station parking lot. I miss them. My funny, sweet mother who sends me unexpected presents (like an office chair) and my daddy, the hard-working teacher-farmer who must guard against asthma flareups and whose plummeting oxygen levels landed him in the hospital for four days before Christmas last year. But of course I am a danger to them, both in their mid-70s, now, and for the foreseeable future. In addition to being Thanksgiving, tomorrow is (naturally) also a Thursday. Thursdays used to be motivational. That was the day we wrapped up work with some haste and gathered with friends at our local watering hole, exchanging hugs, petting dogs and swapping bottles from travels the week or month before. On a rainy Thursday in April, I drove through gray skies to the feline oncologist’s office to discuss, from my car, options for treating my 14-year-old cat’s lymphoma. Spike fought months longer

than the doctor said to expect. I miss him, my comforting fur companion. In early March, I got sick. I had bronchitis, I was told, after a night spent gasping for air and counting the minutes until the neighborhood urgent care center opened. I didn’t leave the house for 10 days except for occasional walks with our dogs, when the warm sunlight shone a benediction on my back. Was that this, then? Who knows? I still have a tightness in my chest late at night when I’m fighting vivid dreams that find me anyway. Remnants of a then-unnamed disease, or anxiety about a still-uncertain path? Ugh. Time to corral the thoughts again. This has become standard, this inability to concentrate for a long period of time, this fragmented focus that leaves me jittery and unable to spell simple words as my fingers fumble for once-familiar home keys. I type, over and over: COVID-19, acceptable on first reference for the coronavirus, or the new coronavirus. Either way, the ‘the’ is essential, according to The Associated Press bible, my constant, infallible friend. There are so many stories to tell. I have to keep finding the words and the will to tell them. I glance back at the bush. The sunlight glints gold off an empty leaf as I begin to write. Reach Columbia Regional Business Report editor Melinda Waldrop at 803-726-7542.

Column or Editorial Writing

Associate & Individual Division

First Place (TIE) Tom Poland

Heartfelt, beautiful columns that I’m sure readers relate to and treasure. I enjoyed reading and reflecting.

Column Writing

Weekly Under 3,500 Division

VIEWPOINT VIEWPOINT Chronicle-Independent, Camden, S.C.

Third PLACE

Chronicle-Independent, Camden, S.C.

Second PLACE Friday, February 19, 2021 / Page 2

Serving Kershaw County since 1889

Betsy Greenway General Manager

Martin L. Cahn Editor

• Camden Chronicle established 1889

Opinion The Clinton Chronicle The Clinton Chronicle

Page 8

Editorial

Show our Memories to resilience last a lifetime...

Kelly’s Corner

Heroes

Sorry Mama, I got a tattoo… Kelly’s Corner

Letters

Duncan to serve on three energy and commerce subcommittees WASHINGTON,

D.C.

–

Leader

Cathy

McMorris

jobs and advance the American

Vic’s Views

Duncan leads Letter on ICC “biased” investigationroleintoin ourIsrael foreign policy. Effective foreign policy reCongressman Jeff Duncan

quires a lot of components, but the moral dimension is

corner, and the coffee pot and cabinet above it that we have at

morning to see if their sense of

UPSP-086-600 39 No.277 70 Vol. 35,

opinion

Wednesday, December 30, 2020

three months, I wore a body cast that went from my waist, to the ends of my feet with a bar going across the middle. I have no recollection of it, but as I talked to Dr. Gilpin, he remembered it like it was yesterday what it was like when I came out of the cast - my feet, legs and hips, especially the left hip, were stiff. He said he imagined I was grumpy afterwards since I was only around 18-20 months old at the time, didn’t understand what was going on and couldn’t really move or walk. I had to wear a brace for a while and I’m sure I had to do some form of physical therapy afterwards. And if you thought the brace or even the body cast limited my mobility, you’re wrong. I used the coffee table or walls to pull myself up and get around the house. I would even army crawl to get where I wanted to go. I have some memories of the surgery, but most of it’s a blur. I remember watching a lot of wrestling in the hospital. My favorites were Lex Luger and Sting. I remember lying on the living room floor when it was time to have my bandages

changed. It was pretty painful mostly because the tape used to hold the bandages was practically super glued to my skin. I remember all of the appointments I went to (in both Columbia and Florence). I’ve been to so many that I can tell you exactly how the appointment is going to go – from sitting in the waiting room, having my hips xrayed and having BOTH of my legs/hips pushed, pulled, bent, twisted and stretched in every direction imaginable. Years have passed and I haven’t had one problem with my hip since. Thanks to Dr. Gilpin, I was able to run, play and just be a kid. Even as an adult I’m able to run around with my nephew or go to the tennis courts with my sister and not have any issues. Had I not had the surgery, I imagine it would be really difficult for me to do all of these things. Dr. Gilpin told me that I would’ve had substantial problems, would probably need a cane to walk as I got older and that something as simple as running would be really

ognizing those or other scents that are familiar to you, you might want to call your doctor about getting tested.’” Daily Coffee News adds that some researchers are taking the sniff test to the next level, using coffee in olfactory test strips and even encouraging medical professionals to use coffee as a diagnostic tool. Of course, smelling coffee is not a foolproof endeavor, and it’s certainly not an official COVID-19 testing mechanism. And while anosmia is common among COVID-19

thing as the Coronavirus. Now, of course, we all know about the virus and the disease, and the death it can cause. On Dec. 17, 2020, Laurens County passed the 30,000 infections threshold. And, we are all hoping the vaccine works to stop this dreaded disease. The United States leads the world in COVID-19, and for a simple reason: We are a mobile society. We don’t like being told, “Stay Put,” and we especially don’t like to be told to wear a mask.

1995, 9

Anosmia, and strong black coffee

risen savior, myour Lord global never to open blind scheduled for a session onof April Hitler, Dietrich was executed on called reenergize role? We begin, course, at – at least in the And before I forget, I’d also pain. Sohome, I made I stayed re- it was a breeze Congressman Jeff Duncan (R- sure Rodgers. dream. me to open the SC-03-Laurens) erenced in the American Revo- April 9. eyes, to cure the lamb; He called 8 - another adventure checkedreinvigorating released the ate aThere important It will an uphill withto take a minute to thank areaissues where I got mybe tattoo. Thebattlelike ally hydrated, good are breakbringing pandemic under control, your heart. He uses them but Christ also has a by spiritual eye of Histhe sheep. those lution:for“Rebellion tyrants thatsnacks face our– nation, especiallything Democrats continually offlambs, for the twowho of us.following statement The cost of discipleship for His I felt as far as pushing Joey Byars at Rebel Ink Tattoo fast after and being ate little all closest weapon you to use to against that.isRemember say they love economy, Him, yet do not walk in re-committing His path way. appointed to three House Ennow with the Biden Administratheir agenda to the far left, inour own and to the rule of law, obedience As Adolf knew I did- things that articles suggested to “pain” was when the infinity in Boiling Springs for his amazBonhoeffer great. Metaxas what Christ saidtotoGod.” Peter? Let’s read it, ok? Matt. To was awake his sleepy church toGoing prepareinto for this, the I ergy Commerce Subcom- tion threatening many of thewascluding consolidated his power, underlarge tattoo or and someCh. 16 Verse 23, although Christ loved Peter, He to summarizes, “he his whole symbol being advocating filled in – for I socialing work on mine and my sisdo toCongress minimize pain and take things to lived come, to be ready forn’t thewant thingsa to come, basic, long-established democratic and tomonumental achievements we ized medicine, social media mittees processes, knew that it was Satan thatcontinued used Peter tolife rebuke ground conversations too small. all, for thisthe 117th to illustrate . . .for that to be ready theanyone rapture, to thing fully understand andAfter would honestly just call myEnvironment mind off themade jabbing including Energy, during the last four years. censorship, and that policiester’s thatpieces. He really made our the core values fairness, opportunity for needle him. Whathow did Jesus say?the Verse 23 “Get thee walk in His commandments, and know what real and and about to stop Fuhrer. was my first tattoo I didn’t whobepays a price or who suffersof justice, discomfort more than on pain. my skin. I wentI into tattoo OK, am coffee fiend. and Climate Change, and Comwill the utilize my Irole onathese make us reliant energypieces from come to life and he made hind me, Satan; thou art an offence unto me…” Unlove is all citizens. about.isTherefore warn,my I re-pain tolerance shop thinking if I could go What I’m trying to say is I han- getting my first tattoo an enjoyThey “believed that to do any- for obeying knowI w what God’s will worthy I obey, our subcommittees to kitchen fight for enforeign adversaries. Even with munications and Technology. derstand. Also 2nd Tim. Ch. 4-verse 2, So when all Our remodel has a buke Satan and his imps, I stand firm, be for Christ isinto it. I also thing shrink would going our celebration.” dledbroadit like these a champ. I didn’t abletoexperience. You can check “Ireturn am proudto tothrough serve on three ergy atdominance, challenges, I’m ready hip surgery not quite rural those we less love was mock,toyes it hurtsfrom a little of to have Then, I would argue, we need to the basics, with me. nice little feature, God’s call upon one’s consequential subcommittees expansion, freecoffee speech onbar to work on South wantedIn His to name, make sure I had two chicken outget like my dedadbehalf and of out his work on Facebook or Inyears old, Iband could do this. some say if I amtoa act prophet where arebethey miracles, which have beating built our social media, health care wife freeCarolina’s Third the leadership of Energy ofinanrecent ideaunder of years. what I We theliefs.” signs? Poor blind sheep, they overlookDr. the Rhett signed by brother my Pat, and it’s a Congressional Wilson, Sr., taken a free- asomewhat thought I was going to stagram – he’s really good at I’m telling ya, I meant business. Tommie R. Nelson, and inCommerce Republican policies create ouraentire greatest all, salvation Ourwriter-editor AsofWorld War IIthrough began,Christ Di- Jesus. wanted of going comlance and pastor, Clinton do. sister and I and drove what he does. I would never get I even lookeddom, intoand what I that great way to My get theDistrict Keurig, the little nation.” preeminence by using aninstead international approach during etrich became a double agent, lives with his family in Lan- pletely undecided. Ultimately, I needed to do as far as after-care over an hour to get these tattoos one, but the horror movie tatpods, the mug and warmer I just the post-WWII period, working skillfully European openly pretending to be a part of caster, South decided on an infinity symbol,with Carolina. View his toos are some of my favorites and I double-checked to make and I wasn’t backing out. boss the Third Reich, while secretly pages at whichthe symbolizes love forto sure rhettwilson.org and other alliesand to lead West. Ifmywe try lead everything by our- wasreceived If mymy Mama wereBrian here to see that he’s done. The rest of the spelled from Whitmore andtattoos, his sweet working with the wide network wilsonrhett.com. my more Mama –difficult never-ending andif we I prettyfamily, much know staff are super talented as well correctly both of our tattoos. our selves, the task is far than joinonwith the first lines to the chorus of how she would I ended up going stirrers first be-and sweetners all inreact. one She and overall really friendly and European allies, Japan, othersong Asian countries, and her favorite How Great cause would be the “mad” at first, saying chill people. If, and that’s a big myallies tattoo was going to be place. Right now, small rack Thouelsewhere. Art. tattoo, I know much smaller than my sister’s – we needed these tattoos like we IF I get in South America and Byanother Vic MacDonald in this spot displays Christmas And like a true journalist, I and way more detailed, too. needed a hole in the head and where I’ll be going. We also must restore basic democratic values— promugs, Abut then those willa while, changesheoutwould did my research beforehand. I Was I scared? No. Nervous? after initially wantedpeople the tattoodecently, to go little, motion of democracy, treating opposing coffeeKelly comesDuncan in. Researchers them. us I can only imagine is a staffare soon. 2021like is upon but they were more good on my but rights after multiple she wasthe thinking looking writer for that The Clinton than anything. I was just itwhat suggesting peopleChronitake a Now, appears coffee corruption and abuse of ankle, human — to anerves prominent articles said the ankle was one excited to see the final product. down on us in the tattoo shop cle. deep whiff of their coffee every

they8agreed with the motto refFrom

• Chronicle-Independent established 1981

Going back to 1995…

Many years ago, 1995 to be The Clinton Chronicle 9 www.MyClintonNews.com 3, 2021 exact,Wednesday, I had hip February surgery. This was also the year I met Dr. Albert T. Gilpin Jr., MD, pediatric orthopedic surgeon at McLeod Pediatric Orthopaedics in FloMy Mama always told us before we headed back to New- who would be completely con- 2nd and Charles we always something to do with Jesus or that when the good Lord was berry where we had lunch at tent with getting books for their made sure to plan rence, SC.ahead. We faith in general. ready to call her home, she Luigi’s, one of our go-to spots. birthday, but I was. knew we would each leave with I was fortunate enough to grandma noticed I of memoEditorial would be ready. Well, on Jan. We even got toGuest see Guy Penrod My Mama and I also loved at least oneAfter book so my we brought make 27 years worth 14 with my Daddy, brother, sishimself walking in downtown seeing movies together. While along bags our own to avoid with my Mama – and trust wasofwalking funny,ries our family By Lee H. Hamilton ter and I by her side, the Lord Newberry that day. I distinctly my sister and I enjoyed watch- having doctor to buy oneat or the carry time, them Dr. me, this is just scratching the Michael If you pay attention totelling global affairs, you know thatourselves. Sometimes called her home. How am I remember my Mama me ing horror movies, my Mama we’d go surface of memories I have with Bernardo, referred us to Dr. doing? Alright, I guess. I’d be to roll down my window and and I enjoyed watching faith- through our books, pack them her. increasing numbers people US leadership lying if I said it’s been easy yell at him to of get his attention.believe based movies. Last March, be- inup and Gilpin. trade themHe in for store She’s here physically, By Kelly Duncan determined not not only dealing the loss of my Another memory have with started broadly shutting credit so we could make room butWednesday, I know she’s watching ThewithClinton Chronicle the world is my coming to anI end and fore theeverything West more 9 www.MyClintonNews.com Aprilover 21, 2021 myThat hip was dislocated Mama because it hasn’t. I’ve alMama is when we saw down, we saw I Still Believe. for newwas books. our my (developfamily and I – she’s got a By Kelly Duncaneclipsed. is being think exaggerready been to her grave too Wicked atI the Kogerthese Center.predictions Other favoritesare we’ve seen in- happy place and Idysplasia think it’s safeof birds eye view mental the hip), butfromofHeaven! my pelvis where he opened many times to count to “see” The Wizard of Oz is my faclude Breakthrough and I Can for me to say that we could I’m confident she’s ated, but they are not without some basis. Our challenges the socket was vertical and thekeeping pelvis, tilted the socket, reher (there’s a good chance I’ll With the exception of 2020 we vorite movie and in a nutshell Only Imagine. If you’re into spend all day in there if we watch on us because almost Basically, It is time usoftoEl-re-establish ourselves go there today) and I find my- almost made it ahave tells thefor story these kind of movies, I’d highlybycould. round, not horizontal. every day since she passed built it and instead of being vertraditiongrown. to see Wicked self constantly looking through The Nutcracker (my favorite phaba and Glenda before recommend watching them. Music another away I’ve spotted a Red Cardithewas ball and favorite the hip were against showing our it. capacity for change and adaptation. tical was now horizontal and he conspirators to destroy photos and8other memories I’ve ballet) of landed in Oz. For There are countless memoof ours. Like I mentioned ear- nal sitting on the trees outside From every year. We went to Dorothy side of her mygospel pelvis.myI went saved from our adventures to- two Travis aboutexternal a month, everywhere I ries my Mama, sister and islier, mythe Mama loved kitcheninto window.put I’m asure pin in my hip. About a While underground The seen biggest challenge wewith face, of course, Tritt working shows, gether. turned would My see commercials Sometimes Before I started living isthat’s just herasway of makinglater, the plate he put in for what known By the late 1930’s, Nazis The in- Voice Mama didn’tI. have any the three of us music. surgery to save the lives ofof seven Jews,Iand finalist Chris Mann month the rise China the competition it offers to the demOne of my or signs the show. would own, I would put my named her presence known. creased thefavorite scope memoof governand another personal favorite, tattoos. And it’s not thatget shetogether and see a on my Salter Gestapo leaders discovered the advertising Osteotomy, after wasn’t ries I have with many my Mama is and Aside It thenot Koger Center movie we iPod on and we’d listen to On Jan. 14, I gave her oneholding like he wanted gospel plan singerand Guy Penrod.Bonhoeffer My ocratic model. that its wealth, military ment with laws didn’t likejust them. I think she and just other times arrested atfromis Dr. she Robert of hug, Toronto, when she took me to see a ballet Mama loved gospel music and being a beautiful venue, the would take the day and shop or music while cooked Salter or was last kiss and ‘I it love you’. was actually bent and when it regulations, limiting the free- his parents’ like the of her kids home.and At Berlin’s power, around theidea have grown. production of The Wizard of Oz as a birthday show itselfdidn’t was amazing. I world just meet up forall lunch. Regard- ItfoldingCanada. laundry. We’d listen to She might not have been able to present for the leverage was x-rayed made my hip look of citizens andHouse. especially Tegel military getting them. Out of less my of brother prison, he wrote at doms the Newberry Opera my Mama enjoyed it more what we were doing, it Carrie Underwood, Donny Os- say it back, but I know without both of us (ourisbirthdays are think also China has had rise,time pulling Essentially, Gilpin serious Christians. They eventuand sister, I an wasastonishing herwas onlyalways child a good hisapart) famous Lettersthat and than Papers I’m guessing I was somewhere I did despite not knowing with mond, Lynyrd Skynyrd – the Dr. a shadow of a doubt that she He went back in and crooked. two days I surprised her ally prohibited who didn’t have any tattoos… between 7-10 years Dietrich old at the from much about the show until I lots of laughs. possibilities were endless. We’d loved all of us, even if we got fromtickets. Prison. opened my joint, cleaned out put in a larger (and thicker) plate millions of months people out of poverty, drawing attention for with the TheFifteen only time and I remember one of publicly. my downside her a that quickissynopsis on Guytissue Penrod,from Eternaltheonhip her and nerves The teaching and speaking until lastand week. And I’d be remiss if I didn’t also putfatty afterwas histhat arrest, enwe conspirators had to gave re-sometimes. its innovation and infrastructure and buildwould help hold the bone favorite of the showtook was comthe music be- development, mention will mean As theparts Third Reich she passed awayallinof our trips to 2nd Vision and anything with the love she showed us that wait four before plot we - aplayed actedmonths the Valkyrie failedsome ofAfter around when cast started throwing forehand. Last year, discovandthinking Charles. Anyone who Gaitherbuilt Vocal ligaments Band. Our car more the to meball than anybetter. memoryDuring this I had to be ing one ofIthethe world’s leading economies. could actually to the show. pletethecontrol of society, he and January, II was already attemptgo to assassinate Fuhrer fake apples into the crowd. I got remember that day like it was ered there was a four book knows me or knew my Mama rides were filled withTo music, we’ve ever made. of the hip. do that, he made other believers faced incredible with bombs.This about getting a You tattoo and not what The vast conspirtaken out of my body cast for is an important point. do build prestige all dressed up in a pretty blue yesterday. series called The Wicked Years knows that we both shared theKelly too. Duncan I’d pop in my Wicked By took the day off and ethical-moral an incision of myDuncan leg. isthem would my look like. Then, about acyI now exposed, names dress and my Mamachoices. fixed my How andwere for my it birthday, Mama same love for reading. We often Travis Tritton or the con-side Kelly a Staff to put in the new plate. a girls day in Columbia, abroad by collapsing at home. a very real sense, yousoundtrack, does a Christian act underweahadrevealed, a month myIn including Dietrich’s. hair just for the occasion. bought me the last twoago, books I sister talkedtexted about the books we were nect myHe iPod to my car with The Clinton Chroni- 6-12 months later, he shortened upamyWriter leg atwith a About making stops at the mall, 2nd government thatbeenforces me saying she was an sometimes Taken to and an separate underground This show would the first laws to complete theand series. I setting readingup and playlistset I appropriately titled cle. She can reached cannot foreign policy, hard to explain what itbefeels thatatday. of especially the traded more painful areas, I It’sand and Charles, Target the needed domestic of plates screws, then put went in againknow andiftook plates ofdiametrically many we wouldopposed see together. don’t knowappointment too many people books. Every time we went to “Jesus – songs thattohad to God’s to have a tattoo high-security prison, he prelike get aads@clintonchronicle.net. tattoo for someone I don’t this the tattoo is quickly changed myJams” mind. Lifeway Christian Bookstore when you are the US. The world pays close attention to thetattoo. ball back the about socket. Word? anda screws out kind of my leg orand pared for death, which he called done in memory of our Mama Again, this was my first who isinto thinking getting one and done of thing deal problems, and Iour actions I mentioned, the socket was Some of Bonhoeffer’s family “the lasthow well. I think I may have stationwe on the roadwith to asinternal one. The best way I can explain he ended up choosing Like my foretooknot. theI told pin my outdad of that my when pelvis. were involved in a conspiracy freedom.” my sister off guard when Later transferred to caught it is a stinging/buzzing passes away (hopefully many, vertical of horizontal sosensa- The arm/wrist area. I’d instead within our borders profoundly affect our standing and And since surgery lasted altogether against Hitler. Through im- Flossenburg concentration I asked if I could join her. But never gotten a tattoo,he tion. I guess iton depends on pain many years from now) I’d get made an incision the top leverage we ofassert global leadership. howwhat do to weexpect asI didn’t around 5-6 hours. mense, prayerful consideration, camp, under she was able to get both of usSo know direct as orders one for him, too. For the next far as tolerance, but for me personally

• Camden Independent established 1978

Betsy Greenway General Manager

Barbara Stevens Production Director

Kelly Duncan

robert ariail

robert ariail MICHAEL MISCHNER Publisher

MICHAEL MISCHNER Publisher Martin L. Cahn Editor

Tuesday, January 12, 2021 / Page 2

The old bank building

Thanks to Vincent Sheheen, it looks like the old First Palmetto Bank building at the corner of Broad and DeKalb streets -- you know, the one with the elecronic time and temperature sign hanging from the second floor? -- will see new life after about a decade of being vacant. Sheheen, as related in today’s top front page story, has purchased the building for $300,000 and will likely spend much, much more than that to renovate it. He plans to remove stucco, reinstall windows, get “back to the granite” and spruce up the interior. His hope: to attract multiple small businesses to take advantage of office space, as well as larger businesses -- a restaurant, mid-size firm or retailer, perhaps? -- the three-inone building has to offer. This is just the latest in a string of good news such as this for Camden. We continue to see progress at the new home of Broad & Vine, thanks to Westley and Laurie Parks, as well as what is being done along west Rutledge Street by William Cantey of Cantey Foundation Specialists. We’re glad to see the finishing touches being made to the Revolutionary War Visitors Center at Camden next to Historic Camden. And we continue to await with baited breath the coming of a proposed boutique hotel to the Clock Tower Building at Broad and Rutledge streets. As other property owners in the area continue to take advantage of tax break legislation, such as the Bailey Bill, we applaud Sheheen’s entry into this work. Here’s hoping his vision becomes reality in the near future and attracts more of the same.

Drop us a line... Something on your mind? Write a letter to the editor. We will print letters signed by the author. Please include your address and telephone number for verification. We reserve the right to edit or decline letters. The C-I avoids publishing letters that: contain questionable facts; are published in other publications; are anonymous; are copies of letters sent to someone else; or contain inappropriate attacks on individuals, groups or businesses. Letters to the editor may be mailed to: Martin L. Cahn, Editor Chronicle-Independent P.O. Box 1137 Camden, SC 29021

email: mcahn@chronicle-independent.com

• Camden Independent established 1978

Martin L. Cahn

VIEWPOINT

• Chronicle-Independent established 1981

Chronicle-Independent, Camden, S.C.

UPSP-086-600 39 No.277 59 Vol. 35,

Friday, October 15, 2021 / Page A2

Chronicle-Independent opinion

robert ariail’s lowcountry

A tough job

Judging from what we could see when we visited the scene of Sunday’s fire and double-murder on Lyttleton Street in Camden, all of those on the job were more than a little affected by what they had discovered. sity of classmates. on Monday, as well as posts When I realized who ShySunday became one of those, unfortunately, many to his own Facebook dais Tucker was, my heart days when being a firefighter,made EMS tech, police officer,The one note that got me, Martin L. Cahn page told me what I needed of course, was the one, from a sank. deputy, state law enforcement agent, and coroner is man, who said, “Going to know: He was a nice young young It’s always bad to have to Editor through the Wendy’s drive man. report on the untimelytough, death and that’s assuredly an understatement. Our post reached more through won’t ever be the of any young person. The cli- was ordering for his former Firefighters arrived around 5 a.m. Sunday. Not long People who follow either chés of “a life taken too soon” co-worker, likely recognizing than 31,000, which is a lot same again.” me, personally, on Facebook afterward, police and for investigators, along officers with the partIndeed. us. People left along 92 com-with and “he had his whole life my voice Martin L. Cahn cular combination food On or histhe profile, and shared what the posthapahead of him” come into play. C-I’sShydais Facebook page the coroner, showed ofup tomytryments to determine marked “cooking” and that “bak- there was 247 times, as of Thursday. As a reporter and editor, I son would have me order. likely noticed Editor pened foul play, it turned out. Manyincluded of them were whoas was set to ing” as interests, of course, Comments ones am supposed to attempt at -- Shydais, nothing about Sunday’s horthere hours the “He bodies victims graduate this later June, when and like, but he also listed attending was of antwo amazing dispassion. Not this time -- seven Serving Kershaw County since 1889 the house without any kind rific double-murder until afmy older son, who graduconcerts, dance, writing and student and person.” at least, not in this space. were finally removed from the scene. MICHAEL MISCHNERFormer Camden High watching were culinary I didn’t know Shydais, but ated in 2020, ter movies. 4 p.m. on either of those of context. Scores of people Somearts of classmates, them ended up at School a secondary crimeDan sceneI’m sure that only scratchsoPublisher they had (CHS) Principal I certainly interacted with feeds. The reason is quite would have likely jumped on Martin L. Cahn Betsy Greenway each other for some Matthews, theexactly dis- es the surface. Like I said, I him a lot during the past twoonknown over Broad Street. And, while we’re not sure Editor General Managercurrently simple: Until 4 p.m., I didn’t any early posts and spouted time. didn’t know Shydais. I was trict’s of secondary years or so. Barbara Stevens when everyone left Production Lyttleton and director Chesnut streets, we Director off all of their theories, mudreally yet. His death has hit both my education called Shydais’ just the dad know of twoanything of his It took me most of those Chronicle-Independent published Tuesday and Friday of each week by there were ofMultimedia, law enforcement still sons pretty hard,isamembers as you ofcan classmates co-workers “a tragic two years to get hisknow name The Yes,andthere was a huge dying the waters for investiCamden Media Company, subsidiary Morrisdeath 909 Westloss.” cil meetings, both elected ofries be told? A couple ofpolice people on TuesSt., P.O. Box 1137, Camden,at S.C. least 29020. Subscription rates are:when In imagine. who came through that Kershaw County School right, only to lose the working chance DeKalb the case until 11 p.m. the gators. number of firefighters, local state: 3 mos., $22.00; 6 mos., $41.00; yearly, $80.00; Out of state: 3 mos., day night complained that ficials and average citizens, Well, no. It’s6 amos., little tough lineL.and District for Nu- drive-through to chat with him because he $24.00; $43.00; yearly, even $85.00. for Periodicals postage Coordinator paid at Martin Cahnliked youIhad to repeat their mantras far too we here at the Chronicledepartment announced the arrest ofisSchool a suspect. So, waited. law enforcement officers,How andoften have changes to me. S.C. 29020. Postmaster: Send addresstrition to chat with him. &ChronicleFood Servicearen’t died as a result of an early Camden, listen to someone talk about often to the point where they Independent giving Editor Independent, P.O. Box 1137, Camden, S.C. 29020. When I leftbecome the scene SLED agents on the scene. It had been a long day, but it still wasn’t over. There meaningless. themselves or their family have who speak during He was such a nice young Misha Lawrence those Anygovyoung person’s death commented morning accident on Monday. you will see instances where or public job or whatever and wish ernment else body public around 1 p.m.With only to comment have aor And Iwork know to that’s is a comloss the community, response to someone Yes,to there was crime scene It wasn’t until later that man. would be more do aat in the fire/crime scene, and ment periods enough space after we’ve quoted or attrib- they’d just quit? Come on, we even input during public not just in the immediate grandday, when one of my sons cliché, too, but it was true. that Shydais is inthe couple of unmarked pickup tape up around 1615 Lyttleuted something from one of hearings, individuals who all have. Admit it. our they stories are so that the more to do on the case as a whole. We are sure withtheallpublic the grief thatwe’ve employees, posted a message lamenting It’s something not just I, but son of one of hergeneral speakers, But while, in person, we are part of a group or groups public cansense, read what ton St., where something had trucks swerve around me on included pargaraph onemployees it today.opinion they’ve here at the bringing home the but a aloss of pos-or two should be polite and either that speak up about somefactsaid. that goes with it, Shydais’ death that Iworking made other to clarify the matter. thing often repeat what othlisten or gently explain that Well, be careful what you Broad Street and pull up in C-I who had good fortune -- the loss of what his these death men is hitting more sibilityhappened. the connection: He was We the struggle totheimagine what and Simply put, I, as editor of we’re not interested, news- ers in those groups have said. wish for. women of mis1605ItBroad, I didn’t yes,and there werepapers a lothavefront could be,And, years from now, be-Mischthe disyoung man at the drive- to go through the Wendy’s than just CHS, but this paper, Mike would be redundant and a different Today’s page article witnessed on Sunday within the interior offront 1615 cause Shydais won’t be here. trict burnt as a whole. through window at Wendy’s drive-through noticed. ner, as its publisher, will not unhelpful to readers to write sion. Yes, we admit it, we’re on Tuesday’s Kershaw Counrealize exactly what was of rumors. let anyone newspa- in the business of selling out each and every word tythey Council meetingin is nearly St. We struggle to imagine what saw Every interaction wasn’t Yes, he was takenuse toothis soon On Shydais’ own Facebook who had often taken Lyttelton my ora good while exactly why I didn’t per to spread misinformaeach and every person said newspapers.happening It’s how we until 4,000 words long so that weThat’s justof polite, just friendhave his whole life page, a myriad of classmates, and he did tion der, and either handled themy eyes thewasn’t suspect they arrested. if we can possibly help make our living. when we’ve already quoted We don’t do after could include almost -- and Even coming back post anything on my own later. ahead of him, andit’sI inwould payment or handed me my ly, it was friendly in a way friends and family it whether the form of this for free any more than someone else saying the yes,members I admit, almost Theythat have tough job. Wetalked thankabout them for doing it-- everyafter aboutsame 60thing. minutes, it page, or toon the C-I’s.youThe ato letter the editor, do your job for free. madeayou want to linger everyone said. have liked have seen that op-ed histhing kindness, food. piece or through our reportThere are even going to be That means we have to We can’t, literally, include at the window little longer how it turned out, and sweetness, being “amaz- life and Both of my sonsand hadwant them toaknow we have their backs. last thing I wanted was to was unclear why officers and every single word every ing of what is said in public decide what stories we think times when we choose not

The young man at the window

Waiting until the story can be told

Public comment is subject to scrutiny, too

• Camden Chronicle established 1889

worked with Shydais at Wendy’s in 2019 and part of 2020. With the restaurant so close to my apartment, I -- and they -- would often go through the line, giving him our orders, long after they had found work at other businesses in town. My younger son, who lives with me, often has me get meals for him since we share a car. Shydais always knew I

• Camden Independent established 1978

• Chronicle-Independent established 1981

UPSP-086-600 40 No.277 45 Vol. 35,

Legislative liaison

As we report on today’s page,ing” Kershaw Counbecause Shydais was front fun to through what-times people are going to be inter- to include any public comand “wonderful,” and “a even if just meetings. There are of single person says, whether be the instigator a whole SLED agents had gone there ty Legislative Delegation Liaison Katie Guinn with has a big heart.” ever news talk to. I might from ei- ested in reading. If we don’t, ments in our stories. It’s not good person that isget not possible, they are an elected official, when quickly. announced resignation, be effective one week bunch of toonline time and/orspeculation space then peopleso will get to a because we don’t care. It’s government employee, or ther due When Iher went to writetoup my sons. One young lady remembered from today, in order to run against Kershaw County constraints. because of a myriad of pospoint where won’t John or Jane Q. Public. We I want worked while I waitabout what had happened. It theySo, the story about his acci- meeting him in 6th Grade Shydais Tucker was the But we’re making room to read the paper at all, and sible reasons, not the least of simply don’t have the space, Council Chairman Julian Burns in 2022. dent for today’s paper, I did and promised to and, young man athave the doesn’t window walkfrankly, across ed. been irresponsitoday. That mean we we’d be out of which is simply space. jobs. I doubt mostwould of We’re not here to talk about her resignation nor something I don’t often do. the stage at graduation I will him. for and will every time. And for those of you So, no, I’m Isorry, your you would actually read sto- miss came into the office who a her intention to run. ble, especially in this day and I first became as- story isn’t necessarily one feel we’re a mouthpiece for ries like that. I’ve said with many times that both of (Martin L.When Cahn is editor However, Guinn’s announcement, wethem. want to sistant editor way back ainpicture little after p.m. andplease stayed look that we’re going to tell in the 2government, in mind, though, that age,Chronicle-Indepento simply post Facebook is notabout an official of the friendKeep called make a suggestion the positionAnother she is leaving closely at the thousands a newspaper’s mission is not 2005, I told newer staff writ- newspaper. until nearlymore 7 p.m. Around 4 of aers bunch of Email officers source Take for news stories, a Shydais Camden, that S.C. Kershaw County isoutside behind: it back to a but part-time position “the at its best How does that translate to of stories, editorials and colmerelyperson to report, dent, but to pro740 square miles in size with doing the part of our job that umns where we have thorlaunching point. at mcahn@chronicle-inI’ve ever met.” Some vide asothers close to him the unvarformer pay rate. (now, inFollow 2020) a population we must do, covering govern- oughly critiqued and strongly as wedependent.com. can. Shydais’ case, that the the comhim postedasked pictures themtruth with InInMay, we reported delegation the ofnished criticized those in power. That means that while of more than 65,400 people. ment meetings? mentstoleft on the C-I’s Facecounty double its allocation fromShydais, $20,000 and in Fisthatwe made it ob- on Facebook at www.faceThat’s one piece of misinIt means we have to deciddo our best to fact-check That meant, I told them, cal Year 2021 to nearly $40,000 in the current fiscal book post about his accident vious he was likedwhat by aofficials diver-say,book.com/martin.l.cahn.) we’ll fact- there are 60,000 or so people ed, based on years of experi- formation I can’t let stand. year (2022). At that point, legislative liaison was check (Martin L. Cahn is editor ence -- not our politics, not Something onthe your mind? Write a what a public speaker with stories to tell. But, I emphasized, not our personal feelings -- what of the Chronicle-Indepenlisted as a part-time position with $15,782 in an- says as well. It’s part of the letter to the editor. We will print letters nual pay and enough associated expenses to hit the job. Misinformation has no every one of those 65,000 to include in our stories and dent, Camden, S.C. Email him at mcahn@chronicle-inplace in our, or frankly any stories are worthy of publi- what not to include. signed $20,00 mark. by the author. Please include cation. Now, how could I say We recently ran an edito- dependent.com. Follow him other, newspaper. For Fiscal Year 2022, and however, the delegation proyour address telephone number So, when you read today’s that? Isn’t everyone impor- rial complaining that too on Facebook at www.facemany good things about El- sto- about short drive from hisif home posed making the position full timeawith a proposed tant? Shouldn’t their many people at county coun- book.com/martin.l.cahn.) story, you haven’t already, This is not aallcolumn for verification. vis that it is easy to focus on Hernando, Miss. $30,000 salary plus expenses thatinbumped up the all the that paranoid Weexpenditure reservenearly the right to edit or de- he says the positive proposed to the $40,000 and bills to put those “I am somark. fortunate,” Ronda Rich Thecline proposal was made early in the cycle, legislators just couldn’t out there. withbudget a look of true appre- storiesS.C. letters. apparently in February, by S.C. State Rep. Vic Dab“Thanks totoElvis, gotnullify the ciation. Argo is a large man file Ito allHaving the known him for you’ll ever do. Toting them TheheC-I avoids publishing letters (Editor’s Note: This is wait the ney when was still the delegation’s chairman. to Tink as we walked away. with a large personality opportunity to visit Mid-they imagmany years, I’ve never seen heavy bags of sugar way back second of awho three part series.) federal lawsthethat that: contain questionable facts; Dabney and Kershaw County Vicare “Elvis has been dead for over Administrator dle East in 2016. There is a normally wears a newspaper any devil in Gordon Pirkle. in the mountains, watchin’ it To halfway understand

Drop us a line...

p.m., I received a call from Camden Police Chief Joe Floyd, who told me what he could and was willing to tell me. He and I have worked as journalist and police chief for more than 20 years now, and he trusts me enough to tell me things off the record until he’s willing -- if ever -to have them on the record. In return, I trust him to provide me with the information I can publish to provide the public with as full a story as possible when we reach deadline. Sometimes a follow-up story is needed, and that’s fine. Before and after he called me, and certainly after the press release announcing the suspect’s arrest around 11 p.m., I do what I always do. I started drafting the story; researched property, business and court records; and rewrote the story after getting more information as Sunday afternoon turned into Sunday night and Mon-

day morning. I ended up adding even more information to the story on Monday after speaking with Floyd yet again. This is what it takes for me to be able to declare -as I often do on Facebook -- that the C-I is “Kershaw County’s newspaper, website and Facebook page for news you can trust.” It’s not just about pushing back against charges of “fake news.” It’s about being patient and doing the work that’s required to get the story right. Stories need to be based on the facts as we know them when we go to press -- not rumor, not speculation, not unofficial social media posts -- facts. That’s what we do, and we’ll keep doing it for you. (Martin L. Cahn is editor of the Chronicle-Independent, Camden, S.C. Email him at mcahn@chronicle-independent.com. Follow him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/martin.l.cahn.)

Why I’m not writing about the (many) Elvis radio and fans ridiculous bills SC legislators have proposed

(This is the fourth installment in a five part series on Elvis Presley and Graceland.) As I was picking up our Graceland passes, I was charmed to see a small boy

Cindi Two Ross Gordon Pirkle, Part Scoppe

people who lobby city and county councils, rather than just those who lobby the legislature. H.3227 by Rep. Wendell

of people who need to spend serious time in prison. But it should serve as a lever to deter prosecutors from letting people rot in jail when they

capaldi

Column Writing

Weekly Under 3,500 Division

First PLACE Kasie Strickland

The Sentinel-Progress

years did I think it would be this bad! CBS had canceled the beloved sitcom after nine Contributing seasons! The COVID funding raised by United columnist TV historians regard this as part of the “rural Way flies out the door. If I am not contheir view purge” of the early 70s. “Petticoat Junction” and stantly asking for money, there is no rev“The Jackie Gleason” show had disappeared a year enue. That is super scary. It’s 3 a.m. “stress insomnia in earlier, and “Bonanza” and “Gunsmoke” would action” scary. We can’t rest. Just when you think you’ve hang on until 1973 and 1975, respectively.reached But falla plateau and you can breathe — it starts all 1971 was the epicenter of a major upheaval in again. proover gramming. HUNGER is the first sign. Empty food pantry “Green Acres,” “Hee Haw,” “Lassie” and “Mayshelves. Then utility assistance needs increase followed berry R.F.D.,” as well as variety shows hosted by by evictions. It’s a cycle. When I was younger, school, both kids need ents. that level of dedication Red Skelton, Lawrence Welk, Ed Sullivan, Johnny I wanted to be a docSalvation Army Director, Jim Abbott is our touchhelp navigating their Every week, I have to school — I still don’t. Cash, Jim Nabors and Andy Williams tor when I grew up. A assignments so I find IS the front line and he keeps me to fill out this “fitness view The power even blinks all got the network heave-ho.stone because heMY medical examiner to be myself constantly going report” for Sam detailing at my house and I’m hapinformed as to the reality of life in Pickens County. This Part of the change arose because specific, just like Agent back and forth between a daily log of his physiis what pily calling off lessons for networks were ceding the first half-he told me that last time we spoke: Scully on The X-Files. the two of them, explain- cal activities, length of “Hunger is the first crisis symptom we have seen as the day yelling “Go play hour of prime time to local affiliates. Later, (when I discoving the lessons and logparticipation time, etc. — outside boys! No school a result Veteran stars pricing themselves outof this pandemic. Children being at home more ered my complete lack ging in and out of which is the dumb- today!” often during the week, a reduction in available work of a job also played a part. But mostly, strickly speaking six weeks for a response!est thing in the falls ability into one of those the world in a red cape, of mathematical the 8,000 (ridicuYou may be asking hours for those employed in a service industry and limafter two decades of indiscriminately Kasie Strickland three. he’s Clark Kent,would a newsIt’s hilarious. I’ve had most likely keep lously named) world — because yourself if virtual learning or no household transportation, all come together pursuing the largest possibleited audiDanny But at the Planet? They more scrutiny with my paper reporter at The me out of any repuwebsites. he’s five. He never ence, the TV networks decided to is so problamatic for us, in producing an immediate need forthere householdDaily food Planet. Nobody Tyree In the nineties, — have a research departpress pass at local16, high 4 Wednesday, June 2021 medical school), I Teacher: “Oh, stops moving. why aren’t we just doing assistance. If someone is hungry, hunger takes overfellow table Contributing cater to the most affluent demographwas a little piecethat of televinot even reporter/ ment! They have a legal school football games decided I wanted to be an just log into BamThe first few ic groups. in-person classes? columnist their thoughts and reduces energy levels. Thislove is true sion gold on the airwaves interest Lois Lane — department! Actually, than Lois Lane gets at boozle Puggleweeks I diligently Yes, the programmers andfor MadiShort answer? Because the parents asstaring well asDean the children. By providing cri- Clark isauthor. Cain and they seem to have entireand The suspects SuperWhite House. son Avenue would tickle thesis fancy butt with the login logged his playtime we can’t. Terithe Hatcher: Lois & foodofassistance, entire family is better prepared floors of their man because, youSomehow, through Lastly, the technoltrendy, malleable audiences, not the world-weary, life’s weird way of doing credentials ogy. found and activities so Clark, The New Adven- solutions Ben takes medications mentally and physically to find employment prime-location know, Clark wears These reporters stricklyare I could fill out his tradition-bound consumers who recognized snake- welltures things, I ended up downtown in the inhighZippeelearn of Superman. for an autoimmune disglasses. anda perform in school.” compiling databases and speaking oil salesman when they saw one. newspaper business. anddediQuackalby. “report” at the I loved thatappeals show and ease and while the meds rise building But I didn’t bring Recently, I started to notice from a variety cross-referencing criminal Kasie This emphasis on being edgy, hip and relevant to Complete faithfully tuned everyChristian stuff. lessons you here today to Eh, close enough.cated to the are crucial to maintaining of friends and acquaintances thatin United records with high schoolend of the week. urban young adults spelled bad news for programs Strickland week. needed Thirty years take and 14-16 talkorabout his remission, they also Ministries desperately food. Iflater, it was one two Super- Most people go “Jimmy,8-12 yearbooks — all with a Now? I just make that attracted too many children, seniors and counthrough several career and fin-keystrokes! Now, I them up. (I’m also make him susceptible to the be help the this copy up to uploadfew man’s calls to action, I with wouldn’t tooofworried, but this wasadventures, a try folks. streaming finding out and ished let assignments I want to talk goals before infections and weaken know the internet was fairly certain no dozen or more. Iinternet emailed and Teresa Nash, Executive Direcstrickly re-write I will grudgingly admit that this network disdain television providers, I what it truly is theythem want PDF form on Pinkleactually reads them take in another about Clark’s. And his immune system. He gaining popularityone around tor of United Christian Ministries with a one-word speaking for kids, codgers and Cletuses – while producing have rediscovered this my at it,” berrry.” hollers this time (the show Lois’. And Perryto do. But never incrack as came I’ve been getting more can’t get COVID. It would subject … FOOD? Kasie only a handful of “city slicker” hits in the autumn little gem and have conse- White and Jimmy Planet editorMe: Perry life did I have any desire “AAAAAAAHHHand more snarky in the out in 1993) but come be very, very dangerous She respondedquently immediately with a resounding of 1971 – would eventually make room for crowdbinged-watched Olsen’s and all the to be a Strickland teacher. NotWhite. once. HHHH!!!!!!”on! I mean, Google replies wasn’tand have yet to for him. So, as much as YES.Bob “We need food.” Thanksover to thethe generosityother of our pleasers such as “M*A*S*H,” “Maude,” “The four seasons What in the people in Not and as a little girl, not To make even matters worse, have a teacher call me out I would love to ship both a thing yet! And donors, funds senttwo $2,500 immediately. Newhart Show,” “Sanford and Son,” “Rhoda” andwe had the course ofand about world is “re-write?” Are around The Daily Planet. while growing up, and the WiFi can’t on it.) we did something these ago, I hadguys off to (much) the seem ideaofoftoweeks a newsroom When your reserves are that depleted, you don’t have as far as I can tell, you telling me they haveA couple “Barney Miller.” weeks. Which, certainly not as a now go for a twohaving hourweren’t stretch Ben’s access togoing thisSame topqualified instrucsworn we to with do — we music broughtmore home a Still, as a former youngster, a current senior, time toa organize multiple food drives. The nostalgia is all an entire department (or seems to have a39-year-old budget Mom of two. without cutting off equipment? class. Do they seriously of-the-line tors — it’s just not in the lifelong small-town resident and a father apologiz“United Christian Ministries puppy. there, it’s still acontinues great to see floor?!?) of people who roughly the same And size as oh, my God, now because myHa! crap modemjust think I’m going to work I literally stopped cards right now. They’re ing that all the DVDs chronicling the porcine mis- numbers increased of families County show — albeitinaPickens bit more re-write the can’t report-handle thestrugPentagon’s. I know why:just Ourusing family dog, Raina, I completely streaming pitch and “the tone?Rainbow Windows 7 on lasthis crossed stuck with me. adventures of Arnold Ziffel have been exhausted, gling with food insecurity during these pandemicIt’s insane. suck at it. ers’ stories after to campy than I remember. Perry three devices withoutmonths Like,ago are we in training Bridge” several after a long and happy week. part of me resents the elitism of the bicoastal TVsaid Nash. But maybe I need to But there’s one bigpackages differ- from times,” “Food assistance edits them? Is that a real A man successfully My boys — a kinderneeding reboot. for have the Vienna Boys Choirwas Allhurt in all,from I get her you life.toStill loss, a new puppy thea lesson from those executives. take to Loisare & designed Clark forto provide maintaining hisgartner secret and thing? United Christianence Ministries a second It’s overwhelming. here? Hang on there Ben, kids in the Taco Bell parkto make certain allowancTrue, over the years they have occasionally I’m a newspaper Something else thatlast thing on my mind. full threetossed meals a dayme fornow: a three-day period. In theidentity past five(in a room grader — are doing the advancement I’m tryingestoforbethe underlet meofjust wheel out the the hicks in “flyover country” a bone (“Dukes of our pantry ing lot. Maybe I need to editor. struck me as funny was My kids thought otherwise. investigative reportmonths, has distributed 4,700 moreofmeals plotthis when to from storage and virtual school thing right standing inathat is it a comes piano Hazzard,” “Sheriff Lobo,” “Lonesome Dove,” etc.). realize that despite my You five-month see, there’speriod a thirdof 2019.” their portrayal of a press ers) using only a pair compared to the same You see, they didn’t grow up with Raina, she was TV and film — and I’m now due to COVID-19 new experience for everywe’ll get right into this But they’ve never really apologized for five decades major character on the failings as a teacher, my pass being some kind of a glasses is way more That is a huge increase. HUGE. Right beforeofthe OK with that. It’s week’s stilldog a scales and you guys, I’m about one. No one imagined a … of forgettable “sophisticated” shows that fizzled an adult before my husband and I just as much by show that I never quite magical, all-access device. plausible than how they kids learn coronavirus hit us, United Way of Pickens County and great show and honestly, toworking pull my hair out.crime scene? yearNo ago COVID would Um, no.The boys wanted with critics and Nielsen ratings families alike. appreciated in my youth: Active portray an actual even had kids. a dog example. Maybe I need Clemson University joined forces to produce a food my career My youngest, Sam,just show change ways offrom doing I realize I’m luckier Sure, I have enjoyed my share of risqué programs The Daily Planet. problem, the our judging buckle down, redouble who rompI can andwork play withtothem, insecurity Pickens County. Frankly, itnewspaper. wasn’t choice, probably had has his classes things so drastically and, would than most. in recent years; but I still yearn for the corny valuesstudy forWe’re all familiar with cops your press pass. For one, the staff. Theonline my efforts good news it hadSuperman reached crisis mode. moreschools of anRaina influence on14 was —when practically for and quit being morning at 8:15, to their credit, of TV seasons past, such as Red Skelton ending his and now from home I need ancient the basic story: Need to bypass airline sheer number ofevery people sarcastic on my 5-yearall doom Peoplethey are have working mehave thangone I an realized. 10:45 Ben,It’s thecool, show with “Good night and may God bless.”This Thearticle isn’t and to, we have (mostly) American Bulldog — reliand certainly A baby wasand sentgloom. to Earth security? justteachers at and 11:30. old’s fitness reports. stepping up. I’vethe made eight separate for is astoundall, I wearable glasses snooty network execs who cringed at the really Clampetts second-grader, hasthat them the extra making access to internetdays. from doomed planet appeals flash press pass. You mileAfter The Planet well past her “romping” Or, maybe the next toostill … getting and I have a computer/ COVID-19 Funding. Eight!inSome of ing you — have taking a dip in the “ce-ment pond” have no qualms Recovery at 8:30, 10:30 andthe 11:45. Krypton and lands need securitysure foot-kids are they’ve got a time although I liked the idea of the thepower blinks, Now send Still, this column If that doesn’t warm your heart … everything. about doing the backstroke in a cesspool. given EVERY time. We have desktop an education. laptop for each child. Just Smallville, Kansas, where from inside the bank guy for No, oneage of announcing off to growing a dog, I instead was hesiGranted, the last half-century has produced anEasley Downtown The Merchants are holding a foodthat. They’ve computer, a that laptop, ButNo … some of re-write! theboysPronto! like you, up I’ve with seen those he’s adopted and raised wasand justarobbed? scratch strickly “No school today!” I embarrassment of riches with upscale sitcoms drive and for United by Way. willfamily. coordinate tant to take the plunge again. I mean, Chromebook. Meanwhile, theWe Kent Our distribution way. Oh, wait. You have requirements are just got a department for news reports of the kids Kasie Strickland is the mildinstead send them outspeaking dramas; but I can’t help but think that a little dash Christian to United Ministries, Five Point Foodeverything. Pantry Typically, yellow sun gives him I need(in to be aatpress workpass? at Nevermind, ridiculous. Gym, for trying to do their mannered managing editor for let’s face it, dogs are aschool lot of work side and, for extra “gym class.” of the bucolic life would make them even and better. Kasie others. There will be gift certificates old newspapers amazing abilities and heand good of on course I’ll get you a real life) are and The Sentinel-Progress and can befrom a Taco Bell 8:30 a.m. Tuesinstance. Why in thewell, the work sad truth is they never live win. Win reached at kstrickland@cmpapers. All those police forensics shows could be right away!world Don’t Strickland fora“truth, divided into three main holiday fun whilefights helping hungryjustice family. days, I’ve gotcopy an entire is there a gym class parking lot so they can com. Views expressed in this long enough. I was heartbrokenKasie when trimmed to the length of TikTok videos if Opie Taybewrite, silly, there’s nofor need to school? way”It willdepartments —newspaper editorial, to I think this willand be the goodAmerican for everyone. encouronline mean get on Strickland is the managing column areI those of the writer onlythe internet. It’s lor would confess to having accidentally killed FOIA the local —andare advertising, andwhich circulaas Superman. When he’s Raina passed, I wasn’t ready toeditor give mySentinel-Progress for The age usthe to shop locally and give everyone the opportuhas tofile beaon the with seriously they just represent heartbreaking, but it’s do not necessarily victim with his slingshot. and can be reached at kstrickland@ police, pay a fee, and wait tion. Everything else just not flying around saving the newspaper’s opinion. press by 2 p.m. nity to help someone who is really suffering. intentionally screwing inspiring. Those kidsdesire to heart away again so also soon. I also had zero cmpapers.com. Views expressed Emmett’s Fix-It Shop could have had that If“Lost” It’s fine. Everything is withdeal us now? Especially you would like to contribute to the COVID-19 are really putting in the with housebreaking a new puppy — notin this to column men-are those of the plane going in mere weeks. fine … since it only amounts to effort. Recovery Fund, go to our website, www.uwpickens. writer only and do not necessarily Ever imagine Hooterville’s Mr. Haney peddling tion getting through the whole chewing-everythingrepresent the newspaper’s opinion. Being in elementary more work for the parI’ve never displayed org. You can also mail a check to United Way of Pickgenuine imitation transplant organs on “Grey’s in-sight phase. ens County, PO Your Box 96, Easley, SC 29641. Just write view Anatomy”? I stoically refused my kids’ pleas and listed the COVID Oh, and what about Grandpa Jones turning theon the check. as tothey whyhaven’t a new puppy right now was tables and asking, “Hey, Soup Nazi – what’s for supbecause read and development.” reasons Comprehensive Plan Dear Editor, Julie Capaldi is president of United Way of Pickens County.aShe can be per?” I wanted a new couch and we needed There are approxi- impractical: and to101. update it at least Easley’s failure to plan, extension it. Citizens were recently reached at jcapaldi@uwpickens.org or 864-850-7094, The possibilities are endless – if you don’t look every 10 years. Easley, as mately 25 residential carpets is a plan to fail. toldreplaced, by two sitting couna new dog would delay those plans down on half your audience. developments underway it turns out, does have a Recent Easley City cil members, they did not COVID, work and homefor at least a year. Between plan, originally developed in the City of Easley, meetings have know about the ComprelettersCouncil tO the eDitOr pOlicy schooling, through one of the most stresswith a population impact in 1998 with input from been packed with citihensiveI just Plan, got despite the of over 6,000 people. It city planning agencies zens like me, who have leTTers To The eDiTor policY ful times in my andcurI didn’t want to add more fact that fourlife people The Sentinel-Progress encourages and welcomes letters to the appears as if over 30%responsibilities citizens. voiced concerns about interestand editor. Letters should be about issues of general and no longer However, rently active on withright the city now. Money was tight and The Sentinel-Progress encourages and welcomes lettersthan to the I spit in the little te of the developments are I was dismayed to learn the growth, numerous 500 words. Letters that exceed 500 words will be shortened to were active the last time are expensive. We have a cat, a new puppy editor. Letters should be about issues of general interest and no longer conform to our policies. that the last time Easley’s in Ward 2, resulting inpuppies annexations, approval of tube, sealed it up, an it was updated. than 500 words. Letters that exceed 500 words will be shortened to

Engaging, personable, animated, and full of personality are a few words to describe the author. I fell in love with the stories from the first paragraph. When it comes to columns, the author’s voice should come alive, and she did this remarkably well.

Hats off to the teachers

E ditori

I’m getting a job at The Daily Planet

their view

And they call it Puppy Love

their view

The

Column Writing

Weekly 3,500-6,500 Division

Third PLACE

Second PLACE

Graham Williams

Cody Sossamon

Union County News 4 | Union County News

4 | Union County News

Tuesday, April 6, 2021

4 | Union County News

The Gaffneyperspective Ledger perspectiveperspective PAGE 4

PAGE 4

Tuesday, May 25, 2021

GUEST COLUMNIST

Love letter to the Capitol

Eighteen percent are organizations again but this time the American war "There I was, a week out of the “There is place in the world for any business that like Paralyzed Veterans of America, fighters had the backing of the jungle, flying from San Francisco to takes care of its customers - after the sale.” - Harvey Vietnam Veterans Workshop, Semper American people, returning home to New York. I fell asleep and woke up Lots of Americans probably sat in front of their screens on MacKay Fi Fund and the Wounded Warrior patriotic welcomings by millions of yelling, probably a nightmare. The January 6 like I did. We watched the events unfold in complete So that is theThere's topic for today, Customer Christmas is a time forgrateful giving,countrymen whether it'sand family, Project. South Carolina is listed as women. other passengers no mistaking the soundService. of screeching tires foldisbelief with the feeling that the attack on the Capitol was perI like whatlowed Scott by Cook had to of saya about this topic: “A friends even strangers. having 735 veterans' organizations. The country seemingly recognized moved or away from the whump collision. sonal. It is, after all, the people’s house – our seat of government, in Union the spirit of givingthey more brand is no longer what wea tell the customer it is - it is Twenty-eight percent receive the shameful treatment had meNo - aone reaction I embodies There's been wreck. than David “Tubo” accorded the war fighters in Vietnam $50,000 or less in contributions noticed more and Owens. I've heard the soundstell twoeach vehicles when they what customers othermake it is.” safe and welcoming, open and accessible to all. Whenever there is someone in need or a worthy cause annually while some 40 percent and were determined, “Never more in the months collide with many And customers - youeach andother I - all talktimes durThe U.S. Capitol is a magical building. The majestic entrances. requiring financial support, Tubo is there, receive more than $250,000. Again.” ahead. The country ing the past 12 customer _ years I'veservspent workabout our shopping and The mysterious tunnels. The history that reeks from every nook helping toEver raisesince funds. He early not only acts Many Americans want to help our those morning didn't give a [care] ing ongood Mainand Street. them will ice experiences badOne andofthey and cranny. The ghosts of past debates, statesmanship and diplolike Santa Claus through 17, his 1991, generosity, warriors, but they need to give with hours on January until about the guys comrunothers. the stoplight at the intersection of do influence macy. The odd architectural quirks. The winding hallways, hideeach year he dresses up as Jolly Old St. their head as well as their heart. And today, the American people have ing back, or what Main and Pinckney streets and hit the How much? Nick and rides a sleighto during giver beware: there are always scambeen on in a journey honorlocal those they'd gone through. other one in the side, blocking traffic in away offices and expansive staircases. The imposing statues of According Forbes, “Seven in 10 Christmas mers out there. whoparades. fought in both Iraq and The feeling toward all for directions. American heroes. The massive artwork that tells the story of our If I say so them was, 'Stay Last Afghanistan U.S. consumers sayjust they've spent more week, a woman Whitmire GuideStar recommends: and in other, lesser and known, That's what happened last country’s history. children lost everything a fire. money to do businessafternoon. with a company • Know why you are giving, what in the Middle in East and away - don't con-her fivebattlefields Wednesday As a result, I myself My first “real life” job out of college was working on Capitol her employer, Michael size organization do you want to elsewhere. wound directingAmerican traffic until help that delivers greatupservice,” By Paul Davis taminate us withThat night, Hill the as the receptionist for a freshman SC congressman. Our ofposted urgent support, and SCENE do you want to support youan fought forplea our via country,” whatever you've Thomas, “If LIVE NATIVITY - Jonesville Baptist Church presented a live nativity scene on Dec. 6 and 13. Children portrayed Express VParrived. Raymond Joabar said in Facebook one will of small or large; start-up or estabtheyMessenger: seemed to “Prayers be saying,to“we brought back from As soon as of I heard the crash I ran outcharacters the first time and all ages took part the second time. Jacob Robinson, Rev. Scott Cannon, Ben Black, Nick Ivey, If I say so Graham fice was less than two football field announcing the results one survey. my employees as they lost lished; of local, internafight forand youher on kids the home front.” Vietnam.” Former Graham U.S. Senator John side of to see how bad it was.isOne car was Caleb Bright, Faithnational, Cannon,orCJ Knox, Kris Knox, Maddie Burgess, Becky Boheler, Joan Mull, Leland Edenfield, Elijah lengths across the street from the And the value customer service myself Williams their house tonight due to a fire. To some tional. One of clearest examples of the Kerry (Three Purple Hearts, Silver facing west on Main Street, its front Edenfield, Grayson Edenfield and David Buchanan Williams employers as consumers say they are Capitol. I passed it daily for almost By Paul Davis increasing,bumper theirvoluntary employees might be just • Make sure the nonprofit has an nation's commitment to Star, Bronze Star with V.) … lying on the pavement. The spend 17%onmore on those ten years and never lost my awe of to my family, have always easy-to-understand mission that military arethey the thousands of “By the 1980s, however, many that butour otherwilling car wastofacing north Pinckney Street with a up from 14% a few years working right at the center of been a Wounded part of my family. support Watching them aligns with your principles and organizabeganatofew change their Sure,Americans you can save bucks, initially, at the bigWarrior largebusinesses, dent in its side. ago, the surveyI found. Part of this change is driven by beliefs. thata have up since 1991 views of Vietnamseeing veterans. theirThey lives changetions in just flash sprung is heartbreaking started to call 911, but realized my cell phone wasbox on store. American government. • GET FACTS. GuideStar can give as America again took another look beganwill to see that even if the war was millennials, who are the to building, spend more for my But what but to see the small kids' faces really hit my heart hard. If my desk. I ranmost backwilling inside the grabbed they do for you after the sale? Do they Among my duties in this first you factual information on almost atcan those who on the wrong, the men who to fought youuse are their able help, youDo drop offput thetheir itemslives at Thomas great care.” phone and made the call as I ran back out outside. know you andmost howofyou product? they even job was giving tours of the Capitol any nonprofit through its database of line. Street, Whitmire.” were just ordinary guys&doing Grocery Grill,their 161 Gilliam There it is. “911 - What's your emergency?” want toitjobs. know? How long has their CS staff been on the (This is my annual re-submission about Christmas at “Here Pacolet Man, here Insurance Man,” to constituents visiting the Hill. At Vietnam Vets had paved away two million organizations. Charity Many people Both started feel County The thetoUnion News and WBCU posted “There's been a wreck at the intersection of Main and That is my attitude. job? How much turnover do they have? How well are the tire and petroleum conglomeration as expressed by Like hungry raptors they came. first, I was a little disappointed to Navigator is another great source of for these warriors by stoically sympathy and even gratitude toward Thomas' message on our Facebook pages. Within minutes, streets,” Iaspects said. “Someone ran a red light.” One of thePinckney most influential that I consider they trained, technically and ashad CS staff? Can youWoodson, even members of the As I drew in my head, and was turning around, facts. The big infamous clue: HowBoard much of of Directors, first writaccepting their “baby killer” the veterans. Soldiers who Tubo messaged WBCU's Chris asking himlabels, to “Is anyone injured?” discover my job description inwhen planning“Ia don't consumer purchase, is not the initial talk to served one face-to-face? How began easyradio is itstation to establish a theylocation tentheir in 2009). In came Happy Valley Man with a something he money goes to overhead and didasthea drop-off best could infor a shamein Vietnam finally designate the cloththink so,” I replied. cluded this task. It seemed becost, but how good is their service? found. relationship with the CS staff? how much actually goes to those indifferent and hostile society, receiving recognition andmoney. marching ing and He also fully pledged $100 and challenged the “Someone willcustomer be there shortly.” neath a “professional” to do what I For example,Looking my celltophone is Iwith Verizon, noton the phone at “'Twasthey the week before Christmas He was dressed in working clothes from head to his say they support - noth- and all through the stayed course in holiday parades across thetocouncommunity raise $1,000 for theto woman andeventually her chil- laid whom Having established that customer service matters me and my left, noticed a woman considered intern level work. because I consider any better than Ianyone shoes, ing less than 60%. foundation try. In Newsweek reported dren.of the Arthur their State phones Bank's walk-up window. think she wasmore than the1985, initial cost item, let methecontinue to for the warriors of the place There on anyone's “Boys,” he said, “I have found some more booze.” But it didn’t take long for this to I amwasn't proud aoffrown the support the face. 1990swho and beyond. that, "America's Vietnam veterans, hisoffriends else's, it is because they911. haveI held a store herephone in Union Tubo contacted also calling up my and told her I had promote this topic from the perspective where thecook bestbarbecue and bake REBA CAMPBELL The tires were hung the walls with care, A wine cake tightly held was in his hand, American people are on giving our warAccording efforts. to GuideStar, which once viewed with a mixture indifcakes to helpofhim in his fund-raising He also just called for help. to the frequent operator whose staff graciously responds become one of my favorite job duCS takes place. riors today. In talking today's non-profits, “More than as 45,000 ference and outright hostility by their In thewith hopes that a customer would “I have something to give this merry band.” donned his Santa Claus rates suit for photos with children got tonot thebeing cornerthe I saw that traffic was questions that IWhen have.I And sharpest knife inbacking ties. Back then Congressional staff Close to home. wounded warriors, of them are nonprofits devoted to veterans and countrymen, are another now widely way regardof raising money. soonmany be there. With Board Members getting merrier by the bite, up on North Pinckney Street. I walked the middle of the drawer regarding electronics, I usually have to a queshad access to almost all parts of the Capitol. Except for the dome I useedmy computer every day, notevening, alwaystheir withfamilies impresquick to attribute their extensive are registered with the as national heroes." Coming By Saturday $1,500 had been raised and clothThe Board Members were all nestled It was clear that this could be a wild corporate night. the intersection and began motioning for the cars to tion-a-month track record. As a minimum. And the sive competency, but ing typically enough to accomand the chambers, we could go just about anywhere, as long as medical and financial to the FORTY-FIVE THOUSAND. Home: Vietnam Veterans Ingood donations were still IRS. coming in. Donations will be snug insupport their rockers, And in through the door The Boss quickly came, begin moving. I looked up and saw the traffic light was thought of trying to get my question answered on-line plish the task at Society, hand.accepted until Wednesday. According to GuideStar, the we knew the guards. Vietnam VeteransSeeing who received American red. I didn't care; I wanted those cars to either go straight visions of white wine cake, The man whose station carried his name. with a faceless “customer service rep” is about as promUsually. nothing: “You all paved the way for Dockers. of veterans Encyclopedia.com Yes, Union, there is a majority Santa Claus, and hisnonprofits name is or turn right onto West Main Street. they'd dance in their His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry, I quickly became intrigued digging into the historical context ising as expecting the IRS helpMain me with us. Thank you.” And Slick Head wearing his (65%) are posts or major organizathen in 1991, American “Tubo” Owens.waralways. I looked downtoEast Streetmy andtaxes. saw traffic liningBut notAnd But not because, like the rest, he had been making of the building and its ties to the Palmetto State. I loved helping We have all to deal with large And so we did. the American Legion and planesIlitam upstuck the sky oversome Bagdad • like • • what uphad behind the wrecked car. companies I couldn't dowith anything to help So, when with computertions glitch, Corporate hat, merry. South Carolina visitors make a connection to the real-life experiVeteranswe ofpublish Foreignchildren's Wars. letwasyear at war their endless that choice of extensions, dropped calls, elsewhere. forEvery before Christmas situation; my attention was focused Had just settled down for his after“Boys,” he began, “don't let this party get out of now? and the United States ence of lawmaking. I learned how to show visitors the Speaker’s tersbox to Santa in kindergarten and elemencouple of vehicles were stopped on South warded calls toAthe corporate boneyard of ignored calls,PinckneyI could call some big noon nap. hand.” geekClaus. tech inStudents some far away office and navigate the best underground path from the taryme, school write most of them. Street sounds - the firstlike oneahad its left turn signal wait-music which group of teens usingon. I When out by the pumps there rose “I won't,” replied Slick Head, “I'm in charge of private this city who does not know what I do, why I don'tMore wantoften than not, the children ask for the same thing whatever is the hottest motioned for the driver to wait until the traffic heading House buildings to the Senate buildings. I could demonstrate the If I say so such a clatter, merry band.” their fingernails to claw down the chalk board, and CS to his for game an undetercell warehouse phone or video system (“Dear Santa, I want on Pinckney could cross theplacate intersection.to bring my computertoy, He sprung from his bed to see what With a grimace on face and a shake of his head, spot in Statuary Hall where one person could throw their voice to reps with no south authority to help Street the customer, just myself mined length of time,aand has been in that job for PS5who and money.”) I turned back around to see what was happening with was the matter. “If that's the case,” said the Boss. “I have something to on the other side of the room. I took visitors to the him. someone two days since bailing out of another computer repair By Paul Davis Sometimes, however, their requests surprise us. those cars and saw a line of white limousines with their Away to the window he flew in a dread.” The company puts them out there play line rope-a-dope empty burial chamber beneath the Rotunda and told the ghost company. “Dear Santa, My name is Tinsley. I am 5 years old. I headlights on, followed bytoa long of cars with their flash, The cake was all eaten and the crumbs were long with the customer like on, Muhammad Ali did in his 1974 stories related to it. havefee been nice! This year I would like a cat.” Sooo I pay a monthly to have Professional Help headlights too. And tripped over a tire in a frightful crash. gone, Rumble in the It Jungle world heavyweight Santa, How aretoyou in my the North Pole? I have was a match funeralagainst procession. Computer Service here “Dear in good ol’ Union keep Toaa 20-something young professional, this was pretty interestThen to my discerning eyes should appear When the Board Members gathered together to sing champion George Foreman. Ali limousines just let Foreman a been getting school. I want a science set and a I motioned for the to cross throw the intersection computer up and running, in spite5'sofatmy occasional ing stuff – and that knowledge carried over into jobs many years Rotor Rooter man with a rum cake so dear. song. GoPro,program. but what I want most is when you fly to spot my while holding up wore my right hand to blizzard of punches until he himself outsignal and the thenvehiclesooops with some installed With a smile on his face a pace Their legs were a bit shaky and their voices worse, down the road. After returning to SC, subsequent jobs frequently Vice President, Mike Pence, threatening to and hang him.so smooth, missing Norman: dog Pepea.” Ali knocked heading him out.east on Main Street to wait. Those cars could Why? Dear Representative He knew in afor moment that Board would soon be eating As they tried in vain to select just the right verse. took me back to DC for Capitol Hill visits. I was happy to use my Your vote a while backthis to void thewish 2020and presidential Some wereI specifically looking the Speaker of the “Santa, is a big it might be impossible. turn rightthat ontoisSouth Pinckney Just - traffic was blocked With someonly companies, the strategy: delay, booze. The words were mumbled and the notes terribly flat, They are local, my neighbors, I know them, and they election results was to me. It is So so I would House,really Nancy Pelosi, to do harm to her. Five people, knowledge of the Capitol complex that let me be the navigator thinka great if we disappointment all believed it will happen. ahead of them and to the theircustomer left. obfuscate, and double-talk until hangs up. More rapid hawks members But their hearts were merry and that was that. know I use They know how hardand to how understand why you andback. so many of your including a policeman, died that than day and ourthe Capitol was they came likemy my computer. grandma Grandma wascolso sweet even tho As soon as the funeral procession passed I motioned to me and tour guide again. “There is place in the world for any business that Sure thatangetting buzz would be part of the game. And I heard them exclaim as I drove out of sight, easily Ileagues hit theinwrong keyCongress and howsupport to clean up“BIG my mess the U.S. LIE” of heavily damaged. This was assaultaon ouron democracy. shes in a better place I the think she would be really proud to the vehicle with its turn signal on to go ahead and turn Even when visiting DC on personal visits over the years, I alAnd our Rotor Rooter Man Mr. shouted and called them by “Merrrrrrry Chrishmuuuush to all, and to all a takes care ofleft its onto customers - after the The sale.” - Harvey Donald Trump that the election was stolen him when Mr. Norman. two senators, Lindsey 'cause they have been there and done that. see what I have done and from she would be really glad to see You and West Main Street. vehicles on West Main ways made sure to walk through the Capitol grounds. The buildname; goooood night.” MacKay state election officials judges dozens lawsuits Graham Scott, were elected by thousands of me andand I would feelinthe same.ofShe was really funny. and She Mr. Tim I trust them completely. turned right onto South Pinckney. “Here Milliken Man, here Preacher Man, ing continued to draw me in with happy personal memories and the election was not and stolen and one of the mostwake South Carolina About this time I heard a siren and saw a Union Public loved me Dylan. She would always up right in citizens to represent us, yet you all seem to Theyruled are my tech first responders. If Iwas have a question, transparent and secure elections ever. be under the control of one man who is Donald Trump. a strong connection to our country’s history, strength and stabilSafety Department vehicle pull up. Cpl. Robert HopeIgot do it I would be the happiest boy of all call and they are all time. over Ifit you withwant a solution. Promptly. Mr. Trump's actins during his term looked similar to Today (5/12/2021) I see on the news where the minoriout and I waved to him. I've known Robert since he was boys.” ity . Today. Not a week from now. actions during Hitler's toare power. During Mr. ty leader a child. He and my son, Sean, were best friends growingTheyHitler's “Dear Santa,rise How the reindeer? This year I don'tin the House of Representatives, Rep. Kevin I never once considered the Capitol building, the symbol of keep me posted of electronic threats to my hate com-and Trump's time in think office there anything has been much McCarthy, up. there's Iso really want besides Covid beinghas urged the removal of Rep. Liz Cheney what our country stands for, could be attacked. Because of that, puter's divisiveness well-being in andour out of electronic mine country, to mention thefields insurrec- from her #3 position because she continues to tell the truth “Were you involved?” he asked me. gone. “ the not that populate the Capitol internet. January 6 pierced my heart. I couldn’t stop watching the news retion at our on 1/6/2021 where he invited aboutdoes the election and won't bow down to Donald Trump “No, I've just been directing traffic until you showed “Dear Santa, The reason I wrotehis thisfolis Nanny not Besides what theybydo for me, to entreprelowers to riot saying things like, gotbecause to fightI know and you embrace ports. Every camera shot showed familiar scenes – not just up,” I said, feel well so according I want to “We've write this will his lies. What a sad day in the USA to see To the editor:in Congress for telling all humanity. I would like to think that God's message of likefor hell” and$100 “I'lltospent walk youbusiness, someone removed from a position neur.com every atwith aforlocal $68a new bath Robert began checking on the people involved in the try get this her: a to newthe car Capitol.” and tub. Me, I places Overwas twoa thousand ago in a in small town in Judea love and peace is more likely to be heard in small town,I’d been before but places that are forever part of who I However, his speech, got she the is truth. Luckily there majority years of Americans wreck and I returned to the intersection. An ambulance remained in the we cityknow, versus $43 ofinflammatory a chain retailer. just after want another year with Nanny he because the best am. That building is in my blood, and on January 6 my blood ran the Trump Christ out child born in a he stable. a limousine and was in taken back thethat White 2020 ever.” who voted Mr. of was office before couldShepherds were the far from the maddening noise and pace of life in large arrived, causing more congestion. I noticed a second Plus,into world will House never change their service isgrandma tailored totheme andtoand my needs, not cold watching it being attacked and defaced. first greet the baby Jesus. where he watched the imagine insurrection television it was do more ourpeople countrytoand hopefully there will The arrival of our cities. public safety vehicle was on the scene and the officera generic “Dear Santa, going Myon wish to beas with my family on adamage giv- to customer. I can't to isSpartanburg Savior occurred in a very setting. No major city or Let's give thanks during this Holy season for God's gift climbed the magnificent marble steps next to where riotI had place. Sadly, over 400 people who attacked the be even more voters in the future who rejecthumble Mr. Trump's had begun directing traffic. ing holiday.” for helptaking or some internet “help” line. mansion! of thewill common and Capitol have now “Dear been Santa, arrested by the authorities lies we've heard,Think and who show thread on that glo- to us. A small town, regular, hardworking neighbors ers scaled the walls. I had watched proceedings from House As I headed back to the office, I saw Junior Vaughan “Customers I have a wish. Wait, I and have aagenda, couple. the I manypalatial who love you will for more rious and night. stable, a small town and regular working peaceful silent nights. have a criminal record. The market defense by you some of itthese for democracy ourAconstitution. sitting on the bench outside the bank. want for Covid to go away. I want to snowsupport on gallery in the same seats where House members hunkered down than you can possibly market yourself.” - in school.” people. Merry Christmas insurrectionists has been thatMy they feltwish they Judy S. Davis “You could have helped me,” I said in a pleading powerfully Christmas. last iswere to dofollowing good gas masks. I had witnessed four inaugurations on the west Jeannetheir Blisspresident's (Mr. As another Christmas approaches, H. Russellin Caston orders. Unionlet's all think about voice. WeTrump's) can all learn a lot about the spirit of Christmas from lawn where insurgents ripped down scaffolding prepped for this That's Some just what I am doing. the simplicity of that first Christmas. God chose a stable, Union taking part inchildren. the riot Iwere for our ex- merry “You did a good job,” he replied, grinning. these hopelooking you all have a very

Christmas, corporate-style

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Open letter to Rep. Ralph Norman

Give thanks for God’s gift to us

Christmas.

a small town and regular guys to welcome His great gift to

inauguration. I had walked the halls to the Speaker’s suite where protesters ransacked the office. I had led constituents, friends and family members on tours through Statuary Hall where rioters attacked law enforcement officers. Even after all these years, I knew that building like my own neighborhood, my own home. I knew it was safe. meaning known only to members of the But it wasn’t until January 6 that I realized the sense of safety church. I felt related the Capitol went far beyond my own personal space. Each element of the carol is a code The Capitol symbolized the nation’s safety and security, the laws word for a religious reality.

Frozen water a Christmas Eve fire alarm thosethey menonce and women wholines gavecaused their lives Local politics are very Remember different than were This column was originally published on March 29, 2012.

Editor’s note: This column was origi-

It was an ideal time to work. There was

they can do the same at our house.

(Editor's note: This column was origithe Southnally as well. I look forwardice to each welloutside and thanks to BrucetoI have a skele••• everywhere that seemed published•This on 21,time 2009. In those years the politicians cam• • not • only the North but • Dec, • is the nally published on May 27, 2013.) • • • year because it brings childhood make memo-everything ton key Having neighbors like that bring back all again. the quieter. At the They have a more paigned door to door with candidates in Because of gas rationing and tire Lyrics wereshortadded later but the couldn't first riespicked of going early in the morning with • • •

This is a season of love, and of promise,

most critical time in both houses where

memories of the neighbors we had when I

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2021

PAGE 4

THE GAFFNEY LEDGER

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2021

Monday, December 21, 2020

Paving theUnion, way other warriors Restoring ordertrumps service product costforthere Yes, Humphries never Customer out of chaos is a Santa Claus forgot his roots The line of cars began forming as the boxes of fresh produce were being unloaded from the trucks and stacked up on wooden pallets. D.J. Humphries greeted each person as they drove up, asking them how many boxes they wanted. “I'll take two,” one woman said. “How about we fill up your car?” Humphries replied. “Pop your trunk.” This scene was repeated over and over on Wednesday as Humphries gave away 1,330 boxes of produce through the “Pee Wee's House” Foundation, named for his late grandmother, Elizabeth Ann “Pee Wee” Means. Humphries was born and raised in Union, but moved to Charlotte with his Graham father when he was in the eighth grade. Williams He played high school football at Mallard Creek High School before signing to play college football at the University of Florida. Humphries turned pro after his junior year with the Gators and was a first round draft pick of the Arizona Cardinals in the 2015 NFL Draft. Despite all of his success, however, Humphries never forgot his roots and the promise he made to “Pee Wee.” “This is big for me, remaining humble and remembering where I come from and making sure I stay in touch with my people,” he said. “All of these people have known me since I was a kid. These are my people.” Word of the food giveaway spread quickly via social media. Humphries' mother, Nakisha Means Rice, said. “He got the flyer typed up and he texted - he was like, 'Mama, share this' and he shared it on his end and all of his friends shared it,” she said. Last week's fresh food initiative is part of Humphries' concern for healthy eating, especially when it comes to children. “Kids don't get breakfast; it's your brain food,” he said. “So I want to put these guys in the position that the stuff that they're eating is good, nutritional stuff.” Humphries said he thinks events like the one last week set a good example for children in the community. “It's such a small town; stuff like this can really enact a change because of the little people - sparking those minds - the things that I think about I think about because my dad sparked my mind when I was young,” he said. “I always knew I competed more because my dad was more than anything I had seen before. A lot of kids don't always have that example so me being able to come back and be in front of people so they can see me and it be tangible - you can see me and know that this real; all those dreams that you dream about.” Humphries said he wants to make the food giveaway an annual event. “I'm going to try to do this at least once a year,” he said. “We're going to do a few events each year through Pee Wee's House.” Humphries said he also wants to involve high school athletes in an event this summer. I'm planning on doing a 'Battle of the Border' 7 on 7 this summer,” he said. “I want to do it at my high school in Charlotte (Mallard Creek), I want to have teams from South Carolina, teams from North Carolina battle for the title. Kind of like the Shrine Bowl except for 7-on-7 teams.” Humphries, who is starting his seventh season in the NFL, said he plans to continue the foundation after his playing days are over. “I'm hoping to keep this thing rolling forever, man. This is my real legacy. The football thing is awesome that's my occupation - this is my real legacy.”

THE GAFFNEY LEDGER

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2021

THE GAFFNEY LEDGER

WRITER A SDOUTHERN EASY OES IT You don’t want tolush get this Winter’s green carpet

If you haven’t been concerned COVID and even if I did, I’d be one of It’s an unusual plant. No flowers. No roots, but what a green about COVID-19, take it from somethose who never even knew they had it. mystifies me. When I come across it I one who has been dealing with it velvety plant. Green moss Boy , was I wrong. stare. Always. Why can’t my look like that? I don’t for the past three weeks: you On lawn the afternoon of Wednesday , Jan- know should be! 6 I began feel a bitbut under the this much about moss, greenuary moss, as it’stocalled, I know When it first began affecting our much. It likes moisture, weather. it likes Nothing shade, major, and itmind likesyou. oldNot bricks. plans, schedules and daily routines like the flu that hits all of a sudden. Baked red clay and soft green moss make a pretty pair. They about this time last year, I pretty Just mildly ‘not right.’ much took it in stride, seeing it just need a lot of time to connect. Thursday evening it had gotten worse Visit an old homesite during theI cold season, for that’s when more as an annoyance than anyso I decided needed to get tested for thing else. March Madness was moss stands out. Moss doesn’t COVID. die Guess what? back in winter. Chances are cancelled. The Masters was can- good you’ll see bricks carpeted No testing on Friday , Jan. 8 due to in lush green and round green celled. Our trip to Italy, which we winter weather forecast. cushions appear here and there among the brown leaves of auhad been planning for a year, was I got progressively worse over the tumn.CODY SOSSAMON cancelled. weekend. Chills, low grade fever, cough, PUBLISHER haunts . Myloss mission was As time went by businesses were I visited one of my favorite headaches, bodySaturday aches, fatigue, of to see the first Didn’t any . They closed, restaurants shut down, school disrupted — blooming appetite, nodaffodils. taste, no smell, soresee throat and diar- have a life as we knew it was altered in ways that rhea. to what has been a cold winter. The earth ways towe go yet thanks could have never imagined. In short almost every symptom of COVID felt like a sponge from the recent rains. Streams andoncreeks ran Still, most of us dealt with it thinking it would the list. red and over theirI banks and periwinkle was green. But the pass quickly, surely before football season began. never had chills like that before and I’ve had Fluorescent. literally But nooooo, the disease persisted and got worse. chills. It was moss? a chore to walk from myIt recliner in Late afternoon sun turned We began to hear about people we knew – family the bedroom glowed. to the bathroom. and friends — who had tested positive and some And I couldn’t sleep. The first few days and stood and spore stalks radiant. They nights were weird. It was like I was having some peered about like thin long-necked sort of out of body experience — really strange birds or miniature meerkats. dreams except I don’t think they were dreams beI’d loveortoathave lawnthink carpeted in cause I wasn’t sleeping, least Iadidn’t I green moss but my moss-covered was. Me? I was careful not to visit As I waitedrock in line Monday morning to get walkways will do. Mymy friend, crowded places, even test, I had a huge sinking spell. I wasn’t I’d leaves Eddie Drinkard, says sure keeping make it, but I did and the test (the second one I’d though I did dine out a few off the stones helps moss cover them. had) wasn’t all that terrible. Wednesday morning I seems tovia help. times. I wore a mask when I got a positiveIt result back email. I think ofpositive. green moss as a But I already Now knew it would be did visit a public place, like That was on January 13. The next week kinder, gentler kudzu onwas a smaller, the post office. rough, to saydown-to-earth the least. I don’t recall ever scale. It feeling covers what it that crappy for that many days a row in my life. Through it all, I neverTOM POLAND can but unlike in kudzu it doesn’t kill My wife (Nurse Ratched) made me go to the docwhatout, it blankets. No,a moss likes hard thought I’d actually get tor. I was checked lung X-ray and script for cannottreatments kill a brick. every four hours (thus, the COVID and even if surfaces I did, I’dand youbreathing reference to my When wife, who is usuMoss covered aforementioned my late mom’s fountains. she was alive I be one of those who nevera spring allyritual. very nice kind.) observed I’dand drive over across the Savannah for It was the first time in my life I ever had to be even knew they had threeit. days and performed spring chores. Among the chores was put in a wheelchair to get back to the exam room. getting her fountains up and running. That meant clearing Boy, was I wrong. Did I mention this COVID crap makes you very away fall’s leaves, turned black and rotten by winter rains. I had weak? to clean them out So thoroughly but best not harm Jan. the moss as I write this onITuesday morning, 26, I or I’d amloved obviously be in trouble. She it. feeling much better, but far from who had died. 100%. Dr. Ruffing told me last week it would be So do I. The greeting question of the day became “Have two or three weeks before I felt ‘normal’ again. A pelt of green moss seems like some kind of fur, yet like baryou been tested? What was it like?” But I will feel normal again and it won’t be long. nacles, it attaches itself to hard surfaces. been up in the More and more of us began to comply with I count myself fortunate to haveI’ve my very own mountains streams and creeks split, braid, mask-wearing mandates. Still others insisted onwhere ‘Nurse Ratched’ who has been much more and atten-stair-step maintaining it is all a hoax and/oraround that masks are tive than I thinkPhotographers I could have been were rolesa slow moss-covered rocks. like our to use a waste of time. The conspiracy theorists She has water kept meinto frommilky flying over the of shutterperpetuspeed toreversed. turn rushing threads ated tales of falsified positive tests and deaths due ‘Cuckoo’s Nest.’ white. The white silky water and green moss-covered rocks to COVID. This experience has given me a newfound admifashion a sort ofration fairyland. In short, by the time fall rolled around, people for all of those suffering from long-term illsome folks use it as a rooftop. It’s were at each other’s throats over it. AGreen acrimo-moss. They nessestell andme their caregivers. nious election season did not helpfriendly calm the waAs bad as I felt, I knew it would be over in a matto the environment and absorbs water, being spongeters. ter of weeks. How do those who see no to endbe in sun tolerlike. Of course the species of moss would have Me? I was careful not to visit crowded places, sight cope? Faith and prayer got me through ant yet be in a moisture-rich area. Sounds like the mountains to even though I did dine out a few times. I wore a many of those long sleepless nights. me. I’m not sure just how a moss roof works but evidently it mask when I did visit a public place, like the post Please be careful and take precautions against does. office. this disease. As I tell all my friends and family, Through it all, I never thought I’d actually get I’ll “You don’t want getmoss this!” spread to more of my As for me, be content to to see

rock walkways. I’m not ready for a Carrabba’s-type roof yet, though it sounds lovely. What would be interesting is a brick

house covered in moss entire, given its love for bricks, but those RITER W A SOUTHERN bricks are vertical. Moss likes heaps of horizontal bricks hun-

of years old in damp earth. And that means today’s brick Tough Guy, Soft dreds Heart: Jack — then A city slicker houses must sufferPalance abandonment, collapse into the earth, and become ruins. Then green moss can carpet them so some

The book world brings interest-

and Palance had his chance. Critics

THEIR VIEW

EASY DOES IT

Your freedom, your choice

Game changer or Band Aid?

EASY DOES IT

Words can be hurtful

Yes, we believe in individuals’ freedoms and their right to make their own choices.

I’ve only talked briefly a few him tobelieve an elite status. The statement, We also in science, experts in the medical field and research that provides us the means to protect our Ihealth. times with Cherokee County “You obviously don’t know who am”Consider the many advances made in the field of health care thanks to reSchool Board Chairman J.J. Sarspeaks volumes. search and science. ratt. He seemed like a decent, Sarratt’s attitude of superiority is thanks to rePolio has very nearly been eradicated from the globe search and prevalent the development of a vaccine. Ponder the many surgical friendly guy. Recent reports of his all too among many elected procedures and transplants that can be done today that could only treatment of school district emofficials and others in leadership be imagined not so many years ago. ployees, however, show a different roles. Not we allneed of to them, you, but By all means, upholdmind our individual freedoms above allenough else. At least, seems to be a rallying cry among many who side of the chairman. to that be troublesome. oppose face mask mandates and vaccinations in these COVID-19 A few weeks ago the principal Show me a person in a position of days. of Blacksburg High School filed a power sees themselves Applyingwho this line of thinking, let’s nowas lookaathumother areas where our individual rights quashed on aand daily basis and include them complaint against Sarratt for hable servant of are the people I’ll show in our stance for our liberties: rassment at a Blacksburg High you a leader. — No medical professional ought to have to wash his or her hands School basketball game. My dad taught many things and arms, wear scrubs andme a face covering when performing surgery . Granted, this speaks to your overall health and the health of The conversation during which about running a business. One of the CODY SOSSAMON others, but ... the alleged harassment took place most important things to being sucPUBLISHER — No restaurant should have to follow DHEC guidelines or be was witnessed by Blacksburg cessful to treat your employees punished forwas not doing so. It’s their right to operate free and clear of annoying and regs. your right to chooseberate whether to eat at High Assistant Principal Will Coggins and with respect. “Ifrules there is a It’s problem, never their establishments. Granted, this speaks to your overall health Cherokee County School District Athletic Directhe offender in front of his fellow workers. and the health of others, but ... tor Terrence Scriven. Never. Treat them all should with not respect.” — Government dictate what speed you should drive on and interstates. Granted, this speaks During the course of the conversation, the I regretthe toroads, say highways I have violated those words of to your overall health and the principal, Dr. Hunter Jolley, claims that Sarratt wisdom on a few occasions. made threatening and harassing remarks to Sam Walton, founder of Walmart, said, “Outhim. standing leaders go out of their way to boost the An incident from a year ago came to light self-esteem of their personnel. If people believe when a former school district employee read the in themselves, it’s amazing what they can acaccount of the Jolley-Sarratt incident in The complish.” Ledger. The staff member Sarratt told “I got you” had That person relayed an incident that involved volunteered to monitor the metal detector beSarratt at a Blacksburg High basketball game cause the school didn’t have enough money to last year. The employee said that Sarratt pointed pay a security guard. Yes, volunteered. From his finger in the face of a staff member and said what we were told the volunteer was really “I got you!” after Sarratt had been instructed to shaken up by the incident. walk through a metal detector in place to screen I can understand why. What would you think if fans at a basketball game last season. the chairman of the board of the company you The employee told The Ledger that Sarratt worked for has just pointed his finger at you and was stopped by a school staff member, who had said, “I got you!”? volunteered to serve as security at the metal deWill I be fired? Disciplined? Demoted? tectors. The staff member informed Sarratt that Words can be powerful. They can lift us up or all fans must walk through the security device, they can tear us down. according to the former school official. No matter our position or status, let’s all be In response, Sarratt then allegedly told the mindful of what we say and how we say it. school staff member, “You obviously don’t know When I was a youngster and someone would who I am. I’m J.J. Sarratt, school board chairsay something that hurt my feelings, my mother man.” would remind me to tell them “sticks and stones According to our source, Sarratt’s actions may break my bones, but words can never hurt were captured on videotape, which was sent to me.” superintendent Dr. Dana Fall. The videotape My mother wasn’t wrong about much, but meshowed Sarratt’s actions but no audio was thinks she missed the mark on that one. recorded. As chairman of the Cherokee County School Now we’ve all had lapses of judgement when Board, Sarratt is the face of the district. His acwe’ve snapped at someone or acted in a way that tions in these two incidents reflect poorly on all we later regretted. of us. Perhaps Chairman Sarratt was having a bad day on both of these occasions and perhaps not. “Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you Perhaps, if both of these accounts are accurate, want to test a man’s character, give him power.” – he feels his position as a school trustee elevates President Abraham Lincoln

GUEST COLUMNIST

Making your funeral arrangements

Some are calling it a game This is what Bratton told me via changer. email: “4 basketball courts, 8 volleyI see it more as a Band Aid. ball courts, and still able to host comI refer to the county’s announcemunity events is HUGE for economic ment of plans to transform the development and for the County. This Broad River Electric facility into a facility is a large part of what was public works/recycling/recreation proposed in the rec center proposal center. and is also part of what was said was In case you have not heard, the coneeded during the 2037 A Clear Viop plans to give its current headsion study. An indoor gymnasium is quarters to the county when its new on the top of the list for what the one is built. Recreation District has identified as The county announced that it will one of their largest needs. This builduse the building for the multiple ing is a true example of what two orCODY SOSSAMON purposes mentioned above. ganizations working together can do PUBLISHER Plans had been in place to build a for the community.” new public works/recycling center near the landAs much as I like and respect Steve, I don’t see fill to replace the ones now on county-owned how this project is HUGE for economic developproperty near the Midway Recreation complex. ment. Yes, it certainly provides much-needed Before I go any further, it should be understood gyms for the recreation department’s local prothat I am a fervent supporter of the proposed grams. recreation/community center that was presented I can’t imagine it bringing in the outside events to county council, city council and town council that contribute to the local economy. almost two years ago. Steve did not address my question about That facility would have included a gymnasium whether or not council is doing anything about with two basketball courts, an indoor swimming the proposal presented two years ago. pool, a venue room for weddings, community The Chamber of Commerce is 100% behind the events, conferences, etc. large enough to accomproposal, having formed a sports council to supmodate 500 people and four turf ball fields. The port it. The YMCA supports it. VA officer Todd proposed facility would have been located at the Humphries supports it. Limestone University Midway Recreation Complex. supports it. The NAACP supports it. The CheroAt that time the estimated cost was $16 million. kee County School District supports it. SpartanCounty council was asked during the presentaburg Community College supports it. Cherokee tion to schedule a referendum to impose a tax inCounty industries and businesses support it. crease of 9 mills to build and operate it. They Boys and Girls Club director Vance Hammond waffled on that request. A recent update put the supports it. Sen. Harvey Peeler supports it. cost at a little more than $21 million. Representatives from Sens. Graham and Scott Because of its close proximity to the interstate, and Rep. Norman recently told the sports council numerous consultants have lauded such a facility numerous grants for such a facility are available as an economic development boon. if the county applies for them. Sen. Peeler said Combined with the ballfields already at the site, the same about state grants. hosting travel baseball and softball tournaments Other grants from private foundations are posalone would bring in millions to the local econsible, but getting the county to make the first omy. Those tournaments would also help pay for move is critical to success. the operation and maintenance of the facility, I realize there are many issues and projects the bringing in up to $50,000 per tournament with county is currently dealing with and perhaps beabout 40 per year. Those numbers are from a perlieve this ‘Band Aid’ is sufficient to appease those son who handles travel ball events all over the of us who want first class facilities for our resicountry. dents and a facility that will truly be ‘HUGE for Add to that revenue from basketball, volleyball, economic development.’ soccer and swimming events and you can see the Other counties are light years ahead of us in potential. using recreation as a development tool while proThat’s only part of the benefit. viding amenities for their citizens. I implore Cherokee County does not have a public swimmembers of council to take a second look at the ming pool. The indoor pool at Limestone Univerproposal presented and do whatever it takes to sity is used by the YMCA and Gaffney High make this dream a reality. Our recreational opSchool. It will be closed soon. The dire need for an portunities are abysmal. It will take more than a indoor pool cannot be stressed enough. A pool not Band Aid to remedy the situation. only provides a much-needed amenity for our resThe county is saving $2-$4 million (maybe idents — young and old — but could be used to more!) by converting the co-op building rather teach swim lessons. Everyone should know how than building a public works facility. Using that to swim or at least have the opportunity to learn. savings to start the ball rolling on a real rec cenThe venue room is also something Cherokee ter would be a great first step. If you think counCounty does not have. There is no place locally cil should make building the proposed facility a that can be used for the purposes mentioned earpriority, let them know how you feel. Their names lier in this column. Cherokee National can acand contact info are listed below. It wouldn’t hurt commodate up to 120 people, but it is a private to let members of other councils know you feel. facility and is rented to members only. If you believe Cherokee County should conCounty administrator Steve Bratton said the tinue being at the bottom of the recreation totem Broad River auditorium, which will house the poll, say nothing. basketball courts, can continue to be used for community events. "Being able to provide for the family is important That’s all well and good, but as anyone who has but living without RECREATION is like a car rented the co-op knows, it is cavernous and has without gas. It’s stopped and parked waiting to be the feel of a warehouse. Definitely not an intitaken away. So why not give it some gas and take it mate setting by any means. to a wonderful place." - Lian Chin

COUNC L CONTACTS

Column Writing

28 | SENIOR NEWS

thedanielislandnews.com

The Daniel Island News ■ December 3 - 9, 2020

Old cookbooks tell more tales than just recipes

Weekly 3,500-6,500 Division

November 4 - 10, 2021 ■ The Daniel Island News

chapter two

VICKIE BERNIE

Living life as a senior

First PLACE Vickie Bernie

The Daniel Island News

’Tis the season some of us get all mushy over recipes. I love planning holiday meals! (Passing on a bit of well-learned wisdom from over the years — I do know that the planning and anticipation is most likely going to be much more satisfying than the actual event, but I always push that way back into the deep, dark annals of my mind.) I recently went through literally hundreds of recipes, cut out from newspapers and magazines, from friends, handed down from relatives, even some that came with gifts as VICKIE BERNIE far back as one of my wedding showers! Looking through old cookbooks can bring I forced myself to finally throw a good back memories much like a photo album. portion of them away. The Way To A Man’s Heart” (her cooking The ones I saved are treasures and I carefully trimmed them and fitted them into clear and independent thinking became more sophisticated as she got older). The fudge plastic sheets and organized them into two recipe on page 520 has little chocolate fingerwhite binders — volume one and volume prints that are close to 60 years old. two. of myIsland best News recipes are from I thought about re-typing each but 3, then February 25 one - March 2021 ■ Some The Daniel decided that the yellowed, handwritten ones, grandma’s, aunts, moms and neighbors and food stained and full of little notes written on they aren’t even my grandma’s, aunts, moms and neighbors, but somehow, over the years them were actually my favorites. they feel like they are. I know them through Those old recipes really tell a story – the their beautiful food. confection known as “bumpy cake.” It was to ’80s for example – It seems like we used forof – chocolate through and through with Finally came threedie days list making, onion soup packets in just about everything! thick, buttercream icing. shopping and cooking, andwhite then ThanksgivI donated so many cookbooks when I ownbut bakery where my sisters and ing dinner was served –Our small mighty, moved from Ohio to South Carolina, but I I made elaborate Play Doh cakes was the thereBERNIE were six of us including a 7-year-old had to save my favorites and I’m so glad I VICKIE back-up band to actually and a 4-year-old. The 7-year-old looked at baking real cakes in did. My nostalgic state of mind had me goourand tiny kitchen and then selling them to the the food, turned green demanded frozen ing through all of the cookbooks I have left, neighbors. (When “cold” our mom found out, she only wanted thumbing through the dog-eared pages – how pancakes. The 4-year-old party without cake is really just a meet- always made us give the money back.) mashed potatoes. Dinner was served at 5:00 worn out the page in the“A Silver Palate cookDon’t tell anyone I said this, but my ing.” – Julia Child and finished by 5:20. book where the timeless chicken marbella favorite cakes are the ones I bake. Not I couldn’t agree more. I honestly can’t Once the leftovers were put away — lots recipe is, but truly, is there nothing more because they are award winning or even think of anything I’d rather eat than a deliof leftovers — and the dishes were done and delicious? Everything and anything Martha particularly beautiful, I just truly love the cious, freshly baked slice of old-fashioned the house was once again quiet, I glanced Stewart and Ina Garten — I have 11 of her process and (usually) the end result. I enjoy cake. I say that because I am a purist — just at my Thanksgiving centerpiece, the only cookbooks and I wouldn’t part with a single reading cookbooks (as you know) and food a piece with two (or three) layers nestled reminder that there had been a holiday one. makingmeal a list of my ingredients, with buttercream icing, which is also thickly magazines, at all. Although tired,assembling it took every of place and then the Two of my most cherished books myounce mise en swirled on top.came urgebaking to takebecomes out vol- therapeutic. from my mom and backNo in the days for when actual fondant me.we willpower to resist the ume one and volume two and begin looking were little, they were theNow onlythat’s ones not she to used: At my age, I would probably be better off say that I would turn through one recipes December holidays. “The Molly Goldbergdown Jewish Cookbook” forof desserts, with yoga, but… most other types rea-for the Tomorrow would beMy soon enough. holidays and “The Settlement Cookbook… cakes are always a bit scoliotic (as am son Weight Watchers and I have been joined I. Coincidence? Maybe.) at the hip over the years. I’m not the best with intricate decoraI began my love affair with cakes at a tions so I usually turn to toppings like fresh very early age. I know that most people had flowers (of the non-poisonous varieties) a “milkman,” but growing up in Detroit, or something fun — the last cake I made we also had a “breadman.” He came a few recently for a friend’s birthday was a leaning days a week with his big tray which also tower of coconut and I covered the top with contained cake – often a famous Detroit

Your stories kept me right there, like I was actually there.

Always let there be cake chapter two

Living life as a senior

A golden anniversary for the ages and the aches, pains chapter two

were fine!) but as we were in our prime. We had all been where they had been — the circumstances may have been different, but we grew up during the same years, celebrated VICKI BERNIE similar events, cried parallel tears — and we were kindred spirits that night. Inside the party venue we were treated to a champagne toast, a delicious meal and the Once upon a time, a young couple fell in bride and groom’s original wedding vows love and got married. — probably a little less sophisticated than Sometimes the years flew by. Sometimes they would be if written in the present, but they crawled by. But they passed, nonetheno less endearing, filled with love and hope less. The ’70s, the ’80s, the ’90s, the milfor the future. lennial, and 21 more years afterthedanielislandnews.com that. The background music ramped up into A golden anniversary was on the horizon and this couple, our very dear friends, was our music — Motown, Beatles, Stones, ready to celebrate. Old photos were dragged good old rock n’ roll — we knew every out, exclaimed over, and displayed for all word and sang along exuberantly. No one the party guests to admire — staged next to had to coax us out onto the dance floor. We photos from the present which elicited the danced until we had to take off our shoes. expected response, “They haven’t changed Some guests, myself included, actually a bit — except for his hair.” (Chuckle). brought comfortable shoes to change into Janis Joplin played a prominent role in and then we danced even more. the memorabilia, as she had headlined the Eventually we were ready to feast on concert where the golden couple had their wedding cake and crème brulee and make first date. Yes, we all knew Janis — we may our way around to visit each and every VICKI BERNIEways when we saw have emoted in different exhausted, happy guest, not wanting the Above: Columnist Vicki Bernie’s her photo, butgranddaughno one felt indifference. evening to end. ter lends a hand in theRoses kitchen. right:painstakingly The hadAtbeen as they of Iall good things ... flour,arranged for no more than But, a minute andsay when cake she made recently for a friend’s birthday into centerpieces. A beautifulcame littleback wedding We walked to the parking lot en she was literally bathingout in it. was a leaning tower of coconut with plastic cake adorned a pedestal as part“Oh, of the party I heard Nana, this ismasse just soand fluffy and someone say: “We palm trees on top. décor to appreciate and laterbeautiful!” to devour. (I should all be contestants on ‘limping with believe I’ve mentioned, ad nauseum, my the stars.’” Luckily, I had enough flour to start over plastic palm trees. It’s amazing what you can Only our bodies were sore — our heads while she finished her “swim.” find on Amazon. love affair with cake.) Guests arrived to aa gorgeous evening stillup reminiscing To me, especially,were growing in a familyand our hearts were, I just adore the ingredients and savor big beginning cocktails hors d’oeuvres Janis would say: “Take another food was frontwell, and as foremost at every whiff of some of my faves as with I bake. Nothingandwhere on the patio. This evening we presented little piecethe of celebramy heart now baby ... you gathering, cake just completes like the smell of pure Madagascar vanilla or tion.(and I have I am (maybe than) Saigon cinnamon, ourselves, fresh lemonnot juice, justbutter in our finery weto admit,know you gotmore it, if it makes you feel good.” a little bit disappointed when I go to a birthbrowning. I’m seriously gaining weight just day or wedding and the dessert is something writing this. current or chichi and there is no cake. My favorite baking reaction was my But, alas, back to reality for now. Today, granddaughter when she and I made a cake lunch will be a sensible apple, a small piece together for the first time. I left her alone, standing on her stool, wearing her little apron of cheese and a sweet day dream of my next “meeting” and how I will turn it into a party. with a giant bowl of the softest just sifted

Living life as a senior

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United we stood

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Fight the Power: Why I stopped lying about being from South Carolina

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nose in kindergarten.

One morning after waking up, I stumbled into my bathroom groggy from having a crappy night’s sleep, and I looked in the mirror. I decided I must do something that I haven’t done in a calendar year: Get a haircut.

them.

As a child, I would lie about being from South Carolina.

When I sent my barber a text message, I warned him about what he would see by sending him a picture of Jamie Foxx from “Django Unchained” when he �rst met

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Not sure why I used to do it. I look back and tell myself I had “low hometown esteem.” It was mostly me being fascinated with New York hip-hop. I would pretend to sound more like a Wu-Tang member, telling classmates in middle school that I

Dr. King Schultz.

I believe most grow up admiring a hero or an idol, a conglomeration of their hopes and aspirations. As far back as I can remember, I was in awe of her. She was the type to attract people of all backgrounds.

Both of my parents were diagnosed with cancer within a matter of months. I found out about my father’s condition where all serious news should be delivered: While sitting on the toilet. I was having a casual phone conversation with my mother about curtains (of all things). In the middle of her talking about the best ones to get for my place, she mentioned that my father came back from the doctor

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The Three Little Pigs, Three French Hens, and a three-ring circus would never be without three. What a dismal world it would be.

It’s �nally time.

baseball caps that could contain the growing and increasingly ungainly hair beneath

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Latin phrase is a de�nite sign of intellect, prestige, and mastery of pretension. It rolls off the tongue with a bit more fashion, pizazz, and proof that I utilize Google.

journey. The accurate portrayal will have many in disbelief, shifting family vacations as news of great con�ict spreads through the parental community like a runny

election for president this year. In addition to my comfy gear, I leaned into my cool

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Omne trium perfectum, good things come in threes. Beginning my article with a

No novel, play, or poetic soliloquy exists that could depict our most recent family

If there was a Sweatpants and Hoodie Alliance president, I would probably win the

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Of Life and Love and Covid Christmas Posted by Margaret Evans | Dec 16, 2020 | Opinion, Rants & Raves | 0

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Like millions of Americans, my family and I have been grappling

Posted by Margaret Evans | Aug 17, 2021 | Opinion, Rants & Raves |

with the big Christmas Question. Should we stay or should we go?

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If you’re one of those folks whose knee jerks at the mere mention of traveling to see family this Covid Christmas, you should probably stop reading now. You will not be moved by my plight. For the rest

First PLACE Margaret Evans

Lowcountry Weekly

of you, here’s how it is with us: My mom will be 82 in January. She Vaccination Frustration: The Sequel Recently, I was scrolling through social media – shocking, I know – lost my dad a year and a half ago. She lives alone in Alabama.

Posted by Margaret Evans | May 11, 2021 |and Opinion, Rants & Raves | 0of mental I realized a weird kind numbness had set in. to last year’s foreign exchange, she hasn’t seen my Thanks 

daughter in almost two years. She’s the quintessential “people Actually, it was too boring to qualify as weird. It was just

numbness.

person” and has been suffering mightily under quarantine. She knows her own mind – as well as the health risks – and she is begging us to come home for Christmas.

My mind was just . . . blank. People were chattering away, saying

the same ol’ predictable things inWe the same ol’ predictable ways know all the reasons why we shouldn’t, so no letters to the A few issues ago, this column was devoted to the trials and about the news of the day that just feltplease. . . . same and is hard enough without the peer editor, Thisol’ situation tribulations of trying to score a Covid 19 vaccine. Demand was predictable. pressure. Besides, there’s enough of that on Facebook. high, supply was low, and the struggle was real. I wrote then: It’s kind of amazing we’re even entertaining the possibility of Andrew Cuomo steps down. (Meh.) Covid cases zoom up. (Yup.) Remember that time you spent six hours chained to your going home, considering our family track record. In recent years January 6th something-or-other. (Uh huh.) Anti-vaxxers suck. (So we’ve had a string of bad yuletide luck. You might even say computer, refreshing the screen over and over again, desperately I’ve heard.) Mask mandates suck. (So you’ve said.) Trump is the Christmas has been cursed. seeking tickets to see your favorite band in concert, only to learn devil. (Blah blah blah.) Biden’s senile. (Yada yada yada.) they’d sold out two minutes after going on sale? Then you heard

There was that time, a few years back, when my entire extended

there would be more tickets available at some later time, but familyme – all–three generations The culture wars were raging around as they do every– came day –down with a terrible stomach nobody could say when? Then a friend of a friend told you virus, suddenly simultaneously, and I just didn’t care. It all felt so tiresome and and trite. On one side,on Christmas night. about another website where tickets might therealso wasbecome a rock. On the other side, a hard place. Neither would available? And there were rumors aboutbudge. ways to “hack” yet Narrative and counternarrative, clashing away. Talking another website? Now, expand that six-hour experience to People ve points whizzing by. expressing their wildly different

days, several “friends of friends,” and copious different screens realities in language increasingly intelligible only to their own. that need constant refreshing. And imagine the “tickets” you seek normal – glorious! life,neighborhood. are not for a concert, but for a return to Just another day in–the after a year of… well, you know. Normally, this frustrating dynamic triggers me into the trenches –

Now, less than two months later, it seems a new “vaccination wielding nothing but my natural curiosity, my obsession with frustration” has arisen. We’ve got plenty of vaccines on hand, but

In a category full of strong contenders, this columnist stood out because she just has a way with words. She can make a strong point without being off-putting and also express relatable sentiments in an entertaining, thoughtful way. I hope your regular readers appreciate that ability, even when they don’t agree. hardly anybody wants them. After an initial stampede to get the shots, a decided nonchalance – even reluctance – has set in.

An article about this phenomenon appeared on my Facebook

newsfeed last week while I was home in Alabama visiting with my mom and sisters. The article bore the lengthy headline, “Covid 19

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Demoralized health workers struggle as virus numbers surge

Chris Trainor

Associated Press

News

Doctors and nurses around the U.S. are becoming exhausted and demoralized as they struggle to cope with a record-breaking surge of COVID-19 patients that is overwhelming hospitals and prompting governors to clamp back down to contain the virus. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Friday banned indoor dining in New York City, saying he had been waiting in vain for hospitalization rates to stabilize. Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf did the same on Thursday and also suspended school sports and closed gyms, theaters and casinos.

July 10, 2021

A record of more than them, she said. beat are feeling run down at this 107,000 people were in the hos“I wish people could see what point,” Henry said. pital in the U.S. with COVID-19 I do,” Ban said. “People are terriMany expressed frustration Index-Journal, Greenwood, S.C. n 3A as of Thursday, according to the fied and they’re alone. Each one over some Americans’ disregard COVID Tracking Project. More of those numbers is the death of and even contempt for basic prethan 290,000 Americans have a person who wasn’t ready to go cautions against the virus. died of the virus. yet.” Dr. Lew Kaplan, a critical Hospitals around the country Although concerns remain care surgeon at the University of have been overrun. about getting enough beds, Pennsylvania’s Perelman School “We’re constantly looking for masks and other equipment, of Medicine, said health care beds,” said Cassie Ban, an inten- many frontline health workers workers are treated as “heroes” sive care nurse at Indiana Uni- arefor most worried staff for patients but are seen school ofhelping the seven-member advocate them andabout believe versity Health. “close to evil incarnate” when in themshortages. to help them believe asboard of trustee team,” she Before the pandemic, an ICU Nurses are the most scare re- they ask people to wear masks. in themselves ” said. nurse might handle two patients source ofto all,be saidsuccessful. Kiersten Hen“It is very disheartening, while per shift. Ban said she nowTurman reg- ry, anisICU nurse practitioner struggling to manage married to Mar-at youAarefourth name will be on the ularly cares for four or five. The MedStar Montgomery Medical the influx of patients, there are cus Turman and the daughter others ballot, the candidate, Ben national death toll doesn’t begin Center in Olney, Maryland. whobut won’t accept public of does Rev. Albert therun latea health White, withdrew from the race to capture what COVID-19 “I feel Bell we’ve and already measures, ” said Kaplan, to each critically ill patient or Bell. marathon, and this is our second president of the Societywere of CritCarrie after the ballots printed. the medical teams who care for one. Even people who are up- ical Care Medicine.

Wednesday, July 21, 2021

C MEETINGS

MONDAY WOOD COUNTY LEGISLAVE DELEGATION :30 a.m. ON: Greenwood County

: New business: Discussion st Steps issue; Appointards and commissions: County Transportation Commont Technical College, Old ourism Committee; PARD ations: Town of Hodges, e Shoals; DA COUNTY COUNCIL p.m. ON: Saluda County Adminisng, Council Chambers : Public presentations: county property, Zoning, od Health and Safety; g: Third reading: Public Ordinance No. 06-21 “AN AUTHORIZING THE DEVELA JOINTLY OWNED AND NDUSTRIAL/BUSINESS NJUNCTION WITH AIKEN CH INDUSTRIAL/BUSITO BE GEOGRAPHICALLY SALUDA COUNTY AND D PURSUANT TO SECTION THE CODE OF LAWS OF OLINA, 1976, AS AMENDVIDE FOR A WRITTEN T WITH AIKEN COUNTY TO R THE EXPENSES OF THE ERCENTAGE OF REVENUE N, AND THE DISTRIBUTION LIEU OF AD VALOREM AND OTHER MATTERS ERETO,” Public Hearing on o. 07-21 “AN ORDINANCE G (1) THE EXECUTION RY OF A FEE IN LIEU OF

Index-Journal

Seeing our reflection in The Observer

They are living, breathing documents. Testaments to what was important in a a zoning district of Forest Agricultural given place, (FA) to one of General Residential (GR).at a given time. b) Resolutions: 1) Resolution (2021-18) History on a authorizing CHRIS the County Director to deadline,enter some TRAINOR into a purchase agreementhave withsaid. Andean Chevrolet for the purchase ofNewspaone (1) COLUMNIST 2020 Chevrolet Equinox not to are exceed pers an $23,000.00. 2) Resolution (2021-19) imperfect product assembled authorizing by theimperfect County Director to enter people, women and with menMcCoy who, despite into a contract Wrightthose Realty, Inc. inevitable to sell theimperfections, building located nevertheless striveinto to get at 394 Highway 28 Bypass Abbeville. it right, to findauthorizing the truth, to 3) Resolution (2021-20) the shareto theenter goodinto news that gives County Director a contraca community its breath, and tual relationship with Replay Systems sometimes expose the darkto perform ness mandated upgrades to the that lies within our cities, Eventide Nexlog 740that recording flooding darknesssystem with the in the amount not to exceed $32,000. cleansing light of transparency.

IX. County Director’s Report X. Committee Reports a) Finance Committee — Billy Norris, Jason Bonds and James McCord b) Personnel and Administration — Rick Campbell, James McCord and Drew Simpson c) Public Works — Jason Bonds, James McCord and John Calhoun d) Intergovernmental Relations — Charles Goodwin, Drew Simpson and Jason Bonds 1) Accommodations Tax Committee – Virginia Boyd e) Planning and Industrial Development — Drew Simpson, Charles Goodwin and Rick Campbell f) Education, Recreation, Health and Welfare — John Calhoun, Drew Simpson and Charles Goodwin g) Public Safety — James McCord, Jason Bonds and Billy Norris XI. Council Members Report/Comments07/12/21 3 XII. Public Comments TUESDAY GREENWOOD COUNTY LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES TIME: noon LOCATION: Greenwood County

Tuesday’s special election is the first of two special elections for the school board. The second will be Aug. 17 to things in-between that make replace former our world what it is. board member Melody Long may Wilt. they live.White, Patton and Turman are on the ballot Chris Trainor is a confor thatcolumnist race. for the tributing

Index-Journal. Contact him at ChrisTrainorSC@yahoo.com. Contact staff writer Lindsey You can follow him on TwitHodges at 864-943-5644 or on ter @ChrisTrainorSC. Views Twitterin@LindseyNHodges. expressed this column are Weekly newspapers chroni- those of the writer only and do cle our lives. Our triumphs and not represent the newspaper’s opinion. shortfalls, and all of the little

tree-lighting ceremony. immovable as city hall or any department showed up to In short, even as the paper douse a blaze at a neighboring of the other hallmarks of a was announcing the suspengiven town. home. sion of publication, it was doWhich is why it’s so jarring But they also are going to ing the exact thing you would print that picture of your kid’s when the presses stop rolling. expect a weekly paper to do: As I’m certain many of you youth soccer team, the one might have seen, The Observer Reporting the serious business that grandma cut out and of the town, helping get the weekly paper in Ware Shoals put on the refrigerator with hat a difference a being taken, and singing run earth) and walked until we word out aboutand efforts for the to D.C. for the weekend For announced in last week’s a magnet. They’ll write that Your Vehicles Tire & less fortunate, andinalso offering can make. were breaking out of the Fourth. It was one of just about gave out. The peMaintenance Needs, edition that itdancing was suspending profile of the localyear couple a lighterthe touch, capturing the trips that came about publication immediately. In a across who just celebrated their SEE on THE It’s a70th thought little pockets great those dometer my wife’s watch front page message to readers, slice-of-life moments that anniversary. They’ll have a HOMETOWN thatof went through my mind lawn,publisher as buskers churned suddenly. We read a news clocked us at 28,000 steps on make our trip around the sun a longtime Observer photo the homecoming PROFESSIONALS! little more bearable. lastand weekend, as about a hot sumfrom Hindu article that said, after more Dan Branyonout citedeverything medical queen, all the details one single day. We Carry All IBuffett certainly wish nothing behind the themer Christmas day parade, beganand itsaturnissues to as the reason hymns to Jimmy than a year of strict COVID We went to the InternaMajor Brands suspension of publication. The but the best for the Branyons. notice about the upcoming night in the nation’s capital. covers. There was one guy precautions, Washington was Years ago, when I was just tional Spy Museum (really Observer has been published VFW meeting. There will be Of Tires getting started inAl news with I turned andoflooked in Ware Shoals for 39absolutely years. breathless accounts the local around who butchered ready to roll out the welcome cool if you ever get the the Index-Journal, I often Looking the front page high school latest ex- waves me, andteam’s there were of at Green’s “Let’s Stay Together,” mat for summer visitors. chance) and sat on a dock ploits on the football field, and upon which Branyon’s message spoke with Dan when he was Serving Greenwood Since 1960 people photos as farofasanIarea couldwas see, I’ll forgive him because So we booked a last minute 808down in media relations with Self printed, Ibut was struck contributed atAvenue the wharf and Montague Greenwood Regional, he was flight always and a hotel room and by the other elements that was in family’s to Europe, fromrecent thetrip U.S. Capitol buildeveryone such awhere good 229-3600 • www.mmtireco.com watched the boats zipping willing to help when he could. surrounded it.mood. There was a anding maybe even a recipe stretching allforthe way headed up there. along the Washington Chanpiece on the possibility of brownies shared by the ladies down toward I saw father and daughWhat we found in WashCOVID-19 testing in theaWare in the morning circle group nel on a holiday weekend.

A year later, it felt goodIS to beCAR together YOUR OR TRUCK DUE FOR A CHECKUP?

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st of two special elecMcCormick County District is just a few y on Tuesday, with didates on the ballot. ee candidates are Teon, Joy Bell Turman n Faulconer. ctor of the July 13 will replace Janie Marresigned from the March. and her family have McCormick County more than 15 years, and her husband is

the pastor of Modoc Baptist Church. “My main ASSOCIATED PRESS goal running Marks are seen on the face of registered nurse Shelly Girardin Nov. 24 as she removes a protective mask after for the school board isperforming that rounds in a COVID-19 unit at Scotland County Hospital in Memphis, Mo. Faulconer is a retired educathe children TERESA SUSAN JOY BELL tor who moved to McCormick in our district FAULCONER PATTIN TURMAN full time four and a half years receive the edworked for the district. their money and know exactly ucation that “I decided to run because I ago after first purchasing propAndcounty I used toin bump into Shoals potential school district. A storyin the ewspapers are always down at theknow Baptist church. Localthey’re newspapers — espedoing. ” erty 1999. is promised them by our state what McCormick’s Faye Branyon, The Observer’s so much more than The papers that serve those on what it would cost to get cially the small, weekly papers She said she’s interested “I firmly believe that a strong and that is a quality a graduate ofnewMcCormick longtime editor, when I was lights at historic Riegel just theeducation, sum of their ” that dot the rural towns across small townsasaren’t just alive, up in Ware Shoals reporting in making McCormick the system is good for Patton said. School,of ” sheStadium. said. A reminder ofeducation parts. they are, inHigh fact, a reflection South Carolina —sure are particustory for the Index. She upcoming Christmas tangibly and physically, life. Part of the“I glue that binds larly intrinsic to thealifeblood has better school everyonealiterally in the county wheth“When Sure, they leave high County know how much talent welocalparade. knew the town like the A plea to help the senior they are a combination of ink a community together, someof their communities. They system and that children who er or not they have children ina school they will be able to read, have in McCormick. Our kids back of her hand, while I was and newsprint. At a fleeting times in almost imperceptible living facility get charitable tell us the necessary news, to cubsystem reporter stumbling around items residents. And are given it. the school or not, and I write, and be that’s ablewhat to do math need glance, an individuhave Ithe potential toforbetheir great ways. Sometimes feel like be sure:help What’s happening at trying to figure out which way there were photos of the town al newspaper that newspapers courthouse, what town folks assume is atheMcCormick felt like I had some skills that and be able to take is. care of their theTurman they just need people that will Christmas tree, and a live Na- was up. Her patience was a But the truth is that newspa- council’s up to, who’s running are always going to be there, would beneficial as a part notas indelible abandon thatthatwill nativehowwho previously checkbook and take of County godsend. tivity scene was part of the be perscare are alive. an institution and them, for school board, the fire

the Lincoln Memorial. Families were relaxing on picnic blankets spread out on the emerald green grass of CHRIS the National TRAINOR Mall, with CONTRIBUTING kids wresCOLUMNIST tling and playing and dogs looking on curiously. A group of twentysomethings in American flag sunglasses and red, white and blue tank tops squeezed in around a remote TV station outpost, cheering and mugging for the

ter throwing baseball in the ington were citizens aching We knocked around in grass over by the Smithsofor a normal summer family Chinatown and ate too much nian Castle, people on rented field trip. It was my daughrigatoni at Carmine’s and got electric scooters who had no ter’s first visit to the nation’s caught in the rain trying to Action business trying to ride such VOTED capital, #1 and BEST we ran the tourist Realty 500B Montague Ave. Greenwood walk to the Jefferson MemoLACE 14th REAL Office: (864) 942-0021 ESTATE devices, and vendors1 Pon playbook to near perfection. Fax: (864) 942-8999 rial at night. *Each office independently owned and operated Street bellowing their pitches AGENCY! We went to the Lincoln And, yes, we watched that for “Ice cold waters!” and Memorial and the World War “Gatorade!” And the idea the II Memorial and the Dr. Mar- fireworks show on July 4, drinks were “ice cold” wasn’t tin Luther King Jr. Memorial crammed onto the lawn of the Mall as the color-splashed just a come on: I could see (“Out of the mountain of Bea Walker (864) 980-3243 over the the icy fog rising out of the despair, a stone of hope”). We mortars exploded Washington Monument. It top of their open coolers on a saw the house where Abrawas a welcome moment a warm summer evening. ham Lincoln died, across the Fourth of July And as the sun finally street from where he was shot year after the Krystle Blair Check out this NEW SUBDIVISION in town! (864) 554-2251 was muted by the pandemic. disappeared past the horiat Ford’s Theatre, and with walked CRAFTMAN STYLE homes up to 4BR & bonus. One & two story homes. Tons of upgrades It felt good to be together zon, the gathered masses up President’s Park and took come with the home. Can choose additional ones. again. A pictures new homein forfront the NEW Call Tina to view — a diverse tapestry Tina of many of YEAR. the White Lensch all the floor plans. $178,900 & up. (864) 993-9621 races, colors and creeds — House. Sharon Mulkey Chris Trainor is a con(864) 554-5737 turned our eyes upward, and We ate tacos and cheeswatched as the sky exploded esteaks from food trucks, and tributing columnist for the ERS CHOI AD CE RE 2019 st

AW A R D S

Index-Journal, Greenwood, S.C. n 3A

Abbeville Spring Festival deemed a success

e’s who is on ballot in Tuesday’s McCormick County school board election

SEY HODGES ndexjournal.com

Matthew Hensley Lakelands

From staff reports

Lakelands

Saturday, November 6, 2021

Index-Journal

Index-Journal, Greenwood, S.C. n 3A

That one was Abbeville’s Prysmian to expand for the TBS kids By ROBERT JORDAN rjordan@indexjournal.com

any memories came flooding back this week, for people of a certain age across the South. Indeed, on Tuesday night, when shortstop Dansby Swanson scooped up that ground ball in the bottom of the ninth inning and fired a throw across the infield to Freddie Freeman for the final out in the 2021 World Series, and made the Atlanta Braves world champions for only the second time since 1966, many of CHRIS us it felt like it TRAINOR was as much about the CONTRIBUTING past as it was COLUMNIST the present moment. I thought about my Grandma. My Dad’s mom, Charlie Pruitt Trainor. She’s been gone for many years now. I was 10 years old when she passed. But I loved that woman with my whole heart, and I loved going to spend the night with her on the weekends at her little white house on Marshall Avenue in Abbeville, across the street from where Adams Lumber used to be. She’d cook burgers for me in a frying pan and let me drink way too much Kool-Aid, and I spent hours playing in her backyard and rumbling around in the shed back there, messing with tools and other stuff a kid had no business playing with. And, of course, we’d watch TV together, and I’d insist we keep it tuned to the TBS Superstation. Back in the 1980s, TBS wasn’t what it has become today. Now it’s a slick, corporate cable network that’s virtually indistinguishable from the hundreds of other slick, corporate cable networks. But in the 1980s it was basically Ted Turner’s fever dream. It was like a local access channel out of Atlanta where someone got the wires crossed and it accidentally got beamed out to the entire nation. They showed NWA wrestling on Saturday mornings, endless reruns of “The Three Stooges,” a non-stop stream of old cowboy movies, marathons of poorly dubbed Japanese “Godzilla” flicks, and big blocks of Hanna-Barbera cartoons. And every night in the summer, TBS broadcast the Atlanta Braves. “America’s Team,” the station dubbed them. Only, they weren’t really America’s team. Not yet. But those old TBS broadcasts

were in the process of making them America’s team, night by night. Keep in mind, this was back when “cable TV” was literally, like, 20 channels. There was no MLB Extra Innings package. No streaming on your phone or tablet. If your favorite team was, say, the Kansas City Royals, you might get to see them play once or twice a year if they made the national game of the week on NBC. But the Braves? They were on TV every night, thanks to Turner’s personal playground. You could catch the Braves at 7:05 p.m. and, if you were lucky, your parents would let you stay up and watch one of the old Bruce Lee movies that would inevitably come on afterward. And so, that’s when I fell in love with the Atlanta Braves, watching them on TBS in the 1980s with my Grandma in her little living room with the wood paneled walls. Now to be clear, back then the Braves were, frankly, terrible. It would be hard for many younger people to believe that, because now they’ve been pretty good for quite a while. But back then? Well, let’s just say they struggled. Ah, but they had Dale Murphy. The strong armed outfielder and two time National League MVP became something of a folk hero to young fans across the South. For instance, in 1987 the Braves finished a laughable 20.5 games out of first place in the NL West (yes, they were in the West then), but Murphy walloped 44 home runs, a bright star on a sinking ship. But it was our sinking ship, all of us kids watching the games on TBS with our Grandmas and Grandpas, with “Andy Griffith” reruns playing during the rain delays. So, yes, I was thinking about my Grandma when the Braves clinched it this week. About how happy she’d have been to see it, and how happy she would have been for us to see it, together, down there on Marshall Avenue, with a frying pan burger and a glass of cherry Kool-Aid. For some, the Braves are a team. But for many of us, they’re family. Chris Trainor is a contributing columnist for the Index-Journal. Contact him at ChrisTrainorSC@yahoo.com. You can follow him on Twitter @ChrisTrainorSC. Views expressed in this column are those of the writer only and do not represent the newspaper’s opinion.

thank you

A $30 million expansion will mean up to 30 jobs to Abbeville. Prysmian Group announced Thursday in a news release that the company is part of a $100 million project to upgrade the nation’s power grid and expand the manufacturing capacity. The project’s goal is to improve the nation’s clean power distribution and transmission over a two-year period. Prysmian’s Abbeville plant at 569 Highway 28 S. will provide cable needed for the effort. The Prysmian Group will provide cable to transmit enough renewable energy to power more than 1.2 million homes. Cables will be needed to help achieve President Joe Biden’s goal of a zero-carbon power grid by 2035, a company press release said. Cable production is expected to start in 2023. Of the $100 million project, $30 million will go the Abbeville facility, which is Prysmian’s only high-voltage facility in the nation.

SUBMITTED

Abbeville’s Prysmian plant will receive $30 million for an expansion that will reportedly bring 30 jobs. “We are seeing a substantial growth in opportunities to support the energy transition in the U.S.,” said Cecil Talley, plant manager of the Abbeville facility. “We’ve won some big projects in the high voltage market and are expanding and updating to fill this crucial need.” Some internal shifts are taking place, and open roles will be posted externally next summer, he said in an email. Salaries will range from $17 to 25 per hour, based on experience. Training averages eight weeks for most machines and will take place onsite, Talley said. People with manufacturing skills will be preferred. Hir-

ing will be completed through the Abbeville location with jobs posted on the plant’s website when they are available. The plant is hiring for seven open positions on other production lines, he said. “We’re very happy and proud that they chose Abbeville County to expand their business,” said David Garner, Abbeville County director. Prysmian has been a longstanding presence in Abbeville County and is one of the leading employers. Abbeville has the infrastructure, utilities and employees for companies to expand. “We pull employees not just

from Abbeville, but Greenville, Elbertson, McCormick,” Garner said. “That’s one of the benefits of where Abbeville County is located; other counties contribute to the workforce.” He hopes people in other counties will see Abbeville County as a good place to locate, he said. The $100 million project Prysmian is working on is a small part of a $900 million green project. The 2,100-megawatt interregional project, considered the first link in a national clean energy grid, will connect two of the largest energy markets in the U.S. The 350-mile-long project will require 700 miles of cables installed underground primarily along railroad rights-of-way. The Abbeville plant’s manufacturing building will be extended by about 30,000 square feet to make room for production machinery and testing equipment, as well as adding external storage space to hold the 40-ton cable reels. The last expansion of Abbeville facility occurred in 2017 and created 10 jobs.

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Lights for Love

he Self Regional Healthcare Volunteer Auxiliary Lights for Love fundraising campaign has begun, and this year we have chosen to honor our Healthcare workers who have bravely and tirelessly served on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, Lights for Love has raised more than 2 million dollars over the many years since its beginning. We invite the community to help us to honor and memorialize loved ones who have made significant impacts in their lives. Acknowledgement cards will be sent to those being honored, or to the family of those being remembered, and their names will be displayed in the hospital atrium throughout the holiday season. Self Regional Healthcare volunteer auxiliary’s goal for 2021 is $15,000 and donations will be received through New Year’s day. This year’s funds will be used to support the Self Regional Healthcare Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, and a special

MATTHEW HENSLEY | INDEX-JOURNAL

This nearly 7-acre complex at 13233 S.C. Highway 56 was the proposed site of a wastewater evaporation facility.

Clinton residents clear the air CLINTON riving up Highway 56, it’s hard not to notice the often-packed parking lot outside Blue Ocean Seafood Restaurant, a brick building with a signature blue roof just past Interstate 26. Quality Inn sits behind the eatery while Comfort Inn is just north of the restaurant, across from a sign for Musgrove Mill State Historic Site, with the hotels serving as resting spots for those visiting the scenic Revolutionary MATTHEW War battlefield or PresbyteHENSLEY rian College’s MANAGING EDITOR campus. INDEX-JOURNAL Next, motorists heading to Musgrove Mill — either the state park or the nearby golf course — see small houses and mobile homes dotting the left side, perhaps with children playing in a front yard or seasonal decorations adorning some of the modest homes. To the right, dense woods.

fill leachate,” which is runoff from decomposing trash at the dump. The company, which would have housed more than 200,000 gallons at its proposed Clinton site, expected this wastewater to come from North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia. The good folks of Clinton were awash with questions: What does it smell like when someone evaporates 400 gallons of wastewater — perhaps including landfill leachate — in an hour? Would water entering the plant or sitting in storage create an odor? How far would any stench stretch? Would the “fragrance” waft down to the hotels and Blue Ocean a half-mile away? What about the city center? Would this water, which was trucked in because it wasn’t good enough for traditional wastewater treatment facilities, pose an environmental hazard? What would this do to property values? Economic development? Tourism? Let me tell you, as someone who lives 4 miles from where this would go in, I had all these same questions and more.

Abbeville’s Spring Festival was “bustin’ out all over.” A huge crowd pumped more than $550,000 during the three-day event which Wednesday, January 27, 2021 was held in late April. A report on the festival’s impact was presented at last week’s city council meeting. The report estimated an average group size of 2.5 people spending up to Wednesday, $115 for food, entertainment and shopping February 17, 2021 By ROBERT JORDAN at downtown businesses. rjordan@indexjournal..com Up to 12,000 people attended the event, n the months following from whites about African ABBEVILLE — Thr which is the biggest turnout recorded in Appomattox, Union solAmerican troops, which he filed to diers marched across the passed along to Washington. years. The festival was a return to normal as ille City South to serve as peacekeepers It’s doubtful Northern states, the 2020 festival was canceled because of con3 seat. in the freshly defeated Confed- which only reluctantly recruitSandi cerns of COVID-19. erate states. ed African American service Henders Some recountings of the members, would have had a Aside from the $552,000 spent by attendSutherla early postwar era erroneously different reaction. ees, the city also saw $42,500 in direct festival the Ab paint Northern units as occuPerhaps it’s little wonder, Voter Re expenses and $36,000 in festival revenue for a piers who committed atrocities then, that Southern whites SANDI by Frida at the behest of “carpetbagworked to disarm freedmen total impact of about $630,000. HOOD The gers” flocking and disband Black militias in Ticket sales for rides were the highest rewas vac South in the subsequent years, and the sons fter reading “Uncovam unsure, however, why this member corded in the festival’s history. early days and grandsons of former conered” by the Post and benefit would be extended to when h Nearly all downtown businesses recorded after surrenfederates sought unsuccessfulCourier’s watchdog board members, especially the as mayo SUBMITTED der. The truth, ly to keep African Americans increases in traffic, with oneIbusiness ed to the and public service team, was sixreportwho serve as mayors and however, honoring from Mike draft eligibility in World with PresMayor Trey Edwards reads a proclamation Bedenbaugh ingdisappointed an increase of—180%. Businesses provided 2018. and not by council members in Clinton is that the War I. When Black servicemen South Carolina for his work on the renovation offrom Trinity Episcopal Church. The their rates to ervation beleaguered returned Europe, they theinformation reporting. to the city. Response and Newberry. Elected offiwill be OLIN civil authoriwere subjected to lynchings the city’ questionsPrize-winning were 53% for retail Thes Pulitzer cialsbusishouldn’t get something Abbevill HENDERSON ties, beset•by and other forms appointments of violence. It of James MATTHEW nesses and 11%newspaper for restaurants. Episcopal Church. Council approved Charleston comextra of value that isn’t readily plex, 903 a crumbling wasn’t until after World War HENSLEY St., Abbeville. An aggressive push8,000 on Facebook resultedto voters. • Caroline Gaddis presented a plan for a Hoppers, Keisha Parker, Jennifer Creswell mitted more than words known economy and II that the military became Elections for Abbevil EDITOR inof more than 205,000 impressions on And springwhile program called The Brew MANAGING to bring together and Deborah Sutherland of accountability journalism the board manpower desegregated, and even to thenthe Board INDEX-JOURNAL are nonpartisan. the process dragged on for that shed a number defended six-figure travel to discuss ideas andshortage, festival postslight fromon Feb. 1 to May 1. The city’s itslocal entrepreneurs to Zoning Appeals. were unable to rein in ramabout a decade. Of course, of questionable at 140,000 costspeoas needed for training web page reachedpractices more than support each other over breakfast cof-military • Council second of an orpant crimeand without thoserejected soldiers still facedreading the someposts of thereached onnearly “highly fee. technical informaple and spring festival Meetings are expected to be atin8:30 a.m. dinancesame on loitering and“colored” failure to stop regusupport the immediate “whites” and started with Beyond Abuse I didn’t re Byaftermath DAMIAN DOMINGUEZ public tion” associated with distribof hostilities. A 30,000 engagementsstate’s in a three-month period. on Wednesdays. No location has been deterlations. signs when they Iventured how big a problem it was in Greenwood ddominguez@indexjournal.com quick scan of South Carolina’s off military of bases and struguting natural gas, it is unclear In other business:utilities. If mined. • First reading a rezoning request on newspapers shows those who gled to find housing. During The survey, available online at b youof haven’t to me from reading Clinton • Mike Bedenbaugh Preservation South • Council approved a $58,600 from property atVietnam 540 W.War, Greenwood fromabout R-6 10-15 minute residedsafe inbid the Upstate were the African St. How are Greenwood County’ s resi2ZAME2F, takes read the Newberry’s full response why largely glad to see U.S. troops Americans were disproporCarolina was presented with a proclamation General Construction Services to build a to general commercial was tabled more confidential. dents from harassment, violence and sexual complete and isfor completely stories, which board members need such a in Street 1865. Park. tionately drafted to fight in the honoring renovation work done on Trinity bathroom facility at Chestnut information. assault? seek to gather information about people the P&C detailed working knowledge

CNNGA should post minutes, financial documents online

Lakela

The long, slow march Lakelands forward

3 to vie

Beyond Abuse survey see to help prevent sexual ass At least so long as those

District 5 multiple student d sponses to three types of violence they m

unpopular conflict while being

That’ s whatmen Beyond Abuse wants to find uniformed with rifles woefully underrepresented on published of the industry when the white. boards. outwere — or at least how safe peopledraft think they have experiencedBy or MEGAN witnessed.MILLIGA Before on Sunday agency has professionals on mmilligan@indexjournal.co Black soldiers, many ofClaire Wieters All thesaid while, progress slow- a page are. Prevention Specialist ing the survey, explains the purpo and the staff who run the authority’s MATTHEW whom escaped servitude to ly marched on. Beyond Abuse developed a survey to gauge the survey and lets participants know WARE SHOALS —c Index-Journal day-to-day business. Even HENSLEY join the Union and fight to In 1940, Benjamin O. Davis how much the community knows pleting the surveyployees entersofthem in a dra Greenwood Co wasMARKET thankif that training is needed, freepotatoes, other slaves, met a differSr. themarket nation’s first potatoes, red sweet potatoes, russet Vidalia redeemed onbecame anyabout of our dates. UPTOWN MANAGING EDITOR School District 51 will ret these topics, and what the prevalent attitudes for one of two $50 gift cards. Answers ent reality. White SouthernBlack general. Thirty-five fully able to spending thousands at bouonions, Brussels sprouts. Hours — From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday and Vendors expected: INDEX-JOURNAL a $1,500 this year. werethem. distrustful of these yearsSaturday. later, Daniel James are Jr. confidential, areers about survey butbonus the drawing Happy Critterson Ranch meat 8 a.m. to noon Common Pops — homemade includepopsicles in tiques seems excessive its — Pasture-raised bonus is meant to help freedmen. Rumors ran ramwas promoted torequire NORAD just need to know in Greenwood how FARMERS people to retention submit anand emailrecruitm addre Organix — boiled peanuts“We GREENWOOD MARKET Halls Croft Farms — fresh brown eggs face and is Metts Tuesday’s edition, it is worth difficult to defend pant that African American commander, making him Weatherford’s Woodworkingmuch Items expected: Artthe by Joe — framed paintings (hand painted) knowledge the community has about Americaninformation. and it was funded out o timeAbell to peruse. when the receipts are conspicservicemen disrespected local the first African contact to Jim Foster Wooden Crafts sexual Wednesday — fresh vegetables, corn,district’s toParisi Farms — Cherokee purple heirloom tomatoes, general fund.Wi violence, dating, become things getfruits, a representative sample, No, I felt let down by uously missing. whites, althoughonline these often alike four-star To general. ScentPerbulous — handmadethat, candles, room/linen matoes, peaches,said cantaloupes, Mr. Stripey heirloom and Brandywine heirloom The320 district received a n ” she said. “People don’tpeppers, understand she needswatermelon, at least respondents thin allegations seem really more of President George H.W. Bush my gasgrape company, Clinton I suspectsprays, this has andflown lotions beans, baked goods, andchairman more. tomatoes, tomatoes, Biltmore (red) tomatoes, ber of grants this year a reflection deep-seated ra- peas, named Colin Powell sexual assaultof and sexualSaturday violence, and before information gathered, be Newberry Natural Gas Pink Lady apples, under the radar gas Sacredbecause Clown Creations — hand-carved South fruit, she said, will Carolina gold tomatoes, organic Superintendent Fay Spr cial viewsflutes, than garlic any real slight. of—the JointCarolina-grown Chiefs of Staff,vegetables, the Authority, and the elected bills aren’t typically high,— and Grown N Green microgreens, herbs, spices tomatoes,highest peas, green beans, beets, corn, watermelfreestone peaches, shelled pink eye purple hull peas, worked to make happen. Thereand were a few episodes military position withThe grants inc Cellacross Block the G Nubian goat Carolina milk soap,that saw ons, cantaloupes, peaches, cucumbers, brown peas, zipper peas, citycrowder officials who serve onshelled speckled when spread bills Goat Farmin—South in the Department of Defense greens, local $600,000 vegetables honey, baked specialty meat and a $44,000 butter butter beans,While organicIrainbow carrots, Black soldiers killing whites and goods, anothershrimp, Africanseafood, American thatbeans, board. (Note: of more than 13,000 custom21st Century Learning C Healthy Bucks — The market accepts EBT I’ve cards items, plants, soaps, candles and more. pickle cucumbers, slicing cucumbers, cantaloupes, — I think seen reports first.handmade Since Friday, the agency work in Greenwood, my wife ers for 60 months, it comes and SNAP users can make a $5 purchase andbut receive Hours Fromoversees 7 a.m. to Wednesday andto provide for an after-sc golden zucchini, green zucchini, butternut squash, of four — they appear to —that ournoon military has works in Spartanburg, so we out to less than 50 cents a academic enrichment have been exaggerated in the been headed by Lloyd Austin, $15 in “Healthy Bucks” to be used to purchase only Saturday. spaghetti squash, pattypan squash, lilac bell peppers, This group’ s core work isgram in and temporary staff reports the difference livezebra in eggplants, bill. I myselffresh have never been TheFrom a summerArt prog andmarket then grew served for nearlyEast 40 years fruits and vegetables. citymedia is at the on taller Location who — Highway 72/221 at the former redsplit bell peppers, green belland peppers, advocacy for the arts. It works Charleston. for select students. It is t Clinton.) unhappy with my gastobill. At tokens, but in the ideologically andsite. four as a retiree before beWednesdays distribute tokens may be charged Civic Center Yukon gold potatoes, Pontiac red potatoes, fingerling to ensure arts first are Black supportedused at during The McCormick Arts CounThea four-year schedule mythologies that followed. For coming the nation’s Here is an excerpt from that the coldest point this winter, od. 21stthe Learning instance, when a is Confederate of defense. all levels. And, it empowers local cil at the Keturah encouragingsecretary week isCente as fo report: my total owed approached program that helps sup confronted there’sand still acommunity ways to go memleaders theveteran Lakelands to get ainBlack the know Yes, During the past five years, $100 — a rarity in the more academic learning du soldier on a train in Newberry racism, at local, Tod bers to besystemic arts advocates with arts-related issues this week.in combating the agency spent more than than four years I have been a

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Alliance activities this week suppor

Importance of time

And so it should come as a pleasant surprise that William A. Collins Editor Emeritus state House members got behind legislation that would significantly update college history classes R. Frank Mundy Eleanor M. Mundy Judith Mundy Burns that haven’t been updated since — ready for this? — 1915-1982 1917-1998 1947-2019 1924. Editorial opinions in this column represent the views of this newspaper. A decade seems like such a long time, perhaps Of course, as with any legislation, it wasn’t a All other columns, cartoons and Letters to the Editor reflect the views of the because 10 author. yearsThey a sense individual are notof the opinions of this newspaper. slam dunk, nor is it a done deal. The Senate hasthe to word itself gives ad was a career Marine, which eventually returned to that house as Dad’s of causeway, two bridges that provide being a very long span of time the word have its say, which could mean they like the House meant wejust wereas a mobile family, throughways for non-commercial vessels, career allowed. makes 100 years sound ominous. mostly in the more Old Dominion, two nearly mile-long tunnels and four But my grandparents’ house on the version or they might want to meddle “century” with it some OUR VIEW manmade islands. The 42-month long Virginia. Fromfascinated Quantico towith Virginia Shore? Yeah, that was where the special We are creatures who are and more. project was paid for with the sale of $200 Beach, to Alexandria and back to VirChristmases and summers took place. captivated We measure so many facets In essence, the bill is intended to update the old by time. million in revenue bonds. ginia Beach — with a few other jaunts Whenever we visited from Virginia’s of our lives by it. Time nearly defines our very Thursday was the 57th anniversary tossed in that included Beaufort (that’s western shore we had to join the many law requiring a yearlong course on documents perof the opening of the Chesapeake Bay Byoo-fert, not Bo-fert), Oxford and Thaiexistence. other travelers who drove their cars onto taining to America’s founding. That would include Bridge-Tunnel. I was only 6 at the time, land — the Corps was a ferry boat that made its way across the Think about it. requiring students to read the U.S. Constitution, but I vividly recall those early days of a moving experience in Chesapeake Bay and to the Cape Charles Children are born and what are the top questraveling across the bridge. And the Declaration of Independence and the Emancipation more ways than one. region of the Shore. From there, it was a early a decade has passed since was genuinely love at its core. That, time he stopped by was to deliver a guest excitement it gave mewith because it meant tions people typically ask? What time were they The only set of grand- relatively short drive to Concord. Proclamation in their entirety. Students would also Bill Collins retired from the ongrandparents’ those few occasions when the column in person because email was on I’d geteven to my home even parents living when I battleI was the ever-evolving between prisons and just a little tyke at the time, but I weigh? What is their be required to read a minimum of fiveborn? articlesHow in themuch did theyIn Index-Journal, and drillPlus, sergeant Bill asurfaced the fritz or something. He was true to his it gaveside myof lungs good in the came along were my have vivid memories of riding thewhile ferryat quicker. prisoners over contraband, cellphones have become length? time hethe was 78 Ichurn did not think that aworkout newsroom. Hemy and I didall not Federalist Papers. as I’d hold breath thealways way agree word. He wasn’t one of those retirees who mother’s parents who, by andthe watching water at its stern. a focal point. And despite the best efforts of correcWe surround ourselves withthen chronometers. column feting and his storied news-through on all things relative to newspapering, just drops in for a chat. each mile-long tunnel. had taken up resiIt reminded me of Bill the foam that gathers A much needed and warranted compromise was too many yearsunusual, ago, a parallel paper career would be followed up this Notwhich is hardly but there was He did not return to writing for the staff,our devices have allowed is displayed on ourtions watches, smartdence onthese the Delmarva at the surface of aincarcerated glass when you pour added to the House proposal to ensureTime students system was added to better accommosoon with one written as a eulogy. mutual respect, and I learned a thing or newspaper immediately after retirement, (Delaware, something I could only drink appliances, computers, worklords toa Coke kingpins and Maryland, drug runBill— illicit businesses, WHITING’S also delve into the struggle for freedomphones, faced bykitchen the date the growing amount of northbound died Tuesday at the age of 88, two two under Bill. but a handful of years ago he got back Virginia) Peninsula, spe- when visiting my grandparents. I don’t displays, automobiles and canon often WRITINGS coordinate smuggling operations, order hits traffic 10 thatyears had ago longwas days shyeven of Veterans Day. signifi- and southbound His retirement into a rhythm and began contributing nation’s African American population.phone It is unfortucifically God’s be Eastern really recall how long it took toThat’s get from relegated to single lanes in either foundthe in one or another in just about every one shore to the other, cant, least for In many ways, he was not pieces on a regular basis. Once accusRICHARD on informants. Shore of Virginia. andatfinally to me andbeen bittersweet. nate that lawmakers did not initially include era form did not include thestill conmy ittime here readyThat to retire. After all, he thought, tomed to cranking out daily editorials Before he retired their house,prisons but I do in recall was oftenat the direction. room equal of a home.S. WHITING Bryan Stirling, South Carolina’s chief, has of Reconstruction and the long road toward struction of additional tunnels; instead, IJ working withI no Bill. I formed opinions and could write. Writers and weekly columns, Bill bowed to the as theWhat GM of time the Ben well past bedtime when we arrived. What time was someone born? did campaigned for years in hopes the Federal Comthe traffic merges at both tunnels. But rights for the nation’s Black citizens, but that was fondly recall the many — journalists — do not run out of things newspaper’s rules on guest column Franklin Hotel in Philadelphia, Penndoubt slept part of the way in the car. tunnels willan beart, added a few theyelement die? Time figures our lives in many munications Commission would allow correctional sylvania,into my grandfather bought an old years he and I would two say.after It’s afterwithin all,Bill and much like be around frequency did government not seek preferential Some visionaries determined there remedied with a day’s work to ensure that t’s a to -3033 years for Rogers. Billand when or years, making possible two distinct pathways. Birthdays, certainly. Anniversaries — happy Shore farmhouse situated on about 28 devices. had to be a better way to shuttle people head out the side door ofThat’s those guys named Mick and Keith treatment. facilities to block these not quite accurate. The 33 who elected officials thumbed their noses at of history is included in the course. ways just for southbound and northbound acres of property along the Occohannock back and forth between the shores. Many the office and walk over performed in Atlanta, artists don’t He would email his columns, someand not sadbe ones — as well. This week, he had victory. only accounts for the years he’s been the state Freedom of Information Act. travelers. The changes to the history course might Creek, which was fed by the Chesapeake travelers opted to drive north Street towardto the war to Main simply quit. They might slow down, but with a note and a kind word, Thisispast the time came toFCC celebrate helm of thestructure South Carolina Astimes executive director of the press asoriginal remains a Press on cellphone jamperfect, but then again our country’s history hard-Saturday, Bay and wasWhile perfectlythe situated for won’t some budge Annapolis and D.C. by first landing on at theThe memorial for Veterans they don’t quit. especially in acknowledging when our remarkable construction feat in my eyes. Association. sociation, Bill amassed has beensome passionate about 10th the establishment of the of theof most magnificent watery sunsets. Eastern Shore of Day Virginia. And withBill ceremonies. I recall Bill telling me at least a dozen newsroom press awards, ly perfect. We can hope the legislation the passes, oranniversary is ming, it announced a planthe this week that would put That itafter will soon be fully with for WHITING’S dusting off doubled Bill’s resume journalism, more specifically newspaper WithHistorical trips betweenPreservation Philly and Con-Site its pristine environment, theinShore lacked Heck,years Dr. Benjamin E. Mays served the Army, ago that when he retired — or did and other times with just a quick line to the addition tunnelsBill is equally aseven more greatly improved upon by the Senate, so tracking systems inside prisons allowhaving authorWRITINGS look, itofseems is much where he got his start. He cord Wharf, my grandparents turned many ofthat the shopping and professional slipped in at another thetounding. he sayPerhaps “if?” —even he wasn’t goingolder to be one journalism say he was sending his latest offering. in Greenwood. more astounding that college students not only gain a greater underitiesinto toaidentify unauthorized cellphone use and the old house beautiful showpiece conveniences that Shore residents had to he of claims. That’s a lot of newspahas ledWhile the organization well and a RICHARD young age of 17 andthan havthose guys would stop by the I knew Bill’s health had been in is that the entirety ofwho this nearly 60-yearTenofyears all that long, ita John was Deere a long They didn’tbut have WHITING seekS. across bay. The ferry service standing of the country’s founding, but also the is nothome. pering and even military service, plus champion all things thatwasn’t makeexpectfor a ing the honor being old office to visit and chat. respected decline of lately, I certainly require providers to cut service forthe those devices at ofwas old project has required no local, He state or time in coming. It took years of perseverance and for the yard; instead, a few sheep helped good, but definitely not too efficient. an original memberteaching, of federal good and taking honest work, and of so the he wasn’t stronger ing theFourth news IEstate got thisinpast week. And it before the helm South Carolihistoric truth that there were and yet are stumbles tax dollars to accomplish. thewhile request of prison the yard they worked theofficials. Athe bridge. work to get Mays’tend birth home moved to itson new Army Airborne Rangers. about disrupt the flow others’ work na. When did notitoccur to me that hishowever, final guesthis press association. comes to FOIA, More thantothat, however, the of Bay along the way toward a more perfect union. Stirling told the Associated Press “the FCC house’s interior and exterior. With help, Would it be possible toBill’s buildcareer a milesWhile the bulk of was just because he could. column in the Index-Journal would be Bridge did more than people location on the GLEAMNS property,from butkids it took I’ve connect been associated passion is unbridled. as I recallshould the story goes, my for this longspent bridge shore to the be applauded major steponefor public in from journalism, there wasother? no mistakAnd know what? Hebut it. the one published Oct. 26.with John from one sideyou ofwith the Chesapeake tomeant Bill for all two It is a passion he shared even longer for this pillar, this worldwide influgrandmother paid to knock plaster off Theing mouth of the Chesapeake Bayand is fed he carried the illegal same pride patri- the other. I canItonly recallof ame couple occasions it? longtime Associated connected soof many inprofessionals allowing state to turn off years histo33-year run Shurr,Or thewas state’s walls, safety plusnative some take prisons by the Atlantic Ocean. It’s a major ential GreenwoodtheCounty to be givento the otism of a career military man.shipThat waswonderful whenchildhood Bill came by office. One was Remember, writers don’t just quit. andthe young adult cellphones. ” at SCPA since migratPress bureau chief, and Jay Bender, who care of basic building and remodeling ping channel for both sides of Virginia, honor and recognition he so richly deserves. evident in his participation in Veterans memories. to bring me a copy of a spy mystery he needs. Maryland and up to Delaware. ingto south from theto Die devoted and, despite retiring We agree. Whiting is executive editorat of least the reconnect with Day ceremonies and other That military-re- It might wrotebe intime 2018 titled “A Secret And while manyThat more people are now keenly house, given the name Conwould mean the bridge wouldashave to in his thoseFor. other Carolina in 1990. fromIndex-Journal. teaching, still devotes Contact himcountless at 864-943memories again soon and follow lated occasions as much it was ” He also wrote “A History of Davis These devices allow those in prison to perpetrate aware of how influential Benjamin Elijah Mays cord, was home to me. The apartments include a tunnel in the shipping channel 2522; email rwhiting@indexjournal.com, Considering the changes hours in the fight for transparency in the gull. I’ll probably try to hold my editorials and columns. and Floyd,” commissioned by longtime new or continue the ones that got them and other homescrimes we lived in through or include an extremely high put span that was in the civil rights movement, in mentoring the entire length of each tunnel or follow him on Twitter @IJEDITOR. our industry gone He loved his God, his country, his breathfriend Emmett Davis to has do so. And he government. Dad’s career were more like temporary would be buffeted by high winds during behind bars in the first making any move I arrive on God’s Eastern Shore. Views column areof those Martin Luther King Jr., in advising presidents andplace, family, his friends and his to profession. Asbeforewas known to dabble in poetry. through during that Told you My ownexpressed interestininthis and pursuit stopovers, with one exception. That was storms. of the writer only and do not the WHITING’S take cellphones out of prison cells no-brainer. his son, aChristopher, told me the other writers never quit. three-decade government transparency andrepresent the state’s world leaders while yetinretaining a deep a house Virginia Beach theyhumility, bought Yes, a bridge. And not one, but two Whiting is executive editor of run, the it’s newspaper’s opinion. Act can be atnight, whatever hisCarolidad did or If memory serveshow me well, other Freedom amazing Bill the hasn’t of Information That’s not thegot only goodtunnels news South tofor provide throughways forsaid, ships.itWRITINGS when I was first grade. Dad orders there remain far more whoin would benefit from Index-Journal. Contact him at 864-943really changed much. tributed to all three men, most assuredly for a two-year tour in during 2522; email rwhiting@indexjournal.com, na’shere prisons week. learning about Mays, both inThailand histhis home coun- The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel was RICHARD deemed “One of the Seven Engineering S. WHITING the Vietnam War and the Corps allowed or follow him on Twitter @IJEDITOR. Oh, sure, maybe a Bill. The Navy taught Bill a word or two, The agency’s work to provide skills and even ease ty and globally. For history is a great teacher, and Wonders of the Modern World.” Its 17.6 the whole family to go. They rented the Views expressedpound in this column thosebut or twoare more, but I think it’s Jay who taught Bill the people into lifeagents. beyond has paidofdividends. Mays’ life, beliefs,Virginia principles and teachings are bars miles consists 12 miles of trestle hover-I attribute Beach house to FBI of the writer only and do not represent the that to his teaming up with proper lawyer term used when someone newspaper’s opinion. ing just above the water’s surface, 2 miles When weNow, returned to the States, we rich history. South Carolina leads the nation in preventing S.C. Press Association attorney extraorviolates the state’s FOIA: BS. Only, the Mays himself shared arecidivism, fascination with withtime, the lowest rate of people returning dinaire Jay Bender, Esquire, as they full word would easily roll off his tongue. conducted their own barbecue judging Through the years, I’ve been exposed but his focus was on howtoprecious time finishing — each their sentences. prison after across theSuch stateexplanations and, possibly, points wealth knowledge. wit-to minute of time we are given — is.ofItthis guided are no comfort, how- to Bill’s transitory andofprices do slowlyI’ve begin None is tohis say there’s not more work toWASHINGTON do, beyond.ever, He’stoafamilies certified Kansas City payingnessed his passion of forcourse, our shared career oneeds cross an obstacle-strewn landwho find themselves fall. Republicans, are already on very being and he wanted others to grasp its imthat our prison system is where it to be, but someone for having a police cross-examination did WASHINGTON Fowler’s telling, just part of the unfortu- shot him to death, Darren Wilson, was killscape, Society judge and ayet founding I’ve seenBiden him in action as atoteacher sometimes you have record. toBarbeque take under more at the grocery storethan coming home andthe attack. cannot afford give the portance in how they led their lives. he defense has rested in the nate “situation.” charged with a crime. Daunte And theysideways have no way of knowingto the much offered it’s never clearly headed in the right direction. a step or backward with less simpler food, orexplanation those facing a rent increase,when impression of being passive and member of the S.C. Barbeque Associhe visited newsrooms andhapless led trial of Derek Chauvin, after WhenHe police officers whowith kill AfriWright, killed SundayMinin the Minnewhether someone suchRight as Rayshard by Martin Tobin: that is credited oftenWe sharing “God’s move forward. now, Pres- which orpulmonologist those who go to Target to buy the kids training on thison pocketbook issue. Onceand, suchof an thank Stirling and the ultimately South Carolina Defor on libel, photography spinning a bizarro-world incan Americans actuallywhose make it to trial, is apolis suburb of Brooklyn Center, had Brooks — killed after falling asleepation, in Chauvinallows crushed thesome life outmeat of Floyd, ute,” a poem author not known. ident Joe Biden needs to urgently address new shoes and decide the old ones will course, imageFOIA. is etched intoasthe consciousBusy hepublic is during the ofover Corrections for theirthehard work,line and terpretation of events in which George there is almost always an attempt by partment been pulled for a minor traffic drive-through at a Wendy’sthose in bones. as clearly seen on video. inflation. And his first step should be toBut Bill have to do to formaintain a while longer. Purchases winter ness,meetings, it is awfullyBill hard to always erase. taken only just the a minute. Only sixtyboard seconds inmaking it.was suspectseems a steady has Floyd somehow killed himself. This defense I’ve lawyers to blame dead for the violation. Floyd, offor course, Atlantacall — ison angelic or not. Prosecutor Jerry Blackwell brought FCC the right prison gusher of oil from theattempting nation’s of nonessential be deferred, Thechat president can’t really anything line of argument isn’t their own demise.upon No matter triv-refuse ed ofit,trying to pass a counterfeit $20 release aThe problem with even Tobin back tonot the goods stand tocan refute some demeanor. That’s to say he hasn’t time to and catch up. Itdo doesn’t hurt Forced me,how can’t cellphones. strategic reserve. but the line between what and is not about the price of milk or meat. His efforts shocking or stunning, ial that alleged might have and “no angel”had outbursts nonsense Fowler had tried to is sell about or gone on some profanithat we share another passion or two: a Didn’twrongdoing seek it, didn’t choosebillit,— a misdemeanor — and paid with the “noncompliant” The practical need for essential shiftsmonoxide in the buy-it-now direction to clear the supply-chain logjams at major given what we’ve seen been, there’s always a way to suggest his life. defense strategies in the Chauvin trial is the role carbon from the ty-lacedasrants. He’s aseason journalist, for one, cigar paired withbut a fine liquor. But it’s escalated up to me use it. But the definition of “compliant” such move debatable. the holiday approaches. ports will help, not brown immediately. One before. But trying to Black Americans theto situation that Floyd was not ajust fullyisrestrained. of the carrequires might have and anyexhaust stint in thepolice Navy certain But I think the fact thattake Billunilaterally, is old message would AndFloyd’ almost everyone hassto buy gasof the few actions he can suffer if I lose it, apparently varies with color. The turn Chauvin into the or madeIitmust more deadly. After several The minutes underitChauvin’ s played s death. But Tobin’ return words be in one’s lexicon. school speaks to our kinship. I might send about climate oline. According to AAA, on Thursday, and with great fanfare, is releasing oil from real victim, by asking The most excuse for knee, he lacked respiration or even a to the stand seemed less about picking Givecommon an account if Ithese abusewhite it, mass murderer Dylann Roof, sampling, you had to do to workPetroleum my way around somethe change is counterpro- For aapart the nationwide average price forwas a gallon be able the Strategic Reserve with what gave Floyd the police killings is that the victim was who killed nine innocent worshipers pulse. Yet Chauvin persisted. one morealldubious defense theory,

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Bridging more than two shores

Getting cellphones Remembering Bill Collins off the cellblock

First PLACE Richard Whiting

Index-Journal

Bill Rogers: A champion of journalism

To show he cares about inflation, Biden should tap into the reserve Derek Chauvin is no victim

of the newfangled ways we do things in this digital era a little better than Bill, but we’re largely cut from the same cloth. That’s when interviews meant precariously perched desk phones led to sore necks, when cigarettes and coffee were staples of any newsroom, when clickety-clack typewriters were the dominant sound in a newsroom and when sources were only interviewed in person or by phone, not by email. Press Association board meetings and roundtables will not be the same with Bill’s retirement. Heck, they haven’t been the same since COVID-19 hit and forced us all into Zoom meetings and deprived us of barbecue lunches, which were typically followed by burning a good stick and conversing with Bill on the back patio picnic table. Maybe Bill will drop in on occasion and we can do that. I’m already lining him up for a visit here at the IJ to lead one or two of his seminars after retirement. No Powerpoint slides; just good old-fashion handouts. Then, maybe some barbecue, a stick and a beverage afterward. Thanks, Bill, for your leadership of one of the nation’s top press associations. Thank you for your passionate support of journalism, your tenacity for keeping — or trying to keep — the big boys honest and, best of all, your friendship. Whiting is executive editor of the Index-Journal. Contact him at 864-9432522; email rwhiting@indexjournal.com, or follow him on Twitter @IJEDITOR. Views expressed in this column are those of the writer only and do not represent the newspaper’s opinion.

I feel that column writing is at its best when the author doesn’t shy away from putting a bit of themselves into the mix in addition to pulling information from other places. This writer accomplishes that beautifully. The left’s failure to condemn Cuba’s communist dictatorship EUGENE ROBINSON

WASHINGTON POST WRITERS GROUP

right to die on him like that, is despicable. Floyd had an enlarged heart, Chauvin’s star witness, forensic pathologist David Fowler, testified Wednesday. And

Just a tiny little minute,

somehow not “compliant” enough. This Buta range eternity is in it.from can involve of behaviors, simply demanding to know the reason for the arrest to physically resisting being taken into custody. Floyd’s fatal offense, according to Chauvin’s defense team, seems to have been failing to maintain textbook-perfect cardiac

ductive. But aggressively at Mother Emanuel A.M.E. Church And so defense attorney Eric Nelson in Charleston, South Carolina, was as built Chauvin’confronting s case aroundinflation the far- — and making a bigwas deal noncompliant as anyone could possibly fetched notion that Floyd, who fitof doing so, with concrete be — he fled the scene and was known enough to work providing security at EUGENE to be armed and dangerous. Yet police a nightclub, was in such— delicate health measures is a political ROBINSON managed to capture him alive, and they that he mightimperative have dropped at any fordead the White ordered him food from Burger King WASHINGTON minute. That he expired while Chauvin POST House. Failing to act can when he complained of being hungry.WRITERS was crushingonly his neck and chest is GROUP worsen prospects

of regular unleaded was $3.42 — up from announced aim of lowering gas prices. and more about reminding the jury year ago.seems In practical terms, Experts argue convincingly that the of$2.12 whataobviously true: that no that meanswhat paying $20 more to fill your impact of such a move could be marginal, matter else about was happening inside tank.s Which is weight kind ofChauvin like having given the global nature of the oil market Floyd’ body, the put to on himone wasofwhat mattered. take those hard-earned Andrew and the difficult logistics of transforming It is always to assign Jacksons outdangerous of your wallet, riptoo it into tiny that reserve petroleum into increased he Castro (and now post-Casis rubble desolation as areas far asofthe much significance to any single case — pieces and toss them into the wind. supplyand of gasoline in the theeye counyou never what jury do — peoplecantry tro) regime Cuba is awill deeply see.where prices at the pump have risen This isknow the in kind ofa inflation that

tunity to bash the long-running (and often tweaked) U.S. embargo of Cuba — which

Column Writing

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Third PLACE Chase Karacostas The Sun News OPINION AND COMMENTARY

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OPINION COLUMNS & BLOGS

Column: How Pride helped me find a home in South Carolina

BY CHASE KARACOSTAS UPDATED JUNE 18, 2021 5:50 PM

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Second PLACE Norm Cannada L LifestyLeifestyLe LifestyLe

TELL WILLIE Thanks for defending me Submit community news, calendar events, celebrations and obituaries to life@upstatetoday.com ‘a little.’ B5 Submit community news, calendar events, celebrations and obituaries to life@upstatetoday.com

The Journal, Seneca

Saturday, February 20, 2021

‘Positive’: A COVID journey

You have heard of LGBT, but do you really know what the letters stand for? And how about QIA? Melissa Winter, youth advocate with the KC Anti-Violence project, breaks down the terminology for you in 90 seconds. BY SHELLY YANG AND AARON RANDLE

Attending OutFest was the first moment I felt at home in South Carolina. Walking up, I could hear the pop music, the shouts of joy. I’d been to queer festivals many times before, in three different cities. I knew this one wouldn’t be astronomically different. But, when I laid eyes upon the throngs of people draped in rainbow flags, glistening with glitter and holding hands with same-sex partners, I couldn’t stop smiling. I rarely cry, but this almost brought me to tears.

ositive. The word was staring at me from an email just before 6 p.m. Monday. There was plenty of explanation attached, but the word “positive” was all that mattered. In separate emails within seconds of each other, Michelle and I both learned we tested positive for the coronavirus. We were among the 1,109 confirmed cases in South Carolina and 11 in Oconee County reported on Monday. I’ve read those numbers daily, but I haven’t thought much about the people involved except for when I knew A COVID about someone personally. I certainly hadn’t JOURNEY | thought about the anxiousness of waiting on NORM the result, then telling CANNADA family and friends and coping mentally with the unpredictability of this virus. It’s a wide range in terms how the virus affects people. Some get through it without any significant issues. Others have long-lasting effects. Others don’t survive COVID-19. I can’t tell all their stories, but I can tell mine. I don’t claim my experience will be typical. I don’t think there is a typical case that could stand for everyone. As long as my health allows me to tell this story, I will tell it. There may be times where that isn’t possible.

INITIAL REACTION

Thursday, February 25, 2021

The roller coaster

INSIDE Comics B3 Puzzles B3 Recipe B6

TELL Let’s p don’t raise t

Submit community news, calendar events, celebrations and obituaries to life@upstatetoday.com

Saturday, February 27, 2021

The Journal B1

Time to smell the roses

t is likely that today is the last day of a two-week COVID-19 quarantine for Michelle and me. I hesitate to write those words because this virus is so incredibly unpredictable, but we appear to have moved through this virus process to where we can return uesday marked 10 days to life outside our apartsince Michelle and I first ment on Sunday. I think I am now seebegan having symptoms ing light at the end of the of COVID-19. And while we are tunnel, but it’s possible improving, symptoms persist. the light is a train. I knew that We are looking people had forward to getting out extended periagain, and I am looking ods of sickforward to returning to A COVID the office. ness from the ASSOCIATED PRESS Don’t tell Michelle, but by the Black Doctors | JOURNEY coronavirus, People wait in line Friday for the opening of a 24-hour, walk-up COVID-19 vaccination clinic hosted once our bout to with the COVID-19 Consortium atbut Temple University’s Liacouras Center in Philadelphia. Efforts vaccinate Americans against COVID-19 the length Flanked by and Chevrolet is over,not oneused of the have been stymied by aof series winter storms and outages the country to extreme cold weather hob- zone manager Edward B NORM in parts ofvirus timeofthey Wood hold their 2019 General Motors Mark o first things I want to do bled transportation hubs and highways. CANNADA have stayed is purchase a dozen pink with me has roses for my bride. caught me A COVID Michelle has put up with me for the past by surprise. I two weeks and really deserves a prize for JOURNEY | that. Lynnette White uses her tablet while interviewed in San Francisco. The pandemic has sp really thought there’s also another to buy as But people stay away fromreason physical stores. But the biggest growth has come from consu those who batthose roses. NORM tled the virus As I mentioned in an earlier column CANNADA for a couple of this week, I buy Michelle a dozen pink weeks or more roses each year on Valentine’s Day. But were the ones who had severe Valentine’s Day was also the first day we cases. had symptoms of COVID. One of the earliest symptoms was a loss That certainly is not my of our sense of smell. case. Michelle literally couldn’t wake up and This virus has become a smell the roses that morning. COVID constant companion. I am still took that away from her. BYmedication ANNE D’INNOCENZIO HOW ARE Of CARRIERS TRYING ville and the Memphis suburb of Olive taking for a lot of course, it’s now two weeks later and

Editor’s note: This is the fourth column in a series chronicling a personal experience with COVID-19.

How have storms affected ‘A fam COVID-19 vaccinations? Never too late: Pa Local dealership owner passes down family tradition

Editorials and other Opinion content offer perspectives on issues important to our community and are independent from the work of our newsroom reporters.

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DAVID LAUDERDALE

Best advice after Bluffton teen shooting: ‘Today, I will take back my community’ BY DAVID LAUDERDALE SPECIAL TO THE ISLAND PACKET AND BEAUFORT GAZETTE UPDATED APRIL 20, 2021 10:54 AM

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OPINION AND COMMENTARY Editorials and other Opinion content offer perspectives on issues important to our community and are independent from the work of our newsroom reporters.

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DAVID LAUDERDALE

Come sit a spell on the Lowcountry’s front porch. Appreciate the scenery, silhouettes

Deck Book Now

BY DAVID LAUDERDALE SPECIAL TO THE ISLAND PACKET AND BEAUFORT GAZETTE MAY 15, 2021 7:00 AM

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David Lauderdale

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Family and friends gathered at the publicAND vigil forCOMMENTARY Dwon “DJ” Fields Jr. on Sunday, March 7, 2021 at Bluffton High School. BY DREW MARTIN  OPINION

Editorials and other Opinion content offer perspectives on issues important to our community and are independent from the work of our newsroom reporters.

DAVID LAUDERDALE

Lessons in patience and faith: A father’s influence on how Hilton Head turned out BY DAVID LAUDERDALE SPECIAL TO THE ISLAND PACKET AND BEAUFORT GAZETTE JUNE 20, 2021 5:00 AM

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Bluffton resident Barry Ginn, right, donates an early copy of Carew Rice’s 1962 book, “A Selection of Songs and Scissor-Cut Silhouettes: Lowcountry Artistry,” to the Colleton Museum and Farmers Market on March 29, 2021, represented by Christie Slocum, historical and cultural coordinator. The Walterboro museum has a permanent display on Rice, who lived nearby. DAVID LAUDERDALE

Then Maj. Gen. Joseph B. Fraser photographed with two of his grandsons, Joe Fraser III, left, who is today a Bluffton resident and president of Fraser Construction Co., and Simon Fraser, right, today a Hilton Head Island attorney and chairman of the Heritage Classic Foundation. FRASER FAMILY

Each column made me want to read more. Fantastic work.

Father’s Day is a perfect time for you to meet Joseph Bacon Fraser Sr., the greatest influencer of modern Hilton Head Island you’ve never heard of.

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David Slade

Cindi Ross Scoppe

The Post and Courier https://www.postandcourier.com/business/sc-teachers-nurses-police-�re�ghters-and-others-can-get-free-��k-tobuy-homes/article_��e��-��-��eb-��f�-�ba��c�a.html

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SC teachers, nurses, police, re ghters and others can get free $12k to buy homes

Awful student loan forgiveness program for public servants nally gets better

The Post and Courier https://www.postandcourier.com/opinion/commentary/scoppe-tentacles-of-murdaugh-saga-reach-beyond-sc-lawenforcement-into-judicial-selection/article_�eade�e�-��f-��ec-af��-f��cc�c�b��.html

https://www.postandcourier.com/opinion/commentary/scoppe-why-sc-gun-laws-keep-getting-more-and-moreliberal-and-how-we-stop/article_��ba��-��e�-��eb-a��d-��ea��f�cf�b.html

Scoppe: Tentacles of Murdaugh saga reach beyond SC law enforcement into judicial selection

Scoppe: Why SC gun laws keep getting more and more liberal, and how we stop it

https://www.postandcourier.com/opinion/commentary/scoppe-closing-time-for-sc-college-bars-worse-thingscould-happen/article_��f��c�-�c�a-��eb-��f�-��b��f.html

https://www.postandcourier.com/business/real_estate/sc-has-��m-to-help-with-overdue-rent-and-utility-billsheres-how-to-get/article_�d�f��de-��-��eb-��-��aac�e��df�.html

Scoppe: Closing time for SC college bars? Worse things could happen.

SC has $346M to help with overdue rent and utility bills; here’s how to get it.

The Murdaugh saga began with questions about South Carolina’s criminal justice

For many years the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness program has seemed like a cruel joke.

system: Why didn’t police conduct a sobriety test on the obviously intoxicated Paul

The House vote on Wednesday inviting all South Carolinians to proudly pack a

Murdaugh (or anyone else) after the fatal �� boat crash that he apparently

handgun on their hip — no training required, background check demanded or

caused? Why were criminal charges �led nearly two months after an accident whose

questions asked — was driven by the idea that it’s time to take back our Second

investigation was complicated more by relationships than by facts — and then only

Amendment rights from a government that has been steadily chipping away at

after a lawsuit pointed clearly to Mr. Murdaugh’s culpability in Mallory Beach’s

them.

drowning death?

The reality is, well, di�erent.

The origins of some of South Carolina’s most outrageous superspreader incubators trace, by Sen. Dick Harpootlian’s reckoning, to ��, when “a smarta--, spunky solicitor indicted two of the three ABC commissioners” on public corruption

The pandemic-driven recession has caused �nancial hardship for many, for more than a year, and countless renters have fallen behind on their bills.

charges.

Column Writing Daily Over 25,000 Division

https://www.postandcourier.com/opinion/commentary/bailey-east-side-drug-dealers-wish-you-a-merry-christmasand-a-happy-new-year/article_f�d�c��-��-��eb-��fd-ef�cab�aecef.html

Bailey: East Side drug dealers wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

First Place and

https://www.postandcourier.com/opinion/commentary/bailey-covid-doctor-says-people-just-blind-themselves-toreality-of-what-is-going-on/article_��d��-�a��-��ec-��-��c��dc�e��e.html

Bailey: ‘Either he would have been dead, or we would have been Bailey: COVID doctor says, ‘People just blind themselves to was Christmas Day on South Street, and there was joy in the air. dead’ reality of what is goingIton’ Santa had come to the East Side, not in his sleigh with eight tiny reindeer, but in a bright blue sweatshirt, and he had goodies — cold hard cash — for all the boys and

Best of the Best

girls in the neighborhood. One ... Two ... Three ... Four ... Five ... Six ... Seven ... Eight ... Nine ... Ten ... Eleven ... Twelve ... Thirteen ... Fourteen ... Fifteen. Fifteen times the skinny ��-something Santa in blue (and Santa’s jolly helpers) tossed �stfuls of cash into the wind like so much confetti on a chilly Christmas afternoon, and the kids shrieked with joy, scooping it up o� the street and cars and stu�ng it in their pockets.

Steve Bailey

The Post and Courier

https://www.postandcourier.com/opinion/commentary/bailey-either-he-would-have-been-dead-or-we-would-havebeen-dead/article_c��e-e�a�-��eb-��-�f�af��e�.html

What kid wouldn’t be thrilled to �nd dollars dancing in the air on Christmas (or any other day)?

It’s a chilling moment, a split second really, when he looks directly into the camera. You are so busted, pal. It’s the talk of the town, a four-minute video, forwarded from friend to friend. Kent Stock, a Roper infectious disease doc who has treated �,�� COVID patients, in his

The guy with the buzz cut and backpack on the video could be ransacking your

hospital scrubs, talking directly, haltingly, painfully, into the camera. If you don’t

house in the middle of the night, but on this night, it’s Dean and Theresa Sigler’s

tear up, you probably need a heart transplant.

nice suburban home in Goose Creek. As they sleep in their bedroom with their �ve dogs — the door closed, the fan on high — the brazen intruder is ri�ing through every other room, every drawer, every closet.

Tough category to judge with so many quality entries. But in the end, these columns stood above the rest.

Humor Column Writing

All Weekly Division

Third PLACE

Second PLACE

Dalton Williams

Julie Smith

The Daniel Island News

The Summerville Journal Scene https://www.postandcourier.com/journal-scene/opinion/wrong-car/article_d��d��fa-fb�f-��eb-b��b�d��bdd��f.html

September 2 - 8, 2021 ■ The Daniel Island News

thedanielislandnews.com

The formula to marital bliss

the porch and do this.” Like a magician, she slowly folded down the sides of the napkin cone, revealing the sugar packet (which we all know represents the paper). She then plucked the packet from its napkin cocoon and dropped it, with a slight bit of flair, on the table. “Unlike Dalton’s approach, I do it this “Because I turned the bag inside-out, the way,” my lovely wife, Grace, said, unfolding a napkin and holding a sugar packet. She and wet side is now safely on the inside,” Grace I were having dinner with friends, Billie and proclaimed. “It can now be safely deposited in the trash.” Jerry, at The Kingstide, a new restaurant on Before the audience could respond, she Daniel Island. But I’m getting ahead of the concluded, “That way no water is dropped on story. Earlier that afternoon, I retrieved our copy the floor from the front door to the trash can, unlike the way Dalton does it.” of The Daniel Island News from the front After a pause, Jerry remarked, “Well, I’ll be sidewalk. Like a lot of August days recently, dogged. That is a better way!” it was raining and the plastic bag containing I avoided eye contact knowing he was grinthe paper was wet. I brought it into the house ning at me. and made my way quickly to the kitchen Billie added, “Makes all the sense in the trash can, pulled out the paper, and pitched world to me. Dalton, you need to listen to the wet wrapper in the trash. Pretty good, Grace more.” huh? Au contraire, mon frère. Grace has a “Yeah!” echoed Grace. better way of doing it, which brings us back Knowing which way the tide had turned, I to the dinner demonstration. mumbled something to the effect that I would Folding the napkin into thirds and crimpfollow Grace’s new and improved method. ing one end, Grace announced, “Now this tell people it was your idea,” napkin represents the plastic bag.”The ContinuDaniel Island“And News don’t ■ August 5 - 11, 2021 Billie instructed, winking at Grace. Turning ing, she held up the sugar packet saying, toward Jerry she added, “Men do that, you “And this is the newspaper.” Grace dropped the sugar packet into the napkin cylinder she know. Take credit for things they learned from their wife.” Jerry looked down and missed me had formed and laid the napkin on the table. grinning at him. “Now when it rains,” she stated, “the bag, “You’re Grace responded. “We represented by the napkin here, gets on is anything see wet if there youright,” can still get in.” enjoy the outside, but the inside and theThen papershe arelaunched intoa particular a litany ofbarbecue Olym- sauce. The bottle has a picture of a man on it as if he concocted dry.” pic events with personalized commentary, But theGymnastics, backstory isyou’d that his wife developed “”You mean the sugar,” I cut in. “Track and field,it.hardly. the recipe home kitchen. But is she on “The sugar packet is the paperbreak in oursomething little other thaninatheir record. Weightthe label? No.” model,” Grace corrected, in her “teacher lifting, hah! Wrestling, ouch!” youshe go,”added, replied Billie, as the two of voice.” She used to teach science so“Hey I made a there,“There wait, Dalton,” them continued their you analysis of the theme. note not to interrupt “They still do have walking. I know with the cheerleaders) which meant,again. with I wasn’t sure if Gracebut wanted an assent or Holding the napkin cone vertical, Grace can’t move like you did in high school, some further training, we could probably from me. I gazed declared, “When the bag is wet, Imaybe first stop thatonAnn comment what’s-her-name could set out the window cover 20 kilometers in under 3 hours.

drollery

DALTON WILLIAMS

22 | OLYMPICS

thedanielislandnews.com

GOING FOR THE GOLD

drollery DALTON WILLIAMS

“Whatever happened to Ann Meyer?” my lovely wife, Grace, asked. “I don’t know,” I shot back, then realized that I probably should have paused a tad, for effect, before responding. “He’s hiding something,” my Aunt Toogie barked. “He just pulled on his nose and he always does that when he’s trying to hide something.” Grace giggled. “I thought you meant because he answered so quickly.” When I didn’t reply this time, Grace added, “Ann Meyer was the cheerleader captain in high school and Dalton had a crush on her.” After breakfast, Grace and Toogie were discussing the Tokyo Olympics and I had made the mistake of telling them that, as a young lad, I dreamed of competing in the Olympics. I even went on to relate how a

IN-HOUSE SAVINGS PLAN

Grace and Toogie were discussing the Tokyo Olympics and I had made the mistake of telling them that, as a young lad, I dreamed of competing in the Olympics. group of high school friends and I came up with a plan to get into the Olympics. We knew we were not fast or strong enough for most track and field events, but we learned walking was an Olympic sport. There was a 20 kilometer walk and, heck, we knew how to walk. We calculated that 20 kilometers was around 12 miles so we decided to practice by walking 12 miles to see how we did. We met at one kid’s house and walked through town to our high school and back, a distance we guessed to be about 6 miles (and for which we could double our time to get a 12-mile metric). We did stop to talk to some of the school cheerleaders practicing outside at Ann Meyer’s house and factored that time out of our measure. We covered the 6 miles in an hour and 32 minutes (excluding the break

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Our bubble burst, however, when we then read that the Olympic contestants would cover that distance in an hour and a half; twice our rate. We tried to replicate that pace for short distances on the sidewalk in front of Tommy Lammert’s house. Not only could we not get close to 8 miles an hour, we got leg cramps trying. We finally gave up our Olympic dreams and went back to Ann Meyer’s house to see if the cheerleaders were still practicing. Toogie opened her iPad and started typing. Soon, she was muttering, “No, nope, not that one, no way ...” When I asked what she was doing, Toogie replied, “I’m looking at Olympic events to

the pace for you.” “Meyer,” Grace corrected. When I didn’t reply, Toogie took a new tack. “Let’s see if there are any old sports they used to have in the Olympics,” she suggested, pecking away on her iPad. “Ah, here’s some,” she announced. “They had croquet in 1900.” “You would have looked dapper dressed all in white, dear,” Grace offered. “But they probably didn’t allow contestants to drink beer while they played, the way Dalton does now in the backyard,” Toogie barked. “Hey, how about solo synchronized swimming? They had it in 1992.”

See GOLD on PAGE 23

TERMITE damage We can help with homeowner defect claims such as termite damage. This damage is not readily

HUMOR | 23

shoulder. Each page had a single letter on it. Pages with the letters C, M, and E were arranged, left to right, in front of him. “What do the letters mean?” she asked softly. “Parts of a formula,” he answered, gazing at the letters and mussing his hair further. After a pause, she mused, “Would it help if we placed the E first?” Albert moved the page with the letter E and sat silently. Rubbing his forehead, he pondered, “Maybe E equals something?” “CM?” Mileva offered, trying to be helpas my mind began to wander — back to ful, moving other papers away from the three Bern. In Switzerland. Near the start of the in front of Albert. last century. A young Albert Einstein sat at When he didn’t respond, she leaned over his kitchen table, running his fingers through his hair. Scraps of paper and nubs of pencils his shoulder and slid the M page to the left littered the tabletop. of the C page. “Would that help?” she sug“Would you like some more tea, dear?” his gested. wife, Mileva, asked. “That’s the same as CM.” Albert retorted Not looking up, he shook his head from sharply. side to side. Hoping to assuage his moodiness, Mileva “You’ve been at the table so long,” she then asked, “Well then, why don’t we take a observed. “Can I help you with whatever it is break? How about a lemon square? Fresh out you are doing?’ of the oven.” “I doubt it,” he intoned, more matter-of“Lemon what?” Albert groused. factly than derisively. “It’s just so complex. Now a tad perturbed by his demeanor, thedanielislandnews.com So elusive.” He shuffled and rearranged paMileva put her hands on her hips and stated pers. He leaned back and sighed, “I just have loudly, “Square, Albert. Square!” a feeling the answer is in here somewhere.” Suddenly, he slapped the table, leapt to “Well, be sure to clean up this mess before his feet, and whooped, “That’s it. Square! you go to bed. Katrina is coming tomorrow Squared. E equals MC squared! I did it, I did morning.” it! I’ll be famous.” loafers. My new and improved version of Still not looking up, Albert asked, “Is she Our server delivering the dinnerwas tabstill something from the sticks “casual” a friend?” brought me back to the present. Grace, opened Billie, the front door of his when Brevard “She’s my cousin!” Mileva shot back. and Jerry had been engaged in to conversation home greet us. He wore white buck shoes, DALTON “A relative of ours.” When Albert didn’t withoutWILLIAMS me. red and white striped seersucker trousers, acknowledge either remark, she added, “You “I put this on one bill,”a the server white silk anshirt, and a royal blue doubledo know what a relative is,My don’t you?” nounced, “but it if you linen want.” jacket. I thought that, if you lovely wife, Grace, gave me herI can splitbreasted “Relative?” Albert muttered, theside, he looked a little tipped pushing him on his “down rubbing and up” his glance — “That’s the one OK,” whereGrace she replied, chin, maintaining his attention pieces ascheck in frontwhat of me. “Einstein can flag, but Grace and Toogie like an here American lowerson herthe eyebrows she inspects of paper on the table. Mileva over his with figure out.” then cooed over how fashionably he was attired. I am peered wearing, starting myit shirt, proceeding down to the shoes, and then back As he directed us into the parlor, I did notice up. It is her way of asking, “You’re not going him giving me the “down and up” glance. Brevard motioned for us to be seated and to wear that, are you?” “He said it was casual,” I pleaded, sensing announced he would be right back from the kitchen with “aperitifs and nibbles.” After he she must have found fault with my cargo departed, Toogie whispered, “Dalton never pants, sandals, or both. We, and my Aunt Toogie, were invited for fixes us aperitifs and nibbles.” Grace smiled and patted my arm. Brevard returned with a a “casual dinner” at the downtown Charlestray of drinks and snacks. The beverages, he ton home of Toogie’s gentleman friend, said, were a “little something” he concocted Brevard. Although there was the prospect using Citroen vodka, white peach liqueur, a of a free meal, I was not looking forward to splash of soda, with an orange twist and rosebeing with his nibs on his home turf. mary sprig. I thought it was a far cry from “That may be your version of casual,” a Perfect Manhattan, but Toogie and Grace Grace declared, “but it will never pass muscmitsolutions.com/charleston | 843.501.9908 gushed over how ingenious and refreshing it ter South of Broad.” Knowing not to debate fashion with Grace, was. This praise set Brevard into motion I changed into slacks, a long-sleeve shirt, and

I’m going to have my license plate tattooed on my forearm. It’s for the public good.

Some days I feel pretty liberal-ish.

I believe no one should control my body except me. I don’t care what gender you Here’s what happened: I went to the UPS store on Trolley Road a few days ago to https://www.postandcourier.com/journal-scene/opinion/ring-app-entertaining-if-you-like-blurryidentify with or who you love. I think gay people should have the same adoption return a pair of shoes. I parked my white Explorer and was in and out in three bottoms/article_��de��-��-��eb-�d��-�b��ed�f�d�.html minutes. rights as straight people, because what kid doesn’t need a loving parent? If you don’t I walked back to my Ford and opened the door. If you have the key fob in your purse

believe in God, I won’t try to convert you. (But I’ll def be praying for you.)

or pocket, the door automatically unlocks when you grab the handle. I pivoted

days, I feel conservative-ish. I voted for Reagan. I think sex should be Ring app entertaining if you likeOther blurry bottoms

smoothly and slid into the driver’s seat. (I’m actually pretty graceful, by which I mean I only fall down once a day.)

I’ll be Dogged

drollery

Gnawing issue resolved

Wrong car

‘We enjoy a particular barbecue sauce. The bottle has a picture of a man on it as if he concocted it. But the backstory is that his wife developed the recipe in their home kitchen. But is she on the label? No.’

26 | HUMOR

https://www.postandcourier.com/journal-scene/opinion/gnawing-issue-resolved/article_c�e�b��-�c�a-��ec-ad��b��ecf��.html

describing and offering the “nibbles.” There were crudités with chili-lime dip and deviled quail eggs. But the pièce de résistance was the pâté. He explained it was a venison pâté made for him by a well-known local chef, but he liked to enhance it with a smear of orange-fig spread and crushed pistachios. “My additions give it a certain je ne sais quoi,” he waxed. Grace and Toogie ate it up — both the nibbles and the performance by Brevard. Then he slipped up, at least I thought so at the time, when he added, “I harvest the venison at my hunting preserve near Georgetown.” I knew the word harvest meant he shot Bambi’s mother or father and was eager to see what Grace and Toogie thought of that. So I asked him to tell us more. It seems Brevard’s great-granddaddy bought the place, several thousand acres, over a century ago. It has a stone lodge that sleeps eight comfortably, and several wooden outbuildings for equipment and dogs. He and his buddies go there every fall to hunt quail, turkey, and deer. Grace and Toogie were lapping it up like an episode of grouse hunting on “The Crown.”

reserved, if not for marriage, then for a committed relationship. I think everyone

who can work, should. I believe we are all called to serve others today, not

The Daniel Island News ■ October 21 - 27, 2021

I put one hand on the steering wheel and reached for the ignition button. That’s

tomorrow.

Getting a Ring doorbell is like eating a ��-pound Reese’s Cup—it seems great when

Finally, Toogie asked, “You mentioned dogs. Do you keep them there?” “Oh, no,” Brevard answered. “I board them with a trainer in Awendaw. We pick them up on our way to Georgetown and drop them off on the way home.” Sensing a new opportunity to trip him up, I asked, “Have you ever lost a dog at your place? I mean with the property over a thousand acres, I’m guessing dogs get lost or are never found, right?” “Au contraire.” Brevard replied, rose, and added, “Let me get something from the study to show you. Be right back.” He returned holding a device that looked like, and actually was, a computer tablet. He launched into a tutorial on the electronic tracking system he uses for his dogs. “I have seven foxhounds and we put an electronic collar on each one. Once we let them run,” Brevard explained, “we can track them on this screen using Google Earth. When I want to call them back, I push this button. It sends a vibrating impulse and they are trained to return on that signal.”

See DALTON on PAGE 27

when I noticed the bottle of soda in the cup holder. I don’t drink soda. Also, the

I tell you this to say that I’m pretty tolerant. You do you, I’ll do me. But you start. And it IS great, until you realize you’ll be eating thisallgiant candy barbasically, for

interior was gray fabric, not tan leather.

years, and why? WHY???

Then I felt someone’s eyes upon me, boring into my soul.

what California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom did on Oct. �� had me rolling my eyes and sucking my store-bought teeth.

I’m still not sure why, but Widdle and I looked into each other’s eyes recently and

My head swiveled to the right and there was a tiny, gray-haired old lady with Coke-

He addressed a huge problem in his state — not the acute housing shortage, not

said, “Know bottle glasses staring at me from the passenger seat. what we need? A ��-pound Reese’s Cup — I mean, a Ring.”

income inequality, not wild�re-related issues, not the fact that shoplifting is out of

She didn’t blink; she didn’t make a sound, but I did.

control or that residents are �eeing in droves. Not even that tourists are being

I guess that’s the power of advertising — and the result of watching hundreds of

online Ring “Wrong car! I’m so sorry!” I bleated, as I jumped out videos. and slammed the door. I

jacked by panhandlers on downtown sidewalks.

hustled to my Explorer, two spaces down, and crumpled in the driver’s seat. I

No, Gavin the Dude signed a law banning pink and blue baby items in department

ma’am!”

Legislature trying to pass this law; similar bills failed in �� and ��.

“Look, the cat is chasing the “No, dog away from the little boy!” haven’t been so embarrassed since I called a barista sir and she snapped stores. Because priorities, folks. It was Democrats’ third attempt in the state “Look, that driver threw those boxes over the fence—and it was Grandma’s china!”

The law — which only applies to stores with at least �� employees, so small

businesses exempt factored — was opposed by some Republicans and conservative The fact that I read a lot of true crime, which makes me jumpy,are probably



Humor Column Writing

All Weekly Division







Birth person, or mother? Doesn’t matter, just S.C. Press Association    don’t touch the comb-over  S.C. Press Association

Southern Voices, Southern Voices: I peed on a toady frog



First PLACE Michael M. DeWitt, Jr.

The Hampton County Guardian

Michael DeWitt, Jr.

The Kama Sutra Cookbook: The dangers of thrifting and bargain shopping Michael DeWitt, Jr. Posted Oct. 5, 2021 By Michael DeWitt, Jr. I was born in the summer of 1972. The Vietnam War was still raging. Elvis was still very much alive. Needless to say, I’m not a little boy anymore.

Yet, as I soon celebrate a half century on this planet, I was pleased to learn recently that, deep inside my wrinkled, fatty, hairy exterior, there still lives a five-year-old boy – and he still has a mischievous streak and some unresolved issues.

Good writing with down-to-earth, humorous storytelling that is a pleasure to read. Loved the frog column’s clever close.

Michael DeWitt, Jr.

Humor Column Writing

All Daily Division SATURDAY

Viewpoints

Third PLACE 8A Viewpoints

y owned since 1919

Richard S. Whiting Executive Editor

William A. Collins

SATURDAY

Editor Emeritus

eanor M. Mundy Judith Mundy Burns 1917-1998

The First Amendment

1947-2019

column represent the views of this newspaper. and Letters to the Editor reflect the views of the t the opinions of this newspaper.

June 12, 2021

on why Richland One needed a onstitutes a public meeting: public bodies galore had mimeetings to the virtual world, eporter Adam Benson, who x-Journal before moving to the ewspaper’s Columbia offices, hland One had for years been in moving the public participation ngs from its recorded and livesIn short, if the public did not e public was not privy to what d to say to the board, nor how d. ght be reported by a journalist all was potentially lost when it aved for the record. caught with his hand in the chen light is turned on, Richought to dismiss the matter o light. There’s no obligation to participation segment in their ey reasoned, as if that somehow ny obligation to maintain records n the open portion of their ourse, there’s always that excuse ne it this way.” her she was issuing some sort the public comments section ngs might disappear, but one missioners, Cheryl Harris, also ur constituents have the opporus at any given time, whether it’s er it’s an email. I don’t believe ere that mandates that public be viewed publicly.” ’s called the South Carolina Freen Act. And no, Ms. Harris, it does e conversations you and other ht have by phone or one-on-one, ore the board meeting, after the but your emails that pertain to s? That might be more of a gray the content of the exchange, so

esday the board’s chairman, ounced that during the public of meetings, all speakers will be to address the board and their uded in the official record of the

eek in which it came to light that een the light, Benson shared mmentary on the matter: “The rdially invites all persons to parablished procedures. The board mpliance with the South Carolina ation Act, as well as other federal ining to board policy.” isn’t that special? No. It’s just the s how all public bodies should be

Second PLACE

Richard Whiting Viewpoints

t special; st right

-old page from SNL and Dana rch Lady, “Isn’t that special?” ally is not special. Frankly, it’s a g shame, if you will, that it took er’s story — and possibly some land One’s public school board g by ensuring all aspects of its — get this now — made avail-

David Lauderdale

Locally owned since 1919

Richard S. Whiting

Mundy Burns Price

SATURDAY

President and Publisher

Executive Editor

William A. Collins Editor Emeritus

R. Frank Mundy

The First Amendment

Congress shall make no law respecting an establish-

Eleanor M. Mundy Judith Mundy Burns ment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof;

1947-2019 or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to Editorial opinions in this column represent the views of this newspaper. petition the government for a redress of grievances. 1915-1982

August 14, 2021

1917-1998

All other columns, cartoons and Letters to the Editor reflect the views of the individual author. They are not the opinions of this newspaper.

Index-Journal

The Island Packet

OUR VIEW

Locally owned since 1919 Mundy Burns Price

Richard S. Whiting

President and Publisher

Executive Editor

William A. Collins

Stay in your lane, but finish together

We won’t wander into the weeds on this one, but we do hope that there are no fender benders or R. Frank Mundy Eleanor M. Mundy Judith Mundy Burns crashes on the highway that leads to Greenwood 1915-1982 1917-1998 1947-2019 County’s growth and economic development. Editorial opinions in this column represent the views of this newspaper. In the weeks and months since the dissolution All other columns, cartoons and Letters to the Editor reflect the views of the individual author. They are not the opinions of this newspaper. of Greenwood Partnership Alliance, the public-private organization tasked with recruiting new OUR VIEW business and industry to the county, various groups ow many emails do you get a individuals have gotten together to develop a hey are a model of efficiency. Then along came the pandemic. And gettingand vaccinated against COVID-19. day? And I still suspect there’s some anyone already offering drive-thru Oh,new and speaking of the vaccination, I of bettering the strategy toward a shared goal If it’s anywhere near the volingredient in their biscuit or the restaurant service was ahead of the game. know county. there areThat someincludes folks who refuse to from economic everything ume many of us get at the IJ, I feel your chicken itself that makes the ChickBrian closed his dining room and set up get thedevelopment vaccination not so much because to quality of life issues and broad pain. If the number of emails in my inbox fil-A lines always so full. If you have a theme-park styled drive-thru pattern they’remarketing afraid of needles because of the or county as athey great place to work, was instead $5 bills, I’d be out the door. In not already noticed. And if you haven’t to serve customers. Then, as summer don’t believe in vaccinations, butarather only one week. live, prosper and receive good education. Certainly many of the emails are relnoticed, surely it must arrived, he provided his employees and because This they think they’re getting collaborative effort abrought to the table evant. Most people seem to prefer email mean you’ve been decustomers some shade with temporary microchip injected in theirGreenwood bodies. You SC Chamber, county leadership, over phone calls. I get it. prived and have yet to be sheltering. That rather quickly evolved know, Uptown so the government can track them Development Corp. and Discover Green”It’s unnatural to coddle and promote the weak and Quick and easy. no fuss, baptized by Chick-fil-A. into a more permanent canopy setup and allwood. that. As those involved often say, each has its own no messy cleanup and infirm. Masks are for criminals and thisand world forcourse for drive-thru only at Seriously. set isthe Well,lane firston of aallfour-lane I think a highway, microchipits own particular area certainly a great way to the strong andAlong virile,came that deserve wear masks McDon-to notthe mall location. If he allowed dine-in, wouldof have to be implanted wouldn’t avoid small talk before expertise brought and to the table in forming Greenand make their choices. ” ald’s own and other chains, that would have created a traffic jam and be administered with a liquid injection. getting to the point. wood Together. In this business, we giving birthon and rise to Index-Journal’s killed his otherwise efficient operation. Maybe I’m wrong. I’ve watched enough — a commenter Monday’s As Greenwood Together formed, a holdover from get on so many email the fast-food industry. Look for that to stay. James Bond flicks to think some things that match. Why not dopaused, like they did in Facebook post of the AP story about Gov. Henry couple of songs keep rolling the Partnership needing the Alliance switched gears or wanting to get aroundsend lists that it’s a real But it is Chick-fil-A for me, a combination are just too far-fetched. the ole West and balance the wardrobe my head as Sunday driver who seems oblivious to nearby press conference inAs which theI’d like to seethrough and renamed itself. Kay Self had headed GPA’s suphead spinner. During the WHITING’SMcMaster’s with a pair sidearms when that is the reigning king plan worked out betweenapproaches. Self and the But long before the of pandemic hit, I heading No, not a hymn. traffic. Sometimes you’re needing to pass WHITING’S lead-up to November’s againrestaurant stressed there two is noChick-fil-A need to restaurants. porting nonprofit arm, Foundation out to shop? Nothing Although that would be appropriate, my someone who’s going just a tad under WRITINGSgovernor of fast-food had thought about going to onescreams of the fashionfor a Greater WRITINGS election, Greenwood worked on grant-driven mandatesoface masks schools like seeing a man orwhich woman with a pair the speed limit and you have somewhere the emails far efficiency, it was no in public “What can I getministers you, sir?”would say. Humane Society of County, Greenwood’s microoutpaced those expenRICHARD RICHARDYou want to zip of shiny .357s on either hip,and “Ballad of Paladin” from the TV series to be, like the airport. and charitable community developsurprise that when the “I’ll take a No. 1 combo, with diet lem- chip clinics. Not for ainpet, mind you. snuggly Weworkforce S. WHITING WHITING holstered leather and rebranded bejew“Have Gun — Will Travaround them, getS.back in the rightsive lanemailers we all got. ment projects.ofItsmooth has since been as Vision mayor of Mount onade and three dogs, during Apparently thinning the Pleasherd is preferred by no ice, and my first vaccine Every time the Trump eled each by a rowwhich of polished brassthe rounds of el” is one. “Lifehad in the and catch your exit. Greenwood, with Self remaining as executive direccame out with a new item to ant wanted helpother in getting COVID-19 shot. ” course four years we had to will puttop it all him and like-minded people over achieving ammo. And the fashionista Fast Lane” is the other.of about Let’s not forgetcampaign public safety vehicles. donation, there was an email. Bantor, and is now concentrating itsdiagoefforts onThe commuvaccination lines he turned not “My pleasure, sir. Here’s your shot. down for various reasons. We never did off with matching ARs strapped Why those two particdriver goingelicit at or abelow the speed the kind of moving, herd immunity. ners, hats,prevent signs, flags, shirts. Heck, he nity them, development andnever quality nally over meeting just soissues. ular songs? limit in the left lane could an amto another government agency but to Now, just drive around to the window for microchip but the we shoulders, also lostof place Herd immunity can best be accomplished when even had atrooper doublefrom deck of Trump playing in the middle the back, barrels Because in our great There bulance, or state very wellofmight betheir some confusion, not fire truck the local Chick-fil-A manager. When your food order.” them. cards. and blue, which I found extending at equally perfect heights statethere of South Carolina getting sceneRed up ahead. the majority people are vaccinated against the there could be a glitch those involved, resi-to a wreckconfusing. Will Haynie called,of store manager Jerry Of course, No, only I wasamong thinking that as I age andbut as also I among Red and state?long Blue state? Didn’t above the shoulders’ outermost points. — the state where we Anyway, it’s long been known COVID-19 virus. Thinning the herd, however, is dents who are not so deeply involved in such matWalkowiak likely responded — and with that would really slow things down. For claim worry prospects of travel. what aging I have should plenty of cards. It just made Have gun — will can proudly we about the been posted thatmatter. slower traffic accomplished orvaccinations proper ters.on, Is it a four-lane highway? Visionkeep Greena big easily smile — “My pleasure.by ” not vaccinating one, are by appointment and can bring aNow microchip might a aDoes me think of ifthe game of Bridge, which if you happen tobe strap few sidehave surpassed 10,000 right. That means even you’re I never If Self Regional CEOmasks, Jim Pfeiffer might be hard toWHITING’S mix vax customers good idea inarms casebefore I wander off.out OfOr course, wood create a fifth lane? is it a parallel road? heading on a leisurely COVID-19-related driving 65 mph in the leftlearned. lane in But a 65for some reason, all wearing of face both sees of whichitwill only WRITINGS wantand where that went through drive, bear in find mindme thatin the other zone, we will you’re supposed to get the hellmy outhead was “One no a similar in dispensing vaccines, Wendy would actually want to TheSunday dissolution of Greenwood Partnership Allihelpneed spread, not contain, the virus. in with the regular folks who justdeaths trump. ” is on your tail law tomorrow morning. no doubt claimthat more as but of the way if someone else RICHARD he can call on Brian Whitaker. Regua really good chicken sandwich. And case, at also leastkicks she’dinhave thewithout option. ance did not come about some pain, some What caring, compassionate and loving huusual, As of Sunday, the left lane is desigwe make and trying to get byPer you. If it’sIadigress. speeder,The point is there’s S. WHITING lars have long been accustomed to how then there’s that 15-minute wait after youmask-wearing hurt feelings, likely some animosity amongyou key veritable dumpster load of emails in my as the editor passingoflane only. Well by unvaccinated kids in isnated can only givea them a salute and hope man being would suggest that the weak and sick Whiting executive the quickly the traffic flows at the drive-thru get the vaccination, just to be sure you players personalities. inbox.down Daily. yes,and it’s really always beenThat’s the laneunderstandable. for school an option — we have two new fine you see them sidelined theAnd road,this a week, as I scrolled should,beside for allthe intents and purposes, die when Index-Journal. Contact him at 864-943Chick-fil-A DQ, especially at don’t have a reaction wings that said, however, all these through quickly trash the ones that passing, but you know howour thathope goes. is thatstate lawsoringrow the books thatorgo into effect on With trooper peering in theto driver’ s window. 2522; email rwhiting@indexjournal.com, thereand arelunch safeguards available to prevent their breakfast hours. When Brian something. I had You’re lawmaker I-20 or Sunday. we neededmattered the law sonot, that, youto pause. Surely this drivers willafind a waytooling to beoncourteous, avoidBut road or follow himI-26, on late Twitter @IJEDITOR. wasfeel accidental. for your committee meeting at finish took the Greenwood Mall restaurant I got it! We can still do the Those of uscombo. with CWPs — that’s know, could like they It was personally sickness and death? rage and determine that all hitting the linelawmakersone Views in this column areslowpoke those is in the Statehouse and some addressed to me, nowexpressed something else great. That, andso the invitation had to to a spot in front the mall, both the by thisOnly, Jim needs toconcealed get Brianweapon to givepermits him — can That’s notofwhat is suggested comment? together beats the fool out of ayou demolition did derby. strap one onthen as we venture out. they’d now have the law on side, be legit andtheir sincere. of the writeryour onlyway, andpossibly do not preventing represent the from dining room drive-thru were not equally sweet deal on theproudly sandwiches and With a shared vision, County Read it and again. “We should coddleaand probeing able to weigh in Greenwood on important state No need to conceal that weaponnewspaper’s any so can to speak, when they’re hauling to hung up on all Now, I’m reallyitnot opinion. efficient. we can satisfy our longer. Chick-fil-A habit while grow,matters, flourish and such as succeed. what shapeTogether. the fronds Columbia. mote the weak and infirm” clearly suggests letting While the new law takes effect on Sun- on the state flag’s Palmetto tree should be Life in the fast lane. nature or, in this case, the virus take its course. or which shade of indigo the flag’s field day, I’m fairly certain you still won’t be You know, my ministers might wind Darwinian survival of the fittest at its best, right? should be. able to put on your Sunday best, holster up smiling after all because thinking What’s the solution? Well, once you get about all those folks openly carrying up your favorite sidearm and head to Unless they are of age — 12 and older — to to Columbia you cobble together some your favorite spot in your favorite pew. weapons and all those folks flying down receive the vaccination, the only safeguard school legislation that really, really means the left Other than that, and other than where the fast lane does bring to mind a hymn. s Roe v. Wade 1973 has become a I need to speak out. It’s called Fetal tion of reproductive health care and will children have and getting theBill. It isitdisturbing lane for passing, that’sillegal what. And then might be posted, you are freecause to havewomen Anyone want to join me in a chorus of hot topic, theagainst reality spreading is that womHeartbeat that we to isseek out unsafe you get that piece of legislation passed. gun and travel within the state. But why “Nearer, My God, to Thee?” virus this point ishuman a face rights mask. en’satfundamental have elected officials from Greenwood on abortion methods, which will increase the “I’m sure you’ve seen the pictures all over Maybe even before settling on important wear only one sidearm? It’s hard not to would have as topolitical ask thisruins commenter and level making the Internet of the people who have had these should We never be treated the state for every death women. Whiting is executive editor of state flag matters. thinkdecisions of open-carry as a fashion state-rate among shots and they’re magnetized. They Index-Journal. Contact himnow at 864-943that are wonwho or lost. Thewith politicization in South Carolina. However, no be considered It is not the 1920s, when those agree him what they woman think about OK, so the lawAmerican is not intended to ment as much as it might can put a key on their forehead, it sticks. 2522; email rwhiting@indexjournal.com, make speeding legal, but it’s hard not to has become hostile to women’s health and one has taken the time to speak with women were given the rights to vote. preparation for self-defense. the aging process and what should be done with They can put spoons and forks all over and or follow him on Twitter @IJEDITOR. see it that way. If traffic in both lanes is There’s a tendency toward having symrights,him andand has others been successful in shaving allowed them the opportunity African American women were not as they become weakwomen or sickor with they stick because Views expressed in thiscan column are thosenow we think there heading at the precise speed limit, then metry in the way we dress. Two earrings. away protections once provided. to make their own decisions. An aborafforded the same rights until 1965. As a a metal to that. ” of the writer onlyisand do notpiece represent the a debilitating disease in their latter years. Tie straight down the middle of the shirt. really everyone’s obeying the law, right? Women should have the right to make tion decision is among God, a woman, community of women, our rights should newspaper’s opinion. — Sherri Tenpenny, testifying to the But we’ve all been there. Boxed in and Both sleeves rolled up. Shoes and socks Following theown line decisions of thinking proposed that weor significant their conher husband other and a not be altered. Ohio legislature about coronavirus should notcerning do anything to protect children vaccines at the request of Republican their bodies and thephysician. At times, we, as the people’s elected lawmakers. health. There are various via mask mandates, it seems reasonableWomen that heshould continue to be account- officials, overstep our boundaries. This points able treatfor their own bodies and actions, like is clearly an instance in which women’s and othersreasons shouldand receive noofhealth care remember clearly the moment it beas tobe why one would parable in the Bible concerning the rights are being violated, overlooked and ment and, view instead, allowed to die. the Preferably gan: right after my first COVID shot. can infect vaccinated for their health, wealth, ” strain consider an abortion. Samaritan woman at the well who met “Health inissome states rejected. The goal ofpeople, thesesevere dis- have been vaccinated, if notI was going through security at the at home, by the way, where they will not take up but for mine. Vaccination is our only tool to — Ralph Waldo Emerson ease and death is rare but occur overwhelmThere are underage girls Jesus. The disciples were shocked to find politicians ising outlawing abortion at any and I set offsick the metal detector. in the unvaccinated population. There is eliminate this virusairport, and protection of the hospital space the younger peopleJesus whospeaking are not to the woman. Leaving whofor have made mistakes cost and bullying women’s doctors. Editor Emeritus

TIs thinning the herd better than herd immunity?

Have gun — will travel, and fast in the left lane

But I’ve been vaccinated

the gender issues like some people are. Europe’s had unisex bathrooms a long time, and with no increase in male-onfemale, female-on-male, male-on-male or female-on-female assaults. And unisex — gender-neutral, if you prefer — bathrooms makes it easier for either parent to tend to the needs of their infants or young children, no matter the gender. Heck, my mother took me into the women’s room many a time when I was a kid when my father wasn’t around to take me to the bathroom. And I’m navigating the whole “identify as” world. Sure, at 63 it’s a bit novel to me, but again, I’m not getting hung up on the issue. I have gay friends, transgender friends and friends who have struggled a long time with their identity. That said, I wasn’t quite ready for this email. The subject line, “You’re invited!” certainly got my attention. I love invitations. Unless I have to bring a gift because it’s always tough picking out the right gift. “Dear Richard, Sometimes you just need to talk in confidence to someone other than your partner, friends, or family — someone who has been there (or is there right now) and understands the personal and professional challenges we face...” Up to that point, I was right there with the message. So true, I thought, so true. And then I read the last three words of that sentence: “...as ambitious women.” Wait. Didn’t it start off as “Dear Richard?” I realize Johnny Cash sang about a boy named Sue, I know there are some names that work well for both males and females, but I’ve yet to meet a woman, much less an ambitious woman, named Richard. Still, I continued reading. I was somewhat intrigued, yet perplexed how I wound

up on this email list. Did the sender know I’ve worn more than one sequined dress outfitted with sufficient fake bosom that would do Dolly Parton proud? That was theater, folks. Theater. “Our Circles of Women” are tight-knit groups of 8-12 women from your area that will help you through work challenges, push you to ask for that promotion or raise you deserve, and share common professional interests.” I don’t know who these women are in the area, but if any of them are reading this I hope they’ll contact me and let me know if they’re comfortable with me joining. Purple seems to be a dominant color used in some of the email text and the accompanying “join” button. It is also the color of the Women in Leadership logo. The email was from SC WIL. I’m good with purple. Several of my shirts are purple. Even some socks and ties. If I don’t hear soon from any of the 8-12 women in the area who are ready to support me, I guess I’ll have to click on the purple “join a circle” button. Heck, after 22 years in Greenwood, not once have I been asked to join a church circle, nor have I been asked to consider membership in the Greenwood Woman’s Club. And yes, that’s the name of it. One woman, possessive. Not plural possessive. But maybe there’s only one woman member? I wouldn’t know. I’ve never been asked to join. Whiting is executive editor of the Index-Journal. Contact him at 864-9432522; email rwhiting@indexjournal.com, or follow him on Twitter @IJEDITOR. Views expressed in this column are those of the writer only and do not represent the newspaper’s opinion.

The COVID vaccine made me magnetic — and I love it

A reality check on women’s rights

Editorials and other Opinion content offer perspectives on issues important to our community and are independent from the work of our newsroom reporters.

Man, I feel like a woman

COVID-19 vaccination? My pleasure

OPINION AND COMMENTARY

plastered to the grill of an idling UPS truck. I took a walk in the woods to get away from all the metal, but I got lost: My compass stopped pointing north and pointed only at me. Worst of all, I discovered it’s true that opposites attract. Walking through the Capitol one day on my way to a hearing, I turned a corner and was suddenly joined at the hip with Marjorie Taylor Greene. Awkward! I know the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that “receiving a COVID-19 vaccine will not make you magnetic” because they are “free from metals such as iron, nickel, cobalt, lithium, and rare earth alloys.” I know

loads of people died after getting the vaccine. Scientists say that’s the classic “post hoc, ergo propter hoc” logical fallacy, and that those who died were no more killed by the COVID shot than they were by watching Carlson’s show or listening to Johnson’s speeches. But why listen to scientists? Tenpenny and her ilk say the vaccine makes you infertile and disrupts your menstrual cycle — and I’ve had neither offspring nor menstruation since getting my shots. It took some getting used to, but I’ve begun to enjoy my newly magnetic personality. In fact, I’ve tried to maximize my magnetism by getting a third

DAVID LAUDERDALE

OPINION AND COMMENTARY The real reason the Atlanta Braves won the Herding sea gulls: The nightmares and beauty other Opinion content offer perspectives on issues important to our community and are World Series when no one thoughtEditorials they and would of retirement on Hilton Head Island independent from the work of our newsroom reporters.

BY DAVID LAUDERDALE SPECIAL TO THE ISLAND PACKET AND BEAUFORT GAZETTE

NOVEMBER 03, 2021 9:43 AM

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FEBRUARY 28, 2021 5:20 AM

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DAVID LAUDERDALE

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$1,000 to take a job? Small town Bluffton has now seen it all BY DAVID LAUDERDALE SPECIAL TO THE ISLAND PACKET AND THE BEAUFORT GAZETTE AUGUST 08, 2021 7:00 AM

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Atlanta Braves fans celebrate after winning baseball’s World Series in Game 6 against the Houston Astros Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2021, in Houston. The Braves won 7-0. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) ERIC GAY AP

I don’t know this man on the beach near the Island Club on Hilton Head Island, but he was instantly my role model. DAVID LAUDERDALE

You can be forgiven for thinking the Atlanta Braves won the World Series Tuesday night because the Cuban Paul Bunyan Jorge Soler hit a ball slap out of Houston’s ballpark.

Town of Bluffton uses census data to show how population has grown. BY TOWN OF BLUFFTON | DREW MARTIN 

All Daily Division

First PLACE Chris Trainor

Index-Journal

Well-written, humorous takes on topics relatable to most of us.

The secret Costco handshake

ou don’t always have to completely understand the passions of others. Sometimes you just have to accept the reality and keep moving. This is a philosophy that can be applied to many areas in life, including, as it turns out, wholesale stores. Because, you see, my wife has an obsession with Costco. I’m certain many of you have been to Costco, but for those who CHRIS haven’t, it’s TRAINOR essentially CONTRIBUTING a massive COLUMNIST wholesale store. The type of place where, rather than getting, say, just a bag of M&M’s, you can buy an entire case of M&M’s. Because what we all need is a case of M&M’s. Basically, it’s a lot like Sam’s Club. However, I dare not say that within earshot of my wife, for fear that she might smother me with a pillow while I’m sleeping. I’ve found that there are loyalties when it comes to fans of the wholesale stores. Costco vs. Sam’s is sort of like the East Coast vs. West Coast hip-hop rivalries of the 1990s, but with bigger shopping carts and a lot more bulk packs of Hanes socks. I can always tell the weekend is approaching when my wife, Christina, starts making reference to her “Costco run.” She speaks of it in hushed, wistful tones, sort of like how Moonlight Graham talked about his dreams of playing in the big leagues in “Field of Dreams.” When Saturday morning comes, she’s up and getting ready like she’s prepping to go to a gala celebration. I’d think she was cheating on me, but then she comes back a couple hours later with a 40-pack of Scotch tape and an apple pie the size of a wagon wheel. Typically, my daughter and I aren’t invited on these weekend excursions. Instead, they serve as a sort of morning of solitude and revitalization for my wife. Some people recharge their batteries by meditating alongside a mountain stream.

3A LakelandsIndex-Journal, Greenwood, S.C. n La

My wife opts for a tall Pike Place coffee from Starbucks and an early morning stroll through Costco. Sometimes her friend Anna joins her, and she leaves her family at home, too, so that she and Christina can commiserate over by the aisle with the industrial reams of office paper. But every once in a while, my wife deems us worthy of joining her on a Costco run, if we’re willing to behave and show proper reverence. She even insists on driving a certain route to the store. I tried to take a shortcut once and I was worried she was going to grab the wheel and pull the car off the side of the road. I convinced her that, at 42 years old, I actually knew how to drive to Costco. She remains unconvinced. Once we get there, my daughter and I usually break away and go look at the TVs, and wonder how much bigger they can get at this point. The last time I was there they had a flat screen that was roughly the size of the Jumbotron at the Dallas Cowboys’ stadium. And, of course, there are the food samples. Now, the pandemic has, understandably, tamped that down considerably. But, back in the “normal times,” you could have yourself a nice lunch just by wandering through the food section at Costco and partaking in the various samples on offer. You haven’t lived until you’ve had a quarter of a bean burrito, a cup of trail mix, three pieces of pepper jack cheese, and a third of a slice of key lime pie before heading off to the book section. I guess a Costco run isn’t too bad, after all. Though I’m still questioning my wife’s insistence that I swear my allegiance to it above all other wholesale stores. I think there’s even a secret handshake and everything. Chris Trainor is a contributing columnist for the Index-Journal. Contact him at ChrisTrainorSC@yahoo.com. You can follow him on Twitter @ChrisTrainorSC. Views expressed in this column are those of the writer only and do not represent the newspaper’s opinion.

Abbeville, Dixie to undergo

Saturday, April 24, 2021

dog should stick ‘I’ll checkGreenwood to see The police seek man to Cheez-Its if you’rewanted alive in burglaries, purse theft E ... in 5 minutes’ I

move an inch. But if I open very kid has used some crackers he’s going to some variation of the blaze a trail across the hardold “The dog ate my with video of the man wearing a dark From staff reports wood floor. homework” excuse, at plate, least along cap, blue hoodie andare jeans. He’ s clearly talking to anBut there some things once. I wish he wouldn’t eat. and officers were able But sometimes it’s OK to Greenwood police are seeking a man caught on other person inside the SUV, Things like orthodontic blame the dog, particularly woman’s voice in the video, a report said. in connection with thefts when from they a local busi- to hear amaterial. feet did the cartoon, t’s always nice to know that mycamera eat something a Flinstone, you’ve got loved ones who Fred time, man tried to take a red ATV from ness, alongrunning-inwith stealing a woman’little s purse. Mythe daughter Charley, more valuable than This a then IEarl was Wilson, 46, of Greenwood is the store, but a representative from the store conwill watch your back. Folks place thing. John And William who’s in the sixth grade, single night’s math homeairborne. who will look after you and recently started wearing an work. Somefronted him and the man eventually left the area, wanted on charges of second-degree burglary, petit My hand instinctively seek clear assurance that you Invisalign. I’m sure oththing like, leaving the ATV behind. larceny, third-degree andexpensive reached for the shower cur- burglary, auto break-in say, are OK if something seems er parents with kids of a tain,theft but Iof didn’t want to rip amiss. After certain the firstageburglary, Shockley a financial transaction card, accordingdental to appaare familiar with said detective theSgt. curtain down, so I didn’t And when all else fails, it’s Baker was todental identify the owner of Blake Shockley. Invisalign. It’s aable clear ratus. Benjamin grab it. good to have someone who thatlicense is kindplate of and the vehicle’s Such the is the SUVmouthpiece off the partial with Landinformation on Wilson’s whereAndAnyone so, I bounced. acknowledges they are willing like an alternative to braces. case when appearance. They narrowed it down toAssociated a McCoraboutsonis my asked left to hip,call Shockley at 864-942-8462. to check to see ed square It’s a pretty neat trick, as you you’ve got a Press Right there if you are alive and bounced. but after thethem second trip to Carolina Shockley’s investigation started when policeKansas re- mick can hardly even see City woman, in the shower. You know or dead, even Liquidators, they were able to confirm the vehicle COLUMBIA sponded to a 6:40 a.m. burglary call on Jan. 10 at when they are in. Dog. how Yukon Cornelius says if that mortal CHRIS able to quickly One night last Thosewas hers and identify theweek manwe by his connection do Carolina Liquidators, on Northcreek Boulevard. bounce” in the determination “Bumbles TRAINOR mer NFL playe were at home, and Charley who’ve her. An alarm had special? triggered from motion at the shipRudolph Christmas comes only suspect in a sho opened up her little plastic followed CONTRIBUTING Well, reporters bounce, too, after a ranNot long after Wednesday’ s call to Carolina ping and receiving room door, and officers checkCarolina Liqhome Invisalign case to pop the along in this BrianCOLUMNIST Day with SCETV, standing center, asks younger Westside youth campers to det domly selected apparently. earlier this mo police wereback called to the Dollar General ing the area found no one there, but did findcolumn the uidators, in after space mouthpiece I was largely unharmed, but period of ex-athlete left hi dinner. ButAve. then Extension, she got a where for any length of time at have 1403 Montague Shockley door unlocked, according to a report. time. Like five it made one hell of a racket as the scene, acc puzzled look on her face, no doubt grown at least CHRIS the man struck again. Aat woman in A representative from the business checked the said he suspects I crashed, yelled and sent the minutes. released search w and turned the case tosomewhat familiar with TRAINOR aforementioned bot-taking a TV Hold on a the parking lotme. there saidempty. she leftNothe store toAuthorities find her s cameras andshampoo saw a man store, It was ourfrom familythe dog, Ollie. He’s a ward tlesand flying from the edge of the second, I’ll CONTRIBUTING 7, her Phillip Adam front passenger window was broken and purse officers were able to watch theblack, video, seeing the Invisalign. 12-pound morkipoo COLUMNIST explain. But in tub. After I gathered myself, I Hill physician Just a moment later, we who pulled also goes the Kansas had been taken. man take theI TV a dark SUV that upbybeonly laugh. also to wanted order to do so, could his wife, Barba City Dog moniker, seeing as heard a crunch from across The woman’ s debit card was missing, and fore driving off. we must return, once again, to to laugh to let my wife and SUBMITTED grandchildren, the living room. The sound how my wife and daughter may the shower. Shockley said from the thief made few purchases “Allwho we’ve gothave is aheard dark SUV and a partialhim, on the Lesslie using and 5behind the afar purchased secretly and came Greenwood policehalf-dozen got thisdaughter, thelicense fall, know I was OK. For the roughly Lesslie; and two the card.end Surveillance video at the Dollar General of the couch, where wishes, plate, ” Shockley said. “Well,against on themy 13th, theywhile still ofoff video at I heard some running yousurveillance that have been reading technicians wor Ollie always goes when he the woman’ I was out of town seeing a spotted a dark SUV parked beside s vereturn. ” outside the door, but this column for any length lie home, James Carolina Liquidators of aofmanaroundThree wants privacy while eating a ballgame in Kansas City. a man wearing similar clothing to the days later, another burglary call at Caroli- hicle, and there was no knock or inquiry time, you know we occasionert Shook, both treat. But it wasn’t a crunch While the initial acquisuspected of stealing from when not in school. ST. CLAIRE DONAGHY as to well-being. So, I fin- policeBy ally have to hash out the finer man caught Carolina Liquidators is namyLiquidators brought back. This time, the have killed himself. like a on dog video treat orata Cheezsition of Ollie might sdonaghy@indexjournal.com the store. ished showering andcatches washingthe dark points of shower ordinance. The daughte search w nearIt.her. It was a louder crunch. A “My oldest beenand surreptitious, come camera clearly SUV its licenseI’veseen attending this immedia camp w my hair and got out a few Namely, we’ve discussed in the pop almost. to accept him as an inexSummer youthof the camp is 6 years old,an ”W minutes later. through the years, at some shooting I rushed over and said, was 5 orthe tricable part family. backHe insleeps the City Green13 now. All was quiet as I walked length, the wide discrepancy public Friday,It ds “Ollie, what have you got?”said. “She’s at theoffoot of my wood’s Westside community students maintain wh between the number of bottles through the house and back recovered mul One look made it clear: daughter’s bed every night, afterbarks takingatathe pandemic pause toward our bedroom. When I of “product” my wife has in FedEx guy with The missing Invisalign wasknow.” and .45 caliber in 2020. Wooders teaches got back there, my wife was sither shower, versus the dearth ings from the L sticking out of the side of unmatched fury, and goes The W.S. Harrison Comin McCormick ting on the bed, looking me of bottles in mine. stormed the U.S.atCapitol last day that the probe in Thursday in grade Phoenix the c Associated Press well asinseveral his mouth. We don’t know just about everywhere withis still munity Development Cenwhich isChansley, already on a bit nervously. After of I can report to you today how he gotcase it, butagainst he did. I Jacob us,its from Saturday morning week aimed toa beat “capture and early stages and there was ter offarmers Macedonia Missionary round academic cale silence, she asked, “So...did you that little has changed in that managed to wrest it away market outings to officials” no “direct of such the Arizona its man who took PHOENIX — down Federal Baptist Church has evidence” fallassassinate in the shower?”elected At that, my regard. Before I sat to from him, but it was done. public school distri drive-in movies tobeen tripsato backed away from in up. theThe insurrection while prosecutors initially summer camp or haven for areaand Mangled. part Deloris Bacote-Lag came running into the alletype this, Iwho checked out my said daughter Chewed theintentions. beach mountains youth since 2013. The church a former It’s educator wiy room and exclaimed, “I shower and counted. She thegation after the head of the beyond. The accusation cameKansas in a City sporting face paint, no shirt therewife’s was “strong evidence” Dog strikes great that is led by the don’t Rev. Deloris 30reusable years water of exo Mom I thought you fell in different bottles or jarsthat told again. And be fooled by investigation cautioned Fricourt filing by Henprosecutors late and a furry hatthan with horns. the has14 pro-Trump mob derson. who is director of C2-176357 of shampoo, soap, conditioner the shower!” bottle every day,t Sometimes the dog eats his stature. He might be 12 Atpounds, half capacity thiseatsumMy daughter also offered or other fancy smelling stuff. should do one th yourFortner homework. But other but he’ll any- Furman with SCETV mer session, with COVID-19 properly every da Meanwhile, I remain stead- that “the house shook” during times the dog eats your thing. And I do mean any- helps Kevon Settles, 6, restrictions in place, 40 astuGerms and bacte the incident and she wondered fast: I have one bottle, and it Invisalign. thing. When he was puppy, make a bouncy ball using environments, so dentsheinliterally kindergarten through if there had been “another contains a combo of shamPersonally, Iencased wish he’d ate most of our a water balloon June 28 -stays 2 | July bottle wet a seventh grade engaged in earthquake.” But I digress. poo, conditioner and body stick to Cheez-Its. house. Theare corners of baseby empty balloons Friday washed, illness-c summer academic enrichI asked my wife why she wash. I think it also could Fr boards, the arms of chairs, a Westside can germinate an mentsmall activities, along with at theChris TrainorSummer is a condidn’t come and check on me be used as motor oil, a thirst sofa in the sunroom. not enough Camp in Your the W.S. For Vehicles Tire & to sw certified school teachers who Youth tributing columnist for the quencher and an antibiotic. It’s when she heard I might have I never knew a morkipoo around a bottle to Center ofContact Mace- him Needs, help could with camp. Index-Journal. Maintenance fallen. She replied that she had multi-faceted stuff. eat the whole back Harrison you need warm w Friday, students got aExplorer, visit donia at ChrisTrainorSC@yahoo. Missionary Baptist decided to “give it five minNow, I should pause to say bumper off a Ford SEE THE to properly disinf frombut folks with the it’s education com.inYou can follow him on utes” and if I hadn’t emerged that my daughter is changing Greenwood. apparently possible. Church inside and the pa HOMETOWN department ofgotten the state’s pubTwitter @ChrisTrainorSC. by then, she was going to come the dynamic a bit. We share As he’s older, he your mouth. The PROFESSIONALS! lic educational broadcasting Views expressed in this colpeople. ” the hallway bathroom — kids make sure I was “still alive.” actually stopped eating theyoung is to toss it in the network, umn are those of the writer parent, certified That, of course, gave me and husbands get banished to houseSCETV. and the furniture and Camper to make sure it’s Classical Engl We Carry Allrepresent SCETV onlyteacher and doand not former the a warm feeling, as did their the hallway — and she’s got focusedinvolved more onstudents his dog school properly disinfect Build Self Confide in Ready newspaper’s opinion. camp employee tears — tears of absolutely quite the bottle collection gofood. to HeLearn keepsSTEM-regraduating Westside Major Brands latedup activities focused ing. I count 10 different soaps uproarious laughter — when I from one brandontoscithe Dominique Wooders said 9 am Of Tires ence,next, technology, education to learn and fodescribed my fall. and shampoos for her. getting fancier with continuing and math, forming Suppo You’ve heard of the But we’re not here to talk each jump. Hehypotheses went from cus on academic standards aboutPurina whichtoball is Buffalo bounciest does help lessen the slide about bottles. No, we’re here to two-minute warning in Blue to RaHaw and more. talk about a tumble. A slip-up. football. Well we’ve got the chael Ray. Pretty soon we’llthat students can experience Serving Greenwood Since 1960 Spring S The areDoorDash a fracfive-minute warning for showA calamity. justactivities be getting 808 Montague Avenue Greenwood tion toofbring whathim SCETV To be specific: I fell down in er falls, I guess. Something a steakhas dinner Schedules available through its ed229-3600 • www.mmtireco.com from Halls Chophouse. to ponder as I’m counting all the shower one morning last at gcshaw ucationAnd,resources for love yes, Ollie does those shampoo bottles. C2-180214 week. schools and food. communities, “people ” Chicken, I’m not sure exactly how it Chris Trainor is a consaid Salandra D. Bowman, fries, green beans, you name happened, but it was one of tributing columnist for the SCETV interim vice presit. But his favorite thing those things where, though Index-Journal. Contact him at identmight for be education, crackers.who Cheezit only took half a second, it ChrisTrainorSC@yahoo.com. grewIts, up in in particular. MacedoniaNothing Bapseemed like it was happening You can follow him on Twitter tist and its camps. will make him perk up from in slow motion. @ChrisTrainorSC. Views “To be able to come back a nap (sometimes referred I was in the middle of expressed in this column are with my team is exciting, to as a “snoozle”) and”come showering when I took a small 2026 GREENWOOD those of the writer only and do Bowman said.faster “We’re running thanalso me russtep forward and started to 8 CHRISTIAN SCHOOL www.greenwoodc not represent the newspaper’s making hotspots avail-in the tlingwi-fi a bag of crackers slip. I immediately tried to GCS, accredited by ACTS (nationally); AdvancED / SACS (regionally); S opinion. able kitchen. to the center to address If a burglar broke find my balance, but instead not discriminate against race or ethnic origin in administration of its e and athletic policies, tuition assistance or any other school administe broadband access. ...When invited, we do engagement Missed our print edition? activities for both profesSubscribe to our electronic newspaper! and THE SOUT H C A R O L I N A H U M A Nsional I T I development ES indexjournal.com Sponsored by these local businesses:

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