2015 Daily Newspaper Awards Presentation

DAILY AWARDS
DINNER
Recognizing the best in S.C. newspaper journalism

South Carolina Photo of the Year
A Charleston police officer searches for a shooting suspect outside the Emanuel AME Church, in
downtown Charleston, S.C. on Wednesday, June 17, 2015. A white man opened fire during a
prayer meeting inside the historic black church killing several people.
Matthew Fortner
The Post And Courier

See page 8 for full NecrologySee page 8 for full Necrology
Remembering Those We’ve Lost...Remembering Those We’ve Lost...
William Magill “Bill” Owens
Mel Derrick
Ken Burger
Henriette Dargan Hampton Morris
Jerry Phifer McGuire

Practice of pretext police stops under fire
SHOTSFIRED
FILE/STATT FF
Graphic images of police shootings have been burned into the nation’s consciousness over the past year. Many shootings
began as simple traffic stops. These violent incidents come amid a backdrop of years of frustration over officers who stop you
for one thing but are really looking for another.
The Post and Courier’s
ongoing investigation into
police shootings
Inside
Breaking down the data:
A closer look at who gets
pulled over and why. A4-5
PULLOVOO ER
Every 8 minutes in North Charleston, an officer pulls someone over.
Cops often do this not for traffic or safety reasons, but to find out whether you’re
committing some other crime. North Charleston is the No. 1 city in South Carolina
when it comes to these pretext stops. Some say this tactic is ineffective,
dishonest, and that it can lead to unnecessary violence.
BY TONY BARTRR ELME
and GLEd NN SMITH
tbartelme@postandcourier.com
gsmith@postandcourier.com
AA
ntonioElliswasinhis2008Nis-
san on Rivers Avenue one night
last year when he saw the blue
lights behind him. He pulled
An officer ordered him to step outover. A
car.“ofhisc Oneofyourheadlightsisout.”
E looked at his headlights. Both werellis l
on. F ur other squad cars arrived. Witho
nds on the hood,his han Ellis watched an-
officer search his car and find hisother o
ooks and facultytextbo ID. The officers
ed for a moment.huddle
E anadjunctprofessoratthellis, College
of Charleston, wasn’t cited for anything.
“Ithoughtyourheadlightswereout,”the
officersaid.Thenhewastoldhewasfree
to go, though he felt anything but free.
Such confrontations are known in
police circles as “pretext” or “investiga-
tory” stops. Officers use a minor viola-
tion to stop and question someone they
think might be involved in a more se-
rious crime. Law enforcement officials
say these stops are an important crime
fighting tool.
But a new Post and Courier analysis
raises questions about the number of
these stops and their long-term effects,
especially in North Charleston.
Please see POLICE,Page A4

GRACE BEAHM/STAFF
CRADLE
OF SHAME
Infant mortality
in South Carolina
part one of four
About the series
TODAY: Many babies
across South Carolina
die at third-world levels
despite the state’s
lowest-ever infant
mortality rate.
FRIDAY: Black infants
in South Carolina die at
rates double and triple
that of white babies.
SATURDAY: Solutions
to South Carolina’s
lingering high death
rates for newborns
already are in effect in
some rural counties and
have brought deaths
dramatically down.
SUNDAY: What the
state could do to reduce
infant mortality in rural
South Carolina.
BY DOUG PARDUE and LAUREN SAUSSER
The Post and Courier
B
abiesinabroadswathofrural
South Carolina come into
this world with little better
chanceofsurvivalthanachildborn
in war-torn Syria. They face a
toxic mix of poverty, chronically sick
mothers, premature birth and daunt-
ing barriers to health care. The
Palmetto State’s infant mortality
rate hit an all-time low last year, but
that achievement largely bypassed
its rural corners, where infants, white
and black, still die at third-world
rates, a five-month Post and Courier
investigation has found. In
these rural counties,morethan200
newborns have died on average
during each of the last three years,
many from preventable problems.
Thesestrugglingcommunitiesremain
largely untouched by a four-year state
campaign to stop babies from dying
unnecessarydeaths. Thestate
provides relatively little money to
support some of the most promising
infant death-prevention efforts. And
those programs are unavailable
in some counties that need the most
help. South Carolina has long
ranked among the deadliest states for
newborns. Since 2000, 6,696 South
Carolinababieshavediedbefore
their first birthday.
Born to face
third-world
death rates
Please see INFANTS,Page A7
Many newborns arrive in struggling
corners of the Palmetto State where
race, poverty and other factors
contribute to a startling toll
POSTANDCOURIER.COM Charleston, S.C. $1.00Thursday, March 12, 2015
T H E S O U T H ’ S O LD E S T DAI LY N E W S PAPE R FO U N D E D 18 03

Frequent flier
Rep. Alan Clemmons
$14,700
OntripsincludingIsrael
andNewOrleans
Please see MONEY,Page A7
Gas guzzler
Sen. Kent M. Williams
$20,200
Oftengassedup
hisSUVtwoorthree
timesaweeksince2009
Doyoubelievelawmak-kk
ersshouldbeallowedto
writeandenforceethics
rulesformembersofthe
legislature?Gotopostandcourier.
com/pollstovote.
To search the data and to read
more, go to postandcourier.
com/capitol-gains.
Rules allow
S.C. Gov. Haley
to enjoy free
passes to col-
lege games, A7
The political
ATM: what they
spent, A8
Is lawmakers’
pay enough to
live on? A9
Poll
Online
Inside
GiftsG
At least $177,000 spent by
legislative campaigns on gifts
ranging from flowers for birthdays
to Christmas ornaments,
jewelry and silk neckties
GasG
legislative campaigns on gas.
FlightsF
At least $110,000 was spent
by legislative campaigns on
flights, including baggage fees
and travel insurance.
Senate Santa
Sen. Hugh Leatherman
$109,000
In presents, mostly items
labeled “constituent gifts”
or Christmas ornaments
Business
Lawmakers spent tens
of thousands of dollars
in campaign cash to hire
each other’s companies for
consulting services, print jobs
and more.
Family man
Rep. Rick Quinn
$105,000
In work he sent to his
or his father’s companies
FILE/AP
SPECIAL REPORT
CAPITOL GAINS
Ethics laws are supposed to prevent South CarolinaEE
candidates and elected officials from using their public
positions for personal gain. So why did they go hunting
and buy God Pros, a used BMW and male enhancementW
pills? An investigation by TheTT Post and Courier and CenterPP
for Public Integrity exposes the cash machine candidates
and elected officials have at their fingertips.
BY TONY BARTELME and Rd ACHEL BAYEAA
rbaye@publicintegrity.org
S
outh Carolina elected officials and candi-
dateshavewhatamountstoapersonalATMAA
that dispensed nearly $100 million since
2009 for such things as car repairs, football
tickets, male-enhancement pills, GoPro cameras,
overseas junkets and gasoline.
A joint investigation by The Post and Courier
andtheCenterforPublicIntegrityalsofoundstate
lawmakers and candidates used this cash machine
to hire their own companies, pay parking tickets,
purchase an AARP membership — and even buy
a used BMW convertible for “parades.”
The money funding this political cash machine
comesfromcandidates’campaignaccounts,reim-
bursements from state government and outright
gifts from special interests.
Theinnerworkingsofthiscashnetworktypically
remain hidden unless prosecutors subpoena ques-
tionable receipts and other evidence locked away
from public view, as happened in the case of ex-
House Speaker Bobby Harrell.
TheRepublican’sconvictionlastyearformisusing
campaign money to pay for his private plane left

BY ANDREW KNAPP
and Td ONY BARTRR ELME
aknapp@postandcourier.com
A blink of an eye takes about four-
tenths of a second. From the first shot
to the last, the shooting of WalterWW L.
Scott took 2.7 seconds. Seven blinks.
Thisbriefmomentintimewouldhave
acascadingeffect:Scottgrabbedhisleft
sideandcrumpledface-firstontoapatch
of grass; Michael T. Slager, the North
Charlestonpoliceofficerwhoshothim,
loweredhispistol;FeidinSantana,onhis
way to work, finished capturing it all
on his phone camera, video that would
bring these seconds to the world.
But that 2.7-second space in time is
deceptive.
Expertsinofficer-involvedshootings
say they usually happen after a chain
of events, each link leading to another
until the one where an officer decides
to pull the trigger.
2.7 seconds How 8 bullets pierced the nation
Please see SECONDS,Page A9

INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING
OpenDivision
HONORABLE MENTION:
The Sun News
Issac J. Bailey

OpenDivision
THIRD PLACE:
Doug Pardue and
Lauren Sausser
GRACE BEAHM/STAFF
CRADLE
OF SHAME
Infant mortality
in South Carolina
part one of four
About the series
TODAY: Many babies
across South Carolina
die at third-world levels
despite the state’s
lowest-ever infant
mortality rate.
FRIDAY: Black infants
in South Carolina die at
rates double and triple
that of white babies.
SATURDAY: Solutions
to South Carolina’s
lingering high death
rates for newborns
already are in effect in
some rural counties and
have brought deaths
dramatically down.
SUNDAY: What the
state could do to reduce
infant mortality in rural
South Carolina.
BY DOUG PARDUE and LAUREN SAUSSER
B
abiesinabroadswathofrural
South Carolina come into
this world with little better
chanceofsurvivalthanachildborn
in war-torn Syria. They face a
toxic mix of poverty, chronically sick
mothers, premature birth and daunt-
ing barriers to health care. The
Palmetto State’s infant mortality
rate hit an all-time low last year, but
that achievement largely bypassed
its rural corners, where infants, white
and black, still die at third-world
rates, a five-month Post and Courier
investigation has found. In
these rural counties,morethan200
newborns have died on average
during each of the last three years,
many from preventable problems.
Thesestrugglingcommunitiesremain
largely untouched by a four-year state
campaign to stop babies from dying
unnecessarydeaths. Thestate
provides relatively little money to
support some of the most promising
infant death-prevention efforts. And
those programs are unavailable
in some counties that need the most
help. South Carolina has long
ranked among the deadliest states for
newborns. Since 2000, 6,696 South
Carolinababieshavediedbefore
their first birthday.
Born to face
third-world
death rates
Many newborns arrive in struggling
corners of the Palmetto State where
race, poverty and other factors
contribute to a startling toll
POSTANDCOURIER.COM Charleston, S.C. $1.00Thursday, March 12, 2015
T H E S O U T H ’ S O LD E S T DAI LY N E W S PAPE R FO U N D E D 18 03

OpenDivision
SECOND PLACE:
Lauren Sausser
BY LAUREN SAUSSER
lsausser@postandcourier.com
A
n untold number of foster
children in South Caro-
lina custody are neglected,
drugged, beaten and molested
in group homes and institutions
where the state warehouses them
formillionsofdollarsayearattax-
payer expense.
What’s more, South Carolina
keeps the abuse these children suf-
fer secret by using state laws that
shield group homes from almost
any scrutiny.
Courtrecordsshedlightonsome
of the worst cases, but this state-
sanctioned secrecy makes it im-
possible for the public to weigh the
differencebetweenwell-rungroup
homes and those that resemble a
Dickensian orphanage. Even par-
ents who reluctantly send their
childrentothesefacilitiesfortreat-
ment can’t figure out how to keep
them safe behind closed doors.
WhenJessicaFreemanplacedher
daughter in Springbrook Behav-
ioral Health last year, she had no
idea the state had investigated the
Greenville County home 95 times
since 2000 for possible abuse and
neglect — more than almost any
other residential treatment facility
in South Carolina. That’s because
thestateDepartmentofSocialSer-
vices doesn’t make the few records
that are public readily accessible.
Freeman pulled her daughter
Warehousing
our children
South Carolina laws hide child abuse inside group homes
A POST AND COURIER INVESTIGATION
PAUL ZOELLER/STAFF
The Jenkins Institute for Children, located in North Charleston, is one of more than 100 group homes and institutions in South
Carolina that accept foster children from the Department of Social Services. A federal lawsuit filed earlier this year against the
state agency alleges that a teenager at Jenkins was asked to take nude pictures of herself by an adult there. The director for the
facility denied those claims.
BRAD NETTLES/STAFF
Charleston County School teacher Jeremy Wise teaches English
literature to children at Windwood Farm. The group home for
boys in Awendaw offers an on-site school for children in its care.
Many of the children have been shuffled around several group
homes and foster homes by the Department of Social Services.
ABOUT
THE SERIES
Today
South Carolina sends its
youngest foster children
into group homes and
institutions at a higher
rate than any other state,
and the public has no
way to know whether
they’re safe.
Saturday
State taxpayers spend
millions of dollars every
year on group homes,
even though some ex-
perts say this industry
is unsafe for many chil-
dren.
Sunday
As other states have re-
duced their reliance on
group care for children,
an effort in South Caro-
lina to pull children with
behavioral health issues
from institutions may
not work.Please see HOMES,Page A6

OpenDivision
FIRST PLACE:
Staff
Frequent flier
Rep. Alan Clemmons
$14,700
OntripsincludingIsrael
andNewOrleans
Please see MONEY,Page A7
Gas guzzler
Sen. Kent M. Williams
$20,200
Oftengassedup
hisSUVtwoorthree
timesaweeksince2009
Doyoubelievelawmak-kk
ersshouldbeallowedto
writeandenforceethics
rulesformembersofthe
legislature?Gotopostandcourier.
com/pollstovote.
To search the data and to read
more, go to postandcourier.
com/capitol-gains.
Rules allow
S.C. Gov. Haley
to enjoy free
passes to col-
lege games, A7
The political
ATM: what they
spent, A8
Is lawmakers’
pay enough to
live on? A9
Poll
Online
Inside
GiftsG
legislative campaigns on gifts
ranging from flowers for birthdays
to Christmas ornaments,
jewelry and silk neckties
GasG
legislative campaigns on gas.
FlightsF
At least $110,000 was spent
by legislative campaigns on
flights, including baggage fees
and travel insurance.
Senate Santa
Sen. Hugh Leatherman
$109,000
In presents, mostly items
labeled “constituent gifts”
or Christmas ornaments
Business
Lawmakers spent tens
of thousands of dollars
in campaign cash to hire
each other’s companies for
consulting services, print jobs
and more.
Family man
Rep. Rick Quinn
$105,000
In work he sent to his
or his father’s companies
FILE/AP
SPECIAL REPORT
CAPITOL GAINS
Ethics laws are supposed to prevent South CarolinaEE
candidates and elected officials from using their public
positions for personal gain. So why did they go hunting
and buy God Pros, a used BMW and male enhancementW
pills? An investigation by TheT Post and Courier and CenterPP
for Public Integrity exposes the cash machine candidates
and elected officials have at their fingertips.
BY TONY BARTELME and Rd ACHEL BAYEAA
rbaye@publicintegrity.org
S
outh Carolina elected officials and candi-
dateshavewhatamountstoapersonalATMAA
that dispensed nearly $100 million since
2009 for such things as car repairs, football
tickets, male-enhancement pills, GoPro cameras,
overseas junkets and gasoline.
A joint investigation by The Post and Courier
andtheCenterforPublicIntegrityalsofoundstate
lawmakers and candidates used this cash machine
to hire their own companies, pay parking tickets,
purchase an AARP membership — and even buy
a used BMW convertible for “parades.”
The money funding this political cash machine
comesfromcandidates’campaignaccounts,reim-
bursements from state government and outright
gifts from special interests.
Theinnerworkingsofthiscashnetworktypically
remain hidden unless prosecutors subpoena ques-
tionable receipts and other evidence locked away
from public view, as happened in the case of ex-
House Speaker Bobby Harrell.
TheRepublican’sconvictionlastyearformisusing
campaign money to pay for his private plane left

SERIES OF SPORTS ARTICLES
OpenDivision
HONORABLE MENTION:
The Island Packet
Stephen Fastenau,
David Lauderdale
and Gina Smith

OpenDivision
THIRD PLACE:
The State
David Cloninger

OpenDivision
SECOND PLACE:
The Herald
Bret McCormick
Buffets are the worst for Win-
throp women’s basketball coach
Kevin Cook.
In a buffet line, balancing a plate
in one hand and spooning up food
with the other, the 54-year-old
Ohio native is unable to hide the
quaking tremors that rattle his
hands. Plane rides are also diffi-
cult, especially for the neighbor-
ing passenger, and it’s nearly im-
possible for Cook to sleep. Since
the illness was diagnosed in 2007,
Parkinson’s disease has become a
dominating blight on Cook’s life.
In an effort to stop the tremors,
Cook decided in November – after
considerable discussion with his
wife of four years, Francine – to
undergo an operation called deep
brain stimulation. On April 1,
Cook’s head was immobilized and
four holes were drilled into his
skull. He was completely con-
scious as doctors implanted an
electrode in the top left half of his
brain.
Step two of the process was
completed last Wednesday. A hair-
thin fiber extension was inserted
under his skin, attached to the
electrode and run down his neck
and under the collarbone. There,
it was attached to what’s called an
IPG, an implantable pulse gener-
ator. That’s essentially a pacemak-
er that will provide electricity to
the electrode in Cook’s brain. The
IPG sits beneath a brand new
three-inch diagonal scar on the left
side of his chest.
On April 28, Cook will be
“turned on,” as he calls it. A re-
mote control will initiate the IPG.
And Cook’s tremors should stop.
“Getting here to the 28th is gon-
na be a long wait,” said the long-
time basketball coach last week.
Cook’s Parkinson’s symptoms
surfaced before he was officially
diagnosed in 2007. While the
tremors are the most noticeable
aspect of the illness, there are so
many other leech-like symptoms.
Sitting on a leather sofa next to
his mother, Ruthie, Cook said that
rigidity and soreness are two of
the worst. Additionally, he has
pain in his left hip that never
seems to go away, and he usually
gets two to three hours of sleep
per night. That’s bad even for a
college basketball coach.
Parkinson’s, Cook said, “is
always on the attack.”
Cook, who has coached wom-
en’s basketball all over the world
and at all levels, was able to par-
tially stave off the onset of Parkin-
son’s when he lived in Washing-
ton, D.C. – where he met and mar-
ried Francine – by participating in
hot yoga. The steamy, hour-long
sessions unwound his body and
mind, and stress would exit as
buckets of sweat.
But as Cook’s symptoms have in-
Winthrop’s Cook hopes to
calm Parkinson’s symptoms
- JEFF SOCHKO
Winthrop women’s basketball coach Kevin Cook applauds during a 2013 game. Cook recently under-
went a procedure to help minimize symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
COACH
UNDERGOING
PROCEDURE TO
EASE TREMORS
By Bret McCormick
bmccormick@heraldonline.com
SEE COOK, PAGE 6A

OpenDivision
FIRST PLACE:
The Island Packet
Kendall Salter and
Gina Smith

CARTOON
OpenDivision
SECOND PLACE:
The Greenville News
Roger Harvell

CARTOON
OpenDivision
FIRST PLACE:
The State
Robert Ariail

MIXED MEDIA ILLUSTRATION
OpenDivision
HONORABLE MENTION:
Chad Dunbar

OpenDivision
THIRD PLACE:
Chad Dunbar
ARTS&CULTURE
Music
Page F6
Dance
Page F6
Visual arts
Page F7
Film
Page F7
Theater
Page F8
previewFall arts
BY ADAM PARKER
aparker@postandcourier.com
T
he array of offerings in the Charleston
area grows each year.
The Holy City recently has added
a small auditioned choir called the King’s
Counterpoint, gained a new ensemble called
the Charleston Wind Symphony and em-
braced masters of stagecraft at 34 West The-
ater Company and the Charleston Perform-
ing Arts Center.
The Sparrow in North Charleston has be-
come a great destination for live rock ’n’ roll.
Charleston Supported Art, now in its third
year, is bringing visual artists and collectors
together in innovative ways.
Arts organizations that have been around
awhile are trying new things. Midtown
Productions opened a cabaret theater in
North Charleston. The Halsey Institute has
insinuated itself into the realm of concerts
and movies. The College of Charleston music
programs have streamlined while boosting
their quality. And Crabtree Players moved
from the Isle of Palms to a strip mall on John-
nie Dodds Boulevard in Mount Pleasant.
The Charleston Music Hall has stepped up
its game, keeping the lights on most nights
and presenting all sorts of fine musicians, lo-
cal and national.
And now that the renewed Gaillard Center
is about to open, Charleston audiences will
gain access to another tier of performers.
So much is on tap during the 2015-16 sea-
son it’s impossible to give full credit where
credit is due. But The Post and Courier will
attempt to provide the most up-to-date list-
Things to see, hear and do this fall in the Lowcountry
Please see FALL,Page F8
IMAGE FROM “IN THE SPIRIT OF GULLAH,” BY 2006 MOJA ARTS FESTIVAL POSTER ARTIST, DOYLE CLOYD AND GRAPHIC BY CHAD DUNBAR/STAFF
Full calendar listings online at www.postandcourier.com/events
Inside
Warren Peper, F2
Books, F4
Travel, F5

OpenDivision
SECOND PLACE:
Brandon Lockett
FACINGTHE FUTURE
FUTUREISLANDSREFLECTSONSUCCESS
ASBANDHEADSTOWARDCHARLESTONPAGES24-25
SEASEASSONSTARTERONSTARTER
RRIVERDOGSREADYTORUMBLE
PPAGES18-19
WELCOMES HOME
25TH
ANNUAL FOLLY BEACH SEAAND SAND FESTIVAL
APRIL11 2015APRIL11,2015 FOLLYBEACHFOLLYBEACH
PAGES12-15

OpenDivision
FIRST PLACE:
Luke Reasoner FOOTBALL
2015
PREVIEW
Inside

ILLUSTRATION
OpenDivision
HONORABLE MENTION:
Morning News
Justin Johnson

ILLUSTRATION
OpenDivision
THIRD PLACE:
The Island Packet
Drew Martin

ILLUSTRATION
OpenDivision
SECOND PLACE:
Morning News
Justin Johnson

ILLUSTRATION
OpenDivision
FIRST PLACE:
Brandon Lockett
2015 James Beard Awards
Charleston has three nominees for national James Beard
Foundation Awards this year, one for chef and two for wine.
The winners will be announced tonight at a Chicago gala.
38,000
Number of entries for
restaurant and chef
awards last year.
Want to watch?
Live streaming at jamesbeard.org/awards beginning at 7 p.m.
Or, follow Post and Courier Food Editor Hanna Raskin onTwitter at
@hannaraskin.
Outstanding Chef
Fun facts
THISYEAR’S NOMINEES
Outstanding Wine THISYEAR’S NOMINEES
Michael Anthony
CITY: NYC
CUISINE:
Contemporary American
PREVIOUS
NOMINATIONS: 1
FRIED CHICKEN ON
THE MENU? Yes.
Suzanne Goin
CITY: Los Angeles
CUISINE:
Contemporary American
PREVIOUS
NOMINATIONS: 6
FRIED CHICKEN ON
THE MENU? Yes.
Donald Link
CITY: New Orleans
CUISINE:
Regional American
PREVIOUS
NOMINATIONS: 1
FRIED CHICKEN ON
THE MENU? Yes.
MarcVetri
CITY: Philadelphia
CUISINE:
Italian
PREVIOUS
NOMINATIONS: 1
FRIED CHICKEN ON
THE MENU? Yes.
Sean Brock
CITY: Charleston
CUISINE:
Regional American
PREVIOUS
NOMINATIONS: 2
FRIED CHICKEN ON
THE MENU?Yes.
A16
CITY: San Francisco
NUMBER OF
BOTTLES: 500
FIG
CITY: Charleston
NUMBER OF
BOTTLES: 130
McCrady’s
CITY: Charleston
NUMBER OF
BOTTLES: 540
Bern’s
CITY:Tampa
NUMBER OF
BOTTLES: 6,800
Spago
CITY: Beverly Hills
NUMBER OF
BOTTLES: 3,600
81%
of winners
were men. SOUTH
MIDWEST
NORTHWEST
SOUTHWEST
WEST
SOUTHEAST
GREAT
LAKES
MID-ATLANTIC
NORTHEAST
56%
of winners
came from
NYC.
0%
of winners came
from the
Southeast.Previouswinners,onaverage,had
atleastone previousnomination.
Whilehavingfriedchickenon
themenuhasneverbeforebeena
requirementforOutstandingChef
winners,it’sexpectednow–
all2015winnersdo.
Winnershave
anaverageof
2cookbooks.
Did you know?
SOUTH
MIDWEST
NORTHWEST
SOUTHWEST
WEST
SOUTHEAST
GREAT
LAKES
MID-ATLANTIC
NORTHEAST
53%
of winners
came from
NYC.
0%
of winners came
from the
Southeast.
13%
Winnerswith
previousnominations.
Wine list
Numberofbottlesat
winningrestaurants*
Nominations
Region
Gender
Since 2000, data indicates the odds of winning the OutstandingWine category.
2,000 -3,000
(27%)
1,000-2,000
(18%)
Below1,000
(36%)
3,000andup
(18%)
What history has shown us
Nominations
*data not available for 4 restaurants
Since 2000, data indicates the odds of winning the Outstanding Chef category.
(Note: 2013 produced two winners in a tie.)What history has shown us

INFORMATIONAL GRAPHICS PORTFOLIO
OpenDivision
HONORABLE MENTION:
The State
Elissa Macarin
SOURCE: ACCUWEATHER.COM
Southeastern drought
Carolinas, Georgia drier than normal
Minor
Moderate
Severe
Birmingham
Atlanta
Tallahassee
Columbia
Charleston
Myrtle Beach
Charlotte
Hilton Head
2016 IS ALREADY HERE FOR EARLY PRIMARY STATES
Trump (R) Walker (R) Cruz (R) Clinton (D) Sanders (D) Biden (D) Bush (R) Kasich (R) Fiorina (R) Carson (R) Rubio (R)
Iowa
REPUBLICANS
Donald Trump leads the polls in all
three major early primary states, but his
advantage is slimmest in Iowa. A solid win
in Iowa, a state dominated by traditionalist
voters, could boost the New York business
mogul’s chances as he moves forward to
states where he enjoys stronger support.
But Iowa has favored social conservatives
in recent caucuses – Mike Huckabee in
2008 and Rick Santorum in 2012.
That makes the Hawkeye State vital for
Scott Walker, the governor of neighboring
Wisconsin and a values candidate who can-
not afford to falter out of the gate. The son
of a Baptist preacher has seen his poll num-
bers dip in the past month amid Trump’s
surge, taking Walker from the lead and out
of the top three.
Also looking for a shot of life out of Iowa
is Ted Cruz, Trump’s closest ally in the
field. Another candidate courting social
conservatives, the Texas senator has risen
to third in the Iowa polls.
DEMOCRATS
Hillary Clinton can start putting an end
to the Bernie Sanders phenomenon with a
strong showing in the state that derailed her
2008 presidential bid, when she finished
third behind Barack Obama and John
Edwards.
Sanders, the independent senator from
Vermont, has been drawing large crowds
and closing the gap with Clinton as ques-
tions linger about her use of a private email
server while she was secretary of state.
Meanwhile, Vice President Joe Biden’s
Iowa poll numbers are rising amid spec-
ulation that he will launch a 2016 run.
New Hampshire
REPUBLICANS
Jeb Bush will hope for traction in the
early primary state known for backing
the GOP’s more mainstream candi-
dates. The Granite State helped John
McCain and Mitt Romney mount
comebacks that led to their winning the
GOP nominations in 2008 and 2012,
respectively.
With or without a strong Trump chal-
lenge, Bush will need to win in New
Hampshire after an expected struggle in
Iowa. The former Florida governor
could use a New Hampshire victory to
build momentum toward South Car-
olina, where his family has enjoyed
strong support over the years.
John Kasich, another more moder-
ate candidate, could get a boost in New
England. The Ohio governor is leading
Bush in recent polls, though they both
trail Trump. But Kasich could be a one-
hit early primary wonder. He sits 10th
in the Iowa and S.C. polls.
New Hampshire also could be the
where Carly Fiorina makes some
noise. She’s fourth in the polls. The
question is whether the former Hewlett
Packard boss can carry any momentum
into the later contests.
DEMOCRATS
If Vermonter Sanders wants to stay in
the conversation for the nomination, he
must win the state next door. He has
passed Clinton in New Hampshire polls.
How long the talk about Sanders lasts
after New Hampshire depends on Clin-
ton looking like a lock in South Car-
olina. She does now.
South Carolina
REPUBLICANS
Few voters would have expected Ben
Carson to reach second place in S.C.
polls when the primary season heated
up. Could the retired neurosurgeon be
this year’s Newt Gingrich – the former
U.S. House speaker who upended the
party favorite here in 2012?
S.C. GOP primary voters seemingly
crave political outsiders. Trump and
Carson have the backing from nearly
half of likely S.C. primary voters in
recent polls.
But 2016’s third vote could be where
Marco Rubio needs to break out if he
wants to make his mark on the race.
The U.S. senator from Florida’s team
includes S.C. political veterans, which
should help. But he needs to get mov-
ing. Rubio is seventh in S.C. polling.
DEMOCRATS
Clinton holds a huge S.C. lead, but
let’s go with a “what-if” here. If Biden
enters the race, South Carolina likely
will be where he could do the most
early damage.
Consider Biden’s ties in the state. He
helped raise money for S.C. Democratic
gubernatorial challenger Vincent She-
heen last year. He spoke at the state
party’s big fundraiser a few years back.
He flew to Columbia to tout a White
House economic program last year. He
vacations on Kiawah Island.
Some in the party, who already call
Biden South Carolina’s third U.S. sen-
ator, really want a viable alternative to
Clinton. Why not Joe?
FROM PAGE 1A
.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
2016 presidential primary dates
Note: Some dates are tentative
FEB. 1
Iowa (Democratic and
Republican)
FEB. 9
New Hampshire
(Democratic and
Republican)
FEB. 20
South Carolina
(Republican), Nevada
(Democratic)
FEB. 23
Nevada (Republican)
FEB. 27
South Carolina
(Democratic)
MARCH 1
Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia,
Massachusetts, Minnesota,
Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas,
Vermont and Virginia
(Democratic and Republican);
Alaska (Republican)
MARCH 5
Kansas and Louisiana
Nebraska (Democratic);
Kentucky (Republican)
MARCH 6
Maine (Democratic)
MARCH 8
Michigan and Mississippi
Hawaii (Republican)
MARCH 15
Florida, Illinois, Missouri, North
Carolina and Ohio (Democratic
and Republican)
MARCH 22
Arizona and Utah (Democratic
and Republican); Idaho
(Democratic)
MARCH 26
Alaska, Hawaii and Washington
(Democratic)
APRIL 5
Wisconsin (Democratic and
Republican)
APRIL 9
Wyoming (Democratic)
APRIL 19
New York (Democratic
and Republican)
APRIL 26
Connecticut, Delaware,
Maryland, Pennsylvania
and Rhode Island
(Democratic and
Republican)
MAY 3
Indiana (Democratic and
Republican)
MAY 10
West Virginia
(Democratic and
Republican); Nebraska
(Republican)
MAY 17
Oregon (Democratic
and Republican);
Kentucky (Democratic)
JUNE 7
California, Montana,
New Jersey New
Mexico and South
Dakota (Democratic
and Republican);
North Dakota
(Democratic)
JUNE 14
District of Columbia
(Democratic and
Republican)
..............................................
.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
S.C. primary schedule
FALL (DATE TBA)
Voters can start applying
for absentee ballots
JAN. 6
Deadline to mail military
and overseas absentee
ballots
JAN. 27
Deadline to register to vote
in the S.C. presidential
primaries
FEB. 16
5 p.m. deadline to submit
absentee ballot applications
by mail for the Republican
primary
FEB. 19
5 p.m. deadline to vote absentee
in person for the Republican
primary
FEB. 20
7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Republican
presidential primary; mailed
absentee ballots due at 7 p.m.
FEB. 23
5 p.m. deadline to submit
absentee ballot applications
by mail for the Democratic
primary
FEB. 26
5 p.m. deadline to vote
absentee in person for the
Democratic primary
FEB. 27
7 a.m. to 7 p.m.,
Democratic
presidential primary;
mailed absentee
ballots due at 7 p.m.
..........................................
, regulators say more
ee dozen dams in South
a failed after the torrent.
st 17 of those were in
d County, many in the
eek watershed that runs
Forest Acres and Co-
In addition to the dam
Lake, dams also blew
Upper Rockyford and
Rockyford lakes, as well
mes Pond on Fort Jack-
e Pine Tree Dam, which
gulated by the state,
ed, sending water down
Creek to Cary Lake.
rty owners where dams
y they miss the placid
hat kept their property
p, while providing pla-
ayak, fish or just enjoy
w.
ands of people live on a
f residential lakes from
st Richland County to
ort Jackson. The lakes
centerpieces of their
rhoods, where towns –
Lakes, Forest Acres –
ir names from their
dings.
s, however, see the
d their failed or totter-
s as a threat to thou-
ore who live down-
Y CONCERNS FOR
DOWNSTREAM
including some lake-
perty owners, want any
at are rebuilt to be
up so they can better
nd future floods.
breaks are suspected of
ting to flooding that
er rising inside homes
ing’s Grant neighbor-
d in the Lake Katherine
s well as washing out
Decker Boulevard, Gar-
ry Road and Lower
Boulevard.
d ld
mate is
changing
and more
frequent
storms, such
as the one that
recently hit
Columbia, are
expected,
he said.
“We
want to
make sure peo-
l h li d
eastern
regional
director.
Jobsis pre-
dicted it could
take months to
sort out all the
issues that resulted
from the broken
dams in the Colum-
bia area. His group
may weigh in on some
requests to rebuild dams,
although Jobsis said it is too
l t k
state is signaling that dam
regulation will be a higher
priority. Thursday, it ordered
the lakes behind more than 60
dams statewide drained or low-
ered by Tuesday until engineers
can certify their safety.
Many of the dams in the Gills
Creek watershed likely were
constructed 50 to 100 years ago
out of what some engineers say
were inferior materials. Taller
dams with more clay and better
compaction might hold up bet-
ter in the future, they say.
Owens’ next-door neighbor,
Catherine Cook, said she un-
derstands arguments for stron-
ger dams. She also said lakes
should be managed in a coor-
dinated way so that water can
b l d ffi i tl b f
seems like they should
be coordinated to alleviate
this massive rush of water on
our neighbors downstream,”
she said.
REBUILDING A BETTER
DAM? NEED A NEW PERMIT
How quickly a dam could be
rebuilt – and to what standard –
depends on the government
agency overseeing the work.
Officials with the U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers said dams
already permitted by that agen-
cy could be rebuilt to the same
standard without any further
approval from the Corps.
But anyone wanting to re-
build a dam to a higher, stur-
dier standard likely would need
a Corps permit. That could take
months to receive, officials
acknowledged last week.
“If they are going to put it
back exactly as it was, they are
already covered under their old
permit,” Corps spokeswoman
Glenn Jeffries said. “If they
decide, ‘Hey I’m going to make
this a little better, I want to
enhance it, I want to change it,’
then you need a permit.”
Th C ld i f t
PAGE 1A
KES

OpenDivision
THIRD PLACE:
The Greenville News
Jeff Ruble
ROAD TAX FOUND
BACKERS IN CITY
Mayor says Greenville will ask General Assembly for power to hold
referendum on tax inside city lines, where it has a chance to succeed
SUPPORT FOR THE ROAD TAX
Less than 30%
30-40%
40-45%
45-50%
More than 50%
A majority of voters across the county and
in every municipality opposed the one-
cent sales tax increase for road, bridge and
pedestrian transportation improvements.
But patterns of support emerge from a
precinct-by-precinct analysis.
The narrative has been clear since the
crushing defeat of the sales tax for roads:
Greenville County voters didn’t want it, by a
2-to-1 margin, and don’t appear to have an ap-
petite for another go at it anytime in the fore-
seeable future.
In the county, in every municipality, in a
majority of voting precincts, the penny sales
tax that would have provided $673 million to
fix the area’s substandard infrastructure
failed.
However, a closer look into the results, pre-
cinct-by-precinct, reveals another theme.
An analysis of election results by The
Greenville News reveals an urban-minded
core whose fate is tied to the wishes of its far-
ther-flung rural neighbors, based on the sim-
ple fact that Greenville County is, well … a
By Eric Connor and Robbie Ward
Staff Writers
Support was weakest in northern and southern
portions of the county, including the Skyland
precinct where 85.7% of voters opposed it.
Voters in 10 precincts, mostly near downtown
and all but one within the city of Greenville,
supported the sales tax increase.
The vote came close to passing in precincts
along the corridor of congested Woodruff
Road, particularly at points where motorists
spend the most time sitting in traffic.
See ROADS, Page 5A
Farrell Villarreal’s online profiles
along with interviews of people who
knew him both online and in person
sketch a portrait of a 22-year-old man
who police allege is behind the act of vio-
lence along one of the region’s busiest
corridors.
The picture that emerges by way of
interviews with friends, family, ac-
quaintances and authorities is of a young
man who voiced violent thoughts, de-
spised the government and police and
sometimes imagined himself an assas-
sin.
It’s a story of fabricated “safe
houses,” private Facebook messages
about home-built silencers, and a 17-
year-old girl in south Georgia whom Far-
rell Villarreal went to see when he set off
hitchhikingChristmasEvearound5a.m.
BY TONYA MAXWELL AND ANNA LEE | STAFF WRITERS
Friends, acquaintances of accused I-85
killer fear warning signs were missed
See SLAYING, Page 15A
ONLINE,
REAL
WORLDS
COLLIDE
SHOT AND LEFT FOR DEAD
FOR SIX DAYS LAW OFFICERS
SEARCHED FOR THIS CAR, a
missing clue in a perplexing
homicide along Interstate 85 in
Anderson County. ¶ And now,
here it was. Parked along a rural stretch of road
outside Belton. ¶ Behind the wheel sat John Asher
Farrell Villarreal, who told an inquiring deputy
that he knew the people in the house at the end of
the long driveway. ¶ The residents inside weren’t
as committed: They said they only knew the guy
from Facebook.
T
he truth is, the thin ice that Greenville per-
petually skates on when it comes keeping mi-
nor-league hockey in town could have
cracked this week — and, ultimately, it might
still.
The wealthy Maryland executive who
swooped in three years ago to save the Greenville
Road Warriors from calling it quits announced this
week he intends to do what no one has been able to —
make hockey work here — and he signed a new, five-
year lease to prove he believes what he’s selling.
But it would have been of little surprise if the an-
nouncement had been that hockey in Greenville was
done for — yet again.
The team loses money each year. Fan attendance
is at the bottom end of the league. Potential big-name
sponsors, unsure of the team’s future, are wary of
long-term commitment.
Meanwhile, the publicly owned Bon Secours Well-
ness Arena depends on those dead-of-winter game
nights — in ways beyond the minimal income hockey
generates — to help meet millions in debt obligations
that taxpayers were committed to nearly two dec-
ades ago to build it.
The margins are thin for a 15,000-seat venue that,
like others of its time around the turn of the new mil-
FOR 15,000-SEAT VENUE, BENEFITS OF
MINOR-LEAGUE HOCKEY GO BEYOND REVENUE
By Eric Connor Staff writer, econnor@greenvillenews.com
See ARENA, Page 4A

OpenDivision
SECOND PLACE:
The State
Meredith Sheffer
C O L U M B I A ɀ S O U T H C A R O L I N A
FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 2015 ɀ WWW.THESTATE.COM ɀ SECTION B
SPORTS IN BUSINESS: ROSEWOOD MARKET HAS A NEW OWNER B7
COLLEGE BASEBALL: SUPER REGIONALS START FRIDAY B6
WHO’S THE BEST
PHARAOH?
Pharaohs seem to be everywhere this
days. USC wide receiver Pharoh (the
spelling preferred by his parents) Cooper
is making preseason All-America teams.
The horse American Pharoah (mis-
spelled by a fan in a naming contest) is
trying to become the first Triple Crown
winner since 1978. And, of course, to
many, Yul Brynner – who played Ra-
messes II in “The Ten Commandments” –
always will be the most famous Egyptian
pharaoh. A look at the trio:
I
t seems a new survey comes out every week, announcing rankings for America’s cities and states on any number of
topics from weight to walkability, romance to jobs and just about everything in between.
Now, let’s face it, most of these surveys don’t seem terribly scientific. And in the grand scheme of things, the findings
mean little more than bragging rights.
Still, it’s fun to see how the Palmetto State and its cities stack up against the rest of the United States.
So, just to entertain ourselves during this rather hot week, we decided to pull together a few rankings from surveys
conducted by a variety of organizations over the past couple of years.
See how many you agree – or disagree – with.
THE STATE
Among the 50
U.S. states,
South Carolina
ranks:
1Best for
doctors
1Patriotism
5Most
religious
50Safest states
to live
8Hottest
3Best for doing
business
2People moving
in from other
states
28Eco-friendly
40
Happiest
29
Business
startup activity
10Fastest-
growing
8Best to be a
taxpayer
36Senior health
40
Puppy-loving
states
32Economic
outlook (2015)
24
Population
40
Land area
21Water area
45
Best for
women
40
Best school
systems
42
Overall
health
10Adult
obesity
CITIES
How South
Carolina’s cities
rank against
U.S. cities: 2Myrtle Beach’s
rank, 20
fastest-growing
metro areas
13Columbia’s rank,
14 best SEC
college towns
3Myrtle Beach’s
rank, 20 trashiest
spring break
destinations
49
Myrtle Beach’s rank,
100 highest-
appreciating cities
8Columbia’s ranking,
100 metro areas with
largest weight
problems
13Hilton Head’s rank,
20 fastest-growing
metro areas
17
Charleston/North
Charleston’s rank,
20 fastest-growing
metro areas
10Greenville’s rank,
10 best city
parks (Falls Park
on the Reedy)
16Daufuskie Island’s
rank, 16 sexiest
beaches
8Clemson’s rank,
top 25 college
football towns
7
Hilton Head
Island’s rank, 10
best beaches
4
Greenville’s rank,
10 best
downtowns
9
Greenville’s rank,
11 top barbecue
cities
1Greenville’s rank,
10 best urban
bike paths
(Swamp Rabbit
Trail)
Survey information compiled from organizations including: WalletHub, Area Development, Forbes, U.S. News & World Report, Yahoo News, America’s Health
Rankings, alec.org, Trust for America’s Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, movoto.com, Fodors, livability.com, United Van Lines, Kauffman
Foundation, Coed.com, Milk-Bone, U.S. Census Bureau, Gallup, Neighborhood Scout, United Health Foundation, Bleacher Report, Saturday Down South
GOGAMECOCKS.COM
Video: T.J. Gurley explains playing ‘off coverage.’
Live Q&A with Josh Kendall, 11 a.m. Thursday
INSIDE
Notebook and Cloninger’s insider report, 3B.
This week in the SEC, 5B.
Illustrated using USC’s projected starters for Saturday’s game
HOW IT WORKS
A Cover 2 splits the deep part of the field into two halves, one
for each safety. Underneath, the corners and linebackers split
the fields into five short zones. The Cover 2 relies on the front
four to generate a pass rush. Without pressure, a team’s zone
coverage can be picked apart.
HOW TO ATTACK IT
Slot receivers and fast tight ends can split the safeties and get big
gains down the middle. If receivers can get to the sideline with
speed, the safeties might struggle to contain them. Flat routes and
wheel routes can attack the gap in between the outside linebacker
and cornerback.

OpenDivision
FIRST PLACE:
Brandon Lockett
SHOTSFIREDA8: Wednesday, May 27, 2015 The Post and Courier
BRANDON LOCKETT/STAFFSOURCE:STATE LAW ENFORCEMENT DIVISION; POST AND COURIER RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS
The deadly force filesTogetafullpictureaboutthenatureandextentofofficer-involvedshootings,ThePostandCourier—whichbegananinvestigationfourmonthsago—obtainedinformationfromtheStateLawEnforcementDivision
aboutthe245casesfrom2009throughMay21,2015.Theinformationincludedvideos,crimescenephotos,forensicreportsandotherdocuments.Allbut10casesinvolvedpolicefiringtheirweapons.Thenewspaper
createdadatabasefromthisinformation,andincaseswhereSLEDdeclinedtosupplyinformation,othersourceswereusedtocompileentries,includingcourtrecordsandnewsreports.
Reasons police said they opened fire* Police said they faced these weapons*
5
Officerwasthreatened
withweaponother
thangun
1
Aggressive
dog
1
Suspect gained
control of
police weapon
1
Too dark to see
suspect’s hands
1
Person wouldn’t
show hands
3
Armed robbery
in progress
8
Suspect attempted
to gain control of
police weapon
orry
10
269,291
Agencieswiththemostofficer-involvedshootingssincethestartof2009:
RANK INCIDENTS
1.GreenvilleCountySheriff'sOffice 17
2.(tie)AndersonCountySheriff'sOffice 13
2.(tie)S.C.HighwayPatrol 13
2.(tie)CharlestonCountySheriff'sOffice 13
3.(tie)ColumbiaPoliceDepartment 12
3.(tie)RichlandCountySheriff'sOffice 12
4.NorthCharlestonPoliceDepartment 9
Florence 9.50
Anderson 8.55
Charleston 7.99
Richland 7.54
Aiken 7.50
Greenville 5.54
Spartanburg 4.57
Lexington 3.81
Horry 3.71
*per 100,000
15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74
Age and race of civilians injured or killed by police gunfire
Age Black White OtherAbout half of the cases involved civilians
between the ages of 19 and 32.
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015*
13
37
6
34
9
36
1
10
8
9
36
28
19
9
28
36
49
46
40
45
11
*2015 is through May 21
Civilians
Officers
Civilians,officersinjuredorkilledThe race of civilians and the police who shot them
officer
11
Unknown
71
1
By Hispanic
officer
p
9
By black officer
62
By white officer
24
Unknown
89*
Killed
96*
Injured
Civilians
46
Person shot first
(at police)
45
Person threatened
police with a gun
59
Vehicle driver
posed a threat
18
Armed suspect
refused to
surrender
1
Shovel
1
Fork
1
Flashlight
6
Hand
1
Chair
2
Taser
1
Piece of
asphalt
1
Baseball bat
6
Item mistaken
for gun
6
129
Gun
58
Vehicle
16
Knife
7
Hostage
situation
10
Thought suspect
had a gun
11
Officer assaulted
with weapon
other than gun
3
Accidental
Officers
49
Injured
6
Killed
One was a suicide
4
Charged
Three unarmed
black civilians were
killed and one was
injured in these
incidents.*An additional 10 deaths were self-inflicted, and five injuries were not due to police gunfire.
People who killed themselves —
or expressed an intent to die —
accounted for about a third of
officer-related shooting deaths.
Suicide played large role
24%
10%
Apparent
suicide
by cop
Person
killed self99
deaths
Domestic violence played a role in
roughly a quarter of the officer-involved
shootings in which a civilian died. Some
of those cases were also suicide-related.
Domestic violence
25%
Related to
domestic
violence
99
deaths
Population based on
2010 census data.
* In some cases, this data was not available.
SEPT.28,2010:Sumter
policeofficersJasonLyonsand
MarkMosesspottedayoung
manwhofittheloosedescrip-
tionofasuspectinvolvedinan
armedcarjacking:ablackman
dressedinblack.
WhenLyonsstopped25-year-
oldAaronJacobsandtriedto
pathimdown,theyoungman
bolted.Lyonsgrabbedhim
andthetwomenwrestled.
Duringthestruggle,Jacobs
wriggledfromhisshirt,expos-
ingapistolinhiswaistband,
theofficerssaid.Hethenbroke
awayandran,pullingoutthe
gunashetriedtoescape,they
said.LyonsorderedJacobsto
dropthepistol.Secondslater,
gunfiresoundedfromLyons’
.40-caliberGlock.Jacobsfellto
theground,mortallywounded.
LyonsreportedthatJacobshad
turnedandpointedapistolat
him,forcinghimtofireinself-
defense.Others,however,told
StateLawEnforcementDivision
investigatorsthattheynever
sawJacobswithaweapon.
“[Jacobs]ain’tneverpointed
nofirearm,”witnessKendrick
MillertoldWIS-TV.“Hewas
moreabouttryingtorunaway.”
Thecountycoronerrefused
toreleaseanautopsyreport,
butTheSumterItemgotitfrom
anothersourceandrevealed
thatJacobshadbeenshotin
theback.
Meanwhile,anothermanwas
chargedwiththecarjackingin
question.StatementsfromJa-
cobs’sisterandafriendindicat-tt
edhelikelywashomesleeping
whenthecarjackingoccurred
andwaswalkingtohisbuddy’s
housewhenheencountered
theofficers.
ThirdCircuitSolicitorErnest
Finneysaidhefoundinsuffi-
cientevidencetochargeLyons
withacrime.Thecaseisamong
235incidentsSLEDinvestigated
inwhichpoliceofficersfired
theirgunsatsomeone.Accord-
ingtoSLEDfiles,someofthe
otherjustifiedshootingcases
playedoutthisway:
OCTOBER2009:Spartan-
burgCountySheriff’sDeputy
BrandonBentleyshotandkilled
adisturbedmanwhoreport-tt
edlylungedathim,refusingre-
queststostop.Neighborstold
SLEDthesuspect,StevenSat-tt
terfield,hadbeendepressed
andacting“offhisrocker,”
claimingtobeaprophetfrom
Godwhocouldseedemons.
OCTOBER200R 9:Horry
Countyschoolresourceofficer
MarcusRhodesshotandkilled
a16-year-oldstudentatCaro-
linaForestHighSchoolafterthe
studentluredhimintohisoffice
onthepretenseofhavingatalk
andattackedtheofficerwitha
largeknife.TrevorNeilVarinecz
leftbehindasuicidenoteand
reportedlypleadedwiththe
officerduringthestruggleto
shoothim.
APRIL2011:Cherokee
Countydeputiesweresentto
ahouseinconnectionwitha
“medicalemergency.”They
foundDannyThomasatthe
kitchentablewithtwohand-
guns.Adeadwomanwas
onthesofa.Lt.TimHillsaid
Thomaspickeduponeofthe
guns,soheshothiminthe
chest.Thomasdiedfivedays
later.Thomas’wifeapparently
hadbeendeadinthehousefor
acoupleofdays.
DECEMBER20R 12:Agents
fromthefederalBureauof
Alcohol,Tobacco,Firearmsand
Explosiveslearnedinaplan
torobHispanicdrugdealers
inGreenvilleCounty,sothey
setupatrapforthewould-be
bandits.ATFsetoffadiver-rr
sionaryexplosionwhenthe
suspectsarrived,andthemen
fled.Onesuspectshotatthe
agentsandwoundedanATF
dog.Anagentarmedwitha
beanbaggunhitthesuspect
intheleg,knockinghimdown.
Thedogdiedandthesuspects
werearrested.
SEPTEMBER2013:R Ander-rr
sonpoliceheardagunshot
fromamotelroomwherethey
hadlocatedafugitive.The
wantedman,CaseySmith,told
policeheshothimself,andslid
agunoutfromunderthebed
wherehewashiding.When
policeliftedthebed,Smith
pulledoutasecondgunand
firedattheofficers.Fiveof-ff
ficersfired30shotsatSmith,
hittinghimatleast20times.
Smithdied.Awomanwhohad
beenwithSmithtoldinvesti-
gatorshevowed“hewasnot
goingbacktojail,butwasgo-
ingtoshoothimselfandevery
officeraroundhim.”
Case by case
That’s more than double the
number of people killed in the
9/11 terror attacks.
In recent years, noticeable
gains have been made in the
state’s booming metropolitan
areas, where state-of-the-art
hospitals and programs exist
to help new mothers through
the risks of pregnancy and
the fragile first months after
birth. But poor areas of South
Carolinahavebeenleftbehind,
withneitherthemoneynorthe
resourcestoconquertheprob-
lems claiming their young,
the newspaper’s investigation
found.
Consider the following:
The mothers of more than
aquarterofthenewbornswho
died last year received little or
no prenatal care. The death
rate for those babies is more
than five times the statewide
rate.Forblacksit’saboutseven
times higher.
The state has seen its infant
mortality fall significantly be-
fore, only to have it rise again.
From 2002 to 2003, the rate
droppedmorethan10percent.
Then in 2004, it increased by
more than 10 percent.
Among blacks in some ru-
ralcounties,infantsdieatrates
triple that of whites, mirror-
ing infant death rates in such
impoverished countries as
Vietnam. Worldwide, infant
mortality rates are considered
a bellwether for a country’s
overall health.
Saving money is one of theaa
key motivators behind the
state’sdesiretoimproveinfant
health. That’s because Medic-
aid in South Carolina pays for
more than half of all births
every year.
The issue is complex. When
askedtocalculatehowmuchit
spends each month on babies
in neonatal intensive care, the
statedeclined.Itsexplanation:
Theinformationwasnotread-
ily available.
EightofSouthCarolina’s46
countiesdon’thaveanobstetri-
cian, a physician who special-
izes in care for women during
pregnancy and childbirth.
Two other counties have only
one part-time specialist. This
leaves patients with little or
no ability to get vital health
care needed during their
pregnancies.
The system set up to train
physicians in South Carolina
and throughout the United
States does little to encourage
medical school graduates to
practice in rural areas where
theneedforhealthcareismost
acute.
South Carolina is not alone
inthisdisparitybetweeneither
rural and urban or white and
black rates of newborn deaths.
In its latest two annual re-
ports, Child Health USA 2012
and2013,theU.S.Department
ofHealthandHumanServices
said infant mortality in rural
counties,especiallysmallones,
runs almost 10 percent higher
than in urban areas.
For example, Georgia’s rural
Lowndes County, on the Flor-
ida border, was identified in a
2012publichealthreportasthe
state’s worst for infant mortal-
ity, with a rate three times the
national average of about six
deaths for every 1,000 births.
For blacks nationwide, the
rate of newborn death was
more than double whites. And
inSouthCarolina,blackbabies
fared slightly better than the
national average, the report
showed.
Southern states generally
scored higher rates of black
infant mortality than the na-
tion as a whole, but several
Midwestern states, such as
Wisconsin, Indiana, Illinois,
and Ohio, were equally high.
Hurdles to care critical
The Medical University of
South Carolina purposely set
up its North Charleston Chil-
dren’s Care clinic in a strip
mall, on a public bus line near
Northwoods Mall, so low-
income families can get to the
doctor more easily.
HenryLemon,apediatrician
at the clinic, said lack of trans-
portation is one of the biggest
hurdles for the poor in obtain-
ing routine medical care.
That hurdle is far higher in
the state’s rural areas, where
people not only lack public
transportation but also doc-
tors,especially specialistswho
focus on women’s health and
childbirth.
Poor rural areas simply
“aren’t attractive places for
doctors to live,” Lemon said.
The vast majority of more
than 500 OB/GYNs in South
Carolina practice in the state’s
three main metropolitan ar-
eas — Charleston, Columbia
and Greenville — making it
extremely difficult for many
women to get specialized care
during their pregnancies.
Low-income women are en-
titledtoMedicaidduringtheir
pregnancies,butthatmaybeof
little benefit in many parts of
the state with no specialists in
women’s care and few family
doctors, Lemon said.
“You can provide insurance,
but you can’t provide medical
care.”
A committee set up two
years ago by the Legislature
to study graduate medical
education in South Carolina
found “pockets of medically
underserved populations”
throughout the state.
“Thestatehasstruggledtoat-
tract and retain physicians to
serve in these areas,” the com-
mittee’s report stated.
The committee recom-
mended last year that South
Carolina set aside 15 percent
of the state and federal money
used each year for graduate
medical education, mainly
hospital residencies, to train
doctors to work in rural
communities.That’sabout$28
million.
Sofar,thathasnothappened.
For poor, rural South Caro-
linians the hurdles to proper
medical care remain. Many
can’t afford it; and if they
could, it’s almost impossible
to get to the doctor.
Lemon sees part of that
Catch-22 play out at his clinic.
“We are undergoing our
second expansion of physi-
cal space, and the decision to
stay in this commercial plaza
was based on the fact that we
have a bus stop in front of the
building.”
If rural areas don’t have doc-
tors or medical facilities and
people have to travel long dis-
tances for appointments, the
oddsaretheywon’tgoasoften
astheyshouldorwon’tgoatall,
Lemon said.
“If people have to travel, it
can determine the amount of
care they get.” It’s not unusual
in some rural counties that
the first time a poor, pregnant
mother sees a doctor is when
sheshowsupattheemergency
room to deliver, Lemon said.
Fighting daunting odds in S.C.
By the numbers In 2013, 56,732 babies were born in South Carolina.
Source: S.C. DHEC Birth Certificate data
389
babies died
before their first
birthdays.
579
mothers received
no prenatal care
prior to delivery.
2,854
mothers who de-
livered received
fewer than five
prenatal visits.
15,751
mothers were
obese prior to
pregnancy.
13,528
mothers were
overweight prior
to pregnancy.
1,185
babies were born
prior to 32 weeks
gestation.
6,190
mothers used
tobacco prod-
ucts while they
were pregnant.
4,259
babies were ad-
mitted to a neo-
natal intensive
care unit after
they were born.
Eight of the statef ’s 46 counties
don’t have an obstetrician.
Two other counties have only one
part-time specialist. This leaves
women with little or no ability
to get vital health care needed
during their pregnancies.
BRANDON LOCKETT/STAFFSOURCE: S.C. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL; CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY WORLD FACTBOOK (2013)
On the web
For a more detailed look at infant mortality rates
comparing South Carolina to the world,
go to postandcourier.com/infant-mortality
5th
Charleston County’s ranking
for best infant mortality rate
in South Carolina in 2013.
50Number of counties with
lower infant mortality rates
than the U.S. in 2013
9th
The Palmetto State’s rank
for worst infant mortality rate
in the U.S. in 2010.
If South Carolina were a country and included in the 2013 CIA World Factbook list of infant mortality
rates, it would fall between Estonia (6.82) and the Virgin Islands (6.94).
Did you know?
McCormick County (25), S.C.’s
worst county, ranks worse than
Guatemala (24.32).
Barnwell County,
S.C.’s second worst county
(15.9), ranks close to
the Gaza Strip (16).
Chesterfield County
(15.3), S.C.’s third worst county,
ranks worse than China (15.2).
Laurens County
(13.8) ranks
close to the
West Bank
(13.98).
Florence County
(12.2) ranks close to
Malaysia (13.69).
South Carolina’s infant mortality rate in 2013 has dropped to its lowest level ever, but in many parts of the state, particularly rural counties, newborns still die at alarming rates.
Infant mortality rates are the number of newborns who die before their first birthday, per 1,000 live births.
S.C.’s third-world infant death rates
INFANTSfrom Page A1
CRADLE
OF SHAMEThe Post and Courier Thursday, March 12, 2015: A7AA
Mount
Pleasant
Charleston
Johns Island
James Island
North Charleston
5
1
6
7
4
3
2
Hispanic
Asian
Black
White
One dot
equals one
person in
2010,
mapped by
census block.
West Ashley7
Stall High6
School of the Arts5
North Charleston High4
Military Magnet Academy3
Burke High2
1
BRANDON LOCKETT/STAFF;WELDON COOPER CENTER FOR PUBLIC SERVICE,UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA; NATIONAL HISTORIC GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM
AlthoughblackandwhiteresidentsinCharlestonCountystilllivein
mostlysegregatedcommunities,schoolchoicehasallowedthousandsof
studentstoseekopportunitiesbeyondthoseconfinesbytransferringto
otherpublicschoolsinthedistrict.Butchoicealsoleftotherstudentsbehind
inshrinking,mostlyblackandlow-performingschoolsthatfacesteep
challengesevenastheareasaroundthemreviveandprosper.Gentrification
hasbroughtthrongsofwhitestudentsintotheattendancezonesofNorth
CharlestonandBurkehighschools,butmostopttoattendotherschools.
RACIAL SEGREGATION CLEAR ACROSS REGION
North Charleston High
North Charleston High (4) sits in trendy Park Circle, but 62 percent of the students
zoned to attend the school choose to go elsewhere.The majority of its remaining
student body comes from mostly black, poor areas to the south. Students at two
nearby magnet schools, however, are mostly white and affluent.
Burke High
Burke High (2) sits in the thick of the
gentrifying and booming peninsula, but 63
percent of its intended student body fled to
other schools last year. Just one white
student attended the school.
LEFTBEHIND
“Here is the average you have in my class
right now. I hope that will change.”
She returns to her stool front and center
to discuss yesterday’s class. It didn’t go so
well, starting with the behavior of students
en route to the computer lab. They were
loud and disrespectful to the other teach-
ers and students — and to themselves.
“It was just embarrassing,” she adds.
Then they didn’t do the assessment she
gave them. Lots of zeroes went into her
grade book. Grades tumbled just days be-
fore the third quarter ends.
Some students even cheated. They aren’t
in class today.
“I read your stuff when I should have
been paying attention to my own family,”
she says earnestly, “because I care about
you guys!”
Pin drop silence.
SNAPSHOTS OF A SEMESTER
stead, the buzz-cut senior sits at a long
guidance office conference table with
freshly delivered pizza and 14 hand-picked
fellow students.
Katie Tumbleston and Sarah Fichera
stand before the group. They’re from the
city of Charleston Mayor’s Office for Chil-
dren, Youth, and Families and have come
to hear what students want from their
community.
“Do you feel part of the larger school dis-
trict, or like you are just defined as North
Charleston High School?”
The students agree: just North Charles-
ton High School.
“When they step into North Charleston,
they think it’s going to be like a jungle —
and it’s not,” senior Chelsea Moultrie says.
“We’re amazing!” Mikayla Fuller grins.
From across the table, Kayla Harrington
“They’re making us look like a lower
school because they pick the students with
the highest grades. It makes our school look
less than we are,” Orlando says.
Yet this group wants to interact more
with students from those schools.
“We’re so separated from each other,”
junior Brittany Wallace says. What if they
could take drama or music classes at SOA
or other classes not offered here?
“Segregation happens in many ways. It’s
not just the color of your skin. It’s how we
feel segregated from Academic Magnet
and SOA. That’s segregation, too,” Kayla
says.
The group talks so long, so passionately,
that Tumbleston must stop them.
“You are wise beyond your years,” she
says. “Some adults don’t have your in-
sight.”
down by a respectable 12.
Then a funny thing happens. They catch
up. And even the teachers are cheering.
The seniors commit a foul under the bas-
ket, and a new student who just enrolled
in midyear makes a foul shot to tie up the
game. The 100 or so students on hand
shriek.
A scramble, and the seniors score.
Breaths are held. Prayers are said. The
game is within one point. Charging down
the court, a freshman shoots for a long-
shot buzzer-beater.
Swoosh!
It is 37 to 36, an unlucky Friday the 13th
for the senior class. The stands burst into a
geyser of screams, a wave of bodies flood-
ing the court.
Maybe there’s some Cougar pride left
after all.

INNOVATIVE CONCEPT
OpenDivision
THIRD PLACE:
The Greenville News
Staff
On April 30, a whippet-bor-
dercolliemixwasbroughtinto
Greenville County Animal
Care on Furman Hall Road.
She’d been found wandering
around Spartanburg County,
and was delivered to the area’s
primary open shelter.
Her name is Whirly. And
she is one of 1,227 animals that
were brought to the shelter
last month. On Monday, she
cametotheGreenvilleNewsas
our first newshound. She’ll
spend her days in our news-
room, helping lift the spirits of
our news staff. But she’s avail-
able for adoption — just like
the other 400 or so dogs that
areintheshelteronanaverage
day.Youcanalsofollowherex-
ploits on Twitter, @New-
shoundGVL.
Often, there is a perception
that the stories from an open
animal shelter are sad. And
they can be. Last month,
Care euthanized more animals
than were adopted. But the
goal of the shelter is rooted in
happiness — providing homes
for the animals and dramat-
ically reducing the number
that have to be euthanized.
The community is vital to
helpingchangethat,saidPaula
Church, community relations
coordinator at the shelter.
That help comes in two
forms: Contributions, and
community awareness that
leads to increased adoptions
from the shelter.
“What we need to do is get
the public behind adopting
these animals,” Church said.
“We have so many. If we can
get our adoption numbers up it
would make a huge difference
for the animals at our facility
in terms of having space for
them.”
Last month, for example —
themonththatsawthatshelter
bring in 1,227 animals — it
adopted out 337. Another 347
were transferred to rescue
groups. There is more work to
be done.
Betty Star, who is the adop-
tions supervisor at the shelter,
stressed the two other needs:
volunteers and donations.
For those who can’t adopt,
these are two avenues to help,
she said. Among the most
pressing needs: canned and
dry dog and cat food, blankets
and towels, new socks and
sweaters. Of course, financial
contributions also are appreci-
ated.
There also is plenty of room
for volunteers, Church said.
“We have a huge volunteer
program, but it always can be
bigger.Wehavejobsforevery-
one,” she said.
Throughout this week we’ll
be talking about more of the
services that are offered at
Care. Follow our Newshound,
Whirly, @NewshoundGVL.
MYKAL MCELDOWNEY/STAFF
Whirly the newshound was brought into Greenville County Animal Care last month after being found wandering around Spartanburg County.
Greenville News’ foster dog
highlighting shelter needs
Whirly is available
for adoption
STEVEN BRUSS

INNOVATIVE CONCEPT
OpenDivision
SECOND PLACE:
J. Emory Parker

INNOVATIVE CONCEPT
OpenDivision
FIRST PLACE:
J. Emory Parker

AFFILIATED OR NICHE WEBSITE
OpenDivision
HONORABLE MENTION:
Spurs & Feathers/
Aiken Standard
Brian Hand, Kyle Heck
and Tim O’Briant

OpenDivision
THIRD PLACE:
Independent Mail
Staff

OpenDivision
SECOND PLACE:
Herald-Journal
Jose Franco

OpenDivision
FIRST PLACE:
Kurt Knapek, Laura
James&CarolineFossi

SPORTS MAGAZINE
OpenDivision
THIRD PLACE:
The Herald
Staff
Chasing scholarships
. ...........................................................................................
York, Chester and Lancaster counties seeing
influx of college football-worthy talent
. ...........................................................................................
2015 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW
Thursday, August 20, 2015

SPORTS MAGAZINE
OpenDivision
SECOND PLACE:
The State
Staff

SPORTS MAGAZINE
OpenDivision
FIRST PLACE:
Index-Journal
Mundy Price

DIGITAL NEWS PROJECT
OpenDivision
THIRD PLACE:
Herald-Journal
Staff

OpenDivision
SECOND PLACE:
The Island Packet
Staff

OpenDivision
FIRST PLACE:
The State
SammyFretwell,Matt
Walsh,GerryMelendez,
andChrisHessert

FLOOD COVERAGE
AllDailyDivision
THIRD PLACE:
The Sun News
Staff

FLOOD COVERAGE
AllDailyDivision
SECOND PLACE:
The State
Staff
TODAY’S DEAL: Columbia Classic Ballet company
$13 for $26 Ticket! Get the deal of the day at dealsaver.com/columbia.
MONDAY OCTOBER 5 2015 $1.00 VOL. 125TH, No. 230
STAY CONNECTED THESTATE.COM
FACEBOOK.COM/THESTATENEWS
TWITTER.COM/@THESTATE
TODAY: RAIN; FLOOD WARNINGS HI 67 LO 56
YESTERDAY: HI 71 LO 64 PRECIP. (as of 5 p.m.) 7.49”
FORECAST, 12C
TOP
SPORTS
STORIES
STAY
CONNECTED
CLEMSON
Saturday’s win over Notre Dame propels
Tigers to top 10 ranking
PAGE 1B
Classifieds 9C
Comics 7C
Go Columbia 12C
Obituaries 4C
Opinion 3C
A
slow-moving storm produced historic floods Sunday after
dumping more than a foot of rain in parts of Columbia.
The rainfall submerged low-lying traffic intersections,
washed away roads and flooded homes. Dozens of people
needed to be rescued by police and firefighters or were ferried to safety by
neighbors in boats. A mother and child were plucked off a rooftop in Rich-
land County by an S.C. National Guard helicopter, state Adjutant General
Robert Livingston said.
The deluge also caused several water
mains to break in the Columbia water
system, forcing many residents to lose
service, according to a news release from
the city. The worst-hit areas were down-
town Columbia and southeast Richland
County. Residents may be without service
for three to four days, the city said. Mean-
while, water customers with service in
Columbia, West Columbia and Blythe-
wood were advised to vigorously boil the
water for at least a minute before drink-
ing it.
Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott said
Sunday that city and county law enforce-
ment, as well as the Columbia Fire De-
partment, pulled hundreds of people out
of situations where they were endangered
by rising waters.
“And there likely have been thousands
of houses and homes and cars that have
had water damage,” Lott said.
While as much as 16.6 inches fell in
some areas around Columbia on Sunday,
officially more than 10 inches of rain was
counted at Columbia Metropolitan Air-
port on Saturday and Sunday, according
to the National Weather Service. That set
the 128-year-old record for two days (7.7
inches) and three days (8.4 inches). A
single-day record was set on Sunday at
almost seven inches.
Some areas around Columbia received
as much rain Sunday as the region ab-
sorbed in the past three months com-
bined, according to National Weather
Service data. Another inch or two of rain
was expected overnight.
The effects of the storm will linger
Monday as rivers and creeks remain swol-
len and streets flooded after the record
rainfall.
“It’s not over,” Gov. Nikki Haley said.
“We’re still in the middle of it.”
On Monday, schools and colleges, in-
cluding the University of South Carolina,
canceled classes. Government offices in
Richland and Lexington counties as well
Historic flood
ravages Midlands
Storm drenched Columbia area
with more rain than previous
three months combined
Rain will linger Monday
as crews try to assess
damage from flooding
Surges of water closed roads,
swelled rivers and creeks and
led to one death in Columbia
MATT WALSH mwalsh@thestate.com
Department of Natural Resources workers make a rescue in Forest Acres during Sunday morning's flood.
BY ANDREW SHAIN
ashain@thestate.com
GILLS CREEK
(Devine Street near Rosewood
Drive)
5.1 FEET
Sunday midnight
14 FEET
Major flood stage
17.1 FEET
Sunday 7 a.m.
9.4 FEET
Previous record from 1997
CONGAREE RIVER
IN COLUMBIA
(Near Gervais Street bridge)
13.6 FEET
Sunday midnight
22.8 FEET
Sunday 7 a.m.
30 FEET
Major flood stage:
31.7 FEET
Sunday 6 p.m.
33.3 FEET
Record from 1936SEE FLOOD, 10A
UPDATES ONLINE
For updated news, including closings, go
to thestate.com.
Also, while storm conditions and safety
considerations may delay Monday
delivery of The State in some areas, you
can read the news online at
thestate.com and you can view a replica
of the print edition by connecting to
thestate.com/e-edition.
INSIDE
Your house is flooded?
Now, what do you do? Some tips. 6A
Lexington County
Residents advised to evacuate from
riverbanks as utility opens Lake Murray
spillways, 7A
Closures
Most Midlands schools, governments will
be closed Monday, 7A
Richland County
Record rainfall turned normally quiet
Gills Creek into a roaring river, 8A
Forest Acres
Columbia suburb hit hard for second
time in a week, this time by rising water,
9A
South Carolina
Record floods Sunday shut down
hundreds of roads statewide, forcing
thousands to flee their homes or
vehicles, 10A

FLOOD COVERAGE
AllDailyDivision
FIRST PLACE:
Staff
BY CHRISTINA ELMORE
celmore@postandcourier.com
Relentless, record-breaking rainfall Saturday
inundated dozens of Lowcountry thorough-
fares, uprooted trees, forced residents out of
their homes, stranded motorists and shut down
the Charleston peninsula for an entire day. And
it’s not over yet.
The tri-county area averaged about 6 inches
of rainfall between Friday and Saturday nights,
with another 6 to 10 inches possible before the
storm dissipates, National Weather Service me-
teorologists reported.
Moisture offshore from Hurricane Joaquin,
which hovered northeast of the Bahamas Sat-
urdaynight,strengthenedbyanareaoflowpres-
sureintheSoutheastandafrontstalledoverthe
East Coast will continue to drench much of the
state until the tropical system moves further
out into the Atlantic, according to the Weather
Service.
“This is a pretty extreme event, that’s for sure”
said meteorologist Peter Mohlin.
In roughly three decades spent covering the
weather, Mohlin said he’s lived through “in-
teresting” hurricanes and “impressive” snow
storms. This, he said, was different.
“To get that much rain in such a large area for
suchalongtime—formanypeople,thisispretty
significant,” he said, “especially if they’re being
impacted and forced to move from their homes.
Wewishpeoplewell,butitmaytakeuntilSunday
nightormaybeearlyMondaybeforethisisdone
and over with.”
CharlestonCityCouncilpassedanemergency
ordinance Saturday granting public safety offi-
cials the authority to restrict access downtown
Historic deluge
Relentless rain breaks records, and it’s not over yet
PAUL ZOELLER/STAFF
Kyle Barnell (right) and Dillon Christ take a boat ride through the flooded streets of downtown Charleston on Saturday.
Flooding causing sewage
problems in some areas. A7
Rain didn’t stop couple from
going ahead with wedding. A7
Search continues for freighter
lost in hurricane. A15
A list of area closings and
cancellations. A4
Online
For an updated forecast, go to
postandcourier.com/weather.
Gallery
For more photos, go to post
andcourier.com/galleries.
Inside
Please see RAIN,Page A7

EDITORIAL OR COLUMN IN SUPPORT
OF FOI/OPEN GOVERNMENT ISSUES
AllDailyDivision
HONORABLE MENTION:
Aiken Standard
Tim O’Briant
BY TIM O’BRIANT
tobriant@aikenstandard.com
The true measure ofintegrity is
doingwhatisrightandjusteven
whennoone
is looking.
Onthe
otherextreme,
choosingto
dothewrong
thingunder
thewatchful
eyesofoth-
ers,as the
Aiken County
SchoolBoard
didthisweek, isnothinglessthan
reminderofSouthCarolina’s
Freedom ofInformation,orFOI,
legal requirements, delivered
-
eventhoughtheirownattorney
advised they likelyhad no legal
-
-
tionofstatelaw.Thetwo“no”
door session evenaftervoting
against it.
Iattendedthemeetingand
tookthejournalisticallyunusual
aforementionedFOIreminder
relatedtoSchoolBoardexecu-
tive sessions. Inthis case, they
voted toclose the meeting to
discuss negotiationsrelatedto
a contract when, infact, there
wasnocontractatall.Whatthey
on the searchfor a new district
closedsession todiscuss a letter
whichwasnotacontractinany
doorstodiscusshowtheywill
One might read this and assume
-
drels.Idonot.Infact,Ithinkthey
and hard toserve the childrenof
this community.Theyreceive
-
tions theymakeand,sometimes,
it easiertoconduct muchoftheir
withthemonthatcount.Noneof
that changes the laws that govern
thewaytheyhavetoconductthe
theFOIviolations involvedhere
don’trisetoWatergatelevelsor
ifthe Board chooses toconduct
whenhandlingsomethingtruly
controversial.Withcontrolofa
-
get –whichisfarmoretaxmoney
CountyCouncilandallthecity
councils inAikenCountycom-
Intheend,voterscanonlyeval-
theinterestsofthosetheyserve?
secretive discussions short circuit
Beyond those concerns ofdol-
-
-
district. Asthe court oflast resort
wouldtolerate selectiveadher-
oversee.Imagine the chaos ifev-
andchoosewhichclassroomrules
tofollowandwhichtoignorefor
hisorherownconvenience. From
-
are small and rarelyenforced – a
None ofus wants tosee such
willexaminetheirownactions
they hold.
that are so very critical to the
-
munity.
Tim O’Briant is the Aiken
Standard editor and director of
audience. He can be reached
at tobriant@aikenstandard.
com or 803-644-2380.
COLUMN
O’Briant
School board must
work to get it right

AllDailyDivision
THIRD PLACE:
Index-Journal
Richard Whiting
McCormick County board
act as masters of people
McCormick County school district residents and
taxpayers, rest comfortably knowing that your school
board has everything under control.
No, wait. Make that rest comfortably knowing that
your school board controls everything.
You see, the board does not believe you need to fret
about who might be the interim superintendent to fill
the void left when William Wright resigned last month
to take the reins of a school district in his native North
Carolina. It seems the board has found six potential
candidates for the job and has been conducting inter-
views with them. The board will have its final set of
interviews Monday night and is poised to make its
selection Tuesday.
OnOct.16,theIndex-JournalfiledaFreedomofInfor-
mationActrequestwiththeschooldistrictinaneffortto
receivethenamesofthosebeingconsideredforthejob.
Followinglastweek’snewsthatsixhadbeenchosen,the
newspaperinquiredwhetheritwouldgetthosenamesin
advanceofTuesday’smeeting.Aresounding“no”iswhat
wegot.Itseemstheschoolboard,itsattorneyandschool
districtofficialsarenotatallinterestedinsharingthose
nameswiththepublicbeforetheyvote,eventhoughthey
clearlyhaveacandidateslistthatshouldbemadepublic
underthestatelaw.
Instead of providing names of those the board has
interviewed and plans to interview, meeting agendas
and minutes were sent via email to the newspaper
last Wednesday, with the following note: “Please find
attached the Board agendas and meeting minutes refer-
encing the selection of an Interim Superintendent. The
District will respond to your FOIA request within the
15-day window permitted under the statute. If circum-
stances permit, and we can respond to your request
prior to November 6th, we will do so.”
That note was from Shamika Long-Lane, executive
director of operations for the school district. What is
clear is this: The board will most likely make a deci-
sion Tuesday night and, rather than abide by the intent
and spirit of state law, the board intends to stretch
its response time by using the full 15-business day
window allotted public bodies to respond to FOIA
requests. Again, bear in mind the board clearly has
narrowed its search to six potential candidates, a list
it could and should have provided last week. Instead,
the response is to wiggle around the law a bit by invok-
ing the 15-day response time it has to comply with the
paper’s Oct. 16 request.
It was not lost on us that Long-Lane’s emails all end
with the following messages: “We, not Me” and a quote
from basketball great Michael Jordan that reads “Some
people want it to happen some people wish it to hap

AllDailyDivision
SECOND PLACE:
Elsa McDowell
S
C
e
r
C
w
r
e
t
n
C
s
s
w
t
t
c
u
l
s
i
f
i
c
t
c
c
A
w
s
W
hen witnesses clam up or
disappear — and suspected
criminals are released as a
result — the good guys lose.
Police, whose hands are tied, lament that not
enoughcitizenshelpthemgetbadguysoffthe
streets.
Clearly,somewould-beinformantsdon’tfeel
safe.Theyfearretributionfromtheaccusedor
his friends. They don’t have confidence that
the police will be able to protect them.
Andashasbecomemoreobviousacrossthe
countrythisyear, manycitizens—particularly
black citizens — simply don’t trust police.
That problem is exacerbated when law en-
forcement agencies develop their own repu-
tations for withholding information.
And while S.C. lawmakers wisely voted
to require law enforcement officers to wear
body cameras, the law allows only people
capturedonvideo,criminaldefendantsand
civil litigants access to the recordings.
The police should not have the license to
withhold video from incidents when some-
one is injured or killed by an officer. Doing
so only would widen the credibility gap be-
tween the authorities and the public.
Some law enforcement agencies refuse to
release dashcam footage, which is supposed
to be available to the public. For example, a
dashcam video is still under wraps in the
February2014shootingdeathofanunarmed
68-year-oldEdgefieldCountyresident.Alaw
enforcementofficerwaschargedinthecase.
In another troubling case, the U.S. Justice
Department opened an investigation last
month into the July 26 shooting death of a
19-year-oldmanbyapoliceofficerinSeneca,
S.C.TheStateLawEnforcementDivisionhas
refused to release the dashcam footage.
Recordedfootagecancuttotheheartofthe
matter. Just consider the bystander’s video
of the April shooting death of Walter Scott
in North Charleston, for which then-police
officer Michael Slager has been charged.
Consider,too,theinevitabledeclineoftrust
that occurs when lengthy delays in the re-
lease of evidence cause the public to suspect
a cover-up by law enforcement officials.
And, on the other hand, consider the risks
when witnesses withhold information from
police and prosecutors.
According to Monday’s Post and Courier,
two Charleston men were arrested in 2012
on suspicion that they killed a man in West
Ashley. The arrest relied on information
fromthreewitnesses.Butpolicehadtodrop
the case because the witnesses’ testimony
was “no longer available.”
Police said the case was one of several in
which witnesses have retracted their state-
ments or simply disappeared, leaving pros-
ecutors without the evidence to go to trial.
Another involved a 2012 North Charleston
home-invasion and robbery in which one
man was killed and another wounded.
People can help make their communities
safer by stepping up when they have infor-
mation that would help solve a crime.
And law enforcement can help establish
trust with communities by being as open as
agencies want citizens to be.
No secrets in fighting crime

AllDailyDivision
FIRST PLACE:
The Greenville News
Beth Padgett
T
he Greenville News and two
other area newspapers have
filed a lawsuit against the
State Law Enforcement Division
in an effort to gain access to
video and other public records in
the case of Zachary Hammond.
He was the 19-year who was
killed by a Seneca police officer
on the night of July 26, and many
questions that surround his
death most likely could be
cleared up by the police dash
camera videos from that deadly
encounter.
This lawsuit should not be
necessary because SLED should
have released these records,
including the dash cam video
that should be most informative,
at least a month ago. Serious
questions surround the shooting
and there are conflicting stories
about what happened that night
in the parking lot of a Hardee’s
restaurant. Law enforcement
video has been released in other
high-profile incidents and there’s
no good reason for law enforce-
ment to continue to shield rec-
ords concerning Hammond’s
death.
Hammond was killed in the
fast-food parking lot by Seneca
Police Lt. Mark Tiller during
what has been called a marijuana
sting operation. The target of the
sting was the passenger in Ham-
mond’s car; the passenger was
not hurt during the shooting.
Seneca Police Chief John
Covington has been quoted as
saying the officer fired two shots
through the driver’s side window
because he thought the driver
was going to run over him. How-
ever the family of the Seneca
High School graduate has dis-
puted the story told by police
about how the shooting occurred.
Continuing to withhold the video
erodes the credibility of Seneca
police.
In early August a lawyer rep-
resenting the Hammond family
said an independent autopsy
authorized by the family, and
performed by two pathologists
with the Greenville Health Sys-
tem, showed the young man was
shot “from left to right and back
to front.” The lawyer has argued
that the findings of the indepen-
dent autopsy indicated that the
officer could not have been in
the path of the car if it was mov-
ing.
The lawsuit was filed last
week by The Greenville News, The
Anderson Independent-Mail and
The Journal of Seneca. The news-
papers argued that there is no
reason to refuse to release the
video and records because
“there is no prospective law
enforcement action to be un-
dertaken by defendant, there is
no risk of endangering the life,
health or property of any person,
and there are no matters ex-
empted from disclosure by other
statute or law.”
As Greenville News writer Ron
Barnett reported last week, the
dashboard camera in Tiller’s
vehicle captured the incident,
but the video has been in SLED’s
hands since that night. It recent-
ly was turned over to 10th Cir-
cuit Solicitor Chrissy Adams but
she has refused to release the
video. She has said she is waiting
for more information from fed-
eral investigators before making
a decision to file charges.
These are increasingly weak
excuses. Hammond’s family and
the public should be able to view
the dash cam video so they can
make independent judgments
about what happened that night
when the young man was shot
and killed. Eric Bland, the fam-
ily’s attorney, said last month
that SLED and the Solicitor’s
Office have violated the state’s
Freedom of Information Act by
not releasing the information in
a timely manner. The solicitor
and Seneca police seem to be
“moving the chains and changing
the rules,” Bland was quoted as
saying.
South Carolina is one of those
states where law enforcement
enjoys deep respect and strong
support from many citizens, and
often police officers are given
the benefit of the doubt. A num-
ber of deadly incidents in our
nation in recent months, includ-
ing one in North Charleston,
have later been put in a new light
after either video or more in-
formation, or both, have cast
doubt on the original report of
law enforcement.
A movement to require police
to wear body cameras has gained
traction after such incidents.
While video may not answer all
the questions of what took place
in an incident, it helps citizens
gain a better view.
More timely release of videos
recorded by dashboard cameras
or police body cameras should be
required by law. Until that hap-
pens in South Carolina, a court
should ensure the release of the
video and other evidence in the
shooting of Zachary Hammond.
Release video of police shooting
FILE
Zachary Hammond was shot to death by a Seneca police officer in July.

E.A. RAMSAUR MEMORIAL AWARD
FOR EDITORIAL WRITING
AllDailyDivision
THIRD PLACE:
Elsa McDowell
O
ffshore drilling apologists
saytheindustryisessentially
spill free, but the truth is an-
other thing altogether.
For example, a recent Associated Press
investigation of an oil leak that has per-
sisted for a decade off the coast of Loui-
siana, spilling up to 1.4 million gallons
of oil, shows that data provided by the
government cannot be trusted.
So the question for South Carolina is:
Why in the world would anyone support
offshoredrillingthatcouldwelldevastate
thestate’sbeautiful,healthycoastandthe
tourism that it depends on?
Gov. Nikki Haley and every member of
the S.C. congressional delegation except
6thDistrictRep.JamesClyburnhaveen-
dorsed the federal government’s plan to
explore drilling off the state’s coast. It’s
time for them to admit that they have
made a mistake.
They should consider the story of the
oilleakthatoccurredin2005whenHur-
ricane Ivan’s waves triggered an under-
water landslide. It toppled Taylor Energy
Company’s platform and buried 28 wells
about 10 miles off Louisiana’s coast.
They are still leaking, and they’re leak-
ing at a rate that is six times greater than
the Coast Guard had estimated and 20
times greater than Taylor’s figures — in-
formation discovered by the AP in its in-
vestigation.Theoilslicksheenseenfrom
monitoring flights covers eight square
miles.
Andit’snottheonlyone.TheU.S.Coast
Guard’s National Response Center re-
ported that Louisiana in 2014 had over
3,000 reported oil spills with volumes
ranging up to 11.8 million gallons. It es-
timates that 25 percent of oil spills are
unreported.
AmazinglythegovernmentallowsTay-
lor to shield spill-related information
from public scrutiny, citing the need to
protect trade secrets.
AndTaylorisnotevensharinginforma-
tionthatcouldhelpotheroffshoreopera-
torsprepareforasimilarincident,saying
the information is a proprietary asset.
SouthCaroliniansshouldbewaryofre-
assurances that drilling would not harm
the environment. It should also be wary
ofpromisesofbillionsofnewdollarsand
thousands of jobs for the state.
AsstateSen.ChipCampsen,R-Charles-
ton,wroteinarecentop-edonourCom-
mentary page:
“The land-based infrastructure neces-
sary to support offshore drilling ... is not
a pretty sight. It is extensive, dirty and
highly industrial.”
WherewouldthatgoontheSouthCar-
olina coast?
ClearlycoastalSouthCarolinashouldn’t
be a sacrificial lamb.
On Thursday, Georgetown became the
50th coastal community to officially op-
pose offshore oil exploration and devel-
opment off the East Coast. Mayor Jack
Scoville said that “the risk to our citizens
and our coast is not worth the slim pos-
sibility of reward.”
Surely if offshore drilling would ben-
efit citizens, Mayor Scoville would be
supporting it. Twenty-one percent of the
city’sresidentslivebelowthepovertyline.
Other communities standing in oppo-
sition include Charleston, Folly Beach,
HiltonHeadIsland,Beaufort,PortRoyal,
theIsleofPalms,JamesIsland,Sullivan’s
Island and Edisto Beach.
Further, 65 members of Congress and
more than 160 conservation and animal
welfareorganizationsareagainstoffshore
drilling.
Why would all those people oppose
something that would benefit them? Be-
cause it won’t.
1.4millionreasonsnottodrill
PAUL ZOELLER/STAFF
New S.C. Department of Social Services Director Susan Alford has lunch at her desk between meetings in Columbia.
DSS faces the challenge of overseeing both group homes and foster families throughout the state.
U
nthinkablethingscanhappen
to children in group homes.
Theycanbebeaten,molested,
drugged and neglected.
ButinSouthCarolina,informationabout
such incidents is kept secret. That means
parentsareinthedark—andpeoplewho
want to address the problems don’t have
the information they need to do so. The
S.C.GeneralAssemblyneedstorecognize
thatstatelawintendedtoprotectchildren
is actually putting them at risk.
Lastyear,theSenateinvestigatedtheDe-
partment of Social Services after hearing
allegations of mismanagement, unwork-
able caseloads and deaths of children un-
der the agency’s authority. Lillian Koller
resigned as director under pressure from
lawmakers who were exasperated by her
refusaltoprovidedataaboutsocialwork-
ers’ staggering caseloads.
Herreplacement,SusanAlford,facesan
uphill climb. The more forthcoming she
is about the system’s shortcomings, the
more likely the Legislature will work to
make beneficial changes, starting with
changing the law.
She also should realign the DSS budget
so that more children can be taken care
of in homes of relatives or foster parents,
and fewer in group homes.
Studies show that children do better
in home settings than they do in group
homes. That’s reason enough.
But an investigation by reporter Lauren
Sausserrevealedthatgrouphomesacross
thestatehavebeenthesubjectofmultiple
complaints. And while administrators
say that most of the complaints are un-
founded, the public has no way to find
out if that’s true. DSS, which is respon-
sibleforgrouphomeoversight,willsay,for
example, that New Hope in York County
hasbeeninvestigatedfor119allegationsof
abuse in the past 15 years. But it will not
sayhowmanyallegationswereunfounded
or how serious the allegations were.
That would be an easy fix — were it not
for state law thatcalls for the information
to be withheld. It should be changed.
Certainlythestateshouldprotectchildren
bykeepingprivatetheirnamesanddetails
of alleged abuse. But there is no reason
not to have a place people can go to check
outgrouphomesbeforemakingdecisions
aboutplacingchildrenthere.Thedatabase
couldcontainthenumberofabuseallega-
tions, their severity and their disposition.
Many children in group homes are
troubled. It stands to reason that some
allegations will prove untrue. The public
deserves to know that. And group homes
that are protecting children should have
the satisfaction of the public knowing
they’ve been cleared of charges.
Ironically, the state pays five times as
much money keeping children in group
homes than in foster homes, and the
outcome is usually inferior. Particularly
young children (those up to 13 years of
age)aremoreapttothriveinfosterhomes
than in group homes. Unfortunately,
South Carolina puts children in group
homes and institutions at a rate higher
than any other state in the country.
Hence the reallocation of money. DSS
needstorecruitmorefosterparentsandpay
them better. Some receive as little as $12 a
daytofeed,clotheandcareforachild.Only
five states pay less for foster care.
By reducing the number of children in
group homes significantly, DSS would
save tens of millions of dollars that could
be used to beef up foster care.
The children under the care of DSS are
among the state’s most vulnerable. Many
have been abused, yet they are being put
in group homes where they risk further
abuse.Thelikelihoodofthatabuseisclas-
sified information.
DSShasanewdirector.AndtheLegisla-
turehasdemonstratedagenuineconcern
for addressing DSS problems.
It’s time for dramatic changes that will
protect children and spend tax dollars
more effectively.
Endabuseingrouphomes
T
he General Assembly seems to
have two choices: It can com-
plainaboutanorderoftheS.C.
SupremeCourt,oritcantryto
improvethe inadequate schools inrural
South Carolina.
ToobadtheLegislature’sleadershiphas
optedtocomplain,asyetanotherclassof
ruralstudentsspendstheyearinschools
that are inadequate in the eyes of the
court—andpeoplethroughoutthestate.
Oddly, Sen. President Pro Tempore
Hugh Leatherman, R-Florence, and
House Speaker Jay Lucas, R-Hartsville,
did not take advantage of legal griev-
ance procedures in an effort to amend
or modify the order.
Of course, ignoring the court is easier.
After all, the Legislature has neglected
the rural schools problem for decades.
South Carolina’s high court took an
inordinately long time — 22 years — to
find that thestatehasfailedin itsduty to
provide a “minimally adequate” educa-
tion to children in the its poorest school
districts.
In November of 2014 the justices in-
structedtheLegislaturetoworkwiththe
schooldistrictsthathadsuedthestateto
developaplaninareasonableamountof
time to address the inadequacies.
The court later said a panel of experts
should be established by Oct. 15 of this
yeartoreviewtheplanandreportonitto
thecourt.TheplanitselfisdueonFeb.1,
2016—afull14monthsfromthefinding.
Still,SpeakerLucascalledthedeadlines
“arbitrary”and“unreasonable.”Heeven
told Carl Epps, the lawyer representing
the plaintiffs and certainly someone
whoseperspectiveandknowledgewould
behelpfultothecommittee,thathemust
withdraw the request for a deadline or
forfeit his seat on the task force.
Giventhefoot-draggingthatlawmakers
haveexhibitedsofar,it’sagoodguessthat
without deadlines they would have con-
tinuedtoputofffindingacomprehensive
solution to the rural schools problem.
Itreallyshouldn’thavetakenalawsuitto
spark legislators’ concerns about failing
schools in the poorest parts of the state.
Without adequate educations, the resi-
dents of those counties face tough odds
for getting good jobs.
And without adequately trained work-
ers, those counties face tough odds for
attractingbusinessandindustryandthe
jobs they provide.
ThisgovernorandtheLegislaturehave
stressed “jobs, jobs, jobs” — and this is
no way to bring them to our state.
Gov. Nikki Haley has shown an inter-
est in helping those poor, rural districts
by offering incentives for teachers who
takejobsinthem,expandingthereading
coach program and providing modern
technology.
But there is much more to do, and the
General Assembly must be part of that
overdue process.
Ifvotersquestiontheirelectedrepresen-
tatives’commitmenttopubliceducation,
the legislative leadership’s response in
this Supreme Court case offers disturb-
ing answers.
It’s time for lawmakers to stop looking
forexcusesandstartlookingforsolutions
to the long-standing — and devastating
— problem of inadequate rural schools.
No excuses: Fix rural schools

AllDailyDivision
SECOND PLACE:
The Herald
James Werrell
Many in South Carolina
and even beyond its borders
are familiar with the story of
the Friendship Nine. And
that is as it should be.
Their story should be part
of the national gospel, a story
told to children and repeated
generation after generation.
It’s a story that encapsulates
the indignities of Jim Crow
while highlighting the cour-
age of those who defied it.
Earlier this year, Rock Hill,
the site of the Friendship
Nine sit-in, went to great
lengths to spread that story
and, in a real way, to add to it.
Fifty-four years after the1961
sit-in at McCrory’s lunch
counter in downtown Rock
Hill, white men now in pow-
erful positions moved to ne-
gate the actions of white men
in power then.
Kevin Brackett, 16th Cir-
cuit solicitor, ordered a hear-
ing to vacate the sentences of
the nine men involved in the
1961 sit-in. Circuit Court
Judge John C. Hayes III,
whose uncle originally sen-
tenced the men, wrote the
decision, saying that the nine
had been sentenced solely
because of their race, and
“such prosecution is on its
face unjust under any defini-
tion.”
It was a stirring moment of
justice and contrition, one
more chapter in the lives of
these brave men.
On Tuesday, another chap-
ter was written. The Friend-
ship Nine, including David
Williamson Jr., Willie T.
“Dub” Massey, Clarence Gra-
ham, James Wells, Willie
McCleod, Mack Workman,
John Gaines, Charles Taylor
and the late Robert McCul-
lough, along with civil rights
organizer Thomas Gaither,
were honored by the General
Assembly.
The surviving members of
the group met with members
of the Legislative Black Cau-
cus. After that, they met with
lawmakers in both houses
and were formally honored
with a noon Statehouse cere-
mony by the entire Legisla-
ture.
When the men were recog-
nized from the floor of the
S.C. House, the chamber for-
mally apologized to the men
for their 1961 arrest and con-
viction.
Some might find this ex-
cessive. How many times
must we apologize?
But that misses the point.
The repetition is essential. It
takes on the character of a re-
ligious confession and rite of
penance.
In other words, it’s good
for the soul – not just the
souls of those directly in-
volved in the ceremony but
also the soul of the state. By
recognizing and apologizing
for the injustices suffered by
the Friendship Nine, stand-
ins for all those subjugated
by institutionalized segrega-
tion, we inch closer to a con-
dition of equality for all.
Even half a century after
the sit-in, we have a long way
to go. Look at what’s happen-
ing this week in Baltimore.
But that shouldn’t dimin-
ish the importance of Tues-
day’s ceremony. It will help
keep the story of the Friend-
ship Nine alive and fresh.
These men can’t be honor-
ed enough.
Ourview
In summary
Ceremony in the Statehouse
to honor the Friendship Nine
was an appropriate act of
penance.
Friendship Nine
honored once again
a Online
Your view
What do you think about this
editorial? Come to our web-
site and tell us.
heraldonline.com/
submit-letter
Maybe it’s time to retire
the phrase “political cor-
rectness.” Or at least let’s
come up with a definition
of political correctness
that most people can
abide by.
This is presidential
candidate Donald Trump
at last Thursday’s Repub-
lican debate refusing to
apologize for referring to
women in degrading
terms: “I think the big
problem this country has –
is being politically correct.
And I don’t frankly have
time for total political
correctness. And to be
honest with you, this
country doesn’t have time
either.”
Trump, who currently
holds center stage in the
Republican primary cam-
paign, is an extreme ex-
ample of what FOX News
moderator Megyn Kelly
referred to as someone
who doesn’t “use a politi-
cian’s filter.” In an arena
where candidates for of-
fice often seem to be over-
scripted automatons who
are so afraid of offending
potential voters that they
put us to sleep, Trump is
the anomaly.
He appears willing to
say anything that enters
his head. And many voters
are rewarding him for
that, catapulting him to
the top of the GOP polls.
Critics, however, see
something else in the
Trump phenomenon – a
near-total absence of com-
mon civility, an unneces-
sary crudeness, a disdain
for sensitivity regarding
the feelings of others, a
failure to distinguish fact
from fiction and, ultimate-
ly, a critical breakdown in
the political process. Call
it unadulterated political
incorrectness.
But the notion that
so-called political correct-
ness is preventing public
officials from speaking the
truth and stifling the polit-
ical discussion is larger
than Trump. It seems to
have become a matter of
faith among a large group
of Americans, many of
them conservatives, who
see any effort to bring
decorum to the debate
and avoid unfairly offend-
ing whole groups of people
as impeding free speech.
We understand the
hunger for openness,
frankness, the right to
speak one’s mind without
fear of being shouted
down by some special
interest group or another.
We agree that the public
debate should include
more straight talk.
But too many people –
Trump in particular – try
to use their alleged con-
tempt for political correct-
ness as something of a
“get out of jail free” card,
an excuse to say anything
they want without being
censured for it. Free
speech is one thing, but
scorning political correct-
ness doesn’t give a polit-
ician unlimited license to
say things that are offen-
sive and untrue about
women, minorities, ethnic
groups and others.
Trump’s rocket is likely
to fizzle at some point
before the end of the pri-
mary season. Even with
someone as impervious to
criticism as he is, politi-
cians ultimately have to be
held accountable for what
they say. And it seems
likely that fellow Repub-
licans will be among those
demanding accountability
from Trump.
But we hope that even
before that happens, the
rhetoric will be toned
down a notch. Contrary to
what Trump says, the
nation could use a little
more political correctness
– or whatever people
choose to call it.
OUR VIEW
Politicians must be
held accountable
By The Herald editorial board
How could a 2-year-old
shoot his grandmother in
the back with a .357 hand-
gun? Sadly, with so many
guns and irresponsible gun
owners in this nation, it
doesn’t require much
imagination.
In fact, it happened
Sunday in Rock Hill. A
2-year-old boy, sitting in
the back of a car driven by
his great-aunt, found a
loaded .357 revolver in a
pouch on the back of the
seat in front of him. Pick-
ing up the gun, he acciden-
tally pulled the trigger, and
the bullet hit his 40-year-
old grandmother in the
back as she sat in the front
passenger seat.
Fortunately, the wound
apparently was not life-
threatening, and the wo-
man was transported to a
Charlotte hospital for
treatment. However, it is
easy to envision numerous
worse outcomes, including
the death of the child him-
self.
Rock Hill police said
they have not decided
whether anyone will be
charged in this incident.
But laws might have been
broken.
For one, the 2-year-old
was wearing a seat belt but
was not strapped in a car
seat, as required by law. If
he had been in a regulation
car seat, he might not have
been able to reach the gun.
For another, when trav-
eling in a vehicle with a
gun, owners who don’t
have a concealed weapons
permit are required by law
to properly stow the wea-
pon. Handguns must be
secured in the glove box,
the well in the center con-
sole, the trunk or in bag-
gage inside a separate
secure container.
The owner of the .357
handgun, the great-aunt,
apparently left the gun
hanging in a pouch on the
back of the front passenger
seat, directly in front of the
toddler.
This is a story about
child endangerment and
the apparent irresponsib-
ility of the adults in charge
of taking care of the child.
People would be outraged
if a 2-year-old were left
alone in a car on a hot day
or driven around without
any safety restraints.
But allowing a toddler to
gain access to a loaded gun
is even worse.
We can offer the usual
bromides about gun safety.
Gun owners need to keep
their guns locked up and,
preferably, unloaded,
where children can’t get to
them.
The Rock Hill Police
Department will provide
free gun locks to anyone
who asks for them.
But research by groups
lobbying for stronger gun
laws suggests that despite
such advice as many as
100 girls and boys aged 14
and under are killed acci-
dentally by guns in the
U.S. each year. That, of
course, doesn’t account for
the number wounded by
the unintentional dis-
charge of guns.
One might say the
groups presenting that
research have an ax to
grind. But the National
Rifle Association has suc-
cessfully lobbied Congress
to suppress research by
federal agencies that
might provide verifiably
accurate, impartial figures.
Professional groups
including the American
Academy of Pediatrics
have proposed that doctors
be allowed to advise pa-
tients about the impor-
tance of gun safety mea-
sures in the home. But
that, too, has been strongly
opposed by the NRA.
We have federal laws to
prevent children from
becoming locked in refrig-
erators. We have laws to
ensure that playground
equipment is safe. Doctors
are free to urge parents to
lock up poisons or pre-
scription drugs so their
young children can’t gain
access to them.
We can’t simply shrug
our shoulders and say
there is nothing more we
can do to keep guns out of
the hands of curious 2-
year-olds.
OUR VIEW
Shooting in car was
child endangerment
By The Herald Editorial Board

AllDailyDivision
FIRST PLACE:
The State
Cindi Ross Scoppe
F
OR 15 YEARS, South Car-
olina has lived with an un-
easy compromise, after
lawmakers removed the
Confederate flag from its wholly in-
appropriate position of sovereignty
atop the State House but then plant-
editinthemiddleofourstate’sfront
lawn — at the intersection of Ger-
vais and Main streets.
It was far too prominent a posi-
tion, but out of respect for the com-
promise, religious leaders, business
leaders,politicalleadersandoured-
itorial board waited. Waited for the
right time to reengage the debate, to
finally retire a symbol that is so very
hurtful to so very many of our fellow
South Carolinians.
That time has arrived.
The time has arrived because so
many good people of South Caroli-
na for the first time have recognized
the brutality that unvarnished rac-
ism inflicts on our black neighbors.
Because,they,we,reactedinembar-
rassed awe when the families of the
slain innocents forgave the monster
who invaded the sanctity of a
church prayer meeting and execut-
ed nine people, for the crime of be-
ing black. We recoiled in horror
when we saw the assassin drape
himself in the very flag that contin-
ued waving on our State House
grounds, even as a brokenhearted
state mourned the massacre at
Mother Emanuel A.M.E. Church.
The time has arrived because
those good people rose up in an un-
organized mass and demanded that
the flag be removed from the peo-
ple’s house.
The time has arrived because a
governor who became a governor
after she pledged allegiance to de-
fenders of the flag says the time has
arrived. Think of it as a Nixon goes
to China moment. And that gover-
nor didn’t simply issue orders; she
worked to line up support among
legislators who long have wanted
the flag removed from our State
House and among legislators who
have fought to defend its display.
The time has arrived because
elected officials black and white,
Republican and Democrat put aside
their partisanship and political
pride and in many cases personal
animosity toward the governor and
allowhertoreceivethecreditforthe
culmination of their decades-long
work.
It’s strange the way this works:
Removing the flag from the State
House grounds requires the leader-
ship of the sort that Gov. Haley and
so many other officials displayed on
Monday,butitsremovalismeaning-
less unless the people of South Car-
olina agree that it needs to be
moved. Indeed, the reason the 2000
compromise did not help our state
move past racial animosity was that
the people of South Carolina did not
come together to act.
This new effort to retire the flag to
a museum begins in the right spirit,
and Gov. Haley has set the right
tone.
As a flag defender, she was gra-
cious to those South Carolinians
who see the flag as a tribute to their
ancestors, whom they believe
fought bravely in defense of their
state. At a surreal news conference
on Monday, Gov. Haley spoke of the
“hate-filled murderer who mas-
sacred our brothers and sisters in
Charleston” having “a sick and
twisted view of the flag,” and de-
clared: “In no way does he reflect
the people in our state who respect,
and in many ways, revere it. Those
South Carolinians view the flag as a
symbol of respect, integrity and du-
ty. They also see it as a memorial, a
waytohonorancestorswhocameto
the service of their state during a
time of great conflict.”
As someone who was not willing
toallowourstatetobecomesynony-
mous with the emblems of hatred,
she was firm. “We are not going to
allow this symbol to divide us any
longer,” she said. “ The fact that peo-
ple are choosing to use it as a sign of
hate is something we cannot stand.
The fact that it causes pain to so ma-
ny is enough to move it from the
Capitol grounds — it is, after all, a
Capitol that belongs to all of us.”
It is, after all, a Capitol that be-
longs to all of us.
Gov. Haley’s call to action was an
important step, but it was a mere
firststep.Ourlegislatorsvotedover-
whelmingly on Tuesday to allow
themselves to engage this issue this
summer. But with every passing
day, they will hear from more con-
stituents whose hearts have not
been changed by the horror of last
week, who want no change.
Theymusthearfromus.LikeGov.
Haley, we must be respectful of
those who revere the flag. Like the
governor, we must be firm in our in-
sistence that it be retired to a mu-
seum, and done so in a way that
brings us all together.
The time has arrived.
Retire Confederate flag to a museum
TRACY GLANTZ/TGLANTZ@THESTATE.COM
I
T HAS BEEN astounding to
watch as Richland Sheriff Le-
on Lott has resisted, and re-
sisted, and continued to resist
the obvious, commonsense notion
that he shouldn’t be in charge of in-
vestigating his deputies when they
injure or kill citizens.
The sheriff offers up all sorts of
justifications as he clings to his
status as head of the only law en-
forcement agency in the state that
doesn’t invite SLED in to investi-
gate when its officers use deadly or
near-deadly force in the line of du-
ty: He has a citizens-reivew com-
mittee. He has a top notch lab. And
the one we suspect is his primary
motivation: That’s how big law en-
forcement agencies do it. (We
might note that big law enforce-
ment agencies don’t have the best
record of maintaining trust with
the communities they police.)
At bottom, though, it comes
down to this: You can trust me.
And most people do trust Sheriff
Lott, who has always struck that
difficult balance between being a
tough lawman and someone who
maintains a high degree of commu-
nity confidence and support. But it
is foolhardy to make laws — or to
refuse to make laws — based on
personalities. Laws need to be writ-
ten to work no matter who is hold-
ing the office in question.
Specifically, as our state and na-
tion have witnessed a troubling tide
of questionable killings and public
protests and even riots, more and
more people also have come to un-
derstand that police agencies
shouldn’t investigate themselves.
More and more people have come
to understand that even if you have
the best intentions in the world, it is
nearly impossible to be objective.
And even if you somehow manage
to be objective, you invite public
skepticism and distrust.
Our state senators seem to un-
derstand this: That’s why a unani-
mous, bipartisan, biracial Senate
subcommittee voted last month to
require SLED to investigate all po-
lice shooting incidents, rather than
waiting for the departments to in-
vite it to do so. It was a smart deci-
sion, one we hope the full Senate
Judiciary Committee and the full
Senate will embrace.
We hope those senators also will
turn the mirror on themselves.
Sheriff Lott’s blindness about the
obvious conflicts involved in inves-
tigating his own department is very
much like the blindness many state
senators have about the obvious
conflicts involved in the Senate
Ethics Committee investigating
state senators. The difference is
that no one could be so delusional
as to believe that the Senate enjoys
even a tiny fraction of the public
trust that the sheriff enjoys.
We are just three weeks away
from the end of the 2015 legislative
session, and ethics reform has been
left for dead largely because nearly
half of the members of the Senate
refuse to allow a semi-independent
commission — a third of its mem-
bers would be appointed by sen-
ators — to investigate legislators’
compliance with the State Ethics
Act.
That semi-independent commis-
sion wouldn’t judge legislators, or
punish them. That still would be up
to the Senate and House ethics
committees. It would simply inves-
tigate complaints against legisla-
tors — and make its findings pub-
lic.
Sort of like what SLED already
does when a police officer in South
Carolina kills someone in the line
of duty. Unless that police officer
works for Leon Lott.
Sens. Gerald Malloy, Greg Hem-
bree, Katrina Shealy, Ross Turner
and Marlon Kimpson, like a grow-
ing number of people the state and
country over, understand the
problem with Sheriff Lott, and they
voted to fix it. Now they need to
help persuade any remaining
doubters in the Senate to do the
same — when it comes to Sheriff
Lott, and when it comes to the Sen-
ate and House.
Trust isn’t enough to justify self-policing
SUNDAY, JANUARY 11, 2015 ɀ WWW.THESTATE.COM ɀ D2
OPINION
Sara Johnson Borton, President & Publisher ɀ Mark E. Lett, Vice President/Executive Editor
EDITORIAL Warren S. Bolton, Associate Editor ɀ Cindi Ross Scoppe, Associate Editor
NEWS Steve Brook, Managing Editor ɀ Eileen Waddell, Assistant Managing Editor
A
SUPREME COURT or-
der to repair a school
system that has been de-
priving children in poor
districts of a decent edu-
cation for decades, if not forever.
A crumbling highway system that
needs an additional $1.5 billion a
year — equal to nearly a quarter of
the state’s general fund — just to
bring it up to standard.
An ethics law that makes too ma-
ny unethical actions legal, hides too
much information from the public
about officials’ conflicts of interest
and allows legislators to police their
own compliance with the law.
A judicial selection system that al-
lows those same legislators to keep
judges on a short leash.
And all of this against the back-
drop of a tax system that is more
loophole than whole, a spending
system that focuses on maintaining
the status quo rather than address-
ing our state’s needs, a convoluted
executive branch that is hamstrung
by an over-controlling Legislature
that doesn’t even understand how it
operates, and cities and counties
that are called on to do more and
more of the state’s work but given
too little money to do it and barred
by that all-controlling Legislature
from raising the money themselves.
Welcomebacktothe2015General
Assembly, which convenes at noon
on Tuesday.
With everyone from business
leaders to Joe Commuter up in arms
over potholes and gridlock, legisla-
tors were all set to pump tens of mil-
lions of dollars into road and bridge
repair when the Supreme Court or-
dered them to improve public edu-
cation. Little unobligated new mon-
ey and less appetite for raising taxes
made an already difficult proposi-
tion seem nearly impossible.
So here’s a modest proposal: Re-
form first, and then figure out the
funding.
Indeed, lawmakers would do well
to follow that basic approach — be-
gin with the fundamentals — for
nearly all the big challenges.
Money matters
Willittakemoremoneytoprovide
poor children in poor districts with
teachers as qualified as those who
teachbetter-offchildren,andtheex-
tra class time and other aid to make
up for the huge deficit they bring to
the classroom?
Possibly, though we won’t know
until we clean up the governance —
from too-tiny districts to school
board members more interested in
keeping their friends and relatives
employed than educating children
— that drives up costs and makes it
tougher to attract top teachers and
more difficult for good teachers al-
ready there to do their best jobs. We
won’t know until the state focuses
on identifying the best teaching
methods rather than promoting the
programs with the best lobbyists
and pursuing ideological goals that
have nothing to do with improving
the education that the constitution
requires the state to provide all chil-
dren.
Focusing first on those changes
will constitute a good-faith effort to
begin complying with the court or-
der and improve the chance that the
poorest students get the education
they need to grow into the success-
ful adults that we all need them to be
if our state is to succeed.
Will it take more money to bring
our roads and bridges up to grade?
Certainly. But whether we need as
much as highway planners say is up
for debate. And it’s going to take a
lot more than it should if we don’t re-
form how we spend it.
The only thing worse than having
our road-building decisions made
by a horse-trading commission
that’s not accountable to the public
is having them made by two horse-
trading commissions that aren’t ac-
countable to the public — one of
which is controlled by two state leg-
islators. And that’s what we have.
So the first thing legislators need
to do is eliminate those commis-
sions, add a fix-it-first component to
the law and require — rather than
just suggesting — that road deci-
sions be based on objective criteria.
Then we can figure out what it’ll
cost.
And when it comes time to fund
both education and roads, it’ll be
easier with a spending system that
starts with a review of our needs and
how well existing programs are
meeting them rather than one that
assumes we need to keep doing
everything we’ve ever done. And if
we need more money, we can get it
in a way that does less damage to
our economy, and to individuals, if
we overhaul our tax system, to elim-
inate most loopholes and better bal-
ance our reliance on the sales, in-
come and property taxes.
Good government?
For two years legislators prom-
ised to overhaul the ethics law, and
for two years they have failed. Of
course, their bills never were ade-
quate. They would do well to consid-
er what makes sense to the average
voter. After all, the purpose of an
ethics law is to deter public officials
fromputtingtheir personalinterests
ahead of the interests of the public,
and the reason we do this is so the
public will believe that the govern-
ment is working for the public, rath-
er than for the benefit of public offi-
cials — which is essential to the sta-
bility of a representative democracy.
Some argue that a string of high-
profile convictions and administra-
tive settlements shows that the law
is working, but the main purpose of
an ethics law isn’t to punish wrong-
doing (though it needs to be able to
do that); it’s to deter wrongdoing.
Requiring officials to disclose
their sources of income, giving in-
vestigators more tools to catch
wrongdoing, imposing tough penal-
ties on violators and letting an inde-
pendent commission investigate
legislators all reduce the temptation
to violate the law. Indeed, it’s easy to
imagine that independent investiga-
tors would have questioned convict-
ed former House Speaker Bobby
Harrell’s illegal expenditures when
they were still in the gray area, be-
fore he started fabricating expenses
for which he could reimburse
himself.
The Harrell saga also focused at-
tention on the judiciary. Did judges
give Mr. Harrell more than every
possible benefit of the doubt, and ig-
nore the law, because they depend
on the Legislature to elect and re-
elect them, and to set their budget,
and Mr. Harrell was the Legisla-
ture’s top judge-maker? We may
never know, but the fact that such
questions are even imaginable
points to a serious constitutional
flaw:Onebranchofgovernmenthas
a stranglehold on another.
Quite simply, the executive and
legislative branches should both
play significant roles in the selection
of judges. We believe the governor
should appoint judges who are vet-
ted by an independent merit selec-
tion commission and confirmed by
the Legislature. But the specific
method matters less than ensuring
that neither branch be able to intimi-
date our judges — or to create that
appearance.
For that matter, we need a reba-
lancing of power throughout gov-
ernment. Lawmakers have taken
significant steps to chip away at a
Reconstruction-era system that so
divides the executive branch as to
make it impossible for it to serve as a
check on legislative power. Still high
on the to-do list: Let the governor
appoint the directors of the state
education and agriculture depart-
ments; and consolidate related
agencies, to reduce overlap, im-
prove coordination and make it eas-
ier for governors — and legislators
— to keep up with what agencies are
doing.
Legislators also need to loosen the
reins on cities and counties. That’s
needed simply because power
should be devolved to the govern-
ment closest to the people — partic-
ularly since city and county council
members often are elected by more
voters than are legislators — but we
simply can’t shift more responsi-
bility to them until we let them de-
cide whether, how and how much to
tax their constituents.
This is a daunting list, and by no
means complete. There is much
more that demands action — start-
ing with a child-protection system
that fails to protect children from
abuseandneglectandacriminaldo-
mestic violence law that fails to pro-
tect women from domestic violence.
And even if lawmakers manage to
make every change on the list, our
state still will have problems left to
correct, and opportunities left to
capitalize on.
But these changes will improve
our state on a number of important
fronts, and remove significant ob-
stacles to further improvements,
and if lawmakers can do that before
they go home in June, they will have
spent their time, and our resources,
quite well.
On education, ethics, roads:
Start with the fundamentals
GERRY MELENDEZ/GMELENDEZ@THESTATE.COM
2015 GENERAL ASSEMBLY

FOOD WRITING
AllDailyDivision
THIRD PLACE:
Hanna Raskin
PAUL ZOELLER/STAFF
Executive chef David Topping hands over a plate of fried chicken with vegetables at Roper St. Francis.
BY HANNA RASKIN
hraskin@postandcourier.com
I
f you have the bad luck to find yourself hun-
gry and without access to a home kitchen in
Fairfax, S.C., your eating options are few.
“There’s Subway, there’s Hardee’s, and that’s
pretty much it,” says Lari Gooding, an adminis-
trator at Allendale County Hospital.
The third choice is the hospital cafeteria,
which serves the best-attended Sunday dinner
in Allendale County. But the after-church herd
is outnumbered by the crowd that shows up on
Thursdays, when fried chicken is on the menu.
The chicken is so popular that the hospital
unlocks a conference room to accommodate
diners who can’t find a seat, even though many
customers take their meals to go.
“One person comes in and leaves with 10
boxes for his co-workers,” says Gooding, who
professes to prefer the cafeteria’s baked chicken.
“Oh, I think the fried chicken is probably as
good as any,” he allows. “Everyone in the South
likes fried chicken.”
And in many small towns across South Caro-
lina, they like to eat it in hospital cafeterias, a
preference that’s the result of scarcity, tradition
and an entrenched appreciation of adept fry-
ing. “It’s a gathering place for the community,”
says Graham Adams, chief executive officer of
the South Carolina Office of Rural Health. “In
some communities, it’s one of the few restau-
rants open Sunday for lunch. And some of them
have pretty good food.”
In addition to immediate comfort, the meals
served in hospital cafeterias, usually priced at
$5-$6, including a drink, provide lasting reas-
surance that the host institution is trustworthy.
That’s critical information in areas around the
19 S.C. hospitals classified as “small and rural,”
since residents are likely to one day rely on
them for care.
“A patient can’t judge clinical outcomes,”
Adams says. “But they can judge how clean the
hospital is, how nicely they’re treated and how
good the food tastes.”
Feeding into disease
For many years, “good” has been synonymous
with pork fat, butter and salt, the very health
hazards that physicians today are fighting. In
Allendale County, for example, the five leading
causes of death are heart disease, cancer, cere-
brovascular disease, diabetes and hypertensive
kidney disease, all of which have been linked to
diet and obesity.
When hospitals first opened cafeterias, the
sole aim was to feed employees. Limited hours
and menus reflected the narrowness of their
mission. “(Hospitals) just gave associates what
they wanted,” recalls Cary Neff, vice-president
of corporate culinary services for Morrison
Healthcare, which handles 20 hospital accounts
statewide, including Roper St. Francis. The ea-
gerness to please ultimately led to the opening
of fast-food outlets in hospitals.
“Then it became very evident that we’re treat-
ing people for cardiovascular disease, and it’s
an oxymoron,” Neff says. “We got all of those
licensed brands out, and changed the culture
from a cafeteria to a restaurant.”
Southern discomfortHospital cafeterias grapple with fried chicken tradition
“Oh, I think the fried chicken is probably as good as any.
Everyone in the South likes fried chicken.”
Lari Gooding
PROVIDED
What’s in a name? Sales increased dramati-
cally when Roper’s hospital food service put
sriracha slaw on top of a black bean patty
and renamed it the ‘Dragon Burger.’
Please see HOSPITALS,Page D6

FOOD WRITING
AllDailyDivision
SECOND PLACE:
The Island Packet
David Lauderdale

FOOD WRITING
AllDailyDivision
FIRST PLACE:
The Island Packet
Erin Heffernan

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT WRITING
AllDailyDivision
THIRD PLACE:
The State
Erin Shaw

AllDailyDivision
SECOND PLACE:
The Greenville News
Donna Isbell Walker
Screenwriter Geoffrey Gunn doesn’t need the bright lights of Hollywood, or even his
native Toronto, to make movies. ¶ Gunn can write scripts from his house near downtown
Greenville, shoot the films around the Upstate with a South Carolina crew, and edit the
movies on a laptop at his favorite coffee shop. ¶ In mid-October, one of Gunn’s films will
be screened at Greenville’s new Reedy Reels Film Festival. His is among 45 films that
will be spotlighted, selected from hundreds of submissions from around the world.
Filmmaking is no longer an elusive dream
that beckons aspiring writers and directors to
the movie studios of Los Angeles. These days,
filmmakerscancreatetheirartrighthereinthe
Upstate and have it resonate with movie buffs
and other filmmakers around the world.
“I think Greenville is a hidden gem for peo-
ple who are really in the know and want more
interesting cultural experiences,” said Gunn,
whose short film “Last Night at the Ellington”
will be shown Oct. 16, opening night of the two-
day Reedy Reels festival at CU-ICAR.
The South Carolina Film Commission recog-
nizedseveralyearsagothatSouthCarolinafilm-
makers had the potential to make an impression
on the film industry far beyond the state line.
That was the impetus behind the Indie
Grants program, which offers financial help
and practical support to aspiring filmmakers
Local industry thriving in Greenville, a city seen as
‘hidden gem for people who are really in the know’
HEIDI HEILBRUNN/STAFF
Greenville filmmaker Geoffrey Gunn goes over a movie script while working in his home office.
Upstate filmmakers
are creating a scene
DONNA ISBELL WALKER II ENTERTAINMENT WRITER II DWALKER@GREENVILLEONLINE.COM
See FILMS, Page 14A
Postcards from a movie written by filmmaker
Geoffrey Gunn sit on a shelf in his Greenville home.
Film under way
The Upstate also co-stars in the new thriller
“Chronology”with William Baldwin and Danny Trejo,
which is being shot in Greenville and Greer. Page 3A.

AllDailyDivision
FIRST PLACE:
Abigail Darlington
BY ABIGAIL DARLINGTON
adarlington@postandcourier.com
Dozens of platinum and gold re-
cords gleaming with names such as
Celine Dion, Pink Floyd and Mi-
chael Jackson hang on the walls in
TruPhonic Studios, a small record-
ing studio hidden behind a liquor
store off S.C. Highway 61.
To those who don’t know Vlado
Meller, or why he’s renting a small
room in the back of the building, the
prestigious records seem out of place
in this less-than-glamorous location.
But in fact, these albums are barely
a sampling of Meller’s portfolio from
his nearly 50-year career as a top
mastering engineer in the global
music industry.
Initially, it’s tempting to get hung
up on this portion of Meller’s story:
the celebrities he’s worked with
(many of whom he considers close
friends), how he got into the music
business and what led this two-time
Grammy Award winner to set up
shop in Charleston, of all places.
But then Meller emerges from his
tiny corner of the studio. He’s casual
in dress and demeanor, warm and
welcoming. And he has this accent
you don’t hear very often in the Low-
country. It’s Eastern European and
New Jersey.
So he sits down and starts from
the very beginning, back home in
Czechoslovakia, where the extraor-
dinary events that have become his
life story were set in motion.
Legacy of survival
The first came well before his birth,
before his parents even met. His
mother and father were among the
third of European Jews who man-
TopmusicindustryengineerendsupinCharleston
Please see MELLER,Page F6
WADE SPEES/STAFF
Vlado Meller continues his work as an audio mastering engineer after four decades in New York, and now in
Charleston.

REVIEW PORTFOLIO
AllDailyDivision
THIRD PLACE:
Hanna Raskin
BY HANNA RASKIN
What to drink at Magnolias,
a restaurant so serious about
its regional allegiance that
the phrase “down South” is
stamped on its custom china?
Surely the situation calls for a
mint julep, a drink that dates
back to 1770s Virginia.
I’m not sure how the first
Virginians mixed their juleps,
but if they were as persnickety
about alcohol as their contem-
poraries, they likely insisted
on a cocktail that was cool,
brown and wet. The signature
julep I was served at Mag-
nolias satisfied on just two
counts.
Boarders at the Old Ken-
tucky Home in Asheville,
where author Thomas Wolfe
grew up, used to rib Wolfe’s
mother about brewing coffee
so thin that they could read
a newspaper through it. And
sure enough, it wasn’t too
hard to make out the words
on Magnolias’ forebodingly
extensive menu through the
glass of mostly simple syrup.
When I asked for a redo,
assuming the overtaxed
bartender had skipped an es-
sential step, I was returned an
equally clear beverage consist-
ing of club soda and not much
else.
On subsequent visits, I’d
sample more competent
cocktails. But the blank drink
stuck with me, because of the
way it visually summed up the
current state of the landmark
restaurant, poised to celebrate
its 25th anniversary next
month.
The outlines of an upscale
Southern restaurant are in
place, from the white cloths
on the tables to the pecan
pie on the dessert list. The
animating spirit, though, has
gone missing. Dishes that
once expressed Lowcountry
soul are executed with de-
tached obedience.
None of this seems to bother
the tourist pack that nightly
throngs Magnolias: If you’re
looking to dine on a Monday
night, you’ll likely be asked
to eat before 5 p.m. or after 8
p.m. Heaven help the weekend
visitor. The upshot is diners
who make the cut bring a
fun energy to the restaurant,
which has the festive feel of a
cruise ship dining room on
embarkation day. Still, the
food is so consistently disap-
pointing that I was repeatedly
seized by the urge to Pied Pip-
er guests to a place that better
represents what Charleston
has to offer.
The irony, of course, is that
the city’s current culinary
success was first bred at Mag-
Magnolias
Servicestaffshines,fooddisappointsatfestiverestaurantabouttocelebrate25years
WHAT OUR STARS MEAN: 5stars: Exceptional; sets a standard for dining excellence. 4 STARS: Superior; worth a trip beyond your neighborhood or culinary comfort zone. 3 STARS: Solid example of this type of dining.
2 STARS: Adequate if you’re in the neighborhood or seeking this type of dining. 1 STAR: Generally disappointing dining experience.
WHAT OUR $ SIGNS MEAN: One $: $5 to $15; TWO $$: $15-$25; THREE $$$: $25-$50; FOUR $$$$: $50 +
Magnolias celebrates its 25th anniversary next month.Glasses hang from the new cabinets installed above the bar.
CUISINE: Southern
REPRESENTATIVE DISH:
Fried chicken breast with
cracked pepper biscuit,
mashed potatoes, collard
greens, creamed corn and
sausage-herb gravy.
ADDRESS: 185 East Bay St.
PHONE: 577-7771
WEB: magnolias-blossom-
cypress.com
BAR: Full bar
HOURS: 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.
Monday-Thursday; 11:30 a.m.-
11 p.m. Friday-Saturday; 10
a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday
FOOD:
SERVICE:
ATMOSPHERE:
PRICE: $$$
COSTS: Appetizers $9-$15;
Entrees $19-$34; Desserts $8.
PARKING: Lot
Magnolias
Please see REVIEW,Page 23
PHOTOGRAPHS BY PAUL ZOELLER/STAFF
Servers bring out food to customers at Magnolias in Charleston.
E22: Thursday, May 7, 2015 The Post and Courier
BY HANNA RASKIN
The menu at Short Grain
Food Truck fluxes on
an almost daily basis,
with dishes being added and
deleted according to which
berries looked prettiest
that morning and what fish
clasped the business end of
Mark Marhefka’s line. The
O.G. (standard shorthand for
“original gangster”), though,
is locked in place: Like a pyra-
mid at the center of a time-
lapse video, the chirashi bowl
holds its slot while tea-smoked
chicken and fried rice flutter
in and out around it.
Understandably so. Built
on a bed of lovingly steamed
white rice that coheres with-
out clumping, The O.G. is
essentially a vehicle for im-
maculate slices of fresh raw
fish. But what a supporting
cast! The fish is overlaid with
little crooks of puffed rice;
vinegary pickle slivers; a dol-
lop of sweet, sunset orange
fish roe; crinkly dried seaweed
and brittle white sesame
seeds. Assuming you’re not
put off by a flume of slick, Sri-
racha-tinged mayonnaise, the
discreetly hearty coastal dish
is exquisite. When I first tried
it, I blogged that it was a dish
I’d happily eat every week. In
retrospect, that sounds like an
understatement.
Still, The O.G. suffers from
one weird quirk: It appar-
ently makes eaters ponder
the mechanics of restaurant
reviewing. That’s probably not
a good thing. No composer
wants to hear her music in-
spires thoughts of tax reform.
And yet, twice over the course
of two days, I was approached
by readers who had paid a
single visit to Short Grain and
were seized by worry that the
artistry they’d devoured with
chopsticks wouldn’t qualify
for a starred Post and Courier
write-up. “Can you review
food trucks?” both of them
asked anxiously.
It’s true that most of the res-
taurants singled out for review
have a fixed address. Even in
food truck strongholds, such
as Austin and Portland, critics
tend to focus on restaurants
with ambiance, service staff
and wine lists to assess. (Elit-
ist? You try coming up with
1,000 words to describe five
gluten-free tacos.) But there
are instances in which food
served from a truck is so
stupendous that it would be
criminal to ignore it. As The
O.G. and its instant fans sug-
gest, that’s certainly the case
with Short Grain.
Short Grain is the brainchild
of Shuai Wang and Corrie
Wachob, who gave up jobs
at New York City izakayas to
Short Grain Food TruckDiners take on a beautiful, delicious journey
WHAT OUR STARS MEAN: 5stars:Exceptional; sets a standard for dining excellence. 4 STARS: Superior; worth a trip beyond your neighborhood or culinary comfort zone. 3 STARS: Solid example of this type of dining.
Gallery
For more photos
go to postand
courier.com/
galleries.
CUISINE: Japanese
The O.G., $10
ADDRESS: Varies
PHONE: 321-3035 (during
business hours)
WEB: shortgrainfoodtruck.
com
BAR: None
HOURS: Varies
FOOD:
SERVICE: n/a
ATMOSPHERE: n/a
PRICE: $
COSTS: $5-$10
PARKING: Varies
Short Grain
Food Truck
PHOTOGRAPHS BY LAUREN PRESCOTT/STAFF
Shuai Wang, owner, prepares a Beet Salad. Shuai Wang and Corrie Wachob moved from Manhattan, New York, to start
their new restaurant six months ago. Their goal is to provide things that diners can’t get anywhere else.
Short Grain Food Truck’s new menu can be found at 1600 Meeting Street every other Wednesday. Please see TRUCK,Page E35
The Post and CourierE18: Thursday, June 4, 2015
BY HANNA RASKIN
So we used our forks like
backhoes, vainly trying to
extract some of the advertised
duck confit from the mound
of jet-black rice.
Oh, sorry. Were you not
ready for that sentence yet?
In the fashion of Stereo 8, the
sprawling new James Island
restaurant, I thought I might
try serving up sentences as
soon as they’re finished, rather
than present them in any
logical order. Do you find it
exciting?
Obviously, I didn’t. Stereo
8 is by no means the only
modern restaurant that claims
to have lost all control over
timing, but pressing shuffle
on a customer’s order is mad-
dening when so many of the
dishes have strong identities as
starting points. Call me rigid,
but I don’t want to nibble on
guacamole after filling up on
fried rice. Nor does a delicate
snapper crudo make any pal-
ate sense after fried pork belly,
rubbed and sauced with chiles.
Maybe what’s got me
grumpy is Stereo 8’s explana-
tion for the scheme, obedi-
ently parroted by every server.
Dishes arrive haphazardly,
they explain, because the
restaurant is so committed to
immediacy that the kitchen
equipment doesn’t include a
heat lamp.
OK, I appreciate cream soups
that aren’t crusted over, and
plates cool enough for serv-
ers to handle without having
to first wrap their hands in
towels. But appetizers and
entrees don’t arrive at the right
moment because whole meals
are shoved beneath warm-
ing devices: At most restau-
rants, steak comes after salad
because the kitchen takes a
predictable amount of time
to prepare each item, and the
servers fire their orders ac-
cordingly. The system doesn’t
always work perfectly —
sometimes there’s a new guy
on the line, sometimes a server
gets stopped by a needy table
on his way to firing the third
course — but it’s a proven way
of keeping chaos in check,
since instability doesn’t add
much to a meal.
Of course, it’s not just the
weird approach to dish de-
livery that suggests Stereo 8,
which went looking for a new
executive chef within weeks
of opening, is in a little over
its head. It’s a fun space, espe-
cially toward the back of the
stylishly spare building, where
a wooden-topped bar carves a
gentle S-curve. And whimsical
tacos are a proven favorite on
James Island, home to White
Duck Taco Shop and Big Belly
Kitchen. But Stereo 8’s menu
features a few too many clunk-
ers, and the vitalizing idea be-
hind the enterprise feels more
gimmicky than genuine.
Actually, there are two ideas
at work at Stereo 8. The first,
as the restaurant’s name sug-
gests, has to do with music.
Cooking and music are pretty
intimately related, so no cere-
bral stretching required here:
Restaurants elsewhere have
made hay of the connection,
even dropping printed playl-
ists with the check. Yet Stereo
8 misses all kinds of opportu-
nities to play with the concept,
starting with turning up the
background soundtrack so
diners can hear it. Over the
course of my visits to the res-
taurant, I only once caught a
WHAT OUR STARS MEAN:
5 STARS:Exceptional; sets a standard for dining excellence. 4 STARS:Superior; worthatripbeyondyourneighborhoodorculinarycomfortzone. 3STARS:Solidexampleof thistypeofdining.
RESTAURANTREVIEW
CUISINE: Pan-Latin plus
Pan-Asian
Crispy rock shrimp spring
rolls with Napa cabbage,
ginger, shiitake mushrooms
and mango mustard, $8
ADDRESS: 951 Folly Road
PHONE: (843) 640-3443
BAR: Full bar
WEB: stereo8restaurant.
com
HOURS: Sunday-Thursday,
5 p.m.-midnight; Friday-
Saturday, 5 p.m.-2 a.m.
FOOD:
SERVICE:
ATMOSPHERE:
PRICE: $$
COSTS: Cold bar plates,
$11-$13; tacos, $5-$6, smaller
cooked plates, $4-$8, larger
cooked plates, $12-$22
PARKING: Lot
NOISE LEVEL: 73
Stereo 8
Stereo 8
Rhythm is missing in Latin/Asian Folly Road restaurant’s menu, delivery
House-made guacamole served with tortilla chips.
PHOTOGRAPHS BY WADE SPEES/STAFF
Shiitake steamed bun with hoisin, cucumber, pickled red onion and scallions at Stereo 8 on Folly Road, near Camp
Road, on James Island.
For more photos
go to postand-
courier.com/gal-
leries.
Photo gallery
Please see STEREO,Page E23
E22: Thursday, September 10, 2015 The Post and Courier

REVIEW PORTFOLIO
AllDailyDivision
SECOND PLACE:
Bo Petersen BY BO PETERSEN
Special to The Post and Courier
ABOVE THE WATERFALL.
By Ron Rash. Ecco. 252 pages.
$26.99.
Ahhh, the detective novel,
the guilty pleasure of the writ-
er. Each of us has her or his
favorites; Fleming, Moseley,
MacDonald, Burke, Elmore,
Child. The list just goes on.
And sooner or later even the
most renowned “lit” authors
get tempted to give it a whirl,
it seems.
The best of them come up
with a curious hybrid, the sort
of quality writing and char-
acters that make legitimate a
who-done-it that you can’t put
down. Think Jim Harrison
and his “faux mystery” Detec-
tive Sunderson.
Into this select niche slips the
esteemed “new generation”
Southern writer Ron Rash with
“Above the Waterfall.”
“I had not spoken since the
morning of the shooting,”
Rash writes. “Then one day
in July my grandparents’
neighbor nodded at the ridge
gap and said watershed. I’d
followed the creek upstream,
thinking wood and tin over a
spring, found instead a gran-
ite rock face shedding water.
I’d touched the wet slow slide,
touched the word itself, like
the girl named Helen that
Mrs. Abernathy told us about,
whose first word gushed from
a well pump. I’d closed my
eyes and felt the stone tears.
That evening, my grandfather
had filled my glass with milk
and handed it to me. Thank
you, I said.”
The novel careens into the
dirty secrets around the poi-
soning of a resort trout stream
in a kith-and-kin mountain
town in North Carolina. It’s
told from the points of view of
two lead characters tortured
by their pasts: Becky, the na-
ture-enraptured ranger in the
park downstream, and Les,
the compromised sheriff who
investigates.
Rash is the acclaimed author
of more than a dozen fic-
tion novels and short-story
compilations, as well as four
poetry collections. A Boiling
Springs, N.C., native, he is a
professor at Western Carolina
University.
“Above the Waterfall” is as
rich and moving as his best.
If you like detective novels,
the plot twists are dizzying
enough to keep you guessing.
Fan or not, you’re going
to find this one hard to put
down.
Reviewer Bo Petersen is
a reporter for The Post and
Courier.
RonRashsucceeds
withwho-done-itnovel BY BO PETERSEN
bpetersen@postandcourier.com
THE NARROW ROAD TO
THE DEEP NORTH. By Rich-
ard Flanagan. Knopf. 334
pages. $26.95.
Nothing matches that rush
when you pick up an unfa-
miliar book and find yourself
in the middle of something
great. It is, in large part, what
you read for, and the works
that provoke it are very indi-
vidual. So, there’s a tendency
to resist getting handed a pre-
ordained Great Book.
That might be the only real
problem with “The Narrow
Road to the Deep North.”
Richard Flanagan’s World
War II fiction, about Aus-
tralian prisoners of war and
their captors suffering as they
are forced to build the Thai-
Burma “Railway of Death,”
is this year’s winner of the
prestigious Man Booker Prize.
The prize is a singular honor
for a fiction writer working in
English.
But the truth is, a certain
type of book often wins the
acclaim of a such an institu-
tion; the judges have their
standards to uphold and per-
spectives to push. The writer
who would blow you away
might not even budge them,
and vice versa. So, “great”
doesn’t always mean good, not
when it comes to individual
reading taste.
Let’s leave it at this: “The
Narrow Road to the Deep
North” is a grueling story and
a very good piece of writing.
Flanagan interweaves the
deeply personal, conflicted
lives of the main characters
with the gruesome, starving,
lice-ridden existence they find
themselves in. The telling gets
as raw as the experience itself:
“There was noise from the
(POW) general hospital huts
but it was almost immediately
drowned out by Jack’s scream-
ing as Dorrigo Evans began
cutting away his leg stump.
The stench of dead flesh was
so powerful it was all he could
do not to vomit.”
A hanging oddity to this story
is that it opens focused on Ev-
ans, a self-loathing Australian
surgeon who must care for the
other diseased and dying POWs
in the camp while picking the
ones “healthy” enough to meet
his captors’ escalating demands
for the labor force of the day.
But as the tale progresses, it
becomes the life stories of other
prisoners and captors as well.
Evans gets almost shunted to
supporting character.
Their tales told, Flanagan
circles back to Evans for a
wrenching irony of a conclu-
sion that pulls together like
surgical threads the tales of
the rest of them, and really the
tale of a generation.
“TheNarrow Road tothe
Deep North” slops in labor
camp gore to the point where
the reader thinks, “One more
page of this is more than I
can stand.” But that’s where it
abruptly turns to the characters’
later lives. It gouges out the
good-vs.-evil ambiguities of
everyday people in the maw of
horror, then portrays them liv-
ing out their days haunted by it.
Flanagan disturbs, powerfully.
Courier.
‘Narrow Road’ powerful, raw story
BY BO PETERSEN
bpetersen@postandcourier.com
SOON. By Pam Durban.
University of South Carolina
Press. 115 pages. $22.95.
“Impeccable” is one of those
temptation words. It rolls off
the tongue and sounds so eru-
dite that a reviewer could itch
to type it after finishing an im-
pressive piece of writing.
“Soon,” as in the title piece of
this collection of Pam Durban
short stories, is a lie, which the
reader knows the moment the
character speaks it.
So, ask me when I will use
the word “impeccable” to de-
scribe her writing, and I will
tell you, “Soon.”
Durban, though, is for real:
“This was a parable, of
course, like the loaves and the
fishes, a story of simple and
miraculous transformation,
the idea you could go into the
water broken and come out
whole, that there would always
be enough food and that the
lives of the ones you loved
moved toward goodness, but
people trusted those stories as
if they were promises.
“They — and she, yes, she
was one of them — ate their
bread and washed themselves
and wanted more of what they
had and also what they didn’t
have. Even if they wanted less,
they wanted more less. It was
that simple.”
The takes are dark and dis-
turbing in this 14-piece collec-
tion of “warts and all” family
relations in the Southeast.
The characters’ flaws, faults
and mischances torment their
lives. The consequences stab,
at times across generations.
The discomfort gets excruciat-
ing:
“Elizabeth Long Crawford
was born with a lazy eye, and
so, one morning when she
was twelve her father and the
doctor sat down in the dining
room at Marlcrest, the Long
family place near Augusta,
Georgia, told her they were go-
ing to fix her so a man would
want to marry her one day. ...
But the doctor’s hand slipped,
and when Elizabeth woke up,
she was blind in her right eye.”
There’s a phenomenon in
which a sharp rap to the chest
at just the right spot can cause
cardiogenic shock. That’s
where Durbin takes her shots.
Courier.
‘Soon’ explores flawed family relations in Southeast

REVIEW PORTFOLIO
AllDailyDivision
FIRST PLACE:
The Greenville News
Paul Hyde
12A II SUNDAY, 11.01.15 II GREENVILLEONLINE.COM
Greenville Little Theatre’s
“The 39 Steps” is a giddy romp
from beginning to end.
If you’re in the mood for in-
spired British-style silliness
and vaudevillian hijinks, this
frothy comic melodrama is
just the ticket.
Four veteran Greenville ac-
tors turn in some of their best
work in director Allen McCal-
la’s sparkling gag-filled pro-
duction, which opened Friday.
David Bean is Richard Han-
nay, a world-weary Canadian
who, in search of some excite-
ment, inadvertently gets
mixed up in international in-
trigue in England and Scot-
land.
The three other actors (Lau-
ra Sykes, Sam McCalla and
Evan Harris) fill in dozens of
roles in this irresistible spy ca-
per, which played to great ac-
claim a few years ago on
Broadway and more recently
in London’s West End.
The comedy’s plot, some-
what complex, closely tracks
the script of Alfred Hitch-
cock’s 1935 film noir of the
same name. Suffice it to say
that fascists are at the bottom
of it all.
Muchofthehumoremerges
from watching the Etch-A-
Sketch clowns Sam McCalla
and Harris shift identities —
cops one moment, secret
agentsordottywomen’sunder-
wear salesmen the next — of-
ten in the blink of an eye, with
the quick change of a hat and
accent.
Using a minimum of set
pieces,thecastalsoiscalledon
to recreate the special effects
of Hitchcock’s movie, includ-
ing a foot pursuit above a
speeding train.
A few trunks become the
train and a collection of chairs
turn into a getaway car. Two
connected ladders serve as a
bridge. A picture frame repre-
sents a window, which charac-
ters frequently pick up to leap
through. This stylized play and
staging glories in theatrical le-
gerdemain.
The production also makes
gleeful use of Monty Python-
esque shadow puppets and in-
cludes amusing allusions to
other Hitchcock classics, in-
cluding “North by Northwest”
“The Birds” and “Vertigo.”
Don’t blink or you’ll miss
the brief on-screen shadow-
puppet cameo of the Master of
Suspense himself.
Allen McCalla, the director,
stuffs the play to the brim with
comic bits that are riotous and
admirably precise. He sets a
breathless pace but occasion-
ally slows or stops the action to
milk a joke or sight gag for all
it’s worth. And why not? “The
39 Steps” lends itself to this
kind of inventive indulgence.
Bean, as Hannay, is all
suaveanddevil-may-careaffa-
bility. Bean’s confident, win-
ning Hannay, though a Canadi-
an, is really a familiar type of
British hero, a hail-fellow-
well-met charmer who’s fully
equal to any fraught situation
in which he finds himself.
Faced with peril, he keeps
calm, carries on and takes his
tea at 4 p.m.
Bean enjoys a particularly
fine, rousing moment when
Hannay, mistaken for a politi-
cal activist, improvises a
speech about human decency
that’s really quite a corker.
Sykes is terrific, bringing
enormous appeal to three vivid
roles: the smoldering femme
fatale Annabella, the wistful
Glaswegian farm girl Marga-
ret and the plucky ingenue
Pamela.
Sam McCalla and Harris,
eachplayingmorethanadozen
roles, often dominate the stage
with their nimble comic versa-
tility. McCalla is priceless as a
pious Scottish clod with a
pitchfork and a thick brogue.
His fact-spouting Mr. Memory
is also formidable. Harris
shines particularly in a drag
role and as a wild-eyed, goose-
stepping fascist.
JeffLaPrad’stheatricalsce-
nic design is spot-on.
This effervescent, must-see
production of “The 39 Steps”
continues at Greenville Little
Theatre through Nov. 14. For
tickets, call 864-233-6238 or
see the website www.greenvil-
lelittletheatre.org.
For the latest in local arts
news and reviews, follow Paul
HydeonFacebookandTwitter:
@PaulHyde7.
Review: ‘The 39 Steps’ a
giddy romp at Little Theatre
PAUL HYDE
PHYDE@GREENVILLENEWS.COM
KATHERINE
ESCOBAR/
ESCOBAR
PHOTO-
GRAPHY
From left,
Sam
McCalla,
Evan
Harris,
Laura
Sykes and
David
Bean of
“The 39
Steps.”
At the Greenville Cho-
rale’sseason-openingcon-
cert, conductor Bingham
Vick Jr. treated Carl
Orff’s “Carmina Burana”
not as a musty master-
workbutasalustyoperat-
ic rhapsody, full of
pitched drama and out-
sized emotion.
This was thrilling, go-
for-broke music-making.
With 200 singers and
instrumentalists on the
stage of the Peace Center,
this “Carmina Burana”
thundered and roared,
particularly during the
famous “O Fortuna” sec-
tions that bookend the
hour-long work.
Orff created his mus-
cular, highly syncopated
cantata in 1935-36, using a
collection of 13th century
lyrics written by wander-
ing students and naughty
clerics.
The texts, in Latin and
archaic German, cover
thegamutfromlovemelo-
dies to drinking songs to
musings on fortune and
parodies of sacred texts.
Vick drew a robust,
full-throated sound from
his 150-voice Chorale and
emphasized the forceful,
percussive elements of
Orff’s orchestral score,
encouraging Rick Black-
well’s bass drum to rattle
the ribcage.
Vick brought a brash
theatricality to the work
not only by establishing
an urgent momentum but,
conversely, by stretching
out some phrases — such
as those in the soaring
penultimate section,
“Blanziflor et Helena” —
much in the way that a op-
eratictenorholdsontohis
high Cs to please the fans.
Vick,inhisexcitement,
at one point leaped about
twofeetabovethepodium
— not missing a beat, it
should be noted. Many in
the audience no doubt
shared the sentiment.
The Chorale sang with
its accustomed polish and
attention to diction, ar-
ticulating Orff’s challeng-
ingwordyandsyncopated
passages with admirable
clarity.
But what one most re-
members from the con-
cert is the ensemble’s
sheer heft and red-blood-
ed passion.
This most-popular of
choral works, of course, is
oneofbountifulcontrasts:
Its powerful sections give
waytoreflectiveandeven
ethereal episodes. The
Chorale rendered the lat-
ter with shimmering
beauty.
“Carmina Burana” in-
cludes three tortuous solo
parts that require singers
to reach to the top of their
ranges. Orff’s demands
are almost ridiculous. But
the soloists were superb.
Bruce Schoonmaker
sang with a focused, reso-
nant baritone and, often,
with an appropriate com-
ic demeanor. (His songs
mainly center on lust.) He
delivered “Estuans interi-
us” with gusto, easily ne-
gotiating the high Gs and
final A of the song.
Tenor Grant Knox of-
fered a characterful ac-
count of the morbidly
comic melody “Cignus us-
tus cantat,” about a swan
on a spit.
Kathryn Knauer’s silk-
en soprano, meanwhile,
was ravishing in her song
“In Truitina,” and later in
the stratospheric “Dulcis-
sime.” Knauer possesses
a voice that will take her
anywhere she needs to go.
The children’s chorus,
Chicora Voices, also en-
joyed a few moments
downstage in the spot-
light, singing with charm
and purity.
The Greenville Sym-
phony, an equal partner in
the proceedings, played
with vigor and rhythmic
vitality.
Vick opened the con-
cert with the inspired
choice of Vaughan Wil-
liams’ “Serenade to Mu-
sic,” a serene, sensuous
score set to Shakespeare’s
meditation on music from
“TheMerchantofVenice.”
The Chorale sounded
appropriately luminous in
singing this text that
speaks of moonlight, the
stars and harmony.
Thefinesoloistsforthe
Vaughan Williams were
soprano Lisa Barksdale,
mezzo-soprano Rosemary
Hughes, tenor Grant
Knox and bass-baritone
David Parker.
For the latest in local arts
news and reviews, follow Paul
Hyde on Facebook and
Twitter: @PaulHyde7.
MUSIC REVIEW
Vick conducts Carl Orff’s
thrilling ‘Carmina Burana’
PAUL HYDE
ARTS WRITER
PHYDE@GREENVILLEONLINE.COM
The Peace Center’s 2014-15 Broadway Series — its
best ever, in my opinion — began last September in the
warm sepia glow of “Once” and is concluding this
week with the explosion of bright color, dazzle and
powerhouse vocals that is “Kinky Boots.”
Cyndi Lauper’s pop-rock musical, an irresistible
combination of high camp and heartfelt sentiment, is
fantastic.
The First National Tour, which roared into the
Peace Center Tuesday, is a sleek, top-notch production
of this show about two very different men who form a
business partnership.
Charlie Price inherited his family’s shoe factory in
England’s Midlands from his father but the business
has fallen on hard times.
To save the shop, Charlie devises a plan with a drag
queen, Lola (also known as Simon), to create high-
heeled boots for cross-dressing men.
“Kinky Boots” blends a traditional story — a young
man (Charlie) follows his heart and overcomes great
odds with the help of his friends, and incidentally wins
the girl — with flamboyant Broadway showmanship.
The latter is delivered by Lola and the “Angels,” a
high-stepping drag queen chorus in skimpy, glittering
costumes. Together, they light up the stage with show-
stopping flair.
Lauper’s sizzling score fuses techno-pop with hard-
charging rock and touching ballads. Her songs —
mostly upbeat, uptempo and extroverted — keep the
show surging forward, but she also creates breathing
space in Act1for Lola’s “Not My Father’s Son,” an ach-
ingly tender ballad about strained father-son relation-
ships, one of the many themes in the musical.
In the hands of Lauper and droll book-writer Harvey
Fierstein, “Kinky Boots” becomes a show about finding
your passion, seizing opportunity, and accepting others
for who they are. Don’t miss their six-step plan for hap-
piness near the end of the musical. It’s nifty.
Director/choreographer Jerry Mitchell is one of
Broadway’s great talents and he’s devised some exu-
berant dances, including one that nimbly involves the
factory’s conveyor belts.
Kyle Taylor Parker, as the sassy, lovable Lola, dom-
inates the stage with bountiful pizzazz and charisma.
It’s a spectacular performance.
Steven Booth is a likeable Charlie, singing the rock
songs“StepOne”and“SoulofaMan”withapuretenor
and high-octane energy.
Lindsay Nicole Chambers plays the factory worker
Lauren, a plucky, perky girl-next-door type who be-
comes Charlie’s unexpected love interest. Chambers
soars splendidly on “The History of Wrong Guys,” a
comictourdeforceinwhichthenervousLaurenrealizes
she has a crush on Charlie. (That number and a few oth-
ersinthisshowmakeyouwishthatBroadwayshowsob-
served the old Italian opera tradition of the encore.)
Therestoftheprincipalcastisfirst-rate.Theentire
ensembleofmorethantwodozen—fairlysizablefora
Broadway touring show these days — makes a mighty
sound in the Peace Center Concert Hall.
This terrific “Kinky Boots” continues through Sun-
day. For tickets, call 864-467-3000 or see the website
www.peacecenter.org.
For the latest in local arts news and reviews, follow
Paul Hyde on Facebook and Twitter: @PaulHyde7.
High-stepping ‘Kinky Boots’
dazzles at Peace Center
PAUL HYDE
ARTS WRITER
PHYDE@GREENVILLEONLINE.COM
Cyndi Lauper’s musical is an
irresistible combination of high
camp and heartfelt sentiment

ELECTION/POLITICAL COVERAGE
AllDailyDivision
THIRD PLACE:
Staff
BY CYNTHIA ROLDAN
and SCHUYLER KROPF
croldan@postandcourier.com
skropf@postandcourier.com
C
OLUMBIA—SouthCarolina
House Democrats were con-
fident when they walked in
the chamber Wednesday, knowing
therewasenoughsupporttoremove
the Confederate battle flag.
They knew Laurens Republican
Rep. Mike Pitts — a devoted pro-
ponent of the rebel banner — in-
tended to delay a final vote on the
bill by placing more than 20 pro-
flag amendments, a move everyone
had agreed on because they felt he
should be allowed to speak.
Evenaspressuremountedandthe
requestsgotstranger,HouseMinor-
ity Leader Rep. Todd Rutherford,
D-Columbia, confidently called for
patiencewhenthechambertookan
afternoon break.
He stressed that discourse was
part of the legislative process, and
House Democrats had no intention
of stymieing the debate, opting to
Pitched battle
How Democrats lost, and then regained,
the needed votes to lower the Confederate flag
GRACE BEAHM/STAFF
An honor guard from the S.C. Highway Patrol removes the
Confederate battle flag from the Statehouse grounds Friday.Please see FLAG,Page A8
Inside
Brian Hicks: History has its place,
but not at the people’s house. A2
A look at nine lawmakers who
played a role in the flag debate.
A8
S.C. Capitol grounds also
home to African-American
History Monument. A9
Ex-Gov. Beasley reflects on his
own flag fight. A9
NAACP OKs ending its boycott
of South Carolina. A9
PAUL ZOELLER/STAFF
Tyler Jones, spokesman for state House Democrats (left), Rep. John King (center), and House Minority Leader Rep. Todd Rutherford,
D-Columbia speak Wednesday during the debate over the removal of the Confederate battle flag.

AllDailyDivision
SECOND PLACE:
Independent Mail
Staff

AllDailyDivision
FIRST PLACE:
The State
Staff

GOVERNMENT BEAT REPORTING
AllDailyDivision
HONORABLE MENTION:
Morning News
Gavin Jackson

AllDailyDivision
THIRD PLACE:
The Island Packet
Zach Murdock

AllDailyDivision
SECOND PLACE:
The Greenville News
Tim Smith
COLUMBIA — They came from across
the state, holding umbrellas and fans,
dressed in church clothes or more casu-
al wear, waiting in line for hours in
steamy heat to pay their last respects to
Sen. Clementa Pinckney.
The 41-year-old pastor and senator,
who was among nine people shot to
death at his black historic church in
Charlestonaweekago,layinstateinthe
capitol rotunda Wednesday afternoon,
an honor last bestowed on the late Gov.
Carroll Campbell in 2005.
Thousands waited in line outside the
Statehouse for hours, some within sight
of the Confederate battle flag, which
has been targeted for removal by Gov.
Nikki Haley, the state’s two Republican
Thousands pay respects to
Sen. Clementa Pinckney
JIM WATSON/AFP/GETTY IMAGES
As lawmakers, family and friends follow, the South Carolina Highway Patrol Honor Guard carries the coffin of church pastor and South
Carolina State Sen. Clementa Pinckney to lie in repose at the Statehouse Rotunda on Wednesday in Columbia, South Carolina.
TIM SMITH
STAFF WRITER
TCSMITH@GREENVILLENEWS.COM
RAINIER EHRHARDT/AP
Sen. Clementa
Pinckney's wife,
Jennifer Pinckney,
center, and her
daughters, Eliana,
left, and Malana,
right, follow his
casket into the
South Carolina
Statehouse.
Pinckney's open
coffin lay in state
under the dome
where he served
for nearly 20
years. Pinckney
was one of those
killed in a mass
shooting at the
Emanuel AME
Church in
Charleston.
See PINCKNEY, Page 4A

AllDailyDivision
FIRST PLACE:
The State
Cassie Cope

HEALTH BEAT REPORTING
AllDailyDivision
HONORABLE MENTION:
The State
Joey Holleman

AllDailyDivision
THIRD PLACE:
The Sumter Item
Jim Hilley
THEPAST10YEARS
SEE RULING, PAGE A5 SEE TIMELINE, PAGE A5
You can read the U.S. Fourth Circuit Court of
Appeals’ruling at www.theitem.com. The
following are some highlights of the hospital’s
battle with the federal government:
October 2005
Drakeford v.Tuomey Healthcare System Inc. filed.
Dr. Michael Drakeford alleges thatTuomey
offered him a contract that would require him to
perform procedures only atTuomey’s facilities.
While he declined the offer and later told the
federal government, 19 other physicians took the
offer that, according to the federal government,
created an illegal kickback system where the
doctors received a percentage of the money the
hospital would receive from Medicare and private
insurance companies in referral fees.
March 2010
First jury trial held.Tuomey is found guilty of
violating Stark Law, legislation that governs
3 judges say hospital still must pay $237M
Newest ruling could mean
Tuomey’s‘death sentence’
In a case that may have repercus-
sions nationwide, the U.S. Fourth Cir-
cuit Court of Appeals has affirmed a
district court decision in Drakeford v.
Tuomey Healthcare System awarding
damage and civil penalties totaling
$237.4 million against Tuomey that
may throw Sumter’s only hospital
into bankruptcy.
The three-judge panel unanimously
rejected all of Tuomey’s arguments
against the verdict, though Judge
James A. Wynn Jr., in a concurring
opinion, wrote of his concerns about
the law the hospital is accused of vio-
lating and the effect on the hospital.
“I am troubled by the picture this
case paints,” Wynn wrote. “An impen-
etrably complex set of laws and regu-
lations that will result in a likely
death sentence for a community hos-
pital in an already medi-
cally underserved area.”
In response to the rul-
ing, Tuomey said it re-
mains committed to pro-
viding health care in the
Sumter region.
“We are disappointed,”
Tuomey President and
CEO Michelle Logan-Ow-
ens said through a news
release. “However, for over 100 years,
we have been providing health care
BY JIM HILLEY
jim@theitem.com
LOGAN-
OWENS

AllDailyDivision
SECOND PLACE:
The Herald
Don Worthington
ROCK HILL
David Wayne Plunkett
can’t tell you what went
wrong on the afternoon of
April 2. But he can tell you
everything that went right.
It was
about 4:30
p.m. when
he decided
to mow the
grass at his
home on
Midwood
Drive in
Rock Hill.
Five minutes later he was
on the ground, covered in
debris from an exploded
lawn mower, his arms like
two shredded pieces of
paper saturated with blood.
Two neighbors he barely
knew responded, applying
tourniquets and keeping
Plunkett from going into
shock in the critical min-
utes before Piedmont Med-
ical Center paramedics and
firefighters from the New-
port Volunteer Fire Depart-
ment arrived.
The paramedics stabiliz-
ed Plunkett and took him
to the Rock Hill/York
County Airport where he
was airlifted to the Car-
olinas Medical Center
trauma center in Charlotte
for surgery.
On Thursday, Piedmont
Medical Center honored
neighbors Raymond Fos-
dick and Thomas Hardi-
son for their quick re-
sponse, giving them the
“Hero Award.” It was the
seventh time the hospital
has recognized people for
making a difference in a
life-or-death situation.
It was also a chance for
Plunkett, 42, to thank
everyone profusely for all
they did. Words, he said,
didn’t come close to con-
veying what he was feeling.
QUICK RESPONSE
In an effort to “go
green” Plunkett had pur-
chased a Honda lawn
mower and the kit that
converted it from gasoline
to propane.
That afternoon he re-
members starting the lawn
mower and then seeing a
“white-bluish light.”
The explosion threw
Plunkett 15 to 18 feet into
the air. He landed on his
back, covered in debris
from the lawn mower. No
official cause for the ex-
plosion has been deter-
mined, he said.
“My arms flapped and I
was angry, angry at my-
self,” Plunkett said. He
said his arms felt like they
had been hit by jackham-
mers. He kicked off the
debris with his legs and
managed to stand up.
“I looked at my left arm
and it was spun around
backwards, bone falling
out, blood everywhere.
“I looked at my right
arm and said, ‘Duck tape
and cotton won’t fix this,’”
he said.
Fosdick was in the base-
ment of his house behind
Plunkett’s when he heard
the first of two explosions.
He said the first was a tiny
“tink,” which made him to
go outside. The second
was louder, leading him
through the trees between
his house and Plunkett’s.
Fosdick ran to Plunkett,
telling him, “I’m your new
neighbor. I’m a Texas first
responder. I know what
I’m doing, you won’t die
today.”
Plunkett said his reac-
tion was, “Texas? This is
South Carolina.”
Fosdick, 39, software
engineer, volunteer fire-
fighter, first responder
and rescue diver who
moved to Rock Hill from
ROCK HILL
Neighbors honored
for saving man’s life
. ......................................................
Lawn mower explosion
nearly killed David Wayne
Plunkett
. ......................................................
Neighbors responded,
putting on tourniquets
. ......................................................
Piedmont Medical Center
honors actions with Hero
Award
. ......................................................
BY DON WORTHINGTON
dworthington@heraldonline.com
DON WORTHINGTON dworthington@heraldonline.com
Thomas Hardison, left, and Raymond Fosdick were given
Hero Awards Thursday by Piedmont Medical Center.
Plunkett
‘‘I LOOKED AT MY
RIGHT ARM AND
SAID, ‘DUCK TAPE
AND COTTON
WON’T FIX THIS.’
David Plunkett, retelling
the story of his accident
SEE NEIGHBORS, 4A

AllDailyDivision
FIRST PLACE:
The Greenville News
Liv Osby
Rosemary Donnelly rests in her power recliner
tucked beneath a soft blue blanket.
Her eyes are closed, her muscles atrophied.
And dementia has robbed the 85-year-old of the
ability to speak.
For the past15 years, her daughter, Diana Fabiano,
has lovingly cared for her.
“My goal is to keep her at home as long as possible,
because at home she is taken care of better,” she told
The Greenville News. “It’s one-on-one.”
But her mother is so frail and debilitated that get-
ting her to the doctor for the necessary visits or to the
lab for tests is an ordeal.
SoFabianoretainedaservicethatbringsthedoctor
HOUSE CALLSFOR
THE HOMEBOUND
MYKAL MCELDOWNEY/STAFF/
Dr. Romin Shah, a geriatrician, makes a stop to check in on Rosemary Donnelly, who lives with her daughter, Diana Fabiano, in Greenville.
See HOME, Page 8A
Doctors filling unmet need may boost efficiency, trim U.S. health care tab
By Liv Osby
Staff Writer
losby@gannett.com
“Everybody wants to
age in place ... and
most people can’t
afford a nursing
home. Families don’t
know what to do. We
are trying to meet
this huge wave of
elderly people where
they are.”
MEGAN FOWLER
chief development officer for
Providence Care
Dr. Romin Shah says if homebound elderly patients “don’t
get access to care, we will see them fall through the cracks.”

EDUCATION BEAT REPORTING
AllDailyDivision
HONORABLE MENTION:
The Island Packet
Rebecca Lurye

AllDailyDivision
THIRD PLACE:
The Greenville News
Nathaniel Cary
Clemson University’s faculty intro-
duced a plan Tuesday to rename the uni-
versity’s most iconic building — Tillman
Hall.
The resolution, which had been ap-
proved unanimously by the Senate Fac-
ulty’s executive advisory committee,
was tabled at the faculty meeting.
The resolution comes nearly a week
after a group of 80 students marched
across campus and presented a list of
grievances and demands to Clemson
President Jim Clements to do more to
recognize diverse groups at Clemson
and make all students feel welcome on
the campus.
One of the group’s demands, and one
that’s been discussed on campus for
some time, was to rename Tillman Hall
— the picturesque red-brick building
withacentralclocktowerthatwasoneof
the earliest buildings constructed on
campus in 1890.
ThebuildingisnamedafterBenjamin
Tillman, one of the founding trustees of
the school who is known as much for his
racist, white supremacist rhetoric as a
turn-of-the-20th-century politician as he
is for his role as one of Clemson’s found-
ing fathers.
Tillman Hall is named after founding trustee
Benjamin Tillman.
Request
to rename
Tillman
on hold
The move is tabled at a
Clemson faculty meeting
By Nathaniel Cary
Staff Writer
ncary@greenvillenews.com
See TILLMAN, Page 5A
G
reenville County
Schools has disci-
plined at least a dozen
students who — on
their parents’ wishes
— refused to take the
new standardized
ACT tests being given at schools
across South Carolina this week.
Some parents told The Greenville
News their children were pres-
sured in front of their peers to give
in and take the tests, then were re-
moved from the classroom and tak-
en into another room at their
schools where the principal again
asked them to take the test.
When children refused, they
were taken to the school office and
issued a discipline referral marked
“refusal to obey,” according to doc-
uments sent by parents to The
News.
The action comes amid a nation-
wide backlash against standard-
izedtests,whichsomeparentshave
said are used mainly to rate schools
and evaluate teachers and adminis-
OPTING
OUTStudents disciplined for
refusing to take ACT
By Nathaniel Cary
Staff writer
ncary@greenvillenews.com
See DISCIPLINE, Page 9A
“The protocols we put
in place were meant to
protect our employees,
who are required by
both state and federal
law to test all eligible
students.”
BURKE ROYSTER
Greenville Schools superintendent

AllDailyDivision
SECOND PLACE:
The State
Andrew Shain

AllDailyDivision
FIRST PLACE:
Jennifer Berry Hawes
Students at North Charleston High are keenly aware of how many students avoid attending their school. TJ Levine, Kahleb Parks and their varsity basketball team-
mates peer from the locker room door before a playoff game against Bishop England High School. Despite shriveling enrollment, North Charleston won the game.
THESERIES
TODAY: Like many,
Maurice Williams lacks
home stability.
THURSDAY: Romulus
Townes is among throngs
who come and go yearly.
FRIDAY: Chenelle Perry
endures the aftermath of
street violence.
SATURDAY: Tyrek Moody
seeks a brighter future
after his arrest.
SUNDAY: A lack of school
options won’t derail Noah
Johnson.
COMING AUG. 29-30:
Burke High struggles
to draw students as
downtown gentrifies. Please see SCHOOLS,Page A8
T
HE FIRST BELL rings in 10 minutes, but no cars
line the road outside to drop off students. While
otherschoolsclogmajorthoroughfareswithtraf-ff
fic, a lone car pulls up to North Charleston High
everyfewminutesforadrowsyteentorollout.TwoparkTT
in the entire student lot.
The rest ride school buses or walk. Several arrive on
CARTAbuses.TT Theydon’thavecars.Mostoftheirfamilies
don’teither.Virtuallyallqualifyforthefreeandreduced-
price breakfast being cooked inside, with its aroma of
warmeggswaftingfromthecafeteriadoors,ahomeyhello.
Anthony Ludwig’s door swings shut for first-period
psychology class. It’s just past the winter break and into
the chilly slog toward spring. A young guy from Philly,
Ludwig grabs a thermos of coffee to begin laps around
the perimeter of the classroom, bullhorn voice explain-
ing life’s stages.
“Memory and intelligence are affected by age. That’s
why you’re in school right now!” Ludwig booms. Unless
they fry their brains with weed, booze or crack, he adds,
those mental faculties should remain just as strong until
their 60s.
A dozen teens, each embodying what this school now
faces, sit rapt. Or asleep.
Up front, senior Noah Johnson pens precise notes. He
usedtotransferouttoWestAshleyHighunderNoChild
Left Behind, a federal law that let students flee “failing”
schools. But when that busing ended a few years ago, his
single mom had no car to drive him. So he came here,
not wanting to.
Story by JENNIFER BERRY HAWES | The Post and Courier | Photographs by GRy ACE BEAHM
Kids with toughest hurdles
stuck in gutted schools
Choice options steal top students and resources, giving low-income teens
like those at North Charleston High far fewer chances for success
Once a powerhouse Class
AAAA school, North Charleston
High can barely field sports
teams anymore. Half of its class-
rooms sit empty. Saddled with
a reputation for fights, drugs,
gangs and students who can’t
learn, middle-class families no
longer give it a chance.
This is the unintended conse-
quence of school choice.
Two-thirds of students in
its attendance zone now flee
to myriad magnets, charters
and other school choices that
beckon the brightest and most
motivated from schools like
this one.
But not all can leave, not
those without cars or parents
able to navigate their complex
options. Concentrated poverty
is left behind. So is a persistent
“At Risk” rating from the state.
Today The Post and Courier
starts a five-day look at North
Charleston High through the
eyes of five students tethered
to a world of dwindling dreams.
FirstwemeetMauriceWilliams,
a 14-year-old grappling with a
deadly infection just months
after moving in with his
20-year-old half-sister, barely
out of the foster care system
herself.
The unintended
consequences of
school choice
Chapter 1
LEFT
BEHIND

FAITH BEAT REPORTING
AllDailyDivision
THIRD PLACE:
The Herald
Don Worthington
It didn’t seem possible but Terry
Chisolm’s donation bell seemed to
ring faster and louder recently.
Chisolm’s enthusiasm was
sparked after she received a $500
check to replace money that had
been stolen from her kettle earlier
this month.
Rock Hill attorney Chad McGo-
wan gave her the check.
But it’s not the only check the
theft has prompted.
The local Salvation Army re-
ceived a $150 check in one of its ket-
tles with the notation to “replace
the $150” that was stolen.
Salvation Army officials are not
sure exactly how much money was
in Chisolm’s kettle but say $150 is a
good estimate.
Chisolm knows the total contrib-
uted since the theft is much higher.
Her kettle is heavier at the end of
her shifts as people stop to drop in
change or dollars because they read
about her in The Herald, she said.
“The devil tried to turn this into a
disaster, but this is total victory,
God’s victory,” Chisolm said Friday
assherangherbellandgreetedBi-Lo
grocery store shoppers on East Main
Street. It was almost the exact same
spotatBi-Lowhereherkettlewaslift-
ed by a team of thieves.
One man distracted her while the
other took the kettle. A third man
was in a white SUV, which left the
scene with all three men.
Maj. John Edmonds, command-
ing officer of the Salvation Army
for York, Chester and Lancaster
counties, said it was the first time
in his four years here that a kettle
has been stolen. But nationally it
happens every year, he said.
“What kind of jerk steals a Salva-
tion Army kettle?” asked McGo-
wan, the attorney, after he gave his
donation to Chisolm.
Maj. Edmonds said the $650-plus
in donations can be used by the Sal-
vation Army in a number of ways.
It can buy more meals for the hun-
gry. Last week, the Salvation Army
distributed more than 300 bags of
groceries to the needy.
It can buy more toys for children.
Last week, the Salvation Army gave
732 children toys.
It may also be used to help pay
utility bills for people in need or to
pay the Salvation Army’s own util-
ity bills at its shelters, allowing
them to stay open longer to serve
more people.
While this is the first year Chi-
solm has been a bell ringer, it’s clear
she embraces the Salvation Army’s
message of hope and helping those
less fortunate. While ringing the
bell Friday, she was approached by
a woman who said she and the
young child with her were homeless
and living at a local hotel. She asked
if there were any assistance the Sal-
vation Army could offer.
Chisolm didn’t hesitate. She
called the Salvation Army on her
cell phone, talked to someone at the
Salvation Army’s headquarters and
then handed the phone to the wo-
man.
“This isn’t about me,” Chisolm
said. “It’s about helping people.”
Don Worthington : 803-329-4066
PHOTOS BY DON WORTHINGTON - dworthington@heraldonline.com
Terry Chisolm, left, a first-year Salvation Army bell ringer watches as Jarnee Lowery, rings her bell on Friday.
Kettle theft leads to greater good
BELL RINGER RECEIVES $500 CHECK THAT MORE THAN REPLACES WHAT WAS TAKEN
By Don Worthington
dworthington@heraldonline.com
Terry
Chisolm
received
a $500
donation
to re-
place
about
$150 that
was sto-
len from
her Sal-
vation
Army
kettle
earlier
this
month. “I
keep
smiling
and lifting
God up,”
Chisolm
said.

AllDailyDivision
SECOND PLACE:
Independent Mail
CharmaineSmith-Miles
By Charmaine Smith-Miles
milesca@independentmail.com
864-260-1260
ThepagesofbothoftheBibles
are brittle, slightly yellowed and
at least one of them dates to the
1890s or very early 1900s.
Andstuckbetweenthoseaged
pages are photos, letters, post-
cards and even someone’s draft
card, requiring their service in
World War II. Some letters tell of
birth announcements, one tells
of a son’s warm welcome from a
Methodist church as he settles
in as a student at what was then
Clemson College.
All of it together tells the story
of two families — the Casons
and the Coopers — who were
joined together by marriage.
And the family who owns all
of the information knows none
of those who stare back in old,
aging family photos nor none
of the names mentioned in the
various bits and pieces of corre-
spondence.
“The Bibles are abandoned,
in a way,” said David Williams.
“So I am hoping that maybe I can
find who they belong to.”
Williams, who lives in Wil-
liamston, found the Bibles in
his mother-in-law’s outbuild-
ing in the backyard of her Pow-
dersville home. The building
is full of antiques that she and
her husband, who was an avid
collector, gathered through the
years. Williams and his wife,
Wendy, found the Bibles inside
a box that once contained a pair
of work boots.One of the Bibles’
latest copyright date is 1890. The
Bible’s first printing was made
just four years before the na-
tion’s 100th birthday. It includes
a report from the United States
Centennial Commission, which
was established to celebrate the
nation’s momentous birthday.
The other Bible is about the
same size, also includes elabo-
rate illustrations, and looks to
be the same age. But it does not
contain a copyright date.
Williams said the Bibles have
been stored, for an unknown
amount of time, at his in-laws.
His in-laws owned the house
for about 25 years. His father-
in-law, Bill Duvall, died in 2007.
And this May, his mother-in-law,
BeverlyJaneWildDuvall,diedat
the age of 81.
“He would go to estate sales
all the time,” Williams said. “So
I think he bought these Bibles
because they have no ties to
Wendy. But I have no idea where
they came from. I just know that
wehavethemnow.Andwhenwe
found them, I didn’t know what I
was going to do with them.”
At first, Williams posted pic-
tures of the Bibles on a Facebook
page about old, abandoned and
interesting places in South Caro-
lina.
And then, his aunt, Carolyn
Duncan, came to the rescue.
Duncan has worked with the
Anderson County chapter of the
South Carolina Genealogical So-
ciety. So she began begin piec-
ing together the histories kept
together in the two Bibles.
What she found was that one
Bible belonged to a man named
Thomas Booker Cooper, and his
ancestors. And the other one be-
longed to Nelle Cason, who was
born in 1902. She would go on to
marry Thomas Cooper in 1922.
Cooper was born in 1900 and
served in the military. He is bur-
ied at Mauldin United Methodist
Church in Mauldin. He died in
1967.
A letter from Cooper to his
parents details some of the time
he spent studying at Clemson
College.
It was typed on Mother’s Day.
“I went on a picnic yester-
day, the ladies of the Methodist
church gave one to all the Meth-
odist boys, we had a big time,
and plenty of good things to
eat,” Cooper wrote. “I wouldn’t
mind if they would have one ev-
ery week, I believe I would soon
get ‘Fat.’ ”
A draft card was also in-
side the Cooper family Bible.
It is dated October 1918. It was
Atreasureoffaith
PHOTOS BY SEFTON IPOCK/INDEPENDENT MAIL
Carolyn Duncan looks over an old Bible found by David Williams in his father-in-law’s storage unit. Duncan is help-
ing Williams find family members of the original owners of the books.
■ Williamston
couple finds
pair of old Bibles
in relative’s
belongings
The ornate cover of a Bible has
worn over the years. David Williams
and Carolyn Duncan hope to find
descendants of the original owners
of two old Bibles.
Carolyn Duncan and David Williams
look through papers found in an old
Bible. Williams found a pair of old
Bibles in his father-in-law’s storage
unit and Duncan is assisting in
finding descendants of the original
owners.
A portrait of the Cooper family
is one of many family mementos
found in a pair of old Bibles by
David Williams.
SEEKINGINFO
Do you know the Cooper and
Cason families?
Contact Charmaine Smith-
Miles at the Independent-Mail
at charmaine.smith-miles@
independentmail.com or 864-
260-1260.
See BIBLES, 6A

AllDailyDivision
FIRST PLACE:
The Island Packet
David Lauderdale

SPORTS BEAT REPORTING
AllDailyDivision
THIRD PLACE:
The Sun News
Ryan Young

AllDailyDivision
SECOND PLACE:
The State
Josh Kendall

AllDailyDivision
FIRST PLACE:
David Caraviello

NEWS HEADLINE WRITING
AllDailyDivision
HONORABLE MENTION:
Tony Brown
BY BO PETERSEN
bopete@postandcourier.com
FOLLY BEACH — The people rent-
ing the beach house grabbed their
patio furniture, dragged it across the
recently renourished dunes and set
it nearly on top of a sea turtle nest,
so they could lounge on the sand.
They ignored the public access along-
side.
When that happened recently at
Folly Beach, neighbor Minde Herbert
tried a friendly approach, she said.
She told them politely they can’t do
that and why. They told her off. The
Local turtle patrollers meet few bad eggsLocal turtle patrollers
Most people curious,
cooperative, they say
LAUREN PRESCOTT/STT TATT FF
RamonaFarish(left)andStaciSarkowski,volunteersforIslandTurtleTeam,
walkthebeachesofIsleofPalmsinJulylookingforseaturtlenests.Please see TURTLES,Page A6
BY MELISSA BOUGHTON
mboughton@postandcourier.com
The chaplains with Coastal Crisis
Chaplaincy have been a collective
rock for so many in the community
sincetheJune17slayingofninepeo-
ple during a Bible study at Emanuel
AME Church.
God, they say, has given them the
fortitude.
“We have that higher source of
comfort,whichisdisplayedinPsalm
46:1,” said Herbert Temoney.
God is our refuge and strength, an
ever-present help in trouble.
“We feed on (that verse) because a
lot of times we don’t have time to be
comforted when we are providing a
service,”hesaid.“Inthemidstofour
hurts, we take a moment to break
down, but we grab ourselves back
together because providing services,
you’ve got to be strong all the time.
God calls us to that strength as he
initially calls us to that service.”
Comfort in the valley
oftheshadowofdeath
Crisis chaplains tend to families, first responders after church slayings
GRACE BEAHM/STAFF
Gale Cooper, a volunteer with the Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy,
attends the prayer vigil at Morris Brown AME Church the after-
noon after nine parishioners of Emanuel AME Church were killed.
For complete cover-
age of the shooting at
Emanuel AME Church, including
victim profiles, videos, photo gal-
leries and more, go to postand
courier.com/church-shooting
Online
Please see CHAPLAIN,Page A6
FILE/WADE SPEES/STAFF
Chaplain Spike Coleman (from right), paramedic Bubba Dunlap and Charleston Fire Chief Karen Brack go to the aid of a distraught
man who had collapsed in the Courtyard hotel entryway across Calhoun Street from Emanuel AME Church on June 17. He was a family
member of one of the victims.
BY PRENTISS FINDLAY
pfindlay@postandcourier.com
FOLLY BEACH — Tara McClellan
sees her golf cart as the best invest-
ment she ever made.
“It’s better than driving a car. You
just hop in it and go,” she said.
The electric cart moves at a turtle’s
pace with a top speed of 15 mph. But
it gets her where
she needs to go
in fine fashion
and runs for
days on a single
charge.
City Council
recently re-
vised its golf
cart ordinance
to bring it into
line with state
regulations.
They include restricting travel to
four miles from the residence where
the cart is registered and driving
only on secondary neighborhood
roads during the daytime. On Folly,
golf carts can cross Center Street but
arebannedontheisland’sdowntown
avenue.
Islanders’ golf
carts reflect
love of life in
the slow lane
Electric vehicles abound
despite road limitations
Doyouownagolf
cartthat
youuse
toget
aroundplaces
otherthanagolf
course?Goto
postandcourier.
com/pollstovote.
Poll

AllDailyDivision
THIRD PLACE:
Aiken Standard
Derrek Asberry
BY DERREK ASBERRY
dasberry@aikenstandard.com
NoneofSouth Carolina’s Republican con-
gressmen voted to keep the government
open, leaving its lone Democrat as the only
one who supported a short-term spending
bill passed Wednesday just hours before the
Oct. 1 deadline.
Palmetto votes casted in opposition of the
stopgap spending bill include U.S. Reps. Joe
Wilson, Jeff Duncan, Mark Sanford, Trey
Gowdy, Mick Mulvaney and Tom Rice. U.S.
Sen. Tim Scott also opposed, and his coun-
terpart in the Senate, Republican Lindsey
Graham, missed the vote due to his campaign
in the 2016 presidential election.
U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn, a Democrat, voted in
favor of the bill.
Nevertheless, the Savannah River Site and
other federally-funded agencies will not have
to worry about ceasing operations thanks to the
temporary bill, or continuing resolution, which
will keep employees at work through Dec. 11.
The timeframe is expected to give Con-
gress enough time to pass a long-term bill.
Fiscal finale yields quick-fix funds
S.C. Republicans stick together in opposing short-term spending bill
Please see FUNDS,Page 12A
INSIDE
Congress approves bill to avoid shutdown, 10A
BY DERREK ASBERRY
A Carlsbad, New Mexico, plant
where employees suffered radiation
exposure made headlines again last
week as a possible landing spot for
down-blended plutonium from the
Savannah River Site – one of several
alternatives to the current MOX pro-
gram.
But the plant, the Waste Isolation
Pilot Plant, or WIPP, is still shut down
from the February 2014 incident, leav-
-
ability in serving as a disposal site.
Part 1 of a highly anticipated study
comparing two methods of ridding the
nation of 34 metric tons of weapons-
grade plutonium – a task that is part
of an international agreement with
Russia.
It compared MOX, a program that
includes the Mixed Oxide Fuel Fabri-
cation Facility under construction at
SRS, and another method known as
down-blending.
Conducted by Aerospace Corp. – a
operates a federally funded research
and development center – the study
prices the MOX lifecycle cost at $51
billion and the down-blending method
at $17 billion.
The MOX project currently is about
65 percent complete and includes the
construction of multiple facilities at
SRS and other DOE facilities that
would convert the plutonium into com-
mercial nuclear fuel.
Aerospace concluded that the $51 bil-
lion MOX price tag is based on wheth-
er it was to be funded at $500 million
per year, closer to the level the Depart-
ment of Energy has said it would take
was funded at $375 million per year –
$30 million less than its current fund-
ing – Aerospace reported it would cost
about $110 billion to complete.
Congressional supporters of MOX,
including CB&I Project Services
group – one of the companies build-
ing the MOX facility – have spoken
out against the study, stating that the
Tim Scott and Lindsey Graham and
Rep. Joe Wilson – all Republicans –
addressed the study in a combined
statement last month.
“Having already spent $4.4 billion
on the project to achieve roughly 65
to understand how completing and
operating the project will cost another
$47.5 billion,” they wrote.
Thinking outside the MOX:
A closer look at disposal alternatives
Please see MOX,Page 7A
AIKEN STANDARD FILE PHOTO
The Rev. Nathaniel Irvin, center, received the Martin Luther King Jr. Drum Major Unity award from Alpha Phi Alpha members James Moton, left, and
Marvin Morrison, in January 2013.
BY DERREK ASBERRY
In the presence of the King
T
he Rev. Nathaniel Irvin said the
he thought back to 1963 – a time
plagued with ongoing racism despite
peaceful protests – and spoke about shaking
the hand of the late Martin Luther King Jr.
The year was a busy one for King, as it was the
year of his “I Have a Dream” speech, which fell
in the heart of the civil rights movement.
Georgia, for his protests, but that didn’t stop
him from making his rounds
across the nation to promote
freedom. One of his stops was
Beulah Grove Baptist Church,
where Irvin, now 86, saw King
Irvin was leading a group
called MLK Survival Coalition
because of how King inspired
him and his church members.
Meeting King, Irvin said, was
-
public service.
“It was mystifying because I had heard about
him and read about him,” Irvin said. “And
what we quickly learned was that he was im-
partial. He didn’t downgrade any race. He was
Irvin said King spoke about many of the in-
it was to remain peaceful. King also spoke
about things that would eventually come to
fruition, such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
said that following King was a hard choice for
many black people.
“There were some people who were afraid
“You had to be careful because you had fami-
lies to feed. And if you got too involved, some
bosses would take you off of the payroll.”
As history shows, the civil rights movement
proved to be a success in large part because
of King. In addition to the 1964 act, King also
Local reverend remembers Martin Luther King Jr.
There were some people who were afraid to participate because
of their jobs ... You had to be careful because you had families to
feed. And if you got too involved, some bosses would take you
off of the payroll.
The Rev. Nathaniel Irvin, speaking on King’s influence
Please see KING,Page 12A
INSIDE
MLK’s son
claims
father’s trav-
eling Bible,
Nobel Peace
prize medal
only issues,
8A

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SECOND PLACE:
The Island Packet
Lindsay Trapp

AllDailyDivision
FIRST PLACE:
Beth Harrison
BY DIANE KNICH
dknich@postandcourier.com
Sweat drips down a woman’s
faceandarmsassheholdsarum-
pled cardboard sign in the sear-
ing afternoon heat, begging for
moneyfromdriversatastoplight
ontheSeptimaP.ClarkParkway.
A driver opens his window and
beckonsthewoman,whodoesn’t
want to give her name, to his car.
Hereachesoutanddropsahand-
ful of change in her hand.
The woman said she’s just do-
ing what she has to do to get by.
A lot of people think she’s try-
ing to earn a quick buck without
working for it, she said. “But it’s
not easy.”
And it will get even more dif-
ficultifaproposedcityordinance
passes that would prohibit her
from taking money from drivers
in traffic lanes.
Roadside spots are some of the
most lucrative places to pan-
handle because hundreds of cars
pass by every hour, especially
during rush hour, panhandlers
say. But the days of being able to
walk up to a vehicle and accept
somechangeorafewdollarswill
come to end soon in Charleston
if City Council on Tuesday gives
initial approval to an ordinance
the group’s Public Safety Com-
mittee passed Monday.
The ordinance would prohibit
anyone — including panhan-
dlers, people collecting money
forcharitiesorthosehandingout
religiousfliersorsellingnewspa-
pers — from passing items to or
from the occupant of a vehicle
on a roadway in a traffic lane. So
people making a donation, and
thoseacceptingit,bothwouldbe
violating the ordinance, which
carries a maximum penalty
of 30 days in jail and a $1,092
fine.
City Councilwoman Kathleen
Wilson,chairwomanofthePub-
lic Safety Committee, said the
ordinance is “the city’s solution
to our problems with panhan-
dling.”
Street panhandlers
mayhavetohitroad
Charleston City Council to weigh ban on begging from drivers
GRACE BEAHM/STAFF
A proposed ordinance would prohibit anything being passed to or from a person in a vehicle while it is in a traffic lane, such as
this exchange in Crosstown traffic on Monday. The City Council’s Public Safety Committee approved the proposal on Monday.
WHAT: Charleston City Council
meeting, where there will be a
public hearing and initial vote on
thepanhandling-relatedordinance
WHEN: 5 p.m. Tuesday
WHERE: City Hall, City Council
chambers, 80 Broad St.
If you go
What do you think
of the proposed
ordinance that would prohibit
anything from being passed to
or from a vehicle while it is in a
traffic lane? Go to postand
courier.com/polls to vote.
Poll
Please see PANHANDLING,Page
BY DIANE KNICH
and BRENDA RINDGE
dknich@postandcourier.com
brindge@postandcourier.com
After decades of environmental-
ists encouraging us to separate our
recyclables into blue bins, could
newtechnologyallowustogoback
tothrowingthemallinthegarbage?
A company called RePower
South, which is trying to land con-
tractstoprocesssolidwasteinboth
Charleston and Berkeley counties,
thinks so. And its methods will
dramatically improve recycling
rates, company leaders said. But
some local officials and national
groups that represent the recycling
industrydecryRePower’sclaimsas
modern day snake oil.
Jim Bohlig, RePower’s chief de-
velopment officer, said the com-
pany would like to build trash-
sorting facilities at landfills in
Charleston and Berkeley coun-
ties. Garbage would be dumped
inside these buildings, and new
high-tech sorters would pull out
high-end recyclables — such as
plastic water bottles — which Re-
Power would sell.
Future of recycling
or bunch of garbage?
Firm wants to process Berkeley, Charleston waste, turn some into fuel
BRAD NETTLES/STAFF
Charleston County recycling employees Daniel Porcher (front) and Daniel Phillips roll single-stream recycling bins on Carondolet
Street in Charleston to their truck on Monday. The county’s program allows residents to mix all recyclables in one large rolling bin.
RePowerSouthhasproposeda
newsystemtohandlegarbagein
Berkeley and Charleston coun-
ties. Under the company’s plan:
Garbage would be brought
into sorting facilities at landfills
in Charleston and Berkeley coun-
ties.
Special equipment would be
used to pull some recyclable
items out of the trash, including
plastic bottles, metal, glass, card-
board and some paper. The com-
pany would sell the recyclables.
RePower would sort through
what’s left, grind the remaining
pieces of paper and plastic and
squish the material together to
make pellets. It then would sell
the pellets to power companies.
The remaining trash would be
dumped in a landfill.
—Source: Jim Bohlig, RePower South
From garbage to fuel
PROVIDED
Please see RECYCLE,Page A6
BY MELISSA BOUGHTON
H
eroin is no longer only an inner-city
problem.
Users are young, educated and of-
ten fighting an uphill battle to stay
clean while deep in the clutches of a
disease that is far from free of stigma.
Andthehighlyaddictivedrug’sincreaseduseand
potencyhaveledtooverdosedeathsrisingdramati-
cally in the nation, state and Lowcountry.
Reported opioid deaths across the state jumped
118percentfrom237in2013to516in2014,atrend
mirrored in the tri-county area, according to data
fromtheS.C.DepartmentofHealthandEnviron-
mental Control.
In Charleston County, deaths from opioid use,
which includes heroin, rose from 18 in 2013 to 33
in2014.InBerkeleyCounty,deathsdoubledinthat
same time frame from 10 to 20, and in Dorchester
County, reported numbers went from five to 11.
Robert Murphy, Drug Enforcement Administra-
tion special agent in charge and senior agent for
South Carolina, said most of the heroin in the state
is found in the Lowcountry, but a major concern is
thatthepurityofthedrugisatanall-timehighand
thepeopleusingitaregettingyoungerandyounger.
“We’ve never seen it in this young of kids,” Mur-
phy said. “And the young people, they still have a
full life ahead of them. When people are addicted
to heroin, they’re going to be addicted to a drug
forever.”
Dyingfora fix
Lowcountry sees dramatic rise in heroin overdose deaths,
with more young people becoming addicted
GRACE BEAHM/STAFF
Scott Baumil and Charlotte Schulte hold a photo of Johnny Schulte, a 31-year-old Mount Pleasant native who died of a heroin overdose.
The family is speaking openly about heroin addiction and their tragic loss. “It’s every kind of people,” said Schulte, his sister. Baumil, his
cousin, said Johnny had recently “been so strong” in his recovery from the addiction that his death was unexpected.
BRANDON LOCKETT/STAFFSOURCE:DHEC; CDC; POST AND COURIER RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS
Opioid deaths
Heroin use and overdose deaths have risen dramatically across the nation, state and
Lowcountry. Reported opioid deaths across the state, including deaths from heroin, jumped
118 percent from 237 in 2013 to 516 in 2014, a trend mirrored in the tri-county area,
according to data from the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control.
Berkeley County
2010: 12 deaths
2014: 20 deaths
Dorchester County
2010: 6 deaths
2014: 11 deaths
Most deaths
Greenville County
2010: 33 deaths
2014: 65 deaths
Charleston County
2010: 29 deaths
2014: 33 deaths
2012
Deaths in U.S.
16,007 16,235
2013
Deaths in S.C.
2012
221
2014
516
2013
237
Please see HEROIN,Page A6

FEATURE HEADLINE WRITING
AllDailyDivision
HONORABLE MENTION:
The Island Packet
Todd Money

AllDailyDivision
THIRD PLACE:
Morning News
Don Kausler Jr.

AllDailyDivision
SECOND PLACE:
Teresa Taylor
PAUL ZOELLER/STAFF
Executive chef David Topping hands over a plate of fried chicken with vegetables at Roper St. Francis.
BY HANNA RASKIN
I
f you have the bad luck to find yourself hun-
gry and without access to a home kitchen in
Fairfax, S.C., your eating options are few.
“There’s Subway, there’s Hardee’s, and that’s
pretty much it,” says Lari Gooding, an adminis-
trator at Allendale County Hospital.
The third choice is the hospital cafeteria,
which serves the best-attended Sunday dinner
in Allendale County. But the after-church herd
is outnumbered by the crowd that shows up on
Thursdays, when fried chicken is on the menu.
The chicken is so popular that the hospital
unlocks a conference room to accommodate
diners who can’t find a seat, even though many
customers take their meals to go.
“One person comes in and leaves with 10
boxes for his co-workers,” says Gooding, who
professes to prefer the cafeteria’s baked chicken.
“Oh, I think the fried chicken is probably as
good as any,” he allows. “Everyone in the South
likes fried chicken.”
And in many small towns across South Caro-
lina, they like to eat it in hospital cafeterias, a
preference that’s the result of scarcity, tradition
and an entrenched appreciation of adept fry-
ing. “It’s a gathering place for the community,”
says Graham Adams, chief executive officer of
the South Carolina Office of Rural Health. “In
some communities, it’s one of the few restau-
rants open Sunday for lunch. And some of them
have pretty good food.”
In addition to immediate comfort, the meals
served in hospital cafeterias, usually priced at
$5-$6, including a drink, provide lasting reas-
surance that the host institution is trustworthy.
That’s critical information in areas around the
19 S.C. hospitals classified as “small and rural,”
since residents are likely to one day rely on
them for care.
“A patient can’t judge clinical outcomes,”
Adams says. “But they can judge how clean the
hospital is, how nicely they’re treated and how
good the food tastes.”
Feeding into disease
For many years, “good” has been synonymous
with pork fat, butter and salt, the very health
hazards that physicians today are fighting. In
Allendale County, for example, the five leading
causes of death are heart disease, cancer, cere-
brovascular disease, diabetes and hypertensive
kidney disease, all of which have been linked to
diet and obesity.
When hospitals first opened cafeterias, the
sole aim was to feed employees. Limited hours
and menus reflected the narrowness of their
mission. “(Hospitals) just gave associates what
they wanted,” recalls Cary Neff, vice-president
of corporate culinary services for Morrison
Healthcare, which handles 20 hospital accounts
statewide, including Roper St. Francis. The ea-
gerness to please ultimately led to the opening
of fast-food outlets in hospitals.
“Then it became very evident that we’re treat-
ing people for cardiovascular disease, and it’s
an oxymoron,” Neff says. “We got all of those
licensed brands out, and changed the culture
from a cafeteria to a restaurant.”
Southern discomfortHospital cafeterias grapple with fried chicken tradition
“Oh, I think the fried chicken is probably as good as any.
Everyone in the South likes fried chicken.”
Lari Gooding
PROVIDED
What’s in a name? Sales increased dramati-
cally when Roper’s hospital food service put
sriracha slaw on top of a black bean patty
and renamed it the ‘Dragon Burger.’
Please see HOSPITALS,Page D6
PHOTOGRAPHS BY BRAD NETTLES
Brazilian Market butcher Fabiano Miranda prepares a sausage and pork linguica with green onions.
BY HANNA RASKIN
B
razilian Market in Goose Creek sells
shampoos, sardines, clothing and
cookies from owner Gislene
Gontijo’s native country. But when U.S.-
born customers wander into the strip mall
shop, located off Red Bank Road in a parcel
between the Joyful Temple of Praise and
the New Life Apostolic Church, Gontijo
can reliably guess at what drew them there.
The daily grind Goose Creek gains
talented new butcher
“Most of them come in because
they’ve gone to a barbecue and a
Brazilian brings our sausage and
they want to see more,” she says.
There’s plenty more in Brazil-
ian Market’s butcher case, which
Gontijo recently entrusted to
29-year-old Fabiano Miranda
(“Like Miranda rights,” Gontijo
immediately says when asked
how to spell the surname, giving
a glimpse into immigrant lives.)
Miranda started out as a stock
boy at a meat market in Goias
state, and had worked his way
up to sausage-maker when he
last year decided to move to the
United States. His aim is to make
enough money to open his own
butcher shop in Brazil.
Because Miranda doesn’t use
any preservatives, he’s perpetu-
ally slicing, spicing, grinding
and curing the meats demanded
by the area’s Brazilian commu-
nity, which is estimated at 5,000
people.
Brazilian Market’s regular pa-
trons visit the counter three or
four times a week for Miranda’s
rosy red maca do peito (brisket);
picanha (rump cap); barrigada
(flank steak); coracao de frango
(chicken hearts) and the im-
mensely popular linguica de
porco (pork sausage), a delicacy
that reflects Brazil’s legacy as a
Portuguese colony.
Since Gontijo four years ago
purchased the store, which
opened in 2006, someone has
been stationed behind the
Miranda holds the final
product of linguica.
Please see GRIND,Page D6
PHOTOGRAPHS BY WADE SPEES/STAFF
Madison Tessener (standing) of McCrady’s analyzes a wine by appearance, aroma and taste before reporting her observations.
BY HANNA RASKIN
M
ost high-value crops are brought up
in luxury, at least by plant kingdom
standards. They get all the soil and
sun they want. When they’re thirsty, they get
watered.
One notable exception is Vitis vinifera, or the
common grape vine. To coax stunning wines
from Grenache, Merlot, Nebbiolo and a multi-
tude of other grapes, vineyard managers very
nearly torture their plantings.
“You want just enough
to keep it going and
alive,” master somme-
lier Brett Davis explains.
“You’re trying to stress
this vine. You want the
vine to think: This is an
inhospitable spot to be. I
want to get out of here.”
The Court of Master
Sommeliers, a 38-year-
old credentialing organi-
zation widely recognized
as the standard setter of the wine service world,
takes a similar approach to aspiring somme-
liers. To achieve the court’s highest rank, wine
professionals must submit to years of rigorous
study, endless strategic tastings and personal
life upheaval. “It costs nine out of 10 of us our
significant others,” says Davis, one of 140 mas-
ter sommeliers in North America.
Usually, the ordeal culminates with repeated
failed exams: Master sommeliers say the only
real difference between them and every other
wine seller is resilience.
Many wine lovers are familiar with the con-
tours of a master sommelier pursuit from the
2012 documentary “Somm,” which chronicled
four men on the cusp of taking the prestigious
exam. Yet long before their exploits were con-
sidered big screen-worthy, their journeys began
with the court’s introductory course.
Big wine hug
Unlike later stages of the master sommelier
process, the first level of study is remarkably
nurturing. Restaurant servers, wine retailers
and enthusiastic oenophiles who pay $525 for
the two-day class are supposed to show up with
a working knowledge of wine history, geogra-
phy and science, but instructors don’t chastise
Class by the glass
Participants start down the difficult path to sommelier certification
Brett Davis and other master sommeliers prepare for a morning class. The Court of Master
Sommeliers, a 38-year-old credentialing organization for wine service, conducted an intro-
ductory two-day course at McCrady’s restaurant for servers, wine retailers and oenophiles.
“We never want to scare anyone off, because we look at every student
as a diamond in the rough. This is supposed to be a big wine hug.”
Master sommelier Ron Edwards
Please see WINE,Page D4
For
more
photos,
go to
postandcourier.
com/galleries.
Photo
gallery

AllDailyDivision
FIRST PLACE:
Beth Harrison
BY PRENTISS FINDLAY
Back in the day, a Grateful Dead
concertticketcouldbehadforaround
$20.Thisweekend,seeingthelegend-
ary band’s final three shows could
cost thousands of dollars.
Chicago is ground zero for Dead-
heads as the legendary band cele-
bratesits50thanniversaryandsays
goodbye to touring in concerts Fri-
daythroughSundayatSoldierField.
LocalsRichardToddandKyleLa-
hm said they will fly to the Windy
City to catch the farewell perfor-
mances.
“You only live once,” said Todd,
a long-time Charleston radio per-
sonality.
In all, he estimates he’s spending
at between $1,500 and $2,000 for
travel, hotel accommodations and
tickets. He has seen the band many
times,includingthefirsttwoshows
of its farewell tour last weekend in
Santa Clara, Calif.
“The Grateful Dead have been
stimulatingtheeconomyoftheU.S.
for a couple of decades,” he said.
The Chicago performances will
result in a massive infusion of cash
into the city. An estimated 100,000
people each day from around the
world are expected for the shows.
Theeconomicimpactwillbesome-
where between $50 million and
Chicago will make
a killing off the Dead
2 locals to spend big on farewell shows that will bring city $50M-$100M
AP
Bruce Hornsby (from left), Jeff Chimenti, Bob Weir, Phil Lesh, Trey Anastasio, Mickey Hart and Bill Kreutzmann of the Grateful Dead
are seen at the band’s Fare Thee Well Show at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Sunday. The band is saying goodbye to touring.
Poll
Do you think the
three shows this
weekend will be the final
Grateful Dead performanc-
es? Go to postandcourier.
com/polls to vote.
Inside
5 concerts chronicle story
of the Grateful Dead. B3
Please see DEAD,Page B3
BY BO PETERSEN
At30feetdown,theCooperRiveris
so dark you might as well have your
eyes shut. Divers tie themselves off
withlanyardsagainstthecurrentand
tide runs. Then they hunt monsters.
The Megalodon was the biggest
shark and the biggest predator ever
known to exist, estimated to have
been at least twice as large as the larg-
est great white. Its gaping jaws were
strong enough to crush a whale like
a grape. Its teeth were as big as an ax
head.
The divers are after those teeth.
Yep the most terrifying sea monster
My,what
big teeth
we have
Megalodon fossils
lure divers to Cooper
BY HANNA RASKIN
T
he Charleston restaurant scene has
been written up in every glossy food
magazine and major metropolitan
newspaper, yet the publication that may mat-
ter most to the local hospitality industry is an
electronic newsletter with just a few hundred
addresses on its distribution list.
Thomas Kennedy’s quarterly Charleston
Restaurant Report consists primarily of hy-
perlinked stories about national menu trends
and advertisements for vendors selling bulk
produce and glassware. The heart of the re-
port, though, is a bulleted list of openings,
closings and restaurants in the works. Within
hours of issuing a new edition, Kennedy is apt
to receive 20 emails from readers wanting to
know more about a raw bar or taco shop her-
alded in the “Coming Soon” section. As the
tri-county area gains one new restaurant each
week, on average, it’s nearly impossible for
even insiders to keep up.
“You know I’m not getting all of them,” says
Kennedy, a longtime restaurant real estate
broker and principal of Kennedy Partners.
When Kennedy in 2008 compiled his first
newsletter, using data drawn from public
records and word of mouth, “it was nothing
more than a Word document with different
fonts and colors to put more spice in it.” But
by 2011, with the number of annual openings
creeping toward 100, it didn’t take a Comic
Sans typeface to attract the community’s at-
tention.
Are there too many cooks
in Charleston’s kitchen?
Surging restaurant scene stirs up debate about a potential bubble
WADE SPEES/STAFF
The enduring popularity of Charleston restaurants is illustrated by the line that forms outside Hominy Grill on a Sunday, shown here
just after noon on Jan. 18.
“We’ve never had this much
activity in 18 months ever.”
Tim Hagar, restaurant real estate broker
Please see RESTAURANTS,Page A8
Does the tri-county area have
the right number of restaurants?
Go to postandcourier.com/polls to vote.
Poll

SPORTS HEADLINE WRITING
AllDailyDivision
THIRD PLACE:
TheTimesandDemocrat
Jennifer Spears

AllDailyDivision
SECOND PLACE:
David Hale
BY KEVIN O’ROURKE
Professionalbaseball’sstolenbase
leader grins when asked if he has a
number he’d like to swipe in 2015.
“I’d like to steal 1,000 if I could,”
said Jorge Mateo, the Charleston
RiverDogs’ 20-year-old shortstop.
“If I get on base, I’m going to try
to steal.”
Mateo has tried and succeeded
with regularity this season.
Through games played Sunday,
the native of Santo Domingo,
Dominican Republic, leads all of
baseball with 70 stolen bases, and
it’s not close. Johneshwy Fargas of
the Augusta GreenJackets ranks
second with 52. Cincinnati Reds
outfielder Billy Hamilton is Major
League Baseball’s leader with 46
steals.
“Everybodyalwayssaysyou’rethe
fastestguyonthefield,”saidMateo
throughatranslator,hisroommate
RainieroCoa,aRiverDogscatcher.
“But that’s right. They’re right
(laughing). The stolen bases can
come whether you’re fast or not.
You have to be smart. I watch the
pitcher all the time.”
Pitchers are certainly watch-
ing Mateo, but it has done them
little good. Mateo has been caught
stealing just 14 times and is widely
regarded as one of the fastest play-
ers in baseball. He took only 13.8
secondstocirclethebasesfromthe
right-handed batter’s box at Riley
Park when he hit an inside-the-
park home run in May.
Mateo was rated the No. 3
prospectintheNewYorkYankees’
system by Baseball America prior
to the season, and he has lived up
The man of steal70 and counting: RiverDogs’ Mateo leads pro baseball in stolen bases
Name Team (Affiliation) SB CS
Jorge Mateo Charleston RiverDogs (Yankees) 70 14
Johneshwy Fargas Augusta GreenJackets (Giants) 52 15
Yefri Perez Jupiter Hammerheads (Marlins) 46 12
Wes Rogers Grand Junction Rockies (Rockies) 45 4
Eddy Alvarez Winston-Salem Dash (White Sox) 44 8
Minor league leaders in stolen bases
“If I get on base, I’m going to try to steal.”
— RiverDogs shortstop Jorge Mateo
FILE/VIN DUFFEY/CHARLESTON RIVERDOGS
Charleston’s Jorge Mateo runs to first base for an infield single in a recent game at Riley Park. The RiverDogs’ 20-year-old shortstop
has stolen 70 bases in 84 attempts this season. Mateo’s total is 18 more than the next-highest amount.
Please see MATEO,Page C4
BY ANDREW MILLER
apmiller@postandcourier.com
The series between the South
Carolina Stingrays and the Reading
Royals has closely resembled a heavy-
weight prize fight.
Each team has delivered what it
believed to be the knockout blow
duringthefirstfivegamesoftheseries
only to have its opponent get up off
the mat, dust itself off and come back
just as hard.
South Carolina leads 3-2 in its
best-of-seven ECHL East Division
semifinal series going into Tuesday’s
Game 6, which is set for 7:05 p.m. at
the North Charleston Coliseum. The
Stingrays can capture the series with
a victory. A Royals win would force a
decisive Game 7 Wednesday night at
the North Charleston Coliseum.
No team has been able to win back-
to-back games during the series. The
Stingraysarehopingtoendthattrend
Tuesday night.
“This will be the toughest game
we’ve played yet in the series,” said
Stingrays coach Spencer Carbery.
“The elimination game, especially
againstaveteranteamlikeReading,is
goingtobethetoughestgamebecause
they’ve got nothing to lose. They’re a
desperate hockey team that’s going to
doanythingitcantokeeptheirseason
going and live another day. This has
been a back-and-forth series, so our
playershavetounderstandthatRead-
ingisgoingtocomeoutandplaytheir
best game.”
It’s one thing to believe that a team
cangoontheroadandwintwoplayoff
games on the opposition’s home ice.
It’s another to actually get it done.
“There is zero doubt in Reading’s
mind that they not only believe they
can come down here and win two
games,theyknowtheycandoit,”Car-
bery said. “They’ve already beaten us
once in our own building. A younger
team might say they can do it, but not
really believe it, but Reading is a team
that knows they can do it. They get a
win Tuesday, and anything can hap-
pen in a Game 7.”
When the Stingrays have been good
in this series, they’ve been able to get
offensive contributions from all three
lines.
Stingrays look to close the book on Reading
KELLY CUP PLAYOFFS: GAME 6
WHO: Reading Royals
vs. South Carolina Stingrays
WHEN: 7:05 p.m.
WHERE: N. Charleston Coliseum
SERIES: Stingrays lead, 3-2
TICKETS: 744-2248
Game Day
TOM BOLAND/SPECIAL TO THE POST AND COURIER
Forward Rob Bellamy (10) and the Stingrays look to finish off goalie
Connor Knapp and Reading in their ECHL first-round playoff series
Tuesday night at the North Charleston Coliseum.Please see STINGRAYS,Page C4
NEW YORK — It’s a
city of disbelief.
How could this hap-
pen? Serena Williams losing
to an unseeded 32-year-old?
What?
It was that bad. Everyone
had taken for granted that
Serena would destroy doubles
standout Roberta Vinci. Even
Vinci hinted that she believed
that would be the case.
Of course, that didn’t hap-
pen. At some point, the 43rd-
ranked Vinci decided to go to
war with Serena.
Vinci came to play. Serena
didn’t. She obviously wasn’t
expecting a war to break out.
It wasn’t that Serena didn’t
fight until the end. She did, but
although she later emphasized
that she didn’t feel the pressure
except on a couple of shots, she
certainly didn’t maintain her
focus through the second and
third sets of her 2-6, 6-4, 6-4
loss to Vinci in the U.S. Open
semifinals on Friday.
It didn’t end there. Serena
supporters were giving away
tickets to Saturday’s final.
High-priced ones too. Of
course, there are no cheap
tickets to a Grand Slam tour-
nament final.
The Nightmare at Flushing
was real. There would be no
Serena Grand Slam.
At least, not this year.
There were plenty of empty
seats in the largest tennis sta-
dium in the world on Saturday
when Flavia Pennetta posted a
7-6, 6-2 win over Vinci in the
battle of Italians final.
This was more like the cali-
ber of match you might expect
to see in the opening round of
the Volvo Cars Open. Great
tennis, but not Grand Slam
final quality.
Even at 33 years old, Serena
is so far superior to the rest of
the women’s game that you
can’t rule out the same setting
reoccurring at the final Grand
Slam event of 2016.
It all depends on if Serena
sets her mind on the challenge.
She may, and if she does, it’s
possible. This time was differ-
ent. As bad as Vinci wanted
to see Serena win the Grand
Slam, she wanted to win more.
“I’m a little bit really sad for
Serena,” Vinci said afterward.
When the match was on the
line, Vinci resorted to league
tennis tactics, lob after lob.
Whatever would win the
point. It didn’t matter.
Vinci just wanted to be the
one to put the last ball in play
on every point ... and then the
match.
Mission accomplished. “She
did not want to lose today.
Neither did I, incidentally,”
Serena assured.
Serena committed errors on
the easiest of shots, and hit
winners on the most difficult.
This isn’t to say Vinci didn’t
deserve to win. She did.
From lobs to whatever it
took to get the job done.
The scrappy little (5-4) Ital-
ian made marvelous gets,
wonderful slice backhands
and best of all brilliant half
volleys. For good measure in
her last love service game, she
came up with a pair of ex-
traordinary half volleys, one
off the forehand and one off
the backhand.
It was difficult to watch
Serena the last few games as
she fought with a vengeance,
practically stumbling as she
lunged for ball after ball. She
would not give up, not until
Vinci came up with the deli-
cate forehand half volley that
ended the misery.
“I never felt pressure,” Ser-
ena assured.
It will be interesting to see
how long Serena really wants
to go through this type of
agony in the future. Then
again, she might decide that
she has nothing to lose. And
she doesn’t.
What happened Friday
afternoon at Arthur Ashe
Stadium doesn’t change any-
thing as far as to where Serena
Williams ranks on the list of
all-time greats.
She’s still at the top of the list.
“I did win three Grand Slams
this year,” Serena said. “Yeah,
I won four in a row. It’s pretty
good.”
Veni, Vidi, Vinci: Serena stunningly conquered
JAMES BECK
Tennis

AllDailyDivision
FIRST PLACE:
Luke Reasoner
JAE C. HONG/AP
Oregon’s Darren Carrington had 165
receiving yards and two touchdowns
against Florida State in the Rose Bowl
on Thursday. The Ducks won, 59-20, to
advance to the national title game.
Associated Press
PASADENA, CALIF. — Touchdown.
Turnover.Touchdown.Turnover.Touchdown.
And on it went for Oregon.
Marcus Mariota and the Ducks are built
for speed and in a flash they turned the first
College Football Playoff semifinal game into
a Rose Bowl rout.
The Ducks dusted Florida State, 59-20, on
Thursday and now it’s on to Texas to try to
win their first national championship.
“It’s incredible. I’m so proud of these guys
Ducks soar past
Florida State
BRYNN ANDERSON/AP
Ohio State’s Ezekiel Elliott rushed for 230 yards and two touchdowns in the Buckeyes’ win over Alabama on Thursday night.
Associated Press
NEW ORLEANS — Cardale Jones came
through again at the Sugar Bowl in his sec-
ond career start and Ezekiel Elliott ran for
230yards,leadingOhioStatetoa42-35upset
of top-ranked Alabama (12-2) in the College
Football Playoff semifinal Thursday night.
Jones threw for 243 yards, including a
47-yard touchdown to Devin Smith that
put the Buckeyes ahead for good early in
the third quarter. He also ran for 43 yards
and converted a crucial third-down play on
a 1-yard dive with Ohio State (13-1) clinging
to a 34-28 lead.
Buckeyes knock
off Alabama
O, what a night
Ohio State, Oregon set to play for national championship
COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFFS
Oregon 59,
Florida State 20
Ohio State 42,
Alabama 35
Please see OREGON,Page C4
THE
BY TOMMY BRASWELL || braswell@postandcourier.com
H
ow many shots would it take Rory McIlroy to hit a golf ball
the 187-mile length of South Carolina’s coast?
If the world’s No. 1-ranked golfer were to use his average
distance off the tee for every shot (305.9 yards), McIlroy could
do it in about 1,076 swings.
On shot No. 41 McIlory would find himself at world-renowned Harbour
Town Golf Links on Hilton Head Island. On his 357th shot, he probably
would pause and reflect on one of his crowning achievements, an 8-shot
victory in the 2012 PGA Championship at Kiawah Island’s Ocean Course.
Stroke 966 would find McIlroy in Myrtle Beach at the famed Dunes Club.
Along the way, he would pass within a few shots left (the Atlantic Ocean
being to his right) of 191 of South Carolina’s approximately 368 public and
private golf courses.
“I don’t think there’s a stronger package in terms of three distinct
destinations in a four-hour stretch than coastal South Carolina,” said Joe
Passov, who writes a monthly travel column for Golf Magazine and
oversees the publication’s golf course rankings. “I’m a huge fan of coastal
South Carolina. It’s a pretty easy endorsement for me to give.”
Golf Digest, in ranking the 10 Best Golf States based on top public courses
per capita, says South Carolina is No. 2 behind Hawaii and is home to three
of the golf world’s most popular hubs, Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head and
Kiawah Island.
Charleston, Myrtle Beach and
Hilton Head put South Carolina
among world’s top golf destinations
FILE/CHRIS HANCLOSKY/STAFTT F
Please see GOLF,Page C5
BY ANDREW MILLER
For long stretches Tuesday night, the South
CarolinaStingraysdominatedtheAllenAmer-
icans. The Stingrays’ forecheck created turn-
over after turnover and scoring chance after
scoring chance.
It didn’t matter on the scoreboard.
Gary Steffes scored two goals and Riley Gill
made 22 saves to lead Allen past South Caro-
lina, 5-2, in Game 2 of the Kelly Cup Finals
Tuesday night before a crowd of 3,804 at the
Allen Event Center in Allen, Texas.
The series is tied, 1-1, heading into Game 3
Wednesdaynightbeginningat8:05p.m.atthe
Allen Event Center. The best-of-seven series
will shift to the Lowcountry for three games
beginning Sunday night at the North Charles-
ton Coliseum for Game 4.
“We had the majority of the puck possession
inside the offensive zone and it didn’t do us
anygoodbecausewewerenotreadytoexecute
Allen wrenches Rays
Americans roll past Stingrays to tie ECHL Finals
For more photos from Game 2 of
the Kelly Cup Finals, go to
postandcourier.com/galleries.
Photo gallery
ECHL Kelly Cup Finals
PHOTO BY LAUREN LYSSY
Wade Epp (center) and the South Carolina Stingrays lost to Allen, 5-2, in Game 2 of the ECHL Kelly Cup Finals on Tuesday.
Americans 5, Stingrays 2
Please see STINGRAYS,Page C4

NEWS SECTION OR SPECIAL EDITION
AllDailyDivision
THIRD PLACE:
Staff
THE ARRTTHUUR RR AVENELL JRR..
11111100000 - YYY EEE AAAA RRRRR AAA NNNN NNNN III VVVVV EEEEE RRRRRR SSSSSS AAAA RRRRRR YYYYY
JULY 16, 2015
Engineering Marvel
A bridge built to handle
earthquakes, hurricanes
and man-made disasters
Page 4
Big Business
South Carolina businesses
enjoy a windfall as tankers
glide into an expanding port
Page 20
Endearing Icon
The people of the Lowcountry
— and beyond —
share their stories
Page 23

AllDailyDivision
SECOND PLACE:
Staff
Sunday, June 21, 2015
N
S
TO COME TOGETHER
There are a number of events in the Charleston area to help
a city in mourning grieve and honor those who lost their lives.
For a list of prayer services, vigils and more, see Page A5.
TO HELP THE FAMILIES
For details on how to contribute to funds
to benefit those who lost loved ones at
Emanuel AME Church, see Page A5.
INSIDE
A look at the lives of the nine victims,
and a poem by Marjory Wentworth,
South Carolina’s poet laureate.
Cynthia Hurd
54, a library manager whose life was dedicated to books, children and church
Susie Jackson
87, a mother ﬁgure to generations in her family and a renowned cook of collard greens
Ethel Lance
70, a church custodian who found strength in a gospel song to overcome life’s challenges
DePayne Middleton Doctor
49, a minister whose angelic voice could heal troubled hearts
Clementa Pinckney
41, a pastor and state senator who lent his booming voice to the voiceless
Tywanza Sanders
26, a barber, poet and aspiring entrepreneur ready to take the world by storm
Daniel L. Simmons Sr.
74, a minister who served as a model of endurance and service to God
Sharonda Singleton
45, a pastor and coach who became her runners’ biggest cheerleader, on and off the track
Myra Thompson
59, a builder of faith who worked to restore her beloved church’s properties to their full glory
IN REMEMBRANCE

AllDailyDivision
FIRST PLACE:
The State
Staff
125TH YEAR, NO. 144 | SOUTH CAROLINA'S NEWSPAPER | $1.00 | COPYRIGHT © 2015 | CAPITAL FINAL
T
he brief solemn ceremony that ended the Confederate flag’s 54 years at the S.C. State House on
Friday took place before a crowd of 10,000 that chanted and cheered loudly. Their voices rose
when three S.C. State Highway Patrol troopers stood inside an iron fence and started lowering
the Civil War banner to furl it. Across the Capitol lawn, Gov. Nikki Haley and a number of current and
formerstateleadersmadenospeeches,butstood silently,watchingthehistory they madeinanswerto
nine African-American churchgoers being gunned down in Charleston last month.
STORY PAGE A4
TIM DOMINICK/TDOMINICK@THESTATE.COM
SC turns page
in history book
VOICES IN THE CROWD
Some moments experienced
among the 10,000 onlookers who
gathered at the S.C. State House
to witness the removal of the flag.
Page A4
DYLANN ROOF GUN SNAFU
A mistake by the FBI that allowed accused
Charleston church shooter Dylann Roof to
purchase a gun drew a pledge for an probe
by a S.C. elected leader.
Page A5
PHOTO PAGES
Images from a historic day in South
Carolina when an icon of the Confed-
eracy left the State House grounds for
the last time
Pages 6-7
Index: Business, B6
Classified, B7 | Comics, C6
Weather, C8

SPORTS SECTION OR SPECIAL EDITION
AllDailyDivision
THIRD PLACE:
TheTimesandDemocrat
Staff

AllDailyDivision
SECOND PLACE:
Herald-Journal
Staff

AllDailyDivision
FIRST PLACE:
The State
Staff
INSIDE
2B: 10 things Spurrier did for USC
3B: Spurrier’s biggest wins at USC
4B: Exclusive Q&A with Harris Pastides
5B: Plans of interim head coach Shawn
Elliott
6B: What Ray Tanner is looking for in a
new head coach
ONLINE
Video: Spurrier, Elliott, Tanner remarks from
Tuesday
Best videos: From Spurrier era at USC
Video: USC players react to the coaching
change
Gallery: Photos from Tuesday's news
conference
Coming Thursday at 11 a.m.: Live Q&A with
Josh Kendall
Photo illustration by GERRY MELENDEZ gmelendez@thestate.com
Tossing in
his visor
Steve Spurrier resigns as South Carolina’s head football coach
END OF AN ERA: HBC KEEPSAKE EDITION
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2015 | WWW.THESTATE.COM | COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA | SECTION B
‘‘I THINK I WAS THE BEST COACH FOR THIS JOB 11
YEARS AGO, BUT I’M NOT TODAY. THAT’S THE
CYCLE OF COACHING. I JUST THINK THIS IS THE
BEST THING, THE BEST THING FOR SOUTH
CAROLINA FOOTBALL, FOR OUR UNIVERSITY.”
– Steve Spurrier

LIFESTYLE/FEATURE SECTION
OR SPECIAL EDITION
AllDailyDivision
THIRD PLACE:
The Herald
Staff
IN STEP
High school marching bands in
York, Chester and upper
Lancaster counties entertain,
compete and teach life lessons.
SUNDAY OCTOBER 11 2015
HERALDONLINE.COM

OR SPECIAL EDITION
AllDailyDivision
SECOND PLACE:
Staff
BY HANNA RASKIN
R
estaurant patrons love to complain about bathrooms.
Denied a glimpse of the kitchen, they tend to draw
conclusions about an establishment’s cleanliness
based on how many balled-up paper towels they count on
the bathroom floor, or the amount of soap scum on the sink.
Bathroom impressions are so influential that a recent Harris
Interactive survey found half of restaurant bathroom users
who are disappointed with the facilities will tell their friends
and relatives — and more than a quarter of them will never
eat at the restaurant again.
But those gripes are mere whimpers compared to the
bathroom-related rants of restaurateurs, who say they invest
considerable square footage and employee time in the cre-
ation and upkeep of bathrooms that satisfy their customers’
most pressing needs. And then those ingrates — sorry, valued
guests — vandalize the fixtures, steal the artwork and make a
mess. Even in nicer restaurants, diners are regularly seized by
the compulsion to leave their tables and scribble on the bath-
room wall.
“Personal accountability is a lot higher in a private home
than a public restroom,” says architect David Thompson,
whose local projects include Artisan Meat Share, The Gra-
nary, Indaco and The Grocery. “You can never use too much
tile or make the tile too high, because common sense goes out
the window.”
Expecting an experience
It’s not bathrooms that bring out the worst in restaurantgo-
ers, Thompson theorizes: It’s the bar.
“I think the amount of misbehavior is directly proportional
to alcohol sales,” says Thompson, who was once tasked with
designing a bathroom for a Folly Beach restaurant. “My first
design had this really cool tile, going up five feet. And they
said, ‘We like it, but we have to tile all the way to the ceiling.’ I
was like, ‘You’ve got to be kidding me.’ ”
Yet restaurants can’t get away with the stainless steel cap-
sules that are standard on airplanes. “You have a lot of things
that aren’t fun or cool to deal with when you’re designing a
bathroom, but the expectation now is it’s going to be some
kind of memorable experience,” Thompson says.
That expectation is shaped in part by magazines such as
Going in styleLocal restaurateurs get creative in balancing bathroom form with function
GRACE BEAHM/STAFF
Butcher & Bee uses antiques to hold
extra rolls of toilet paper.
PAUL ZOELLER/STAFF
Tavern and Table’s bathroom features a trough-
style sink.
GRACE BEAHM/STAFF
The women’s bathrooms at Leon’s display 1950s’ calendar pages.
GRACE BEAHM/STAFF
The bathroom signs at Leon’s. Please see BATHROOMS,Page D4
PAUL ZOELLER/STAFF
Lee Lee’s Hot Kitchen’s bathroom walls have
news print from a Chinese-language paper.
Non-Stick
Grilling Mats
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1399
Only
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Check out our line-up
of Grilling Classes!
Even if you don’t have a Big Green Egg
(yet) most of the techniques can be
used using other grills and smokers.
Check out the schedules and menus
online, and come in store or give us a
call to sign up today!
STARTING AT $20/SEAT
Big Green Egg
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644-J Long Point Road
Mt. Pleasant • (843) 856-4321
Open 7 days a week
TheCoastalCupboard.com
Flexible, non-stick
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falling through the
grates. They’re heat
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on gas & charcoal grills,
ovens, and even the
microwave! Plus, it’s
dishwasher safe.
TheLowcountry’s
MostCompleteKitchenStore!
R60-1350064
Contact: Teresa Taylor, ttaylor@postandcourier.comPOSTANDCOURIER.COM
FOODWednesday, August 19, 2015D1
ComingThursday
Restaurant Review:
Garcia’s Tortilla House
Charleston Scene
Forked path
Sail away to an island for a
beachside Lowcountry boil
PAGE D3
Save thereceipt
Chef takes Gazpacho Salad
Ring up a notch
PAGE D2
NowOpen
Customers scooping up garlic
crab at ChuckTown Seafood
PAGE D3

OR SPECIAL EDITION
AllDailyDivision
FIRST PLACE:
Staff
Betsy Harper
and Ashley Starkey
Lindsay Coleman
and Eric Gold
Arlene Felipe
and Jeff Feinman
Karen Ann Myers
and J.R. Simpson
The daters
321 4
BY HANNA RASKIN
S
ince online dating became the main-
stream way to find a mate, singles have
been forced to agonize over exactly how
to present themselves to potential suitors.
Should they emphasize their vintage kite
collections? Or disclose an abiding love for
table tennis?
And with so many details available up
front, they also have to settle on the charac-
teristics they’re seeking, since it’s perfectly
reasonable these days to narrow down a field
of eligible bachelors to 5-foot-8-inch men
who grew up in Nebraska, speak a smat-
tering of Mandarin Chinese and scale tall
peaks on the weekends.
The problem with approaching love this
way is there are plenty of intrinsic qualities
that aren’t well represented by heights and
hobbies. All of those things can potentially
distract from figuring out a person’s true
nature, as someone who’s gone on countless
bad dates with mountain bikers can attest.
So where to look for better clues? Allow me
to suggest the palate.
To be clear, there is zero science back-kk
ing me up on this. But I firmly believe thatff
it’s indicative of something when a person
can’t stand spice or insists on adding salt to
everything on the table, including a pint of
cold beer. We can pretend to love ballroom
dancing or the Atlanta Hawks for at least a
little while, but just try foisting uni custard
on someone who starts the day with Crispix
and ends it with a Nestle Crunch.
Survey says …
I don’t know if it’s nature or nurture that
dictates whether an eater likes her food
served cold or hot. I suspect most food pref-ff
erences are probably a combination of the
two, arising from the genetics of flavor per-
ception and cultural biases. And that’s what
makes it a pretty good way of accessing our
essential selves.
Hang on, you’re saying. I’ve been married
to my beloved for 46 years, and we never
order the same thing at a restaurant. But that
Please see LOVE,Page D5
Contact: Teresa Taylor, ttaylor@postandcourier.comPOSTANDTT COURIER.COM
FOODWednesday, February 11, 2015D1
Canyour
tastebuds
leadto
love?
In anticipation
of Valentine’sVV Day,aa
we set up four pairs
of diners based
on their palates.
See which onescc
hit it off.
See pages D6-7
PHOTOGRAPHS BY GRACE BEAHM/STAFF AND DREAMSTIME
ComingThursday
Restaurant Review:
TaTT vern & TaTT ble
Charleston Scene
The survey
This survey (on a scale from 1-10) was given to our daters. See their responses on Pages D6-7. Also, try taking the survey with your significant other at surveymonkey.com/s/6GDKFFX
TemperatureTT
Cold (1).............................................Hot (10)
TextureTT
Creamy (1)y ...................................Crispy(10)
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None (1) ...........................................Lots(10)
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Very sweet (1)....................Not sweet(10)
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Unsalted (1) .........................Very salty(10)
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Light (1)........................................Heavy(10)
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ENTERTAINMENT SECTION
AllDailyDivision
HONORABLE MENTION:
Staff
R34-1352045

AllDailyDivision
THIRD PLACE:
The State
Staff
Here’s to OktoberfestHere’s to Oktoberfest page 4
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2015 » THE STATE GOCOLUMBIA.COM » PRICELESS
FEEL THE BURN: BARRE3 HOSTS MASS WORKOUT ON STATE HOUSE LAWN PAGE 7

AllDailyDivision
SECOND PLACE:
Independent Mail
Jake Grove
June 18-24, 2015
Vape lounges and shops
are becoming social clubs
for Upstate communities. 4
Smoky trend Bakari McGowan, of Easley,
smokes during vape night at
Volcano Lounge on Whitehall
Road in Anderson.

AllDailyDivision
FIRST PLACE:
Independent Mail
Jake Grove
Feb. 5-11, 2015
V1I31
Barrel-aged beer becoming
the trend in area breweries. 4
Rolling out
goodness

FEATURE MAGAZINE
AllDailyDivision
THIRD PLACE:
Staff

FEATURE MAGAZINE
AllDailyDivision
SECOND PLACE:
Herald-Journal
Staff

FEATURE MAGAZINE
AllDailyDivision
FIRST PLACE:
Caroline Fossi, Rachel
Cook, Laurie Hellmann

INDIVIDUAL USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA
AllDailyDivision
THIRD PLACE:
Melissa Boughton

AllDailyDivision
SECOND PLACE:
Andrew Knapp
Andrew Knapp
@offlede
@postandcourier crime reporter giving
updates on #CharlestonShooting,
#WalterScott. Photographer of the sky.
knappimages.com ... facebook.com
/andrewknapp
Charleston, SC
postandcourier.com/apps/pbcs.dll/…
Joined January 2008
1,062 Photos and videos


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

Pinned Tweet
Andrew Knapp @offlede · 5m
All the latest news and top stories on
#CharlestonShooting from
@postandcourier: postandcourier.com
/church-shooting
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View details
Andrew Knapp Retweeted
Mitch Pugh @SCMitchP · Nov 20
Gun violence experts to converge on Charleston church six months
after shooting, per @offlede. postandcourier.com/article/201511…

  1 
Andrew Knapp @offlede · Nov 20
It's hard to work with a monkey on your
back, though I'm quite used to it.
Tweets Tweets & replies Photos & videos
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AllDailyDivision
FIRST PLACE:
Independent Mail
Mike Ellis

BREAKING NEWS REPORTING
DailyUnder16,000Division
THIRD PLACE:
TheTimesandDemocrat
Staff

SECOND PLACE:
TheTimesandDemocrat
Martha Rose Brown,
Gene Zaleski,
Dionne Gleaton and
Princess Williams

FIRST PLACE:
Aiken Standard
Dede Biles
STAFF PHOTT TO BY DEDE BILES
Dr. Don Ham, left, of The Laurus Group, examines the huge white oak on Marion Street with Tom Rapp, the City of Aiken’s horticulturist, Thursday.
To see video of the tree in question, visit www.aikenstandard.com.
BY DEDE BILES
dbiles@aikenstandard.com
white oak on Marion Street.
-
ability.”
tree’s health closely in recent years.
Arbrbororiristst onon Aiikekenen oakak:
‘A‘A hahazazaardrd anandnd a liaiababibiilitityty’y’
Please see TREE,

Daily16,000-45,000Division
THIRD PLACE:
The Herald
Staff
Four people were found dead at
a home Sunday night after a shoot-
ing in Rock Hill, according to the
York County Sheriff’s Office.
Investigators worked late into
the night at the home, located at
985 Dunlap Roddey Road.
The identities of the victims
were not released, pending notifi-
cation to family members, York
County Sheriff Bruce Bryant said.
Law enforcement officials said
they were called to the home
around 5:45 p.m. Sunday. Later,
they spoke with someone who had
been inside the home earlier, offi-
cials said.
By 8 p.m., officials with the
Sheriff’s Office said they were not
looking for a suspect or shooter in
the case. Bryant said it appeared
all the victims were killed Sunday,
but further details about the hom-
icide were not available late Sun-
day.
“Until we get our crime scene
(investigators) inside and we do a
thorough investigation, we can’t
say all four of these people were
shot,” Bryant said while at the
home Sunday.
He added: “We do know there
was some gunfire involved inside
the home.”
At least one victim was found
dead outside the home, in the
backyard, said Trent Faris, Sher-
iff’s Office spokesman.
The crime scene was active for
several hours on the residential
street. The home where the shoot-
ing occurred is near Emmanuel
Church of the Nazarene, off Saluda
Road. The area is located in south-
ern Rock Hill, just outside the
city’s limits.
Neighbors told The Herald on
Sunday night that a family had just
moved into the home about two
weeks ago. York County tax and
property records show the home
was sold last month.
York County has had one other
homicide this year, officials said
Sunday. That case involved a
house fire in Catawba that killed a
14-month-old boy. His older half-
brother was charged with murder
and arson.
4 people killed at Rock Hill homeSheriff said gunfire was
involved but couldn’t say
all victims were shot
From staff reports
Online
More: Check heraldonline.com for
updates as the shooting investigation
continues.

SECOND PLACE:
Independent Mail
Staff
81˚
62˚
Clouds, breaks of sun.
Full weather report. 9A
ONESCHOOL?
By Abe Hardesty
abe.hardesty@independentmail.com
864-260-1252
Rene Hull came to
Thursday’s Anderson
School District 5 commit-
tee meeting with a nega-
tive opinion of Superin-
tendent Tom Wilson’s
proposed restructure, and
went home with the same
mindset.
Her close friend, fellow
Anderson parent Amber
Matta, agreed to disagree.
“I was ‘leaning against’
when I came; now I’m
‘leaning for’ — but I think
I’m in the minority,” Mat-
ta said after the meeting,
which drew an overﬂow
crowd of about 200 to the
district office.
The crowd was re-
strained but appeared
skeptical in the 90-minute
open session of the meet-
ing. Its lone, brief outburst
came in the form of an ap-
plause after Jay Blanken-
ship expressed sentiment
in opposition to the pro-
posal.
Its greatest passion,
however, was delivered
by Wilson. The 1973
Hanna graduate, who
attended elementary
school in the segregation
era, expressed regret that
the district “was once
divided by the color of a
person’s skin,” and that
the school district chose
to maintain more than
one high school in 1970
— a policy he considers
“very divisive.”
“Imagine how different
it would have been if folks
had the courage to build
one high school,” Wilson
said.
District5looksatHanna,Westsidemerger
■ Wilson says
proposal would
save money
NATHAN GRAY/INDEPENDENT MAIL
Anderson School District 5 Superintendent Tom Wilson talks about a proposal to consolidate the district’s two high schools.
By Mike Ellis
ellism@independentmail.com
864-260-1277
Waiting in a line of cars outside
Westside High School for her 10th-
grade son Thursday, Amy Ford said
she is not sure about the proposal to
mergeWestsideandT.L.HannaHigh.
Ford was part of the last graduat-
ing class at McDuffie High School,
which closed in 1996, sending some
students to Westside and others to
rival T.L. Hanna.
T.L. Hanna and Westside could
be combined under a proposal by
Anderson School District 5 Super-
intendent Tom Wilson. At a District
5 Board of Trustees committee meet-
ing Thursday night, Wilson said cre-
ating a single high school in Ander-
son would generate budget savings
Firstreactionstoconsolidationplannegative
■ Transportation, academic rankings, sports
among concerns for families, faculty, alumni
People
gather at
the Ander-
son School
District 5 ad-
ministrative
ofﬁce for
a meeting
about a plan
to merge T.L.
Hanna and
Westside
high schools.
NATHAN GRAY/
INDEPENDENT MAIL
I’ve got
enough
to keep me
busy — I
wouldn’t put
myself through
this if I didn’t
think it was
right.”
Tom Wilson,
Anderson School District 5
superintendent
People
are
always going to
be scared of
changes, we’ll
have to see
what happens.”
Angela Weldon,
Westside High School Class of 1997
and parent of Westside student
I don’t
think we
should do this.
We’ve got a
good situation,
a good thing
going here.”
Harold Jones,
former T.L. Hanna coach
ONLINE
Visit independentmail.com
and the Independent Mail apps
to see more photos and video
from Thursday’s meeting as well
as social media reaction to the
proposed high school merger.
See REACTIONS, 6A
See MERGE, 6A

FIRST PLACE:
The Sun News
Charles D. Perry

DailyOver45,000Division
HONORABLE MENTION:
The Greenville News
Staff
COLUMBIA — With a majority of law-
makers now indicating they favor re-
moving a Confederate battle flag from
the Statehouse grounds, discussion has
turned to what, if anything, should re-
place it.
A number of Republican lawmakers
in both chambers are proposing replace-
ment suggestions, ranging from the cur-
rent South Carolina flag to other histori-
cal flags, such as one representing a
South Carolina army regiment.
The Confederate battle flag currently
flies on a flagpole behind the Confeder-
ateSoldiersMonument,onthenorthside
of the Statehouse grounds. It was raised
there in 2000 as part of a compromise to
remove Confederate flags from atop the
Statehouse dome and from inside the
building.
For Democrats, however, talk of an-
other flag is one more issue in a contro-
versy they want quickly settled.
“Ithinkthatcouldbearoadblocktous
gettingthisresolved,”saidSen.JoelLou-
rie, a Columbia Democrat. “Prior to 2000
there was no flag at all. So I think my po-
sition and many others will be that we
need to remove the flagpole, remove the
flag and put the Confederate flag in an
appropriate place of historical perspec-
tive like a museum.”
Hesaidtherewouldbe“greatdivision
ifwestarttalkingabouthanginganyoth-
er flag there.” Most Democrats in the
Senate, he said, have feelings similar to
his own on the issue.
Senate Judiciary Committee Chair-
man Larry Martin, a Pickens Republi-
can, said he would be OK with the South
Carolina flag flying on the flagpole.
“There’s a lot of different ideas
among the (GOP) caucus members,” he
said. “I’ve got emails and phone calls
about do we really want to move that
flagpole or leave it there and maybe put
Flag debate set to open Monday
TIM SMITH
STAFF WRITER
See FLAG, Page 8A

THIRD PLACE:
The State
Staff
The South Carolina
House had not agreed
late Wednesday to re-
move the Confederate
flag from the State House
grounds – a move that
Gov. Nikki Haley, the
state Senate and top po-
litical leaders in the state
and nation have pushed
since nine African-Amer-
icans were shot and
killed in a historic Char-
leston church last month.
Lawmakers continued
debating for more than 11
hours during a day in
which Republicans insist-
ed on finding another
way to honor the Confed-
Confederate flag debate
stalls in S.C. HouseTHESTATE.COM
Go online for latest
news on flag debate.
INSIDE
SC’s transplant
community in
Washington mourns, A7
Discussion drags late into night;
it’s uncertain when a vote will come
SEE FLAG PAGE A7
By JAMIE SELF
jself@thestate.com

SECOND PLACE:
Staff
COP CHARGED
WITH MURDER
An anonymous bystander filmed the confrontation Saturday between Walter L. Scott and North Charleston Patrolman 1st Class Michael T. Slager that ended in Scott’s fatal shooting.
BRIAN HICKS
Online
For the video
and analysis
of the video,
go to post
andcourier.
com/Walter-
Scott.
Inside
Reactions to
fatal shooting
of Walter
Scott. A6
Lawmakers
call for urgent
action on
requiring
police body
cameras. A7
Experts: No
justification
for shooting.
A7
Editorial:
Next step
for grieving
community.
A12
W
hen Michael Thomas
Slager fired eight shots at
Walter Scott’s back Sat-
urday morning, he not only killed a
man — he wounded an entire com-
munity.
And it is going to take North
Charleston a long time to heal.
For years, the North Charleston
Police Department has been accused
of racial profiling, of treating black
suspects much more harshly than
whites.
Some people scoffed at these
charges. There are, after all, a lot of
good men and women — black and
A family, and
an entire city,
devastated
Patrolman 1st
Class Michael T.
Slager served
for more than
five years with
the department.
Walter L. Scott
was a father of
four and a Coast
Guard veteran,
who served for
two years.
VIDEOEVIDENCE
Slager is arrested after a
cellphone video surfaces,
contradicting his account
FATALENCOUNTER
North Charleston officer
Michael Slager fires eight
times and kills Walter Scott
PLEAFORPEACE
Community leaders stress
the need for calm in the
aftermath of Scott’s death
BY MELISSA BOUGHTON
The family of the man gunned down
Saturdaybyapoliceofficerisgladthetruth
is out.
“It needs to be known across America
what’s going on,” said Anthony Scott, 52.
“This is what I hope it serves to the world.
I hope they use better judgment and have
better training.”
His brother, Walter Scott, 50, was shot at
eight times Saturday as he ran away from
a North Charleston police officer, a video
of the incident obtained by The Post and
Courier shows.
“Oh my God, it’s painful. I mean to see
your brother get gunned down that way,”
Scott said of when he first saw the footage.
“Everybody keeps saying that he ran, but
after being tasered, I would have probably
ran too to get that off me. I would have ran
too, but I am sure that he didn’t think that
he would have gotten shot.”
He and his other brother, Rodney Scott,
49, agreed that they didn’t mind that the
video was made public and said people
needed to watch it.
Rodney Scott said family and friends
knew all along that the initial story told by
police “wasn’t Walter.” North Charleston
Patrolman 1st Class Michael Slager’s ac-
count is that he and Scott fought over a
Taser before he used deadly force.
Victim’s brothers hope for change, peace
Please see HICKS,Page A7
BY ANDREW KNAPP
aknapp@postandcourier.com
A white North Charleston police officer
was arrested on a murder charge after a
video surfaced Tuesday of the lawman
shooting eight times at a 50-year-old black
man as the man ran away.
WalterL.Scott,aCoastGuardveteranand
father of four, died Saturday after Patrol-
man 1st Class Michael T. Slager, 33, shot
him in the back.
Five of the eight bullets hit Scott, his fam-
ily’s attorney said. Four of those struck his
back. One hit an ear.
The footage filmed by a bystander, which
The Post and Courier obtained Tuesday
from a source who asked to remain anony-
mous, shows the end of the confrontation
betweenthetwoonSaturdayafterScottran
from a traffic stop. It was the first piece of
evidence contradicting an account Slager
gave earlier this week through his attorney.
The U.S. Department of Justice said in
a statement that FBI investigators would
workwiththeStateLawEnforcementDivi-
sion, which typically investigates officer-
involved shootings in South Carolina, and
the state’s attorney general to examine any
civil rights violations in Scott’s death.
North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey
said during a news conference that Slager
Please see OFFICER,Page A6
Please see CHANGE,Page A7

MATTHEW FORTNER/STAFF
Law enforcement officers work at the scene of a shooting Wednesday night at Emanuel AME Church at 110 Calhoun St. in Charleston.
BY GLENN SMITH, ROBERT BEHRE
and MELISSA BOUGHTON
Nine people were shot to death during a
prayer meeting inside one of Charleston’s
oldest and most well-known black churches
Wednesday night in one of the worst mass
shootings in South Carolina history,
A bomb threat complicated the investiga-
tion and prompted authorities to ask nearby
residents to evacuate as officers scoured the
area for the gunman responsible for the car-
nage inside Emanuel AME Church at 110
Calhoun St. At least one person was said to
have survived the shooting.
Police revealed no motive for the 9 p.m. at-
tack, which was reportedly carried out by a
young white man. Charleston Police Chief
Greg Mullen said, “I do believe this was a
hate crime.”
MayorJoeRileycalledtheshooting“anun-
speakable and heartbreaking tragedy in this
most historic church.”
“Anevilandhatefulpersontookthelivesof
citizens who had come to worship and pray
together,” he said.
Authorities did not identify the dead.
StateSen.ClementaPinckneyisthechurch’s
pastor and was believed to be inside the 19th
centurybuildingduringtheshooting.Pinck-
neycouldnotbereachedlaterinthenightand
there were unconfirmed reports that he and
one of his relatives were among those shot.
Riley said city police were being assisted by
sheriff’sdeputies,theStateLawEnforcement
Division and the FBI.
Churchmembersweregatheredforaprayer
Churchattackkills9
Manhunt on for suspect after ‘hate crime’ shooting at Emanuel AME
WADE SPEES/STAFF
A man kneels on the ground after a mass shooting Wednes-
day at Emanuel AME Church on Calhoun Street.
Inside
Horrific chap-
ter for church, A4
Jeb Bush calls
off visit, A4
Sen. Clementa
Pinckney is pas-
tor of Emanuel
AME Church.
Please see ATTACK,Page ??
Thursday, June 18, 2015 POSTANDCOURIER.COM Charleston, S.C. $1.00
FOUNDED 18 03 WINNER OF THE 2015 PULITZER PR IZE FOR PUBLIC SERVICE

ENTERPRISE REPORTING
THIRD PLACE:
Aiken Standard
Derrek Asberry
BY DERREK ASBERRY
It’s no secret that a number of retail-
ers – small stores and major corpora-
tions – have left the Aiken Mall over
the past few years.
Though concerns about the mall’s vi-
ability has been a major discussion of
late, the issue points to a larger, national
trend – the decline of the American
mall concept and the need for cities to
approach retail in a different way.
Since last year, several stores have
made their exits, leaving the Aiken
Mall with about 20 stores and restau-
rants, according to its directory.
Sears left the mall in April 2014 and
openedaSearsHometownStoreinJan-
uaryat1551WhiskeyRoad.Localstore
SunglassImageleftthemallinNovem-
berafter13yearsandreopenedat161
SouthAikenLane.Mostrecently,Kay
JewelersrelocatedinJanuarytoFabian
Drive.Now,RadioShackandJCPenney
haveannouncedtheirexits.
Overthepastfewmonths,somebusi-
nesseshavemovedintotheAikenMall,
includingTimeOutSalonandDaySpa,
Bebba’sSteaksandHoagiesandFully
ArmoredApparelandAccessories.Still,
thelackofbusinessesinthemallhas
manypeopleaskingquestions,including
USCAikenstudentEduardoAlarcon,
whosaidit’sbeenabouttwoyearssince
hevisitedthemall.
aren’t very many stores in the mall,”
Alarcon said. “I think a lot of people
would like to know why and see more
places to shop.”
The Aiken Standard reached out to
Pam Hyatt, the general manger of the
Aiken Mall, for comment, but did not
receive comments before press time.
Why are they leaving?
Somestores,includingSunglassIm-
age,citedpersonaldealingswiththe
AikenMallasreasonsforleaving.
madeseveralpromisestoher,including
thatnootherstoreswouldbeleavingthe
mall.Postlessaidlackofexposureand
brokenpromiseswerehermainreasons
forleavingthemallafter13years.
“Theypromisedthatnootherstores
wereleaving,andasyousee,several
storesareleaving,”Postlessaid.“Soit’s
justverysadwhat’shappeningatthe
mallrightnow.”
Otherstores,suchasRadioShack,
atthecorporatelevel.Thecompanyre-
morethan1,000locations,includingthe
oneintheAikenMall.
Corporatedownsizingandrelyingon
onlinesaleswasalsopartoftheplanthat
ledSearstoleavethemall,saidAlan
Glover,whoservedasthestore’sgeneral
managerandisnowtheownerofSears
HometownStore.
“Sears’reasonforclosingisthatthey
weren’trenewinganyleases,andso
they’removingmoretotheonlinelane,”
Gloversaid.“Unlessastorewasphe-
be renewing any leases.”
Are malls dying?
STAFF PHOTO BY CINDY KUBOVIC
Sears, Sunglass Image and Kay Jewelers have all recently closed their
stores. RadioShack and JCPenney are slated to leave the mall next.
Several small stores and major corporations have left the Aiken Mall in recent months. Fewer than 20 stores remain open in the mall.
Outdoor retail centers now favored
Leaving the Aiken Mall
Stores that have recently left or are projected to leave:
Vacated
Projected to leave
SUNGLASS
IMAGE
Vol. 149, No. 46 Aiken, S.C.AIKENSTANDARD.COM $1.00
Please see MALLS,Page 15A
WHATDOYOUTHINK?
AikenStandard
facebook.com/
aikenstandard
PHOTOGALLERY
aikenstandard.com

SECOND PLACE:
Aiken Standard
Derrek Asberry

FIRST PLACE:
The Sumter Item
Rick Carpenter
Patience required
As South Carolinians make U-
turns at closed roads and study
their GPS devices to find alternate
routes, states that have experi-
enced similar “epic” flood events
recently suggest a big dose of pa-
tience.
They say don’t expect bridge and
road repairs to happen overnight,
but using federal money to rebuild
roads and bridges may be a silver
lining to an otherwise tragic situa-
tion.
KEY QUESTIONS AND FACTS
After suffering from a multiple-
year drought, heavy rains washed
away dams, roads and bridges in
Texas in May. Five months later,
what has been repaired, and what
will take a more long-term strate-
gy?
Meanwhile, two years after Colo-
rado experienced a 200-year flood,
how helpful has the Federal Emer-
gency Management Agency been
in rebuilding roads, bridges and
other infrastructure?
The Sumter Item asked key ques-
tions to both states’ department of
transportation leaders to give resi-
dents an idea of how quickly to ex-
pect those barricades to come
down and traffic patterns to return
to normal.
Floods in Texas and Colorado re-
sulted from continuous rainfall
during a month, compared to
Other states that
have experienced
major flooding
offer tips to S.C.
BY RICK CARPENTER
rick@theitem.com
SEE STATES, PAGE A6

THIRD PLACE:
Morning News
Gavin Jackson

SECOND PLACE:
Herald-Journal
Daniel J. Gross
and Kim Kimzey
By DANIEL J. GROSS and KIM KIMZEY
daniel.gross@shj.com, kim.kimzey@shj.com
From the front porch of his Overbrook
Circle home, Terry Vernon can see the
burned-out house across the street and
another damaged house next door.
Bright red signs asking for tips in arson
investigations are on both lawns.
Concerned about a rash of suspected
arsons in Spartanburg’s west side neigh-
borhood, Vernon said he is considering
selling the house that he has called home
for ﬁve years. The potential threat to both
his safety and property value also trou-
bles him.
“That one woke me up, and there was
just so much smoke,” said Vernon, ges-
turing to the remnants of 107 Overbrook
Circle.
The roof of the single-story home col-
lapsed — claimed by a suspicious blaze.
Icicles dripped from eaves blackened with
smokeovertheentrancenowmarkedwith
signs that the condemned house is unsafe
to enter. Charred shingles and debris also
dotted the perimeter of the house.
The burned homes on Overbrook Circle
are two of six suspicious fires in a half-
mile radius, a rash that is shining light on
the complexities of arson investigations.
No arrests have been made.
The streak began April 12, 2014, when
ﬂames engulfed a house at 120 Westview
Blvd. Two months later, a single-family
home burned at 102 Overbrook Circle.
Threat to safety, property
values troubles residents
NEIGHBORHOODS ON EDGE
SUSPICIOUS FIRES IN SPARTANBURG
MICHAEL JUSTUS/MICHAEL.JUSTUS@SHJ.COM
Investigators are asking for information about a fire that destroyed this home at 111 West Victoria Road in Spartanburg.
111 West Victoria Road, Spartanburg
burned down Dec. 27, 2014.
120 Westview Blvd., Spartanburg
burned down April 12, 2014.
107 Overbrook Circle, Spartanburg
burned down Jan. 21.
102 Overbrook Circle, Spartanburg
burned down June 17, 2014.
115 Westview Blvd., Spartanburg burned
down Dec. 18, 2014.
751 John B. White Sr. Blvd., Spartanburg
burned down Sept. 11, 2014.
More online
For an interactive
map of the
properties, click
on this story on
GoUpstate.com.
adctoria Ro
27
0
n
rg
o
Area of detail:
There have been six unsolved fires
within a half-mile radius in Spartanburg.
Spartanburg Fire Marshal Brad Hall
calls the area a “hot zone.”
◆ SEE FIRES PAGE A9

FIRST PLACE:
The Island Packet
Dan Burley and
Rebecca Lurye

HONORABLE MENTION:
The Greenville News
Tonya Maxwell and
Anna Lee
Farrell Villarreal’s online profiles
along with interviews of people who
knew him both online and in person
sketch a portrait of a 22-year-old man
who police allege is behind the act of vio-
lence along one of the region’s busiest
corridors.
The picture that emerges by way of
interviews with friends, family, ac-
quaintances and authorities is of a young
man who voiced violent thoughts, de-
spised the government and police and
sometimes imagined himself an assas-
sin.
It’s a story of fabricated “safe
houses,” private Facebook messages
about home-built silencers, and a 17-
year-old girl in south Georgia whom Far-
rell Villarreal went to see when he set off
hitchhikingChristmasEvearound5a.m.
BY TONYA MAXWELL AND ANNA LEE | STAFF WRITERS
Friends, acquaintances of accused I-85
killer fear warning signs were missed
See SLAYING, Page 15A
ONLINE,
REAL
WORLDS
COLLIDE
SHOT AND LEFT FOR DEAD
FOR SIX DAYS LAW OFFICERS
SEARCHED FOR THIS CAR, a
missing clue in a perplexing
homicide along Interstate 85 in
Anderson County. ¶ And now,
here it was. Parked along a rural stretch of road
outside Belton. ¶ Behind the wheel sat John Asher
Farrell Villarreal, who told an inquiring deputy
that he knew the people in the house at the end of
the long driveway. ¶ The residents inside weren’t
as committed: They said they only knew the guy
from Facebook.

THIRD PLACE:
Melissa Boughton
BY MELISSA BOUGHTON
H
eroin is no longer only an inner-city
problem.
Users are young, educated and of-
ten fighting an uphill battle to stay
clean while deep in the clutches of a
disease that is far from free of stigma.
Andthehighlyaddictivedrug’sincreaseduseand
potencyhaveledtooverdosedeathsrisingdramati-
cally in the nation, state and Lowcountry.
Reported opioid deaths across the state jumped
118percentfrom237in2013to516in2014,atrend
mirrored in the tri-county area, according to data
fromtheS.C.DepartmentofHealthandEnviron-
mental Control.
In Charleston County, deaths from opioid use,
which includes heroin, rose from 18 in 2013 to 33
in2014.InBerkeleyCounty,deathsdoubledinthat
same time frame from 10 to 20, and in Dorchester
County, reported numbers went from five to 11.
Robert Murphy, Drug Enforcement Administra-
tion special agent in charge and senior agent for
South Carolina, said most of the heroin in the state
is found in the Lowcountry, but a major concern is
thatthepurityofthedrugisatanall-timehighand
thepeopleusingitaregettingyoungerandyounger.
“We’ve never seen it in this young of kids,” Mur-
phy said. “And the young people, they still have a
full life ahead of them. When people are addicted
to heroin, they’re going to be addicted to a drug
forever.”
Dyingfora fix
Lowcountry sees dramatic rise in heroin overdose deaths,
with more young people becoming addicted
GRACE BEAHM/STAFF
Scott Baumil and Charlotte Schulte hold a photo of Johnny Schulte, a 31-year-old Mount Pleasant native who died of a heroin overdose.
The family is speaking openly about heroin addiction and their tragic loss. “It’s every kind of people,” said Schulte, his sister. Baumil, his
cousin, said Johnny had recently “been so strong” in his recovery from the addiction that his death was unexpected.
BRANDON LOCKETT/STAFFSOURCE:DHEC; CDC; POST AND COURIER RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS
Opioid deaths
Heroin use and overdose deaths have risen dramatically across the nation, state and
Lowcountry. Reported opioid deaths across the state, including deaths from heroin, jumped
118 percent from 237 in 2013 to 516 in 2014, a trend mirrored in the tri-county area,
according to data from the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control.
Berkeley County
2010: 12 deaths
2014: 20 deaths
Dorchester County
2010: 6 deaths
2014: 11 deaths
Most deaths
Greenville County
2010: 33 deaths
2014: 65 deaths
Charleston County
2010: 29 deaths
2014: 33 deaths
2012
Deaths in U.S.
16,007 16,235
2013
Deaths in S.C.
2012
221
2014
516
2013
237
Please see HEROIN,Page A6

SECOND PLACE:
The Greenville News
Anna Lee

BY TONY BARTELME and DOUG PARDUE
tbartelme@postandcourier.com || dpardue@postandcourier.com
Rain bombs
and rising seas
Area leaders fail to take serious action in face
of rising threats from above and below
T
hestormflewinfromtheoceanlikeanin-
vadingforce,pickingupfuelinthewarmth
of the Gulf Stream, then zeroing in on
the South Carolina coast. The skies over
Charleston darkened; the tides swelled.
And then the clouds, laden with moisture, released
their loads, one rain bomb after another, turning
streets into rivers, turning swaths of South Carolina
into disaster areas.
Welcome to the present, welcome to the future.
Last week’s storm unleashed a massive amount of
water and disruption. Twenty-three inches fell on
peninsularCharlestonalone,roughlyequivalentto3.2
billion gallons of water — more than what pours over
NiagaraFallsinanhour.Whilepublicofficialsdubbed
thestorma1,000-yearevent,scientistswarnthatglobal
warming will only send more rain bombs our way.
Andthesedownpourscomeamidrelentlesslyrising
seas.ThesealevelaroundCharlestonalreadyhasrisen
a foot since the late 1800s, and global warming may
addanother3to6feetbytheendofthiscentury.With
threatsfromaboveandbelow,Charlestonisoneofthe
mostvulnerablemetropolitanareasinthecountryto
changes in a warming planet.
But unlike leaders in New York and other low-lying
municipalities, officials here have often faced threats
fromclimatechangewiththunderingsilence.Thecity
of Charleston and many neighboring municipalities
lackcomprehensiveplanstoaddressrisingseas.While
Charleston is on the front lines of climate change, the
city’s Century V plan for the future doesn’t mention
“sea rise” once.
Inside
What Charleston’s water-
line could look like by
the end of the century. A8
Please see FLOODING,Page A8
Online
For an interactive graphic
charting 93 years of sea
level in Charleston Harbor,
go to postandcourier.
com/sea-level-rise.
PAUL ZOELLER/STAFF
Sand bags can’t keep the waves of water out of Arrow Cleaners from vehicles driving down Calhoun Street on Oct. 3 in Charleston.

REPORTING-IN-DEPTH
THIRD PLACE:
Aiken Standard
Tim O’Briant
Former S.C.
Governor
hopes state
stays closed
to U.S. waste
BY TIM O’BRIANT
tobriant@aikenstandard.com
-
in closing a Barn-
well nuclear waste
-
South Carolina.
Barnwell facility
was one of just
only one east of the
Aiken Standard.
Please see DUMP,
VIDEOS
ONLINE
See interview
with former
Gov. Hodges,
and Gov.
Haley’s news
conference
Hodges

REPORTING-IN-DEPTH
SECOND PLACE:
The Journal
Carlos Galarza-Veve
BY CARLOS GALARZA-VEVE
THE JOURNAL
SENECA — Seneca
police chief John Coving-
ton described the deadly
shooting of a 19-year-old
man by one of his officers
during an attempted
drug arrest as a rapid
chain of events that
played out in the span of
three seconds.
According to police, the
threatened officer fired
two shots through the
open driver’s window,
killing Zachary Ham-
mond as he attempted
to elude a police stop in
Senecapolicechief:‘It
happenedin3seconds’
CAITLIN HERRINGTON | THE JOURNAL
Officers gather outside Hardee’s in Seneca on Sunday
night after the investigation into the fatal shooting of a
19-year-old man during an undercover drug operation.SEE CHIEF, PAGE A5

REPORTING-IN-DEPTH
FIRST PLACE:
Aiken Standard
Derrek Asberry
Tornadoessuspected
Severe weather damages trees, property
STAFF PHOTO BY TEDDY KULMALA
Severe storms Sunday caused varying levels of damage around the county. Trees and
power lines were knocked over and homes and vehicles damaged.
STAFF PHOTO BY TIM O’BRIANT
Storms damaged several businesses on Silver Bluff Road.
SUBMITTED PHOTO BY CORY HERBST
Homes were damaged at Cardinal Circle on the south side of Aiken.
BY DERREK ASBERRY
Severe weather caused downed
trees, power outages and damage to
the Aiken’s southside and other parts
and other counties in the area also
were heavily affected.
Aiken EMS reported no related
deaths or injuries as a result of the
storm but was forced to shut down
15 roads, including Savannah Drive,
Glenwood Drive and River Bluff.
The National Weather Service in
Columbia issued a tornado warning
Sunday around 1 p.m. when strong
winds and rainfall entered Aiken near
the Savannah River from Georgia.
The weather picked up around 4 p.m.
and swept through several parts of the
city, including Pine Log Road, Aiken
Estates, Hitchcock Parkway, Oriole
Steet and other areas.
The storm resulted in severe damage
to vehicles, trees falling on rooftops
of homes and more trees falling into
streets and yards across Aiken.
One of those residents is Crissy
Waller, who said
several large trees
came down on her
Evans Road home.
Walker said she
was home with her
and his 18-year-old
heard about the tornado warning.
“We went and took cover in our
downstairs hallway and closed our-
selves off in there. It was all of about
30 seconds worth of storm,” Waller
said. “It was actually just one large
thud. We heard the wind more than
anything, and we heard the thud be-
cause it rattled the house. And then the
rain was just real light and it sounded
like it went dead.”
Meteorologist Dan Miller, of the Na-
tional Weather Service in Columbia,
said Sunday’s devastation was either a
small-scale tornado or a straight-line
able to determine until Monday, when
they send a storm survey team.
Aiken County EMS conducted an
assessment during a preliminary run
through the county. Director Tommy
Thompson said damage-assessment
no reported injuries.
The storm brought out a number of
to further assess damage and help re-
duce risks on the roads.
GALLERY
See more pho-
tos from the
storm at
www.aiken
standard.com
Please see STORM,Page 9A

REPORTING-IN-DEPTH
HONORABLE MENTION:
The Herald
Anna Douglas
Agnes Slayman, super-
intendent of Chester
County schools, is on
“personal leave” for an
indefinite amount of time,
district officials told The
Herald on Wednesday.
District spokeswoman
Brooke Clinton said she
could not give details
about why Slayman is on
leave, when her leave
began, or whether the
superintendent is being
paid while on leave. Slay-
man could not be reached
by The Herald on
Wednesday.
The school district’s two
associate superintendents
– Charles King and Jeff
Gardner – are handling
Slayman’s duties in her
absence, Clinton said.
The Herald submitted
questions via email to
King and Gardner on
Wednesday afternoon but
they did not respond.
Denise Lawson, chair of
the Chester County school
board, could not be
reached Wednesday after-
noon.
Slayman has been in
charge of Chester County
schools since January
2012. She’s spent more
than 30 years in education
and as an advocate for
public schools, including
serving as a teacher, prin-
cipal and assistant super-
intendent. Before being
hired in
Chester
County,
Slayman
worked for
the Ker-
shaw Coun-
ty school
district.
Slay-
man’s absence comes at a
time of contention sur-
rounding who will serve as
security or law enforce-
SEE SLAYMAN, 6A
. ..............................................................................................................................................................................
Absence comes at time of contention between district, sheriff’s office
. ..............................................................................................................................................................................
District officials would not say how long Agnes Slayman has been absent
. ..............................................................................................................................................................................
Slayman has been in charge of Chester County schools since 2012
. ..............................................................................................................................................................................
BY ANNA DOUGLAS
adouglas@heraldonline.com
CHESTER COUNTY SCHOOLS
District mum on absence
of superintendent
Slayman

REPORTING-IN-DEPTH
THIRD PLACE:
The Island Packet
Zach Murdoch and
Dan Burley

REPORTING-IN-DEPTH
SECOND PLACE:
Independent Mail
Nikie Mayo

REPORTING-IN-DEPTH
FIRST PLACE:
Independent Mail
Mike Ellis
By Mike Ellis
864-260-1277
ZacharyHammond,19,wasshotand
killed by a police officer through the
open driver’s side window of Ham-
mond’scararound8:20p.m.Sundayin
theHardee’sparkinglotontheU.S.123
Bypass in Seneca, Police Chief John
Covington told the Independent Mail.
A passenger in the car, 23-year-old
Tori D. Morton, was not injured. She
was later charged with suspicion of
marijuana possession.
TheofficerwhoshotHammondwas
in uniform, assisting an undercover
narcoticsinvestigation,andfeltthreat-
enedwhenHammond’scarwasaimed
at him, Covington said.
“This investigation was not a long-
term one and the situation just arose
(Sunday) early afternoon by way of a
conﬁdential informant through our
narcotics division,” the chief said.
The investigation concerned mari-
juana and possibly cocaine dealing,
the chief said. He said possible drugs
were recovered but have not been
tested.
‘Questioningifthiswasnecessary’
Hammond
■ Teen shot and killed Sunday by uniformed police officer in Seneca Hardee’s parking lot
See TEEN, 5A

REPORTING-IN-DEPTH
HONORABLE MENTION:
David Wren,
Warren Wise and
Jeremy Borden

REPORTING-IN-DEPTH
THIRD PLACE:
The Greenville News
Tim Smith,
Rick Brundrett and
Romando Dixson
As dam after dam in South Carolina’s
capital city area failed amid historic
rainfall and flooding over the past week
– inflicting misery on thousands of resi-
dents – the manmade barriers holding
back water in the Upstate appeared to
have held steady.
At least for now.
The 20 dams that state officials say
had failed as of Friday — 13 in Richland
County, parts of which received more
than 20 inches of rain; three in Lexing-
ton County; two in Aiken County; and
one each in Orangeburg and Lee coun-
ties — were earthen dams built from
1900 through 1963, according to the Na-
tional Inventory of Dams (NID), main-
tained by the U.S. Army Corps of Engi-
neers.
An analysis by The Greenville News
of the NID, which was last updated in
2013, found similar characteristics
among 604 listed dams in Greenville,
Spartanburg, Pickens, Oconee, Ander-
son and Laurens counties. The total
numberofdamsinthesix-countyregion
represents about 25 percent of the 2,439
listed dams statewide, the vast majority
of which are state-regulated.
Consider:
» Of the 604 dams, nearly 95 percent
are earthen, which is about the same
percentage statewide.
» The dams in the six-county region
were built from 1812 through 2003, with
the median (halfway point on the list) age
ranging from1962 to1971. Several of old-
est-listed dams statewide date to 1800.
»Nearly80percentofthedamsinthe
six-county are privately owned, and
two-thirds were constructed primarily
for recreational purposes. Statewide,
those percentages are 85 percent and 77
percent, respectively.
» Of the total number of dams in the
six-county region, 417, or 69 percent,
didn’t have a listed Emergency Action
Plan (EAP), defined as a plan of action to
be taken by a dam owner to reduce the
potential of loss of life and property
damage in an area affected by a dam
failure or flooding. Statewide, that per-
centage was about 71 percent.
» No most-recent inspection dates
were listed for 363, or 60 percent, of the
dams in the six-county region, com-
pared to 65 percent for the state. Last-
known inspection dates statewide
Do dangerous dams
threaten Upstate?
JOHN BAZEMORE/AP
Work crews use pumps to lower water levels and stabilize a dam at a lake Wednesday in Columbia. State officials say that of 20 dams that had
failed as of Friday, 13 were in Richland County, three in Lexington County, two in Aiken County; and one each in Orangeburg and Lee counties.
“I wouldn’t want to be living downstream from a hazardous dam.
I’m certain that a lot of people who woke up in the middle of the night (Sunday morning)
when water was rising in Columbia ... had no clue that they were in that type of harm’s way.”
STATE SEN. LARRY MARTIN, R-PICKENS
Manmade barriers holding back water in six-county region
appear to be holding steady at least for now — but risks remain
RICK BRUNDRETTE
BRUNDRETT@GREENVILLENEWS.COM
See DAMS, Page 4A

REPORTING-IN-DEPTH
SECOND PLACE:
The Greenville News
Tonya Maxwell,
Nathaniel Cary and
Mark Barrett
FLETCHER — The much-lauded May
announcement from Duke Energy Pro-
gress that it would no longer burn coal to
power the region likely will give way to a
series of “not in my backyard” battles
stretching from South Carolina’s Up-
state to Asheville after officials released
a first look at possible routes for trans-
mission lines.
Hundreds of property owners attend-
ed an open house the company hosted
Tuesday afternoon at the WNC Ag Cen-
ter in Fletcher, the first of three such
meetings.Dukeisaskingforpublicinput
on possible transmission line routes.
Ratherthanidentifyingasinglecorri-
dor for the lines, the power company re-
leasedaninterconnectedwebofpossible
options, each generally wending its way
around large swaths of protected lands
and historic sites.
The project is planned in conjunction
with the construction of a natural gas-
fired plant at Lake Julian and is a needed
upgrade to the region’s rising energy de-
mands, according to Duke officials.
Duke also is asking the public to help
identify smaller, less visible areas with
natural,historicorculturalsignificance,
suchasfamilygraveplots,wetlands,his-
toric buildings or Native American arti-
fact areas.
Usinganonlinemappingtool,thepub-
lic can locate and comment on areas that
might be impacted.
“We want to know about these areas.
The sooner we do, the better we can
plan,” said Tom Williams, director of ex-
ternal relations. “We know we will have
impacts, but we want to find the option
with the least impact to customers and
the environment.”
Each line option begins at a planned
substation in Campobello, South Caroli-
na, and ties into the natural gas-fired
plant near Asheville, slated to come on-
line in late 2019. The distance between
As coal era ends, transmission lines are in the spotlight
TONYA MAXWELL
TMAXWELL@CITIZEN-TIMES.COM
See COAL, Page 9A

REPORTING-IN-DEPTH
FIRST PLACE:
Jennifer Berry Hawes,
Andrew Knapp and
Adam Parker
BY JENNIFER BERRY HAWES
jhawes@postandcourier.com
The blood splattered on her legs
— that of her son, an elderly aunt,
herpastors,ninepeoplesheloved—
had dried. She still wore the same
clothes, a black skirt and a black-
and-white blouse, crusty now.
An endless night before, Felicia
Sanders had left her blood-soaked
shoes with the dead in the fellow-
ship hall of her beloved lifelong
church, Emanuel AME.
Barefoot as the sun rose, she
trudged up the steps to her home,
theonewhere26-year-oldTywanza
Sanders’ bedroom waited silently,
his recent college acceptance letter
tackedontoabulletinboardbeside
his poetry. It was after 6 a.m., and
she hadn’t slept. She hadn’t eaten,
notsincegoingtoEmanuelAME’s
elevator committee meeting the
evening before, then its quarterly
conference and then its weekly
Wednesday Bible study. There, 12
peoplemetinGod’smidst.Nineof
themdied,77bulletsintheirmidst.
Feliciahadansweredquestionsall
night from myriad authorities de-
terminedtofindthekiller.Nowher
phonerang.Herdoorbellrang.Re-
porters, friends, family, strangers,
anendlessblarethroughthejangle
of her muddled thoughts. Finally,
inadeliriousrage,shecalledanold
friend, attorney Andy Savage.
“Andy, it’s too much!” she cried
into the phone.
“I’ll be there.”
Shehungup,walkedupstairsand
lookeddownatherself,attheblood
ofheryoungestchildcrustedonher
body.
“I didn’t want to take the clothes
off,” she recalled, “because the
clothes were the connection.”
The connection to Tywanza, to
herauntSusieJackson,tothemall.
She stepped into the shower.
Watchingherson’sbloodswirlinto
the water and down the drain, Fe-
licia sobbed. She kept the clothes,
never washing them.
Sowingseeds
Itwasalargergroupthannormal
that night: 12.
Perhapsnonumbercarriesmore
biblical weight.
Christ called 12 men to follow
him. Israel had 12 tribes.
It is considered a perfect
biblical number.
‘Forgotten’survivors
search for meaning
2 women face tough road after Emanuel tragedy shatters their lives
FILE/GRACE BEAHM/STAFF
Tyrone (center) and Felicia Sanders buried their son, Tywanza,
who was killed June 17 while trying to protect his elderly aunt.
District 45 candidates’ residency
questioned, but law open to
interpretation, Page A5
Council mulls designating part
of Calhoun Street as memorial
district, Page A5
Inside
GRACE BEAHM/STAFF
Polly Sheppard (left) and Felicia Sanders (center), the only adult survivors of the Emanuel AME massacre, greet Brenda Nelson,
who left the church for the night shortly before the fateful Bible study began.
Please see EMANUEL,Page A4

SERIES OF ARTICLES
THIRD PLACE:
Aiken Standard
Derrek Asberry
BY DERREK ASBERRY
The arrival of the Savannah
River Plant 65 years ago
included more than nuclear
weapons and life-altering
construc-
tion.
It also
included
Aiken
County
becoming
a commu-
nity that
catered to
the arts
and other
new hob-
bies all
while a cloud of fear loomed
over the community due to
lack of knowledge.
“Husbands couldn’t talk
about their work,” said Pau-
la Joseph, the wife of plant
retiree Walt Joseph. “It was
a very scary time because
we knew what they were
doing was important, but
we couldn’t know what they
were doing. I always knew
what the men in my family
did, so it was difficult not
knowing.”
The Josephs were part of
the thousands of families
who moved to the area to
build the plant.
More than 38,000 workers
were hired for construction
– a drastic change from the
mere 6,000 residents who
occupied the City of Aiken
in 1950.
While families remained
apprehensive about what
their husbands did, wives
and children still had a part
of their own to play.
More schools had to be
constructed and families
from across the country de-
manded the cultural aspects
they were used to seeing
from their former homes.
During a recent address to
the Aiken County Historical
Society, group president Al-
len Riddick said neighbor-
hoods such as Bonniview
Estates and the homes
surrounding Millbrook El-
ementary were established
because of the Savannah
River Plant.
From a cultural standpoint,
Riddick said more drive-in
theaters began popping up
to satisfy the newcomers
as well as the community
playhouse, garden clubs and
other entertainment sources
out-of-towners wanted to
add to the area.
Though Aiken was a pleas-
ant, rural town, Riddick
said newcomers wanted that
sense of familiarity in their
new home.
“Aiken is a much differ-
ent town and all of those
changes we see today are be-
cause of the Savannah River
Plant,” Riddick said.
Derrek Asberry is the SRS
beat reporter for the Aiken
Standard and has been with
the paper since June 2013.
He is originally from Vida-
lia, Ga., and a graduate of
Georgia Southern Univer-
sity. Follow him on Twitter
@DerrekAsberry.
SRP brought fear, culture to Aiken
AIKEN STANDARD FILE PHOTO
ElevenministersfromtheAikenareaparticipatedinthe“ChurchandIndustry”seminarattheSavannahRiverPlantinApril
1969. More than 40 ministers attended the day-long session, which emphasized the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. The
seminarwassponsoredjointlybytheChristianActionCouncilofSouthCarolinaandtheAtomicEnergyCommission.Front
row, from left, are the Rev. W.L. Mines, Rock Hill Baptist, Aiken; the Rev. W.J. Rivers, Millbrook Baptist; the Rev. L.M. Adams,
Trinity Methodist; the Rev. E.L. Busch, First Church of God; the Rev. J.E. Dozier, Chinquapin Baptist; the Rt. Rev. Msgr. V.F.
George Lewis Smith, St. Mary Help of Christians; the Rev. Julian F. Craig, Aiken First Presbyterian; the Rev. A.T. Stephens,
Valley Fair Baptist; back row, the Rev. Frank Griffith, Vaucluse Methodist; the Rev. L.V. Tornero, Our Lady of the Valley; and
the Rev. A.C. Settles Jr., Young Zion Hill Baptist Church.
It was a very scary time because we
knew what they were doing was
important, but we couldn’t know what
they were doing. I always knew what
the men in my family did, so it was
difficult not knowing.
Paula Joseph, wifeofplantretireeWaltJoseph

SERIES OF ARTICLES
SECOND PLACE:
The Journal
Greg Oliver and
Steven Bradley
BY STEVEN BRADLEY
THE JOURNAL
CLEMSON — If they’ve
been gone long enough, an
alumnus returning to Clem-
son University’s campus for
homecoming today is likely
to notice one thing about its
namesake city very quickly:
Things have changed.
Even those who grew up
here or have been around a
while have seen it on a more
gradual basis — the traffic
is different, the skyline is
different and the restaurants
are different.
Then again, many of the
local dives and watering
holes in the downtown area
have maintained a feel that is
distinctly Clemson, while the
surrounding neighborhoods
and even those closer to the
city limits don’t look so dif-ff
ferent than they did 10 years
ago. Or 20. Or 30.
According to U.S. Census
Bureau data, the city of
Clemson’s population in 1990
was 11,091, while today — 25
years later — the population
figure that city officials cite
is 15,072.
While 36-percent growth
is nothing to scoff at, it also
doesn’t tell the full story of
the boom the city of Clemson
has undergone — driven by
the growth and success of
the university that shares its
name.
But even those charged
with managing that growth
wonder how much more the
city can handle.
“A city grows or dies,”
Clemson Mayor J.C. Cook told
The Journal in a recent inter-
view. “By the same token, our
city is almost built out.
“Between the university,
lake, Central and Pendleton,
we’re basically surrounded to
where there’s no land left.”
In a 10-page series be-
ginning Tuesday — titled
Journal set to take in-depth look at Clemson’s growth
REX BROWN | THE JOURNAL
The downtown Clemson skyline
has undergone drastic changes
over the past decade.
SEE CLEMSON, PAGE A5

SERIES OF ARTICLES
FIRST PLACE:
TheTimesandDemocrat
Staff

SERIES OF ARTICLES
THIRD PLACE:
The Sun News
Alan Blondin and
Steve Jones The owners of Classic Golf
Group’s three courses did not
have their properties listed for
salelastyear,buttheywerequiet-
ly shopping them in the Myrtle
Beach golf market – quite
unsuccessfully.
“You had a few low, really in-
sulting offers that really weren’t
offers,” said Ed Jerdon, a partner
in the courses.
Then the owners were contact-
ed by Jane Zheng, the Keller Wil-
liams Myrtle Beach Realtor who
represented the Chinese family
that had pur-
chased their
f o r m e r
course, Black
B e a r G o l f
Club, earlier
last summer.
S h e h a d a
new group of
i n v e s t o r s
from China
who might be
interested in
their properties.
After a short period of negotia-
tion, Jerdon’s group sold the
Founders Club of Pawleys Island,
Indian Wells Golf Club and Burn-
ing Ridge Golf Club in September
for about $11 million – much more
than anyone else in the market
was willing, and in many cases
able, to pay.
“As far as selling a golf proper-
ty now it depends on the purchas-
er, whether they can even get fi-
nancing,” Jerdon said. “The Chi-
nese, they came with cash ... and
they continue to buy.”
Jerdon’s experience is becom-
ing more commonplace as well in
other parts of the United States.
MORE
ONLINE
View an interactive
map that shows the
golf courses
purchased by
Chinese investors
across the Grand
Strand at Myrtle
BeachOnline.com.
Chinese investors scooping up
Grand Strand-area properties
BY MATT SILFER For The Sun News
Teaching pro Dan Farrow works with Zhongde Li on his posture and grip. Golf instructor and
master golf professional Brad Redding of the Grande Dunes Golf School leads a three-hour
international golf clinic at the Members Club driving range Sunday morning. The golfers
have traveled from China to participate in this Year’s World Amateur Handicap
Championship. Chinese investors have purchased 13 golf courses in the past year and a half
on the Grand Strand.
13 courses
bought in
20 months
BY ALAN BLONDIN
AND STEVE JONES
ablondin@thesunnews.com
sjones@thesunnews.com
Editor’s note
This is the first in a series about
Chinese investment along the
Grand Strand. To come:
➤ March 15 | Jane Zheng: her
road from Beijing to Myrtle
Beach
➤ March 22 | Chinese tourism:
possibilities and challenges
➤ March 29 | How it’s done:
one person, one deal at a time
See CHINA | Page 15A
The EB-5 foreign investor program was created
by the U.S. government in 1990 as a way to spur
economic growth through the awarding of resident
visas.
But it was seldom used for two decades. In 2004,
just 247 foreign investors applied for visas under
the program and there were still fewer than 2,000
applicants in 2010.
But with a flood of Chinese nationals now look-
ingforwaystospendtheiraccumulatedwealthand
take advantage of China’s recently relaxed foreign
investment regulations, the program has exploded.
For the first time in the program’s 25 years, all
10,000 visas available annually were granted
through the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2014 – and
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services was
tapped out by August.
Though a number of countries have access to the
program and each is allotted 7 percent of the avail-
able visas each year, other participating countries
can scoop up a nation’s unused visas. That allowed
investors from China to take about 85 percent of
the visas awarded last year.
Chinese use program to invest in U.S.
BY ALAN BLONDIN
ablondin@thesunnews.com
See EB-5 | Page 13A

SERIES OF ARTICLES
SECOND PLACE:
The Herald
Anna Douglas
Editor’s note: Jamie Com-
stock Williamson was fired in
June 2014 after just 11 months
as president of Winthrop Uni-
versity. Since then, she has
declined to answer questions
about her dismissal, including
the reasons Winthrop board
members gave for terminating
her. In late May, The Herald
met with Williamson and her
husband, Larry, over two days
in Florida. This is the first of a
five-part series from those in-
terviews.
Jamie Comstock Williamson
says she was surprised, devas-
tated, and in disbelief when
she was suspended and then
fired just five days shy of her
one-year anniversary as Win-
throp University president.
The events surrounding her
departure last June, she said,
“unfolded quickly and without
warning.” Just three months
prior, the campus held a
week-long celebration for
Williamson’s presidential
inauguration, and school offi-
cials called her “visionary and
inspirational.”
But, after those March inau-
guration festivities, tensions
rose between Williamson, a
first-time president, and Win-
throp’s governing board. The
PAUL OSMUNDSON posmundson@heraldonline.com
Jamie Comstock Williamson and her husband, Larry, are seen at their home in Watercolor, Fla., in May. She was fired from Winthrop
University as president in June 2014.
WINTHROP UNIVERSITY
..................................................................................................................................
Former president says Winthrop University board wanted to
“humiliate” her
..................................................................................................................................
Winthrop calls Williamson’s allegations “rash and unfounded”
..................................................................................................................................
Williamson, living in Florida, preps to be court mediator
..................................................................................................................................
BY ANNA DOUGLAS
adouglas@heraldonline.com
VIDEO
Jamie Comstock Williamson shares her
story at heraldonline.com.
MOREONLINE
For more coverage, go to
heraldonline.com.
SEE WINTHROP, 5A
Williamson
speaks out
on firing

SERIES OF ARTICLES
FIRST PLACE:
The Herald
Bristow Marchant
Residents near the Chester/
Union county line have grown used
to seeing smoke emanating from
the Bennett Landfill.
For seven months, a heavy
blanket of noxious smoke has accu-
mulated over the Union County
town of Lockhart, escaping from
the burning cavern beneath the
landfill on the other side of the
Broad River.
But the plumes rising from the
site recently are just as likely to be
steam produced by the crews from
the federal Environmental Protec-
tion Agency who have started
working to seal up the blaze once
and for all.
“It’s early on in the process, but
we’re already seeing improve-
ments,” said Matthew Huyser, the
EPA’s on-site coordinator. He is
overseeing a dozen contract work-
ers who are enclosing and compact-
ing the area that’s burning.
Lockhart has been exposed to
heavy smoke for seven months,
with particularly visible smoke
hanging over the town in the morn-
ings and evenings. Huyser attri-
butes this to a “temperature inver-
sion” that keeps the heavier air low-
er in the atmosphere at times with
little or no wind. The region’s low-
lying topography compounds the
problem for residents.
“Lockhart is kind of sandwiched
between two hills, which allows for
that smoke to accumulate,” he said.
Crews have established an oper-
ations area over16 acres of the land-
fill site since work began last week,
although the EPA estimates the ar-
ea where smoke is escaping covers
only about a half-acre. Compactors
are covering an area twice that size
just to be safe.
Overall, the landfill covers about
40 acres.
The project is being worked by
about a dozen contract workers
with CMC Inc. of Nicholasville, Ky.,
along with EPA officials. CMC is a
regular contractor for this type of
environmental work for the EPA’s
EPA works to put out Bennett Landﬁll ﬁre
Area has seen smoke
for 7 months
By Bristow Marchant
bmarchant@heraldonline.com
ANDY BURRISS - aburriss@heraldonline.com
The Bennett Landfill fire in Chester County on S.C. 9 near the Union
County line at the Broad River has been burning since November.SEE FIRE, PAGE 4A

SERIES OF ARTICLES
THIRD PLACE:
Dave Munday and
Melissa Boughton
WhatSouth
Carolinaisdoingto
combatsextraffick-kk
ing,howthestate
stacksuptoothers
andwhatmore
needstobedone.
Coming
Monday
BY MELISSA BOUGHTON and DAVE MUNd DAY
mboughton@postandcourier.com // dmunday@postandcourier.com
Thenightmare
ofsextrafficking
gg
J
amie Mitchell’s gaunt frame
swayed behind a glass window at
the Charleston County jail as she
explained why, after years of being
busted and serving time, she still chooses
toworkasaprostituteinNorthCharleston.
It turns out it wasn’t always a choice.
The 29-year-old said others forced her
to sell sex for money from age 10 until 17,
whileshewasinthefostercaresystem.She
recounted beatings, starvation, forced co-
caineandheroinuseandseeingthedisap-
pearance of other girls who stepped out of
line with their traffickers.
The experience left her hooked on crack
cocaineanddependentonturningtricksto
feed her habit. Yet she still refers to herselfYY
as “one of the lucky ones.”
“I was caught and pulled out,” she said.
“If it wasn’t for an officer here, I think I’d
be dead today.”
This is the dark reality of sex trafficking
intheHolyCityandacrossSouthCarolina.
Vulnerable children and young adults areVV
forced to sell their bodies and held against
their will, deprived of food and sleep and
sometimes beaten until they meet a quota
of men to service.
No one knows exactly how widespread
the problem is, but officials are begin-
ning to realize it’s a greater issue than
previously thought. Clemson University
researchers recently reviewed three years
worth of kidnapping and prostitution
A brutal industry fueled by greed and lust turns girls and women
into sexual slaves in South Carolina. The abusive hustlers who beat, starve, threaten
and drug their victims in order to make a profit inhabit a seedy underground,
relocating frequently and masking their identities to avoid capture.
This makes trafficking one of the toughest crimes for police to solve.
Sex trafficking
arrests in S.C., A4
FBI:Morere-
sourcesneeded,A5
Inside
Please see TRAFFICKING,Page A4
Isthe
state
doing
enough
tocombatsex
trafficking?Goto
postandcourier.
com/pollstovote.
Poll
PAUL ZOELLER/STAFF
Jamie Mitchell, a former victim of sex trafficking, stands in a burned house in North Charleston where she said she
smokes crack and turns tricks. The 29-year-old said others forced her to sell sex for money from age 10 until 17. The
experience left her hooked on crack cocaine and dependent on prostitution to feed her habit.

SERIES OF ARTICLES
SECOND PLACE:
Staff
SHOTSFIRED
SHOTSFIRED
A 5-PART SERIES
PROVIDED
Summerville police officer Eddie McCreary shoots into the car of Nelson Hyman III in October 2010 after the
Lincoln backed in his direction. McCreary said he feared for his life. Hyman died.
This report was researched by Post and Courier reporters
Glenn Smith, Tony Bartelme, Doug Pardue, David Slade and Andrew Knapp.
It was written by Tony Bartelme.
TODAY: S.C. law enforcement
officers shot at people 235
times since 2009 and have
been cleared of wrongdoing
in nearly every instance. How
thoroughly does the State
Law Enforcement Division
investigate?
THURSDAY: A quarter of all
S.C. police shootings involved
an officer firing at a moving
vehicle, a practice banned by
some departments.
FRIDAY: Video cameras can
give the public an up-close
view of how police use deadly
force, but that footage doesn’t
always tell the whole story.
SATURDAY: The state’s pro-
cess for investigating police
shootings is stacked in favor
of officers when it comes to
giving statements and scruti-
nizing backgrounds.
SUNDAY: SLED’s case files
hold an overlooked library of
lessons that could be used to
train officers to prevent future
tragedies.
A
n officer in Summer-
ville pumps four bullets
through the side and
back windows of a
fleeing car, killing a
young man.
An officer in Duncan sees a
woman climb into his cruiser,
yells, “Get out or I’ll shoot you!”
and then does just that.
An officer in North Charleston
shoots eight bullets at Walter
Scott’s back, killing him on the
spot.
Every 10 days on average, South
Carolina law enforcement officers
point their guns at someone and
pull the triggers — 235 shootings
since 2009. Eighty-nine people
died, and 96 were wounded.
Each shooting also triggered
an investigation into whether
officers were justified in using
deadly force. With just a few no-
table exceptions, these officers
were cleared of any wrongdoing.
To be sure, many cases were open
and shut: Armed robbers shoot-
ing their way out of convenience
stores after holdups; rage-filled
drunks bent on destruction; sui-
cidal people daring cops to cut
them down.
But a Post and Courier investi-
gation uncovered case after case
where agents with the State Law
Enforcement Division failed to
answer key questions about what
happened, failed to document the
troubled backgrounds of the of-
ficers who drew their guns, and
failed to pinpoint missteps and
tactical mistakes that could be
used to prevent future bloodshed.
READ THE ENTIRE SERIES AT POSTANDCOURIER.COM/SHOTS-FIRED
Please see SHOTS FIRED, Page A9

SERIES OF ARTICLES
THESERIES
TODAY: Like many,
home stability.
THURSDAY: Romulus
street violence.
after his arrest.
Johnson.
COMING AUG. 29-30:
to draw students as
T
their 60s.
not wanting to.
this one.
herself.
The unintended
consequences of
school choice
Chapter 1
LEFT
BEHIND

BEAT REPORTING
HONORABLE MENTION:
The Sumter Item
Matt Bruce
More details emerged Monday about
a family dispute that spilled onto U.S.
Highway 15 South on Sunday night and
ended with a father and son behind
bars and another man in critical condi-
tion in the Joseph M. Still Burn Center
in Augusta, Georgia, after being hit
and dragged by a pickup truck.
Sumter County deputies filed
charges
against
Joseph
Lloyd
Hender-
son Jr.,
20, and
Joseph
Lloyd
Hender-
son Sr.,
43, on Sunday night. Henderson Jr.
faces a count of attempted murder
stemming from the vehicle incident,
while the elder suspect was booked on
a charge of third-degree assault and
battery. Both men remained at Sumter-
Lee Regional Detention Center as of
Monday morning, awaiting bond hear-
ings.
Authorities said the incident in-
volved two families embroiled in an on-
going feud with one another for several
years. Braden Bunch, a spokesman for
the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office, in-
dicated the feud seemingly stems from
multiple reasons and noted the families
apparently had restraining orders filed
against one another at some point.
Sunday’s incident came from an en-
counter between the parties at a gro-
cery store in the 1700 block of U.S. 15
South. A frenetic street melee report-
edly involved gunfire, pepper spray
and a metal pipe, and a 41-year-old
Sumter man was airlifted to Augusta
after a pickup truck ran him over and
dragged him about 30 feet.
Bunch said both suspects were tenta-
tively expected to appear for bond
hearings at the Detention Center later
Monday or today. Investigators said
more charges likely will be brought
forth in the case.
“Whenever you have an incident like
this, where individuals on both sides
have such a deep dislike for one anoth-
er, there are going to be discrepancies
in the stories,” Bunch said. “We are
continuing to investigate all of the
statements made to us and examine
those discrepancies to determine if
more charges need to be made.”
According to a sheriff’s office inci-
dent report, the fracas started at the
grocery store on U.S. 15 South. Hender-
son Jr. and his brother, who had been
shopping at the store, were in the park-
ing lot outside when they spotted two
females and a male from the rival fami-
ly sitting in vehicles parked near their
1993 Chevrolet pickup truck. Hender-
son’s brother told deputies one of the
women approached them and tried to
use pepper spray on them. The two
brothers then ran to their pickup and
fled the grocery store parking lot, with
the rival family following behind in an-
other vehicle.
More family members on both sides
became involved by the time the chase
reached the convenience store in the
3100 block of U.S. 15 South, the report
indicated. That’s when the victim and
the elder suspect entered the fray, and
chaos broke out in the parking lot of
the store as the chase came to a stop.
At one point, Henderson Sr. ap-
proached one of the women trailing his
sons and said, “It’s been over a year
and a half ago; let it go,” the report
stated. One of the women then pepper
sprayed Henderson Sr., and he
punched her in the face, Henderson’s
son told officers. The woman’s hus-
band then began swinging a PVC pipe
at the elder suspect, and a fight ensued
between the two males.
Henderson Jr. said the woman bran-
dishing the mace then approached him
as he was sitting in his vehicle and
fired a small handgun in his direction.
The two other Hendersons pushed the
victim to the ground and jumped back
into the pickup when they heard the
shot. As the men sped off attempting to
flee the scene, they told officers the
woman continued to fire shots at them.
They indicated Henderson Jr. ran over
the victim, who was still lying on the
ground, as they made their getaway.
The father said he told his son to stop
the truck once they realized they’d run
the victim over, and the trio began flee-
ing down U.S. 15 on foot. The men said
the victim’s father-in-law fired several
more shots at them as they ran down
the highway.
Deputies also questioned one of the
men in the crew pitted against the Hen-
dersons. He admitted that he, his girl-
friend and his girlfriend’s mother sat
outside the grocery store waiting for
the brothers to emerge from the store,
and his girlfriend’s mother tried to
spray them with pepper spray when
they came out. He also admitted that
they followed the brothers to the conve-
nience store but told officers the victim
was already lying on the ground by the
time he arrived there. The man and the
victim’s father-in-law then chased the
three Henderson men to a nearby
church, at which point officers de-
scended upon the scene. Deputies had
to detain the man, who threatened to
kill the Henderson trio and tried to at-
tack them with a metal pipe even after
the officers’ arrival. Deputies recov-
ered a .22-gauge pistol from the victim’s
father-in-law when they encountered
him at the church.
Feud leads to pistols, pipes and pepper spray
BY MATT BRUCE
matthew@theitem.com
HENDERSON JR. HENDERSON SR.

BEAT REPORTING
THIRD PLACE:
Aiken Standard
Derrek Asberry
Body cams
shielded by
House vote
BY DERREK ASBERRY
The S.C. House renamed a bill requiring police
to wear body cameras after Walter Scott, who
was killed in a North Charleston police shooting,
en route to unanimously passing the bill Wednes-
day afternoon.
Now known as the Walter Scott bill, Senate Bill
0047 passed the House on Wednesday 112 to 0.
The decision to pass the bill, however, stops
video from being released under the Freedom of
Information Act, or FOIA – a measure supported
by each member of the Aiken County House
Delegation.
“I believe the sixth amendment trumps all when
seeking a fair trail,” said Rep. Bill Taylor, R-Aiken.
Taylor said videos will be made available to po-
those groups can decide whether to release video
to the public. The bill stops others, including me-
dia outlets, from gaining access to video before tri-
it available.
The vote comes on the heels of the Aiken Stan-
dard and WRDW News-12 using FOIA in an
attempt to gain a North Augusta police dash-cam
video.
Justin Craven fatally shot 68-year-old Ernest Sat-
terwhite on Feb. 9, 2014.
Please see CAMS,Page 10A

BEAT REPORTING
SECOND PLACE:
The Sumter Item
Konstantin Vengerowsky
$1.7 million in damage to farmers’ property reported; suspect sought
Vandalismkills300Kchickens
Clarendon County Sheriff’s
Office is seeking the suspects
responsible for the vandalism
of 16 chicken houses through-
out Clarendon County in the
last two weeks that has left
300,000 chickens dead and
caused as much as $1.7 mil-
lion in damage.
Chicken houses have been
targeted sporadically from the
northern to the southern ends
of the county, including Man-
ning, Gable and Summerton
areas. A chicken house in
Sumter County was also hit
last week.
Clarendon County Sheriff
Randy Garrett said all of the
farmers targeted were con-
tracted with Pilgrim’s Pride
Corp.
“There is someone in the
community who knows some-
thing about these criminal
acts,” Garrett said at a press
conference held in Manning
on Friday. “All we want is in-
formation to help catch the
suspect or suspects.”
Garrett said whoever is re-
sponsible for the crimes is fa-
miliar with the alarm systems
BY KONSTANTIN
VENGEROWSKY
konstantin@theitem.com
SEE VANDAL, PAGE A7

BEAT REPORTING
FIRST PLACE:
Aiken Standard
Derrek Asberry
BY DERREK ASBERRY
The Savannah River Site’s
liquid-waste contractor inadver-
tently transferred 6,600 gallons
of high-level liquid tank waste
into the incorrect tank because
of degrading infrastructure,
according to the Department of
Energy.
In addition, the contractor also
noticed a higher-than-expected
level of mercury in the tank
for waste salt streams at SRS.
There were no reported expo-
sures to workers or injuries as a
result of the incidents.
Both incidents were reported
by Savannah River Remedia-
tion, the contractor, to the En-
ergy Department.
The contractor on March 11
and 25 transferred the waste to
a tank containing similar waste,
but not the designated tank. On
both occasions, transfers were
ongoing from Tank 37 to Tank
23, and both times some of the
waste instead transferred to
Tank 32.
when a degraded valve actuator
did not fully close because of
The failure made a position
wrote. After the failed actuator
was eliminated and the valve
successfully closed, the waste
transfer valve failed again be-
cause of a degraded valve seat,
which is inside the valve, and al-
lowed waste to slip through.
Corrective actions are ongo-
lines in the area of the valve and
better understanding the failure
modes and replacing degraded
valves and seven other valves.
“Waste transfers that have
been leak checked and/or have
double-valve isolation are back
in service. All other transfers
require facility management
approval prior to being per-
formed,” the Energy Depart-
ment wrote in an email.
With the mercury issue, the
Department reported that no
disposal permit limits have
been exceeded; however, levels
were higher than internal safety
controls allow, resulting in SRR
conducting a system-wide eval-
uation of mercury in February.
Tests conducted by the Savan-
nah River National Laboratory
showed unexpected trace levels
of an organic mercury com-
pound, monomethyl mercury.
The compound is a potential
worker hazard if it comes in
contact with the skin, leading
the Site to take further action.
“While standard personnel
protection clothing worn in
radiological areas provides an
adequate level of protection,
workers are now required to
wear nitrile gloves for added
protection,” the Energy Depart-
ment wrote.
Based on work practices and
results from prior medical test-
ing of SRR employees, there is
no indication of mercury expo-
sure. Voluntary medical testing,
however, is being offered to
workers.
DerrekAsberryistheSRSre-
porterfortheAikenStandard.
Errors discovered during
liquid waste work at SRS
What do you think?
Commentonthisstoryat
www.aikenstandard.com,
writetoOpinions,Aiken
Standard,Box456,Aiken,
S.C.29802orsendanemail
toeditorial@aikenstan-
dard.com.

BEAT REPORTING
HONORABLE MENTION:
Independent Mail
Mike Ellis
By Mike Ellis
864-260-1277
Bryan Gibson was con-
victed of murdering a man
withapenknifein1995,but
will soon be a free man af-
ter a judge ruled it was in
self-defense.
Gibson has spent half
his life behind bars; he was
20 when he got into the fa-
tal fight, and has served
almost 20 years for the
crime.
He testified at his 1995
trial, saying he was de-
fendinghimselffromChad
Cole, who died after Gib-
son hit his carotid artery
with a small key chain
knife. Prosecution wit-
nesses, who did not see the
fight, challenged Gibson’s
testimony.
Thechancediscoveryof
the bouncer who broke up
the fight led Circuit Court
Judge Cordell Maddox to
reduce the murder charge
to manslaughter and de-
cide to set Gibson free.
“This case has haunted
me,” said Maddox. “There
are a few cases that don’t
leave you, as a judge, and
this is one of them. I can
take you off my list.”
Maddox asked Assistant
Solicitor Rame Campbell,
who was not part of the
original trial, about the
trial.
“The facts as they were
set up, just seemed unfair
to him, don’t you agree?”
Maddox asked.
Campbell agreed.
Maddox was not the
trial judge but has heard
petitions from Gibson
seeking to have the verdict
reduced.
A lax defense at the trial
and a lack of obtainable
witnesses by prosecutors
and defense attorneys al-
lowed Gibson to seek the
change in his sentence.
Both the original defense
attorney and an attorney
who sought to have the
charge lessened have died.
Frank Eppes, Gibson’s
defense attorney since
2002, said it was the rare
case where an attorney
knows they have made a
difference.
“If you hammer at a wall
long enough with a sludge
hammer, something will
break free,” he said.
At a hearing ten years
ago, Eppes said he knew
there were others out
there, still not found, who
could talk about the fight.
A sheriff’s deputy in the
room at the time handed
him a note.
It was the number of a
man who knew the bounc-
er, the deputy said.
The man did know the
bouncer, Darron Tester,
who had broken up a fight
between Cole and Gibson
before the fatal confronta-
tion.
Gibson was told to leave
after that earlier fight and
Cole was told to stay, Tes-
ter said, according to court
documents.
Cole somehow slipped
back out into the parking
lot and the next time Tes-
ter saw Cole, he was bleed-
ing from his neck.
Tester was the man who
called 911 and told the first
officers who arrived that
he had made the call, but
they never again spoke to
him.
Kristy Jones, who had
dated Cole and was at the
bar that night, was also
discovered. She, too, was
never part of the original
set of evidence.
Jones said Cole had a
habit of picking fights and
beating people up.
Jones said, according to
a transcript of prior testi-
mony, that she saw Cole
shove Gibson, saw Gibson
swing and Cole begin to
bleed from his neck.
That is how Gibson has
consistently described the
fight, Eppes said.
He said Gibson rec-
ognizes that he still
did wrong, even in
$
t
t
t
fi
i
i
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KEN RUINARD/INDEPENDENT MAIL
Bryan Gibson smiles while standing next to his defense attorney Frank Eppes and hearing
Judge Cordell Maddox reduce his charge in the Anderson County Courthouse. Gibson will be
free after serving 20 years in a state penitentiary for the stabbing death of Chad Cole in a bar
fight in 1995. See more photos at independentmail.com and the Independent Mail apps.
Judge:‘This
casehas
hauntedme’
■ Man convicted of penknife killing
in 1995 to be set free after 20 years
See JUDGE, 6A

BEAT REPORTING
THIRD PLACE:
The Sun News
Charles D. Perry

BEAT REPORTING
SECOND PLACE:
Herald-Journal
Daniel J. Gross
BY DANIEL J. GROSS
daniel.gross@shj.com
If only he could make it to
30.
The words that family
members repeated over and
over fell short when Matthew
Taylor’s tumultuous drug
addiction took its final toll.
A handmade pipe found
near his feet and a small bag
of a white powder on a table
nearby were telling details of
his life’s last moments.
“He went over two years
clean once. Another time it
was over a year. … He could
do it,” father Steve Taylor
said. “‘If he could just pass 30,
he could make it,’ we would
say.”
L a st we ek m ade t he
six-month mark since the
29-year-old died in his Spar-
tanburg home from a drug
overdose. The family is still
grappling with grief and the
frustrations that come with
unanswered questions — not
of Matthew’s drug addiction
but of what was found inside
his dose of cocaine.
Fentanylisapowerfulpain-
killer 20 times more potent
than heroin and 100 times
more potent than morphine,
according to experts, and
when laced with other drugs,
the outcome is often deadly.
MatthewTaylor’sfatalhigh
was linked to the drug that’s
sweeping into the Upstate at
an alarming rate and leaving
lawenforcementstrugglingto
fight the trend.
Twelve people in Spartan-
burg County have died from
fentanyl-relateddrugoverdos-
es since last July, according to
investigative reports obtained
from the Spartanburg County
Coroner’s Office.
Greenville County, the
most populous county in
South Carolina, has recorded
20 fentanyl-related overdoses
within the past year.
Cherokee County also saw
one fentanyl case this year,
and another in 2013, Chero-
kee County Coroner Dennis
Fowler said.
Those who have died in
Spartanburg County include a
Fentanyl-laced
drugs sparking an
alarming overdose
trend in Upstate
TIM KIMZEY/TIM.KIMZEY@SHJ.COM
Forensic chemist Melissa Hendricks runs a chemical analyis in the forensic lab at the Spartanburg County
Sheriff’s Office. Fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opiate, is hitting the Upstate.
A KILLER HIGH
O
N
N
PHOTO PROVIDED
A family photo shows Matthew Taylor posing with his sisters Brooke
Martin, left, and Ashley Walters. Taylor died of a drug overdose linked
to fentanyl on Nov. 25, 2014. He was 29.
By DANIEL J. GROSS
daniel.gross@shj.com
In the midst of a disturbing trend
in overdose deaths linked to fentanyl,
recovery and substance abuse officials
say there is hope for those battling drug
addictions.
Sue O’Brien, director of the Spartan-
burg Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commis-
sion, said the agency accepts walk-in
patients who can be assessed and pointed
in the right direction for recovery and
treatment.
Spartanburg Treatment Associates
offers medical treatments to curb a user’s
addiction through methadone, Suboxone
and other detox medications, O’Brien
said. The staff can be reached at 864-503-
0207.
O’Brien also pointed to programs such
as Celebrate Recovery that offers step-
by-step classes for moving forward after
detox.
Celebrate Recovery is a national orga-
nization that has local groups that meet
regularly. Locations of local meetings can
be found at www.celebraterecovery.com.
“It’s evidence-based therapy. Some can
recover with AA or NA but others need
more in-depth help,” she said.
There’s help
available for
getting free
More online
Watch a video of
Melissa Hendricks,
forensic chemist
with the Spartanburg
County Sheriff’s
Office, explain the fatal effects of
fentanyl on GoUpstate.com.
SEE DRUG PAGE A4 SEE HELP PAGE A4

BEAT REPORTING
FIRST PLACE:
Morning News
Joshua Lloyd

BEAT REPORTING
THIRD PLACE:
Christina Elmore
BY CHRISTINA ELMORE
celmore@postandcourier.com
T
yreikGadsdenmisseshistoys.Hemiss-
eshisfriends.Butmostly,the5-year-old
misses his home.
Tyreik wasn’t in the room last month when
doctors first revealed that a stray bullet had
damaged his spine and stolen
his ability to walk, his mother
Lashaunna Jones said. He still
doesn’t grasp the full extent of
his injuries.
“In his mind, he’s still think-
ing he’s going to get up and
move,” the 32-year-old North
Charleston woman said.
Jonestwiceclungtoherson’ssideastroubled
thoughts disturbed his sleep during a stint at
Medical University Hospital.
“Only thing he was saying was, ‘No, no, no.’
And trying to wake him up — he would just
start crying,” she said. “He’s doing a little bet-
ter with that now. I had to pray for that.”
Jones was again by her son’s side Thursday
afternoonfollowingarehabilitationsessionat
Levine Children’s Hospital in Charlotte. Two
weeks after the shooting, it remains unclear
whether his condition is permanent, she said.
“Right now, they can’t say — I guess him
being so young and all. But they don’t want
LAUREN PRESCOTT/STAFF
Dunston Primary School Principal Janice Malone holds a picture of Tyreik Gadsden during the march for Tyreik on Wednesday. Tyreik
was shot on Charleston’s East Side and is now paralyzed.
‘I thank God I’m still alive’
5-year-old shooting victim braving rehab, misses home
Please see TYREIK,Page A7
A Tyreik Gadsden Benefit Fund has been
established through the South Carolina
Federal Credit Union to collect donations.
Checks can also be mailed to fund at P.O.
Box 190012, North Charleston, SC 29419.
To help
Formorephotos,goto
postandcourier.com/galleries.
Photo gallery
PROVIDED
Five-year-old Tyreik Gadsden was recently
transported to a rehab facility in Charlotte.
Inside
Bail set at
$2.5M for
shooting
suspect.
A7

BEAT REPORTING
SECOND PLACE:
Bo Petersen
The S.C. populationBY BO PETERSEN || bopete@postandcourier.com
Monstermission
PAUL ZOELLER/STAFF
Chris Boyce, technician, aims a spotlight out into the water looking for the glow of alligator eyes as Jay Butfiloski, S.C. Department of
Natural Resources wildlife biologist, navigates the boat Aug. 20 on the Cooper River.
Pioneering survey to guide future of gator hunting
T
hespotlightshinesintogleam-
ing red eyes. On the boat in
the Cooper River under a half
moon, the wildlife biologist calls out
the count.
“I have two, three, maybe 8 to 10
feet,” says Jay Butfiloski of S.C. De-
partment of Natural Resources.
That’s alligators, in the tidal flats of
an old rice field, glaring back at the
weird, blinding beam of light.
TheAmericanalligatoristhetoothy
prehistoric monster of the Lowcoun-
try, as frightening as it is awe-inspir-
ing. For some people, coming across
one makes for a catch-your-breath
moment that tugs at the love for the
land.Forothers,theanimalisamen-
ace to be rid of.
More than 1,000 of the otherwise
protected species are killed in the
state each year, by hunters seeking
the largest animals, and occasionally
poachers. That’s raised alarms about
depleting the mature “brood stock”
vital to a sustainable population. In
the 2014 public hunt alone, the aver-
age size of the kill was 8 feet long, ac-
cording to DNR.
The count by a research team on
thishumidAugustnightisbeingcon-
ducted only a few weeks before the
Sept. 12 opening of the 2015 public
hunt, now in its eighth year, and a
few months after the end of a nine-
month-long private land hunt.
It’s the first comprehensive state
survey,fundedbypublichuntlicense
FILE/STAFF
Please see GATORS,Page A6
100,000: The conventional estimate
of American alligators in the state. The number
is based on historical counts and is not consid-
ered reliable.
4,500: Applicants for the 2015 public
alligator hunt September-October.
1,000:Public hunt permits issued in 2015.
—Source:S.C.DepartmentofNaturalResources

BEAT REPORTING
FIRST PLACE:
BYJENNIFERBERRYHAWES
jberryhawes@postandcourier.com
Two lesbian couples made
South Carolina history in re-
cord-breaking chill Wednes-
day when one picked up the
state’s first same-sex marriage
license and an-
other was the
firsttoexchange
vows outside
the Charleston
County Court-
house.
Then the legal
frenzy that has
characterized
the past six weeks continued in
earnest.
Charleston County Probate
Judge Irvin Condon was the
first in South Carolina to issue
licenses to same-sex couples
after two major court rulings
issued late Tuesday opened the
state’s legal doors. He began is-
suing them at 8:30 a.m. when
the courthouse opened.
Butjusthourslater,S.C.Court
Administrationadvisedprobate
judges to pause until either the
Joy, uncertainty
for gay couples
A few pick up licenses, make history in
Charleston County amid baffling legal tug of war
PHOTOGRAPHS BY PAUL ZOELLER/STAFF
Kayla Bennett (left) and Kristin Anderson smile after Minister Tobin Williamson officiated their
ceremony Wednesday in front of the Charleston County Judicial Center, making them the first
same-sex couple married in South Carolina.
Tony Beard (left) and Shane Landrum look over their marriage
license before leaving to have a private ceremony Wednesday
at the Charleston County Judicial Center.
Inside
Frank
Wooten:
The more
marriages,
the merrier.
A2
Gallery
Toseemorephotos,
gotopostandcourier.
com/galleries.Please see MARRIAGE,Page A5

BUSINESS BEAT REPORTING
THIRD PLACE:
Index-Journal
Colin Riddle
y D
COUNTING BEANS
G
reenwood has been in a bit
of a shuffle when it comes
to banking options during
the past few months.
Bank of America has decided to
sell its banking centers in Greenwood
and Abbeville to South State Corp. in
Columbia, making Wells Fargo Green-
wood’s only remaining national bank,
while The Palmetto Bank joins forces
with United Community Banks Inc. of
Blairsville, Georgia.
The trend: All are moving toward the
center. That is, smaller banks are look-
ing to grow and larger banks are look-
ing to downsize.
“As we faced the future, we had a
decision to make. We had to be bigger,”
Sam Erwin, president and chief execu-
tive officer of Palmetto Bank, said, add-
ing it was important the bank maintain
a community banking focus with that
growth.
With the city’s population estimated
at about 23,000 people two years ago
per the U.S. Census, Greenwood can
still claim small, rural community,
which has been evident through the
slow-arriving trends from the rest of the
state and country, such as Twitter or job
recovery.
A key philosophy among some
of Greenwood’s more recognizable
banks, such as Countybank, First
Citizens and Palmetto, is serving the
community.
“I do feel a community bank serves
a market like Greenwood better than
some of the others,” Erwin said.
Palmetto’s merger
essentially opens up
the South Carolina
and Greenwood mar-
kets for United, which
primarily handles
offices in Georgia,
North Carolina and
Tennessee.
“Based on that
environment, you
hope to find a partner that carries the
same values,” Erwin said. “The name is
very indicative of how they see them-
selves and the markets they serve.”
First Citizens also took steps to find
growth by combining its South Carolina
and North Carolina banks, which his-
torically had acted individually.
Growth gives a bank a larger pot of
funds to invest and target larger clients.
Greenwood-based CapitalBank was
acquired by Park Sterling in 2011, giv-
ing the bank more capital to grow cli-
ents and increase loans.
Recession in the late 2000s forced
large bailouts of national banks and
heavier regulatory requirements that
reached market-wide.
Interest rates, supplying much of
banks’ revenues, were forced down
and remain at historical lows in order
to entice borrowing. Along with
regulatory costs, the number of banks
nationwide have dwindled signifi-
cantly through acquisition, closing or
merging.
Jerry Stevens, senior vice president
and market executive at First Citizens
in Greenwood, attri-
butes the local shift
in banking to heavy
investment into spec-
ulative borrowers,
such as real estate, lot
financing and prop-
erty development.
“The changes in
the regulatory world
really required banks
to clamp down on credit,” said Stevens,
adding that one of the quickest ways
to decrease capital is to limit investor
growth.
Erwin agreed that loan portfolios are
shrinking, which reinforces the philoso-
phy of maintaining community involve-
ment and great customer service.
Thornwell Dunlap III, president and
chief executive officer of Countybank,
said the industry-wide, artificially low
interest rates have impacted banks’
margins, which have resulted in many
banks reducing costs.
Cost reductions come in the form
of layoffs, consolidations and the need
for the larger institutions to manage
its costs in smaller communities by
reducing the number of branches and
employees, while using more technol-
ogy and in certain cases selling entire
markets, Dunlap said.
“We think community banks like
ours are positioned to do very well in
the environment that our industry is in
today,” he said.
Dunlap said Countybank has an
advantage as a private, community bank
to focus on long-
term investment as
opposed to having to
satisfy stockholders
quarterly as many
larger, publicly traded
banks do.
“By nature, bank-
ing is and should be a
conservative industry.
Our primary respon-
sibility is to safekeep people’s hard-
earned money and ensure they have
access to that money when they need it
on demand,” Dunlap said. “If we follow
tried and proven principles in making
loans and investments, then we should
always be in position to give you money
on demand.”
In terms of the borrower, Stevens
said he is seeing more and more
people invest shorter term in order to
save money on interest, despite larger
monthly payments and low interest
rates, in order to have more equity in
what is being purchased.
Businesses are sharing in that senti-
ment and tend to be putting more
cash into large purchases and are still
somewhat cautious in making those
purchases as the market improves.
“The current landscape in Green-
wood, in my opinion, is very promis-
ing,” Stevens said.
By COLIN RIDDLE
criddle@indexjournal.com
Greenwood banking landscape not far behind national trend
PHOTOS BY COLIN RIDDLE
AND ARON AGERTON | INDEX-JOURNAL
SAM
ERWIN
JERRY
STEVENS
THORNWELL
DUNLAP III
See BANKING, page 2D

SECOND PLACE:
TheTimesandDemocrat
Gene Zaleski

FIRST PLACE:
The Sumter Item
Rick Carpenter
Ke Ke McMickell, left, and
Neil Quitsch hang a sign on
the day of the fundraising
barbecue to thank Becton-
Dickinson and Co. employ-
ees for helping out.
Eventreminds
BDemployees
they’re‘family’
A
s Becton Dickinson and Co.
Sumter Plant Manager
Kevin Johnson learned
that co-workers were beginning to
ask for donations for other em-
ployees who had lost
everything in the early
October flood, he as-
sembled his leadership
team to determine the
extent to which em-
ployees were affected.
While nearly every employee was af-
fected one way or another, out of BD’s
650 employees, six had lost virtually
everything. Realizing that co-workers
were searching for ways to help, he
asked four employees to organize a
fundraiser that would benefit those six
families.
Johnson noted he wanted to do
something for the victims that would
also give something back to those who
donated.
What do South Carolinians do dur-
ing a tragedy, Johnson asked?
“We break bread together,” he said.
Johnson said he knew that employee
Danny Burke had experience creating
BY RICK CARPENTER
rick@theitem.com
SEE FAMILY, PAGE A12
Meal fundraiser helps
co-workers after flood
JOHNSON
Below, Lavon Christmas,
seen at left, and Gene
McGriff put chicken quar-
ters on the grill during
the fundraising event.
PHOTOS PROVIDED

HONORABLE MENTION:
Independent Mail
Kirk Brown

THIRD PLACE:
Herald-Journal
Zach Fox
By ZACH FOX
zach.fox@shj.com
Greer officials are taking steps
to fill several empty storefronts in
the heart of the city.
The Greater Greer Chamber of
Commerce, Development Corp.,
and city officials are working
together to bring more business to
downtown. They said it is part of
a revival effort that has occurred
over the past several years and has
brought coffee shops, restaurants,
bars and retail stores to the area.
“We’reallaboutpromotingwhat
our business climate and our city,
especially downtown, has to offer,”
said Mark Owens, chamber presi-
dent and CEO.
Recently, a number of busi-
nesses have opened or expanded
in downtown. Wild Ace Pizza and
Pub recently built a new restau-
rant, the city’s first commercial
construction since City Hall was
built in 2008.
The Chocolate Toad, a local
bakery, expanded and relocated to
TradeStreet.Alawofficeandother
office spaces also have expanded.
An art gallery moved downtown
earlier this year, and it is set to
expand into a 7,000-square-foot
retail space.
More new businesses are
planned, including the Blue Ridge
Brewing Co. in Greenville opening
a second location in Greer. In addi-
tion, a craft beer and wine store
and new, second-floor apartments
are coming to Trade Street.
The Greer Station, a group of
businesses located in a former
train depot, continue going strong
after several years, and a farmers
market is coming to downtown
beginning Sept. 10.
The businesses currently
downtown are some of the big-
gest recruiters of new business
to Greer, said Kyle Mensing, com-
mercial development director with
the Greer Development Corp.
“Businessesdowntowncanmeet
with more people than we could
ever hope to,” he said. “Downtown
is a great referral service.”
Mensing has lived in Greer for
the past three years after first vis-
iting the city in 2010. He said there
has been tremendous growth since
his first visit.
However, the entire downtown
area hasn’t been redeveloped. Offi-
cials are working to fill several
empty stores in the Trade Street
Heart of city registers a strong beat
JOHN BYRUM/JOHN.BYRUM@SHJ.COM
Several storefronts stand vacant along Trade Street in downtown Greer. The Greer Development Corp., the Greater Greer
Chamber of Commerce and the city of Greer are working to fill the empty storefronts, furthering the city’s growth.
Empty storefronts
give entrepreneurs
a chance to thrive
◆ SEE GREER PAGE A5

SECOND PLACE:
The Island Packet
Dan Burley

FIRST PLACE:
The Sun News
Charles D. Perry

THIRD PLACE:
David Wren

SECOND PLACE:
John McDermott

FIRST PLACE:
David Slade
BY DAVID SLADE
dslade@postandcourier.com
A
North Charleston company that
hoped to redefine the residential
construction industry has instead
shut down, leaving a trail of debt, litiga-
tion, half-finished homes — and many
questions.
Titan Atlas Global manufactured steel-
and-concrete home construction kits,
promising “high-quality, disaster-resis-
tant,energy-efficientbuildings”thatcould
be“assembledatthebuildingsitequickly.”
However,anattemptbythecompanyand
an affiliate to build eight homes in North
Charleston’s Joppa Way community re-
sultedinhalf-finishedhomesthatarenow
in foreclosure.
“They left it looking deplorable. It’s ri-
diculous,” said City Councilwoman Dot
Williams, who lives nearby. “I feel sorry
for the people who have been buying
homes back there.”
Williams said she’s been trying to learn
who to contact about the properties,
unaware that Titan’s now-former CEO,
Jeremy Blackburn, is also the city’s pri-
mary contact on a major redevelopment
project involving the former Charleston
Naval Hospital at Rivers and McMillan
avenues.Blackburnislocalrepresentative
for Chicora Life Center, whose predeces-
sor acquired the hospital from the city
and is renovating the 10-story building
for Charleston County and other poten-
tial tenants.
North Charleston considers the hospi-
tal property a key to revitalizing the city’s
South End.
Utah lawyer Doug Durbano is one of
theprincipalsinthehospitalprojectanda
longtimeassociateofBlackburn.Durbano
filed the incorporation papers for Titan
Atlas Global, but said he has no financial
interest in the failed company, and it is
notrelatedtothehospitalredevelopment.
“Thereisnoconnectionbetweenthetwo
companies,” Durbano said in an email.
“What I can tell you is that JB (Jeremy
Blackburn) is doing a great job on the
Chicora project and working harder than
any man I know to complete the project,
which will be a wonderful improvement
totheareaandfolksthatwillbesupported
Titan falls a second time
North Charleston company leaves trail of debt, litigation and half-finished homes
Please see TITAN,Page E3
PAUL ZOELLER/STAFF
These boarded up homes in North Charleston were leftbehindafterconstructionbyShoreDevelopmentwashaltedintheJoppaWayneighborhood.
FILE/BRAD NETTLES/STAFF
Jeremy Blackburn, then-CEO of Titan Atlas
Global in North Charleston, talks about the com-
pany’s concrete home products in early 2014.

PUBLIC SERVICE
Daily16,000-45,000& Under16,000DivisionsCombined
HONORABLE MENTION:
Morning News
Shamira McCray

PUBLIC SERVICE
THIRD PLACE:
Aiken Standard
Maayan Schechter
STAFF PHOTO BY MAAYAN SCHECHTER
Pictured is the view from Liberty Bridge over Reedy RIver in Greenville. Aiken County and City leaders, including members of the Aiken community,
participated in the Greater Aiken Chamber of Commerce’s Aspirational Cities Tour, stopping in three cities that included Greenville.
Aiken leaders look to future
Greenville
leaders use
projects as
ticker for
success
STAFF PHOTO BY MAAYAN SCHECHTER
AikennativeAmyRybergDoyle,alsoaGreenvilleCityCouncil
member, told a group of Aiken leaders in September to find
the “cool” factor in Aiken’s downtown, and focus efforts on
bicycle and pedestrian friendly spaces.
BY MAAYAN SCHECHTER
mschechter@aikenstandard.com
EditorsNote:Thisisthefirstinathree-
partseriesthatfollowsthemajorsuc-
cessesandinvestmentsofGreenville,
Winston-SalemandRaleigh,NorthCaro-
lina,aftertheGreaterAikenChamberof
Commerce’sAspirationalCitiesTour.
Foryears,aportionoftheiconicReedy
RiverintheheartofdowntownGreenville
wasn’trecognized,wasn’tutilized.
A40-footwaterfallcoveredbyavehicular
bridgewentunnoticeduntilGreenville’s
MayorKnoxWhitebroughtinexperts,
brainstormedideasanddraftedstudiesin
forwhichtheCitywaslooking.
“The(expert)said,‘Yourassetisright
here;it’stheriver,”saidGreenvilleCity
CouncilmemberandAikennativeAmy
RybergDoyleoverthephoneTuesday.
“Sometimesthegreatestpartofyourtown
isjustsittingthere.”
Whatoccurrednextwouldtransform
notonlythetrajectoryofGreenville,but
itsvitalityanduseamongdifferingdemo-
graphics.
InSeptember,Aikenleadersandcommu-
nitymemberstookpartintheAspirational
CitiesTour,sponsoredbytheGreaterAiken
ChamberofCommerce.Participantsvisited
Greenville,Winston-SalemandRaleigh,
behindprojectsandinvestmentstobring
backtoAiken.
“Whatyouwillseeisallofourwork
downtownhasamixed-usecomponent–it
-
tainmentandart,”Doylesaid.“Wecheck
offeveryoneofthoseboxes;everyhourof
thedayisactive.”
Inspiration behind
Greenville’s movement
TheCityofGreenvillestartedoutasatex-
tileandmanufacturingtownwithasimilar
downtowntoAiken–four-laneroads,simi-
larstorefronts,smallsidewalksandlackof
foliageinthedowntownarea.
BY MAAYAN SCHECHTER
The journey from where the City of Greenville started
roughly 40 years ago to where it stands today was not lost
on Aiken leaders after the Aspirational Cities Tour to three
Carolina cities in September.
Onemonthago,theGreaterAikenChamberofCommerce
communitymembersthroughGreenville,Winston-Salem
-
ingtonotonlybringintourism,buttoalsokeepadiversityof
agesanddemographicsinsideitssquarefootage.
Aiken officials
look to take cues
from Greenville
INSIDE
Census
numbers
from Aiken,
Greenville,
11A
How officials
paid for the
trip, 11A
Seephotos
from the
chamber’strip
to Greenville,
11, 12APlease see SUCCESS,Page 11A
Please see CUES,Page 12A

PUBLIC SERVICE
SECOND PLACE:
The Sun News
Staff

PUBLIC SERVICE
FIRST PLACE:
TheTimesandDemocrat
Staff

PUBLIC SERVICE
THIRD PLACE:
and Adam Parker
THESERIES
TODAY: Like many,
home stability.
THURSDAY: Romulus
street violence.
after his arrest.
Johnson.
COMING AUG. 29-30:
to draw students as
T
their 60s.
not wanting to.
this one.
herself.
The unintended
consequences of
school choice
Chapter 1
LEFT
BEHIND
N
S
Chance of storms.
High 89. Low 75.
Complete 5-day
forecast, B10
ParsonJack’sCafe
Half-off gift card to
Parson Jack’s Café.
See A2
Bridge..................B9
Business...............B1
Classifieds............D1
Comics...............B8-9
Crosswords......B8,E5
Editorials............A14
Food.....................D1
Local ....................A2
Movies .................B7
Obituaries ............B4
Sports ..................C1
Television.............B6
FOOD: Area restaurateurs balance
bathroom form with function. D1
LOCAL: Secessionville re-enactment
canceled after Emanuel shooting. A4
Wednesday, August 19, 2015 POSTATT NDCOURIER.COM Charleston, S.C. $1.00
FOUNDED 18 03 WINNER OF THE 2015 PULIT ZE R PR IZE FOR PUBLIC SERVICE

PUBLIC SERVICE
SECOND PLACE:
Staff SHOTSFIRED
SHOTSFIRED
A 5-PART SERIES
PROVIDED
Summerville police officer Eddie McCreary shoots into the car of Nelson Hyman III in October 2010 after the
Lincoln backed in his direction. McCreary said he feared for his life. Hyman died.
A POST AND COURIER INVESTIGATION
This report was researched by Post and Courier reporters
Glenn Smith, Tony Bartelme, Doug Pardue, David Slade and Andrew Knapp.
It was written by Tony Bartelme.
TODAY: S.C. law enforcement
officers shot at people 235
times since 2009 and have
been cleared of wrongdoing
in nearly every instance. How
thoroughly does the State
Law Enforcement Division
investigate?
THURSDAY: A quarter of all
S.C. police shootings involved
an officer firing at a moving
vehicle, a practice banned by
some departments.
FRIDAY: Video cameras can
give the public an up-close
view of how police use deadly
force, but that footage doesn’t
always tell the whole story.
SATURDAY: The state’s pro-
cess for investigating police
shootings is stacked in favor
of officers when it comes to
giving statements and scruti-
nizing backgrounds.
SUNDAY: SLED’s case files
hold an overlooked library of
lessons that could be used to
train officers to prevent future
tragedies.
When police pull the trigger in South Carolina, investigators
fail to answer key questions about what happened, fail to document
the backgrounds of the officers and demonstrate a clear pattern
of double standards that favor police.
A
n officer in Summer-
ville pumps four bullets
through the side and
back windows of a
fleeing car, killing a
young man.
An officer in Duncan sees a
woman climb into his cruiser,
yells, “Get out or I’ll shoot you!”
and then does just that.
An officer in North Charleston
shoots eight bullets at Walter
Scott’s back, killing him on the
spot.
Every 10 days on average, South
Carolina law enforcement officers
point their guns at someone and
pull the triggers — 235 shootings
since 2009. Eighty-nine people
died, and 96 were wounded.
Each shooting also triggered
an investigation into whether
officers were justified in using
deadly force. With just a few no-
table exceptions, these officers
were cleared of any wrongdoing.
To be sure, many cases were open
and shut: Armed robbers shoot-
ing their way out of convenience
stores after holdups; rage-filled
drunks bent on destruction; sui-
cidal people daring cops to cut
them down.
But a Post and Courier investi-
gation uncovered case after case
where agents with the State Law
Enforcement Division failed to
answer key questions about what
happened, failed to document the
troubled backgrounds of the of-
ficers who drew their guns, and
failed to pinpoint missteps and
tactical mistakes that could be
used to prevent future bloodshed.
READ THE ENTIRE SERIES AT POSTANDCOURIER.COM/SHOTS-FIRED
Please see SHOTS FIRED, Page A9

PUBLIC SERVICE
FIRST PLACE:
Staff
MATTHEW FORTNER/STAFF
Law enforcement officers work at the scene of a shooting Wednesday night at Emanuel AME Church at 110 Calhoun St. in Charleston.
BY GLENN SMITH, ROBERT BEHRE
and MELISSA BOUGHTON
Nine people were shot to death during a
prayer meeting inside one of Charleston’s
oldest and most well-known black churches
Wednesday night in one of the worst mass
shootings in South Carolina history,
A bomb threat complicated the investiga-
tion and prompted authorities to ask nearby
residents to evacuate as officers scoured the
area for the gunman responsible for the car-
nage inside Emanuel AME Church at 110
Calhoun St. At least one person was said to
have survived the shooting.
Police revealed no motive for the 9 p.m. at-
tack, which was reportedly carried out by a
young white man. Charleston Police Chief
Greg Mullen said, “I do believe this was a
hate crime.”
MayorJoeRileycalledtheshooting“anun-
speakable and heartbreaking tragedy in this
most historic church.”
“Anevilandhatefulpersontookthelivesof
citizens who had come to worship and pray
together,” he said.
Authorities did not identify the dead.
StateSen.ClementaPinckneyisthechurch’s
pastor and was believed to be inside the 19th
centurybuildingduringtheshooting.Pinck-
neycouldnotbereachedlaterinthenightand
there were unconfirmed reports that he and
one of his relatives were among those shot.
Riley said city police were being assisted by
sheriff’sdeputies,theStateLawEnforcement
Division and the FBI.
Churchmembersweregatheredforaprayer
Churchattackkills9
Manhunt on for suspect after ‘hate crime’ shooting at Emanuel AME
WADE SPEES/STAFF
A man kneels on the ground after a mass shooting Wednes-
day at Emanuel AME Church on Calhoun Street.
Inside
Horrific chap-
ter for church, A4
Jeb Bush calls
off visit, A4
Sen. Clementa
Pinckney is pas-
tor of Emanuel
AME Church.
Please see ATTACK,Page ??

NEWS FEATURE WRITING
THIRD PLACE:
Aiken Standard
Dede Biles
BY DEDE BILES
Daisyhasbeenmissingfor
morethantwomonths,buther
owner,EmilyPurser,hasn’tgiven
uphopethattheywillbereunited
oneday.
“Iknowmydogisoutthere
somewhere,andIwantherback,”
saidPurserinarecenttelephone
interview.“Sheismylife.It’slike
losingachildandnotknowing
wheretheyare.”
Purserhasbeenlookingfor
Daisy,whoisasmooth-coated
bordercollie,sincethenightof
Dec.6.Theywereseparated
whiletravelingfromtheirhome
inAsheville,NorthCarolina,to
NorthAugustasoPursercould
saygoodbyetoherdyinggrand-
mother.
frommyauntanduncle’shouse,
wheremygrandmotherwasin
hospicecare,whenithappened,”
saidPurser,whowasdrivingher
HondaCR-V.“Wewereinthe
right-handlanewhenwewere
rear-endedonInterstate20.We
spunaroundthreeorfourtimes
andwenttotheleftintotheme-
dian.”
WhenthePurser’scompact
rearwindowwasshatteredand
Daisy,whowasridingintheback
ofthevehicle,wasgone.
Purserturneddownanam-
bulanceridetothehospital
becauseshewasworriedabout
her9-year-oldcaninecompanion.
Purser’sauntandunclejoinedher
inasearchthatlastedforseveral
hoursandsodidMaryCoffey,the
womanwhodrovethetowtruck
thatcametogetthedamaged
CR-V.
WhenDaisycouldn’tbefound,
Purserwasdevastated.Shealso
wasinpainaftersufferingexten-
sivesofttissueinjuries.
Notlongafterward,Purser’s
grandmotherdied.
“I’vebeenworkingthrough
thetraumaoftheaccident,the
traumaofDaisybeingmissing
andlosingmygrandmotherallat
thesametime,andit’stearingme
apart,”saidPurser,whohasbeen
onmedicalleavefromherjobasa
customerservicerepresentativeat
aWholeFoodsMarketsincethe
collision.
InhersearchforDaisy,Purser
hastriedavarietyofstrategies.
Withthehelpofothers,shehas
-
tionaboutDaisyandphotosof
theblackandwhitedogprinted
onthem.
Purser’sparentshiredapetde-
tective,andPurseralsoconsulted
apsychic.Inaddition,shehas
returnedtothisareasincetheac-
cidenttolookforDaisyherself.
“I’vesearchedI-20,between
Exits1and5,onbothsides,”
Pursersaid.“Iwalkedupand
downtherethreetimes,andI
evenwentintoaculvert.”
BecauseDaisy’sbodyhasn’t
beendiscoveredon,besideor
nearthefreeway,Purserbelieves
sheisstillalive.
Purserhasreceivedreportsof
sightingsofadogthatlookslike
DaisyaroundtheNorthAugusta
Greenewayandatotherlocations,
includingMartintownRoadand
BergenRoad.
“Idon’tknowofanythingelseI
candoexceptputupabillboard,”
Pursersaid.“Thatwassomething
recommendedtomerecently,but
becauseI’vebeenoutofwork,I
don’thaveanydisposableincome.
I’vealreadyspentalotofmoney
butIwoulddoanythingtogether
back.”
Anyonewhothinkstheyhave
seenDaisy,whohasamicrochip
implant,ormightknowwhere
sheis,cancallPurserat919-270-
4554,hermother,MargaretCoo-
perat919-270-9443orCoffeyat
803-270-5615.
Dede Biles is a general assign-
ment reporter for the Aiken
Standard and has been with
the newspaper since January
2013.
Woman seeks her missing dog
I’ve searched I-20, between Exits 1 and
5, on both sides. I walked up and down
there three times, and I even went into a
culvert.
Emily Purser
Any leads?
Call Emily Purser at 919-
270-4554, her mother,
Margaret Cooper at 919-
270-9443 or Mary Coffey at
803-270-5615.
STAFF PHOTO BY DEDE BILES
Daisy, a smooth-coated border collie, disappeared when the
HondaCR-Vshewasridinginwasrear-endedonInterstate20
near North Augusta last December.

SECOND PLACE:
Aiken Standard
Maayan Schechter
BY MAAYAA AN SYY CHECHTER
A village for Skylar
Local man who went through trials
to adopt his daughter tells his story
Chris Emanuel holds onto daughter Skylar, 19 months. Emanuel gained legal custody of hisdaughter nearly
three months after she was born.
Skylar Emanuel, 19 months, takes a ride down the Aiken County Public
Librarypark’sslide.Herfather,ChrisEmanuel,gainedlegalcustodythree
months after she was born.
Please see SKYLAR,
ONLINE
Visit aikenstandard.com for
morephotosofSkylar’svisitto
the Aiken County library park.

FIRST PLACE:
TheTimesandDemocrat
Gene Crider

HONORABLE MENTION:
Herald-Journal
Daniel J. Gross

THIRD PLACE:
The Island Packet
Amy Coyne Bredeson

SECOND PLACE:
The Sun News
Charles D. Perry

THIRD PLACE:
Schuyler Kropf
BY SCHUYLER KROPF
skropf@postandcourier.com
S
UMMERVILLE—In1944,
ArmydrafteeRollinsEd-
wards was ready to fight
the Nazis. Instead, without his
consent, he was made part of
a secret and cruel Department
ofDefensemedicalexperiment
where he and other minority
soldiers were intentionally ex-
posedtomustardgasandother
battlefield toxins.
Whilethefederalgovernment
acknowledged what happened,
Edwards, still sharp at 93, says
there is time to do more. This
is his story.
Thebivouacwassetupdeepin
the piney backwoods of Louisi-
ana, not close to much of any-
thing.
A loyal soldier’s
cruel ‘tattoo’
Rollins Edwards was exposed to deadly mustard gas in secret
tests that left him and other minority soldiers with permanent
injuries. But he was forced to keep quiet, battle for benefits.
PAUL ZOELLER/STAFF
World War II veteran Rollins Edwards, of Summerville, still has scars from secret mustard gas
testing he and other minority soldiers were subjected to, then threatened with prison if they
ever spoke about it. Edwards said he has lived with pain ever since being exposed to the gas.
Inside
VA enters
stretch on
goals for
homelessness,
claims
backlog. A6
Veterans Day
events. A6
Doctor’s
sculpture pays
homage to
lost Marine.
A7Please see SOLDIER,Page A7

SECOND PLACE:
T
he first time she stayed at
My Sister’s House for abused
women, Laura Nelson had
justturned7,ascaredlittlegirlwith
curly blond hair, hazel eyes and a
battered mother.
She is 22 now as she arrives at the
emergency shelter with her face
bruised, right wrist fractured, eyes
swollen from cry-
ingandadeepfear
for her future. It’s
late, nearing 11
p.m., when she
stepsbackthrough
the door.
Yet,sheisluckier
than many abuse
victims in South
Carolina, the na-
tion’s second-deadliest for women
killed by men. The boyfriend who
beat her is locked in jail. And she is
alive.
Justhoursafterenduringavicious
beating, Laura arrives under warm
spring darkness with her three
little kids and her abuser’s name
tattooed on her right forearm. She
remembers loving the playground.
She remembers not liking the food,
especially not the frozen chicken
nuggets. At first, she doesn’t rec-
ognize the cramped bedroom they
are assigned. It’s laid out differently
now. As the shock ebbs, she realizes
it is the room she stayed in with her
mom and siblings back when she
was a child. She swore then that
she wouldn’t follow in her mother’s
footsteps.
But now she’s back. The shelter
will provide her a safe place to stay
for 60 days, the amount of time
A hard road to safety
Hardships and hurdles make it tough to build
a future after escaping life of domestic abuse
PHOTOGRAPHS BY GRACE BEAHM/STAFF
Laura Nelson stands as protector for her children, Jordan and La’Nyah, who hide behind their mother after hearing a loud barking dog
as they wait at the school bus stop on the first day of school.
Please see NEWSMAKERS,Page A8
With no yard or space to play outside, Laura Nelson’s children,
Noel, La’Nyah and Jordan, run through the small apartment where
they are living temporarily.
Laura Nelson is among dozens
of women who have gone public
this year to reveal abuse they
suffered as part of South Caro-
lina’s silent epidemic of domestic
violence. For years, the state has
ranked among the deadliest
nationwide for women at the
hands of men, topping that list
three times in a decade.
In August, the silence ended
when The Post and Courier pub-
lished its investigative series, “Till
death do us part.” It revealed
that more than 300 women had
been killed over the past decade,
dying at a rate of about one each
week while the state did little to
stem the carnage from domestic
abuse.
Survivors like Laura have held
memorials, filled legislative
meeting rooms and shared
deeply personal stories to help
instigate change and add fuel to
the reform movement now un-
derway at the capitol to address
domestic violence.
That is why The Post and Couri-
er has named domestic violence
victims, as a group, our 2014
Newsmaker of the Year.
Laura agreed to share her story,
about building a life after abuse,
to help other victims — with a
single caveat. She didn’t want
her abuser’s name revealed.
About this story
Inside
Top local
newsmakers,
A10-11
Top religion
stories,G1
Topbusiness
stories, F1

FIRST PLACE:
The blood splattered on her legs
— that of her son, an elderly aunt,
herpastors,ninepeoplesheloved—
had dried. She still wore the same
clothes, a black skirt and a black-
and-white blouse, crusty now.
An endless night before, Felicia
Sanders had left her blood-soaked
shoes with the dead in the fellow-
ship hall of her beloved lifelong
church, Emanuel AME.
Barefoot as the sun rose, she
trudged up the steps to her home,
theonewhere26-year-oldTywanza
Sanders’ bedroom waited silently,
his recent college acceptance letter
tackedontoabulletinboardbeside
his poetry. It was after 6 a.m., and
she hadn’t slept. She hadn’t eaten,
notsincegoingtoEmanuelAME’s
elevator committee meeting the
evening before, then its quarterly
conference and then its weekly
Wednesday Bible study. There, 12
peoplemetinGod’smidst.Nineof
themdied,77bulletsintheirmidst.
Feliciahadansweredquestionsall
night from myriad authorities de-
terminedtofindthekiller.Nowher
phonerang.Herdoorbellrang.Re-
porters, friends, family, strangers,
anendlessblarethroughthejangle
of her muddled thoughts. Finally,
inadeliriousrage,shecalledanold
friend, attorney Andy Savage.
“Andy, it’s too much!” she cried
into the phone.
“I’ll be there.”
Shehungup,walkedupstairsand
lookeddownatherself,attheblood
ofheryoungestchildcrustedonher
body.
“I didn’t want to take the clothes
off,” she recalled, “because the
clothes were the connection.”
The connection to Tywanza, to
herauntSusieJackson,tothemall.
She stepped into the shower.
Watchingherson’sbloodswirlinto
the water and down the drain, Fe-
licia sobbed. She kept the clothes,
never washing them.
Sowingseeds
Itwasalargergroupthannormal
that night: 12.
Perhapsnonumbercarriesmore
biblical weight.
Christ called 12 men to follow
him. Israel had 12 tribes.
It is considered a perfect
biblical number.
‘Forgotten’survivors
search for meaning
2 women face tough road after Emanuel tragedy shatters their lives
Tyrone (center) and Felicia Sanders buried their son, Tywanza,
who was killed June 17 while trying to protect his elderly aunt.
District 45 candidates’ residency
questioned, but law open to
interpretation, Page A5
Council mulls designating part
of Calhoun Street as memorial
district, Page A5
Inside
GRACE BEAHM/STAFF
Polly Sheppard (left) and Felicia Sanders (center), the only adult survivors of the Emanuel AME massacre, greet Brenda Nelson,
who left the church for the night shortly before the fateful Bible study began.
Please see EMANUEL,Page A4

LIFESTYLE FEATURE WRITING
THIRD PLACE:
Aiken Standard
Maayan Schechter
James Hankinson, left,
trains with Keasen Free-
man, 17, at Hankinson’s
gym and home in Shiloh
Heights. Hankinson and
his wife, Brittany, aim to
help keep local kids off the
street and in the gym and
classroom through their
backyardboxingprogram.
STAFF PHOTOS BY MAAYAN SCHECHTER
James Hankinson, left, trains with daughter Jabreiona, 9, at their home in Shiloh Heights. James Hankinson Jr., 3, waits to box at his home in
Shiloh Heights.
Local couple
helping youth
through boxing
BY MAAYAN SCHECHTER
B
ehind James Hankinson and wife Brittany’s
home in Shiloh Heights is a wooden boxing ring
worth $900; but to these two, every penny spent
could in turn could save a child’s life.
“One day my wife took me to the store, and this is in
Aiken, and I walked in and there’s this kid – 10 or 11
– and he has a gun on him. I ask him, ‘Why you got
that gun,’ and he steps back and I said, ‘I just want
to know,’” Hankinson said. “I think like, I got a
9-year-old daughter. To see somebody that young,
we’ve got to do something to change this.”
James and Brittany, better known as Team
Hankinson, formed a boxing gym in May to
combat what James called a “growing prob-
of the week, two hours straight, the Hankin-
sons’ backyard is a complete gym, with a
ring and multiple bags for the young boxers to
work with.
Whether the boxers have transportation to prac-
tice doesn’t matter to the Hankinsons’; both gladly
pick up students in their cars, driving all the way to
Graniteville, North Augusta and even Augusta.
“Kids today are just missing that guidance –
there’s anger; they don’t believe in themselves,
some feel like rejects,” Hankinson said. “We’re here
to let them know people out there love you, no mat-
ter what you do, there is someone out here who
cares.”
Before each practice, Hankinson, or his
cousin Antonio Staley, lead the young
boxers in prayer.
Shiloh Heights.
AAA
chte
mes
Shil
900;
turn
fe to
walke
s a g
and h
Han
d dau
ot to d
and
nson
at wh
wee
back
nd m
with.
er th
matte
nts i
Nor
y are
; the
e reje
ow p
u do,
Befor
ousin
b
James Hankinson, left,
trains with Keasen Free-
man, 17, at Hankinson’s
gym and home in Shiloh
Heights. Hankinson and
his wife, Brittany, aim to
help keep local kids off the
street and in the gym and
classroom through their
backyardboxingprogram.
g
BY M
msche
ehind Jam
home in
worth $9
could in
“One day my wif
Aiken, and I w
– and he has
that gun,’ a
to know,’”
9-year-old
we’ve go
James
Hankin
comba
of the
sons’ b
ring an
work w
Whethe
tice doesn’t m
pick up studen
Graniteville, N
“Kids today
there’s anger;
some feel like
to let them kno
ter what you
cares.”
B
co
Please see BOXING,Page 12A
Gloves up,
guns down

SECOND PLACE:
TheTimesandDemocrat
Dionne Gleaton

FIRST PLACE:
TheTimesandDemocrat
Dionne Gleaton

THIRD PLACE:
The Herald
Teddy Kulmala
+
ROCK HILL
The only thing sparkling
more than the tiara on
Makayla Torres’ head, or
the pearl necklace around
her neck, was her smile as
she spun around on the
dance floor at her 16th
birthday party Saturday.
The Rock Hill teenag-
er’s personality shines just
as bright as her smile.
Friends and family mem-
bers who helped Torres
celebrate her birthday
with a “Breakfast at Tiffa-
ny’s” themed party Sat-
urday said they didn’t see
a girl in a wheelchair who
can’t walk or talk. They
saw a bubbly 16-year-old
who loves movies, Walt
Disney World and Clay
Aiken.
Torres’ mother, Heather
Earl, said her daughter
was about 8 months old
when she realized some-
thing wasn’t right.
“She’s had so many
tests done,” Earl said. “It’s
like textbook (cerebral
palsy). She’s never been
diagnosed with that. She
doesn’t have brain dam-
age. She continues to
thrive and have gains.
She’s never regressed.
She’s an enigma.”
Doctors have not given
them a definitive answer,
Earl said. Torres cannot
walk and is very limited in
her communication, but
shows “incredible” com-
prehension.
Earl watched her daugh-
ter giggle as friends spun
her around in her wheel-
chair on the dance floor to
“Walking on Sunshine.”
It’s not rare, she said, for
families of special needs
children to have no answ-
er as to a cause.
“You just have things
the doctors say, ‘We don’t
know,’ and some people
are happy to leave it at
that,” she said. “We keep
digging, because we want
to give her the best quality
of life as long as we pos-
sibly can. If there’s any-
thing that we can do for
her – we won’t stop.”
Torres’ birthday, which
is July 31, has always been
a big deal.
Her family pulled all the
stops for Saturday’s cele-
bration, based on the 1961
Audrey Hepburn film. The
ballroom of the Hilton
Garden Inn sparkled with
jewels, pearls, sunglasses
and balloon sculptures.
The cake was shaped like
the iconic Tiffany & Co.
box, complete with a
white bow and “Makayla
& Co.” inscribed in icing.
There was a New York
City skyline backdrop for
pictures, and the famous
“Tiffany Blue” color was
used in all the decora-
tions, party favors and
food.
Torres wore aHepburn-
inspired black gown, twin-
kling tiara and had a bee-
hive hair-do. A photo of
Torres recreating a scene
from the movie and a sign,
“Welcome, darlings,”
greeted guests.
Earl said it took about a
year to plan Saturday’s
party. They’ve also had
had elaborate parties in
the past, including a sock
hop at a bowling alley.
Amber Crow, a longtime
friend of Earl’s, said “She
won’t eat all day because
she’s so excited. She is
birthday parties and Walt
Disney World.”
Crow said Torres’ con-
stant happiness is ener-
gizing and inspirational.
“I may have had a hard
day at work,” she said.
“But I come over and –
going through everything
that she has to normally
go through on a daily basis
– she still has a smile on
her face. I tell you what, if
that does not put you back
in your place, nothing will.
She’s happy for no reason
at all, because she’s awake
and alert.”
Shirley Smith said she’s
fallen in love with Torres
after living next door to
her family for a year.
“You look at her and her
little eyes, and you just see
a pure heart,” she said.
“She’s made me realize
just how good my life has
been. She’s always happy.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen
her in a bad mood.”
Eileen Clark, a former
teacher of Torres’, called
her “pure magic.”
“Unashamed happiness,
unashamed love,” she
said. “If she loves some-
body, she lets you know
without a doubt.”
Earl said she doesn’t
want people to be afraid to
approach a child with
special needs or to talk
with their parents. She
says it’s important to
make special-needs chil-
dren feel included, and
that starts with getting rid
of labels.
PHOTOS BY TRACY KIMBALL
Makayla Torres celebrated her 16th birthday with a hug from her father Anthony Torres. The party theme was from the movie “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.”
‘Pure magic’: Rock Hill
teen dazzles at
sweet 16 celebration
...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
A Rock Hill teenager with special needs celebrates her 16th birthday Saturday
...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
The party’s theme was the Audrey Hepburn film “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”
...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
The girl’s condition has not been diagnosed, but friends and family say her happiness is unmatched
...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Makayla Torres’ cake was shaped like the iconic Tiffany &
Co. box, complete with a white bow and “Makayla & Co.”
inscribed in icing. The famous “Tiffany Blue” color was
used in all the decorations, party favors and food.
BY TEDDY KULMALA
tkulmala@heraldonline.com
SEE MAKAYLA , 4B

SECOND PLACE:
Independent Mail
Mike Ellis
By Mike Ellis
864-260-1277
Driving around Pickens
County back roads with
his wife on a lazy, rainy
New Year’s Day a dozen
years ago, Michael Bram-
lett stopped suddenly at
Hagood Mill.
He’d never been to the
tourist attraction — a
working water mill along-
side a blacksmith shop and
cabins — and it was closed
but he saw a hint of some-
thing on a nondescript,
half-buried boulder.
The boulder’s secrets —
small, faint lines hidden
for centuries until Bram-
lett’s rediscovery — are a
far older and even rarer at-
tractionthanafunctioning
1845 grist mill.
“In the rain, I stood on
the rock and boom, I spot-
ted two or three prehistor-
iccarvings,”Bramlettsaid.
“The more I stood there,
the more I found.”
The rain on that New
Year’s Day and the just-
right lighting had resur-
rected images from cen-
turies ago.
The petroglyphs,
ancient rock carvings
made by Native Ameri-
cans, included the most
sought-after of the carv-
ings, human figures.
A dozen years after
Bramlett’s chance dis-
covery, the rock will be
open to the public for the
first time Saturday. He’ll
be guiding visitors at the
mill’s newest, and oldest,
tourist attraction.
Along the bold Hagood
Creek, the land has sweep-
ing views and a trail used
for hundreds of years, by
natives and later trappers
and farmers before today’s
hikers.
Bramlett, an amateur
archeologist, had worked
with experts and other
petroglyph hunters in the
Upstate for several years,
so on that New Year’s Day
he recognized the far-off
language of petroglyphs,
barely noticeable even in
plain sight.
The rock was further
excavated to reveal more,
and better preserved, hu-
man figures under an old
1820 road on the property,
giving the only real dates
for the images — least 200
years old.
They are likely far, far
older, perhaps a 1,000
years or more, said Tom-
my Charles, a retired state
archeologist who has seen
all of the state’s known
petroglyphs, more than
1,000 at around 70 sites.
But in the Southeast,
where petroglyphs are so
rare they were once be-
lieved to have never exist-
ed, it is hard to give exact
dates for the carvings, he
said.
Petroglyphs are found
on every continent save
Carvingsfromcenturiesagotobemadepublic
INDEPENDENT MAIL FILE PHOTO
Ed Bolt shines a flashlight on the spot where petroglyphs were carved on a large rock at Ha-
good Mill in Pickens County.
IFYOUGO
What: Opening
of Hagood Creek
Petroglyph Site
and Annual South
Carolina State Fiddling
Championship
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday; competition
begins at noon for
guitars followed by banjo
(12:30 p.m.), junior fiddle
(1 p.m.), open division
(1:30 p.m.), senior fiddle
(2:15 p.m.) and old-time
string band (3:45 p.m.)
Where: Historic
Hagood Mill, 138 Hagood
Mill Road, Pickens
Cost: $5 parking fee
Contact: visitpickens
county.com; 864-898-
2936
See CARVINGS, 7A

FIRST PLACE:
The Sun News
Charles D. Perry

THIRD PLACE:
Abigail Darlington
BY ABIGAIL DARLINGTON
adarlington@postandcourier.com
I
n its six years of festivities high-
lighting the local lesbian, gay,
bisexual and transgender com-
munity, the Charleston Pride Festi-
val has never had so many reasons to
celebrate.
For the first time, the festival will
hold a same-sex wedding expo Sat-
urday, thanks to the Supreme Court
ruling in June that gave lesbian and
gay couples the right to marry. And
earlier in the day is the annual Pride
parade and rally that will surely have
an extra spring in its step consider-
ing all the recent strides toward
acceptance, including the public
transition of Olympian Caitlyn Jen-
ner, formerly Bruce Jenner, into a
woman.
The fight certainly isn’t over, but
many agree: This is a watershed mo-
ment that could topple many other
obstacles standing in the way of full
equality for the LGBT community.
But as many take part in the
celebrations this year, they’re also
reflecting on what all these changes
mean for queer culture in Charles-
ton, particularly in the realm of
nightlife and entertainment. Local
gay bars and longtime members of
the LGBT community are beginning
to notice that they may have to adapt
as queer culture ebbs closer to the
mainstream.
From whispers to mixers
Harlan Greene, an archivist at the
College of Charleston and author of
several books dealing with LGBT
culture, remembers what it was like
to be a gay man in Charleston in the
1970s, when social life for the LGBT
community was based entirely on
whispers.
“Years ago, long before the Inter-
net, the Battery was ... where gay
people could meet, and then as soon
as you met one gay person, it was a
word-of-mouth culture,” he said. “I
think that’s how I first found my gay
bar, it was just hearing about it from
someone else.”
Often, gay men and women were
directed to unmarked pubs on lower
King Street. “And then it was mus-
tering up the courage to open the
door,” Greene said.
So, was it risky?
“Oh sure, there were always the
hoodlums driving around, basically
wanting to ... the phrase was ‘roll a
queer,’” he said. “People would get
beaten up, jumped, you know just
by being at the Battery late at night.
And sometimes, you would get the
verbal assaults out of car windows
and that kind of thing, either in front
of the bars or basically at the Bat-
tery.”
From this perspective, you can
see why the realm of nightlife and
entertainment is bound to the LGBT
community’s cultural identity. For
so long, gay nightclubs were the only
safe havens, not just in Charleston,
but around the globe.
It’s where men could feel comfort-
able dressing or performing in drag,
or speaking openly about the latest
national movement pushing for
equality.
A major turning point for Charles-
ton’s queer culture, according to
Greene, came in the late ’70s when
the Garden and Gun Club opened on
lower King Street. It was a large, up-
scale dance hall where the Belmond
Charleston Place hotel is today.
Spoleto Festival USA had just
launched in downtown Charleston,
so the nightclub often hosted unoffi-
cial after-parties, and soon it became
the headquarters of Charleston’s
young, creative class.
“That was Charleston’s first really
successful mixing bar, and that’s
where people realized, ‘Oh, we’re just
coming to have a good time, and it’s
OK if you’re gay or straight,’” Greene
said.
By the 1990s, the Garden and Gun
Club had come and gone, and you
still “had to know where you were
going” to find most gay bars, accord-
ing to Toby Holiday, a bartender at
Dudley’s on Ann Street, but it wasn’t
as risky as it was a decade or two
COVERSTORY
Here’s the lineup of finale events for Charleston Pride on Saturday:
Charleston Pride Parade, 9 a.m., King Street, Charleston.
Charleston Pride Rally, 10 a.m., Brittlebank Park, 0 Lockwood Blvd.,
Charleston.
Get Hitched LGBT Wedding Expo presented by Innovative Event Services,
3 p.m., Memminger Auditorium, 56 Beaufain St., Charleston. $10 for expo,
$25 for expo and A Cause to Celebrate!
Charleston Pride After Party: A Cause to Celebrate! 9 p.m., Memminger
Auditorium, 56 Beaufain St., Charleston., $20.
For more details and ticket information, visit www.charlestonpride.com/
schedule.
Pride finale
Adapting to acceptance
Victories earned in LGBT community lead to many shifts in local queer culture
Rosie Williams (left) spun Kristen Trask as they greeted each other on the street while Williams marched in the Charleston Pride Parade last year.
Please see PRIDE,Page E19
E18: Thursday, July 30, 2015 The Post and Courier

SECOND PLACE:
The Greenville News
C. Eric Connor and
Mykal McEldowney

FIRST PLACE:
Blanca Vasquez had worked hard that day,
baking and delivering cakes to three big
events: a birthday party, a wedding and a
baby shower. It had been a long Saturday after a
long week, and exhaustion crept in.
“You drive,” she told her husband.YY
With that, their lives would change, seemingly
forever. Santos Garcia slipped behind the wheel.
It was late, nearing midnight, as they headed
home to Johns Island with their three drowsy
kids in back.
But at a traffic light, the one in front of Bon
Secours St. Francis Hospital in WestWW Ashley,
Garcia struck another car, breaking a headlight
but not injuring anyone. Both cars pulled over.
Garcia grabbed his registration and insurance
and hopped out, promising profusely to pay for
the damage.
The other driver picked up his cell phone. And
dialed the police.
In that dark, warm August night, terror de-
scended. Vasquez and Garcia lived with the
dread that the nation’s estimated 11.3 million
unauthorized immigrants know well, the one
that accompanies the words: “driver’s license
please.”
Garcia held a job, paid taxes and raised his
children. But the Mexico native had no docu-
ments proving he could be in the country le-
gally, and therefore no driver’s license.
His wife knew what that could mean. As the
officer’s blue lights approached, Vasquez pan-
icked. “Maybe,” she thought, “I should tell him
that I was driving.”
Instead, as she and her three children watched,
as they cried, the police officer handcuffed Gar-
cia, placed him into a squad car and drove away
to Charleston County’s detention center.
Five days later, Vasquez received a call: Au-
thorities were moving Garcia to a Georgia jail.
Before she could see him again, her husband was
gone.
Immigration reform
On Nov. 14, Garcia was deported to Mexico.
Six days later, President Barack Obama un-
veiled his executive action to reform immigra-
tion policy.
Parents like Vasquez, undocumented im-
migrants whose children are U.S. citizens or
permanent residents, would be able to request a
deportation deferral for three years. They must
have been in the U.S. since January 2010 and
pass a background check. Applications could
start May 20, the National Immigration Law
Center says.
Vasquez thinks she could qualify.
Obama’s action also would defer deportations
for people who came to the U.S. as children.
They can apply Feb. 18.
The changes could lift the constant worry of
deportation for about 5 million of the 11.3 mil-
lion unauthorized immigrants living in the
U.S. today, according to Pew Research Center
estimates.
Yet, strident criticism came swiftly, especiallyYY
from Republicans who called the unilateral
move illegal. Others argued against rewarding
people who had entered the U.S. illegally. And
many said it would cost Medicaid more.
South Carolina leaders joined a coalition of 17
states suing the administration over the action.
U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, a South Caroli-
na Republican, is among those who support the
lawsuit. “The executive action is unprecedented
and tramples on the concept of constitutional
checks and balances,” Graham said in a state-
ment.
Now opponents want to pull federal purse
strings shut to stymie the changes.
Congressional Republicans are trying to with-
hold funding from the Department of Home-
land Security that could be used to pay for the
deportation deferrals. Last week, Senate Demo-
crats blocked a similar effort.
In another tack, the House may vote next week
whether to authorize leaders to sue the presi-
dent.
Meanwhile, as lawmakers in Washington,WW
D.C., clashed over immigration reform, Garcia
slipped back across the border in a desperate at-
tempt to reunite with his wife and children.
He was caught and sentenced to 18 months in
prison. He remains locked up in New Mexico,
his wife says.
A 34-year-old with a wise countenance,
Vasquez is risking her own deportation to share
her story publicly so that others will know the
people behind words like “immigration reform”
and “undocumented workers.”
To her and their children, Garcia wasn’t a man
defying American laws or taking jobs someone
else wanted.
He simply was el papa.
American dreams
Vasquez came to the United States in 2001
when she was 21. She’d been working in a border
town, the only place she could find work. But it
was a dangerous area, especially for women, and
American Dream deferred
Local family shares human face of unauthorized immigrants
GRACE BEAHM/STAFF
Blanca Vasquez laughs during an English class she takes at Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach Center on Johns Island.
GRACE BEAHM/STAFF
Vasquez drops off her daughter America, 6, in a child care class at the outreach where she
has taken many classes.
PROVIDED
Garcia with his daughter America at a pre-
school event last year.
PROVIDED
Santos Garcia with his sons, Santos Jr.
and Christopher, when they were little.
PROVIDED
“I wake up every morning worried if I have to go home.”
Blanca Vasquez
Please see IMMIGRANTS,Page G4

PROFILE FEATURE WRITING OR STORY
THIRD PLACE:
Index-Journal
Mary Kate McGowan
FROM THE HEART
ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO
Awarded cardiac survivor
pushing himself for more
O
n the night of
Aug. 11, 2013,
Bruce Balchin
did not respond
to one of his wife Susan’s
questions after spending a
day at The Children’s Muse-
um in Greenville with their
grandson.
Susan found him slumped
in a chair at their home with
his chin to his chest. He had
gone into full cardiac arrest
and stopped breathing for a
minute and a half before first
responders rushed in to revive
him. But that was not all. Bruce
also suffered a stroke Aug. 12.
“I didn’t hear his voice for a
month,” Susan said. “That was
the beginning of the journey.”
Not knowing what was
wrong with her husband,
Susan saw Bruce intubated 30
minutes after arriving at Self
Regional Healthcare.
By MARY KATE
McGOWAN
mmcgowan@indexjournal.com
MARY KATE MCGOWAN
Bruce Balchin, center, pushes himself through Self Regional
Healthcare’s Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation program after winning SC
Association of Cardiac Rehab and Pulmonary Rehabilitation’s Patient
of the Year award. From left to right are, Dianne Corley, Nell Jones,
Susan Balchin, Bruce Balchin, Susan Cooper, Tomasz Kluszczynski and
Debbie Alvarez.See CARDIAC, page 4A
BRUCEBALCHIN
cardiacsurvivor
CLOSER
LOOK

SECOND PLACE:
Index-Journal
Ariel Gilreath
Early Childhood Center student
support facilitator Judy Anderson
is known by her peers for her com-
passion toward students.
The center is a preschool for
4-year-olds and serves mostly dis-
gadvantaged children on a first-come
basis to help them get a head start
on school.
Anderson, who is retired, works
part time as the student sup-
port facilitator. Before working
with ECC, Anderson returned
yto school at Winthrop University
for a Maymester at 63 years old in
2011 to add an endorsement to her
By ARIEL GILREATH
agilreath@indexjournal.comCLOSER
LOOK
JUDYANDERSON
EarlyChildhoodCentery
,Anderson nurtures flowers, children Judy Anderson,
student support
facilitator at the Early
Childhood Center,
laughs at a joke told
by Rakhius White,
right, while reading to
Kelsee Castillo-Vega,
left, and Abby Wilson
on Friday morning.
MADDY JONES
| INDEX-JOURNAL
SeeSee U U SNURTURES, p g, page, page 4A

FIRST PLACE:
The Beaufort Gazette
Stephen Fastenau

THIRD PLACE:
The Sun News
Claire Byun

SECOND PLACE:
Independent Mail
Abe Hardesty

FIRST PLACE:
The Sun News
Charles D. Perry

THIRD PLACE:
The State
Jamie Self

SECOND PLACE:
The State
Erin Shaw

FIRST PLACE:
WADE SPEES/STAFF
S.C. Attorney General Alan Wilson surprised his son, Michael (wearing jersey), last week with tickets to a Gamecocks basketball
game with Wilson’s lifelong friend, Thad Westbrook. Sporting events are one way Wilson, a rabid University of South Carolina fan,
spends time with friends and family.
A
s a winter storm barreled toward South
Carolina a year ago, Alan Wilson gathered
1,500 pages of secret documents, piled more
than a foot high, and left his office.
Driving home that arctic February day, he carried
evidence that House Speaker Bobby Harrell — a
friend and fellow Republican, one who rivaled Gov.
Nikki Haley in state power politics — had commit-
ted criminal violations of ethics laws.
Wilson, the nation’s youngest attorney general,
was in his first elected office.
Two months earlier, just days before Christmas, a
State Law Enforcement Division file landed on his
desk in Columbia. Wilson and SLED’s chief agreed
the evidence justified a trip to the state grand jury.
But then the dark clouds of politics burst open.
Harrell accused Wilson, the state’s top prosecutor,
of abusing his office to advance his political career.
Harrell’s chief of staff alleged Wilson tried to con-
vey a threat to the speaker. Wilson received hate
mail. Friends shunned him.
“There was zero room for mistakes,” he recalls
realizing.
As the winter storm hit, Wilson headed to his
basement, with its Man Cave sign, home to his
recliners and Gamecock footballs, a place he nor-
mally went to relax. This time, he closed the door
behind him and spread documents across the car-
pet, covering it.
Wilson worked up to 18 hours a day. He barely
slept.
Five days later, he returned to work with a full
beard and a fire of determination.
Into the spotlight
Attorney general is political insider taking on corrupt insiders
“I hear people
refer to him as
a Boy Scout,
and it’s actually
true. It’s how
he approaches
everything.”
Thad Westbrook
Childhood friend Please see WILSON,Page A6

SHORT STORY
HONORABLE MENTION:
TheTimesandDemocrat
Gene Crider

SHORT STORY
THIRD PLACE:
TheTimesandDemocrat
Gene Zaleski

SHORT STORY
SECOND PLACE:
Index-Journal
Ariel Gilreath
CIRCLEOFLIFE
PHOTOS BY MADDY JONES | INDEX-JOURNAL
Ware Shoals Primary School students hold out their hands to high-five the seniors of the graduating class of 2015 Friday morning.
The Ware Shoals High School Class of 2015 walks the halls of their old primary
school as students cheer and high-five them Friday morning.
Ware Shoals High seniors return where they began
W
are Shoals High School’s gradu-
ating seniors walked the halls of
Ware Shoals Primary School on
Friday morning in their purple
caps and gowns as a reminder of
where they began.
Most students at the high school started their edu-
cation at Ware Shoals Primary School and continued
through Ware Shoals schools until they end their
K-12 education at the high school graduation.
Ware Shoals Primary School kindergarten teacher
Donna Jones remembers all of the graduating stu-
dents she had in her kindergarten classes 13 years
ago, and one of them, Nathaniel Lowe, invited her to
his golf signing with Montreat College.
“It just seems like yesterday when they were this
little,” Jones said. “I see them come through and I’ve
lost contact with some of them because when they
went to junior high and all, but they always come
back I have several that come back throughout the
year to visit.”
Jones said Lowe never forgot her even while he was
By ARIEL GILREATH
agilreath@indexjournal.com
See CIRCLE, page 3A

SHORT STORY
FIRST PLACE:
The Sumter Item
Jim Hilley Mayesville store heist
foiled by poor planning
BY JIM HILLEY
jim@theitem.com
Two would-be burglars
made an attempt to break
into a convenience store in
Mayesville shortly after
midnight Wednesday, but,
there seemed to be a few
missing links in their un-
lawful plans.
With surveillance camer-
as rolling, the two men are
seen backing a pickup truck
close to the security doors
at the front of the business.
They walk up, check the
doors and jump back in the
truck.
A brilliant plan emerges:
Maybe they could attach
that chain to the doors.
No doubt confident in
their criminal enterprise,
the pair puts its plan into
action. They back the truck
up to the store; attach a
chain to the doors before
surging ahead in the truck.
What could go wrong?
Maybe they should have
tried attaching the chain to
the truck as well.
The determined duo
makes another attempt, this
time attaching the chain to
their getaway vehicle before
hitting the gas.
They must have thought
access to the aisles of junk
food, soft drinks and ice-
cold beer could only be mo-
ments away.
The truck lurches for-
ward, the chain stays firmly
attached to the security
doors.
To the truck? Not so
much.
The chain falls limply to
the ground.
Apparently the duo of
dunces needed some time to
come up with a way to at-
tach the chain to the pickup.
They drive away only to
slam the truck into reverse
one more time.
The conversation in the
truck might have gone
something like this:
“Did you get the chain?”
“No I didn’t get the chain;
did you get the chain?”
The duo grab the chain
and disappear in the dark of
night.
Minutes later, the Mayes-
ville masterminds return to
the scene of the crime,
chain attached firmly to
truck — nothing like being
prepared ahead of time.
They again attach a chain
to the metal security doors
and pull forward.
Oh, the joy of success!
This time the security doors
fling in the air, knocking
down a post supporting the
porch to provide bonus
mayhem.
Acting like a well-oiled
machine, one suspect quick-
ly attaches the chain to the
remaining doors and the
driver pulls forward.
Boink! The handles fly off
with the doors still tightly
shut — curses, foiled again.
With all their back-up
plans seemingly exhausted,
the defeated duo disappears
into the night, hopefully
having decided to give up
their life of crime.
SEE HEIST, PAGE A6
WANT TO SEE THE VIDEO?
https://www.youtube.
com/watch?v=aP3v860j0K4
&feature=youtu.be.

SHORT STORY
THIRD PLACE:
The Island Packet
Erin Heffernan

SHORT STORY
SECOND PLACE:
Morning News
Joshua Lloyd

SHORT STORY
FIRST PLACE:
Morning News
Veasey Conway

SHORT STORY
HONORABLE MENTION:
The State
Erin Shaw

SHORT STORY
HONORABLE MENTION:
Prentiss Findlay
BY PRENTISS FINDLAY
Someone apparently had
ideas of digging to China from
Folly Beach. Or maybe they
envisionedaprivatebunkerfor
their beach chairs.
“This one just appears that
someone wanted to dig a big
hole,” said Andrew Gilreath,
directorofthecityDepartment
of Public Safety.
Whateverthemotive,discov-
eryofthechasminthesandhas
prompted a police advisory to
digresponsibly.Ataminimum,
that means not leaving a hole
largeenoughtotrapunsuspect-
ing pint-size beachgoers or in-
jure an adult.
“It’s not only dangerous to
wildlife and the turtles, but
as you can see, a kid could get
stuck and/or drown,” authori-
ties said in a statement posted
Sundayonthecitypublicsafety
Facebook page.
The island beach patrol and
turtle watch team reported
finding the hole Thursday
around 5th Street West. The
section of the beach where it
was discovered is popular with
families. Gilreath suspects
youngteensdidthediggingfor
amusement rather than nefari-
ous reasons.
“Either way, it poses a huge
safetyriskforvisitors,residents
and wildlife,” he said. “We do
have folks who walk the beach
at all hours. Something like
this could cause severe injury
or worse.”
Follytriestofillbeachholesas
they are found, but sometimes
they aren’t seen until the next
morning, he said.
“They(beachgoers)needtobe
preparedtofilltheholesbackin
beforetheyareleftunattended.
Most folks are polite and logi-
cal enough to flatten them out
or fill them in before leaving,”
Gilreath said.
Sullivan’s Island is not seeing
a problem with holes dug and
left behind on the beach, said
Town Administrator Andy
Benke.
IsleofPalmssendsoutapatrol
daily to check for beach holes
anditemsleftbehindthatcould
poseapublichazard,saidMay-
or Dick Cronin.
“Partly to protect people and
also to protect turtles,” he said.
Afirefightercrewusingshov-
els filled the Folly hole.
“We run into this a couple of
times a year,” he said.
Firefighters fill big hole dug
in the sand at Folly Beach
CITY OF FOLLY BEACH
A big hole in the sand was
found on Folly Beach at 5th
Street West.
Rules for area beaches in-
clude:
No littering. Bring garbage
bags and take trash to con-
tainers found at each beach
access.
Personal items left on the
beach after sunset, such as
tents, canopies, coolers, vol-
leyball nets and umbrellas,
may be considered aban-
doned and municipalities
have the right to take posses-
sion and dispose of them.
Holes dug in the sand
should be filled back in for
safety.
No overnight sleeping on
the beach.
Beach etiquette

SHORT STORY
THIRD PLACE:
Tony Bartelme
E
ndurance comes in
many forms. Stacked
like cordwood inside
ships, millions of enslaved
Africans endured the “Middle
Passage” to the American col-
onies. Institutions can endure,
including Emanuel AME
church, which was formed by
freed slaves in the early 1800s,
went underground after the
Denmark Vesey executions,
and then rose again as Mother
Emanuel. It also came in
the form of one of the AME
church’s servants, Daniel Lee
Simmons Sr.
Simmons was a gentle man
with an easy smile. He was
born 74 years ago just as the
country was about to endure
its Second World War. Sim-
mons would go on to fight in
another war, Vietnam, and
return with a Purple Heart.
Later, he found himself called
to a different form of service,
the ministry.
He attended the Lutheran
Theological Southern Semi-
nary in Columbia, graduating
in 1988 with a Master of Divin-
ity. He was assigned to Friend-
ship AME and Olive Branch
AME in Mount Pleasant, and
St. Luke’s AME in Hollywood.
“Dependable, that’s how I
would describe him, and an
excellent administrator,” said
the Rev. Joe Darby, presiding
elder of the church’s Beaufort
District. “And he had a very
good sense of humor.” Humor
is an important endurance
food for any minister.
After about 30 years as a
pastor, Simmons retired, but
as Darby said, “ministers
never really retire.” Simmons
soon joined the ministerial
staff of Mother Emanuel, the
AME church’s spiritual heart.
Simmons was the only victim
to survive the gunfire. An am-
bulance rushed him to Medical
University Hospital. An emer-
gency team worked on him
into early morning, until he
could endure no more. But en-
durance comes in many forms.
In Simmons’ case, this includes
his family. In the aftermath,
his son would cite Romans 15:5
and “the God who gives the
power of patient endurance.”
And his granddaughter would
face the young man charged
with nine counts of murder,
now shackled: “Everyone’s plea
for your soul is proof they lived
in love and their legacies will
live in love.”
—Tony Bartleme
Daniel L.
Simmons Sr.

SHORT STORY
SECOND PLACE:
Bo Petersen
BY BO PETERSEN
ISLE OF PALMS — Don’t be fooled: The
beloved Huey the goose was a foul-
tempered brute. But among old-time
islanders, the domesticated Chinese fowl
is the stuff of legend.
Huey “just flew in one day” in the late
1970s, said Gene White, landing among the
mallard ducks that roamed White’s combi-
nation Texaco gas station, dock and marina
at the west end of the island on the edge of
Breach Inlet. The goose made itself at home
among the ducks.
In fact, it made itself the enforcer, often
charging at people when they’d stop to pour
gas, flailing its 6-foot wingspan, the elbows
throwing a mean punch.
“He was ornery. If people got too close to
the ducklings, he would chase them off. He
also liked to chase women in red dresses.
He would literally attack them,” White said.
So naturally, Huey became one of those
charms of the island, a true character.
People who drove to the beach would drop
by, grab some gas, drinks or chips just as an
excuse to see Huey.
“Huey was the real deal. It’s the kind of
stuff people should learn about the island’s
history,” said Councilman Jimmy Carroll,
who is trying to organize a regular speaker
event to tell tales like that.
The only human that had any control over
Huey was White, so staff would yell for him
when a woman stepped out of a car with a
red dress on.
And Huey knew when White was com-
ing. The goose would back off, flail and
wrestle as White bear-hugged it to bring
in the wings. He’d carry the bird down to
the end of the dock and drop it in the In-
tracoastal Waterway. The goose would hiss
and squawk its way to shore, squawk its way
through the pluff mud under the pilings
and eventually waddle its way back to the
pump.
There the bird would preen for its own re-
flection in the pump wall, courting madly.
“That crazy goose was in love with his re-
flection,” said Mount Pleasant Mayor Linda
Page. “That goose was a mess.”
White never did find out where Huey
came from. Chinese geese were standard
farm “watch dogs” at the time, hyper alert
and more reliable than dogs. When some-
thing strange came along they’d raise a
ruckus, White said. So they were around all
over the place.
Huey was old when it arrived, and older
still when White sold the operation —
ducks and goose and all — after several
years.
So White never did find out what hap-
pened to it, but likes to think the goose
lived out his days ruling the roost.
“He could knock you down like a grown
man could,” White said. “But he was still
our mascot, and I put up with him because
people loved him.”
Reach Bo Petersen at 937-5744, @bopete
on twitter or Bo Petersen Reporting on
Facebook.
The mad goose
of Isle of Palms
PROVIDED BY JIM CARROLL
Huey the goose ruled the roost for years at the Texaco station on the Isle of Palms.
‘Ornery’ bird was longtime beloved ‘mascot’
h
w

SHORT STORY
FIRST PLACE:
Deanna Pan
BY DEANNA PAN
dpan@postandcourier.com
COLUMBIA — There was
no denying it was a powerful
sight: Lt. Derrick Gamble, a
black man, carrying away the
Confederate battle flag forever
from the place where it flew for
morethan50years.Asymbolof
division,areminderofapainful
past,rolledtightlywitharibbon
inthepalmsofhisglovedhands.
Humbled and poised in his
crisp gray uniform, Gamble
said his role in Friday’s Honor
Guardceremonypermanently
furling the rebel banner was
just “another mission.”
“To me, maybe it hasn’t sunk
in,”hesaid,“butit’sjustpartof
what we do.”
For state trooper, Confederate flag
ceremony was just ‘another mission’
JOHN BAZEMORE/AP
Lt. Derrick Gamble
carried away the flag. Please see TROOPER,Page A7

COLUMN WRITING
HONORABLE MENTION:
Index-Journal
Richard Whiting
H
e was born in Hampton, Vir-
ginia. There were four siblings,
three boys and one girl.
The children’s father abandoned them
and their mother while he was quite
young something that made a lasting
impression on him as even years later
when he got a call to say his father had
died he thought the caller meant his
father-in-law. He was relieved to learn
that was not the case.
His mother sacrificed for her children
and helped her son real-
ize his dream to attend
Virginia Military Insti-
tute, Class of 1947. Cir-
cumstances changed,
however, and he had
to leave the school he
so loved in Lexington,
Virginia, and head to
Annapolis, Maryland.
He graduated in 1949
and immediately joined
the military branch,
the U.S. Marine Corps.
Esprit de corps.
He married in June 1949, launching
both a military career and a family. He
served his country overseas as well as
in the States, and he served in various
roles, roles that required many moves.
Fredericksburg, Virginia. Fort Riley,
Kansas. Beaufort, South Carolina.
Oxford, Mississippi. Quantico, Virginia.
Virginia Beach, Virginia. Bangkok,
Thailand. Alexandria, Virginia.
At 20-some years into the marriage
there were 20-some moves tallied. More
often than not, he had to go where the
Corps sent him, leaving his wife to han-
dle the packing. And the children. And
the move. His wife became an expert at
organizing and packing boxes, but she
dutifully went about the task year after
year. She did not just marry a man, she
married the Marine Corps, and she
knew it going into the relationship.
He was not always in danger in the
Corps. He moved up through the ranks
lieutenant, major, lieutenant colonel
and landed in the military intelli-
gence arena, which gave him a stint at
the Pentagon before he agreed to a tour
of duty in Da Nang, Vietnam. When
that tour ended, he returned home to
Alexandria, Virginia. There, his mili-
tary career hung in the balance. A pro-
motion to full bird colonel would mean
he would remain in the Corps.
When he was passed over for the pro-
motion he decided it was time to retire
and take a new career direction. The
family moved back to a home it had
kept in Virginia Beach and he enrolled
at the University of Maryland as a
political science major. His plan was
to earn a masters degree and teach. He
rented a room from a woman near the
university. His weekdays were spent in
classrooms, his weeknights were spent
hunched over a small manual typewrit-
er on which he would hunt and peck to
type his various assignments. On week-
ends, he would return to his family.
He did so well in earning his masters
that his professor suggested he take a
test to see if he’d qualify for the PhD
program. He aced it, and so he opted to
pursue a PhD in political science with
plans remaining to teach.
But plans have a funny way of chang-
ing. His mother-in-law’s house burned
to the ground. She had been widowed
for six or so years and had grown
somewhat accustomed to living alone,
but after the fire she did not think she
could rebuild and be on her own. After
a new house was built on the old home
site, three generations moved under
one roof. He shelved his plans to earn
a PhD and he and his wife considered
long-range plans that would include
buying a sailboat and taking long
cruises.
Again, plans have a funny way of
changing. He died, leaving his widowed
wife to tend to her own widowed moth-
er. A career military man whose name
could have been among those on the
Vietnam Wall in Washington was not
brought down by enemy fire. Instead,
he was killed at age 52 by a silent and
slower killer: cancer.
He was laid to rest with military hon-
ors in Arlington National Cemetery on
Aug. 16, 1978. He was a good man who
was devoted to his mother, his family,
the Marine Corps.
There, just off Farragut Drive, in Sec-
tion 15C, is grave 160-B. It is but one in
a sea of thousands. It is one that on this
Memorial Day weekend will be hon-
ored. And it is one that matters most
to those he left behind. His headstone
reads: Charles S Whiting/ Lt Col/ US
Marine Corps/ World War II/ Korea/
Vietnam/Jul 17 1926/Aug 13 1978.
Whiting is executive editor of the Index-
Journal. Contact him at 864-943-2522;
email rwhiting@indexjournal.com, or fol-
low him on Twitter at IJEDITOR. Views
expressed in this column are those of the
writer only and do not represent the news-
paper’s opinion.
He is one of many, but a special one
RICHARD
S. WHITING
WHITING’S
WRITINGS

COLUMN WRITING
THIRD PLACE:
Index-Journal
Chris Trainor
Pendulum can swing for Calhoun Falls
O
n a humid, muggy evening
in late June last year, I stood
at the top of a hill at the Blue
Hole Recreation Area in Calhoun Falls
and looked down toward the shoreline
of Lake Russell.
Index-Journal photographer Maddy
Jones and I had traveled to western
Abbeville County that Saturday eve-
ning to give some coverage to the Lake
Russell Freedom Blast, the annual
Independence Day
weekend celebration
in that neck of the
woods.
When Maddy and
I left Greenwood to
make the roughly
30-mile drive out
to Calhoun Falls, it
was raining heavily. I
mean, it was pouring
buckets. Throughout
the drive, Maddy and
I were moaning and
complaining, as jour-
nalists are wont to do, about a) having
to work on a Saturday night and b)
the fact that it was raining so hard we
could hardly see two feet in front of
the car and we were on our way to an
outdoor event.
However, just as we pulled into Cal-
houn Falls (or around Calhoun Falls,
I should say, as S.C. 72 now bypasses
the center of town) the rain stopped. I
mean stopped dead, as if God Himself
had shut off the water faucet.
And so it was, just a short time later,
that I found myself standing on the
aforementioned hillside at Blue Hole,
watching the hustle and bustle at the
Freedom Blast.
There was a great crowd on hand,
and everyone had something to do.
A live band jammed on stage at the
park’s pavilion. Members of a classic
car club sat in a circle of foldout tailgat-
ing chairs, swapping stories about their
restored hot rods and laughing about
old times. That distinct summer aroma
of burgers and hot dogs emanated
from grills.
I must have shaken hands with
200 people that night. I’m a native of
Abbeville, and my wife grew up in
Calhoun Falls. When I was a full-time
staff writer at the Index-Journal, my
beat was always in Greenwood, so
whenever I had the rare opportunity to
cover the occasional event in Abbeville
County, it was a treat. It felt like home.
As I looked down to the water, the
dying sunlight of the early evening was
knifing through the trees that tower
above the shoreline, casting beams of
light on children who were screaming
and laughing and splashing in the lake.
An inflatable water slide was set up and
children quickly got in line for their
turn to flop down the slide, then race
around to get back in line and go again.
There were white children and black
children and, on that resplendent
night, with music ringing in their ears,
burgers on the grill and a big water
slide set up down at the lake, their
differences melted away with the mid-
summer heat.
It was a perfect night in Calhoun
Falls. If only they could all be so per-
fect.
IT’S NO SECRET THAT Calhoun
Falls has, during the course of several
years, had a run of bad luck and bad
headlines. I know some will get mad
that I would even bring it up, but I’m
just being honest. I’m from Abbeville
County. My wife is from Calhoun Falls.
We have family there. But, things
happen.
According to the U.S. Census, the
population of Calhoun Falls is dwin-
dling. In the 2000 Census, the popula-
tion there was just more than 2,300.
In the 2010 Census, that had fallen to
about 2,000.
The closing of manufacturing facili-
ties, the mills that once were the eco-
nomic backbone of the town, certainly
contributed to the exit of many families
and individuals.
Then of course, there was the issue
of the closure of Calhoun Falls High
School several years ago, the blood and
guts of which I dare not get into here.
The school still lives on as Calhoun
Falls Charter School, but some in
town will tell you it’s just not the same,
despite the efforts of many to keep the
school (and the Blue Flashes) going.
And then there are the headlines,
some of which that have been just
plain ugly. A town councilman stopped
for drunk driving and subsequently
threatening to set fire to the whole
town. A teacher arrested and convicted
for having an inappropriate relation-
ship with a student. Thousands of dol-
lars are discovered to be missing from
the city, only to later turn back up at
city hall in a duffel bag filled with cash
and checks. And so on.
The town was in the news again last
week after Mayor Johnnie Waller fired
Calhoun Falls Police Chief J.T. Gal-
loway and his top lieutenant. A third
officer also resigned this week, leaving
the town, as of this writing, with no
active police officers. (There is an offi-
cer on medical leave and another train-
ing at the police academy.)
Regardless of the details as to why
Galloway and his lieutenant were fired
by Waller, the facts are that the town
was left, momentarily, without any
police officers. Sure, the county sher-
iff’s office can help provide coverage,
but that could place manpower and
response time burdens on the sheriff.
Simply put, the town needs public
safety. That is a must. That is perhaps
the most critical of the core functions
of government. With that in mind, I’m
certainly hoping the town can get these
issues resolved expediently. The citi-
zenry demands it.
As I said earlier, the town had a
string of bad luck and misfortune.
However, I’m a big believer in the
pendulum of life. That pendulum that
swings back and forth, for good and
for bad. I believe that, if you live and
work and play with the best intentions
and with your heart in the right place,
the pendulum will eventually swing
back in your favor.
While there have been headlines
and misfortune and drama, there are
some amazing people in Calhoun Falls.
Hard-working people. Salt-of-the-
earth people. People who are kind and
gracious and good down to their very
souls.
Better days are ahead, Calhoun Falls.
We might have to walk through the
darkness just a bit longer, but like the
sun piercing through the trees early
on a summer evening in Blue Hole, we
will find the light.
The pendulum can always swing
back in your favor.
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.
COLUMNIST
CHRIS
TRAINOR

COLUMN WRITING
SECOND PLACE:
The Sumter Item
Graham Osteen
Time to end Confederate flag discussion
I
f the South Carolina General As-
sembly doesn’t get the Confederate
battle flag off the Statehouse
grounds after what happened in
Charleston this week, then we may as
well replace the Palmetto Tree on the
proper state flag — the beautiful blue
one — with a swastika.
I’m sick of the
cockeyed excuses
from state politicians
about why the Con-
federate flag issue is
so complicated.
Nine innocent
black people are mur-
dered by a 21-year-old
white man consumed
with racist hatred. He
embraces the sym-
bols that divide people, including the
Confederate flag, and declares his
murderous intentions in racist mani-
festos and photos posted online.
Could it be any clearer what that
flag now represents to most people?
How complicated is that?
Some members of the families of the
victims — my fellow South Carolin-
ians — did a remarkable thing at the
first court hearing on Friday: They
forgave him. How is that possible?
It’s because many black Americans
— particularly here in the American
South — have in previous generations
undergone so much oppression, injus-
tice and terrorism that they have had
to learn to forgive the worst in other
humans just to survive and move on.
It’s a coping mechanism.
My family has been here in the
American South since the 1700s, and
my great-great-grandfather was a Con-
federate soldier. He was a printer. He
printed currency. After the South lost
the war and the United States emerged
intact — thank God — he became a
newspaperman.
The family business he started con-
tinues today, and now six generations
of my American family have been ded-
icated to supporting the communities
we serve and protecting the First
Amendment of the United States of
America through publishing and com-
munication. We have a track record, so
here’s some free speech for those who
want to keep the Confederate battle
flag on the Statehouse grounds as
some twisted symbol of Southern heri-
tage: You’re misguided and morally
blind. Snap out of it.
The Southern pride, heritage and
bravery I recognize and appreciate —
and what I pray my children and their
children will carry forward — is that
of U.S. Rep. James Clyburn, Charles-
ton Mayor Joe Riley and my own fa-
ther.
It’s a legacy of teaching, serving the
public good and demonstrating
through action the importance of try-
ing to do the right thing by all people.
It’s a legacy of moving South Carolina
forward in spite of the old hatreds that
fester like a genetic cancer in so many.
I’ve seen these people. I’ve known
them all my life. I don’t like them, but
I do feel sorry for them and have tried
to forgive them for one very important
reason: They’re spiritually sick, and
they know not what they do.
The Southern pride, heritage and
bravery I want to be associated with is
that of the families of the victims who
on Friday forgave the monster who
murdered their loved ones in cold
blood. The only grace and love that
could have enabled such an action
comes from a faith in God and human-
ity so deep that we should all pray for
some small part of it in our own spirit.
I’m praying for just a piece of that
amazing grace for all South Carolin-
ians this week as the victims are bur-
ied.
This is South Carolina’s time to
show the world our true, united colors
as a people. Start with the flag. Do the
right thing.
Graham Osteen is Editor-At-Large of
The Item. He can be reached at gra-
ham@theitem.com. Follow him on
Twitter @GrahamOsteen, or visit www.
grahamosteen.com.
COMMENTARY
Graham
Osteen

COLUMN WRITING
FIRST PLACE:
Aiken Standard
Tim O’Briant
Tim O’Briant is the Aiken
Standard editor and direc-
tor of audience. He can
be reached at tobriant@
aikenstandard.com or 803-
644-2380.
S.C.’s Confederate flag
flies high, keeps us low
O’Briant
AP PHOTO / RAINIER EHRHARDT
ThestateandAmericanflagsflewathalf-staffbehindtheConfederateflagattheState-
houseonThursdayafteragunmankilledninepeopleatahistoricCharlestonchurch.

COLUMN WRITING
HONORABLE MENTION:
The Sun News
Issac J. Bailey

COLUMN WRITING
THIRD PLACE:
Morning News
Don Kausler Jr.

COLUMN WRITING
SECOND PLACE:
The Herald
James Werrell
I have always liked watching Brian
Williams read the news, and it’s unfor-
tunate that he has turned out to be one
of those guys who puffs himself up by
telling fake war stories.
Williams apologized in Wednesday
night’s NBC Evening News broadcast
for re-telling a story about an incident
that occurred 12 years ago involving a
flight aboard a U.S. Army Chinook hel-
icopter in Iraq. Williams reportedly
has recounted publicly on several occa-
sions that while traveling with an NBC
news crew to the site of a story about
Iraqis building a bridge, the helicopter
he was in came under fire from a rocket
propelled grenade and small arms fire
on the ground.
Williams claimed in some accounts
to have been terrified during he inci-
dent. He said that his helicopter was
forced to land immediately and that the
news team was surrounded and pro-
tected by an armor platoon.
But Stars and Stripes, after inter-
viewing crew members who were in
the formation, pieced together a differ-
ent story. Only the lead helicopter
came under fire, and Williams wasn’t a
passenger on that chopper.
In fact, Williams was in a helicopter
that landed 30 minutes to an hour later.
His Chinook took no fire and landed
beside the damaged helicopter because
of an impending sandstorm from the
Iraqi desert, according to Stars and
Stripes.
We may never know exactly what
happened. It happened 12 years ago,
and the details no doubt were murky
even then.
But, with Williams’ apology, we
know that he embellished his role and
has repeatedly told the false story for
years.
On one level, that’s sad. Williams has
been a welcome presence on the night-
ly news, a good broadcaster and an af-
fable personality. In other settings,
such as Late Night With David Letter-
man, he has demonstrated a dry sense
of humor as well.
Nonetheless, the lie needed to be re-
vealed. And that raises the question,
why did he do it?
Williams has been a successful TV
journalist for years and now is at the
peak of his profession. He has traveled
the world and has been in hot spots, so
no one would necessarily question his
courage. Why would he risk telling a
tall tale that eventually could be disput-
ed by reliable people who were there?
Hillary Clinton got caught doing the
same thing. When running for presi-
dent in 2008, she talked about landing
aboard a plane in Tuzla, Bosnia, in
1996 and having to dash for cover
when the entourage suddenly came un-
der sniper fire.
But it didn’t happen. Footage of the
event was unearthed showing her casu-
ally disembarking from the plane to
greet an 8-year-old girl who had writ-
ten her a welcoming poem – no snip-
ers, no mad dash for cover.
Again, why would someone with as
many rich, interesting stories to tell
about herself as Clinton make some-
thing up about being shot at? Knowing
that there was video of the event!
Combat envy is a common malady.
The FBI has identified more than 100
people who have falsely claimed to
have won the Congressional Medal of
Honor.
Some of them use the ruse as part of
a scheme to con people. But some do it
just to try to make themselves appear
more interesting, to enhance their
standing in the community, to beef up a
dull life.
While it takes considerable chutzpah
to pose as a Medal of Honor winner,
there undoubtedly are thousands of
other imposters who claim to have won
other medals, many of whom were nev-
er in the service at all.
Some might claim that all of us dis-
semble about our lives at one time or
another, that everyone has exaggerated
something about his or her life to ap-
pear more fascinating, more heroic,
more experienced. The need to have
people notice us is too compelling not
to.
But there are those who do just the
opposite, who play down heroic deeds,
who don’t talk about their achieve-
ments at all. There are Medal of Honor
winners who keep it a secret, never re-
vealing the fact to their community or
even close friends.
In other words, real heroes.
Williams’ career probably will sur-
vive this incident. But his credibility is
diminished, which is particularly da-
maging for a newsman.
Moral: Don’t lie, especially when
there’s nothing on the line. And in Wil-
liams’ case, I suspect he’ll regret it the
rest of his life.
James Werrell, Herald opinion page editor,
can be reached at 329-4081 or, by email, at
jwerrell@heraldonline.com.
Lying about brave deeds is a fool’s game
Commentary
James Werrell

COLUMN WRITING
FIRST PLACE:
The Island Packet
David Lauderdale

COLUMN WRITING
THIRD PLACE:
Brian Hicks
BRIAN HICKS
g
t
W
hen Michael Thomas
Slager fired eight shots at
Walter Scott’s back Sat-
urday morning, he not only killed a
man — he wounded an entire com-
munity.
And it is going to take North
Charleston a long time to heal.
For years, the North Charleston
Police Department has been accused
of racial profiling, of treating black
suspects much more harshly than
whites.
Some people scoffed at these
charges. There are, after all, a lot of
good men and women — black and
A family, and
an entire city,
devastated
Please see HICKS,Page A7

COLUMN WRITING
SECOND PLACE:
The State
Cindi Ross Scoppe
A
NEARLY half-centu-
ry-old landfill is losing
money and has leaked
radioactive waste into
groundwater that
feeds the water supply for
200,000 people, and the solution
is … to fill it with nuclear waste
thatisevenmoreradioactivethan
what’s currently going in?
Seriously?
Is someone worried that
South Carolina might not
have enough nominees for
the nation’s annual “stu-
pidest state legislation”
contest? Because trust me,
I’m pretty sure we have
plenty of strong conten-
ders already, without re-
sorting to the nuclear
option.
It’s no surprise that
landfill operator Chem-
Nuclearanditsparent,En-
ergy Solutions, would propose to
give our state more millions in re-
turn for allowing it to bury mate-
rial that is more highly radioac-
tive than what it’s allowed to bury
now at the state’s nuclear landfill
at Barnwell. (Material from other
states, of course.) The company
hasbeenplayinglet’smakeadeal
with S.C. legislators for two gen-
erations, dangling more money
and sobbier sob stories before
lawmakers to convince them
that, really, it’s great to be the na-
tion’s nuclear pay toilet.
What’s surprising — or at least
disturbing — is that the company
would find a legislator willing to
attach his name to such a plan.
Wecanatleasttakecomfortinthe
fact that so far it’s only found a
Democrat — which is getting in-
creasingly hard to do in South
Carolina. But while it was Demo-
cratswhodeliveredSouthCaroli-
na to nuclear, hazardous and
medical waste profiteers in de-
cadespast,thereareplentyofrul-
ing Republicans today who wear
anti-environmentalism as a
badge of honor.
What we value
Of course Chem-Nuclear
would be happy to give the state a
cut of the extra revenue
from the more dangerous
waste. You can always find
businesses that are willing
to be taxed heavily in re-
turn for being allowed to
do things that society
deems unacceptable.
Thinkofhowmuchmoney
we could collect if we al-
lowed the crack cocaine of
gambling — video poker
— back into South Caroli-
na. Or casinos. Think how
much money we could
raise if we legalized prostitution.
Or marijuana. Or, what the heck,
why not actual crack cocaine?
We don’t do that because we’ve
decided that those things are bad
for our state — they harm inno-
cent people, they create public
safety problems, they devalue
neighborhoods,theymake South
Carolina a place where South
Carolinians don’t want to stay
and outsiders don’t want to visit
— much less invest in. It’s a mat-
terofwhatsortofstatewewantto
be.
If you believe there’s nothing
dangerous about swapping less-
radioactivewasteformore-radio-
active waste, and maybe there’s
not, the plan sounds pretty good:
We put the same amount of or
even less waste into the landfill,
and still take care of the waste
generated by S.C. utilities, hospi-
tals and other businesses, but we
swap waste that pays a low price
ofadmissionforwastethatpaysa
high price of admission, so
there’s more money to split be-
tween the operator and the state.
Except … it’s not that simple.
A two-decade fight
Not too long after an earlier
generation of leaders sold our en-
vironmental birthright for 30
pieces of silver, we realized that
burying nuclear waste is consid-
ered interstate commerce, which
states aren’t allowed to restrict.
So better leaders worked for
years to convince the Congress to
allow states to form compacts
through which one member state
would bury the nuclear waste of
all member states — and exclude
waste from all non-member
states. It wasn’t an easy battle,
since South Carolina was one of
only two states that operated a
nuclear-waste landfill, but under
the leadership of then-Gov. Dick
Riley we succeeded, in 1986.
Then we fought for nearly 15
more years to reach the agree-
ments that would allow us to get
out of the landfill business, while
still having a place for S.C. com-
panies to bury their waste. That
neverworkedout,inpartbecause
ourlegislatorscouldn’tkeeptheir
commitment to close the landfill,
what with Chem-Nuclear con-
stantly promising them more
moneyiftheywouldn’t.Finally,in
2000, we joined a compact with
Connecticut and New Jersey that
required us to keep Barnwell
open but accept only the small
amount of waste those two states
generated.
And after all that, we would
consider inviting other states to
start shipping us their waste?
Again: Seriously? This is one ge-
nie that we would not be able to
put back into the bottle, at least
not in our lifetimes.
No one should pretend to be
surprised that the landfill is gen-
eratinglessmoneythanitusedto.
The compact was set and the re-
strictions were in place when En-
ergy Solutions purchased Chem-
Nuclear in 2006. We put the pol-
icies in place tomake therevenue
dwindle because we knew it was
in the best interest of our state to
reduce both the amount of waste
thatcouldbeburiedinthelandfill
and the radioactivity of that
waste.
We knew it was in our best in-
terest because serving as the na-
tion’s nuclear dump comes with a
landfill full of negatives, from en-
dangering our water supply to
making A-list businesses less in-
terested in investing here.
Sins of the fathers
There’s money in the landfill’s
clean-up fund, so this isn’t the
same as the problem in Pine-
wood, where taxpayers will have
topaytomonitorandcleanupthe
hazardous-waste dump that state
leaders allowed to be built on the
shore of Lake Marion.
TheproblematBarnwellisthat
there soon won’t be enough reve-
nue to operate the landfill. So un-
lessweagreetosomewaytoraise
additional revenue — that is, un-
less we allow ourselves to be-
come a state we don’t want to be,
again — taxpayers will be left
holding the bag.
You could think of that cost —
like the cost of cleaning up the
Pinewood dump — as the price
we have to pay for long-gone
state leaders who were looking
out for their friends rather than
thenaturalenvironmentthatthey
were entrusted to protect. It’s the
price we pay for leaders who
didn’t recognize that protecting
the environment isn’t just about
hugging trees and saddling busi-
nesses with regulations they find
burdensome. Eventually, allow-
ing landfills in places they don’t
belong, and inviting in the waste
of the world, and allowing people
to harm the environment will cre-
ate problems that are so signifi-
cantthatsomeonehastocleanup
the mess, to protect our health
and our attractiveness to
investors.
Too often, that someone isn’t
the business that did the damage
and pocketed the cash. That
someone is us, and that is grossly
unfair. And the best we can hope
from all of this is that we learn a
lesson — which to date we clearly
have not learned — about de-
manding that our environmental
regulators actually protect the
environment, rather than the
companies that seek to profit
from plundering it.
Meantime, here’s something
our legislators need to recognize:
Youdon’tsolveabadstewardship
problem by continuing to exer-
cise bad stewardship. You don’t
solve a leaky landfill problem by
burying waste that is even more
dangerous.
And if you insist on allowing
new companies to find new ways
to despoil our environment,
you’d better get plenty of money,
up front, topay for everyproblem
you can possibly imagine. Be-
cause if you don’t, we’re going to
get stuck with the bill, again, be-
cause eventually, those worst-
possible problems are going to
occur.
Ms. Scoppe can be reached
at cscoppe@thestate.com
or at (803) 771-8571.
What’s wrong with a little more radioactivity?
Cindi Ross
Scoppe
Associate
Editor

COLUMN WRITING
FIRST PLACE:
Frank Wooten W
hy is the kid in the
picture smiling?
Because he’s amaz-
ing.
Why is he in a wheelchair?
Because a stray bullet para-
lyzed him.
Thenagain,inavariationona
stalethemefromgun-rightsde-
fenders: Bullets don’t paralyze
people. People who fire bullets
paralyze people.
Try smiling about that.
Trylookingatthatphotofrom
a Charlotte rehabilitation hos-
pitalwithouttriggeringintense
feelingsrangingfrombewilder-
ment to rage to despair.
Heck,trylookingatitformore
than a couple of seconds.
That paradoxical image hit
me hard in the emotional gut
when it first appeared in Tues-
day’s Post and Courier.
The cute 5-year-old with the
happyfaceandnewwheelchair
isTyreikGadsden,who’sstillat
that medical facility in North
Carolina.
The cretin who shot him in a
May 22 gunfight on Charles-
ton’s East Side, where Tyreik
was visiting his grandmother,
isstillatlargeasofthiswriting.
The fact that non-targeted
victims are often caught in
shootout crossfires still holds.
And the debate over who
should have access to firearms,
and how, is still being won by
misguided Americans who
stretch our 18th century Con-
stitution’sSecondAmendment
beyond 21st century realities.
But some young folks and
even some old ones did some
smiling of their own Wednes-
day while marching in the
rain in Tyreik’s honor — and
against gun violence (see to-
day’s front page). The event,
which also raised money to
help pay Tyreik’s health care
bills,washeldatNorthCharles-
ton’s Dunston Primary School,
where he graduated from kin-
dergarten a few weeks ago.
What lessons do those kids
— and the rest of us — learn
fromwhathappenedtoTyreik?
WhatdoesTyreikteachuswith
hisremarkablesmile,whichac-
cordingtoassortedsourcesisn’t
reserved for photo-ops?
And how can we find some-
thing—anything—positiveto
take from this enormously bad
break for a good little guy?
Worthy missions
A crowd of more than 200
showedupMondaynightatthe
International Longshoremen’s
Association Hall on Morrison
Drive to contribute more than
$7,500towardTyreik’smedical
expenses. You, too, can donate
to the Tyreik Gadsden Benefit
FundatanybranchoftheSouth
Carolina Federal Union.
Meanwhile, Charleston Po-
lice Chief Greg Mullen has
firmly stated his department’s
resolve to catch the creep who
shot Tyreik — and urged the
community to provide tips to
deliver justice in this infuriat-
ing case.
As for any hope of tighten-
ing the too-lax gun laws in our
state or nation, though, that’s
a very long shot. Some of our
state lawmakers annually play
Quick Draw McGraw with
increasingly absurd proposals
aimedatnotjustpreservingthe
right “to keep and bear arms”
but at expanding it to taverns,
churchesandvirtuallyallpoints
in between.
No, we law-abiding citizens
shouldn’t surrender our fun-
damental right to defend our-
selves, our families and our
property with guns. And in a
nation with roughly 300 mil-
lion privately owned firearms,
making it tougher to legally get
onewouldn’teliminatetherisk
of being gunned down.
After all, armed robbers and
murderers are unlikely to be
deterredbytighterfirearmsre-
strictions.Asthesayinggoes:If
you outlaw guns, only outlaws
will have guns.
Yetmorestringent—andlog-
ical — regulation of guns isn’t
the same as outlawing them.
Couldn’tthatreducetheridic-
ulouslyhighriskofAmericans,
including 5-year-olds, getting
shot?
Follow his lead
Enough already on the seem-
ingly futile quest for stronger,
overdue,reasonableguncontrol.
Tyreikshouldn’tbereducedto
justanotherpitiedpropforthat
so-far-lost cause.
Instead, regardless of where
you stand on guns or any other
policy issue, step back — and
turn your eyes back to that
photo of a smiling 5-year-old.
Cut that picture out of the
paper. Keep it handy.
Then the next time you
feel sorry for yourself, take
another look at that initially
heartbreaking but ultimately
uplifting image.
Putyourperceivedplightinto
abetterperspectivebychecking
out the spunky little guy grin-
ning in his new wheelchair.
See him smiling despite his
cruel circumstance.
Thensmiledespiteyours,too.
Frank Wooten is assistant
editor of The Post and Cou-
rier. His email is wooten@
postandcourier.com.
If Tyreik can grin, why can’t you?
FRANK WOOTEN
s
a
d
h
e
y
-
s
s
r
e-
n
ss
til
n
e
PROVIDED BY FAMILY
Tyreik Gadsden rolls down
the hall of a North Carolina
rehabilitation hospital in his
new wheelchair.
PearlsAkoya, Freshwater & Tahitian
All Lengths Available
Starting at $99.00

HUMOR COLUMN WRITING
THIRD PLACE:
Aiken Standard
Dan Brown
I have this laptop.
It’s a MacBook Pro.
I’ve had it for the past four
years.
My entire life is on it.
And they want it back.
Don’t they know you just can’t
take back a laptop after some-
one’s invested four years of his
writing life on it?
It’s not right.
It’s not worth anything, not to
them.
It’s been beat to death.
I type 93 words per minute,
15-18 stories a week, PLUS two
-
eraging 90,000 words, and over
400 pages, on this keyboard.
That’s an average of 5,000
words a week with my day job,
and another 5,000 words a week
in my free time writing love
stories.
My DNA is embedded here.
No one else can type on this
keyboard except me.
Why?
This is Willie Nelson’s laptop.
Have you ever taken a good
look at Willie Nelson’s guitar?
There are pick holes worn
through the wood where the
pick-guard used to be.
Only Willie Nelson can play
it.
My laptop is the same way.
I’ve typed on this thing so
much, and for so long, that I’ve
worn the ink off of six keys: E,
S, D, C, N and M.
I used to have an ergonomic
keyboard plugged into the
MacBook and typed on that,
but it died mid-novel on me, so I
switched to the laptop.
I know today’s typists – and
they don’t even refer to it as
typing anymore. It’s called key-
boarding – but today’s typists
can’t function on a keyboard
-
writer I sat down to didn’t have
letters on the keys. They were
all blank.
That became one of my favor-
ite nightmares, right up there
equation, A + B = C. I have a
hard enough time spelling with
these things, and now you want
me to add them?
I know my way around this
laptop keyboard like Stevie
Wonder and Ray Charles know
their way around a piano.
It’s not by sight.
It’s by touch.
It’s by love.
I’ve poured days and weeks
and months of my writing life
into this laptop. I welcomed
my grandson into this world
on this laptop. I celebrated life,
love, the pursuit of happiness
and mourned death through this
laptop. Remains of meals past,
sweat, grime, the footprint of
my life for the past four years is
on this keyboard.
It’s not something you can
wash away with a wet cloth.
And they want me to give it
back.
How?
this laptop otherwise, but this is
MY laptop.
I think it’s because I left, and
they didn’t like it that I left, so
they’ve been in a bit of a snit.
They prefaced the email with,
“Just so there is no confusion.”
That’s snitty.
Taking this laptop back is like
amputating an arm. It is an ex-
tension of me.
But I’ll give it back and I’ll go
buy a new laptop.
And I’ll start a new writing
life on it, just like I did on this
one.
But ask Willie Nelson to buy
a new guitar because “I know
it’s hard to use new equipment,
but ...”
Some people just don’t get it.
So, this Willie Nelson is get-
ting a new guitar.
It will play great music.
Better music, for better people.
But it doesn’t mean I won’t
miss the old one.
You have been a great com-
panion, old friend.
I’ll miss you.
DanBrown is an award-
winninghumorcolumnist.
While Yankee by birth, Dan is
Southern by the grace of God.
Hiscolumn“Fanfareforthe
Common Man” has appeared
in newspapers throughout the
South for the past 25 years.
Just like Willie Nelson’s laptop
DAN BROWN
Fanfare for the Common Man
aikenstandard.com2C:

SECOND PLACE:
Index-Journal
Chris Trainor
Woodstock at the cellphone store
T
here’s nothing quite like
embarking on an adventure.
That could mean taking off
on a cross-country trip, discovering
new cities and states and little towns
and whistle stops along the way.
Getting married and starting a fam-
ily is certainly an adventure, one that
can be highly unpredictable, no matter
how much you plan ahead.
Heck, maintaining
a professional career
can be an adventure,
especially considering
the potential pitfalls
of office politics and
the ever-fluctuating
nature of the 21st
century economy.
With all of that
said, I went on an
adventure last week
that is quite possibly
the most harrowing,
dangerous, hair-rais-
ing, treacherous adventure you could
possibly imagine.
That’s right, I went to the mobile
phone store to get a new phone.
Seriously, is there anything that is
more needlessly complicated than
going to the store to get a new cell-
phone? It’s like the DMV, the post
office, a used car lot and the machine-
controlled world in “The Matrix” all
rolled into one quasi-homicide-induc-
ing experience.
The good part about going to get
a new phone is that, because of the
typical cellphone contract cycle, it’s an
adventure you only “get” to have every
two years. But you can be rest assured
you will be back in almost exactly two
years, because I’m convinced that’s
how long these phones are built to
effectively last.
Just more than a week ago, literally
days before my two-year contact was
to end, my phone magically stopped
taking a charge.
Now, of course I realize that it is
probably a coincidence that my phone
stopped taking a charge just days
before the contract came to an end.
It’s an electronic device and I use it
throughout the day, everyday. Eventu-
ally, it was going to break.
Still, this wasn’t the first phone I’ve
had to go kaput right as that two-year
mark approached. Maybe I just sub-
consciously treat phones roughly after
about 730 days.
(That’s not counting the time I
jumped into the ocean at Myrtle
Beach with my phone in my pocket.
I fell well short of two years with that
particular device.)
My wife also was due for a new
phone, so, in an effort to avoid enter-
ing the gaping hole in the space-time
continuum known as the mobile
phone store, she hopped on the com-
puter to see if she could just order new
phones for both of us.
We each spent a little while looking
for exactly which phones we wanted.
It was all quite easy on the company’s
website. You could pick your desired
model, color, protective cases, etc.
My wife breezed through the pro-
cess and purchased the new phones,
which the company said we could sim-
ply pick up at a nearby store whenever
we were ready.
Hey, easy does it, right?
SO, THE NEXT EVENING we
went to the mobile phone store for our
easy, no hassle pickup.
(I should add that this did not take
place in Greenwood. So don’t get mad
at me, Greenwood cellphone stores.)
The first thing I noticed when I
pulled into the parking lot at about
7 p.m. on a weeknight was that the
place was exceptionally crowded. The
parking lot looked like the parking lot
at Williams-Brice Stadium on a Satur-
day afternoon in the fall. There were
more cars there than in all of Detroit,
Michigan.
I peered into the store through the
big glass windows out front. It looked
like Woodstock was going on inside
this phone store. It was a sea of people.
Once we got inside, a very nervous,
frazzled employee with an iPad asked
for our names and said they would
help us as soon as possible. We asked
if they were always this busy and she
replied one employee had “called in
sick.”
I’m thinking “Ma’am there aren’t
enough workers in all of South Caro-
lina to fend off this crowd. You need a
whip and a chair.”
I looked around at everyone waiting
for service, and each and every one of
them had a look on their face like they
had just been punched in the testicles.
Even the women, who, as I’m told,
don’t have testicles, looked like they
had just been punched in the testicles.
Eventually our number was called
and we hooked up with an associate
and told her we simply needed to get
the phones we had already ordered
and paid for online. Despite this fact, a
sales pitch ensued.
Did we want to stop the debit card
payment we already made on the
phones and instead finance them for
18 months? (“No.”) Did we want tem-
pered glass screen protectors? (“Sure.”)
Did we want insurance? (“Already
got it.”) Did we want to change our
minutes plan? (“No.”) Do you want a
new tablet to go along with your new
phone? (“Isn’t the phone basically a
little tablet you can make calls on?”)
We finally left the store, shiny new
phones in hand, after about an hour
and a half. And that was on a pickup
for devices that had already been
ordered and paid for.
Getting a new phone is always an
adventure. I look forward to the next
one in about 730 days.
Trainor is a contributing columnist
for the Index-Journal. Contact him at
ChrisTrainorSC@yahoo.com. You can
follow him on Twitter@ChrisTrain-
orSC. Views expressed in this column
are those of the writer only and do not
represent the newspaper’s opinion.
COLUMNIST
CHRIS
TRAINOR

FIRST PLACE:
Index-Journal
Richard Whiting
“As far as America wants to take it.”
T
hat’s the answer presidential can-
didate Deez Nuts had for Rolling
Stone magazine when its reporter
asked him how far he would take his
practical joke. Nuts, who is actually
Brady Olson, the 15-year-old son of an
Iowa farmer.
And if you’re wondering how reliable
any of this can be from
Rolling Stone, given how
its in-depth article about
rape on the campus of
University of Virginia
blew up in its face and
was found to be false,
wonder no more. Deez
Nuts is for real and has
been reported on by
multiple media outlets.
The one outstanding
oddity is that Deez only
does interviews via
email, so who knows
who is on the other side of the computer
answering media’s questions. Is it a kid
about to start his sophomore year of high
school? A friend? His farmer dad? Does
it matter?
Look, the 2016 presidential campaign
is already nutty enough as it is with
so-called legitimate candidates, so hav-
ing a 15-year-old who cannot legally
be elected anyway, sort of livens up the
campaign. Or, as HRC might put it, “At
this point, what difference does it make
anyway?” Or, as the Donald might put
it, “What separates the winners from
the losers is how a person reacts to each
new twist of fate.” Only, the Donald
might find it interesting that a mostly
anonymous illegal candidate for presi-
dent is snapping at his heels.
OK, NUTS IS NOT EXACTLY
whacking the two-party system over
the head, even though he is trying to
stir things up and create momentum for
a third party, but that only a couple of
days ago Nuts or should we call him
Mr. Nuts? Deez? Mr. Deez? No, that
would be too confusing had captured
nearly 10 percent of North Carolina
voters polled. Compare that to HRC’s
38 percent and Trump’s 40 percent and
you cannot help but see the humor in
having this non-candidate be a, well,
candidate.
The kid cannot be elected, even if he
legally changes his name from Brady
Olson to Deez Nuts. He’s 15. Check the
U.S. Constitution, Article II, Section 1,
if you did not know that. A candidate
has to be 35. Of course, if Trump were
elected, he might say that’s unconstitu-
tional, just like the 14th Amendment.
HRC has her email issues, Trump has
his propensity for downright offensive
and certainly outlandish quotes. And
his hair. Bernie Sanders is a nice grand-
fatherly kind of guy who stands abso-
lutely no chance of being in the White
House unless he’s invited by the next
president. And then there is Deez Nuts.
Oh, and those nuts.
While Deez Nuts might capture plen-
ty of the popular vote, he cannot and
will not capture the electoral college.
But for a while, we can enjoy the enter-
tainment he provides as we watch some
of the other nuts begin to fall from the
tree in the months leading up to the pri-
maries and, eventually, the November
election.
Other countries must be watching
and thinking our system is yeah, you
guessed it. Nuts!
Whiting is executive editor of the
Index-Journal. Contact him at 864-943-
2522; email rwhiting@indexjournal.
com, or follow him on Twitter at IJEDI-
TOR. Views expressed in this column are
those of the writer only and do not repre-
sent the newspaper’s opinion.
Seriously? Are you nuts?
RICHARD
S. WHITING
WHITING’S
WRITINGS

DailyOver45,000&16,000-45,000DivisionsCombined
HONORABLE MENTION:
The Herald
James Werrell
My neighbor has a feeding station
to attract squirrels to his yard.
Let me repeat that: He intentionally
tries to attract squirrels to his yard.
He says they are cute, industrious
little animals, and he enjoys watching
them. I would note that cockroaches,
mice and termites also are industrious
creatures, although not especially
cute.
His squirrel feeding station, which
is attached to a tree trunk, is circular
with spokes that hold dried corn cobs.
I asked him if you could get one with
hooks on it so I could catch the squir-
rels. I could then repatriate them to
his yard.
He didn’t seem to appreciate that
idea.
But while my neighbor’s attraction
to squirrels might strike some as daft,
he apparently is not the only squirrel
lover in the world. Did you know, for
example, that October is official Na-
tional Squirrel Appreciation Month
each year?
And I suspect most of us went blith-
ely along with our workaday lives
Wednesday unaware that it was Na-
tional Squirrel Appreciation Day.
I was among those who missed the
celebration. And, in fact, I’m not sure
America needs a National Squirrel
Appreciation Month or even a Nation-
al Squirrel Appreciation Day.
I, for one, would be more apt to cele-
brate a National Squirrel Eradication
Day.
Actually, that might be a little harsh.
Most of the time, squirrels and I coex-
ist without much malice toward each
other.
But I don’t regard them as cute, ex-
cept, perhaps, for baby squirrels, and
all baby animals are cute, even baby
possums.
But there is something in the eyes of
adult squirrels that makes my blood
run cold. Some would call it a mischie-
vous look; I would call it soulless evil.
So, what do we appreciate about
squirrels? Well, if not for squirrels,
what other critter would:
m Chew holes in the side of my
house to get into my attic?
m Make nests from clothes stored in
the attic and spread insulation hither
and yon?
m Gnaw on my electrical wires?
m Dance gaily along the ceiling
joists overhead, taunting us as we try
to sleep at night?
m Eat all the food in the bird feeder?
Which, by the way, we intended to
feed to the birds!
m Eat all the pecans, figs and berries
before we can harvest them?
m Dig up and eat bulbs and the roots
of potted plants?
I’m sure that’s a short list to which
others could add even more examples
of adorable squirrel behavior. And if,
by chance, you want to know more
about squirrels, check out the many
online sites such as The News For
Squirrels and the Squirrel Lover’s
Club (are they kidding?).
I learned on one site, for example,
that squirrels’ fuzzy tails are used pri-
marily for balance but also can be
used to slow a fall or as a cushion
when they land. I still think, however,
they have fuzzy tails because that is
the only way they can be distin-
guished from rats.
But, as noted, I have an ongoing
truce with the squirrels in my yard.
Stay out of my house and I won’t try to
run you over when you jump out in
front of my car.
OK, and I won’t set up a feeding sta-
tion with hooks on it either.
James Werrell, Herald opinion page editor,
can be reached at 329-4081 or, by email, at
jwerrell@heraldonline.com.
Who appreciates those furry critters?
Commentary
James Werrell

THIRD PLACE:
The Island Packet
Liz Farrell

SECOND PLACE:
Herald-Journal
Pam Stone
Pam Stone
I’m Just Sayin’
Can we
get rid of
the Easter
bunny?
J
B
T
fl
s
t
D
c
p
a
’
n
r
fi
A
b
t
e
C
W
b
A
fter hearing what I
thought I heard on the
local news as I was
leaving the living room with a
basket of laundry in my arms,
I had to do an abrupt about-
face and rewind in order to
be clear.
Yes, that’s right, an agency
that provides the Easter
bunny for shopping malls was
under scrutiny for not doing
a background check on its
employees and it turns out one
hired bunny had been pros-
ecuted as a sex offender.
Knowing next weekend is
Easter, the time of year when
Christians all over the world
celebrate the ascension of
Christ, can I just say this?
Can we get rid of the Easter
bunny?
Do we really need an adult
dressed in a not-so- hygienic,
furry get-up with a giant fiber-
glass head and ears to sit in
the mall for overpriced photo
ops with our kids? Really?
I have such sweet and
simple childhood memories
of Easter that have nothing to
do with a giant mall rodent:
The dying of hard-boiled eggs
in food coloring, eggs that
my mother would then use to
create a centerpiece for the
dinner table — a small woven
basket filled with “grass,” a
handful of jelly beans and the
obligatory chocolate rabbit.
And as I was growing like a
bamboo shoot, generally there
had to be a new dress for
church, too, which I detested.
Feeling very much like Scout
in “To Kill a Mockingbird” on
her first day of school, and rel-
egated to wearing a frock, the
thought of having to endure
an entire day trapped inside
an itchy polyester number
with a stiff, crinoline skirt and
a wide brown sash ending in
a ridiculously large bow was
nothing short of torture.
“It’s so babyish!” I cried,
when my mother brought this
monstrosity home from Sears.
“You’re still a little girl,”
my mother replied.
“I’m 12!” I howled, “And
I’m 5-foot-7. I don’t even get
carded for buying beer and
you want me to wear some-
thing for a 6-year-old!”
“I wish you’d tell your
SEE STONE PAGE D3

FIRST PLACE:
Brian Hicks
B
londie the horse, who
took a fall on a down-
town street last week, is
resting comfortably with his
hooves kicked up at a Johns
Island plantation today.
Yes, Blondie is just like every
other summertime worker,
trying to turn sick leave into a
vacation.
He’s probably sipping mint
juleps, swatting flies with his
tail, watching “Mister Ed” on
the tube and eating enough
oats to choke a ... well, you get
the picture.
Meanwhile, a bunch of folks
were standing Tuesday at the
corner of Meeting and Market,
trying to get Blondie fired.
You’d think he was in a union.
Blondie’s accident — which
Old South Carriage Co. says
was not a result of heat, but
the horse being startled by
a cement truck — has given
some people all the ammuni-
tion they need to renew their
40-year war on the horse car-
riage industry.
Some of this is the work
of people who don’t like the
horses clopping by their
homes, peeing in the street
and blocking traffic. Which is
understandable.
The others are just animal
lovers, worried about poor ol’
Blondie and his pals pulling
wagons full of fanny pack-
wearing tourists around the
peninsula.
That’s sweet, but what exact-
ly do they want these horses
to do? Anyone want Blondie
to move into their apartment,
kickbackandplayXboxallday?
That’s not going to work.
And we can’t just set them
free. This ain’t Chincoteague.
These animals are born and
bred to work and, honestly,
we don’t need anybody else
around here unemployed.
Horse’s assets
A good number of horse ex-
perts and vets around here say
that, by and large, the carriage
companies treat their four-
legged employees pretty well.
As they should.
See, these horses aren’t pets
— they are assets, the most
valuable ones these companies
have. It would be bad business
to treat them anything less
than carefully. They pay up-
wards of $2,000 to $5,000 per
horse, invest in training, teach
them to ignore car horns and
gripe about cruise ship pas-
sengers (so they’ll seem like
locals to the tourists).
Then there is the upkeep,
which includes new shoes,
bridles vet bills and hundreds
BRIAN HICKS
A horse is a horse, of course, unless
he’s a service industry employee
OLD SOUTH CARRIAGE CO.
Blondie takes a break on a plantation on Johns Island.
LOCAL The Post and Courier

SPOT SPORTS STORY
THIRD PLACE:
Aiken Standard
Kyle Dawson
sweet sauce
STAFF PHOTO BY NOAH FEIT
Midland Valley players pose with the Class AAA state championship trophy after beating A.C. Flora 62-56 in the championship game.
CLASS AAA STATE CHAMPIONSHIP
MIDLAND VALLEY 62, A.C. FLORA 56
Mustangs capture state crown
MIDLAND VALLEY 62
A.C. FLORA 56
BY KYLE DAWSON
kdawson@aikenstandard.com
COLUMBIA — Facing its biggest
test of the year in its biggest game
ever, Midland Valley saved its best
for last. The Mustangs got revenge
on the only team that beat them at
full strength this season, knocking
off A.C. Flora 62-56 at Colonial Life
Arena to capture the Class AAA state
championship.
“It’s unreal,” said senior forward
in school history ... we made history
tonight. I wouldn’t want to do it with
another group of guys. We came out,
we played hard and we played Mus-
tang basketball. We’re taking it back
to Graniteville, baby!”
Brown led the charge early for the
Mustangs, scoring 12 of his game-
“I wasn’t really paying attention (to
the defense),” he said with a laugh.
“When I saw an opportunity, I took
it. I’m glad they went in. I thank God
for that.”
Head coach Mark Snelgrove said
after the Mustangs’ third-round play-
off victory over Wilson that his team
has an “explosion” during games. He
said then that it’s going to happen, and
it just depends on if the other team
can handle it. His team provided that
explosion earlier than usual, putting
to give them a lead they would never
relinquish.
“Other than my kids, marrying my
wife and maybe the day I accepted
Jesus as my personal savior, best day
sounded.
A.C. Flora cut Midland Valley’s lead
to four points on multiple occasions,
but the Mustangs wouldn’t allow them
to get any closer.
Midland Valley (26-4) shot 55.6
compared to just 33.3 percent for the
Falcons. That allowed the Mustangs
to overcome the size difference that
-
ing, a 76-63 A.C. Flora win in the
championship game of the Newberry
Christmas Tournament.
This time around, with an even big-
ger championship at stake, the Mus-
tangs had an answer.
“They fought. They fought the whole
game,” said Snelgrove. “(A.C. Flora)
still got on the boards – they’re hard
to keep off the boards – but we were
as you do that, that’s all that you can
ask them to do. They’re a lot bigger
than we are.”
The Falcons (25-5), last year’s Class
AAA champs, held a 36-22 rebound-
ing advantage. That included 17 of-
fensive boards, leading to 22 second-
chance points. That helped them
weather the early explosion and stay
within striking distance.
That’s when Midland Valley let its
All-State point guard bring it home.
Daniel Carr fought off foul trouble and
early misses at the free throw line to
make them when they mattered most.
“One free throw at a time,” he said.
“My brother (Midland Valley assistant
Marquett Carr) always stresses to me
that you can only make one free throw
at a time.”
Carr gave the Mustangs a jolt
early in the fourth quarter, making a
Houdini of a layup to open the frame
and then burying a deep 3-pointer.
Suddenly, Midland Valley’s lead had
swelled to 10.
STAFF PHOTO BY NOAH FEIT
MidlandValley’sKameronBrown(22)andDanielCarr(10)arepresented
with the Class AAA state championship trophy as athletic director Mi-
chelle Yeater looks on.
Please see CHAMPS,Page 2B

SPOT SPORTS STORY
SECOND PLACE:
Index-Journal
Andrew Macke
McCORMICK With
a chance to clinch second
place in Region 1-A on Mon-
day night, player after player
stepped up to knock down big
shots for the McCormick High
School boys basketball team.
Zingo Wideman. Kadarius
Garrett. Rashaad Sibert. Kam-
ron Brown.
A bevy of Chiefs rose to the
occasion to help the Chiefs
rally back from a seven-point
halftime deficit.
But Brandon Johnson
answered every single time.
The Dixie junior poured
in 19 points in the second
half, all but four of the Hor-
nets’ points, to carry Dixie
to a 45-42 victory, creating a
three-way tie for second with
McCormick and Calhoun
Falls.
Dixie plays at Calhoun Falls
at 6:30 Wednesday, and the
winner hosts McCormick on
Friday to decide who earns
that second seed.
“This is a game-changer
mentally,” Dixie coach Joshua
Chiles said. “We’ve been down
for a while, and so we’re just
trying to change the culture
and change the mindset. We’re
dealing a lot with mentality.
For us to be able to come to
McCormick, who have been
the big dogs in the conference,
By ANDREW MACKE
amacke@indexjournal.com
Johnson,
Dixie
hold off
McCormick
See DIXIE, page 3B

SPOT SPORTS STORY
FIRST PLACE:
Index-Journal
Andrew Macke
B
BOB STONER | LANDER UNIVERSITY
Lander’s Weston Lawing (39) celebrates his lead-off home run in the bottom of the first inning Tuesday against Erskine. It was Lawing’s first start since being told he might never play
baseball again after a shoulder injury March 14.
Lawing returns from career-threatening injury to power Lander past Erskine
Twelve days ago, Weston Lawing
was told he would never play baseball
again.
Tuesday night, the Lander Univer-
sity senior outfielder started against
Erskine as the Bearcats’ designated
hitter batting lead-off.
And in the bottom of the first
inning in the first at-bat of his first
start since being told he would not
play again, Lawing hammered the
first pitch he saw over the right-field
fence to spark the Bearcats to a 12-6
romp against the visiting Fleet.
“The longer I’m around Weston
Lawing, the more I’m not surprised
by anything he does,” Lander coach
Kermit Smith said. “He’s who you
want your daughter to bring home.
He’s everything we talk about in our
program. He’s an exceptional person,
an exceptional hard-worker and an
exceptional player. Everything about
his life is really incredible.
“I’m blessed to coach him.”
Playing against GRU Augusta on
March 14, the Lander University
outfielder walked in his first at-bat.
Leading off first base, Lawing dove
back into the bag to avoid a pick-off
By ANDREW MACKE
THECOMEBACK
See COMEBACK, page 3B

SPOT SPORTS STORY
THIRD PLACE:
Herald-Journal
Kevin Melton

SPOT SPORTS STORY
SECOND PLACE:
Herald-Journal
Todd Shanesy
ETHAN HYMAN/RALEIGH NEWS & OBSERVER
N.C. State’s Trevor Lacey releases his last-second shot right after time expires on Sunday at Reynolds Coliseum
in Raleigh, N.C.
Terriers upset
’Pack at buzzer
By TODD SHANESY
todd.shanesy@shj.com
RALEIGH, N.C. — Shot, light and horn.
They happened so fast that nobody could be
exactly sure of the order.
N.C. State, however, celebrated an apparent
victory against Wofford on Sunday evening in the
historic Reynolds Coliseum.
But hold on. Wait a minute.
On further review, the party
having turned from wild to wor-
ried, referees watching replays and surrounded
by curious onlookers ruled that the shot had come
a fraction of a second after time had expired.
There was a smaller celebration this time, one
just near the Wofford bench. The Terriers had
held on for a remarkable win, 55-54.
“N.C. State losing to Wofford,” Terriers head
coach Mike Young said. “Probably not supposed
to happen.”
Not many thought it did, at first.
Trevor Lacey’s desperation 3-point shot at the
buzzer went in and almost everybody in the place
went crazy. Fans stormed the court. Lacey turned
and circled the place with his arms spread wide
and it seemed as though he might actually lift
off because there was so much air beneath his
wings.
Some of it came from the Terriers as they
deflated. Their own game-winning basket with
two seconds left, at least what they thought a
game-winner, was not going to be good enough
after all.
“I just figured,” Wofford point guard Eric Gar-
cia said, “that we just weren’t supposed to win in
this place.”
N.C. State hadn’t lost here in 13 of what the
school called “Heritage Games” since the team
moved into a new arena 14 years ago. Friday night
against Charleston Southern in the only other
Wofford hangs on at Reynolds Coliseum after review
shows NC State’s apparent game-winner was a hair late
Wofford 55
N.C.State 54
◆
“The referees made the right
call. And we knocked off one
of the most storied programs
in the country in an incredibly
historic arena.”
MIKE YOUNG, Wofford head coach
◆
◆ SEE WOFFORD PAGE B3

SPOT SPORTS STORY
THE MASTERS
By ERIC BOYNTON
eric.boynton@shj.com
AUGUSTA, Ga. — Billy Horschel’s blasphemy regarding the
most revered stretch on golf’s most saintly grounds was totally
excusable because there certainly appeared to be higher forces
at work than just a 21-year-old playing golf.
“It’s Jordan’s Corner, it’s no more Amen Corner,” said
Horschel in regards to Masters first-round leader Jordan Spi-
eth’s dominant play that included some other-
worldly happenings around the nicknamed trio
of holes at Nos. 11-13.
Spieth arrived at Augusta National as one
of the favorites to win the Masters after he fin-
ished tied for second in last year’s debut, but
nobody could’ve predicted Thursday’s perfor-
mance that opened golf’s biggest event with a
bang. The Texan’s 8-under-par 64 missed the
low 18-hole scoring record by one shot in taking a three-shot
lead over a foursome tied for second.
Spieth was asked about some of Horschel’s good-natured rib-
bing during the round and said after the pairing had made their
way around Amen Corner, Horschel told him he needed a tape
recorder that just plays, “Nice hole, Jordan” on each tee box.
All this regarding a guy who Tigers Woods joked “was still
in diapers” when Woods won the first of his four green jackets
and about whom Ernie Els (one of those currently sharing sec-
ond) was reminded that his 21st Masters appearance matches
the leader’s age.
Spieth shines
Young Texan uses ability, good breaks in first-round 64
Leaderboard
First round
Jordan Spieth 32-32—64
Charley Hoffman 34-33—67
Justin Rose 33-34—67
Ernie Els 34-33—67
Jason Day 34-33—67
Russ Henley 33-35—68
Sergio Garcia 34-34—68
Bill Haas 33-36—69
Webb Simpson 33-36—69
Paul Casey 33-36—69
Ryan Palmer 32-37—69
Notable
Dustin Johnson 36-34—70
Phil Mickelson 34-36—70
Tom Watson 36-35—71
Bubba Watson 34-37—71
Rory McIlroy 36-35—71
Tiger Woods 37-36—73
Ben Martin 39-35—74
TV today: 3 p.m., ESPN
◆ See local wrapup for Bill
Haas, Ben Martin, B5
◆ See scores, tee times, B2
Jordan Spieth smiles during his 8-under
trip around Augusta National on Thursday.
CHRIS CARLSON/AP
◆ SEE MASTERS PAGE B5

SPOT SPORTS STORY
THIRD PLACE:
The State
Josh Kendall

SPOT SPORTS STORY
SECOND PLACE:
David Caraviello

SPOT SPORTS STORY
FIRST PLACE:
David Caraviello

SPORTS ENTERPRISE REPORTING
THIRD PLACE:
The Herald
Bret McCormick
I
f you went to a high
school football 7-on-7
event this summer,
closed your eyes and
just listened, you would
have heard:
A A coach chewing out
some poor kid.
A Someone complaining
about the soul-searing
humidity.
A A random string of
English-language nouns
and numbers barked out
by a quarterback or an
offensive coach.
With NFL quarterbacks
more mic’d for sound than
ever, football fans are
increasingly in tune to the
out-of-left field names
assigned to football plays.
Remember Peyton Man-
ning and his machine-gun
shouting at the line of
scrimmage a couple years
back?
“Omaha! Omaha! Oma-
ha!”
After hearing a coach
call a play named “mala-
mute” at a 7-on-7 last
week, I had to ask: where
do they come up with this
stuff?
PROTECTING PLAY
CALLS
The starting point for
naming plays tends to be
random.
Great Falls coach Ken-
neth Schofield has been
around high school foot-
ball for ages. He said he
names his plays after
“things I’ve seen, things
I’ve done, combinations.”
Schofield hasn’t
changed his offense in
many years, but he does
swap out the nomencla-
ture from time to time.
“Tried to use profes-
sional teams,” he said.
“Ran out of those. So
we’re using anything that
comes that matches up.
We’re trying to use differ-
ent states and things.”
Lewisville coach Will
Mitchell said he doesn’t
change his play names
every year, but does make
changes – in his estimation
– “more often than I
should.”
NFL reporters never got
to the bottom of what
Manning’s “Omaha” call
truly meant, but it was
likely a version of the
good ‘ole “hut, hut, hike.”
One SB Nation story about
the “Omaha” call said that
it was probably one of a
series of verbal cues that
Manning and the Broncos
changed on a weekly ba-
sis.
Doing that at the high
school level is impossible,
but coaches do worry
about their calls being
decoded. Many didn’t
want their current plays
mentioned in this story.
“You worry about peo-
ple sometimes stealing
calls, but the bottom line
is you usually worry more
about yourself,” Mitchell
said. “Usually you do
something wrong on your
side to lose.”
One team that doesn’t
have to worry about play
calls being hacked is Clo-
ver. The Blue Eagles hud-
dle on every play so their
play calls are extensive
and descriptive. They are
also heard by their 11
players, unlike spread
offenses that shirk the
privacy of a post-play
huddle. Each Clover call
tells which gap to run the
ball in and the blocking
scheme.
“We’re very descrip-
tive,” said Clover coach
Chad Smith. “Oddly,
we’re much more like a
pro attack than a lot of
spread teams are, in the
way that we huddle.”
BUNCH LEARNING
In most cases, the play
File photo
‘‘YOU WORRY ABOUT PEOPLE SOMETIMES STEALING CALLS,
BUT THE BOTTOM LINE IS YOU USUALLY WORRY MORE
ABOUT YOURSELF.
Will Mitchell, coach at Lewisville
BRET MCCORMICK bmccormick@heraldonline.com
(INDIAN LAND COACH MICHAEL) MAYER, A BIG CLEMSON
FAN, NATURALLY HAS A “TIGER” PLAY. BUT, HE SAID, “WE
HAVE NO ‘GAMECOCK.’ ” AND NEVER WILL, HE ADDED.
BRET MCCORMICK bmccormick@heraldonline.com
‘‘TRIED TO USE PROFESSIONAL TEAMS. RAN OUT OF THOSE.
SO WE’RE USING ANYTHING THAT COMES THAT MATCHES UP.
Kenneth Schofield, coach at Great Falls
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL
How
plays
get their
names
. ..................................................................................................................
Starting points for naming offensive plays tend to be
completely random
. ..................................................................................................................
Play package terminology is usually based around a
common subject, helps players retain info
. ..................................................................................................................
It’s pretty common for high school football plays to be
named after colleges, college mascots
. ..................................................................................................................
BY BRET MCCORMICK
FACEBOOK
Do you have a play you remember
explicitly from your high school
football days? Share it on our
Facebook page.
SEE PLAYS, 4C

SECOND PLACE:
The Sun News
Ryan Young
CONWAY
Since the news spread
fast and wide last week of
the Sun Belt Conference’s
interest in evaluating Coast-
al Carolina as a potential
future member, the possibil-
ity of a league change and
of the Chanticleers maybe
making the jump to the FBS
level has prevailed as the
headlining topic for support-
ers of the university.
The related thread on
popular message board
CoastalFans.com has nearly
6,000 views and more than
600 responses, actually
dating back to late May
when preliminary rumblings
emerged, and even Coastal
Carolina President David
DeCenzo said he’s had
people send him screen
shots of online commentary
on the subject.
On Friday morning,
meanwhile, it was DeCen-
zo’s turn to formally weigh
in, and sitting around a
table in his office to discuss
the matter publicly for the
first time, he paused to
choose his words carefully.
“We’re at the point of a
good exploration of fit be-
tween the conference and
the university,” he said
after some extended consid-
eration.
Asked directly if Sun Belt
commissioner Karl Benson
and his team have set plans
to visit campus as soon as
this coming week, both
DeCenzo and Chants athlet-
ic director Matt Hogue
offered degrees of confir-
mation without specifics.
“I’m not going to deny
that they may be coming,”
DeCenzo said.
“I can confirm that they
are going to plan a visit and
that’s probably all I can
comment on at this point,”
Hogue said.
Both confirmed there has
been no formal offer made
from the Sun Belt and
Hogue cautioned that no
assumptions should be
made either at this point in
the process.
But nonetheless, the buzz
and curiosity continues to
reverberate through the fan
base, the university and
beyond.
How serious are the dis-
cussions with the Sun Belt,
which has its footprint in
Georgia, Alabama, Arkan-
sas, Louisiana and Texas
with Appalachian State in
Boone, N.C., a recent addi-
tion last year and Idaho and
New Mexico State also in
the fold as football-only
members? And how ready is
Coastal Carolina to make
the leap from the Football
Championship Subdivision
(formerly known as I-AA) to
the Football Bowl Subdivi-
sion (I-A) with all that en-
tails, from stadium expan-
sion to increased attend-
ance standards?
After selecting his initial
words cautiously, DeCenzo
did his best to answer those
questions to the degree he
was comfortable, lending
perspective and insight on
the process and where it
stands.
All the while reinforcing
what has become clear in
the last week and a half –
that while there’s no guar-
antee an offer will come,
Coastal Carolina is indeed
very much considering the
potential for a decision that
could change the entire
landscape of Chanticleer
athletics.
“You’ve got to look at all
the pieces, but you’ve got to
Game changer?
JASON LEE jlee@thesunnews.com
Coastal Carolina’s Isaac Martin (left) dodges a flying tackle attempt by Jordhan Brown during the Chants’ spring game. The Sun Belt Conference has reached
out to Coastal Carolina with interest in considering the Chants as a potential future member.
CCU officials elaborate on talks with Sun Belt
BY RYAN YOUNG
ryoung@thesunnews.com
. ..........................................................................................................................
Coastal Carolina President David DeCenzo offers his
thoughts on school’s discussion with Sun Belt
. ..........................................................................................................................
A closer look at what potentially moving up to the FBS
would entail for Chanticleers
. ..........................................................................................................................
No offer has been made to CCU, but discussions ongoing
with the conference
. ..........................................................................................................................
‘‘CERTAINLY IF AN OFFER WERE TO
COME IN, WE’RE GOING TO LOOK
AT IT VERY SERIOUSLY
David DeCenzo, Coastal Carolina president
SEE CCU, 4B

FIRST PLACE:
The Herald
Bret McCormick
T
he entrance of two players at about
the 15-minute mark changed the
complexion – and eventually the
result – of Clover’s second-round boys’
soccer state playoff match against Dutch
Fork last week.
Seniors Rex Epps and Rett Stevens
were in large part responsible for help-
ing Todd Woodward’s Dutch Fork team
settle down during the May 7 match.
Both have signed to play with Div. I col-
leges (Epps with Army; Stevens with
Marshall), and both have played soccer
with a development academy the last
two years. Epps is blessed with sprint-
er’s speed and is a competent finisher in
front of goal; Stevens’ precocious left
foot continually stressed the Blue Ea-
gles’ defense with laser precision free
kicks into the box.
Both players scored in the 5-0 rout
that ended the Blue Eagles’ season. But
that’s not what peeved Clover coach Gra-
ham Stafford after the match. It was that
Epps and Stevens, who didn’t play with
the Silver Foxes during the regular sea-
son, were in the match at all.
“The precedent has been set with the
two academy boys being able to play,
who haven’t played all season,” Stafford
said after the game. “If we’re gonna go
down that road I think it’s a rocky road.
It’s just not in the spirit of high school
sports, for me. I’d rather lose tonight
with my integrity intact and knowing
HighSchoolSoccer
GRAY
AREA
Dutch Fork’s use of
academy players in playoff
win against Clover brought
an issue to light, and it
needs to be cleared up
Assistant Sports Editor
Bret McCormick
SEE SOCCER, PAGE 3C

THIRD PLACE:
Tommy Braswell THE
BY TOMMY BRASWELL || braswell@postandcourier.com
ow many shots would it take Rory McIlroy to hit a golf ball
the 187-mile length of South Carolina’s coast?
If the world’s No. 1-ranked golfer were to use his average
distance off the tee for every shot (305.9 yards), McIlroy could
do it in about 1,076 swings.
On shot No. 41 McIlory would find himself at world-renowned Harbour
Town Golf Links on Hilton Head Island. On his 357th shot, he probably
would pause and reflect on one of his crowning achievements, an 8-shot
victory in the 2012 PGA Championship at Kiawah Island’s Ocean Course.
Stroke 966 would find McIlroy in Myrtle Beach at the famed Dunes Club.
Along the way, he would pass within a few shots left (the Atlantic Ocean
being to his right) of 191 of South Carolina’s approximately 368 public and
private golf courses.
“I don’t think there’s a stronger package in terms of three distinct
destinations in a four-hour stretch than coastal South Carolina,” said Joe
Passov, who writes a monthly travel column for Golf Magazine and
oversees the publication’s golf course rankings. “I’m a huge fan of coastal
South Carolina. It’s a pretty easy endorsement for me to give.”
Golf Digest, in ranking the 10 Best Golf States based on top public courses
per capita, says South Carolina is No. 2 behind Hawaii and is home to three
of the golf world’s most popular hubs, Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head and
Kiawah Island.
Charleston, Myrtle Beach and
Hilton Head put South Carolina
among world’s top golf destinations
Please see GOLF,Page C5

SECOND PLACE:
The Greenville News
Mandrallius Robinson
In July, Frank Martin’s travel
schedule was slammed with visits
to several showcase basketball
tournaments. Along with the count-
less names and copious notes he
logged while scouting prospects
for his team at the University of
South Carolina, Martin still can re-
member that play call.
Ringing like an echo from gym
to gym.
“Do him!” Martin yelled, mim-
icking a coach commanding a play-
ertoignorehisteammates,attacka
defender and charge the rim.
“It’s the best play I heard all
summer. Oh my God, I’m putting
that one in,” Martin said sarcasti-
cally while denouncing the individ-
ualized strategy that has shorted
the summer circuit.
Martin asserted that incessant
dribbling, imprudent 3-point shoot-
ing and apathetic defense has re-
placed the structured, technically
sound basketball he loves, studies
and teaches.
Theflashy,one-on-onestyleisso
pervasive, it has become an expec-
tation rather than a deviation.
Coaches consistently complain
that it could infiltrate the college
game as more players arrive on
campus with fundamental flaws.
Youth league coaches and adminis-
trators counter that skill develop-
ment is emphasized at younger lev-
els, but the NCAA regulations forc-
ing coaches to streamline scouting
trips reduce the travel-ball sum-
mer circuit to a series of individual
auditions.
Considering the general resis-
tance to change in the format, Mar-
tin may find no remedy for the dis-
order, outside of packing a bottle of
Pepto-Bismol in his gym bag.
“If I see one more ball screen,
I’mgoingtothrowup,”Martinsaid.
“I’ve spent three weeks watching
nothing but ball screens. I’ve yet to
see anyone set one screen. I’ve yet
to see one post-up, one post entry,
but I’ve seen so much one-on-one
play and so many ball screens I’m
going to throw up.”
The NCAA prohibits coaches
from scouting players during the
summer, except during three spec-
ified five-day evaluation periods in
July. Coaches are not allowed to
contact players or families during
these windows, but they can pack
gyms to observe games.
Youth organizations, such as the
Amateur Athletic Union (AAU),
Youth Basketball of America
(YBOA) and the United States Bas-
ketballAssociation(USBA),aswell
as major shoe companies Nike,
Reebok Adidas and Under Armor
coordinate separate summer cir-
cuits. To expose players to as many
coaches as possible, these tourna-
ments are all stuffed within those
three evaluation periods.
“July is very intense. You’ve got
totrytoplayeveryopportunityyou
can to get in front of those coaches
and give kids a chance,” said La-
mont Simmons, president of the SC
Raptors Elite program.
Based in Greenville, SC Raptors
Elite attracts players from South
Carolina, North Carolina and Geor-
gia and fields more than 20 teams
JIM BROWN/USA TODAY SPORTS
South Carolina coach Frank Martin isn’t a fan of travel basketball because he doesn’t see enough emphasis on fundamentals.
See FLAW, Page 3C
FUNDAMENTALS
FLAW?College coaches suggest
changes in summer AAU,
travel league basketball
MANDRALLIUS ROBINSON
STAFF WRITER
MROBINSO@GREENVILLEONLINE.COM
BETH HALL/USA TODAY SPORTS
SC coach Frank Martin asserted that
incessant dribbling, imprudent 3-point
shooting and apathetic defense has
replaced the structured game he loves.
“The more games you
play the less value there
is in winning and losing.
To ask 16-year old kids to
play more than they
practice, I don’t think
we’re teaching our kids
how to play.”
FRANK MARTIN
SOUTH CAROLINA BASKETBALL COACH

FIRST PLACE:
The State
Ron Morris

SPORTS FEATURE STORY
HONORABLE MENTION:
Index-Journal
Ethan Joyce
Local man coaches
championship team
one more time
DUE WEST
E
motions in the Dixie
High School gym fluc-
tuated between excite-
ment and anxiousness
Saturday morning.
People clad in orange moved
from spot to spot, mingling as they
waited. There was Susan Jackson,
whose senior wish program at the
Renaissance Retirement Commu-
nity spawned what had been six
months of planning and secrecy.
There was Ann Grubb, who
talked with old friends and tried
to connect faces to names from 30
years ago. And there was Michael
Stultz, the former quarterback of
the Indiana School for the Deaf,
trying to orchestrate a game plan
one more time with his former
teammate.
All were there for Ernie Grubb,
who was forming a strategy of his
own. On Tuesday, the long-time
football coach and Due West
resident received an email from
Susan’s husband and Renaissance
volunteer pastor Paul asking Ernie
to talk to Dixie football players
regarding the balance of sports-
manship and Christian values.
What Grubb didn’t realize was
that it was all a ruse. When Ann
and Ernie Grubb moved into the
Renaissance in late 2013, Jackson
gave them the same sheet of paper
she gives every resident. It asks
two questions: what is something
you’ve never done you’d like to do,
and what is something you would
like to do again?
Ernie, who won two national
championships at ISD in 1982
and ‘83, looked to football for his
answer.
“He wrote that he would like to
coach a national championship
team one more time,” Jackson said.
“The only way to make that hap-
pen to me, was to bring his old
players back.”
An expectation of a couple play-
ers ballooned into 29 of his former
players coming back, along with
their families, former ISD faculty
and old-time friends.
And they were waiting for him
as he turned the corner into the
gym Saturday morning.
Ernie Grubb turned his focus
toward the back of the gym, focus-
ing his eyes on his players. A quick
head shake of disbelief preceded
a grin. His players, some traveling
from as far as California, clapped
and cheered as they moved to
huddle around their coach.
“It is hard to describe the feel-
ings that I have,” Grubb said. “I am
proud of this team’s accomplish-
ments, and I am even more proud
that they would think enough to
come here today.
“I just want them to know that I
love all of them, and I’m so proud
of all of them, and they should be
proud of themselves for what they
have done.”
But they could only embrace for
a short time. Ernie’s wish, at age 85,
was to coach the team again. Their
opponent was waiting.

ERNIE Grubb grew up in
Rocklane, Indiana. After attending
Franklin College to get his bach-
elor’s degree in history and physi-
cal education, he became a teacher
and coach at Spartanburg High
School in Indiana. He later moved
to Georgia in late 1952, where he
coached and taught for 25 years.
In 1963, he stepped away from
teaching. He took a job with
Fleetwood Enterprise. But after a
divorce, he moved back to Indiana
in 1975.
He had another job in sales for a
By ETHAN JOYCE
ejoyce@indexjournal.com
IN HONOR
MADDY JONES | INDEX-JOURNAL
Ernie Grubb, left, sheds tears as he is given a signed football from his 1982 and ’83 Indiana School for the Deaf national-championship
teams during a reunion Saturday in the gym of Dixie High in Due West. Twenty-nine former players from the championship years traveled
from all over the country to Due West to surprise Grubbs, so he could coach them one last time.
Former Indiana School for the Deaf football player Andrew Metz yells
and slaps high-fives with teammates Saturday in Dixie High’s gym in
Due West.
See COACH, page 3B

THIRD PLACE:
Index-Journal
Ethan Joyce
PHOTOS BY ETHAN JOYCE | INDEX-JOURNAL
Greenwood Christian School football players hoist a book case into a moving van at the Timmerman School in Columbia on Wednesday.
Greenwood Christian helps school in Columbia after flood
T
he assembly line started early
Wednesday morning.
With the doors propped
open at the front of Green-
wood Christian School, cases of
bottled water lined the entrance hall-
way, towering over younger students
passing by.
Parents dropping off kids left more
water, snacks and even money any-
thing they could to help.
“It’s ironic,” said Chris Johns, the
head of school at GCS. “There’s a flood,
and they need water.”
The lighthearted comment fell on
the ears of students still shaking off the
want of sleep. At about 7:20 a.m., the
water was loaded into a bus and the
rest of the supplies were shoved into
parents’ cars. A small line of people
became a larger one, forming a pivoting
chain of efficiency.
By 8 a.m., most of the Greenwood
Christian football team had assembled.
The group gathered in the school’s gym
for a short briefing, not on their next
opponent or that day’s practice, but
something bigger: traveling to Colum-
bia to help a fellow private school in
need.
“This is not a day for laughing,”
Johns said. “This is peoples’ lives. This
might be the first day teachers get back
in their rooms. People might be emo-
tional. Prepare for that.”

‘It won’t cost us too much’
Johns’ van became an office
Wednesday morning. Serving as the
lead car in Greenwood Christian’s
convoy, Johns constantly communi-
cated with his fellow drivers and his
guide.
In his fifth year at the school, Johns
watched all weekend as the weather
affected the state. Greenwood got it’s
share, but places like Columbia were hit
hard by flooding. GCS parents asked
him Monday what they could do to
help.
By ETHAN JOYCE
ABOVE: Greenwood Christian
School defensive coordinator
Stuart Malone hands bottled water
to starting center Preston Koschel
and other Eagles football players.
LEFT: Colten Johns, left, and his
father Chris remove plywood from
the back of a book shelf at the
Timmerman School on Wednesday.
B
HELPING HANDS
"If you are going to have
Greenwood Christian
on the outside of your
building, you really ought
to show it to people and
demonstrate it to your
kids and give them an
opportunity to exercise
what we teach. It’s what
this is about. It’s helping
out a fellow school, and
I’m pretty sure the Lord will
honor it. Whatever we lose
of practice time, it won’t
cost us too much."
— CHRIS JOHNS
Greenwood Christian School
Head of School
See FLOOD, page 3B

SECOND PLACE:
Index-Journal
Andrew Macke ALL
LAKELANDS
Swearinger
thrives despite
her obstacles
T
ianna Swearinger battled more than her
opponents on the court this year.
The Greenwood High School senior
capped off her stellar career by averag-
ing 16.2 points, 5.4 rebounds and 3.2 assists to lead
the Eagles to another playoff berth. Swearinger
was named All-State for the second year in a row,
All-Region 1-AAAA for the third year in a row
and earned a spot on the South Carolina team that
played a North Carolina squad Saturday at Myrtle
Beach in the Carolinas All Star Classic.
Add to that being named the Index-Journal’s
Lakelands Girls Basketball Player of the Year, and
Swearinger’s list of accomplishments is extensive.
And she did it while fighting through fibromyal-
gia.
“I feel good. I have no regrets,” Swearinger said.
“I am very blessed and honored for every accom-
plishment that God has allowed me to have with
my condition. I work hard every single year. Every
single year, I add harder stuff to my workouts, and I
think it paid off.
“It might not have went like I wanted it to go, but
I think it went great.”
Fibromyalgia is a disorder characterized by wide-
spread pain throughout the body accompanied by
fatigue and sleep, memory and mood issues. It is
By ANDREW MACKE
Greenwood senior Tianna Swearinger, the Lakelands Girls Basketball Player of the Year, will
be joining the women’s basketball team at Charleston Southern this fall.See OBSTACLES, page 3B

FIRST PLACE:
The Journal
Eric Sprott
| CLEMSON BASEBALL |
‘Day by day’
DAWSON POWERS | THE JOURNAL
Clemson starting pitcher Clate Schmidt, seen here in action this past season, was diagnosed with nodular scleros-
ing lymphoma on June 2. Schmidt has started 25 games in his three-year career with the Tigers.
BY ERIC SPROTT
THE JOURNAL
CLEMSON — A
straightforward, head-on
attack — that’s the only
way Clate Schmidt knows
how to tackle the chal-
lenges life throws at him.
That much was obvious
when he announced via
Twitter on June 2 he had
been dealt by far the most
ominous challenge of his
young life — a diagnosis
of nodular sclerosing
lymphoma.
“Can’t wait to start
kickin cancer’s ass,” he
tweeted at the time.
But not long after came
the day when the Clem-
son righthander noticed
his hair was falling out
in the shower, which
is when the severity of
his battle with cancer
became apparent, and
when Schmidt’s aggres-
sion took a back seat to
the fears that come with
a cancer diagnosis.
That, Schmidt told
several members of the
media Tuesday at Doug
Kingsmore Stadium, was
the toughest moment of
his battle thus far.
“Everyone tries to tell
you it’s not a big deal, but
in the back of your mind,
you’re like, ‘Why is this
happening, and why is
this going on?’” he said.
“But then you start to
realize hair is just some-
thing that grows back.”
And by that same to-
ken, Schmidt is bouncing
back just ﬁne himself.
After undergoing four
chemotherapy treatments
over the course of the last
eight weeks, he’ll under-
go a highly anticipated
PET scan today.
Should the results come
back clean Thursday,
he’ll undergo three weeks
of daily radiation treat-
ments before a ﬁnal PET
scan to see if he’s can-
cer-free — at which point
Schmidt said he’ll be “off
to the races working out
again.”ERIC SPROTT | THE JOURNAL
Clemson pitcher Clate Schmidt talks with the media on
Tuesday in the dugout of Doug Kingsmore Stadium.
Tigers’ Schmidt
continues cancer battle
SEE SCHMIDT, PAGE C4

HONORABLE MENTION:
Morning News
Scott Chancey

THIRD PLACE:
Herald-Journal
Eric Boynton
Who
needs
a seat?
CYCLING
Local rider Harman
gets to Mt. Mitchell
peak without one
for most of the way
By ERIC BOYNTON
eric.boynton@shj.com
T
roy Harman ﬁnished well
behind the winner of last
month’s Assault on Mt.
Mitchell bicycle race, but the
tale of how he made it makes
for a far better conversation
piece at any gathering.
The 46-year-old computer
programmer,
a Converse
Heights resi-
dent, became
the infamous
rider without
a seat that day.
Many other
cyclists who wit-
nessed his feat were amazed at
what they were seeing and the
majority doubted he’d be able to
endure the 102.7 miles to Mitch-
ell’s peak, the highest mountain
east of the Mississippi River.
That included his girlfriend,
Katharine Welling, who had
agreed to join him in making
her debut in the race. She’d
gone up ahead at his insistence
once the seat was gone and was
so sure he’d never make it all
the way, had brought his bag of
personnel belongings (the rid-
ers send up a change of clothes
and other amenities prior the
race) back down the mountain
with her on the shuttle bus.
SUBMITTED PHOTO
Troy Harman rode without a seat for
much of last month’s Assault on Mt.
Mitchell race.
◆ SEE SEAT PAGE B3

SECOND PLACE:
The Island Packet
Dan Burley

FIRST PLACE:
The Sun News
Ryan Young

THIRD PLACE:
Aaron Brenner
BY AARON BRENNER
abrenner@postandcourier.com
ANDERSON—CameronBoulware’s
left sock is white and his right sock
is blue. Both feet are covered by tube
sockstuckedinside-outandpulledon
backwards.
This day is not different from any
otherday.Surroundedonthecouchby
hisparentsandsiblings,whoselovefor
Cameron is as endless as their teasing
of him, the autistic 17-year-old lives
without a care in the world — not the
Republican primaries, not Clemson’s
depth at defensive tackle, and surely
not matching his socks or wearing
them properly.
When he was younger, it mattered.
Then, one day, it stopped mattering.
“I had an epiphany,” said Krystal
Boulware, seated next to Cameron,
the youngest of her four children.
“Who decided socks are supposed
to match? I mean, we have a lot of
random rules in society that really
aren’t that important; that’s one of
them. Who is affected in society if
your socks don’t match? We chose
to roll with it.”
Clemson’s most fascinating family:
Boulwares share uncommon bond
Read Aaron Brenner’s
blog at postandcourier.
com/blog/tiger-tracks.
Get more Clemson news at
postandcourier.com/tigers.
Online
PROVIDED
The Boulware family. (from left) Jamie, Garrett, Ben, Krystal, Cameron
and Bailee, pose after Clemson’s 2013 football game vs. The Citadel.
Ben is a junior linebacker this season. Please see BOULWARE,Page C8

SECOND PLACE:
The Greenville News
Scott Keepfer
TRAVELERSREST–There
are two types of people in this
world – those who make holes
in one and those who don’t.
Dan DeCando is a member
of the former club.
And then some.
What has unfolded for De-
Cando over the past 15 or so
years threatens to make a
mockery of everything you’ve
ever heard about the most hal-
lowed of golf shots.
What he’s done over the last
16 months will have you sub-
mitting a request for him to
purchase your lottery tickets.
Every week. For life.
You see, Dan DeCando has
made 19 holes-in-one, 11 of
which have found the bottom
of the cup since October of
2013.
Many golfers play for dec-
ades without recording an
“ace.” DeCando has been
stockpiling them like a Rory
McIlroy on a putt-putt course.
Given that the odds for a
hole in one by an amateur play-
er are approximately 12,500 to
1, according to the National
Hole in One Association, this
makes the 73-year-old DeCan-
doeitheraprimecandidatefor
surgery to remove a strategi-
cally placed horseshoe or the
one of the best golfers on the
planet.
Truth be told, he’s neither.
---
A New Jersey native, De-
Cando graduated from
Farleigh-Dickinson Univer-
sity in 1963, served in the Na-
tional Guard for six months,
then discovered golf.
“I had two months to kill in
the summertime and my uncle
gave me a set of golf clubs,”
DeCando recalls.
Onthefirstroundofhislife,
DeCando recorded his first
birdie.
“I said, ‘Wow, this is an easy
game,’ ” DeCando said.
It wasn’t, of course, as evi-
denced by the ensuing 36
years, which included consid-
erably more bogeys than bird-
ies – and nary a hole in one.
Then came that fateful day
at High Mountain Golf Course
in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey,
when DeCando sent a 4-iron
shot toward the pin on No. 3
and watched in wide-eyed
amazement as it found the cup
175 yards away.
Tiger Woods carded his
first hole in one at age 6; Mi-
chelle Wie notched her first
ace at age 12.
DeCando got to celebrate
his first hole in one at the ten-
der age of 58.
It may have taken a while,
but apparently DeCando has
been intent on making up for
lost time.
“Lucky? Yes,” DeCando
said. “Initially it was a lot of
luck, but after a while – when
you have two, three, four holes
in one – you start to get a little
more aggressive, so maybe it’s
a combination of things.
“You know, golf is funny. El-
bow in, elbow out. Turn your
hips, don’t turn your hips.
Shoulders up, shoulders out.
You start to find what works
and before you know it, I was
starting to aim a little better.”
That “aim” has resulted in a
string of single-shot successes
that borders on ridiculousness
if not downright absurdity.
Nineteen aces in 15 years,
including at least one hole in
one per year for each of the
last seven years.
A stretch of five consecu-
tivemonthswithanacein2014.
Such streaks of good for-
tune has been enough to ren-
der some of his cohorts rather
nonchalant about each succes-
sive ace.
At Darlington Golf Course –
DeCando’s regular course
nearhishomeinMahwah,New
Jersey – he was presented
plaques for each of first few
holes in one.
“About three or four weeks
later, I had another one and
they said, ‘Dan, that’s enough
plaques,’ ” DeCando said.
It’s a good thing.
Ace No. 19 came Saturday
afternoon at Darlington.
“Wedon’tgetit,either,”said
Al Peller, a longtime friend of
DeCando’s who has averaged
110 rounds per year for the last
30 years and is still chasing his
first ace. “I’ve witnessed six or
seven of Dan’s, though. I have
the proof in my checkbook.”
---
DrawntotheUpstatesever-
al years ago by the people, the
weather and, of course, the
golf, DeCando purchased a
townhouse at The Cliffs at
Mountain Park, a golfing com-
munity just north of Green-
ville.
He likes the fact that he’s
able to play at any of The
Cliffs’ seven local courses, but
is even more thrilled that he’s
able to tee it up essentially
year-round.
“I used to go out on the deck
in the winter and shovel off the
snow and have my cigar and
swing just to get the feel,” De-
Cando said. “As a golfer, when
Dan DeCando works on his swing at The Cliffs Valley driving range on April 22. DeCando has hit 17 hole-in-ones on different golf courses.
DECANDO SEEMS TO
ALWAYS COME UP ACES
Member at The Cliffs
has 19 holes in one
By Scott Keepfer
Staff writer
skeepfer@greenvilleonline.com
“Lucky? Yes. Initially it was a lot of luck,
but after a while – when you have two,
three, four holes in one – you start to get a
little more aggressive, so maybe it’s a
combination of things.”
HOLE-IN-ONE MASTER DAN DECANDO
See DECANDO, Page 6C

FIRST PLACE:
Gene Sapakoff
BY GENE SAPAKOFF || gsapakoff@postandcourier.com
C
OLUMBIA — Steve Spurrier grabs the printout ver-
sion of his unique football legacy, leans over his Wil-
liams-Brice Stadium desk and immediately plunges
in. South Carolina’s head coach neatly makes notes
aside references to Vince Lombardi and Bill Belichick.
He draws up “ball plays” to go with some of the other names,
all of them iconic.
Tom Landry, Don Shula and John Madden.
Vince Dooley, Urban Meyer and Nick Saban.
Thoughwellawareofhisparticipationasaplayerorheadcoach
against most of the greatest college and NFL coaches, Spurrier
hasn’t seen such a comprehensive list of elite opponents.
Hemethodicallyoffersdetailtomatchanunmatchedcollection
of on-field experiences.
No one else has played against Bear Bryant, Bobby Dodd,
George Halas, Chuck Noll and Bud Grant and coached teams
to wins over Joe Paterno, Danny Ford and Lou Holtz.
Wearingcleatsoraheadset,SpurrierhasmixeditupwithVince
Dooley,George Allen,MikeHolmgren,JonGruden,GeneStall-
ings and three Bowdens.
And beat Tony Dungy.
“Yeah, beat the Colts,” Spurrier said. “Beat Peyton (Manning).
I’ve won every game against Peyton.”
Therearemuseum-qualitymemorieswithinSpurrier’splaying
careerthatincludedthreeseasonsatFloridaand10withtheNFL‘s
SanFrancisco49ers,plus273victoriesasaheadcoachoverthree
seasons at Duke, 12 at Florida, 10 at South Carolina, two in the
NFL and three in the USFL.
Highlights of the Head Ball Coach vs. the best head coaches in
football, in chronological order:
Spurrier
versus ...
The List
Gamecocks football coach talks about taking
on biggest names in college football, NFL history
NFL Champions
Steve Spurrier
participated as a player
or head coach in wins
over nine NFL coaches
that won Super Bowls:
(As a player)
Vince Lombardi
Don Shula
Tom Landry
John Madden
Weeb Ewbank
Don McCafferty
(As a head coach)
Bill Belichick
Tony Dungy
Mike Holmgren
College elite
Steve Spurrier’s wins
over coaches that
have won national
championships:
(As a player)
Ralph “Shug” Jordan
Johnny Vaught
Vince Dooley
(As a head coach)
Johnny Majors
Danny Ford
Joe Paterno
Howard
Schnellenberger
Lou Holtz
Gene Stallings
Bobby Bowden
Phillip Fulmer
Nick Saban
Mack Brown
Urban Meyer
Spurrier vs.
Clemson
Tommy Bowden: 1-2
Dabo Swinney: 5-2
More, C5
FILE/AP
Please see SPURRIER,Page C5
Contact: Malcolm DeWitt, mdewitt@postandcourier.comPOSTANDCOURIER.COMSunday, August 23, 2015C1

SPORTS COLUMN WRITING
HONORABLE MENTION:
Spurs & Feathers /
Aiken Standard
Brian Hand

THIRD PLACE:
Index-Journal
Andrew Macke Friday, October 30, 2015 SportsSports
Deciphering the Region 2-AA
playoff picture, Joyce style
L
ast Friday, after doing my best to
capture the gut-wrenching game
between Abbeville and Ninety Six
in one newspaper article, I leaned back
in my chair and tried to catch my breath
after one of the better
high school football
games I’ve seen. I spun
around in my chair,
doing my best to calm
down, and laid eyes
on fellow sports writer
Ethan Joyce feverishly
working on... something.
I knew Ethan had just
covered McCormick and
Fox Creek, but he was
not working on that. The
Predators sucked nearly
every ounce of drama
out of that game in the first quarter, so
Ethan should have had no issue knock-
ing out that story. Plus, he was piddling
around with a legal pad and a bunch of
little squares of paper, mumbling to him-
self and taking notes as he moved the little
squares around on his legal pad.
And he seemingly just got more and
more excited, or agitated, and more and
more disheveled. As his hair began to take
on a Teen Wolf-esque look and his glasses
nearly skewed right off his nose, I rolled
my chair over with a little trepidation to
see what in the world was making him
resemble Newton after the apple fell on
his head.
Turns out, Ethan was trying to fig-
ure out all the possible outcomes of the
playoff scenarios of Region 2-AA after
tonight’s games.
And honestly, the homeless man’s
system he designed worked pretty well.
On his legal pad, Ethan had written each
team’s record in two different columns,
the left column if the team won and the
right if the team lost. He was using the
little squares of paper to block out the
incorrect record of each team based on
his scenario.
Now, I realize that paragraph likely
makes you, my loyal reader, more con-
fused. So, let me try to explain it.
If Ethan assumed Abbeville would
beat Crescent, he would block out
Abbeville’s final record with a loss with
one of his squares of paper, leaving just
the final record with a win showing. He
would do the opposite with Crescent.
After following that procedure with all
three games, his legal pad showed each
team’s final record, and he was able to
pick out the four teams who would earn
a playoff spot.
It sounds ridiculous, I know. Trust
me, it looked ridiculous, like a toddler
attempting to do calculus. But, it actually
was fairly effective.
Ethan meddled with that for nearly 30
minutes Friday night and vowed to come
up with his final findings on Saturday.
And if I thought he was getting crazy Fri-
day, he made himself look tame with his
Saturday antics.
Saturday, Ethan still had his legal pad
and little pieces of paper that he constant-
ly moved around. He incorporated into
his routine about three more notebooks
that he was scrawling on with his horren-
dous handwriting. Just imagine a feral cat
trying to write. Anyway, he continued his
mumbling, frantic arithmetic to solve the
riddle of “Who finishes in the top four of
Region 2-AA?”
Eventually Ethan arrived at the solu-
tion. There were eight different scenarios,
apparently. He tried to prove this to me by
scribbling out three different columns of
A’s, B’s, C’s and D’s before going through
and crossing out two of those columns
while saying, “This one is here, and this
one is there, and this one is over here,
and this one is here, and this one is there,”
and on and on until there was only one
column of eight left. Ergo, there are eight
scenarios.
Do not try to decipher Ethan’s logic.
You will probably suffer brain freeze
because it is too convoluted. But, the end
result looked pretty good to me. So, I’ll
use it with my picks.
I think Abbeville rolls through Cres-
cent (Abbeville 45, Crescent 14), and
Ninety Six shakes off a devastating loss
to beat Strom Thurmond (Ninety Six
27, Strom Thurmond 24). And, I think
Malik Brooks out-duels Terrence Wilson
to power Saluda past Batesburg-Leesville
(Saluda 31, B-L 28). Based on those
results, the four Region 2-AA playoff
teams will be Abbeville, Strom Thur-
mond, Ninety Six and Saluda.
Now, to the rest of my picks.

Westside (9-0, 5-0 Region 1-AAAA)
at Greenwood (3-6, 2-3 Region
1-AAAA)
Man, after back-to-back losses to two
teams Greenwood has not lost to since
1997, the Eagles face a brutal matchup in
Westside. The Rams have won by double
digits in all but one game this year, and
quarterback Jackson Williamson, a T.L.
Hanna transfer, is lighting people up.
Greenwood has struggled all year against
the pass and is really hurting after those
losses to Hanna and Easley, plus dealing
with the cancer diagnosis of a teammate.
I don’t care about being objective right
now, I’m pulling for the Eagles. It’s a great
group of kids that work hard. But, I don’t
think they are beating Westside. Westside
38, Greenwood 21

Emerald (6-3, 4-2 Region 2-AAA)
at Eastside (5-4, 3-3 Region 2-AAA)
This is a big game to clear up the
Region 2-AAA playoff picture. Emerald is
mired in a three-way tie for second, with
Eastside lurking just on the outside of
that. If Emerald wins, the Vikings clinch a
playoff spot. A loss, and the Vikings prob-
ably need some help to get in. A couple
weeks ago, this game was looking like
a brutal matchup, but Eastside has lost
three of four, while Emerald has won four
of five. I’ll take the hot hand. Emerald 34,
Eastside 20

Whitmire (5-4, 0-3 Region 2-A)
atWare Shoals (2-7, 0-3 Region 2-A)
This game features the two bottom-
dwellers in the region that features South-
side Christian, Christ Church and St.
Joseph’s. Whitmire is quite good, though,
and quite large. Ware Shoals has struggled
all year and is depleted with injuries. The
Hornets hung with Southside Christian
last week, but I doubt they have much left
in the tank. Whitmire 45, Ware Shoals
15

Dixie (1-8, 1-2 Region 1-A)
at Ridge Spring-Monetta (5-4, 2-1
Region 1-A)
Ridge Spring-Monetta can still win the
region championship, so the Trojans have
a lot to play for. Dixie does not. The Hor-
nets probably miss the playoffs regard-
less of result. Ridge Spring-Monetta 48,
Dixie 18

Fox Creek (5-4, 2-1 Region 1-A)
at Calhoun Falls (1-8,0-3 Region 1-A)
This may be the last game of 11-man
football for the Flashes for the foreseeable
future. And, I’m afraid that it will not end
well. Fox Creek 52, Calhoun Falls 18

Greenwood Christian (8-1, 6-1
SCISA 8-Man Region 2)
at Laurens Academy (3-7, 3-5
SCISA 8-Man Region 2)
The Hawks lost to their rival 68-62 last
year. I fully expect Greenwood Christian
to get a little payback tonight. Greenwood
Christian72,LaurensAcademy42
ANDREW
MACKE
SUNSHINE’S
SELECTIONS
ETHAN JOYCE | INDEX-JOURNAL
Saluda running back Malik Brooks sprints through the line against Ninety Six early this season at Bettis Herlong Stadium.
The Tigers must win on Friday to secure a playoff spot.
Hopefully football
brings back some
normalcy
W
hat a bizarre week the last few days have been.
Last week, the looming threat of torrential down-
pours left a lot of questions about Friday night foot-
ball. Some games were moved to Thursday, others were moved
up earlier on Friday, and some were not played all together.
Then, the rain came and lived up to all of the hype it had
received.
As all of you know, that rain brought horren-
dous flooding throughout much of our great
state and wreaked havoc throughout many
areas in Columbia, Charleston and many other
cities and has spoiled a lot of Friday night foot-
ball for another week.
For me, last week was particularly bizarre.
My older brother got married on Saturday in
Wichita, Kansas. I boarded a plane and headed
west Wednesday, relegating myself to watching
what happened to South Carolina on the news
and social media. It was extremely unnerving
not knowing what was happening with my
house, whether it was flooded or not. Or not
knowing if we were even going to be able to get home Sunday
night.
It was eerily similar to another weather catastrophe I experi-
enced in 2005. My father and I went to a Notre Dame football
game one Saturday, which was a seven-hour journey from my
house in the southern part of Indiana. We stayed the night in
Indianapolis, the halfway point, that night and woke up to shock-
ing news on CNN.
A tornado had hit Newburgh, a suburb of Evansville and my
hometown, during the early hours of Sunday morning. It was
being reported that more than 20 people had died and there was
a massive path of destruction for miles. One of the areas shown
on the news was mere blocks from my neighborhood, but nei-
ther my dad nor I could reach anyone on the phone. The twister
had decimated power and phone lines, and cell towers had been
knocked out, ruining cell service. My dad and I had no idea if
our house was OK or if our family and friends were OK. We did
not even know if we would be able to get home.
Inbothinstances,Iwasblessedenoughtohavenothingwrong.
Thetornadoblewbymyhouseandleftitunharmedbackin2005,
andthefloodinginGreenwoodmadenoimpactonourhouse.
But, both disasters were extremely unwelcome and disorient-
ing. I remember back in ‘05 warmly embracing hockey practices
because they restored a little bit of normalcy to my life.
And with seven local teams playing at home today, I’m hoping
tonight’s games start to restore some normalcy back into every-
one’s life, like hockey practice did for me in 2005.
Now, to my picks.

Woodmont (2-4, 0-2 Region 1-AAAA)
at Greenwood (2-4, 1-1 Region 1-AAAA)
Although both teams sport the same overall record, Green-
wood has been in with far tougher competition. And, the Eagles
are fresh off a dominating performance against Greenville, while
Woodmont has struggled in its two region games. Greenwood
rolls again. Greenwood48,Woodmont13

Chapman (4-2, 2-1 Region 2-AAA)
at Emerald (4-2, 2-1 Region 2-AAA)
This is an intriguing matchup. Emerald walloped a struggling
Chapman last year, but the Panthers are far improved and the
Vikings are a distinctly different team. Emerald has looked good
since losing to Greer two weeks ago, though. The defense has
played well, and the offense is quickly improving. Emerald30,
Chapman20

Saluda (5-0, 0-1 Region 2-AA)
at No. 5 Abbeville (4-2, 0-1 Region 2-AA)
I thought this game was going to be between two teams vying
for control of the region, but both lost last week and are now
scrambling to avoid a 0-2 hole. After a phenomenal start, Abbev-
ille has lost two in a row, and the offense has been unreliable in
those two games. But, the Panther defense has played well and
have excelled at stopping the run, something Saluda relies on
with Malik Brooks. Brooks will still get his yards, but Abbeville’s
defense slows him and the Tigers down enough for the offense to
get on track. Abbeville28,Saluda14

No. 2 Batesburg-Leesville (6-0, 1-0 Region 2-AA)
at Ninety Six (3-3, 1-0 Region 1-AA)
Ninety Six surprised me by beating Saluda last week. That’s my
fault for being surprised, though. I’ve been around long enough
to know that those gritty, salty Ninety Six guys will always be
hard to beat. Unfortunately, Batesburg-Leesville will be a little
too talented with Terrence Wilson running the ball. Batesburg-
Leesville22,NinetySix16

Fox Creek (2-4) at Ware Shoals (2-4)
Ware Shoals saw its two-game winning streak snapped by St.
Joseph’s this week, but they return home to welcome the Preda-
tors to Tommy Davis Field. Fox Creek is on a three-game losing
streak but has lost to three of the better Class A teams in Willis-
ton-Elko, Southside Christian and Ridge Spring-Monetta. This
game will be close, but I think Ware Shoals is a little too young.
FoxCreek27,WareShoals20

Calhoun Falls (1-5, 0-0 Region 1-A)
at Dixie (0-6, 0-1 Region 1-A)
These two teams played just about the most explosive game
of the year in Week 0, with the Flashes pulling out a 56-49 win.
Neither team has gotten close to matching those point totals in
a game since, though, so both are looking to get back on track
tonight. Calhoun Falls’ athleticism was too much for Dixie in that
first clash, and I think it will be again. CalhounFalls42,Dixie38

McCormick (4-3, 1-0 Region 1-A)
at Ridge Spring-Monetta (4-2, 1-0 Region 1-A)
RidgeSpring-Monetta’sonlytwolosseshavecometoSaludaand
Batesburg-Leesville.BothofthoseteamshavebeenrankedinClass
AA.AgainstClassAteams,theTrojanshavebeenprettydominant.
McCormickwillbeatoughopponent,butRidgeSpring-Monetta
staysperfectinClassA.RS-M33,McCormick25

Jefferson Davis Academy (1-6, 1-5 SCISA 8-man
Region II) at GCS (5-1, 3-1 SCISA 8-man Region II)
Jefferson Davis lost to Newberry Academy 48-26. Greenwood
Christian beat that same Newberry Academy team 70-28. Math
picks this winner. GreenwoodChristian68,JeffersonDavis20
ANDREW
MACKE
SUNSHINE’S
SELECTIONS
Sports
It’s all in a name,
or a nickname
N
icknames are everywhere in sports. I’m not sure what
it is, but any time a group of guys spend a ton of time
cooped up together, they come up with some crazy
names for each other.
If you have a last name like mine, you get a lot of nicknames.
Often, I’m just called Macke (rhymes with wacky for those who
do not know), but it is sometimes shortened to Mac. Other times,
I’ve been known as Big Mac. Or Mac Attack. Or Mac Daddy. It’s
a bit excessive. Most of the time, I tell people
I first meet that my name is Andrew, without
ever telling them what my last name is. Eventu-
ally, though, people find out what my last name
is, and I am therefore Macke forever.
In my nearly three years down here in the
Lakelands, I have encountered some pretty
good nicknames on some of the football teams.
Emerald had a kid known as Peanut when I first
got down here. Greenwood has had Meat, Poot,
Murda and several others, too. But, no team
does nicknames quite like Abbeville.
Every year, the Panthers have a ton of nick-
names. Some have just been a play on a guy’s
actual name. Alex DuBose is Dubie. DaMarius
Lee is D-Lee. Johnny Guillebeaux, because of his duties with the
National Guard, was known as G.I. Johnny. Lamar Oakley is Oak
Tree. Monoletto Rapley Jr. likes to go by JR. Austin Holliday is
Hollywood.
Then, there are some crazier ones. Charleton Goodwin is
Whoodie. Former player Montico Smith was Smoochie. The
Walton twins were sometimes called Fuzzie and Wuzzie. I could
go on and on.
Just the other day, I was out talking to D-Lee and Benny Hill
(Ben Thomasson) about the offensive line. I was asking about
which of them had played last year and what kind of experience
they all had. They proceeded to tell me about Bruiser and Beast
and Gatorade. I was completely lost.
I pride myself on being able to know and remember all the kids
names. It has happened many times where I will say hi to some-
one by name, and they will ask, “How do you know my name?”
But, when Lee and Thomasson started talking about Bruiser,
Beast and Gatorade, I had no clue who they were talking about.
So, before I get to my picks, I would just like to say good luck
to Troy Scott (Bruiser), Matthew Arnold (Beast) and Demarques
Jackson (Gatorade).

Greenwood (3-4, 2-1 Region 1-AAAA) at T.L. Hanna
(4-3, 2-1 Region 1-AAAA)
This has been an almost automatic win for Greenwood in
recent years, but this year may not be the case. The Hornets have
a high-powered offense that averages more than 40 points per
game. Greenwood’s defense has played well in recent weeks but
showed a few weaknesses in the secondary earlier in the year.
The Eagles will get tested tonight, but I don’t see them losing to
Hanna. The last time that happened was 1997. Greenwood38,
T.L.Hanna24
Emerald (4-3, 2-2 Region 2-AAA) at Travelers Rest
(4-3, 1-3 Region 2-AAA)
Like Greenwood’s matchup, Emerald’s game with TR will likely
be much closer this year. Travelers Rest struggled mightily last
year but has responded with a pretty decent showing this year.
But, I doubt they have the athletes to hang with Emerald, who is
likely seething after last week’s lopsided loss to Chapman. Emer-
ald35,TravelersRest20
No. 4 Abbeville (5-2, 1-1 Region 2-AA) at No. 2 (tie)
Batesburg-Leesville (7-0, 2-0 Region 2-AA)
This is probably the biggest game in the Lakelands this week.
These two teams meet for the 47th time and both are probably
the top contenders for the Class AA Division II title. Abbeville
stunned B-L at home in the playoffs last year, which I’m sure is
not sitting well with B-L. But, Batesburg-Leesville does not have
the size up front they had last year, so I think they will again be
disappointed at home. Abbeville28,Batesburg-Leesville20
Crescent (3-4, 0-2 Region 2-AA) at Ninety Six (3-4,
1-1 Region 2-AA)
Despite its record, Ninety Six is playing extremely well. The
Wildcats beat then-No. 10 Saluda to open region play two weeks
ago before letting a late lead slip away in an overtime loss against
Batesburg-Leesville last week. Crescent, on the other hand, has
lost four straight after opening the year with three wins. That
trend continues.NinetySix31,Crescent14
Saluda (5-2, 0-2 Region 2-AA) at No. 2 (tie) Strom
Thurmond (7-0, 2-0 Region 2-AA)
Upset special. Saluda24,StromThurmond17
No. 7 Christ Church (6-2, 1-1 Region 2-A) at Ware
Shoals (2-5, 0-1 Region 2-A)
Christ Church lost a game to a Class A opponent for the first
time in what seems like forever last week, which does not bode
well for Ware Shoals. The Cavaliers are probably frothing at the
mouth to bounce back from that surprising 16-13 loss to South-
side Christian. ChristChurch49,WareShoals7
McCormick (4-3, 2-0 Region 1-A) at Calhoun Falls
(1-6, 0-1 Region 1-A)
Calhoun Falls is reeling after winning its first game of the year,
while McCormick is hot after beating Ridge Spring-Monetta.
McCormick45,CalhounFalls28.
Dixie (1-6, 1-0 Region 1-A) at Fox Creek (3-4, 0-1
Region 1-A)
Fox Creek manhandled Ware Shoals 34-7 last week, the same
Ware Shoals team that shut out Dixie 20-0. Dixie is playing better
now, but not that much better.FoxCreek40,Dixie14
Greenwood Christian (6-1, 4-1 SCISA 8-Man Region
2) at Richard Winn (6-1, 4-1 8-Man Region 2)
Greenwood Christian cannot be stopped. GreenwoodChris-
tian64,RichardWinn35
ANDREW
MACKE
SUNSHINE’S
SELECTIONS
• Carports
• Garages
• Farm Buildings
• Horse Barns
• Farm & Utility Trailers

SECOND PLACE:
The Journal
Eric Sprott
Not goodbye; see you
over in the News pages
I
think it’s a pretty
fair assumption that
everyone who gets
into this business keeps
a mental list for what to
say when they inevitably
sit down to say goodbye
to their readers.
Topping my list was
the moronic comment I
made before being hired
at The Journal on Aug.
1, 2007, which feels like a
lifetime ago at this point.
That summer, I was
finishing my degree at
Clemson with an unpaid
internship in media rela-
tions with the Greenville
Drive, and then-Jour-
nal sports editor Will
Vandervort called me
while in was in the press
box one day asking me to
come in for an interview.
My response was as
painful as it was stupid
— “I’ll be there with
bells on.”
How he even let me
in the door after that is
beyond me, but I can’t
thank Will enough for
sticking with that goofy
kid all those years ago.
And as you have surely
already gathered, I’m giv-
ing you the first-person
treatment today to say
this — after eight great
years, including the last
three as sports editor,
I’m leaving the sports
department. However,
I’m not saying goodbye
to The Journal just yet —
I’ll just be moving a few
chairs down to the news
department, where I will
happily continue work-
ing for the only employer
I’ve ever known in my
adult life.
When I joined the
sports department, I was
a single, 23-year-old kid
who rented a house with
a few buddies while we
slowly transitioned out
of the college lifestyle,
which meant working
until midnight or later
most nights was no big
deal.
However, the decade or
so after college inevitably
brings major changes,
and with that said, this is
a move I’m making in or-
der to spend more quality
time with the two most
important people in my
life — my beautiful wife,
Cassie, and the most per-
fect 9-month-old baby boy
in the world, Jacob.
It’s hard to stop and
thank everybody for
these last eight years,
but I’ve got to start with
Will for getting my ca-
reer started. I also have
to thank news editor Ste-
ven Bradley — a sports
scribe-turned news
editor himself — and the
great cast of characters
who’ve passed through
the sports department,
most notably Zack Maul-
din, Kevin Pomeroy and
Robbie Tinsley, who’s
now tasked with run-
ning the sports depart-
ment. Trust me when I
tell you he’s going to do a
fantastic job.
I can’t begin to start
thank-
ing all
the high
school
coaches
and
athletes
who I’ve
worked
with for
every-
thing
over the
years
— you
know
who you
are. From wanting to
pull my hair out trying to
make deadline and rainy
Friday nights on the side-
line in the fall, to pack-
ing up and heading out to
cover state championship
games, I promise I’ve
enjoyed every bit of it.
And I never would
have thought this when
I got into the business,
but I can say with
absolute certainty that
I always enjoyed telling
the stories of our local
high school teams more
than anything I covered
at Clemson. I always get
puzzled looks when I
say I prefer covering the
high schools more, but
at a community-focused
newspaper, it’s truly
been a passion of mine.
The stories of our local
kids need to be told, and
the relationships you
build at the high-school
level with coaches and
players is something
that just doesn’t happen
at the college level.
At Clemson, you’re
just part of the roaming
media hoard — which
I have to say includes
some really great people
— looking for a story,
and I never cared for
that aspect of heading
to campus. It’s a dream
for some people to cover
Clemson athletics, but I
can’t tell you how excited
I am to disconnect and
become just a fan again.
So, folks, I think that
just about does it. My
name will still show up
in the sports pages from
time to time. I’m too fond
of covering Friday night
football games to give
it up, and who knows,
maybe I’ll show up in
spot duty every now and
again during the spring
and winter. I’ve made
several promises to bring
Jacob out to meet coach-
es, and I’ve got to make
good on that after all.
But one last time, to
you, the readers, coach-
es, athletes and other
supporters out there,
thank you for every-
thing. It’s been my plea-
sure to tell your stories,
and I just hope I’ve done
all right by you.
ERIC SPROTT is an
award-winning reporter who
has covered high school and
college sports for The Journal
since 2006. He can be reached
at esprott@upstatetoday.com.
‘WITH
BELLS ON’ |
ERIC
SPROTT
I
’ve sat down several
times to attempt to
write this column, mak-
ing it my goal to make it
among the best pieces I’ve
written.
And with that thought
in mind, I’ve gotten pre-
cisely nowhere, looking at
a blank
Word
docu-
ment and
strug-
gling to
come up
with a
decent
lead.
But
here we
are now,
as I try
to honor
my father
without
worrying
about this being the finest
column you’ve ever laid
your eyes upon.
As many of you know —
a number of kind readers,
coaches and colleagues
have reached out to me
over the last week — my
father passed away last
Sunday, as Alzheimer’s
disease took him at the
age of 62.
If you haven’t had a
family member or friend
succumb to this disease,
consider yourself lucky —
it’s a sad, cruel and simply
unfair way to go for every-
one involved. Toward the
end, it was particularly
painful for our family —
especially my mom, who
served as his caregiver
—and I can only hope you
won’t have to experience
it firsthand, as we did.
My dad was many
things — a kind, lov-
ing husband, father
and brother, an expert
horticulturist, an out-
doorsman and a veteran.
I also want to stop shy of
calling him a weapons
nut, but the man sure did
enjoy his fine collection
of firearms.
The one thing he wasn’t
was a big sports fan —
probably a somewhat
surprising revelation
given my profession. I re-
member during one of my
sister’s birthday parties
many years ago, Clemson
and South Carolina were
playing at Williams-Brice
Stadium, and I don’t think
he once glanced at the TV.
Saying
goodbyefar
toosoon
SEE SPROTT, PAGE C4
FROM THE
SPORTS
DESK |
ERIC
SPROTT
H
is name was cursed
more than anyone
would dare count,
he was belittled beyond
belief and the mere men-
tion of his name brought
with it exhausted sighs
and defeated groans.
With all that said, it
would have been easy
for Clemson quarterback
Cole Stoudt to mentally
check out after what was
widely panned as a hor-
rific senior season.
Well, at least that’s
how it was classified
until Monday night.
After losing his start-
ing job — albeit to one of
the Tigers’ most promis-
ing freshmen in school
history — along with his
confidence as he strug-
gled after coming back
into action following inju-
ries to Deshaun Watson,
Stoudt’s legacy completely
changed with the MVP
performance he turned
in during the Tigers’ 40-6
victory over Oklahoma in
the Russell Athletic Bowl.
Don’t get me wrong —
I’m not saying the bowl
victory is among the
most prolific in school
history. Did Clemson
smack around a storied
program in Oklahoma?
Of course it did. Did
the win clinch a fourth
straight 10-win season
for the Tigers? Yes, and
that’s a huge deal. Does
the mere mention of the
Russell Athletic Bowl
conjure up some of the
greatest memories of
the bowl season? It most
surely
doesn’t.
But
Stoudt’s
perfor-
mance
against
the
Sooners
won’t be
forgot-
ten,
as he
finished
26-of-36
passing
for a
career-high 319 yards
and three scores. He
also rushed for a score,
which might have been
his most memorable
moment of the night.
On a zone-read, Stoudt
faked a pitch, made
a nifty move past an
Oklahoma defender, put
his head down and dove
for the end zone with
absolute determination
to put his team ahead
34-0 early in the third
quarter.
But let’s not forget
the lick he took on his
24-yard scoring strike to
Germone Hopper later
in the quarter. Stoudt
stood in and delivered
his pass against heavy
pressure from the
Sooners, had his helmet
knocked off and banged
his head on the turf at
the Florida Citrus Bowl
Stadium.
Tigers’ Stoudt enjoys
perfect closing note
FROM THE
PRESS BOX |
ERIC
SPROTT
SEE STOUDT, PAGE C3

FIRST PLACE:
The Journal
Robbie Tinsley
A
s any self-respecting
Seinfeld fan will
know, Tuesday saw
the rise and fall of yet an-
other glorious Festivus.
To the rest of you who
are still interested in
reading this column,
you might want to type
that last word into your
favorite search engine
and read the ensuing page
about Frank Costanza’s
made-up, and yet all-too-
real, holiday from “The
Strike.”
To cut to the chase, one
of the elements of the
anti-commercial, anti-re-
ligious holiday is “The
Airing of Grievances.”
During the episode, they
are said right before Fes-
tivus dinner with Frank
exclaiming, “I’ve got a lot
of problems with you peo-
ple, and now you’re going
to hear about it!”
As I am in the tail end
of a rather frustrating
run of work with the
bossman, Eric Sprott,
selfishly taking two
weeks off just because he
wants to spend time with
his newborn son and his
lovely wife or something,
I feel like it’s a good day to
air some grievances.
So, readers, prepare to
have verbal blows rained
down upon you:
— To the people who
think the NFC South
winner doesn’t deserve a
playoff spot, give it a rest.
The whole purpose of the
regular season and the
divisional setup is to nar-
row down the field for the
playoff. You can defini-
tively say that the winner
of this Sunday’s game
between the Falcons and
Panthers is the best team
in the
South.
They
might
not
deserve
a home
playoff
game,
but if
they
aren’t
playoff
worthy,
then just
abolish
the
division
system.
continually rail against
Cole Stoudt, just stop it.
The kid has been light
years from great, but he’s
only got one more game
as a Clemson Tiger, and
it’s one that barely mat-
ters. Back the backup,
enjoy one more game of
a great defense and, if
things go badly, smile at
the thought of nearly 30
more games of Deshaun
Watson under center.
— To the readers who
get irrationally angry at
mistakes in the paper,
news flash — pun partial-
ly intended — the people
putting this together
are human. Yes, I know
I told you that the Clem-
son football game was
“today” on a Wednesday,
but when you read and/
or write 4,000 words in a
night, one or two of them
is going to slip through.
Although on the other
side, it’s nice to see that
someone’s reading.
— To high school bas-
ketball referees, just let
them play. Calling every
touch foul isn’t helping
anyone, and it’s just mak-
ing games drag and drag.
The only reason I’m
against the advent of the
high school shot clock is
because at least some-
thing is helping these
games move along.
— To Arsenal’s back
four: Can we please stop
allowing free headers
when we’ve got a 2-1 lead
in the dying moments of
a crucial game?
randomly compliment
us on the section or the
coaches who thank us
for coming … actually
thanks a lot. You have
no idea how much that
means to us.
— To Marshawn Lynch,
you’re right; you don’t
have to give the media the
time of day. But is it real-
ly that hard to just fire off
a couple clichés without
making a mockery of our
profession? You are really
good at running long
distances with large men
in the way, but this act
is wearing thin. I know
you couldn’t care less,
but this is a lot of peoples’
livelihood.
— To Adobe InDesign
and Photoshop, you’re
right: 11 p.m. and right
up against deadline is the
perfect time for a crash.
— And finally, to the
Robbie that gets frus-
trated when all these
grievances get you down,
your college Economics
classes should’ve told you
that, even when short-
term problems arise, the
market eventually finds
equilibrium again.
And equilibrium —
with a job that pays you
to do something that
you’d do for free, with
people who you actually
enjoy seeing every day,
and when all that some-
how wears thin, you get
to go home to friends,
family and a girlfriend
that make it all worth-
while — ain’t half bad.
So realize that it’s nearly
Christmas, where instead
of airing grievances, you
get to experience all of
the things that make life
worthwhile.
It’s a pleasure getting to
talk to you every day, and
I hope you enjoy it mar-
ginally as much as I do.
Happy Festivus every-
one. And while we’re at it,
Merry Christmas-slash-
Happy Holidays-slash-
Enjoy Whatever Holiday
Makes You Smile.
ROBBIE TINSLEY has been the
Assistant Sports Editor of The
Journal since August 2013.
And now
we come
to the
airing of
greivances...
TALKING
WITH
TINMAN |
ROBBIE
TINSLEY
T
here is no more load-
ed qualifier in sports
than “Hall of Famer.”
Those three words
carry prestige, honor and
an easy defense against
criticism.
One of the most common
arguments I heard from
people in favor of keeping
Clemson baseball coach
Jack Leggett is “He’s a
Hall of Famer. It’s not
like he’s forgotten how to
coach.”
Leggett’s achievements
during
his 22
years at
Clemson
speak for
them-
selves —
21 trips
to the
NCAA
Tourna-
ment,
eight
super
regional
berths
and six
fabled
journeys
to the College World
Series. Leggett continued
Bill Wilhelm’s sparkling
work and established
the Tigers as a national
powerhouse.
He deserves his Hall of
Fame moniker.
But he didn’t deserve
another season at Doug
Kingsmore Stadium.
His last trip to Oma-
ha, Neb., in 2010 ended
with back-to-back loss-
es to South Carolina,
When is it
Hall of Fame
coach?
SEE TINSLEY, PAGE C3
TALKING
WITH
TINMAN |
ROBBIE
TINSLEY
F
riday night could’ve been last
year’s Wren game all over
again for the Seneca High
School football team.
That sentence may need further
explanation.
Last year, the
Bobcats had a
ton of talent and
were riding high
at 4-0 going into
a huge region
contest at home
against the Gold-
en Hurricanes.
The Bobcats held
a 15-point lead go-
ing to the fourth
quarter, only to
see now-Clem-
son quarterback
Kelly Bryant lead
the Hurricanes to
21 straight points to move ahead
with less than two minutes left.
Seneca looked to clinch a huge
victory with a touchdown pass
from Elijah Turner to Braxton
Gambrell with 13 seconds left,
only to see Bailey Rogers return
the ensuing kickoff 90 yards for
the heartbreaking, game-winning
touchdown.
For all the talent Seneca had last
year, the Bobcats still didn’t have
a lot of experience winning big
games, and that Wren defeat sucked
all the wind out of Seneca’s sails.
Fast-forward to this season
and Friday night’s game at Tom
Bass Field between the Bobcats
and T.L. Hanna. It was another
fantastic, back-and-forth game
between high-powered offenses,
and once again, it could’ve ended
in heartbreak for the home team.
After establishing a two-touch-
down lead time after time, Seneca
finally slipped up, allowing Hanna
to recover an onside kick with 2:10
remaining with the Yellow Jackets
trailing 49-42.
A minute later, Hanna freshman
quarterback Alex Meredith threw a
peach of a pass to the back right cor-
ner of the end zone — the same end
zone Rogers ran into to break Sene-
ca hearts last season — connecting
with Lucas Catalfomo for a 21-yard
touchdown. The Jackets, who could
not be stopped in the second half,
rightfully decided to go for the two-
point conversion and the win.
Bobcats have
yet another win
to build upon
FRIDAY
NIGHT
NOTES |
ROBBIE
TINSLEY
SEE TINSLEY, PAGE C3

THIRD PLACE:
Herald-Journal
Eric Boynton
Eric Boynton
On the Sidelines
HILTON HEAD ISLAND
T
he newest king of PGA
Tour Party Town isn’t
exactly the outgoing,
fun-loving type of guy who
keeps fans on the edge of
their seats with his electric
style or everybody laughing
in the pressroom with his
outlandish humor.
In fact, Jim Furyk is the
last person one might think
would embrace the atmo-
sphere at Harbour Town
during the annual RBC
Heritage, known as much for
being a rowdy and unortho-
dox setting to hold a golf
event as for its beloved yet
challenging layout.
He won the event for the
Harbour
Town’s
stoic king
◆ SEE BOYNTON PAGE B3
Eric Boynton
On the Sidelines
C
lemson baseball coach
Jack Leggett sat alone
in the visiting dugout
at Wofford after Tuesday’s
embarrassing 17-9 loss as
if it had all finally begun to
sink in. Seemingly adrift in
his thoughts for an elongated
stint after all but one assis-
tant had finally departed
for the awaiting bus, the
61-year-old simply stared
out onto the still-lighted dia-
mond.
It could’ve
finally been
hitting home
that his long-
time success-
ful reign at
a place he’s
long loved
was count-
ing down its final days. Leg-
gett’s is not an easy veneer
to crack, and for a guy with
some legendary competitive
juices, he might actually be
the last to see the writing on
the wall.
Even if he does sense the
end closing in, Leggett’s the
last guy who would give an
inch in that direction, always
believing until the final
swing there’s a chance to
come out on top, something
he’s done for the majority of
his hall-of-fame career.
When asked if he was wor-
ried about his future Tues-
day, Leggett simply replied,
“My future?”
Yes, your future here at
Clemson.
“I’m worried about tomor-
row,” meaning the next
night’s game with College of
Charleston, which the Tigers
won.
Leggett answered the
question through weary,
bloodshot eyes, answering an
inquiry that had to be asked
even knowing the reply
would be less than forthcom-
ing. It’s impossible to know
if Leggett’s tired look was
simply wear-and-tear after
having lost a tough game
the night before against
third-ranked Louisville, or
if the grind of this year had
overtaken a guy who always
would’ve gleefully accepted
a 365-day season.
The Tigers are 25-24 (13-
13 in the ACC) with seven
regular-season games
remaining, starting today
with a three-game home
series against Georgia
Southern. Whether Sunday’s
game will be Leggett’s fare-
well at Doug Kingsmore
Stadium remains to be seen.
Clemson has remarkably
made the NCAA tournament
20 of his 21 seasons, but this
year’s hopes are pinned sole-
ly on making a shocking run
to the ACC Baseball Tourna-
ment championship to earn
an automatic bid.
There’s little doubt Leg-
gett still firmly believes
his squad can emerge as
conference tourney champs.
You don’t win 948 games
at a program and make six
College World Series appear-
ances without a healthy dose
of confidence. That’s why
you’ll see no mention of “hon-
oring” Leggett on Sunday
even if Clemson has decided
to make a change. Leggett
would have no “mutual part-
ing of the ways” release
leading to being able to soak
in some cheers and tip his
cap one last time to the home
crowd.
Unfortunately, there are
very few in the sporting
spotlight who get to script
their own endings, who are
Leggett’s
run at
Clemson
nears end
Leggett
Eric Boynton
On the Sidelines
Clemson,
SC blew it
on Dorman
standout
N
ow only time will tell
if Clemson and South
Carolina pulled a mutual
epic fail in their nearly total
disregard for Dorman star
receiver J.J. Arcega-Whiteside
during the recruiting process.
Fans of the two in-state pow-
ers have expressed frustration
that the 6-foot-3, 210-pound
Parade All-American wasn’t
tendered an offer even as he
dominated the toughest area in
the state when it comes to prep
football.
It’s not like a guy of his stat-
ure simply slips through the
cracks, a diamond in the rough
that unpredictably blossoms
in college after being nothing
more than a work in progress
during his high school years.
Anyone fortunate enough to
have seen Arcega-Whiteside
perform in
person has to
come away
mystified that
both the Tigers
and Gamecocks
whiffed on him.
Even strang-
er, they barely
stepped up to the
plate at all. Both
programs kept in touch, at least
from time-to-time, with the
rangy receiver, but the conver-
sations remained remarkably
consistent. They were awaiting
word back from others (they
obviously considered better
players) and if some of those
desired recruits didn’t pan
out, they’d get back to Arcega-
Whiteside.
They never did.
So off to Stanford goes one of
the more dynamic playmakers
in recent high school memory
even as he admittedly would’ve
preferred to stay within state
lines. Stanford has garnered
quite the reputation for its col-
lective intelligence and there’s
no doubt they pulled a fast one
on the two major S.C. programs.
Arcega-Whiteside admits
there was some early acrimony
toward Clemson and South Car-
olina as he pondered what more
he could do to catch their atten-
tion. Usually an in-state kid
has a one-sided opinion when it
comes to the rivals, but not him.
He happily would’ve attended
either school had they recipro-
cated the advances he’d made
by regularly sending them film
and attending their camps.
“Growing up here, those are
two schools where I always
wanted to be at one of them,”
Arcega-Whiteside said. “But
I’m kind of glad they didn’t
offer, because now I’ve got a
better opportunity ahead of me
in California. At first I was kind
of bitter about it. I didn’t know
why they wouldn’t offer me, but
now I’m happy that they didn’t.”
From many that would sound
like a brave attempt to save
face, a little stroking of one’s
own ego after being basically
ignored by those you’re trying
to impress the most. Arcega-
Whiteside doesn’t come off
like that at all. His shrug of
the shoulders hindsight that a
better opportunity eventually
presented itself appears totally
Arcega-
Whiteside

SECOND PLACE:
The Herald
Andrew Dys
YORK There is no grief like a
mother’s grief, though Thursday
the entire small city of York seemed
b ro ke n a f t e r h e a r i n g t h at
14-year-old Stevie Brandon Davis
had died five days after an asthma
attack left him in a hospital with no
hope to recover.
Jerry Kemp, a football coach from
York Comprehensive High School,
showed up at the house with a No.
80 jersey and a silver football hel-
met.
“He always tried his best,” Kemp
said. “The effort ... .
He never quit.”
Kemp, a tough guy,
a coach, he hugged
Stevie’s mother, and
all that talk about
teams being families,
in this case, really
was true.
Family and friends said Stevie
sure did try his best. Little Stevie,
some called him. Brandon, some
called him. Bee, others dubbed him.
A kid who was born 11 weeks
early almost 15 years ago and was
called “a miracle” when he lived. He
weighed just over 2 pounds at birth.
He had asthma all his life, but he did
not yield. Little Stevie strangled
the best out of life every day, until
the asthma won.
He would have been 15 years old
in August.
The head football coach for York,
Bobby Carroll, and his wife, Sherry,
started making calls and in an hour
had raised $1,000 for the funeral ex-
penses and bills that are huge. The
coach and his wife set up the ac-
count at the South State Bank after
Stevie spent five days in intensive
care at Levine Children’s Hospital
in Charlotte as the family prayed for
a miracle that just would not come.
Cotton Top Originals, a York on-
line business, started making T-
shirts to sell that will benefit the
family. The idea came from Stevie’s
friends, teens, kids, who wanted to
help. Stevie’s favorite saying, “2000
York teen’s
‘beautiful
heart’ beats
after death
Columnist
Andrew Dys
SEE DYS, PAGE 7A
Stevie
+
ROCK HILL
There were no irons or
woods, no putters and
balls at practice Wednes-
day for the Northwestern
High School girls golf
team. No golf course,
either.
There was soothing
music. And bare feet. And
balancing and breathing.
Just yoga.
Time normally dedicat-
ed to hitting balls instead
was spent learning to
breathe, stretch, relax and
focus, so that on the course
they might rip the cover off
the ball, then have the aim
to drop a putt.
And it just might work.
The ancient discipline
combines breathing and
mind and body. But the
idea is not just some wise-
guy move by a lover of the
iconic golf movie “Cad-
dyshack,” in which a goofy
millionaire tells a caddy to
“be the ball.”
The players seem to love
it, after just a couple of
sessions.
Faith Novak, 15, said she
posted her best score yet
by employing the breath-
ing and relaxation tech-
niques she has learned.
“Love it,” Novak said.
LeighAnn Faulkner, 16,
said yoga helped loosen
her tight back.
“I played better,” she
said.
Athletes using yoga to
help performance is not
new, but the idea to take
the team to yoga came
after David Rector, North-
western’s golf coach, tried
it himself a couple of years
ago and saw that the tenets
of yoga are similar to golf.
He even stretches his old
bones on the yoga mat
with his players.
“To be successful in
golf, you have to control
your breathing, focus,”
Rector said. “For example,
you can’t grip the club like
you want to chop down a
tree with it.
“Flexibility is very im-
portant in golf.”
Promoting unity and
togetherness always helps,
Rector said, even in a sport
that depends on individual
performance.
So Rector made arrange-
ments with Sara Cain-da
Costa, owner of Synergy
Yoga and Wellness on
Caldwell Street in down-
town Rock Hill, to bring
the team over and see how
it worked out.
Cain-da Costa didn’t
just lead the team through
the yoga exercises, she
told them how breathing
and focus have helped her
not just play golf well, but
often out-drive men off the
tee.
“Calm, centered focus,”
she told them repeatedly.
The 13-member team
has so far embraced yoga
and the time spent on the
mat instead of on the
course. In their first three-
way match after starting
yoga classes, Rector said,
the Northwestern golfers
performed well – finishing
ahead of York Comprehen-
sive but behind Fort Mill.
So about once a week for
the next few weeks, the
Trojans’ practice will re-
main focused on deep
breathing, stretching and
balance.
And like Chevy Chase’s
Ty Webb in “Caddysh-
ack,” they will be the ball –
in bare feet.
Andrew Dys:
803-329-4065,
adys@heraldonline.com
COMMENTARY
By Andrew Dys
ROCK HILL
T
he girl, just 12 years
old, pulls out the
long putter that
belonged to her
father, and it is almost as tall
as she is. The seventh-grader
plays golf on the Northwest-
ern High School team with
girls five, six years older than
her and beats many of those
she competes with.
A year ago the putter was
just a stick or a pole, but now
it is a tool of her trade. Few at
her age, if any at her age, use
it as well as the kid that the
golf world from high school-
ers to soldiers without legs
call “Buggy.”
The leaderboard at golf
matches says “Buggy.” The
posters held by other parents
and soldiers without legs
because bombs blew them off
proclaim “Buggy!”
On Kayleigh “Buggy” Rein-
ke’s golf bag that is almost as
big as her is a towel used to
clean the heads of her clubs
when she shot an incredible
96 this week in the South
Carolina Upper State meet,
just months after picking up a
golf club for the first time. It
is an American flag towel.
The towel is for her dad.
The nickname is Buggy
because a soldier named
Gavin Reinke used to call his
baby daughter Buggy. Gavin
Reinke called his daughter
Kayleigh “Buggy” until May
4, 2006. Buggy was 3 years
old in Missouri with her
mother. Gavin was in the
Army in Baghdad on his sec-
ond deployment. He was
BY ANDREW DYS
adys@heraldonline.com
SEE DYS, 8A

FIRST PLACE:
Herald-Journal
Bob Dalton
A
n open letter to the
Miami Dolphins:
First, welcome to
Spartanburg. I hope you’ll
enjoy your stay.
While you’re here, I’d like
to introduce you to someone.
Meet your owner, Stephen
Ross.
He’s the multi-billionaire
chairman and founder of
Related Companies, a New
York-based development com-
pany. His current pet project
is Hudson Yards, a $12 bil-
lion development that could
reshape one of our great cit-
ies.
He’s also a philanthropist.
He’s given more than $300
million to the University of
Michigan — his alma mater —
including $200 million in one
pop, the largest single dona-
tion in school history.
And here in Spartanburg,
Ross is in the slum business.
What? You guys didn’t get
to tour Oakview Apartments?
No surprise. Oakview is a
106-unit warehouse for the
poor on the city’s north side.
It’s an old building in
deplorable condition. About 70
of the units are occupied.
There is no central air-con-
ditioning, so you can imag-
ine how good that feels on a
90-plus degree day. Some ten-
ants have supplied their own
AC, something that’s not easy
to do considering the average
annual income of residents is
around $7,000.
The city is trying to rede-
velop the area, and some
great things have taken root
over the past few years.
There’s the Edward Via Col-
lege of Osteopathic Medicine;
Harvest Park, home of the
Farmer’s Market; and the
Monarch Cafe.
And then there is Oakview.
The city wants to demolish
the building to make way for
the new T.K. Gregg Commu-
nity Center.
Last October, the city
offered to pay $1.2 million to
buy the property from Relat-
ed. The offer went up to $1.4
million in December, accord-
ing to documents obtained
through a Freedom of Infor-
mation Act request.
Related, however, claims
the value is closer to the
amount it owes on its mort-
gage, which was $2.45 million
in October 2014. The company
offered to sell Oakview for $1
over the cost of the mortgage.
Bob Dalton
On the Sidelines
An open letter
to the Dolphins
While you’re in town practicing with the Panthers,
here’s something you should know about your owner
◆ SEE DALTON PAGE B3
Robert W. Dalton
On the sidelines
O
n Dec. 1, 1955, a black
woman who worked as
a seamstress in a Mont-
gomery, Ala., department store
refused to give up her seat on
a city bus to a white passen-
ger. She was arrested, but her
actions led to a boycott and,
eventually, the end of segrega-
tion on the city’s public bus
system.
Rosa Parks was a rebel.
Throughout the late 1950s
and the 1960s, a young minis-
ter from Atlanta battled racial
injustice with non-violent
protests. His actions were met
by violence, and he was jailed
numerous times. But he was
undaunted, and he played a cru-
cial role in ending segregation
and in the establishment of the
Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the
Voting Rights Act of 1965.
Martin Luther King, Jr. was
a rebel.
Parks and King were rebels
in a nation founded by rebels.
Daniel Morgan, whose statue
stands guard over downtown
Spartanburg, was a rebel.
Abraham Lincoln, I’d say, was
a rebel.
My point, quite simply, is
this: We don’t need a fight over
Byrnes High School’s Rebels
nickname. There are rumblings
that one is brewing, and before
it begins in earnest, before
words are written and spoken
that can’t be taken back, every-
one should take a deep breath.
We are less than a week
removed from watching the
Confederate battle flag come
down from the Statehouse
grounds. And make no mistake
about it, that flag had to come
down.
That fight is over now, finally.
We don’t need a new one over a
benign school nickname.
Spartanburg School District
Five removed Confederate
imagery and “Dixie” as the
Byrnes’ fight song in 1991. But
they left the Rebels nickname,
and that’s OK.
There are rebels in all walks
of life, thank goodness. It’s not
a label reserved exclusively for
the Confederacy.
We still have much that
divides us in this country and
this state. The flag is gone, but
the disease of racism continues
to eat away at us. Politics, mar-
riage equality and immigra-
tion are some other issues that
inflame passions and force us to
choose sides.
Th l f fi h
No reason
to fight
over Rebels
nickname
M
att Colburn is expected
to announce his college
choice today, a week
after National Signing Day and
about eight months after he
announced his original deci-
sion.
The Dutch Fork running
back, South Carolina’s Mr. Foot-
ball, didn’t get wishy-washy and
change his mind. Instead, Col-
burn got Petrinoed.
Football coaches are fond of
telling us that their sport builds
character and teaches young
men about life. Most, I believe,
are sincere.
Wofford’s Mike Ayers is a
prime example. He teaches his
players the value of hard work
and how to win — and lose —
with integrity. And if Ayers
gives you his word, you can take
it to the bank.
And then there’s Bobby
Petrino, the head coach at the
University of
Louisville.
On Feb. 2,
two days before
signing day,
Petrino did
something to
Colburn that few
defenses did all
year. He abso-
lutely leveled the kid.
Back in the summer, Colburn
committed to Louisville. He
told other schools thanks, but
no thanks, that his recruitment
was over. He had given Louis-
ville his word, and that meant
something.
But 48 hours before Colburn
was set to sign, Petrino changed
the game and yanked the offer.
Instead of coming in with the
class of 2015, Petrino wanted
Colburn to wait until January
2016.
Actually, Petrino didn’t have
the class to call the kid himself.
The news was delivered by
Louisville assistant Todd Gran-
tham.
“Needless to say that’s not
what we thought the deal was,”
Tom Knotts, Colburn’s high
school coach,” told Palmetto
Sports’ Phil Kornblut last week.
When word began to spread
last week that Louisville had
double-crossed Colburn, people
began calling out Petrino on
social media. Petrino, or more
likely a Louisville staffer,
responded maturely by block-
ing anyone critical of the coach
from following him or reading
his posts on Twitter.
Petrino’s history is well-
documented. He bolted from the
Atlanta Falcons 13 games into
his tenure, telling his players
in a 78-word letter left on their
lockers, to take over as coach at
Arkansas.
Arkansas fired him after he
was involved in a motorcycle
crash with his mistress —
whom he had hired to work in
the athletic department.
Bob Dalton
On the Sidelines
Dutch Fork’s Colburn got a raw deal from Louisville, Petrino
Colburn
◆ SEE DALTON PAGE B5

THIRD PLACE:
Gene Sapakoff
O
nly the great Bear Bryant
trumps Steve Spurrier for
impact within the hallowed
annals of Southeastern Conference
football history. A Heisman Trophy,
passing game innovation and all
those coaching wins make it a close
call.
Spurrier achievements at South
Carolina — three straight 11-2 sea-
sons, five straight wins over Clem-
son, four bowl victories in four years
— are not likely to be equaled in
Taylor Swift’s lifetime.
The legion of pundits across the
country blasting Spurrier for quit-
ting on the Gamecocks miss the
point. His heart wasn’t in it when he
left the Gamecocks last week with a
2-4 record following a drubbing at
LSU, and he knew the team would be
better off with the enthusiasm of any
interim coach to be named later.
But shame on South Carolina
now that the cash-strapped school
has decided to pay Spurrier his full
$4,028,000 for 2015. Though South
Carolina considers the post-quitting
payment due Spurrier a $900,000
payoff, Spurrier deserves only
The Spurrier severance
joke is on South Carolina
GENE SAPAKOFF
Please see SAPAKOFF,Page C4
E
lation crossed paths with
excitement last week in
a hallway at Columbia’s
Colonial Life Arena.
The Burke High School boys
basketball team was on the way to
a locker room to celebrate a Class
A state championship victory over
Fox Creek. The Bishop England
girls team was about to take the
floor and defeat Pendleton in the
Class AA state title game.
Sophomore guard Hannah
Corbett was first in a line of
Bishop England players offering
congratulations. She made sure
to add extra emphasis for Burke
sophomore Sidney Robinson.
“I was high-fiving everyone that
came through,” Corbett said. “But
that one guy (Robinson) had played
really hard in the game and I was
not going to miss high-fiving him.”
Robinson and his fellow Bulldogs
responded with encouragement
that echoed down the hallway.
“They were yelling ‘You did it!’ at
us,” Robinson said. “I said ‘Now go
out there and do your thing.’ ”
Two of Charleston’s oldest schools
are separated by culture, politics,
race and the 14 miles of roadway
between Burke’s peninsula campus
and the vast Bishop England prop-
erty on Daniel Island.
GENE
SAPAKOFF
“We are both from
the Lowcountry.
We had to support
another team from
the Lowcountry.”
Burke’s Sidney Robinson
GENE SAPAKOFF
TAMPA, FLA. — One last
time, Aleighsa Welch sat in
a locker room full of her be-
loved South Carolina teammates
and led by example.
“A comeback doesn’t really mean
anything if you don’t finish it,” the
Goose Creek High School graduate
said Sunday night after almost will-
ing the Gamecocks into the national
championship game.
Welch fought back tears. Her eyes
were bloodshot.
She tried so hard in guiding South
Carolina back from a late 12-point
deficit against Notre Dame, she had
to be helped off the court by team-
mate Khadijah Sessions.
“She almost fell down,” Sessions
said.
The Irish escaped with a 66-65
victory in a Final Four semifinal
game at Amalie Arena, ending
South Carolina’s dream season and
Welch’s college career.
More tears.
“It’s like family,” said Welch, a
6-0 forward. “My teammates, my
coaches, the fans. The relationships
I’ve built. That’s the hardest part to
come to grips with, knowing that my
career is over. No matter what hap-
pens in my future, it’s not going to
be the same.”
What a game. Welch grabbed 14
rebounds. She scored eight of her 10
points in the final nine minutes. Her
last basket put South Carolina ahead
65-64 with 1:12 left.
It was everything Welch could
have imagined four years ago when
she joined the Gamecock program
as Dawn Staley’s first in-state signee:
Four NCAA Tournament appear-
ances, three Sweet 16s, a Final Four.
South Carolina’s three-year team
captain was one minute from the
biggest game in women’s college
basketball.
‘Business trip’ focus
Clawing into position to knock off
Notre Dame at the end was a grand
achievement for South Carolina. It’s
the fifth straight Final Four for the
Irish, a big first for the Gamecocks.
Welch finale:
‘I’m more
than proud’

SECOND PLACE:
The Greenville News
Mandrallius Robinson

FIRST PLACE:
The State
David Cloninger

PAGE ONE DESIGN PORTFOLIO
THIRD PLACE:
Aiken Standard
Tim O’Briant
Vol. 149, No. 118 Aiken, S.C.
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Crossword ...............4C
Comics.....................3C
Dear Abby...............4C
Editorials.............. 15A
Horoscope...............4C
Living OnThe Go .....1C
Lottery................... 3A
Movies ....................5C
Sports .................... 1B
Television................2C
Increasing clouds.
High 69. Low 52.
Complete 5-day forecast, 6C
General offices..............................803-648-2311
Newsroom......................................803-644-2401
INDEX
CONTACT US
Bernice Branham Dixon, New
Ellenton
Deaths and Funerals, 6A
AREA DEATHS
WEATHER
Meet the TOMTATO
Local nursery offers plant that grows ketchup and fries, 1C
Little hospitality for tax plan
AikenCityCouncil
1 percent
food and
beverage
levy gets
initial
Public
comment
is largely
negative
on issue
About The Tax
About100citiesaroundS.C.
currentlychargeahospitalitytax
onprepared foodandbeverage.
The tax wouldbechargedon
allpreparedfoodinrestaurants
andingrocerystores.
Thelevywouldraiseanesti-
mated$1.2millionperyear.
BY TEDDYDD KULMALAY
tkulmala@aikenstandard.com
Teddy Kulmala covers the crime
and courts beat for the AikenStan-
dard and has been with the newsd -
paper since August 2012. He is a
native of Williston and majored in
communication studies at Clemson
University.
Police: Boy, 5, left home while his family slept
AP PHOTO/PATRICK SEMANSKY
A demonstrator walks past police with a brick as they respond to
thrown objects, Monday, after the funeral of Freddie Gray in Balti-
more. Gray died from spinal injuries about a week after he was ar-
rested and transported in a Baltimore Police Department van.
Riots grip Baltimore
after Gray’s funeral
BY TOM FOREMAN JR. AND
AMANDA LEE MYERS
Associated Press
Please see RIOTS,
BY MAAYAA AN SCHECHTERYY
Dewar
STAFF PHOTO BY MICHAEL ULMER
ThenewAikenCityManagerJohnC.Klimm,left,shakeshandswithMayorFredCavanaugh,right,afterbeingsworn
intoofficeMonday.Picturedbehind,fromleft,areCityCouncilmemberGailDiggsandCityAttorneyGarySmith.
Please see COUNCIL,
Besley
Please see PUBLIC,
13%
50%
Business-Related
Investment:$600,000
publicparkinggarage
stormseweratTheresa’ssite
sanitary sewer at
formerTD Bank
Business license
rollbacks: $160,000
50 percent cut for
restaurants
Three-yearrelieffornew
businesses
9%Business Vitality
Efforts: $110,000
Hireabusinessadvocate/
recruiter/grantwriter
Provideretailandother
businessdata andsupport
Enterprise Reserve:
$330,000
AvailabletoCity Councilas
neededtofundadditional
projects without regular
budgetimpact
28%
Vol. 149, No. 119 Aiken, S.C.AIKENSTATT NDAA ADD RD.COM 75₡WEDNESDAY, April 29, 2015
Calendar..................3C
Crossword ...............5C
Comics.....................4C
Dear Abby...............5C
Editorials.............. 13A
Horoscope...............5C
Lottery................... 3A
Movies ....................3C
Sports .................... 1B
Television................2C
Rain likely.
High 60. Low 48.
Complete 5-day
forecast, 8C
General offices..............................803-648-2311
Newsroom......................................803-644-2401
INDEX
CONTACT US
Bayne Frank Chavous, Bell
Gardens, Cali.
Betty J. Simmons Cobbs,
Williston
Charles Williams, Springfield, Va.
Eloise T. Sweeney, Aiken
Erma S. Gooby, Aiken
Harry Hastings Woodward Jr.,
Aiken
Helen Jo Hacker Ashley, Aiken
Lucille Montgomery, Aiken
Manning Monroe Widener,
Kennewick, WA
AREA DEATHS
WEATHER
Pizza and a beer:
$27.25
1 percent H-Tax: $0.25
1 percent school tax: $0.25
1 percent school tax: $0.25
6 percent SC sales tax: $1.50
Food Cost: $25.00 Taxes: $2.25
-
-
-
-
-
-
PHOTO ILLUSTRATIOAA N BY TIM O’BRIANT
Food and beverage tax:
The price by the slice
Thewhole
H-taxpie
isexpected
tobringin
$1.2million
eachyear,
whichwould
besplitas
shown.
BY DERREK ASBERRYRR
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Hospital bill may impact University plans
Reynolds
BY TEDDYDD KULMALAY
tkulmala@aikenstandard.com
-
-
-
-
-
-
Police report: N.A. children left alone in filthy home
Please seePlease see FOOD,FOOD,
St.Mary’sSchoolhonors
students’grandparents
Local News, 2A
Please see BILL,
Protests, riots continue in Baltimore | 11A
AP PHOTO
AS35-1305877
AP PHOTO/JOHN BAZEMORE
SouthCarolinaGov.NikkiHaley
signs a bill into law to take
down the Confederate
flagfromtheStatehouse
grounds as former
South Carolina gov-
ernors and officials
look on Thursday.
AP PHOTO/JOHN BAZEMORE
SouthCarolinaGov.NikkiHaley
signs a bill into law to take
down the Confederate
flagfromtheStatehouse
grounds as former
South Carolina gov-
ernors and officials
look on Thursday.
YOUR LOC AL NE WS SOURCE SINCE 1867
75₡
“It is a new day in South Carolina, a day we can all be
proud of, a day that truly brings us all together as we
continue to heal, as one people and one state.”
– Governor Nikki Haley
Our state’s history and its future will always be
intertwined. This morning’s seminal moment of the
grounds won’t change that reality.
L o make this change
represents a triumphant way forward for our state.
This has clearly been a hard-fought battle – one 50
years in the making. While the compromise reached
15 years ago by the General Assembly was done in
’s clear it was incomplete. Tragedy – the
shooting deaths of nine people at Emanuel AME
Church in Charleston on June 17 – has brought our
state back to it.
-
ger
We will continue to do so with the monument that will
and others around
Whether you supported all
with respect and understanding for each position.
taught the world a lesson about reconciliation and un-
It is also appropriate that the thousands of souls who
fought and died in battle continue
and a monument is a symbol of what is past. With that
also
with any attempt to rename buildings or city streets or
.
The Legislature’s decision to
it furled is both powerful and responsible. Robert E.
both
come together as one strong and united nation.
There is no doubt a lesson in those words for our
future.
EDITORIAL
Time to unite, heal in the Palmetto State
Calendar..................5C
Crossword ...............4C
Comics.....................3C
Dear Abby...............4C
Editorials.............. 15A
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Television................2C
Mostly sunny.
High 99. Low 71.
Complete 5-day
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General offices.....................803-648-2311
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INDEX CONTACT US
Billy Ray Johnson, Warrenville
David A. McGee, Fort Mill
James Key, Jackson
AREA DEATHS WEATHER
LOCAL REACTIONS
Aiken County legislators react to Confederate
flag removal from Statehouse location
Local News, 7A
South Carolina Gov. Nikkie Haley:
Confederate flag coming down today, 10 a.m.
State News, 8A
Find out how your legislative representative
voted on the Confederate flag bill
Local News, 7A
AROUND THE STATE
Family members of nine Charleston shooting
victims will receive pens used in signing of flag bill
State News, 8A

SECOND PLACE:
Aiken Standard
Amy Hunter
AIKENSTANDARD.COM $1.00SUNDAY, June 7, 2015
Partly cloudy.
High 88. Low 69.
Complete 5-day
forecast, 14C
General offices..............................803-648-2311
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INDEX
CONTACT US
Ada Mae Hutto, Williston
Jesse Patrick Maroney, Aiken
AREA DEATHS
Announcements......6C
Calendar..................3C
Classifieds..............1D
Crossword ...............2C
Comics..............INSIDE
Dear Abby...............4C
Editorials.............. 12A
Horoscope...............4C
Lottery................... 3A
Movies ....................3C
Sports .................... 1B
WEATHER
SPLASHintosummertimefun
ChrisDicks,
10,jumpsinto
theswimofall
thingssummer
attheCityofAi-
ken’sSmith-Ha-
zelPool,which
openeddaily
fortheseason
Saturday.
BY LARRY WOOD
lwood@aikenstandard.com
Aiken native serves as presidential hopeful’s chief-of-staff
INSIDE
See a complete list of community
pools in your area, 13A
STAFF PHOTOS BY LARRY WOOD
TaviannaJohnson,left,JakeriaJamison,JamiaJamison,DekalyaJen-
nings and Chris Dicks take a break from swimming to pose on the
side of the City of Aiken’s Smith-Hazel Pool. The pool is open daily,
and swimming lessons are offered in the mornings and evenings for
ages 2 to adult.
BY DERREK ASBERRY
Sen. Graham’s right-hand man:
BY MAAYAN SCHECHTER
Land for
park on
Council
agenda
SUBMITTED PHOTO
Richard Perry, right, is an Aiken native and U.S.
Sen. Lindsey Graham’s chief-of-staff.Please see CHIEF,
Please see POOLS, Please see COUNCIL,
INSIDE
See a
rendering of
the proposed
park plans,
13A
ONLINE
See the full
agenda for
City Council
online at
aikenstan
dard.com
ProjectGraduationevent
providesalternativeparty
Local News, 2A
Area pools opening up
for the summer season
AmericanPharoah
Sports, 1B
takesTripleCrown

AS06-1319521
AIKENSTANDARD.COM 75₡SATURDAY, June 27, 2015
Calendar..................5C
Classifieds..............1D
Crossword ...............4C
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Dear Abby...............4C
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Sports .................... 1B
Television................2C
Mostly cloudy.
High 88. Low 67.
Complete 5-day
forecast, 6C
General offices..............................803-648-2311
Newsroom......................................803-644-2401
INDEX
CONTACT US
Kenneth Wayne Adams Sr.,
Couchton
Demetris E. Paige, Rock Hill
Randall James Odom, New
Ellenton
William D. “Bill” Musselwhite,
Aiken
AREA DEATHS
WEATHER
Equal
rights
for all
Localstalk
oppositions
onmarriage
‘Devastating’
Church fire under investigation
President honors
Rev. Clementa Pinckney |11A
The Rev. Bobby
Jean Jones, pas-
tor of Glover Grove
Missionary Bap-
tist Church, said it
was painful to look
the remains of his
church following a
fire Friday morning.
TheFirstTee’sjuniorclinics
makegolfinclusiveactivity
Local News, 2A
Aikenofficerlaudedforhis
positiveimpactincommunity
Local News, 3A
SLEDagentsinspectallthatis
leftafteranearlymorningfire
destroyed the Glover Grove
Missionary Baptist Church.
Above, Aiken County Sheriff Michael Hunt
surveysthefire damage to the church. Below,
SLED agents investigate the remains.
BY DERREK ASBERRY
Controversy on the U.S. Supreme Court’s deci-
sion to legalize same-sex marriage traveled from
the nation’s capital to the Palmetto State, where
Aiken residents are as divided on the subject as the
Court itself.
In a 5-4 ruling Friday, the highest court in the
United States ruled that states cannot keep same-
sex couples from marrying and must recognize
their unions.
Court Justice Anthony Kennedy was one of the
derstand these men and women to say they disre-
spect the idea of marriage.
not to be con-
demned to live
in loneliness, ex-
cluded from one
of civilization’s
oldest institu-
for equal dignity
in the eyes of the
stitution grants
Chief Justice
John Roberts
countered by
about whether, in
my judgment, the institution of marriage should be
changed to include same-sex couples. It is instead
about whether, in our democratic republic, that de-
cision should rest with the people acting through
who happen to hold commissions authorizing
Joining Kennedy in the vote approving same-
sex marriage are Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan,
Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Stephen Breyer.
The most
important thing in
a family is love; not
the sex of a parent.
Kathy Batchelor,
Aiken resident
PHOTO BY AMY BANTON
Mimi Cullinan, left, poses with her wife Kathy
Batchelor at their wedding ceremony on May 2.
Please see MARRIAGE,Page 8A
BY LARRY WOOD
lwood@aikenstandard.com
WARRENVILLE — Look-
ing at the burned-out shell
of Glover Grove Missionary
Baptist Church, the Rev. Bobby Jean
Jones sees blessings, not the charred
remains of a house of worship where
he has pastored the congregation for 33
years.
God allows to happen is for a purpose,
ing against the sounds of a backhoe
already knocking down the church’s
concrete block walls to allow Aiken
County Sheriff’s deputies and agents
from the S.C. State Law Enforcement
Division and the FBI to begin investi-
love him; so I’m going to take him at
at the church, which sits on a sandy lot
shaded by a few pines on a hill high
above Warrenville at 331 Project Road,
about 3:30 a.m. Friday, according to the
Jones’ wife, Lois, woke him about the
same time after the next-door neigh-
bors knocked on the door to tell them
just two streets over from the church,
Capt. Eric Abdullah, public infor-
the investigation over to investigators
from SLED.
has not yet been determined, it comes
in the wake of two potential arson
cases involving predominantly black
churches in the South – one in Macon,
Georgia, and one in Charlotte.
Dylann Roof, a 21-year-old admitted
white supremacist, allegedly shot and
killed nine black worshipers during a
Bible study at Emanuel AME Church
in Charleston – a church that arguably
is one of the oldest and most historic
black churches in the nation.
Please see FIRE,Page 8A
STAFF PHOTOS BY CINDY KUBOVIC
Obamagiveseulogy
AS05-1331401

FIRST PLACE:
Index-Journal
Aron Agerton
VOL. 97, NO. 121
www.indexjournal.com
2 SECTIONS, 16 PAGES TUESDAY, JUNE 23, 2015 DAILY 75¢, SUNDAY $1.50
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of 98.
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pride for the people of the Lake-
lands. You are important to us.
If you miss your paper, please
call 223-1413 (before noon on
weekends).
Inside today’s edition
■ ABBY 5A
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■ CLASSIFIEDS 6B-8B
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Index-Journal is
committed to editorial
excellence. To report an error,
contact Executive Editor
Richard Whiting at 943-2522
or rwhiting@indexjournal.com.
Chamber readying for possible capital sales tax vote
In anticipation of a possible push
to place capital projects sales tax
projects on the 2016 referendum, the
Greenwood Chamber of Commerce
leadership has been hosting a num-
ber of listening sessions.
The leadership met with residents
and business owners Monday night
at the Arts Center to discuss possible
projects that could be supported by
the 1-percent tax that would be lim-
ited to eight years.
Jerry Timmons, chairman of the
advocacy committee for the cham-
ber, said the tax is anticipated to raise
about $10 million a year and can be
used for brick-and-mortar projects.
The tax, which would need to be
approved by Greenwood County
Council, cannot be used for opera-
tional costs, but could include new
buildings, road improvement, water
and sewer projects, and drainage
projects among others.
Timmons said reports show that
40 percent of the tax would be paid
by out-of-town individuals. The total
amount would have to be earmarked
for specific projects before hitting the
referendum.
The referendum would include the
specific projects that would be vet-
ted and prioritized by a six-member
commission appointed by council.
Anne Drake of Drake, Drake
Associates shared interest in restor-
ing the recreation center on Seaboard
Avenue that has fallen in disrepair.
Drake also shared interest in devel-
oping public transportation.
“If you don’t have a car, it’s very
hard to have a job,” Drake said at the
meeting.
Timmons said partnerships would
have to be formed in order to estab-
lish other funding sources for rev-
enue, however, the sales tax could be
used for buildings and the purchase
of new buses.
“We feel confident the county’s
not going to put something together
that’s not sustainable,” Timmons said.
A new animal shelter, which has
been a topic for discussion among
County Council, was also mentioned.
That price tag will not be determined
until after a design is created, which
is underway, and bid.
The Greenwood Civic Center lot,
off Highway 72/221, which is in the
By COLIN RIDDLE
‘FORWARD
IN HARMONY’
The murderer now locked up in Charleston
said he hoped his actions would start a race
war. We have an opportunity to show that not
only was he wrong, but that just the opposite is
happening.
— NIKKI HALEY
Governor of South Carolina
on the events in Charleston
Gov. Haley:
Removing flag
will defy hatred
CHARLESTON — South Car-
olina’s governor declared Monday
that the Confederate flag should
be removed from the Statehouse
grounds as she acknowledged
that its use as a symbol of hatred
by the man accused of killing
nine black church members has
made it too divisive to display in
such a public space.
Gov. Nikki Haley’s about-face
comes just days after authorities
charged Dylann Storm Roof,
21, with murder. The white
man appeared in photos waving
Confederate flags and burning
or desecrating U.S. flags, and
purportedly wrote of fomenting
racial violence. Survivors told
police he hurled racial insults
during the attack.
“The murderer now locked
up in Charleston said he hoped
his actions would start a race
war. We have an opportunity
to show that not only was he
wrong, but that just the oppo-
site is happening,” Haley said,
Associated Press
See HALEY, page 3A
Standing in solidarity, a
handful of state lawmakers,
Gov. Nikki Haley and U.S.
Sens. Lindsey Graham and
Tim Scott called Monday for
the Confederate flag locat-
ed as part of a Confederate
soldiers memorial in front
of the Statehouse to come
down.
Toting her title as the state’s
first minority governor, Haley
spoke on the group’s behalf
and called for the state Leg-
islature to discuss the issue
this summer. Graham, who is
seeking a presidential bid, and
Scott did not speak during the
press conference at the State-
house.
After national attention
focused sights on the flag
after a Confederate-sympa-
thizer out to ignite a race war
shot and killed nine people
at a historically black church
in Charleston, petitions
started circulating online
and a host of lawmakers and
South Carolina residents
started calling for the flag to
be taken down.
“I’ve always felt that eth-
nic divides need to be taken
away,” state Sen. Floyd Nich-
olson, D-Greenwood, said.
“We need to work on chang-
ing the evil and hatred that
people have in their hearts.”
Nicholson added that
the the state has been been
cloaked in love and unity
By COLIN RIDDLE
Leadership endorses
bringing down
Confederate flag
Moreinside
■ See 3A for more on the
events in Charleston and how
they are shaping the future
of South Carolina and the
nation.
■ See 6A for Our View on
bringing down the flag.
■ Visit IndexJournal.com to
particpate in our online poll.
See LEADERSHIP, page 3A
PHOTOS BY ASSOCIATED PRESS
ABOVE: Protesters stand around a flying Confederate flag during a rally to take down the flag Saturday at the South Carolina Statehouse in Columbia. TOP: South Carolina Gov.
Nikki Haley speaks during a news conference in the South Carolina State House, Monday in Columbia. Haley said that the Confederate flag should come down from the grounds of
the state capitol, reversing her position on the divisive symbol amid growing calls for it to be removed.
See TAX, page 4A
2 SECTIONS, 20 PAGES SATURDAY, JULY 11, 2015 DAILY 75¢, SUNDAY $1.50
TODAY: Partly
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High of 95.
FORECAST, 10A
weekends).
■ BUSINESS 10A
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Index-Journal is
VOL. 97, NO. 137
www.indexjournal.comVOL. 97, NO. 137
www.indexjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjouoournalaa .c...comoo
Battle flag comes down after 54 years
COLUMBIA— For the first time
since the civil rights movement, the
Confederate flag was removed entirely
from the South Carolina Statehouse,
in a swift ceremony Friday before
thousands of people who cheered as
the Civil War-era banner was lowered
from a 30-foot flagpole.
Many people believed the flag
would fly indefinitely in this state,
which was the first to leave Union, but
the killing of nine black church mem-
bers during a Bible study in Charles-
ton last month changed that sentiment
and reignited calls to bring down Con-
federate flags and symbols across the
nation.
Dylann Roof, a white man who was
photographed with the Confederate
flag, is charged in the shooting deaths,
and authorities have called the killings
a hate crime.
By JEFFREY COLLINS
and MEG KINNARD
Associated Press
ABOVE: An honor guard from
the South Carolina Highway
patrol lowers the Confederate
battle flag as it is removed from
the Capitol grounds Friday in
Columbia.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
LEFT: Thousands gather at the
S.C. Statehouse to witness the
Confederate battle flag come
down from Statehouse grounds.
AMANDA BLANTON | INDEX-JOURNAL
See FLAG, page 4A
MoreontheConfederateFlag
■ See 2A for a story on an Abbeville
store owner who recently sold out of
Confederate flags.
DDIG IN, ROCK OUTIG IN, ROCK OUT
ABOVE: Fast Eddie carefully spears ribs to make “rib-sicles” Friday afternoon for the Festival of
Discovery. TOP: A variety of meats get flipped on the grill top.
Blues Cruise after-party ‘where the learning happens’
Explosive, swinging, toe-tapping and
finger-snapping. Charlie Sayles rocked
and swung himself around the stage Fri-
day afternoon as he and his harmonica
belted out some classic D.C. blues.
Beside him was Tony Fazio, Sayles’ best
friend and band mate of 15 years, who
started plucking a soulful and wailing
solo on his guitar.
Sayles threw a hand up and let out one
last, prolonged blast on the harmonica as
the band finished its set.
“Now I’ve got to have me a cigarette,”
Sayles said, panting as he took a bow and
reached for a refreshment.
By DAMIAN DOMINGUEZ
ddominguez@indexjournal.com
Blues artists Laurence Luckyman Beall, right, and Fast
Eddie, left, jam together on the CenturyLink Main Stage
Friday afternoon during the Festival of Discovery in
Uptown Greenwood. See BLUES, page 4A
D
o not worry. The Dirty Ol’ Butt
Slappers competition barbecue
team is not to be feared.
Retuning cookers Tom and
Sue Greer of Knoxville, Tennessee, are
empty nesters looking to spend time
together after work weeks of minimum
55 hours.
“It’s an interesting name. It’s a conver-
sation starter,” Tom Greer said. “We win
the name game.”
“I had nothing to do with it,” Sue said.
Tom Greer said the team’s name origi-
nated from a rib shoot, which was Tom’s
first competition about four years ago,
when his friend said he would bring the
T-shirts with a name.
“I don’t know anything about compe-
tition barbecue at this point,” he said. “I
thought we were just cooking ribs.”
The friend came with the name Dirty
Ol’ Butt Slappers.
Although the Greers were surprised
with the name, the team won the com-
petition, so they decided to stick with it.
“That rascal hasn’t cooked with me
since,” he said.
Susan Greer said cooking competi-
tion organizers would set them up the
farthest from turn-in points during their
first competition year, but soon peo-
ple realized they should not be worried
about the Greers.
“We’re pretty benign with it comes
down to it,” Tom Greer said.
Although all barbecue cooking names
are not that surprising, but they are still
filled with meaning.
For example, Travis Millender of
Boog-a-lou Smoke Crew said the team
name was originally his daughter’s nick-
name, and Donald Cook of Who Cares
BBQ said his father’s friend was a driv-
er for Who Cares Racing, so they also
adopted the name.
By MARY KATE McGOWAN
Competition heats up
at Greenwood’s
Festival of Discovery
See FESTIVAL, page 4A
Moreinside
■ See 3A for the Anything Goes
competition.
A FOOT ABOVE
VOL. 97, NO. 165 www.indexjournal.com
2 SECTIONS, 20 PAGES WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2015 DAILY 75¢, SUNDAY $1.50
TODAY: Sunny
and dry. High
of 90.
FORECAST, 6B
weekends).
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■ CALENDAR 2A
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■ EDITORIALS 8A
■ LOTTERY 6A
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■ SPORTS 1B-4B
■ TASTE A7
Index-Journal is
Emotional meeting brings hope
for change at Abbeville High
ABBEVILLE From raised voic-
es and sobbing to applause, the spe-
cial meeting on mold levels at Abbev-
ille High School was packed with
emotion.
The Tuesday night meeting of the
Abbeville County School District
Board of Trustees was a forum that
let residents ask questions about the
presence of mold.
“We care about every child that
attends school in this district,” Board
Chairman Stacy Mitchell said as he
kicked off the meeting.
After talking about the data
some mold spores are present and
carbon dioxide levels are elevated,
but within OSHA standard school
officials talked about the solutions.
The school underwent a thorough
cleaning, which included using a
backpack sprayer filled with a bleach
solution, and maintenance retrofitted
some of HVAC units as a test to see if
the school system can fix the issues
while avoiding replacing the units,
which could require the system go
through a lengthy permitting process
and make other improvements.
After hearing more from parents
and students, the board decided to
add another possible fix: buying air
purifiers for each room.
A motion to have the purifiers in
each classroom before classes start
was unanimously approved.
After the meeting, Mitchell said, “I
think it went really well. I was proud
of the parents involved.”
By MATTHEW HENSLEY
mhensley@indexjournal.com
■ GREENWOOD
Stretching legs and minds through afterschool programs
For parents, employers sel-
dom dismiss work before their
children’s school day ends. After-
school programs can help fill that
void before parents come home by
providing snacks and homework
help.
Sometimes, they even give stu-
dents a ride.
E.S. Moon’s Martial Arts
picks up its Tae Kwon Do stu-
dents who attend kindergarten
through eighth grade at Green-
wood School District 50 and
Ninety Six School District 52
schools.
“The good thing about our pro-
gram is once they get here, they
get their Tae Kwon Do training so
when their parents get off of work,
they don’t have to worry about
taking them anywhere else after,”
said Nancy Moon, an E.S. Moon’s
instructor.
The program includes a
snack, homework help and
a daily Tae Kwon Do lesson.
Moon said the martial art is
about more than fighting it
helps with students’ focus, self-
control and discipline.
“A lot of times having martial
arts to kind of channel extra ener-
gy helps them to develop skills
where they can work more func-
tionally, like in the classroom at
school or at home, and kind of
helps them in all areas,” she said.
If a child would rather pirouette
then kick, there is an option for
that, too.
Susie Pennington, Susie’s Acad-
emy of Dance director and owner,
said most classes, which include
ballet, tap and contemporary
dance styles, are geared to after-
school times. The studio offers a
pickup service for day cares and
schools.
“We’re all about helping par-
ents get their kids here that work,”
Pennington said.
With 100 to 140 students a year,
2-year-olds to high school seniors
– both boys and girls – break out
of their shells.
“Getting on stage for the first
time is definitely an eye-opener
for a shy kid,” Pennington said.
By MARY KATE McGOWAN
Wantmorephotos?
■ See 4A and visit
IndexJournal.com for more
photos by Maddy Jones from
E.S. Moon’s summer Tae Kwon
Do program.
Ten-year-old Celeste Lyeic kicks along with her classmates Tuesday afternoon during E.S. Moon's summer Tae Kwon Do program for ages
5-13.
See PROGRAMS, page 4A
Zack Dempsey Smith, 29, of
213 Hampton Ave. was arrested
Tuesday on charges of possession
of stolen goods in connection
with a burglary at the house of
the late Charles Rhodes. Rhodes,
a retired Greenwood County
deputy, died Saturday from inju-
ries he received
in a jet ski col-
lision on Lake
Greenwood.
A G r e e n -
wood County
Sheriff’s deputy
responded to a
call by Rhodes’
w i d o w t h a t
their house had
been broken into and guns sto-
len. She found a rear door pried
open, and noticed the padlock
on their gun cabinet had been
broken. The report said a .40-cal-
iber and a .380-caliber pistol
were stolen, as well as a $6,000
watch and cash.
By DAMIAN DOMINGUEZ
ddominguez@indexjournal.com
ZACK D.
SMITH
Man arrested
in connection
with burglary
at widow’s
house
See BURGLARY, page 4A
■ STATE
SC agency
levels playing
field for roads
COLUMBIA — To combat
the perception that contractors
who hire former Department of
Transportation employees get an
advantage in winning contracts,
the SCDOT is adopting a new rule
limiting what those ex-employees
can do, the state agency’s acting
secretary said Tuesday.
Christy Hall told a House over-
sight panel the policy bars employ-
ees who leave the agency from
working on new road construction
projects for 365 days. The agency
By SEANNA ADCOX
Associated Press
SCDOT rule
requires 1-year
wait for employees
hired by firms
See ROADS, page 4A
Abbeville County names Will Blackwell new EMS chief
Another hire, another rung up the
ladder.
Will Blackwell, 29, started as emer-
gency services director Tuesday,
announced Abbeville County Direc-
tor David Porter.
“Since day one, he’s always
impressed me. He’s always been moti-
vated. He’s always been a self starter,”
Porter said. “He’s continually done
that over the four years I’ve had the
pleasure to work with him.”
Blackwell, who lives in Hodges,
has served as interim since Porter
was named county director in May.
Before Porter was promoted from
emergency services
director, Blackwell
served as his dep-
uty.
He joined the
department’s pre-
decessor, an all-
volunteer rescue
squad, when he
was 16.
“Will (Blackwell)
has literally been a part of this system
since the start,” Porter said. “He was
part of the system when it was a vol-
unteer rescue squad and he’s moved
up in the organization as it’s grown
to one of the leading EMS systems in
the Southeast.”
The county put Blackwell through
EMT school, he’s served as a para-
medic and the county’s EMS training
officer as he worked his way up the
ranks.
Porter said Blackwell knows the
area and residents and has good
working relationships with the
healthcare community.
“It’s going to be a very easy transi-
tion,” Blackwell said. “I would prob-
ably say this is the strongest group of
EMTs and paramedics that I’ve seen
in years.”
Blackwell’s list of goals is already
underway the emergency service
is working on its five-year strate-
gic plan, which will be presented to
County Council at a later date.
“That’s really going to drive what
we’re going to do in the future,”
Blackwell said. “We are an awarding-
winning service, and we’re going to
continue to be the best service we
possibly can be.”
Blackwell said he will continue to
build off the two previous directors
Porter and Steve McDade.
He serves as assistant fire chief for
Northwest Volunteer Fire Depart-
ment in Greenwood.
By COLIN RIDDLE
WILL
BLACKWELL
Looking at labels
See Taste, 7A
See ABBEVILLE, page 4A
MATTHEW HENSLEY | INDEX-JOURNAL
Dozens of parents and students turned out Tuesday night for a special
meeting on Abbeville High School.

THIRD PLACE:
The Herald
Kate Sievers
+
ROCK HILL, S.C. 75 CENTSheraldonline.comTHURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2015
FRIENDSHIP NINE
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Vol. 144, No.29
52°⁄ 36°
Local deaths
Ollie S. Blackwell
Velma Colley
Joe Daves Jr.
Jack B. DeVinney Sr.
Ted K. Greer
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Mildred S. Lane
John L. Massey
Mattie C. McDaniel
Elizabeth G. McWaters
Vernie Merritt
Jeanette Pomnitz
James Vick
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I
t seemed the world stopped to
watch Wednesday as Rock
Hill and South Carolina took a
few minutes to right a wrong that
had festered on a dusty old court
record for more than a half-cen-
tury.
In 1961, nine black Friendship
Junior College students and a
civil rights organizer sat down at
a whites-only lunch counter to
protest racial segregation. They
were literally carried off to jail
and convicted of trespassing.
In time, the actions of the
Friendship Nine would be recog-
nized as heroic.
But for 54 years, the state of
South Carolina still called them
criminals.
That changed on Wednesday,
when a judge vacated their con-
victions and a prosecutor apol-
ogized on behalf of an entire
state for the injustice that had
been visited upon them.
Finally, justice
- TRACY KIMBALL
Clarence Graham of the Friendship Nine becomes emotional Wednesday after the civil rights protesters’ 1961 convictions were vacated by Circuit Court Judge John Hayes.
AFTER 54 YEARS, FRIENDSHIP NINE CONVICTIONS VACATED
- ROB UPTON
The surviving members of the Friendship Nine and other civil rights protesters whose
1961 convictions for trespassing were vacated Wednesday by a judge. From left, David
Williamson Jr., Kenn Gaither (standing in for his father, Thomas Gaither), Mack Work-
man, Willie McCleod, John Gaines, Clarence Graham, W.T. Massey, Charles Jones,
Charles Sherrod and James Wells (seated).
Convictions vacated
The surviving members of the Friendship
Nine waited 54 years to hear the word
“dismissed,” and it was the nephew of the
judge who sent them to jail who spoke it.
Page 6A
Andrew Dys
The Friendship Nine finally get justice, and
we are all better for it. Even with the nation-
al and international spotlight shining on
them, these men remind us what humility
and service are all about. Page 6A
A quiet reunion
As a media frenzy raged in the background
Wednesday, the white lawyer who helped
prosecute the Friendship Nine in 1961 quietly
shook hands with the black attorney who
defended them. Page 4A
Were we too timid?
Today’s editorial takes a look back at how
our predecessor, The Evening Herald, might
have pulled its punches when opining about
civil rights protesters and segregation. Or
did we? Page 5A
Much more online
Go to heraldonline.com to see more of the
historic day in videos and photograph galleries,
read our previous Friendship Nine coverage
and watch a 50th anniversary documentary.
+
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Vol. 144, No.60
37°⁄ 36°
Local deaths
Ruby Brown
William Buddin
Margaret Butler
Geraldine Campbell
Viola Morris
Hazel Rhodes
Judy Whitaker
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On Oakland Avenue, just a
few hundred yards from the
president’s house at Winthrop
University, sits the one, and
only, Varsity Restaurant.
It is so southern a tree once
grew inside the place. The
Varsity has been owned and
run for a thousand years by
Roy Russell and his wife,
Darlene.
“If this was Wisconsin, the
person pouring the coffee
would be named Helen,” said
Russell. “But this is the
South and Darlene is here
and she decides what is what
and that’s all there is to that.”
On the menu many days is
creamed taters. No potatoes.
Taters.
“Been here 63 years – I
know Southern,” Russell
says.
Maybe nowhere else in
America, or the world, other
than Winthrop, must a po-
tential college president have
a knowledge of the South and
its culture. The school’s
trustees are requiring that
knowledge for its next presi-
dent, who will replace the la-
dy they fired because she
was, apparently, too un-
Southern. Jamie Comstock
Williamson was allegedly a
demanding sort who wanted
people to actually work.
There also was an allegation
of her husband making mon-
ey as a part-time employee.
So these trustees want
Southern-ness. There may as
well be a sign on Oakland
Avenue between the Varsity
and the school: “Yankees
need not apply.”
Winthrop:
Southern
culture
required
Columnist
Andrew Dys
SEE DYS, PAGE 4A
YORK Rice flew, kids rushed
around with plastic tubs and the
calls of “Runner! Runner!” rever-
berated across the gym at Trinity
United Methodist Church in York
Saturday morning as dozens of vol-
unteers worked quickly to assemble
20,000 meals to help feed hungry
people across the globe.
The event was the coordinated
effort of six York-area Methodist
churches and Stop Hunger Now, a
Raleigh, N.C.-based organization
that works with community groups
to prepare meals that are shipped to
areas in need around the world.
This is the second year Trinity
UMC hosted a Stop Hunger Now
meal-packing event, volunteer
Diane Payne said. Last year’s event
was such a success, Trinity UMC
decided to do it again and add five
other churches.
The churches had to provide
about $6,000 in funding , the
volunteers and some tables, she
said. Stop Hunger Now provided
the rest.
A Stop Hunger Now event is
about more than filling bags with
vitamins, minerals, rice, soy and
vegetables, said event coordinator
Barry Kelly.
“One of the main points is
partnering with our programs that
are overseas and absolutely having
an impact there and here with the
community,” he said.
In addition to filling a need, the
volunteers are having fellowship
with one another, Kelly said. That
good will is then carried to the
communities where the meals go,
because the people are then able to
make a better life for themselves.
Stop Hunger Now has sent more
than 12 million meals to disaster
areas and developing countries. A
York churches pack 20,000
meals for hungry communities
By Rachel Southmayd
rsouthmayd@heraldonline.com
RACHEL SOUTHMAYD - rsouthmayd@heraldonline.com
Volunteers Kenny Jones, Raegan Harvey and Rite Munn organize
meals Saturday to be packaged and shipped to impoverished places
across the world by aid-group Stop Hunger Now. SEE CHURCHES, PAGE 4A
V
oters in the Rock Hill and Fort Mill school districts will
be asked May 5 to approve borrowing hundreds of
millions of dollars to renovate and build new schools.
In Fort Mill, officials say new schools are needed to
deal with rapid residential
growth. In Rock Hill, where
growth is slower, officials hope
upgrading several schools will
stave off the need to build more.
Here’s a primer:
About bond financing
Mike Gallagher, a financial adviser at Compass Municipal
Advisors in Columbia, is working with both school districts.
He answered some basic questions about bond financing:
What is a bond?
A bond is a method of financing similar to a loan. It’s
chopped up into $5,000 increments which are due each
year and sold to different investors across the country.
How are bonds issued?
Bonds are sold competitively. Investors bid on them
and the lowest bidder is awarded the bonds.
Who buys bonds?
Anybody looking for an investment. Because
of how large the school bonds are, they will be
broken down into individual maturities and
sold separately.
When are the bonds paid back?
Both Rock Hill and Fort Mill’s bonds will
be repaid over 20 years.
Why do school districts use bonds?
School districts use bonds because they provide the lowest
cost of capital due to their tax-exempt status.
Rock Hill
Amount: $110 million
Tax increase: None
Projects: Safety and energy
upgrades, structural updates,
buses, technology, remodeling
existing buildings and a new
elementary school, among other
projects.
Bond committee members:
Wayne Wingate, Todd Lumpkin,
Andy Shene, John Gettys, Melvin
Poole, Sig Huitt
Ready to vote?
Who can vote: Registered voters who live in the Fort Mill or Rock Hill school districts.
Check your registration status at scvotes.org.
Not registered? You need to register with the York County Department of Voter
Registration and Elections in person by April 3 or online or via mail by April 4.
Voter turnout: County elections director Wanda Hemphill says fewer voters typically
vote in referendums not held during general elections. In the last York County school
bond referendum, in Clover in March 2014, about 19 percent of registered voters turned
out. Just 10 percent of registered voters cast ballots in the last Fort Mill referendum in
April 2013. By comparison, the 2014 general election saw about 39 percent voter
turnout, and 70 percent of voters came out for the last presidential election in 2012.
School Bond101
ROCK HILL, FORT MILL VOTERS TO DECIDE WHETHER TO BORROW MILLIONS
Fort Mill
Amount: $226.8 million
Tax increase: Yearly increase
of $120 per $100,000 of assessed
value
Projects: A new high school,
middle school, aquatics center,
training center, buses and
improvements to existing
buildings, among other projects.
Committee members: Sharyn
Lewis, Brian Murphy, Kristy
Spears, Leigh Van Blarcom
By Rachel Southmayd
rsouthmayd@heraldonline.com
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2015 75 cents VOLUME 144, No. 311
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Connie L. Smith
LOCAL DEATHS
Brenda W. Gibson
Clyde A. Moore
John W. Porter
Perry M. Smith
Henry W. Varnadore
Frances C. Wright
Cloudy, storms
74°/51°See 2C
DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL FORUM AT WINTHROP UNIVERSITY
What did the candidates say? 2A
What was the ‘spin’ afterward? 3A
What was it like inside Byrnes? 3A
Videos, photos more heraldonline.com
ROCK HILL
The Winthrop Uni-
versity campus was slight-
ly busier than a typical
Friday as it hosted the
“First in the South” Dem-
ocratic presidential forum,
broadcast live on MSNBC.
Metal guard rails lined
the walkway leading to
Byrnes Auditorium, and
about 80 yards away, a
blue and white sign
proclaimed: “Line begins
here.”
As the day wore on,
more and more people
arrived on campus, many
of them toting signs
proudly reflecting which
of the three Democratic
candidates they support-
ed.
By nightfall, when the
TV lights went up for the
live broadcast of “Hard-
ball,” with host Chris
Matthews, the crowds had
grown rowdier – some to
the point of having to be
called down by MSNBC
security during the show.
“We need to show the
South how much support
she’s got here in South
Carolina,” said Debbie
Gudenas, the Hillary
Clinton campaign’s neigh-
borhood team leader for
York County. “We’re
gonna be organizing the
Hillary folks to have a
great time.”
Some supporters of
Bernie Sanders already
were having a great time.
About two dozen students
and Charlotte residents
arrived on campus around
lunchtime. They could be
seen – and heard – walking
around campus, holding
up “Bernie” signs and
voicing their support for
the Vermont senator.
Two Sanders supporters
swapped high-fives as they
passed each other in front
of Byrnes, belting out the
popular phrase that was
plastered on many T-shirts
worn by his supporters:
“Feel the Bern!”
Both camps stayed on
campus for hours, gather-
ing behind the makeshift
set of “Hardball,” which
Matthews hosted live
outside Byrnes leading up
to the 8 p.m. forum inside.
“We know there’s gon-
na be a lot of people in the
crowd cheering for Hill-
ary, but it’s kind of manu-
factured,” said Rebecca
Waldkirch, a student at
East Carolina University.
“We’re a new generation
of politically informed
people, and we want to get
millennials involved in
politics.” Millennials are
generally considered peo-
ple born after 1980.
‘EXCITING JUST TO BE
HERE’
Alexis Culbertson, a
Winthrop graduate stu-
dent, stopped to take pic-
tures of the growing row
of TV trucks parked beside
the Lois Rhame West
Health, Physical Educa-
tion, and Wellness Center,
which served as the tem-
porary working quarters
for the scores of reporters
and photographers who
descended on Rock Hill to
cover the forum.
“It’s something new for
the campus,” she said.
“They haven’t experi-
enced something quite
like this before. It’s got
everybody really excited.”
Genesis Doster, 24, a
senior from York, called
the forum a “once-in-a-
lifetime event” for Win-
throp and York County.
One of the earliest arriv-
als Friday, Chester City
Councilwoman Angela
Douglas, said she was
“thrilled” to be part of the
forum.
“It is exciting just to be
here and be part of some-
thing so important,” said
Douglas, who taught polit-
ical science at the
University of North
Carolina at Wilmington.
Michael McCove of Fort
Mill was another early
arrival at the Winthrop
Coliseum, where the lucky
3,400 who got tickets to
attend the forum had to
pick up their tickets. He,
too, said he was “excited”
to see and hear the candi-
dates.
Even the bus drivers
shuttling people from the
coliseum parking lot to
Byrnes Auditorium were
thrilled to be a part of
history.
“To be here, in my
DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL FORUM AT WINTHROP
Winthrop campus overrun
with Democrats, excitement
. ..................................................................................................................
It was not a typical Friday on the Rock Hill campus,
with heavy police and media presence
. ..................................................................................................................
Candidates’ supporters made their voices heard,
parading signs as they strolled around
. ..................................................................................................................
Crowds got a bit rowdy at times, but police reported a
smooth day, only one arrest
. ..................................................................................................................
Herald staff
ANDY BURRISS aburriss@heraldonline.com
Supporters for Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders hold signs outside Byrnes Auditorium.
SEE DEMOCRATS, 5A
DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL FORUM
Big night on campus
MSNBC trains national spotlight on Winthrop University, Rock Hill and South Carolina
BRISTOW MARCHANT bmarchant@heraldonline.com
The Winthrop University campus took on a whole new look Friday evening as the national spotlight shone on the Democratic presidential forum.
MOREINSIDE
Presidential race enters new phase for
Democrats. 2A
MOREINSIDE
Some tough questions, but many were
dodged. 2A
MOREINSIDE
Winthrop was a winner with Democratic
forum. 3A
MOREINSIDE
A full page of photos from throughout the
day. 4A
MOREINSIDE
What was that Republican doing on
campus? 5A

SECOND PLACE:
The Island Packet
Sandra Ross

FIRST PLACE:
The Island Packet
Abigail Westcott

HONORABLE MENTION:
The State
Elissa Macarin
‘I can’t move my legs’
S
itting in her wheelchair, Martha
Childress told a jury Tuesday she
had no idea what was happening
the night she was shot in Five
Points while waiting for a cab.
“All of a sudden, I heard this really loud
noise, and I’m not really sure what it was,
and I just fell to the ground,” Childress
said, testifying in the trial of Michael Juan
Smith.
Smith is charged with attempted murder
and five weapons violations in the early
morning Oct. 13, 2013, shooting that left
Childress, then a freshman at the Uni-
versity of South Carolina, paralyzed from
the waist down.
The third witness called to testify, Chil-
dress grew tearful recalling holding out her
hand to a lifelong friend who was with her
and saying, “ ‘Ellison, I can’t move my
FIVE POINTS SHOOTING TRIAL
PHOTOGRAPHS BY TRACY GLANTZ tglantz@thestate.com
‘I heard this really loud noise, and I’m not really sure what it was, and I just fell to the ground,’ Martha Childress testifies Tuesday in Richland County circuit court.
BY JAMIE SELF
jself@thestate.com
SEE CHILDRESS, 7A
At thestate.com
Video of Martha Childress’ testimony and more
photos from the trial
Martha Childress gives emotional
account of being shot and losing
feeling in her legs
Defense attorney disputes
‘whose bullet’ was lodged in
‘poor girl’s spine’
Tuesday was first day of testimony in
Michael Juan Smith’s trial on attempted
murder, weapons charges
Defense
attorney
Aimee
Zmroczek sits
with her client
Michael Juan
Smith. Smith
is charged
with shooting
Childress in
2013.
WEDNESDAY AUGUST 12 2015 $1.00 VOL. 125TH, No. 176
USC: Freshman
Shameik Blackshear
starts with a clean
slate, 1B
Clemson: Tigers’
tight ends ready
to increase
production, 1B
AD Ray Tanner, who led the
Gamecocks to two national cham-
pionships, selected for college
baseball coaches Hall of Fame, 2B.
HALL OF FAME
TANNER JOINS ELITE
BASEBALL COACHES
PARTLY CLOUDY
92 70
FORECAST, 10C
TOP STORIES
FROM AROUND SC
75TH ANNIVERSARY
Villa Tronco marks
a milestone.
PAGE 1C
A HEFTY FINE
Three Richland County schools fined for
again releasing contaminated wastewater.
PAGE 3A
‘SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE?’
Columbia’s Kate Harpootlian sent home,
thanks fans for an “incredible journey.”
PAGE 2A
Business 5B
Classfieds 6B
Comics 6-7C
Go Columbia 10C
Opinion 2C
TODAY’S
DEAL: $12 for
a 2 pack of
themed baby
bibs!
Get the deal of the
day at
dealsaver.com/
columbia
. Premier wholesale ware-
house retailer Costco has sub-
mitted revised plans for build-
ing its first Midlands store in
northwest Richland County.
The revised plans, submitted
to the Richland County Depart-
ment of Planning and Devel-
opment this week, are under
review, said Richland County
spokeswoman Beverly Harris.
“If the revised plans meet all
county regulations, they will be
approved and Costco can start
the process of development,”
Harris said.
The store would be built at
Piney Grove and Fernandina
roads near Harbison.
Costco, based in Issaquah,
Wash., has been courted by
Richland County shoppers for a
decade. The company long has
been viewed as a missing link
in the rising retail ranks of the
Midlands, a growing metropol-
itan area approaching 1 million
residents with $2.8 billion in
annual retail sales.
Costco’s projected entry into
the Midlands retail market
would be self-propelled, county
officials have said lately. Un-
like a previous overture to
locate in Richland County, no
county-provided financial in-
centives are connected to Cost-
co’s latest plans, Harris said,
Costco submits new
plans for Richland
warehouse store
BY RODDIE BURRIS
rburris@thestate.com
SEE COSTCO, 7A
TODAY’S DEAL: Columbia Classic Ballet company
$13 for $26 Ticket! Get the deal of the day at dealsaver.com/columbia.
MONDAY OCTOBER 5 2015 $1.00 VOL. 125TH, No. 230
TODAY: RAIN; FLOOD WARNINGS HI 67 LO 56
FORECAST, 12C
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SPORTS
STORIES
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CONNECTED
CLEMSON
Saturday’s win over Notre Dame propels
Tigers to top 10 ranking
PAGE 1B
Classifieds 9C
Comics 7C
Go Columbia 12C
Obituaries 4C
Opinion 3C
A
slow-moving storm produced historic floods Sunday after
dumping more than a foot of rain in parts of Columbia.
The rainfall submerged low-lying traffic intersections,
washed away roads and flooded homes. Dozens of people
needed to be rescued by police and firefighters or were ferried to safety by
neighbors in boats. A mother and child were plucked off a rooftop in Rich-
land County by an S.C. National Guard helicopter, state Adjutant General
Robert Livingston said.
The deluge also caused several water
mains to break in the Columbia water
system, forcing many residents to lose
service, according to a news release from
the city. The worst-hit areas were down-
town Columbia and southeast Richland
County. Residents may be without service
for three to four days, the city said. Mean-
while, water customers with service in
Columbia, West Columbia and Blythe-
wood were advised to vigorously boil the
water for at least a minute before drink-
ing it.
Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott said
Sunday that city and county law enforce-
ment, as well as the Columbia Fire De-
partment, pulled hundreds of people out
of situations where they were endangered
by rising waters.
“And there likely have been thousands
of houses and homes and cars that have
had water damage,” Lott said.
While as much as 16.6 inches fell in
some areas around Columbia on Sunday,
officially more than 10 inches of rain was
counted at Columbia Metropolitan Air-
port on Saturday and Sunday, according
to the National Weather Service. That set
the 128-year-old record for two days (7.7
inches) and three days (8.4 inches). A
single-day record was set on Sunday at
almost seven inches.
Some areas around Columbia received
as much rain Sunday as the region ab-
sorbed in the past three months com-
bined, according to National Weather
Service data. Another inch or two of rain
was expected overnight.
The effects of the storm will linger
Monday as rivers and creeks remain swol-
len and streets flooded after the record
rainfall.
“It’s not over,” Gov. Nikki Haley said.
“We’re still in the middle of it.”
On Monday, schools and colleges, in-
cluding the University of South Carolina,
canceled classes. Government offices in
Richland and Lexington counties as well
Historic flood
ravages Midlands
Storm drenched Columbia area
with more rain than previous
three months combined
Rain will linger Monday
as crews try to assess
damage from flooding
Surges of water closed roads,
swelled rivers and creeks and
led to one death in Columbia
Department of Natural Resources workers make a rescue in Forest Acres during Sunday morning's flood.
BY ANDREW SHAIN
ashain@thestate.com
GILLS CREEK
(Devine Street near Rosewood
Drive)
5.1 FEET
Sunday midnight
14 FEET
Major flood stage
17.1 FEET
Sunday 7 a.m.
9.4 FEET
Previous record from 1997
CONGAREE RIVER
IN COLUMBIA
(Near Gervais Street bridge)
13.6 FEET
Sunday midnight
22.8 FEET
Sunday 7 a.m.
30 FEET
Major flood stage:
31.7 FEET
Sunday 6 p.m.
33.3 FEET
Record from 1936SEE FLOOD, 10A
UPDATES ONLINE
For updated news, including closings, go
to thestate.com.
Also, while storm conditions and safety
considerations may delay Monday
delivery of The State in some areas, you
can read the news online at
thestate.com and you can view a replica
of the print edition by connecting to
thestate.com/e-edition.
INSIDE
Your house is flooded?
Now, what do you do? Some tips. 6A
Lexington County
Residents advised to evacuate from
riverbanks as utility opens Lake Murray
spillways, 7A
Closures
Most Midlands schools, governments will
be closed Monday, 7A
Richland County
Record rainfall turned normally quiet
Gills Creek into a roaring river, 8A
Forest Acres
Columbia suburb hit hard for second
time in a week, this time by rising water,
9A
South Carolina
Record floods Sunday shut down
hundreds of roads statewide, forcing
thousands to flee their homes or
vehicles, 10A
‘‘THERE WILL BE A LOT
OF INTEREST IN BEING
HELPFUL AND IN THE
COMMUNITY BINDING
TOGETHER TO MEET THE
IMMEDIATE NEEDS. BUT
A FLOOD RECOVERY
TAKES A YEAR OR TWO.
– Ralph Schulz, Nashville Area
Chamber of Commerce
B
efore the swollen Cumberland
River poured over the flood wall
next to the Gaylord Opryland
Resort, Colin Reed evacuated
the property, moving guests to a school
for shelter.
“At 10 p.m. that evening, there was 6
feet of water in the lobby of this hotel,”
Gaylord’s president and chief executive
said Friday of the May 2010 flood that
caught Nashville off guard. Worse than
forecasts predicted, the flood hit down-
town businesses and outlying residential
communities, causing $2 billion in dam-
ages.
“You could have heard a pin drop in
that room,” Reed said of the moment his
guests learned the hotel had flooded.
“They realized that if they had stayed in
that hotel, there was a lot of people
whose lives would have been at risk that
day. The next day, it was all about reme-
diation.”
Now, Reed and other Nashvillians are
having flashbacks in the wake of news of
the historic flooding that struck South
Carolina last weekend, killing more than
a dozen and causing hundreds of millions
of dollars in damages.
Five years after Nashville’s flood, Reed
and others also are recalling the strate-
gies they say helped speed their city’s
JEFF ROBERSON AP
This May 4, 2010, photo shows the Cumberland River overflowing its banks in downtown Nashville, Tenn. Top: The swollen Congaree River as it runs beneath the Gervais
Street Bridge, front, and the Blossom Street Bridge, background.
LESSONS
TO LEARN Nashville’s 2010 flood
experience could help
Columbia recover, rebuild
BY JAMIE SELF
jself@thestate.com
LESSONS
. ..........................................
Important
lessons
Advice for S.C. from
the Middle Tennessee
city hit hard by
flooding in 2010
CONVERT
FLOOD-PRONE
AREAS TO GREEN
SPACE
Banning future
development in flood
zones and creating
green space in
destroyed areas will
help reduce future
flooding and the
need for first
responders to rescue
residents.
HELP BUSINESSES,
RESIDENTS
REBUILD QUICKLY
Getting water and
power services back
on, clearing debris
and expediting
building permits
should be top
priorities.
REBUILD FOR
BIGGER STORMS
Look to cities that
have fared well for
tips on the best
stormwater systems.
Do not
underestimate the
intensity of future
coming storms.
PLAN AHEAD FOR
ANOTHER FLOOD
Disaster planning and
agreements detailing
the roles
organizations will
play after a disaster
will jump-start
recovery.
...........................................
DWAYNE MCLEMORE
dmclemore@thestate.com
SEE LESSONS, 6A
SUNDAY OCTOBER 11 2015 $3.00 VOL. 125TH, No. 236
Clemson routs Georgia Tech
behind Watson, defense, 1B
USC drops to 0-4 in SEC
with loss to No. 7 LSU, 1B
TODAY: PARTLY CLOUDY HI 71 LO 55
FORECAST, 18C
TOP
STORIES
STAY
CONNECTED
PALMETTO
A big music week: Brad Paisley, Def Leppard,
Gladys Knight.
PAGE 1C
Business 16B
Classifieds 11C
Comics Inside
Go Columbia 18C
Opinion 2C
TODAY’S DEAL: Carolina Wings
$10 for $20 for lunch and dinner. Lexington, Red
Bank and Cayce locations only. Get the deal of the
day at dealsaver.com/columbia.
THE FLOOD OF 2015
One week ago today, after
hours of intense rainfall, an
obscure dam in northeast Rich-
land County cracked and broke,
blowing open a hole that sent
muddy water through the
earthen dike and down Jackson
Creek.
What happened next contrib-
uted to the worst flooding many
people have ever seen in Colum-
bia, authorities say.
As the cascade roared down
the creek, it spread onto Decker
Boulevard and into 56-acre Cary
Lake, where a dam was breaking
at about the same time, around
7:30 a.m., said Erich Miarka,
director of the Gills Creek Wa-
tershed Association. The ever-
increasing wall of water then
moved downstream, washing
out a local bridge, eroding an-
other dam and running into
Lake Katherine miles away.
Ultimately, neighborhoods
across Forest Acres flooded and
people fled the rising water in
boats.
“The ripple effects were felt,’’
Miarka said of the link between
the failed dams and flooding.
“You take out one little piece of
the foundation and everything
downstream feels it.’’
Now, as Columbia continues
to reel from the flood, questions
are being asked about whether
anything could have been done
to lessen the damage last week
and what should be done in the
future.
Tightening the state’s dam
safety inspection program — one
of the nation’s most poorly
funded — and beefing up dams
with sturdier construction mate-
rials are among the issues on the
table.
Also up for discussion is who
Aging dams raise questions
BY SAMMY FRETWELL
sfretwell@thestate.com
SEE DAMS, 16A
INSIDE
A Parts of South Beltline Boulevard
still have standing water.
Saturday, volunteers were there
to help, 3A
A Columbia’s tattered water system
is faring a little better, 3A
A A State newspaper staffer’s
personal story of survival on
Gills Creek, 11A
A Floods bring waves of calls for
home, business repairs, 16B
A SCOPPE: Generosity amid the
destruction, 2C

THIRD PLACE:
The Greenville News
Chris Hart
COLUMBIA – South Carolina finally
baskedinsunshineTuesday,butofficials
are painting a grim picture of damage
from rains and floods, including a death
count that rose to 15.
Nine people drowned and six have
died in traffic accidents related to the
storm system, which dumped historic
levelsofheavyrainacrossthestatefrom
the coast to the Midlands, according to
the state Department of Public Safety.
Four of those deaths occurred in the
Upstate, including two in Greenville
County.
Gov. Nikki Haley, who Tuesday morn-
ing took an aerial tour of areas affected
by flood waters, said the damage is
“heartbreaking.”
“What I saw was disturbing,” she said.
“It is hard to look at the loss that we are
going to have, but everything will be OK.
I have no doubt that South Carolina is
stronger today than yesterday. I have no
doubt that South Carolina will be strong-
er next week than this week. This is a
time of faith, of strength and taking care
of each other.”
Her comments came as officials dis-
closed the rains had produced 10 dam
failures in four counties, with others still
at risk of breach. An eleventh was re-
ported breached Tuesday night.
Five dams failed in Richland County,
three in Lexington County and one dam
failed each in Lee and Aiken counties.
Officials were aware last week of the
JANET BLACKMON MORGAN/AP
This aerial photo shows flooding around homes in the Carolina Forest community in Horry County, between Conway and Myrtle Beach. The Carolinas saw sunshine Tuesday after days of
inundation, but it could take weeks to recover from being pummeled by a historic rainstorm that caused widespread flooding and multiple deaths.
TIM SMITH II TCSMITH@GREENVILLENEWS.COM
See GRIM, Page 4A
GRIM SCENES EMERGE
Hundreds of bridges, roads still closed throughout
state as death count from rain, floods rises
WEDNESDAY,
OCTOBER 7, 2015
GREENVILLEONLINE.COM
$1.00
Daily
Abby..................4D
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Circulation hotline
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Classified Ads 298-4221
© Copyright 2015
Greenville News-Piedmont Co.
A Gannett Newspaper
139th year No. 230 •
32 pages
Printed on recycled paper.
DONALD TRUMP’S CANDIDACY RAISES NOVEL ETHICS QUESTIONS PAGE 1B
1,000-YEAR STORM: THE AFTERMATH
FATALITIES
Death toll continues to rise due
to rains and flooding in S.C..
CLOSURES
296 roads and 166 bridges
remain closed throughout state.
PORTS
Zero goods are moving to or from
the Port of Charleston by rail.
COLUMBIA - They litter South
Carolina’s flooded streets, high-
ways and parking lots: hundreds of
empty vehicles whose owners fled
them as the waters rose.
Some are overturned. Others
are standing straight up. As the
state begins recovering from its
historic flood, motorists are asking
insurers a common question: Is my
car covered for flood damage?
Vehicle owners who hold com-
prehensive coverage on their pol-
icies and homeowners who have
separate flood insurance will be
covered.
Others may have to look to the
federal government for assistance.
Drew Theodore, owner of Theo-
Car, home
insurance
hurdles
looming
TIM SMITH
See INSURE, Page 6A
WASHINGTON — Congres-
sional lawmakers are having early
discussions about an emergency
disaster relief package for South
Carolina, Sen. Lindsey Graham
said Tuesday.
Historic flooding in the state
had killed 15 people as of Tuesday.
Dams are breaking, roads are
washing out, and the water is still
rising. President Obama declared
the flooding a major disaster,
which can speed assistance for
homeowners and businesses.
But repairing the extensive dam-
agetothestate’sinfrastructurelike-
ly will require federal help.
“The private sector will do their
part and the state will have an obli-
Senators
eye federal
aid package
for state
MARY ORNDORFF TROYAN
THE GREENVILLE NEWS
See AID, Page 4A
INSIDE
» Rail damage puts brakes on local shipping lines, 4A
» Pets rescued from floods arrive in Greenville, 6A
» Area businesses offering relief assistance, 6A
» Telethon planned to help provide aid to victims, 9A
» USC’s game against LSU may be moved to another venue, 1C
ON THE WEB
For photos, videos and
continuing live coverage
about the storm and its
toll across the state, go to
GreenvilleOnline.com.
More inside
» Shawn Elliott, a
lifelong USC fan,
is known for his
passion. Page 1C
» Steve Spurrier
talks about this
decision to step
down and his
future. Page 1C
» Dabo Swinney knows the chal-
lenges an interim coach faces.
Page 4C
» Ray Tanner expects to have some
interesting candidates for head
coach. Page 4C
COLUMBIA
W
e never had to wonder what was
going on under that visor. We
knew the second it went flying.
If any inkling of doubt lin-
gered, Steve Spurrier would
remove that, too, soon after
he leaned into a microphone and snapped a
“Welp!”
He never minced words. He never left
any mystery. He was frank and forthright
after each of the 86 victories he notched at
the University of South Carolina, and per-
haps even more so after the 49 losses.
On Tuesday, while officially announcing
his resignation, the defiant Head Ball Coach still would
not concede defeat.
“First of all, I’m resigning, not retiring. Let’s get that
part straight,” Spurrier asserted as he opened his ad-
dress. “I doubt if I’ll ever be a head coach again, but I
could be coaching a high school team or some-
thing. ...Who knows what will come in the future?
The decision to step down at the midpoint of a
2-4 season expedited the looming expiration of
Spurrier’s successful tenure at Carolina. Still, it is
an unfit exit for one of college football’s sharp-
est minds and sharpest tongues.
“I didn’t plan on going out this way,”
Spurrier admitted. “I planned to go out on
the shoulder pads of the team coming out
of the Georgia Dome with an SEC champi-
onship.”
He was a character, long before coach-
es became branded commodities.
He approached the game with tenacious
intensity. He approached the podium with spirited can-
dor. He has shown unrepentant personality in a culture of
coaching clichés and superficial responses.
RICHARD SHIRO/AP
Steve Spurrier says Tuesday he felt he needed to step down now because he doesn’t believe there is accountability with players if they know the coach won’t be back next year.
Mandrallius
Robinson
mrobinso@greenvillenews.com
..........................................................
Commentary
SPURRIERAIMED HIGH, SHOT STRAIGHT
See ROBINSON, Page 4A
THE END OF AN ERA
I didn’t plan on
going out this way.
I planned to go out
on the shoulder
pads of the team
coming out of the
Georgia Dome
with an SEC
championship.”
STEVE SPURRIER
WEDNESDAY,
OCTOBER 14, 2015
$1.00
Daily
Abby .............2D
Area news ...3A
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Lifestyle ........1D
Lotteries.......2A
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Stocks..........11A
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U.S,/World....1B
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INSIDE
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© Copyright 2015
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30 pages
november78
Speed limit signs, speed
humps and increased commu-
nity involvement.
Those are among the issues
members of the relatively new
City View Coalition are tack-
ling in their effort to revive the
community.
The coalition consists of res-
idents, religious leaders and or-
ganizations concerned about
City View, a 3-square-mile un-
incorporated area just outside
of West Greenville.
The group, with the support
of Bon Secours St. Francis and
partners such as the Hispanic
Alliance and United Way of
Greenville County, aim to beau-
tify and transform the commu-
nity by ridding it of dilapidated
houses, empty buildings, over-
grown lawns, trash in the
streets, drugs and crime.
Speeding is also a concern in
thecommunity,butthereareno
speed limit signs there, accord-
ing to Debra Garrison, a mem-
berofthecoalitionandeditorof
#UNSEENGREENVILLE
ANGELIA DAVIS
DAVISAL@GREENVILLEONLINE.COM
See COALITION, Page 4A
City View Coalition campaign
seeks membership growth
What started out as a call
aboutahousealarmendedwith
a police shooting that left one
man dead and one injured in a
Taylors neighborhood early
Sunday morning.
Sheriff Steve Loftis re-
leased initial details Tuesday
about the incident, which be-
gan around11:40 p.m. Saturday
and ended close to 2:30 a.m.
with an exchange of gunfire.
The house alarm led to a
parked car, which led to a gun,
which led to a metal building at
159CarverRoadwhereabout25
people were gathered to watch
football in what one witness
called a “man cave.”
Here’s what police say hap-
pened.
A deputy responded to a call
about a house alarm when he
encountered a car parked ille-
gally on the street.
The driver slid down in the
seat as if to hide from the depu-
ty, Loftis said, prompting the
officer to approach the car,
where he saw drugs and drug
paraphernalia.
Jarrid Allen Wilson, 21, was
arrested and charged with pos-
AMY CLARKE BURNS
ABURNS@GREENVILLENEWS.COM
See SHOOTING, Page 7A
Sheriff releases details
of Taylors police shooting
“
Interim coach
Shawn Elliott
K1
WEDNESDAY,
OCTOBER 28, 2015
$1.00
Daily
METRO, 3A
Feds probe
arrest of
SC student
SPORTS, 1C
LOCAL MAKES
TEAM USA
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THINGS TO WATCH AT GOP’S COLORADO DEBATE PAGE 1B
november78
Afterseeingforthefirsttime
Tuesday a graphic video of his
son being shot to death by a Sen-
eca police officer, Paul Ham-
mond said his family plans to
“keep fighting” for justice for
Zachary.
It was a video that law en-
forcement and judicial authori-
ties had refused for three
months to release, and which
10th Circuit Solicitor Chrissy
Adams acknowledged Tuesday
is “troublesome” and “demands
answers.”
However, after reviewing
the dash cam footage in slow
motion and frame by frame, she
decided not to file criminal
charges against Lt. Mark Tiller,
concluding that he was justified
in firing on the unarmed 19-
year-old to protect himself and
others from being run over by
Hammond’s car.
It didn’t look that way to Paul
Hammond.
“I think they’re grabbing
pretty hard saying that Zach
was trying to run
over the officer.
It didn’t look like
that in the video
to me,” he told
The Greenville
News. “He’s run-
ning beside the
car. If anything
he put himself in
that position. To
me it was very sloppy police
work.”
“We hope to get some kind of
justice somewhere, really,”
Hammond said. “We just don’t
feel like it was a lawful shoot-
ing.”
The video -- which had been
sought by The Greenville News
and other media under Freedom
of Information Act requests --
shows Tiller pulling into the
parking lot of Hardee’s restau-
rant, accelerating and screech-
ing to a halt behind Hammond’s
silver Honda Civic. An under-
cover officer’s vehicle is parked
beside Hammond’s, and its door
pops open as Tiller jumps into
the scene shouting, “Hands up,
put ‘em up!”
As the Honda begins to move,
Tiller can be heard yelling,
“Stop! stop!” followed by, “I’m
going to shoot your f*** a**.”
Two shots are fired.
It was all over in five sec-
onds.
“He tried to hit me,” Tiller
can be heard saying, moments
later.
The Greenville News joined
by other news media had sued
HAMMOND SHOOTING CASE
FAMILY TO FIGHT ONNo charges filed against Seneca officer who shot teen in drug sting
RON BARNETT
RBARNETT@GREENVILLENEWS.COM
INSIDE
Federal probe continues in
police-shooting case, 4B.
See FAMILY, Page 4A
Two former South Carolina
solicitors asked by The Green-
ville News to review a police
video of the July fatal shooting
ofteenZacharyHammondques-
tioned Seneca police Lt. Mark
Tiller’s judgment, though one of
them defended 10th Circuit So-
licitor Chrissy Adams’ decision
not to charge the officer.
“Solicitors have a tremen-
dous amount of power and a tre-
mendousamount
of discretion,”
said Summer-
ville attorney
Robby Robbins,
a former solici-
torforthe1stCir-
cuit, which cov-
ers Calhoun,
Dorchester and
Orangeburg counties. “I cer-
tainly can’t argue with Solicitor
Adams’ decision.
“I know that the family (of
Hammond) is hurting, and the
family would like to have seen a
criminal trial, but under those
facts,she(Adams)waswellwith-
inher rights to do what she did.”
Robbins, who served as dep-
uty solicitor in the 1st Circuit
for seven years and was the ap-
pointed solicitor for one year
before leaving office at the end
of 2004, cited Tiller’s state of
mind at the time of the shooting
and statements reportedly
made to officers by a female
passenger in Hammond’s car
that she believed Hammond
was trying to run over the offi-
cer as likely reasons for Adams’
decision not to charge Tiller.
Tiller is heard repeatedly on
the video after the shooting say-
ing that the driver was trying to
hit him.
Yet Robbins also believes
there is “plenty of evidence to
criticize the Seneca Police De-
partment and the officer in the
manner in which this incident
took place.”
As he approaches Ham-
mond’svehicle,Tillersays,“I’m
gonna shoot your f---ing a--.”
Robbins adds that Columbia
attorney Eric Bland, who is rep-
resenting the Hammond family,
is a “very good attorney.”
Former
solicitors
question
officer’s
actions
RICK BRUNDRETT
STAFF WRITER
See QUESTIONS, Page 4A
Lt. Mark Tiller
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
» Events were set in motion when Tori Morton sent an errant text message offering to sell cocaine and
marijuana to a Highway Patrol officer.
» Solicitor Chrissy Adams said in a letter to SLED that Hammond tested positive for cocaine and marijuana,
and both drugs were found in the car packaged as if for sale.
» In text messages found on Hammond’s phone, Hammond said he was in full outlaw mode and
intended to go out shootin’.
» The investigation concluded Seneca officer Anthony Moon lied when he told another officer that he
“high-fived” Hammond’s body, Adams wrote.
» Federal charges of civil rights violations could still be forthcoming.
/DASHCAM VIDEO PROVIDED BY SLED
Zachary
Hammond
Below, three frames from dashcam video released Tuesday by SLED show Seneca Police Lt.
Mark Tiller firing two shots toward the driver’s side window of Zachary Hammond’s car.
The red circles on the two bottom frames show what appear to be ejected shell casings.

SECOND PLACE:
The State
Kelly Cobb
THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2015 | THESTATE.COM
Index: Business, B6 | Classified, B7 | Comics, C6 | Opinion, C2
Weather: 8 a.m. Partly cloudy, 80 | 1 p.m. Mostly sunny, 95 | 7 p.m. Scattered storms, 94 C8 • Almanac: Yesterday’s High 100 | Low 75 | Precipitation 0.00” (as of 5 p.m.)
Clementa Pinckney never will
know just how many lives he
touched.
Thousands – some strangers,
some dear friends and colleagues –
came Wednesday to the State House
to pay respects to the slain senator,
lying in state in an open casket a
week after he was shot and killed,
with eight others, while leading a
Bible study at his Charleston
church.
The line, two hours long at times,
included former governors, elected
officials, state employees, family
and friends, and people from South
Carolina and elsewhere who came
to know Pinckney only as they
watched the Charleston church
massacre – and the state’s response
– unfold.
By the day’s end, about 4,000
visitors – some dressed for a funer-
al, others for summer – had made
the slow moving journey from the
State House grounds through its
lobby, passing by the senator’s body.
The experience was moving even
for strangers. Just moments after
seeing the senator lying in state,
some descended the Senate-side
steps clutching tissues and patting
SEN. CLEMENTA PINCKNEY [ 1973-2015 ]
‘GOD HAS
A PURPOSE’
Gov. Nikki Haley and members of the Legislature watch Wednesday as a horse-drawn caisson carrying the casket of Sen. Clementa
Pinckney arrives at the State House for a public viewing.
PHOTOGRAPHS BY TIM DOMINICK/TDOMINICK@THESTATE.COM
Thousands pay their respects to slain S.C. senator
after horse-drawn caisson bears his casket to State House
Jennifer Pinckney, the senator’s widow, and their daughters, Eliana and
Malana, watch Wednesday as his casket arrives at the State House.
By JAMIE SELF
jself@thestate.com
SEE PINCKNEY PAGE A7
BUSINESS
Retailers: Confederate memorabilia
sales unaffected by controversy. B6
THE SENATOR
Comments from some who paid
respects to Clementa Pinckney. A7
CONFEDERATE
LICENSE PLATES
Legislators can take up state special-
ty license plates next year, Gov.
Nikki Haley’s office says, A3
PALMETTO
Column: It’s time to talk about topics
we have avoided for so long. C1
THESTATE COM
Video and photo galleries from
Wednesday’s State House visitation.
.
THURSDAY AUGUST 27 2015 $1.00 VOL. 125TH, No. 191
Quiz: Which
Freeway
Music
Festival
bands are
for you?
Go Columbia
What’s
new at
this year’s
SC State
Fair,
Page 1C
YESTERDAY: HI 93 LO 73 PRECIP. (AS OF 5 P.M.) 0.00”
FORECAST, 10C
TOP STORIES
FROM AROUND SC
LEGISLATURE
Panel to probe ties between abortion clinics
and state agencies.
PAGE 3A
Business 6B
Classifieds 8C
Comics 6C
Go Columbia 10C
Opinion 2C
TODAY’S DEAL: Accelebrite
Nouva Anti-Aging Cream
$15 for a 2 pack! Get the deal of the day at
dealsaver.com/columbia.
King Pharoh: USC’s
touchdown maker
Since he started playing football when he was 5
years old, Pharoh Cooper has played every posi-
tion. It’s a good thing, because he’ll be a pass
catcher, runner, punt returner and passer for the
Gamecocks.
SEE THIS STORY AND MORE
IN GOGAMECOCKS THE MAGAZINE
HOW TO GET:
A Inside today’s home delivered newspapers
A Available for purchase in the lobby at The
State, 1401 Shop Rd., between 8:30 a.m. and
4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday for $5.95.
A View online at gogamecocks.com
INSIDE: Why Pharoh picked USC over UNC. Page 1B
The depth chart is complex, but one thing is
certain: the Tigers have a strong trio of wide
receivers. PAGE 1B
CLEMSON FOOTBALL
WHO’LL PLAY WHAT, WHEN?
Former coach says leav-
ing Wildcats worked out
well for him, school.
PAGE 1B
EARLEY VISITS LEXINGTON
Special SEC football page debuts today in
The State. It will run every Thursday during
the season. PAGE 5B
SEC FOOTBALL
THIS WEEK IN THE SEC
U.S. Sen. Tim Scott has
not reached his fifth anni-
versary on Capitol Hill,
but his presidential town
halls have become a re-
quired stop for 2016 Re-
publican White House
hopefuls.
Through the end of the
year, the top 16 GOP can-
didates will sit down with
the North Charleston
Republican in forums with
voters across the state.
Former Texas Gov. Rick
Perry, for example, comes
to Columbia on Thursday
for the third of Tim’s
Town Halls.
Scott is among a grow-
ing group of S.C. politi-
cians, including Repub-
lican Gov. Nikki Haley,
hosting candidate events.
The candidates hope their
hosts eventually could
award them an endorse-
ment that could sway S.C.
SEE KINGMAKERS, 7A
. ......................................................
Gov. Nikki Haley, U.S. Sen.
Tim Scott are ‘crown
jewels’ of Republican
endorsements
. ......................................................
But several top GOP
politicians are holding
candidate events ahead of
primaries
. ......................................................
Leading S.C. Democrats
also plan candidate
forums in hopes of
building party’s clout
. ......................................................
THE 2016 PRESIDENTIAL RACE
SC politicians could be
2016’s kingmakers
TIM DOMINICK tdominick@thestate.com
U.S. Sen. Tim Scott and S.C. Gov. Nikki Haley
BY ANDREW SHAIN
ashain@thestate.com
FORECAST, 8C
TOP
STORIES
IN SPORTS
USC FOOTBALL
Spurrier meets with SEC
about officiating.
PAGE 1B
CLEMSON FOOTBALL
Tigers prove they can run,
too.
PAGE 1B
Business 6B
Classifieds 7B
Comics 6C
Go Columbia 8C
Opinion 2C
TODAY’S DEAL
Columbia Classic Ballet Company
13 for $26 Ticket! Get the deal of the day at dealsaver.com/columbia.
As rains that caused the
worst flood in Columbia in
more than a century end-
ed Monday, thousands of
people in the Midlands
lacked water and power,
dozens of roads remained
impassible and the death
toll continued to rise.
At least five people,
ranging in age from 24 to
78, died in vehicles found
in flooded Columbia-area
streets since Sunday, Rich-
land County Coroner Gary
Watts said.
Two of the victims were
found Monday morning
near Lake Katherine on
Shady Lane and on
Teague Road, near Sun
View Lake. The other
three victims were found
Sunday on Sunset Drive in
north Columbia, near the
intersection of Devine
Street and Rosewood
Drive, and near Eastover
on Garners Ferry Road.
Water levels on Gills
Creek and the Congaree
River, which spiked Sun-
day as more than a foot of
Rain dissipates,
but problems remain
WATER SCARCE
Broken water mains
cause headaches for hospitals,
shelters and residents
FATALITIES
At least five people died in
vehicles found in flooded
Columbia-area streets
DAM BREAKS
Pressure from flood waters
continue to cause
breaches in dams
TIM DOMINICK tdominick@thestate.com
DNR officer Brett Irvin and Lexington County Deputy Dan Rusinyak carry June Loch to dry land after she was rescued Monday from her home in the Pine Glen subdivision off of
Tram Road in the St. Andrews area in northwest Columbia.
GERRY MELENDEZ gmelendez@thestate.com
A car float in Gills Creek near the Devine Street bridge on Monday.
City employees are
installing boulders as they
work to repair a dike break
at Columbia’s downtown
canal and water plant,
while others are trying to
find all the breaks in water
lines that feed the capital
city and rural Lower Rich-
land in the aftermath of
historic floods.
At least 12 water line
breaks have been identi-
fied, but, “We’re going to
find a lot more than that,”
assistant city manager
Missy Gentry said Mon-
day.
City crews and private
contractors are working on
the dike and trying to
isolate the number of
breaks, she said.
City officials would not
say how many water cus-
tomers were without water
since the weekend deluge
of record-setting propor-
tions.
“The core of the city
was without water,” Gen-
try said at an afternoon
briefing. Some customers
have been restored, but
SEE WATER, 6A
Canal dike
breached;
safe water
sites set up
BY CLIF LEBLANC
cleblanc@thestate.com
INSIDE
Repairing damaged roads will cost millions and
take months, 3A
Search-and-rescue efforts will resume Tuesday, 3A
At least two die as Gills Creek rampages, 3A
Fire departments keep Columbia hospitals open,
3A
Water was welcome delivery at Richland County
shelter, 6A
100 rescued from homes along Saluda River, 7A
UPDATES ONLINE
For updated news, including
closings, go to thestate.com.
Also, while storm conditions and
safety considerations may delay
Tuesday delivery of The State in
some areas, you can read the
news online at thestate.com and
you can view a replica of the
print edition by connecting to
thestate.com/e-edition. SEE FLOOD, 6A
Death toll
rises, roads
remain
closed
BY ANDREW SHAIN
ashain@thestate.com

FIRST PLACE:
The State
Meredith Sheffer TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 2015 | THESTATE.COM
Index: Business, B7 | Classified, C8 | Comics, C6 | Opinion, C2
Weather: 8 a.m. Partly cloudy, 54 | 1 p.m. Mostly cloudy, 74| 7 p.m. Partly cloudy, 76 A10 • Almanac: Yesterday’s High 74 | Low 36| Precipitation 0 as of 5 p.m.
MUM’S THE WORD
Head strength coach Joe
Connolly and the Gamecocks
are hard at work but not
talking about it. Page B1
TODAY’S DEAL
ROY'S GRILLE
$10 for $20 for food drink!
(comes as 2 $10 vouchers)
Go to columbia.dealsaver.com.
AIKEN COUNTY — Five seconds don’t
go by without one of the Old English
black-breasted red gamecocks belt-
ing out a boisterous crow.
Mary Snelling and husband, Ron
Albertelli, don’t mind the noise.
These gamecocks are family.
The most well-known of the
brood is Sir Big Spur, who lives on
the nearly 30-acre property with
some horses, a few of his own rela-
tives and other feathered friends.
For 16 years, Sir Big Spur and his
predecessors have become family to
the many South Carolina fans
they’ve encountered at Williams-
Brice Stadium, Sarge Frye Field,
Carolina Stadium and dozens of
road venues. While he is not called
upon to help his on-field counter-
parts wearing USC jerseys, it’s in his
blood to battle.
“These gamecocks are born to
fight,” Snelling said. “They are very
fierce and competitive. It’s a perfect
mascot.”
Snelling, a USC alumnus and die-
hard fan, received her first rooster
as a pet from her father. Cocky Doo-
dle Lou was the original live mascot,
named after coach Lou Holtz, and
becamethefirstSirBigSpur.Hewas
renamed as a tribute to the cos-
Sir Big
Spur like
family
to fans
The feistiest
Gamecock of them
all is a born fighter
By DWAYNE MCLEMORE
GAMECOCKS’
GREATEST
FANS
VIDEOS
Second of six
videos at
GoGame-
cocks.com
Tuesday:
Meet Mary
Snelling, Ron
Albertelli and
the live
Gamecocks
mascot Sir
Big Spur.
Coming
Wednesday:
Kirk Hollings-
worth, who
one baseball
legend called
“my favorite
Gamecock
fan of all
time”
Already online:
Chris Young,
the Gameday
Warrior
SEE GAMECOCK PAGE A7
Online retailer Amazon is adding 500 jobs
at its distribution center near Cayce.
The Seattle-based company confirmed
the step Monday as spokeswoman Kelly
Cheeseman said the firm “is hiring to meet
growing customer demand.”
Amazon’s confirmation came after some
Midlands business and political leaders
were told of its decision over the weekend.
The expansion will bring the full-time
staff at the center to nearly 2,500 workers,
company officials said. Hundreds of tempo-
rary workers also are hired yearly.
“This expansion is terrific news for the
Midlands community,” Gov. Nikki Haley
said in a statement. “We look forward to
watching Amazon continue to grow here for
many years to come.”
EXCLUSIVE
Amazon
to add
500 jobs
at CayceExpansion will bring full-time
staff to distribution center
to nearly 2,500 workers
By TIM FLACH
tflach@thestate.com
SEE AMAZON PAGE A7
A stone bridge abutment
that had stood for more than
two centuries along the
Broad River in Columbia was
toppled during sewage line
work last month.
City contractors upgrad-
ingasewagelinestrayedout-
side the 15-foot utility ease-
ment, also creating severe
erosion problems in several
backyards in the riverfront
neighborhood along Castle
Road.
“No warning. No knock on
the door. No explanation,”
said David Brinkman, who
owns the land where the
bridge abutment perched. “I
guess it only took a few hours
to obliterate a structure that
BROAD RIVER STRUCTURE | BULLDOZED
COLUMBIA HISTORY LOST
David
Brinkman
points out
granite
behind his
house that
more than
200 years
ago served
as a bridge
abutment.
JOEY HOLLEMAN/THE STATE
Workers topple 223-year-old abutment
By JOEY HOLLEMAN
jholleman@thestate.com
SEE LOST PAGE A7
PALMETTO PETS: Goodbye to Ciao, a 4-legged teacher without equal, C1
Equifax, Experian and
TransUnion plan to ease up
on consumers after intense
talks with new York’s
attorney general. They also
will make the effects of
medical debt on consumers’
credit scores less severe.
Page B7
FIXING CREDIT
REPORT ERRORS
TO GET EASIER
[ IN THE NEWS ]
FRIDAY, JULY 10, 2015 | THESTATE.COM
Index: Business, B6 | Classified, B7 | Comics, C6 | Opinion, C2
Weather: 8 a.m. Sunny, 78 | 1 p.m. Partly cloudy, 97 | 7 p.m. Partly cloudy, 96 C8 • Almanac: Yesterday’s High 97 | Low 78 | Precipitation 0” (as of 5 p.m.)
I
T IS THE PEARL BLUE PEEP OF DAY. All night the
Palmetto sky was seized with the aurora and alchemy of
the remarkable. A blazing canopy of newly minted light
fluttered in while we slept. We are not free to go on as if
nothing happened yesterday, not free to cheer as if all our
prayers have finally been answered today. We are free, only, to
search the yonder of each other’s faces, as we pass by, tip our
hat, hold a door ajar, asking silently who are we now? Blood
spilled in battle is two-headed: horror and sweet revelation.
Let us put the cannons of our eyes away forever. Our one and
only Civil War is done. Let us tilt, rotate, strut on. If we, the
living, do not give our future the same honor as the sacred
dead – of then and now – we lose everything. The gardenia air
feels lighter on this new day, guided now by iridescent fireflies,
those atom-like creatures of our hot summer nights, now
begging us to team up and search with them for that which
brightens every darkness. It will be just us again, alone,
beneath the swirling indigo sky of South Carolina, working on
the answer to our great day’s question: Who are we now?
What new human cosmos can be made of this tempest of
tears, this upland of inconsolable jubilation? In all our
lifetimes, finally, this towering undulating moment is here.
Nikky Finney
9 July, 2015
A New Day
Dawns
INSIDE TODAY
A historic moment for South Carolina, Page A3
More about poet Nikky Finney, a “daughter of South Carolina,” Page A2
Sports: NCAA lifts its ban on South Carolina hosting postseason events, Page B1
Inside: NAACP to lift tourism boycott, Page A5
Palmetto: Robert Ariail on the flag issue through the years, Page C1
AT THESTATE.COM
Video: Nikky Finney reads her poem.
Live coverage of the flag lowering at 10 a.m.
CONFEDERATE FLAG COMES DOWN
T
formerstateleadersmadenospeeches,butstood silently,watchingthehistorytheymadeinanswerto
STORY PAGE A4
SC turns page
in history book
VOICES IN THE CROWD
Page A4
Page A5
PHOTO PAGES
the last time
Pages 6-7
Index: Business, B6
Weather, C8

SINGLE PAGE ONE DESIGN
THIRD PLACE:
The Sumter Item
Melanie Smith
Classifieds B7
Comics B6
Lotteries A10
Opinion A8
Television A9
2 SECTIONS, 18 PAGES
VOL. 120, NO. 211
INSIDE
Fredrick Boatright
Sarah B. Canty
Ruth G. Hopson
Richard E. Ballard
Jacob Myers III
Major Richardson
William Gayle Jr.
Isaiah Simon
Jus’tiss Q. Washington
Minerva Jones
Roderick Walker
DEATHS,B5 WEATHER,A10
STAY INSIDE
Very hot again today;
clear and warm tonight
HIGH 102, LOW 76
VISIT US ONLINE AT
the .com
Resident with bill problems, health care needs finds help
Sumter United Ministries is dedicat-
ed to helping people, and when a man
came in with an electric bill final no-
tice, the ministry wanted to do just
that. And when it saw how small the
amount due was, it was an easy an-
swer.
After the ministry helped him, it
started a long, prosperous relationship
between them. Sumter United Minis-
tries was able to help
him beyond just the
initial electric bill.
The man is a dis-
abled senior without a
car who was strug-
gling to get around
town. He also had a budget of less
than $800 per month, according to the
church. He had a food stipend of $50
per month, and Sumter United Minis-
tries was able to give him food so he
didn’t have to spend his money.
The ministry counseled him and
helped him reduce his monthly ex-
penses even more so he could have
extra money in his pocket — money
he needed for medical expenses.
Sumter United Ministries was able
to provide some of the supplies he
needed, free of charge to him. Al-
though he only asked for help with a
small electric bill, Sumter United Min-
istries was able to help him with al-
most every aspect of his life, for which
he said he’s grateful.
“Everybody was very nice and
pleasant,” the man, who does not want
to be identified, said. “It was wonder-
ful.”
The Crisis Relief Ministry, which
helped the man with his bills, assisted
13 families from May 25 to May 28,
spending $2,504.24. It also assisted 16
families with food for a total of $695.
The man said he is very thankful
for the people at Sumter United
BY COLLYN TAYLOR
intern@theitem.com
SEE CARING, PAGE A7
The Confederate flag flies near the South Carolina Statehouse on Friday in Columbia. Tensions about the Confeder-
ate flag flying in the shadow of South Carolina’s Capitol rose last week after the killings of nine people at a black
church in Charleston.“We are not going to allow this symbol to divide us any longer,”Gov. Nikki Haley said Monday.
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
THE CONTROVERSY
Read a guest opinion column and
letters from the public about the
possibility of removing it from the
Statehouse grounds. A8
Read Gov. Nikki Haley’s speech in full
online at www.theitem.com.
Lawmakers return money from white
supremacist. A2
Governor says
time has come
to remove flag
from grounds
TUESDAY, JUNE 23, 2015 | Serving South Carolina since October 15, 1894 75 cents
IN SPORTS: P-15’s host Jets in Legion action B1
Attacked in places most sacred,
congregations struggle forward
The blast, powered by at least
40 sticks of dynamite, ripped
into the stillness before dawn.
A few more hours and Sun-
day school classrooms at The
Temple on Atlanta’s Peachtree
Street would have been filled
with 600 children. The syna-
gogue was spared blood, but the
explosion on that morning in
1958 rocked a Jewish congrega-
tion whose backing of the civil
rights movement had long sown
fears of retaliation.
But congregants, however
shaken, found their first bit of
solace when the rabbi posted
the title of his next sermon on a
signboard streetside: “And
none shall make them afraid,”
it read.
As members of a historic
black church in Charleston
begin searching for a path for-
ward after the massacre of
their pastor and eight others,
history provides far too many
examples for them to follow —
from Atlanta to Birmingham
and points beyond — where
hate turned our most sacred in-
stitutions into crime scenes.
Recovery is not a choice for
these places and their people.
But those who’ve done the hard
work of rebuilding shattered
congregations recall it as a
wrenching experience, even as
it inspired a deepened search
for affirmation.
“Even until this day ... we
still have armed security at the
door,” says Pardeek Kaleka,
whose father was one of six
people killed by a gunman who
burst into a Sikh temple in Oak
Creek, Wisconsin, in 2012. “I
don’t think there’s ever going to
be closure, but we’re healing.”
That search for healing, de-
spite its pain, can serve to
unite, Kaleka and others say.
BY ADAM GELLER
AP NationalWriter
SEE FAITH, PAGE A7
‘A moment of unity’
CHARLESTON (AP) —
South Carolina’s governor de-
clared Monday the Confeder-
ate flag should be removed
from the Statehouse grounds,
reflecting what she described
as a new consensus that the
slaying of nine black church-
goers has changed
what the banner
stands for.
Gov. Nikki Hal-
ey’s about-face
comes just days
after authorities
charged Dylann
Storm Roof, 21,
with murder. The white man
appeared in photos waving
or desecrating U.S. flags and
purportedly wrote of foment-
ing racial violence. Survivors
told police he hurled racial in-
sults during the attack.
site is happening,” she said,
flanked by Democrats and Re-
publicans, blacks and whites
who joined her call.
“My hope is that by remov-
ing a symbol that divides us,
we can move our state forward
in harmony, and we can honor
the nine blessed souls who are
now in Heaven,” Haley said.
The massacre inside Eman-
uel African Methodist Episco-
pal Church has suddenly made
removing the flag — long
thought politically impossible
in South Carolina — the go-to
position, even for politicians
who have counted on the votes
of disaffected white people in
Republican primaries.
Haley was flanked by U.S.
Sen. Lindsey Graham, now
SEE FLAG, PAGE A5
HALEY

SECOND PLACE:
Index-Journal
Aron Agerton
VOL. 97, NO. 121
www.indexjournal.com
2 SECTIONS, 16 PAGES TUESDAY, JUNE 23, 2015 DAILY 75¢, SUNDAY $1.50
TODAY: It’’s not
the heat, it’s the
humidity. High
of 98.
FORECAST, 8A
weekends).
■ ABBY 5A
■ BUSINESS 8A
■ CALENDAR 2A
■ COMICS 5B
■ EDITORIALS 6A
■ LOTTERY 5A
■ MARKETS 8B
■ OBITUARIES 4A
■ SPORTS 1B-3B
Index-Journal is
Chamber readying for possible capital sales tax vote
In anticipation of a possible push
to place capital projects sales tax
projects on the 2016 referendum, the
Greenwood Chamber of Commerce
leadership has been hosting a num-
ber of listening sessions.
The leadership met with residents
and business owners Monday night
at the Arts Center to discuss possible
projects that could be supported by
the 1-percent tax that would be lim-
ited to eight years.
Jerry Timmons, chairman of the
advocacy committee for the cham-
ber, said the tax is anticipated to raise
about $10 million a year and can be
used for brick-and-mortar projects.
The tax, which would need to be
approved by Greenwood County
Council, cannot be used for opera-
tional costs, but could include new
buildings, road improvement, water
and sewer projects, and drainage
projects among others.
Timmons said reports show that
40 percent of the tax would be paid
by out-of-town individuals. The total
amount would have to be earmarked
for specific projects before hitting the
referendum.
The referendum would include the
specific projects that would be vet-
ted and prioritized by a six-member
commission appointed by council.
Anne Drake of Drake, Drake
Associates shared interest in restor-
ing the recreation center on Seaboard
Avenue that has fallen in disrepair.
Drake also shared interest in devel-
oping public transportation.
“If you don’t have a car, it’s very
hard to have a job,” Drake said at the
meeting.
Timmons said partnerships would
have to be formed in order to estab-
lish other funding sources for rev-
enue, however, the sales tax could be
used for buildings and the purchase
of new buses.
“We feel confident the county’s
not going to put something together
that’s not sustainable,” Timmons said.
A new animal shelter, which has
been a topic for discussion among
County Council, was also mentioned.
That price tag will not be determined
until after a design is created, which
is underway, and bid.
The Greenwood Civic Center lot,
off Highway 72/221, which is in the
By COLIN RIDDLE
‘FORWARD
IN HARMONY’
The murderer now locked up in Charleston
said he hoped his actions would start a race
war. We have an opportunity to show that not
only was he wrong, but that just the opposite is
happening.
— NIKKI HALEY
Governor of South Carolina
on the events in Charleston
Gov. Haley:
Removing flag
will defy hatred
CHARLESTON — South Car-
olina’s governor declared Monday
that the Confederate flag should
be removed from the Statehouse
grounds as she acknowledged
that its use as a symbol of hatred
by the man accused of killing
nine black church members has
made it too divisive to display in
such a public space.
Gov. Nikki Haley’s about-face
comes just days after authorities
charged Dylann Storm Roof,
21, with murder. The white
man appeared in photos waving
or desecrating U.S. flags, and
purportedly wrote of fomenting
racial violence. Survivors told
police he hurled racial insults
during the attack.
site is happening,” Haley said,
Associated Press
See HALEY, page 3A
Standing in solidarity, a
handful of state lawmakers,
Gov. Nikki Haley and U.S.
Sens. Lindsey Graham and
Tim Scott called Monday for
the Confederate flag locat-
ed as part of a Confederate
soldiers memorial in front
of the Statehouse to come
down.
Toting her title as the state’s
first minority governor, Haley
spoke on the group’s behalf
and called for the state Leg-
islature to discuss the issue
this summer. Graham, who is
seeking a presidential bid, and
Scott did not speak during the
press conference at the State-
house.
After national attention
focused sights on the flag
after a Confederate-sympa-
thizer out to ignite a race war
shot and killed nine people
at a historically black church
in Charleston, petitions
started circulating online
and a host of lawmakers and
South Carolina residents
started calling for the flag to
be taken down.
“I’ve always felt that eth-
nic divides need to be taken
away,” state Sen. Floyd Nich-
olson, D-Greenwood, said.
“We need to work on chang-
ing the evil and hatred that
people have in their hearts.”
Nicholson added that
the the state has been been
cloaked in love and unity
By COLIN RIDDLE
Leadership endorses
bringing down
Confederate flag
Moreinside
■ See 3A for more on the
events in Charleston and how
they are shaping the future
of South Carolina and the
nation.
■ See 6A for Our View on
bringing down the flag.
■ Visit IndexJournal.com to
particpate in our online poll.
See LEADERSHIP, page 3A
ABOVE: Protesters stand around a flying Confederate flag during a rally to take down the flag Saturday at the South Carolina Statehouse in Columbia. TOP: South Carolina Gov.
Nikki Haley speaks during a news conference in the South Carolina State House, Monday in Columbia. Haley said that the Confederate flag should come down from the grounds of
the state capitol, reversing her position on the divisive symbol amid growing calls for it to be removed.
See TAX, page 4A

FIRST PLACE:
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CONTACT US
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AREA DEATHS
WEATHER
STAFFTT PHOTOS BY DEDE BILES
Cathy Bland holds one of the cabbages grown at Seigler’s Farm Gate Produce on Anderson Pond Road.
Diggingin
Dealingwithstress
Family, friends say
goodbye to Kyrie
BY DERREK ASBERRYRR
From working road construction 80
hours a week during summers as an
undergrad at USC Columbia, to creating
Enterprise SRS and helping the Savan-
nah River Site grow out of a closure
mentality, Dave Moody has always
prided himself in being a hands-on in-
dividual.
Moody announced in November that
he plans to retire this month after four
years with SRS and 36 years with the
Department of Energy. Moody still
plans to engage in the site and watch it
grow into the “springboard for how we
recover our nuclear industry.”
The road to DOE
Moody grew up in Florence, South Caro-
lina, doing carpentry with his grandfather
and plumbing with his father. After graduat-t
ing high school in 1967, he attended USC
Florence for a year before marrying his wife,
Pat, in 1968. The newlyweds moved to USC
Columbia to campus housing, a location that
is now a parking garage.
Moody sees bright future for SRS
Former Site manager reflects on his career
MoodyPlease see MOODY,Page 8A
Arttherapy,yogacanhelprelievestress||1C
Localfavoriteto
closeitsdoors|3A
Seigler’s Farm Gate Produce part
of the farm-to-table movement
At top, Carly Bland, left, and her brother, Scott Seigler, run Seigler’s Farm
GateProduceonAndersonPondRoad.Theirfather,WymanSeigler,middle,
ownsthelandonwhichthefarmsits.Theyofferavarietyoffreshproduce.
BY DEDE BILES
Two siblings are embracing the popular farm-to-
table movement by raising vegetables on their father’s
land and selling them at a stand on the same property.
Cathy Bland and Scott Seigler opened their Sei-
gler’s Farm Gate Produce in April on Anderson Pond
Road, and they couldn’t be happier with the response
to their venture in agriculture.
Customers have been eager to buy their many fresh
offerings, including squash, zucchini, red potatoes,
bell peppers and huge cabbages.
“We are networking with other farmers, so we’ve
had peaches from Ridge Spring and asparagus and
strawberries from Monetta,” Bland said. “I thought I
was going to be reading a lot of books, but it’s been
so busy. Sometimes we have eight or nine cars here at
one time.”
“It’s gone 100 times better than I thought it would.
I didn’t realize that people have taken such an inter-
est in knowing where their food comes from,” her
brother added.
Wyman Seigler is proud of his children.
Please see FARM,Page 5A
STAFF PHTT OTO BY ROB NOVIT
Pallbearers carry the small casket of Kyrie Henry, 4, following his fu-
neral at New Beginnings Ministry on Sunday. The service brought
hundreds of family members and others from throughout the area.
BY ROB NOVIT
rnovit@aikenstandard.com
Hundredsoffamilymembers,friends
andcommunityresidentsattendedthe
funeralofatinyboyonSunday–asweet,
funny4-year-oldnamedKyrieHenry.
AGreendaleElementarySchoolstu-
dent,Kyriewaskilledinaschoolbus
accidentonWednesday.Eventhosewho
hadnevermetKyriehadseenfamilypic-
turesandheardfrommanypeopleabout
hisvividsmileandgigglinglaugh.He
lovedhugs,eagertogiveaswellasreceive
them.
“Heopeneddoorstousfromour
hearts,”saidanaunt,CarolWilliams.
AttheserviceatNewBeginnings
Ministries,BishopHezikiahPressleyJr.
presentedtheeulogy.MinistersBessie
GrahamandCrystalGraham-Bakerpro-
videdsolos.
ThesonofLisaTaylor-HenryandDar-rr
renHenry,Kyriewasknownthroughout
Greendale.Histeacher,BeccaWhiteand
hisspeechtherapist,DanaStevens,spoke
emotionallyabouttheirloveforKyrieand
theimpacthehadontheirlives.Theyde-
scribedhisjoyfulspiritandsaidthat“his
memoryalwayswillbewithus.”
TheservicewasattendedbySchool
DistrictSuperintendentDr.BethEveritt,
SchoolBoardmemberLeviGreenand
threeAikenCountylegislators–Sen.
TomYoungandReps.DonWellsandBill
Hixon.
“Therehasbeenatremendousoutpour-rr
ingofsupportfromthecommunity,”
Greensaid.Hecitedthesupportas well
from Greendale Principal Sonya Col-
vin and her faculty and staff.
STAFF PHTT OTO BY ROB NOVIT
LisaHenry,center,leavesNewBegin-
ning Ministries on Sunday following
the service for her son, Kyrie, 4.
Areafamilyplantingroots
infarmingenterprise
MONDAY, June 1, 2015

THIRD PLACE:
The Island Packet
Sandra Ross

SECOND PLACE:
The Herald
Kate Sievers
+
ROCK HILL, S.C. 75 CENTSheraldonline.comTHURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2015
FRIENDSHIP NINE
SPECIAL EDITION
Today’s
weather
Partly cloudy.
Forecast on 6B
Index
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TV / Movies......2D Advice/puzzles.2D
Vol. 144, No.29
52°⁄ 36°
Local deaths
Ollie S. Blackwell
Velma Colley
Joe Daves Jr.
Jack B. DeVinney Sr.
Ted K. Greer
Wilma Hayes
Mildred S. Lane
John L. Massey
Mattie C. McDaniel
Elizabeth G. McWaters
Vernie Merritt
Jeanette Pomnitz
James Vick
Details on 2B
dealsaver.com/rockhill824 N. Main Street
Clover, SC 29710
(803) 610-0022
at
Pop Pop’s Pizza!
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POP POP’S PIZZA
I
t seemed the world stopped to
watch Wednesday as Rock
Hill and South Carolina took a
few minutes to right a wrong that
had festered on a dusty old court
record for more than a half-cen-
tury.
In 1961, nine black Friendship
Junior College students and a
civil rights organizer sat down at
a whites-only lunch counter to
protest racial segregation. They
were literally carried off to jail
and convicted of trespassing.
In time, the actions of the
Friendship Nine would be recog-
nized as heroic.
But for 54 years, the state of
South Carolina still called them
criminals.
That changed on Wednesday,
when a judge vacated their con-
victions and a prosecutor apol-
ogized on behalf of an entire
state for the injustice that had
been visited upon them.
Finally, justice
- TRACY KIMBALL
Clarence Graham of the Friendship Nine becomes emotional Wednesday after the civil rights protesters’ 1961 convictions were vacated by Circuit Court Judge John Hayes.
AFTER 54 YEARS, FRIENDSHIP NINE CONVICTIONS VACATED
- ROB UPTON
The surviving members of the Friendship Nine and other civil rights protesters whose
1961 convictions for trespassing were vacated Wednesday by a judge. From left, David
Williamson Jr., Kenn Gaither (standing in for his father, Thomas Gaither), Mack Work-
man, Willie McCleod, John Gaines, Clarence Graham, W.T. Massey, Charles Jones,
Charles Sherrod and James Wells (seated).
Convictions vacated
The surviving members of the Friendship
Nine waited 54 years to hear the word
“dismissed,” and it was the nephew of the
judge who sent them to jail who spoke it.
Page 6A
Andrew Dys
The Friendship Nine finally get justice, and
we are all better for it. Even with the nation-
al and international spotlight shining on
them, these men remind us what humility
and service are all about. Page 6A
A quiet reunion
As a media frenzy raged in the background
Wednesday, the white lawyer who helped
prosecute the Friendship Nine in 1961 quietly
shook hands with the black attorney who
defended them. Page 4A
Were we too timid?
Today’s editorial takes a look back at how
our predecessor, The Evening Herald, might
have pulled its punches when opining about
civil rights protesters and segregation. Or
did we? Page 5A
Much more online
Go to heraldonline.com to see more of the
historic day in videos and photograph galleries,
read our previous Friendship Nine coverage
and watch a 50th anniversary documentary.

FIRST PLACE:
Morning News
Mandy Buff

THIRD PLACE:
The Greenville News
Jeff Ruble
$1.00
Daily
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INSIDE High 93
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Circulation hotline
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© Copyright 2015
A Gannett Newspaper
32 pages
COLUMBIA
A
n honor guard of state troopers Friday morning solemnly lowered the Confederate battle flag into South
Carolina history, officially retiring the Statehouse banner some saw as a symbol of hate and oppression
and others saw as a symbol of valor and heritage. ❖ The less than10-minute ceremony included no speech-
es and was witnessed by a crowd of thousands, many of whom chanted “USA, USA” as the flag was low-
ered. ❖ The honor guard silently marched to the iron fence surrounding the 30-foot flagpole behind the Confederate
Soldier’s Monument. Troopers lowered the flag, then folded and furled the banner before passing it to one of two
African-American troopers. The honor guard then marched to the base of the Statehouse steps where the flag was
turned over to a state curator. ❖ The flag is to end up at the Confederate Relic Room in the State Museum, less than a
mile from the Statehouse, for eventual public display.
9 V I C T I M S A L T E R E D H I S T O R Y
FLAG LOWERED;
HEALING BEGINS
In 10 minutes and without a spoken word, honor guard removes
Confederate banner from Statehouse grounds after 54 years
Members of the S.C. Highway Patrol Honor Guard lower the Confederate battle flag at the Confederate Soldier’s Monument at the Statehouse on Friday.
Focused on mission
Honor guard members humbled
by historic experience, Page 5A
Witnessing history
The crowd came from every corner
of the state and beyond, Page 5A
Bans lifted
Flag lowering ends NCAA, ACC bans
on events hosted in state, Page 1C
TIM SMITH STAFF WRITER, TCSMITH@GREENVILLENEWS.COM
See FLAG, Page 4A
SATURDAY, JULY 11, 2015 | GREENVILLEONLINE.COM

SECOND PLACE:
The State
Meredith Sheffer
T
formerstateleadersmadenospeeches,butstood silently,watchingthehistorythey madeinanswerto
STORY PAGE A4
SC turns page
in history book
VOICES IN THE CROWD
Page A4
Page A5
PHOTO PAGES
the last time
Pages 6-7
Index: Business, B6
Weather, C8

Sunday, June 21, 2015
N
S
TO COME TOGETHER
There are a number of events in the Charleston area to help
a city in mourning grieve and honor those who lost their lives.
For a list of prayer services, vigils and more, see Page A5.
TO HELP THE FAMILIES
For details on how to contribute to funds
to benefit those who lost loved ones at
Emanuel AME Church, see Page A5.
INSIDE
A look at the lives of the nine victims,
and a poem by Marjory Wentworth,
South Carolina’s poet laureate.
Cynthia Hurd
54, a library manager whose life was dedicated to books, children and church
Susie Jackson
87, a mother ﬁgure to generations in her family and a renowned cook of collard greens
Ethel Lance
70, a church custodian who found strength in a gospel song to overcome life’s challenges
DePayne Middleton Doctor
49, a minister whose angelic voice could heal troubled hearts
Clementa Pinckney
41, a pastor and state senator who lent his booming voice to the voiceless
Tywanza Sanders
26, a barber, poet and aspiring entrepreneur ready to take the world by storm
Daniel L. Simmons Sr.
74, a minister who served as a model of endurance and service to God
Sharonda Singleton
45, a pastor and coach who became her runners’ biggest cheerleader, on and off the track
Myra Thompson
59, a builder of faith who worked to restore her beloved church’s properties to their full glory
IN REMEMBRANCE

FEATURE PAGE DESIGN PORTFOLIO
THIRD PLACE:
TheTimesandDemocrat
Kristin Coker
SUNDAY
MAGAZINESUNDAY, MARCH 22, 2015 / C1
THE TIMES AND DEMOCRAT | WWW.THETANDD.COM
KRISTINCOKER/TDILLUSTRATION
GENE ZALESKI
TD Staff Writer
Withspringandwarmer
temperaturesfinallyhere,the
greatoutdoorsoffersmyriad
opportunitiestoexplorena-
ture,especiallytheavianworld.
Whetherit’sjustaca-
sualstrollthroughone’sown
backyardoravisittoawildlife
sanctuary,TheTDRegionis
anidealplaceforbothamateur
andseasonedbirdwatchersto
viewahugevarietyofbirds.
Orangeburg
County birding
BirdhavensaboundinOr-
angeburgCountyincluding
EdistoMemorialGardens,
SanteeStateParkandSan-
teeNationalWildlifeRefuge,
saysMattJohnson,education
managerandbirdexpertatthe
FrancisBeidlerForestAudu-
bonCenter.
“Thegreatthingaboutbirds
andbird-watchingisthatyou
don’thavetogoveryfarfrom
hometoseeandlearnabout
birds,”hesaid.“Thereare
manykindsofbirdsthatlive
theirentirelivesrightinour
backyards.”
Johnsonadded,“Manypeo-
plehavecreatedtheirownbird
sanctuarybyplantingnative
plantsandprovidingbirdfood
andwaterintheiryard.”
SanteeStateParkislocated
onthesouthsideofLakeMar-
ionoffofS.C.Highway6on
StateParkRoad.
Johnsonsaidthetypesof
birdsonecanseeintheareaare
numerousthistimeofyear.
Theseincludespeciesof
raptors(hawks,falconsand
eagles),wadingbirdssuchas
thegreatblueheronandsong-
birdslikewrens,warblersand
sparrows.Warblerscanin-
cludetheCapeMaywarbler,
black-throatedbluewarbler,
yellow-throatedwarbler,pine
warblerandblackpollwarbler
(spring),reportstheNational
AudubonSociety’sChristmas
BirdCount,thenation’slon-
gest-runningcitizenscience
birdproject.
“AswemoveintolateMarch
andApril,manytypesofbirds
willbegintomigratethrough
ourareaaswell,addingtothis
diversity,”Johnsonsaid.Santee
NationalWildlifeRefugeislo-
catedalongthenorthshoreof
LakeMariononbothsidesof
Interstate95.
Manyraresightingsofbirds
haveoccurredatSanteeNWR
overtheyears,includingwhite-
tailedkite,goldeneagle,yel-
lowrail,vermilionflycatcher,
warblingvireo,Philadelphia
vireoandLeConte’ssparrow,
accordingtotheCarolinaBird
Club,anon-profitorganiza-
tionthatrepresentsandsup-
portsthebirdingcommunityin
theCarolinas.
Johnsonsaidcertaintimes
ofthedayarebetterforbird-
watchingthanothers.
“Duringthefirstfewhours
ofdaylightisthebesttime
becausethisiswhenbirdsare
mostactive,”hesaid.“However,
birdscanbeseenthroughout
theday,andthelasthourbefore
darkcanbeespeciallygood.”
TheOrangeburgSodfarms
isanothergoodlocationtosee
birds,theCBCstates.Thesod
farmsarelocatedoffU.S.301
onSupersodBoulevardandon
BethelForestRoadoffofBig
BuckBoulevard.
Manyrarebirdshavebeen
foundhere,includingsandhill
crane,sharp-tailedsandpiper,
Sprague’spipit,LeConte’s
sparrowandyellow-headed
blackbird,tonameafew.
BIRDERS’PARADISE
TD Region in springtime filled with sights, sounds of avian world
Special to The TD
Thesunhasnotyetcomeup
overthehorizon.Thegrayof
nightstilllingers,andpuddles
ofdewarestillontheleaves
andground.
Despitetheearlyhour,a
numberofresidentsofThe
OaksinOrangeburgarestir-
ring,eagerlyanticipatingthe
comingday.Theirbeautiful
songsbreakthemorningsi-
lence.Theywingfrombranch
tobranch,rustlingtheleavesas
theygo.ThebirdsofTheOaks
aregreetingthenewday.
Situatedonmorethan660
acresofwoods,meadows,
pondsandlakes,TheOaksisa
perfecthabitatforawiderange
ofbirds.LocatedonRoute21,
notfarfromtheOrangeburg
sodfarms,TheOaksandthe
surroundingareahavebeen
calledoneofthehottestbird-
inglocationsinSouthCarolina
byDr.BillHiltonJr.,anoted
educator-naturalist,writer,
scientistandenvironmental-
ist.BasednearYork,Hilton
foundedtheHiltonPondCen-
terforPiedmontNaturalHis-
toryasanon-profitresearch,
educationandconservationor-
ganizationonhisfamilyprop-
ertyin1982.
Hewritesonhiswebsite
thatbetweenlateAugustand
earlyOctober,theareaattracts
shorebirdsastheymigrate.
Bigflocksofsandpipersand
ploversarepossibleaswell
asLesserGoldenpulversand
White-rumped,Buff-breasted,
orUplandsandpipers,Hil-
tonwrites.Theremayalsobe
breedingpopulationsofhorned
larksandkilldeer,hereports.
ThelateRobinM.Carter,au-
thorof“FindingBirdsInSouth
Carolina”(USCPress),remem-
beredthatononeJulyday“we
probablyhad1,000Pectoral
Sandpipersatthesodfarms,
anincrediblegatheringofthis
speciesforthestate.”
VeraWalling,awellness
specialistinTheOaksFitness
andWellnessdepartment,
isanavidphotographerand
birdwatcher.
The Oaks is real ‘tweet’ for birders
NIGHT HAWK
PAINTED BUNTING
NORTHERN CARDINAL
HUMMINGBIRD
See Paradise, C6
See Tweet, C6
SUNDAY
MAGAZINESUNDAY, AUGUST 9, 2015 / C1
Caleb Miller
Caleb,6,willbeattendingfirstgradeatOrangeburgPreparatorySchoolthisyear.
Hesaidhelikestoplay,butisalsolookingforwardtooneotherthinguponhisre-
turntoschool.
“Anewteacher,”Calebsaid,notingthatmathishisfavoritesubject.
He’sstillnotsure,however,whathewantstobewhenhegrowsup.
“Idon’tknow;Ijustliketoplay,”hesaid.
George Albergotti
George,6,isallsettobeginfirstgradeatOrangeburgPreparatorySchool.
Hehashisownsetofhighhopeswhenhereturnstotheclassroombecause
hehastoprepareforhisworkinspace.
“Ilikescience.Idomyhomework.Iwanttobeanastronaut,”
Georgesaid.
Hesaidhealsowantstomakesomenewpalswhileinschoolbe-
causehelikestohavefun.
Raleigh Wright
Raleigh,6,likesmathanddoeshersciencehomework,but
shesaidshewillalsoenjoyjustbeingakidwhileatschool.
“Ilikegoingontheplayground,”shesaid,notingthatshe
isn’tparticularlylookingforwardtoanythingelsewhenshe
beginsfirstgradeatOrangeburgPreparatorySchool.
“Idomyhomework,though,atschoolandthenwhenI
gethome,Idomyhomeworkthere,”shesaid.
Sheisplanningforafutureinsales.
“IwanttoworkatWal-Mart,”Raleighsaid,smiling.
Ansley Newsome
Ansley,7,isafriendlychildwhoislookingforward
toseeingalotofnewfaceswhenshebeginssecond
gradeatOrangeburgPreparatorySchool.
Anold,familiarface,however,willbethatofher
twinsister,Morgan.
“Ilookforwardtomeetingmynewteacherand
makingnewfriends,”saidAnsley,whoisstilldecid-
ingwhatshewantstobewhenshegrowsup.
“Idon’tknowyet,butIlikewriting,mathandsci-
ence,”shesaid.
Morgan Newsome
StartingsecondgradeatOrangeburgPreparatory
SchoolwilllikelynotbeachallengeforMorgan,7,be-
causeshelikestakingonnewones.
“Ilikescienceandmath.Wealwaysdoprojectsatmy
house,andIreallyenjoyit,”Morgansaid.
Shesaidshealsolooksforwardtoplayingand“meeting
mynewteacher.”
J.B. Belk
J.B.,9,willbeafourthgraderatHeathwoodHallinColumbia
thisyear.
“Iamgoingtolikemeetingmynewteacher.It’slikeanewfeeling
whenyougobacktoschoolbecauseyoudon’tknowhowtointeractor
figurethingsout,”Belksaid.
Hewillhavenoproblemfiguringoutsocialstudies,though.
“Ilikesocialstudies.It’sjustcooltolearnaboutpeopleinthepast
andhowtheymadethisearthtoday,”saidJ.B.,whoalsoplanstohave
alittlefun.
“Ijustlikehavingnoworries,really.Ilikespendingtimewithmy
friendsandstuff.Iwanttobeabasketballplayeroneday,”hesaid.
Patrick Belk
Patrick,7,willbeasecondgraderatHeathwoodHallinColumbia
duringtheupcomingschoolyear.
“Iwanttomeetnewfriendsandmeetmyteachers,”
hesaid.
Patricksaidhewantstobean“all-starbaseball
player”andhavealittlefuninschool,buthealsoreal-
izesthathehastoworkonhismath.
“Ijustliketoplay,butIlikestrategiesbecausetheyhelp
youdomath,”hesaid.
Layne Oswald
Pre-kindergartenwasfunforLayne,5,butsheislookingforward
tobeginninganewchapterinkindergartenatOrangeburgPrepara-
torySchool.
Oswaldsaidshestilldoesn’treallyknowwhattoexpectoutsideofhavingfun
withherfriend,June.
“Idon’tknow.IlikeplayingwithJune,”shesaid.
Shesaidsheenjoystheschoolworkthatsheandherclassmateshavealready
hadtomastertoprepareforkindergarten.
“Wehavetodolettersandthenwehavetocolorourpictureofit,”saidOswald,
addingthatshewantstomeethernewteacherandmakenewfriends.
eturningtoschoolaftersummervacationcanevokefeel-
ingsofbothfearandexcitementinchildrenastheyanx-
iouslyanticipatethenewacademicyear.
Meetingnewteachers,learningmultiplicationtablesand
earningaspotonthehonorrollarewhatsomeofthestu-
dentsarefocusedonastheyreturntotheclassroom.Here’swhata
fewofthemhadtosay:
Kids ready to hit the books,
have fun as they return to class
Ansley Newsome
Caleb Miller
George Albergotti
J.B. Belk
Layne Oswald
Morgan Newsome
Patrick Belk
Raleigh Wright
BACK
BASICS
DIONNE GLEATON
TD Staff Writer
See School, C2
SUNDAY MAGAZINESUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2015 / C1
DIONNE GLEATON
TD Staff Writer
Asimplebearpattern.A
sewingmachine.Animagi-
native7-year-old.
Thethreadofcommonal-
itybetweenallthreeisthe
lovethathaspouredfromthe
heartoflittleAlexisStou-
demireintoherprojectaimed
atbringingsmilesandcom-
forttohurtingchildren.
Alexis,affectionately
knownas“Lex,”enjoysthe
sewingmachineshereceived
asaChristmasgiftattheage
of6.Shecarefullystitches
abearpattern,whichwill
eventuallybepackedwith
polyfillstuffing,paintedwith
asmiling,cheeryfaceand
givenanultimate“hugtest.”
Aftergivingherfirstbear
toheryoungersister,Cai-
lyn,tohaveasacompanion,
Alexisbegantothinkabout
otherchildrenwhomayneed
afriend.ThisishowtheLex
BearProjectbeganinJuly.
“Theideajustsortof
poppedintomyheadone
night.Itwaslikesomeweird
thingthatpopsupinyour
head,”Alexissaid.
Theprojectisafamilyaf-
fair,shesaid.
“Well,Dadcutsthebears,
MomhelpsstuffandCailyn
doesthehugtesttomake
surethere’senoughstuffing
inthem.Wejustthoughtit
wouldbekindofniceforkids
becausetheymightbekind
ofscared,”Alexissaid.
ChuckandErinStou-
demireofCalhounCounty
saidtheyareproudoftheir
daughter,whoturneda
simplesewingprojectintoa
full-blowninitiativethrough
which50bearshaveal-
readybeendonatedtothe
CharlestonCountySheriff’s
Department.
“Theideawasbroughtto
usbytheladythatgaveher
thesewingmachine,Judie
Travis,whoisoursew-
ingmentor.Shesaid,‘Ihave
somebodyinmysewing
guildthatusesthesebearsfor
officerstohandouttokids
whoarebeingremovedfrom
theirhomes,orwhoareincar
accidents,fires,oranytimea
kid’sscared,’”Erinsaid.
WhileAlexishadinitially
wantedtodonateherhome-
madebearstosickchildrenin
thehospital,stateDepart-
mentofHealthandEnviron-
mentalControlregulations
madeherfirstplantoocum-
bersome,hermothersaid.
Travis’idea,however,took
offafterAlexisdecidedthe
bearscouldservethesame
purposeinthehandsofpo-
liceofficers.
“WeaskedLexifthat’s
whatshewouldliketodo,
andshesaid,‘Sure,let’shelp
somekids.’So,wegot50of
themdowntoCharleston
County,whereshegotto
meetthesheriff,”Erinsaid.
“Another20bearshavebeen
senttotheSt.MatthewsPo-
liceDepartment.”
“Thirty were also sent
to the police department
in Kimberly, Idaho,” she
added.“I have family in
Idaho, and my cousin works
for that police depart-
ment. She has donated over
100 bears.”
Erinsaidshesometimes
getsmoreexcitedabout
herdaughter’seffortsthan
Alexisdoes.
“RightafterIfoundoutthe
bearshadarrivedinIdaho,
thatwasthepointwhereshe
haddonated100bears.Isaid,
‘Lexi,youhavedonated100
bears!’Shegoes,‘There’sstill
alotofkidsthatneedhelp,
Mom.’Iwasjusthumbled,”
shesaid.
Thefamilyisalsoplan-
ningtodonatebearstothe
OrangeburgCountySher-
iff’sOfficeVictims’Ser-
vicesUnit.
“Rightnow,thebearsare
justgoingtopoliceofficers.
Itisnochargetothematall,”
Erinsaid.“Lexwantskidsto
knowthatthere’ssomebody
outtherewhocares.”
Alexis,whoishome-
schooled,isameticulous
workerwhohasfoundtime
inherscheduletobrighten
thelivesofothers.
“Sewingtakesabout
maybe50secondstoamin-
ute.Stuffingmaytakemaybe
one,twoorthreeminutes.
You’vefirstgottoturnit,
though,whichtakeslike50
secondstoaminute,”said
Alexis,notingthathermom
assistsherwithsewingthe
bears’heads.
“Thatpart’salittlecom-
plicated,butshecandoevery
otherstepoftheprocess.The
facesaredrawnonbyher.
They’reallsewnbyher.She
canstuffthem.Allofit’sher,”
Erinsaid.
“Thefacetakesnotimeat
all,”saidAlexis,whohasher
ownwebsiteatwww.lexbear.
organdFacebookpageat
facebook.com/lexbearpro-
jecttoletothersknowabout
herproject.Shecanalsobe
reachedbyemailatlexi@lex-
bear.org.
“IhaveaFacebookpage
wherepeoplecangoonand
likestuff.Theycouldtellus
aboutdonationsandwhat
theygot,andwecouldtell
themwhat’sgoingonand
stuff,”Alexissaid.
Calhoun County girl brings comfort
to hurting kids with stuffed bear project
PHOTOS BY LARRY HARDY/TD
Alexis Stoudemire demonstrates how she makes the comfort bears for her Lex Bear Project.
The Stoudemire family pose inside the kitchen/workshop of their Calhoun County Home.
Pictured from left, Erin, Alexis, Chuck, and Cailyn.
BEARYBIG HEART
Alexis wants children
who are going through
a traumatic experience
to ﬁnd comfort in one
of her hand-made
bears.
LEFT: Alexis is hard at work sewing her bears
together. RIGHT: Alexis Stoudemire stretches to
reach the peddle of her sewing machine while
making one of her bears.
See Bears, C5
“Well, Dad cuts
the bears, Mom
helps stuff and
Cailyn does
the hug test to
make sure there’s
enough stuffing
in them. We just
thought it would
be kind of nice
for kids because
they might be
kind of scared.”
ALEXIS STOUDEMIRE

SECOND PLACE:
Aiken Standard
Kyle Semones
LivingontheGoAIKENSTANDARD.COMC THURSDAY, April 9, 2015 CONTACT: Karen Klock, kklock@aikenstandard.com
Inside
TV schedule, 2C
Comics, 3C
Abby, 4C
Weather, 6C
Week ending April 7, 2015
#1 Album
Furious 7 (Soundtrack)
Various Artists
Top tracks
1
2
3
4
5 Trap Queen
Fetty Wap
GDFR
Flo Rida
Tribune News ServiceSource: iTunes
See You Again
Wiz Khalifa
Uptown Funk
Mark Ronson
Love Me Like You Do
Ellie Goulding
AT A GLANCE
Calligraphy
SUBMITTED PHOTO
Foraround20years,calligraphyteacherNatashaLawrencehastaughtpeoplehowtousecalligraphyfortheirweddinginvitations,greet-
ing cards and more. Lawrence will be holding a workshop at Hobby Lobby on Saturday.
BY STEPHANIE TURNER
sturner@aikenstandard.com
Just as most anyone can type on a key-
board, most anyone can write in the antique
style of calligraphy.
Natasha Lawrence of Moncks Corner’s
South Carolina Calligraphy will teach “In-
troduction to Calligraphy: Beautiful Writing
for Any Occasion” from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday
at Hobby Lobby, 2530 Whiskey Road. No
experience is needed, and the class is for
ages 15 and older and costs $25 per person
plus cost of pens.
“I’ve always been interested in art history
and calligraphic letters,” Lawrence said.
“I’ve been teaching calligraphy for about 20
years, but I like to teach a class that allows
anyone to learn the basic techniques for a
variety of applications such as addressing
envelopes, writing notes or creating beauti-
ful artwork with letters in wide and narrow
strokes. These include quotations, poetry or
personal sentiments for framed gifts.”
After moving to South Carolina from
Florida around 2006, Lawrence’s interest in
calligraphy grew.
“Everyone loves to receive something
handwritten in the mail
besides bills,” she ex-
plained. “Words in cal-
ligraphy with birthday
greetings, a get-well note
or ‘just thinking of you’
is a gift of one’s time – a
rarity these days. But this
simple gesture is appreci-
ated so much.”
While her classes con-
tain “lots of writing,”
Lawrence also promises
that they “move quick-
ly” and offer plenty of individual attention.
“The purpose of the class is to teach each
person how to enhance his handwriting
style,” she said. “It’s learning a few funda-
mental techniques to achieve those beautiful
strokes. Calligraphy is forgiving in that it
Calligraphy was created thousands of years
ago.
“The art of calligraphy started as pictures
on cave walls. These representations of ob-
jects and symbols developed into the stylized
hieroglyphics of the Egyptians, used around
3500 B.C.,” as librarian Marianne Elliott
wrote in a newsletter for the Western Cape
Government.
Lawrence has taught at art centers and The
Charleston Museum.
“It is not a perfect writing style and that,
in itself, transforms the poorest penmanship
into something pretty,” she said.
For more information, visit www.south
carolinacalligraphy.com or call 843-761-
3103.
Teacher to host workshop
Lawrence
BY STEPHANIE TURNER
Outofalltheshowshe’sdonewith
Disney,iceskaterBonardMucksaid
DisneyonIce’s“Let’sCelebrate!”ishis
favorite.
This“colossalpartyonice”willbeat
Columbia’sColonialLifeArena,801
LincolnSt.,at7p.m.April16and17;at
10:30a.m.April17;at2p.m.April18
and19andat6p.m.April18.
Ticketsare$47forrinkside;$37for
VIP;$27,$22and$17forregularseat-
ing.Onopeningnight,ticketsforlevels
P3toP5are$15.
Childrenages1andyoungerwillbe
admittedforfree.
MuckplaysPrinceCharmingalong-
sidehiswife,TatjanaZaharjeva’sCin-
derella,in“Let’sCelebrate.”
“PresentedbyYoKidsOrganic
Yogurt,joinMickeyMouse,Minnie
Mouse,DonaldandGoofyastheycel-
ebrateaVeryMerryUnbirthdayParty
withAliceandtheMadHatter;aRoyal
Valentine’sDayBallwithyourfavorite
Disneyprincesses,includingCinder-
ella,Ariel,BelleandTiana;aHawaiian
luauwithLiloStitch;awholenew
worldwithJasmineandAladdin;a
winterwonderlandwithWoody,Jessie
andBuzzLightyear;aHalloweenhaunt
withtheDisneyvillainsandmoreina
magicalmedleyofholidays,celebra-
tionsandfestivitiesfromaroundthe
globe,”accordingtotheevent’swebsite.
Muck,aformerhockeyplayer,has
appearedinotherDisneyonIceproduc-
tions,performingpartssuchasEric
from“TheLittleMermaid”andRyan
Evansfrom“HighSchoolMusical.”
Beforehesignedontothefranchise,
theCanadianskatedcompetitivelyuntil
hiscareer“peaked,butIwasn’tdone
skating.”
Muckenjoysthemore“relaxedat-
mosphere”andtravelopportunitieshis
currentjobprovides.
“Thishasbeenmyfavoriteshowto
beon,”hesaid.“It’sonebigparty(and)
well-rounded....It’sagoodtime.”
Formoreinformation,visitwww.
disneyonice.comorwww.colonial
lifearena.comorcall803-576-9200.
StephanieTurnergraduatedfromVal-
dostaStateUniversityin2012.Shethen
signedonwiththeAikenStandard.
Mickey, gang skate into Columbia
SUBMITTED PHOTO BY FELD ENTERTAINMENT
DisneyonIce’s“Let’sCelebrate!”featuresDisneycharacterssuchasMickey
and Minnie Mouse, front, and various Disney princesses and princes.
Want to go?
WHAT: Disneyon Ice’s “Let’s
Celebrate!”
WHEN: April16to18
WHERE: ColonialLifeArena,801
LincolnSt.
COST: $47,$37,$27,$22,$17or
$15dependingonseating
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Call803-576-9200
Want
to go?
What: Introduction
to Calligraphy class
When: 1 to 3 p.m.
Saturday
Where: Hobby
Lobby, 2530 Whiskey
Road
Cost: $25 per person
More Info: Call
843-761-3103 or visit
www.southcarolina
calligraphy.com
BY STEPHANIE TURNER
Returning to downtown Aiken is
an afternoon of Christian music,
activities and food.
The second United Aiken Music
Fest will be from noon to 5 p.m.
April 18 at Gyles Park, 412 Park
Ave. S.E.
Performing for the free concert
will be returning acts Red Letter
Echo and Eric “Bogie” DeBeau-
grine along with the groups Dayz
to Come, Rocky Swamp Native
American Ministries and The
Revolution.
adults will be set up.
Food such as hot dogs, hamburg-
ers, barbecue sandwiches and mini
subs will be served for a donation,
while donation buckets will be
placed around the park.
United Aiken, started by Julie
Mogy, of Aiken’s Sub Station II,
and Red Letter Echo member Len-
wood Morris, held its debut show
at Gyles Park in November.
Sub Station II and Morris Con-
struction are the event’s sponsors.
For more information, call 803-
292-1850 or visit www.facebook.
Christian
music
festival set
to return
MUSIC REVIEW
Aiken
BestWishes
Greetings
S.C.
BY RON HARRIS
Associated Press
Waters, “What’s Real” (Vagrant
Records)
Former Port O’Brien frontman
Van Pierszalowski left the alt-rock
Waters, hoping to gel with a fresh
band and begin anew. They came
out strong with “Out in the Light”
that year.
Now, Waters’ sophomore release,
“What’s Real,” is where the going
gets good. Real good.
Waters bristles with energy
throughout the album, with
Pierszalowski poetically question-
ing his inner drive on the powerful
“Rebel Yell” and singing about
new friends and turning a positive
corner on “The Avenue.” He also
the lead track, “Got to My Head.”
Pierszalowski’s written and
brought to life a near-perfect blend
of big power pop with “What’s Re-
al.” There’s enough straight-ahead
guitar for rock purists to admire,
yet it’s laced with melodic hooks to
make the songs linger, thankfully,
in the mind.
“What’s Real” showcases a strong
up-and-coming band at top form.
Waters deserves every clap it’s
about to get.
‘What’s
Real,’ is
real good
LivingontheGoAIKENSTANDARD.COMC THURSDAY, May 7, 2015 CONTACT: Karen Klock, kklock@aikenstandard.com
Inside
TV schedule, 2C
Comics, 4C
Abby, 5C
Weather, 8C
Week ending May 5, 2015
#1 Album
Wilder Mind (Deluxe Ver.)
Mumford Sons
Top tracks
1
2
3
4
5 Trap Queen
Fetty Wap
Want to Want Me
Jason Derulo
Tribune News ServiceSource: iTunes
See You Again
Wiz Khalifa
Pretty girls
Britney Spears Iggy Azalea
Shut Up and Dance
Walk the Moon
AT A GLANCE
MUSIC REVIEW
BY STEPHANIE TURNER
A goal of the upcoming Belles
Canto concert is to have their audi-
ence not only listen, but learn, ac-
cording to director Diane Haslam.
Comprised of teenage female
singers, the chorus will present
their spring concert “Listen! – Re-
at 3 p.m. May 17 at First Presby-
terian Church, 224 Barnwell Ave.
N.W.
The concert is free, with a good-
will offering being accepted to
-
byterian, according to Haslam.
“It will be an eclectic mix of
styles including classical, musical
Haslam said.
The program will start and con-
“written with the idea of trying to
bring attention to the lives – and
words – of children around the
world, especially those in dire situ-
“These songs encourage the au-
dience to really listen to what the
songs are saying – and we hope
she continued. “The rest of our
program includes songs that have
a special message, or present ideas
to think about, or that are just pure
Other composers that will be rep-
resented include Claude Debussy,
Morley.
Pat Adams, the group’s regular
accompanist, will play the piano,
with bassist Karlton Timmerman
and percussionist Jeremy Wood-
ruff joining.
For more information, call 803-
642-2316 or email bellescanto@
gmail.com.
Belles Canto to sing variety of songs
SUBMITTED PHOTO BY BRUCE HAMMOND
BellesCantowillpresenttheirspringconcertonMay17.Pictured,inback,
from left are Hallie Anderson, Michaela Keklak, Brittany Winans, Chloe
White, Kimmy Dunn, Tricia Martin and accompanist Pat Adams. Pictured
in the middle, from left, are Clara Hanger, Mary Kule, Savannah Gossett,
Kyah Bodiford, Katte Noel, Maddie Seconi, Lauren Hanger, Callie Hoover
andMinnaHeaton.Pictured,infrontfromleft,are KatieWorrell,Courtney
Poda, Gretchen LeGrand, director Diane Haslam, Sabrina Martin, Gabby
Hoover and Beverly Martin. Not pictured is Antonia McCreary.
Want to go?
WHAT: BellesCantospringconcert
WHEN: 3 p.m., May 17
WHERE: FirstPresbyterian
Church,223BarnwellAve.N.W.
COST: Free
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Call
803-642-2316oremailbellescanto
@gmail.com
BY STEPHANIE TURNER
BARNWELL—WhenGibby
Young,ofHampton,werekids,
MontyPythonwasamongthe
thingsthatcaptivatedthem.
In1975,theBritishcomedy
groupturnedataleof
KingArthuronitshead
whentheyreleasedthe
MontyPythonmember
EricIdleandhisfriend
JohnDuPrezreleased
2004.
willco-starinCircle
Theatre’spresentationof
at8p.m.May15,16,22and
23andat3p.m.May17and
24.
DirectedbyMikeHolbert,tick-
etsare$12forstudentsandseniors
and$15fornon-students.
mythicalBritishKingArthurandhis
TheHistoryChannel’swebsite.
“However,divertingabitfromthe
...story,thishilariousmusicalfeatures
suchodditiesasalineofbeautiful
play’sdescription.
theCircle,istakingthecentralroleof
KingArthur.
“Hetakeshimselfalittletooseri-
keepsallthecomedy,moreorlessthe
Younghasbeenactingsincegrade
school,sayingoneofhismorerecent
musicalroleswastheCowardlyLion
inaproductionof“TheWizardof
OneofArthur’srighthandmenis
“It’skindofinterestingbecausehis
-
amusical,sinceIjustdid‘Annie,’but
(couldn’tpassup)thechancetobein
somethingthatIcouldrememberbe-
inglittleandlaughingaboutandjust
Holbert,aseasonedCircledirector,
hasneverdirectedamusicalbefore.
“It’sbeenalotoffun(but)alotof
Thedirectorrecalledpostingon
Facebookacoupleweeksagoanan-
nouncementthathewasheadingupto
thetheatertodosomework,“ifany-
Tohissurprise,about10people
showedup.
“Iappreciatewhatsomethinglike
said.“Idon’tthinkpeoplerealizejust
howmuchgoesintothis,andwedoit
TheCircleTheatreislocatedat325
Formoreinformation,call803-259-
7046orvisitwww.barnwellcircle
theatre.com.
StephanieTurner graduatedfrom
ValdostaStateUniversityin2012.
‘Spamalot’spins
a legendary tale
STAFF PHOTO BY STEPHANIE TURNER
KingArthur,playedbyMarionYoung,
confronts Dennis, a peasant played
by Creig Correll, before Dennis be-
comesSirGalahad,inthisscenefrom
Barnwell’sCircleTheatre’supcoming
musical“Spamalot.”
Dennis,playedbyCreigCorrell,left,
finally stands as Sir Galahad in this
scenewithSirBedevere,playedby
Andrew Depew, from Barnwell’s
Circle Theatre’s upcoming musical
“Spamalot.”
TURNER
groupturnedataleof
KingArthuronitshead
whentheyreleasedthe
MontyPythonmember
EricIdleandhisfriend
JohnDuPrezreleased
DirectedbyMikeHolbert,tick
“Hetakeshimselfalittletooseri
keepsallthecomedy,moreorlessthe
URNER
KingArthuronitshead
MontyPythonmember
DirectedbyMikeHolbert,tick--
“Hetakeshimselfalittletooseri-
SOUTHERN GROUND/REPUBLIC RECORDS VIA AP
This image released by Southern
Ground/John Varvatos Records/Big
Machine Label Group/Republic Re-
cordsshows,“Jekyll+Hyde,”thelat-
est release by Zac Brown Band.
BY MICHAEL MCCALL
Associated Press
Zac Brown Band, “Jekyll + Hyde”
(Southern Ground/John Varvatos/Big
Machine/Republic Nashville)
Zac Brown rightly names his new
-
phrenic, for few artists in this genre-
focused era so openly embrace an
eclectic muse.
Brown sets the tone immediately on
an aggressively rhythmic “Beauti-
track Brown has recorded. The variety
doesn’t stop there, as he brings a Celtic
melody to
band swing to
(a duet with
and a grunge-
rock guitar
crunch to
“Heavy Is the
-
garden’s Chris
Cornell).
That said,
there’s plenty
of Brown’s
breezy, island-
rhythms and
his acoustic, folk-derived style, both
of which emphasize his voice and his
lyrical smarts. This time, he includes a
rare cover on a powerful interpretation
Brown and his large band changed
record distributors and producers for
like a logical next step by a talented
band. As always, they make it all
sound coherent. They’re music lovers
they don’t let pre-determined musical
genres limit their scope.
Zac
Brown
Band
album
eclectic
Zac Brown
rightly names
his new
release after
a famous,
fictional
schizophrenic,
for few artists
in this genre-
focused era
so openly
embrace an
eclectic muse.
PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY KYLE SEMONES
Find a full list of cast
and crew members
online at
aikenstandard.com
Cast and Crew
LivingontheG AIKENSTANDARD.COMC THURSDAY, May 14, 2015 CONTACT: Karen Klock, kklock@aikenstandard.com
Inside
TV schedule, 2C
Comics, 3C
Abby, 4C
Weather, 6C
By Stephanie Turner
Thursday, may 14, 2015
filming
in Aiken
DESIGN By Kyle Semones
ksemones@aikenstandard.com
S A
I
A
Films
in Aiken
S Filming in Aiken
Upcoming
StephanieTurnergraduatedfromValdostaState
Universityin2012.
Aiken continues to serve as movie location
Joseph Barnhart, of Augusta, is working on his feature film documentary “Growing Peanut Butter,”
scenes of which were filmed in Aiken such as at the Aiken Visitors Center and Train Museum.
Living on the go Volume 149 Issue 134

FIRST PLACE:
The Journal
Zack Mauldin
Tuesday, April 28, 2015 The Journal B1
TELL WILLLIE
Thispresidentialcampaiign
sure won’t be boring. BB3
INSIDE
Obituaries B2
Comics B4
Puzzles B5
HEALTH
Lifestyle Editor: Caitlin Herrington | cherrington@upstatetoday.com | (864) 973-6677
Are you suffering from allergies?
This ‘mite’ be your problem.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
This photo
provided by
Mission: Aller-
gy, Inc. shows
the side view
of a house
dust mite
seen through
an electron
microscope.
Although the
thought of
sleeping with
millions of
dust mites
is just plain
gross, for
most of us it’s
not danger-
ous. For those
with allergies,
however, the
symptoms can
be serious.
BY KATHERINE ROTH
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Although the thought of sleeping
with millions of dust mites — micro-
scopic arachnids that feast on flakes
of skin — is just plain gross, it’sof skin is just plain gross, it s
something most people can handle
without worry. After all, our bodies
are inhabited by multitudes of bacte-
ria, to which we
seldom give a
thought.
For the
many peo-
ple who
suffer
from
al-
lergies, though, the allergens in
dust-mite feces and body parts can
lead to chronic sinus problems and
coughing, among other symptoms.
If gone untreated, the problem can
escalate to eczema and asthma,
particularly in children, accordingparticularly in children, according
to James Sublett, president-elect of
the American College of Allergy,
Asthma and Immunology.
“The sooner you intervene, the
less likely the problems are to esca-
late,” he said.
Luckily, homes can be made more
livable for allergy-sufferers — and
less amenable to dust mites — in just
a few steps.
About a quarter of Americans
suffer from some sort of allergy, and
of those, one-half to two-thirds are
sensitive to dust-mite allergens,
according to Sublett, making
it one of the most com-
mon causes of
allergies.
und the world, dust mites are“Arou
st common indoor allergen,”the mos
bert Wood, director of thesaid Rob
ic allergy and immunologypediatr
n of Johns Hopkins Univerdivision -
sity.
st-mite allergies are suspectIf dus -
first step is to get tested by aned, the fi
st.allergis
e periodically replacing allWhile
edding might seem to makeyour be
experts say it’s unnecessarysense, e
ose without allergies and infor tho -
ficient for allergy sufferers.suffi
Instead, the five tips from
allergists listed below can
help make any home
friendlier to those with in-
door allergies, dust mites
included.
1. KEEP IT DRY.
“One of the biggest and most
common mistakes people make is to
install vaporizers and humidifiers,”
Sublett said. “Moisture can and does
cause all kinds of problems.” Dust
mites can’t survive in less than 50
percent humidity, so buy a humidity
meter and, if needed, a dehumidifi-
er to keep humidity to between 35
percent and 50 percent. “Just three
hours above that level of humidity,
though, is enough to keep the dust
mites alive,” he said.
2. RIP OUT THE RUGS AND DITCH
THE DRAPES.
Carpet and heavy drapes are a
Tips to make the indoors
safer for allergy sufferers
This photo provided by Mission: Allergy, Inc. shows a pillow encased
in an allergen-proof cover. For those with allergies, symptoms can
be serious when sleeping with millions of dust mites. Luckily, homes
can be made more livable for allergy-sufferers in a few easy steps,
such as protecting your pillow and mattress. ASSOCIATED PRESS
ASSOCIATED PRESS
oto provided by Mission: Allergy, Inc. shows the source of dust miteThis pho
n: mite fecal waste particles, viewed through an electron microscope.allergen
To get more help online, visit one of the following sites:
www.missionallergy.com | www.natlallergy.com | www.acaai.org
SEE ALLERGIES, PAGE B2
Tuesday, May 26, 2015 The Journal B1
SENECA FEST
See some of the highlights of
the annual celebration. B6
LLLLLLLLContact us at life@upstatetoday.com or call (864) 882-2375
INSIDE
Obituary B2
Tell Willie B3
Comics B4
TASTE
BY ALISON LADMAN
ASSOCIATED PRESS
We’re going to come at this
one a little backward, and
you’re going to love us for it.
Straight up fresh lemonade
is, of course, delicious. It’s
the classic summer refresh-
ment. And we’re going to
walk you through making a
truly wonderful basic lemon-
ade, as well as some terrific
infused lemonades that doc-
tor up that basic batch with
some fantastic complementa-
ry flavors.
But first, let’s move way be-
yond basic. Because as good
as a straight up lemonade
is, we can’t help but think
it gets even better when you
add a little splash of some-
thing adults-only. Now we’re
talking fun in the sun.
The important thing to
consider when adding alco-
hol to lemonade is that you
are playing with a highly
acidic ingredient. This
means you’ll want to select
liquors that play nicely with
that. They should either be
relatively neutral to let the
lemon juice shine, or they
should be complementary.
Tequila and mezcal, for
example, love citrus.
And don’t limit yourself
to the hard stuff. Rose and
sweet white wines, such as
riesling, also are nice. So are
hard cider and India pale
ale. Whatever you end up
using, plan for 1 to 2 oun
es of liquor per serving o
lemonade.
For the infused lemon
ades below we suggest
the following pairings
— for herbal, vodka; for
cucumber, gin; for mixe
melon, light rum; for
mango-chili, tequila; an
for mixed berry, vodka.
And by the way, while
bottled lemon juice is
fine for most cooking, do
yourself a flavor favor an
invest the few minutes
it will take to squeeze
lemons for these recipes
Freshly squeezed juice
shines and makes a real
difference in drinks suc
as these.
Crankyourlemonadecredwit
5easysweet-tartinfusions
nc-
of
n-
r
ed
nd
o
nd
.
l
h
th
EASY INFUSED LEMONADES
chill for at least 2 hours. And to keep it from getting watery, don’t ice it in the pitcher.
ast 2 hours. Anhours. An
FOR HERBAL:
1/4 cup fresh lemon verbena leaves
1 tablespoon fresh lemon thyme
p h lemon verbena leap emon verben
2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves
p fresh l ymep esh l
Nutrition information per serving: 50 calories; 0 calories from fat (0 percent oftotal calories); 0 g fat (0 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 0 mg cholesterol; 15 mgsodium; 16 g carbohydrate; 0 g fiber; 14 g sugar; 0 g protein.
FOR CUCUMBER:
1 medium cucumber, peeled and seeded2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
ucumber, peeled and sumber, peeled and
Nutrition information per serving: 60 calories; 0 calories from fat (0 percent oftotal calories); 0 g fat (0 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 0 mg cholesterol; 15 mgsodium; 16 g carbohydrate; 0 g fiber; 15 g sugar; x g protein.
FOR MIXED MELON:
1 cup cut watermelon
1 cup cut honeydew or cantaloupe melon, or a mix
p atermelon
FOR MANGO-CHILI:1 cup fresh mango chunks
1 to 2 serrano chilies (remove seeds for less heat)
p gg
FOR MIXED BERRY:
2 cups fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries,blackberries or a combination)
p berries (strawberrp h berries (strawberr
BASE LEMONADE:
1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 4 to 6 lemons)1/2 cup honey
p y qp
Pinch of salt
p op
Cold water
Choose the flavor you’d like to infuse your lemonadewith. Combine those ingredients in a blender, then add
flavor you d like to infuse your lemonadevor you d like to infuse your lemo
the base lemonade ingredients, the lemon juice, sugar
ne those ingredients in a blender, then add
e those ingredients in a blender,
or honey, and salt. Blend until very smooth. Transfer to a
onade ingredients, the lemon juice, sug
onade ingredients, the lemon juice, s
1/2-gallon pitcher, pouring it through a fine mesh strainer.
y, d salt. Blend until very smooth. Transfer to a
y, t. Blend until very smooth. Transfer to
Add enough water to bring the volume to the top of the
g p tcher, pouring it through a fine mesh straine
g p tcher, pouring it through a fine mesh stra
pitcher. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Stir well and serve
g water to bring the volume to the top of the
g ater to bring the volume to the top of
over ice.
p
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Clockwise from above:
madeInfused lemonades m
ili,with herb, mango ch
umber.mixed berry and cucu
Saturday, August 1, 2015 The Journal B1
COMMUNITY
Rotary Club holds
awards luncheon. B8
INSIDE
Death notices B3
Worship directory B4
Tell Willie B5
Comics B6
TRAVEL
BY SHARON PELFREY
SPECIAL TO THE JOURNAL
TIGER, Ga. — Jennifer
and I recently took a short
trip across the state line
to Rabun County, Ga., to
find some local color there
— and we definitely discov-
ered it. Our little excur-
sions take us on so many
fun adventures, and J and I
are so excited to share these
wonderful little finds with
you.
Tiger, Ga., is located just a
few miles south of Clayton,
Ga., and has a couple of fun
treats to be enjoyed by the
occasional drop-by travel-
er. The Red Barn Café and
Tiger Mountain Vineyards
are located on an old dairy
farm and are definite treats
you won’t want to miss.
The café is the old farm’s
75-year-old dairy barn that
has been refurbished into a
lovely restaurant with patio
seating. J and I enjoyed
awesome jazz music and
delicious seasonal cuisine
while gazing across the
picturesque vineyards to
the majestic Tiger Moun-
tain, part of the Blue Ridge
Mountain chain. The entire
setting was so relaxing
and just ideal for al fresco
dining.
The food was delicious.
J and I had scrumptious
omelets, salads and fresh
fruit. And the delectable
lemon tart I ordered for
dessert — served to me by a
waiter with a European ac-
cent — was just the perfect
touch!
The wine tasting room
is located at the entrance
to the property, and if you
take your receipt from the
café, you’ll receive $5 off of
a tasting. The tasting room
is open Sunday through
Friday from 1-5 p.m., and
Saturday from 11 a.m.-6
p.m.
The Red Barn Café is
open on Friday and Satur-
day nights for dinner from
6-9 p.m., and Saturday and
Sunday for lunch from 11:30
a.m.-3 p.m., May through
November. Local live music
is provided on Saturdays.
To make a reservation, call
(706) 782-4777.
To find out more, visit ti-
gerwine.com or stop by 2592
Old U.S. Highway 441 South
in Tiger.
Down the road just a few
miles, you can travel back
in time and visit the Tiger
Drive-In Movie Theatre.
Yes, a real drive-in movie
theater!
For those of us who re-
member the drive-in movie
era, it evokes memories of
a wonderful, simpler time
that we often reminisce
about. And you can experi-
ence a little piece of the past
right here.
Co-owner Sheryl Major
remembers when her father
opened the drive-in on April
1, 1954, on land that her
Suggestionsformaking
a weekend excursion
into North Georgia
Head for the
MMMMMMMMMMMMoooooooooouuuuuuuuuunnnnnnnnnnttttttttttaaaaaaaaaaiiiiiiiiiinnnnnnnnnnssssssssssMMooouuunnttaaiinnsss
Head for the
PHOTOS SPECIAL TO THE JOURNAL
Above: After the venue
closed in the mid-1980s,
Tiger Drive-In Movie Theatre
owner Sheryl Major and her
husband, Tom, reopened the
theater in 2004, 50 years
to the day after her father
originally opened it. Right:
The theater has a full-ser-
vvice restaurant and can be
reserved for events like
birthday parties and family
reunions.
h di i i l h h i ilThe Heaven’s Landing Airport in Clayton, Ga., top, hosts the WannaGOFAST Georgia 1/2 Mile
Runway Shootout every year. Those interested can sign up to race their own cars or just buy
p p ytickets to watch others speed down the airport’s half-mile runway.
Tiger Mountain Vineyards has a wide variety of award-win-
ning wines in stock.
SEE MOUNTAINS, PAGE B3

SECOND PLACE:
The Island Packet
Sandra Ross

FIRST PLACE:
Herald-Journal
R. Keith Hatchell

THIRD PLACE:
The State
Susan Ardis
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2014 ɀ WWW.THESTATE.COM ɀ SECTION D
LIFESTYLE
G
rits.
That one word, for me,
conjures up images of the
Southern breakfast table
(and beyond). With grits,
it’s understood that the
morning will start off right with a warm
hug from a bowl, topped with melting
butter, maybe some cheese, some crum-
bled bacon ....
Alton Brown once said, when asked in
an interview, that grits is the one dish
every Southerner should know how to
cook. And I believe he is right. Fried
chicken and catfish have become nation-
al staples. Northerners and those in the
Midwest can have their warm oatmeal,
but grits (at least until recently) have
been truly a Southern thing.
So what are grits? Basically white or
yellow corn kernels that have been (tradi-
tionally) ground on a stone mill. The
smallest grains are separated out as corn
meal; the coarser grind are grits.
Grits are made simply: The purist only
uses slow-cooking grits brought to a boil
in water and then simmered for about an
hour, until the water is absorbed or evap-
orated and the grits are porridge-like.
For modern cooks, or folks like me
who want things in a hurry, there are
quick grits that can cook within 15 min-
utes. Here, the germ and the hull of the
corn kernels have been removed so that
Grits with ... from top left, scrambled eggs; bacon; roasted tomatoes with garlic and basil; cinnamon apples and almonds; roasted red
pepper and onion; and shrimp and gravy.
PHOTOGRAPHS BY KIM KIM FOSTER-TOBIN/KKFOSTER@THESTATE.COM
A hot bowl of
Southern comfort
Carolina
Kitchen
Susan
Ardis
sardis
@thestate.com
Twitter:
@foodsusan
Great grits aren’t hard – but why not take ’em up a notch?
SEE GREAT GRITS PAGE D4
What’s good here?
By mistake, the most fa-
mous item on the menu is
“The Original Greek Tur-
key.” According to Owner
Linda Sellers, longtime
employee Mark White
asked for a sandwich one
day years ago and he said
he did not care what kind
she made him.
She says she layered tur-
key, mayonnaise, cucum-
bers, ripe olives, tomatoes
and feta cheese on a round
of pita bread, topped it with
some Greek dressing, and
finished the sandwich with
another round of pita
bread.
He loved it, she says, and
customers who were pre-
sent were intrigued. The
Other Store and The Origi-
nal Greek Turkey are now
synonymous.
Other popular items in-
clude the Spring Chicken –
a chopped chicken breast
topped with sprouts,
spring onions, fresh basil
and tomatoes and served
on sourdough with mayon-
naiseandahousedressing.
All the meats are cooked
in-house, including the
roast beef which in the
roast beef and cheddar
sandwich is piled high with
the specially seasoned
meat on a hoagie and
served with cheddar, let-
tuce, tomato and spicy
mustard.
Two sandwiches are
named for Sellers’ grand-
children: Grace’s Avoca-
dowich and The Lukester.
Sellers says she has been
told over and over that the
deli’s Reuben is the best
most have tasted; and the
pimento cheese is a family
recipe.
The “Tedder” Salad is
WHAT’S GOOD HERE:
THE OTHER STORE NEIGHBORHOOD DELI IN FOREST ACRES
One exterior wall of The Other Store is a mural
inspired by Vincent Van Gogh’s ‘Starry Night.’
/DEENA C. BOUKNIGHT,/SPECIAL TO THE STATE
By DEENA C. BOUKNIGHT
Special to The State
SEE GOOD PAGE D4
C
hampagne is the most festive of beverages, traditionally
served at times of celebration (weddings, births, holidays,
etc.). Personally, if I have learned one lesson in life, it is
from a friend of mine, Les, who insists that every day should
Chill out
We asked the kind folks at Morganelli’s for some bubbly
recommendations. Here are the picks from James Alford:
Priced right: Graham Beck Brut, a South African
Chardonnay/Pinot Noir blend in the Method Champagne,
$15.99
Mid-range: Moutard Brut grand Cuvee, France, $29.99
Upper-end: Francoise Bedel Brut, France, $53.99
Bottom’s up, no limit: Vilmart Cie Grand Cellier Rubis
2009 Brut Premier Cru, France, $134.99
Did you know...
Veuve Clicquot, one of the most
prestigious Champagne houses, was
run by a woman — Barbe Nicole
Clicquot Ponsardin. She took over the
family business at, after the death of
her husband in 1805, and became one
times. That year, 110,000 bottles of
Champagne were shipped, 25,000 of
which were intended for Russia. In
champagne in the region.
SOURCE: www.vueve-clicquot.com
How sweet it is
Champagne has a range of
sweetness based on the ripeness
of the grapes and the amount
of sugar added after the second
fermentation. From Dry to sweet,
here is the breakdown:
Extra Brut: less than 6 grams of
residual sugar per litre
Brut: less than 12 grams
Extra Dry: between 12 and 17
grams
Sec: between 17 and 32 grams
Demi-sec: between 32 and 50
grams
Doux: 50 grams
Blade to bottle
Invented by one of the calvarymen in Napoleon’s army, sabering is an exciting way to open a
champagne bottle.
Hold the chilled Champagne bottle with a towel or gloved hand (we are going to be breaking
glass ... and you do not want to cut yourself). First, make sure you have cleaned the neck of
from top to bottom. Turn the bottle so that the seam faces up and, more importantly, the bottle
should not be aimed at anyone or anything. Start creating friction by sliding the back side of a
from the base of the neck to the top of the bottle. You should be able to strike the cage and see
AT THESTATE.COM
Before you plan your New Year’s Eve party, watch these
handy videos:
James Alford, from Morganelli’s, explains his choices
for Champagne
Sabering history and step-by-step demonstration by
Francois Fisera, of Fleur dy Lys Home Cooking School
Prefer beer rather than Champagne? See
recommendations for suds from Morganelli’s David
Hicks
Dry? Sweet? Confused? Alford explains it all
Popyour
cork!Bubbles of information about Champagne
MATT WALSH/MWALSH@THESTATE.COM
Francois Fisera demonstrates sabering, a way to pop the cork off of a champagne
bottle using a sword, at Fleur dy Lys Home Cooking School on Millwood.
“Lord, please
let them
accept the things
they can’t change
/ And pray that all
of their pain be
Champagne.”Kanye West
“My dear girl, there are
some things that just
aren’t done, such
as drinking Dom
above the temperature
Fahrenheit.”
James Bond
Champagne +
+ creme de cassis (blackcurrant liqueur) = Kir Royale
+ raspberry liqueur (such as Chambord) = Kir Imperial
+ orange juice = Mimosa
+ peach juice = Bellini
INSIDE Champagne cocktail recipes, D4
“There are
three
things
I shall never
attain: Envy,
content and
Champagne.”
Dorothy Parker
Fun facts
There are about 50 million bubbles in a
regular bottle of Champagne
of a
Champagne cork is 174 feet, launched
Vineyards in New York State.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2014 ɀ WWW.THESTATE.COM ɀ SECTION DLIFESTYLE
de
de
FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015 ɀ WWW.THESTATE.COM ɀ SECTION E
WEEKEND
E
arnest and often in-
spiring, “Selma” is a
handsomely mounted
“EyesonthePrize”ac-
count of the defining
protests of the civil
rights movement. Handsomely
mounted and high-minded, its only
sins are overreaching ambition and
a tendency to rub the roughest edges
off the principals.
It’s still a history lesson that’s both
moving and informative, if not
downright entertaining.
David Oyelowo (“The Butler”) is
the Atlanta preacher Martin Luther
King Jr., a man we meet on the night
he receives the 1964 Nobel Peace
Prize. Oyelowo captures King’s ca-
dences, if not the ringing, clarion-
call voice that every American has
grown up hearing. As this King stra-
tegizes with his Southern Christian
Leadership Conference brain trust,
Oyelowo gives us passion and
pause.
Here was a man who saw segre-
gated Selma, Ala., as a testing
ground for the battle for voting
rights. But like his colleagues, he
was sober about this stage of the
struggle. Selma is also “a decent
place to die.”
TheKingshownhereismarriedto
a cause and to “Corrie,” Coretta
ScottKing, playedbyCarmen Ejogo,
Return to Selma
Film is a moving, informative and
downright entertaining history lesson
By ROGER MOORE
Tribune News Service
REVIEW
‘Selma’
★ ★ ★
Starring: David Oyelowo, Carmen
Ejogo, Tom Wilkinson, Tim Roth,
Wendell Pierce, Martin Sheen,
Oprah Winfrey
Rated: PG-13 for disturbing themat-
ic material including violence, a
suggestive moment, and brief
strong language
Running time: 2:02
‘SELMA’ PROGRAMS
AT NICKELODEON
Three special talk-back
sessions at the Nickelodeon
are scheduled during the run
of “Selma” Jan. 9-29 with
historians, experts on the
Civil Rights movement and
people who participants in
marches and demonstra-
tions in Alabama.
The post-movie talks are
hosted by the Selma Hand-
in-Hand Partnership be-
tween Paramount Pictures
and local faith leaders.
11 a.m. Jan. 10: Henri Bas-
kins, executive director of
the Greater Columbia Com-
munity Relations Council,
Betsy Newman of ETV; and
Bud Ferillo, who directed the
documentary, “Corridor of
Shame”
2 p.m. Jan. 11: Dr. Bobby
Donaldson, USC associate
professor of history; James
Felder, civil rights archivist;
Estelle Young, took part in
Selma march
2 p.m. Jan. 18: Melissa Coop-
er, USC Institute of Southern
Studies; Todd Shaw, USC
director of African-American
Studies; and Patricia Sulli-
van, civil rights historian
For more information, visit
www.nickelodeon.org
SEE SELMA PAGE E2

SECOND PLACE:
Chad Dunbar

FIRST PLACE:
Brandon Lockett
WILD, WILD ARTMultitude of mediums brings local artists’ works to life
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE POST AND COURIER TIDELINEMAGAZINE.COM
FREE!
WIND
WATER
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SAND
Memorial Reef
Efforts underway to shift
area permitted off S.C. coast
Duck season
Waterfowl numbers are high
as time to hunt approaches
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015 A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE POST AND COURIER TIDELINEMAGAZINE.COM
FREE!
2015
LEAP INTO
Lowcountry offers bounty for outdoor enthusiasts
FACINGTHE FUTURE
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WELCOMES HOMEWWEEEEEEEEEEEEEELLLLLLLLLLLLLCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMEEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSSS HHHHHHHHHHHHOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMOOMMOOOOOO EEEEEEEEEEEEE
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APRIL11 2015APRIL11,2015 FOLLYBEACHFOLLYBEACH
PAGES12-15
R34-1304247

SINGLE FEATURE PAGE DESIGN
THIRD PLACE:
Aiken Standard
Amy Hunter
LivingontheGoAIKENSTANDARD.COMC MONDAY, November 9, 2015 CONTACT: Karen Klock, kklock@aikenstandard.com
Inside
TV schedule, 2C
Comics, 4C
Abby, 5C
Weather, 6C
BRIAN PARR
Health and Fitness
BY STEPHANIE TURNER
O
nFridaymorning,marriedcoupleKristen
andTehronHarless,ofWilliston,tooktheir
sons,Azariah,2,andMalachi,fourmonths,
toAikenChiropracticAssociates,where
chiropractorDr.BeverlyAllisonadjustedtheirbacks,a
processtheboyshaveundergonebefore.
“Themostcommontherapeuticprocedureperformedby
doctorsofchiropracticisknownas‘spinalmanipulation,’al-
socalled‘chiropracticadjustment,’”accordingtotheAmeri-
canChiropracticAssociation.“Thepurposeofmanipulation
istorestorejointmobilitybymanuallyapplyingacontrolled
forceintojointsthathavebecomehypomobile–orrestrictedin
theirmovement–asaresultofatissueinjury.”
Seeinginfantsandyoungchildrenisnotuncommonforchi-
ropractors.
“Alotoftraumacanoccurtothespine,especiallytheneck,
(duringthebirthingprocess),”saidDr.JerryOdom,achiroprac-
torwithAiken’sTheJoint.“It’skindofcrampedspacefornine
months,too.Alotofmisalignmentscanoccurduringthebirthing
process.”
ChiropractorDr.BlairBradleyofAccessChiropracticWell-
nessrecallsbeingcalledtohospitalstoadjustbabieswhoarejust
daysold.
“Newbornsadjustmentsaregentle,”accordingtothePatient
Mediabrochureonfamilycare.“Asarule,nomorepressurethan
you’dusetotesttheripenessofatomatoisinvolved.”
What can spinal problems affect?
Yourspinalcordandbrainarepartofthecentralnervoussys-
tem.
“Theextensionofthebrainisyournerves,”Bradleysaid,as
hepointstoachartofthespine.“Theycomeoffthecolumn
here,andtheyareprotectedbythiscolumnofbones.Thegist
ofitisallthesenervesleadtoeveryaspectofyourbody;your
heart,yourliver,yourspleen,yourpancreas,yourlungs,
yourintestines...yourkidneys.”
Somethingsforwhichchildrenandadolescentsmight
cametochiropractorsincludeearinfections,digestive
problems,colicinbabieswhichcausesthemtoexcessively
cry,headaches,sports-relatedinjuries,scoliosisorcurva-
tureofthespineandevenbedwetting,Bradleysaid.
Earinfections,forexample,canbecausedbythetop
boneinyourneckgettingeitherirritatedormisaligned,
whichinturncanirritatethenerves.
“Theboneisoutofalignment,andthenerveisnot
tellingtheeartoopenupanddrainproperly,”Brad-
leyexplained.“WhenImovethebone,eventually
thebrainsays‘Oh,okay,nowitworks.’That’sjust
onebone.”
Whenthatsinglebonemalfunctions,other
problemslikeheadaches,anxiety,distraction,
depression,lowerbrainfunctionanddigestive
disorderscanoccur,Bradleysaid.
Thebonesofthespinearecalledtheverte-
brae;theaveragepersonhas33,accordingto
theNorthAmericanSpineSociety.
Getting examined
Eachoftheinterviewedchiropractors,all
ofwhomhavechildren,recommendget-
tingchildrenchecked.
“Kidsrespondalotquickerthanadults
dobecausetheyhaven’thadtheproblems
(wehave)foraslong,”Odomsaid.
Allisonpointsoutthatchildrenusu-
allyaren’tsoexposedtocertaintoxins
likeadultsare,withmedicinesbeingan
example.
“Usuallytheygetbetterreallyfast.If
you’readjustingachildthat’shavingear
infections or if they are colicky, say if it’s
a pressure on the nerves and you relieve
that pressure, the body can heal that child
very quickly. Whereas with us adults, we
have so many things wrong with us,” she
said.
How active the child is can determine how
often they may need to be checked.
Like a child who is active in contact sports,
speci cally, may need to be examined more
than one who isn’t, Odom said.
Those who aren’t very active are “more apt to
have weak muscles whichsupportsthespinewhich
canleadtoproblemslateron,”headded.
Sometimeschiropractorsmayuseinstrumentslike
anactivator,whichmovesthebone,whileothertimestheymightjustuse
their ngersandhands.
WhentheHarlessfamilycametoseeAllison,sheaskedifthefather,
Tehron,wantedtobechecked rst,sohiskidscanseewhattoexpect.
Thoughtheyhadbeentotheof ceearlierintheweek,Fridaymorning
wasthefamily’s rsttimebeingspeci callytreatedbyAllison.
AfterTehron’sexamwas nished,theolderson,
Azariah,wasexamined;hisparentsremainedinthe
room.
Allisonaskedhisparentsabouthispreviouschiro-
practor’streatmentmethodsbeforeshebegan.
First,shehadthetoddlerlaydownonhisstomach
tocheckhisfeetandleglengths,whichhelpsseeif
thespineismisaligned,shesaid.
Then,sheshowedAzariahtheactivatorthatshe
waswantingtouse.
Sincehedidn’tseemtoocomfortablewiththe
ideaofherusingitonhim,thechiropractorusedher
handstofurtherexaminehim,asheheldthesilvertool.
WhenitcametobabyMalachi’sturn,Allisonheldhim rsttocheck
himbeforeaskingoneofhisparentstoholdhim;hismotherKristen
volunteered.
Ashewasheldbyhismother,thechiropractorcheckedhisneckand
usedtheactivatortocorrectaproblemshefound.
Thetooloperatesquicklyandisprecise,Allisonexplained.
What else can be done
Preventionandregularcheckupsarerecommended.
“Youdon’tnecessarilyneedtohavepainorsymp-
tomstobene tfromchiropractic(care).It’sallowing
thebodytofunctionlikeit’ssupposedto,”Odom
said.“Painisusuallythelastsignthatsomething
isgoingonandthatyourbodyissaying‘Hey,you
shouldseeaboutthis.’”
Properposturecanimproveyourwell-being,con-
centrationandpreventbackproblems,accordingto
Bradley.
“Youcan ndyouwon’thurtasbad.Youmight
nothavesomeofthethingswearefacinginthis
country;hypertension,diabetes,cholesterolissues.
Sometimes,itstemsfromwhatyourspineisdoing,”heexplained,while
addingotherfactorscanplayrolesincausingthoseconditions.
Meshbacksupportsareoneachofthechairsinhiswaitingroomto
remindpeopletositstraighter.
Allisonalsoaddsthatslumpingdowninyourchairandsittingmore
onyourtailbonearenotrecommendedasthatpositionstretchesoutthe
tailboneandpartofthevertebrae.
“Payattentiontohowyouaredoingcertainthings,”Odomsaid.
Theweightofbackpackscanalsocauseproblems.Afewthingsthe
AmericanChiropracticAssociationadvisesareforthechild’sbackpack
nottoweighmorethan veto percentofhisorherbodyweight,forit
nottohangmorethanfourinchesbelowthewaistline,fortheweightto
beevenlydistributedandforbothofthestrapstobeworn.
Exerciseandeatingmoreorganicfoodsarealsoimportant.
“Thefoodsweareeatingaremakingusin amedfromtheinside
out,”Bradleysaid.“Whenyouhavealittlemisalignmentandyourbody
sensesthatproblem,it’s rstresponseisin ammation...In ammationis
givingusmorepain.Usually,whatyoufeelisin ammation...thepainis
comingbecausethepainreceptorsareirritatedbyin ammation.”
Formoreinformationonchiropracticcare,visitwww.acatoday.org.
StephanieTurneristhefeaturesreporterfortheAikenStandard.She
primarilycovershealthtopics,entertainment,authorsandrestaurants.
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Chiropractic care for
Dr.BeverlyAllison,achiropractorwithAikenChiropracticAssoci-
ates,left,usesafast,precisetoolcalledtheactivatortotreatMala-
chiHarless,4months,whilehismom,KristenHarless,holdshim.
children
Bradley
Odom
If you are looking for a healthy
option for lunch or dinner at a res-
taurant, especially if you are trying
to lose weight, chances are you will
consider a salad.
It turns out that at most fast-food
and casual dining restaurants, sal-
ads may not be the low-calorie or
low-fat choice you were expecting.
However, ordering a salad can still
be a healthy option.
We think of salads as being a
healthy choice because they contain
lots of vegetables which are low in
calories and high in vitamins, min-
erals and ber. But most restaurant
salads are more than just vegetables.
At a minimum, you would add salad
dressing and many salads also include
nuts, fruit, chicken, bacon or cheese,
all of which add fat and calories.
Salad dressing alone can add hun-
dreds of calories. Creamy dressings
like ranch and blue cheese tend to
be higher in both calories and fat
than vinaigrettes.
In many cases the salad has more
calories than the sandwich or entree
you would have ordered instead.
As an example, consider the Pre-
mium Bacon Ranch Salad with
Crispy Chicken at McDonald’s.
This popular salad contains
calories and 29 grams of fat. Com-
pared to a Big Mac, which has
calories and 29 grams of fat,
this salad doesn’t seem like such a
healthy option. You could improve
the salad by switching from fried
chicken to grilled chicken and save
calories and grams of fat.
The real problem is the ranch
dressing – one packet contains 2
calories and grams of fat. You
could skip the dressing altogether,
but a more reasonable approach is
to switch to the low-fat balsamic
vinaigrette, with only 35 calories
and .5 grams of fat. Want to really
cut calories? The salad with the
vinaigrette dressing and no chicken
has only 23 calories, almost 3
fewer than the version with crispy
chicken with ranch dressing or the
Big Mac.
Despite the fact that many res-
taurant salads have calorie and fat
content similar to burgers and other
entrees, it doesn’t make them a bad
choice.
The salad does contain several
cups of vegetables, which means
it is higher in vitamins, minerals
and ber than a burger. The salads
at McDonalds have about twice as
much ber as most sandwiches.
Think of it this way: The salad
may be equivalent to a burger as
far as fat and calories go, but it
comes with a serving (or more) of
vegetables.
And the salad is even healthier
when you consider that the sand-
wich would undoubtedly come
with fries. One more point: I use
McDonald’s as an example here,
but the same holds true for salads
at other fast food and casual dining
chain restaurants.
What if you are at a restaurant
and want to order a salad? What
can you do to make it healthier?
You could order a side salad. Given
the huge portions at most restau-
rants, this smaller serving might be
enough.
You can also limit the toppings,
especially meat and cheese, and
choose a lower-calorie dressing.
Another tried and true option is to
ask for the dressing on the side so
you can add just as much as you
want.
And don’t forget, you can always
share one of the large salads with a
friend or save half for another meal.
The bottom line is that salads at
restaurants can be as high in calo-
ries and fat as other “unhealthy”
menu items, but they do provide
a serving of vegetables you might
otherwise miss.
And by making a few choices, you
can create a salad that is a healthy,
low-calorie option.
The truth
when it
comes
to salads
We Know
Women
Aiken Regional Medical Centers offer
women a wide range of WOMEN’S
SERVICES, tailored speciﬁcally to
women and their needs.
• Women’s LifeCare Center maternity services
• The Women’s Breast Health and Imaging Center
• Pediatric Services
• Cancer Institute of Carolina
Breast Health Nurse Navigator
• we – Women Enlightened for Better Health
To learn more about Women’s
Services, visit aikenregional.com
With limited exceptions, physicians are not employees or agents
of Aiken Regional Medical Centers. 150109
Services, visit aikenregional.com
302 University Parkway • Aiken, SC 29801
AS09-1267622

SECOND PLACE:
Index-Journal
Aron Agerton
Accent Sunday, August 9, 2015
CC
I
n much the same way that prayer quilts
are intended to offer comfort for their
recipients, some special quilts recently
made by the Community Threads
group in McCormick are to be present-
ed to family members of the Emanuel Nine
who were killed in the Charleston church
shooting in June.
The effort is part of a larger outreach
effort being coordinated through Island
Quilters Guild and Cobblestone Guild.
Belinda Ramsey heads Community
Threads. A retired United States Depart-
ment of Justice employee, Ramsey and her
spouse moved to rural McCormick from
Charleston in 2013.
Just prior to the church shooting inci-
dent, Ramsey said Community Threads
received a donation of fabrics.
By ST. CLAIRE DONAGHY
sdonaghy@indexjournal.com
SSTITCHTITCH
BYBY
STITCHSTITCH
Community Threads helping
others, building friendships
See THREADS, page 3C
Museum hosting ‘It’s Electric’
back-to-school bash Aug. 15
Prepare yourself for a high-
voltage back-to-school kickoff
with The Museum of Green-
wood’s “It’s Electric” back-to-
school party from 2 to 4 p.m.
Saturday.
General admission is $5
for non-members and $3 for
Museum members, payable at
the door, 106 Main St.
Bethany Wade, programs
director at The Museum,
said the party promises to
be fun for families and peo-
ple of all ages. There will be
games, crafts, music, face
painting and more. Plus, it’s
a final chance to check out
the “Electricity” exhibition
on loan through Sept. 5 from
The Franklin Institute in
Philadelphia.
The exhibition mixes his-
tory with science, combining
interactive stations that teach
about the types and uses of
electricity, as well as safety
regarding electricity.
“The Museum does a
back-to-school party every
year,” Wade said. “The last
couple of years, we’ve done a
Harry Potter-themed party
at the Railroad Historical
Center, but with the railroad
center under renovation, we
are tying things in at The
Museum with our destina-
tion exhibit, ‘Electricity.’
“There will be a DJ and, of
course, the (dance) Electric
Slide,” Wade added. “There
will be electricity-themed
everything. It’s a great way to
celebrate the beginning of the
school year and to have a last
hurrah for summer. Lots of
people and groups have been
in to see ‘Electricity’ and it’s
been great to have it here dur-
ing our summer day camps.”
All three floors of The
Museum will be open, Wade
said.
By ST. CLAIRE DONAGHY
sdonaghy@indexjournal.com
Seven-year-old Emmi Whitmire plays with a plasma ball, one of the pieces in the “Electricity”
exhibit on loan from The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia at The Museum in Greenwood. The
Museum’s “It’s Electric” back-to-school party is from 2-4 p.m. Saturday.
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Glenda Sartain measures and cuts fabric for quilts at the class Community Threads on July 23 in Willington. The group will donate the quilts to
the nine families of those killed in the Charleston Emanuel AME church shooting in June. Women sit, talk and work on a quilt together. Lynne Girard of McCormick uses a machine
to sew together the outside of a quilt.

FIRST PLACE:
TheTimesandDemocrat
Kristin Coker

THIRD PLACE:
The Sun News
Jeff Nowak
T
upelo Honey Cafe is bringing its
signature sweet potato cakes and
southern-inspired dishes – as well as its
new healthier and more modern menu
additions – to Myrtle Beach with its first
Grand Strand location opening Feb. 23.
Crews are buzzing to get the new eatery at
The Market Common ready, the ninth location for the Asheville, N.C.-based
restaurant.
In addition to its usual southern fried chicken and fried okra, new menu
items include N.C. country ham wontons, glazed carrots and quinoa with
cranberries, oranges and spiced pecans.
“We kind of made it our own,” spokeswoman Elizabeth Sims said of the
twist Tupelo made on those dishes, and adding that its southern staples on
the menu aren’t going away. “We are all about fresh and scratch made.”
— Story and photos by Dawn Bryant, dbryant@thesunnews.com, and Charles Slate, cslate@thesunnews.com
Tupelo Honey Cafe takes over in place of Tommy Bahama in the Market Common, with local art and 24 craft beers on tap among its features.
Cafe breaks into Market Common
If you go
➤ Where | 3042 Howard Ave. Myrtle Beach, at The Market
Common in the former Tommy Bahama restaurant space
➤ When | Grand opening at 4 p.m. Feb. 23
➤ Hours | Feb. 23 through March 9: 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday
through Thursday; 4 p.m.
to 11 p.m. Friday and
Saturday. Starting March
10: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Monday through Thursday;
11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday; 9
a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday; 9
a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday
By the numbers
➤ 8,000 square feet |
Size of restaurant; largest
of all nine Tupelo Honey
Cafe locations
➤ 24 | Craft beers on tap
➤ $12 to $30 | Cost of a
meal
➤ $1.7 million | Cost of
renovating the space
➤ 252 | Number of
patrons the restaurant
can accommodate
➤ 40 | Seats on the patio
➤ 102 | Employees
Fun Facts
Tupelo Honey Cafe
➤ Myrtle Beach will have a signature
beverage Tupelo created just for this location: a
passion fruit daiquiri dubbed “Magic Attic” after the
popular nightclub at the old Myrtle Beach Pavilion.
➤ Most popular food items: Shrimp and grits;
signature sweet potato pancake (which was featured
on a Rachael Ray show on Food Network)
➤ Myrtle Beach’s chef de cuisine is familiar with Myrtle Beach –
and the space Tupelo moved into at The Market Common. John
Leichty opened the Tommy Bahama restaurant at The Market
Common in 2008 and worked there for several years – the same
space Tupelo has taken over. He left the Myrtle Beach area for a
few years, but returned to take the job with Tupelo. Same spot,
but very different.
➤ Customers walk in to see a signature piece of art done by an
artist in Asheville, N.C., where Tupelo is based. The art aims to
marry Tupelo Honey with the spirit of the local community,
which in Myrtle Beach is the beach. Local art -- including a
painting of a Ferris wheel – decorate the restaurant. “Every
Tupelo Honey belongs to the city it is in,” said Stephanie Parsons,
the general manager in Myrtle Beach who has worked for Tupelo
in Asheville. “Everybody feels like they have their own.”
➤ The decor aims to invoke a beachy feel, with
distressed wood and soft sand-and-surf colors. “We
are just trying to make it feel like the beach,”
spokeswoman Elizabeth Sims said.
Real Estate Money
MYRTLE BEACH, SOUTH CAROLINA | MyrtleBeachOnline.com/MONEY | SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2015 SECTION D
Business news, personal ﬁnance stocks
INSIDE PROPERTY TRANSFERS | 2D ■ STOCKS MUTUAL FUNDS | 4D ■ COMMODITIES | 4D
Property transfers
Find out what property sold in your neighborhood
REAL ESTATE | 2D
O
nce defined by the
size of its fore-
closure offerings,
the Myrtle Beach area real
estate market now outper-
forms both state and na-
tional real estate markets
in the current rate of fore-
closures and the percent-
age point drop in fore-
closures over the past year,
according to national real
estate data company
CoreLogic.
The
company
reported
Thursday
that Horry
County
saw a
steeper
drop in its
foreclosure
rate be-
tween
November
2013 and November last
year as well as a lower
foreclosure rate for the
past two Novembers than
either the statewide or U.S.
rates.
At one time, the Strand’s
housing market was noted
for the number of fore-
closed and bank-owned
properties, with the sheer
bulk holding down prices of
all residential properties.
Because of the area’s
abundance of second
homes, said Todd Wood-
ard, president of SiteTech
Systems, foreclosures
started here before much
of the rest of the country
and may for the same
reason have accounted for
a larger number of proper-
ties that got into trouble.
Woodard said that the
current number of fore-
closures in the area’s real
estate market is half what
it was two or three years
ago.
The single-family mar-
ket began seeing a break in
the foreclosure-dominated
market in the fall of 2013
that accelerated in early
2014 and is no longer a
dominating factor in the
market. Median single-
family home prices rose
more than 6 percent in the
last calendar year, a trend
that at least some are ex-
pecting to repeat this year.
The condo foreclosure
market encompassed more
properties and was the
MB’s
forclosure
rate low
STEVE
JONES
Real
Estate
See JONES | Page 3D
NEW YORK | TurboTax, the
country’s most popular do-it-
yourself tax preparation soft-
ware, halted processing state
tax returns for about 24 hours
because of a spike in fraudulent
filings.
State agencies have report-
ed a rise in filings with stolen
personal information, Intuit,
the company behind TurboTax,
said Friday.
Most victims found out that
a fraudulent tax return was
submitted in their name when
they received a rejection notice
after filing their returns, said
Intuit spokeswoman Julie Mill-
er.
There haven’t been issues
with federal returns to date be-
TurboTax halts state tax returns on fraud reports
The Associated Press
See TURBOTAX | Page 3D
Honey, we’re home
MORE ONLINE
See a gallery of the Market
Common’s newest restaurant, videos and
more at MyrtleBeachOnline.com.

SECOND PLACE:
Herald-Journal
R. Keith Hatchell

FIRST PLACE:
The Island Packet
Lindsay Trapp

HONORABLE MENTION:
The State
Elissa Macarin
Young gymnast has
Olympic dreams
SUNDAY NOVEMBER 15 2015 1CFACEBOOK.COM/THESTATENEWS
TWITTER.COM/THESTATETHESTATE.COM
PalmettoPEOPLE
A daily, deeper look at the people, places and issues shaping South Carolina
Editorial: Duvall the clear choice for Columbia City Council at-large seat, 2COPINION
@125
yearsThe inaugural edition of
The State newspaper was
published Feb. 18, 1891.
In anticipation of the
125th anniversary, the
Palmetto section each
day is recounting how
The State covered news-
makers and events vital to
South Carolina’s history.
THE STATE
INSTALLMENTS CAN BE
FOUND ONLINE AT
THESTATE.COM/STATE-125
In 1977, Pulitzer Prize-winning composer
Gian Carlo Menotti, Christopher Keene, and
others sought to create an American coun-
terpart to their annual “Festival of Two
Worlds” in Spoleto, Italy. With the help of
Charleston Mayor Joseph P. Riley Jr., the 17
day festival, designed to highlight both new
and established artists, found its home
stateside in the historic city of Charleston.
Spoleto Festival USA was born.
In the decades since its inception, Spole-
to Festival USA has been regarded as one
of the world’s leading festivals, with more
than 200 premieres. World-renowned
artists who performed here early in their
careers include Renée Fleming, Emanuel
Ax, Joshua Bell, Yo-Yo Ma, the Emerson
String Quartet and Jean-Yves Thibaudet.
“There is nothing like the Spoleto Festival
USA in the world, and for everyone who
participates, when the festival is over, they
are changed,” Riley was quoted as saying at
the opening of this year’s festival in May.
“And for the city that gives the festival, when
the festival is over, it is changed as well. For a
great arts festival overwhelms its sponsoring
city with unrelenting, day-and-night exposure
to the driving quest for excellence.”
— DWAUN SELLERS,
DSELLERS@THESTATE.COM
Spoleto Festival USA: Charleston’s premier performing arts event
MELISSA HANELINE Associated Press
W
hile most athletes
dream to be in the
top 100 of their
sport, Ashley
Locker has done it twice, and
she’s only nine years old.
That’s why the young gymnast
has even bigger dreams of
pursuing the Olympics.
Locker, a fourth grader at
Lake Murray Elementary, re-
cently returned from her sec-
ond trip to the TOPs (Talent
Opportunity Program) at the
Olympic Training Center in
New Waverly, Texas. TOPs is a
national talent search and edu-
cational training program for
female gymnasts ages seven to
10 and only the most elite gym-
nasts may attend.
“They (the gymnasts) go
through state testing all sum-
mer long,” said Susan Locker,
Ashley’s mother. “They test
them on different skills and
different strengths. Then, they
score them and they take the
top 100 in the whole country
for each age group. If you’re in
that top hundred, you get in-
vited to come to the national
testing and they do more skills
and strength testing there.”
It’s no wonder Locker has
been accepted into the elite
PHOTOGRAPHS BY GERRY MELENDEZ gmelendez@thestate.com
Ashley Locker, 9, a fourth-grader at Lake Murray Elementary, goes through practice with coach Abby
Reid at Lake Murray Gymnastics last month. Locker hopes to, eventually, make the Olympics.
BY CARSON MASON
AT THESTATE.COM
See video and photo gallery with this story
SEE GYMNAST, 8C
‘‘I FEEL GOOD THAT I HAVE BEEN
WORKING HARD TO JUST GET THAT
SKILL AND MOVE UP TO A NEW LEVEL.”
Ashley Locker
Ashley Locker, 9, recently returned from her
second trip to the Talent Opportunity Program
Herman Austen, Lexington
Jo Ann Ashford, Columbia
Jeffrey Berube, Columbia
James Bush Sr., Branchville
Willard Berry, West Columbia
Malcolm Culpepper, St. Matthews
Mildred Davis, Columbia
Barbara Dillard, Columbia
Thomas Efland, Clemson
Saundra Fordham, Columbia
Ronald Friend, Columbia
Lillian Galloway, Hartsville
Virginia Honeycutt, Edgefield
Jewell Johnson, Sumter
Mary Keel, Barnwell
James Kennedy, Hopkins
Ralph Leonard, Daytona Beach, Fla.
Janice Moore, Pelzer
Daijah Manigault, Gaston
Francis Noell, III, Columbia
Clarence Pope, III, Mauldin
Count Pulaski, Hampton
Bernice Sease, Lexington
Edward, Shuford, Columbia
Helen Spell, Sullivans Island
Sara Stoddard, Fountain Inn
Willie Salmond, Camden
Betty Trotter, Saluda
Jeffrey Williams, Winnsboro
Johnny Williams, Gilbert
SOUTH CAROLINA REMEMBERS Obituaries inside the Palmetto section

THIRD PLACE:
Maureen Hartshorn
My CharlestonMyyyyyyy Charleston
Raising
turkeys a
labor of
love
Pages 10-11
Family recipes
from Frank Lee,
Sean Brock
Pages 3, 4
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2014
Local wine experts
pick six for the spread
Page 12
Get basic dishes down:
Turkey, potatoes green beans
Pages 18-20
Stuffed squash shines
as veggie ‘star dish’
Page 14

SECOND PLACE:
The State
Susan Ardis
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2014 ɀ WWW.THESTATE.COM ɀ SECTION D
LIFESTYLE
G
rits.
That one word, for me,
conjures up images of the
Southern breakfast table
(and beyond). With grits,
it’s understood that the
morning will start off right with a warm
hug from a bowl, topped with melting
butter, maybe some cheese, some crum-
bled bacon ....
Alton Brown once said, when asked in
an interview, that grits is the one dish
every Southerner should know how to
cook. And I believe he is right. Fried
chicken and catfish have become nation-
al staples. Northerners and those in the
Midwest can have their warm oatmeal,
but grits (at least until recently) have
been truly a Southern thing.
So what are grits? Basically white or
yellow corn kernels that have been (tradi-
tionally) ground on a stone mill. The
smallest grains are separated out as corn
meal; the coarser grind are grits.
Grits are made simply: The purist only
uses slow-cooking grits brought to a boil
in water and then simmered for about an
hour, until the water is absorbed or evap-
orated and the grits are porridge-like.
For modern cooks, or folks like me
who want things in a hurry, there are
quick grits that can cook within 15 min-
utes. Here, the germ and the hull of the
corn kernels have been removed so that
Grits with ... from top left, scrambled eggs; bacon; roasted tomatoes with garlic and basil; cinnamon apples and almonds; roasted red
pepper and onion; and shrimp and gravy.
PHOTOGRAPHS BY KIM KIM FOSTER-TOBIN/KKFOSTER@THESTATE.COM
A hot bowl of
Southern comfort
Carolina
Kitchen
Susan
Ardis
sardis
@thestate.com
Twitter:
@foodsusan
Great grits aren’t hard – but why not take ’em up a notch?
SEE GREAT GRITS PAGE D4
What’s good here?
By mistake, the most fa-
mous item on the menu is
“The Original Greek Tur-
key.” According to Owner
Linda Sellers, longtime
employee Mark White
asked for a sandwich one
day years ago and he said
he did not care what kind
she made him.
She says she layered tur-
key, mayonnaise, cucum-
bers, ripe olives, tomatoes
and feta cheese on a round
of pita bread, topped it with
some Greek dressing, and
finished the sandwich with
another round of pita
bread.
He loved it, she says, and
customers who were pre-
sent were intrigued. The
Other Store and The Origi-
nal Greek Turkey are now
synonymous.
Other popular items in-
clude the Spring Chicken –
a chopped chicken breast
topped with sprouts,
spring onions, fresh basil
and tomatoes and served
on sourdough with mayon-
naiseandahousedressing.
All the meats are cooked
in-house, including the
roast beef which in the
roast beef and cheddar
sandwich is piled high with
the specially seasoned
meat on a hoagie and
served with cheddar, let-
tuce, tomato and spicy
mustard.
Two sandwiches are
named for Sellers’ grand-
children: Grace’s Avoca-
dowich and The Lukester.
Sellers says she has been
told over and over that the
deli’s Reuben is the best
most have tasted; and the
pimento cheese is a family
recipe.
The “Tedder” Salad is
WHAT’S GOOD HERE:
THE OTHER STORE NEIGHBORHOOD DELI IN FOREST ACRES
One exterior wall of The Other Store is a mural
inspired by Vincent Van Gogh’s ‘Starry Night.’
/DEENA C. BOUKNIGHT,/SPECIAL TO THE STATE
By DEENA C. BOUKNIGHT
SEE GOOD PAGE D4

FIRST PLACE:
Chad Dunbar
ARTSCULTURE
Music
Page F6
Dance
Page F6
Visual arts
Page F7
Film
Page F7
Theater
Page F8
previewFall arts
BY ADAM PARKER
T
he array of offerings in the Charleston
area grows each year.
The Holy City recently has added
a small auditioned choir called the King’s
Counterpoint, gained a new ensemble called
the Charleston Wind Symphony and em-
braced masters of stagecraft at 34 West The-
ater Company and the Charleston Perform-
ing Arts Center.
The Sparrow in North Charleston has be-
come a great destination for live rock ’n’ roll.
Charleston Supported Art, now in its third
year, is bringing visual artists and collectors
together in innovative ways.
Arts organizations that have been around
awhile are trying new things. Midtown
Productions opened a cabaret theater in
North Charleston. The Halsey Institute has
insinuated itself into the realm of concerts
and movies. The College of Charleston music
programs have streamlined while boosting
their quality. And Crabtree Players moved
from the Isle of Palms to a strip mall on John-
nie Dodds Boulevard in Mount Pleasant.
The Charleston Music Hall has stepped up
its game, keeping the lights on most nights
and presenting all sorts of fine musicians, lo-
cal and national.
And now that the renewed Gaillard Center
is about to open, Charleston audiences will
gain access to another tier of performers.
So much is on tap during the 2015-16 sea-
son it’s impossible to give full credit where
credit is due. But The Post and Courier will
attempt to provide the most up-to-date list-
Things to see, hear and do this fall in the Lowcountry
Please see FALL,Page F8
BY ADAM PARKER
Addie Mae Collins. Cynthia Wes-
ley. Carole Robertson. Carol Denise
McNair.
These are the four girls — all 14
years old except for Carol Denise,
who was 11 — who were killed on
Sunday, Sept. 15, 1963, when a bundle
of dynamite planted beneath the steps
of the 16th Street Baptist Church in
Birmingham, Ala., exploded.
Twenty-two others were wounded in
the racially motivated bombing. The
victims were black. The dynamite had
been planted by white supremacists of
the Ku Klux Klan.
Cynthia Hurd, 54. Susie Jackson, 87.
Ethel Lance, 70. Depayne Middleton-
Doctor, 49. Clementa Pinckney, 41.
Tywanza Sanders, 26. Daniel Sim-
mons, 74. Sharonda Coleman-Single-
ton, 45. Myra Thompson, 59.
These are the nine parishioners of
Emanuel AME Church in Charleston
who were killed on Wednesday, June
17, 2015, when a gunman opened fire
Series of free local events offer dialogue on race relations
CofC Libraries hosts sisters of girl killed in 1963 Birmingham bombing
Please see BOMBING,Page F3
IMAGE FROM “IN THE SPIRIT OF GULLAH,” BY 2006 MOJA ARTS FESTIVAL POSTER ARTIST, DOYLE CLOYD AND GRAPHIC BY CHAD DUNBAR/STAFF
Movie viewing
WHAT: “4 Little Girls” by Spike
Lee
WHEN: 6 p.m. Monday
WHERE: College of Charleston
Addlestone Library, Room 227,
205 Calhoun St., Charleston
COST: Free
MORE INFO: College of Charles-
ton Libraries, (843) 953-8002
Community forum
WHAT: “Ties That Bind Two
Holy Cities” community
forum
WHEN: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday
WHERE: Burke High School
auditorium, 244 President St.,
Charleston
COST: Free
If you go
Full calendar listings online at www.postandcourier.com/events
Inside
Warren Peper, F2
Books, F4
Travel, F5
R72-1365503

SPORTS PAGE DESIGN PORTFOLIO
THIRD PLACE:
Aiken Standard
Eric Russell
Sports AIKENSTANDARD.COMB SUNDAY, March 29, 2015 CONTACT: Noah Feit, nfeit@aikenstandard.com
All-AikenStandard2015
Basketball team
ts AIKENSTATT NCONTACT: Noahhh Feit,Feit,Feit,FFeitFeititFeit,Feit,FFeitFeitFeith FFeit,FeiFeit,eiFeit nfeit@nfnfeit@feit@feit@aikefeit@aikfeit@aikeit@aikeit@aikeeit@aiket@feit@aike@at@aike@aike@aikeaike@aikeiiknfeit@aikkeit@aik@aikennfeit@afnfeifeit@at@ai@@eit@aikiikikefeit@aikeaikennnfeit@nffefeit@aeeit@it@t@aiket@aikeeit@aik@nfeit@@anfeit@aikkt@aikekenfefeeit@it@@@a kkkkefenfeit@aiit@ai@ kkee@aikenfeit@aikfeitfeei @aikkkeeen eieit@aikekke@@@ nstanststaanandddddaararrdrdrdddard.nsnnnsnsttattanddddarard.nnnnstnsttaaannnnnddda d.n nnddard.ns anddarar .nnst nndaaannnda .com
d
Jaquez Smith
Guard, North Augusta
Class AAAA All-State selection
19.4 ppg
45% 3-point pct.
Kalief Freeman
Forward, Williston-Elko
Class A All-State selection
19.5 ppg
9.5 rpg
Daquarius Johnson
Forward, Strom Thurmond
Class AA All-State selection
16.7 ppg
Playerofthe
Year
Brandyn Quiller
Guard, Fox Creek
18.9 ppg
3.4 spg
Daniel Carr
Guard, Midland Valley
selection
the Year
ikennnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSttttttttttttttttttttttttttttanBaskaasaaasaasasaasasssaaasassaaassaaaaa etball team
Zymbraya Corley
Guard, Wagener-Salley
13.5 ppg
5.4 apg
Pl
ayeroftheYear
Raven
Valentine
Monetta
Cyntherria Sullivan
Guard, Strom Thurmond
11 ppg
4 apg
Jhay Graham
Guard, Aiken
Class AAA All-State selection
8.4 ppg
3.2 spg
Kippen Wallace
8.7 rpg
Boys Girls
Mark Snelgrove
Midland Valley Aiken
BOYS
idland Valley, F
orth Augusta, G
outh Aiken, F
ox Creek, G
orth Augusta, C
GIRLS
idge Spring-Monetta, G
orth Augusta, G
idland Valley, G
iken, C
ilver B , G
SECOND TEAM
GOLF GLANCE
PGA Tour
Texas Open
KevinKisner
+6 (T49)
struggled to
a 76 Satur-
day that in-
ScottBrown
+4 (T33)
Brownmade
wereout-
Web.com Tour
Louisiana Open
Matt Atkins
+2 (CUT)
Atkinsmissed
twoshots
onholes16
and17.
FROM THE SIDELINES
Logano wins truck race
in sprint at Martinsville
MARTINSVILLE, Va. (AP)
— Joey Logano passed Matt
start a two-
lap sprint
and won
an exciting
NASCAR
Martinsville
Speedway
The Day-
tona 500
champion
won for the
the 26th driver to win in all three
of NASCAR’s top series.
came after a wild near ending in
-
-
line for the lead.
Big innings doom Tigers
again against Deacons
-
away for a 7-3
victory over
Clemson at
-
Demon Dea-
lead in the series over the Tigers
(12-13, 4-7).
1 p.m.
To report a score or con-
tact Noah Feit, Sports
AikenStan-
dard -
enstandard.com or call
Logano
Bulldogs take two
from Gamecocks
COLUMBIA — The No. 7
win in 11 innings
game, which was
the 11th gave UGA the win.
ninth, USC lost the nightcap 4-3.
INSIDE TODAY
Mustang Madness
-
See Story on 5B
Fighting for Four
over North Carolina and will try to advance to
the Final Four today. See Story on 3B
Back to Badgers
See Story on 4B
Sports
B
Mr.AustinO’Shield
s
Baseball
MidlandValley
Karly Heath
Softball
TheFreshman
Phenom
Track
Main
man
Machi
Machi Provost
Boys’ Soccer
The
Striker
Jessica Schifer
Girls’ Soccer
Frelicia Tucker
Track Field
Jake Carter
Golf
Liam Wiggins
Tennis
’
. .
SmoothOperator
King
of the
Strings
SUNDAY, June 28, 2015
GOLF WATCH
Web.com Tour
Air Capital Classic
Matt Atkins
Roberto Diaz
FROM THE SIDELINES
GreenJackets roll to big
win over Rome Braves
ROME, Ga. — Following back-to-
back extra-inning games, the Augusta
GreenJackets made sure Saturday’s
contest
against the
Rome Braves
would be de-
cided in regu-
lation. The
GreenJackets
(35-37) scored
single runs in
en route to a 10-2 victory.
-
ing a home run, with three runs and
-
two RBIs.
PGA Tour
Travelers Championship
Scott Brown
AikenStandard
Bone bruise lands Braves
pitcher Perez on DL
PITTSBURGH (AP) — The Atlanta
Braves have placed rookie starting
pitcher Williams Perez on the 15-day
disabled list with a bone bruise in his
Perez, unbeaten
Friday night’s loss
to Pittsburgh in the
Pirates third base-
man Josh Harrison.
Perez attempted to
later. X-rays were negative but Perez
morning and it was unlikely he would
have been able to make his next start.
The Braves called up RHP Jake
take Perez’s spot on the roster. The
27-year-old Brigham is a career minor
Mississippi earlier this month.
Allmendinger wins pole for
road course race at Sonoma
Sunday’s road course race at Sonoma
Raceway.
Allmendinger
earned the top start-
ing spot during
Saturday’s knockout
a lap 96.310 mph
around the 10-turn,
1.99-mile course. It’s
berth in NASCAR’s championship
race last year when Allmendinger
won on the Watkins Glen road course.
-
lowed by Matt Kenseth, Kyle Larson
Gordon.
Clint Bowyer, Tony Stewart, Casey
-
owski rounded out the top 10.
Perez
Allmendinger
APPHOTO/DAVIDJ.PHILLIP
LEADERBOARD
SportsApril 10, 2015
Masters 2 15
INSIDE
2B
-
3B
pApril
22 11111111111111111111111111112222222222222222 122222222222222 11111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111
Bubba Watson calls out after teeing off on the 17th hole during the first
round of the Masters.
Watson ‘happy’ with
opening-round 71
Jordan
rules
Spieth seizes lead
late in the day
BY ERIC RUSSELL
erussell@aikenstandard.com
AUGUSTA — This time Bubba
Watson was able to calm down. That
was the difference in the 71 he shot
this year as opposed to the 3-over 75
he shot in the opening round of the
2013 tournament as the defending
champion. Two years ago, Watson
found himself nine shots off the lead
after the opening round. He sits a
good way back this year as well, but
that had more to do with Jordan Spi-
to post an 8-under 64.
Watson said his approach was the
same despite the different result.
“I didn’t change anything. I told my
caddie after a couple holes, I said I
was a little amped up, so I just needed
to calm down. So I started walking
slower,” Watson said. “Then that’s
what happened in ’13. ’13, I just didn’t
know how to calm down and settle
down. I still made the cut, but I didn’t
Watson made the turn at 2-under
before going 1-over on the back nine
to conclude the day.
Please see WATSON,Page 3B
BY NOAH FEIT
nfeit@aikenstandard.com
AUGUSTA — Thursday’s opening
round of the Masters Tournament
was a long time coming for Phil
-
tive round the three-time green jacket
winner played at Augusta National
Golf Club since missing the cut in
last year’s Masters.
Mickelson didn’t card his lowest
score, but he played a round that was
closer to the vintage performances
that has made “Lefty” an all-time
favorite of the patrons at Augusta
National. Mickelson shot 2-under 70,
mixing three birdies with three bo-
geys and a difference-making eagle
on No. 8.
“I hit the ball really well today. …
It was a good way to start the tourna-
ment. I feel good with the way the
game is,” said Mickelson, who’d be
closer to the lead if not for Jordan
Spieth’s tremendous 8-under round.
“I should be able to make a run.”
It was a vast improvement com-
pared to last year, when he opened
the tournament with 76 – one of
his worst single-round scores at the
Masters. His second-round 73 was an
improvement, but not good enough
to prevent Mickelson from missing
the cut in Augusta for only the sec-
ond time in 22 appearances in the
Masters.
Mickelson got off to a good start
Thursday. After making par on the
deceptively tough opening hole, he
made back-to-back birdies on Nos. 2
and 3. It’s a continuation of the solid
play he displayed in the tournaments
leading up to this week.
“I took some good momentum
the last few tournaments coming in
Mickelson said. “I had a couple of
good runs today with birdies. I need
to get hotter with the putter the next
few days, but it was a good start.”
The positive momentum he had built
seemed to evaporate midway through
-
tive bogeys on the sixth and seventh
holes, knocking him back to even par.
But as he has so many times in the
past, Mickelson took an aggressive
approach to change his fate. Using a
3-wood that he hit 278 yards uphill,
the ball came to rest within three feet
of the hole.
Lefty makes amends
for previous Masters
RoryMcIlroy,ofNorthernIreland,walksdowntheninthfairwaywithPhil
Mickelson, right, during the first round of the Masters.
Please see LEFTY,Page 2B
BY DOUG FERGUSON
Associated Press
AUGUSTA — Jordan Spieth pulled off the unthinkable Thursday. With
the best opening round in 19 years, he managed to make the Masters about
a lot more than the Grand Slam bid of Rory McIlroy and the curious return
of Tiger Woods.
Spieth was must-see TV with his 8-under 64 on a steamy afternoon at
Augusta National.
“It’s one of the better rounds I’ve ever played,” he said.
That wasn’t the case for McIlroy, though his round wasn’t awful. The
world’s No. 1 player saved par four times on the front nine and scratched
out a 71. Woods had three birdies in his round of 73, and while it was the
it was looked upon as progress. Plus, his short game looked like it was
close to being back to normal.
But the day belonged to Spieth, a 21-year-old Texan who at least got into
know it.
Spieth ran off six birdies in a seven-hole stretch to reach 8 under through
14 holes, and the last of those birdies summed up a day when hardly
anything went wrong. He hit a 7-iron out of the pines and began barking
instructions to the golf ball as he often does. He didn’t realize it smacked
right into the pin and settled a few feet away until he heard the reaction
from delirious fans around the green that suspected they were watching
something special.
Almost.
Spieth hit hybrid over the green on the par-5 15th, chipped cautiously up
the slope and three-putted from the fringe for a bogey. He closed with a
Greg Norman’s 63 in 1996. It gave Spieth a three-shot lead over Ernie Els,
Jason Day, Justin Rose and Charley Hoffman.
Spieth was thinking about 62. He had never shot 10-under par as a pro.
“I wasn’t aware what the course record was here, let alone that it actu-
ally would have been the lowest round in major championship history. So
that’s a little frustrating,” Spieth said before he paused with a wry smile.
“But I’m certainly OK with the day.”
It wasn’t that big of a surprise.
Spieth shared the 54-hole lead last year at Augusta with Bubba Watson
until a four-shot swing over the last two holes of the front nine as Watson
pulled away. Plus, he might have been the hottest player coming into this
Masters.
He won at Innisbrook in a three-man playoff. He was runner-up at the
Texas Open. And he lost in a three-man playoff at the Houston Open just
four days ago.
Please seePlease see MMASTEASTERRSS,,Page 3BPage 3B
T2. Charley Hoffman -5
T2. Justin Rose -5
T6. Sergio Garcia -4
T2. Jason Day -5
T6. Russell Henley -4
T2. Ernie Els -5
1. Jordan Spieth -8
Spieth

SECOND PLACE:
The Journal
Robbie Tinsley
Tuesday, February 17, 2015 The Journal C1
SPORTSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSPORTOSSPORTPORTPPOROORTORTRTRTSSSSSSSSPPSSSSSPPORORTRTSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS SSSSSSSSSSSSSports Editor: Eric Sprott | esprott@upstatetoday.com | 864-882-2386
Assistant Sports Editor: Robbie Tinsley | rtinsley@upstatetoday.com | 864-882-2385
EDITOR’S NOTE
Due to an early deadline
Monday night, the game recap
of the Clemson vs. Georgia Tech
basketball game is only availablee
online at www.upstatetoday.com..
INSIDE
NASCAR C2
High schools C3
NBA C4
|| WEST-OAK WRESTLING STATE CHAMPIONSHIP ||
Alone at the top
BRAD MOORE | THE JOURNAL
West-Oak 170-pound wrestler Anthony Sheehy holds Beaufort’s Joseph Gigliotti down during their Class 3A State
championship match on Saturday at Dreher High School in Columbia.
BY ERIC SPROTT
THE JOURNAL
COLUMBIA — With
only a handful of excep-
tions along the way, the
West-Oak High School
wrestling team didn’t
have to experience too
many anxious moments
this season.
A model of consisten-
cy, the Warriors rolled
through much of the
season atop the Class
3A rankings, and they
cemented themselves as
the best in the Palmetto
State on Saturday with
yet another dominant
showing.
Holding the lead for
most of the afternoon,
third-ranked West-Oak
pulled out a dominating
44-21 victory over sec-
ond-ranked Beaufort at
Dreher High School for
its third State champion-
ship in program history,
and its first since 2011.
Along the way in the
postseason, the Warriors
(29-5) also knocked off
Emerald, Chapin and
South Pointe — ranked
fifth, sixth and first,
respectively — as well
as unranked Dreher en
route to the title, which
senior Anthony Sheehy
clinched
with a first-
round pin at
170 pounds
in the
penultimate
match of the
afternoon.
“It was
just amaz-
ing,” said
Sheehy,
who won an
individual
state cham-
pionship
last year at 160 pounds.
“There really aren’t
words that can describe
it — I was just happy for
my whole team.
“We just did what we
were supposed to do,” he
added. “Everybody stayed
together, and we didn’t
have many bad spots or
do anything stupid. We
wrestled smart today.”
Sheehy earned one of
the Warriors’ four pins
on the day, along with fel-
low seniors Daniel Ibanez
(145) and Adam Rogers
(126), as well as freshman
Ian James (138).
BRAD MOORE | THE JOURNAL
From fellow senior Jacob Richards’ shoulders, West-Oak’s
Adam Rogers holds the Class 3A wrestling State champi-
onship trophy.
West-OakdownsBeaufort,clinches3rdStatecrown
BY ERIC SPROTT
THE JOURNAL
COLUMBIA — Adam
Rogers hadn’t yet been
born when the West-Oak
High School wrestling
team captured its first
State championship
in 1994, but he had an
up-close view of the
Warriors clinching the
crown in 2011.
Just an eighth-grader
at the time, Rogers had
the opportunity to watch
from the bench as his
brother, Timothy, earned
a victory in helping
West-Oak to its second
State crown — regard-
less of sport — in school
history.
And while he proba-
bly had to wait longer
than he would have
preferred, Rogers will
soon have a State cham-
pionship ring to call
his own after helping
West-Oak to a 44-21
victory over Beaufort
at Dreher High School
on Saturday for the
school’s third-ever State
championship.
Earning a victory via
pin at 126 pounds, Rog-
ers — a four-year starter
and two-time team
captain for the War-
riors — came through
with a crucial victory
during a stretch against
Beaufort’s vaunted
lightweights, who won
three out of four match-
es between 106 and 132
pounds.
“When I was a fresh-
man, my goal was to
either have a team
state championship or
individual state champi-
onship or both,” Rogers
said Saturday. “I’m real-
ly glad this year was the
year I got to have a state
championship with this
team right here.”
And it’s his hope that
thanks to the work done
by he and his fellow
seniors this season
that the Warriors (29-
5) won’t have to wait
another four years to
claim their fourth State
championship.
In addition to Rogers,
every other West-Oak
senior who took the
mat Saturday — Daniel
Ibanez, Jonathan McIn-
tyre, Tristan Penton,
Jacob Richards and An-
thony Sheehy — came
away with victories in
what turned out to be a
runaway victory for the
State crown.
“Our seniors have led
us all year long, and
we’re very fortunate to
have what we’ve had
with those guys, and it
comes down to all the
work they’ve done before
this season,” first-year
West-Oak coach Greg
Brewer said. “This was
a whole bunch of work
throughout the sum-
mer and last year, and
(former coach) Justin
Arthur had a very, very
good group and did a
great job while he was
here along with all the
coaching staff.
“They work year-
round, and that’s why
we’re able to reap these
rewards, because our
kids work tremendously
hard. We feel like our
offseason program is
the best in the state, and
we take advantage of
that.”
The current group
of Warriors isn’t quite
through working to-
gether yet, as many of
them will take part in
the individual Upper
State tournament this
weekend at West-Oak
Warrior seniors leave
lastingmarkonprogram
BY STEVEN BRADLEY
THE JOURNAL
CLEMSON — Clemson
is a football school. That
comes as news to nobody,
but the finances show
how wide of a gulf exists
between the gridiron
Tigers and the rest.
Clemson University
brought in $37.6 million
in total revenue from
football in fiscal year
2014 and turned a total
profit of $16.7 million
from the program,
according to data the
athletic department pro-
vided to The Journal.
Men’s basketball was
the only other Clemson
sport to turn a profit
among the five sports
that charge admission for
their games.
Clemson associate
athletic director for
finances and facilities
Graham Neff said it was
common for football to be
the biggest earner for col-
lege athletic programs,
although the disparity
varied from school to
school.
“Certainly, football is
typically the biggest ‘cash
cow,’ but with scales of
magnitude dependent
on program success and
school ‘culture,’” he said
in an email.
Ticket sales made
up the largest share of
Clemson football revenue
at $17.9 million, while its
distribution from the At-
lantic Coast Conference
generated $14.8 million
in FY 2014, which ended
June 30, 2014.
IPTAY scholarship
funding accounted
for $2.8 million of
the football revenue,ANNEMARIE JACQUES | THE JOURNAL
Clemson head football coach Dabo Swinney’s program
brought in $37.6 million in revenue in 2014.
|| COLLEGE FOOTBALL ||
Clemsonfootball
turned$16.7M
S
outh Carolina has
jumped back into
the recruiting ring
for A.C. Flora wide
receiver/defensive back
Denzel Johnson, who re-
mains uncommitted and
unsigned while await-
ing the result of his last
ACT test.
Johnson is expecting
the score to be reported
in about a week and a
half. Prior to national
signing day, Johnson
dropped South Carolina
because the Gamecocks
told him to go to junior
college first. But John-
son said South Carolina
recruiter and receivers
coach Steve Spurrier Jr.
recently contacted him
and let him know if he
gets the grades and the
score, he would like him
at South Carolina.
Johnson said he now
has the Gamecocks back
on his list.
“They are in it be-
cause I like South Car-
olina,” Johnson said.
“(Spurrier Jr. said) once
I get my
grades
right
I can
come on
a visit
and see
how
I like
it and
then go
from
there.”
John-
son said
if he
becomes
qual-
ified he would take his
official visit to South
Carolina before making
a final decision. John-
son, of course, nearly
committed to Clemson in
January after his official
visit there, but the grades
issue put that on hold.
Clemson coach Dabo
Swinney has kept in
regular contact and has
Gamecocks still chasing
2015 target Johnson
FROM THE
RECRUITING
TRAIL |
PHIL
KORNBLUT
44
21
SEE WEST-OAK, PAGE C4
SEE KORNBLUT, PAGE C3
SEE SENIORS, PAGE C4
Ibanez McIntyre
Rogers
Penton
Sheehy
Richards
SEE PROFIT, PAGE C3
Saturday, March 7, 2015 The Journal C1
SPORTSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSPORTOSSPORTPORTPPOROORTORTRTRTSSSSSSSSPPSSSSSPPORORTRTSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS SSSSSSSSSSSSSports Editor: Eric Sprott | esprott@upstatetoday.com | 864-882-2386
Assistant Sports Editor: Robbie Tinsley | rtinsley@upstatetoday.com | 864-882-2385
STEEL CITY TAJJH
Former Clemson
star Boyd signed byyy
Pittsburgh. C5
INSIDE
Scoreboard C2
Outdoors C4
NBA C5
|| CLEMSON ATHLETICS ||
‘I’m used to it. I’m
used to being the
to keep my mouth shut
and go to work.
DeShawn Williams
Clemson defensive tackle
DAWSON POWERS | THE JOURNAL
Daniel and Clemson graduate DeShawn Williams runs a footwork drill during Clemson’s pro day on Thursday.
WilliamseagertoprovehisworthtoNFL
BY ROBBIE TINSLEY
THE JOURNAL
CLEMSON — DeShawn Williams
made no bones about his thoughts
when watching the NFL combine.
“I watched the combine, and it
kind of (ticked) me off,” the Daniel
High School and Clemson grad-
uate said Thursday. “I felt like I
should’ve been there.”
Only he didn’t say “ticked.”
While four of his fellow Clem-
son defensive linemen — Tavaris
Barnes, Corey Crawford, Vic
Beasley and Grady Jarrett — got
a chance to show their worth to
countless scouts, Williams watched
from his couch.
Speaking after his performance
at Clemson’s pro day on Thursday,
Williams’ voice and words left
little room for guesswork for his
feelings on not getting invited to
the combine.
“It’s all politics,” he said. “It’s
about (the NFL) getting a big name
for their event, and I’m the one that
does the dirty work. The stats show
that, and the way I play showed that
this year.
“In high school, it was the same
way. It’s just motivation, and I learn
to deal with it and try to prove peo-
ple wrong.”
For Williams, it’s just like when
he was a senior coming out of
Daniel, when he wasn’t selected for
the Shrine Bowl or even the North-
South All-Star Game.
“I’m used to it. I’m used to being the
underdog,” he said. “I’m just going to
keep my mouth shut and go to work.
“I’m a guy coming out from the
shadows. I didn’t get talked about
too much this season, but I showed
what I can do.”
Williams checked in at 6
feet tall and 303 pounds at the
PHOTOS BY KENNY FEY AND REX BROWN | THE JOURNAL
From his time with the Daniel Lions, left, to the Clemson Tigers, DeShawn
Williams has always done the dirty work and worn the No. 99.
SEE WILLIAMS, PAGE C4
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Atlanta Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman laughs
with former teammate, Washington Nationals’ Dan Uggla
during their spring-training game Friday in Kissimmee, Fla.
Clemson hoops
closesregularseason
at Notre Dame
BY ERIC SPROTT
THE JOURNAL
CLEMSON — The
numerous scoring
droughts the Clemson
basketball team has
suffered through this
season have been equal
parts painful and un-
explainable.
But after going near-
ly 15 minutes without a
field goal in an even-
tual 66-61 home loss to
N.C. State on Tuesday,
the Tigers’ shooting
woes are almost begin-
ning to defy logic.
“I’m not really sure
how to answer that
question,” Clemson
sophomore forward
and leading scorer
Jaron Blossomgame
said Friday when asked
what has caused the of-
fensive dry spells. “I’m
pretty sure (head coach
Brad Brownell) doesn’t
know how to answer
that question either.
That’s tough.
“Guys are trying to
go out there and make
plays, but sometimes it
doesn’t go our way.”
By falling against the
Wolfpack, the Tigers
(16-13,
8-9 ACC)
guaranteed
they’ll
finish in
the bottom
half of the
league, as
they are
almost
certainly locked into ei-
ther the eighth or ninth
seed in next week’s
ACC Tournament.
But Clemson still
wants to go into the
tournament with a good
feeling, and it will have
a chance to do that to-
day (4 p.m., WLOS-13) if
it can pull off an upset
at No. 12 Notre Dame in
South Bend, Ind.
Tigers open ACC
play with win
over NC State
THE JOURNAL STAFF
RALEIGH, N.C. —
Junior lefthander
Matthew Crownover
allowed just one run
on two hits in seven
innings pitched to
open conference play
and lead the Clemson
baseball team to a 6-4
series-opening win at
N.C. State on Friday
afternoon.
The Tigers (8-4, 1-0
ACC) saw Crownover
earn his third win
in four starts. Drew
Moyer pitched the
ninth inning to record
his second save of the
season.
Meanwhile, N.C.
State (7-4, 0-1) saw
starter Cory Wilder
suffer the loss, as he
yielded just three hits,
one unearned run
and three walks with
eight strikeouts in 5.2
innings pitched.
In the first inning,
Clemson took advan-
tage of a
Wolfpack
error on a
potential
inning-end-
ing dou-
ble-play
grounder,
as Steven
Duggar
belted a
single to
score Tyler
Slaton.
In the
seventh inning,
Clemson scored five
two-out runs on three
wild pitches, including
Duggar scoring from
second base on a wild
pitch and Chase Pin-
der’s run-scoring single
to up its lead to 6-0.
Jake Armstrong and
Preston Palmeiro hit
homers to narrow the
Tigers’ lead to 6-4, but
it was not enough.
6
4
SEE TIGERS, PAGE C4
|| UP NEXT ||
Who: Notre Dame
When:
Today,
4 p.m.
Where:
South
Bend, Ind.
TV: WLOS-TV 13
Radio: WCCP 105.5 FM
Brownell
SEE HOOPS, PAGE C4
‘Coming out from
the shadows’
Moorehomers,drivesin5asNationalstopBraves
BY JEFF BERLINICKE
ASSOCIATED PRESS
KISSIMMEE, Fla. —
Tyler Moore homered,
tripled and drove in five
runs, leading the Wash-
ington Nationals past the
Atlanta Braves 9-8 Friday.
Moore hit a two-run
homer and a bases-loaded
triple, and is 4 for 5 after
two exhibition games. He
hit .231 for the Nationals
last year with four homers
in 42 games.
Washington starter Jor-
dan Zimmermann pitched
two scoreless innings in
his spring debut, allowing
a hit and a walk.
Zimmermann is part of
a starting rotation that
includes Max Scherzer,
Stephen Strasburg, Gio
Gonzalez and Doug Fister.
He knows he may be the
fifth starter despite going
14-5 with a 2.66 ERA last
season.
“My fastball isn’t there
just yet, but it was every-
thing I expected on my
first day,” Zimmermann
said. “I was just pitching
to throw strikes.”
Atlanta starter Alex
Wood gave up two runs
in two innings, including
Moore’s homer.
Wood said he didn’t
bring out his full arsenal
knowing that he would be
facing the Nationals often
this season.
“We play down any ri-
valry in spring training,”
Wood said. “I won’t be
pitching the same way in
the regular season.”
Wood faced former
teammate Dan Uggla
for the first time. Uggla
is trying to make the
Nationals roster after
several years with the
Braves.
“It was odd seeing
him in another uni-
form,” Wood said. “It
was strange. I’ll see him
again.”
Uggla went 1-for-2 with
an RBI and a run scored
in his first game with the
Nationals.
He struggled mightily
his last three years. He
hasn’t batted anywhere
close to .200 since 2012
and that earned him a
release from the Atlan-
ta Braves and another
release from the San
Francisco Giants, where
he went 0-for-11 in a brief
stint.
Another former Brave,
Yunel Escobar, is still out
with back stiffness and
didn’t make the trip.
Meanwhile, Braves
lefthander Mike Minor
is experiencing shoulder
discomfort and is out
indefinitely.
Freddie Freeman hom-
ered for the Braves and
Pedro Ciriaco had three
hits, including a home
run, and three RBIs.
Shelby Miller will make
his Braves debut today in
a split-squad game against
Justin Verlander and the
Detroit Tigers. Mike Fol-
tynewicz will also make
his Braves debut in Port
St. Lucie against the New
York Mets.
Saturday, October 24, 2015 The Journal C1
SPORTSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSPORTOSSPORTPORTPPOROORTORTRTRTPPSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSPPORORTRTSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS SSSSSSSSSSSSSports Editor: Robbie Tinsley | rtinsley@upstatetoday.com | 864-882-2385
Sports Writer: JD Elliott | jdelliott@upstatetoday.com | 864-882-2386
BACK TO BACK
Cain’s dash helps
Royals clinch 2nd AL
pennant in a row, anothhher
trip to World Series. C666
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|| HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL ||
BY ERIC SPROTT
THE JOURNAL
SENECA — For a program
that prides itself on its football
tradition, it had been a painfully
long time since the Seneca High
School football team had claimed
a championship.
But on Friday night, it didn’t
take long for the Bobcats to start
celebrating their first Western 3A
region championship in nearly
two decades, as they raced out in
a hurry and never looked back in
a 56-6 butchering of West-Oak at
Tom Bass Field.
In securing their first region
crown since 1996, the Bobcats (9-0,
6-0 Western 3A) jumped out to a
35-0 first-quarter lead over the
Warriors (0-9, 0-6) and held a com-
manding 56-0 halftime advantage,
as the championship was secured
for all intents and
purposes in the game’s
opening moments.
“They’ve worked,
they really have, and
these kids weren’t
even born the last
time a region champi-
onship was won here,”
Seneca coach Brett
Turner said. “They’ve
been dreaming about
this moment for quite
some time, so it’s just
a special night.
“I’m so thankful to be able to
work with these kids and be a part
of it. This is great for this commu-
nity, the school and these kids. It’s
just a special time.”
PHOTOS BY REX BROWN | THE JOURNAL
Seneca senior wide receiver Daquan Mackey celebrates the Bobcats’ region-clinching 56-6 win over West-Oak on Friday at Tom Bass Field.
JOSHUA S. KELLY | THE JOURNAL
Daniel wide receiver C.J. Scott dives for the endzone during the
Lions’ game against Walhalla on Friday night at Razorback Stadium.
Scott’s 42-yard first-quarter score was part of a 49-0 rout.
Earnhardt
looking
for big run
to continue
Cup hopes
BY JENNA FRYER
ASSOCIATED PRESS
TALLADEGA, Ala. —
Dale Earnhardt Jr. has
struggled in the second
round of NASCAR’s playoffs
and needs a good run at
Talladega Superspeedway
to avoid elimination in the
Chase for the Sprint Cup
championship.
Luckily for Earnhardt,
he’s pretty good
at Talladega.
And he’s head-
ed into Sunday’s
race with a
proven car.
The No. 88
Chevrolet that
Earnhardt will
race Sunday
won a qualifying race at
Daytona in February, won
here in May, then won at
Daytona again in July. A
fourth win in the car will
automatically move him
into the eight-man third
round of the Chase.
Still, he’s not exactly
breathing easy.
“It’s real intense, there’s
no denying the intensity
and the pressure it puts on
drivers like myself to be
in a cutoff situation where
you’re eliminated if things
don’t go perfectly on Sun-
day,” Earnhardt said Friday.
Earnhardt is 11th in the
12-driver field after sub-par
races in the second round.
He finished 28th at Charlotte
and was 21st — lowest of all
Chase drivers — last week
at Kansas.
But Talladega is his track,
and the crowd will be firmly
behind him.
They root for him in these
grandstands like no other
driver, and the roar when
he charges to the front can
make the ground shake.
Earnhardt is a six-time win-
ner at Talladega — tied for
most among active drivers
with Hendrick Motorsports
teammate Jeff Gordon — so
having this track play such
a big role in his title chances
gives him confidence.
Earnhardt noted Sunday
that there’s no other track
than Talladega that he’d
rather be at this week facing
elimination.
“We’ve won here this
year and we’ve ran good
and won at Daytona over
the last several years,” he
said. “So when we come to
all the plate tracks, we feel
confident we can do well and
feel confident in the car. The
confidence that you have in
the car is really where it all
stems from.”
He sits at the bottom of the
standings with Kyle Bus-
ch (ninth), Ryan Newman
(10th) and Matt Kenseth
(12th). Busch was in solid
position this race a year
ago — he was second in
the standings — only to be
caught up in a wreck and
eliminated.
So no one heads into Sun-
day feeling safe, and only
Joey Logano has earned the
automatic berth into the
third round. Logano won
the last two races — he had
contact last week at Kansas
with Kenseth that spun
Kenseth out of the lead, and
denied Kenseth an auto-
matic berth into the third
round.
“There are certainly going
to be some people that race
scared and racing scared, to
me, means sometimes you
race not to win, but to not
lose as far as the points are
concerned,” said Brad Kesel-
owski, who is seventh in the
standings.
Batson, Lions throw
past Walhalla in shutout
BY J.D. ELLIOTT
THE JOURNAL
WALHALLA — The Daniel
High School football team op-
erated as a well-oiled machine
both offensively and defensively
in a 49-0 rout of Walhalla Friday
night at Razorbacks Stadium.
The Lions (4-5, 4-2 Western
3A) had no problem moving
the ball against the Razors (1-8,
0-6), but self-inflicted wounds
plagued Daniel throughout the
contest.
On the opening drive of the
night, quarterback Ben Batson
fumbled the ball on the Wal-
halla 4-yard line at the tail end
of a 30-yard run. After a quick
three-and-out forced by the
defense, Batson took advantage
of the ensuing possession, hit-
ting Will Swinney for a 16-yard
touchdown to begin the scoring.
On the next three possessions,
Batson found three different
receivers for touch-
downs — Carter
Groomes, C.J. Scott
and Swinney — to
continue the aerial
assault.
“We felt we saw
some things in the
passing game off
film, so we wanted
to throw it around
and make some
plays, and it was
one of those things
that snowballed,”
Daniel head coach
Randy Robinson said. “We hit
a couple pass plays, and some
other things opened up. It was
a good night offensively.”
As has happened so often
this season, the only thing that
could hurt Daniel was Daniel.
Seneca routs Warriors, brings
49
0
56
6
Earnhardt
‘CATS SCRATCH
19-YEAR ITCH
Seneca head coach Brett Turner hugs senior offensive lineman
Rasheem Simpson after Simpson and teammates dumped
water on the coach after the Bobcats’ win over West-Oak.SEE SENECA, PAGE C7
SEE LIONS, PAGE C7

FIRST PLACE:
Index-Journal
Aron Agerton
Sports BBThursday, March 5, 2015
TRIPLE THREATTHREAT
Scott opens a season of change
DORAL, Fla. — The year
isn’t all that’s new for Adam
Scott.
He makes his 2015 debut
at the Cadillac Champion-
ship with a new caddie he
hired at the end of last year.
He has a new daughter
born last month. And what
grabbed even more attention
was the new putter he plans
to use at Doral.
Scott had enough time off
during the final months of his
wife’s pregnancy that he began
tinkering with a conventional
putter, which he last used in
competition at the Sony Open
just over four years ago. He
switched to a long putter, and
since then has won the Mas-
ters and reached No. 1 in the
world. A new rule on anchor-
ing that takes effect in 2016
means a change was going to
be inevitable.
“Thinking a little more
objectively about it at the back
end of last year, I thought
because I do have to make
an adjustment by the end of
this year, if I’m going to spend
some time doing it I should
try and start now and maybe
find the best solution,” Scott
said. “I’ve putted lots of differ-
ent ways at home, and prob-
ably going to putt with a short-
er putter this week. It’s been
feeling good. It’s not that big
a deal. I did it for a long time
that way.”
Scott has gone nearly three
months since he last compet-
ed and was runner-up at the
Australian PGA Champion-
ship. He is keeping expecta-
tions at a minimum at a World
Golf Championship that has
brought together all the top 50
in the world ranking.
It’s the first time everyone in
the top 50 has been together
since the 2012 PGA Champi-
onship at Kiawah Island.
That doesn’t include Tiger
Woods, who is not eligible
for a WGC event for only
the second time in his career.
Woods has fallen to No. 75
after missing most of last year
with back issues and playing
only 47 holes in two events
this year before saying he
would take time off to sort
out his game.
As much as Scott has been
away from the game, he is not
completely out of the loop. He
is aware of Woods’ struggles,
especially with his chipping —
“It’s in the papers even at home
in Australia,” he said — and
with some of the recent win-
ners. He watched Jason Day
win at Torrey Pines and Brandt
Snedeker win at Pebble Beach
before heading to his home in
The Bahamas to start prepar-
ing for the season.
By DOUG FERGUSON
Associated Press
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Adam Scott watches his tee shot on the eighth hole during a practice round for the
Cadillac Championship golf tournament Wednesday in Doral, Fla.
19-win
season is a
‘great step’
for Lander
After a historic start, the
Lander University men’s bas-
ketball team suffered a disap-
pointing end to the season.
The Bearcats closed out the
season 6-9 after a 13-0 start.
And, in the
first round
of the Peach
Belt Confer-
ence tourna-
ment, Land-
er blew an
8-point lead
on Colum-
bus State
in the final
minutes to lose 77-76, ending
its season.
Despite that sour finish,
Lander made huge strides
toward becoming a perennial
power.
The Bearcats won at least
17 games for the third time in
four years. The 13-0 start set
a new school record for con-
secutive wins to start a season,
breaking the old mark set in
1979-80. And, Lander ascend-
ed to as high as 13th in the
D2SIDA national poll.
And the 19 wins was the
By ANDREW MACKE
JEFF
BURKHAMER
See LANDER, page 3B
Erskine’s senior trio powering team to record season
DUE WEST
TTara Potter remembers the
breakdown.
As a sophomore in 2012,
she sat with an Erskine College
women’s basketball team completely
void of confidence in the visiting locker
room of Belmont Abbey’s gym on Nov.
17. It was the fourth loss in as many
games for the Fleet.
Potter recalls Erskine coach Russ
Gregg, in his second year at the helm,
giving the team an ultimatum.
“That was when things had broken
down,” Potter said. “He said, ‘We can’t
go on like this. We have nobody step-
ping up. We have nobody taking con-
trol.’
“So we voted right there, in the Bel-
mont Abbey locker room, for captains.”
What Potter didn’t realize was that
she would take on that captaincy role,
something she felt unprepared for.
“I had to step up really quick as a
sophomore after not playing half of my
freshman year,” Potter said. “And it was
a very sobering experience to see that
I had sophomores, juniors and seniors
looking at me for an answer.
“I think I took that and turned to my
team also, and instead of letting it go
to my head or worry about how I was
performing, we invested a lot into each
other.”
Though the team would finish the
season at 3-25, that moment served as
the starting point of a long voyage to
build the program. A path Gregg said
was paved by Potter and fellow seniors
Andrienne Bannerman and Haleigh
Spaulding.
This season, the group guided Ers-
kine to an 18-11 overall record, the
most wins at the school since 1983-84.
The girls also produced the first back-
to-back winning seasons for the pro-
gram since 2005-06.
The seniors look to keep the journey
By ETHAN JOYCE
ABOVE: Erskine College women’s basketball seniors Andrienne Bannerman,
left, Tara Potter, middle, and Haleigh Spaulding, right, joke around in the team
locker room.
TOP: From left to right, Potter, Bannerman and Spaulding have guided the
Fleet this year.See TRIPLE, page 3B
Ninety Six
track project
complete
Facility ready
for 2015 season
NINETY SIX Wilson-
Campbell Stadium and its
football field has long served
as a strong and raucous home
for the Ninety Six High School
football team.
But the track? Not so much.
Fortunately, the track team
will finally have a suitable
place. After some delay and a
number of Ninety Six School
District 52 board meetings
since the project’s announce-
ment, construction is over.
The 2015 season will be the
unveiling of a rubberized
track.
Ninety Six athletic direc-
tor Matt Huntsberger said
the renovations also include a
new pole vault runway, long
jump runways, a high jump
area, and new shot and discus
circles.
“We have had an asphalt
track forever,” Huntsberger
said. “For the last seven to
eight years, we have never ran
a track meet here because of
safety issues.
“Shin splints, complaints of
leg injury. It just wasn’t a good
By ETHAN JOYCE
See TRACK, page 2B
BBSports Thursday, September 2, 2015@IJ_Sports
www.facebook.com/indexjournal
Indexjournal.com/Sports
TIME TO GROW
Lander women look to build on promising 2014 season
A
promising start to the 2014 season did
not wind up that way for the Lander
University women’s soccer team.
The Bearcats were undefeated in their first
seven games, putting together a record of 4-0-
3. Lander then overcame its first loss with
another undefeated streak, going 3-0-1 in the
next four games.
But, Lander lost two of its last three, includ-
ing a 2-0 loss to UNC Pembroke in the first
round of the Peach Belt Conference tourna-
ment to end their season.
The main culprit to that late skid? Injuries.
The Bearcats suffered six season-ending
injuries to key players.
“It was a weird year. It could have been a lot
better,” Lander coach Chris Ayer said. “We just
lost a lot of kids.”
Those injuries did force younger players
into the lineup and gave them needed expe-
rience. Now, those injured players return
healthy to join those now experienced play-
ers, bringing more promise to the 2015 sea-
son.
“It’s a great group of girls,” Ayer said. “They
work hard and get after it. We’re going to be
young in some spots, but they’re talented. I’m
looking forward to seeing what we can do.
By ANDREW MACKE
LANDER UNIVERSITY
Lander's Noel McDaniel settles a ball during a game last year. McDaniel
will be one of the Bearcats' top players once again in her final season at
Lander.
It’s a great group of
girls ... They work
hard and get after
it. We’re going to be
young in some spots,
but they’re talented.
I’m looking forward to
seeing what we can do
...
— CHRIS AYER
Lander soccer coach
on the upcoming season
See LANDER, page 3B
First-year coach Smith excited to build Erskine soccer program
Robin Smith started as coach of
the Erskine College women’s soc-
cer team earlier this year, but she
will get that first game experience
on Thursday. It will be her head-
coaching induction in NCAA
competition, with her only other
job in that capacity coming from
her time at Daniel High School.
The former Greenwood High
and Winthrop student athlete
served as an assistant the past two
seasons at Erskine before getting
bumped up to the big chair. Now,
she’s elated to develop her vision
of a successful program.
“It is definitely an exciting time
and great opportunity,” Smith
said. “For me, it
is about creating
a positive envi-
ronment where
everybody has
the opportunity
to reach their
potential.
“I am look-
ing forward to
building up the
program, creating that environ-
ment and seeing what we can do.”
She will have plenty of work to
do. The women’s team has won
four games during its past two
seasons. The Fleet went 3-13-1
in 2014, with the team scoring a
total of 14 goals in that span. The
squad also was picked last in the
Conference Carolinas preseason
polls last month.
Smith said she plans to re-ener-
gize the attack to hopefully create
more goals and, ultimately, more
victories.
“Obviously, the program has
kind of struggled the past couple
of years,” Smith said. “So we have
our tactics that we are looking
at and changing out how we do
things and being in a more attack-
ing mindset.”
But on the positive side, the
Fleet return nine seniors who all
served as starters or key contribu-
tors. Starting goalkeeper Ashton
Burgess, an Emerald High School
alumna, is back, while Mel Fos-
ter and Katherine Coleman are
two top goal scorers returning for
their senior campaign.
Smith said she feels like it’s a
luxury to start off with so many
upperclassmen.
“We have a solid class of
seniors, and they are definite-
ly key players with what we are
doing in the program,” Smith said.
By ETHAN JOYCE
ROBIN
SMITH
See ERSKINE, page 3B
Panthers going for 3rd division title in a row
Now that Cam Newton and the
Carolina Panthers are the first team
since the NFC South was estab-
lished in 2002 to repeat as division
champs, they see little reason why
they shouldn’t win it again.
After all, not a single team in the
division finished above .500 last sea-
son.
Going 7-8-1 was good enough for
the Panthers to finish ahead of Atlan-
ta, New Orleans and Tampa Bay, and
it’s not clear whether any of the teams
are much better.
But the Panthers looked like a team
on the upswing last December, when
they might have saved coach Ron
Rivera’s job by finishing the regu-
lar season on a four-game winning
streak to sneak into the playoffs.
“The biggest thing we have to do
is maintain our expectations and we
can’t let outside expectations get in
our way and distract us,” Rivera said.
“It comes back to what we expect
from us and what we want to accom-
plish.”
Then there’s defensive end Mario
Addison, whose optimism was unbri-
dled when the Panthers gathered for
training camp.
“We’re going all the way,” Addison
said. “We have all the tools and all we
have to do is put it together. I see a
Super Bowl. I feel it, man.”
A year ago at this time, New
Orleans was a popular choice to take
the division and even contend for a
Super Bowl. Instead, the Saints strug-
gled to a 7-9 finish.
Coach Sean Payton responded
with a slew of roster moves — the
biggest being the trade of star tight
end Jimmy Graham to Seattle — so
his salary cap constrained club could
reallocate resources to address weak-
nesses, particularly on defense.
Associated Press
ASSOCIATED PRESS
New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees warms up before a game
against the Houston Texans on Sunday in New Orleans.See PANTHERS, page 3B
Swinney:
Clemson not
slackening
up against
Wofford
CLEMSON — Clemson coach
Dabo Swinney is ready to watch
his team hit the
field, no mat-
ter how many
questions he
mig ht have
approaching the
opener against
FCS opponent
Wofford.
S w i n n e y
exp ects his
team to be engaged and focused
despite not facing a Power 5
opponent to kick things off for
the first time in four years. The
Tigers played Auburn at the start
of 2012, then Georgia each of the
past two seasons.
The coach understands those
who believe his team, favorites
to win the Atlantic Coast Con-
ference, will throttle the Terri-
ers of the Southern Conference.
But he remembers too well the
2011 matchup in which Wofford
held the lead midway through
the third quarter at Death Valley
before losing 35-27.
Clemson has a perfect, 29-0
mark against FCS teams since
1982. Still, Swinney does not want
his players taking things for grant-
ed.
“Nothing up there says win the
opener by four touchdowns,” said
Swinney, citing the Tigers posted
goals each season. “It says ‘Win
the opener.’”
The focus has been strong this
camp, tight Jordan Leggett said.
“We always the first game pret-
ty seriously,” said Leggett, a junior.
“Even though, it’s like Wofford,
they’re still a great team and we’re
still going to have difficulties out
there.”
If that’s the case, count on more
difficulties ahead for the Tigers,
who feature a leading Heisman
Trophy contender in Deshaun
Watson and a potent offense look-
ing to supplant Florida State as
ACC champion.
“Are we elite?” Swinney said.
“We haven’t proved that yet. We’re
a team that’s got a shot and that’s
all you can ask.”
Swinney said there was not
much he and the coaches at to say
the past few seasons to get play-
ers ready for the opener against
strong Southeastern Conference
opponents. The Tigers defeated
Auburn 26-19 in the Georgia
Associated Press
■ NCAAFOOTBALL
See CLEMSON, page 3B
DABO
SWINNEY
HELP YOUR SCHOOL WHEN
YOU SHOP AT PUBLIX.
www.publix.com/partners
92808
BSports Wednesday, October 14, 2015@IJIndexJournal
yy, ,WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWedededededededededeedeeeeedeedeededeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeedeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee nesdayay, OOctotober 114, 201@IJIndexJournal
NOTNOT
RETIREDRETIRED
I’m responsible. I’m the head coach ... It’s time for
me to get out of the way and let somebody else have
a go at it.
— STEVE SPURRIER
University of South Carolina football coach
on reasons for his resignation
Spurrier resigns, takes blame for South Carolina’s slide
COLUMBIA — Steve Spurrier
knew it was time. South Carolina was
struggling and the gregarious and
once innovative coach was a big rea-
son why. Always one to do things his
way, Spurrier believed he needed to
step aside, and no one was going to
change his mind.
Spurrier resigned as Gamecocks
coach Tuesday, resisting pleas from
the University of South Carolina
president and athletic director to stay
through the season — accepting the
harsh reality that the team’s awful
first half was oh him.
“You can’t keep a head coach as
long as I have (coached) when it’s
heading in the wrong direction,”
Spurrier said.
The 70-year-old Spurrier consid-
ered leaving several times during his
11 seasons at South Carolina, most
recently after last year’s 6-6 regular
season. But a win over Miami in the
Independence Bowl re-energized
him and gave him hope for better
things ahead.
The Gamecocks, though, have
struggled at 2-4 and are 0-4 in the
Southeastern Conference for the first
time in Spurrier’s 23 seasons in the
league.
“I’m responsible. I’m the head
coach,” Spurrier said. “It’s time for me
to get out of the way and let some-
body else have a go at it.”
Spurrier said he felt he needed to
step down now because he doesn’t
believe there is accountability with
players if they know the coach
won’t be back next year. He also
said he would be a recruiting liabil-
ity.
Spurrier said it was unlikely he’d
ever be a head coach in college again
because of the recruiting aspect. He
did hope to consult for a team one
day and promised players he’d still see
them in the weight room and around
town.
He tried to keep things light heart-
ed throughout the press conference.
“Why’s everyone all dressed up?”
Spurrier said entering the room.
“This isn’t a funeral.”
By PETE IACOBELLI
Associated Press
See RESIGNS, page 3B
Thomas, Quarles thankful for many
opportunities provided by USC coach
It was clear to Dennis Thomas
early that he wanted to be a football
coach.
The former University of South
Carolina lineman graduated in 2001,
beginning his career in the high
school coaching ranks. He landed at
Greenwood High in 2004, overseeing
the defensive line under Shell Dula.
But Thomas realized he wanted
to get into college, and a quick chat
with his former coach and then-
Gamecocks defensive line coach Brad
Lawing helped set up a meeting with
Steve Spurrier while the latter was on
a recruiting trip to Greenwood.
Thomas would go on to join USC
in 2009 as defensive line assistant
coach as a graduate student, where he
would help foster a unit that ranked
as one of the nations’ best during his
four years with the program.
Now the defen-
sive line coach at
Western Carolina,
which he joined in
2013, Thomas said
he owes his career
to Spurrier.
“Coach (Spur-
rier) got me started
in college foot-
ball,” Thomas said.
“So he gave me the opportunity to
become a graduate assistant.
“I will forever be thankful to him
for giving me that opportunity.”
On Tuesday, Spurrier stepped
down as head coach in the midst
of his 11th season at the school. He
retires with a 226-85-2 overall record,
going 84-45 with the Gamecocks.
And while his exit seems abrupt,
Spurrier insisted during his press
conference there
was no need to
prolong the situa-
tion, and an imme-
diate change was
best for the school.
Thomas said he
wasn’t surprised by
the move.
“With Coach
Spurrier and being
around him, if he sees fit that some-
thing needs to be changed, and by
him doing that the program can start
moving forward and start rebuilding
the process; I think he is man enough
and respects the game enough to
allow that happen,” Thomas said.
By ETHAN JOYCE
Former coach may add
new label to his legacy
S
teve Spurrier has been
called many things over the
years he’s spent coaching
a champion, a Heisman trophy
winner, ‘The Ol’ Ball Coach’, the
HBC and it goes on.
One thing he hasn’t been
labeled as is a quitter. That might
change after his sudden retire-
ment announcement on Monday.
Not only were Carolina fans
stunned, but the nation as well.
Not to criticize the decision,
but he didn’t exactly have the best
timing in the world, especially
after the people of the Midlands
area and Columbia just went
through the aftermath of a his-
toric flood. Yes, the Gamecocks
are struggling this season with
just a 2-4 record and winless at
0-4 in South-
eastern Confer-
ence play, but
does that mean
he should aban-
don them?
That of course
is a matter of
opinion. Listen-
ing and reading
into his com-
ments from his
press confer-
ence it seems he
wants to leave the football pro-
gram in capable hands. Maybe
he thought he couldn’t do that
anymore. Maybe some people
were right and he was getting too
old to coach or maybe he didn’t
SPORTS
EDITOR
MICHAEL
CHRISTOPHER
See LEGACY, page 3B
KELCY
QUARLES
DENNIS
THOMAS
See THANKFUL, page 3B
ASSOCIATED PRESS
South Carolina head football coach Steve Spurrier speaks during a news conference to announce he is resigning Tuesday at the University Of South Carolina, in Columbia.
O-line paving the way to Abbeville victories
ABBEVILLE For four games,
Abbeville coach Jamie Nickles lauded
his offensive line for paving the way for
the A-Bone attack to gash opponents.
Those sentiments were echoed by the
Panthers skill players, too, as Abbeville
ran out to a 4-0 start and a No. 2 rank-
ing in Class AA.
Then the line suffered a few hiccups.
The unit struggled with Union Coun-
ty’s hefty defensive line in a 29-15 loss
and followed that up with a lackluster
performance in a 20-7 loss to Strom
Thurmond.
The Panthers returned to steam-
rolling opponents on Friday.
Behind that offensive line, Abbeville
rushed for 393 yards in a 48-20 win
over Region 2-AA
rival Strom Thur-
mond.
“That was what
we expected after
our preparation,”
senior tackle DaM-
arius Lee said. “That
preparation is key.
As long as we have a
good week of prepa-
ration, we have no limits.”
That dominating performance
against Saluda looked drastically differ-
ent than the week before against Strom
Thurmond when the unit blocked cor-
rectly on just 12 of 58 plays. Yet, the
game also served as a bit of a wake-up
call for the Panther
linemen.
“We just didn’t
get off the bus,” Lee
said. “That’s what
Coach (Wayne)
Botts said. We didn’t
get off the bus. We
weren’t focused the
way we were sup-
posed to be. But,
that changed. We’ve come out to prac-
tice more focused and have a better
By ANDREW MACKE
BEN
THOMASSON
See ABBEVILLE, page 3B
ANDREW MACKE | INDEX-JOURNAL
Abbeville quarterback Joseph Battle calls out a play while standing behind
offensive linemen Matthew Arnold (70), Demarques Jackson (60) and Troy
Scott (78) against Emerald.
DaMARIUS
LEE
Flu shot. Add it to your shopping list.
96766

THIRD PLACE:
The Herald
Chris Noble
Will the competitors get injured?
BMX is a tough sport on the body. Posey mentioned he
tore ligaments in his wrist and broke his ankle in three
places, all during the same late-2013 wipe-out. Wear-and-
tear injuries are also a part of the gig for pro riders, but
protective gear undoubtedly prevents even more.
What is a BMX bike?
The bikes, mostly aluminum or carbon frames with 20-inch
wheels, have no shocks and only one gear. The riders have to
cushion every landing with their bodies on a track made of
packed dirt and sometimes asphalt. Posey said he usually
travels with two bikes, and while he knows the ins and outs
of his bikes, he has a trusted technician for any bigger bike
issues.
BMX
Carolina
Nationals is a
part of… ?
The Carolina Nationals is the
fifth stop on the BMX Nationals
tour, a series of 34 events across
the country open to amateur and
pro riders that runs through Novem-
ber. The professionals usually
compete in about half of the
events, with results counting to-
wards multiple points standings,
including ones that decide Pro Series
title and Olympic qualification.
Is this event connected
to Olympic qualifying?
Right now, riders’ performances
build up points for their countries to
determine which five nations will send
the highest allotment of three riders to
the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. The
U.S. usually sends three; two riders and
one rider are the lesser allotments for
countries further down the points standings.
After the allotments are determined in July,
then the riders’ individual point totals determine
whether they qualify for the Olympic teams of their
respective countries.
Bicycle motocross (BMX) is a sport with a 55 to 60-year history
in the United States, but one that is emerging from the shadows of
X Games’ niche status. Proof is the sport’s recent inclusion in the
Summer Olympics, beginning in 2008, and, closer to home, the
construction and opening of the Novant Health BMX
Supercross Track in Rock Hill.
The beautiful new facility atop a hill near the
Catawba River is hosting the BMX Carolina
Nationals this weekend, an event akin to a
stop on the PGA Tour or NASCAR’s Sprint
Cup Series. Locals can learn more about
this burgeoning sport by watching some
of the best riders in the world Friday through
Sunday, at one of the country’s top venues.
The Herald caught up with Justin Posey – a
21-year-old North Carolina native currently
ranked No. 24 in the world BMX rankings – on
Wednesday to discuss some basics, and some
nuances, of the BMX that will be on display.
What separates Rock Hill’s facility from others?
Hills, specifically the supercross hill, separate Novant Health BMX. Right when
you walk up and you look at the big concrete hill, you say ‘wooof, that’s huge.’ That
obviously separates it, having the supercross track. The supercross hill is eight
meters tall, so we go from zero to 40 miles an hour in two seconds. It’s pretty
unbelievable when you get the chance to watch it.
Which of the top BMX
riders will be competing
in Rock Hill?
Colombia’s Carlos Oquendo
won the bronze medal in
BMX at the 2012 Olympics in
London, and Brazil’s Rena-
to Rezende is currently
ranked eighth in the world.
Connor Fields, David Her-
man and Nic Long were on
the 2012 USA Olympic team
and will compete, as will 2016
hopefuls Justin Posey and
Jared Garcia. Top-
ranked American
women Brooke
Crain and
Alise Post
will also be
in Rock Hill.
How will the weather
influence track conditions?
BMX riders will be watching closely
Thursday and Friday to see how it
impacts the track. A softer track is a
slower track, and though part of the
Novant Health Supercross track is
asphalt, the majority is dirt. That’s also
a reason why California is such an
epicenter for the sport. A majority of
the American-based BMX pros live in
California, which is also the home of
the U.S. Olympic training center.
Who is in charge of BMX at
the Novant Health track?
Mike King is the BMX supervisor for
Novant Health BMX Supercross Track.
He’s also a BMX Hall of Famer and form-
er coach of the USA BMX Olympic team
and has been in charge of the facility
since it opened in August of 2014. Rock
Hill’s BMX Supercross track is the only
Olympic-quality facility on the east coast,
and will host the 2017 UCI BMX World
Championships.
Do BMX pros make much money?
Many pro riders subsist on sponsorships and prize money,
which varies by event. Saturday’s Pro Series race will dole
out $20,000 to the winner, cranking up the pressure for that
event. (Posey is sponsored by Dan’s Comp, and also received
a scholarship to attend Marian University (Ind.) and rides for
the school’s fledgling intercollegiate BMX program. He’s
taking 12 credit hours of online courses, while still competing
professionally nearly full-time.)
Welcome, BMX’s bestWORLD-CLASS ROCK HILL BMX
FACILITY ON DISPLAY THIS WEEKEND
By Bret McCormick
Watch the BMX Carolina Nationals
All of the BMX Carolina Nationals races are free to watch,
but parking at Novant Health BMX Supercross Track – locat-
ed at 1307 Riverwalk Parkway in Rock Hill – is $10 per day, or
$25 for the three-day event. The marquee events are:
Friday, March 20 USA Cycling Elite National BMX Cham-
pionships begin at 5 p.m. These races will crown riders from
across the country as national champions in junior and elite
categories for men and women. Participation is limited to
U.S. citizens and winners can qualify to represent America in
the 2015 UCI BMX World Championships in Belgium, in July.
Saturday, March 21 USA BMX Pro Series race heats begin
at noon, and continue throughout the day. The Pro Series is
arguably the marquee event of the weekend, and features the
top BMX riders in the world, including top American and in-
ternational pros, past Olympians and future Olympic hopefuls.
Posey
+
THE HERALD
aCFriday
March
20, 2015
heraldonline.com/sports
Sports Light my ﬁre
After months of motivation only the Head Ball
Coach can provide, Spurrier says sophomore
QB Mitch “ready to take some giant steps.” 3C
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. North
Carolina was supposed to be too
big, talented and versatile, and at
times the Tar Heels lived up to their
pregame billing.
Harvard is just a tough out in the
NCAA tournament.
Justin Jackson hit a tying jumper
in the final minute, and then had a
fast-break dunk to help fourth-seed-
ed North Carolina edge the Crim-
son 67-65 on Thursday night.
The Tar Heels (25-11) wasted a
16-point lead in the second half and
briefly trailed before Jackson came
to the rescue.
Siyani Chambers’ four-point play
put 13th-seeded Harvard ahead
65-63 with1:15 remaining. It was
the only lead of the game for the
Ivy League champions.
Jackson finished with 14
points and Marcus Paige had
10.
Chambers misfired on a
pair of 3-pointers in the
closing seconds, and the
Crimson’s final chance for
victory – Wesley Saunders’
shot from beyond the arc – bounced
off the back of the rim.
Saunders led Harvard (22-8)
with 26 points. Chambers had 13.
North Carolina lost six of 10
down the stretch, but has played
considerably better in the postsea-
son, beginning with three wins on
the way to the championship game
of the ACC tournament, where the
North Carolina 67,
Harvard 65
UNC
stems
Crimson
tide
Tar Heels hang on
down the stretch
By Fred Goodall
Associated Press
Inside
UAB, Georgia State lead first day of
NCAA tournament upsets. 2C
SEE TAR HEELS, PAGE 2C
COLUMBIA The first time was a
thrill. South Carolina fought for
four years to get to the NCAA tour-
nament, and the toughened quintet
of seniors who had been through
the rough times were finally re-
warded. When they won a couple of
games before bowing out to Stan-
ford, it was still a wonderful season.
The second time, South Carolina
expected to get there, and when Kan-
sas upset the Gamecocks on a snowy
day in Colorado, it was somewhat
stunning. A 12th seed shouldn’t have
beaten a fourth seed, but the Game-
cocks knew they weren’t quite as tal-
ented as the previous year – and the
Jayhawks’ Monica Engleman had the
game of her life, scoring 27 points af-
ter averaging 9.4.
Last year was the first time it was
really disappointing. The Game-
cocks were a No. 1 seed, and even
though they were playing on the op-
posite coast against a team that had
already beaten them, they felt they
let one get away when fourth-seed
North Carolina ended their year.
Khadijah Sessions had one of her
worst career games, yet she still
says South Carolina was beaten by
a team that it was better than.
This year, the Gamecocks were
ranked No. 1 for 12 consecutive
weeks. They’ve lost two games.
They won their regular-season and
conference tournaments and have
spoken all year about the Final
Four, the national championship.
If they don’t get there this time …
“This team has been really good
with that,” coach Dawn Staley said
on Thursday, the day before the
Gamecocks were set to begin their
Women: South Carolina
vs. Savannah State
5 P.M. (ESPN2)
USC buys
into lofty
forecast
Gamecocks’
season-long goal
firmly in sights
By David Cloninger
dcloninger@thestate.com
SEE WOMEN, PAGE 2C
Online
Visit heraldonline.com to see a
video interview with pro BMX rider
f Justin Posey and clips from
Wednesday’s practice
+
TUESDAY AUGUST 25 2015 1BFACEBOOK.COM/THEROCKHILLHERALD
TWITTER.COM/RHHERALDHERALDONLINE.COM
Sports GREEN BAY WIDE RECEIVER
OUT FOR SEASON FOLLOWING
KNEE INJURY IN PRESEASON.
4B
PACKERS LOSE
NELSON
CLEMSON
Jayron Kearse talks, and
with boundless confidence
he doesn’t mind sharing
his opinion.
“I’m very confident in
myself,” said Kearse, the
Clemson junior safety
from Fort Myers, Fla. “I
feel like whatever I’m
doing, I’m the best at it
until somebody shows me
otherwise.”
An All-American trash
talker, Kearse will engage
anybody – including his
teammates during practice.
“If I’m going against
them, I’m talking trash,”
Kearse said Monday. “But
they know the type of guy
I am. They know that’s
just the thing I do when
I’m playing football.
“I’m so pumped up at
practice or during a game,
that’s just something I do.”
Extra long for a defen-
sive back at 6-foot-4 and
210 pounds, Kearse began
to grow into an impact
role last season on a team
that led the nation in total
defense and efficiency
against the pass with 67
total tackles (fifth on the
team), five tackles for loss,
three sacks, two intercep-
tions and fumble recovery.
“My goal this season is
to have more than any-
body than anybody else in
whatever category there
is,” Kearse said, “Just be
the best all-around player
I can be, the best safety in
the ACC, the best safety in
the nation, the best defen-
sive back in the ACC and
the nation.”
One of two returning
starters on defense,
Kearse came to Clemson
from the same high school
that produced Sammy
Watkins. Three scouting
services couldn’t reach a
consensus on where he
projected best so he was a
top 15-16 “athlete,” capa-
ble of playing on either
side of the ball.
Nephew to NFL all-pro
JOHN RAOUX AP
Clemson safety Jayron Kearse (20) and cornerback
MacKensie Alexander break up a pass intended for
Oklahoma wide receiver Sterling Shepard during the
Tigers’ 40-6 Russell Athletic Bowl win on Dec. 29, 2014.
CLEMSON FOOTBALL
Kearse out to be ‘best
all-around player I can be’
BY ED MCGRANAHAN
For the (Columbia) State
SEE KEARSE, 3B
Chester led Lewisville 18-8 on
Friday night when the two
teams’ county rivalry football
game boiled over.
A scuffle with about five min-
utes left in the third quarter –
the second such event in the
game according to a Herald
freelancer in the press box that
night – was quickly diffused on
the field, and on the Chester
sideline where a group of play-
ers headed on to the field were
corralled by coaches.
Lewisville had less success
controlling its sideline with a
group of players pouring on to
the field before they were
pushed back. After a period of
discussion, 15 Lions – according
to the Chester newspaper’s
account of the event, though
The Herald’s story from Friday
and Chester coach Victor Floyd
both said nine – were ejected
from the game for coming on to
the field during the altercation.
Floyd’s view of the situation
was this: his outside linebacker
tackled a Lewisville player and
the pair got tangled up, with
several others joining in. The
Chester outside linebacker’s twin
brother saw the group engaged
and ended up hitting a Lewisville
player, for which he was ejected
and will be suspended.
“And that’s it. He was the one
kid that got kicked out from our
side,” said Floyd. “It’s really not
that big of a deal.
Skirmish,
ejections
leave
Lewisville
in crunch
. ..................................................................
Scuffle was brief and isolated;
players were ejected for coming
on to field during event
. ..................................................................
Nearly half of the Lions’ roster –
eight defensive starters – were
removed from the game
. ..................................................................
Mitchell scrambling to figure
out how repercussions impact
his team moving forward
. ..................................................................
BY BRET MCCORMICK
‘‘THE KID WAS WRONG,
HE KNOWS HE WAS
WRONG, AND WE’LL
MOVE ON.
Victor Floyd, coach at Chester
SEE EJECTIONS, 3B
COLUMBIA
S
outh Carolina isn’t the only SEC team undecided on
its starting quarterback. Kevin Sumlin on Monday
announced Kyle Allen as the winner of Texas
AM’s QB competition. Jobs still open:
ALABAMA
Florida State transfer Jake Coker (14) still is trying to win the job
a year later. Four others have a shot, but Nick Saban is quiet.
FLORIDA
Last year’s starter Treon Harris (3) is
trying to hold off Will Grier (7), and coach
Jim McElwain is talking like he’ll give
both a chance.
GEORGIA
The Bulldogs are deciding among three – the slight
favorite Brice Ramsey (pictured), transfer Greyson
Lambert and Faton Bauta.
LSU
Neither Anthony
Jennings, right,
nor Brandon
Harris, left,
looked ready last
year and neither
has done enough
to get the first
chance this year.
MISSISSIPPI
Clemson transfer Chad Kelly (10) is trying to sup-
plant Ryan Buchanan, who had a slight lead com-
ing out of spring practice.
VANDERBILT
Johnny McCrary, a former
four-star prospect, appears
to be the leader, but it’s
tough to tell with the
Commodores.
JOHN BAZEMORE AP BRUCE NEWMAN AP
L.G. PATTERSON AP
Crowded under
center: Lots of
QBs, few No. 1s
BY JOSH KENDALL
jkendall@thestate.com
BRYNN ANDERSON AP
PHIL SANDLIN AP
GERALD HERBERT AP
MOREINSIDE
T.J. Logan and Elijah Hood arrived at UNC a year apart,
both as top prospects in the country, yet their time with
the Tar Heels hasn’t been exactly what they envisioned.
Both players have struggled with nagging injuries. They will
enter this season hoping that better things are ahead. 3B
+
WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 7 2015 1BFACEBOOK.COM/THEROCKHILLHERALD
Sports IN LOSS TO GIANTS,
BUFFALO’S GILMORE
HAMPERS BECKHAM, PICKS
OFF ELI MANNING. 4B
AREA PLAYERS
IN NFL
COLUMBIA
S
outh Carolina officials
hope to host Saturday’s
game against No. 7 LSU
in Williams-Brice Stadi-
um, but as of Tuesday after-
noon, they were making no
promises.
“Our intentions are to stay on
schedule and play here in Co-
lumbia, but it’s not a definite,”
Gamecocks athletics director
Ray Tanner said Tuesday.
“While that planning is under-
way, it is not a definite. We will
continue to monitor the infra-
structure that is necessary to
have a football game.”
A decision on where and
when the game will be played
will be made on Wednesday.
South Carolina announced
earlier Tuesday that it was can-
celing classes for the week be-
cause of damage and logistics
issues caused by the devastating
flood in the city this week. Se-
ven people are known to have
died in Columbia because of the
flooding. Fourteen are known to
have died statewide.
“With what has happened
here in the state of South Car-
olina and the city of Columbia,
football is not nearly as impor-
tant or important at all when
you think about it in that per-
spective,” Tanner said.
Williams-Brice Stadium and
the surrounding areas survived
the storm without any major
damage, and the stadium and
field’s surface was mostly dry
on Tuesday morning, but there
are issues surrounding logistics
of access along damaged road-
ways, access to water in the
stadium and the availability of
the large numbers of police and
first responders required to host
a game, Tanner said.
South Carolina officials have
examined the stadium and be-
lieve it’s functionally sound to
host a game, Tanner said.
“There are certainly lots of
concerns with our families and
people who live here in the
Midlands,” he said. “There are a
lot of things to consider.”
The Gamecocks (2-3, 0-3
SEC) and Tigers (4-0, 2-0) are
scheduled to play at noon in
DWAYNE MCLEMORE dmclemore@thestate.com
On Tuesday, a breach in the Columbia Canal can be seen during an aerial tour provided the the South Carolina Army National Guard.
SOUTH CAROLINA FOOTBALL
Amid crisis,
where to play
a game?
. ..................................................................
Tanner not 100 percent sure
game will be at Williams-Brice
. ..................................................................
South Carolina officials
reportedly explore playing in
Charlotte or Baton Rouge
. ..................................................................
Travel logistics and availability
of police, first responders
among issues
. ..................................................................
BY JOSH KENDALL
‘‘WITH WHAT HAS HAPPENED HERE IN THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA AND THE CITY OF COLUMBIA, FOOTBALL IS NOT
NEARLY AS IMPORTANT OR IMPORTANT AT ALL WHEN YOU THINK ABOUT IT IN THAT PERSPECTIVE.
Ray Tanner, athletics director at South Carolina
. ..................................................................
Gamecocks vs.
Tigers
Who: South Carolina (2-3, 0-3
SEC) vs. No. 7 LSU (4-0, 2-0)
When: Noon, Saturday
TV: ESPN
...................................................................
MIKE MCCARN AP
PATRICK SEMANSKY AP
School officials would prefer to
stick to schedule Saturday, home
at Williams-Brice Stadium, top, but
might consider Charlotte’s Bank of
America Stadium, middle, or LSU’s
Tiger Stadium due to flooding as a
result of Hurricane Joaquin.SEE SOUTH CAROLINA, 3B
CLEMSON
Standing in the muck,
the rain and the eye of an
emotional storm after his
team’s win over Notre
Dame, coach Dabo Swin-
ney blew life into an acro-
nym that’s gone viral and
should be visible this week
on T-shirts around the
Clemson campus.
BYOG – “Bring your
own guts” – jumped from
Swinney’s mouth, his
voice rising, during a post-
game interview with ESPN
reporter Heather Cox,
describing the gritty, last-
ditch defensive effort that
kept Notre Dame from
pushing the game into
overtime.
Swinney said he the told
the team, “We give you
scholarships. We give you
stipends and meals and a
place to live. We give you
nice uniforms. I can’t give
you guts and I can’t give
you heart.
“And tonight it was
BYOG. Bring your own
guts.”
Swinney said Tuesday it
“just came into my head”
during the interview,
thinking of the loyal fans
that stayed through the
steady downpour until the
end. ESPN inadvertently
clipped 12 seconds of the
interview, yet within min-
utes the Twitter universe
popped. Swinney said
many of his friends sent
him messages Sunday
with #BYOG.
The video has been
picked up by most major
media outlets. One USA
Today reporter named it
one of sport’s all-time
great post-game inter-
views.
The reaction seemed
“weird,” Swinney said.
“I’m not that interesting …
ask my wife.”
But the sentiment
seemed to summarize his
feelings about this team
four games into what’s
setting up to become an
interesting season.
Ranked sixth in the polls
this week, Clemson faces
Georgia Tech on Saturday
and Swinney is eager to
give folks a show.
“We haven’t come close
to playing our best game,
our best football,” he said
during his weekly media
briefing.
“We’ve shown we can
do whatever we need to
do to win,” he said. “Our
ability to run the ball
CLEMSON FOOTBALL
‘Bring your own guts’
interview goes viral
. ..................................................................................................................
Swinney, always fiery, draws attention for reaction
following win over Notre Dame
. ..................................................................................................................
Clip of post-game interview on ESPN made for
social-media age, Twitter
. ..................................................................................................................
BY ED MCGRANAHAN
For the (Columbia) State
SEE DABO, 3B
RICHARD SHIRO AP
Clemson coach Dabo
Swinney’s emotional nature
is a draw to many recruits.
Local high school foot-
ball prospects have been
busy taking visits to col-
lege campuses the last few
weekends, but have also
been receiving visitors at
their schools.
South Pointe senior
defensive back Nick
McCloud took a visit to
East Carolina two week-
ends ago and was im-
pressed. He already held
an offer from ECU, and
last week added his first
ACC offer, from N.C.
State. McCloud adds that
one to a steadily swelling
list that includes Kansas
State, Northwestern, Ap-
palachian State, Marshall,
Buffalo, Charlotte, and a
number of other smaller
programs. The 6-foot-2
cornerback leads the area
in interceptions with four.
Logan Rudolph has
been another active col-
lege campus visitor, but he
too picked up an initial
ACC offer last week, the
big defensive end’s com-
ACC offers roll in for
local prospects
. ......................................................
Chester, South Pointe,
Northwestern players
have heard from schools
in the last week
. ......................................................
Through seven games,
Northwestern’s defense
among toughest in state
. ......................................................
BY BRET MCCORMICK
SEE FOOTBALL, 6B

SECOND PLACE:
Morning News
Stephen Guilfoyle
BY LOU BEZJAK
Morning News
lbezjak@florencenews.com
LEXINGTON — Dillon has
been known for its record-set-
ting offense this season.
But it was a play by its defense
that turned things around in
Friday’s Class 2A Division I title
game.
Senior Randall Davis returned
a fumble 99 yards for a touch-
down four minutes into the
third quarter, a play that sent
the Wildcats on their way to a
49-27 win over Newberry at Riv-
er Bluff High School. The vic-
tory marked the third consecu-
tive state title for Dillon and
the program’s first undefeated
season.
“That was the big play of the
game,” an emotional Dillon
coach Jackie Hayes said. “Hats
off to our football team. They
played outstanding. You always
dream about going undefeated
and our players put in the ef-
fort. I dressed out our JV foot-
ball team because I wanted
them to be part of something
special and hopefully they re-
member it.”
The title gives Hayes and the
Wildcats five championships in
the last seven years. It was the
fourth different venue in which
BY LOU BEZJAK
Morning News
FLORENCE — Spartanburg’s
high-powered offense lived up to
its billing Friday night at Memorial
Stadium.
Quarterback Austin Scott threw
six touchdowns, and running back
Tavien Feaster scored four TDs as
the Vikings used a second-quarter
barrage to defeat South Florence
63-30 in the Class 4A Division II
semifinal game.
Spartanburg (11-3) advances to
its first state title game since 2001
and will play York at noon on Dec.
6 atWilliams-Brice Stadium.
“We got some weapons over
there on the offensive side and
I would hate to defend them,”
Spartanburg coach Chris Miller
said. “Our coaches put them in
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2014 SECTION C
INSIDE
Scoreboard, 2C
College Football, 4C
College HoopsCollege Hoops
Lady Gamecocks
win again as No. 1
PAGE 2C
THe Associated Press
CLEMSON — No. 23 Clemson hopes
its five-year countdown is coming to a
close.
TheTigers(8-3)havelostaschool-
worst five straight games to rival
South Carolina (6-5), a streak so
distastefulthatClemsoncoach-
es installed countdown clocks
last spring to remind players
of the need for change.
The chance comes Satur-
day, when the teams close
the regular season at Death
Valley in the 112th meeting
in a series the Tigers (No.
21 College Football Playoff)
have dominated 64-42-4 —
except the past five seasons.
“It’s not something that’s ruined our
six years here,” Clemson coach Dabo
Swinney said. “But it’s something that
we’ve got to get changed.”
In a state without major professional
sports teams, Palmetto State fans spend
most of the year celebrating their team’s
win or waiting for the next chance to get
on top.
For South Carolina supporters, the
party’s lasted 1,793 days since Game-
cocks won 34-17 in 2009. When Game-
cocks coach Steve Spurrier arrived after
the 2004 season, he had all the “Beat
Clemson” signs removed from the
complex, saying there were plenty
of other important games for his
players to worry about before its
yearly battle with the Tigers.
That approach has worked
well. Spurrier long ago became
the school’s all-time leader in
coaching victories — he’s at 83 and
counting — and South Carolina has
been among college football’s best
with three straight 11-win seasons
from 2011 through 2013.
SOUTH CAROLINA
AT NO. 23 CLEMSON
When:: Noon, Saturday
Where: Memorial Stadium, Clemson
TV: ESPN
South Carolina football coach
Steve Spurrier.
Clemson football coach
Dabo Swinney
No. 23 Clemson wants countdown to end
The Palmetto Bowl
See PALMETTO, Page 5C
See H-K-T, Page 5C
See SOUTH, Page 5C
See DILLON, Page 5C
PREP FOOTBALL PLAYOFFS
Class 2A Division I Championship Class A Division II
Championship
VEASEY CONWAY/MORNING NEWS
Dillon High School’s C.J. Sowells (left) embraces teammate J.T. Carmichael on the sidelines as the Wildcats faced off against Newberry High School
in the Class 2A Division I championship Friday at River Bluff High School in Lexington. Dillon won, 49-27, for its third straight title and first unbeaten
season in school history.
DYNASTY ROLLS ON
Class 4A Division II Semifinal
Vikings feast on Bruins
Hammonds
leads H-K-T
past Gators
BY BRANTLEY STRICKLAND
The (Orangeburg) Times Democrat
COLUMBIA — Jarius Jenkins
finished his career with flourish
to help give Hunter-Kinard-Ty-
ler its second consecutive Class
A Division II state champion-
ship on Friday with a 42-28 vic-
tory over Lake View at Benedict
College’s Charlie W. Johnson Sta-
dium.
Jenkins, H-K-T’s all-time lead-
ing rusher with more than 4,000
career yards, finished with 132
yards on 16 carries and three
touchdowns, the last of which
was a 13-yarder that iced the
game with 3:04 remaining.
The 2013TD Player of theYear
saves his biggest performances
for the biggest stage — and his
birthday.
A year ago on Nov. 29, Jenkins
rushed for 213 yards on 22 car-
ries vs. Timmonsville. This year,
the repeat championship came a
day before his 18th birthday.
“This is real special,” Jenkins
said. “These guys are like a fam-
ily to me, and we always come
together when bad things hap-
pen, and that’s how we were able
to win this game.”
That and Trojans’ quarterback
Khaliq Anthony and wide receiv-
er Darius Hammonds. The duo
hooked up for two touchdown
passes and Hammonds added an
89-yard kickoff return late in the
second quarter that gave theTro-
jans a 28-14 lead at the break.
Hammonds finished with 107
receiving yards and 160 return
yards.
The Trojans’ defense helped
get HKT (13-2) on the board ear-
ly. Tyren Brooks recovered a Lake
View fumble at the Wild Gators’
5-yard line to set up Jenkins’ 1-
yard touchdown run three plays
later. TheWild Gators (10-4) nev-
er got closer than six points.
“Our defense has been carrying
Dillon wins third consecutive state title, fifth in seven years
Dillon High School’s Johnny Allen (left) pushes past Newberry High
School’sXizabian Boyd during the Class 2ADivision I championship game
Friday at River Bluff High School in Lexington. Dillon won 49-27.
South Florence’s Hykeem White hangs his head after dropping a pass
near the end zone as South Florence lost to Spartanburg High 63-30 in a
playoff game Friday night at Memorial Stadium in Florence.
INSIDE
» Hartsville headed back
to state after wild double-
overtime win over Marlboro,
Page 3C
ON THE WEB
» Photo Galleries and video
from Friday’s playoff and
state championship games,
go to www.scnow.com
SATURDAY,JANUARY 3, 2015 SECTION C
INSIDE
Scoreboard, 2C
NBA, 5C
NFLWildcards
Panthers-Cardinals in NFC,
Ravens-Steelers in AFC
previewed.
PAGE 4C
I
n between practices
this week, the Francis
Marion men’s bas-
ketball team traveled
to Mullins to conduct a
youth clinic at the recre-
ation center. I smiled as I
watched fathers and sons,
and fathers and daughters
walk in the gym hand-in-
hand.
I was in the fifth grade
when my father drove me
to a friend’s house to play
basketball for the first
time. I can still hear the
laughter in Harvey Neale’s
backyard as I tucked the
ball under my arm and ran
toward the basket. I didn’t
know you were supposed
to dribble.
I was close to tears as I
climbed into the front seat
of my father’s car.When I
told him what happened
he said let’s not cry about
it, let’s do something
about it.
So my father installed
a basketball goal in our
backyard. And soon he put
up some lights because I
was virtually living on that
backyard court. By the
time I reached the seventh
grade I had become the
best player in my grade.
My father drove me
to Stanton,Va., to com-
pete in the Jaycees state
pass, dribble, and shoot
competition when I was
an eighth-grader. That is
when he first started tell-
ing me good luck before
every game or competi-
tion.
We won the state cham-
pionship that day and
drove home with a huge
trophy sitting on the front
seat between us. I still re-
member my father’s hand
resting on mine.
My father attended most
of my high school and
college games. He could
actually see the results of
his good lucks back then.
Later, when I started trav-
eling around the country
coaching, the good lucks
would most often come on
the telephone.
Dad couldn’t wish me
good luck for today’s game
at Columbus State. James
Madison Edwards passed
away 10 years ago today
and his son is left with
memories and at times an
almost paralyzing sense of
longing.
If we win today I will
miss sharing that joy with
my father. If we lose I will
miss his encouragement
and comfort.
But Ernest Hemingway
once wrote, “No one you
love is ever dead.” There
are times when I feel my
father’s presence stronger
than ever. I can still hear
his good luck’s and feel his
hand resting on mine.
Fathers, make your chil-
dren feel you would rather
spend time with them
than with anyone else on
earth. Help them know
you believe in them.
Give those gifts to your
children in 2015. They will
hear your voice and feel
your hand long after you
are gone.
Thank you, Dad!
Email Francis Marion University
men’s basketball coach Gary Ed-
wards at gedwards@fmarion.edu.
Gift dads
can give
their kids
in 2015
GaryEdwards
FMU men’s basketball coach
COLLEGE FOOTBALL
SECSEC
SQUASHEDSQUASHED
Alabama players console each other after their 42-35 loss to Ohio State in the Sugar Bowl playoff semifinal early Friday in New Orleans. The
Southeastern Conference won’t have anybody in the national championship game for the first time in nine years and several members of the
previously revered SEC West were trampled in bowls.
BIRMINGHAM,Ala.—Itwas
bound to happen.
BCS or playoff, the South-
eastern Conference’s run of
playing in the national cham-
pionship game had to end
eventually. That aura of invin-
cibility and superiority that
vexed other teams and fans
inevitably would fade, too.
Four losses over two hum-
bling days took care of that
— for the moment, at least. It
might be a short-term blip, a
down season for a conference
replacing star quarterbacks
Johnny Manziel, Aaron Mur-
ray and AJ McCarron whatever
the lofty early and midseason
rankings indicated.
“The bottom line is every-
body gets tired of the SEC be-
cause they’ve lifted up seven
crystal balls out of eight sea-
sons,” said CBS Sports college
football analyst Houston Nutt,
a former Mississippi and Ar-
kansas coach. “They’ve been
there. The SEC wasn’t as good
this year. You look at the quar-
terbacks that graduated last
year. The bottom line is the
SEC wasn’t as good this year as
in years past.”
That was abundantly clear
this week.
One year after ACC power
Florida State ended the SEC’s
runofsevenstraightBCStitles,
Ohio State toppled No. 1 Ala-
bama 42-35 in the Sugar Bowl
to advance to the champion-
ship game against Oregon.
That came hours after
League’s national dominance over ... for now SEC in bowls (so far)
EAST 4-0
W USC 24, Miami 21
W Georgia 37, Louisville 14
W Missouri 33, Minnesota 17
W Tennessee 45, Iowa 28
? Florida vs. East Carolina, today
WEST 2-5
W Texas AM 45,West Virginia 37
W Arkansas 31.Texas 7
L Notre Dame 31, LSU 28
L Georgia Tech 49, Miss. St. 34
L Wisconsin 34,Auburn 31
L TCU 42, Ole Miss 3
L Ohio State 42,Alabama 35
OVERALL 6-5
See SEC, Page 5C
COLUMBIA — AleighsaWelch
scored 12 points before leaving
with a neck sprain and No. 1
South Carolina opened South-
eastern Conference play with
a 77-58 victory over Auburn on
Friday night.
Welch helped the Gamecocks
(13-0) build a 20-point lead be-
fore she hit hard again a basket
post and remained down for
several minutes. She walked off
under her own power and went
to the hospital for X-rays.
With the senior gone, Auburn
cut the lead to 48-40 on Hasina
Muhammad’s basket with 11:42
left.
That’s when the Gamecocks
answered with a 12-2 run to
restore control, a stretch that
included Tiffany Mitchell’s two
foul shots after Auburn coach
Terri Williams-Flournoy was
called for a technical.
Freshman A’ja Wilson had 12
points for South Carolina while
Alaina Coates added 11 points
and 14 rebounds, her seventh
double-double this season.
Muhammad had a season-
high 26 points to lead Auburn
(9-5).
TheGamecocks’startmatched
their best-ever win streak set in
1985-86. The defending SEC
champions opened league play
with a win for a second straight
season.
South Carolina said Welch
begged to stay and watch the
end of the game before she was
sent to the hospital as a precau-
tion.
Gamecocks leading scorer
Mitchell, the defending SEC
player of the year and sixth in
league scoring at 14.8 points a
game shot just 1 for 9. Wilson
also struggled with her shot,
finishing 6 for 17 from the floor.
She had 10 rebounds for her
Women’s College Basketball
No. 1 Gamecocks win again
South Carolina’s Aleighsa Welch drives in
for a layup while asAuburn’sAsia Robeson
defends Friday in Columbia.
Premier Basketball League
Vipers gunning for
fifth straight win
From local reports
FLORENCE — After a sea-
son-opening loss on the road at
Rochester, the Pee Dee
Vipers have been on
the way up ever since.
They’ll try for their
fifth straight win to-
night at 7:30 against
the Philadelphia Flight.
“I think that we’re going
to come out with a lot of en-
ergy and excitement feeding
off the fans and what happened
last game,” Pee Dee coach
Andre Bovain said.
A week ago, Pee Dee beat the
Flight 96-94 in a thriller at the
Civic Center.
In that game, the Vipers
got some big-time per-
formances offensive-
ly and defensively to
help them pull out
the win.
TahjTate had 36 points
and six assists, while Anthony
Poindexter dropped in 21 points
and Niko Brooks had 13. Shakir
Little Caesars Invitational
Knights, Bruins
headed to finalBY RYAN VELASQUEZ
Correspondent
FLORENCE — The absence of
starting forward Kirsten Daniels
has made South Florence’s slate
at the Little Caesars Invitational
thatmuchmorechallenging,but
fellow forward Maleaha Johnson
eased that pain in the semifinals
Friday against Eau Claire.
With Daniels sidelined with a
foot injury, Johnson proceeded
to heat up for a game-high 19
points, leading the Bruins over
the Shamrocks 46-38 to clinch a
spot in the tournament champi-
onship against cross-town rival
West Florence.
“She had a good game yes-
terday, as well, except her shots
weren’t falling. She played the
same way tonight and they start-
ed going in,” said South coach
Jeff Bley. “Even when Kirsten’s
healthy, I’ve been preaching that
everyone has a job to do. As long
as everyone does what they’re
Welch’s 12 before
injury lead team
See USC, Page 5C
See VIPERS, Page 5C See TOURNEY, Page 5C
SECTION D
INSIDE
Scoreboard, 2D
Prep Roundup, 4D
Australian OpenAustralian Open
Azarenka wins,
advances to Round 3
PAGE 2D
FRIDAY,JANUARY 23, 2015
Jeff Gordon, with a nagging
back injury, a young family he
wanted to spend more time with
and a phenom waiting in the
wings at Hendrick Motorsports,
knew midway through last sea-
son that he had one more year
in him.
NASCAR’s most charismatic
driver, the man behind the
wheel of the famed and some-
times feared No. 24, had decided
it was time to call it quits on one
of the most successful careers in
motorsports history. The four-
time champion conferred with
Rick Hendrick, the only team
owner he has had over 23 years
of Sprint Cup racing, and settled
on a date.
The 43-year-old Gordon an-
nounced Thursday that 2015 will
be his final season as a full-time
driver, saddening legions of fans,
fellow drivers and others who
watched him became the face
of stock car racing as the sport
exploded in popularity a genera-
tion ago.
Gordon said in an interview
with The Associated Press that
hereachedhisdecisionlastsum-
mer. He had seen other drivers
embark on distracting farewell
tours, and he didn’t want to be
that guy.
He told his crew chief of his de-
cision after missing out on shot
at a fifth title last year, but then it
took time to settle on the day to
tell the world.
It started with a conversation
with his two young children
when they woke up for school.
They worried they won’t go to
the race track anymore, that
other kids might think of them
differently if their father is not a
famous race car driver.
The conversation with Ella and
Leo made the decision a reality
for Gordon — and he wept.
“Ella just stared at me, she’d
never seen me cry like that be-
fore,” Gordon told AP. “After that,
I seriously broke down. It hit me
like a ton of bricks ...’”
Gordon said he sobbed dur-
ing the entire 30-minute drive to
Hendrick Motorsports, where he
tearfully informed his team and
his longtime employees of his
decision. Gordon choked back
tears yet again during his inter-
view with AP when his mother
sent him a text message that he
read aloud:“I never knew watch-
ing SportsCenter could be so
emotional.”
He made a point to say he
didn’t use the word “retirement”
because he could still drive again
after this season.
No more Mr. Nice Guy
NASCAR
Jeff Gordon to end
career after 2015
ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO
NASCAR driver Jeff Gordon smiles
during a media availability onJan.13
before a game between the Wizards
and the Spurs in Washington.
Gordon says he will retire as a full-
time driver after the 2015 season.
See GORDON, Page 4D
BY LOU BEZJAK
Morning News
Steve Taneyhill doesn’t know
what the fuss is about regarding
the New England Patriots’ “De-
flategate” scandal, which has
taken over the sports headlines
this week.
On Monday, ESPN cited anon-
ymous league sources saying 11
of the Patriots’ 12 allotted game
footballs were under-inflated
by 2 pounds per square inch of
air. NFL rules state the footballs
must be between 12 ½-13 ½
pounds to use during game.
Patriots coach Bill Belichick
and quarterback Tom Brady
told reporters Thursday that
they have no knowledge or ex-
planation of how the footballs
got that way.
“I find it hard to believe it is
taken legs like it has and people
havegonetoofar,”saidTaneyhi-
ll, who played at South Carolina
and is football coach at Union
County. “It is the week before
the Super Bowl and nothing
much to talk about. If it would
have come out next week you
wouldn’t be talking about it.”
Marlboro County coach Dean
Boyd agrees with Taneyhill
and doesn’t see the advantage
gained by having a football with
low air pressure.
“There isn’t that much of an
advantage, especially at the
NFL level. It’s much ado about
nothing,” Boyd said. “It is not
going to help him or hurt him.
I don’t understand the big deal.
It is a story because it is the New
England Patriots and because
of what happened with Spygate.
People assume it is a big advan-
tage.
“It would be more of a story
if they were taking football and
putting Stickum on the balls.”
Taneyhill, a quarterback with
the Gamecocks from 1992-95,
said he never doctored or al-
tered the footballs during his
playing days with the Game-
cocks.
The Associated Pres
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — New
England Patriots coach Bill
Belichick has long been a fan of
trick plays.
Some of them are even legal.
But he won’t be alone in next
week’s Super Bowl: Seattle Se-
ahawks coach Pete Carroll also
went deep in his playbook to earn
a chance to play for an NFL cham-
pionship.
Carroll used a fake field goal to
help the Seahawks rally from a 16-
point deficit and beat the Green
Bay Packers in overtime in the
NFC championship game. Belich-
ick reached his sixth Super Bowl
as a head coach with the help of
a touchdown pass to a 320-pound
offensive tackle.
That was one week after Belich-
ick pulled out a double-pass and
some innovative lineman deploy-
ment to beat the Baltimore Ra-
vens, a strategy that impressed his
Seahawks counterpart.
“I think it’s great ball,” Carroll
said of the man who succeeded
him with much success as the
New England coach. “It’s within
rules; it’s great ball.They are figur-
ing out a way to get an advantage.
... It makes you stay on your toes; I
think it’s really good coaching.”
Belichick has long been known
as a coach who will pursue every
advantage, a doggedness that
has helped him win three Super
Bowls.
But has also gotten him in trou-
ble.
In 2007, the Patriots were caught
videotaping the other team’s sig-
nals despite a warning from the
league to stop doing it; Belichick
was fined $500,000, and the team
was fined and forced to give up a
first-round draft pick.
Now Belichick is under suspi-
cion again because the NFL found
that the footballs used in New
England’s victory over the Colts
in the AFC championship game
were insufficiently inflated. On
Thursday, Belichick denied hav-
ing anything to do with the de-
flated footballs.
But there’s no doubt that he is
intimately familiar with the rule
book and willing to push its lim-
its.
For fear of giving up a competi-
tive advantage, he listed quar-
terback Tom Brady on the injury
report as probable every week for
three years. Brady played in every
game, and the league eventually
changed the reporting rules to
Brady,
Belichick
offer no
explanation
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — The
two men most responsible for
delivering wins for the New
England Patriots both said
Thursday they have no expla-
nation for how footballs used
to reach the Super Bowl were
underinflated by 2 pounds per
square inch.
Patriots quarterback Tom
Brady said he has not been
contacted by the NFL, even
as league officials investigate
whether the team cheated
against the Indianapolis Colts
in the AFC championship
game.
“I don’t know what hap-
pened,” Brady said, answering
questions from reporters hours
after Patriots coach Bill Belich-
ick said he almost never thinks
about football pressure and
doesn’t know what happened,
either.
“I didn’t alter the ball in any
way,” Brady said.
Unlike Belichick, who
PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BYVEASEY CONWAY/MORNING NEWS
FOOTBALL
OVERINFLATED FUSSOVERINFLATED FUSS
Local coaches, SCHSL: No air pressure issues at prep level
See BRADY, Page 4DSee AIR, Page 4D
Patriots quarterback Tom Brady
holds a football during warm
ups before the NFL football AFC
Championship game Sunday
against the Colts in Foxborough,
Mass.
What else does Belichick have up the sleeve of his hoodie?
Patriots coach Bill Belichick signals to his team during the second
half of the AFC Championship game against the Colts on Sunday in
Foxborough, Mass. See TRICKS, Page 4D

FIRST PLACE:
The Herald
Matt Memrick
+
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 4 2015 1BFACEBOOK.COM/THEROCKHILLHERALD
Sports ON THURSDAY, A JUDGE RULED THAT
PATRIOTS QB TOM BRADY WAS
PUNISHED TOO HARSHLY BY THE NFL
AND THAT HIS 4-GAME SUSPENSION
SHOULD BE LIFTED. 4B
BRADY WINS
North Carolina quarter-
back Marquise Williams
did it to himself Thursday.
The former Mallard
Creek star threw three
interceptions while the
Tar Heels were in the red
zone, two into the end
zone, as South Carolina
held on for a 17-13 season-
opening college football
victory at Bank of America
Stadium.
The Tar Heels moved
the ball from deep in their
own territory after holding
the Gamecocks on 4th-
and-1. But with about 3
1/2 minutes left, Williams
was picked off by middle
linebacker Skai Moore. It
was the second intercep-
tion by Moore.
The Tar Heels went
scoreless in the second
half after taking a 13-10
halftime lead on Nick
Weiler’s 38-yard field
goal.
3 WHO MATTERED
Shon Carson: The
Gamecocks’ third-string
tailback didn’t get a carry
until the second half, but
he went untouched to the
end zone on a 48-yard run
for the deciding score.
Pharoh Cooper: South
Carolina’s receiver/wild-
cat quarterback scrambled
all over the field to turn
what looked like a sure
sack into a first down. He
had four rushes for 20
yards and three catches
for 45 yards and a touch-
down. He completed one
pass, which lost six yards.
Elijah Hood: The form-
er Charlotte Catholic star
ripped off a 44-yard run in
the third quarter for the
Tar Heels. He finished
with 138 yards on 12 car-
ries.
OBSERVATIONS
A It had to be perplexing
to Gamecocks coach Steve
Spurrier that his offense
committed a delay-of-
game penalty heading into
the first play of the game.
How does that happen?
A Spurrier hates to punt.
So he wasn’t reluctant to
let punter Sean Kelly take
off down the right sideline
PHOTOS BY ROBERT WILLETT rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina quarterback Marquise Williams (12) is slowed by South Carolina’s Dante Sawyer (95) and sacked by the South Carolina defense for a six-yard loss on the Tar Heels’
final drive of the game late in the fourth quarter in the Belk College Kickoff on Thursday at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C.
SOUTH CAROLINA 17, NORTH CAROLINA 13
Gamecocks win
border battle
. ......................................................
UNC’s Marquise Williams
picked off 3 times in red
zone
. ......................................................
Heat, numerous penalties
impede play
. ......................................................
Carrie Underwood to
appear at December’s
Belk Bowl
. ......................................................
BY RICK BONNELL
rbonnell@charlotteobserver.com
North Carolina’s Bug Howard (84) reacts after an incomplete pass from quarterback
Marquise Williams in the third quarter, with defensive pressure from South Carolina’s
Jordan Diggs (42).SEE GAMECOCKS, 4B
ROCK HILL
York-South Pointe looks
like a toss-up.
Friday night’s game
could come down to which
team’s quarterback makes
the first mistake. Neither
York’s Cameron McKin-
ney nor South Pointe’s
Greg Ruff have turned the
ball over yet in two games
this season, and while any
team would gladly wel-
come safe quarterback
play, that fact may benefit
York more than South
Pointe. McKinney’s solid
play at QB enables York to
play its best athlete – Wal-
ly Wilmore – all over the
field and on both sides of
the ball.
“This offense – this
whole short pass to open
up the run – (McKinney) is
that type of quarterback,”
said York coach Bobby
Carroll. “He’s been real
efficient in throwing the
ball short. If they cover
them it allows us to run
the ball. We haven’t taken
many sacks this year and
he’s just done a good job
of managing the offense.”
McKinney arrived at
York from Rock Hill High
School, and is still winning
over his teammates, ac-
cording to Carroll. But
he’s made great strides in
that department because
of his commitment during
an offseason in which he
didn’t miss any workouts
or 7-on-7’s. Wilmore, the
standout junior who some
thought might take over
for graduated QB Deshaw
Andrews, will still play
some quarterback and
excite the crowd and his
teammates. But the Cou-
gars want to ride McKin-
ney as they can.
YORK AT SOUTH POINTE, 7:30 P.M.
Efficient QB spurring
York offense so far
BRET MCCORMICK
York rising senior Cameron McKinney took reps as the
Cougars’ starting quarterback during their spring
scrimmage on May 20.
. ......................................................
Cameron McKinney has
completed 42-of-48
passes with no
interceptions
. ......................................................
His South Pointe
counterpart, Greg Ruff,
has been at least as good
. ......................................................
York has an arsenal of
weapons on the offensive
side of the ball
. ......................................................
BY BRET MCCORMICK
SEE QB, 6B
Check out game capsules for
tonight’s matchups. 6B
+
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 25 2015 1BFACEBOOK.COM/THEROCKHILLHERALD
Sports AT 70, USC COACH STEVE
SPURRIER SAYS HE’S STILL INTO
COACHING THE GAMECOCKS.
BUT FOR HOW LONG? 3B.
STILL LOVING IT
YORK
Considering what he’s
been through before, reco-
vering from a hairline
fracture was easy for York
offensive lineman Danny
Warren.
The junior missed the
first four games of the
2015 season with a nearly
broken right fibula, but it’s
healed sufficiently that he
was able to play – and play
well – in last week’s win
over Boiling Springs. It’d
take much more than a
broken leg to keep Warren
off the field for long.
“He can adapt and im-
provise and overcome and
that’s what makes a good
football player,” said York
coach Bobby Carroll.
“And a good person, a
successful person.”
Part of Warren’s reputa-
tion for toughness comes
from a harrowing experi-
ence in eighth grade.
In early 2012, Warren
began to have dizzy spells
that set off alarm bells for
him and his parents, Dan
and Allison. Dan is a
former firefighter that
now trains firefighters in
high-angle rescue, how to
deal with hazardous mate-
rials and other high risk
situations, while Allison is
a nurse that previously
worked in the intensive
care unit for prematurely
born babies.
Doctors thought it
might be puberty or that
skipping meals was caus-
ing Warren’s headaches
and dizziness. An MRI
finally pinpointed a gan-
glioglioma in the left half
of Danny’s brain.
If there is a preferred
brain tumor, it’s a gan-
glioglioma. The tongue-
tying abnormality is a
slow-growing, benign
tumor that generally af-
fects young adults and
children; Allison Warren
suspects it’s possible Dan-
ny was born with his. The
tumor was found in De-
cember 2012 but there
were still a few nervy,
headache-filled months
before it was removed
Feb. 12 during a four-hour
surgery in Charlotte. War-
ren’s last memory was
laying on a cold operating
BRET MCCORMICK
Tough is a fair descriptor
for York’s junior left tackle
Danny Warren.
ROCK HILL AT YORK, 7:30 P.M. FRIDAY
Health issues haven’t stopped
York’s Warren from excelling
. ..................................................................................................................
Tough offensive lineman has been clumsy and unlucky,
but has come through every difficult health situation
he’s faced
. ..................................................................................................................
Warren started every game on York’s offensive line as a
sophomore
. ..................................................................................................................
The Cougars host Rock Hill Friday in both teams’ region
opener
. ..................................................................................................................
BY BRET MCCORMICK
SEE WARREN, 3B
ONLINE
At heraldonline.com: Warren
discusses his return from a hairline
fracture.
The World Cup has arrived in
Rock Hill.
(Huh?)
This isn’t the Quidditch
World Cup, or even the soccer
version. It’s the UCI BMX Su-
percross World Cup’s final leg,
which determines the men’s and
women’s world champions.
Rock Hill is the fifth and last
stop on the UCI BMX Super-
cross World Cup circuit. The
event began in April in Man-
chester, England, before hitting
Papendal, The Netherlands in
May. After a three-month break,
the tour picked up again in Swe-
den in August. Santiago Del
Estero hosted the fourth round
earlier this month.
PHILLIPS, PAJON IN THE
DRIVER’S SEAT HEADED
INTO FINAL WORLD CUP LEG
Englishman Liam Phillips
leads the men’s elite division by
120 points, courtesy of victories
in three of the four stages.
Dutch riders Niek Kimmann
and Jelle van Gorkom trail in
second and third place. Barring
a complete collapse, Phillips is a
heavy favorite to seal the deal
this weekend in Rock Hill. Con-
nor Fields is the top-ranked
American, sitting in eighth
place.
Colombia’s Mariana Pajon
leads the women’s standings by
30 points over American Alise
Post. Pajon won the Dutch and
Argentine legs of the World
Cup, while Post won the Swed-
ish leg and placed second in the
opener in England. Both have an
excellent shot to win the World
Cup title this weekend.
Venezuela’s Stefany Hernan-
dez is a dark horse in third
place, a further 80 points behind
Pajon and Post, who raced in
Rock Hill last spring during the
USA BMX National Champion-
ships. Pajon has yet to ride in
Rock Hill, though she has previ-
ously visited the track.
WORLD CUP IMPACTS
OLYMPIC QUALIFYING
Much like the USA BMX Na-
tional Championships back in
March impacted Olympic qual-
ifying, the UCI World Cup se-
ries also helps riders earn points
to get closer to Rio 2016. Coun-
tries have to qualify for the
Olympics, and then the amount
of riders that each team can
take is determined by a sort of
power rankings.
American Olympic hopefuls
would be more worried about
beating out a crowded field of
competitors to make their coun-
try’s team, because the United
States is almost a lock to qualify
for Rio. Pajon is a lock to make
PHOTOS BY CRAIG DUTTON craigdutton.com
American rider Barry Nobles whizzes through the sky as the sun sets over the Novant Health BMX Supercross track Wednesday night. The UCI BMX Supercross World Cup begins
Friday and runs through Saturday in Rock Hill.
BMX WORLD CUP
Rock the
Cup
American Alise Post enters the final leg of the UCI BMX Supercross
World Cup in second place. She raced in Rock Hill last March during
the USA BMX National Championships.
. ..........................................................................................................................................
Top riders in the world are in Rock Hill for the fifth and final leg of
the UCI BMX Supercross World Cup
. ..........................................................................................................................................
Races also count for Olympic qualifying standings
. ..........................................................................................................................................
Riders and organizers alike praised Novant Health BMX Supercross
Track and one of the best in the world
. ..........................................................................................................................................
ONLINE
Visit heraldonline.com to see a video
interview with Colombian Olympic women's
BMX gold medalist Mariana Pajon
BY BRET MCCORMICK
‘‘“IT’S FAST, IT’S NOT
THAT TECHNICAL, BUT
GOOD FOR RACING.
IT’S GONNA BE A
TIGHT RACE,
SUPER-COOL TO
WATCH.”
Colombian and women’s leader
Mariana Pajon on the Rock Hill
course
. ..........................................................................................................................................
GO WATCH THE RACES
The event runs Friday and Saturday at Novant Health BMX Supercross
Track, located off Cherry Road, near Interstate 77; gates open at 3:30
p.m., on both days. Autograph sessions with pro riders will be held
from 4 to 4:45 p.m. Races begin at 5 p.m. on Friday with daily awards
at 8:50 p.m. Riders warm up Saturday at 5 p.m., with races beginning
at 6 p.m., and awards at 9:50 p.m.
Parking is free. One-day tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children
(ages 6 to 18), and $5 for seniors (age 50-plus). Two-day passes are
$15 for adults, $8 for children and seniors. Children 5 and younger get
in free, and tickets can be purchased at the gate or online at
www.RockHillSCBMX.com.
Rock Hill’s Novant Health BMX Supercross track will also host the UCI
BMX Supercross World Cup in 2016 and the UCI BMX World
Championships in 2017.
...........................................................................................................................................
SEE BMX, 5B
+
MONDAY NOVEMBER 9 2015 1BFACEBOOK.COM/THEROCKHILLHERALD
Sports AFTER GOING 0-5 ON
THE ROAD, SHAWN ELLIOTT
AND THE GAMECOCKS ARE
HAPPY TO BE AT HOME THIS
WEEK. 2B
OFF THE ROAD
The Carolina Panthers
seemed well on their way
to continuing their unde-
feated streak, but they had
to make it interesting.
Up by 23 points in the
fourth quarter against the
Green Bay Packers, the
Panthers had a late-game
scare for a second consec-
utive week. But this time
Carolina didn’t need over-
time to get the win, in-
stead sinking the Packers
37-29 to take firm control
of the No. 1 seed in the
early NFC playoff picture.
The victory came six
days after the Panthers
beat Indianapolis 29-26 in
overtime on Monday
night.
The 8-0 start is the
Panthers’ best in the 21-
year history of the fran-
chise.
With his team down
eight, reigning NFL MVP
Aaron Rodgers threw an
interception on fourth
down near the goal line
with 1:54 left in the game.
Thomas Davis made the
leaping interception to
seal the game.
Quarterback Cam New-
ton had an up-and-down
day, connecting on seven
pass plays of 20 or more
yards but throwing a key
interception in the final 3
minutes, giving Green Bay
(6-2) life. He finished 15 of
30 for 297 yards, three
touchdowns and that in-
terception.
“He did some really
good things and had some
good moments,” Panthers
coach Ron Rivera said. “I
promise you there’s only
one throw he’d like to
have back.”
THREE WHO MATTERED
Kony Ealy: Ealy got a
strip sack for the second
consecutive game after
getting to Aaron Rodgers
in the fourth quarter. Later
in the quarter he brought
pressure and hit Rodgers
as he threw.
Kurt Coleman: The
veteran safety always
seemed to be right on
PHOTOS BY DAVID T. FOSTER III dtfoster@charlotteobserver.com
Panthers defensive tackle Star Lotulelei (98) sacks Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) as Jared Allen (69) and Luke Kuechly (59) close in during the first quarter at Bank of
America Stadium in Charlotte on Sunday. The Panthers built a 27-7 halftime lead but still drew a scare in the final minutes as Green Bay threatened to even it up.
Carolina Panthers' Thomas Davis (58) is congratulated by
teammates including A.J. Klein (56) after intercepting a
Green Bay Packers pass late in the game at Bank of
America Stadium on Sunday, November 8, 2015. The
Panthers won 37-29, and improve to 8-0.
PANTHERS 37, PACKERS 29
Panthers
go 8-0, survive
late threat
BY JONATHAN JONES
jjones@charlotteobserver.com
. ..............................................................................................................................................................................
Carolina Panthers remain the NFC’s only undefeated team after win over Green Bay
. ..............................................................................................................................................................................
Quarterback Cam Newton threw for three touchdowns and ran for another
. ..............................................................................................................................................................................
Carolina defense shut down Packers running game, then survived Aaron Rodgers
. ..............................................................................................................................................................................
SEE PANTHERS, 2B
FORT WORTH, TEXAS
Jimmie Johnson might
not be in the Chase any-
more, but he made his
presence felt Sunday in
NASCAR’s postseason.
Snatching a victory from
Chase-driver Brad Kese-
lowski with three laps
remaining, Johnson won
Sunday’s AAA Texas 500
at Texas Motor Speedway.
Johnson’s victory was
his third straight at Texas
and the 75th of his career,
one short of Dale Earn-
LARRY PAPKE AP
Jimmie Johnson burns his tires as he celebrates winning Sunday’s Sprint Cup race at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort
Worth. Johnson led only six laps. The victory was his third straight at Texas and the 75th of his career.
AT TEXAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY
Johnson navigates past
Keselowski for surprise win
SEE NASCAR, 4B
. ..................................................................................................................
Johnson, not in the Chase, passes Brad Keselowski with
three laps remaining
. ..................................................................................................................
Keselowski led 312 of 334 laps but faltered after caution
. ..................................................................................................................
Jeff Gordon remains only driver who has clinched spot
in final round
. ..................................................................................................................
BY DAVID SCOTT
dscott@charlotteobserver.com
Winthrop is the top seed
in the Big South Confer-
ence men’s conference
tournament after sharing
portion of the regular-
season title with Radford.
Each had a regular-
season championship with
7-1-1 league records and
22 points.
Winthrop is the top
overall seed in the confer-
ence tournament due to a
head-to-head tiebreaker,
and the Highlanders
earned the No. 2 seed.
Winthrop defeated Rad-
ford 1-0, on Oct. 13 in
Rock Hill.
Coastal Carolina fin-
ished third with a 6-1-2
mark for 20 points, while
Campbell earned the No.
4 seed by finishing at
5-4-0 for 15 points. Each
of the top four seeds will
host a quarterfinal-round
game on Tuesday.
The 2015 Big South
Men’s Soccer Champion-
ship quarterfinals will be
played at campus sites on
Tuesday before moving to
Bryan Park in Greensboro,
N.C. for the semifinals
and finals on Nov. 13 and
15. The quarterfinals and
semifinals will air on the
Big South Network, while
the final will be shown on
ESPN3. The Big South’s
tournament champion
receives an automatic bid
to the NCAA Men’s Soccer
Tournament.
BIG SOUTH MEN’S SOCCER TOURNAMENT
Top seeded Winthrop
hosts Bulldogs Tuesday
Staff report
. ......................................................
The full tournament
schedule
Quarterfinals (Campus Sites), Tues., Nov.
10
Tuesday’s games (all start at 7 p.m.)
#8 UNC Asheville at #1 Winthrop
#7 Gardner-Webb at #2 Radford
#6 High Point at #3 Coastal Carolina
#5 Longwood at #4 Campbell
Friday, Nov. 13 semifinals (Bryan Park,
Greensboro, N.C.)
Match 5: No. 4/5 winner vs. No. 1/8 win-
ner, – 4 p.m.
Match 6: No. 2/7 winner vs. No. 3/6 win-
ner – 7 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 15 final at Bryan Park,
Greensboro, N.C.
Match 7: winner, Match 5 vs. winner,
Match 6 – 2 p.m.
.......................................................

THIRD PLACE:
Chris Tabakian
GENE SAPAKOFF
No. 11 Clemson 20, Louisville 17
TIMOTHY D. EASLEY/AP
Clemson running back Wayne Gallman breaks through a hole in the Louisville defense during the Tigers’ 20-17 victory over
Atlantic Coast Conference foe Louisville on Thursday night.
PAUL ZOELLER/STAFF
BY DAVID SHELTON
It took a quarter to get cranked up, but once the
Charleston Southern Buccaneers got going, the vis-
iting Buccaneers of East Tennessee State University
were no match.
CSU broke open a scoreless game with a 34-point
outburst in the second quarter and cruised to a 47-7
win on Thursday night.
CharlestonSouthernimprovedto2-1headinginto
agameagainstcross-townrivalTheCitadelonSept.
26. ETSU, playing its first season of football since
2003, dropped to 0-3 on the season. The win was
CSU’s first in six games against ETSU.
Redshirt sophomore Kyle Copeland, making his
first start of the season in place of injured Austin
Brown,threwforacareer-high177yards,completing
13 of 19 attempts. Senior Nathan Perera caught six
passes for 92 yards and a touchdown.
A bevy of backs combined to rush for 212 yards for
Charleston Southern. Junior Alan Barnwell led the
ground game with 50 yards on seven carries. CSU
finished with 406 total yards.
“We weren’t happy with the way we came out but
34-point second quarter sparks CSU rout
Charleston Southern 47,
East Tennessee State 7
BY AARON BRENNER
LOUISVILLE, KY. — Steely re-
solve, and the luck of the kickers,
haveClemsonrightwherethe11th-
ranked team in the country hoped
it’d be entering September.
The Tigers hung on to top Louis-
ville in a defensive slugfest for the
secondconsecutiveyear,prevailing
20-17Thursdaynightfortheirfirst
road win of the year — a triumph
thatprecludesa15-daybreakfrom
contestsandapotentiallyprogram-
defining three-game homestand.
Clemsonhasnowwon41straight
games when leading after three
quarters.Thisonewasalittlemore
precarious,witha17-10edgegoing
into the fourth frame and the Car-
dinals in field-goal range to send
the game to overtime in the final
minute.
“We win the fourth quarter. We
takeprideinthat,”Clemsoncoach
DaboSwinneysaid.“That’sacredit
to our mental toughness, how we
train in the offseason, and our
heart.”
Wayne Gallman, a blossom-
ing sophomore tailback, and the
Clemson defense have developed
to a level where quarterback De-
shaun Watson doesn’t need to be
SupermanfortheTigerstotakeon
all comers.
“It’s time for us to step out. The
whole team can play,” said Gall-
man,whohad139yardson24car-
ries.“Thedefenseisgonnadowhat
they’re supposed to do, and we’re
going to do what we need to do.”
Greg Huegel, the Tigers’ fresh-
man walk-on taking over for the
suspended Ammon Lakip, was
2-for-2 on his field goals. John
Wallace,theCardinals’senior,was
1-for-2,andthatwasthedifference.
LouisvillequarterbackKyleBolin
hadtheCardinalsdrivingwiththe
hope of kicking a game-tying field
goal, but Clemson defensive end
Kevin Dodd dragged Bolin’s knee
to the ground as the clock ticked
away and the Cardinals out of
timeouts.Bolin’slast-secondthrow
to the end zone was intercepted by
Tigers dodge bullet
Streaks preserved as Clemson denies Cards’ late push
WHO: No. 8 Notre
Dame (2-0) at No. 11
Clemson (3-0)
WHEN: Oct. 3, TBD
WHERE: Memorial
Stadium, Clemson
TV: TBD
Next game
Inside
LOUISVILLE, KY. — Dabo
Swinney emerged from the
Clemson locker room late
Thursday night with that big smile
of his.
“Never a doubt,” the Clemson head
coach said to anyone within shout-
ing distance. “Y’all weren’t worried,
were you?”
Clemson still doesn’t look like an
authentic heavyweight. Too many
misfires on offense. The defense has
yet to prove itself against good
Tigers hurdle
the trap game
GALLERY: For more
photos, go to postand
courier.com/galleries.
ONLINE: Read Aaron
Brenner’s blog at
postandcourier.com/
blog/tiger-tracks. Get
more Clemson news at
postandcourier.com/
tigers.
NOTES: Past, present
walk-ons step up. C4
Multimedia
BY DAVID CARAVIELLO
dcaraviello@postandcourier.com
COLUMBIA — Coming out of
spring practice, South Carolina’s No.
2 tight end was a four-star prospect
also recruited by LSU and Florida
State.Ataboutthesametime,Hayden
Hurst was playing professional base-
ballintheGulfCoast
League. Now Hurst
is backing up starter
Jerell Adams — and
the four-star recruit
is nowhere to be
found on the depth
chart.
“Four months ago I
was playing baseball
in south Florida, and
hereIamintheSEC,”
saidHurst,whoprior
to this season hadn’t
played football since
his junior year in
high school. “Pretty
crazy.”
South Carolina
fans might use an-
other adjective. Hurst was one of
13 current or former walk-ons who
played in the Gamecocks’ loss last
Saturday to Kentucky, many of them
occupying important roles on the
field.Formerwalk-onCarltonHeard
started at USC’s third receiver posi-
tion.Walk-ontightendJacobAugust
caught a pass. And former walk-on
quarterback Perry Orth relieved
the injured Connor Mitch, and led
a second-half comeback which fell
four points short.
With Mitch out for several more
weeks with a deep hip bruise and a
separated throwing shoulder, Orth
—placedonscholarshipinpreseason
camp—willmakehisfirstcareerstart
SaturdayatNo.7Georgia.Whilecur-
rentandformerwalk-onshavealways
playedkeypositionsonspecialteams,
Walk-ons
fillingkey
positions
forUSC
Spurrier: ‘They’ve
done well for us’
Gallery
For photos, go to
postandcourier.
com/galleries.
Online
Read David
Caraviello’s
blog at post
andcourier.
com/blog/
spur-of-the-
moment. Get
more USC
sports news
at postand
courier.com/
gamecocks.
QB
Perry
Orth
Please see WALK-ONS,Page C6
Please see ROUT,Page C6
CSU’s Larry Jones
makes a catch
against East
Tennessee State
on Thursday.
Please see SAPAKOFF,Page C4Please see TIGERS,Page C5
C07-1362434
Contact: Malcolm DeWitt, mdewitt@postandcourier.comPOSTANDCOURIER.COM
SPORTSFriday, September 18, 2015C1
Inside
NFL, C2
Baseball, C3
High schools, C4
BY ANDREW MILLER
More than any other player on the
South Carolina Stingrays’ roster, de-
fensemanScottFordunderstandsthat
deep playoff runs don’t happen every
season.
It’sbeennineseasonssinceFord,35,
has had a crack at winning a league
championship.
In Ford’s third season as a profes-
sional, he helped guide the Dayton
Bombers to the 2007 Kelly Cup Fi-
nals against the Idaho Steelheads.
Idaho would eventually go on to win
the Kelly Cup title, beating Dayton in
five games.
Fordissavoringeverymomentofthe
Stingrays’ run to the Kelly Cup finals
becausetheremightnotbeanexttime.
The Stingrays will take on the Allen
AmericansinGame2oftheKellyCup
finalsTuesdaynightbeginningat8:05
p.m.attheAllenEventCenterlocated
north of Dallas, Tex. Game 3 will be
Wednesday night at 8 p.m. The Sting-
raystookGame1,4-3,onSeanDolan’s
short-handedgoalinthethirdperiod.
Ford has played more than 650
professional games, with the major-
ity coming in the American Hockey
League. But getting a chance to win a
championship, no matter the level, is
still special.
“I think when it comes down to
it, we’re all competitors and we all
Stingrays veteran savoring playoff run
Defenseman Ford’s last trip to finals came in 2007
Wire reports
CHARLOTTE — The Carolina
Panthers are on the verge of finaliz-
ingalong-termdealwithquarterback
CamNewton.Thefive-yearextension
would keep Newton under contract
through 2020 and would pay New-
ton an average
of $20 million
to $21 million
a year, accord-
ing to a league
source,theChar-
lotteObserverre-
ports.
A deal could be
completed with-
in the next two
days, a person
closetothenegotiationssaidonMon-
day. The person spoke to The Associ-
ated Press on condition of anonym-
ity because neither side has publicly
released details of the negotiations.
Newton is expected to command a
contract in excess of $20 million per
season, which would be in line with
whatseveralotherstartingNFLquar-
terbacks have signed.
The 26-year-old Newton is entering
hisfifthseasonwithCarolinaandhas
ledthePantherstoback-to-backNFC
South championships.
PanthersgeneralmanagerDaveGet-
tlemanrepeatedlyhassaidthatsigning
Newtontoalong-termdealisapriority.
Drew Brees set the bar for quarter-
backswhenhesignedacontractworth
$20 million per season in 2012. Since
then, Tony Romo, Aaron Rodgers,
MattRyanandJoeFlaccohavesigned
similar deals.
Newton is entering the final year of
his rookie contract with the Panthers
andisscheduledtomake$14.67million.
The Panthers have wanted to lock
him before he would be eligible to hit
the free agent market in February.
Newton was named the NFL offen-
sive rookie of the year in 2011 after
beingselectedNo.1overallintheNFL
draft. He is the only quarterback in
league history to throw for at least
Report:
Newton
deal for
five years
Could be worth
$21M annually
Scott Ford,
35, has
played more
than 650 pro
games.
Newton
BY TOM WITHERS
Associated Press
AKRON, OHIO — Welcome to the
Rubber Capital, where car tires first
rolled,theGoodyearBlimptookflight
and two bouncing baby basketball
prodigies were born less than four
years apart in the 1980s.
LeBron James and Stephen Curry,
the NBA’s two biggest stars set to
square off in the upcoming finals, are
from the same city.
Genuine homeboys. The prodigal
son and the precision shooter. Talk
about a long shot.
James re-signed as a free agent with
the Cavaliers last summer, returning
to his home after four years in Miami
to chase an NBA title. And as fate
would have it, Golden State’s Curry
will come back to his Ohio birthplace
to pursue his dream.
“It’s kind of ironic that he’s going
back to Cleveland, where he came in-
to the world, to try and get the world
championship,” said his father, Dell
Curry.
Wardell Stephen Curry was born
on March 14, 1988, arriving while his
daddy,tradedbyUtahtoClevelandbe-
forehissecondproseason,wasplaying
inMadisonSquareGardenagainstthe
New York Knicks.
Curry made his world debut with
almost the same speed in which he
comes off a screen, catches the ball
and drops one of his 3-pointers —
Ohiohomeboys:SuperstarsJames,CurrybothborninAkron
James CurryPlease see AKRON,Page C2
Please see RUN,Page C2
Game 2
WHO: South Carolina Stingrays
vs. Allen Americans
WHEN: Tuesday, 8:05 p.m.
WHERE: Allen, Texas
SERIES: Stingrays
lead 1-0
NCAA Baseball Tournament
BY GENE SAPAKOFF
gsapakoff@postandcourier.com
TALLAHASSEE, FLA. — Clutch-hitting
and rain kept the College of Charleston base-
ball team around the Sunshine State longer
than many people expected, but the Cougars
were hoping for an NCAA Tournament stay
extended through the week.
Florida State soaked those hopes Monday at
Dick Howser Stadium with an emphatic 8-1
victory to win the Tallahassee Regional. The
Seminoles (44-19) advance to Gainesville for
a best-of-three Super Regional against Florida
withatriptotheCollegeWorldSeriesatstake.
FirstbasemanQuincyNieporte,whosehome
runwasthedifferenceinSaturday’s3-2victory
over the College of Charleston, hit a three-run
blast in the fifth inning to give Florida State a
6-0 lead.
“Ididn’thitmyspot,”CougarsstarterHayden
McCutcheon said of the key pitch to the re-
gional’s 6-1, 228-pound Most Outstanding
Player. “When you miss your spot, that’s what
happens. I got down to a couple batters before
that and if I would have got ahead of them, it
would have been different.”
College of Charleston batters feast on over-
the-platefastballs,andpatientlywaitoutpitch-
ers who try to nibble with balls just outside the
Tourney hopes soaked
Florida State advances on big, early lead over CofC
MARK WALLHEISER/AP
College of Charleston’s Bradley Jones sits in the dugout while the rest of his team watches the second inning against Florida State
at field level at the Tallahassee Regional of the NCAA college baseball tournament Monday.
Florida State 8,
College of Charleston 1
Gallery
For more photos, go to postand
courier.com/galleries.
Inside
‘Pretty remarkable’ run for Cougars. C4
Please see TOURNEY,Page C4
Please see NEWTON,Page C4
C07-1329564
SPORTSTuesday, June 2, 2015C1
Inside
Tennis, C2
Baseball, C3
High schools, C4
BY DAVID CARAVIELLO
COLUMBIA — They spent a dozen
weeks ranked No. 1, they shared the
championship in arguably the tough-
est conference in women’s college
basketball, and they’re on pace to win
more games than any other team in
school history. For South Carolina, is
it all enough to secure a top regional
seed in the NCAA tournament?
That’s the question as the Game-
cocks arrive in Little Rock, Ark., for
the SEC tournament, where USC will
play as the No. 1 seed. South Carolina
couldhaveleftnodoubtinitsregular-
season finale, but a loss at Kentucky
USC’s No. 1 seed bid
hangs in the balance
SEC tournament critical for Gamecocks
GENE SAPAKOFF
BY GENE SAPAKOFF
gsapakoff@postandcourier.com
No.1rankedSerenaWilliams,aCharles-
ton fan favorite, is not expected to play in
the 2015 Family Circle Cup, Tournament
Director Bob Moran said Thursday.
Schedulingisthemajorissue.TheFamily
Circle Cup starts April 4 on Daniel Island
and Williams, 33, has opted to play in the
March 11-22 Indian Wells tournament for
the first time in 14 years. She always plays
thetwo-weekMiamieventjustpriortothe
Family Circle Cup.
This year, Serena and Venus Williams
also are scheduled for Fed Cup matches in
Italy the week after the Family Circle Cup.
No. 17-ranked Venus Williams also is
unlikely to play.
“Adding Indian Wells for Serena didn’t
helpusatall,”Moransaid.“I’mprettycon-
fidentSerenawillnotbehere.WithVenus,
it’s possible but I don’t expect it.”
Serena Williams won the Family Circle
Cup in 2008, 2012 and 2013 and has ap-
peared in the event eight times, including
thelastthree.VenusWilliams,34,wonthe
Family Circle Cup in 2004 and has played
inthelastthreetournamentsinCharleston.
The field is highlighted by defending
champion Andrea Petkovic, No. 9 Ekat-
erinaMakarova,formerchampionsJelena
JankovicandSamStosur,andnineAmeri-
cans, led by No. 19 Madison Keys.
Other players will join the field as five
wildcard invitations remain.
Follow Gene Sapakoff on Twitter @
sapakoff
Don’t expect to see Serena or Venus at FCC
WHAT: WTA Tour event
WHEN: April 4-12
WHERE: Family Circle Tennis Center, Daniel Island
TICKETS: Go to familycirclecup.com or call (800) 677-2293.
Family Circle Cup
GOOSE CREEK — The Goose
Creek Lady Gators didn’t
become a perennially good,
nationally recognized basketball pro-
gram discussed from Red Bank Road
to ESPN’s studios only because of a
wily head coach, the great Aleighsa
Welch and 2015 playoff resolve.
Of course, all that helped.
But Goose Creek success is more
about a tight-knit bond formed
over the last few decades inside the
school’s beloved Gator Dome gym.
Head coach Tim Baldwin’s family
talk is figurative, the way he spreads
credit around while preparing for
Friday night’s Class AAAA state
championship basketball game. The
Gators will face Spring Valley at Co-
lumbia’s Colonial Life Arena.
“Everybody needs to be a part
of this, whether you’re a fan in
the bleachers or a volunteer in the
concession stand,” said Baldwin, a
Goose Creek graduate in his 15th
season as head coach. “My biggest
thing is when kids graduate, I want
them to come back. I want them to
understand they have a role to pass
down to younger people.”
It’s literal, too. Mariah Linney, the
Gators’ leading scorer at 11.6 points
per game, is the daughter of former
Charleston Southern basketball
standout O.J. Linney, a Goose Creek
assistant coach.
“People compare our games,” said
Mariah Linney, a 5-8 sophomore.
“They say our shooting and our
hustle are similar, and how we play
and how we pass the ball.”
No one represents the big, happy
Gator family better than Welch, a
senior leader on the South Carolina
Gamecocks’ No. 3-ranked team.
Aleighsa Welch factor
Welch won’t be on hand Friday
night in Columbia; the Gamecocks
Gators’
familystill
winning
Serena
Williams
won the
Family
Circle Cup
in 2008,
2012 and
2013.
PAUL ZOELLER/STAFF
South Carolina’s Wayne Simpson (left) and Joe Diamond clear the puck from in front of the net during a recent game at the North
Charleston Coliseum. The Stingrays have won 13 straight games, tying a franchise record.
BY ANDREW MILLER
With 10 minutes to play in the third period and
South Carolina trailing by two goals, Stingrays
captainAndrewRowelookedupatthescoreboard
at Germain Arena in Estero, Fla., last Saturday
night and was confident the team still could win.
Thiswasn’tjustidleboasting.Whenyou’vewon
12 consecutive games like the Stingrays had up
until that point, there’s a certain swagger on the
bench that just can’t be measured by statistics.
“I looked down the bench and there was no
panic, no one was worried, it was like, ‘we’ve got
this,’” Rowe said. “There was no doubt that we
were going to make a push and win this game.”
And the Stingrays did just that, scoring three
goals in the final 10 minutes to beat the Florida
Everblades, 4-3, and extend their winning streak
to 13 — which ties a franchise record set during
the 2009-10 season. It’s the fifth-longest winning
streakinECHLhistoryandthelongestofthesea-
son in the league. The Cincinnati Cyclones hold
the ECHL mark with 17 straight wins in 2008.
The Stingrays can establish a new franchise re-
cordwithavictoryFridayattheNorthCharleston
Streaking Stingrays
Team shoots for franchise-record 14th straight win Friday
Friday’s game
The Stingrays’ 13-game win streak:
Date Team Score
Feb. 7 at Greenville 7-1
Feb. 8 Gwinnett 6-3
Feb. 10 at Greenville 5-1
Feb. 13 Gwinnett 3-0
Feb. 14 at Gwinnett 5-0
Feb. 15 Evansville 3-2
Feb. 17 at Orlando 4-2
Feb. 18 at Orlando 5-2
Feb. 21 Greenville 5-2
Feb. 22 Greenville 3-2
Feb. 26 at Orlando 2-1 (OT)
Feb. 27 at Florida 5-3
Feb. 28 at Florida 4-3
The streak
BY DAVID SHELTON
For the second time in three years,
theCharlestonSouthernmen’sbasket-
ballteamenterstheBigSouthConfer-
encetournamentastheregular-season
champion.
Two years ago, CSU reached the
championship game only to lose to
upstart Liberty. After clinching the
regular-seasontitlelastSaturdaywith
atripleovertimewinoverHighPoint,
thefocusshiftstothisweekend’stour-
namentattheHTCCenterinConway.
The Bucs need to win three games in
three days to earn the league’s auto-
matic bid to the NCAA Tournament.
CSUalreadyhassecuredanautomatic
berth to the NIT.
“It’s all about maturity,” said senior
guard Arlon Harper, whose team will
play Longwood on Friday at noon.
“What we did Saturday is a big ac-
complishmentforusbutit’snotallthat
we set out to do. We have not accom-
plishedournumberonegoal,whichis
towintheconferencetournament.We
haven’t got the big one yet.”
ThebiggestchallengeforCharleston
Southern may not be the opponent,
but mental and physical fatigue.
Bucs begin Big South
tourney wanting more
RICHARD SHIRO/AP
Dawn Staley’s South Carolina
women’s team is trying to earn a
No. 1 seed in the NCAA tourna-
ment for the second straight year.
Online
Read David Caraviello’s
blog at postandcourier.
com/blog/spur-of-the-moment.
Get more Carolina news at post
andcourier.com/gamecocks.
WHAT: Gwinnett at South Carolina
WHEN: Friday, 7:05 p.m.
WHERE: North Charleston Coliseum
TICKETS: 744-2248
Please see GIRLS,Page C2
Please see STREAK,Page C5
Please see TOURNAMENT,Page C3 Please see BUCS,Page C3
C07-1291594
SPORTSFriday, March 6, 2015C1
Inside
High school basketball, C2
College basketball, C3
Baseball, C5

SECOND PLACE:
Luke Reasoner$8.7BillionTexasAM
$6.8BillionNotreDame
$6.04BillionDuke
$5.1BillionVirginia
$3.6BillionVanderbilt
$2.9BillionPittsburgh
$2.3BillionNorthCarolina
$1.8BillionBostonCollege
$1.7BillionGeorgiaTech
$1.3BillionFlorida
$1.2BillionMissouri
$1.06BillionWakeForest
$1.05BillionSyracuse
$1.05BillionAlabama
$992MillionKentucky
$919MillionTennessee
$819MillionArkansas
$788MillionLouisville
$786MillionGeorgia
$777MillionMiami
$769MillionN.C.State
$721MillionLSU
$660MillionVirginiaTech
$548MillionFloridaState
$544MillionSouthCarolina
$528MillionClemson
$522MillionAuburn
$522MillionMississippi
$394Mil.MississippiState
BY AARON BRENNER
CLEMSON — For starters, Monte
Lee plans to bring Clemson back to
the Lowcountry.
Lee,theCollegeofCharlestonprod-
uct and Cougars’ coach of the past
seven years, begins his tenure in the
opposite side of the state by promis-
ing more Tigers
presence in his
old stomping
grounds.
Although Lee
hasn’t gotten
aroundtoconfig-
uring Clemson’s
2016 non-con-
ference schedule
and beyond just
a few days into
his new job, he’s pledged to see to it
Clemsonmakesitsfirstappearancein
the Lowcountry since March 2, 2012,
when the Tigers took on South Caro-
lina. Clemson last played a true road
game in the Lowcountry at the Col-
lege of Charleston in the 2008 season
opener.
Scheduling aside, Lee will attend to
much rebuilding for the next eight
months leading into the 2016 season
opener. It begins with his staff, which
now appears not to include Matt
Heath,Lee’spitchingcoachattheCol-
legeofCharlestonwhoreportedlywill
be Lee’s successor as head coach.
Former players have voiced support
for hitting coach Bradley LeCroy to
Lee,Tigers
toreturnto
Lowcountry
Lee
SEC and ACC schools and their university
endowments, according to a 2014 list compiled
by the National Association of College and
University Business Officers:
BY DAVID CARAVIELLO
S
he’s been named an All-American, named
All-SEC, named state high school player of the
year. But the one honor that left Aleighsa Welch
truly thunderstruck came far from the basketball
court, when the former South Carolina star sat down
for lunch with her mother, her college coach, and two
people she had never met.
That was when Morris and Sheila Cregger, Columbia
business owners and longtime USC
supporters, told the Goose Creek
product that they were endowing a
full athletic scholarship in Welch’s
name. It would go to a South Caro-
lina women’s basketball player —
every year — forever.
“It was really disbelief, to be hon-
est with you,” Welch said. “I think
that’s when I really understood that
my effect at South Carolina has gone a lot deeper than
basketball. We were at a table, and my mom actually start-
ed crying. It’s just amazing when people see something in
you that a lot of times you don’t even see in yourself.”
College endowments mean big money,
but Palmetto State schools rank low nationally
RICHGET
RICHER
THE
The latest in an occasional
series examining the
growing costs of college and
high school athletics, and
the impact on schools and
students.
Price to Play
BY TOMMY BRASWELL
braswell@postandcourier.com
Pitching coach Matt Heath is
expectedtobenamedthenewCollege
of Charleston baseball coach.
Sources close to the team have said
Heath has in-
formed players
that he will re-
place Monte Lee,
who has taken
the head coach-
ing job at Clem-
son.
When asked,
C o l l e g e o f
Charleston di-
rector of athlet-
ics Joe Hull said “Our process is not
complete so I cannot comment.”
A press conference could come as
soon as Monday or Tuesday, accord-
ing to a source.
Lee, 38, left the College of Charles-
ton, his alma mater, after seven years
anda276-145record,including45-15
in 2015. The Cougars appeared in the
NCAA Tournament four times. HeTT
was officially announced as the new
Clemson coach Thursday.
Heath, an LSU graduate, just com-
pleted his fifth season at the College
ofCharlestonandtheCougars’pitch-
ing staff has improved each year. The
team had a cumulative 3.45 ERA in
2015.
AsaplayeratLSU,hewasanall-SEC
Tournament pick as a catcher in 2001TT
and outfielder in 2002.
Heath to
take over
at C of C
Heath
BY DOUG FERGUSON
Associated Press
UNIVERSITYPLACE,WASH.
— One day after he collapsed
from a bout of vertigo, Jasonff
Day was standing taller than
ever Saturday in the U.S.
Open.
When the medication began
to wear off and the vertigo
returned, Day fought his wayff
to the finish with a 31 on the
back nine for a 2-under 68. He
wound up in a four-way tie for
theleadwithMasterschampion
Jordan Spieth, Dustin Johnson
and Branden Grace of South
Africa.
Day felt nauseous over the fiff -
nalhour.Hehadtosteadyhim-
self to stick a tee in the ground
and pluck a ball out of the cup.
And he considered quitting
three times.
Good thing he didn’t.
The 27-year-old Australian is
playing in the final group of a
major for the first time.
“That was the greatest round
I’ve ever watched,” said Co-
lin Swatton, his caddie and
Spieth among 4 tied
for U.S. Open lead
BY JEFF HARTSRR ELL
jhartsell@postandcourier.com
Aleighsa Welch is in Colum-
bia this summer, working at
DawnStaley’sbasketballcamps
and trying to start up some
camps of her own.
But the former Goose Creek
High School star’s heart is in
the Lowcountry, in the cities
she considers her hometowns
— Goose Creek and Charles-
ton.LikemanyinGooseCreek,
she is mourning the loss of Ga-
torsgirls’trackcoachSharonda
Singleton, one of nine killed in
Wednesday night’s shooting
at Emanuel AME Church in
Charleston.
“There will be outrage, there
will be hurt and pain,” said
Lowcountry athletes
‘proud’ of reaction
LENNY IGNELZI/A// P
Jordan Spieth (top), Dustin Johnson, Jason Day and
Branden Grace are tied for the lead heading into
Sunday’s final round of the U.S. Open. Fourth round
coverage begins at 2 p.m., on WTAT-TV (Fox).
Please see MONEY,Page C5
For complete
coverage of the
shooting at Eman-
uel AME Church,
go to postandcourier.com/
church-shooting.
Online
Please see REACTION,Page C6
Please see LEE,Page C4
Please see OPEN,Page C8
SPORTSSunday, June 21, 2015C1
Inside
Baseball, C3-4
Outdoors, C7
Golf, C8
No. 23 Clemson 35,
South Carolina 17
PAUL ZOELLER/STAFF
Clemson wide receiver Artavis Scott (left) celebrates with quarterback Deshaun Watson on Saturday. The Tigers won, 35-17, ending a five-game losing streak to rival South Carolina.
PAUL ZOELLER/STAFF
South Carolina had its lowest point total
this season, as the Clemson defense
dominated the line of scrimmage.
PAUL ZOELLER/STAFF
Sapakoff column: Clemson’s veteran
defense steps up, while Tigers’ offense
shines with young talent.
PAUL ZOELLER/STAFF
Clemson’s Deshaun Watson fought
through the pain to lead the Tigers to
their first win in the rivalry since 2008.
PAUL ZOELLER/STAFF
Orange Bowl hopes dim for Clemson;
At 6-6, South Carolina’s destination
remains unclear.
Gamecocks’ offense
shut down. C3
Savvy, dynamic
youth lead Tigers. C4
Watson’s legacy
begins on one leg. C4
Clemson and USC
bowl scenarios. C5
Streak slayer
Injured freshman quarterback Deshaun Watson
powers Clemson to victory over South Carolina
SPORTSSunday, November 30, 2014C1
Inside
College football, C6
Outdoors, C11
MOMOO ENTSfromfrom UUSSC and Clemson football
C and C
TTop 10p 10TTT
BY AARON BRENNER || abrenner@postandcourier.com
T
here was no doubt this was going to be a
compelling year for Clemson football,
after the Tajh-and-Sammy era gave way
to a team in transition. The Tigers didn’t disappoint
— a changing of the guard both at quarterback and
offensive coordinator, plus a defense for the ages —
were supplemental to a couple of monumental wins.
BY PAPP ULAA NEWBERRY
Associated Press
NEW ORLEANS — When
Urban Meyer got back into
coachingatOhioState,hemade
itclearwhatkindofprogramhe
wanted to build.
SEC North.
Well, he’ll get a chance to
see just how that plan is go-
ing when the Buckeyes take on
the Southeastern Conference
powerhouse everyone wants to
emulate.
Top-ranked Alabama (12-1)
will meet No. 5 Ohio State
(12-1) in the Sugar Bowl on
Thursday night, a semifinal
game in college football’s new
playoff system. The winner ad-
vances to the Jan. 12 national
‘SEC North’ gets shot‘SEC North’ gets sh
at SEC’s powerhouse
BY RALPH D. RUSRR SO
Associated Press
LOS ANGELES — For years,
college football fans pleaded
for a playoff. Now it’s here and
it starts at the sport’s most
hallowed venue, with two
Heisman Trophy winners and
the defending national cham-
pions.
WelcometotheCollegeFoot-
ball Playoff at the Rose Bowl,
where the past and present
intersect to usher in a new era.
Marcus Mariota and second-
seeded Oregon (12-1) face
Jameis Winston and third-
seeded Florida State (13-0) on
Thursday in the first national
semifinal ever played at college
football’s highest level.
g ,Oregon, Florida State
ready for showdown
FILE/AP
Heisman Trophy winner Marcus Mariota and Oregon play
Florida State on Thursday in a national semifinal.
BY DAVID CARAVIELLO || dcaraviello@postandcourier.com
I
t won’t go down as the most memorable of
South Carolina football seasons, not on the
heels of three consecutive 11-win campaigns.
But even in a year with more twists and turns than a
high-speed road course — from heartbreaking
collapses to a fourth consecutive bowl victory —
there were still some highlights to remember.
Please see CLEMSON,Page C3
Please see GAMECOCKS,Page C3
WHO: Oregon (12-1) vs.
Florida State (13-0)
WHEN: Thursday, 5:10 p.m.
TV: ESPN
Rose Bowl
WHO: Alabama (12-1) vs.
Ohio State (12-1)
WHEN: Thursday, 8:50 p.m.
TV: ESPN
Sugar Bowl
Please see ROSE,Page C4 Please see SUGAR,Page C4
SPORTSThursday, January 1, 2015C1
Inside
College football, C3
NBA, NHL, C5

FIRST PLACE:
The State
Meredith Sheffer
COREY ROBINSON
The Plan: Accentuate the positive
Robinson started 35 of the final 36 games of his South
Carolina career at tackle. Plus, he’s 6-foot-8, 344
pounds. On the flip side, no player on the O-line had as
many glaringly bad moments as Robinson in 2014.
MIKE DAVIS
The Plan: Address inconsistency
Davis will be asked many times why
his production was so scattershot.
After gaining 1,058 yards in the first
nine games of his junior season (118
ypg.), he gained 1,141 in the final 17
games (67 ypg.) and battled a series
of nagging injuries.
A.J. CANN
The Plan: Make a statement
Cann is this draft’s highest-rated
offensive guard by the estimation of
most analysts, and that might be
enough to get him into the late first
round. Interior linemen, though,
have to show something special to
get to that spot.
RORY ANDERSON
The Plan: Be charming
Anderson won’t work out due to the
triceps injury that cut short his
senior season, but he’ll try to
impress teams with a big
personality in interviews, and a big
frame – 6-foot-5, 227 pounds – in
the hallway.
J.T. SURRATT
The Plan: Find a believer
Surratt was invited presumably because he’s an
SEC defensive tackle and stands 6-2, 310 pounds.
His production in 2014 didn’t turn heads, but if he
can convince one team he’s worth a late pick or
free agent deal, his week will be a success.
— Josh Kendall
NFL
COMBINEWhat USC players must prove
The plan for the five
Gamecocks at this week’s
NFL Combine in Indy:
The first of the five South
Carolina products invited to
this year’s NFL Combine will
head to Indianapolis on Tues-
day. Dylan Thompson, mean-
while, will remain in Braden-
ton,Fla.,workingonadreamhe
knows many think is a long
shot.
“I know where I stand,” the
former Gamecocks quarter-
back said. “I want to be honest
with myself about the process. I
know I am not going to be some
high-round draft pick. I started
Thompson
works toward
NFL dream
By JOSH KENDALL
SEE DRAFT PAGE B5
Over the course of the
next two years, Irmo soph-
omore point guard Devon-
tae Shuler will start hear-
ing the comparisons more
and more.
It will start with the likes
of Marvin Orange and B.J.
McKie, players who led the
Yellow Jackets to state
championships in the
1990s, and continue with
the more recent point
guards to guide Irmo to a
state title – Jordan Roper
(2011) and Detrek Brown-
ing (2013).
Before the final chapter
is written about Shuler’s
high school career, he
HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PLAYOFFS
Shuler has the game to aim high
Irmo's Devontae Shuler goes up for a
basket in a game against White Knoll
earlier this season.
C MICHAEL BERGEN/MBERGEN@THESTATE.COM
DEVONTAE
SHULER BIO
Class: Sophomore
Position: Guard
Ht./Wt.: 5-11, 170
Of note: Has been
offered by South
Carolina, and area
prep coaches say
he already is one
of the best players
in the state.
INSIDE
Dutch Fork girls
feature, first-round
results, playoffs
schedule, B6
By CHRIS DEARING
SEE SHULER PAGE B7
BLUFFTON — The three wit-
nesses who allege star de-
fensive end and South Car-
olina signee Shameik
Blackshear stole a purse
and safe from a Mill Creek
home Feb. 7 said the teen
walked out with the items
without saying a word, ac-
cording to an incident re-
port released Monday by
the Bluffton Police
Department.
But Blackshear and his
17-year-old girlfriend told
police the night of the inci-
dent that he had not left his
girlfriend’s apartment un-
til his sister called to tell
him investigators had
shown up at the family’s
home to question him
about the theft, the report
said.
The three witnesses told
policeBlackshear,17,came
over to the victim’s Mill
Creek home around 10:45
p.m. Feb. 7 after texting
USC FOOTBALL
Witnesses allege
recruit took items,
left quietly
USC signee disputes initial reports
By MATT McNAB
Hilton Head Island Packet
SEE RECRUIT PAGE B3
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2015 ɀ WWW.THESTATE.COM ɀ PAGE B1
SPORTS
INSIDE
What Clemson players must prove at Combine, B5
INSIDE
2B: 10 things Spurrier did for USC
3B: Spurrier’s biggest wins at USC
4B: Exclusive QA with Harris Pastides
5B: Plans of interim head coach Shawn
Elliott
6B: What Ray Tanner is looking for in a
new head coach
ONLINE
Video: Spurrier, Elliott, Tanner remarks from
Tuesday
Best videos: From Spurrier era at USC
Video: USC players react to the coaching
change
Gallery: Photos from Tuesday's news
conference
Coming Thursday at 11 a.m.: Live QA with
Josh Kendall
Photo illustration by GERRY MELENDEZ gmelendez@thestate.com
Tossing in
his visor
Steve Spurrier resigns as South Carolina’s head football coach
END OF AN ERA: HBC KEEPSAKE EDITION
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2015 | WWW.THESTATE.COM | COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA | SECTION B
‘‘I THINK I WAS THE BEST COACH FOR THIS JOB 11
YEARS AGO, BUT I’M NOT TODAY. THAT’S THE
CYCLE OF COACHING. I JUST THINK THIS IS THE
BEST THING, THE BEST THING FOR SOUTH
CAROLINA FOOTBALL, FOR OUR UNIVERSITY.”
– Steve Spurrier
FRIDAY NOVEMBER 13 2015 1BFACEBOOK.COM/THESTATENEWS
Sports
T
iffany Mitchell smiled.
“She’s got to be kind
of good if her last
name’s Mitchell,” South
Carolina’s All-American guard
said Thursday. “I’m prepared for
that.”
A season of grand expecta-
tions begins on Friday with one
of the most hyped one-on-one
matchups in the country. There’s
plenty of other talent on both
benches, with the No. 2 Game-
cocks and No. 6 Ohio State re-
turning most of the stars that
combined for 58 wins last year.
But the spotlight will be on
Mitchell vs. Mitchell.
USC WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
Mitchell vs.
Mitchell
. .................................................................................................................................
Two first-team preseason All-Americans face each other
. .................................................................................................................................
USC’s Tiffany Mitchell likes a tough challenge
. .................................................................................................................................
Ohio State’s Kelsey Mitchell led country in scoring
. .................................................................................................................................
BY DAVID CLONINGER
South Carolina interim
coach Shawn Elliott didn’t
waste much time answering
the question.
The Gamecocks’ open-
ing-game starter, Connor
Mitch, hasn’t seen the field
since September against
Kentucky. A separated
shoulder and nasty hip
injury put him in the hospi-
tal, and even after return-
ing to practice, there’s been
little indication if he’ll
make it back into a game
before season’s end.
Will he contribute? Elliott
said he expects Mitch will.
“I don’t know where it
might be,” Elliott said.
“Any time you sit out for
that length of time, first of
all, physically, strength-
Whatever happened
to Connor Mitch?
BY BEN BREINER
bbreiner@thestate.com
USC FOOTBALL
MOREINSIDE
Gamecocks notebook; What Vegas says
about game, 4B
VIDEO
GoGamecocks.com: Jon Hoke's
post-practice remarks
SEE USC, 4B
STEPHEN DAVIS JR.
HASN’T BEEN FOCUSED
ON RECRUITING. PAGE 4B
RECRUITING
CLEMSON
Clemson’s 23-13 win
over Florida State last
Saturday didn’t feel like a
double-digit victory for
the No. 1 team in the land.
A game that clinched
the Atlantic Division for
the Tigers wasn’t decided
until the fourth quarter.
Clemson trailed by four
CLEMSON FOOTBALL
Cruise control: Tigers set up
for an undefeated season
. .............................................
Tigers vs.
Orange
Who: Clemson (8-0,
6-0 ACC) at Syracuse
(3-6, 1-4)
When: 3:30 p.m.,
Saturday
Where: Carrier Dome
TV: ABC
Line: Clemson by 28
..............................................
BY BRAD SENKIW
Anderson Independent Mail
SEE CLEMSON, 4B
. .................................................
KELSEY MITCHELL
5-8, Sophomore, Guard
The Buckeyes’ top scorer is preseason
All-American. She was the first
freshman to lead the country in scoring
with 24.9 points per game.
TIFFANY MITCHELL
5-9, Senior, Guard
Two-time SEC Player of the Year. She
was a first-team All-American (ESPN,
AP, USBWA) as a junior and a preseason
All-American this season.
................................................................................
Five things to watch in
SEC women’s basketball
this season:
THE DROUGHT IS OVER
South Carolina was the first
SEC team to reach the Final
Four since Tennessee’s
2008 national title. An SEC
team should return with
USC No. 2 and Tennessee
No. 4 in the preseason Top
25.
STAR POWER
South Carolina has two re-
turning first-team all-SEC
selections in forward A’ja
Wilson and guard Tiffany
Mitchell. Others include
Kentucky guard Makayla
Epps and Texas AM guard
Courtney Walker.
UNEXPECTED EXITS
LSU must deal with the
departure of Danielle Bal-
lard, a second-team all-SEC
player. Kentucky guard
Linnae Harper transferred
after averaging 11.4 points
and 7.1 rebounds.
LADY VOLS’ BIG ADDITION
Tennessee should get a big
boost from the arrival of North
Carolina transfer Diamond
DeShields, a former ACC roo-
kie of the year who averaged
18 points with the Tar Heels.
GEORGIA STARTING OVER
Andy Landers stepped down
after coaching the Lady Bull-
dogs to 862 wins in 36 seasons.
Georgia’s new coach is Joni
Taylor, who had spent the last
four seasons as an assistant.
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
STORY LINES FOR 2015-16
. .....................................................
Gamecocks vs.
Buckeyes
Who: No. 6 Ohio State at
No. 2 USC
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Where: Colonial Life Arena
Tickets: Available at the
box office
......................................................
VIDEO
GoGamecocks.com: Get to know
the team.
ON A1
Can the Gamecocks make it back to
the Final Four?SEE WOMEN, 2B

SINGLE SPORTS PAGE DESIGN
HONORABLE MENTION:
Aiken Standard
Eric Russell
Sports AIKENSTANDARD.COMB SUNDAY, March 29, 2015 CONTACT: Noah Feit, nfeit@aikenstandard.com
All-AikenStandard2015
Basketball team
ts AIKENSTATT NCONTACT: Noahhh FeitFeitFeitFeitFeitFeitFeitFeitFeitFeitFeitth Fh FeitFeiFeittFeie ,,,, nfeit@nfeinfeit@fnfeit@feit@nfefeit@feit@feit@eit@it@t@t@feit@, nnfeinfeit@nfeit@feit@feit@it@, nnfnfeinfeit@ffnfeife @@eit@@@, nnfeit@nfeit@nfeitfeit@fefeit@nfeit@@feit@@@nnnnfeinffeit@fefeeeeit@it@tt@nfeit@nfeitfefeeit@it@@eit@nnfeit@eiifeit@,, nffnfeitnfee, nfei @@@nnfe t, @@@aikensiaikenaikenstaikenstikenstikaikenkkaikenskenenstnstaikensaikensaikenstttataaaikensaikenstaaikenkkaikeensttaaikkkkaikennaikenikenstaaa kkaikkaikenaikenaikenkkkenaaaikenkkkkeaikenna kkkkkeeeaaaaikkkkkeeeaaa kkkkke ttaaaaikekkkee taannddddddard.cararararrdd.arddd.dard.connnddddararrd cndddd d.cnndanndddaarrnn d.d.cnndda cnndar cnnnnda .cnnnnnd r . m
d
Jaquez Smith
Guard, North Augusta
Class AAAA All-State selection
19.4 ppg
45% 3-point pct.
Kalief Freeman
Forward, Williston-Elko
19.5 ppg
9.5 rpg
Daquarius Johnson
Forward, Strom Thurmond
16.7 ppg
Playerofthe
Year
Brandyn Quiller
Guard, Fox Creek
18.9 ppg
3.4 spg
Daniel Carr
Guard, Midland Valley
selection
the Year
ikennnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSStttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttanBasasaaaaasaaaasaasasaassssaaaassaaaaasssaaaaassassaaaa ketball team
Zymbraya Corley
Guard, Wagener-Salley
13.5 ppg
5.4 apg
Pl
ayeroftheYear
Raven
Valentine
Monetta
Cyntherria Sullivan
Guard, Strom Thurmond
11 ppg
4 apg
Jhay Graham
Guard, Aiken
Class AAA All-State selection
8.4 ppg
3.2 spg
Kippen Wallace
8.7 rpg
Boys Girls
Mark Snelgrove
Midland Valley Aiken
BOYS
idland Valley, F
orth Augusta, G
outh Aiken, F
ox Creek, G
orth Augusta, C
GIRLS
idge Spring-Monetta, G
orth Augusta, G
idland Valley, G
iken, C
ilver B , G
SECOND TEAM
GOLF GLANCE
PGA Tour
Texas Open
KevinKisner
+6 (T49)
struggled to
a 76 Satur-
day that in-
ScottBrown
+4 (T33)
Brownmade
wereout-
Web.com Tour
Louisiana Open
Matt Atkins
+2 (CUT)
Atkinsmissed
twoshots
onholes16
and17.
FROM THE SIDELINES
Logano wins truck race
in sprint at Martinsville
MARTINSVILLE, Va. (AP)
— Joey Logano passed Matt
start a two-
lap sprint
and won
an exciting
NASCAR
Martinsville
Speedway
The Day-
tona 500
champion
won for the
the 26th driver to win in all three
of NASCAR’s top series.
came after a wild near ending in
-
-
line for the lead.
Big innings doom Tigers
again against Deacons
-
away for a 7-3
victory over
Clemson at
-
Demon Dea-
lead in the series over the Tigers
(12-13, 4-7).
1 p.m.
To report a score or con-
tact Noah Feit, Sports
AikenStan-
dard -
enstandard.com or call
Logano
Bulldogs take two
from Gamecocks
COLUMBIA — The No. 7
win in 11 innings
game, which was
the 11th gave UGA the win.
ninth, USC lost the nightcap 4-3.
INSIDE TODAY
Mustang Madness
-
See Story on 5B
Fighting for Four
over North Carolina and will try to advance to
the Final Four today. See Story on 3B
Back to Badgers
See Story on 4B

THIRD PLACE:
Index-Journal
Aron Agerton
October 10, 2015
SATURDAY
Sports 3B
SCROUNGING
FOR HOPE
Above: South Carolina's Isaiah Johnson (21) walks off the field after his team lost to Missouri 24-10 on
Oct. 3 in Columbia, Mo. Right: Missouri defensive back Kenya Dennis, right, breaks up a pass intended for
South Carolina wide receiver Jerad Washington, left, during the third quarter
LSU aims to be hospitable to USC — to a point
BATON ROUGE, La.
B
y now, LSU coach
Les Miles knows as
well as anyone that
football isn’t entirely
weather proof, even
if it can be played in
rain or snow.
The mid-week relocation of
No. 7 LSU’s scheduled road game
Saturday from South Carolina to
Tiger Stadium is only the latest
of a handful of weather-affected
LSU games since Miles became the
Tigers’ coach in 2005.
“We certainly understand the
whims of weather,” Miles said
this week as he offered words of
encouragement to those deal-
ing with flooding in and around
Columbia, South Carolina.
Miles’ first three games with at
LSU were affected by weather.
The 2005 season opener, against
North Texas, was postponed to
a common open date later in
the season because of Hurricane
Katrina. The next game, which was
the first one played that season,
was moved from Tiger Stadium
to Arizona State because Baton
Rouge was overwhelmed by storm
evacuees from the New Orleans
area and the campus was helping
with relief efforts.
Miles’ next game was delayed
two days and played on a Monday
night in Death Valley because
Hurricane Rita.
In 2008, the approach of Hur-
ricane Gustav caused kickoff
against Appalachian State to be
moved from 4 p.m. to 10 a.m.
Gustav then ripped through
Baton Rouge, damaging Tiger
Stadium and postponing the fol-
lowing game against Troy until
later that season.
Associated Press
See USC, page 5B
Clemson ready for normal schedule
CLEMSON — Clemson coach
Dabo Swinney is grateful to get back
to normal.
Since the season began, the sixth-
ranked Tigers (4-0, 1-0 Atlantic
Coast Conference) have had a chop-
py schedule filled with quick turn-
arounds and long breaks. When they
face Georgia Tech (2-3, 0-2), it’ll mark
just the second time in five games the
Tigers will have had a typical practice
schedule.
After defeating Appalachian State
on Sept. 12, Clemson traveled and
won at Louisville just five days later.
Then the Tigers did not play again
for 16 days until last Saturday night’s
24-22 win over No. 15 Notre Dame.
“So it’s been really strange,” Swin-
ney said.
The Tigers now settle in for eight
consecutive Saturdays that will make
or break their chances at an ACC title
and spot in the College Football Play-
offs.
“The thing I’m the happiest about
is we’re 4-0, but we haven’t even come
to close to playing our best football,”
Swinney said. “We need to finish bet-
ter.”
That could be difficult against the
Yellow Jackets, a team that’s rolled up
28 points and 409 yards a game on
Clemson in the past five meetings.
Sure, Georgia Tech comes in with
a three-game losing streak. But Swin-
ney understands the Tigers will have
their hands full at Death Valley.
“We have a ton of respect for their
program and who they are,” the coach
said. “Their record has nothing to do
with this game.”
Georgia Tech coach Paul John-
son said his players have not close
confidence, despite coming in trying
to avoid their first four-game losing
streak since 1996.
“There is very little margin for
error,” Johnson said. “You have to
get some breaks. And right now, we
are not getting any, they’re going the
other way.”
Clemson fans should brace for
another wet outing. Clemson out-
lasted Notre Dame last week despite
a driving rainstorm that was part of a
devastating system that brought ter-
rible flooding to parts of the state. The
forecast Saturday afternoon calls for
an 80 percent chance of showers.
Associated Press
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Clemson's Artavis Scott (3) runs out of the tackle-attempt of Notre
Dame's Cole Luke during the first half Oct. 3 in Clemson
■ PGA ■ NASCAR
Baedeliversbig
inPresidents
Cupdebut
INCHEON, South Korea — Bae
Sang-moon never felt the kind of
pressure that weighed on him Fri-
day at the Presi-
dents Cup.
He only made
news in South
Korea this year
during a failed
bid to extend
his waiver for
m a n d a t o r y
militar y ser-
vice. He wasn’t
sure what kind of reception he
would receive at the Jack Nick-
laus Golf Club Korea. And as Bae
stood over a 12-foot putt that was
critical to the International team’s
rally, half his teammates were on
the edge of the green and thou-
sands of Koreans were watching
in the gallery.
“I’m pretty sure he was ner-
vous. I was nervous watching
him,” Danny Lee said. “So he had
to stand up and man up, and hit
that golf ball.”
Associated Press
BAE
SANG-MOON
See BAE, page 5B
Contenders
eyeing win
at Charlotte
CONCORD, N.C. — Expect the
intensity to pick up a tick in the
opening race of the second round
of NASCAR’s playoffs. The event at
Charlotte Motor Speedway ended last
year with mild-mannered Matt Kens-
eth jumping Brad Keselowski, who
had already drawn the ire of Denny
Hamlin.
Why will drivers be more amped
than usual Saturday night? Because
a win will earn a championship con-
tender an automatic berth into the
third round and relieve the pressure
for ominous races at Kansas and Tal-
ladega.
“I think if you can win in a first
round situation, you can definite-
ly put yourself in a position to get
those guys on the team that mental
break that they’re going to need just
because of the detail and things that
it takes on a weekly basis when you
have to run all three weeks at that
level,” reigning Sprint Cup champion
Kevin Harvick said.
Associated Press
See CHARLOTTE, page 5B

SECOND PLACE:
Index-Journal
Bob Simmonds
CLEMSON
CC
lemson coach Dabo
Swinney has long
said the fun in foot-
ball comes from
winning. In the
Tigers’ locker room, the fun also
comes from Dabo’s dancing, a
concoction of moves that are
difficult to categorize but that
make it nearly impossible to
take your eyes off of him.
Think of Elaine’s herky-
jerky gyrations on Seinfield.
Swinney’s not the only col-
lege coach who enjoys get-
ting down with his players.
But the 45-year-old coach is
front and center with a style
— many sessions viewable
on Youtube — all his own.
The latest display came
last Thursday after the 11th-
ranked Tigers (3-0) defeated
Louisville, 20-17, to start
Atlantic Coast Conference
play. Swinney was caught
on tape shaking his shoul-
ders, shooting his arms out
front like Frankenstein to the
smiles of his happy team.
“They need work,” Clemson
safety T.J. Green said of the
coach’s moves. “But he’s got the
understanding of what’s going
on, so that’s all right.”
Swinney said the joy of winning just
brings out his Solid Gold side. Although,
don’t book him for Dancing With The
Stars just yet.
“Well, I guess if you’ve seen me dance,
you can tell that there’s not much pre-
meditation in it,” Swinney said. “I don’t
have a lot of coaching going on. But we
just have fun.”
BBSports Friday, September 25. 2015@IJ_Sports
Clemson coach gets
down with players
By PETE IACOBELLI
Associated Press
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Clemson coach Dabo Swinney
gestures to his team during
the second half against
Louisville in Louisville, Ky.
Clemson defeated Louisville
20-17.
DANCIN’WITH
DABODABO
“They need work. But he’s got
the understanding of what’s
going on, so that’s all right.”
— T.J. GREEN
Clemson safety on his coach’s dance moves
See DABO, page 4B
■ CLASSAMATCHUP
Fresh off his first win as
the Ware Shoals High School
football coach, Mike Craigo
now faces his most intriguing
matchup of the season.
His former players and
students from Calhoun Falls
Charter School.
Craigo spent six years at
Calhoun Falls, serving as the
athletic director and basketball
coach. He
also coached
football for
three sea-
s ons and
w a s t h e
team’s offen-
sive coor-
dinator last
year. Craigo
knows each
C a l h o u n
Falls player
well, hav-
ing coached
m a n y o f
t h e m i n
football and
basketball.
“It will
be a little
d i f f e r e n t
at f i rst ,”
Craigo said.
“I know all
those kids
over there. They are great,
great kids. It’s a really good
school and a great community.
Like I’ve said before, Calhoun
Falls gave me my first oppor-
tunity to be an AD, and I’m
always grateful for that.
“But once the game starts,
I’m sure it will be like any
other game. The stuff that
leads up to it is one thing, but
I’m sure once we kick it off, it
will be just any other oppo-
nent with us trying to find a
way to win.”
For the first time since
2013, Ware Shoals enters the
game coming off a win. The
Hornets shut out Dixie 20-0
to snap a 14-game losing
streak last week, a win that
boosted morale throughout
the school.
“It’s amazing, just the way
the school has been lifted up,”
running back/defensive back
Hunter Wood said. “The
players, with the emotion
this week, the weight room
is being hit harder, the field
is being hit harder. Watch-
ing film this week, we were
excited, we were ready.
“It’s just a completely dif-
ferent feeling than the past
year and a half.”
The Hornets would love
nothing more than to win
again tonight against their
coach’s former school.
“This is where he came
from, and it’s another school
rival (like Dixie),” Wood said.
“We’re coming off a win, and
we want more than anything
to have two back-to-back
wins, against Calhoun Falls
especially.”
Calhoun Falls also went
winless last year, but wasted
little time notching a win this
year. The Flashes engaged in
By ANDREW MACKE
Craigo,
WareShoals
welcome
his ex-team
MIKE
CRAIGO
Wanttogo?
■ What:
Calhoun Falls
(1-3) at Ware
Shoals (1-3)
■ Where:
Tommy Davis
Field at Riegel
Stadium
■ When: 7:30
p.m. today
■ Twitter:
IJGREGGHAMPTON
See CRAIGO, page 4B
GHS opens region play against Hillcrest
Little mistakes cost the Greenwood High
School football team in the last two weeks.
And playing against three of the best teams
in the state, the Eagles paid for those mis-
takes, losing to Dorman 24-10, Northwest-
ern 52-7 and Spartanburg 42-7.
Greenwood is focusing on those little
mistakes this week against another of the
best teams in the state, undefeated and
third-ranked Hillcrest, the defending Class
AAAA Division I state champion, to open
Region 1-AAAA play.
“This week is more, like the last cou-
ple weeks, is more about us,” Greenwood
coach Dan Pippin said. “Just us doing the
stuff right that we can do and us getting
better, not so much worried about what
Hillcrest is doing. Obviously, we know
what they are doing offensively and defen-
sively, but we need to correct the things
we’re doing wrong more so than worrying
a lot about them.”
Greenwood was in a similar position
last year, sitting at 1-3 with three lopsided
losses. But, the Eagles played a great first
half and took a halftime lead, but mistakes
in the second half allowed Hillcrest to rally
for a 35-16 victory.
“We played a great first half. We had
one bad interception returned for a touch-
down, but I thought we played really well,”
Pippin said. “Offensively and defensively.
But, they were a really good football team.”
The Rams will bring some familiar faces
to J.W. Babb Stadium. Quarterback Collin
By ANDREW MACKE
DAN
PIPPIN
Emerald sets its sights on
another undefeated team
Last week, the Emerald High
School football team kicked off
Region 2-AAA play against an
undefeated No. 3 Greer team.
The Vikings (2-2 overall, 0-1
region) fought, but ultimate-
ly lost to, the Yellow Jackets
39-20. Now, Emerald looks to
shake off its two-game losing
streak against another unde-
feated Peach Blossom team in
Southside (4-0, 1-0).
Emerald coach Tim McMa-
hon said while the offense
looked solid at Greer, the game
featured crucial Viking turn-
over that killed drives.
“ T h e r e
were times
w h e r e w e
didn’t tackle
well,” McMa-
h on s a i d .
“A n d w e
made a cou-
ple big errors
in the kick-
ing game that
hurt us.
“We played awfully well on
offense, but we just made too
many mistakes early in the
game.”
The Tigers’ defense has given
up 22 points so far this season.
But the team’s they’ve beaten
(Ware Shoals, J.L. Mann, Caro-
lina Academy and Berea) have
a combined 4-12 record to start
By ETHAN JOYCE
INDEX-JOURNAL FILE
Willie Reynolds runs the ball around the outstretched
fingers of a Daniel defender at Emerald’s Frank Hill
Stadium.
TIM
McMAHON
See EMERALD, page 4B
See GHS, page 4B
Wanttogo?
■ What: Southside (4-0
overall, 1-0 Region 2-AAA)
at Emerald (2-2 overall, 0-1
Region 2-AAA)
■ Where: Frank Hill Stadium
at Emerald High School
■ When: 7:30 p.m. today
■ Twitter: IJETHANJOYCE

FIRST PLACE:
Index-Journal
Bob Simmonds
September 26, 2015
SATURDAY
Trio of league leaders discuss
SEC, South Carolina
Associated Press
COLUMBIA — Southeastern
Conference Commissioner Greg
Sankey recalled when he knew for
certain his life had dramatically
changed: A woman charged him
at the league’s football media
days asking for an autograph
on an 8x10 glossy of himself.
“It doesn’t stop,” said
Sankey, less than four
months into his new job.
“I knew that, but I didn’t
know that.”
Sankey’s two
predecessors, Roy
Kramer and Mike
Slive, grinned knowingly Friday. All
three were on hand for a panel discus-
sion to celebrate the 25th anniversary of
South Carolina accepting membership
into the conference.
The three, along with University of
South Carolina President Harris Pas-
tides, shared stories of past successes,
the Gamecocks growth in the SEC and
where the 14-team conference is headed
with Sankey in charge.
Kramer is credited with bringing the
conference championship into big time
college football as commissioner from
1990 until 2002. Slive’s legacy will be
establishing the SEC Network, which
USC, UCF seek success
Sports 3B
COLUMBIA — After three
games, UCF (0-3) and South
Carolina (1-2) are spiraling
downward and looking to
take a step in the winning
direction. Both will be look-
ing to turn things around
today when they square off
at Williams-Brice Stadium.
With both in need of a
positive spark, this match-
up could be aptly dubbed
the Desperation Bowl
UCF is dead last in
offense in the Football
Bowl Subdivision and
was beaten at home last
week by FCS opponent
Furman, 16-15. South Carolina
followed a 26-22 home loss to Ken-
tucky by getting pounded, 52-20, at
No. 7 Georgia last week.
Just two years ago when these
teams met they were among the best
in college football with a combined
23-3 mark between them.
“Yeah, I think we were the only ones
to beat them,” South Carolina coach
Steve Spurrier recalled of UCF’s 12-1
mark in 2013.
Those teams were led by two of the
NFL’s top three draft picks in spring
2014 — South Carolina by No. 1 pick
defensive end Jadeveon Clowney and
UCF by No. 3 pick quarterback Blake
Bortles.
UCF coach George O’Leary can’t
worry about the players he had, just
about improving the ones he’s got now.
He said the Knights have struggled at
finishing games and putting points on
the board, averaging just 12 points a
game this season. Perhaps the Game-
cocks are the perfect antidote since they
rank last in the Southeastern Confer-
ence in points given up at more than 30
per game.
“I think that’s the issue right there,
and obviously the game this week is a
typical SEC team,” O’Leary said. “And
again, we’re going to have to play a
lot better than we did the first three
games.”
By PETE IACOBELLI
Associated Press
ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE
South Carolina quarterback Lorenzo Nunez
drops back to throw during the second half
against Georgia in Athens, Ga.
MISSING BACKS: UCF will be without its top running back and South Carolina might join in that
predicament. The Knights dismissed all-American Athletic Conference first-team runner William Stan-
back this week for what the school said was a continual violation of team rules. The Gamecocks
might be without leading rusher Brandon Wilds, who bruised his ribs in the Georgia loss and did
not practice for most of the week. South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier said backup Shon Carson
would start at tailback Saturday.
FREE FALL TEAMS: South Carolina and UCF are both programs led by aging, yet successful
coaches who are currently trending downward. The Gamecocks and 70-year-old Steve Spurrier
went 11-2 for three straight seasons from 2011-13, yet are 8-8 since. UCF and 69-year-old George
O’Leary had won a program-best nine or more games for three consecutive seasons from 2012-
14, yet have lost five of their past nine games. Combined, Spurrier and O’Leary have won 340
games in college football. They’re 1-5 together this season.
ANOTHER NEW QB: South Carolina starts third different quarterback in as many weeks with
true freshman Lorenzo Nunez getting the call against UCF. Connor Mitch was the Gamecocks start-
er for the first two games, but was sidelined with a separated right throwing shoulder sustained in
week two against Kentucky. Former walk-on Perry Orth started the Georgia game, throwing for 66
yards and an interception against the Bulldogs. Spurrier believes Nunez gives the Gamecocks a
spark the other quarterbacks don’t.
DEFENSIVE CHANGES: South Carolina will also make several changes on defense after Geor-
gia posted 576 yards last week. Linebacker T.J. Holloman is expected to get a starting slot while
coordinator Jon Hoke said other options might be looked at among safeties and cornerbacks. The
Gamecocks are at or near the bottom in several SEC defensive categories.
REMEMBER WHEN: UCF was the opponent 10 years ago when Steve Spurrier made his return
to college football at South Carolina. Spurrier and the Gamecocks held on for a 24-15 against
coach George O’Leary’s Knights. “I still remember on the bus coming to the stadium, our fans were
out there with their fingers in the air to see South Carolina football. The stadium was packed for
kickoff, packed during warmups that night. That brings back some fond memories, “ Spurrier said.
Eleven seasons later, Spurrier has won a school record 85 games at South Carolina.
DESPERATE
TIMES
THINGS TO WATCH FOR
See SEC, page 5B
Harvick on the ropes in New Hampshire
LOUDON, N.H. — New
Hampshire Motor Speedway had
some fun with NASCAR’s lat-
est prize fight and stuck a free
standing heavy bag with a pair
of red Everlast gloves in the
motorhome lot.
The sign next to the boxing
equipment read: “Chase Stress
Reliever.”
There was no reason for any
drivers to lace up the gloves and
channel their inner Floyd May-
weather and spar a few rounds
Friday against the bag. The only
bobbing and weaving came in
their responses for reaction to
the bout Sunday between Kevin
Harvick and Jimmie Johnson.
“I didn’t see it and I don’t
know,” 2003 champion Matt
Kenseth said. “I practiced that
one this morning.”
Added Daytona 500 champ
Joey Logano: “Emotions seem
to get fired up pretty quick and I
don’t really have a reaction.”
Harvick and Johnson didn’t
have much of one, either.
Asked about Johnson, Harvick
pulled his best Marshawn Lynch
and said, “I’m just here so I don’t
get fined.”
Johnson, the six-time champ,
said he hasn’t talked to Harvick.
Round 1 might have gone to
Harvick in the motorhome lot.
But Harvick is on the ropes on
the track as the Chase for the
By DAN GELSTON
Associated Press
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Driver Kevin Harvick waits Friday in the garage while
his car is worked on during practice for Sunday’s race
at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon, N.H.See HARVICK, page 5B

THIRD PLACE:
The Herald
Maegan Smith T
he Carolina Pan-
thers exited Bank
o f A m e r i c a
Stadium en masse
last week, headed
to various beach-
es, lakes and
sites unknown to
grab some vacation
time.
Commissioner Roger Goodell
is doing his best to keep the NFL on a
365-day news cycle. But unless you’re
Tom Brady, Greg Hardy or one of their
lawyers, this is as close as it gets to a
quiet period around the league.
The Panthers report to Spartanburg
in 32 days for the start of training
camp. That gives us four weeks to bat
around popular storylines and intri-
guing position battles to watch at
Wofford.
But why wait?
Here’s one reporter’s take on
five questions for the Panthers
to answer at training camp as
they try to make it three years
in a row as NFC South
champs.
Will Kelvin Benjamin show up
in shape?
Panthers GM Dave Gettleman seems to
think so, suggesting the media made too
much of the hamstring injuries that side-
lined Benjamin for most of OTAs and
minicamp.
But, unprompted, Ron Rivera brought
up the wide receiver’s weight – he report-
edly arrived in April for offseason work-
outs 8-9 pounds overweight. Rivera is
refreshingly candid with reporters, and
it’s doubtful he was trying to send a mes-
sage through the media.
But intentional or not, it reached Benja-
min, who spoke with Gettleman, Rivera and
a couple of other coaches the day after
Rivera’s comments were published.
If Benjamin works hard this summer, the
weight talk will go away. But the reason it’s a
topic is because Benjamin is too important to
the Panthers’ offense to be sidelined with a
preventable injury.
Can Michael Oher protect Cam Newton’s blind side?
After 14 spring practices in shorts and
helmets, we still don’t know.
Speed rusher Mario Addison blew past
Oher during one of the OTA practices. But
it’s tough to put too much stock in drills in
which live contact was prohibited.
Panthers offensive line coach John Mat-
sko, who was Oher’s position coach in Balti-
more, will get a better idea in camp whether
Oher looks like the mostly dependable tackle
from his Ravens’ days or the guy who strug-
gled mightily in Tennessee last year before
having surgery on his toe.
The Panthers have a lot more depth than
they did a year ago. But neither Jonathan Martin nor Nate Chandler has
proven he can be effective as a starting left tackle.
This is Oher’s job. We’ll find out soon enough whether he’s up to it.
Will the new contract change Cam’s approach?
The Panthers brought Newton along slowly at camp last year following
offseason ankle surgery. That’s a good ap-
proach to take with their franchise quarterback
every summer, regardless of his six-year, $118
million contract.
Carolina’s defenders are smart enough not
to go hard at Newton, but Rivera better make
sure he has a quick whistle when the Panthers
practice against the Miami Dolphins for two
days in August.
No one is suggesting the Panthers put bub-
ble-wrap around the newly minted Newton. The
zone read is a big part of Mike Shula’s offense,
and should continue to be.
Newton can help himself, particularly in the
preseason, by avoiding unnecessary shots like the rib-cracking hit he took
on a scramble in an exhibition against New England last year.
TrainingCamp
5 questions for
the Panthers
DAVID T. FOSTER III -
dtfoster@charlotteobserver.com
Carolina Panthers’
Kelvin Benjamin
makes a reception
during Panthers OTA
practice on June 8.
SEE PERSON, PAGE 5C
By Joseph Person
jperson@charlotteobserver.com
+
THE HERALD
aCSunday
June 28, 2015
heraldonline.com/sports
Sports Serena’s Slam quest
goes to England
Williams is halfway to Grand feat. 9C
SONOMA, Calif. Jeff Gordon
has been saying his farewells all sea-
son.
But this weekend’s visit to Sono-
ma Raceway has just a little more
special meaning.
It was in nearby Vallejo, Calif.,
where Gordon spent much of his
formative years and began to ex-
plore and succeed in the racing ca-
reer that would eventually define
him.
And one of the many accolades
Gordon has accumulated in his re-
cord-setting NASCAR career has
been is his prowess on the Sprint
Cup Series’ two road
courses, at Sonoma
Raceway and in Wat-
kins Glen, N.Y.
Entering Sunday’s
Toyota/Save Mart
350, Gordon stands
as NASCAR’s all-
time leader in road-
course wins (nine), including five
at Sonoma. He’ll start fifth.
“This has been a very special
place for me and always will be,”
Gordon said. “To know that this is
the final time that I will be driving
here and just the build-up – going to
Rio Linda to that quarter midget
track last week, that was the first
place I ever raced at.
“That just built a lot of emotion
into what is occurring this week-
end. It also adds pressure that I
want to do really well this week-
end.”
Although Gordon is one of NAS-
CAR’s most prolific road-course
racers, he has not visited Victory
Lane at either track since 2006.
That’s not to say he hasn’t been a
contender, though. He has finished
second at Sonoma in three of the
AtSonoma,Calif.
3 P.M. (FOX SPORTS 1)
Gordon
reflects on
final race
at Sonoma
By Jim Utter
jutter@charlotteobserver.com
SEE NASCAR, PAGE 10C
Gordon
CLEMSON If winning a press
conference is a thing, Monte Lee
crushed it at his introduction as the
new Clemson baseball coach this
past Monday.
Because of the tragic Charleston
shooting, Lee’s first meeting with
the media and followers of the pro-
gram was delayed several days, and
he had time to prepare.
But Lee had a clear, concise mes-
sage. In his opening statement, he
took care of most questions the
media would ask. He recognized
what former coaches Bill Wilhelm
and Jack Leggett built the last 58
years. Lee said he’ll use advanced
statistics, like Sabermetrics, to
evaluate his team during the sea-
son.
To describe the foundation his
program will be built on, Lee laid
out an initiative using the acronym
T.I.G.E.R.S.: toughness, integrity,
gratitude, excellence, relentless
and selfless.
“I think it’s very, very important
that every player in our program
knows what our identity is, what
our culture is,” Lee said. “In our
sport, in academics, in the commu-
nity and in the weight room, those
are the four areas that we will create
an identity in at Clemson.”
The area that piqued a lot of in-
terest, though, was when he talked
about his coaching style in the du-
gout.
“Loose,” as Lee described it, is
not something Clemson’s been
called lately. Whether it’s fair or not
— true or not — a stigma around
Tiger baseball under Leggett was
that his boys played tight, especial-
ly in crucial situations.
That’s not to say Clemson never
came up big in the clutch, but that
idea has followed this program for
many years.
ClemsonBaseball
By Brad Senkiw
Anderson Independent Mail
SEE CLEMSON, PAGE 4C
Monte Lee
trying
to change
perceptions
impact on a recruiting class,” Sim-
mons said. “Brandon McIlwain is a
guythathasthatabilitytocontinue
to be a foundation and a building
block for this class.”
A busy run started for McIlwain
in early June with the school year
still in progress. A two-sport star,
he helped lead the Council Rock
North baseball team to a district ti-
tle and the state championship
quarterfinals.
He added two baseball showcase
events to an “offseason” that al-
ready included a national 7-on-7
football competition and other ex-
pected happenings, including
Council Rock North’s annual train-
ing camp. Toss in a calculus class
that McIlwain needs to graduate in
December, and it’s one packed
summer schedule.
McIlwain will make stops in Cali-
fornia, Florida, Oregon, South Car-
olina, Massachusetts and home in
Everybody Loves Brandon.
No, that’s not the title of televi-
sion’s newest hit sitcom. It better
describes the reviews that coaches,
recruits and analysts are giving
South Carolina football commit-
ment Brandon McIlwain this
spring and summer.
The four-star quarterback from
Newtown, Pa., is in the middle of
an active stretch that peaks in July
at The Opening and Elite 11 finals
and includes multiple stops at USC
camps to work out and be around
other prospects.
McIlwain is receiving high
praise as a person and a player. His
exploits provide a jolt of positive
momentum for a Class of 2016
USC recruiting class still in its in-
fancy with five commitments, ac-
cording to Barton Simmons, na-
tional analyst for 247Sports.
“To have a quarterback that is
competing at Elite11finals, is mak-
ing noise on the camp circuits, sort
of validating himself as an elite
player, that’s the one area that the
hype culture can have a tangible
SouthCarolinaFootball
Gamecocks benefit from McIlwain’s summer
By Dwayne Mclemore
DWAYNE MCLEMORE - dmclemore@thestate.com
South Carolina Class of 2016 quarterback commitment Brandon
McIlwain is seen at the Steve Spurrier Football Camp on June 12.
SEE MCILWAIN, PAGE 4C
Inside
Former USC standout Connor Shaw
gives back with kids camp. 4C

SECOND PLACE:
The Island Packet
John Hansen

FIRST PLACE:
Morning News
Stephen Guilfoyle
BY LOU BEZJAK
Morning News
LEXINGTON — Dillon has
been known for its record-set-
ting offense this season.
But it was a play by its defense
that turned things around in
Friday’s Class 2A Division I title
game.
Senior Randall Davis returned
a fumble 99 yards for a touch-
down four minutes into the
third quarter, a play that sent
the Wildcats on their way to a
49-27 win over Newberry at Riv-
er Bluff High School. The vic-
tory marked the third consecu-
tive state title for Dillon and
the program’s first undefeated
season.
“That was the big play of the
game,” an emotional Dillon
coach Jackie Hayes said. “Hats
off to our football team. They
played outstanding. You always
dream about going undefeated
and our players put in the ef-
fort. I dressed out our JV foot-
ball team because I wanted
them to be part of something
special and hopefully they re-
member it.”
The title gives Hayes and the
Wildcats five championships in
the last seven years. It was the
fourth different venue in which
BY LOU BEZJAK
Morning News
FLORENCE — Spartanburg’s
high-powered offense lived up to
its billing Friday night at Memorial
Stadium.
Quarterback Austin Scott threw
six touchdowns, and running back
Tavien Feaster scored four TDs as
the Vikings used a second-quarter
barrage to defeat South Florence
63-30 in the Class 4A Division II
semifinal game.
Spartanburg (11-3) advances to
its first state title game since 2001
and will play York at noon on Dec.
6 atWilliams-Brice Stadium.
“We got some weapons over
there on the offensive side and
I would hate to defend them,”
Spartanburg coach Chris Miller
said. “Our coaches put them in
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2014 SECTION C
INSIDE
Scoreboard, 2C
College Football, 4C
College HoopsCollege Hoops
Lady Gamecocks
win again as No. 1
PAGE 2C
THe Associated Press
CLEMSON — No. 23 Clemson hopes
its five-year countdown is coming to a
close.
TheTigers(8-3)havelostaschool-
worst five straight games to rival
South Carolina (6-5), a streak so
distastefulthatClemsoncoach-
es installed countdown clocks
last spring to remind players
of the need for change.
The chance comes Satur-
day, when the teams close
the regular season at Death
Valley in the 112th meeting
in a series the Tigers (No.
21 College Football Playoff)
have dominated 64-42-4 —
except the past five seasons.
“It’s not something that’s ruined our
six years here,” Clemson coach Dabo
Swinney said. “But it’s something that
we’ve got to get changed.”
In a state without major professional
sports teams, Palmetto State fans spend
most of the year celebrating their team’s
win or waiting for the next chance to get
on top.
For South Carolina supporters, the
party’s lasted 1,793 days since Game-
cocks won 34-17 in 2009. When Game-
cocks coach Steve Spurrier arrived after
the 2004 season, he had all the “Beat
Clemson” signs removed from the
complex, saying there were plenty
of other important games for his
players to worry about before its
yearly battle with the Tigers.
That approach has worked
well. Spurrier long ago became
the school’s all-time leader in
coaching victories — he’s at 83 and
counting — and South Carolina has
been among college football’s best
with three straight 11-win seasons
from 2011 through 2013.
SOUTH CAROLINA
AT NO. 23 CLEMSON
When:: Noon, Saturday
Where: Memorial Stadium, Clemson
TV: ESPN
South Carolina football coach
Steve Spurrier.
Clemson football coach
Dabo Swinney
No. 23 Clemson wants countdown to end
The Palmetto Bowl
See PALMETTO, Page 5C
See H-K-T, Page 5C
See SOUTH, Page 5C
See DILLON, Page 5C
PREP FOOTBALL PLAYOFFS
Class 2A Division I Championship Class A Division II
Championship
Dillon High School’s C.J. Sowells (left) embraces teammate J.T. Carmichael on the sidelines as the Wildcats faced off against Newberry High School
in the Class 2A Division I championship Friday at River Bluff High School in Lexington. Dillon won, 49-27, for its third straight title and first unbeaten
season in school history.
DYNASTY ROLLS ON
Class 4A Division II Semifinal
Vikings feast on Bruins
Hammonds
leads H-K-T
past Gators
BY BRANTLEY STRICKLAND
The (Orangeburg) Times Democrat
COLUMBIA — Jarius Jenkins
finished his career with flourish
to help give Hunter-Kinard-Ty-
ler its second consecutive Class
A Division II state champion-
ship on Friday with a 42-28 vic-
tory over Lake View at Benedict
College’s Charlie W. Johnson Sta-
dium.
Jenkins, H-K-T’s all-time lead-
ing rusher with more than 4,000
career yards, finished with 132
yards on 16 carries and three
touchdowns, the last of which
was a 13-yarder that iced the
game with 3:04 remaining.
The 2013TD Player of theYear
saves his biggest performances
for the biggest stage — and his
birthday.
A year ago on Nov. 29, Jenkins
rushed for 213 yards on 22 car-
ries vs. Timmonsville. This year,
the repeat championship came a
day before his 18th birthday.
“This is real special,” Jenkins
said. “These guys are like a fam-
ily to me, and we always come
together when bad things hap-
pen, and that’s how we were able
to win this game.”
That and Trojans’ quarterback
Khaliq Anthony and wide receiv-
er Darius Hammonds. The duo
hooked up for two touchdown
passes and Hammonds added an
89-yard kickoff return late in the
second quarter that gave theTro-
jans a 28-14 lead at the break.
Hammonds finished with 107
receiving yards and 160 return
yards.
The Trojans’ defense helped
get HKT (13-2) on the board ear-
ly. Tyren Brooks recovered a Lake
View fumble at the Wild Gators’
5-yard line to set up Jenkins’ 1-
yard touchdown run three plays
later. TheWild Gators (10-4) nev-
er got closer than six points.
“Our defense has been carrying
Dillon wins third consecutive state title, fifth in seven years
Dillon High School’s Johnny Allen (left) pushes past Newberry High
School’sXizabian Boyd during the Class 2ADivision I championship game
Friday at River Bluff High School in Lexington. Dillon won 49-27.
South Florence’s Hykeem White hangs his head after dropping a pass
near the end zone as South Florence lost to Spartanburg High 63-30 in a
playoff game Friday night at Memorial Stadium in Florence.
INSIDE
» Hartsville headed back
to state after wild double-
overtime win over Marlboro,
Page 3C
ON THE WEB
» Photo Galleries and video
from Friday’s playoff and
state championship games,
go to www.scnow.com

C1 July 26, 2015
HONORABLE MENTION:
Luke Reasoner
Poll: Which game
do you think will
be the toughest
for Clemson and
South Carolina football this
year?
Go to postandcourier.com/
polls to vote.
Clemson
Read Aaron Brenner’s blog at
postandcourier.com/blog/
tiger-tracks.
GetmoreClemsonnewsat
postandcourier.com/tigers.
SouthCarolina
ReadDavidCaraviello’sblogat
postandcourier.com/blog/
spur-of-the-moment.
GetmoreUSCnewsat
postandcourier.com/
gamecocks.
BY DAN GELSTON
Associated Press
INDIANAPOLIS — Kyle Busch
has the kind of trophy collection
most NASCAR drivers would envy:
monsters, lobsters, even wine.
He has visited victory lane 32 times
in his Sprint Cup career — and with
wins in the last
two races and
three of the last
four, the Joe
Gibbs Racing
driver is used to
raising the ulti-
mate prize over
his head.
But in The Big
Ones, the series’
marquee races
where a victory stamps a driver for
generations, Busch has gone home
empty-handed.
0 for the Daytona 500.
0fortheCoca-Cola600atCharlotte.
0 for Indy.
Oh,howBuschwisheshecouldtake
the checkered flag just once in one of
those races. He tries again Sunday at
Kyle Busch
tries to cap
comeback at
Indianapolis
BY AARON BRENNER
CLEMSON — Follow the bouncing ball that
isClemson’s2015footballschedule,notloaded
withheavyweightsbutmorecomplicatedthan
it looks at first glance.
Start with the two lower-conference oppo-
nents — Wofford and Appalachian State —
who should be out of it by halftime, but look
closer: they return a combined 39 starters and
utilizepolaroppositesystemsonoffense.That’s
no way to break in a reshuffled offensive line,
eightnewdefensivestartersandaquarterback
fresh off major surgery.
Then on four days’ rest, a road trip to an
unforgivingvenueagainstapotentiallyranked
Louisville team.
After two weeks off, a three-game home-
stand begins with a visit from Notre Dame,
the second-winningest program in college
The road ahead for
Clemson football
BY DAVID CARAVIELLO
COLUMBIA — At first blush, the schedule
shapes up as a favorable one. Just four true
road games, a new cross-divisional opponent
coming off its worst season in five years, and
three consecutive contests at Williams-Brice
Stadium to close the season. Indeed, South
Carolina’s football slate sets up very well for a
Gamecocks team trying to rebound — if USC
doesn’t stumble out of the gate.
It’s been a long time since two games to open
the season have loomed as large as the Game-
cocks’ first pair of contests to begin the 2015
campaign. North Carolina and Kentucky are
beatable opponents coming off mediocre sea-
sons, and have much further to go than even a
USCsquadlookingforanewquarterbackand
defensive line. But the Gamecocks seem likely
to once again dance on that razor’s edge, and
The road ahead for
USC football
HOW THE
SEASON UNWINDS
Game-by-game breakdown of 2015 football schedules
for Clemson and South Carolina
Online
College Football
South Carolina Schedule
DATE OPPONENT TIME
Sept. 3 vs. North Carolina 6 p.
Sept. 12 vs. Kentucky 7:3
Sept. 19 at Georgia 6 p.
Sept. 26 vs. UCF T
Oct. 3 at Missouri T
Oct. 10 vs. LSU T
Oct. 17 vs. Vanderbilt T
Oct. 31 at Texas AM T
Nov. 7 at Tennessee T
Nov. 14 vs. Florida T
Nov. 21 vs. The Citadel T
Nov. 28 vs. Clemson T
Clemson Schedule
DATE OPPONENT TIME
Sept. 5 vs. Wofford 12:
Sept. 12 vs. App State 12:3
Sept. 17 at Louisville 7:3
Oct. 3 vs. Notre Dame
Oct. 10 vs. Georgia Tech
Oct. 17 vs. Boston College
Oct. 24 at Miami
Oct. 31 at N.C. State
Nov. 7 Florida State
Nov. 14 at Syracuse
Nov. 21 Wake Forest
Nov. 28 at South Carolina
WHAT: Brickyard 400
WHERE: Indianapolis
SCHEDULE: Sunday, 3:30 p.m.
(NBC Sports Network, 3-7:30 p.m.)
Coming up
FILE/AP
Clemson coach Dabo Swinney and South Carolina’s Steve Spurrier will face off on Nov. 28.
BY JAY COHEN
Associated Press
CHICAGO — The scouts packed the
seats behind home plate, and Cole
Hamelsputonquiteashow.Thelanky
left-handerwasdominantonapictur-
esque afternoon at Wrigley Field.
Quite the timing, too.
Hamels struck out 13 in baseball’s
third no-hitter of the season, leading
Philadelphia to a 5-0 victory over the
Chicago Cubs on Saturday in what
mightbehisfinalstartforthePhillies.
The 2008 World Series MVP has
been mentioned prominently in
trade talks as the July 31 deadline ap-
proaches.
“It’ssomethingwhereyoujustgoout
thereandenjoythemoment,”Hamels
said. “What I want is to be successful
at it. I enjoyed the moment and this
happened.”
Hamels (6-7) was in control right
from the start against the contending
Cubs, and then got some help from
rookie center fielder Odubel Herrera
in the final two innings. It was the
fourth no-hitter for catcher Carlos
Ruiz, including the playoffs, accord-
ing to STATS tops in NL history and
tied with Jason Varitek for the major
league record.
Phillies’
Hamels
tosses a
no-hitter
Kyle Busch
MATT MARTONA/AP
Philadelphia’s Cole Hamels gets
doused after pitching a no-hitter
against the Chicago Cubs.
Phillies 5, Cubs 0
Please see BUSCH,Page C5
Please see CLEMSON,Page C6 Please see USC,Page C6
Please see HAMELS,Page C3
SPORTSSunday, July 26, 2015C1
Inside
Wrestling, C4
Outdoors, C7
Golf, C8

March 22, 2015
THIRD PLACE:
The State
Meredith Sheffer
C
ontacted via email at
his Denver law of-
fice, South Carolina
basketball legend
John Roche was
quick to respond to an inquiry
concerning a March 24, 1968,
late-night fire that destroyed the
Carolina Field House on the
USC campus.
That year, Roche had complet-
ed a much-heralded freshman
season of basketball in the Field
House along with budding star
teammates John Ribock, Tom
Owens and Billy Walsh. The
much-anticipated move to play
in the soon-to-be-completed
Carolina Coliseum was an off-
season of workouts away.
“In the spirit of honesty and
integrity,” Roche replied in an
email, “I must confess that it is
my opinion that Bobby Cremins,
at the urging of Frank McGuire
and with the assistance of Cor-
key Carnevale, burned down the
Field House to insure that the
Carolina Coliseum would be
IN SUNDAY BUSINESS: EVERYONE NOT HAPPY ABOUT NEW BUSINESS COMING TO THE VISTA B14
Last season, Gerald Dixon
and Jordan Diggs led South
Carolina with two sacks each.
Marquavius
Lewis looks like
the kind of guy
who could knock
the quarterback
down twice get-
ting off the bus.
“Uh … big
guy,” linebacker
Skai Moore said
when asked his
first impressions of Lewis.
“I feel good having him in
front of me, big body, very ath-
USC FOOTBALL
New DE
making big
impression
Teammates glad to
have JUCO transfer
By JOSH KENDALL
Lewis
INSIDE
Notebook and Kendall’s
observations from Sat-
urday, B8
GOGAMECOCKS.COM
Photo gallery plus videos
with Marquavius Lewis
and Steve Spurrier.
SEE LEWIS PAGE B8
Points and rebounds always
can be replaced.
There’s no replacing every-
thing else.
“There won’t be another
Aleighsa Welch on this team,”
two-time SEC Player of the
Year Tiffany Mitchell said.
“We’ll try, but there’s no one
else who can do what she does.
Therewillnever beanother one
to wear a South Carolina jersey
and be able to do that.”
It’s not the standard talk for a
senior. It’s not coach speak.
South Carolina’s staff and
players know the end is near,
and they don’t want to think
about it. They only want to give
their most indispensable player
a gift that would somehow
equal what she has given them
for four seasons, so when it
doesend,itendsinthebestway
Welch’s
impact is
beyond
measure
By DAVID CLONINGER
SUNDAY’S GAME:
USC vs. Syracuse
WHERE: Colonial Life
Arena
WHEN: 7 p.m.
TV: ESPN
INSIDE
Ron Morris column
and notebook, plus
NCAA women’s
scores, schedule, B11
GOGAMECOCKS.COM
Videos: USC, Syracuse
coaches and players
preview Sunday’s game
SEE WELCH PAGE B11
NCAA
REGIONALDOWN GOES A NUMBER ONE SEED
No. 8 seed North Carolina State channeled
some March Madness magic to earn a berth
in the Sweet 16, upsetting top-seeded Big
East champion Villanova, 71-68.
ROUNDUP, SCORES AND SCHEDULE, B10
Ron
Morris
Columnist
rmorris@
thestate.com
THE FIELD HOUSE FIRE in 1968 helped
expedite construction of Carolina
Coliseum. Was coach Frank McGuire
involved? You be the judge.
Questions
and
rumors are
all that
remain of
the 1968
fire that
destroyed
the
Carolina
Field
House.
FILE PHOTOS/THE STATE
SEE FIRE PAGE B4
SUNDAY, MARCH 22, 2015 ɀ WWW.THESTATE.COM ɀ PAGE B1
SUNDAY
SPORTS

SECOND PLACE:
The State
Meredith Sheffer
I
f North Carolina’s football coaches
had been able, or willing, to come up
with two more tickets to the 2012
basketball game against Duke, Pharoh
Cooper probably would be wearing blue.
“Originally, his dream school was North
Carolina,” said Jim Bob Bryant, Cooper’s
coach at Havelock High School in eastern
North Carolina.
That changed during Cooper’s junior
year, when a Tar Heels assistant football
coach invited Cooper and high school
teammate Derrell Scott to a recruiting
weekend that featured one of college bas-
ketball’s best rivalries.
“That’s a big deal. I called the kids and
told them and they are all jacked up and
putting it on Twitter and Facebook,”
Bryant said. “They would have probably
committed to North Carolina that day.”
However, the North Carolina coach told
Bryant the next day that his invitation had
been premature, Bryant said.
Why Pharoh Cooper’s a
Gamecock, not a Tar Heel
BY JOSH KENDALL
THURSDAY AUGUST 27 2015 1BFACEBOOK.COM/THESTATENEWS
Sports
CLEMSON
Down and distance,
field position, the score,
and even weather influ-
ence the choice of play-
ers during a Clemson
football game. Depth
charts are for folks who
need everything tied up
in neat packages and
often bear little resem-
blance to the actual
hierarchy.
In choosing the best 11
players at a particular
juncture of a game,
defensive coordinator
Brent Venables won’t
use a template. He fre-
quently shifts from even
to odd fronts, has been
known to deploy four
ends, stand up a tackle
and use as many as three
and four safeties.
Offense coordinators
Tony Elliott and Jeff
Scott might run out two
and three tight ends,
rotate the line like a
game of musical chairs
and select a running
back based on that day’s
production.
As the season nears,
the two-deep may in-
clude up to five at one
position and the backups
might not be the actual
replacements.
Offense
OFFENSIVE LINE
Left tackle Mitch
Hyatt, left guard Eric
Mac Lain, center Ryan
Norton, right guard
Tyrone Crowder, right
tackle senior Joe Gore
CLEMSON FOOTBALL
Tigers’ depth
chart is complex
BY ED MCGRANAHAN
SEE CLEMSON, 3B
Business: Aerospace industry taking off in SC, 6B
FORMER USC STAR JADEVEON
CLOWNEY IS EXPECTED TO
BE READY FOR THE TEXANS’
REGULAR-SEASON OPENER
NFL
Scott Earley loves a
challenge.
Earley has made a
name for himself in the
South Carolina high
school coaching ranks
for turning around strug-
gling programs in his
14-year career as a head
coach. He did it at Myr-
tle Beach, Chapin, Lex-
ington and now is on his
way to doing the same
at Westside High in
Anderson.
Westside had some
lean years and was com-
ing off a one-win season
Earley’s back at Lexington,
but without as much hype
INSIDE
Lou Bezjak’s high school
notebook and Baxter’s Blitz, 2B
. ...................................................................................
N.C. connections
Gamecocks players from the Tar Heel state:
Player Pos. Hometown
Connor Mitch QB Raleigh
Pharoh Cooper WR Havelock
Isaiah Johnson S Cary
Larenz Bryant LB Charlotte
Clayton Stadnik TE Greensboro
*Brock Stadnik OL Greensboro
Abu Lamin DT Fayetteville
*Out for season with injury
....................................................................................
GOGAMECOCKS THE MAGAZINE
Growing up Pharoh: His mother, Tanya
Cooper, says Pharoh was a competitor
since he began playing at 5 years old.
How to get the magazine:
A Inside today’s home delivered
newspaper
A Available for purchase in the lobby at
The State, 1401 Shop Rd., between
8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Monday-Friday for $5.95.
A View online at gogamecocks.com by
clicking magazine link
SEE PHAROH, 4B
SEE EARLEY, 2B
BY LOU BEZJAK
lbezjak@thestate.com

FIRST PLACE:
The State
Meredith Sheffer
You’ll have to excuse
South Carolina coaches for
name-dropping on the
recruiting trail.
Just a few years after leav-
ing their marks in the school
record book, Gamecock
greats such as Jadeveon
Clowney, Connor Shaw, Al-
shon Jeffery and Marcus Lat-
timore live on in USC’s
recruiting pitches to future
Gamecocks.
“You try to identify with
everyone you recruit at every
position,” said Steve Spur-
rier Jr., USC’s recruiting co-
ordinator. “(You say) ‘Here’s
a guy we’ve had here that’s
been successful, and you re-
mind me of him.’ They know
those guys. That, certainly,
means a lot.”
The 2014 NFL regular sea-
son ended with 32 former
Gamecocks on active rosters
or practice squads. Fifteen
were drafted from the Game-
cocks’ three consecutive 11-2
teams, and now they serve as
billboards to high school pro-
spects considering USC.
Defensive ends of tomor-
row are painted a mental pic-
ture of how they could be the
next Clowney, who in 2012
set single-season USC re-
INSIDE
USC
C7: QB Nunez wants to play as a freshman.
C6: What Spurrier says about class.
C6: Ron Morris analyzes class.
C7: Breaking down USC’s recruits.
C8: Ranking the SEC classes.
CLEMSON
C10: What Dabo says about the class.
C10: Feaster early commit for 2016.
C10: Now, the real work begins for Clemson.
C10: Breaking down Clemson’s recruits.
C11: Ranking the ACC classes.
ONLINE
GOGAMECOCKS.COM
Player videos: Signing Day
ceremonies of Lorenzo Nunez,
Zack Bailey, Joseph Charlton,
Quandeski Whitlow, Mon Denson
and more.
Coaches video: Steve Spurrier and
Steve Spurrier Jr. recap USC’s
signing class
Photo Gallery: USC recruits
THESTATE.COM
Video and photo gallery: A.C. Flora’s
five signees.
SPORTS FRONT
C3: USC pitchers Julie Sarratt and
Nickie Blue form perfect pair.
Dropping names of
former stars helped build
USC’s Class of 2015
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2015 ɀ WWW.THESTATE.COM ɀ PAGE C1
By DWAYNE MCLEMORE
“(Jadeveon)
Clowney is the
one I can relate
to the most.
He’s just a little
more blessed
naturally. I know
I can be as
good as he was
– or maybe
even better – if I
work as hard as
he did.”
“Everybody has
compared me to
him. I’m just
trying to be the
one that gets
better than
Alshon Jeffery.”
“I like Marcus
Lattimore. He
can run the ball.
He can take a
lot of hits. I like
him and Mike
Davis a lot. I
also love the
way Mike runs
the ball.”
“I’d be like a
Bruce Ellington,
a Damiere Byrd
type of guy,
positions where
I can get the
ball. And they
plan to use me
as a punt
returner.”
SEE NEXT PAGE C8

INSIDE PAGE DESIGN
THIRD PLACE:
The Sumter Item
Melanie Smith
THE SUMTER ITEM LOCAL SATURDAY, AUGUST 8, 2015 | A3
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AD DEADLINEAD DEADLINE
August 12, 2015August 12, 2015
PUBLISH DATEPUBLISH DATE
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........Cash in a FLASH........
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PHOTOS BY JIM HILLEY /THE SUMTER ITEM
Sam Louis Tisdale, right, competes Friday at Carolina Motorsports Park during practice before the Rotax MAX Challenge U.S. Grand National Finals, which will be held on Sunday.
Tuning his racing skills to the MAX
Mayesville 7th-grader to compete
in go-kart finals at Kershaw track
A WEEKEND
AT THE RACES
Today’s racing will be heat races,
with gates opening at 7 a.m.
and racing beginning at 8:50
a.m. Each class will have three
heat races, with racing ending
about 4 p.m. An average of the
heat race finishes determines the
starting positions for Sunday’s
races.
Gates will open at 7 a.m.
Sunday, with warm-ups from 8
to 9 a.m. and the drivers’parade
at 9:15 a.m.
Pre-finals are from 9:45 to 11:30
a.m., and finals are from 12:35
p.m. to 3:45 p.m.
The podium celebrations will
be at 4 p.m.
Carolina Motorsports Park is
on U.S. 521, about 17 miles north
of Camden. There is no
admission fee for spectators.
For more information, call (803)
475-2448.
BY JIM HILLEY
jim@theitem.com
C
AMDEN — Sam
Louis Tisdale’s
Mini Max Go Kart
team didn’t bring a six-
figure budget to the
Rotax MAX Challenge
U.S. Grand Nationals at
Carolina Motorsports
Park, unlike many of the
teams competing at the
track through Sunday.
The 12-year-old from
Mayesville isn’t sitting in
one of the huge tile-floored
tents emblazoned with team
logos some
of the other
teams have.
There’s no
16-wheel
hauler com-
plete with a
portable ga-
rage backed
up to his
working
area. The
team doesn’t
have the
three or four
chassis to
evaluate dur-
ing practice
to determine
which one is
quickest
around the
track that others have. Crew
members for the No. 132
kart — which include his fa-
ther, Louis Tisdale, and
“tuners” Joey Mooneyham
and Tim Shutt — don’t have
matching uniforms or even
matching T-shirts. “Tuners”
are the mechanics who use
their skills to adjust the
karts to make them faster.
But David only needed a
sling and a rock to slay Goli-
ath, and Sam Louis isn’t
afraid to race against the
nation’s best this weekend
when the eyes of the go-kart
world will be focused on
South Carolina.
What Sam Louis does have
is dedication and talent and
a father who backs him up
at every turn. Having
Mooneyham, considered one
of the best tuners around, in
his corner can’t hurt either.
Sam Lewis said he was “a
little nervous,” but the Wil-
son Hall seventh-grade stu-
dent wasn’t showing it as he
helped with his kart, scarfed
pizza and
played with
his cellphone
between
practices.
“I feel
pretty good,”
he said after
timed prac-
tice Friday.
“Sometimes
better than
others. The
car was a lit-
tle tight.”
Sam Louis
is racing in
the MiniMAX
series, for
kids 9 to 12
years old. For
drivers ages 7
to 10 there is the MicroMAX.
For older drivers there is the
Junior MAX (13 to 14), Senior
MAX (15 and older), Masters
MAX (32 and older) and DD2
(15 and older) and DD2 Mas-
ters (32 and older).
All of the classes are run
with sealed race engines
meant to be equal in horse-
power. In the progressive
age groups, the engines pro-
duce more horsepower. In
the MiniMAX class, engines
produce approximately 13.5
HP, while other classes
range to as much as 32.6 HP.
Qualifying was held Fri-
day at the track, with Sam
Louis initially qualifying
fifth in the MiniMAX group,
despite being spun out and
it beginning to rain during
the qualifying session.
“Sam Louis is feeling good
about it,” his dad said after
the qualifying. “Fifth puts
him in the Superpole quali-
fying, and that’s what we
wanted.”
Louis Tisdale said earlier
the team was hoping to
avoid rain because they
don’t get much practice on a
wet track.
“It’s hard on equipment and
on our budget; we try to pro-
tect our equipment,” he said.
Louis Tisdale said all the
times for the top six in the
initial qualifying were with-
in one tenth of a second.
“We have a chance to im-
prove our position in the Su-
perpole,” he said.
Sam Louis talks to tuner Tim Shutt in the garage at Carolina Motors-
ports Park before the Rotax MAX Challenge U.S. Grand National Finals.
Louis Tisdale pushes his son’s kart
back to the garage after practice.
STATEBRIEF
FROM ASSOCIATED PRESS REPORTS
Sheriff: Man likely knows
who killed 4 people
ORANGEBURG — A man
who sold drugs from the
South Carolina home where
his two teenage daughters
and two other people were
killed in July has been lying
to deputies and likely knows
who killed them, a sheriff
said Friday.
But a lawyer for Christo-
pher Wright later said in a
bond hearing that Wright
has given information to
four detectives and taken a
lie detector test because he
has no idea who the killers
are.
Wright was charged Friday
with three counts of child en-
dangerment, trafficking co-
caine and obstruction of jus-
tice, said Orangeburg County
Sheriff Leroy Ravenell.
A visibly frustrated Ravenell
then called a news conference
to say he is taking this case
personally, especially because
his deputies haven’t been able
to pinpoint a suspect in the
deaths of the teens, Wright’s
fiancee and a man.

INSIDE PAGE DESIGN
SECOND PLACE:
Index-Journal
Bob Simmonds
2AAugust 21, 2015
FRIDAY
Regional
TODAY
Index-Journal’s
Community Calendar is a
public reminder of special
events and meetings
sponsored by civic clubs,
community groups and
governing bodies for up to
seven days of publication.
Deadline for these items is
seven days prior.
■ 10 a.m. – Early Bird A.A., 113
Mason St.
■ 6:30 p.m. – A.A., Happy Hour
Group, Ware Shoals Family Medicine,
157-B Greenwood Ave., Ware Shoals,
Community Room. Open discussion; non-
smoking.
■ 7:30 p.m. – McCormick A.A.,
McCormick County Senior Center, 1421
S. Main St.
■ 8 p.m. – Night A.A., 113 Mason St.
■ 8 p.m. – Narcotics Anonymous,
Immanuel Lutheran Church, 501 E. Cre-
swell Ave.
SATURDAY
■ 9:30 a.m. – Weight Watchers at
Harris Baptist Church, 300 Center St.
Mason St.
■ 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. – Green-
wood Chess Club, Dairy Queen, 217
Bypass 72 N.W. Any age and any skill
level welcome; both casual and tourna-
ment play. Free and family friendly.
■ 8 p.m. – Greenwood A.A., 113
Mason St.
■ 8 p.m. – Night A.A., 113 Mason St.
Immanuel Lutheran Church, 501 E. Cre-
swell Ave.
SUNDAY
■ 10 a.m. – 11th Step A.A., 113
Mason St.
■ 2-5 p.m. – Cokesbury College,
Hodges, open for tours.
■ 4 p.m. – Greenwood-Ninety Six
Chapter of NAACP, Youth meeting at
Macedonia Baptist Church.
Abbeville Civic Center.
■ 8 p.m. – Night A.A. and Al-Anon
Family Group, 113 Mason St.
MONDAY
Mason St.
■ 1-2:30 p.m. – National Alliance on
Mental Illness (NAMI), Greenwood Chap-
ter, peer support group for persons with
mental illness, at Greenwood County
Library, First Floor Conference Room 1.
■ 5:30 p.m. – West Side A.A., St.
Mark UMC, 550 Bypass 72 N.W.
■ 6 p.m. – Greenwood Breeze Group,
support group for individuals who live with
spinal cord injury, at Greenwood County
Library Veterans Auditorium. RSVP to
Kervin Searles, 864-942-7124; email
ksearles@burtoncenter.org.
■ 6:15 p.m. – Heritage Sertoma
of Greenwood, dinner, 6:15, meeting,
6:45, Sertoma Foundation Building, 111
E. Alexander Ave. Prospective members
welcome. Call 864-543-3605.
■ 6:30 p.m. – Mathews Lions Club at
Avery’s Restaurant, Ninety Six Highway.
Call 864-229-6817.
■ 7 p.m. – Abbeville A.A., Trinity Epis-
copal Church parsonage, 103 Bowie St.
■ CALENDAR
GIVE US A CALL
■Accent.............................943-2529
■Advertising......................943-2509
■Business news ................223-1811
■Circulation ......................223-1413
■Campus news.................223-1811
■Classifieds ......................223-1411
■Editorials.........................943-2522
■Engagements .................943-2529
■Entertainment.................943-2529
■News Tips .......................943-2513
■Obituaries.......................223-1811
■Religion...........................223-1811
■Weddings........................943-2529
■Sports .............................223-1813
DROP US A LINE
■Email news releases to
newsrelease@indexjournal.com
■Email weddings, anniversaries and
engagements to
weddings@indexjournal.com
■Email church news to
religion@indexjournal.com
■Email business news to
businessnews@indexjournal.com
■Email executive editor
Richard Whiting at
rwhiting@indexjournal.com
■Email letters to the editor and guest
views to letters@indexjournal.com
An abundance of landscape problems
I
n the natural or landscape world
insects, diseases and environmen-
tal stress are at work on many of
our landscape plants all year long.
Signs and symptoms of these attacks
increase during mid-late summer.
After six samples of dead or dis-
eased plant material or insects arrived
one morning recently for help with
identification and treatment options,
I realized now is the time of the year
that many problems become recog-
nizable once symptoms develop on
stressed plants resulting in leaf spots
or drop. Insects mature or multiply to
numbers that cause significant plant
damage and are noticed.
One insect showing up in trees is
webworms. Webworms are caterpil-
lars that surround themselves with a
silken web to protect themselves from
birds and forage on tree leaves. The
classic, not safe method of control;
find a 20-foot bamboo pole, tie some
old rags to the small end, soak in gaso-
line, light and run the pole up to the
offending spot and burn those nasty
worms out of the tree. This method is
not recommended by Clemson Exten-
sion. You can set the woods or grassy
areas on fire controlling webworms
using the above methods. Webworms
are more cosmetic than damaging to
trees and cycle through quickly.
There are several shrubs and trees
suffering from various leaf spot dis-
eases this year. Most of the leaf infec-
tions occurred during
wet periods during
the spring. They
become noticeable
when the dead tis-
sue areas enlarge or
change color or entire
leaves start to drop.
Three of the many
woody plants affected
are crape myrtles,
ornamental cherry
trees and hydrangea
shrubs. Since most
of the infections
occurred during the spring fungicide
sprays at this point are not very effec-
tive. Sanitation is an important control
measure for future management. You
should remove dead leaves during the
season and this winter to reduce spore
inoculum density next season. Mulch
plants lightly to conserve water and
if you irrigate avoid wetting foliage of
small trees and shrubs or overwater-
ing plants in general. Fungicides are
available but would need to be applied
starting in spring with new leaves and
is often impractical on larger trees.
Plant genetic makeup plays a role
with plants such as crape myrtles.
Many of the named cultivars have
information on resistance to cerco-
spora leaf spot which is a common
disease causing defoliation on suscep-
tible cultivars. Infection levels vary
with susceptible plants and are higher
during seasons when wet weather
provides wet conditions for infection
while leaves are young and tender.
Susceptible clones or cultivars planted
next to resistant ones often will defoli-
ate while resistant plants will have
little or no infection.
A more difficult problem that is on
the increase are two different four-
legged critters. Wild hogs and arma-
dillos are now roaming many areas
of the Lakelands causing residential
damage and crop damage. There are
no easy solutions to either problem.
Exclusion with good fencing can
help, but trapping is often necessary
to reduce, but not eliminate the pests.
We have lists of trappers at our office
or they can be found on the SCDNR
website.
For information, call 864-223-3264
or stop by the Extension office on East
Cambridge Avenue.
New Master Gardener Class
The 2015 Lakelands Master Gar-
dener Class starts Aug. 18. Class
will be from 6-9 p.m. on Tuesdays
through Nov. 17. Cost is $300. Some
partial scholarships are available; call
for information and form. General
registration is online at: https://www.
regonline.com/MGGRWF15. Regis-
tration deadline is Aug. 13 or a late fee
applies.
Hodges is a Clemson Extension
agent in Greenwood County. He can be
reached at 864-223-3264.
CLEMSON
EXTENSION AGENT
JAMES
HODGES
These arrests were reported
this past week by the Greenwood
Sheriff’s Office, Greenwood Police
Department, Ninety Six Police
Department, Ware Shoals Police
Department and other agencies.
Those listed here who have their
charges dropped or are found not
guilty can provide official documen-
tation of the action to Index-Journal
for publication of the case’s out-
come.
Sebastion Barnard Thomas, 38,
of 401 Milwee Ave., Greenwood,
manufacture, distribution, etc., of
cocaine base.
Samantha Joy Sexton, 20, of 116
Shrine Club Road, Greenwood, finan-
cial transaction card fraud.
John Earl Bailey Jr., 35, home-
less, third degree arson.
Robert Lee Hendrix, 45, of 87
Smith St. Extension, Ware Shoals,
possession of methamphetamine.
Elaine Faye Wilson, 28, of 2718
Nation Road, Hodges, financial trans-
action card fraud.
Joe Norris Williams, 56, of 109
Rebecca Drive, Greenwood, third-
degree arson.
ARREST REPORTS
Bradley Wayne Craft, Greenwood,
and Tami Knight Harrison, Greenwood.
Stephen Edward Robertson Jr.,
Greenwood, and De Cole Le Kisha
Shoemate, Greenwood.
Thomas Lee Harmon, Greenwood,
and Frances V. Rodriguez, Greenwood.
Joshua Lewis Latimer, Greenwood,
and Tandria Kenyatta Hawthorne,
Greenwood.
James Edgar Simpson, Greenwood,
and Jackie Hughes Barnes, Green-
wood.
Willie Franklin Devette, Abbeville,
and Dearlee Lane Stowers, Abbeville.
MARRIAGE LICENSES
■ WARESHOALS
From staff reports
The Greenwood Drug Unit
has made a second arrest in
connection to a February
drug bust.
Jody Wayne Smith, 56, of
93 Smith St. Extension in
Ware Shoals
was arrested
T u e s d a y
and charged
with manu-
f a c t u r i n g
m e t h a m -
phetamine
and improp-
er disposal
o f m e t h
waste, according to narcotics
agent Bryan Louis.
On Feb. 25, agents searched
Smith’s residence and found
materials used to manufac-
ture meth along with waste
associated with the process.
Anthony Laine Redd, 39, of
27 Smith Street was arrest-
ed at that time on charges
of manufacturing meth,
improper disposal of meth
waste and possession of ice.
Smith was not arrested at
that time because investiga-
tors wanted him first treated
for medical conditions, said
Louis. Investigators had an
agreement with Smith that he
would turn himself in the fol-
lowing week.
Louis said Smith was
not arrested during the six
months since that incident
because the drug unit was
busy with other investiga-
tions.
Geannie Mobley is still
wanted in connection to the
drug bust.
2nd arrest
made
in earlier
meth bust
JODY
W. SMITH
Worker falls into manhole at construction site
From staff reports
A construction worker
fell backwards into a man-
hole Thursday and rescue
workers had to pull him out.
The Greenwood City Fire
Department responded at
about 2 p.m. to the Uptown
Market construction site on
Maxwell Avenue.
“We went in, medically
assessed him, packaged
him and brought him up.
It’s what we refer to as a
confined-space rescue,” said
Battalion Chief Dennis Wil-
son, who was the incident
commander.
The rescue team uses a
tripod entry and rescue sys-
tem, harnesses, rope and a
foldable stretcher to remove
people from confined spaces
to minimize stress on the
victim.
Wilson said the man was
responsive, but Wilson said
he did not know the extent
of the man’s injuries at the
time. He was turned over to
Greenwood County EMS.
The Greenwood City Fire and Rescue Confined Space
team climb down into the manhole after a man fell
inside Thursday afternoon at the construction site of
the new Uptown Market on Maxwell Avenue.
Greenwood rescue teams send men down into a
manhole after a construction worker fell in Thursday
afternoon at the construction site of the new Uptown
Market.
Greenwood rescue teams hoist an injured construction worker out of a manhole Thursday afternoon at the
construction site of the new Uptown Market.
RESCUED

INSIDE PAGE DESIGN
FIRST PLACE:
The Sumter Item
Jade Reynolds
Call: (803) 774-1211 | E-mail: jim@theitem.com
THE CLARENDON SUN
A8 | THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2015 THE SUMTER ITEM
PHOTO PROVIDED
The red-tailed hawk, a bird of prey, is seen at the Santee National Wildlife Refuge in
Summerton recently. Visit in September and October for migration events.
Witness wildlife
migration events
BY KONSTANTIN VENGEROWSKY
konstantin@theitem.com
Visitors to the Santee National Wild-
life Refuge in Summerton will have an
opportunity to potentially see as many
as 80 species of birds through free mi-
gration bird walks being offered at its
Bluff Unit in September and October.
Bird walks will be lead by Nathan
Dias, executive director of Cape Ro-
main Bird Observatory in McClellan-
ville. The October walks will be co-lead
by Dennis Forsythe, S.C. eBird editor
and professor emeritus of biology at
The Citadel.
The guided walks will take place on
Saturdays: Sept. 19, Sept. 26, Oct. 17
and Oct. 31. Participants meet at the
Santee National Wildlife Refuge Visi-
tor Center at 7:30 a.m. and should
bring binoculars.
Dias said the refuge offers very good
habitat for the birds due to its location,
which is next to a body of water
“The Bluff unit at Santee is a penin-
sula that sets up a funnel which allows
for concentration of the birds,” said
Dias.
The refuge, established in 1941 as a
sanctuary for migratory birds, in-
cludes about 13,000 acres of habitat
along Lake Marion in four separate
units, and 39 miles of shoreline.
The bird fall migration season is typ-
ically from mid-July through Decem-
ber, with the
peak occur-
ring in Sep-
tember, he
said.
The birds at the
refuge are a mixture
of those who migrate
from all over the north-
east and Canada, and
those who live there
year round, said Dias.
The migratory birds
will then travel on to the
tip of Florida, and fly over the
Gulf of Mexico into Mexico or Cuba,
Dias said.
The October walks will also include
observations of butterflies. Partici-
pants don’t need to have prior experi-
ence, Dias said.
Participants will have a choice of
doing a short two-mile loop or longer
five- or six-mile loops.
“We will proceed along the nature
trail looking for different species of
birds as well as butterflies,” he said.
Besides binoculars, participants are
recommended to bring a field guide,
sunscreen, bottled water and snacks.
The refuge is located at 2125 Fort Wat-
son Road in Summerton, seven miles
south of Summerton off U.S. 15 and
U.S. 301.
Those needing accommodations to
participate should contact Azucena
Ponce, the refuge’s wildlife biologist at
(803) 478-2217 or by email at azucena_
ponce@fws.gov.
To allow sufficient time for process-
ing requests, participants should con-
tact the refuge at least two weeks be-
fore the event.
For more information, visit www.
fws.gov.
Contact the refuge front desk at
(803) 478-2217 or visit www.fws.gov/
santee for information or
directions.
The mission of the Na-
tional Wildlife Refuge Sys-
tem is working
with others
to conserve,
protect and
enhance fish, wild-
life, plants and
their habitats.
The Fiery Skipper
butterfly is seen
at the Santee Nation-
al Wildlife Refuge
in Summerton.
PHOTO PROVIDED
Visit Santee National Wildlife Refuge
during next 2 months to participate
SCOTTELLISON • 1967-2015
Deputy remembered as ‘gentle giant’
Clarendon County Sher-
iff’s Office Deputy Scott El-
lison, 48, a school resource
officer at Manning Elemen-
tary School, was described
as a positive role model
with a kind presence and
quiet manner who kept the
halls of the school safe.
“He was ‘our gentle
giant.’ Everyone loved him
dearly, and the school was
much safer with his pres-
ence here,” said Manning
Elementary School Princi-
pal Brenda Clark. “He had a
wonderful rapport with our
students and staff.”
Ellison died Sunday after
a sudden illness.
Ellison worked for the
sheriff’s office for nine
years, with the last six
years as a school resource
officer.
“His smile would light up
a room and he always had
something positive to say,”
said Clarendon County
Sheriff Randy Garrett. “He
had that gift; he was a role
model who was respected
by all members of the com-
munity.”
Garrett said when he took
the office of sheriff in Janu-
ary 2009, Ellison was work-
ing patrol, and Garrett of-
fered him the school re-
source officer position, to
which he agreed.
“It was one of the best de-
cisions I have ever made,”
he said. “He was an out-
standing deputy; he prom-
ised he would never let me
down, and he never did.”
Being a school resource
officer is not an easy task,
Garrett said.
It requires building a rap-
port with not only the stu-
dents, but also the staff and
faculty of the school, as
well as the parents.
Manning Elementary has
more than 630 students that
Ellison kept safe.
“We knew we had a man
who could do his job well
and be ready to protect the
children and staff if any-
thing happened,” said Gar-
rett.
Clarendon School District
2 Superintendent John Tin-
dal said Ellison was respect-
ed and highly regarded for
his commitment to the well-
being and safety of the
school’s students and staff.
“He made everyone feel
safe whenever he was on
duty at the school site,”
PHOTO PROVIDED
Manning Elementary principal says Clarendon County Deputy
Scott Ellison was well-loved by everyone at the school.
LOCALBRIEFS
FROM STAFF REPORTS
Back-To-School Concert
will be held Saturday
Manning singer Karen
“Lady Kay” Hilton along with
several other natives will host
a Back-to-School Concert and
Day of Appreciation on Satur-
day at Greenhill Missionary
Baptist Church, 1260 Green
Hill Church Road, Alcolu.
Doors open at 4 p.m., and the
show starts at 5 p.m.
The free event will include
performances by Hilton, Jef-
frey Lampkin and The Jeffrey
Lampkin Singers, Terrance G.
Tindal and Restored, Elijah
Bradford and Purpose Driven
and many more. Vendors will
be available and door prizes
will be given out.
Wanted: entrants for
upcoming art exhibit
Main Street Manning, a divi-
sion of the City of the Man-
ning, and the Clarendon Coun-
ty Hometown Teams commit-
tee is sponsoring a sports-
themed art contest in conjunc-
tion with the Smithsonian In-
stitution’s Traveling Exhibi-
tion Services Hometown
Teams exhibit to be featured at
Weldon Auditorium.
All art will be displayed in
the art corridor of Weldon Au-
ditorium from Sept. 22 until
Dec. 15. Artists may enter in
one of three age categories:
ages 7 to 12, 13 to 18, and 18
and older. First-, second- and
third- place winners will be
named in each division.
Judges will also choose a
Best of Show Winner. Cash
prizes will be awarded.
For entry forms and more
information, contact Carrie
Trebil at Manning City Hall
(803) 435-8477 extension 132.
SEE ELLISON, PAGE A9
Manning Feed Mill Supplies • 233 Dinkins St. • (803) 435-4354
NOTICE: Due to Family Funeral we have to adjust our operating times during the week of September
7, 2015. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Monday, Sept. 7 - CLOSED (Labor Day)
Tuesday, Sept. 8 - 11 AM - 6 PM • Wednesday, Sept. 9 - 8 AM - 6 PM • Thursday, Sept 10 CLOSED
Friday, Sept. 11 Return to NORMAL Hours. Thank You, Warren and Lucy
Quality Specialty Feeds For Livestock Pets
Something
Sweet is
coming...

INSIDE PAGE DESIGN
THIRD PLACE:
The Herald
Kody Timmers
+
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 24 2015 5A
InsightHERALDONLINE.COM
FACEBOOK.COM/THEROCKHILLHERALD » TWITTER.COM/RHHERALD
WASHINGTON
Pope Francis officially
launched his long-awaited
inaugural visit to the Unit-
ed States on Wednesday
with a message that quick-
ly seeped into the nation’s
consciousness, embracing
America’s heritage while
challenging it to do more
to solve global problems.
“God Bless America,”
he said to enthusiastic
applause at the White
House at the start of a
whirlwind day.
Thousands cheered the
popular leader of the Ro-
man Catholic Church as
he made his way around
the nation’s capital, first at
an elaborate welcome on
the South Lawn of the
White House, then on a
brief parade in the “pop-
emobile” near the Nation-
al Mall, and finally at an
outdoor Mass for 25,000
canonizing the country’s
first Latino saint.
Throughout, he waded
into some of the most
contentious issues in
American politics and the
church, on subjects such
as immigration and the
sex abuse scandals that
plagued U.S. Catholicism.
He started in a charac-
teristic show of the way he
shuns the trappings of
wealth and privilege, ar-
riving at the White House
in a small Fiat 500 as he
was welcomed by Presi-
dent Barack Obama and
first lady Michelle Obama.
The formal welcome also
skipped the traditional
21-gun salute, at the Vat-
ican’s request.
“In your humility, your
embrace of simplicity, the
gentleness of your words
and the generosity of your
spirit, we see a living ex-
ample of Jesus’ teachings,
a leader whose moral
authority comes not just
through words but also
through deeds,” Obama
said.
In brief remarks there,
the pope spoke about the
need to take on global
poverty, care for immi-
grants and combat global
warming.
“When it comes to the
care of our common
home, we are living at a
critical moment of histo-
ry,” he said slowly in ac-
cented English. “We still
have time to make the
change needed to bring
about a sustainable and
integral development, for
we know that things can
change.”
The pope made only a
passing mention of other
hot-button issues, in-
cluding same-sex mar-
riage, saying he supports
“the institutions of mar-
riage and the family at this
critical moment in the
history of our civilization.”
After the ceremony,
Obama and Francis met
for about 40 minutes
privately in the Oval Of-
fice, using a Vatican trans-
lator. White House press
secretary Josh Earnest
declined to say what the
two men spoke about.
Francis then took a brief
ride past thousands out-
side the White House in
the open-air popemobile.
Throngs of supporters,
many not Catholic, came
out before dawn to catch a
glimpse of him. Vendors
hawked pope parapherna-
lia, from T-shirts, calen-
dars and buttons with
Francis’ picture to knock-
offs of the famous Obama
campaign poster, this one
showing the word “pope”
substituted for “hope.”
Faithful fans clutched
yellow-and-white Vatican
flags, along blue-and-
white Argentine flags.
After leaving the cheer-
ing crowds, Francis told
church leaders in a meet-
ing that they had a duty to
ensure the sex abuse scan-
dal that shook the U.S.
Catholic Church would
never happen again. He
told bishops that he had
not come “to judge or to
lecture” them.
An estimated 4,400
Catholic clergy have been
accused of abusing minors
in the U.S. between 1950
and 2002, according to a
report from the U.S. Con-
ference of Catholic Bish-
ops.
“I realize how much the
pain of recent years has
weighed upon you,” he
told the church leaders at
a prayer service in the
Cathedral of St. Matthew.
His message on issues
and his personal appeal
endeared him to Amer-
icans seeing him for the
first time.
“People don’t necessar-
ily just see him as a reli-
gious figure,” said Natalie
Ortiz, a student at George
Washington University.
“He’s not just talking
about, ‘Oh, everyone
praise God,’ but he’s talk-
ing about things that mat-
ter. Because he knows he’s
so influential, he’s using
that to promote things
that actually matter like
politics, climate change.”
The popular Argentina-
born pope has been widely
credited with pushing to
help the world’s poor and
softening the tone of the
church in its opposition to
homosexuality and easing
the granting of marriage
annulments. But Francis
told reporters traveling on
the papal plane – dubbed
Shepherd One – that he
was not aligned with any
particular political move-
ment, though critics call
him “liberal.”
“I am certain I have
never said anything more
than what is in the social
doctrine of the church,”
he said. “I follow the
church, and in this, I do
not think I am wrong.”
On Thursday, Francis
will make the first address
by a pope to a joint meet-
ing of Congress before
appearing on the balcony
of the West Front of the
Capitol to greet a crowd
expected to be in the tens
of thousands.
Rep. Adam Schiff, D-
Calif., announced
Wednesday that he is
circulating a letter to his
colleagues to nominate
Francis as the 2016 Nobel
Peace Prize laureate for
his commitment to peace,
his leadership in climate
change and his stand for
human rights.
The pope also plans
stops in Philadelphia and
New York, where he will
attend the United Nations
General Assembly and a
multi-religious service at
the 9/11 Memorial and
Museum.
JIM BOURG ap
People reach out to Pope Francis as he walks through the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington on Wednesday.
POPE VISITS AMERICA
Pope Francis
embraces,
challenges U.S.
. ......................................................
Day began at White House
with ceremony and
private meeting with
President Barack Obama
. ......................................................
18th century Spanish
missionary Junipero Serra
was canonized
. ......................................................
Pope Francis will make
first address to joint
meeting of Congress on
Thursday
. ......................................................
BY ANITA KUMAR AND VERA
BERGENGRUEN
McClatchy Washington Bureau
DAVID GOLDMAN AP
Pope Francis conducts Mass outside the Basilica of the National Shrine of the
Immaculate Conception.
. ......................................................
Pope canonizes
18th-century
missionary; not
everyone happy
In the first canonization on
U.S. soil, Pope Francis has
elevated to sainthood an
18th-century missionary
who brought Catholicism
to the American West
Coast.
Francis canonized Junipero
(hoo-NEE-perr-oh) Serra
on Wednesday during a
Mass in Washington.
Serra was a Franciscan friar
who marched north from
Baja California with Spanish
conquistadors, establishing
nine of the 21 missions in
what is now California.
The canonization was
polarizing. Serra is revered
by Catholics for his
missionary work, and many
Latinos in the U.S. view his
canonization as a badly
needed acknowledgment
of Hispanics’ role in the
American church. But many
Native Americans say Serra
enslaved converts and
contributed to the spread
of disease that wiped out
indigenous populations.
In July, Francis issued a
broad apology for the
church’s sins against
indigenous peoples.
— ASSOCIATED PRESS
.......................................................
EVAN VUCCI AP
Pope Francis waves to the crowd from the popemobile as
he arrives at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the
Immaculate Conception.
‘‘I FOLLOW THE
CHURCH, AND IN
THIS, I DO NOT
THINK I AM
WRONG.
Pope Francis
MOREINSIDE
Rock Hill soup kitchen living pope’s
message, says Andrew Dys. 1A
A Little girl shares her letter with
pope during parade. 6A

INSIDE PAGE DESIGN
SECOND PLACE:
The Herald
Tracy Yochum
+
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 20 2015 1DFACEBOOK.COM/THEROCKHILLHERALD
InsightA DEEPER LOOK AT THE NEWS
DR. DAMON TWEEDY
SAYS HE FELT LIKE AN
OUTSIDER AS A
STUDENT AT DUKE. D3
BOOKS
S
oon after the USS Theo-
dore Roosevelt arrived
in the Persian Gulf for
its Middle East deploy-
ment, two F/A-18 Super Hornets
catapulted off the aircraft carri-
er’s deck for a 6 1
⁄2-hour bomb-
ing run toward Islamic State
targets in Iraq.
In one of the fighter jets was
Navy Lt. Michael Smallwood,
28, call sign Bones, and in the
other was his friend and room-
mate, Navy Lt. Nick Smith, also
28, call sign Yip Yip.
For a minute or two that day
in May, the Hornets were right
next to each other in the sky,
but then Smith’s plane had en-
gine trouble and began to lose
altitude. Over the radio, Small-
wood could hear his friend turn
around, try to land back on the
carrier and then eject into the
Persian Gulf. The $60 million
Hornet crashed into the sea.
Smallwood found himself
fighting to keep his mind off the
fate of his friend, but his orders
were to continue climbing and
fly on to Iraq. On many such
missions, he simply loitered in
the skies, dropped no munitions
and headed back to the carrier.
This is the life of the modern
day U.S. fighter pilot – long
periods of monotony, combat
missions that end with bombs
still intact to avoid hitting civil-
ians, occasional moments of
fear. It is a long way from “Top
Gun,” the iconic 1986 Holly-
wood blockbuster that made
Tom Cruise a household name
and Navy fighter pilots the he-
roes of adolescent boys every-
where.
But these real-life pilots – the
elite of the elite, trained to rou-
tinely land on moving aircraft
carriers and to refuel in midair,
two of the most difficult maneu-
vers in aviation – are some of
America’s main warriors against
the Islamic State. In the year
since airstrikes against Islamic
State militants began, U.S. pilots
have assumed a huge bulk of the
war effort. They have conducted
more than 4,700 airstrikes since
August 2014 – 87 percent of the
manned flights by the U.S.-led
coalition – and provided air
support for Iraqi security forces
and Kurdish peshmerga fighters
on the ground.
The Islamic State may have
shoulder-fired, heat-seeking
missiles, commonly known as
MANPADS for Man-Portable
Air Defense Systems. But at the
moment, the militant Sunni
group does not appear to have
the capability to bring down U.S.
fighter jets. A Jordanian plane
that crashed in Syria in Decem-
ber, leading to the capture of the
pilot and his eventual immola-
tion by the Islamic State, is
widely believed to have gone
down because of mechanical
failure or pilot error, and not
because it was shot down.
“Quite honestly, the U.S. Air
Force, Navy and Marines own
the skies,” said Maj. Anthony
Bourke, a former Air Force
fighter pilot. “So even though
pilots dream of dogfights, the
biggest risk now is small-arms
fire, and if you stay above
10,000 feet, you’re not going to
be hit.”
RISKS AT 25,000 FEET
The risks are different. As
Smallwood’s plane flew toward
Iraq in May after his friend had
ejected from his own jet, he
could hear from the chatter on
the radio that a recovery effort
was underway. But Smallwood
knew better than to clog up the
frequency asking if Smith and
his weapons officer on the plane
had been found alive.
Five more hours to go. Arriv-
ing in the skies over Iraq, Small-
wood’s Super Hornet connected
with a refueling tanker to get
gas, then continued with the
. ..................................................................
The life of the modern day U.S.
fighter pilot includes long
periods of monotony
. ..................................................................
Combat missions end with
bombs still intact to avoid
hitting civilians
. ..................................................................
It is a long way from ‘Top Gun,’
the iconic movie that idolized
Navy fighter pilots
. ..................................................................
BY HELENE COOPER
New York Times
PHOTOS BY ADAM FERGUSON New York Times
A crew member signals to a colleague during a fighter aircraft launch on the flight deck of the USS Theodore Roosevelt, part of Carrier Strike
Group 12, while underway in the Persian Gulf on Aug. 6. Green-shirted crew members on the flight deck handle the catapults that sling-shoot
the planes into the air.
THE REAL WAR ON THE ‘ISLAMIC STATE’
For U.S. pilots,
it’s far cry from
‘Top Gun’
‘‘QUITE HONESTLY, THE
U.S. AIR FORCE, NAVY
AND MARINES OWN
THE SKIES. SO EVEN
THOUGH PILOTS
DREAM OF
DOGFIGHTS, THE
BIGGEST RISK NOW IS
SMALL-ARMS FIRE,
AND IF YOU STAY
ABOVE 10,000 FEET,
YOU’RE NOT GOING TO
BE HIT.
Maj. Anthony Bourke, a former
Air Force fighter pilot
Navy Weapons Officer Lt.
Michael Smallwood, who goes
by the call sign Bones, aboard
the USS Theodore Roosevelt in
the Persian Gulf: “This
deployment, my roommate
ejected shortly after launching to
go on a combat flight. We ended
up still going in, but I had no idea
how my buddies were doing for
the next 6 and a half hours.”
A pilot, who goes by the call sign
Yard Sale: “My father was a Navy
pilot so I grew up around the
flying culture. He took me to a
Navy airshow when I was about 6.
After seeing the show I realized
at that moment that I wanted to
be a fighter pilot and nothing
else.”
Marine Capt. Lanier Bishop, call
sign Pope, aboard the U.S.S.
Theodore Roosevelt in the
Persian Gulf, Aug. 6. In the year
since air strikes against Sunni
militants with the Islamic State
group began, American fighter
pilots have assumed a huge bulk
of the war effort. Bishop carries a
State of Georgia quarter into
combat underneath his name tag.
SEE PILOTS, 4D
BERLIN
After only a month of language
lessons, Samer Alkhamran can
already say this in German: “I will
open my own cellphone repair
shop.”
He speaks with an accent, and his
syntax is a little shaky. But it’s mu-
sic to the ears of officials in Germa-
ny who see Alkhamran, a 30-year-
old who fled the civil war in distant
Syria, as part of the solution to a
looming problem right here at
home.
International leaders and human
rights organizations have lined up
to praise Germany for its magnani-
mous response to Europe’s over-
whelming migrant crisis. Calling it a
moral duty, the government in
Berlin has pledged to accept as
many as 800,000 refugees this
year from violence-racked coun-
tries, and potentially half a million
more annually for several years to
come.
Besides altruism, there’s a stark-
ly practical reason for Germany to
put out the welcome mat: The
nation’s population is shrinking at
an alarming rate, and it desperate-
ly needs skilled, motivated and
industrious folks like Alkhamran
to replenish its workforce and
keep its powerhouse economy
humming.
In other words, helping to alle-
viate Europe’s refugee crisis could
help defuse Germany’s demo-
graphic one.
“We need people. We need
young people. We need immi-
grants,” Interior Minister Thomas
de Maiziere declared recently.
“All of you know that, because we
SEE REFUGEES, 4D
GERMANY
Refugees are demographic
blessing and burden
BY HENRY CHU
Los Angeles Times
HENRY CHU Los Angeles Times
Samer Alkhamran
fled the civil war
in Syria and came
to Berlin last year,
where he has
been granted
asylum.
Alkhamran, 30, is
now learning
German and
hopes to open a
cellphone repair
shop.

INSIDE PAGE DESIGN
FIRST PLACE:
The Island Packet
Lisa Wilson

INSIDE PAGE DESIGN
HONORABLE MENTION:
Chad Dunbar
SOUTH CAROLINA FLOODINGThe Post and Courier Tuesday, October 6, 2015: A5
Lake
Moultrie
Bull’s
Bay
A flood for the history booksDAVID SLADE || dslade@postandcourier.com
A 1,000-year-flood followed four days of record-settinf g rainfall that dropped more than 2 feet of water on parts of South Carolina Oct. 1-4.
Neighborhoods were flooded, sewage systems overflowed, major roads were closed or washed out, curfews were imposed, access
to the Charleston peninsula was restricted, crops were ruined, and 11 people were killed across South Carolina. The rains have subsided
but continued flooding is expected as swollen midlands rivers flow to the sea.
Shadowmoss and Hickory Hill were
among communities hit hard by
flooding near Church Creek. Some
residents were evacuated.
The Ashley River overflowed into the
Ashborough neighborhood, prompt-
ing boat evacuations of at least 30
people Monday morning as the river
ran wild in the streets.
Access to the peninsula was re-
stricted Saturday, and many roads
remained closed Monday, due to
flooding. Unusually high tides con-
tributed to drainage problems.
State officials warned people to stay
out of floodwaters for health reasons.
Sewage system overflows were
reported in many communities as
systems were overwhelmed.
S.C. Highway 41 was among many
major roads closed by flooding. Dur-
ing the worst of the rain, a section of
A Coast Guard air crew rescued a
woman and her toddler from the roof
of their flooded Huger home Sunday.
Old Black Oak Road was washed out
Sunday and residents of the area were
urged to evacuate. Dorchester Road
9--15 inc9-15 inches
Rainffall amounts
Four-daay estimates
(endingg Monday morning)ning)
155-20 inches
20++ inches
Source: Staff aand NOAA
Dorchester
County officials
urged those
living within
a mile of the
Edisto River to
The town reported minimal damage to its
stormwater systems, buildings and roads —
despite one of the heaviest amounts of rain.
GRAPHIC BY CHAD DUNBAR/STAFF
FROM STAFF REPORTS
STAFF AND PROVIDED PHOTOGRAPHS

INSIDE PAGE DESIGN
THIRD PLACE:
The State
Elissa Macarin
.........................................................................................................................................................................................
250 pounds of wrist watches are stored at Wristwatch Doc in Cayce.
. ........................................................................................................................................................................................
Want to learn?
Midlands
watchmaker
increasingly
rare breed
J
ohn Gawronski spends
much of his day
crouched over a watch-
maker’s bench with an
optic visor strapped to his
head, sorting through the
hidden, intricate mechanisms
of some of the world’s finest
time pieces.
At his retail and repair shop
in Cayce, the Wristwatch Doc,
Gawronski and his four-to-five
member crew fix about 5,000
watches a year, carrying out
every conceivable function
from full restorations and
crystal replacements to merely
putting in new batteries and
wristbands.
“We’re probably one of
about 47 independent watch
repair shops (left) in the Unit-
ed States,” said Gawronski, a
Staten Island, N.Y., native,
“and I would say there’s less
than 300 active watchmakers
(left) in the country.”
Watchmaker is a catch-all
phrase that refers to both
people who only repair watch-
es and those who make watch-
es.
Dan Silvey fixes a pocket watch at Wristwatch Doc in Cayce on Friday. The store specializes in fixing watches of all kinds.
. ..................................................................................................................................
John Gawronski repairs 400 Rolexes a year at his Cayce shop
. ..................................................................................................................................
Wristwatch Doc stocks 10,000 watches, so parts are much
easier to come by for repairs
. ..................................................................................................................................
300 to 400 watchmakers retire each year in the U.S., signaling a
dying art
. ..................................................................................................................................
Watchmakers of
Switzerland Training
and Educational
Program schools in the
U.S.
North American Institute
of Swiss Watchmaking,
Fort Worth, Texas
N.G. Hayek Watchmaking
School, Miami, Fla.
The Research and Education Council of AWCI schools
Bishop State Community
College, Mobile, Ala.
Gem City College, Quincy, Ill.
Lititz Watch Technicum,
Lititz, Pa.
North American Institute of
Swiss Watchmaking, Fort
Worth, Texas
North Seattle Community
College, Seattle, Wash.
OSU Institute of Technology,
Okmulgee, Okla.
Texas Institute of Jewelry
Technology, Paris, Texas
BY RODDIE BURRIS
rburris@thestate.com
SEE WATCHES, 18B
NEW YORK
Toys are staging a comeback.
The U.S. toy industry is ex-
pected to have its strongest
year in at least a decade after
several years of kids choosing
video games and mobile apps
over Barbie and stuffed bears.
Annual toy sales are project-
ed to rise 6.2 percent to
$19.9 billion in 2015, according
to The NPD Group Inc., a mar-
ket research firm that tracks
about 80 percent of the U.S. toy
market. That’s up from a 4
percent increase last year, and
the biggest increase in at least
10 years since the group has
tracked toys using its
current system.
The increase factors in brisk
sales during the final quarter of
this year, when sales are ex-
pected to be up 5 percent to
$9.6 billion, a stronger pace
than last year’s 3.6 percent
gain.
The growth is being fueled by
the increasing pop-
ularity of collectibles,
toys based on Hollywood
blockbuster films and better
technology that allows toys to
do things like talk back to chil-
dren. It comes after sales
slowed and sometimes declined
in the past 10 years as children
– much like their parents –
Spin Master
Corp. via AP
BY ANNE D'INNOCENZIO
Associated Press
SEE TOYS, 18B
Movie tie-ins, tech fun
are boosting toy sales
SUNDAY NOVEMBER 15 2015 17B
BusinessTHESTATE.COM
FACEBOOK.COM/THESTATENEWS » TWITTER.COM/THESTATE
WASHINGTON
That unsightly and costly
metal box that funnels cable or
satellite service into your TV
might be going the way of the
black rotary-dial telephone – in
the technology trash heap.
A holdover from the early
days of pay television, the set-
top box is an energy-inhaling
contraption that also sucks mon-
ey from Americans’ wallets each
month.
In a move that could further
disrupt the changing video mar-
ketplace, those boxes soon
could face new federal reg-
ulations designed to break the
hold of Comcast, Verizon, Di-
recTV and other providers on
the devices that millions of
Americans depend on to watch
TV.
About 99 percent of the na-
tion’s 100 million pay TV sub-
scribers lease a set-top box, with
the average household paying
$231 a year in rental fees, ac-
cording to a survey by Sens.
Edward Markey, D-Mass., and
Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn.
Those costs are one reason a
growing number of so-called
cord cutters are dropping their
conventional pay TV service and
now are streaming program-
ming over the Internet directly
through smart TVs or via much
smaller devices, such as Roku,
Chromecast and Apple TV, that
TV firms face pressure to
think outside the set-top box
BY JIM PUZZANGHERA
Los Angeles Times
SEE TV, 18B

INSIDE PAGE DESIGN
SECOND PLACE:
Brandon Lockett
SHOTSFIREDA8: Wednesday, May 27, 2015 The Post and Courier
BRANDON LOCKETT/STAFFSOURCE:STATE LAW ENFORCEMENT DIVISION; POST AND COURIER RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS
The deadly force files
Togetafullpictureaboutthenatureandextentofofficer-involvedshootings,ThePostandCourier—whichbegananinvestigationfourmonthsago—obtainedinformationfromtheStateLawEnforcementDivision
aboutthe245casesfrom2009throughMay21,2015.Theinformationincludedvideos,crimescenephotos,forensicreportsandotherdocuments.Allbut10casesinvolvedpolicefiringtheirweapons.Thenewspaper
createdadatabasefromthisinformation,andincaseswhereSLEDdeclinedtosupplyinformation,othersourceswereusedtocompileentries,includingcourtrecordsandnewsreports.
Reasons police said they opened fire* Police said they faced these weapons*
5
Officerwasthreatened
withweaponother
thangun
1
Aggressive
dog
1
Suspect gained
control of
police weapon
1
Too dark to see
suspect’s hands
1
Person wouldn’t
show hands
3
Armed robbery
in progress
8
Suspect attempted
to gain control of
police weapon
No shootings 1-9 10 or more
Number of officer-involved shootings
Oconee
1
74,273
Beaufoff rt
2
162,233
60,158
illon
32,062
Agencieswiththemostofficer-involvedshootingssincethestartof2009:
RANK INCIDENTS
1.GreenvilleCountySheriff'sOffice 17
2.(tie)AndersonCountySheriff'sOffice 13
2.(tie)S.C.HighwayPatrol 13
2.(tie)CharlestonCountySheriff'sOffice 13
3.(tie)ColumbiaPoliceDepartment 12
3.(tie)RichlandCountySheriff'sOffice 12
4.NorthCharlestonPoliceDepartment 9
Aper capitabreakdownofthe
countieswiththehighestnumber
ofofficer-relatedshootings:
Florence 9.50
Anderson 8.55
Charleston 7.99
Richland 7.54
Aiken 7.50
Greenville 5.54
Spartanburg 4.57
Lexington 3.81
Horry 3.71
*per 100,000
15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74
Age Black White OtherAbout half of the cases involved civilians
between the ages of 19 and 32.
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015*
37
6
34
9
36
1
10
8
9
36
28
19
9
28
36
49
46
40
45
11
*2015 is through May 21
Civilians
Officers
Civilians,officersinjuredorkilledThe race of civilians and the police who shot them
White
Black
Other
7
By black
officer
y
11
Unknown
71
By white
officer
y
1
By Hispanic
officer
p
9
By black officer
62
By white officer
24
Unknown
89*
Killed
96*
Injured
Civilians
46
Person shot first
(at police)
45
Person threatened
police with a gun
59
Vehicle driver
posed a threat
18
Armed suspect
refused to
surrender
1
Shovel
1
Fork
1
Flashlight
6
Hand
1
Chair
2
Taser
1
Piece of
asphalt
1
Baseball bat
6
Item mistaken
for gun
6
129
Gun
58
Vehicle
16
Knife
7
Hostage
situation
10
Thought suspect
had a gun
11
Officer assaulted
with weapon
other than gun
3
Accidental
Officers
49
Injured
6
Killed
One was a suicide
4
Charged
Three unarmed
black civilians were
killed and one was
injured in these
incidents.*An additional 10 deaths were self-inflicted, and five injuries were not due to police gunfire.
People who killed themselves —
or expressed an intent to die —
accounted for about a third of
officer-related shooting deaths.
24%
10%
Apparent
suicide
by cop
99
deaths
Domestic violence played a role in
roughly a quarter of the officer-involved
shootings in which a civilian died. Some
of those cases were also suicide-related.
Domestic violence
25%
Related to
domestic
violence
99
deaths
Population based on
2010 census data.
* In some cases, this data was not available.
SEPT.28,2010:Sumter
policeofficersJasonLyonsand
MarkMosesspottedayoung
manwhofittheloosedescrip-
tionofasuspectinvolvedinan
armedcarjacking:ablackman
dressedinblack.
WhenLyonsstopped25-year-
oldAaronJacobsandtriedto
pathimdown,theyoungman
bolted.Lyonsgrabbedhim
andthetwomenwrestled.
Duringthestruggle,Jacobs
wriggledfromhisshirt,expos-
ingapistolinhiswaistband,
theofficerssaid.Hethenbroke
awayandran,pullingoutthe
gunashetriedtoescape,they
said.LyonsorderedJacobsto
dropthepistol.Secondslater,
gunfiresoundedfromLyons’
.40-caliberGlock.Jacobsfellto
theground,mortallywounded.
LyonsreportedthatJacobshad
turnedandpointedapistolat
him,forcinghimtofireinself-
defense.Others,however,told
StateLawEnforcementDivision
investigatorsthattheynever
sawJacobswithaweapon.
“[Jacobs]ain’tneverpointed
nofirearm,”witnessKendrick
MillertoldWIS-TV.“Hewas
moreabouttryingtorunaway.”
Thecountycoronerrefused
toreleaseanautopsyreport,
butTheSumterItemgotitfrom
anothersourceandrevealed
thatJacobshadbeenshotin
theback.
Meanwhile,anothermanwas
chargedwiththecarjackingin
question.StatementsfromJa-
cobs’sisterandafriendindicat-tt
edhelikelywashomesleeping
whenthecarjackingoccurred
andwaswalkingtohisbuddy’s
housewhenheencountered
theofficers.
ThirdCircuitSolicitorErnest
Finneysaidhefoundinsuffi-
cientevidencetochargeLyons
withacrime.Thecaseisamong
235incidentsSLEDinvestigated
inwhichpoliceofficersfired
theirgunsatsomeone.Accord-
ingtoSLEDfiles,someofthe
otherjustifiedshootingcases
playedoutthisway:
OCTOBER2009:Spartan-
burgCountySheriff’sDeputy
BrandonBentleyshotandkilled
adisturbedmanwhoreport-tt
edlylungedathim,refusingre-
queststostop.Neighborstold
SLEDthesuspect,StevenSat-tt
terfield,hadbeendepressed
andacting“offhisrocker,”
claimingtobeaprophetfrom
Godwhocouldseedemons.
OCTOBER2009:R Horry
Countyschoolresourceofficer
MarcusRhodesshotandkilled
a16-year-oldstudentatCaro-
linaForestHighSchoolafterthe
studentluredhimintohisoffice
onthepretenseofhavingatalk
andattackedtheofficerwitha
largeknife.TrevorNeilVarinecz
leftbehindasuicidenoteand
reportedlypleadedwiththe
officerduringthestruggleto
shoothim.
APRIL2011:Cherokee
Countydeputiesweresentto
ahouseinconnectionwitha
“medicalemergency.”They
foundDannyThomasatthe
kitchentablewithtwohand-
guns.Adeadwomanwas
onthesofa.Lt.TimHillsaid
Thomaspickeduponeofthe
guns,soheshothiminthe
chest.Thomasdiedfivedays
later.Thomas’wifeapparently
hadbeendeadinthehousefor
acoupleofdays.
DECEMBER2012:R Agents
fromthefederalBureauof
Alcohol,Tobacco,Firearmsand
Explosiveslearnedinaplan
torobHispanicdrugdealers
inGreenvilleCounty,sothey
setupatrapforthewould-be
bandits.ATFsetoffadiver-rr
sionaryexplosionwhenthe
suspectsarrived,andthemen
fled.Onesuspectshotatthe
agentsandwoundedanATF
dog.Anagentarmedwitha
beanbaggunhitthesuspect
intheleg,knockinghimdown.
Thedogdiedandthesuspects
werearrested.
SEPTEMBER2013:Ander-rr
sonpoliceheardagunshot
fromamotelroomwherethey
hadlocatedafugitive.The
wantedman,CaseySmith,told
policeheshothimself,andslid
agunoutfromunderthebed
wherehewashiding.When
policeliftedthebed,Smith
pulledoutasecondgunand
firedattheofficers.Fiveof-ff
ficersfired30shotsatSmith,
hittinghimatleast20times.
Smithdied.Awomanwhohad
beenwithSmithtoldinvesti-
gatorshevowed“hewasnot
goingbacktojail,butwasgo-
ingtoshoothimselfandevery
officeraroundhim.”
Case by case

INSIDE PAGE DESIGN
FIRST PLACE:
The State
Meredith Sheffer South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier will turn 70 on
Monday, joining other well-known people such as
Henry Winkler (“The Fonz”) in celebrating their
70th birthdays this year. Also born in 1945:
Priscilla
Presley
May 24
Rod
Stewart
Jan. 10
Mia
Farrow
Feb. 9
Steve
Martin
Aug. 14
Carly
Simon
June 25
Tom
Selleck
Jan. 29
Goldie
Hawn
Nov. 21
Bette
Midler
Dec. 1
IN THE NEWS
■ Adolf Hitler and his wife, Eva
Braun, commit suicide
■ U.S. detonates an atomic bomb
on Hiroshima, Japan
■ Second atomic bomb detonated
over Nagasaki, Japan
■ Emperor Hirohito announces
Japan’s surrender on the radio.
■ The U.S. celebrate V-J Day
(Victory in Japan).
■ World World War II ends
CULTURE
Popular movies:
■ Anchors Away
■ The Paleface
■ Spellbound
■ National Velvet
SPORTS
■ Oklahoma State wins NCAA men’s
basketball championship
■ Eddie Arcaro aboard Hoop Jr wins
the Kentucky Derby
■ Byron Nelson records most
tournament wins (18) in a season,
including the PGA Championship
■ Detroit Tigers beat Chicago Cubs in
World Series
■ Branch Rickey signs Jackie Robinson
to a Montreal Royals contract
■ No. 1 Army beats No. 2 Notre Dame
48-0 in college football
■ Cleveland Rams win NFL
Championship
Characteristics of famous people
born on April 20th:
PERSONALITY
Considered adventurous, energetic,
confident and leaders. Those born
under this zodiac sign are commonly
selfish and impatient.
HEALTH
Can be prone to injuries due to
their love of extremes. Important to
take extra precautions with a healthy
lifestyle and exercise routine.
FINANCE
Career that offers a larger financial
gain will be most suitable option.
Money matters and they will be able
to earn as much as they want.
CAREER
Driven by careers that bring about
higher financial gain, they also are
driven by the urge to achieve nearly
all goals set before them.
thefamouspeople.com
Ryan O’Neal
1941
Napoleon III
1808
Adolf Hitler
1889
Jessica Lange
1949
Don Mattingly
1961
Carmen Electra
1972
SUNDAY, APRIL 19, 2015 ɀ WWW.THESTATE.COM ɀ PAGE B7

PHOTO PAGE DESIGN
THIRD PLACE:
The Sumter Item
Jessica Stephens
THE SUMTER ITEM LOCAL SATURDAY, MAY 23, 2015 | A3
This weekend, it’s all about the Iris Festival
J.R. Matthews teaches Mckenley Wells, 11, how to shoot a
bow Friday while her cousin Annie Carlyle, 4, and sister
Mandy Wells, 8, watch.
Fannie Britton and Roberta Huston inspect their plants as
Buddy DuRant makes change for them at the Rogers
Greenhouse booth.
Ella Hammon, 5, creates a wood block print as her father,
Troy, looks on at the Sumter Gallery of Art’s booth during
the festivities Friday afternoon.
PHOTOS BY KEITH GEDAMKE /THE SUMTER ITEM
People attending Taste at the Gardens take a sunset boat ride around Swan Lake on Thursday evening during the Sumter Iris Festival.
Jessica Cauthen, 5, above,
boogies with Elmo.
Lauren Yarborough, 16, right,
takes a photograph of the
recycled art garden created by
Sumter schoolchildren as her
mother, Mary, looks on.
Ashlee Holloman and Kevin
Jarvis, From the Morning,
below, perform for the crowd.
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(803) 774-1200

PHOTO PAGE DESIGN
SECOND PLACE:
The Sumter Item
Melanie Smith
THE SUMTER ITEM LOCAL SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2015 | A5
AIRMAN 1ST CLASS MICHAEL COSSABOOM /THE SUMTER ITEM
A U.S. Army National Guard UH-60 Black Hawk assigned to the 1st Battalion, 169th Aviation Regiment of Fort Bragg, North Carolina, takes off at Poinsett Electronic Com-
bat Range in Wedgefield on Feb. 6. The range is used for munitions training by all military services. Military members can use electronic warfare capabilities offered at the
range which shoots simulated munitions at aircraft, giving the pilots a safe environment to practice different scenarios.
Home on
the range
P
oinsett Electronic Combat
Range in Wedgefield provides
electronic warfare training, mu-
nition training, Tactical Air Control
Party training, land navigation train-
ing and survival, evasion, resistance
and escape training.
The 12,500-acre range is used by the U.S.
Air Force, U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps,
South Carolina Air National Guard, South
Carolina Army National Guard and North
Carolina Army National Guard.
In 2013, 754 aircraft used Poinsett’s range
for training, including the F-16CM Fighting
Falcon, F-15E Strike Eagle, F/A-18 Super
Hornet, UH-60 Black Hawk and AH-64
Apache.
In the same year, 172,160 bullets were
shot at the range, including 20 mm, 7.62 mm
and .50-caliber bullets. One of the range’s
capabilities includes microphones that de-
tect if munitions hit their target, tallying
an approximate number of hits and misses.
The range is open to the public for view-
ing the aircraft as military members train.
A U.S. Army National
Guard soldier assigned
to the 1st Battalion,
169th Aviation Regi-
ment, Fort Bragg,
North Carolina, dons
his flight helmet at the
range. The soldiers
used Poinsett on Feb.
6 and Feb. 7 to train
on ground and air
gunnery.
AIRMAN 1ST CLASS MICHAEL
COSSABOOM / SPECIAL TO
THE SUMTER ITEM
A U.S. Army National Guard
soldier assigned to the 1st
Battalion, 169th Aviation
Regiment, communicates
with the pilot of a UH-60
Black Hawk before a night
flight at the range.
AIRMAN 1ST CLASS MICHAEL COSSABOOM /
SPECIAL TO THE SUMTER ITEM
AIRMAN 1ST CLASS DIANA M. COSSABOOM / SPECIAL TO THE SUMTER ITEM
A U.S. Army National Guard soldier assigned to the 1st Bat-
talion, 169th Aviation Regiment, Fort Bragg, North Carolina,
prepares bullets for an M240 machine gun at the range.
U.S. Army National Guard soldiers
assigned to the regiment prepare
to shoot M240 machine guns.
PHOTOS BY AIRMAN 1ST CLASS DIANA M.
COSSABOOM / SPECIAL TO THE SUMTER ITEM
Above right, a U.S. Army National
Guard soldier assigned to the 1st
Battalion, 169th Aviation Regi-
ment, Fort Bragg, prepares to
shoot an M240 machine gun.
AIRMAN 1ST CLASS DIANA M. COSSABOOM /
SPECIAL TO THE SUMTER ITEM

PHOTO PAGE DESIGN
FIRST PLACE:
TheTimesandDemocrat
Kristin Coker
SUNDAY MAGAZINE
SUNDAY, JUNE 28, 2015 / C1
AP
Pallbearers release doves over the
casket of Ethel Lance during her
burial service in Charleston.
EMANUEL
NINE
Rev. and Sen.
Clementa C.
Pinckney
Ethel
Lance
Susie
Jackson
Myra
Thompson
The Rev.
Dr. Daniel
Simmons Sr.
Tywanza
Sanders
Sharonda
Coleman-
Singleton
DePayne
Middleton-
Doctor
Cynthia
Hurd
See more photos ❱❱ C6

PHOTO PAGE DESIGN
DailyOver45,00016,000-45,000DivisionsCombined
THIRD PLACE:
Maureen Hartshorn
LEROY BURNELL/STAFF
The procession carrying the casket of slain Deputy Joseph Matuskovic is escorted down Savannah Highway by motorcycle officers on
the way to Old Saint Andrews Church the morning of Sept. 15.
GRACE BEAHM/STAFF
Arthur Nelson looks at the measuring tape reading he took Aug. 8 to see how deep the water was at
the corner of King and Line streets, where he has lived for 28 years.
WADE SPEES/STAFF
Charles Middleton, one of the first
black firefighters in what is now North
Charleston, started in 1969.
GRACE BEAHM/STAFF
John Cooper jump

2015 Daily Newspaper Awards Presentation

2015 Daily Newspaper Awards Presentation

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