Weekly Presentation [3 of 6]

SHORT STORY
Weekly Under 6,000 Division

FIRST PLACE:
Coastal Observer
Charles Swenson
Danger: Keep off double entendres
BY CHARLES SWENSON ting the public on notice.”
COASTAL OBSERVER Not that the town actual-
ly owns the groins, although
Some people just can’t keep it participated in a state-spon-
their hands off Pawleys Island’s sored project to rebuild them
groins. as part of a beach nourishment
Well, not the groins them- project in 1999. “We’re not say-
selves, but the signs attached ing we do or we don’t,” Otis
to them. said, adding that there has nev-
“People take those signs,” er been a suit stemming from
Mayor Bill Otis said. “We think what could be called a groin in-
because they have the word jury.
‘groin’ on them.” Along with the new, and
So the town has replaced hopefully less titillating, signs,
signs that used to read “Dan- the town has added brass num-
ger Keep Off Groin” with a less bers to the posts. That will al-
anatomical message: “Danger low people to use the groins as
Keep Off.” reference points during emer-
There are 24 rock and con- gencies. “They’re mile posts,
crete groins on Pawleys Island, they really are,” Otis said.
starting just south of Pawleys Midway Fire and Rescue has
Pier and running to the end of a list of the numbered groins
the island. They are built per- and the corresponding street
pendicular to the beach in order addresses for the house closest
to trap sand that moves in the to the north side of each one.
Charles Swenson/Coastal Observer
current parallel to the shore. There are no plans to extend
“People do get hurt on the the numbering system beyond New signs drop the word ‘groin,’ an invitation to theft,
groins,” Otis said. “We’re put- the groin field, Otis said. and add a number.

SHORT STORY
Weekly Over 6,000 Division

THIRD PLACE:
The Gazette Outlook good, not so good
BY FRANK JOHNSON Forecast Luncheon was both The Lowcountry’s unem- must change, he said. “We

Frank Johnson The Gazette

South Carolina’s Lowcountry
uplifting and sobering. The
event took place Jan. 20 at
Trident Technical College’s
ployment rate (7.8 percent) is
lower than the state and
nation’s, he reported.
must start treating education
not as a social issue, but as an
economic one,” he said.
is leading the way in an eco- North Charleston campus, and Although the housing market Shealy said “drastic changes”
nomic recovery, and the future drew community leaders and remains sluggish, Yandle pre- are unavoidable on the federal T
looks bright. chamber members from across dicted that South Carolina as a level, with such action as feder-
That’s the good news. Berkeley County. whole “will fully recover” al cuts in Medicaid a real possi-
The bad news is, higher taxes Two experts took the podium from the recession by 2015 at bility. w
or steep budget cuts may be to share their economic insight: best, or 2017 at worst. Americans have “gotten w
unavoidable to fix state and Bruce Yandle, a distinguished The United States, he remind- more government than we’ve M
federal governments that have professor and Dean Emeritus at ed his audience, still has the paid for,” he said, and added A
grown out of whack over the Clemson University, and Mike world’s largest economy by far. that budget cuts or tax increas- J
decades. Shealy of the South Carolina With a focus on government es will eventually be the only t
The Berkeley Chamber of Finance Committee. budgets, Shealy’s message two options to correct the situ-
Commerce’s 2012 Economic Yandle’s presentation was stood in contrast to his counter- ation. f
filled with optimism for the part’s.
Lowcountry, the state and On the state level, he said, r
indeed the country. income growth does not equal
“Things are really getting bet- the general fund revenue
ter,” he said. “Retail sales … growth in the budget, which r
have fully recovered (to pre- has led to state agency budgets
recession levels). Industrial being slashed in recent years. M
production will have fully “If this continues, it will be dif-
recovered by 2013. ficult to keep doing the things
“You are sitting in the the (state does now),” he said.
strongest part of South Shealy pointed to education
Carolina. This is the golden ter- as one area that always gets cut
ritory for our state right now.” first in lean times. That attitude
Photos by Frank Johnson/Gazette
Bruce Yandle (left) and Mike Shealy share their views.

SHORT STORY

SECOND PLACE:
Greenville Journal Construction expected Most of its 100 students are Baptist.
Many come from impoverished and
to start in March
Cindy Landrum BY CINDY LANDRUM | STAFF
disadvantaged backgrounds and
demographic groups that typically
don’t do well in school.
But over the past
TWO STUDENTS raised hundreds 15 years, 94 percent
of dollars by setting up a hot of students at St.
chocolate stand on cold winter days. Anthony’s, which
A woman who lives in the runs through the
neighborhood gave 35 cents because sixth grade, went
that’s all she had in her pocket at the on to graduate from Tuttle
time. high school. More
Businesses and corporations than half of those students went to
pitched in, too, to help St. Anthony’s college, said Fr. Patrick Tuttle, a
of Padua Catholic School to raise Franciscan friar and St. Anthony’s
$4.67 million of the $5 million it pastor.
needs to build a new school. The school calls among its former
That the tiny parish and school students a federal appeals court
community in Greenville’s West End judge, business owners, lawyers,
was able to raise the money seems teachers and an actor, Orlando
almost miraculous to some, but not Jones.
nearly as miraculous as what the “I’m not an expert on what makes
school does with its students. miracles, but the children and what

SHORT STORY

FIRST PLACE:
Myrtle Beach Herald
Charles D. Perry
Surfside pastor fosters fuzz for cause

SHORT STORY
Weekly 2/3 Times Division

THIRD PLACE:
Chronicle-Independent
Miciah Bennett
Trenton Lee Stokes
PTHS student
excels in handwriting
By MICIAH BENNETT holds its own contest and en-
C-I (Camden, S.C.) staff reporter ters the winning student from
education@ci-camden.com each grade. The handwrit-
ing was judged according to
Who says good penmanship Zaner-Bloser Keys to Legibil-
is a thing of the past? ity: size, shape, spacing and
Trenton Stokes, 9, a stu- slant. The company awards
dent at Pine Tree Hill School over $100,000 in educational
(PTHS), is one of 16 winners materials and cash prizes
in the 21st Annual National to participating schools and
Handwriting Contest. More award winners. Zaner-Bloser
than 300,000 students partici- is a subsidiary of Highlights
pated in the competition and C-I photo by Miciah Bennett
for Children whose focus is on
approximately 3 million have educational services. Pine Tree Hill School third-grader Trenton Stokes won a national award
entered the contest during its Trenton said he didn’t know for his cursive writing earlier this month. Stokes was one of 16 chosen
21-year history. from more than 300,000 contestants who entered the 21st Annual Na-
Each participating school See Stokes, Page A8 tional Handwriting Contest.

SHORT STORY

SECOND PLACE:
The Press & Standard
Brantley Strickland
Into the sunset

SHORT STORY

FIRST PLACE:
The News and Reporter
Travis Jenkins

BY TRAVIS JENKINS/THE N&R
Rev. Thomas Currence prays during his tent revival on Thursday.

‘A great harvest’
BY TRAVIS JENKINS was a regular stop for hun- passion, but he realizes it’s
tjenkins@onlinechester.com gry diners for years. The not. He first found his pas-
eatery, known for its south- sion for preaching the gos-
It’s been hot under the ern soul food, is closed now, pel in a tent much like the
revival tent where Thomas but Currence says it was one he now preaches from.
Currence is currently hold- actually a harbinger of what “It was 33 years ago,” he
ing nearly four hours of ser- he’s doing now. remembered. “A little tent
vices each night. He’s used “The restaurant was revival came to my commu-
to it, though, since it was built on the foundation of nity. I was a young man
always plenty hot in the Jesus Christ,” Currence who needed direction and
restaurant kitchen he said. “Even since it closed strength. Something hap-
helped make famous. we’ve been having Bible pened to me in that little
The Currence name is study there.” tent.”
well known in Chester. Currence says he used to
Currence Family Restaurant believe that food was his See REVIVAL, Page 2-A

COLUMN WRITING

THIRD PLACE:
The Star
Phyllis Britt

COLUMN WRITING
Weekly Under 6,000 Division Banks profiting
‘Spummer’ is over off tax refunds
Just when you think you've got Mother When is a rebate not a rebate? Better yet, when
Nature figured out she throws a curveball at is a tax refund not a tax refund?
you. When it comes in the form of a debit card.
After a somewhat mild winter, spring arrived To save money, some companies have replaced
Celebrating early this year, bringing warmer than normal traditional paper checks with plastic. I found that

SECOND PLACE:
temperatures along with a generous serving of out this month when I purchased a
pollen. If folks weren't complaining about their new cell phone. Verizon Wireless
Mother’s Day yellow cars they were fussing about how hot
they were.
offered a $50 rebate, which
reduced the price of the phone to
For most people, Mother's Day is an annual News flash: Hot ain't got here yet - it's only less than $30.
event - a special time we set aside to honor our April. Several weeks later, I found an
mothers and grandmothers for all they do for us Most of the ones complaining envelope in my mailbox from
throughout the year.

Union County News
about the heat are the same ones Citibank, containing a Visa rebate
My sister, Suzanne, celebrates Mother's Day
four times a week. who don't like the cold, either. As card. "This is not a credit card,"
Every Tuesday, Thursday, Oppy Barber used to say, “They'd Graham the instructions said, although I
Saturday and Sunday she drives fuss (not his word) if you hung
from her home in Cary, N.C., to 'em with a new rope.” Williams was reminded to choose "credit"
Durham, N.C., and spends several
when purchasing goods. The card
People were adapting to the did not work at gas pumps; I had
hours with our mother at Hillcrest
Convalescent Center. Regardless of
warmer weather - shorts, T-shirts to get the attendant to swipe it before I began

Graham Williams
what kind of day she has had, good Graham and flip-flops were the clothing of pumping.
or bad, Suzanne puts it all behind Williams choice along Main Street - and it I spent the first $30 on gas, then another $19
her when she steps into the elevator was looking as though we would on movie tickets, leaving me with a balance of
Graham that carries her to the second floor. zip through spring and plunge
Williams Her objective is to make sure
$1. I needed two stamps and didn't have any
headlong into summer or perhaps
Mama gets all the love and atten-
a better word might be “Spummer.” cash, so I used the card.
tion she deserves. I now have a balance of 10 cents. What can I
Sometimes Mama's not in her room and “Not so fast, my friend,” said Mother Nature
Suzanne walks around the second floor, looking (doing her best impersonation of Lee Corso cor- buy for a dime? The most likely scenario is that
for her. For someone who will celebrate their 89th recting Kirk Herbstreit on ESPN's College the 10 cents will remain on the card and eventu-
birthday next month, Mama gets around pretty Football GameDay). She sent a storm our way ally revert back to Citibank.
well in her “Merry Walker,” a device with wheels
that people are still talking about, days later. If you are due a state tax refund this year, you
and a seat that allows her to stand and walk safely may wind up with your very own debit card
and then sit down when she gets tired. Menacing clouds filled the western sky
Saturday afternoon, she has parked herself at the Thursday afternoon and by 4:30 p.m., what had unless you notify the S.C. Department of
end of the hallway on the other side of the build- once been a sunny day was quickly turning Revenue otherwise.
ing. ugly. Strong winds gusted down Main Street, According to the Charlotte Observer, Bank of
“There's my Doodle!” Suzanne exclaims, taking America was chosen to provide debit cards to
Mama's face in her hands and kissing her cheek.
blowing paper and leaves from one to the other,
Recognizing Suzanne, Mama smiles and returns clearing the roadway quicker than Roger Harris taxpayers who get state tax refunds, unless they
her kiss. could ever imagine doing, even with his best specifically ask that their refund be given to
As soon as we get back to the room, Suzanne broom. The holly trees lining the sidewalks bent them in a check or a direct deposit to their bank
gets busy making our mother is “the most beauti- nearly sideways then snapped back as the wind account. Bank of America says the card can be
ful Mama in the world.” She washes her face and subsided. used to purchase merchandise and for cash back
hands with warm water and then pats her dry with
a soft towel. Next, she puts cleansing cream on Lightning flashed and thunder boomed as the from a purchase at grocery and convenience
Mama's face, all the while smiling and compli- rain began falling - slowly at first but picking stores.
menting her on her soft skin. Finally, she applies a up speed as the storm got closer to downtown Don't use the card to get cash from a non-Bank
few dabs of sunscreen to Mama's forehead, cheeks Union. Little raindrops quickly turned into large of America ATM or you will be charged $2.50
and chin, which she gently rubs onto her skin. ones, forcing anyone caught outside to quickly
I can tell Mama enjoys all of the special atten-
per transaction. How many Bank of America
tion she’s getting; she closes her eyes and soaks it run for cover. ATMs are there in Union? None that I know of.
all in. We may have thought we were in for a full- The Department of Revenue says the debit-
Usually, Saturdays are “beauty days” - in addi- fledged thunderstorm, but Mother Nature had card program intended to eventually replace
tion to the facial, Suzanne also washes and styles something better up her sleeve. printing and mailing paper checks, thus saving
Mama's hair. But since I was visiting, she put off The familiar sound large raindrops make
the shampoo and style until Sunday. the state "significant costs" in tax dollars and
Dinner arrives around 5 and Suzanne helps
when they hit the tops of cars was replaced by processing time. According to Observer, the state
Mama into her wingback chair, where she sits something akin to small rocks bouncing off Department of Employment and Workforce has
while Suzanne feeds her. Mama has a healthy metal as the liquid sunshine turned to damaging offered people receiving unemployment insur-
appetite; she eats all of her dinner as well as the hail. The harder it rained, the larger the hail- ance the option of receiving their benefits on a
chocolate pudding she has for dessert. stones became, changing from marbles to ping
Sometimes, Suzanne will bring cards and letters Bank of America debit card since June 2010,
pong balls. The streets and sidewalks were cov- saving the agency more than $5 million a year in
from family and friends and read them to Mama.
Other days, they may do laundry together or go ered with an icy, white coating that quickly
melted. paper, printing and mailing costs.
downstairs to the sunroom for some ice cream. The state is saving millions; Bank of America
Every weekend, Suzanne brings Mama a copy of Within minutes, the storm had passed and the
the Union County News and reads her my col- sun came out again - but only briefly - before is making millions; the taxpayers appear to be
umn. Round 2 began. It was like déjà vu all over the only losers in this deal.
Even though vascular dementia has diminished
her short-term memory, Mama responds well
again: high winds, lighting and thunder, rain
when Suzanne talks to her. Throat cancer 20 years changing to hail.
ago took away her ability to speak, but she By 5:30 the worst was over, although it con- The Department of Revenue says
mouths words that Suzanne can understand. tinued to rain off an on throughout the night. the debit-card program intended to
Suzanne and Mama have a special bond that Friday morning dawned overcast and chilly;
only mothers and daughters can share, one that's eventually replace printing and mail-
long pants and jackets had replaced shorts and
been forged over many years together. They are
T-shirts. ing paper checks, thus saving the
closer now than ever.
I am so thankful Suzanne is there for our moth- Nobody was complaining about the heat; state "significant costs" in tax dollars
er, celebrating Mother's Day every week. Mother Nature had put us in our place. and processing time.

COLUMN WRITING
Life in the Last Lane by Mary Lou Willis
Fried green Ann Youmans Esher, was a most
interesting woman. An artist, she
some time, the Eshers moved to
Maryland where he felt safer.
One of the
worst of her
tomato pickers... moved to Maryland’s Eastern
Shore from New York City, and
They lived in a beautiful wa-
terfront mansion with well-kept
flighty notions came about when
someone casually remarked about
she and my mother, who was also lawns winding down to their own what a pity the acreage in the
Now that I am a Senior Plus an artist and journalist, private beach right on the front of her land was lying idle
Plus citizen (by that I mean one

FIRST PLACE:
immediately formed a Chesapeake Bay. when it could produce such excel-
over 85 as I am ) I have learned bond. There was also a lent truck crops.
the disappointment of planting a Mrs. Esher had boat house, ten- So she decided to plant that
huge garden in my yard. been married to nis courts, and acreage.
No, indeedy, I have to be Vincent You- stables. Border- After much consideration,
content now with having just two mans, the noted ing each side of she decided that the best crop for
Walmart-special pre-planted to- composer of the long drive novice farmers to plant would be
mato plants that grace one corner numerous hits and to the home tomatoes. Normally, that would
of my small back patio. movie scores, his were about have been a good idea, except that
And it is just about all I can most famous being the fifteen acres of she had someone come and plant
do to tote water from my kitchen favorite “Tea for Two.” rich black Mary- nearly 10 acres of tomatoes at
sink out to keep them alive on

News-Chronicle
They had two chil- land soil where one time with no idea whatsoever
days that Mother Nature forgets dren, twins Cecily and former owners about how they would be har-
to help me keep them alive with a Vincent, who were two had raised toma- vested when all those tomatoes
rain shower. days younger than I was toes, asparagus, began ripening at once.
My poor old arthritic body and in my grade at school. corn and other My father was amused and
just doesn’t get around as well We became close friends truck crops. took great delight in asking my
as it once did. Another of those too. After To me, child mother just what did the Eshers
reverse perks of old age, don cha her di- of poor weekly plan to do when all the tomatoes
know. newspaper pub- started ripening at once in the
Anyway, I do occasionally lishers, it fields.
enjoy some delicious juicy toma- vorce all seemed What they did was, naturally
toes, and I am content with that. from Vincent Youmans, like to call my mother in desperation.

Mary Lou Willis
However, I just can’t help remem- Ann met and married a heaven, and And, as expected, Mother vol-
bering back so many decades ago Dr. Esher, a German man who I loved to spend time there with unteered the help of my brother
to a time when picking tomatoes had escaped to Switzerland just my friends Cecily and Vincent. Jim and me and as many of our
in the field was a blistering before the Nazi regime took over In my father’s opinion, Mrs. friends as we could round up. We
experience. It went something that country. Esher’s artistic temperament all headed for the tomato fields of
like this. My mother’s friend, After living in New York for made her quite flighty at times. “Paradise Acres,” as my father fa-
cetiously labeled the Esher farm.

Life in the Last Lane by CornerWillis
Little did we know.

Beckom’s Mary Lou
f by Mike Beckom We had never picked tomatoes
Winner of multiple awards over at all, let alone so many acres of
the past years for
editorial cartooning.. them. We were really green about
what was involved.
What a terrible three days!
We were blistered in the sun, our
New flavor of Pepsi shared all the neighborhood gos-
sip. A little gossip is as standard a
I tell you. Dem younguns gwine
be sick sho’ ‘nuff.”
car to stop us
at the light. backs ached from bending over
service of most salons as a mani- I’ll skip the part where Cilla I just smiled and waved at him the tomato plants, our muscles
The ladies of our subdivi- cure or shampoo, you understand. and I went round in circles and and flew on to the doctor’s office, hurt from lifting the filled bas-
sion were delighted when Cilla She had just completed that wrung our hands and cried, and Joe following close behind. As I kets. The only thing that kept us
decided to make her garage into a horrible step said over and over, “What’ll think about it now, I do believe he going was imagining the things
room for her home beauty salon. of squirt- we do?” even shook his fist at me at least we could buy with the money we
She was our favorite cosmetolo- ing the Finally we one time. were golng to earn’ That is, if we
gist and now would be going back permanent calmed down and When we reached the pediatri had any left after buying out half
to work after being a stay-at- waving called the town cian’s office, Joe understood and the drug store’s supply of sunburn
home mom for several years. solution pediatrician began helping me pull every- medicine.
The salon was finished, the all over to tell him body out of the car. Then he just But worse was to come. Moth-
backyard was fenced in to protect my head what had grinned, “Hope everything’ll be er had neglected to tell us that
her three little ones, and Cilla had as I hid my happened okay,” and drove off while I was she and Mrs. Esher had never dis-
hired a dear older lady named face in a towel and that shouting after him, “Thanks, Joe cussed our pay. When the picking
Fannie to care for little Pat, Mike, to escape the lowe were I’ll explain later.” was over and done with, Jim and
and Caroline while she per- tion’s awful odor. on the All 11 of us raced into the I were appalled to learn that we
formed her coiffure miracles (we It was then way. We office, bypassing the receptionist were to be paid in tomatoes that
hoped) on us. that Fannie fairly had to go and going back to find Doc and Mother would be taking home to

Life in the Last Lane
The new salon would be can for our winter’s use.
flew into the beauty in my sta- his nurse waiting for us.

by Mary Lou Willis
especially convenient for me as I And still worse yet, we were
shop. That was our tion wagon The receptionist, whom most
could just walk across the street left to break the news to all our
first indication that because everybody considered the mean-
to Cilla’s, leaving my older sons friends we had recruited to help
something was wrong. there est woman in town, kept coming with the picking that they too
playing in my back yard and car- Fannie just never got in a wasn’t a back to the room where Doc and were going to be paid in toma-
rying baby David over to wait in hurry. car that the nurse were valiantly pumping toes.
a play pen she had added in the “Miss Cilla, Miss Cilla!” she day at Cilla’s. out three little stomachs as the
salon. He even loved to sit on my We lost several good friends
yelled. “’Fore Gawd, dem chil- To this day, we cannot remem- rest of us watched spellbound. W that summer. And Daddy had a
lap while I was under the dryer, lun’s done drunk dat sody outen ber how we got Cilla, Fannie, ignored her until she finally left great time teasing us all about
My cosmetology
on the Raleigh daily paper. Only Two to five each afternoon. I could do the the soothing warmth and sound dat bottle. Dey’s gonna be sick ta Cilla’s three little ones, my four in frustration.
often lulling both of us to sleep. being the Fried Green Tomato
trouble was, my school was 18 Shampooing. Rolling up my coed shampoo for When I needed a new per-
death!” boys, Alicia, and me in that car, Doc finally got that stomach- Pickers.
miles from there, I could not friends’ long hair on bobby pins if her. I was not happy about that,to stay longer, I Cilla calmly went on squirt- but I suppose an adrenaline spurt pumping business over with

career... sort of
manent and had ing solution on my head. “Fannie, helped us. After we pushed and and turned to tell Cilla that the
drive, and I didn’t have a car to the owner Mrs. Olsen was busy. and Dean Jay didn’t seemour teenaged neighbor
engaged too that’s all right. I let them drink shoved to get all the children and children would be fine because
drive anyway. When I discussed And I could take my books and pleased either. In fact, into watch my three older
Aliciashe really
boys our own backyard.
soda,” she assured the distraught us in, we were on our way and fortunately they had not swal-
the idea of taking the bus to study some in between times. didn’t like me much either --- but baby sitter. arrived at the doctor’s office in lowed much of the Malathion or
I was not far into the first Such was the arrangement “Yasum, but hit ain’t jes Pepsi record time. whatever it was in the soda bottle
week of working in a beauty shop and from Raleigh each evening All went well as long as my that’s another story. the day we thought the whole
on sody they be’s swallerin’. They My friend Joe, a town cop, “Now, Cilla,” he advised in
when I decided that cosmetology and perhaps not getting back to shampoo customers were my My hands were world went wrong. up all of my
shaking so
Cilla had rolled
done found it in the gardun shed saw us when I simply drove on his calm and soothing way, “you
the dorm until midnight to be coed friends or some sweet little much I could hardly fasten the blue perm rods where I s’pose dey daddy done through a red light and turned on tell your husband to put a good
was absolutely NOT the career I hair on pink and put it. No tellin’ what in dat Pepsi the blue light, siren, and anything padlock on that shed door and
wanted for the rest of my life. securely locked in amidst the old ladies who were easy to cape around my “victim.” It took I handed her
and the white papers bottle. You bes’ come quick now, else he could find on the patrol not to put anything but Pepsi in a
for each curl while we cheerfully
As a freshman on a very tight other coeds, the dean of women please as long as I was not too several tries before I got the chair Pepsi bottle.
budget at a rather expensive col- came close to having apoplexy. rough on their tender heads and adjusted just right and Miss Jay’s
lege, I soon found I would need Naturally, I forgot that idea. got the bluing just exactly right hair spread out over the shampoo
some kind of after-class job to Then someone told me there on their yellowing gray hair. bowl ready to have warm water
provide me with a little spending was an opening for a shampoo Dean Jay came in every sprayed over it before adding the
money. girl at the Oasis of Beauty in the Thursday for her shampoo tincture of green soap that she
So I made the campus rounds, little town just a few steps off the and set. Since she was such an always insisted on.
only to discover that the library campus. important --- and particular --- Miss Jay complained about
positions were filled, no cafeteria Surely, what could be so dif- customer, the Oasis owner always everything I did. The cape was
workers were needed, and my ficult about that? I shampooed did Miss Jay’s shampoo, much to too tight on her neck.
hunt-and-peck typing was not my own hair, didn’t I? Like all my relief. The water was not warm
good enough for work in the girls of that war time era I rolled One week Dean Jay came in enough. I did not scrub and
campus offices. my hair on whatever I could find unscheduled, a day early, to get massage her scalp enough. I
About the only skills I pos- to twist it around --- soup cans, beautified before some important washed and rinsed only once, she
sessed were in the field of news- coffee bag ties, toilet paper rolls, collegiate board meeting. claimed, and she always had two
paper work. I could have gotten socks, even bobby pins whenever Mrs. Olsen really didn’t have washes and rinses in her sham-
a pretty good job proofreading I could find any. the time to do her hair that day poos.
So I applied and got the job. but said she would work her in if By this time I was as nervous
as a cat that had fallen into hot
water

COLUMN WRITING

THIRD PLACE:
The Columbia Star
Mike Maddock

COLUMN WRITING

SECOND PLACE:
Carolina Forest Chronicle
Ettie Newlands

COLUMN WRITING LIFE’S
A JOURNEY

KRISTA

Weekly Over 6,000 Division GIBSON

Thumbtack
holes
M
y son Taylor moved
to Tallahassee, Fla.
on Saturday. As

FIRST PLACE: I vacuumed his empty
room on Sunday I saw
that he left a handful of
colorful thumbtacks in his
walls.
The tacks held signed
set lists and drumsticks

The Greer Citizen from bands he had seen
in concert. They held
ticket stubs and auto-
graphed posters.
I have plans to fill the
holes with spackling and

Krista Gibson paint over his royal blue
and bright yellow walls.
What I can’t spackle and
paint over are the holes I
feel from his absence. Un-
like his trips to Columbia
for college, this trip has
permanence associated
with it.
It is right. It is good.
It is the natural order of
events. But I’m still sad.
Taylor’s excitement was
palpable as he packed
boxes and picked out fur-
niture to take with him.

A juggling act Help carry the load
His eyes lit up as he told
us about his plans and
new responsibilities.
My plan was to see him
off early Saturday morn-

W
ing and then get busy

T
hat do you eat for situation. My own grief I hope that all of us can
he juggling act that home, the first words out tations. His excitement breakfast the day LIFE’S just seems less significant bear a portion of this fam- cleaning. I wanted to be
is motherhood took a LIFE’S of his mouth were, “Did gave me the strength to they bring your son
home in a flag-draped A JOURNEY
right now.
His mom said she had
ily’s grief for them. If we
can’t step into that vast
busy so that I wouldn’t
turn for the worse last you see?” enjoy the moment and feel the loss all at once. I
week. I had been doing so A JOURNEY Oh yes, I saw. not dwell on the pictures casket? Why does it even a bad feeling when he got hole they are now feeling, could gradually ease into
well keeping all the balls I saw less than 40 days in my head. matter? I wouldn’t want his orders for Afghani- how will they bear it? How
KRISTA it during my breaks from
to ever think about the stan. She didn’t tell him. unimaginable it would
in the air. of high school left. I saw The juggling act furious tidying.
Juggling work, baseball KRISTA two sons in cap and gown continues. But so do the
mundane again.
I’m grieving with the
GIBSON She knew as I do that our
intuition as moms can
be if we lived in a world
where we couldn’t all stop But the truck was late
games, laundry, meals GIBSON less than a month apart. moments that knock the mother of Adam Ross, only reach so far. Knowl- to stand in someone else’s and I contracted a nasty
and other crisis kept I saw a car packed with balls out of my hand. My the 19-year-old soldier hallways and messed up edge and hunches don’t shoes for a little while. cold that put the brakes
me breathless, but not linens and a microwave job right now is to not killed in Afghanistan and the bathroom. What do give us control. Even if he Pray if you know how. on my plans. I had too
overwhelmed. I’ve shed ation robe and a box of parked at a dorm and stay so focused on keep- brought home to our com- you do with the memories had known her feelings, Reach out if you are close much time to sit and
a few tears alone in my graduation invitations sat stairwell leading to a ing the balls in the air munity last week along a and dreams for the future he had to obey the orders enough to embrace this think. This seems to be
car thinking about my side by side on the living room with a number on that I miss what triggers street lined with apprecia- when they leave too soon? that took him into harm’s family. And remember a pattern of late. I’m
boys growing up. I juggle room couch. the door. I saw the wave excitement or exaspera- tive citizens holding flags Watching the proces- way. that loss happens in simi- reminded consistently
and balloons. Actually, sion for this young man, Watching the P&G lar ways to folks near us
the proud moments with Every ball I had been goodbye and then the tion in those around me. that no matter how much
I’m weeping, unable to I’m ashamed of my own commercial playing in everyday. Times like this
the disappointments. I juggling suddenly back of a head moving on In those times, I need to comprehend the grief. selfish sadness. My house heavy rotation during the remind us to keep our I would like to control
seemed to be handling it dropped from the sky and to the next phase of life. lay my own juggling balls Pride in heroics can only will be empty soon. How Olympics featuring young eyes out of the mirror of a situation, I’m not in
all with a stiff upper lip. landed with a thud on the I took a deep breath and down and absorb the full go so far when it’s your can I compare my loss kids competing and the our own lives long enough charge.
But then last Tuesday I ground. picked up the balls and impact of the moment. baby and he won’t be with hers when I can get tag line “To their moms, to carry the burdens of I gave into the memo-
walked through the front I kept walking. I went tossed them gently into coming back. in my car and go see my they’ll always be kids”, I others. With the good and ries I had struggled to
door and to my left, I into the kitchen. I started the air. I met my son at kgibson@greercitizen.com | 877-2076 His empty bedroom, boys in their new towns think of the pictures that the bad, life’s a journey. push aside and spent the
spied the near future. A dinner. I went upstairs the couch and we opened once awaiting his return or pick up the phone and are flashing through her Pay attention. day thinking of all the
neatly folded Riverside and changed clothes. the box and pulled out is now a constant re- hear their voices? head. I hope they always wonderful ways my son
High royal blue gradu- When Connor came the name cards and invi- minder of the boy he was Not that my feelings are stay clear and in focus for kgibson@greercitizen.com | 877-2076 had touched my heart.
as he ambled through the not appropriate for my her.
I read the Psalms to
him every day when I

COLUMN WRITING

THIRD PLACE:
The Gaffney Ledger
Cody Sossamon

COLUMN WRITING
THE CHRONICLE Thursday, May 3, 2012 9

SECOND PLACE:
The Cherokee Chronicle
Tommy Martin
Concealed Weapons Course
Concealed Weapons Course
Saturday, Feb. 25th

COLUMN WRITING

FIRST PLACE:
Charles Rowland

HUMOR COLUMN WRITING
An unfortunate Welcome
Friday to my neuroses
BY DAN BROWN I almost choked a couple of

for Mr. Brown
times trying to chew and say,

THIRD PLACE: W
ebster’s Dictionary “Februany” at the same time.
defines neurosis as a Neurotic? Of course.
mental or personali- This next notion crosses my
BY DAN BROWN That’s when I decided to ty disturbance not attributable mind more than it doesn’t, and
take the rest of the day off. I to any known neurological or the more I practice sound dental

L
ast Friday I suffered decided I needed an after- organic dysfunction. Sub defi- hygiene habits, the more the
through a horrible noon of Me Time and went nitions include neurotic or n o t i o n
series of unfortunate off to see the new Avengers

The Berkeley Independent
obsessive compulsive behavior. lodges like
events. movie. What a fantastic flick. This got me to thinking, a stubborn
I was leaving the restaurant Three hours of unabashed obsessively and compulsively. popcorn
after a fine lunch and about to c o m i c Webster’s also said the terms k e r n e l
climb into my car. I have to book fun. neurosis and neurotic were no between my
state for the purpose of clarity I bought longer used scientifically to cerebral
that the phrase “climb into my a pack of diagnose mental illness. That’s teeth.
car” really doesn’t apply to g u m

Dan Brown
nice to know. Do you
how I go about entering my before the I live a solitary lifestyle and remember
car. That phrase is reserved movie to because I don’t have anyone the old
for SUVs and monster pickup a v o i d immediately nearby with whom birthday
trucks. dropping to share time and ideas, these party prize game of dropping
Driving a car with six inch- ten bucks ideas and a gaggle of somewhat the clothespin into the glass
es of ground clearance, you on popcorn and a Coke and eccentric idiosyncrasies are left milk jug? With the advent of 3-
don’t so much climb into your had been working on that to fester between my ears. D video games, dropping
car as you fall into it. There is particular piece of I think about things. I think clothespins into milk jugs for
a point in the car entry Doublemint for three hours. about things a lot. I think about prizes has lost its allure. Kids
process when I surrender to I was driving home in rush things too much. That is my don’t play it anymore.
gravity and let Mother Earth hour traffic, stopped at a traf- basic neurosis. The object of the game was to
take care of the rest. My job is fic light and sitting in the A couple examples, if I may. kneel over the back of a kitchen
making sure I use proper aim turning lane. Suddenly I felt Last week I ate lunch at chair, hold the clothespin to
in guiding my backside into a sneeze coming on. Subway. There’s nothing wrong your chin, and attempt to drop it
the driver’s seat. In my defense, sneezes only with eating lunch at Subway, into a gallon-sized glass milk
Sadly, on this day, I did not. give you five seconds to but lately the consuming public bottle.
My mind was otherwise occu- react to the oncoming full-on has been assaulted with adver- Dropping clothespins into
pied. body spasm. tising campaigns. From glass milk jugs was no easy
There is this nasty looking I’m in my car. The light just Subway to pretzel M&Ms, task. At 5-and-6 years of age we
hook on the car door. It’s what changed green. What do I advertisers want us to think stunk at dropping clothespins
makes your car door stay shut do? about eating. into milk jugs.
during operation. This metal Can’t take my hands of the Well, I do. These days I recreate that
hook is exposed and poten- wheel, I’m moving. Can’t From the moment I pulled game and practice every time I
tially dangerous when one close my eyes, I might hit the into the parking lot through brush my teeth, and I nail it,
leaves his fate to gravity and guy in front of me. ordering my sub, selecting my almost every spit. I’m deadly
starts a free fall into his dri- All these thoughts fly desired toppings (everything with a mouthful of toothpaste
ver’s seat. through my mind in about but tomato), watching them and would wager I’d be equally
As I am falling into my car, three seconds. make the sandwich, paying the dangerous with a wooden
I notice the exposed hook and I didn’t want to sneeze on cashier, driving back to the clothespin.
attempt to avoid gaffing the windshield. So I yanked office and through every bite All I need is a glass gallon
myself in a sensitive area. I my head to the right ... from beginning to the last stray milk jug.
miss, but not entirely. AHHHH-CHOOOOO! mustard-drenched pickle hiding If I could go back into time
The hook snags my pants I’d forgotten about the among the folds of the wax armed with the oral coordina-
and as I continue to fall I hear gum. Also, my windows paper wrapper, the stupid tion skills I have now, I’d rule at
a resounding “RIPPPPPPP were down. ZING! Subway jingle played over and birthday parties and clean up on
PPPPP!!!!” My gum shot to the right over and over again inside my the door prizes.
and, “PING!” splats against head. Disturbing? Oh, just one in
My pants tore from the
the driver side window of the “Five… Five… Five dollar long line of disturbing neuroses.
open fly all the way down the
car next to mine. foot longs.” I could go on all day.
right leg to below my knee.
There was nothing I could And then the word, Still, I feel kind of sorry for
Laid open, my right pants leg
“Februany.” the words neurosis and neurotic
dangled from the hook as I do. Traffic had started mov-
I about popped out an eyeball. behavior as they have been
landed in the seat. Had I not ing with the green turn arrow.
I lack the oral coordination to retired from the vernacular of
worn a belt that day, that I waved and smiled.
say the word “Februany” with- psychological diagnosis. Such
hook could have taken my Have a nice day!
out biting my tongue, and yes, behavior is now called a person-
trousers off completely and Thankfully no one was rid-
when I sing a song in my mind, ality disorder.
I’d have been left sitting in ing with me or else there
sometimes my mouth moves … I find this funny.
my car sans pants. would have been casualties.
which made for an interesting I’ve been telling people I’ve
Not a welcoming sight. No sir, that would not have
time trying to eat my foot-long been earning a living off my
Boy did this day take a sud- bode well at all.
sub. personality disorder for years.
den hard right turn on the A gumshot wound to the


SECOND PLACE:
The Hampton County Guardian
Michael M. Dewitt Jr.


FIRST PLACE: Just Ramblin’....... by Elaine Ellison-Rider
Give me a sense of humor, Lord. Give me the grace to see a joke, to get some humor out of life and pass it on to other folk!

News-Chronicle Bats in the belfry several hours filled with Michael There was no sleep in the Rider ceptionist asked us what the main
chasing bats with a broom and household that first night. The next complaint was when we signed in.
picking up the dead/stunned ones night I stayed awake until about 3 “That,” my husband said, flop-
I don’t know about bats in the with a needle-nose pliers. a.m. watching for any more bats ping the zippy bag up on the coun-
belfry, but we sure had ‘em at our By the end of the evening, we that may have been hiding out all ter. “Well, that’s a bat,” the recep-
house the other day. had it down to a routine. day during the commotion... while tionist said, not at all flustered by
Talk about an interesting week- I would run around with a my husband snored away. It seemed the fact that a still-alive bat was in a

Elaine Ellison-Rider
end. blanket on my head spotting bats like they were all gone. Only prob- zippy bag on her clean counter.
It was a Friday night. yelling “bat, bat!” and squealing lem was that the cats were still on A few minutes later we were
My husband and I were hoping like a “banshee child” (as Michael high alert. So, that made me a bit waiting in an ER room listening
for a quiet weekend. In fact, we says I do when faced with a mouse suspicious. to a man snore after getting a nice
had even put off sanding the floors or bat.) Sleep finally took over my eye- little dose of morphine and decid-
because things had been so hectic Michael would knock it down lids and forced them shut about 3 ing to name the bat “George.”
for Michael as a paramedic during with the broom and then pick ‘em or 4 a.m. Since Michael is in and out
his shift at Medshore. I was going up with the pliers. At 5 a.m. something woke me of the ER all the time while he’s
keep Mitchell off the air. weekend. Mr. and Mrs. Grady Shaw and Greenville last Saturday. to have to do some work at home My job was simple... hold up. Something was wiggling in my working (oops, sorry, the politi-
since we were putting two issues a plastic bag and tie the bag hair while Gracie cally correct name now is ED
together before July 4th. handles around the pliers so the the cat hissed. for emergency department)

Just Ramblin’.......
Everything seemed fairly nor- bat wouldn’t escape, all while I tried to the nurses and doc were
mal. trying not to squeal like a baby brush it in and out looking at the bat
by Elaine Ellison-Rider Seemed is the key word there. - no, that was me trying which was soon placed on ice
Give me a sense of humor, Lord. Give me the grace to see a joke, to get some humor out of life and pass it on to other folk! We did miss a couple of our cats, not to squeal, not the in another bag labeled with
but sometimes they head upstairs bat. “biohazard.”
earlier than we do at night so it I was a Poor George.
didn’t surprise us. little - Well, since there’s no instant ra-
Fire, just a fire,
the smoke intensified. I grabbed my purse, back in the 1970s. But, then that was a nice- “You know, Gracie’s been up- okay away bies test for bats, it seemed prudent
jumped out of the car and popped open the size fire and another story in itself.) stairs all day,” Michael said.
hood. There were these little flames coming My husband did go outside and fill up the
a lot think- to administer the rabies vaccine to
My cat radar jumped right up to - scared ing the patient (that’s me) while the
nothing more off the engine.
I ran into the house. My husband was in his
radiator on my car. He let me use his fancy
Grand Prix with all those new-fangled buttons
a “high” level. Gracie never stayed
upstairs all day! In fact, usually
of those critters.
This went on for several hours
Gra-
cie or
bat went to Columbia or wherever
they’re tested to give up its life in
favorite spot in the recliner in a deep sleep. to go back to work while he tried to solve the
I’m driving my husband’s car this after- “Fire extinguisher. I need it!” I said while mystery of the steam/fire in the engine of my she never budged from the den to until one stubborn bat decided Hannah was pawing at my the name of research - in other
noon. Seems my little blue goose decided it rushing right in front of him to the kitchen. Cavalier. sleep, the kitchen to eat and the to fly around in the 12-foot-high hair. Reaching out sleepily, words, to test it for rabies.
was going to have a couple of bad days. He moved a little. By the time you are reading this, I figure kitty bathroom to, well, do kitty second floor landing and taunt us. I grabbed a squiggly little thing The rabies vaccine was, well,
On the first day that little thingamajig, that Fire extinguisher in hand, I rushed back to the car will have already been to Thomas bathroom things. My husband, bless his soul, was that made a funny hissy noise interesting. Actually, there were
tells how hot the engine is, shifted over to the the car. The flames were gone, so I decided Bell’s garage so that he could solve the mys- Hmmm, I figured she was up
right while I was waiting on my coffee and
fed up and exhausted. and bit (or scratched) the top of five shots. The only reason the first
not to soak the car in fire extinguisher stuff. tery. to some mischief. A little later,
diet drink at McDonald’s. I rushed back into the house.
He picked up his BB gun, “load- my head. The next few minutes one was so painful was because it
we trudged upstairs to get ready
Well, going to the right was not the right
way for that gauge to go - the left is much bet-
“Michael! I need water!”
It looked like he moved a little bit. It was Journalism quotes for bed.
I looked up.
ed it” with air by cocking that little
thingie and started shooting BB’s
are a blur. Michael said I calmly
jumped up and yelled “bat!”
was to the top of my head.
Ouch.
ter. There are these little red lines on the right kind of hard to tell. at the bat. With the speed of a young kid, “I’m only going to give you
where it tells you things are getting mighty I filled a jug with water. Why? That’s a •Journalism is the first rough draft of his- Hannah, our jet-black-with “Aim a little lower,” I’d say, with he turned over, grabbed a pillow as much as you can stand here in
heated under the hood. tory. ~Unknown. green-eyes-cat, was sitting on the
good question. Everyone knows you don’t
•In America the President reigns for four
the blanket still on my head. and proceeded to smother that your head,” the doctor said. He was
By the time I got to work there was some put water on an oil fire. I stood out there for railing staring intently at the ceil- He’d shoot and miss. little thing. pretty gentle, but by the time he
odd-looking steam coming from around the a couple of minutes to make sure the engine years, and Journalism governs for ever and ing. I looked up at the ceiling in the
ever. ~Oscar Wilde. “Aim a little higher,” I said, “Bat. Bat. Bat,” I repeated. “It’s stopped my knuckles were turning
engine. didn’t spark and set the driveway on fire or, landing area.
So, I did what any self-respecting non- •Free press can, of course, be good or playing the role of spotter. He shot a bat. It bit me. It’s a bat!” white from grabbing the bed rail
heaven forbid, my husband’s old truck that Nothing.
morning person did - I just left it parked. he’s been “restoring” for years now.
bad, but, most certainly without freedom, the again, finally hitting that little crit- I rushed into the other room, and I was practicing that slow deep
press will never be anything but bad. ~Albert I walked into the sewing room. ter and knocking it to the floor. We grabbed the pliers and came back breathing in order to keep from
Later in the day I checked the water and I waited for a few more minutes. Finally, I
the oil (my dad would have been so proud. He Camus. Gracie, the gray-tabby-who-needs- bagged it. with a bag still muttering like crying like a baby.
went back into the house. Michael was getting
even taught me how to change a tire - which out of the chair so we could head to the eye
•As with all politically lead governments, to-lose-weight-cat, was sitting on With more than a dozen bats some crazy woman “Damn bat, Four other shots were admin-
foreign investment is the slowest in the media the floor. She was staring at the
I have done on several occasions. I even doc. section. Politicians are somewhat paranoid
bagged, we inspected every room damn bat, damn bat. You bit me, istered, one in each arm and leg,
changed a thermostat by myself back in the “Didn’t you hear me say Fire!” ceiling. carefully and thought they were damn bat.” straight into the muscles - yeah,
‘80s.) about the media but we still think it’s worth- I felt something stir in the pit
He looked at me kind of funny. “Fire, what while. ~Rupert Murdoch. all gone. Thought being the key Of course, that tiny little critter that’s four.
Well, there was next-to-no water and I fire?” of my stomach. Something was word here. was probably as scared as I was. Whew.
couldn’t find any oil on the stick. So, I put •Monsieur l’abbé, I detest what you write,
“The fire that was in the engine of my car!” but I would give my life to make it possible not right. The cats continued on high One thing I knew for sure was All in all, taking the rabies vac-
water and oil in the car and figured that would “Oh, is that what you said?” Michael had taken a detour to
take care of that. for you to continue to write.” ~Voltaire. alert, sitting on the edge of the that I couldn’t give it rabies. It cine was an easy call.
I guess it should have been a dead give- •Put it before them briefly so they will read the closet. Slowly, my eyes traveled
Well, it didn’t. away when I ran right in front of him in the bed to protect us. Either that or could, however, give me rabies! Rabies is fatal.
The next day it overheated again.
it, clearly so they will appreciate it, pictur- around every inch of the ceiling they were impressed with our bat- We bagged the bat, putting this The vaccine is a lifesaver. A
den carrying a big red fire extinguisher from esquely so they will remember it and, above
As I was pulling into the driveway at the the kitchen. (I got much more attention when and there it was, hanging from the catching skills and thought we were one in a zippy bag. I took a shower woman in the lower part of South
all, accurately so they will be guided by its picture molding... a tiny black crit-
house, the temperature gauge dropped, but my car caught fire in downtown Honea Path light. ~Joseph Pulitzer. protecting them. and seriously disinfected the top of Carolina died last year after she
ter that was maybe two inches long, We spent Saturday plugging up my head all the time muttering un- was scratched or bitten in her

Wednesday, February 15, 2012 ____________________________ www.moultrienews.com ___________________________________ MOULTRIE NEWS.3B

Praying your troubles away might work
BY SULLY WITTE
EDITOR@MOULTRIENEWS.COM Doggone crazy POLICE BLOTTER was shaking and visibly ner- lice arrived at the house, the
vous. man said that Edward was in
The officer asked him his closet. The police went
One local woman feels like where he was gong and he inside with the homeowner
Girls gone wild the dog pound opened up times to stop where he was up for his wife and pushed told him he was headed to a and followed him to the bed-
A concerned neighbor in the gates and let the dogs and wait a second. his son aside and told him he local bar. But based on the room. The homeowner then

THIRD PLACE:
an apartment complex called out - into her neighborhood. The downstairs neighbor would not be going through direction in which he was opened the closet door and
police because a woman was She has had to call the police explained to police that as his mother’s purse for any driving, he was headed in the what was inside turned out to
running around wild in the hundreds of times because he arrived home, the drunk reason. wrong direction. be only clothing. The police
parking lot. pit bulls roam her neighbor- fellow was standing on his So the kid then stormed The officer went back to his checked every single closet in
She was wearing nothing hood and charge at her when balcony. Out of nowhere he into his parents’ bedroom patrol car to run the man’s the house and there was no
more than a bathing suit. she is in her yard. started cursing and yelling, looking through drawers for information. He was waiting one hiding in the closets and
When police arrived she She said the pit bull popu- but the downstairs neighbor his parking pass. on dispatch to get back to him the closets didn’t even look
was crying and carrying on. lation has been an ongo- just ignored him and went The father stepped in front when he noticed the driver disturbed.
It was obvious that she was ing problem and every time on inside his apartment. The of the dresser to block his watching him through his The man then started bab-
drunk because she was talk- she calls a police agency to upstairs, drunk fellow kept son from going through their rearview mirror. The driver bling about something en-
ing extremely loud, stagger- complain she gets bounced yelling and cursing, so the personal belongings. The son also kept looking down at his tirely different and told police
ing around and smelled like around between Mount downstairs neighbor called then began to lunge at his fa- center console as if he was that he couldn’t do anything

The Moultrie News
a bottle of whiskey. Pleasant Police Department police. ther like he was going to ram worried about something in- in this town because people
She said she and her boy- and the Charleston County The drunk fellow became him with his head. side the console. keep taking his money.
friend had been arguing at Sheriff’s Office. antsy and unruly while wait- The father felt his son was The driver was then asked There wasn’t much police
the bar and when they got Most recently, she was ing on police to conduct being aggressive and trying to step out of the car. could do, and the man said
home he picked up a flower in her yard when a pit bull their investigation. He fi- to get him to hit the boy, so The officer asked him if he would be fine for the rest
pot and held it over her head charged her. She started nally asked to go upstairs to he called police. there was anything illegal of the night.
as if he was going to hit her screaming, and a man came his apartment to get some The kid did manage to head in the car, and the driver as- Police spoke with a neigh-
with it. running through the woods clothes on so he could go to butt his father in the lip be- sured the officer there was bor who said that this man
Dirt fell out of the pot and and yelled at the dog to back his child’s birthday party. fore police arrived. not. had not been using his $50
onto the floor and the couch down. But then he caught sight When police arrived, they But out of nowhere the a week stipend to buy food
and the wall. Once again, not much could of the downstairs neighbor were able to calm the situa- driver dropped to his knees like he is supposed to and he
The boyfriend, who was be done but promise her that again and started making tion down and speak with the and prayed, ‘Please Lord, let spends it on crack cocaine

Sully Witte
sober, said that she was the animal control would be put- more threats about beating son. He said he was eligible to this man see that I am a good instead.
one who had threatened him ting in extra patrols of the him up. graduate soon and wanted to person.” The neighbor said that
with the flower pot. But he area. Police had heard and seen move out and be on his own. The officer asked the driver when the man does buy food
was standing more than 20 enough so they arrested him As laughable as that is, be- why in the world he just did with his money he trades it
feet away from her, so he was for being disorderly, and he ing that he doesn’t even own that and the man replied, “I for drugs.
never in fear for his safety. Rough neck missed his kid’s birthday. his own car, the officer sat just love my Lord like that.” That explained every-
He said he called police too Police were called to an Which is probably a good back and listened. The officer then asked the thing.
because he knew what would apartment complex due to a thing because most likely the The officer then advised the driver for consent to search
happen next. disturbance and when they kid didn’t want his drunk fa- father to speak with his son the car and the man gave (The Police Blotter is in-
He was used to her drunk arrived they came across a ther there anyway. when everyone had calmed the officer permission. The tended to be an informative
tirades. woman standing at the bot- down about “what was best search yielded nothing, and and/or humorous column
The officer then went back tom of her apartment com- for everyone.” the driver was issued a wan- written from police reports
to speak with the woman who plex stairs. They approached Not entitled ing for changing lanes un- obtained from the Mount
now had dirt smeared on her her to talk with her when What is it withWednesday, December 14, 2011 ___________________________ www.moultrienews.com ___________________________________ MOULTRIE NEWS.3B
kids who lawfully. Pleasant Police Depart-
chest and on her purse. the apartment door upstairs think they are entitled to Please Lord ment. Many of the stories

And you thought your mother-in-law was bad?
Wednesday, December 28, 2011 ___________________________ www.moultrienews.com ___________________________________ openned and out3B The dirt had not been there MOULTRIE NEWS. walked the drive to school using mom A police officer watched come from the initial inci-
earlier when the officers were suspect. and dad’s car and their mon- a driver in the construction In the closet dent reports and, occasion-

Couple not likely to get to the church on time questioning her. The man looked at officers
The officers told her they and said, “what did I do?”
knew she had just smeared The question was not an-
the dirt on herself, and she swered. But instead, the
ey for gas? Thank goodness zone along Hwy. 17 make Police were called to a ally, supplemental reports.
for parents like the father a sudden right turn. This is man’s home because he Generally, cases have not

POLICE BLOTTER
on his kid perfectly legal except when found two women in his been adjudicated at the time
who called policeBY SULLY WITTE fussing about something
because he was acting like a you swerve across two lanes closet.do with.the time po- of publication.)
But by
wanted this incident docu- She replied, “There were

POLICE BLOTTER
EDITOR@MOULTRIENEWS.COM he had nothing to mented. no sexual acts going on.”
BY SULLY WITTE the drunk girl to deal with the come down and officially add long as officers asked him to come
denied this for as punk. and flip your signal on after
The 65-year-old victim told Both were told to leave and
EDITOR@MOULTRIENEWS.COM problem on her own. the girlfriend to the But eventually, downstairs and speak with
she could. room if The 17-year-old kid was you’ve begun the turn.
The officer then asked the
Crime Report
she gave in and admitted to them.
they were going to keep los- trying to find his high school The
Gramps he was not coming
Animal meds officer pulled thehis house if he was going ages.
driver Yeah, right
never return to the area and
into this crazy woman. to have their “talks” in a more
Need a ride? girl how she planned to get December was2011 drunk and
ing keys.trying to fabricate the whole He 21, pretty parking pass and told his dad over to see why he was doing all that fussing.
“Here honey, take one of to be driv- What we couldn’t spilled
At this point the kid print... A Bayview resident called pubic area if that was in fact
home. of place. She said she has seen officer with a blank stare. story.
The female walked away could hardly stand up. that he was taking these,”and the doctor hus- The driver tried to push his out the weekend Police Blotters on our
the car said ing so erratically. Gramps Check the beans and gave the cops police because a car was what they were doing.
Police were called to a local Several phone calls to fam- him more and more and now The officer caught up to the and a few There was no evidence ofand About this same time the
minutes later the Hit Run Colli- band to he actually had the nerve into the house, but Web site Friday, Saturday and Sunday at Crazy neighbor
driving to school whetherthe wife. way to ask the the subject’s name and num- parked outside of his home
bar because a woman was at- ily and friends were made, he is looking at her straight car and watched the driver boyfriend came in the side and sion/Drug Equipment
domestic violence, the downstairs neighbor came liked it or not. But when the officer why hevictim stopped him. That’s ber, but they could not im-
the wife found was being WWW.MOULTRIENEWS.COM A woman called to tell and two people appeared
tempting to drive home but but no one answered. in the eye. operate rather recklessly. entrance of the hotel. not outside to speak with police.
boyfriend said he did with arrests was out it was pulled over. for the more humorous get in touch with police that she thinks her to be in the back seat doing Couch potato
He started rummaging animal medica- when Gramps took his cane mediately incidents we couldn’t print.
she was wasted. Her boy- Then she said she would One time she was driving The car drove into the other He began kicking andcharges. reported ondrunk guy saw this as
want to press hit- He The Highway through his mother’s purse, At any rate, the and swung it across the 65- him. they’ll have you in stitches!neighbor is hacking into her ‘something.”
tion, she went ballistic. officer ex- We promise, Would you believe that a
friend took her purse so she get a hotel. She soon real- down Coleman and he pulled lane, ran off the road and ting the glass he wouldget in outside Rivertowne
said trying to stay 41 at his cue to leave and started as if he had any right to do plained it to him year-old man’s head. The
It turns out, this marriage and asked e-mail account. She told of- When police got there they wife called police because her
would not have access to her ized she did not have a debit out of a gas station and fol- then struck a large, orange the lobby area and called the she heading back upstairs. The
and do yard work until Parkway. (OCA that. His father,has been onfor his license. When only knew Gramps’s
being the the rocks for victim the ficers that this neighbor has a saw a male sitting in the husband would not get off
keys. But she pitched a fit. At card to do that. But, she was lowed her. She said she work barrel. passed out.
clerk several racial names officers asked him several
#2011-P-15865) quite some driver handed it over heand the proximity Don’t do it
gentleman that he is, stuck time. last name device that allows him to lis- middle of the back seat and the couch? Apparently she
this point the boyfriend did so drunk she had not actu- slowed down to see what he The officer flipped on the and slurs. The wife, who is 45, struck of where he lived. A local resident got di- ten to people and she thinks a female bending over with wanted to sit on the couch so
not know what else to do, so ally gone through her purse would do and he turned into blues, and it took a while for She called police and ex- An Auto Break-in her husband a couple of Police went out on a search vorced from her husband this device also allows him her head in his lap. The of- she told her husband to get
he called police. to see if her debit cards were another gas station. the driver to pull over. Even- plained that the man had was reported at 1050 times, and the 65-year- for Gramps, but they could a while ago. They lived in to hack into her e-mail ac- ficer parked the car and that up and go to bed.
A bystander was sitting in in there. She thought it was odd that tually he did. been drinking and was Johnnie Dodds Bou- old husband told her if she not locate him. They prom- Greenville at the time and count. allowed the female enough He refused so she called
the parking lot watching all The officer suggested that he would go from one gas sta- He had no idea he had been drunk. levard. (OCA #2011- touched him one more time, ised to keep trying so charges her mother-in-law was a very She said that she has time to jump into the front police. But by the time police
of the commotion when po- she call him in the morning tion to another. in a hit and run earlier but She wanted him on tres- P-15821) he was going to hit her back. could be pressed. hateful woman and had been changed her password on her seat. got there this couple in their
lice rolled up. when she sobered up and It appeared as if he was that might be due to the fact pass notice from the hotel. Things seemed to calm Based on their identifica- 20s had come to a resolu-
He waved the officer toward if anything was missing he waiting for her. That same that he said he left his house, The officer arrived and Forgery with arrest down for a couple of days tions they were not from this tion.
the drunk woman who was would write a report. day, he drove by her place of went to the store, bought a spoke to the man. was reported at 1000 because the wife got pneu- Forced to snitch S B
INKLER ONDING OMPANY C country. The husband agreed to go
still trying to get her car door She became angry at this employment very slowly. can of duster aerosol and About that time the clerk Johnnie Dodds Bou- monia. A fight broke out inside a The male told police that to bed and give her the couch.
open. Even the bystander and started slamming doors Another time she was huffed it on the way to band walked outside to meet the levard. (OCA #2011- Since he is a doctor, he gas station store one evening “If you get caught in the clinker, they met on a Ukrainian site Police were curious as to why
noticed her intoxication and and yelling about being un- pumping gas and she saw practice. cop. The drunk fellow called P-15898) was helping to treat her. She between two kids around 18 similar to Facebook. this wife could not sit in the
said, “Officer, she is way too satisfied with the situation. the man again. This time she The pot pipe on the passen- the clerk a monkey and with- call Lowndes Sinkler.”
started feeling ill so he gave years old. He said that he invited her other chair or the lounge
drunk to drive.” She stumbled away from waved him down to talk to ger seat didn’t help him out in seconds he was in hand- A Theft of Mail was her animal medication that Only one subject was still to go to a local grocery store chair and her only reply was
The officer approached and the scene, threw her purse him. any, either. cuffs. reported on Gaston

CM02-631409
could be used for human there by the time police ar- CALL US 24/7 843.577.2540 for a date and then they that she wanted the couch.
asked her who she was. She across the parking lot, fell She asked him who he was He was arrested for reck- He then turned his atten- Gate Road in Brick- consumption. rived. In fact, this kid was so 3870 Leeds Ave. | Mark Clark Business Park | Suite 105 pulled into this side street What a waste of official po-
told him her name and said into some bushes in the me- and if he was following her. less driving, possession of tion to the officer and start- yard. (OCA #2011-P- But the wife saw the medi- cool and collected, he was to talk about currency and lice time.
she had been arguing with dian of the parking lot and She said he immediately drug paraphernalia and du- ed calling her a dyke, among 15887) cation and became irate and pumping gas when police trading.
her boyfriend because he then threw a tantrum. grew nervous as if he had ties of a driver in a collision. other things. slapped the pills out of his pulled up. The officer asked the man (The Police Blotter is in-
took her purse and her keys. Another officer on the scene done something wrong. When the cop searched him Suspicious Activ- hand and walked away. He told police that he was threatening to kill her daugh- e-mail hundreds of times. what he did for a living and tended to be an informative
She was slurring her words calmed her down and got her He said he works for an au- they found crack and a spoon ity was reported at As she walked away he just standing in line when ter-in-law since she married But one night while she was he said he fixed treadmills. and/or humorous column
pretty badly and could barely out of the bushes. That offi- to glass company and drives Sticks and stones to smoke it. He was arrested 1515 North Highway popped her across the back of suddenly the subject turned this woman’s son. The couple typing it she was having a The woman said she lived written from police reports
stand up. She blamed every- cer also arrested her for be- around parking lots looking Why a Mount Pleasant man and hauled off. 17. (OCA #2011-P- the head with an open hand around and swung at him. went on to have two children hard time remembering it. on a boat at a nearby marina. obtained from the Mount
thing on the boyfriend. ing drunk in public. for broken windshields and was staying in a local motel 15864) and she fell to the ground. He said he and the subject and not surprisingly, they The neighbor just happened The officer then asked her Pleasant Police Depart-
And for good measure, she he showed her a business instead of at his house is un- (The Police Blotter is in- The result of the fall caused “had been beefin’.” eventually divorced. The to be sitting with her and he why didn’t they just go back ment. Many of the stories
threw in the fact that this card. known. tended to be an informative Suspicious Activity a bruise to her elbow. He said he knew who the mother in-law learned how was able to tell her what her to her boat to talk about cur- come from the initial inci-
boyfriend had been arrested Stalker She went to the police sta- However, he and his girl- and/or humorous column was reported on Oak Police interviewed the wife kid was, but he refused to to use a cell phone and even password was. rency and trading and she dent reports and, occasion-
for criminal domestic vio- A woman stopped into tion and they pulled up his friend checked into this ho- written from police reports Marsh Drive in Wak- and she gave the same ac- give the subject’s name be- learned how to text. She felt very uncomfort- said, “because I am mar- ally, supplemental reports.
lence - as if that had anything the police station recently, name and information and tel and within just a few short obtained from the Mount endaw Lakes. (OCA count, but said she is not in cause “I don’t snitch.” She then turned this into able about this and said she ried.” Generally, cases have not
to do with her ability to drive because she thinks she was sure enough that is the guy hours of check-in, they had Pleasant Police Depart- #2011-P-15900) fear of her safety and she did The passenger in the vic- another tool to harass and doesn’t feel like she has any She too said they had just been adjudicated at the time
safely. being followed - for the last following her. lost the room key multiple ment. Many of the stories not want to press charges. tim’s car didn’t even know threaten the daughter-in- privacy. pulled over to “talk.” And the of publication. See more
The boyfriend explained year and a half. She said that There wasn’t much the of- times. come from the initial inci- Suspicious Activity The husband then packed a about the fight until it was law. She told police she is in officer said, “if y’all were just columns at www.moultri-
to police that they were sup- almost two years ago she hit ficer could do but suggest she The girlfriend came down dent reports and, occasion- was reported at 1981 bag and said he would stay at over because she had been She scared the daugh- the middle of working with talking why was your head in enews.com.)
posed to be married the next a car in a parking lot and at- call police the next time she to get a new key for the fourth ally, supplemental reports. Riviera Drive. (OCA his office or find a hotel room waiting in the car. ter-in-law so much that the private investigators and his lap?”
day but they had gotten into tempted to leave the scene saw him following her. time and this time the clerk Generally, cases have not #2011-P-15896) for the time being. But during the fight, the woman left town and moved
an argument. His girlfriend without notifying the owner. said that since she was not been adjudicated at the time glass top on the ice cream here. She even left her kids
got drunk and then took his But then this man pulled up registered to the room, she of publication. See more cooler shattered and the behind with their dad.
Huffin’ Gramps
What we couldn’t print...
debit cards and went on a and said she’d better call the could not get a key. The clerk columns at www.moultri- store manager wanted to Some time went by and
spending spree. police department since she A report of a hit and run suggested the boyfriend enews.com.) A 65-year-old man called press charges. the woman decided to move
He said he had given her hit the vehicle. went out to police on the road police because he had been The kid who was still there back to Greenville to be clos-
purse back to her, but not She thought this person and it didn’t take long for the assaulted by a 20-some- was not liable because he er to her kids. Check out the weekend Police Blotters on our
the keys. was an undercover officer so officers to catch up with the
Back at the drunk girl’s car she waited for the other party suspect. He was the one with What we couldn’t print... thing-year-old man whose was defending himself. This
nickname was Gramps.
The ex-mother-in-law
meant police had to find the caught wind of this and start-
Web site Friday, Saturday and Sunday at
she began to complain again and they worked it out. the blank stare. Check out the weekend Police Blotters on our This Gramps fellow uses a other guy. They told the vic- ed back with the harassing WWW.MOULTRIENEWS.COM
about not having her purse. She said that the man The officer saw the driver walking stick to get around tim that if he did not cooper- text messages. This time she
Another officer on the scene looked familiar to her from at a red light and when it Web site Friday, Saturday and Sunday at and apparently used it to ate with this investigation, said if she moved back she for the more humorous incidents we couldn’t print.
informed her that the purse seeing him in bars down- turned green the driver sat WWW.MOULTRIENEWS.COM smack the 65-year-old in the which had now turned crim- could still kill her. Maybe she
was in her car and had al- town. there a few minutes then head. inal, he would be charged ought to consider not moving
We promise, they’ll have you in stitches!
ready been returned. Then she started seeing abruptly and aggressively for the more humorous incidents we couldn’t print. The victim told police that with Disorderly Conduct and back, and in fact, she should
Knowing what was coming him everywhere. took off, squealing the tires.
next, the boyfriend got a ride She said he was always by The car passed the cop and We promise, they’ll have you in stitches! Gramps knocked on the door be responsible for the dam- move her kids far away from
home with his father and left himself and seemed very out the driver looked right at the

ROLLING WITH THE
SECOND PLACE: DEMON DERBY QUEENS
Demons circling, life hangs in the
b a l a n c e. Swe e t m e rcy, w h a t I

Lake Wylie Pilot
wouldn’t give for balance.
Weren’t there other contests clut-
tering my to-do list? No sword swal-
lowing? Bomb detonation? It takes a
special kind of human to throw el-
bows and smash torsos on roller
skates, and I ain’t
him.
“It’s a very awk-
ward position,”

W HO’S SINGING?
John Marks
said Craig Bailey,
Race City Roller
Derby president.
“You’re going to

L ’ ET S KEEP IT THAT WAY On Your
s ay, ‘ wow, t h i s
isn’t very comfort-
M A R K S able.’ ”want to talk
You
John Marks aw k wa rd p o s i -
tions? Imagine a
world where every woman stands
four inches taller, and keeping up-
right on two feet simply isn’t an op-
tion. Where a date with cold concrete
teeters on eight wheels, more if you

■ This intense and
count the gurney they’ll need to roll
me off the oval.
“Just don’t stand up straight,” said
Pam Yavorka, one of two Charlotte

physical game made Speed Demons calling Fort Mill
home. “Anything but a little bend in
your knees, and it’s all downhill from
there – straight backwards.”

Marks’ head swim Choralier seniors clean the piano
on audition day, one of their final
tasks with the group.
Yavorka, the bank risk analyst, and
massage therapist Joy Campbell
aren’t fazed by the rounded razor
blades underfoot. Five raised sons
■ Reporter between them, roller derby barely
Call me fish meal. leaves Clover qualifies as a challenge. These wom-
en four-wheel and kayak, practice
I’m captain of a vessel half-submerged alrea- Choraliers football in the dining room and base-
tryout on ball in the yard until dark. Trampoline
dy, plastic paddle blades and a thin-cage face- high note, wrestling is a common occurrence.
I’m not afraid of roller skating. I’m
mask my only defense against onslaughting of- a handshake afraid of how much chalk the coroner
might waste tracing what’s left of my
CLOVER — My wife hates Jay last fall. I recall my last skate. I hung
fenders. Their life-vested torsos protrude from Forrest, she just doesn’t know it.
He’s the reason I’m traipsing our onto the wall like the Mona Lisa. I
living room belt- can’t imagine I’ve improved in the de-
slender hulls like angry dorsal fins. The ball ing out show
tunes like a one-
cade since. Sport intuition won’t
help, either. Liquefy all my roller der-
splashes midfield. They thrash. man Broadway
revue. He’s the
reason scores of
by knowledge, and they’d still let it on
a plane.
Beyond that divine and deceitful distance to Clover High
School students
audition to sing
Bailey says the semi-pro squad
looks like chaos in high wheels, but a
the McDowell Nature Preserve shoreline on Lake On Your songs older than
M A R K S their parents’ He’s
ring around the track takes a helmet-
load of strategy and technique. He’s
prom photos.
Wylie, kayak polo seems such a palatable en- John Marks the reason his
district needs trophy cases as a
married to blocker Rebecca, so he’s
pretty much bound by life and limb to
deavor. Teams of uniformed paddle pushers nav- budget item.
Forrest’s Choraliers have eight
state choral championships the past
PHOTOS BY STEPHANIE MARKS MARTELL
Former Choralier and current judge Colin Ruffer listens as John Marks sings his audition.
say nice things.
“These aren’t just a bunch of mad,
igating a rectangular pitch in Sunday morning decade. They’ll change concert
venues to fit their music. Sixth-
graders choose electives to prepare
bruising women who are out there to
hurt you,” Bailey said.
COURTESY OF STEPHANIE MARTELL - Stephanie Martell Photography
Pam Yavorka, right, a former speed skater and now a blocker and sometimes jammer for the Charlotte Speed
As if the world needs more of
light, passing the ball in close Online
for auditions
years later. those, am I right? I get the gloss ver-
Demons, helps reporter John Marks find his balance in high wheels.

Forrest has a sion, how team members fly planes Yavorka is a memory. The former
and firing toward a suspend- Look for video and firm hand on
and play the cello. They’re bakers,
Online speed skater makes short work of the
On Your Marks
all of it, save
more photos
the auditions. bartenders and bank execs, attorneys Watch a video of reporter John pack and sets sight on me. Scoreboard
ed goal overhead. From a dis- online at
lakewyliepilot.com. “I’m at the
finish line,” he
and dental assistants. Everybody’s Marks skating with the Speed Somehow I navigate one turn and a Competition: Charlotte Speed
playing nice. I’m not sold. Demons and see more photos on back straightaway. Before I test turn Demons teammates Joy
tance, it’s elegant. Within the said. “Living in
the community as long as I have,
I’ve learned that it’s better to take
I have a contact in an opposing
team’s city who I probably shouldn’t
our website, lakewyliepilot.com. two, I’m lapped. Never even neared
the pack.
Campbell and Pam Yavorka,
both of Fort Mill
float ropes, cadaverous. myself out of it and just let it be.”
Being a Choralier is grueling,
“life-changing” and “probably the
name for safety reasons. Reason be-
ing, I value my safety. I’m hearing
www.lakewyliepilot.com
Yet I’m the one drawing applause.
Maybe these women aren’t such ruf-
Contest: One lap races around
the rink, to see who scores the
“We don’t always think as best experience you’ll have in high
school,” members say. Becoming
there’s at least one derbiest I want no
part of. alongside me. We’ll race once
fians. Their husbands and sons tell
me so, and they should know.
most points by passing pack
members from the opposing
one is clinical. Take every ounce of
clearly as we should,” says musical knowledge and talent you
can muster, and stuff it into an
“She’s meaner than any man I
know,” I’m told.
through the eight-woman pack – four
of her teammates, four of mine – and
Families follow the team every-
where but into the locker room.
team – or until I’m lapped.
Score: Both Campbell and
Kim Parker, twice member of eight-minute audition that deter-
mines whether you still believe in
spare time.
Race City vows to be different.
They don’t want pro wrestling on
back through to score points. Or until
I’m lapped. She’s a pleasant person
Campbell’s elder son is a penalty
tracker who’s begging for a “my der-
Yavorka lap me with little
trouble. Final score: Campbell
wheels. No stage name heels or pag- until the whistle blows. A week later, by mom can beat up your soccer
the women’s national team “There’s no magic formula,”
Forrest said. “It’s 1 percent talent
and 99 percent hard work.”
Choraliers director Jay Forrest ends the audition with a handshake after reporter John Marks tried his hand at
singing.
eantry attire. No melees, hoodwin- against the Greenville Derby Dames, mom” shirt, and her husband stands
and Yavorka 2, Marks 0.

kery or bamboozling, either. Speed she’ll knock women into next week guard as an EMT firefighter.
On Your and lone female in the Caroli- I can be 1 percent.
Cuisinart on my forehead, because My lower register is grapeshot at too old for the William Hung refer- Demons want their sport in the Olym- without breaking stride. Yavorka couldn’t keep her hus-
The audition I’m a blender. I carry a tune like I’d best, so they allow me a song that ence? Too young? Welcome to For- pics. Allowing the likes of me on their I wasn’t this nervous on my wed- band away with a two-arm sling pass, Round 2
M A R K S naParker tallied a goal in the
Kayak Polo Club. First up are two district vocal
instructors, a former Choralier and
a modulating piano. It’s happening
carry a dorm room sofa or casket –
in groups.
“The first time is terrible,” said
senior Ryan Kelly. “It’s the worst.”
doesn’t require one. I’ll sing “Till
There Was You” from “The Music
Man.” My voice won’t sell any
public broadcasting airspace, but
rest’s challenge.
Forrest takes students born into a
world where Hanson tops the
charts, and directs them toward
track probably isn’t helping.

Round 1
ding day. I’m Juan Pablo Montoya on
a track full of jet dryers. The whistle
screeches.
and her dad was an instant convert.
“He thinks its funny that at my age,
he’s still going to watch me roller
Team members take my arm and
wheel me back to the jammer line like
already. I asphyxiate. Solos aren’t “It gets better each time,” prom- I’m not exactly throwing up jazz For one straightaway I skate as fast skate,” she said.
John Marks most recent world champion- my thing. You may as well stamp ises senior Ethan Babson. hands to “She Bangs,” either. What, See MARKS ■ 2B
Yavorka, 43, toes the jammer line and as perpendicular as I ever have. See DERBY ■ 2B

hi i t th N th


FIRST PLACE:
The Columbia Star
Mike Maddock


THIRD PLACE:
The Summerville Journal Scene
Julie Smith Aiming for gun ownership
BY JULIE R. SMITH look what hap-
pened.” Guns
it. I’d like something small enough
to be concealed in a purse or tucked
My ex-husband had a ginormous
.44 caliber Smith & Wesson in a
shrieked and threw the gun in the
air. T-Bob froze with an egg half-

S
o, a woman in Texas tries to don’t scare me, in the glove compartment. I hate carved display case. The barrel was cracked in his hand.
shoot a skunk but hits her hus- but they scare driving long distances with nothing at least a foot long. I could barely “Son! I thought you were a cat

Is it just me, or is our house falling apart? band instead. Widdle. Not guns
The skunk was eating food left out in general, just
for the family cats, and last week the any gun in my
but my little pink Mace canister on
my key ring.
But no, Widdle will not allow. He
lift it with both hands, and never
learned to fire it. (Which, down the
line, he was thankful for.)
burglar!” she gasped.
“Of course,” T-Bob said. “Because
so many cat burglars break in and
BY JULIE R. SMITH grabbed first. (One night I ate an bedrooms and my thing in the hall as I yanked the door He looked at the wall, which now up. She fetched her hands.
woman was fed says I’m too jittery to trust with a After my father died, Mother
trusty .45 caliber from her purse That’s right. My gun. The truth is, we both know he’s bought a .38 Special and kept it in cook breakfast, right?”
onion slathered in jam.) bathroom also open. sported several cracks. He pressed
Back to the skunk in Texas. He
You know how once you start one Anyway, after the kitchen was fin- open off the cen- Then I careened wildly across the his fingers into some (this spots andremember), went out name is Julie and
is Texas, afraid I’ll shoot him on a whim. I her bedside drawer. She almost shot

How, when and why?
soft
home improvement project, the ished, we were thrilled with the new ter hall. The hall hardwood hall floor and slammed said, “Hmmmmm-mmmmmm. and fired off a round. my husband won’t let me own a can’t imagine why he thinks that
to the porch
“
my beloved brother T-Bob once. He wasn’t hit, but he died laughing. No,
whole concept snowballs and pretty floor, paint, appliances, etc. Not itself contains a Which ricocheted wildly, went gun.
into Widdle, who was upright and (English translation: “This wall is when I’ve never raised a hand to woke up in his apartment, wanted he actually returned while investiga-
through a door to the house and Oh, we have guns all over the another human being in my life, but breakfast and decided it would be tors were still there, and started
soon you’re cooking on a camp stove thrilled enough to add a new bath- massive antique perfectly healthy. (Although rightful-
tore up.”) Then he struck hubby in the gut.
stepped back, house—hunting rifles and a shotgun there you are. And, in his smooth- easier and cheaper to drive to noshing on the cat food again. They
in the snow while drunken strangers room or install a fireplace, but satis- breakfront from a ly annoyed at getting screamed at,
BY JULIE R. SMITH • Why has Elton John, • Does anyone miss “Cheers,” “St.
or two. These do me absolutely no talking way, he turns it around on Mother’s house, let himself in and
add a second story to your house? fied. Life got back to normal, or as defunct shoe store slammed into and soaked simultane- squinted and said, “You knowworth a The husband was good because if I comeand “Picket Fences” as much
what
The good news:
who is to a hospital, and he’s fine.
bazil- Elsewhere” home alone me. chased him away.
airlifted rattle some pots and pans. He was
Yeah. Life’s funny that way. normal as life gets with a husband in Walterboro, a ously. Turns out he wasn’t shouting, this I try, for the lion bucks, never had
means?” Gun or no gun, you can’t keep a

R
andom thoughts as Treated and released. and a bad as I jumps out of the clos-
guy do? “Honey, 30 minutes after you take happily frying eggs at 5 a.m. when
There is no drunken stranger in our named Widdle. Victorian chair “No,” I snapped, still damp and
“I’m dead,” he was shouting, “Calm to figure out how his teeth fixed? (I actu- good skunk down.
umpteenth time, The bad news: This puts me that et, what am•I Whento do?AARP magazine become you’d shoot any-
going did Ask him your sleeping pills she crept into the dining room and
story, because my wise husband, But, as most adults have learned, and a huge, framed black-and-white down!”) sulky.
Pinterest works: ally admire this—he’s owning a to hold that thought while I run get thing—you read know what you’re
much further from ever the coolest, most informative thing I don’t drew down on him.
Widdle Baby, hires only people he normal never lasts. One night a few portrait of me, Widdle and our The crash-thud-bang happened “It means we need to tear out this the teeth the rifle? Fail. Julie R. Smith, who might start
• Why does a paper cut hurt worse than happy with
gun. doing,” he says. (I know exactly
all month? Seriously, it rocks. When she saw it was her second-
knows. So we had fine Christian weeks later, I was soaking in the tub- beloved Nicky. The frame is made of when the heavy family portrait fell wall and put in a new wall.read that story and said,
Widdle We What I want is a permitted gun of what I’m doing, but that’s another born son, she did what any sensi- carrying a skunk, can be reached at
a broken leg? God gave him. Too bad
workmen and didn’t have to hide the -idly wondering why all the toes on massive, five-inch gilt molding. off the wall, because said wall sud- need….” he paused “See? She aimed at a skunk, but my own, and Why doinwomen use their hair after a
dramatically.
• lessons how to cut
column.) ble woman would do. She widdleswife@aol.com.
liquor. Well, Widdle actually had to my left foot are crooked--when there Now, when I heard that ungodly • How many different ways can you you can’t say the same
denly bulged outward. The portrait “More renovations.” breakup? Wouldn’t it be more satisfying
hide it from me halfway through the came an almighty CRASH! THUD! noise, my first thought was: Widdle’s slammed into a freestanding book- into went straight for the wine. dead badger on
make a cupcake? I bit
I
a stuffed cup- for that to go to his house and whack his hair off
kitchen redo, which was supposed to BANG! from the center hall. had a heart attack and pulled the case, did a somersault weekhit thehad frosting in my his head.)
cake last and and in chunks?
To be continued…. • Why can’t I tpye for tow days after I
take three days (insert bitter laughter) First, the facts: Our old house is a breakfront over on himself. I am now floor. The wall wasfor an hour.
nose wrecked, several • What happens to expired beer?
and stretched into 10, with no wash- hodgepodge of added rooms and odd the Widow Widdle. glass items on • If bookcasereality shows on TV were cut my naisl?
the all the explod- • Why do drivers think tailgating so
er and dryer and the fridge wedged nooks. To get to the center hall, one Screaming, I leaped out of the tub, ed, and I wascancelled, would the worldJulie R. Smith, who After never breakfast (the most impor- closely you can’t see their headlights is a
a sniveling hot mess. stop? • may I eat
into the guest room. Since the door walks through the dining room, or careened wildly across the bathroom • gibbering and hear hang another picture on another
After I finishedWhen I don’t turn- from my relatives tant meal!) why am I starving the rest of
good way to make you speed up? It just
would only open four inches, dinner takes a hard right from the kitchen floor and slammed into the closed ing aimlessly in circles, Widdle wall, iscan be reached day? wid- like a gateway meal that
for two months, I assume all well, aka the at It’s
was whatever our groping hands through a guest room. Two other door. I heard Widdle shout some- began to inspect the damage. dleswife@aol.com.
makes me drop into a lower gear and
“No news is good news.” But when I see makes me ravenous for bigger meals.
enjoy the scenery. Hey, there’s a hog with
a familiar number on caller ID, I panic • Why are my hearing and vision going
to hell at the same time? You’d think it a spot shaped like Woody Harrelson!
and assume they’re dead. Wouldn’t it
would be one or the other, but after 50, • How can food trucks be a faster alter-
make more sense to assume death when I
let’s face it—you’re gonna be groping native to restaurants when their lines go
don’t hear from them?
through life yelling “Huh?” around the block?
• How come nobody has ever bottled
puppy breath? Nothing smells better, • Why is day-old turkey dryer than • Why are gray hairs the consistency of
except cupcakes. sandpaper? It was soft and juicy just the barbed wire? They poke up from my head
• Why would anyone want to own a day before. What happens in the fridge like tiny little mattress springs.
three-pound dog? If you trip over a Lab, overnight? • Why does pudding have the consisten-
he wags his tail. If you trip over an • I love cooking shows, so why have I cy of phlegm?
embryo with fur, congratulations--you never made a single recipe from one? • Do people really believe you can get
just bought yourself a $1,500 vet bill to (Speaking of cooking shows, I miss The an authentic three-course Italian dinner
set its tiny little legs. Galloping Gourmet with Graham Kerr. for $12.95? If so, I have an olive tree
• When you lose 10 pounds, where does He was hilarious, probably because he orchard for sale. In Ladson.
it go? Does it just float around trying to drank a bottle of wine during every
find its way back home? episode.) Julie R. Smith, who will be wondering
• Does Paula Deen still think butter is a • When did Woody Harrelson get so ‘til the day she dies, can be reached at
beverage? freaking weird? widdleswife@aol.com.


SECOND PLACE:
Charles Rowland

The Summer of Dirty Fred’s
BY JIM TATUM enough to keep Dirty Fred’s was not for everyone. lating. Then they both sat down on
everyone only Once, we hired a co-worker down the couch and made great pretense

S
o I ran into an old friend of mildly drenched on her luck to come clean the place of being unable to get back up.
mine recently. in sweat, except for us, but as most good deeds are They would tell us later they had
As is usually the case with for whoever wont to do, that one didn’t quite actually adhered to the couch.
people who have known each other slept in the front work out. First, she flatly refused to Personally, I believe they were just
for more than four decades, we got bedroom -- he enter the kitchen – she may have very tired, possibly hallucinating.
to talking about the good old days – had to guard been a nascent militant feminist -- After all, everyone knows spilled
in this case, the summer our parents against frost- then upon seeing the bathroom she beer and tobacco juice evaporates
took leave of their senses and bite. And the haughtily doubled her fee. To add almost immediately from
allowed three of us to live at the yard, which insult to injury, she didn’t chip in Naugahyde. In fact, that’s the beau-
beach, on our own, for the first consisted of dead pine trees and the for gas when we gave her a ride – ty of Naugahyde, it’s maintenance
time. ensuing carpet of brown needles at her hysterical insistence, I might free -- you don’t even have to wipe
Indeed, at age 18 we were living not only made mowing unneces- add -- to the nearest biohazard it.
the dream: working nights, beach sary but served as exceptionally decontamination facility. Eventually, with arms flailing,
bumming during the days, hanging prolific redbug habitat. Some people are just downright much grunting and accompanied
our seriously inebriated hats in this As we worked in hot, busy ungrateful. by a sound not unlike someone vio-
magical, well-appointed bachelor seafood restaurant kitchens every Another time, one of my room- lently yanking Velcro strips apart,
pad we dubbed “Dirty Fred’s night, we found ourselves doing mate’s mother and sister visited for they got to their feet and bolted out
Gigolo Trailer.” laundry about every two weeks or about fifteen minutes during the the front door. Then, with redlining
We named it after the owner, a whenever we had run through our Fourth of July weekend. engine and screeching tires – at
very honest, straightforward and underwear twice, whatever came They were returning to South least, I think that was tires screech-
straight-laced traveling produce first. Carolina from New York and had ing – they headed back out on the
farmer and Adventist minister, who I don’t know if it was the redbugs planned to spend the night with us holiday road. I remember being
in fact, did bathe regularly. or the leftover soap flakes we to break up the trip. By the time puzzled but impressed. I had no
Dirty Fred’s wasn’t perfect – no would salvage, mix, and match they got to Dirty Fred’s, however, idea why they decided to get back
castle ever is. The ventilation was a from discarded detergent boxes we they had been on the road a good on the road but that was the one and
little unique -- all the windows found in the Laundromat garbage fourteen hours in a un-air condi- only time I ever saw anyone driv-
were either rusted permanently can, but for some reason I itched a tioned ’78 Pinto station wagon. ing a Pinto station wagon burn rub-
open or shut – but the interior décor lot that summer. Personally, I think That’s why I’m convinced the ber in a dirt driveway.
was a stunning triumph of soup it was the humidity. sheer exhaustion of holiday travel, That just goes to show you what
kitchen chic, complete with spec- The point is, Dirty Fred’s wasn’t not ungrateful pettiness or violent exhaustion can really do to a per-
tacularly mismatched Naugahyde just another one-hairdryer-away- militant feminism contributed to son.
furniture and faux sea grass wallpa- from-a- fire single-wide in the mid- what happened next. Alas, all things – from summer
per. The doors didn’t lock but we dle of a sprawling trailer park near First, Mrs. D’s eyes began to days to kidney stones – must pass
viewed that as a safety feature Garden City Beach, South water and she kept pinching her but the memories remain no matter
rather than a drawback. The win- Carolina: it was a state of mind. nostrils shut; her daughter began how much I booze. Three decades
dow unit air conditioner, cleverly Some have called that state of scratching uncontrollably and later, we can look back on those
duct taped into a hole in the living mind “severe dementia.” Alas, pulled the collar of her t-shirt over days and chuckle, although for
room wall was just powerful envy is an ugly emotion. her nose, which may have con- some reason every time I think
Nonetheless, I will admit that tributed to her sudden hyperventi- about those days I have to scratch.

SERIES OF ARTICLES

THIRD PLACE:
The People-Sentinel
Jonathan Vickery
2012 Crime Series

SERIES OF ARTICLES

SECOND PLACE:
The Hampton County Guardian
Michael M. Dewitt Jr.
Bullying in Schools

SERIES OF ARTICLES

Ignore.no.more
FIRST PLACE: concerns an issue “God placed on our hearts”
people from other countries

The Clinton Chronicle
By Vic MacDonald
promising them education,
Staff Writer and then they are doing things
they did not expect to be
“God placed this on our doing,” Wham said, “and all
hearts” is the reason that an their wages go to the traffick-

Vic MacDonald
organizing committee will ers.”
bring forth Thursday night an First Baptist Church, the
issue that for most people is Presbyterian College Fellow-
out of sight, out of mind. ship of Christian Athletes,
Human trafficking takes Transformation, Davidson
place just in big cities, right? Street Baptist and Broad

Ignore.no.more Well, no, the
ignore.no.more event - 6:30
p.m. Thursday at the Clinton
First Baptist Church Family
Street United Methodist are
partners in this event.
Speakers from Interna-
tional Justice Mission and On
Life Center, 301 Broad St. - Eagles Wings Ministries, and

human trafficking will include a harrowing tale
of human trafficking from
here in Laurens County.
Karen Wham, an organizer
music by Chris Tippins will
be featured at the event this
Thursday evening.
Doors will open at 6 p.m.
of the event, said that Dawn Tippins will lead praise and
Ardelt, of the Laurens County worship at 6:30, followed by
Safe Home, will bring details the speakers, and the event
of the case of a young woman will end at 8 p.m.
whom the agency recently Seating is limited.
has helped. “We strongly encourage
A flyer for the event says, everyone to come out and ed-
“This very moment more than ucate themselves on this con-
2.7 million people are trapped cerning matter,” said Shaun
in modern-day slavery.” Nibert, president of PC’s
“This is the result of a lot FCA. “There is so much that
of people working together. we, as a community, turn a
God put this on our hearts,” blind eye to daily simply be-
Wham said. “The call to do cause we just don’t know
this intensified for me when I ents: Some of the images on a done. And that is just the sex about them. Come hear the
became a mother a year ago. video that will be shown at trafficking aspect of the prob- facts and feel the pain from
If this was happening to my this event will be too disturb- lem; other trafficking is done the stories ahead. You will be
child I would be out there ing for children to watch. for cheap labor on farms and shocked. Take a stand with us
working to get her back, but For the Super Bowl, politi- in factories. not to allow this version of
there are so many children cal conventions and other Atlanta and Charlotte are modern-day slavery to con-
some 5 and 6 years old, God mass events, girls and boys major human trafficking tinue.”
is calling on us to be their are brought into the cities to “ports”. “Until we starting re- For more information, call
voice.” service the event participants, searching it,” Wham said, 864-833-5271.
A word of caution for par- said Wham of the research “we didn’t know it, either.”
the organizing committee has “Traffickers will bring in

SERIES OF ARTICLES DR. HOLLIDAY: Style guru


‘BEAUTIFUL MIND:’ Martin Dickey

THIRD PLACE: The Fort Mill High School Marching Band, circa 1981, cheers.
COURTESY OF FMHS

1980s band director introduces
Fort Mill Times ‘floating shapes’ to FMHS
Editor’s note: This is part of an occa-
sional series leading up to the Fort Mill
Band Alumni reunion in September.
By Jenny Overman
The difficult drill came with a steep
learning curve for the band students.
“We didn’t do well at the early con-
tests. We were struggling,” Holliday said.
joverman@fortmilltimes.com A mid-season competition in Laurens

Jenny Overman
turned the band around. As the band took
FORT MILL — If directors John De- the field, performing songs including
Week starting Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Classic cars could be a
good investment, 3B
News
Life-changing experience
Fort Mill High grad traces the Holocaust, 5A
Got a news tip?
Call us at 547-2353!
+ 3A
Loach and Ernie Thigpen built the foun- “New York, New York,” something
dation of the Fort Mill Marching Band changed, Holliday recalls. The band’s
S.C. Sandy Pointe residents favor annexation
House By John Marks representation at the town in ad- mer, homeowners association the vote also had possible reper- “This was certainly a unique

candidate
jmarks@fortmilltimes.com dition to the county level. Re- President Russell Phillips said cussions in other areas. An an- election,” said Wanda Hemphill,
maining outside the limits the move likely wouldn’t benefit nexed Sandy Pointe would, for director of York County Registra-
FORT MILL — Residents of would mean no town taxes. him financially, but that overall instance, bring a community like tion and Elections. “We’ve never
the Sandy Pointe subdivision ap- Darren Ham brought his fami- it could be a boost to property Huntington Place into a contig- held an election like that for a
taking it proved a request to become part
of the town of Fort Mill in a refer-
endum held last week. The vote
ly – which includes two voters –
to the polls Aug. 14. Ham’s de-
ciding factor was the additional
values. Casting his vote Tuesday,
Phillips hadn’t changed his
opinion.
uous path where residents there
could choose to petition a simi-
lar vote themselves.
subdivision.”
Following the vote, the town
must give 30 days to allow for

one door – 69 in favor and 19 opposed –
was certified Thursday.
Several issues stood at the
set of services offered by annex-
ation.
“We both voted yes,” he said.
Regardless of turnout, Phil-
lips said, he planned to stand by
the community’s decision.
It remains to be seen if the
Sandy Pointe vote will be an
anomaly or the first of others to
public reaction before Town
Council can approve the move.
The only hang-up would be if ex-

at a time heart of the annexation decision.
A move into town limits would
mean better utility costs, gar-
“Having the Fort Mill services,
the law enforcement – it’s a lot
closer.”
“If that’s what they decide,
then that’s the betterment of the
community,” he said.
come. Such an annexation
hadn’t been attempted in the
county, and public officials say
isting Fort Mill residents created
a counter petition, which hasn’t
happened in previous annex-
bage collection and other town As residents prepared for the While the decision mainly in- they’re only aware of a select few ation cases statewide.
By Stephanie Marks Martell services, along with political annexation vote earlier this sum- volved Sandy Pointe residents, such petitions statewide.
marksmartelldesign@gmail.com

FORT MILL — Armed with a
bottle of Gatorade, a box of busi-
ness cards and his dad’s yellow
Ford pickup, South Carolina
House District 26 Libertarian WELCOME BACK, COTTER: Band reunion ‘Urban’
candidate Jeremy Walters is hit-

could be
ting the pavement to reach out to

program, Dr. Terry Holliday gave the pro- hard work in rehearsals took root and
voters before the 2012 General
Election on Nov. 6.
Walters faces Raye Felder, a Re-
publican running as a petition
candidate after her name was
knocked off the primary ballot
on its way
along with dozens of others be-
cause of a technicality in a state-
wide filing glitch. Walters is rela-
Fort Mill’s downtown
tively unknown while Felder has may get a new look
deep ties to the Fort Mill commu-
nity. By John Marks
“My friends asked me, ‘How jmarks@fortmilltimes.com
are you going to win this?’ I’m go-
ing to go door to door and ask F O RT M I L L — S o m e d a y
them to vote for me. I’ve handed downtown Fort Mill could have a
out 600 cards. I just have 25,000 drastically different look. If it
more to go. It’s not that big of a does, two recent moves by Town
deal,” Walters laughs. Council could play a role.
Walters is canvassing the dis- On Aug. 13 Council moved for-
trict neighborhood by neighbor- ward with ordinances changing
hood, knocking on doors and in- what signs are allowed in local
troducing himself to potential commercial zoning districts and
voters. allowing for a new urban devel-
While making his rounds in opment zoning district. Both is-
Fort Mill’s White Grove neigh- sues could apply in several loca-
borhood Thursday evening, Wal- tions in town, though the Main
ters stopped to speak to resident Street area is a particularly strong
Lee Thompson, who said he possibility.
plans to vote Nov. 6. “What we’re talking about is

gram the style and uniqueness that is its blossomed.
“I vote in all of them,” he said. mainly in the downtown area,”
“This is the most important elec- said Councilman Larry Huntley.
PHOTOS SPECIAL TO THE FORT MILL TIMES “It’s something we’ve looked at
tion in my lifetime. I’m a Repub-
lican. Some things are going on An overview of the Fort Mill High School Band perfroming in the 1987 S.C. State Competiton. where if you have that residen-
that I absolutely disagree with tial, you have a built-in market

FMHS director’s themes
and that concern me for my chil- for restaurants, that type of
dren and their children. To me it thing.”
looks pretty ugly right now,” Mr. The new zoning district is a
Thompson said. high-density residential tool
White Grove resident Robert aimed at “flexible, infill-style de-
Ryals, who works as an audiovi-
sual archivist at Winthrop Uni-
versity, also has concerns. He
cites dwindling funding for edu-
spanned war, Disney velopment” within the town’s ur-
ban areas. Council first heard de-
tails of the new zoning in July,
when they were told by staff that
cation in the K-12 grades and on no particular projects had come
the university level as a major is- Editor’s note: This is part of an occa- former band member Christi Pearse before the town but that the new
sue during this election. Ryals sional series leading up to the Fort Mill Knight remembers best. The show zoning could create an option for
questioned Walters about his Band reunion on Sept. 15. opened with “When Johnny Comes developers.
platform and expressed doubts By Jenny Overman Marching Home.” During the show the Huntley envisions something
that a Libertarian approach could joverman@fortmilltimes.com band broke into two parts representing where perhaps a downstairs level
be good for education. the North and the South. is commercial with residential
The brand new 26th S.C. FORT MILL — It was 1991, and the Fort Without warning, the students would upstairs, where residents have a
House District is a result of state- Mill High School Marching Band was break rank mid-show and stage a war on variety of shops or services with-
wide legislative redistricting leaving the field after performing their the field – using their instruments as in walking distance. Aimed at
completed in 2011 in response to Christmas-themed show at a competition weapons and flash cubes to represent helping whatever businesses
population increases indicated in Florida. gun fire. may locate there is the new
by 2010 census data. District 26 is The next band on the schedule took “The first time he explained to us what change to the town’s sign rules.
sandwiched between District 45 one look at the Fort Mill band’s perfor- we were going to do, I thought it would be Areas like downtown current-
to the east, where incumbent Re- mance and decided they weren’t compet- the stupidest thing. But it looked great,” ly don’t allow for projecting
publican Deborah Long will run ing anymore, remembers director Bob Knight said. “I even had people in college signs, or signs reaching from the
uncontested in the general elec- Cotter. ask where I was from. When I told them building that are more easily seen

hallmark even today. “We won that show and never looked
tion, and District 48 to the west, “The director for the band that fol- I’d been in the Fort Mill band they’d say, by foot or vehicle traffic. The
where incumbent Republican lowed us on the field came running up ‘Civil war show, best show ever.’” change allows for up to 12 square
Ralph Norman also will run un- and said, ‘I’m not competing; I’m not One of Cotter’s signature point-earn- feet of signage extending up to
contested. District 45 includes competing. I only want comments from ing moves was the band’s ‘closer.’ It was three feet from the building, al-
eastern Fort Mill but is situated the judges,’” Cotter said. the 30 seconds at the end of a show where lowing just one per business.
primarily in Lancaster County, It wasn’t the first time, or the last time, he’d have the color guard race across the Initially, Council expressed
while Tega Cay is in District 48. that the Fort Mill Band would blow away field, and the band would perform some some concerns such as on Main
“Very few people knew there the competition. Jason Ford, now an English teacher at of its most difficult and dramatic music. Street where public right-of-way
was a newly created House seat,” Cotter took over as director of the Fort Fort Mill High School who works with “The last thing you remember when begins almost immediately at the
Walters said, adding that it was Mill High School Marching Band in 1987 the band, holds up Fort Mill’s state you meet someone is what it felt like to businesses, and movement or
difficult “trying to explain the ex- after being recruited for the position by Championship trophy in 1987. say goodbye,” Cotter said. “It’s that final visibility of pedestrians could be
citement –being the only person former director Terry Holliday. During goodbye that the judges remember more impacted.
on the ballot at one point, and Cotter’s five years as director, he would ence and the judges. A Disney-themed than anyone else. If you nail that to the “The signs, whatever objec-
having them look at you and say, take the band from being just an award- show was performed in front of a replica wall, your score will go up.” tions there may have been we
‘Is that like Congress or some- winning marching band to being both of Cinderella’s castle – built by the group It’s the 1987 marching band show that should be able to take care of in
thing?’” winners and show-stopping performers. of parents known as the “pit crew.” The Cotter remembers best, though. During a the way the ordinance is written
If elected, Walters’ job descrip- Marching band shows during most of Christmas show featured several wooden moving rendition of “How Great Thou up,” Huntley said. “I actually
tion will be “to be the voice of the Cotter’s era had themes, costumes and Christmas trees that lit up and flashed. think that it’ll be an enhance-
people,” he said. “Trying to keep props that helped tell a story to the audi- It was the Civil War-themed show that Please see BAND 4A ment to the area.”
up with what Fort Mill needs. Signs would still require per-
That’s the most important part.” mits and review, in places even

Public invited to speak at rec hearing
Walters, a carpenter, said the by the Historic Review Board.
responsibilities of the South Car- Council also sees a safety benefit,
olina state government to the with flat storefront signs often
people are listening to what con- difficult to see while driving the
stituents want, representing the By Jenny Overman we’re doing with athletics and facilities. As narrow length of Main Street.
people to make sure their rights joverman@fortmilltimes.com Small projecting signs, some
are upheld, and “not blowing the
Speak up Fort Mill continues to grow we need to
make sure we have growing and improving said, would be easier to place and
taxpayers’ money on ridiculous FORT MILL — Residents will have two The public meetings will be held on our radar,” Simpson said. keep traffic moving.
things.” If he is elected, his core opportunities over the next two weeks to let from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Aug. 28 and Sept. One area of expansion on the horizon is One area where projecting

When Holliday took over as director of back after that,” Holliday said.
team will consist largely of peo- town officials know what they want in the 4 at Town Hall. The meeting isn’t just for at Doby’s Bridge Park, Simpson said, where signs and similar urban zoning
ple associated with the S.C. Co- way of recreation sports and other similar town residents, Fort Mill Parks and more fields are needed. That expansion will plans already are in place is Bax-
alition 4 Parents & Children, with programming. Recreation Director Brown Simpson be discussed at the public meetings, he add- ter Village. Clair Robinson, own-
whom Walters has spent the past The town will host two public meetings said. Anyone interested in recreation in ed. er of The Bump Maternity Bou-
year lobbying for more equal in Town Hall starting at on Aug 28 and Sept the community is welcome, he said. The department has around 3,500 kids tique, said her store of two-and-a-
rights for both parents in child 4. Both meetings begin at 6 p.m. involved in its recreation programs annu- half years benefits from both.
custody cases. “What we want to do is have the commu- ally. That number has grown significantly “A lot of our traffic is drive-by
“I’m going to try to get the nity meeting to give the public a chance to tackle football, baseball, softball and since the town took over the athletic pro- traffic,” she said of her store sign
younger people in – that’s who I give input about what they like, what they cheerleading. It also organizes recreational grams from the Leroy Springs Recreation out front. “They’re driving by
plan to use. They don’t know it don’t and what the want to see in the fu- events such as movies in the park and ulti- Complex in 2010. and they’re not necessarily com-
yet. I have all my damage that I ture,” said Fort Mill Parks and Recreation mate Frisbee pick-up games. Most of the children are from Fort Mill, ing here looking for us.”
want to do, like bills of my own Director Brown Simpson. The recreation department oversees the but many come from around the region, in- The urban feel of Baxter also
personally,” he said. “We want to expand on what the public town’s seven parks and facilities, including cluding South Charlotte, Waxhaw, N.C., helps in that the restaurants and
Walters’ personal fights in- wants.” the Spratt Building, Confederate Park and and Indian Land. stores nearby can help each oth-
Right now, the town offers recreation Walter Elisha Park. Simpson expects the number of partici-
+ Please see WALTERS 7A sports programs, including soccer, flag and “I think people are pleased with what pants to continue to rise. Please see URBAN 7A

the Fort Mill Marching Band in 1981, the Holliday had previously taught a mid-
band’s typical show was a series of dle school band in Greenwood and took
shapes formed by the students and held the position at Fort Mill High School eager
PHOTOS BY CARL HAMES - SPECIAL TO THE FORT MILL TIMES
steady for a short time period. to become involved with the band pro-

Fort Mill band
John DeLoach, Ernie Thigpen, Martin Dickey, Bob Cotter and Dr. Terry Holliday pose together at a band concert in 2007 honoring the school’s dozens of Holliday changed that. He “floated” gram at Fort Mill, which was rapidly earn-
state championships. All are scheduled to atten the upcoming reunion on Sept. 15.
PRUITT’S BAND: ‘Performance of a lifetime’
shapes. The band would make a shape –
diamond was a favorite – and “float” it
ing a reputation around the state for its
success.

Easing students’ minds
across the field, a technique that showed Under the leadership of DeLoach and
off the band’s marching skill that took Dr. Terry Holliday conducts the band. Thigpen, the band had two state titles un-
countless hours of practice to perfect. der its belt and had recently made the
The band was ready for the challenge, transition from class 2A to 3A.
Holliday said. port, you just put a package together that During Holliday’s seven years as band
“The tradition was built. The kids the kids like and the fans liked,” he said. director, the band would win six more

before leading them
knew it took hard work. We didn’t even But the first few months of that first

directors: A tradition
have to struggle with community sup- band season had a few hiccups, he said. Please see BAND 2A

Editor’s note: This is the next installment of an
occasional series leading up to the Fort Mill Band re- Come to the reunion
union Sept. 15.
By Jenny Overman The Fort Mill Band Alumni Reunion is Sept. 15.
joverman@fortmilltimes.com It will include dinner at the stadium, a chance to
buy the 1975-’89 era band uniform and a silent
FORT MILL — If the only constant in life is change,

of excellence
auction. Alumni are encouraged to bring their
the Fort Mill High School Marching Band got an up
instruments and perform “The Horse” with the
close and personal life lesson in the early 1990s.
Fort Mill Marching Band. The band will preview its
Band director Bob Cotter left the band in 1992 and
2012 show. Five previous band directors are
Scott Lambert, a director from Virginia, took the reins.
scheduled to attend. A portion of proceeds from
Lambert led the band to two state championships in
the event will fund Dollars for Dublin – the band’s
two years before resigning the position early in the
1994 competition season. fundraising efforts for its trip to Dublin, Ireland to
With Lambert gone, the school’s administration perform in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. For more
turned to Martin Dickey, the middle school band direc- information or to buy tickets, go to
tor, to take over. www.fortmillhsband.com/alumni/.
The transition from Lambert to Dickey was stressful
for students, Dickey said, especially seniors who were
facing their third director in four years. “It doesn’t matter if you win or lose. It’s how you
“It could have been devastating on the program,” play the game. Did you do your best? If you have that
Dickey said. philosophy, everything else will follow,” Dickey said.
COURTESY OF JOSH HERBERT
Dickey prevented the unease and uncertainty from Dickey’s leadership and sage advice helped soothe
becoming a negative experience for the students. He Martin Dickey leads the Fort MIll Marching Band. the sting of the loss, Plyler said. The band gathered Pruitt talks to the members of the Fort Mill High School Marching Band.
Director John
spent a lot of time talking to students and getting to together after the loss and Dickey told the students

Latest director savors
know them better. The drama and excitement of the stadium lights how sorry he was that the competition hadn’t gone
“I told them, ‘This is the situation we’re in, and we gave nighttime performances more energy than a mid- their way.
have to live with it,’ Dickey said. “And they rallied. We afternoon performance. Plyler got the impression that Dickey, although try-
had a great season. We just focused on the positive and That year, the band was assigned a midday perfor- ing to stay positive, “was never letting that happen
making the situation the best we could.” mance time. The performance lacked the energy that a again.”

success, stresses values
That year was the first in five years that the band nighttime show would have. The band won the State competition for the next
didn’t win the State title. Something was “off” about “It was a major let down. Everyone wanted to per- five years in a row.
that competition, said Wil Plyler, the band’s drum ma- form under the lights. It was a magical moment. We Dickey directed the Fort Mill Marching Band for 12
jor in 1994. Typically, the band would be among the thrived off the crowd’s energy,” Plyler said. “No one years and led the group to eight state championships.
last bands to perform at the State competition. Those wants to perform in the afternoon.” During his tenure, he led the band through the transi-
last spots were coveted because they were late in the The band finished in second place. There was dis- tion from Class 3A to 4A, organized three trips for the
evening and performed under the lights of the football appointment, but Dickey reminded students that you Editor’s note: This is the final installment of a series.
stadium. can’t win ‘em all. Please see By Jenny4A
BAND Overman Come to the reunion joverman@fortmilltimes.com
The Fort Mill Band Alumni Reunion is Sept. 15. It will
FORT MILL TOWNSHIP include dinner at the stadium, a chance to buy the 1975-89

T
he Fort Mill High School Marching Band, under the direc- era band uniform and a silent auction. Alumni are encouraged
tion of John Pruitt, marched onto the competition field in to bring their instruments and perform “The Horse” with the
Akron, Ohio, last year, facing 35-mile-per-hour winds Fort Mill Marching Band. The band will preview its 2012 show.
and chilly 40-degree weather. The wind Five previous band directors, including Thigpen, are
knocked students off balance and tossed the scheduled to attend. A portion of proceeds from the event will
plumes on their hats into the air, but the band fund Dollars for Dublin – the band’s fundraising efforts for its
kept their eyes on the prize. trip to Dublin, Ireland to perform in the St. Patrick’s Day
They wanted to take home the first Regional Parade. For more information or to buy tickets, go to
Bands of America title in Fort Mill band history. www.fortmillhsband.com/alumni/.
“The students were noticeably aggressive,”
Pruitt said. “They weren’t making any excuses.
We weren’t going to be an ‘also ran.’” America competition.
After battling the elements in the preliminary Sara Ann Hutto, a junior at the time, will never forget how she
competition the band was awarded first place in John Pruitt felt after winning the Regional Championship title.
its class and a spot in the final competition that evening. “It was perfect. I had all my friends around me and I remem-
In the final competition, the band again brought out its take- ber walking off the field thinking, ‘Wow, did that really hap-
no-prisoners attitude. pen?’” Hutto said.
“The crowd responded,” Pruitt said. “Even before we knew After accepting their trophy, the band was invited back onto
we had won, we knew it was the performance of a lifetime.” the field to perform The Horse, the traditional Fort Mill fight
The band won first place in the final competition as well as song. With emotions running high and tears in many of the
first place awards for Outstanding Visual Performance and Out- students’ eyes, the band performed in a stadium full of proud
standing General Effect. It was the first time in Fort Mill band
history that the band had taken first place in a regional Bands of Please see BAND 6A

SERIES OF ARTICLES

SECOND PLACE:
The Moultrie News
Sully Witte The extreme dream team
Professional
homebuilders help
Habitat for Humanity Habitat hammer
home the need for
affordable housing
extreme build Structures Building Com-
pany is again partnering
with East Cooper Habitat
for Humanity to raise walls
on a home and give hope to
low-income families seeking
decent and affordable hous-
ing east of the Cooper as part
of Habitat for Humanity’s
Home Builders Blitz 2012.
During this year’s event,
the nationwide project seeks
to build and renovate more
than 200 homes, thanks to
the skilled labor provided
by local professional home-
builders and construction
firms.
Habitat’s Home Builders
Blitz is a partnership between
Habitat affiliates and the
building community to build
and renovate homes across
the United States. Builders STAFF PHOTOS BY SULLY WITTE
and Habitat affiliates work Structures Building Company is again partnering with East Cooper Habitat for Humanity to raise walls on
closely to organize all aspects a home and give hope to low-income families seeking decent and affordable housing east of the Cooper as
of building, including secur- part of Habitat for Humanity’s Home Builders Blitz 2012. This home will be built in a week and is located on
ing subcontractors and sup- Kent Street.
pliers, fundraising and seek-
ing donations of materials.
Builders participating in the with builders and engage manity International CEO. thank the builders for their ing Company and owner
program this year will work them in our work to help “By sharing their talents and commitment and dedication S t e v e K e n d r i c k g a t h -
with more than 100 Habitat families in need of afford- skills with us, we are able to to making Home Builders ered subcontractors and
affiliates. able housing,” said Jonathan increase our capacity to help Blitz 2012 a success.”
“We are excited to partner Reckford, Habitat for Hu- transform communities. We Locally, Structures Build- See Habitat, page 12A

SERIES OF ARTICLES

FIRST PLACE:
Want to go?

Lake Wylie Pilot The 2012 Lake Wylie
Children’s Charity
Benefit Concert runs
from noon until dark
Sunday, Sept. 23, near
T-Bones on the Lake and

John Marks Buster Boyd Access
Area. Events include a
silent auction, children’s
zone and bake sale.
Money raised goes to
the family of Luke

Fighting child cancer Moore.
Bands include Out of the
Blue, Chris Sanchez
Band, The Cloud 9
Band, Skate Rink
Jukebox, The Lakeside
Drive Band, and Chris
Cook and Friends. For
more information, visit
lkwchildrenscharity.org.

JOHN MARKS - jmarks@lakewyliepilot.com
Luke Moore, 3, rides a tricycle at his home in Lake Wylie. This year’s Lake Wylie Children’s Charity concert is being held
Sunday, Sept. 23, for Luke, who has leukemia.

LUKE LOOKING FORWARD
TO FUN AT CONCERT
By John Marks to complaining. His only questions are whether he can ride
jmarks@lakewyliepilot.com that tricycle on the main road and why he has to wear pants
LAKE WYLIE — There aren’t a great many certainties these outside.
days in the Moore household, but there is one. Somebody is “I don’t want to,” he says.
going to be smiling. Moore hardly looks like a boy who spent yesterday taking
Plenty often it’s Brandon, 18 months, who’s a bowling ball chemotherapy. Or a boy hospitalized Christmas night with
of energy and who smiles so hard his eyes shut. At times it’s plunging hemoglobin counts, and whose mother spent the
mom Crystal, often wearing an exasperated grin with two months since bargaining with God and bill collectors. Moore
boys younger than age 4 chasing circles around her. Then, looks like a boy who just wants to wrestle his baby brother,
there’s Luke. who’s so stoked about preschool that he needed a nap after
The 3-year-old glows when he leads tours into his room meeting his teacher.
where the T-ball trophy and giant benefit poster live. He “He’s not going to be one to have trouble making friends,”
spends as long as a stranger will sit and listen, describing his
starts and stops on the tricycle outside. He’s a child not prone See CONCERT ■ 8A

SERIES OF ARTICLES

THIRD PLACE:
Denyse Clark
Guardian ad litem

SERIES OF ARTICLES

SECOND PLACE: g p p p p y p

Martin L. Cahn
ROAD TRIP Part 1 of 2

Road Trip

C-I photo by Martin L. Cahn

A cyclist races by Monday afternoon on Rock Hill’s Giordana Jeffrey Graham and City Councilman Walter Long watch. They
Velodrome as (from right) Camden business owner Dave and nearly 20 other Camden and Kershaw County leaders vis-
Baker, Kershaw County Councilman Jimmy Jones, Kershaw ited Rock Hill to learn more about how the city transformed
County School District Superintendent Dr. Frank Morgan, Cam- itself into a sports tourism destination.
den City Councilwoman Alfred Mae Drakeford, Camden Mayor

Local leaders, others look to Rock Hill for ideas
By MARTIN L. CAHN owners and others -- got on a bus at 8 a.m. brought millions of dollars in direct econom-
C-I (Camden, S.C.) associate editor Monday and headed north to the “Gateway ic impact to Rock Hill.
camden@ci-camden.com to South Carolina.” The local group on Monday’s “road trip”
During the past 30 years, Rock Hill has wanted to see if Rock Hill’s strategies for
Rock Hill in York County may have 10 transformed itself from being a city with a success could be adapted to Camden and
times Camden’s population in three times dying textile industry into a sports tourism Kershaw County.
the geographic size, but it may be a success destination. The city’s collaborations have The group was a diverse one, with com-
story for Camden and Kershaw County to brought thousands of people from around peting visions for how Camden should grow.
emulate. That’s why about 25 local leaders the country to baseball, softball, soccer and Despite those differences, they all agreed on
-- city council members, staff and other of- tennis tournaments and -- as of March -- a one thing when the bus returned to the Fine
ficials; candidates for city council; school cycling center like no other on the East
district officials; county officials; business Coast. Those sports tourists have, in turn, See Trip, Page A8

SERIES OF ARTICLES

FIRST PLACE:
The Lancaster News
Christopher Sardelli
and Gregory Summers
Brooklyn Avenue -- “Until you walk these streets you don’t know. It’s another world.”
– Lancaster County Councilwoman Charlene McGriff, on Brooklyn Avenue

Officials tour
now and then Brooklyn
neigbhorhood
csardelli@thelancasternews.com

W
ith a quick right
turn off Lancast-
er’s Main Street,
the small white
car suddenly en-
tered a different world.
Leaving behind the clean photos by CHRIS SARDELLI/csardelli@thelancasternews.com

streets and tidy, brick build- This house on Loft Lane, covered in vines and
ings that dot the town’s weeds, is for sale by owners at a bargain price.
main thoroughfare, the
landscape abruptly changes
to broken sidewalks, over-
grown yards, scattered trash
and abandoned buildings. The remains of
The car passes a large,
gleaming brown sign her- Brooklyn this 15th Street
home remain
alding the group’s arrival at – now & then – untouched years

AVENUE
the Historic Brooklyn after it burned
Neighborhood. in a fire. The
But judging by the reac- white house
part 1 of 2
tion from the car’s occu- across the street
pants, including Lancaster burned down on
County Councilwomen sign that says Historic Wednesday night.
Kathy Sistare and Charlene Downtown Brooklyn,” Sis-
McGriff, as well as County tare said. “Historic Brook-
Administrator Steve Willis, lyn. Yeah, what a joke.”
the area is considered far “It’s only one block off
from historic. Main Street and it looks like
“We’ve got this gorgeous See BROOKLYN | Page 7A

REPORTING IN DEPTH

THIRD PLACE:
Marion Star & Mullins Enterprise
Andrew Golden
Capital Sales Tax

REPORTING IN DEPTH

SECOND PLACE:
Coastal Observer The Lost
Charles Swenson
-11.7
Percentage
drop in coun-
ty population
ages 20-44
Generation 24.5
Percentage of
residents who
feel “not too
safe” or “not

Who’s
Government study tries to discover safe at all”

leaving
• Less than
why people 20-44 are leaving the county 24.4
college educa- BY CHARLES SWENSON tracts lost population. phone and mail surveys of cur- Percentage
tion; COASTAL OBSERVER And the study found that rent and former residents to get who said they
• Under nearly three in 10 residents are their views on a range of gov- aren’t likely to
$70,000 in- Georgetown County lost likely to move within the next ernment services and quali- find alterna-
come; nearly 12 percent of the people two years, with younger people ty-of-life issues. They also sur- tive housing
who make up the family-rais- twice as likely to move as older veyed a similar sample from
• 31 percent in the county
ing age groups during the first people. Brunswick County, N.C., which
with children decade of the new century, and The results, if accurate, has a similar geographic and
at home. a study commissioned by local could have significant impact demographic makeup, which
governments lists public safety,
housing and lack of entertain-
on the school district, which
has seen a steady decline in en-
saw eight times the growth of
Georgetown County in the 2010
16.5
Percentage
+47.1 ment among the reasons for the
decline.
rollment, Superintendent Ran-
dy Dozier said.
Census.
“We’re always hearing how
under age 45
Percentage Missing from the list were The finding that more people wonderful Brunswick is,” who said the
rise in popu- areas of traditional concern for in the age groups with children Tomes was told by local offi- quality of life
lation age 55 policy makers, such as jobs and at home plan to move “shocked cials. was “poor” or
and older education. me,” he said. “You may have to The study found differenc- “very poor.”
“It’s tough to draw conclu- look at closing some of those fa- es between the two counties as
sions,” said Sel Hemingway, the cilities” in rural areas. well as differences between peo- Source: USC
Who’s county administrator. “There “Why are the other coastal ple within Georgetown County. Institute for Public
coming were a lot of fringe areas.” counties able to attract all age Tomes explained that the re- Service

• College Alone among six coastal groups and Georgetown isn’t?” port highlights areas where the
degree or counties of comparable size, asked Bill Tomes, director of differences are the greatest.
higher; Georgetown County saw the Governmental Research and Nearly 25 percent of George-
number of people between the Service at the University of town County residents said
• Over ages of 20 and 44 decline in the South Carolina. they feel “not too safe” or “not
$100,000 2010 Census. While the coun- That’s what the county, safe at all” compared with only
income; ty population grew by almost 8 the school district, the city of 6 percent in Brunswick. Among
• 21 percent percent, that growth was driv- Georgetown and the water and county residents who make un-
with children en by residents 55 and older. sewer district want to know. der $50,000 a year, 28 percent
And growth was almost exclu- They commissioned the USC felt less safe, compared with
at home
Source: USC sively on the Waccamaw Neck, Institute for Public Service and 4 percent of residents with in-
Institute for Public which grew 34 percent. Five of Policy Research to find out. comes over $50,000. Those who
Service the county’s seven other census Researchers conducted SEE “STUDY,” PAGE 3

REPORTING IN DEPTH

FIRST PLACE:
Lexington County Chronicle
& The Dispatch News
Bill West and Terry Ward
Clerk of Court race Moore: ‘I came up short, but I’m not going away’
BY BILL WEST
ChronicleBill@Yahoo.Com INSIDE _| qualify to run as a Petition
candidate.
“I knew from Tommy Windsor What does the future hold for
the beginning doesn’t ﬁle for Clerk Moore? “I do not plan on leaving
this would be a of Court, A3 Lexington County or turning in
rough journey.” my GOP membership.” She said
Suzanne interact with Lexington voters she is committed to becoming
Moore reﬂected who had no idea who she was or more active and will continue to
on her battle to in many cases what the Clerk of follow county government.
unseat her Court did. “Our local politicians have a
former boss, Moore The sister-in-law of chance to make a difference or
Clerk of Court Congressman Joe Wilson said continue down that self-serving
Beth Carrigg. “7,800 signatures most of the people she talked with path that started this political
(to allow me run as a Petition “thought we had been done season.”
Candidate) meant 7,800 wrong. Most blamed a Lexington In concluding her statement,
conversations explaining what the senator and most folks were Moore said, “My bet is that voters
petition process was all about.” angry about the entire situation.” will send a clear message in
Moore told the Chronicle the Moore told the Chronicle she November. Too bad the choices
Petition Drive “forced” her to came up short 900 signatures to will be limited.”

REPORTING IN DEPTH

THIRD PLACE:
Charleston City Paper
Paul Bowers

exposure. Any child that this guy molested claims. His reasoning was that “the school Time appears to have run out for
after 2007 is going to the Citadel and saying, believes it would be beneficial to both the the family of that camper to sue the
‘What were you doing sitting silent?’” IRF and the institution, and the most likely Citadel over the ReVille case. As
After working as a counselor at a Citadel approach to lead to a quick and inexpensive Brandenburg indicated in an e-mail
summer camp from 2001 to 2003, ReVille resolution of this claim.” to the IRF, his interview with
continued to surround himself with children. Brandenberg got approval for the reim- the family in July 2007 was “an
He taught English and coached basket- bursement and traveled to interview the for- unequivocal trigger of the statute
ball at Pinewood Preparatory School in mer camper and his parents in July 2007 (see of limitations.” The family had
Summerville from 2002 to 2006, hosted four story, p. 26). When he arrived, the camper three years to act. However, families
foster children in his home from 2004 to told Brandenburg that he had been coerced of later victims could still sue the
The military school’s FAILURE TO ACT has 2006, coached at the Mt. Pleasant Recreation
Department from 2007 to 2011, coached
into watching pornography and masturbating
in ReVille’s room in 2002. The young man
Citadel for failing to stop ReVille.
The school never turned the accusa-
tarnished its reputation tennis at Bishop England High School from
2008 to 2010, and coached basketball at
pleaded, “I don’t want him to do to another
kid what he did to me.”
tion over to police, and nowhere in the
documents is there an indication that
Moultrie Middle School from 2009 to The camper’s father, a Citadel graduate, the school tried to contact ReVille’s later
BY PAUL BOWERS 2011. At the time of his arrest, he was a vice indicated that he did not want to sue the employers to advise them of the claim

L
principal at Coastal Christian Preparatory school, but he asked what the school could do that had been made.
oyalty runs deep at the Citadel. that accusation were fellow Citadel graduates School. He also held boys’ Bible studies with about letting his son enroll as a student. His To be fair, Brandenburg’s job is to
David A. Carroll graduated from the and employees. the youth of Eastbridge Presbyterian Church, son’s grades had gone down the tubes after the protect the Citadel’s legal interests.
state-supported senior military col- After ReVille was arrested in Mt. Pleasant where he and his wife are members. summer of 2002, and he had recently received The school was sued in 2003 when five
lege in 1984 with a degree in history. on Oct. 28 on a charge that he had fondled Meyers says five families have contacted a rejection letter from the school. campers from the same summer camp
He is also a longstanding member of a child, at least eight more people told him for consultation so far, saying their chil- “I think this young man deserves for the claimed they had been molested by
the alumni association and donor to police that they, too, had been molested by dren were victims of ReVille’s. He says any Citadel to take another look at him,” the Marine Corps Capt. Michael Arpaio, who
the school’s development foundation. When ReVille as children. It’s the same opened- claims made against the Citadel will have to father said. Later, he added, “And — and that’s later served 15 months of a 10-year prison
the Citadel began admitting female students floodgate effect that played a role in the be investigated on an individual basis. — you know — but it’s up to him. He’s an sentence for sexual abuse. The school
in 1994, Carroll signed up his then-infant investigation of Charleston teacher Edward “Now if you want to hand me a good adult. But for me, I think the Citadel was — ended the suit in 2006 with a $3.8 million
daughter for a provisional appointment, an Mein Fischer in the late 1990s. One former lawsuit, by all means, keep quiet, don’t say was part of the root cause. I think that it can settlement, but another former camper came
alumni perk that guaranteed her a spot at the student of Fischer’s came forward with anything, don’t investigate, and don’t report,” be part of the root cause to fix him. And, you forward with a lawsuit against Arpaio and the
school as long as she met certain physical and allegations in 1997, saying that Fischer had he says. know, I think it’s a very inexpensive way for Citadel last week.
academic requirements. sexually assaulted him in the Citadel to say, do you know what? We’ll So aside from Brandenburg, who else

D
But after watching how "The Citadel wasn’t the 1980s while he was a ocuments released by the Citadel fix our own. We’ll — we’ll — we’ll keep this knew about the allegation against ReVille?
the school handled an out affirmatively student at James Island High surrounding the ReVille case indicate within — within a family, and off we go.” According to a letter written by Brandenburg
accusation of sexual mis- School. After his arrest was a pattern that Meyers calls “think- In a later e-mail to the IRF, Brandenburg to the IRF, the boy’s father initially tried to
conduct by Citadel graduate trying to help ReVille announced, 12 other stu- ing it halfway through.” The first half is to wrote about the father, “He is a Citadel call the college’s president, Lt. Gen. John
and former summer camp get another job, dents came forward to the wonder whether the family of the victim graduate ... and I suspect feeling much of the W. Rosa, when he heard the claim from his
counselor Louis Neal will sue the school for the incident, and the son. Rosa’s secretary answered the phone,
“Skip” ReVille, Carroll says
but they were doing solicitor with accusations.a
In 1999, Fischer received Citadel appears to have put a lot of thought
typical desire that graduates have to see their
sons attend the Citadel.” He wrote of the son and Brandenburg responded on behalf of
he’ll stop donating money nothing to limit his 20-year prison sentence for into that. The second half, which there is no that he “seems interested in attending, though the president. Meeting itineraries show that
until he sees a change in exposure. ” 13 counts of sexual abuse, indication that the school followed through not as interested as his father is in seeing him Brandenburg spoke with Rosa multiple times
leadership. And when his although he later confessed on, was to find out where ReVille was cur- attend.” He also said he detected “animosity” about the case, although Rosa has said that it
daughter graduates from —Charleston lawyer Gregg Meyers to victimizing 39 boys in his rently working to let the employer know from the former camper’s mother. was presented to him as a matter of settle-
high school in May, she will 40-year career. about the allegations. Ultimately, the school offered to help ment, not a criminal matter.
not be attending the college. Gregg Meyers, a Charleston lawyer who One of the main players in the released the former camper work his way through
“When asked in the past if I went to the represented the families of many of Fischer’s documents is attorney Mark C. Brandenburg, remedial classes at a community college so he continued on page 28
Citadel, I always stood a little taller and victims, sees another important similar- general counsel for the Citadel. The genesis could get into the school, and Brandenburg
answered with a resounding ‘Yes,’” Carroll ity between Fischer’s story and ReVille’s: and authorship of some pages in the packet even got approval from the IRF for a $20,000
says. “Lately, when asked the same question, A school had the chance to stop a molester are sketchy, and a spokesman from the school settlement to be paid to the family. But
CHARLESTON CITY PAPER 11.23.2011

I assume a defensive posture and reply rather before he could hurt other children, and it has refused to explain certain ambiguities. the documents indicate the family stopped
sheepishly, ‘Yes, why do you ask?’” failed to do so. Before Fischer taught at James Some things are crystal clear, though. contact with the school after freshman
Carroll says many graduates are hesitant to Island, he was a teacher and athletic advisor What is known is that in May 2007, matriculation in 2007, and in August 2008,
speak out against the Citadel — “You don’t at the private Porter-Gaud School. When Brandenburg sent a letter to a claims a representative from the IRF wrote a letter
want to criticize the mother institution,” he officials there caught wind of accusations manager at the Insurance Reserve Fund, to Brandenburg indicating that the agency
says. To him, that’s a big part of the prob- being made against Fischer, they declined to a branch of the State Budget and Control would close the ReVille file “due to a lack of
lem with the way the Skip ReVille case was report it to police. Fischer left the school, and Board that provides insurance for the col- pursuit” by the family.
handled. When a former camper from the Porter-Gaud provided recommendations that lege, asking for financial support
school’s now-defunct summer camp came got him jobs at other schools. to travel to the family and
to the administration in 2007 and made an “The Citadel wasn’t out affirmatively trying interview them about their
accusation against ReVille, a 2002 Citadel to help ReVille get another job,” Meyers says,
24 graduate, the only people who investigated “but they were doing nothing to limit his

REPORTING IN DEPTH

SECOND PLACE:
Michael Smith
Cottonpatch Sand Mine

CHRONICLE
POST AL PAT RON
CAROLINA FOREST PRESORTED
STANDARD
U.S.POSTAGE PAID
CONWAY, S.C.
PERMIT NO. 44

Cottonpatch flap 75 Cents

prompts changes PHOTO PROVIDED BY HORRY COUNTY GOVERNMENT

Horry County residents and public officials say they were
Horry considers revisions to mining, subdivision rules shocked that the Cottonpatch digging greatly exceeded the
eight-foot limit that developers initially stated they’d follow.

BY MICHAEL SMITH state and county mining regula- controversy, they’re taking a sec- as it had with batch plants, and casts doubts as to whether any
EDITOR tions. ond look at county mining and they plan to address it,” said Wa- homes will actually be built
That lack of uniformity, resi- subdivision laws to prevent fu- terford Plantation resident An- there.
As a lawsuit between Cotton- dents say, is allowing digging op- ture dust ups from occurring. thony Quaranda, a Cottonpatch “When does a "development"
patch and the S.C. Department erations to continue at “I am happy to hear that the critic. “Forgive my skepticism, get recognized for the sand mine
of Health and Environmental Cottonpatch, even after DHEC County Council is becoming but until it happens, I shall then it truly is?” vanSickler said. “At
Control wiggles its way through issued a cease and desist order aware of the numerous prob- believe it.” some point, Horry County
the court system, area residents several months ago. lems caused by the activity sur- Carole vanSickler, who also should have closed down their
are scratching their heads over Meantime, county leaders say rounding mining - environment, lives in Waterford, said the lack
the lack of uniformity between that because of the Cottonpatch dust, noise, traffic, road impact - of development at Cottonpatch COTTONPATCH, A3

REPORTING IN DEPTH

FIRST PLACE:
Free Times
Corey Hutchins
Weak
Tea
What Happened to
the Tea Party Taking Back
its Government?
Nikki Haley and Sarah
BY COREY HUTCHINS Palin during the 2010
gubernatorial race in S.C.
Photo by Sean Rayford

wo years to the day since Alvin

T
Instead, it was a washout. booted roughly 250 challengers to incumbent

Greene became a household
Voter turnout was historically low. Hun- lawmakers from the ballot.
dreds of candidates were kicked off the ballot Regardless of why it happened, the latest

name, all 170 seats in the S.C.
in the weeks leading up to the state’s June election cycle has come to be considered
primary. among the grassroots of the tea party as a

House and Senate were up for
Reasons vary for why the movement blown chance — and proof positive that real
failed to mobilize a groundswell of anti- change might be completely beyond their

grabs on June 12 in what should have been
incumbent fervor that could have reshaped grasp.

Haley’s Tea Party
South Carolina’s power structure in one of

a watershed moment for the tea party
the most tea party-saturated states in the

Honeymoon is Over
nation.

movement. With a governor they’d elected
Many believe that once elected, their
one-time leader Nikki Haley sold out the

in the Governor’s Mansion, it was an
movement and capitulated to the status Three years ago, the modern anti-tax
rebellion roared onto the American political

opportunity for tea partiers to remake the
quo she’d campaigned against. Others see a
tea party movement that was smashed into scene under the banner of a yellow “Don’t
Tread on Me” rattlesnake flag that was born

state GOP in their own image.
splintering factions during a contentious Re-
publican presidential primary process. Then out of the revolutionary history of colonial
there was a controversial early May decision Charleston.
by the S.C. Supreme Court that effectively In the spring of 2010, a New York Times/

CYAN-AOOO REPORTING IN DEPTH
MAGENTA-OAOO YELLOW -OOAO BLACK 2/6/01


THIRD PLACE:
The Summerville Journal Scene
Jim Tatum
Benton murder trial under way
BY JIM TATUM age facility. Benton did not seem angry, nor
The Journal Scene did Palmer ever see a weapon on Benton or in
his truck, Palmer said.
As the trial of Randal William Benton con- Palmer would encounter Benton later that
tinues, a picture of almost surreal emotional evening around 10:30 p.m. in the apartment.
volatility punctuated with a moment of He said Benton appeared at the kitchen door
extreme violence emerges. asking for Treva Benton. Palmer said the man
Benton, 48, of Summerville, is on trial for smelled of alcohol but did not appear intoxi-
murder, accused of shooting his estranged cated and described Benton’s attitude as more
wife, Treva Dawn Benton multiple times as nonchalant rather than angry.
they argued in a restaurant parking lot in Palmer told the court that Randal Benton
Summerville in October 2010. told him that his truck broke down at a near-
A neighbor, Scott Herbert, told the court that by bar and he had simply come by to ask
Benton at some point during the evening of Treva for a ride home. Treva Benton would
Oct. 30 showed up at Treva Benton’s apart- arrive at the apartment shortly thereafter,
ment complex looking for her and that he Palmer said. She did agree to give Benton a
seemed angry. ride home, but told her son – the last words
Treva Benton’s son, Michael Palmer, how- she would speak to him – that she had her cell
ever, would encounter Randal Benton more phone, the ringer was on, and if Palmer did
than once that day – Benton actually helped not hear from her or she was not back in 20 Jim Tatum/Journal Scene
Palmer and others move Treva Benton’s pos- minutes, he should call her. If she did not Randal William Benton enters the courtroom during his trial Wednesday morning. Benton
sessions from her former apartment to a stor- is on trial for the murder of his wife, Treva Dawn Benton, who was shot multiple times in
See MURDER Page 8A the parking lot of a Summerville restaurant the night of Oct. 30, 2010.

REPORTING IN DEPTH

SECOND PLACE:
Drew Tripp and Brantley Strickland
Colleton County Coaching Saga

REPORTING IN DEPTH
APRIL IS NATIONAL DISTRACTED DRIVING AWARENESS MONTH

FIRST PLACE:
The Lancaster News
Jesef Williams
photos by JESEF WILLIAMS/jwilliams@thelancasternews.com
Studies suggest that using a cell phone while driving delays a driver’s reactions as much as having a blood alcohol concentration at the legal limit of
.08 percent. Legislators and law enforcement officers are among those hoping to see a law enacted to ban texting while driving in South Carolina.

THE NEW DANGER
Texting and driving: What's being said and done about it?
Jesef Williams
jwilliams@thelancasternews.com

J
Jeremias Clyburn is addicted to his cell phone. Plain and simple.
He uses the mobile device to regularly post updates on Facebook and Twitter.
He admits he interacts on social media “at least six times every hour.”
And then there’s the text messaging.
When Clyburn gets a new cell phone, he al- W8 2 TXT
ways asks about an unlimited texting plan
because he said it’s a function he has to have. Mobile phone text messaging has launched
Margaret and Ned Blackmon hold a what’s virtually become a new language. Phrases
portrait of their son, Monty Blackmon, “Texting is huge in my life,” the Lancaster
like LOL (laughing out loud) and TTYL (talk to
who was killed in a 2003 wreck. native said. “I use it every day and without a
you later) weren’t being written in past decades.
doubt, I text way more than I talk on the
Words now appear in shorthand form, and
EVERLASTING PAIN phone.”
But Clyburn said there’s a limit, a time when the Subway restaurant chain is using the style
to drive home a serious message about dis-
he refuses to text message – and that’s when
Blackmons cite distracted he’s driving. tracted driving.

driving in son’s death He believes the potential dangers outweigh
any satisfaction there is in typing an impromp-
In January, Subway locations in both Caroli-
nas launched the W8 2 TXT (wait to text) cam-
Jesef Williams tu message while behind the wheel. The idea of paign, in partnership with law enforcement
jwilliams@thelancasternews.com wrecking scares him. and the Put on the B.R.A.K.E.S. organization,
“Granted, I do talk on the phone while driv- which offers driver-education programs.
If not for the decorative Clemson li-
cense plate, you likely would not have ing, but I never text and drive at the same The effort urges young drivers to wait until
recognized Monty Blackmon’s blue time,” Clyburn said. “It requires more concen- they’re no longer behind the wheel to send or
truck. tration to text and drive.” read text messages, with the main focus on
The Chevrolet pickup was left But Clyburn said about four of his friends text April, which is National Distracted Driving
while driving – a practice that is being met with Awareness Month.
See PAIN | Page 5A
opposition and scrutiny as its popularity soars. See TEXTING | Page 5A

BEAT REPORTING
Weekly Under 6,000 & Over 6,000 Divisions Combined

THIRD PLACE:
Pickens County Courier
Nicole Daughhetee
Pickens County School Board

BEAT REPORTING

SECOND PLACE:
chew on this
LOCAL FOOD NEWS By Eva Moore

Photos of Local Humane Pig Farm Used in Smithﬁeld-
Free Times Sponsored Cookbook
“Obviously I would have never agreed to shill for Smithﬁeld,” Says DeFelice

Eva Moore
thing about ‘75 years of food you can trust’
— really? If it’s so trustworthy, why didn’t they
show pictures of their own operation instead
of mine?”
Summers later posted a reply, writing, in
Chew on This part:
“I am devastated to know that someone
I have grown to respect and truly appreciate,
Emile DeFelice, would be upset about my
cookbook. I truly felt as if I represented my
associations well. It is not in my nature to ever
misrepresent myself or anyone I work with.
I don’t hide my affiliation with companies
like Smithfield (whom, as a freelancer, I have
developed fresh pork recipes for) or Paula
Deen (whom, also as a freelancer, I have had
as a client). … Like Emile, I have learned a lot
about the publishing business with this my
first book. I learned that publishers make ‘buy
in’ deals with companies such as Smithfield to
help offset the cost of producing the book.”
Emile DeFelice at his pig farm.
File photo Food superstar Anthony Bourdain also
weighed in, telling The Gurgling Cod on Twit-
ter, “re: ‘Buy In’ if a book is partially paid for

W
hen cookbook author Libbie by Smithfield, I want to see that printed large
Summers wanted to stage a photo on page f#!king one.”
shoot for her new book, The Whole Free Times has been unable to reach Sum-
Hog Cookbook, she got in touch with Emile mers.
DeFelice, who runs Caw Caw Creek Pastured Rizzoli, the cookbook’s publisher, is of-
Pork, a farm that specializes in free-foraging, ficially refusing to comment on the matter,
humanely treated heritage pigs. according to publicity manager Jessica Napp.
DeFelice — well known to many South Smithfield responded to Free Times with a
C li i f i lt i

BEAT REPORTING

FIRST PLACE:
News and Press
Lisa Chalian-Rock
Crime

MAY 2, 2012

Two arrested for assaulting a child
By Lisa Chalian-Rock officials that a teacher assistant officials said. with open hands repeatedly as an open hand at least twice.
Editor and a behavioral manager work- “This behavior is unaccept- they put him in a safety harness There were no physical mani-
lisa@newsandpressonline.com
ing for the school district able, especially coming from on the bus. festations of the assault such as
allegedly slapped an exceptional adults who have been entrusted “The attitude is very aggres- blood or bruising.
Two school employees were education student as they were with the care of our children,” sive as she’s trying to put the The child did not raise his
arrested on Friday for allegedly placing him in his safety harness Superintendent Dr. Rainey safety harness on the child,” arms or show any aggressive
assaulting a 10-year-old special on the school bus. Knight said. “We do not condone Darlington Police Chief Watson behavior during the incident,
needs child at St. John’s As soon as the matter was this behavior anywhere in our said. Chief Watson said. “He never
Elementary School in brought to the attention of dis- district for any child.” In the video you see the other raised a hand to defend himself.”
Dudley Self
Darlington. trict administrators, the two The local police were noti- attendant arrive and slap the The child is nonverbal, which
Tomeka Self of Society Hill Department and charged with individuals were placed on fied, began investigating and child on the side of the face and limits his ability to ask for help,
and Rosanna Dudley of simple assault and battery. Both administrative leave without filed charges the same day. head, he said. One lady pushes Chief Watson said.
Darlington were arrested Friday are out on bond. pay, pending the outcome of an The women are seen on video the child’s head forward into the
by the Darlington Police A bus driver alerted school investigation, school district slapping and hitting the child seat. Both struck the child with CHILD ASSAULT, 7A

CYAN-AOOO MAGENTA-OAOO YELLOW -OOAO BLACK 2/6/01

BEAT REPORTING
2nd lawsuit filed against Pinewood
BY JIM TATUM Cowlishaw, and Brendan Diffley, also alleges that Pinewood Prep selors, and prin- silence by failing to notify law
The Journal Scene a former Pinewood guidance and Cowlishaw were grossly neg- cipals, among enforcement and by taking affir-
counselor. ligent in their hiring, retention others – that mative steps to keep others from
A second alleged sexual abuse According to a press release and supervision of ReVille. they must fol- notifying law enforcement.
victim of Charleston-area teacher from Motley Rice LLC, John Doe CYAN-AOOO new evidence, we
“Based on MAGENTA-OAOO YELLOW -OOAO BLACK 2/6/01
low the law and Pinewood officials continue to
and coach Louis “Skip” ReVille 2, alleges that Pinewood Prep, believe these mandatory protect the chil- maintain that the allegations are
is suing Pinewood Preparatory Cowlishaw and Diffley were reporters at Pinewood missed dren in their without merit.

THIRD PLACE:
School. notified that ReVille improperly opportunities to stop this preda- care.” “The allegations are unfound-
Lawyers for Motley Rice LLC touched him and other boy stu- tor,” David Hoyle, a Motley Rice The filing ed,” the school’s attorney, Alice
Reville
filed a civil lawsuit Wednesday dents while on school property lawyer for Doe 2, said. “We want claims a civil Paylor of the Charleston law firm
on behalf of a plaintiff known as but did not report it as required this lawsuit to serve as a c o n s p i r a c y, Rosen, Rosen and Hagood LLC
“John Doe 2” against Pinewood, by law. At that time, Doe 2 was a reminder to all mandatory alleging the three defendants said Thursday. “No such com-
its former headmaster Dr. Glyn middle school student. The suit reporters – teachers, school coun- engaged in a conspiracy of
See REVILLE Page 8A

DCSO
The Summerville Journal arrests 4th
Scene suspect
in murder
Jim Tatum Baby found mauled County Animal Control takes dog into custody; children removed from home
BY JIM TATUM
The Journal Scene

Bond was denied for the
with the victim to obtain
the marijuana and Butler
came out of a wooded area
with a
latest suspect arrested in gun and
BY JIM TATUM of death of the two and half month Ridgeville. According to Dorchester several times, severely mauling him. connection with the Dec. began fir-
he Journal Scene old baby was “exsanguination, due to County Sheriff L.C. Knight, authori- Knight said Aiden’s mother, 19 armed robbery and mur- i n g ,
transection of blood vessels, due to ties responded to a 911 call at 151 Chantel N. McGrew had left the der of a Moncks Corner w h i c h

Crime and Courts
Little Aiden McGrew bled to death animal eating, due to parental neg- Sampit Road in Ridgeville in refer- house earlier that morning with one man in Summerville. resulted
as a result of terrible injuries inflicted of her children, leaving her husband, During a bond hearing in the
lect.” ence to a child being attacked by a
by a pet dog, according to Dorchester Quinten H. McGrew, at home with held Wednesday afternoon, death of
County Coroner Chris Nisbet. Nisbet further stated that the man- dog. According to authorities, the Dorchester County
Aiden and a three-year-old child. At Provided the vic-
In a statement released Monday, ner of death has been determined to child, Aiden, was in a baby swing some point, Quinten McGrew appar- The dog that mauled a two- Jim Tatum/Journal Scene
Magistrate Judge Katrina tim, he Haynes
Nisbet reported that the results of an be homicide. when the dog, a recently acquired ently put Aiden into the swing in or month-old baby to death is
April Bennett with her son Lorenzo Newton. Patton denied bond for said.
autopsy and investigation by the The horrific event occurred the family pet, apparently pulled the in custody of Animal Christopher John “Rock” After conducting multiple

Small patient, big personality
coroner’s office determined the cause morning of April 18 at a residence in child out of the swing and bit him See MAULEDPage 12A Control. Haynes. interviews, Dorchester
g DCSO investigators County Sheriff ’s DCSO

‘He loved unconditionally’ One killedtouches hearts of all he meets
Lorenzo in FASHION FORWARD
arrested Haynes Tuesday investigators found that

Burglars hit
and charged with murder Haynes was also present
and armed robbery in con- and assisted Butler in the
nection with the murder of robbery and homicide,
William Michael Nettles said.

home invasion
BY JIM TATUM two and a half years old – has cancer, words all parents dread: “Your child Cummings. Swarez, 17 was arrested
The Journal Scene much less just finished a chemothera- has cancer.” The incident occurred

three churches
Dec. 28 and charged with
Family grapples py session less than an hour ago. “That day I felt like I just couldn’t about 7:30 p.m. Dec. 19 at criminal conspiracy in con-
Lorenzo Newton is as full speed The squirms and giggles that seem- go on,” Lorenzo’s mom, April Jim Tatum/Journal Scene Azalea Park apartment nection with the murder. A
with young ahead as little boys come. Expressive, ingly power the small toy locomotive Bennett said. “I kept thinking ‘why complex on Orangeburg
liquid brown eyes light up at a friend- now speeding across the break room again? Why isinto the courtroom before his sen- Summerville.
Loop in Summerville, female. ReVille is brought this happening again?
judge set her bond at
BY JIM TATUM Road near $40,000. DCSO

BY JIM TATUM Brownsville area of
man’s murder The Journal Scene ly face – any one – and the infectious, Robinson died atinto scene full of tencing on Wednesday.
according to Dorchester table to crash the a cup
mischievous giggle and klieg light contrasts starkly with the quiet, steady
County Coroner Chris and the roommate was trans-
ice, God must have a reason.”
Bennett lost her mother just last year
Deputies responded to a
call about a possible shoot-
Investigators arrested
Stroman on Dec. 30 in con-
The Journal Scene

The Summerville Police
Summerville reported burgla-
ries Monday morning.
At Emmanuel Baptist Church
BY JIM TATUM
The Journal Scene Child molester
One man is dead and his Nisbet. cannot be resisted.
smile simply ported to of the young mother recounting to colon cancer; she was literally still
roommate wounded after anOne Nisbet never guess this sunny, the said.
voice a local hospital,
would said Daniel P. Nisbet moment when she had to listen to paying funeral expense bills when
early morning home invasion Robinson, 24 died from – barely An autopsy is scheduled for
that turned deadly.
pint-sized whirling dervish mul- an emergency room doctor utter
tiple gunshot wounds when Tuesday and the incident is See LORENZO Page 8A
ing and found Cummings
dead in his truck with a
gunshot wound to his chest.
After conducting several
nection with the same
homicide. She was also
charged with Criminal
Conspiracy and denied
On a dusty afternoon in a The incident occurred unknown subjects kicked in under investigation by the search warrants and inter- bond, Nettles said. Dana
Department is trying to find out
who broke into three downtown
churches earlier this week.
located at 106 Boone Street,
one of the church deacons was
dusty mobile home park, a
diminutive woman in a gets 50 year
Congressman campaigns for Gingrich s
about 5:11 a.m. Sunday at a a door and shot him and his Dorchester County Sheriff’s
residence at 143 Brooks roommate, a 55-year-old Office.
views, investigators
obtained information that
Andrew Butler Jr., 19, of
Ridgeville was also arrest-

Police search on for
counting the Sunday funds lead to the arrests of three ed on Dec. 30 and charged
black dress sat in the shad- suspects, Enphaie Swarez, with Armed Robbery and
According to SPD incident when an officer knocked on the BY JIM TATUM
ows trying so hard to BY LESLIE CANTU people gathered for a luncheon atJournal Scene a 10-year program of mak- 17 and Ramera Stroman,
The through on Murder; his bond was also
reports, at least three churches express even a glimmer of The Journal Scene Sweetwater Café. ing Republicans the majority in the U.S. 19, both of Summerville denied.
located in or near the He said he had vowed to remain neu- House, and Dana Andrew Butler Anthony Pierce was driv-
See BURGLARS Page 8A her agony. Louis “Skip” ReVille may get out ofmost someday – but
something that
jail

Arrest made in It has been a little over a
week since Linda Amiano’s
son, 24-year-old Daniel
carjack suspects Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich tral in the Republican primary because Republicans had resigned themselves to Jr., 19, of Ridgeville.
has the right combination of experience, several of his friends are running,not until at least his 74th birthday.
but never happening, Watts said. According to information
historical understanding and principles felt compelled to begin campaigning ReVille, 32, adefended teacher, coach, camp counselor, investigators,
on He also former Gingrich’s remarks obtained by
to be the next president, said J.C. Watts, Gingrich’s behalf after he saw Bible study leader, and youth mentor pleaded guilty to a had set up a
the using U.S. Marshals to bring “activist the suspects
ing the vehicle where the
victim was located and was
charged the night of the
shooting with Possession
BY JIM TATUM former Police Captain Jon Rogers,on The victim was able to flag
Oklahoma Congressman, attacks on Gingrich. number of charges related to to explain theirsexual abuse of
judges” before Congress his admitted marijuana purchase from with Intent to Distribute

home invasion “Danny” Pryse Robinson
Jr., died after being shot
multiple times during an Judy Watts/Journal Scene
The Journal Scene Wednesday. black males wearing down a Dorchester County as undisci- many as 35 young male students the victim, Nettles said.
two Gingrich has been painted
Watts spoke t-shirts and blackabout 20 Sheriff’s yet he methodically followed
black to a group of shorts plined, Reserve Deputy
The search continues for a approached the victim, bran- who was on patrol nearby.
as decisions.
Lowcountry.
See GINGRICH Page 5A
During the sentencing hearing, held Wednesday in the
across the
The female suspects met
Marijuana and Criminal

See MURDER Page 8A

Charleston County Sheriff’s Tuesday pair of suspects who stole a dished a handgun, and took The deputy pursued the vehi- Charleston County Courthouse, Judge Markley Dennis
early morning home inva- Loureen Ferguson, left, admires Margaret Goodwine as they prepare to show fash-
car at gunpoint, then crashed the victim’s car keys. They cle and attempted a traffic
deputies have made an arrest morning as sion that occurred less than ions during the annual Pine Ridge Elderly Housing on Thursday. The fashion show is handed down sentences of 15 to twenty years each on 23
it a few blocks away. fled the scene in the victim’s stop. The subjects crashed
organized by resident Becky Crider. See more photos on page 8A. indictments ranging from criminal sexual conduct with a
in connection with a home he sat at 100 feet from where she sat. According to Summerville car, a 2003 Infinity.
See CARJACK Page 12A minor, performing a lewd act on a child, distributing
invasion that left a man dead. the kitchen No one is absolutely sure of pornographic materials, and criminal solicitation of a
Investigators say Leland table of his Rose the circumstances -- the Jim Tatum/Journal Scene minor during a sentencing These sentences will run con-
Shannon Jr., 40, of Linda Amiano talks about her son, Danny Robinson Jr., who was killed in a home invasion currently with a fifty-year sentence Dennis imposed on a
Lincolnville was shot early See ARREST Page 3A See ROBINSON Page 11A at a residence on Brooks Loop in Summerville. See REVILLE Page 8A

CYAN-AOOO MAGENTA-OAOO YELLOW-OOAO BLACK 01/29/08

BEAT REPORTING

SECOND PLACE:
Martin L. Cahn
Crime and Courts

Victims identified in murder-suicide
By MARTIN L. CAHN Kershaw County Sheriff Jim it was too late.”
C-I (Camden, S.C.) associate editor Matthews said the victims Matthews said the Stones
camden@ci-camden.com were found shot to death in had been separated since
Nancy Stone’s home. 2003. He said he was unsure
A note and a 911 call led “At this time, it appears that how Reginald Stone’s sister
to the grisly discovery of an this was a murder-suicide,” received the letter or note, but
apparent murder-suicide in Matthews said. “Our informa- that it stated he planned to
Camden at a home on Wateree tion is that the male victim is kill Nancy Stone, kill himself
Boulevard Wednesday after- the estranged husband of the and then detailed how their
noon. Kershaw County Coro- female victim. He apparently bodies were to be handled.
ner Johnny Fellers positively sent or somehow delivered Matthews said deputies got
identiﬁed the victims as Nan- a letter to his sister stating the call to respond to the home
cy Patricia Stone, 47, and her that he was going to kill his just before 1 p.m. Wednesday. C-I photo by Martin L. Cahn
estranged husband, Reginald estranged wife and then him- “We were really backed up,
E. Stone, 44. self. The sister called 911 and but a school resource ofﬁcer A Kershaw County Sheriff’s Office deputy suicide Wednesday. Inside, other deputies,
In a statement released to we responded. Unfortunately, stands at his patrol car in front of a home investigators and Kershaw County Coroner’s
the press Wednesday night, See Murder, Page A5 where two people died in an apparent murder- Office officials investigated the scene.

BEAT REPORTING

FIRST PLACE:
The Lancaster News
Cops and Courts CHRIS SARDELLI

Deputy Brandon Rollins csardelli@thelancasternews.com
From left is Dave Smith,
Brandon Rollins and his
refuses to give up wife, Micah Rollins.

csardelli@thelancasternews.com
Brandon Rollins remembers
clutching his side last fall,
moments after being
struck by an armed rob-
ber’s bullet, and vowing
he wasn’t going to die.
The Lancaster County
sheriff’s deputy told a
crowd of more than 100
law enforcement offi-
cers Thursday morning,
April 12, that it was all
See ROLLINS | Page 3A

SPOT SPORTS STORY

THIRD PLACE:
Coastal Observer
Charles Swenson
Warriors write new chapter in rivalry’s saga
BY CHARLES SWENSON
COASTAL OBSERVER

Tears, idle tears.
Saturday celebrating victo-
ry.
Tuesday shed in frustration.
The Waccamaw High boys
varsity ended a 12-year drought
in the Class AA playoffs with
their first ever win over Bishop
England, the Charleston-area The Warriors
Catholic school. Seven meetings celebrate
in the Lower State champion- the break-
ship went to the Bishops. This
year’s 4-1 win by Waccamaw through goal
was in the quarter-finals of the by Lucas
playoffs, meaning the Warriors Vozniak (17)
still had to play Academic Mag- against Bish-
net, another Charleston-area op England.
school, in the Lower State final Charles Swenson/
and the chance to advance to Coastal Observer
their first state championship.
The Warriors came home tors’ keeper, sophomore Brady regular season. “We trust him,” they demonstrated when the Ben Schoen said.
empty handed, with a long bus Allardice, came out of the pen- Magnet coach Jason Hamil teams met at Waccamaw in the “We couldn’t get any posses-
ride to ponder a 1-0 loss. alty area and swiped the ball said. regular season. That was also a sion, any rhythm,” he said.
“They had their game; we from the Waccamaw junior Hamil said he hadn’t had 1-0 Raptor victory. Yet even with the balance
didn’t,” said Taylor King, the midfielder. time to celebrate the Raptors’ The Raptors kept the ball of shots coming from the un-
Waccamaw goalkeeper. Allardice drew a red card for reaching the Lower State fi- low and made frequent sub- dermanned Raptors, the War-
After a shaky defensive the deliberate hand ball. That nal once he learned Wacca- stitutions to have fresh legs to riors held their own against
start, the Warriors found their left the Raptors with 10 players maw beat Bishop England. press their attack. The War- the top seeds. In the 66th min-
opportunity in the 30th minute for the remaining 50 minutes. “We knew Waccamaw would be riors played long, ranging shots ute, the Raptors’ Nick Nybo, a
when Eddie Meador took a ball It was a calculated risk that tougher than Bishop England,” from the midfield to connect freshman midfielder, collect-
through from midfield on a solo paid off. Allardice was replaced he said. with their forwards for a quick ed a short pass as he sprinted
run to the Raptors’ goal. One- by senior Chris Abraham, who The Warriors had the advan- strike. But they never found along the left boundary of the
on-one with Meador, the Rap- saw time in goal during the tage in height and size, which their rhythm, Waccamaw coach SEE “WARRIORS,” PAGE 22

SPOT SPORTS STORY

SECOND PLACE: NEWS-CHRONICLE - May 9, 2012 - Page 5

News-Chronicle Bears win district, advance to top 6 in state
HONEA PATH -- In less than a
week, the BHP baseball team won
the District 1 Championship, lost
allowed four base runners through
four innings.
“Hunter, our number three
“We felt like we were squar-
ing the ball up real good,” said
coach Williams. “We missed some
delivered a triple to left, sending
Major home with the lone BHP
run.

Debbie Rogers
in the first round of the Upper-State starter, came out and gave us a chances with guys on third a couple Greenville lost 3-0 to Union on
Tournament and fought its way into good start,” said BHP head coach of times and didn’t get the big hit Saturday, sending them to BHP for
the top six teams in the state. Steve Williams. “He had enough to get them in.” the first elimination game.
The Bears defeated Walhalla velocity and has a pretty-good After the double play, the Bears Complete details of Monday’s
8-3 in their fourth meeting of the breaking ball to get people out. He retired the top three batters in order game with Greenville will be
season and claimed the district worked ahead of batters for most to claim the championship. reported in next week’s News-
title. of the game.” “Hats off to our guys,” said Chronicle.
BHP lost 5-1 to a strong Fort After the Razorbacks cut the coach Williams. “They made the For the latest results, log on
Mill team on Saturday in the lead in half in the fifth inning, play when they had to. I tip my the web at www.schsl.org. Click
first round of the Upper-State. Michael “Tink” Rochester entered hat to Hunter who hasn’t pitched on 2011-12 brackets and state
The Bears eliminated Greenville in relief. in three weeks. We’ve had him champions.
Monday with a 10-4 come-from- In the top of the sixth, Walhalla ready several games and got him District 1 Championship
behind win. pulled to within one and threatened up, but haven’t used him. I’m real BHP 8, Walhalla 3
The Bears will be on the road to add more runs. happy for him.” WHS 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 3 5 3
today (Wed.) at Union County. The Razorbacks led off with a Pace (3-2) earned the win and BHP 2 0 0 2 0 4 x 8 12 1
The winner advances to the Upper- double and single and loaded the Rochester the save. Hitters AB R H RBI BB
State finals on Friday. bases with a walk. Another walk “I felt good about my pitches,” Matt Williams 3 2 1 1 0
The State Championship series kept the bases loaded. said Pace. “My breaking ball was Jake Crawford 4 1 2 0 0
begins Monday at the home of the A Keown to Williams to Smith on today and I put the fast ball on Rudy Cox 4 1 3 2 0
Lower State Champ. double play retired the side, leav- the outside corner and got a lot Tink Rochester 3 1 2 1 1
Against Walhalla, the Bears ing two stranded. of guys off balance. My breaking Drew Greer 2 0 1 1 1
collected five hits and jumped out “That was a big double play ball got me out of a lot of pitches. Collin Smith 3 1 1 0 0
to a 2-0 lead after one inning and to end the inning,” said Coach It was a great win and all our guys C. Alewine 2 2 1 0 0
led 4-0 after four. Williams. “The defense really did a great job.” 3B: Cox SB: Crawford, Alewine,
Collin Smith led off the fourth pulled us through. Once you get a The Bears had little time to Cox. Sac fly: Williams. Sac bunt:
with a double to center. Chance double-play ball, it is a momentum enjoy the win as they hosted Fort Crawford, Greer, Matthew Pow-
Pace came in to pinch run, ad- changer. Walhalla knew that was a Mill three days later. ell.
vanced to third on a Matthew big opportunity for them.” BHP scored first in the fourth Pitchers IP AB R H ER BB SO
Keown single and scored when The Bears scored four more inning, but the Yellow Jackets H. Pace (3-2) 4.67 19 2 3 0 2 2
NEWS-CHRONICLE PHOTO - Debbie Rogers
Keown stole second. runs in their last at-bat as they sent responded with five runs in their Rochester (S) 1.33 11 1 2 1 2 1
Keown scored the eventual eight batters to the plate. Walhalla next at-bat. CHANCE PACE (17) LEAPS INTO HIS SLIDE AT HOME against
winning run on a Matt Williams’ aided the Bear offense, giving up “We gave up one big inning,” Upper-State Playoffs Greenville Monday night. The Red Raider catcher dropped the ball
sac fly to left. two walks and committing an said Coach Williams. “They clutch BHP 1, Fort Mill 5 on the tag and Pace was safe at home.
With senior Hunter Pace on the error. hit with the bases loaded. FM 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 5 7 1 Drew Greer 3 1 1 0 0 Pitchers IP AB RH ER BB SO
mound, the Bears retired seven of Seniors Andrew “Rudy” Cox After Greer singled and Major BHP 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 6 1 Eric Boggs 2 0 2 1 1 Crawford (2-3)4.3 21 5 6 5 2 1
the first eight Razorbacks and only and Drew Greer had RBI singles. replaced him on first, Eric Boggs Hitters AB R H RBI BB C. Alewine 3 0 1 0 0 Simmons .67 2 0 1 0 0 0
Matt Williams 4 0 1 0 0 3B: Boggs. SB: Williams. Rochester 2 6 0 0 0 0 2
Tink Rochester 3 0 1 0 0

NEWS CHRONICLE PHOTO - Debbie Rogers

ANDREW MAJOR GETS A FACE FULL of dirt by Fort Mill in the first round of the upper-state
when he dives back to first on a pick-off attempt baseball playoffs on May 5.

SPOT SPORTS STORY

FIRST PLACE:
Jasper County Sun
Anthony Garzilli
No Rebels repeat

SPOT SPORTS STORY

THIRD PLACE:
Fort Mill Times
Mac Banks
ANDY BURRISS - aburrisss@heraldonline.com
Fort Mill’s Jon Cutrone, center, celebrates with teammates his goal in the second half that made the score 2-1, Fort Mill.
Fort Mill defeated Hilton Head 3-1 to win the Class AAA Boys Soccer State Championship Saturday in Columbia.

Jackets dominate,
By Mac Banks
take state keeper Mike Ritterbeck. as they were, Hilton Head was just as
mbanks@comporium.net “Our goal at the beginning of the sea- strong defensively crowding the box and
son was to get to this point and win,” said not allowing the Jackets any opportuni-
COLUMBIA — Finally reaching the Fort Mill head coach Lloyd Chalker. “We ties to shoot.
mountain top, Fort Mill High claimed its had never been here before, much less Fielden, who will be going to the Uni-
first boy’s state soccer title in the nearly won the Upper State.” versity of Pittsburgh next season to play
30-year history of the program by beating Hilton Head was ranked sixth in the soccer, put Fort Mill on the board about 14
Hilton Head 3-1 in the 3A boy’s state soc- state coming into the game. After drop- minutes into the game as he broke away
cer championship at Memorial Stadium ping the first three games of their season, down the middle of the field after being
in Columbia Saturday. the Seahawks had rattled off 17 wins in a fed by sophomore Austin Cassidy to
Propelled by two goals from senior row to reach Saturday’s 3A title game. score. Catching keeper Ritterbeck com-
captain Kevin Fielden, the Jackets, The game was a defensive battle in the ing out to try and stop him, Fielden went
ranked No. 1 in the state for most of the first half, except for a couple breakdowns left and then shot for the easy score.
season, held the Seahawks to just five by each squad. After the initial goal, neither team was
shots on goal for the game, while relying Fort Mill was strong from the opening able to establish much dominance. Fort
on a strong defense and an energetic of- of the game as they controlled the ball for
fense that took 15 shots at Hilton Head the first 10 minutes of the game. As strong Please see SOCCER 6B

SPOT SPORTS STORY

SECOND PLACE:
Myrtle Beach Herald
Amanda Kelley and Charles D. Perry
Coastal Carolina football

SPOT SPORTS STORY

FIRST PLACE:
Carolina Gateway
Reece Murphy

SPOT SPORTS STORY

THIRD PLACE:
Brantley Strickland
Making the ‘Jump’

SPOT SPORTS STORY

SECOND PLACE:
Drew Tripp
Heartbreaker

SPORTS FEATURE STORY
Perfect attendance: Puckett a loyal Jacket fan
By BRIAN WHITMORE
The Union County High Yellow Jackets have
their share of fans. Some are fair weather fans.

THIRD PLACE:
Many are loyal. And then there is Roy Puckett,
who leaves loyalty in the rearview mirror.
Puckett, 65, has not missed a Yellow Jackets
home football game in 50 years and he’s only
missed about five road games in that span. He was
recognized by the school’s booster club and pre-
sented a Jacket hoodie at the final regular season

Union County News
home game against Chester on Oct. 26.
“That’s the first time my name has been called
over the loudspeaker,” said Puckett, who often
jokes that Union County Stadium should be
renamed Puckett Field.
“We felt like a man that’s been with us 50 years
deserves special recognition,” said Roger Bailey,

Brian Whitmore
who presented the gift. “I really don’t know that
we have a more loyal fan that Uncle Roy Puckett.”
How loyal? Once the old Chevy pickup truck
that Puckett drove to the games let him down on a
trip to a championship contest. He left the truck on
the side of the road, attended the game and went
back to retrieve his vehicle the next day. Roy Puckett hasn’t missed a Yellow Jacket home football game in 50 years and he’s only missed a few away
Nothing has deterred Puckett from his Friday games. He was recognized at the Chester game and given a gift. Also pictured are Will Hickson, Roger Bailey
night ritual each fall. Not even a bout with seizures and Jerry Williams.
a few years back.
“The Lord has blessed me,” he said. “I’ve never
been sick other than a cold. The seizures came
before football season. I got better when football
season came around.”
Puckett sits with a large group of Jacket fans in
front of the press box on the 50-yard line. His
smaller group within the crowd includes his son,
Richard, Randy Mitchum and Billy Knox. If
you’ve never met them, you’ve certainly heard
them.
“D!, D!, D!, D!, D!,” they shout for defense.
“Come on out from down there!” Puckett booms
on kickoff returns, followed by “40 or more. Their
40, not your 40.”
Knox repeats every word. The group waves a
Jacket flag older than the players and stands up
during the entire game, only taking a seat at half-
time.
“We don’t need cow bells, we’re loud enough,” watching games before that. As a child, he’d stand “I have five grandchildren — one ball player and
Puckett said. outside the fence and watch games. four cheerleaders,” he said.
Distraction? No. Actually, more times than not, “It cost to go to a game,” he said. “There was a Puckett’s wife, Pam, goes to see her grandchild,
the Jackets seem to get motivated. It’s almost like hole under the fence and we could get into the fair- but doesn’t accompany her husband on Friday
Puckett and his group are the spark that ignites a ground, but we couldn’t get into the stadium. I’d nights. Like coaches’ wives, she becomes a foot-
fire of crowd participation and the team feeds off stand up against the fence and watch them when I ball widow during much of the fall. She supports
that energy. was 10 years old.” her husband, who figures if he has set a record he
At road games, Puckett is usually the first Jacket On the outside looking in, Puckett also remem- might as well make it stick.
fan to arrive and is saving seats on the 50-yard bers watching Sims High play before integration. “I’m scared to miss one now,” he said.
line. On the road or at home, he never has to pay He also recalls playing football in the Long “Somebody might break my record. I’ll be at every
to see a game. As a senior citizen, he gets free Twelve neighborhood. game, only if I’m living.”
admission to home games and his friends, Bill and “We’d choose up and play at school,” he said. When the day comes that Puckett can‘t attend,
Mickey Wingo, let him have their road tickets. “Back then on the mill hill, there was no violence. the record will stay in the family. Richard hasn’t
“They’ll leave a message, ‘We’ve got two tick- Kids had fun.” missed a game in 42 years. And Chase got the old
ets for the No. 1 Jacket fan,’” Puckett said. Even though Puckett is the Jackets’ biggest fan, Chevy truck and is looking to fix it up for more
Another chant used at away games involves the he never graduated high school. road trips.
post game meal. “I left school and went to work at Smith Lumber “I told everybody that old truck had OnStar
“We shout, ‘Which Waffle House we going to?” Company,” he said. “I worked there for 42 years when it was football season, I punched in the away
Puckett said. and I still do carpentry work.” games and it took me,” said Puckett.
Anyone at the game or in the game probably His son, Richard, and daughter, Tammy, are After his seizures, Puckett can’t remember many
understands Puckett’s obsession, but you have to Union High graduates. Richard played for the of the names of Jacket greats or big moments in
take a look back in time to see the roots of his loy- Jackets and, of course, his dad was there for every school history, but he’ll always remember good
alty to the Jackets. game. Richard’s son, Chase, plays center on the times spent with friends and family.
The streak started in 1962, but Puckett was UCHS junior varsity team and granddad also had “It’s the fellowship and family, that’s what I love
perfect attendance on Thursdays this year. about football,” he said.


SECOND PLACE:
The Berkeley Independent
Dan Brown The Four Horsemen of THS

Jennifer Easler/Special to The Independent Jennifer Easler/Special to The Independent Jennifer Easler/Special to The Independent Dominic McKelvey/Special to The Independent
Daquan Lucas Diquan Richardson Lee Mayes Mike Wilson
BY DAN BROWN Famine, Pestilence, Destruction where touchdowns go to die. vocabulary, but instead a quiet
The Independent and Death. These though, are only Andrews, Cross, Murray, confidence looms over the heads
aliases. Their real names are Berkeley and Hanahan all tried, of opposing running backs like
Author’s Note: Inspired by, and Wilson, Richardson, Lucas and but fell in vain. In the playoffs the icy grip of Dread.
with apologies to Grantland Rice Mayes. They form the crest of the Kingstree, Loris, Hanahan and They fly across the gridiron bat-
and his epic “The Four Horsemen Timberland Wolves defensive now Dillon must lower their tlefield with reckless abandon,
of Notre Dame,” and also wave that swept over all who have heads and kneel at their feet in birds of prey administering pun-
ishing blows that warn, “Thou
inspired by Timberland beating dared to stand in their path. quiet defeat.
Shalt Not Pass.” Or run.
Dillon. They are the Four Forces of These Four Horsemen lead the
Wilson, Richardson, Lucas and
Nature – Thunder, Lightning, prowl of a juggernaut that is the Mayes… the utterance of their
Outlined against a blood-red Wind and Rain, rumbling over the Timberland Wolves defense. They names do not shake the rafters
autumn sky, the Four Horsemen lowland Carolina marsh, obliter- are the harbingers of an offense’s upon which the skies are held, but
rode again. ating everything with clinical doom.
In stories told they are known as indifference. They are that place Conceit is not a part of their See HORSEMEN Page 2B


FIRST PLACE:
Jasper County Sun
Anthony Garzilli
Unbeaten THA rocked SCISA hoops in 1993


THIRD PLACE:
The Horry Independent
Robert Anderson
Soldier’s letters come home


SECOND PLACE:
The Gazette
Rob Gantt

Healing in Hanahan ...
Harpe finding peace after 2010 ordeal
BY ROB GANTT toughness has been pushed to murder. They convinced him
The Gazette the limits over the last 21 he was going to die. After
months by the memory of a being pistol-whipped, Harpe
Five people tried to break brutal and life-threatening lay helpless, face down and
Josh Harpe. They didn’t encounter that involved steel bound by duct tape in the
know he was made of twisted of a different kind, the sort West Ashley condominium
blue steel. that expires lives in a split he still lives in. “I remember
A nickname, earned his second. them telling me, ‘Now would
sophomore year as a walk-on Five people - including two be the time to start praying,”
football player at The Citadel Harpe knew – plotted to rob Harpe said.
by then-coach John Zernhelt him during an early morning, Harpe reasoned with him-
in 2004, fit him as an under- in-home invasion in February self he would not beg for his
sized player because he never 2010. life. He was prepared to take
backed down. Two of the assailants point- the bullet with dignity if it
He knew he was only 150 ed handguns directly at the came to that.
pounds but he had twice the back of Harpe’s head, and It didn’t, though. They just Rob Gantt/Gazette
fight in him. one had a sword too, as the left him there after ransack- Josh Harpe (right) instructs offensive lineman Cameron Blackmon as the Hawks
But that resiliency and armed robbery crept closer to See HARPE Page 6A prepare for Lake City.


FIRST PLACE:
Free Times
Eva Moore
and Patrick Wall
Blowfish Down to Final At-Bats;
Is a Minor League Team On Deck? A post-storm rainbow appears as the Capital City
Stadium grounds crew readies the field for the
BY EVA MOORE AND PATRICK WALL Columbia Blowfish to resume their July 19 game
against the Thomasville Hi-Toms. The game was
PHOTOS BY PAUL COLLINS delayed for roughly an hour due to heavy rains.

In the meantime, college students mill Benjamin is hell-bent on bringing to town?

I t’s 10 minutes before first pitch on a mid-
July Thursday, and thick drops of rain are
pelting the north end of Assembly Street.
about, downing two-dollar beers. Kids
squeal and bounce in the inflated play castle
and play the assorted mini-games in the
concourse, seemingly oblivious to the delay
on the field.
It’s fitting that rain threatens to wash
Making A Sale
Last year, the Atlanta-based development
group Bright-Meyers approached city of-
ficials about buying the Capital City Stadium.
out what could be one of the final games in It was part of a plan by megaretailer Walmart
But Debbie, who answers the phone at infield dirt is soaked; it’s gone from a bright Capital City Stadium, a field notorious for to expand its presence in the Columbia area.
the Columbia Blowfish box office, says the tan to a deep, dark brown. Water’s started flooding problems. Back in June, Columbia City Councilman Brian Newman —
team’s baseball game against the Thomasville pooling on the concrete steps of the lower- City Council voted 6-1 to move forward with whose district includes the stadium — later
Hi-Toms will go on as planned. There’ve level seats and collecting in the dugouts. selling the historic stadium to a developer told Free Times that although he understood
been a few claps of thunder, she says, but the As the rain intensifies, most of the planning to build a Walmart-anchored at the time that Bright-Meyers usually
ballpark is bone dry. fans scurry for cover — either under the shopping center there. The Blowfish’s final worked on behalf of Walmart, it wasn’t a
Still, the threat of a summer storm has grandstand or to their cars. Those in the regular-season game in the wood-bat sum- sure thing Walmart was behind the deal. All
kept the fans away — only about 400 or so grandstand aren’t totally safe; the corrugated mer collegiate Coastal Plain League is Aug. 1. he knew for certain was that the developer
show up. (By contrast, Saturday’s game, in metal roof leaks, and strong winds whip rain Unless the Blowfish make the playoffs — the planned to build a retail development there.
near-perfect baseball weather, draws about sideways into the seats. Creedence Clearwa- team finished in second place in the first- And Newman welcomed the investment in
2,000.) It’s raining steadily by the time Mi- ter Revival’s “Have You Ever Seen the Rain?” half standings, but currently sits first in the Columbia.
chael Wilson leads off for the Blowfish in the plays on the loudspeakers. second half — the team could be homeless So did other city leaders. They wouldn’t
bottom of the first. It’s pouring by the time Those who haven’t fled file into the con- after Aug. 1. make much off the sale, but the city stood
Josh Miller runs a 2-2 count against Thomas- course. A ticket-taker by the front entrance With a sale of the Capital City Stadium to take in millions in tax revenue from the
ville pitcher Kyle Keller, and the umpire’s had wonders aloud where everyone is going. His property seemingly imminent, there are businesses that would move in. Whereas
enough. He suspends the game. nametag reads “Jim”; he’s middle-aged and questions: Where do the Blowfish go from the stadium actually costs the city money to
The grounds crew races on the field with heavy set, his bright red Blowfish T-shirt bulg- here? And can Columbia land the profession- maintain, the sale would put the property on
a large tarpaulin, but the damage is done: The ing at the waistline. This’ll blow over, he says. al minor league baseball team Mayor Steve the tax rolls for the first time.
In October, Columbia City Council qui-
16 coverstory free-times.com | twitter.com/freetimessc | facebook.com/freetimes | July 25-31, 2012

Cato’s center move a snap
THIRD PLACE: LHS senior
lineman
steps up
The Lancaster News for the team
Robert Howey
rhowey@thelancasternews.com

Robert Howey
With a hole to fill at center in
the Lancaster High School of-
fensive line, Bruins’ offensive
line coach Joe Watson knew
what was the right turn.
All Watson did was look to the
LHS right tackle for the player to
handle the duties.
That player is senior lineman
Josh Cato, who is in his third
season with the Bruins as a
starter.
“The move was for the better-
ment of the offensive line,” said
Watson.
“Josh fit what we were looking
for at center. He’s consistent in
his play and
Game picks up things
Night well,” Watson
Spotlight said. “We knew AARON MORRISON/amorrison@thelancasternews.com
he could make Lancaster High School senior lineman Josh Cato has made the move to center this season in hopes of
the move. Josh is a hard worker boosting the Bruins’ play in the trenches.
and a smart kid.”
So Cato, with Watson’s urging, fine this season.” can,” he said. “I think my parents have
Cato also wants to be equally Watson noted Cato is the type missed one game since I started
moved from right tackle to cen-
solid as a leader. of player a team needs. playing,” he said. “It’s a good
ter.
“A football team needs lead- “He’s always dependable,” feeling to know they’re in the
It didn’t hurt that Cato had
ers,” Cato said. “I’m trying to be Watson said. “Josh is what a stands and no matter what,
played center in middle school
a leader and a role model. Being player should be. He does what they’re going to be there for you
and in his freshman year at
a leader is helping other players is asked of him and gives it his and the team. It gives you a
LHS.
out. You want them to do the best shot. His goal is to help the good feeling.”
“I know the position,” Cato best to their ability.” team in any way possible. Cato said he hopes for more
said. “I knew I needed to step up Cato recalls his early days “He’s a good one to have be- nights of celebration.
and help the team. I think coach when a senior teammate pro- cause he’s going to give it his “If we execute, we will be al-
Watson knew I would do what vided key guidance. best shot.” right,” he said. “The offense has
was best for the team.” “That was Dustin Belk,” Cato Watson added Cato is blessed to score and the defense has to
Cato, in his first game in the said. “Whatever questions I had, with a “good family.” provide stops.
middle of the LHS offensive line, he would always try to answer “His parents (Jeff and Casey “After last week and the win
did well, grading out at 81 per- them and help me. A few times, Cato) are behind him and the over Andrew Jackson, we have
cent against Andrew Jackson he stayed after practice to help program all the way,” he said. momentum going into the Ridge
last week. me with different parts of play- “They’re going to be there no View game,” he said. “After that
“If a lineman grades 75 per- ing in the line.” matter what, through thick and first win, you’re hyped up and
cent or better in our system, he’s Cato noted it’s a role seniors thin. They always speak and ready to go to the next one.”
doing a solid job,” Watson said. should seek to follow. give encouragement.”
“If Josh continues to grade in “It might be the last hurrah, Cato said it makes a differ- ◆ Contact sports editor
the 80s, then we’re going to be so you want to do the best you ence. Robert Howey at (803) 283-1157


SECOND PLACE: One great honors another
Bobby Richardson has fond memories of
his old friend and colleague, Larry Doby

Chronicle-Independent By TOM DIDATO
C-I (Camden, S.C.) sports editor
While the doors to Cooperstown may never swing open to him for his vast exploits on the baseball
diamond, no one will argue with Bobby Richardson’s credentials for his being inducted into a humani-
tarian hall of fame.
As a member of the New York Yankees for 12 seasons (1955-66), the Sumter native and resident
posted a career .266 batting average with 34 home runs and 390 RBI. He remains the only player from
a losing team to win the most valuable player award in the World Series, having done so in the 1960 fall
classic when the Yankees lost to Pittsburgh when Bill Mazeroski hit a solo home run in the bottom of

Tom Didato
the ninth in game seven to give the Pirates the 10-9 win and the world championship
In the 1960 World Series, Richardson went 11-for-30 (.367 average), hit one home run with two
doubles, two triples, eight runs scored while driving in a dozen runs. The 12 RBI is still a World Series
record and stands one ahead of teammate and longtime friend Mickey Mantle, who plated 11 runners in
1960, a series in which the Bronx Bombers outscored the Pirates by a combined 55-27 count.
Richardson’s numbers only scratch the surface on the man who, following his retirement from base-
ball, went into college coaching. He served as the head baseball coach at three schools, starting with
the University of South Carolina before stops at Coastal Carolina University and Liberty University.
C-I photos by Tom Didato
Through his journeys, Richardson never lost sight of what he believed to be the most important thing
in his life; his being a Christian. To this day, he is a highly sought-after speaker by churches, Fellow- BOBBY RICHARDSON LISTENS to a talk being given by Larry Doby’s daughter, Kimberly
ship of Christian Athletes huddles and other faith-based organizations throughout the country. On Doby, at Thursday’s Larry Doby Foreveer stamp unveiling at the Camden Archives and
more than one occasion, he has come to Camden to address worship services at various churches and Museum. Seated on the former New York Yankees’ second baseman right is Sen. Vincent
delivered the eulogy for his former American Legion coach in Sumter and then, Camden resident and Sheheen of Camden.
legendary figure, H.N. “Coach Hutch” Hutchinson.
what Doby went through in his career. “That was all in the past,” Richardson said. Instead, talk was
Thursday, Richardson found himself back in Camden to say a few words about his former on-field ad-
about various games and what players were doing following their playing days.
versary and longtime friend, Larry Doby, on the occasion of the Camden native’s being honored by the
Richardson’s role in baseball history is prominent in the fact that he was a World Series most valu-
U.S. Postal Service with a Forever stamp. Doby’s depiction was part of a Hall of Fame quartet issued by
able player despite his team not winning the crown, a fact which he does not relish. “I’m not sure it’s an
the USPS which includes Joe DiMaggio, Willie Stargell and Ted Williams.
honor when you are the most valuable player on a losing team,” he said.
As Richardson left the lectern following his delivery of a poem (seen on Page 1 of today’s Chronicle-
Following the seventh game loss in Pittsburgh, it was widely reported that Mantle was so upset by
Independent), he would later make a quick U-turn to inform the packed Camden Archives and Museum
losing the series that he cried not only in the clubhouse but on the plane ride back to New York as well.
with one last bit of information.
Many years after that loss, Mantle told Richardson that he still felt the sting of that series.
“Camden never should have let Larry leave,” he said with a smile. “He was all-state (in New Jersey)
“He and I had a little place together in Boone, N.C., at Grandfather Mountain,” Richardson said of
in three sports.”
Mantle. “I’ve heard him say the saddest moment he had was the 1960 World Series because he felt like
Shortly after Richardson arrived inside the museum, he was surrounded by fans and friends, both old
we had a better ballclub and we lost it. But we came back the next two years and were world champi-
and new. Included among those was Camden City Manager Kevin Bronson, who served the master of
ons.”
ceremonies for the morning event. While introducing himself to Richardson, Bronson pointed out that
In the 1962 series, the Yankees nearly lost the championship in another game seven against the San
he was a Clemson graduate, while joking that he would not let that interfere with his introduction of
Francisco Giants. Leading the series finale, 1-0, heading into the bottom of the ninth at Candlestick
the former Gamecock baseball coach.
Park, the Giants received a leadoff bunt single from Matty Alou. With two outs, Willie Mays lined an
“I had three sons who all graduated from Clemson,” Richardson said with a laugh. “Do you know that
opposite field double to right, which was fielded by Roger Maris as the hosts had men at second and
Clemson also has the best FAC chapter in the country?”
third with Willie McCovey coming to the plate.
A few seconds later, he was asked if he missed coaching college baseball. With that, he flashed a smile
McCovey ripped a shot to second on which Richardson bounced to his left and made a two-handed
and said that with the rules and regulations which have been instituted by the NCAA as they pertain
grab of the liner to give the Yankees their 20th world championship and fourth for Richardson, who said
to what coaches and schools can do and provide to their student-athletes, the climate would not be right
his hand still stings when he thinks about that play.
for him.
“For 45 years,” Richardson said of that now famous highlight, “I didn’t see Willie McCovey. Then, I
Richardson then recalled a time when as a college coach, he took his team skeet shooting, thinking he
went out to San Francisco for an old timers’ game and his first remark to me was, ‘I bet your hand is
would be the best shot in the group. Only trouble was, he had a player on that squad from his hometown
still hurting.’ I said, ‘You hit it hard.’”
of Sumter who was a better shot than he was and would out-score his head coach on that day of team
Richardson said of his professional career that he came along at the perfect time and was surrounded
bonding. Today, the NCAA would frown on that type of off-campus activity.
by an all-star cast in the Bronx.
One thing which the born-again Christian made clear, however, was that he was honored to be asked
“I played at the right time,” he said. “In nine of my first 10 years, the Yankees won the pennant. Just
to talk about Doby, whom he played against in the major leagues and then with in old timers’ games
playing with such good players like Mantle, Yogi (Berra), Whitey (Ford) and (Phil) Scooter Rizzuto ...
following their playing days.
they’re all in the Hall of Fame.”
“When he came on board, it didn’t take him very long to make his mark,” Richardson said of Doby
Just like he was on the field, Richardson was successful in the dugout. In 1970, he was named as the
before reciting a list of Doby’s accomplishments in the game, ending with his 1998 induction into the
head baseball coach at the University of South Carolina, leading the Gamecocks to a 51-6 record in 1975
National Baseball Hall of Fame.
and into the program’s first College World Series that season which ended with a loss to Texas in the
“I remember him, very well, as a wonderful player but even more than that, in a tough situation, he
championship game.
had the clarity and the dignity to shine.”
After making a run for a Congressional seat in 1976, losing by less than 3,000 votes, Richardson re-
While Doby made his major league debut with the Cleveland Indians on July 5, 1947, it was not until
turned to coaching at Coastal Carolina, from 1984-86. He led the Chanticleers to the Big South title in
three years later that the New York Yankees signed their first group of African-American. Included in
his final season in Conway. He then moved on to Liberty as head coach in 1987 and stayed there until
the Yankees’ first signing of black ballplayers was Elston Howard.
retiring in 1990.
Howard’s entry to the major leagues was delayed by a two-year hitch in the military. When he re-
Richardson has been called by more than one person as the father of USC baseball. He traced the
turned from the service, he spent four seasons in the Yankees’ minor league system before being pro-
beginning of the program’s rise to prominence and popularity to his first season in Columbia when
moted to the parent club in 1955. His first game with New York came on April 14, 1955, nearly eight
he sought out a little help from friends in the Big Apple to give the Gamecock baseball program some
years to the day on which Jackie Robinson broke Major League Baseball’s color barrier by playing for
needed momentum.
the Brooklyn Dodgers on April 15, 1947.
“I remember when I was introduced to the (USC) team in 1970 and we didn’t do very well,” he said of
Another rookie on the 1955 Yankees was Richardson. By seeing what Howard went through, he got
that first 14-20 campaign.
a bit of a glimpse as to the hills which Doby had to climb in the grand old game. In the same breath,
“I think one of the keys was some three years later when the Yankees came down to play our ballclub
though, he said he could not imagine what Doby had to endure when he arrived in Cleveland.
and so did the Mets; Yogi was their manager of the Mets. We played three against the Yankees and
“I can’t (imagine what Doby went through),” Richardson said. “But I do because of Elston Howard,
three against the Mets. Then, they played each other under the lights. A lot of people in Columbia were
which was (eight) years later and, it was still a problem. It wasn’t as tough on Elston, though, because
exposed to college baseball and then, it took off.”
of Larry. And he was such a great ballplayer; that makes a difference when you earn that respect in a
Following Richardson’s departure, June Raines kept the wins coming for the Gamecocks, leading
quick way.”
them back into the College World Series. The program would then take its place among college base-
Richardson said that unlike in Doby’s early days, Howard was well-liked and respected by his team-
ball’s elite under Ray Tanner, who guided USC to the 2010 and2011 national titles and to a runner-up
mates and fans alike. He also had a good sense of humor and could dish out as well as take some good-
finish this past season, his last as the coach before being promoted to the school’s director of athletics
natured ribbing from his teammates.
earlier this month.
“I remember Mickey Mantle, who was quite the jokester, saying one time when Elston was getting
Richardson said even he could not have predicted how big the program would eventually become.
on the (team) bus,” Richardson said. “Mickey said, ‘Elston, go to the back of the bus.’ Elston said, ‘No,
“Ray Tanner’s phenomenal. What a great coach,” Richardson. “I’m just so glad. The timing was per-
I’m going to sit by you.’ When (Howard) did that, everybody laughed. Elston was just a wonderful guy,
fect for him to move up to athletic director and that Chad (Holbrook) is ready to take over in the same
just like Larry.
manner as Ray.
“You never heard much about Larry. He was quiet, dignified and was a wonderful man.”
“I’m so pleased with Carolina athletics. One thing they have now that they didn’t have when I was
By the time Richardson and Doby played in old timers’ games, there was very little conversation as
there is the president (Dr. Harris Pastides) who loves baseball.”


FIRST PLACE:
The News and Reporter FRIDAY, AUGUST 17, 2012 • The News & Reporter • Football 2012 • 19

Travis Jenkins Chester High Football’s Founding Father
BY TRAVIS JENKINS
tjenkins@onlinechester.com
the state’s greatest all-time runs.
History records
Spearman’s first game as coach
that
a shutout. Aside from a 7-0 scrap
against Camden, the contests
weren’t close, with the Red
Spearman’s tenure, a 32-7 defeat
to Camden.
In 1932, Spearman not only
Longtime Chester resident of the team then known as “The Cyclone winning the games by an coached football, he organized
George “Crokie” Fleming still has Red Cyclone” (the “red” would be average of 38-0. Easley managed what is believed to be Chester’s
vivid memories of his eighth dropped and an “s” added to to dent the scoreboard, but still first basketball team. He later
grade homeroom class with sci- Cyclone many years later) was a lost 45-6. Chester knocked off began a baseball program and a
ence teacher and football coach 6-0 victory over York. Stout Simpsonville 27-6 in the first boxing team, and Fleming
Lawrence “L.A.” Spearman. Just defense would be a hallmark of round of the playoffs, and brought remembers all those squads being
after the bell rang every morn- Spearman-coached teams and home the school’s first state title very competitive right out of the
ing, Spearman had students line that reputation was established with a 19-13 victory in a rematch gate. Spearman would also go on
up for a paddling. immediately. Not only did Chester with Camden. to coach the track team to a third
“He’d warm you up and wake record a shutout in the season The 1930 team went unde- place finish in the state. None of
you up with that paddle,” Fleming opener against the Cougars, the feated, outscored the opposition that compared to the gridiron
remembered. Red Cyclone did not yield a single 272-24 and routed Marion 47-0 gang, though, where Chester
Spearman may have done that point in its first five games. for a second-straight state title. went 8-0 and won another state
to make sure everyone was alert County rival Great Falls ended For some reason, the 1931 title with a 12-7 triumph over
and ready for the day, but in giv- Spearman the scoreless streak, scoring once regular season slate was trun- Camden. The names of outstand-
ing out daily spankings, in a 25-6 loss to Chester in week cated to six games. The first five ing players or performances
Spearman also gave students a a manual typewriter. It notes six. Chester finished the regular victories came easily (by a com- aren’t recorded for that year, or
taste of what opposing teams that he was a “strongly-built man season 8-0 and outscored the bined score of 143-8), but Chester any other, with Boyd Morrison,
dealt with every Friday night. of nearly six feet” with brown opposition 136-6. actually found itself in the odd Chester’s then athletic director,
Spearman’s early life and post- hair and blue eyes. He was mar- At that time, “A” and “B” were position of trailing Great Falls writing in the Cestrian “Praise
coaching career are tough to ried and, oddly, is listed as hav- the only two sports classifications 13-6 at the half before rallying for that could be paid to one could be
track. The information available ing had the nickname “Lady” in the state. Chester was in the B 20-13 win. The first round of the paid to all.”
about the on-field accomplish- among his friends in Newberry classification, the smaller of the playoffs brought a visit from Chester did not make the play-
ments of his teams is sometimes because of “a boyhood prank with two. Unlike today when nearly Brookland-Cayce. The teams bat- offs in 1933, but that was argu-
unreliably contradictory and only an air rifle years ago.” It is noted everyone who has helmets and a tled to a 6-6 tie, but there was no ably Spearman’s best team. The
found in dusty high school annu- that he graduated from Newberry stadium gets a playoff invite, overtime in those days. A winner Red Cyclone played 40 quarters
als and yellowed newspaper clip- in 1927, meaning that his amaz- only a few schools made it in at had to be determined for the sake of football that season and did
pings. Still, anyone with even ing exploits to come at Chester that time and they were selected of Spartanburg having an oppo- not allow a single point. Cestrian
cursory knowledge of the history began when he was fresh out of by the High School League. nent the following week, so a few accounts detail that only one
of South Carolina prep football college. Chester made it in and knocked days later, the teams played opponent had a goal-to-go situa-
can only come to one conclusion One thing that is certain is off now-defunct Simpsonville again, with Chester winning 7-0. tion against Chester and rarely
where Spearman is concerned. Spearman’s hiring as a teacher High 19-6 before facing Batesburg- Chester and Spartanburg bat- did opposing teams cross mid-
“He was a hell of a coach,” and football coach at Chester Leesville for the title. That tled to a 0-0 tie in a driving rain- field. A scoreless tie against
Fleming said. High School for the 1928-’29 marked Spearman’s first loss, storm the next week. The two Gaffney snuffed out Chester’s
Fleming says that Spearman school year. Evidence of how long with the Red Cyclone dropping a slugged it out again a few days hopes of another state crown.
originally hailed from Newberry ago and far away 1928 is can be 7-6 heartbreaker. later but a scoreless tie was again Missed opportunities cost the Red
and census information from found in the sponsorship ads in Fleming said it is noteworthy the result. Finally, playing their Cyclone dearly.
1906 does indicate the birth of a the back of that year’s Cestrian, that Spearman never played a fifth game in two weeks, Chester “The Cyclones took the ball
Lawrence Spearman in Newberry. the Chester High yearbook. An patsy schedule to boost his team’s triumphed over Spartanburg deep in Gaffney territory early in
Later newspaper accounts of ad placed by the fledgling Chester record and earn a playoff spot. 13-0. Because of the long delay in the game and made more threats
Spearman’s coaching exploits Telephone Company honored the Chester played the biggest and determining a winner, the league but could not take it over,” an
note that he played football, base- area’s Confederate War veterans, best schools in the state. awarded Camden the state title. account of the game in the
ball and basketball at Newberry one by the Baldwin Cafe and “He played all the big high What happened next seems today Cestrian read.
College. He is listed as being an Grocery advertised “beer on tap” schools. Easley had a great team, more like a pro wrestling sto- Spearman’s only down year
“all-state football performer” at and the Southern Cotton Oil Gaffney had a great team and ryline than an orderly, organized occurred in 1934 and was only
Newberry, which would be the Company ad encouraged custom- Camden had a great team, and means of determining a champi- “down” by his standards. Chester
modern equivalent of an all-con- ers to call in orders. The phone he beat them all,” Fleming said. on. was 7-2-1 and suffered the only
ference player. Given that his number was 56. Prior to the 1929 season, “Camden refused the title back-to-back losses of Spearman’s
playing days at Newberry were Organized and recognized Spearman took his team to the when the officials declared them career, by counts of 14-0 to
some 90 years ago, the school’s football was still new to the state, mountains for a grueling two- winners, but challenged Chester Orangeburg and 31-0 to Gaffney.
sports information department with the first state champion week camp near the French to play for the title on Christmas The latter was Spearman’s worst
said they had no information on having been crowned only 12 Broad River. The seasons started Day,” the 1931 Cestrian says. loss as a coach.
what position he played or what years before. Chester had experi- a bit later back then, with Chester accepted the chal- The Red Cyclone was back in
sort of stats he may have accrued. enced a bit of early success, fin- Chester’s first game taking place lenge, but the team had been left 1935, winning its first Class A
Davidson College, where ishing as a state runner-up (to in September. His second squad beaten up by the rigorous series state championship with a 9-0
Spearman later worked, did pro- Charleston) in 1921. For the next picked right up where the first of playoff “do-overs.” The Red record.
vide a copy of a coaches profile nine seasons, Chester would left off, running out to a 7-0 Cyclone suffered what would be
that looks to have been crafted on dwarf that success with one of record and winning each game by the second-worst loss of See SPEARMAN, Page 20

SPORTS COLUMN WRITING

THIRD PLACE:
Laurens County Advertiser
Nick Herman


SECOND PLACE: 48 minutes ...
The Berkeley Independent BY DAN BROWN

It takes 48 minutes to win a
Dan Brown football game, and the
Timberland coaching staff had
taken up the “48 Minutes”
mantra as their rallying cry
throughout the playoffs.
I don’t care what anybody
says, this game was over in
less than four minutes.
At the 9:31 mark of the first
quarter after Woodruff quarter-
back Ryan Perkins completed
six straight passes on a 60-yard
march down
the field into
the Timberland
red zone, the
Wo l v e r i n e s ’
THIS game
was for all
intents and
purposes over.

From The
PressBox
By - Roger Jewell

FIRST PLACE: Shoeless Joe Jackson,
The Inspirational
Baseball Instructor
The Travelers Rest Monitor Greenville’s greatest baseball player, and perhaps the great-
est natural in the nation, is remembered mainly for his banish-
ment from the game he loved after the famed early 1900’s Chi-
cago “Black Sox” scandal. His legendary status lives, many
years after his death, of the “blue darter” lightning bolt hits
with his famous bat he dubbed “Black Betsy.” But at least one

Roger Jewell
former Greenville County resident remembers “Shoeless” Joe
Jackson as a gentle man who took time to teach youngsters the
art of connecting a piece of wood with horsehide.
Larry Ellenburg, who recently retired from the Iredell-States-
ville (NC) Schools Maintenance Department, was one of the
lucky Greenville area kids to whom “Shoeless” Joe Jackson
taught the fundamentals of baseball.
Larry was born in Greenville in 1939 and grew up in the Jud-
son Mill Village, just a short bicycle ride from JudsonMill base-
ball park.
Larry’s father was Joe Ellenburg who was born in 1915 and
was a textile league baseball player and in his early years he
played some baseball against Shoeless Joe in some of the
textile league games. Larry recently told Statesville Record &
Landmark newspaper sports writer, O.C. Stonestreet, “Green-
ville had about 150 textile mills in the upstate area and dad,
who was a weaver by trade, usually had an easier job in the
mill during baseball season so he could play centerfield on the
mill team. He played before I was born in 1939 and continued
to play to the time the family moved to Statesville. Dad played
for the Greenville Spinners and for Judson Mill, Dunean Mill,
Poe Mill, Mills Mill and others but his longest affiliation with one
team was with the Slater Mill Sluggers in Slater.”
By the time Larry turned five years old, he was always drag-
ging around a bat and throwing a baseball.
“Dad took me and my brother to every game hecould and
they let us sit with the team in bullpen,” he said. “When Dad
was batting or on base, the other players kept an eye on us
kids. I grew up surrounded by baseball. Just about every mill
had an ‘A’ or ‘B’ team for the men and a Little League and a Pony
League for the boys.
As a boy Larry was privileged to receive instruction from the
legendary Shoeless Joe Jackson himself.
“Mr. Jackson told us to hit the ball between the top and the
middle so as to get a grounder. If you hit the ball in the middle
and the bottom it would pop up and more likely be caught,” he
remembers.
“He taught us the right way to hit, to catch, to slide and to
field and he also taught us sportsmanship. He said to give the
game all you’ve got, listen to your coach, hustle and keep your
eye on the ball,” Larry recalled.
Jackson’s advise always stayed with Larry. When the family
moved away from Greenville County to Statesville in 1950 Larry
and his brother attended Scotts High School and Larry played
on the baseball and football team.
“I don’t mean to brag, but when I started playing baseball at
Scotts High, I was head and shoulders above most of the team
because I had been taught and coached in the fundamentals by
one of baseball’s greats, Shoeless Joe Jackson,” Larry said.
After graduation Larry played baseball for Waverly Mills in
the Tri-County League pitching against teams from Lumberton,
Fairmont, Red Springs, Oxendine and Hoke County. In 1960 at
the age of 21 he signedwith the Shelby Colonels in the minor
league Western Carolinas League for $150 a month. He played
only the home games because he worked in the mill at night to
make ends meet. Sometimes he was late for work but that was
fine with the management as long as he was on the town ball
team.
“If it hadn’t been for Joe Jackson I couldn’t have accom-
plished what I did in baseball,” Larry said. “I was a lucky kid. I
just happened to be one of the fortunate kids that Joe Jackson
worked with. If he was teaching you, you listened. He wouldn’t

Sports
Talk
THIRD PLACE: Robert
Howey
The Lancaster News
This Bettie will
Robert Howey always be special

A
week ago today, I was
watching a Sunday
morning program and
a segment caught my eye.
It featured the declining use
of the name Betty. In a nut-
shell, according to the report,
the name Betty isn’t used to
name baby girls these days.
Think for a moment, you don’t
really hear that name much
now.
I’m sure it’s rarer to hear, or
see the name Bettie. That’s
special to me because that
was my mother’s name, the
late Bettie Weeks Howey.


SECOND PLACE:
Travis Jenkins


FIRST PLACE:
Brantley Strickland

PAGE ONE DESIGN PORTFOLIO

THIRD PLACE:
News and Press 2A OPINION

INSIDE
4A OBITUARIES
OBITUARIES 6A BOOKINGS

Darlington County Spring Sports Guide for 2012
7A SPORTS
SPORTS 2B PUZZLES

50¢
5B CLASSIFIEDS
2A OPINION

News&Press
4A OBITUARIES 6A BOOKINGS 6B SPORTS 2B PUZZLES 5B CLASSIFIEDS

QUOTE
50¢
‘All that is necessary for the
triumph of evil is that good
men do nothing.’
EDMUND BURKE

News&Press
Vol. 138, No. 12
Darlington, S.C.
THREE SECTIONS • 36 PAGES MAY 9, 2012 ESTABLISHED 1874
Vol. 138, No. 18
Darlington, S.C.

W W W. N E W S A N D P R E S S O N L I N E . C O M

Lisa Chalian-Rock Keeper of the Darlington Stripe
‘All that is necessary for the triumph
of evil is that good men do nothing.’
EDMUND BURKE
THREE SECTIONS • 36 PAGES MARCH 2 1, 2 0 1 2
, ESTABLISHED 1874

W W W. N E W S A N D P R E S S O N L I N E . C O M By Hunter Thomas but most of them were paint-
Contributing Writer
ed free hand. That’s right, no

District may hire 7 new teachers When you sit in the grand-
stands at Darlington Raceway
during pre-race ceremonies,
templates, just pure measure-
ment orchestrated into a flow-
ing rainbow of art that makes
the walls at Darlington
Inside
Check out the News &
Press special Bojangles’
have you ever wondered how Southern 500 section that
Budget figures schools to get the class size the That added revenue is ($161,680). all of those logos get painted Raceway so unique.
There’s no other track on includes interviews with
board wants,” Superintendent thanks mostly to the legisla- The board also has the on the wall? They are perfect the most popular drivers
improving Dr. Rainey Knight said during ture’s consideration of option of increasing the mill- and look just like the logo the NASCAR schedule where
and more. Look for four
for school district the board’s regular monthly increasing the base student age rate, which it has not done you’d see on the Internet or on the walls become the story-
pages of race coverage in
meeting on March 12. cost from $1,880 to $2,012. since before 2008. Staff did a t-shirt. line before and after the
the May 16 edition too!
By Lisa Chalian-Rock The hiring will result in The increase will come with not include a millage increase Well, believe it or not, weekend’s events.
2A OPINION 4A OBITUARIES 14A BOOKINGS 11A SPORTS 2B PUZZLES 3B CLASSIFIEDS 6A CALENDAR Editor Jimmy Jolly paints the Royal Purple logo a few weeks before race
lisa@newsandpressonline.com $420,000 of expenditures if strings attached of course. in its projections. nearly every logo at the race-
all seven positions are filled. School boards will be On the expense side, Dr. weekend. PHOTO BY HUNTER THOMAS way is not only hand painted, RACEWAY PAINT 3A

News&Press
MAY 16, 2012 QUOTE Darlington County School No one will be hired until the required to provide an across- Knight outlined more than
‘All that is necessary for the District Board of Education budget situation becomes the-board pay increase of 2 $2 million in new expenses.
triumph of evil is that clearer in the legislature, percent of base salary to all As mentioned, $1.1 million
good men do nothing.’
EDMUND BURKE
gave authority to the superin-
tendent to begin the process
to post and interview for
Knight said.
That cost may be some-
employees. In Darlington
County, that will cost more
will be in increased base
salary. The district will see
N AT I O N A L D AY O F P R AY E R
City
50¢ Vol. 138, No. 19 seven new elementary school thing the district can cover than $1.1 million. costs rise for property insur-
TWO SECTIONS • 28 PAGES ESTABLISHED 1874
Darlington, S.C. Darlington County Coroner Todd
Hardee
teachers. The board voted
unanimously to allow Knight
given improving budget pro-
jections. District Comptroller
Other revenue increases
are expected from Act 388
ance ($15,800), worker’s
compensation insurance
Darrin Hayes
approves
Race Weekend in Darlington, 7-10A Hardee
to post the positions and inter-
view candidates.
“I would need to add seven
G.C. White told the board that
the district should see $2.9
million in additional revenue
($424,738), real property
taxes from automobiles and
manufacturing ($981,691),
($16,900) and retirement
funding ($583,785). Hayes sanitation
seeks
teachers to the elementary above the current fiscal year. and Fee-In-Lieu-of-Taxes SCHOOL BUDGET 5A
runs for changes
fourth coroner By Lisa Chalian-Rock
Editor
McBee Police Chief Darrin

PHOTO BY HUNTER THOMAS
term Hayes will run for Darlington
County Coroner on the
Democratic ticket.
“I desire to bring the level of
Gov. Nikki Haley talks with
students at the S.C. Governor’s
School for Science and
Darlington City Council
unanimously approved a pro-
posed sanitation collection
W W W. N E W S A N D P R E S S O N L I N E . C O M Darlington County Coroner J. Mathematics during an informal restructuring plan on May 1.
law enforcement experience to
Todd Hardee announced that he Smart Chat interview with The city will begin pick-up
Redistricting, election mess may leave voters in the dark will run for a fourth term of
office. He has served the county
since 2000.
the office of coroner that is
expected and deserved by the
citizens of Darlington County,”
GSSM student Amy Chang.
PHOTO BY SAMANTHA LYLES
of commercial roll carts and
residential recycling July 1
Hayes said. “My commitment to rather than contract with a
Darlington County
split amongst six state
house districts
Find Your
District
Mechanicsville and part of the
Palmetto precinct will vote in
S.C. House District 59. District
59’s Rep. Terry Alexander (D-
Hardee admitted the initial
decision to run was not easily
reached. When his predeces-
the citizens of Darlington
County is my highest priority.”
Hayes has more than 25 years
Haley visits third-party vendor. The city
will advertise and accept bids
for all commercial front load
By Lisa Chalian-Rock
Editor
mary. The South Carolina
Supreme Court ruling May 1
primary.
Darlington County residents
Residents in the Antioch
and Society Hill precincts are
See maps of all the state
house and senate districts
in Darlington County on
page 16A.
Florence) faces no opposition.
Rep. Phillip Lowe (R-
Florence) will now represent
sor Eldridge Norton, who
served as the county coroner
for 20 years, announced his
of law enforcement experience.
He started his career as an intern
at the Hartsville Police
Governor’s containers as the city’s current
contract expire June 30.
The city will purchase 300
School
that bumped candidates from have lamented the past 10 in S.C. House District 54, cur- Lamar 1, Lamar 2, Oates,
Thanks to the gerrymander- the ballot hasn’t helped clear years about having three state rently represented by Indian Branch and parts of the
intention to retire in 1999, Department in 1985 while he 96-gallon recycling contain-
ing that follows each Census the air either. house representatives. Under Elizabeth Munnerlyn (D- House District 55. The only Lake Swamp and Swift Creek Hardee was approached by a attended Coker College. He ers – the same size as the
and redistricting, voters in The redistricting will impact the new maps, the county is Bennettsville). She currently choice on the ballot will be precincts. Lowe does not face group of local citizens who went on to work for the garbage roll carts – to better
Darlington County may not voters for the next decade further divided with portions has no opposition. incumbent Jackie E. “Coach” opposition. asked if he would consider Gov. Nikki Haley visited
regardless of the outcome of of precincts belonging to six Part of the Mechanicsville Hayes (D-Dillon). Hartsville Police Department, accommodate the change to a
realize who they can choose to Hartsville last week and talked
represent them in the June pri- the lawsuits from this specific house districts. precinct has shifted into S.C. The other part of making a run for the office. the Darlington County Sheriff’s 26-week recycling schedule.
ELECTION INFO 16A
His answer was not immedi- Department and the South with students at the S.C.
Currently, fewer than 700 city
ate. Hardee, who worked for the Carolina Department of Natural Governor’s School for Science
Friends cheer as Carolina Paws owner Bobbie Altman and Owners attended with their best canine pals in tow and were treat- households actively recycle.
Kistler (now Kistler Hardee) Resources Law Enforcement and Mathematics. During an
Residents Funeral Home in Darlington at
the time, said it was generally
Darlington Mayor Tony Watkins cut the ceremonial red ribbon.
Carolina Paws pet grooming salon held a ribbon cutting ceremony
ed to a hot dog lunch. All pets received a blessing (prayers for their
well-being and thanks for their love and companionship) from Rev.
Division. He also trained as an
investigator for hunting and
informal Smart Chat interview
with GSSM student Amy
The proposal came after
council requested information
on whether the city should pri-
lobby for believed that politics and the
funeral business not only didn’t
on Saturday, officially welcoming all four-legged friends to come in
for a clip, a bath, and some TLC from the salon’s friendly staff.
Andrew O’Dell. boating death investigations.
“Through the years I have led
Chang, Haley addressed topics
ranging from overcoming one’s
vate its entire sanitation sys-
tem.
mix well, but that the combina- and assisted in numerous death perceived personal limitations
PDRTA investigations, from natural, Assistant City Manager Lee

D
tion could also serve as a source to the challenges of growing arlington celebrated the National Day of Prayer on
of friction on occasion. accidental and intentional Bass and City Planner Rodney
industry during a recession. May 3 on the Public Square by praying for strength
Langley investigated the
funding He was ultimately swayed by
a philosophy of service dating
back thousands of years: If not
deaths,” Hayes said. “In the
cases of suspicious deaths, this
office will play a major role in
“Look at South Carolina
right now. We build planes, we
and guidance for all members of our community,
state and country.
change and talked with other
cities that made that shift. They
By Samantha Lyles build cars, we build tires. I just Rev. Kevin Cauley, pastor of Darlington Presbyterian
Staff Writer me, who? If not now, when? the initial investigation thus pro- Church and president of the Darlington Ministerial found that the other towns
slyles@newsandpressonline.com left Honda, and we are the No.
“I thought about that, and viding crucial evidence to help Association, led those gathered in prayer for Governor Nikki ended up returning to city-run
1 ATV producer in the world,
A near capacity crowd then I decided, well, if I don’t do solve the case. Additionally, I Haley and all our state leaders. operations and that the city
Tony DiLeo right here in South Carolina.
packed into the courthouse
it, who will?” he said. “If I chose will always show the compas- “Repair our community and our state by reminding us you could save money doing the
annex on May 7 to show sup- The reason we build things,
not to do this just because I was sion and respect to the families are the light of the world,” Cauley said. work itself.
Longtime Multi-area completers receive special recognition at ceremony. From left are Jessica Wilson, Bradley Tolson, Dylan Purvis, Johnny Ludd,
Cadejah Lowery, Domonique Jett, Jimmy Byrd, Briana Eaddy-Law, Darien Gainey, Jonathan Howle, William Ivey and Marcus McCray.
port for busing services provid-
ed by the Pee Dee Regional
Transportation Authority
worried about making some-
body mad, then I was making
and victims that they deserve.”
Hayes seeks to unseat long-
and that South Carolina is the
new hot spot in manufacturing, Other ministers and pastors involved with the event
included Rev. Frankie Tanner of Mechanicsville Baptist
The estimated cost of opera-
tion for residential recycling
is that the cost of doing busi-
community (PDRTA). The crowd contained
many elderly citizens, several of
whom told council that they
the wrong decision. I needed to
do my part to make Darlington
time coroner Todd Hardee.
As of press time, Hayes and ness is low here. Our workforce
is trained and loyal, and we are
Church, Rev. Mark Jones of First Baptist Church, Rev. Mike
Harmon of First Church of God, Rev. Andrew O’Dell of St.
will be $32,922, just 84¢ per
household per month based on
ride the bus to the Darlington County better for my children, Hardee are the only two candi- Matthews Episcopal Church, Rev. Cecil Bromell of Macedonia 3,021 residents. This compares
leader dies Council on Aging to enjoy fel-
lowship and to receive a healthy
just like everybody did their part
to make it better for us.
Zorro, a Llhaso Apso, right, greets another dog. Zorro is owned be
dates who have filed for the
office of coroner. Deadline to file
one of the least unionized
states in the country,” said Missionary Baptist Church, Rev. Melvin Bell of Epworth
United Methodist Church, Rev. Morris Waymer of St. James
to approximately $2.50 per cart
– what the city currently pays
By Lisa Chalian-Rock meal – a meal that sometimes Jim Welch. PHOTOS BY SAMANTHA LYLES is noon March 30. Haley, who called herself a
Editor makes the difference between “My area of expertise just United Methodist Church and Rev. Tim Coker of Central Allied Waste.
lisa@newsandpressonline.com Rev. Andrew O’Dell gives a blessing to Yoda, a Yorkiepoo, held by Other candidates who have “union buster.”
surviving and going hungry. happened to fall into the realm Baptist Church. “There is substantial savings
PDRTA Director Chuck owner Susan Becker. filed include Charles Woodle Haley also spoke to students
Until you spread your wings, of what was needed in a coroner, Jeanette Harrison sings and prays during Darlington’s observation Mary Della Anderson of First Church of God provided the on recycling,” Bass said. “The
McNeil said that budget short- and Wayne Byrd for sheriff, about using her uniqueness as
you’ll have no idea how far you
falls – mainly due to drastic cuts so I decided to do it. Has it of the National Day of Prayer on the Public Square on Thursday. music. cost is basically the same for
can fly. That was Tony DiLeo. Bobby Kilgo and Billy Baldwin the first female, first Indian- See more photos and purchase prints from the event online at
He flies among us no more.
in Medicare funding – have always been easy? No. But I have She attended the event with her husband, Gene. commercial roll cart service.”
necessitated service reductions, for Darlington County Council American, and youngest gover- www.newsandpressonline.com. Click “Photo Gallery.”
Anthony “Tony” Raymond
DiLeo, 88, of Darlington died
surrounded by family at his
home on May 13.
Spencer O’Neal receives his completer cords from Instructor Jesse
and more cuts are on the hori-
zon. The short-lived HART bus-
ing service in Hartsville has
already been suspended, and
never regretted that decision.”
Hardee and his small staff,
which includes two part-time
Three officers injured responding to call District 1, Le Flowers for
Darlington County Council
District 5, Wilhelmina Johnson
nor of South Carolina to bring
attention to our state as a pro-
gressive place to live and work.
PHOTOS BY LISA CHALIAN-ROCK The estimated cost of opera-
tions for the commercial roll
cart service will be $47,123 per
year. This compares to $48,000
While his contributions to deputy coroners, an administra-
Darlington are varied and
numerous, the World War II
U.S. Navy veteran held the com-
Health Science Technology student Crystal Lighty receives her
completer cords from Instructor Connie Altman.
Flowers while Brandon Poston waits to receive his cords.
PHOTOS BY LISA CHALIAN-ROCK
McNeil noted that the City of
Hartsville only kicked in $2,500
toward that program. PDRTA
tive worker and contracted
transportation services, are pri-
Three Darlington County
Sheriff’s Office deputies were
for Darlington County Council
District 3, Robbin Brock for
Darlington County Council
“I want them to know we’re
not who they think we are, that
we are not the state we used to
Locals garner state awards for support of libraries for Allied Waste to provide the
service.

DCIT honors students
munity at his heart. has also given 90 days notice marily responsible for determin- injured Thursday afternoon No additional staff will need
that it will end busing service to District 7, and Scott Suggs for be. We have a state of smart
He saw no problem too big ing the time, cause and manner when their vehicle crashed By Lisa Chalian-Rock to be hired as a CDL-licensed
to overcome. He never looked the Council on Aging. Clerk of Court. people who make good deci- Editor
upon anything as a problem McNeil urged council to con- of death, which most often near the U.S. 52 and Harry driver is already on the payroll
includes those that are sudden, sions,” said Haley. “I use that to lisa@newsandpressonline.com
only an opportunity. He would sider including his $100,000 Byrd Highway interchange in the sanitation department.
often say, “‘It can’t be done’ is funding request (which, he unexpected, and have no attend- sell our state.”
The Darlington County Automotive Technology near Manheim Auto Auction. The employees will have the
not in my vocabulary.’”
His singularly dynamic, kind-
ly brand of optimism propelled
Institute of Technology rec-
ognized award winners,
completers included Travis
Atkinson, Ezekial Copeland,
said, represents only half the
funding deficit PDRTA incurs
for Darlington County opera-
ing physician, and those that are
suspicious or violent.
Capt. Andy Locklair said
the deputies were part of a
Hartsville During a student Q&A ses-
sion, Haley encouraged many
Two Darlington County
individuals have won state duties of recycling and com-
mercial roll cart collection.
scholarship recipients and Kyeon Hicks, John Jennings, of the graduating GSSM sen- Friends of South Carolina
him through town, working to
build the downtown area
through a variety of projects
completers during a ceremo-
ny at Darlington Middle
Robert Jones, Joshua
Rakestraw, Jermell Scott
tions) in the upcoming 2012-13
budget, and enumerated the
possible consequences if local
Coroners are elected every
four years by the voters whom
three-vehicle team respond-
ing to an emergency call for
moves on $1.2 iors to consider returning to Libraries awards.
The Friends of South
The city will have the option
to take its recycling to Sonoco or
they serve. South Carolina and using their
assistance from the Combined
including the Liberty Lane
Winston Walk of Fame; the ren-
ovation of the old fire station to
School on May 9.
The mission of the insti-
tute is to create an environ-
and Rontrez Wilson.
Business/ Marketing com-
pleters included Regina
busing service is discontinued.
McNeil said that cutting
PDRTA bus services – including
“The people are my boss,”
Hardee said – and, along with
Drug Unit, which had report- million bond, gifts to help elevate the state.
Regarding her own future
Carolina Libraries presented
State Sen. Gerald Malloy
USA Recycling on S.C. 151. Both
companies said they would be
ed gunfire during an investi- with the 2012 Outstanding glad to accept it, Bass said.
house Our Pat; Christmas deco-
rations and lights around the
courthouse; maintenance, sign
ment that will provide
opportunities for our stu-
dents to develop the founda-
Blakeney, Taylor Bullard,
Elliott Christmas, Tykerria
Coe, Tobias Copeland, Dillon
runs to doctor’s offices, com-
muter service to Florence
Darlington Tech, and loops
the sheriff, the probate judge,
and the clerk of court, are paid
gation in the Mechanicsville
area.
splash pad plans to run for higher office or
depart for the private sector, Public Official Award and Darlington Raceway has
given the city 90 trees as part of
and paint codes for commercial tion necessary to reach their through commercial districts – Haley said she has always taken Faye Griffin with the 2012
Davis, Rhanikwa Goodman, by the county. Both Capt. Locklair and By Samantha Lyles the NASCAR Green Initiative.
buildings; the display of potential and become pro- Andrea Hawkins, LaShonda would lead to reduced mobility life one day at a time and has Outstanding Individual State Senator Gerald Malloy
American flags on six national “My motto is, ‘We doze, but eyewitness Stacy Sturgeon Staff Writer
The track will donate 10 trees
ductive citizens. Fox, Quanisha Jackson, for county residents and could slyles@newsandpressonline.com no current ambitions beyond Award for their contribu- was presented with the
holidays; and his assistance in DCIT Director Bert Quayshon James, Cadejah result in fewer medical appoint- we don’t close,’” Hardee said. said the accident ocurred for every time the green flag
the organization, fundraising or being a good governor and tions to libraries in Outstanding Public Official Faye Griffin, center, received the Outstanding Individual Award by
Guerry presented William Lowery, Christian Miller, William Atkinson, Electricity/Mechatronics student recognized as ments, less spending in area “It’s a rewarding job, but, in my around 4:15 p.m. when a drops, and last year it dropped
planning of many memorials, Director’s Spirit of a Champion Award Winner by DCIT Director businesses, fewer students If all goes as planned, there growing her home state. Darlington County. Award by the Friends of South the Friends of South Carolina Libraries at their annual meeting on
anniversary celebrations,
Atkinson with the Spirit of a Stephen Peoples, Dylan opinion, it is also the most vehicle edged out from a side nine times. The donation repre-
streetscaping and downtown Champion Award, which is Purvis, Andrew Sutphin and Bert Guerry. attending school, and could
demanding job in the county. will be a new splash pad in “As much as the press wants Carolina Libraries at their April 21 in Columbia. She is pictured with Lamar Library Branch
given for scholastic achieve- Ashley Stokes. impair job-seekers who lack street and the deputies’ black operation at Byerly Park on Outstanding annual meeting on April 21 in sents $9,000 to the city, City
development projects. other means of transportation. We operate 24 hours a day, to say I’m going to do some- Manager Sherry Humphries, left, and Friends of the Lamar Library
His leadership in Darlington ment, attendance and most Electricity/Mechatronics Chevrolet SUV swerved hard July 4, as Hartsville City Public Official Columbia. He is pictured with Manager Howard Garland said.
of all leadership. completers included William
“In total, the price is a signif- seven days a week, and 365 thing else, I’m not going any- President Fran Knotts. CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS
will be sorely missed. icant cost to Darlington to avoid it, triggering a violent Council approved a bid con- Sen. Gerald Malloy his wife, Davita. The track plans to purchase
Born in Chicago, Ill., on Dec. Agriculture program com- Atkinson, Joshua days a year.” rollover which sent their SUV
PHOTO BY SAMANTHA LYLES where,” said Haley. “We’ve got
pleters included James
County’s economy and an ero- tract to construct the water The Public Official Award proceeds from that sale will lature and more than the trees at a local nursery and
30, 1923, he was the son of the Bedenbaugh, Spencer Boan, sion of tax revenue,” McNeil tumbling down the highway too much to accomplish and the state. In recent years, he
late Joseph DiLeo and Theresa Chaplin, Cody Howle, Alex Paul Bryant, Jimmy Byrd, Reportedly, the three deputies been working on a complaint pointing the gun at the agent’s feature. The low bid came from recognizes outstanding public go to public libraries – repre- $800,000 in local funding. install them under supervision
argued. HARDEE 3A for approximately 100 yards. too many things to do.” was instrumental in channel-
Manes. Marshall, Blake Miller, Josh Logan Fishburn, Brandon “What I’m looking at is an suffered lacerations and bro- of drug sales and had reported car. The agent retreated to Aqua Dynamics of Jonesboro, officials who have promoted senting $10,985 or more per Following the grand opening of the city arborist Ben
Stalvey, Bradley Tolson and Gainey and James O’Neal. The first two sheriff’s office libraries through legislation, ing much-needed lottery Williamson at Williamson Park.
DILEO, 4A
investment in what is right for ken bones but were not more that he heard shots fired in the wait for backup to arrive. Ga., which offered a $468,980 library system. of that library in August 2011,
Dustin Tyner. Engineering completers
Automobile Collision
the people,” said PDRTA sup- cars managed to avoid the grievously injured thanks to area. He then saw the subject After backup arrived the base construction plan. funding efforts or shown sup- funds to public libraries. Most notable in his nomi- the library’s meeting room In related news, the city has
included Brandon Avant, porter Mary Wilson, who
Repair Technology com- Andrew Barfield, Angel stressed that the impact of bus-
vehicle and were not involved the deployment of multiple walking towards him pointing man was arrested. Anthony Additional expenses to finish port for libraries in some During 2011, he co-spon- nation was his unwavering was named in honor of Sen. received the designation of
pleters included Matthew Gallegos-Pimentel, William ing cuts would be felt most in the crash. airbags and vehicle safety sys- a gun. The agent was on a dirt Heape, 37, was charged with the project will swell total costs other purposeful manner. sored a bill that authorizes the advocacy for the new Society Malloy and his wife, local edu- Tree City USA for the 15th con-
Bramlette, Devon Jackson, Jordan, Ashton Nesmith and Completers are all smiles as they show off their certificates and strongly by the poor and the Locklair said the three tems. All have been released road when the armed man pointing and presenting a Sen. Malloy has had a long- sale of lottery tickets on Hill Library. Sen. Malloy
cords. From left are Brittany Addison, Sha’Quetta Martin,
to around $615,000. cator Davita Malloy. secutive year.
William Ivey, Michael Kelly, Deyonta Robinson. elderly.
Johnny Ludd and Robert Kebreanna Scott, Kadeja Baker, Marshawn Bracey and Damika deputies were taken to a local from the hospital. came from his house and firearm in connection with standing commitment to the Election Day with the stipula- secured local funding of
Perritt. DCIT HONORS 3A Rayson. COUNTY COUNCIL 3A hospital for medical care. The drug unit agent had started shooting in the air and this incident. HARTSVILLE CITY 5A mission of public libraries in tion that in fiscal year 2012 all $250,000 from the S.C. legis- LIBRARY AWARDS 3A CITY COUNCIL 3A


SECOND PLACE:
The Berkeley Independent Wednesday, September 12, 2012 50¢ www.berkeleyind.com

®

Frank Johnson HORSEPLAY
SEE PAGE 1B
INDEX: Calendar 2A • Classifieds 7B • Crime 2A • Crossword 6B • Editorial 7A • Obituaries 6A • Sports 1B • St. Stephen 4B

STEP
CHILDREN
INDEX: Calendar 2A • Classifieds 6B • Crime 2A • Macedonia
Wednesday, August 15, 2012

4B • Editorial 9A • Obituaries
50¢ www.berkeleyind.com

8A • Sports
®

1B • Valentine 8A
Why?
Call files lawsuit
SEE PAGE 4B Murders anger, bewilder community
BY DAN BROWN The anger is mixed with a one-
The Independent word question: Why?
Wednesday, July 4, 2012 50¢ www.berkeleyind.com Different theories have been
As the residents of Berkeley floating around the community
® County continue to come to terms that seek to answer that question.

Callanan: Councilman’s actions ‘pathetic and shameful’ with the murder of two young
women, 18-year-old Dana Woods
and 22-year-old June Guerry,
None of them make sense. Yet few
details about the double murder
do.
BY DAN BROWN Councilman Bob Call has Call’s opponent Ken Gunn’s regulations. Court documents claim in Callanan was dishonest when
The Independent filed a lawsuit seeking to candidacy, claiming Gunn’s Call lost to Gunn – a politi- case no. 2012CP0802329 he said that Gunn’s declara- anger towards the men charged in
their killing is rising. See MURDERS Page 6A
INDEX: Calendar 2A • Classifieds 6B • Crime 2A • Crossword 5B • Editorial 7A • Obituaries 6A • Sports 1B • Jamestown 3B overturn his June 12 GOP paperwork was not filed in cal newcomer – by 371 to filed Aug. 10, 2012 that tion of candidacy paperwork
In a last-minute move primary defeat. accordance with South 265 votes in the GOP pri- Berkeley County Republican

Drama: Budget fails, passes
Berkeley County The lawsuit challenges Carolina Republican Party mary. Party Chairman Tim See LAWSUIT Page 8A
Suspects face additional charges
BY STEFAN ROGENMOSER appeared in bond court Friday for
The Independent the second time after being arrest-
Council member: ‘This vote is illegal’ June 25 session full of surprises ed Sept. 1.
BY DAN BROWN passed the 2012-2013 FY On June 29, a motion was BY DAN BROWN cil denied the adoption of the the end of the fiscal year. Had Caleb Matlock and Ray Chavis, On Friday the suspects received
The Independent budget during a special meet- presented by council member The Independent 2012-2013 Fiscal Year budg- council not reconsidered the
ing called on Friday, June 29. et. vote and passed the budget suspects in the double murder of additional charges from the
Steve Davis by phone to
In a week filled with drama, The vote came days after The June 25 meeting of The budget failed by a sur- on Friday, the county would Dana Woods and June Guerry, See CHARGES Page 6A
Berkeley County Council the budget was voted down in reconsider council’s previous Berkeley County Council prising 5-3 vote that started
pulled an about-face and regular session. See COUNCIL Page 6A was full of surprises as coun- the clock on a countdown to See VOTE Page 7A

Crime scenes revisited by BCSO
Mark Hess/Special to The Independent BY STEFAN ROGENMOSER On Thursday, Sept. 6, investiga-
Fire lights up the night in the early morning hours Aug. 7.
The Independent tors were on the site of the area
near Cordesville off Cane Gully

Chief: Foul play Caleb Matlock hangs his
Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office
investigators were back on the
Road. This is area where the body
of Dana Woods, 18, was found

ruled out in fire
BY FRANK JOHNSON A storage unit on Highway
head during a bond
hearing on Sept. 2.
Frank Johnson/Independent
scene of the double murder that
shook Berkeley County last week. See BCSO Page 6A

The Independent 52 – located near the Ford
dealership south of down-
Moncks Corner Rural Fire town Moncks Corner – con-
Celebrating the taining both junk and thrift
Art Aging
Fourth!
Department Chief Scott Lee

Snakebit
said that foul play is not sus- store-like items was
pected in an early morning destroyed in the blaze, the
fire in Moncks Corner on
Aug. 7.
chief said.
See FIRE Page 5A
winners tour in
BY DAN BROWN
The Independent Cross man killed named works
Let’s go!
A few stout-hearted Gamecock and Tiger
The 22nd Annual Old South Carolina Lt. Gov.
BY STEFAN ROGENMOSER 12:30 a.m. when the collision Santee Canal Fine Arts
fans (and Berkeley Stags fans, too) braved Glenn McConnell was set to
100-degree temperatures to welcome home The Independent occurred.
Exhibition began Aug. 25, begin a series of visits this
two of Moncks Corner’s favorite sons in the Randy Levine, 54, of Cross,
University of South Carolina’s Bruce A Cross man died early was transported to MUSC in
and the event, hosted by The week to senior citizen facili-
Ellington and Clemson’s Thomas Brittle. Sunday after a fatal collision Charleston where he later Berkeley Artist Guild, Santee ties throughout South
Ellington is a two-sport USC star entering died from injuries received Cooper and Berkeley County
Berkeley High School’s Devonte White drives toward the end occurred on Old Highway 6 Carolina to assess existing
his junior season, and Brittle will enter his
final baseball season next spring as a Tiger. zone during scrimmage action against Goose Creek last week. near Cross, according to from the wreck, according to Council, continued through services and gather sugges-
The former teammates served as Grand For complete details of the exciting contest, see Sports. Berkeley County Deputy Hartwell. Sept. 9.
Marshalls for this year’s annual Fourth of A 33-year-old man was tions on improvements from
Doug Rogers/Special to The Independent Coroner Darnell Hartwell. The popular event drew a
See PARADE Page 8A The two vehicles were trav- driving a 2003 van in the local seniors, caregivers, and
large number of artists from
eling on Old Highway 6 at See ACCIDENT Page 6A residents.
Dance fun for all Above, Erica Wilson, Junior
Teen Miss World Elite and
all over the state as well as
from Berkeley County. This
Aging facilities in Berkeley,
Sunburst Overall Grand Dorchester and Charleston
BY DAN BROWN year 90 pieces were entered

New middle school raises the bar will be visited Sept. 24-25.
The Independent Supreme, rides in Saturday’s
parade. At right, the Kid Zone and shown.
Each stop is scheduled to
The annual Moncks Corner Street Dance is a hit. At left, Uncle Sam This year’s winners are (list-
kicked off the town’s annual Fourth of July braves the heat to at the ed in order of finish) include a forum for public
celebration in style. parade. At top, Local band input as well as visits to area
“The dance went off real well despite the Custom 4 and Friends plays BY STEFAN ROGENMOSER year behind its original ambi- • Best in Show Mixed
heat,” said Moncks Corner Park and Friday night. For more Cane Bay Middle Media nursing homes, assisted living
The Independent tious schedule set by then
Recreation Director Ralph Jones. “It was a images, see berekeyind.com Superintendent Anthony
School, the third and Regrets? I have few by facilities, and senior centers.
little hotter this year than we’re used to but final school in the Cane
and click on Photos. Cane Bay’s newest school is Parker, the district’s current Meyriel Edge “Finding ways to make
See DANCE Page 8A Bay development, opens
Photos by Dan Brown/Independent a crowning achievement for staff is extremely pleased • Aqua Media: Charleston meaningful improvements to
to students on Aug. 20.
the Berkeley County School with the project. current Aging services in
Stefan Rogenmoser/Independent Music Man by Bob Graham,
District. At some point BCSD South Carolina is my top pri-
Students will file into the Superintendent Rodney Golden Hour by Louise
James, and Mama And Me by ority, and I don’t understand

District announces ‘Core’
116,000 square foot Cane Thompson and his staff
More free book Bay Middle School for the
first time on Aug. 20. It is the
reworked the schedule to
open the school in 2012.
Dorothy Nichols.
• Oils: Mozart and His
how substantive change can
be made without discussing
Berkeley County students
will be introduced to a new
riculum to align with that of
other states across the nation.
More than 40 states have
adopted the new standards,
lege and career.
“Currently, every state has
days in the works third of three public schools
at Cane Bay Plantation, fol-
School board members
spoke to fears of being able to
Daemons by Gingi Martin,
The Teal Necklace by Denny
Dominic McKelvey/Special to The Independent
Cane Bay’s Richard Henderson wraps up Berkeley quarterback Conner Teague during the Cobra-Stag game last
some of these issues face-to-
face,” said McConnell. “I
curriculum on par with that This initiative, known as the meaning at least 86 percent its own set of academic stan- Nearly 800 books were designed to help rural lowing Cane Bay High build the school but not being
of schools across the nation Common Core State of students across the country dards, meaning public educa- given away to 264 chil- schools where public able to pay for staff, but the Stevenson, and Early Spring week. For complete coverage of the contest, see Sports. want the opportunity to inter-
dren in St. Stephen, Cross
School (opened 2008) and
and the globe in the coming Standards Initiative (CCSSI), will be taught to the new
school year, the Berkeley is a state-led effort coordinat- standards in the coming
tion students in each state are
and Cainhoy in June, and
library access is limited. It
Cane Bay Elementary school will not be at its See ART Page 3A See AGING Page 6A
learning on different levels,” will be repeated on July capacity this year because the
County School District has ed by the National years. The standards were the Berkeley County (opened 2009).
said BCSD Chief Academic 31, Aug. 1 and Aug. 2. district is allowing room for
announced.
The district, along with
Governors’ Association
Center for Best Practices
developed to provide clear
and consistent expectations Officer Kevin O’Gorman.
School District is planning
to repeat the give-away “Putting reading materi-
While the $20 million mid-
dle school was completed a See SCHOOL Page 8A
The Berkeley Independent • www.berkeleyind.com
every other public school dis- (NGA Center) and the for what students should be “Common standards ensure event in July and August. als in the hands of these
trict in the state, will be mak- Council of Chief State learning at each grade in that students are receiving a The promotion is See BOOKS Page 6A

BIG WIN FOR ST. JOHN’S ... 1B
ing changes to its core cur- School Officers (CCSSO). order to be prepared for col- See DISTRICT Page 3A


ST. STEPHEN NEWS ... 3B


FIRST PLACE:
The Star
Brandon Lockett


THIRD PLACE:
The Island News
Pamela Brownstein


SECOND PLACE:
The Fort Jackson Leader
Wallace McBride

FORT JACKSON SCHOOLS LOOK
TO BUILD ON LAST YEAR’S SUCCESS
— PAGE 3

★ AROUND POST, PAGE 17-18 ★ HAPPENINGS, PAGE 19 ★ FMWR, PAGE 22 ★ LEGAL, PAGE 28 ★


FIRST PLACE:
Michael Smith


THIRD PLACE:
The Summerville CYAN-AOOO MAGENTA-OAOO YELLOW -OOAO BLACK 2/6/01

BOEING
ORDERS FLOW IN FOR
DREAMLINER

SEE PAGE 4B

Journal Scene

®

Wednesday, August 8, 2012 50¢ www.journalscene.com

Judy Watts

®

Friday, March 30, 2012 50¢ www.journalscene.com

® Sen. Mike Rose confers with his attorney, Joel Collins. Rose said Photos by Leslie Cantu/Journal Scene County Republican Party Chairwoman Carroll Duncan testifies
he investigated on his own by questioning other candidates. Judge Howard King listens to testimony. Monday that 12 to 14 people had access to the unlocked files.

Friday, May 18, 2012 50¢ www.journalscene.com

Provided
Carter, Duncan remain on ballot
Amy Nelson with her father Willie Nelson.

Bennett candidacy for Sen. 38 still under review
J. Ancrum Robert Ancrum S. Bryant A. Campbell Howard Davis James Davis Baptista Eason Ronald Gadsden Horatio Haynes Walter Jenkins S. Limehouse Antwaun Willis
Country BY LESLIE CANTU oppose the two retaining their

music star The Journal Scene spots on the ballot.

Busted! 12 arrested
When the Democrats’ com-
The struggle between Sen. plaints about alleged filing
Mike Rose and Sean Bennett irregularities amongst the

BY JIM TATUM
The Journal Scene
gal drug and liquor sales has
netted at least a dozen
trolled buys, concentrated on
two adjacent properties locat-
County Sheriff’s Office.
The Dorchester County
Police Department, conduct-
ed two search warrants on the
Unit, The Charleston
Regional DEA Task Force,
adopts horses for the Senate 38 nomination
took center stage Monday at
the Dorchester County
Courthouse as the other can-
Republicans first emerged
publicly, two days after the
primary, they centered on
Carter.
A three-month investigation
arrests. ed at 185 and 187 Pidgeon Metro Narcotics Unit, which two properties on May 15, and Summerville Police Nelson, daughter to adopt two Judy Watts/Journal Scene
didacies purportedly up for The Democrats quickly
The investigation, which Bay Road in Summerville, consists of detectives of the 2012. Department K-9 Unit aided review faded to the back-
Dogwoods are some of the few spring expanded their inquiry to
by the Dorchester County
Metro Narcotic Unit into ille-
utilized confidential inform-
ants making multiple con-
according to Maj. John
Garrison of the Dorchester
Dorchester County Sheriff’s
Office and the Summerville
The Charleston County
Sheriff’s Office Aviation
in the operation and the
See ARRESTS Page 2A
abused Summerville horses blooms still brightening the town. ground. encompass all non-incum-
Judge Howard King of bent candidates, though they
BY STEFAN ROGENMOSER is making sure two local
Sumter now must decide

Festival opens to brilliant
specifically questioned only

Fallen officers
The Journal Scene horses will have a good life
whether Bennett correctly

Races from now on. the filings of Carter and
“The night life ain’t a good About a month ago the two filed his Statement of Duncan in a June 18 press
life, but it’s my life,” Willie malnourished horses were Economic Interests. If he did, release.

never forgotten turn
Nelson sang in his 1965 song
“Night Life.”
While those lyrics may ring
true for him, the iconic singer
rescued from Old Dairy Road
in the Jedburg area of
Berkeley County near
See NELSON Page 10A
weather, big crowds he’s on the ballot; if he didn’t,
he’s off.
King ordered a directed ver-
dict to keep Ed Carter on the
But it was the Bennett can-
didacy that became the focus
of the lawsuit, filed June 29.
Of the three major witness-

END OF WATCH
• Berkeley County Magistrate:
Warren Calhoun Guerry, May 27,
BY STEFAN ROGENMOSER
The Journal Scene

In the law enforcement business they call it the “end
testy
BY LESLIE CANTU Robber gets
Flowertown Festival veterans know there are certain bits of
information that make the event more fun and easier to navi-
gate. Here’s a primer on what you need to know to enjoy the
40th Flowertown Festival.
only. No dish costs more than three tickets. “Taste” is open
from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Sunday.
ballot for the House 97 seat
and Carroll Duncan on the
ballot for the County Council
5 seat.
es of the day – Duncan, Rose
and county Republican party
filing official Tony Piscatella
– the Democrats’ attorney, Leslie Cantu/Journal Scene

away with
1947. The Journal Scene • Firewater Grille is the Grillmaster sponsor and is the exclu-
• Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office: of watch.” The Democrats didn’t
Harvey L. Middleton, May 11, 1975. Between the years 1879 and 2010, 56 law enforce- sive hamburger vendor this year. They will also sell hotdogs See BALLOT Page 10A Senate hopeful Sean Bennett listens as an attorney for the State Republican Party answers Judge Howard King’s questions.
The race for two county Festival Hours

Mandell takes
Marion Eugene Wright, Nov. 19, ment officers from the Lowcountry have died while and other fare. These are sold for cash and not part of the
on duty. council seats is fallen into a Friday and Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
2002.
Bonneau Police Department: John Every family grieves in their own way. Some are miasma of charges and coun- “Taste” event. Firewater will be located at W. 5th South St.

$20k in meds
Fleetwood Dennis, Feb. 3, 1957. tercharges between one of the
thankful for fallen officer memorials such as the Parking: * Other food booths located throughout the festival will have
• Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office: annual Lowcounty Fraternal Order of Police Law challengers and the two
Gary Douglas Blackwood, Feb. 7, incumbents. Free shuttle to the festival. Parking is at the old Hoover Dodge food available for putchase,
Enforcement Memorial service held at the Park
1988. Phillips Michael Deese, March
Circle Community Center in North Charleston Roger Goodman, who is dealership at 200 Old Trolley Road and at Seacoast Church at

Pinewood Helm
9, 2007. running for the District 6 seat
• Moncks Corner Police Thursday. 301 East 5th North Street. (On Sunday, festival-goers can Children’s Carnival
This year at least 14 family members who have seen held by Councilman Bill
Department: Lonnie Wells Sr., March Hearn, has appeared before BY JIM TATUM According to a Summerville begin using the church parking at 1 p.m.) Located at W. 6th South Street featuring amusement games
25, 2007. Marcus Stiles, March 25, their loved ones die in the line of duty attended, Free shuttles will run on an as-needed basis throughout the
Fraternal Order of Police Tri-County Lodge 3 execu- council repeatedly to question The Journal Scene Police Department incident and rides for young children.
2007.
• North Charleston Police tive board member chaplain Harold Phillips said. the oversight of the county’s report, a man walked into the day.
Department: Robert Anthony Way, Phillips, also a sergeant with the Charleston County vehicle fleet and its take- The Summerville Police Rite Aid on Bacons Bridge Neighborhoods adjacent to the festival are for resident parking
Feb. 18, 1985. Albert Leppert, April home policy, prompting a Department is trying to find a Emergency Services
Sheriff’s Office, lost two dear friends in the line of Road, went to the pharmacy, only.
12, 1990. James Howard Simmons duty within a year of graduating from the police acad- public reply by Administrator man who robbed a drug store and showed an employee a EMS will be located at the Corner of Main Street and Joyce BY JIM TATUM School in Hobe Sound, Florida, Summerville, indeed, this entire
Jr., Oct. 12, 1992.
emy in 1991, he said. Jason Ward published in the The Journal Scene where he served as headmaster. area has many quality education
• St. Stephen Police Department: Journal Scene on May 9.
at about 8:45 p.m. on March handgun in waistband. He Food: Lane; on 5th Street near the Cuthbert Center; on Main Street
“We were very close,” Phillips said. “It was an eye- 23 of more than 3,800 pre- then handed her a navy blue He spent the last part of the opportunities, including
Joshua Lee Milligan, Jan. 6, 1992. Now, Goodman has • Taste of Summerville food is sold by tickets at $1 each. near the Canal; on Main Street between Richardson Avenue
opening experience.” Innovation, empowerment, and
• S.C. Highway Patrol: Willie Edward responded by accusing Hearn scription narcotics worth Tickets can be purchased at 5th and Main and at 6th and Main and 2nd Street. school year traveling between Pinewood.
Peeples, June 8, 1979. Kenneth He has a wristband inscribed with the name James
Jeffrey Johnson, July 7, 2002. Brent McCant, one of his friends who died on duty at Photos by Stefan Rogenmoser/Journal Scene and Council Chairman Larry more than $20,000. See Rite Aid Page 10A engagement are some of the keys Summerville and Hobe Sound so “This is an education-oriented
• Summerville Police Department: Isle of Palms Police Sgt. and Lowcountry Piper Jimmy Ryan plays Hargett of attempting to cover Steve Mandell believes will fur- he could learn more about community – everyone cares,
See FALLEN Page 10A

Brown ‘fed up’ with trash
William Boland Bell, Nov. 19, 2002. “Amazing Grace” on bagpipe during the memorial. up the truth about county mis-
management.
ther propel Pinewood Pinewood and about the there are great schools and won-
In a letter to local media, he Preparatory School into a bright Summerville Community in gen- derfully talented teachers and
At right, the Dorchester
calls on them to resign for future. eral. educators in so many areas,”
“misconduct in office” and Mandell, who took over as
County Sheriff’s Office He most definitely likes what Mandell said. “It’s wonderful – it
Honor Guard members
fire the third of three
calls on the state attorney
general to investigate their
actions and file formal
Councilman blasts town’s new management system Jim Tatum/Journal Scene
Head of School July 1, comes to
Summerville from The Pine
he sees, Mandell said.
Mandell notes that
says something about this com-
rounds during their BY LESLIE CANTU contractor. toward bulk trash pickup, yet call up the streets department Mandell took over as the Pinewood Preparatory Head of School on July 1. See MANDELL Page 10A
charges as warranted.
21-gun salute at the
“He’s on a witch hunt,” The Journal Scene Residents the employees who have han- at any time and get workers
Lowcountry Fraternal
Hargett said. are sup- SEE dled those calls in the past to come get trash, but the

Wooded tract on Town mulls over
Order of Police Law
See COUNCIL Page 10A Councilman Aaron Brown posed to call now answer to Lisa Wallace, department is on a schedule
Enforcement Memorial.
has had it with the trash pil- Waste Pro
BROWN’S the director of administra- and shouldn’t be pulled away
ing up in Brownsville and tion, Brown said.
and sched-
GUEST by council members, Collins

‘Y’ may run rec in St. George School board: Sawmill Branch insurance options
Robynwyn, and he thinks ule a Because the town has pur- said.
some of the changes the town
has made in the past year are
Saturday COLUMN chased some labor-saving
devices recently, like the pot-
“That’s just not the way to
pick-up. run a city,” he said.
contributing to the problem.
BY LESLIE CANTU Commission members er, was estimated at management agreement that PAGE hole patcher, Brown believes

becoming homes
The old Collins believes that going
The Journal Scene learned that their park plans $800,000. the county and YMCA could Mayor Bill Collins, howev- the streets department should BY JIM TATUM The town is currently under

The Summerville Family
YMCA could run recreation
$177m needed
could cost millions more than
expected.
Phase 1, including two
Commission members were
discouraged by the figures,
but indicated they want to
negotiate.
The county would pay the
YMCA a flat fee and the
BY JIM TATUM headquarters.
er, said the dumping problem
has existed for years. He
wants to fix it, but his ideas
system was
b e t t e r,
Brown said,
11A have enough money in its
budget to handle bulk trash.
“The problem is the mayor
after offenders and issuing
$500 fines would cut down
on illegal dumping.
The Journal Scene

Summerville Town Council
Blue Choice, a Blue Cross
Blue Shield plan. The town
has been with Blue Choice
programs at the proposed St. baseball fields, one football find a way to make the plan YMCA would assume all differ from Brown’s. because responsible residents Brown thinks the areas he
The Journal Scene The referendum would and the council. It’s not the BY LESLIE CANTU the owner introduced plans is currently mulling employ- for three years, with its
George courthouse park for field and a playground, could work. program costs and liability, Brown said when the town didn’t suffer from the actions represents are being neglect-
an annual fee of $150,000,
conceivably add 21 mills to
of irresponsible neighbors employees,” he said. The Journal Scene for commercial development ee insurance benefit options. renewal date coming up in
cost about $2 million, civil Recreation is a component Lukridge said. It would run had a garbage contract with
After lengthy discussion county tax bills; or roughly
Collins, however, said the ed because they’re low- last fall.
Executive Director Gary engineer Elliott Locklair of economic development, recreational leagues, offer fit- Suburban, the town’s streets who fail to make the call. Council heard a presenta- October.
in several workshops, the $84 on a home with a income. Letting trash sit out
Lukridge told the parks and said. Councilman Jay Byars said. ness classes and swim les- In addition, the internal town is trying to address the Home construction has Atila Stolf of Stolf tion from Thomas Faulds,
Dorchester School District $100,000 assessed value, department would regularly for weeks at a time would The company informed the
recreation commission The entire plan includes Commissioner Rita May sons or whatever’s desired, in 2 Board of Trustees voted according to DD2 CFO patrol the town streets and realignment of department problem but not getting help begun on a seven-acre lot that Construction said he current- area vice president for
Wednesday. addition to maintaining never happen on the other town back in April of a deci-
three baseball fields, two Ranck said it doesn’t make unanimously to ask the Allyson Duke. pick up bulk trash from the heads has left employees from the residents. sparked vocal protests when ly plans to build seven homes Gallagher Benefits, the
Whether or how the county football fields, three tennis sense to build smaller fields fields, opening the parks and The money would be side of the tracks, he said. sion to raise the town’s pre-
public to support a $177 side of the road. confused and at cross-pur- Trash materialized on on the land, which is visible
will build the park it wants in courts, one basketball court, that the county could out- picking up trash at million bond referendum used to build three new ele- Every street has a pile of town’s benefit specialist con- mium by some 30 percent.
St. George is another story. Leslie Cantu/Journal Scene When the town changed to poses, he said. Boone Street the day after the from Trolley Road and adja- Leslie Cantu/Journal Scene
a playground, pavilion and grow in five years and need Rosebrock Park. during a meeting held after mentary schools, a new The Brownsville Church of God property, across from the trash, be it TVs, furniture, sultant, regarding these Compounding this is the fact
If it were to take on duties Waste Pro in January, though, Charlie Miller, the head of town picked up a previous cent to the Sawmill Branch New home construction has begun on a parcel at Sawmill
splash pad. to spend more money on. a workshop session Rollings Middle School of options during its Finance that all insurance plans not in
at Pine Trace, the annual fee
railroad tracks, has also become a dumping ground, it also transferred responsi- public works, has money in pile, he said. toilets, clothes or other items,
The original St. George Lukridge proposed the Wednesday night at DD2 See SCHOOLS Page 10A
Councilman Aaron Brown said. Canal. Branch Canal and Trolley Road. Earlier this year, neighbors Committee meeting Monday place by Sept. 23 must be
plan, which was much small- broad outlines of a recreation See YMCA Page 10A bility for bulk pick-up to the his budget that could go Brown wants to be able to See TRASH Page 10A
opposed rezoning the property to allow for commercial morning.

Summerville Journal Scene • www.journalscene.com Summerville Journal Scene • www.journalscene.com See SAWMILL Page 6A use. See TOWN Page 10A

CYAN-AOOO MAGENTA-OAOO YELLOW-OOAO BLACK 01/29/08 CYAN-AOOO MAGENTA-OAOO YELLOW-OOAO BLACK 01/29/08 CYAN-AOOO MAGENTA-OAOO YELLOW-OOAO BLACK 01/29/08

Lancaster News
BREAKING NEWS ONLINE AT WWW.THELANCASTERNEWS.COM Two sections

The
Lancaster 14 pages
County’s 75 cents
triweekly
newspaper

Friday, February 3, 2012

Register your Man wins Gaffney edges
Relay for Life $1 million Lancaster

SECOND PLACE: team today
OUT & ABOUT, 1B
in lottery
INSIDE, 4A
in overtime
SPORTS, 5A

TO CARRY...
The Lancaster News OR NOT TO CARRY
The need for self-protection

Barbara Rutledge Jesef Williams
jwilliams@thelancasternews.com
Crystal Roney keeps a pistol
on her bedroom night stand.
During road trips, it’s in her
car’s glove compartment. And
Residents bear arms in response to violent crimes
now, she wants to have it on her
body at all times.
When Roney moved into a new
house about two years ago, she
decided to take a gun-safety
class, given that she’d be living
alone.
But after hearing the news of
recent murders, assaults and
other violent crimes, Roney
wants to take things a step fur-
ther by obtaining a concealed-
weapons permit.
That will allow her to carry a
handgun with her, versus only
storing it in her home or vehicle.
And by the sound of things, she’s
part of an ever-growing group.
Roney, a Lancaster resident,
took a self-defense and gun-
safety class in 2010, which was
facilitated by Maj. Matt Shaw of
the Lancaster County Sheriff’s
Office.
Roney said she didn’t know the
state’s gun laws and wanted to

See CARRY | Page 8A

Assault Spelling champ
thought she was
suspect given trick word
arrested Reece Murphy
rmurphy@thelancasternews.com
This year’s Lancaster
School eighth-grader Kaila
Hayden.
And so began a war of

Local man charged with County School District
spelling bee was a nail-bit-
spelling
words that

criminal sexual conduct er in a way only those who
have witnessed such aca-
would en-
dure for the
Christopher Sardelli next 12
demic competitions can
csardelli@thelancasternews.com rounds.
fully understand.
Back and
Police have arrested and charged a Lan- The scene: Afternoon of
forth, each
caster man in connection with a violent Jan. 26. Fifteen of the coun-
Kaley spelled
assault that happened along Main Street ty’s best elementary and
Morris some words
last month. middle school spellers on
correctly –
Gaeric Quindrell Johnson, stage at the University of
“fiasco,” “archive,” diatribe”
22, 414 South Ave., was ar- South Carolina Lancaster’s
– and moved on; mis-
rested Wednesday at 6:31 Stevens Auditorium.
spelled others – “hosta,”
p.m. in the 900 block of Loft The prize: Recognition “praline,” “morgue” – and
Lane, according to a Lan- as the district’s best speller sat down; and traded plac-
caster Police Department and a chance to compete es at the mic to spell that
booking report. He is in the 58th Charlotte Ob- final winning word.
Johnson charged with criminal sex- server Regional Spelling A winner finally emerged
ual conduct and a warrant Bee. in the 20th round.
was served on him while he was in custody The students: Focused, “R-O-U-G-H-...H-E-W-
at the police department, the report said. slightly fidgeting, some so N,” Kaila spelled after
Lancaster Police Chief Harlean Howard nervous you could hear it thinking about the word
said Thursday morning there are also sev- in their voices. for “stone or timber shaped
eral pending charges against Johnson for The first round started roughly without finishing.”
armed robbery, kidnapping and posses- with “cosmetic” and spell-
sion of a firearm during the commission of “That is correct,” word
ers began falling out five reader Lynn Ferguson said
a violent crime. Johnson’s bond has been words later with “tragic,”
denied, Howard said. REECE MURPHY/rmurphy@thelancasternews.com
as applause erupted for the
“caboose” and “behest.” 2012 spelling bee champi-
The charges are related to the kidnap- 2012 Lancaster County School District spelling bee champion By the end of the eighth
ping, robbery and assault of a victim in the on.
Kaila Hayden of Indian Land Middle School is happy after round, only two remained,
300 block of North Main Street at about 9 Kaila, the daughter of
finding out she spelled “R-O-U-G-H-...H-E-W-N” correctly Buford Elementary School
p.m. Jan. 23. Rebecca and Tim Hayden
at the spelling bee Jan. 26 at the University of South Carolina fifth-grader Kaley Morris
See ASSAULT | Page 3A Lancaster’s Stevens Auditorium. and Indian Land Middle See SPELLING | Page 3A

American hero was a humble man
AARON MORRISON
amorrison@thelancasternews.com
By Michele Roberts other Allied forces on their way which was a POW camp in Lux-
For The Lancaster News to Berlin. embourg, south of Berlin,” An-
Even though he spent glin said. “It is noted that year
six months in a POW On Dec. 16, 1944, Gandy and
A local man who recently died (1944-1945) was one of the
camp during World his fellow soldiers found them-
has been hailed an American harshest winters on record in
selves surrounded by Germans
War II, veteran Carl hero. that country, and that was one of
in a small town in France and
Gandy had to be con- Lancaster resident Carl Gandy the many challenges he faced,
ultimately surrendered. Gandy
vinced by his family died Jan. 25 at the age of 88. Dur- along with malnutrition from
became a prisoner of war.
to participate in the ing his life he was a business eating things like grass soup.”
Lancaster Veterans owner, father, grandfather and The Rev. Steve Anglin of Sher-
wood Baptist Church told the As a result, Gandy became very
parade. Gandy died great-grandfather. Gandy served sick and weak over the course of
Jan. 25. The Rev. Steve in the Army during World War II. story of Gandy’s imprisonment
during funeral services held Jan. the six months he was held at
Anglin said Gandy was As a member of the 4th Infantry Stalag 3A. When American liber-
Division, he and his comrades 28. Part of the message was enti-
one who paid the price ators finally arrived in the camp,
pushed their way across the tled, “Freedom Isn’t free”.
for liberty.
French countryside, along with “They took him to Stalag 3A, See GANDY | Page 8A

Weather Index Deaths, 4A
Carrie Clark Mildred Steinmeyer
Early clouds, Community Calendar ..........3B Out & About .......................1B
parting shower Richard McKinney Vivian Wentz
Classifieds ...............................4B Police Blotter .......................4A
then warm Entertainment ......................3B Sports ....................................5A Jean Phillips
Highs: 61-63 Opinion ................................7A
Lows: 38-40

SPORTS: Red Fox basketball teams prepare to open region play. 1B

MESSENGER

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