Consultant says Ware Shoals needs
long-range plan for development

April 30, 2005

By WALLACE McBRIDE
Index-Journal senior staff writer

WARE SHOALS — The key to the town’s future might be in renovating its past, according to one urban planning consultant.
It’s no secret that the surrounding community is aching for new jobs. In March, National Textiles announced it was phasing out operations of its Hodges facility by July, putting about 400 people out of work.
The residents of Ware Shoals are in a “fight for their survival,” said Doug Burns, a principal with the planning and design company Perkins Eastman Inc.
Seeding the local economy will be an uphill battle, but Ware Shoals is far from a lost cause, he said.
“The relationship of Ware Shoals is parallel to Rock Hill and Charlotte about 15 years ago,” he said. “I think it’s a possibility for them to become a ‘nighttime’ community for Greenville, or a retirement center. But this will have to be something from city and community.”
Burns called the town’s current plan for economic renewal “incredibly aggressive” and suggested tackling the project in small pieces.
“People aren’t ready to be there yet,” he said. “The concept is to buy some time to generate some activity and create some jobs.”
“It’s pretty comprehensive,” Ware Shoals Mayor George Rush said of the town’s vision plan. “We wanted an elaborate plan for all parts of town.”
The visionary plan calls for a revitalization of the business district, the renovation of the old Riegel Textile plant and developing business property along the Saluda River.
The proposal from Perkins Eastman would refocus early efforts to renovating a trio of uptown buildings — Katherine Hall, the Ware Shoals Inn and Town Hall.
“When I got into town I was very much enamored of the three buildings, as well as the post office,” Burns said. “I thought it was a very beautiful area.”
Renovating the Ware Shoals Inn would cost about $4 million, but the project could be supported by historic tax credits if it qualifies as a historic site, he said.
Divided into 30 units, the building could be maintained for years as a senior living center.
“I think it would be a landmark project for South Carolina,” Burns said. “The city wins, it’s got very little risk in it. And hopefully they’ve got three of the neatest buildings in town restored.”
Meanwhile, the loss of National Textiles could have an impact on everyone in Ware Shoals, Rush said. The facility uses high water volumes that offset the cost of sewer services to Ware Shoals customers.
When the plant closes, Rush said sewer rates might rise.
“If there is no replacement for that sewer demand, then we’re going to have to readjust and look at how that affects the whole budget,” he said.
The goal is to find a suitable occupant for the privately owned National Textiles building, he said.

Wallace McBride covers Greenwood and general assignments in the Lakelands. He can be reached at 223-1812, or: wmcbride@indexjournal.com

 

Lt. Col. Ret. Henry Cronic

CLINTON – Lt. Col. Ret. Henry Cronic, 83, died Monday, April 25, 2005, in the Anderson Area Medical Center after complications from pneumonia.
Mr. Cronic was born in Gainesville, Georgia. After high school he attended the University of Alabama, the Germany extension of the University of Maryland and Harbor College in Los Angeles, CA. Among the service schools, he has attended is the Command and General Staff College, Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas.
His military career began in 1943 when he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps. He completed aviation cadet training at Childress Air Force Base, Texas and was commissioned a second lieutenant in 1944.
He was assigned to Pairs, France working with Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) from 1962 to 1966. His final assignment was as a Battalion Commander at Ft. Bragg, N.C., eventually becoming a lieutenant colonel.
The coveted Drill Sergeant Award, a great honor, is but one held by the lieutenant colonel. He is the recipient of the Legion of Merit, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Bronze Star for meritorious service, the Air Medal with Four Oak Leaf Clusters and seven other awards and decorations.
After retiring from the military in 1967, Lt. Col. Cronic chose to become a full time resident of Clinton in 1968. He then worked for 15 years as a training director, plans and benefits manager at Clinton Mills. He was past president of the Clinton Lions Club, past post commander of the American Legion and a volunteer for the literacy program.
Surviving are his wife, Sarah Forck Cronic and a daughter, Dr. Daria T. Cronic, both of the home. Other survivors include one sister, Millie Workman of Greenwood; two brothers, Ray Cronic of Myrtle Beach, and Scott Cronic of Greenwood.He was predeceased by Odessa Cronic, mother, and Tanner Cronic, father, of Greenwood, another brother, Wiley Cronic of Greenwood.
Services were held at St. Mark’s Catholic Church in Newberry, with interment in the St. Peter’s Catholic Church Cemetery in Columbia with full military honors.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Main Street United Methodist Church of Greenwood or Piedmont Technical College, P.O. Box 1467, Greenwood, SC 29648, or the Presbyterian College Faculty Development, 503 S. Broad St., Clinton, SC 29325.
PAID OBITUARY


Jiggs Dobbins

John D. “Jiggs” Dobbins, 84, of National Health Care Center, widower of Lena Dorn Dobbins, died Friday, April 29, 2005 at Self Regional Medical Center.
The family is at the home of sister, Betty Porter, 229 W. Deadfall Road.
Services will be announced by Harley Funeral Home.


Ethel Lee Hudson

PLUM BRANCH — Ethel Lee Morgan Hudson, 75, wife of Ernest Hudson, died at Self Regional Medical Center, Greenwood, after a sudden illness.
Born in McCormick County, she was a daughter of the late Johnny and Mary Wiggleton Morgan. She was a member of Pine Grove A.M.E. Church, a homemaker and attended McCormick County schools.
Survivors include her husband of the home; two daughters, Mrs. Harold (Jannie) Stevens of Plum Branch and Lizzie Hudson of North Augusta; four sons, Johnny Hudson of Plum Branch, Danny Hudson of Atlanta, Frank Hudson of Augusta, Ga., and Charlie Hudson of North Augusta; a sister, Elizabeth Seymore of Alexandria, Va.; 12 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
The family is at the home, 101 Old Augusta Road.
Services will be announced by Walker Funeral Home, McCormick.


Cornelia Karter Sachs

CULLMAN, Ala. — Cornelia Karter Sachs, 91, widow of Alfred Lawrence Sachs, died Thursday, April 28, 2005 at her home.
Born in Cullman, she was a daughter of the late Frank and Gertrude Otte Karter. She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Alabama, and the Altar Society and Lady Knights of Columbus of the church. She was named Lady of the Year by Knights of Columbus Council 1484 in 1982 and received The Sacred Heart Church Senior Citizens Appreciation Award in 2001. She was a charter member of Sacred Heart Senior Citizens, serving as activity coordinator for many years. A graduate of Sacred Heart Academy, she served several terms as treasurer of the Sacred Heart Alumni Association and was a supporter of Sacred Heart Convent and St. Bernard Abbey. She was employed at State National Bank, now Compass Bank, retiring in 1978.
Survivors include three daughters, Mrs. James (Frances) McElveen of Cullman, Mrs. Joseph (Charlotte) Cabri of Greenwood, S.C., and Mrs. John (Louise) Chandler of Baton Rouge, La.; eight grandchildren; and two great-granddaughters.
Services are 10 a.m. Monday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, conducted by Father Kevin McGrath.
Pallbearers are grandsons Christopher Cabri, Edward Chandler, Paul Chandler and Thomas Chandler, along with Ervin Webb and nephew John Sachs.
Honorary pallbearer is Drew Green.
Rosary is 7:30 p.m. Sunday at Moss Service Funeral Home.
Memorials may be made to Sacred Heart Senior Citizens or Sacred Heart Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 1085, Cullman, AL 35056-1085.
Moss Service Funeral Home is in charge.


Shirley C. Thomas

WASHINGTON — Shirley Crawford Thomas, 72, of 1200 Block North Capital N.W., widow of Eddie James Thomas, died Monday, April 25, 2005 at Doctor’s Hospital, Lanham, Md.
Born in Greenwood County, S.C., she was a daughter of Eva Crawford Posey and the late Eugene Goodman. She was a member of Metropolitan Baptist Church, Washington and a former member of Mount Moriah Baptist Church, Greenwood.
Survivors include her mother of Greenwood; five sons, Anthony J. Thomas, Charles L. Thomas, Kenneth L. Thomas and Michael Thomas, all of Washington and Tyrone Gail of Lanham, Md.; two daughters, Ethel Bailey and Claudia A. Kennedy, both of Lanham; a sister, Willa Mae Thompson of Washington; a brother, Leroy Crawford of Greenwood; 27 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandchild.
The family is at the home of an aunt, Blanche Chappell, 718 Macedonia Ave., and her brother, Leroy Crawford, 108 Lisa Drive, both in Greenwood.
Services will be announced by Parks Funeral Home, Greenwood.


Billie E. Williams

McCORMICK — Billie E. Williams, 76, of Savannah Lakes Village, died Thursday, April 28, 2005 at Self Regional Medical Center, Greenwood.
Born in Akron, Ohio, he was a former general manager of Portage Mold & Die and former president of Diversified Engraving in Akron. He served as umpire and referee for high school baseball and basketball games for many years and was former president of the Browns Backers Akron Chapter. After retiring to Savannah Lakes Village nine years ago, he served as an Augusta Chronicle Sunday edition carrier and was a member of First Assembly of God, Lincolnton, Ga.
Survivors include his wife, Ginny M. Williams; three sons, Billie E. Williams Jr. of Winter Garden, Fla., Dale M. Williams of Leesville and David B. Williams of Akron; two daughters, Crystal Sbona, of Connecticut and Valerie Timson of Florida; two stepdaughters, Kara Fischback of Avon, Ohio and Keely Kalb of North Canton, Ohio; 12 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
A memorial service is 2 p.m. Sunday at First Assembly of God, Lincolnton, conducted by the Revs. Lanis Lewis and Terry Bonds.
Memorials may be made to First Assembly of God, c/o Music Dept., P.O. Box 457, Lincolnton, GA 30817.
Beggs Funeral Home, 200 May Ave., Lincolnton, is in charge.

 

Finding a home away from home

Savannah Lakes residents housing golfers during NGA event

April 30, 2005

By JIM JOYCE
Special projects editor

McCORMICK — A home away from home can be a problem for professional athletes.
But that’s not the situation for most of those in the Savannah Lakes Village Resort Classic (NGA/Hooters Tour) at Monticello Golf Club at Savannah Lakes Village.
It hasn’t been a major problem at the McCormick course since the first year it started — this is the fourth year and next year is already on the books.
Club pro Sam Adams has said on many occasions that the residents have opened their homes and extended a big welcome to the more than 150 players who participate each year in the event, which is one of four major stops on the Hooters Tour.
The $200,000 purse this year is the largest on the 2005 tour, except the championship tournament at the end of the year.
“Everybody looks forward to playing this tournament,” said Rob Bradley of Jacksonville, Fla. “Everybody is so involved. When we go to the other tournaments, there is not a lot of housing available, and they have a hard time getting volunteers to help.
“Other golf courses are not nearly as good as this one. I’ve heard a lot of the guys say this is kind of like the Masters of the Hooters Tour. Everybody fell into that — the community, the golf course. It’s a great time coming here.”
Bradley is one of three players staying with Kathie and Bill Essex, who opened their McCormick home to two players two years ago, three last year and three this year. The other two staying this year are Tommy Biershenk of Boiling Springs and Josh Broadaway of Albany, Ga.
Making a home away from home for the players wasn’t a difficult task for the Essex family, and they plan to continue.
“You get kind of a parents-fix,” Bill said. “It’s fun to have people around. The attitude of the whole village is great.”
The idea of providing housing started about four years ago.
“We were excited about the Stewart and Stewart Developmental Tour being here,” Kathie said. “There weren’t a lot of places to stay. We had a fellow who lived in the village who played on that tour and he was talking one day about most of the guys were living on shoestrings, and in cars.”
“Most people here have kids who are living somewhere else, and they kind of like getting a kids-fix — having a guy come and stay with them.”
The number was low the first year, but the more the word got out, the more the players became interested in living with village residents.
“The first year we had about 40 who stayed in homes,” Kathie said. “Last year, we housed in excess of 90. Right now (Tuesday), we have about 86.
“Every year, the number we have to actually call somebody (to provide housing) decreases because the guys who are still on the tour go back. The people adopt these guys.”
Players don’t wait until the last minute, either.
“These guys (Tommy and Rob) called weeks ago to reserve their rooms,” Bill said.
Kathie added, “That has happened over and over again. One elderly lady, who is a widow, took two players last year and was so nice to them to the point that one of the player’s mother sent her flowers because she had been so good to her son. There’s a lot of stories that can be told.”
Some players may be a little spoiled.
“We’re used to staying in hotels (or motels) and eating out every meal,” Bradley said. “Last year, we ate here every night. It’s really great for us to change from hotel life and eating fast foods.”
There are circumstances when opening a home can be a major relief to a player, especially when they have no idea where McCormick is, or how to get there.
Like last Saturday night.
“We were out and when I got home there was a message on the machine,” Kathie said. “A player had called and was on his way. It was about a quarter to nine, and I called his cell phone. He’s on (Highway) 221, and it’s the first time he’s ever been here. He said he was going to find a place to stay.
“I said, ‘you won’t find a place tonight. Why don’t you come here and stay the rest of the night.’ I gave him the directions to our house and he came and spent the night. I got him housed the next day.”
There are methods of getting the housing information out — one being a special system within the village.
“We have an Internet sort of thing,” Kathie said. “We call it Neighbor Link and we exchange information with anyone who has a computer. We put notices on the inter-link when we need housing, and I get almost all the people I need.”
Bradley laughed and added, “We saw a notice that said if you want housing in McCormick, call Kathie Essex.”
“That’s why I said we better call early,” Biershenk added.
Once players are settled in, a typical day does not always mean playing golf.
“You get to go fishing and relax,” Biershenk said. “We come straight off the golf course, put on some shorts and go fishing. It’s usually go to a hotel and sit in a cramped room. Here, it’s like being back home. You do what you want to do.”
Kathie has the position of being the housing chairman for the Hooters Tour, and she has special instructions for anyone opening homes for players.
“I tell everybody to sit down with players and have a frank conversation about what you expect and what they expect. Most people feed them,” she said.
“Here, when we get up in the morning, and if I’m in the mood to make bacon and eggs, I fix bacon and eggs. If I’m not, I say, ‘there’s the cereal, there’s the milk and there’s the toast.’”
Bill added, “We tell them, here it is, make yourself at home.”

 

Observations ... and other reflections

April 30, 2005

News item: COLUMBIA (AP) – The Senate finished work on a $5.8 billion spending Tuesday evening, entering the final hours of debate doling out cash from an expected state surplus to pet projects across the state …”
Pet projects? More often that not, in Columbia and Washington, that word pet can be changed to pork.
Doesn’t South Carolina have some bills to pay and reserves to replenish that should come before spending on new items?
But, then, they live in a system where constituents are quick to ask what they have done for them lately. Of course, funding pet projects is also good for the back-home image of lawmakers ….. and it doesn’t matter, it seems, whether they are Democrat or Republican.

* * * * *

A bill in the South Carolina House of Representatives would eliminate all of the 1,500 hours of training required for hair braiders. The House approved a Senate bill that requires hair braiders to receive only six hours of training.
There must be a least a few South Carolinians who wonder why there even has to be a bill on hair braiding. Who can blame them? You have to wonder if it is really necessary for lawmakers to spend time talking about hair braiding in the first place. Still, who’d have thought they’d spend time on such things as what constitutes a marriage, state sponsored gambling, among other things that sometimes defy imagination ….. for example, a bill would allow charities to hold raffles to raise money while exempting them from the state’s anti-gambling laws.
If the state sanctions gambling for itself, why not others?

* * * * *

It’s perception that counts. Maybe that helps explain why the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) attracts a few frowns sometimes. For example, the ACLU of Virginia has asked a federal appeals court to reverse a ruling against a Wiccan (witch) priestess who wanted to offer the opening prayer at a board of supervisors meeting.
It’s not a question of whether the ACLU is right or wrong in this case or in other situations that seem to stretch credibility for a lot of people. It’s all about public perception, and the perception by some people is that it’s wrong. That is, it’s wrong according to their general and customary beliefs and opinions.
When perceptions of right and wrong differ, there’s always going to be disagreements. Were it not for that, would there even be an ACLU?