Ninety Six Police chief apologizes

Dixon says ‘sorry’ to councilman for comment, asks residents to ‘work together’

August 30, 2005

By VIC MacDONALD
Index-Journal regional editor

Back on duty after an unpaid suspension, Ninety Six Police Chief Pat Dixon has issued the letter of apology he was required to write as a condition of his return to work.
The typed statement, signed “Chief Stephen Dixon” and made available Monday, has Dixon thanking his supporters and family for their support and thanking “those who tried to crucify me.” It also includes an apology to Ninety Six Town Councilman Steve Turner for “the comment that was made,” even though the exact wording of that comment never has been made public.
Meanwhile, Ninety Six Mayor Tim Griffin said Dixon will not receive back pay for the 34 days he was suspended. Town residents set up a fund for Dixon after a raucous town council meeting last month when Dixon’s suspension was affirmed by a 6-1 majority vote of town council.
Griffin suspended Dixon July 20 for an unspecified reason, three days after a majority of town council voted to contract with the Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office to provide law enforcement protection to the town. That action would allow the town to disband the police department.
Dixon was reinstated by Griffin on Aug. 22 after town council heard from Dixon in a three-hour closed meeting. About 200 people waited through that session at The Depot and cheered Dixon’s reinstatement, which came with conditions.
Griffin said Friday that Dixon’s reinstatement was immediate and the chief was back at work “the next day.”
“We just need to move forward,” Griffin said, “and do what we need to do.”
Griffin said the council has not had further discussions about disbanding the police department or the contract with the sheriff’s office. Greenwood County Sheriff Dan Wideman confirmed Friday that he had not heard anything more from the town about the contract.
The contract issue definitely will not be resolved by Thursday when the town council has a called meeting scheduled to give final reading to its 2005-06 budget, Griffin said.
“There’s no way it could be done in time for the budget,” he said. “(The contract) will take several months; we have to go on with the budget.”
When town council agreed Aug. 22 to leave the issue of Dixon’s suspension in Griffin’s hands and Griffin decided to reinstate Dixon, Griffin stipulated that the reinstatement would happen only if Dixon agreed to the following conditions:
* Six months probation;
* Immediate discharge if similar conduct happens in the future;
* A public apology to Turner and Turner’s family through the appropriate media;
* A written reprimand from town council; and
* Sensitivity training.
Dixon’s letter reads, in part:
“First off I would like to thank my family and friends who stood by me during the past month and supported me with their love, financial and moral support.
“Ninety Six is much more than a small town; it’s a community that reaches far, far beyond the city limits. I was raised in a small town (Calhoun Falls) where some of the most loving and caring people live and I never thought that there was any place in the world like my hometown, but I was wrong. There are good people everywhere. The town of Ninety Six has a heart of gold and I am proud to live here with such good people and to tell others that I live here.
“This incident has been blown out of proportion. I am sorry for the comment that was made, and to Mr. Turner and those that may have been hurt I am sorry. I would also like to thank those who tried to crucify me. Things were said that were not true, and those people will have to answer to God just like each and every one will. Even though you tried to hurt me you only made me a stronger person and (caused) the town’s people to pull together.
“We need to continue to work together as a community. If we all work together we could make this town grow. So, please let’s work together to make our town better and a safer place to live and raise our kids.”
Throughout the controversy surrounding Dixon, Turner refused public comment. He abstained from the vote in July that upheld Griffin’s decision to suspend Dixon, so it was unclear precisely why Dixon was required to apologize to Turner and his family.
When he was suspended, Dixon said the action stemmed from a “personal vendetta” of a council member against him, and later confirmed that last football season he had ticketed Turner’s son and daughter-in-law for a tag violation.
After the Aug. 22 council meeting when Dixon was reinstated, he and Turner shook hands. Turner was taunted, though, by at least one town resident who said, “the wrong man’s apologizing.”

Area coaches enjoy cordial night

August 30, 2005

By CHRIS TRAINOR
Index-Journal sports writer

Sometimes it’s OK for rivals to be friends, even if it is just for one night.
Such was the case Monday night, as six high school coaches from Greenwood and the Lakelands area got together at the Greenwood Country Club to have a meal together and address the Greenwood Touchdown Club.
Greenwood High School coach Shell Dula, Emerald’s Mac Bryan, Abbeville’s Jamie Nickles, Calhoun Falls’ Eddie Roberts Ware Shoals’ Jeff Murdock and Ninety Six’s Mike Doolittle were the club’s first guests of honor of the 2005 season.
This year’s meeting with local coaches was different than in years past in that it took place after the first game of the season had been played. That led to some choice banter between the coaches.
Dula introduced Bryan, who is in his first season at the helm of the Vikings, and offered him a “warm welcome” to his first Greenwood Touchdown Club meeting.
“Well, coach Dula, you certainly didn’t give us a very warm welcome Friday night,” said Bryan, referring to Greenwood’s 27-0 win Emerald last Friday. The comment drew a hearty laugh from those in attendance.
When the crowd settled, Bryan spoke of his excitement for the still young season.
“I really encourage some of you all to come out and watch us play on Friday nights,” Bryan said. “I think you’ll be entertained. We throw the ball around a lot. We start throwing when we get off the bus and don’t stop until we get back on the bus.”
That philosophy stands in stark contrast to that of Calhoun Falls’ run-oriented wing T scheme under Roberts.
“We’re a little different than coach Bryan and his crew,” Roberts said. “We throw the ball twice: When we pull up we throw it off the bus, and when we leave we throw it back up on there.”
The Flashes’ second-year coach spoke about the task his team faces this week when it travels to take on Ninety Six.
“Our guys found out last week they aren’t as good as they think they are,” said Roberts of the Flashes’ 37-6 win over McCormick, a game that was tied 6-6 at the end of the first quarter. “I’ll tell you what, we’ll need to be ready to play against Ninety Six.
“They’re a tough bunch and they’ll be ready to play after a loss last week.”
Roberts was speaking of the Wildcats’ 49-12 loss at Abbeville last Friday. Doolittle said he remains encouraged about Ninety Six’s chances in 2005.
“We’ve had a lot of little things happen already this season,” Doolittle said. “Our quarterback (Stan Doolittle) was injured in the first scrimmage and missed the preseason jamborees. Our middle linebacker Doug Hall broke his tibia and only had three practices before the Abbeville game. But after the game Friday night, I told our guys, and this is no slight to any of the other coaches here, I still expect us to be in Williams-Brice Stadium at 11 a.m. on Dec. 3 for the state championship game.
“That’s how high we set our expectations at Ninety Six.”
Murdock got the biggest rise out of the Touchdown Club crowd, albeit at the expense of Doolittle and Roberts. The comment came as Murdock was expressing how frustrating coaching could be.
“Every year, it seems like I lose more and more hair during the season. Then I get to thinking about other people,” said Murdock as he turned and looked at Doolittle and Roberts, both of whom shave their heads. “When I think about those people, I count my blessings and go on down the road.”
The crowd roared with laughter and applause.
“Hey, it’s always worked for me and it seems to be doing OK for coach Roberts,” said Doolittle with a smile.
Nickles said he is pleased his team has returned to playing “Abbeville defense,” an aspect he thought had been missing for the Panthers the last two seasons.
Nickles also talked about Abbeville’s chances against Greenwood this coming Friday.
“Playing Greenwood is like being at the Alamo: we’re outnumbered and they just keep coming,” Nickles said. “We just hope we don’t get killed.”
Dula was quick to respond.
“Don’t believe a word he says,” said Dula, as the crowd again responded with laughter, partly at Dula’s interjection and partly at Nickles emulating the late former Abbeville coach Dennis Botts, who was notorious for poor-mouthing his own squad, while playing up the opponent.
“Abbeville’s halfback, number three (Toquavius Gilchrist), he’s as good as you’re gonna find,” Dula said. “We’ll have to be prepared to face that wing T.”
Dula said he is excited about his team’s next few games at J.W. Babb Stadium.
“Our next four home games are Abbeville, Dorman, Byrnes and Westside,” Dula said. “Those are four tremendous home games. We hope to see as many fans out there as possible to come see some of the best football teams in South Carolina.”
The next Touchdown Club meeting will be at 7 p.m. Sept. 12 at the country club. The guest speaker will be former Greenville News sports editor Dan Foster.

Opinion

Observations ... and other reflections

August 30, 2005

South Carolina Comptroller General Richard Eckstrom recently put aside millions of dollars in unexpected tax revenues to be applied to the state’s long-standing deficit. Needless to say, lawmakers are up in arms. They accuse Eckstrom of usurping their authority. It’s their money to spend, they say, and not Eckstrom’s.
Be that as it may, there is a huge deficit. As was pointed out, the deficit is primarily there because in recent lean budget years lawmakers borrowed money from future tax revenues. That’s a formula for disaster.
There are several ways that unexpected revenue could help. With a deficit threatening the state’s credit rating, it sounds as if Eckstrom is calling attention to a problem that needs an answer. Now.

* * * * *

Kids in Greenwood probably don’t watch TV any more than any kids anywhere. Still, too many of them watch too much. Experts say it’s a situation that can have negative fallout.
Watching TV, though, is not likely to be the big problem ... no matter how much time is spent in front of what has been called the boob tube. It’s the content that does the damage.
Violence of all kinds, sex, and drugs as “entertainment” can’t help but be detrimental to a youngster’s development. Likewise, educational TV is a plus. That, obviously, is a parental responsibility ... or whoever is the head of the family ... that is, if there’s a family.

* * * * *

The first place South Carolina drivers get hit with high gasoline prices is at the pump. They get so angry and frustrated at that point there is a normal tendency to forget that costly gasoline translates also into higher prices on just about every other facet of life. That puts more emphasis on the need to develop alternative sources of energy as well as to use the fossil fuels we have. It’s hard to imagine, but some people still oppose that idea ... even when they’re at the pump.

Obituaries

Cynthia Ashley

Cynthia Rebecca Ashley, 52, of 221 Kitson St., died Sunday, Aug. 28, 2005 at University Hospital in Augusta, Ga.
Born in Greenwood, she was a daughter of the late Carl and Laurene Hix Ashley. She was a graduate of Greenwood High School and was employed as a beautician. She was a member of West Side Baptist Church and the Mary Pinckney Ouzts Order of the Eastern Star.
Survivors include a sister, Dorothy Padgett of Laurens and a brother, Jerry Ashley of Greenwood. Graveside services are 11 a.m. today at Greenwood Memorial Gardens, conducted by the Rev. Hal Lane.
Visitation is graveside after the services.
The family is at the home of a cousin, Elizabeth Ledbetter, 310 Fawnbrook Drive.
Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 10794, Greenville, SC 29603.
Blyth Funeral Home is in charge.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blythfuneralhome.com

Lillie Mae Benson

Lillie Mae Benson, 85, formerly of 217 Cambridge Avenue Apartments, widow of Johnny Benson, died Monday, Aug. 29, 2005 at Hospice Care of the Piedmont Hospice House.
Born in McCormick County, she was a daughter of the late Joseph and Lula Gilchrist Jennings. She was a retired supervisor with Bordens Candy Co. in Cambridge, Mass. She was a member of Zion Chapel A.M.E. Church and a mother of the church.
Survivors include a daughter, Annie Lee Brown of Greenwood; seven grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and 13 great-great-grandchildren.
The family is at the home of her daughter, 617 Pelzer St.
Services will be announced by Robinson & Son Mortuary Inc.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at robson@nctv.com

Darrell Terelle Goode

CONYERS, Ga. — Services for Darrell Terelle Goode are 11 a.m. today at Voices of Faith Ministries, Stone Mountain, conducted by Pastor Gary Hawkins Sr.
Military burial services are at noon Wednesday at Oakbrook Memorial Park, Greenwood, S.C., conducted by the Rev. Clyde Cannon, assisted by Revs. James Price and Eddie Freeman.
The family is at the home of his mother, Mamie Lee Goode, 524 Valley Brook Road, Greenwood.
Percival-Tompkins Funeral Home, Greenwood, is in charge of local arrangements.

Annette Pressley

Mildred Annette Pressley, 51, of 717 Johns Creek Road, died Sunday, Aug. 28, 2005 at Self Regional Medical Center.
Born in Ware Shoals, she was a daughter of the late Samuel Patterson and Clara Ashley Pressley. She was a member of Walnut Grove Baptist Church.
Survivors include two daughters, Angie Adams of Greenwood and Christy Ward of Ninety Six; a son, Scott Ward of Greenwood; a brother, Bobby Pressley of Greenwood; and four grandchildren.
Graveside services are 2 p.m. Wednesday at Greenwood Memorial Gardens, conducted by the Rev. Charles Caldwell.
Pallbearers are Mike Ashley, David McAllister, Josh Timms, Dylan Timms, Ken Ashley and Taylor Timms.
Visitation is 7-9 tonight at Harley Funeral Home.
The family is at the home of a daughter Angie Adams, 2925 Christian Road.
Memorials may be made to the account of Annette Pressley, c/o Harley Funeral Home, P.O. Box 777, Greenwood, SC 29648.
Harley Funeral Home is in charge.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.harleyfuneralhome.com

Frank ‘Salt’ Puckett

McCORMICK — Frank “Salt” Puckett, 71, of 1 Holiday Road, husband of Lois Thomas Puckett, died Monday, Aug. 29, 2005 at McCormick Healthcare.
Born in Greenwood County, he was a son of the late Willie Puckett and Eula Mae Coleman and stepson of Edith Puckett. He was a former employee of Donaldson Center, an Air Force veteran and a member and deacon of Zion Temple Seventh Day Adventist Church.
Survivors include his wife of Greenwood; his stepmother of Philadelphia; two sons, Frank “Kenneth” Puckett of McCormick and Ronnie Puckett of Ninety Six; four daughters, Pamela Belcher of Greenwood, Cheryl Simmons of Clinton, Allison Smith of Sicklerville, N.Y., and Alicia Jones of Gray Court; 16 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.
The family is at the home of a son Frank “Kenneth” Puckett, 612 Bryant St.
Services will be announced by Percival-Tompkins Funeral Home, Greenwood.

Elizabeth W. Sweat

WALTERBORO — Elizabeth Wells Sweat, 86, widow of Charles Harris Sweat, died Saturday, Aug. 27, 2005 at Colleton Medical Center.
Born in Greenwood, she was a daughter of the late Claude L. and Elizabeth Nicholls Wells. She was a Lander College graduate, a retired Colleton County teacher and former assistant principal of Black Street Elementary School. She was a former organist at Edgewood Baptist Church and a member of First Baptist Church of Walterboro, where she was a deacon, Sunday School teacher and president of the Women’s Missionary Union. She was also a member of the Walterboro Bridge Club.
Survivors include four children, Charles H. Sweat Jr. of Walterboro, Elbert W. Sweat of Ruffin, Mrs. David C. (Betty S.) Prather of Augusta, Ga., and Howell L. Sweat of Jacksonville, Fla.; a sister, Lila Massengill of Greenwood; a brother, Jack A. Wells of Myrtle Beach; four grandchildren; and a great-grandson.
Services are 10:30 a.m. today at Parker-Rhoden Funeral Home. Burial is in Live Oak Cemetery.
Honorary pallbearers are members of Walterboro City Council and her bridge club.
Memorials may be made to Live Oak Cemetery.
Parker-Rhoden Funeral Home, 117 Paul St., is in charge.