Major drug bust nets 30 suspects

Local sheriff’s office breaks up meth network

December 16, 2005

By VIC MacDONALD
Index-Journal regional editor

At 6 a.m. Thursday, the alarm clock rang for “Operation Family Tree,” a roundup designed to break the back of an operation importing methamphetamine from Mexico into Greenwood County.
Sheriff’s office deputies, investigators and vice officers fanned out across the county to arrest suspects accused of crack cocaine and marijuana possession.
By late morning they were arresting suspected meth dealers who allegedly brought 150 pounds of the drug from Mexico and through two other states for sale in the county.
People busted included an elementary school nurse, a promotions writer, a restaurant kitchen manager and others more typically associated with the drug trade, described by sheriff’s office Chief Deputy Mike Frederick as having “no visible means of support, jewelry, big TVs.”
The 30 people for whom warrants were issued — 13 of whom had their photos posted in a command center identifying them as meth dealers — were subjects of a six-month investigation.
“Six months ago we started looking into how so much meth was getting into Greenwood County,” Frederick said. “We were not busting a lot of labs.”
Through street intelligence, Frederick said, the sheriff’s office developed a scenario by which the crystallized drug was being imported, not “home cooked.”
“Week to week, it was becoming more prevalent in Greenwood County,” Frederick said. “And we weren’t seeing a spike in sales of Suphedrine,” an over-the-counter medicine that contains the active ingredient of meth.
“Home cookers” break down the ingredients of these over-the-counter medicatons and remix them into the drug meth. For this reason, states and some pharmacy companies limit the amount of these cold medicines a person can purchase at one time.
This “cooking” can occur in homes with easily accessible utensils and sometimes with children living there to throw off suspicion. The homes are contaminated with the toxic chemicals left over by the “cooking.”
But that was not discovered here, so investigators developed their street intelligence and came to a new conclusion.
“We knew we were facing some type of organization which imported the drug into Greenwood County,” Sheriff Dan Wideman said. “I tasked the VIDOC Unit with figuring out who was behind it.”
VIDOC is the sheriff’s office’s Vice, Illegal Drugs & Organized Crime unit.
“This investigation uncovered a utility trailer theft ring, a chop shop for stolen cars and a counterfeiter, just to name a few,” Wideman said. “These guys were trading stolen cars for $200 worth of meth.”
That organization was headed by the Stanley Brothers, who Frederick said brought their daughters into their “family business” run from the shop at 806 Montague Ave.
Of the people charged Thursday, 20 were involved directly with meth, Frederick said. The other 10 were “collateral” dealers of crack cocaine and marijuana whose cases were developed in the wake of the meth investigation, he said.
Frederick said the 20 were “real deal large-scale dealers in the meth conspiracy in Greenwood County.”
The drug ring imported 150 pounds of meth into Greenwood County in 12 months, Frederick said. A pound of meth sells on the street for $14,000. Undercover officers also bought half-pounds for $8,500.
Results of the sheriff’s office investigation have been shared with the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the focus now shifts to two other states and Mexico.
Because of the ongoing nature of the investigation, Frederick asked that the states not be identified.
“We’re working closely with the DEA on this case for the obvious reason,” Wideman said. “Working across state and national jurisdictions is their specialty and they’re helping us enormously, but my primary responsibility is protecting our folks here.”
To that end, officers fanned out before dawn to serve arrest warrants. They worked from a command post in the basement of the sheriff’s office in Uptown Greenwood.
Frederick posted on the wall photos of suspected meth dealers who would be arrested and drew on a dry-erase board a chart of the meth flow to Greenwood, with a list of meth-dealing suspects.
Nearby was a “before and after” photo of one of the suspects, Casey Stanley, from her prom in mid-2004 to her arrest in mid-2005, showing the decimating effects of meth use.
As officers returned with suspects, they inquired about “the score,” kept with a yellow highlighter marking through the names of suspects on a printed list.
They interviewed handcuffed suspects to obtain statements then took them to booking upstairs.
By noon, with the crack cocaine and marijuana suspects and some meth suspects rounded up, officers again were ready to head out for the primary meth roundup. Their targets were residences in Greenwood, Spartanburg, Greenville and Laurens counties.
Three officers found suspect Melissa Stonestreet at a house on Carter Road near Ninety Six. They led her, handcuffed, from the residence to their car for the trip to Greenwood and booking at the detention center. She wouldn’t speak as she was brought into the command center, where a female guard took custody of her. At times there were more than one suspect together in the command center.
One arrest resulted in drawn weapons, but no major incidents of people resisting arrest were reported.
Deputies dispatched to Spartanburg and Greenville counties were calling in to report arrests by 2 p.m. Two suspects in Laurens County were to be arrested later in the afternoon, and another arrest was to occur Thursday night.
Throughout the day, officers battled the elements. Freezing rain fell early Thursday and iced trees, roads and power lines all over Greenwood County. The bad weather kept people indoors and at work, and Frederick said it actually worked in the officers’ favor.
He said if half the 30 suspects had been rounded up, it would have been considered a successful sweep. With more than 25 suspects in custody, “Operation Family Tree” turned out better than expected, he said.
Investigators are continuing to follow up on cases related to the meth importation ring.
“I really hope this investigation impacts the meth scene here in Greenwood County,” Wideman said, “and I think it will.”
He said meth is “law enforcement’s next epidemic.”
“It’s not melodramatic to say that these people represented a real menace to the populace here,” Frederick said. “We routinely found guns during these raids, and, at times, it was hard for us to keep members of the ring from killing each other.”
The property and financial crime tied to the meth ring was “tremendous,” he said. “Our investigators will be tying up loose ends on the thefts for a long time.”
This investigation also might signal a shift in the way meth is brought to and sold in Upstate South Carolina, Frederick said.
“When methamphetamine first started showing up in Greenwood County, the vast majority of it was manufactured here. Over the past year, however, we’ve seen a shift toward very high-grade, professionally manufactured methamphetamine imported from Mexico,” he said.
These Mexican drug organizations are able to make large quantities of the drug outside the U.S. and can use their existing distribution networks, Frederick said. Many dealers choose to import their meth rather than “cook” it because of the dangers inherent in the manufacture process, he said.
“The phenomenon is similar to that of the ‘big box’ stores in the United States,” he said. “Small-time methamphetamine manufacturers in the U.S. are finding out that it’s hard to compete with mass production and a good distribution network.”
Even as the roundup of suspects was in full swing, Wideman said he is concerned about the physical effects this drug is having on its users in Greenwood County. In addition to changing a person’s physical appearance, it causes paranoia — a reason that many meth-cooking houses are guarded with guns and booby-traps.
“Methamphetamine is just a terrible, terrible substance to ingest into your body,” the sheriff warned. “It’s in a league of its own.”
These people were charged Thursday in the Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office meth ring and other drugs investigation:

* O.C. Anderson, Greenwood, distribution of crack cocaine, distribution of crack in proximity of school or park;
* David Bayliff, Laurens, trafficking methamphetamine;
* Boonum Brown, Greenwood, trafficking methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession of handgun during a violent crime;
* Robert Bryant, Ware Shoals, distribution of marijuana;
* Amber Burgess, Greenwood, trafficking methamphetamine;
* Matthew Clem, Greenwood, distribution of marijuana;
* George George, Spartanburg, conspiracy to traffic methamphetamine;
* Jonathan Hanna, Greenwood, conspiracy to traffic methamphetamine;
* Derrick Harris, Greenwood, conspiracy to traffic methamphetamine;
* Lyndsey Harris, Cleveland, Ga., possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of marijuana;
* Patricia Lamb, Greenwood, trafficking methamphetamine;
* Terry Logan, Greenwood, distribution of crack cocaine, distribution of crack in proximity of school or park;
* Corey Nance, Greenwood, distribution of crack cocaine;
* Jarvis Parks, Greenwood, distribution of crack cocaine;
* Robert Pease, Greenville, trafficking methamphetamine;
* James Reed, Greenwood, distribution of crack cocaine, distribution of crack in proximity of school or park;
* Michael Spencer, Pacolet, conspiracy to traffic methamphetamine;
* Casey Stanley, Greenwood, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of marijuana;
* Daniel Stanley, Greenwood, conspiracy to traffic methamphetamine;
* Harold Stanley, Greenwood, conspiracy to traffic methamphetamine;
* Melissa Stonestreet, Ninety Six, conspiracy to traffic methamphetamine;
* Sherard Williams, Greenwood, distribution of crack cocaine, distribution of crack in proximity of school or park
* Lisa Yancey, Greenwood, conspiracy to traffic methamphetamine;
* Samuel Yancey, Greenwood, conspiracy to traffic methamphetamine.

Obituaries

Pensacola S. Baldwin

McCORMICK — Pensacola Sullivan Baldwin, 88, widow of Henry C. Baldwin, died Thursday, Dec. 15, 2005 at Lake Crossing Health Care, Appling, Ga.
Born in Cokesbury, she was a daughter of the late Bessie Sullivan Collins. She was a member of Holy Spring Baptist Church, where she was a mother of the church, Sunday School teacher and Senior Choir and Missionary Society member. She was also a member of Women’s Home Aide Society No. 86 and the Christian Benevolent Society.
Survivors include three daughters, Betty Frazier and Mrs. Jesse (Evelyn) Johnson, both of McCormick and Mrs. Joseph (Doris) Jenkins of Riverdale, Ga.; three sons, Matthew Baldwin of Riverdale, Barry Baldwin of Brooklyn, N.Y., and Rudolph Baldwin of the home; 35 grandchildren; and 25 great-grandchildren.
The family is at the home, 508 Bryan St.
Services will be announced by Walker Funeral Home.

Emma Lee Gaskin

Services for Emma Lee “Miss Emma” Gaskin, of 111 Bay Court, are 2 p.m. Sunday at Morris Chapel Baptist Church, conducted by the Rev. William L. Moore, assisted by the Revs. George Hill, Ulysses Parks, Marvin Hughes and E.L. Cain. The body will be placed in the church at 1. Burial is in The Evening Star cemetery.
Pallbearers are Sherman Hawkins, Kenneth Hawkins, Marshall Hawkins, John Hawkins, Benjamin Johnson, Jonathan Johnson, Byron Posley, David Wideman and Jerome Wideman.
Flower bearers are ladies of Emerald Center staff.
Honorary flower bearers are Sandra Evans, Glenda Moore, Pernola Barr, Shirley Caldwell, Verdie Klugh, Virginia Williams and Sonja Cummings.
Visitation is Saturday evening at the home of a brother Robert Gaskin, 923 Abney St., and a sister Minnie “Dodie” Posley, 103 Ashwood Drive, Wisewood subdivision.
Robinson & Son Mortuary Inc. is in charge.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at robson@nctv.com

James ‘Boy’ Jackson

SALUDA — James “Boy” Jackson, 87, of 235 High Point Road, widower of Sallie Holloway Jackson, died on Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2005 at Self Regional Medical Center in Greenwood.
Born in Saluda County, he was a son of the late William and Ida Padgett Jackson. He was a member of Mount Moses C.M.E. Church, where he was a trustee and a former church treasurer. He was a retired employee of S.C. Highway Department.
Survivors include five sons, Jimmie Jackson, Odell Jackson, Adell Jackson and Coley Jackson, all of Saluda and Leon Thomas of White Plains, N.Y.; five daughters, Minnie Pearl Pugh, Betty J. Glenn, Christine Abney, Gloria Burton and Shirley Robinson, all of Saluda; a grandson reared in the home, Darron Jackson of Batesburg; 25 grandchildren; and 29 great-grandchildren.
Services are 3 p.m. Saturday at Mount Moses C.M.E. Church, conducted by the Rev. Rufus East, pastor. Assisting are Elder Lee H. Ouzts and the Rev. Clarence Kenner. The body will be placed in the church at 2. Burial is in the church cemetery.
Pallbearers are grandsons.
Flower bearers are granddaughters.
The family is at the home.
Butler & Sons Funeral Home is in charge.

Big Jim Lowery

NINETY SIX – James Claude “Big Jim” Lowery, 76, resident of 4513 Ninety Six Hwy., widower of Katherine Faulkner Lowery, died December 15, 2005 at Hospice House in Greenwood.
Born in Greenwood County, February 27, 1929, he was a son of the late James Arthur Lowery and Lucia Goodman Lowery Collier and stepson of Thomas William Collier. He was owner and operator of Lowery’s Septic Tank Service.
Mr. Lowery was a member of Temple Baptist Church. He will be remembered for the loving and caring person he was because of the many good deeds he quietly provided to others.
Surviving are two daughters, Terina and husband, Ken Harvley and Jamie and husband, Jimmy McCarthy, all of Greenwood; a grandson, Matt Lowery, who was reared in the home; two sisters, Lila Mae and husband, Sam Adams and Myrtle Smith, all of Greenwood; three other grandchildren, Dannette Johnson of Mountville, Craig McCarthy and Cassie Ayers, both of Atlanta. GA; three great-grandchildren, Halie Cook, Stephen and Alex McCarthy; two sisters-in-law, Lucille Smith of Ninety Six and Betty and husband, Sam Strickland of Greenwood; a brother-in-law, William A. “Bubba” Summers of Ninety Six; a loving and special aunt, Annie Pearl Wood of Greenwood; several aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be conducted at 3 pm Saturday from the Blyth Funeral Home Chapel in Greenwood with Rev. Carlisle Grims1ey, Rev. Chris Stancell and Rev. Craig Hughes officiating.
Burial will be in Greenwood Memorial Gardens.
Pallbearers will be Leon Jay, Randall Jay, George Hallman, Danny Berry, James Hill, Ted Goldman, Donald “Rock” Goldman and Ed Pulliam.
Honorary escort will be Dr. James H. Smith, Bobby Agner, Robbie Agner. Donnie Davis, Bobby Davis, Steve Eddy, Doris and Jack Corbin, Ann Turner, Carolyn Hallman, Brenda Gail and Marshall Avery, Carroll Addy, Carl Riley, Ed Nixon, Sam Farmer, Eddie Carter, Johnnie and Felicia Lowman.
The body is at the funeral home where the family will receive friends from 2 to 3 Saturday afternoon.
The family is at their respective homes.
Memorials may be made to Hospice Care of the Piedmont, 408 W. Alexander Avenue, Greenwood, SC 29646 or to St. Jude’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis. TN 38105.
For online condolences please visit www.blythfuneralhome.com
Blyth Funeral Home and Cremation Services is assisting the Lowery family.
PAID OBITUARY

James Marse

GAINESVILLE, Ga. — James Eli Marse, 86, formerly of Pecan Drive and Sterling House, Greenwood, S.C., widower of Cassie Mauney Marse, died Sunday, Dec. 11, 2005 at Bell Minor Nursing Home.
Born in Greenwood County, S.C., he was a son of the late James E. Marse and Fannie Mae Proctor Marse Witt. He was a World War II Army veteran and retired from Marvin Mathis Plumbing. He was a member of Tranquil United Methodist Church.
Survivors include a daughter, Mrs. Bo (Brenda) Coursey of Gainesville; a sister, Lovie Chambers of Atlanta; a brother, Sam Marse of Greenwood; two half brothers, William “Billy” Witt and James Witt, both of Greenwood; a half sister, Shirley W. Shirley of Greenwood; and two grandchildren.
Graveside services are 11 a.m. Saturday at Greenwood Memorial Gardens Mausoleum Chapel, conducted by the Rev. A. Melton Arant Jr.
Visitation is at the mausoleum chapel after the services.
The family is at the home of his daughter, Brenda Coursey, 493 Mountain View Drive N.W.
Memorials may be made to Tranquil United Methodist Church Building Fund, 1706 McCormick Highway, Greenwood, SC 29646 or Alzheimer’s Association, Upstate Chapter, PO Box 658, Greenwood, SC 29648.
Blyth Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Greenwood, S.C., is in charge.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blythfuneralhome.com

George B. Phinney Jr.

George Baker Phinney Jr., 56, of 207 Arabian Road, husband of Laura Wallace Phinney, died Sunday, Dec. 11, 2005 at Self Regional Medical Center.
Born in Baltimore, Md., he was a son of the late George Baker Phinney Sr. and Muriel Hines Phinney. He was a member of Mount Moriah Baptist Church, the trustee board, usher board and brotherhood organization. A Navy veteran, he was a former employee of the Motor Vehicle Administration in Maryland.
Survivors include his wife of the home; two sons, George B. Phinney III and Ryan Phinney, both of Baltimore; a daughter, Petra Phinney of Baltimore; three stepdaughters, Mrs. Jason (Laureena) Moody, Eva Wallace and Sylvia Seldman, all of Baltimore; two brothers, Gary Phinney of Harrisburg, Pa., and Patrick Phinney of Baltimore; two sisters, Mrs. Phillip (Muriel Anne) Edwards and Mrs. Carl (Lydia) Wilkins, both of Baltimore; and five grandchildren.
Services are 11 a.m. Saturday at Mount Moriah Baptist Church, conducted by the Rev. Raymond Adams. The body will be placed in the church at 10. Burial is in the church cemetery.
Pallbearers are Kenneth Thompkins, George Phinney III, Ryan Phinney, Joseph Morton, Allen Rucker and George Perrin.
Flower bearers are members of the church usher board.
Visitation is at the home of Willie and Essie Thompkins, 1114 Callison Highway.
Viewing is 1-8 p.m. today at Parks Funeral Home.
Parks Funeral Home is in charge.

Azalee Rowe

SALUDA, SC – Azalee Corley Rowe, 73, of 210 Emory Rd., died Wednesday, December 14, 2005 in University Hospital.
Born in Saluda County, and a daughter of the late Elbert and Ora Lee Rowe Corley, she was the wife of Paul Thurmond Rowe. Mrs, Rowe was a homemaker and was a member of Emory United Methodist Church.
Surviving are her husband, Paul Thurmond Rowe of the home, two sons, Archie Paul Rowe and Lydell “Dell” Rowe both of Saluda, a daughter, Eva Arlene Parr of Clarks Hill, a brother, Wendell Corley of Saluda, and numerous grand-children and great-grand-children.
A son, Randy C. Rowe and a grandson, Shannon Calvin Parr, preceded Mrs. Rowe in death.
The family will receive friends from 6 until 8PM, Friday evening at Ramey Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be 2:30PM, Sunday, December 18, 2005 at Ramey Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Joyce Murphy and Rev. Steve Jones officiating. Interment will follow in Travis Park Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 1131, Fairfax, VA, 22038-1131.
PAID OBITUARY

Hattie P. Smith

ABBEVILLE — Hattie P. Smith, 68, of 108 W. Spencer St., died Sunday, Dec. 11, 2005 at Greenwood Hospice.
Born in Abbeville County, she was a daughter of the late Thomasina Hayes.
Survivors include five sisters, Doris Caldwell, Delores McCants, Gloria Hunter, Magnolia Williams and Barbara Ann Williams, all of Columbia; six brothers, Sylvester Hayes, Thomas Hayes, Jeremiah Hayes, Bennie Hayes, Stephen Hayes and Charlie Williams, all of Columbia.
Memorial services are 11 a.m. Saturday at Abbeville & White Mortuary, conducted by the Rev. J.J. Robinson. Burial is private.
Abbeville & White Mortuary is in charge.

Ella Mae Tillman

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — Services for Ella Mae Richie Tillman are 11 a.m. Saturday at Helen E. Waite Funeral Service. Burial is in Fernwood Cemetery.
Survivors include her stepmother, Fannie Mae Richie; five sisters, Daisy Mae Lewis, Elaine R. Childs, Judy Ann Ralph and Nellie R. Witt, all of Greenwood, S.C., and Annie Denise Richie of Charlotte, N.C.; three brothers, James William Richie of Charlotte, John Thomas Richie and Sherman Lamar Richie, both of Greenwood.
Helen E. Waite Funeral Service, 1907 N. 63rd St., is in charge.
Announcement courtesy of Robinson & Son Mortuary Inc., Greenwood.

Cindy Tolbert

Cynthia W. Tolbert, 50, of 126 Cowhead Creek Road, wife of the Rev. Robert S. Tolbert Jr., died Thursday, Dec. 15, 2005 at her home.
Born in Fort Jackson, she was a daughter of W.T. Whatley Sr. and Mary Timmerman Whatley. She was an adjuster with Nationwide Insurance Co. and former owner of Pinson-Tolbert Insurance Adjusters. She was a member of Peace for Your Soul Ministries.
Survivors include her husband of the home; her parents of Greenwood; a son, Robert S. “Rob” Tolbert III of Greenwood; a sister, Janet Stafford of Winston-Salem, N.C.; and two brothers, Neal Whatley and Tom Whatley, both of Greenwood.
Services are 2 p.m. Saturday at Harley Funeral Home, conducted by the Revs. Grady Lothridge and Robert S. Tolbert Jr. Burial is in Greenwood Memorial Gardens.
Pallbearers are David Samson, Kevin Whatley, Aaron Capps, Jamie Korrek, Chris Rearden, Dr. Matthew Logan and Sumpter Adams.
Visitation is 6-8 tonight at the funeral home.
The family is at the home of her mother-in-law, Eliza Tolbert, 128 Cowhead Creek Road.
Memorials may be made to HospiceCare of the Piedmont, 408 W. Alexander Ave., Greenwood, SC 29646.
Harley Funeral Home is in charge.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.harleyfuneralhome.com

Frances Treadwell

WACO, TEXAS – Frances Everett Treadwell, 94, widow of W.C. Treadwell died December 12, 2005 in Waco.
Mrs. Treadwell was predeceased by a son, Rev. W.C. Treadwell, Jr. formerly of Greenwood.
Survivors include a daughter-in-law, Louise J. “Lou” Treadwell of Waco; grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Memorial services will be conducted at 4 pm today in the First Baptist Church Chapel in Greenwood with Rev. Dr. James Somerville officiating.
Burial will be in Edgewood Cemetery.
For online condolences please visit www.blythfuneralhome.com.
Blyth Funeral Home & Cremation Services is assisting the Treadwell family.
PAID OBITUARY

Helen Wheeler

GREENWOOD – Helen Ribadeneyra Wheeler, 79, of 122 Highland Drive, wife of Robert Hayward Wheeler died December 15, 2005 at the Self Regional Medical Center.
Born November 6, 1926 in Stratford, CT, she was a daughter of the late Anthony and Helen Brosnan Ribadeneyra. Mrs. Wheeler attended Smith College and Southern Connecticut State University where she graduated with a BS Degree in Early Childhood Education. She was a lifelong teacher and retired from Cambridge Academy in 1991 where she taught pre-primary and kindergarten and had been head of the lower school. An active member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church she had served as a Eucharistic Minister and a Catechism teacher. She was also a member of the Pilot Club and the Greenwood Women’s Club.
Mrs. Wheeler touched many lives with her innovative teaching style and love of children. She was a warm loving wife, mother, friend and mentor who will be missed by all who knew her.
Surviving in addition to her husband of 55 years are 4 children, Karen Wheeler, Jeff Wheeler, David Wheeler and Lisa Wheeler Rossi; 2 grandchildren, Jessica and Zack; brother, Thomas Ribadeneyra; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a brother John Ribadeneyra.
A Funeral Mass will be conducted Saturday at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church with Father Richard Harris officiating,
The family is at the home, 122 Highland Drive, and will receive friends from 6-8 PM Friday at Blyth Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church; Religious Education Building Fund, 915 Mathis Road, Greenwood, 29649.
For additional information and online condolences please visit www.blythfuneralhome.com
Blyth Funeral Home & Cremation Services is serving the Wheeler family.
PAID OBITUARY

Sarah Jones Young

ABBEVILLE — Sarah Jones Young, 80, of 1395 Watts Road, widow of Johnny Young Jr., died Thursday, Dec. 15, 2005 at National Healthcare in Greenwood.
Services will be announced by Richie Funeral Home.

GHS’ Dye commits to Clemson

Junior wide receiver wanted to get college decision ‘out of the way’

December 16, 2005

By CHRIS TRAINOR
Index-Journal sports writer

It never hurts to go ahead and take care of things early. At least that’s the philosophy Greenwood High School wide receiver Xavier Dye goes by.
Dye, a junior, has verbally committed to play football for Clemson University.
The 6-foot-5 wideout explained why he decided to commit before his junior year even ended.
“I wanted to go ahead and get it out of the way,” Dye said. “I know Clemson is where I want to go. I felt good about it and my parents felt good about it. It’s the right decision.”
Dye was Greenwood’s primary threat at wide receiver this season. The tall receiver has tremendous speed and soft hands.
He constantly faced double and even triple teams throughout the year. Despite the defensive focus against him, he still managed to grab 37 passes for 614 yards and four touchdowns.
One of the reasons Dye said he chose Clemson was because the team runs an offense that relies heavily on the pass.
“I have a chance to make the team better,” Dye said.
“Any receiver would like to play in an offense like the one at Clemson. It gives you a chance to make plays.”
Another commitment to Clemson’s 2007 recruiting class was also key in Dye’s commitment: Byrnes quarterback Willy Korn.
“I think Will Korn will be passing the ball a little bit,” Dye said.
Dye said he was impressed with the facilities at Clemson, both in the classroom settings and in the athletic realm.
He said he was blown away by Memorial Stadium, more commonly referred to as Death Valley.
The stadium is going through a major remodeling process known as the West Zone project, which also appealed to Dye.
Dye’s recruiting coordinator from Clemson is Ron West. Dye said West was crucial in getting his early commitment.
“Coach West is a good guy,” Dye said. “He started talking to me when I went to camp up there this past summer. That’s the point where Clemson really started showing interest.”
The shifty receiver said he has had an opportunity to meet with Tigers coach Tommy Bowden. He found Bowden to be very friendly, and said he shook hands with the coach to seal his commitment.
Dye said he is looking forward to facing the competition in the ACC, as well as out of conference competition from schools from the SEC and elsewhere. But there are two schools he is looking forward to facing more than all the others.
“Florida State and Miami, definitely,” Dye said. “The fans of those schools are so crazy, and lots of NFL scouts watch those teams. You can get awesome exposure playing teams like that.”
According to Dye, there are several other benefits he receives from committing early. One is that he can spend his senior year focusing on helping Greenwood score a berth in the State championship game. Another is that he can focus on his schoolwork and finishing his time at Greenwood in strong academic standing.
Though there is still a year and half before he enrolls at Clemson, Dye said he thinks he will choose to major in sports management.
“I just love sports, it’s all I do,” Dye said. “Sports and studying, that’s my thing. I want to get involved in sports one way or another.”
Dye is the second Eagle to commit to Clemson recently, following teammate Eddie Adams’ decision to enroll at the school as an invited walk-on.
Though Dye said his commitment is firm, he is still receiving interest from South Carolina, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Maryland and North Carolina.

Constitution always clear about the rights of states

December 16, 2005

The late Senator Strom Thurmond was a states rights advocate more than a half century ago. Many of the arguments he used back then are just as pertinent today.
In fact, many, but not all, of those exact arguments are brought up often as federal court decisions generate new interest in states rights, not to mention disagreement and disappointment with some of the decisions.
It has been mentioned numerous times that the U. S. Constitution couldn’t be any clearer on the relative rights of states and the federal government. However, it’s something that should be mentioned as many times as it takes to convince Americans of every color, creed, race, religion, gender, or national origin.

SO FAR, THE REPETITION hasn’t had that much effect, or so it seems. That, too, is another reason to keep saying what is obvious but is obviously ignored by too many federal judges and other elected and appointed officials.
The 9th amendment to the Constitution speaks to rights of the people. It says, “The enumeration in the Constitution of certain rights shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.”
The next amendment is more specific. It says, “The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states, or to the people.”
So, think of abortion. Was that an issue delegated to the federal government? No, it’s nowhere in the Constitution. Nor are any number of subjects that various federal courts have presumed for themselves. In short, they have taken control of issues that should be reserved to the states.

IT’S CONFOUNDING TO many when such simple and clear language is interpreted by some judges to mean what they want it to mean, which is so clearly contrary to the written word. Can there be any wonder, then, why so many South Carolinians, as well as other Americans, are concerned when Senate hearings on judges’ nominations are blatantly politicized for partisan purposes?
It’s nothing new, of course. It’s been happening regardless of which political is in the majority. At the moment, it is particularly conspicuous. Maybe it’s time for the people to exercise their rights and demand strict adherence to the clear language our Founding Fathers gave us.