Abbeville director remembers teacher’s extensive vocabulary

February 7, 2005

By TASHA STEIMER
Index-Journal staff writer

ABBEVILLE – Abbeville County Director Doug Burns remembers how his world history and civics teacher would speak using a large vocabulary.
“He’d use these big words but wouldn’t tell you what they meant,” he said, laughing. “He’d write the word on the board – so we could see how it was spelled – and then he’d tell us to look it up. Probably through all my high school and college years, I’d say Mr. Pridgen was the most intelligent teacher I ever had.”
Although the Goose Creek High School teacher was tough on students in the classroom, Burns said he learned much from how the man lived his life.
“The main thing I learned from him was that everybody faces adversity in their lives, and you can make it through despite it all,” he said.
While in college, Pridgen had to have his arm amputated after an accident working for the state. Burns said the man didn’t choose to lie around and feel sorry for himself but he finished school and became an educator.
“To me, those teachers that seem the toughest or most demanding have had more impact on their students than those teachers who were fun or interesting,” he said. “They really set the foundation I needed to be successful in future years.”
Burns said another high school teacher, Donna Logan, also pushed her students to work hard in honors English.
“She really opened students’ minds to things and stories that most of us may not have been versed in,” he said. “She taught us that being successful is more than making money. It’s being well-rounded and being skilled.
“Both teachers showed me that as a county director, intellect will move you forward. I always go into situations with an open-mind because I know some people will always have a different opinion than you.”

Deaths of trespassing dogs left area family disheartened

February 7, 2005

By WALLACE McBRIDE
Index-Journal senior staff writer

Luie and Darrell were killed in December 2003 for trespassing.
The two German shepherds had wandered away from home and onto someone else’s property. The man who shot them called to tell their owners what he had done.
“By the time my husband got over there – which was about two minutes later – he had killed both of them,” said owner Laura Boyd, of Ninety Six. “One of those dogs was 7 years old, they were like part of the family. You just can’t shoot an animal if it’s not a life-threatening situation or harassing your livestock.”
Boyd decided to press charges, her neighbor ultimately pleading guilty and accepting an undisclosed punishment in the Pre-Trial Intervention Program.
It’s a fairly common problem in the rural parts of the country, where property rights are vigorously defended.
Stray animals can also pose a threat to livestock on farms, but area officials say there’s a right way — and a wrong way — to handle these kinds of situations.
“Please don’t shoot your neighbors’ animals, there has to be another way,” said Annie Reed, shelter manager for the Greenwood Humane Society. “There are other outlets. This is not the wild, wild west — call animal control and try to get the situation resolved.”
Laws that apply to one stray animal don’t necessarily apply to another, said Greenwood Police Chief Gerald Brooks, and these laws can differ between municipalities.
In the city of Greenwood, he said, leash laws apply to dogs, but not to cats.
“If you have a dog in the city limits, it has to be under your control,” he said. “It means you either have it fenced in on your property, or on a leash — or so well-trained that a leash isn’t necessary.”
People who shoot a stray animal on their property may also be charged with additional crimes, depending upon their address. It is illegal to discharge a firearm inside city limits, for example.
“There are two sides to every story and we get stuck in the middle trying to figure out what actually occurred,” Reed said. “If someone has livestock and that’s their livelihood, they may feel like they have no choice, or are not aware that they can call animal control.”
“If you have a dog on your property and it is a nuisance for you, you can call the police department’s animal control officer and we’ll try to assist you in rounding up that dog,” Brooks said. “Either by locating the owners of the dog or taking the dog to the animal shelter.”
Irresponsible pet owners may also find themselves on the receiving end of fines and charges.
“A collar and tag may help us identify the rightful owner,” the chief said. “It may be proof that the dog was inoculated for rabies — that’s one of the things we’ll be checking for. We have an ordinance that requires dogs to be inoculated for rabies. When they’re not, we’re subject to make a charge for that.”
A dog believed to be dangerous does not give someone the automatic right to open fire, he said. Dangerous animals are best handled by trained authorities, though sometimes catching the dog is easier said than done.
“If the dog evades or escapes the animal control officer, we’ll put in place what’s called a ‘humane trap’ in hopes that if the animal returns it will be caught,” Brooks said.
The trap is a baited cage designed so that it does not injure the animal caught inside, he said.
These traps are frequently used for wildlife that find their way into the city, specifically raccoons, bats, skunks and deer. These traps can be loaned to city residents, Brooks said, though the city has a limited number available. The city will later take the traps and relocate wildlife to a rural area.
There are also two local businesses with city licenses that can help remove snakes, bats, skunks, squirrels and other animals from private property, Brooks said.

Bearcats complete sweep

February 7, 2005

By BRIAN HOWARD
Assistant sports editor

The Lander University baseball team took care of business Sunday.
The Bearcats completed their first season-sweep, defeating Fairmont State, 7-0, at Legion Field. David Glover pitched a two-hit shutout, while going five innings, as Lander scored all seven runs with two-out hits.
Nate Cundiff, Corey Watkins and Tyler Addison completed the Bearcats’ second shutout of the season with the help of left-fielder Ryan Roeder, who threw a Falcons runner out at the plate in the seventh inning.
James Compo, Adam Hutchins and David Walton paced the Bearcats offense with two hits each. Compo and Hutchins also had two RBIs apiece.
“We got a lot of two-out hits today,” Bearcats coach Mike McGuire said. “Yesterday (Saturday) we put some big numbers up there. Today, it was just getting some two-out hits. In the first inning, with had two outs and played some laser tag out there. Several guys had big two-out hits to drive in runs. That’s a mark of a good hitter.
“It was a good weekend. We got the opportunity to get some people’s feet wet. Lot of first-timers had good weekends. I expect us to continue to hit, the way we’re capable of hitting, and I think we are just going to get better on the mound.”
Lander, which scored 29 runs in the first two games of the series, jumped out to a 3-0 advantage after the bottom of the first inning.
Walton doubled off the wall in right center with two down in the inning. Ryan Brisby walked and Compo followed with an RBI single to right. Hutchins singled to left, scoring Brisby and Compo.
In the third, Hutchins reached on an error and scored on a two-out single by Kevin Davis, giving Lander a 4-0 lead.
The Bearcats added three more two-out runs in the fourth.
Jonathan Myers singled, then stole second and scored on a Walton single. Brisby followed with an RBI double to the centerfield fence and Compo had an RBI single to center.
Zack Campbell took the loss for the Falcons (0-3). He allowed seven runs on nine hits in four innings. He walked three and struck out two. Mike Patcher and Bryan Spitzer also pitched for Fairmont State.
Lander’s next game is a doubleheader Saturday at Legion Field against Alderson-Broaddus.

Opinion

U. N. oil-for-food scandal is not over by a long shot

February 7, 2005

There have been all kinds of denials since the United Nations oil-for-food program with Saddam Hussein became the subject of an investigation for fraud. Now, though, the evidence is clear and the U. N., France and others have a lot of explaining to do.
That may not mean anything to some people. However, there are South Carolina families that have lost loved ones in Iraq and anything that could be considered a contributing factor to the violence there warrants more interest. The fact that Saddam made money that helped him stay in power was more than inconsequential.
Thus far only the head of the oil-for-food program at the U. N. has been charged after the investigation headed by former Federal Reserve Chairman Paul Volcker. The head of the U. N. sanctions program, which was supposed to handle sanctions against Saddam, will also be disciplined, according to a U. N. spokesman.

THERE IS CONCERN THAT more U. N. officials and others in various countries were also in the midst of the growing scandal, but none has been charged ….. yet. It also has been reported that one of France’s largest banks was involved in that ill-fated scheme to allow Saddam to take in billions under the table. There is even some questions on whether Volcker himself had a serious conflict of interest, which casts doubt on his leading the investigation.
It appears the final tally on this widespread fraud has not been made. One thing seems certain, though. It helps explain the unusual opposition of the U. S. effort in Iraq that came from France, Germany, Russia and others. They may not be guilty of any wrongdoing, but appearances suggest otherwise.

ALLEGATIONS OF CORRUPTION in the $60 billion oil-for-food program have raised considerable criticism from all around, including the U. S. Congress.
The language in the Volcker report appears to dance around the seriousness of the findings. For example, the report criticized Benon Sevan, head of oil-for-food program for “undermining the integrity” of the United Nations. That comes across as bureaucratic gobbledygook.
If they got right down to the crux of the problem, stronger language could have been used. In fact, the word “bribes” would have been more to the point.
At any rate, “it ain’t over ‘til the fat lady sings.” The way it looks, she’ll be singing loud and clear as the investigation continues.

Editorial expression in this feature represents our own views.
Opinions are limited to this page.

Obituaries

Edna P. Bailey

RUTHERFORDTON, N.C. — Edna Panther Bailey, 66, died Saturday, Feb. 5, 2005 at Hospice House of Rutherford County in Forest City, N.C.
Born in Polk County, she was a daughter of the late John Panther and the late Annie Green Panther. She was a member of Fork Creek Baptist and attended Poors Ford Baptist Church.
Survivors include her husband, Leon M. Bailey; a daughter, Kathy B. Hollingsworth of Greenwood; two sons, Randy Brewington of Atlanta and Charles B. Robinette III of Rutherfordton, N.C.; four sisters, Barbara Conner of Laurens, Dorothy Allgood of Cross Anchor, S.C., Lois Alverson of Clinton and Sarah Ashley of Greenwood; two brothers, Frank Panther of South Hill, Va. and Joe Panther of Laurens; eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Services are 1 p.m. today at Poors Ford Baptist Church. Burial is in Poors Ford Baptist Church Cemetery in Rutherfordton, N.C.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of Rutherford County, P.O. Box 336, Forest City, N.C. 28043. McMahan’s Funeral Home Inc. is in charge.

Furman Casey

Furman Manley Casey, 84, of 324 Milford Springs Road, husband of Ruth Tolbert Casey, died Saturday, Feb. 5, 2005 at Self Regional Medical Center.
Born in Edgefield County, he was a son of the late Russell R. and Mattie Casey Casey. He was an Army veteran of WWII having served in the Pacific Theater and was retired from Greenwood Mills Central Shop. He was a member of Lowell Street United Methodist Church, the Men’s Bible Class of the church and the Greenwood Mills Quarter Century Club.
Survivors include his wife of the home.
Services are 3:30 today at Blyth Funeral Home, conducted by the Rev. Dick Waldrep.
Private burial is in Greenwood Memorial Gardens.
Pallbearers are nephews, Barry Price and Earl Stanton.
Honorary escorts are great-nephews, members of the Men’s Bible Class of Lowell Street United Methodist Church, Paul M. Ballard, Rev. Kenneth Ballard, James Weeks and William C. Smith.
Visitation is immediately following the service at Blyth Funeral Home.
The family is at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Morris L. Tolbert, 308 Milford Springs Road.
Memorials may be made to Lowell Street United Methodist Church, 300 Lowell St., Greenwood, S.C. 29646 or to the charity of one’s choice.
Blyth Funeral Home is in charge.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blythfuneralhome.com.

Nell Mobley

FLORENCE — Virginia Lanell “Nell” Mobley, 75, widow of Robert Aaron Mobley, died Saturday, Feb. 5, 2005.
Born in Greenwood, she was a daughter of the late Lonzo and Lillie Eugenia McClain Grover. She was employed by Young Pecan Company of Florence for 21 years and was a member of Southside Baptist Church and the Ruth Sunday School Class.
Survivors include three sons, Rev. Dwight Mobley of Florence, Ralph Mobley and Walter Mobley, both of Lexington; seven grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. Services are 1 p.m. Tuesday at Southside Baptist Church.
Burial is in Florence National Cemetery.
Visitation is 6-8 tonight at Stoudemire-Dowling Funeral Home.
The family is at the home of Rev. Dwight Mobley, 4237 Four Seasons Road, Florence, S.C.
Announcement courtesy of Blyth Funeral Home, Greenwood.

Gladys Powell

Gladys Ouzts Powell, 86, resident of Eden Gardens, widow of Charles W. Powell, died February 6, 2005 at Eden Gardens.
Born in Greenwood County, September 30, 1918, she was a daughter of the late George Trapp and Effie Lee Polattie Ouzts. She was a graduate of Greenwood High School and Peterson’s Business School in Greenwood.
Mrs. Powell was a member of the First Baptist Church.
She was the last member of her immediate family.
Surviving are a son, C. Kenneth Powell of Columbia and two grandsons, Chad Powell and Matt Powell, both of Columbia.
Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 PM Tuesday from the Blyth Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Tony Hopkins officiating.
Burial will be in Greenwood Memorial Gardens.
Pallbearers will be Chad Powell, Matt Powell, Bob McMeekin, Bill McMeekin, Mike Ouzts, Chris Moseley, Jay Moseley, Scotty Morris and Jeff Higginbotham.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 1:00 to 2:00 PM Tuesday.
In lieu of flowers the family request that memorials be made to First Baptist Church, 722 Grace St., Greenwood, SC 29649.
For additional information please visit www.blythfuneralhome.com.
Blyth Funeral Home is assisting the Powell family.
PAID OBITUARY

Dr. Gustavo T. Scioville

Dr. Gustavo T. Scioville, 78, of 531 Willson St. No. 3, husband of Gloria Shaw Scioville, died Saturday, Feb. 5, 2005 at his home.
Born in Bogota, Colombia, South America, he was a son of the late Rene and Alicia Samper Scioville, He was a graduate of the University of Colombia S.A., Colby College in Illinois and attended University of Texas. He was in the Colombian Army, a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church and a doctor of ophthalmology for 55 years.
Survivors include his wife of the home; a daughter, Ivonne Scioville of Greenwood; a brother, Henry Scioville of Washington; and two grandchildren.
Memorial services are 11 a.m. Tuesday at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, conducted by Father Richard Harris.
The family is at the home.
Memorials may be made to the HospiceCare of the Piedmont Inc., 408 West Alexander Ave., Greenwood, S.C. 29646.
Harley Funeral Home is in charge.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.harleyfuneralhome.com