Fair Forest residents seeking replacement
for contaminated well-water system

January 22, 2005

By WALLACE McBRIDE
Index-Journal senior staff writer

The residents of Fair Forest are racing the clock to get a new water system installed before a government mandate requires them to shut down an existing well.
Last July, the Department of Health and Environmental Control notified residents of the subdivision that the community’s well-supplied water system contained high levels of copper.
Copper is an essential nutrient, but taken in excessive doses it can cause gastrointestinal problems for some people, and can be a danger to infants, the elderly and people with immune system disorders.
The levels of copper found in the Fair Forest well system do not necessarily create a health hazard, according to a water analysis distributed to the community.
“Some of the residents dispute that there are high copper levels,” said Greenwood County Councilman Ron Bussey, who is working to negotiate a solution to the community’s water problem. “DHEC asked them to make major modifications, which would cost a great deal of money.”
“It’s not so much the copper that’s in the water,” said Fair Forest resident Fred Wideman. “It’s coming from deterioration of pipes within the houses.”
The DHEC mandates affect 57 homes in the Fairfield Community, located off S.C. 34 between Ninety Six and Greenwood.
So far, 17 of them have already connected new water taps to a nearby Commissioners of Public Works line, Bussey said.
“Some of those residents cannot afford to pay for the water tap,” he said. “We have asked CPW to arrange some sort of financing from those residents. We’re still waiting for a response.”
“Water is available to all of these residents,” said Steve Reeves, general manager of CPW.
“They’re asking for an extended payment period, which we’re not going to offer the community.”
Reeves said the public utility could arrange for special considerations on a case-by-case basis, but not for an entire community.
“If they want to come in one-on-one, we’ll be glad to talk to them about it,” he said.
The average cost to install a new water tap is $500, Reeves said.
“We tried to do some things to correct the problem without spending a lot of money,” Wideman said. “In order to resolve the situation we got to the point where we’d have to buy something to treat the water. We’re a small private system and can’t afford to buy the equipment and hire an operator.”
“They still have water at this point, but they’ve got to do something within the year,” Bussey said. “The homeowners association has decided to shut the well down instead of complying to DHEC regulations.”
Wideman said he expects the well-water system to be shut down by July.
“Once I give them the recommendation to correct the problem, they allow you a two-year period,” Wideman said. “But we can’t drag it out that long because we can’t afford to keep the system going. I’m trying to rush it up and get it going within the year.”

Griffin leads Vikes

January 22, 2005

By BRIAN HOWARD
Assistant sports editor

D.L. Griffin scored 16 of his game-high 22 points in the fourth quarter as the Emerald High School boys basketball team knocked off Saluda, 62-55, in a Region III-AA contest Friday night before a standing-room-only crowd at Emerald.
Both teams entered Friday’s region play in a four-way tied for first with Newberry and Batesburg-Leesville.
Both Newberry and B-L won their games, creating a three-way tie atop the region standings.
Griffin, who had four points at the half, scored 16 of the Vikings’ 19 in the final quarter, including a 3-pointer with 38.2 seconds remaining that gave Emerald (11-6 overall, 3-1 region) the lead for good.
“They had been leaving me open and I wanted to hit one,” Griffin said about the 3-pointer. “I told Fred (Johnson) that if I get open, dish me the ball so I could shoot it.”
Griffin capped his fourth-quarter scoring flurry with a dunk as time expired.
Johnson finished with 11 points and four rebounds.
Emerald raced out to a 9-2 lead with 6:20 left in the opening period.
But the lead disappeared as the Tigers (15-3, 2-2) used an 11-0 run to go up 13-9.
Saluda had its largest lead, 24-18, after a Trevor Deloach basket with 7:15 remaining in the first half.
However, the Vikings kept the game close and used a 12-4 run to close out the second quarter, taking the lead after Griffin scored on a two-handed dunk.
The Vikings led 43-40 at the end of the third quarter and were ahead 49-45 with 4:58 remaining. But the Tigers went on an 8-2 run, capped by a Markese Holloway tip-in, giving Saluda a 53-52 advantage with 1:25 to play.
Griffin followed that basket with a fall-away jumper, putting Emerald ahead, 54-53, but on the other end, Deloach scored on a putback, giving Saluda its final lead, 55-54.
Deloach finished with 21 points and four rebounds, while Holloway, who was in foul trouble most of the night, had 12 points and 10 rebounds.
The Tigers were nearly perfect from the free-throw line in the first half, going 11-of-12, but were just 6-of-13 in the second half, including a stretch of going 2-of-6 in between the third and the start of the fourth quarter.
Emerald plays Tuesday at Ninety Six, while Saluda plays host to Batesburg-Leesville.

Flashes spoil Chiefs’opener

January 22, 2005

By RON COX
Index-Journal sports writer

McCORMICK — The Calhoun Falls High School boys basketball team proved to be bad house-warming guests for the Chiefs.
In front of a standing-room-only crowd, the Blue Flashes led from start to finish in a 62-57 win over McCormick Friday night in the Chiefs’ first game in their new home gym on the campus of the McCormick Elementary and Middle School.
The Flashes (10-2 overall, 6-0 region) continued their run through Region I-A play behind a balanced scoring attack from their starting five, which all finished with nine or more points.
Seniors Jarrell Dennis and Shaquen Lewis led the way with 14 points apiece. Juniors D.J.
Roundtree, Monterrio Tatum and Theo Tillman added 13, 10 and nine points respectively.
“I looked on their faces when they came out of the locker room and I saw determination on their faces,” Calhoun Falls coach John-Mark Scruggs said. “They looked like they wanted to play as a team tonight. They did a great job of working together out there.
“Anytime you can beat McCormick at McCormick it’s an accomplishment. Our kids look forward to this game all year long.”
The win keeps the Flashes alone atop the Region I-A standings, while the Chiefs (9-6, 5-2) suffered their second region loss.
Senior Recardo Bryant finished with 21 points to lead all scorers, while Jake Letman and Carl Purdy each added 11.
The Chiefs struggled to get on the scoreboard early in the game, going the first 3 minutes, 34 seconds without a point. The Flashes used that time to start a 10-0 run, with all of the points coming from Dennis and Lewis.
Jon Kelly made the first of two free throws to put the Chiefs on the board. Bryant tapped out Kelly’s missed foul shot to Charves Ware, who knocked down the 3-pointer. McCormick eventually pulled to within four, at 13-9.
Calhoun Falls took a 30-25 lead into the halftime break. But the team quickly pushed its advantage to double digits by opening the third quarter with three straight baskets, including a 3-pointer from Lewis.
That was the start of a 14-5 run to open the second half. Roundtree capped the run with a layup on a three-on-one fastbreak to make it 44-30 with 4:12 left in the third.
The Chiefs mounted a comeback in the fourth, cutting the double-digit lead to a field goal two separate times. Letman’s 3-footer in the lane closed it to 59-57 with 43 seconds remaining.
But the Flashes sealed it by going 3 of 6 from the foul line the rest of the way.

Opinion

Bush address an example of confidence in winning

January 22, 2005

Anytime a president of the United States says anything, his words are magnified in direct proportion to the number of commentators and scribes who feel an obligation to analyze whatever is said.
Naturally, President George Bush’s second inaugural address Thursday suffered the same fate. Also as usual, the president was criticized or praised, depending on who was doing the analyzing and their own brand of politics.
Perhaps the most telling statement made by the president was, “Our country has accepted obligations that are difficult to fulfill and would be dishonorable to abandon.” That, of course, was a reference to Iraq, an issue that some critics say the president ignored in his speech.

IRAQ IS CLEARLY PART OF the war on terror that Mr. Bush says will continue. It is a centerpiece of his stated goals to not shrink from obligations in pursuit of “the great objective of ending tyranny.” His theme, in fact, was that this nation is and would always be a champion of liberty for people anywhere and everywhere in the world. Human freedom is the primary weapon against terrorism, he said.
Lofty goals? Absolutely! In the fractured and contentious world we live in, though, can we or the world be satisfied – or safe – with anything less? Only the most naïve would think that anything less would be effective. That doesn’t mean, though, that there aren’t plenty of people who disagree with that train of thought. Fortunately, freedom lives in this country so people can disagree ….. and still be loyal Americans, although there are times when some appear to be just the opposite.

SO, HONEST DISAGREEMENT should be expected. That’s the nature of our existence. And, people can argue endlessly over the policies pursued by the Bush Administration. Considering public statements made by some leaders in the Democratic Party, disagreement over goals noted in Bush’s inaugural address is only the beginning of his second term problems. They have indicated they will do everything they can to scuttle the Bush agenda.
So much for any efforts at unify for the sake of the country ….. and just when people might hope for a respite in the political wars.
One thing everyone should be able to agree on, though. It’s a different, more confident George Bush than the first time around. Despite some protests, his election left no doubts. It makes a difference.

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

Obituaries

Willie Alexander

Willie Alexander, 80, died Friday, Jan. 21, 2005 at Magnolia Manor.
Services will be announced by Harley Funeral Home.

Rubie M. Attaway

Rubie M. Attaway, 75, widow of Charles Edgar “Speedy” Attaway, died Thursday, Jan. 20, 2005 at McCormick Health Care Center.
Born in Ware Shoals, she was a daughter of the late Charles Wesley and Corrie Nancy Shaver. She retired from Eastwell Sportswear and was a member of Beulah Baptist Church, where she was a member of the Granny Miller Sunday School Class and the Golden Oldies Group.
Survivors include two daughters, Brenda Faye Dixon of Greenwood and Nancy Dianna Powell of Elberton, Ga.; two sons, Charles Daniel Attaway of Laurens and James Franklin Attaway of Greenwood; two sisters, Mary E. Shaver of Greenwood and Corrie Mae Tucker of Kenansville, N.C.; a brother, James Shaver of Ware Shoals; seven grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
Services are 3 p.m. Sunday at Beulah Baptist Church, conducted by the Rev. David Cobb. The body will be placed in the church at 2. Burial is in Greenwood Memorial Gardens.
Pallbearers are Wayne Bagwell, Dale Cole, Michael Noffz, Willie Cheek, Charles O’Quinn and David Smith.
Honorary escorts are members of the Granny Miller Sunday School Class and the Golden Oldies of the church.
Visitation is 7-9 tonight at Harley Funeral Home.
The family is at the home of a daughter Brenda Dixon, 202 Pitts Circle.
Memorials may be made to Beulah Baptist Church, 2066 Highway 72 E., Abbeville, SC 29620 or 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

Mildred Chastain

Mildred Harkey Chastain, widow of Sherman Edgar Chastain, died Friday, Jan. 21, 2005 at Self Regional Medical Center.
Services will be announced by Harley Funeral Home.

Ira ‘Sug’ Corley Sr.

ANDERSON — Ira Dell “Sug” Corley Sr., 70, of 190 Sumter St., formerly of Saluda, husband of Annie Lee Golston Corley, died Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2005 at the Hospice of Upstate.
Born in Edgefield, he was a son of the late Dave and Georgia Etter Smith Corley. He was a member of Jefferson Chapel A.M.E. Church, Anderson and Wateree A.M.E. Church in Saluda. He was a retired tire service worker and an Army veteran.
Survivors include his wife of the home; five sons, Dalegata Corley of New York, Darren Corley of Saluda, Ricky Corley of Trenton, Khalil Shabazz and Ira D. Corley Jr., both of Anderson; four daughters, Loretta Springs, Sandra Golston and Marilyn Corley, all of Saluda and Carrilyn Corley of Anderson; a brother, John H. Corley of Johnston; four sisters, Ruth Jones, Mary L. Coleman and Jeanette Harris, all of Johnston and Fairy Bell Ouzts of Saluda; 19 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
Services are 3 p.m. Sunday at Wateree A.M.E. Church, Saluda, conducted by the Rev. Arthur Raven, assisted by the Rev. Corinthea Stack. Burial is in the church cemetery. The body will be placed in the church at 2.
Pallbearers and flower bearers are family and friends. The family is at the home of a daughter Sandra Golston, 358 Kempson Bridge Road, off Highway 395 in Saluda.
Butler and Sons Funeral Home, Saluda, is in charge.

Ronney Dyal

WARE SHOALS — Ronney Steven Dyal, 44, of 3083 Mount Bethel Road, husband of Lana Sue Dyal, died Friday, Jan. 21, 2005.
Services will be announced by Parker-White Funeral Home.

Lonnie Higgins Jr.

Services for Lonnie Higgins Jr. are 3 p.m. Sunday at Springfield Baptist Church, Edgefield, conducted by the Rev. Derrick Scott. The body will be placed in the church at 2. Burial is in the church cemetery.
Pallbearers are grandsons and Darryl and Dauphus Scott.
Flower bearers are granddaughters.
Viewing is after 10 a.m. Sunday at Percival-Tompkins Funeral Home.
The family is at the home of a son, Clarence and Linda Higgins.
Percival-Tompkins Funeral Home is in charge.

Faye Rinehart

BATESBURG — Faye Morris Rinehart, 66, of 1538 Mount Willing Road, widow of Kenneth Leon “Popeye” Rinehart, died Friday, Jan. 21, 2005 at Lexington Medical Center.
Born in Newberry County, she was a daughter of the late Howard and Sarah Williams Morris. She was a former seamstress with Old School Manufacturing of Prosperity and Knight Industries, Saluda, and worked for Little River “Big Man’s” Marina. She was a member of Nazareth United Methodist Church. Survivors include two daughters, Kathy R. Hutto and Sheila Price, both of Batesburg; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Services are 4 p.m. Monday at Nazareth United Methodist Church, Leesville, conducted by the Rev. Joyce Murphy. Burial is in the church cemetery.
Visitation is 6:30-8:30 Sunday at Ramey Funeral Home.
Memorials may be made to Nazareth United Methodist Church Building Fund, 2943 Columbia Highway, Leesville, SC 29070.
Ramey Funeral Home, Saluda, is in charge.

John L. Spearman Sr.

John L. Spearman Sr., 75, of 701 Clem Road, husband of Effie Childs Spearman, died Thursday, Jan. 20, 2005 at his home.
Born in Abbeville County, he was a son of the late Charlie and Ollie Mae Campbell Spearman. He was a member and trustee of Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church and served in the Army during the Korean conflict.
Survivors include his wife of the home; a son, John L. Spearman Jr. of the home; two daughters, Mrs. Glenn (Michelle) Payne of Greenwood and Alfreda Spearman of Cokesbury; four brothers, Simeon Spearman, Soloman Spearman and Robert Spearman, all of Greenwood and Kadell Spearman of Fort Wayne, Ind.; a sister, Mrs. William (Annie) Riley of Abbeville; and a grandchild.
Services are 11 a.m. Tuesday at Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church, conducted by the Rev. Annette Edwards and the Rev. Andrew Jones, pastor, is presiding. Assisting are Minister Robin Harris Smith, Bishop Emanuel Spearman and the Revs. Larry Nelson, Wanda Aull, Beulah Reagins and Oscar A. Klugh, presiding elder of Abbeville-Greenwood District. The body will be placed in the church at 10.
Burial is in Oakbrook Memorial Park.
Pallbearers are nephews and flower bearers are nieces.
Visitation is 6-7 p.m. Monday at Robinson & Son Mortuary Inc.
The family is at the home.
Robinson & Son Mortuary Inc. is in charge.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at robson@emeraldis.com

Tina Spencer

ABBEVILLE — Tina Carol Spencer, 37, of 501 Orange St., wife of David D. Spencer, died Thursday, Jan. 20, 2005 at her home.
Born in Clinton, she was a daughter of Eugene and Edith Hardin Sellers. She was a homemaker and of the Baptist faith.
Survivors include her husband of the home; her parents of Clinton; two daughters, Brittney Leigh Spencer and Edith Kayla Spencer, both of the home; and a sister, Cindy Sheppard of Clinton.
Memorial services are 2 p.m. Sunday at Chandler-Jackson Funeral Home, conducted by the Rev. Jimmy Alewine.
The Chandler-Jackson Funeral Home is in charge.

Thomas Wells Jr.

GREENWOOD – Thomas Nicholls Wells, Jr., 75, resident of 403 Ellenberg Avenue, husband of Harriet Goolsby Wells, died January 20, 2005 at Self Regional Medical Center.
Born in Greenwood County, June 29, 1929, he was a son of the late Thomas N. Sr. and Gertrude Harper Wells. He was a graduate of Greenwood High School and was a US Marine Corps Veteran.
Mr. Wells began his working career at Greenwood Pasteurizing Company which was a family owned business founded by his grandfather, the late Claude Lamar Wells. Prior to his retirement from the company, the business was acquired by Pet Dairy Company, Inc.
Mr. Wells was a life member of South Main Street Baptist Church.
Surviving in addition to his wife of the home is a daughter, Lisa and husband, David Harrison of Greenwood; a granddaughter, Elizabeth Wells Harrison of Greenwood.
Funeral services will be conducted at 4PM Sunday from the Blyth Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Richard McWhite and Rev. David Corbitt officiating.
Burial will be in Greenwood Memorial Gardens.
Pallbearers will be Wells Massengill, Nicky Nichols, Steve Nichols, Ray Young, Wayne Wells, Claude Wells, Jr., Stephen Wells and Jonathan Wells.
Honorary escort will be the retirees and former employees of Pet Dairy Company.
The family is at the home on Ellenberg Avenue and will receive friends at the funeral home from 3 to 4 PM Sunday.
Memorials may be made to Hospice Care of the Piedmont, 408 W. Alexander Avenue, Greenwood, SC 29646 or to South Main Street Baptist Church Building Fund, PO Box 1093, Greenwood, SC 29648.
For additional information you may visit
www.blythfuneralhome.com.
BLYTH FUNERAL HOME IS ASSISTING THE WELLS FAMILY
PAID OBITUARY