Doggonit!

Your dog is gone, but there is hope if you follow some of these tips

May 15, 2005

By SHAVONNE POTTS
Index-Journal staff writer

As the children wash the family dog, all of a sudden “Buck” jumps out of the tin tub, shakes himself off and takes off down the street.
Not all family pets run away or are lost in this manner. But when a family pet becomes missing, there are procedures that owners can follow to ensure “man’s best friend” returns sooner.
Most people who are missing their pets should file a report with law enforcement so that animal control can be on the lookout for that animal.
There are precautions that, if taken before a pet is lost, can make the search for the pet easier, including providing proper identification for a dog or cat.
Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control Officer Marvin Grimm said the tag should have the phone number and/or address of the owner.
“Or they should have a rabies tag on the dog or cat. It gives the tag number and the physician,” he said.
Often, people have microchips placed on their dogs that catalog all the personal information about the animal. The chip is then used to track the dog if it becomes missing.
Some form of ID is crucial to a safe return for any family pet, Grimm said.
Grimm also advises pet owners to place flyers in their area and always call the animal shelter.
The Greenwood Animal Shelter receives calls often from people who want to know if shelter personnel have seen their pet.
People must go into the shelter so that they can fill out a missing pet report as well as check the shelter to see if their animal was dropped off.
A missing pet form requires information about the pet including name, sex, breed, color(s), age, tags, if there are any microchips and other physical details.
The shelter also requires pet owners to come back to the shelter every few days, if not every day, to look for their animal.
“We encourage them to bring in photos of their pets,” said Humane Society of Greenwood employee Annie Reed.
Bringing in photos and checking the shelter often could mean a pet owner gets their pet back sooner.
“They’ve got to help us help them,” said Humane Society of Greenwood Executive Director Karen Pettay.
This year the shelter received 176 missing dogs and cats.
The local newspaper is one way Reed suggests to help with the search for a dog or cat.
Employees with The Index-Journal classified department said it happens often that people put ads in the paper for missing pets or to report a missing dog or cat.
“The cost of an ad ranges and is based on how many words and how many days a person wants to run it,” said Suzanne Dunaway.
The minimum an ad may cost is about $8.12, with the maximum reaching $200.
When placing flyers around the neighborhood, remember to include the following:
* A picture of the dog and/or description.
* The name the dog or cat answers to.
* The breed, color and any other physical details.
* The owner’s name, address and telephone number.
* Where the dog was last seen.
For information, call Greenwood Animal Shelter at 942-8558 or Humane Society of Greenwood 1616 Highway 72/221 East.

Whiting named executive news editor

Deal appointed managing editor; Collins continues editorial role

May 15, 2005

Changes in the newsroom management structure are announced today by Judith Mundy Burns, Index-Journal president and publisher.
Richard Whiting has been named executive news editor. Greg Deal has been promoted to managing editor, the position previously occupied by Whiting since he joined the newspaper in August 1999. William “Bill” Collins, who has had the position of executive editor since January 2002, will continue serving the newspaper as executive editorial editor.
In his new position, Whiting assumes full charge of the newsroom, overseeing the paper’s news content. He is a key contact for questions about or suggestions for the news, sports and features content of the newspaper. Whiting will work closely with other editors and managers to find ways to better serve the readers.
As managing editor, Deal is responsible for much of the day-to-day newsroom operation. He will work directly with the sports, Accent and regional editors in the areas of coverage and page design. He will also assist Whiting in guiding the newspaper’s content, as well as in coaching editors and writers.
As executive editorial editor, Collins continues to focus on the newspaper’s opinions, as well as the paper’s daily editorial page and op-ed page content.
Before coming to Greenwood in 1999, Whiting served nine years as an assistant managing editor and editorial page editor at the (Florence, S.C.) Morning News.
He began his newspaper career in Rocky Mount, N.C., joining the Evening Telegram in 1980 as a staff writer and, through a succession of promotions, becoming the newspaper’s managing editor.
Whiting and wife Wendy have two children: Shelley, a freshman at Anderson College, and Katie, a freshman at Greenwood High School. They are members of Westminster Presbyterian Church. Whiting is also a member of the Greenwood Rotary Club and serves on the club’s board of directors. He has served on the boards of visitors for Lander University, Piedmont Technical College and Wesley Commons. He is a member of the Sexual Trauma & Counseling Center’s board of trustees and is serving a two-year term as board president.
Deal was a sports writer at The Index-Journal from 1996-97. He served as the newspaper’s sports editor from July 1997 until October 2001 when he was named assistant managing editor. Prior to working here, Deal worked as an intern and sports staff writer at the Hendersonville Times News from 1995-96.
He and wife Shea have two children: daughter Taylor, 12, and son Cameron, 2. They are members of North Side Baptist in Greenwood. He serves on Piedmont Technical College’s board of visitors.
Collins has been with The Index-Journal for more than 26 years. He has been involved in many civic activities and served on numerous boards in Greenwood and South Carolina. He was recognized by United Way of the National Capital Area for service as campaign chairman for Alexandria, Va.
Collins has a long career in the newspaper industry as a reporter, editor, general manager and publisher, and in various management positions in corporate and university public relations and advertising. He has received numerous writing awards in South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia.
He is a member and elder of First Presbyterian Church of Greenwood.
Collins is married to the former Betsy Heeseman of Charlotte. They have three children. Chip is an attorney in Columbia, Christopher is a dentist in Greenwood and Cathy is a communications executive in Alexandria, Va. Bill and Betsy have five grandchildren, Graham and Evan Jenkins; Victoria, Dawsey and Emma Collins.

Poor half keeps Vikes from consecutive titles

May 15, 2005

By RON COX
Index-Journal sports writer

COLUMBIA — An uncharacteristically poor first half prevented the Emerald High School boys soccer team from successfully defending its state title Saturday afternoon.
Using the Vikings’ lackluster start, Bishop England knocked in a pair of goals in the first 30 minutes to claim its 10th Class AA state title with a 2-0 win at Stone Stadium in a rematch of last year’s title game.
“Bottom line is we didn’t come out to play and we took it on the chin for the first 40 minutes,” said Emerald coach Brad Nickles, who received his 2004 South Carolina Coach of the Year plaque before the introductions.
“I don’t know what happened to us in the beginning. I’ll be looking for that answer for the next 20 years. I’ve been around the game for a while and I’ve never experienced a half like that, where everything that possibly could have gone wrong, went wrong.
“They wanted it and we didn’t.”
The Vikings (16-5), who defeated the Bishops, 2-1, in overtime last season, spent most of the afternoon fending off a tenacious offensive charge. It took the Bishops less than three minutes to procure their first scoring opportunity.
An Emerald foul just outside the penalty area gave Bishop England a short free kick, setting up the first of what would be 31 shots on goal.
“We really came out today to take this trophy,” said Bishops coach Ed Khouri, whose team ended a three-year state championship drought.
“Last year when Emerald won, it humbled us. It let them know that their names weren’t carved in stone. You have to go out there and work for it and that’s what we did.”
The Bishops failed to score on that first attempt, but they found the net less than five minutes later.
Sophomore forward Ryan Sellers’ chip shot off a bad clear from an Emerald defender sailed over the head of keeper C.K. Kirkland to give the Bishops a 1-0 lead.
Bishop England all but locked up the championship with its second goal in the 30th minute.
From midfield, Ted Gibson found a wide-open area in the right corner of the Emerald defensive zone and lofted a pass to a streaking Matthew Kisabeth.
The Bishop England senior all-state forward drove around an Emerald defender and cut to the center of the field, where he found fellow all-state senior Kyle Smith on a pass.
Smith took the short pass, spun around and drilled a left-footed shot into the left corner of the goal passed a diving Kirkland.
Things got much worse for Emerald just four minutes later.
Not only were the Vikings two goals down and haven’t forced Bishop England all-state goalkeeper Phillip Ricciardone to make a save, but from the 34th minute on, the team would have to play a man down, because of a red-card ejection.
Just as Kirkland went skyward to grab a high free kick, Bishop England’s Tyler Fitts came crashing in low, sending both players to the turf.
The referee blew his whistle and called a foul on Fitts.
But letting his frustrations get the best of him, Kirkland, who spent most of this season sidelined with a knee injury, punched Fitts on the back, while the two were still prone.
“I wasn’t thinking,” said the senior keeper, who finished with seven saves. “It was just a build up of anger at the team, anger at the midfield. And when I was coming out, the guy wasn’t even looking for the ball. All he got was my knee, and after the injury earlier in the year, I got really pissed off.”
For his action, Kirkland was given the first red card of his career, forcing the Vikings to play with 10 players.
“It was obviously a hard foul on him (Kirkland), but I don’t know what he was thinking, but he did it,” Nickles said. “There was no argument about getting (the red card).
“The whole first-half debacle was worse, but it didn’t help us recover having to go a man down. It was just another shot in the foot or actually, it was another shot in the head for us.”
The ejection didn’t jolt the Vikings into action. The team continued its sluggish play for the remainder of the half.
Sophomore Josh Dean replaced Kirkland in goal and immediately was tested.
Bishop England’s Harrison Little lofted a long pass into the penalty area, but two of his teammates whiffed on the header, allowing Dean to grab the first of his 17 saves.
The Vikings got it together in the second half. While not being able to put together many offensive threats, Emerald didn’t allow the Bishops to add to their score, despite fielding only 10 players.
“After a dreadful first half, we had to do something to get our pride back,” senior all-state defender Christopher Tommie said. “We lost everything in the first half and we wanted to try to get a little bit back by not letting them score again.”
The Vikings did get a little luck to bounce their way in the second half. Sellers’ free kick from 20 yards out in the 71st minute sailed over the Emerald wall and Dean’s outstretched arm and banged off the crossbar.

Opinion

Talks on black candidates step in the right direction

May 15, 2005

It had to happen! As soon as Governor Sanford said, in a TV interview, that no black candidate would be elected to a statewide office in the foreseeable future, a controversy of sorts was inevitable.
It didn’t matter, or course, that the governor also said it was “tragic” that blacks hadn’t been elected to a statewide office in a hundred years. Neither did it make much difference that he said he would appoint one if given the authority. Critics came forth on both sides of the matter.
No one, it seems, can escape criticism if he or she speaks about race relations in South Carolina. Criticism comes from blacks and whites, depending on the issues involved.
Nevertheless, Sanford was right. It likely will be a long time before any black is elected to a statewide office. And it is tragic. In fact, it’s tragic that it’s something that even has to be discussed.

THERE ARE MANY BLACK South Carolinians serving in public offices, and they are serving well.
Their records speak for themselves. We have a black mayor in Greenwood who has been an exemplary public servant. So have black members of various councils and commissions, the State Legislature, and Congress. There should be no doubts about their service.
That said, it’s obvious there are some things that work against blacks being elected to statewide offices. One, to be sure, is history. Despite positive changes in the real sense, there remains a problem as far as attitudes of some of us are concerned. There is still a built-in historical reluctance to look differently at black and white candidates for public office. We have, as a people, made a lot of progress in race relations. For some, though, looking at qualifications instead of the color of skin is a lingering hang-up that is rooted in the history of racism.

THEN, THERE IS ANOTHER consideration that has a negative effect on many white voters. That’s a perception that black officeholders are elected by blacks and represent only blacks, even though many of their constituents are white. The existence of things like black caucuses in the Statehouse and Congress, whether good or bad, reinforce those “black only” perceptions.
The situation, as Sanford said, is not likely to change any time in the near future. However, the fact that he said it and got it on the table for public discussion should help create a climate where such discussion can take place with reason and without rancor.
There will be exceptions to the rule, no doubt. At least, though, it’s a start. And that will be as positive as we – all of us – are will to make it.

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

Obituaries

Mary Ellen Calhoun

McCORMICK — Mary Ellen Calhoun, 77, of Willow Creek Apartment No. 18, widow of Woodrow W. Calhoun, died Saturday, May 14, 2005 at University Hospital, Augusta, Ga.
Born in McCormick, she was a daughter of the late Willie and Mary Zimmerman Murray. She was a member of Tranquil A.M.E. Church and the Women’s Home Aide Society No. 1.
Survivors include three daughters, Linda Murray and Brenda Murray, both of McCormick, and Marine Jones of Greenwood; a son, Bobby Murray of Greenwood; two sisters, Ora Wideman and Gertrude Murray of McCormick; a brother, Willie Lee Murray of McCormick; 18 grandchildren and 48 great-grandchildren.
The family is at the home.
Services will be announced by Walker Funeral Home.

Samuel H. Connor

ABBEVILLE — Samuel H. Connor, 84, formerly of 104 Second St., husband of Ruth Hunter Connor, died Saturday, May 14, 2005 at Abbeville Nursing Home.
Born in Abbeville County, he served in the Army, was a former employee of the U.S. Postal Service and Brown & Walker Funeral Home in Abbeville.
Survivors include his wife; a son, Samuel Connor Jr. of Washington; four daughters, Mrs. Pete (Naomi) Aiken of Central Islip, N.Y., Mrs. Willie (Mary) Marine, Mrs. Clyde (Susanne) Ebo and Doris Bernice Jackson, all of Greenwood.
A granddaughter, reared in the home, preceded him in death, Tesheka L. Jackson.
Services will be announced by Abbeville & White Mortuary.

Thomas E. Cox

Thomas Edison Cox, 86, of 116 Ridgewood Circle, husband of Henrietta “Hennie” Gill Cox, died Friday, May 13, 2005 at his home.
Born in Greenville, NC; a son of the late Noah Stancil and Daisy Dean Cox. He was a graduate of East Carolina University. He was retired from Greenwood Specialty Company, a former Greenwood High Coach, U.S. Army Air Force W.W. II veteran, member of Golden “K”, and a member of Main Street United Methodist Church, where he was a member of the Mason Sunday School Class. He was predeceased by a daughter Ann Gill Cox Turner.
Surviving in addition to his wife of the home is a daughter Elizabeth “Bett” Cox McCleskey of Greenville.
Memorial services will be 4:00 p.m. Sunday at Main Street United Methodist Church with the Rev. Jim Dennis and Rev. James Medley officiating.
Honorary escorts will be the Mason Sunday School Class of Main Street United Methodist Church and the Golden “K”.
The family will receive friends following the services.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Piedmont, 408 West Alexander Ave., Greenwood, SC, 29646 or to Main Street United Methodist Church, 201 N. Main Street, Greenwood, SC, 29646.
The family is at the home.
Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.harleyfuneralhome.com
PAID OBITUARY

Ernest K. Davis

Ernest K. Davis, 62, of 1548 Parkway Apartment No. 67, died Saturday, May 14, 2005 at Self Regional Medical Center. Services will be announced by Harley Funeral Home.

James Alpha Mullings

ABBEVILLE — James Alpha Mullings, 65, of 289 Maggie Lane, died Saturday, May 14, 2005 at his home.
Services will be announced by Abbeville & White Mortuary.

Ella Florie Patton Thompson

COLUMBIA — Ella Florie Patton Thompson, 65, widow of James Thompson, died Thursday, May 12, 2005.
Born in Abbeville, she was a daughter of the late Joseph Lee and Augustus Wardlaw Patton Sr. She was a member of First Nazareth Baptist Church and worked for Palmetto Richland Memorial Hospital for over 30 years.
Survivors include two sons, Mark Sean Thompson of Columbia, Darrell Anthony Thompson of Atlanta; three sisters, Martha Bozeman, Gracie Harrison, Mary Thompson; four brothers, James A. Wardlaw, Fred Wardlaw, Codell and Joseph Patton Jr.; five grandchildren.
Services are 3 p.m. Saturday at First Nazareth Baptist Church, Columbia. Burial is in Crescent Hill Memorial Gardens.
Visitation is Friday at Bostick-Tompkins Funeral Home.
Bostick-Tompkins Funeral Home, Columbia, is in charge.
Announcement courtesy of Brown & Walker Funeral Home, Abbeville.