Dist. 50 begins search for new superintendent

Board to receive help from service provided by S. Carolina association

February 23, 2006

By JACKIE R. BROACH
Index-Journal staff writer

Greenwood School District 50 trustees began the search for a new district leader Wednesday night, two days after Superintendent Bill Steed announced his retirement.
In a special meeting, the board agreed to enter into contract with the South Carolina School Board Association (SCSBA), enlisting help from the organization’s Superintendent Search Service.
“There is no more important decision facing a school board as the one you’ll be making in the next few months,” said Paul Krohne, executive director of the SCSBA, who attended the meeting to present the board a proposal for the service. “Your superintendent is basically the chief executive officer of this board, and you want to make the right decision. This is not an easy or a quick process, but, if done right, in a highly professional manner, it can be a positive experience for the board, the district and the community.”
By subscribing to the service, the district enlists consultants from the SCSBA to help it through the process of selecting a new superintendent. That process includes advertising the position, reviewing applications and screening candidates. If the board requests it, consultants will also make a recommendation as to which applicants become finalists, as well as a final recommendation.
The cost for the service is a base fee of $9,000, plus additional expenses for advertising and travel expenses for candidates who interview, among other things. The base fee includes consultants, an attorney and a graphic artist to design advertising materials. The total cost is expected to be about $20,000.
The board agreed that subscribing to the service was its best option as the “additional expenses” would have to be acquired anyway and the board members aren’t prepared to handle the process themselves.
The service was used for the last two superintendent searches and proved to be very effective, Vice Chairwoman Debrah Miller said. The board voted to enter into contract immediately to get the search process started as soon as possible.
Though Steed agreed to stay until December, the board’s goal is to have someone hired by July 1 and in the position no later than Aug. 1.
SCSBA consultants officially begin the search today. The first step in the process will be for the board to assess district priorities in relation to needs of the district and the qualities desired in a superintendent and gather community input, Krohne said. The SCSBA will conduct an interview with the board and will host three community focus groups to gather that information.
The next steps will be advertising and recruitment, followed by screening of potential candidates.

LU women snap skid

Lady Bearcats beat GC&SU for first PBC win this season

February 23, 2006

By CHRIS TRAINOR
Index-Journal sports writer

Lander University women’s basketball coach Kevin Pederson grabbed his first Peach Belt Conference win Wednesday.
The Lady Bearcats downed Georgia College, 48-45, in a PBC matchup at Finis Horne Arena and Pederson was ecstatic following the game.
“When I was at Anderson, we went to the Sweet 16 and were ranked number 14 in the nation,” Pederson said. “But this is maybe the best feeling I’ve had after a win. It really feels great.”
Lander sealed the win with 14 seconds remaining on a designed inbounds play. Lander guard Bryony Crouch lobbed a high pass from the left sideline into the post to center Tara Nyikavaranda. Nyikavaranda then batted a touch pass into the left corner to Lander shooting guard Jennifer Hukill. Hukill then calmly drained the last of her seven 3-pointers, sending the Lander crowd into a frenzy and giving the Lady Bearcats the 48-45 lead.
“That was a normal inbounds play for us, just a little different,” Pederson said.
“We told Tara to get a good angle then look to the corner. We call that Hukill’s Corner. She is strong in that corner.”
Hukill led all scorers with 21 points. Cassie Miliner paced Georgia College with 17 points and 11 rebounds.
For the first time in nearly a month, the Lady Bearcats had the services of Crouch.
Crouch had been out with a severe high ankle sprain. Lander’s Linlei Ward also returned after missing Monday’s game against USC Upstate because of a concussion.
The Lady Bearcats (5-21 overall, 1-18 PBC) opened the game using offensive stall tactics.
Lander guard Lashaundra Dubose brought the ball upcourt throughout the opening minutes, and each time dribbled the ball at the top of key until the shot clock ran below 10 seconds. Dubose canned a pair of jumpers in the first two minutes, followed by a 3-pointer by Hukill. The game was tied 11-11 with 11:21 remaining in the half.
Pederson said he wasn’t sure if the slow down game plan would be effective.
“We tried it at the end of the USC Upstate game, and it worked pretty well,” Pederson said. “Coach (Russ) Gregg and I decided to stick with it.”
Pederson said Dubose was integral to the slower style.
“You have to have a good guard to execute that tactic,” Pederson said.
“Lashaundra Dubose did a fantastic job of leading the offense tonight.”
The game remained close as the first half rolled along.
Georgia College post player Lawanna Leon scooped a pair of heavily defended layups off the glass. Moments later, Hukill drained two more 3s to keep the Lady Bearcats in the game. The Lady Bobcats led, 17-14, with 7:40 left in the half.
The Lady Bearcats pulled ahead before halftime.
Lander continued its slow down game plan, with Dubose often holding the ball until the shot clock nearly expired.
Hukill rained in two more 3-pointers, giving her five in the first half. Despite 10 first half points from Milliner, Lander had a 24-23 halftime lead.
Georgia College inched ahead as the second half began.
First, the Lady Bobcats got a 3-pointer from forward Ashley Williams. Then, on the next Georgia College possession, Miliner popped in a layup while being fouled. Her subsequent free throw gave the Lady Bobcats a 29-28 lead with 14:02 remaining.

Opinion

Americans need complete explanation on ports safety

February 23, 2006

More than a few South Carolinians are among those Americans who have strong reservations about the sale to an Arab company of a security firm that operates six large American ports. That includes some in Greenwood who have voiced their concerns about security in a world where terrorists will do anything to strike at the U. S.
Many members of Congress and a couple of mayors have registered their complaints about the sale. However, President Bush and his staff have assured Americans that all precautions were taken before approving the sale to the company, Dubai Ports World of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Regardless, unless the American people have answers to their questions, it’s a situation that is not likely to be resolved to everyone’s satisfaction.

ALL THE ASSURANCES GIVEN haven’t convinced many who worry about the whole thing. Who the company hires, and how it checks their backgrounds, are significant concerns. It could be a threat to our security. Nevertheless, the president is firm in his support for the sale and threatens to veto any legislation that might be passed by Congress to void or delay the sale.
Under the circumstances, a delay, at least, seems wise. It would give the president sufficient time to explain everything. All of us have a right to know what requirements are tied to the sale and operation of the ports. Thus far they haven’t been told anything. They deserve to know what the security requirements are and why they are needed. They deserve to know why no American company is qualified to do the same job. They deserve to be told all of the ramifications of the sale, pro and con, including how it might affect the war on terror and relations with the UAE.

THIS IS, WITHOUT QUESTION, an emotional issue. It also is one that needs a full explanation before the deal is final. The public should have all the reassurances necessary to win its support before deals like this are made. It doesn’t matter that other foreign companies own and operate other facilities in the U. S. It does matter, though, whether the people are satisfied. As of now, they are not, and that includes Republicans and Democrats alike.
Congress is right to insist on knowing everything. Most of all, though, the American people need a complete explanation ..... one that would allay the natural fears that terrorists have created. President Bush has said many times his primary job is to protect the American people. He’s right, of course. But, the American people need to know not only how he’s doing that, but why.
Delay the sale. Reassurances need substance, not promises.

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

Obituaries

Charles H. Anderson Jr.

HODGES — Services for Charles Henry Anderson Jr. are 1 p.m. Friday at Robinson & Son Mortuary, conducted by the Rev. Amos Harlings, assisted by the Rev. William T. Lee. Burial is in Mount Calvary Baptist Church Cemetery, Abbeville.
Pallbearers are nephews.
Flower bearers are nieces.
The family is at the home, 3316 Connor Road.
Robinson & Son Mortuary Inc., Greenwood, is in charge.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at robson@nctv.com

Mary Ellen Bentley

McCORMICK — Mary Ellen Bentley, 58, wife of Gary Bentley, of 393 Red Row Road, died Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2006 at her home.
A daughter of the late Bennie C. and Ellen Bosdell Wideman, she lived in McCormick all her life and retired from McCormick School District after 32 years of service. She was a member of Buffalo Baptist Church.
Survivors include her husband and a son, Joshua Ross Bentley of the home; a daughter, Mrs. Chris (Reba Bentley) Swann of McCormick; a granddaughter; a sister, Betty Ann Ellenburg of McCormick.
A graveside memorial service is 3:30 p.m. today at Wideman Family Cemetery, conducted by the Revs. Charles Hopkins, Ryan Eklund and Wade Everett.
The family is at the home.
Beggs Funeral Home, 200 May Ave., Lincolnton, Ga., is in charge.

Mary Alice Cameron

MYRTLE BEACH — Mary Alice “Floss” Cameron, widow of Charles Donald Cameron, passed away at home on Wednesday, February 22, 2006. Born October 12, 1930, in Mullins, SC, was the daughter of the late Phildan Pearsall Johnson and Rachel Norton Johnson. Mrs. Cameron graduated from Mullins High School at age 16 and Converse College in 1950. After graduating from Converse with a degree in Sociology and Psychology, she worked as a social worker in Gaffney, SC. She went back to school and got certified in elementary education and then taught fourth and fifth grades in Gaffney and Marion.
In 1964, Mrs. Cameron married Charles Donald Cameron and moved to Myrtle Beach with her son, John, and daughter, Taffy. In addition to her two children, she inherited four challenging children that were just like their father. Within three years, Floss and Donald decided that they needed more responsibility and Floss gave birth to Guy Skipper, everyone’s “Little Princess.” This birth was the strand that bonded two families into one. With much patience, care, and most of all “LOVE”, Floss raised seven children creating a unique, loving family.
Floss had many passions in life. She loved to fish out of Garden City Beach and Eleuthera Island in the Bahamas. There were many fishing trips with family and close friends that were always filled with laughter and unforgettable memories. Floss played bridge with the same group of friends for forty years twice a month. Through the bridge club, the friends were able to help each other with the trials and tribulations of raising children. They have all stayed very close through the years. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Myrtle Beach and a member of DAR.
In addition to her husband, Mrs. Cameron is preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Fritz Norton Johnson; two sons, John Norton McMillan and Charles Donald Cameron, Jr.; a daughter-in-law, Marian Inman Cameron, a brother and sister-in-law, William Ennis Cameron, Jr. and Catherine McCleod Cameron.
Surviving include, a son, William Ennis Cameron of Rock Hill, SC; four daughters, Alice (Taffy) Johnson Cameron of the home; Skipper Cameron Rice and husband, Frank, of Greenwood, SC; Virginia Guy Cameron and husband, Jeff Burgeson, of Hodges, SC; and Candice Cameron Bailey and husband, Jimmy, of Rock Hill, SC; a daughter-in-law, Faith Jones McMillan of Florence, SC.; two sister-in-laws, Carol Cameron Simpson and Ann Goode Cochran, and 15 grandchildren.
Visitation will be at McMillan Small Funeral Home in Myrtle Beach on Thursday, February 23, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. The funeral service will be held at First United Methodist Church in Myrtle Beach on Friday, February 24, at 11:00 with burial following at Ocean Woods Cemetery.
The family of Floss would like to graciously thank Mercy Hospice of Myrtle Beach, especially Dana Lauer, her nurse. Dana tuned in very quickly to Floss’s personality and how important dignity was to her. A special thanks to Dr. Neil Trask, Dr. Kevin Dineen, Dr. Reni Goldberg, and Dr. Gene Butler for their concern and care. Also, thank you to Kathy Howell, the caregiver for the past year and a half.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to First United Methodist Church, PO Box 1367, Myrtle Beach, SC 29578; Mercy Hospice, PO Box 50640, Myrtle Beach, SC 29579; or Von-Hipple-Lindau (VHL), Family Alliance, 171 Clinton Road, Brookline, MA 02445.
Condolences may be made to the family via of the funeral home guest book at www.msfh.net
McMillan-Small (843-449-3396) is serving the family.
PAID OBITUARY

Louis H. Goff

WARRENVILLE — Louis H. Goff, of Pine Log Road, husband of Pansy “Pat” Gunter Goff, died Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2006.
Born in Batesburg, he was a son of the late Callie Edgar and Bessie Warren Goff. He was a World War II Army veteran and was wounded while stationed at Angio Beach Head, Italy during the Italian Campaign. He received the Purple Heart and the Bronze Battle Star. A retired auto electric technician for Barsh Electric Co. with 20 years of service, he was a member of Howlandville Baptist Church, the Senior Men’s Class and Disabled American Veteran Chapter No. 34.
Survivors include his wife; three sons, Billy Ray Goff of Beech Island, James C. Goff and Danny L. Goff, both of Bath; a daughter, Brenda G. Jennings of Jackson; a brother, Hewie Goff of Troy; a sister, Cleo Shuler, Lexington.
Services are 11 a.m. Friday at Howlandville Baptist Church, conducted by the Rev. James McCary. Burial is in Sunset Memorial Gardens.
Pallbearers are Billy Ray Goff, James Goff, Danny Goff, Keith Goff, Danny Goff Jr., Otis Jennings, Chad Carraway and Drew Wikander.
Honorary pallbearers are members of the Senior Men’s Class.
Visitation is 6-8 tonight at Hatcher Funeral Home, U.S. Highway 1, Langley
Hatcher Funeral Home is in charge.

William Harvey

William S. “Buddy” Harvey, 81, of 225 Duncan Ave., widower of Doris Elizabeth Hodges Harvey, died Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2006 at McCormick Health Care.
The family is at the home of Don and Helen Smith, 110 Haltiwanger Road.
Services will be announced by Blyth Funeral Home & Cremation Services.

Evelyn Henderson

HODGES — Evelyn McCurry Henderson, 81, resident of 110 Pine Dr., widow of Charles E. Henderson, Sr., died February 21, 2006 at Self Regional Medical Center.
She was a graduate of Honea Path High School and retired from Oxford Industries.
Mrs. Henderson was a member of Mt. Bethel Baptist Church and attended Harris Baptist Church where she was a member of the Willing Workers Sunday School Class.
Surviving are two daughters, Nancy H. McCall of Hodges and June H. Bowie and husband, Terry of Greenwood; two sons, Charles E. Henderson, Jr. and Joe T. Henderson, both of Greenwood; three grandchil-dren, Melisa Bowie Arrington of Ninety Six, Carson McCurry Henderson of Greenwood and Marty D. Bowie of Louisville, CO; two great-grandchildren, Cameron Coffey and Chandler Arrington.
Funeral services will be 3:00 PM Friday at the Blyth Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Frank Thomas officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery in Anderson County.
The family is at their respective homes and will receive friends at the funeral home from 2:00 to 3:00 Friday afternoon.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Harris Baptist Church Building Fund, 300 Center St., Greenwood, SC 29649 or to the charity of one’s choice.
Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.blythfuneralhome.com
Blyth Funeral Home & Cremation Services is assisting the Henderson family.
PAID OBITUARY

Annie Bell Phillips

ABBEVILLE — Annie Bell Phillips, 88, of 121 Harrisburg St., widow of Jimmy Phillips, died Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2006 at her home.
Born in Abbeville County, she was a daughter of the late Jesse and Mattie Martin Hunter. She was a member of Southside Church of Christ, Greenwood, a retired employee of Abbeville County Memorial Hospital and an employee of Brown and Walker Funeral Home.
She was the last survivor of her immediate family. Survivors include cousins.
Services are 2 p.m. Saturday at Southside Church of Christ, Greenwood, conducted by Brother Hosie Byrd. The body will be placed in the church at 1. Burial is in Forest Lawn Memory Gardens, Abbeville.
The family is at the home.
Brown and Walker Funeral Home is in charge.

Gwendolyn Morgan Wilson

EDGEFIELD — Services for Gwendolyn Denise Morgan Wilson, of 1263 Highway 378 E., are 1 p.m. Saturday at Pleasant Lane Baptist Church, conducted by the Rev. Sloan Gordon, assisted by the Rev. Alfreda Bush. The body will be placed in the church at 12. Burial is in the church cemetery.
Pallbearers and flower bearers are friends of the family.
The family is at the home of an aunt Mrs. Curtis (Olethia) Culbreath, 2607 Hamilton Road, Greenwood.
Robinson & Son Mortuary Inc., Greenwood, is in charge.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at robson@nctv.com