A rising problem

McCormick city, county officials
say gang-like activity growing

January 12, 2006

By JACKIE R. BROACH
Index-Journal staff writer

McCORMICK — It hasn’t become a full-blown gang problem, yet. It’s still being referred to as “inappropriate group behavior” and “gang-like activity.”
Regardless of what you call it, McCormick County has a problem and it’s becoming increasingly serious, said Interim McCormick Police Chief Bo Willis. Gangs already have infiltrated larger surrounding areas, including Greenwood, officials say, but only recently started taking shape in McCormick.
The situation has sparked a community meeting planned for later this month to present information about gang-like activities to the public.
The problem started about three years ago, Willis said.
It began simply enough with a few boys forming cliques. The groups began the transition into gangs when they started performing criminal acts together, including break-ins and armed robberies.
It is criminal behavior that defines a gang and makes it problematic, Willis said. The problems began with fights and graffiti, but slowly have escalated to more serious and increasingly violent offenses. Willis said at least two “jump-ins” already have been documented.
A jump-in is a type of gang initiation in which a person is beaten by members of the gang, often in the head. It generally is used only for males.
Females are more often “sexed-in.” In that type of initiation, a female might be required to have sex with or perform a specific sexual act on each member of the gang.
There are four known rival groups in McCormick that are beginning to practice gang-like activity, and Willis said his department is working to put an end to the problem before it becomes any more serious.
An officer with the department has been assigned to raising community awareness on the issues, in part by presenting programs about gangs to churches and other groups. He informs community members about gang tags, signs, colors and other tip-offs that a child might be involved in a gang.
“A lot of parents just don’t realize,” Willis said. “There may be signs, but if they don’t know what those signs are, they won’t recognize them.”
Signs might include a particular design or symbol being repeatedly drawn on notebooks or other materials, or the constant wearing of a specific color or sports jersey, he said.
Awareness is “the most important method” of spotting and eliminating gang activity, according to Fred Moore, principal at McCormick High School. He said much of the gang-like activity on campus was eliminated since this past school year by spreading awareness and handling disturbances quickly and severely.
Such activity still exists in the community, however, and similar steps will be required on a much broader scale to combat it, officials say.
Another thing that frequently throws parents off is that they don’t think their child fits the profile of a gang member, Willis said. They often don’t realize that gangs aren’t limited to only those of a specific race or economic level.
Moore said he has seen the same thing.
“Good kids, bad kids, low income, high income — gangs attract them all,” Moore said.
Age also is rarely a factor, according to Willis. He said members of the groups in McCormick are as young as 8 and 9 years old.
Partially to blame for the nationwide problem is the media’s depiction of the gang lifestyle, he said.
“Teenagers are bombarded with gang-related stuff. It’s in movies and music … society is seeing so much of it, they’re just starting to accept it,” he said.
If a parent suspects that a child is involved in a gang or in gang-like activities, Willis said the first step is to confirm the involvement. Local law enforcement should be contacted.
At home, parents should set stricter limits for their children, setting curfews and finding activities to keep children busy and out of trouble. Parents should make sure they know where their children are and who they are with.
Moore said the school district encourages parents and students to take advantage of sports and other extracurricular activities to keep students occupied and out of bad situations.
At this point, getting out of a gang isn’t much of a problem and simply requires separating from that group of friends, Willis said. Making new friends through a sports team or club may be helpful in accomplishing that, he said.
“I don’t believe this is a problem we’re ever really going to get rid of,” Willis said. “We just have to focus on controlling it and trying to keep it from growing before it can become a major problem.”
The McCormick County School District has arranged a meeting with area law enforcement and city and county council members to discuss the growing problem and how to control it.
The meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Jan. 26 at McCormick Elementary School.

Starting on the right foot

EHS freshman Zane Newton has been nearly perfect to start the season

January 12, 2006

By CHRIS TRAINOR
Index-Journal sports writer

For some wrestlers, it takes years to cultivate their mindsets, moves and skills.
It seems someone forgot to tell Emerald High School freshman Zane Newton.
Newton, who wrestles in the 135-pound weightclass, has roared out to a 19-1 individual record to start the season for the improved Vikings. Emerald has started the year with a 7-9 record after winning only eight matches in the last two seasons combined.
Newton takes his sterling record and relative team success in stride.
“It’s just about what I’d thought it would be,” Newton said. “I was a little worried because I didn’t know how tough the competition would be. Luckily I’ve been able to get some wins.”
Emerald coach Bo Smith has been impressed with the accomplishments of his young wrestler.
“We felt like Zane could come in and compete right away,” Smith said. “He’s been practicing with us since he was in seventh grade. He is a true testament to the success a wrestler can have if he gets an early start and is committed to getting better.”
Though he is in his first year of match competition with the Vikings, Newton has been involved with the sport of wrestling for four years.
He began by competing at the Greenwood Family YMCA.
Newton said he would advise any young people who would like to become involved with wrestling to give the program at the YMCA a try.
“It’s an excellent program,” Newton said.
“They teach you the basics. More than other sports, it’s important to get a young start. You need to get started before seventh grade. Ryan Finney does a solid job teaching wrestlers the fundamentals at the Y.”
When it comes to staying focused on his wrestling techniques, Newton has a fraternal connection: his brother, Adam, is also a member of the Vikings wrestling squad.
The older Newton, a junior, is also having an exemplary season with a record of 15-1.
Zane Newton said he is more than appreciative for the advice his brother has to offer.
“Adam pushes me to be better. It helps a lot, because we can give each other advice here or at home,” Newton said. “Adam is a really responsible guy. He’s great.”
Newton has become a student of the nuances of wrestling. One such wrinkle is the aspect of competing as individual in a team sport.
Newton said it is a strange paradigm going from competitor to cheerleader during the course of a team match.
Smith said Newton has become a consistent barometer for the Vikings team success.
“He’s been kind of a speed bump for us,” Smith said.
“If a match is not going well, sometimes kids will get a little down individually.
“Zane has the ability to swing the momentum back our way with a win.”
The Vikings are in need of the consistency Newton provides at 135.
According to Smith, 22 different wrestlers have started for Emerald this season as the coach has searched for the right combinations.
Newton said he enjoys competing with his teammates and feels camaraderie on the Vikings squad is present. Smith agrees.
“This is the closest group of guys we’ve had,” Smith said. “Zane is certainly a part of that, as well as a number of other our guys.”
Despite being only a ninth-grader, Newton has set big individual goals for himself. He has his sights set on a berth in the State tournament.
“Actually, I’d kind of be disappointed if I didn’t make it to State,” Newton said. “That’s been my goal all year, to make State and to help this team win.”

Chris Trainor covers area sports for The Index-Journal. He can be reached at: ctrainor@indexjournal.com

Opinion

One wants a tax rebate, the other says ‘no way’

January 12, 2006

It appears the game of one-upsmanship still goes on in South Carolina’s State House. At least it appears that way on the legislative side of that building.
It goes like this: One day Gov. Mark Sanford released his nearly $6 billion state budget. It included $151 million in rebates to the state’s taxpayers.
Before taxpayers could plan how to spend the extra cash, though, the chairman of the Senate Finance Committee got into the act.
Sen. Hugh Letterman, R-Florence, said that within three years flat revenues will send the state budget back into the red by $130 million, thereby casting doubt on any rebate plan the governor might have.
Taxpayers have to wonder, though, if it isn’t just another indication of the legislative branch protecting its turf ….. whether it’s an effort to embarrass a governor who wants to rearrange the power structure (Legislature vis a vis Governor), and level the playing field a little …... one where the legislative branch has held most of the power forever.
There will be denials, no doubt about it. As they say, though, if it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, look for a duck.

Obituaries

Arnold M. Batchelor

FRANKLINTON, N.C. — Arnold Martin Batchelor, 67, husband of Debra Kemp Batchelor, died Monday, Jan. 9, 2006 at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Durham.
Franklin Funeral Service and Cremation, 504 E. Mason St., is in charge.

Michael W. Burton

LAURENS — Michael Wade Burton, 45, of 670 Indian Mound Road, husband of Crystal McDowell Burton, died Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2006 at Self Regional Medical Center in Greenwood.
Born in Rock Hill, he was a son of Rev. Wade T. Burton and the late Geraldine Ashley Burton and stepson of Willene Burton. He was a carpenter and a member of Wayside Baptist Church.
Survivors include his wife; his father and stepmother of Greenwood; two sons, Christopher Heath Burton of Ware Shoals and Justin Troy Wilson of the home; a daughter, Miranda Brooke Burton of the home; and a sister, Sharon DePalma of Surfside Beach.
Services are 11 a.m. Saturday at Wayside Baptist Church, conducted by the Revs. Gerald Crawford and Roscoe Wilson. Burial is in Westview Memorial Park.
Visitation is 7-8:30 p.m. Friday at Kennedy Mortuary.
The family is at the home.
Memorials may be made to The Michael W. Burton Funeral Fund, c/o The Kennedy Mortuary, PO Box 282, Laurens, SC 29360.
The Kennedy Mortuary is in charge.

Sarah Capell

GREENWOOD — Sarah Jones Capell, 91, formerly of Holloway Street, widow of Harvey S. Capell, III, died Sunday, January 8, 2006 at NHC Health Care Center.
Born in Hart County, GA, she was a daughter of the late Crayton B. and Laura Moss Jones. She was retired from Greenwood Mills, Mathews Plant and Connie Maxwell Children’s Home. She was a faithful member of Mathews United Methodist Church, where she taught Sunday School for many years. She was a charter member of the Women’s Society of Christian Service and was also a member of the Thrift Garden Club.
Surviving are three sons, Harvey S. Capell, IV and his wife, Dora, of Irmo, Lee C. Capell and his wife, Christine, of Winston-Salem, NC and William J. Capell and his wife, Betty, of Wolfeboro, NH; three sisters, Ruth Vail and Ellyn Bunch, both of Tignall, GA and Evelyn Rambo of Greenwood; 12 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.
She was also preceded in death by her brothers, John Jones and Jack Jones, both of Rupert, WV and sisters, Lucy Hill of Royston, GA, Mary Nan Spence of Tignall, GA and Mattie Cornelia Jones.
She was loved by many nieces, nephews and friends.
Services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Mathews United Methodist Church with the Rev. Harvey Peurifoy and the Rev. John G. Hipp officiating. Burial will be in Greenwood Memorial Gardens.
Pallbearers will be Tommy Rambo, Lee Capell, Mike Capell, Joey Peascoe, Andy Peascoe, Chris Peascoe, David Miller and Paul Burdette.
The family will receive friends at the church on Saturday from 12:30 to 2:00 p.m.
The family is at the home of Paul Burdette, 108 Lacy Court.
It is respectfully requested that flowers be omitted and memorials made to Mathews United Methodist Church, Memorial Fund, PO Box 2066, Greenwood, SC 29646.
Harley Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.harleyfuneralhome.com.
PAID OBITUARY

Sue Cox

ABBEVILLE, SC — Sue Purser Larkin Cox, 88, resident of Lexington Extended Health Care, widow of Jack Cox, died Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2006 at Lexington Extended Health Care.
Born in Abbeville, SC, she was a daughter of the late Thomas and Eva Kine Purser.
Mrs. Cox spent the last nine years in the care of her daughter, Fredna Thornton in Lexington. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and the Abbeville Garden Club. Mrs. Larkin was a member of Southside Baptist church and also The Lamp-lighters of the church. She was a loving mother and grand-mother and will be greatly missed by all.
Survivors are: 1 daughter, Fredna Thornton and her husband Wayne of Lexington, SC; grandchildren TerryMarsh of Goose Creek, SC, Shannon Bogan of Columbia, SC, Laura Tillman of Savannah, GA, and Tammy Larkin of Greenwood, SC; 6 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild.
She was preceded in death by a son, Grady Thomas (Punk) Larkin and daughter, Barbara Ann Meeks. She was twice married, first to the late Fred Larkin and to the late Jack Cox.
Funeral services will be conducted Thursday, Jan. 12, 2006 at 2:00 PM in Southside Baptist Church with the Rev. Earl Hartley officiating. The burial will follow in Forest Lawn Memory Gardens.
The body is at The Chandler-Jackson Funeral Home. The family will receive friends after services Thursday.
Memorials may be made to Southside Baptist Church, 505 West Greenwood St., Abbeville, SC 29620.
Online condolences may be made to the Cox family by visiting www.chandlerjacksonfh.com
THE CHANDLER-JACKSON FUNERAL HOME, ABBEVILLE, SC IS IN CHARGE OF ARRANGEMENTS.
PAID OBITUARY

Donald Ferguson

McCORMICK — Donald Genar Ferguson, 50, husband of Krissy Salvo Ferguson, died Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2006 at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston.
Services will be announced by The Chandler-Jackson Funeral Home, Abbeville.

Elmer J. Hershberger

DUE WEST, SC — Elmer J. Hershberger, 92, of Due West, SC died peacefully January 11, 2006, at his home. He was born in Gauge County, Ohio on January 4, 1914 to Joseph I. and Mary Ann Miller Hershberger. When he was eight years old, he moved with his family to Virginia Beach, Va. On January 18, 1942, he married Sarah Bontrager. In 1962, they moved with their six children to Amelia, Virginia and lived there until 1970 when they moved to Due West, SC.
He was a member of the Cold Springs Mennonite Church where he enjoyed teaching Sunday School classes. A life long farmer, he enjoyed working with his cattle, chickens, and crops, picking blueberries and strawberries, keeping the roadside of his farm mowed and cleaned, helping with local community projects, and giving neighbors a helping hand.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, six children, Merlin (Pam) Hershberger of Sarasota, FL, Daniel (Marilyn) Hershberger of Due West, SC, Martha (Clair) Steiner of Hendersonville, NC, Mary (David) Kraybill of Columbus OH, James (Ann) Hershberger of Harrisonburg, VA and Duane (Ruth) Hershberger of Boyer-town, PA, twenty-three grand-children, twenty-one great-grandchildren, two sisters, Fannie Overholt of Auburn, KY., and Katie (Bill) Stoll of Abbeville, SC, four brothers preceded him in death, Jonas, Jake, Joe, and Andy Hershberger.
The family would like to thank his many friends and especially members of the Cold Springs Mennonite Church for their visits, meals, and their many other kind acts since their father’s stroke in Aug. of 2002.
The family will receive friends from 6:30PM to 8:30PM Friday, January 13, 2006 at the Cold Springs Mennonite Church, 226 Cold Spring Church Rd., Abbeville, SC.
Funeral Services will be conducted 10:00AM Saturday, January 14, 2006 at the Cold Springs Mennonite Church. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
In lieu of flowers memorials in memory of Mr. Hershberger may be sent to Hospice Care of the Piedmont 408 W. Alexander Ave. Greenwood, SC 29646.
Online condolences may be sent to the Hershberger family by visiting www.harrisfuneral.com. HARRIS FUNERAL HOME, of Abbeville is assisting the Hershberger family.
PAID OBITUARY

Mr. Kenny Parker

ANDERSON, SC — Mr. Gerald Kenneth “Kenny” Parker, Jr., age 40 of 313 Adams Avenue, Anderson, SC, died Tuesday, January 10, 2006 at his residence.
Born in Greenwood, SC on January 4, 1966, Mr. Parker was a son of Gerald and Margaret Davis Parker. Kenny graduated from McDuffie High School and was formerly employed by Foundry & Steele Company. He was of the Church of God of Prophecy Faith.
In addition to his parents, he is survived by a brother, William Thomas “Tommy” Parker and his wife, Tedra of Anderson, SC. Several aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces and cousins also survive him.
A graveside service will be held on January 12, 2006 at 4:00 pm at Forest Lawn Memorial Park Mausoleum Chapel in Anderson, SC officiated by the Reverend Luther Cook and Pastor Rhodes.
The family will receive friends at 313 Adams Avenue, Anderson, SC.
Memorials may be made to Belmont Church of God of Prophecy.
A message of condolence may be sent to the family by visiting www.mcdougaldfuneralhome.com.
THE McDOUGALD FUNERAL HOME IS IN CHARGE OF ARRANGEMENTS.
PAID OBITUARY

Anne Parris

GREENWOOD — Anne Boling Parris, 77, former resident of Rosemont Drive, widow of James Ansel Parris, died January 10, 2006 at RoseCrest Retirement Community in Inman, SC.
Born in Union County, March 19, 1928, she was a daughter of the late Jefferson Henry and Nora Burnett Boling. She was a 1946 graduate of Fort Mill High School, retired from Park-Davis Co. in Greenwood and was a member of Callie Self Memorial Baptist Church in Greenwood.
Mrs. Parris was a loving and devoted wife to her husband, supportive and generous spirit toward her daughters and doting and tender hearted toward her grandchildren. She was a dedicated supporter of various, charities and foundations. She leaves a legacy of treasured memories and devotion to her family.
Surviving are two daughters, Judie P. Hamilton and husband, John W. “Sonny” Hamilton and Patti P. Hines and husband Scott Hamilton Hines, all of Spartanburg; a sister, Edith Boling Wilburn of Union and a nephew, William Jefferson Boling of Durango, CO. A granddaughter, Amy Hamilton Hoover and husband, Todd Duncan Hoover of Suwanee, GA; two grandsons, John Matthew Hamilton and wife, Happi Smith Hamilton and Jefferson Scott Hines, all of Spartanburg; a great-grandson, John Hamilton “Jack” Hoover of Suwanee, GA.
Private family crypt side services will be conducted Thursday at Oakbrook Memorial Park Mausoleum with Pastor Deborah Steed officiating.
The body is at Blyth Funeral Home in Greenwood.
Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.blythfuneralhome.com.
Memorials may be made to Lutheran Hospice, PO Box 1353, Greer, SC 29652.
Blyth Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Greenwood, is assisting the Parris family.
PAID OBITUARY