Well-informed public first step in combating gangs, official says

January 26, 2006

By JACKIE R. BROACH
Index-Journal staff writer

McCORMICK - Though law enforcement refers to it as "gang-like activity," and people committing the acts are called gang "associates" rather than gang members, it's clear McCormick has a problem - no matter what you call it, an official said Thursday.
That problem was the reason area officials and community residents gathered at the elementary/middle school complex to listen to Charlie Cox.
As the gang investigative officer for the McCormick Police Department, Cox knows all the ins and outs of gangs and is familiar with the growing number of gang-related activities that have started taking place in McCormick during the past few years. It was a grim picture -one of violence and destruction -he painted for those gathered.
"You can call them gangs or cliques or sects," Cox said. "Call them what you want. What makes it a problem is the criminal activity that comes from it."
So far, gangs have been blamed for robberies, including a daytime robbery of a county council member, drug dealing, assaults and vandalism in the county. A recent rash of robberies is thought to have been gang initiations. If the problem isn't contained, more serious crimes won't be far behind, Cox said.
"It's taken time for gangs to migrate here from the West Coast, but they're here now and this is something we're going to have to deal with," he said. "We need to do something about it before it gets out of hand, and the only way to do that is to know it when you see it. We need to know what's going on and what our next move is to keep it from growing.
"This is for real and it's in our back yard," Cox said. "They're marking their territory and claiming neighborhoods and their crimes are getting increasingly serious. At this point, it's not a matter of if somebody gets killed, it's a matter of when."
Cox shocked the crowd when he showed a picture of two boys, probably between 6 and 8 years old, flashing gang signs. He showed pictures of blacks, whites and Hispanics flashing other signs, and he said gangs don't see race, age or class. He said it's not unusual to see very young people recruited or intimidated into these criminal activities because if they're caught, the punishment won't be as severe for a minor.
Adults are recruiting students for the activities and, despite a no-tolerance policy for any gang-like behavior in the county school district, the problem is growing in schools as rapidly as in the community, he said.
At McCormick High School, a student attempted to take on two armed officers when they tried to take away the bandanna he was wearing. The officers' actions were because the article of clothing was a sign of the student's affiliation with an area gang, and the penalty for allowing it to be "disrespected" would have been a harsh and violent one doled out by his peers, Cox said.
He showed photos of gang symbols drawn on notebooks and graffiti spray-painted on signs and the sides of buildings in town, a notice of gang territory.
"A lot of you have probably seen these things and didn't even realize what they were," Cox said. "Hopefully, when you leave here, you'll know and you'll realize this isn't a minor thing."
Cox named area gangs and gave their locations, eliciting surprise from a few of those present. In addition to McCormick, gangs have been formed in Mt. Carmel, Plum Branch and a number of other communities. Warning signs that someone might be involved in a gang, he said, include a change in attitude, friends or dress, new nicknames and drug abuse. Regular wearing of a specific sports jersey, color, bandanna or belt buckle can indicate involvement with a gang. Tattoos, repeatedly drawing specific designs or flashing specific hand signs can indicate that someone is part of a gang.
"We're not trying to say that every kid with a blue hat or rag is a gang member," Cox said. "It's the activity that makes them a gang member."
The meeting was called by the school district in an attempt to improve awareness about gangs and their existence in McCormick. "It's something I saw beginning back in 2000 and 2001 when I was principal at McCormick High," said Superintendent Sandra Calliham. "This problem is everywhere. If you live in a community, you have a gang problem. Unfortunately, it's a sign of the times and what's going on in society. To change it, that's going to take everybody."
Calliham said the district will have at least three more meetings this school year in an effort to further spread that message.

AHS enjoying region success

After slow start, Panther boys are a force in Region I-AA with 5-1 record

January 27, 2006

By CHRIS TRAINOR
Index-Journal sports writer

ABBEVILLE - As most high school basketball fans in the Lakelands area know, every game matters.
But it's the games teams play in region that matter most, because region games determine which teams make the playoffs and their position.
Perhaps no area team is more aware of that fact than the Abbeville boys squad.
The Panthers, who play in Region I-AA, struggled at times to start this season, going 5-7 in non-region contests. However, Abbeville has come on strong since, posting a 5-1 Region I-AA record, going enough for second place in I-AA. The team's lone region loss thus far was to region leader West-Oak.
Abbeville coach Jamie Herman said he has been pleased with the way his team has recovered.
"I feel pretty good about the way we have started in the region," said Herman, in his fourth year as the Panthers coach.
"We started slower than I'd anticipated. I thought there may have been some question marks for us heading into it, but our guys have stepped up when it counts so far."
One aspect Abbeville team members credit for the their relative success in the region is a tough slate of early season games.
"We had some good competition early on," Panthers center Marcus Ray said. "Saluda, Emerald, even Ninety Six. Those games helped us realize how tough things could be once we got to region."
Herman said he has been encouraged by the steadily improving pedigree of high school teams in the area.
Like Ray, Herman credited non-region games against the likes of McCormick and Saluda with helping ready the Panthers what lay ahead.
Several members of Abbeville's young team-the Panthers have no seniors in the starting five- credit team unity, fostered by Herman, as one of the team's key attributes.
"We're all good friends," guard Michael Butler said. "We hang out together on the weekends, all that stuff. We are a close team."
Small forward Ty Suit agrees.
"Coach Herman treats us like family," Suit said. "He cuts up with us, and he's a good coach." Suit is one of two players on the Panther's roster, the other being guard Jamal Mattison, who transferred to Abbeville from Dixie. Suit is in his second year at Abbeville, Mattison his first. "I've loved playing for Abbeville," Mattison said. "The competition has been good, and I think our team is getting better."
Herman said Mattison has been a solid addition to his team's roster. The coach said Mattison's speed and ball handling are key in igniting the Panther's transition attack.
Abbeville has been a team that has relied more on defense and athleticism than size. The team is not overly tall, with Suit and Ray, both 6-foot-3, being the tallest players. However, in the smallish Region I-AA, the Panthers have been able to utilize what height they have more often.
"I think our size has been a big thing in the region," said Derrick Norman, who plays power forward at 5-foot-8. "When the ball gets inside to me, that lets other people get open."
Herman praised his undersized power forward. The coach said even though Norman is only 5-foot-8, his strength and presence in the post make him a tough assignment for opposing defenders.
According to Butler, what other teams in Region I-AA may lack in size, they make up in perimeter shooting and toughness.
"The teams in the region have been tough," Butler said. "West-Oak beat us at home, but we may have underestimated them. Walhalla is good, and we beat Pendleton right at the end."
The Panthers will be on the road tonight for their second match-up with region foe Walhalla. Abbeville downed the Razorbacks, 76-65, Jan. 10.
Mattison said the Panthers will need to be on the top of their game against Walhalla.
"They really get set in their offense," Mattison said. "They will box out and try to keep you off the boards. We'll need to have our 'A' game."
For Herman, the season so far has been a step in the right direction for the Abbeville basketball program.
"We want to build a sense of pride in this program," Herman said. "With one more win in the region, combined with a loss by Crescent, we will clinch a playoff berth, which would be our third consecutive. Doing that would be a good start."

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

Opinion

Canada's election results should improve relations

January 27, 2006

South Carolinians had a couple of good reasons to focus on the recent elections in Canada. One, of course, was the fact that David Wilkins, former Speaker of the S. C. House of Representatives, is the new U. S. ambassador there. The other was, pure and simple, money.
The Palmetto State for years has benefited from the Grand Strand's promotion of "Canadian Days." Canadians have trekked to our coast for vacations, adding to the tourism dollars that bolster the budget.
In recent years, though, an anti-American atmosphere has grown in Canada, thanks mainly to Liberal Prime Minister Paul Martin. Had he won re-election, our relations north of the border would have continued on the negative path they've been on for some time.

MARTIN HAS NOT BEEN a friend to this country, and while he's been in office things have continuously gone down hill. He has, in fact, opposed us at just about every turn, from the war against terrorism to other defense and economic matters. Not only that, his re-election campaign ads were openly hostile to President Bush.
Canadians, however, apparently balked. The bitterness had an effect. The Canadian voters elected Conservative Stephen Harper as prime minister. He is more pro-U. S. and ties between the two neighbors should improve.
That's good, naturally. Countries as close as Canada and the U. S. have been should maintain friendship. In a more dangerous world, that's more important than ever. And that goes far beyond ambassadors and tourism.

It's about understanding

Another South Carolina company is moving its call center to India. That's when the callers are used in marketing or some service-related work. Washington Mutual said by doing that it is cutting 64 jobs in Florence.
That's nothing new, of course. Numerous companies have done the same thing, putting many other people out of work.
Other than the obvious of adding to the jobless numbers, there's another consideration. It's kind of a touchy situation and some, no doubt, will call it racist. Racism has nothing to do with it, however. It's understanding callers from India.
Many of them have very thick accents that make their English difficult to follow. Under the circumstances, you have to wonder if that doesn't hurt business more than the it helps it.

Obituaries

Samuel C. Burris

GREENWOOD - Samuel Clay Burris, 83, of Greenwood, SC, died Monday, January 16, 2006.
Born in Jackson County, TN, he was a son of the late William Johnson and Brina Masters Burris. He retired from Greenwood Mills following 32 years of service and was a US Army veteran of World War II, where he served in France and was a recipient of the Bronze Star.
He was preceded in death by two sisters, Daffo Dycus of Gainesboro, TN and Ettmo Heinzer of Greenwood, SC.
Surviving is a niece, Joyce Spears of Albuquerque, NM and two nephews, Bill Berry of Lenoir, NC and Harry Heinzer of Greenwood, SC.
Private services were held at the City Cemetery, Cookeville.
Harley Funeral Home & Crematory of Greenwood, SC was in charge of arrangements.
PAID OBITUARY

Robert 'Bob' Dillashaw

McCORMICK - Robert "Bob" Dillashaw, 78, of Willow Creek, Apt. 16-E, died Thursday, Jan. 26, 2006 at Self Regional Medical Center in Greenwood.
Born in McCormick, he was a son of the late Milford and Corrie Murphy Dillashaw. Living in McCormick most of his life, he graduated from McCormick High School and was an Army veteran and a retired plumber. He was a member of McCormick Baptist Church.
Survivors include two brothers, Milford Dillashaw Jr. of McCormick and Jack Dillashaw of North Charleston.
No services are planned.
Strom Funeral Home is in charge.

Steve M. Hileman

CROSS HILL, SC - Steve M. Hileman, age 28, of 301 Julie Island Rd. died Wednesday, January 25th at his home.
He was born in Greenwood and was the son of Rev. Stanley W. and Lois Evans Hileman.
Mr. Hileman was a member of his father's church, the Faith Tabernacle Full Gospel Church of Lake Greenwood.
Surviving in addition to his parents are a brother, Stanley W. Hileman, Jr. of Warrenville; three sisters Kim Wyatt of Cross Hill, Eileen Williams of North Augusta and Linda Petrozello of Augusta, GA; sister-in-law, Teresa Meade of Cross Hill; five nieces and three nephews.
He was predeceased by a brother, Wade Hileman.
Funeral services will be conducted 2:00 PM Saturday, January 28th at Gray Funeral Home Chapel with burial in Rosemont Cemetery.
The family will receive friends Friday from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM at the funeral home.
The family will be at the home.
Gray Funeral Home of Clinton.
PAID OBITUARY

Raymond E. Rogers

HOSCHTON, GA - Mr. Raymond E. Rogers, age 81 of Hoschton, GA, died Wednesday, January 25, 2006.
Born October 21, 1924 in Charlotte, Michigan, he was a United States Army Veteran of World War 11. He retired from Federal Home Life Insurance Company in 1986. He was survived by his wife, Leona Rogers, son Kerry Rogers of Grand Rapids, MI, daughter Katherine Slaughter of Camden, SC, son Corwin Rogers, Indianapolis, IN, son Kendal Rogers of Charlotte, NC and step-son Michael Lewis, Edgefield, SC and step-daughter Denise Gulledge of Flowery Branch, GA, 8 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, brother Vaughn Rogers of Coldwater MI and a sister in law Denise Potter of Buffalo Grove IL. Mr. Rogers was preceded in death by his first wife, Lois Corwin Rogers, his brother Theodore Rogers and his brother William Rogers. Memorial Services will be held Friday, 3:30 P.M. January 27, 2006 at Memorial Park South Chapel. Officiating Rev. Scott Wilson. Following the services Mr. Rogers cremains will be placed to rest next to his first wife in Coldwater, MI at a later date. Arrangements by Memo-rial Park South Funeral Home, 4121 Falcon Parkway, Flowery Branch, GA. 30542. 770-967-5555. PAID OBITUARY

Brenda Willis-Smith

NORTH MYRTLE BEACH - Brenda Willis-Smith, 62, of North Myrtle Beach, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 25, 2006 after a very long and courageous battle with breast cancer.
Born in November 1, 1943 in Greenwood, SC, she was the daughter of Furman B. Bishop and the late Alleyne Dobbins Bishop.
She graduated from Clinton High School and attended Greenville Tech. She was devoted wife, mother and grandmother, who left cherished memories to her family. She was an avid gardener, loved the beach and spending time with her family.
Other than her father of Calhoun Falls, SC, Mrs. Smith is survived by her husband Newell C. "Skip" Smith of North Myrtle Beach; a daughter, Laurie Johnson and her husband, Glen of Myrtle Beach, who she loved like a son; a step daughter, Nicole Ofiesh and her husband Matthew of New Kensington, PA. The joys of her life were her grandsons, Zane and Riley Johnson, who called her "Gummie". She was predeceased by her mother, Alleyne Dobbins Bishop and her brother, Marion Wayne Bishop.
The family will receive friends at the home of her daughter, Laurie Johnson, 338 Red Fox Road, Myrtle Beach, SC.
A memorial service will be held at 4 pm on Sunday at Risen Christ Lutheran Church. Rev. John F. Kassouf will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Risen Christ Lutheran Church, 10595 Highway 17 N., Myrtle Beach, SC 29572.
Lee Funeral Home & Crematory of Little River/North Myrtle Beach is serving the family.
PAID OBITUARY