Sanford: Jobs concerns dominate
conversations with S. Carolina voters

January 31, 2006

By VIC MacDONALD
Index-Journal regional editor

South Carolina's governor says what he's hearing as concerns of the state's residents, while traveling across the state and hitting the re-election campaign trail, depends on geography.
In this area of the state, he said, jobs, competition in the global economy and the loss of textiles employment dominate the conversations he's having with voters.
"From this part of the state up to the mountains, this world has changed with the loss of textile jobs," Sanford said in a meeting with editors Monday at The Index-Journal.
The challenge to state leaders in the wake of declining textiles is creating an economic environment in which people have the right ingredients to develop their own businesses or transition into new careers. Sanford said that in a county such as Lee, in the eastern portion of the state, a 12 percent unemployment rate drops down to the national average with the landing of just one 400-employee business.
"You play the law of averages - try many things and hope some of them grow into big businesses," he said.
"Selling" rural counties is a challenge, Sanford said, but is not impossible. "You sell the attributes," he said. "Tech-Wood (coming to Greenwood) fits because of the abundance of hardwood and softwood this area has."
Sanford said he met recently with executives of a "significant" computer company that would "run a bunch of technology." Since there are no goods and services coming in to the potential location, what the location hunters need is a place that is relatively secure.
"We showed them rural areas because the land costs less and the people there would affiliate with a brand-name company," he said. "Sometimes it doesn't fit for a number of places - sometimes it does fit."
The philosophy of economic development that Sanford said he has tried to instill is "to be in places that need it the most, expose the areas they wouldn't normally look at. Beyond that, it's a company decision."
South Carolina's 7 percent unemployment rate is second in the nation, and Sanford conceded, "I'm getting beaten up for that." But he said he learned just recently that S.C. is the only state that does not count small business in its employment numbers. That means businesses with 20 or fewer workers are not counted; if these businesses were counted, S.C.'s unemployment rate would be 5.6 percent.
"Small business is the bread and butter of employment in our state," Sanford said.
On another issue, Sanford said the state's push to entice retirees, many worn out by living in Florida's burgeoning population, is a viable economic development strategy. "There are 60 million baby boomers, and we're at the front end of their retirement years," he said. "It's 20 years until some of them reach retirement age. That's a long run in the economic cycle. If we get just 10 percent of the market share, that's 6 million people, more than the state's population of 4 million."
"There's a big market out there for retirees. It's sustainable," the governor said. "Our location is good."
Retirees also come to the state already educated, Sanford said while pointing out that education represents a tremendous burden to any state budget. "Retirees are good because one of the things you need is knowledge in a knowledge age. These people realize they have to do something other than play golf every day."
Sanford said he is concerned about the state's image, manifest in everything from education inequities and trash on the roadsides to domestic violence and DUI scofflaws.
He said his administration has addressed some of the criminal domestic violence issues by supporting stiffer penalties for people convicted and more resources for prosecutors.
He conceded that the state's DUI laws need to be "tightened" with especially severe penalties for violators who kill or maim others. But, he said, government should know its limits.
"You ought to have fewer laws," Sanford said, "but the ones you do have, enforce them. A lot of these issues you're not going to solve by any law - it goes back to the churches and the family."

Lady Bearcats getting into swing of things

January 31, 2006

By CHRIS TRAINOR
Index-Journal sports writer

Perhaps first-year Lander University softball coach Lee Dobbins should consult with Lady Bearcats basketball coach Kevin Pederson as he prepares for the coming softball season.
Dobbins' softball squad is faced with the same problem that has plagued Pederson's hoops team in his first season: low numbers.
The Lady Bearcats softball team has 13 players for the 2006 season.
Lander has two full-time pitchers - Jenna Kellett and Austin Murray - which leaves the team with 11 position players.
"The numbers aren't where I'd like them to be," Dobbins said. "I'd rather it be up around 17 or 18. But we'll get there."
Despite the dearth of players, Dobbins has been otherwise pleased with the Lady Bearcats' preseason preparations leading up to their first game against Belmont Abbey Saturday at Lander.
"It's actually gone a lot better than I thought it could," Dobbins said. "We've had some good practices. The girls are in good shape, and we're anxious to get going."
Dobbins said the team will have an offensive-minded philosophy this season.
The coach said he thinks if the Lady Bearcats can put three or four runs on the board early in games, their pitching and defense can provide the stability to hold on for wins.
In another similarity to the women's basketball team, the softball squad has been picked last in the Peach Belt Conference preseason coaches poll.
Dobbins said he hopes the poll will serve as motivation for the Lady Bearcats.
"Obviously, we don't have the respect in the conference," he said. "Our team is out to prove those predictions wrong. Over the next few years, we want to get this program to the point of national recognition."
Lander was 32-34 overall in 2005, including a 2-18 mark in the PBC. Dobbins said he is looking to turn the team around.
"You can only go on so long being so-so," Dobbins said. "Eventually, you have to look to move to the next level."
The Lady Bearcats have experience coming back in the infield.
Junior Ashlea Burdette is penciled at third base. Dobbins credits Burdette for her quickness and instincts.
Though Burdette batted .231 in 35 games in an injury-plagued season last year, Dobbins said he is expecting her to be a .300 hitter this season.
Junior Heather Bishop moves over from second base to the shortstop spot. Dobbins said Bishop is a "top notch" fielder, capable of going deep in the hole for ground balls. Bishop batted .240 last season.
Junior Corey Bessinger, who batted .102 in sparse action a year ago, will fill in for Bishop at second. Dobbins said Bessinger has shown improvement at the position, working hard to increase her range of motion.
First base is a bright spot for the Lady Bearcats, as they will be returning 2005 All-PBC selection Colleen Leggieri. Leggieri, of Greenwood, batted .388 with 13 home runs and 57 RBI last season. Dobbins said Leggieri is the "prototype first baseman" and he expects her to bat in the middle of the line-up.
There will be two players that will figure into the mix behind the plate.
Junior Melissa Ryals will take on the brunt of the catching duties. Ryals hit .382 in 2005, with eight home runs and 49 RBI. Dobbins said he has been pleased with her throwing accuracy and ability to nab baserunners.
Sophomore Lib Harris, of Calhoun Falls, will also see time behind the plate. Harris batted .263 with 21 RBI a year ago, and Dobbins said she has improved her speed and defense. Harris will also intermtitently serve as a designated hitter.
Keri Davis will anchor the outfield. The senior belted 14 home runs last year, while batting .330. Davis has shown excellent range and a competent arm from her position.
Amber Yarborough will also play in the outfield, though Dobbins isn't yet sure whether it will be in left field or right field. Yarborough is a solid hitter, batting .329 last season.
Sara Senn, who also plays volleyball for Lander, has walked on to the softball squad, and will likely contribute in the outfield as well.
"We brought Sara in thinking she would simply help with our numbers," Dobbins said. "But she has excelled. She has a strong arm, and she's confident."
Kellett will once again be called on to contribute from the mound. She was 11-8 last season, with a 3.23 ERA and 80 strikeouts. Dobbins called Kellett a "junkball pitcher" that will try to keep hitters guessing.
Murray will also get her fair share of starts. Murray was 9-12 in 2005, with 88 strikeouts and a 2.66 ERA. Dobbins said Murray made major strides in fall practice.
Burdette will also pitch in spots, mostly in relief. She pitched in five games a year ago, holding a 1-2 record and a 4.13 ERA.
Dobbins said the team is ready for the regular season to get under way.
"The girls are anxious," Dobbins said. "We've had solid practices, and we're ready for some competition."

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

Opinion

Grady Hill ... a prototype for best of public service

January 31, 2006

Everyone in Greenwood has at some time heard others say somebody is the salt of the earth. That's positive, of course. The dictionary defines it as "an individual or group considered as representative of the best or noblest elements of society." Grady Hill could be included in that category. He was the kind of person that always braces the foundation of the communities they serve and love.
Mr. Hill, who died recently at the age of 71, could also be classified as the prototype for public servant. He set and followed high standards, first during 34 years with the Greenwood Fire Department and then for 16 years with the coroner's office. He was Greenwood's coroner from 1991 until 1999.

GREENWOOD STATE SUPREME Court Justice James E. Moore, who swore in Mr. Hill, said what most people in Greenwood knew. "I've known him since our high school days. He was always a dedicated fireman and dedicated to the office of coroner. He never hesitated to work long hours and volunteered his time often to worthy causes."
That was Grady Hill, to be sure. He was no clock-watcher. Whatever time or effort was needed to do the job, it was automatic. The public service beyond the public service was extraordinary, to say the least. It defined the dedication and commitment to the community that made Grady Hill a role model for public service. In short, helping others was second nature for him. In fact, that was his nature.

Obituaries

Bill Bolt

William Donald "Bill" Bolt, 76, of 201 Freeway Road, husband of Martha Bassett Bolt, died Sunday, Jan. 29, 2006 at Magnolia Manor.
Born in Lanett, Ala., he was a son of the late Hugh A. and Sally Clack Bolt. He was a graduate of Lanett High School and attended Auburn University. A retired engineer from Torrington Bearing Co., Clinton, he was a member of Jordan Memorial Baptist Church and the Men's Sunday School Class and a former church choir member.
Survivors include his wife; two sons, William D. "Don" Bolt II of Greenwood and James A. Bolt of LaFayette, Ala.; 10 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Gaynelle Hamilton of Lanett, Ala., and Jackie Marsh of Carrollton, Ga.
Graveside services are 2 p.m. Wednesday at Greenwood Memorial Gardens, conducted by the Rev. Charles Sprouse.
The family is at the home.
Blyth Funeral Home & Cremation Services is in charge.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blythfuneralhome.com

Christine Cockrell

Christine Metts Cockrell, of 105 Summit St., widow of Travis Cook Dawkins, died Monday, Jan. 30, 2006 at Self Regional Medical Center.
Services will be announced by Harley Funeral Home & Crematory.

Wayne Cook

WARE SHOALS - Wayne N. Cook, 53, husband of Barbara Charles Cook, died Monday, Jan. 30, 2006 at Self Regional Medical Center.
Services will be announced by Harley Funeral Home & Crematory, Greenwood.

Geneva Ferguson

McCORMICK - Geneva Ferguson, 83, of 204 Holiday Road, died Sunday, Jan. 29, 2006 at McCormick Health Care Center.
Services are 2 p.m. today at Richie Funeral Home, conducted by the Rev. Johnnie Waller. Burial is in Harbinson Cemetery, Abbeville.
Richie Funeral Home Inc., Abbeville, is in charge.

Joey Johnson

LEXINGTON - Joey Jay Johnson, 32, of 1100 Old Chapin Road, husband of Margie Johnson, died Monday, Jan. 23, 2006 at his home.
Born in Newberry, he was a son of Larry Johnson and Adele Harrison Wingard. He was a welder with Floyd Erectors.
Survivors include his wife; a stepdaughter, Jessica Tramell of Leesville; father and stepmother, Lottie Johnson, of Greenwood; mother and stepfather, David Wingard, of Lexington; two brothers, Clif Johnson of Suffolk, Va., and Steve Johnson of Ellijay, Ga.; three sisters, Amanda Johnson and Ashley Johnson, both of Greenwood, Rosie Wingard of Lexington.
Services were 3:30 Friday at McSwain Evans Funeral Home, conducted by the Rev. Eddie Bledsoe.
Burial was in Rosemont Cemetery, Newberry.
Memorials may be made to Newberry Humane Society, PO Box 485, Newberry, SC, 29108.
Announcement courtesy of Blyth Funeral Home & Cremation Services.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blythfuneralhome.com

Rev. Frank Manning

ABBEVILLE, SC - The Reverend Jesse Franklin Manning, 72, husband (52 1/ 2 years) of Martha Joyce Richardson Manning, of 299 Noble Drive, Abbeville, SC entered into his eternal home, January 29th, 2006, after an extended illness at Self Memorial Hospital in Greenwood, SC.
He was born March 10, 1933 to the late Rennie Franklin Manning and Daisy Bell Cann Manning in Abbeville, SC.
He spent his early years with his family on Cherokee Street in Abbeville. He graduated from Abbeville Public Schools, Wofford College, and Emory Theological Seminary.
He was a Methodist minister and served several churches throughout the South Carolina United Methodist Conference for 42 plus years.
He was listed in Who's Who in SC, Who's Who in Methodism and he was a Mason. He previously served on the Mental Health Association Board, Retarded Children Association Board, Respiratory Disease Association Board, OEO Community Action Board, York County Council of Aging, Board of Higher Education and Campus Ministry, Board of Ministry, Conference Board of Trustees and Conference Nominating Committee. He was currently serving on the Board of Wesley Commons in Greenwood, SC.
He is survived by his wife and three children, Jesse Franklin Manning, Jr, his wife Claire Tuten Manning, Joyce Ann Manning Lineberger and her husband Robert Hall Lineberger, Jr, Virginia Ren Manning and special friend Annette Ballard; Four grandchildren, Crystal Marie Lineberger, Andrew Robert Lineberger, John Jefferson Manning and Jessica Lamb Manning. Also, he is survived by two brothers, Gerald Bethea Manning of Winston-Salem, NC and Dr. William Kenneth Manning of Abbeville, SC. There are also several nieces and nephews and a great-niece.
A Memorial Service will be held Wednesday, February 1st, 2006, at 4:00 at Hodges United Methodist Church in Hodges, conducted by The Reverend Nina Reynolds, The Reverend Dr. Leon Thompson and The Reverend Taylor Campbell.
In lieu of flowers, memorial may be sent to Hodges United Methodist Church, 107 Robertson Street P O Box 236, Hodges, SC 29653.
The family is at the home on Noble Drive. Chandler-Jackson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Frank's interment will be determined at a later date at Mount Holly United Methodist Church in Rock Hill, SC.
Online condolences may be sent to the Manning Family by visiting www.chandlerjacksonfh.com
PAID OBITUARY

James R. 'Jim' O'Bannon, Jr.

ABBEVILLE, SC - James R. "Jim" O'Bannon, Jr., 69, of 241 Austen Rd., husband of the late Wendy Louise O'Bannon, died Monday, January 30, 2006 at the Hospice House in Greenwood. He was born in Boone County, Missouri to the late James R. and Mary F. Martin O'Bannon, Sr. Mr. O'Bannon was a former member of Friendship Baptist Church and retired in the maintenance department at Abbeville Manufacturing.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Kay O'Bannon.
Surviving Mr. O'Bannon is his four sons, Stan R. O'Bannon of Georgia, Clay H. O'Bannon of Abbeville, Tony W. O'Bannon of Abbeville, and James R. "Skipper" O'Bannon of Donalds, seven daughters, Diana L. Dishman of Iowa, Tracy G. Erwin of Abbeville, Kelly D. Kulhanek of Greenwood, Jody M. Abbott of Ninety Six, Holly A. Wilder of Andrews, Rachel E. Garner of Abbeville, and Kathy Brooks of Missouri, one brother, John Henry O'Bannon, four sisters, Mazie Alice Niles of Missouri, Mary Beatrice Wilson of Missouri, Jacklin Sue Diephl of Kansas City, Missouri, and Nina Pearl Trimble of Kansas City, Missouri, twenty-seven grand-children, seven great-grand-children, and one very close and special friend, Murray Thompson of Abbeville.
The family will receive friends from 6:00PM to 8:00PM (TONIGHT) Tuesday, January 31, 2006 at Harris Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 3:00PM Wednesday, February 1, 2006 in Harris Funeral Home Chapel conducted by the Rev. Jim Moss. Burial will follow in Forest Lawn Memory Gardens.
The family is at Mr. O'Bannon's daughter's house, John and Rachel Garner, Jr., 107 Hodge St., Abbeville.
Memorial contributions in memory of Mr. O'Bannon may be sent to the HospiceCare of the Piedmont 408 W. Alexander Ave. Greenwood, SC 29646.
Online condolences may be sent to the O'Bannon family by visiting www.harrisfuneral.com
HARRIS FUNERAL HOME, of Abbeville is assisting the O'Bannon family.
PAID OBITUARY

Anna Doris Sayles

JAMAICA, N.Y. - Anna Doris Sayles, of 168-30 127th Ave., died Monday, Jan. 30, 2006 at Flushing Hospital in New York.
Services will be announced by Percival-Tompkins Funeral Home, Greenwood, S.C.

Deborah D. Sussewell

PHILADELPHIA - Deborah Diane Sussewell, 51, died Sunday, Jan. 15, 2006 at her home.
Born in Due West, S.C., she was a daughter of James T. Sussewell and the late Recesenna E. Sussewell. She was a graduate of Greenwood High School and Piedmont Technical College, Greenwood, S.C, and a former member of Mount Lebanon AME Church, Due West. She was a member of Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses in Philadelphia.
Survivors include her father of Greenwood; two brothers, James "Jimmy" Sussewell of Philadelphia and Robert Phillips of Athens, Ga.; three daughters, Angela Williams and Aquetta Lewis of Philadelphia and Jemika Dawitt of Egg Harbor, N.J.; three sisters, Betty J. Sussewell of Rome, Ga., Ruby Johnson of Greenwood and Elizabeth McGrier of Far Rockaway, N.Y.; seven grandchildren; and a great-grandchild.
Memorial services were Jan. 20 at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses in Philadelphia.
Len E. Ellis Funeral Home was in charge.
Announcement courtesy of Robinson & Son Mortuary Inc., Greenwood.

Sherman C. Veazie Sr.

Sherman C. Veazie Sr, 89, of 156 Henderson St., widower of Virginia Hildreth Veazie, died Monday, Jan. 30, 2006 at National Health Care.
Services will be announced by Harley Funeral Home & Crematory.