They’re busted

Greenwood sheriff’s office
arrests 27 in roundup

July 28, 2006

By VIC MacDONALD
Index-Journal regional editor

Two shooting incidents in Greenwood, a home invasion that terrorized a local family and the ongoing battle against illegal drugs all converged Thursday in a warrants sweep that netted 27 suspects. Six people are still wanted by the Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office.
“Operation July Blizzard” started with a 5:30 a.m. briefing at the sheriff’s office and moved quickly about 20 blocks, past Self Regional Medical Center, to Grier Street.
The former mill village city street was rocked twice this month by gunfire — the first time resulting in the death of a local man and the second time leaving a man wounded and bleeding on the front steps of a Grier Street home.
Authorities said the second shooting resulted from a fight in which bottles and handguns were used as weapons.
“If I had known he wouldn’t do me any harm, I would have let (the wounded man) in,” said a Grier Street resident who did not want to be named. “He was yelling that I better let him in to call the police, but I was already calling the police.”
Law enforcement arrived in the early hours of Tuesday to respond to the shooting, but it was too late to ease the resident’s fear of the large crowd that had amassed on the street.
“They were fighting with bottles. They was out to hurt people,” the resident said. “I don’t understand why they didn’t arrest them all. I guess sometimes the law lets things get past them to get the ringleaders, the big-time people that sell the drugs.”
Thursday morning, the law arrived again.
They were armed with arrest warrants for the men suspected in this week’s shooting incident. Two local men already had been arrested in connection with the fatal July 1 shooting incident on Grier Street. Sheriff’s office vice agents, investigators and deputies produced a show of force at two houses on Grier Street at dawn, looking for the shooters in the second incident. They didn’t find the men, warrants for whom already had been issued by the Greenwood Police Department, but continued to work leads throughout the day.
Officers had 33 sheriff’s office warrants they were going to execute during the operation. Fourteen arrests were made Wednesday, and by 8:45 a.m. Thursday there were 10 more people to be rounded up. Among those arrested were two suspects whose cases stemmed from a home invasion incident, authorities said.
On July 12, five masked people armed with guns entered a house on Peacan Road and robbed and held a family against its will. Three of the people were armed with shotguns or assault rifles, and all were wearing shirts or towels over their faces.
A robbery victim told authorities the people said they were the police. Cash, jewelry and other items were reported stolen.
“They are dangerous. They will have guns,” Sheriff Dan Wideman cautioned officers at a pre-dawn, pre-operations briefing while talking about the home invasion suspects. “They are young. They have no conscience. Let’s do our job, do our business and get it done.”
A third suspect, Tyrell Butler, had been charged in the home invasion incident, but authorities said he was found dead of a gunshot wound in Robeson County, N.C.
Personnel from the Drug Enforcement Agency Task Force, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and Oconee County joined sheriff’s office vice agents, investigators and deputies in the widespread operation.
At least two weapons cases made by the sheriff’s office VIDOC (Vice, Illegal Drugs and Organized Crime) unit will be investigated by ATF for federal prosecution, authorities said. Drug distribution suspects also were rounded up as officers fanned out across the city, often chasing leads obtained at one house on to another house along narrow, hilly city streets. “I bet we’ll put 1,000 miles on our cars this morning,” sheriff’s office Chief Deputy Mike Frederick said.
Drug offenses included in the warrants sweep were illegal distribution and/or trafficking in cocaine, crack cocaine, marijuana, prescription pills, and ketamine, which authorities said is a “rave” drug growing more popular with teens.
Some suspects were arrested while sitting on their front porches. Others were rousted from sleep. Along the way, the sheriff’s office Mobile Command Center followed warrant execution teams, causing doubletakes from residents along the way. Investigators used the center for pre-booking interviews before suspects were taken to the detention center for processing.
A motorcycle, valued at $9,000 and seized as a suspected drug-money purchase, was hauled in and put on display beside the command center that was set up in the jury parking lot behind the Greenwood County Courthouse and beside the sheriff’s office building. The cycle will be among vehicles up for a seized items auction in the fall.
About $1,000 also was seized by officers.
“Even a quick glance at the list of charges will tell you that these folks need to be taken out of our community,” Wideman said. “Most of these cases are very serious, and many of the suspects are repeat offenders.”
The lack of success Thursday morning in finding the Grier Street shooting suspects was frustrating for officers. But they regained their momentum with successes in other city neighborhoods. Frederick said the operation would provide a show of force strong enough to get the attention of areas throughout the city.
However, the arrests will not dismantle a single drug-distribution organization, Frederick said, as did the December “Operation Family Tree” that targeted methamphetamines. Instead, five or six “loosely related drug networks and affiliated groups” were targeted.
“That’s why these arrests are geographically spread all over the county and city and represent such a wide range of persons,” Frederick said.
Several arrests came after undercover drug investigations in the Grier Street area, Wideman said.
“Recent events here in Greenwood have proven once again that drug dealers not only peddle their dangerous drugs but sow violence and fear in our neighborhoods,” the sheriff said. “Every person who participates in the illegal drug trade by selling or buying drugs facilitates that and hurts this community. We plan to do whatever it takes to fight it.”
Thursday afternoon on Grier Street, word of the sheriff’s office operation came as good news. “They need to clean it up and put God back on the street,” said Phillip Cade, who was helping a resident clean a back lot. “God wants this street to be clean. There are too many kids (to be around drug deals and violence). There’s no need to be around this environment.”
Frances Taylor, who recently moved into a duplex unit at Grier and Holloway streets, said she was “so glad” something was being done to take back the street. “I was scared last night,” she said, “but now I feel so much better. It’s wonderful. I know the people feel safer.”
The resident who saw the wounded man from Tuesday morning’s incident says more needs to be done.
“They need a policeman on every block 24 hours a day,” the resident said. “One of the men who was in on it starts riding the neighborhood every day about the same time. He was one of them sitting out there (during Tuesday morning’s shooting), and I have a feeling he was a drug dealer.”
Grier Street covers two city blocks, one from Florida Street to Holloway Street and the other from Holloway to Chase Street. The Grier and Chase intersection is two blocks from Mathews Elementary School.
The resident said the Florida to Holloway section houses working people, but the neighborhood changes from Holloway to Chase.
“They need to put some undercover agents at those (duplex) apartments. Something (needs to be done),” the resident said.
“I was raised in this mill village. We didn’t lock our doors at night,” the resident said. “I’ve lived here a year. If I knew it was like this, I would not have moved here.”

Tyrell Gregory Butler

SALUDA — Tyrell Gregory Butler, of 780 Johnston Highway, died Sunday, July 23, 2006.
Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., he was a son of Sandra Butler Taylor and Gary Couch. He was of Baptist faith and received his education in Saluda County School District.
Survivors include his mother of Saluda; his father of Brooklyn; a son, Tyquon Butler of Johnston; two daughters, Tykela Butler of Johnston and Star’Quanzia Johnson of Columbia; a stepson, Tyon Brown of Columbia; a stepdaughter, Ty’Najia Shelly of Columbia; maternal grandfather, Noble J. Butler of Saluda.
Services are 1 p.m. Saturday at Rock Hill Baptist Church, conducted by the Rev. Herbert Martin, pastor. Burial is in the church cemetery. The body will be placed in the church at 12.
Pallbearers and flower bearers are friends of the family.
The family is at the home of his grandfather, Noble J. Butler, 780 Johnston Highway.
Viewing begins 1:30 p.m. today at the funeral home.
Butler & Son Funeral Home is in charge.

Brenda R. Craven

Brenda Rhodes Craven, 59, of Highway 25 North, died Wednesday, July 26, 2006 at Caraway Methodist Medical Center, Birmingham, Ala.
The family is at the home of a daughter Michelle Rice, 133 Clifton St., Hyde Park.
Services will be announced by Harley Funeral Home.

‘Punk’ Price

Johnny Luther “Punk” Price, 63, of 305 Blyth Road, died Wednesday, July 26, 2006 at Self Regional Medical Center.
Born in Greenwood, he was a son of the late Rufus Eugene and Elsie Adams Price. He was retired from Greenwood Mills, Mathews Plant.
Survivors include a sister, Shirley Kingsmore of Ninety Six and a brother, Gene Price of Greenwood. Services are 11 a.m. Saturday at Friendship Pentecostal Holiness Church, conducted by the Revs. Craig Hughes and Boyd Arnold. The body will be placed in the church at 10. Burial is in the church cemetery.
Visitation 7-9 tonight at Harley Funeral Home.
The family is at the home of his sister, Shirley Kingsmore, 2617 Highway 246 S., Ninety Six.
Harley Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.harleyfuneralhome.com

Edna Rhodes

GREENWOOD — Edna Kinard Rhodes, 99, former resident of the Phoenix Community, widow of Stephen B. Rhodes, went home to be with the Lord on July 26, 2006 at the Blue Ridge Nursing Home in Easley.
Born December 17, 1906 in Bamberg, she was a daughter of the late Gus T. and Julia Ayer Kinard. She was a graduate of Ehrhardt High School and Draughans Business College in Columbia. Mrs. Rhodes for-merly owned and operated Rhodes Service Station in Phoenix Community.
She was a member of Rehoboth United Methodist Church in Greenwood.
She was the last member of her immediate family having been predeceased by her brothers, Ervin Carlisle Kinard and James Monroe Kinard; her sisters, Mattie Mereece Kinard Varn and Carolyn Grace Kinard Carter.
She is survived only by nieces and nephews, Carlisle and wife Carolyn Kinard of Ehrhardt, Mereece and husband John Taylor of Lugoff, Charles and wife Carolyn Carter of Easley and Thomas and wife Melinda Carter of Easley.
A graveside service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Friday at Rehoboth United Methodist Church Cemetery with Rev. Fred Buchanan officiating.
The family will receive friends in the Rehoboth United Methodist Church Social Hall from 10 to 10:30 a.m. Friday immediately prior to the service.
Memorials may be made to Rehoboth United Methodist Church, 1814 Callison Highway, Greenwood, SC 29646.
To make online condolences or for additional information please visit www.blythfuneralhome.com
Blyth Funeral Home & Cremation Services is assisting Mrs. Rhodes’ Family.
PAID OBITUARY

Roxie Riddle

Roxie Stone Leagon Riddle, 83, of 585 Burnett Road, widow of Carol M. Riddle, died Wednesday, July 26, 2006 at her home.
Born in Anderson County, she was a daughter of the late Burt B. and Victoria Morton Stone. She retired from Greenwood Mills, Mathews Plant and was a member of Augusta Highway Baptist Church. She was twice married, first to the late Ernest W. Leagon.
Survivors include three daughters, Vickie L. Rickett, Darlene L. Clegg and Sandra L. Moore, all of Greenwood; a grandchild reared in the home, Cheryl Lynn DuBois; 10 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; a great-great-grandchild.
Services are 2 p.m. Saturday at Blyth Funeral Home, conducted by the Rev. Craig Hughes. Burial is in Greenwood Memorial Gardens.
Pallbearers are Ricky Waits, Mike Waits, Chris Clegg, Keith Clegg, Kevin Clegg, Jerry Beacham and Jeff Coleman.
Visitation is 1-2 Saturday at the funeral home.
Families are at their respective homes.
Memorials may be made to Hospice Care of the Piedmont, 408 W. Alexander Ave., Greenwood, SC 29646. Blyth Funeral Home & Cremation Services is in charge.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blythfuneralhome.com

Zelma Werts

SALUDA, SC — Services for Zelma W. Werts, a loving and special sister and aunt whom we loved dearly, will be Saturday, July 29, 2006 at St. Mark Lutheran Church, 11AM, with Pastor Bill Ebener and Pastor John Griffith officiating. She spent 82 years on earth as a faithful and loving servant, now she is home with God. The family will receive friends from 7 until 9 PM, Friday evening at Ramey Funeral Home.
She leaves behind a loving sister, Sydell Bradley, sister in-law, Irene Ruff both of Saluda. A special niece, Rhetta (Pat) Doyal and many other nieces, nephews and cousins whom meant the world to her. All of her host of friends and the loving caring staff at Saluda Nursing Center.
The family is at the home of a niece, Rhetta and Pat Doyal, 115 Bethany Rd. Saluda, SC.
Pallbearers will be her loving family, James, Wayne and Kent Barker, Jason Mitchell, Eddie Werts, Ken Ruff, Dave Werts and Rance Bradley.
She was a daughter of the late Lawton and Ora Werts and was the wife of the late James Carl Werts. She was predeceased by a sister, Lenora W. Berry, brothers, Frank, Willie and Herbert Werts.
In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be made to Saluda Nursing Center, P.O. Box 398, Saluda, SC 29138, St. Mark Lutheran Church, 3178 Denny Hwy., Prosperity, SC 29127, Bethany United Methodist Church, 363 Bethany Church Rd., Saluda, SC 29138 or memorials of one’s choice.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Ralph Riley and his staff for their care through the years, also Saluda Nursing Center, all the wonderful and loving care, you all are special angels, she always loved you dearly.
PAID OBITUARY

Post 20 falls to Sumter

July 27, 2006

By CHRIS TRAINOR
Index-Journal sports writer

They might be down, but they’re not out yet.
The Greenwood American Legion Post 20 baseball team fell, 3-0, to Sumter Thursday at the double-elimination American Legion state tournament at 72-year-old Riley Park in Sumter.
With the loss, Greenwood, which is now 1-1 in the tourney, falls into the loser’s bracket, where it will meet Rock Hill at 4 p.m. today in an elimination game.
Nick Milford took the loss on the mound for Post 20. The Anderson University player gave up four runs on eight hits with five strikeouts in eight innings worked.
Meanwhile, Alan Caldwell got the win for Post 15, surrendering no runs on three hits with 10 strikeouts over nine innings.
“Caldwell was as good as we’ve seen all year long,” Greenwood coach Billy Dean Minor said. “And Nick pitched absolutely as well as we could have asked him to.”
Minor said there was no shame in the loss to the defending state champions.
“Our guys came out here expecting to win, we just came up short,” Minor said. “We’ll need our fans out here (today) to pick us up against Rock Hill.”
Caldwell came out throwing smoke for Sumter. The tall left hander sat Greenwood down in order in the top of the first, striking out the side in the process.
If a pitching matchup was to be the order early on, Milford was game for Post 20.
He mowed down Sumter’s first three batters, sending the vocal contingent of fans from Greenwood into fits of cheers.
Post 20 squandered a solid chance to score in the top of the second inning.
Greenwood had Cruse Tollison on third and Keith Hill on second with just one out. It seemed as if Post 20 was about to have the bases loaded at that point when Sumter shortstop Tyler Cappelman bobbled a Josh Lovvorn pop-up.
However, thinking he would be out on the softly hit pop fly, Lovvorn failed to run all the way to first base, and was thrown out by an alert Cappelman.
Needless to say, Greenwood coach Billy Dean Minor was not pleased with Lovvorn’s effort on the play, as he gave his catcher an earful as he ran back to the dugout.
As Milford and the Greenwood defense held Sumter scoreless through the first three innings, the Post 20 bats could not seem to get up to speed. Caldwell held Greenwood hitless through the first five innings.
Milford took matters into his own hands in the top of the sixth, as he helped his own cause by picking up Greenwood’s first hit with a single to right. Sumter’s Caldwell sat the next three batters down in order.
Sumter was first to jump on the scoreboard, doing so emphatically in the bottom of the sixth.
With the bases loaded, Post 15’s Richard Jones pounded a long fly ball to right field, scoring Bren Maloney on a sacrifice fly to give Sumter the 1-0 lead.
On Milford’s next pitch, Caldwell grounded softly to the mound. Milford could not decide which base to throw to, allowing Sumter’s Cappelman to come home, giving Post 15 a 2-0 cushion.
When the dust settled at the end of the sixth, Greenwood found itself in a 3-0 hole.
Greenwood once again missed a golden opportunity to score in the top of the seventh.
After a Keith Hill triple and Matt Titus being hit by a pitch, Post 20 had runners on first and third with only one out. Caldwell once again worked himself out of the jam, striking out Lovvorn and Justin Collier to end the Greenwood threat. Post 20 was still down, 3-0, as the eighth inning approached.

World War III is reality;
it’s obvious near and far

July 28, 2006

We’re in the middle of World War III. If there is anyone in South Carolina who doubts that, look around. The battle fields are obvious, and the American people are the enemy.
The popular conception is that we’re fighting terrorism. That’s true, of course, but hatred isn’t confined to the stereotypical terrorists the world has painfully come to know all too well. It is also an attitude that makes us the enemy of many heads of states around the world. It’s not all that far away, either.
We know the leaders of Iran and Syria support the Hezbollah against Israel, as well as the Palestinian Hamas group. There’s evidence, too, they aid the insurgents who are hindering progress in Iraq.

THERE ARE, TO BE SURE, OTHERS in the Middle East who hate America and would welcome its downfall. The Islamo-fascists are sometimes called radical Muslims, but all indications are they include many other Muslims. They have left little doubt over the years they are at war with us and indeed our way of life. How much more violent evidence does anyone need to understand that?
They don’t stand alone, either. Look at France and some others in Europe. Their anti-American bias is on display every day. Jacques Chirac of France, as an example, appears to go out of his way to hurt the U. S., and the lack of cooperation in fighting terrorists is painfully obvious.
Don’t be distracted by the Middle East conflict, though. Look south, to Cuba and a number of South American nations.

CASTRO IS NO MYSTERY, CERTAINLY. Neither is Hugo Chavez of Venezuela, who goes to Iran for a buddy-buddy visit. His anti-American diatribes have made it clear what he seeks.
Hate America crusader Chavez is not short of allies, either, even without Iran and Cuba. Leftist leaders in Uruguay, Paraguay, Argentina, Brazil and even Chile recently gathered for a trade conference that was highlighted by tirades against the U. S. and the capitalist system.
Look around. World War III is a fact, and it’s gaining momentum, as does hate for us. We ignore that reality at our peril.
So, what can we do? We can start by replacing appeasement with resolve, and we can use a combination of power and humanitarianism without fear or apology. In the Middle East, diplomacy has failed for 60 years. Power is the only thing that gets attention. We have it. Use it as a bargaining tool.