Congress preparing to discuss
immigration reform, senator says

March 23, 2006

By VIC MacDONALD
Index-Journal regional editor

When the federal government doesn’t control immigration, local communities face the expense of providing translators and services for people who must navigate through an alien culture.
That was not the exact wording but it was the tone of Greenwood City Manager Steve Brown’s question to U.S. Sen. Jim DeMint during a Wednesday luncheon sponsored by the Partnership Alliance.
Brown said local Hispanic leaders tell him there might be as many as 8,000 Hispanics living in Greenwood, and many are here illegally. Brown asked whether there is any significant relief to this problem, and an equitable sharing of the costs of providing these services, on the horizon from Washington.
“It’s the biggest issue we’re going to face. When we get back, we will begin debate on immigration reform,” DeMint said. “Groups are asking us to expand the worker visa, but the rank-and-file citizens feel overwhelmed.”
The agriculture, travel and tourism, and building industries are urging Congress not to crack down on laborers coming across the nation’s southern border. These workers form a labor pool the industries cannot get otherwise.
“Politically,” DeMint said, “it’s very difficult.”
First, the U.S. must secure its borders, and that will be a very expensive undertaking, DeMint said. Then, immigration reform must address the temporary worker visa, he said, and “making it easier to get in here legal than illegal — right now, it’s the other way around.”
Estimates are 10 million to 12 million people already are in the country illegally, and “we want them to come forward and register,” DeMint said. “We are not going to be able to deport them all. But it would not be fair to put them on the citizenship track. On the other side, if we don’t, we create a permanent underclass.”
“I don’t know what I think right now,” he said of an ultimate solution to the immigration problem.
On another issue, DeMint addressed a concern by Greenwood Mayor and Lander University administrator Floyd Nicholson that last year’s cuts to federal Pell grants had contributed to the problem of colleges becoming less affordable.
“The more we up the scholarships,” DeMint said, “the higher the tuition goes. I hope no child who can do the work is excluded because of money. ... But the answer is not just to up the scholarships and create more subsidies.”
DeMint advocated expanded use of the state’s technical education system, saying that with lottery money, this is a good option for many students. Also, he said, they can spend two years in the technical education system and transfer to four-year colleges to complete their degrees in two years, in a far less-expensive method of gaining a degree.
“We need to try different models at the college level — public/private partnerships. Businesses need trained people to do their work. The education system seems adverse to teaching kids to do things,” he said. “Almost every association that comes to see me is worried about shortages of people to do work.”
DeMint said Congress is “not going to come up with more money for education.” He said persistent issues, such as health care reform, funding for veterans’ health care needs and the Iraq war, will prevent education funding from expanding.
Speaking from his family’s personal experience — he will become a grandfather in October — DeMint said “shopping around” will be the future of health care in America.
“Health care needs to be consumer directed, turning patients into shoppers,” he said. “There’s no reason for an insurance company to be involved with a $75 office visit.”
Regarding concerns that American consumers aren’t knowledgeable enough about their health care options to be shoppers in that marketplace, DeMint pointed to the computer industry.
“When computers were for businesses only, they were confusing,” he said. “When computers were marketed to home, the industry became consumer driven.”

Mildred Bartley

SALUDA, SC — Mildred Elizabeth Rodgers Bartley, 78, of 126 Bartley Dr., died Sunday, March 19, 2006 at Hospice House in Greenwood.
Born in Saluda County and a daughter of the late Wilbur and Annie Edwards Rodgers, she was the wife of the late Sam Pitts Bartley. Mrs. Bartley was a homemaker and a member of St. Williams Catholic Church.
Surviving are a son and daughter-in-law, Sammy L. and Marcia Bartley of Puyallup, WA and five grandchildren, Samantha Bartley, Rebecca Bartley, Madeline Bartley, Caris Ash and Hilary Ash all of Puyallup, WA.
The mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 AM, Saturday, March 25, 2006 at St. William’s Catholic Church with Father Robert Ninedorf and Rev. Mr. John Klein Officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 PM, Friday evening at Ramey Funeral Home.
Memorials may be made c/o Regions Bank, P.O. Box 6, Johnston, SC 29832.
PAID OBITUARY

Earl C. Cox

ABBEVILLE, SC — Earl C. Cox, 71, of Abbeville died Tuesday, March 21, at Self Regional Healthcare. Mr. Cox was born in the Province of Quebec in Canada. He grew up in a Monastery in Quebec until he moved to the United States in 1959. Mr. Cox started his career in the restaurant business working in many states such as New York, Washington, Florida, and here in Abbeville, SC. Many people may remember Earl for having been served by him at the Village Grill, the Belmont Inn, Veranda CafŽ, the Rough House or the WZLA Radio Station. He was a talented artist and wonderful friend to everyone who had the opportunity to meet him. Mr. Cox was a member of the Abbeville A.R.P Church where he taught a Sunday School Class and served as a Deacon.
He was the last surviving member of his immediate family but had a host of friends that will sorely miss his dedication to friendship, his generosity, and his willingness to listen.
A Celebration of Earl’s life will be 4:00PM Friday, March 24, 2006 at the Abbeville A.R.P Church conducted by the Dr. Randy Ruble.
Memorial Contributions in memory of Mr. Cox may be sent to the A.R.P Church, c/o Margaret Chandler, 1111 N. Main St., Abbeville, SC 29620.
Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.harrisfuneral.com
Arrangements are being handled by HARRIS FUNERAL HOME, of Abbeville.
PAID OBITUARY

Ethel Fleming

DUE WEST — Mary Ethel Simpson Fleming, 100, formerly of Brownlee Street, widow of William Roy Fleming, died Tuesday, March 21, 2006, at the Abbeville Nursing Home, where she had resided for the past five years.
Born in Iva, SC, on December 2, 1905, she was a daughter of the late Pinckney (Pink) and Lomie Long Simpson. She was retired from Huggins Garment Company and was a member of Winona Baptist Church.
Surviving are two sons, Charles Edward Fleming and his wife Ann, of Donalds, and William L. (Buddy) Fleming and his wife Lucille of Hodges; four daughters, Edith Shirley, Muriel McCoy, Carolyn McCoy and her husband Leonard, and Eula Phillips and her husband David, all of Honea Path; 11 grandchildren, 18 great-grand-children, and 3 great-great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by three infant children, two infant grandsons, a granddaughter, Sandra Fleming McMahan, and two sons-in-law, Bruce Shirley and L.C. McCoy.
Funeral services will be held 2:00 P.M. Friday at Pruitt Funeral Home with Rev. Billy Slatten, Rev. Kile Antone, and Dr. Ron Culbertson officiating. Burial will follow in the Due West Baptist Church Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 6-8:00 P.M. Thursday at Pruitt Funeral Home. Flowers are optional and memorials may be made to the Due West Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, PO Box 247, Due West, SC 29639. The family is at the home of her son, Charlie and Ann Fleming (with whom she made her home for four years), 5668 Highway 184 East, Donalds.
PAID OBITUARY

Danny Freeland

KURL BEACH, N.C. — Charles Danner “Danny” Freeland, 46, died Wednesday, March 22, 2006 at New Hanover Medical Center in Wilmington, N.C.
The family is at the home of his father, Charles Freeland, Apt. K, Marvic Apartments, 427 E. Cambridge Ave., Greenwood.
Services will be announced by Blyth Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Greenwood.

Sue Powell

DONALDS — Lidie Sue Haynes Powell, 79, of 235 West Main St., widow of Clyde Powell, died Wednesday, March 22, 2006 at Anderson Area Medical Center.
Born in Abbeville County, she was a daughter of the late George and Rosa Flowers Haynes. She was retired from Honea Path Manufacturing and a member of Due West Baptist Church.
Survivors include a daughter, Susan Powell of Donalds; three sisters, Helen McGaha of Donalds, Lois Prince of Due West and Agnes Ballard of Honea Path.
Services are 11 a.m. Friday at Pruitt Funeral Home, Honea Path, conducted by the Rev. Bob Philyaw. Burial is in Greenwood Memorial Gardens.
Visitation is 10-11 Friday at the funeral home.
The family is at the home.
Memorials may be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, 1247 Lake Murray Blvd., Irmo, S.C. 29063.
Pruitt Funeral Home is in charge.

Rebecca Prince

ABBEVILLE, SC — Rebecca Calvert Prince, 82, resident of Carlisle Nursing Center formerly of 1420 Sharon Church Rd. widow of Robert Stanley Prince died Wednesday March 22, 2006 at Carlisle Nursing Center.
Born in Abbeville Co. SC she was a daughter of the late Alva and Alma Sharpe Calvert.
She was a retired Lab Technician with Milliken Textiles, Abbeville Plant. She was also a very active member of Sharon United Methodist Church. She was a beloved mother and grandmother and friend to many. She will be greatly missed by all.
Survivors are: 1 son Mike Prince and his wife Tina of Abbeville, SC, 2 grandchildren Rhonda Napier and Bob Prince and his wife Kim Prince of Abbeville, SC. and 4 great-grandchildren. She was the last member of her immediate family.
Funeral services will be conducted Friday March 24, 2006 at 2:00 PM from Sharon United Methodist Church with the Rev. Frank McCoy officiating. The burial will follow in Forest Lawn Memory Gardens.
The body is at the Chandler-Jackson Funeral Home where the family will receive friends from 12:30 PM until 1:30 PM Friday afternoon prior to services at 2:00 PM. The family is at the home of her son Mr. & Mrs. Mike Prince 1415 Sharon Church Rd. Abbeville, SC.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Sharon United Methodist Church 246 Sharon Church Rd. Abbeville, SC 29620.
Online condolences may be made to the Prince family by visiting www.chandlerjacksonfh@wctel.net.
PAID OBITUARY

Harry Wharton

ABBEVILLE — Harry Wharton, 57, of 560 Greyrock Estates, died Wednesday, March 22, 2006 at his home.
Services will be announced by Richie Funeral Home Inc.

Flying high

GHS’ Phillips setting marks in jumps

March 23, 2006

By CHRIS TRAINOR
Index-Journal sports writer

The distance of the college basketball 3-point line is 19 feet, 9 inches. The average man is just less than 6 feet tall. Parked end-to-end, four 1982 Buick Century cars are about 40 feet long.
All three of those lengths pale in comparison to the distances Greenwood High School track standout Chad Phillips can jump.
The junior has consistently finished first in the long jump, triple jump and high jump for the Eagles this season. A member of the Greenwood track team since eighth grade, Phillips said this year has been a bit of a new experience for him.
“This year has just been a little different,” Phillips said. “In the past, I’ve had guys I’ve looked up to, guys I’ve tried to become. Now, a lot of my competition is coming after me, using me as an example to reach their goals. I have to stay sharp.”
Phillips was certainly sharp Saturday, when he and the Eagles participated in the Golden Corner Invitational in Seneca, a 15-team meet. Phillips broke the meet record in the long jump with a distance of 22-6. He also took first place in the triple jump, where he has consistantly covered 45 feet during the season.
Phillips said his record-breaking performance in the long jump was no accident.
“I actually held the previous record at that track,” said Phillips, who has cleared 6-4 in the high jump this season. “So I knew I could do it. Also, I was going up against a couple of my main rivals. I just went out and did my best.”
Phillips said that while jumping does come natural to him, he also puts much time and effort into perfecting his skills. He said he has always been a standout leaper, honing his jumping ability while playing basketball when he was younger.
It was around his eighth-grade year he decided to put his “hops” to more constructive use.
In the years since, Phillips has become a student of the jumping events, keeping a close eye on Olympic jumpers, looking for ways to pick up pieces of their techniques and add it to his own arsenal.
One such method Phillips has picked up is a maneuver in which he uses his arms for leverage in the long jump. Any teammate of Phillips or Eagles fan is likely familiar with the complex arm motions he makes just before taking flight.
“I’ve seen international track stars do that on the Olympics,” Phillips said. “I figure if it works for them, and that’s where I’d like to be one day, then it would probably work for me, too. If it’s good enough for guys who are world class, then it’s good enough for me.”
Phillips said he keeps up with the exploits of jumpers all over the globe.
“I just like to see what everybody is doing,” Phillips said. “In the nation, and statewide. If you want to be the best, you have to know what the best is doing.”
One thing Phillips said he thinks has helped his distances this season is the new rubberized surface at the Greenwood track. Phillips said the surface is much easier on the legs, and, more importantly, enables him to build up more speed as he accelerates down the runway.
According to Phillips, a jumper’s speed before they take flight is what helps them achieve greater distances.
Phillips, who said he would like to pursue jumping in college, said he appreciates working with Greenwood track coach Doug Blosser.
“Coach Blosser is a nice man,” Phillips said.
“He helps us get ready for the big meets, and he works hard to get us exposure. As far as jumping for him goes, I’m loving it right now.”
Phillips is also active in the ROTC at Greenwood, and said it benefits his track performance. He said the elements of discipline and concentration he has learned in the ROTC have helped him improve his efforts on the track and his life in general.

Cancer is never choosy; every person needs exams

March 23, 2006

A lot of people around the Greenwood area get involved in raising money for cancer research. You never know when their efforts might lead to a cure.
Cancer - various kinds - is never choosy. It can strike anyone at any time. It doesn’t matter what color you are, or what religion ..... even no religion. Age makes no difference, neither do economic circumstances.
We were reminded of that recently when Dana Reeve, only 44, widow of “Superman” Christopher Reeve, succumbed to lung cancer. These days, of course, the first thing you think of is that smoking might have been the villain. But, no!

TO ILLUSTRATE THE DECEITFUL nature of this terrible disease, Dana Reeve had never smoked. Yet she was killed by a disease that is closely connected to smoking.
It may be surprising to learn that even though figures show smoking is responsible for 87 percent of all lung cancers, one in five female victims of lung cancer have never smoked. Mrs. Reeve’s death should not be in vain. Maybe it will raise awareness of what a tremendous toll lung cancer takes. It kills 68,000 women each year. That’s more than ovarian and breast cancer combined.
That’s not to belittle the seriousness of those two types of cancer. They also are killers.

EVERY PERSON, MALE as well as female, should get regular checkups. In many cases, when caught in time, this dreaded disease is beatable. Just as important is how we live. Eating right, exercising and looking out for our health in general can work wonders. Many people who have survived cancer are living proof.
Meanwhile, good people all over Greenwood and the Lakelands continue to pursue cures in their on ways, whether it is in helping raise money in group participation or individually. They always deserve our help, any way we can give it. As noted, their efforts may indeed lead to a cure. Who knows? It may well save a life ..... yours or someone you love.