Kids removed from home

Authorities charge parents with cruelty to their two children

November 21, 2006

By MEGAN VARNER
Index-Journal senior staff writer

Two Greenwood children have been removed from their home and placed into protective custody after their parents were charged with cruelty to children.
Harvey Eugene Johnson, 39, and Donna Ann Johnson, 38, both of 115 Biltmore St., Greenwood, were arrested last week after school officials found bruising on the couple’s 12-year-old daughter and authorities discovered “deplorable” conditions at the couple’s home.
The girl told a school resource officer that her eye was bruised when she attempted to break up a fight between her parents the night before, according to a Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office report.
The report gave this account: While at the school, deputies noticed the girl’s hair was knotted and she appeared to have poor hygiene. An investigator spoke with school staff about the young girl, and they said the girl does not come to school clean and her hair does not normally appear as if it has been washed.
One witness said that when she gave the girl clean clothes to wear, the child’s face “lit up with joy,” she told the investigator.
Investigators then spoke with officials at the school where the Johnsons’ 8-year-old son attends. Officials there told authorities the boy also does not come to school clean. One school official said she “recalled a recent day when (the boy) came to school with dog mess on his shoes and shirt,” the report said.
A clean shirt and pair of shoes were provided for the boy from the school’s “clothes closet,” and witnesses said the boy did not appear to be clean, adding he sometimes had an odor about him.
Upon speaking with witnesses at the schools about the children, deputies and investigators went to the Johnsons’ residence, where they spoke with the couple regarding the matter.
Department of Social Services workers also responded to the home.
According to the report, “the conditions of the residence were not adequate for the children to be in.” Deputies observed trash around the exterior of the home, with “unsanitary” conditions inside. Clothing was strewn about the house and rooms, and the children’s toothbrushes were kept in the bottom of a basket next to the bathroom sink. In the bedroom shared by the children, deputies found clothing lying on the floor.
The report said clothing was found in the washer, dryer and floor in the laundry room, which had a gnat infestation, and dirty dishes were piled on the kitchen table and counter tops. Deputies also reported inadequate food in the family’s refrigerator.
“The one thing that pictures could not describe was the smell that was in the kitchen and laundry area,” the report said.
The Johnsons denied having had a fight, telling authorities they were unsure of how their daughter became bruised around her eye. DSS workers placed the children into emergency protective custody based on the conditions of the children and home.
When questioned about why they had not sought government assistance, such as food stamps, the Johnsons told authorities that the family had been denied. A DSS official told deputies the Johnsons had failed to keep appointments for final paperwork on two occasions.
The Johnsons have been released from custody on personal recognizance, sheriff’s office officials said.

Dist. 50 members take oath

Board chooses location for elementary school

November 21, 2006

By MIKE ROSIER
Index-Journal staff writer

Greenwood School District 50 Superintendent Darrell Johnson said it clearly and most succinctly. “It is a new day,” he told board members.
While Johnson was referring to a new and exciting developmental learning program called “The Genesis Academy,” which is scheduled to begin in January 2007, the statement might just as well have reflected the entire tenor of Monday’s regularly scheduled meeting.
During the standing-room only session, board members voted on a site for the new elementary school, while also welcoming three new members aboard the body and electing current members to new positions within the board itself.
Debrah Miller was named the new board chairwoman, taking over for Dru James. Frank Coyle was tapped as vice chairman, with Tom Pritchard being named secretary. New board members taking oaths of office were Dan Richardson, Leverne Fuller and James G. Williams.
Miller says she is thrilled to carry forth with the board’s vision.
“I’m just excited about being able to continue the vision of the district and the mission of the district to educate all of our children,” Miller said. “I look forward to continuing those achievement goals and making great strides in closing the gap between our minority students and majority students while bringing our achievement up in all areas.”
The board voted nearly unanimously (Dan Richardson abstained) to make the new Northside Middle site (located between Deadfall and New Castle roads) as the new site for the elementary school.
After a brief discussion and a presentation offering pros and cons between building at the current location and moving the school to the new Northside Middle site, board members selected the new Northside side in part because of:

-- a building at the new site will be available a year earlier;

-- the new site lends itself to the district’s long-term rezoning plans; and

--the new site will leave facilities that could be slated for use with the new “Genesis Academy” -- the district’s new Flexible Learning Center.

Superintendent Johnson laid out the strategy behind the “Genesis Center” by reminding board members that students do not learn in the same ways as they once did, prompting his “new day” statement.
“What we are offering students is hope in that we are giving some of these students that are just waiting to drop out a place to go,” Johnson said. “At the Genesis Academy, students will be there by choice and they will have opportunities.
A student that is ahead can take classes to finish early, whereas a student that is behind will be given a chance to make up that ground that was lost.”
The program will operate on a Monday-Wednesday and Tuesday-Thursday structure. Hours will run from 8 a.m. until 8:30 p.m., offering classes in the afternoon and in the evening. Johnson said that this will allow students to select a time in which they are best able to learn.
Students could take classes at the Flexible Learning Center, as well as at their home-based schools (Emerald High or Greenwood High for example, or the Career Center). Learning would be self-paced and teachers from the entire district would be used.
Each student would have an academic plan tailor made for his/her needs. The new center would also present a different environment for students, with relaxed atmospheres (couches and a cyber cafe) and a uniform dress code (khaki pants and white shirts).
The meeting was not without moments of controversy, however, as newly elected member Dan Richardson stirred the board with two motions: one that would have board members sign a sheet reflecting the oath of office with which they’d just been sworn, and another that would create a new District 50 School Board Ethics Policy.
Neither motion — each seconded by board member Lary Davis — passed as the former was defeated 7-2, and the latter 8-1. One unanimous action by the board was the recognition of the G. Frank Russell Career Center’s Kay Beggs as District 50 Teacher of the Year.
“I really am humbled because there are so many teachers in District 50 that have so many talents,” Beggs said. “I’m really just honored to have the award. I really do believe that technology will take us to the next level of instruction.”

Abbeville woman killed in wreck

November 21, 2006

By CHRIS TRAINOR
Index-Journal staff writer

DONALDS — An Abbeville County resident died Sunday in a motorcycle wreck. Patricia “Pat” Ann Stone, 36, of 753 Arborville Center Road in Donalds, sustained fatal injuries in a motorcycle accident near Due West at 4:55 p.m. Sunday.
Stone was the passenger on a 2002 Harley Davidson being driven by Pruitt Fleming on Olin Smith Road, also known as secondary Hwy 114. According to a report by the South Carolina Highway Patrol, Fleming lost control of the motorcycle, which swerved right and hit a ditch, throwing both from the bike. The crash is still being investigated, troopers said.
Neither Stone or Fleming were wearing helmets at the time.
Helicopters air-lifted Stone and Fleming to Greenville Memorial Hospital, where Stone died some time later. Fleming remains hospitalized in stable condition.
Stone, the mother of two children, was a member of Hardwood Cruisers Motorcycle Club. Riding was one of her favorite hobbies, said a spokesman at Chandler-Jackson Funeral Home in Abbeville.
Stone, who was born in Abbeville, was an employee of Town Cafe in Honea Path. Town Cafe manager Danny Bell said Stone will be missed.
“She hadn’t been here that long, so we didn’t get to know her as well as some others,” Bell said. “But she was a really sweet girl and a hard worker. I’m really sorry about her accident.”
Bell said the news of Stone’s death took him by complete surprise.
“I found out on (Sunday) night,” Bell said. “My daughter called and let me know. It has been a sad day here.”
Funeral services for Stone will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Chandler-Jackson Funeral Home.

Obituaries

Margaret Cothran

ABBEVILLE — Margaret Sherard Cothran, 84, resident of 34 Gallick Road, Waymart, Penn., died Sunday, Nov. 19, 2006, at Abington Manor in Clark Summit, Penn.
Services will be announced by The Chandler-Jackson Funeral Home.

Mary Frazier Jones

Mary Frazier Jones, 82, of 224 Morton Road, widow of the late Roy Jones, died Friday, Nov. 17, 2006 at her home. Born in Greenwood, she was the daughter of the late Adie E. Houston. She was raised by the late John and Cora Hall. She was a member of Mount Zion A.M.E. Church and a former member of the chorus, 50 voices choir and missionary society. She was a member of Women’s Home Aide Society #69. Survivors include five daughters, Angela Butler of Greenwood, Naomie Agnew, Essie Mae Durant, Alberta Coates and Frances Jones; five sons, Ed Jones, Melvin Jones, Kelly Jones, Robert Jones, Wesley Jones; thirty-three grandchildren; seventy-seven great-grandchildren; twelve great-great-grandchildren. Funeral services are 2 p.m. Wednesday at Mount Zion A.M.E. Church in Promised Land Community, conducted by Rev. James Speed Sr., assisted by Revs. Bernard White, Derrick Scott and Carnell Morton. The body will be in the church at 1 p.m. Burial is in the church cemetery. Pallbearers are Trustees. Flower bearers are granddaughters. Honorary escorts are Women’s Home Aide Society #69. The family will receive friends Tuesday evening at the home of the daughter Mrs. Michael (Angela) Butler, 111 Woodrow Avenue. Robinson & Son Mortuary, Inc. is assisting the Jones family.

Helen Jordan

NINETY SIX — Helen T. Jordan, 79, formerly of 124 Callison Road, Ninety Six, widow of Charles Raymond Jordan, died Monday, Nov. 20, 2006 at Wesley Commons.
Born April 5, 1927 in Edgefield County, she was a daughter of the late Bryan and Milie Fulmer Satcher. She was a 1945 graduate of Greenwood High School, worked for Greenwood Mills for 30 years and retired after 14 years of service from Greenwood School District 50 as an assistant lunchroom manager at Emerald Junior High School. She was a member of the Phoenix Community Club and was a member of Rehoboth United Methodist Church, where she was a member of the Fellowship Sunday School Class and the United Methodist Women and was a member of the choir.
She was twice married, first to the late Colie Timmerman and was also preceded in death by a sister, Georgie Summey.
Surviving are her children, Connie & Teddy Jordan of Ninety Six and Robert & Caridad Timmerman of Greenwood; stepchildren, Larry Price of Hodges, Linda & Al White of Greenwood, Marie & Hugh Taylor of Hodges and Patricia & Billy R. Williams of Hodges; two sisters, Maye Riddle of Greenville and Nona Jacobs of Lexington; grandchildren, Marissa Timmerman, Christopher Jordan and Katelyn Timmerman; step-grandchildren, Alf & Stacy White, Amy & Richard Craig, Allison White, Timberly Williams and Patty & Roy Finley; and step-great-grandchildren, Blake & Brant White, Cameron & Charlotte Craig and Kristin & Stone Strickland.
Services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Rehoboth United Methodist Church with the Rev. Fred Buchanan and the Rev. Kevin Carter officiating. Burial will be the adjoining church cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Danny Summey, Bryan Summey, Bob Templeton, Neal Bates, Jimmy Corley and Ferk Ferqueron.
Honorary escort will be Al White, Eddie Elliott, Roy Summey, Vince Dibona and Todd Quattlebaum.
The family will receive friends at Harley Funeral Home on Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. The body will be placed in the church at 1 p.m. on Wednesday.
The family is at the home of Connie & Teddy Jordan, 124 Callison Road, Ninety Six and Robert & Caridad Timmerman, 123 Heathwood Drive, Greenwood.
Memorials may be made to Rehoboth United Methodist Church, 1808 Callison Highway, Greenwood, SC 29646.
Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.harleyfuneralhome.com.

Geneva ‘Sister’ Holloway Lewis

Geneva “Sister” Holloway Lewis, of 112 Russell St., was born June 7, 1926, in Coronaca, SC. On Saturday, Nov. 18, 2006, our Heavenly Father called this extraordinary woman home to eternal rest, and she peacefully departed this earthly life at Self Regional HealthCare.
She was the daughter of the late Leta and James Holloway and the sister of the late Robert “Squeaky” (Elizabeth) Holloway and George (Ethel) Holloway. Geneva was educated in the Greenwood County public schools and graduated from Brewer Normal School in 1945. She continued her education at Benedict College, Columbia, SC.
Geneva was married to Vando Lewis, Sr. in January 1949. To this union, seven (7) children were born: Vando, Jr., Clarence, James Earl, Wilbert, Brenda, Melvin and Coleta Diane.
At an early age, she accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior and was baptized at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Coronaca. She was an active member and served faithfully in the church until her health began to decline. Geneva was a devoted reader of Christian literature and enjoyed attending Sunday school. She was also a missionary and member of the Women’s Aid Society, Lodge #104. A woman of wisdom, she participated in special programs at the church and was fondly viewed by many as the “church historian.”
Geneva was a loving wife and mother. She was a devoted homemaker committed to her family and the Christian upbringing and training of her children. After her children were grown, she continued her love for education as a student at Lander College and Piedmont Technical School. She had a special love for music, cake decorating and crafts.
Her work in the community was evident as she was one of the charter members of the Christian Community Club for the Russell and Taggart Street community. In addition to volunteer activities with the community club, she also served as a volunteer piano teacher for youth.
Geneva leaves to cherish her memory a loving husband, Vando Lewis, Sr., who loved and cared for her in sickness and in health until she was called to her Heavenly Home. She also leaves to cherish her memory five sons, Vando (Bridget) of Greenwood, Clarence (Linda) of Arizona, James Earl of Washington, DC, Wilbert (Susan) of Columbia, SC, and Melvin (Christine) of Aiken, SC; two (2) daughters, Brenda (Robert) of Greenwood, and Coleta Diane of Augusta, GA; fourteen (14) grandchildren; seven (7) great-grandchildren; and a host of cousins, nephews, nieces and other family members and friends.
Services are 2 p.m. Wednesday at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Coronaca, conducted by Rev. Charles Holloway. Assisting are Rev. Raymond Adams, Rev. Michael Butler, and Dr. Willie S. Harrison. Pallbearers are Deacons and Trustees. Flower bearers are Deaconesses and Missionaries. The body will be in the church at 1 p.m. Burial is in the church cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the home 6 to 7 on Tuesday evening.
Robinson & Son Mortuary, Inc. in charge.
Online condolences: robson@nctv.com.

Tracy Lamont Martin

McCORMICK — Tracy Lamont Martin, of 300 Mims Drive, died Sunday, Nov. 19, 2006, in McCormick.
Services will be announced by Walker Funeral Home.

Benjamin McCary

SALUDA — Benjamin Leroy “Hoss” McCary, 72, of 459 Halfway Swamp Road, died Monday, Nov. 20, 2006 at his residence. Born in Saluda County and a son of Mabel Adams McCary and the late William Idell McCary, he was the husband of Avis Perry McCary. He retired after 40 years with Greenwood Mills.
Surviving are his wife, Avis Perry McCary, his mother, Mabel Adams McCary of Saluda, a daughter and son in-law, Terrie and Darrell Rodgers of Saluda, two sons and daughters-in-law, Carroll and Sandra McCary of Chappells and Darrell and Minnie McCary of Saluda, a sister, Judy Riser of Irmo and five grandchildren, Brandon McCary, Justin McCary, Lachelle Rodgers, Matthew McCary and Jacob McCary.
The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. Tuesday evening at Ramey Funeral Home.B Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2006 at New Horizon Baptist Fellowship with Rev. Gordon Parris officiating. Interment will follow in Good Hope Baptist Church Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to American Diabetics Society.

Ruth McClain

Ruth R. McClain, 87, widow of George A. McClain, died Sunday, Nov. 19, 2006 at her daughter’s home.
Born in York County, she was a daughter of the late Zell and Mary Gaskins Rollins. She was a member of Marshall Road Church of God.
She was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Ruthie Poland. Surviving are five daughters, Marie Lipe, Betty Jean Weeks and Jackie Floyd, all of Greenwood, Joyce Jones of Gaston and Debbie McDaniel of Bluffton; a son, Albert McClain of Chappells; a sister, Sue Crusoe of Florida; 19 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren and 11 great-great-grandchildren.
Services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Harley Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Brandon Sinclair and the Rev. Tim Taylor officiating. Burial will be in Greenwood Memorial Gardens.
Pallbearers will be grandsons.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday from 7 to 9 p.m.
The family is at the home, 115 Annette Way.
Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.harleyfuneralhome.com.

Sarah King Jackson McLeod

FLORENCE — Sarah King Jackson McLeod, 86 of Florence, died peacefully Sunday, Nov. 19, 2006 at the McLeod Hospice House in Florence.
Mrs. McLeod was born on Dec. 13, 1919, in Florence County, the daughter of the late Arthur Edward Jackson and Rosa Bell Gilbert. She lived her entire life in Florence, and was educated in Florence schools. She was a retired nurse, lifetime member of Central United Methodist Church, member of the Fifty Year Club, the Wesley United Methodist Fellowship Sunday School Class and the Erin Glenn/Mary Motte Herbert Circle. She was a former member of the Pinehaven Garden Club and the Florence Junior League.
Mrs. McLeod was preceded in death by her parents, by her brothers, Thomas Gilbert, Marvin Parlar and Arthur Edward Jackson, Jr.
Surviving are her sons, Frank Hilton (Patsy) McLeod, IV and Marshall King (Cynthia) McLeod of Florence; brothers, James Rhett (Betty) Jackson of Columbia and Larry Artope (Barbara) Jackson of Greenwood; five grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.
Memorials may be made to Central United Methodist Church, PO Box 87, Florence, SC 29503 or to the McLeod Hospice, 1203 E. Cheves Street, Florence, SC 29501.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2006 in Central United Methodist Church with the Revs. Tom Pietila, Will Malambri and Elise Barrett officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service at the church.
Stoudenmire-Dowling Funeral Home of Florence is in charge of arrangements.

Robert Elijah Nelson Sr.

Robert Elijah Nelson Sr., 85, of 3311 Rock House Road, husband of Bessie Lee Settles Nelson, died Sunday, Nov. 19, 2006, at Wesley Commons. Born in Greenwood, he was a son of the late Spencer Nelson and the late Marie Courtney Nelson.
He was a member of Mt. Herman Baptist Church, where he was a past chairman of the Deacon Board, Superintendent of the Sunday School, Leader of the Sr. Choir, member of the Usher Board, member of Mason Lodge #419, past worship master, past deputy of Eureka District and Palmetto Grand Lodge, 1st Conductor of Springfield Singing Convention, past Boardman of Macedonia Baptist Church Sunday School Congress and past Boardman of Union 3rd Division.
Survivors include his wife of the home, three sons, Robert E. Nelson, Jr., Charlie C. Nelson and Ralph Nelson, all of Greenwood; four daughters, Mae Helen Sprowl, Shirley E. Palmore, C. Claudette Posley, all of Greenwood and Mamie Lee Wright of Troy; one brother, Lewis M. Nelson; two sisters, Lillie M. Gilchrist and Carrie Lee Kemp, all of Greenwood; 14 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.
Services are 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 23, 2006 at Mt. Herman Baptist Church, conducted by Minister Cedric Smith, Rev. Donald F. Brooks and Rev. Norris Turner. Presiding will be Dr. Willie S. Harrison. The body will be placed in the church at 10 a.m. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Pallbearers are Mason Lodge #419, and flower bearers are Order of Eastern Star Majestic #418. The family will receive friends at the home on Wednesday from 6-7. Robinson & Son Mortuary, Inc. is in charge. Online condolences may be sent to robson@nctv.com.

Patricia Stone

ABBEVILLE — Patricia “Pat” Ann Stone, 36, resident of 753 Arborville Center Road, died Sunday, Nov. 19, 2006 from injuries sustained in an accident.
Born in Abbeville, SC she was a daughter of Mary Jo Parnell and the late Charles C. “Red” Parnell.
She was employed with the Town Cafe in Honea Path, SC. She also enjoyed riding with the Hardwood Cruisers Motorcycle Club.
Survivors are: her mother, Mary Jo Parnell of Abbeville, SC; 1 daughter, Christal Stone of Abbeville, SC; 1 son, Tony Randall “T.J.” Stone, Jr. of Abbeville, SC; 3 sisters, Lynn Ware of Abbeville, Wanda Parnell of Edgemoor, SC, Brenda Sexton of Panama City, FL; 2 brothers, Charles Parnell, Jr. of McCormick, SC, and Robert Olin Parnell of Greenwood, SC; and her Fiancé, Pruitt Fleming of Donalds, SC.
Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2006 at 2 p.m. from the Chandler-Jackson Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Byron Wood officiating. The burial will follow in Melrose Cemetery.
The body is at the Chandler-Jackson Funeral Home where the family will receive friends from 5 until 7 p.m. Tuesday evening. The family is at 118 Moore St., Abbeville, SC.
Memorials may be made to a charity of one’s choice.
Online condolences may be sent to the Stone family by visiting www.chandlerjacksonfh.com The Chandler-Jackson Funeral Home, Abbeville, SC is in charge of arrangements.

Abbeville takes top football honors

Touchdown Club honors area athletes

November 21, 2006

By RENALDO STOVER
Index-Journal sports writer

The Index-Journal and Greenwood Touchdown Club had the 11th annual All-Lakelands Banquet, Monday night, at the American Legion Post 20 Home.
Along with the players receiving plaques for their performances during the 2006 football season, the winners of the Comeback Award, Carroll Sexton Sportsmanship Award, J.W. “Pinky” Babb Coach of the Year Award and the Joe Anderson Player of the Year were also announced.
The J.W. “Pinky” Babb Coach of the Year Award came down to a race between Ware Shoals’ coach Jeff Murdock and Abbeville coach Jamie Nickles.
Nickles took the award home after coaching the Panthers to a 10-0 regular season record, their first undefeated season in 10 years, and a region championship to complete the Panthers’ sweep of the Lakelands’ best coach and player awards.
The Joe Anderson Player of the Year Award went to Abbeville’s Toquavius Gilchrist, a three-time All Lakelands selection. With one season of eligibility left, Gilchrist will have an opportunity to repeat as player of the year next season.
Among the other awards presented Monday night, the Comeback Award went to Ninety Six player Kass Etheredge, who dislocated his hip early in the Wildcats’ season, but returned in time to be a solid contributor for coach Mike Doolittle’s squad.
Greenwood player Ixavier Higgins was awarded the Index-Journal Academic Award for his excellence in the classroom.
Higgins has a 4.0 GPA, scored an 1150 on the SAT and is third in the Greenwood High School senior class.
The Carroll Sexton Sportsmanship Award went to Abbeville’s Mack Hite. As a quarterback on a run-first team, Hite showed no signs of discontent during the 2006 season and his on-field leadership was a major factor in the Panthers 10-0 regular season record.
“Mack did a good job for us and was very deserving of the award,” Abbeville coach Jamie Nickles said. “I’m very proud of Toquavius and he has another year, so we’ll see if we can improve on that.”
Nickles was humble when discussing his award and deferred most of the attention to the Panthers’ coaches and players.
“The credit for this goes to our coaching staff and those outstanding kids who work so hard each and every day to make something like this possible,” Nickles said.
Nickles said that during the introduction of the award, he thought about former Abbeville coach Dennis Botts, who he took over for following his untimely death, and the distinction of the award.
“I just thought about how proud coach Botts would have been,” Nickles said. “I coached in Greenwood for five years or so and anything with the name Pinky Babb on it means a lot to me.”
Impressionist Scott Moore was the guest speaker for the event and provided entertainment for those in attendance with his impressions of numerous college coaches.
“Well, I started when I was a kid, just living in Alabama and growing up around college football. I first learned to do one or two voices and then I just went from there,” Moore said. “I just literally worked on it. I’ve watched guys and just tried to pick up mannerisms and things. Once you get them down, you can go to them any time.”
From Steve Spurrier to Sylvester Croom, Moore had the coaches down and it was evident by the audiences’ laughter.
“It’s always fun. Doing these kinds of things is more of a privilege than anything,” Moore said. “It’s a great opportunity to come out and give something back. I love college and high school football and being able to come out to these events is an honor and I love what I do.”

Opinion

Draft could be solution to self discipline problem

November 21, 2006

South Carolinians are just like all Americans. They have their own beliefs and are not reluctant to tell you what they are. Just look at the continuing public debate about a proposed bond issue by Greenwood School District 50.
The interest in that particular issue has created a controversy in the community that obviously will not go away.
Still, there are other issues that create emotional strife, as well as some that linger as solutions to fundamental problems defy corrections.
Consider discipline, for example. If there is one thing that many South Carolinians consider a catalyst for a lot of societal problems these days, in Greenwood and every other city in the United States, it’s a lack of discipline.

THAT SUBJECT HAS BEEN analyzed by all kinds of “experts,” but no matter how much it is studied, the problem continues and solutions apparently are hard to find.
One of the basic questions is how overall discipline, whether in schools, politics or anything else, is affected by another kind of discipline: self discipline.
Self discipline, of course, is a determining factor in everything we do. Without it we might stay in bed all day, never go to work, or we just might not function in ways that make our lives positive.
With that in mind, wouldn’t it make sense to create a means that helps build self discipline? There has been a proposal that just might provide a solution to the discipline question even though it has been proposed for another reason.

REP CHARLES RANGEL, D-N. Y., who will become chairman of the powerful House Ways and Means Committee when Democrats take over in the new year, says he will introduce a bill that would require Americans to sign up for a new military draft after turning 18 years old. Rangel sees this as a way to stop politicians from launching wars. His idea is, to be sure, more of a criticism of President Bush. The plan may not go anywhere but it could have a positive if unintended benefit.
Having to serve a term in the military - maybe six months - could be just the thing needed to help individuals develop self discipline. The structured living and training could do everything that a slack society and self-absorbed parents fail to do.
It’s sure to stir opposition. Nevertheless, lack of discipline needs attention. Is there a better way to address that than through mandatory military service?