First steps toward drug-free lives

Brewer students unite to kick off Red Ribbon Week

October 22, 2006

By BOBBY HARRELL
Index-Journal staff writer

Jim Ervin got up before 9 a.m. Saturday to walk with his son Kendall.
Ervin said he could have been golfing then, but supporting Kendall, a seventh-grader at Brewer Middle School, in the Walk Away from Drugs was something too important to pass up.
This year’s walk took about 100 Brewer students, teachers, parents and community members on a 3.5-mile stroll from the old Winn-Dixie near Wal-Mart on S.C. 72 to the Greenwood County Courthouse.
Brewer organized its first walk last year, which began at the courthouse and ended at the old Winn-Dixie.
The walk kicks off Red Ribbon Week, a national celebration of drug prevention across American schools, said Heather Harbin, Parent Teacher Student Organization president at Brewer.
The week also raises awareness about alcohol, tobacco and other substances, said Margaret Wilson, walk coordinator. Ervin said it was Kendall’s idea to take the walk.
Hopefully, seeing other kids from his school walking will encourage Kendall to leave drugs alone.
Brewer’s step team and cheerleaders performed at the courthouse after the walk. Greenwood Mayor Floyd Nicholson also participated in the walk. He has proclaimed Oct. 23-31 Red Ribbon Week in Greenwood.
Nicholson encouraged residents to help cut substance abuse out of the area during the week.
Community Initiatives Inc. provided walk participants with free T-shirts.
Ann Crawley, community/marketing coordinator for ACORE/CORA, talked to the students at the courthouse about three Greenwood High School students reportedly caught intoxicated on campus Friday. She said the students’ parents could have spent less money preventing their drinking than having to get them into treatment.
Students also saw an example of what could happen to them if they start abusing drugs, alcohol or other substances.
Tommy Jinard of Cornerstone, Greenwood’s substance abuse treatment center, told the children he hopes they make the right choices in their lives.
Jinard is a recovering alcoholic whose parents split up when he was 7, leaving him to take care of his 3-year-old sister.
He said the stress of acting as a parent at an early age influenced his alcoholism.
Jinard’s alcoholism may have been hereditary; his father was an alcoholic, too.
“I never started out to be an alcoholic,” he said.
Elaine Griffin’s daughter Trionne, an eighth-grader at Brewer, and her granddaughter, Rilaya Pope, took part in the walk. A drug-free walk helps her talk to her daughter about how to avoid drugs, she said.
Griffin said the walk was a good way for the community to show its support for the prevention of substance abuse.

Abbeville candidate sees rise in crime

Darrell Smith says border with Anderson could be problem

October 22, 2006

By JOSEPH BUTLER
Index-Journal intern

A challenger for the Abbe­ville County District 1 council seat agrees with the incumbent when it comes to the area’s criminal activity.
Darrell Smith, who’s facing incumbent Earnest R. Gunnells, said he also sees a rise in crimes in his area — especially those involving drugs.
Gunnells told The Index-Journal this week that the methamphetamine problem in District 1 on the county’s northeastern end is growing. Local citizens are very concerned about numerous thefts around the county, and the border with Anderson County could be part of the problem, he said.
“I agree that drugs are rampant in our part of the county (District 1),” Smith said. “I believe that it is on the rise.”
Both men point to a deputy shortage as a possible reason for the perceived rise in crime.
Sheriff Charles Goodwin, however, in a Thursday story, argued that crime in District 1 is on the decline, adding the area is staffed 24 hours a day by deputies despite his department’s manpower shortage.
He did not return calls seeking comment for this story.
Smith, like his opponent, thinks a lot of the drug problem stems from neighboring Anderson County. Ironically, he theorizes that Anderson County’s ample deputy staffing is driving the dealers into Abbeville County.
One law official said the rise in activity indeed could be from criminals taking advantage of Abbeville’s shortage of deputies. Capt. Roy Stuart, of the Anderson County Sheriff Department, also said the county’s geographical location could be a factor.
It is close to Georgia and stolen goods could be taken out of state where they would not draw the attention of local authorities, Stuart said.
And with only two or three deputies on third shift, it would be easy to keep track of where they are. It would even be possible to keep the deputies occupied in one part of the county by causing a disturbance, while engaging in criminal activity in another, the official said.
Stuart said he has seen that scenario before. Stuart said the sheriff’s department has prevented that from happening in Anderson County by stepping up road patrols on all shifts.
Anderson County is very aggressive when it comes to drug activity, he said.
“And by adding more road patrols, we have seen our crime statistics come down,” he said.
Stuart said Goodwin is doing a good job in Abbeville, but he needs more deputies.
Support from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division also has been used in Anderson to combat drugs, Stuart said. SLED officers have flown over the county to spot marijuana fields. They do a great job, but Anderson now has its own aircraft that they use for that purpose, he said.
Mary Perry, SLED spokeswoman, said the agency provides the fly-over service to any county in South Carolina for free. In the past two years Greenwood has used the service three times and McCormick has used it once, but Abbeville has not requested it.

New-look Bearcats gear up for season

October 22, 2006

By CHRIS TRAINOR
Index-Journal sports writer

There perhaps has never been a basketball coach more eager to open a new season and put the previous one behind him than Lander’s Kevin Pederson.
Pederson is entering his second year at Lander after an extremely successful stint at Anderson University that yielded several NCAA tournament appearances.
The Lady Bearcats struggled mightily in 2005-06, however, as Pederson inherited a program whose cupboard was practically bare.
The Lady Bearcats played a large part of the season with only seven players on the roster, and walk-ons were added late in the year just to fill out the ranks.
The situation has changed dramatically for the Lander women’s program.
Pederson and assistant coach Russ Gregg hit the recruiting trails voraciously and came up with one of the top Division II recruiting classes in the nation. They signed five freshman recruits and two high-profile transfers in Anderson’s LaShonda Chiles and Wake Forest’s Tiara Good.
“The difference should be like night and day,” Pederson said, referring to the results from last year and what he expects this year. “We now have some players here that will allow us to play the way we want to play.”
The Lady Bearcats opened practice Oct. 15, the official opening day for NCAA Division II teams.
Pederson said his squad’s effort has been a little hit-and-miss so far.
“Well, we came out and had one bad day of practice and one good day,” Pederson said. “I had an aggressive plan for these girls for the first day, and it turned out to be a little too aggressive. We bounced back the next day, though.” Only two players return who saw significant playing time last season: seniors Bryony Crouch and Tara Nyikavaranda.
Both of those players are currently sidelined with injuries. Nyikavaranda is recovering from an offseason knee surgery, while Crouch suffered a high ankle sprain in preseason conditioning.
Both are expected to return and contribute this season.
The opening of practice also marked the debut of one particularly notable new recruit: Anderson University transfer and former Greenwood High star Chiles.
Chiles, who left Anderson after becoming its all-time leading scorer in just three seasons, is expected to give the Lady Bearcats a big boost right away.
There is one other Lakelands player on Lander’s roster. Calhoun Falls native Keyattah “Ki-Key” Norman will be suiting up for the Lady Bearcats after playing her high school season at Oak Hill Academy in Virginia.
Pederson said much work remains to get his young squad ready for the rugged Peach Belt conference schedule.
“Some of the more experienced players – Bryony, Tara, LaShonda, Tiara – they know what’s ahead,” Pederson said. “But the freshmen have no clue about the kind of size, speed and strength they will see in the Peach Belt. But we’ll make sure they know, I can assure you.”

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

Opinion

Sanford, Moore symbolize S.C. political differences

October 22, 2006

Voters always have a choice. Still, this year’s race for governor is different.
Of course candidates have different views and represent different political parties and persuasions. Seldom, though, are voters presented with candidates that symbolize such dramatic differences as they have this year in the gubernatorial race.
Gov. Mark Sanford, Republican incumbent, is seeking his second term. His Democratic challenger is State Sen. Tommy Moore. The fact they are both running for the same office may be the only thing they have in common. Their philosophical differences and political backgrounds are so great the voters will indeed have a real choice.
In Sanford, voters have a governor who has stepped on a few toes in the Statehouse in Columbia.

HE RAN THE FIRST TIME ON a strong message for change in government and the voters bought that message. Sanford has perhaps worked harder to change the culture of politics in South Carolina than anyone before him. He also has been a “spend less and tax less” advocate.
Under the circumstances, it’s not surprising that he has run into opposition from powerful lawmakers in a state where the Legislature has historically been the power.
Moore, the senator for Aiken, Edgefield, McCormick and Saluda Counties, has been a lawmaker for a long time. He served in the House in 1979-1980, and has since been in the Senate.
He has been part of the majority party and part of the minority party. Most of all, he has state legislative experience that Sanford lacks, although Sanford did serve in Congress before he was elected governor.
As a state lawmaker, Moore is seen as the insider running against a governor who is arguably an outsider in the general scheme of state government, past and present.

THAT COMBINATION OFFERS voters a distinct choice they haven’t always had in this state. Will they like what Sanford has been trying to accomplish in his four years in office, which he maintains is support for those who elected him. Will they agree with him that government needs changing for the better? Or will they opt for Senator Moore, who is among those who say Sanford divides people instead of bringing them together ..... that he has been at odds too often with the Legislature and therefore is ineffective?
Sanford has worked to keep promises he made in the last election. Moore says he’s the one to bridge the differences that Sanford opponents say he has created between his office and the lawmakers?
Sanford is against the status quo. Moore is part of it. Past or present? Anyway you look at it, voters have that choice.

Obituaries

Clifford ‘Boot’ Dean

Clifford “Boot” Dean, 52, of 140 B Circular Ave., husband of Ruth Ann Curry Dean, died Oct. 17, 2006 at his home.
Born in Greenwood County, he was the son of Katie Mae Dean Williams and the late Willie P. Roundtree. He was formerly employed by Greenwood Packing Plant.
Survivors include his mother and step-father, both of the home; his wife of Atlanta, Ga.; six brothers, James Thomas (Alice) McKee, Guy William (Patricia) McKee, Eddie James (Tracey) McKee, Scotty Charles (Kathryn) McKee, Clyde Daniel McKee, Christopher Lee Jackson, all of Greenwood; a sister, Annie Bell (Marvin) Childs of Greenwood.
Services are Tuesday 2 p.m. at Robinson & Son Mortuary, Inc. Chapel, conducted by Rev. Paul Jennings and Rev. Charles Lewis assisting. Burial is in the Ninety-Six Community Cemetery.
The family will receive friends Monday 7-8 at Robinson & Son Mortuary, Inc.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at robson@nctv.com.
Robinson & Son Mortuary, Inc. is assisting the Dean family.

Jessie Kelley Dove

Jessie Kelley Dove , 96 widow of Thomas V. Dove Sr, of 503 Dukes Ave, Greenwood died Saturday October 21, 2006 at Magnolia Manor.
Born in Tomassee S.C. she was a daughter of the late Joe and Lila Grant Kelley. She was retired from Greenwood Mills and was a member of the Greenwood Mills Mothers Club. She was a member of West Side Baptist Church.
Surviving are two sons Thomas V. Dove Jr. and Joseph Harold Dove, both of Greenwood; one sister, Ovaline Crow of Tomassee S.C. and one brother, Ralph Kelley of Belton S.C.; five grandchildren, Cheryl Cannon, Tina Barker, Teresa Hodges all of Jacksonville Fl. and Victor Smith of Charlotte N.C., Thomas V. Dove III of Greenville.
Services are 2 pm Monday at the Harley Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Bennie L. Ridlhoover officiating and burial in Greenwood Memorial Gardens.
Pallbearers are Ray Whitt, Thomas Dove III, and Victor Smith.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday night at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to Hospicecare of the Piedmont 408 West Alexander Ave Greenwood 29646 or to West Side Baptist Church P.O. box 216 Greenwood S.C. 29648.
The family is at the home of Thomas V. Dove Jr., 94 Bobwhite Dr. Waterloo S.C. 29384.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.harleyfuneralhome.com.

Daniel Fullard

Daniel Fullard, 77, widower of Merlene Fullard, departed this life on October 19, 2006 at his home.
He was born on July 19, 1929 in Clarendon County, SC, the son of the late Henry Joseph Fullard and Estelle Butler Fullard.
He was a member of Tabernacle Baptist Church where he joined in September 8, 1963. He worked diligently for many years including serving as Financial Secretary/treasurer. He was later ordained Deacon and later appointed Chairman of the Deacon Board. After moving his membership to Mt. Tabor Baptist Church, he continued to serve the Lord as a Deacon. He received his early education from the public schools of Clarendon County. He received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Education in 1960 from Benedict College and subsequently a Master’s Degree in Education from Clemson University in 1981. He also studied at Indiana State University. He served on the faculty at Brewer and Greenwood High School. During his tenure at GHS, he served as Commercial Dept. Head. He served Greenwood District 50 until his retirement in 1984. He served his country in the US Army until he was honorably discharged in January, 1954. He became an active member of the American Legion Post 244 where he received the Henry Watson Service Award. He was also a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity and was known for his many articles as a guest writer of the Index Journal Editorial Column.
He leaves to cherish his memory two sons, Nathaniel Fullard of the home, Samuel Fullard of Ware Shoals, one daughter, Gwendolyn Fullard of the home; two sisters, Janie Fullard of Olanta, SC, Christine McFadden of Lake City, SC; a brother, Rev. Joseph Fullard of Scranton, SC and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 2:00 at Mt. Tabor Baptist Church with Rev. Ulysses Parks officiating, assisted by Rev. Alphonso Counts. The body will be placed in the church at 12 noon.
Pallbearers will be Deacons and Trustees of Mt. Tabor Baptist Church and flower bearers will be Deaconess of Mt. Tabor Baptist Church and the Auxiliary of American Legion Post 224. Honorary Escort are American Legion post 224. The family will receive friends from 7-8 p.m. Monday evening at the funeral home.
The family is at the home, 116 Russell St.
Percival-Tompkins Funeral Home is in charge.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at pertompfh1@earthlink.net.

Jimmie Harris

CALHOUN FALLS — Jimmie “Jim” Hester Harris, 53, of 1554 Latimer Road, husband of Nina Lee Harris, died Wednesday, October 18, 2006 at his home.
Born in Abbeville County to Mrs. Lula Harris and the late Guy “Buster” Harris, he was a member of Brown-Oh A.M.E. Church. He was employed at West Point Home. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Trany Mae and Cealy Harris and two brothers, George and Joshua Harris, all of Calhoun Falls.
Survivors include his wife of the home; two daughters, Jimetria and Amanda Harris; a grandson, Demetrius Harris of the home; his mother, Lula Harris; a sister, Nina Harris, both of Calhoun Falls and two brothers, Charlie Harris of Calhoun Falls and Waymon Harris of High Point, NC.
Services are 1 p.m. Monday, Oct. 23, 2006 at Glovers A.M.E. Church, Calhoun Falls officiated by Pastor Ronnie Young, Rev. Larry Merrill, Pastor John Williams, and Pastor Thelma Kelly.
The body will be placed in the church at 12 noon. Interment is at Brown-Oh A.M.E. Church cemetery.
Viewing will be Sunday, Oct. 22 at Abbeville & White Mortuary, Inc. from 1-8 p.m.
The family is at the home.
Online condolences may be sent to awmort@wctel.net.
Abbeville & White Mortuary, Inc. is in charge of arrangements.

Thelma Herd

Thelma Isom Herd, 85, of Heardmont Nursing Home, Elberton, Ga., died Saturday, October 21, 2006, at Elbert Memorial Hospital.
The family is at the home of a son, Joseph Herd Jr., 821 Carter Road, Ninety-Six.
Friendly Funeral Home, Calhoun Falls is in charge.

Virginia Wallace

Virginia Camp Wallace, 84, resident of 321 Gatewood Drive, widow of Brig. Gen. John Braxton Wallace, USAF (Retired), died October 4, 2006 in Albuquerque, NM.
Born in Greenwood, November 4, 1921, she was a daughter of the late Clinton Henry and Elizabeth Bailey Mars Camp. She was a graduate of Greenwood High School and attended Lander College. Virginia’s life was focused around her family and friends who, in her eyes, could never do wrong. Along with her caring, giving and compassionate ways, she was also as glamorous outwardly.
Being the perfect commander’s wife, Virginia entertained Governors, Mayors, Chiefs of Staff, Tycoons, Historical Figures and countless other military and civilian notables. Entertaining family and friends in their home was Virginia and Jack’s greatest delight. Being a devoted wife for 65 years, she was at Jack’s side throughout his military career and retirement. Hating every single airplane ride required by their military duties, she continued her loyalty and support throughout assignments around the world.
She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Greenwood.
Surviving are a daughter, Ginnie W. and husband Tom Silva of Albuquerque, NM; and a son, Braxton and wife Sherree Wallace of Atlanta, GA; a sister, Mary C. McQueston of Weston, MA; grandchildren, Wendy Cook, Tracy Chardon, Taylor Wallace and Brooke Wallace; four great- grandchildren.
She was predeceased by a daughter, Linda Wallace Riddle; a sister, Peggy Camp; and a brother, Clinton Camp.
Graveside services will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday in Bethlehem Cemetery at Coronaca with Rev. G. Thomas Cartledge officiating.
The body is at Blyth Funeral Home.
The family will receive friends at the home in Gatewood immediately following the graveside service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Ambercare Hospice of Albuquerque, 2129 Osuna Road NE, Albuquerque, NM, 87113.
For additional information and online condolences please visit www.blythfuneralhome.com.
Blyth Funeral Home & Cremation Services is assisting the Wallace Family.