A stellar day on the golf course
delivers big check to Greenwood

September 20, 2006

By MEGAN VARNER
Index-Journal senior staff writer

A good game of golf has secured more than just bragging rights for Partnership Alliance CEO Jeff Fowler and Anderson Metals President and CEO Keith Anderson.
The pair’s low score captured first place in the BMW Economic Development Challenge golf tournament in April of this year at The Cliffs, bringing in $11,250 for Greenwood County. The inaugural, one-day economic development challenge event was part of the larger four-day BMW Charity Pro-Am event.
The Upstate Alliance partnered with BMW and South Carolina Charities Inc. to organize the economic development challenge in the charity event, which is used to showcase the pro-business environment and the high quality of life available in the Upstate area, said Jody Bryson, vice president of investor and public relations for the Upstate Alliance.
Upstate Alliance and BMW representatives presented the check Tuesday to Greenwood County Manager Jim Kier and Greenwood County Council Chairman Robbie Templeton during an Upstate Alliance luncheon at Self Regional Medical Center in Greenwood.
“It’s a great recognition,” Kier said.
Bryson said the money is designated for product development in Greenwood County.
“It can be used for anything related to making Greenwood County more competitive in attracting new business and industry,” Bryson added.
Kier said the county would work with the alliance to identify areas where the money will be used, though no specifics on those areas have been determined yet.
Second place in the event went to Union County, with a prize of $7,875, and the City of Greenville took third place, with a prize of $3,375. Bryson said 24 teams competed in this year’s economic development challenge, and more teams are expected to participate in next year’s event.
“That will make the pot (which is used for prize money) even larger,” Bryson said.
Bryson said it was “gratifying” for the Upstate Alliance to use events such as the golf tournament to help economic development groups in its service region, which is comprised of 10 counties, including Greenwood, Abbeville and Laurens counties, and four cities.
“That was one reason why the Upstate Alliance was created, not just to market the region globally, but to serve its economic organizations and help them be more competitive as they attempt to bring new industry and jobs into the area,” Bryson said. “(The Economic Development Challenge) is one way to leverage our partnerships and resources, as well as entertain key customers and clients.”
Bryson said the Upstate Alliance had its mid-year meeting in August and is now meeting with local business, community and governmental leaders in each of its partner counties and cities to share current and new information about the organization.
Bryson said Tuesday’s luncheon at Self Regional Medical Center gave the organization an opportunity to greet and thank members of the Greenwood community for being partners in the alliance.

County extends encroachment registration

September 20, 2006

By MEGAN VARNER
Index-Journal senior staff writer

There is good news for some Lake Greenwood property owners who have yet to register their lake encroachments with the county.
County Council on Tuesday voted to extend the registration deadline for some encroachments until Nov. 1 without a penalty.
County attorney Chuck Watson said the county has had “good success” so far with the registration process, adding that about 75 percent of property owners have registered. Watson said officials have learned that some people did not get their encroachment registration forms through the mail, or simply forgot to fill out the forms and return them to the county. He said some property owners have not been able to register encroachments because of family circumstances that have caused them to be late.
“For those people, the resolution will allow us to accept the encroachment registrations late without any penalties,” Watson told council. “We also have some people who have simply refused to execute the registration. For those people, the resolution allows them to file by November 1, with only a $250 penalty or fine.”
Watson said the penalty-free extension is limited to property owners who made a “good faith effort” to comply with the registration process.
“For the people who refused, this is the first step in the enforcement process. If they choose not to register by November 1, we will take subsequent steps in the process,” he said. “We feel that, if the enforcement were graduated in steps, we might be able to obtain voluntary compliance without having to go to extremes.”
Watson said Greenwood County Manager Jim Kier has the authority to waive any penalty for those property owners who can show they were willing to comply with the registration regulations.
Though council passed the resolution, two council members, John D. Compton III and Bob Jennings Jr., voted against the resolution. “It’s not because I’m unsympathetic to those who have a good reason (for being late on encroachment registration), but I think there ought to be a bright line on enforcement, and if there is going to be an extension for one, there ought to be an extension for all,” Compton said to council. “I don’t see fining people until we have maximum voluntary compliance, and then we start enforcing it on everybody, equally.”
Jennings concurred with Compton’s opinion.
During their meeting Tuesday, council also:
* Adjusted millage rates based upon the 2006-07 budget, which was set in June. County Manager Jim Kier said council voted to reduce bond indebtedness by about 3 1/2 mills, or about $500,000, from the original millage rate passed in June. Council also had a special public hearing before increasing the millage rate for the county operating budget for the 2006-07 fiscal year by 5 mills, which makes it exceed the average consumer price index, Watson said. Watson said council has not raised taxes in 12 years, but because of some expenditures, council is having to have a slight tax increase.
“Normally, you would raise your taxes at the consumer price index each year, but because (council) has been holding taxes down, this year the (millage rate) will exceed the consumer price index,” which is about 3.2 - 3.4, Watson said.
* Denied on first reading an ordinance to rezone about 3.22 acres of property located at 304 Old Abbeville Highway from R-5 (multi-family residential) to C-2 (general commercial).
* Gave first reading on an ordinance to rezone property on the western side of Montague Avenue Extension, just north of the intersection of Deadfall Road and Highway 25 North, from R-1 (single family residential) to C-2 (general commercial). The original rezoning request was for five properties at the location, totaling 4.88 acres, but council members amended the ordinance to exclude all but one of the properties, 2503 Montague Avenue Ext., which was the property on the corner of Montague Avenue Extension and Deadfall Road.
* Gave first reading on an ordinance to rezone about 1.65 acres located at 103 Smith Street from RDD (rural development) to C-2 (general commercial). A second reading is scheduled for Oct. 3, with a third reading and public hearing scheduled for Oct. 17.
* Conveyed a portion of Genesis Circle back to a developer so that the developer can close a portion of the road and deed it to an economic development prospect.
*Granted an easement to Duke Power to extend a power line across property located on Island Ford Road.
* Gave first reading on an ordinance to allow Greenwood Metropolitan District to issue up to $3.5 million of general obligation bonds to finance the cost of sewer line extensions and upgrades.
* Heard a report from the Upstate Alliance on the marketing efforts put forth by the group in 2006. Council members were given an overview of county-by-county public- and private-sector investments with the group as well as a look at some of the projects and leads made by the Upstate Alliance while attending numerous trade shows around the world. * Read a proclamation celebrating The Palmetto Bank’s 100th anniversary.
* Denied a request to amend Greenwood County zoning ordinances regarding size restrictions on accessory buildings and structures.

F. Herbert Brown

WESTMINSTER — Fred Herbert Brown, 86 of 503 Mimosa Rd., passed away Monday, September 18, 2006 at Oconee Memorial Hospital.
Born in Westminster, SC on October 14, 1919, he was the son of the late Dr. Rufus Freeman and Ethel Melissa Still Brown. Mr. Brown was a graduate of Westminster High School and Draughans Business College in Greenville. He retired from the administrative office of the Milliken Company in Spartanburg in 1982 and was formerly employed by the LeTourneau Company of Georgia. At an early age he joined the Westminster United Methodist Church where he served as a member of the Official Board, as trustee and as secretary of the Sunday School for several years. In 1984 he was a founding member of the Oconee Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church and served as the financial secretary for fourteen years as well as the building and steering committees. At his death he was a loyal member of the Westminster United Methodist Church. He is remembered by his family and friends for his love, kindness and generosity and his deep Christian faith.
Surviving is brother Charles Brown and wife Holly of Greenwood, sisters Mrs. R.H. (Harriet) Hydrick of Greenville and Miss Ruth Brown of the home, nephews Richard H. Hydrick, Jr. and wife Sandra of Nashville, TN, Michael F. Brown and wife Leigh Ann of Chapin, SC, nieces Melissa H. Sage and husband Bob of Charlotte, NC and Kate B. Plowden and husband Stewart of Greenwood and six great nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, a brother Rufus Frank Brown precedes him in death.
Funeral services will be held 2:30 PM, Friday, September 22, 2006 from the Chapel of Sandifer Funeral Home in Westminster with the Rev. Edward Mainous and Dr. Wilbur J. Mahony officiating. Burial will follow in the First Baptist Church Cemetery.
Friends will be received Friday prior to the service 1:20-2:30 PM at the funeral home. The family is at the residence. Flowers are accepted or memorials may be made to Westminster United Methodist Church, 925 E Main St., Westminster, SC 29693 or Epworth Children’s Home, PO Box 50466, Columbia, SC 29250. A message of condolence may be written to the family by visiting www.sandiferfuneralhome.com.
SANDIFER FUNERAL HOME, WESTMINSTER IS ASSISTING THE FAMILY.

Lorriane Edwards

ABBEVILLE — Lorriane Edwards, 90, widow of Jack Edwards, Sr., died Sept. 19, 2006 at the home of her daughter, 311 Lakeshore Dr., Greenwood, SC.
Born in Hartwell, GA she was a daughter of the late James Hiriam and Nancy Jane Foster Minor.
Survivors are: 2 daughters Betty Ashley of Abbeville, SC and Myra Williamson of Greenwood, 1 son Jack Edwards, Jr. of Hammong, LA, 14 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be conducted Friday Sept. 22, 2006 at 2:00 at Chandler-Jackson Funeral Home. The burial will follow in Forest Lawn Memory Gardens.
Visitation will be Friday from 12:30 until 1:30 at the funeral home prior to services.
Memorials to Hospice of the Piedmont, 408 W. Alexander Ave., Greenwood, SC 29646.
Online condolences may be made at www.chandlerjacksonfh.com.
The Chandler-Jackson Funeral Home is in charge.

John Thomas Ferguson

ABBEVILLE — John Thomas “Tom” Ferguson, 83, resident of 223 Main St., Due West, SC died Tuesday Sept. 19, 2006 at Hospice of the Upstate in Anderson, SC.
Born in Abbeville, SC he was a son of the late Charlie and Corrie Evans Ferguson.
He was a US Marine Corp. veteran of World War II. He was a retired employee of E-Systems of Greenville in Airplane Maintenance. He was also a member of the Due West ARP Church.
Survivors are: a brother B. Harold Ferguson of Mountain Home, TN, 3 sisters Mable E. Ferguson of Savannah, GA, Betty S. Scearce of Chandler, AZ and Barbara LaBrecque of Rumson, NJ, a special nephew Tim Ferguson of North Augusta, SC, nieces Yvonne Deane of Manaquan, NJ, Amanda Stevens, Fair Haven, NJ and Susan Ellis of Phoenix, AZ and Leslie Bumgardner of Lexington, SC, nephews Phil Scearce of New Smyrna Beach, FL, Mike Ferguson of Charleston, SC, Johnny Ferguson, Aiken, SC and Thomas Ferguson of Greer, SC.
Graveside services will be conducted Thursday morning Sept. 21, 2006 at 10:00 AM in Little Mountain Presbyterian Church Cemetery, with the Rev. Calvin Draffin officiating with Military rites.
The body is at The Chandler-Jackson Funeral Home Home, Abbeville, SC.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Upstate, 1835 Rogers Rd. Anderson, SC 29621 or Due West ARP Church, 112 N. Main St., Due West, SC 29639.
Online condolences may be sent to the Ferguson family by visiting www.chandlerjacksonfh.com.
THE CHANDLER-JACKSON FUNERAL HOME, ABBEVILLE, SC IS IN CHARGE OF ARRANGEMENTS.

Matthew Lesley

SUMMERTON — Matthew Christopher Lesley, 28, of 1465 Moss Dingle Road, died Sunday, Sept. 17, 2006 in Sumter.
Blyth Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Greenwood, is in charge.

Gene Porter

Gene Porter, of 107 Devon Court, Wellington Green, husband of Phyllis Porter, died Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2006 at his home.
Services will be announced by Harley Funeral Home and Crematory.

CORRECTION

In the obituary for Ashton Lee Turner in Tuesday’s paper, a relative was inadvertently omitted from information given to the funeral home. Also surviving is a great-grandmother, Frances Howington, of Ninety Six.

Bearcats shut out another opponent

September 20, 2006

By RENALDO STOVER
Index-Journal sports writer

The No. 19 Lander men’s soccer team went from hanging on to a one-goal first-half lead Tuesday to controlling its game against the Anderson Trojans (2-5-0) thanks to three second-half goals, including a shot from almost 40 yards out by Adam Arthur to give the Bearcats (6-1-0) their third shutout victory of the season, 4-0.
It was a solid win for the Bearcats, who fell 15 spots in the NSCAA/Adidas poll after suffering their first loss of the season Saturday against USC Upstate.
“It was a good result for us coming off a tough loss on the weekend. It was a good chance to regroup and get organized,” Bearcats coach Van Taylor said.
The Trojans worked themselves into scoring position early in the game, but a shot by Jordan Kelly just missed, hitting the crossbar. The Bearcats’ Clarke McCarthy, who started in place of suspended goalkeeper Garrett Daum, was strong in the net, finishing the game with three saves.
The Bearcats defense stifled the Trojans for most of the game, helping to keep pressure off McCarthy. The Trojans had another scoring opportunity squashed when the Bearcats’ Ife Nnadi deflected a shot that was straight on goal.
“I’m really happy for Clarke McCarthy,” Taylor said. “He just did a marvelous job, and I’m real happy with his performance tonight.”
The Bearcats scored their first goal with 9:33 remaining in the first half on a shot by Nick Cooke after getting an assist from Martyn Bell for a 1-0 lead. Lander had an opportunity to add to their lead in the opening period but Cooke missed on a free kick at the 42:27 mark.
The second half was all Bearcats as they continued to add to their lead.
Ivan Stoykov literally kicked things off for the Bearcats as he was able to get behind the Trojans’ goalkeeper to give Lander a 2-0 lead.
Bearcats’ freshman Adam Arthur provided the third goal of the night on a penalty kick at the 85:09 mark. Moments later, Arthur struck again lofting a shot over the goalkeepers head to give the Bearcats’ their final lead 4-0.
“I think the main thing is, we created tonight, we attacked and we got goals and I think we need to continue to do that,” Taylor said. “Defensively, another clean sheet, another shutout, and I’m as pleased with that as much as the goals.”

Lander baseball swings into first practice of season

September 20, 2006

By RENALDO STOVER
Index-Journal sports writer

The Lander University baseball team had its first practice Tuesday afternoon under the watchful eye of first-year coach Chris Moore.
The former Western Carolina standout spent the 2005-06 season as an assistant under former coach Bill Jarman. Moore has a positive outlook about his job as coach and said he feels good about the Bearcats, who finished 31-22 last season. “I feel like it is a great opportunity,” Moore said. “I just feel fortunate to be here and I’m going to give it my all and do the best job I can.
Moore has the benefit of being familiar with the players after having a full season to work with them in practice.
“We look very strong right now in the outfield and on the mound we’ll be solid, which in the Peach Belt, you have to be,” Moore said. “Catching we’ll be fine but our infield right now we’re very thin and we’ll have to work some things out there but overall I expect this team to compete and have a chance to make it to the conference tournament.”
Two players Moore mentioned who he expects to contribute to the Bearcats’ efforts this season are sophomore Jesse Barbaro and senior Chris Munn.
Barbaro, who enjoyed a stellar freshman season, started in all 52 games for Lander and led the Bearcats in four offensive categories. Moore said he expects big things from Barbaro, who he says had a solid summer while playing in the Coastal Plain League.
Munn, who was named to the All-South Atlantic Region team along with Barbaro, returns to the mound for his senior season. Munn was solid last year, posting a 10-3 overall record and a 2.53 ERA.
“We’re basically returning all of our weekend pitchers and there are some other guys that have come in that will compete for weekend rotation time,” Moore said. “It’s a big asset to have all of your weekend guys back in some capacity.”
The Bearcats’ also have an asset in a coach and former Southern Conference Player of the Year winner, who has played the game at different levels and understands what it takes to be successful. Moore said that although he tries to ingrain in his players the importance of practice, it doesn’t stop there.
“The time you put in by yourself, from my experience playing and what I did on a daily basis,” Moore said. “That extra time pays off, I think, more in the long run more than the time you’re required to be out here.”