The heat is on

A/Cs are cranking up as S.C. sizzles in triple-digit temps

August 9, 2007

By KENNY MAPLE
Index-Journal staff writer

On Wednesday afternoon, four Lander University soccer players from England tossed an American football back and forth, trying to stay cool in the college’s outdoor pool on West Sproles Avenue.
With the mercury soaring into triple digits, the athletes said practice times have been moved to the very early morning or the late evening hours.
Wednesday’s Greenwood-area high ranged from a sweltering 102 to a sizzling 105 — depending on which weather service you checked. It was the second straight day over the century mark for the Lakelands.
“It’s terrible,” Lander sophomore Jamie Ramm said. “You have to try and get as many fluids as possible. It’s still unbearable, though. “Hopefully it will cool down, and we can get some practice time in.”
That cooldown won’t come until at least the weekend, forecasters say.
The National Weather Service expects highs in the 100s through Sunday, before temperatures fall to the low to mid-90s before rising again late next week.
Some local businesses are actually benefiting from the heat wave.
“It has gone up a little bit,” said Kim Tyler, service manager for Mathis plumbing, about air-conditioning unit replacements. “We’re starting to see more change-outs.”
She said that as the temperature climbed in July, Mathis saw some action, but with the heat soaring this month, the company is getting more calls for replacements.
The same increases can be found with swimming pools at Buck Stove Pool and Spa.
Salesman Mike Velez said pool installations started going up at the beginning of last month and really haven’t slowed down.
“We’re keeping the guys busy,” Velez said.
Phone calls to Self Regional Healthcare seeking information on heat-related illnesses were not returned.
Across the state, temperatures broke records and residents were advised to stay in air-conditioned buildings.
It has never been hotter at the Greenville airport, which recorded a high of 104 degrees. It broke the record for Aug. 8 by 6 degrees, was the hottest temperature ever recorded in August and tied the all-time highest reading, previously reached in 1952, 1954 and 1999, said Neil Dixon, NWS meteorologist.
Florence reached 106 degrees, not far behind the highest temperature ever recorded in South Carolina of 111 degrees, set in Camden in 1954 and in Blackville and Calhoun Falls in 1925. The previous record high for the date was 102 in 1999.
Columbia, which is typically the hottest city in the state due to its sandy soil, low elevation and distance from the ocean, climbed to 105 degrees, breaking the previous daily record of 102 set in 1900, forecasters said. Columbia has recorded highs of 100 or above for four days in a row.
Excessive-heat warnings were issued for most of the state. The warnings are a step up from a heat advisory, though the precautions remain largely the same.
Residents were advised to stay indoors in the air conditioning, but if they must be outside, they should drink lots of water and wear light-colored clothing.
Utility companies are urging residents to conserve energy to save on their power bills and ensure an adequate supply.
“We are seeing record demands to go with these record-high temperatures,” said Duke Energy spokeswoman Marilyn Lineberger.
The company’s new usage peak for this summer was set at 4 p.m. Tuesday, which neared the all-time one-hour peak set at 5 p.m. July 27, 2005, she said. She advised residents to bump up their thermostat a couple of degrees, close blinds on their home’s sunny side and run appliances in the early morning or evening.
A CPW employee working on Stanley Avenue near Lander University early Wednesday evening said Greenwood residents within “a two-mile radius” of Lander had briefly lost power. The worker said grid overload might have affected a circuit. Power was restored by 7 p.m.
South Carolina Electric & Gas also set a new record for power use at 3 p.m. Wednesday, breaking its record, also set July 27, 2005.

Managing editor R. Shawn Lewis and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Brothers charged with threatening couple

Reports: Man brandishes knife, runs away from sheriff’s deputies

August 9, 2007

By CHRIS TRAINOR
Index-Journal staff writer

HODGES — A pair of brothers from Laurens were arrested after they reportedly threatened to kill a Hodges couple, with one of the brothers allegedly resisting arrest.
Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office arrested Jason Miron Applewhite, 22, of 412 Lake Road, Laurens, and charged him with assault with intent to kill and resisting arrest.
GCSO also arrested Kevin Dale Applewhite, 17, also of 412 Lake Road, Laurens, and charged him with assault.
According to sheriff’s office reports, the female victim said she and her husband were outside working in the yard Saturday evening when they saw Jason Applewhite in a yard at a home across the street.
The woman said her husband had loaned Jason Applewhite $50 and walked across the street to see if he could be repaid.
The wife said when her husband went over and asked Jason about the money, Jason reportedly said, “I’m not paying you anything, you (expletive deleted) Mexican.”
Jason then allegedly ordered the husband out of the yard.
After Jason and Kevin Applewhite, along with Jason’s girlfriend and a small child, went to a nearby car, the argument reportedly continued.
The female victim said she and her daughter went to where the husband and Jason Applewhite were having the argument and tried to explain to Jason that her husband only wanted his money.
The woman said Jason pulled out a knife and said, “I’m not paying you any (expletive deleted) money. I’m going to kill you.”
The report said Jason’s girlfriend tried to calm the situation, begging him not to do anything rash in front of the children. Jason reportedly put the knife down and they drove off.
Deputies talked with the victims at the scene. While they were there, the Applewhites reportedly returned. Deputies say Jason Applewhite approached them and said he had the victim’s money, adding he did not want to go to jail.
Jason was placed in a patrol car so deputies could continue talking with the victims. After making the decision to charge Jason, Deputy Jonathan Emery went back to the patrol car to handcuff Jason.
However, when he reached in the back of the car, Jason reportedly pushed away and took off running. Deputies gave chase into some nearby woods, but lost Jason in the thick overgrowth. He was eventually arrested and booked into Greenwood County Detention Center on Tuesday.
When the deputies got back to the scene, the victims said that while the deputies were gone, Kevin Applewhite told them, “If my brother goes to jail, I’m going to kill you. I’ve got the knife in the car.”
The report said Kevin admitted making the threat and was arrested.

Obituaries

Thomas A. Anderson

Thomas Andy Anderson, 55, of 229 Manning Road, passed away Monday, Aug. 6, 2007 at Self Regional Medical Center.
Born in Greenwood, he was a son of the late John McClinton and Connie Anderson Patterson. He was a former employee of the Greenwood Packing Plant and a member of Little Zion A.M.E. Church.
He is survived by a devoted friend, Johnnie M. Lagroone; a stepson, Shelby Lagroone; a brother, John (Josephine) Patterson; and two grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Friday at Little Zion A.M.E. Church, with Reverend Fred Armfield officiating.
Burial will be in the church cemetery. Flower bearers and pallbearers will be friends of the family. The body will be placed in the church at noon.
The family is at the home.
Percival-Tompkins Funeral Home is assisting the Anderson family.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at pertompfh1@earthlink.net.

Sallie Bettis

EDGEFIELD — Mrs. Sallie Tillman Bettis, 78, of Fairway Drive, entered into rest Aug. 8, 2007 at Trinity Mission Health & Rehab Center. Funeral arrangements will be announced later.
Mrs. Bettis, a native of Edgefield County, was a member of Science Hill Baptist Church. Survivors include a daughter, Jacqueline Bettis (Michael) Buckley, Grovetown, Ga.; a son, Earl Bettis, Jr., Aiken, S.C.; a sister, Annie Hardy, Trenton, S.C.; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; a host of other relatives and friends.
Friends may call at the residence.
Services by G.L. Brightharp & Sons Mortuary, 250 Coral Street, Edgefield, S.C.

Leroy C. Gandy

COLUMBIA — Leroy C. “Lee” Gandy, 83, beloved husband of Blanche C. Gandy for 63 years, formerly of Greenwood, SC, died at his Columbia, SC, home, Tuesday, Aug. 7, 2007 following an extended illness.
Memorial services will be held Saturday, Aug. 11, 2007 at 11 a.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2330 Cokesbury Road, Greenwood, SC. The family will receive friends at 10 a.m. preceding the service. Private internment will be at a later date.
Born Dec. 14, 1923 in Pleasantville, NJ, he was the son of the late Clarence and Hattie Gandy. He graduated from Pleasantville High School, Class of 1941.
Leroy was predeceased by his parents and brother, Earl J. Gandy. In addition to his wife, he is survived by children Bruce Gandy, Sharon Gandy Arthur, Colleen Gandy, Scott Gandy, Kevin Gandy and Jay Gandy. Also surviving are 13 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. He is survived by two sisters, Delores Wieman of Racine, WI, and Barbara Gandy of Pleasantville, NJ.
In lieu of flowers, memorials, may be made to Advantage Hospice & Home Care 3955 Southeastern Way, Suite 1-A, West Columbia, SC 29169. Announcement by Cremation Society of South Carolina.

Freddie Garrett

BRONX, N.Y. — Funeral services for Mr. Freddie C. Garrett will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 11, 2007 at China Grove Baptist Church, with the Rev. Ronnie Young, Sr. officiating. Interment will be in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7-8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.
Services by G.L. Brightharp & Sons Mortuary, 250 Coral Street, Edgefield, S.C.

John Reidmiller

John Henry “Jack” Reidmiller, 63, resident of 208 Lawton Street, husband of Margaret Benish “Peggy” Reidmiller, died Tuesday, Aug. 7, 2007 at his home.
Born June 1, 1944 in Greensburg, PA, a son of John Henry, Sr. and Ruth Driestadt Reidmiller, he began working for Westinghouse in 1965 at the East Pittsburgh, PA, Plant. In 1988 he transferred to Greenwood, where he continued to work for the company, now Cutler Hammer, until his death.
He had played Santa Claus for many years for churches, families, schools and organizations. He was a member of Greenwood Community Church of the Nazarene.
Surviving in addition to his wife of 42 years of the home and his parents of Penn, PA, are a son, John Reidmiller of the home; daughters, Chris Lapina and her husband, Cort of Irmo, Jodi Brock of the home and Sue Simmons and her husband, Jason of Greenwood; grandchildren, Laura Labuda, Daniel Brock, Hannah Simmons, Bethany Simmons and Gage Lapina; sisters, Nancy Plechey and her husband, Mike and Pat Pifer and her husband, Ken, all of Penn, PA.
Funeral services will be conducted Friday at 2 p.m. at the Greenwood Community Church of the Nazarene, with Reverend Bob Albert officiating.
The body is at Blyth Funeral Home and will be placed in the church Friday at 1 p.m.
The family is at the home, 208 Lawton Street and will receive friends from 5-8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
Those desiring may make memorials to Hospice Care of the Piedmont, 408 West Alexander Avenue, Greenwood, SC 29646 or to the Greenwood Community Church of the Nazarene, 2022 Cokesbury Road, Greenwood, SC 29649 in memory of Mr. Reidmiller.
For additional information and online condolences please visit www.blythfuneralhome.com.
Blyth Funeral Home & Cremation Services is assisting the Reidmiller family.

Terry Rhodes

DONALDS — Terry Eugene Rhodes, 44, husband of Nyra Smith Rhodes, of 668 Williamson Hill Road, died Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2007. He was born in Anderson County, a son of Major and Faye Alewine Rhodes of Donalds, S.C. He was a member of Broadmouth Baptist Church and was employed at ASI.
Surviving besides his parents of Donalds and his wife of the home are two sons, Terry Eugene “T.J.” Rhodes of the home and Wilkie McCall, Donalds; one daughter, Brittany Rhodes of the home; two sisters, Tammy Stewart and Tina Reeves, both of Donalds.
He was predeceased by his maternal grandparents, Archie Alewine and Lillie Alewine Harris and by his fraternal grandparents, J.B. and Ethel Rhodes.
Funeral services will be conducted Friday, 2 p.m. at Broadmouth Baptist Church, with Rev. T.W. McGuffin officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
Active pallbearers will be Jeff Minor, Joe Davis, Haskell Hodges, Johnny Cooper, Gary Ables and John Smith.
Memorials may be made to Broadmouth Baptist Church Building Fund, 543 Broadmouth Church Road, Honea Path, S.C. 29654.
The family is at the home and will receive friends Thursday, 6-8 p.m. at Parker-White Funeral Home.

Mary Alice Seals

Mary Alice Christian Seals, 73, died Aug. 8, 2007 at Hospice House of Greenwood.
Born in Greenwood, Oct. 20, 1933, she was a daughter of the late Raymond and Ernestine Mabry Christian. She was a graduate of Greenwood College of Commerce and was employed by the state of South Carolina as a court reporter and retired from Citi Financial in Greenwood.
Ms. Seals was a member of Coronaca Baptist Church.
Surviving are a daughter, Tina and husband, George Escalona of Greenwood and a stepdaughter, Debbie Seals of Simpsonville.
Ms. Seals was predeceased by an aunt and uncle, Beulah and Wilbur Attaway.
Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Thursday from the Blyth Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Wade Burton and Rev. Jason Webb officiating.
Burial will be in Edgewood Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Mike Gantt, Charles McElroy, Tommy Brooks, Joe Matthews, Alton Gantt, Jerry Gantt, Clint Crowder and William Christian.
The family is at the home of her daughter, 213 Windtree Road, and will receive friends at the funeral home from 1 to 2 Thursday afternoon.
Memorials may be made to Hospice Care of the Piedmont, 408 W. Alexander Avenue, Greenwood, SC 29646.
Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.blythfuneralhome.com.
Blyth Funeral Home & Cremation Services is assisting the family.

Steven W. Smith

WATERLOO — Steven Wayne Smith, 49, of 375 Smith Village Road, died Tuesday, Aug. 7, 2007 at his home.
Born in Joanna, he was a son of T.J. and Fannie “Patsy” Wyatt Smith of Waterloo, was a former employee of Clinton Mills and attended New Beginning Baptist Church.
Surviving in addition to his parents are one brother, Timothy James Smith of Greenville; two sisters, Sherry Willette Starnes Smith and Kim Elizabeth Smith Couch, both of Waterloo.
Graveside services will be 2 p.m. Friday, Aug. 10, 2007 at Rosemont Cemetery, Clinton, conducted by Revs. Jack King and Don Talley.
The family will be at the home of his parents, 111 Lois Lane, Waterloo, and will receive friends at Kennedy Mortuary from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Thursday.
Services by Kennedy Mortuary, Laurens.

Jacqueline Carolee Spencer

Jacqueline Carolee Spencer, 38, of 606 Tabor Street, died Monday, Aug. 6, 2007 at Self Regional Medical Center. Born in Greenwood, she was the daughter of Pauline Wideman Workman and Alfred Eugene Lindsey. She was a member of the United House of Prayer for All People.
Survivors include two sons, Eric L. Spencer and Tre’von Woods of the home; one daughter, Tokoya Daniels of the home; father of Anchorage, Alaska; mother of Greenwood; grandmother, Annie Bell Lindsey of Greenwood; two brothers, Keldrick J. Workman of Greenville and Joshua Lindsey of Biloxi, Mississippi; a devoted friend, Herman Daniels, Jr. of Ninety Six; and a Godmother, Linda Gaskin of Greenwood.
Services are 3 p.m. Friday, Aug. 10, 2007 at the United House of Prayer for All People, conducted by Saint Elder R. Wideman. The body will be placed in the church at 2 p.m. Burial will be in the Evening Star Cemetery. The family is at the home and the home of her grandmother, 303 Davis Street. Robinson & Son Mortuary, Inc. is assisting the family. Online condolences may be sent to robson@nctv.com.

Opinion

Too many back breaking of laws on immigration

August 9, 2007

Write your own editorial!
Illegal immigration is a factor in the Palmetto State as much as any other part of the U. S. It should get even more attention than it does, too. That’s because so many different groups of Americans are supporting those who break our laws ..... those who are here illegally.
For example, those groups publicly fighting Homeland Security’s enforcement of illegal immigration laws include immigration lawyers, worker unions, Catholic Bishops, various Hispanic organizations and a variety of others.
The problem? They are actively supporting those who not only are here illegally in the first place, but while remaining here are continuing to break the law ..... and getting support.
Question: What would happen to someone seeking office in South Carolina if he publicly advocated ignoring the laws ..... or breaking them? Would he be elected? Not likely.
No one is above the law ..... at least, that’s what we are taught from childhood on. Now, though, reality teaches us that it’s OK to break some laws.
Write your own editorial!