Having a winter blast

Area avoids big problems

February 2, 2007

By CHRIS TRAINOR and MIKE ROSIER
The Index-Journal

So much for the mild winter weather that was the talk of the town just a few weeks ago.
Winter arrived in Greenwood and the Lakelands in full force Thursday morning, with light snow, sleet and ice making its presence felt in the early morning hours.
However, many local officials say the winter weather could have been much worse and had more serious consequences. One concern anytime there is ice and snow is widespread and lengthy power outages.
Several power companies around the Lakelands said Thursday went smoothly.
“There were no major weather-related outages,” said Steve Reeves, general manager at CPW in Greenwood. “As always, we will be standing ready in case anything pops up.”
Reeves said, as of 4 p.m. Thursday, he didn’t expect any major weather-related problems with power today.
In Abbeville, Sue Burton at Little River Electric said she was relieved Little River crews saw little action Thursday.
“We really didn’t have anything major,” Burton said about 3 p.m. Thursday. “The weather was good to us this time around. We will have a crew ready and on call that will be dispatched immediately if anything comes up.”
Duke Power’s Valerie Patterson said things went well in Greenwood. As of 3:30 p.m. Thursday, only one house in Greenwood County covered by Duke had an outage, and she didn’t think it was because of weather.
Self Regional Healthcare public relations director Dan Branyon reported few weather-related hospital visits Thursday.
“We’ve only had two weather-related admissions,” Branyon said about 4 p.m. “One was in relation to a traffic accident, the other was related to someone falling at home. We are fortunate at this point that we have not had anything major, especially considering the amount of moisture that was falling.”
Branyon added that many hospital staff members phoned in early to say they were having a little trouble getting to work. He said those who did come made it in safely.
South Carolina Department of Transportation representative Joe Hazel said he and his crew were hard at work early Thursday.
“We worked hard late (Wednesday) night to go ahead and start spreading salt up around Hodges and Ware Shoals, as well as in Greenwood,” Hazel said. “When the day shift came in (Thursday), they took a snow plow up toward the Hodges-Ware Shoals area. Later on, the snow and ice changed to rain, and the road conditions became more wet than anything else.”
Hazel said the local SCDOT crews has plenty of salt and sand stored away for major winter weather. He said his crews only used a very small amount of their total stock on Thursday.
Greenwood Police Chief Gerald Brooks said, as of about 4:30 p.m. Thursday, his department hadn’t been much busier than usual.
“I think many people stayed in and off the road,” Brooks said. “And, of course, the schools were not in. I think the roads were certainly more slick, but the fact that there were much less people on them made things balance out quite a bit.”

Abbeville County report
By 6:30 a.m. Thursday, the wintry weather had already outperformed itself in Abbeville County.
Emergency Management director Steven McDade had been up since about 3 a.m., which is normal procedure anytime there is a threat of severe winter weather in the early morning hours that may impact schools.
But by that time, schools in the district had already been called closed for the day, and a couple of slight wrecks — no injuries were reported — had occurred because of the slippery stuff that had accumulated on county roads.
The last time Abbeville found itself under a winter warning, exactly two weeks ago, the area saw schools delayed for two hours and no traffic ramifications at all.
Thursday’s weather might have proven a mite more troublesome, but it was still hardly anything approaching severe levels.
By Thursday afternoon, most of the accumulation on the county’s roadways had already begun to melt away under a steady, driving rainfall. Concerns were already turning to what might lay in store for the county in the early evening hours.
“Things are thawing out, the main roads are clear and there are no power outages,” McDade said.
The biggest impact of Thursday’s weather was felt on county roadways in the form of 20 wrecks, mostly of the “fender-bender” variety, only one of which required anyone to be taken to a medical facility.
“We had a total of about 20 traffic accidents,” McDade added. “Once it got going good and things got real slushy, it picked up. I think people were still trying to get to work. Only one person was transported to Anderson Medical Center, but it was only for exams and tests, nothing big.”
Some might be curious as to why the Lakelands area received more accumulation this time around in the first place. It’s all in the temperature.
“The reason I think we got little more this time has to do with the temperatures,” McDade said. “This time we already had temperatures in place that were cool enough already. This time we already had cold weather in place for a couple of days. Right now (near noon) we’re around 35 or 36 degrees, and according to the weather service we should stay above freezing into the night so we shouldn’t have anything to worry about.
Emergency personnel also take every opportunity to re-evaluate their procedures following all weather warnings.
“Anytime anything like this happens, it’s a good preparation for your (emergency) protocols, policies and systems that you have in place,” McDade said. “Hopefully, we can get on into the spring. Then of course we’ll be talking about tornadoes, but the same preparation comes into play.”

Saluda, McCormick report
No major accidents were reported in Saluda and McCormick counties.
A few vehicles slid off the road and into ditches in Saluda Thursday morning, but roads became less slick as the day progressed and temperatures rose above freezing, said Saluda Police Chief David Farmer.
McCormick County had four minor wrecks, with cars sliding off roads, but no others were reported after 7 a.m. Thursday, said Sheriff George Reid, of the Saluda County Sheriff’s Office.
He said he didn’t think the weather would get really bad overnight, but deputies would be out just in case.
The sheriff’s office has two four-wheel-drive vehicles ready to help in case weather conditions worsen overnight.

Staff writer Bobby Harrell contributed to this report.

Fundraiser’s trial ends in acquittal

Charges stemmed from 2005 diabetes benefit

February 2, 2007

By CHRIS TRAINOR
Index-Journal staff writer

A Greenwood man has been found not guilty in a case involving alleged fraudulent fundraising.
Dennis Michael Clark, a Greenwood paint contractor, was acquitted Wednesday on a charge of misrepresentation during fundraising. The trial stemmed from a July 2005 arrest of Clark.
Clark was accused of misrepresentation during fundraising in connection with a May 20, 2005, diabetes research benefit show. The initial report in the incident accused Clark of raising money for diabetes research at the benefit, which was a concert-style show, and then not distributing it to the charities, such as the Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund.
However, in the trial itself, the indictment against Clark called for the jury to consider one specific code sub-section of the law regarding misrepresentation during fundraising. That sub-section of code 33-56-120 states:

“A person shall not make any representation that he is soliciting contributions for or on behalf of a charitable organization or shall not use or display any emblem, device, or printed matter belonging to or associated with a charitable organization for the purpose of soliciting or inducing contributions from the public without first being authorized to do so by the charitable organization.”

According to solicitor’s office representative Ron Fleming, Clark did receive a form of authorization from JDRF.
“The JDRF gave him T-shirts and banners,” Fleming said. “The lady from JDRF said she never told him he could specifically use the items for fundraising, but she didn’t say he couldn’t either.”
Fleming conceded that, considering the sub-section of the law they were considering and the fact that JDRF gave Clark the materials, the jury made the proper decision.
Greenwood Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Mike Frederick echoed that sentiment.
“We have no problem whatsoever with the jury’s verdict. This is our criminal justice system — it’s stacked heavily in favor of defendants, which is the way you should want it,” Frederick said.
“The jury voted their oath on the only issue legally before them. We also stand behind the arrest, however. We couldn’t meet our burden of proof on the only issue which made it to the jury room.”
Clark said he is glad the nearly two-year ordeal is over.
“What a relief,” Clark said. “This whole situation has taken a huge toll on my family and my business. It has been really hard, with people thinking I am a crook or a lowlife, and they didn’t know anything about the situation, only what they heard in the news.”
It was revealed in the trial that Clark did have $1,000 that was raised from the benefit. He said he and his lawyer, Lance Sheek, will decide where to put the money now.
“I don’t know what we’ll do with that money, we’re still deciding,” Clark said. “It’s not my money. I wish it was more. I wish we had raised $15,000 for charity.”
Clark, who said he has led various benefits for people in need during his 17 years in Greenwood, said he originally wanted to do a diabetes research benefit in honor of his late father, a former film stuntman who went by the name of The Great John “L.” Clark’s father died from complications with diabetes.
However, he said the May 20, 2005, benefit show at Westview Middle School was, in general, a bust. He said he was expecting a crowd of 400, but only about 35 people showed up.
“Most of those that were there had gotten free tickets,” Clark said. “It was a disappointment, because I had worked six days a week for six weeks to get this benefit going.”
Clark said he attributed the low crowd that night to a rodeo in Ware Shoals, a pro wrestling event at the Greenwood Civic Center and a dance on Calhoun Street.
Clark elaborated on what he had received from JDRF.
“They gave me 26 dozen T-shirts, banners and brochures about diabetes,” Clark said. “They also gave me teddy bears that help kids understand about taking their (insulin) shots.”
Clark said he still has the desire to try to help people, but now he might do it in a different way.
“I will not do another benefit,” he said. “And that’s a shame, because there are people I could have helped

Flipsters working hard as 2007 gets under way

February 2, 2007

By RENALDO STOVER
Index-Journal sports writer

The Greenwood YMCA Flipsters gymnastics team has been very active during the past 10 years with event and all-around state championships occuring during that time span.
The team is hard at work in 2007 preparing for this year’s competitions.
“They compete all over the Southeast, really,” gymnastics director Janada Jay said.
The team, which consists of 60 gymnasts ranging in age from 5 to 18, has enjoyed success in the past and they look forward to continuing to do so.
“These girls work out anywhere from four to 20 hours per week, depending on their age and their level,” Jay said. “Some of our upper-level kids come five days a week. A number of beginner kids don’t work out quite that much. It’s an energetic, bubbly group of girls.”
No matter how many days they train, Jay said all the team members receive quality training from USAGA-certified and safety-certified instructors led by coach Jodi Davis.
Davis said she has weekly, team coaches meetings to discuss problems, suggestions or anything concerning the team.
She added that the meetings help coaches spark ideas for improvements.
Before coaching, Davis spent 13 years as a gymnast.
“It’s really fun and I love what I do. The girls are very disciplined and structured,” Davis said. “They’re here because they love it, and they work really hard for their accomplishments.”
The hard work seems to have paid off for the team when looking at some of their accomplishments over the past few years.
The Flipsters were the Level 4 State Team, and Atlanta Crown and Charleston Cup Champions in 2004.
In 2005, they were the Level 5 and 8 State Champion Team and Charleston Cup Champions.
The Level 8 and 9 gymnasts have qualified for the regionals each year since 2001, with some even participating on the South Carolina Regional Team.
Kati Boring, of Ware Shoals, is among the talented gymnasts who have qualified in previous years.
She said practices can be tough, but she enjoys being on the team and the experiences.
“All the girls on the team are like sisters. We’re really close,” Boring said. “Making it to regionals is awesome.
There’s a lot of hard work going on right now.”
The Flipsters hosted last year’s Level 6-10 South Carolina State Gymnastics Championships and are scheduled to host this year’s Level 4-5 South Carolina State Gymnastics Championships.
The three-day event kicks off March 30 at Erskine College and will include more than 500 competitors from around the state.
Levels 6-10 will compete in Myrtle Beach the week before.

Obituaries

Jack David Burton

DUE WEST — Jack David Burton, 95, of 223 Murdock Road, Due West, SC, husband of Ethel Burton, died Monday, Jan. 29, 2007 at Self Regional Medical Center in Greenwood, SC.
He attended Mt. Clement C.M.E. in Abbeville, SC.
He was a construction worker in Abbeville County.
Survivors include his wife of the home; four daughters, Daisy Anderson and Mary Aiken of New York, Viola Mitchell of Detroit, Michigan, and Ethel Irene Martin of Philadelphia, PA; two sons, David L. Burton of Due West, SC, and George Burton of Level Land, SC; twenty-five grandchildren; twenty-one great-grandchildren, and eight great-great-grandchildren.
Services will be Saturday, Feb. 3, 2007 at Mt. Clement C.M.E. Church at 2 p.m., with Rev. Ida Shipman officiating. The body will be placed in the church at 1 p.m. Burial will be in the church cemetery.
Public viewing will be Friday, Feb. 2, 2007 from 1 p.m.-8 p.m. at the Abbeville & White Mortuary, Inc.
Online condolences can be sent to awmort@wctel.net.
Funeral services are announced by Abbeville & White Mortuary, Inc.

Carroll Earle Mattison

ARVERNE, N.Y. — Carroll Earle Mattison, son of the late Kathleen Shaw Mattison and Roy Mattison of Honea Path, departed this life at Calvary Hospice Hospital in Brooklyn, New York, on Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2007, after an extended illness.
He is survived by two children, Cathy Marlene of New York and Kevin Maurice of South Carolina; a stepdaughter, Beverly Witherspoon (Arthur) of South Carolina; a sister, Sylvia M. Dorsey of Florida; granddaughter, Latesha Marie of New York; step-grandson, Christopher Ruff (Leena) of New York; step-great-granddaughter, Ashley of New York; niece, Stephanie Reid (Ricardo) of Georgia; nephew, Tracy Walker of Virginia; aunt, Mary Shaw Jefferson of Michigan; devoted friend, Delia Robinson of New York; and a large number of other relatives and friends who mourn his passing.
He was predeceased by his wife, Martha Smith Mattison, daughter, Carolyn Elaine, and grandson, Kwasi Maurice LaShon.
A public visitation will be held from 10-11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 3, 2007 at Liberty Baptist Church in Honea Path, with funeral services beginning at 11 a.m. Burial will take place in the family plot at the Dunn Creek Baptist Church Cemetery, Ware Shoals, SC, immediately following the service. No wake is planned.
D.B. Walker & Co. Funeral Services, Anderson, SC, is in charge of the services.

Lavinia McDill

DUE WEST — Lavinia Gossett McDill, 83, of 25 Abbeville St., widow of John W. McDill Sr, died Thursday, Feb. 1, 2007, at National Health Care in Greenwood.
Services will be announced by The Chandler-Jackson Funeral Home, Abbeville.

Sybial Robinson Pugh

SALUDA — Sybial Robinson Pugh, 80, of 229 Dean Road, died on Jan. 30, 2007 in Self Regional Medical Center.
She was born in Saluda County, daughter of the late Alonzo and Daisy Bell Stewart Robinson. She was a member of the Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, Women’s Home Aide Society No. 126 and Food Club. She was a retired employee of Amick Farms.
She is survived by one son, James Robinson, Washington, DC; two daughters, Betty Aukard, Washington, DC, and Elease Webb, Saluda, SC; three stepdaughters, Diane Davenport and Sharon Pugh, both of Wagener, SC, and Geneva Quarles, Sumter, SC; four sisters, Marjorie Livingston, Annie Lee Ross and Elizabeth McClingham, all of Washington, DC, and Lonzie Bell Butler, Saluda, SC; seventeen grandchildren; seventeen great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be 2:30 p.m. Sunday at the Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, conducted by the pastor, Rev. Aaron Walker. Burial will follow in the Pleasant Hill Baptist Church Cemetery. The body will be placed in the church at 1:30 p.m. The family is at the home of a daughter Mrs. Elease R. Webb, 149 Webb Road, Saluda, SC. Butler & Sons Funeral Home is in charge.

Charlie D. Robinson

Charlie D. Robinson, 83, of 201 Cole Street, widower of Minnie Robinson, passed away Monday, Jan. 29, 2007 at Self Regional Medical Center.
Born in Greenwood, he was the son of the late Robert and Esther Dean Robinson. He was a member of Old Mt. Zion Baptist Church in the Epworth Community and a retiree of Greenwood Mills.
He is survived by three sons, Mitchell Robinson, Stanley Robinson, both of Philadelphia, PA, Larry Darnell Robinson of New York, NY; four sisters, Iola Gill, Maggie Cleveland, both of Greenwood, Ellen Lynch and Lillie Mae Glenn, both of Washington, DC; 16 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Saturday at Old Mt. Zion Baptist Church, with Rev. Clyde Cannon officiating.
Burial will be in Greenwood Memorial Gardens. 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 Robinson family.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at pertompfh1@earthlink.net.

Gene Stone

ABBEVILLE — Gene Stone, 66, of Abbeville, husband of Bette M. Stone, died Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2007 at his residence. He was born in Inman, SC, to Roxie Pittman Stone and the late Lewis T. Stone.
Gene was a member of the Inman Mills Baptist Church in Inman, SC.
He recently retired from Milliken Abbeville Plant after 35 years in the textile industry and was a Mason, member of the Beaumont Masonic Lodge in Spartanburg, SC. Gene also spent 10 years in the National Guard.
He is survived by his wife of 42 years of the home, his mother of Abbeville, a sister, Ann S. Ray of Roebuck, SC , a niece, Leigh Ann Taylor of Inman, SC, and his beloved pet, Sophie.
The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 2, 2007 at Harris Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 3, 2007, conducted by the Rev. Earl Hartley, in the funeral home chapel. Burial will follow in Forest Lawn Memory Gardens.
The family is at the residence.
Memorial contributions in memory of Gene may be sent to the South Side Baptist Church Building Fund, PO Box 237 Abbeville, SC 29620 or to the HospiceCare of the Piedmont, 408 W. Alexander Ave., Greenwood, SC 29646.
Online condolences may be sent to the Stone family by visiting www.harrisfuneral.com.
Harris Funeral Home of Abbeville is assisting the Stone family.

Opinion

What kind of tolerance does politicking reflect?

February 2, 2007

Mitt Romney, former Republican governor of Massachusetts who is embarking on the presidential campaign trail, has visited South Carolina several times in his quest for his party’s nomination. He was in Aiken and Charleston Monday and Columbia Tuesday.
Romney may not be familiar to many South Carolinians. Some, though, whether they agree with him or not, might be able to appreciate that he is able to look at an issue and have the political courage to change his mind, knowing that changing will bring criticism. Winning the top job in one of the nation’s most liberal states was not a small thing, and it shows he can relate to voters who may or may not agree with him on some of the issues.
One of the things some observers say will hurt his chances is his faith. He is a Mormon. Can a Mormon be elected president? Some doubt it.
John F. Kennedy had the same kind of problem. In 1960 many wondered if a Roman Catholic could be elected president.
The American voters, it appeared, put an end to that kind of speculation when they elected Mr. Kennedy. The way some talk now, though, nothing was changed by Kennedy’s election.
If that’s true, we’ve not come as far as we think, and that’s a terrible commentary on the constitutional freedoms we all share. It also speaks to a lack of tolerance we all should be ashamed of.