Troy man arrested in Hodges

Woman abducted, assaulted

July 27, 2007

By MIKE ROSIER
Index-Journal staff writer

HODGES — It didn’t have to end this way.
The situation, already tragic, could have deteriorated to horror. But it didn’t.
Instead, a suspect with a strong criminal sexual history was captured and in custody within hours and a Troy woman is battered, but alive.
Greenwood County Sheriff Dan Wideman said in a case of kidnapping and sexual assault — like the one that unfolded across Greenwood County Thursday afternoon — the end result is most often murder.
Wideman credited a combination of officer training, inter-agency cooperation, professional vigilance and some luck for keeping that from happening.
“We came together and this tragic incident ended in a good way,” he said. “Usually in a situation like this, nine times out of 10, it ends in death.”
Authorities say the suspect, Ernest James Lawton, 40, of Troy, broke into the woman’s home about 4 p.m. Thursday, sexually assaulted her and then abducted her, stealing her white minivan. Armed with a knife, the suspect forced her into the vehicle and drove her to a remote location.
Wideman said the suspect and the victim’s husband were acquaintances.
Multiple law enforcement agencies — including the Sheriff’s Office, the State Law Enforcement Division, S.C. Department of Natural Resources, S.C Highway Patrol and Ware Shoals Police Department — raced into action.
Every second was critical.
The vehicle had to be found quickly.
Canvassing a large search grid, law enforcement eventually found the victim’s vehicle in a secluded area of wooded grassland off Daniel Road in the Hodges and Cokesbury area.
The victim, bound with tape, was found inside the van.
She gave officers a description of the suspect. A bloodhound team already on the scene found a trail almost immediately and the manhunt was on, taking place inside a large perimeter.
Chief Deputy Mike Frederick said a tight perimeter was key.
“(The suspect) popped out near the edge of the perimeter twice, but our officers were right there,” Frederick said. “The (helicopter) was on top of him and the bloodhound team was behind him. He had nowhere to go.”
Two deputies spotted the suspect and chased him on foot.
Following a brief struggle, he was subdued and taken into custody.
The victim had placed officers in the right direction.
“She was amazingly calm and composed,” Frederick said. “She gave us a very good description of the suspect and his general direction. She gave us some very good information. The dogs found the trail right away.”
The suspect, who has preliminarily been charged with criminal sexual conduct (first degree), burglary (first degree), kidnapping, armed robbery, grand larceny, carjacking, and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent felony. The victim was taken to Self Regional Medical Center for treatment of non-life threatening injuries, while the suspect remains in custody at Greenwood County Detention Center.
A bond hearing is likely to take place this afternoon.
Lawton, who described himself as a “homeless person” during a law enforcement interview, has two prior sexual assaults and is a registered sex offender, but was not on probation at the time of the incident.
He was reportedly released from prison in January.
Also arrested Thursday was Lawton’s stepfather, John Dorsey Wyatt, 62, of Hodges. Wyatt arrived on the scene after the perimeter had been set.
He demanded law enforcement officers leave his property and proceeded to interfere with the investigation, after which he was arrested.
Wyatt has been charged with disturbing the peace.
Wideman walked away from the late-night night conference pleased. He was still filled with an enormous sense of relief.
“As bad as this was, it could have been worse.”

Park decision remains same

July 27, 2007

By CHRIS TRAINOR
Index-Journal staff writer

Opinions, facts and discussions keep on coming, yet there is still no change in the fate of the land at the corner of Grace Street and the Highway 72 Bypass.
The Commissioners of Public Works had a regularly scheduled meeting Thursday at the CPW building in Greenwood. While there were no items on the agenda pertaining to the Grace Street land or the prospects of it becoming a park, the issue still managed to permeate the gathering.
On the business end of the matter, the commissioners went into a lengthy closed meeting to discuss legal matters pertaining to the land. They came out from behind closed doors without taking action, meaning the the decision they made two weeks ago to consider selling the property — by a vote of 2-1 — still stands.
In terms of a public appearance in connection to the park discussion, the commissioners granted Natalie Parramore the opportunity to speak, although she was not on the printed agenda.
Parramore is the president of the Greater Greenwood Parks and Trails foundation and said she has become known as the “park lady” because of the work she did to help bring the West Cambridge Park to fruition.
Parramore told the commissioners about a recent poll she conducted.
“I felt it necessary to take a poll to see what the opinion of the local real estate industry is as it regards to parks,” Parramore said. “Ninety-two percent of the agents polled said the West Cambridge Park is always on their community tour when they are introducing new people to Greenwood.”
Parramore continued by saying that a 40-plus acre park on Grace Street would reflect to potential families looking to move to Greenwood that local government understands the importance of greenspace and healthy living.
Parramore said the explosion of growth in downtown Greenville is something for CPW to consider when thinking about a park.
“The growth and development (in downtown Greenville) is primarily a result of the development of a park in Reedy River Falls,” Parramore said. “While I know we are not Greenville, I know that on a smaller scale we can achieve similar results.”
Parramore went on to say that a Google search of the top 10 small towns in America to live in would reveal that all of those towns have high quality parks and recreational opportunities. Parramore also addressed each commissioner individually, commending each for what they do, but also imploring them to continue to explore what benefits a large park on Grace Street might bring to the community.
“Vote for the transfer of land to allow Grace Street Park to flourish and attract people to Greenwood,” Parramore said. “A few required trees and landscaping from developers around retail space won’t provide a healthy recreational space for our kids or our families.”
CPW chairman Henry Watts thanked Parramore for her comments and the meeting moved on.
In other business, a presentation was heard regarding CPW’s comprehensive annual financial report. Among the highlights, the report revealed CPW’s net assets for the year ending Dec. 31, 2006 to be $68,852,478.
The utility providers total net assets increased by $1,732,414. The increase is attributed to the increase in investment earnings and sales volume increases along with a decrease in the cost of gas for resale.
The commissioners approved Thursday the transfer of a checks to the city of Greenwood in the amount of $1.2 million.
CPW manager Steve Reeves said one check to the city is for services the city has received over the past year, such as utilities. That check totals $624,688. Reeves said the other check will be in the amount of $575,311. Reeves said the transfers were part of an agreement between CPW and Greenwood City Council that earmarks a transfer is there are sufficient funds following the reading of CPW’s financial report.
The commissioners approved bids for work to be done on HVAC units, painting projects, and repairs on a skid-steer-loader. Also bids were confirmed for laboratory service and a gas line contract.
In other business, the commissioners also approved a $9.8 million bond for a list of improvements to be made to CPW systems.
Mike Monaghan gave a list of some of the projects that money will go toward, including breaker upgrades, bio-technology center infrastructure, meter replacement, automation upgrades, water line rehab and much more.
Monaghan also noted CPW received an award last year for having the best water processing plant in the United States.

Workforce development champion
having busy summer

July 27, 2007

By CHRIS TRAINOR
Index-Journal staff writer

Many regard summer as a time for leisure and perhaps even a little loafing, at least more so than during other parts of the year.
For Mark Warner, workforce champion at Partnership for a Greater Greenwood County and Economic Alliance, this summer has been just the opposite.
Warner, whose job entails work with many aspects of workforce preparedness as it relates to economic development, began working with Partnership Alliance in May.
Since that time, he has been busy preparing for numerous projects to come.
“I have been just thrilled,” Warner said. “The first four weeks or so, maybe five weeks, I think I visited 20 manufacturing facilities or education institutions and tried to make contacts with all the people I needed to make contact with to learn more about their institution of business. After that, we have begun to get some of these people together and build what I like to call partnerships based around our initiatives.”
Warner said the immediate future in Partnership’s workforce development arm will focus on three key initiatives.
The first of those is to establish a work ethic certificate program within the schools in the county. He said these certificates, which have proven effective in cities across the United States with similar socio-economic makeup as Greenwood, would demonstrate to potential employers —industrial or otherwise — that students are ready to display the effort required for work.
“We started with Dr. (Darrell) Johnson and District 50 and deciding where we would try to launch and what players we would get together,” Warner said. “He wanted to focus on the (G. Frank Russell) Career and Technology Center and we thought that would be a good one because it has students from all three (Greenwood County) school districts. So we pulled together a group of counselors and administrators from the career center as well as a couple of people from the other districts to start fleshing out this certificate program.”
Warner said there are tentative plans to launch a pilot test of the program during the fall semester. If all goes well, the program would be tweaked and resume in the spring semester.
The second initiative Warner has been working on getting off the ground is the further usage and expansion of the Work Keys program. Work Keys is a nationally recognized program that certifies workers have basic skills in certain areas and objectives.
“The beauty for me of Work Keys is that its based off a process where someone that is certified to perform a task, they go in and study a job and create a profile on what it would take to be successful in that job.”
Warner said Work Keys assessments are already being implemented in Greenwood, with Piedmont Tech and One Stop Workforce System locations being spots where residents can obtain certification. He said the objective now is to market its effectiveness and expand the skills and focuses of the program locally.
The third objective Warner has begun to develop is a Web portal for employers and prospective employees to meet. Internships and apprenticeships would also be a large part of the portal.
“You think, from an employer’s standpoint, ‘Where’s the one place I can go when I need an apprentice? Can I go to one place to post it?’” Warner said.
Warner said it is a thrilling time at the Partnership following his hiring and the hiring of new CEO Jay West.
“Looking forward to having Jay here,” Warner said. “He definitely understands the importance of workforce development. He also brings a lot of energy and has a lot of economic development background. It’s an exciting time to be here.”

Adams signs six-year deal with Bucs

Cambridge Academy graduate to begin training camp today

July 27, 2007

By MATT ANDERSON
Index-Journal sports writer

Gaines Adams, a key member of Cambridge Academy’s 2000 state championship team and a Greenwood native, signed a six-year contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Thursday. According to ESPN.com, the deal maxes out at $46 million, $18.65 million of which is guaranteed.
The signing ensures that Adams, the fourth pick overall in the 2007 NFL Draft, will not miss the start of Tampa Bay’s training camp, which begins today in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.
“I wanted to come in on the first day, get acclimated and let them know I’m here with them,” Adams said in an Associated Press story.
The 6-foot-5, 258-pound defensive end was a unanimous first team All-American and the Atlantic Coast Conference defensive player of the year last season at Clemson, where he registered an ACC-leading 12.5 sacks and 17.5 tackles for loss. In his four-year Clemson career, Adams recorded 168 tackles, 28 sacks, 44.5 tackles for loss and six forced fumbles.
In helping to lead Cambridge Academy to the 2000 state title, Adams totaled 14 sacks and five interceptions, to go along with 57 receptions for 1,680 yards and 20 touchdowns on the offensive side of the ball. After his third year with Cambridge Academy, Adams attended Fork Union Military Academy in Virginia in 2001.
Adams’ signing coincides with the release of former All-Pro defensive end Simeon Rice. With the Buccaneers’ release of Rice, who has 121 sacks in 11 NFL seasons, Adams will likely be the key to the Tampa Bay pass rush. Among players currently on the Buccaneers roster, defensive ends Greg Spires and Ellis Wyms tied for the team lead in sacks last season with five.
“I just want to help any way I can,” Adams said in the AP story. “It starts with getting in here today.”

Obituaries

Margaret Lee Laughlin Brown

LAURENS — Margaret Lee (Laughlin) Brown, 77, daughter of James Edward and Vaudie Mae Meece, beloved mother, sister, and former Head Start Teacher, died at Martha Franks Baptist Retirement Center on July 25 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. She had five children with her first husband, Maurice Laughlin. They are Clara McAlister, Judith Burroughs, Steve Laughlin, Karen Garrison (dec.), and Mary Scott.
She is the eldest of eight siblings. She is survived by Edward Meece, Ruby O’Dell and Faye Kirkland. Ruth Meece, Elizabeth Tester, William Meece and Robert Meece are all deceased.
She had 13 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild.
A private family celebration of her life will take place on Saturday, July 28. Her internment will take place in Nebo, NC, beside her late husband, John Milton Brown of NC.
Memorials may be made in her honor to Martha Franks Baptist Retirement Center in Laurens, SC.

Clifford ‘June’ Cunningham

Clifford “June” Cunningham, 79, husband of Mary Cunningham, departed his body on July 24, 2007 at HospiceCare of the Piedmont. Born in Laurens Co., he was the son of the late Clif “Pal” and Carrie Tripp Cunningham. He was a member of Calvary Grove Baptist Church. He was a retiree of Laurens Glass Plant and a US Army Veteran of the Korean War.
In addition to his wife of the home, he is survived by 3 sons, Jimmy L. Cunningham of Laurens, Wade Robinson of Greenwood and Dimeji Harris of Anderson, SC; 2 daughters, Natasha Harris of Mauldin and Shirley Moronic of Newberry, SC; a niece raised in the home, Sharon (Joey) Payton of Laurens; a nephew, Alvin Smith of Greenville.
Services are Saturday, July 28, 2007, 1 p.m. at St. John Baptist Church, Cross Hill, SC. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Officiating minister is Rev. Donnie Rice, assisted by Revs. Odell Cook, Ricky Quarles, Wilbur Simpson, Willie Evans and Minister Ruby Leake.
Pallbearers are nephews and former co-workers; floral bearers are nieces and former co-workers.
The body will be placed in the church at noon.
The family will be at the residence, 311 McKellar Drive, Greenwood.
Parks Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Kimberly Hughes

WARE SHOALS — Kimberly Jo Moore Hughes, 47, of 1090 Harmony Road, died Wednesday, July 25, 2007 at her home.
Born in Greenwood County, she was a daughter of the late William Grady and Mary Bowman Moore. Surviving are one daughter, Nikki Hughes of the home; brother, Steve Moore of Charlotte, NC; sister, Terry Moore Branyon of Honea Path; two grandchildren, Kimberly Hughes and J.C. Gillespie, both of the home.
A memorial service will be held 4 p.m. Saturday at Parker-White Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Dr. Marcus Bishop officiating.

Buster Parnell

CALHOUN FALLS — Ralph Tuten “Buster” Parnell, age 70, died Thursday, July 26, 2007 at his home. Mr. Parnell was a member of Northside Baptist Church and a member of Masonic Lodge No. 283.
Born in Bordeaux, SC, he was the son of the late Preston Brooks and Pearl Brown Parnell. He was preceded in death by his wife, Billie Jean Wilhite Parnell; son James Michael Parnell; brothers Clarence Parnell and J.P. Parnell.
Survivors include daughters and sons-in-law, Pam and Roger Land of Calhoun Falls, Gina and Brian Smith of Abbeville and Krista and Danny Land of Greenwood; grandchildren, Michael, Abby and Alexandria Land; sister, Betty Po
well of Greenville; and brother Charles “Buddy” Parnell of Lexington. Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 28 at 2 p.m. at Northside Baptist Church. The family will receive friends from noon until service time at the church on Saturday. Burial will be at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens in Abbeville. Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to either Northside Baptist or to the American Cancer Society. The family may be contacted at the home of Pam and Roger Land.
Calhoun Falls Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Nell West

ABBEVILLE — Nell Tatom West, 82, widow of the late Fred D. West, Jr., went to live with the Lord Thursday, July 26, 2007. She was a resident of Abbeville, SC, before entering the NHC Nursing Home in Greenwood, January 2002.
Born in Troy, AL, on Feb. 21, 1925, she was the daughter of the late Roy Lamar Tatom and Johnnie Camp Tatom.
She was employed with the Press & Banner in different capacities before retiring in the late 80’s. She was an active member of First Baptist Church in Abbeville. An avid bridge player, she shared her skills with many young adults in and around Abbeville.
Mrs. West is survived by four children, a daughter, Marynell West of Ninety Six, SC, and three sons, Fred D. West III and wife, Melinda of Simpsonville, SC, Lamar T. West and John R. West and wife, Lynne of Abbeville, SC; one sister, Jacquelyn Wyatt of Abbeville, SC; and one brother, Roy Lamar Tatom and wife, Margie Tatom of Brundidge, AL. She also leaves behind eight grandchildren: Shannon West of Jacksonville, FL, Ed Greene, Steven Greene and Justin Tilley of Greenville, SC, and Zach West, Cady Nell West, Chris West and Tatom West of Abbeville.
Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, July 28, 2007 at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church in Abbeville, SC. The body is at the Chandler-Jackson Funeral Home. The family will receive friends before the service from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. at the Christian Life Center of First Baptist Church. Burial will follow in Long Cane Cemetery, Abbeville. The family is at the home of Mr. and Mrs. John R. West, 245 Island Ford Road, Abbeville, SC.
Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 825, Abbeville, SC 29620.
Online condolences may be made to the West family by visiting www.chandlerjacksonfh.com.
The Chandler-Jackson Funeral Home, Abbeville, SC, is in charge of arrangements.

Opinion

Identity theft a threat, even to Social Security

July 27, 2007

For some people in the Greenwood and Lakelands communities monthly Social Security checks provide their only income. If they lost that income they would face dire circumstances, and circumstances for some are already extreme.
In recent years there have been concerns expressed, in and out of government, about whether the system will have enough money in it to keep it going in the future. That’s worry enough. Now, though, there’s another worry: identity theft. That could have a terrible impact on Social Security recipients should their identity be stolen.
News reports note that 35 states are taking steps to solve that problem by restricting the use of Social Security numbers to identify people. Some states are considering more drastic protection measures, and that’s good. All should.

THERE HAVE BEEN A NUMBER of reports of “missing” laptop computers containing names of a lot of people, along with their Social Security numbers and other pertinent data that could be used for identification by would-be thieves. While some organizations have been involved in such losses, the problem is not confined to consumer-oriented companies. Government agencies, including the Veterans Administration, also have had computers and information lost or stolen.
Needless to say, that is indeed a major concern for people who have been affected ..... not to mention some who don’t know that information about them has been lost.
In the past, it may have been possible for identity information to be stolen, but it has never been as serious as it now is. It should have been anticipated that the increasing use of computers would be exploited by criminals.

IT MAY BE LOGICAL TO THINK computer security would be enough to thwart identity thieves. Clever computer hackers, though, have always found some way to get around security efforts. That means, of course, that security “experts” must constantly work to stay ahead of the hackers. And the old saying always seems to apply: what goes around comes around.
It’s like a constant game of technological leapfrog.
The worst part of the whole situation, though, is when computers are stolen or lost. With humans involved there may not be a satisfactory answer. There can be stiffer penalties, however. If it takes harsh measures to keep victims on their toes and thieves at bay, provide them. More important than that, though, use them. ID theft is too serious for business as usual.