Girl, 11, drowns

June 8, 2007

By MIKE ROSIER
Index-Journal staff writer

WARE SHOALS — The crowd of people standing on the bluffs overlooking the Saluda River began to file away slowly.
It was 8:50 p.m. and there was not going to be a happy ending to the painful drama that had unfolded right before them over the last hour.
A young boy standing near the edge of the bluff turned around and proclaimed simply to the crowd that “they got her.”
Only there was no excitement in his voice.
It had been too late to matter.
And with that singular statement it was all over — a young girl was dead. She would not be pronounced dead by Marcia Kelley of the Greenwood County Coroner’s Office until 9:32 p.m. at Self Regional Medical Center, but that’s when the screaming began on the river.
The family of 11-year-old Nasjma Keller had gathered on the bank and under a pavilion to hope, wait and pray. Relatives had just been given the news that the young girl’s body had been retrieved.
As the wails of horror echoed across the river bottoms, the truth was unavoidable and evident — yet another victim had been claimed by the unpredictable waters of the Saluda near this area where families are meant to enjoy leisure and recreation.
Just before 8 p.m., police received an emergency call that a young girl had gone into the river and could not be found.
Nasjma wasn’t found for another 50 minutes.
The young Donalds resident was pulled from the river by members of the Ware Shoals Fire Department and the Western Laurens Fire Department, the coroner’s office said.
Ware Shoals Police Chief Mickey Boland addressed reporters just before 10 p.m., confirming the horrible news of Keller’s death.
“She was walking in about waist-high water for her, and she slipped and fell into about a 12-foot hole that she was in,” Boland said. “She didn’t make it. She came back up once, but went back down and that was the last time they saw her.
“She went into the water over by the rock.”
Keller was found about 40 feet from the “party rock,” where Boland said she entered the water. The large rock is a popular gathering spot for locals, and is near the middle of the Saluda. Boland said the area around “party rock” is very unpredictable.
“There are places where you can wade across waist-deep all the way across, and there are other places where you can fall right down into a 10- to 12-foot hole,” Boland said. “I’ve been here 13 years, and this is the sixth drowning that I’ve been on.
“We try to warn people that they need to be aware of the dangers that are down there.” Kelley said an autopsy is scheduled for this morning.

Playing it safe

Don't let fireworks injuries dampen July 4 celebration

June 8, 2007

By CHRIS TRAINOR
Index-Journal staff writer



Many in the Lakelands have observed certain summertime rites of passage as the years have gone by.
Baseball, fishing, swimming, going to the movies and heading to the beach are all summer staples in the Palmetto State.
There is also a more explosive — and potentially dangerous — activity that has thrilled residents for decades: shooting fireworks.
In the coming weeks, fireworks stands will spring up all over the Lakelands, like flammable, multi-colored weeds. In fireworks-loving South Carolina, some stands — such as the one at Ferguson’s Produce in Abbeville — stay open all year.
“Celebrating with fireworks is an American tradition that harkens back to the days of our founding fathers, and they’re a good source of family entertainment when used correctly,” says Tommy Glasgow, president of TNT Fireworks, the largest distributor of consumer fireworks in the United States.
“By taking a few simple precautions, Americans can help ensure their summer activities are memorable for all the right reasons.”
As people take to their back and front yards to detonate Mighty Pythons and Thunder Bombs and have ill-advised bottle rocket wars, Greenwood City Fire Department Chief Terry Strange said safety considerations should be taken into account.
“First of all, make sure you buy your fireworks from a licensed and approved retailer,” Strange said. “You certainly don’t want to buy any fireworks from unauthorized people, and you should stay away from buying any homemade fireworks.”
Strange advised residents not to attempt to make fireworks at home. He said he hasn’t experienced any cases of homemade fireworks in Greenwood, but he has heard reports of the practice from other Upstate departments.
Strange was adamant that children should be supervised during the detonation of firecrackers.
He also added dealers are not allowed to sell the explosives to anyone under 14 unless the child is accompanied by a parent or guardian. Merchants also must be at least 18 to sell fireworks.
“I know that parents out there know their children and know what they are capable of,” Strange said. “At the same time, I would strongly suggest adult supervision when shooting fireworks.”
He advises people to have a bucket of water or hose on hand in case of small fires or sparking.
He warned residents not to, under any circumstances, blow up fireworks in glass containers. He said glass is easily shattered by exploding firecrackers and could send shards of glass flying everywhere.
There is another, more natural, aspect that could make things even more hazardous for fireworks-shooting residents this year: dry, brittle grass and leaves.
As has been well-documented, the Upstate in the midst of a drought — one that has left the ground Sahara-dry.
“I expect if we don’t get some significant rain soon that we will be getting some calls about fireworks this year,” Strange said. “We’ve had it in the past, with grass fires and even roofs catching fire. “If it were up to me, I would recommend residents postpone shooting them themselves and attend some of the professional shows that will be going on. Generally, the fire department is on hand to monitor those.”

Offensive shootout

Post 20 racks up 15 hits while pounding Greenville

June 8, 2007

By CHRIS TRAINOR
Index-Journal staff writer

The Greenwood American Legion Post 20 baseball team nearly caused an ink shortage for the official scorers keeping the books Thursday night.
Post 20 dominated Greenville Post 3, 19-8, in a League VII game on a muggy night at historic Legion Field. The game was called in the seventh inning because of the 10-run mercy rule.
Tyler Jones got the win for Greenwood, pitching 2 1/3 scoreless innings in relief, giving up two hits and striking out four. Meanwhile, Dean Johnson was saddled with the loss for Greenville, giving up eight runs on seven hits in just 1 1/3 innings of work.
Brandon Miller was 2-for-4 with a double for Post 20, while Cruse Tollison went 2-for-5 with a double and two RBIs. Mack Hite and Christian Powell also picked up two hits for Greenwood.
With the win, Post 20 moves to 2-1 in league play. Greenwood will play at Walhalla at 7:30 tonight.
Post 20, which banged out 15 hits, jumped on the scoreboard first with a big first inning.
Greenwood leadoff hitter Hite singled and stole second, then scored when Tollison smoked a single to left field, which gave Greenwood the 1-0 advantage.
Moments later, Post 20’s Powell reached first on a fielder’s choice, then he and Tollison came around to score on a Drew Willingham base hit to left field, which gave Greenwood the 3-0 edge.
Still in the bottom of the first, Willingham raced home on a ground ball from Matt White, which put Greenwood up 4-0. Tyler McGraw capped the inning with a towering triple into the gap in left-center field, which brought in Corey Lloyd and Josh Lovvorn and gave Post 20 a 6-0 advantage heading into the second inning.
Greenwood was right back at it in the bottom of the second.
Miller was hit by a pitch, then moved to second on a Powell single. With two outs in the inning, Lloyd lofted a double into deep right-center field, which brought Miller and Powell to the plate and gave Post 20 the 8-0 lead heading into the third inning.
Greenville showed signs of life in the top of the third.
Post 3 scored two runs in inning as a direct result of Greenwood errors. On the first, Lloyd fielded Charlie Humphries’ ground ball and fired it over the head of second baseman McGraw, which allowed Greenville’s Justin Mohr to score and make it 8-1 Greenwood.
Then, Hite muffed a sharply hit ground ball from Jason Johnson, which allowed Post 3’s Nowland Allen to head home and cut Greenwood’s lead to 8-2. Collier walked in a run later in the inning, then Greenville’s John Bolton brought two more Post 3 runners in with a ringing single, which made the tally 8-5 in favor of Greenwood heading to the bottom of the third.
Not to be outdone, Greenwood pounded out several more runs when it returned to the plate in the bottom of the third.
With no outs and the bases loaded, Miller scalded a double deep into the right -field corner, which brought in two runs. Tollison came up next and smoked another double, this one to the wall in left field. The shot brought in Hite and Miller and made it 12-5 in favor of Greenwood.
Christian Powell’s sacrifice fly later in the frame scored Tollison and Josh Lovvorn’s RBI single two batters later made it 14-5 Greenwood.
Later in the bottom of the third, two more runners came across the plate for Greenwood when Greenville pitcher Daniel Cory’s attempted throw to second based sailed into center field, which gave Greenwood a commanding 16-5 lead.
Cory pitched despite having only one hand. He pitched in the style of former Major Leaguer Jim Abbott, sitting his glove on the nub of his left arm, throwing the pitch with his right hand, then putting his glove on as soon as he fired a pitch.
Cory received an ovation from the Greenwood crowd after exiting the game and even signed autographs for several youngsters near the Post 3 dugout.

Obituaries

Bett Bley

Doris Elizabeth Bley, fondly known as “Bett”, succumbed to a fourteen-year battle against cancer on Thursday, June 7, 2007. She was surrounded by family and friends who faithfully supported her through the years. It is certain that all prayers for Bett gave her the strength and the courage to continue the valiant fight. Bett bravely fought the disease with dignity and humility.
To all who knew Bett, she was truly a child of God. She lived as she believed – serving the Lord, sensing and administering to those in need, and loving unconditionally. Her warm hugs and contagious smile conveyed the love that she had in her heart. Even though cancer has taken Bett’s physical life, it can never destroy her beautiful soul. Bett’s love for all of us, her children, family and friends, will continue forever.
Bett was born Oct. 20, 1969 in Greenwood, S.C. She attended Greenwood Schools and the S.C.
Governor’s School of Arts, where she pursued her gift of art. Bett also attended the University of South Carolina and Winthrop University. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church, where she was active in Circle No 5. Bett was very involved in her children’s education, volunteering and attending school functions at Merrywood Elementary.
Bett is survived by her three children, Margaret Meadows, Isabel Benton and John Durham Bley.
Her children inspired her to continue her courageous battle; they were truly the “light of her life”. She is the beloved daughter of Cheryl Y. McCord and John Haddon McCord, Jr and his wife, Sandy R. McCord. She is also survived by her sister Amy McCord, her brother, John H. (Jack) McCord III, and her maternal grandmother, Mattie Y. West of Saluda. Bett’s family also includes Dr. and Mrs. Roger Bley, Cindy and William (Skillet) Ray, Mary and Mike Fulmer, a stepsister, Angie R. Ellis and husband, Jeff, nieces Alyson Ray and Madison Ellis and nephews Zachary Ray, Haddon McCord, and Triston Ellis. She is predeceased by her grandparents John H. (Red) and Doris C. McCord of Greenwood and Ansel M. Yarbrough of Saluda.
Services will be 2 p.m. Saturday at First Presbyterian Church, with Rev. David Mayo officiating. Burial to follow in Oakbrook Memorial Park.
The family will receive friends Friday night from 6 until 8 p.m. at Harley Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Michael Cobb, Thomas Harvin, Thomas Kinard, Keller Lawrence, Tony Makar, Jerry Stevens and Taylor Stokes.
Honorary pallbearers will be Andy Anderson, Rich Crabtree, Wes Few, Bob Erwin III, jon holloway and Furman Self.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Piedmont, 408 West Alexander Ave., Greenwood, SC 29646 or to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 1741, Greenwood, SC, 29648.

Bobby Cannon

ABBEVILLE — Bobby Cannon, 61, of Abbeville, widower of Sara Ann Cannon, died Thursday, June 7, 2007, at Self Regional Medical Center in Greenwood.
Services will be announced by Harris Funeral Home.

James A. Erwin

ABBEVILLE — James A. Erwin, 88, of Abbeville, husband of Sarah F. Scott Erwin, died Thursday, June 7, 2007 at his daughter’s residence. He was born in Abbeville, SC, to the late Arthur E. and Minnie Lee Beauford Erwin. Mr. Erwin retired from Milliken Abbeville Plant after 35 years and was member of Ebenezer Methodist Church.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his stepson Cregg Booth.
Surviving Mr. Erwin, is his wife of the home; a daughter, Shirley Simpson and her husband, Dennis of Abbeville; a son, Charles Erwin and his wife, Marsha of Abbeville; two stepsons, Tony Booth and his wife, Shirley of Greenwood, and Jerry Miller and his wife, Joyce of Abbeville; four stepdaughters, Patsy Hodges and her husband, Barry of Dalton, GA, Gloria Booth of Belton, SC, Frances Gilliam and her husband, Samuel of Abbeville, and Vickie Ashley and her husband, Ronnie of Abbeville; a stepdaughter-in-law, Elizabeth C. Booth of Blythewood, SC; a sister, Louise E. Miller of Abbeville; two grandchildren; fourteen step-grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and thirteen step-great-grandchildren.
The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday, June 9, 2007 at Harris Funeral Home. Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m. in the funeral home chapel. Burial will be in Ebenezer Methodist Church Cemetery.
Memorial contributions in memory of Mr. Erwin may be sent to the Ebenezer Methodist Church, c/o Clarence Latham, 528 Bolt Ave., Greenwood, SC 29646 or to HospiceCare of the Piedmont, 408 W. Alexander Ave., Greenwood, SC 29646.
The family is at the home of Shirley and Dennis Simpson.
Online condolences may be sent to the Erwin family by visiting www.harrisfuneral.com.
Harris Funeral Home of Abbeville is assisting the Erwin family.

Paunee McMahan

ABBEVILLE — Lillian “Paunee” Hardin McMahan, 88, formerly of Lowndesville, SC, resident of Abbeville Nursing Home, widow of Edward McMahan, died Thursday, June 7, 2007 at Abbeville Area Medical Center.
Born in Lowndesville, SC, she was a daughter of the late William Henry and Lillian Loner Hardin.
She was a retired textile employee with Rocky River Mills. Upon retirement she worked as a personal Health Care sitter. She was also a member of Lowndesville Baptist Church.
Survivors are: 1 son, John Ed McMahan and his wife, Pearl of Abbeville, SC; 5 grandchildren; and 8 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by 2 sons Wayne and Carroll McMahan.
Graveside services will be conducted Saturday, June 9, 2007 at 11 a.m. in Providence Presbyterian Church Cemetery, with the Rev. Fred Griggs officiating.
The body is at The Chandler-Jackson Funeral Home where the family will receive friends from 6 until 7:30 p.m. Friday evening. The family is at the home of her son Mr. and Mrs. John Ed McMahan, 301 Miller St., Abbeville, SC.
Memorials may be made to the Gideon’s International, Abbeville Camp, PO Box 1126, Abbeville, SC 29620.
Online condolences may be made to the McMahan family by visiting www.chandlerjacksonfh.com.
The Chandler-Jackson Funeral Home, Abbeville, SC, is in charge of arrangements.

James G. Williams

James G. Williams, 48, of 1019 Northlake Drive, husband of Anita W. Williams, died Thursday, June 7, 2007, at Self Regional Medical Center.
The family is at the home.
Percival-Tompkins Funeral Home is in charge.

Opinion

Bernice Duckett helped better the lives of many

June 8, 2007

Few individuals get involved in more people-oriented organizations and issues to benefit their fellow South Carolinians than did Bernice Archie Duckett. Before she died recently at age 84, this teacher and counselor of students built a legacy that speaks positively to the standards that measure many of our lives.
She was never reluctant or afraid to take sides on any issue when she believed it was in the best interests of those who needed someone to speak for them or simply to be a friend. She was involved in such a multi-faceted approach to life that the mere numbers could be daunting to a lot of people.
Ms. Duckett was actively involved in her church and in so many civic, health and various other activities that it’s hard to see how she found the time or strength to get so much done. Yet she persevered and continued to contribute to local and state affairs as long as she was able.
She had many interests, to be sure, but her passions were two-fold: education and civil rights.
She will be long remembered for her accomplishments in both. Above all, though, she will be remembered by a multitude of people - students and others - she helped and encouraged along the way. Because of her, many overcame the odds and built better lives for themselves and their families.
One thing Bernice Duckett was not known for was being shy. That one quality made a big difference in many lives ..... and for the better. That, alone, speaks volumes.