Bi-Lo grocery reports robbery

Man threatened to shoot unless he got $20, cashier says

March 15, 2007

By CHRIS TRAINOR
Index-Journal staff writer

The Bi-Lo grocery store at 714 Bypass 25 N.E., Greenwood, was reportedly robbed of $40 Tuesday night by a man who threatened to shoot store employees.
According to Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office incident reports, the store’s robbery occurred about 7:20 Tuesday evening.
A cashier said the suspect approached his register wanting to buy a pack of chewing gum. The cashier described the suspect as a white man 20 to 30 years old, standing 5 feet 9 inches and weighing about 160 pounds.
He said the suspect was wearing an orange Clemson hat, black shirt and long red shorts. The cashier added the suspect has a thin beard and “messed-up” teeth.
The cashier told authorities the suspect gave him 50 cents to pay for his gum. When the cashier opened his cash drawer, the suspect allegedly slid a handwritten note in front of the cashier that read “give me a 20 or I’ll shoot.” Not thinking the suspect was serious, the cashier reportedly grabbed the microphone to call the manager over to the register.
He said the suspect told him that if the cashier called anyone on the microphone that he would shoot everybody in the building.
The cashier said he gave the suspect the two $20 bills he had in his drawer and the suspect took them and his note and left the store.
The store’s manager said another employee said fellow Bi-Lo employees told her they had seen the suspect earlier jumping from one cashier line to the next. The manager also noted she had seen the suspect in the store at other times accompanied by a woman and kids.

It wants to suck your blood

Get relief from mosquito season

March 15, 2007

By CHRIS TRAINOR
Index-Journal staff writer

After the cold temperatures of winter, most people around the Lakelands welcome the spring and summer with open arms. Warmer temperatures afford people the opportunity to enjoy numerous outdoor activities, from baseball games to hiking trips to enjoying a bite at a family picnic. However, with the heat comes another type of bite: the type one gets from a mosquito.
As anyone who has spent time in the Lakelands during the summer knows, mosquitoes are very common in this area. Considering that, the state Department of Health and Environmental Control has issued advice to residents on how to avoid mosquito-borne illnesses.
“To successfully fight diseases transmitted by mosquitoes, such as West Nile virus and Eastern equine encephalitis, everyone needs to take steps,” said Chris Evans, an entomologist with DHEC’s Bureau of Laboratories.
“One of the most important partnerships we have in this fight is with our citizens, who can assist with West Nile virus surveillance by submitting dead blue jays and crows for testing.”
Evans said dead birds are often an indicator that West Nile may be present in a certain area.
Submission dates for blue jays and crows begin today and continue through Nov. 30. Bob Bailey, an information director for DHEC in Greenwood County, said if residents encounter dead crows or blue jays and have questions as to whether the birds should be tested, they can call DHEC locally at 942-3600.
“They should call us and we will go from there,” Bailey said Wednesday. “There are a lot of factors, such as the state of the bird in terms of how much trauma has occurred, how long it has been dead and where it is specifically located.”
Bailey said that once a bird has tested positive for West Nile, birds in that specific area will no longer be checked.
He said that is because health department officials already know the virus is present there.
Bailey said one of the most important facts Lakelands residents can remember about mosquito-borne illness prevention is to eliminate standing-water pools. Areas around water are prime breeding grounds for the blood-sucking insects.
“One important thing for people to know is that it doesn’t have to be a big area of water for mosquitoes to breed around,” Bailey said. “It could be as small as a pan under a flower pot out on the porch.”
Bailey listed several items that could retain standing water that residents might not have thought about. He said tires that are lying on property often gather water on the inside, as well as unused buckets that tend to gather around people’s garages or sheds.
“Water bowls for pets are another area that can be troublesome,” Bailey said. “People should empty their pet’s water bowl before refilling them. That cuts down on the chances that mosquito eggs may linger in the bowl.”
Dr. Michael Ridgeway, a veterinarian at Chinquapin Animal Hospital in Greenwood, spoke about the effects mosquitoes have on family pets.
“The number one problem mosquitoes present for dogs and cats in the Southeast is heartworms,” Ridgeway said. “Certainly there are other blood-borne illnesses that occur through ticks and fleas, but as far as from dog-to-dog, cat-to-cat by way of a mosquito, heartworms are the number one issue.”
Ridgeway recommended treating pets monthly by giving them oral heartworm pills. He also said there is a topical medicine, Advantix, that will repel mosquitoes, as well as ticks and fleas.
Like Bailey, Ridgeway also advised residents to try to eliminate standing water, but added a bit of a disclaimer. “Honestly, with all the creeks rivers and ponds we have here locally, a mosquito doesn’t have to look hard for a place to lay an egg,” Ridgeway said.
The following are tips DHEC offers for reducing mosquito-borne illnesses:
* Make sure screens on windows and doors are in good repair.
* Clean fallen leaves and other debris out of gutters and spouting.
* Keep birdbaths and pet bowls clean. Flush with clear water and clean out at least once per week.
* Stock ornamental ponds with minnows. Use appropriately labeled products to control mosquito larvae.
* Do not let water stand on swimming pool covers or other tarps covering outdoor items, such as woodpiles, boats, etc.
* Trim and maintain shrubs and grass.
* Stay inside at dawn, dusk and early evening when mosquitoes are most active.
* If you must be outside during these times, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants.
* Use appropriate insect repellents according to label directions.

Obituaries

Ruth Hill Greene

COLUMBIA — Ruth Hill Greene, 96, of 4520 Monticello Road, Apt. 9A, the widow of Charles Edward Greene, died on March 13, 2007.
She was born in Greenwood County, SC, a daughter of the late Jewel and Corrie Robinson Hill. She was a domestic worker and a member of Zion Baptist Church.
She is survived by two daughters, Elwillie G. Taylor and Rubye G. Brown, both of Columbia, SC; three sons, Charles Greene, Jr., Columbia, SC, Clement Greene, Elgin, SC, and James Greene, Atlanta, GA; nine grandchildren; seventeen great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Friday at the Mt. Enon Baptist Church, conducted by Rev. Johnny C. Gantt. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends beginning at 10:30 a.m. Friday at the church. Butler & Sons Funeral Home, Saluda, SC, is in charge.

Mildred McNeill

ABBEVILLE — In the midst of our sadness, we praise God and give thanks for the life of a woman we were privileged to call beloved wife, cherished mother, devoted grandmother, and dear friend.
On March 13, 2007 at Emory-Crawford Long Hospital in Atlanta, GA, Mildred Ann Stone McNeill beheld the face of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Mildred was a resident of 303 Miller St., Abbeville, SC, and the wife of Mayor Harold E. McNeill.
Born in Abbeville, SC, she was a daughter of the late John Carl and Clara Mae Simpson Stone.
Mildred was a retired receptionist, having worked for many years for Dr. Grady Oliver and also Abbeville Mills Milliken Plant. She was a faithful member of Westside Baptist Church.
Mildred will always be remembered for her smile and the love she gave to everyone. She loved her friends and family. Survivors are her devoted husband of 56 years, Mayor Harold E. McNeill of the home; 2 sons, Tony McNeill and his wife, Mary of Abbeville, SC, Ronnie McNeill of Abbeville, SC; 2 daughters, Lisa Lumpkin of Abbeville, SC, and Angie Greeson and her husband, Gary of Abbeville, SC; 2 brothers, Alvin Stone of Greenwood, SC, and John Rayford Stone of Salisbury, NC; grandchildren, Samantha Dale McNeill, Justin Ryan McNeill, Jenna Leigh Hagen, Lauren Nicole Greeson, Kaitlin Brianna Greeson; 2 step-grandchildren, Benji Greeson and Kevin Hagen, stepbrother of Jenna Hagen.
She was preceded in death by 2 brothers Raymond and Jimmy Stone and 2 sisters Hazel Price and Christine Madden. Funeral services will be conducted Friday, March 16, 2007, at 2 p.m. from Abbeville First Baptist Church, with the Revs. James Long, James Blackwell, Tye Sorrow, Marion Argo, Johnny Waller and Rieny Koschel officiating. The burial will follow in Long Cane Cemetery, Abbeville, SC.
The body is at The Chandler-Jackson Funeral Home, where the family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. Thursday evening. The family is at the home 303 Miller St. Abbeville, SC.
Memorials may be made to The Gideons International Abbeville Camp, Abbeville, SC 29620 or to The Shriner’s Hospital, Greenville, SC. Online condolences may be sent to the McNeill family by visiting www.chandlerjacksonfh.com. The Chandler-Jackson Funeral Home, Abbeville, SC, is in charge of arrangements.

Kathleen C. Whatley

EDGEFIELD — Mrs. Kathleen Clark Whatley, 98, of Edgefield, wife of the late Wilbur O. Whatley, died Wednesday, March 14, 2007.
Funeral services will be held Friday, March 16, 2007 at 2 p.m. at Edgefield First Baptist Church, with burial in Eastview Cemetery.
Mrs. Whatley was the daughter of the late Walter and Mamie L. Clark. She was a lifelong Homemaker and the oldest member of the Edgefield First Baptist Church. She was a member of the Philathea Sunday School Class.
Survivors include 1 daughter, Sandra (John) Ellis, Edgefield; 1 son, Don (Hazel) Whatley, Edgefield; 2 grandchildren, Darrell (Lisa) Ellis, Greenwood, Gena (Stacy) Brown, Griffin, Ga.; 3 great-grandchildren, Amy Johnson, Emily Johnson and Porter Brown; 1 brother, Jim Berry, Woodlawn, Wash.
The family is at the home of her son and will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Edgefield Mercantile Funeral Home.

Agnes Daniel Williams

Agnes Daniel Williams, 92, formerly of 1304 Rockhouse Road, wife of the late Jimmie C. Williams, died Tuesday, March 13, 2007, at Magnolia Manor.
The family is at the home of a nephew James Daniel, 1303 Florida Ave.
Services will be announced by Robinson & Son Mortuary Inc.

Lois Turbeville Wilson

DILLON — Services for Lois Turbeville Wilson will be 2 p.m. Saturday in Dillon First Baptist Church, with burial in Greenlawn Cemetery, directed by Cooper Funeral Home. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Friday in the funeral home.
Mrs. Wilson, 84, died Wednesday, March 14, 2007 at Brighton Gardens in Greenville.
Born in Dillon, SC, May 19, 1922, she was the daughter of the late Edgar Turbeville and Cora Moody Turbeville. She was a member of Dillon First Baptist Church, where she was a Sunday School Teacher, Church Training Leader, Women’s Missionary Union Director, Flower Ministry and Choir Member, and she was a Charter member of Helping Hands at former St. Eugene Hospital. She was the widow of the late Ray Lansing Wilson, Sr.
Survivors include her sons, Ray Lansing Wilson, Jr. (Marie) of Greenwood, John E. Wilson (Susan) of Alexander, VA, P. Don Wilson (Susan) of Greenville, and Charles Wilson (Anita) of Simpsonville; daughters, Shirley Osborn (Jim) of Greenville and Jean Reeves (Gerald) of Dillon; 10 grandchildren, Ray L. “Lans” Wilson, III (Sandi) of Greenville, Mark M. Wilson (Chrissy) of Lexington, Mara W. Gilliam (Eric) of Seneca, Carmen W. Higdon (Robbie) of Duncan, Robyn Jane Wilson (fiancé Joshua Vaughan) of Alexander, VA, Geoffrey Osborn (Brenna) of Lexington, Paul A. Wilson (fiancée Liz Dial) of Greenville, Peter D. Osborn of Atlanta, GA, Karen W. Reeves of Clemson, and Timothy D. Wilson of Greenville; 5 great-grandchildren, Robert (Bo) Higdon, Molly Wilson, Ella Wilson, Luke Gilliam, and Wyatt Wilson.
Mrs. Wilson was predeceased by her brothers, Glenn Turbeville, Jesse Turbeville, Aubrey Turbeville, Lloyd Turbeville, and L.E. Turbeville.
Memorials may be made to the Dillon First Baptist Church, Building Fund, 400 North 4th Ave., Dillon, SC 29536.

Opinion

Sunshine on government is a right of the people

March 15, 2007

Jimmie Davis, the late 20th century governor of Louisiana, may be more famous for something other than government. It may be stretching the thought a little, but that “something” may be more important to government and to the people than anything else. It’s sunshine.
Some will remember that Jimmie Davis was a country music celebrity when he ran for governor of the Pelican State. His greatest claim to fame was a song he wrote, a song that is familiar to all South Carolinians and indeed all Americans: “You are my sunshine, my only sunshine. You make me happy when skies are gray...”
Through the years sunshine has taken on a new meaning as far as government is concerned, whether on a local, state or national basis. “Let the sunshine (or sun shine) in” often is a reference to public bodies when they go behind closed doors to discuss public business.

THE SOUTH CAROLINA FREEDOM of Information Act (FOIA), of course, provides for legitimate executive sessions for public bodies to discuss certain things: contracts, personnel and legal matters, for example. Too often, though, there are indications that elected officials flout that law and conduct public business in private. Sometimes it may be by ignorance of the law, but it also is abused on purpose. That’s been proved too many times to deny it happens. We’ve seen it in Greenwood, sure, but it’s a fact in many other communities and, of course, the state government.
Some think, or so it seems, that the FOIA is a law to accommodate the media. Not so. It is a law for the people of the Palmetto State, to allow them to keep up with what the people they elect to represent them are doing and how they are doing it.

IT DOES, OF COURSE, GIVE THE media a legal way to challenge secrecy in government, which is in and of itself a right for all the people. Since everyone cannot attend all government meetings, the media often serves as the public’s surrogate and thereby helps keep the FOIA viable and public information flowing.
So, then, let the sunshine in. Let the people get the “big picture” of representative government. This happens to be Sunshine Week, a reminder of the importance of the people’s right to know. We all need a reminder once in a while. It helps us focus our attention on government. Most of all, though, it helps remind us that letting the sun shine in is an assurance that we get what we need and not what we allow by default.