Boyter takes seat

May 11, 2007

By CHRIS TRAINOR
Index-Journal staff writer

Apparently, voters in Ware Shoals were ready for a change on their school board. But just barely.
The Greenwood County elections commission officially certified the votes Thursday in the Ware Shoals School District 51 election. Two seats were up for election: a three-year seat held by incumbent board chairman Ed Farr and a one-year unexpired term that was vacated by Marcus Bishop in January.
After the commission certified the votes, including the sealed paper ballots that needed verification, challenger Rodney Boyter claimed victory with 355 votes, while Farr had 347. Challenger Mike Mattison finished with 200 votes.
Boyter’s eight-vote victory came after he clung to a then-unofficial five-vote lead after Tuesday’s election.
Barring any unforeseen circumstances, Thursday’s certification by the commission will bring to an end Farr’s run of 24 consecutive years on the District 51 board.
As expected after the unofficial results were released Tuesday, Mark Lowe won the one-year term. He scored an official tally of 453 votes, while George Leagans finished with 274 and Joey Ward had 174.
There was no recount of the ballots, the reason for which was explained by Connie Moody, Greenwood County elections director.
“Recounts are mandatory in a general election, a primary election or an election that is conducted by the majority method,” Moody said. “This election was conducted by the plurality method. The plurality method is a winner-take-all method, whereas the majority method is where the candidate must receive 50 percent plus one of the vote.”
However, following the verification of the ballots, Moody asked Boyter if he would like the votes to be recounted. He replied that he did not.
Moody noted Farr was not present, though she later said if he had been, she would have extended an offer of a recount to him as well.
There were 20 paper challenge ballots up for verification Thursday. They were a mix of votes for the District 51 election and the Ninety Six School District 52 election. Of that number, 19 ballots were accepted and one was rejected.
Boyter was pleased with Thursday’s results.
“I’m relieved that the process is over with and that the votes stood up,” Boyter said, smiling. “I had no idea it would be this close.”
Boyter did concede he had a good feeling about the paper challenge ballots. He said he thought if he carried the general votes and the absentee votes, then the paper challenge ballots would follow the same trend.
Boyter was optimistic about his upcoming term.
“We’ve got a great group of kids in Ware Shoals and a great group of teachers,” Boyter said. “I’m looking forward to working with them as well as the administration and the other board members.”
Boyter said he is looking forward to tackling certain hurdles facing the district, such as retaining high-quality teachers.
“We need continuity in the district,” Boyter said. “And I think the current board has taken steps to address that.”

A personal marathon

Greenwood cancer survivor raises $30,600 to fight disease

May 11, 2007

By KENNY MAPLE
Index-Journal staff writer

Sometimes, people strive to do the extraordinary, well beyond expectation, for the good of others.
Joyce Morris strives for the extraordinary.
The 34-year cancer survivor understands the battle with sickness. She understands what others live with day to day, and she understands how they can be helped.
That is why she went on a personal fundraising Relay for Life marathon, collecting $30,600 — the most by an individual in Greenwood and the second most overall behind the Grand Harbor Community.
Morris is serious about her fundraising.
“I don’t have time for bake sales,” she said.
Though she is involved with the Greenwood Mills Relay team, Morris prefers to work alone because she gets more done. And in the end, that’s what it’s all about.
“I just ask anybody (for donations),” Morris said. She asked so many people that she surpassed her total for last year by $5,000.
Her tactics are simple. Catch them anytime, anywhere. She doesn’t like calling them for money, but will if she has to. Oh, and she doesn’t just set out a bucket for customers of businesses to put money in.
“They don’t do good just sitting by themselves,” she said. She prefers to see those donating for the cause.
But, Morris does more than just approach people outside of stores. She has six sponsorships and 64 trade signs — a result of her year-long campaign.
In fact, Morris has been working on this for longer than a year. She’s been raising money for eight years, accumulating more than $100,000 for cancer research and programs.
Before that first year, a friend asked her if she had ever been to a Relay. She had not.
Then, something gnawed at her insides.
“When I left her it weighed on me,” she said. “I said, ‘I’m going to get out and see how much I can get.’ Me, being a 34-year survivor, I worked hard on it.”
She does work hard, but she has a good time as well.
“I just enjoy doing it,” she said with a smile.
There’s plenty to enjoy for all.
Relay for Life, the 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. walking event today and Saturday, features a night of festivities with hot dog sales, dunking booths, a silent auction, inflatables, face painting and more. Local bands and singing groups will provide entertainment. And, of course, there is the fellowship with members of more than 52 teams — enough people to make this one of the largest Relays in the state.
Speaking of large, the American Cancer Society goal for this relay was $210,000; that has been passed.
More than 35 sponsors and more than 300 businesses bought signs. Some 1,000 luminaries — each paid for by a donation — are expected for the luminaria ceremony at 9 p.m. honoring and remembering those with cancer or who have been lost to cancer.
Those who have beaten cancer and those who take care of those with cancer will be honored during the survivor and caretaker walk, which will be shortly after the opening ceremony.
Thinking on this part of the Relay for Life, Morris knows she is still here for a reason.
“I’m just fortunate,” she said. “I’m still here.”
She isn’t quitting anytime soon either.
“If I can help someone else, I’m happy to do it. I plan to as long as my feet and legs will continue to go.”

Saluda native signs contract with Giants

May 11, 2007

By SCOTT J. BRYAN
Index-Journal sports editor

A little more than a week ago, John Mac White was working an internship for the Greenville Drive — a Boston Red Sox minor league affiliate.
Now, White’s playing professional baseball in hopes of landing a roster spot on a minor league team.
White, of Saluda, signed with the San Francisco Giants on Tuesday morning and is participating in the ballclub’s extended spring training in Scottsdale, Ariz.
“It’s exciting,” said White, a 23-year-old left-handed first baseman. “It’s just awesome. It was just me and the head guy, and he told me I’d be fine after I took my physical.
“So I went and did that, everything was fine and I signed the papers.”
It’s been a whirlwind week for White, who received an offer Friday afternoon and was flying to the West Coast Monday morning.
“It’s kind of happened in steps,” White said. “When they told me on the phone they wanted me to go out there, that was the first step. After the initial shock is over, everybody is calling me, and I’m trying to see my family, girlfriend and friends before I leave. So there’s that step. Then there’s the step where you’re getting on the plane and you say, ‘Oh (wow), this is really going to happen.’
“Then I got there at 10:30 at night, and I find out I have a roommate in the hotel. I ask if he knows I’m coming, and he has no idea. So, I’m trying to get all my stuff together, and the first day is kind of a blur.
“You don’t even realize what you’re doing and what it really means. But going into (Thursday), I was twice as excited as yesterday. There’s the whole nervous factor, but now I know what’s going on, what the other players can do and what I can do. Now it’s time to get to work. Now it’s time to get better.”
White, a 6-foot-3, 220-pound athlete, led Anderson in home runs in 2006 and 2007, and led the team in stolen bases last year. In his career, White batted .304 with 26 doubles, 17 home runs and nine triples.
White said his power numbers and stolen bases were built by a summer of weight and speed training with a teammate.
“I hit two home runs the entire time I was in high school,” said White, the son of John and Kelly White, and the older brother of Cameron White, an Anderson softball signee.
“I don’t think I even stole a base in high school.”
But during a private workout last Friday with a Giants’ representative, White showed his speed and power. He clocked a 6.7 in the 60-yard dash, plus hit three home runs using a wooden bat.
That performance was enough for the Giants organization to secure White’s services.
“I had talked to some other teams, but the Giants were really the strongest and most aggressive with me,” White said. “The guy told me he wanted to get me before anybody else could get a chance to look at me.”
After filling out all the proper paperwork Tuesday, White was at an early session with the Giants Wednesday morning.
“I was in the batting cage by 10 ’til 7,” White said.
On Thursday, White was playing in his first professional game. Facing a Los Angeles Angels club, White was 2-for-4 with two RBIs and was caught stealing.
“I was 12-for-12 stealing bases at Anderson,” White said. “I got thrown out my first attempt out here. It’s a lot different when the pitcher is 6-foot-5, throwing 95 and the catcher can throw it whatever to second base.
“The coaches were laughing at me when I did it. They said I had a few things to work on.”
It’s been a remarkable reemergence for White, who after the 2004 summer season was forced to have Tommy John surgery. After sitting out a year in recovery, he came back stronger in 2006-07.
“At Anderson, there was only one other person who had had Tommy John surgery,” White said. “Here, it seems like every other pitcher has had it.”
Because White was a fifth-year senior, he was able to sign a free-agent contract instead of waiting for the Major League Baseball Amateur Draft in early June. A successful stint during the extended spring training will land White in Salem, Ore., for the short season, but he could end up staying in Arizona for rookie ball.
Playing in Salem would put White more than 2,500 miles away from the comfort of home, but his girlfriend of a year, Carrie Whitehurst, has some family connections to help him with homesickness.
Whitehurst, a former Clemson women’s basketball player, is the younger sister of Charlie Whitehurst, the Tigers’ former quarterback and current San Diego Charger.
“She made the comment that with Charlie, they knew he was going to be drafted by San Diego and he got sent the furthest from their home in Atlanta,” White said. “I’m at a small school, I have a good career and work hard. I get the opportunity to play pro baseball, and they sent me to the West Coast. But I’m excited about it.
“At least now I fit into her family a little more.”

Obituaries

Corey W. Carter

Services for Corey W. Carter, of 800 Swadley Road, Apt. 403, Johnson City, TN, are 2 p.m.
Saturday, May 12, 2007, at Holy Redeemer Look & Live Ministry, conducted by Pastor Roosevelt Moton. The body will be placed in the church at noon. Burial will be in the Evening Star Cemetery. Pallbearers and flower bearers are cousins and friends of the family. The family is at the home of his parents, 112 Quince St., (Magnolia Place). Robinson & Son Mortuary, Inc. is assisting the family. Online condolences may be sent to robson@nctv.com.

Mary Coleman

Mary Ellen Lindsay Coleman, 82, formerly of 108 Shirley Road in Hodges, widow of Oscar O. “Ott” Coleman, died May 10, 2007 at Magnolia Manor.
Born Dec. 26, 1924, she was a daughter of the late Luther C. and Estelle Lollis Lindsay. Mrs. Coleman was a seamstress, a cook, and a patient sitter. She was a member of New Life Pentecostal Holiness Church and the Bible Sunday School Class.
Survivors are a daughter, Jean C. and husband, Wayne Crawford of Hodges; a son, Tommy L. Coleman and wife, Marian of Princeton; grandchildren, Sonya Evans of Greenville, Bonnie Timms and Preston Crawford, both of Hodges; 5 great-grandchildren; a sister, Nora Pruitt of Anderson. Funeral services will be conducted 3 p.m. Saturday, May 12, 2007, at Blyth Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Dr. Phillip Morris, Rev. Tim Ellenberg, and Rev. Dale Hart officiating.
Burial will follow in Eastview Cemetery in Honea Path.
Pallbearers will be Jamie Crawford, Cleve Crawford, Larry Timms, Parks Evans, Roger Lay, Chris Lay, Dewey Lay and Dale Timms.
Family members are at their respective homes and will receive friends from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to New Life Pentecostal Holiness Church, P.O. Box 8249, Greenwood, SC 29649.
For additional information and online condolences please visit www.blythfuneralhome.com.
Blyth Funeral Home & Cremation Services is assisting the Coleman family.

Edith Smith Manning

CALHOUN FALLS — Edith S. Manning, age 89, passed away Thursday, May 10, 2007.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 12, 2007, at 3 p.m. at Calhoun Falls Pentecostal Holiness Church. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens in Abbeville.
Calhoun Falls Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Hazel J. Massey

Services for Hazel Jones Massey will be at 3 p.m. Saturday at the Harley Funeral Home Chapel, with Dr. Eldon Tucker and the Rev. Ray Massey officiating. Burial will be in Greenwood Memorial Gardens.
Pallbearers will be Tim Hinton, Leon Massey, Lanny Miller, Ronald Massey, Brad Massey, Christopher Bagwell, Dyllan Hinton and Dakota Hinton.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday from 7 to 9 p.m.
The family is at the home, 106 Morgan Street.
Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, PO Box 658, Greenwood, SC 29648.
Mrs. Massey, 87, of 106 Morgan Street, wife of Henry B. Massey, died Thursday, May 10, 2007, at Self Regional Medical Center.
Born in Anderson, she was a daughter of the late Lewis A. Jones and Stella Jones Carson. She was retired from Greenwood Mills, Mathews Plant and attended Trinity Pentecostal Holiness Church.
Surviving is her husband of the home; a daughter, Judy M. Hinton of Greenville; a son, Louie Massey of Lincolnton, NC; five grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by a brother, J.C. Jones.
Online condolences may be sent to the Massey family by visiting www.harleyfuneralhome.com.

Bonnie F. Walker

Graveside services for Bonnie Fowler Walker will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Greenwood Memorial Gardens, with the Rev. Chuck Sprouse officiating.
The family will receive friends at Harley Funeral Home on Saturday from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
The family is at the home, 2821 County Farm Road.
Memorials may be made to Hospice House, HospiceCare of the Piedmont, 408 W. Alexander Avenue, Greenwood, SC 29646.
Mrs. Walker, 64, of 2821 County Farm Road, wife of Stanley E. “Busta” Walker, died Thursday, May 10, 2007, at Hospice House.
Born in Greenwood, she was a daughter of the late Arthur Horace and Mary Brown Fowler. She was a member of St. Mark United Methodist Church.
Surviving is her husband of the home; two daughters, Mary Beth Provan and Ann Walker Bryant, both of Bradley; a sister, Ann Steele of Saluda; and four grandchildren.
Online condolences may be sent to the Walker family by visiting www.harleyfuneralhome.com.

Opinion

‘Electronic’ child abuse threat is getting worse

May 11, 2007

One of the worst kinds of abuse anywhere in the world is that where children are the victims.
It comes in various forms and each is as bad as the next. There is one area, however, that involves the dregs of humanity and no punishment is too extreme for their inhuman acts. That’s the pornography that is a growing blight on the very essence and innocence of children.
One of the primary conveyors of this sick exploitation of children is the Internet. In South Carolina, fortunately, Attorney General Henry McMaster has put together a task force of sheriff and police departments that have made many arrests and charges against offenders for sex solicitations of underage females.

THE SUCCESS OF THAT undertaking is growing and South Carolina’s children are better for it. Still, the raw child pornography is something that every state and every nation must fight with every means available.
According to the British-based Internet Watch Foundation, child pornography on the Internet is becoming more brutal and graphic, and the number of images depicting violent abuse has increased four times just since 2003. The foundation reported that it received nearly 32,000 reports of potentially illegal content on its hot line last year alone. That was a 34 percent increase over the previous year.
Here’s the frightful thing. “Although there is a volume issue,” said the foundation’s chief executive officer, Peter Robbins, “the worrying issue is the severity and the gravity of the images is increasing. We’re talking about prepubescent children being raped.”

IT WAS NOTED THAT about 91 percent of the victims on the images are under the age of 12. The majority of the child pornography Web sites were in the U. S. and Russia.
There is something being done, however. The U. S. National Center for Missing and Exploited Children last year completed a pilot program with financial institutions aimed at cutting off child pornography Web site revenues. Sites that accepted credit card payments were identified and banks were contacted to stop the flow of money.
That’s a start. There must be other ways developed to stop this growing abuse. If the world cannot protect children under such circumstances, how can it be expected to solve other problems?