Transcript price: $922

Copies available at libraries

May 5, 2007

By CHRIS TRAINOR
Index-Journal staff writer

Want your own copy of the full transcript from former Ware Shoals High School principal Jane Blackwell’s closed April 6 show-cause hearing in front of the District 51 school board?
Then you’d better call your financial institution.
Bazzell Court Reporting, the service that transcribed the 15-hour hearing for the District 51 board, has announced that residents and media can purchase a copy of the full transcript.
The cost: $922.25.
Plus, if you want copies of the attached exhibits from the hearing, that will cost another $215, bringing the grand total to $1,137.25.
The document is 527 pages long and comes at a cost of $1.75 per page.
Rebecca Bazzell said an electronic file copy of the transcript is also available for purchase at the same price.
Ware Shoals School District 51 Superintendent Fay Sprouse said copies of the transcript will be placed at Ware Shoals Community Library and Greenwood County Library, where they can be read on site. She said they could be placed there within the next few weeks.
Sprouse said the district would explore putting the transcript on its Web site if it can obtain an electronic file copy, but could not say for certain whether this action would be taken.
Bazzell said no one besides the attorneys and individuals directly involved with the case has purchased a copy of the $1,137.35 document so far.
Blackwell was suspended with pay after her January arrest on a charge of obstruction of justice. Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office investigators say she impeded their investigation of former Ware Shoals cheerleading coach Jill Moore.
Moore was arrested in January on charges of providing alcohol for minors and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
Following the eventual withdrawal of her suspension, Blackwell has returned to the district, where she is working in the technology department.
The hearing in question began April 6 and lasted for more than 15 hours stretched over three weeks. It was originally announced as a public hearing, but it was closed after WSPA refused to shut off its camera at the hearing. Blackwell said she did not want to expose students who were witnesses in the hearing on camera.
WSPA said it wanted the public, not just those in the auditorium, to have an opportunity to see what was going on in the hearing — a position that is valid under Freedom of Information laws.
Anyone wishing to purchase a copy of the transcript can call 995-4505.

The business of amusement

Abbeville Spring Festival has big economic impact

May 5, 2007

By MIKE ROSIER
Index-Journal staff writer

ABBEVILLE — What if the weather would cooperate, just once?
It’s a question that Charlene and Ralph Bridges have asked themselves upon making a trip to Abbeville from their home in Macon, Ga.
They don’t make the drive to the Spring Festival for the sloppy dogs and barbecue sandwiches, or for the potential tooth-decaying sweetness of the funnel cakes. They are here, however, for the people — sort of.
Charlene and Ralph are owners of C&R Concessions.
It’s filled with all the aforementioned festival, carnival or fair goodies, which they lug up north themselves. Instead, they are here for you and me.
We’re the goodies — or at least our Friday paychecks are.
And for the Bridges, life in Abbeville is good — but it could be better.
“It was definitely good enough last year that we came back this year,” Charlene Bridges said. “I can only wonder what it would be like if the weather would just cooperate with us. Look at this winter weather.”
She’s right. The skies on Friday were overcast, and there wasn’t a ray of sunshine to be found. There were even people nearby with jackets on.
Blame it on global warming if you want, but the Bridges know how this weekend festival thing works. Sun brings people, and people bring money.
“It would be nice if the weather were a little better,” Charlene adds.
But there’s no way that Abbeville City Manager Nolan Wiggins Jr. is going to complain. Businesses in town benefit too much from the event to do that.
“I think it does a couple things,” Wiggins said Friday. “For the people that live here, it builds community pride and it’s a time when they can show off their community. It also brings in a good number of visitors.”
Many businesses tell Wiggins that Spring Festival weekend is often their busiest of the year — and for a tourist-driven town, that’s saying something.
“As far as the economic impact, several of the stores and restaurants say it’s the busiest weekend of the year for them,” he said. “The city took over the festival seven years ago. It was fairly small back then and was struggling financially. We’ve been able to add a lot to the festival with more sponsorships. Having the city run it has allowed it to grow even more.”
A look around at the festival finds nothing to dispute that fact.
There are stomach-lifting thrill rides befitting a larger county-wide venue all packed neatly within the town square. You can bounce like a spidery hero if you want, or glide lazily over the treetop canopies.
Or you can be spun out of your supper if that’s your fancy.
Maybe you want to climb a rock wall for the first time — that’s here, too.
The smell of curly fries comes and goes, and little kids cling to their mothers while young kids and teenagers hold hands or horseplay.
But all the youngsters here aren’t rocking light-up sneakers or Abercrombie & Fitch duds. There are bigger kids (at heart) looking at all the rides, too.
“I like the amusement rides,” Wiggins admits. “I’m still young enough to ride anything. My wife will say she likes all the craft vendors that come to town, but the amusement rides are my favorite.”

Vikings vanquished

Mid-Carolina prevents Emerald from title series

May 5, 2007

By RENALDO STOVER
Index-Journal sports writer

The Emerald Vikings baseball team saw its season come to an unexpected end against a familiar opponent in the Upper State title game Friday night.
The Vikings lost back-to-back games against the Mid-Carolina Rebels 1-0 and 3-0.
“I told the team we were going to have to be ready to play,” Rebels coach Clyde Livingston said. “We had great pitching and played great defense. Before tonight, the last few times we played Emerald our defense let us down. We got the hits when we needed them and that was enough to beat them.”
Combined, the Vikings went 19 scoreless innings against a team they defeated 13-2 Monday despite having numerous runners in scoring position.
Never was this more evident than in the bottom of the seventh inning of the first game, when the Vikings had the bases loaded with one out.
John Woolston came to the plate for the Vikings, but a botched squeeze attempt resulted in Brandon Miller being tagged out between home and third. Woolston struck out, ending the inning.
“We had runners in scoring position tonight but we couldn’t get that key hit,” Miller said. “The only thing going thought my mind in the first game was ‘Get that one run,’ but we just couldn’t get it tonight.”
Miller ended his Viking career with a 10-inning, 19-strikeout performance in Game 1, but his performance was overshadowed by the lack of offense by the Vikings and gritty play by the Rebels, who were largely considered underdogs heading into the game.
“If we were going to win it, we should have won it the first game,” Vikings coach Chad Evans said. “The (Rebels) played great. They played mistake-free and had great pitching all night. We didn’t take care of business like we should have. I think both teams played hard, but they made more plays tonight.”
After Miller left the mound, the Rebels needed only two additional innings before Shane Graham’s RBI single off Derek Moore in the 12th inning gave them the win.
Graham struck again in Game 2, connecting for an RBI single that gave the Rebels their first run of the game in the second inning. Will Bedenbaugh followed with an RBI single giving the Rebels a 2-0 lead.
C.J. Hentz scored the Rebels final run of the game in the third inning and freshman pitcher Keishawn Holley struck out Miller for the final out of the game.

Obituaries

Minnie Lee Farmer

Minnie Lee Farmer, 70, of 607 McLees Street, passed away Wednesday, May 2, 2007, at Self Regional Medical Center.
Born in Laurens, she was a daughter of the late John Simpson and Queenie Mae Brown Simpson. She was a member of White Plains Baptist Church, Laurens.
She is survived by a son, Lee Mack Farmer of Greenwood; three daughters, Edith Rankin, Anna Farmer and Tecora Farmer, all of Greenwood; four brothers, Robert Simpson, Belford Simpson, Jack Simpson, all of Laurens and James Simpson of Clinton; three sisters, Mary Lomax, Margaret Simpson, both of Greenwood and Joann Simpson of Laurens; 11 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Sunday at Percival-Tompkins Funeral Home Chapel, with Reverend James McKee officiating.
Burial will be in Evening Star. Flower bearers and pallbearers will be friends of the family.
The family is at the granddaughter’s home, Ernestine Shebazz, 560 Goode Avenue, Greenwood.
Percival-Tompkins Funeral Home is assisting the Farmer family.

James ‘Jim’ W. Jennings Sr.

BRANCHVILLE — Mr. James “Jim” W. Jennings Sr., 85 years of age, died Thursday, May 3, 2007, Mr. Jennings was born in McCormick Co., a son of the late James B. Jennings and Ida Pearl Bodie Jennings. He was a member of the Branchville Baptist Church, an Army veteran of WWII, a member of the John S. Davidson Masonic Lodge in GA., retired from the Savannah River Plant in Aiken, and made his home in Branchville for the past 20 years.
Funeral services will be conducted Sunday, May 6, 2007, at 2 p.m. at the Branchville Baptist Church, with Dr. Richard Porter Officiating. Burial will be in the Metts Cemetery in Branchville. The casket will be placed in the church at 1 p.m. Pallbearers will be Robert Dunning, Toby Dukes, Todd Owens, Finley Dickson, Lee Jennings, Jeff Jennings, Mike Halter, and Roy Turner. Honorary will be the Branchville Baptist Church Adult Sunday School Class.
Survived by: his wife, Mrs. Esther Ruth Jennings of the home; three children, Mrs. Idella J. Wray and husband, Byers of Bamberg, James Jennings Jr. and wife, Joyce of Simpsonville, and Diane J. Bodie and husband, Randy of Ringgold GA.; one brother, Carl Jennings; four sisters, Merry Bell Roper, Arline Wilkie, Catherine West, and Carolyn Scott; seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and a number of nieces and nephews.
Family will receive friends Saturday from 6 to 8 p.m. at The Ott Funeral Home in Branchville, and friends may call at the residents of Mrs. Althea Dickson, 331 Camp Edisto Road, Branchville. Memorials may be made to the Metts Cemetery Fund, c/o Althea Dickson, 331 Camp Edisto Road, Branchville, SC 29432. Online condolences may be sent to www.ottfh.com.

Louise McManus

NINETY SIX — Louise Bowick McManus, 92, resident of Wesley Commons and formerly of 1815 Old Edgefield Road, Ninety Six, widow of Ellie McManus, died Thursday, May 3, 2007, at Self Regional Medical Center.
Born in McCormick County, she was a daughter of the late Garfield Augustus and Ada Bon Bowick. She was retired from Greenwood Mills, Mathews Plant and was a member of Friendship Pentecostal Holiness Church.
Surviving is a sister, Lillie Belle “Dot” Parsons of McCormick; a brother, Garfield “Junior” Bowick of McCormick; and a number of nieces and nephews.
Services will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at Friendship Pentecostal Holiness Church, with the Rev. Boyd Arnold officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
Pallbearers will Glen McManus, William C. “Chuck” McManus, Nathan Cullens, Bill Bowers, Laverne Parks, Randy Tiller and Adrian Ouzts.
Honorary escort will be the members of Friendship Pentecostal Holiness Church and the staff of Wesley Commons.
The family will receive friends at Harley Funeral Home on Saturday from 6 to 8 p.m. The body will be placed in the church at 1 p.m. on Sunday.
The family members are at their respective homes.
It is requested that flowers be omitted and memorials made to Friendship Pentecostal Holiness Church, 9602 Highway 178, Saluda, SC 29138.
Online condolences may be sent to the McManus family by visiting www.harleyfuneralhome.com.

Kirby L. Robinson

NINETY SIX — Memorial services for Kirby L. Robinson, 2011 Tillman Territory Road, will be held Saturday, May 5, 2007, at 2 p.m. at Mount Olive Baptist Church, Ninety Six, South Carolina, conducted by Rev. Mark Robinson. The family is at 218 Wheatfield Dr.
Robinson & Son Mortuary is assisting the Robinson family.
Online condolences my be sent to robson@nctv.com.

Louise B. Shands

Louise Buchanan Hawkins Shands, 86, of 508 Bolt Street, widow of James Wilson Shands, died Thursday, May 3, 2007, at Self Regional Medical Center.
Born in Greenville, she was a daughter of the late Thomas Allen and Margaret Jane Franks Buchanan. She was formerly employed by Orr Mill in Anderson and retired from Greenwood Mills, Mathews Plant. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Mary Pinkney Ouzts Chapter, was a Girl Scout leader and a G.A. leader. She was a member of New Market Baptist Church and was formerly a Sunday school teacher and choir member of Orville Baptist Church.
She was twice married, first to the late Harold Hawkins.
Surviving are two daughters, Carolyn H. Joiner and her husband, Walter E. Joiner, and Geraldine Stewart and her husband, Larry Stewart, and a son, Raymond M. Hawkins, all of Greenwood; four sisters, Martha Shaw, Betty Tate and her husband, Tommy, all of Anderson, Dorothy Hughes of Iva and Drucilla Coates of Laurens; a brother, Albert Buchanan and his wife, Veda, of Mary Esther, FL; five grandchildren, Robin C. Garner of Greenwood, Leonard Stewart of Ninety Six, Paula Kyzer and Richard Kyzer, of Greenwood and Jane Summers of Greenwood; two great-grandchildren.
Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. Monday at New Silverbrook Cemetery in Anderson, with the Rev. Stanley Sprouse officiating.
Honorary escort will be Dr. Todd Gallman, Dr. Lincoln McGinnis, Arnette Awtry, Eddie Joiner, Allen Joiner, Barry Joiner, Leonard Stewart, Levi Scott, Wayne Blackburn, Jerry Moore, Bob Emily and all nephews.
The family will receive friends at Harley Funeral Home on Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m.
The family is at the home of Walter and Carolyn Joiner, 121 Northgate Street.
Memorials may be made to Youth Submerge Fund, New Market Baptist Church, 906 Ninety Six Highway, Greenwood, SC 29646.
Online condolences may be sent to the Shands family by visiting www.harleyfuneralhome.com.

Joseph Wharton

McCORMICK — Joseph Wharton, 67, of Savannah Heights Living Center, died Friday, May 4, 2007, at Self Regional Medical Center.
The family is at the home of a brother, Gussie Worden, Coleman Hill Road.
Services will be announced by Walker Funeral Home.

Opinion

Real reform still elusive as DOT problems remain

May 5, 2007

What changes, if any, will be made in a so-called “reform” of the State Department of Transportation? That’s a question that’s been around for a while, now, yet it seems everything at the DOT is business as usual ..... and considering the troubles there, that should be unacceptable to South Carolina taxpayers.
The State Senate and House of Representatives have not managed to reach any agreement on what the reform should include and how the future of the agency will play out. They’ve both presented their own “druthers” on what to do. Still ..... nothing!
In the midst of all this the state’s highway commissioners decided to hire their own executive director to replace the departed Elizabeth Mabry.

NEVER MIND THAT THE MAN hired is a former chairman of the Highway Department board of commissioners ..... one of their own, so to speak.
The commissioners said the action was needed because the Legislature had done nothing and the DOT needed direction and leadership.
There are sure to be “powers that be” on both sides of this most recent DOT undertaking. Undertaking may be the operative word, too. A solution - a real solution - is needed to make reform a reality instead of a political football. The idea of reform could die a costly death brought on by gobbledygook that perpetuates “do-nothing” attitudes where restructuring state government is concerned.
It’s not like the Highway Department hasn’t been the source of disputes throughout its history.

THROUGH THE YEARS, THOUGH, those who want to wield the power of the money appropriated for DOT have refused to relinquish that power.
Politics is and always has been a major factor at DOT. Don’t confuse it with partisan party politics, though. It’s politics about control and that has always been the crux of the problem.
It’s time for lawmakers to get on with the business of restructuring state government. The DOT should be a priority in that effort, too. It’s clear that no solution has been found for the historical bickering. From all appearances, a solution is not high on the list of state lawmakers, and that’s not in the interests of all South Carolinians who pay the bills.