Another wait in Ware Shoals

Attorneys request 10 days to respond to gag order motion from solicitor’s office

May 8, 2007

By CHRIS TRAINOR
Index-Journal staff writer

The knot on the gag isn’t tied just yet.
The Eighth Circuit Solicitor’s Office filed a motion May 2 for a hearing to be conducted Monday at Greenwood County Courthouse. The hearing’s purpose was to request a gag order on the attorneys and law enforcement officers involved in the cases against former Ware Shoals principal Jane Blackwell and former cheerleading coach Jill Moore.
However, Blackwell’s attorneys, Billy Garrett and Lance Sheek, requested more time to establish their position on the matter. The solicitor’s office filed the motion for the hearing on May 2 and Garrett and Sheek have, per state law, 10 days to respond.
“We have not been given our 10 days,” Garrett said Monday, addressing Judge Frank Addy. “We request our 10 days before we respond.”
Addy said he would grant Garrett’s request and that the hearing would re-convene Friday at the courthouse.
The gag order request was in front of Addy for less than five minutes Monday. Prosecutor Andrew Hodges is handling the case for the solicitor’s office.
Blackwell did not appear in court with Sheek and Garrett.
Meanwhile, Moore’s attorney, Townes Jones, and her father, former Ware Shoals school board member Marcus Bishop, made a brief appearance. Jones met with Addy in his chambers for several minutes, and he and Bishop left before the court came to order.
Following the judge’s decision to delay the hearing until Friday, Sheek commented on the process.
“The state has moved for an order prohibiting any of the attorneys involved in the Jane Blackwell case from speaking with the media regarding the case,” Sheek said. “What the judge has ruled is that, under the rules, we have 10 days from the time we receive a motion in which to prepare a case and argue it.
“We didn’t have those 10 days, so he ordered us to come back on Friday.”
Sheek discussed what general information he and Garrett still need before proceeding with the hearing.
“What we need to know is how much information has been released by the (Greenwood County) Sheriff’s Office to the media, so that we can properly and intelligently respond,” Sheek said. “At this point we know there have been numerous releases from the sheriff’s department, but we don’t know what’s been in them.
“We haven’t gotten to see them. We issued a subpoena and we’ve gotten some (releases) from the sheriff’s department. Now we’re just trying to determine if that’s all of them.”
GCSO is already participating in a voluntary gag order involving the case, which it enacted May 1.
“We determined that justice cannot be served if we are forced to repeatedly respond to attacks on the investigation,” Sheriff Dan Wideman said on May 1. “So we are voluntarily agreeing to forward all future requests for information to the solicitor.”
Wideman added his office would continue to respond to Freedom of Information Act and Rule 5 requests, but such requests also will be coordinated with the solicitor’s office.
Part of what prompted GCSO’s voluntary gag order and the solicitor’s office hearing request is a video of an interview of Moore by Chief Deputy Mike Frederick that was leaked to and broadcast by regional TV station WHNS. The station said the source of the leak wished to remain anonymous.

Police: Man admits to sex with minor

May 8, 2007

By CHRIS TRAINOR
Index-Journal staff writer

WARE SHOALS — A 38-year-old man has been arrested after detectives say he admitted to having sex with a 14-year-old girl.
Ware Shoals police arrested Willie Edward Goode, of 11 Ballentine Drive, Ware Shoals, and charged him with criminal sexual conduct with a minor-victim 11 to 14 years of age.
Ware Shoals Detective Bryan Louis said a guidance counselor from Ware Shoals Primary School contacted the police department last week and said a 9-year-old boy had told the counselor that Goode was dating his (the 9-year-old’s) girlfriend, who is the victim in the case.
Louis said, after talking to the boy, officers contacted the victim and her mother and asked if the allegations were true. He said that, at that point, the victim denied she had a relationship with Goode.
However, Louis said a friend of the victim and the friend’s mother, who attend church with the victim, came to police with a letter reportedly written by the victim in which she detailed what happened with Goode. Louis said the victim came forward and told officers what happened after that letter came to light.
“Goode signed a written statement admitting he had sex with (the victim) on two occasions,” Louis said.
He said Goode signed the statement Sunday.
Louis said the victim had apparently been baby-sitting for Goode. He added the alleged incidents reportedly occurred during early April. He also said police began looking into the matter about April 28.

Eagles ready to defend their title

Spring practice kicks off at Greenwood High

May 8, 2007

By RENALDO STOVER
Index-Journal sports writer

The Greenwood Eagles are headed into familiar territory this season as they begin spring practice.
The 2007 football season marks the third time in past nine years that the Eagles begin the season as defending state champions.
The Eagles won’t get a free ride though.
Coach Shell Dula said that although his squad is the defending state champion in Class AAAA, division II, the team will have to work hard throughout the season if it hopes to make a return trip to Williams-Brice Stadium.
“Last season was a great experience for these young men,” Dula said. “They’ve continued to work hard during the off-season. They’ve done a great job on conditioning, and we’re as strong as we’ve ever been.”
With temperatures creeping up to the mid-70s as the Eagles began practice Monday, that conditioning likely paid off.
Players were shuttled from station to station, where they performed various drills ranging from form tackling in the linebacker group, to footwork drills for the defensive backs.
With the beginning of the season a few months away, Dula and his coaching staff were all about going over the basics in their opening practice.
“The first few days are really about making sure the players are using the proper technique,” Dula said. “We’ve got a lot of players coming out, so going over the fundamentals is important during the first few days.”
Dula named multiple spots on offense and defense in the Eagles lineup where he’ll be looking for players to fill in after the loss of key contributors because of graduation.
The strong safety position and bandit end on defense are two positions that will likely be up for grabs. On offense, there might be plenty of competition in the wide receiver group.
Dula said it’s too early to name specific players at this point, but added he expects to have a better idea about which players will take on those roles as practice progresses.
Everything is wide open right now,” Dula said. “There are a lot of untested players out here who’ll have a chance to compete this year.”
Senior offensive lineman Craig Patterson said that he and his teammates are excited about the upcoming season.
“We’ve been working hard,” Patterson said. “It feels good to finally get back out on the field.
We’re going to try to do our best to get back to the championship this year.”

Obituaries

Andrew Anderson

MOUNT CARMEL — Andrew Anderson, 86, of Savannah Heights Living Center in McCormick, SC, died Sunday, May 6, 2007, at Self Regional Medical Center in Greenwood, SC, husband of the late Leah McDuffie Anderson.
Born in McCormick County, he was the son of the late Andrew Jack Anderson and the late Kitty Dubose Anderson.
He was preceded in death by one son Wilburn Anderson.
He was a retired employee of Burlington Textiles Manufacturing Company in Calhoun Falls, SC.
Survivors include five daughters, Bonnie Germany of New York, Leola Lomax and Linda Calhoun of Mt. Carmel, SC, Luella Lewis of Calhoun Falls, SC, and Minnie Martin of Mauldin, SC; four sons, John Anderson of Mt. Carmel, SC, Cornell Anderson of Abbeville, SC, Leonard Anderson and Pat Anderson of McCormick, SC; one sister, Pinky Boyd of Buffalo, NY; 26 grandchildren; and host of great-grandchildren. He reared three grandchildren in the home, James and Reynaldo Anderson and Lisa Allen.
Services will be 11 a.m. Thursday, May 10, 2007, at the Haigler Street Church of Christ in Taylor Town, Abbeville, SC, with Bro. Raymond Pressley officiating and Elder Willie Campbell, Rev. Johnnie Waller, Brother I.V. White assisting. The body will be placed in church at 10 a.m. Interment will be in the Church of Christ Cemetery.
Public viewing will be Wednesday, May 9, 2007 at the Abbeville & White Mortuary, Inc. from 1 p.m.-8 p.m. Online condolences can be sent to awmort@wctel.net.
The family is at the home of a daughter, Linda Calhoun, 171 Dunlap Circle, Mt. Carmel, SC.
Abbeville & White Mortuary, Inc. is in charge of arrangements.

Corey Wendall Carter

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. — Corey Wendall Carter, 25, of 800 Swadley Road, Apt. 403, died Tuesday, May 8, 2007, at the Johnson City Medical University Hospital. Born in Greenwood, he was the son of T.C. and Mary Carter. He was a member of Holy Redeemer Lookup & Live Ministry. Survivors include his mother and father of Greenwood; two brothers, Terance Orlando Carter of Greenwood and Derrick Lamont Carter of Greenville; one sister, Tiarra Lashay Carter of Greenwood; and a fiancée, Shelli Fields of Johnson City, TN. Services will be announced by Robinson & Son Mortuary, Inc. Online condolences may be sent to robson@nctv.com.

Edward ‘Man’ Dones

Services for Edward “Man” Dones, of 801 Broadway Ave., are 3 p.m. Friday, May 11, 2007, at Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church (Promised Land), conducted by the Rev. James E. Speed, Sr. Presiding will be Bishop Emanuel Spearman. The body will be placed in the church at 2 p.m. Burial will be in the church cemetery.
Pallbearers and flower bearers are cousins and friends of the family. The family will be at the home.
Robinson & Son Mortuary, Inc. is assisting the Dones family. Online condolences may be sent to robson@nctv.com.

Glenn R. Elliott

Services for Glenn Reece Elliott will be at 11 a.m. Thursday in the Oakbrook Memorial Park Chapel Mausoleum, with the Rev. Stanley Sprouse and the Rev. Hal Lane officiating.
The body will be placed in the chapel mausoleum at 10 a.m. Thursday, and the family will receive friends there immediately following the service.
The family is at the home, 182 Old Woodlawn Road.
In lieu of flowers, it is requested that memorials be made to the Upper Savannah Family Caregiver Program, PO Box 1366, Greenwood, SC 29648.
Mr. Elliott, 80, of 182 Old Woodlawn Road, husband of Doris Richardson Elliott, died Tuesday, May 8, 2007, at Self Regional Medical Center.
Born in Moore County, NC, he was a son of the late J.W. Elliott, Sr. and Roxie Key Elliott. He was employed by Roberts Co., Grede Foundry, for 27 years and was a US Navy veteran of World War II. He was of the Baptist faith.
He was preceded in death by a son, Gerald “Jerry” Elliott.
Surviving are his wife of the home; two daughters, Connie Prince and Vanessa Wideman, both of Greenwood; two sons, William “Bill” Elliott of Hodges and Gary Elliott of Greenwood; two sisters, Mildred Spivey of Carthage, NC, and Mae Rodgers of Southern Pines, NC; a brother, J.W. Elliott of Carthage, NC; eight grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Harley Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.harleyfuneralhome.com.

Helen Mary McGrath Fleming

McCORMICK — Helen Mary McGrath Fleming, 94, of 214 Fifth Avenue, McCormick SC, widow of Reid L.Fleming, died Sunday, May 6, in North Charleston.
Born in McCormick, she was the last surviving daughter of the late Daniel Michael and Hettie Lois Creswell McGrath. She was a member of Good Shepherd Catholic Church and was a lifelong resident of McCormick.
She had worked at Bracknell’s Store and the McCormick Senior Center.
Surviving are ten nieces, one nephew, and families.
Services are 1 p.m on Thursday, at Good Shepherd Catholic Church, conducted by Father Richard Harris.
Visitation is from 12 to 1 at the church. Burial is in McCormick City Cemetery.
Pallbearers are Lee Wilke, James Daniels, John Ridgill, Tommy McGrath, Henry Hester, Reid Creswell, and Bert Storey.
Memorials may be made to Good Shepherd Catholic Church. Strom Funeral Home is in charge.

Bucky Frederick

Harry “Bucky” Coatsworth Frederick, 72, resident of 107 Windfield Court, husband of Sarah Beasley Frederick, died May 7, 2007 at Self Regional Medical Center.
Born June 10, 1934 in Ware Shoals, he was a son of the late Eva Sue Griffith Frederick Ridge and William Clay Frederick. He attended Ware Shoals High School, was a US Navy veteran and retired from IH Services of Greenwood. Mr. Frederick was of the Baptist faith.
Surviving in addition to his wife of the home are two daughters, Terrie Manley of Greenwood and Denise McKee of Atlanta; one sister, Harriette Fowler of Columbia; eight stepchildren; three grandchildren, Clay “CC” Manley, Katelynne Manley and Jacob McKee.
He was predeceased by a daughter Wynona Frederick and stepfather, Johnny Ridge.
A private graveside service will be conducted Wednesday at Oakbrook Memorial Park, with Rev. Robbie Burton and Rev. David Evans officiating.
The family is at the home on Windfield Court and will receive friends at Blyth Funeral Home from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Wednesday.
Memorials may be made to Hospice Care of the Piedmont, 408 W. Alexander Ave., Greenwood, SC 29646. For online condolences please visit www.blythfuneralhome.com.
Blyth Funeral Home & Cremation Services is assisting the Frederick family.

Jim Metts

James Edward “Jim” Metts, 77, of 303 Beaverdam Creek Road, widower of Emmie Sue Wood Metts, died Tuesday, May 8, 2007, at his home.
Services will be announced by Blyth Funeral Home & Cremation Services.

Lloyd Newman

GROVETOWN, Ga. — Mr. Lloyd O. Newman entered into rest Monday, May 7, 2007, in Westwood Nursing Home, the widower of the late Mrs. Ann Brinkley Newman. Mr. Newman was born in Brainerd, Minn., a retired millwright foreman and an Army veteran serving in the Korean Conflict. He was a member of Abilene Baptist Church, where he was a member of the James Dixon Sunday School Class.
Family members are 4 daughters, Sheila Still, Greenwood, S.C., Linda Eddleman, Anderson, S.C., Mary Ann Croome, Sandersville, Ga., Sherri Gwaltney, Evans, Ga.; 1 sister, Neoma Harris, Milford, Mich.; 9 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren. Mr. Newman was preceded in death by a son, Owen Newman.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, May 10, 2007, at 2 p.m. at Abilene Baptist Church, with Rev. William H. Harrell officiating. Mr. Newman will lie in state at the church one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in Bethlehem Cemetery in Coronaca, S.C., at 5 p.m. Pallbearers will be grandsons and sons-in-law.
The family will receive friends this Wednesday evening 7-9 p.m. at the Thomas L. King Funeral Home, 124 Davis Road, Martinez, Ga. 706-863-6747.

Charlie Rapley

Mr. Charlie Rapley, 70, of 10 Gilliam Ct., Greenwood and widower of Patricia Williams Rapley, died May 7, 2007 at VA Medical Center in Augusta. Born in Abbeville, he was the son of the late Ulysses Rapley and Willie Lee Turner Rapley. He was a member of Salem Baptist Church, Abbeville, and a US Army veteran.
Survivors are two sons, Charlie Williams Rapley Jr. of Rock Hill, SC, and Tony Rapley of Abbeville; 4 daughters, Tina Rapley and LaTonya Rapley of Greenwood, Tammy Williams Rapley of Columbia, SC, Kimberly Anderson of Rock Hill; 3 brothers, Frank Rapley of Abbeville, Ulysses Rapley Jr. and Carland Ulysses Gamble of Jacksonville, FL; 1 sister, Mary Banks of Midway, AL; 8 grandchildren; and 3 great-grandchildren.
Memorial service will be held Thursday at 11 a.m. in the chapel of Parks Funeral Home, Rev. Anthony Boozer officiating. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. The family is at the home of his brother Frank Rapley, 2013 Highway 72 E., Abbeville. Parks Funeral Home is serving the family.

Wayne Treece

DUE WEST — Wayne L. Treece, 72, resident of 1776 Lindsey Cemetery Road, husband of Ellen McKee Treece, passed away peacefully Monday, May 7, 2007, at his home with his family and friends by his side.
Born in Knoxville, TN, he was a son of the late Lon and Lillian Mae Treece.
Mr. Treece made his career serving his country in the United States Marine Corps, retiring after 22 years of service as a Captain. Upon retirement he enjoyed his farm in Due West. He was also of the Baptist faith. Survivors are: his beloved wife, Ellen McKee Treece of the home; children, Sheree Treece Edington of Glen Allen, VA, Jay Treece of Gretna, LA, Catherine Warmack of Cove City, NC, Leslie Treece Knox of Montgomery, AL, Kim Weisenberger of Grimesland, NC, Angie Urps of Woodruff, SC, Gordon Haynie of Honea Path, SC; brother, Kaney Treece of Knoxville, TN; 11 grandchildren; and 1 great-grandson.
He was preceded in death by one of his brothers Ken Treece.
A memorial service will be conducted Thursday, May 10, 2007, at 4 p.m. in the chapel of The Chandler-Jackson Funeral Home, with military honors to follow.
The family will receive friends from 2 until 3:30 p.m. Thursday afternoon prior to services. The family is at the home, 1776 Lindsey Cemetery Road, in Due West, SC.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in memory of Mr. Treece to the Hospice of the Piedmont, 408 W. Alexander St., Greenwood, SC 29646 or to New Hope Baptist Church, 4226 Hwy. 184 West, Due West, SC 29639. Online condolences may be sent to the Treece family by visiting www.chandlerjacksonfh.com.
The Chandler-Jackson Funeral Home, Abbeville, SC, is in charge of arrangements.

CORRECTION

For the obituary of Maudestean Smith Jackson in Tuesday’s paper, the services are 2 p.m. today. The body will be placed in the church at 1.

Opinion

Observing Day of Prayer a reminder of our rights

May 8, 2007

A National Day of Prayer ceremony was held in Greenwood the other day. Another was held at the State House in Columbia, just as there were all across the nation. Prayer should be an every day occurrence, of course, but observing a special day of prayer provides an opportunity for extra emphasis that is missing sometimes in our hurry-up existence.
That’s especially relevant at a time when religion is under pressure all over the world, including the U. S. We see it everyday as the number of assaults on Christianity, particularly, appear to be increasing.

A NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER adds a degree of interest that helps us focus not only on Christianity, to be sure, but on all faiths.
It reminds us, too, that prayer remains a viable and important part of American life despite what some naysayers would have us believe.
Whether Christian, Muslim, Jew or another faith, calling attention to prayer plays an important role in helping each of us remember that we have a constitutional right to our religion and prayer. It should also remind us that with rights goes responsibility.

THAT SEEMS, AT TIMES, TO get lost when too many of us focus on our own rights at the expense of other Americans. Observing a National Day of Prayer should help us renew our beliefs in the rights we all share ..... including those who look different and who believe differently.
It also should remind us that when we seek to deny those shared rights to others it effectively diminishes them for all of us. We should indeed pay attention to our daily prayers, but if a National Day of Prayer calls attention to something missing in a fast-moving world it’s surely a positive influence. No matter who or what we are, though, positive influences are too few and far between.