Trapped in the hot seat

Summer weather can be deadly
for kids, pets left in parked cars

June 19, 2006

By MEGAN VARNER
Index-Journal senior staff writer

When an Abbeville resident made a stop at a Greenwood store last week, it wasn’t something inside the store that caught her attention — it was something in the parking lot.
Eileen Hofstatter said she was in the mulch section at Wal-Mart when she heard a noise that stopped her in her tracks. Just feet away, a puppy waited in an unattended parked car, she said, its cries drifting through the vehicle’s slightly opened windows.
“I heard the puppy screaming. It was in distress, you could tell,” Hofstatter said. “It had its feet up on the window, just desperate to get out of the car.”
Temperatures climbed into the low 90s that day, and Hofstatter, who said she used to investigate animal cruelty cases and operated an animal shelter with her husband, said the temperatures inside the car could have been climbing much higher as the puppy’s owner shopped inside.
Hofstatter said she alerted a store cashier, who announced the situation over the intercom, and she then placed a call to the authorities about the puppy.
“I was ready to throw a rock through the window, but I wanted this to be handled properly,” she said. The owner eventually came out of the store before authorities arrived and drove away, but Hofstatter said the situation might have been avoided entirely if more people were aware of the dangers involved in leaving an animal — or a child — in a parked vehicle during hot weather.
Karen Pettay, director of the Humane Society of Greenwood, said the animal shelter “gets calls every year” from people reporting pets being left in unattended parked cars.
“It happens so much. It just doesn’t make sense to me,” she said. “Unless you are going to take your pet along wherever you are going (such as inside a building or to an outside event), don’t take it with you. The smart thing to do is leave the animal at home.”
On a warm day, the inside of a vehicle can feel like an oven, with temperatures climbing to 120 degrees in a matter of minutes, even when the vehicle is parked in the shade, according to the Humane Society of the United States’ (HSUS) Web site. Even if the vehicle’s windows are cracked or tinted, there is still a danger to animals or children left inside.
“The glass (on the vehicle) magnifies the heat,” Pettay said.
For an adult, when the heat begins to rise inside the vehicle, they can simply start the engine and turn on the air for relief.
But for small children or animals, that solution is not an option. And when the temperatures soar beyond 100 degrees, it can be more than uncomfortable for any living creature left inside the car — it can be deadly.
When a person’s temperature begins to rise, the body’s mechanisms for dealing with heat stress are lost, and the person might have difficulty sweating or controlling his own body temperature, according to information on the Mayo Clinic’s Web site. Rapid heartbeat, shallow breathing, confusion and loss of consciousness are all signs that a person might be experiencing heatstroke, a potentially life-threatening condition.
According to Kids and Cars, a group aiming to reduce the number of vehicle-related injuries and deaths in children, between 2001 and 2005, being left in a car during hot weather accounted for 23 percent of non-traffic and non-crash vehicle-related fatalities in U.S. children under age 15.
That number is second only to children being backed over by the vehicle, information on the group’s Web site said.
Animals trapped in hot vehicles can also suffer from heat exhaustion and heatstroke, showing symptoms that include heavy panting, glazed eyes, unsteadiness, vomiting and a deep red or purple tongue, the HSUS Web site said.
Emerald City Animal Hospital’s Dr. Teresa Willis said an animal showing signs of heat stress should be taken to a veterinary hospital immediately for treatment.
“It can kill them,” she said. “There are some that recover, but there are some that die.”
Even if the animals survives, Willis said it can suffer permanent brain damage.
Though there are no statutes of the law that specifically address leaving an animal unattended in a parked car, Pettay said neglect and mistreatment can be implied and could support prosecution on a case-by-case basis.
“It’s common sense that you don’t leave any living creature locked up when it’s hot,” Pettay said.
Greenwood Police Chief Gerald Brooks said officers investigate each incident of children or animals left in cars on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration the weather conditions, duration of time the animal or child was left in the car, whether the vehicle was locked and, in the case of a child, the child’s age and whether the car was in view of a guardian.
Heat isn’t the only danger facing a child left alone in a vehicle, and Brooks said children left in cars can become targets for kidnappings, be at risk for car fires or suffer injuries by accidentally putting the car into gear.
Brooks said the department averages no more than one case a year of a child left unattended in a vehicle, and of the cases he’s seen, none have been what he considered “extreme circumstances.”
In most cases, he said, the parent or guardian returns to the vehicle and leaves the scene before officers can arrive.
But if the child is still in the vehicle when officers arrive, police will keep the child in their sight while other officers begin searching for the parent or guardian.
“Their first obligation is to monitor the child’s condition because it can change rapidly,” Brooks said.
For some cases, Brooks said the parent or guardian can be located quickly, but if not, a locksmith is alerted. Emergency medical service technicians are usually called to the scene, especially if the weather is extremely hot or the child shows signs of distress.
“We don’t know how long the child has been there,” Brooks said. “If we are going to err, we’d rather err on the side of caution.”
If the child is in distress, Brooks said officers can break the vehicle’s window before the locksmith arrives.
The guardian or parent, depending on the circumstances of the situation, could be charged with child abuse or neglect, Brooks said. Animal owners can also be charged depending on the situation.
Pettay had advice for those who are thinking about leaving their pets or children in a vehicle for even a short period of time.
“We suggest that you lock yourself in a car for 15 minutes in the heat and see if you like it,” she said.

American flag makes long journey
from Iraq to Greenwood business

June 19, 2006

BY BOBBY HARRELL
Index-Journal staff writer

The American flag hanging in the lobby of One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning has survived one of the most dangerous environments on Earth. Decorated with the signatures of a Marine platoon, the flag has flown in a convoy through Al-Taqaddum, Ramadi, Fallujah, Baghdad, Samara and Tikrit in Iraq.
Marine Staff Sgt. Brian Lee Moody mailed the flag to Dianne and John Collins, his wife’s parents and owners of One Hour, several weeks ago.
The trip through Iraq took several days for Moody’s convoy, so he sent the flag home as a reminder of the journey, said his wife, Jill Moody.
The flag will stay up until Moody, a Greenwood native, comes home in September, Dianne Collins said. “I’m gonna give it back to him when he gets home,” she said.
The Collinses and Moody’s parents each received a flag.
Moody was born on Sept. 24, 1970, in Greenwood.
He was a good-natured kid with a very go lucky attitude, Diane Moody said of her son.
Moody raised cattle as a child, something that displayed the discipline he would use later in the Marines, she said.
A fan of Civil War history and NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Jr., Moody talks about opening his own barbecue place once he gets back from Iraq, Diane Moody said.
He’s in his second tour of Iraq, Dianne Collins said.
Moody served in Iraq during Desert Storm, she said.
He’s been in the Marines for 11 years, she said.
Moody returned to Iraq because he wanted to serve his country, Dianne Collins said.
He married the Collins’ daughter, Jill, after coming back from Desert Storm.
The Collinses liked Moody right away, John Collins said.
Moody talks with Jill, the Collinses and his mother as often as he can by phone or e-mail.
Diane Moody worries a little less about her son this time in Iraq.
During Desert Storm, he slept in a hole he dug in the desert floor, she said. Now, he at least gets to sleep in a tent.
Moody is kind of used to the heat, Dianne Collins said.
He trained with his platoon in California before going to Iraq.
Even with the luxury of temporary shelter, Moody’s conditions aren’t always ideal. That‘s the way he likes it, Diane Moody said.
When she talked to him on June 2, Moody had gotten two hours of sleep in 48 hours.
“But things are going well,” Moody told his mother.
Moody doesn’t complain too much, she said.
“Complaining only reinforces the negative,” Moody told his mother.
Jill Moody stays near Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, N.C. with their three children while Moody’s in Iraq, Dianne Collins said.
Moody spent five years as a Greenwood police officer after Desert Storm, eventually becoming a captain, Dianne Collins said.
But the pull of the Marines called him back to service in 1998, she said.
Moody liked being a police officer, but he was gung-ho about being a Marine, Dianne Collins said.
“He just loves the military,” Dianne Collins said. “He said he needed to be over there.”
The Collinses are supportive of Moody, even though the distance between them makes them feel helpless, John Collins said.
“I told him when he gets home, I’d kiss him on the cheek,” Dianne Collins said.
When Moody gets back, all he’ll want to do is spend time with his wife and kids, Diane Moody said.
“He won’t want a big to-do,” she said.
People have to remember soldiers like Moody and support them until they come home, John Collins said.
“You can’t just forget about it,” he said.

Observations ...
... and other reflections

June 19, 2006

Many voters in South Carolina don’t always pay much attention to some things on a ballot. One is constitutional amendments that voters must approve for them to take effect. This year, though, there is one every property owner should take seriously.
It’s a constitutional amendment that would prohibit local governments from condemning private property through eminent domain for private development.
It’s important to reassure property owners that eminent domain would be used as it was intended. That’s for condemning private property only for public use to benefit all of the public. Private property protection is basic. Approve it.

* * * * *

Go figure! Some recently nominated candidates are now critical of Gov. Mark Sanford as a result of his using his “bully pulpit” to promote his philosophy on limiting government growth via taxing and spending. In fact, some are downright antagonistic.
Isn’t it strange, though, that some were not reluctant to send out mailings showing the candidate with the governor. The implication, of course, was that the candidates had Sanford’s support. In other words, they used the governor in their politicking.
Can you spell h-y-p-o-c-r-i-s-y?

* * * * *

South Carolina has its share of illegal immigrants to deal with. As in many things, people of the state are mixed on how they feel about the whole question. One thing appears to create some doubts, though. That’s the fact that being here illegally is not necessarily sufficient grounds for deportation.
It seems an illegal immigrant must be caught in some other serious criminal activity to even be considered for deportation. Even then it can be questionable.
That’s only one factor in the public’s concern. Being illegal doesn’t seem to mean anything. Under the circumstances, is there any wonder there is a problem?

* * * * *

Congress this week will look at a confusing provision in the works with Mexico. That is, Social Security benefits given to illegal immigrants would be extended to their families living in Mexico.
Why are so many Americans disillusioned with government, and why are so many critical of President Bush? This raid on an already squeezed Social Security system answers those questions very well. The idea of the U. S. sending Social Security benefits to families of illegal immigrants in another country should be killed quickly.

James Davis

James Miller Davis, 49, resident of 881 N. Belair Road, Evans, Ga., died at the home of his father, 206 E. Sproles Ave. on Sunday, June 18, 2006. Born September 22, 1956 in Greenwood, he was a son of William M. Davis, Sr. and the late June Hughes Davis. He was a graduate of Piedmont Technical College and was an automobile sales associate. Mr. Davis was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church in Evans. Surviving in addition to his father of Greenwood are two daughters, Jennifer Stafford and Laura Davis, both of Mooresville, NC; two sons, William Davis and Zack Davis, both of Evans, GA; two brothers, William M. Davis, Jr. of Aurora, CO and Phillip M. Davis of Hampstead, NC; and one grandson, Tyler Davis of Mooresville, NC. A private memorial service will be conducted on Tuesday at Blyth Funeral Home with Rev. George Thomas officiating. Interment will be in Greenwood Memorial Gardens at a later date. The family is at the home of his father, 206 East Sproles Ave. Memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice. To make online condolences or for further information please visit www.blythfuneralhome.com. Blyth Funeral Home & Cremation Service is assisting the Davis family. PAID OBITUARY

Shirley DeMore

ABBEVILLE — Shirley Marie DeMore, 36, of 192 White Creek Road, wife of John Charles DeMore, died Friday, June 16, 2006.
Born in Meadville, Pa., she was a daughter of Shirley Short O’Neal and the late Robert Lawrence O’Neal. She was employed as a mechanic at O’Neal’s Garage.
Survivors include her husband of Charleston; four sons, Dominic Robert Offi of Saegertown, Pa., Sean Douglas DeMore, John Charles DeMore Jr. and Robert Matthew DeMore all of the home; one brother, Brian Lee O’Neal of Meadville, Pa.; three sisters, Roberta Lynn Lopez of Meadville, Pa.; twin sister, Cheryl Unger of Conneaut Lake, Pa. and Shirley Gable of Nashville, Tenn.
Services are 3 p.m. Tuesday at Chandler-Jackson Funeral Home, conducted by the Rev. Wendell Rhodes.
Visitation is 12:30 - 2:30 Tuesday at the funeral home.
The family is at the home of John and Gloris Garner, 219 Old Calhoun Falls Road.
The Chandler-Jackson Funeral Home is in charge.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.chandlerjacksonfh.com

Eddie Jennings

McCORMICK — Eddie Jennings, 53, of 419 Talbert St., died Saturday, June 17, 2006 at his home after a short illness.
Born in McCormick County, he was a son of James Jennings and Beatrice White Jennings. He was a 1972 McCormick High School graduate and was employed with the S.E.C. gas pipe laying company of Atlanta. He was a member of the Mount Lebanon Baptist Church.
Survivors include his parents of Plum Branch; two daughters, Natasha Frambrough and Tameka Polly, both of McCormick; two sisters, Harvey (Lizzie) Tucker and Suffie Jennings, both of Plum Branch; his companion, Melissa Jennings of the home; three grandchildren.
The family is at the home of his parents, 197 Dordon Road, Plum Branch and at the home.
Services will be announced by Walker Funeral Home.

Jo Ann Ladd

ANDERSON — Jo Ann Tribble Ladd, 65, of 109 Donaree Drive, wife of Mark Amos Ladd, died Saturday, June 17, 2006 at AnMed Health Medical Center.
Born in Anderson, she was a daughter of Gladys Lowe Tribble and the late Prue Hadden Tribble. She was a retired employee of Wometco Food Services and was a member of Centerville Church of God.
Survivors include her husband of the home; two daughters, Beverly Ladd and Mrs. Robert (Sharon) Groves, both of Anderson; two sons, Alan Ladd of Greenwood and Jason Ladd of Irmo; her mother of Pendleton; two sisters, Dixie Faye Tribble and Geraldine Carey, both of Pendleton; a brother, Wyman Tribble of Easley; two grandchildren.
Services are 1 p.m. Tuesday at McDougald Funeral Home, conducted by the Rev.’s Terry Collins and Kenneth Jordan. Burial is in Forest Lawn Memorial Park.
Visitation is 6-8 this evening at the funeral home.
The family is at the home.
Memorials may be made to the South Carolina Church of God Home For Children, PO Box 430, Mauldin, SC 29663.
The McDougald Funeral Home is in charge.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.mcdougaldfuneralhome.com

Robert O’Neal

ABBEVILLE — Robert Lawrence O’Neal, 58, of 295 Hunter St. Ext., husband of Shirley Short O’Neal, died Friday, June 16, 2006.
Born in Conneaut Lake, Pa., he was a son of the late Robert Kirkpatrick and Cecile Angelina Willis O’Neal. He was the owner and operator of O’Neal’s Garage. He attended Friendship Baptist Church.
Survivors include his wife of the home; three daughters, Roberta Lynn Lopez of Meadville, Pa., twin daughter, Cheryl Unger of Conneaut Lake, Pa. and Shirley Gable of Nashville, Tenn.; a son, Brian Lee O’Neal of Meadville, Pa.; two brothers, Clifford Williams of Meadville, Pa. and Daniel Williams of Saegertown, Pa.; 14 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren.
Services are 3 p.m. Tuesday at Chandler-Jackson Funeral Home, conducted by the Rev. Wendell Rhodes. Visitation is 12:30 - 2:30 Tuesday at the funeral home.
The family is at the home of John and Gloris Garner, 219 Old Calhoun Falls Road.
The Chandler-Jackson Funeral Home is in charge.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.chandlerjacksonfh.com

Margaret M. Patrick

Margaret Murphy Patrick, 65, of 1091 Parkland Place Road, Apt. E-7, widow of Charles Patrick, died Sunday, June 18, 2006 at Self Regional Medical Center.
Born in Greenwood, she was a daughter of the late George Franklin Murphy, Sr. and Lois Moore Knighton.
She was retired from Greenwood Mills, Mathews Plant and was of the Baptist faith.
Surviving are two daughters, Brenda Lee Johnson of Greenwood and Betty Ann Johnson Price, and her husband, Vincent, of Ninety Six; a son, Earl Eugene Johnson of Callaham, FL; three sisters, Connie Jean Murphy and Claudia Harrison, both of Greenwood and Sarita Reyes and her husband, Tony, of Guam; three brothers, George “Buddy” Murphy of Greenwood, Eric Murphy and Curtis Murphy, both of Michigan; and grandchildren, Hope Danielle Davis, Anthony John Eye, Tara D. Price, all of Greenwood, Vincent A. D. Price and Cody D. Price, both of Ninety Six and Earl Spencer Johnson of Callaham, FL.
Services will be 3:00 PM Tuesday at Harley Funeral Home Chapel with the Reverend Chuck Sprouse, the Reverend Ronald Chavis and Dr. Clint Seymour officiating.
Burial will follow in Greenwood Memorial Gardens.
Pallbearers will be Travis Murphy, Tanner Murphy, David Pittman, Mathew Pittman, Jordan Sexton, John Hilley and Mike Dorn.
Honorary escort will be Dr. Clint Seymour, Betty Carrier, Dr. Samuel Burnett and Dr. Loudermilk.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday from 7:00 to 9:00 PM.
The family is at the home.
Harley Funeral Home is in charge.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.harleyfuneralhome.com
PAID OBITUARY

Joseph Alfred Tullis

Joseph Alfred Tullis, 67, a beloved father, has lost his struggle with cancer and went on to share his eternity with his wife Martha Ann Mooney Tullis, while surrounded by his family, on Father’s Day, Sunday, June 18, 2006 at his home.
Born in Abbeville, he was a son of the late John Henry Tullis and Evelyn Maynard Cheek. He worked at Greenwood Mills for 27 years and he last worked at Capsugel. Known by “Joe”, he was an avid golfer, love to fish and devoted to his dogs. Mr. Tullis loved his family and was a member of New Life Baptist Church.
Surviving are four daughters, Tammy Gary and husband Les, and Twila Creech and husband Keith, both of Waterloo, Jamie Holley and husband Kerry, of Hodges, and Tammy Lewis, of Greenwood; two sons, Jefferson Tullis, of Waterloo, and Bobby Joe Mooney, of the home; a sister, Jeraleine Cheek Burton, of Hodges; a brother John Henry “Sonny” Tullis Jr., of Gainesville, Ga; a special nephew, William “Buddy” Hitt, of Greenwood; nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Graveside services will be 2:00 PM, Tuesday at Greenwood Memorial Gardens with the Reverend A. R. “Bud” Tumblin officiating.
Pallbearers will be Ray Turner, Robert Taylor, Ricky Taylor, Keith Ashley, Bobby Richardson, and Buddy Hitt.
Honorary pallbearers will be Johnny Barrett and Barry Holley.
The family will receive friends at Harley Funeral Home on Monday from 7:00 until 9:00 PM.
The family has asked that flowers be omitted and memorials made to Harley Funeral Home, Po Box 777, Greenwood, SC 29648; Hospice Care of the Piedmont, 408 W. Alexander Ave. Greenwood, SC 29646; or to New Life Baptist Church Building Fund, 116 Clark Ave, Greenwood, SC 29649.
The Family is at the home.
Harley Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.harleyfuneralhome.com
PAID OBITUARY