Official: 20 more minutes
for District 50 school day dead for 2006-07 year

June 9, 2006

By BOBBY HARRELL
Index-Journal staff writer

A proposed 20 minutes won’t be added to the Greenwood School District 50 middle and elementary school days in the 2006-07 school year, but middle and elementary school teachers are still concerned about how future proposals will affect students.
The proposal, designed to meet state physical education requirements, was discussed in March, but never decided upon, said Bill Steed, superintendent of District 50.
Because the June meeting of the board of trustees has been pushed back to deal with the state budget’s effect on District 50, school days can’t be extended now, he said.
The board won’t have any time to implement any changes for the school year because of the later date of the meeting, Steed said.
However, he said he strongly encourages the board to move in that direction.
Discussion about extending the school day has been on-going, Steed said.
Some of the discussion was because of the physical education law and some of it was because of a call from teachers for more time to instruct students, he said.
The school day eventually will have to be extended to meet requirements for the physical education law, said Dru James, chairwoman for District 50’s board of trustees.
Rebecca Davis, a sixth-grade language arts teacher at Westview Middle School, said she thinks an extra 20 minutes will do students more harm than good.
Davis said most of the middle school teachers she’s talked to agree.
Social studies and science middle school teachers have been the ones to ask for more school time, said Shirley Boyce, director of secondary education at District 50.
The extra minutes won’t help kids learn better, especially with students working from 8:10 a.m. to 1:50 p.m. in academic classes, Davis said.
“They work hard all day long,” she said.
Brain research has shown that children can’t learn for a very long time without becoming mentally taxed, Davis said. Kids also would suffer because they have to get up earlier to take the bus to school, she said.
Buses won’t be delayed very much if the day is extended, said Robert Riley, transportation director for District 50. The most noticeable difference would be in the city, he said.
Only nine students in more rural areas would be affected by a change in bus schedules, said Janell Alston, director of elementary education at District 50.
Most kids will get to school between 7 and 8 a.m. if time is added to the day, Riley said.
He said he would do what it takes to get kids to school on time.
Teachers also are being short-changed, said Chris Schwartz, a fourth-grade teacher at Oakland Elementary School. She said she had heard that elementary teachers have told the board they need more time in the day to teach, but said she doesn’t think 20 minutes would be that helpful to students.
“Who, in any industry, has enough time in the day?” Schwartz asked.
Teachers could use their current time more effectively if they didn’t spend time disciplining students, she said.
Administrators could help by disciplining students better and offering the use of assistants for teachers, Schwartz said.
Several schools have led workshops to help teachers deal with discipline problems in the classroom, Alston said.
Schwartz said she does see a point in extending school. If other school districts have longer days than District 50, the hours should be extended in District 50, as well, she said.
A study of surrounding districts showed they had longer days than Greenwood District 50, Alston said.

30-30 — 60

Try to top that!

June 9, 2006

By JIM JOYCE
Special projects editor

Greenwood’s Ben Martin came close to doing what no player has ever done in the county — shoot 59.
At least, no one can remember that ever being done.
Happ Lathrop, director of the S.C. Golf Association, said he remembers only one other player to shoot that or better, but he wasn’t sure of the score.
Wayne Myers, now the pro at Southern Oaks Golf Club in Greer, did it four or five years ago, Lathrop said.
Martin, playing in a foursome Tuesday at Greenwood Country Club with John Moneyhun, Trey Fowler and Brooks Sims, set a record by shooting 30-30—60.
That snapped the record 61 held by Kevin Pendley.
It was a round Martin said he will never forget, even though he didn’t want to talk about it when he arrived in the pro shop afterwards.
“When they came, I asked him how they did, and Ben said, ‘We won,’” said Gamble Roquemore, who said he checked the scorecard and couldn’t believe what he saw.
After a few minutes to get over the shock, Roquemore said he told Martin he’d be jumping all over the place if he had shot that score.
“It’s the best I’ve ever had,” said Martin, who added that he has shot 65 five or six times, including a couple of times at the GCC course.
The round consisted of 12 birdies and six pars, including four birdies in a row at 12, 13, 14 and 15.
His round started with a two-putt birdie at No. 1, followed by a birdie at No. 2, a par, two more birdies, another par, two birdies and a par to make the turn at 30.
“Nine was the only green I missed, but I got up and down for par,” Martin said. “I hit my tee shot right, under a tree, and had to punch under it. It caught one of the limbs, but I ended up getting up and down from in front of the green for par.”
He said his putting had gone astray for a while, but it starting clicking that day.
“I was hitting it pretty close all day and made everything inside 12 feet,” he said. “I didn’t make anything outside that, but I made everything I looked at within that distance.”
There were some anxious moments, though.
“Nine, 10 and 11 was the toughest stretch,” Martin said. “I had to get up and down on nine, and I had about a 50-footer for birdie at 10.
“I knocked it about 10 feet past the hole and made it coming back to save par. At 11, I two-putted from about 20 feet, then birdied 12 to get back on some birdies.”
After the 30 on the front, Martin said he “just tried to keep making birdies. Then I made pars at 10 and 11 and thought, ‘I’ve got to get it going again.’”
He did.
Birdies at 12, 13, 14 and 15 got his mind working again — this time giving him the possibility of shooting 59 — or at least tying the record 61.
“I got a little nervous,” he said. “At 16, I hit it toward the middle of the green because of the pond. At 17, I hit a 2-iron off the tee, where I usually hit a 3-wood. I made birdie there.”
His score, after 17, was 56. He had to have eagle to make 59 or a par to tie the course record.
“I got nervous and tried to keep it right because of the out-of-bounds on the left,” Martin said. “It worked out. I had a 4-iron to the green (second shot), but I went over it. I had about a 25-footer for eagle, but it went past the hole.”
He converted the birdie to establish the record.
His summer is filled with tournaments, beginning with the State Match Play in Camden this week, followed by the Festival of Flowers Classic, the Rice Planters in Charleston, Palmetto Am in Aiken, attempting to qualify for the U.S. Amateur, and the GCC club championship.
He has also qualified to play in the Southern Am in Birmingham, Ala.
One big question remains: “Can you take care of your father (Jim)?”
Smiling, Ben said, “Yeah.”

Opinion

Amendment on marriage decision for the people

June 9, 2006

The question of same-sex marriages continues to be a hot political issue. In South Carolina there’s a constitutional amendment on the ballot which, if approved, would define marriage in this state as between a man and a woman. In Washington the Senate has rejected an amendment to the U.S.
Constitution on the same subject. Nevertheless, the House still plans to consider it.
In South Carolina, opponents of the amendment are incensed, as are some in Washington. They include homosexual rights groups, some ministers, and others.They call the proposed change a political stunt that would legalize discrimination.
This is one of a half dozen states with the marriage amendment on the November ballot. Nationwide, 19 states have changed their constitutions to protect the traditional definition of marriage.

SOUTH CAROLINA HAS A marriage law, to be sure. Proponents of a constitutional amendment, however, say a change in the state Constitution would assure that courts don’t overturn the law. Furthermore, the state could refuse to recognize same-sex marriages performed elsewhere.
On the national amendment, President Bush urged passage. He says traditional marriage is the cornerstone of a healthy society and the issue should be “put back where it belongs: in the hands of the American people.”
You may not agree with the president. However, whether for or against either of the amendments, it’s a matter that is too emotional and volatile for politicians or judges alone to decide. It’s a choice for all Americans. Anytime we’re afraid or reluctant to listen to what the people have to say, something’s wrong. After all, it’s basic to the very freedom that keeps this the place where so many people around the world would like to live.

Obituaries

Mary Ruth Barrett

GREENWOOD — Mary Ruth Argo Barrett, 82, formerly of Truett Street, widow of Iziah B. “I. B.” Barrett, died Wednesday, June 7, 2006 at McCormick Health Care Center.
Born in Piedmont, she was a daughter of the late Oliver and Orissa Finley Argo. She was a member of First Free Will Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by her husband; a daughter, Sally Harrison and a grandson, Dan White.
Surviving are two daughters, Agnes Owens of Due West and Lena Massey of Greenwood; three grandchildren; five great grandchildren and a great-great grandchild.
Services will be at 2 p.m. Friday at the Harley Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Paul Reid and the Rev. Christopher Todd officiating. Burial will be in Greenwood Memorial Gardens.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday from 1 to 2 p.m.
The family is at the home of her daughter, Lena Massey, 708 Truett Street.
Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.harleyfuneralhome.com
PAID OBITUARY

James Baucom Sr.

AUGUSTA, Ga. — James B. Baucom Sr., husband of Eula Hegwood Baucom, died Wednesday, June 7, 2006 at the Veteran’s Administration Medical Center.
A World War II Army veteran, he was a sergeant, and served for four years as an anti-aircraft gunner in France and Germany, and participated in the Battle of the Bulge and the D-Day invasion of Normandy.
Survivors include his wife; a son, James B. Baucom Jr.; two daughters, Melinda Godefroy and Debbie Keaton; a brother, Homer Baucom; two sisters, Louise Freeman and Margie Snipes; four grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; six great-grandchildren.
Graveside services are 1 p.m. Saturday at Heritage Memorial Gardens, Westminster, S.C., conducted by the Rev. Henry Payne.
Visitation is 7-9 tonight at Platt’s Funeral Home.
Memorials may be made to Alzheimer’s Association of Augusta, 1899 Central Ave., Augusta, GA 30904.
Platt’s Funeral Home, 721 Crawford Ave., is in charge.

Leroy Martin

ABBEVILLE — Leroy Martin, 63, of 607 Rock Hill Road, husband of Mary Louise Martin, died Tuesday, June 6, 2006 at Anderson Medical Center.
A son of the late S.T. Covington and Needa J. Martin, he attended South Carolina public schools and retired from Foundry Steele Construction, Anderson.
Survivors include his wife of Abbeville; a son, Antonieo of Abbeville; five daughters, Elgerie, Kenisha, Ieisha, Nicole and Alacia, all of Abbeville.
Services are 1 p.m. Saturday at Fairfield Baptist Church, conducted by the Rev. Michael Peppers.
Burial is in Forest Lawn Cemetery. The body will be placed in the church at noon.
Viewing is 11 a.m.-7p.m. today at Richie Funeral Home.
Visitation is at the home.
Richie Funeral Home Inc. is in charge.

Mac McAllister

GREENWOOD — Norman Lee “Mac” McAllister, 68, of 208 Larkin Drive, beloved husband of Venus Frost McAllister, died Thursday, June 8, 2006 at Self Regional Medical Center.
Born in Spartanburg County, he was a son of Elizabeth Agnew McAllister and the late A.C. McAllister. He was retired from Monsanto (now Solutia) and was an avid bowler and golfer. He was a member of Temple Baptist Church, Ninety Six, where he served as a deacon and a Sunday School teacher.
Surviving is his wife of the home; his mother of Donalds; two daughters, Kelly Parnell of Ware Shoals and Kim White of Greenwood; a son, Ricky McAllister of Greer; and four grandsons, Craig McAllister of Greer, Jason Parnell and Austin Gray, both of Ware Shoals and Channing White of Greenwood.
Services will be at 4 p.m. Saturday at the Harley Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Leon Jones officiating. Burial will be in Greenwood Memorial Gardens.
Pallbearers will be Danny Culbertson, Bruce Amick, Norris Wilson, Walt Pruitt, Mike McAllister and Mike Crawford.
Honorary escort will be the members of the Men’s Sunday School Class of Temple Baptist Church.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday from 6 to 8 p.m.
The family is at the home.
Memorials may be made to Temple Baptist Church, 95 Saluda Street, Ninety Six, SC 29666 or to the National Kidney Foundation of SC, 500 Taylor Street, Suite 101, Columbia SC 29201.
Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.harleyfuneralhome.com
PAID OBITUARY

Jason Murrell

NINETY SIX — Jason Ray Murrell, 31, of 5224 Highway 178 S., died Tuesday, June 6, 2006.
Born in Greenwood, he was a son of William Ray “Bill” and Lois Bryant Murrell. He was self-employed as a plumber.
Survivors include his parents of the home; a daughter, Alexis Nicole Murrell of the home; a son, Austin James Murrell of the home; a sister, Mrs. Stanley (Paula) Mills of Newberry; maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Bryant of Edgefield.
Graveside services were Thursday morning at Good Hope Baptist Church Cemetery, officiated by the Rev. Steve Justice.
The family is at the home.
Memorials may be made to a fund to be established for Jason’s children, c/o William R. Murrell, 5224 Highway 178 S., Ninety Six, SC 29666.
Harley Funeral Home & Crematory was in charge.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.harleyfuneralhome.com

Betty E. Rodgers

WARD — Services for Betty Eargle Rodgers, 72, will be conducted at 2:00 pm Saturday at Amick Grove Pentecostal Holiness Church. Burial will follow in the Church Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6-8 pm Friday at Barr-Price Funeral Home Historic B-L Chapel. Memorials may be made to Amick Grove Pentecostal Holi-ness Church, 2090 Batesburg Hwy., Batesburg-Leesville, SC 29006.
Mrs. Rogers died Wednes-day, June 7, 2006. Born in Saluda County, she was a daughter of the late Otis Elmer and Annie Derrick Eargle. She was a member of Amick Grove Pentecostal Holiness church where she was a member of the Women’s Aux. and a Sunday School Teacher.
Surviving are her husband, Vernon Rodgers; a son, Robert Rodgers (Tonya) of Ward; daughter, Lenette Thompson (Clint) of Greenwood; sisters, Jean Ruff of Batesburg-Leesville and Mildred Haile of Newberry; grandchildren, Travis Smith and Anna Joyce Rodgers.
She was pre-deceased by brothers Guy and Jim Eargle; sisters, Carolyn Bouknight and Lula Mae Wicker and a grandchild Jessica Lynn Smith.
Online register at Barr-Price.com
PAID OBITUARY

Frank Smith

HODGES — Frank Nathaniel Smith, 86, of 6601 Highway 178 North, widower of Lucy Blanche Ridgeway Smith, died Thursday, June 8, 2006, at Self Regional Healthcare in Greenwood.
Born in Hodges, he was a son of the late Will M. and Ola Nabors Smith. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, having served during WWII in Europe in the 2nd Infantry. He was a member of Walnut Grove Baptist Church, the senior citizens of the church, and the Wilbur Burroughs Sunday School Class. He was a member of the Hodges Lodge # 306 A.F.M. and was retired from Riegel Textile Corporation.
Surviving are two sons, Ridgeway Smith of Greenwood and Mack Smith of Donalds; two daughters, Gail Stockman of Greenwood and Betty Fleming of Abbeville; four brothers, John Smith of Hodges, Ray Smith of Donalds, George Smith of Hodges, and Buck Smith of Hodges; two sisters, Nan McDonald of Donalds and Emma Lee Hill of Hodges; seven grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by a son, Gary Frank Smith and four brothers; Charles, James, Earl and Andy Smith.
Funeral services will be held 3 P.M. Saturday at Walnut Grove Baptist Church with Rev. Scott Dublin officiating. Burial will follow in Greenwood Memorial Gardens.
The family will receive friends from 6-8 P.M. Friday at Pruitt Funeral Home. The body will be placed in the church at 2 P.M. Saturday. Memorials may be made to Connie Maxwell Children’s Home, PO Box 1178, Greenwood, SC 29648 or to Walnut Grove Baptist Church, Morgan Road, Hodges, SC 29653. The family is at the home.
Pruitt Funeral Home, Honea Path is in charge.
PAID OBITUARY

Ann Tullis

Martha Ann Tullis, 63, of 3623 Highway 25 S., wife of Joseph Alfred Tullis, died Thursday, June 8, 2006 at her home.
Born in Greenwood, she was a daughter of the late Fletcher and Martha Lillian Hall Mooney. She was employed by Greenwood Mills, Mathews Plant and was a member of New Life Baptist Church.
Survivors include her husband of the home; a daughter, Tammy Lewis of Greenwood; a son, Bobby Joe Mooney of Greenwood; three stepdaughters, Tammy Gary and Twila Creech, both of Waterloo and Jamie Holley of Hodges; a stepson, Jefferson Tullis of Waterloo; a sister, Syble Hitt of Greenwood; a brother, David Mooney of Greenwood; nine grandchildren; two great-grandchildren.
Services are 2 p.m. Saturday at Harley Funeral Home, officiated by the Rev. A.L. Tumblin. Burial is in Greenwood Memorial Gardens.
Pallbearers are Bobby Richardson, William Hitt, Danny Hitt Jr., Fletcher Hitt, Clarence Young and Trey Grogan.
Visitation is 6-8 tonight at the funeral home.
The family is at the home.
Memorials may be made to HospiceCare of the Piedmont, 408 W. Alexander Ave., Greenwood, SC 29646.
Harley Funeral Home is in charge.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.harleyfuneralhome.com

Velma L. ‘Sonny’ Williams

GREENWOOD — Velma L. “Sonny” Williams, 59, of 421-B Taggart Avenue, passed away Monday, June 5, 2006.
Born in Greenwood, he was a son of Pearlena Garrett and the late George Garrett. He was a 1967 graduate of Brewer High School and a member of Refuge Temple. He was formerly employed as a bricklayer with C.J. Gray Masonery and Freddie Edwards Masonery.
He is survived by in addition to his mother of Greenwood, one brother, Benny Garrett of Greenwood; two sisters, Linda Garrett and Katherine (Frank) Williams both of Greenwood; a grandmother, Katherleen Wideman and an aunt, Lillie Ree Gilbert both of Greenwood.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Saturday at Refuge Temple in Greenwood with Bishop Herbert Edwards officiating, assisted by the Pastor, District Elder Robert Brown.
Burial will be in Evening Star.
Flowerbearers will be family and friends.
Pallbearers will be family and friends.
The body will be placed in the church at 1:00 P.M..
The family is at the home of his mother, 405-A Taggart Avenue, Greenwood.
Percival-Thompkins Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at pertompfh1@earthlink.net