Sheriff’s official: Fire chiefs
should unite for funding

Concerns about operating departments discussed

May 26, 2006

By JOANIE BAKER
Index-Journal staff writer

During a meeting of area fire chiefs on Thursday, officials with the Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office told chiefs they were disappointed to see a dissenting voice protesting budget cuts from among fire departments.
GCSO officials said they think there is a more productive way to handle what chiefs call “razor thin” budgets.
“I feel disappointed that how we all found out was on the front page of the newspaper,” said sheriff’s office Chief Deputy Mike Frederick, talking about an article that appeared Wednesday in The Index-Journal.
The 13 fire departments in Greenwood County are not county agencies but do receive a supplement from the county to support their facilities. Some of the fire chiefs said in Wednesday’s article that they are largely dependent on that supplement and will have a difficult time making ends meet as the budget has decreased during the past five years.
Frederick said the problem should have been taken by the chiefs to George McKinney, commander of GCSO’s Public Safety Division. The division allocates county funding and assistance to the fire departments.
By uniting and trying to solve the problem together, Frederick said the fire chiefs could better approach Greenwood County Council for assistance when needed.
Frederick also said he wanted to dispel rumors that the county has intentions of taking over the independently run agencies. During the meeting at the Highway 34 Fire Department, Frederick told the chiefs that he thinks rumors of a strike among firefighters was started by only a couple of people. Yet some chiefs said they are still concerned with the origin of the dissent — the funding for their stations.
“I don’t think it’s a conspiracy, but it’s desperation,” said Callison Fire Department Chief Roland Temple. “... This is not based on McKinney; it’s a fact. I feel let down by the county.”
Frederick reassured the chiefs that the county will not let any of the agencies go under, and he discussed some of the additional revenue sources the departments can find with assistance from the Public Safety Division.
“The answer is we sit in rooms and figure out where to get this money,” Frederick said. “... It’s going to get better, just not this week.”
One of the revenue sources is money the departments can collect from homeowner’s insurance for each fire they respond to. The departments could receive $450 for each house fire and $250 for each car fire from an allotment already set aside by insurance companies.
Though some of the smaller fire stations’ chiefs were concerned this revenue would not benefit them — because they would not go on as many calls — Frederick said a prorating system could be developed to transfer county funds from the larger departments, which receive more insurance revenue, to smaller departments in order to equal out the funds.
Frederick and McKinney reiterated the importance of grant writing and agreed they would try to assist the departments with the process.
As for funding a new training facility for firefighters, Frederick said fire departments possibly could “piggyback” it to the sheriff’s office’s project to create a SWAT training facility. By fire departments contributing additional funds to the project, a liquid propane “burn building” could be added to the facility, he said.
Temple said he is still concerned with coming up short of money in the future, when it comes time to make repairs to the department’s truck. But Frederick said that if the departments unite and approach council, they could work together to solve the problems.

Opinion

No reason not to make English official language

May 26, 2006

Should we have an official language in this country? Should it be English? Many members of the U. S. Senate and House of Representatives say yes, and they’re working to make that happen. From many comments, it’s safe to say that many South Carolinians agree, too.
Whether official or not, though, English is the recognized language of the American people. It may come across in a variety of accents, depending upon the section of the country. That’s obvious in the “Southern English” that we speak in these parts. Some figures of speech may not apply all over the country - y’all, for example - but the English language is the glue that keeps the whole package together.

WE GAINED OUR INDEPENDENCE from England, of course, but we took with us many things English, including the language. It unifies us as a people through the church, government, courts, economics, education, the military - especially the military and education - and social activities.
Some people, to be sure, object to the idea of English being designated our official language ...... common language or whatever anyone wants to call it. Minority Leader, Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nevada, went so far as to argue in the U. S. Senate that making English our offiicial language would be racist. How? The law requires that able use of English is a condition of citizenship. Is that racist?

THERE ARE MANY GOOD REASONS to make use of English official. None, though, is more relevant and important as mentioned above. The English language is a unfying factor that makes our people one, regardless of their ethnicity or origin. Let anyone who wants to speak his or her native language do it. In fact, encourage it.
We need multi-lingual Americans in times when a global economy and modern technology make the world smaller every day, and communicating takes on new dimensions. When it comes to official positions, though, we have to speak with one tongue only ..... and English speaks the loudest.

Obituaries

Buddy Corley

EASLEY, SC — Edwin Buddy Corley, 86, formerly of 201 Spring Drive, died Wednesday, May 24, 2006.
Born in Saluda County on September 23, 1919, a son of the late Clarence Davis and Lydia Elee Brock Corley, Mr. Corley was a graduate of Newberry College in Newberry, and received his Masters degree from the University of South Carolina. While at Newberry College he played football and baseball. He excelled in baseball and after graduation signed a contract with the New York Yankees. World War II interrupted his athletic career and he joined the US Army and was stationed in the European Theatre where he served his country. Mr. Corley received recognition from the American Legion for his membership of sixty years. He was a member of Easley First United Methodist Church, and was a church school teacher for many years while at McCormick and North, SC. Mr. Corley was a member and past president of the McCormick Lions Club. He loved the outdoors and was an avid gardener and fisherman.
Mr. Corley was a devoted father, grandfather and husband and a dedicated educator who tried to inspire young people to reach their goals. His educational career took him to Saluda, McCormick and North, SC and extended over a period of thirty-two years. During that time he was a teacher, principal and superintendent. While at Saluda and McCormick, he coached football, baseball and basketball. During his coaching career he saw basketball teams win a State Championship title and a Central Savannah River Area Championship. In 1998 he was inducted into the Hall of Fame at Newberry College.
Surviving are his wife of sixty-six years, Rosalie Eargle Corley of Easley; his daughter and son-in-law, Sandra Corley Bandy and Joseph W. Bandy of Easley; two sons and daughters-in-law, Edwin Lee and Annie Laura Mack Corley of Lexington, and Dr. David Richard and Frances Ann Henry Corley of Medford Lake, New Jersey; sisters, May Corley Watson and his twin sister, Edna Corley Roberts both of Columbia; eleven grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and a number of nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Mr. Corley was predeceased by three brothers, Mason, John Wesley and Clarence Davis Corley, Jr., by two sisters, Kitty Lois Corley and Jemima Corley McMahon and by two grandsons, Timothy Scott Bandy and Michael Christopher Bandy.
The body is at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown and will be placed in the Sanctuary of Easley First United Methodist Church Sunday at 1:00 p.m. and will be available for viewing from 1:00 until 2:15 p.m.
Private committal services will be Sunday at 2:30 p.m. at Greenlawn Memorial Park.
Grandsons will serve as pallbearers. Memorial services will be 3:00 p.m. Sunday at Easley First United Methodist Church with Rev. Mac Kinnett, Mr. Robert Bently, and Mr. Joseph Bandy officiating.
The family will receive friends in the fellowship hall of the church immediately following the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 582, Easley, SC 29641 or to the charity of one’s choice.
The family is at the home of his daughter and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Joe Bandy, 114 Bermuda Drive, Easley, SC 29640.
Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown is assisting the family with arrangements.
PAID OBITUARY

Doris V. Dixon

McCORMICK — Doris V. Dixon, 81, widow of Dillard Dixon, died Wednesday, May 24, 2006 at Self Regional Medical Center, Greenwood.
Born in McCormick, she was a daughter of the late William and Addie Harmon Sibert. She was a member of Shiloh AME Church, Women’s Home Aide Society No. 1 and a homemaker.
Survivors include six daughters, Mary Frances Browning and Addie Wray, both of Spartanburg, Margie Olewunne of Parlim, N.J., Jannie Bell Dixon of Yeadon, Pa., Karen Freeman and Angela Kelly, both of McCormick; four sons, Jim O. Dixon and Michael Dixon, both of McCormick, Leonard Dixon of Fayetteville, N.C., and Coy Dixon of Greenwood; 18 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren.
The family is at the home, 116 Gilchrist Heights.
Services will be announced by Walker Funeral Home.

James Hyatt

GREENWOOD, SC — James Robert Hyatt, 71, of 224 Woodlawn Street, husband of Virginia Carol Stokes Hyatt died May 23, 2006 at the Hospice House of Greenwood.
Born July 16, 1934 in Tioga, New York a son of the late Lester Wesley and Mabel Schult Hyatt. He was retired after 29 years of service to General Electric and was in the Power Generation Industry. He was a member of the Mozart Masonic Lodge and was a Scottish Rite Mason. He attended Rehoboth United Methodist Church and the Fellowship Sunday School Class.
Survivors in addition to his wife of 54 years are sons; Douglas K. Hyatt and wife Nancy of Laurence Harbor, NJ and Dale K. Hyatt and wife Karen of Greenwood; 5 grandchildren, Jennifer Hyatt and Andrew Hyatt, both of Stratford, NJ, Michael Hyatt of Vernon, NJ, James “Jimbo” Hyatt and Ryan and Ashley D’Alessandro, all of Greenwood; sister, Sandy Pagano and husband Bob of Deluth, GA; mother-in-law, Hazel Shellhammer of Owega, NY; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a son Loring Kurt Hyatt.
Funeral services will be conducted Saturday at 3:00 PM from the Blyth Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Taylor Campbell and Rev. Frank Thomas officiating. Interment will be in Locustwood Memorial Park in Cherry Hill, NJ.
Honorary escort will be members of the Fellowship Sunday School Class of Rehoboth United Methodist Church.
The family is at the home at 224 Woodlawn Street and on Saturday at the home of son, Dale Hyatt, 306 Salak Road, Greenwood and will receive friends from 1:30 PM until the service hour at the funeral home.
Those desiring may make memorials to Hospice Care of the Piedmont, 408 West Alexander Avenue, Greenwood, SC 29646 or Rehoboth United Methodist Church, 1808 Callison Hwy., Greenwood 29646 in memory of Mr. Hyatt.
For additional information and online condolences please visit www.blythfuneralhome.com.
Blyth Funeral Home & Cremation Services is assisting the Hyatt family.
PAID OBITUARY

Leroy Manley

HODGES — Leroy Manley, 74, of 6414 Highway 25 N., widower of Doris Ballard Manley, died Wednesday, May 24, 2006.
Born in Union County, he was a son of the late Henry and Mattie Debruyl Manley. He attended Hodges Church of God. An Army veteran of the Korean conflict, he retired from the Hydro Plant, Riegel Textile Corp.
Survivors include two sons, Ray Manley of Hodges and Roy B. Manley of Ware Shoals; three daughters, Dorothy Byington of Anderson, Louise Taylor and Evelyn Hopkins, both of Ware Shoals; a brother, Ernest Manley of Ware Shoals; 10 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren.
Graveside services were 4 p.m. Thursday at Ware Shoals Cemetery.
The family is at the home of Tony and Louise Taylor, 5066 Highway 252, Ware Shoals.
Parker-White Funeral Home, Ware Shoals, was in charge.

Juanita Middleton Plummer

Juanita Middleton Plummer, 76, of 443 Grove St., died Wednesday, May 24, 2006 at her home.
Born in McCormick, she was a daughter of the late John Middleton and Dora Gilchrist Middleton Thompson. She was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, the Ella Julian Circle and the Church Relations Committee of Greenwood Chapter. She was also a member of the Women Afro American Travel Club, a community service agencies volunteer and former board member of Meg’s House and Greenwood County Habitat for Humanity.
Survivors include a son, Robert L. Plummer III and a daughter, Gail Renee Plummer, both of Greenwood. Memorial services are 3 p.m. Sunday at Immanuel Lutheran Church, conducted by the Rev. Dr. John Setzler.
The family is at the home.
Percival-Tompkins Funeral Home is in charge.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at pertompfh1@earthlink.net

Reynolds Rapley Sr.

Services for Reynolds Rapley Sr., of 118 Magnolia Drive, are 2 p.m. Saturday at Mount Tabor Baptist Church, conducted by the Rev. Ulysses Parks, assisted by the Revs. Guy Ross and Tony Foster. The body will be placed in the church at 1. Burial is in the church cemetery.
Pallbearers are nephews, and flower bearers are nieces.
The family is at the home.
Robinson & Son Mortuary Inc. is in charge.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at robson@nctv.com

Charles Edward Sibert

SPARTANBURG — Charles Edward Sibert, 66, husband of Grace Long Sibert, died Tuesday, May 23, 2006 at his home. Born in McCormick, he was a son of Will and Jessie Bell Perrin Sibert. He was a former member of Bethany Baptist Church, McCormick, and lived in Spartanburg for about 30 years.
Survivors include three daughters, Stephanie Seibles of Roebuck, Angela Sibert and Charlene Rice of Spartanburg; seven sisters, Susie Milton, Elizabeth Gilchrist, Pauline Heath, Betty Mursier and Lula Collins, all of McCormick, Shirley Callaham of Plum Branch and Nellie Chamberlain of Greenwood; two brothers, Thomas Lee Sibert of Spartanburg and James E. Sibert of McCormick; five grandchildren.
Services are 11 a.m. Saturday at Woodward Funeral Home.
Woodward Funeral Home is in charge.
Announcement courtesy of Walker Funeral Home, McCormick.

Darlene Germaine Wakefield

February 22, 1962-May 23, 2006
CHARLOTTE — Darlene Germaine Wakefield lost her long and courageous battle to cancer on May 23, 2006 at Presbyterian Hospital. Darlene Germaine Wakefield was born on February 22, 1962 to James Artis and Wilhelmina J. Wakefield. She was a 1980 graduate of Greenwood High School in Greenwood, SC. After high school, she attended Mars Hill College in Mars Hill, NC, where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education. After graduation she moved to Charlotte, NC, where she began teaching kindergarten at Our Lady of Consolation Catholic Church. Darlene spent the last 19 years teaching in Union County, NC at Wesley Chapel Elementary School. She was honored by her colleagues in 1999 as teacher of the year.
Darlene leaves to cherish fond memories, her parents, James and Wilhelmina Wakefield, brother, Stanley S. Wakefield, sister, Joy Wakefield-Brace, brother-in-law, Roderic M. Brace, niece, Kirah W. Brace, nephews, Charles A. Brace and James S. Brace. Darlene leaves a legacy of love to her family, relatives, godchildren, and many friends.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 Saint Jude Hospital Place, Memphis, TN 38105
Services: May 27, 2006 10:00 a.m. Palmer Memorial Chapel, Columbia, South Carolina, 1200 Fontaine Place Columbia, South Carolina, May 27, 2006 2:00 p.m. Entombment, Greenwood Memorial Garden, 3202 HWY 25 North Greenwood, South Carolina, June 3, 2006, 11:00 a.m. Celebration of Life Memorial, Our Lady of Consolation Church, 2301 Statesville Ave. Charlotte, North Carolina
Services entrusted to: Palmer Memorial Chapel, 1200 Fontaine Place, Columbia S.C. 29223
PAID OBITUARY

Edith ‘Lois’ Oliphant Weaver

ORLANDO, Fla. — Services for Edith “Lois” Oliphant Weaver, 41, are 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Amos & Sons Funeral Home, Johnston, S.C.
Survivors include her husband, Jessie Weaver; a daughter, Patricia “Peaches” Brunson; her father and stepmother, Charlie and Joyce Oliphant; a brother, Tony Oliphant; two sisters, Tasha Oliphant and Sabrina Howard.
The family is at the home of Patricia Dobbs, Addison Street, Johnston.
Amos and Sons Funeral Home is in charge.

T.C. Williams

EL DORADO, Ark. — Services for T.C. Williams are 11 a.m. Saturday at New Bethel Baptist Church, conducted by the Rev. Barry Dobson, assisted by the Revs. Annette Edwards, Alice Ridgill and Thessa Smith. Burial is in Lott Burgy Cemetery.
Visitation is 8-5 today at Sims Mortuary.
The family is at 648 Nelson St.
Sims Mortuary, 432 Liberty St., is in charge.
Announcement courtesy of Percival-Tompkins Funeral Home, Greenwood, S.C.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.simsmortuary.com or pertompfh1@earthlink.net