Local assault counselor says false reports
make seeking help harder for victim

April 18, 2005

By SHAVONNE POTTS
Index-Journal staff writer

Although it is rare, people sometimes falsify sexual assault crime reports. Sexual assault advocates and counselors in Greenwood say the small number of people who falsely report such crimes should not deter “real victims” from seeking help.
The issue of false reports came to the public eye locally earlier this month as the Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office charged a woman with filing a false report for rape. Ironically, the arrest was made during the April observance of Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
Sexual Trauma and Counseling Center Executive Director Martha Busterna said false reports definitely make the process difficult for sexual assault victims to step forward.
“It’s an unfortunate thing and it’s a rare thing,” she said, “and people should take that in consideration.”
Busterna said often when the center has victims who feel as though they can’t tell anyone, the counselors encourage them to seek help. “It helps them be in a better place emotionally and mentally,” she said.
Talking with someone also helps victims prevent the abuser from violating someone else, Busterna said.
The center has counselors and volunteers who help assist the victims and their families who have been affected by sexual assault and abuse. They also act as a liaison between law enforcement and the victim.
At MEG’s House, victims meet with counselors who, through interviews, are often referred to the STCC.
“You will always have a small number of people who will make up things,” said Chief Executive Officer Alice Hodges.
Hodges said in the case of MEG’s House, counselors take their clients at “face value.”
“When they tell us they’ve been a victim, we take them at their word,” she said.
Hodges said she would encourage sexual assault victims to speak up.
“If you’re a victim, definitely call for help,” she said. “No one should judge you based on someone else’s decision to be dishonest.”
MEG’s House is a shelter for abused women and children, serving McCormick, Edgefield and Greenwood counties.
The Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office and the Greenwood Police Department have victim advocates who also help women and men with referrals.
Advocates help victims understand the criminal justice system and how their rights can be protected.
The offices also have personnel who assist and accompany the victim to court, offering moral and emotional support throughout the court proceedings.
For information about how to get help if you are a victim of sexual assault or abuse call: MEG’s House at (800) 447-7992 or 227-1890; Greenwood Police Department Victim Assistance Office at 942-8467; Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office Victim Assistance at 942-8628; and the Sexual Trauma and Counseling Center (888) 297-4546 or 227-1623.

Shavonne Potts covers general assignments in Greenwood and the Lakelands. She can be reached at 223-1811, ext. 3306, or: spotts@indexjournal.com.

Enduring cool conditions

Weather doesn’t slow athletes in 6th annual Sprint Triathlon

April 18, 2005

By BRIAN HOWARD
Assistant sports editor

Cool conditions didn’t stop more than 90 athletes from competing in Sunday’s sixth annual Sprint Triathlon at the Greenwood Family YMCA.
Despite temperatures in the high 40s when the race started, athletes began with a 300-yard swim, followed by a 12.4-mile bike ride before ending with a 3.1 mile run.
Greer’s Jamie Church repeated as the overall male winner, while Erin Howell of Greenwood captured the women’s title.
Church, who finished in 53 minutes, 49 seconds, said this year’s race was a lot tougher than last year, where he finished in 52:20.
“It was definitely harder (than last year),” Church said.
“Last year I felt real good. This year with the cold, my legs didn’t get going on the bike. I just finished tax season as an accountant, so I didn’t get as much training in as I did last year.”
Triathletes needed to adjust quickly during the first two events Sunday.
The first portion was a swim in the YMCA pool, but then the triathletes headed outdoors to the transition station to jump on their bicycles for the 12.4-mile ride.
Church said his legs never got warm and couldn’t loosen up, but because there was no wind, he had a chance to catch second-place male finisher Juan Adriatico, who attends Lander University.
“I didn’t catch him on the bike until mile ten,” Church said.
“He was hammering me. Once I got past him on the bike, I just tried to stay out front. He’s definitely improved.”
Adriatico, a former Lander baseball player, was competing in the event for the second time in as many years, but unlike the first time, he had improved by more than four minutes.
“I was keeping good pace,” Adriatico, who finished in 58:31, said. “I saw him (Church) pass me and keep his foot speed the same (as mine), I thought there might be a chance. Dr. (David) Bridges passed me and I caught up with him and then passed him.”
Last year, Adriatico was second out of the pool, but couldn’t do much on the bike and ended up 11th overall in 1:02.36.
Bridges finished sixth overall in 1:01.05.
In the women’s race, Greenwood’s Erin Howell was the overall winner, finishing in 1:07:18. Howell competed in the sprint triathlon last year, but finished second behind Greenville’s Laura Church. However, Church — Jamie’s wife — was unable to race this year because of a knee injury.
“This is my second year competing in triathlons,” Howell said. “I think the weather was the big factor today. People underestimated the cold. I know my legs felt like popsicles getting off the bike.
“I was beaten last year and I expected the person who beat me last year to be here again, so I was just hoping to improve my time.”
The sprint triathlon concluded the two-day events at the YMCA. Saturday was the second annual Kid’s Triathlon.
Jack Felix of Hilton Head was the winner of the Kid’s Triathlon, finishing in 20:38. Felix took his race mentality to another level, participating in the Sprint Triathlon.
The 11-year-old finished second in the male 19-and-under age group with a time of 1:21:01.

Opinion

Getting part of tax break is better than none at all

April 18, 2005

It should be a positive sign for South Carolinians when their governor shows he can be practical. At least, that was what he demonstrated when he lowered his sights on his proposed across-the-board cut in taxes and agreed to sign into law a measure that gives a tax break to small business.
It appears that most small business owners welcome the tax cut from 7 percent to 5 percent. Many see it as an opportunity to plow the savings back into their businesses, which would add jobs and stimulate the economy. In fact, Frank Knapp, president if the South Carolina Small Business Chamber of Commerce said, “Every small business is going to pay less taxes on their profits. With that money, they should be able to keep more money in their business to invest in it, help it grow and definitely help our economy.”

BOOSTING THE ECONOMY, of course, was what Sanford said he wanted in the first place. He wanted everyone to get a tax cut, but when it became obvious that opponents just might kill the whole thing if he continued that stance, the governor decided it would be better to have part of what he sought than nothing.
They say that compromise is the core of successful politics. Too often, these days, hard-line partisan politics leaves little or no room for compromise for the common good. When it happens, it’s noteworthy, not to mention welcome.
It’s a step in the right direction. It doesn’t mean, though, that it’s the end of the journey toward a higher goal of cutting taxes for all South Carolinians. It means hope lives on, and that’s at least positive.

Editorial expression in this feature represents our own views.
Opinions are limited to this page.

Obituaries

Lelar Mae Bland

Services for Lelar Mae Bland are 11 a.m. Tuesday at Percival-Tompkins Funeral Home, conducted by the Rev. Dr. Willie S. Harrison.
Burial is in Old Mount Zion Baptist Church Cemetery.
Pallbearers are great-nephews.
Flower bearers are great-nieces.
The family is at the home, 444 Oak Ave.
Percival-Tompkins Funeral Home is in charge.

Ben Byrd

ABBEVILLE — Benjamin Franklin Byrd Sr., 87, resident of Belleair Beach, Fla., formerly of Abbeville, widower of Evelyn Byrd, died Friday, April 15, 2005 at Morton Plant Rehabilitation Center in Clearwater, Fla.
Born in Georgia, he was a son of the late Benjamin Franklin and Evelyn Hill Byrd. He retired from the Seaboard Coastline with over 40 years of service. He was a security guard with Point Brittany, a mason and a Shriner.
Survivors include three sons, Benjamin Franklin Byrd Jr. of Dallas, Robert W. Byrd of Belleair, Fla. and John Bernard Byrd of Winston-Salem, N.C.; a daughter, Elizabeth A. Byrd of Belleair Beach, Fla.; a sister, Eloise Doster, Port Orange, Fla.; six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Services are 2:30 p.m. Tuesday at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens, conducted by the Rev. Reiny Koschel.
The body is at The Chandler-Jackson Funeral Home.
Memorials may be made to the Abbeville First Baptist Church, 111 Ellis Ave., Abbeville, S.C. 29620.
The Chandler-Jackson Funeral Home is in charge.

Mattie Charles

Mattie Rush Charles, 83, of 1411 East Durst Ave., widow of James Vernon Charles Sr., died Friday, April 15, 2005 at Harris Regional Hospital in Sylva, N.C.
Born in Greenwood County, she was a daughter of the late A.C. and Sara Lagrone Rush. She was a graduate of Greenwood High School, retired from Warner Lambert, and was a charter member of Lupo United Methodist Church.
Survivors include two daughters, Mrs. Richard K. (Patsy) Payne of Greenwood and Mrs. Gary M. (Sara) Peterson of Bryson City, N.C.; a son, James V. Charles Jr. of Greenwood; seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Services are 11 a.m. Tuesday at Greenwood Memorial Gardens, conducted by the Rev. Todd Johnson.
Pallbearers are Archie Rush, Paul German, Preston Payne, Eddie Ferrell, Billy Bradberry, David Bradberry, Marty Evans, Glen McDowell, Keith Coker and Tommy Williams.
Visitation is 6-8 tonight at Blyth Funeral Home.
The family is at the home of her son, James V. Charles Jr., 713 Chinquapin Road.
Memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice.
Blyth Funeral Home is in charge.

Rebecca Watson Christopher

RENTZ, Ga. — Rebecca Watson Christopher, 93, of 3870 Highway 441 S., widow of Wylie Christopher Sr., died Friday, April 15, 2005 at the home of her daughter.
She was a daughter of the late Henry and Ella Wideman Watson. She was a resident of Greenwood until her health failed. She was a member of the Aim Well A.M.E. Church and Mount Moriah Baptist Church.
Survivors include a daughter, Mrs. Curtis (Mary Christopher) Anderson of Rentz, Ga.; three sons, Willie James of Greenwood, Walter of Largo, Md. and Johnnie of Detroit; 20 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren and eight great-great-grandchildren.
The family is at the home of her son, Willie James Christopher Sr., 217 Cannon Drive, Greenwood.
Services will be announced by Parks Funeral Home, Greenwood.

Mary Lue Cromer

Services for Mary Lue Cromer are 2 p.m. Tuesday at Restoration Worship Center, conducted by the Rev. Keith Cromer, assisted by Pastor Tony Foster, Revs. Norris Turner and Joanie Foster. The body will be placed in the church at 1. Burial is in Evening Star.
Pallbearers are Stanley Marshall, Troy Verner, Tommy Cason, Reginald Davis, James Coleman and Russell Waldrup.
Flower bearers are Janie Williams, Junita Washington, Florence Gilchrist, Dorothy Coleman, Joann Makin and Viola Cohen.
The family is at the home, 210 Cromer Road, Hodges.
Percival-Tompkins Funeral Home is in charge.

Barbara Cueman

HONEA PATH — Barbara Fletcher Cueman, 83, of 5 Pinetree Drive, widow of Chester “Chet” Leroy Cueman, died Saturday, April 16, 2005 at Anderson Area Medical Center.
Born in Marlborough, Mass., she was a daughter of the late George and Mary Spearel Fletcher. She was a homemaker and a member of the Honea Path Presbyterian Church.
Survivors include a son, Glen Cueman of Davidson, N.C., a brother, George Fletcher Jr. of Little Rock, Ark.; two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Services are 11 a.m. Tuesday at the Garden of Memories, conducted by the Rev. James Moss.
Visitation is 10-11 Tuesday at Pruitt Funeral Home.
The family is at the home.
Memorials may be made to the Honea Path Presbyterian Church, Box 512, Honea Path, S.C. 29654.
Pruitt Funeral Home is in charge.

Carroll McAllister

HODGES — William “Carroll” McAllister, 67, of 408 Pine Drive, husband of Glenda Roberts McAllister, died Sunday, April 17, 2005 at his home.
Services will be announced by Harley Funeral Home.

Sue Ferguson Stockman

Sue Elizabeth Ferguson Stockman, 78, of 1501 Briarwood Road, wife of Charles Wesley Stockman, died Saturday, April 16, 2005, at Self Regional Medical Center.
Born in Abbeville; a daughter of the late Samuel Ervin and Susan Elizabeth Bonds Ferguson. She was retired from the Mathews Plant of Greenwood, where she was a member of the Quarter Century Club. She was a member of Lupo United Methodist Church, where she was also a member of the Sample Sunday School Class and the U.M.W. She was also a member of the Mathews Lodge of the Order of Easter Star and the Salak Community Club.
Surviving in addition to her husband of the home are a daughter, Sammie Stockman Madden of Greenwood; two granddaughters and husbands Tammie and Jim Sorrow of Greenwood and Kristi and Mike Henderson of Greenwood; three great-grandchildren Dee Irvin, Wesley Henderson, and Samuel Henderson.
Services will be 2:00 Tuesday at the Harley Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Charles Sperry officiating. Burial will follow in Greenwood Memorial Gardens.
Pallbearers will be David Williams, Tommy and Carold Ferguson, David and Robert Timmerman, and Ron Edmunds.
Honorary escorts will be the Men of Lupo United Methodist Church.
The body is at Harley Funeral Home where the family will receive friends Monday night from 7:00 until 9:00 p.m.
Memorials may be made to Lupo United Methodist Church, 115 Lanham Street, Greenwood, SC, 29649.
The family is at the home.
Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.harleyfuneralhome.com.
PAID OBITUARY

Doris Stroud

Doris Turner “Dot” Stroud, 87, resident of 314 Roswell Road, widow of George S. “Nuzze” Stroud, Sr., died April 15, 2005 at Self Regional Medical Center.
Born in Saluda County, July 25, 1917, she was a daughter of the late Henry and Addie Corley Turner. She owned and operated Stroud’s Beauty Shop in Greenwood for more than 60 years.
Mrs. Stroud was a member and former Sunday School Teacher at Woodfields Baptist Church.
Surviving are a son, George S., Jr. and wife Iris Stroud of Greenwood. Five sisters, Henrietta Worthington of Greenwood, Ethel Cooper of Citra, FL, Tura Babineau of Newport, TN, Mazel Caldwell of Honea Path and Rachel and husband Jimmy Kirby of Hodges. A brother, John and wife Ann Turner of Liberty. Two grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Funeral services will be conducted at 4:00 PM Monday from the Blyth Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Wade Burton officiating.
Burial will be in Greenwood Memorial Gardens.
Pallbearers will be Mark Lagroone, Marshall Lagroone, Mathew Brady, Jimmy Turner, Rickey Turner and Randy Turner.
The family is at the home on Roswell Road in Woodfields and at the home of Jimmy and Rachel Kirby, 3985 Pickens Creek Road in Hodges and will receive friends at the funeral home from 3:00 to 4:00 Monday afternoon.
For additional information please visit www.blythfuneralhome.com.
Blyth Funeral Home is assisting the Stroud family.
PAID OBITUARY

Hazel Taggart Walton

ABBEVILLE — Hazel Taggart Walton, 52, of 45 Redwood Lane, wife of John Walton, died Sunday, April 17, 2005 at the home of her daughter.
Born in Abbeville County, she was the daughter of the late Ernest and Hannah Harris Taggart. She was a retired employee of Abbeville Shirt Manufactory, attended Abbeville High School and was of the Methodist faith.
Survivors include her husband of Atlanta; two daughters, Debbie Walton of the home and Dianna Walton of Abbeville; two sons, Juan “Pete” Walton of Abbeville and Anthony Walton of Clinton; seven sisters, Jannie Mack, Jane Killingsworth, both of New York, Earnestine Black, Georgia Coleman, Linda Brownlee, Brenda Simmons, all of Abbeville, and Francis Washington Thompson of Greenwood; two brothers, Thomas Taggart of Denmark, S.C. and James Killingsworth of Greenwood; nine grandchildren and a great-nephew reared in the home, Demetrius Simmons Jr.
The family is at the home.
Services will be announced by Brown and Walker Funeral Home.