Resurfacing project to fix Grendel roads

April 27, 2005

By WALLACE McBRIDE
Index-Journal senior staff writer

The city of Greenwood is moving forward with plans to resurface the roads in Grendel Mill Village.
Last week, council approved sending a request to the Greenwood County Transportation Commission for $251,000 to pay for the project.
The commission annually reviews funding requests for road projects, and determines how much — if anything — these projects will receive from monies available.
The commission will meet next during the summer, said City Manager Steven Brown. Funding awards will determine how long the resurfacing effort will take to complete.
On the list of roads to be resurfaced are Pelzer, Smythe, Baldwin, Parker and Jordan. These roads could be resurfaced during the next year, or repaired over the course of several years, Brown said.
“The cost was high because we’re going to have to mill most of those streets,” he said. The curbing is almost level with the roads in some areas, he said, and adding additional asphalt could create drainage problems for the community.
“If you add another inch and a half of asphalt, the depth of the curbing is reduced,” Brown said. “There may be a possibility of flooding.”
The roads will have to be “milled” to remove asphalt before a fresh layer can be applied. “They need to be resurfaced,” Brown said. “The longer they set, the more problems we’re going to have with potholes.”

Wallace McBride covers Greenwood and general assignments in the Lakelands. He can be reached at 223-1812, or: wmcbride@indexjournal.com

Heading in the right direction

Clemson football coach says program is making strides

April 26, 2005

By BRIAN HOWARD
Assistant sports editor

Clemson University football coach Tommy Bowden joked with the more than 200 people at the Greenwood Farmers Market Monday night.
Bowden was one of two speakers — along with Tigers assistant men’s basketball coach Kevin Nickelberry — at this year’s Greater Greenwood Clemson Club Alumni Association meeting.
The Clemson football team became the first team in the history of the ACC to become bowl eligible after a 1-4 start. However, the Tigers didn’t accept a bowl invitation after the team brawled with South Carolina in the final regular season game.
Even with that setback, Bowden said the program is starting to take flight.
“It is a good time to be a head coach at Clemson,” Bowden said. “In the past two years we’ve beaten Miami and Florida State, two programs that have won national titles, so this proves we are heading in the right direction. But we’re not there yet. We’ve done it before (being at the top) at Clemson and we can do it again.”
The sixth-year coach talked about the completion of spring practice and who might be in the starting lineup this fall.
Two former Greenwood standouts — Gaines Adams (Cambridge Academy) and Jad Dean (Greenwood) — were among the players Bowden spoke highly about.
“The drop in guy or a guy that rushes the passer is Gaines Adams from Greenwood,” Bowden said. “He is one of the most talented players that Clemson has probably ever had.
“He can rush and throw the offensive tackles, but can drop and tackle a skill guy in the open field.”
Adams, a sophomore, performed well for the Clemson defense during this year’s spring game.
The defensive end had three tackles, including a 6-year sack of quarterback Charlie Whitehurst.
Dean, meanwhile, had a tough time during the spring game.
The sophomore two-year starter struggled during the game, missing well short from 49, 45 and 54 yards, but made a 45-yard field goal with 19 seconds left.
“Jad is a field goal and kickoff guy,” Bowden said. “For the first time since I have been at Clemson (six seasons), we’ll have an experienced punter (Cole Chason) back and experienced field goal/kickoff guy back.”
The Tigers opened last season with a victory against Wake Forest, then lost four straight before winning five of their last six games, including beating rival South Carolina for the third time in as many seasons.
But this season, the road to a national crown remains tough for Clemson.
The Tigers open the season with a home contest Sept 3 against Texas A&M. Clemson’s other home games include: Miami (Sept. 17), ACC newcomer Boston College (Sept. 24), Temple (Oct. 22), Duke (Nov. 5) and Florida State (Nov. 12).
“The schedule, no doubt, not the toughest in modern history at Clemson, if not the toughest in Clemson history,” Bowden said. “You’ve got Texas A&M, Miami and Florida State. We had six games, the first time in my 28 years, went down to the last play of the game. We won four out of those six.”
The Tigers end the regular season at Williams-Brice Stadium against rival South Carolina.
Nickelberry just completed his second season at Clemson as the Tigers’ recruiting coordinator for the men’s basketball team.
Nickelberry spent the weekend in Washington D.C. doing some recruiting and was able to make the annual meeting.
“I think this year, we’ve had a good year,” Nickelberry said. “We went to the postseason and we accomplished that goal. We won 16 games. I think you’ll be excited about the freshmen class we have coming in.”
The Tigers finished the season 16-16 and lost in the opening round of the NIT to Texas A&M, 82-74.

Opinion

Ill-advised words on abuse could have positive impact

April 26, 2005

Make no mistake. Domestic abuse is a despicable offense, whether it involves women, men or children. In a way, it may be fortunate, then, that ill-advised words by a state legislator are likely to do more to combat domestic violence than anything has in a long while.
Rep. John Altman, R-Charleston, as most South Carolinians know, chose poor wording before a bill on domestic abuse was killed by a committee. His words came across as insensitive and indeed hateful. The measure would have made a second offense domestic violence conviction a felony instead of a misdemeanor, as is now the case. Because of Altman’s words, lawmakers were almost overwhelmed by a negative public response. In fact, the public response was so strong that lawmakers promised a new bill on the subject would be introduced.

APPARENTLY, THE BILL THAT was killed included extraneous material that should not have been in it. There were questions about its overall constitutionality and chances are it would have been sent back to committee had Altman not said anything.
Nevertheless, the public perception of the implications inherent in Altman’s remarks was such that the subject will not be left wanting when the legislative session ends. The public outcry will see to that.
Domestic violence is serious stuff. There are too many who carry emotional and physical scars around every day to ever doubt that. For that reason alone Altman should have given a little forethought before blurting out in a TV interview things like, “The woman (who is abused) ought to not be around the man (who abuses), or, “I mean, you women want it one way and not another.”

ALTMAN HAS A LEGISLATIVE reputation as being outspoken. That has left him in hot water before. Whether this time he meant what he said in the way it came across doesn’t matter. How it sounded does. And the way it sounded is not much less despicable than domestic abuse itself.
Altman may suffer negative political consequences this time around for things said in the heat of a moment. Still, the serious matter of domestic violence, thanks to his remarks, is in the public eye like never before. And that’s a positive result that’s likely to lead to a better law and improvements to the system.
There’s a lesson in it for all of us. Thinking before speaking is always a good plan.

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

Obituaries

Margaret Andrews

Margaret Scruggs Andrews, 96, formerly of 225 Melrose Terrace, widow of Devore Andrews, died Monday, April 25, 2005 at Self Regional Medical Center.
Visitation is 12:30-2:30 Thursday at South Main Street Baptist Church parlor.
Services will be announced by Blyth Funeral Home.

Minnie Lee Balchin

Minnie Lee Fulmer Balchin, 100, widow of William Balchin, died Sunday, April 24, 2005 at Lexington Medical Center Extended Care in Lexington.
Born in Aiken County, she was a daughter of the late Thomas and Elizabeth Thompson Fulmer. She retired from Greenwood Mills, Grendel and Mathews plants. A member of Coronaca Baptist Church for 68 years, she was a choir member and a former children’s worker. She was also a member of the Senior Group of Coronaca Baptist Church and several other churches. She was twice married, first to the late Eddie Morrow.
Survivors include a daughter, Mrs. Furman (Pat F.) Morrow of West Columbia; three grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; four stepdaughters, Billie Wilson, Sara Jo Nickles, Doris Ashley and Flonnie Shaw; and several step-grandchildren.
Services are 2 p.m. Wednesday at Coronaca Baptist Church, conducted by the Revs. David Tester and Wade Burton. The body will be placed in the church at 1. Burial is in Bethlehem Cemetery.
Pallbearers are Mike Morrow, David Morrow, Mickey Balchin, Danny Summey, Herman Gene Morrow and Rudy Adams.
Honorary escorts are church deacons and the men of the church.
Visitation is graveside after the services.
The family is at the home of a daughter, Pat Morrow, 120 Woodside Parkway, West Columbia.
Memorials may be made to Coronaca Baptist Church, 300 Highway 246 N., Greenwood, SC 29649.
Blyth Funeral Home is in charge.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blythfuneralhome.com

Raquel Balentine

WARE SHOALS — Raquel Lopez Perez Balentine, 65, wife of Johnnie L. Balentine, of 82 Maddox Bridge Road, died Sunday, April 24, 2005 at Self Regional Medical Center in Greenwood.
Born in Casetas, Spain, she was a member of Harmony United Methodist Church.
Survivors include her husband of the home; a son, Adrian J. Balentine of Hickory Tavern; two brothers of Spain; two sisters of Spain; and two grandchildren.
Services are 2 p.m. Wednesday at Harmony United Methodist Church, conducted by the Revs. Fred Treaster and Harry Workman. Burial is in the church cemetery.
Pallbearers are Jeff Davis, Greg Davis, Jason Davis, Harold Kay, Wayne Bagwell and Rick Holland.
Honorary escorts are members of the Women’s Sunday School Class and Men’s Sunday School Class.
Visitation is 1-2 Wednesday at the church.
The family is at the home.
Memorials may be made to Harmony United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 155, Ware Shoals, SC 29692.
Parker-White Funeral Home is in charge.

Junior Howard

NINETY SIX — Alex Newton “Junior” Howard, 70, of 6702 Ninety Six Highway, husband of Jean DeVore Howard, died Monday, April 25, 2005 at Self Regional Medical Center.
Born in Lincoln County, Ga., he was a son of the late Alex Newton Howard Sr. and Dorothy Fain Howard. He retired from Daniel Construction and had served in the Army. He was of the Holiness faith.
Survivors include his wife of the home; three daughters, Karen Rushton and Sharon Beach, both of Ninety Six and Kathy H. Conyers of Greenwood; a son, Steve Howard of Ninety Six; three sisters, Lillie Nickles of Greenwood, Patricia Moore of Ninety Six and Polly Bromeling of Georgia; and 11 grandchildren.
Services are 2 p.m. Wednesday at Harley Funeral Home, conducted by the Revs. Chris Stancell and Ben Edwards. Burial is in Elmwood Cemetery.
Pallbearers are Justin Howard, Bryan Conyers, Christopher Howard, David Ek, Al Brown and Rick Beach.
Honorary escorts are Bobby Nichols, A. J. Brown, Waylon Brown, D. Wayne Moore, Patrick Moore, Ed Rushton, Tony Styron, Odell Cleveland, James Jones, Billy Elgin, Howard Alverson and Roy Horne.
Visitation is 7-9 tonight at the funeral home.
The family is at the home.
Harley Funeral Home, Greenwood, is in charge.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.harleyfuneralhome.com

Ann B. Newman

GROVETOWN, Ga. — Ann Brinkley Newman, wife of Lloyd Newman, died Monday, April 25, 2005 at Doctor’s Hospital.
Born in Ellenton, S.C., she was a retired show dog breeder and a member of Abilene Baptist Church.
Survivors include her husband of the home; four daughters, Sheila Still and Linda Eddleman, both of Greenville, S.C., Mary Ann Croome of Sandersville, S.C., and Sherri Gwaltney of Evans; a brother, Marion Brinkley Sr. of Jackson, S.C.; a sister, Elizabeth Kammer of Blackville, S.C.; and nine grandchildren.
Services are 2 p.m. Thursday at Abilene Baptist Church, conducted by the Rev. William H. Harrell. Burial is in Bethlehem Cemetery, Coronaca, S.C.
Visitation is 6-8 Wednesday at Thomas L. King Funeral Home.
Thomas L. King Funeral Home, 124 Davis Road, Martinez, is in charge.

Helen Burson Phillips

ABBEVILLE, SC – Helen Burson Phillips, 90, resident of The Maples in Honea Path, SC., and of 404 Sunset Dr., Abbeville, widow of Horace Phillips, died Saturday, April 23, 2005 at the Anderson Area Medical Center.
The daughter of the late Mahlon and Bessie Jackson Burson, she was born on August 24, 1914, in Walton County, Georgia, and educated there. She was married for 56 years to Horace Phillips. She and her husband raised their two sons in Abbeville, SC.
She was a faithful and loyal member of the Abbeville First Baptist Church and the T.E.L. Sunday School Class. Mrs. Phillips was a homemaker and retiree of Abbeville Mills. She was a devoted wife and mother and loved all of her family and church and country.
She is survived by her son, Frank Phillips, and two brothers, John Wood Burson of Oxford, GA, and Mahlon Burson of Lawrenceville, GA. She was preceded in death by her son Joe Phillips, husband Horace Phillips, and sisters, Alice Mitchel, Amy Rose Briscoe, and Callie Whitley,
The family will receive friends from 10:30AM to 11:30AM Tuesday, April 26, 2005 in the Abbeville First Baptist Church. Funeral services will follow in the church at 11:30AM on Tuesday. Burial will follow in Long Cane Cemetery. The family is at the home 404 Sunset Dr., Abbeville.
The family wishes to acknowledge with sincere appreciation to The Maples in Honea Path, SC and all of its staff and people for their kindness, love, and support they gave to Mrs. Helen Phillips which gave her peace, joy and comfort in her last years,
Memorial Contributions in memory of Mrs. Phillips may be sent to the Abbeville First Baptist Church, Building Fund, PO Box 825 Abbeville, SC 29620.
Online condolences may be sent to the Phillips family by visiting www.harrisfuneral.com
HARRIS FUNERAL HOME, of Abbeville is assisting the Phillips family.
PAID OBITUARY

Claude ‘Mutt’ Roundtree

Services for Claude “Mutt” Roundtree are 2 p.m. Wednesday at Flint Hill Baptist Church, conducted by the Rev. John R. Brightharp, assisted by the Rev. Willie Evans. The body will be placed in the church at 1. Burial is in Springfield Baptist Church Cemetery, Edgefield.
Pallbearers are Corey Miller, Roy Parks Jr., Michael Anderson, Brandon Sanders, James Roundtree and Ken Roundtree.
Flower bearers are Delphine Roundtree, Tasha Anderson, Shunte Nance, April Sanders, Sharon Worsley, Ann Glen and Chander Moss.
Honorary escorts are Barry Burton, James Cowan and Mike Shelton.
Viewing begins at 3 today at Parks Funeral Home.
Visitation is at 1117 McKenzie Road, Ninety Six.
Parks Funeral Home is in charge.

Virl S. Watson

WEST PELZER – Virl Smith Watson, 72, of 1 Hindman Street, West Pelzer and formerly of Greenwood, widow of Edward B. Watson, died Sunday, April 24, 2005 at her home.
Born in Spartanburg, she was a daughter of the late Paul T. Smith and Rosey Weathers Smith Lewis. She was retired from Greenwood Mills, Mathews Plant and was a member of VFW Post #8131 and First Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, Greenwood.
She was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Kathy Leigh Driggers.
Surviving are three daughters, Vonnie W. Simpson of Greenwood, Lanita W. Driggers of Piedmont and Linda W. Malone of Greenville; two brothers, Paul D. Smith and Tommy L. Lewis, both of Greenwood; granddaughters, Christy Rush, Valerie Cayetano, Alisha Driggers; grandson, Shaun Malone; great grandchildren, Kaylyn Rush, Kamron Rush and Haley Cayetano.
Services will be at 4 p.m. Wednesday at the Harley Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Robert Patton officiating. Burial will be in Greenwood Memorial Gardens.
Pallbearers will be Roy Simpson, Danny Driggers, Paul Malone, Robert Griffith, Paul Smith and Tommy Lewis.
Honorary escort will be Wade Hooper and Shaun Malone.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday from 2 - 3:30 p.m.
The family is at the home of her daughter, Vonnie Simpson, 119 Marshall Circle, Greenwood.
Memorials may be made to Greenville Hospital System Hospice, 255 Enterprise Blvd., Suite 140, Greenville, SC 29615 or to Jordan Memorial Baptist Church, 1515 E. Durst Avenue, Greenwood, SC 29649.
Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.harleyfuneralhome.com
PAID OBITUARY

Fred E. Wells Jr.

SUMTER — Fredrick “Fred” E. Wells Jr., 86, husband of Evelyn Avin Wells, formerly of Coronaca, died Sunday, April 24, 2005 at the Tuomey Regional Medical Center.
Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge.