Lights out on criminals

Crime fighting focus of Ware Shoals event

July 23, 2005

By SHAVONNE POTTS
Index-Journal staff writer

WARE SHOALS — Residents here took to the streets for a “night out” to support the town and to learn ways to fight crime in their neighborhoods.
Law enforcement agencies from across the state came Friday night for the town’s annual National Night Out event, which included entertainment and fireworks.
Melinda Heeg and her four children attended the event for the first time. Heeg, who recently moved to Ware Shoals, said she wanted her children to know what would happen if they choose the wrong path in life.
“It teaches them to know the police are their friend,” she said.
Hugh Simmons, of Greenwood, brought his children to the event. “It gives a good rapport with the police officers and the kids,” he said.
Simmons said the event lets children know officers and others are there to help.
“I think it’s important to teach kids when they’re small,” Bobbie Jo Blakeley said.
Blakeley said she thinks the event is important because it gives children something to do and shows them that law enforcement officials are not the bad guys.
The City of Charleston Police Department Mounted Police unit was on hand with two horses that are used to patrol and for crowd control. A dog attack training team from Shaw Air Force Base demonstrated how officers use dogs to apprehend suspects.
South Carolina Highway Patrol officers informed people about how to properly fasten a child into a safety seat. They were also making sure people were aware of the new seat belt law, which allows officers to stop someone for not wearing a seat belt. The new law takes effect Dec. 9.
Other agencies available included: Cornerstone, an alcohol and drug abuse prevention program; the Sexual Trauma & Counseling Center, a crisis intervention and counseling center; MEG’s House, a shelter for abused women and children; and Legacy, a teen pregnancy prevention program.
Good Citizens Awards were presented to the Rev. Wayne Wicker and Gregg Harrell.
About 30 other neighborhoods in Greenwood County will celebrate National Night Out Aug. 2 at various locations, promoting anti-crime programs such as Neighborhood Watch.

Irmo tops Post 20

Both heading to next week’s state tournament

July 23, 2005

By RON COX
Index-Journal sports writer

Irmo once again proved to be the playoff foil for the Greenwood Post 20 baseball team.
The League VIII champion claimed its third postseason series over Post 20 in the last four years with an 8-6 win Friday night at Legion Field to advance to next week’s state tournament.
However, things were much different in this series for Greenwood than in past ones.
After losing to Irmo in three straight in 2002 and ’03, Post 20 ended its playoff losing streak to the team with a 10-6 come-from-behind victory in Game Two on a walk-off grand slam by Clint Burden.
But perhaps the most important difference for Greenwood this season is that as the host team, Post 20 has an automatic bid into the 2005 state tournament.
However, that bid comes with a hitch.
Greenwood becomes the No. 8 seed and will face the top seed, which will be determined Sunday, at approximately 7:45 Wednesday night to cap the four-game opening night of the tourney.
“Knowing we were in the state tournament, the easiest thing we could have done was to not come out and play hard, but I think we played hard this series,” Post 20 coach Billy Dean Minor said.
“We got beat, but we had chances to win the ballgame. We wanted to play our way in, but we just didn’t do it.
“We’re proud to be hosting this tournament. There’s been a lot of work going into putting this tournament on.”
I want our kids to enjoy it, but we’re not going just to show up. We are going to compete.”
Irmo (29-7) took the first lead in the ballgame when Post 20 starter walked nine-hole hitter Brett Daniels in the second to score Ryan Schumpert for the game’s first run.
But Irmo could have had more in the inning. With the bases still loaded and two out, leadoff batter Jamal Kinard, who singled in the first, smacked a line drive toward right field. However, second baseman Milton Brown, playing a couple of feet into the outfield grass, made the leaping grab for out No. 3, keeping it a one-run game.
Post 20, which didn’t pick up its first base hit off Irmo starter Charlie Stevens until the sixth batter, opened the third with back-to-back singles from Brandon Miller and Justin Collier. But the team couldn’t take advantage, as Stevens retired the next three batters in order on a strikeout on a foul bunt and two fly outs.
Greenwood put two on and one out in the fourth. After a check-swing strikeout, Miller provided the clutch base hit the team longed for by knocking a single into right field, scoring Clint Burden to tie the game at 1.
That score didn’t last long, as the floodgates opened against Milford in the fifth and runs came pouring out.
The first five Irmo batters in the inning reached base safely, including a two-run triple by Matt Arnold that gave Irmo the lead for good, at 3-1.
After a walk to Kyle Branham, designated hitter Zack Waterbury ended Milford’s stint on the mound with a single to right that got past Justin Lovvorn, allowing two more runners to score.
Irmo’s put the finishing touches on the team’s six-run, five-hit inning with a double by Kenny Hayes off Collier, who took the mound in relief, to bring in two more for a 7-1 lead.
Post 20 mounted a comeback in the bottom of the inning.
The first batters that stepped to the box to face Stevens in the fifth all came around to score. Will Gary highlighted the inning with a two-RBI standup triple. Gary later scored on a groundout from Milford to make it 7-5.
Irmo added to its lead in the seventh, but could have had more if it wasn’t for a nicely turned double play. Adam Churchwell singled to left to score Schumpert to give Irmo a three-run advantage.
After a walk loaded the bases, Collier got Kinard, who came to bat with three singles on the night, to ground to Brown at second. Brown tossed to Milford to get the force at second and Milford whipped it over to first just in time to get the speedy Kinard to end the inning.
Post 20 got that run back in the eighth. With two outs, Brown slapped a 1-1 offering from Waterbury into the hole at second. Irmo’s Brett Daniels made the diving stop, but couldn’t throw out Brown.
After a wild pitch moved Brown to second, Behrendt ripped a shot into the gap in right-center for a double, scoring Post 20 second baseman to make it 8-6.
Greenwood threatened in the ninth, getting the tying run on base with two outs. But Burden, who led off with a single, and Miller, who drew a two-out walk, became Post 20’s 10th and 11th runners left on base after Justin Jenkins’ fly out.

Opinion

Discipline and optimism? Match that really matters

July 23, 2005

The football season is weeks away, but football coach Steve Spurrier has already had quite an impact at the University of South Carolina. From some of the things he’s run into in his short tenure there, it’s a good thing.
Spurrier, as every Gamecock – every South Carolinian – knows, has had to cope with one mistake after another from some of his players. Some have been arrested on various charges, others have violated team rules. The bottom line is, Spurrier has lost several players ….. including his top returning running back, who was kicked off the team.
Under the circumstances, Spurrier raised a few eyebrows when he told several other players they could have their scholarships revoked (scholarships are on a year-by-year basis).

THE “OL BALL COACH” MADE it clear that if players wanted to be on the team they’d have to earn it, in the classroom and on the practice field. In short, Spurrier has shown that discipline counts and that it will be enforced.
He just might do what Lou Holtz said needed doing ….. but didn’t get done. He just might change the culture of football mediocrity that has been the history of Gamecock football. He just might give hope to the eternal optimists that fill the stands, week after week, no matter what.
If attitude means anything, Spurrier has it right. The players will too ….. or they obviously won’t be around to create more problems. There appears to be the right way and the Spurrier way. Fortunately, they seem to be the same, and that ain’t bad.

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

Obituaries

Ed Conway Jr.

NINETY SIX — Ed Conway Jr., of 619 Wilson Bridge Road, husband of Melrose O. Conway, died Friday, July 22, 2005 at Self Regional Medical Center in Greenwood.
Born in Ninety Six, he was a son of the late Ed Conway Sr. and Charlsie Harrison Conway. He was a former employee of Southern Brick and a member of Friendship Baptist Church of Ninety Six.
Survivors include his wife; three daughters, Lecius S. Morton of Greenwood, Ivie Conway and Tara J. Conway, both of Ninety Six; a brother, John Amos Lawton of Taylors; and four grandchildren.
The family is at the home.
Services will be announced by Percival-Tompkins Funeral Home, Greenwood.

Ella Mae Davis

WARE SHOALS — Ella Mae Taylor Davis, 96, of 46 Dairy St., widow of Herbert L. Davis, died Friday, July 22, 2005 at National Health Care of Greenwood.
Born in Laurens County, she was a daughter of the late James E. and Mary Ann Summey Taylor. She retired from Riegel Textiles after 50 years of service and was a member of the Riegel Quarter Century Club. She was a member of Lydia Baptist Church in Clinton.
Survivors include two daughters, Doris D. Burton of Greenwood and Frankie D. O’Brien of Poland, Ohio; a son, Jack Davis of San Diego; 13 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.
Services are 4 p.m. Sunday at Blyth Funeral Home, conducted by the Revs. Wade Burton and Jeff Lethco. Burial is in Greenwood Memorial Gardens.
Pallbearers are grandsons and great-grandsons.
Honorary escorts are members of the Dorcas Sunday School Class of North Side Baptist Church, along with Helen Crocker, Bonnie Maxwell, Marion Carnell and Joe Skinner.
Visitation is 3-4 Sunday at the funeral home.
The family is at the home of Felton and Doris Burton, 101 Bedford Road, Wellington Green, Greenwood.
Memorials may be made to The Emerald Center Foundation, P.O. Box 3004, Greenwood, SC 29648.
Blyth Funeral Home is in charge.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blythfuneralhome.com

Ruth Dieringer

CAMDEN — Ruth Van Orman Dieringer, 83, wife of Frank M. Dieringer, died Friday, July 22, 2005.
Born in Canton, Ohio, she was a daughter of the late William Andrew and Adda Lamberson Van Orman. She was a former Sunday School teacher, church camp counselor and a salesperson for several retail stores. She was decorating committee chairman for the mall in Frederick, Md., for Mardi Gras. She formerly lived in Canton; Middleburg Heights, Ohio; Frederick, Md.; Florida; Greenwood; and Camden. She was a member of the Frederick, Md., Garden Club and Bethesda Presbyterian Church in Camden.
Survivors include her husband; two daughters, Mrs. Gerald (Barbara Ruth) Graham of Mantua, Ohio and Cindy Dieringer of Camden; three sisters, Helen Gatchell, Lois Van Orman and Jean Kolm, all of Canton; three grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
Memorial services are 2 p.m. Sunday at Bethesda Presbyterian Church, Camden and 11 a.m. Monday at the Presbyterian Home of South Carolina in Lexington.
Memorials may be made to the Presbyterian Home of South Carolina, Lexington; Tri-County Hospice; Bethesda Presbyterian Church; or a charity of one’s choice.
Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, is in charge.

Lucinda Miles Gantt

SALUDA — Lucinda Miles Gantt, 81, of 112 Cedar St., widow of Earnest E. Gantt, died on Wednesday, July 20, 2005 at her home.
Born in Saluda County, she was a daughter of the late Levi and Emma Pugh Miles. She was a member of Bethlehem Baptist Church, where she was a deaconess, Senior Choir member and Missionary member. She was also a member of Women Home Aide No. 126, EverReady Club and Satterwhite-Brown OES. She retired as a nurse aide at Saluda Nursing Center.
Survivors include seven sons, Earl Gantt and Sylvester Gantt of Saluda, Johnny Gantt of Greenwood, Bennie F. Gantt and Patrick Gantt of Fayetteville, N.C., Wayne Gantt of West, Virginia and Joseph Harris Gantt of Iraq; four daughters, Barbara Sanders and Amy Hill of Waterbury, Conn., Angell Stargell of Upper Marlboro, Md., and Tammie Echols of Aiken; a half brother, Willie T. Johnson of Saluda; two sisters, Amy Morgan and Martha Motley of Waterbury; 31 grandchildren; and 24 great-grandchildren.
Services are 2:30 p.m. Sunday at Bethlehem Baptist Church, conducted by the Rev. Calvin Robinson, pastor, Assisting is the Rev. Johnny C. Gantt. Burial is in the church cemetery. The body will be placed in the church at 1:30.
Pallbearers are nephews and friends.
Flower bearers are granddaughters and nieces.
The family is at the home.
Butler & Sons Funeral Home is in charge.

Burnice ‘Nick’ Harris

McCORMICK — Burnice L. “Nick” Harris, 89, of Route 1, Box 181-E, died Thursday, July 21, 2005 at Abbeville County Memorial Hospital.
Born in McCormick, he was a son of the late Willie and Mary Norman Harris. He was a member of Little Mill Baptist Church and attended McCormick County public schools. He was a retired concrete finisher.
Survivors include three sisters, Ondrey M. Drayton of the home; Minnie T. Evans of Washington, Ga., and Bobbie J. Ruffins of Philadelphia.
The family is at the home in the Willington section.
Services will be announced by Walker Funeral Home.

Mrs. Lucy R. Hart

GREENWOOD, SC — Memorial services for Mrs. Lucy R. Hart will be held Sunday, July 24, 2005 at 3:00 PM at Ninety Six Church of God, 301 Saluda St., Ninety Six, SC, with Pastor Ronald Chavis officiating. The family will receive friends from 2 pm until service time at the church.
Mrs. Hart, 91, of Ninety Six, SC, widow of Julian W. “Red” Hart, died Thursday night, July 21, 2005 at the Hospice House, Greenwood, SC.
Born in Edgefield, SC, a daughter of the late George and Maggie Buzhardt Reynolds, she had been a resident of Greenwood County, SC, since 1935, where she retired from Greenwood Mill-Mathews Plant after forty-seven years of service. She attended Ninety Six Church of God.
She is survived by a daughter, Glenda McDonald, Ninety Six, SC; brother, Wallace Reynolds, Greenwood, SC; grandsons, Corey McDonald, (Angie) Ninety Six, SC and Mark McDonald, (Margaret) Ninety Six, SC; great-grandchildren, Bradley, Alex, Dominick, Matthew, and Brock McDonald, Ashley Culbertson, several nieces and nephews and a special niece, Angie Popp, San Antonio, TX.
She is also predeceased by, brothers, John, Julian, and Jeff Reynolds, sisters, Bessie Porter and Ida Still, and a great-grandson, Eric Haggar.
The family is at the home of her grandson, Corey McDonald.
Memorials may be made to Hospice Care of Piedmont, 408 West Alexander Ave., Green-wood, SC 29646 Visit www.SouthCarolinaCremation.com to sign the online condolence register and view the obituary.
PAID OBITUARY

Jimmie Bethel Kilgore

LOWNDESVILLE, SC — Jimmie Bethel Kilgore, 58, husband of Diana Martin Kilgore, of 1300 Horseshoe Road, entered into eternal rest on Friday, July 22, 2005 at the Hospice House in Greenwood.
Jimmie’s church, family and patients were the focus of his life. He was an active member of Northside Baptist Church in Calhoun Falls where he was past Chairman of the Deacons. He enjoyed watching his grandchil-dren in their various sports, such as football, softball, baseball and dance. Before his illness, Jimmie was an avid golfer. He lived his life as a witness to God by instilling strong values in his family and encircling his friends and patients with love.
He was born in Abbeville County to the late Claude and Louise Spence Kilgore. He was a graduate of Piedmont Technical College and a member of the Lambda Chi Nu Fraternity. He was twice voted Nurse of the Year. Jimmie worked as a registered nurse for eleven years at Self Regional Healthcare in the ICCU. He was an active member of the Abbeville National Guard, Company 151 Signal Battalion for fourteen years.
Jimmie is survived by his wife Diana of the home; a son, Gregory Alan Kilgore of Abbeville; two daughters,Mary Anna Bowman and her husband William of Lowndes-ville, and Anita Powell and her husband Rusty of Lowndes-ville; two sisters, Jean Dunn and Kathy Grant both of Abbeville; one brother, David Kilgore of Cleveland, Tennes-see; eight grandchildren whom he dearly loved, Derek and Alex Kilgore, Collyn, Emma, and Luke Bowman, Cody, Dylan, and Anna Brooke Powell. He was preceded in death by five brothers, Harold Kilgore, Bobby Kilgore, Claude Kilgore, Jr., Fred Kilgore, and Eddie Kilgore.
The family will receive friends from 6:00PM to 8:00PM Saturday, July 23, 2005 at Harris Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 3:00PM Sunday, July 24, 2005 at Northside Baptist Church in Calhoun Falls, conducted by Rev. Mike Spence, Rev. Brian Hatchett, and Rev. Haskell Gibson.
Burial will follow in Forest Lawn Memory Gardens. Honorary pallbearers will be ICCU nurses from Self Regional and the Fellowship Class from Northside Baptist.
The family is at the residence.
Memorials may be sent in memory of Jimmie to the American Cancer Society, Greenwood Office Hampton & Merriman, #3 Village Square, Greenwood, SC 29648, or to the Hospice of the Piedmont, 408 W. Alexander Ave., Greenwood, SC 29646. Online condolences may be sent to the Kilgore family by visiting www.harrisfuneral.com
HARRIS FUNERAL HOME, of Abbeville is assisting the Kilgore family.
PAID OBITUARY

Marvin Schaffer

NINETY SIX — The Rev. Marvin George “Marv” Schaffer, 70, of 126 Mitchum Drive, husband of Sarah Judith “Judy” Smith Schaffer, died Thursday, July 21, 2005 at Self Regional Medical Center.
Born in San Antonio, Texas, he was a son of the late Isadore Martin and Willie Mae Reader Schaffer. He retired as an Army sergeant first class after 20 years of service, serving in Korea and Vietnam. He was a recipient of the Bronze Star and two Army commendation medals. A graduate of Elim Bible School in Lima, N.Y., he was an evangelist, did interim pastorate work and was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Greenwood.
Survivors include his wife of the home; three daughters, Patricia Ann Schaffer and Peggy Jean Schaffer, both of Augusta, Ga., and Lynda Schaffer Tesney of Lincolnton, Ga.; seven grandchildren; and a great-grandchild.
Services are 7 p.m. tonight at Blyth Funeral Home, conducted by the Rev. Tommy Tucker.
Visitation is 6-7 tonight at the funeral home.
An additional service is 3 p.m. Sunday at Grace Fellowship, 1725 Sibley Road, Augusta, conducted by the Rev. Wade Trimmer. Burial is in Bellevue Memorial Gardens with full military rites.
Visitation is after the burial at Villa Europa Restaurant, Deans Bridge Road, Augusta.
The family is at the home.
Memorials may be made to Meals on Wheels, Piedmont Agency on Aging, P.O. Box 997, Greenwood, SC 29648.
Blyth Funeral Home, Greenwood, is in charge.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blythfuneralhome.com

Welbourne Schumpert

McCORMICK — Welbourne Montague Schumpert, 91, of The Carriage Club in Charlotte, N.C., formerly of McCormick, husband of Catherine Lang Schumpert, died Thursday, July 21, 2005 at The Presbyterian Hospital in Charlotte.
Services will be announced by Blyth Funeral Home, Greenwood.