Board could pave the way
for historic home preservation

Greenwood council working on developing panel

March 4, 2006

By VIC MacDONALD
Index-Journal regional editor

Greenwood City Council is moving ahead with the idea of setting up a board that will review the architectural integrity of properties whose owners want a historic designation. Catalyst for the creation of a Board of Architectural Review is the potential reopening of a bed-and-breakfast establishment on Dargan Avenue, a structure that dates from 1848. City Manager Steve Brown said he thinks it can be the spark for a rediscovery of the city’s historic structures.
“We were in a meeting the other day where people were saying, ‘Why can’t we be like Abbeville or Aiken?’ (Those cities) have their historic structures,” Brown said as city council considered a zoning designation for a city block at 105 Dargan Ave.
Instead of zoning the property under a traditional residential designation, council tabled the issue with the understanding that the land could be designated historic, once that category is added to the zoning ordinance. For that designation to be made official, however, the city first will establish the Board of Architectural Review.
For that board, Brown recommended a seven-member panel with one appointee from each city council member, including the mayor. Under the ordinance proposed by Brown, BAR membership will include: An architect or someone knowledgeable in building design or construction; A representative of the historical district; and A lawyer or someone knowledgeable of real estate law.
The ordinance proposal also reads, in part, “Every reasonable attempt will be made to appoint persons who reside within the City of Greenwood and have a demonstrated interest in history or architecture.”
Council approved Brown’s recommended ordinance on first reading. Second and final reading is scheduled for March 20.
Approval of the BAR and a historic zoning designation for the board to review would better suit the plans of Jackie Dawson to reopen the bed-and-breakfast on Dargan Avenue than any other current city zoning designation, councilwoman Niki Hutto said.
Council originally was to consider zoning for the Dargan Avenue property as high-density residential — the only designation under which bed-and-breakfasts currently are allowed.
But Hutto said that designation could open the property, in the hands of a future owner, to up to 36 units on the 3.35 acres, bounded by Marshall and Brooks streets.
“I want to live there so I can continue to operate it as a bed-and-breakfast,” Dawson said. “I really don’t care how it’s zoned as long as I can do what I want with the property. It has been a bed-and-breakfast in the past.”
Hutto proposed setting up a “historic overlay” for the property. “That would leave it as it is,” she said, “and protect her bed-and-breakfast and protect the integrity of the neighborhood.” Dawson is still working on her property and is not yet ready to open for business, council was told.
Brown said the property has been well-maintained but has been closed for six months and, therefore, lost its “grandfathering” that allowed a prior bed-and-breakfast in the residential area. Establishing the “historic overlay” for this property, and setting up a mechanism for establishing other historic designated properties, will be significant for the city, he said.
“We’ve lost a lot of homes of historic significance,” Brown said. “If we use the BAR and the Planning Commission, this allows us to have this one block as a historic overlay. This is the first piece of property brought to you to establish your historic overlay.”
It could take four months after the establishment of the BAR for the “historic overlay” ordinance to be written, reviewed by the Joint City/County Planning Commission and returned to city council for final approval, Brown said.
By then, Dawson can finish renovations and have complete use of her property as a bed-and-breakfast within 120 days, he said.
Brown asked the members of Greenwood City Council to visit the property, to envision what it can become for themselves. “We need to do everything we can to protect these structures for future generations,” he said. “We should do everything to enable this use.”

Greenwood residents unite, pray
for people living in South Africa

March 4, 2006

By MEGAN VARNER
Index-Journal senior staff writer

All around the world Friday, prayers were being offered to cure disease, defeat corruption, fight poverty and provide support for the people of South Africa as part of the 2006 World Day of Prayer service and celebration.
Mixed in with the thousands of voices singing out those prayers were ones that belonged to dozens of people in the Greenwood area who joined together at noon for a service at Main Street United Methodist Church.
The hourlong service was arranged by leadership of the United Methodist Women of Main Street United Methodist Church and the Presbyterian Women of First Presbyterian Church.
Henrietta Morton, president of the United Methodist Women, said similar services, with the theme “Signs of the Times,” were occurring at churches in other locations throughout the day. “Prayer is being lifted up for this cause all over the world for 24 hours,” Morton said.
This year’s World Day of Prayer focused on the problems that are afflicting the Republic of South Africa, where unemployment and poverty are rampant and diseases, particularly HIV and AIDS, are reaching epidemic proportions among its 43 million residents.
The service featured a sermon highlighting those problems and audience members recited prayers and African songs.
“Poverty, abuse and disease are the new apartheid in South Africa,” said the Rev. Carol Peppers-Wray, who spoke to the congregation during the service. “God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of love and the power to do what is right in the eyes of God.”
For nearly 120 years, World Day of Prayer has united spiritual people around the world. Founded in 1887, Mary Ellen James, wife of a Presbyterian minister in New York City, began the program so that the women of her church could join her in prayer for problems, such as poverty, crime, health and unemployment, that were plaguing the city at that time.
“This is meant to bring more awareness to our community and to share prayer with the women and men in our community,” Lisa Buchanan, moderator for the Presbyterian Women, said of the program. “It’s a very emotional, uplifting and spiritual service. It makes you aware of what is going on in other parts of the country and world — not just here.”
First Presbyterian member Scottie Jeffreys said her mother, who used to attend World Day of Prayer services in Virginia, was the reason she wanted to be at the service on Friday.
“These services have always meant so much to me,” she said. “It’s special to think of people coming together to pray.”
Gale Robinson, with Main Street United Methodist Church, said the services were an inspiration. “They inspire me to be a better person and to really communicate with other people, to be more interested in the world,” she said.

Alice Johnson

GREENWOOD — Alice S. Johnson, 84, formerly of 230 E. Cambridge Avenue, died Friday, March 3, 2006 at Self Regional Medical Center.
Born in Abbeville County, she was a daughter of the late James Vernon and Calli Martin Simpson. She was retired from Greenwood Mills, Sloan Plant and had attended Warrenton Presbyterian Church in Abbeville.
She was first married to the late B. A. Bell and then to the late Paul Johnson.
Surviving are four daughters, Janice McCarty, Marie Cox and Debra Mundy, all of Greenwood and Nancy Pitts of Baxley, GA; three sons, Bobby Allen Bell of Bradley, George David Bell of Joanna and Myron Johnson of Greenwood; a sister, Marty O’Shields of Greenville; 17 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.
Private services will be held.
The family members are at their respective homes.
The family wishes to extend sincere appreciation to Dr. John Holman for his special care to Mrs. Johnson throughout the years.
Harley Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.harleyfuneralhome.com PAID OBITUARY

McQuonia Lawton

Services for McQuonia Lawton, of 101 Stonehaven Drive, are 3 p.m. Sunday at Tabernacle Baptist Church, conducted by Bishop Emanuel Spearman. The body will be placed in the church at 2. Burial is in Mount Pisgah Baptist Church Cemetery.
Pallbearers are Shon Baylor, Don Anderson, Carl Lewis, Derrick Blocker, Charles Fuller and Cory Coleman.
Flower bearers are Lisa Davis, Lasheka Lomax, Crystal Landon, Linda Manick, Montez C. Hill, Neasha Manick and friends of the family.
Honorary escorts are members of Greenwood High School Class of 1989.
The family is at 211 Jebosha Drive, Wilson Creek subdivision.
Percival-Tompkins Funeral Home is in charge.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at pertompfh1@earthlink.net

Eugenia Thomas

HONEA PATH — Eugenia Pressley Thomas, 83, of 109 Rouse St., wife of A.T. Thomas, died Thursday, March 2, 2006 at Greenville Memorial Hospital.
Born in Anderson County, she was a daughter of the late Samuel and Dora Pendleton Pressley. She was a self-employed beautician and a member of Liberty Baptist Church, the Jubilee Choir and the missionary society. She was also a member of OES, Martin King Chapter No. 367.
Survivors include her husband of the home.
Services are 3 p.m. Sunday at Liberty Baptist Church, conducted by the Revs. Kenneth Harrison, Waymon Coleman, Stanley Haltiwanger, Stella Dodson and Minister Christopher Posley. Burial is in the church cemetery.
Visitation is 2-3 Sunday at the church. Viewing begins 1 p.m. today at Robinson-Walker Funeral Service, Ware Shoals.
No wake is planned.
The family is at the home.
Robinson-Walker Funeral Service is in charge.

Ernestine Bluford Williams

WATERLOO — Ernestine Bluford Williams, 39, died Wednesday, March 1, 2006.
She was reared in Cross Hill.
Survivors include a son, Kavise K. Williams, two daughters, Sharnice A. Williams and Tamara C. Williams and her former husband, John H. Williams Jr., all of Waterloo; five sisters, Cora M. Bluford, Brenda L. Bluford, Tamica Bluford and Taleta Bluford, all of Clinton, Mrs. John (Betty Denise) Scott of Moncks Corner; two brothers, James A. Bluford and James Henry Bluford Jr., both of Cross Hill.
Services are 3 p.m. Sunday at Laurel Hill Baptist Church.
The family is at the home, 1194 River Fork Road.
Childs Funeral Home, Clinton, is in charge.

Talmadge Wynn

GREENWOOD -- TALMADGE WYNN, OF 210 MCNEILL AVE, GREENWOOD, DECEASED MARCH 3, 2006, AT HOSPICE HOUSE, IN GREENWOOD. HE WAS BORN IN DANIELSVILLE, GA, AND WAS A MEMBER OF THE HODGES CHURCH OF GOD. HE IS SURVIVED BY HIS WIFE MARY WYNN, TWO BROTHERS, BOBBY WYNN OF MAULDIN, SC AND BILLY RAY WYNN OF ATLANTA, GA.
ALSO SURVIVING ARE TWO SISTERS, LORETTA WILLIAMS AND SARAH HUCKABY, BOTH OF GREENWOOD; TWO STEP DAUGHTERS, EDNA CANTRELL AND PHYLLIS LYERLY; STEPSON-IN-LAW, JERRY LYERLY OF GREENWOOD; EIGHT NIECES AND FOUR NEPHEWS, AND FIVE STEP GRANDCHILDREN. THE WYNN FAMILY MEMBERS WILL BE AT THE HOME OF PHYLLIS LYERLY ON 131 PINERIDGE DRIVE IN GREENWOOD.
THE FAMILY WILL BE RECEIVING FRIENDS AND RELATIVES SUNDAY, MARCH 5, AT 2PM.
A MEMORIAL SERVICE WILL FOLLOW AT 3PM AT THE HODGES CHURCH OF GOD AND WILL BE CONDUCTED BY REVEREND CHARLES CALDWELL AND REVEREND KEVIN WILSON.
ARRANGEMENTS ARE BEING MADE BY THE CREMATION SOCIETY OF SOUTH CAROLINA.
PAID OBITUARY

Bearcats stun Columbus State

No. 8 LU rallies from 10-point deficit to make semis

March 4, 2006

By CHRIS TRAINOR
Index-Journal sports writer

The Lander University men’s basketball team turned the Peach Belt Conference Tournament on its ear Friday night.
The eighth-seeded Bearcats downed No.1 Columbus State, 81-74, in front of a raucous crowd at Finis Horne Arena.
With the win, Lander advances to tonight’s semifinal game against USC Upstate at 8.
It was the first time an eight seed has defeated a one seed in the history of the PBC Tournament. “This team showed some great tenacity,” Lander coach Bruce Evans said. “We got down by nine in the second half, and we could have fallen apart. The guys did a great job executing down the stretch.”
Lander got a huge performance from forward Emanuel Hodrea. The 6-foot-8 junior poured in 26 points and grabbed 10 rebounds.
“The credit goes to our guards,” Hodrea said. “They were feeding some great passes in to me. All our post players were confident in the second half, and we were able to deliver.”
Lander got down by as many as 10 points in the second half — at 64-54 with a little more than 8 minutes remaining — but was able to surge back for the win.
Jarred Jackson’s 3-pointer with just more than 30 seconds remaining gave the Bearcats a 76-71 lead and essentially sealed the upset.
“I hadn’t hit a 3 at all in the second half,” Jackson said. “They were all over me. That one gave us a little room to work with.”
Columbus State coach Herbert Greene praised Evans and the Bearcats.
“Lander is a good team, they’ve just been unlucky,” Greene said. “When we slipped past them here in the regular season, I told coach Evans he needed to go to church and pay the preacher, because they were just having a run of bad luck.”
The Bearcats were hot from the perimeter at the game’s outset.
Jackson opened the contest by swishing a 3-pointer from the right wing.
The Cougars answered with a pair of inside hoops from Will Davis and Nathan Patterson. However, the Bearcats came right back and got two 3s from Jahi Rawlings and another from Jackson to make the score 12-4 with 14:55 left in the half.
The Cougars began to close the gap as the half wore on.
Columbus State guard Ron Robinson leaked in a 3-pointer which danced on the rim before falling in the hoop. Davis followed that with a driving scoop shot while being fouled, then nailed the subsequent free throw. Patterson drained a fadeaway 3-pointer from deep in the left corner to cut Lander’s lead to 17-14 with 10:32 remaining in the first.
The game remained tight as the first half continued.
Columbus State got a boost from guard Ransom Antoine, who hit back-to-back finger rolls in the lane. The Bearcats countered with a 3-pointer from Jason Davis and a basket on the block from Scottie Smith, coming off a nice inside drop step. Lander was ahead 28-27 with 4:28 remaining in the half.
It seemed the Bearcats would head to the locker room with a halftime lead after Rawlings drained 3-pointer in the final 30 seconds of the half. However, Rawlings fouled Robinson on the Cougars final possession of the half, sending Robinson to the free throw line.
Robinson’s pair of charity shots sent tied the game at 37-37 at halftime.
In the second half, Lander used tough work inside from Smith before he was injured.
On consecutive possessions, Smith used his right shoulder to dislodge himself from the Cougars’ Davis and bank the ball in the hoop.
But with about six minutes left, Smith injured his right shoulder falling to the floor after a loose ball.
The center was helped to the Lander locker room, but returned to the bench in the closing minutes of the game.
His status for tonight’s game was not known at press time.

Eagles extend Vikings’ tough week

March 4, 2006

By RON COX
Index-Journal sports writer

Big brother made a tough week for little brother a little worse.
But it could have been a lot worse.
The Greenwood High School boys soccer team collected more than a dozen extra shots on goal against crosstown rival Emerald and picked up the 3-1 win Friday night at Frank Hill Stadium.
Greenwood senior Alex Bollinger provided a goal and an assist to lead the way for the Eagles, who improved to 3-1 on the season.
“I thought we played well as a team, but we didn’t finish well,” Greenwood coach Jamie McClendon said. “They had like one shot on goal and we had about 30. They score one and we score three. So, we have got to be able to finish.
“It’s early in the season and we’ll definitely sort that out.”
It was the third straight loss to open the 2006 season for defending Class AA Upper State champion Vikings, who lost to Chapin, 3-0, and Christ Church, 5-0, so far this season.
“When we scheduled this week, we knew it was going to be very difficult,” Emerald coach Brad Nickles said.
“But when you play games like this, if you win, you don’t really win anything and if you lose, you don’t really lose anything.
“It’s all about getting better when it counts, and we have until Friday to prepare.”
The Vikings (0-3) open defense of their two-time Region III-AA crown next Friday at Saluda.
After a tough week, Nickles and the Vikings opted for a more defensive style of play against the Eagles.
Greenwood tested the strategy early in the contest. Six minutes in, Bollinger intercepted a pass 30 yards out, skipped past two defenders and ran past another to slip a shot past Emerald goalkeeper Josh Dean.
Twenty minutes later, Bollinger found fellow senior Jay Bishop deep inside penalty area. Bishop turned and blasted the 15-foot shot into the right corner for the 2-0 lead.
“Alex has been struggling a little bit, but he got better tonight,” McClendon said. “He played real well tonight. He was very, very dangerous when he had the ball around the box.”
The Vikings opened the second half a little more aggressive offensively, but it only took a few minutes before Greenwood regained control.
The Eagles took a 3-0 lead midway through the second half. Julian Nexsen played one of Greenwood’s six corner kicks out high to Andrew Tims, who launched a shot from 30 yards out.
The kick deflected off an Emerald player and rolled untouched into the left corner of the goal.
Emerald’s defensive scheme made life easy for Greenwood goalkeeper Matthew Adams, and made it a long night for Emerald keeper Josh Dean.
Dean fended off 12 of the Eagles’ 15 shots on goal, including diving saves on a couple of point-blank shots.
Adams, on the other hand, touched the ball for the first time when he scooped up a centering pass 20 minutes into the game.
The Vikings’ first shot on Adams came with less than 2 minutes to play in the game. Emerald’s second shot blew past Adams less than a minute later.
Emerald sophomore Joseph Taylor stole a clearing pass inside the penalty box, juked to the right and drilled one past Adams for the Vikings’ first goal of the regular season.
“We’re slim right now,” Nickles said.
“We have people banged up and have two with the flu. But no excuses, they (Greenwood) are a very talented team.
“In the past, we’ve been where we need to be when we started the season, but it’s going to be a journey for us this year.
“Seven graduated, six more gone that are supposed to be here. Man, that’s really reloading. They have a great attitude and I think we’ll be all right when it counts.

Sanford, Hodges show us people can work together

March 4, 2006

Charles Dudley Warner, a 19th century U. S. editor and essayist, once penned what was once a most perceptive observation and is now pretty much a cliché. “Politics makes strange bedfellows,” he said. He also said “The thing generally raised on city land is taxes,” but that’s another story. Just substitute county, state or nation for city and they all fit.
But, back to politics. We have seen some strange political bedfellows at times. Consider former Presidents Bush and Clinton, and their cooperation in raising aid for tsunami victims. Who’d have ever thought they’d ever do anything as a team? But, they did.
Now, look at the most recent example. It’s right here in South Carolina, and it involves none other than Republican Gov. Mark Sanford and former Democratic Gov. Jim Hodges.

THOSE TWO PUT ASIDE THEIR differences Wednesday and showed a group of Columbia youngsters that politics doesn’t always have to be a brutalizing exercise in frustration as it sometimes appears to be these days. Sanford was there to sign a bill to extend the life of the First Steps early childhood education program through 2013. Hodges was there because when he was governor, he pushed for the program to be created, and was successful, even while facing a Republican-controlled House of representatives.
Both men made it clear to the children that people in government often disagree on issues, but both emphasized they are together when it comes to early childhood education.
All in all, it was a demonstration of cordiality that should be welcomed by all South Carolinians. It would be even more encouraging if others at all levels of government would follow their lead.

IN RECENT YEARS, POLITICS has become so mean-spirited it threatens to undermine the republican-government foundation that has been proven through the years. It is the instrument that has made the hard work and dreams of our “Founding Fathers” the most productive experience in the history of the world.
Politicians don’t have to be as vicious as some have become, in Columbia and Washington. They obviously choose to be that way. Constituents have left little doubt they are getting fed up with those kinds of attitudes and would prefer a kinder and gentler approach to taking care of the public’s business.
Sanford and Hodges have shown them how. Now, if they can carry it further, maybe lawmakers will see the light of a new day. They should. It’s been far too dark for too long.