South Carolina Supreme Court suspends
local chief magistrate, part-time judge


May 5, 2006

By VIC MacDONALD
Index-Journal regional editor

Greenwood County Chief Magistrate Joe Cantrell has been suspended from office, the latest move in a weeks-long investigation that has shaken the magistrate’s office with two arrests and resulted in county council calling for Cantrell’s immediate resignation.
Cantrell was suspended Thursday without pay by South Carolina Supreme Court Chief Justice Jean Toal. Toal and the state’s Court Administration have jurisdiction over magistrates. Toal also suspended part-time Magistrate Judge Lisa Cain without pay. Papers were delivered by the Attorney General’s office between 7:30 and 8 p.m. Thursday.
Cain has been arrested and charged in connection with allegations of missing funds from the magistrate’s office. Cantrell has not been charged in connection with the case.
Toal named Associate Chief Magistrate Judge Bart McGuire to replace Cantrell and Lasonia Williams was named associate chief magistrate.
In the signed orders from Toal, Cantrell and Cain are prohibited from having access to any funds, bank accounts or records from any court in the state.
Neither is allowed to enter Central Traffic Court unless given permission by McGuire and escorted by law enforcement.
The orders also require McGuire and the town administrator for Ware Shoals to take possession of all books, records, funds, property and documents related to their judicial offices.
Toal’s orders also remove Cantrell from the Board of Magistrate and Municipal Judge Certification and the Commission of Judicial Conduct.
Greenwood County Council, meanwhile, took its own action Thursday in response to the trouble at the magistrate’s office.
Cantrell’s “immediate resignation” was called for by county council, in light of what a council resolution called “the persistent failure” of the magistrate to run the office and “in light of the loss of public funds.”
Two employees of the magistrate’s office, Cain and a clerk, have been arrested and charged in connection with allegations of missing money in the office.
Because of the allegations and an ongoing investigation, county council approved “a resolution calling for the immediate resignation of Joe C. Cantrell, chief magistrate.”
Cantrell did not attend the called council meeting at which the resolution was approved. Dee Compton, chairman of the council’s Justice Committee, said it was because Cantrell was playing golf.
“The chief magistrate was aware of the meeting today,” Compton said.
“He was to serve in traffic court but Judge McGuire served for him. Instead of being concerned with the gravity of the matter, he’s out playing golf. Nero is fiddling while Rome is burning.” A phone message left for Cantrell at his office on Thursday was not returned. Cantrell has refused to take reporters’ calls in the past.
“This is a very strong statement,” Compton said. “We have absolutely no confidence in the chief magistrate.”
“There has been gross mismanagement, and Cantrell has not been candid and may have obstructed the investigation. It is appropriate that we call for his immediate resignation.”
Council also adopted a resolution in support of the magistrate’s office personnel who have not been implicated in the missing money situation. It read, in part, “the employees in the magistrate’s office who were not involved in any wrongdoing have unfairly been put under a cloud of suspicion.”
“The county council expresses its strong support to those employees in the magistrate’s office who were not involved in any wrongdoing. Those employees have the full confidence of the county council, and the county council is grateful for their loyal service.”
The resolution points out that the council does not have jurisdiction over the magistrate’s office, even though the office and its court are located in the Greenwood County Courthouse.
County council is offering to the employees of the magistrate’s office its assistance to “recover from these unfortunate events” and assistance in putting in place procedures “to help prevent similar occurrences in the future,” the resolution says.
In addition to Cain, Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office investigators have arrested and charged Toni Cole, of Greenwood, a clerk in the office, with grand larceny in connection with the alleged theft of more than $22,000 in public funds from the office.
Three other magistrate’s office employees were questioned this week, but none were arrested.
Sheriff’s investigators and State Law Enforcement Division agents are handling the investigation, now in its fourth week.
Thursday’s resolutions, both unanimously approved by county council, were the first extensive public comments about the matter from the Greenwood County administration.
Compton said Tuesday that sheriff’s officers had briefed members of the Justice Committee on the status of the investigation.
Council members met in closed session for 30 minutes Thursday to discuss personnel and to receive legal advice about the magistrate’s office situation before voting in open session on the resolutions.
Cantrell has not yet commented publicly about the investigation or how the magistrate’s office would operate with limited personnel. As chief magistrate, Cantrell presided at an initial court appearance for the man charged in one of the Lakelands’ most high-profile cases — Steven Bixby’s double murder charge for allegedly shooting two Abbeville County law enforcement officers to death in December 2003.
Kier said Tuesday that the magistrate’s office had “lost” at least one employee. “(The magistrate’s office) is doing OK,” he said, “and we will take steps to make sure there is proper staffing in the office, even if we have to move people in from other departments that are familiar with bookkeeping. ... We are concerned that things function properly.”
Compton said county council wants full restitution to be part of any court order when Cain and Cole are prosecuted.

 

 

 

 

Second mistrial declared in local murder case


May 5, 2006

By VIC MacDONALD
Index-Journal regional editor

For the second time this year, a Greenwood County jury failed to reach a verdict on the murder and kidnapping charges against a Greenwood man arrested and charged in the November 2004 shooting death of another local man.
Charles Vandross was charged with murder in the shooting death of Sanford Best, of Greenwood, kidnapping in the alleged abduction of Joann Suber Wilson from her Promised Land home, first-degree burglary and possession of a weapon during commission of a violent crime.
A mistrial was declared Thursday, just after the jury ate lunch, when At-Large Circuit Judge James Barber was told they were deadlocked. Another jury failed to reach a verdict in January.
“Obviously, we had hoped for a verdict of not guilty based on the evidence,” said defense attorney Lance Sheek. “The fact that this is the second time they have tried this man without a verdict speaks a lot to the evidence the state has.”
Sheek said he will seek a bond hearing for Vandross, who has been held without bond since the incident. If the prosecution cannot retry the case this year, Vandross will have been in custody 2 1/2 years without having been convicted of anything, he said.
Eighth Circuit Solicitor Jerry Peace said he will call the case for trial a third time. When is uncertain, he said.
The Eighth Circuit will have a capital trial for Steven Bixby, on a double murder charge in connection with the shooting deaths of two Abbeville County law officers in 2003, in October.
“Not a clue,” Peace said about a Vandross retrial date. “Right now the Abbeville case will take a tremendous amount of time. I will have to look at the schedule and see.”
Peace said he will talk to jurors if any want to discuss the mistrial. Sheek said he never has talked to jurors — “I believe jury deliberations are sacred” — but he conceded there are questions he would like to have answered.
“It was unusual,” he said of the jury’s deliberations.
The trial started Monday. Jurors deliberated four hours Wednesday afternoon before Barber let them go home for the evening. Jurors asked for reinstruction on the burglary charge and Barber did that Thursday morning. Jurors deliberated four hours Thursday before being dismissed.
Vandross has not testified at either trial. The state led its case with testimony from Wilson, who said Vandross, her former fiancee, duct-taped her head and hands before making her drive away from her McCormick Highway home for a six-hour ordeal.
He “ranted and raved” about their rocky relationship, she said, and, at one point, told her he had shot Best to death as Best lay in Wilson’s bed. She said Vandross was jealous of anyone she knew and she had ended their engagement because of his jealousy.
The ordeal ended, Wilson said, when Vandross decided near dawn to have her drive back home and get her sons ready to catch the school bus. Inside her home, hurrying her sons to get outside, Wilson said she called 911 on a cell phone and Wilson was arrested without incident.
Vandross could have received sentences of life without parole for the murder and burglary charges, 30 years for the kidnapping charge and five years for the weapon charge.

 

 

 

 

 

Dist. 50 board names finalists
for superintendent position


May 5, 2006

From staff reports


The Greenwood School District 50 Board of Trustees has narrowed to three the field of candidates seeking to replace retiring Superintendent Bill Steed.
The finalists are: Gregory Cantrell, assistant superintendent for personnel and operations for Spartanburg School District Six; Darrell Johnson, assistant superintendent for Rock Hill School District Three; and Wanda Whatley, assistant superintendent for learning services at the Berkeley County School District.
“We are pleased with the quality of the applicants and are excited to bring the finalists to Greenwood for another visit,” Board Chairwoman Dru James said.
“We look forward to visiting the finalists’ home districts to find out more about them. Any of the three are capable of leading our district as we continue to provide students the best education possible.”
Tentative plans call for district board members to visit the finalists Wednesday through May 12, with the finalists visiting Greenwood again possibly May 16 and 17.
The exact schedule will depend on the availability of finalists.
The South Carolina School Boards Association conducted a national search. Twenty-five candidates applied for the position.
Steed announced in February that he would retire at the end of the school year.
Cantrell has a Bachelor of Arts from Lander University, a master’s degree in education from Clemson University and a doctorate in education from South Carolina State University.
He’s worked in his current position at Spartanburg District Six since 2003. Before that, he worked for four years with the district as director of personnel. He previously worked at Wren Middle School as a principal, teacher and coach.
Among his awards, he received the William B. Harley Award as South Carolina Administrator of the year in 2005.
Whatley has a Bachelor of Science and master’s degree in education from the University of Georgia, and has an educational specialist degree and a doctorate in philosophy from the University of South Carolina.
She has been in her current position in Berkeley County since 2003. Before that, she was assistant superintendent for instruction at Lexington County School District Three from 1996-03, was instructional coordinator at Batesburg-Leesville Middle School from 1994-96 and was director of a program for at-risk youths at Chapin High School from 1990-92.
Johnson has a Bachelor of Arts, a master’s in education degree and a educational specialist degree from Winthrop University. He has a doctorate in education leadership from South Carolina State University.
He has been at his current position in Rock Hill since 2001. Before that, he was director of student services at the district. He was principal of Sunset Park Elementary in the Rock Hill school district from 1994-97 and was assistant principal at the school from 1993-94.
He was an assistant principal at Rock Hill High School (1991-93), a language arts/journalism teacher and basketball coach from 1988-90 at Clover Junior High School, and a English teacher and assistant football and girls track coach at Clover Junior High (1986-88).
He also worked at a business/city reporter at The Herald newspaper in Rock Hill from 1984-85.
Johnson has been a NCAA Division I regional basketball tournament official.

 

 

 

 

Greenwood, Lakelands residents
gather to offer thanks to the Lord


May 5, 2006

By VIC MacDONALD
Index-Journal regional editor

Prayer “is something we all can do” for America, for South Carolina and for the Greenwood community, said Carolyn Smith, who came to the county courthouse on a sun-drenched spring day to offer thanks to the Lord.
In observance of the 55th annual National Day of Prayer on Thursday, Smith said her special prayers this year are for hurricane-affected people in Louisiana and for genocide victims in the Sudan.
“I went to Louisiana for two weeks two separate times. I love ’em. I fell in love with the people. It was heart-breaking,” she said. “And the Sudan, my heart breaks for them. So many are hurt, there is so much pain in the world and it does not have to be that way.”
People participating in the event on the front portico of the courthouse listened to praise music, gave a unison reading to the 2006 National Prayer penned by Henry Blackaby, author, pastor and this year’s national honorary chairman, and offered their own prayers.
Prayer subjects ranged from the youths of the community and families, to the national, state and local leaders and area ministers.
Tim Keeler prayed “that Greenwood, South Carolina — the place where you have placed us — be dissatisfied on our hearts until we’re at peace with those around us.”
A worship leader at Calvary Chapel and participant in Fusion, a 20-somethings ministry at North Side Baptist Church, Keller performed “Humble King” and other music for the observance. “The prayer that God has put on my heart is for Greenwood to be united,” he said. “That’s a big key to God working in our town, to see God’s kingdom come on earth.”
Richard Saxson, pastor of North Greenwood Church of God, prayed for America’s, South Carolina’s and Greenwood’s families.
“I see families that are broken, hurt and in crisis,” he said. “It is a combination of problems. There are economic issues but there is also spirituality. The devil is fighting the family. It is a God-ordained institution. If the devil breaks the family, he will break society.” Nationally, the event’s theme was “America, Honor God,” and was based on 1 Samuel 2:30 NIV — “Those who honor me, I will honor.”
Observances were conducted in public venues throughout the nation for people to pray for the nation, government leaders, media, churches, families and schools. Blackaby’s “Experiencing Prayer with Jesus” was this year’s theme book.

 

 

 

Missile strikes Uptown again

Ivan ‘Cuban Missile’ Dominguez repeats as cycling challenge champion


May 5, 2006

By DAVID HAYS
Special to the Index-Journal

The “Cuban Missile” has struck in Greenwood again.
Ivan Dominguez won the fourth annual Uptown Greenwood Pro Cycling Challenge for the second year in a row Thursday night, beating a field of more than 100 pro and amateur riders from around the world.
“Kids, don’t try this at home!” Dominguez shouted after blazing to the finish line a split second ahead of a blur of bright colored jerseys to win the 70-lap criterium on the streets of downtown Greenwood.
Dominguez, affectionately known on the tour as the Cuban Missile, also won for the second consecutive night. He won a criterium in Walterboro Wednesday.
“Yesterday was a hard day. I was a little bit tired,” Dominguez said. “Today, I like this race. It is very fast.”
During the last few hectic laps, he and another rider actually bumped handlebars. In the end, everything worked out for the 29-year-old Cuban.
“I put my guys in the front. They keep the speed high for the last two or three laps. Everything went perfect,” said Dominguez, racing for the Toyota United Pro Cycling Team.
Brice Jones of team Jelly Belly finished as the runner-up in Greenwood for the second time. Dominguez teammate Juan Jose Haedo claimed third. Dominguez’s winning time over the approximately 56-mile course was one hour, 41 minutes and 15 seconds. The 29-year-old claimed the first place share of the $10,000 purse. “I won last year when I was riding for HealthNet. I was very close in 2003, but something happened and I wasn’t able to win,” Dominguez said. “It feels great. I feel much better today than yesterday.”
Dominguez, who lives in Los Angeles and is still a Cuban citizen, hung around for autographs and congratulatory messages from the fans.
“I love it. It’s nice to see people coming to you and asking questions. I don’t have any problems staying a little longer,” he said.
The Uptown Greenwood Pro Cycling Challenge is part of the 2006 USA CRITS (Criterium Racing in the States) Cycling Series along with races in Walterboro, Spartanburg, Athens, Ga., Roswell, Ga., and Anniston, Ala. Dominguez finished second in Roswell and eighth in Athens, with the Spartanburg and Anniston races upcoming.
A criterium is a multi-lap race in a closed course typically less than one mile long. This racing discipline has bred a unique type of cyclist who must demonstrate top speed and bike handling skills. The criterium has been referred to as “America’s contribution to bicycle racing” because it provides an up-close and personal glimpse at the fast-paced sport. The riders maintain a speed as high as 25-35 miles per hour on aerodynamic bicycles that cost in the thousands of dollars.
The 1.10-kilometer, four-turn course in Greenwood began at the corner of Court and Main streets, running in a clockwise direction with right turns on to Washington, Monument and Maxwell back to the start/finish line at Court and Main. It look the riders less than two minutes per lap with a pace car leading the way, with the leaders clocking as fast as 1:20.
Merchandise and cash prizes were awarded to the winner of specially designated laps called preems. The total purse for the entire series is $75,000.
Prior to the race, many children participated in a youth bike rodeo, safety clinic and helmet giveaway while a few even competed in races on the same course as the pros.
“We here a lot about kids are not exercising,” Greenwood Mayor Floyd Nicholson said. “It means a lot for them to come out and see these professional cyclists.”
The race was made possible through the efforts of the Greenwood Cycling Club, the City of Greenwood, Greenwood County, Uptown Greenwood Development Corporation, Greenwood Partnership Alliance, McCallum Orthodontics, State Farm Agent Frank Coyle, the Greenwood Safe Kids Coalition, the support of Senator John Drummond, and several additional local sponsors.

 

 

 

 

Opinion


Agreement on soft drinks creates room for sarcasm

May 5, 2006

Write your own editorial!
Stopping the sale of high-calorie soda pops in public schools is probably for the best. However, it does create some interesting comparisons ..... not to mention opportunities for a little sarcasm in the process.
That has come about, of course, because of an agreement with several bottling companies and their association to sell only diet drinks at high schools and only unsweetened juice, low-fat milk and bottled water at elementary and middle schools.
The object, of course, is to help school children maintain healthier lives and fight obesity, which has been deemed one of the worst health problems that all of us face, not just our children.
It does seem strange, though, that children will not be able to get “the real thing” in their school drinks. At the same time, experience shows that they can get almost anything else, from condums to drugs, not to mention picking up on how to talk trash ..... and worse. Then there’s that little matter of teen pregnancy.
They are, to be sure, existing in a learning/teaching environment. Therefore, it makes it easier for students to learn that obesity is to be avoided if they know what’s what. The other lessons?
Write your own editorial!

 

 

 

 

Obituaries


Melvin Bolden

LAURELTON, N.Y. — Melvin Bolden, 54, widower of Cheryl Rogers Bolden, died Saturday, April 29, 2006 at his home.
Born in Greenwood, S.C., he was a son of Elease Syrkett Bolden and the late Lawyer Frank Bolden. He was a member of Old Mount Zion Baptist Church, Epworth, S.C., attended East End Elementary and Brewer High School, was a 1970 Greenwood High School graduate and attended Massey Business College, Jacksonville, Fla., 1970-71. Moving to New York in his early twenties, he retired from Long Island Railroad as a third rail mechanic after 28 years of service.
Survivors include his mother of Greenwood; twin brother, Marvin Bolden of Decatur, Ga.; three sisters, Tanist Denise Bolden, Carolyn Bolden Tolbert and Stella Jones, all of Greenwood.
Services are 2 p.m. Sunday at Old Mount Zion Baptist Church, Epworth, with Minister Carolyn Bolden Tolbert officiating and the Rev. Clyde D. Cannon presiding. Assisting are the Rev. Michael Butler and Minister Katherina Bowyer.
Pallbearers and flower bearers are members of Brewer High and Greenwood High School Classes of 1970. Visitation is Saturday at the home of his mother, Elease Bolden, 526 E. Cambridge Ave.
Parks Funeral Home, Greenwood, is in charge of local arrangements.


Lula Ray Campbell Garrett

Services for Lula Ray Campbell Garrett, of 1306 Yvonne Ave., are 2 p.m. Sunday at Mount Zion Baptist Church, Coronaca, with the Rev. Bernard White officiating and the Rev. William L. Moore presiding. The body will be placed in the church at 1:30. Burial is in the church cemetery.
Pallbearers are church Deacon Board members.
Flower bearers are church Missionary Society members.
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


Sigrid Garrett

PRINCETON — Sigrid Schunk Garrett, 70, of 13136 Highway 25, wife of Billy Garrett Sr., died Thursday, May 4, 2006 at Self Regional Medical Center, Greenwood.
Born in Frankfurt, Germany, she was a daughter of the late Willy and Anna Desher Schunk. She was retired from Parke-Davis Medical Products, Honea Path plant and was a member of Calvary Baptist Church, Williamston.
Survivors include her husband of the home; two daughters, Brenda G. Martin of Greenwood and Patty G. Jennings of Charlotte, N.C.; two sons, Billy J. Garrett Jr. of Greenwood and Gary L. Garrett of Honea Path; a sister, Anna Liese Curry of Colorado Springs, Colo.; a brother, Carlhines Schunk of New Isenburg, Germany; eight grandchildren.
Memorial services are 2 p.m. Saturday at Blyth Funeral Home, conducted by the Rev. Alvin Hodges. Visitation is at the funeral home after the service.
The family is at the home of Billy Garrett Jr., 308 Reflections Drive, Gatewood, Greenwood. Memorials may be made to American Diabetes Association, PO Box 10794, Greenville, SC 29603. Blyth Funeral Home & Cremation Services is in charge.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blythfuneralhome.com


Wallace Sutton

Samuel Wallace Sutton Sr., 65, of 3416 Callison Highway, husband of Cheryl Marie Harn Sutton, died Wednesday, May 3, 2006 at his home.
Born in Graham, N.C., he was a son of the late Lawrence H. and Frances Gurkin Sutton. He had lived in Greenwood since 1997 and was owner and operator of Sutton’s Small Engine Repair.
Survivors include his wife of the home; a son, Samuel Sutton Jr. of the home; a daughter, Dana Marie Sutton Lee of Snow Cap, N.C.; a stepdaughter, Amanda Lynn Culbertson of Greenwood; a stepson, H. Ryan Wymer of Burlington, N.C.; two sisters, Mrs. Wayne (Frances) McElroy Sr. of Greenwood and Mrs. Robert (Sarah) Rodriguez of Boise, Idaho; three brothers, Albert G. Sutton of Elon College, N.C., Lawrence “Buddy” Sutton of New Ellenton and Michael Sutton of Aiken; seven grandchildren.
Services are 11 a.m. Saturday at Blyth Funeral Home, conducted by the Rev. Howard Thompson. Burial is in Oakbrook Memorial Park.
Pallbearers are Lawrence “Buddy” Sutton, Michael Sutton, Wayne McElroy Sr., Wayne McElroy Jr., Brian “Bubba” Hicks, Jeff Holliday and Jesse Dorn.
Visitation is 5-7 tonight at the funeral home.
The family is at the home.
Memorials may be made to Hospice Care of the Piedmont, 408 W. Alexander Ave., Greenwood, SC 29646. Blyth Funeral Home & Cremation Services is in charge.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blythfuneralhome.com


Nellie White

LEXINGTON, SC — Nellie Elizabeth “Betsy” Todd White, 74, wife of Donald B. White of 432 Corley Street, died Wednesday, May 3, 2006, at Palmetto Cancer Center in Columbia. She was born in Middleton, GA, a daughter of the late Marvin P. and Mildred Anderson Todd. She was an Administrative Assistant for Blue Cross Blue Shield before retirement and was of the Methodist Faith.
Nellie is survived by her husband of Lexington: one son, Dean Malone of Ware Shoals; four daughters, Gail Hudson of Atlanta, Laura M. Beauford of Ware Shoals, Wanda Woodruff of Newberry, and Heide W. Perry of Wasilla, Alaska; one brother, Sidney F. Todd of Atlanta, GA; three sisters, Lucy Downs of Charleston, Joyce Ovrick of Atlanta, and Linda Satterfield of Honea Path. She has fifteen grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be conducted Saturday at 11:00 A.M. at Parker-White Funeral Home with Mr. David Woodruff officiating. Burial will be in Greenwood Memorial Gardens.
Active pallbearers will be Todd Vieaux, Paul Ezell, Walter Downs, Keith Jones, Robin McCoy, Daniel Satterfield, Charles Watson, and Brian Giacomel.
The family will receive friends Friday 6-9:00 P.M. at Parker-White Funeral Home and after the graveside service at The Mt. Olive Community Center in Ware Shoals.
PAID OBITUARY


Eleanor Wilson

ABBEVILLE, SC — Eleanor Wallace Wilson, 96, resident of 599 Watts Rd. Watts Community widow of James Franklin Wilson, Sr. died Wednesday May 3, 2006 at Abbeville County Memorial Hospital.
Born in Hampton, GA she was a daughter of the late John Henry and Rhoda Simms Wallace.
She was a homemaker and former Lunch Room Manager at Old Sharon School. She was also a member of Warrenton Presbyterian Church.
Survivors are: 1 daughter Juanita Finley and her husband Jimmy of Abbeville, 1 son James Frank Wilson and his wife Jean of Abbeville, SC, 1 brother Grier Simms Wallace of Lawrenceville, GA and 7 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be conducted Saturday May 6, 2006 at 2:00 PM at Warrenton Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Ed Kirkpatrick officiating. The burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family is at the home of her daughter Mr. & Mrs. Jimmy Finley 1193 McDill Rd. Abbeville, SC.
The body is at The Chandler-Jackson Funeral Home. The family will receive friends Saturday 1:00 until 2:00 PM at Warrenton Presbyterian Church prior to services.
Memorials may be made to Warrenton Presbyterian Church 191 Watts Rd. Abbeville, SC 29620.
Online condolences may be sent to the Wilson family by visiting www.chandlerjacksonfh.com.
THE CHANDLER-JACKSON FUNERAL HOME, ABBEVILLE, SC IS IN CHARGE OF ARRANGEMENTS.
PAID OBITUARY