’08 hopeful visits area

February 24, 2007

By BOBBY HARRELL
Index-Journal staff writer

Presidential candidates such as Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton and John McCain have been campaigning in South Carolina, but only one has stopped into Greenwood so far.
Duncan Hunter, a Republican congressman from California and presidential candidate, visited Calvary Chapel in Greenwood Friday morning.
Students from nearby Greenwood Christian School and well-wishers from the Upstate came to hear Hunter talk about what he thinks are the important issues, including trade with China, illegal immigrants and the war in Iraq.
Hunter came to Greenwood after John McCravy, chairman of the board of directors for Greenwood Christian School, saw him announce his candidacy in Spartanburg a few weeks ago.
Hunter plans to campaign in every county in South Carolina and has made stops in Florida and New Hampshire so far.
He considers national defense and securing America’s borders to be the most important issues in his campaign, something that’s developed from his service on the Armed Services Committee. Hunter is also an anti-abortion Vietnam War veteran with a son who has completed two tours of duty in Iraq.
He believes the war on terrorism will be long, tough and difficult, but necessary to keep America safe.
Helping the Iraqi government provide for its people and discouraging state-sponsored terrorists will further that cause.
“We realized after 9/11 that if we don’t change the world, the world will change us,” Hunter said.
He said it’s America’s obligation to protect its people, so manufacturing companies should begin building an “Arsenal of Democracy,” a concept created by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt in 1940 during the build-up to World War II to describe companies building tanks and planes during that war.
Hunter also wants to stop the “cheating” in trade deals with countries such as China. Currently, China charges 17 percent to import goods while making 17 percent profit to export their goods.
Hunter wants to negotiate a better trade deal with China, because trade deals are business deals.
“Right now, we’ve got some bad business deals with China and we’ve got some bad business deals with some other countries,” he said.
Hunter believes America must secure its borders, something San Diego completed 15 years ago with a fence across its border to Mexico.
Illegal immigrants come across the border by tthe housands every year, bringing drugs and other dangerous elements into the country, he said. Building a fence across the border will close “the back door” and require people to become legal citizens.
Niria Abadia, a 10th-grader at GCS, questioned the candidate’s illegal immigrant policy.
Niria who, like her father and mother, is not legally living in the United States, asked Hunter about what he would do about people who are trying to become citizens even though they are illegal. He said Niria and her family are doing the right thing by becoming citizens, but that the borders still needed to be closed to protect America.
Niria said she has been in America since she was 3 and only wants her family to have the same opportunities as everyone else.
Andrew Sykora, a ninth-grader at GCS, shook hands with Hunter after his speech. He thought Hunter was a decent man and agreed that protecting the country and its borders is important.
Hunter also believes in drilling for oil in Alaska to help cut dependency on foreign oil.

12 area wrestlers will be grappling today
for a state title

February 24, 2007

By RENALDO STOVER
Index-Journal sports writer

Lakelands’ wrestlers who made it through the gauntlet that was the first few rounds of the individual playoffs have one final hill to climb today in the state finals at Newberry College (Class AA) and Irmo High School (Class AAAA) beginning at 9 a.m.
The Ninety Six Wildcats are sending the area’s largest contingent to the state finals (five), followed by Greenwood (three), Emerald (two) and Abbeville (two).
All four teams got together earlier this week to practice.
It’s something that hasn’t been done before, but it might give each wrestler an edge in today’s finals.
“It kind of helps everybody out with match-ups for practice when you only have five for us and two from Emerald, Abbeville and then Greenwood,” Wildcats coach Brian Neal said.
“It worked out good this year because we had a lot of match-ups weight-wise. It also gives us a chance to train with somebody on a higher level that we may not have worked with all year.”
The Wildcats are led by Upper State champion Chris Curreri (36-5) who will face Kevin Davis, of Marion, in the 152-pound class.
“I feel ready. I’ve been trying to perfect everything this week,” Curreri said. “The Lower State wrestlers are expected to be a little bit tougher, but I’m as ready as I can be.”
Curreri will be joined by junior, David Womack (31-10, 125), senior, Michael Rounds (31-9, 140), junior, Eric Abney (29-11, 189) and senior, Brent Werts (28-12, 285), who all had top-four finishes at the Upper State tournament.
“This is a great group of wrestlers. Five qualifiers is the most we’ve had in several years. Hopefully we can bring home some championships and some All-State wrestlers. If the Upper State was any indication, anything can happen this weekend,” Neal said. “Perhaps the greatest thing about this group is that they represent the Ninety Six community as well off the mat as they do on it.”
The Greenwood Eagles are represented by a trio of underclassmen in the Class AAAA state finals today.
Sophomores Michael Hellman (34-3, 119) and Chris Abeyta (31-3, 152) finished fourth at the Upper State meet, while junior James Long (37-3, 125) finished third. Long has the highest state ranking of the group (No. 4) but Eagles coach Greg Brewer said that it all boils down to who wrestles the best today. He also considers this a source of motivation for his entire team.
“I am extremely proud of these guys. They have worked really hard all season long, and it’s nice for them to have a chance to be state champions. Many of the wrestlers there have the same skill level. The winners will be the ones that capitalize on their opportunities to score,” Brewer said. “These guys have been great leaders on the mat for our team. Hopefully a lot of our other guys are jealous of where these are and will work hard to be here next year.”
As expected, the Newton brothers will represent the Vikings today in the Class AA finals after both captured Upper State titles.
Adam (45-0, 189), a senior who finished second in last year’s final, is ranked No. 2 in the state behind Jonathan Willard, of Loris, the Class AA dual champions. Willard defeated Adam last season for the state title.
There’s a strong chance that the two will meet today.
“Last year was my first year going to state and I was so nervous. I had so much time to think about the match that I think I really psyched myself out,” Adam said. “This time I’m really trying to be mentally relaxed and as normal as possible. This is something that I’ve been waiting on for four years. It’s something huge. I’ve thought about this kid (Willard) for 365 days. This is it.”
Zane (39-0, 145), who is also ranked No. 2 in the state, is back in the state finals after a third-place finish at 135 last season as a freshman.
Once again, he’ll be surrounded by upperclassmen in his weight class, but after working out with wrestlers from the other three Lakelands’ schools this week, he feels confident about his chances. “I really enjoyed being with all the teams. We had a lot of good wrestlers here so that made for a good practice. I feel like I really made some big strides,” Zane said. “I will be very disappointed if I end up third again. I feel like I should be in the driver’s seat as long as I stay on top of my game and don’t get stuck on my back. I just have to be mentally sharp.”
Vikings coach Andy Wright said he’s confident that the Newton brothers will have a strong showing today.
“They both have a great intensity and a great work ethic. It’s all on them,” Wright said. “They’ve got the ability and they’ve got the knowledge. They’ve just got to take it to the mat.”
Abbeville Panthers’ Shaylor Wells and Bill Glace are headed to the state finals at opposite ends of the spectrum.
Wells (35-1, 171), a senior, returns to the state finals ranked No. 3 in the state after winning the Upper State and Region I-AA titles. Last season, he finished fifth in the state finals.
He’s expected to finish in the top three today.
“It feels pretty good to be considered one of the top wrestlers,” Wells said. “It gives me a little hope and a little bit of confidence but I’m not trying to get big-headed or anything. Last year I was just happy to get there. Hopefully I’ll do better this time because I really want to win it. I felt nervous earlier in the week but now I feel more anxious than I am nervous. I’m just ready to get out there.”
Glace (26-10), a junior, finished fourth in the Upper State finals and is in his first state meet.
“I am extremely excited that Bill Glace made state. He is a rookie at this event and I hope he wins a few matches,” Martin said. “We are working hard to win state this year. It is a hard path to travel, but we are going to try and accomplish this goal.”

Obituaries

Lewis E. Belcher

ABBEVILLE — Lewis E. Belcher, 65, of 201 Harrisburg St., widower of Thelma London Belcher, died Friday, Feb. 23, 2007, at his home.
The family is at the home.
Services will be announced by Brown and Walker Funeral Home.

Ruby Simmons Dunlap

MOUNT CARMEL — Ruby Simmons Dunlap, 102, of 169 Hwy. 823, Mt. Carmel, SC, departed this life on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2007. Born in Lincolnton, GA, she was the daughter of the late Phillip and Nora Lane Simmons, and widow of the late Archie “Brother” Dunlap.
Surviving are daughters, Dorothy (Nathaniel) Boyd, Barbara J. Litman, Fannie Kate Dunlap, Ruby Payne, Hazel (Gene) Allen, Belle L. Cunningham and Greta Dunlap; sons, Herman (Birdistean) Dunlap, Archie “Jim” Dunlap, Jr., Rufus M. Dunlap and Larry V. Dunlap; 36 grandchildren; 65 great-grandchildren; 12 great-great-grandchildren; one godchild, Rozalynn Banks Goodwin; and a host of relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by a daughter, Douschka Harvey; granddaughter, Dawn Litman-Alexander and grandson, Travis Payne.
Services are 1 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 25, 2007, at Rockford A.M.E. Church in Mt. Carmel, SC. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be 12 p.m.-1 p.m., Sunday at the church. The Unity Mortuary of Anderson is in charge of arrangements. The family is at the home.

Louie Dargan ‘L.D.’ Gardner

NEWBERRY — Services for Louie Dargan “L.D.” Gardner will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at the McSwain-Evans Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow in Newberry Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be Saturday from 6-7:30 p.m. at the McSwain-Evans Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, 1020 Boundary Street, Newberry, SC 29108.
Active pallbearers will be Jim Casey, Maxie Bailey, Mark Roberts, Lt. Gov. Andre’ Bauer, Jason Publaski, Fred Nance, Senator Ronnie Cromer, and Bud West.
Mr. Gardner 83, widower of Jean W. Gardner, died Thursday, Feb. 22, 2007, at his residence. Born in Greenwood, he was a son of the late Louie Dargan Sr., and Ruby C. Gardner. He was an Army veteran of World War II, having served in the European Theatre as a Transportation and Communication Specialist. He received 2 battle stars for his military service.
Mr. Gardner founded Gardner Trucking Company in Greenwood in 1952 and the Gardner Insurance Agency in Newberry in 1963.
He was elected to the Newberry City Council in 1967 and served as Mayor Pro Tem of Newberry from 1974 until 1990. Mr. Gardner served with distinction through many improvements to the City of Newberry. He was a Mason and Hejaz Shriner. He was also a member of the American Legion and the Forty and Eight. He was a longstanding and faithful member of the First Baptist Church of Newberry and a member of the Republican Party. He recently received the Palmetto Patriot Award given by Lt. Gov. Andre’ Bauer and the Order of the Palmetto given by Gov. Mark Sanford.
Surviving are a son, Alan D. Gardner of Newberry, a stepdaughter, Jeannie Willingham of Boiling Green, KY; brothers, James M. Gardner and Lawton Gardner, both of Greenwood.
www.mcswainevans.com

Gladys Rucker Griffin

CLINTON — Gladys Rucker Griffin, age 83, formerly of 47 Second Street, Greenwood, SC, died Friday, Feb. 23, 2007, in the NHC of Clinton.
She was the last surviving member of her immediate family.
She is survived by three nieces and one nephew.
Graveside services will be conducted Saturday, Feb. 24 at 11 a.m. at Rosemont Cemetery.
The family will be at the home of her niece, Alice Brewer, 111 Bailey Circle in Clinton.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.grayfuneralhome.com.
Gray Funeral Home of Clinton is serving the family.

Joyce Harper

NINETY SIX — Joyce Victoria Bartlett Harper, 78, resident of 101 Summer Place North, wife of Herbert Kenneth “Ken” Harper, died Feb. 22, 2007 at Self Regional Medical Center in Greenwood.
Born May 19, 1928 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, she was a daughter of the late George Perceival and Frances Grace Fiset Bartlett. She was formerly employed by Dominion Textiles in Montreal.
Mrs. Harper was formerly a member of St. Chad’s Episcopal Church in Tampa and was a member of St. Andrews Anglican Church in Greenwood.
Surviving in addition to her husband of the home are a daughter, Lorelei Harper of the home; three sons, George Harper of Greenwood, Matthew Harper of Newport Richey, Florida and Bart Harper of Tampa; two sisters, Georgia Bartlett of Montreal and Bernice Mason of Toronto, Ontario, Canada; one brother, William Bartlett of Toronto; three grandchildren, Jeremy Harper, Nicholas Harper and Caitlin Harper.
A memorial service will be conducted at 4 p.m. Sunday from Saint Andrews Anglican Church, with the Rev. Dr. E.W. “Chip” Angell officiating.
The family is at the home on Summer Place and will receive friends at the church immediately following the memorial service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 1741, Greenwood, SC 29648.
For online condolences please visit www.blythfuneralhome.com.
Blyth Funeral Home & Cremation Services is assisting the Harper Family.

Kenneth Lee Kaltz

EDGEFIELD — Mr. Kenneth Lee Kaltz, 75, husband of Patricia “Pat” Pline Kaltz, of Sheppard Dr., died Thursday Feb. 22, 2007 at Medical College of Charleston.
Funeral services will be held Monday, Feb. 26, 2007 at 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, with Father Robert Ninedorf and Deacon John Kline officiating.
Mr. Kaltz was born in Lansing, Michigan. Mr. Kaltz was a graduate of Michigan State in 1956 as a Mechanical Engineer.
Mr. Kaltz relocated to Edgefield from Michigan in 1970 and oversaw the construction of Tranter, Incorporated. During his tenure, he directed the donation of the property which now houses the National Wild Turkey Federation. Mr. Kaltz greatly valued the loyal service and the relationships provided by the Tranter employees. He retired as President and Chief Executive Officer in 1998 after 40 years with the company he helped establish in Edgefield.
Mr. Kaltz enjoyed volunteering his time to his community. He served eighteen years on the Edgefield County Water Authority Board. Mr. Kaltz was also a past member of the Board of Directors for Pine Ridge Country Club, Wardlaw Academy, and numerous coastal condominium associations in South Carolina and Florida. In addition, he was a member of the Knights of Columbus.
An avid fisherman, hunter, and gardener, Mr. Kaltz also enjoyed running in many different road racing events across the country including the Peachtree in Atlanta, the Cooper River Bridge Run in Charleston, and the Bay to Breakers Run in San Francisco. Traveling with his wife of fifty years and spending time with his children and grandchildren were priorities in recent years and brought Mr. Kaltz great joy and happiness.
Survivors include his wife; 3 sons, Mark Barry Kaltz and wife, Susan, Destin, Fla., Jeffery Lee Kaltz and wife, Teresa, Greenwood, Kurt Lyle Kaltz and wife, Dana, Edgefield; 1 daughter, Lisa Marie Branson and husband, Leslie, North Augusta; 10 grandchildren, Meredith, Emily, Caroline, Kenneth, Kay Wiley, Murphy, Patricia, Hunter, Aniah and Kennedy Grace.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 302 Jeter St., Edgefield, SC 29824.
The family will receive friends Sunday, Feb. 25, 2007 from 3 to 5 p.m., with a Christian Wake Service at 5 p.m. at Edgefield Mercantile Funeral Home.

Opinion

People may be frustrated, but how about military?

February 24, 2007

Senator John McCain, R-Arizona, told a crowd in Spartanburg the other day that “if we withdraw from Iraq, they’ll (terrorists), will follow us home.”
He voiced opposition to Democratic critics and Republican defectors after the U. S. Senate narrowly defeated a non-binding resolution that targeted new military efforts in Iraq proposed by President Bush.
He believes some politicians may be misinterpreting the sentiment of the American people. Even though there is frustration over Iraq, he believes more are supportive of the troops and the goal of winning the war. However, he also believes that even while frustrated “if you can show them a way to succeed, they’ll support it. We can succeed and the consequences of failure are catastrophe and genocide.”
His assessment coincides with that of many South Carolinians, although it’s obvious there are many who are also frustrated and want to bring our troops home.
McCain is right, though, about showing Americans a way to succeed. Perhaps the single most important thing needed to help is to change the rules of engagement. In short, untie our troops’ hands and let them win. As it is, they are the ones frustrated.