Deer rescue fails

Officials brave heat in attempt to save animal

June 29, 2007

By LARRY SINGER
Index-Journal staff writer

McCORMICK — Despite the best heroic efforts of McCormick County rescue workers, a young deer disappeared beneath the surface of a fast-moving stream and drowned Thursday afternoon.
The deer’s plight was not discovered until McCormick Police Chief L.R. Martin was called to the scene, responding to a report that the deer was trapped within a fenced-in area of Heritage Gold Mine Park.
By the time the chief arrived, the deer had worked its way down a steep, muddy slope and slipped into the water at the bottom of a 50-foot-deep mine shaft.
The trapped deer was discovered by a group of tourists who came to the gold mine, located on Hwy. 28, in an attempt to uncover nuggets of the precious metal.
“Around 3 p.m. we were walking up to visit one of the mine shafts and we saw the fawn trapped along the fence,” said John McLean, of Lavonia, Mich., who was panning for gold with his church youth group. “The fawn was running back and forth next to the fence, trying to find a way to get out.”
Shortly after spotting the deer, McLean called the McCormick Police Department, which notified Martin, who was out on a routine patrol.
When Martin arrived, he searched for the deer where it had last been spotted, and, after walking out onto a wooden walkway above the mine shaft, discovered the deer had worked it way to the bottom of the shaft and was partially submerged in a fast-moving underground stream.
After first calling the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources and being told rescuing the deer was not its responsibility, Martin called the McCormick County rescue service.
Church group members watched in the 90-degree heat from the wooden walkway above the shaft, and waited for the rescue workers to arrive. Meanwhile, the deer, whose labored breathing could clearly be heard, treaded water and barely kept its head above the water.
After McCormick County rescue coordinator Chris Doolittle and rescue director Henry Deason arrived, Doolittle grabbed one end of a heavy yellow nylon rope, and as Deason stopped the rope from slipping, lowered himself into the shaft.
By the time Doolittle reached the five-foot-by-five-foot body of water where the deer had been trapped, the exhausted animal had slipped below the surface and disappeared from Doolittle’s sight.
For five minutes Doolittle reached into the stream in the hope of finding the submerged animal before it ran out of breath and pulling the animal to the surface.
Finally, Doolittle was forced to accept the inevitable and climbed, empty-handed out of the shaft.
“They did the best they could,” Martin said, as a dejected Doolittle and Deason respooled the rope. “But the deer just became too exhausted and gave up.”

Obituaries

Dr. Norman Banghart

A memorial service for Dr. Norman Lee Banghart will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 30, 2007 at Asbury Hall in Wesley Commons (1110 Marshall Road, Greenwood, SC, 864-227-7250). The Rev. Carol Peppers-Wray will be officiating. Dr. Banghart, 85, husband of Margaret May Banghart, died Sunday, June 17, 2007 at Self Regional Medical Center, Greenwood, SC. Interment will occur later this summer on Beaver Island, Michigan.
Memorials may be made to the National Parkinson Foundation, Inc., Office of Development, 1501 NW 9th Avenue, Miami, Florida, 33136-1494; or www.parkinson.org.
Harley Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.harleyfuneralhome.com.

Mildred ‘Dit’ Duckett Cannon

HONEA PATH — Mildred “Dit” Duckett Cannon, 75, widow of the late Clarence H. Cannon, of 506 Trussel St., died Thursday, June 28, 2007 at AnMed Health Medical Center.
Born in Anderson County, she was the daughter of the late Roy E. and Jennie Louise Pitts Duckett. She was a member of Assembly of God and a Homemaker.
Surviving are: sister, Olivia Abercrombie of Honea Path; 5 grandchildren; and 6 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her sons Gene and Dean Stone, daughter Sandy Ashley and sister Ora Hammett.
A graveside service will be held 10 a.m. Saturday at the Garden of Memories, with Rev. Kyle Antone officiating.
The family will receive friends Friday from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Cox Funeral Home.
The family will be at the residence.
Cox Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Pat Lowe

James Vernon “Pat” Lowe, 74, resident of 118 Kings Grant Lane, husband of Marlene Humphries Lowe, died June 28, 2007 at Hospice House.
Born in Greer, June 23, 1933, he was a son of the late Joseph Vernon and Alice Davis Lowe. He was a graduate of Clinton High School and was a US Army Veteran of the Korean Conflict. Mr. Lowe was a retired terminal trainmaster with CSX Railroad after 40 years of service.
A member of Coronaca Baptist Church, he was also a former Official and member of the South Carolina High School Officiating Association. He was an avid Clemson fan and a longtime IPTAY member.
Surviving in addition to his wife of 49 years are two daughters, Lynn Kuykendall and husband, Roger of Clinton and Patti Baldwin and husband, Harry of Greenwood; a son, Joey Lowe of Cross Hill; seven grandchildren, Josh Kuykendall and wife, Lisa, Justin Kuykendall, Jennifer Kuykendall, Ashlea Willis, Alec Willis, Ashely Baldwin and Harry Baldwin, III; five great-grandchildren.
Mr. Lowe was predeceased by a son-in-law, Joe D. Willis.
Memorial services will be conducted at 3 p.m. Saturday from the Blyth Funeral Home Chapel, with Chad Charles officiating.
The family is at the home in Hunter’s Creek and will receive friends at the funeral home from 2 to 3 Saturday afternoon.
Memorials may be made to HospiceCare of the Piedmont, 408 W. Alexander Ave., Greenwood, SC 29646.
For online condolences please visit www.blythfuneralhome.com.
Blyth Funeral Home & Cremation Services is assisting the Lowe family.

Angelo Maiuro

ABBEVILLE — Angelo Maiuro, 86, of Currie, NC, died Tuesday, June 26, 2007 at New Hanover Regional Medical Center.
He was born July 8, 1920 in Elm, NJ, and was the son of the late Giuseppe and Catherine Tabasco Maiuro. Angelo now joins his lovely wife, Thelma Clinkscales Maiuro, who passed away in 2003 and will be buried by her side. He was also predeceased by three brothers.
Mr. Maiuro lived a remarkable life, serving his country in the US Army as a decorated member of the First Division during WW II in Africa and Europe, and later as a socially conscious and successful businessman, touching the lives and hearts of many, both within and outside the family. He was owner and operator of Currie Quick Shop for over twenty years.
Surviving are: his daughter, Jacqueline M. Wilson, a local artist, and her husband, Marshal of Piedmont, SC; sons Dennis Maiuro, a certified black seal, and wife, Bobbi of Yardville, NJ, and Dr. Roland Maiuro, a psychologist and professor and Jane Eberle of Seattle, WA; five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; sisters, Angelina Mortellite of Hammonton, NJ, Rose Collins of Elizabethtown, KY, and Louise Gelabert of El Paso, TX; brothers, Louie Maiuro of Berlin, NJ, and Johnny Maiuro of Ulysses, PA; numerous nieces and nephews.
A graveside service will be conducted Saturday, June 30, 2007 at 10 a.m. at Providence Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Lowndesville, SC, with the Rev. Lee Kennerly officiating, with military honors to follow.
The body is at The Chandler-Jackson Funeral Home where the family will receive friends from 6 until 7 p.m. Friday evening, June 29, 2007.
Online condolences may be sent to the Maiuro family by visiting www.chandlerjacksonfh.com. The Chandler-Jackson Funeral Home, Abbeville, SC, is in charge of arrangements.

Hilda C. Robinson

Hilda Pauline Caldwell Robinson, 86, of 313 Grace Court, Apt. 9, widow of Tolson Robinson, died June 26 at Hospice House. She was born Jan. 31, 1921 in Columbia, SC, to the late Ed Caldwell and Theresa B. Lester.
She was trained as a registered nurse at Waverly Hospital in Columbia, SC, where she worked until moving to Greenwood. After moving to Greenwood, she went to work for Brewer Hospital for numerous years. While in Greenwood, she met and fell in love with Professor Tolson Robinson and to this union two daughters were born, Lillie Theresa and Peggy Joyce.
She was a member of St. Paul AME Church, member of Ladies Aid Society No. 83 and was presently employed as a receptionist at Percival-Tompkins Funeral Home.
Hilda was a loving and caring person. She was always taking people into her home. She was always helping people get apartments and loved attending gospel singing programs in the area.
She was always dressed to impress, no matter where she was going.
Survivors include two daughters, Lillie Robinson of Greenwood, Peggy R. Douglas of Washington, DC; two grandchildren, Theresa T. Thomas of Greenwood and Smity Burch, Jr., of Washington, DC; three great-grandchildren, Cyera Odom, Tyrecce McCowan and Javana McCowan; and a host of other relatives, godchildren, friends and neighbors.
Funeral services will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. from St. Paul AME Church, with Rev. Emanuel Spearman officiating, assisted by Rev. Harold Chapman, pastor and presiding.
Burial will be in Oakbrook Memorial Park. The body will be placed in the church at 10 a.m. Pallbearers will be Charles Allen, Jeffrey Richardson, Paul Morton, Parker Arnold, Paul Freeman and friends.
Flower bearers will be goddaughters.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home Friday evening from 6-7 p.m.
Online: pertompfh1@earthlink.net.

Robert Strom

Robert Ryan Strom, 48, of 1251 Mathis Road, died Wednesday, June 27, 2007, at his home.
Services will be announced by Harley Funeral Home and Crematory.

Gloria Tinsley

Gloria J. Tinsley, 60, of 202 Sample Road, died Thursday, June 28, 2007, at Self Regional Medical Center.
Services will be announced by Blyth Funeral Home & Cremation Service.

Mary S. Wilmot

McCORMICK — Mrs. Mary Stefanowich Wilmot, 93 of Savannah Dr., SLV, McCormick, S.C., died Wednesday, June 27, at her residence.
Mrs. Wilmot, a native of Wibaux, MT, had lived in Yucca Valley, CA, before moving to McCormick about ten years ago. She was a WWII veteran, having served as a pharmacist mate in the U.S. Navy.
As a member of Good Shepherd Catholic Church, she had served on numerous committees. Also, she was a member of the McCormick Garden Club and a competitive bridge player.
Survivors: daughters, Bernadette Good, and husband, Bob of McCormick, LeaAyne W. Estep, and husband, Michael of Collville, WA, Cheryl Jeanette Nadeau, and husband, Dr. Ken Nadeau of W. Memphis, AR; grandson, Dr. Benjamin Nadeau; several brothers and sisters.
A Memorial Mass is planned for Tuesday, July 3, 2007 at 11 a.m. at Good Shepherd Catholic Church, McCormick.
Mrs. Wilmot’s remains will be interred at Riverside Arlington National Cemetery, Riverside, California, at a later date.
Contributions may be made to Good Shepherd Catholic Church, P.O. Box 1468, McCormick, SC 29835.
Beggs Funeral Home, 200 May Ave Lincolnton, GA, 30817 (706) 359-4117.
Sign the guestbook at www.beggsfuneralhome.net.

DeWitt T. Wilson Jr.

TAYLORS — DeWitt Talmadge Wilson, Jr., 82, of 4017 Locust Hill Road, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, June 27, 2007.
Surviving are his wife of 60 years, Doris Standridge Wilson of the home; 2 daughters, Joan Ledford and husband, Ronnie of Travelers Rest and Anna Dean Caldwell and husband, Lee of Greenville; son, Greg Wilson and wife, Paige of Simpsonville; 2 sisters, Wilma Ponder of Greenwood and Helen Hodges of Hodges; 2 brothers, Ralph Wilson and Marett Wilson, both of Greenwood; granddaughter, DeAnna Thompson; 3 grandsons, Brody Ledford, Hunter and Tyler Wilson; and a great-granddaughter, Lee Kathryn Thompson.
He was predeceased by a sister, Guynell Ridlehoover.
Funeral services will be held Saturday afternoon at 2 p.m. at Marietta First Baptist Church, Marietta, SC, with burial at Greenwood Memorial Gardens, Section 16, Greenwood, SC.
The family will receive friends Saturday afternoon from 1 until 2 p.m. at the church.
The Howze Mortuary, Travelers Rest, is in charge of arrangements; (864) 834-8051.

Nellie Wilson

DETROIT — Nellie Smith Wilson, 90, formerly of Ware Shoals, SC, died Saturday, June 16, 2007 in Detroit, MI.
She was the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Ok Smith.
She is survived by one son, Charles Smith, Detroit, MI; brothers, Harold, Leon and Wilbur Smith, all of Detroit, MI; sisters, Mamie Drake and Blanche White, both of Detroit, MI, Ruby Hill, Donalds, SC, Mildred Smith, Ruth Quarles, and Lutitia Leverett all of Ware Shoals, SC. Funeral services are 11 a.m. Saturday at the Dunn Creek Baptist Church by the Rev. James F. Davis, III. Burial is in the church cemetery. Mrs. Wilson will be on view Friday from 5-8 p.m. at Robinson-Walker Funeral Service, Ware Shoals, SC, and will be placed in the church Saturday at 10 a.m.
The family is at the home of her sister, Lutitia Leverett, 106 Nova Court, Ware Shoals, SC. Arrangements by Robinson-Walker Funeral Service.

Alton Winn

DONALDS — Alton Winn, 83, formerly of Donalds, died Thursday, June 28, 2007 at the Hospice House of the Upstate in Anderson, SC. He was born in Abbeville County on April 1, 1924 to the late Frank and Jessie Bowie Winn. Mr. Winn was a member of Gilgal United Methodist Church, a member of the Woodman of the World, and a U.S. Army WWII veteran. He retired from United Telephone Company after 25 years of service.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Emma Arnold Winn; sisters, Louise Mahoney, Grace Woods, Dorothy Ashley; and a brother Allen Winn.
Mr. Winn is survived by three sisters, Jennie Harland of Georgia, Margaret Tota and Juanita Williamson, both of Belton, SC.
The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, June 30, 2007 at Harris Funeral Home. Funeral services will begin at 12 p.m. on Saturday, June 30, 2007 in the funeral home chapel. Burial will follow in Greenwood Memorial Gardens.
Family members are at their respective homes.
Memorial contributions in memory of Mr. Winn may be sent to the Hospice of the Upstate, 1835 Rogers Road, Anderson, SC 29621.
Online condolences may be sent to the Winn family by visiting www.harrisfuneral.com.
Harris Funeral Home of Abbeville is assisting the Winn family. Harris Funeral Home is in charge.

Opinion

A common sense approach to using $$$ of taxpayers

June 29, 2007

Sometimes plain ‘ol common sense statements, short and to the point, are worth repeating. South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford, in discussing this year’s budget, offered some this week. One, particularly, although meant for this state, could be good advice for all levels of government ..... local, state and federal.
The advice? A need to hold government spending to a sustainable level that won’t penalize taxpayers down the road by adding to the existing state debt. That happens too often when debts are created by spending money available only one time. That means, of course, that future budgets must include more to pay off those specific debts.

SOUTH CAROLINA REVENUE, this year, is considerably more than expected. Still, as the governor notes, good times won’t last forever. Instead of new spending, he believes, for one thing, we should start to pay off the unpaid $9 billion in “political promises” that have accrued over the years. Giving more back to taxpayers has also been one of his priorities.
Taxpayers, of course, don’t object to that ..... only those who want to spend more do.
Furthermore, the governor says, government should not grow faster than the people’s ability to pay for that growth.
Of course it shouldn’t. That’s basic, but is anyone listening where it counts and where something could be done about it?

COMMON SENSE? OF COURSE it is. It’s the only thing that makes sense when debt is stacked upon debt, year after year, as has been the practice in the Palmetto State for too long.
To some extend, the veto has been an equalizing factor, to be sure. Still, that effort at controlling spending doesn’t go over with some lawmakers ..... and people. Take a guess who that might be: spenders or savers?
It’s been said many times, but it’s worth repeating as often as possible. Taxpayers have to live within their means, so why shouldn’t government?
Good question. It’s worth asking ..... again and again and again. After it’s asked, though, it deserves answers.