Martial arts instructor arrested

Abbeville man charged with lewd act upon runaway boy

March 2, 2007

From staff reports

An Abbeville martial arts instructor has been charged with a lewd act upon a child, contributing to the delinquency of a minor and obstruction of justice, authorities said Thursday.
Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office investigators arrested Brian Jeffrey Tiller, 32, of 343 Edgewood Drive, Abbeville, late Tuesday after they determined he was housing a 14-year-old runaway boy from Greenwood.
The investigation quickly focused on Tiller — a professional martial arts instructor who taught the missing child for about one year — when he misled investigators and failed a polygraph examination, said Chief Deputy Mike Frederick, of the Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office.
Tiller eventually confessed to participating in sexual acts with the boy, and he told investigators he has kept the boy in hiding at his Abbeville County residence, a GCSO release said.
Greenwood County investigators coordinated with the Abbeville County Sheriff’s Office and obtained a search warrant.
GCSO and ACSO investigators entered the Abbeville County residence late Tuesday evening and recovered the boy physically unharmed, the release said.
They seized additional evidence, transported the boy back to Greenwood (where he was returned to his mother early Wednesday), and booked Tiller into the Greenwood County Detention Center. He is being held on a $750,000 bond.
Additional charges might be forthcoming from the Abbeville County Sheriff’s Office, which is conducting an investigation into offenses that might have occurred in its jurisdiction.
“We’re glad this child is safe,” said Greenwood Sheriff Dan Wideman, “and we’ll be assisting Abbeville County however we can in this case.”

‘Leatherheads’ mania hits Ware Shoals

Clooney film takes over school stadium

March 2, 2007

By MIKE ROSIER
Index-Journal staff writer

WARE SHOALS —When George Clooney speaks, men listen.
And it goes without saying the longtime actor/director and “Sexiest Man Alive” winner has the undivided attention of a legion of female fans across the country.
But on Thursday, Clooney spoke to the men — mostly — while decked out in retro football garb and looking more like a rugby player than a football player. The duds gave away his current movie role — that of aging footballer Jimmy “Dodge” Connolly — the Oscar winner’s character in the Universal Pictures film “Leatherheads,” which uses the early days of professional football during the “Roaring ’20s” as its colorful setting.
Clooney, who also directs and serves as co-writer on the film, wore a dark-blue jersey and khaki-colored pants with the knee-high socks of the time.
He wore No. 7 for the Carter Rutherford Bulldogs.
Cast and crew moved filming to Ware Shoals High School’s Tommy Davis Field at Riegel Stadium Thursday morning for a scheduled two-day shoot that will conclude today or possibly on Saturday.
Clooney and “Leatherheads” co-star Renee Zellweger have become familiar faces in recent weeks around Greer and downtown Greenville, but Thursday marked the first appearance (Zellweger was not recognized on Thursday) for the shoot within the Lakelands area.
The company’s large, white lunch tent and wardrobe trailers swamped the school’s front lawn. Crowds of students — mostly female — gathered throughout the day (on their lunch breaks and during P.E. classes) at the rear entrance to the school’s gymnasium, which is near Riegel Stadium.
It was from these double-doors that several lucky individuals –— including several adults — grabbed up-close glimpses of Clooney at work as a brief scene was shot outside the stadium’s entrance.
Clooney took time to smile at the gushing fans and wave.
Seventh-grader Staci Howard couldn’t believe what her eyes were telling her — that a major Hollywood studio movie was being shot in Ware Shoals, and at her own school no less.
“This is just awesome, this is just ... wow!” she exclaimed. “I plan to do something just like this when I get older.”
Teaching assistant Krista Taylor had the camera on her cell phone primed and ready when Clooney made his grand appearance.
Now all she has to do is sift through the requests for copies.
“I don’t know how many (I’ll have to get),” Taylor said. “I’ve got at least 10 teachers here that have already asked for it.”
Ware Shoals School District 51 Superintendent Fay Sprouse said Clooney felt comfortable at the school from the beginning.
“George Clooney grew up in a small town and attended a high school which had only 89 students, so he appreciates the small-town atmosphere,” she said. “He and his crew were impressed with our facilities. Our covered grandstand and stone field house make perfect settings for the movie. This is an exciting and positive event for our school and for our community.”
Most of the students who took turns at the double-doors expressed their appreciation for Clooney’s decision in different ways. His presence made the most of Meaghan McCall’s special day.
“I think that this is so awesome,” she said. “And to know that it’s my birthday, I am so happy.”
Mellissa Elledge was a stunned seventh-grader.
“This is so awesome ... George Clooney comes to Ware Shoals, South Carolina!” Elledge said. “I never thought any big movie star would come here. I got a bunch of pictures of him.”
Emily Gantt — a 14-year-old freshman — missed out on Clooney’s earlier appearance, but that hardly dampened her enthusiasm.
“You’ve got to let us meet him,” she told Principal Charlie Mayfield.
“I haven’t even met him myself,” Mayfield replied, disappointing Gantt and several other girls momentarily.
“(Somehow) I don’t think it’s as important to me as it is to you,” he added with a grin.
By then, several extras — complete in costume of long sweaters and skirts of cheerleaders or trench coats and fedoras — approached the entrance to the stadium, and it was quickly back to the windows for the girls.
The students weren’t the only people in town who noticed all the hubbub.
The movie company has been utilizing local eateries, purchasing food for breaks, while the main meals are prepared on the set. Edna’s Country Kitchen has provided soup for the cast and crew, while Famous Pizza has delivered pizza to the set.
“I think that it’s nice that they are using the local businesses here in town,” said Keely Farhan, of Famous Pizza. “A lady came up here (Wednesday) and ordered some pizza for (Friday) morning as a snack. That was $200 worth of pizza. I’d hate to see what lunch is like.”
Ware Shoals Postmaster Tammy Gadbury normally eats lunch in the office, but on Thursday she sat at Edna’s — you know, just in case.
“We’re all excited,” she said. “We can look out the windows (of the post office) and see all the stuff (tents and trailers) in the parking lot. We’re all on George-and-Renee watch.”

Center’s opening still has ‘Magic’

Crowd enthusiastic about facility despite NBA star’s absence

March 2, 2007

By CHRIS TRAINOR
Index-Journal staff writer

There was a bit of magic in the air Thursday as hundreds of people crammed into the auditorium at Old Brewer Middle School in Greenwood for a special program.
It just wasn’t the “Magic” many of them had braved a stormy March morning to see.
Basketball great Earvin “Magic” Johnson was scheduled to be on hand for the grand opening of the Magic Johnson Community Empowerment Center at the school.
The center is designed as an technological and educational hub for children and adults, complete with dozens of computers and the latest in education technology.
However, the former Los Angeles Lakers guard couldn’t make it to Greenwood. Magic Johnson Foundation officials said there was ice on the runways of Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta, and Johnson’s plane was not able to take off.
When Greenwood Mayor Floyd Nicholson broke the news Johnson would not be appearing, an audible buzz of disappointment rippled through the audience. Many in the crowd were sporting Lakers jerseys and carrying posters welcoming the hall-of-famer to the Emerald City. Ever the capable orator, Nicholson managed to quickly lift the spirits of the capacity crowd.
“I’ll tell you the reason Magic isn’t here,” Nicholson said. “When we met last year we made a bet for when he came to Greenwood. We were supposed to have a game of one-on-one. The reason he didn’t come is because he’s scared.”
The comment drew a hearty laugh from the crowd.
Despite Magic’s absence, the event went on as planned, with numerous local and state dignitaries celebrating the opening of the center, which is a facility that will provide career counseling, tutoring and study-skills training, interactive literacy activities, courses leading toward bachelor’s and master’s degrees, and numerous other courses and resources.
The event was opened with a performance by Charles McClasker, a Ray Charles impersonator from Mobile, Ala. McClasker roused the crowd with a spot-on rendition of “America the Beautiful,” even evoking Charles by imitating the famed singer’s halted, swaying motions as he sang.
Nicholson took the stage and issued a proclamation, officially proclaiming March 1, 2007, as Magic Johnson Day in Greenwood. He also presented Johnson a key to the city. All gifts that were brought for Johnson were presented to Magic Johnson Foundation representative Jeanella Blair.
“This empowerment center will serve a great need in our community,” Nicholson said.
Greenwood County Council Chairman Robbie Templeton and state Rep. Anne Parks presented framed resolutions for Johnson to honor the occasion. For Parks, the new facility serves as a continuing source of pride in her district.
“This is the best district in the country,” Parks said. “Right here in Greenwood, South Carolina. Magic may not be here today, but he will be drawn back here. Greenwood is a very special place.”
Parks also gave Blair a resolution to give to Johnson from state Sen. John Drummond.
Joe Patton, chief executive director of the local GLEAMNS Human Resources Commission, was greeted warmly by the other dignitaries and given a standing ovation by those in attendance. Patton was largely responsible for being the liaison between the Magic Johnson Foundation and the progress of the empowerment center’s development in Greenwood.
Patton joked about his reputation as a person who works tirelessly to get things done.
“My staff stays frustrated because when something comes up, I want it done yesterday,” Patton said. “In the military they say that whenever there’s more than two people present, someone’s got to be the leader.”
Patton said he was dismayed to learn Johnson wouldn’t be coming, but he said he quickly got over those thoughts when he realized just how important the new facility will be to those who need it.
“This is just phase one of the revitalization of Brewer,” Patton said.
Patton said a new administration center will be built on the campus, and the gymnasium will get a complete remodeling. The auditorium where Thursday’s event was held has also undergone what Patton called a “facelift.” Those improvements were dressed up even more with the large display of purple and gold — the colors of the Lakers — balloons, bows and ribbons strewn throughout the Brewer grounds.
At the end of the program, a new computer was given away in a drawing. Local youngster Jaleah Bacote was the winner.
“All we ask, young lady, is that one day after you grow up, please come back to Greenwood and give back to the community like this computer was given to you today,” Patton said.
At least one young person said he wasn’t too bummed Johnson was a no-show.
Thirteen-year-old Charles Brace, of Charlotte, said he and his father had driven down from Charlotte to see Johnson. Brace was wearing a purple and gold No. 32 jersey at the event.
“I’m not too disappointed,” Brace said. “I’m a Charlotte Bobcats fan, anyway.”

Season-ending game

Lady Bearcats stumble at hands of Columbus State

March 2, 2007

By RON COX
Index-Journal sports editor

Not even a Herculean effort from the conference player of the year could help the Lady Bearcats overcome a blistering second-half start from the Lady Cougars in the nightcap of the second day of the Peach Belt Conference tournament.
While PBC player of the year Tiara Good threw up a game-high 28 points, Columbus State opened the second half by scoring 18 of the first 22 points and held on for a 72-60 victory Thursday night.
“It’s disappointing to get in such a big hole out there,” Lander coach Kevin Pederson said. “It’s a five-point game at the half, and they clearly outplayed us in the first 10 minutes. It’s hard to get out of a hole like that.”
The Lady Cougars (19-9 overall) advance to meet North Division champion USC Aiken at 4 p.m. Saturday in a semifinal matchup.
Shanrika Hardeman led Columbus State with 22 points on eight rebounds, with six being offensive boards. All-conference center Cherwonna Walker added eight points and 11 rebounds.
Good was one of the lone bright spots for the Lady Bearcats (15-13). The junior transfer from Wake Forest scored 19 of Lander’s 32 first-half points. The 5-foot-10 guard also finished with five assists, three steals and six rebounds, including five on the offensive glass.
Bryony Crouch, who along with Tara Nyikavaranda are the team’s only seniors, played all 40 minutes in her last game in a Lander uniform, finishing with nine points and a team-high six assists.
While coach and players are disheartened by the final outcome of this season, they are already intrigued by what 2007-08 can bring, having Good, all-conference center Stephanie Ponds and the nation’s No. 2 all-time scorer LaShonda Chiles back next season.
“I don’t want to look back. I don’t want to have regrets about this season. I want to look forward to next season,” Pederson said. “Tiara Good, the player of the year, and LaShonda Chiles (who is expected to receive a medical redshirt) is on the same level. They’re the two best guards in this conference. We improved by 10 games this year and we expect to do the same next year.”
Good’s outside shooting helped the Lady Bearcats lead by as much as four points on three separate occasions. Her 12th point of the first half, which came on her fourth 3-pointer, put Lander ahead, 19-15, with 10:24 remaining in the first half.
But a 16-2 run helped give the lead to Columbus State for good.
Junior guard Kayleigh Epps stole a pass and went the length of the court to give Columbus State its largest lead of the first half, at 31-21, with 4:25 remaining until halftime.
The Lady Bearcats cut the deficit to five (37-32) at the half. However, the Lady Cougars outscored Lander 18-4 over the first 9 minutes of the second half, as forward Monica Sicka, who finished with 11 points, knocked down a free-throw line jumper to make it 55-36 with 11 minutes to play.
But the Lady Bearcats made a solid run, using an improved defensive effort that kept the Lady Cougars without a field goal for more than 5 1/2 minutes.
“That’s how we want to play,” Pederson said. “We want to press and we want to run. We went to it (press) and it worked.”
Lander eventually cut the Columbus State lead down to four, 62-58, with 2:20 remaining.
But the Lady Cougars responded with eight unanswered points to regain a double-digit lead and advance to the conference semis.

Obituaries

Mary Ann Eagle

NINETY SIX — Mary Ann Jones Eagle, 74, widow of Grover C. Eagle, died Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2007 at Magnolia Manor.
Born in Lancaster, she was a daughter of the late William and Annie Obenosky Jones. She was formerly employed with West Anaheim Community Hospital. She was a member of the Red Hat Society, Friendship Club and South Greenwood Assembly of God, where she was a member of the Adult Sunday School Class. She was a former member of the Sunshine Band.
Surviving are four daughters, Barbara Jean Grubb of Epworth, Wanda Elaine Rouse of Omaha, NE, Donna Lynn Piepo of Corona, CA, and Patricia Ann Pearson of Anaheim, CA; one son, Mike Calvin Eagle of Charlotte, NC; two sisters, Marion Wells of Greenwood and Carrie Lowe of Midland, N.C, a brother, Tom Jones of Indian Trail, NC; seventeen grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
Services will be 2 p.m. Sunday at South Greenwood Assembly of God, with the Rev. Carroll Harrison officiating. Burial will follow in Oakbrook Memorial Park.
The body is at Harley Funeral Home and will be placed in the church 1 p.m. Sunday.
Memorials may be made to South Greenwood Assembly of God, 280 Galilee Road, Greenwood, SC 29646.
The family is at the home of her sister Marion Wells, 808 Wright Ave., Greenwood.
Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.harleyfuneralhome.com.

Agnes Parks

Agnes Ouzts Parks, 91, resident of 9622 Highway 246 S., widow of Andrew Joe Parks, died Feb. 28, 2007 at Self Regional Medical Center in Greenwood.
Born in Greenwood County, Feb. 19, 1916, she was a daughter of the late Olander G. and Annie Mae Stroud Ouzts. She was a graduate of Pittsburg High School in Kirksey and retired from Greenwood Mills, Ninety Six Plant.
Mrs. Parks was a member of Friendship Pentecostal Holiness Church and the Greenwood Mills Quarter Century Club.
Surviving are a daughter, Jo Ann Chaney of Greenwood; a son, Ellis “Bo” Parks and wife, Faye, of Greenwood; three sisters, Evelyn Huckaby of Columbia, Vera Crouch of Saluda and Loree Bailey of Greenwood; four grandchildren, Kathy Rolin, Sherry Pruett and Jody Parks, all of Greenwood and Mark Parks of Chesapeake, VA; seven great-grandchildren, Jason Schultz, Hunter Schultz, Chaney Rolin, Andrew Parks, Benjamin Parks, Jeremy Parks and Caleb Parks; one great-great-granddaughter, Abigail Schultz.
Funeral services will be conducted 3 p.m. Saturday at the Blyth Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Boyd Arnold officiating. Burial will be in Greenwood Memorial Gardens.
Pallbearers will be David Rodgers, Joe Rodgers, John McDowell, Gene Price, Bill Bowers, Eddie Goldman and Mac Rolin. The family is at the home of Bo and Faye Parks, 9407 Highway 178 South, Saluda, and will receive friends at the funeral home from 1:30 to 3 Saturday afternoon.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Friendship Pentecostal Holiness Church, 9602 Highway 178 South, Saluda, SC 29138.
Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.blythfuneralhome.com.
Blyth Funeral Home & Cremation Services is assisting the Parks family.

Edgar Schultz

TAYLORS — A memorial service for Edgar Schultz, 70, husband of Lula Collins Schultz, of 296 Pebble Springs Dr., Taylors, will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 3, 2007 in the chapel of Dillard Funeral Home in Pickens.

Nina Traynham

Nina South Traynham, 80, resident of Wesley Commons, widow of C. Arden Traynham, died Thursday, March 1, 2007 at Self Regional Medical Center.
Services will be announced by Blyth Funeral Home & Cremation Services.

James Edward Waldroup

James Edward Waldroup, 81, of 116 Enterprise Ct., No. 108, died Thursday, March 1, 2007 at Hospice House.
The body is at Harley Funeral Home, where the family will receive friends Friday night from 6 until 8 p.m.
Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Harley Funeral Home.

Emma Withers

Emma Louise Joyce Withers, 94, resident of Wesley Commons, formerly of 325 Hillcrest Farm Road, widow of Albert Meredith “Boo” Withers, died Thursday, March 1, 2007 at Wesley Commons.
Born in Greenville Sept. 12, 1912, she was a daughter of the late Eugene Marvin and Mary Virginia Klugh Joyce. A life long resident of Greenwood, she attended local schools and Winthrop College. She was a past member of Keowee Study Club, the Tulip Garden Club and the Star Fort Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Ms. Withers had been a charter member and helped reorganize Rock Presbyterian Church, where she had served the church in many capacities on the local and Presbyterial level. She was currently a member of First Presbyterian Church.
Survivors include daughters, Joyce Alexander and husband, Spears of Boone, NC, and Greenwood, and Julie Phillips and husband, Dick of Hartwell, GA; 4 grandchildren; 2 step-grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; and 3 step-great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be conducted Saturday at 2 p.m. at Rock Presbyterian Church. Interment will follow in the Rock Presbyterian Church Cemetery.
The body is at Blyth Funeral Home and will be placed in the church at 1 p.m. Saturday.
The family is at the home, 325 Hillcrest Farm Road and will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Those desiring may make memorials to a charity of choice.
For additional information and online condolences please visit www.blythfuneralhome.com.
Blyth Funeral Home & Cremation Services is assisting the Withers family.

Opinion

Secret ballot is critical for workers in union vote

March 2, 2007

Check out the title: “The Employee Free Choice Act.” What it says and what it is are two different things.
Some Democratic members of Congress are supporting this wolf-in-sheep’s clothing legislation. It calls for free choice, but what it would do is mandate no choice.
It would strip the right of employees to choose whether or not they want union representation by eliminating their ability to vote by secret ballot. Union organization elections now must be by secret ballot.
It’s obvious what this legislation would do. It would leave all workers vulnerable to intimidation and coercion during any union organizing drive.

THE SOUTH CAROLINA Chamber of Commerce has alerted its members to ask their U. S. Senators to work against passage. According to a Chamber newsletter, that offers the best chance of defeating this regressive act.
South Carolina has a Right to Work Law, of course, as do a number of other states. That gives every worker a real right to choose whether he or she wants to be in a union or not be in a union. Thus, it gives workers a legal choice. This so-called “free choice” legislation now talked in Congress is contrary to the spirit of that Right to Work Law.
This is one way to tell that Democrats are in the majority in Washington these days. Almost always organized labor supports Democrats. This kind of legislation could only come while they are in charge.

ONE OF THE KEYS TO THE strength of America is the secret ballot. Voters can make their choices without fear of retribution in any way. Imagine what it would mean if they lost that right. Then apply that thought to workers losing their right to a secret ballot and what it would mean for them.
It’s bad legislation. It has no place in a free society. Unfortunately, there are those who would take away in an instant the right workers have to vote in secret. That’s obvious. South Carolina’s workers now have a choice. They should not lose it.
There is one way to eliminate this threat for good. A national right to work law would do that. It would be fair, contrary to what union leaders would surely say. Every worker should have the right to choose whether he or she wants to belong to a union or not belong in order to get a job. It’s that simple.