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Featured Photos

doris_marie
Doris Coggins of Newberry Elementary and Marie Robinson of Boundary Street Elementary at Tuesday's WLTX luncheon honoring all of the 2012/2013 Golden Apple Award winners.
Photo courtesy of WKDK

Ashley Robertson was awarded her law degree, magna cum laude, from USC School of Law on Friday, May 10, 2013. In August, Ashley will begin work in a Judge Clerkship for SC Supreme Court Chief Justice Jean Toal.
Photo courtesy of Jane Robertson

Vidal and Bucket Brigade at Prosperity's Hoppin' with Arts & Antiques
Photo courtesy of Andy Hawkins

Franklin Miller from Newberry was the winner in Division One (photos/paintings) at Prosperity's Hoppin' recently. He is standing by Aw,Shucks, one of three pastel paintings he entered. This particular painting was the favorite of our judge and artist Clay Burnette, from the SC Arts Commission.
Photo courtesy of Andy Hawkins

Some of the residents at Springfield Place enjoyed wearing sunglasses during the Coffee Hour Show on Thursday with Sue Summer.
Photo courtesy of WKDK

nhs soccer
Members of the Newberry High School Junior Varsity Soccer team. They had a good season wrapping up last week with a 7-nil defeat of neighboring Union County. They are coached by Leslie McDuffie and Joseph Foster.
Photo courtesy of Lee Foster

A runner carries the Special Olympics torch down Main Street in downtown Newberry on Thursday afternoon.
Photo courtesy of Ted B. Williams/
Special to WKDK

FLASH
The Newberry Community Players present "Flash Gordon" again this weekend.
Photo courtesy of Heather Hawkins

fire
A scene from the fire yesterday at the business off of College Street yesterday across from Fast Track.
Photo courtesy of Jimmie Coggins

"On The Move With Margaret" on April 8 featured a LifePoint discussion, as April is Organ Month. Pictured are Roger Charette, Ronald Charette, Mark Johnson, and Margaret Brackett.
Photo courtesy of April Marks

scar
Newberry College Wolves mascot, Scar, got a slight injury at the baseball game over the weekend. He was carted off to take care of it. But nothing keeps a good wolf down!
Photo courtesy of Garry Talbert

natl walking day
National Walking Day was Wednesday, April 3, and Newberry was a host site for that. Here is a scene from some of the local walkers that participated in National Walking Day.

LOCAL NEWS

WKDK Remembers Melvin Hancock
Posted:
May 22, 2013
11:01 PM

Area music legend
Melvin Hancock passed away on Wednesday. WKDK remembers this special member of the Golden Steele Band. Click HERE for arrangement information.

Tanker Truck Fire Causes Evacuation
Posted: May 21, 2013 6:06 AM

Last night a mechanical issue resulted in a fire on a tanker truck carrying granulated ammonium nitrate at the intersection of S.C. Highway 39 and Rose Bud Lane in the Chappells section of Newberry County.

Residents within one mile of this intersection were to evacuate until cleared to return to their homes.

The motoring public should avoid this area as well.

Groundbreaking Ceremony for Kiswire
Posted:
May 17, 2013 10:04 PM

TheGroundbreaking Ceremony of Kiswire, Inc., Steel Cord Division, took place on Wednesday afternoon at 4:00 PM at Twin Springs Road in Newberry County. Officials were there for the groundbreaking and WKDK's Jimmie Coggins was the emcee for the event. Photo courtesy of Ted B. Williams/Special to WKDK

Investigators Searching for Attempted Sexual Assault Suspect
Posted:
May 13, 2013 9:44 AM

The Newberry County Sheriff’s Office is seeking to identify a suspect wanted in an attempted sexual battery on Friday night at a restaurant on Macedonia Church Road in the Prosperity section of Newberry County.

Investigators say that the suspect entered the restaurant and ordered food. The suspect then grabbed the waitress on her breast and then attempt to make sexual advances of the waitress. After she grabbed her cell phone, the suspect left the business.

The suspect is described as a white, male between the ages of 40 and 60. He is about 5’10” and has short brown hair. He also had a goatee. He has a medium build and was wearing a gray or blue shirt and tight blue jeans.

The suspect left driving a gold late 90’s model GMC extended cab pickup truck.

Fire in Loblolly Estates
Posted:
May 11, 2013 9:04 AM

This was a scene of the Newberry Fire Departmentresponding to a fire at Loblolly Estates on Friday afternoon. The fire was controlled shortly afterwards.

City Council Report
Posted: May 8, 2013 6:48 AM

Councilman GreggSummer (r) with Mayor Foster Senn

Newberry City Council met Tuesday, May 7, at 7:00 pm.
Interim City Manager Al Harvey gave the financial report saying that the city is on target with the budget.

Council recognized the following people for their years of service:
Todd DeLeeuw, Public Works Department – 5 years
Jeffrey Weyers, Utility Department – 5 years
Ron Roberts, Fire Department – 15 years

Mayor Senn and Interim City Manager Harvey also recognized former Council member Gregg Summer for his service of 12 ½ years.

Council passed first reading of an ordinance to rezone the Speer Street School property to planned development. The property was purchased by Newberry College who is planning to move the Education Department to that location.

Council passed a resolution renaming McSwain Park to Dr. Ulysses S. Gallman Park. Council plans to improve the park in 2014 and include an historical plaque on the grounds.

Council approved authorization to sell and consume alcohol in Memorial Park and in the courtyard between the Opera House and the Firehouse Conference Center for "A Taste of Newberry" to be held on Friday, June 14, from 5:00pm to 8:30 pm in Memorial Park.

Due to the resignation of Councilman Summer, Council appointed Councilman Glasgow as next senior member to his position on the Clinton-Newberry Natural Gas Authority Board.

The next City Council meeting will be held June 4, 2013 at 7 pm in City Hall.

NHS Varsity Soccer Team in Playoff Action Next Week
Posted:
May 4, 2013 12:31 PM

The Newberry High School Varsity Soccer Team will be going to the AA playoffs next week. They are coached by Leslie McDuffie and assisted by Joseph Foster (a student-athlete at Newberry College). Stay tuned to WKDK and WKDK.com for more information.

Holiday Inn Express and Suites Newberry Named Top One in State
Posted: May 2, 2013 7:59 AM

The Holiday InnExpress & Suites Newberry, the #1 Holiday Inn Express & Suites in the state of South Carolina, is honored to be named a winner of InterContinental Hotels Group's (IHG) 2012 Torchbearer Award. Distinguished as the highest accolade in the IHG system, the Torchbearer Award goes to the top 3% of all IHG properties in North America. It is measured by their guest satisfaction scores.

Selected out of approximately 4,400 IHG hotels, which is the world's largest hotel group in number of rooms, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Newberry hotel is excited to be recognized for their commitment to service excellence. The 2012 Torchbearer Awards was presented during the 2012 IHG Americas Investors & Leadership Conference in Orlando, FL. The Awards Celebration reception and dinner took place at The Peabody Hotel – Orlando.

"We were very excited when a Holiday Inn Express property chose to open in our community. Since the hotel launched in 2009, they have provided outstanding hospitality, stellar service, and top-notch accommodations to residents and guests in Newberry," explains Foster Senn, Mayor of The City of Newberry, South Carolina. "On behalf of the City of Newberry, we extend our congratulations for their well-deserved recognition as one of the best hotels among the Holiday Inn Express brand," says Mayor Senn.

County Council Report
Posted: May 2, 2013 7:48 AM

Newberry County Council met Wednesday, May 1, at 7 pm, in the Annex Building.

After the public hearing on this topic, Council passed third reading of an ordinance adopting the Administrative Policies and Procedures contained in the International Building Code and the National Electric Code.

Council passed second reading of an ordinance to provide appropriations for the Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2013 and ending June 30, 2014 budget with two amendments.
Council passed second reading of an ordinance to provide appropriations for the Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2013 and ending June 30, 2014 for the Newberry County Public Library, Piedmont Technical College and the Newberry Agency for the Disabilities and Special Needs.

Council passed second reading of an ordinance to enlarge the Joint County Industrial Park of Newberry and Lexington Counties to include Lexington County Technology Park Property.

Council passed first reading of an ordinance to provide for the issuance and sale of General Obligation Bonds of Newberry County not to exceed $1,215,000 for EMS rolling stock and the public works project.

Council passed first reading of an ordinance enacting and adopting 2013 S-10 supplement to the Code of Ordinance for Newberry County.

Council made a proclamation May 15, 2013 as Peace Officers' Memorial Day. This is by Presidential request but is not a Presidential Order.

Council was reminded of the rescheduled the May 15th meeting to May 22nd due to groundbreaking ceremonies for Kiswire.

Future meetings include:
Public Safety and Courts Committee – 5/06/13 @ 7:00 pm
Public Works and Planning Committee – 5/13/13 @ 7:00 pm
Kiswire Groundbreaking Ceremony – 5/15/13 @ 4:00 pm
County Council – 5/22/13 @ 7:00 pm

Accident in Newberry on Saturday; One Airlifted To Area Hospital
Posted: April 27, 2013 10:04 PM

This was the scene of a wreck at Cockrell Drive and
Highway 219
on Saturday.

One car was involved, and one person had to be extricated and flown to an area hospital.

Photos courtesy of Ted B. Williams/SPECIAL TO WKDK

School Board Report
Posted: April 23, 2013 8:08 AM

Newberry CountySchoolBoard met on Monday night, and awards were presented to the nine Newberry Schools that received state awards of either Palmetto Silver or Palmetto Gold (pictured above are staff members of Boundary Street Elementary School).

Steve Wilson addressed the board to remind them of the importance of music and arts programs as part of the curriculum. He thanked the board for their support of the music program and gave examples of the many successful academic students who are also in band programs.

A group of students addressed the board with their concerns regarding their garden projects. The board normally doesn't respond to concerns during the public forum section, but the students asked them what the plan for the garden was. Mr. Hamm assured the students that although the garden plot is simply a big hole right now, it will be about twice its former size and that the topsoil was saved, placed in a holding area to be placed in the new garden area.

The board passed the second reading of the Procurement Policy and list of exemptions.

After a discussion, the board voted to replace one school resource officer (SRO) with the option open for a second if the find funding in the budget.

The board passed second reading of Policy IKA (with revisions) which concerns the Grading Assessment Systems.

The board passed the adoption of new middle school math textbooks.

Mrs. Dowd gave the financial report.

Superintendent Bennett told board members that the upcoming day at the Capitol has been changed to May 22nd. Superintendent Bennett reminded the board that the June meeting has been moved to June 10th at 7:30 pm. May 30th will be the retiree reception at Newberry Middle School.

Six Arrests in Meth Lab Case; Two Children Taken Into Emergency Custody
Posted: April 19, 2013 6:33 PM

The Newberry County Sheriff’s Office says that search warrant a meth lab has led to the arrest of six people (click HERE for photos) and two young children were taken into protective custody.

A series of citizen complaints confirmed by law enforcement intelligence led to the execution of a search warrant at 252 Adam Teseniar Road located just off Highway 121 in the Newberry section of Newberry County.

Investigators say once inside, they found a working meth lab and six people were taken into custody as follows:

Amber Christine Teseniar, 23, of 252 Adam Teseniar Road

Heather Brooke Anderson, 23, of 252 Adam Teseniar Road

Jeffery Boyd Teseniar, 51, of 252 Adam Teseniar Road

Kelly Mac Teseniar, 42, of 226 Adam Teseniar Road

Meghan Lee Teseniar, 19, 252 Adam Teseniar Road

Nicholas Logan Teseniar, 26, of 252 Adam Teseniar Road

All six subjects will be charged with Manufacturing Meth and Willfully Exposing a Child to Meth.

Investigators say that once inside the house not only was there a functioning meth lab partially inside and partially outside of the house, but the house was in absolutely deplorable conditions.

The officers located two small children in the home, one 2 and one 11 months. The children were transported for medical examination because of the exposure to the meth lab. Once released without injury, they were placed into custody of the South Carolina Department of Social Services.

A bond hearing on the subjects will be held sometime Saturday. A certified clean-up crew was called to the residence to safely dismantle and dispose of the meth lab.

County Council Report
Posted: April 18, 2013 7:25 AM

Newberry County Council met Wednesday, April 17, at 7 pm, in the Annex Building.

Council presented service awards to the following people:
• Trena Crisp, Magistrate's Office – 10 years
• Georgia Attaway, Assessor's Office – 15 years
• Detrick Bishop, Sheriff's Office – 15 years

Council passed first reading of an ordinance to provide appropriations for the Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2013 and ending June 30, 2014 budget. Council stated that there will not be a millage increase and tax rates will remain the same.

Council passed first reading of an ordinance to provide appropriations for the Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2013 and ending June 30, 2014 for the Newberry County Public Library, Piedmont Technical College and the Newberry Agency for the Disabilities and Special Needs.

Council passed first reading of an ordinance to enlarge the Joint County Industrial Park of Newberry and Lexington Counties to include Lexington County Technology Park Property.

Council approved low bid from Cannon Associates, Inc. in the amount of 1,847,208.00 for the Sheriff's Office Renovation and Addition. Cannon Associates, Inc. was chosen from nine companies who submitted bids.

Council approved low bid from W.E. Baker and Son for the Whitmire Armory Renovation in the amount of $365,912.00.

Council also approved the purchase of two 2500 Series Dodge Trucks; one for the Little Mountain Rescue Squad and one for Prosperity Rescue Squad in the amount of $36,286.20.

Council approved the use of the Fairgrounds for Ag Expo September 12-15, 2013.

Council rescheduled the May 15 meeting to May 22nd due to groundbreaking ceremonies for Kiswire. Council will be hosting a dinner as part of those ceremonies that evening.

Debbie Cromer gave a report from the Finance Committee.
County Administrator Wayne Adams told council of the results from a lawsuit settled against the County regarding JF Hawkins to be paid by the state insurance fund.

Future meetings include:
Budget Work Session – 4/22/13 @ 6:00 pm
County Council – 5/01/13 @ 7:00 pm
Public Safety and Courts Committee – 5/06/13 @ 7:00 pm
Public Works and Planning Committee – 5/13/13 @ 7:00 pm
County Council – 5/22/13 @ 7:00 pm

UPDATE: Victim Identified; Whitmire Man Charged With Murder
Posted: April 16, 2013 5:25 PM

UPDATE: The investigation into themurder case continues today. Investigators are still busy combing through the forensic evidence in the case, talking with potential witnesses, and working with the victim’s family in a tragic murder case.

Newberry County Coroner Craig Newton said that an autopsy was performed today on the victim. Newton identified the victim as Allyson Taylor Greenway, 17, of 1309 Broome Street in Whitmire. Greenway died from asphyxiation due to smothering.

Douglas Eugene Inman, 21, also of Whitmire has been charged with murder in the case. He and the victim had a child in common and experienced a tumultuous relationship for some time. They did not live together and the child was not at the residence when the murder occurred.

Inman has been formerly charged with Murder, and will have a first appearance hearing this afternoon at 4PM at the Newberry County Magistrate’s Court.

Original story: A Whitmire man is in custody charged with the murder of a girl with whom he had a child in common.

Law enforcement officers were called to the home of the victim located on Broome Street in the Whitmire community Monday afternoon just after
5 PM when a family member found the victim’s body in the home.

After hours of investigation into the case, investigators arrested Douglas Eugene Inman, 21, of 920 Central Avenue, Whitmire, SC. He will be formerly charged with Murder on Tuesday morning.

Law enforcement officers were still on scene as of 11 PM Monday, with officers from the Whitmire Police Department, Newberry County Sheriff’s Office, and the State Law Enforcement working together in the investigation.

Inman and the victim had a child in common and had a tumultuous on again, off again relationship.

Authorities are not identifying the victim at this time pending proper notification of all family members. An autopsy will be conducted in the morning to determine the exact cause of death.

Inman is currently out on bond for a charge of Criminal Sexual Conduct With A Minor, unrelated to this victim.

A first appearance hearing will be scheduled after the charges are formally filed.

City Council Report

March for Babies Another Success This Year
Posted:
April 14, 2013

Jacki Williams (left) and Savanna Bishop were the first two to finish walking

the entire four miles on Saturday. Photo courtesy of Wilson Senn.

On a beautiful Saturday morning, complete with abundant sunshine and perfect temperatures for walking, the 2013 March of Dimes "March for Babies" was held in downtown Newberry.

Newberry Community Director for the March of Dimes, Rebecca Walker, was on hand, as well as Newberry's Codi Lester, who sang the National Anthem before the walk. WKDK was proud to once again be a local sponsor for the event.

Toby Bishop jogged the entire four-mile route, being the first overall finisher.

Top t-shirt winners were Team Kiley Grace.

Regarding fundraising, second place overall top fundraising team was Team for Noah ($6200), and the top fundraising team was Kraft Foods ($17,000+). Top online fundraising team was TD Bank, and the top school was Reuben Elementary, raising over $1500 for the cause.

Team for Noah was the top family fundraiser, and the top individual fundraiser was Wanda Shealy (Team for Noah). Circle of Champions, having raised over $1000, were Wanda Shealy and S.W. Shealy, both with Team for Noah.

Meth Bust on Friday; Children Taken Into Protective Custody
Posted: April 5, 2013

A man and a woman have been arrested after law enforcement authorities executed a search warrant at 1223 Summer Street in the City of Newberry. According to Chief Jackie Swindler, two small children were taken into protective custody after the discovery of the working methamphetamine lab. More details on WKDK and WKDK.com as they become available.

County Council Report

Woods Receives 911 Telecommunicator of Year Award
Posted: April 4, 2013

Anita Woods has received the Mary Sue Livingston 911 Telecommunicator of the Year award. This is given to an employee who has shown dedication, loyalty, and leadership above and beyond the call of duty. This individual must epitomizethe image of a 911 communicator and must also maintain the standards of the Office. The individual considered for this award had to have possessed the quality and quantity of work contributed by an individual that exemplifies commitment and dedication. Anita Woods exemplifies just those qualities.

A longtime supporter of the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office in the community, Anita came to work with the agency in 2010 in the Communications Division as a 911 Telecommunicator (Dispatcher). Since that time, she has excelled and become a leader with her shift and in the division. She works tirelessly at her job and is always happy to assist others in their efforts. Anita has a job that oftentimes, goes unnoticed when the call for help goes out.

Sheriff Foster stated that “Anita is a great employee who does a great job, and is a valuable part of our organization.”

Sheriff Foster said that the responsibility of the 911 Division is vital to the success and often the survival of our citizens, first responders, and officers. They are the unsung heroes of all public safety and the public and first responders rely on them to get help to where it is needed. Because of her level of commitment, Anita was the logical choice for this award.

Anita is being recognized for her committed service to the citizens of Newberry County. Congratulations again to Anita and the citizens of Newberry County can rest comfortably knowing that she is on the job.

National Walking Day is April 3
Posted: April 1, 2013

Newberry will be a host site for National Walking Day on April 3, and all Newberrians are invited to participate in the lunch-time walk, starting at Memorial Park in downtown Newberry.

Sponsored by the American Heart Association, National Walking Day seeks to encourage everyone to "put on their sneakers and start walking...and to get Americans to become more physically active." On April 3 from noon--1:30 p.m., the Newberry host committee will be set-up at Memorial Park to pass out water and information for those taking part in the walk. Participants will walk self-paced, and markers will be set-up on Main St. at 1/2 mile and mile intervals from Memorial Park so people can see how far they have walked.

Also at Memorial Park, tables and chairs will be set up for those who wish to bring their lunch to enjoy after the walk.

Special host for the National Walking Day in Newberry will be Amanda Pennekamp Bluestein (above), Miss South Carolina 2004, a Newberry College graduate and a heart survivor. Mrs. Bluestein will welcome walkers and participate in the walk. " I am excited to be a part of Newberry's efforts to join in the American Heart Association's National Walking Day," said Bluestein. ."It is so easy to set aside the importance of physical activity and replace it with the stresses of the day - but none of us can afford to forget our health. How great that Newberry is stepping up to remind the community to take a minute and be active. I hope everyone will join us on April 3 for National Walking Day as we strive to make being healthy a habit."

The American Heart Association reports cardiovascular disease, including coronary heart disease and stroke, are the nation's leading cause of death and a leading cause of disability. The Heart Association says walking for at least 30 minutes a day can help lower blood pressure, increase HDL "good" cholesterol in the blood, control weight and control blood sugar through improved use of insulin the the body. All of these changes help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke.

Mental Patient Walking from Hospital; Found in Scotts Creek
Posted: March 28, 2013

A mental patient walked away from Newberry County Memorial Hospital this morning. He was in the woods behind the Bi-Lo and between Glenn and Evans Streets, but was found in Scotts Creek behind Medical Park by deputies with bloodhounds. The patient was recovered without further incident.

The patient was described as a white male from Florida -- 5'10" tall, 210 lbs. and bald. He had been last seen wearing a hospital gown, red socks and wrapped in a blanket. He was awaiting placement in a mental health facility.

Click HERE for more Local News