Local News
Mortgage Fraud Hotline-Consumer Affairs News
Newberry Opera House Named Top Theater in America!
Newberry Man Drowns at Lake Greenwood State Park
Source: WSPA TV-7; WLTX TV-19 (www.wltx.com)Body Found Near Dreher Island Identified
Source: WLTX TV-19; www.wltx.comSpoofing Gives Scam Artists Another Way to Get Information
County Council Meeting on July 16
City Council Meeting on July 15
Fire Destroys Assisted Living Facility in Little Mountain
Lake is Named Head Baseball Coach at CSU
Former Major League Pitcher and Local Newberry Hero
Featured in Baltimore Sun
School Shooter Response Training in Newberry County
Driving Class For Seniors Back By Popular Demand
July 4th Parade on Harper Street
Sheriff Warns of Scam Attempt
Griffin Faces Multiple Fraud Charges
Coroner's Primary
School Board Meeting on June 30
Law Enforcement Planning 19th Annual July 4 Event for Newberry
Second Person Sought in Meth Lab Arrested
Arrests, Drugs, and Money Found in Drug Raid
Detention Center Sergeant Collapses While Playing Softball
Free Patriotic Concert at Newberry Opera House on Saturday
Kirksey Koon Wins Democratic Primary Runoff
Prosperity Man Who Fired on Police Pleads Guilty
Newberry College Receives Gift from Dufford Family
Newberry College Dedicates The Darrow Naval Trainee House
Benedict Died of Irregular Heartbeat
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Mortgage Fraud Hotline-Consumer Affairs News
(added 07/23/08)Columbia, SC…..During its first six weeks, the state’s first Mortgage Fraud Hotline has assisted over 180 consumers with a wide range of concerns. The hotline went live on June 10, 2008, as part of a collaborative effort between the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs (SCDCA) and the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office. The estimated 180 calls received in that period came from consumers across the state. As expected, a significant number of calls have come from the state’s top three metropolitan regions: Richland-Lexington, Greenville-Spartanburg, and the Charleston trident area.
Consumer calls cover topics ranging from suspected fraud and deceptive practices to mortgage trouble and requests for business information. Over 80 of the calls received reported possible incidents of unfair and criminal practices, which SCDCA further investigates. Expert staff operating the hotline, which housed at SCDCA provide appropriate information and solutions on a case-by-case basis, giving each consumer the personal attention the concern requires. A number of calls are filed as complaints within SCDCA where they are assigned a case analyst. Other calls are referred to appropriate state agencies, credit counselors, and other non-profit organizations specializing in legal and mortgage assistance.
The hotline is available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. For more information, contact the Public Information Division at 803.734.4190, toll free in SC at 1.800.922.1594, or online at www.scconsumer.gov.
Newberry Opera House Named Top Theater in America!
(added 07/23/08)The Newberry Opera House has been named the #1 Theater in America. For more information, be sure to tune in to WKDK.
Newberry Man Drowns at Lake Greenwood State Park
Source: WSPA TV-7; WLTX TV-19 (www.wltx.com)
(added 07/20/08)The Greenwood County Coroner says a 26-year-old Newberry man drowned in a state park lake Saturday evening.
Coroner James Sanders tells WSPA-TV that an autopsy is scheduled for Hector Sosa, who appeared to drown after diving off a pier at Lake Greenwood State Park.
Authorities say the incident took place around 8:00 p.m., when Sosa jumped into about 8-feet of water and never resurfaced.Investigators say Sosa was underwater for about 20 minutes until a deputy found him about ten-feet away from the pier.
EMS attempted CPR but could not revive him.
The Department of Natural Resources has now taken over the investigation and are currently treating it as a drowning.
Body Found Near Dreher Island Identified
Source: WLTX TV-19; www.wltx.com
(added 07/20/08)The body found floating near Dreher Island on Saturday has been identified by the Newberry County Coroner's Office.
The Coroner's Office tells News19 that 70-year-old Willie Toole Jr. , of Aiken, was found floating in Lake Murray around 6:20 p.m. Saturday.
The Newberry County Sheriff's Office, Coroner's Office and the Department of Natural Resources were able to retrieve the body. Toole was taken the Newberry County Memorial Hospital, where an autopsy was conducted.
DNR says both Newberry and Lexington County officials are investigating this incident, however, it's believed to be an accident.
Spoofing Gives Scam Artists Another Way to Get Information
(added 07/17/08)The battle against scam artists rages on according to Newberry County Sheriff Lee Foster. With the advent of the world wide web, cell phones, voice of IP (Internet Protocol), and computers, spoofing is a term that we have all become familiar with and forced to deal with; however, Sheriff Foster says that there is a new form of spoofing and scam artist are beginning to wreak havoc on victims because they trust their caller id.
Spoofing is defined as unauthorized use of legitimate identification and authentication data, however it was obtained, to mimic a subject different from the attacker. Impersonating, masquerading, piggybacking, and mimicking are forms of spoofing.
Foster says that scam artists are now spoofing telephone caller IDs so that they appear to be a call from your bank, credit card company, law enforcement, or other trusted business. They use any business name and number that would be trusted and then take advantage of that trust to scam the victim.
Foster said that millions of people have internet phone equipment that can be set to make any number appear on a caller id system. As if that were not enough, web sites continue to be introduced that provide spoofing services. One website sells a virtual calling card for $10 that provides talk time to the user. The user dials a toll free number, then keys the destination number and the caller id number to display.
In an advertisement, spooftel.com, who is currently the “World’s Leader in Spoofing Caller ID”, say that there service allows you to appear as the cupid of choice when calling your Valentine on Valentine’s Day.
Spoofcard.com not only offers the ability to change what some sees on their caller id, but the suspect has the ability to change their voice in a variety of ways. The caller can change their voice to male, female, or character voices and the person receiving the call hears the transformed voice in real time. Worse, these phone calls can be recorded by the scam artist and later retrieved through this service.
On the state and national level, there are cases involving criminal impersonation by means of spoofing caller id. A suspect can call a victim and make it appear that the call is coming from a police department or any other person, business, or entity.
“While technology can open new and wonderful possibilities, those who choose to prey on innocent victims are also quick to put cutting edge technology to work,” said Sheriff Foster. “We must come to grips with the fact that these scams are taking place and be prepared to prevent ourselves from becoming victims to the fraudulent attempts.”
Foster said that to avoid become a victim of scam attempts, there are some important tips that citizens should always keep in mind:
- Never, ever give out person information over the telephone or computer. In today’s world, we have no idea who we are really communicating with and giving personal information over the phone or computer is a modern day equivalent of Russian roulette, it will get you it is just a matter of when.
- Never give credit card numbers, account numbers, pin numbers, or any information about any account you may have over the telephone. Once armed with something as simple as the three digit code from the back of a credit card, a scam artist can gain unlimited access into your accounts.
- Report suspicious activity immediately. Some people wait until they are far into the scam to report before the notify law enforcement. Often times, they have already lost money that will likely never be recovered before they contact law enforcement. If you have a question about any activity, you should contact law enforcement immediately. No reputable business would ever fault someone for having them checked out, but it may save the victim thousands of dollars and years of time recovering from a fraud attack.
- If you do become a victim of fraud, contact law enforcement. Many victims become ashamed or embarrassed that they have been involved in a fraud when they realize that they should have realized it was a fraud early on. While once the fraud has happened, it is extremely difficult to recover money, law enforcement can be a valuable asset as you deal with banks, credit card companies, and credit bureaus to restore your credit history. Also, law enforcement maintains a database of scams, and this information can be crucial to preventing more people from becoming victims.
- Do not trust caller id, e-mail addresses, and technology to protect you from scam attempts. Scam artists often use cutting edge technology to take advantage of others. This equipment can be manipulated and then used by the scam artist to enable them to commit their crime.
Foster also said to remember the golden rule of scams. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!
If you have any information about this case, please contact the Newberry County Sheriff’s at (803) 321-2222 or Crime Stoppers at 1-888-CrimeSC or www.sccrimestoppers.com.
County Council Meeting on July 16
(added 07/17/08)Newberry County Council met last night and approved first reading to postpone reassessment. Accessor Mary Arrowood explained that the last reassessment of property was postponed for two years but was originally scheduled to be implemented in 2004. With a state mandate that reassessment occur every 5 years, reassessment was scheduled to be implemented in 2009. Arrowood argued that implementation in 2009 was unrealistic with the postponment of the 2004 reassessment for two years, close to 4,000 appeals on that reassessment, and a large number of new construction or renovations to appraise. This postponment will require two more readings before becoming official.
Council also approved first reading of an ordinance that would place a referrendum on the November ballot regarding video poker. The question would ask if voters would like to see video poker allowed in Newberry County with any fees the county collects from opporators ofsetting property taxes. Despite the legality of video poker being in question, several councilmen stated they wanted to allow voters to share their opinion on the issue. The ordinance will require two more readings and a public hearing before being sent to the justice department for final approval to go on the ballot in November.
City Council Meeting on July 15
(added 07/16/08)Newberry City Council met last night and heard first reading to increase the solid waste fee by $1 from $6 to $7. This increase was planned to help balance the 08/09 budget.
First reading also passed to refinance the TIF bond which pays off the debt on the Newberry Opera House restoration. The refinancing will save over $30,000 in interest.
First reading passed to amend 07/08 budget correcting an accounting glitch that showed $516,000 as a use of the fund balance instead of a contribution to retained earnings. The funds were from the community housing and development fund.
In response to several private companies renigning on their retirement plans, the Government Accounting Standards Board has a new GASB 45 standard that will apply to the City of Newberry this year. GASB 45 requires that government entities account either as a liability or in savings for the implicit subsidy that is given to a retiree who is part of a group insurance plan but would have had to pay more (because of their age, health,etc.) if their were not under a group policy. The City will put in reserve 100% of the implicit subsidy for those who retired June 30 or earlier. Those retiring after June 30 who have the full years in will also have the city covering up to $190 of the implicit subsidy, which is 100% of the implicit subsidy caluculation for this year. Those retiring after June 30 who have only 20 years with the City or 18 years with the police department will have The City covering up to $95 of the implicit subsidy, which is 50% of this year's implicit subsidy calculation. The City will not be paying the implicit subsidy for any spouses or dependents of those retiring after June 30 of this year. The City will cover none of the implicit subsidy for those retiring after June 30 with less than 20 years with the City or 18 years with the police department.
After executive session, Council announced that they had rehired Police Chief Jackie Swindler for an additional five years under the TERRI plan.
Council also voted to allow a wedding to be held in Memorial Park on December 6 but to hold true to the administrative policy of no alcohol on city property at private events.
Fire Destroys Assisted Living Facility in Little Mountain
(added 07/16/08)A fire destroyed Open Arms Community Care in Little Mountain early Wednesday morning. No injuries have been reported. See more here.
(Source: WLTX TV 19, wltx.com).
Lake is Named Head Baseball Coach at CSU
(added 07/15/08)Stoney Hill native, Stuart Lake, has been named Head Baseball Coach at his alma mater, Charleston Southern University.
See the story here (Source: Charleston Post and Courier; www.charleston.net)
Former Major League Pitcher and Local Newberry Hero Featured in Baltimore Sun
(added 07/14/08)
Billy O'dell was featured recently in an article in the Baltimore Sun.
Click here to see the article.
Photo Courtesy of Associated Press/Baltimore Sun
School Shooter Response Training in Newberry County
(added 07/10/08)The Newberry County Sheriff’s Office will once again be conducting cutting edge training on responding to critical incidents particularly an active shooter at a school.
The training will allow officers to train in the most realistic training available in today’s world in a controlled environment.
The officers will practice responding to an active shooter at a school. The officers will encounter students, teachers, and suspects (all played by other officers or volunteers) when they arrive at the school. Officers and suspects will be armed with simunition (similar to paint ball weapons) guns and will be forced to negotiate the school stopping the shooter while protecting and safely evacuating the student.
The training, which will be July 14-17 at Mid Carolina Middle School, begins with a classroom session that serves as a refresher to the officers of the overview of the critical incident response plan.
“It is some of the most realistic training available today,” said Sheriff Foster. “We started conducting this training 5 years ago and agencies from across the state come to participate because of the realistic nature of the training.”
Foster also said that while they have trained for a number of years that incidents like Virginia Tech, Cleveland, and Russia, which was a terrorist attack on a school, force them to adjust the training to the latest information learned from this incidents.
On Wednesday morning, EMS will also participate in the training transporting mock injuries to the hospital and their role in the plan which Sheriff Foster described as encompassing most public service agencies in Newberry County.
“We have realized that it will take many organizations from law enforcement, EMS, rescue, fire, school district and many others to make responding to such a situation effective,” said Foster. “As these type incidents seem to grow in number and occurrence, we have long felt that the best course of action for Newberry County is to prepare for the worst and pray that it never happen.”
Foster commended Superintendent Bennie Bennett and the entire School District of Newberry County staff for their support, cooperation, and participation in an ongoing effort to keep the children of Newberry County safe and secure in the educational environment.
Foster said that the schools practice lock down drills and have regular meetings on the emergency plans for the School District and that the School Resource Officers and the Sheriff’s Office are not only included in these plans, but are allowed to play an active part.
“We are all winners when those of us who have chose to serve the community work together,” said Foster.
In an effort to inform the public about these efforts, the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office will again offer a media day at the training. The media day this year will be on Thursday, July 17 at 8AM. Members of the media and the cameras will be invited to the training and will be allowed to participate as much a time allows. They will see first-hand the pressures and decisions that have to be made during an entry and response such as this.
Mid-Carolina Middle School is located at 6834 U.S. Highway 76, Prosperity, SC.
Driving Class For Seniors Back By Popular Demand
(added 07/08/08)After many requests to repeat the driving class specifically designed to improve the driving skills of those age 50 and older, the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office is sponsoring a driver safety program designed by AARP that is specifically geared toward drivers age 50 and above. This is the fourth offering of the class, which has received tremendous response each time it has been offered.
“The Newberry County Sheriff’s Office is proud to be a sponsor of this event,” said Newberry County Sheriff Lee Foster. “We believe that this class serves as an excellent opportunity for citizen 50 and older to sharpen their driving abilities and learn skills that might even save their lives.”
Foster said that the previous classes received rave reviews from the attendees and that this class offers citizens an opportunity to sharpen driving skills and make themselves safer as they operate a vehicle on the roads.
The class will be taught on Wednesday, August 13, 2008, from 8:00AM until 5:00PM at Piedmont Technical College located at 540 Wilson Road, Newberry, SC.
While there is no charge for the class, there is a $10.00 fee for materials. In addition, the AARP is providing a wonderful opportunity for you to bring your friend, your spouse, your neighbor and your family members.
To register for the class, you can call the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office at (803) 321-2211 and ask for Sheriff Foster or Major Todd Johnson or e mail your request to lfoster@newberrycounty.net. Please provide your name, address, telephone number, and e mail address if you have one when you register for the class. Space is limited to the first 35 people so please register early.
Attendees may receive a reduction on their automobile insurance; however, the reduction amounts vary depending on the insurance company.
“The course offers more information about various safe driving strategies, including how to handle distractions, aggressive drivers and driving with trucks,” says Jeff Jefcoat, who will be the instructor of the class. “The course also includes expanded and improved video presentations on a number of important driving topics.”
To ensure 50+ drivers stay safe behind the wheel, the course’s curriculum has been updated to reflect the most current driving information and safety tips available. The driver safety course is designed to educate participants about how best to reduce traffic violations, crashes, and chances for injuries; update driver’s knowledge about relevant laws; and provide safe driving strategies to compensate for age-related changes that affect one’s ability. The eight hour course, typically taught in two four-hour sessions, also stresses the importance of periodically monitoring one’s own and other’s driving skills and capabilities.
Updates to the edition 6 curriculum addresses such topics as:
- How overall fitness affects driving
- Important strategies for staying crash-free
- Challenges of city vs. rural driving
- Tips for highway driving and driving with trucks, buses, and other large vehicles
- Understand a vehicle’s safety features and new vehicle technology
- Tips for trying other transportation
- Warning signs of unsafe driving
Over the past 28 years, the AARP Driver Safety Program has provided instruction to more than 10 million participants seeking to refresh their driving skills. The course is taught throughout the U.S. by roughly 10,000 AARP – trained volunteers.
July 4th Parade on Harper Street
(updated 07/07/08)The annual Independence Day Parade on Harper Street took place last Friday morning. Below are some scenes from the parade.
Sheriff Warns of Scam Attempt
(added 07/03/08)Newberry County Sheriff Lee Foster is warning citizens about a scam that appears to give the victim their money up front, but always ends in financial loss to the victim.
The scam starts as someone sends you a check or money order and asks you to deposit it into your account and then wire-transfer them the money. By the way, they offer a nice bonus from the money for you as a special “thank you” for you assistance.
The “pitch” stays pretty much the same, but this scam might appear in various disguises such as:
- You are overpaid for an item you sold on the internet and then asked to wire-transfer the extra money.
- You receive a check and notification that you have won a foreign lottery or sweepstakes. You are instructed to deposit the check and wire transfer back $2000 to $5000 for taxes so that you can collect the rest of your winnings.
- A work at home offer promises that in return for depositing a money order of check to your bank account, you can a percentage of the money after wire transferring the rest.
- Or, someone in a chat room asks you for a favor, just cash their check and wire them the money.
REGARDLESS of the pitch, the results will always be the same. The check or money order you receive will be counterfeit. It will be returned to your bank unpaid, and then it will be deducted from your account leaving you responsible for the entire amount and any fees associated with the loss.
Sheriff Foster said that while the banks do a great job or recognizing most of the counterfeit checks and stopping the person from making a terrible mistake some do slip through. Federal Law requires that banks make deposited funds available with 1 to 5 business days, so just because you can get to the money does not mean the check was good. Because these checks and money orders originate outside the country, they can often take weeks to clear the bank.
The simple way to avoid this scam is to never, ever accept checks or money orders from anyone to deposit into your account for a “turn around” payment.
Sheriff Foster said the answer should always be, “ABSOLUTELY NOT!” The offer may sound like a great deal, but as usual it is just too good to be true. The check you receive will be counterfeit and you will be out the money.
If you have any information about this case, please contact the Newberry County Sheriff’s at (803) 321-2222 or Crime Stoppers at 1-888-CrimeSC or www.sccrimestoppers.com.
Griffin Faces Multiple Fraud Charges
(added 07/02/08)
COLUMBIA, South Carolina - - United States Attorney W. Walter Wilkins announced today that a Federal Grand Jury indicted George Russell Griffin, Jr., 26, of Pomaria, South Carolina, on four counts of odometer tampering, and two counts of causing an altered automobile title to be transported in interstate commerce. Griffin faces a maximum possible punishment of 10 years in prison for each odometer tampering charge, and three years for each altered title charge. He also faces fines totaling $1.5 million dollars.The charges follow an investigation of allegations that Griffin under-reported the actual mileage of certain cars he sold at his car dealership, Russell Griffin Motor Company, in Newberry County in 2003 and 2004.
The case was investigated by the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs and is assigned to Assistant U.S. Attorney Deborah B. Barbier of the Columbia office for prosecution.
The United States Attorney stated that all charges in this Indictment are merely accusations and that all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Coroner's Primary
(added 07/01/08)Michael Thomas will be the Republican candidate for Newberry County Coroner in the November election. With the unfortunate death of Tommy Hedgepath, who was the only candidate for coroner, the books were reopened - resulting in this Republican primary Tuesday. Michael Thomas received 346 votes to John Pollards' 272 votes. The largest returns came in from Thomas' home area of Whitmire with all 88 votes at the Whitmire city box going to Thomas. Thomas, who is 26, got an early start in politics as a member of Whitmire City Council at age 18. Pollard pledged that his time will continue to be dedicated to volunteering with emergency services and wished Thomas, who is also a fire department volunteer, good luck in November when he will face Democratic candidate Craig Newton.
School Board Meeting on June 30
(added 07/01/08)Newberry County School Board met last night (June 30) and held final reading for the 08/09 budget. The $45 million school operating budget is approximately a 3.6% increase over last year’s budget thus requiring close to 4 additional mills in taxes. (Official millage will be set in the fall.) School debt service is estimated to remain at the self imposed freeze of 53 mills. The new state penny sales tax is supposed to cover school operational millage for owner occupied property taxes. Between first reading and last night the state department completed an audit of owner occupied homes and discovered an additional $957,000 in revenue due the district for 07/08. 08/09 revenue is based on this base year. The additional revenue that is expected allowed the district to balance the budget without using budgeted fund balance or carrying over funds from the 07/08 fiscal year. The additional revenue from the state also allows the district to add an additional $300,000 to the budget for contingencies such as mid-year budget cuts and continued gas/heating inflation. One of the issues during the budget discussions has been several positions across the district that were cut by attrition. Little Mountian faculty and staff has been especially vocal. No additional positions were added at final reading, however, administration maintained that upon final classroom numbers in the fall they will take appropriate action if the student/teacher ratio is deemed "too high."
Law Enforcement Planning 19th Annual July 4 Event for Newberry
(added 06/29/08)Law enforcement in Newberry County are promising a huge bang for the 4th of July in a long running free event.
The Newberry County Law Enforcement Officer's Association is once again proud to sponsor the 4th of July celebration at the campus of Newberry High School.
The festivities will begin on July 4th at 6PM when free rides for the children open. The rides include inflatable slides and other fun rides and games. As always, there is no charge for the rides.
A DJ will provide music throughout the event.
There will also be various concessions available at the event for a purchase price from the vendor.
At around 8PM, local business man Trent Purcell and friends will offer a sky diving demonstration as they land inside the football stadium.
The rides will close at 8:45PM in preparation for the highlight of the evening as one of the Southeast’s largest fireworks displays at 9PM.
This is the 19th year of the celebration that continues to grow in attendance and events.
However, organizers say that expenses have also continually increased. This year's event will cost more than $10,000 and they say will costs have increased the loss of several sponsors and tough economic conditions has greatly reduced the donations received this year.
If you would like to make a donation prior to the event, you can mail it the Newberry Count Law Enforcement Officer's Association, P.O. Box 247, Newberry, SC 29108.
Donations will also be accepted at the event.
Newberry High School is located at 3113 Main Street in Newberry.
Second Person Sought in Meth Lab Arrested
(added 06/27/08)The second man being sought for the operation of an illegal drug lab in the Whitmire section of Newberry County has been arrested according to police.
Authorities say that Earnest Eugene Hannah, 42, of 80 Lowry Street, Whitmire, SC was taken into custody yesterday afternoon when he surrendered himself to law enforcement authorities at General Sessions Court in Newberry. He was taken to the Newberry County Detention Center where bond has been set at $10,000.00.
Police said that on Tuesday morning June 10 just after 11:00AM, a Newberry County Civil Process Officer was serving a court ordered eviction papers at a residence located at 80 Lowry Street in the Whitmire section of Newberry County. The tenants of the residence were not at the residence, and the landlord began to check the residence. When the landlord saw an unusual setup in the house, he showed it to the deputy. The deputy immediately realized the danger and radioed to the Whitmire Police Department since the residence is in their jurisdiction and officers from the Whitmire Police Department obtained a search warrant for the residence.
When the officers served the search warrant at the residence, the officers discovered a small working methamphetamine lab in the home. The officers also discovered a small bag of methamphetamine in the home. The bag weighed approximately .4 gram.
Officers from the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office specially trained in the cleanup of such labs responded to the scene and assumed the clean up at the residence. A licensed Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) contractor also responded to the scene for cleanup.
The byproducts and fumes from such laboratories can be extremely dangerous and must be treated as hazardous material. Officers say that both flammable and corrosive materials were found, and that the most substantial threat to the community from this lab was a threat of fire or explosion. They said that such labs can sometimes generate dangerous fumes or toxic fumes that can be dangerous to the household residents or contacting the lab.
The Hannah’s were the only two residents of the home, and there were no children residing in the home.
The Whitmire Fire Department, Whitmire Rescue Squad, Newberry Fire Department, Newberry County Hazardous Materials team, and the Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) all responded to the residence during the cleanup operation.
Officers immediately began searching for the residents of the home who were identified as:
Earnest Eugene Hannah, 41, of 80 Lowry Street, Whitmire, and Carol Hannah, 46, also of 80 Lowry Street in Whitmire and warrants were issued charging both with Manufacturing Methamphetamine.
Earnest Hannah has a prior record that extends to 1986 including multiple offenses of Driving Under the Influence and alcohol related charges. His only drug conviction was a 1994 Simple Possession of Marijuana conviction for which he paid a $200 fine.
Carol Hannah has no prior convictions.
If you have any information about this case, please contact the Whitmire Police Department at (803) 694-2121 or Newberry County Sheriff’s at (803) 276-2222 or Crime Stoppers at 1-888-CrimeSC or www.sccrimestoppers.com.
Arrests, Drugs, and Money Found in Drug Raid
(added 06/27/08)A Thursday morning drug raid has landed two people in jail after officers seized illegal drugs and money from the home.
On Thursday morning just after 8:30AM, officers executed a search warrant on the residence located 38 Brown Chapel Lane, Newberry, SC. The officers say that once inside the residence they located a large amount of illegal drugs, money, and drug paraphernalia.
Sheriff Lee Foster said that officers located approximately 7 grams of crack cocaine, approximately 1.5 grams of marijuana, more than $800.00 in cash, and scales and other items used in the sale of illegal drugs when they searched the residence.
Deputies say that they arrested two people at the residence. Those people were identified as:
Alex Decheion Wheeler, 26, of 350 Wise Street, Newberry, SC who was charged with Possession With Intent To Distribute Crack Cocaine and Possession of Marijuana. Bond has been set on Wheeler at $35,000.00
Sonya Rae Bates, 43, of 38 Brown Chapel Lane, Newberry, SC, who was charged with Possession of Marijuana. Bates was released on a $565.00 personal appearance bond.
Foster said that complaints were filed about the residence in reference to possible ongoing drug activity at the residence. The complaints launched a law enforcement investigation that culminated in the search warrants and arrests Thursday morning.
“It is imperative that law enforcement and the community share information about this type of activity,” said Sheriff Foster. “We were able to use the information gained from the community to start this investigation and obtain sufficient information to get a search warrant. This cooperation is essential if we are going to be effective in cleaning up our communities and neighborhoods.”
“It is also important for the community to realize that once such information about drugs and other activities is received that we must confirm the information and in addition secure enough information to take legal action,” said Foster. “Sometimes when it appears nothing is being done about the complaint, law enforcement is actually very busy conducting an investigation so that more arrests and seizures such as this can occur.”
If you have any information about this case, please contact the Newberry County Sheriff’s at (803) 321-2222 or Crime Stoppers at 1-888-CrimeSC or www.sccrimestoppers.com.
Detention Center Sergeant Collapses While Playing Softball
(added 06/27/08)It is with deep regret that the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office announces the passing of Sergeant Charles Harshman of the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office, Detention Center Division.
Sergeant Harshman, 58, had been employed with the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office in the Detention Center Division for 5+ years. He was extremely active in many aspects of the day to day operation of the Sheriff’s Office and is described by co-workers as someone who would do anything asked of him and always willing to go the extra mile to get the job done.
Harshman was playing softball in an adult softball league last night at about 9:15PM when he suffered a fatal heart attack and died. Fellow officers and others started CPR and EMS workers arrived and did a phenomenal job in attempts to revive him as did the hospital staff. He was pronounced dead just after 10PM last night.
Sergeant Harshman was named the Correctional Officer of the Year for the Newberry County Detention Center for 2007.
He was also a devoted family man and a retired Navy Seal.
Photo at left: Sergeant Harshman and Sheriff Foster when he was named the Newberry County Correctional Officer at an awards ceremony in December 2007.
Free Patriotic Concert at Newberry Opera House on Saturday
(added 06/27/08)The 282nd Army “Victory” Band’s from Fort Jackson will perform a special Holiday Concert at the Newberry Opera House on Saturday, June 28th. It’s a great way to begin your 4th of July holiday celebrations and to put the whole family in a patriotic mood.
The 282nd dates from 1869 when it was organized as the Band, 21st Infantry, Richmond, Virginia. Serving with distinction in the Indian Wars, the Philippine Insurrection and World War II, the band earned battle streamers for these actions.
From 1914 to 1949, the Band went through many reorganizations and redesignations, serving in Washington, Hawaii, and Korea, where it was deactivated in Seoul, in 1949. In 1956 the 282d Army Band was reactivated and assigned to Fort Jackson, South Carolina. The primary mission of the band is to promote readiness and perform music that maintains the morale and esprit de corps of the soldiers stationed at Ft. Jackson. The band also supports the local community and surrounding areas in parades, by presenting concerts, and participating in ceremonies throughout the Carolinas. The band is comprised of 40 dedicated professional soldier/musicians capable of performing virtually any musical style.
They will play a wide ranging repertoire from contemporary and popular literature, solo features with band accompaniment, classical transcriptions, and novelty numbers, standard swing, jazz, blues, Latin, and rock styles and their signature patriotic tunes. Whether performing for official military functions or supporting the community, the 282d Army “Victory” Band provides the highest quality of musicianship and professionalism.
It’s a perfect way for your family to begin the holidays and to support the great work of our armed forces! This Saturday, June 28th at 8 pm.Tickets are free but reservations are necessary. Please call the Box Office at 803-276-6264 or visit online at www.newberryoperahouse.com.
Kirksey Koon Wins Democratic Primary Runoff
(added 06/24/08)Incumbent County Councilman Mike Hawkins was defeated in Tuesday's Democratic Primary Runoff by challenger Kirksey Koon. Koon received 196 votes to Hawkins 166.
Koon becomes the Democratic nominee for Newberry County Council from District 4 and will face Republican opposition in the November election.
Prosperity Man Who Fired on Police Pleads Guilty
(added 06/23/08)
United States Attorney W. Walter Wilkins stated that TRAVIS WADE LEAPHART (left), age 36, of Prosperity, South Carolina, pled guilty in federal court to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1). United States District Judge Henry M. Herlong, Jr., accepted the plea and will impose sentence Leaphart at a later date.
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that on July 7, 2007, an officer with the Prosperity Police Department was speaking with a motorist during a traffic stop on Highway 76 when he heard popping noises and observed the back glass of his police vehicle shatter. The officer quickly realized that his vehicle was being fired upon and after directing the motorist to safety, he took cover and called for back-up. Determining the shots fired came from a near-by residence, officers with the Prosperity Police Department and the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office approached the car port area of the home and observed Leaphart sitting in a swing. When the officers demanded to see his hands, Leaphart produced a handgun and fired at the officers. The officers returned fire, but no one was injured in the exchange. Leaphart was taken into custody shortly thereafter and his loaded pistol was secured.
A convicted felon, Leaphart is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.
Mr. Wilkins stated the statutory maximum penalty Leaphart can receive is a fine of $250, 000 and imprisonment for 10 years.
The case was investigated by agents of the Prosperity Police Department, the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Lance Crick of the Greenville office handled the case. This prosecution was a part of Project CeaseFire, a joint local, state, and federal initiative which seeks to aggressively prosecute individuals who unlawfully use, possess, or transfer firearms.
Newberry College Receives Gift from Dufford Family
(added 06/18/08)
Newberry College announced that a $101,609 gift from the estate of C.A. Dufford Jr. was presented to the College by Dr. William Dufford and Ms. Doris Dufford.
Vice President for Academic Affairs Wayne Kannaday, Vice President for Business Affairs John Robertson, and Evangelical Lutheran Church in America planned gift officer the Rev. Mark Scott accepted the gift on behalf of Newberry College.
The gift will be used for academic and faculty needs at the College.
L-R: Dr. Wayne Kannaday, Rev. Mark Scott, John Robertson and Bill Dufford; SEATED: Doris Dufford
Newberry College Dedicates The Darrow Naval Trainee House
(added 06/18/08)
Twenty World War II veterans were at Newberry College this past weekend for the Newberry College Naval Trainee Reunion and the dedication of The Darrow Naval Trainee House, the newest addition to the college campus.
A gift from Don and Kitty Darrow of Mukilteo, Wash., permitted the College to purchase the house located at 1814 College Street in Newberry. The building will house the offices of development, marketing and public relations and a naval trainee museum.
According to Newberry College Vice President for Institutional Advancement Chuck Wendt, “The house will be a lasting testament to the sailors who called Newberry College their home during World War II.”
The Navy V-12 program was initiated in 1942 to train officers to man ships, fly planes and command forces. Newberry College became one of 131 colleges and universities in the nation to participate in the program. During the 27 months the V-12 program was a part of Newberry College, over 800 naval trainees were assigned to the College. These trainees consisted of both V-12 cadets who were deck officers and V-5 cadets who were flight officers.
On October 31, 1945, the V-12 Unit was decommissioned and Newberry College returned to its civilian status.
“Many of these men had not heard of Newberry College before the summer of 1943,” said Wendt. “And even though they only spent a short time here, they have a love for the College and the city of Newberry. Thanks to the Darrow’s generosity, this house will stand as a constant reminder of the courage and bravery these men have shown. Their legacy here will never be forgotten.”
President Zais cuts the ribbon of the Darrow Naval Trainee House.
Benedict Died of Irregular Heartbeat
(added 06/17/08)A report released on Tuesday said that Heath Benedict, former Newberry College football standout, died in March of an irregular heartbeat. See full story provided by wltx.com (WLTX, TV 19).
UPDATE: One Meth Lab Suspect Now in Custody; Other Still Being Sought
(added 06/12/08)One of the two people being sought in connection with the operation of a methamphetamine lab in Newberry County is now in custody and police are continuing their search for the second suspect.
Authorities say that Carol Allison Hannah (left), 47, of 80 Lowry Street, Whitmire, SC was taken into custody last night at about 8:00PM by the Whitmire Police Department when she returned to the residence of Lowry Street. Police think she may have been attempting to gather some personal belongings from the home from which they were being evicted. She was taken into custody without incident. She was taken to the Newberry County Detention Center where bond has been set at $50,000.00.
Police said that on Tuesday morning just after 11:00AM, a Newberry County Civil Process Officer was serving a court ordered eviction papers at a residence located at 80 Lowry Street in the Whitmire section of Newberry County. The tenants of the residence were not at the residence, and the landlord began to check the residence. When the landlord saw an unusual setup in the house, he showed it to the deputy. The deputy immediately realized the danger and radioed to the Whitmire Police Department since the residence is in their jurisdiction and officers from the Whitmire Police Department obtained a search warrant for the residence.
When the officers served the search warrant at the residence, the officers discovered a small working methamphetamine lab in the home. The officers also discovered a small bag of methamphetamine in the home. The bag weighed approximately .4 gram.
Officers from the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office specially trained in the cleanup of such labs responded to the scene and assumed the clean up at the residence. A licensed Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) contractor also responded to the scene for cleanup.
The byproducts and fumes from such laboratories can be extremely dangerous and must be treated as hazardous material. Officers say that both flammable and corrosive materials were found, and that the most substantial threat to the community from this lab was a threat of fire or explosion. They said that such labs can sometimes generate dangerous fumes or toxic fumes that can be dangerous to the household residents or contacting the lab.
The Hannah’s were the only two residents of the home, and there were no children residing in the home.
The Whitmire Fire Department, Whitmire Rescue Squad, Newberry Fire Department, Newberry County Hazardous Materials team, and the Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) all responded to the residence during the cleanup operation.
Officers immediately began searching for the residents of the home who were identified as Earnest Eugene Hannah, 41, of 80 Lowry Street, Whitmire, and Carol Hannah, 46, also of 80 Lowry Street in Whitmire and warrants were issued charging both with Manufacturing Methamphetamine.
Earnest Hannah has a prior record that extends to 1986 including multiple offenses of Driving Under the Influence and alcohol related charges. His only drug conviction was a 1994 Simple Possession of Marijuana conviction for which he paid a $200 fine.
Carol Hannah has no prior convictions.
Police are continuing their search for Ernest Hannah (left) and say at this point they do not have any leads on his whereabouts. They are asking anyone with any information to contact the Whitmire Police Department of the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office.
If you have any information about this case, please contact the Whitmire Police Department at (803) 694-2121 or Newberry County Sheriff’s at (803) 276-2222 or Crime Stoppers at 1-888-CrimeSC or www.sccrimestoppers.com.
Copper Thieves Arrested for Newberry Thefts
(added 06/11/08)Two Spartanburg County men are in jail this morning charged with stealing the copper from air conditioning units from of all places, churches.
Sheriff Lee Foster said that once again communication and information sharing between law enforcement agencies has enabled authorities to clear up a rash of crimes across two counties and multiple jurisdictions.
“Taking advantage of anyone through criminal activity is always horrible,” said Sheriff Foster. “But, to prey on churches as well as these businesses in absolutely despicable.”
On May 12 of this year, Flint Hill Baptist Church located on Highway 66 in the Whitmire section of Newberry County reported that someone had vandalized their air conditioning units and had stolen all of the copper from the units. They estimated the damage and theft at $10,000.00.
Officers from the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office then began checking all of the churches in the area and discovered that the 2 air conditioning units at Mt. Zion Church located on Beth Eden Church Road in Newberry County had also been vandalized and the copper stolen. They estimated damage and theft at $7500.00.
Sheriff Foster said that on May 19, investigators were called to Whitmire to assist the Whitmire Police Department in processing a burglary scene at Mom’s Place located on Church Street and a car believed to be associated with the burglary. Officers found a part of the cash register and a laptop computer from the burglary in the car and in the surrounding area. They also discovered other items that were later identified as stolen from other burglaries.
Foster said that it was then that alert investigators found a pair of bolt cutters with traces of copper in the cutting blades. Recognizing the connection, the investigators collected that evidence and sent it to the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) for processing.
Foster said that it was the combined efforts of investigators from the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office and officers with the Whitmire Police Department that made the difference from there. Officers developed two men as suspects in the case based of their use of the vehicle discovered near the scene with the stolen items in them.
Police say that the two men have not only been charged with the Burglary at Mom’s Place and the thefts from the two churches, but will also be charged for similar thefts at two churches in Laurens County, and a burglary at a hotel in Clinton.
Sheriff Foster indentified the men as:
David Lee Simmons, 22, who is homeless but is from the Spartanburg County area. He will be charged with Burglary from the incident in Whitmire and two counts of Grand Larceny and two counts of Malicious Injury to Real Property in Newberry County.
Anthony Trey Vaughn, 21, who is homeless but is from the Spartanburg County area. He also will be charged with Burglary from the incident in Whitmire and two counts of Grand Larceny and two counts of Malicious Injury to Real Property in Newberry County.
Vaughn is currently in the Newberry County Detention Center and will be charged later today. No bond hearing has been scheduled.
Simmons is in the Spartanburg County Detention Center on unrelated charges. He will be brought to Newberry County when he completes his sentence of those charges which is anticipated to be sometime around May 20, 2008.
“I am pleased with the level of cooperation that we continue to see with our law enforcement partners,” said Foster. “I would also like to commend the outstanding efforts of all the investigators and officers who worked so hard to make these arrests possible.
If you have any information about this case, please contact the Newberry County Sheriff’s at (803) 276-2222 or Crime Stoppers at 1-888-CrimeSC or www.sccrimestoppers.com.
Newberry Primary Results
(added 06/11/08)Benji Chapman is the Republican nominee for Newberry County Treasurer. Chapman defeated Jackie Haltiwanger in Tuesday's Republican Primary receiving 1406 votes to Haltiwanger's 980.
In other totals, Steve Stockman is the nominee of the party for County Council District 2 as he received 497 votes to 241 for John Hunter. In County council District 4, Kenneth W. Sanders defeated Todd Morris 236 to 133. Sanders becomes the Republican nominee in District 4.
On the Democratic side,District 4 Incumbent County Councilman Mike Hawkins will be in a runoff on Tuesday June 24th with Kirksey Koon. Hawkins received 115 votes while Koon garnered 96. The other candidate D. Wyman Cook received 54 votes.
In other local totals from the Republican Primary, Senator Lindsey Graham received 1828 votes while Buddy Witherspoon received 583.
In the Democratic Primary for US Senate Michael Cone received 320 votes while Bob Conley totaled 301.
In the Democratic Primary for State Senate District 18, Pete Oliver led Newberry County with 335 votes to Michael Ray Ellisor's 310.
City Council Meeting on June 10
(added 06/11/08)Newberry City Council met last night and held first reading on the 08/09 budget. The $32.7 million budget is balanced with:
3.6 additional mills of taxes (This 4.1% increase fits within the State’s millage increase cap. It takes operational millage from 89.7 to 93.3.)
$1 increase in residential solid waste collection fee
$158,000 in budgeted use of the fund balance (This non-recurring funding will be used specifically for the storm water study.)
4.17% increase in electrical rates (This is a pass through of electrical rate increases from PMPA.)
7.5% increase in wastewater rates (This increase will pay for anticipated debt related to the rehab and expansion at the wastewater plant.)
The planned cost of living raise for employees has also been decreased from 4-3% and the merit raise eliminated to help balance this year’s budget.The only major changes in the budget since the council’s work sessions were an adjustment in the estimated revenue from the sale of water and a decrease in projected revenue from utility charges to Saluda. Saluda asked that their rate increase be delayed until October to allow them to cash flow the additional funding. These adjustments in the utility department’s revenue resulted in the postponing of some capital projects to mid-year.
Final reading of the 08/09 budget is on the agenda for June 17 at 7pm.
Second and final reading passed to repeal adoption of the International Property Maintenance Code by civil authority and make the International Property Maintenance Code enforceable as a criminal offense so that the police department can enforce code violations.
Second and final reading also passed to change the zoning for the new development planned off of Hillbrook Lane. Zoning changes from R-10 residential to R-8 zoning. This change allows the lots to be 8,000 sq feet instead of 10,000 sq ft thus allowing 6 additional units to be built.
Council approved final reading to add the President of Newberry College and the President of the Newberry Opera House Guild as ex-officio members of the NOH Foundation Board. The President of Newberry College has been serving since the first year, however, it had not been formalized until this time.
Michael Wood was honored for 5 years with the Police Department and Ms. Bette Brannon, Administrative Assistant to the City Manager, HR Director, and City Council, received her City rocking chair honoring her 30 years of service.
Council passed first reading on an ordinance to allow offsite high rise signs in an interstate overlay district. The district has a 1500 ft radius from the center of the intersection. Businesses are still limited to one high rise sign be it onsite or offsite. The issue arose with new businesses planned below the road line of site on the northeast quadrant of Exit 76. If final reading passes, this will allow these new businesses to put up their sign on the opposite side of the interstate for visibility.
First reading passed to rezone 2544 Kinard St from residential to office commercial. The property is owned by NCMH and upon final reading could accommodate future unspecified medical service.
First reading passed to implement a 4.17% electrical rate increase and 7.5% increase in sewer rates. The electrical rate increase is a direct pass through of electrical rate increases from PMPA. The sewer rate increases allows for anticipated debt service on the rehabilitation and expansion of the wastewater plant.
Council approved first reading to make minor adjustments to fiscal year 07/08 budget. This was approved by title only.
Council approved a memorandum of agreement with Shells Construction regarding an incentive program for building in the city of Newberry. A $143,170 deferred forgivable loan was approved. This loan is equal to the 10-year tax return on the project at build out and a $1,000 per unit tap fee credit. The agreement states that "Upon the completion and issuance of a certificate of occupancy for each house constructed, a credit of $6,225 would be applied to the outstanding principal balance of the loan." Once completed the infrastructure will be deeded to the City. A similar agreement is being finalized for the Hillbrook Lane subdivision. The funding for this loan comes from city funds and funding from CNNGA. Plans are to replace the funds as property taxes begin coming in from this property so that the fund works as a revolving fund for additional housing project incentives.
Meth Lab Found in Newberry County
(added 06/10/08)An alert Newberry County Deputy Sheriff doing a routine eviction has uncovered a methamphetamine lab in Newberry County.
Just after 11:00 AM, a Newberry County Civil Process Officer was serving a court ordered eviction papers at a residence located at 80 Lowry Street in the Whitmire section of Newberry County. The tenants of the residence were not at the residence, and the landlord began to check the residence.
When the landlord saw an unusual setup in the house, he showed it to the deputy. The deputy immediately realized the danger and radioed to the Whitmire Police Department since the residence is in their jurisdiction and officers from the Whitmire Police Department obtained a search warrant for the residence.
*(The Newberry County Sheriff’s Office is responsible for the service of civil process and eviction papers throughout Newberry County including inside the city jurisdictions.)*
When the officers served the search warrant at the residence, the officers discovered a small working methamphetamine lab in the home. The officers also discovered a small bag of methamphetamine in the home. The bag weighed approximately .4 gram.
Officers from the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office specially trained in the cleanup of such labs responded to the scene and assumed the clean up at the residence. A licensed Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) contractor also responded to the scene for cleanup.
The byproducts and fumes from such laboratories can be extremely dangerous and must be treated as hazardous material. Officers say that both flammable and corrosive materials were found, and that the most substantial threat to the community from this lab was a threat of fire or explosion. They said that such labs can sometimes generate dangerous fumes or toxic fumes that can be dangerous to the household residents or contacting the lab.
The Hannah’s were the only two residents of the home, and there were no children residing in the home.
The Whitmire Fire Department, Whitmire Rescue Squad, Newberry Fire Department, Newberry County Hazardous Materials team, and the Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) all responded to the residence during the cleanup operation.
Officers say that they are now seeking two individuals in association with this discovery.
Earnest Hannah has a prior record that extends to 1986 including multiple offenses of Driving Under the Influence and alcohol related charges. His only drug conviction was a 1994 Simple Possession of Marijuana conviction for which he paid a $200 fine.
Carol Hannah has no prior convictions.
“We work together well with the Sheriff’s Office and all of our volunteer emergency services, and incidents like this show our need to work together as a team,” said Whitmire Police Chief Jeremiah Sinclair.
“We are pleased to enjoy this kind of working relationship with the Whitmire Police Department and the many agencies who responded to this incident,” said Newberry County Sheriff Lee Foster. “We have specially trained officers on staff for just such a response as it is our continuing commitment to provide the highest possible law enforcement services to the people of Newberry County. These types of labs can be extremely dangerous, and it is necessary to clean them up as quickly as possible, but it must also be done as safely as possible.”
If you have any information about this case, please contact the Whitmire Police Department at (803) 694-2121 or Newberry County Sheriff’s at (803) 276-2222 or Crime Stoppers at 1-888-CrimeSC or www.sccrimestoppers.com.
School Board Meeting on June 9
(added 06/10/08)Newberry County School Board met last night and held the public hearing for the 08/09 budget. The $44.6 million school operating budget is approximately a 3.6% increase over last year’s budget thus requiring close to 4 additional mills in taxes. (Official millage will be set in the fall.) School debt service is estimated to remain at the self imposed freeze of 52 mills.
No one spoke at the public hearing on the budget. However, the silent majority in the audience were faculty members of Little Mountain Elementary protesting the reduction of an FTE or full time employee position at LME. No one was fired from Little Mountain, however, through retirement the faculty was reduced leaving one class of over 30 kindergarteners for next year. At the last meeting, Principal Rudy Tarver called this high student/teacher ratio a serious problem and stated that in all his years he always had extra students show up for kindergarten. The current draft of the budget does not include the restoration of this position despite requests at first reading.
District administration stated at the last meeting that Little Mountain is not the only school to drop an FTE - saying that the district takes a look at student projections for each school and principals have the power to shift teachers between grade levels. Superintendent Bennie Bennett emphasized the impressive student/teacher ratios of Newberry County in relation to other counties around SC. Bennett went on to say, “The real question is whether or not [the board] wants to make student/teacher ratio decisions based on the average for each school [and leave the allocation of those positions to the principals] or base the decision on each grade level at each school. We can go by grade level, but it will definitely impact the budget.” He stated that hiring additional teachers or transferring teachers after the start of the school year is actually not uncommon and a possibility once actual student numbers are known. Lee Attaway, who represents the Little Mountain area on school board, reiterated that “for smaller schools like Little Mountain or Reuben one teacher can make a big difference.” Chairman Don Saylor reminded the board that the budget was a “work in progress” until final reading on June 23.
Several board members voiced their concerns regarding the budgeted use of fund balance. School board member Lucy Ann Meetze referenced the economy and changes in state funded when she said, “I think we need to guard our fund balance just because the future is so unknown.” The budget calls for approximately $300,000 roll over from last year’s budget and over $200,000 from the fund balance. Board members Lee Attaway and Jody Hamm both stated that they didn’t want to reduce the cost of living raise for district and building administration, but this reduction may be needed during this lean budget.
With the new state legislation calling for the state sales tax to pay for owner-occupied, school operational property taxes, the state is auditing each district to make sure the estimated revenue is accurate. Funding could change positively or negatively at the end of this audit, which could be completed by final reading on June 23.
Crimestoppers Number Changes
(added 06/09/08)As law enforcement agency work continue to work closely together to prevent crime and capture those responsible, crimestoppers across South Carolina, under the umbrella of The South Carolina Crimestoppers Council, have created a statewide number that will allow tipsters to call in and automatically be sent to the crimestoppers program in the area where they are placing their call.
Crimestoppers of the Midlands, made up of 46 law enforcement agencies in 8 counties (local, state and federal), continues to work diligently to pay tipsters for information leading to arrests - being the vehicle for anonymous tipsters to call in, help to make arrests thus improving the quality of life in the Midlands. The creation of the statewide number will provide one number for tipsters to call while it will solidify the autonomies of the crimestoppers programs in the respective areas of the state.
888-559-tips will remain active and available for calls for months, but Crimestoppers is asking all media (on any and all crime stories) to utilize this new statewide number 888-CRIME-SC which will allow the tipster to call in and automatically forward their call (based on the county they are calling from) - the new website www.sccrimestoppers.com will allow tipsters to go to the map of the state and click on where the tip is for and it take the user to the appropriate crimestoppers website and tip submission for.
Crimestoppers of the Midlands is asking the public to be aware of the changeover and to continue to be involved in solving crime and getting paid for the anonymous information. Crimestoppers of the Midlands has solved 5234 cases, seized $11,742,585 in narcotics and paid out $152, 400 in cash for tips over the last 25 years - Crimestoppers statewide has solved over 21,000 cases. Crimestoppers of the Midlands will continue to work on raising money to pay tipsters while diligently working to help law enforcement take the bad guys off the streets.
Crimestoppers has received the endorsement on this changeover from: the South Carolina Sheriff's Association, South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers Association, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division Director Reggie Lloyd, Sheriff Leon Lott, Sheriff James R. Metts, Sheriff Lee Foster, Sheriff Herman Young, Sheriff Michael Hunt, Sheriff Larry Williams, Sheriff Steve McCaskill, Chief Wendell Davis, Chief Tandy Carter, Chief Dennis Tyndall, Chief Charlie McNair, Chief Gene Sealy, Chief Mark Fallaw, Chief Howard M. Cook, Chief Brian Buck, Director Ernie Ellis, Chief John Ewing, Chief Terrance Green, Chief Harold Rodgers, Chief Matt Johnson and Chief Randy Garrett.
Sheriff Announces Youth Summer Camps in Newberry County
(added 06/09/08)Sheriff Lee Foster has announced that the Newberry County Sheriff’ Office will sponsor a series of summer youth camps throughout Newberry County communities in an effort to combine games and fun with important life skills such as safety and conflict management.
“The camps are being offered at absolutely no charge and are intended to assist area youth in areas such as safety and conflict management by using challenging and competitive games that teach a hands on approach to practical life skills,” said Foster.
The camps will also strive to provide a positive atmosphere allowing Newberry County youth to interact with officers, teachers, and community leaders in a friendly, open environment.
The camps will have participation from the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office, the School District of Newberry County, Department of Natural Resources, the U.S. Forestry Service, South Carolina Department of Probation, and at least 5 community leaders from the respective communities including churches, community organizations, and local elected officials.
The camp is open to youth ages 6-15. The camps will take place from 10AM – 3PM. The camp dates are as follows:
June 17 and 18, 2008 – Little Mountain - Little Mountain Reunion Park (Registration Deadline is June 5)
June 30 and July 11, 2008 – Prosperity - Prosperity Civic Center (Registration Deadline is June 19)
July 2 and July 3, 2008 – Chappells – Chappells Community Center (Registration Deadline is June 19)
July 22 and July 23, 2008 – Whitmire – The Master’s Baptist Church (Registration Deadline is July 9)
July 29 and July 30, 2008 – Newberry – Gallman Park (Registration Deadline is July 15)
“We are excited about the opportunity to begin working with the future generation of leaders in Newberry County,” said Foster. “It is our sincere desire that the life skills we teach this children today will help to enable them to succeed for a lifetime.”
Registration forms for the camps may be picked up at the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office or by going to www.newberrycountysheriff.com and downloading a copy of the application.
Parents or guardians must sign a participation form for each child participating in the camp. The forms should be returned in advance to the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office Registration is limited to the first 30 youth to register so you are encouraged to register early.
If you have questions or need additional information, you may call the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office at (803) 321-2211 and speak with Ron Abrams or Sherri Scott.
Arthur Gray Found in Richland County
(added 06/05/08)Sheriff Lee Foster says that the 78 year old man missing since Tuesday afternoon was located this morning in Columbia by a Richland County Deputy Sheriff.
Foster said that Arthur "June" Junior Gray was located this morning around 8:30AM when the Richland County Sheriff's Office received a call of a nude man walking on Paige Derrick Road in Richland County.
The Richland County Deputy who responded to the scene immediately recognized Gray as the missing person from Newberry County. The deputy described Mr. Gray as being unclothed and disoriented. Mr. Gray was transported to a Columbia area hospital for a medical exam and any needed treatment. There were no obvious injuries to Mr. Gray.
Both agencies say that it was the cooperation and continuous information exchange between the two departments that allowed for the quick recognition and action by the officer when he arrived at the unusual call.
Sheriff Foster also thanked the media for their coverage of the missing man. "The media is a tremendous asset to law enforcement and we appreciate all of their efforts to help us accomplish our goals such as the safe return of an elderly man to his family," said Foster.
In addition, Sheriff Foster and Mr. Gray's family would like to express their thanks to all of those who called with information about Mr. Gray or called to offer their prayers, support, and assistance during this difficult time.
Arthur Junior Gray left his home located at 1025 Cockrell Drive in Newberry County Tuesday afternoon around 5:00PM in his truck stating that he would be right back.
Gray was seen late Wednesday afternoon in the White Rock section when he stopped at a home of a stranger seeking gas money. The homeowner later saw a newscast and realized that he was the missing man from Newberry County.
Immediate concern arose with family members say that it is unlike Gray to be gone for such a long period of time, and say that he is in the beginning stages of Alzheimer's. He needs medication for his Alzheimer's and has a colostomy.
Gray left his home in 1989 blue Nissan pickup with South Carolina License plates 705 JPN. The vehicle was also safely located by the Richland County Sheriff's Office.
Gray is a retired from operating his own lawn care service.
Confirmed Sighting; Authorities Still Searching for Missing Elderly Man
(added 06/05/08)UPDATE (06/05/08, 6:44 AM) : The Newberry County Sheriff's Office says that they have confirmed the early sighting of Mr. Gray. He was seen in the White Rock area late this afternoon when he stopped at a home attempting to get gas money. He appeared fine at the time. The search for him continues.
Earlier story (06/04/08):
The Newberry County Sheriff’s Office is asking for your assistance in locating an elderly man who has been missing since yesterday afternoon.Authorities say that Arthur Junior Gray left his home located at 1025 Cockrell Drive in Newberry County yesterday afternoon around 5:00PM in his truck stating that he would be right back. Gray has not been seen or heard from since that time.
Family members say that it is unlike Gray to be gone for such a long period of time, and say that he is in the beginning stages of Alzheimer’s. He needs medication for his Alzheimer’s and has a colostomy.
Arthur “June” Junior Gray (left) is 78 years old. He is a black male who is 5 foot 7 inches tall and 170 pounds. He has grey hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing overalls and blue and white striped shirt.
Gray was last seen operating a 1989 blue Nissan pickup with South Carolina License plates 705 JPN.
Gray is retired from operating his own lawn care service.
Authorities say that they have no information as to what routes or locations Gray may be traveling because of his medical conditions.
If you have any information as to the location of Arthur Gray or have seen him, please contact the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office immediately at (803) 321-2222.
Passing of Chief Deputy Coroner Tommy Hedgepath
Source: Whitaker Funeral Home
(added 06/01/08)Chief Deputy Coroner Tommy L. Hedgepath, 67, died Friday at Newberry County Memorial Hospital. He was the owner of H. L. Hedgepath and Son, and had served as Deputy Coroner of Newberry County since 1991. He was currently serving as Coroner. He was also a member of the Friendly Fire Department, and had served for ten years in the SC National Guard.
Hedgepath was the only candidate running for County Coroner in November's election.Tune in to WKDK AM 1240 on Monday morning for more information on this story.
For information about funeral arrangements visit www.whitakerfuneralhome.com.
Fifth Graders Honored in National Transportation Week
Art Competition
(added 05/29/08)
The S. C. Department of Transportation (SCDOT) named (86) eighty-six 5th graders as winners in a statewide National Transportation Week Poster Contest. Mason Scott, from Prosperity - Rikard Elementary, received 3rd Place honors for Newberry County. Kristen Whiting, from Prosperity - Rikard Elementary, received 2nd Place honors for Newberry County. And Jay Salter, from Prosperity - Rikard Elementary, received 1st Place honors for Newberry County. (See photos below for each of these winners.)
SCDOT presented the awards at its 5th Annual National Transportation Week Poster Contest Awards ceremony on Thursday, May 15, 2008 in Columbia. The annual event is hosted by SCDOT to recognize the 5th graders for their participation in the poster contest.During the ceremony, the students were honored as 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place winners in their respective counties. In addition, 7 Highway District Winners and the State Winner were announced. Two of the 86 5th graders, who won first and second place in the National Transportation Week Art Competition also, were recognized.
The theme for this year’s poster contest was “One Nation On The Move.” More than 1,100 5th grade students from across the state participated in the contest. Teachers were encouraged to not only ask students to express their ideas in a picture, but to discuss the myriad of possibilities for transportation-related careers and how transportation affects everyone’s life.
National Transportation Week (May 11-17) provides an opportunity for the transportation community to join together for greater awareness about the importance of transportation and to focus on making youth aware of transportation-related careers.
The SC Department of Transportation, the Federal Highway Administration – SC Division Office, and the SC Alliance to Fix Our Roads (SCFOR) co-sponsored the local competition.
SCDOT Deputy Secretary for Finance and Administration Debra Rountree, FHWA SC Division Administrator Bob Lee, SC Alliance to Fix Our Roads Executive Director Debbie Bass, FHWA Office of Professional and Corporate Development Associate Administrator Joe Toole spoke at the ceremony.
Click on photos to see larger versions:
The One Nation On The Move Poster Contest 3rd Place Winner in Newberry County is Mason Scott (in front), a 5th grader at Prosperity Rikard Elementary. Presenting the award are, from left: SCDOT Deputy Secretary for Finance and Administration Debra Rountree, SC Division Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration Bob Lee, FHWA Office of Professional and Corporate Development Associate Administrator Joe Toole, SCDOT Deputy Secretary for Engineering Tony Chapman, SC Alliance to Fix Our Roads Executive Director Debbie Bass and SCDOT District 2 Engineering Administrator Phillip Brooks. (Photo by Rob Thompson/SCDOT)
The One Nation On The Move Poster Contest 2nd Place Winner in Newberry County is Kristen Whiting (in front), a 5th grader at Prosperity Rikard Elementary School. Presenting the award are, from left: SCDOT Deputy Secretary for Finance and Administration Debra Rountree, SC Division Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration Bob Lee, FHWA Office of Professional and Corporate Development Associate Administrator Joe Toole, SCDOT Deputy Secretary for Engineering Tony Chapman, SC Alliance to Fix Our Roads Executive Director Debbie Bass and SCDOT District 2 Engineering Administrator Phillip Brooks. (Photo by Rob Thompson/SCDOT)
The One Nation On The Move Poster Contest 1st Place Winner in Newberry County is Jay Salter (in front), a 5th grader at Prosperity Rikard Elementary School. Presenting the award are, from left: SCDOT Deputy Secretary for Finance and Administration Debra Rountree, SC Division Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration Bob Lee, FHWA Office of Professional and Corporate Development Associate Administrator Joe Toole, SCDOT Deputy Secretary for Engineering Tony Chapman, SC Alliance to Fix Our Roads Executive Director Debbie Bass and SCDOT District 2 Engineering Administrator Phillip Brooks. (Photo by Rob Thompson/SCDOT)
County Council Meeting on May 21
(added 05/22/08)Newberry County Council met Wednesday night (May 21) and approved second reading of the 08/09 budget. The $22.4 million general fund budget calls for an additional 3.3 mill increase in property taxes.
In a split vote, council approved the expansion of EMS coverage at night from 2 manned ambulances to 3 thus increasing response time. Dr. Alan Paysinger brought a petition in favor of this move from Newberry County Medical Society. He reiterated that currently both ambulances are out on call and not available for an emergency on average of two h
