Monthly Archives: December 2010
False report leads to AMBER alert
EASLEY — An Easley woman has been arrested after police say she filed a false felony report to authorities.
In warrants issued by the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office, Lisa Ann Jordan, 40, of 4725 Old Easley Bridge Road, was charged with four counts of filing false police reports of felonies, including the theft of her car, breaking and entering her home and the abduction of two minors in her custody.
In a a release from the PCSO, deputies say that on December 22 at approximately 7 a.m., the sheriff’s office received a report from Jordan, that two female children, one-year-old Kynadi Leigh Grace Manley and two-year-old Alexis London Marie Manley, had been kidnapped from her home.
Upon investigation, detectives determined that Jordan had filed a false report related to the burglary, kidnapping and motor vehicle theft. Warrants were issued charging Jordan with four felony counts of filing a false report in reference to the two kidnappings, burglary and theft of a motor vehicle.
An AMBER Alert that was issued based on the false report was cancelled when officers determined the report was not genuine. Investigators worked with out-of-state authorities to determine the location and wellbeing of the children. Investigators believed the children were with their mother, Keyly Wade, and their grandmother, Belinda Marie Wade.
On December 23 at approximately 1:30 p.m., the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office received a call from Bazetta, Ohio, Police Department Officer Joe Sofcheck.
Sofcheck said he had stopped the vehicle that Keyly Wade and Belinda Wade were occupying with the two children reported missing.
Upon contacting the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office and determining the identity of the individuals, the investigation was concluded, and Ohio Family Services was contacted to take measures to insure the safety and wellbeing of the children.
According to the PCSO on Tuesday the children have been returned to South Carolina and are currently being cared for by the Department of Social Services.
Deputies are still investigating to determine if charges will be filed against children’s mother and grandmother.
Christmas night accident claims Easley woman
Couple hit while crossing Charleston highway
CHARLESTON — A 70-year-old Easley woman was killed and her husband severely injured when they were hit by a car in Charleston on Christmas night.
According to Charleston County Coroner Rae Wooten, George and Juanita Reiter of Easley were involved in a pedestrian accident at about 7 p.m.
Wooten said the couple attempted to cross Savannah Highway and stepped into the path of an oncoming car.
Wooten said Juanita Reiter died from head injuries at the scene and George Reiter was severely injured and transported to the Medical University of South Carolina for treatment.
According to Wooten, the incident was ruled an accident and no charges are expected to be filed against the driver.
Enjoying a…White Christmas,County gets historical December 25 snowfall
By Nicole Daughhette
Staff Reporter
COUNTY — While communities in Pickens County might not have awoken to a glittery blanket of winter white snow on their lawns Christmas morning, most did experience snow-fall beginning Christmas evening and continuing throughout the night and early morning hours of Dec. 26.
Either way, Pickens County experienced a historical White Christmas — the first one ever documented in Pickens County — and the first one to be documented in Greenville County since 1947.
According to the National Weather Service located at Greenville-Spartanburg Airport in Greer, snowfall and accumulation was recorded as follows: areas nine miles north of Pickens received a 2.5-inch accumulation of snow and areas located seven miles west of Pickens had a documented one inch of snow.
Other reports indicate that Liberty received trace amounts of snow, Pickens had 1.3 inches of snow and Pumpkintown accumulated three inches of snow.
There were no specific snow amounts documented in Easley or other municipalities in Pickens County.
‘Miracles’ continue at Midway Baptist
By Nicole Daughhetee
Staff Reporter
Standing in my boss’ office, I noticed an ordinary sheet of paper tacked to his wall, yet it was the profound sentiment leaping off the page that caused me to take a second look: “When you are down to nothing, God is up to something.” Minutes later, back in my office, the phone rang.
When I answered, Tracey James from Midway Baptist Church was on the other end of the line asking how she could go about sending in an editorial follow-up to the story we had run the week prior. Pencil in hand, I asked her to tell me what was going on.
As you may well remember, James coordinates the Thursday Meal Ministry at Midway Baptist Church. Their ministry provides hot meals to members of the Midway and Pickens County communities who are unable to get around or who have little to no income. On Friday, December 17, James arrived at her church to begin preparing meals when she noticed that more than $1,000 worth of food had been stolen from the freezers outside the church fellowship hall.
With hesitation, James contacted the local news media and the rest is, as they say, history. The Thursday Meal Ministry has exploded. Not only was the church ministry able to provide Christmas meals, they were able to provide 49 families in Pickens County with groceries that would feed their families for a week.
“After you had taken your pictures and left, an 18-wheeler with 80 pallets of food pulled into our parking lot,” said James. “In addition to the food, community members and church Sunday School classes got together to make sure that children would have gifts to open on Christmas morning.”
Thursday Meals Ministry has received an outpouring of help and support from the people of Pickens County and from others as far away as North Carolina, Georgia and Greenville. “I am constantly amazed and humbled by the generosity of people. Businesses like Bi-Lo, Ingles and Ultra Tan have given us incredible donations. One couple from Greenville sent us a check for $2500 dollars. But what really touches my heart are the $10 gifts we receive from people who only have $10 to give, but who desire to help someone else,” said James.
James and the members of Midway Baptist Church see this miracle as simply the beginning of something larger. The need for warmth, shelter, food and clothing is so great, and James wants to be able to help people more often than on major holidays. She has been praying for a fully operational food pantry at her church for the past four years and believes her prayers are being answered. All the logistics of the food pantry are still being finalized, but the end goal is to have a pantry open on day a week where those in need can come and stock up on food. Volunteers will be enlisted to help those who cannot come to the church themselves.
“I called the Sherriff’s office to see if they had any leads on the people who stole the food out the freezer and to tell them that even if those people were caught, I am not interested in pressing charges. I just think about how desperate those people had to be to take that food, and I think that they are probably still in need but too ashamed to come here for help,” said James. “Those people have no idea how their action brought a huge blessing to this ministry and to the people of Pickens County.”
In addition to all the food and basic need (diapers, wipes, formula, soap, shampoo, etc.) that Midway has received, they have also gotten enough clothing items to hold a clothing closet for those in need of warm winter clothing. On Friday, December 31, Midway Baptist will open its fellowship hall from the hours of 10am to 4pm, for people in need of winter clothing. While they have had many donations, they can always use more. Specifically, James said they are in need of men’s clothing in size 4XL and women’s clothing in size 2XL. Blankets, mittens, hats, socks – any donations are welcome. Those interested in donation gently used or new clothing items can contact Tracey James at 878-1550.
Tracey James remains in awe over everything that has happened in the last few weeks. She has never experienced so many miracles and is amazed by how one negative event has ushered in such abundant blessings. “I told my husband the other night that this is the best Christmas I have ever had just knowing how amazing it is that so many children will be able to eat breakfast – not just dinner – with their families on Christmas Day.”
Perhaps it is true that when we are down to nothing, God is up to something.
Clemson police make arrest in string of apartment burglaries
CLEMSON — Clemson police arrested an 18-year-old man last week in connection with a series of recent apartment burglaries.
According to a release, the Clemson police department began investigating a series of apartment burglaries during the night and early morning hours of Tuesday, Dec. 21. That investigation led to the identification and charging of a suspect with three counts of second-degree burglary.
The Clemson PD then put out bulletins to local media and surrounding area law enforcement agencies asking for assistance in locating and apprehending the suspect, Stevie Donavan Bennett, Jr..
Bennett, who has two known addresses, at 1708 Northlake Dr. in Anderson and 119 Hope Dr. in Clemson, was arrested during a traffic stop in Anderson on the evening of Thursday, Dec. 23.
Clemson officers retrieved Bennett that night and transported him back to the Clemson City Jail.
Further investigation led to the original charges of second-degree burglary being amended to a charge of first-degree burglary.
Bennett will be detained at the Pickens County Detention Center pending further charges and a bond hearing by a Circuit Court Judge
Man hit during real-life ‘Frogger’ game, cops say
CLEMSON — Clemson police say a pedestrian was hit and injured Monday night while recreating a popular 1980s-era video game.
Clemson Police Chief Jimmy Dixon said in a release Tuesday that the 23-year-old man, whose name was not released, was struck around 9 p.m. Monday night at the intersection of U.S. 123 and S.C. 133.
According to Dixon, police believe the accident occurred after the victim and his friends were discussing a video game called “Frogger,” in which player-controlled frogs attempt to cross busy highways or rivers while avoiding moving objects.
Dixon said that at one point police believe the victim yelled “go” and began darting into the highway with oncoming traffic.
The victim was struck by a 2010 Lexus SUV and was transported to Anderson Memorial Hospital by Pickens County EMS, where he was reportedly in stable condition Tuesday morning.
“At this point it does not appear that any charges will be filed in the case,” Dixon said.
The Gleaning House helps more than 1,800 families in need over the holidays
PICKENS — For Gleaning House Ministries of Pickens, Christmas 2010 was the biggest time of giving in the organization’s history.
This Christmas, the Gleaning House Ministries made it possible for 365 families in the area to enjoy the holiday with a Christmas dinner that included meat, canned goods, produce, bread and dessert.
According to ministry officials, the public has changed since the food pantry opened 10 years ago. Back then, the ministry served only 45 families a month, and at that time most of the clients were the elderly, retired and children.
Now the Gleaning House serves more than 1,800 families a month. The ministry has also seen a complete change in its clientele — from the elderly to clients whose ages range from 30 to 60 years old. Many of these families also have children.
The Gleaning House has also seen a trend of some households doubling up in the recent tough economy. On average, the Gleaning House packs more than 20 boxes a week for families of eight or more that includes children from the area in need.
The Gleaning House is open on Tuesday and Thursday every week.
All funding for the Gleaning House comes from community businesses, churches, schools, groups, clubs, and private donations of money and food. The staff is 100 percent made up of volunteers.
The Gleaning House Ministries is a 503(c) program, making all donations tax deductible. As with all food pantries nationwide, the Gleaning House is also struggling to serve the people.
The Gleaning House appreciates all donations — monetary or food — that help provide for our Pickens County families.
Legendary Tigers coach Wilhelm passes away at 81
Baseball coach was winningest coach
in any sport in university history
CLEMSON — Bill Wilhelm, Clemson’s legendary baseball coach from 1958-93, passed away Friday morning at Oconee Memorial Hospital in Seneca at the age of 81.
In his 36 years as Clemson’s head coach he posted a record of 1161-536-10, and the 1,161 victories are the most in school history in any sport, and still rank in the top 20 in the history of Division I college baseball. In 36 years guiding the Clemson program, he never had a losing season.
Wilhelm led the Tigers to the College World Series six times (1958-59-76-77-80-91) and coached Clemson to 11 ACC Championships, 16 top 25 seasons, 17 NCAA Tournament appearances and 19 ACC regular season titles (including ties). Between 1973-82 Clemson won either the ACC regular season title or the ACC tournament every season. Wilhelm coached 20 All-Americans, 27 players who went on to play Major League Baseball, 88 first-team All-ACC selections and 100 of his former players signed professional baseball contracts. Among his former players is Jimmy Key, a four-time Major League All-Star who played on World Series Championship teams with the Toronto Blue Jays and the New York Yankees.
The native of China Grove, N.C., led the Tigers to the College World Series in each of his first two years with the program, 1958 and 1959. His 1958 team might have been his favorite, as the Tigers won the ACC Championship and made a miracle comeback to win the NCAA District III Playoffs in Gastonia, N.C., by defeating Florida twice on the same day by scores of 15-14 and 3-1.
When Wilhelm retired he left a strong program. He took the Tigers to the NCAA Tournament each of his last seven years as head coach and the team averaged 51 wins per year over that time. His 1991 team still holds the Clemson record for wins with 60 and the team’s 60-10 mark was the best winning percentage (.857) in the nation that year. That team had an average winning margin of 5.5 runs per game, still a school record. His final team, the 1993 squad, won the ACC Championship, beat 13 top 25 teams, and reached the NCAA Tournament.
“When I think of Clemson University, I think of him,” Clemson head baseball coach Jack Leggett said of Wilhelm, whom he succeeded in 1994. “He was what Clemson is all about. He was tough, he was honest, he was competitive and he took pride in everything he did.
“I will always have great respect for Bill Wilhelm. He set such a strong foundation for this baseball program. He set that foundation certainly in what he accomplished on the field, but he also set that foundation in the way he ran the program. He did things the right way and he was a great example to me when I was his assistant for two years before taking over as head coach.
“Since he retired he was nothing but supportive. We had great meetings about baseball. Those meetings and his wisdom were very valuable. But, at the same time, he never interfered. He let us run the program.
“My prayers go out to his wife Sarah Jane and his two sons, Randall and Michael. The entire family has meant so much to the Clemson baseball program.”
Wilhelm is survived by his wife of more than 50 years, Sarah and his sons, Michael and Randall.
Funeral arrangements will be announced later.
LHS honors athletes at fall sport banquet
LIBERTY — Liberty High School recently recognized its outstanding fall sports athletes at the annual LHS fall sports banquet.
Four Red Devils earned All-State nods this fall, including sophomore Miranda Dalton, who was named State AA Cheerleader of the Year after the LHS squad earned its fifth consecutive state championship. Also named to All State teams in their respective sports were Amber King in volleyball and Jake Goodnough and Dakota Stewart in boys’ cross country.
In addition to Dalton, who was named Region Cheerleader of the Year, Raleigh Felton, Chelsey McDaniel, Hope Ricken and Jessica Smith were named to the All-Region cheer squad. LHS coach Missy Ricken was the region’s Coach of the Year.
Goodnough was named Region Player of the Year in cross country, leading the team to a region title and a third-place finish in the state championship meet. Stewart, Logan Gibson, Dalton Kirby and Tanner Lewis were also named to the All-Region team, and Devils coach Mike Riggins was Region Coach of the Year.
King’s efforts on the volleyball court helped the Lady Devils to a Region I championship and earned her Region Player of the Year honors. LHS Coach Carla Simpson was named Region Coach of the Year, and Hailey Collins, Emily James and Megan Kelley were also named to the All-Region squad.
Three Red Devil football players were named to the All-Region team on the gridiron, despite Liberty’s disappointing 1-9 record in 2010. Senior Alex Edwards, the lone 12th grader on the LHS team, was named All-Region along with Phillip Rainwater and Daniel Sanchez.
Appetizers bring in the New Year
By Olivia Fowler
for the courier
We can all get tired of the same old food at every party.
There is a lot to be said for tradition, but to start out 2011, why not be flexible and try something different?
I love ginger and found these gingered melon balls light and fresh additions to a buffet table. If you don’t want to serve them in dessert dishes, fall back on trusty toothpicks for easy individual snacks.
You may not want to try these at the same get-together. But if you do, they work well together or with a variety of other snacks. Almost everyone will find a favorite from among these offerings.
So have a happy and carefree celebration to usher in 2011.
Gingered Melon
3/4 cup water
1/2 cup granulated sugar
4 teaspoons freshly-squeezed lemon juice
2 to 3 teaspoons finely-chopped fresh ginger
2 teaspoons finely shredded lemon zest (peel)
4 cups watermelon, cantaloupe, and/or honeydew balls
1/3 cup flaked coconut
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine water, sugar, lemon juice, and ginger. Bring just to boiling; reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in lemon zest (peel). Let cool to room temperature.
Before using the ginger syrup, strain off and discard the ginger and lemon zest.
Pour approximately 3/4 of the ginger syrup over the melon balls, stirring gently to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours.
To serve, spoon melon balls and a little of the remaining ginger syrup into individual dessert dishes. Sprinkle with coconut.
Crab-Stuffed Mushrooms
1 pound large mushrooms
6 tablespoons butter
3 green onions, minced
3 to 4 tablespoons minced red bell pepper
4 ounces crab meat
1 cup fresh fine bread crumbs
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon Cajun or Creole seasoning blend
1/8 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons Parmesan
Wash and trim the end of stems from mushrooms. Pop remaining stem out. Chop stems and set aside. Melt 2 tablespoons butter; brush over mushrooms. Spray a shallow baking dish (about 8-inch square, or one which will fit mushrooms in one layer) with butter-flavored spray or grease with butter.
Melt remaining butter in skillet; add reserved chopped stems, minced green onions and red bell pepper. Cook until vegetables are tender. Combine cooked ingredients with bread crumbs, crab meat, and seasonings. Fill each mushrooms, piling up. Sprinkle each mushroom with a little Parmesan cheese, if desired. Bake at 350° for 15 to 20 minutes, until hot and mushroom caps are tender.
Makes 16 to 20 stuffed mushroom appetizers.
Sweet and Sour Sausage
2 pounds kielbasa sausage, cut into 1/4-inch slices
1 (12 ounce) bottle tomato-based chili sauce
1 (12 ounce) jar red currant jelly
1 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 cup water
Stir the sausage slices, chili sauce, red currant jelly, red pepper flakes, and water together in a slow cooker, cover, and set the cooker to Low.
Cook at least four hours, stirring once every hour.
Toasted Almond Spread
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 1/2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted, divided
1/3 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sliced green onions
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Assorted crackers
In a small mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Stir in the Swiss cheese, 1/3 cup almonds, mayonnaise, onions, pepper and nutmeg.
Spoon onto a lightly greased pie plate.
Bake at 350 degrees F for 14-15 minutes or until heated through.
Sprinkle with remaining almonds. Serve warm with crackers.