COUNTY — Monday night’s meeting of the board of trustees of the School District of Pickens County ushered in a new era, as outspoken trustee Alex Saitta was selected by his peers as the board’s new chairman.

First elected in November of 2004, Saitta replaces Jim Shelton, whose two-year term as chairman came to an end.

“Today is the end of my term as the chair of your board,” Shelton told those in attendance. “I am deeply grateful to everyone for their perseverance, their support and, at times, their understanding when hard decisions had to be made.”

Following a nomination by Judy Edwards and a second by Ben Trotter, a 5-0-1 vote secured Saitta the position as chairman. Dr. Herbert Cooper abstained from the vote.
Saitta graciously accepted his new position.

“If a person can be shocked and humbled at the same time, then that is how I feel,” he said. “I greatly appreciate the vote of support and I will do my best not to let the board down.”

After symbolically passing the gavel to Saitta, Shelton was elected vice chairman.

“Jim Shelton is the only one left on the board with experience as chairman, so I will be working with him closely,” said Saitta.
Newcomer Jimmy Gillespie accepted the position of School Board secretary.

One of Saitta’s first motions as chair was to amend the 2011-2012 General Fund Budget Calendar to include three additional board meetings during the early part of February.

These meetings are intended to encourage board members to be more active in the budget planning processes.

“The City of Pickens has a $4 million budget,” Saitta said. “Their budget process is more thorough than ours. As a financial analyst, I sat in many budget meetings. This is one of the skimpiest budget processes I’ve seen.”

Saitta also plans to move forward toward a committee system within the board — a process started by Shelton during his tenure as chair.

“We have very talented board members who we need to be more involved in defining and solving problems,” Saitta explained. “Setting up a committee system will allow that to occur.

“Tell me, why should chairman Alex Saitta be the board’s point person on Curriculum, when Judy (Edwards) has 28 years experience as a teacher? Jim Shelton was instrumental in saving the building program, he has a great relationship with Bob Folkman, and knows more about buildings than the rest of us combined. Shouldn’t he be the board’s point person on buildings?”

In order to fully implement and begin utilizing this type of committee system, the board will have to modify several existing policies. Policies appear to be only one of many changes taking place at the SDPC board.

Other notable changes have taken place in recent months. With the elimination of at-large seats formerly held by Kevin Kay and Shirley Jones, the number of board members has declined from eight to six. Ben Trotter’s election to the seat formerly held by Dr. B.J. Skelton clearly echoed the voices of those citizens in their district.

In months leading up to and following board meetings focused on General Fund Budget planning for fiscal year 2010-2011, Saitta was often the lone voice of dissention or vote in opposition to agenda items dealing with cutting teacher positions or spending amidst budget crises. Not only is he the new board chairman, Saitta also appears to be the lone voter no more.

“As I pass the gavel tonight, I truly feel this district is in better shape that it was two years ago,” said Shelton. “I’m confident that two years from now we’ll see even more improvement and progress.”

EASLEY — On Friday, Easley-based CommunitySouth Bank and Trust was closed by the South Carolina Board of Financial Institutions, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) was named Receiver.
CertusBank, N.A., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Blue Ridge Holdings, Inc., assumed all non-brokered deposits and purchased substantially all assets with the assistance of the FDIC.
This is a common method of protecting deposits held by failed institutions. Insured depositors of the failed bank immediately become depositors of the healthy bank and have immediate access to their insured funds.
According to FDIC representatives, “CommunitySouth had a large volume of commercial real estate and development loans that had gone bad and were unable to be repaid. As a result, the losses suffered on that portfolio caused their capital to be eroded. Once a bank’s capital is gone, they are technically insolvent.”
All former CommunitySouth deposit customers will automatically became depositors of CertusBank, N.A. The six branches continue to open during normal business hours, allowing customers full access to their deposits, which continue to be insured up to $250,000 by the FDIC.
“We are pleased to welcome CommunitySouth’s customers to CertusBank, N.A,” said K. Angela Webb, Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer for CertusBank. “We want to assure all former CommunitySouth customers that their deposits are safe and accessible. It is our intention to hire 99 percent of all employees so they will be greeted by the same familiar faces. Existing checks, debit cards, ATM cards and online banking will continue to work, allowing customers to access their money without disruption. Checks drawn on the bank will continue to be processed and loan customers should continue to make their payments as usual.”
Deposits in non-interest bearing transaction accounts are insured in full by the FDIC through December 31, 2012. This insurance is both in addition to, and separate from, the $250,000 coverage available under the FDIC’s general deposit insurance rules.
Within seven business days, CommunitySouth deposit customers should receive a letter providing additional details concerning their accounts. In addition, CertusBank representatives will be at all bank branches to assist customers with any questions.
“Literally nothing has changed but the name and the capital structure,” said Walter Davis, Vice Chairman and Chief Credit Officer of CertusBank, a Greenville native. “We want them to know that their money is safe. It’s safer than it ever has been. We are a strong financial institution. We plan on staying strong and we want customers to keep doing business with the same people that they’ve been doing business with before.”
CertusBank, N.A. is building a strong, sustainable, best-in-class banking franchise focused on exceptional customer service.
“We’re truly excited to have a presence in Upstate South Carolina,” Davis said. “It has one of the strongest economies in the southeast and we believe that it has a great deal of future potential. The people and quality of life are second to none. We look forward to being an integral part of the community.”
In an effort to ensure that this transition is as smooth as possible, customers can visit www.certusbank.com for answers to many frequently asked questions or they can speak with a customer service representative by calling 1-800-596-7100.
Customers and other interested stakeholders can learn more about the terms of the transaction by contacting the FDIC toll free at 1-877-ASK-FDIC or at www.fdic.gov.

GREENVILLE — Greenville authorities have arrested three men police believe were involved in a carjacking and the burglary of a Pickens-area pawn shop.
The men were arrested January 19 in connection with the armed robbery and carjacking, which occurred at a residence on Watkins Bridge Road in Greenville County on January 14. Police believe that the suspects later that evening backed the vehicle through the door of Pace’s Pawn in an attempted burglary.
Greenville County investigators have charged and arrested Demetrice Antonio Robinson, 17, Zachary Putman, 20, and Osaze Jonta Cooks, 25, in the case.
Robinson was charged with one count of armed robbery, one count of burglary first degree and one count of criminal conspiracy. Putman was charged with one count of attempted armed robbery, one count of possession of a weapon during a violent crime, one count of burglary first degree and one count of criminal conspiracy. Cooks faces one count of armed robbery, one count of burglary first degree and one count of criminal conspiracy.
Deputies arrested Robinson and Putman without incident last Wednesday, and both have been placed in the Greenville County Detention Center after being arraigned with no bond.
Investigators received information early last Wednesday morning of the whereabouts of Cooks. When deputies and the K-9 Unit arrived at a location off Augusta Road to take Cooks into custody, Cooks resisted arrest and was eventually taken into custody by the K-9 Unit, Master Deputy Sam Cureton of the Greenville Sheriff’s office said.
Cooks was taken to Greenville Memorial Hospital for treatment of minor injuries sustained after being taken into custody.
Pickens County Assistant Sheriff Tim Morgan told the Courier that his office has presented information concerning the case to a judge for warrants, but as of press time did not believe they had been issued against the three men in connection the Pace’s Pawn break-in.

A customer accidently hit the accelerator instead of the brake and ended up crashing through the front door of Fred’s Xpress Pharmacy in Easley last week.

COUNTY — Shortly before Christmas, oncology physicians from both Vanderbilt and Duke University medical centers told Jimmy “Tiger Jim” Moore to go home and enjoy the remaining time he had left to live with his family — his wife Robyn, children John and Nicole and four granddaughters.
The aggressive cancer on his head, first diagnosed as squamous cell carcinoma, had returned with a vengeance it seemed — despite multiple surgeries, seven weeks of chemotherapy and seven radiation treatments that had eradicated the diseased cells only weeks earlier.
The cancerous cells on his head invaded approximately 30 lymph nodes, all of which required surgical removal.
With a grim six-month prognosis, Jimmy and Robyn Moore did return home to share Christmas surrounded by the love, encouragement and prayers of family and friends. Anyone who knows Jimmy and Robyn Moore would not be the least bit surprised to find out that their fight for life did not end here.
On Monday, January 24, Jimmy and Robyn traveled to Atlanta, where they boarded a plane destined for Houston, Texas. On February 1, Moore will undergo radical cancer surgery at M.D. Anderson Medical Center, followed by at least five weeks worth of chemotherapy and radiation treatments.
Anyone who has needed medical care in the recent past — be it preventative or emergent — knows that health care costs have continued to be exorbitant. Needless to say, Moore’s medical treatment, examinations, consultations, surgeries and specialists exceeds ordinary health care expenditures.
In an effort to give back to Moore, a man who has dedicated his life to helping others throughout Pickens County, friends and family members decided to join forces and plan a fundraiser in honor and support of “Tiger Jim.” Rock Springs Baptist Church graciously offered their gymnasium to house the event.
Tickets to the Saturday, Feb. 19, BBQ Fundraiser, which begins at 11 a.m. and lasts until 4 p.m., are available for advanced sale at various locations throughout Pickens County — including Walker’s Furniture and Jimmy’s Restaurant — or through Tommy Keef at 908-2730. BBQ plates will be sold for $10 per plate, and other opportunities for donation will be available at the event.
BBQ seems a fitting fundraiser for Moore. In addition to the countless hours he spends as a board member, volunteer and advocate for the Pickens County Guardian Ad Litem program, Moore also participates in Easley’s BLWS each spring as organizer and head chef for the little league teams, parents and attendees.
“If you’ve ever enjoyed a meal at the BLWS, chances are Jimmy has cooked it,” said Keef, Moore’s brother-in-law.
Keef and Moore share the bonds of family and friendship, and together they host UFO: Upstate Facts and Opinions with “Carolina Tom” and “Tiger Jim,” a radio show on WCCP 104.9 FM. Keef describes Moore as a spirited fighter and a man who isn’t one to give up. Moore, one might say, has a lot of heart — which is true in more ways than one.
According to Keef, Moore is currently the longest living heart transplant recipient in the U.S. Approximately 25 years ago, he was the fourth individual to receive a heart transplant at Vanderbilt University.
“Jimmy always said God gave him a second chance at life that day,” said Keef. “From that day forward, he dedicated his life to God and to helping others. He has truly put his life in God’s hands.”
While life after a transplant is not always easy, Moore makes the most of every day.
Robyn, Moore’s wife for 36 years, said her husband is a huge supporter of life-saving organ donation and transplantation.
“Jimmy has been asked to speak to families and children about organ donation and transplants,” she said. “It is always a great opportunity for him to share his testimony with others. He has ridden his bike across the state of Tennessee three times to raise money for organ procurement programs, and he has competed in multiple triathlons.”
Jimmy and Robyn were married at the age of 17. Following his heart transplant, Robyn said she and Jimmy’s family wanted to keep him in a bubble to protect him. After a while, she learned to treat him like any other woman would treat her husband.
“I don’t treat Jimmy like an invalid,” she said. “He does not want to be treated like that.”
It does not appear that Moore allows many things to slow him down. He is an active member in his church. He serves children and families throughout Pickens County through Prevent Child Abuse programs. Until he suffered a shattered knee cap while apprehending a suspect at Clemson University, Moore was an officer with the University Police Department.
Moore has an amazing spirit and an unfaltering faith, but he is still human.
“Of course there are times when we have our pity parties,” said Robyn. “Then you have to pull yourself up by the boot straps and keep going.”
What keeps Jimmy and Robyn going is their Christian faith.
“Our whole focus in life is Jesus and the blessings we receive through every trial. God never gives us more than we can handle and He always brings us through,” said Robyn.
Jimmy and Robyn Moore are in Houston preparing for one of the greatest fights of their lives. Cancer can be a stubborn opponent; however, both Jimmy and Robin believe in miracles and that, with faith in God, nothing is impossible.
From friends and community in Pickens County, there is an out-pouring of love and prayer for Moore and his family. Whatever happens, Robyn said Jimmy believes he is a winner either way.
Again, anyone interested in supporting the BBQ Fundraiser for Jimmy Moore can do so by calling Tommy Keef at 908-2730.

CLEMSON — A former Clemson University student was charged with forgery for submitting falsified time sheets for a job he no longer held, according to warrants.
Everton Anthony Archer Jr., 27, of Sharpsburg, Ga., was charged with 18 counts of forgery under $1,000. He allegedly collected a total of $6,094.25 after leaving a position working for faculty in the engineering college.
Archer, who was a senior electrical engineering major, is not enrolled this semester.
He was released Friday on an $18,000 personal recognizance bond for the felony charges.

LIBERTY — At the January 24 meeting of the School District of Pickens County Board of Trustees, Elliott Southard was named principal of Chastain Road Elementary School. Southard is currently principal at Central Elementary.
“Opening a new school requires an experienced administrator with exceptional abilities,” said Dr. Henry Hunt, superintendent. “Mr. Southard is the ideal leader for the new school. He has been successful at Central, earning the respect of the staff and parents. He has outstanding rapport with students. His enthusiasm for learning is contagious. He’s also a team player who is well-respected by his peers.”
A graduate of Clemson University, Southard taught third grade in Anderson before becoming assistant principal at Six Mile Elementary in 2005. He began his tenure as principal at Central Elementary in July 2007. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in K-12 Educational Leadership at Clemson.
“I am excited about the opportunity to open a brand new elementary school,” Southard said. “This is something that most folks only dream about. I know Lowell Haynes, principal at Liberty Elementary, very well and look forward to working closely with him and the rest of the tremendous staff at Liberty to make the transition to Chastain Road. I am also looking forward to meeting and getting to know the students, parents, and community members in the Liberty area. I have heard nothing but wonderful things about them.”
“As for my time at Central,” he continued, “I could not be more grateful. There is not a more devoted faculty and staff around, and the students and their families are top notch. I will dearly miss working with them.”
Southard will begin planning for the transition to Chastain Road while continuing his duties at Central Elementary. Chastain Road Elementary is set to open in September.

EASLEY — Baptist Easley Hospital recently named David P. Chang, M.D., the Cam Underhill Practicing Excellence Physician of the Quarter.
The award is based on the Baptist Easley Medical Staff Standards of Behavior: Integrity, Compassion, and Competence.
Excerpts from Dr. Chang’s nominations read: “First, he is brilliant and demonstrates complete knowledge of internal medicine. Second, he communicates his diagnosis in layman terms to his patients, speaking directly ‘to’ them and not ‘at’ them. Third, he listens carefully to the patient, and you feel he is an integral part of your personal health program. If I ever move, I’ll still drive 100 miles to keep him as my primary physician.”
Another nomination read, “He is also a leader at Baptist Easley and puts the interest of the hospital and patients’ long-term health first. He has outstanding diagnostic skills.”
Yet another nominee said, “He is a happy, positive man. He knows me and my history, and I’m not just a ‘number’ to him.”
Dr. Chang currently practices at Easley Internal Medicine. He has been on staff at Baptist Easley since May 2000, and is Board certified in Internal Medicine and a Diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine.