Monthly Archives: February 2011
Wave secure region crown
EASLEY — The Easley Green Wave basketball squad stretched its winning streak to 10 games last week, wrapping up a Region I-AAAA boys’ basketball title along the way.
On Tuesday night, the Wave secured the region crown with a 63-61 win at Hanna. Friday night, Easley used a dominant non-conference road win over Byrnes to springboard into Wednesday’s AAAA playoff opener.
The Green Wave, who finished as Upperstate runners-up last season, will host Mauldin at McKelvey Gymnasium tonight at 7 p.m. to open postseason play.
On senior night at T.L. Hanna last Tuesday, the Jackets did not go down without a fight.
The Green Wave led 16-14 at the end of the first quarter and continued to build the lead as sophomore Matt Preston hit three three-pointers to push the Wave to a 37-29 half-time advantage.
The game looked manageable, but the team from Anderson had other things in mind. Hanna’s Ronell Crockett and Quin Jones bombed away from the three-point line as the Jackets stormed back to take a third quarter lead at 51-47.
The game remained tight, with Easley’s Spencer Collins and Tim Pickel carrying the scoring load in the fourth quarter to gain the victory. The deciding basket came with 17 seconds on the clock when Collins found Pickel streaking to the basket and threaded the needle on a long court pass to put the Wave on top for the final margin. The game ended when Collins managed to steal the ball before Hanna could get in position for a game winner. Collins paced Easley with 18 points, while Pickel had 12 and Troy McGowens had 11. Trevin Franklin and McKenzie Blandin played big in the post with five rebounds apiece.
In Friday night’s trip to Duncan to take on Byrnes, the Green Wave played to a 35-28 half-time lead before pulling away in the third quarter.
With a 67-40 final score, Easley coach Grant Stallard gave every player court time in the fourth quarter. While Collins (21) and Pickel (13) continued their scoring ways and led the team, the star for the night was Blandin, a senior in his final regular-season game.
Blandin pulled down 14 rebounds while giving away several inches to the Rebels’ bigger post players.
McGowens chipped in nine points, while Shykil Chandler added seven for the Wave.
Easley finished the regular season with a 19-5 record, including a 10-2 mark in region play.
Middle school students shadow mentors
COUNTY — Each year, SDPC middle school students have the opportunity to participate in job shadowing. The district’s Job Shadow 2011 officially began last week as Pickens Middle students shadowed workplace mentors across the county.
Job Shadow 2011, in its 14th year, kicked off nationally on February 2. The year-long initiative gives students across America the chance to “shadow” a workplace mentor on the job for a day. This effort provides young people with an up-close look at how skills learned in school are put to use in the workplace.
“The district’s participation in this national program provides an opportunity for our middle school students to explore a career they are interested in by talking with a career mentor and going into the workplace,” said Danny Fahey, school-to-work facilitator. “It is a great experience, and we invite students, parents and businesses to participate.”
Students will participate in Job Shadow 2010 on these dates:
Pickens Middle — Feb. 4
Gettys Middle (sixth grade) — Feb. 11
Gettys Middle (seventh grade) — Feb. 18
Edwards Middle — Feb. 18
Liberty Middle — Feb. 25
Dacusville Middle — March 4
In Pickens County, hundreds of businesses mentor to SDPC middle school students. Businesses include Palmetto Health and Cannon Memorial hospitals, Pickens County Sheriff’s Department, Clemson University, and many local governmental departments. Businesses that would like to participate should contact Fahey at 864-397-1018.
Visit the SDPC website at www.pickens.k12.sc.us for more information.
Beans don’t have to be boring
There’s no limit to the variety of bean dishes waiting to be tried by those who aren’t afraid of a little variety. The recipes this week feature navy, white soup, kidney and pinto beans, but all are different dishes with different flavors.
All are hearty, flavorful dishes and are guaranteed to fill up the hungry while satisfying their taste buds. Feel free to add heat if you like with red pepper flakes.
But, if you decide to do this, by all means take seriously the instruction, season to taste.
Chili Con Carne4 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 yellow onion, chopped
2 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
2 beef bouillon cubes
2 (16 ounce) cans whole peeled tomatoes, chopped, juice reserved
2/3 cup red wine
Garlic cloves, crushed
1 (12 ounce) can tomato paste
1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
2 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 1/2 teaspoons dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
2 tablespoons dried parsley
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
12 drops hot pepper sauce
1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained
3 tablespoons flour
3 tablespoons corn meal
1/2 cup water
Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Cook green pepper, and onion, until softened. Add the ground beef and cook until browned.
Crumble over bouillon cubes, and stir in wine; continue to cook for a few minutes. Stir in chopped tomatoes, garlic, and tomato paste. Season with paprika, chili powder, cayenne pepper, basil, oregano, and parsley. Stir in salt and pepper.
Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium low. Cover, and simmer for 90 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Stir in kidney beans, and hot pepper sauce. You can add the reserved tomato juice if more liquid is needed. Continue to simmer for an additional 30 minutes.
In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, corn meal, and water until smooth.
Stir into chili, and cook for a further 10 minutes, or until chili has thickened up.
Senate Bean Soup
1 pound dried navy beans or great northern beans, washed and drained
3 medium potatoes, cooked and mashed
2 medium smoked ham hocks
2 medium onions, chopped
1 cup chopped celery
2 large cloves garlic, minced
salt and pepper
Cover beans with water and bring to a boil; boil for two minutes. Remove from heat, cover, and let stand for one hour. Drain bean liquid into a bowl; measure and add enough water or broth to make five quarts; pour back into beans. Bring beans to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer for about two hours, or until beans are very tender. Add ham hocks, potatoes, onions, celery and garlic, and continue to simmer for another hour.
Remove ham hocks and cut up meat; return to soup. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Boston Baked Beans
2 cups navy beans
1/2 pound bacon
1 onion, finely diced
3 tablespoons molasses
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
1/2 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup brown sugar
Soak beans overnight in cold water. Simmer the beans in the same water until tender, approximately one to two hours. Drain and reserve the liquid.
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
Arrange the beans in a two-quart bean pot or casserole dish by placing a portion of the beans in the bottom of dish, and layering them with bacon and onion.
In a saucepan, combine molasses, salt, pepper, dry mustard, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce and brown sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil and pour over beans. Pour in just enough of the reserved bean water to cover the beans. Cover the dish with a lid or aluminum foil.
Bake for three to four hours in the preheated oven, until beans are tender. Remove the lid about halfway through cooking, and add more liquid if necessary to prevent the beans from getting too dry.
Border-Style Beans
1 pound pinto beans, about 2 to 2 1/2 cups
8 cups water
1 pound lean ground beef
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 large clove garlic
1 tablespoon chili powder
2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes
1 cup chopped celery
1 can (14 1/2-ounce) diced tomatoes
2 medium carrots, sliced
seasoned salt, to taste
pepper
Wash, pick over, soak, and cook beans with the eight cups of water, following package directions. Sauté onions and garlic in oil; add lean ground beef. When beef is no longer pink, add chili powder. Add ground beef, parsley, celery and tomatoes to the cooked beans. Return bean soup to boil; turn heat to low. Cover and cook two hours longer. Add sliced carrots during last hour of cooking time. Salt and pepper to taste.
Obituaries for week of February 16
Earle E. Morris Jr.
LEXINGTON — Mr. Earle E. Morris, Jr., 82, was born July 14, 1928, in Pickens and died on Friday, Feb. 11, 2011.
He was the son of Earle E. Morris, Sr. and Bernice Carey Morris. Mr. Morris was educated in the Pickens Public Schools. Mr. Morris was a member of Rose Hill Presbyterian Church, Columbia, Elder and Clerk of Session, former Deacon; and Trustee, Synod of South Carolina; Trustee and Former Chairman, Board of Insurance, Annuities and Relief, Presbyterian Church in America. Mr. Morris was elected at age 21 as a member of the South Carolina House of Representatives from 1951 to 1955. He was elected to the South Carolina Senate from 1955 to 1971 and Former Chairman of the Joint Committee on Mental Health and Mental Retardation from 1959 to 1970. Mr. Morris was elected as Lieutenant Governor on Nov. 3, 1970 for a four year term, 1971 to 1975 and was a Member, South Carolina Mental Health Commission from 1975 to 1976. Mr. Morris was elected Comptroller General, June 16, 1976 and re-elected, 1978, 1982, 1986, 1990 and 1994. He retired as South Carolina Comptroller General in 1999. Mr. Morris received many awards and recognitions: 2000 Vice President, Financial Accounting Foundations, 1999 Appointed Honorary Consul by the Republic of Korea, 1997 Clemson Medallion by Clemson University, 1997 Living Legend Award by the South Carolina Historical Foundation, 1995 Frank Greathouse Distinguished Leadership Award by the National Association of Government Accountants, 1993 Nation’s Most Valuable Public Official by City & State Magazine, Listed in Who’s Who in America, Who’s Who in Government, Who’s Who in the World, Who’s Who in American Politics, Who’s Who in Business and Finance, Distinguished Service Awards: presented by SC Mental Health Association, SC Association for Retarded Children, SC Rehabilitation Association, SC Aurora Clubs for the Blind and SC Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Professionals; Distinguished Alumnus, Clemson University, Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award, Clemson University, Certificate of Appreciation: South Carolina Hospital Association, Distinguished Service Award, SC Association of Extension Agents, Order of the Trilon, Tri-County Technical College, Public Service Award, SC Association of Certified Public Accountants, Distinguished Friend of State Employees, presented by State Employees Association, Donald L. Scantlebury Memorial Award, 1985 (The annual award of the federal government given to a state or local government finance official which specifically recognizes exceptional and distinguished leadership in governmental financial management.) Presidential Medallion, Horry-Georgetown Technical College, The Highest Effort Award for Government, Sigma Alpha Epsilon National Fraternity, Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting (1989-1998), Achievement of the Year Award, Association of Government Accountants, American Legion’s Distinguished Public Service Award, the ARC Award from Midlands Chapter of Association of Retarded Citizens and Dr. E. Gaine Cannon Humanitarian Award. He also received many Military awards: President, State Guard Association of the United States, Major General in the SC State Guard, Past Commander (1987-1993), Past President, SC National Guard Association, 1980-1981, State Director, Selective Service System, Hall of Fame, Palmetto Military Academy (State OCS), Member, SC Army National Guard, 1951-1987, Brigadier General (Retired), SC State Guard Distinguished Service Medal, Order of White Eagle-Poland’s Highest Decoration, Knight Grand Cross-Order of St. Stanislas: Grand Chancellor of Order, Knight Commander-2nd Class-Order of Polonia Restituta, Cross of Merit-1st Class with Swords, Cross of Freedom and Independence, U.S. Army Legion of Merit & Meritorious Service Medals, Selective Service System Distinguished Service & Commendation Awards, SC State Guard Distinguished Service Medal, SC Exceptional Service Medal and the American Legion. Mr. Morris was Chairman of SC Democratic Party, 1966-1968, Secretary-Treasurer of the SC Democratic Party, 1965-1966, Member, National Advisory Mental Health Council, 1965-1969, Executive Committee of the National Lieutenant Governor’s Conference, 1972-1973, Member, Advisory Board, National Association for Retarded Citizens, Member, Advisory Board, National United Negro College Fund, Chairman, Advisory Board, National Information System for Health Related Services, Chairman of the Advisory Board of Directors for the Rocky Bottom Camp of the Blind, Member, SC Interagency Council on Aging, 1966-1971, Represented SC on the Commission on Mental Health and Human Services of the Southern Regional Education Board, Chairman, 1980-1982, Past President, Clemson University Foundation, Member, Fenwick Hall Professional Advisory Board, Alumni Advisory Committee for College of Liberal Arts, Clemson University, Adjunct Professor, College of Commerce and Industry, Clemson University, Trustee, Financial Accounting Foundation, Norwalk, Connecticut (1995-2001), Past President, National Association of State Comptrollers, Past President, National Association of State Auditors, Comptrollers and Treasurers 1989, Past Chairman, Board of Directors, United Way of South Carolina, Inc. Past Chairman Governmental Accounting Standards Advisory Council of the US (1988-1995). Mr. Morris was honored with many Doctor degrees: Doctor of Public Service ‒ USC, 1980, Doctor of Medical Science, MUSC, 1982, Doctor of Humanities, Lander College, 1982, Doctor of Laws, Clemson University, 1982, Doctor of Laws, the Citadel, 1983, Doctor of Humanities, Francis Marion College, 1984, Doctor of Laws, Central Wesleyan College, 1988, Doctor of Public Service, South Carolina State College, 1990, Doctor of Humane Letters, University of Charleston, 1992 and Doctor of Humane Letters, Winthrop University, 1996.
Mr. Morris was a loving husband and father to his wife, Carol Telford Morris of Lexington; children, Lynda Lewis Still (Shannon), Carey Mauldin Anthony (Buddy), Elizabeth McDaniel Holder (Jeff), Earle E. Morris, III (Diana); seven grandchildren, Ashley Crawford, Kristen Pirkle, Jonathan Holder, Jacob Holder, Noah Morris, Tori Morris and Lucca Vitale; great-grandchild, Morgan Crawford and many special friends including Saied Darvish and Jennifer Vitale.
He was predeceased by his first wife, Jane Bouroughs; son, David Earle Morris and brother-in-law, Gary Dale Telford. www.caughmanharmanfuneralhome.net
Funeral services for Earle E. Morris, Jr., were held at 3 p.m. Monday, Feb. 14, 2011, at Caughman-Harman Funeral Home, Lexington Chapel with entombment in Bush River Memorial Gardens Mausoleum.
Memorials may be made to Pawmetto Life Line, P.O. Box 1777, Columbia, SC 29202 or to Pets Inc., 300 Orchard Drive, West Columbia, SC 29170.
Zona Hallums Ladd
Easley — Mrs. Zona Hallums Ladd, 94, formerly of 201 West B Avenue, wife of the late R.L. Ladd, died Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2011 at Majesty Health and Rehabilitation, Easley.
Born in Anderson County, a daughter of the late Wesley and Dora Collins Hallums, Mrs. Ladd worked for the Grantham family for 40 years prior to which she worked for the family of L.R. Poole. She is known by many people for keeping children at the Easley Bowling Alley. She was a lifelong member of Easley Union Baptist Church where she was a former deaconess, usher and member of the Missionary Auxillary. Mrs. Ladd was also a member of the White Rose Garden Club.
Surviving are a son, Terry Smith (Cynthia) of Easley; step-son, Reginald Ladd (Elenor) of Atlanta; a son raised in the home, Andrew Ladd (Wendy) of Charlotte; a sister, Pearlie Gamble of Greenville; special daughter, Dottie Grantham of Easley; her God-daughter, Betty Jo Gambrell of Easley; 18 grandchildren, 43 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.
In addition to her husband and parents, Mrs. Ladd was predeceased by a daughter, Barbara Johnson; and by two brothers and seven sisters.
Funeral services were 2 p.m. Friday at Easley Union Baptist Church with the Rev. C.L. Cruell officiating. Burial followed in Greenlawn Memorial Park.
“With grateful hearts, we express appreciation for all the acts of kindness extended to our family during our loss. We are humbled by your thoughtfulness” The Ladd Family
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, which is assisting the family.
Haskell Charles Galbreath
Pickens — Haskell Charles “Hank” Galbreath, 78, of 174 Porter Road died Monday, Feb. 7, 2011 at his residence.
Born in Easley, he was the husband of Geraldine Rich Galbreath of the home, and a son of the late Edgar Bruce and Grace Ellenburg Galbreath. Hank was a 1950 graduate of Easley High School and afterwards he joined the U.S. Marine Corp and served our country during the Korean War. He was the owner of Western Auto in Pickens which later became known as Haskell Corp. He was of the Baptist faith.
Surviving in addition to his wife are two daughters, Debbie Fowler of Liberty and Suzanne Smith of Six Mile; three sons Mike Galbreath of Titusville, Fla., Brian Galbreath of Toccoa, Ga. and Bruce Galbreath of Easley; a stepson, Jerry Clark of Liberty; two sisters, Barbara Ellis of Easley and Shelby Hawkins of Greenville; 10 Grandchildren, Misty Kearney, Jason Fowler, Katie Estes, Shawn, Jennifer, Katelyn, Kim and Kaley Galbreath, and Brittany and Jacob Smith; great grandchildren, Zachary Sanders, Andre and Haley Bergeron, Ashton Kearney, Jayden Parker and Nolan Galbreath.
In addition to his parents he was predeceased by a daughter, Rhonda Galbreath; a stepdaughter Jan Rathgeb; a son Joseph Mark Galbreath; two brothers, Chris and Jack Galbreath; and a great grandchild, Haiden Parker.
Funeral services to honor the life of Mr. Galbreath were held Friday at 2 p.m. in the Liberty Mortuary Chapel. Burial was at Flat Rock Baptist Church Cemetery.
Floral arrangements are appreciated but memorials may also be made to Open Arms Hospice: 1836 West Georgia Road Simpsonville, SC 29680 or Armed Forces Veterans Homes Foundation 5211 Auth Road Suitland, MD 20746.
Memorial messages may be sent to the family by visiting www.libertymortuary.com Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.
Lee C. Fowler
Liberty — Lee C. Fowler, 90, of Liberty, died Wednesday, Feb. 9, 2011 at Anderson Area Medical Center.
Born in Liberty he was a son of the late Frank and Mattie Hinton Fowler. He retired from the U. S. Air Force and had previously served in the U.S. Army as well. He served his country during World War II and later the Korean War. After his military service he later retired from Woodside Mill and attended Smith Chapel Wesleyan Church.
Surviving are his wife, Ruth Gilstrap Fowler of the home; two sons and daughters in law, Stanley and Yvonne Fowler, and Randall and Gloria Fowler all of Liberty; a brother, Earl Fowler of Liberty; five grandchildren, Stacey Kitchens, Stephanie Cope, Dustin Fowler, Amanda Fowler, and Lauren Fowler; two great grandchildren, Kristen and Zane Kitchens.
Graveside services with full military honors for Mr. Fowler were 4 p.m. Saturday at Westview Cemetery, Liberty.
Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Smith Chapel Wesleyan Church, 735 Golden Creek Road, Liberty SC 29657.
Memorial messages may be sent to the family by visiting www.libertymortuary.com Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.
Shirley D. Childress
Easley — Shirley Ann Dalton Childress, 72, of 125 May Street, wife of the late James Roy Childress, died Thursday, Feb. 10, 2011 at her home.
Born in Pickens County, she was the daughter of the late Richard Earl Dalton and Beatrice Holbrooks Dalton. Mrs. Childress was formerly employed with Stayon and was a member of Cedar Rock Baptist Church.
Surviving is her son, Steve Childress (Martha) of Easley; two grandchildren, Bradley and Jennifer; two great grandchildren, Devon and Joey; six sisters, Glenda Finley, Linda Kennemore, Susie Durham, Judy Gillespie and Mary Lesley all of Easley and Bobbie Fox of Greenville; two brothers, Wayne Dalton and Ricky Dalton of Easley; and her companion and longtime friend, B.F. Evatt.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by two children, James Bradley Childress and Kathy Marie Childress, two sisters, Ann Black and Ellen Seigle, and a brother, Jimmy Dalton.
Funeral services were held on Saturday, Feb. 12 at 3 p.m. in the chapel of Dillard Funeral Home. Burial followed in Cedar Rock Baptist Church Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 154 Milestone Way, Greenville, SC 29615 or to Hospice of the Upstate, 1835 Rogers Rd., Anderson, SC 29621.
Online condolences may be expressed by visiting DillardFunerals.com
Melvin Eugene Heaton, Sr.
Pickens — Mr. Melvin Eugene Heaton, Sr. 74, husband of Mrs. Martha Joan Cheek Heaton, died Friday, Feb. 11, 2011 at his home.
Born in Oconee County, a son of the late Mack and Pearl Calhoun Heaton, Mr. Heaton retired from G.E., served in the U.S. Navy, and was of the Baptist faith.
In addition to his wife of the home, are two sons, James Chuck Heaton and Melvin Eugene Heaton, Jr. (Deanna), all of Easley; one daughter, Debbie Pelt (Billy) of Easley; one brother, Curtis Heaton of Seneca; one sister, Linda Crane of Westminister; and seven grandchildren, Mitzi Burgess, Shane Heaton, Brandon Heaton, Stephanie Heaton, Meagan Heaton, Austin Cordell, and Brady Cordell.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Heaton was predeceased by two brothers, Fred and Alvin Heaton.
Funeral services were 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 13 in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown. Burial followed in Greenlawn Memorial Park.
Memorials may be made to Interim Hospice, 775 Spartan Boulevard, Spartanburg, SC 29301 or to the Cancer Centers of the Carolinas, 3 Butternut Drive, Suite B, Greenville, SC 29605.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, which is assisting the family.
Zane Chastain
Liberty — Betty Zane Hunter Chastain, 80, of 33 N. Commerce Street, died Friday, Feb. 11, 2011 at Baptist Easley Hospital.
Born in Liberty, she was the widow of George Vernon Chastain and a daughter of the late Ralph and Betty Childs Hunter. Zane was a member of First Baptist Church, Liberty. During her working career she was the owner of Zane’s Place an antique store in Six Mile, was a bowling instructor, and also worked for Barnes Landscaping.
Surviving are a son, George V. Chastain, Jr. and his wife, Jeanne Goodman of Point Marion, Pa.; two grandsons, Jason and Dawson Chastain; three sisters in law, Cindy Hunter, Jean Watson, and June Finley and her husband Quillen; her beloved pet and companion, Alfie; special friends, Howard Ralph, Jr., Patricia Poehl, Buddy Rosado, Rozell Garrison, Patsy Morris, and Caroline Bagwell; numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services to honor the life of Mrs. Chastain were 11 a.m. Tuesday in the Liberty Mortuary Chapel. Entombment was at Hillcrest Memorial Park.
Memorials are requested to Pickens County Meals on Wheels, PO Box 184, Easley SC 29641.
Memorial messages may be sent to the family by visiting www.libertymortuary.com Liberty Mortuary, Inc. is handling arrangements.
W. Clarence Simmons
Pickens — William Clarence Simmons, 94, formerly of Woodall Mountain Road, and husband of the late Ida Mae Aiken Simmons, died Friday, Feb. 11, 2011.
Born in Pickens County, he was the son of the late Earlie C. Simmons and Ollie Hudson Simmons. Mr. Simmons retired as the owner of the Pickens Radiator Shop. He was an active member of Pickens Church of God and the Pickens Senior Center.
Surviving are his children, Wesley Simmons and his wife, Rheba, of Pickens; Mary Ann Hayes and her husband, Theo, of Pickens; and Nancy Peace and her husband, Stan, of Lawrenceville, Ga.; 10 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; 15 great-great grandchildren; two sisters, Gertrude Hughes and Doris Childs, of Pickens; and a brother, Garland Simmons, of Pickens.
In addition to his parents and wife, he was predeceased by two sisters, Nina Anderson and Edna Tinsley, and two brothers, Garcie Simmons and Carl Simmons.
The family wishes to express its gratitude to the staff of Rosemond Living Center for the exceptional care of Mr. Simmons.
A service to celebrate Mr. Simmons’ life was held on Monday, Feb. 14, 2011 at 2 p.m. at Pickens Church of God. Burial followed in Hillcrest Memorial Park.
Flowers accepted or memorials may be made to Pickens Church of God Building Fund, 127 McDaniel Ave., Pickens, SC 29671.
Online condolences may be expressed by visiting DillardFunerals.com
Weldon Gilbert, Jr.
Pickens — Weldon Gilbert, Jr., 82, of Pickens, died Feb. 2, 2011 at Rainey Hospice House.
Born April 18, 1928 in Gainesville, Ga., he was a son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Weldon Gilbert, Sr. He was a veteran of the Korean War. He worked at the Atlanta Transit Company before moving to Pickens with his family. After moving to Pickens he was employed at Singer and Alice Manufacturing.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his sons, Ricky Gilbert of Pickens and Dwayne Gilbert of Easley; two daughters, Sharon Whitworth (Victor) and Karon Hickey (Johnny), both of Pickens; three granddaughters and two grandsons.
The family appreciates every act of kindness that has been done during this time.
A memorial service was held Friday, Feb. 4 at Mountain Grove Baptist Church with the Rev. H.C. Couch officiating.
Donations may be made to Hospice of the Upstate, Inc., 1835 Rogers Road, Anderson, SC 29621.
Joseph E. Rauschenbach
Simpsonville — Joseph “Joe” Eugene Rauschenbach, 49, died suddenly at his home, 102 A Alice Avenue, Simpsonville.
Joe was born in Springfield, Ill., the son of the late Bill Rauschenbach. He was a 1980 graduate of Pickens Senior High School. He worked for Southeastern Concrete in Simpsonville.
Surviving is his Mom, Joan, two brothers, six sisters and 14 nieces and nephews, Mary Bell (Danny), Matt Rauschenbach (Alba), Sue Williams, John Rauschenbach (Kathy), Nancy Bagwell (Avery), Amy Hood (Ralph), Carol Lawson (Rob), Margaret Holder (David).
In lieu of flowers, the family wishes memorials to be made to Pickens County Library House, c/o Habitat for Humanity, PO Box 330, Pickens, SC 29671.
The family will be at the home of his parents at 129 Gail Avenue in Pickens.
Dillard Funeral Home will be handling the arrangements.
Classifieds for week for February 16
Vacation/Travel
ADVERTISE your vacation home, condo or apartment to more than 2.7 million South Carolina newspaper readers. Your 25-word classified ad will appear in 108 S.C. newspapers for only $375. Call Jimmie Haynes at the South Carolina Newspaper Network at 1-888-727-7377. SW
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Announcements
DO YOU EARN $800 IN A DAY? Your own local candy route! 25 machines and candy. All for $9995. 877-915-8222 All major credit cards accepted! S.S.Reg.No.299 SW
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CASH NOW! Cash for your structured settlement or annuity payments. Call J.G. Wentworth. 1-866-SETTLEMENT (1-866-738-8536). Rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau. SW
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DIVORCE WITH OR WITHOUT CHILDREN $125.00. With FREE name change documents and marital settlement agreement. Fast and easy. Call us 24hrs./7days: 1-888-789-0198; www.CourtDivorceService.com. SW
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TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2011, is the last day to redeem winning tickets in the following South Carolina Education Lottery Instant Game: Carolina Riches 7th Anniversary (#384). SW
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DISH NETWORK’S LOWEST all-digital price! As low as $24.99/mo plus FREE HD for life! Call for limited time bonus! Call now. 1-888-713-3172.SW
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Miscellaneous
AIRLINES ARE HIRING: Train for high paying Aviation Career. FAA approved program. Financial aid if qualified- Job placement assistance. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance (866) 367-2513. SW
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ATTEND COLLEGE ONLINE from Home. *Medical, *Business, *Paralegal,*Accounting,*Criminal justice. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial Aid if qualified. Call 888-220-3872 www.CenturaOnline.com.
SW
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For Sale
FOR SALE: 1974 Honda CR250 Elsinore Motor cross bike. Excellent condition. New motor. $2,200 firm. 864-506-3009. 2-16
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FREE HD FOR LIFE! Only on DISH Network! Lowest price in America! $24.99/mo for over 120 channels! $500 Bonus! 1-888-713-3172. SW
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“FREE MEDS” If you can’t afford to pay for your prescriptions: You can enroll into special free medicine programs by calling toll free 1.888.433.7336 – 24/7. SW
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For Sale: Maytag 25 cubic ft. refrigerator, double door, freezer and ice maker on bottom. Excellent condition. $750 or negotiable price Call 294-7162.
2/9, 2/16
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FOR SALE: 1968 Camaro drag/street car. $20,000 2-16
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FOR SALE: WZ125 Yamaha. Brand new in storage. Never ridden. $4,500 2-16
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FOR SALE: 1975 CR125 Honda. $2,800 2-16
Auctions/Shows
ADVERTISE YOUR AUCTION in 111 S.C. newspapers for only $375. Your 25-word classified ad will reach more than 2.7 million readers. Call Jimmie Haynes at the S.C. Newspaper Network, 1-888-727-7377. TFC
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Wanted
WANTED: Ben Winchester hardwood flooring to repair the floors at the old Hagood Elementary School. Please call Ted Shehan at 864-508-0878. TFC
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For Rent
ADVERTISE YOUR VACATION PROPERTY, to more than 2.7 million South Carolina newspaper readers. Your 25-word classified ad will appear in 111 S.C. newspapers for only $375. Call Jimmie Haynes at the South Carolina Newspaper Network, 1-888-727-7377. SW
Land/Acreage
LAKE RUSSELL WATERFRONT 2.1 ACRE -$24,880. Nicely wooded with 140 ft of waterfront, 1 Hr from Greenville, Financing Available. Call Now 888-361-7745! SW
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Tempers flare over 2030 plan
COUNTY — Residents of Pickens County were fired up at Monday night’s regularly scheduled county council meeting following the public meeting with the Pickens County legislative delegation held on January 31.
At the Pickens County legislative delegation meeting, Senator Larry Martin pointed to language in SC Code Title 6, Chapter 29 — specifically the word “may” — which many audience members interpreted to mean that the South Carolina Local Government Comprehensive Planning Enabling Act of 1994 does not require South Carolina counties to create comprehensive plans.
Operating under the premise that the creation of Pickens County’s comprehensive plan was an option council members elected to choose, as opposed to a mandate they were required to follow, members of the Conservatives of the Upstate group lined up to voice their vehement objections to the document still in the draft stage.
David Merck, a vocal opponent to the comprehensive plan, described it as an “Orwellian Nightmare” that will restrict the rights and liberties of Pickens County residents.
“There is a vast difference between may or must — between voluntary and mandatory,” he said. “Voluntary is when you choose to put your head in the guillotine; mandatory is ‘Big Brother’ putting your head in the guillotine.”
Pickens County resident Junius Smith, a regular speaker during the council’s public forum, said “It is not so much planning that is the problem. Nothing is wrong with planning.”
Smith’s concern is that the words Free Enterprise, Profit and Capitalistic appear nowhere in the more than 100-page document and that sustainable development is a governmental code word for socialism.
Outspoken challengers of the Comprehensive Plan have been vocalizing their concerns before council members for months, with a general consensus that the plan will deprive property owners of their rights, that bike and equestrian trails will force residents to relinquish their automobiles, and that the government will confine residents to “stack ‘em, pack ‘em” housing developments.
The “2030 Pickens County: A Comprehensive Plan” document, available to the public in its entirety on Pickens County’s website, is designed to serve as a framework that focuses on population, economic development, housing, transportation and land use, in anticipation of the county’s future growth.
“As a county that will continue to experience growth over the next 20 years, Pickens County can anticipate many challenges to its character and quality of life. These challenges will strain natural resources and physical infrastructure, making citizen driven planning an essential public function….The Pickens County Comprehensive Plan has been drafted by its citizens and for its citizens as a policy guide for their future.”
Vice President of Conservatives of the Upstate, Jonell Raines, maintains that the Comprehensive Plan contains a lie because it does not reflect the consensus of the 75.16 percent of straight-ticket Republican voters in Pickens County. She quoted the acknowledgement section of the document which thanks “neighbors (Oconee, Anderson, Greenville and Transylvania Counties) who came and shared their thoughts and ideas.”
Jennifer Willis, chairwoman of Pickens County Council, defended council members and explained that because of certain ordinances already in place in the county, council had to comply with South Carolina Local Government Comprehensive Planning Enabling Act of 1994.
“We do hear you,” she said. “If the law changes, this thing will go away. Right now 45 out of the 46 counties in South Carolina are required to comply.”
Knowing that the Comprehensive Plan has spurred such heated debate among residents in Pickens County, one man at the meeting questioned why council members were not present at the legislative delegation meeting held on January 31.
“The illustrious Senator Martin threw us under the bus,” said former Council Chair G. Neil Smith. “Most of us were sick and tired of hearing the crap.”
Comprehensive Plan opponents are advocating having South Carolina Local Government Comprehensive Planning Enabling Act of 1994 repealed. Until this happens, however, debate over property rights, bike paths and socialist government conspiracy theories will continue to be debated.
Local sawmill burns again
PICKENS — A Pickens sawmill caught fire last Wednesday night, and as of press time the cause of the blaze has not been determined.
A utility building at Durham’s Hardwood, located off U.S. 178 in Pickens, caught fire around 10 p.m., according to officials. The initial cause was thought to be an electrical transformer explosion on site. The building housed a dump truck, a tractor trailer and tools.
Pickens firefighters battled the blaze for more than an hour before bringing the fire under control.
According to officials with the Pickens Fire Department, the building was destroyed but the fire was held to the structure and did not damage the mill itself. Employees of the business were allowed back to work the following morning.
The mill was closed at the time of the fire, so no injuries were reported.
The fire is still under investigation by the Pickens Fire Department.
The same mill fell victim to a damaging fire in 2008 when the mill was devastated by a blaze that was assessed at more than a million dollars in damages. The owner rebuilt at that time and reopened.
Arrest made after Easley theater fire
EASLEY — A Greenville man was arrested and charged with arson after police say they believe he tried to set fire to an Easley movie theater last Thursday.
Andrew Craig Keisler, 24, of 24 Bruce Road in Greenville, was arrested after police were called to REI Cinemas at 5065 Calhoun Memorial Highway in reference to a fire that was intentionally set.
Police say that after meeting with the theater manager they were told that a man had left the building and headed toward Dalton School Road after they discovered a fire in the janitor’s closet in the business. The manager told police she managed to flag down an off-duty officer and gave a description of the suspect.
The officer apprehended a suspect on Patrick Avenue. The suspect was returned the theater and was identified.
The Easley Fire Department responded to the report of a structure fire at the theater.
The fire was intentionally started in a closet on the main floor.
The fire was out on arrival, and there were no injuries.
There was very minimal if any damage to the building. The fire department was on scene for approximately 20 minutes removing smoke and checking the building.
Keisler was charged with being drunk in public and arson.
Pickens votes not to donate to festival
PICKENS — Pickens city council voted Monday night not to donate $4,000 as requested to the Pickens Azalea Festival.
Council voted unanimously not to pass the request from the Pickens Azalea Festival Committee for funds for the 2011 festival.
Councilman Fletcher Perry, chairman of the council’s finance committee, made the recommendation, citing the lack of hospitality funds available following the money’s use on the West Main Street Sidewalk Project.
Mayor David Owens said that the city will continue to make its in-kind donation of sanitation and police for the event. Owens said the city annually shoulders the cost of those services that are valued at $5,000 to $6,000.
In other business, the city passed the final reading to annex a small plot of land near the new high school into the city and the first reading to rezone property on the south side of Secona Road and East Dean Street from neighborhood business to residential.
The city also agreed to issue a general obligation bond in an amount not to exceed $500,000 to help consolidate debt and to help purchase a new trash truck, commercial lawn mower and police cruiser.
The city then passed the first reading on an ordinance that will split the city into two polling places for future municipal elections. According to the Pickens County Election Commission, the city has to make available two polling places once the number of registered voters passes 1,000. The second polling place will be at Secona Baptist Church. All voters that vote at Secona during regular state and county elections would continue to do so for municipal election. All other city residents will continue to vote at city hall if the measure passes the final reading in March.
Ninth Family Unity Fest Saturday
EASLEY — This Saturday marks the ninth year of the Family Unity Festival in Easley. Elizabeth Gramblin, a retired school teacher who was born and raised in Pickens County, conceived of the idea for the Family Unity Festival after attending a similar event in Aiken.
Nine years ago, she thought “We can do this in Easley.”
Nine years later, Gramblin is happy with the event’s growth and still believes “it is a wonderful thing to do.”
Easley’s Family Unity Festival, held the second Saturday each February, began as a simple parade in honor and celebration of Black History Month. Over the years, it has grown to include live entertainment on the stage erected in Old Market Square; savory BBQ and a variety of other tasty eats; art, craft and local mercantile vendors; inflatable bouncy fun and balloon animal artists for children; a fashion show and much more.
“The first year we put on this event, we were concerned people would think our event was an angry protest,” Gramblin said. “It isn’t anything like that. What we want is to establish a positive rapport within and among the community — to show people that we are all one and that race doesn’t matter.”
As an African American woman who grew up in the South — a historical hotbed when it comes to race relations — Gramblin has experienced many changes throughout the course of her life.
“We all have history,” she said, “and we can learn from one another. There have been issues and there will continue to be issues, but we have made a lot of progress over the years.”
The Family Unity Festival is an opportunity for people of all races to celebrate the positive changes and growth in their community, as well as a time to honor those African American leaders and community members who struggled through enslavement and segregation so their children and grandchildren could live in a state of freedom and equality.
One of the most amazing changes Gramblin has noted over the years is that children do not see color.
“When I was coming up as a child, the world was extremely black and white,” she said. “It is different for children today. Instead of black and white, they see pink and tan. My grandchildren have friends and sleepovers with other children, and race does not matter.”
Of course, Gramblin realizes that there is still opportunity for growth. Even in its ninth year, there are few whites who attend the Family Unity Festival in Easley. Gramblin’s hope is that this will change and wants people to know that this event is all-inclusive. Optimistic for the future, she believes that race relations “will continue to be better, especially when people can truly love and learn to work with one another. Hate must be eradicated. Education has to be important. Then we hope, trust and pray for the best.”
Beginning at 11 a.m. and ending at 4 p.m., the Family Unity Festival vendors, entertainment and inflatables will be housed in Easley’s Old Market Square. The Family Unity Festival Parade will begin at 1 p.m. and follows the same route as the Easley Christmas Parade. Dunburks Premier Events and The City of Easley have offered Gramblin and her committee tremendous help and support.
In the event of inclement weather, the festival will be rescheduled for the following Saturday, February 19.
