Monthly Archives: February 2011
County encourages all to display street numbers
PICKENS — The Pickens County Offices of Emergency Management and E-911 are urging residents and business owners to prominently display house and building numbers in order to ease visibility of numbers for emergency responders.
The advice comes after several emergency response teams encountered difficulty in locating homes during recent emergency events.
Although the measure is for the increased safety and well-being of Pickens County residents, South Carolina state law requires that all homes and businesses clearly display numbers that can be visibly seen from streets and roads. Should a home or businesses be situated so that it cannot be seen or is more than 50 feet from the road, the number is required to be posted at the entrance of the property. Residential numbers are to be no less than three inches in height. Businesses numbers are to be no less than four inches in height.
“We would like to remind our residents and business owners that these numbers are vital in providing an adequate emergency response time,” said Tasha Todd, Director of Pickens County E-911 services. She added “These initial steps assist our first responders in finding where they need to be so they can quickly locate take action during an emergency event.”
Todd also said that businesses and individuals in violation of the state law could be subject to a $250 fine.
Additional questions regarding E-911 numbers can be directed to the Pickens County E-911 operations office – (864) 898-5960.
Despite uncontrollable delays, Main Street sidewalk project nearly complete
PICKENS — Pickens Mayor David Owens knows that the recent renovations in the downtown area have not gone as smoothly as expected, but feels sure after the project’s completion all will be pleased with the results.
The project, which includes the beautification of West Main Street from Ann Street to Catherine Street includes new wider sidewalks, planter-style bulb outs and sewer upgrades. Part of the funding project came from $75,000 in C-fund money for the Pickens County. The “C” Fund Program is a statewide program for improving roads. The fund for the program comes from a tax on each gallon of gas and diesel fuel.
According to Owens, last year the county’s municipalities were contacted and told that they would be receiving $75,000 for safety improvements. The city elected to take on the project along West Main Street. After engineers designed the project, figures came in around $140,000. The city then decided to use money received from a pair of Palmetto Project grants and Hospitality Tax money to cover the added cost the beautification of Main Street.
The project was slated to begin around the beginning of November last year, but was delayed by getting necessary approval and did not begin until around Thanksgiving.
“The plan was to have the south side of Main Street done in time for this year’s Christmas Parade,” Owens said. “And you will remember we had not had rain in a long time and it came a heavy rain after crews had taken up the sidewalks.”
The initial part of the project was from Pendleton Street to Garvin Street. According to Owens, this first phase went smoothly and was completed in early December.
The second phase was the south side of Main Street from Garvin Street to Catherine Street.
“We knew we were going to have some problems there with sewer lines. We wanted to make sure the lines were rebuilt to avoid having to take back up the sidewalks later,” Owens said.
The contractor came up with the idea of taking out half the sidewalks at a time during the construction phase to allow customers of businesses the ability to enter stores.
During this phase, some property owners along the street decided to redo their sewer line inside the building also.
Once the work began on the sewer, the city then discovered that the storm drain located under the old sidewalks was disintegrating and had to be replaced.
“Those issues, coupled with weather problems with rain and snow caused the delays on the south side of the street,” Owens said.
Currently, the south side is complete with the exception of finishing the bulb outs with landscaping and trees. The north side of the street has been started and should be completed by early March, Owens said.
The project has also found a way to increase the parking spaces down West Main, bringing three new spots on the south side and a least one spot on the north side.
“I just want everyone to know that the delays in the project were not anything to do with the contractors or anything the city of Pickens was not on top of. It was unforeseen work that had to been done and weather conditions,” Owens said.
Beets brighten winter meals
Beets are a brilliantly colored red root vegetable that take on an even richer crimson color when cooked. They’re packed with important nutrients, and I find them delicious cooked in a variety of ways.
They can be made into soup (Borscht), salad, the sweet and sour favorite Harvard Beets or sautéed as a side dish with greens.
Most people guilty of saying “I don’t like beets,” have probably never eaten them.
If so, branch out a little and try one of these recipes.
Marinated Beet Salad
1 (16 ounce) can whole beets
1/4 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon prepared mustard
1/4 cup white wine vinegar
1/4 cup diced red onion
Drain beets, reserving 1/4 cup liquid, and slice into 1/4 to 1/2 inch slivers. Add onions and toss.
In a saucepan over medium heat, cook the sugar, mustard and reserved 1/4 cup liquid until dissolved. Add vinegar and bring to boil; remove from heat and allow to cool.
Pour over the beet slices and onions, toss and refrigerate for 4 to 6 hours. Remove from refrigerator and serve at room temperature.
Easy Harvard Beets
3/4 cup white sugar
4 teaspoons cornstarch
1/3 cup white vinegar
1/3 cup water
2 (15 ounce) cans sliced beets, drained
3 tablespoons butter
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
In a saucepan, combine the sugar, cornstarch, vinegar and water. Bring to a boil, and cook for 5 minute. Add the beets to the liquid, and simmer for 30 minutes over low heat.
Stir in butter, salt and pepper and remove from the heat. Serve warm or chilled.
Borscht (Beet Soup)
1 bunch red beets, about 1 pound, tops trimmed, and scrubbed
1 small red onion, peeled and cut into eighths (about 4 ounces)
2 medium carrots, halved crosswise (about 5 ounces)
1 rib celery, halved crosswise
1 clove garlic, smashed and peeled
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 sprig rosemary
3 cups chicken broth, homemade or low-sodium canned
Freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup light buttermilk
2 dashes Worcestershire sauce (less than 1/4 tsp.)
1 1/2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
Put the vegetables and garlic on a large piece of heavy duty aluminum foil (or a doubled piece of regular), drizzle with olive oil, season with 1/2 teaspoon salt add the rosemary. Seal the foil to make a tight package. Put the package in a roasting pan. Roast until the beets can be pierced easily with a knife, about 1 to 1/2 hours. When the beets are cool enough to handle, peel them — the skins should slide right off with a bit of pressure from your fingers. If they don’t, use a paring knife to scrape off any bits that stick.
Put 1/2 of the vegetables in a food processor with 1/2 of the broth and puree. Transfer the puree to a saucepan. Repeat with the remaining vegetables and broth. Stir in remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and season with pepper, and simmer over medium heat until the flavors come together, about 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the buttermilk and Worcestershire.
Ladle Borscht into bowls and garnish with dill.
Sautéed Beets
4-6 medium beets, with greens if possible
1 bunch Swiss chard (6-8 leaves)
2 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 2 teaspoons fresh)
1 shallot
2 tablespoon white wine
Scrub beets well. Remove greens. Peel and slice beets into rounds 1/4-inch thick.
Remove the ribs from the chard. Chop chard and beet greens.
Peel and slice shallot. Place butter in a saucepan over medium heat. When butter is melted, add thyme and stir until fragrant, 30-60 seconds. Add shallot. Stir until softened. Add beets and reduce heat. Sauté about 15 minutes, turning occasionally.
When beets are starting to become tender, add beet greens and chard. Sauté about 5 minutes; add wine and cover. Let greens wilt, adding a tablespoon or two of water if they start looking dry.
Cook until liquid is mostly absorbed. Season with coarse salt and black pepper. Serve in shallow dishes with a wedge of room-temperature Boucherondin cheese and a piece of crusty bread.
The Boucherondin cheese should be located with goat cheeses. If you can’t find it, substitute Brie.
Obituaries for week of February 9
Willie “Bill” Joe Murphree
Norris — Willie Joe “Bill” Murphree, 79, of 413 Norris Highway, Norris, husband of the late Alice Erhline Henson Murphree, died Thursday, Feb. 3, 2011, at Greenville Memorial Hospital.
A native of Salem, Mr. Murphree was the son of the late William Samuel and Amanda Josephine Barker Murphree. He was retired from Libco Mills and was a member of Stamp Creek Baptist Church. Mr. Murphree was a charter member and past Fire Chief of Norris Volunteer Fire Department.
Mr. Murphree is survived by daughter, Melissa (Lisa) Routh and husband, Gary of Sandy, Utah; brother, Davis Ray Murphree and wife, Sarah of Salem; sisters, Lucille Lee of Seneca and Blanche Smith of Salem; and grandchildren, Vanessa and Kelsey Routh.
In addition to his wife and parents, Mr. Murphree was predeceased by brother, Thomas Murphree and sister, Esther Murphree.
Funeral services were conducted at 2 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 6, from the Chapel of Davenport Funeral Home, Walhalla. Burial followed in Stamp Creek Baptist Church Cemetery.
Flowers are accepted or memorials may be made to Stamp Creek Baptist Church, 250 Shallowford Road, Salem, SC 29676 or Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Western Carolina Chapter, 37 Villa Road, #109, Greenville, SC 29615.
Jerry Pace
Easley — Jerry Lee Pace, 73, of Easley, husband of Helen Morris Pace, died Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2011 at St. Francis Hospital in Greenville.
Mr. Pace was born in Pickens County, a son of the late J. Vernon and Ada Daves Pace. He was retired from Ryobi (Singer Company) in Pickens, and was a member of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church where he had served as a deacon. Mr. Pace was a U.S. Navy veteran.
Survivors include his wife Helen, of the home, son Jody L. Pace (Kimberley A.) of Easley and granddaughter Madeline L. Pace. He is also survived by his brother Harold (Bobbie) of Pickens, and many, many church family members.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Pace was preceded in death by a brother Melvin Pace.
Funeral services were conducted 3:30 p.m. Thursday in the Chapel of Dillard Funeral Home in Pickens with the Rev. Paul Turner officiating. Burial followed in the Veteran’s Garden at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Gardens.
A memorial message of condolence may be expressed to the family by visiting www.dillardfunerals.com.
Memorial may be made to Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, Transportation Fund, 1623 Hester’s Store Road, Easley, SC 29640.
Jasper H. Carter
Easley — Mr. Jasper Howard Carter, 81, husband of the late Lucille Nalley Carter, died Monday, Jan. 31, 2011 at Greenville Memorial Hospital.
Born in Anderson County, a son of the late John Henry and Lena Beasley Carter, Mr. Carter retired from Fiber Industries and Robinson Funeral Home, and was a member of Enon Baptist Church.
Surviving are a son, Mr. G. Keith Carter of Greenville; a daughter, Mrs. Faye C. Dickard of Chesterfield; a brother, Mr. J.B. Carter of Easley; a sister, Mrs. Azilee Anders of Easley; two grandchildren, Angie Mann and Lynn Dickard; and two great-grandchildren, Ashley Mann and Anna Mann.
In addition to his wife and parents, Mr. Carter was predeceased by a daughter, Judy Elaine Carter; eight brothers and two sisters.
Funeral services were 12 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 3 in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, with the Rev. Scott Willis officiating. Burial followed in Greenlawn Memorial Park.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, which is assisting the family.
Helen Vaughn Bratcher
Central — Helen Alexander Vaughn Bratcher, 87, of 223 Maw Bridge Road, died Tuesday at her residence.
Born in Six Mile, she was the daughter of the late Arthur M. and Mae Ruth Finley Alexander. She was retired from the textile industry and was of the Baptist faith.
Surviving are daughters, Gail Snider of Central and Shelby Merck of Clemson; a sister, Frances Owen of Easley; granddaughters, Paula Millwood and her husband Stephen, and Angela Davis and her husband Terry; and a special great grandson, Jerimiah Millwood.
In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her first husband, Lamar F. Vaughn; her second husband, Barney Bratcher; and brothers, Winford “Wink” Alexander and Marvin Alexander.
Graveside services to honor the life of Mrs. Bratcher were held Thursday at 3 p.m. at Mt. Zion Cemetery conducted by the Rev. Albert Couch.
Memorial messages may be sent to the family by visiting www.libertymortuary.com Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.
Alma J. Trotter
Pickens — Alma Viola Jones Trotter, 93, formerly of Fox Squirrel Ridge Road and widow of Arthur Edgar Trotter died Monday evening, Jan. 31, 2011.
Mrs. Trotter was born in Pickens County, a daughter of the late Edward L. and Estelle Simmons Jones. She was retired from the School District of Pickens County where she spent her career working in school cafeterias. Mrs. Trotter was a member of Griffin Baptist Church.
Survivors include sons Wayne Trotter (Ruth), Jerry Trotter (Carolyn) and Randall Trotter (Terri) all of Pickens and daughters Jean Travers (Ed), and Jessie Mae James (Harold) all of Pickens, 10 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.
In addition to her parents and husband, Mrs. Trotter was preceded in death by a daughter Sarah Hayes and a grandson Robert Trotter.
Funeral services were conducted 12 p.m. Thursday in the Chapel of Dillard Funeral Home in Pickens. Burial following in Griffin Baptist Church Cemetery.
A message of condolence may be expressed to the family by visiting www.dillardfunerals.com.
Memorials may be made to Redeemer Health and Rehabilitation (formerly Rosemond Nursing Center), 138 Rosemond Street, Pickens, SC 29671.
Shirley W. King
Liberty — Shirley W. King, 71, of 130 Callahan Acres Road, died Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2011 at Baptist Easley Hospital.
Born in Easley she was a daughter of the late Paul Jerome and Vera Gilstrap Welborn. Mrs. King retired from West Point Stevens and was a member of East Side Baptist Church.
Surviving are her husband of 57 years, Thomas C. King of the home; a daughter, Deborah Hightower of Macon, Ga.; a sister, Frances Whitmire of Central; a granddaughter, Caron Farris of Warner Robins, Ga.; a great grandson, Trenton Farris.
Funeral services to honor the life of Mrs. King were 12 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 3 in the Liberty Mortuary. Burial followed at Liberty Memorial Gardens.
Memorial messages may be sent to the family by visiting www.libertymortuary.com Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.
Carolyn T. Moore
Six Mile — Carolyn Jean Teat Moore of 331 Old Keowee Church Road died on Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2011 at her home after a long illness.
Born in Central, she was a daughter of the late Thomas Leroy Teat and Kate “Jack” Sears Teat Hutto. Carolyn was a graduate of Central High School and attended Draughn’s Business School. She was a retired employee with J.P. Stevens, Clemson and was a member of Gap Hill Baptist Church.
Surviving are sisters, JoAnne Vaughan of Rock Hill; Phyllis Sullivan and husband, Alan of St. Peters, Mo.; brother, Kenneth Teat of St. Peters, Mo.; a God-Child, Tiffany Lovell of Easley; and many cousins.
Graveside services were 3 p.m., Friday in Mt. Tabor Baptist Church Cemetery, Clemson with the Rev. Boyce Whitman officiating.
The family wishes to express their deep gratitude to her devoted caregivers, Brenda Stephens and Donna Fisher, as well as numerous others who have attended Carolyn in the past.
Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to All For Him Ministry, %Wanda Harden, 320 Old Keowee Church Road, Six Mile, SC 29682.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or at Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home, Central, SC.
MaryEllen Hutchison
Easley — MaryEllen Turner Hutchison, 73, of Easley, wife of John Hutchison died on Jan. 31, 2011 at Easley Baptist Hospital.
Born in Thorpe, W.Va., Mrs. Hutchison was the daughter of the late Bud and Gertrude Dalton Turner.
Surviving in addition to her husband are two daughters, Carmen Jeanne (Christopher) Korleski and Kelli (Joseph) Conte; four sisters, Mrs. Bert (Barbara) Gosnell, Mrs. Joel (Jean) Moran, Mrs. Frank (Jo Anne) Chappell, Ms. Melissa Corvin; two brothers, Randall Turner and John Turner; three grandchildren, Caroline Korleski, Jordan and Amanda Conte.
In addition to her parents, Mrs. Hutchison was predeceased by her loving son, John Paul Hutchison; step-parents, Harry and Virgie Anderson; four sisters, Jacqueline Fuller, Lois Lane, Cynthia Walker, Penny Collins; two brothers, Coy and Edward Turner
No services are planned.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, which is assisting the family.
C. Rex Brewer
Clemson — Carl Rex Brewer, 77, of 103 Clarendon Drive died Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2011 at the Seneca Health and Rehab in Seneca.
Born in Pickens County, he was a son of the late Samuel G. and Etta Bell Brewer. Rex was a retired agent with Wright Timber Company and a former employee of BiLo in Clemson. He was of the Baptist faith and a U.S. Air Force Veteran.
Surviving are his wife, Bonnie Land Brewer of the home; son, Ken Brewer of Lake Waccamaw, N.C.; daughters Marlene B. Adkins and husband, Dale of Clemson; and Rhonda B. Lee and husband, Rodney of Seneca; brother, Robert K. Brewer of Central; grandchildren, Carl Lee and John Dockins; Josh and Greg Bryant; Molly Holbrooks; Brian Adkins; and Bobby and Wayne Trotter; great-grandchildren Blake and Kaylee Holbrooks; Sara Beth, Matthew, Aubrey and Susanna Dockins; Keelie Bryant and Caroline Lee; and a special “daughter”, Kathy Brewer of Easley.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by eight siblings, Samuel, Clarence, Joe, Raymond, James and Eva Christine Brewer; Nellie B. Hayes and Ollie Mae Swaney.
Funeral services were 2 p.m., Saturday in the chapel of Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home. Burial followed in Oconee Memorial Park, Seneca.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or at the funeral home.
Geraldine Brooks Thrift
Pickens — Mrs. Geraldine “Geri” Brooks Thrift, 76, wife of the late James W. “Ted” Thrift, died Thursday, Feb. 3, 2011 at Baptist Easley Hospital.
Born in Pickens County, a daughter of the late John A. and Ruby Pressley Brooks, Mrs. Thrift was a homemaker and a member of Tabor United Methodist Church.
Surviving are two sons, Michael Thrift (Nancy) of Easley and David Thrift (Chandra) of Pickens; a daughter, Stacey Chapman of Pickens; a sister, Ruby Nell Roach of Witchita Falls, Texas; and four grandchildren, Lauren Chapman, Mary Brooks Thrift, Amanda Deanhardt, and David Harrison Thrift.
In addition to her parents and husband, Mrs. Thrift was predeceased by three sisters, Sylvia Lyle, Sadie Lyle, and Jennie Dees.
Funeral services were 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 5 in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, with the Rev. Roger Gwinn officiating. Burial followed in Hillcrest Memorial Park.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, which is assisting the family.
Dorothy S. Durham
Six Mile — Dorothy Stone Durham, 81, of 188 Love & Care Road, died Thursday, Feb. 3, 2011 at her residence.
Born in Six Mile she was the widow of R.G. Durham and a daughter of the late Abner Lester and Lela Hunnicutt Stone. She worked as a CNA for many years at Harvey’s Nursing Home, and Clemson Downs. She loved her Lord, and also loved bird watching, flowers, and doing arts and crafts.
Surviving are three daughters, Leatha Hembree of Pickens, Elaine Durham and Tracy McCall both of Six Mile; a son, Ronnie Durham of Six Mile; a brother, Harmon Stone; nine grandchildren, Charlynn Ezell, Travis Hembree, Terri Hair, James Durham, Greg Hembree, Marylaine Duncan, Amber Durham, Jimmy Fendley, Jessica Hedden; and three great grandchildren, Jason Bearden, Isaac Kukendall, Cayden Durham.
In addition to her husband and parents she was preceded in death by a son, Jimmy Durham, and two brothers, Garland & Leland Stone.
Funeral services to celebrate the life of Mrs. Durham were 2 p.m. Saturday in the Liberty Mortuary Chapel. Burial was at Hillcrest Memorial Park.
Memorial messages may be sent to the family by visiting www.libertymortuary.com Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.
FREDA B. REID
Liberty — Freda B. Reid, 61, wife of Willie Reid, died Thursday, Feb. 3, 2011 at Baptist Easley Hospital.
A native of Greenville she was the daughter of the late James and Doris Jean Ballenger Brown She was a dedicated and loving wife, mother and grandmother.
In addition to her husband she is survived by son Brian Cox of Greenville; daughter, Shelley Burrell (Deion) of Piedmont; sisters, Theresa Howell (Glen) of Arden, N.C. and Anita Price of Tenn. and grandchildren Owen and Quincy Cox and Lexie and Noah Burrell.
No services are planned at this time.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or at Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home.
Lake Welborn
Easley — James Lake Welborn, 94, widower of Myrtie Mae Winchester Welborn, died on Saturday, Feb. 5, 2011.
Born on July 11, 1916 in Pickens, he was the son of the late John Arlington Welborn and Mattie Stewart Welborn. He was an Army veteran of World War II having served in major campaigns in Europe, and was retired from the Singer Company. Mr. Welborn lived his life for Jesus and knew the joy of close ties with both Secona Baptist Church and Mountain Grove Baptist Church. Always a gentleman, he was much beloved by his family and many friends. He had an exceptional memory and visitors always left with a better understanding of God, nature, farm life, or World War II.
Surviving are nieces and nephews: Carol Warner Whetsell of Columbia, Lee (Janet) Warner of Raleigh, Martha (John) Preston of Hilton Head, Nancy Warner of Greenville, Alan (Lena) Warner of Pickens, Frankie Winchester Cantrell of Pickens, and Pam Winchester of Clemson. Also four great-nephews and two great-nieces. Mr. Welborn is also survived by his namesake, James Lake Cantrell.
He was predeceased by a sister, Lorena Welborn Warner.
The funeral service was Sunday, Feb. 6 at 3:30 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. Burial was at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Gardens.
The family would like to express their gratitude for the loving care provided by the staff at The Willows in Easley.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Secona Baptist Church, 234 Secona Road, Pickens, SC 29671 or to Mountain Grove Baptist Church, c/o Johnny Hickey, 208 Spring Creek Drive, Pickens, SC 29671.
A memorial message of condolence may be expressed to the family by visiting www.dillardfunerals.com.
Shelby Sanders
Easley — Shelby Brown Sanders, 66, of Easley, wife of the late Jack Sanders, died Saturday, Feb. 5, 2011, at her home.
Born in Pickens County, a daughter of the late Earl and Ruby Ellen Marchbanks Harbin Brown, Mrs. Sanders was a homemaker and was of the Methodist faith.
Surviving are a son, Jack Anthony Sanders (Angie) of Pickens; a daughter, Ann Searcy (Pace) of the home; grandchildren, Samantha Lynn Sanders and Dustin Searcy (Jennifer); great-grandchildren, Bryson Jack Searcy, Brielle (Suttles) Searcy and Baliegh Dianne Searcy; and a sister, Linda Davenport of Easley.
In addition to her husband and parents, Mrs. Sanders was predeceased by two brothers, James Donald “Pete” Harbin, Jr., and Boyd Harbin, and by two sisters, Barbara Stevenson and Lala Ball.
Funeral services were 3:30 p.m. Tuesday in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown with the Rev. Tony Owens officiating. Burial followed in Robinson Memorial Gardens, 1425 Powdersville Road, Easley.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, which is assisting the family.
Hester Stewart
Six Mile — Hester Vella Smith Stewart, 76, of 163 Love & Care Road, died Monday, Feb. 7, 2011 at Heritage Health Care.
She was the widow of Marvin James Stewart and a daughter of the late Charles L. and Ethel Merck Smith. She retired from Sangamo Electric and was a member of Gap Hill Baptist Church.
Surviving are two daughters and a son in law, Gayle & Chris Minyard and Melanie Stewart all of Central; three sons and daughters in law, Steve & Mary Stewart, Joe & Joy Stewart, and Tim & Michele Stewart all of Central; a sister, Martha Stancil of Central; 15 grandchildren, seven great grandchildren.
In addition to her husband and parents she was preceded in death by a son Tony Stewart.
Funeral services to honor the life of Mrs. Stewart will be 3 p.m. Wednesday at Gap Hill Baptist Church. Burial will be at Gap Hill Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church.
The family will be at the home of Gayle & Chris Minyard, 119 Daniel Trail, Central SC 29630.
The family will be at their respective homes. Memorial messages may be sent to the family by visiting www.libertymortuary.com Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.
Marjorie Buttgereit
Easley — Marjorie Cartmell Buttgereit, 82, of Easley, former wife of the late William G. Buttgereit died Sunday, Feb. 6, 2011 at her residence.
Born in Illinois, the daughter of the late Samuel and Bessie Fringer Cartmell, Mrs. Buttgereit was a nursing assistant and was of the Methodist faith.
Surviving are two sons, David and Thomas Buttgereit; two grandchildren, Brandy Lynn and Timothy Micheal Buttgereit; one great-greatchild, Hayden Buttgereit; and four nieces Sandy, Nancy, Vicki Garrett, and Janet Cartmell.
In addition to her parents she was predeceased by two brothers, Warren and Wendell Cartmell.
No services are planned.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Powdersville Road, which is assisting the family.
Etrulia Bryant
Cateechee — Etrulia Byrd Bryant, 89, of 112 S. Main Street, died Monday, Feb. 7, 2011 at the Hospice House in Anderson.
Born in Walhalla she was the widow of Lloyd E. Bryant and a daughter of the late Thomas W. and Annie Nix Byrd. She worked as a spinner for many years in the textile industry and was a member of Cateechee Baptist Church.
Surviving are a grandson, Chris Bryant and his wife Michelle of Anderson and a sister, Doris Byrd of Norris; two great grandchildren, Billy & Caleb Brooks; a special friend, Gary Lockhart of Montgomery, Ala.
She was also preceded in death by a son, Thomas E. Bryant.
Funeral services to honor the life of Mrs. Bryant will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday in the Liberty Mortuary Chapel. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at Hillcrest Memorial Park.
The family will be at the home of her sister, Doris Byrd, 112 S. Main Street, Cateechee, SC. Memorial messages may be sent to the family by visiting www.libertymortuary.com Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.
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ADVERTISE YOUR DRIVER JOBS 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. SW
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SALES PROFESSIONAL NEEDED. Most earn $50k-$100K or more. Call our branch office at 843-284-5595. Ask for Amanda Holliday or e-mail amanda.holliday@insphereis.com. Visit www.insphereis-charleston.com
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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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For Sale
FOR SALE: 1974 Honda CR250 Elsinore Motor cross bike. Excellent condition. New motor. $2,200 firm. 864-506-3009. 2-9
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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
FOR SALE: 1968 Camaro drag/street car. $20,000 2-9
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FOR SALE: WZ125 Yamaha. Brand new in storage. Never ridden. $4,500 2-9
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FOR SALE: 1975 CR125 Honda. $2,800 2-9
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
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
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Main Street program offers Pickens shot at downtown rebirth
PICKENS — By the beginning of May 2011, Pickens’ City Administrator Katherine Brackett, having completed the application process, hopes to know whether or not the city was accepted as a Main Street Community.
“We have to first be accepted into Main Street and then we have to fund it,” Brackett explained.
Beyond acceptance and funding and above all else, the success of Pickens as a Main Street Community hinges on community support.
“It is absolutely essential that we have community buy-in,” said Brackett.
Those who missed the public press conference held at Pickens City Hall a few weeks back might be wondering just what being a Main Street Community entails.
Beppie LeGrand, Mainstreet Manager for the State of South Carolina, describes the Main Street program as “a citizen-driven economic development engine.”
In layman’s terms, the Main Street Program — established in the 1980s, born out of the National Trust for Historic Preservation and housed under the Municipal Association of South Carolina — is a program designed to empower citizens, in any given community, with the knowledge, skills, tools and organizational structure necessary to revitalize their downtowns, neighborhood commercial districts and cities into vibrant centers of commerce and community. In so doing, “We are committed to preserving the history and architecture of our communities,” said LeGrand.
The Main Street program works because it is comprehensive and based on simple, straight forward principles. It stresses self-reliance and builds on what is special about downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts as the center of the community. Additionally, it unites local people to work together to rebuild a positive image that will invite economic development.
Main Street Communities work to strengthen the economic base within their towns and cities. This is done through a four point model of Economic Restructuring (basically economic development) that includes — Economic Restructuring, Design, Promotion and Organization.
According to LeGrand, “That’s why the program is tried and true. You’re not just addressing part of your community. You’re not just focusing on economic development and you’re not just focusing on design and how you look. You’re focusing on economic development, design and how you promote your community. Each program point has a committee and that allows everyone to work together. It is a great grassroots approach to making your community a better place.”
Common misconceptions about the Main Street Program are that outsiders will enter the community and dictate how buildings should be painted, what types of trees to plant or what businesses can or can’t operate in the downtown area. LeGrand refuted these ideas.
“We don’t tell you what you have to do,” she explained. “We help you do what you want to do and what is going to be best for your community in terms of its economic growth and its physical appearance and its community spirit.”
Of course, there are various costs associated with becoming a Main Street Community. Start up cost for the first year, based on population, is $7,500. The fee for the second and third years drops to $5,000 annually. After the third year, a $3,000 per-year maintenance fee is required. Brackett said a director or coordinator would have to be hired to oversee the Main Street Program. While the position will likely be part-time, she estimated cost in the first year would be $20,000 to $35,000.
LeGrand said the first year of startup is very intense with a lot of training for each of the four committees and committee members, and if Main Street is structured as a non-profit with a board of directors, then the board members have to be trained as well.
“When we start this program, we ask for a three-year commitment from the community if you’re accepted in,” she said. “You’re not going to see significant change in that first year. That first year you are learning, training and getting committees together and working hard to build community support. The second year you begin working on plans for the future. Third year you start jumping off and really see that momentum building. From then on, it is just maintenance — keeping people interested. It is a process.”
The Main Street program itself can be structured in two different ways — as a non-profit entity separate from but partnered with the city; or it can be placed under the umbrella of the city. If Main Street is set up as a nonprofit in Pickens, it can be paid for with the hospitality tax. It would be a direct donation from the city to the nonprofit. However Main Street is structured, there must be government and community support to be successful.
There are concerns among city officials relative to how Main Street would be structured. Pickens Mayor David Owens believes that the Main Street program would be beneficial for the Pickens community, however, he wants to ensure that City Council and city officials have input and a say in what’s happening, whether it’s a nonprofit or under the city. There will have to be a positive, collaborative working relationship between Main Street and Pickens City Government.
In geographical terms, Main Street is defined as the core commercial district. Brackett hopes to broaden this area in Pickens.
“We really want to try to involve more than Main Street downtown,” she said. “We have the county museum that is just two blocks off of Main Street — we want to think much broader. We want to be able to help the town. We don’t want to create lines and boundaries.
“We want to support existing business. We want to recruit new business. We want to get people downtown, build a sense of business community, have that something extra to offer when people come in and look to locate a business here.”
Owens said officials are looking at an area that would include Main Street and surrounding areas in the central business district as well as properties fronting major arteries like U.S. 178 and State 183 farther from downtown.
Main Street South Carolina has 10 cities in the program, but LeGrand estimates that over the years it has probably had between 40 and 50 cities in the program.
“Main Street really does work hard to help support existing businesses and help existing businesses find ways to survive,” LeGrand said. “If Pickens is accepted into the program, we will be looking into what kinds of businesses can be recruited to Pickens that could be supported by the local community. Just because you want a show store doesn’t mean you can support a shoe store.”
Greater Pickens Chamber of Commerce Director Mike Parrott is supportive of the city’s application to the Main Street Program.
“When we’re talking about the Main Street concept in general, we’re really talking about investing in the future of Pickens,” Parrott said. “It helps with the future growth of the community and what we as a community want to become. It helps the business community. It brings expertise that we don’t have now. It gives direction and vision for where we want to go.”
Liberty High wins American Red Cross ‘Stinky’ competition
LIBERTY — The American Red Cross recently named Liberty High School as the winner in the organization’s 2010 Stinky Week Campaign.
Pickens County schools and several local churches and businesses teamed up to collect comfort kit items for fire clients at the American Red Cross as part of the competition.
“We have provided aid for 16 families since October” said Laurel Maco, Preparedness and Response Specialist at the Red Cross in Pickens County. “Our comfort kits supplies were depleted and we were completely out of deodorant.”
An adult comfort kit is made up of a gallon zip-lock bag filled with soap, a washcloth, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, a razor, a toothbrush, toothpaste and a comb.
“When someone has lost everything, to be able to hand them a bag that will provide for their immediate basic needs is a great comfort,” Maco said. “We’re so thankful to everyone who participated in this event.”
Nearly 900 items were collected during the competition — mostly deodorant.
Liberty High School collected the most with 211 items and was presented with a Family First Aid kit and a BioHazard Clean Up kit.
For more information about the needs of the American Red Cross or for information about volunteering or attending a class, please contact Maco at macol@usa.redcross.org or 878-0131.
Giving back to the Rec Department
The above group of deacons from Griffin Baptist Church built and installed a flagpole in memory of William R. Anthony last month at the Pickens Recreation Department on Sangamo Road. Pickens Recreation Director Cheri Anthony extended a sincere thank you to the men earlier this week for their hard work. “This dedicated group weathered the snow and was able to finish the project in three days,” she said. “The finished product is something to behold, and one that future generations will enjoy for years to come.” Pictured from left are Ted Riggs, CB Hayes, Tommy Boggs, Joel Swangham, Joe Hughes and Robert Cowan. Not pictured is Griffin preacher Rev. Mark Bernshausen.
Whittemore appointed to state education committee
COLUMBIA — David Whittemore of Easley has been appointed to serve as the newest member of the South Carolina Education Oversight Committee (EOC).
Whittemore, a self-employed insurance broker, was appointed to serve as the House Education and Public Works Committee’s business representative to the EOC. The appointment was made by Representative Phil Owens, Chairman of the House committee. Whittemore fills the un-expired term of Neil Willis, set to expire in 2012.
A graduate of Easley public schools and Clemson University, Whittemore was a member of the Easley City Council for 19 years, including three terms as Mayor Pro Tem. He also served as Secretary-Treasurer of the Pickens County Municipal Association for 18 years and served as President of the Greater Easley Chamber of Commerce.
Whittemore presently serves on the Upstate Advisory Board of Carolina First Bank/TD. He is a member and Past President of the Easley Rotary Club, where he has twice been named a Paul Harris Fellow. He is a graduate of Leadership Pickens County, where he served on the Board of Regents. Whittemore also served on the Board of Visitors at Presbyterian College.
Active in his community, Whittemore served as President of the Pickens County United Way and on the Board of the Pickens County YMCA. He is active in the District Council of the Blue Ridge Council of Boy Scouts of America and is a 20-year volunteer for Pickens County Meals on Wheels.
“I am very honored and excited to be appointed to the EOC,” said Whittemore. “I hope to be a contributor to this very important group in the months to follow.”
Whittemore is a member and Deacon at Easley Presbyterian Church. He and his wife Cindy Blackston Whittemore have three children.
The SC Education Oversight Committee is an independent, non-partisan group made up of 18 educators, business persons, and elected leaders. Created in 1998, the committee is dedicated to reporting facts, measuring change, and promoting progress within South Carolina’s education system.
Jackknifed 18-wheeler closes part of U.S. 123
LIBERTY — A jackknifed 18-wheeler transfer truck was the cause of a huge traffic jam on U.S. 123 last Thursday.
Authorities say around 2 p.m. the truck was heading south when the driver apparently ran off the right side of the interstate and over-corrected, causing the accident. State troopers say they believe the driver then went into the median and across the road before the truck jackknifed.
The trailer of the big rig stretched across two lanes and halted traffic between Liberty and Central.
The South Carolina Highway Patrol closed all four lanes of traffic. The northbound lane was reopened around 3 p.m., but the southbound lane was not reopened until after 7 p.m.
Troopers said no one was hurt in the accident. The driver of the truck was issued a citation for driving too fast for conditions.
