Monthly Archives: August 2016
Fruster, Lions beat Robinson’s Stags
Daniel defenders Max May, left, and Miles Turmon combine to bring down a Berkeley runner during the Lions’ 33-21 win over the Stags on Friday night at Singleton Field.
By Rocky Nimmons
Publisher
rnimmons@thepccourier.com
CENTRAL — There are certain moments that go down in history as milestones in a coach’s career.
The first victory is one of those milestones, but for first-year Daniel coach Jeff Fruster, Friday night’s career-opening win came with a significance many don’t get to experience.
Fruster’s Lions opened the 2016 season — and his head coaching career — at Singleton Field in Central with a 33-21 thumping of the Berkeley Stags, led by Fruster’s mentor, former Daniel coach Randy Robinson.
The win signified a passing of the torch for the program, which has only four head coaches over the last half-century.
“This win is something I cannot describe,” Fruster said after the game. “Hats off to my mentor, Randy (Robinson), the team he brought up the road, the way they fought after a four-hour bus ride, you can’t say enough about that team. He has a good group of kids. We might see them again, tou never know,” he added.
Despite starting his tenure in the Lowcountry with a loss, Robinson had high praise for his protégé.
“He is 1-0. He is the only undefeated coach I know,” Robinson joked. “I am happy for him. I love Jeff. Jeff is one of my kids. Now I have a kid in the business, and he is at my school.”
The win could not have been more of a storybook beginning for Fruster. The
Rex Brown/Courtesy The Journal
Daniel defenders Max May, left, and Miles Turmon combine to bring down a Berkeley runner during the Lions’ 33-21 win over the Stags on Friday night at Singleton Field.
Lions needed the win, Fruster needed the win and the Lion faithful needed the win following a disappointing 4-6 season a year ago. The victory was a validation of the Daniel administration’s decision to hire from within that was intended to hold the traditions and program together.
The Lions looked comfortable with Fruster at the controls. Although happy with his first victory at the helm, Fruster was nowhere near satisfied with the way his young Lions played.
“It was a hard-fought win for our kids, but it is never going to be good enough,” he said. “I thought we made enough mistakes for two games. We have to definitely go back to the drawing board, but we are going to enjoy the moment. I will let them have that. Wins are hard to come by with the way the region realignments are, but at the same time we have a lot of work to do.”
The Daniel offense, which started sluggish, found a way to win the contest even though Berkeley managed to pick up more than 100 more yards of offense.
“It was a sloppy first half — maybe it was the weather conditions,” Fruster said. “Everyone was kind of tip-toeing so they would not make the wrong play. Once it was opened up, the jitters went away and I had a game to win.
“Early on, the defense is always going to shine. It showed at the end of the game when it started to even up. Most offenses start to find their rhythms, so you have to work harder on defense to get stops.”
The game started with the Lions winning the toss and deferring getting the ball until the beginning of the second half.
Robinson’s Stags came ready to play for their new coach and mounted 30-yard, seven-play drive that pushed into Daniel territory to the 42. The Lion defense, led by senior defensive lineman Miles “Boogie” Turmon, settled in and forced a punt.
A bad snap by the Stags gave the Lions momentum and the ball deep in Stag territory at the 31. From that point it was all Daniel quarterback Ben Batson and running back Kiandre Sims who carried the load. Co-offensive coordinators Jamie Wilson and Nathan Sword started their tenure conservative and kept the ball on the ground for the first eight plays. The Lions managed to push down to the Stags’ 3-yard line, but on third and goal Batson was sacked for an 11-yard loss and Fruster called on his kicker Nick Muchow to get the Lions’ first points of the season on the board. Muchow didn’t disappoint, nailing a 31-yard field goal with 5:34 to play in the first quarter, putting the Lions on top 3-0.
The Stags quickly went back to work, starting a march down the field on their next possession. From the 19, Robinson called on D.J. Robinson, and the back hammered the middle for eight yards. Then Stag QB Darius Douglas found D.J. Chisolm for 18 and then 15 yards on a pair of completions. Robinson added 15 more yards on a quick scamper, but that was it, with the Lion defense stiffening and holding on a fourth down and three from the Lion 23-yard line.
The stop didn’t ignite Fruster’s offense, and the Lions were forced to punt without the luxury of a first down.
A fumble on the Stags’ next possession put Daniel in business at its own 42-yard line as Khalil Anderson covered the ball for his team. It only took Fruster’s offense six plays, coupled with a timely 15-yard personal foul penalty, to get the year’s first touchdown. The score came on a 13-yard pass from Batson to Brysen Smith with 10:04 to go in the first half. Muchow tacked on the extra point, giving the Lions a 10-0 lead.
Berkeley was not giving up and answered with a 69-yard drive that lasted eight plays. The series saw Robinson’s team make it all the way to the Lions’ 2-yard line before once again the Daniel defense rose up and halted the Stags. Robinson elected to go for a 19-yard field goal. The kick never had a chance, as Daniel’s Peter Cote found a seam and got a hand on the ball, blocking the kick with 6:32 to play in the half.
The Lions offense took over on the 28, but sputtered and was forced to punt the ball away without gaining a first down.
Daniel defensive coordinator Kirk Ellison had his unit on fire and ready to play, and the Lions roared and crushed the Stags the next time they had the pigskin. In three plays Berkeley lost three yards, but the Stags decided to go on fourth down, only to feel the pain as big “Boogie” Turman laid the smackdown on Douglas, giving his team the ball at the Daniel 33.
The final points of the half come on a 10-play Daniel drive that covered 54 yards. Batson hit Brandon Peppers for a 21-yard strike, but relied on his legs most of the series, gaining 47 yards on six scrambles, including the last four yards for a touchdown. Muchow tacked on the PAT with only a second before halftime, letting the Lions go into intermission with an impressive 17-0 lead.
Daniel kept up the pressure after the break, quickly putting together an impressive 12-play, 75-yard drive that gave the Lion faithful a chance to see running back Billy Bruce in action. The speedster looked good on four runs for 18 yards. The series stalled at the 23, forcing Fruster to send Muchow on for a 40-yard field goal attempt. The kick was perfect with 6:13 left in the third quarter to push the Lions to a 20-0 advantage.
The Stags’ halftime adjustments did the trick, as the first time they touched the ball in the second half they made it look easym with a quick two-play drive that covered 75 yards. On the first snap Douglas hit Chisolm for 18, and the gun slinger followed that up with a 57-yard strike to Daveon Moore for Berkeley’s first points. Taete McMurry added the extra point, and the Stags were back in the contest at 20-7 with 5:27 left in the third.
Batson and company were not about to be outshined and came out roaring after the ensuing kickoff with a four-yard scoring drive of their own. Batson tossed two passes on the series, and both went to Will Swinney — the first for 11 yards and the second for 39 yards and a touchdown. Muchow was true on the PAT, and the Lions were on top 27-7.
Berkeley answered back with an 11-play drive that went 75 yards. The series was capped by a nine-yard run by running back Austin Miles. McMurry added the PAT with 1:06 to play in the third, making the score 27-14 in what looked to be turning into a shootout.
Fruster’s troops came right back with guns ablazing and went 34 yards to paydirt in just five snaps. The touchdown came when Batson broke free for a 27-yard run for a score. Muchow’s extra point was blocked, but with 10:47 to play, the Lions was on top 33-14.
The final points of the game were the result of a 65-yard drive that lasted five plays. Miles got the final call and galloped in from 16 yards out for a touchdown with 8:50 to play. McMurry added the PAT to make up the 33-21 final score.
“We are not mentally tough enough,” Robinson said of the loss to his former team. “The difference in the two programs is that after that embarrassing year Daniel had, we made up our minds it was going to get better, and it started in the weightlifting class. The attitude of our kids got better, and we just kept the ball rolling all summer long. I went to Berkeley and Fru just kept it going. I have started the same thing at Berkeley, but I have only been there for four months and it will take us a little while.
“I would have rather played anyone other than Daniel in the first game.”
Fruster’s biggest concern is that his team has to learn to put away the opponent.
“You have to go for it when you know you have someone against the ropes,” he said. “I have a fighter’s mentality.
“I told my kids before the game started all I want to see them do is fly around and make plays. If you do the little things right, the big things will come to you. That is something I am going to continue to preach until it’s not my turn no more.”
Fruster was pleased with the improvement of the young running back tandem of Bruce and Sims.
“The running backs ran hard,” he said. “In the first half they were kind of shaky. But in the second half I think they started to gel a little bit.”
The Lions were shaken defensively during the game when team captain Jake Venables, a Division I prospect at linebacker, went out early with a foot injury.
“Oh, it is very minor,” Fruster said. “He probably has a minor ankle sprain. He will be back next week.”
This week the Lions will host cross-county rival Easley. The Wave will enter the contest after knocking off Pickens 14-0 last Friday.
“We have four schools in Pickens County, and we are going to face two of them,” Fruster said. “We are going to attack Easley like we attack everybody.”
And though Friday’s win marked a milestone in Fruster’s young career, at the end of the day it was just the beginning.
“It is sweet, and I’m sure sometime over the weekend I am going to enjoy it, but right now I just want to fix the mistakes,” he said.
Kickoff for Friday night’s game at Singleton Field is set for 7:30 p.m.
Daniel 3 14 10 6 — 33
Berkeley 0 0 14 7 — 21
SCORING SUMMARY
First Quarter
DWD — Muchow 31 yard field goal, 5:34
Second Quarter
DWD — Smith 14 yard pass from Batson (Muchow kick), 10:04
DWD — Batson 4 yard run (Muchow kick), 0:01
Third Quarter
DWD — Muchow yard 38 field goal, 6:13
BHS — Moore 58 yard pass from Douglas (McMurry kick), 5:15
DWD — W. Swinney 39 yard pass from Batson, 3:55
BHS — Miles 9 yard run (McMurry kick), 1:06
Fourth Quarter
DWD — Batson 27 run (kick blocked), 10:47
BHS — Miles 16 run (McMurry kick), 8:50
TEAM STATISTICS
Berkeley Daniel
First Downs 16 19
Total Yards 446 359
Rushes-Yards 26-162 44-194
Fumbles-Lost 2-1 1-0
Com-Att-Int 16-34-0 10-19-0
Passing Yards 284 165
Punts-Avg. 0-0 4-35.8
Penalties-Yards 12-112 10-63
INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS
Rushing — Daniel, Batson 21-102, Sims 11-51, Bruce 9-38, D. Swinney 2-5, TEAM 1-(-2). Berkeley, Douglas 14-131, Robinson 3-26, Miles 2-25, Navare 2-(-2), Chisolm 4-(-2), TEAM 1-(-16).
Passing — Daniel, Batson 10-19-0 165. Berkeley, Douglas 16-34-0 284.
Receiving — Daniel, W. Swinney 3-65, Earle 3-50, Peppers 1-20, Weaver 2-16, Smith 1-14. Berkeley, Moore 8-160, Chisolm 4-57, Phyall 3-41, Dress 1-26.
Courier Legals 8-24-26
Determination of Heirs
PETITIONER:
Charlena Elizabeth Blake
DECEASED: Will Turner Gowens
DATE OF DEATH: May 26, 2002
NAMES OF POSSIBLE KNOWN HEIRS AND RELATIONSHIPS:
REASON FOR PETITION: To petition the Court of Reconsideration of Determination of Heirs.
NOTICE OF HEARING
Date: August 25, 2016
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Place: Pickens County Probate Court
222 McDaniel Avenue
Pickens, SC 29671
PURPOSE: Hearing upon the Petition of Charlena Elizabeth Blakein the Estate of Will Turner Gowens.
DESCRIPTION OF PLEADING:
Determination of Heirs
A full copy of the Summons and Petition is available from the undersigned attorney. If you do not appear at the hearing or file an answer, the relief requested will be granted.
Executed: Tuesday, August 09, 2016.
________________
Adam B. Lambert
Acker Lambert Hinton P.A.
P.O. Box 9
Pickens, SC 29671
(864) 878-1184
Aug. 10, 17, 24
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ORDER APPOINTING
GUARDIAN AD LITEM
STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA
COUNTY OF PICKENS
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
C/A NO. 2016CP3900533
CHAMPION MORTGAGE COMPANY, Plaintiff vs. THE UNKNOWN HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, AND OTHER CLAIMANTS, CLAIMING, BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST, PATRICIA C. DEMPSEY A/K/A PATRICIA DEMPSEY, DECEASED (including all unknown minors; all unknown persons under other legal disability; all unknown defendants in the military serviceTHE SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, AN OFFICER OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA; UNKNOWN TENANT #1 AND UNKNOWN TENANT #2, Defendants.
TO: THE UNKNOWN HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, AND OTHER CLAIMANTS, CLAIMING, BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST, PATRICIA C. DEMPSEY A/K/A PATRICIA DEMPSEY, DECEASED(including all unknown minors; all unknown persons under other legal disability; all unknown defendants in the military service) PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a Motion for an Order appointing Marissa Jacobson, Esquire, as Guardian ad Litem Nisi, THE UNKNOWN HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, AND OTHER CLAIMANTS, CLAIMING, BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST, PATRICIA C. DEMPSEY A/K/A PATRICIA DEMPSEY, DECEASED (including all unknown minors; all unknown persons under other legal disability; all unknown defendants in the military service), was filed in the Office of the Clerk of Court for PICKENS County. YOU WILL FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that unless THE UNKNOWN HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, AND OTHER CLAIMANTS, CLAIMING, BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST, PATRICIA C. DEMPSEY A/K/A PATRICIA DEMPSEY, DECEASED (including all unknown minors; all unknown persons under other legal disability; all unknown defendants in the military service), shall within thirty (30) days after service of notice of this order upon them by publication, exclusive of the day of such service, procure to be appointed for them, or either of them, a Guardianad Litem to represent them for the purposes of this action, the appointment of said Guardian ad Litem Nisi shall be made absolute. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that a copy of this Order shall be served upon the unknown Defendants by publication in the PICKENS COUNTY COURIER, a newspaper of general circulation in the County of PICKENS, State of South Carolina, once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks, together with the Summons in the above entitled action. SUMMONS AND NOTICE OF FILING OF COMPLAINT: TO: THE UNKNOWN HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, AND OTHER CLAIMANTS, CLAIMING, BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST, PATRICIA C. DEMPSEY A/K/A PATRICIA DEMPSEY, DECEASED (including all unknown minors; all unknown persons under other legal disability; all unknown defendants in the military service) YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED and required to answer the Complaint in this action, a copy of which is herewith served upon you, and to serve a copy of your Answer to the said Complaint upon the subscribers, at their office, The Geheren Firm, P.C. 4828 Ashford Dunwoody Road, 2nd Floor, Atlanta, GA 30338, within thirty (30) days after the service hereof, exclusive of the day of such service; and if you fail to answer the Complaint in the time aforesaid, judgment by default will be rendered against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the original Complaint in the above entitled action was filed in the office of the Clerk of Court for PICKENS County on May 20, 2016.
The Geheren Firm, P.C.
4828 Ashford Dunwoody Road,
2nd Floor,
Atlanta, GA 30338
Attorneys for the Plaintiff.
August 9, 2016
Aug. 17, 24, 31
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NOTICE OF ACTION
STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA
COUNTY OF PICKENS
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS CASE
NO: 2016CP3900533
CHAMPION MORTGAGE COMPANY, Plaintiff vs. THE UNKNOWN HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, AND OTHER CLAIMANTS, CLAIMING, BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST, PATRICIA C. DEMPSEY A/K/A PATRICIA DEMPSEY, DECEASED (including all unknown minors; all unknown persons under other legal disability; all unknown defendants in the military service)THE SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, AN OFFICER OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA; UNKNOWN TENANT #1 AND UNKNOWN TENANT #2, Defendants. SUMMONS (NON-JURY):
TO: THE UNKNOWN HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, AND OTHER CLAIMANTS, CLAIMING, BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST, PATRICIA C. DEMPSEY A/K/A PATRICIA DEMPSEY, DECEASED (including all unknown minors; all unknown persons under other legal disability; all unknown defendants in the military service): YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED and required to appear and defend by answering the Complaint in this foreclosure action on property located at 512 ODELL ROAD, LIBERTY, SOUTH CAROLINA 29657, being designated in the County tax records as TMS #4089 00 45 7459 & 4089 00 45 6347, of which a copy is herewith served upon you, and to serve a copy of your Answer on the subscribers at their offices, Jason M. Tarokh, Esq. (SC Bar #:72837)The Geheren Firm, P.C. 4828 Ashford Dunwoody Road, 2nd Floor, Atlanta, GA 30338, within thirty (30) days after the service hereof, exclusive of the day of such service; except that the United States of America, if named, shall have sixty (60) days to answer after the service hereof, exclusive of the day of such service; and if you fail to do so, judgment by default will be rendered against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint. TO MINOR(S) OVER FOURTEEN YEARS OF AGE AND/OR MINOR(S) UNDER FOURTEEN YEARS OF AGE AND THE PERSON WITH WHOM THE MINOR(S) RESIDES AND/OR TO PERSONS UNDER SOME LEGAL DISABILITY: YOU ARE FURTHER SUMMONED AND NOTIFIED to apply for the appointment of a Guardian Ad Litem to represent said minor(s) within thirty (30) days after the service of this Summons upon you. If you fail to do so, application for such appointment will be made by the Plaintiff(s) herein. NOTICE TO THE DEFENDANTS ABOVE NAMED: YOU WILL PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Summons and Complaint, of which the foregoing is a copy of the Summons, were filed with the Clerk of Court for PICKENSCounty, South Carolina on May 20, 2016. NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE INTERVENTION PLEASE TAKE NOTICE THAT pursuant to the South Carolina Supreme Court Administrative Order 2011-05-02-01, you may have a right to Foreclosure Intervention. To be considered for any available Foreclosure Intervention, you may communicate with and otherwise deal with the Plaintiff through its law firm, The Geheren Firm, P.C. The Geheren Firm, P.C. represents the Plaintiff in this action. Our law firm does not represent you. Under our ethical rules, we are prohibited from giving you any legal advice. You must submit any requests for Foreclosure Intervention consideration within 30 days from the date you are served with this Notice. IF YOU FAIL, REFUSE, OR VOLUNTARILY ELECT NOT TO PARTICIPATE IN FORECLOSURE INTERVENTION, THE FORECLOSURE ACTION MAY PROCEED.
The Geheren Firm, P.C.
4828 Ashford Dunwoody Road,
2nd Floor,
Atlanta, GA 30338
Attorneys for the Plaintiff.
August 9, 2016
Aug. 17, 24, 31
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NOTICE
To all persons claiming an interest in: 1965-6HP-EVINRUDE-EO5138-6802C , John Coker will apply to SCDNR for title on watercraft/outboard motor. If you have any claim to the watercraft/outboard motor, contact SCDNR at (803) 734-3858. Upon thirty days after the date of the last advertisement if no claim of interest is made and the watercraft/outboard motor has not been reported stolen, SCDNR shall issue clear title. Case No: 20160715950513.
Aug. 17, 24, 31
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NOTICE OF SALE
STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA
COUNTY OF PICKENS
IN THE COURT OF PROBATE COURT
Case No. 2015-ES-39-22
IN THE MATTER OF: LINDA GRACE PANNONE, Deceased JUDY M. NEWTON Plaintiff, vs. DANA R. LYDA AND ALEX B. CHAPPELL Defendants )
_______________________________
BY VIRTUE OF AN ORDER of the Probate Court for Pickens County, South Carolina, hereto-fore issued in the case of Judy M. Newton v. Dana R. Lyda and Alex B. Chappell, the undersigned as Special Referee, Daniel E. Hunt, will sell on September 6, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at the Pickens County Courthouse in Pickens, South Carolina, to the highest bidder:
ALL that certain piece, parcel or lot of land lying, situate and being in the State of South Carolina, County of Pickens, being shown and designated as being on Freeman Road, being shown and designated as 1.14 acres, more or less, according to plat prepared for Edgar Smith and Ginger L. Smith, by John C. Smith & Son, dated February 3, 1987 record-ed in Plat Book 30 at page 177, Pickens County ROD, South Carolina, reference to which is craved for a more complete description.
Property address: 111 Freeman Road, Easley, SC 29640
TMS 5029-14-44-5099.
TERMS OF SALE: For cash. The purchaser(s) shall pay for deed and documentary recording fees and the successful bidder shall deposit with the Special Referee a certified check or cash in the amount equal to 5% of the amount of the bid as evidence of good faith. Deficiency judgment being waived, the sale will not remain open and shall be final on the said sales day. In the event the successful bidder fails to comply with the terms of sale within 20 days the deposit will be applied to the cost and the balance distributed to the Plaintiff and the Special Referee shall forthwith resale the property, after due notice and advertisement, at such subsequent sales day until a purchaser who shall comply with the terms of sale is obtained. The subsequent sale or sales shall be made at the risk of the former purchaser.
/s Daniel E. Hunt,
Special Referee
Date: August 11, 2016
R. Murray Hughes, Attorney for Plaintiff
Acker Lambert Hinton P.A.
Aug. 17, 24, 31
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LIS PENDENS
STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
THIRTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT
Case No. 2016-CP-3900518
Estate of James H. Patten, Jr. by Katherine R. Patten, Personal Representative and Katherine R. Patten, individually, Plaintiff, vs. John Chick and Sabrina Chick Defendant.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that an action has been commenced and is now pending for the Foreclosure of a Mortgage of Real Property located in Pickens County, South Carolina owned Defendants. The real property is described as follows:
All that certain piece, parcel of lot of land lying and being situate in the State of South Carolina, County of Pickens, being shown as containing 0.607 of an acre, more or less, according to a survey prepared by Ray Dunn Land Surveyor, PLS#19400 dated April 18, 2007 and being more fully described as follows, to-wit:
BEGINNING at a point on a proposed 50’ street and running in a northerly direction along proposed street N16-46-29E 100.87 feet; thence S71-17.16E 152.35 feet along Liberty Highway; thence S11-04-44W 125.45 feet; N71-12-44W 189.79 feet to the point of Beginning.
TMS # 4078-14-44-2911
Property Address: 767 Liberty Highway, Liberty, South Carolina 29657
This is the property conveyed to the Defendants by way of Deed from James H. Patten and Katherine R. Patten dated January 26, 2015 and recorded on January 26, 2015 in Deed Book 1658 at Page 69 in the Register of Deeds Office for Pickens County, South Carolina.
ACKER LAMBERT HINTON, P.A.
Adam B. Lambert
SC Bar No.: 100155
Attorney for Plaintiff
PO Box 9
859 Pendleton Street
Pickens, South Carolina
864-878-1184
Pickens, SC
August 16, 2016
Aug. 17, 24, 31
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SUMMONS
STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA
COUNTY OF PICKENS
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
THIRTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT
Case No. 2016-CP-3900518
Estate of James H. Patten, Jr. by Katherine R. Patten, Personal Representative and Katherine R. Patten, individually, Plaintiff, vs. John Chick and Sabrina Chick Defendant.
TO THE DEFENDANT ABOVE-NAMED:
YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED and required to answer the complaint herein, a copy of which is herewith served upon you, and to serve a copy of your answer to this compliant upon the subscriber, at the address shown below, within thirty (30) days after service hereof, exclusive of the day of such service, and if you fail to answer the complaint, judgment by default will be rendered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint.
ACKER LAMBERT HINTON, P.A.
Adam B. Lambert
SC Bar No.: 100155
Attorney for Plaintiff
PO Box 9
859 Pendleton Street
Pickens, South Carolina
864-878-1184
Pickens, SC
August 16, 2016
Aug. 17, 24, 31
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LEGAL NOTICE
The Pickens County Planning Commission will meet inregular session and conduct a public hearing on Monday,September 12, 2016, at 6:30 p.m.in the Main Conference Roomat the Pickens County Administration Facility, 222 McDaniel Avenue, Pickens, SC.
Prior to the regular meeting and public hearing, the Planning Commission will meet in a worksession at 6:00 p.m. in the same location.
The Planning Commission will holda public hearing on the following item:
1. SDV-16-002 Frances Mitchell requesting a variance from the Pickens County Development Standards regarding the division of property on a non-conforming private residential access. Located on Hideaway Drive, Sunset, SC
TMS# 4192-14-34-0370
2. UDSO Text Amendment to Article 3, Section 305 as it pertains to Outdoor Shooting Ranges.
More information for each item is available in the Planning office in the Department of Community Development and is open for public inspection during regular business hours. If any member of the public requires special assistance please call 864-898-5956.
Aug. 24
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Notice
To all persons claiming interest in 1970-14’-ALUMINUM-JONBOAT contact Cody Newell to apply to SCDNR for title on watercraft/outboard motor. If you have any claim to the watercraft/outboard motor, contact SCDNR at (803)734-3858. Upon thirty days after the date of the last advertisement if no claim of interest is made and the watercraft/outboard motor has not been reported stolen, SCDNR shall issue clear title. Case Number 20160706950453
Aug. 24, 31, Sept 7
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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
FEDERAL EMERGENCY
MANAGEMENT AGENCY
Proposed Flood Hazard Determinations for Pickens County, South Carolina and Incorporated Areas
The Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency has issued apreliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), and where applicable, Flood Insurance Study (FIS) report, reflecting proposed flood hazard determinations within Pickens County, South Carolina and Incorporated Areas. These flood hazard determinations may include the addition or modification of Base Flood Elevations, base flood depths, Special Flood Hazard Area boundaries or zone designations, or the regulatory floodway. Technical information or comments are solicited on the proposed flood hazard determinations shown on the preliminary FIRM and/or FIS report for Pickens County, South Carolina and Incorporated Areas. These flood hazard determinations are the basis for the floodplain management measures that your community is required to either adopt or show evidence of being already in effect in order to qualify or remain qualified for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program. However, before these determinations are effective for floodplain management purposes, you will be provided an opportunity to appeal the proposed information. For information on the statutory 90-day period provided for appeals, as well as a complete listing of the communities affected and the locations where copies of the FIRM are available for review, please visit FEMA’s website at www.fema.gov/plan/prevent/fhm/bfe, or call the FEMA Map Information eXchange (FMIX) toll free at 1-877-FEMA MAP (1-877-336-2627)
Aug. 24, 31
Courier Notice to Creditors 8-24-16
The publisher shall only be liable for an amount less than or equal to the charge for the space of the item in error in the case of errors in or omissions from any advertisement, and only for the first incorrect insertion.
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NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATES
All persons having claims against the following estates MUST file their claims on Form #371ES with the Probate Court of PICKENS COUNTY, the address of which is 222 MCDANIEL AVE., B-16 PICKENS, SC 29671, within eight (8) months after the date of the first publication of this Notice to Creditors or within one (1) year from date of death, whichever is earlier (SCPC 62-3-801, et seq.), or such persons shall be forever barred as to their claims. All claims are required to be presented in written statements on the prescribed form (FORM #371ES) indicating the name and address of the claimant, the basis of the claim, the amount claimed, the date when the claim will become due, the nature of any uncertainty as to the claim, and a description of any security as to the claim.
state: Alpha Mary Stark
Date of Death: 07/01/2016
Case Number: 2016ES3900495
Personal Representative:
Sharon Lee Stark
Address: 201 Wandering Way
Pickens, SC 29671
Attorney: R. Murray Hughes
Address: Post Office Box 1389
Pickens, SC 29671
August 10, 17, 24
Estate: Rosalie Bolding Gillespie
Date of Death: 07/09/2016
Case Number: 2016ES3900464
Personal Representative:
Nancy G. Brown
Address: 2256 Rockcreek Trail
Hoover, AL 25226
Attorney: Kenneth D. Acker
Address: Post Office Box 9
Pickens, SC 29671
August 10, 17, 24
Estate: Carol Gray Suber
Date of Death: 07/14/2016
Case Number: 2016ES3900509
Personal Representative:
Elizabeth Suber
Address: 830 N. Brickyard Road
Columbia, SC 29223
Attorney: Corinne B, Cannon
Address: Post Office Box 629
Clemson, SC 29633
August 10, 17, 24
Estate: Clara Sullivan Hitt
AKA Clarese Virginia Sullivan Hitt
Date of Death: 03/06/2016
Case Number: 2016ES3900489
Personal Representative:
Pamela H. Jones
Address: 416 Westwood Circle
Pickens, SC 29671
August 17, 24, 31
Estate: James Randel Putnam, Sr.
Date of Death: 03/07/2016
Case Number: 2016ES3900208-2
Personal Representative:
James Randel Putnam, jr.
Address: 123 Preston Trail
Kings Mtn., NC 28086
Attorney: Dan E. Hunt
Address: P.O. Box 887
Easley, SC 29641
August 17, 24, 31
Estate: David Lane Jennings
Date of Death: 04/25/2016
Case Number: 2016ES3900525
Personal Representative:
Leshia Denise Jennings
Address: 102 Edwards Drive
Pickens, SC 29671
Attorney: James C. Alexander
Address: P.O. Box 618
Pickens SC 29671
August 17, 24, 31
Estate: Lillian Valerie Griffin
Date of Death: 05/15/2016
Case Number: 2016ES3900526
Personal Representative:
Elizabeth Marie Schreffler
Address: 127 Seth Court
Liberty, SC 29657
Attorney: R. Scott Dover
Address: Post Office Box 462
Pickens SC 29671
August 17, 24, 31
Estate: Lewis Cleon Jones
Date of Death: 07/03/2016
Case Number: 2016ES3900519
Personal Representative:
Fern L. Bradford-Jones
Address: 200 N. Glassy Mtn. Rd.
Pickens SC 29671
Attorney: Adam B. Lambert
Address: Post Office Box 9
Pickens SC 29671
August 17, 24, 31
Estate: Margaret Marie Evatt
Date of Death: 05/25/2016
Case Number: 2016ES3900408
Personal Representative:
Martha Evatt
Address: 636 College Dr.
Central, SC 29630
August 17, 24, 31
Estate: Patricia Ann Mauldin
Date of Death: 02/09/2016
Case Number: 2016ES3900511
Personal Representative:
Tim David Mauldin
Address: 131 Ida Drive
Six Mile SC 29682
Attorney: David Harrison
Address: Post Office Box 412
Pickens SC 29671
August 17, 24, 31
Estate: Vincent Cerqua
Date of Death: 06/10/2016
Case Number: 2016ES3900436
Personal Representative:
Jane C. Cerqua
Address: 146 Duncan Road
Six Mile SC 29682
August 24, 31, Sept. 7
Estate: Jan Scott Zwolinski AKA Jay Scott
Date of Death: 08/08/2016
Case Number: 2016ES3900539
Personal Representative:
Jennifer Hacker Marlar
Address: 2020 Christine
Pampa, Tx 79065
August 24, 31, Sept. 7
Estate: Lucille Cook Garrett
Date of Death: 07/31/2016
Case Number: 2016ES3900544
Personal Representative:
Thomas Roy Garrett
Address: Post Office Box 69
Six Mile SC 29682
Attorney: Steven Alexander
Address: Post Office Box 618
Pickens SC 29671
August 24, 31, Sept. 7
Estate: Ruth Porter Kircus
AKA Gladis Ruth Porter Kircus
Date of Death: 07/31/2016
Case Number: 2016ES3900536
Personal Representative:
James T. Kircus
Address: 2019 Ireland Rd.
Pickens SC 29671
Attorney: Adam Lambert
Address: Post Office Box 9
Pickens SC 29671
Co-Personal Representative:
Tammy L. Trotter
Address: 2025 Ireland Rd.
Pickens SC 29671
August 24, 31, Sept. 7
Courier Trespass Notices 8-24-16
In the state of South Carolina, trespass after notice is a misdemeanor criminal offense prohibited by section 16-11-620 for the South Carolina Code.
Those who enter upon the lands of others without the permission of the owner or manager shall be deemed guilty of misdemeanor trespassing. All persons are hereby notified and warned not to hunt, fish, cut timber or trespass in any manner whatsoever upon the lands of the undersigned:
Cecil and Ruby Reid Aug. 2016
Jerry Galbreath Aug. 2016
Glenn and Carolyn Sellers Oct. 2016
Carl W. Porter Nov. 2016
Charles M. Smith Dec. 2016
Dolly Morris Dec. 2016
John T. M. Tompkins Dec. 2016
Sarah Rampy Jan. 2017
Frances Mathis Jan. 2017
Betty McGrew Hill Jan. 2017
Mildred Rigdon Cobb Jan. 2017
James Dan Winchester and
Avenelle S. Winchester Jan. 2017
Jessica Anderson Faus Jan. 2017
Tredwell and Erica Zeigler Feb. 2017
Rev. Joseph Miller April 2017
Perry W. and
Margaret C. Burns April 2017
Barry and Angela
Burns Duncan April 2017
Larry and Ricky Madden April 2017
Pam Wilson May 2017
Don and Renee Hunter May 2017
Waymon and Doris Aikens June 2017
Danny G. McCall and
Clay A. McCall June 2017
Artistic Builders, Inc. July 2017
Edward and Evinne Elrod July 2017
Larry and /or Bertie Gibson July 2017
John F. Hendricks July 2017
Randy and Lynn Griffin Aug. 2017
Jeffery D. and Sandra Couch Aug. 2017
H&A Properties Aug. 2017
Harry and Beverly Carson Aug. 2017
Laura Carson Jones Aug. 2017
Deborah Lusk Young
and Lola S Lusk Jan. 2018
Courier Classifieds ads 8-24-16
Announcements
MEDICAL BILLING & INSURANCE! Train at home to process Insurance claims, billing & more! ONLINE CAREER TRAINING PROGRAM AVAILABLE! Call for more information! HS Diploma/GED & PC/Internet needed! 1-888-512-7118. SW
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Struggling with DRUGS or ALCOHOL?
Addicted to PILLS? Talk to someone who cares. Call The Addiction Hope & Help Line for a free assessment. 866-604-6857. SW
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Lung Cancer? And Age 60+? You And Your Family May Be Entitled To Significant Cash Award. Call 855-664-5681 for information. No Risk. No money out-of-pocket. SW
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AIRLINE MECHANIC TRAINING – Get FAA certification. No HS Diploma or GED – We can help. Approved for military benefits. Financial Aid if qualified. Job placement assistance. Call Aviation Institute of Maintenance 866-367-2513. SW
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Tuesday, August 30, 2016 is the last day to redeem winning tickets in the following South Carolina Education Lottery Instant Games: (SC817) 3 Times Lucky, (SC821) Maximum Money, (SC819) HEARTS . SW
Help Wanted
HELP WANTED: Part-time poulty farm work Hours are 7 a.m- 4 p.m. Call or text 864-643-9039 for more info. 8/24, 31
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EXPERIENCED OTR FLATBED DRIVERS – Earn 50 up to 55cpm loaded. $1000 sign on to qualified drivers. Good home time. Call 843-266-3731 / www.bulldoghiway.com EOE SW
Yard Sales
ESTATE SALE: Furniture and Antiques. Saturday, August 27 at 1107 Fox Squirrel Ridge in Pickens. 8/24
For Sale
Enjoy your own therapeutic walk-in luxury bath. Get a free in-home consultation and receive $1,750 OFF your new walk-in tub! Call Today!!! (800) 837-2917. SW
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AT&T U-Verse Internet starting at $15/month or TV & Internet starting at $49/month for 12 months with 1-year agreement. Call 1-800-618-2630 to learn more. SW
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ULTIMATE BUNDLE from DIRECTV & AT&T. 2-Year Price Guarantee -Just $89.99/month (TV/fast internet/phone) FREE Whole-Home Genie HD-DVR Upgrade. New Customers Only. Call Today 1-800-291-6954. SW
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DISH TV 190 channels plus Highspeed Internet Only $54.94/mo! Ask about a 3 year price guarantee & get Netflix included for 1 year! Call Today 1-800-635-0278. SW
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FAST Internet! HughesNet Satellite Internet. High-Speed. Avail Anywhere. Speeds to 15 mbps. Starting at $59.99/mo. Call for Limited Time Price. 1-800-280-9221. SW
Auctions
“Annual Fall Classic” – Equipment Consignment Auction Saturday, Sept. 24th at 10AM, I-77 Speedway, Chester, SC. Accepting consignments now! 803-366-3535. www.theligoncompany.com. NCAL 8951 • SCAL1716. SW
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ABSOLUTE AUCTION – 2 Big Days: Huge Business Liquidation. On site 9/13 & 9/20. Vehicles, Metal Fab/Machine, Tools, Gens, more. Mike Harper 843-729-4996 (SCAL 3728) www.HarperAuctionAndRealty.com. SW
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Commercial Real Estate Auction – 4800 sq ft Office Building, 968 Medical Ridge Rd, Clinton, near Laurens County Hospital. Thursday, Sept 1 @ 1:00 pm, D. Meares, SCAL 3737. 864-444-5361. MearesAuctions.com. SW
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AUCTION, 3 Waterfront Lots on South Island Drive, North Myrtle Beach, SC in Horry County, Online w/ Bid Center, Auction Ends 9/8/16 at 2pm, Iron Horse Auction Company, Inc., ironhorseauction.com, 800.997.2248, SCAL168. SW
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ADVERTISE YOUR AUCTION in 107 S.C. newspapers for only $375. Your 25-word classified ad will reach more than 2.3 million readers. Call Alanna Ritchie at the S.C. Newspaper Network, 1-888-727-7377. SW
Services
BATHTUB REFINISHING – Renew or change the color of your bathtub, tile or sink. Fiberglass repair specialists! 5 year warranty. Locally owned since 1989. CarolinasTubDoctor.com. 864-766-4777. SW
For Rent
ADVERTISE YOUR VACATION PROPERTY FOR RENT OR SALE to more than 2.3 million S.C. newspaper readers. Your 25-word classified ad will appear in 107 S.C. newspapers for only $375. Call Alanna Ritchie at the South Carolina Newspaper Network, 1-888-727-7377. SW
Land For Sale
DREAM SIGHT: Home or Business 1.17 acres 1.5 mile from Lake Keowee. Metal Building 30x50x10 with apartment or office. Ready to build home or business close to everything. 146 Booger Branch Rd., Six Mile SC 29682. Call 864-316-5152. 8/24
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3.5 Acres on the South’s best Trout Fishing River . $14,900! 350 ft of US National Forest Frontage! Call today 1-888-270-4695. Fantastic Investment! SW
Mobile Homes For Sale
Repossessed mobile homes. Move in ready. No rent option, but buying could be cheaper than rent! Owner financing on select homes with approved credit. 803-454-2433.
SW
3 arrested after chase
COUNTY — Three people were arrested after a two-county chase that started in Pickens County and ended with a crash in Anderson County last week.
A South Carolina Highway Patrol trooper tried to initiate a stop on a car on S.C. Highway 93 around 1 a.m. on Thursday after he suspected the driver was under the influence.
The driver did not stop, according to troopers, and led the officer on a chase that eventually ended when the vehicle ran off the road and into a ditch on Martin Road in Anderson County.
The driver of the car, identified as 28-year-old Richard Edgar Thompson of Easley, was arrested and charged with failure to stop for blue lights, driving under the influence, driving under suspension, trafficking in cocaine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and simple possession of marijuana, according to Pickens County Detention Center records. He was also served with six bench warrants and is being held without bond.
Two passengers in the car, Wade Douglas Watkins, 37, of Greenville, and 25-year-old Mistie Stephanie Cole of Spartanburg, were also arrested after the chase, troopers said.
According to PCDC records, Watkins was charged with trafficking methamphetamine and Cole was charged with distribution of methamphetamine. The two were both being held Tuesday on $15,000 surety bonds.
Rivalry set to help kick off high school football season on Friday
PICKENS — High school football season has arrived, as the 2016 season will kick off this Friday when Pickens hosts Easley in the ninth annual Sam Wyche Meals on Wheels Food Fight Bowl.
Liberty will also open its season Friday night with a visit to Pendleton, while Daniel will kick things off as former Lions head coach Randy Robinson brings his new Berkeley team to Central.
To read previews for all four Pickens County high school teams’ seasons, check out the first edition of the Pickens County Courier’s Football Frenzy inside today’s issue.
In the first eight years of the Food Fight Bowl, Easley holds a 5-3 advantage on the field — winning the last five in a row.
The winner earns the coveted Food Fight Bowl trophy, made from the top of the trophy Wyche received in 1988 as NFL Coach of the Year.
Pickens County Meals is in desperate need of volunteers to help with deliveries for exiting routes in Pickens and Central, and a new route that is being formed in the Easley area.
In 2008, the Meals on Wheels Food Fight Bowl was designed to harness the rivalry between Easley and Pickens high schools into a signature fundraising event for Pickens County Meals on Wheels.
PCMOW has also been proud to have the support of Save-A-Lot of Pickens over the years.
Dwayne Goodwin, president of Goodwin Holdings Group, which owns Save-A-Lot of Pickens, said Meals on Wheels and its team of volunteers “plays a critical role in feeding and caring for the elderly and disabled in Pickens County.”
“Volunteers and donations are always needed,” he said. “I am happy to support the important work Meals on Wheels does in our community every day.”
To make a donation, visit pcmow.org or mail a check to Pickens County Meals on Wheels 349 Edgemont Ave. Liberty, SC 29657. Call Meta Bowers at (864) 855-3770 ext. 303 or email meta@pcmow.org with any questions.
Pickens County Meals on Wheels is exclusively focused on addressing the needs of seniors in Pickens County. Its goal is to provide a continuum of care for active, aging and homebound seniors throughout Pickens County. By connecting individuals to the services they need, when they need it, they are able to help hundreds of seniors maintain their nutritional health, independence and quality of life each year.
Voters miss chance to have say on TCTC
By Jason Evans
Staff Reporter
jevans@thepccourier.com
PICKENS COUNTY —The longstanding argument about Tri-County Technical College facilities nearly took a new twist Monday night.
The debate has been over Pickens County’s responsibilities regarding funding facilities at the college. Officials with the college have repeatedly asked that Pickens County join in the funding efforts for a new student center and other improvements.
Pickens County Council members have maintained that the county’s responsibilities lie in operations and maintenance at the college — and that new facilities don’t fall under those categories.
During Monday night’s county council meeting, Councilman Neil Smith proposed putting the question to the voters. He made a motion that would have placed the question on November ballots in the form of a referendum.
“‘Do you support spending $6.75 million of the county’s funds for Tri-County’s student center?’” Smith asked.
Smith said the referendum would not be binding, but would be a way for council to determine the public’s desire for the Tri-County Tech project.
He said the issue was prioritization.
“We’ve had various requests on the jail, Tri-County and all this other,” Smith said.
There have been requests, including from the Conservatives of the Upstate organization, to have the jail funding issue placed on the ballot, after an earlier vote was made to ensure $23 million would be available for a jail facility if needed. But Smith said county officials’ hands are tied when it comes to the jail.
“If we don’t do the jail, then the state comes and fines us and says ‘You’ve got to do this,’” Smith said. “So there’s no way that we can get out of our obligation with the jail.”
Overcrowding at the current facility has become a pressing issue. The facility often holds far more inmates than it was designed to. The county and the sheriff’s office were named in a lawsuit filed by a former inmate who was attacked by fellow inmates in April. The lawsuit alleges that conditions, including overcrowding, at the facility allowed the attack to occur.
He said the county has “way too much stuff on our list of stuff that we’re supposed to fund” and not enough available funds to tackle them all.
He said the Tri-County issue factored in the recent primary elections.
“We’ve heard there’s a mandate — the community wants it,” Smith said. “This is an opportunity for them to show support or lack of support on the whole issue. That’s the reason I’m supporting this one, versus asking the same question on the jail. It doesn’t matter what we do on the jail — the state’s going to force us to do it.”
After Smith’s proposal, county attorney Ken Roper asked if the issue could be discussed in executive session, saying he had more information to give council on the matter.
That information was regarding timing — Smith’s motion came hours too late. The state election commission’s deadline for new ballot referendums was noon on Monday.
During the meeting, council voted unanimously to authorize going forward with the design, bid and building process for a new detention center. Councilman Tom Ponder was absent.
Council Chairman Jennifer Willis said the resolution authorizing the design process gives the council more information “to figure out what our alternatives are and how we move (forward)” regarding the new facility.
BLWS another success for Easley
By Jason Evans
Staff Reporter
jevans@thepccourier.com
EASLEY — The Big League Baseball World Series was another grand slam this year, exposing the city of Easley to a global audience.
Tournament director Jon Humphrey spoke before Easley City Council members last week, thanking the city and its employees for their continued support of the event.
“We couldn’t put it on without all of the support,” Humphrey said.
This year, the work of first responders in the area was recognized at the tournament, which held a First Responders Night.
“I thought that was wonderful,” Humphrey said. “It really had a good impact. It showed the community, those people that help and support each day, the fire (department), the first responders, the police. I think we’re going to see if we can grow that activity a little bit.”
He thanked the Easley Police Department for its work during the tournament.
“The support from the police department’s been wonderful,” Humphrey said.
This year, the EPD’s command center was moved near the press box.
“That was a great idea. It gave them a lot of visibility,” Humphrey said. “They were interacting with the fans.”
This year’s tournament went smoothly, with few issues, he said.
Humphrey echoed councilman Terry Moore’s earlier praise of the facilities.
“Tim Mobley and that group down there, they work miracles,” Humphrey said. “From growing grass when you don’t think the grass is going to grow to making things look good, they do a great job.”
“It showed well on ESPN,” he continued. “I’m thrilled with the work that those guys do — and everybody at the rec department, all the support we get from all the different departments.”
He said a crowd of 1,300 people were at the ballpark watching the championship game, which was broadcast live on ESPN once again.
“Some people might say that might not be a huge crowd.” Humphrey said. “But to not have a local team in there, for having two teams that are closer together than they are to Easley, because we had Hawaii and Chinese-Taipei in the final game, to have those two teams in there and to have that kind of support, we had some great support.”
Some fans came up in buses from Atlanta to help cheer on Chinese-Taipei.
Chinese-Taipei, representing Asia-Pacific, won the championship.
The exposure Easley gets from the tournament doesn’t stop with the championship game, Humphrey said.
Delaware Gov. Jack Markell recognized Easley in his tribute to the team and the coaches representing the East, which was presented to them upon their return to their home state.
“I think that’s kind of a unique thing,” Humphrey said. “It’s an unique way for us to get our name out, about our city, about community. The people that come here, they have great things to say about our facilities.”
He thanked the local volunteers and sponsors.
“Their support means the world to us,” Humphrey said.
Pat Wilson, Little League International vice president of operations, visited Easley for the first time since 2006 during this year’s tourney, Humphrey said.
“He was thrilled with the program, thrilled with the facilities,” he said. “We’ve had a lot of improvements, and he noted almost every one. He came back to me and ‘Hey, this looks good. You guys did a great job here — the fencing, the stands, the netting.’ All of those things he picked up on. I was really happy with that. It’s good to hear positive things come out of him.”
It won’t be long before the volunteers begin preparing for next year’s event.
“We’re resting a little bit now,” Humphrey said.
Mayor Larry Bagwell thanked Humphrey for his work as tournament director. He said he’d spoken with Wilson about Little League officials’ satisfaction with the tournament and its home in Easley.
“He said ‘As long as we’ve got this guy doing the show, we’re happy,’” Bagwell said. “So, Jon, I just want to tell people what kind of job you do. They realize it up there in Pennsylvania, so just keep on keeping on.”
Dream Center project to help ‘those ready to help themselves’
By Jason Evans
Staff Reporter
jevans@thepccourier.com
EASLEY — A project from The Dream Center of Pickens County aims to give a helping hand — and a place to stay — to those in need.
Last week, building official Tommy Holcombe presented to Easley City Council members a [cointent_lockedcontent]rezoning request related to the project, which would see a number of small housing units built at 111 Hillcrest Drive, across from the Dream Center’s offices.
The plan would see 8-10 units about 150 square feet in size and 8-10 240-square-foot units built, officials said.
Holcombe presented preliminary drawings to council, and Dream Center officials were on hand to answer questions during the council meeting.
The aim is to give a helping hand to area homeless people who are ready to help themselves, Dream Center officials said. There is currently no homeless shelter in Pickens County.
The units would provide temporary housing for either individuals or small families.
Those accepted into the housing program would have to meet and maintain certain criteria to remain in the units, Holcombe said.
“No alcohol, no drugs,” Holcombe said. “They’d have to participate in a plan that the Dream Center has come up with. The ultimate goal is to get these people back on their feet and get them back into a productive role in society.”
Councilman Terry Moore asked how long each participant would be living in the units.
Dream Center board president Jim Wilson said, while it wouldn’t be open-ended, that determination would be approached on a case-by-case basis
“There will be benchmarks along the way that they would have to meet so that they stay on the plan,” he said. “That is to create a sense of urgency so that they get a job and stay on their feet.”
Moore asked what would happen if those benchmarks were not met.
“There will be consequences,” Wilson said. “Ultimately, if they decide not to follow the program — the program is to get a job — if they decide that’s not something they want to do, then they can go and find a different solution. But that’s what we have to offer.”
The units would have a small kitchenette area, but residents’ meals would be prepared at the Dream Center by the Dream Center staff, Holcombe said.
“There will be no cooking in there,” he said.
Holcombe said the smaller housing units are “just one step.”
“(The Dream Center) has invested money, too,” he said.
The organization has invested in 10 houses on nearby Craig Street “which will be another step” in the program, Holcombe said.
“They’re not just coming to us, asking for something,” he said. “They’re investing, also. Hopefully that will spur others to fix up.”
The smaller units are “step one,” Wilson said. “That gets them in, gets them out of the cold or the heat, whatever the case may be, gets their basic needs met, whatever the case may be. Once they get a job and get income coming in, they’ll move over to the larger units.”
The houses on Craig Street are “step three,” he continued.
“Then, they’ll move out into the community (and) either buy or rent a house that will get them back into society,” he concluded.
Councilman Jim Robinson asked if any members of the community had been present at the planning commission meeting.
Holcombe said no community members had been present at the meeting but that his office has received no calls from community members regarding the project.
Councilman Thomas Wright said he’d received a couple of calls about the project from residents, but no one expressed outright disapproval of the idea.
“One was from a pastor who thought it was a good idea, that the Dream Center was a beacon for the community,” Wright said. “The other person said they’d have to think about it, pray over it.”
He asked staff to distribute some information about the project to the surrounding community, who often lack computers or do not read newspapers, to help educate them about its purpose.
“We need to think about how to better disseminate information to the community,” Wright said.
Chris Wilson, executive director of the Dream Center, said the project is designed so both participants and the surrounding community will be proud of it.
“It’s not going to look like a prison,” she said. “It’s going to be very nice to look at it.”
She said the area will be safer “with it there than it ever has been.”
She said she’d spoken to residents of a nearby street, and their main concerns was that the program would be taking in drug addicts.
“We will drug test and refer out people who are struggling with addiction,” Chris Wilson said. “Once they overcome that, we’d love to have them back, so we can get them back on their feet. (Residents) were very happy that we were drug testing and that we were helping people who were ready to help themselves.”
The Dream Center would be responsible for the upkeep of the property “100 percent,” Holcombe said.
“We’ve got Mr. Wilson’s phone number on speed-dial and we don’t mind calling him,” he said.
Changing the zoning from general residential to office/institutional was the best fit for the project, Holcombe and the city’s planning commission agreed. That zoning gives the project the most flexibility.
Planning commission members are in favor of the zoning change, Holcombe said.
“The planning commission was very impressed with it,” Holcombe said of the project.
Council members approved the zoning request, which is just a first step, Holcombe said. The project will go back to the planning commission for further approvals as it moves forward.[/cointent_lockedcontent]
