News Archive Week of July 21, 2004 West Pelzer completes $500,000 grant request West Pelzer officials held a second public hearing Thursday to review information and paperwork for a grant application for a Community Development Block Grant. Town officials are requesting the $500,000 grant which they hope to use to replace aging water lines in the town. Plans are to replace a high percentage of the current 2” and 4” water lines with 6” or 8” lines from Main Street to the borders of the town. The federal grant is a HUD program managed by the S. C. Department of Commerce, office of grants administration. A 10% local match is required as part of the grant, officials said. The town has received assistance in the application process from the Appalachian Council of Governments (ACOG), a public non-profit organization. ACOG representative Judith Romano, Grants Project Manager, said West Pelzer qualifies for the grant because the town is classified as a low to moderate income area according to the 2000 census. According to Romano, the grant application process is extremely competitive since there are limited funds to distribute and a large number of applications. According to Romano, the state has received 86 requests for applications many of which involve housing. Romano said that West Pelzer will be competing against other water and sewer projects in the state and felt that West Pelzer has a “decent shot” at receiving the funds. Mayor Peggy Paxton who was not able to be present at the meeting said she felt that the town has a “good chance of getting the grant since Sen. Billy O’Dell and Rep. Dan Cooper are really pushing for us.” Additional assistance with the grant application came from Engineer Bill Dunn who was able to get a letter from a Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) engineer stating that the current lead-caulked joints in the town system provide health hazards. The completed grant application is due July 23 in Columbia. State officials usually take about two weeks to review the application and may request clarification on some issues in the application, Romano said. Once all questions are answered, state officials schedule a visit to the town to review the plans for the project and to meet town officials. This visit is an extremely important step in the application process, Romano emphasized. According to the funding cycle, town officials will probably be notified in November about the status of their application, Romano explained. If the town receives the grant, officials should generally expect another few months of paperwork, engineering design and review by DHEC to detail the project. Once all paperwork is approved, officials will conduct a public bid process and award a contract for the project, Romano said. John C. Neel, III announces candidacy for Williamston mayor John C. Neel, III, 17 Glenwood Ave., Williamston, officially announced this week that he intends to seek the office of mayor of Williamston. Neel, a former assistant municipal judge and educator, said Tuesday he will announce his platform in the near future. The Town of Williamston will hold an election on Nov. 2 to fill two council seats and the mayor’s seat. Williamston Mayor Phillip Clardy, currently in his fourth year as mayor, has not officially announced whether he will seek reelection to the position. Williamston’s mayor serves a four year term. Council members serve staggered two year terms, with two seats coming open every two years. Council seat Ward 3 currently held by David Harvell and seat Ward 4, currently held by Wade Pepper, are up for reelection in November. Three candidates, Otis Scott, B. W. “Pete” Peterson and Pamela Owens have announced they intend to run for the Ward 4 council seat. No opposition has announced for the Ward 3 seat held by Harvell. There is a $100 fee for persons planning to run for the mayor’s seat and a $50 fee for candidates intending to run for council. Books will open for filing in Williamston August 13 and will close August 20. A potential candidate for elected office must have at least five percent of the town’s registered voters sign a petition. The requirement applies to potential candidates for mayor and council seats. Earlier this year, Williamston Town Council considered an ordinance to repeal the town election petition requirement but did not act on it. The current election ordinance requires that a petition be submitted 75 days before an election and that it be validated at least 60 days prior to the election for a candidate to have his/her name placed on the ballot. District One announces registration, orientation Anderson School District One officials have released the 2004 registration and orientation schedule for the new school year which begins with the first day of school for students on August 5. Students may pay fees, meet with teachers and administrators, purchase yearbooks, and pick up schedules, parking permits, and bus schedules on these days. Basic school fees will be $17 for elementary students, $25 for middle school students and $55 for high school students. Fees will vary for each school depending on required agendas and other items. Cedar Grove Elementary  will hold registration on Tuesday, July 27 and Thursday July 29 from 2 p.m.-7 p.m.; and Wednesday, July 28 and Friday July 30 from 7 a.m.-2 p.m.. Parents can pickup their child’s homeroom assignment, pay fees, and pick up a student planner and other important paperwork. Orientation will be held Tuesday, August 3 from 2:30-6:30 p.m. Students and parents may meet teachers in all grades. Concrete Primary registration and orientation will be held Tuesday, August 3, from 5 to 7 p.m. Parents of  kindergarten students will have orientation from 5:45 to 6:15 p.m. Parents of first grade students will have orientation from 6:15 to 6:45 p.m. and second grade students will have orientation from 6:45 to 7:15 p.m. Hunt Meadows Elementary registration and orientation will be held on Audgust 2 and 3. K5, second grade and fourth grade and Special Education will meet Monday August 2 from 5 to 7 p.m. First grade, third grade, fifth grade and K4 orientation will be Tuesday, August 3, from 5 to 7 p.m. Parents may pay fees in the multi-purpose room and meet teachers in their classrooms. Palmetto Elementary registration will be Friday, August 2, from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to  3 p.m. and Monday, August 5, from 9 a.m. until noon. Parents may meet teachers at orientation Monday, August 5 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Pelzer Elementary registration and orientation will be held August 3 and August 5 from 4 to 6 p.m. in the cafeteria. Parents may meet teachers, fill out registration forms, and pay fees. Powdersville Elementary registration and orientation for third graders will be August 2 at 6:30 p.m.; fourth and fifth graders,  August 3 at 6:30 p.m.  Registration will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. until school starts. Spearman Elementary will hold orientation and registration for all grades on August 3, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. West Pelzer Elementary will hold registration for K-5 on August 2 from 2 to 4 p.m.  in the gym. Open House and orientation will be held August 19. Parent may choose from two sessions; session one at 5:30 p.m. or session two at 6:15 p.m.  Wren Elementary registration for all grades will be July 25 from 2 to 6 p.m. in the cafeteria. Orientation for Kindergarten will be August 1 at 6 p.m. in the classrooms; First Grade will be August 5 at 6 p.m. in the Media Center; second grade: August 5 at 7 p.m. in the Media Center. Orientation for third grade will be August 6 at 6 p.m., in the Media Center; fourth grade August 6 at 7 p.m., in the Media Center; fifth grade:  August 6 at 7 p.m. in the cafeteria. Palmetto Middle registration will be July 28 and July 29 from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 3 p.m. and August 2 from 1 to 3:30 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m. Powdersville Middle will hold  registration for all grades on August 3, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.  Orientation for new students will be held on the same date at 6 p.m. Wren Middle will pick up schedule and pay fees on August 6 from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.  and 1 to 3 p.m. Parent and student orientation for sixth grade students will be held August 5 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. The office is open Monday - Thursday, 9 a.m. to  3 p.m. and Friday, 9 a.m. until noon for registration and payment of fees. Palmetto High registration for all grades will be July 28 and 29 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wren High registration for seniors will be held July 26 from 8 a.m. to 12 Noon.  Registration for Juniors will be July 27 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sophomores will register July 27 from 8 a.m. to 12 noon. Freshman registration and orientation will be held August 3 from 6 to 7 p.m. Students will report to their Academic Enhancement teacher which will be included in information to be mailed. Greenville County students will return to classes on August 23. Local residents recover two stolen vehicles In separate incidents last week, two area residents recovered their own vehicles which had been reported stolen recently. Joey Martin of 1923 Cherokee Road in Williamston was driving home from work on Friday afternoon when he observed a flatbed truck belonging to him being driven by an unknown white male. Martin followed the truck until the suspect pulled over at Laser Construction on Irby Road and Highway 81. Reportedly, the man exited the truck and got into a late model Mustang and headed back toward Interstate 85. Martin contacted county authorities who arrived and processed the white 1998 International Model 4700 flatbed truck. Investigators then released the truck which was valued at $20,000 to Martin. Brandon Gabriel Cape of 8 Marshall Drive in Piedmont reported a blue and white 2002 Suzuki GSXR750 motorcycle valued at $6,000 stolen from his front yard on July 13. Acting on information from neighbors, Cape located individuals who had been seen in his neighborhood near the time of the theft. Eventually, Cape was able to locate an individual who had information about the location of the motorcycle. According to reports, Cape found the motorcycle with a damaged ignition switch in a wooded area at the end of Marshall Street Thursday. Anderson County investigators processed the motorcycle and then returned it to Cape. Anderson County deputies also investigated the following incidents this week: July 18 – Victor David Zapata, 34, 302 Anita Ct., Williamston, reported that someone stole a blue 1994 Ford F150 valued at $4,000 from his driveway. B. W. Parker investigated. July 18 – Jimmy Hollingsworth, 19, 205 McNeely Rd., Piedmont, reported that someone cut a lock on a chain and removed a blue and white 2003 Suzuki GSXR600 motorcycle valued at $10,000 which was parked in front of his residence. D. Hodges, Jr. investigated. July 17 – Ruth E. Davis, 61, 1245 Davis Rd., Piedmont, reported that someone stole a silver 2004 Toyota Tacoma valued at $21,000 out of her yard. R. S. Turner investigated. July 16 – Tammy Rose Roberts, 32, 213 Hopsewee Dr., Piedmont, reported that someone stole a 2003 Big Dog Mastif Model 5J11M motorcycle valued at $25,000 from the parking lot in front of her apartment building. D. Hodges, Jr. investigated. July 15 – CVS Pharmacy, 10909 Anderson Rd., Piedmont, reported that a loss prevention officer observed a male and female subject enter the business, proceed to the medication aisle and place several items in their clothing. The officer confronted the suspects who said they put everything back on the shelf. The suspects left in a white 1993 Mercury Villager driven by another male. Reported missing were medications valued at $166. D. Hodges, Jr. investigated. July 14 – Keith Bray, 44, 105 Milwee Ct., Williamston, reported that someone took a 16x6 black tandem axle utility trailer valued at $2,040 from the parking lot at Sam’s Club. W. T. Vaughn investigated. July 14 – Melinda P. Williams, 44, 1728 Elrod Rd. Lot 10, Piedmont, reported that someone broke lattice on the front porch and left a window open in the living room. No items were reported missing. C. H. Bensse investigated. July 14 – Jeannie Head, 31, 711 Cooper Rd., Piedmont, reported that someone entered a residence and took electronics, decorations, tools, a dog house and a Coke machine valued at $2,400. K. Fowler investigated. July 13 – Allen Shevey, 35, 416 Spearmen Rd., Williamston, reported that someone cut the hasp off storage building at his residence and took tools valued at $11,525. D. Hodges, Jr. investigated. July 13 – Terry Williams Hall, 31, 116 Santee Dr., Piedmont, reported that someone removed a red, black and silver 2003 Honda RVT1000 motorcycle and cover valued at $9,500 which was parked in front of his apartment. The motorcycle was later recovered by the Greenville County Sheriff’s Department. D. Hodges, Jr. investigated. July 11 – Cynthia Simpson, 4040 Old Williamston Rd., Belton, reported that someone removed a chainsaw and fishing equipment valued at $375 from a fenced yard. J. E. Latimer investigated. County Council tables Joe Black Road rezoning Anderson County Council voted to table a request to rezone property located at the intersection of Cherokee Road and Joe Black Road at their regular meeting Tuesday. Although the county planning staff recommended that the rezoning request by Robert Ellison to rezone 1.2 acres at 805 Cherokee Road from R-20 (single family residential) to C-2 (highway commercial) be approved, the Planning Commission and the Citizens Zoning Advisory Board both recommended that the request be denied due to citizen concerns about traffic conditions and possible impact on neighboring residential properties. Several citizens spoke in a public hearing on the first reading of the rezoning request. Mike Creamer of 216 Oakmont Drive in Anderson and a property owner in the area spoke in opposition to the request. Describing the intersection as dangerous due to trucks traveling over the bridge over Highway 29, Creamer contended that no more congestion is needed in the area. Linda Thompson who lives on Joe Black Road explained that the intersection “is no place to add a business.” Thompson reported that her daughter was involved in an accident at the intersection several years ago. Area resident Janie Creamer spoke in opposition to the request stating her safety concerns about school traffic and the possibility of more accidents in the area. Allen Ellison countered that the “traffic situation had been blown out of proportion.” Referring to other businesses in the area, Ellison contended that the “area is certainly commercial.” Saying that there were “not a lot of facts,” Council chairman Clint Wright expressed a need for more information about traffic and accident counts at the intersection and explained that the decision is whether the request is “equitable and consistent with property in surrounding areas.” Councilman Bill Dees made a motion to table the request until further information could be obtained. A 5-2 council vote supported Dees’ motion. Wright and Councilman Fred Tolly opposed the motion to table. In other business, the council held a public hearing on the second reading of an ordinance amending the revised future land use map for School District One proposed by the county planning department. The public hearing received no activity, but Council person Cindy Wilson noted that area for the landfill “varies dramatically from the original footprint” on the map and is significantly larger. All council members supported the ordinance except Wilson who abstained from voting. After a lengthy discussion, the council unanimously approved an ordinance authorizing the acceptance of electronic payment for property taxes. The ordinance was requested by the county treasurer at the request of citizens. County Attorney Tom Martin explained that although many payment decisions are left up to the treasurer, only county council can authorize electronic payments according to current state statutes. Several council members expressed concerns that payments at banks would still be an option for senior citizens. The council unanimously approved the first reading on an ordinance amending the county code of ordinances by establishing procedures and conditions by which nonexclusive cable television franchises in the unincorporated areas of the county are granted. County Assistant Administrator Michael Cunningham explained that the blanket agreement establishes standards for the operations of cable franchises in the county. Council members Wilson and Larry Greer both mentioned many complaints about cable coverage and service in the county. Greer said that the ordinance “puts into place many things that have been lacking” in customer service. According to the ordinance, customer service representatives would have to be available 24 hours a day. Credits would also be issued for service interruptions lasting longer than 24 hours, and cable companies would have to honor a 4-hour appointment window. Officials also noted that the master ordinance provides “stiff penalties” if the terms of the five-year contracts are not met. A public hearing on the second reading of the ordinance will be held August 17. The council also held the first reading of an ordinance amending county personnel policies. An attorney specializing in personnel matters met with council members to receive input on revisions and was present at the meeting to explain the personnel policies. Wilson expressed concerns about the process by which education and special training is approved as well as the county funding of annual memberships in organizations. Five council members approved the ordinance, Wilson abstained from voting, and Council member Gracie Floyd was absent at the time of the vote. The council also approved financial requests from Wilson for $2,500 for the fall festival sponsored by the Honea Path Merchants Association, $1,000 for Crisis Ministries, and approximately $35,000 for paving at Watkins School in Honea Path. Wright announced that the August 3 council meeting would be cancelled due to a schedule conflict and then adjourned the meeting. Accused kidnapper out on bond Accused kidnapper Jonathan Craig Marcy was recently released from jail after a $200,000 bond was posted on his behalf. Marcy, 31, is accused of kidnapping 7-year-old Hunter Thompson from a Kmart in Anderson March 22 and holding him for 14 hours before releasing him at an Anderson grocery store. Anderson County authorities arrested Marcy March 25 at a home that he was renting on Academy Street in Williamston. According to authorities, Marcy had been living in Williamston since October 2003 and was employed at the Hardee’s in Williamston. Reportedly, information from a customer at Hardee’s assisted authorities in the arrest of Marcy. Marcy has been held at the Anderson County Detention Center since March 25 and has undergone a psychiatric evaluation at the order of Circuit Court Judge Cordell Maddox. Before being released, Marcy was fitted with an electronic monitoring system and is prohibited from being around any children. He is allowed to leave his parents’ home only for court appearances, medical attention, religious services or to see his attorneys. PHS Athletic Boosters to meet July 27 The Palmetto High athletic booster club will meet Tuesday, July 27 at 6 p.m. in the school cafeteria. Members are invited to meet new cross country and softball coaches Kelly Eaves and Adam Dymound. The athletic booster club is also offering club membership for the 2004-2005 school year. Proceeds from club membership held support the athletic program in many ways. Student membership is only $3; adult single is $5, adult couple is $7.50 and family membership is $10. Businesses and individuals may also join the Mustang club or the Red/Gray club.  For $30, Mustang club members get their name in the football program, a free program and a Mustang car decal. For a $50 contribution members will get their name in the program, a reserved parking for home varsity footbal games, a free program, and a Mustang car decal. Anyone interested in joining may contact or send payment to Teresa Meares, Treasurer, PHS Athletic Booster Club, 319 Eastview Road, Pelzer, SC 29669. For information on business level memberships, advertising in the football program or advertisement banners, call Mike Gowan at 847-7312 or David Meares at 444-1322 or Teresa Meares at 303-1026. Lance Armstrong day July 26 The Cancer Association of Anderson will hold its second annual Lance Armstrong Day on Monday, July 26. The public is invited to drop in from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to enjoy refreshments, see a  display of Trek bikes, purchase yellow Live Strong bracelets to benefit the Lance Armstrong Foundation and learn about how the champion bicyclist has helped cancer patients in Anderson County recover their strength. The Tour de France, a three-week bicycle race called by many the most grueling competition in sports, will end on Sunday, July 25. Lance Armstrong, a survivor of testicular cancer, is seeking a record 6th victory in the race. A $17,000 grant from the Lance Armstrong Foundation has enabled 53 Anderson County residents to enroll in the AnMed Oncology Rehabilitation program since last September, according to CAA Executive Director Kathryn Smith. “Patients tell us this has made a tremendous difference in their recovery, both physical and emotional,” she said. The eight-week program is offered to any Anderson County cancer survivor who is within one year of treatment free of charge. The Cancer Association of Anderson also has “Live Strong” yellow bracelets from the Lance Armstrong Foundation available for $1 each. These bracelets are engraved with Lance Armstrong’s mantra, which is evident as he competes for his 6th Tour de France victory. As a Lance Armstrong Foundation grantee, CAA is also competing. The five grantees that sell the most bracelets will receive a $5,000 grant from the Lance Armstrong Foundation. To buy a bracelet, visit the Cancer Association office, 215 E. Calhoun Street, between 8:30 and noon Monday through Friday. For information about Lance Armstrong Day or to order bracelets in bulk, please call 222-3500. Armstrong, who took the leader’s yellow jersey Tuesday, can be seen daily with the U. S. Postal team competing in the Tour de France on the Outdoor Life Network. Greenville resident George Hincapie is also a member of the team. Hincapie and brother Rich organized a four stage bike race last year. One stage was held in downtown Anderson and a second was held in  Greenwood. Piedmont Commissioners approve budget The Board of Commissioners for the Piedmont Public Service District recently unanimously approved the third and final reading of the annual budget for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2005. The budget shows estimated revenues at $1,118, 494 for all departments with total estimated expenditures of $1,113,998 leaving an estimated surplus of $4,496. Millage rates remain unchanged at .055 for the fire department, .024 for the sewer and light department, and .002 for the recreation department. Chairperson Marsha Rogers reported that Chief Administrator Jerry L. Nichols receives an annual salary of $50,171 and 35 vacation days per year under the new budget. The board then unanimously agreed to revise the salary agreement with Rusty Burns after they held an executive session to discuss personnel matters. Burns currently receives a monthly salary of $800 as a consultant to assist in finding grants and special funding for the district. Under the new agreement, Burns will receive a salary of $200 per month plus a 5% commission on all funding he procures for the district. Rogers reported that someone pried open the door to the concession stand at Thomas C. Pack Memorial Park and took a VHS cassette, a first aid kit, and miscellaneous candy and drinks valued at $122 on June 19. Nichols reported that stops would be added to the rollup doors as well as an alarm on the door to the concession stand. Commissioner Al McAbee reported a total of 41 calls to the fire department in May which included: 3 structure fires, 6 grass fires, 4 vehicle accidents, 27 medical calls, 1 electrical call, 3 sewer calls, and 1 street light call. Rogers reminded everyone that the filing for the election will be held August 2-16. She also announced that the board does not meet in July, and the board scheduled the next meeting for August 16. Footbridge Family Dental Dr. Ryan Cook assumes ownership of practice Dr. Ryan Cook recently assumed ownership of the dental practice located at 110 Blossom Branch Road in Piedmont. The office was formerly owned by Dr. Joe Palmer and was known as Distinctive Dentistry. Dr. Cook is originally from Washington State where he earned a Bachelors of Science in Psychology while playing baseball for the Washington Cougars. He entered dental school at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and graduated with honors in the top ten of his class. Dr. Cook also completed training in implantology and is a member of The International College of Oral Implantologists. Dr. Cook worked as a partner with Dr. Palmer since June of 2002. He made the decision to assume ownership of the Piedmont practice earlier this year after having the opportunity to meet many of the people from the area who are existing patients of the practice. He plans to change the primary focus of the practice back to general and restorative dentistry and provide a family friendly environment. The new name for the practice is Footbridge Family Dental.  The name was chosen in reference to the former footbridge that at one time connected Greenville and Anderson Counties across the Saluda River. Dr. Cook said he and his staff are excited to offer quality dental care to the people of Piedmont and the surrounding commuities. Footbridge Family Dental will accept insurance and offer payment plans. Some of the services offered are general dentistry including cleanings, tooth-colored fillings, precision fitted partials, dentures, crowns, and onlays. The office is equipped with the latest in dental technology and materials and will continue to offer the one-visit crown service as well as Zoom whitening, implants, and cosmetic dentistry. “We are excited to be a part of the community and look forward to providing excellent dental care to our existing patients as well as future patients,” Dr. Cook said. For more information or to make an appointment call (864) 846-3402 or on check their website at www.footbridgefamilydental.com.