Community Meeting Provides Feedback To Police
October 23,
8:24 PM
Members of the community gathered together last Thursday at West End Baptist Church to provide feedback to the Newberry Police Department on how they could better work together.
The meeting is part of a new initiative of quarterly community meetings held by the police department to gather thoughts from different parts of the community on what they’re seeing in their neighborhoods.
“I’m here to gather feedback as to what we’re [police department] doing, what you’d like to see us doing and how we can partner together to make this community a better place,” said Police Chief Roy McClurkin (pictured).
McClurkin said he felt that as a department they had done a lot lately through community policing and made a positive impact in the West End area as well as other areas because of community meetings and discussions that have come out of those meetings.
“Community policing in Newberry is not just a ‘buzz word’ but a way our officers feel they can bring about more positive interactions within their communities,” said City Manager Matt DeWitt. “It is important that all of our citizens feel safe and protected and in a city the size of Newberry there is no reason why you shouldn’t know your officers by name.”
DeWitt said these community meetings were a great way to help make these introductions and he was proud of the efforts made by both the officers and community members to help foster this positive relationship.
Community members expressed concerns Thursday of drivers speeding on roads that got a lot of foot traffic and that they would like to see more community meetings to talk about the future of the West End area to bring about positive change.
Many comments towards the police department Thursday were thankful for their presence in the West End area and that if someone had needed assistance, that the department had been there almost instantly to help.
McClurkin thanked the community members in attendance and said that because of these meetings, the police department had received more calls with tips and concerns which helps make their jobs easier and allows them to better help the community.
“Citizens have been great in calling me when they see something going on or when they feel something might happen and that’s what I need,” McClurkin said. “When they identify a problem, they help us correct that problem.”
The community was invited to attend the police department’s Bibles and Badges program that meets on the first Thursday of every month at 6 p.m. at the police department. McClurkin said the community had been very receptive and ministers throughout the city and county are helping to put on the bible study each month.
“We’re going to continue to do what we do, but we want the community to have some stake in it,” McClurkin said. “Tell us what you see and what else you’d like to see us doing so we can partner together in solving the issues of the community.”
The community meetings are held every three months on the third Thursday of that month, McClurkin said. No location has been set for the next meeting which will take place in January.
New Technology Brings Real-Time Vehicle Information, More
October 18,
7:35 AM
A screen shot of what the map looks like with the vehicles on it. This is for demonstration purposes only and the map is not available for public viewing.
Newberry County Sheriff Lee Foster says that the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office has taken another step forward in using technology to be improve response to the people of Newberry County.
Sheriff Foster says that the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office has now equipped every vehicle with AVL (Automated Vehicle Location). These devices track the vehicle’s location at all time. The system also sends the vehicle location to the 911 center and to the cars on duty at that time.
Sheriff Foster said that this technology will allow supervisors and the 911 center the ability to quickly see the closest deputies to calls and dramatically improve response time. Using this system and the current mapping system, 911 dispatchers can literally guide the car to the call for help when they are having trouble locating the residence or call. This technology was recently used to guide a deputy to a lost hiker using the AVL from the car and the GPS for the cal ler’s cell phone.
Sheriff Foster also said that these devices will also be a great safety feature for the deputies because if the deputy calls for help or has other issues, the 911 center and other deputies will know exactly where the deputy is located.
In addition to the AVL feature, the cars has also been equipped with wireless connectivity back to the Sheriff’s Office. This means that the deputies are now able to perform their own driver’s license, tag, and wanted person checks from the field.
Sheriff Foster said that this access will help cut down radio traffic and work in an already overloaded 911 center and shorten the time of traffic stops and other interactions.
Sheriff Foster said that the use of this technology will give the deputies more than just a better response time, but will give the deputies have more time to patrol throughout the county. Because a visible patrol is one of the greatest deterrents to crime, this will be a valuable tool to all of Newberry County as the deputies will have more time to be in the field.
The deputies can also get information from the 911 center sent directly to their car and while they have been doing reporting in the cars for some time, now the reports are immediately sent to the Sheriff’s Office server.
Sheriff Foster said that another feature of the system is a great reporting infrastructure. The system allows staff to review most all aspects of a vehicle’s operations such as speed, areas patrolled, and other vital information to better deploy patrols based upon call volume and current crime trends.
“This is cutting edge technology,” said Sheriff Foster. “We understand that in today’s world you must be willing to implement current technology into your operation and we are continually recognized as being on the front edge of that technology. However; we must understand that law enforcement is not just abo ut technology, it is about people. People who are highly trained and equipped to serve the people of Newberry County.”
“We are very blessed that we have a convergence of great people and technology coupled with the wonderful people of Newberry County and our working relationship with the community that makes Newberry County so great!,” said Foster.
Sheriff Foster said that the next goal with this technology is have various aspects of public safety throughout the county begin using the technology as well. The goal would be to have the ability to see all aspects of public safety functioning on a common map enabling the 911 center and vehicles to see and interact with each other in real time.
“We are being recognized at the state and national level for our partnerships with other agencies such as the police departments, school district, and hospital,” said Sheriff Foster. “Those partnerships are invaluable to best serving the people of Ne wberry County.
Home Invasion Robbery, Drug Trafficking Charge in Whitmire
October 17,
6:52 PM
Early Monday morning the Whitmire Police Department and Newberry Sheriff's Office responded to a report of a home invasion style robbery on Subertown Rd.
The victim reported that a black male around 5'10, medium build, wearing all black with a black covering over his face forcibly entered the residence and was in possession of a firearm. The suspect took items from the residence and fled in a white pickup truck.
Upon investigation of the robbery, officers smelled and observed a large quantity of narcotics in the residence and a search warrant was sought. Subsequently approximately 20 pounds of Marijuana was seized along with a large amount of currency. Whitmire Police have charged Jarvis Jamel Sligh 32, of Whitmire with Trafficking Marijuana.
The Whitmire Police Department and the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office continue to investigate the robbery and are asking for the public’s assistance. If anyone has any information in regards to this robbery you are urged to call Whitmire Police at 321-2222. You may also submit an anonymous tip through our crimestoppers link on the desktop version of the Whitmire Police facebook page.
Fatal Collision On Friday; Victim Identified
October 8,
8:37 AM
The person killed in a collision on Highway 34 Friday afternoon has been identified.
The Newberry Coroner says Nanette Wilson Workman, 56, was the driver of the pickup truck that collided with a Freightliner truck at around 4 pm on Friday. Workman suffered fatal injuries and died at the scene.
SC Highway Patrol said the pickup truck was traveling south on General Henderson Road and failed to stop at a stop sign, striking a Freightliner truck traveling east on Hwy 34.
Public Power Week Is October 1-7
October 2,
8:23 AM
Mayor Foster Senn signed a proclamation declaring October
1-7 as Public Power Week in the City of Newberry. This week, more than 2,000 community-owned, not-for-profit electric utilities that collectively provide electricity to 48 million Americans will celebrate Public Power Week. The City of Newberry Utilities Department is celebrating all of its services they provide customers by hosting Public Utilities Week, along with the National Public Power Week. Pictured in the photo with Mayor Senn are Utilities Director Tim Baker along with members of the utilities staff, Electric Lineman and Water/Sewer Crew members. Front row (left to right): Utilities Director Tim Baker, Mayor Foster Senn Back row (left to right): Jimmy Cromer, William Brown, Elyssa Haven, Gary Grice, Casey Proctor, Michael Ballenger, Ken Gillespie, Chris Odom, Katie Werts, Casey Smith and Don Hurst.
Drug Control Policy Awards $125,000 To Local Coalition To Prevent Youth Substance Use
September 27,
7:58 AM
Richard Baum, Acting Director of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), announced 719 Drug-Free Communities (DFC) Support Program grants totaling $89 million. This represents the largest-ever number of DFC grantees in a single year since the program’s founding. The grants will provide local community coalitions funding to prevent youth substance use, including prescription drugs, marijuana, tobacco, and alcohol. The Newberry County Coalition on Underage Drinking, hosted by Westview Behavioral Health Services, was one of the grant recipients and will receive $125,000 in DFC grant funds to involve and engage their local community to prevent substance use among youth.
“We’re losing more than 60,000 people per year to drug overdose, but if we can stop young people from starting to use drugs in the first place, we can save lives,” said Richard Baum, Acting Director of National Drug Control Policy. “Our local DFC coalitions are a key part of this effort because they are bringing together parents groups, schools, healthcare professionals, law enforcement, businesses, and others to prevent drug use and improve the health of the community.”
“Our goal is to make Newberry County a safe and drug-free place for our youth,” said DFC Coalition Coordinator Terecia Wilson. “Prevention is a powerful tool to counteract drug use in our community, and we will use this funding to help youth in Newberry County make healthy choices about substance use. Our key focus is on the prevention of underage drinking and marijuana use.”
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is responsible for the day-to-day management of the DFC Program. Westview Behavioral Health Services serves as the fiscal agent and host for the grant.
“SAMHSA looks forward to working with its community partners in implementing evidence-based practices to impact the community and help youth,” said Dr. Elinore McCance-Katz, Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use.
Prescription drug abuse prevention is one of the core measures of effectiveness for local DFC coalitions, and coalitions nationwide have led innovative opioid prevention initiatives. DFC’s 2016 National Evaluation End-of-Year Report found that at least 97% of middle school and 93% of high school youth report that they have not illicitly used prescription drugs in the past 30-days in DFC communities. Additionally, perception of risk of illicit prescription drug use was generally high (80-84%). The report also found that perceived risk of illicit use of prescription drugs was very similar to perceived risk of tobacco use (80-83%), and was higher than for both alcohol (69-73%) and marijuana use (53-73%). Finally, the report detailed that peer disapproval of illicit prescription drug use increased significantly for both age groups within all DFC coalitions.
Newberry County Council
September 21,
6:42 AM
Andrew Wigger|staff writer
Newberry Observer|Champion Media
(803) 768-3122
awigger@newberryobserver.com
- Council approved a second reading, and held a public hearing, for an ordinance authorizing the expansion of the boundaries of the Greenwood-Newberry Industrial Park for the benefit of the Samsung Project.
- Council approved the recommendation by the Accommodations Tax Committee for the disbursement of funding. Three entities made request for promotional funding, while request totaled $30,000, actual available funding for Fiscal Year 2017-18 is expected to be closer to last year's level of $15,724. The approximate amount would be shared among Prosperity Business Association (15%), Capital City Lake Murray (45%) and Newberry County Chamber of Commerce (40%). The tourism-related funding had $32,723 available this cycle and is distributed as follows, Little Mountain Reunion $3,000, Newberry County Law Enforcement $2,000, Newberry Community Players $500, Newberry County Historic and Museum Society $2,000, Newberry Opera House $11,961, Newberry Visitors Center $7,962, Old Pomaria School Reunion $300, Party in the Pines Festival $1,000, Prosperity's Hoppin' Festival $1,000, Whitmire Jaycees Halloween Carnival $500, Town of Whimire Yard Sale $500, and SC Bottle and Whitmire Museum $2,000.
- Council approved the purchase of five vehicles to be purchased by the Sheriff's Office, four 2018 Dodge Charges police package sedans, and one Chevy Tahoe 4x4 police package vehicle. After the trade in value of 13 vehicles, total value of $28,200, the balance due for the new vehicles is $99,317.
At Least Two Suspects In Vista Shooting Incident Connected To Newberry Area Crimes
September 18,
7:17 PM
John Bates, Jr. and Maleik Houseal, two suspects in the Friday night shooting incident in Columbia's Vista, are no strangers to crime in Newberry County. Bates is charged with seven counts of attempted murder, and his prior criminal record shows five attempted murder charges. Houseal also has a violent criminal record since at least five years ago. Sheriff Lee Foster says Newberry County has been having trouble with two groups of gangs for the past year, and these two groups include Bates and Houseal. Stay tuned for more information as it becomes available to WKDK.
Newberry College Ranks Among Nation's Best In Higher Ed
September 12,
3:54 PM
Newberry College made a strong showing on the 2018 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings released today by the national magazine’s annual report on colleges. Newberry appeared on the following lists:
Best Regional Liberal Arts Colleges in the South (#17)
Best Value for Regional Colleges in the South (#7)
Least Student Debt Load at Graduation for Regional Colleges in the South (#3)
For many years, Newberry College has ranked in the Top 50 for Best Colleges in the South, but the private liberal arts college ascended into the Top 20 last year where it has retained its place in the 2018 rankings among the region’s upper echelon.
“I am pleased Newberry College continues to be recognized for its efforts to offer students an affordable, high quality education,” said Newberry College President Dr. Maurice W. Scherrens. “These highly respected rankings are another proof point of the value of a Newberry College education.”
Newberry College senior Benjamin Herring echoed the president’s observation. “Results like these rankings affirm what we already know as students,” said Herring, who is current president of the Newberry College Student Government Association. “They show that others are taking note and valuing the unique experiences we’re having at Newberry as we explore our passion and purpose in life.”
Newberry College earned the #7 spot as the Best Value for Regional Colleges in the South, its second consecutive appearance on this list.
“Our Loan Repayment Promise, which pledges to help students who earn less than $40,000 after graduation to repay their college loans, has proven to be a very attractive benefit to students and their families,” said Joel Vander Horst, Dean of Enrollment Management.
Newberry made its debut appearance on the rankings for Student Debt at Graduation, appearing third on the list for Least Debt for Regional Colleges in the South.
“Newberry College offers a very competitive financial aid package,” Vander Horst said. “We’ve also been proactive in identifying students who might be at risk and helping them find solutions before they experience a financial crisis that could prevent them from returning to school.”
“As an institution, we are called to prepare students for successful careers and meaningful lives,” said Hugo A. “Hap” Pearce, chairman of the Newberry College Board of Trustees. “Our excellent rankings demonstrate our success in helping students achieve their unique goals.”
About the Rankings
U.S. News & World Report ranks colleges by key measures of quality, including graduation and retention rates, alumni giving, student selectivity and financial resources. Newberry College earned high rankings for its low student-teacher ratio (12 to 1) compared to peer schools, high alumni giving (14 percent) and high percentage of small class sizes (64 percent less than 20 students), among other criteria. More at www.usnews.com/colleges.
Preparations For Hurricane Should Include Registering For Smart 911
September 8,
8:25 AM
With preparations under way for the arrival of Hurricane Irma, Sheriff Lee Foster says that this is an ideal time to register for Smart 911.
Sheriff Foster said that in an emergency seconds count and that registering you and your family for Smart 911 can help emergency responders arrive faster and better equipped.
Sheriff Foster also said if citizens were evacuated, the Smart 911 profile will appear at any 911 center that uses Smart 911.
Sheriff Foster said information like pictures, vehicles, medicines, and prior medical history would be invaluable during an emergency.
To register for Smart911, you can go to the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office website at www.newberrycountysheriff.com and click on the link to Smart 911.
It only takes a few minutes and you can enter as much or as little information as you choose.
Davenport Charged In Death Of Stephens
September 2,
2:32 PM
Newberry Police arrested John Henry Davenport on Thursday and charged him in connection with the March 7, 2017 death of Clinton F. Stephens that occurred at Newberry Greens Apartments.
This has been a lengthy investigation that required an enormous amount of manpower hours and resources. The investigators with the police department, along with SLED, were very dedicated in their work to bring the person(s) to justice that committed this crime. Even though an arrest has been made, there is still a tremendous amount of work that still has to be done in this case.
Newberry Police will continue to build their case against Davenport and anyone else that was involved in this incident. Davenport is at the Newberry County Detention Center and is charged with Murder and Possession of Weapon During a Violent Crime.
Prosperity Man Arrested For Possession Of More Than 1.5 Grams Heroin
August 25,
6:32 PM
A Prosperity man is in custody charged with Possession With Intent To Distribute Heroin after being found in possession of more than a 1.5 grams of Heroin.
The Newberry County Sheriff’s Office was conducting a public safety check point on August 25 at about 1230am in the Prosperity section of Newberry County when a vehicle approached the checkpoint with a strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle.
The occupants from the vehicle were asked to step out of the vehicle. When the passenger was asked from the vehicle, he became very combative with the deputies. He refused to remove his hand from his pocket and became physically combative with the deputies. After a brief struggle, the passenger was taken into custody.
After he was in custody, deputies located more than 1.5 grams of heroin in the pocket from which he had refused to remove his hand. The deputies also located used syringes and other drug paraphernalia in the vehicle after the man was arrested.
“There is a serious opioid epidemic plaguing our country,” said Sheriff Lee Foster. “The use of opioids is creating a substantial risk to the public and to law enforcement not just because of the actions of those who use these drugs, but also because of how easily small amounts of this could make an innocent person seriously ill or be fatal. This must be addressed for the safety of our citizens and our law enforcement.”
David George Hopkins, 22, of 127 McFall Drive, Prosperity, was arrested and charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Bond will be set later today.
The driver who was identified as Ruby Nicole Ward, 21, of 127 McFall Drive, Prosperity, was charged for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
Labor Day Proclamation
August 16,
9:55 AM
A proclamation was signed yesterday by Mayor Foster Senn, the City of Newberry and Newberry County Council for the upcoming Labor Day holiday regarding driving safety. Mac Bell of Sonic of Newberry donates coupons for good safety checkpoints.
New Technology Means Faster Response Times, Better Communication
August 14,
10:25 PM
The Newberry County Sheriff’s Office, School District of Newberry County, Newberry County Memorial Hospital, and Newberry County Public Safety Department announced a major step forward in the use of technology for school and hospital safety.
Today, they revealed a first in the State of South Carolina, technology called the Rave Panic Button.
The Rave Panic Button allows teachers and staff at a facility to use an app to notify 911, everyone on campus, and first responders immediately when there is an active threat or other emergency on that campus.
“Once the app is activated, the caller can communicate with 911 directly by voice or text,” said Sheriff Lee Foster. “While 911 is communicating with the caller, the entire staff of that facility, school district administration, and first responders have already received the information and can begin implementation of the pre-established response plans for that facility.”
“Because this is an app,” said Jim Suber, Superintendent of the School District of Newberry County, “it works on both cell phone signal and wifi.” “Because many of our schools do not have cell signal in central areas of the school but do have wifi throughout, we are certain to have sufficient signal to get this information out to everyone for their safety and the safety of our children.”
The technology is also being implemented at Newberry County Memorial Hospital, who is a longtime partner with law enforcement and the school district, and like the school district, this will allow rapid notification to all staff, administrators, and first responders of an emergency situation at any campus of the hospital.
The app allows the person using it to select an active shooter, medical, fire, or other police emergency making it useful for much more than just an active threat on campus. The app sends a message through the app, a text message, and an email to everyone listed for that facility to receive such alerts as soon as the app is activated.
Once the app is activated, the 911 center can then communicate with the caller or send messages to everyone who received the activation with such information like the location of the threat, the description or identity of the threat, and other pertinent information. Those who have had the app activated can also notify the 911 center if there is an injury or other life threatening event in their area to speed the response to that specific area of the campus.
The app works using geo fences around facilities and because of this technology, the partners have been able to create areas for the schools as well as athletic facilities, and other facilities used by the school district and/or hospital during their normal business operation.
To prevent someone from getting the app without proper authorization, your telephone number must first be entered into the syst em and associated with one of the schools. If you download the app and are not associated with a school, you will receive a rejection message.
Sheriff Lee Foster said that these organizations as well as the Newberry Police Department, Newberry Fire Department, Whitmire Police Department, EMS, and others have continually trained together for emergencies in the school and hospital settings for years and this technology was offered to Newberry County first because of the working relationship between these agencies and our demonstrated nationally recognized expertise in school safety and the use of emerging technology in law enforcement. These agencies are prepared to respond to any emergency 24/7/365 to protect the citizens of Newberry County and this training enables them to work together not just for an active shooter but in any emergency.
“This is a game changer,” said Sheriff Foster. “We are so proud to be hand selected to be the first in South Carol ina to implement this technology based upon our reputation of partnership, training, and commit to the safety of our schools and hospital. We are very blessed to enjoy such a working relationship about each of these invaluable partnerships.’
“We are very fortunate to have such a positive working relationship with the agencies involved in this collaborative effort to enhance the safety of our schools and campuses, said Superintendent Jim Suber. “This cutting edge technology will give our staff members the ability to rapidly report any emergency situation to first responders. We believe that being proactive versus reactive will greatly enhance school safety district-wide.”
“This is an example of our great working relationship to keep the citizens of Newberry city and county safe. We are committed and dedicated in our partnership through new technology and innovated ideas,” said Newberry Police Chief Roy McClurkin.
Sheriff Foster said that the partnership went deeper than the implementation but went to the funding. The Newberry County Sheriff’s Office was able secure a reimbursement for 90% of the cost of application, so the partners split the remaining balance meaning this innovative program only cost each agency $2,500 each.
“Studies show that one person dies for every 20 seconds that a shooter has access to their targets,” concluded Foster. “If this application takes two minutes from the response time, we have saved six lives.”
Newberry College Grads Owe Less Debt Vs. Other 4-Year Institutions
August 14,
10:03 PM
When it comes to rankings, we don’t usually celebrate a last-place finish on the list. One notable exception is LendEDU’s Student Loan Debt Report, which reported that Newberry College students graduated with less loan debt than any other four-year college or university in South Carolina.
According to the report, Newberry College graduates had an average student loan debt of $18,566, the lowest average debt per borrower among South Carolina’s public or private four-year institutions, and well below the state’s overall average debt per borrower of $29,490.
“We are dedicated to keeping the cost of attending Newberry College competitive and affordable for all students and their families,” said Board of Trustees Chairman Hugo A. “Hap” Pearce. “This new report helps demonstrate the effectiveness of our efforts.”
Newberry College graduates also fared exceptionally well among their peers nationwide. Newberry ranked #35 for overall lowest average debt per borrower among all private colleges and universities.
“We are committed to doing everything possible to make Newberry College a “best value” investment for our students and their families,” said Newberry College president Maurice W. Scherrens. “Part of our strategy has been to limit price increases and provide a generous financial aid package to help limit indebtedness. After graduation, our Loan Repayment Promise helps position our graduates for their chosen careers or further education.”
Focusing on Access and Affordability
Students and their families understand that a college education remains the most reliable path to a professional career and higher lifetime income. Although students consider a variety of unique factors in their college choice, the cost of attendance and their ability to pay are significant factors influencing their decision.
With a focus on providing access and affordability, Newberry College has sought to keep tuition and housing increases as low as possible. In a comparison of 20 South Carolina public and private colleges and universities, no institution had a lower percentage price increase over the past three years than Newberry College. [Source: IPEDS]
The price of attending Newberry College has risen 6.1 percent over the past three years, while the 20-school average price increase was 10.9 percent. Among that same group of 20 schools, Newberry College also had the lowest increase in tuition, fees, room and board over the past five years. For the 2017/2018 academic year ahead, the College’s increase on tuition, fees, room and board was just 1.69 percent.
Providing the Best Value
A generous financial aid package, which includes state and federal grants and loans and Institutional scholarship, helps families manage college costs. Last year, Newberry awarded $14 million in institutional scholarships, which factor in the family’s level of financial need and the student’s academic and/or co-curricular strengths.
“More than 95 percent of our students received some form of financial assistance last year,” said Joel Vander Horst, Dean of Enrollment Management. “Institutional scholarships combined with outside aid sources make us highly competitive, even among state-subsidized schools.”
Gauging Return on Investment
Newberry continually seeks proactive, innovative ways to ensure that qualified students from every socioeconomic walk of life have access to a Newberry College education. After three years offering the Tuition Promise, which froze tuition at the student’s incoming year, Newberry again raised the bar on value and affordability.
In 2015, Newberry College launched Loan Repayment Promise, which pledges if a student’s annual income is less than $40,000 after they graduate from Newberry, the College will help them repay their student loans until they reach that salary threshold. Newberry was the first in South Carolina to launch this type of program for students.
“Like any student, I dreamed of getting a college education, but I worried the expensive,” said Olivia Fraunfelter, who graduated in 2017 with a major in Physical Education/Sport Management. "Because Newberry helped keep my costs lower, I’ve been able to receive an affordable education and can more easily start making a better future for myself after graduation.”
As another value indicator, Newberry College moved into the top 20 in the U.S. News & World Report 2017 Best Colleges report, taking its place among the most respected colleges in the Southeast. Newberry earned rankings in three categories: Best Regional Colleges in the South (#16), Best Value for Regional Colleges in the South (#3), and Best Regional Colleges in the South for Veterans (#8).
Newberry also is on track to welcome approximately 450 incoming students for the fall 2017 semester, surpassing its previous high-water mark of 381 incoming students set in fall 2016.
“Rankings and enrollment growth, along with our Loan Repayment Promise, reassure students and their families that a private college education at Newberry is a wise investment,” VanderHorst said.
WKDK Eclipse Tips
Here are some tips offered by members of SC Emergency Management. Be listening for more beginning on Monday on WKDK and wkdk.com!
Wolves Picked To Repeat As SAC Champs
Earn Top Spot In Preseason Poll For First Time In School History
Domestic Altercation Leads To Murder
August 2, 1:45 PM
On Wednesday morning at 1:31 am, Newberry officers were dispatched to 2323 Holloway Street in reference to a domestic altercation between brothers Mark Edward Graham and Joseph Lee Graham (pictured). Once officers arrived on the scene they found Mark Edward Graham on the floor unresponsive and the other brother Joseph Lee Graham had sustained a stab wound to the shoulder region. It was later determined by officers that Mark Edward Graham was deceased. Joseph Lee Graham was transported to Palmetto Health Richland Trauma Center for treatment.
An autopsy was performed on Mark Edward Graham, 48, and it was determined that the immediate cause of death was Asphyxia due to Strangulation.
Upon further investigation, it was determined that one brother had taken the other brother’s life during the altercation. Joseph Lee Graham, who is a patient at Palmetto Health with a non-life threatening injury, will be transported to Newberry County Detention Center once he is released from the hospital. He will be formally charged with Murder.
City Hires Assistant Utilities Director
August 1, 11:21 PM
As of August 1, David Eldridge has officially joined the City of Newberry as the Assistant Utilities Director – OT/IT. Eldridge comes to the city with over 25 years of Information Technology experience.
Prior to the City of Newberry, Eldridge served over 14 years in various senior positions for a large financial services firm, completing projects across all aspects of Information, Solution, Infrastructure and Business Architecture. These included numerous postings in Asia to drive the construction of new capabilities for the firm.
Eldridge has worked as a private consultant providing clients with strategic and tactical IT consulting. He has also served as a Chief Technology Officer for an internet software and service company in Seattle, WA.
With having traveled for work for around 10 years, Eldridge said the city’s position appealed to him because he was ready to spend time back in Prosperity, where he calls home with his family.
“It was fun for a while, but I’d rather just be at home every night to have dinner with my kids,” Eldridge said of his prior work.
Eldridge said that for its size, that the City of Newberry had a surprisingly advanced IT department as far as its forward-looking nature.
His focus as the Assistant Utilities Director he said will be on building on the technology that has already been identified such as the department’s new prepaid billing system and putting a process on how certain IT developments are completed such as a ticketing system to track incidents and issues so that they can report key performance indicators to City Council and staff such as the City Manager.
“I’m really looking forward to helping build out the fiber network to go with some of the new industries moving into town, such as Samsung,” Eldridge said.
When he’s not working, Eldridge enjoys reading, cooking and spending time with his family.
“We enjoy living here and are looking forward to supporting the community and helping everyone to have a better experience here at the city,” Eldridge said. “It [Newberry] is certainly a growing town.”
Utilities Director Tim Baker said he was pleased to have Eldridge join the city’s staff.
“We look forward to his assistance in continuing to develop new technologies to meet the needs of our customers,” Baker said.
City Manager Matt DeWitt said he was excited that Eldridge has decided to join city staff.
“We feel that his experiences will be what the City needs to advance our current projects forward and help Newberry remain an industry leader in municipal utility services,” DeWitt said.
Uber Coming To Newberry And Greenwood
August 1, 10:17 PM
Uber is proud to announce it will soon be expanding its service area in South Carolina to include Newberry County and Greenwood County.
“The communities in Newberry and Greenwood asked for Uber’s safe, affordable transportation options and flexible work opportunities - and we are thrilled to answer that call,” said Uber South Carolina General Manager Michael Black. “Soon, residents and visitors will be able to open the Uber app, tap a button, and get a reliable ride in minutes. If you are interested in earning money by driving with Uber on your own schedule, we encourage you to sign up on our website."
Uber offers people a new way to work—on their own terms. People choose Uber because it offers them the kind of work they want: work that provides the autonomy and flexibility that comes with being their own boss. Individuals interested in driving on the Uber platform can sign up on the Uber website: https://www.uber.com/signup/drive/us/.
“We are thrilled that Uber is expanding their services to the City of Newberry, further expanding the transportation options available to our residents,” said Matt DeWitt, City Manager of the City of Newberry. “Uber prides itself on its service for riders and drivers, with more than 5 billion trips completed, and we know they plan on delivering the same high-quality service to our residents in the City of Newberry, which they deserve!”
Michael McCarthy, founder of the Bring Uber to Greenwood campaign, said: "Greenwood is the largest city in South Carolina without public transportation. I am thrilled Uber is coming to Greenwood because it is sure to create job opportunities for people, support the city's economy, and most importantly provide safe transportation. More people will able to make it to work, more people able to make it to their doctors visits. For the cost of a drink, someone can make it home safely from a fun night out laughing with friends and listening to music."
In 2015, South Carolina passed a statewide framework for ridesharing, establishing one set of rules that allows Uber’s safe rides and earning opportunities to grow throughout the state.
Suspect Wanted For Stealing Cars Apprehended Early Friday
July 28, 7:08 AM
City/County Law Enforcement were actively searching overnight with bloodhounds for a subject that has stolen numerous vehicles. Law enforcement were advising all residents to remove keys from vehicles and lock the doors.
Employees at the Waffle House on SC 773 at I-26 reported a suspicious male that said he was wanted. Upon arrival law enforcement could not find the subject, but a vehicle that he had been around. It was determined the vehicle had been stolen previously in the week and another vehicle was located from Spartanburg County.
Later Thursday evening the Newberry City Police spotted the suspect in the Citgo on Evans at Wilson. The suspect fled from that location and stole a UTV and was chased by the city. The suspect wrecked the UTV off Kinard Street on the power line that runs from Main to Evans. The suspect was described as a white male, 6'0", 150 lbs, grey shirt, black shorts, black socks, khaki ball cap turned backwards, and brown suede shoes or boots.
Officials were urging all owners of vehicles to remove keys and lock doors.
At around 2:00 am Friday morning the suspect was seen in an area from just off Kinard and Main Streets to Heritage Square Apartments. The suspect was apprehended shortly thereafter.
School Board Meeting Highlights
July 25, 8:29 AM
- CFO Susan Dowd presented the emergency procurement report for July 2016-June 2017. A total of $126,733.81 was reported.
- Dowd presented the Sole Source procurements for July 2016 to June 2017, which totaled $20,924.59.
- Dowd presented the Minority Business Enterprise procurements for January 2017 to June 2017. A total of $16,572.56 was spent with registered minority businesses.
- A ceremony will be held at 5:30 p.m., before the August School Board Meeting for the building dedication of the District Office that will be named after Superintendent Bennie Bennett.
Newberry College Launches RN-To-BSN Online Program
July 20, 8:28 AM
Newberry College has expanded its nursing program to include an RN-to-BSN degree-completion program that can be completed entirely online.
The new degree-completion program is designed for working RNs who have already earned an associate’s degree or diploma in nursing and seek to enhance their credentials and position themselves for career advancement by earning a bachelor of science in nursing degree.
As a special bonus, the College is offering its required one-credit Online Orientation class at no cost (a savings of $395) to students enrolling in an online degree-completion program with Newberry Online. Students in the inaugural class of the RN-to-BSN degree-completion program also will receive a voucher to use at the Newberry College Bookstore. Additionally, members of the inaugural RN-to-BSN class who live or work in Newberry County will be eligible for the Newberry Community Scholarship offered for community members enrolling with Newberry Online.
Department of Nursing chair Betsy McDowell, Ph.D., RN, CNE, ANEFF, noted the new RN-to-BSN degree-completion program responds to the rising demand for bachelors-trained nurses.
“A growing number of hospitals and other clinical settings are making a bachelor’s degree a mandatory credential for newly hired nurses and for nurses being promoted to supervisory and management roles,” McDowell said. “This new program will help nurses progress in their careers without having to put their lives on hold to go back to school.”
The RN-to-BSN degree-completion program is designed to allow students to complete the nursing course sequence in as little as 12 months. Courses are 7.5 weeks in duration. Because classes are not offered in the typical lockstep format of many degree-completion programs, students are able to scale up or down on the courses they take in any given term based on the demands on their time in the other areas of their lives.
Over the course of the coming year, Newberry Online plans to launch online degree-completion programs in Respiratory Therapy, Healthcare Management, Psychology, Criminal Justice and Business Administration.
For more information about degree-completion programs offered by Newberry Online, email admission@newberry.edu, call 803.321.5127 or visit the Online Programs webpage at www.newberry.edu
Newberry Police Helping To "Bridge The Gap" With Bibles and Badges Program
July 18, 8:09 AM
The city of Newberry police department has set out to bridge the gap between law enforcement and the community through the bible with their new Bibles and Badges program.
The program, which began last month, is a bible study, but more so a way for officers to fellowship and engage with the community, said Police Chief Roy McClurkin.
On the first Thursday of every month, first responders and members of the community are invited to the Newberry Police Department at 1507 Nance Street for a time of fellowship and group bible study. The sessions typically last 45 minutes to an hour and includes refreshments.
Sergeant Richard Mercer is heading up the program for the department. The date and time was chosen very specifically to suit the needs of the officers' shift changes, he said.
"Many times our officers end up missing scheduled church services because of the shifts we operate," Mercer said. "This is why we chose 6:00 because that is when our shift changes and it allows officers that want to attend, time to coordinate to be able to join in."
McClurkin said the bible study is used as a time for these first responders from their day to day activities and to come together, sit and listen to the word of God and a release as far as talking about how good God has been to them, protecting them while in the line of duty.
"It's also a great time for our officers to come together with the community," McClurkin said. "Our officers are here to serve and protect them, but it's also important they know that we're a close-knit family, close to God and that we apply that to our day to day processes in the city."
Each month, Mercer said a different community/religious leader will lead the group in the bible study. It's important to them, he said that each month, the speaker comes from a different church or different part of the community so that there is a good mix.
"We're a diverse department here and we want diversity in the religious leaders that come in to speak with us," McClurkin said.
Last month's speaker was Lt. Sam Hunter from within the city's police department. McClurkin said they had a good mix of people attend from police and fire department members and their spouses.
"We had a good turnout and it was well-received by all who attended," McClurkin said.
As the Bibles and Badges program grows, McClurkin said the department plans to expand their chaplaincy program.
With the town of Lexington already having a chaplaincy program, Mercer contacted them to find out just how to get the program started.
"They're [Lexington] an accredited agency just like we are, and because their program had already been through the trial phase, we knew it would be applicable to us and we'd be able to use their material with very little changes," Mercer said.
Both the chaplaincy and Bibles and Badges program are all a part of the departments' new community initiative so they came about at the same time.
The chaplaincy program, McClurkin said provides assistance to the department's employees and their families, but also to the community during a crisis or emergency situation. The chaplains are volunteers that apply through the police department for the chance to be considered.
As of now, the department's sole chaplain is Josh Parsons. Parsons works with Ascension Ministries in Prosperity.
"We are so thankful that Josh has chosen to be a part of the chaplaincy program and appreciate his service to the police department and the community," McClurkin said.
Bicyclists Coming Through Newberry For "A Ride To Remember"
July 13, 10:45 PM
Over 350 bicyclists will be coming through Newberry County on Friday as part of the annual "A Ride To Remember" as the volunteers raise money for Alzheimer's research. Over $500,000 has already been raised in this year's campaign.
The ride starts Friday morning in Simpsonville, coming in later to Newberry County-taking the Belfast Rd to the City of Newberry, then O'Neal St. Downtown, to Nance, to Pope St. and ending today's ride at Newberry College. They'll spend the night in Newberry and then head out Saturday morning, ending their ride on Sunday in Charleston.
Huge Crowd Gathers For Harper Street Parade!
It is estimated that around 4,000 were in attendance at this year's July 4 Harper Street Parade. A small parade that started 25+ years ago, the Harper Street Parade has become an annual event that seems to grow more and more in attendance (and media coverage). See some photos from the event HERE!
It's Official: Newberry Is Home Of New Site For Samsung!
June 28, 5:05 PM
As we have been reporting since this morning, Samsung reached an agreement with the State of South Carolina to open a state-of-the-art home appliance manufacturing plant in Newberry County. The $380M facility will produce some of Samsung’s most popular, industry-leading home appliances and will generate 954 local jobs by 2020. This is the latest in a series of investments expanding Samsung’s U.S. holdings and operations.
“We aspire to be the global leader in premium home appliances,” said Samsung Electronics CEO B.K. Yoon. “This new investment will enable Samsung to increase the speed with which we can deliver premium home appliances that reflect the regional preferences of our fastest growing and most important consumer market.”
Samsung began contemplating an expansion of its U.S. production base nearly three years ago and initiated discussions with South Carolina in the fall of 2016. The company ultimately selected the Newberry County site for its high-skilled workforce, robust supply chain and transportation infrastructure and commitment to public-private partnerships.
“The fact that one of the world’s largest and most respected technology companies is choosing to invest in South Carolina speaks volumes about the innovation and excellence our talented workforce is capable of," said South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster. “I’m thrilled to strengthen our state’s partnership with Samsung and look forward to working with them to get this new facility up and running, and producing high quality made-in-South Carolina products.”
“Samsung’s investment is great news for South Carolina and the United States, and it is a direct reflection of the fact that America is becoming an even stronger destination for global businesses looking to grow,” said United States Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross. “I congratulate Samsung on its expansion in the United States and wish the company success as it starts up its new facility in South Carolina.”
When fully operational, the plant will employ workers across a broad range of advanced manufacturing roles, including craftsmen, operators, engineers and other both technical and non-technical positions.
“As a global leader in technology, Samsung could have gone anywhere to locate its new facility, but chose to invest in South Carolina because it’s a great place to do business,” said Lindsey Graham, U.S. Senator from South Carolina. “Samsung’s new plant will inject millions of dollars into Newberry and serve as a catalyst for further investment across the Palmetto State. I’m excited we are strengthening South Carolina’s collaboration and partnership with Samsung. It will pay dividends for both in the years to come.”
The facility will produce premium home appliances including washing machines from early next year. Samsung already operates a call center in Greenville, South Carolina, that supports 800 full time and contracted jobs.
“For nearly forty years, Samsung has steadily expanded our operations in the United States - creating thousands of jobs and investing billions of dollars in cutting edge manufacturing facilities, research and development,” said Samsung Electronics America President & CEO Tim Baxter. “With this investment, Samsung is reaffirming its commitment to expanding its U.S. operations and deepening our connection to the American consumers, engineers and innovators who are driving global trends in consumer electronics.”
Today’s announcement from Samsung comes on the heels of a series of recent investments in the U.S. totaling over $10 billion. Over the past 18 months, Samsung has:
· Acquired Connecticut-based HARMAN International for $8 billion, Samsung’s largest acquisition to date that positions the company to be a leader in the connected car market
· Committed $1.2 billion to U.S.-based Internet of Things R&D and investments over the next four years
· Committed $1 billion to expanding the Samsung Austin Semiconductor facility, established in 1996 and one of the largest foreign direct investments in the U.S. and the largest ever in Texas
· Acquired Dacor, adding the luxury home appliance company’s Los Angeles headquarters and 240 employees to Samsung’s operations
“Innovation is part of our DNA at Samsung and few markets have been more crucial to our company’s growth strategy than the U.S.,” said Byungsam Suh, Executive Vice President, Head of Digital Appliance Business, Samsung Electronics. “We are excited to put even more U.S. engineering power behind our products and look forward to a mutually beneficial partnership with the people of South Carolina.”
Newberry School Board Meets: Budget Approved, Recognitions
June 27, 7:59 AM
Andrew Wigger|staff writer
Newberry Observer|Civitas Media
(803) 768-3122
awigger@civitasmedia.com
The School Board approved the second and final reading of the 2017-18 budget. Revenue is $54,501,233 and expenditures is $54,330,019 for a positive balance of $171,214.
The School Board also recognized the following:
Mid-Carolina High School -Taylor Martin Taylor won 3rd place in the State on the Trig-Star test.
The Trig-Star Program Contest is an annual high school mathematics competition sponsored by the National Society of Professional Surveyors based on the practical application of Trigonometry. The program recognizes the best students from high schools throughout the nation.
Taylor Martin won the local contest for Mid-Carolina High School and placed 3rd in the state. She received a monetary award as well as a certificates for the local contest as well as the state. The test is timed and scored based on the number of questions a student answers correctly. This is the tie-breaker for students who have the same score. The student who finishes the test fastest wins the tie-breaker. Taylor’s test score was a 70 in approximately 56 minutes.
Rhea Faris, her Pre-Calculus and AP Calculus teacher also received a monetary award because Taylor finished 3rd in the state. Taylor is the 2nd student of his to finish in the top 3 in the state in the two years the School District of Newberry County has been participating in this competition.
Local businessman CA Shealy is the local chapter president for the National Society of Professional Surveyors, and has been instrumental in starting up this program with the school district.
Mid-Carolina High Baseball
Corey Stone – SCBCA North-South Select Team, 3A All-State Baseball Team, State 3A Player of the Year, Region III 3A Player of the Year, All-Region
Preston Farmer was selected to the SCBCA North-South All-Star Baseball Team and All-Region Baseball Player. Coach: Lindsay Stribble
Mid-Carolina High Softball
Charlsy Traylor was selected to the North-South All-Star Softball Team. She was also selected as an All-State Softball Player and an All-Region Softball Player.
Alex Fulmer was selected to the North-South All-Star Softball Team. She was also selected as an All-Region Softball Player. Coach: Erica Graham
Newberry High School Track
Tyler Duncan – Finished 1st place in SCHSL AAA State Championship 3200 meter race. Tyler has won the 3200 meter for the second year in a row. He finished the race in 9 minutes and 41 seconds.
Tyler also competed in the 1600 meter race the following day, finishing second in that race.
He then competed in the 800 meter, finishing 5th.
Congratulations on winning the SCHSL AAA 3200 State Championship.
Tyrone Etheridge – Competed in the 400 meter hurdles for the SCHSL AAA State Championship. Tyrone finished 3rd in this event. Tyrone also competed in this event last year. Tyrone is a senior at Newberry High and will attend Newberry College on a track scholarship next year.
Two Men In Custody, Will Be Charged In Roche's Pharmacy Burglary
June 23, 9:43 PM
As we reported earlier today, two men are in custody and will be charged later today with the burglary that occurred at Roche's Pharmacy in Whitmire.
The two men became suspects when deputies and the owners reviewed video footage from the pharmacy from the earlier in the day on the day of the burglary and saw them in the store acting suspiciously. Investigators have been attempting to locate them since Tuesday.
On Wednesday, deputies in Kershaw County attempted to stop the vehicle the suspects were in for unrelated traffic violations. When they did the suspects fled. The suspects began throwing pills from the car during the chase, but were subsequently apprehended as a result of the chase. The suspects had more than 450 prescription pills and in excess of $5000.00 cash in their possession at the time of their arrest.
The suspects will face a variety of charges in Kershaw County for the chase and drug possession.
Investigators have now been able to link the suspects to the burglary using forensic evidence gathered at the scene of the burglary.
Investigators will continue to work with investigators in Kershaw County today to recover more evidence and follow up on the investigation.
It is believed that the suspects had sold some portion of the pills and the investigation into who bought them and where they are now will continue.
Sheriff Lee Foster says that more arrests are expected.
The suspects were identified as
Neil Corey Trammell, 28, of 272 Old Buncombe Road, Union, SC and
Trevor Dee Wilson, 21, of 5009 Cabol Road, Sharon, SC
Warrants will obtained by the Whitmire Police Department today for both men charging them with Burglary and Grand Larceny for the burglary at Roche Pharmacy. They will be brought back to Newberry County for a bond hearing at some point in the future.
“This is an excellent example of using hard work coupled with modern scie ntific techniques to be effective in today’s world,” said Sheriff Foster. “While you must implement emerging trends of forensics, you can never substitute it for the hard work it takes be effective in law enforcement.”
“We enjoy a great working relationship with the Whitmire Police Department, and are grateful to the Kershaw County Sheriff’s Office and the Union County Sheriff’s Office for all that they are doing to as part of this investigation,” said Sheriff Foster.
“You cannot wait until an emergency to build a relationship with your partners and I am thank for our long term partnership with Sheriff Matthews, Sheriff Taylor, and Chief Sinclair and each of their continued efforts to be more effective through cooperation,” Foster said.
Sheriff Foster also said that several state and federal agencies are looking into this matter as well based upon the continued working relationship established with those agencies.
Sheriff Foster and Chief Sinclair said they formed a task force to address this burglary because of the critical nature of the items stolen.
“This was an important investigation in many ways,” said Sheriff Foster. “This is a family run pharmacy that meets an important need for the Whitmire community with a long history of giving back to that community. But, it was also important because this was an incredibly large amount of drugs that could have a devastating effect if they were not located and removed from the streets.”
Foster said that investigators are working to recover more of the drugs as current as the time of this release.
SCAM Alert: Callers Seeking Donations By Phone Claiming To Be From SC Sheriff's Association
June 22, 8:23 PM
There have been reports that unknown caller(s) have been seeking donations on behalf of the South Carolina Sheriffs’ Association via the telephone.
Please be reminded that the South Carolina Sheriffs’ Association does NOT ask for donations via the telephone. The Honorary Membership program of the South Carolina Sheriff's Association is conducted exclusively through a direct mail campaign, not through telephone conversations.
Any request for funds via telephone claiming to be from the South Carolina Sheriff's Association is fraud.
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City Swears In Two New Reserve Police Officers
June 21, 10:41 PM
The city of Newberry Police Department swore in two new reserve police officers on Tuesday, June 20. Harvey Griffin, Jr. and Berley L. Rister III completed their hours of training and each took a test in order to become reserve officers for the department.
Police Chief Roy McClurkin said he appreciated them both wanting to volunteer their time to the department and the community.
“They are a great asset to this department and community and we look forward to their service,” McClurkin said.
Pictured with Berley Rister III (above) is his wife Brittany Rister and son Berley IV, and Police Chief Roy McClurkin. Pictured with Harvey Griffin Jr. (left) is wife Pam Griffin and Police Chief Roy McClurkin.
Norman Defeats Parnell In 5th Congressional Election; Wins 1627-1519 Votes In Newberry County (Unofficial Results)
Suspects Being Sought In Roche's Pharmacy Burglary
June 20, 5:23 PM
The Whitmire Police Department and Newberry County Sheriff’s Office are investigating a burglary to Roche Pharmacy in Whitmire.
At approximately 12:46 am this morning, two men, 1 white male and 1 black male, entered the pharmacy by forcing open the front door. Once inside the men stole prescription medication and other items from inside the store. An inventory is still ongoing and no dollar amount has been placed on the stolen items at this time.
A still photograph of the suspects as they enter the store is shown above.
Anyone with any information about this burglary should call the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office at (803) 321-2222. A substantial reward in being offered for information leading to the identification, arrest, and conviction of these suspects.
Additional information will be released as it becomes available. The investigation is ongoing and additional state and federal agencies will be joining the investigation.
County Council Meets; Museum Funding Discussed
June 8, 7:27 AM
Andrew Wigger|staff writer
Newberry Observer|Civitas Media
(803) 768-3122
awigger@civitasmedia.com
- A big crowd was at Newberry County Council for two issues. The first issue involved museum funding. The proposed amendment would have deleted operational funding of $70,000 for the Newberry County Museum and increase the council's contingency fund by $70,000. Many community members came in support of keeping the funding, including Denise Reid, who said that they received commitments from the County, the City of Newberry and Newberry College, and that this was a part of the package of the CPST, not included in the $2.2 million. The Amendment did NOT pass by a 4-3 vote. With Koon, Waldrop and Stockman voting to approve the amendment, and Livingston, Cain, Reeder and Rucker voting against.
- The second issue that brought a crowd was during public comments when Terry Cotney, with the Freedom and Hope Foundation. He came to speak out against zoning changes that affect RVS. Cotney stated that the County was only going after a few people, and not everyone in the county with an RV.
- The County approved the third reading of the budget, with the following amendments. The first would be an increase in poll worker's pay by $20 for the June 2018 primary, which totals $3,000. The second would be to insert $500,000 of lease purchase funding for the procurement of rolling stock equipment services, with the numbers and types of such equipment to be specified by council no later than third reading of a separate lease-purchase ordinance. Increase the debt service levy sufficiently to service the resultant principal and interest payments. The third to issue bonded indebtedness in the amount of $1,250,000 in lieu of using fund balance/cash reserves to fund the following expenditures at the indicated amounts; Transfer Station (Scale House) $60,000, IT Server Room $30,000, DHEC/DSS Building Improvements $54,000, Old Jolly Street Road Bridge $94,422, Mid Carolina Commerce Park Irrigation $30,000, Public Works Storage Tank Removal $150,000, MCCP Site Prep/Pad Readiness/Spec Building Improvements $331,578 and Detention Center Improvements $500,000. The next amendment was to increase funding for salaries by 0.5% (for county employees) at a cost of $55,038. The next amendment increases the local government fund revenue by $67,500 from $1,417,103 to $1,484,603. The last amendment was to authorize staff to adjust the final FY 17-18 budget revenues and expenditures for capital projects to reflect actual progress to date at the time of the budget's publication.
- Council approved the third reading of an ordinance to provide appropriations for the new fiscal year for the Library, PTC and Newberry Agency of Disabilities and Special Needs. The Community Service Levy is currently balanced at $899,193.
- Council approved a third reading and had a public hearing, for which one person spoke in support of, an ordinance that would rezone three acres of real estate property from Rural to General Commercial.
- Council approved a third reading and had a public hearing, for which one person spoke in support of, of an ordinance that would rezone ten acres of real estate from Rural to General commercial.
Laurens Man Sentenced To 45 Years For Murder Of Laurens High School Student
June 5, 8:59 PM
Eighth Circuit Solicitor David M. Stumbo announced Monday that a Laurens man was sentenced to 45 years in prison for the brutal 2016 killing of 17-year-old Edwin Diaz.
Fabian Green (right), 20, was found guilty by a Laurens County jury of murder and desecration of human remains in connection to the 2016 murder. The jury deliberated for about three hours before returning the guilty verdicts around 8 p.m. Friday night.
Circuit Judge Donald Hocker sentenced Green to 45 years in prison on the count of murder. That sentence must be served day-for-day without the possibility of parole. Hocker sentenced Green to 10 years in prison on the count of desecration of human remains, which will run concurrently with sentence on the murder charge.
In May 2016, Green was one of three people who lured Diaz to Queen Circle residence. Green waited for Diaz to enter the residence before emerging from a bedroom and brutally attacking Diaz with a hammer. Green then loaded the body into a Ford Mustang that belonged to the victim and drove to a secluded wooded area outside of Clinton, where he burned the remains.
Diaz was reported missing on May 8, 2016 and an intense search for the teen spanned 18 days before his charred remains were discovered in the field near the abandoned Mustang. The remains had to be identified through DNA analysis performed by SLED investigators.
A note written by Green was intercepted at the Johnson Detention Center in Laurens as Green attempted to pass it to another man being held at the facility. The note described the killing in great detail.
Deputy Solicitor Warren Mowry and Assistant Solicitor Jim Todd handled the case for the state with the assistance of 8th Circuit Investigator Walter Bentley.
Green was represented by Tristan Shaffer of Chapin, S.C.
Solicitor Stumbo praised the work of his staff as well as Lt. Ben Blackmon and Inv. Farrah Cook of the Laurens County Sheriff’s Office and Officer Nick Rosamilla of the Johnson Detention Center, who intercepted the note from Green.
“If you have any doubt, look no further than Fabian Green to confirm that ‘evil,’ as Judge Hocker correctly observed during sentencing, does indeed exist in this world,” Solicitor Stumbo said following the sentencing. “Nothing can ever erase the horror of what Green and his companions did. The law enforcement community can only hope and pray that the family and friends of Edwin Diaz can get some closure from this conviction and long sentence.”
Boris Released From Hospital; Booked At Detention Center
June 3, 8:24 AM
On Friday Glenn Boris was released from Palmetto Health Richland Hospital and booked in at the Newberry County Detention Center. He was charged by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division with three counts of Attempted Murder and Possession of a Firearm during the Commission of a Violent Crime. He was scheduled to have a bond hearing on Saturday at 10am.
Wednesday's story: This morning at 12:15am, officers with the Newberry Police Department responded to gunshots being fired on Drayton Street. Once officers arrived on scene, they located Glenn Boris, 41, of 921 Drayton Street, Newberry. Boris was armed and fired on the responding officers. Officers returned fire, striking Boris. Boris was taken into custody and transported to Palmetto Health Richland Hospital. Boris will be formally charged once he is released from the hospital.
Newberry Ranked As One Of Safest Cities
May 30, 8:53 AM
LendEDU recently released a report that highlighted the safest cities in South Carolina and Newberry was ranked as one of the safest.
Using licensed data, each city's crime index was rated against the state and national average crime index. And, Newberry has a crime index that makes it the #47 safest city in South Carolina!
The full report and a more detailed methodology can be found here: https://lendedu.com/blog/safest-cities-state/
Everyone wants to know that they live in a safe place! It provides a sense of comfort and security. Newberry is one of the safest towns in the entire state of South Carolina.
On the recognition, Police Chief Roy McClurkin said: "The men and women in the police department, along with myself, are committed to keeping this community safe. It's this partnership that we have formed that has enabled us to accomplish this recognition. We will continue to build on this partnership through community involvement moving forward."
Tornado Damages Homes And Property But No Injuries
May 25, 6:50 AM
At around 7:00 last night it was announced that all roads affected by the storm were cleared and open for traffic.
In all, it appears that there were 12 homes damaged to some degree by the storm which mainly affected the Cy Schumpert Road area in Prosperity, but no injuries have been reported.
Photo courtesy of Ashley Mace/Lake Murray Public Safety Complex
Technology/Law Enforcement Cooperation Lead To Arrest Of Carjacking Suspect
May 24, 7:54 AM
Just before midnight on Monday night, the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office was notified by On Star of a vehicle that was stolen in an armed carjacking incident in Charlotte-Mecklenburg, NC, was traveling several rural roads in the Peak area of Newberry County as well as crossing into Richland County.
As Deputies of Newberry, Richland and Lexington Counties were closing in, the stolen vehicle then crossed over US 176 and headed toward the Town of Chapin. Just outside Chapin on US 76, the Deputies attempted to stop the suspect and he fled toward Newberry County reaching speeds of 100 miles per hour. The chase came into Newberry County and continued from Chapin toward Prosperity.
Because the units had been saturating the area around Peak searching for the vehicle there were no other units between the suspect and the City of Newberry, the shift supervisor called Newberry Police Department and Highway Patrol to respond to Prosperity. In additi on, Sheriff Foster and two off duty Deputies responded from their homes in preparation to deploy tire deflation devices.
Sheriff Foster said that the 911 center was in constant communication with On-Star and it was decided to attempt a controlled stop using the assistance of On Star on Highway 76 near Prosperity. Officers from the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office as well as the Newberry Police Department were able to get into place and the vehicle was stopped and the suspect was taken into custody without further incident.
Martell Reese Kennedy, 32, of 5113 Farrow Road, Columbia, was taken into custody and charged with Failure to Stop for Law Enforcement, Possession of a Stolen Vehicle, and Driving under Suspension. A bond hearing will be held later today.
Sheriff Foster said that authorities are in both South Carolina and North Carolina will be working together to arrange extradition of Kennedy at the appropriate time. Sheriff Lee Foster credited technology and cooperation in the arrest of a dangerous felon from another state.
“A coordinated effort between law enforcement agencies in three counties, another state and an off-site technology company led to the capture a dangerous person that was involved in an armed crime,” said Foster. “Our 911 center worked flawlessly in coordinating communication between On Star and several law enforcement agencies.”
Sheriff Foster said due to agencies being on different radio networks, it took the staff of the 911 center to get correct information and pass it on to the officers in the field. Sheriff Foster said that communication between agencies will be greatly enhanced once the 800-radio project is completed.
School Board Report
May 23, 8:09 AM
Andrew Wigger
staff writer
Newberry Observer|Civitas Media
(803) 768-3122
- The board approved second reading of Board Policy section I Revisions and Deletions.
- The board approved first reading of the 2017-18 budget, which has expenditures at $54,276,160 and revenue at $54,127,988, for a difference of ($88,172)
- The board approved authorization for the superintendent to apply for any and all federal funding (grants).
- District Graduations will be as follows for this week; WCS May 24 at 7 p.m., MCHS May 25 at 7 p.m. and NHS May 26 at 7 p.m.
- Some students were recognized for their efforts during this school year. Stay tuned to WKDK for more information, and see Andrew Wigger's story in The Newberry Observer.
Wise Sentenced To 22 Years In Prison For Assault And Burglary
May 20, 9:22 AM
Eighth Circuit Solicitor David M. Stumbo announced Friday that a Newberry man was sentenced Thursday to 22 years in prison for the 2016 assault and burglary of an elderly neighbor.
Anthony Maurice Wise was found guilty of first degree assault and battery, kidnapping and first degree burglary by a Newberry County jury following three days of trial and just over an hour of deliberation.
Circuit Judge Donald Hocker sentenced Wise to 22 years in prison each on the charges of first degree burglary and kidnapping and 10 years in prison on the charge of first degree assault and battery. The sentences are to run concurrently.
Around 6 p.m. on September 22, 2016, Wise went to the home of a 73-year-old neighbor and lay in wait in the seat of her car for her to come outside. When the victim opened the door, Wise kicked her in the chest and forced her into the house, where he bound her with duct tape and telephone cord. Wise then demanded money and property.
Wise forced the victim into her car and drove her to an ATM where he demanded money before returning to her home and demanding more money and property.
Wise fled the scene in the victim's car, which was later discovered at an old lumber yard on Boyd Crossing Road.
The victim was able to loosen her bindings and call 911 after Wise left the home. The victim suffered a broken collar bone among other injuries during the incident.
Deputy Solicitor Dale Scott and Assistant Solicitor Taylor Daniel handled the case for the state with assistance from 8th Circuit Solicitor's Office Investigator Walter Bentley.
Wise was represented by Charles Verner of the 8th Circuit Public Defender's Office.
Solicitor Stumbo praised the work of his staff along with Capt. Robert Dennis and Sgt. Ryan Dickart of the Newberry County Sheriff's Office in securing the conviction.
"It is reprehensible to see a young punk like Anthony Wise commit such a crime against anyone, especially a defenseless, elderly woman," Solicitor Stumbo said following the sentencing. "The way a person treats the elderly is an excellent barometer of his or her character and I am glad to see that this man will be in prison for a long time to come."
MCMS A National School To Watch!
May 19, 7:36 AM
Mid-Carolina Middle School has been selected as a National School to Watch, and a special ceremony was held yesterday in honor of this recognition. Area officials were present, as well as members of the SC School To Watch. Linda Allen, Co-Director of SCSTW, is pictured (center), along with (l-r): Jim Suber, Newberry County Schools Superintendent; Deedee Westwood, MCMS Principal; Rick Martin, House Dist. 40 Representative; Sheriff Lee Foster; and former House Dist. 40 Representative Walt Mcleod.
County Council Meeting Report
May 18, 6:36 AM
Andrew Wigger
staff writer
Newberry Observer|Civitas Media
(803) 768-3122
- Council recognized the following employees for their years of service:
Mary Arrowood, Assessor – 10 years
Shawn Carnes, Sheriff’s Office – 15 years
John Cearley, Sheriff’s Office – 10 years
Paula Dominick, Sheriff’s Office – 30 years
Wanda Hill, Human Resource Director – 10 years
James Palmer, Sheriff’s Office – 10 years
Casey Rembisz, Sheriff’s Office – 15 years
- Council held a public hearing, for which no one spoke for or against, for an ordinance to provide appropriations for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2017 and ending June 30, 2018, for the Newberry County budget. The FY 2017-18 budget is balanced at $23,911,852.
- Council held a public hearing, for which one one spoke for or against, for an ordinance providing appropriations for the Newberry County Library, PTC and Newberry Agency for Disabilities and Special Needs for the 2017-18 fiscal year.
- Council approved a second reading of an ordinance to amend the official zoning map to rezone the acre parcel from Rural to General Commercial.
- Council approved a second reading to rezone ten acre portion of real estate parcel from Rural to General Commercial.
- Council approved a resolution to ratify and approve a mutual aid agreement between Newberry County Sheriff's Office and Aiken County.
- Council approved a resolution recognizing April as Fair Housing Month.
SC Sheriffs' Association Seeking New Members
May 17, 8:39 PM
Sheriff Lee Foster of Newberry County excitedly announced the 2016-17 Spring Membership Drive for the South Carolina Sheriffs’ Association is underway. Sheriff Foster went on to explain that he is an active member of the South Carolina Sheriffs’ Association and invited the citizens of Newberry County to join the Association as an Honorary Member.
The South Carolina Sheriffs’ Association provides aggressive advocacy using the strong unified voice of South Carolina’s 46 elected Sheriffs. The Association is a key player in shaping state policy on public safety and crime prevention, as well as providing critical training to Sheriffs’ teams.
“With government funding becoming increasingly difficult to secure, the membership drive has taken on greater importance than it ever has before”, said Sheriff Foster. “The funding is vital to help us carry out our mission of making our communities safer places to live, work, and play.”
“By participating with the South Carolina Sheriff’s Association, we receive free training, which is critical because of the minimum amount of money available for training through normal budgetary methods,” Foster said. “They also serve as a clearinghouse for information unique to Sheriffs and Sheriff’s Office and they provide an in the line of duty death benefit for deputies.”
“If you are inclined not to donate or are offended just place in the trash”, said Sheriff Foster. “We do not inconvenience people with a call so each recipient has the liberty to look at solicitation at their leisure and can throw it away if choose.”
Membership appeals will be sent out through a direct mail piece over the coming days. Individuals choosing to join the voluntary program can do so for as little as $25, while businesses can show their support for a $50 contribution. The funding provides critically important technical resources, training and l egislative support on key criminal justice issues. It is important note that contributions are tax deductible.
“I realize that everyone does not have the ability or desire to become an Honorary Member of the South Carolina Sheriffs’ Association”, said Sheriff Foster. He went on to say, “Rest assured that your ability to join this reputable organization will not impact the level of service you receive from my office. I would simply ask you to consider joining the South Carolina Sheriffs’ Association as an Honorary Member if you have the means and are so inclined.”
Individuals that do not receive a membership appeal and would like more information can contact the South Carolina Sheriffs’ Association at by phone at (803) 772-1101 or online at www.sheriffsc.com. They can also be reached by mail at 112 Westpark Blvd., Columbia, SC 29210.
Sheriff Foster would like to remind everyone that the South Carolina Sheriffs’ Association does not so licit via telemarketing. If you receive a phone call from someone claiming to be calling on behalf of the South Carolina Sheriffs’ Association, know that it is fraudulent and hang up.
In closing, Sheriff Foster would like to encourage the citizen Newberry County to partner with the South Carolina Sheriffs’ Association to “help fight for safer places to live, work, and play!”
May Declared As Older Americans Month
Posted:
May 15, 7:36 PM
Some area officials met this morning to sign a proclamation declaring the month of May 2017 as Older Americans Month. Back row (l to r): Representative Rick Martin, Mollie Graham, Kay Taylor Hightower with the Lt. Gov Office on Aging, City Councilman Thomas Louis Boyd, Margaret Brackett
Front row (l to r): County Councilman Travis Reeder, Lynn Stockman, Mayor Foster Senn
Newberry Native To Compete On Master Chef
Posted: May 15, 8:29 AM
Newberry native and Newberry High School alum (class of 2008) Necco Ceresani will soon be competing on Master Chef. The show will air May 31 on Fox. See more from Fox TV HERE.
Newberry Deputy Credited With Saving Woman's Life
Posted: May 12, 8:53 AM
A Newberry County Deputy Sheriff is being credited with saving a woman’s life after finding her unresponsive in her living room.
Lieutenant Odell Schumpert was working with the Newberry County Housing Authority on May 4, when he entered an apartment with an employee of the Housing Authority. Once inside, they discovered the resident lying unresponsive in the living room.
Lieutenant Schumpert immediately called for an ambulance. He checked for a pulse and not finding one began CPR using chest compressions. Lieutenant Schumpert was able to revive the woman, who was then transported by EMS for medical treatment.
“It is without a doubt that Lt. Schumpert saved her life this morning,” said Carrie Epting of the Newberry Housing Authority in her laudatory email to Sheriff Lee Foster. “We truly thank Lt. Schumpert for his quick thinking and expert training to help get our resident back until EMS could arrive.”
“We are proud of Lieutenant Schumpert,” said Sheriff Foster. “He is a fine officer and we are pleased that his training and experience allowed him to immediate react to this situation and revive this person.”
“In a world where law enforcement is often labeled in a negative light, we pray that it is acts of service such as this that show that we are truly here to protect and serve the citizens of Newberry County,” said Foster. “We believe that our training and experience in conjunction with the dedicated service of all of the employees of the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office are what set us apart.
“Newberry County is blessed with some of the finest first responders anywhere,” said Sheriff Foster. “Both the paid and the volunteer employees do an outstanding job and far too often, we can become so accustomed to this level of service that we take it for granted. I pray that we never take for granted the service and sacrifice of such great people in this county.”
Lieutenant Schumpert has been with the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office 21 years and is assigned to the patrol division as a shift Lieutenant. He was working secondary employment through the Sheriff’s Office with the housing authority when this occurred.
City Council Meeting; PMPA Scholarship Recognition
Posted: May 11, 8:26 PM
Four local high school students were recognized by City Council Tuesday night as the 2017 recipients of the Newberry-PMPA Community Scholar Scholarship. Danielle Reeder, Maria Martinez, Marylane Wilkerson and Bremen Sawyer will each receive a $500 scholarship to go towards tuition at the state school of their choice.
As one of 10 cities that receives their electricity from the Piedmont Municipal Power Agency (PMPA), the City of Newberry is provided $2,000 from PMPA to give back to the community and divide up among four $500 scholarships.
“College is very expensive and every little bit helps we like to believe,” said Mayor Foster Senn. “We’re really proud of each of you.”
Each student recognized was presented a certificate from the members of City Council.
Joe McMorris was also recognized by City Council Tuesday for his 30 years of service with the city’s Public Works Department. McMorris began his employment on April 13, 1987 and holds the position of Heavy Equipment Operator.
“There is no question that our Public Works department gets its good name because of employees like Joe,” City Manager Matt DeWitt said. “He’s had a great impact on the City of Newberry and we couldn’t be happier that he’s been with us so long.”
Riverbanks Zoo President, Satch Krantz received a key to the city presented by Senn and City Council on Tuesday for the vital role he has played in the education and enjoyment of generations of Newberry students and residents at the zoo.
In medieval times, Senn said there were walls surrounding cities, so if there was someone well-respected from another community, it was custom for them to receive a key to the city. When they came to the gate of another community with their key, they could enter in with no hesitation.
“It’s really quite amazing what Riverbanks has become,” Senn said.
Senn said he always thinks that Riverbanks Zoo cannot get any better, and then he is pleasantly surprised with new renovations and upgrades.
“Classes from Newberry schools have gone to the zoo and I know they’ve appreciated the experience, adults too,” Senn said.
Krantz will retire from his position on June 30 after over 44 years.
Old Business and New Business
Under old business, second and final reading was passed of an ordinance to amend the zoning of a one acre parcel located at Player and Silas Streets. Recently during the citywide rezoning of the city parks, the substation at Kendall Park was included in the open space designation. It was later deemed necessary to separate the city’s substation, located on the property, to its own parcel and tax map identification. The parcel has now been rezoned to accommodate the substation.
Second and final reading was also passed on an ordinance to separate the billing classes of the current water and sewer rate structure. Since the inception of the billing structure, both residential and commercial customers have been billed using the same rate table. Through communication from DHEC, it was recommended to cities across South Carolina that provide utilities to update their practice to ensure conservation and economic development.
Under new business, Jim Parks was appointed to the zoning board of appeals to replace Jim Lander after his term expires January 1, 2018. Senn said Lander had requested to retire from the zoning board after his term and that he had done an outstanding job for many years.
“We greatly appreciate his service,” Senn said.
City Council signed a proclamation Tuesday declaring June 2-3 as Hejaz Shriners Weekend. As they did in 2012, the Hejaz Shrine Temple will be holding their annual initiation weekend in Newberry, with this year’s event occurring on Friday June 2 and Saturday, June 3. Senn recognized Jimmy Phibbs, Shriner State Potentate, Tuesday night who is coordinating this year’s event. Phibbs said he anticipates that 400 Shriners from all over the Upstate will gather in Newberry that weekend.
Newberry College Graduates 113; Faculty And Students Honored
Posted: May 10, 8:02 AM
Mallory M. Gerndt (right) was honored with the Mary Mildred Sullivan Award.
Newberry College hosted the commencement ceremony for the Class of 2017, celebrating the accomplishments of 113 graduates on Saturday, May 6, at 2 p.m., in Eleazer Arena.
“This happy occasion brings us together to celebrate the achievements and realized goals of this senior class,” said Newberry College president Dr. Maurice Scherrens. “Seniors, in partnership with your professors and mentors, each of you has invested four years in an effort to cultivate your individual potential into singular accomplishment."
Dr. L. Grady Cooper Award: The graduating class annually presents the Dr. L. Grady Cooper Award to faculty, staff or students who exemplify the loyalty and devotion to Newberry College that Cooper demonstrated during his long tenure as a professor of Religion and Greek. The Rev. Ernie Worman and Kirsten Cockerham were selected for this honor. Worman was recognized for his unfailing support and encouragement of students, faculty and staff. Cockerham, a senior with a major in Physical Education and minors in Business Administration and Athletic Training, was a founding member of the Scarlet Poms dance team and represented the group on the Student Athlete Advisory Committee. A Mocksville, N.C., native, she was a member of Alpha Xi Delta sorority, served as president of Panhellenic and represented Panhellenic interests on the Student Government Association.
Algernon Sydney Sullivan and Mary Mildred Sullivan Awards: These awards were established to honor one man and one woman of the graduating close who exemplify outstanding character and service to others, traits valued by Mr. and Mrs. Sullivan.
Christopher Ringer received the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award. A History major from Columbia, S.C. Ringer has been inducted into Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges. He is a member of several academic and leadership societies and actively involved in volunteer service with local nonprofits. He plans to study International Relations in graduate school with the goal of working in the State Department or American Foreign Service.
Mallory M. Gerndt was honored with the Mary Mildred Sullivan Award. Gerndt, a double major in Business Administration and Political Science from Burke, Va., Gerndt was a Summerland Honors Scholar who has been a member of several academic honor societies, including the Bachman Honor Society. A member of the Wolves Softball team, she was named to the SAC Commissioner’s Honor Roll and served as president of the Student Athlete Advisor Committee. She interned with Newberry alumna Hope Walker at the South Carolina GOP and with Reince Priebus, then chairman of the Republican National Committee.
Dr. George B. Cromer Award: Established by the Class of 1938 in memory of Dr. George B. Cromer, who served as president of the College from 1895-1904, the award is given annually to the graduating senior who exemplifies the qualities of academic excellence, leadership ability and personal integrity that Cromer demonstrated throughout his tenure. Madison Marie Darby-McClure was honored as this year’s recipient. An English major with a minor in Business Administration and Creative Writing, the Colorado Springs, Colo., native is a Summerland Honors Program scholar and a member of several academic honor societies, including the Bachman Honor Society. Senior captain of the Wolves Volleyball team, she was recognized as the SAC Volleyball Scholar-Athlete of the Year and named an Academic All-American.
Newberry College conferred emeritus status on three retiring faculty. Leighton Hartzog, a Newberry resident who retires after 15 years of service to the College, was granted the rank of assistant professor of Accounting and Business Administration emeritus. Newberry conferred the rank of professor of Political Science emeritus upon Dr. Steven Schweitzer, a Hartsville, S.C., resident, honoring his 14 years of service to the College.
Newberry College conferred the rank of associate dean and associate professor of English emerita on Dale Kinard Brown, a Newberry resident and 1966 alumna, who retires in July after 26 years of service to the College. She was additionally honored with the Luceo Mea Luce Award, which honors individuals whose lives of devotion, learning and service exemplify the motto, “By my light I enlighten,” associated with Newberry College founder John Bachman. By acclamation, the faculty bestowed this seldom-given award on Brown in honor of her tireless service to the College in whatever capacity she was needed, including as professor, English department chair, interim Teacher Education chair and associate dean of Academic Affairs.
Trail Camera, Deputy Awareness Leads To Arrest And Recovery Of A Stolen Trailer
Posted: May 4, 8:57 PM
On April 28, 2017, someone stole a utility trailer from a homeowner on Highway 121 in the Silverstreet section of Newberry County. What they did not know is that the trailer had been stolen once before, but recovered by law enforcement; so the homeowner now had a trail camera on the trailer. The camera did its job and captured the photographs of the subjects who took the trailer, as well as the vehicle they were driving.
Once investigators got the pictures, they realized they needed assistance in identifying the suspects and the vehicle, so they distributed the pictures to all of the deputies at the Sheriff’s Office for help. Within a short time of sending out the information by email, one of the deputies, who was off duty, immediately recognized the suspect and vehicle from a public safety check point several days before. He responded with this information to the investigator, and within a matter of hours the suspect was identified and confessed to t he crime.
“I commend the homeowner for purchasing and using the trail camera,” said Sheriff Lee Foster. “In today’s world of technology, these cameras have become affordable to most people, they are easily hidden, and deliver high quality pictures through motion activation. I know of several cases that have been solved dramatically faster because of such cameras, and the reality is in today’s world you never know when you are being recorded.”
“I would also like to commend the investigators for following up on this case, and to the deputy who recognized the suspect and vehicle from a public safety check point on a previous day,” said Foster. “This deputy was off duty, but still responded with the information to solve this case. This shows the commit that we have to be involved in the community we serve, and our use of technology such as the ability to email all of our deputies at once with information can and is making a difference in Newbe rry County.”
“Society and the function of law enforcement is constantly changing,” said Foster. “Law enforcement must adapt to these trends as well as adopt these technologies into their resources if they are truly to be effective.”
“However,” Foster continued. “These can never be a substitute for being in the community and building relationships and knowledge about the community on a regular basis. It is only when human relations and technology are combined that we can truly be most effective in law enforcement and as a community as a whole.”
Sheriff Foster said that arrest warrants have been issued for Brandi Leigh Doolittle, 34, of 24 Our Street, North Augusta, SC, charging her with Grand Larceny. Sheriff Foster said that Doolittle was taken into custody in Spartanburg County on May 3 and would be returning to Newberry County sometime today.
The trailer has been recovered.
Additional arrests are expected in the case.
Man Charged With Murder Of Prosperity Woman
Posted: May 3, 6:49 PM
Prosperity Police have arrested and charged a Newberry man in the death of a woman. Clifton Boozer, 40, has been charged with killing Clatie Dean Stribble, 35, of Prosperity, and has been booked in the Newberry County Jail.
Police are calling this a domestic homicide at a home on Conifer Drive, and this incident remains under investigation by the Newberry County Coroner’s Office and Prosperity Police Department.
Pope And Norman Will Face Off In Runoff;
Parnell Wins Democratic Primary
Posted: May 2, 9:20 PM
Republicans Tommy Pope and Ralph Norman will face off in a primary runoff on May 16 for the U.S. House seat vacated by Mick Mulvaney. The winner of the runoff will face Archie Parnell, who won the Democratic primary, on June 20. Click HERE for Newberry results.
Pomaria Man Missing; Found Later Thanks To Public's Assistance
Posted: April 26,
8:30 PM
At around 7:00 pm Wednesday evening, the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office released information soliciting help in finding a missing 78-year-old man.
Deputies said Richard Phillips was last seen around 8:30 am Wednesday morning at 8987 Broad River Road in the Pomaria section of Newberry County. He was reported missing at 4:30 am, and apparently was suffering from several medical conditions.
At around 8:00 pm,
it was released that Phillips had been found safely in Fairfield County, thanks to the public's assistance.
"Week Of Young Child" Proclamation
Posted: April 25,
4:25 PM
Some individuals signed a proclamation on Monday declaring April 24-28 as "Week of the Young Child" in Newberry County.
Top row (left to right): Janie Eargle, Dr. Beth S. Brooks, Sam Zaidy, Reggie Wicker
Bottom row (left to right): Sarah Eargle, Pat Caldwell, Mayor Foster Senn
Coroner Identifes Two Men Killed In Lake Murray Boat Crash
Posted: April 23,
11:11 AM
Lexington County Coroner Margaret Fisher has released the identities of two men who died as the result of a boat crash on Lake Murray. The accident occured at approximately 11:10 pm near Dreher Island and Crystal Lake.
The body of Mark Daniel Phillips, 37, of Columbia was recovered shortly after the incident. An autopsy performed later on Saturday revealed that Mr. Phillips died from blunt force trauma sustained in the crash.
At approximately 5:00 pm on Saturday, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources recovered the body of Christopher Shawn Lanier, 28, of Blythewood. An autopsy has been scheduled for Monday to determine Mr. Lanier’s cause of death.
Officials said six people were on a 32-foot Intrepid powerboat and a 16-foot bass boat when the two collided. Captain Robert McCullough with SCDNR said at least three people were taken to area hospitals with injuries.
The Newberry County Sheriff's Department and Lexington County Sheriff's Department are assisting DNR in the investigation.
Newberry College Breaks Ground On New Residence Hall
Posted: April 23,
11:30 AM
On Friday Newberry College broke ground on a new residence hall. Construction on the $3.8 million student residence is expected to get underway in June 2017 and is slated to be ready for occupancy for the start of fall semester in August 2018.
The new building will be adjacent to Walker Hall, a student residence constructed in 2007 on the corner of Luther Street and Wolves Way. The 22,866-square foot residence hall will be home to 76 students and three resident advisors.
“The new residence hall is a welcome addition to the campus housing options available to our students,” said Newberry College President Dr. Maurice Scherrens. “Construction of the new residence hall is a crucial step forward in fulfilling our campus housing master plan.”
Construction of the new residence hall comes in response to institutional growth that has stretched campus housing to capacity. The project is an essential first step toward more sweeping overall improvements and upgrades in campus housing.
“With the combined effects of enrollment growth and retention increases, housing demands will soon exceed our current capacity,” said Dr. Sandra Rouse, Dean of Students. “We have implemented short-term solutions to help us manage, but the 76 new beds provided by the new residence hall will go a long way toward accommodating current and future growth.”
The new residence hall will be a three-story brick and cement panel building that is consistent with the style and beauty of the existing buildings. It will accommodate 79 students across 14 living units. It will feature suite-style, double-occupancy rooms arranged in pods of four, six or eight people with a shared living room, bathroom and efficiency kitchen. Multiple covered common areas and entrances will provide residents with opportunities to study and interact in between classes.
Over the course of this summer the College will invest an additional $800,000 in cosmetic improvements and infrastructure upgrades to four existing residence halls: Derrick Hall, Cromer Hall, Kinard Hall and Smeltzer Hall.
McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture, a regional, studio-based architecture, planning and interior design firm, led the design efforts for Newberry’s residence hall. Triangle Construction Co., a Greenville-based builder serving the region for 70 years, will lead the construction phase. Interim construction financing is being provided by First Reliance Bank, a community-focused lender with locations throughout South Carolina. USDA Rural Development, a federal agency offering loans, grants and loan guarantees to support economic development in rural America, will serve as the permanent lender.
“USDA Rural Development in South Carolina is focused on strengthening our rural communities.” Said Acting State Director Michele J. Cardwell. “Providing safe, comfortable and affordable living and educational facilities are essential components of the economic well-being of our rural citizens.”
Participants in the groundbreaking ceremony included:
- Hugo A. (Hap) Pearce – Chair, Newberry College Board of Trustees
- Dr. Maurice W. Scherrens – President, Newberry College
- Robert James – Chair, Ad-Hoc Housing Committee of Board of Trustees
- Dr. Sandra Rouse – Dean of Students
- Benjamin Herring – Incoming President, Student Government Association
- Tim Ellis – Program Manager, USDA Rural Development
- Melanie Anderson – Project Designer, McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture
- Bryant Nixon – Executive Vice President, Triangle Construction Co.
- Richard McIntyre – Market President-Lexington, First Reliance Bank
After the opening greeting by Hap Pearce, Campus Pastor Ernie Worman led the invocation. Dr. Sandra Rouse, Dean of Students, spoke on behalf of Student Affairs, followed by the student response from SGA incoming president Ben Herring. Program Manager Tim Ellis provided remarks on behalf of USDA Rural Development. With the ceremonial turning of the soil complete, President Scherrens gave the closing remarks.
County Council Meeting
Posted: April 20,
8:28 AM
Andrew Wigger|staff writer
Newberry Observer|Civitas Media
(803) 768-3122
awigger@civitasmedia.com
- Council held a public hearing, and approved a third reading on an ordinance to provided for the issuance and sale of General Obligation Bonds of Newberry County, not exceeding $1,9000,000. This pertains to the annual lease purchase payment of principal and interest related to (past) rolling stock purchases, like ambulances and fire trucks, and to indebtedness related to the county's public works complex. Payments on this short term borrowing are made each Dec. 30.
- Council approved a third reading of an ordinance authorizing the issuance of a not exceeding $7,500,000 aggregate principal amount of Special Source Refunding Revenue Bond (Newberry County Memorial Hospital). This ordinance pertains to refinancing of the hospital's debt, the hospital will save in excess of $400,000 through this refinancing on net present value basis.
- Council recognized the following employees for their years of service. Natoscha Loynes, Sheriff's Office, five years, Brenda McCracken, Treasurer's Office, five years, Kirby Richardson, Sheriff's Office, five years, and Melony Fellers, Treasurer's Office, 20 years.
Lesaine Receives Excellence In Teaching Award
Posted: April 18,
7:42 AM
(L-R) SCICU trustee, Lucy Grey McLver; Excellence in Teaching recipient, Dr. John Lesaine; President of Newberry College, Dr. Maurice Scherrens.
Newberry College Assistant Professor of Sport Professions and Newberry resident Dr. John Lesaine recently received the Excellence in Teaching Award, an honor given annually to one faculty member from each of the 20 member institutions of the South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (SCICU) organization.
The honorees were recognized at the 12th annual Excellence in Teaching awards dinner held on April 4, at which time each professor also received a $3,000 professional development grant from SCICU.
A Newberry College graduate, Lesaine has been a member of the Newberry faculty since 2012. He earned his Ed.D. in Sport Management from U.S. Sports Academy, an M.Ed. in Higher Education Leadership from Valdosta State University, and a B.S. Sport Management from Newberry College.
Prior to joining the Newberry faculty, Lesaine held various college basketball coaching positions. As an assistant coach, Lesaine’s teams appeared in six consecutive NCAA Division II national tournaments. He continues to officiate NCAA women’s basketball games.
Bringing from coaching into the classroom what he learned about mentoring and encouraging student success, Lesaine has twice been honored by Newberry as Professor of the Year (for the 2014-15 and 2015-16 academic years). Lesaine also has received the L. Grady Cooper Award for loyalty and dedication to Newberry College.
“John is a dedicated teacher and mentor to many of our students,” said Dr. Timothy Elston, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the College. “He serves as a role model in and out of the classroom and inspires our students to reach higher than they sometimes think possible.”
Lesaine teaches several popular courses, including Film and Sport, an interdisciplinary course that examines the historical versus popular views of sports and various athletic personalities on the American psyche.
“John is always creative and engaging in his approach to teaching and motivating students to strive for their own personal best,” said Gretchen Haskett, chair of the Department of Sport Professions.
Walk Like MADD Is Saturday At Saluda Shoals Park In Columbia
Posted: April 17,
8:19 AM
MADD Newberry County is partnering with the Newberry County Coalition on Underage Drinking to field a team for Mothers Against Drunk Driving’s national fundraising event. WALK LIKE MADD is scheduled Saturday, April 22, at Saluda Shoals Park, Columbia. Registration is 2:00 pm, and the 5K Walk is at 3:00 pm.
Join the biggest MADD event of the year and be a part of the fun. Help with the fight against drunk driving by donating to help MADD reach the fundraising goal for WALK LIKE MADD, or you can join our Newberry team to walk with us Saturday, April 22.
Funds raised will stay in South Carolina. To donate or join our team, visit WalkLikeMadd.org/Columbia. Click on “donate” or “Participate” typing in “Newberry County”.
For further information contact Terecia Wilson, Newberry Coalition (276-5690) or MADD Newberry County (276-6603).
Sheriff's Office Warns Citizens About Tax Scam
Posted: April 10,
8:09 AM
Scammers are calling residents and saying they are from the tax office and they should pay their taxes by phone. A price is given and the resident is encouraged to pay their Newberry County taxes via telephone.
Newberry County Treasurer, Auditor, or Tax Assessor DOES NOT call people by telephone to pay their taxes and they DO NOT take money via a phone application.
Also DO NOT trust caller ID. Scammers have computer applications that can make a caller ID read any number they choose.
If you get a call such as this, it is a scam. If you have any questions regarding your taxes or the payment of your taxes you should not call the number you are given but call the Newberry County Treasurer Karen Lindler Smith' Office at 803-321-2130.
City Police Officers Visit Gallman;
Help Car Riders
Posted: April 6,
10:45 PM
Some of the Newberry police officers visited Gallman Elementary School this morning to open doors for their car riders.
Sergeant Richard Mercer is shown greeting a student at Gallman Elementary School Thursday morning.
Newberry Hospital Achieving 
Healthgrades Outstanding Patient Experience Award
Posted: April 6,
8:29 AM
Newberry Hospital announced that it has achieved the Healthgrades 2017 Outstanding Patient Experience Award™. This distinction recognizes Newberry Hospital as being among the top 15% of hospitals nationwide, according to Healthgrades, the leading online resource for comprehensive information about physicians and hospitals.
Healthgrades evaluated 3,489 hospitals that submitted at least 100 patient experience surveys to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), covering admissions from April 2015 – March 2016 in order to identify hospital performance in this area.
Bruce Baldwin, Chief Executive Officer of Newberry Hospital, says, “This is the second year in a row that Newberry Hospital has achieved the Healthgrades Outstanding Patient Experience Award™, and we are proud of the strong team of staff, physicians and volunteers who continue to work together to provide the best care possible to our patients. This award also reflects our community’s confidence in making Newberry Hospital their hospital of choice for providing quality, patient-centered healthcare.”
Healthgrades evaluated performance by applying a scoring methodology to 10 patient experience measures, using data collected from a 32-question patient experience survey of the hospital’s own patients. The survey questions focus on patients’ perspectives of their care in the hospital. The topics of these questions ranged from cleanliness and noise levels in patient rooms to factors such as pain management and responsiveness to patients’ needs. The measures also include whether a patient would recommend the hospital to friends or family.
In order to be recognized by Healthgrades, hospitals must meet eligibility requirements for consideration, which in addition to number of survey responses, includes clinical performance thresholds. Nationally 2941 hospitals met those requirements with 443 hospitals outperforming their peers, based on their patients’ responses in order to achieve this distinction. Newberry Hospital’s performance places them among the top 15 %> in the nation.
“Patient experience metrics resonate with consumers as they evaluate hospitals and select where they want to receive care,” said Brad Bowman, Chief Medical Officer, Healthgrades. “We commend those hospitals that have achieved the Healthgrades 2017 Outstanding Patient Experience Award for their commitment to delivering superior care experiences to patients during a hospital stay.”
For more information about Healthgrades, to download a full copy of the report, or to get information about hospital and physician quality, visit:
www.Healthgrades.com/quality today.
Great American Clean-Up In Newberry
Posted: April 4,
8:40 AM
The City of Newberry is cleaner because of the work of many volunteers on March 25 as Newberry participated in the Great American Clean-up. Led by Keep Newberry County Beautiful, which provided all the supplies, volunteers picked up litter in the city and just outside the city limits. Pictured are the Newberry Academy Junior Civitans picking up trash on Smith Road in Newberry.
Union County Fatality With Monday Storms
Posted: April 3,
8:18 PM
A person is dead after severe storms ripped through the Upstate on Monday. This was reported after a mobile home flipped on Eaves Road near Whitmire Highway around 3:30 p.m. Sheriff David Taylor said a man in the home was killed when it flipped multiple times.
The coroner identified the victim as 65-year-old J.C. Matthews Jr. He said Matthews' brother witnessed the structure overturn and spoke with the victim before calling to emergency personnel.
When emergency officials arrived on scene, they found Matthews deceased. An autopsy is scheduled for Tuesday.
Emergency crews reportedly had difficulty accessing the scene due to downed trees. The coroner said an unconfirmed tornado may be responsible for the property overturning.
Three Suspects Arrested For Church Break-In, Stealing Instruments And Electronics
Posted: March 27,
8:49 PM
On March 23 it was discovered that someone had entered Macedonia Lutheran Church in Prosperity. The suspects had gone inside and had gone through several offices as well as the sanctuary. The suspects took several items from inside the church including electronics and musical instruments.
Investigators from the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office canvased the entire area around the church as well as started contacting other area law enforcement agencies to exchange information. Based on that hard work, investigators received information that the suspects were attempting to sell the stolen items in the Chapin area.
Acting on this information, Friday afternoon (March 24) investigators went to the suspect’s residence located on Macedonia Church Road. Based on that follow up investigation, investigators were able to confirm the suspects involvement in the burglary as well as locate the majority of the stolen items and a small quantity of meth (less than 1 gram) inside the home.
Sheriff Lee Foster said that the arrest was made based upon information they had received, forensic evidence matching the suspects to the scene, and the recovery of much of the stolen property.
“This is another example of what allows Newberry County to enjoy one of the highest clearance rates in South Carolina,” said Sheriff Lee Foster. “The investigators went out into the community and used both their knowledge and relationships in the community as well as their relationships with other agencies to gain the knowledge needed to solve this most despicable crime. It takes years of working in a community to build these kinds of relationships but it is essential to effective law enforcement and community partnerships.”
“I would also point out that the investigators did not simply rely on those partnerships alone,” Sheriff Foster continued. “They were able to gather forensic evidence at the scene that would prove a link between the suspects and the crime scene. Law enforcement is now a world when community knowledge, forensics, and technology must work in unison to be effective. I am proud that we have been able to build each of these aspects into a highly effective law enforcement agency standing with our citizens to make Newberry County safer and better.”
Three suspects were taken in custody. All three suspects are charged with Burglary 2nd Degree, Grand Larceny, Possession of Meth, and Possession of Drug Paraphilia. They are identified as:
Jenna Lee Coons, 22, of 1616 St. Peters Church Road, Chapin, SC.
Joey Kenneth Donovan, 27, 6183 Macedonia Church Road, Prosperity, SC
Drake Adam Johnson, 28, of 6183 Macedonia Church Road, Prosperity, SC
Bond was set at $76,000 on each suspect. All three suspects are still in custody at the Newberry County Detention Center as of Monday morning at the time of this release.
Regier Leaving Position As Utility Director; Baker To Head Department
Posted: March 27,
8:30 PM
Newberry City Manager Matt DeWitt announced today that Utility Director Marc Regier will be leaving his post after nine years of service with the city to relocate with his family to the Upstate.
"Marc graduated from Newberry College and returned to Newberry after a very successful 10 years of high level IT contracting to become an integral part of this community. I am so proud that the city could partner with someone of Marc's caliber who has kept the city's utility services on the cutting edge and a leader among South Carolina communities. He has played a critical role in the city's economic development and infrastructure growth. Marc will be transitioning over the next few months. Marc will be a stellar asset in his new role and we wish him, his wife, Katie, and their family all the best in their new journey."
Tim Baker (pictured), assistant utilities director, has now been tapped as the city's new utility director. According to DeWitt, "Tim joined the City of Newberry last year. He has an extensive background in public utilities having managed the utility operations in Abbeville and most recently in Lexington, NC. Tim and his family are currently in process of relocating to Newberry."
Regier expressed that the relationships he had forged along with the deep commitment to the city and citizens of Newberry would remain intact. "We all have a great deal of confidence in Tim leading the Utilities Department into the future. Tim will continue to focus on sustainability, economic development, significant infrastructure improvement projects and other areas to strengthen the city while delivering dependable utility comforts to the citizens," he said.
Mayor Foster Senn said, "Marc has done an outstanding job and his work will benefit Newberry for years come, especially in the areas of infrastructure improvements and technology. The City Council and I also appreciate his friendship," he said. "Tim Baker is talented and experienced. We're pleased he'll be leading the city utilities department."
Pioneer Foods Fire
Posted: March 24,
7:48 AM
A small fire happened at Pioneer Foods in Newberry County on Thursday evening. Sheriff Lee Foster said the fire was confined to a relatively small area of the plant. Many responders were on the scene quickly last night, and the fire was contained shortly thereafter. Photo courtsy of Sheriff Lee Foster
Sheriff Foster Announces New Tool For Businesses, Churches To Help First Responders
Posted: March 21,
7:56 PM
Sheriff Lee Foster says that Newberry County Sheriff’s Office is taking Smart911 to a new level. They are introducing a program called Rave Facility.
This feature allows business owners, churches, and others who are responsible for a facility to go online and enter the information about their facility. They can list who the contact person or persons is for that facility, upload floor plans, a list locations of fire extinguishers, locations of AED devices, and even list utility locations for that facility. You can even upload your evacuation plans and emergency plans so that first responders will know how to best respond to your emergency situation.
You will then be asked to draw a geo fence around the facility. Once this is done, any 911 call from that facility, whether from a land line listed for that facility or from a cell phone, will bring up the profile for that facility.
Many churches and businesses are moving away from land lines and are using cell phones. In addition, almost everyone frequenting businesses and churches have cell phones so there is a substantial likelihood that the 911 call would come from a cell phone. As long as the call comes from a phone registered for that facility or from a cell phone inside of the assigned geo fence, the profile will appear. It even has an option for facilities with more than one building to create geo fences for each building so that the call would designate which building at the facility the call originated from.
“This is cutting edge technology,” said Sheriff Foster. “We want to be proactive in our approach to serving our citizens through empowering them to give us the information to best respond when they need emergency services.”
“I know that technology can sometimes be overwhelming, but technology, used correctly, can improve response and reaction in times of trouble,” Foster continued. “This is a great resource for any business, church, or other facility that sees a regular number of visitors who use cell phones.”
To register your facility, please go to https://www.smart911.com/corporateprofile/portal/login and register.
There is no fee for this service and this service works regardless of whether the caller has registered their individual phone for Smart911 or not.
All facilities must be approved by the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office before becoming active. You will receive a call from someone at the Sheriff’s Office verifying the information to prevent any misuse of this system.
As always, if you have any trouble registering for this service, you can come to the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office or call us at (803) 321-2211 and we will be glad to schedule a time for someone to come out and assist you with this process.
Coffee With A Cop Community Meetings Scheduled For Whitmire And Little Mountain, More To Come
Posted: March 17,
8:10 AM
In an effort to continue the open lines of communications between law enforcement and the community, Sheriff Lee Foster has announced a series of community based meetings continuing on the theme, “Coffee With A Cop”.
Sheriff Foster said that the meetings have no speakers and no agenda, instead Sheriff Foster and deputies will be on hand to share a cup of coffee and talk.
“It is a great way to get to know each other and share ideas,” said Sheriff Foster. “We believe it is important to keep the lines of communication open with the public and build relationships knowing that these partnerships are crucial to maintaining the safe communities we have all worked so hard to establish.”
Sheriff Foster said that in attention to a chance for a cup of coffee and conversation, deputies will be on hand to help register citizens for Smart911.
“We believe that the Smart911 network will be a way to better serve the citizens of Newberry County and will empower first responders to be better at reacting to the needs of citizens in an emergency.”
Sheriff Foster said that the Smart911 system only works when you register for the service and he encouraged citizens to enroll for this important service.
The first “Coffee With A Cop” will be on Monday March 20 from 9am to 10am at Thomas’ Grocery located at 136 Gilliam Street in Whitmire.
The “Coffee With A Cop” will then move to Wilson’s II located at 920 Main Street in Little Mountain on Monday March 27 from 9am to 10am.
Additional sessions will be scheduled throughout the county and announced in the near future.
If you need assistance registering for Smart911 and cannot attend the community meeting in your area, please feel free to come to the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office located at 550 Wilson Road in Newberry or call our offices at (803) 321-2211 to arrange for someone to assist you.
Boyd Arrested In Georgia
Posted: March 13,
5:34 PM
The man who was the subject of a massive manhunt in Newberry County that expanded across numerous South Carolina and Georgia counties has been arrested.
Toby Butlar Boyd, 43, was arrested in Wilcox, Georgia, late Saturday evening. Boyd was wanted in Newberry County for burglary as well as being sought by several counties in South Carolina and Georgia for a string of burglaries and thefts.
His arrest was the result of a joint investigation of numerous agencies including the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office, the State Law Enforcement Division, and the United States Marshall Service.
Boyd was located hiding in an abandoned mobile home that he was living in to attempt to hide from law enforcement.
Boyd is facing numerous burglary and larceny charges in Georgia, and at some point will be extradited back to South Carolina so that formal charges can be filed in Newberry County as well as the several other counties who already have warrants on him including Aiken, McCormick, and Saluda counties.
“We are thankful for our long established partnerships with these many local, state, and federal agencies that led to this arrest,” said Sheriff Foster. “Because of the ease of mobility in our society, it is only when we work together that we can be effective in apprehend suspects like this who believe that they can use jurisdictional lines like county boundaries and state lines to elude capture.”
On February 9, 2017, Boyd fled on foot after being stopped driving a stolen truck and stolen camper in Newberry County on Mt. Bethel Garmany Road. There was an intensive manhunt for Boyd in the area of Mt. Bethel Garmany Road that expanded all the way to Keitts Crossroads. Boyd escaped the area by stealing a pickup truck. The truck was later recovered in Aiken and returned to Newberry County.
“This is a prime example of the never say quit attitude of the officers of the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office,” said Sheriff Foster. “It would have been easy to move on to the next case and forget about this search, but we believe it is important to pursue and bring to justice those who victimize others. We were constantly following leads and tips and it is this dogged attitude that led to this arrest.”
No time frame for Boyd’s return to South Carolina and Newberry County has been established.
Kraft Heinz Earns Top Honors At Recent United Way Ceremony
Posted: March 12,
1:25 PM
As we reported on Friday, Newberry’s Kraft Heinz Company took top honors in two categories at a recent United Way of the Midlands’ Live United Awards ceremony.
The company raised $574,606 in donations, a $140,000 increase over last year. As a result Brian LaRue, materials and distribution manager, Kat Longerbeam, human resources manager, and Tammy Duncan, administrative assistant to the plant manager, took home a Community Champion Award and a Division Chairman’s Award from the Mar. 2 ceremony at the Columbia Convention Center.
Pioneer Frozen Foods also was recognized with a Gold Award for per capita a giving level in excess of $150 and Newberry Electric Cooperative with a Bronze Award for a $56 per capita giving level.
To date, Newberry County companies have raised nearly $645,000, some $100,000 more than the goal set by the local Newberry County campaign committee last summer.
“Without the support of organizations throughout the Midlands, United Way’s work to improve early childhood education, end homelessness and provide access to quality healthcare would not be possible,” said Mac Bennett, president and CEO of United Way. “This is just one small way to recognize these companies for their impact on our community.”
In total, more than 200 companies were honored last week based on giving level, employee participation and volunteerism during the event which was emceed by campaign co-chairs Mike Brenan, president of BB&T, and Sara Fawcett, vice president of human resources at EDENS.
Community Champion Awards also were presented to BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina and Publix Super Markets for their combined contributions of more than $2.9 million to the
Though the campaign officially ends on June 30, United Way is projecting a record-breaking $11 million campaign which will fund programs focused on improving education, financial stability and health throughout its six-county footprint.
City Officers Greet NES Students
Updated: March 10,
7:42 AM
City police officers greeted students and opened doors for them at Newberry Elementary School on Wednesday morning. Pictured here, Sergeants Mike Hawkins and Rodney Grey passed out stickers to students as they entered the school building.
Autopsy Performed On Body Found Wednesday; Manner Of Death Ruled As Homicide
Updated: March 9,
6:02 PM
UPDATE: An autopsy was performed earlier today and results determined that Mr. Stephens died of multiple gunshots wounds and the manner of death has been ruled a homicide.
Original report: Newberry Coroner Laura Kneece has identified the victim from the body found in a car at Newberry Green Apartments on Wednesday morning as Clinton Stephens, 48. Officers with the Newberry Police Department responded to Newberry Green Apartments, 411 Monroe Street, in reference to a body being found inside a vehicle. Once officers arrived on scene they found the deceased body of a male subject. The coroner has ruled the death a homicide. The scene was processed by SLED along with police department investigators. Officers went door to door looking for witnesses. As of now, there are no leads in the identity of the suspect(s) in this case, or motive. The investigation is ongoing. Anyone who saw or heard anything that could help in this case, please contact Crimestoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC.
City, Newberry College Break Ground On Future Tennis Complex
Posted: March 7,
8:01 AM
City staff and representatives from Newberry College broke ground on the Oakland Tennis Complex Monday afternoon, World Tennis Day.
"Today is an exciting day, really around the world," said Mayor Foster Senn. "Today is World Tennis Day and so we're excited to be doing something here in Newberry."
Senn said the Oakland community has made steady progress within the past few years and this would be one more thing to add to the area.
The Oakland Tennis Complex will house six hard and three clay courts as well as a small pro shop and tennis pro office. The complex will be housed adjacent to Oakland Mill apartments and will be the new home for Newberry College tennis and City of Newberry recreational tennis programs. The courts will be used to serve the public and to help attract tennis tournaments to town.
"We're glad to partner with the college," Senn said of Newberry College. "It is one of our greatest assets in Newberry."
City Parks, Recreation and Tourism Director Scott Sawyer said the project has an anticipated 200 days of construction to complete, weather pending. Some of the demolition is set to begin within the next week, he said.
"We're not trying to build a tennis center, we're trying to build a tennis program," Sawyer said. "You can put courts all over the place, but unless you program them, you will not be doing your service to the community."
Mark Gardiner, tennis coach for Newberry College said he's very excited about the program he believes these fields will bring. Gardiner said he wants to see the 3-5 year olds from the 75 to 80 year olds out enjoying the courts.
USDA tournaments will be offered on the courts, Gardiner said and that they would also be reaching out to the local schools and the community.
"It's going to be a great place to exercise and to be a tennis community in Newberry, we're just excited about it," Senn said.
Mother and Son Arrested After Car Chase; Illegal Drugs Found
Posted: March 2,
4:57 PM
Two suspects, a mother and her son, were jailed Sunday night after they led police on a chase because they had illegal drugs in their possession.
On February 26 at approximately 1130pm, the Newberry County Sheriff's Office and Newberry Police Department were conducting a public safety check point at the intersection of Nance Street and Kendall Road when a vehicle approached the check point and came to a stop. As an officer began talking with the suspects, they noticed a container of alcohol in the vehicle. As the officers began to reach for the can, the driver begin to back up from the check point, turned around, and fled the check point.
Officers were able to catch up to the suspect vehicle as it turned onto Evans Street and initiated their blue lights and sirens; however, the driver of the vehicle continued to flee driving down Wilson Road at speeds reaching more than 80 miles per hour. The driver of the vehicle then turned onto Jolly Street Road and continued to flee the officers.
While traveling on Jolly Street Road, an off duty deputy had heard the chase and went into action. He went to his patrol car and got his tire deflation device and while his wife kept him updated on the location of the chase. He went to the road in front of his home and placed the tire deflation device in the roadway. The suspect vehicle hit the device flattening the two front tires safely ending the chase a short distance later. The pursuing officers, who the off duty deputy had notified of the placement of the device, were able to avoid the strips.
“This was made possible because the deputy was willing to work even off duty and because he had his vehicle with his equipment at his home,” said Foster. “This deputy, like so many of our deputies, are willing to go the extra mile to get the job done.”
The suspects were taken into custody when the car came to a stop.
When the officers searched the vehicle, they found two different types of pills that are controlled substances. In addition, the passenger was found to in possession of two bags of marijuana with an approximate weight of 53 grams.
The driver of the vehicle was identified as Yvette Michelle Pratt, 37, of 1139 Copeland Street, Newberry, SC. She was charged with Failure to Stop For a Law Enforcement Vehicle, 2 counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance, Resisting Arrest, and Assault and Battery 2nd Degree. She was released on a $9000.00 surety bond on February 28.
The passenger was identified as Carban Kiaeem Epps, 17, of 1139 Copeland Street, Newberry, SC. He was charged with Possession of Marijuana With Intent To Distribute. He was released on February 27 on a $5000.00 surety bond.
Sheriff Foster said that the tire deflation device deployed are technology he learned about through his involvement the National Institute of Justice. The tire deflation devices are different than most such devices because not only do they penetrate the tires, but have specific holes in them to insure that the tires deflate once they penetrate the tire. It is a better technology that ends chases faster and safer when they can be deployed.
Sheriff Foster said that not only did the off duty deputy deploy the device ending the chase, but he and wife then cleaned up the debris from the deployment of the devices.
The suspect vehicle was a 2017 Jeep and was a rental car. The entire chase traveled approximately 10 miles and lasted approximately 9 minutes.
County Council Report
Posted: March 2,
6:03 AM
- Council approved a second reading of an ordinance amending the 2016-17 budget ordinance. The 10 items involved in the amendment total $909,419, 92.7% of which is for economic development, 4.3% associated with repair of equipment and replacement materials and 3% is owing to state regulatory compliance requirements. An example of one of the items is the replenishing of county gravel stock for $6,600. The public works department has amended the cul de sac and spec building parking lot at the Mid-Carolina Commerce Park with substantial amounts of gravel, this would replenish the gravel stockpiles.
- Council approved a proclamation declaring March 2017 as Disabilities Awareness Month in Newberry County.
- Council had a public hearing and approved a third reading on an ordinance that would rezone a 1.43 acre parcel from Single Family Residential to General Commercial. This will be the location of a tower needed for the 800 MHz radio system.
- Council approved a third reading and held a public hearing for an ordinance for the issuance and sale, of a not exceeding $1,900,000 General Obligation bond Anticipation Note of Newberry County. This will provide funding for expenses pertaining to the 2016 penny sales tax projects. The recent history of the market suggests an interest rate of around 2% for this borrowing. This, along with the likelihood that all bonded 2016 projects will be completed within three years, indicates a strategy of borrowing the entire amount of the ballot, $19.8 million, up front. There will be no need for the $19. million BAN authorized by the ordinance, as stated by County Administrator Wayne Adams.
- Adams also reported that planning meetings have began for the CPST projects.
Andrew Wigger|staff writer
Newberry Observer|Civitas Media
(803) 768-3122
awigger@civitasmedia.com
City Announces "Newberry-PMPA Community Scholar" Scholarship
Posted: March 1,
8:19 AM
The City of Newberry is pleased to announce the rollout of the 2017 "Newberry-PMPA Community Scholar" Scholarship. The scholarship program offers four scholarships ($500 each) which may be applied to Fall 2017 tuition at any South Carolina accredited College, University or Technical School. The contest opens March 6 and applications are due back by April 6. We ask that you share this opportunity with those you know may have interest and meet the general qualifications to apply. If you or your organization has any questions in regards to this scholarship program please feel free to call 803.321.3607.
School Board Recognitions
Posted: February 27,
10:18 PM
Following were recognized during the school board meeting on Monday night:
Mid-Carolina High School Band-
Zachary Judah Rendelman – Clinic All-State Band
SC Junior Beta Club Convention –
Newberry Middle School- NMS BETA Club members placed 2nd in the Advertising and Design Competition at the State Beta Club Convention in Myrtle Beach on January 13, 2017
Sarali Acosta Vazquez – Grade 8
Ana Morales – Grade 8
Abby Nunley – Grade 7
Shevante Powell – Grade 8
The Advertising Design competition at the South Carolina Beta Club Convention has students demonstrating creativity, collaboration, and attention to detail as they create an advertisement around a prompt. The NMS team earned 2nd place and have been invited to compete in the national convention this summer.
Mid-Carolina Middle School-
Sam Hawkins - elected as South Carolina's 2017 Jr. Beta State Chaplain
Shelby Lever - 1st place in black/white photography
AC Cary - 1st place in painting
Tripp Richardson - 1st place in woodworking
Emma Grace Connelly - 2nd place in speech
Taylor Longshore - 2nd place in sculpture
Emma Wicker, Tori Livingston, & Peyton Metts - 2nd place in scrapbooking
Ashlyn Kinard - 3rd place in charcoal art
Mid-Carolina Middle School competed at the South Carolina Beta Club Convention from January 12-13. There were over 4000 students at the year’s convention. MCMS placed in the top 5 for t-shirt and then brought home 8 state awards including the new SC Beta Club Chaplain office. All of these students have been given an invitation to compete at nationals in June in Orlando, Florida. Congratulations to all of these students.
Whitmire Community School –
Hanna Wagner – Third place for Fiber Arts
The visual arts competiotion at te SC Junior Beta Club Convention provides students the opportunity to showcase their artistic talents and creative abilities. Fiber arts in inclusive of any craft using fiber materials. For this category, Hanna entered a quilt she made in a convergence pattern. This earned her eligibility to compete at the National Convention this summer.
Rebecca Morris, Elected State Beta Club Sponsor for South Carolina - Rebecca was elected state Jr. Beta Club sponsor for South Carolina at this year’s Jr. Beta Club. Her duties will include representing our state at the National Jr. Beta Club convention in Orlando, Florida this summer.
Junior Scholars
To qualify to become a Junior Scholar an eighth grade student must take the PSAT and score 50 or higher in math, verbal and/or writing. Seventh grade students can also qualify to become a Junior Scholar if they are identified by the DUKE Tip program and are also invited to attend the “State” or “Grand” recognition or both as a seventh grader sponsored by Duke University’s Talent Identification Program (TIP). Seventh grade students are recognized by our district during their eighth grade year.
Mid-Carolina Middle School
Kendal Boland
Isaac Cayton
Madarrius Chaplin
Delaney Gilliam
Raymond Konarski
Jorge Leyva
James Long
Rachel Maston
Anna Meetze
Joseph Mueller
Ryan Redd
Christopher Scott
Harrison Scott
Harmon Vinson
Johnny Waites
Newberry Middle School
Zerolar Chapman
Philip Livingston
Melanie Moore
Shevante Powell
Connor Shannon
Benjamin Siquerios
Whitmire Community School
Marissa Baker
Barrett Martin
Selected as One of the Three Finalist for 2016-2017 SCIRA Administrator of the Year Award Nomination
Lindsey Folk – Principal at Pomaria-Garmany Elementary
Taken from the nomination submitted to SCIRA by her faculty:
There is so much to share when it comes to Lindsey Folk and her support in terms of literacy and overall genuine love and concern for our precious children. Words could never express the work and dedication she constantly displays on a daily basis. Her work speaks volumes and our children are a testament to the dedication and commitment she has to ensure they are provided with countless opportunities to enjoy reading.
I will leave you with the words of an extremely humble, most deserving nominee to which we are very proud to call our leader… “Literacy is the foundation of everything we do, know, and learn. It is how we grow. We must celebrate the accomplishments of our students no matter how big or small. Whether it’s moving slightly up that ladder in a small group setting or fluently reading a book for the very first time. We all play a significant role in literacy when it comes to our most prized possessions… our students.”
UPDATE: Autistic Male Found By Authorities Late Sunday Afternoon
Posted: February 26,
7:47 PM
The missing 19 year old male with Autism was located at approximately 5:15pm.
Members of the Newberry County Sheriff's Office Bloodhound Team along with a DNR Officer and members of the Newberry County Emergency Services found the missing teen approximately three miles from his residence.
The missing teen was taken by ambulance to the Emergency Room for further evaluation.
Sheriff Foster stated that he really appreciated all the help from the Rescue Squads as well the concerns and assistance of the community. We could not have found him without members of the neighbor being on the look out and giving calls of sightings.
Participating in the search were the Rescue Squads of Newberry County, DNR, Sheriff's Office, and Newberry County Fire Fighters. A SLED helicopter and a DNR aircraft.
Newberry County Emergency Services were looking for Hunter Lazo (above left) for most of the day on Sunday. He had been last seen at 8:20 am Sunday morning on Lake Road, which is off Ira Kinard Road, near SC 391 on Lake Murray.
Area Rescue Squads, Sheriff's Deputies and Department of Natural Resources were participating in the search.
Man Who Charged At Deputies Booked At Detention Center
Posted: February 24,
6:36 PM
The man who charged at Newberry County deputies on Sunday morning armed with a firearm while threatening to kill them was booked into the Newberry County Detention Center today.
The man is identified as Christopher Rodney Thornhill, 50, of 447 Thornhill Lane, Prosperity.
Thornhill was charged with two counts of Attempted Murder, three counts of Kidnapping, four counts of Pointing and Presenting a Firearm, Possession of a Weapon During a Violent Crime, and Resisting Arrest While Armed With a Deadly Weapon. He was denied bond.
The charges were filed against Thornhill by the State Law Enforcement Division today when he was released from the hospital. Click HERE for the official release from SLED.
Stolen Truck Found And Returned,
Search Continues For Suspect
Posted: February 22,
5:48 PM
Sheriff Lee Foster says that the truck stolen by a burglary suspect on February 9 was recovered yesterday, but the search for the suspect continues.
Sheriff Foster says that Toby Butlar Boyd, 43, fled on foot after being stopped driving a stolen truck and stolen camper in Newberry County on Mt. Bethel Garmany Road on February 9.
Boyd stole a 1966 blue GMC pickup truck from a resident near Keitt’s Crossroads. He used that truck to flee the area.
The truck was recovered at about 3am Tuesday morning by the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office. The truck was found abandoned in the parking lot of a business on Martintown Road in North Augusta. No one was around the truck when it was located. The truck was not damaged and has been returned to the owner.
“Sheriff Mike Hunt and the entire Aiken County Sheriff’s Office has investigators regularly with our agency and actively seeking Boyd,” said Foster. “We are blessed to have such a great working relationship with Sheriff Hunt and his staff because these cases require a solid working relationship with other agencies.”
Authorities have suspect all along that Boyd returned to the Aiken/Augusta area because of his ties there. Investigators from the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office, North Augusta Police Department, and State Law Enforcement Division are assisting in the search for Boyd.
Boyd is suspected of being involved in several burglaries including Newberry, Saluda, Aiken, McCormick, Edgefield, and Lexington Counties. He has prior burglary convictions.
“We are using many resources to track this suspect,” said Sheriff Foster. “We believe that the public will be instrumental in taking this suspect into custody because of his movements throughout many counties. If you see this man, please call 911 immediately. He is a threat and a danger to the safety of the people and property of every community he enters.”
If anyone sees Toby Butlar Boyd, please contact 911 immediately. He is assuredly a flight risk and could be armed.
City Of Newberry Receives Silver Palmetto Award
Posted:
February 22,
8:06 AM
The City of Newberry has been selected to receive South Carolina’s prestigious 2016 Silver Palmetto Award. The award is presented annually by the SC Commission on Disabilities and Special Needs to the South Carolina city or town that made the most outstanding contribution to people with disabilities the previous year. Commission Chairman Bill Danielson presented the award to City of Newberry Mayor Foster Senn recently during the Municipal Association of South Carolina meeting in Columbia. The Commission is the governing board of the SC Department of Disabilities and Special Needs (DDSN).
[Left to Right Seated] Bob Jones, Executive Director, Newberry Disabilities and Special Needs Board, Rick Richardson, Chairman, Newberry Disabilities and Special Needs Board, Bill Danielson, Chairman, SC Commission on Disabilities and Special Needs, Foster Senn, Mayor, City of Newberry, and Matt Dewitt, City Manager. [Left to Right Standing] Police Lieutenant Randy Malloy, City Councilman Thomas Louis Boyd, City Councilman David Force, City Councilman Lemont Glasgow, Scott Sawyer, Director, City of Newberry Parks, Recreation and Tourism. [Not pictured but also in attendance] Councilman Zebbie Goudelock
City Hall Employees Get Fire Safety Training
Posted: February 21,
10:01 PM
City Hall employees had the opportunity to have some fire safety training on Monday.
Employees brushed up on their fire safety skills with the help of the Newberry Fire Department.
Berkeley County Bus Driver Arrested In Newberry For DUI
Posted: February 20,
9:34 PM
A story that we reported earlier on WKDK, a Berkeley County school bus driver was arrested in Newberry County on Sunday, accused of driving a bus carrying students while intoxicated.
Officers with the SC Highway Patrol say Brent Patrick Carter was driving the bus eastbound on SC 34 in the westbound lanes near Newberry at around 7:05 pm. The bus' headlights were not on, and troopers stopped Carter's bus as he drove onto the eastbound entrance ramp to I-26.
Investigators say 15 students and three adults were on the activity bus from Goose Creek High School at the time of the traffic stop. All students were safe and accounted for, according to Berkeley County School District officials.
Troopers say Carter had a blood-alcohol concentration of .18, over twice the legal limit.
The students were turned over to Berkeley County school officials and DSS was notified.
UPDATE: Man Being Sought As Witness Found And Unharmed
Posted: February 19,
3:30 PM
Baxter was found at his mother's residence in Newberry. He was not injured and is cooperating with law enforcement.
Related To Hostage Situation story
In a related matter to the shooting after the hostage situation (see complete story below), law enforcement was seeking to locate a man who was inside the home but left prior to law enforcement arrival.
Richard “Sam” Baxter Jr, 55, was at the residence of before law enforcement arrived and could not be located. He was being sought as a witness and so law enforcement could check on his medical well-being.
Suspect Shot By Deputy After Hostage Situation
Posted: February 19,
2:30 PM
Newberry County Sheriff Lee Foster says that deputies have shot an armed suspect after a hostage situation.
Deputies were called to 447 Thornhill Lane for just before 1130am this morning that someone had been shot at the residence. While on the way to the residence, they were notified that there was a hostage situation at the residence. There were at least two shots fired inside the residence before law enforcement arrived.
The hostages (2 females and 1 male) were able to escape the residence, but the suspect also fled the residence armed with a long gun of some type. The suspect first fled to a pasture, then hid in a ravine, but then left that position and began aggressively advancing on the officers, who were attempting to take cover behind a tree. The suspect still had the firearm in his hands pointed toward the officers and was making verbal threats to the officers as he moved toward them.
Sheriff Foster said that despite repeated demands for the suspect to stop and drop the weapon, he continued to advance on the officers with the weapon pointed at them. One of the officers fired striking the suspect. He was disarmed, and medical treatment was sought.
The suspect is being transported to a Columbia area hospital for treatment.
The State Law Enforcement Division has been called to investigate the shooting.
Neither the suspect nor the officer are being identified at this time. Both the suspect and the officer are white.
“This shows the grave danger law enforcement faces in today’s society,” said Sheriff Foster. ‘I commend these officers on their great restraint in this situation. It could have ended very differently without their reaction to this attack from the suspect.”
Smart911 Now Available In Newberry County Area
Posted: February 18,
7:18 AM
Newberry County Sheriff Lee Foster and all aspects of public safety in Newberry County are excited to announce that Smart911 is now available in the area.
Residents and those frequently in Newberry are strongly urged to sign up for Smart911 to be better prepared for any emergency situation. Smart911 is a free nationwide service provided by Newberry County, individuals can now create a Smart911 Safety Profile, which provides vital information to 9-1-1 call takers and first responders during an emergency.
“This citizen provided information can have a huge impact on a call,” said Sheriff Foster. “By providing home and work address or photos it can help us to know exactly where we are going and who we are looking for, those details can help all of us respond faster and more efficiently.”
Smart911 allows individuals to create a Safety Profile at www.smart911.com for their whole household that can include any additional information they want 9-1-1 and response teams to have in an emergency situation. When an individual makes a 9-1-1 call, their Safety Profile is automatically displayed to the 9-1-1 call taker, allowing them to send the right response teams to the right location with the right information. You can also find a link to information sheets, facts about Smart911, and to the Smart911 registration on the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office website at www.newberrycountysheriff.com.
Sheriff Foster said that the Smart911 was a collaborative effort with Newberry County Public Safety, the School District of Newberry County, and Newberry County Memorial Hospital. Foster said that they have now joined forces with Newberry County Fire Departments, Newberry County Rescue Squads, Newberry County EMS, Newberry Police Department, Newberry Fire Department, Whitmire Police Department, and the Newberry County Coroner’s Office to begin public education and implementation of Smart911.
With Smart911, residents can link both home and work addresses to mobile phones, which can be passed on to responders in the field for more a detailed, rapid response. Additional information including current medications, preexisting medical conditions, vehicle details in the event of an accident, emergency contacts and much more can all be included in a Safety Profile. All information is completely optional and only displayed when the linked phone dials 9-1-1 and then is only available for a certain window of time and the individual has the ability to choose what details they would like to include.
“Individuals who link these Safety Profiles to their cell phones are providing us with vital information,” said Sheriff Foster. “If you have a weak signal or the call is dropped the added information provided in the Safety Profile can speak for you.”
Smart911 is currently available nationwide in more than 1,500 municipalities across the country, and has been credited with positively impacting emergency outcomes including a missing child in which the girls photo and physical description were immediately available to 9-1-1 and responders, as well as a heart attack victim where an address and medical notes allowed responders to be dispatched to his location quickly.
Citizens are encouraged to create their Safety Profile with Smart911 today to have their information immediately available to 9-1-1 and to receive emergency notifications. Smart911 is private and secure, is only used for emergency responses, and only made available to the 9-1-1 system in the event of an emergency call.
Sheriff Foster said for those without internet access of those who just do not feel comfortable making this registration that the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office will have support staff available on Wednesday, February 22 from 10am to 12pm at the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office located at 550 Wilson Road, Newberry, SC who will assist you with the registration. If you cannot come on that day, you can call (803) 321-2211 and ask to speak to someone in the Community Oriented Police Service Division and they will schedule an appointment to assist you.
“We believe this will be an incredible resource for the citizens and first responders of Newberry County,” said Foster. “We are excited about this partnership and providing the highest level of services to our citizens through all aspects of public safety.”
Autopsy Results Confirm No Vehicle Restraints Of Child Killed In
Tragic Accident
Posted: February 15,
11:42 PM
Newberry County Coroner Laura G. Kneece reports that the autopsy performed today on four (4) year old, Titiyanna Kessler, confirms that there was no evidence of the child being restrained in the vehicle at the time of the collision, causing a blunt force injury of the head.
“This is a very tragic incident that could have been avoided. It is very important to restrain your child properly while driving in a vehicle. An accident can happen in an instant. There are several agencies, including Newberry County Sheriff’s Department and Kohl’s Buckle Buddies, that will assist in checking your car seats and making sure they are installed properly. Buckle Buddies also has ways to get people access to education as well as discounted rates on car seats.”
This incident remains under investigation by South Carolina Highway Patrol and South Carolina Highway Patrol Multi-disciplinary Accident Investigation Team (MAIT).
County Council Report
Posted: February 15,
8:39 PM
Andrew Wigger|staff writer
Newberry Observer|Civitas Media
(803) 768-3122
awigger@civitasmedia.com
- Council approved a proclamation recognizing Thomas Perry who has served as a vocal and active advocate for youth in Newberry County for decades.
- Council passed a resolution honoring Carl "C.J." Edwards Jr.
- Council passed a resolution appointing and commissioning Susan McCullough as an animal control code enforcement officer.
- Council approved a third reading of an ordinance to provided for the determination of salaries for countywide elected officials.
- Council approved a second reading of an ordinance that provides for the issuance and sale of a not exceeding $1,9000,000 General Obligation Bond Anticipation Note. This will provide funding for the initial expenses pertaining to projects approved by votes for the 2016 CPST.
- Council approved a first reading of an ordinance amending the 2016-17 budget ordinance. The 10 items involved in the amendment total $909,419, 92.7% of which is for economic development, 4.3% associated with repair of equipment and replacement materials and 3% is owing to state regulatory compliance requirements.
- Council awarded JLA the design work for the following CPST projects, Town of Whitmire - Town Hall/Police Department remodel/upgrade, Town of Pomaria - Old Pomaria School Building Renovation, Town of Little Mountain - Computer Center and Library Upgrades.
Coroner Identifies Child Killed In Vehicle Accident
Posted: February 14,
4:06 PM
Newberry County Coroner’s Office along with the South Carolina Highway Patrol are investigating a single vehicle accident that occurred on Tuesday morning at approximately 7:15 am in the 300 Block of Main Street (also known as Highway 76 in Little Mountain, SC).
According to Coroner Laura Kneece, a four year old passenger, Titiyanna Kessler of Little Mountain was pronounced dead at a local hospital due to injuries sustained in the motor vehicle collision. An autopsy has been ordered to determine cause of death. The child was not properly restrained in a child safety seat.
This incident remains under investigation by Newberry County Coroner’s Office and South Carolina Highway Patrol.
Connelly Announces Run For
Congress Seat
Posted: February 13,
4:53 PM
As we have been reporting since
shortly after 10 AM, Chad Connelly announced today that he will run in the special election as a Republican candidate for U.S. Congress in the state’s 5th District. A special election will be held to fill the seat left vacant by Mick Mulvaney once he is officially confirmed by the United States Senate to be the next Director of The White House’s Office of Management and Budget.
Chad Connelly said, “Washington is broken and I want to do my part to try and fix it. As such, I will lead a fight for term limits in the US Congress pledging to lead by example and serving no more than 12 years. I am a conservative that believes in small government. If elected, I will fight for American families by working to help create a pro business environment encouraging more new jobs, a stronger military and less taxes.”
Chad Connelly was born and raised in Prosperity, South Carolina. He graduated from Clemson University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering. Chad then joined the United States Army and SC National Guard where he became a Tank Commander and Platoon Leader of SC’s 2/263 Armored in Gaffney and York. Chad then worked in the private sector where he became the youngest senior manager for PSI, a national engineering firm. While at PSI he managed over 100 employees in eight separate locations. After 8 years Chad decided to start his own small business. His firm helped entrepreneurs begin and grow their own small businesses leading to a coaching, speaking and consulting career. Chad also remained active in conservative causes. He was elected and also re-elected as Chairman of the SC Republican Party. RNC Chairman Reince Priebus then tapped Connelly to serve as the RNC’s first-ever National Director of Faith Engagement. He has since traveled to 40 states and spoken to over 80,000 pastors and faith leaders about the importance of getting more involved in the political process.
If elected, Connelly will sponsor new legislation to limit Congressmen to no more than 6 terms (12 years) and Senators to no more than 2 terms (12 years). He said, “I traveled all over this country this past year and folks everywhere are disgusted with the poisonous political games being played on Capitol Hill. Americans have simply lost faith in Congress as an institution. I am convinced the only way we are going to fix this mess is to begin to enact real term limits.”
“If we want better jobs and a safer homeland, we must first make way for new voices. We need more citizen legislators and less career politicians. Our founding fathers framed this Republic as a government of the people, by the people and for all the people under God,” Connelly added.
Air Quality Alert Issued As Result Of Landfill Fire
Posted: February 12,
2:51 PM
Due to the fire at a construction debris landfill off SC 121 near Belfast Rd., Newberry County Emergency Management has asked for those with breathing conditions and that are in a five mile area, especially low lying areas, are asked to remain inside.
Winds are variable but prominently out of Southwest at approximately 11mph. This would carry the smoke near the City of Newberry and the onward toward SC 34 and US 176 then onto the Broad River area.
DHEC, Newberry County Haz Mat, and Emergency Services are monitoring air quality closely.
Anyone with respiratory issues and within a five mile area Northeast from the site should use precaution.
Sheriff's Deputies, City Police Respond To Possible Kidnapping From Georgia At Waffle House On SC Highway 34
Posted: February 11,
7:01 PM
Newberry County Sheriff's Deputies and Newberry City Police responded to the Waffle House on SC Hwy. 34 near I 26 to locate a possible kidnapping victim.
Law Enforcement received a call from the Richmond, Ga Sheriff's Office that a kidnapping victim may be located in the restaurant with several adults.
Newberry City Police Officers and Sheriff's Deputies found the 12-year-old girl inside the restaurant eating with two adult females and an 11-year-old child.
The preliminary investigation revealed that the two juveniles had met on a YouTube Channel and had been conversing for approximately a year through that social media site along with Skype. The 12-year-old from Georgia convinced the 11-year-old and her mother that it was permissible for them to come to Georgia and take her back to their home in Wisconsin to live. The 12-year-old arranged the meeting and began to travel back to Wisconsin and made it to Newberry County and were able to be located by Richmond County, Ga authorities.
Newberry County Sheriff's Deputies and Richmond County, Ga investigators are continuing the investigation to verify stories. It is currently being handled as a runaway situation.
Sheriff Lee Foster said this is a prime example on how the internet can be used improperly and unsafely. "If their stories hold true, neither party really new the other until they came into physical contact with one another. It very well could have been an adult that wished to do them harm. This could have been a very dangerous situation. The internet is a very dangerous place." Sheriff Foster continued, "Anyone can pose as anybody and can say what they want. Just because it is on the internet, it doesn't have to be true. Regardless of the situation, the adults should have done a whole lot more to verify the juveniles story."
The investigation is continuing to verify statements and to verify there was no criminal kidnapping. The Sheriff commended the Waffle House for their cooperation in this investigation.
Search Continues For Burglary Suspect; Officials Asking For Public's Assistance
Posted: February 10,
6:01 PM
The search for a man wanted for burglary in several counties including Newberry County is continuing.
Deputies are searching for Toby Butlar Boyd, 43, who last listed his address as 361 Wire Road, Aiken. He is a white, male who is 5’05” and weighs 180 pounds. He has brown hair and brown eyes. He was wearing a camouflage jacket, jeans, and crocs.
Boyd fled on foot after being stopped driving a stolen truck and stolen camper yesterday afternoon in Newberry County on Mt. Bethel Garmany Road. He is a suspect in a burglary in Newberry County as well as involved in burglaries in Saluda County, Aiken County, and Lexington County.
There was an intensive manhunt for Boyd in the area of Mt. Bethel Garmany Road that expanded all the way to Keitts Crossroads. It is believed that the suspect escaped the area after stealing a 1966 blue Chevrolet pickup truck.
Please note that this is not the truck that was stolen, but is a similar as a visual aid and likeness only.
It is possible that Boyd may be armed and should be considered both dangerous and a flight risk.
Anyone who sees Boyd or has any information about his location should call 911 immediately.
County Council Report
Zimmerman Elected Family Court Judge
Posted: February 2,
8:01 AM
Mindy Westbrook Zimmerman of Newberry has been elected by the General Assembly as Family Court Judge, 8th Judicial Circuit, Seat 2. Judicial elections were held yesterday on February 1.
Haskett And Knight Recipents Of Leadership Award
Posted: February 2,
8:06 AM
Newberry College President Dr. Maurice W. Scherrens this week announced the first-ever recipients of the Alpha Wolf Leader of the Pack Award created to recognize Newberry College employees for excellence in leadership.
Recipients of the inaugural award are Gretchen Haskett, chair of the Department of Sport Professions, and Todd Knight, Newberry Wolves Football head coach.
“We considered many worthy nominees, but Todd and Gretchen led the pack,” Scherrens said. “Both are stellar examples of what can be achieved through dedication, persistence and inspirational leadership.”
The Alpha Wolf Leader of the Pack Award was created by the College’s senior leadership team to recognize Newberry College employees (faculty, staff and coaches) who have demonstrated excellence in leadership through their individual roles within the College.
Criteria for the Alpha Wolf Leader of the Pack Award include:
- Uncompromising commitment to the welfare of Newberry College students
- Steadfast focus on achieving the goals and objectives of the College
- Personal leadership that encourages and inspires others
- Willingness to actively engage in resolving interdepartmental challenges
- Willingness to take courageous action and accept responsibility
Haskett and Knight were recognized during the quarterly meeting of the Newberry College Board of Trustees on Saturday, Jan. 28, 2017.
County Council Report
Posted: February 2,
6:13 PM
Andrew Wigger|staff writer
Newberry Observer|Civitas Media
(803) 768-3122
awigger@civitasmedia.com
As we reported on WKDK, Newberry County Council met on February 1 and the following items were discussed:
- Council voted to not approve four ordinances that would have change four parcels of land from Single Family Residential to Rural. The rezoning was to allow the owner to have goats and chickens, and possibly a small number of beehives. There was a concern that changing the zoning to rural would allow for other animals, such as horses. Due to this uncertain, council choice not to approve the rezoning request.
- Council approved the first reading of an ordinance to rezone a parcel of land from Single Family Residential to Commercial. The rezoning would address setback and land use permission issues critical to the siting of a tower needed for the new 800 MHz radio system, approved by the voters as part of the 2016 CPST.
- A first reading was approved to provided for the issuance and sale of a not exceeding $1,900,000 General Obligation Bond Anticipation Note of Newberry County. This borrowing provides funding for initial expenses pertaining to projects approved by voters as part of the 2016 CPST.
- Alliance Engineering was selected as the engineering firms to to provide design services for the following CPST projects, City of Newberry Recreational Complex construction, Town of Prosperity Recreational Complex improvements and the Town of Silverstreet Walking Track.
- Council approved the purchase of LifePak monitors and Accessories from Physio-Control, Inc. in the amount of $111,415.41 for Newberry County EMS. This was a budgeted item, originally budgeted at $120,000
- Council approved a second reading of an ordinance to provide the determination of countywide elected officials and to provide for the annual review of salaries for such offices.
Man Arrested After Receiving Nearly A Pound
Of Marijuana Via Mail
Posted: January 31,
8:19 PM
As we have been reporting on WKDK, an Irmo man was charged with Possession With Intent To Distribute Marijuana after her received a delivery of illegal drugs through the mail.
On November 21, 2016, the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office conducted surveillance on a residence located on South Main Street in Prosperity after receiving information from the U.S. Postal Service that a suspicious package believed to containing illegal drugs would be delivered to that residence. The package was sent from California.
After the package was delivered to the residence, the suspect took the package and left the residence in a motor vehicle. The suspect was stopped by officers of the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office, who could immediately smell the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. Upon searching the vehicle, the deputies located a package containing approximately one pound of marijuana. Deputies also located an additional approximate ounce of marijuana in a book bag in the vehicle. The suspect was arrested without incident and taken to the Newberry County Detention Center.
Kenny Teray Basnight, 24, of 313 Doncaster Driver, Irmo, SC, was arrested and charged with Possession With Intent To Distribute Marijuana. His bond was set at $10,000.00. He was released when his bond was paid on November 23.
“This is another excellent example of the working relationship we share with many state and federal agencies, said Sheriff Lee Foster. “Because of our proven working relationship and reputation, the federal authorities knew who they could call to get the job done.”
Sheriff Foster said that they held the information while additional investigation could be conducted by the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office and federal authorities. Foster also said that the waited to release the information about this case until federal authorities decided if they would adopt this case for prosecution because federal rules regarding releasing information about criminal cases are far different than state level cases. The suspect will be prosecuted in the state courts so it was decided to release the information
MM Technics Breaks Ground On Wednesday
Posted:January 27,
9:47 PM
As we reported earlier this week, MM Technics broke 
ground for a 37,000 sq foot facility on Wednesday. The BMW supplier will be located in the Mid-Carolina Commerce Park and will initially employ 65 people. President Meinolf L. Muhr is President. Hear some of his comments HERE.
School Board Report; Students Recognized, More
Posted: January 24, 8:43 PM
Andrew Wigger|staff writer
Newberry Observer|Civitas Media
(803) 768-3122
awigger@civitasmedia.com
- The Board Recognized nine students from across the District that received perfect scores on the 2015-16 PASS assessment in Science and Social Studies or Multiple Maximum scores on SC Ready assessment in English Language Arts or Math. Students being recognized are: Little Mountain Elementary; Katlyn Crooks –Perfect Score in Science and Social Studies on the Fifth Grade SC PASS, Andrew Devall – Perfect Score in Science on the Fourth Grade SC PASS, Dakota Ross – Perfect Score in Science on the Fourth Grade SC PASS, Eliza Dixon – Maximum Score in Math on the Third Grade SC READY. Pomaria-Garmany Elementary, Cody Gray – Perfect Score in Science on the Fourth Grade SC PASS and a Maximum Score in Math on the Fourth Grade SC READY. Prosperity-Rikard Elementary, Rafael Sosa-Maximum Score in Math on the Third Grade SC READ. Whitmire Community School, A’Shanti Epps-Maximum Score in Math on the Third Grade SC READ. Mid-Carolina Middle, Sabrina Weng-Maximum Score on Math on the Sixth Grade SC READY, Joseph Murray-Perfect Score in Science on the Eighth Grade SC PASS.
- Sally Dominnick was recognized for being the South Carolina 2016-17 School Nurse of the Year.
- Mid-Carolina Middle School was named "A National School to Watch."
- From July 2016 to December 2016 the School District spent $52,508.53 with minority businesses. The businesses were Crossroads Environmental, Kunkle Oil, Lorrick Office Products and Schumpert and Son Paving Inc.
Scam Targeting Gmail Account Users
Posted:
January 23,
10:33 PM
Newberry County Sheriff Lee Foster is warning of a scam that specifically targets Gmail users.
The scam, which is described as a sophisticated phishing scam, starts when the attackers send an email to Gmail account users that to appears to come from someone the user knows along with an attachment.
Once the person who received the email, instead of opening a preview of the attachment, it opens a new tab that appears to be a Gmail login; however, it is really the scammer collecting the users information.
As soon as the user signs in, their account is compromised, the hacker will go through the user’s emails and collect all personal information as well as then using the victim’s email account to send out more scam emails.
To protect yourself from this scam, before you sign in, always make sure to check the browser location bar to make sure you're signing into the correct website. The URL should have nothing else except for https:// and the lock symbol next to it. In the phishing scam, there is extra text before the full URL.
“The technology is today’s world is so advanced that is difficult to protect yourself from scams,” said Sheriff Foster. “Anyone who uses technology must always be on alert for scams. Unfortunately, in most circumstances, once you have been taken by a scam, there is little law enforcement can do to locate and apprehend person responsible and it can take months or years to undo the damage a scam artist can cause to your personal and financial information.”
Phishing is the attempt to obtain sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details (and, indirectly, money), often for malicious reasons, by disguising as a trustworthy entity in an electronic communication.
Sheriff Foster said that scam artists are also spoofing (using fake telephone numbers on the caller id) to scam victims. There are numbers apps that fake caller id and can even change the caller’s voice from male to female or female to male.
“We are in a day and time when caller id is simply useless,” warned Foster. “Anyone can pretend to be any person using caller id or fake online screen names or other credentials. You simply cannot be too careful when dealing with technology.”
Search For Missing Man Ends With Discovery Of Skeletal Remains
Posted: January 19,
6:11 PM
As reported earlier on WKDK, Sheriff Lee Foster said that investigators from the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office were out Wednesday afternoon in the Silverstreet area searching for any signs of missing person Donnie Richardson. They were using the SLED(State Law Enforcement Division) helicopter when they spotted clothing lying on the ground in a dense hardwood tree thicket located approximately ¼ mile from Richardson’s home. As they followed up on the clothing items, which were consistent with the clothes Richardson was wearing when he went missing, investigators located skeletal remains that they believe belong to Richardson.
Sheriff Foster said that this was part of an ongoing search for Richardson and that law enforcement had flown the area repeatedly made ground searches, flown the area with the helicopter, used bloodhounds, and a cadaver dog in the area previous to Wednesday. However, since they had not had any results, they decided to return now that the canopy is off of most the trees and it would be easier to spot something on the ground in the area.
Sheriff Foster said that the family had also made numerous searches in the area prior to Wednesday.
“While this is certainly not the ending to this investigation we hoped for, at least now the family can have closure,” said Sheriff Foster. “Our deepest sympathy goes out to this family and we will continue to have them in our thoughts and prayers.”
“I would also say that the continuous follow up investigations by the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office is what makes our agency so special,” said Foster. “No case is considered closed until it is solved. The spirit of dedication and service is evident in every person in our agency.”
Newberry County Coroner Laura Kneece responded to the scene and has requested an autopsy in the case to determine the exact cause of death; however, no foul play is suspected at this time. Coroner Kneece will also be working to make positive forensic identification of the body, through scientific evidence using DNA, which can take several weeks.
Donnie Richardson 60, of 71 Lake Street, Silverstreet, SC, was last seen walking down Lake Street toward Main Street in the Silverstreet community of Newberry County just after 10pm Saturday November 26, 2016, when he left his home after his family went to sleep. Richardson suffered from Alzheimer’s and dementia and had been known to wonder away from home in previous incidents.
County Council Report
Posted: January 19,
8:17 AM
Andrew Wigger|staff writer
Newberry Observer|Civitas Media
(803) 768-3122
awigger@civitasmedia.com
- The following Newberry County employees were recognized for their years of service; Maggie Mills, Clerk of Court, 10 years, Randel Abrams, Jr, Sheriff's Office, 20 years, Sheila Bannister, Sheriff's Office, 20 years, Ben Chapman, Sheriff's Office, 20 years, Donna Lominack, auditor, 40 years.
- Council passed a third reading and held a public hearing for an ordinance to re-zone a parcel of land from General Commercial to Industrial. The parcel is located behind Newberry Electric Cooperative, who wish to use the four acres of land for a solar farm/solar demonstration project.
- Council approved a third reading and public hearing for an ordinance for the execution and delivery of a fee in lieu of ad valorem tax and incentive agreement between the county and MM Technics. Incentives include 30% credit against property tax in years seven through 20 and a $400,000 Newberry County site development grant.
- Council passed a first reading on an ordinance for the determination of salaries for countywide elected officials. This would provide an annual review of the official's salaries whereby county council may decide definitely among a virtually unlimited array of options for increase, or not increasing the salaries.
- Council approved the purchase of a Tandem Dump Truck in the amount of $106,360.14 for Public Works.
- Council approved a bid from RJ Dean Construction for $117,000 for Newberry Square Flex Space renovations This space would be sufficiently flexible to meet various needs of industrial companies that have committed to locating in Newberry county, including, but not limited to MM Technics.
Identity Sought For Burglary and Assault Suspect
Posted: January 18,
4:34 PM
The Newberry County Sheriff’s Office is asking for your assistance in identifying and locating a man wanted for burglary andassault on the homeowner.
On January 12, 2017, at around 1:30pm, the homeowner returned home and entered his residence on Green Meadows Drive. When he entered his home, a suspect, who was hiding behind door inside the home, assaulted the victim as he entered the residence. The suspect grabbed the victim’s cell phone and fled the residence.
Law enforcement responded to the scene and attempted to locate the suspect using bloodhounds and the SLED (State Law Enforcement Division) helicopter; however, they were unable to locate the suspect. They remained on scene and processed the crime scene for both physical and forensic evidence.
The victim, who does not wish to be identified, was taken to Newberry Hospital where he was treated and released for minor injuries.
The victim described the suspect as a black, male. The suspect is approximately 5 foot 8 inches tall and weighed between 150 and 175 pounds. He was wearing a burgundy T-shirt and mustard colored pants. The suspect was wearing a black book bag. The victim was able to assist a law enforcement forensic sketch artist to prepare the sketch that is attached to the release.
The Newberry County Sheriff’s Office is asking for your assistance to identify the person in the sketch. If you have any information as to the identity of this suspect, please contact the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office at (803) 321-2211.
Late Bennie Bennett Awarded Dream Keeper Award On MLK Day
Posted: January 18,
8:19 AM
Source: Winthrop University www.winthrop.edu
ROCK HILL, SOUTH CAROLINA – Dedicated educator, standout coach and former athlete, consummate dreamer – the late Bennie Bennett ’81, ’88 was a man of many gifts who played a vital role in the York County community. For his legacy of community involvement and service, he received the 2016 Dream Keeper Award posthumously at the Jan. 16 Martin Luther King Jr. Prayer Breakfast in Rock Hill.
Bennett’s wife, Frankie Wright Bennett ’81, ’84, and his children, Kelly and Brittany, accepted the award during the annual breakfast. Sylvia Berry, director of teacher recruitment for Rock Hill Schools District 3, presented the award and noted that Bennett always “capitalized on opportunities for impact.”
“Establishing first a reputation built around sports, then a legacy of educational excellence and community engagement, Bennie Bennett touched the lives of thousands of individuals in and around York County,” said Berry. She added that his life “remains an inspiration.”
Bennett, the former superintendent for the Newberry County School District, met his wife at Winthrop, where he was a member of the first men’s basketball team and was the first male player to score 1,000 points. As a player, Bennett earned numerous accolades and was selected as team captain his senior year. His jersey was retired at a special ceremony during Winthrop’s 2016 Homecoming & Reunion Weekend in November.
The New Zion, South Carolina, native earned two degrees at Winthrop: a B.S. in physical education (minor in leisure services) and a M.Ed. in education administration and supervision. He began his post-Winthrop career as a physical education teacher and junior varsity basketball coach in Clover, then moved to Fort Mill High School to continue teaching and coaching basketball at the high school level. Later in his career, Bennett became head basketball coach at Clover High School (CHS) before being appointed assistant principal, athletic director and principal at CHS.
Bennett, a member of the York County Sports Hall of Fame and the Winthrop Athletics Hall of Fame, was named Regional Basketball Coach of the Year five times. Winthrop’s Department of Physical Education, Sport, & Human Performance awarded Bennett Distinguished Alumni honors in 2000, and he was a member of the Winthrop Varsity Club. The South Carolina Department of Education selected him as a mentor principal, and in 2009 Bennett was named the South Carolina Association of Athletic Administrators’ Superintendent of the Year.
The Newberry, South Carolina, resident also stayed active within his community. He was involved in United Way, and he served as a volunteer mentor in the Big Brother program and a member of the York County Board of Disabilities. Bennett was a member of the Epsilon Gamma Gamma Chapter of Omega Psi Fraternity, Inc., and an active member of Pineville AME Zion Church.
Ruff Sentenced To Life Without Parole in Connection With Murder, Robbery
Posted: January 17,
6:14 PM
Eighth Circuit Solicitor David M. Stumbo announced Tuesday that a Newberry man was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for his role in a 2015 armed robbery that led to the shooting death of a local business owner. Kenny Octavious Ruff was found guilty of murder, armed robbery and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime in connection to the incident. A Newberry County jury deliberated for about two hoursbefore returning the guilty verdicts around
7 p.m. Friday evening.
Circuit Judge Donald Hocker then handed down the sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole based on the severity of the crime along with Ruff’s previous record of violent crime.
On August 26, 2015, Ruff went to Leslie’s Hair Salon on Main Street in Newberry and forced the owner, Roberto Facio, to remove the surveillance DVR from its power source. Ruff then forced Facio to his knees and shot Facio execution style in the back of the head from point blank range. Ruff then fled the business with a white trash bag in hand.
Investigators located the bag the following day in the dumpster at a nearby apartment complex. The damaged surveillance DVR was found in the bag along with a shirt Ruff had worn during the crime. SLED was unable to extract the surveillance footage from the DVR and sent it the Federal Bureau of Investigation laboratory in Quantico, Virginia. There, FBI analysts were able to extract the surveillance footage which identified Ruff as Facio’s assailant. Other surveillance footage from nearby businesses and additional lay witnesses also placed Ruff at the scene of the crime.
Solicitor Stumbo and Deputy Solicitor Dale Scott handled the case for the state and were assisted by Assistant Solicitor Taylor Daniel and 8th Circuit Solicitor’s Office Investigator Walter Bentley.
Ruff was represented by Charles Verner of the Newberry County Bar.
Solicitor Stumbo called the investigation a “perfect example of collaboration” between local, state and federal law enforcement agencies. The investigation was led by Chief Roy McClerkin and his staff at the Newberry Police Department, with Capt. Kevin Goodman, Lt. Michael Kennedy and Sgt. Richard Mercer playing key roles. Critical assistance was provided by Newberry County Sheriff Lee Foster and his staff, particularly Capt. Robert Dennis and Sgt. Matt Womak, who both testified in the State’s case at trial. Crime scene investigators and lab analysts from SLED also played key roles in the investigation and testified during the trial. Finally, FBI analysts recovered the hair salon surveillance footage with high-grade equipment not available locally.
The trial, which lasted all week, marked the first week of Solicitor Stumbo’s second term as chief criminal prosecutor for Newberry, Abbeville, Greenwood and Laurens counties.
“I can’t think of any better way to start my second term as 8th Circuit Solicitor than in the courtroom working hand-in-hand with law enforcement agencies at every level and ridding our community of a hardened criminal like Kenny Ruff,” Solicitor Stumbo said. “I am proud of every single public servant involved with this investigation and hope and pray that this life sentence will provide some modicum of closure to the friends and family of Roberto Facio during this very tragic chapter of their lives.”
Groundbreaking For MM Technics
Posted: January 14,
8:01 PM
Two Men Arrested For Dragging Deputy, Leading Law Enforcement on Chase, and Possession of Drugs and Pistols
Posted: January 9,
9:36 PM
On January 4, at about 12:40am, deputies were conducting a traffic safety checkpoint on Whitener Road near Wilson Road when a light colored vehicle was observed approaching the checkpoint. As the deputies approached the vehicle, the driver appeared extremely nervous and the deputies could smell the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. When asked for his license, the driver stated he did not have one. As the officer was speaking with the subjects, the driver took off with the deputy still in the window of the vehicle. The deputy was drug by the vehicle for a short distance and the fell to the ground. A short chase ensued and ended with the suspect vehicle crashing into an embankment at the intersection of Kendall Road and Gray Street.
The subjects were taken into custody. A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed more than 48 grams of Marijuana and more approximately 8 grams of cocaine. In addition to the illegal drugs retrieved from the vehicle, two handguns were also located near the suspects after the guns fell from the holsters on their waistband during the collision. The suspects had been wearing the guns in the holster prior to the collision. One of the suspects, Adonis Johnson, was on probation at the time and was wearing an ankle monitor when he was arrested.
The subjects, as well as the injured Deputy, were transported to the hospital for treatment. The Deputy, who was not seriously injured is recovering well at home. One of the suspects has been released from the hospital, but the other is still in the hospital for medical treatment.
“These are the life and death situations law enforcement officers are faced with every day,” said Sheriff Foster. “We are so blessed and thankful that the deputy was not seriously injured but is a constant reminder of constant danger law enforcement faces.”
“Here you have two suspects who were armed and carrying illegal drugs and as if this were not dangerous enough, they then decided to intentionally injure this officer and then lead law enforcement on a chase endangering many other people,” Foster continued. “Because of their collision, this was a short chase but I am convinced that had they not wrecked, this chase would have continued and could have well ended in shoot out.”
“This shows the willful disregard by these suspects for law enforcement and the safety of the community,” said Foster. “We will continue to stand in the gap between the good people of Newberry County and those who chose to continually and willfully disregard the law and endanger the public through reckless actions and the intentional use and sale of illegal drugs in our community.”
“It is the people who chose to possess and use guns illegally that shed a negative light on firearms,” said Sheriff Foster. “Instead of a blanket approach to firearms, we need to deal more harshly with the criminals who use them illegally while insuring the rights of those who own and possess weapons lawfully.”
The suspect were identified as Adonis Martel Johnson (above left), 3443 S.C. Highway 773, Pomaria, S.C. 29126 and LeTravis Ouzts (above right), 26, 2409 Vincent Street, Newberry, S.C. 29108.
Johnson will be charged with Possession With Intent To Distribute Marijuana, Unlawful Possession Of A Firearm, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Johnson will also be charged with a Violation Of Probation. Johnson will be formally charged when he is released from the hospital.
Ouzts was released from the hospital on January 6 and was charged with Assault and Battery Of A High And Aggravated Nature, Failure To Stop Law Enforcement Vehicle, Unlawful Possession Of A Weapon, Possession With Intent To Distribute Cocaine, Possession With Intent To Distribute Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. His bond was set at $10,000.00.
Donation Received For Inclusive Playground Equipment
Posted: January 6,
8:13 AM
With the help of Kori Kunkle and Megan Grubbs, the cityreceived $1,847 towards the purchasing of all-inclusive playground equipment within the city parks. Grubbs and Kunkle presented the city a check yesterday raised through their project, "Swings for Kids."
"It's a great cause we definitely wanted to bring to Newberry," Grubbs said .
Around $45,000 is needed to upgrade parks within the city, with most of the money needed toward developing sidewalks and surfaces that children can easily get around on.
Kori said she was excited to work towards the cause of helping all children play together, with no one feeling left out.
"The desire to provide accessible and inclusive play areas goes back many years. To see it actually being implemented is very exciting," said Scott Sawyer, director of Parks, Recreation and Tourism for the city.
The city currently has three swings designed to be inclusive to those with special needs at Marion Davis Park. The first, the Expression swing is designed so that an adult and child can swing facing one another at the same eye-level. Marion Davis Park also just received two Zero-G swing chairs; one swing for ages 2-5 and one swing for ages 5-12 which provides additional support for children while swinging. These were both part of the Newberry Accessible and Inclusive Play Areas Project. The project also includes installing two additional inclusive swings at Mollohon Park and two wheelchair accessible swings at Marion Davis Park.
"This isn't a one-time project. It's an initiative that will be continued when new play areas are built and we hope to upgrade current play areas to make them more accessible and inclusive as well," Sawyer said.
The Newberry Accessible & Inclusive Play Areas Project is a community-based group of individuals dedicated to bringing accessible and inclusive play opportunities for people of all abilities to Newberry County. The group works together with and supports the City of Newberry's Recreation Accessibility Team. For more information or a project brochure contact the City of Newberry Parks, Recreation & Tourism Department at (803) 321-1015.
County Council Meets; Elected, Re-Elected Members Sworn In
Posted: January 5,
7:59 AM
Andrew Wigger|staff writer
Newberry Observer|Civitas Media
(803) 768-3122
awigger@civitasmedia.com
- Scott Cain, Steve Stockman, Kirksey Koon and Dr. Harriett Rucker were sworn into County Council after being elected or re-elected in November.
- Buddy Livingston was elected chairman by acclamation and Kirksey Koon was elected Vice Chairman unanimously.
- Council approved a second reading of an ordinance amending the official zoning map. This would change a 4.09 acre parcel from General Commercial to Industrial, the parcel is located behind the Newberry Electric Co-op. The rezoning is for a solar farm/solar demonstration project.
- Council approved a second reading for an ordinance for the execution and delivery of a fee in lieu of ad valorem tax and incentive agreement between the county and MM Technics. Incentives include 30% credit against property tax in years seven through 20 and a $400,000 Newberry County site development grant.
Sheriff and Deputy Sheriffs To be Sworn In On Tuesday
Posted: January 2,
8:27 PM
Newberry County Sheriff Lee Foster along with the Deputy Sheriffs will be sworn in on January 3, 2017 at 3:00 pm in the Main Courtroom of the Newberry County Court House. The ceremony will be officiated by the Honorable E. C. "Bubba" Griffith, Jr. of the South Carolina Court of General Sessions and Common Pleas and Clerk of Court Beth Folk.
This will be Sheriff Foster's eighth swearing in ceremony as he begins his 29th year as Sheriff of Newberry County and 39th year of full time law enforcement.
The public is invited to the ceremony.
Repeat Offender With Drugs and Weapons Violations Arrested
Posted: December 24,
4:32 PM
A man with repeated prior drug convictions and weapons violations 
as well as an admitted gang member was arrested early Saturday morning and charged with traffic drugs and weapons violations.
Just after 2am this morning (December 24), the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office was conducting a check point at the intersection of Main Street and Brown Street in Prosperity when a vehicle approached the check point and stopped. The deputies could smell a strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle and investigated further.
When the passenger was removed from the vehicle, deputies found a large quantity of cocaine and crack cocaine on his person. The deputies located marijuana in the vehicle. They also found an AK47 style gun with a fully loaded clip in the van.
Scottie Lee Cromer, 34, of 145 Federal Lane, Prosperity was arrested and charged with Trafficking Cocaine 3rd Offense, Possession With Intent To Distribute Crack Cocaine 3rd Offense, Possession of Marijuana, Possession Of A Weapon During A Violent Crime, and Possession of A Firearm By A Person Convicted Of A Violent Crime.
Cromer, who is a self-admitted member of the “bloods” gang, has two prior convictions for illegal drugs and previously served a 7 year federal sentence for weapons violations.
MM Technics To Build A Metal Stamping Facility In Newberry County
Posted: December 14,
6:57 PM
MM Technics, a newly formed American subsidiary of Muhr Metalltechnik, Gmbh + Co. KG, is constructing a metal stamping facility in Newberry County. The company is expected to invest at least $12.6 million and create 65 jobs over the next five years.
Headquartered in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, Muhr Metalltechnik employs more than 200 associates at its flagship facility in Wenden and a second facility constructed in Poland in 2012. The company uses state-of-the-art mechanical feed presses, deep drawing hydraulic presses and fully-automated cutting and welding equipment to supply more than 15 automotive companies throughout Europe.
MM Technics will begin construction of a new 40,000-square foot Newberry County facility in January and expects the new operation to be online by November of 2017. The facility will begin with a new 800-ton mechanical feed press, which it will use to stamp metal structural parts as a Tier 1 BMW supplier.
Those interested in joining the MM Technics team should contact Newberry County Economic Development by email at info@newberrycountysc.org.
The Coordinating Council for Economic Development has approved job development credits related to this project.
City Council Meets; Employees Recognized
Posted: December 14,
7:22 AM
Kelly Duncan | staff writer
Newberry Observer| Civitas Media
(803)-768-3123
kduncan@civitasmedia.com
* Kris Kneece was recognized for his 10 years of service with the Utility Department.
* Shannon Smith was recognized for her 10 years of service with the Finance Department.
* Freddie Wingard was recognized for his 15 years of service with the PRT Department.
* William Brown was recognized for his 20 years of service with the Utility Department.
*Shannon Smith received special recognition of Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting.
* Special recognition was given to Angela Summer for the Area Wide Optimization Program (AWOP) Award.
*Sheryl Medders of McKinley, Cooper and Company, LLP presented the FY2015-2016 Comphrehensive Annual Financial Report.
* The Newberry Opera House Foundation asked for consideration for a request for alcohol consumption in Memorial Park on New Year's Eve.
School Board Meets; Financial Audit Highlights, Students Recognized
Posted: December 13,
2:56 PM
Andrew Wigger | staff writer
Newberry Observer| Civitas Media
(803)-768-3122
awigger@civitasmedia.com
The School Board heard their Financial Audit, year end June 30, 2016, from Greene, Finney and Horton, CPAs. They received an unmodified opinion. Highlights include, general fund revenues stand at $49.4 million, an increase of three percent compared to the prior year, and $50.2 in general fund expenditures, an increase of 5% from the prior year.
Charlsey Traylor was recognized for being named AAA All Region, AAA All State and North/South All Star for Volleyball.
Elise Mills was recognized for the South Carolina AAA State Single's Girls Tennis Tournament. She was also the AAA Girls Tennis State Champion and was AAA Girls Tennis player of the year.
Mid Carolina High School Girls Tennis Team was recognized fore being Region AAA Champs, AAA Upper State Champs and AAA State Runner Ups.
Rep. Walt McLeod was recognized for his year's of service and support during his 20 years as Newberry County's representative.
Gatlinburg Relief Fund
In the wake of the recent tragic wildfires in Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains, the Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce Foundation has established the Gatlinburg Relief Fund which will directly benefit the families impacted by the wildfires.
Santa To Take Tours In Downtown Newberry!
Posted: December 8,
7:25 AM
The City of Newberry is excited to announce that, in addition
to Santa appearing for photos at the three remaining North Pole Nights in
downtown, he will also be taking a tour of several local neighborhoods. The
City of Newberry Fire Department will be escorting Santa of Newberry by fire
engine through different neighborhoods on 12/9, 12/16, and 12/23 from
5pm-6pm, leading to his arrival at Memorial Park in downtown for our
regularly scheduled North Pole Night activities from 6pm-8pm. Santa will be
touring the following neighborhoods on the following nights:
12/9/16 from 5pm-6pm: Grant Homes, Palmetto Pointe Dr., Nance Forrest,
Oakland Community, Newberry College Area, & Harrington St. neighborhoods.
12/16/16 from 5pm-6pm: Forrest Ridge, Loblolly, Newberry Arms, Pebblebrook,
Wise Street, Mollohon area, and Caldwell St. to Downtown neighborhoods.
12/23/16 from 5pm-6pm: West End neighborhood through Drayton Street, Main
Street, Crosson, and Suder Dr.
Following the neighborhood tours, Santa will arrive by fire engine in
Downtown Newberry for North Pole Nights from 6pm-8pm. North Pole Nights
feature photos with Santa, our faux snow machines. The Chamber of Commerce
will also continue to host Santa's Workshop and storytime with Mrs. Claus on
12/9 and 12/16.
For more information call 803-321-1015 or visit www.cityofnewberry/events
Follow the City of Newberry on Facebook, www.facebook.com/cityofnewberry and
on twitter @CityofNewberry.
Newberry College Receives $352,000 Lilly Endowment Grant
Posted:
December 2,
7:23 AM
Newberry College has received a $352,000 grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to establish Called to the Common Good: Theological Academy for High School Youth.
The summer program invites high school students to consider how the Christian theological tradition can help them reflect on pressing ethical issues, such as poverty and environmental degradation, and to explore their own calling to a life of meaning and service.
Called to the Common Good is part of Lilly Endowment Inc.’s High School Youth Theology Institutes initiative, which seeks to encourage young people to explore theological traditions, ask questions about the moral dimensions of contemporary issues and examine how their faith calls them to lives of service.
The program launches June 3, 2017, when up to 24 rising high school juniors and seniors will gather on the Newberry College campus for nine days of theological and moral exploration.
Activities include classroom lectures and discussions, experiential learning, community service projects and contemplative/worship opportunities. Students will integrate these for real-world impact, applying their knowledge to the problems of poverty and hunger, both locally and later in their home communities.
During the second weekend of the academy, students will participate in a retreat hosted by South Carolina Lutheran Retreat Center’s Camp Kinard, where they will continue to build friendships and teamwork in a beautiful outdoor setting.
The Muller Center at Newberry College will facilitate the academy in collaboration with the College’s Religion department as well as local churches and nonprofit organizations in Newberry. Faculty from the Religion department and other disciplines will lead the academic portion of the academy. Participants also will enjoy peer mentorship from Newberry College students who have demonstrated leadership and a deep sense of vocation.
“We believe many young people possess the interest and capacity for theological, vocational and moral reflection; they just need to be equipped,” said Dr. Krista E. Hughes, Director of the Muller Center at Newberry College. “We see young people arrive at college with questions about purpose and their place in the world and with an eagerness to explore these life questions. For many high school youth this process begins much sooner, and we’re grateful to Lilly Endowment for supporting the opportunities that Called to the Common Good will provide for these students.”
The formal application process for next year’s program begins Feb. 1, 2017, and is open to current high school sophomores and juniors regardless of denominational affiliation. Students who expect to be the first in their families to attend college are especially encouraged to apply.
“Newberry College is home to a diverse student body and we hope to reflect that diversity in the Theological Academy,” said Dr. Christina Wendland, Associate Professor of Religion. “We look forward to gathering together a group of youth who can listen to and appreciate various perspectives on deep questions of faith and ethics. It is our goal to give participants multiple avenues through which to explore their faith and vocation, and we can do this by connecting them with peers from diverse backgrounds.”
Newberry College is one of 92 schools located in 30 states and the District of Columbia participating in the High School Youth Theology Institutes initiative. Although some schools are independent, many reflect the religious heritage of their founding traditions, including Baptist, Brethren, Lutheran, Mennonite, Methodist, Presbyterian, and Reformed churches, as well as Roman Catholic, non-denominational, Pentecostal and historic African-American Christian communities.
The Lilly Endowment is giving $50 million in grants to help a select group of private four-year colleges and universities around the nation to create the institutes. The grants are part of the Endowment’s commitment to identify and cultivate a cadre of theologically minded youth who will become leaders in church and society.
For more information about Called to the Common Good at Newberry College, please contact Dr. Krista E. Hughes, director of the Muller Center, at 803-321-5215 or Muller.Center@newberry.edu.
Gallman, WKDK Segment On Billy Graham Christmas TV Special
Posted:
November 28,
9:27 PM
Billy Graham Ministres hasincluded the story of a Newberry County man, Terrence Gallman, in the 2016 Billy Graham Christmas Television Special. This special, "Cost Of Christmas," will be airing on church-related stations across the country (and world) like TBN and INSP. The segment features Gallman reflecting on his life growing up, in prison, and now working to make a difference as a Billy Graham Ministries representative. It also features a visit from Gallman to WKDK Radio where WKDK's Carole Murray interviews him for the "upcoming My Hope With Billy Graham Mnistries meeting later that day in Prosperity." Click HERE or load this link https://billygraham.org/video/the-cost-of-christmas/?bgrp=page-tv to your browser to see the "Cost of Christmas" special.
Missing Man From Silverstreet Area
Posted: November 27,
11:21 AM
The Newberry County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the community’s assistance in locating a missing dementia patient last seen last night just after 10PM.
Donnie Richardson was last seen last night walking down Lake Street toward Main Street in the Silverstreet community of Newberry County after 10pm last night when he left his home after his family went to sleep.
He was last seen wearing a beige shirt with dark pants. He is a black male who is 5’6” tall and weighs 160 pounds and only has one eye.
The Newberry County Sheriff’s Office used bloodhounds to track Mr. Richardson for some distance and then they called SLED helicopter to search for Mr. Richardson but could not located him. Authorities believe he may have gotten a ride from the area.
Richardson often reverts to his former residence in Lexington in his mind and believes he needs to go to the Piggly Wiggly. Law enforcement has contacted area stores in that chain to advise them to look out for Richardson.
If anyone sees Mr. Richardson please call 911 or you may call the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office at (803) 321-2222.
Sheriff's Office Warns Of Phone Scam
Posted: November 25,
9:19 PM
Customers of Verizon Wireless are getting text messages warning of a breach of security on their phone and are directed to open a web link to correct. This is a scam and is most probably a phishing scheme to allow the sender to enter your phone and retrieve data.
Never open a link on your phone or computer unless first verifying the authenticity of the link. This is the most common way of a cyber intruder to take over the devices operating system and allowing access to vital information. Always call and verify before opening.
Similar scams have been occurring using local bank names as well.
Mid-Carolina Celebrates CJ Edwards!
Posted: November 23,
8:30 AM
Mid-Carolina High School celebrates World Series Champion and Chicago Cubs pitcher Carl Edwards, Jr. on Tuesday, November 29, from 6-8 pm at Mid-Carolina High School. The first 500 fans will receive a free autographed photo.
Man Arrested After Shooting One Man And Shooting At Another
Posted: November 18,
6:13 AM
A man arrived at Newberry County Memorial Hospital Wednesday afternoon suffering a single gunshot wound to the groin area. He was brought in by another man in a personal vehicle who claimed that he also had been shot at but the suspect missed him.
The Newberry County Sheriff’s Office launched an investigation into the shooting and determined that it occurred on Winding Jolly Road in the Newberry section of Newberry County. The two men identified the person that shot at them by a nickname “Kwe Low”. Because of the investigators knowledge and continued involvement in the community, they were immediately able to identify that suspect and knew where his residence was located.
“This is another example of how it takes properly trained officers who are invested in the community to be effective as law enforcement in the communities we serve,” said Foster. “I am proud of the great relationships we have built together in Newberry County and assure the community that we will continue to work together to make our communities safer and better!”
Investigators using the information from the two men who were shot at and other information known to them through previous knowledge of the community went to the residence where the shooting incident occurred, which is owned by one of the victim’s family. Once they arrived, investigators located shell casing in front of the residence.
Investigators then obtained a search warrant for the suspect’s residence. Once inside that residence, they located several ounces of marijuana, shell casing on the suspect’s vehicle that were consistent with the shell casing from the crime scene, and they also located a four wheeler reported stolen from York County, SC.
Kweisi Steven Nicks, 20, of 138 Cy Schumpert Road, Prosperity, was arrested and charged with Attempted Murder, Possession of Marijuana With Intent To Distribute, Possession of a Weapon During A Violent Crime, and Receiving Stolen Goods. A bond hearing has not yet been held.
Investigators believe that the incident may have been drug related but the matter is still under investigation.
County Council Meets; County Employees Recognized
Posted:
November 17,
8:21 AM
Report by
Samie Truong
Newberry County employees wererecognized for their years of service at last night's County Council meeting:
Lori Smith, Zoning 5 years
Theresa Ammons, Sheriff's office 10 years
Lisa Davis, Sheriff's office 10 years
Beth Maynor, Delinquent Tax 10 years
Harold Edgins, Public Works 15 years
Thomas Nichols, Sheriff's office 25 years (retiring this week)
Absentee: Sherri Williams, Sheriff's office 10 years
Johnny Willis, Public Works 15 years
Also at the meeting on Wednesday night, Kenneth McBride, Director Department of Social Services, gave a presentation about DSS in SC and Newberry. For more information go to www.dss.sc.gov or www.scfamilies.org
Resolution to declare the results of the Penny Sales tax was also approved.
City Council Meets; Arts Program Gets Programming Excellence Award
Posted:
November 16,
8:09 AM
Report by Samie Truong
Newberry City Council met Tuesday night and recognized the following city employees:
Britt Worthy, Public Works Dept., 5 yrs.; Nickolas Gilmore, Utility Dept., 15 yrs.; Ashley Cutshall, Utility Dept., 15 yrs.; Kevin Longshore, Utility Dept., 25 yrs.
The Newberry Arts Program received the 2016 PRT Programming Excellence Award for population under 30,000. The award was originally presented on September 12th, by the South Carolina Recreation & Park Assoc. Awards Committee! Marquerite Palmer the arts program coordinator and Scott Sawyer accepted the award on behalf of Newberry Arts Program! With in the last two years the art programs have exponentially gone up in revenue for the city and also brings money back into the community! For more information on the Arts programs visit www.cityofnewberry.com or on facebook @cityofnewberryarts.
Councilman Goudelock was re-elected to be Mayor Pro Tempore (Like VP) by the City Council.
Also in attendance was Newberry High School's Sr Government Class. Mr. Mosely assigned these Sr. to attend a City Coucil meeting to learn first hand about local goverment!
Newberry College: Football Team Ranked 14 In AFCA Poll;
Lady Wolves Ranked 5 In Regional Poll
Newbery Kicks Off Christmas Season With Main Street Lights!
Posted:
November 15,
7:02 PM
Christmas is coming to Downtown Newberry! Celebrate the start of the season with lights! Now in its 9th year the annual Main Street Lights event is scheduled for November 18th from 6pm-8pm. Come as early as 5pm to see the Southern Victorian Society in full period costume caroling at the tree. Then starting at 6pm local organizations will be giving away a variety of goods such as free homemade cookies, goodie bags, candy canes, and popcorn.
The Official Tree Lighting Ceremony of Main St. Lights begins at 6:30 pm, accompanied by the Little Mountain Elementary and Gallman Elementary School choirs. This year our mayor will light up the tree with a special guest from WIS news. Help us light our Community Christmas Tree, located in front of Community Hall, through festive song and fellowship.
After the lighting peruse downtown and listen to our strolling carolers, such as the Newberry College Madrigal Choir, perform familiar Christmas tunes. Play in the fluttering faux snow at our snow machines in Memorial Park. See the Lights and decorations along Main Street, in Astwood park, at the Tree, and in Memorial Park. Take a family photo at the Community Christmas Tree. Shop our local stores. Dine out while downtown.
At 7:30 take in a Free Holiday Movie at the Ritz, "The Polar Express," or stay for the 8pm show at the Newberry Opera House, Shenandoah. You don't want to miss this iconic Downtown Newberry Holiday event!
School Board Meeting Highlights
Posted: November 15,
8:17 AM
Andrew Wigger|staff writer
Newberry Observer|Civitas Media
(803) 768-3122
awigger@civitasmedia.com
- The District approved the first reading of revisions to Board Policies Section G.
- The District will begin the 2016 textbook adoption process, which will entail that the administration will meet with teachers at the high schools and the Career Center who teach the subjects that will get new textbooks.
- The District will hold the Diversity Recruitment Committee meeting on Nov. 15 at 3:30 p.m.
- The Teacher of the Year/Support Staff Employee of the year reception will be held on Nov. 17 at 6 p.m.
- Jacob Bearden was recognized for winning first place in the 3D category at the SC State Fair.
- Dr. William Bufford, of Twin Oaks Animal Hospital is a member of the Zoetis Industry Support Program, and he provided a donation made from Zoetis on their behalf. The Future Farmers of America at the Newberry County Career Center received $402.34 through Bufford's hard work.
Wolves Earn No. 2 Seed After Championship Win; Host Tuskegee on Saturday
Posted:
November 13,
6:47 PM
Photo courtesy of newberrywolves.com
Newberry earnedthe No. 2 seed in Super Region 2, its highest seeding in school history, and will play host to seventh-seeded Tuskegee Saturday at 1:00 p.m. to begin the 2016 NCAA Division II Football Championship.
Newberry will be competing for the Division II Football Championship for the fourth time in its history and third time in the last four seasons. The team also earned playoff bids during the 2006, 2013, and 2015 seasons.
The Wolves, winners of a school-record 10 straight games, are ranked second in the region for the second consecutive week behind only North Alabama. A win over the Golden Tigers would assure Newberry a second-round home game on Nov. 26 against the winner of third-seeded Florida Tech and No. 6 seed North Greenville. Top seed North Alabama awaits the winner of No. 4 Valdosta State and No. 5 UNC Pembroke.
Newberry became the 16th team in South Atlantic Conference history to win the league with an undefeated mark in conference play with its thrilling come-from-behind win over Wingate Saturday night that dashed the Bulldogs’ postseason hopes. The 2016 season marks Newberry’s third conference championship, their first since 2008, and first outright league title since 2006.
Setzler Field will play host to a Division II playoff contest for the second time in its history on Saturday. The Wolves earned the No. 3 seed in the 2006 playoffs and defeated Albany State 34-28 before 5,000 fans in Newberry.
Tuskegee’s playoff chances were in doubt until the final day of the regular season. The Golden Tigers had only nine regular-season games on the schedule, one below the NCAA minimum, and failed to make the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference championship game due to an upset loss to Kentucky State on Homecoming.
When an agreement to play Albany State on the final weekend of the season fell through, Tuskegee scrambled to fill the void. The Golden Tigers were able to schedule a home game against Virginia State. Although Tuskegee fell 45-35 to the Trojans to finish with an 8-2 record, the boost to their strength of schedule and a 10th overall contest were enough to keep the Golden Tigers in a playoff position in the regional rankings.
Saturday will mark the first-ever meeting between Newberry and Tuskegee in the Wolves’ 103-year football history. The historically black college, located in Tuskegee, Alabama, roughly half an hour outside Montgomery, has won 12 HBCU national championships, had 16 undefeated seasons, and won 30 SIAC championships since their first season of football in 1895.
Ticket and parking information will be released early this week.
Click here to view the full 28-team bracket.
Prosperity Man Charged With Manslaughter
Posted: November 11,
6:52 PM
An altercation between two men has left one of them deceased and the other charged with Voluntary Manslaughter.
On November 5 at about 7:30pm, EMS was called to a residence on Williams Wood Drive in Prosperity. Once on scene, they found the victim, identified as William Bart Hazen, 40, of 315 Brown Street, Prosperity, unconscious on the ground. The victim was transported to Palmetto Richland hospital where he survived until November 7 when he died as a result of his injuries. Law enforcement was not contacted and did not originally respond to the scene.
When Newberry County Coroner Craig Newton was contacted by the hospital to get an order for the donation of organs from the victim, Newton recognized that the injuries were inconsistent with just a fall. Coroner Newton then contacted the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office so that they could launch a joint investigation into the death. Although the incident occurred within the Town of Prosperity, the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office was called upon to conduct the investigation because of the training and expertise in handling such cases and no Prosperity officer was available.
Once the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office began its investigation, it was determined that Hazen and the subject were acquaintances who were at cook out at a mutual friend’s home. Both had been drinking during the day. An argument began between Hazen and the subject and the argument turned physical. The subject then struck Hazen in the face and Hazen fell backwards onto a concrete pad causing a skull fracture and bleeding into the brain which ultimately resulted in his death.
The investigators from the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office then took the information they had learned from the investigation and met with prosecutors from the 8th Circuit Solicitor’s Office who determined that the subject should be charged with Voluntary Manslaughter in the death of Hazen.
Allen Benjamin Osheilds (above) , 42, 4983 Bethel Church Road, Prosperity, SC, surrendered himself to law enforcement Wednesday morning at the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office. His bond was set at $30,000. He posted the bond late Wednesday afternoon.
Veterans Day Parade Is Saturday
Newberry College Celebrates 160th Anniversary At Founders Day Convocation; 1st Lt. Murray Price To Receive Honorary Doctorate
Posted: November 10,
4:32 PM
Hear interview with 1st Lt. Murray Price on Friday's Coffee Hour on WKDK
Newberry College will celebrate its 160th anniversary at the annual Founders Day Convocation on Friday, Nov. 11, 2016. The convocation, which coincides this year with Veterans Day, Newberry College will confer an honorary doctorate upon 1st Lt. Murray Price, a decorated WW-II veteran who flew 40 combat missions in the Pacific as the co-pilot of a B-24 bomber. After the war, Price spent 39 years in the wholesale foods distribution industry, working his way up the ranks from salesman to executive vice president/CEO of PYA/Monarch when he retired.
Although Price’s formal education did not extend beyond high school, his ties to Newberry College come through his children, Deborah and Gerald, who graduated from Newberry in 1974 and 1976 respectively. Price was instrumental in founding the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity on the Newberry campus and was inducted into membership in 2010. Price has served on numerous civic, business and charitable organizations and remains active at St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church in Lexington, S.C.
Along with the honorary doctorate for Price, 15 Newberry College students will be inducted into the 2017 Who’s Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities.
Newberry Veterans Day Parade Is Saturday
Posted: November 10,
5:30 PM
The Newberry Veterans Day Parade will be held at 10 am on Saturday, November 12, on Main Street in downtown Newberry. Grand marshals will be veterans from many decades. Participants in the parade will include marching bands, the Junior ROTC, scouts and many others.
Foster Re-elected Sheriff; Rucker Wins County Council District #5; More
Posted: November 8,
11:40 PM
In local contested races, Sheriff Lee Foster won by a landslide. Harriet Rucker defeated Les Hipp in County Council District #5 race, and Laura Kneece is Newberry County's new Coroner. Rick Martin won House District #40 seat, and Beth Folk is Clerk of Court. Lucy Ann Meetze wins School District #3. Stay tuned for more on Wednesday morning on WKDK!
Wolves Move Up In National And Regional Rankings
Posted:
November 7,
7:20 PM
Photo from Newberry-Carson Newman game earlier this season
Newberry is now the second-ranked team in Super Region 2 after the Wolves' dominant 49-7 win at Limestone Saturday evening.
Newberry was ranked No. 5 in the first regional poll and moved to No. 3 in last week's rankings. The Wolves are now second only to North Alabama, vaulting over idle UNC Pembroke and into the second position in the rankings.
Should Newberry hold onto the No. 2 position in the region, the Wolves would host the seventh seed in the first round of the playoffs on Nov. 19 and be assured of a second-round home game on Nov. 26 with a win.
Valdosta State is ranked third. The Blazers also leapt over fourth-place UNC Pembroke following an impressive road win at West Alabama, which fell from fifth to ninth in the rankings.
Florida Tech, the only team to defeat the Wolves in 2016, is ranked fifth, while Tuskegee dropped from fourth to sixth after a come-from-behind win at Legion Field over Miles in the game's final two minutes. Tuskegee's playoff hopes are in limbo–the Golden Tigers are attempting to schedule a 10th game for this weekend to remain eligible for the postseason.
North Greenville catapaulted to seventh with a win over Carson-Newman, with Wingate currently on the outside looking in with an eighth-place ranking. A win over Newberry in Saturday's nationally-televised affair would give the Bulldogs a share of the South Atlantic Conference crown and could wrap up a postseason bid.
West Alabama and West Georgia round out the regional top 10. Click HERE to view the full rankings.
NATIONAL RANKINGS
WACO, Texas – Newberry has moved up one position to No. 19 in the latest American Football Coaches Association Division II Coaches' Poll after a dominant 49-7 win at Limestone Saturday evening.
The Wolves gained 515 yards of total offense, 258 on the ground and 257 through the air, while limiting the Saints to 124 yards and seven points. Limestone did not have a single drive covering more than 28 yards in a balanced effort that saw three players record more than three tackles on the day.
Newberry moved up one spot after then-No. 17 Fairmont State fell to 22nd following a 27-17 loss at No. 3 Shepherd last week.
This marks Newberry’s 30th appearance in the AFCA poll since it was instituted in 2000. Newberry is 18-11 all-time as a ranked team. The Wolves were ranked for 22 weeks between 2006 and 2008, including an all-time high of No. 9 during the final week of the 2006 regular season.
Newberry will conclude the regular season on Saturday with a 3:30 p.m. contest against Wingate at Setzler Field. The game will be broadcast nationally on American Sports Network. A Newberry win would give the Wolves their first outright South Atlantic Conference championship since 2006.
Click HERE to view the full poll.
Newberry Defense Smothers Limestone In Blowout Win
Posted: November 6, 9:47 AM
Newberry’s best defensive effort in six years coupled with its fourth 500-yard offensive performance of the season gave the Wolves their ninth consecutive victory with a 49-7 triumph at Limestone on Saturday. Click HERE for more information.
County Council Meets; Approves Disbursement Of Fiscal Year 2015-16
Posted: November 3,
7:38 AM
Andrew Wigger | staff writer
Newberry Observer | Civitas Media
(803) 768-3122
awigger@civitasmedia.com
- Council passed a Resolution renewing an existing statewide mutual aid agreement, which provides advance consent for Newberry County to cooperate with other jurisdictions in the even of a disaster.
- Council approved the disbursement of fiscal year 15-16 as recommended by the Accommodations Tax Committee. Chairman Ernest Shealy said this year's request totaled $76,490, but they were only able to give out a little over $37,000.Which was distributed as follows:
* Little Mountain Reunion $ 4,199.00
* Party in the Pines 1,449.00
* Halloween Carnival Whitmire Jaycees 699.00
* Prosperity’s Hoppin’ 1,699.00
* Newberry Community Players 624.00
* Newberry Co. Historical & Museum Society 1,299.00
* Newberry Co. Law Enforcement Assoc. 2,699.00
* Newberry Opera House 12,199.44
* Newberry Visitors Center 8,199.00
* SC Bottle & Whitmire Museum 4,199.00
- The Committee also recommended, and was approved by Council, the following proportional distributions of the FY 16-17 promotional funds.
* Capital City/Lake Murray 45%
* Prosperity Business Association 15%
* Newberry County Chamber of Commerce 40%
- Council also approved the paying of the Central SC Alliance Second Quarter Invoice in the amount of $18,000. Council approved the motion with only Councilman Koon voting against it.
Three Men Plead Guilty In Little Mountain Murder
Posted:
November 1,
4:19 PM
Eighth Circuit Solicitor David M. Stumbo announced Tuesday morning that the three surviving accomplices to a July 2015 Newberry County home invasion and homicide pleaded guilty Monday on charges related to their respective roles in the planned crime spree.
Keon Kelly, the trigger man in the shooting death of Ronnion Barron of Little Mountain, took his own life following a lengthy standoff with law enforcement in Columbia on August 6, 2015.
The three Columbia men who assisted Kelly in the planned home invasion and robbery at Barron’s Ponderosa Lane residence in Little Mountain, pleaded guilty and were sentenced at the Newberry County Courthouse on Monday.
DeCarlos Satterwhite was scheduled to go to trial Monday morning for his role in the crime spree. On the day of trial, Satterwhite elected to plead guilty to accessory after the fact of murder, first degree burglary and two counts of armed robbery.
Tyler Elkins then pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter, first degree burglary, possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime, armed robbery and two counts of attempted murder for his role in the crime spree.
Jermaz Dreher pled guilty on Monday to armed robbery and accessory after the fact to murder for his participation in the incident.
All of the defendants appeared to be affiliated with gang activity in the Midlands area.
Circuit Judge Casey Manning accepted the guilty pleas of all three men and handed down sentences on all three men Monday after the plea proceedings.
Manning sentenced Elkins to 25 years in prison, Satterwhite to 15 years in prison and Dreher to 10 years in prison.
On July 29 2015, the four men went to Barron’s Ponderosa Lane home with the intent of robbing it after Dreher told the other three it would be a good house to rob due to large amounts of money and drugs being present. Kelly knocked on the door and, when Barron looked out the window to see who was at the door, Kelly shot Barron in the head, killing him instantly.
Two other men pulled up to the house and saw the strange car parked in the yard. The four men attempted to rob the other two men and fired shots at their vehicle as they sped away from the scene.
Investigators with the Newberry County Sheriff”s Office were able to locate Dreher and Elkins just days after the crime.
On August 6, 2015, investigators located Kelly, but Kelly took his own life following a lengthy standoff with law enforcement.
Phone calls and text messages on Kelly’s phone immediately before and after the time of Barron’s murder led investigators to Satterwhite.
Deputy Solicitor Dale Scott and Assistant Solicitor Taylor Daniel handled the prosecution for the state.
Solicitor Stumbo praised the work of his staff as well as the work of the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office, particularly Sgt. Matthew Womack.
“It’s always heartbreaking when lives are taken so senselessly for a little bit of money and some drugs,” Solicitor Stumbo said following the sentencing. “Hopefully, these long-term prison sentences will give Ronnion’s family some measure of closure. I also hope it sends a clear message to those who would commit these violent acts that my office will work tirelessly with law enforcement to ensure justice is done in each and every case.”
Wolves Jump To Third In Regional Rankings; Yeldell Named "SAC Player Of Week" For Fourth Time in 2016
Burglary Suspect Arrested; Sheriff Attributes Arrest To Deputies' Knowledge Of Community
Posted: October 31,
7:11 PM
Sheriff Lee Foster says that a man is in jail after breaking into two businesses because of the alertness of deputies and the knowledge of the community and community relationships of investigators.
“The deputies and investigators who responded to these burglaries have worked for years to establish a relationship with the community,” said Foster. “Citizens were willing to share information with the officers, which combined with their knowledge of the community and suspect, led them to a rapid arrest in this case.”
“You can never underestimate the power of knowledge of the community and the people in good law enforcement,” Foster continued. “It takes years to build these relationships and prove to people that you are worthy of their trust and respect.”
Sheriff Foster said that deputies were patrolling the area around Kendall Road around 3am Sunday morning, when they found that two businesses had been broken into. The suspect had used a rock to break through the doors of the businesses. The deputies secured the businesses and called for an investigator.
On reviewing the video surveillance from the businesses, investigators were able to see the suspect’s clothing but could not get a clear look at the suspect’s face. It was during the review of the video that one of the investigators was able to identify Thomas Lyles as a potential suspect based upon his walk and mannerisms.
“This is the benefit of deputies and investigators not just working but living in the areas they patrol and conduct investigations,” said Foster. “It is impossible to purchase the kind of information officers learn by not just policing the community, but instead being part of the community.”
The investigators then began canvassing the area and were able to learn that Lyles had been in the area dressed in the clothing that they had observed in the video. The investigator and deputies were familiar with the suspect and set out to locate him.
When the deputies located that suspect, he was still wearing the same clothes as in the video and was suffering several cuts and abrasions on his hands from the entry in the businesses. The suspect was taken into custody after which he confessed to the burglaries.
Thomas Andrew Lyles, 52, of 3022 Kings Drive, Newberry, was taken into custody. He has been charged with two counts of Burglary and one count of Petit Larceny. A bond hearing has not yet been held.
Wolves Win Eighth Straight; Claim Bishop's Trophy!
Posted: October 29,
10:25 PM
The Newberry Wolves (8-1, 6-0), won their eighth straight game earlier today with a 53-14 victory over Lenoir-Rhyne (2-7, 2-3) at Setzler Field. The Wolves also clinched at least a share in the SAC Championship. Hear more Monday morning on WKDK and WKDK.com!
Deputies Seize Large Amount of Crystal Meth, Oxycodone and Weapon
Posted: October 27,
8:35 PM
Newberry County Sheriff Lee Foster said that deputies located more than 7 ounces of crystal meth, numerous oxycodone pills, hydrocodone pills, marijuana, and a firearm Wednesday during a traffic stop.
Deputies stopped a vehicle Wednesday evening around 8pm on I-26 near the 80 mile marker for a speeding violation. Once the vehicle was stopped, the deputies could smell the odor of marijuana coming from the car. The deputies then obtained the subject’s driver’s license, which was suspended. The subject was taken into custody at that point. The deputies found some on the pills on the subject’s person when he was arrested.
Deputies then searched the vehicle where they located more than 7 ounces of crystal meth, 88 oxycodone pills, 18 hydrocodone pills, marijuana, and a Ruger .40 pistol. Sheriff Foster said that while 7 ounces may not sound like a lot, because the strength and potency of crystal meth, this was a large quantity of the drug. “This is a very large amount of crystal meth that was headed to the streets,” said Sheriff Lee Foster. “I would like to commend the deputies for their excellent work during this investigation.” “It is important to have properly trained officers who are able to work and detect criminal activity above the obvious,” said Foster.
The subject was identified as Matthew Robert Bowers, 29, of 10 Elcock Circle, Irmo, SC. He will be charged with Trafficking Crystal Meth, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of a Firearm During a Violent Crime (Trafficking is a violent crime in SC), and Driving Under Suspension. Bowers was already out on bond from a March 2016 arrest by the State Law Enforcement Division for Trafficking Illegal Drugs and Unlawful Carry of a Weapon.
In addition, he has several convictions for illegal carry of weapons, as well as convictions for illegal drugs, burglary, and attempted robbery. “This is clearly a dangerous individual who despite repeated arrests continues to sell and use illegal drugs while carrying a weapon,” said Foster. “Subjects such as this are an additional threat because besides poisoning our communities with the drugs, his repeated weapon violations and violent history make it clear that he would use a weapon against an officer or a citizen in the right situation.”
“Our officers have no idea what they are walking up to when they stop a car,” said Foster. “Some people say we act cautious, it is simply because we may find a law abiding citizen who simply made a mistake or we may find a dangerous drug dealer with a load of illegal drugs and a .40 caliber pistol. Our lives often depend on our observations and reaction to these situations.”
Bowers was to have a bond hearing later today. Sheriff Foster says that because Bowers is already out on bond for a violent drug offense and has now committed another violent drug offense, investigators would be at the bond hearing asking the judge to deny bond.
City Police Department Rolls Out Body Cameras
Posted:
October 21,
2:05 PM
Corporal Emily Seibert with the City of Newberry Police Department is shown wearing thedepartment’s new body-mounted cameras under her nameplate on her uniform.
The City of Newberry Police Department has officially begun using body-mounted cameras, according to Police Chief Roy McClurkin.
In March of 2015, McClurkin said the State of South Carolina disclosed that all police departments were going to have to implement body cameras. Upon hearing of this, the department came up with a policy to submit to the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy staff attorney. Once approved, body cameras were then tested.
"We decided to go with Vista by Watch Guard," McClurkin said. "We found that they were very durable and worked the way we needed them to."
The city's police department also uses Watch Guard in-car cameras and McClurkin said he wanted their officers to have body cameras that were compatible with them.
To purchase the cameras, the city submitted an application for $74,000 through the state for the funding to implement both the body cameras and a server system for storage of the video. In turn, McClurkin said the state only allocated the city $48,000 for cameras.
"We had to do some creative thinking through the budget and were able to come up with the additional funding for storage in the form of a server for the actual body camera footage," McClurkin said.
After securing the money from the state, 30 cameras were purchased for city officers. McClurkin said officers then went through extensive training sessions to train officers in the use of the cameras and the policies for them.
Each city officer has their own body camera assigned to them, as well as a charger, McClurkin said. The policy for the cameras dictates when an officer must turn the camera on including during traffic stops, when an officer encounters suspicious vehicles or persons, all arrests and all uses of force incidents.
"It should be activated when responding to a disturbance, disorderly calls, motor vehicle accidents and calls involving emotionally or mentally disturbed subjects," McClurkin said.
Policy also dictates what footage must be kept and for how long. Any non-investigative, non-arrest or routine incidents that were not reported must only be kept on file for a period of 15 days, McClurkin said. Any other circumstances need to be kept until a case is disposed of.
Each camera holds up to nine hours of footage before it must be docked in the police department where footage is downloaded to the secure server.
McClurkin said command staff is able to go through the footage should there be a problem. Each officer can look at their footage only, but it cannot be altered in any way. The actual footage from the body-worn cameras, McClurkin said is not a public record and cannot be disclosed under the Freedom of Information Act.
Having body cameras benefits both the public and the city's police officers by everyone being held accountable, McClurkin said.
"Interactions are recorded so the officer and the public have to be accountable," McClurkin said.
McClurkin said the cameras can also be used to capture evidence needed in court and can ensure accuracy of victims' and witness statements.
"We feel that body-worn cameras will be an invaluable tool to our department," said City Manager Matt DeWitt. "What the cameras provide is an unbiased third-party account and this will help reduce the amount of questions and better protect everyone involved in police-related encounters."
West Fraser Expanding Newberry Operations
Posted: October 18,
4:11 PM
West Fraser, a diversified wood products company, is expanding its Newberry County sawmill operations. The project is expected tobring $33 million in new capital investment.
Established in 1955, West Fraser produces lumber, laminated veneer lumber (LVL), medium-density fiberboard (MDF), plywood, pulp, newsprint and wood chips, as well as energy through several bioenergy initiatives. Beginning as a small, three-man operation, the company has grown into the largest lumber producer in North America, operating facilities throughout western Canada and the southern United States.
Located at 3287 College Street, West Fraser’s Newberry sawmill directly employs 155 workers. Since 2007, the company has invested millions to modernize the mill and plans to invest $33 million more to procure wood, services and goods in Newberry County. West Fraser also plans to install a log merchandiser designed to increase production by more than 37 percent.
Wolves Winning Streak Extends To Six; Wolves Beat C-N 34-19
Posted:
October 15,
9:56 PM
Photo courtesy of newberrywolves.com
Carson-Newman head coach Ken Sparks entered Saturday’s contest fresh off his 337th career win, which moved him past Pop Warner and into fifth-place in college football coaching history.
Newberry made sure that Sparks made no headway on fourth-place Bobby Bowden before the third-largest crowd on record to ever watch a game at Setzler Field.
The Wolves racked up 424 yards of total offense and pounded Carson-Newman for a school-record 14 tackles for loss in a 34-19 Newberry victory, igniting the near-record crowd of 4,988 and solidifying Newberry’s spot atop the South Atlantic Conference standings with its sixth consecutive win. Click HERE for more information.
Mayor Proclaims End Childhood Hunger SC Week In Newberry
Posted: October 12,
9:12 PM
Mayor Foster Senn has proclaimed the week of October 23-29, 2016,
End Childhood Hunger SC Week within the city of Newberry. A proclamation was
signed October 11 prior to the City Council meeting. The proclamation was
made to bring awareness that one in five children live in families where
their full food needs are not met. As part of this week, a variety of
programs have been planned in Newberry County including an afterschool
program snack drive and after school tutoring. The Newberry Literacy Council
is collecting donations of healthy snacks as a part of the effort. For
further information about the work that is being done in Newberry County,
please email info@endchildhungersc.org. Pictured Front Row: Ashley Page and Mayor Foster Senn
Back Row: Barbara Chapman, Gina Koon, Rhonda Ackerman and Sam Zaidy
Public Power Week Celebration On Friday
Posted: October 11,
4:04 PM
The City of Newberry Utilities Department celebrated Public Power Week October 2-8. As a part of that, a celebration was held Friday, October 7 at City Hall.
Public Power Week is an annual national event coordinated by the American Public Power Association in Washington, D.C. The association represents not-for-profit, community-owned electric utilities that power homes, businesses and streets in nearly 2,000 towns and cities, serving 48 million Americans.
Throughout the week, city elementary school students had the opportunity to participate in a coloring contest. Each coloring page contained a fact or safety message about electricity. Middle and high school students had the opportunity to participate in a competition to submit a song, poem, illustration, essay or combination expressing an electrical safety message. All entries were displayed at Friday’s celebration.
Winners of the competition are as follows:
- Gissela Luis Sanches, seventh grade, Newberry Middle School
- Quinn Waites, fourth grade, Newberry Academy
- Kindel Jaeger, third grade, Newberry Academy
- Grace Mayer, second grade, Newberry Academy
- Lila Koon, first grade, Newberry Academy
- Princess Lucas, second grade, Newberry Elementary
- Mason Hunter, third grade, Newberry Elementary
- Kaden Williams, K5, Newberry Elementary
- Justin Ramirez, first grade, Newberry Elementary
- Ardestini Epps, Kindergarten, Boundary Street Elementary
- Melenna Gallman, second grade, Boundary Street Elementary
- Emily Parra, third grade, Boundary Street Elementary
- Josi Aull, fifth grade, Boundary Street Elementary
- Michael Isbell, second grade, Gallman Elementary
- Romona Olvera, third grade, Gallman Elementary
- Jamarion Hawkins, fifth grade, Gallman Elementary
- Xavier Gary, fourth grade, Gallman Elementary
- Brandon Ramirez, first grade, Gallman Elementary
During the celebration, city residents were invited to bring a copy of their latest utilities bill and a regular incandescent light bulb to exchange it for a brand new LED bulb for free. Corndogs and slushy’s were provided to the community from Sonic of Newberry. City residents also had the opportunity to register for door prizes including t-shirts, bill credits and various gift cards.
City of Newberry Utilities Director Marc Regier said that Newberry’s utility services were reliable and safe and they took pride in serving their friends and neighbors.
“We are proud to have served Newberry for 120 years,” Regier said.
Silverstreet Man Arrested For Trafficking Crack, Cocaine, and Marijuana
Posted: October 10,
3:42 PM
Newberry County Sheriff Lee Foster says that a man is in custody today after investigators found him in possession of crack, cocaine,marijuana, and pistols at a residence located on Green Acres Lane in Silverstreet.
Sheriff Foster said that investigators were able to make several undercover drug buys from the residence over the last several months. He said that the investigation culminated when deputies served a search warrant on the residence late Thursday afternoon.
Investigators say that once inside the residence, they located more than 15 grams of crack, approximately 40 grams of cocaine, and several ounces of marijuana. Sheriff Foster said they also located two pistols inside the residence.
“This is another example of the partnership between law enforcement and community,” said Sheriff Foster. “The residents of this community brought the unusual activity at this residence to our attention and we were able to conduct an investigation into this matter identifying the residence as a place that was conducting the sale of illegal drugs.”
“There are two important factors to such an investigation,” said Sheriff Foster. “First, the public’s assistance in providing us information, which is crucial to our combined success because law enforcement simply cannot be in all places. The second is the public’s understanding that such investigations take time. The standard of proof needed for convictions in the court’s today continues to rise so it is imperative that we just not make the arrest, but we insure that the case can and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
Derrikus Raphael Oliver, 33, 309 Green Acres Lane, Silverstreet, SC was arrested and charged with Trafficking Crack Cocaine, Trafficking Cocaine, and Possession of Marijuana With Intent To Distribute. He has been denied bond.
“This man was a major player in the sale of illegal drugs in this community,” said Sheriff Foster. “This is the second large drug arrest we have made in this community within the last three months.”
“We are committed to working with all of the communities of Newberry County and when the community and law enforcement communicate and partner, together we can make a difference,” concluded Sheriff Foster.
Wolves Win Fifth Straight Behind Watson's Career Day!
Posted: October 9,
11:32 AM
Photo courtesy of newberrywolves.com
Cole Watson was 11 years old the last time Newberry defeated Mars Hill on the Lions’ home turf.
At 21, the senior wide receiver torched the Lions’ secondary for a career-high 151 yards on 10 catches to help Newberry to a come-from-behind 35-21 win at Meares Stadium.
The Wolves scored 28 consecutive second-half points to turn a precarious halftime deficit into a rout before a cosmetic Mars Hill touchdown with 1:18 remaining cut the final margin to 14 points. Watson was held out of the end zone but had a propensity for explosive plays, tallying six catches of at least 10 yards and counting a leaping 30-yard effort as his longest reception of the day. Click HERE for more.
Local Teens Raise Money For Playground Equipment
UPDATE: Newberry County Continues Preparations
For Hurricane Matthew
Posted: October 7,
7:24 PM
While we are approximately 150 miles from the coast, Newberry County will experience issues from Hurricane Matthew. The following is the most up-to-date information we have. The more serious time frame of the storm will be early Saturday morning throughout the day Saturday.
Please keep in mind that storms are unpredictable and conditions can change depending on other environmental conditions. If the storm continues to track closer to the coast line, our conditions will worsen. Also if the storm delays in the right turn out to open sea, our conditions will persist longer.
Newberry County is on the boarder for tropical force winds and heavier than usual rains. The lower 1/3 of the county (Lake Murray and much of the Mid Carolina area) is grouped with the higher levels of rain and higher winds.
We can expect 2-4" of rain with higher amounts in the Mid Carolina area. The rain should not be continuous, but will come in squals. There may be short periods of intense rain, followed by calm.
Winds are expected to be in the 25-35 mph range with higher winds and gusts in the Mid Carolina area. Reminder that it is not necessarily dangerous THAT the wind is blowing, but WHAT the wind is blowing. Secure loose items that could become airborne and become a projectile.
All school functions have been cancelled for the weekend. The schools remain on standby if we are activated as an evacuation center. This will depend on the damage experience in the coastal regions and the amount of people displaced.
Due to wind conditions, sporadic power outages may occur. Prior to tonight, citizens should insure they have adequate batteries for portable radios and flashlights. Candles will provide illumination, but they can also cause fire and should be used with caution.
Updates will be given via Nixle, Facebook and WKDK. You can sign up for the FREE Nixle service by going to our web site
www.newberrycountysheriff.com or
www.nixle.com. You can listen to our local broadcaster via 1240 AM or
www.wkdk.com or on the WKDK app in the Apple I store or Google Play.
Law Enforcment and Emergency Services are on standby and are prepared to respond depending on conditions.
Local Teens Raise Money For Playground Equipment
Posted: October 6,
7:55 AM
Megan Grubbs, Kori Kunkle and other local
teens raised money Wednesday night for new playground equipment for children with special
needs, and that equipment is planned for Marion Davis Park. The fundraiser
was a big success, and the City of Newberry thanks all of the volunteers and
Mac Bell of Sonic!
Wolves Hand Catawba First SAC Loss!
Posted: October 2,
9:47 AM
Photo courtesy of newberrywolves.com
The Wolves did just that in amonumental victory Saturday evening, handing South Atlantic Conference foe Catawba (2-3, 2-1 SAC) its first conference loss in a convincing 35-14 thumping at Setzler Field.
Newberry (4-1, 2-0 SAC) wasted no time in jumping in front, forcing a three-and-out and blocking a punt on Catawba’s first possession to take over inside the Catawba Indians’ red zone. Romelo Doctor’s bruising, 1-yard run put the Wolves ahead less than two minutes into the contest.
Doctor finished the game with 58 yards on 17 carries, moving into seventh place on Newberry’s all-time rushing yardage list with 2,268 in his remarkable career. He added a second score just minutes into the second half on an 11 yard run where he spun off three Catawba Indian defenders at the line of scrimmage, and waltzed into the end zone to build a 28-7 Newberry lead. Click HERE for more.
Newberry Man Arrested, Charged With Burglary, Kidnapping, Robbery, And More
Posted: September 26,
11:10 PM
As we reported earlier today on WKDK, Newberry County Sheriff Lee Foster says that a Newberry man has been arrested and charged with Burglary, Kidnapping, Ar
med Robbery, Assault and Battery of a High andAggravated Nature, and Grand Larceny for the violent kidnapping and robbery of a 73-year-old woman.
Deputies and investigators responded to the victim’s home on Green Meadows Drive Wednesday night just after 10:30pm. The victim, who had been able to remove some of the bindings, was still partially restrained with duct tape and a telephone cord. There were clear markings from having been tied up around her neck and legs.
“I cannot say enough about the incredible job done by the entire investigative team,” said Sheriff Foster. “All involved worked tirelessly and for countless hours to bring this suspect to justice. The investigators used every available resource including technology, forensics, and a great working knowledge of the community and environment to make an arrest in this case.”
The victim said that she opened the door to get into her vehicle and when she did, the suspect, who had been laying in the seat, kicked her in the chest. The suspect forced the victim inside the home, where he bound her using the duct tape and phone cord then took money and jewelry. He then forced her into her vehicle still bound and drove her around demanding money from an ATM. He then took her back to the residence and demanded more money and property. It was after the suspect left the scene that the victim was able to escape enough of the bindings to call 911. She did receive medical treatment and was released from the hospital with a broken collar bone and related minor injuries.
“I find it especially despicable for someone to not just rob an elderly person but to physically assault and injure them as well,” said Sheriff Foster. “He could have gotten her money and property without injuring her, but he chose to inflict additional injury and pain on the victim, particularly since he knew her and lived in the same community.” I pray that the legal system will take the full extent of his actions into consideration as he is dealt with by the law.”
The suspect fled the left the scene in the victim’s car. However, law enforcement was able to locate that vehicle near Boyd’s Crossing Road. The Newberry County Sheriff’s Office and State Law Enforcement Division used bloodhounds to search the area, but the suspect was not located. The vehicle was taken to the Newberry County Sheriff Office crime lab for processing. The Newberry City Police Department offered assistance throughout the investigation.
“We are pleased to bring this suspect to justice,” said Sheriff Foster. “This is what law enforcement agencies working together with the community united with cutting edge techniques can accomplish together.”
Jail records identify the person arrested as Anthony Maurice Wise, 24, of 604 Green Meadow Drive, Newberry, SC. He was charged with Burglary, Kidnapping, Armed Robbery, Assault and Battery of a High and Aggravated Nature, and Grand Larceny on Saturday morning. He has been denied bond at this time. Wise was already on probation for a drug related offense when this incident occurred.
Newberry Defense Keys Big Road Win
Posted:
September 24,
7:51 PM
Photo courtesy of newberrywolves.com
A punishing defensive effortcoupled with 502 yards of total offense helped Newberry to a convincing 37-10 victory on the road at Tusculum on Saturday afternoon in the Wolves’ South Atlantic Conference opener.
The game’s key moment came at the three-minute mark of the first quarter. The Wolves had a 7-0 lead after a seven-play, 57-yard drive capped by an 11-yard Markell Castle touchdown reception, tying him for the team lead with three on the season. Shea Rodgers’ kickoff sailed toward the sideline, where a Tusculum returner caught the ball as he stepped out of bounds.
The Pioneers were awarded the ball on their own 3-yard line after the miscue, where the Wolves’ defense forced their first three-and-out of the contest. The ensuing punt glanced off the side of the punter’s foot, traveling just 13 yards before coming to rest out of bounds.
Keinan Lewis leapt over a defensive back and made a spectacular catch on a perfectly-placed fade pattern down the near sideline on the first play, giving the Wolves a 23-yard scoring play on their first offensive snap since the Yeldell-to-Castle connection.
The sequence was indicative of Newberry’s dominance on both sides of the ball throughout the contest. Newberry scored the first 20 points of the game and never looked back en route to the four-score victory. The Wolves averaged 6.6 yards per play, more than doubling the Pioneers’ 234 yards of offense on the afternoon. Tusculum was limited to just 96 yards offensively in the second half and saw 10 of its 12 drives in the contest terminated after 25 yards or fewer. Click HERE for more.
Newberry Arts Program Recipent Of Programming Excellence Award
Suspect Being Sought In Burglary, Kidnapping Of Elderly Woman
Posted: September 22,
9:22 PM
The Newberry County Sheriff’s Office is asking for information after a 73-year-old woman was burglarized and kidnapped last night.
Deputies and investigators responded to the victim’s home on Green Meadows Drive last night just after 10:30pm. The victim, who had been able to remove some of the bindings, was still partially restrained with duct tape and a telephone cord. There were clear markings from having been tied up around her neck and legs.
The victim said that she opened the door to get into her vehicle and when she did, the suspect, who had been laying in the seat, kicked her in the chest. The suspect forced the victim inside the home, where he bound her using the duct tape and phone cord then took money and jewelry. He then forced her into her vehicle still bound and drove her around. He then took her back to the residence and demanded more money. It was after the suspect left the scene that the victim was able to escape enough of the bindings to call 911. She did receive medical treatment and was released from the hospital with a broken collar bone and related minor injuries.
The suspect fled the left the scene in the victim’s car. However, law enforcement was able to locate that vehicle near Boyd’s Crossing Road. The Newberry County Sheriff’s Office and State Law Enforcement Division used bloodhounds to search the area, but the suspect was not located. The vehicle was taken to the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office crime lab for processing.
The Newberry City Police Department offered assistance throughout the investigation.
The suspect is described as a black male. He had dread lock style hair. He was approximately 5 foot 7 inches tall and weighed approximately 150 pounds. The suspect was wearing a red t-shirt, blue jeans, and a black hoodie.
Law enforcement said that based on their investigation, the suspect was familiar with the victim before this incident. They would not elaborate on the connection at this time citing the integrity of the investigation.
The Newberry County Sheriff’s Office is offering a substantial reward for information leading to the identification and arrest of the suspect. If you have information you can contact the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office at (803) 321-2222, email your tip to tips@ncso.sc.gov, or call Crime Stoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC.
Newberry Arts Program Recipent Of Programming Excellence Award
Posted:
September 23,
8:10 AM
Scott Sawyer and Marquerite Palmer with South Carolina Recreation and Parks Association President Eric Stewart.
The Newberry Arts Program has been selected as the recipient of the 2016 Programming Excellence Award for population under 30,000. The award was presented on September 12 by the South Carolina Recreation & Parks Association (SCRPA) Awards Committee at their State Conference awards luncheon at the Greenville Hyatt Regency.
Marquerite Palmer, arts program coordinator and Scott Sawyer, director of parks, recreation and tourism for the city accepted the award for the program. Palmer said it really was a dream come true.
"The idea of an arts center in Newberry has floated around and been talked about since I came here in 1993 and each time it was attempted, it just seemed it wasn't the right time," Palmer said. "And this time, the stars aligned and everything fell into place. It was just the right time for it."
The Programming Excellence Award could be given to each of two population categories, according to the SCRPA awards information page: those 30,000 and under and those over 30,000. An agency was able to submit for either Programming Excellence or Parks Excellence, but not both. The award pertains to any recreation program or special event that an agency offers.
Sawyer and Palmer spent several weeks putting together information to submit for the award, Sawyer said. The final application was submitted on July 7.
In the application, Sawyer and Palmer had to answer questions including a summary of the Newberry Arts Program, the mission of the program, its economic impact, any challenges the program has faced and what made the program unique.
While the Newberry Arts Program has faced several challenges including a starting low budget and needing a place for classes, both Palmer and Sawyer agree that it could not have been accomplished without the enormous amount of support they received from City Manager Al Harvey.
Wanting to start a new program with no budget was a huge challenge, Sawyer said, but fortunately city management supported the notion that a quality visual arts program was a viable endeavor and a complimentary extension to the community's arts experience that was established by the Newberry Opera House.
In the less than two years that the Newberry Arts Program has hit the ground running, it has added a unique social element to a lot of people's lives, Sawyer said.
Not only does the Newberry Arts Center have separate art and pottery studios, but it also includes outdoor space for classes and events. The arts center has also attracted a nationally renowned watercolor artist, as artist-in-residence and a world renowned clay artist as a presenter and advisor for the SC Clay Conference which was established through the program from scratch.
"It is unique that strong community support includes varied partnerships and dedicated volunteers that have come together to help provide the arts experience to anyone in the community, young or old. And regardless of ability to pay," Sawyer said.
Harvey said he commended the Parks, Recreation and Tourism department and Palmer for receiving the Programming Excellence Award.
"Such recognition at the state level reflects the tireless efforts put forth by Mrs. Palmer and the many volunteers that have contributed so much time and talent to develop a very high quality arts program that has been widely accepted and enjoyed by the Newberry community over the last two years," Harvey said. "The future of the Newberry arts program is unlimited."
Palmer said the creation of the Newberry arts program had created a community and she was excited to see what its future held.
Brooks Announces Retirement At PTC
Posted: September 22,
8:13 AM
Dr. Ray Brooks, president of Piedmont Technical College, has announced plans to retire on June 30, 2017, at the end of the current academic year.
Brooks made his plans official in a meeting with the college's Area Commission on Tuesday evening. He has led the institution since March 2008.
George Piersol, PTC Area Commission Chair said, "Dr. Brooks' focus on creating the right environment for student success has had a huge impact on Piedmont Technical College."
"The Commission is appreciative for his experienced leadership over the last eight years, and we are fully supportive of the important initiatives begun during his tenure," he said.
The Piedmont Technical College Area Commission plans to search for a new president in accordance with the policy set by the South Carolina Board for Technical and Comprehensive Education.
The college's second president in 50 years, Brooks has led the institution through historic surges in enrollment and the financial challenges of a record-setting recession. Under his leadership, the college has emerged on firm financial and operational footing, and has garnered nationwide accolades for its work in a number of areas.
The college has built stronger relationships with the communities it serves, including innovative public/private partnerships like the development of the Center for Advanced Manufacturing in Laurens County; the urban renewal project that led to a cutting-edge new campus in Newberry; and a host of program and operational improvements designed to better position the college to respond to student needs.
During his tenure at PTC, Brooks has led the college to adopt institution-wide continuous improvement systems, including a groundbreaking implementation of the Lean methodology in a higher education setting that was awarded the Bellwether award--a national prize that recognizes outstanding and innovative programs in community college education. Piedmont Technical College is the first and only college from South Carolina to be recognized with this award.
In a letter to the campus, Brooks said, "It has been an honor and a privilege to have had the opportunity to share in the important work this institution does every day."
"This work goes on, and there's much more to be done. I look forward to working in the coming months to ensure the state of the college is strong, and that we're well positioned for the future," he said.
Prior to joining Piedmont Technical College, Brooks served as president of Northwestern Technical College in Georgia for 22 years, and previously served as an instructor and then coordinator of postsecondary instruction at NTC.
County Council Meets; Third Reading Of Zoning Ordinance Passes, More
Posted: September 22,
7:18 AM
Andrew Wigger | staff writer
Newberry Observer | Civitas Media
(803) 768-3122
awigger@civitasmedia.com
Newberry County Council met Wednesday evening and the following items were passed/approved:
- Newberry County Council passed the third reading of an ordinance revising the zoning ordinance of the Newberry County Code of Ordinances, with four amendments. The first amendment established conditional permitting of cemeteries, minimum size, setback and signage requirements for cemeteries. The second amendment established conditional permitting of large animal processing and taxidermy uses; concealment of carcasses and disposal of remains (animal processing and taxidermy); management of emissions and odorous gases (taxidermy). Amendment three defined Agritourism as defined int he SC Code of Laws as accessory use to an agricultural use. Amendment four established lake development setbacks; minimum setback of 50 feet from specified contour lines.
- Council passed a third reading on an ordinance that repeals an unused provision regarding petty cash purchases and it inserts an affirmative action statement, as requested by Central Midlands Council of Governors.
- A second reading was approved for an ordinance amending an existing 20 year fee in lieu of tax agreement with West Fraser.
- Council approved a Hazard Mitigation Plan.
- Council approved a proclamation declaring September 2016 as Kinship Care Month.
Yeldell's Game-Winning TD Nominated for D2 Football's Play Of The Week!
Posted:
September 20,
6:16 AM
Photo courtesy of newberrywolves.com
Raleigh Yeldell’s game-winningtouchdown at North Greenville has been nominated for D2 Football’s Play of the Week by HERO Sports.
Yeldell’s third rushing touchdown of the evening came with 1:04 remaining in the contest and tied the game at 28, with Shea Rodgers’s extra point providing the final margin of victory in Newberry’s come-from-behind victory. Yeldell broke right on a zone-read option, spinning out of one tackle before lowering his shoulder to shake North Greenville’s all-time leading tackler Sam Houston and diving headlong across the goal line.
The nation's fourth-ranked player in total offense earned his second straight South Atlantic Conference Offensive Player of the Week selection Monday after accumulating 141 rushing yards and 215 yards through the air against the Crusaders.
Fans will choose from seven nominees to decide the winner. Voting will close at 3:00 a.m. Friday morning, with the winner being announced later in the day.
Click here to vote Yeldell's touchdown as D2 Play of the Week
Authorities Searching For Missing Teen On Saturday; Found Safe
Posted: September 17,
3:42 PM
At around 1:00 pm on Saturday, the Newberry County Sheriff's Office and Rescue Squads were searching for a missing 19-year old with autism (pictured on left). The individual had last been seen around 10 am near Seagull Lane off of Highway 391 in Prosperity. The individual was found safe at around 2:30 pm near Pinedale Court on Lake Murray. A SLED helicopter and Sheriff's Office Bloodhounds were assisting in the search.
Faith-Based Movie Filmed Partly in Newberry To Debut In Theaters Soon
Posted: September 15,
8:25 AM
Northface Christian Films out of Lexington, South Carolina will debut its film titled ‘Faith’s Song’ in South Carolina theaters this fall.
The inspiration for this film was given to Frank Hutto, the writer, director and producer. Local talent from around the state both helped produce and appear in this amazing film. It is an inspiring story about a young girl whose faith is tested when her parents are tragically killed in a car crash, forcing her to move in with her aunt and uncle who don’t share her same beliefs. Faith finds herself in a new city and a new school where she faces resistance not only from her new peers, but from her family.
As an independent film producer of a Christian film, Hutto is excited for this amazing opportunity. Filmed in Newberry, Lexington and Columbia with cast and crew from around the southeast, you will see many familiar landmarks. Everyone faces struggles and fears and this film addresses many of the issues that many face today. Hutto is looking for sell out premier showings and continually increasing support from churches and communities throughout the state.
‘Faith’s Song’ will premier in Lexington on October 29 and Summerville on November 5 at Regal Theaters. Tickets have gone on sale and are limited. Included in the premier ticket pricing is a limited edition movie poster that you can have signed that day. Many of the cast and crew will be on hand for autographs including Marcus Lattimore, former University of South Carolina football player.
To view the movie trailer and purchase tickets for the premier you can visit the website www.faithssong.com.
Northface Christian Films is also offering group ticket sales and is looking for corporate sponsors for the Theatrical release later this year. Please contact Frankie Hutto for additional information at
fdhutto@northfacechristianfilms.com
School Resource Officer Assaulted Trying To Stop School Bus Fight
Posted: September 14,
5:05 PM
A Newberry County School Resource Officer was assaulted today attempting to stop a fight on a school bus. Sheriff Lee Foster said that two male juveniles were fighting on a bus this morning. The School Resource Officer boarded the bus and along with the bus driver attempted to separate the suspects.
Foster said that after they were separated, the School Resource Officer was attempting to secure one of the juveniles, when the other suspect, a 14- year-old juvenile, jumped on her back and she was struck several times in the face. The officer was able to gain control of the suspect and both of them were taken into custody. The 14-year-old juvenile was charged with Assault on a Police Officer While Resisting Arrest and both were charged for the fighting incident. The juvenile who assaulted the officer was detained and sent to the Department of Juvenile Justice in Columbia.
The deputy was taken for a medical check and was released after a splint was placed on her wrist for an injury sustained during the incident. She also has several marks on her face and neck where she was struck by the juvenile. There are some who believe that there should not be officers in the schools, said Sheriff Foster.
This coupled with the two other assaults on officers in the school environment recently in other areas of South Carolina leaves no doubt to their necessity. If someone will assault a police officer and struggle with them, imagine the plight of a school administrator trying to handle this without the training or equipment of a law enforcement officer.
We are so proud of our relationship and support of the School District of Newberry County, Foster continued. They make the School Resource Officers possible and our relationship is second to none. We have been recognized nationally as best practices for a relationship between law enforcement and a school district in our partnership, planning, and response to incidents.
The ultimate goal of the School Resource Officer is to be a positive part of the school environment, to be a role model for the students, and to provide the students with a different perspective of law enforcement than the negative they often see, said Foster. Many of our school resource officers assist with coaching athletics and various functions that allow them to build relationships far beyond just that of a school resource officer; however, in the society we live in today, we must provide a safe learning environment for our children.
Sheriff Foster said that there are current five officers assigned to the School Resource Officer program with one stationed at all Middle and High schools and a supervisor who covers elementary schools and assists as needed.
Newberry College Ranked Among Nation's Best
Posted: September 13,
10:40 PM
As we reported earlier today, Newberry College has been ranked on the 2017 U.S. News & WorldReport Best Colleges rankings, which were released earlier in the day. Newberry earned three rankings in the national magazine’s annual report:
Best Colleges in the South (#16)
Best Value for Regional Colleges in the South (#3)
Best Colleges for Veterans-Regional Colleges in the South (#8)
Although Newberry College has ranked in the Top 50 for Best Colleges in the South for a number of years, the private liberal arts college rocketed ahead in this year’s rankings, moving from #41 last year to #16 in the 2017 report.
“It is very rewarding to be recognized by U.S. News & World Report as our key performance indicators continue to improve,” said Newberry College President Maurice W. Scherrens. “We are on a journey of continuous assessment and improved effectiveness. The College’s rise in the rankings is a tangible outcome of our efforts.”
Senior English major Madison Darby-McClure noted Newberry’s rise in the rankings reflects many positive changes students are experiencing on campus.
“It’s encouraging to see Newberry College getting recognized for all the great things students see happening on a daily basis,” Darby-McClure said. “I think it recognizes the changes and improvements the College has been making for the past few years.”
Newberry College earned the #3 spot for Best Value for Regional Colleges in the South for 2017, a new ranking for the institution this year.
“Earning the Best Value ranking affirms our sustained efforts over the past several years to ensure that Newberry College one of the best private college values in the region,” said Joel Vander Horst, Dean of Enrollment Management. “We have worked hard to create a highly competitive financial aid package and to offer innovative programs, such as the Loan Repayment Promise, to make us a very attractive choice for students.”
The Newberry College Loan Repayment Promise is a financial safety net that Newberry offers at no cost to students and their families. Starting in 2017, if a student earns less than $40,000 working at least 30 hours a week after graduation from Newberry, the College will help the graduate repay their student loans until they reach that earning threshold.
Newberry College appears once again on the Best Colleges for Veterans in the South list, earning the #8 spot in the rankings this year, up from #28 in the 2016 rankings.
“Newberry’s focus on individualized learning and personalized attention to students makes it an attractive option for veterans and their families,” said Newberry College Military Services Coordinator Susan Epting.
Newberry College Board of Trustees Chairman Hugo A. “Hap” Pearce credited the College’s impressive rise in the rankings to top caliber faculty who are committed to helping students succeed in the classroom and after graduation.
“These U.S. News & World Report rankings highlight what we have known for many years,” Pearce said. “That students don’t have to make a choice between high quality and affordability. We offer them both at Newberry College.”
Wolves Back To Winning Ways Against Virginia Union
Posted: September 11,
8:32 AM
The Wolves shook off the disappointment of last week’s loss to Florida Tech with a resounding 42-22 victory over visiting Virginia Union on Saturday afternoon at Setzler Field, wearing down the Panthers’ defense with a series of methodical drives and a punishing defensive performance.
Four of Newberry’s (1-1) six touchdown drives took 11 plays or more, including an 11-play, 98-yard drive that gave the Wolves a two-touchdown advantage early in the second quarter. The Wolves’ offense won the time of possession battle by nearly 19 minutes and ran 35 more plays than the Panthers (0-2), whose defense was no match for Newberry’s methodical attack in the second half. See more HERE.
Newberry College Hits Record High Enrollment For Freshman Class
Posted: September 9,
7:17 PM
Newberry College enrolled a record high 381 new students, easing past its previous high water mark of 379 set in 2014. The incoming class increased by 10 percent compared to the 347 students who constituted the incoming class for 2015.
Enrollment for the incoming class included 287 freshmen, 80 transfers and 14 readmits. Overall, the College enrollment reached 1,070 students for the fall 2016 semester, a slight increase over last year.
CLASS STATS
- 76 percent of the incoming class hail from South Carolina; 75 percent of the overall student population are South Carolina residents.
- Out-of-state enrollment draws primarily from the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regions, which is comparable to the geographic distribution of the overall student body: South Carolina (808), Georgia (33), North Carolina (30), Virginia (30) and Florida (20).
- International enrollment accounts for 2 percent of the incoming class. International students make up 4 percent of the overall student population drawn from 15 countries, including Canada, France, Bolivia, Australia, India and Mexico.
- 52 percent of the incoming class (199 students) are recruited student-athletes who play on one the College’s 17 Division II teams as well as cheerleading and dance.
- 48 percent of the incoming class (182 students) are non-student-athletes, an all-time high for new student recruitment at Newberry College.
- Top 5 majors by overall enrollment are Business Administration/Accounting, Sport Management/Physical Education, Nursing, Biology and Teacher Education.
Dean of Enrollment Management Joel Vander Horst said the College’s strategy of streamlining the admission process and engaging students and their families earlier in the recruitment process has led to double-digit increases at nearly every stage of the recruitment process.
“We focused a great deal of effort over the past year on eliminating possible friction points in the enrollment process to make a more student-centered experience,” Vander Horst said. “We revised or eliminated outdated policies, retooled our campus visit programming and focused on cultivating a spirit of hospitality.”
Director of Financial Aid Danielle Bell noted the Newberry College Loan Repayment Promise has attracted significant interest from families. A new program offered to the 2016 incoming class, it guarantees students if they earn less than $36,000 after graduating from Newberry College, the College will help repay their loans on a sliding scale based on their earnings.
“For families who use student loans to pay the portion of tuition not covered by institutional scholarships and other forms of aid, the Loan Repayment Promise offers them the peace of mind of having a financial safety net after graduation.”
Bell also noted that her team has placed greater emphasis on providing personalized support for students and their families to ensure they navigate the complexities of the financial aid process.
“Families can feel overwhelmed by the complexities of financial aid, so we’ve worked to make it as stress-free as possible,” Bell said. “We typically work one-on-one with families to guide them through the steps and put together the best possible financial aid package. We offer very personalized support; it’s definitely not a cookie cutter approach.”
Vander Horst noted that the largest enrollment gains this year have come from majors in which Newberry College has long enjoyed a dominant position.
“We’ve seen continued growth in areas of historic strength for us” Vander Horst said. “Based on an analysis of inquiries from prospective students and declared majors for enrolled students, we expanded our Nursing cohort by 33 percent and added the Criminal Justice major.”
Newberry College President Dr. Maurice Scherrens noted that recruiting new students is one side of the enrollment management coin; the other is retention of current students.
“Improvements in both recruitment and retention are two pillars of our campus strategic plan and we will be unveiling recommendations to improve retention later this semester,” Scherrens said. “A key focus of our efforts is to continue creating a positive student experience that supports persistence to graduation.”
Subject Attempting Car Break-Ins Caught On Thursday Morning
Posted: September 8,
5:45 PM
As we reported earlier on WKDK, the subject involved in the foot chase after attempting to break into cars at Newberry College was taken into custody at around 8:30 am Thursday morning. The subject was caught just off Kendall Road near Louis Rich Road. The suspect was chased by law enforcement officers around the campus, and was caught by police working perimeter.
Castle's Catch Featured On ESPN SportsCenter's Top Ten
Posted: September 5,
7:23 PM
Markell Castle’s leaping, twisted, one-handed catch on a high pass from Raleigh Yeldell was featured on ESPN as the No. 2 play on SportsCenter’s Top Ten Sunday evening.
The play came as part of a four-play, 73-yard scoring drive that took just 36 seconds off the clock, allowing the Wolves to knot up the score at 21 before heading into the locker room. Yeldell had completed passes to Romelo Doctor of 17 and 23 yards on the previous two plays before finding Castle open down the seam out of a four wide receiver set.
Yeldell’s ball floated over the defensive back and appeared to be just too high for Castle to reel in. But the sophomore used every bit of his 5-8, 185-pound frame to soar high above the turf, reaching into the air with his right hand while twisting to his left, securing the ball with one hand while nearly parallel to the turf.
The Wolves tied the score at 21 with an eight-yard touchdown to Cole Watson one play later and a two-point conversion pass to Knox Butcher.
Castle would go on to haul in 10 passes for 181 yards, good for sixth-most in school history, and a 72-yard touchdown strike. Yeldell’s 447 yards through the air landed at No. 3 in the record books and were the third-most of any Division II quarterback on the season’s opening weekend. Yeldell also moved into 10th in school history in career passing yardage.
Swindler To Lead SC Criminal Justice Academy
Posted:
September 3,
12:23 PM
Chief Jackie Swindler whoretired after 38 years with the Newberry Police Department to join the Department of Social Services in 2014 as its law enforcement liaison, has been named to lead the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy.
An honor graduate of Newberry College, Jackie Swindler earned a master’s in criminal justice from the University of South Carolina, and he graduated from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) National Academy, the youngest graduate in its history at the time.
He entered law enforcement as a cadet in 1975 and rose to the rank of chief of police in 1993.
As a leader in the state’s law enforcement community, Chief Swindler served as the president of the South Carolina Police Chiefs Association and of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers Association.
He has served as a member of the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force Executive Committee, the State Homeland Security Senior Advisory Council, and the Attorney General’s Human Trafficking Task Force.
A regular instructor at the United States Attorney’s Office, Chief Swindler has been lead instructor at the Carolina Institute for Community Policing.
DSS hired him to better coordinate with police organizations and coroners.
Two Men Arrested On Drug Charges: Crack, Marijuana and Pills
Posted: September 3,
6:31 AM
Newberry County Sheriff Lee Foster says that two men have been arrested when officers conducting a safety check point found crack cocaine, marijuana, and a controlled substance.
Sheriff Foster said that officers from the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office and South Carolina Highway Patrol were conducting a safety check point on Highway 219 near Hillbrook Lane on August 28 at about 1:00am when a vehicle with two people in it approached the check point. The officers immediately noticed a strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle.
When the deputies attempted to get the suspects from the vehicle, the passenger attempted to flee on foot but was captured after a short distance. Once he was apprehended, the deputies found approximately 2 grams of crack cocaine, a small quantity of marijuana, and $340 in money in the same pocket of his pants. When the deputies ran the suspect’s criminal history, they learned that he had previously been convicted of Distribution of Cocaine so this would be a second drug offense.
“We believe that a proactive approach to law enforcement is critical in today’s society,” said Sheriff Foster. “While we depend heavily upon our relationship with the public to get information about drugs in our communities, it is also important that we get out into the public and work with other agencies to have these public safety check points and other proactive measures. We believe that learning the community, interacting with the citizens, and a good visible patrol and outreach are powerful tools in saving lives and preventing crime.”
Deputies then searched the driver and the vehicle and found two pills of Hydrocodone, a controlled substance, and a crack pipe that belonged to the driver.
Both men were arrested and taken to the Newberry County Detention Center.
Those arrested were identified as:
Rishawn Terrell Harmon, 26, of 2545 Rosalyn Drive, Newberry. He was charged with Possession with Intent To Distribute Crack Cocaine 2nd Offense, Possession of Marijuana, and Resisting Arrest. Harmon has a prior drug conviction for Distribution of Cocaine.
Willie Earl Nance, 60, of 17 JB Fulmer Court, Newberry, was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
Newberry County Schools To Dismiss Early On Friday
Posted: September 1,
5:32 PM
Newberry County Schools will be dismissing early on Friday because of potential inclement weather conditions from Hurricane Hermine. Elementary Schools will dismiss at 12:30 pm on Friday, and Middle and High Schools will dimsiss at 1:00 pm. All afterschool activities and athletic events will be cancelled on Friday afternoon and evening.
