Gaffney Ledger

GOD BLESS THE U.S.A.

By JOE L. HUGHES II Ledger Staff Writer joe@gaffneyledger.com — 05/09/2008

Watching their grandson go off to war close to two years ago is a vision that Chesnee residents Monroe and Rita Twitty will never forget. A moment filled with tears and well wishes, the two of them said goodbye, not knowing what to expect in the coming months.

Teacher files second lawsuit after judge tosses out first one

By TIM GULLA Ledger Staff Writer tim@gaffneyledger.com — 05/09/2008

A former school teacher has filed a new lawsuit against the Cherokee County School District just three days after her first lawsuit against the district's superintendent was dismissed by a judge. Sharon Brown had sued Superintendent Dr. Bill James last year alleging her rights were violated in several ways when her contract was not renewed for the 2007-2008 school year.

1st Sgt. Mueller new SCHP commander

By TIM GULLA Ledger Staff Writer tim@gaffneyledger.com — 05/09/2008

The local South Carolina Highway Patrol post serving Cherokee and Union counties has a new commander with a familiar face at the helm. Steve Mueller, who has spent his entire 18-year career with the Highway Patrol serving local residents, has been promoted to First Sergeant of Troop 4's Post A.

Inmates removed while state DOC conducts investigation

By TIM GULLA Ledger Staff Writer tim@gaffneyledger.com — 05/09/2008

Officials from the state Department of Corrections (DOC) visited the Cherokee County Detention Center on Wednesday to remove three state inmates who had been providing labor for the county jail.

THIS WEEKEND

05/09/2008

CLOWN AROUND Carson & Barnes Circus is in town today for two shows at 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at Orchard Park. The three-ring spectacle sets beneath one of the largest big top tents in the circus industry. The circus will benefit the Gaffney Rotary Club's scholarship program.

Filing for school board election opens May 30

By SCOTT POWELL Ledger Staff Writer spowell@gaffneyledger.com — 05/09/2008

Cherokee County School Board candidates can file to run for office during the final week of the school year.

Patton brothers purchase carpet cleaning business

By JOE L. HUGHES II Ledger Staff Writer joe@gaffneyledger.com — 05/09/2008

In most cases when a business changes hands, clients and customers are forced to make a choice between staying loyal to the company or taking their money elsewhere. That choice wasn't needed for longtime customers of Gaffney Carpet & Upholstery Co., as many of them decided to stick with the business despite it being sold last November.

Second suspect in string of burglaries arrested in Spartanburg

05/09/2008

A second suspect wanted by the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office in connection with a string of burglaries was arrested by Spartanburg authorities. Jamie Jerome Hall, 30, of Howard Street, Spartanburg, was booked into the Spartanburg County Detention Center on 11 charges late Tuesday afternoon, including seven counts of burglary and two counts of grand larceny.

$43,000 collected at Relay's 'Bank Day'

05/09/2008

More than $43,000 in donations for the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life poured into Palmetto Bank on Thursday morning as the Relay for Life committee celebrated its annual "Bank Day.

Hughey inducted

05/09/2008

Sarah M. Hughey, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Daryl Hughey of Gaffney, has been inducted into Furman University's chapter of Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society. Phi Eta Sigma was founded in 1923 to encourage and reward high scholastic attainment among freshmen or other first-year students in institutions of higher learning.

Gaffney High JROTC honored for distinguished service

By SCOTT POWELL Ledger Staff Writer spowell@gaffneyledger.com — 05/09/2008

The Gaffney High Air Force JROTC received the Distinguished Unit Award in May for the sixth straight year. This award recognizes Air Force Junior ROTC units that have distinguished themselves with outstanding service to their school and community. Only 200 of the country's 870 JRTOC units receive the honor.

Blacksburg Police Department investigating seven 'gas drive-offs'

05/09/2008

The Blacksburg Police Department is investigating seven recent gas drive-offs, with two vehicles apparently responsible for four of the incidents. All of the incidents occurred at the Flying J on North Mountain Street, according to police reports.

Grassy Pond, Blacksburg to get new carpet

By SCOTT POWELL Ledger Staff Writer spowell@gaffneyledger.com — 05/09/2008

The Cherokee County School District will spend $125,000 to replace carpeting at Blacksburg and Grassy Pond elementaries this summer. School trustees requested the district investigate the condition of carpet and tile last fall at Ewing Middle, Blacksburg and Grassy Pond elementaries.

Photo

05/09/2008

CLASS PROJECT Cherokee Technology Center masonry students repaired the Laurelwood Subdivision sign in the Corinth area Friday afternoon for a class project. Pictured are Justin Davis, Jeremy McDaniel, Barry Clayton, Ross Stuart, Shanard Smith, Jeremy Putnam and Brandon Ellis.

Photo

05/09/2008

TOP SELLERS - Corinth Elementary School students got their just desserts Tuesday with a lunch at Pizza Inn for being the top sellers in a PTO chocolate fundraiser. Pictured are Regan Johnson, Logan Couch, Kaeleigh Curtis, Alyssa Cantrell, Elizabeth Moss, Ali Henderson, Dylan Painter, and guidance counselor Rhonda Blair.

Northside honors Dr. McAbee for 46 years of service

05/09/2008

Northside Baptist Church honored its pastor, Dr. Edward McAbee, for 46 years of service with Pastor Appreciation Day on Sunday, April 27. Dr. McAbee became pastor of Northside in April, 1962. Special music for the service was presented by the church choir and guest speaker was the Rev. C.M. Phillips.

ANNIE'S MAILBOX

Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar — 05/09/2008

Dear Annie: I met my present husband, "Tom," a few months after my divorce, and he's everything I ever dreamed of in a husband. Right now, we live 60 miles apart because of our jobs. Tom will retire next year and wants to live where I am, but he'll need to sell his house. The problem is his 21-year-old son, "Chip," who lives with him.

ENGAGEMENTS

05/09/2008

Bradley - Wilson Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Bradley of Blacksburg and Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Wilson of Bessemer City, N.C., announce the engagement of their daughter, Briana Kate Bradley, to Jacob Evan Wilson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Wilson of Bessemer City, N.C.

SOCCER CHAMPS

05/09/2008

The Cherokee County Soccer Club held an end of season tournament for its U12 and U8 divisions on Saturday, May 3, with four teams competing for each championship title. In the top photo are the U12 champions - the Green Hornets. Team members are (front, l-r) Titus West, Grayson Nix, Lilly Cazel, Michael Bourgoin; (middle, l-r) Hunter Warren, Morrison Trnavsky, Russell Howard, Austin Cromer, Butchie Howard; (back, l-r) Assistant Coach Mark Nix, Caitlin Howard, Jacob LeMaster, Lexie Wright and Coach Beth LeMaster. Winners of the U8 tournament were (front, l-r) Mary Morgan, Grant Warren, Alan Hulsey, Seth McRobie, Kaelan Tate; (middle, l-r) Hart Bridges, Gabby Turner, Alma Ortega, Bailey Brannon, Collin Mullinax; Aaron Lucas; (back) Coach Gary Mullinax.

Library concludes 'Team Up to Read'contest

05/09/2008

The Cherokee County Public Library and the Limestone College Athletic Department recently co-sponsored a reading contest, "Team Up to Read." The contest began in March and concluded April 19. A total of 24 teams composed of two members each read for a total of 500 hours. For every hour that the teams read, their names were entered into a prize drawing.

Rev. Mauney speaker Sunday at Ebenezer

05/09/2008

Ebenezer Baptist Church will have its annual Mother's Day program Sunday, May 11, during the 11:15 a.m. worship service. Speaker will be the Rev. Doris Mauney, daughter of the late Perry and Atharline Davidson. Rev. Mauney has two children, Travis Mauney of Charlotte and Chineta Mauney of Spartanburg, and two grandchildren.

Shady Grove Baptist Church plans Mother's Day program

05/09/2008

Shady Grove Baptist Church, 712 Green River Road, will observe its annual Mother's Day program Sunday, May 11, during the 11 a.m. worship service. Speaker will be Sister Cartisha Turner Bonner of the Kingdom Vision Worship Center in Starr, S.C. She is a "Mother of Joy and Faith" and wife of Elder Cornelius Bonner, a former member of Shady Grove Church.

WHAT'S UP

05/09/2008

Meetings The Tuesday Woman's Club will meet May 13 at the home of Mrs. James Moss. Co-hostesses are Mrs. Tim Childers and Mrs. Matt Childers. The Cherokee County Branch of the NAACP will meet Monday, May 12, at 7 p.m. at Westside Full Gospel Church.

Voter registration chairman speaks to BHS seniors

05/09/2008

Barbara Shackleford, chairman of the Cherokee County Voter Registration Board, spoke to seniors at Blacksburg High School on Tuesday, May 6, about registering to vote and voting in the June 10 primary and the Nov. 4 general election.

Capsule reviews of films opening this week

By The Associated Press — 05/09/2008

"The Fall" This whacked-out fairy tale for grown-ups is as stunning in its beauty as it is in its lack of logic. Indian writer-director Tarsem Singh, who just goes by the name Tarsem, knows how to create some sumptuous visuals, as he did with his similarly gorgeous but pretentious 2000 thriller "The Cell" starring Jennifer Lopez and Vincent D'Onofrio.

Melton named to Dean's List

05/09/2008

PROVIDENCE, R.I. - Johnson & Wales University student James Melton of Gaffney, who is pursuing an associate degree in culinary arts from the College of Culinary Arts at the Denver, Colo., campus, has been named to the Dean's List for the 2008 winter term.

Gaffney High track stars have eye on bigger prize

By SCOTT POWELL Ledger Sports Writer spowell@gaffneyledger.com — 05/09/2008

Gaffney High track athlete Denzelle Good hopes to wrap his hands around a couple medals Saturday at Spring Valley High School. Good will attempt to win state championships in the discus and shot put at Harry Parone Stadium in Columbia.

Special teams to receive focus from Moss in spring practice

By SCOTT POWELL Ledger Sports Writer spowell@gaffneyledger.com — 05/09/2008

Special teams will receive extra attention from Blacksburg football coach Mickey Moss when spring practice begins Monday. The kicking game is a top priority along with teaching the new offense and defense Blacksburg will run in its return to Class A competition this fall.

Sarratt helps Clemson on the mound

By SCOTT POWELL Ledger Sports Writer spowell@gaffneyledger.com — 05/09/2008

Justin Sarratt got a rare starting assignment Wednesday evening in Clemson's 11-5 victory over Furman. Sarratt, a standout pitcher at Gaffney High, has been used primarily in middle relief situations. He pitched the first two innings against Furman as the Tigers stuck with a plan to give multiple pitchers time on the mound.

Defending champion Spurs avoid 0-3 hole, top New Orleans 110-99

STAFF REPORTS — 05/09/2008

The San Antonio Spurs' Big Three congregated around the scorer's table during a timeout in the fourth quarter, not long before they put the game away for good. Tim Duncan patted Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili. They all laughed.

Boston goes up 2-0 on Cavs

ASSOCIATED PRESS — 05/09/2008

BOSTON - Paul Pierce and Ray Allen found their shooting touch. LeBron James can only hope he left his in Cleveland.

Saints golfers conclude play at regional

STAFF REPORTS — 05/09/2008

Saint golfers Brad Williams and Craig Parris finished competition at the three-round NCAA Division II Atlantic Regional on Wednesday at the par-72 Point Lake Golf Club. Brad Williams finished tied for 18th while Craig Parris tied for 34th.

Hoops league to hold kickoff on Saturday

STAFF REPORTS — 05/09/2008

The Cherokee County Youth Basketball League will hold its career and crime prevention kickoff program May 10 from 12 p.m. until 2 p.m. at the Granard Middle School auditorium. Guest speakers will be Al Phillips with the Blacksburg Police Department, Meredith Talford with Teenage Pregnancy Prevention, Terry Kilgore with the U.S.

The 'Lady' gets a fresh makeover

By RICK MINTER Cox News Service — 05/09/2008

Darlington Raceway, NASCAR's "Lady in Black," has gotten herself a shiny new coat - of asphalt. The new racing surface, the first for the track since 1995, is part of a $10 million capital improvement project. It is the largest one-time expenditure of its type in the 58-year history of the 1.3-mile egg-shaped oval.

Stayin' put

By RICK MINTER Cox News Service — 05/09/2008

When it comes to driver-contract negotiations, Carl Edwards appears to be a breeze to deal with. He announced last week that he has resigned with Roush Fenway Racing for a multiyear deal that will keep him driving the No. 99 Ford for three seasons.

Rick Minter's OBSERVATIONS

05/09/2008

Richmond not all about being fast Saturday night's Dan Lowry 400 at Richmond International Raceway was the kind of race clichés are made of. After leading 381 of the first 382 laps, homestate hero Denny Hamlin slowed with a flat tire, showing once again that "it ain't over till it's over.

Dustin Taylor Adams

05/09/2008

BOILING SPRINGS - Dustin Taylor Adams, 18, of 108 Wells Drive, died Tuesday, May 6, 2008. Born Sept. 28, 1989, in Spartanburg, he was the son of Boyce Eugene and Gail Spencer Adams. A 2007 graduate of Boiling Springs High School, he attended Spartanburg Methodist College and was employed by United Parcel Service.

Robert (Bob) Duke

Employed by Bob Burnett Appliances — 05/09/2008

Robert Homer Duke, 66, of 3163 Old Georgia Hwy., went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, May 6, 2008, at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center. Born in Columbia, he was the husband of Wanda Kay Pennington Duke and son of the late Robert H. Duke and Nelle Willis Duke. Mr. Duke graduated from the University of South Carolina and was employed by Bob Burnett Appliances.

Judy Gail Thompson

05/09/2008

GREENVILLE - Judy Gail Scruggs Thompson, 59, of 1403 Bramlett Road, passed away on Tuesday, May 6, 2008, at Greenville Memorial Hospital. Born in Gaffney, she was the widow of Charles Warren Thompson and daughter of the late John Scruggs and Dorothy Collins Scruggs. She was a homemaker and was of the Baptist faith.

Shirley M. Medley

05/09/2008

BLACKSBURG - Shirley Martin Medley, 65, of 1029 Possum Trot Road, passed away Wednesday, May 7, 2008, at Upstate Carolina Medical Center. Mrs. Medley was the wife of Larry Medley and daughter of the late Sela and Helen Taylor Martin. She was a retired textile worker.

Josephine S. Littlejohn

05/09/2008

Josephine Sarratt Littlejohn, 58, of 110 Michigan Ave., died Tu e s d a y night, May 6, 2008, in her home. Widow of Paul Vernon Littlejohn, she was born in Gaffney, a daughter of the late Darvin and Annie Dawkins Sarratt.

Mom deserves a lot more than just one day

05/09/2008

You have to love it when kids reach the age they think they're beyond parental wisdom, or discipline. My first experience with that all-too-wrong realization came probably close to 30 years ago, when - after getting in trouble for something I can't quite remember - I just had to give my mother a smart donkey remark.

LEDGER READERS ON THE ROAD

05/09/2008

Here are Patsy and Garry (Butch) Wylie with The Ledger during their trip to Savannah, Ga. In the background is the Georgia Queen Riverboat on the Savannah River. On your next trip out of town take a copy of The Ledger along and send a picture of yourself or your group reading the newspaper to: cody@gaffneyledger.com.

THE MOSS REPORT

05/09/2008

The House approved and sent to the Senate or enrolled for ratification the following bills of interest: The House amended, approved, and sent to the Senate H.4883, the "EDUCATION CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS SALES AND USE TAX ACT.

Price children out of the cigarette market

05/09/2008

A lot has changed since the House voted a year ago to raise South Carolina's cigarette tax from the lowest in the nation to the eighth-lowest. The state budget has gone from surplus to deficit, with most state agencies facing budget cuts.

Cartoon

05/09/2008

The Sunday School Lesson

05/09/2008

NEH. 2:1 And it came to pass in the month Ni'san, in the twentieth year of Ar-tax-erx'es the king, that wine was before him: and I took up the wine, and gave it unto the king. Now I had not been beforetime sad in his presence.

Stories Behind The Hymns

Stories Behind The Hymns By: Warren Shiver — 05/09/2008

TELL MOTHER I'LL BE THERE AUTHOR & COMPOSER: CHARLES FILLMORE (1860-1952) ARRANGED BY: ROBERT HARKNESS (1880-1961) President William McKinley was born to Nancy Allison McKinley. He had five sisters and three brothers, but he always seemed to be his mother's favorite.

Task force targets those who scam elderly

By SEANNA ADCOX Associated Press Writer — 05/09/2008

COLUMBIA _ Advocates for the elderly hope a task force announced Thursday will stop scams that rob the state's seniors of their hardearned savings. The state Office on Aging will direct scam victims who call an 800 number to agencies that can help them.

SC Senate gives key approval to 50 cent cigarette tax hike

By JIM DAVENPORT Associated Press Writer — 05/09/2008

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) _ The South Carolina Senate gave key approval Wednesday to a 50-cent per pack increase to the state's cigarette tax, setting aside much of the new money for health care for low income residents. South Carolina's cigarette tax is currently 7 cents, the lowest in the nation. It was last raised 31 years ago.

House to take up budget amendment

05/09/2008

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) _ The South Carolina House is expected to take up an amendment to the $7 billion state budget the Senate approved last month. House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Dan Cooper has been writing changes during the past couple of weeks.

Charleston paper can publish calls made by senator from jail cell

05/09/2008

GREENWOOD, S.C. (AP) _ A judge has ruled a Charleston newspaper can publish recordings of phone calls state Senator Randy Scott made from his jail cell after he was arrested on a driving under the influence charge.

Big wedding in Texas this weekend

05/09/2008

CRAWFORD, Texas (AP) _ President Bush stuck out his right elbow Thursday, jokingly demonstrating how he'll escort his daughter down the aisle at her wedding this weekend.

Minnesota couple claims $180 million Powerball jackpot

05/09/2008

ROSEVILLE, Minn. (AP) _ Paul and Sue Rosenau say they already have everything they need, so their lives won't change that much after winning a $180.1 million Powerball jackpot. "We realize that money is probably not as important as friendship and helping others.