Gaffney Ledger

Council hears company's plan for recycling center, landfill

By LARRY HILLIARD Ledger Staff Writer larry@gaffneyledger.com — 12/03/2008

When Waste Management officials laid out plans for their 3Cycle Environmental Management Center to Cherokee County Council Tuesday, they spelled out what they already told various other local organizations: They plan to be a good neighbor, pump millions of dollars into the local economy and build a facility on a 1,

Presentation does little to sway minds

By TIM GULLA Ledger Staff Writer tim@gaffneyledger.com — 12/03/2008

Waste Management Inc. officials set out Tuesday night to impress Cherokee County Council with their plans for a state of the art recycling center and landfill in McKowns Mountain.

CHRISTMAS IS FOR KIDS

12/03/2008

Here is the list of donors to Christmas Is For Kids, sponsored by this newspaper. Mail contributions to: Christmas Is For Kids The Gaffney Ledger PO Box 670 Gaffney, SC 29342 or bring them by The Gaffney Ledger, 1604 W. Floyd Baker Blvd.

Sheriff says officers had no choice

By TIM GULLA Ledger Staff Writer tim@gaffneyledger.com — 12/03/2008

While details of the early Saturday morning tragedy on Pleasant School Road are still being sorted out, Cherokee County Sheriff Bill Blanton was sure about several things. There was no question in his mind that the officers involved, faced with a extremely challenging and deadly situation, acted appropriately.

Victim fondly remembered

By TIM GULLA Ledger Staff Writer tim@gaffneyledger.com — 12/03/2008

Days after the tragedy on Pleasant School Road, questions remain but none bigger than the often most difficult to answer. Why? "We ask ourselves (that question), and we may never know," said Larry White, a major in the Salvation Army who officiated a celebration of life service for a man who many said should be remembered for the way he lived and not the way he died.

22 DAYS 'TIL CHRISTMAS

12/03/2008

Revenue from county's local option sales tax will vary from year to year

By LARRY HILLIARD Ledger Staff Writer larry@gaffneyledger.com — 12/03/2008

The local option sales tax is akin to a bad relationship, filled with misunderstanding and unmet expectations. In an appearance at Monday's meeting, Appalachian Council of Governments official Joe Newton told Cherokee County Council members confusion exists over the local sales tax because of the differing usages of the tax.

Board of Public Works drops permit requirement

By LARRY HILLIARD Ledger Staff Writer larry@gaffneyledger.com — 12/03/2008

People need not carry that Board of Public Works permit along with that fishing pole to Lake Whelchel anymore. The commissioners on Tuesday approved a recommendation to no longer require people to obtain a utility permit to fish at the BPW-owned lake.

Free tests offered by DHEC on World AIDS Day

By JOE L. HUGHES II Ledger Staff Writer joe@gaffneyledger.com — 12/03/2008

Each year, thousands of high school students take a number of tests that could play a part in whether they will go to college. However, many will refuse to take another test that could potentially determine how they could spend the rest of their life.

She loves her labor

By JOE L. HUGHES II Ledger Staff Writer joe@gaffneyledger.com — 12/03/2008

Work isn't supposed to be fun... or is it? Leave it to Marjorie Hawthorne and you may get an answer different from the general consensus. Working in the construction business for more than 27 years installing ceramic tile, she had become quite comfortable with the life she was living, figuring that one day she would retire from the profession.

Son of Gaffney woman graduates from basic training

12/03/2008

Air Force Airman Michael A. Price has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.

Troopers mingle with shoppers on Black Friday

By TIM GULLA Ledger Staff Writer tim@gaffneyledger.com — 12/03/2008

Two members of the South Carolina Highway Patrol got off the highway on Black Friday and spent time among the throngs of shoppers at Prime Outlets — Gaffney. Lance Cpl. Jeff Gaskin from Troop 4 and Lance Cpl. Kathy Hiles from Troop 3 weren't there to take advantage of the good deals, however.

29th Bill Drake Christmas Music Festival will be Dec. 7

12/03/2008

SPARTANBURG - The 29th annual Bill Drake Christmas Music Festival, upstate South Carolina's most unique and longest-running Christmas Music Festival, returns to the stage of the Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium for one performance only on Sunday Dec. 7, at 2 p.m. The doors to the auditorium open at 1 p.m.

WHAT'S UP

12/03/2008

Meetings Tuesday Woman's Club will meet Dec. 10 at 6 p.m. in the Crescent Room at The Piedmont Club. Members are reminded to bring bread for Meals on Wheels and a Christmas ornament. Church news The Helping Hands Ministry of Limestone Missionary Baptist Church is giving away free clothing for men, women and children to anyone who needs it.

BIRTHS

12/03/2008

Trevor Aiden Smith David, Jennifer and Turner Smith of Gaffney announce the birth of their son and brother, Trevor Aiden, on Sept. 2, 2008, in Spartanburg Regional Medical Center weighing 8 lbs. 5 oz. Maternal grandparents are Tommie and Brenda Turner and paternal grandparents are Ronnie and Kathy Smith, all of Gaffney.

Effective, low-cost ways to get rid of a stuffy problem - sinusitis

12/03/2008

ROCHESTER, Minn. — Home remedies often can reduce problematic sinus symptoms, according to the October issue of Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource. Symptoms, including nasal congestion, facial pain, headache and fatigue, are common. Annually, doctors report about 32 million cases of chronic sinusitis — when patients' symptoms last 12 consecutive weeks.

New fee schedule

12/03/2008

The following fee schedule is effective immediately: Weddings (photo and write-up) - $25 Engagements (photo and write-up) - $10 Anniversaries (photo and write-up) - $10; (25- and 50-year anniversaries no charge)

Brighten your holiday at Lights Before Christmas

12/03/2008

COLUMBIA - Riverbanks Zoo and Garden opened its gates on Saturday, Nov. 22, for the 21st annual Lights Before Christmas. Trees adorned with nearly one million twinkling lights and more than 350 handcrafted images set the scene for what has become a holiday tradition for many Midlands families.

Christmas on

12/03/2008

T he City of Gaffney will host its eighth annual Christmas on Limestone Friday, Dec. 5, from 6-9 p.m. The star of the evening - Santa - will be at the Gaffney Fire Department to greet children and hear their Christmas wishes.

ANNIE'S MAILBOX

Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar — 12/03/2008

Dear Annie: The holidays are fast approaching and I need your advice. Six years ago, our youngest son was living out of state. He met a young woman, married her, and they now have two children. We met her briefly before the wedding, and she has been to our home twice for a short Christmas holiday.

Gaffney Little Theatre hosts 'Just Desserts' Friday evening

12/03/2008

The Gaffney Little Theatre will host visitors to Friday evening's Christmas on Limestone from 6:30-8:30 in the Brown Building. The event is a sumptuous presentation of "Just Desserts," an array of homebaked cakes, pies, candies, cupcakes, cheesecakes and special surprises served by the slice or whole for Christmas entertaining.

Kids! Have breakfast with Santa on Dec. 6

12/03/2008

The Cherokee County Junior Woman's Club, in partnership with several community sponsors, will sponsor its inaugural Breakfast with Santa fundraiser benefit Saturday, Dec. 6, from 8:30-10:30 a.m. at the Southside Baptist Church family life center.

Gaffney Garden Club's Holiday House and Church Tour is set for Dec. 13-14

12/03/2008

Holiday and seasonal decorations were the focal point of the Gaffney Garden Club's November meeting. Hostesses were Beth Martin and Paula Marett. Matthew McDonald, owner and designer of the Bookshelf Florist and Gifts, presented a program of seasonal and Christmas arrangements.

Strickland: We're in the right offense

By LARRY HILLIARD Ledger Sports Editor larry@gaffneyledger.com — 12/03/2008

The question swirled around the Gaffney High football team this season: "Was the move to the nohuddle offense the right one? Gaffney coach Phil Strickland gave the answer this week. "It took us a while to get clicking and understand the new offense, but I think we're in the right offense.

BRIEFS

12/03/2008

Wildcats open season with big win Nick Hames scored 20 points and Treyvon Parker added 10 to lead the Blacksburg Middle School boys basketball team to a seasonopening 52-12 victory over Landrum on Monday. Alex Ross was voted the team's defensive player of the game with six steals.

Chesnee blasts Wildcats

By SCOTT POWELL Ledger Sports Writer spowell@gaffneyledger.com — 12/03/2008

Blacksburg players were apparently satisfied with keeping the game close in their season opener against Chesnee. Unfortunately, Chesnee players had a much different idea in a 76-50 victory over Blacksburg. Chesnee turned up the defensive pressure in the third quarter.

Sanders pours in 25 in Lady Wildcats' loss

By SCOTT POWELL Ledger Sports Writer spowell@gaffneyledger.com — 12/03/2008

The young Blacksburg Lady Wildcats gave Chesnee all it could handle before running out of gas in the second half in a season opening 63-43 loss on Tuesday. Ninth grader Malory Sanders scored 22 of her 25 points in the first half. She hit five 3-pointers as Blacksburg trailed 32-30 at halftime.

Photo

12/03/2008

WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS - Last month, the Blacksburg Middle School football team capped off a perfect season with a 26-8 victory over Mabry in the conference championship game. The team is coached by Toby Elliott.

Giants suspend Super Bowl hero

STAFF REPORTS — 12/03/2008

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. - The fallout from Plaxico Burress' self-inflicted gunshot wound may still cause problems for New York Giants middle linebacker Antonio Pierce and affect the team's bid for a second straight Super Bowl title.

Photo

12/03/2008

SOCCER CHAMPS - The Fighting Irish captured the Cherokee County soccer league championship for ages 4 and 5. The team finished the season undefeated. Team members include (First row) Jess Humphries, Daniel Beheler, Cooper Trnavsky and Ethan Pall. (Back row) Andrew Moore, Joseph Bender, Ethan Wood and Coach Joe Bender.

Anderson pulls away in final 13 minutes to top Limestone

STAFF REPORTS — 12/03/2008

Anderson University outscored Limestone 31-17 in the final 13 minutes to pull away for a 79-62 victory in a Conference Carolinas game Tuesday night at the Abney Center. The first half was up and down and featured three ties and 10 lead changes before Anderson took the lead for good with a 6-0 run midway through the half.

Abed leads Anderson to win over Lady Saints

STAFF REPORTS — 12/03/2008

Ashley Abed came off the bench to score 17 points and three other Anderson University players reached double figures as the Lady Trojans beat Limestone 66- 57 in a Conference Carolinas game Tuesday night at the Abney Center. Anderson, 1-3 overall and 1-1 in the conference, led from start to finish.

Lunnie Inez Hopper

12/03/2008

MT. HOLLY, N.C. - Lunnie Inez Hopper, 80, of 125 Ben Harkey Lane, passed away Sunday, Nov. 30, 2008, at her home. Born in Cherokee County, Mrs. Hopper was the widow of J.R. Hopper and daughter of the late Robert E. Lee Patterson and the late Cleo Madora Scates Patterson. Mrs. Hopper was a member of Springwood Church of God and a homemaker.

James T. Guyton

12/03/2008

SPAR- TANBURG - James Thomas Guyton, 64, of 134 Norris Court, died Friday, Nov. 28, 2008, at his home. Husband of Brigitte Rainey Guy-ton, he was born in Cherokee County, a son of Rosa Lee Smith Guyton of Gaffney and the late J.T.

Cindy Bernice Byers

12/03/2008

A memorial service for Cindy Bernice Byers, 38, of 81 Withrow Road, Forest City, N.C., wife of Warren Byers, will be held Friday, Dec. 5, at 2 p.m. at Foster Funeral Home with the Rev. C. A. Wallace officiating. The family can be contacted at the home of her daughter, Nakosha Smith, 132 Granite Drive, Gaffney.

Marjorie P. Wilkins

12/03/2008

SPARTANBURG - Marjorie L. Phillips Wilkins, 78, of 2592 Cowpens-Pacolet Road, went home to be with her Lord on Sunday, Nov. 30, 2008, at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center. Born Nov. 29, 1930, in Cherokee County, she was the daughter of the late John Wilfred and Myrtle Upton Phillips. She was retired from Spartan Mills-John H.

J. Wayland Cantrell

12/03/2008

Wayland Cantrell, 79, of 1312 Cliffside Hwy, Gaffney, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, Dec. 1, 2008. Born May 26, 1929, in Spartanburg, he was the widower of Joyce Baker Cantrell and son of the late Francis Marion and Myrtle Bishop Cantrell. He was a member of Stateline Baptist Church.

Leroy Littlejohn Sr.

12/03/2008

Services for Leroy Littlejohn Sr., 67, of Oakmont of Union, formerly of Gaffney, will be held Thursday, Dec. 4, at 2 p.m. at Mount Tabor Baptist Church with the Rev. Darrell Smith and Drs. C. A. Wallace, Michael A. Bridges, J. W. Sanders Sr. and Minister Vincent Wilkins officiating. Interment will be in the church cemetery. Body will be placed in the church at 1 p.m.

LEDGER COLUMNIST

CODY SOSSAMON PUBLISHER — 12/03/2008

They finally did it. They got me and got me good. For years I've written columns detailing the antics of my wife and friends. It was all in good fun, of course, but occasionally the subjects of these columns didn't quite see the humor.

LEDGER READERS ON THE ROAD

12/03/2008

Lambda Rho Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. took the Gaffney Ledger along when they met for their national convention in Washington, D.C. in July. From left to right, Charlotte Holloway, Rachel Edwards, Courtney Briscoe, Cheryll Smith (president of local chapter), Bobbie Jefferies, Willa Curry-Jackson, Cathy Curry- Bloise and Bertha T. Harris

Obama's Myths: Young Voters and Small Donors

BY DICK MORRIS AND EILEEN MCGANN — 12/03/2008

Myths in politics take on a life of their own, and the Obama campaign has been quick to cloak its incredible electoral success with a new coat of mythology. Two fantasies, in particular, pervade the amazing triumph of the Obama candidacy: that young people propelled him to victory by finally voting in large numbers and that small donors financed his campaign.

Legalize marijuana

12/03/2008

Dear Gaffney Ledger: Sen. William Mescher (R-Berkley Co.) has introduced S.220, a compassionate bill that will allow patients with cancer, multiple sclerosis, severe pain, and other serious illnesses to use marijuana with their doctors' approval.