News&Press · You’re not up there for this; stop doing that. You ought to let each other speak before you interrupt. The city of Darlington is in Darlington County; go to the Darlington

by Samantha LylesStaff Writer

[email protected]

Those seeking to rent adwelling in the city ofDarlington often run upagainst the same problem:Houses for rent are few andfar between, and most rentalapartments are governmentsubsidized for low to moder-ate income families.

However, this won't be thecase once CreeksideApartments begins leasing its36 market rate units earlynext year.

Located at the foot ofCashua Street near the SwiftCreek Bridge, the complexhas been completely guttedand remodeled. Apex Bank ofKnoxville, Tenn., acquiredthe apartments as part of aloan portfolio a few years agoand eventually decided toinvest in renovation.

“At the time the CashuaStreet apartments wereobtained, they were in con-demnation, so we sat on themfor a while trying to figureout what we wanted to dowith them, and then we start-ed a renovation project in2015,” says Roger Denny,commercial ORE portfoliomanager with Apex.

“Due to the distance, wekind of failed at getting itdone. Finally, after a substan-tial amount of time and somecontractor problems, we aresupposed to get our certifi-cate of occupancy by the 15thof this month.”

Unfortunately, heavy raindelayed completion of exteri-or painting and landscapingwork, pushing the start dateto the first week of 2019.Denny notes that while newpaint and plantings willenhance the property'sappearance, there were moresubstantial worries. He citesthe complex's history ofsewage leaks as one majorrepair project.

In summer of 2011 andearly 2012, the complex –then called DarlingtonCommons -- experiencedsewage leaks and DarlingtonCity Codes Enforcementissued orders to repair theproblem or the complexwould be shut down for

unsanitary conditions. InOctober 2013 during asmoke detector and firealarm inspection, DarlingtonFire Department crews dis-covered raw sewage chan-neled into an open cementcistern in an unoccupiedground floor apartment.Codes officers quarantined18 apartments and called inSC DHEC to test the sewage.Fecal matter and E. coli bac-teria were found present inthe runoff, and the apart-ment complex was con-demned and closed in July2014.

“We did pretty much afull renovation. There'snothing old in there any-more,” says Denny. “Theroof, the gutters, exteriorpaint and millwork. We'veadded all brand new electri-cal, all new plumbing, newkitchens with stainless steelappliances, nice vinyl floorsin each unit.”

The buildings now havenew security lighting, firealarms and sprinkler sys-tems, and ground floorapartments facing CashuaStreet offer front and backdoors. Denny says that whenthe exterior work is finished,the Creekside Apartmentsshould resemble its original,elegant appearance from the1950s.

“Originally, it's my under-standing that this was amore gentrified area ofDarlington, and the apart-ments were for profession-als. Then in the late ’70s, itstarted to decline a little bitand gradually reached thestate it was in when webought it,” Denny says.

While DarlingtonCommons primarily offeredg o v e r n m e n t - s u b s i d i z e dSection 8 housing, theCreekside Apartments willbe market rate only, andaims to offer apartment liv-ing for retirees, young pro-fessionals and small fami-lies.

Property manager CalvinKing says that the first 18units, located in the buildingfacing Cashua Street, shouldbe ready for lease at thebeginning of January. Theadditional 18 units should be

finished and available shortlythereafter. All units are twobedroom, one bath, and willlease for $800 per month.King says that while one year

leases are standard, sixmonth leases will be avail-able.

To inquire about CreeksideApartments, contact King at

Freedom ManagementSolutions, 843-245-3830 orvisit them online atwww.freedomanagementso-lution.com.

News&PressDECEMBER 26, 2018WWW.NEWSANDPRESS .NET

‘All that is necessary for thetriumph of evil is that goodmen do nothing.’

EDMUND BURKE

QUOTE

75¢TWO SECTIONS • 14 PAGES ESTABLISHED 1874

2A OPINION 4A OBITUARIES 7A SPORTS 2B PUZZLES 5B CLASSIFIEDS

Vol. 144, No. 52Darlington, S.C.

FIREFIGHTERS OFTHE YEAR ON 1B

Creekside arrives: The fall and riseof an apartment complex

Creekside Apartments kitchen, bedroom, bath, living room PHOTOS BY SAMANTHA LYLES

Officials identify woman killed by officersBy Bobby Bryant

[email protected]

Details remained scarce afterDarlington County sheriff’s deputiesshot and killed a knife-wielding womanDec. 16.

April E. Webster died in the incidenton Edna Street north of Darlington,officials said last week. The DarlingtonCounty coroner’s office did not releaseWebster’s exact age, but said she was

born in 1971, which would make herabout 47.

Darlington County Sheriff’s Lt.Robby Kilgo said in a news release thatdeputies were called to a home on EdnaStreet to check a report of a person“actively inflicting bodily harm.”Arriving at the house, deputies faced awoman with a large serrated knife, offi-cials said.

Shots were fired and the womandied later at a local hospital. It’s not

clear how many times she was shot.Relatives told WBTW-TV that

Webster was mentally ill, sufferingfrom bipolar disorder and schizophre-nia, and that she could have been dis-armed without killing her.

Sheriff Tony Chavis asked the StateLaw Enforcement Division to investi-gate the case, which is routine in offi-cer-involved shootings. SLEDspokesman Thom Berry says that twoofficers were involved.

Berry told the News & Press therewas little chance the agency wouldrelease more details while the investi-gation is ongoing. According to SLED,the incident was the 42nd officer-involved shooting in the state this yearand the second involving a DarlingtonCounty sheriff’s deputy. In October,deputies shot and killed a woman whoofficials said was firing a gun on ClydeSchool Road.

2018: The yearin quotes

By Bobby BryantEditor

[email protected]

This is the time of year whenthe news media begin preppingfor “year in review” stories: Theyear in politics. The year insports. The year in business. Theyear in movies.

The News & Press is workingon our annual “year in review”project, which will run at thebeginning of January. But in themeantime, in the spirit of thewhole “year in review” season,we offer … the year in quotes.

“Darlington has a courthouse;that is its reason for existing. Wedon't have a Fortune 500 compa-ny in the midst of our city. Wedon't have a college, we don'thave a Governor's School, wedon't have a Byerly Foundation.We’ve got the Darlington court-house, which is extremely impor-tant to our lives and to our wel-fare. It is our heartbeat … and it'scritically important that it stays.”

-- Former Darlington mayorRonnie Ward, on the court-house’s future

“It would be so nice … if youall would stop acting likeschoolkids on a playground.You’re not up there for this; stopdoing that. You ought to let eachother speak before you interrupt.The city of Darlington is inDarlington County; go to theDarlington County Council meet-ings and watch how they act atcouncil meetings. They let eachother speak. … You can say whatyou want to; you have the floor.You all shouldn’t be interruptingeach other. Stop acting like kids.You are all grown-ups. Act likeit.”

-- Resident Linwood Epps toDarlington City Council

“Every citizen should havethe right to have clean water.Water that don’t mess up yourclothes. In 2018, we shouldn’thave to fight to have water. …From here all the way toBennettsville is bad water. DHECknows it. They say it’s drinkable,but it will mess up your clothes.”

-- Pastor Matthew Robinsonon water problems in the SocietyHill area

“We need one, and if wenever have to use it, I would bethe happiest man on Earth.”

-- Hartsville Police Chief JerryThompson, on whetherHartsville should have anarmored rescue vehicle

“That’s a hero.” -- Darlington Mayor Gloria

Hines on slain police Sgt.Terrence Carraway of Darlington

“I’ve been coming to thesemeetings for a year now. Everyone of these meetings has beenextremely difficult to sit through.. . . I am extremely disturbed bywhat I see when I come to coun-cil meetings. … The City Council,the mayor, are totally disrespect-ed. It is just unheard of. . . . Iknow this is black and white. Idon’t care what anybody says. It’salways been black and white.”

-- Resident Gladys WingateJules, in remarks to City Council

“I promise you all – and I’mnot just putting on my corporatehat here – it’s going to transformthis community.”

-- Ben Breazeale, senior direc-tor of government affairs forCharter Communications, onplans to bring high-speedInternet to Lamar

“There’s still a lot of responsi-bilities that go along with run-ning a water system. It’s not justturning on a faucet or flushing atoilet and we’re good.”

-- Paula Brown, a drinkingwater system inspector withDHEC’s Florence office, onLamar’s wastewater system

Why can’t the school district be a better community partner?

First, I want to commend your paper for the fine sets of arti-cles on your front page Dec. 12. Every article complementedone another and perfectly showcased the crux of the problems(and the depth) in Darlington County. Thank you for yourunwavering support of the public.

A brief recap of the majority of the articles on Page One ofthe paper:

1) Darlington County schools are either barely passing or inone case, an abysmal failure according to the state standards.The one shining light was Lamar, now the only area of excel-lence in the schools despite being perhaps the poorest and mostdisadvantaged area in the county (showing us that it is not thebuildings that show teacher, student and parent character andcommitment to their community).

2) A gallant effort at creating a proposal (to upgrade securi-ty at county schools) for $4.6 million was made. However, inhindsight, it might have been advisable to engage area compa-nies for help from their professional facilities expertise to assistin the plan. That is, if the (school) district does not have a facil-ities director.

And while not looking at the specifics, the cost jumps outversus this poor district with declining enrollments and lack ofoutside business investment. There might be other suitableoptions such as considering hiring armed guards and/or armingteachers (with training). Potentially offer law enforcement offi-cers space to work from so there is a police presence. Surely wecan leverage our current experts and expenditures for thedesired outcome.

3) Related to items discussed at the (school) board meetingin the previous section, the well-deserved bonuses of $250 werementioned. However, why were not part-time employeesincluded? And why only $250? Since the Tax Cuts and Jobs Actof 2017, companies have been able to distribute $1,000 bonusesyearly due to a business-friendly environment. Again, moneycan be found for buildings that do not correlate to student per-formance, so why not take care of all the caring employees inthe district?

4) Why did the courthouse vote fail? Simple. The DarlingtonCounty School District previously caught even some electedofficials unaware and the measure was moving forward beforegood information could get out to the community. Shame on usin the grassroots, yes. But no one was thinking that with declin-ing enrollments and business not coming and/or leaving thecounty, that the school district would not even consider usingsurplus funds or really evaluating if, rather than (building) newschools, they could repair or lease space.

Remember, we have the Lamar results that show us it is notthe buildings that lead to student excellence. It is obvious thatthe Lamar human resources (directors) need to be allowed tolead some of the county efforts. Taxpayers … simply cannot sus-tain two major efforts (new schools and a new courthouse). Themarginal school district (Lamar excepted) took the perhapsmore badly needed courthouse effort off the table.

Darlington County is doomed to repeated failures if theDarlington County School District cannot be a good communitypartner.

In 2019, County Council and the city councils need to do abetter job of standing up and challenging this public institutionusing tax dollars to lobby and create real estate deals againstthe community it is supposed to be serving. The state and theelected officials simply must do more in calling in the board andits administration into doing the public good and getting theright information out to the public (will they ever address thesurplus fund)?

Wishing County Council, municipal officials and fellow resi-dents a peaceful and restful holiday season and to come backunited in 2019!

Diane DeLucia,Hartsville

Video cameras bring sunlight to public meetings

Excellent article on the issue of cameras in Darlington CityCouncil meetings. I commend Anna DeWitt and her desire toknow and share with others the issues discussed in these meet-ings.

The best way to hold our political leaders accountable is bytransparency and an open flow of information to the citizens. Iwould remind (councilwoman Sheila) Baccus that she is theservant of the people, all the people, and not the other wayaround. You work for us, not us for you.

VIDEO ON 3A

By Bill s hepard

We’re off to a new begin-ning! Whatever is behind, letit be. We cannot change oneiota of it. The good deedsdone are recorded and themistakes made cannot beerased. What has been, goodor bad, let it be, it is now timeto move on. There are newpaths to follow and new chal-lenges to be met. We are fortu-nate to have been given a newstart.

Perhaps the poet spoke thesentiments of us all in a beau-tiful way:

He came to my desk with aquivering lip, the lesson wasdone.

“Dear teacher, I want a newleaf,” he said, “I have spoiledthis one.”

Instead of the leaf so stainedand blotted, I gave him a newone all unspotted,

And into his sad eyes smiled,“Do better now, my child.”

Kathleen Wheeler

No doubt, most of us canpicture ourselves as being inthat position. I plead guilty!So, here we are at the dawn-ing of the New Year. We cantake the old calendar from thewall; it can only remind us ofthe times that were but are nomore. The New Year liesbefore us.

It comes with 12 fullmonths, 365 crisp new pageson which we are to write.

None of us has the assurancethat we will turn all the pages,nor how many marks we willmake, but it is given to us, tobegin.

With our hands in those ofthe “Keeper of Time,” we canstep confidently across thethreshold and begin our jour-ney. May I suggest somethings to leave behind, andsome to carry? Glance back-wards just for a moment toremind yourself of the unnec-essary weights you mighthave carried and resolve toleave them behind.

Let go of those prejudicesthat have been collected.Lose the jealousies and envy-ing that have bothered youfor so long. Refuse to give theunkind thoughts about othersa place to hide in your mind.And most of all, truly forgiveall those who you feel havedone you wrong. It might bewise to begin with yourself.Refuse to carry the burden-some load of self-guilt anoth-er day. It does very little toforgive others, then continueto live with self- condemna-tion and guilt. Having doneso, you should be feeling bet-ter already. You can now trav-el lightly into the New Year.

Here are some necessaryitems needed to assure you arewarding journey into thefuture. Resolve to be a littlekinder than you have been.Kindness is a language that isunderstood universally.People may not understand

the words you speak, but yourdeeds of kindness are easilyinterpreted. Even your pet dogor cat understands the differ-ence between kindness andharshness. The elder GeorgeBush once said that he envi-sioned a “kinder and gentler”America. From what we can

see and hear in our daily lives,there is much room forimprovement. That kind ofAmerica can only be, wheneach of us resolve to make itso.

SHEPARD ON 3A

DECEMBER 26, 2018 | PAGE 2A

The Pee Dee’s OldestIndependently

Owned Newspaper

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Th e NeWs ANd Pr es s , d Ar l iNGTo N, s .C.opinion

solstice - 1: either of the two points on the ecliptic at which its dis-tance from the celestial equator is greatest 2: the time of the sun’spassing one such point on the ecliptic which occurs about June 21to begin summer in the northern hemisphere and about December

21 to begin winter in the northern hemisphere

Merriam-Webster.com

Word of the Week

O P - E D

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The News & Press117 S. Main St., Darlington, SC 29532

Phone (843) 393-3811 Fax (843) 393-6811

STAFFGeneral Manager: Morrey Thomas [email protected]

Editor: Bobby Bryant [email protected] Writer: Samantha Lyles [email protected]

Design: Rachel Howell [email protected] Advertising: Bradley Hamilton [email protected] Service: [email protected]

LETTERS TO THE EDITORWe encourage letters to the editor on any subject. Please include

your name, location and phone number for verification. Mail to P.O. Box 513 Darlington SC 29540

or e-mail [email protected] to the Editor do not reflect the opinions of the News

and Press, and content may be edited prior to printing. Letterscontaining overtly malicious comments or personal attacks

on your fellow citizens will not be printed.

SUBSCRIPTIONSIn-state subscriptions: One year $30

Out-of-state subscriptions: One year $40.Sorry, but we cannot give refunds for canceled subscriptions.

PRESS RELEASE AND EVENT SUBMISSIONSAll press releases are welcome and will be considered,

but the News & Press reserves the rightto edit as necessary for space or other requirements.

Please contact us by phone at (843) 393-3811, by fax at(843) 393-6811 or by e-mail at [email protected]

with your Darlington area news.

The Christmas gift that keeps on givingBy Tom Poland

Christmas Day blesses uswith good times with familyand food, and, yes, it’s a dayof giving, but how many gifts,among the many, do youremember?

Not many, I bet. Well,some gifts stand tall in mem-ory. I’d think country boysremember their first shotgun,and little girls remember thatspecial doll, and some got anew car for Christmas. It wasin the driveway with a hugebow on it, delivered duringthe night by the Jolly One.

What’s your special gift?You’d never guess mine in ahundred tries. It was a wood-en desk with a thick greenglass top. It didn’t have apullout shelf for a keyboardbecause the personal com-puter was decades away.

Mom and Dad gave methat Christmas desk in 1961.Solid wood. Simple andbeautiful. It came with asmall gooseneck lamp, with aflexible neck and a forestgreen, metal shade. I had tobe careful adjusting it, or the

metal shade would burn me. Idid English papers at thatdesk and read many a bookthere. That’s when a smallflame began to flicker. Might,I, too, write a book someday?

When antiquing arrived,Mom gave that desk a coppergreen patina, streaked a bitso it seemed old. That paintmust have robbed the desk ofits magic because footballconsumed me for four years.

Then off to college I wentwhere other desks came intomy life.

Many classroom desks ...then the work years cameand I sat at an old militarysurplus desk in a governmentjob. Ugly and made frommetal it was cold to the touchin winter.

During a corporate stint Isat in a cube farm with amodular shelf serving as adesk. It seemed fake.

Other cube farms waiteddown the road but eventuallyI achieved escape velocity.The desk I work at now—I’mat it this very moment—is afine desk. Cherry, with two-tone colors, natural and

black. I’ve written six booksat this desk, which sits east towest. Working, I face thesunny South with the Northto my back. I sit at the junc-tion of Imagination and AllThings Possible.

I have another desk I love,a teacher’s desk made ofbeautiful pine. Wrote my firstfilm script at that desk. At atime that wasn’t the best, Ifound great comfort at thatdesk. I’d lift the top, sit downto write, and forget a sorrydecision I’d made.

Some people associatedesks with work, and some-times a good change in jobstatus. “Well, my desk is wait-ing. Off to the coal mine Igo.” Or, “Did you hear oldRoger got a desk job?”

I don’t see desks that way.I see them as magical depotsthat send me to wonderfulplaces.

That first desk, the one Isaw that cold winter morningby the Christmas tree set meon a path that continues togive me wonderful experi-ences.

I’ve shot down the

Chattooga’s cold whitewater,stood chest deep in blackwa-ter swamps, explored wildislands, flown over Carolinabays, and explored the backroads of the red clay andPalmetto states.

I’ve seen my work pro-duced on stage, in films,books, and many a magazine,and I’ve met wonderful peo-ple, the salt of the earth,artists, musicians, celebrities,and just plain good folk.

That first desk? I have noidea what became of the bestChristmas gift I received.

I hope another soul dis-covered its magic, but I knowthis.

It changed my life and itkeeps giving me great memo-ries.

Without doubt, otheradventures lie ahead in 2019,and if there’s such a thing asa deskologist, an expert whotracks book’s ancestors, thatfirst desk will be declared thegrand patriarch of their clan.It’s where everything began.

A new start in a new year

WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 26 , 2018 | PAGE 3ANEWS AND PRESS | DARLINGTON, S.C.

City of Darlington 2019 Meeting ScheduleCity Council:

City of Darlington 2019 Meeting Schedule

City of Darlington 2019 Meeting Schedule

Board of Zoning Appeals:

Historic Landmarks Commission:

Historic Landmarks Commission:

Planning Commission:

Design Review Board:

Tree Board:

Williamson Park Committee:

Williamson Park Committee:

Joint Board Meeting of All City Boards:

Unless otherwise noted, these meetings take place at City Hall, 400 Pearl Street. For information, call (843) 398-4000 x103 or email [email protected]

Joint Board Meeting of All City Boards:

Unless otherwise noted, these meetings take place at City Hall, 400 Pearl Street. For information, call (843) 398-4000 x103 or email [email protected]

VideoContinued from 2A

There is no acceptable rea-son to bar a camera from anypublic meeting.

If you are a servant of thepeople -- and City Council, allof the council, certainly fitsthat description -- the peoplehave a right to know what youare doing and where you areleading the community, all ofthe community.

It works like this: You askfor our vote, we give you ourvote, we pay the taxes, yourepresent us and carry outyour duties on the behalf ofall, taxpayers and non-taxpay-ers, all of the citizens of thecommunity.

It has been well said con-cerning politicians and theoperation of government,“The best antiseptic is sun-light.” Let us have all the sun-light we can have to keep ourpoliticians clean and our citygovernment accountable.

Rev. Leroy B. Lowery,Darlington

Thanks for thehelp with Angel

Tree Project

The Darlington CountyDisabilities and Special NeedsBoard Foundation would liketo express their appreciationto everyone who participatedin the Angel Tree Project thisyear.

From sponsors, monetarydonors and individuals whopurchased gifts for the AngelTree Project for adults andchildren with disabilities andspecial needs in DarlingtonCounty. With your help wewere able to provide gifts toover 100 individuals this year.

The Angel Tree would notbe possible without our gener-ous community. If you or yourorganization would like toparticipate in this project andcollect items throughout theyear, the items most requestedfor the Angel Tree are every-day items such as blankets,hats, gloves, sweatsuits, paja-mas, socks, undershirts of allsizes, puzzles and educationaltoys for children.

For more information:Candy Wyrick [email protected] or 843-332-7252 Ext. 1110,Darlington County DSNB, 201N. Damascus Church Road,Hartsville, SC 29550.

S.C. newspapers havelaunched a website where peo-ple can search for publicnotices published by newspa-pers across the state.

SCPublicNotices.com is acentral repository of virtuallyall public notice/legal ads thathave run in printed S.C. news-papers. Ads are searchable bykeyword, type of notice, dateand location.

Public notices are a criticalpart of the legal process, noti-fying citizens of actions orpending actions by public bod-ies or the courts.

SCPublicNotices.com receivesuploaded public notices dailyfrom S.C. newspapers regard-ing foreclosures, hearings,advertisements for bids, zon-ing changes, financial reports,ordinances and other govern-ment activities.

Bill Rogers, executive direc-tor of the S.C. PressAssociation, which assists itsmembers in managing the site,said that more than 16,000public notices have alreadybeen posted to the site. Noticeswill remain on the site indefi-nitely.

“There’s no better way tonotify the public of govern-ment and court actions thanthrough the combination ofS.C. newspapers andSCPublicNotices.com,” Rogerssaid.

“Newspapers are the bestvehicle for public noticesbecause of their reach andability to offer publication inan independent entity thatcannot be altered, removed orchanged. The new site is avaluable add-on where ads areuploaded to a single, search-able site that’s updated daily.”

The service is provided byS.C. newspapers at no cost totaxpayers.

Most statewide press asso-ciations offer similar publicnotice sites.

The S.C. Press Associationworked with the Illinois PressAssociation to create thePalmetto State’s site.

The S.C. Press Association,an advocate for open govern-ment, is 166 years old and rep-resents the state's 15 daily and85 weekly newspapers.

S.C. newspapers launch statewide website for public notices

ShepardContinued from 2A

A small child was build-ing sand castles along thebeach when a thoughtlessperson came along andstepped in the middle ofthem, scattering the child’sproject asunder. Thethoughtless person hurriedon, leaving the sobbingchild behind. Another per-son came by and saw thehurting child, crying softly.He stooped and placed hisarms about the child andspoke some kind words,then moved on. Lookingback, he saw the smallchild happily rebuilding hisdream castles.

The world is full of peo-ple like the child in thisstory. We see them everyday. They were makinggood headway in life, butsomething unforeseencame along and shatteredtheir dream castles. Theyare now sitting among theruins of their broken lives.You and I can be that otherperson who comes alongand stops to show a bit ofkindness. Do it! Therewards are great.

Remember the storiesabout Johnny Appleseed? Irecall reading about howthis man traveled through-out the Ohio Valley in thedays before the last centu-ry. Everywhere he went, hescattered apple seeds, sothe stories go. Throughoutthe valley, apple treesgrew, producing the tastyfruit enjoyed by all in thatregion and perhapsbeyond. Because of whathe had done, he was giventhe name, “AppleseedJohn,” and the valleybecame and remains one ofAmerica’s finest apple pro-ducing regions.

We can all profit fromthe example of JohnnyAppleseed. For your travelsinto the journey ahead,place within your travelingbag, seeds of kindness,faith, love, gentleness andan extra amount of forgive-ness. Scatter them every-where you go, and theworld will be a better placebecause of you

Be happy! True happi-ness must come from with-in and is not dependentupon the things about us.Someone has said thatmost of us are as happy aswe want to be. So, goahead, be happy! The jour-ney lies before you; begin itwith faith in the One whohas brought you to it.

Happy New Year!

Story Courtesy of Fort Jackson

Nearly 7,000 Fort Jacksontrainees began departing theinstallation in the wee hours ofDec. 19 as part of VictoryBlock Leave.

VBL, otherwise knownacross the Army as holidayblock leave, takes place everyDecember as Initial EntryTraining shuts down tem-porarily as trainees and cadreare allowed to take leave to bewith their families.

Trainees departed FortJackson heading towards vari-ous transportation nodes totake them home.

There was Pvt. NacereyaMosley, an 88NTransportation ManagementCoordinator who was headedhome to Orlando, Fla., via anovernight train ride. "I'm goingto Disney World," sheexclaimed. "Oh my God, I'm soglad."

She said the training hadtaken a toll on her but she wasglad to have gone through it.

Pvt. Esmeralda Garcia, a92G- Culinary Specialist with

1st Battalion, 13th InfantryRegiment, was heading hometo Minneapolis on a flightfrom Columbia MetropolitanAirport.

"I will surprise my motherbecause she doesn't know I'mcoming," Garcia said.

While some trainees wenthome for the holidays, 225stayed behind.

The trainees remaining onpost for the holidays will stillbe able to have family timeduring Christmas -- just notwith blood relatives.

Adopt-a-Soldier will allowthem to spend the afternooncelebrating with local hostfamilies.

Some soldiers can't gohome during Victory BlockLeave, while others have vari-ous reasons for stayingbehind.

They will instead stay at theholdover battalion, 1stBattalion, 61st InfantryRegiment.

This is an especially chal-lenging time for them to beaway from Family, said

Command Sgt. Maj.Christopher Ausbun, from 1-61.

The Army works to keepthem emotionally strong dur-ing the holidays, since manyare missing their holiday tradi-tions, Ausbun added.

Adopt-a-Soldier is one ini-tiative that helps. TheReligious Support Office haspartnered with 1-61 to make ithappen.

The battalion will pairinterested soldiers with volun-teering host families in theMidlands.

"It gives soldiers anotheroption" to get off the installa-tion during leave time, saidChap. (Lt. Col.) Rodie Lamb ofFort Jackson's deputyGarrison chaplain.

It allows them to interactwith the outside world andenjoy a home cooked holidaymeal.

It's also a way for FortJackson to "build a bridge"with the surrounding commu-nity, Lamb added. It giveslocals a chance to support the

military. The installation has part-

nered with a few area church-es to organize the event. Alldenominations were welcometo assist, Lamb said.

Soldiers in good standingremaining on post during VBLare eligible to partake.

"This is also voluntary,"Lamb explained.

Participating trainees wereto leave Fort Jackson themorning of Dec. 25 for thehomes of Columbia area resi-dents.

They will be surrounded bytheir adopted families for aholiday meal and will returnthat evening.

This is the second time everthat Fort Jackson has run theAdopt-a-Soldier program.

The concept of the programisn't new, though.

"Adopt-a-Soldier has proba-bly been around for a longtime," Lamb said.

Other branches of the mili-tary have done it in the past.The Army wanted to catch up,he explained.

At Fort Jackson, holidays mean a homecoming for most soldiers

The dawn of a new yearis a time when many peopletake inventory of the previ-ous 12 months and beginthinking about ways theycan improve their lives inthe coming year. Suchlooking ahead can provideinspiration and motivation.

Resolving to makechanges at the beginning ofa new year is a tradition formany people. Even whenpeople veer off course fromtheir resolutions, manypick themselves up, dustthemselves off and tryagain year after year.

The custom of makingresolutions is celebrated inmany areas of the world.But how did the custombegin?

History.com states thatthe origins of New Year’sresolutions can be traced tothe ancient Babylonians,who purportedly madepromises to the gods toearn good favor for thecoming year. These resolu-tions were personal prom-ises of growth and redemp-tion and were made in con-junction with the start of anew year which, at thetime, began in mid-Marchand not January.

Common resolutionsrevolved around gettingout of debt or returningborrowed items. TheBabylonians tried to fulfillthese resolutions so thatthe pagan gods wouldbestow favor on them,

including a rich harvest,for the coming year.

The Romans were thefirst to change the calendarto have the new year beginon January 1. January wasnamed for the Roman godJanus, who had dual faces.Romans believed thatJanus could not only lookback into the previous year,but also look forward tothe next one. So Romansmade promises to Janus todo good deeds in themonths to come and learnfrom past mistakes.

Early Christians alsoembraced resolutions aschances to repent andredeem themselvesthrough positive actions.Although there are stillsome religious ties to reso-lutions, New Year’s resolu-tions are still largely prac-ticed today. And unlikemaking promises to God orpagan gods, resolutions arenow most often personalpromises focusing on self-improvement.

The largest percentageof resolutions made today,according to StatisticsBrain, involve self-improvement or education-related goals.

Sharing one’s resolu-tions with a third party canhelp people stay motivatedas they pursue their goals.Resolutions have beenmade for thousands ofyears, and millions of peo-ple still make them today.

Why make resolutions?

Simple ways to cutmortgage costs

Monthly mortgage paymentsare the biggest single expensefor many homeowners. So it’sunderstandable why plenty ofhomeowners would love to trimthose costs.

A host of factors determinehow much homeowners pay fortheir mortgages each month.The cost of the home, theamount of the initial down pay-ment and property taxes, whichare often folded into monthlypayments, will factor heavilyinto the cost of home ownership.While homeowners may feel asthough there’s little wiggle roomto cut the costs of their mort-gages, there are several ways todo just that and potentially trimyears from the life of a homeloan.

• Make bi-weekly payments.Making bi-weekly instead ofonce-a-month payments cansave homeowners substantialamounts of money. A year’sworth of once-a-month pay-ments equates to 12 paymentsper year. But homeowners whopay on a bi-weekly basis willmake 26 half payments, or 13full payments, per year. Thatextra annual payment can beapplied directly to the principal,dramatically reducing howmuch homeowners pay in inter-est over the life of their loans.

• Stop paying PMI.Homeowners whose initialdown payments are less than 20percent of the sale price will

have to pay private mortgageinsurance, or PMI. But once thebalances on such mortgages fallsbelow 80 percent, homeownerscan cancel such insurance.Homeowners may also be able tostop paying PMI by having theirhomes reappraised.

• Refinance the loan.Refinancing a loan also can savehomeowners substantialamounts of money each month.Homeowners are typically eligi-ble for lower interest rates whenrefinancing their loans, meaningthey will pay less in interest eachmonth. However, refinancing isnot free, so homeowners shouldfirst check the going home inter-est rates and examine their cred-it scores to see if the interest ratethey’re likely to get upon refi-nancing will save them money.The cost of refinancing might bemore than homeowners cansave.

• Request a tax reassessment.Real estate values increase anddecrease, and homeowners whofeel their homes have decreasedin value can request that theirhomes be reassessed.Homeowners whose homes areassessed at a value lower thanthe current value can expect topay less each month in taxes.

Homeowners hoping to cutmortgage costs have variousoptions at their disposal.

Taz Baird

DARLINGTON – AndrewTazewell “Taz” Baird III, age71, passed away Tuesday, Dec.18, 2018. A graveside servicewas held Friday, Dec. 21, atBlack Creek Cemetery, direct-ed by Belk Funeral Home. Thefamily received friends follow-ing the service.

Born Nov. 14, 1947, Taz wasthe son of the late AndrewTazewell Baird Jr. andVirginia Pearce Baird. Heretired from the U.S. AirNational Guard, and alsoworked for Pee Dee Electricfor over 30 years. Taz was anavid hunter and a member of

the Robyn’s Neck HuntingClub. He enjoyed spendingtime outdoors, especially atthe Pee Dee River Swamp.

Surviving are his wife of 33years, Olivia “Livvy”McDonald Baird; daughters,Michelle “Missy” (Mike)Ferrigno of Florence and Beth(Allen Parr) Atkinson ofHartsville; grandchildren,Avery Ferrigno, NicholasFerrigno, Brandon AlexanderJr., and Gabriel Alexander;daughter-in-law, HannahThompson Alexander; broth-er-in-law, Joel Hanks.

He was preceded in deathby his son, Brandon AlexanderSr.; sister, Ann Baird Hanks;

and granddaughter, CharleeMcGee.

Memorials may be made toBarnabas Ministries, 202Medford Dr., Darlington, SC29532; or to a charity of one’schoice.

A guestbook is availableonline atbelkfuneralhome.com.

Elizabeth “Liz” MackFranklin

DARLINGTON -- Funeralservices for Elizabeth “Liz”Mack Franklin of Hampton,Va., were Dec. 22, 2018, atLawson Grove Baptist Churchin Hartsville.

Interment followed in thePeters Family MemorialGardens directed by JordanFuneral Home Inc.

The family was receivingfriends at the residence ofLeila Jacobs,752 Potato HouseRoad, Darlington.

Frank Lunnon

Willie Frank Lunnon, 78, ofDarlington, died at his resi-dence Monday, Dec. 17, 2018.

A funeral service was heldin the chapel of Belk FuneralHome at noon Friday, Dec. 21,with burial following in HartCemetery # 2 inTimmonsville. The family

received friends at the funeralhome Friday.

Born June 2, 1940, he wasthe son of the late Dobbie andEthel Mae Gurley LunnonMack. He was a graduate ofMayo High School. Frank hadworked as a school securityguard, ARS, and CashuaStreet Service Station. He alsoenjoyed farming. He alwaysenjoyed visiting and talkingwith people.

He is survived by his devot-ed wife and caregiver of 21years, Vickie Hunter Lunnon,his children: Jerry Lunnon,Christopher Lunnon, DennisLunnon, Darren Lunnon,Alvin Lunnon, Marshal

Jackson and Calvin Jackson;sisters, Helen Murray andVirgil Mae McDougal, a broth-er, Terry Mack and manygrandchildren and extendedfamily members.

He was preceded in deathby his parents, his first wife,Vivian Jordan Lunnon, adaughter, Janice Lunnon;grandson, Sidney Lunnon,and his Uncle Pete Gurley andAunt Sweet.

A guestbook is availableonline at www.belkfuneral-home.com

“Serving the communities of Darlington County for three generations”• Traditional Funerals with a Personal Touch • Funeral Pre-Planning

• Immediate Cremation and Cremation with Memorial Service • Aftercare Services - Social Security, Probate,

V. A. Paper Work & Insurance Claims229 W. Broad St., Darlington

843-393-2824217 W. Main St., Lamar

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He will be great and will be called the Son ofthe Most High. The Lord God will give himthe throne of his father David, 33 and he willreign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”

Lu Ke 1:32-33

QUOTE

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obituaries

Ch u r Ch New s Please send your church

news and photos to:[email protected]

Central BaptistChurch

Pastor Andy Cook isreturning to Central BaptistChurch in Darlington, andhe's bringing Israel with him.An experienced Israel tourleader and author of multiplebooks, Cook will shareinsight from some of theBible's most familiar storieswhile he shows you the landwhere those stories tookplace.

Sunday, Jan. 6, 10:30 a.m.and 6 p.m.

Monday, Jan. 7, 7 p.m.Tuesday, Jan. 8, 7 p.m.Central Baptist Church,

512 Spring St., Darlington.For more information, call843-393-8581 or visit ourwebsite at www.cbcdarling-ton.com orhttp://www.experienceis-raelnow.com.

Also: Christmas EveCandlelight Service, Dec. 24

Prayer Service New Life In Christ Church

of Darlington, 119 ChestnutSt., Darlington, will hold aNoon Day Prayer Serviceevery Friday.

Prayer ServiceSt. James will hold a Noon

Day Prayer Service everyWednesday.

The church is at 312 PearlSt. For more, 843-393-1407.

MechanicsvilleBaptist Church

2364 Cashua Ferry Rd.,Darlington. For more infor-mation, call 843-393-1029

Sunday9:30 a.m.-Sunday School;

10:30 a.m.-Worship Service4 p.m.-Prayer Closet; 5:30

p.m. Evening WorshipServices

MondayMonday Night Ministry

(MNM)-Youth Fellowship &Meal

Wednesday10:30 a.m. - Old Fashion

Chapel Service & FellowshipMeal; 6:30 p.m. - SmallGroup Bible Study (All Ages)and Youth Group Meeting

The Upper Room HolyGhost Mission

Sunday morning worshipis at 11 a.m. Bible studyThursday night is at 7 p.m. at109 Main St. in Darlington.Call 843-250-0418 for prayer.

Bible StudyBible study at Mt. Zion

Tabernacle Believers Church426 W. Broad St. Darlington,on Tuesday nights at 6 p.m.Bible study led by Rev. LarryScipio. Contact Deacon Z.Frierson at 843-992-3158 orchurch 843-992-8125.

Covenant BaptistChurch Prayer LineAnyone who needs prayer

for healing and deliverance iswelcome to call the CovenantBaptist Church Prayer Line at843-393-8555. The prayerline is open Tuesdays andWednesdays 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

St. Catherine'sEpiscopal Church

3123 W. Palmetto St.,Florence. Worship Time: 11a.m. (4th Sunday 8:30 a.m.)Sunday School: 9:45 a.m.Phone: 843-601-3672

Facebook: St. Catherine’sEC Vicar: The Rev. Jeffrey R.Richardson

Lawson Grove BaptistChurch

3585 Lawson Grove Rd.,Hartsville. Sunday - ChurchSchool at 9:45 a.m. andWorship Service at 10:45a.m. Wednesday. Prayer 6:30p.m. Bible study 7 p.m.

Black Creek BaptistChurch

Black Creek BaptistChurch, 139 Mont ClareRoad, Dovesville, announcestheir hours: Sunday: 10 a.m.Sunday School, 11 a.m.Worship Services and 6 p.m.Evening Worship.Wednesday: 6:30 Adult BibleStudy; Youth Bible Study,Children (Children In Action)7:30 Adult Choir Practice

Covenant BaptistChurch

Covenant Baptist Church,located at 628 Pocket Road,announces their hours:

Sunday: 10 a.m. SundaySchool, 11 a.m. Spoken WordService. Wednesday: 6 p.m.Bible Study. Need a ride tochurch? Call 843-393-7872.

Mt. Zion TabernacleMinistries

Mt. Zion TabernacleMinistries 426 W. Broad St. inDarlington announces theirhours:

1st/3rd Sunday PastoralSunday: Sunday School at9:30 a.m. Church Services 11Elder M. Frierson 2nd/4thSunday: Sunday School at9:30 by Deacon Z. FriersonService at 11 a.m. Min.Gerald Green.

Philadelphia SouthernMethodist; Traditional -Conservative. 1665Philadelphia St., Darlington.SS 10 a.m. Worship 11 a.m.

The Lord CaresPlease continue to assist

The Lord Cares in caring forthose in need in theDarlington area. T.L.C.s foodbank is at 201 Grove St. inDarlington. They are openMonday, Wednesday andThursday from 10 a.m. until12 p.m. Donations of non-perishable food items (espe-cially canned meats) areneeded, as are toiletries,bathroom tissue, and papertowels.

Mail monetary donationsto: The Lord Cares PO Box1457, Darlington, SC 29540.

Rogers, former Duke Energy chairman and CEO, dies at age 71

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- JimRogers, the iconic formerchairman and chief executiveofficer of Duke Energy, hasdied in Louisville, Ky. He was71.

"Our industry has lost oneof its most influential andextraordinary leaders," saidLynn Good, chairman, presi-dent and CEO of DukeEnergy. "I was fortunate towork alongside Jim and seehis dynamic leadership skillup close. He was not afraid totackle the hard questionswith a personable style thatbrought people together forpositive solutions. We willmiss Jim but we will also longremember his accomplish-ments and his mission to lightthe world."

Rogers became presidentand CEO of Duke Energy fol-lowing the merger betweenDuke Energy and Cinergy in2006. Before the merger, heserved as Cinergy's chairmanand CEO for more than 11years.

Prior to the formation ofCinergy, he served as chair-man, president and CEO ofPSI Energy from 1988 until

1994. He retired as DukeEnergy CEO in 2013 – oneyear after the DukeEnergy/Progress Energymerger made the companythe largest electric utility inthe nation.

During his tenure, Rogersled Duke Energy to focus onreducing greenhouse gasemissions and steered thecompany to more renewableenergy, a focus that continuestoday. Duke Energy hasreduced carbon emissions 31percent since 2005 and hasinvested $7 billion in windand solar facilities across thenation.

Born in Birmingham, Ala.,Rogers spent most of hischildhood in Danville, Ky. Heearned his undergraduateand law degrees at Universityof Kentucky. Rogers workedas a reporter at LexingtonHerald-Leader early in hiscareer. He later served as alaw clerk for the SupremeCourt of Kentucky and heldnumerous legal positions inthe government and privatesectors.

Rogers was one of the firstleaders in the energy indus-

try to speak about thechanges needed in the face ofclimate change. As CEO atCinergy in 2003, he pushedthe company's firstSustainability Report - andcontinued that publicationafter moving to Duke Energy.

Since leaving DukeEnergy, he devoted much ofhis energy to the issue of howrural people in low-incomenations can get access toclean, sustainable electricity.

He frequently wrote andlectured on the topic. In2015, he wrote the book"Lighting the World," whichfurther explored the topic.

In 2014, he was inductedinto the North CarolinaBusiness Hall of Fame.

In 2013, he was awardedthe Edison Electric Institute'sDistinguished LeadershipAward for his 25 years ofservice and exemplary contri-butions to the electric utilityindustry.

He was the 2013 recipientof the United States EnergyAssociation Award, and wasnamed the most influentialperson in the power genera-tion industry by Power

Engineering magazine andthe energy industry's CEO ofthe Year by Platts.

He was the foundingchairman of the Institute forElectric Efficiency, former co-chair of the Alliance to SaveEnergy and past co-chair ofthe National Action Plan forEnergy Efficiency.

In 2011, he was presentedwith the Ernst & YoungEntrepreneur of the Year®Lifetime Achievement Award;and the Charlotte RegionalPartnership Jerry Award. TheCharlotte Business Journalalso named him its BusinessPerson of the Year for 2011.

Moving to Charlotte in2006, Rogers became animportant figure to thegrowth of the city. He was co-chair of the host committeefor the Democratic NationalConvention, which was heldin Charlotte in 2012.

Queens University's sci-ence and health building inCharlotte – Rogers Hall – isnamed for him.

Insurance policieseveryone should have

Insurance is somethingeveryone needs but hopes tonever use. Without insurance,already difficult situationscould be made much worse andcause financial devastation.

Certain types of insurancemay not be necessary for every-one, but other types are almostuniversally necessary regard-less of the policy holder’s par-ticular situation. The followingare some examples of insur-ance policies everyone shouldhave.

Health insuranceEveryone needs health

insurance. The out-of-pocketcosts for routine medical exam-inations can be quite high, andtesting, hospitalization or sur-gery can take quite a toll on aperson’s finances if he or shehas no health insurance. Infact, a recent Harvard studynoted that most people are sta-tistically one serious illnessaway from bankruptcy.Shopping around for adequatecoverage and the most afford-able plans for one’s situation isessential, as even minimal cov-erage is better than nothingwhen it comes to offsetting therising costs of health care.

Life insuranceLife insurance is something

most people will never benefitfrom personally, but it leaves afinancial legacy for the peoplethey love, providing for thosethey leave behind. Parents ormen and women who are thesole breadwinners in thehousehold can rest easy know-ing their life insurance willkeep their loved ones financial-

ly secure in the event of theirdeath. According to the finan-cial resource Investopedia,individuals need to factor inmortgage or rent payments,loans, funeral expenses, childcare, and taxes when calculat-ing how much life insurancecoverage they need. Expertssuggest 10 times one’s yearlyincome.

Disability insuranceMany people do not believe

they will become ill or injured.But the statistics speak other-wise. Data from the SocialSecurity Administration showthat three in 10 workers enter-ing the workforce will becomedisabled before they reachretirement. Being off fromwork anywhere from a fewweeks to a few months isenough to jeopardize one’sfinancial future. Short- andlong-term disability policiesprovide partial and completeincome replacement depend-ing on the policy chosen.

Auto insurancePeople who drive are urged

to have auto insurance to pro-tect themselves in the event ofan accident or theft. Autoinsurance also helps protectagainst any litigation as theresult of accidents when a pas-senger or other driver isinjured.

Insurance is a wholly neces-sary expense that providespeace of mind and protection.

Board of ZoningAppeals

5:30 p.m. on Mondays on anas-needed basis, coordinatedthrough the CodesEnforcement Office.

Hartsville Rotary Club

Tuesdays at 12:30 p.m. atHartsville Country Club

Darlington Elks Lodge

Tuesdays: Swing/Shagdance lessons, "New" linedance lessons from 8-10 p.m.

Wednesdays: Karaoke from8-10 p.m.

Thursdays: Bingo at 7:30p.m.

Darlington Elks Lodge islocated at 836 TimmonsvilleHwy. For more info: 843-393-1451.

BNIMeets each Tuesday at from

7:30-9 a.m. at Black Creeks ArtCouncil, 116 W College Ave inHartsville.

Hartsville Kiwanis Club

Thursdays at 12:15 p.m. atthe Hartsville Country Club

Hartsville LionsClub

Thursdays at 12:30 p.m. atMr. B's Restaurant

Centennial Farmers Market

This market features fresh,organic gourmet foods, free-range eggs and homegrown,healthy foods including home-made breads and sweet treatsand as always, live music andentertainment! Every Thursdayfrom 4 – 7 p.m. Location:Corner of 5th St. and CarolinaAve. in Hartsville.

Paws to ReadPaws to Read is a literacy

program where emerging andreluctant readers can createpositive emotional connectionswith reading. Therapy DogsInternational with their train-ers come for one-on-one read-ing sessions on the firstSaturday and third Tuesday ofeach month at 12:30 pm. and 3p.m. respectively at theDarlington Library Branch.

Story Time Darlington: Thursdays at 10

a.m. Info: 398-4940 ext. 305. Hartsville: Tuesdays at 10

a.m. Info: 332-5115 ext. 7.Society Hill: Thursdays at

11:00 a.m. Info: 378-0026�Lamar: Thursdays at 11:30

a.m. Info: 326-5524

Library ProgramsSummer Reading Program,

Darlington Library, Tuesdays at10 a.m.

Family Movie - Thurs. at4pm

Accelerated Reader Testing,Available ALL Summer

Potluck Club [What theFork?], Monthly Event, 4thWednesday at 5:30 pm, bringone dish and feast onmany…theme changes month-ly, call 843-398-4940 for moreinformation.

Crochet & KnitClubs

Lamar: each Monday at 4:30p.m. 326-5524

Society Hill: each Fridayfrom 2-4 pm 378-0026

Darlington: 2nd Friday ofthe month 10 a.m. - noon 398-4940

Hartsville: “The Stitchers”group meets the 1st & 3rdMondays and 2nd & 4thThursdays at 5 pm.

Pee Dee SCORE Pee Dee SCORE (Service

Corps of Retired Executives)offers Free confidential coun-seling to America's small busi-ness, serving Darlington,Florence and surroundingareas. Existing and start-upbusinesses can schedule anappointment by calling theHartsville Chamber ofCommerce at 843-332-6401.

AlcoholicsAnonymous

Alcoholics Anonymous willhold an open meeting of bigbook and traditions studiesweekly at 8 p.m. Mondaynights at Trinity UMC on PearlStreet. Use Orange Streetentrance. Info: 843-395-6897.

AA meets at the HartsvilleAA Hut, 310 S. McFarlandStreet:

Sun: 6pmMon: noonTues: 8pmWed: noon, 6 pm

Thurs: 8pmFri: noon, 8pmSat noon, 8 pm

Al-Anon Meetings Al-Anon is a fellowship of

adult relatives and friends ofalcoholics for mutual support.Visitors are welcome. Childcareis not available. Al-Anon meet-ings:

Thursdays at 8 p.m at theHartsville AA Hut, 310 S.McFarland Street. Info: 843-992-2981.

Hartsville Pilot ClubFourth Monday each month

at 6 p.m. at their clubhouseacross from the Lawton ParkTennis Courts

HartsvilleToastmasters

2nd and 4th Monday eachmonth at 7 p.m. at the BlackCreek Arts Center

Water and SoilConservation Board

The Darlington Soil & WaterConservation District Boardwill meet at 7 p.m. the fourthMonday of the month in theClemson Extension Kitchen at300 Russell Street, Room 207in Darlington. Meetings areopen to the public. For moreinformation call 843-393-0483.

DDRA Board ofDirectors MeetingThe DDRA Board of

Directors will meet at theDarlington Library, 204 N.Main Street, at 8 a.m. on thefirst Tuesday of the month,except in July and September.

Darlington CountyFirst Steps

2nd Tuesday each month at5:30 pm in the Chamber ofCommerce Boardroom, 214 N5th St, Hartsville.

Williamson ParkCommittee

The Williamson ParkCommittee meets at 5:30 p.m.on the second Tuesday of themonth at Harmon BaldwinRecreation Center, 300Sanders Street.

DC Disabilities andSpecial Needs Board

Holds monthly meetings onthe last Tuesday of each monthat 2 p.m. The public is welcometo come to the meetings. Themeetings are held at the ScottCenter 201 N. DamascusChurch Road in Hartsville.

Darlington BranchNAACP

The Darlington BranchNAACP meets on the secondTuesday every month, 7:00p.m. at 109 Pearl Street. Newmembers are always wel-comed. For more informationcontact President Anthony Hallat 843-229-1274 or email [email protected] visit our Facebook page:Darlingtonnaacp.

DHS Booster ClubThe Darlington High School

Athletic Booster Club has setmeeting times for the next sev-eral months.

Monday, Jan. 14, 2019, at 6p.m. in the DHS Media Center.

Monday, Feb. 18, 2019, at 6p.m. in the DHS Media Center.

Monday, March 18, 2019, at6 p.m. in the DHS MediaCenter.

Darlington CountyCouncil MeetingThe Darlington County

Council will hold their month-ly meeting Jan. 2 at 6 p.m. atthe Courthouse Annex/EMSBuilding, 1625 Harry ByrdHighway (Highway 151),Darlington, SC. The Councilencourages citizen participa-tion and provides an opportu-nity for citizens to present theirconcerns at the beginning ofeach regular meeting. Thosewishing to make a presentationshould contact the Clerk toCouncil at 843-398-4100 [email protected].

Darlington CityCouncil MeetingThe Darlington City Council

will hold their monthly meet-ing Jan. 8 at 6:30 p.m. in theCity of Darlington CouncilChambers at City Hall, locatedat 400 Pearl Street.

Blood Drive atCarolina Pines

Tuesday, Jan. 8 from 1:30 to6:30 p.m. at Carolina PinesRegional Medical Center - EREntrance, 1304 W. BoboNewsom Highway, Hartsville,SC.

Give blood. Help save lives!

Darlington PlanningCommission

Tuesday, Jan. 15 at 9 a.m. atCity Hall, located at 400 PearlStreet, Darlington, SC.

Darlington CountyLibrary Board

MeetingJan. 17 at the Darlington

Library located at 204 N. MainStreet, Darlington, SC.

Coker CollegeHomecoming

Join us on Friday, Feb. 1 foran alumni drop in at Bizzell’sand Saturday, February 2, therewill be campus tours, class pic-tures, alumni reception and somuch more!

Historic LandmarksCommission

5:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 4 atCity Hall, 400 Pearl Street.

Darlington CountyCouncil Meeting

The Darlington CountyCouncil will hold their monthlymeeting Feb. 4 at 6 p.m. at theCourthouse Annex/EMSBuilding, 1625 Harry ByrdHighway (Highway 151),Darlington, SC. The Councilencourages citizen participationand provides an opportunity forcitizens to present their concernsat the beginning of each regularmeeting. Those wishing to makea presentation should contactthe Clerk to Council at 843-398-4100 or [email protected].

Darlington CityCouncil Meeting

The Darlington City Councilwill hold their monthly meetingFeb. 5 at 6:30 p.m. in the City ofDarlington Council Chambers atCity Hall, located at 400 PearlStreet, Darlington, SC.

Darlington CountyBoard of Education

The Darlington CountySchool District Board ofEducation will meet at 6 p.m.Feb. 11 in the Training Room ofthe Administrative Office locat-ed at 120 E. Smith Avenue inDarlington.

Local EmergencyPlanning Committee

Feb. 21 at 8 a.m. at theCourthouse Annex/EMSBuilding located at 1625 HarryByrd Highway, Darlington, SC.

Darlington TreeBoard

Feb. 25 at 5:30 p.m. at CityHall, 400 Pearl Street,Darlington, SC.

Darlington CityCouncil Meeting

The Darlington City Councilwill hold their monthly meetingMarch 5 at 6:30 p.m. in the Cityof Darlington Council Chambersat City Hall, located at 400 PearlStreet, Darlington, SC.


Tuesday, March 19 at 9 a.m.at City Hall, located at 400Pearl Street, Darlington, SC.


will hold their monthly meet-ing April 2 at 6:30 p.m. in theCity of Darlington CouncilChambers at City Hall, locatedat 400 Pearl Street, Darlington,SC.


5:30 p.m. Monday, May 6at City Hall, 400 Pearl Street,Darlington, SC.

Darlington CityCouncil MeetingThe Darlington City

Council will hold their month-ly meeting May 7 at 6:30 p.m.in the City of DarlingtonCouncil Chambers at CityHall, located at 400 PearlStreet, Darlington, SC.

Darlington TreeBoard

May 13 at 5:30 p.m. at CityHall, 400 Pearl Street,Darlington, SC.

Local EmergencyPlanning

CommitteeMay 16 at 8 a.m. at the

Courthouse Annex/EMSBuilding located at 1625Harry Byrd Highway,Darlington, SC.

DarlingtonPlanning

CommissionTuesday, May 21 at 9 a.m.

at City Hall, located at 400Pearl Street, Darlington, SC.


Council will hold their month-ly meeting June 4 at 6:30 p.m.in the City of DarlingtonCouncil Chambers at CityHall, located at 400 PearlStreet, Darlington, SC.


Council will hold their month-ly meeting July 2 at 6:30 p.m.in the City of DarlingtonCouncil Chambers at CityHall, located at 400 PearlStreet, Darlington, SC.


Tuesday, July 16 at 9 a.m. atCity Hall, located at 400 PearlStreet, Darlington, SC.


5:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 5 atCity Hall, 400 Pearl Street,Darlington, SC.


will hold their monthly meet-ing August 6 at 6:30 p.m. in theCity of Darlington CouncilChambers at City Hall, locatedat 400 Pearl Street, Darlington,SC.

Local EmergencyPlanning Committee

August 15 at 8 a.m. at theCourthouse Annex/EMSBuilding located at 1625 HarryByrd Highway, Darlington, SC.

If you have lost or found a pet, go online to www.darlingtonhumane.org and click on thelink Lost/ Found Pets. You will be directed to the www.thelostpets.com Web site whereyou can register your missing pet.

You will be able to provide a detailed description of your missing pet, as well as attach a photo.Upon registering your lost pet, an e-mail alert will be sent to the Darlington Shelter’s e-mailaddress. This will allow the Shelter staff to recognize your lost pet should it arrive at the facility.

Affectionate and very playful, sweet Finn is ready toget the party started! This friendly, happy faced fellowloves meeting everyone and enjoys sharing puppy kissesand breath with all! Finn is guaranteed to make you smileand feel loved. Doesn't get much better than that! Pleaseask for Finn this holiday season as you look for your newbest friend. 40 pounds; 7 months old; hound/bull mix;male

Everyone lovesme! No, really! Asweet, loving and abit goofy natured fel-low, all I want to do isplay, share my loveand make newfriends. I'm a perfectmatch for a moreactive family with

slightly older/more sturdy kids and if you already havepets in stock, well that would suit my style just fine.Loving and just as sweet as they come, ring in the newyear with me by your side. Ask for Gatsby, won't you? 62pounds; 1-2 years old; Shepard mix

The Darlington County Humane Society is located 0.5miles from Darlington Raceway off Highway 151 inDarlington.

Have you lost or found a pet?

P E T S O f T H E W E E k



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By Rick BrundrettThe Nerve

For at least two years, a fewmembers of an obscure statepanel have routinely approvedrequests by public- and private-sector researchers for sensitiveinformation contained in amassive health “data ware-house,” records reviewed byThe Nerve show.

The medical records data-base, managed by the stateRevenue and Fiscal Affairs(RFA) Office, was created in2002 under a state budget pro-viso and is renewed annuallyvia a proviso. The Nerve inAugust revealed that a stateprivacy law and inter-agencyagreements for the databaseoffer weak privacy protectionsfor citizens who deal with S.Cagencies that provide recordsfor the database.

Lawmakers earlier this yearwanted to launch a similar“data warehouse” that wouldtrack sensitive education andworkforce information on chil-dren and adults in SouthCarolina. Gov. Henry McMasterin July vetoed a budget provisothat would have authorized thecreation of the database – sev-eral days after The Nerve raisedprivacy concerns.

Under the proviso for theexisting “data warehouse,”lawmakers and their staffs canhave access to that database.The same access would havebeen allowed for the other pro-posed database, though theRFA, headed by FrankRainwater, in an earlier writtenstatement said under “no cir-cumstances” would personalinformation be made availableto lawmakers or their staffs.

The existing database con-tains, among other informa-tion, medical claims data pro-vided by the S.C. Departmentof Health and Human Services,including the names, dates ofbirth and medical treatmentrecords of Medicaid patients,an HHS spokeswoman earliersaid, noting that information isused by a nonprofit organiza-tion to allow health careproviders in the state access tothose patients’ medical records.

The Nerve’s latest review

examined requests over thepast two-and-half years by pub-lic- and private-sectorresearchers to the S.C. DataOversight Council (DOC) torelease “restricted data” fromthe health “data warehouse.”

“Restricted data” caninclude a patient’s date ofbirth, patient ZIP code, medicalrecord number, assigned facili-ty, and admission and dis-charge dates, according to theRFA’s website. The site alsosays a “special request is therelease of restricted data ele-ments in a manner that wouldallow the identification ofpatients and/or health carefacilities and/or professionals,”and that the “release of thepatient-level data … will bemade to researchers and gov-ernment entities only.”

Minutes of meetings fromMarch 2016 through August ofthis year show that the DOCapproved 72 of 83 requests,The Nerve’s review found. Ofthe total requests, 27 were sub-mitted by the University ofSouth Carolina, 13 by theMedical University of SouthCarolina, and six by the stateDepartment of Health andEnvironmental Control.Besides DHEC, other stateagencies submitting requestsincluded the departments ofMental Health and SocialServices.

Other requests came fromout-of-state researchers atHarvard, Johns Hopkins andEmory universities; and theuniversities of Pennsylvaniaand California-Davis, amongothers. The DOC also consid-ered requests from private enti-ties, including the United Wayof the Midlands and the USAToday newspaper.

How well the “data ware-house” records are protectedonce they are released isn’tclear. On Feb. 16, 2017, forexample, the DOC approvedthe release of a “Masterlist”containing the names, dates ofbirths and Social Security num-bers of Medicaid patients to aHarvard University researcher.

Minutes of the meeting did-n’t reveal how many patientswere expected to be involved in

the Harvard study titled,“Randomized Evaluation ofNurse Family Partnership inSouth Carolina” – a project ofHHS, the state’s Medicaidagency.

The minutes also didn’t indi-cate whether written permis-sion from patients involved inthe study would be obtainedbefore their private informa-tion was released.

The request was approvedby three DOC members,though under state law, thepanel is supposed to have 15members – 12 of whom areappointed by the governor forthree-year terms. There werefour members present at themeeting, including a represen-tative from the Governor’sOffice, though an HHSresearcher abstained from vot-ing, minutes show.

Spokespersons for HHS andthe RFA did not respond towritten questions from TheNerve about the meeting.

In an email response to TheNerve, Katherine Baicker, theHarvard researcher whorequested the data in 2017 andnow a dean at the University ofChicago, said she and otherresearchers involved in thestudy were “responsible foroverseeing the obtaining ofinformed consent from studyparticipants,” though she didn’tanswer a question about howmany people participated inthe study.

“We take the protection ofhuman subjects and the confi-dentiality of this informationextremely seriously, and all ofour work is subject to the over-sight of an Institutional ReviewBoard to ensure the protectionof participants and their infor-mation,” Baicker said.

Currently, there are ninevacancies on the DOC, includ-ing four representatives of“non-healthcare-related” busi-nesses, according to Secretaryof State records. Other vacan-cies left unfilled by the gover-nor include a hospital adminis-trator; nursing home adminis-trator; and representatives ofthe managed healthcare indus-try, “major” third-party health-care payers, and the South

Carolina Chamber ofCommerce.

The directors of DHEC andHHS or their designees, a mem-ber of the Governor’s Office, aphysician, and representativesof the state hospital and med-ical associations also are sup-posed to serve on the DOC,under state law.

The Governor’s Office didnot respond to three writtenrequests from The Nerve seek-ing comment.

The Nerve’s review of min-utes of the 13 DOC meetingsfrom March 2016 throughAugust of this year found thenumber of council memberspresent at any given meetingranged from three to five – eas-ily short of a majority of thestatutorily mandated size ofthe panel.

In several cases, minutesshow that DOC membersdeferred the decision on therelease of “restricted data” toRFA staff, who are not votingmembers of the panel understate law. RFA staff opened andclosed meetings instead of DOCmembers.

Asked recently what types ofinformation typically areapproved for release, DOCmember Brandt Smith, vicepresident of information tech-nology at the South CarolinaMedical Association, told TheNerve: “I really don’t know;you have to get with the RFAfolks for that.”

Pressed further about hisdecision-making role on theDOC, Smith replied, “They(RFA staff) just tell me. If itsounds good, I approve it.”

In an email to The Nerve,USC spokesman Jeff Stenslandsaid that “while there may becases where it could be possibleto obtain individually identifi-able data under RFA rules, weare not aware of a USCresearcher obtaining suchdata,” adding, “The data we getfrom RFA is lawfully obtainedand released without specificindividual consent.”

MUSC researchers “get onlyde-identified data,” universityspokeswoman HeatherWoolwine said in an email.“First, before we can get data,

we have to get our IRB’s(Institutional Review Board)approval on the study to makesure that both patients’ andprovider’s identities are pro-tected. The data are storedbehind our fire wall and onlyaccessed by IRB investigatorsapproved for the specificstudy.”

From Jan. 1, 2015, throughNov. 27 of this year, MUSC paidthe RFA a total of nearly$44,000 for approved recordsrequests, while USC paid a totalof $135,525 from July 2017through Nov. 27, according toinformation provided by theuniversities. Most of the pay-ments by the universities weredrawn from federal grantfunds.

In comparison, HHS paidthe RFA a total of $1.75 million– split evenly between federaland state funds – fromDecember 2016 through Juneof this year for “data warehous-ing, analysis, and de-identifica-tion,” agency spokeswomanColleen Mullis said in an email.

The Nerve in Septembersubmitted a formal requestunder the state Freedom of

Information Act to the RFA fora breakdown of total annualpayments by every public andprivate entity to the RFA fromfiscal years 2014 through 2018related to the health “datawarehouse.”

The agency requested a pay-ment of $34.36 for thoserecords and related expenseinformation, which The Nervedeclined to do after pointingout that several state agenciesprovided their respective pay-ment information at no charge.

State comptroller generalrecords show that from fiscal2015 through mid-Novemberof this year, 14 state agencies –not including universities –paid a total of $14 million tothe RFA, including $10.6 mil-lion from HHS and $1.5 millionfrom DSS. Those records, how-ever, don’t give specifics on thepurpose of the payments.

Brundrett is the news editorof The Nerve(www.thenerve.org). Contacthim at 803-254-4411 [email protected]. Follow himon Twitter @RickBrundrett.Follow The Nerve on Facebookand Twitter @thenervesc.

NEWS AND PRESS | DARLINGTON, S.C.PAGE 6A | WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 26, 2018

Little-known S.C. panel regularly OKs requests to release sensitive information

Pilot Club’s Light-A-Light Christmas treeOn Dec. 3, Darlington Mayor

Gloria Hines joined membersand guests of the Pilot Club ofDarlington for the lighting ofthe Light-A-Light Christmastree. The tree’s lights are sym-bols of the donations made tothe Pilot Club in honor of or inmemory of special people.Light-A-Light donationsbecome part of the scholarshipfund for a deserving highschool senior in Darlingtoneach year.

The following donationshave been made in honor ofthese individuals: JimmyBlackmon, Kim Blackmon,Janet Blackmon, JasonBlackmon, Kayse Blackmon,Maverick Blackmon, JudyGraham, Thomas Graham,Bobby Odom, and Mary Odom

by B. J. Blackmon; RuthFlowers and Mary Scott byBelinda Copeland; JeannetteOdom, Bill Dority Jr. andMarilyn Garrison by AngieDority; Junior Clark, WilliamDority Sr. and Anna Dority byAngie and Bill Dority; BabyJesus by Janice Flowers; ThePilot Club of Darlington,Darlington Anchor Club,Chesley and Barbara Benjamin,Wilbur and Donna Vaughan,Henry and Tania Bailey, Jimand Dot Stone, Wallace andEleanor Haynes, Jason, Laura,Gracie, and Langley Smith,Roy, Maggie, Royce, and RiversBlackmon, Marlena HannaLownsberry, St. John’s HighSchool Class of 1968, and TheWednesday Wanderers byRodney and Judy Langley;

Norton and Annie L. James,Barry, Dona Jo, Brycen, andBraden Brown, June andWayne Brown, June andCharlie Berry, Lilabelle Moody,Tony and Pam Sherrill, andTommy and Gilbe Revell byDon and Peggy Ruthven; DonaJo Brown and the DarlingtonAnchor Club by Mary Scott.

The following donationshave been made in memory ofthese individuals: L. G. andRheba Duckworth, Boyd andRuth Copeland and WalterCopeland by Belinda Copeland;Happy Clark, George and MaryClark, Hopson and LauraGandy by Angie Dority; RobertOdom and Juliet Dority byAngie and Bill Dority; Nell andLes Newsome by JaniceFlowers; Bobbie Howle Rouse

by Randi Kirkley; Tommy Britt,John and Margaret Frank,Horace and Laura Langley,Eileen Benton, Michael Sigmonand Terry Boyles by Rodneyand Judy Langley; Russell N.Odom, Charles Kelly Sr., LevonPlayer Kelly, Sarah Kelly Isgett,Cindy Kelly McKinley, WandaKelly Pearce, Mettie HowlePilgrim, and Jada Isgett byAnita Pohl Odom; Edith M.Willoughby, AndrewWilloughby, Gussie Z. Pooler,Timmons Pooler and Daisy M.Sims by Andrena W. Pooler;Billy Weinberg, Bill and EmmaL. Sherrill, Thad and LenaWeinberg, Otis and LoisRuthven, Bill and Ila Marshallby Don and Peggy Ruthven;Ronald F. Scott by Mary, Julieand Cal Scott.

Each Dec. 31, people anx-iously await and count downto the arrival of the newyear. January 1 often is atime for reflection and formaking future plans. It alsois a holiday full of tradition.

Notable New Year’s tradi-tions include toasting cham-pagne beneath skies lit up byfireworks, kissing one’ssweetheart at midnight andmaking resolutions to betteroneself in the year ahead.

New Year’s Eve and NewYear’s Day traditions varyacross the globe. The follow-ing is a look at the uniqueways people ring in the newyear throughout the world.

• Filipinos embraceround fruits for the newyear. The custom includesgathering 12 different roundfruits for each month of theyear. The round shape sym-bolizes wealth and prosperi-ty.

• Around Stonehaven,Scotland, people wield largefireballs for the Hogmanayfestival on New Year’s Eve.The idea is to ward off evilspirits by swinging balls offires over the heads oftrained professionals andthen tossing them into thesea. The tradition hasendured for more than 100years.

• In the Eastern OrthodoxGreek Church, Christmasisn’t celebrated untilJanuary 7. Aghios Vassilis,the Greek Santa Claus,makes his rounds on NewYear’s Day.

• Chilean families cele-brate the arrival of the newyear by commemoratingdeceased friends and family

members. It is common forthose in Chile to set upchairs next to graves in thecemetery.

• Burmese people end theThingyan water festival onNew Year’s Day. Since April,they have celebrated thearrival of Thagyamin, acelestial Buddhist figure,with the firing of water can-nons. The water-logged rev-elry ends with the new year.

• Siberians celebrate thenew year’s with the plantingof the “New Year’s Tree”underneath frozen lakes.This “yolka” is said to sym-bolize the coming of FatherFrost, but also representsstarting over.

• Grapes are a hallmarkof Spanish New Year’s cele-brations. Throughout Spain,revelers gobble a grape persecond as they count downthe last 12 seconds of theyear. Each grape corre-sponds to good luck for the12 months of the new year.

• In Denmark, residentsbreak old dishes on thedoorsteps of family andfriends on New Year’s Day.The bigger the pile, the morefriends and good will in thenew year.

• In China, where thenew year is celebrated onFebruary 5 this year accord-ing to the lunar calendar,celebrants paint their doorsred or hang red curtains orcutouts on windows to sym-bolize good luck.

New Year’s traditions around

the world

Warren Specht has seen thehighs and lows of being a stu-dent athlete Francis MarionUniversity. He knows the pres-sure that goes along with mid-week road trips to Peach Beltconference opponents that arefollowed up the next morningwith pressure-packed businessclass presentations.

After graduating fromFrancis Marion with his degreein Management InformationSystems, Specht is comingback for more.

More education. MorePatriot athletics, too.

The Kansas native has usedup his basketball eligibility, buthe still qualifies for othersports, including baseball. Hewas a two-sport star in highschool – a hard-throwingpitcher as well as a three-pointsharpshooter. He’s going tojoin the Patriot baseball teamthis spring while pursuing hisMaster’s in BusinessAdministration degree.

“My first love has always

been baseball,” Specht says.Specht transferred to FMU

two years ago from JohnsonCounty Community College inOverland Park, Kansas.

He was a regular in thePatriot lineup the past twoyears, and a starter on lastyear’s NCAA tournament team.

Specht’s high mark at FMUwas a buzzer-beating, game-tying three-pointer he madewhile falling out of boundsagainst USC AIken lastJanuary.

Specht’s hope-and-a-prayershot tied the game at the endof regulation, sending thePatriots to overtime. They wonin the extra period, gaining akey Peach Belt Conference vic-tory.

“Being such a sports fanaticand loving sports so much, thatgaming-tying shot is probablythe peak of my career here,”Specht says.

“Getting to experience thatis kind of unreal. Anythingother than that will be hard to

top because there was just somuch joy after that.”

Specht’s sporting prowess isno surprise. His family tree isdotted with athletes.

His sister played basketballat Drake University, his fatherplayed at Emporia StateUniversity, and his grandfatherplayed at Kansas StateUniversity.

His mother was a dual-sportathlete at KSU, where she rantrack and played volleyball.

Specht will continue hisathletics pursuits this fall, buthe knows that the position he’sin is rare and he’s thankful tobe in it.

“FMU’s been so good to meand provided me a great plat-form to grow and even moreso, by giving me an opportuni-ty to play baseball,” he says.“It’s just awesome to be able todo this and earn a seconddegree at the same time.”


WWW.NEWSANDPRESSONLINE.COM

THE NEWS AND PRESS, DARLINGTON, S.C.sportsAt one point in your life you either havethe thing you want or the reasons whyyou don’t

ANDY RODDICK

QUOTE

Specht-acular: Dual-sport athlete readies for second FMU degree

Mayo student honored in statewide public-speaking competitionOn Dec. 15, the South

Carolina Association ofCommunity ActionPartnerships held its 10thAnnual Statewide YouthLeadership Oratorical Forumand Banquet under the leader-ship of its executive director,Jessica McMoore.

The purpose of the banquetwas to empower youththrough strengthening theircommunicative and emotionalskills, and increase self-confi-dence through public speak-ing. Over 200 students, family

members and staff gatheredto witness 11 students speakon current events.

Hashani Goff is the 2018Statewide Representative forthe Darlington CountyCommunity Action AgencyInc., and placed third out of11 orators.

She is the daughter ofShane Goff and PamelaStevenson, and a senior atMayo High School for Math,Science and Technology,where she is currently anHonor Roll student and a

member of the drama team. Hashani lives in Darlington

along with her mother and lit-tle brother. She enjoys read-ing and helping others. Herfavorite food is pizza.

She wants to first completea bachelor of science degreein nursing, and then pursue amedical degree and specializein OB-GYN. After receivingher graduate degree, shewould love to work in a hospi-tal in South Africa.

This is her second year as amember of the Darlington

County CAA Youth LeadershipProgram. Her favorite quoteis: “Anyone in the world cangive up; it’s the easiest thingin the world to do. But truestrength is to hold it togetherwhen everyone would expectyou to fall apart.”

The Darlington CountyCommunity Action Agency isone of 14 South CarolinaCommunity Action Agencieswhose service area includesall cities and communities inDarlington County. The cen-tral office is in Hartsville with

satellite offices in Darlington,Lamar and Society Hill. Itsexecutive director, JacquelineSlayton, was present for thecompetition.

The mission of the SCACAPStatewide Youth LeadershipProgram (YLP) is to provideincome eligible elementary,middle and high school stu-dents with the educationalopportunities that target indi-vidual improvements in aca-demic, behavioral and socialachievement, career explo-ration and civic responsibility.

SCACAP sponsors manyevents for the youth of SouthCarolina to include aStatewide LeadershipConference, the Developmentof a Statewide Youth Council,Youth Awareness Day and theYouth Institute forEmpowerment.

This event was a collabora-tive venture between the S.C.Association of CommunityAction Partnerships and theGovernor’s Office of EconomicOpportunity.

Woman wins Bataan Death Marchqualifier: a Fort Jackson first


For the first time in history,a woman has taken the topspot in the Fort Jackson qualifi-er for the Bataan MemorialDeath March.

This year also marked thehighest rate of female partici-pation at Fort Jackson. Eight ofthe competitors were women,up from last year's six.

Sgt. 1st Class JaninaSimmons, of Colorado Springs,Colo., took first place Dec. 1 inthe 2018 qualifying competi-tion.

"(Simmons) is really downto Earth," said Cindi Keene,Fort Jackson sports coordina-tor. "She's an awesome soldier."

Simmons, currently a seniordrill sergeant leader at FortJackson's Drill SergeantAcademy, won't advance tonationals because of a schedul-ing conflict. She is going toRanger School.

Simmons completed the 16-mile ruck march in two hoursand 52 minutes, carrying 25.8pounds in her rucksack. Byaround mile 12, she had over-come all of her competitors.She remained in first place forthe last four miles.

Simmons advanced tonationals last year as the thirdoverall finisher in the FortJackson preliminary with atime of three hours and fourminutes.

She knew if she qualifiedagain this year, she wouldn't beable to make the team.

She leaves for Pre-RangerSchool in Fort Benning, Ga.,Feb. 9.

"I just tried out (for theBataan Memorial DeathMarch) to see if I could beat myold time," Simmons said. "I wasjust trying to beat three hours."

She said she was glad forthe training opportunity.

Though she's "a little sad"that she won't be able to moveforward, she says she's "coolwith (it)."

Simmons said the nationalcompetition is rough; competi-tors ruck over sand and someof the hills span for miles.

She would have competedas the top member of the FortJackson team at White SandsMissile Range in New MexicoMarch 17.

Qualifying for the nationalcompetition is a big deal.

Of the 31 Fort Jackson com-petitors, five failed to completethe ruck. They stopped at theeight-mile turnaround point,Keene said.

Fort Jackson has entered inthe Military-Coed HeavyDivision since Keene launchedthe post qualifier competitionroughly five years ago.

The top female and firstfour male finishers in the qual-ifiers advance to the 26.2 mileruck in New Mexico.

At nationals, each teammember begins and finishesthe trek with 35 pounds ofmaterial in their rucksacks.They can redistribute theweight between teammates inthe midst of the march.

For the Fort Jackson qualifi-er, women are only required tocarry 25 pounds. Men carry 35pounds.

Simmons said the 25.8pounds she chose to carryseemed light. "I could havekept going," she added.

To prepare for the qualifier,Simmons rucked with up to 70pounds on a number of occa-sions. She did a lot of running,too, including some halfmarathons.

Her typical weekday work-outs last two hours, she said.She wakes up by 3 a.m. formorning training.

On weekends, she oftenextends her workout time toroughly three hours.

Simmons was prepared forthe march, but she wasn't com-peting for the prize.

"I wasn't trying to win,"Simmons said. She reportedwanting to gauge her physicaltraining progress.

She kept the competitionfriendly, even chatting with aformer drill sergeant candidateas they plodded on together.

She plans to give FortJackson's team some tips forthe upcoming competition.

Fort Jackson has a reputa-tion to uphold, Keene said.

"(Bataan Death March com-petitors) know who FortJackson is," she quipped. "Theylook forward to us coming outthere every year."

The installation has earnedbragging rights, Keene added.Its teams have placed in the topthree every year since joiningand have won twice.

"There are tons of teams,"Keene said. Participation hasgrown to roughly 8,000 annualmarchers between all competi-tion categories.

Keene started the qualifierat the installation "to give thesoldiers another national com-petition to attend."

This year, Fort Jackson willbe represented by the top fourmale placers and the secondfemale finisher: 1st Sgt. CodyMarthaler, with a time of twohours and 55 minutes; Capt.Chase Johnson, with a time oftwo hours and 59 minutes; 1stSgt. Tito Vazquez, with a timeof three hours and one minute;Sgt. 1st Class Jonathan Currea,with a time of three hours andtwo minutes; and Capt. BeccaRosenblatt, with a time ofthree hours and six minutes.

They'll have to close the gapin their times before March.

All team members mustcross the finish line within 20seconds of each other.

The national competitioncommemorates the originalBataan Death March April 9,1942.

On that date during WorldWar II, U.S. and Filipino forcessurrendered to the Japanese.

It ended months of battlefor control over thePhilippines.

U.S. and Filipino militarymembers -- 75,000 of them --marched 65 miles to prisonerof war camps across thePhilippines. Thousands diedon the march to crowdedcamps across the archipelago.It is one of the many notoriousJapanese atrocities of the war.

Welcome to the runup tothe 2019 edition of DarlingtonCounty’s Dancing with theStars, an annual event thatbenefits the Pee Dee CoalitionAgainst Domestic and SexualAssault. The event will be heldThursday, Jan. 31, at 7:30 p.m.at Center Theater inHartsville.

For the next several weeks,we’ll be introducing coupleswho will be taking part in theevent. You can go to the PeeDee Coalition’s website(www.DWTSofDC.com) tovote your favorite couple forthe People’s Choice Award.

This week’s featured cou-ples:

Tracee Auman(Professional) and MattNelson (Celebrity). Dancestyle: Cha Cha. Decade: 1990s.Choreographer: TraceeAuman.

Jadah Rush (Professional)and Dennis Smith (Celebrity).Dance style: Cha Cha. Decade:2010s. Choreographer:Shantella Harris.

Photos are by Steve Roos. Sponsors of this year’s

event are: Dr. Orville H. Dycewith Black Creek Medical,Carolina Bank, West OilCompany, Steve Roos withAshcraft Studio, Fitness WorldGyms, Better Homes andGardens Real Estate - SegarsRealty, Hartsville FamilyDentistry, Sonoco ProductsCompany, Coca-Cola BottlingCo. Consolidated, HodgeEthridge Insurance andFinancial Service - NationwideInsurance, McLean MarechalInsurance and FinancialService - NationwideInsurance, Duke Energy,Edwin Haenni, Curry andDebbie Dawkins, the KiwanisClub of Hartsville, DarlingtonFamily Pharmacy, BurryBookstore. Wesley UnitedMethodist Church, CokerCollege, First Citizens Bank,Wanda and Terry Hassler,Coble Wealth Management,LLC, Carolina Pines RegionalMedical Center, ElsesserCustom Cabinetry, HartsvilleCountry Club.

Dr. Dyce with Black CreekMedical is presenting thisyear's show.

Celebrity dancer MattNelson has called Hartsvillehome since graduating fromthe University of SouthCarolina in 2009. It is also his10th year teaching atHartsville High School.

He is a social studiesteacher at HHS. He is also thejournalism teacher who printsthe Paw Prints newspaper andproduces their news show,RFTV. On top of his teachingresponsibilities, he is also thedirector of the musical pro-gram at Hartsville High.

This will be his fifth yeardirecting and eighth year ofbeing involved with the pro-gram. Nelson was also the2014-15 Hartsville HighSchool Teacher of the Year.Part of his teaching philosophyis to provide students with theopportunity to become well-rounded people, and that isone reason why he decided toparticipate in Dancing withthe Stars of DarlingtonCounty.

The other reason was toshow his support for the PeeDee Coalition againstDomestic and Sexual Assault.He believes the organizationdoes great things around thecommunity and helps to pre-vent something that no childor adult should be a part of.

Professional dancer TraceeAuman is a graduate of theUniversity of South Carolinawith a degree in Advertisingand Dance. She is a formercompetitive dancer and for-mer member of the USCModern Dance Company.

She is employed withHartsville High School and isan instructor at the BrendaCranford School of Dance.This is the third year she hasbeen involved with Dancingwith the Stars of DarlingtonCounty.

She looks forward to sup-porting this event and the PeeDee Coalition each year. Sheis married to Donnie Aumanand they have one daughter,Carmen.

Celebrity dancer DennisSmith is a native of Charlestonand a graduate of FrancisMarion University.

He is married to AngelaSmith, and they have two chil-dren, 14 and 16. He isemployed with SonocoProducts Company as a busi-ness systems specialist. As amember of Center Baptist

Church, he has served in sev-eral roles including Sundayschool teacher and chairmanof the Finance Committee.Smith is the former programdirector of the CenterCommunity Coalition, a non-profit serving at-risk youth.During his tenure, a communi-ty computer lab and mentor-ing program were started andoperated for four years.

He enjoys serving the com-munity and attempting tomake a difference.

He has a passion for travel-ing and had the opportunity tovisit Cuba and the AuschwitzConcentration Camp whileworking in Warsaw, Poland.He is honored to participate inthis event, because it gives avoice to those who are some-times forced to be silent.

Professional dancer JadahRush is a student at SouthFlorence High School. She hasexcelled in the arts for manyyears in the areas of music,theatre and dance.

She has served as a castmember of Florence LittleTheater’s 2016 production of“The King and I.”

She has studied for overfour years under the instruc-tion of Shantella Harris. Rushhas been an exceptional mem-ber of several dance teams inthe Florence area. She hasperformed at various eventssuch as the Pecan Festival,Sankofa Festival and the FMUInternational Festival. She hasserved as dance captain for theSMS Dance Falcons and theSenior Performance Team ofDriven By Dance Studio inQuinby.

She has danced competi-tively in the S.C. SouthernCouncil Dance MastersAssociation and received aHigh Silver rating.

Rush is currently a danceteam assistant and dancer forSouth Florence High School’sBruin Elite Dance Squad andthe Driven By Dance SeniorPerformance Team. In herspare time, she enjoys singing,drawing, track and field activ-ities and participating in herschool’s NJROTC program.

NEWS AND PRESS | DARLINGTON, S.C.PAGE 8A | WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 26, 2018

Meet the stars of Dancing with the Stars of Darlington County

Jadah Rush and Dennis Smith PHOTO BY STEVE ROOS

Tracee Auman and Matt Nelson PHOTO BY STEVE ROOS

The News & Press will be closed Monday, Dec. 31 _ Tuesday, Jan. 1

while we ring in the new year

We wish you many blessings

in 2019!Ads and classifieds deadlines

will be Wednesday, Dec. 26 at noon.

FLORENCE — FrancisMarion University graduatedits first class of doctoral stu-dents at its fall commencementceremony.

It was a big day for theUniversity.

A big day for the communityand the region, too.

Seven students receivedtheir Doctor of Nursing Practice(DNP) degree. FMU launchedthe program as part of a strate-gic mission to help improvehealth care access in the PeeDee and beyond, and to pro-vide meaningful career pathsfor students. The DNPs willhelp by serving as both front-line practitioners and in facultyroles at colleges and universi-ties.

That latter role will includeresearch as well as teaching.The potential of the research

role was on display when theDNPs presented their doctoralresearch projects a few weeksprior to graduation.

The seven projects coveredtopics ranging from diabeticfoot risk and better standardsfor lung cancer screening tolifestyle intervention in youngchildren and better treatmentfor sinusitis. All dealt with real-world problems that practition-ers face — and struggle with —daily. All offered research-based ideas for improving carein those areas.

Newly minted DNP Dr.Australia Greene of Miami,Fla., says “being able to puttime into this level of research,into topics that we’d see everyday in a practice or a hospital,can make a real difference. I’mlooking forward to doing moreof this in the years ahead.”

Adds Dr. Margaret Croffie-Nelson, a Californian who hassince moved to Columbia,“Being able to immerse myselfin this research (into sinusitis)made me feel like an expert inthis area. That, in turn, willmake me a better practitionerand a better resource for mypatients.

“I feel like this will be my lifefor awhile, something I’mgoing to – pardon the pun – liveand breathe. I couldn’t havedone that if Francis Marionhadn’t created this program.”

Dr. Ruth Wittmann-Price,dean of FMU’s School of HealthSciences, says the DNP was anatural and needed extensionof the University’s growing pro-grams in health care education.

First doctoral grads bring real-worldresearch focus to regional health care issues

Proceeds from benefit concertallow Trinity-Byrnes

to give $30,000 to families of shooting victims

Trinity-Byrnes CollegiateSchool was pleased toannounce that it raised$30,000 allowing it to givechecks in the amount of$4,285 to Allison Carrawayin honor of her husbandOfficer Terrence Carraway,Katie Godwin in honor of herdaughter Investigator FarrahTurner, and with enormousgratitude to Officer ArieDavis, Investigator SarahMiller, Officer Brian Hart,Officer Travis Scott andOfficer Scott Williamson.

On Nov. 15 Trinity-ByrnesCollegiate School held a stu-

dent-led Benefit Concert toraise money for the familiesand officers involved in thetragedy that happened Oct. 3when seven law-enforcementofficers were ambushed inFlorence.

The school is honored andhumbled to be able to do asmall part to show our appre-ciation for the men andwomen who protect us fromharm. Trinity-ByrnesCollegiate School proudlybacks the blue!

Trinity-Byrnes CollegiateSchool is a coeducational,non-discriminatory, college-

preparatory day school serv-ing students in grades seventhrough 12 located inDarlington.

Trinity-Byrnes fostersdevelopment of every stu-dent’s intellect and characterthrough strong academics, awide variety of athletics andextra-curricular activities.For more information contactApril Munn, Director ofAdmissions andCommunications, at (843)395-9124, [email protected]

by Samantha LylesStaff Writer

[email protected]

The Darlington FireDepartment held theirChristmas awards banquetrecently, and kept up the annu-al tradition of recognizing fire-fighters who rendered exem-plary service during the pastyear.

Firefighters of The Year

For only the third time inover 30 years, two people wonrecognition as Firefighter ofThe Year.

Myrick Hatcher, a firefighterand engineer, began his careerin the fire service seven yearsago as a volunteer withPalmetto Rural FireDepartment. His interest firstsparked when a friend whoworked with DFD took himalong on a fire call.

“Ever since then, I've wantedto do this. I volunteered rightafter that,” says Hatcher, whocomes from firefighting stock.Two of his grandparents andtwo other female relatives arealso in the fire service.

“I like helping people, and Ilike fighting fires. It's exciting,it's a rush,” says Hatcher.“Mostly, it's helping people,even if it's with somethingsmall...like this lady who hadlocked her keys in her car. Wehelped her with that, and justthat little gesture meant a lot.You see people smile and itmakes their day.”

Hatcher says his family is as“happy as can be” about hischoice of career, and hisfiancee (also a firefighter)shares his love for the job.

Lt. Brandon Maloch says thefirefighting bug bit him early.He recalls riding to fire callswith his uncle, MurrayNorwood, when he was just alittle boy.

“I got to stand in the bed ofhis truck and watch them fightthe fires,” says Maloch. “Ninetimes out of ten, I had his pagersomewhere in the house play-ing with it when it went off, sothey'd have to come run medown to get the pager. Thenwe'd go find Uncle Murraysomewhere out on the farm,and we'd hop in his little farmtruck and take off.”

His ambition solidified inhigh school when he joined theExplorer program of theCamden Fire Department.

“It sounded exciting,”Maloch says. “The Explorerprograms are wonderful thingsthat fire departments do forchildren, because it helps keepus out of trouble and startsteaching us responsibility.”

Since then, he has workedon a racetrack extrication crew,as a full-time fireman, and arescue squad member before

joining DFD. Maloch says thework is exciting and uniquelyfulfilling, with a day's workinvolving anything from speak-ing to school assemblies to res-cuing a dog trapped under aporch. Sometimes, on reallyspecial days, a firefighter getsthe chance to actually bring aperson back from the brink ofdeath. Twice in the past year,Maloch has arrived first onscene for emergency medicalcalls and used an AED (auto-mated external defibrillator) torestart someone's heart.

“Seeing that first breathafter someone has checked outfor a minute, seeing them takea breath on their own... that'sprobably the biggest reward forme,” says Maloch.

Firefighters of The Year areselected by anonymous votescast by DFD full-time employ-ees and volunteers.

Volunteer Firefighter ofThe Year / Drake

Beckham Award Winner

Despite working full time asa SC State Transport Police offi-cer, Chuck Norton found timeto respond to over 80 calls as avolunteer fireman this year.This level of dedication is noth-ing new for Norton, who hasspent most of his life in publicservice. Norton began as aparamedic with DarlingtonCounty EMS, and served in lawenforcement with the City ofFlorence Police Departmentand the Darlington CountySheriff's Office before joiningthe State Transport Police.

Norton says he becameinterested in volunteering afterhis son Trey joined theDarlington County Fire District.

“He said 'Dad, it would bereally cool if you'd do it withme. I said 'naah, I'm good,'because I was getting uparound the 50-year mark,”Norton says. “But he talked meinto it. I went back and got cer-tified and I'm glad I did,because I love it.”

Colleagues with StateTransport Police have voicedbafflement at Norton's willing-ness to roll out of bed at threein the morning to shoot a firehose in freezing weather, buthe says the work is rewardingenough to offset the costs.

“To see the people and knowthat you've helped somebody,that you're really making a dif-ference... Darlington is myhome, and I love it. I love serv-ing the community,” saysNorton. “If (public service) is inyour blood, you can't get itout.”

DFD Chief Pat Cavanaughsays that running an effectivefire department without volun-teers like Norton “would not bepossible.”

“Right now, we have ten full-time employees,” says

Cavanaugh, noting that inorder to maintain Darlington'sfavorable ISO rating and keepinsurance premiums low, a cer-tain number of firefightersmust respond to every firescene. “If we were going to runthis place without volunteers,we would have to hire thirty toforty people...in all our bigevents, we average sixteen peo-ple responding per fire.”

Cavanaugh adds that acrossthe country, fire service volun-teerism is declining, but hefeels very fortunate that DFD'scall board (including youngpeople in the Explorer pro-gram) includes about 40 fire-fighters willing to answer thecall.

The Volunteer FirefighterAward is voted on by all mem-bers of the Darlington FireDepartment. The DrakeBeckham Award, named inhonor of past chiefs FrankDrake and Leon Beckham, issponsored by retired firefighterBill Garland.

Agitator of The Year /Chief's Pet Award

Both of these tongue-in-cheek honors were bestowedon engineer/firefighterBrandon Wilson, and DFDChief Pat Cavanaugh explainedthat they aren't meant to beinsults... not entirely, anyhow.

“The Agitator of The Year issomeone who works hard, butstirs things up behind thescenes. Picking on people,pranking people, keeping peo-ple on their toes,” saysCavanaugh. “It's a good thingbecause it shows that person isinvolved and dedicated, butthey love to stir the pot... andnaming him Chief's Pet is a lit-tle bit of payback for him beingan agitator.”

Asked exactly what he did toearn this distinction, Wilsonoffers a smile and a shrug thatcould be interpreted as a har-binger of future agitations.

Wilson joined the fire serv-ice 25 years ago as a volunteerwith Darlington County FireService, and became a full-timefireman in 2000. He joinedDFD part-time several yearsago and came on full-timewhen an opening arose. Wilsonalso serves as Captain with theSociety Hill Rescue Squad, andagrees with his fellow firementhat the job offers an addictiveblend of high-stakes intensityand low-key helpfulness.

He shares a story of an eld-erly woman who called 911because she feared she wasbecoming sick due to mold inher home. Wilson checked thetrouble spots for mold (andfound none) and ended uphelping her complete a fewsmall repair projects that madeher feel safer, and let her knowthat someone cared enough to

help.“Sometimes people just

want someone to talk to,” saysWilson. “She was scared andjust wanted someone to listen.”

The entire group agreedthat even though fighting fire isexhausting, dangerous, andinvolves arduous training andlong hours, the camaraderie

helps make it worthwhile. Eachman describes the DarlingtonFire Department as “a family”where they can always findsupport, good company, andreliably delicious food.

“People are up here on thedaily, even when it's not theirshift...We all get along reallygood, and we cook well and eat

well together,” says Maloch.“There's never a shortage ofreally good food around a fire-house.”

To learn about volunteeropportunities, visit theDarlington Fire Department at425 Orange Street, or call 843-398-4013.

DECEMBER 26, 2018 | PAGE 1B



2B SOCIETY3B BOOKING REPORT4B LEGAL NOTICES5B CLASSIFIEDS lifestyles

Darlington Fire Department honors outstanding firefighters of 2018

SCHP donation to The Lord CaresSouth Carolina Highway

Patrol troopers visited TheLord Cares food bank inDarlington last week to deliv-er a special holiday gift: adonation check that willenable TLC to feed many hun-gry people in the new year.

“We want to say howthankful we are to theHighway Patrol for this dona-tion, and for all they do keep-ing us safe on the highway,”said Frank Helms with TheLord Cares.

“We enjoy helping you allout, especially during theChristmas season. That's whatwe do our golf tournamentfor, so that we can help every-body in the eight counties thatwe serve,” said SCHP Capt.Joe Nell.

Nell explained that for thepast 24 years, the SouthCarolina Highway Patrol hasstaged an annual golf tourna-

ment where all proceeds ben-efit charity. He said that ini-tially, the donation went toone agency, but now SCHPdistributes these gifts amongseveral charitable organiza-tions in each troop's servicearea. SCHP's gift to The LordCares totaled $1,000, whichHelms said would come invery handy.

Though The Lord Caresalways needs donations ofnon-perishable canned andboxed items for their foodpantry, Helms says cannedmeats and canned fruits areespecially welcome, as areschool supplies such as pencilsand pens, notebooks andpaper. The Lord Cares, locatedat 201 Grove Street inDarlington, is open Monday,Wednesday, and Thursdayfrom 10 a.m. - 12 noon.

(left to right) SCHP Sgt. Bradley Norris, Mike Beckham with The Lord Cares, SCHP 1st Sgt. Douglas Miller, SCHP Capt. Joe Nell, and FrankHelms with The Lord Cares PHOTO BY SAMANTHA LYLES

Firefighters of the Year Lt. Brandon Maloch (left) and firefighter/engineer Myrick Hatcher

Volunteer Firefighter of the Year and Drake Beckham Award winner Chuck Norton

Agitator of the Year and Chief's Pet Award winner Brandon Wilson PHOTOS BY SAMANTHA LYLES

The Men’s Dance Club ofDarlington held its 62nd AnnualWinter Debutante Ball Dec. 22 atthe Darlington Country Club.Four young ladies were present-ed and seven young men wereintroduced.

Members and guests weregreeted by club presidentEdward Colgate Dennis IV andMrs. Dennis. Debutantes, intro-duced in the receiving line bytheir fathers or grandfathers,were Katherine Baker Hanna,Cary Ashley Hobbs, SimonsLucas Howard and AbigailBrooke Milling.

Hanna is the daughter of Mr.and Mrs. John Linwood Hannaof Florence, and a freshman at

York Technical College. She waspresented by her grandfather,Dr. Hubert Coleman Baker, andescorted by Gianna WaynePaglia Cox of Florence. Hanna isthe granddaughter of Dr. andMrs. Hubert Coleman Baker ofDarlington and Mrs. LindyFrederick Hanna and the lateMr. Hanna of Johnsonville.

Hobbs, the daughter of Dr.and Mrs. Steven Craig Hobbs ofDarlington, is a freshman at theCollege of Charleston. She was

presented by her father andescorted by Philip MichaelBarber of Columbia. Hobbs isthe granddaughter of the lateMr. and Mrs. David GandyThomasson and the late Dr. andMrs. Ned Peter Hobbs, all ofDarlington.

Howard is the daughter ofMr. and Mrs. Charles GrandisonHoward, Jr. of Florence. She is afreshman at Clemson University.Howard was presented by hergrandfather, Charles GrandisonHoward, and escorted by JacobJoel Jones of Darlington. She isthe granddaughter of Mrs.Charles Henry Butler Jr. and thelate Mr. Butler and Mr. and Mrs.Charles Grandison Howard, all

of Darlington.Milling, the daughter of Mr.

and Mrs. Richard HughesMilling Sr., is a freshman at theUniversity of South Carolina.She was presented by her fatherand escorted by Edwin WilsonEdmondson Matthews ofDarlington. Milling is the grand-daughter of Mr. and Mrs. GeraldJoseph Braun of Milwaukee,Wisconsin, and the late Mr. andMrs. Charles Whitfield Milling ofFlorence.

The following young men,sons of The Men’s Dance Club ofDarlington members, wereintroduced:

Matthew WilliamDeMaurice, son of Mr. and Mrs.Rene’ William DeMaurice III ofDarlington is a freshman at

Clemson University. He is thegrandson of Mr. and Mrs. RobertEarl Stevens and the late Mrs.Judith Gross Stevens, and thelate Mr. and Mrs. Rene’ WilliamDeMaurice Jr., all of Darlington.

Stone Rivers Godbold, son ofMr. and Mrs. Kenneth EugeneGodbold, is a freshman at theUniversity of South Carolina. Heis the grandson of Mr. and Mrs.James Casper Stone Jr. and thelate Mr. and Mrs. Eugene LutherGodbold, all of Darlington.

Prentis Grainger Howle, afreshman at Francis MarionUniversity, is the son of Mr. andMrs. Wayne Adger Howle ofDarlington. He is the grandsonof the late Mr. and Mrs. BobAnderson Shirley of Hartsville,and the late Mr. and Mrs. JamesAdger Howle of Darlington.

John Thomas Isgett III is theson of Mr. and Mrs. JohnThomas Isgett II of Darlington.He is a freshman at the

University of South Carolina andthe grandson of Mr. and Mrs.William Eugene Carmichael ofCedartown, Ga., Mrs. CarolIsgett Baitz of Florence and Mr.Harold Glenn Isgett ofCharleston.

Stephen McKenzie Josey is

the son of Mr. and Mrs. TerryMcKenzie Josey. He is a fresh-man at Presbyterian College andthe grandson of Mr. RonaldDelmus Stephens and the lateMrs. Judy Gainey Stephens, andthe late Mr. and Mrs. AlfordTerry Josey, all of Darlington.

Edwin Wilson EdmondsonMatthews, son of Mr. and Mrs.Warren Mark Matthews Sr., is afreshman at Wofford College. Heis the grandson of Mr. and Mrs.Edwin Wilson Edmondson ofPollocksville, N.C., and Mrs.Josiah Simpson Matthews IIIand the late Dr. Matthews ofDarlington.

Joshua Max Ward is the sonof Mr. and Mrs. Joshua WilsonWard. He is a freshman atClemson University and thegrandson of Mr. and Mrs.Ronald Carlisle Williamson ofHartsville and Mr. and Mrs.James Ronald Ward ofDarlington.



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HARTSVILLE, S.C., Dec. 07,2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --Sonoco (NYSE: SON), one ofthe largest diversified globalpackaging companies, todayprovided an update on itsstrategy and financial guid-ance at a meeting with theinvestment community inNew York.

Featured presenters at themeeting included: Rob Tiede,president and CEO; BarrySaunders, senior vice presi-dent and CFO; Howard Coker,senior vice president, GlobalPaper/Industrial ConvertedProducts; Rodger Fuller, sen-ior vice president, GlobalConsumer Packaging; andJulie Albrecht, vice president,Treasurer and CFO-elect.Other participants in the con-ference included: MarcyThompson, vice president,Marketing and Innovation;Mike Pope, division vice presi-dent and general manager,Sonoco Recycling; and GregMunoz, staff vice president,Supply Management andLogistics.

Sonoco Raises 2018Base EPS, Operating

Cash Flow and Free CashFlow Guidance

Sonoco expects fourthquarter and full-year 2018GAAP earnings to be $0.75 to$0.85 and $3.09 to $3.19 perdiluted share, respectively.The full-year range includesamounts previously disclosedby the Company of approxi-mately $0.19 per dilutedshare, after-tax, related large-ly to restructuring and assetimpairment charges, acquisi-tion costs and the effect ofincome tax rate changes ondeferred tax items. TheseGAAP guidance ranges alsoreflect the anticipated fourthquarter impact of estimated

after-tax restructuringcharges and property insur-ance recovery related toHurricane Florence.

Fourth-quarter and full-year 2018 base earnings guid-ance is being raised to $0.79to $0.85 and $3.32 to $3.38per diluted share, respective-ly. The Company previouslyprovided guidance of $0.75 to$0.81 and $3.28 to $3.34 perdiluted share for these respec-tive periods. The increase inbase earnings guidance is dueto the receipt of businessinterruption insurance pro-ceeds in the fourth quarterassociated with the impact offlooding on operations fromHurricane Florence inSeptember. In 2017, theCompany reported fourthquarter and full-year GAAPearnings of $.06 and $1.74 perdiluted share, and base earn-ings of $0.72 and $2.79 perdiluted share.

Note: Reconciliations ofnon-GAAP financial measuresto GAAP financial measuresare available on our website athttps://investor.sonoco.com/static-files/a38e69dc-c807-497a-87f0-d5281b8e0ea6.Base earnings and base earn-ings per diluted share are non-GAAP financial measureadjusted to remove restructur-ing charges, asset impairmentcharges, gains/losses on dis-position of assets, acquisitionsand divestiture expenses andother items, if any, the exclu-sion of which the Companybelieves improve comparabili-ty and analysis of the underly-ing financial performance ofthe business.

Guidance for 2018 operat-ing cash flow and free cashflow has been raised to $590million to $610 million and$250 million to $270 million,respectively. The Companypreviously provided operating

cash flow and free cash flowguidance of $580 million to$600 million and $230 millionto $250 million, respectively.The increase in guidance for2018 free cash flow is due pri-marily to lower than anticipat-ed capital spending. (Freecash flow is a non-GAAPfinancial measure which maynot represent the amount ofcash flow available for generaldiscretionary use. Free cashflow is defined as cash flow

from operations minus netcapital expenditures and cashdividends. Net capital expen-ditures is defined as capitalexpenditures minus proceedsfrom, and/or costs incurredin, the disposition of capitalassets.)

Company TargetsRecord 2019 Base EPS;Continued Cash Flow

Growth

Sonoco estimates 2019base earnings per dilutedshare to be in the range of$3.47 to $3.57, with a project-ed mid-point target of $3.52per diluted share. This esti-mate excludes the non-service

components of net pensionexpense which are expected tototal approximately $11 mil-lion and does not reflect thepending adoption of the newlease accounting standardwhich becomes effectiveJanuary 1, 2019. In 2018, thenon-service portion of pen-sion expense is not expectedto be significant.

Note: 2019 GAAP EPS guid-ance is not provided in thisrelease due to the likely occur-

rence of one or more of thefollowing, the timing andmagnitude of which we areunable to reliably forecast:possible gains or losses on thesale of businesses, or otherassets, restructuring costs andrestructuring-related impair-ment charges, acquisition-related costs and the incometax effect of these itemsand/or other income tax-related events. These itemscould have a significantimpact on the Company’sfuture GAAP financial results.

The Company’s 2019 mid-point base earnings targetassumes $0.06 per share posi-tive impact from 2018 acquisi-tions and a $0.08 per share

addition from volume/mixgrowth. In addition, a positiveprice/cost relationship drivenby procurement productivityand commercial excellenceinitiatives should contribute$0.27 per share. Offsettingthese favorable factors are anexpected $0.10 negativeimpact from non-materialinflation in excess of produc-tivity; a $0.10 per dilutedshare negative impact fromother fixed-cost charges; andapproximately $0.04 pershare negative impact fromhigher income taxes and astrengthening of the dollaragainst other currencies, par-tially offset by lower interestexpense.

At the midpoint, 2019 cashflow from operations is pro-jected to be approximately$610 million and, after spend-ing approximately $205 mil-lion in capital investmentsand paying $170 million individends to shareholders,free cash flow is projected tobe approximately $235 mil-lion. Depreciation andAmortization is projected tobe $252 million in 2019.Excluding several atypicalitems which benefitted oper-ating cash flow in 2018, theincrease in 2019 operatingcash flow and free cash flowwould represent year-over-year growth of 6.5 percentand 11.9 percent, respectively.

Commenting on theCompany’s 2018 and 2019expectations, Tiede said,“Despite hurricanes, acceler-ating inflation, tariffs andsluggish consumer-servedmarket demand, Sonoco’sbusinesses have producedstrong results in 2018. Wehave a strong, diversifiedbusiness mix, a solid balancesheet and a track record forachieving consistent earningsimprovement. In 2018, we

expect to produce recordsales, record operating profit,record base earnings, and,record operating cash flowand free cash flow; and ouroutlook for 2019 has us againachieving record top-line andbottom-line results.”

Conference CallWebcast

A telephonic replay oftoday’s investor day confer-ence call will be availablestarting at Noon ET, to U.S.callers at 855-859-2056 andinternational callers at +404-537-3406. The replay pass-code for both U.S. and inter-national calls is 7043206. Thearchived call will be availablethrough December 17, 2018.The webcast call also will bearchived in the InvestorRelations section of Sonoco’swebsite. A presentation oftoday’s meeting is also avail-able on the Investor Relationssection of our website.

About Sonoco

Founded in 1899, Sonoco isa global provider of a varietyof consumer packaging,industrial products, protectivepackaging, and displays andpackaging supply chain serv-ices. With annualized netsales of approximately $5 bil-lion, the Company has 21,000employees working in morethan 300 operations in 33countries, serving some of theworld’s best known brands insome 85 nations. Sonoco iscommitted to BetterPackaging. Better Life., andranked first in the Packagingsector on Fortune’s World’sMost Admired Companies2018 list. For more informa-tion on the Company, visit ourwebsite at www.sonoco.com.

WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 26, 2018 | PAGE 3BNEWS AND PRESS | DARLINGTON, S.C.

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Gold Star families, golden-hearted soldiers honoredStory Courtesy of Fort Jackson

The annual Holiday Wishesevent was held at the NCO ClubDec. 1 to honor Gold Star moth-ers and families and their lostsoldiers.

The event doubled in sizethis year, officials said. Therewere 215 people registered andeven Saint Nick made anappearance.

The 282nd Army Bandwoodwind quintet played holi-day music, and Ann Brodie'sCarolina Ballet performed cho-reography from “TheNutcracker.”

An ornament ceremony wasperformed in commemorationof those lost.

Each Gold Star family repre-

sentative in attendance tookturns hanging an ornament onthe holiday tree in honor oftheir fallen soldier. Brig. Gen.Milford "Beags" Beagle Jr., FortJackson commander, and Maj.Gen. Robert Livingston Jr.,South Carolina AdjutantGeneral, said a few words to thefamily members gathered.

Beagle welcomed lost sol-diers' loved ones back into theArmy community.

"You can get in; this is yourArmy," he said, adding that "thelock on the door may be a littlebit tricky" at times, but it isalways open. Beagle wantedfamilies to know they are stillpart of the military family, evenif their soldier has died.

Beagle commented on the

difficulty of this season for fam-ilies. There is a fear of lost sol-diers being forgotten, he said,and holidays magnify the loss.

"The holidays are some ofthe most difficult terrain youwill have to navigate," Beaglesaid. "You will not navigate thatterrain alone."

Gold Star events are areminder of that.

Fort Jackson's SurvivorOutreach Support CoordinatorKelly Estep said Gold Starevents are key to "ensure thatall our surviving family mem-bers still feel a part of ourArmy."

Elaine Johnson, vice presi-dent of the American Gold StarMothers South Carolina chap-ter, said the events help during

this challenging time of year.Johnson is a Gold Star Motherof 15 years. In 2003, she lost herson.

"(My son) has always beenmy hero," Johnson said. "Hegave his life for his country andcomrades."

Johnson's son was Spc.Darius T. Jennings, born Nov.13, 1980. He died Nov. 2, 2003.

Jennings was serving theArmy in Iraq, after signing uptwo years before -- fresh out ofhigh school.

Jennings had been granted15 days of rest and recupera-tion, and he was scheduled totake off in a Chinook helicopterheaded back to the UnitedStates for 14 days.

There were two helicopters

leaving that day: the first for 14days, and the second for four.

Jennings learned that onesoldier with a seat on the sec-ond helicopter may miss thebirth of his child if he didn't gethome sooner.

Jennings gave up his spot onthe first flight.

He had never met the manhe traded seats with, Johnsonsaid.

In flight, the second Chinookwas shot down, killing 16 sol-diers. Jennings was amongthem.

I always told my son thevalue of family," Johnson said,adding that he must have takenher message seriously. "My sonhad that heart of gold … for astranger."

The holiday season is whenJohnson says she puts on manyfaces. "Christmas will never beChristmas again," she said.These events help, she contin-ued. "I love seeing my Gold StarMoms," Johnson added.

Livingston pointed out thatalthough the Soldiers are gonefrom this earth, they aren't lost.

"(Their story) is written inpermanent ink in history," hesaid. "That service will never beforgotten."

Their legacy belongs to fami-ly members, who keep theirmemory alive, Livingston said.

That's one thing Livingstonsaid makes this country great:its focus on family.

Sonoco Provides Update on Strategy, Issues New Financial Guidance

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATES

All persons having claimsagainst the following estatesMUST file their claims onForm #371ES with theProbate Court of DarlingtonCounty, the address of whichis Room 208 Courthouse,One Public Square,Darlington, SC 29532, withineight(8) months after thedate of the first publicationof this Notice to Creditors orwithin one (1) year fromdate of death, whichever isearlier (SCPC 62-3-801, etseq.), or such persons shallbe forever barred as to theirclaims. All claims arerequired to be presented inwritten statements on theprescribed form (FORM#371ES) indicating thename and the address of theclaimant, the basis of theclaim, the amount claimed,the date when the claim willbecome due, the nature ofany uncertainty as to theclaim and a description ofany security as to the claim.Estate: Douglas Lee BushDate of Death: 11/3/2018Case No: 2018ES1600562Personal Representative:Nicolette Manning BushAddress: 4080 Highway 324,Rock Hill, SC 29732

(22p3 leave in thru 12-26-18)


All persons having claimsagainst the following estatesMUST file their claims onForm #371ES with theProbate Court of DarlingtonCounty, the address of whichis Room 208 Courthouse,One Public Square,Darlington, SC 29532, withineight(8) months after thedate of the first publicationof this Notice to Creditors orwithin one (1) year fromdate of death, whichever isearlier (SCPC 62-3-801, etseq.), or such persons shallbe forever barred as to theirclaims. All claims arerequired to be presented inwritten statements on theprescribed form (FORM#371ES) indicating thename and the address of theclaimant, the basis of theclaim, the amount claimed,the date when the claim willbecome due, the nature ofany uncertainty as to theclaim and a description ofany security as to the claim.Estate: Romus Leo (R.L.)HugginsDate of Death: 10/31/2018Case No: 2018ES16558Personal Representative:Christy Ann H. BlackmonAddress: 409 AndersonDrive, Darlington, SC 29532Attorney: Albert L. James, IIIAddress: P.O. Box 507,Darlington, SC 29540

(22c3 leave in thru 12-26-18)


All persons having claimsagainst the following estatesMUST file their claims onForm #371ES with theProbate Court of DarlingtonCounty, the address of whichis Room 208 Courthouse,One Public Square,Darlington, SC 29532, withineight(8) months after thedate of the first publicationof this Notice to Creditors orwithin one (1) year fromdate of death, whichever isearlier (SCPC 62-3-801, etseq.), or such persons shallbe forever barred as to theirclaims. All claims arerequired to be presented inwritten statements on theprescribed form (FORM#371ES) indicating thename and the address of theclaimant, the basis of theclaim, the amount claimed,

the date when the claim willbecome due, the nature ofany uncertainty as to theclaim and a description ofany security as to the claim.Estate: Eleanor E.RichardsonDate of Death: 10/5/2018Case No: 2018ES1600563Personal Representative:Justin Montrell BrownAddress: 617 Tish Drive,Darlington, SC 29540



All persons having claimsagainst the following estatesMUST file their claims onForm #371ES with theProbate Court of DarlingtonCounty, the address of whichis Room 208 Courthouse,One Public Square,Darlington, SC 29532, withineight(8) months after thedate of the first publicationof this Notice to Creditors orwithin one (1) year fromdate of death, whichever isearlier (SCPC 62-3-801, etseq.), or such persons shallbe forever barred as to theirclaims. All claims arerequired to be presented inwritten statements on theprescribed form (FORM#371ES) indicating thename and the address of theclaimant, the basis of theclaim, the amount claimed,the date when the claim willbecome due, the nature ofany uncertainty as to theclaim and a description ofany security as to the claim.Estate: Thomas Lee SamuelDate of Death: 10/25/2018Case No: 2018ES16005382Personal Representative:Everette SamuelAddress: 1559 Burkitts Lane,Darlington, SC 29532



All persons having claimsagainst the following estatesMUST file their claims onForm #371ES with theProbate Court of DarlingtonCounty, the address of whichis Room 208 Courthouse,One Public Square,Darlington, SC 29532, withineight(8) months after thedate of the first publicationof this Notice to Creditors orwithin one (1) year fromdate of death, whichever isearlier (SCPC 62-3-801, etseq.), or such persons shallbe forever barred as to theirclaims. All claims arerequired to be presented inwritten statements on theprescribed form (FORM#371ES) indicating thename and the address of theclaimant, the basis of theclaim, the amount claimed,the date when the claim willbecome due, the nature ofany uncertainty as to theclaim and a description ofany security as to the claim.Estate: Barbara LloydWeatherfordDate of Death: 10/9/2018Case No: 2018ES1600566Personal Representative:Homer Acie WeatherfordAddress: 1108 Old FlorenceRoad, Darlington, SC 29532


SUMMONS ANDNOTICES

(Termination of ParentalRights)

STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA

COUNTY OF DARLINGTONIN THE FAMILY COURT OF

THE FOURTH JUDICIAL

CIRCUIT2018-DR-16-695

South Carolina Departmentof Social Services, Plaintiff,vs.

Sherlwin Antwainette CarterAnd Female Child Born in2017, Defendants.TO: Defendant SherwlinAntwainette CarterYOU ARE HEREBY SUM-MONED and required toanswer the Complaint fortermination of your parentalrights in and to the minorchild in this action, a copy ofwhich is herewith servedupon you, and to serve acopy of your answer to thecomplaint upon the under-signed attorney for thePlaintiff at 203 CommerceAve, PO Box 269,Chesterfield SC 29709, with-in thirty (30) days followingthe date of service upon you,exclusive of the day of suchservice; and if you fail toanswer the complaint withinthe aforesaid, an affidavit ofdefault will be enteredagainst you and the Plaintiffwill proceed to seek to ter-minate your parental rightsto the above captioned chil-dren.YOU ARE HEREBY notifiedthat a final hearing in thisaction for termination ofparental rights will be heldon February 7, 2019 at2:00PM. You are herebynotified to be present at thistime in the DarlingtonCounty Family Court locatedat 1 Public Square,Darlington SC. Laura Jo Bardsley, SC Bar#13484Attorney for Plaintiff, SCDSS203 Commerce Ave./PO Box269Chesterfield, SC 29709843-623-5326


NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALEPLEASE TAKE NOTICEthat, pursuant to a Judgmentgranted in the case of DixiesFederal Credit Union v.Timothy Ryan Flowers andDebra J. Flowers, 2018-CP-16-00393, I will sell at public auc-tion at the front of theDarlington CountyCourthouse in Darlington,South Carolina, on Tuesday,January 8, 2019 at 12:00O’CLOCK P.M. to the highestbidder for cash the followingdescribed property:(Darlington County TaxMap Number 163-00-03-115)All that certain piece, parcel orlot of land, with improvementsthereon, lying and being inDarlington County, SouthCarolina, designated as LotNo. 4 on a plat prepared by W.R. Banks, Registered Surveyor,dated July 28, 1966, and beingbounded according to said platas follows: on the North byLots No. 2 & 3 for a distance of215.9 feet; on the East by LotNo. 1 for a distance of 35 feet;on the South by a ditch, theline; and on the West by anunnamed 40 foot street onwhich it measures 162 feet.For a more particular descrip-tion, reference is hereby madeto the plat above referred to, acopy of which is filed in theoffice of the Clerk of Court forDarlington County in PlatBook 43 at Page 213.This property also includesone (1) 1988 Horton MobileHome, 14x70 (DarlingtonCounty Tax Map Number 163-00-03-115.001).This being the same propertyconveyed to Timothy RyanFlowers and Debra J. Flowersby Deed of Kevin C. Odomdated October 31, 2008 andrecorded in the office of theClerk of Court for DarlingtonCounty in Book 1054 at Page9562.Property Address: 956 SanFran CircleDarlington, South Carolina29532NOTICE is further given that

the successful bidder, otherthan the Plaintiff, at said salewill be required to depositimmediately with the SpecialReferee an amount equal tofive (5%) percent of his bid incash, and if such deposit is notmade, the Special Referee willresell said property on thesales day or some subsequentsales day as may appearadvantageous. In case the successful bidder should fail tocomply with his bid by pay-ment of the balance of the pur-chase price within thirty (30)days after acceptance of hisbid, his deposit shall be forfeit-ed and the property resold onsome subsequent sales daywithout further Order of theCourt, at the risk of the pur-chaser. The purchaser will berequired to pay for the deed,documentary stamps on thedeed, recording of the deed,and interest on the amount ofthe bid from date of salethrough date of compliancewith the bid at the rate of10.00%.Since a deficiency judgment iswaived, the bidding shall beclosed upon the date of sale.This property is sold subject totaxes and assessments, exist-ing easements and restrictionsof record. If the Plaintiff or thePlaintiff’s representative doesnot appear at the above-described sale, then the sale ofthe property will be null, void,and of no force and effect. Insuch event, the sale will berescheduled for the next avail-able sales day. Haigh Porter, Special Referee_______, 2018Florence, South Carolina



All persons having claimsagainst the following estatesMUST file their claims onForm #371ES with theProbate Court of DarlingtonCounty, the address of whichis Room 208 Courthouse,One Public Square,Darlington, SC 29532, withineight(8) months after thedate of the first publicationof this Notice to Creditors orwithin one (1) year fromdate of death, whichever isearlier (SCPC 62-3-801, etseq.), or such persons shallbe forever barred as to theirclaims. All claims arerequired to be presented inwritten statements on theprescribed form (FORM#371ES) indicating thename and the address of theclaimant, the basis of theclaim, the amount claimed,the date when the claim willbecome due, the nature ofany uncertainty as to theclaim and a description ofany security as to the claim.Estate: Barbara WrightHuneycuttDate of Death: 8/12/2018Case No: 2018ES1600580Personal Representative:Krystal Lynn HuneycuttAddress: 112 N. DarlingtonAvenue, Lamar, SC 29069

(24p3 leave in thru 1-9-19)NOTICE TO CREDITORS

OF ESTATESAll persons having claimsagainst the following estatesMUST file their claims onForm #371ES with theProbate Court of DarlingtonCounty, the address of whichis Room 208 Courthouse,One Public Square,Darlington, SC 29532, withineight(8) months after thedate of the first publicationof this Notice to Creditors orwithin one (1) year fromdate of death, whichever isearlier (SCPC 62-3-801, etseq.), or such persons shallbe forever barred as to theirclaims. All claims arerequired to be presented in

written statements on theprescribed form (FORM#371ES) indicating thename and the address of theclaimant, the basis of theclaim, the amount claimed,the date when the claim willbecome due, the nature ofany uncertainty as to theclaim and a description ofany security as to the claim.Estate: DeQuincey AdamDavisDate of Death: 11/23/2018Case No: 2018ES16577Personal Representative:Carolyn Simon DavisAddress: 1529 Burkitts Lane,Darlington, SC 29532Attorney: Albert L. James, IIIAddress: P.O. Box 507,Darlington, SC 29540

(24c3 leave in thru 1-9-19)NOTICE TO CREDITORS

OF ESTATESAll persons having claims

against the following estatesMUST file their claims onForm #371ES with theProbate Court of DarlingtonCounty, the address of whichis Room 208 Courthouse,One Public Square,Darlington, SC 29532, withineight(8) months after thedate of the first publicationof this Notice to Creditors orwithin one (1) year fromdate of death, whichever isearlier (SCPC 62-3-801, etseq.), or such persons shallbe forever barred as to theirclaims. All claims arerequired to be presented inwritten statements on theprescribed form (FORM#371ES) indicating thename and the address of theclaimant, the basis of theclaim, the amount claimed,the date when the claim willbecome due, the nature of

any uncertainty as to theclaim and a description ofany security as to the claim.Estate: Kenneth Wayne SolesDate of Death: 11/17/2018Case No: 2018ES1600579Personal Representative:Angela S. SolesAddress: 319 Winners Circle,Hartsville, SC 29550

(24p3 leave in thru 1-9-19)NOTICE TO CREDITORS

OF ESTATESAll persons having claimsagainst the following estatesMUST file their claims onForm #371ES with theProbate Court of DarlingtonCounty, the address of whichis Room 208 Courthouse,One Public Square,Darlington, SC 29532, withineight(8) months after thedate of the first publicationof this Notice to Creditors orwithin one (1) year from

date of death, whichever isearlier (SCPC 62-3-801, etseq.), or such persons shallbe forever barred as to theirclaims. All claims arerequired to be presented inwritten statements on theprescribed form (FORM#371ES) indicating thename and the address of theclaimant, the basis of theclaim, the amount claimed,the date when the claim willbecome due, the nature ofany uncertainty as to theclaim and a description ofany security as to the claim.Estate: Rebecca AnnMcElveenDate of Death: 11/17/2018Case No: 2018ES1600571Personal Representative:Quentin Jammal DavisAddress: 633 GeorgetownRoad, Darlington, SC 29532


LEGAL NOTICES

NEWS AND PRESS | DARLINGTON, S.C.PAGE 4B | WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 26 , 2018

SCPublicNotices.com

WHEN PUBLIC NOTICES REACH THE PUBLIC, EVERYONE BENEFITS.

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Bill would divert gas-tax-hike money to interstate widening projectsBy Rick Brundrett

The Nerve

A proposal by a longtimeS.C. senator would siphon mil-lions from a main source of gas-tax-hike revenues that lawmak-ers promised would go towardfixing the state’s crumblingroads and bridges, and insteadearmark that money for widen-ing interstates.

It also could be a wayaround what the state trans-portation chief previously hasdescribed as a funding problemfor interstate projects becauseof pending court challenges.

Under a bill prefiled by Sen.Nikki Setzler, D-Lexington,some of the vehicle sales-taxrevenues currently dedicatedto the “InfrastructureMaintenance Trust Fund”(IMTF), which was createdwith the gas-tax-hike law,would be diverted to a new“Interstate Lane ExpansionFund.”

The bill gives the StateTransportation InfrastructureBank (STIB), which over theyears has funneled several bil-lion dollars to large construc-tion projects in select counties,to choose the interstate proj-ects, though the new fund“may not be used for projectsapproved by the bank before

July 1, 2019,” or “to constructnew interstates.”

The proposal will go to theSenate Finance Committee, ofwhich Setzler is a member.Setzler, the Senate minorityleader and who was first elect-ed in 1976, did not return aphone message from The Nerveseeking comment.

Lawmakers will take up thelegislation after they returnnext month to Columbia. Theyalso will consider a separatebill prefiled last week by Sen.Greg Hembree, R-Horry and amember of Senate Finance,which would allow voters incounties – presumably focusingon coastal counties – to decidewhether to approve a 1-cent-per-gallon tax on gasoline topay for “beach renourishment”projects.

Setzler’s bill would lowerthe percentage of the old vehi-cle sales-tax cap of $300 dedi-cated to the IMTF and directthe difference for interstatewidening projects approved bythe STIB. The gas-tax-hike law,which took effect July 1, 2017,raised the gas tax by 12 centsper gallon over six years, andalso increased other vehicletaxes and fees, including rais-ing the vehicle sales-tax cap by$200.

A review by The Nerve ofIMTF revenues collectedthrough Nov. 30 found thatbased on Setzler’s bill, at least$34 million would have beendiverted to the proposed inter-state-widening fund, which theSTIB could use to finance hun-dreds of millions in bonds.More than $207 million hasbeen collected since July 1,2017, under the section of thelaw that Setzler’s bill wouldamend, records show.

The South Carolina PolicyCouncil, the parent organiza-tion of The Nerve, has contend-ed that the gas-tax-hike lawwas written in way to allowDOT to divert IMTF revenues topay bond debts of the STIB.

In passing the gas-tax-hikelaw, lawmakers promised thatthe money would be usedtoward fixing the state’s pot-hole-riddled roads and deterio-rating bridges in their con-stituents’ communities. Thestate Department ofTransportation has said 80 per-cent of the state’s 42,000 milesof roads needs to be resurfacedor rebuilt, and identified 465 of750 “structurally deficient”bridges to be replaced.

But DOT chief Christy Hallin June told The Nerve that theSTIB could use IMTF revenues

for earlier-approved interstate-widening projects. In April, shetold DOT commissioners thatpending lawsuits challengingthe constitutionality of the gas-tax-hike law and a related 2016statute have forced the agencyto seek other funding sourcesfor interstate projects.

The DOT Commission inOctober approved a new ruralinterstate-widening programthat agency records showwould be funded in part withrevenues that would be freedup by 2024 after a gas tax cred-it expires. The Nerve revealed,however, that DOT might haveto transfer at least $300 millionto cover expected shortfalls in astate account that will be usedto fund the credits until theyexpire.

As of Nov. 30, nearly $384million in collected revenuesunder the gas-tax-hike law hadnot been spent, according toDOT. Of the approximately$472.5 million in total rev-enues collected since July 1,2017, $54 million, or less than12 percent, was spent on“external” projects identifiedby DOT.

Of the $872.5 million inIMTF “project commitments”identified by DOT as of Nov. 30,nearly $246 million, or 28 per-

cent, of the total was designat-ed for “interstate upgrades.”

Following is a breakdown ofthe total amounts spent on“external” projects in countiesas of Nov. 30 under the gas-tax-hike law, according to onlineDOT records, though specificson the actual work done werenot provided. In several cases,DOT combined counties whilelisting other projects in thosecounties; another $252,216was spent in DOT Districts 2and 3, though counties in thosedistricts weren’t identified.

• Abbeville: $121,360• Aiken: $2,237,697• Allendale: $4,291• Anderson: $1,814,257• Anderson, Oconee:

$57,440• Bamberg: $6,863• Barnwell: $6,081• Berkeley: $4,874,907• Charleston: $1,061,833• Cherokee: $516,841• Chester: $247,483• Chesterfield: $2,139,147• Chesterfield, Lancaster:

$67,882• Colleton: $175,894• Darlington: $2,073,765• Dillon: $2,932,006• Dorchester: $1,316,680• Edgefield: $269,479• Fairfield: $137,730

• Florence: $692,765• Georgetown: $51,067• Greenville: $5,901,033• Greenwood: $332,790• Hampton: $3,685• Horry: $130,132• Jasper: $4,377,888• Kershaw: $211,800• Kershaw, Sumter: $37,362• Lancaster: $350,772• Laurens: $48,574• Lee: $604,907• Lexington: $1,403,917• Marion: $2,917,608• Marlboro: $798,477• McCormick: $101,692• Newberry: $493,972• Oconee: $2,626,476• Orangeburg: $1,645,529• Pickens: $2,034,066• Richland: $1,560,200• Saluda: $1,705,157• Spartanburg: $47,378• Sumter: $1,728,478• Union: $630,577• Williamsburg: $460,055• York: $2,754,765

Brundrett is the news editorof The Nerve(www.thenerve.org). Contacthim at 803-254-4411 [email protected]. Follow himon Twitter @RickBrundrett.Follow The Nerve on Facebookand Twitter @thenervesc.

Few things beat a hot mealon a cold day. Stews andcasseroles can fit the bill insuch situations, but soup is ago-to solution when looking towarm up.

This recipe for “TortillaSoup” from “The CompleteMexican, South American &Caribbean Cookbook” by JaneMilton, Jenni Fleetwood andMarina Filippelli (MetroBooks) can be served as anappetizer or light meal. Thecrispy tortilla strips included inthe recipe add extra texture toa delicious dish.

Tortilla SoupServes 4

4 corn tortillas, freshlymade or a few days old

1 tablespoon vegetable oil,plus extra for frying

1 small onion, finelychopped

2 garlic cloves, crushed1 14-ounce can plum toma-

toes, drained4 cups chicken stockSmall bunch cilantroSalt and ground black pep-

per

Using a sharp knife, cut eachtortilla into 4 or 5 strips, eachmeasuring about 3⁄4 incheswide.

Pour vegetable oil to a depthof 3⁄4 inch into a heavy fryingpan. Heat until a small piece oftortilla, added to the oil, floatson the top and bubbles at theedges.

Add a few tortilla strips tothe hot oil and fry for a fewminutes, until crisp and goldenbrown all over, turning themoccasionally. Remove with aslotted spoon and drain on adouble layer of paper towels.Cook the remaining tortillastrips in the same way.

Heat the 1 tablespoon veg-etable oil in a large, heavy pan.Add the chopped onion andgarlic and cook over mediumheat for 2 to 3 minutes, stirringconstantly with a wooden spat-ula, until the onion is soft andtranslucent. Do not let the gar-lic turn brown or it will give thesoup a bitter taste.

Chop the tomatoes using alarge, sharp knife and addthem to the onion mixture inthe pan. Pour in the chickenstock and stir well. Bring to aboil, then lower the heat and

let simmer for about 10 min-utes, until the liquid hasreduced slightly.

Chop the cilantro. Add tothe soup, reserving a little touse as a garnish. Season totaste.

Place a few of the crisp tor-tilla pieces in the bottom offour warmed soup bowls. Ladlethe soup on top. Sprinkle eachportion with the reservedchopped cilantro and serve.

Oh the weather outside isfrightful. Rather than succumbto cabin fever, people can use thewinter months as the perfecttime to visit area stores and scorea few deals.

Savvy shoppers understandthat key items go on sale at spe-cific points throughout the year.Learning how to shop the salescan lead to considerable savings.

December1. Toys: Toys are perhaps the

best items to purchase inDecember. Apart fromChristmas gifts, it is a good timeof year to stock up on toys chil-dren have coveted, which can beput away for birthday presentsor other occasions. Retailerstend to lower toy prices asChristmas approaches.

2. Holiday decor: Decorativeholiday items also tend to beheavily discounted in December.Stores slash prices on orna-ments, gift wrap, artificial trees,holiday-themed baking items,and much, much more. If it has apassing connection to the holi-days, chances are stores will cutprices by 50 percent or moreonce Christmas is over.

3. Televisions: It’s possible tofind discounted TVs even afterthe Black Friday sales have comeand gone. Keep eyes trained onthe circulars and jump whensales are advertised, as invento-ry may be limited.

4: Bubbly: Competition in themarket will help drive down thecost of champagne and othersparkling wines. According tothe wine resource GuildSomm,

22 percent of all champagnesales are run during the monthof December.

January5. Winter apparel: As the

winter progresses, the amountof clothing stock in stores startsto dwindle to free up room for anew season’s worth of attire.Starting in late December andcontinuing into the latter half ofJanuary, retailers are eager toliquidate their stock of scarves,sweaters, boots, and wintercoats. This is a prime time toreplenish wardrobes.

6. Linens: “White sales” aretraditionally in January, withhome goods retailers runningdiscounts all month long. Thesesales generally encompass tow-els, bed sheets, curtains, and

other linens.7. Fitness items: January is

the ideal time to purchase a newgym membership or fitnessequipment since these purchas-es tie into New Year’s resolutionsto get fit. Gyms may waive extrafees or offer discounted rates.

8. Travel and entertainment:Most people return home afterthe holidays, and that can gener-ate a slow travel season after-ward. The travel industryattracts new customers with dis-counted hotel rates and otherdeals. Tickets to Broadwayshows and other theaters alsomay be discounted to encouragepeople to leave the house.

December and January aregreat times to grab steep dealson an array of products.

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NOON FRIDAY AD DEADLINECall 393-3811,fax 393-6811or [email protected].

classifieds

PAM T. SHERRILLBIC/Owner/Auctioneer SCAL#3103 - Cell: 339-7505

Real Estate � Appraisals � Auctions

CHARLES WATSON Appraiser CR-2868Cell: 245-3103

JENNIFER BYRDRealtor

843-495-3630

Pam T. Sherrill & Co.

CASEY RHEUARK Realtor

843-307-4035

www.pamsherrill.net

1332 Gilchrist Road - 3 bedrooms,3 1/2 bath, 2,445 sq ft, 15 acres of landwith pool, pool house, lots of outbuild-ings, and barn. $428,0002116 Lide Springs Rd - 3 bedrooms, 31/2 baths, 2,818 sq ft, 9 acres, 2 largeworkshops and a cabin - REDUCED$299,995212 Cashua Ferry Rd - 4 bed-rooms, 3 baths, 2,924 sq ft -$230,000

119 Alabama Drive - 4 bedrooms, 21/2 baths, 2,605 sq ft, 24 x 40 workshop - $169,900 1381 Nolan Dr - 3 bedrooms, 2 baths,1,593 sq ft, 2.89 acres of land, large work-shop - $180,0002759 Cashua Ferry Rd - 2 bed-rooms, 2 baths, 983 sq feet - $89,900645 Gilchrist Road - 2 bedrooms, 1bath, 1,300 sq ft - $74,900

RESIDENTIAL

NEW LISTING

To view these properties visit www.pamsherrill.net

50+/- acres on Cashua Ferry Rd--Great land for hunting. Some wetlands.Close to Great Pee Dee River. $150,00044.30 acres Barfield Rd--Mostly wood-ed. Great place for hunting or building acabin. $124,0004+/- acres Cashua Ferry BoatLanding at the Great Pee Dee River--Land is located right beside the boat dock. 3septic tanks and well. SOLD “AS IS”$100,0008.20 acres Medford Drive $25,000Farrow Ridge Ct-- .74 acre Nice lot withwell & septic tank. Mobile home allowed.REDUCED $10,000A-1 Gilchrist Rd - 1.06 acre lot. Mobilehome allowed. Property has septic tank andcounty water tap. $14,000

B-1 Gilchrist Rd - .68 acre lot. Mobilehome allowed. Property has septic tank andcounty water tap. $14,000Rogers Rd--2.35 acres of land. Mobilehome allowed. Public water available.$18,000 Redwood Drive--Nice lot located off ofMcIver Road .92 acres. $5,000638 Cartersville--1/2 acre lot with coun-ty water and septic tank. $10,000Lot 56 Kent Avenue--1 acre, mobilehome allowed $9,000motivated seller make an offerLot 21 Jamestown Ave--Mobile homeallowed .46 acres $6,50015 acres on Swift Creek Rd--Wooded.Great hunting land. $40,000

LAND AND LOTS

100 Exchange St., Darlington843-393-3231

2244 Harry Byrd Hwy - Commercial bld. 11,684 sq ft metal building. Sits on 4+acres of land. 6 ft fence around perimeter of property. Currently used as an office, ware-house, & Restaurant/ lounge. Plenty of office area. 5 restrooms. It would make a greatchurch, restaurant, or banquet hall lots of potential uses. Conveniently located 4 miles

from Darlington Raceway. Close to Hartsville and I-20. Owner will finance with a$150,000 down payment. Call today to see this property. Priced at $750,000

REDUCED - Motivated seller, bring all offers

396 Shearin Street - 2 story home on cul-de-sac featuring 3 bedrooms, 2 bath, 1,700 sq ft ofliving area. Master bedroom and bath downstairs. 2 bedrooms with large walk-in closets

upstairs. Bonus room over garage. 2 car attached garage and 1 car detached carport. Screenedin porch on rear of house. 20 X 42 mancave with kitchen and full bath. Fenced in yard. Move in

condition. This one will not last long. Priced @ $154,900.

Wildshall Subdivision - 1.05 acre wooded lot. Restricted covenants apply - $29,900

COMMERCIAL

SOLD

SOLD

UNDER CONTRACT

SOLD

Answers from 2B

Odom’sMini Storage1009 N. Main Street

Darlington, SC

(843) 393-1327 or (843) 393-9071

Odom’sMini Storage

AUCTION: Jan. 8 at 2 pm

1009 N. Main StreetKRISTINA KENNEDY

Storage #314Boxes, bags, and misc. items

Total due: $345.00

DONNETTE HUGHESStorage #307

Boxes, bags, and misc. itemsTotal due: $270.00

TONDA SCOTTStorage #189


JEANISE DARGANStorage #39


MOBILEHOME LOTS

8 best things to buy in December and January

Chase the chill away with hot soup

FLORENCE — FrancisMarion University wasn’tChanie Robinson-Cain’s firstchoice when she was pickingout a college and it took her twoyears to settle on a major onceshe arrived.

But four years after it start-ed, Robinson-Cain wouldn’tchange a thing. Her collegiatejourney has been just as impor-tant as her destination,although she’s pretty happyabout that, too.

Robinson-Cain graduatedwith a degree in psychology.Next stop: grad school at FMU,followed by a career in counsel-ing.

“It’s been an interesting trip,a good trip,” says Robinson-Cain, “and this has been a goodplace to take it. The support I’vereceived, the opportunities I’vehad … it’s hard to imagine ithappening anywhere else. I’velearned a lot about myself. I’mproud of what I’ve accom-plished.”

Robinson-Cain, a Greernative, wound up at FMU at theurging of her parents, whothought it a more practicalchoice than some of the other

schools on her list. Robinson-Cain liked the feel of it rightfrom the start, but bouncedaround academically as shestruggled to find a course ofstudy that matched her realinterests.

She finally discovered itnear the end of her sophomoreyear when she walked into thePsychology office and declaredher intent to become thatdepartment’s newest major.

“The minute I said some-thing it was like a big psycholo-gy party broke out,” saysRobinson-Cain. “The (depart-mental) secretary was thrilled,some faculty that were in theoffice were cheering a newmember of the family. It’s kindof been like that for the pasttwo-and-a-half years, just veryrewarding. And it’s becomeincreasingly clear that this iswho I am, wanted I alwayswanted to be.”

Robinson-Cain’s psychologystudies have meshed nicelywith other interests and activi-ties. She’s worked on campus asa resident assistant (RA), in thepsychology office, and withfour different charitable organ-

izations in the area, includingHomeless Connect, the NaomiProject and Marian WrightEdelman’s Freedom School inBennettsville.

All involved building rela-tionships on an individual basisand trying to understand theinner workings of individuals.

“I think all that showed methat there is something a littlebit bigger out there,” saysRobinson-Cain. “It’s not alwaysabout you. I felt comfortable inthat world and it connected myto field as well. My professors— all of them — helped me tothat realization. It’s just been agreat experience.”

Though graduate schooland licensure await, Robinson-Cain is already providing usefulcounsel to friends and familyheaded down the college path.

“Don’t feel like you have staywed to your plan,” she says.“Take some time to explore, tofind out who you really are. Ifyou can find the right place todo that, like I did, it will allwork out.”


COLUMBIA -- The FortJackson community met withthe law enforcement personnelthey watch on TV during a meetand greet with local stars of“Live PD” Nov. 29 at the NCOClub.

“Live PD” is an A&E show thattakes viewers along for the rideon police shifts.

After nearly a year of trying tobook the program's RichlandCounty deputy sheriffs, FortJackson's Directorate of Family,Morale, Welfare and Recreationfinally succeeded.

Brig. Gen. Milford H. "Beags"Beagle Jr., Fort Jackson com-mander, appeared to supportthe event. Community membersturned up for autographs andphotos.

Recruiters from theColumbia Recruiting Battalionattended to encourage youthexcited about law enforcementto join the military police.

It was a perfect crowd, saidCheryl Woodhouse, the battal-ion's public affairs specialist.

"There is a fear" about joiningthe police this day in age, shesaid, claiming the military anglebuilds in some level of comfort,especially for kids already livingon post.

One military police mem-ber/recruiter at the event wasSgt. Christopher Grdinich.

He never intended to join theArmy. Instead, Grdinich plannedto become a sheriff. He enlistedwhen he discovered the five-year wait to become a memberof the force in his hometown ofPhoenix.

Some regulars from the showhave military backgrounds oftheir own. Master DeputySheriff Chris Blanding of Sumtertook after his dad, a former AirForce member, to the extent aself-described "homebody" can.He said he became a cop to fol-low in his footsteps.

Corporal Supervisor DeputySheriff Mark Laureano, ofChicago, is a veteran. He servedin the Marine Corps. Both pro-vided insight on their televisionexperiences.

The show is beneficialbecause it depicts what lawenforcement really does,Blanding said. It allows officersto It also hones in on the realitythat when someone is shot by apolice officer, there is more tothe story than just the outcome,Laureano added.

Only the best of the force arechosen to represent them on air.

Laureano said it requires aquasi-audition. Not everyone isright for the role.

"You get people who freeze,"Laureano said. "They overthinkit."

Sheriff Leon Lott, who hasprior experience working withthe media, selects the “Live PD”deputy sheriffs from the bunch.Richland County's department

appeared on the television series“Cops” and “Beyond ScaredStraight” before they were fea-tured on “Live PD.”

Lott said they were initiallyapproached for the showsbecause of their reputation as a"professional agency."

Richland County's organiza-tion is the only one that has beenon “Live PD” for its entire two-year lifespan. Good communica-tion skills and being community-oriented are criteria for deputysheriffs who air, Lott said.

"We're not actors and actress-es," he added. He doesn't selectbased on who will be the mostentertaining.

The deputy sheriffs do theirjobs as normal while beingtaped. They don't create dramato make it more exciting, Lottsaid, so slow nights are some-times aired.

Laureano added that "theonly difference (between a livenight and a weekday shift) … is

nothing."All of the same protocols are

followed. The officers aren't paidextra, and they don't write addi-tional tickets or anything of thesort to make it more interesting,Laureano added.

He said the boss is "very spe-cific" on that rule.

Blanding added that the onlyreal change is that law enforce-ment explain more of what isgoing on for the sake of the view-ers.

There are two extra people inthe squad cars those nights, onebeing the videographer,Blanding added.

Footage is taped by that per-son and a GoPro action cameramounted on the car, heexplained.

While the show is considered"live," there is a time gap of up to15 minutes between taping andairing. That is done to preventheartbreaking stories like theone Laureano witnessed duringwhat he said was probably hisworst experience on the show.

On one episode, the deputysheriffs responded to a call of aman fatally shot in his frontyard, Laureano said. The victim'sfamily learned of the tragedywhile watching “Live PD.”

NEWS AND PRESS | DARLINGTON, S.C.PAGE 6B | WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 26, 2018

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End of a good journey for Robinson-Cain

Meeting the stars of ‘Live PD’

Trae Buck is awarded his Eagle Scout Badge

Trae Buck is the 17-year-oldson of Ernie and Rita Buck ofDarlington.

He is currently a Senior atTrinity-Byrnes CollegiateSchool where he is a captain ofboth the football and baseballteams and was selected as anAll Region Football player.

He was chosen as MVP andreceived the Coaches Award inbaseball.

He is also a member of FCAand serves as President of theTeenage Republicans Club. Heis also a member of the SkeetTeam, Math Team, NationalHonors Society and theNational Spanish Honors

Society. He was also selected to be a

Junior Class Usher and aNational Advanced PlacementScholar. He wishes to attendthe Air Force Academy inColorado Springs, Colorado inthe fall and pursue a career inNeurosurgery while alsoadvancing his piloting skills.

For his Eagle Scout Project,Trae cosmetically refinishedthe entire parking areas locat-ed at TBCS. This refinishingproject allowed for all faculty,staff, students and visitors ofthe school to safely and clearlyidentify all parking.

Trinity-Byrnes Collegiate

School is a coeducational,non-discriminatory, college-preparatory day school serv-ing students in grades seventhrough 12 located inDarlington.

Trinity-Byrnes fostersdevelopment of every stu-dent’s intellect and characterthrough strong academics, awide variety of athletics andextra-curricular activities.

For more information con-tact April Munn, Director ofAdmissions andCommunications, at (843)395-9124, [email protected].

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