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Daily Archives: 08/11/2015

Police: Gunpoint rape suspect caught in NC

EASLEY — A man was captured in North Carolina Sunday night after police claim he abducted a woman at gunpoint from a store near Dacusville and sexually assaulted her.

Antwon Marcees Rogers, 28, whose address is listed on warrants as 200 Eunice Drive, Apartment M4, in Greenville, was arrested by officers of the Hendersonville (N.C.) Police Department at a motel in the area at around 9 p.m. Sunday, less than 24 hours after the alleged incident.

According to Pickens County Sheriff’s Office chief deputy Creed Hashe, a woman was abducted at gunpoint from the parking lot of the Dollar General store at 3711 Farrs Bridge Road in the early-morning hours of Sunday.

Hashe said the woman was sexually assaulted in her vehicle before being forced into the trunk of the car, driven to Greenville County, forced to have sex at gunpoint again and left on the side of the road.

Greenville County authorities alerted the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office at about 6 a.m. that the woman was being treated at a local hospital and provided information detailing the initial assault.

Hashe said the sheriff’s offices from both counties worked together throughout the day on Sunday and into the early-morning hours of Monday to gather information and collect evidence which ultimately identified Rogers as the suspect in the case.

Rogers was being held Tuesday at the Henderson County (N.C.) Detention Center on a fugitive from justice charge.
In Pickens County, Rogers is charged with first-degree criminal sexual conduct, grand larceny, kidnapping, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, armed robbery and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Hashe said Rogers is expected to face several charges in Greenville County as well upon his extradition to South Carolina.

SC 183 wreck kills 2

DACUSVILLE — Two people were killed in an accident on S.C. Highway 183 on Tuesday morning, according to Pickens County deputy coroner Gary Duncan.

The wreck was reported shortly before 8:30 a.m. near the intersection with Clear Dawn Road, according to the South Carolina Highway Patrol.

The accident shut down Highway 183 for several hours.
Duncan was still working to notify family members of those killed at press time, and no other details were available.

Jamborees kick off high school football season

Rocky Nimmons/Courier

Pickens quarterback Tanner Stegall scrambles against Christ Church during the Foothills FCA Jamboree on Saturday in Central.

By Eugene Jolley
and Rocky Nimmons  

rnimmons@thepccourier.com

Carl Ackerman/Photo Daniel High School's Dante Gilliard runs after a catch against Berea during the Foothills FCA Jamboree on Saturday in Central.

Carl Ackerman/Photo
Daniel High School’s Dante Gilliard runs after a catch against Berea during the Foothills FCA Jamboree on Saturday in Central.

CENTRAL — Local high school football fans got a little taste of the upcoming season last week, as Easley held its annual “Meet the Green Wave” event and the other three county teams saw action at the 2015 Foothills FCA Jamboree held Saturday at Singleton Field in Central.

After Green Wave fans had the opportunity to meet this year’s squad and new coach John Windham on Friday, Pickens, Liberty and Daniel all had a chance to fine-tune their gridiron machines prior to the season in the event. The Blue Flame faced Christ Church, while Liberty scrimmaged Southside Christian and the host Lions took on Berea.

Pickens started the action with two quarters against the Cavaliers.
Christ Church got two long passing touchdowns and a field goal in beating Pickens 17-0.

The Blue Flame offense struggled to get anything going in the game and fumbled once. Defensively, senior end Tyler Gravely had two sacks and the Blue Flame recorded two additional sacks.

“We looked tired and we looked a little disheveled,” first-year Pickens coach John Boggs said. “It was a little frustrating, but that’s what preseason is about, and you’ll have those days. I thought defensively, once we settled down and made some adjustments, we did a pretty good job late in the half. Offensively, we could never really get anything going and get in rhythm. A lot of that is credit to them by moving their front around and doing some things.

“As you are installing things and working, it takes a little time, and when those parts are kind of still and all of a sudden they start moving, it starts confusing some guys who really don’t have a whole lot of experience. We’ve got to continue to work and find the right guys and find the right pieces right there.”

Liberty entered its matchup with Southside Christian fresh off the finish of camp, and the grueling workouts seemed to slow the Devils from the start. Liberty had even worked out earlier in the day, so legs were a bit weary for Kyle Stewart’s squad, which fell 30-6 in the night’s action.

The Devils started off the game with two nice runs by running back Tyler Renaud and junior quarterback Austin Huey. A holding penalty slowed the momentum, and the drive sputtered to a halt, forcing a punt.

The Sabres wasted absolutely no time in exploiting the fatigue in the Red Devil defense, scoring on their very first play of the game. Just like that, the Devils were reeling and the onslaught didn’t let up.

Southside Christian scored every time it had the ball, mounting 30 points on five possessions.

The Red Devil offense did have some nice plays, but mistakes hurt as they failed to score until the last series of the night.

Liberty put together an 80-yard drive that lasted 12 plays, resulting in a touchdown with 24 seconds to go. Hard running by Renaud, Shawn Karr and Aaron Bates highlighted the series, along with great play from Huey behind center.

The touchdown came when Huey found Brayden Shirley open from 26 yards out for the score. The point after attempt was no good.

“I am upset with the mental mistakes most of all,” Stewart said. “As far as the effort goes, we just came out of our three-day camp. We rode them pretty hard, and they had a pretty intense workout this morning also, so I expected the dead-leggedness, but the mental toughness has to be there.”

Finally the home crowd got what it came to see as the Lions took Singleton field for the first time this season.

The defense shined the brightest for coach Randy Robinson’s team as it dominated the line of scrimmage from the opening whistle, posting a shutout in the Lions’ 21-0 victory over Berea.

“After our last scrimmage (on Friday against J.L. Mann) where our defense didn’t dominate anybody, we watched some film and made some corrections, and our guys played a lot better tonight,” Robinson said. “I think the film session embarrassed some of them. They were clearly in the wrong gaps and missing tackles, and tonight we were in position to make plays and our guys made tackles.”

The scrimmage started with the Bulldogs taking the opening kickoff and putting the ball into play at their own 20. The Lion defense roared from the start and quickly forced a punt.

Daniel took control at the 41-yard line and shoved the ball down Berea’s throat. Lion quarterback Ben Batson looked like a seasoned pro tossing the ball around, while the Daniel offensive line pounded the Bulldog defense, opening gaping holes for Lion runners to get through.

“I was glad to see we were able to run the football,” Robinson said. “We were down an offensive lineman and we were still able to run the ball. We took a few shots down the field. It was nice to get the passing game clicking, too.”

The first points came on a nine-play drive that was capped when Stephon Kirksey found an opening and blasted in from 10 yards out.
The defense kept setting the table for the offense and gave Batson and company the ball two possessions later when it forced a Berea fumble inside the Bulldogs’ 10-yard line.

Taking over at the 7-yard line, Batson called his own number three times. On his third try, he found paydirt. Rivers Sherrill tacked on the point after to put Daniel ahead 14-0.

Another misfire set up the next points for the Columbia blue and gold. The Bulldogs were struggling to gain anything against the Lions’ defense, and on their third snap of the series, Daniel’s C.J. Scott picked off a pass and raced to the Berea 34 before he was dragged down.

The Lions’ offense went right to work. On the first play of the drive, Batson slung a hot pass to Carter Groomes, who was open along the sidelines. The wide receiver was never touched on his way in for a touchdown. Sherrill was again true, and the Lions cruised to the 21-0 win.
“We played six running backs, so it is still up in the air who will start,” Robinson said. “It is still an open competition. Our little JV back, Nick Taylor, came in last, and he might have run harder than any of them.

“I want our guys to respond to a challenge. I sure put the challenge to them today, and we played the way we were supposed to play. The defensive front played, and that is the key for us to be successful this year. We are going to have some bumps early, but we are going to be pretty good before it is all said and done.”

The jamboree action will continue this week, as the Easley Green Wave Football Jamboree is scheduled for Thursday ngiht and the Blue Flame Jamboree is set for Friday night.
At the Green Wave jamboree, Ben Lippen School will take on Carolina starting at 6:30 p.m., while Pickens will battle Southside at 7:15 p.m. Easley will get in its first game-type action at home under Windham when it takes the field against county rival Liberty at 8:30 p.m.
On Friday night, Seneca and Wade Hampton will tussle in the first half of action at the Blue Flame Jamboree, which will kick off at 6:30 p.m. Daniel will take on Pendleton in the second half, while Pickens will host Travelers Rest for the nightcap.

Daniel will also host its annual Daniel Day Jamboree next Friday, while the other three county teams will open their regular season on the same night, with Pickens traveling to Easley for their annual rivalry matchup and Liberty playing host to Crescent.

Check back in next week’s issue of The Courier for the “Football Frenzy” season preview edition.

Officer-involved Six Mile shooting report ‘unfounded’

PICKENS — After media reports of a deputy-involved shooting near Six Mile late Monday afternoon, officials worked quickly to dispel the rumors.

[cointent_lockedcontent]Pickens County Sheriff’s Office chief deputy Creed Hashe issued a statement shortly before 6 p.m. saying no officers had been involved in a shooting, calling the report “unfounded.”

“Deputies were called to a scene where a man had self-inflicted knife wounds earlier this afternoon, but he was not shot with deadly force,” Hashe said.

Hashe said deputies used a stun gun to disarm the man.

The statement was issued in response to a Facebook post from another Pickens County newspaper that indicated a deputy had been involved in a shooting with a suspect who had pulled a knife on police between 4:30 p.m. and 4:45 p.m. and EMS had responded to the scene.[/cointent_lockedcontent]

Registration dates planned at schools

COUNTY — It’s back-to-school time, and the School District of Pickens County has set dates for registration and “Meet The Teacher” events.

[cointent_lockedcontent]For all elementary schools, the “Meet the Teacher” event will be held this Thursday, Aug. 13, from 3-6 p.m.

At Dacusville Middle School, “Meet The Teacher” and registration will be held this Thursday, Aug. 13, from 4-7 p.m.

Edwards Middle School held its registration Monday and Tuesday, but its make-up day will be Monday, Aug. 17, from noon until 6 p.m.
At Gettys Middle School, “Meet The Teacher” and registration will be today, Wednesday, Aug. 12. For the seventh and eighth grades, it will be from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. For the sixth grade, it will be from 3:30-6:30 p.m. Make-up day will be Monday, Aug. 17, from 9 a.m until noon.

At Liberty Middle School, “Meet The Teacher” and registration will be held this Thursday, Aug. 13. The sixth-grade “rookie camp” will be from 8 a.m. until noon. Seventh and eighth grades will be held from 1-6 p.m.

At Pickens Middle School, “Meet The Teacher” and registration have already been held for the sixth grade, but for the seventh and eighth grades, the events will be held this Thursday, Aug. 13, from 4-7 p.m. Make-up day will be Monday, Aug. 17, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

The first day of school for students is next Tuesday, Aug. 18.[/cointent_lockedcontent]

Easley man dies after motorcycle hits deer

PICKENS — An Easley man was killed Sunday night after his motorcycle hit a deer, officials said.

[cointent_lockedcontent]Pickens County deputy coroner Gary Duncan said James Bradley Grimes, 62, of 1627 Powdersville Road, was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident.

According to the South Carolina Highway Patrol, the accident happened on S.C. Highway 11 approximately seven miles west of Pickens at 10:15 p.m.

SCHP Lance Cpl. Tony Keller said Grimes was not wearing a helmet when a deer entered the roadway and was struck by the front of his motorcycle, ejecting him.

Duncan said Grimes was transported to the Greenville Health System for an autopsy.[/cointent_lockedcontent]

BLWS director thanks Easley

By Ben Robinson
Staff Reporter
brobinson@thepccourier.com

EASLEY — Big League World Series tournament director Jon Humphrey thanked Easley City Council Monday night for its support, as the tournament has just completed its 15th year in Easley.

[cointent_lockedcontent]“As I go through the various departments of the city, I doubt there’s one that I don’t owe thanks to for making this tournament happen,” Humphrey said. “Thank you very much to the city of Easley.”

Humphrey said the tournament also depends on about 200 volunteers, whether it be grounds crews or simply someone to take tickets at the gate.

“Even the people who wash clothes have a special challenge with some of the grass stains we get,” Humphrey said.

Humphrey further bragged on the first pitch he threw for one of the games.

“It was definitely across the plate,” Humphrey said.
Council also designated Aug. 15-22 as Farmers Market Week in the city of Easley, corresponding with similar designation on the state and national levels.

Council also approved the hiring of Jasmine Twitty as a new part-time municipal judge. Twitty, a J.L. Mann High School graduate, said she was grateful for the opportunity.[/cointent_lockedcontent]

Liberty to honor 70th anniversary of WWII

LIBERTY — The city of Liberty is set to honor the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II this week.

[cointent_lockedcontent]The Currahee Military Museum of Tocco, Ga., the U.S. Military Training Mission of S.C., 1st Battalion, 505th Co. C of N.C. and S.C., 101st Reenactors of Toccoa, Ga., the VA of S.C., the Upstate First Responders of S.C., and various other military organizations will be involved.

A car show will be held Friday from 4-10 p.m. On Saturday, the activities will begin at 9 a.m. and include color guard, 21-gun salute, a guest speaker and much more. Various vendors will offer food, drinks and more.

Everyone is welcome to attend the event, and Honor Flight and Wounded Warrior Foundation donations will be accepted.
For more information, contact the city of Liberty at (864) 843-3177, ext. 6, or the US MTM at (864) 952-9477.[/cointent_lockedcontent]

Six Mile accepts award from state municipal association

By Greg Oliver
Courtesy The Journal
goliver@upstatetoday.com

Six Mile Town Council member James Atkinson is pictured with the award the town was recently presented by the South Carolina Municipal Association for its efforts in securing Our Bank.

Six Mile Town Council member James Atkinson is pictured with the award the town was recently presented by the South Carolina Municipal Association for its efforts in securing Our Bank.

SIX MILE — Six Mile’s banking saga had all the makings of a Hollywood movie.

[cointent_lockedcontent]First, Six Mile had a bank for 94 years before its latest downtown bank decided to close in 2013. Then, finding itself without a bank for the first time since 1919, a group of town officials led the charge to what ultimately resulted in the grand opening of Our Bank the following year.

Finally, the town was recognized by a statewide organization for its efforts in what could be categorized as a happily-ever-after ending.
After experiencing the first two scenarios over a year that culminated with Our Bank’s opening in 2014, the Municipal Association of South Carolina recognized the town’s ability to secure a new bank by presenting an award to Six Mile last month.
The award, which the town won in the 1-1,000 population category, had a total of 29 cities and towns submitting projects and initiatives for consideration.

“Six Mile was the smallest of the award winners, representing but one of nine towns in South Carolina to achieve MASC Achievement Awards for 2015,” said Six Mile Town Council member James Atkinson, a banking official whose expertise helped secure Our Bank. “This is truly a unique venture and the way government should work — the public and private sector, as well as citizens, coming together for the good of all. How much more could be accomplished if the same spirit of cooperation seen in this project could be replicated?”

Atkinson, accepting the award when it was formally presented at a town council meeting earlier this week, praised First Citizens, the previous bank, for doing the right thing for the local community by donating the property to the town if the town could find a bank to occupy the site within six months.

After convincing the outgoing bank to deed the property in exchange for a potential Community Reinvestment Act credit, officials then worked with a regional bankers association to identify an institution to open a branch in Six Mile.

The incoming bank could also receive Community Reinvestment Act credit for opening in a community without a bank and bear no capital expenditures to relocate.

Once an agreement with Our Bank was secured, additional residents volunteered to assist in gutting the existing building to reduce renovation costs. The complete renovation combined state-of-the-art technology into early 20th-century décor that represented the time of the original 1919 Bank of Six Mile and the retaining of a brick-and-mortar bank in its downtown.

The thing Atkinson said made the project even more noteworthy is all of these things were accomplished “without any financial outlay whatsoever on the part of the town.”

“Our citizens got personally involved not only in meetings to discuss the need and desire for a bank, but in an actual gutting of the old bank as a means of assisting the incoming bank with renovation costs,” Atkinson said. “Once the bank is profitable, a percentage of bank earnings will become a revenue line item for the time. Where else in the country can you find such a unique project as was the Our Bank project in Six Mile — again without one single dollar of cost to the town? Where else could a business entity find citizens willing to pick up hammers and gut a building to have a bank, but Six Mile?”
Atkinson, who also welcomed new Carolina Premier Bank president David Barksdale at Tuesday’s council meeting, said bankers must understand the need small towns have for a bank, while citizens must also realize the need to support their local bank.

Six Mile mayor Roy C. Stoddard, who also worked tirelessly with Atkinson to secure Our Bank, said he was surprised when first informed the town had been selected for the municipal association award. But, like Atkinson, Stoddard said the award would not have been possible without the total effort of the community.
“The community understood what a bank means to a small town, as did councilman Atkinson, who spearheaded the effort to find a bank willing to set up shop in Six Mile,” Stoddard said.[/cointent_lockedcontent]

Baptist Easley Foundation awards Gettys scholarships

Pictured, from left, are Brian Ethan Brown, Roddey E. Gettys III and and Kathryn Taylor Garren.

Pictured, from left, are Brian Ethan Brown, Roddey E. Gettys III and and Kathryn Taylor Garren.

EASLEY — Today two recipients were awarded the annual Roddey E. Gettys III Clinical Scholarships for the 2015-2016 academic year. Brian Ethan Brown of Easley and Kathryn Taylor Garren of Anderson received the awards.

[cointent_lockedcontent]Brian Ethan Brown is currently enrolled at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, Class of 2018. His focus is Emergency Medicine. A lifelong resident of Pickens County, Brown has childhood memories of Baptist Easley Hospital, including physicians and events such as the Festival of Trees. He has served in the U.S. Army (2009-2015) and has volunteered both locally (Pickens County YMCAs) and internationally (El Salvador).

Kathryn Taylor Garren is a student in the Nursing program at Anderson University. Her goal is to be a Critical Care Registered Nurse and a Family Nurse Practitioner and to serve underprivileged communities both in the U.S. and abroad. She has contributed over 600 hours of community service to various local organizations and was named the 2012 G. Frank Russell Career Center Distinguished Student of the Year.

The applicants were evaluated on their applications, essays, letters of recommendations, and transcripts. Eligible applicants had to:

1. Demonstrate a commitment to pursue a career in healthcare by completing at least one full academic year (30 semester credits) in a healthcare-related discipline.

2. Be in good academic standing at the time of application and on track to graduate in a healthcare related discipline.

3. Be enrolled in an accredited associate degree program, four-year degree program, or a postgraduate

program in a healthcare-related discipline.

4. Demonstrate a commitment to community service.

5. Be a full-time permanent resident of Pickens, Anderson, Greenville, or Oconee Counties in South Carolina.

“We’re grateful to those who gave to the scholarship fund, to support students that they may never know, because of the thousands of lives these students will touch over their careers,” said Zach Price, manager of the Baptist Easley Foundation.

The Roddey E. Gettys III Clinical Scholarship Endowment Fund offers individuals interested in pursuing a career in healthcare the opportunity to perpetuate Gettys’ legacy of clinical excellence and patient-focused service. It is administered through the Baptist Easley Hospital Foundation. Interested students are welcome to apply for next year’s awards. Call the Foundation office at (864) 442-7617 for more information.

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